bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Product Analysis and Quality Control
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Murthy N. S.
Published: May 2013

Quality assurance of products is one of the “must have” attributes in any business transaction. Crude oil and other petroleum-based products are exchanged throughout the world and ensuring quality of supply, analysis, and quality control are of paramount importance to customers and suppliers. The importance of product analysis, significance of sampling and testing, precision limits, repeatability and reproducibility of various test methods, use of online QMIs (quality measuring instruments), system in place for effective quality control, laboratory referee method, conflict resolution in quality assurance, cost of poor quality, etc. are dealt with in this chapter. Wherever needed, case studies pertaining to quality control and product testing have been inserted to enlighten readers. There are instances of near litigation between customers and suppliers arising from poor understanding of test procedures. Furthermore, refiners have developed their own proprietary correlations/inferential predictions from process conditions and past laboratory analysis and deployed them successfully in process control operations, and in turn quality consistency. These are also touched on so as to widen the learning base of the reader in the field of quality control, which in turn facilitates enhancement of the bottom line. Last but not the least, the challenges faced by oil industries today from the vagaries of crude quality and supply, as well as pressures for cleaner fuels and environment are also highlighted.
Eine ungewöhnliche Verwendung des Aspekts im Tschechischen – der imperfektive Aspekt in Handlungssequenzen
Authors: Berger Tilman
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates a peculiar use of the Czech imperfective aspect in sequences of events, which does not occur in Russian and other eastern Slavic languages. It was first described by Ivančev, who suggested that imperfective verbs here have an ingressive meaning. Other authors (Křížková, Galton, Stunova) in con­trast stressed that an action was described as if we were in the middle of it. Dickey coined the expression “Contextually-Conditioned Imperfective Past” (CCIP) and described the phenomenon in more detail. He also shows the connection between this phenomenon and the existence of ingressive verbs with the prefix za- in the eastern Slavic languages. This paper is based on data from the Czech National Corpus, which show that two uses of the CCIP have to be distinguished: With activity verbs the imperfective aspect is used in its normal processual meaning, whereas in the case of events the imperfective aspect has the meaning of “retardation”, which is especially characteristic of motion verbs.
Individual multi-locus heterozygosity is associated with lower morning plasma cortisol concentrations
Authors: Zgaga Lina , Vitart Veronique , Hayward Caroline , Kastelan Darko , Polašek Ozren , Jakovljevic Miro , Kolcic Ivana , Biloglav Zrinka , Wright Alan F , Campbell Harry , Walker Brian R , Rudan Igor
Published: May 2013

Objective

Stress is implicated as a risk factor for numerous illnesses in humans, putatively in part mediated by biological responses to stress, such as elevated cortisol concentrations. The theory of genetic homoeostasis suggests that individual heterozygosity facilitates compensation for environmental stresses. We hypothesized that heterozygosity ameliorates the biological response to a given level of perceived stress, reflected in lower plasma cortisol concentrations.

Design

We examined the role of heterozygosity in the association between perceived psychological stress and morning cortisol concentrations in 854 individuals from the isolated island of Vis, Croatia.

Methods

Cortisol concentrations were measured in morning plasma samples. A total of 1184 autosomal microsatellite markers were genotyped and individual multi-locus heterozygosity (MLH) was calculated as the proportion of heterozygous markers. The General Health Questionnaire with 30 items (GHQ-30) was used to assess the degree of psychological distress.

Results

Mean MLH was 34.85±0.45% (range: 31.97–36.22%). Psychological distress (GHQ Likert score >31) was more prevalent in women (37 vs 18% in men, P<0.0001), in less educated people (β=−0.35 per year in school, P<0.001) and in lower socio-economic classes (β=−3.59, P<0.0001). Cortisol concentrations were positively associated with psychological distress (β=2.20, P=0.01). In a regression model adjusted for age, BMI, education and GHQ-30 score, MLH was independently and inversely associated with morning plasma cortisol concentrations (P=0.005).

Conclusion

More heterozygous individuals, as measured by microsatellite markers, had lower morning plasma cortisol concentrations for a given level of perceived psychological stress. This may be important, as higher cortisol concentrations may increase the allostatic load and be associated with a higher risk of stress-related illness.
Chromatin-Associated Proteins HP1 and Mod(mdg4) Modify Y-Linked Regulatory Variation in the Drosophila Testis
Authors: Branco Alan T , Hartl Daniel L , Lemos Bernardo
Published: May 2013

Chromatin remodeling is crucial for gene regulation. Remodeling is often mediated through chemical modifications of the DNA template, DNA-associated proteins, and RNA-mediated processes. Y-linked regulatory variation (YRV) refers to the quantitative effects that polymorphic tracts of Y-linked chromatin exert on gene expression of X-linked and autosomal genes. Here we show that naturally occurring polymorphisms in the Drosophila melanogaster Y chromosome contribute disproportionally to gene expression variation in the testis. The variation is dependent on wild-type expression levels of mod(mdg4) as well as Su(var)205; the latter gene codes for heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) in Drosophila. Testis-specific YRV is abolished in genotypes with heterozygous loss-of-function mutations for mod(mdg4) and Su(var)205 but not in similar experiments with JIL-1. Furthermore, the Y chromosome differentially regulates several ubiquitously expressed genes. The results highlight the requirement for wild-type dosage of Su(var)205 and mod(mdg4) in enabling naturally occurring Y-linked regulatory variation in the testis. The phenotypes that emerge in the context of wild-type levels of the HP1 and Mod(mdg4) proteins might be part of an adaptive response to the environment.
Update on Mechanical Ventilatory Strategies
Authors: Keszler Martin
Published: May 2013

Mechanical ventilation is essential for survival of many extremely premature infants, but all forms of positive pressure ventilation are to some degree injurious to the lungs. A variety of sophisticated devices are used to provide respiratory support, yet substantial uncertainty remains regarding the optimal ways in which these tools can be used to minimize ventilator-associated lung injury. A good understanding of the unique aspects of respiratory physiology of extremely preterm infants is key to obtaining the greatest benefit from modern ventilator technology. Early lung volume recruitment with adequate end-expiratory pressure, avoidance of volutrauma during the immediate postnatal period, and noninvasive respiratory support as the initial strategy are now accepted as important factors in minimizing lung injury. Volume-targeted ventilation combined with optimal lung volume strategies to ensure that the tidal volume is evenly distributed throughout an open lung seems to be the best approach to lower the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Chronic Lung Disease in the Neonate: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Thébaud Bernard
Published: May 2013

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the chronic lung disease (CLD) in the neonate described over 40 years ago, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Because of advances in perinatal care, the disease now appears in infants that are far more immature than in 1967. Soon, infants born at the limit of viability (based on the developmental stage of the lung and its actual incapacity to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide) will be routinely resuscitated. Neonatologists will then be confronted with new dilemmas (predicting viability) and new therapeutic opportunities. This review takes a quick look at past achievements that have led to the current status of BPD and projects on the potential of stem cell-based therapies to protect the ever more immature lung from injury.
Treatment of Older Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Review
Authors: VanderWalde Noam A. , Fleming Mary , Weiss Jared , Chera Bhishamjit S.
Published: May 2013

Learning Objectives

Compare survival and toxicity outcomes of older patients with head and neck cancer with those of their younger cohorts. Describe the role played by comorbidity, quality of life, and supportive care in the treatment decision and treatment process of older patients with head and neck cancer.
An Ordovician Pycnogonid (Sea Spider) with Serially Subdivided ‘Head’ Region
Authors: Rudkin David M. , Cuggy Michael B. , Young Graham A. , Thompson Deborah P.
Published: May 2013

The bizarre morphology of living Pycnogonida, known colloquially as sea spiders, has long fueled dissent over their status within the arthropods. Pycnogonids figure prominently in recent analyses of anterior limb homologies and ancestral crown-group euarthropod relationships, with support for the concept of Pycnogonida as sister taxon to Euchelicerata now contested by proponents of a more basal position between Radiodonta and all other arthropods. A challenge to further elucidation of their phylogenetic position is the exceptional rarity and disjunct distribution of pycnogonids in the fossil record, due largely to their fragile unmineralized exoskeletons. New fossil discoveries therefore have the potential to add significantly to knowledge of their evolution, paleoecology, and paleobiogeography. Here we report the first known occurrence of fossil pycnogonids from rocks of Ordovician age, bridging a 65 Myr gap between controversial late Cambrian larval forms and a single documented Silurian specimen. The new taxon,Palaeomarachne granulatan. gen. n. sp., from the Upper Ordovician (ca. 450 Ma) William Lake Konservat-Lagerstätte deposit in Manitoba, Canada, is also the first reported from Laurentia. It is the only record thus far of a fossil sea spider in rocks of demonstrably shallow marine origin. Four incomplete, partially disarticulated molts represent a relatively large, robust animal with a series of five segment-like elements in a ‘head’ region that does not incorporate the first of four preserved limb-bearing trunk segments. This unique pattern may reflect the plesiomorphic condition prior to complete fusion of anterior ‘head’ elements and first trunk segment to form a cephalosoma, as seen in all eupycnogonids.Palaeomarachne granulatais interpreted as occupying a basal stem-group position in the Pycnogonida.
A First Account of Freshwater Potamolepid Sponges (Demospongiae, Spongillina, Potamolepidae) from the Middle Eocene: Biogeographic and Paleoclimatic Implications
Authors: Pisera Andrzej , Siver Peter A. , Wolfe Alexander P.
Published: May 2013

We report the oldest fossil occurrence of freshwater potamolepid sponges (Demospongiae, Spongillina, Potamolepidae) to date, originating from middle Eocene lake sediments accumulated in the Giraffe kimberlite maar, northern Canada. Sponges are represented by strongyle spicules that are gemmuloscleres. These are described herein as belonging to a new species,Potamophloios canadensis. Because the most similar extant potamolepid sponges inhabit subtropical to tropical water bodies, these observations provide further evidence of biogeographic reorganizations in response to warm high-latitude Eocene paleoclimates.
Experimental analysis of earth pressure against rigid retaining walls under translation mode
Authors: KHOSRAVI M.H. , PIPATPONGSA T. , TAKEMURA J.
Published: May 2013

A series of physical model tests was conducted for the active case of a rigid retaining wall subjected to horizontal translation. The behaviour of a granular retained soil was investigated experimentally using a set of precise miniature pressure cells and particle image velocimetry. The good agreement between the experimental results and the arch-action-based theories for lateral active earth pressure could confirm the arching effect behind the retaining walls in the active translation mode. The distribution of shear strain confirms that, for active wall movement, the failure zone is distinguished from the stationary zone by a shear band behind the wall.
Are rapid transitions between invasive and native species caused by alternative stable states, and does it matter?
Authors: Hansen Gretchen J. A. , Ives Anthony R. , Vander Zanden M. Jake , Carpenter Stephen R.
Published: May 2013

Rapid transitions in ecosystem structure, or regime shifts, are a hallmark of alternative stable states (ASS). However, regime shifts can occur even when feedbacks are not strong enough to cause ASS. We investigated the potential for ASS to explain transitions between dominance of an invasive species, rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus), and native sunfishes (Lepomis spp.) in northern Wisconsin (USA) lakes. A rapid transition from Lepomis to rusty crayfish dominance occurred as rusty crayfish invaded Trout Lake, and the reverse transition resulted from an eight‐year experimental removal of rusty crayfish from Sparkling Lake. We fit a stage‐structured population model of species interactions to 31 years of time‐series data from each lake. The model identified water level as an important driver, with drought conditions reducing rusty crayfish recruitment and allowing Lepomis dominance. The maximum‐likelihood parameter estimates of the negative interaction between rusty crayfish and Lepomis led to ASS in the model, where each species was capable of excluding the other within a narrow range of environmental conditions. However, uncertainty in parameter estimates made it impossible to exclude the potential that rapid transitions were caused by a simpler threshold response lacking alternative equilibria. Simulated forward and backward transitions between species dominance occurred at different environmental conditions (i.e., hysteresis), even when the parameters used for simulation did not predict ASS as a result of slow species responses to environmental drivers. Thus, ASS are possible, but by no means certain, explanations for rapid transitions in this system, and our results highlight the difficulties associated with distinguishing ASS from other types of threshold responses. However, whether regime shifts are caused by ASS may be relatively unimportant in this system, as the range of conditions over which transitions occur is narrow, and under most conditions, the system is predicted to exist in only a single state.
Information Security Professionals' Perceptions about the Relationship between the Information Security and Internal Audit Functions
Authors: Steinbart Paul John , Raschke Robyn L. , Gal Graham , Dilla William N.
Published: May 2013

Internal auditors and information security professionals both play important roles in protecting an organization's assets. Indeed, there are potential synergistic benefits if they work together. The relationship between the two functions, however, is not always supportive. This paper presents the results of a survey of information security professionals' perceptions about the nature of the relationship between the information security and internal audit functions in their organization. We find that information security professionals' perceptions about the level of technical expertise possessed by internal auditors and the extent of internal audit review of information security are positively related to their assessment about the quality of the relationship between the two functions. We also find that the quality of the relationship between the internal audit and information security functions is positively associated with perceptions about the value provided by internal audit and, most important, with measures of overall effectiveness of the organization's information security endeavors. We discuss the implications of our findings for both research and practice.
Metabolically Healthy Obesity and Risk of Mortality
Authors: Hinnouho Guy-Marino , Czernichow Sébastien , Dugravot Aline , Batty G. David , Kivimaki Mika , Singh-Manoux Archana
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of a “metabolically healthy obese” phenotype with mortality using five definitions of metabolic health.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adults (n = 5,269; 71.7% men) aged 39–62 years in 1991 through 1993 provided data on BMI and metabolic health, defined using data from the Adult Treatment Panel-III (ATP-III); criteria from two studies; and the Matsuda and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) indices. Cross-classification of BMI categories and metabolic status (healthy/unhealthy) created six groups. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze associations with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality during a median follow-up of 17.7 years.

RESULTS

A total of 638 individuals (12.1% of the cohort) were obese, of whom 9–41% were metabolically healthy, depending on the definition. Regardless of the definition, compared with metabolically healthy, normal-weight individuals, both the metabolically healthy obese (hazard ratios [HRs] ranged from 1.81 [95% CI 1.16–2.84] for ATP-III to 2.30 [1.13–4.70] for the Matsuda index) and the metabolically abnormal obese (HRs ranged from 1.57 [1.08–2.28] for the Matsuda index to 2.05 [1.44–2.92] for criteria defined in a separate study) had an increased risk of mortality. The only exception was the lack of excess risk using the HOMA criterion for the metabolically healthy obese (1.08; 0.67–1.74). Among the obese, the risk of mortality did not vary as a function of metabolic health apart from when using the HOMA criterion (1.93; 1.15–3.22). Similar results were obtained for cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

For most definitions of metabolic health, both metabolically healthy and unhealthy obese patients carry an elevated risk of mortality.
Application of the Wavelet Analysis to Inspection of Compact Ropes Using a High-Efficiency Device / Analiza falkowa efektywnym narzędziem diagnostyki lin kompaktowanych
Authors: Kwaśniewski Jerzy
Published: May 2013

This study explores the potential application of the wavelet analysis to the assessment of the working condition of compact ropes (qualitative assessment). The assessment procedure is a key aspect in the decision- making during the non-destructive testing. This is the first study on diagnostics of the new-design ropes, summarising the results of the analysis of signals from novel compact ropes, based on the defect models. Selection of the wavelet type and of the decomposition detail is a key element of the diagnostic procedure. A major step in the assessment procedure involves the replicas of the rope’s surface. The data provided in this paper will be useful in developing new specialist equipment for magnetic inspection of compact ropes.
Topology optimization in structural mechanics
Authors: Lewiński T. , Czarnecki S. , Dzierżanowski G. , Sokół T.
Published: May 2013

Optimization of structural topology, called briefly: topology optimization, is a relatively new branch of structural optimization. Its aim is to create optimal structures, instead of correcting the dimensions or changing the shapes of initial designs. For being able to create the structure, one should have a possibility to handle the members of zero stiffness or admit the material of singular constitutive properties, i.e. void. In the present paper, four fundamental problems of topology optimization are discussed: Michell’s structures, two-material layout problem in light of the relaxation by homogenization theory, optimal shape design and the free material design. Their features are disclosed by presenting results for selected problems concerning the same feasible domain, boundary conditions and applied loading. This discussion provides a short introduction into current topics of topology optimization
Behaviour of cement concrete at high temperature
Authors: Hager I.
Published: May 2013

The paper presents the impact of high temperature on cement concrete. The presented data have been selected both from the author’s most recent research and the published literature in order to provide a brief outline of the subject. The effect of a high temperature on concrete covers changes taking place in cement paste, aggregates, as well as the interaction of these two constituents, that result in changes of mechanical and physical characteristics of concrete. This paper presents the effects of a high temperature on selected physical properties of concrete, including colour change, thermal strain, thermal strains under load, and transient thermal strains. In addition, changes to mechanical properties are discussed: stress-strain relationship, compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity. Moreover, the phenomenon of explosive spalling and the main factors that affect its extent are analysed in light of the most recent research
Sensitivity analysis of sandwich beams and plates accounting for variable support conditions
Authors: Studziński R. , Pozorski Z. , Garstecki A.
Published: May 2013

The paper addresses the problems of the sensitivity analysis and optimal design of multi-span sandwich panels with a soft core and flat thin steel facings. The response functional is formulated in a general form allowing wide practical applications. Sensitivity gradients of this functional with respect to dimensional, material and support parameters are derived using adjoint variable method. These operators account for the jump of the slope of a Timoshenko beam or a Reissner plate at the position of concentrated active load or reaction, thus extending the sensitivity operators known in literature. The jump of slope is the effect of shear deformation of the core. Special attention is focussed on sensitivity and optimisation allowing for variable support position and stiffness, because local phenomena observed in supporting area of sandwich plates often initiate failure mechanisms. Introducing optimally located elastic supports allows to reduce the unfavourable influence of temperature on the state of stress. Several examples illustrate the application of derived sensitivity operators and demonstrate their exactness
Expression of GA Coat Protein-Derived Mosaic Virus-Like Particles in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Packaging in vivo of mRNAs into Particles
Authors: Strods Arnis , Argule Dagnija , Cielens Indulis , Jackeviča Ludmila , Renhofa Regīna
Published: May 2013

Our previous research showed that the best yield of virus-like particles (VLPs) formed by RNA bacteriophage GA coat protein was obtained by expression in yeast Pichia pastoris, while other used expression systems in Saccharomyces cerevisiae gave much lower amounts of capsids. The main reasons to attempt further studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were to improve the yield of GA-based VLPs using constructs with optimised nucleotide triplets in coding sequences, and to exploit the possibilities of the two-promoter Gal1/Gal10 system of expression vector pESC-URA for production of the desired mosaic VLPs and for packaging of mRNAs into VLPs in vivo
Recent Progress in Full Scale Fatigue Test of PZL-130 "Orlik" TC-II Structure
Authors: Reymer Piotr , Leski Andrzej , Dragan Krzysztof
Published: May 2013

This article presents preparation of the Full Scale Fatigue Test of the PZL-130 "Orlik" TC-II. After completing the flight load acquisition stage [1] a load block representing 200 Simulated Flight Hours in 194 flights was developed. This load block was further modified in order to introduce fatigue markers on the crack surface [2] visible during Quantitative Fractography, planned to take place during the Teardown Inspection of the structure after completion of the test. Meanwhile, the test rig along with the loading system and the test specimen were prepared at Výzkumný a Zkušební Letecký Ústav (VZLU, Prague, Czech Republic). The test specimen, consisting of the overhauled fuselage, modernized wings and the landing gear, was instrumented with the identical strain gauge measuring system as presented in [3], which was calibrated before the commencement of fatigue testing. Finally, some preliminary issues encountered during the fatigue test startup were highlighted and the outline for future work was described
Risk Factors for Stunting Among Children: A Community Based Case Control Study in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Rajan , Pradhan B , Wagle RR , Pahari DP , Onta SR
Published: May 2013

Background Stunting, a chronic condition, is an underlying cause of child morbidity and mortality in Nepal. This study intends to identify the factors causing stunting among children that will help to prioritize the strategies at the district level. Objective The objective of the study was to identify the risk factors for stunting among children of age between 6 to 59 months. Methods The study was based on community-based case control design in the mid-west, Surkhet Nepal from August to September 2010. The cases were stunted children and controls were the children without stunting. Data was collected by interviewing those children’s mothers and measured length/height of 118 children as cases and 236 children as controls. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the best model of factors leading to stunting. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used as a measure of association. Results Socio-economic risk factors for stunting comprised mothers without earning (OR=3.11, 95% CI 1.26-7.65), food deficit families (OR=4.26, 95% CI 1.73-10.45) and care taker of the children other than mother (OR=3.02, 95% CI 1.19-7.70). Environmental risk factors for stunting consisted of kitchen without ventilation and children exposed to pesticide. Inappropriate exclusive breast feeding (OR=6.90, 95% CI 2.81-16.97), complementary feeding less than four times a day (OR=3.60, 95% CI 1.32-9.95) and dietary diversity below WHO standard (OR=4.06, 95% CI 1.70-9.67) were factors of stunted children. Diarrhea was found significantly associated with stunting (OR=7.46, 95% CI 2.98-18.65). Conclusions Stunting was found to be as a result of multiple factors such as socio-economic, environmental and inappropriate feeding practices. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 18-24 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8012
Pattern of Pediatric Poisoning and Accident in Patan Hospital
Authors: Chhetri Uma Devi , Ansari I , Shrestha S
Published: May 2013

Background Kerosene, drugs, pesticides are chemicals used in home and farms. But because of parents’ or caretakers’ negligence; accidents and poisoning in children may take life of a child. Objective  To study the common causes and outcome of pediatric accident and poisoning cases admitted in Patan Hospital.Method A prospective (2068-69) and retrospective (2066-67) studies of pediatric accident and poisoning cases admitted in Patan Hospital (2066-chaitra 2069) were done. Result Out of 44 registered cases total 35 cases were collected in last 4 years. Twenty one in prospective and 14 in retrospective study. Male female ratio was 1.2:1. Most vulnerable age group was 1-5 years (21) and 11-15 yrs (8). Most common poison was pesticide (11), kerosene (9) and drugs (7).  Twenty percent were suicidal, 3% were homicidal and rest was accidental. Suicidal poisoning was common in 11-14 years. Accidental poisoning was: taking kerosene from mineral water bottle for water. Small children took drugs and pesticides due its easy availability or careless storing.  Five common accidents were near drowning (2), hot water scald, hanging and fall from height. Outcome was 2 expired; 1 Organo-phosphorous and 1 food poisoning. Mortality was 6%. One hanging survived as vegetation. Conclusion Accident and poisoning are preventable. We need to make our home and surrounding poison and accident proof. Small children should never be left unattended. Drugs, pesticides, hot things, and sharp instruments should be kept out of reach of children and in child proof container in separate places. Pesticide should not be sold to children. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 39-43 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8016
Phaeochromocytoma in Nepal – A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Maskey Pukar , Shrestha GK , Luitel BR , Gupta DK , Sidarth - , Chalise PR , Sharma UK , Gyawali PR , Joshi BR
Published: May 2013

Background  Phaeochromocytomas are rare tumors of chromaffin cells of neural crest that classically present with symptoms of catecholamine excess such as palpitations, headache and sweating. They are diagnosed by measuring plasma or urinary levels of catecholamines or their metabolites. Anatomic localization is done by computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging, or meta-iodobenzyl guanidine scan in certain cases. Adequate preoperative catecholamine blockade prevents perioperative hemodynamic instability. Objectives  To study the clinical spectrum and management of phaeochromocytomas in a tertiary care centre, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, in Nepal. Methods  Retrospective review of case records of histologically proven cases of phaeochromocytomas from 2008 -2011 was done, and data collected on clinical spectrum, diagnostic modalities, perioperative management and follow-up. Results  Tweleve cases of phaeochromocytomas were operated. The mean age was 36.41±14.07 years. There were 2 bilateral phaeochromocytomas and 1 extra-adrenal paraganglioma. Apart from the common symptoms of catecholamine excess, patients had atypical presentations like psychiatric manifestations and blurred vision. A combination of urinary Vanillyl Mandelic Acid and computed tomographic scan was used for diagnosis, and open surgery was done in all cases. Pre-operative blood pressure control was achieved by prazocin or calcium channel blockers. Ten patients had intraoperative surge in blood pressure. There were no major morbidity or mortality. Three patients had high blood pressure post-operatively, but were effectively managed with antihypertensives. Conclusion  Phaeochromocytomas can have variable presentation. Good preoperative preparation and perioperative management can result in an excellent outcome. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 52-55 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8020
Depression Among Undergraduate Medical Students
Authors: Basnet Bibhusan , Jaiswal M , Adhikari B , Shyangwa PM
Published: May 2013

Background  Psychological stress is common in medical school and associated with depression. Medical education is grooming in Nepal, but only few studies are done concerning mental health of medical students. Objective  To assess the prevalence of depression among medical students at different levels of education and find about their stressors. Methods  A cross sectional, questionnaire-based survey was carried out among the undergraduate medical students of B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal. 50 students each from Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) first and third year were enrolled in the study conducted between November 2008 to January2009. The depression levels were assessed using Zung depression scale. Students were asked to complete the questionnaire and then the depression levels calculated .The stress inducing factors during their course of medical education were also assessed. Results  The overall prevalence of depression among the students was 29.78 percent. The prevalence of depression in first and third year was 36.74and 22.22 percent respectively. The prevalence of depression was 32.43 percent among female students versus 28.07 percent in male students. Both first and third year students gave high ratings to academic stress and hectic lifestyle as the main stress inducing factors. Conclusion  The prevalence of depression is seen especially in the first year medical students. So, attempts should be made to alleviate the stressors right from the time they join medical school. Since academic stress proved to be one of the major factors, measures to make the academic curriculum more student-friendly are suggested. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 56-59 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8021
Ruptured Primary Ovarian Pregnancy: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Shrestha Abha , Chawla CD , Shrestha RM
Published: May 2013

Ovarian pregnancy is an uncommon presentation of ectopic gestation and usually, it ends with rupture before the end of the first trimester. Its presentation often is difficult to distinguish from that of tubal ectopic pregnancy and hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. We report a rare primary ruptured ovarian pregnancy in a 26 years lady. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 76-77 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8026
A Fatal Presentation of Dermatomyositis
Authors: Khatiwoda Prasana , Kayastha SR , Khatiwada P , Giri A , Baral S , Bista D , Pant P
Published: May 2013

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the skin, muscle, and lung. The pathogenesis of skin inflammation in DM is not well understood. We present a 40-year-old male who presented with four months history of generalized skin lesion, pain and weakness. He had elevated transaminases with detectable muscle weakness. This case highlights the need to consider dermatomyositis with skin lesion and weakness; and the use of aggressive immunosuppressive therapies due to its associated vasculopathies. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 78-82 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8027
Oral Adenoid/Acantholytic Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Report of two Cases with Review of Literature
Authors: Nayak Shruti D , Jose M , Sequeira J
Published: May 2013

Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is an uncommon but well recognized variant of squamous cell carcinoma. It has been reported to originate in the sun exposed skin of the head and neck region. Although rare, there are cases in records which have reported within the oral cavity and nasopharynx. Histologically the lesion shows areas of conventional squamous cell carcinoma along with atypical epithelial cells forming an adenoid pattern. There are insufficient reported cases to establish likely behaviour. Here we report two additional cases of adenoid squamous cell carcinoma, one developing in the floor of mouth and another in the maxillary sinus both were reported in March 2010 in Mangalore, India. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 83-87 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8028
Traps, Softcops, Blue Heart, and This Is a Chair:Tracking Epistemological Upheaval in Caryl Churchill's Shorter Plays
Authors: Jernigan Daniel
Published: May 2013

Much of the secondary literature about Caryl Churchill focuses on the ideological issues raised by her plays. Indeed, contemporary critics have queried her work at every turn, attempting to divine its implications for a wide range of feminist and Marxist ideals. Despite the fact, however, that Churchill's own political and creative associations are by and large with groups that have strong feminist and Marxist ideals (Monstrous Regiment, Joint Stock, Second Stride), a number of notable critics have found her work at odds with these very same ideals.
‘‘God’s in This Apple’’: Eating and Spirituality in Churchill’s Light Shining in Buckinghamshire
Authors: Pocock Stephanie
Published: May 2013

For authors influenced by feminist studies of the divided consciousness and its manifestation in eating disorders, the ways in which characters choose to interact with food has assumed vital importance. Their writings are often haunted by the presence or tangible absence of food, with its undertones of mixed longing and loathing. The rhythms of eating and not eating, feasting and fasting, fulfilment and renunciation, have become for many critics symbols of the internalization of patriarchy by women. Few writers, however, have treated the symbolic act of eating with as much complexity as Caryl Churchill. Her characters, both male and female, often eat onstage, and when hungry, discuss eating and food at great length. While recognizing the particular importance of food to women, Churchill's plays resist treating feasting or fasting as specifically gendered activities. Instead, her characters’ experiences of eating or starving are richly layered with social, political and spiritual significance. In her 1976 play Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Churchill's careful portrayal of her characters’ literal need for nourishment poignantly reveals the economic disparity that allows some to feast while others hunger. Yet the importance of eating and starving within the play transcends the political realm, deriving spiritual significance from the characters’ attention to the Christian rituals of fasting and the Eucharist.
A Practical Synthesis of 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine (Cladribine) from 2′-deoxyadenosine
Authors: Peng Yao
Published: May 2013

A practical synthesis of 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine (Cladribine) from 2′-deoxyadenosine is reported. Treatment of fully protected 2′-deoxyadenosine with 2,2,2-trifluoroacetic anhydride and tetrabutylammonium nitrate gave protected 2-nitro-2′-deoxyadenosine with high yield. 2-Chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine was synthesised in four steps and 44.8% yield after substitution by chloride and deprotection steps.
Synthesis and X-ray Structure Characterisation of Novel Pyrazole Carboxamide Derivatives
Authors: Lv Hong-Shui , Ding Xiao-Ling , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: May 2013

A series of novel pyrazole carboxamide derivatives containing piperazine moiety was synthesised and determined by IR, 1H NMR and HRMS spectroscopy. Especially, the structure was confirmed by the X-ray crystal analysis of [1-(4- tert-butylbenzyl)-4-chloro-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1 H-pyrazol-5-yl](4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)methanone.
Efficient, Rapid and One Pot Synthesis of 2-substituted Benzimidazoles Using the NaOH/I2 System as an Oxidant Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Naeimi Hossein , Alishahi Nasrin
Published: May 2013

A one-pot efficient synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives has been achieved from aryl aldehydes and o-phenylenediamine in the presence of the NaOH/I2 system at room temperature in acetonitrile. The simplicity of the procedure and work-up, larger scale synthesis, high yields and short reaction times are the advantages of this method.
Synthesis of Bromoaminoindane and Bromoaminoindanone Derivatives
Authors: Yilmaz Makbule , Tutar Ahmet , Erenler Ramazan
Published: May 2013

The bromination reactions of 5-aminoindane, 5-acetamidoindane, and 5-acetamidoindan-1-one were investigated using NBS, molecular bromine and photobromination, and the optimum reaction conditions were presented. The reaction of 5-aminoindane with glacial acetic acid at reflux temperature resulted in the formation of 5-acetamidoindane in high yield. 5-Acetamidoindan-1-one was generated by the reaction of 5-acetamidoindane with CrO3 in acetic acid. Selective bromination at C-6 position of 5-acetamidoindane was achieved by treatment of title compound with bromine in acetic acid and thus afforded 5-acetamido-6-bromoindane. Further bromination reactions of bromoindanones were achieved in various reaction conditions.
An Efficient One-pot Synthesis of Dihydropyrano[c]chromenes and Amino-2-chromenes under Solvent-free Conditions
Authors: Habibi Davood , Shamsian Atefeh
Published: May 2013

1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-undec-7-en-8-ium acetate, a basic ionic liquid, showed excellent catalytic activity in the three-component condensation reaction of aldehydes and malononitrile with α- or β-naphthol or 4-hydroxycoumarin. The products, amino-4 H-chromenes and dihyropyrano[c]chromenes respectively, were obtained under mild conditions without any additional organic solvents in good to excellent yields and short reaction times. The catalyst could be recycled several times with only slight loss of activity.
External rhinoplasty in post rhinoscleromatous bulbous Nose
Authors: Tanthry Deepalakshmi , Bhandary Rukma , Devan PP , Kavitha A , Tanthry Gururaj
Published: May 2013

A 22-year-old male presented to outpatient department with the complaint of widened nasal tip. He was a known case of rhinoscleroma diagnosed five years ago and had taken treatment for the same for one year. He has been asymptomatic since then. On clinical examination the patient had widening of the dorsum of the nose with a bulbous nasal tip. Anterior rhinoscopy was within normal limits. Rhinoplasty was done and the patient had an improvement in his cosmetic appearance. This is one of unique cases of rhinoplasty on bulbous tip due to rhinoscleroma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v19i1.11604 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 19(1): 69-72
Nasal bone fracture  timely interventon is a need
Authors: Manjunath KN
Published: May 2013

Nose is acentral projection in the face with fragile skeleton. A trivial trauma canose is acentral projection in the face with fragile skeleton. A trivial trauma can result in a significant deformity. Although majority suffer a bony injury, overlying swelling masks the deformity. If such deformity is not identified and intervened, it can lead to soft tissue changes as well as bone deformity, which may require septoplasty or rhinoplasty later hence in nasal bone fracture intervention in the timely manner is a must to reduce the long term morbidity and the cost of treatment result in a significant deformity. Although majority suffer a bony injury, overlying swelling masks the deformity. If such deformity is not identified and intervened, it can lead to soft tissue changes as well as bone deformity, which may require septoplasty or rhinoplasty later hence in nasal bone fracture intervention in the timely manner is a must to reduce the long term morbidity and the cost of treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v19i1.12066 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 19(1): 11-13
Recurrent paraganglioma of occipito-temporal bone masquerading as temporal bone malignancy
Authors: Aggarwal Sushil Kumar , Rajkumar Prof
Published: May 2013

A 33-year-old male patient presented with left facial nerve palsy, left earache along with left ear bloody discharge for last 4 months. He also had left vocal cord paralysis and impairment of hearing on left side. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of temporal bone revealed enhancing mass present in left middle ear and mastoid and also involving left temporal and occipital bone causing destruction of bone, mimicking as temporal bone malignancy. Complete excision of tumor was done and biopsy came out to be paraganglioma. Patient had been operated previously for similar lesion 8 years ago. Paraganglioma with such extensive involvement of bone is not reported in literature and hence we describe this case to distinguish it from temporal bone malignancy. The tumor was not functional clinically as well as biochemically. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v19i1.12150 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 19(1): 58-64
A 4 year old male child suffering from papillary carcinoma of thyroid with right sided metastatic neck node
Authors: Hanif Mohammad , Al Mamud Md Abdullah , Rahman Md Mizanur , Hossain Mohammad Amzad
Published: May 2013

Thyroid carcinoma accounts for 1-1.5% of all childhood malignancies. These cancers are rare at ages younger than 5 years and more rare in male children. In this case report a 4 years old male child presented with right sided upper cervical neck mass for 11 months and treated as a branchial cyst. After histopathological report and further investigation he was finally diagnosed as papillary carcinoma of thyroid with metastatic right sided neck-node. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v19i1.14863 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 19(1): 73-77
Biotechnology of Cold-Active Proteases
Authors: Joshi Swati , Satyanarayana Tulasi
Published: May 2013

The bulk of Earth’s biosphere is cold (<5 °C) and inhabited by psychrophiles. Biocatalysts from psychrophilic organisms (psychrozymes) have attracted attention because of their application in the ongoing efforts to decrease energy consumption. Proteinases as a class represent the largest category of industrial enzymes. There has been an emphasis on employing cold-active proteases in detergents because this allows laundry operations at ambient temperatures. Proteases have been used in environmental bioremediation, food industry and molecular biology. In view of the present limited understanding and availability of cold-active proteases with diverse characteristics, it is essential to explore Earth’s surface more in search of an ideal cold-active protease. The understanding of molecular and mechanistic details of these proteases will open up new avenues to tailor proteases with the desired properties. A detailed account of the developments in the production and applications of cold-active proteases is presented in this review.
Happiness versus the Environment—A Case Study of Australian Lifestyles
Authors: Lenzen Manfred , Cummins Robert
Published: May 2013

Crafting environmental policies that at the same time enhance, or at least not reduce people’s wellbeing, is crucial for the success of government action aimed at mitigating environmental impact. However, there does not yet exist any survey that refers to one and the same population, and that allows the identifying relationships and trade-offs between subjective wellbeing and the complete environmental impact of households. In order to circumvent the lack of comprehensive survey information, we attempt to integrate two separate survey databases, and describe the challenges associated with this integration. Our results indicate that carbon footprints are likely to increase, but wellbeing levels off with increasing income. Living together with people is likely to create a win-win situation where both climate and wellbeing benefit. Car ownership obviously creates emissions, however personal car ownership enhances subjective wellbeing, but living in an area with high car ownership decreases subjective wellbeing. Finally, gaining educational qualifications is linked with increased emissions. These results indicate that policy-making is challenged in striking a wise balance between individual convenience and the common good.
Targeting Signaling Pathways in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Smolle Elisabeth , Taucher Valentin , Pichler Martin , Petru Edgar , Lax Sigurd , Haybaeck Johannes
Published: May 2013

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Response to platinum-based chemotherapy is poor in some patients and, thus, current research is focusing on new therapy options. The various histological types of OC are characterized by distinctive molecular genetic alterations that are relevant for ovarian tumorigenesis. The understanding of these molecular pathways is essential for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Purpose: We want to give an overview on the molecular genetic changes of the histopathological types of OC and their role as putative therapeutic targets. In Depth Review of Existing Data: In 2012, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, bevacizumab, was approved for OC treatment. Bevacizumab has shown promising results as single agent and in combination with conventional chemotherapy, but its target is not distinctive when analyzed before treatment. At present, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and components of the EGFR pathway are in the focus of clinical research. Interestingly, some phytochemical substances show good synergistic effects when used in combination with chemotherapy. Conclusion: Ongoing studies of targeted agents in conjunction with chemotherapy will show whether there are alternative options to bevacizumab available for OC patients. Novel targets which can be assessed before therapy to predict efficacy are needed. The assessment of therapeutic targets is continuously improved by molecular pathological analyses on tumor tissue. A careful selection of patients for personalized treatment will help to reduce putative side effects and toxicity.