bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traveltime information-based wave-equation inversion
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Daoliu
Published: December 2009

We propose a new wave-equation inversion method that mainly depends on the traveltime information of the recorded seismic data. Unlike the conventional method, we first apply a [Formula: see text] transform to the seismic data to form the delayed-shot seismic record, back propagate the transformed data, and then invert the velocity model by maximizing the wavefield energy around the shooting time at the source locations. Data fitting is not enforced during the inversion, so the optimized velocity model is obtained by best focusing the source energy after a back propagation. Therefore, inversion accuracy depends only on the traveltime information embedded in the seismic data. This method may overcome some practical issues of waveform inversion; in particular, it relaxes the dependency of the seismic data amplitudes and the source wavelet.
Setting standards for physical health monitoring in patients on antipsychotics
Authors: Churchward Samantha , Oxborrow Susan M. , Olotu Victor O. , Thalitaya M. Deepak
Published: December 2009

Aims and Method

To develop standards for physical health monitoring in patients on antipsychotics in a forensic environment. We reviewed recommendations for physical health checks from key publications and then agreed a consensus on what to monitor and how often.

Results

We developed a standardised form to ensure the requisite minimum monitoring is performed when a patient is newly prescribed an antipsychotic drug or the dose is increased, when an abnormality is detected and for routine annual physical health monitoring.

Clinical Implications

We have produced a pragmatic solution to the gap between the recognised risks to physical health of individuals treated with antipsychotic medication and the need for clear, unambiguous standards of physical healthcare.
Workplace-based assessment: survey of psychiatric trainees in Wales
Authors: Menon Sharmila , Winston Mark , Sullivan Gary
Published: December 2009

Aims and Method

To explore attitudes and perceptions regarding workplace-based assessment (WPBA) among psychiatric trainees in Wales, identify current problems and recommend measures to successfully implement WPBA. An anonymous questionnaire-based, cross-sectional online national survey was conducted involving all psychiatric specialty registrars in Wales.

Results

Out of 88 specialty registrars in Wales, 81 participated in the survey, a response rate of 92%. the survey highlighted widespread problems and negative attitudes among trainees towards WPBA. Numerous concerns, involving assessment tools, online system, quality of assessors and practicalities of assessments were identified.

Clinical Implications

The negative attitudes harboured by many trainees would certainly contribute towards undermining the efficacy of WPBA to improve training. In this context, specific measures with the potential to address the shortcomings identified during the survey are discussed, with a view to improving WPBA and rendering it more acceptable to trainees, and in doing so, facilitate the improvement of training.
Critical behaviour of slender wing configurations
Authors: Frulla G , Cestino E , Marzocca P
Published: December 2009

The next generation of slender, flexible aircraft wings requires extremely lightweight structures capable of carrying a considerable amount of non-structural weight. With the increased slenderness and flexibility, possible with the advent of advanced composites, these wings can exhibit aeroelastic instabilities quite different from their rigid counterparts. The design of highly flexible aircraft, such as high-altitude long endurance (HALE) configurations, must include phenomena that are not usually considered in traditional aircraft design, such that an alternative design philosophy has been proposed for this class of vehicles. The discussion in this article is restricted, among the various aeroelastic phenomena, to the flutter condition. Classical procedures usually refer to aero-structural systems where the undeformed state is taken as the reference point. This is not the case with slender wing configuration where, due to the high structural flexibility, a proper beam model, capable of describing the structural flight deflections, should be adopted. Consequently, the flutter analysis has to be performed considering the deflected state as a reference point. Herein, an approximate procedure is proposed and flutter is evaluated by means of Galerkin's approach applied to the perturbed small motions of the aero-structural system. The effect of typical parameters, including stiffness ratio, mass eccentricity, store pod, deflection amplitude, as well as the wing aspect ratio, are considered. For a simplified wing configuration, comparisons between analytical and experimental findings are presented along with discussions and suggestions for new design criteria.
Co-operative unmanned aerial vehicle searching and mapping of complex obstacles using two-dimensional splinegon
Authors: Lazarus S B , Tsourdos A , White B A , Silson P , Żbikowski R
Published: December 2009

This article presents a cooperative guidance and estimation approach that enables multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to efficiently search and explore unknown environments. The computational efficient data information algorithm that leads to map building and update is based on geometrical tools known as two-dimensional splinegon. The circle packing search algorithm is used for the completeness of searching coverage of the exploring region, while the UAV trajectories are generated using Dubins path planning.
Simulation of supersonic base flow: Effect of computational grid and turbulence model
Authors: Dharavath M , Sinha P K , Chakraborty D
Published: December 2009

The supersonic base flow of a blunted cone-cylinder rocket model in the presence of a central propulsive jet is investigated numerically by solving three-dimensional Reynolds averaged Navier—Stokes equations in an unstructured mesh using a commercial computational fluid dynamics software. The effect of the computational grid and the turbulence model in predicting the radial variation of base pressure has been brought out. Very fine grid ( y+∼ 2) is required to correctly predict the base pressure. The renormalized group k—ɛ turbulence model performs better compared to the k—ω turbulence model in predicting the base pressure. It was observed that the base flow characteristics in the lower and upper portions of the base are significantly different due to the influence of model support.
Preliminary design analysis of a hopper vehicle for Mars mission
Authors: Yu D-R , Lv X-W , Bao W , Yao Z-L
Published: December 2009

A hopper vehicle is proposed in this article as an alternative mobility concept for explorations of the Martian surface; filling the propellant tank with CO2 after each hop enables the hopper to visit several regions of the planet. The methods used for acquiring high-pressure CO2 on the Mars surface are analysed, and the basic scheme of the hopper vehicle for Mars missions is demonstrated. The effect of mission parameters, such as the number of hops, on the preliminary design of the hopper vehicle for Mars missions is evaluated through analysis. Furthermore, a parametric analysis is also conducted to evaluate the effects of technological advances on the design of the hopper vehicle for Mars missions, and the results of the analysis indicate that specific impulse, daily yield of CO2 in kg per kg acquisition unit, etc. are the factors affecting the hopper vehicle for Mars mission design.
Transition effects on ship sinkage in highly restricted waterways
Authors: Alderf N , Lefranĉois E , Sergent P , Debaillon P
Published: December 2009

In this paper, a mathematical model for ship squat in highly restricted waterways is proposed. This model, which is based on the extension of Schijf's (1949) theory to dynamic effects, indicates stable and unstable squat positions for a ship. Furthermore, the transition effects are integrated into this model to simulate the behaviour of a vessel during and after an acceleration phase. This model shows that, although the vessel speed is lower than the Schijf limiting speed, grounding due to the oscillations generated at the end of the acceleration phase may occur when the unstable equilibrium position is reached. The results given by the mathematical model are validated by a numerical model based on finite element analysis.
Environmental and economical benefits of changing from marine diesel oil to natural-gas fuel for short-voyage high-power passenger ships
Authors: Banawan A A , El Gohary M M , Sadek I S
Published: December 2009

Although the actual level of marine air pollution is unclear, the contribution of ships to global emissions can be roughly indicated as being in the following ranges: nitrogen oxides (NO x), 10—20 per cent; carbon dioxide (CO2), 2—4 per cent; sulphur oxides (SO x), 4—8 per cent. Several studies, which aim to minimize and reduce the maritime environmental pollution by the gas emissions from ships, have shown that there are different methods by which this can be achieved. This paper shows that the use of natural gas as the main fuel on board ships is considered to be the optimum selection for this purpose as regards the environmental and economic issues. A short-voyage ship of high power rating is deemed to be suitable for natural-gas application to obtain the maximum environmental and economic benefits. As a case study, this paper discusses the environmental and the economic benefits of using natural gas as an alternative to diesel oil on board one of the high-speed passenger ships operating in the Red Sea area between Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study illustrated that NO x, SO x, particulate matter, and CO2 emissions were reduced by 72 per cent, 91 per cent, 85 per cent, and 10 per cent respectively. In addition, the cost of both fuel consumption and maintenance operation demonstrated reductions by 39 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.
The calibration and application of a force-measuring apparatus on the seat of a rowing ergometer
Authors: Murphy A J , Chee S T H , Bull A M J , McGregor A H
Published: December 2009

A calibration procedure was carried out to optimize the measurement accuracy of an application of force transducers to quantify the force magnitude and centre of pressure on the seat of a rowing ergometer. Known forces were applied to the system at specified locations, and the recordings were used to provide a solution in the least-squares sense for transforming the transducers' voltage outputs to meaningful data. After calibration, the system was capable of measuring force to within 2N of the applied load, identifying the position of force application to within 1.1mm, and was more accurate than other apparatus described in the literature. The potential of the instrumentation for examining aspects of rowing technique in elite athletes was also demonstrated.
Advertising Effectiveness, Digital Video Recorders, and Product Market Competition
Authors: Ghosh Bikram , Stock Axel
Published: December 2009

With increasing fragmentation of media markets and recent advances in technology, loss of advertising effectiveness has been a great concern for marketers. For consumers, the digital video recorder (DVR) offers the possibility to fast-forward through live programming. Whereas the DVR thus benefits consumers by reducing nuisance from commercials, industry observers believe that it may diminish advertisers' profits by rendering commercials ineffective. We use a model of informative advertising to study the effect of DVR penetration on competing advertisers' strategies and profits. We find that the overall effect of DVRs depends on the trade off between loss of advertising effectiveness and reduction in competition between firms. The latter effect arises because DVR penetration may increase the ratio of partially informed to fully informed consumers. We identify conditions under which an increase in DVR penetration counterintuitively leads firms to increase advertising levels and enjoy higher profits. Interestingly, we find that greater DVR penetration is beneficial for firms when the share of DVR owners in the population is above—rather than below—a threshold level. We also study the impact of different fast-forwarding (“zipping”) behaviors on product market competition.
Atazanavir-Associated Choledocholithiasis Leading to Acute Hepatitis in an HIV-infected Adult
Authors: Jacques Amanda Caroline , Giguère Pierre , Zhang Guijun , Touchie Claire , la Porte Charles JL
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of atazanavir-associated choledocholithiasis in an HIV-infected individual.

CASE SUMMARY

A 47-year-old treatment-naïve HIV-positive African female presented to the emergency department with a 3-day history of right epigastric pain. Six weeks prior to this episode, she began antiretroviral therapy with a regimen consisting of atazanavir 400 mg and abacavir/lamivudine 600/300 mg once daily. Alanine aminotransferase (766 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (876 U/L), γ-glutamyltransferase (588 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (348 U/L), and total bilirubin (3.9 mg/dL) levels were elevated. Abdominal ultrasound revealed obstructive choledocholithiasis as well as intra- and extrahepatic biliary dilatation. She underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which revealed approximately 50 small calculi present in the gallbladder. Since previous ultrasounds had also shown gallstones, an analysis of the extracted calculi was performed to determine the possible association with atazanavir use; low amounts of atazanavir were detected.

DISCUSSION

Atazanavir is an inhibitor of the bilirubin-conjugating enzyme UGT1A1 and has been frequently linked to the occurrence of hyperbilirubinemia without complications. This individual experienced hyperbilirubinemia that peaked at hospital presentation after she developed choledocholithiasis and secondary acute hepatitis. Analysis of the extracted gallstones revealed that smaller stones contained a higher content of atazanavir than larger stones, which suggests that atazanavir precipitation may play a role in cholelithiasis, although the mechanism remains unknown. The low yield of atazanavir may be explained by the short, 6-week duration of drug exposure as well as the lack of assay for metabolites. The Naranjo probability scale implicated choledocholithiasis as a possible atazanavir-associated adverse event. This report provides the first published evidence that even short-term use of atazanavir may lead to hyperbilirubinemia with choledocholithiasis and secondary acute hepatitis in HIV-infected adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Atazanavir should be considered a possible contributor in the development of cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis, and people with HIV should receive adequate counseling in the recognition of symptoms associated with gallstones. The exact incidence and mechanism still need to be elucidated.
Antibody-Based Protein Multiplex Platforms: Technical and Operational Challenges
Authors: Ellington Allison A , Kullo Iftikhar J , Bailey Kent R , Klee George G
Published: December 2009

Background: The measurement of multiple protein biomarkers may refine risk stratification in clinical settings. This concept has stimulated development of multiplexed immunoassay platforms that provide multiple, parallel protein measurements on the same specimen.

Content: We provide an overview of antibody-based multiplexed immunoassay platforms and discuss technical and operational challenges. Multiplexed immunoassays use traditional immunoassay principles in which high-affinity capture ligands are immobilized in parallel arrays in either planar format or on microspheres in suspension. Development of multiplexed immunoassays requires rigorous validation of assay configuration and analytical performance to minimize assay imprecision and inaccuracy. Challenges associated with multiplex configuration include selection and immobilization of capture ligands, calibration, interference between antibodies and proteins and assay diluents, and compatibility of assay limits of quantification. We discuss potential solutions to these challenges. Criteria for assessing analytical multiplex assay performance include the range of linearity, analytical specificity, recovery, and comparison to a quality reference method. Quality control materials are not well developed for multiplexed protein immunoassays, and algorithms for interpreting multiplex quality control data are needed.

Summary: Technical and operational challenges have hindered implementation of multiplexed assays in clinical settings. Formal procedures that guide multiplex assay configuration, analytical validation, and quality control are needed before broad application of multiplexed arrays can occur in the in vitro diagnostic market.
Analytical Validation of a High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Assay
Authors: Giannitsis Evangelos , Kurz Kerstin , Hallermayer Klaus , Jarausch Jochen , Jaffe Allan S , Katus Hugo A
Published: December 2009

Background: We report the development of a novel high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay, a modification of the Roche fourth-generation cTnT assay, and validation of the analytical performance of this assay.

Methods: Validation included testing of analytical sensitivity, specificity, interferences, and precision. We established the 99th percentile cutoff from healthy reference populations (n = 616). In addition, we studied differences in time to a positive result when using serial measurements of hs-cTnT vs cTnT in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI).

Results: The hs-cTnT assay had an analytical range from 3 to 10 000 ng/L. At the 99th percentile value of 13.5 ng/L, the CV was 9% using the Elecsys® 2010 analyzer. The assay was specific for cTnT without interferences from human cTnI or cTnC, skeletal muscle TnT, or hemoglobin concentrations up to 1000 mg/L, above which falsely lower values would be expected. When the assay was evaluated clinically, a hs-cTnT higher than the 99th percentile concentration identified a significantly higher number of patients with non-STEMI on presentation (45 vs 20 patients, P = 0.0004) compared with cTnT, and a final diagnosis of non-STEMI was made in 9 additional patients (55 vs 46 patients, P = 0.23) after serial sampling. Time to diagnosis was significantly shorter using hs-cTnT compared with cTnT [mean 71.5 (SD 108.7) min vs 246.9 (82.0) min, respectively; P < 0.01].

Conclusions: The analytical performance of hs-cTnT complies with the ESC-ACCF-AHA-WHF Global Task Force recommendations for use in the diagnosis of MI.
Neurobiochemical Markers of Brain Damage in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Brouns Raf , De Vil Bart , Cras Patrick , De Surgeloose Didier , Mariën Peter , De Deyn Peter P
Published: December 2009

Background: Ischemic injury to the central nervous system causes cellular activation and disintegration, leading to release of cell-type–specific proteins into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We investigated CSF concentrations of myelin basic protein (MBP), glial fibrillary astrocytic protein (GFAP), the calcium-binding protein S100B, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in acute ischemic stroke patients and their relation to initial stroke severity, stroke location, and long-term stroke outcome.

Methods: CSF concentrations of MBP, GFAP, S100B, and NSE were assessed in 89 stroke patients on admission (mean 8.7 h after stroke onset) and in 35 controls. We evaluated the relation between CSF concentrations and (a) stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score on admission, infarct volume), (b) stroke location, and (c) stroke outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score at month 3).

Results: MBP concentration was significantly higher in subcortical than in cortical infarcts (median MBP, 1.18 vs 0.66 μg/L, P < 0.001). GFAP and S100B concentrations correlated with the NIHSS score on admission (GFAP, R = 0.35, P = 0.001; S100B, R = 0.29, P = 0.006), infarct volume (GFAP, R = 0.34, P = 0.001; S100B, R = 0.28, P = 0.008), and mRS score at month 3 (R = 0.42, P < 0.001 and R = 0.28, P = 0.007). Concentrations of NSE did not correlate with stroke characteristics.

Conclusions: MBP, GFAP, S100B, and NSE display relevant differences in cellular and subcellular origins, which are reflected in their relation to stroke characteristics. MBP is a marker for infarct location. GFAP and S100B correlate with stroke severity and outcome.
Neue Überlegungen zum Aufkommen des Jüngeren Fuþarks. Ein Beitrag zur Schriftgeschichte ›von unten‹
Authors: Schulte Michael
Published: December 2009

The ›Scandinavian runic reform‹ has fundamentally affected our insights into the development of the younger fuþarks. The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, it questions the notion of an intentional reform on several grounds. Secondly, it aims at introducing new systematic factors which support the linguistic approach toward this transformation as an internally driven process based on language change (particularly syncope). The general focus is on the contextualization of the writing system in written culture as exemplified by literacy and particular societal structures in Scandinavia on the brink of the Viking Age.
Strophenreihe und Liebesroman. Überlegungen zu zyklischen Tendenzen bei Meinloh von Sevelingen
Authors: Kropik Cordula
Published: December 2009

Reading the strophes of Meinloh von Sevelingen in the form as they have been handed down, one can scarcely resist the impression of their telling a story. The article seeks to highlight the basis upon which the supposition of Minnesang being indeed narratively composed makes sense and the circumstances under which such a composition is likely. It is possible, under the present supposition, to show that Meinloh's strophes in their cyclical order are to be situated in the 13th century as a work of collectors and manuscript-editors. The narrative tendencies turn out to be a phenomenon of reception, a form of ›Konkretisierung‹ typical of the period.
Körper, Selbst, Schöpfung. Körper und Identität in den Rückkehrabenteuern der ›Tristan‹-Tradition
Authors: Becker Anja
Published: December 2009

As human beings, we have neither chosen our own body nor can we change our physical appearance at will. However, in the stories known as the ›Rückkehrabenteuer‹ Tristan, in order to meet his beloved Isolde, not only masquerades himself, but also alters his physical appearance in various ways. By analysing these literary phantasms of ›body design‹ in the versions of Eilhart von Oberg, Ulrich von Türheim, Heinrich von Freiberg and in the short narration ›Tristan als Mönch‹, medieval concepts of body and identity become apparent. Deviating somewhat from modern conceptions, the ability to alter ones own body does not bring about a gain in self-awareness, but rather indicates an identity crisis.
Deutschland und die deutschen Lande im Spiegel einer lateinischen Spruchsammlung
Authors: Haye Thomas
Published: December 2009

The Vatican codex Borgh. 200 contains the earliest medieval collection of proverbs and sentences systematically dealing with German regions and territories. The compiler, an anonymous writer of the thirteenth century, is arranging and organizing the descriptions of each German countryside as a circle. Clockwise he is explaining moral characteristics and behavioural qualities of the inhabitants. As a consequence of such a mental cartography, he is drawing a profile of the slowly emerging German nation composed by different regional cultures.

The article presents a critical edition and a literary evaluation of the poem.
Zum Katalog der deutschsprachigen illustrierten Handschriften des Mittelalters
Authors: Bodemann Ulrike
Published: December 2009

The ›Catalogue of German Illustrated Manuscripts‹ aims to provide descriptions of all extant illustrated manuscripts of German medieval literature. From 1986 to 2005, 18 fascicles have been published. In 2008, departing from the schedule, three fascicles, each of them even of double extent, issued at once. The author takes this opportunity to draw the attention to some modifications concerning the conception of the ›Catalogue‹ and due to maintain its scope as a well-positioned interdisciplinary venture involving historians of literature as well as art.
Association between serum alkaline phosphatase and C-reactive protein in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006
Authors: Webber Matthew , Krishnan Aisling , Thomas Neil G. , Cheung Bernard M.Y.
Published: December 2009

Background: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a widely used marker for skeletal and hepatobiliary disorders, but its activity is also increased in atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease. It is an inflammatory marker like C-reactive protein (CRP). We therefore analyzed its relationship with CRP in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006.

Methods: The analysis included 4155 men and non-pregnant women over the age of 20 years. The relationship between log-transformed ALP and plasma CRP was analyzed using univariate and multivariate models.

Results: ALP activity was significantly correlated with age, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, exercise, alcohol, triglycerides, and other liver enzymes after adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity (p<0.001). ALP was significantly associated with a higher frequency of cardiovascular disease (p=0.02), hypertension (p=0.01) hypercholesterolemia (p=0.04), and diabetes (p=0.02). Compared to the lowest quartile of ALP, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) associated with the highest quartile were 1.9 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.1–3.5], 1.6 (95% CI 1.0–2.5), 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.1) and 1.7 (95% CI 1.0–2.4) for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, respectively. In multivariate analysis, log ALP was an independent predictor of log CRP (p=1.0×10−6). A multivariate model that included log ALP, ethnicity, glycohemoglobin, waist circumference, albumin, apolipoprotein B, γ-glutamyltransferase and uric acid explained 40% of the variance in log CRP.

Conclusions: ALP is a marker of cardiometabolic risk, but it needs to be tested as part of a multivariate model in prospective studies.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:167–73.
Characterization of black liquors from kraft pulping of first-thinning Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Rautiainen Riikka , Alén Raimo
Published: December 2009

Formation of hydroxy acids and soluble lignin fragments was investigated during conventional kraft pulping of first-thinning Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stem wood and its long-fiber outer part and short-fiber inner part. The results indicate that there are characteristic differences in the formation of hydroxy acids in these specific tissues, due to the slightly different contents of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Notable are the differences in the formation of xylan-derived acids (2-hydroxybutanoic and xyloisosaccharinic acids) and glucomannan- and cellulose-derived acids (3,4-dideoxy-pentonic and glucoisosaccharinic acids). In contrast, no significant differences were found in the average molecular masses of the dissolved lignins in these black liquors. Finally, the black liquor from the outer part of first-thinning pine was shown to have similar properties as the black liquor from the reference mature wood material.
Estimate of resistance-curve in wood through the double cantilever beam test
Authors: Dourado Nuno M.M. , de Moura Marcelo F.S.F. , Morais José J.L. , Silva Manuel A.L.
Published: December 2009

Numerical and experimental studies involving the double cantilever beam test to estimate the resistance-curve under mode I loading in wood (Pinus pinaster Ait. – RL fracture system) are presented. Two data reduction schemes based on the specimen compliance and crack equivalent concept are proposed to obtain accurate values of fracture energy. The methods do not require crack length monitoring and mitigate the influence of scatter of wood elastic properties on the measured fracture energy. A finite element analysis to validate the proposed methodologies was performed. Good agreement was achieved in both cases, especially for one case. Experimental tests were also carried out to determine the fracture energy of this wood species. Application of both data reduction schemes provided consistent values.
Lignin and carbohydrate variation with earlywood, latewood, and compression wood content of bent and straight ramets of a radiata pine clone
Authors: Kibblewhite R. Paul , Suckling Ian D. , Evans Robert , Grace Jennifer C. , Riddell Mark J.C.
Published: December 2009

Changes in lignin and carbohydrate content with radial direction, growth-layer number, compression wood (CW) severity, and earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) origin are described for one near-ground position in each of a severely bent and a nominally straight ramet (tree) of a clone (genotype) of Pinus radiata. Bark-to-bark strips were taken through the pith and the longest radial dimension of the CW side of the discs. Separate EW and LW samples were obtained for most growth layers, yielding a total of 95 samples. Differences in lignin and carbohydrate content between EW and LW were large where CW formation was moderate and small where it was severe. Mannose content was consistently different in the EW and LW of opposite wood (OW) and CW. Results suggested that the inner juvenile wood of OW rings might contain either a galactose-rich galactoglucomannan or a β-1,4-galactan. Consideration of all 95 samples showed that although the contents of galactose, lignin, glucose, and mannose were linearly and strongly correlated with one another, their relationship with xylose and arabinose content was non-linear.
The Efficiency Analysis of Life Insurance Company in Taiwan: Two-Stage Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Tsai Hui-Yin , Wang An Siou
Published: December 2009

In this research we use the two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) and divide life insurance activities into two stages according to the production characteristics of 11 life insurance companies in Taiwan. The first stage is the operational efficiency, and the second stage is the profitability efficiency. Analysis of the input and output data during the 2005–2006 period was made for 11 life insurance companies in Taiwan. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the relative efficiency of each life insurance company at various stages of production activities. The efficiency of decision processes that can be divided into single stages has been measured for the whole process as well as for each stage separately by using the conventional DEA methodology in order to identify the causes of inefficiency.
Risk of spontaneous miscarriage in euthyroid women with thyroid autoimmunity undergoing IVF: a meta-analysis
Authors: Toulis Konstantinos A , Goulis Dimitrios G , Venetis Christos A , Kolibianakis Efstratios M , Negro Roberto , Tarlatzis Basil C , Papadimas Ioannis
Published: December 2009

Objective

To investigate whether thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is associated with increased risk for spontaneous miscarriage in subfertile, euthyroid women undergoing IVF.

Design

Meta-analysis of observational studies.

Patient(s)

Four prospective studies that reported data on 1098 subfertile women undergoing IVF (141 with TAI and 957 controls) were included in the meta-analysis.

Main outcome measure

Miscarriage risk ratio (RR).

Secondary outcome measures

Clinical pregnancy rate and delivery rate.

Result(s)

Euthyroid, subfertile women with TAI undergoing IVF demonstrated significantly higher risk for miscarriage compared with controls (four studies–fixed effects RR: 1.99, 95% confidence interval: 1.42– 2.79, P<0.001). No significant difference in clinical pregnancy and delivery rates was detected between groups.

Conclusion

Based on the currently available evidence, it appears that the presence of TAI is associated with an increased risk for spontaneous miscarriage in subfertile women achieving a pregnancy through an IVF procedure.
Transient Cooling of Ultrathin Epitaxial Bi(111)-Films on Si(111) Upon Femtosecond Laser Excitation Studied by Ultrafast Reflection High Energy Electron Diffraction
Authors: Hanisch-Blicharski Anja , Krenzer Boris , Möllenbeck Simone , Ligges Manuel , Zhou Ping , Kammler Martin , Horn-von Hoegen Michael
Published: December 2009

With time resolved ultrafast electron diffraction the cooling process across the interface between a thin film and the underlying substrate was studied after excitation with short laser pulses. From the exponential decay of the surface temperature evolution a thermal boundary conductance of 1430 W/(cm2K) is determined for a 9.7 nm thin Bi(111) film on Si(111). A linear dependence between laser fluence and initial temperature rise was measured for film-thicknesses between 2.5 nm and 34.5 nm. The ratio of initial temperature rise and laser fluence for different film-thicknesses is compared to a model taking multilayer optics into account. The data agree well with this model.
Violência sexual e associação com a percepção individual de saúde entre mulheres gestantes
Authors: Aquino Nicole Moraes Rêgo De , Sun Sue Yazaki , Oliveira Eleonora Menicucci de , Martins Marilia da Gloria , Silva Juliana de Fátima da , Mattar Rosiane
Published: December 2009

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de histórico de violência sexual entre mulheres gestantes e sua associação com a percepção de saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com 179 mulheres maiores de 14 anos e grávidas de 14 a 28 semanas, entrevistadas em serviços públicos de saúde em São Paulo, SP, entre os anos de 2006 e 2007. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: inventário de violência sexual, inventário de dados sociodemográficos e questionário de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde: "Medical Outcomes 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey" (SF-12®). Mulheres com e sem história de violência sexual foram comparadas quanto à idade, escolaridade, ocupação, estado civil, cor da pele e autopercepção de saúde física e mental. A violência sexual foi caracterizada em penetrativa ou não penetrativa. RESULTADOS: Houve prevalência de 39,1% de violência sexual entre as entrevistadas, sendo 20% do tipo penetrativo, cometida sobretudo por agressores conhecidos. Em 57% das mulheres a primeira agressão ocorreu antes dos 14 anos. Não houve diferenças sociodemográficas entre mulheres que sofreram e as que não sofreram violência sexual. Escores médios de percepção de saúde física entre as entrevistadas com antecedente de violência sexual foram menores (42,2; DP=8,3) do que das mulheres sem este antecedente (51,0; DP=7,5) (p<0,001). A percepção de saúde mental teve escore médio de 37,4 (DP=11,2) e 48,1 (DP=10,2) (p<0,001), respectivamente para os dois grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Houve alta prevalência de violência sexual entre as grávidas dos serviços de saúde avaliados. Mulheres com antecedente de violência sexual apresentaram pior percepção de saúde do que as sem esse antecedente.
Surveillance of mother-to-child HIV transmission: socioeconomic and health care coverage indicators
Authors: Barcellos Christovam , Acosta Lisiane Morelia Weide , Lisboa Eugenio , Bastos Francisco Inácio
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: To identify clustering areas of infants exposed to HIV during pregnancy and their association with indicators of primary care coverage and socioeconomic condition. METHODS: Ecological study where the unit of analysis was primary care coverage areas in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, in 2003. Geographical Information System and spatial analysis tools were used to describe indicators of primary care coverage areas and socioeconomic condition, and estimate the prevalence of liveborn infants exposed to HIV during pregnancy and delivery. Data was obtained from Brazilian national databases. The association between different indicators was assessed using Spearman's nonparametric test. RESULTS: There was found an association between HIV infection and high birth rates (r=0.22, p<0.01) and lack of prenatal care (r=0.15, p<0.05). The highest HIV infection rates were seen in areas with poor socioeconomic conditions and difficult access to health services (r=0.28, p<0.01). The association found between higher rate of prenatal care among HIV-infected women and adequate immunization coverage (r=0.35, p<0.01) indicates that early detection of HIV infection is effective in those areas with better primary care services. CONCLUSIONS: Urban poverty is a strong determinant of mother-to-child HIV transmission but this trend can be fought with health surveillance at the primary care level.
Expansão urbana e distribuição espacial da malária no município de Manaus, Estado do Amazonas
Authors: Saraiva Maria das Graças Gomes , Amorim Raul Diniz Souza , Moura Marco Antônio Sabóia , Martinez-Espinosa Flor Ernestina , Barbosa Maria das Graças Vale
Published: December 2009

No município de Manaus, a intensificação do processo migratório, aliada a precária vigilância epidemiológica e entomológica, resultou na reintrodução da transmissão de malária no perímetro urbano, zona Leste, em julho de 1988, após 13 anos sem registro de autoctonia. Este estudo descreve sobre a situação epidemiológica da malária e áreas que sofreram ações antrópicas (desmatamento, assentamentos humanos, atividades de piscicultura, etc.) em Manaus, no período entre 1986 e 2005. Nesse Município, o incremento populacional em 2005 atingiu 105,2%, em relação a 1986, resultado de ocupação dos espaços (invasões e conjuntos habitacionais). A partir de 2003, a doença teve incremento acima 2.000% em relação a 1986. Nessas áreas ocorreu aumento da incidência da doença. O índice parasitário anual no Município oscilou de baixo a médio risco, e entre as zonas urbanas, variou de sem risco a alto risco. As zonas Leste, Oeste e Norte onde ainda existem áreas com características rurais apresentaram maior receptividade e vulnerabilidade de transmissão.
Febre amarela: estudo de um surto
Authors: Ribeiro Mirtes , Antunes Carlos Maurício de Figueiredo
Published: December 2009

O estudo objetivou descrever um surto de febre amarela ocorrido nos municípios sob jurisdição da Gerência Regional de Saúde de Diamantina/MG, entre 2002/2003, classificando 36 casos de FA. Tratou-se de surto autóctone de febre amarela silvestre. Identificou-se falha na cobertura vacinal e baixa detecção de casos leves. Entre os casos, 33 (91,7%) eram homens. A idade variou entre 16 a 67 anos. Classificaram-se como graves 19 (52,8%) casos. A letalidade acometeu 12 (33,3%) indivíduos homens. Os infectados procediam de área rural e manifestaram febre, cefaléia, vômito, icterícia, mialgia, oligúria e sinais hemorrágicos. A vigilância laboratorial foi o fator determinante para o diagnóstico do surto. Ao descrever os achados epidemiológicos e clínicos, este estudo subsidia o diagnóstico e a classificação da doença. Deduz-se uma relação do surto com desmatamentos e um potencial de risco regional para febre amarela devido o desenvolvimento turístico local.
Enteropatógenos relacionados à diarréia em pacientes HIV que fazem uso de terapia anti-retroviral
Authors: Pupulin Áurea Regina Telles , Carvalho Paula Galdino , Nishi Letícia , Nakamura Celso Vataru , Guilherme Ana Lucia Falavigna
Published: December 2009

A etiologia do processo diarréico na AIDS pode ser causada por vírus, bactérias, fungos, protozoários e helmintos, assim como pelo próprio HIV. Este trabalho avaliou enteropatogenos relacionados à diarréia em pacientes HIV que fazem uso de terapia anti-retroviral. Os métodos parasitológicos utilizados foram Faust, Hoffmann e Kinyoun. O isolamento e cultura dos fungos foram realizados conforme metodologia recomendada por NCCLS M27-A standard. A identificação das espécies de leveduras foi realizada através da reação em cadeia da polimerase. O isolamento de bactérias, foi feito em agar Mac Conkey e agar SS, a identificação das espécies através do Enterokit B (Probac do Brasil) e métodos bioquímicos. Foram avaliados 49 pacientes, 44,9% apresentaram enteroparasitas, 48,1% Candida sp com 61,5% Candida albicans, 7,6% Candida sp e 30,7% Candida não- albicans. Foram isoladas bactérias de 72% dos pacientes, 49% Escherichia coli, 13% Salmonella parathyphi, Klebsiella sp ou Proteus e 6% Citrobacter freundii ou Yersinia sp. Houve alta prevalência de Candida sp nos pacientes HIV com diarréia e foram isoladas espécies não albicans cuja presença pode ser entendida como cúmplice ou causa da infecção.
Prevalência das famílias TEM, SHV e CTX-M de β-lactamases de espectro estendido em Escherichia coli e Klebsiella spp no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Oliveira Caio Fernando de , Forno Nara Lucia Frazzon Dal , Alves Izabel Almeida , Horta Jorge André , Rieger Alexandre , Alves Sydney Hartz
Published: December 2009

Neste estudo estimou-se a distribuição e prevalência de β-lactamases de espectro estendido pertencentes às famílias TEM, SHV e CTX-M entre amostras de Escherichia coli e Klebsiella spp. no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. Durante 14 meses, 90 microrganismos foram selecionados como prováveis produtores de ESBL. Os isolados foram submetidos a testes fenotípicos confirmatórios para a presença de ESBL. A seguir, os tipos de ESBLs presentes em cada microrganismo foram determinados através da pesquisa dos respectivos genes através da reação em cadeia da polimerase. Empregando-se o método do disco combinado, a presença de ESBLs foi confirmada em 55 (61,1%) amostras; quando o método do duplo disco foi utilizado, 57 (63,3%) amostras foramprodutoras de ESBLs. Com base na PCR, as ESBLs do tipo TEM e SHV foram mais presentes em Klebsiella pneumoniae enquanto que ESBL do tipo CTX-M foram mais presentes em Klebsiella oxytoca.
Perfil dos acidentes ofídicos no norte do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Lima Juliano Santos , Martelli Júnior Hercílio , Martelli Daniella Reis Barbosa , Silva Marília Sarmento da , Carvalho Sílvio Fernando Guimarães de , Canela João dos Reis , Bonan Paulo Rogério Ferreti
Published: December 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes ofídicos da macrorregião de saúde do Norte do Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram analisadas informações sobre os acidentes ofídicos relativos ao período compreendido entre janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2006, por meio de bancos de dados. Os resultados demonstraram 10.553 casos notificados, com ênfase para a maior casuística em meses de tempo quente e chuvoso, em áreas urbanas (54,1%), faixa etária menor de 20 anos (39,7%), acometendo mais homens e estudantes (53,1% e 29,1%) respectivamente. Os membros inferiores (pé, dedo do pé, perna e coxa) foram os locais mais afetados (35,9%), as serpentes prevalentes foram do gênero Bothrops (82,9%) e a gravidade da maioria dos acidentes foi leve (66,2%). Observou-se nesse estudo um importante impacto da sazonalidade, urbanização, subnotificação das espécies envolvidas nesses acidentes e busca rápida pelo pronto atendimento. Espera-se que os dados inéditos da casuística obtida possam servir de substrato para o planejamento e execução de medidas voltadas para vigilância em saúde e atendimento.
Formigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) como vetores de bactérias em dois hospitais do município de Divinópolis, Estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Santos Paula Fernandes dos , Fonseca Alysson Rodrigo , Sanches Newton Moreno
Published: December 2009

A presença de formigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) em ambientes hospitalares pode constituir um problema de saúde pública, especialmente por serem vetores mecânicos de organismos patogênicos. O trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o levantamento de formigas e analisar a presença de bactérias a elas associadas em dois hospitais regionais de médio porte da cidade de Divinópolis, MG. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente, durante um período de seis meses. Foram coletadas formigas Pheidole sp1 e sp2, Linepithema humile, Wasmannia auropunctata, Camponotus sp1 e sp2, Odontomachus sp, Solenopsis sp, Acromyrmex sp e Tapinoma melenocephalum. Observou-se que estas transportavam mecanicamente Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus patogênico e não patogênico e Escherichia coli. Tais resultados evidenciam a propensão à ocorrência de infecções hospitalares nesses locais pela transmissão mecânica de agentes patogênicos por formigas.
Schistosomiasis mansoni of the bladder simulating bladder cancer: a case report
Authors: Casella Mário Luis , Fanni Victor Silvestre Soares , Verndl Douglas Otto , Basso Monique Camila , Mello Luiz Figueiredo , Glina Sidney
Published: December 2009

The relationship between bladder tumors and Schistosoma haematobium is well known, but only sporadic cases of bladder infection due to Schistosoma mansoni have been reported. In this case, a 48-year-old woman with macroscopic hematuria, dysuria and a palpable abdominal mass was investigated. Ultrasound showed a large exophytic mass in the bladder. Transurethral resection of the bladder revealed viable eggs of Schistosoma mansoni. The patient was treated clinically with oxamniquine and surgery was performed to resect the large mass. This case shows that schistosomiasis Mansoni in the bladder can simulate bladder cancer.
Genital schistosomiasis mansoni: tubal tumor and parietal peritoneum involvement diagnosed during laparoscopy
Authors: Lambertucci José Roberto , Villamil Quésia Tamara Mirante Ferreira , Savi Daniela , Dias Ilveu Cosme
Published: December 2009

Female genital schistosomiasis is not uncommon in endemic areas for schistosomiasis, but there are few reports in the Brazilian medical literature. Here, we describe the case of a 31-year-old woman with lower abdominal pain who was diagnosed as presenting a fallopian tube tumor caused by Manson's schistosomiasis. The diagnosis was delayed because her symptoms were considered nonspecific. Involvement of the parietal peritoneum of the ovarian fossa was observed during laparoscopy and confirmed by histological analysis. The left tube and the tumor were excised and schistosomiasis was treated with praziquantel. She presented a full recovery and options for future reproduction are under evaluation.
Endocardite infecciosa em câmaras direitas: discrepância entre evolução clínica e ecocardiográfica: relato de caso
Authors: Nascimento Bruno Ramos , Coelho Thaíssa Oliveira de Almeida A. , Costa Filho Lucas Rocha da , Pinto Filho Marcelo Martins , Cota Vitor Emanuel Serafim , Bicalho Renata de Carvalho , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz Pinho , Nunes Maria do Carmo Pereira
Published: December 2009

A endocardite infecciosa é uma patologia relativamente rara na prática clínica, e, apesar dos avanços em seu diagnóstico e tratamento, sua morbi-mortalidade ainda é significativa. Muitas vezes é difícil a identificação de suas complicações e a conduta frente a elas, ocorrendo com freqüência a dissociação entre a evolução clínica e os achados de exames complementares - principalmente ecocardiográficos. A decisão clínica torna-se ainda mais difícil frente às manifestações atípicas da doença, como a endocardite de câmaras direitas. Este é o relato de um caso raro de endocardite de câmaras direitas em uma paciente renal crônica, cuja piora dos achados ecocardiográficos se opunha à evolução clínica favorável. Esta situação pode suscitar dificuldade quanto aos critérios para indicação cirúrgica e a segurança do tratamento conservador.
Novo surto de leishmaniose tegumentar americana em área de treinamento militar na Zona da Mata norte do Estado de Pernambuco
Authors: Andrade Maria Sandra , Brito Maria Edileuza Felinto , Silva Salomão Thomaz da , Ishikawa Edna , Carvalho Silvia Maria Santos , Brandão-Filho Sinval Pinto
Published: December 2009

Relata-se novo surto de LTA em militares com 71 casos confirmados pelos critérios clínico, epidemiológico e laboratorial. Obteve-se o isolamento de sete amostras, identificadas como Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. A ocorrência de surtos nesta região confirma o caráter endêmico, cuja magnitude parece estar relacionada a não adoção de medidas de proteção individual.