bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal polar image sampling
Authors: Dinčić M. , Perić Z. , Jovanović A.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, a problem of efficient image sampling (deployment of image sensors) is considered. This problem is solved using techniques of two-dimensional quantization in polar coordinates, taking into account human visual system (HVS) and eye sensitivity function. The optimal radial compression function for polar quantization is derived. Optimization of the number of the phase levels for each amplitude level is done. Using optimal radial compression function and optimal number of phase levels for each amplitude level, optimal polar quantization is defined. Using deployment of quantization cells for the optimal polar quantization, deployment of image sensors is done, and therefore optimal polar image sampling is obtained. It is shown that our solution (the optimal polar sampling) has many advantages compared to presently used solutions, based on the log-polar sampling. The optimal polar sampling gives higher SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), compared to the log-polar sampling, for the same number of sensors. Also, the optimal polar sampling needs smaller number of sensors, to achieve the same SNR, compared to the log-polar sampling. Furthermore, with the optimal polar sampling, points in the image middle can be sampled, which is not valid for the log-polar sampling. This is very important since human eye is the most sensitive to these points, and therefore the optimal polar sampling gives better subjective quality.
A literature review on computational models for laminated composite and sandwich panels
Authors: Kreja Ireneusz
Published: March 2011

The present paper is devoted to a state-of-the-art review on the computational treatment of laminated composite and sandwich panels. Over two hundred texts have been included in the survey with the focus put on theoretical models for multilayered plates and shells, and FEM implementation of various computational concepts. As a result of the review, one could notice a lack of a single numerical model capable for a universal representation of all layered composite and sandwich panels. Usually, with the increase of the range of rotations considered in the particular model, one can observe the decrease of the degree of complexity of the through-the-thickness representation of deformation profiles.
Nesting Ecology, Interspecific Interaction and Nesting Association of Indian Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) Inhabiting the Arid Zone of Rajasthan
Authors: Soni K.C. , Sharma A.N. , Soni V.C.
Published: March 2011

The nesting ecology, interspecific interaction and nesting association of the Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa) were studied during the 2003-2006 breeding season in 400 km2 area in and around Churu city of Rajasthan, India. Total 28 nest sites of the Black ibis were located within the study area. Majority of the nest sites were located in the heart of rural and urban area and nearby feeding sites but in rainy season the Black ibis prefers to nest in outskirt of rural and urban area. Among 28 nest sites 14 (50%) nest sites were permanent in nature while 14 (50%) were temporary in nature. Among permanent 14 nest sites, 7 (50%) were found in rural area and 7 (50%) in urban area. The similar ratio was found for temporary nesting sites. The Black ibis more frequently preferred nest on tallest available tree with highest relative density, canopy cover and DBH at nest site. The average nest tree height was 8.19±SD1.39 m above ground. The nesting tree height was found to vary from 4.81 to 13.00 m. The nest position from the ground was at an average of 6.88±SD1.19 m. The nest height varied in the range of 3.84 to 11.02 m. The average canopy cover was 5.67±SD1.11 m. The canopy cover was in the range of 3.09 to 9.73 m. Average data on DBH was also observed with an average of 0.63±SD0.18 m. The DBH noted to vary in the range of 0.43 to 1.16 m. Trees selected to nest showed significant correlation between the height and canopy cover (0.872243, p=5%), and total heights of the trees and the nest heights (0.932416, p=1%). Characteristics such as tree height, canopy cover, and nest height of the trees used for nesting once or many times were observed. All observed nests of the ibis were found to locate on the third sub-branch of the trees. Nest placement on the sub-branch of the tree was found with an average of 2.85±SD 0.32 m from the end of the trunk. The numbers of flight pathways at each nest site were also counted and it was found with an average of 2.71±SD 0.7 and it varied in the range of 1 to 4. The Black Ibis nests singly, usually high in a tree such as a peepal or neem, nearly always occupying an old nest of a bird of prey, a vulture or a crow or a kite. Often the tree is very close to human habitation. Nests are often used annually in spite of nest failures due to harassment by House and Jungle Crows.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4307
Fertigation Effect of Distillery Effluent on Agronomical Practices of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fenugreek)
Authors: Kumar V. , Chopra A.K.
Published: March 2011

The present study was conducted to asses the fertigation effect of distillery effluent as agro-based biofertigant. Different fertigant doses of Distillery effluent (DE) such as 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% were used for fertigation of Trigonella foenum-graecum along with control bore well water (BWW). The study revealed that the fertigant, rich in plant nutrients, affected the agronomical characteristics of T. foenum-graecum (Pusa early bunching) and physico-chemical characteristics of the soil as well. On irrigation of soil with different effluents up to 90 days of harvesting, there was a significant effect on moisture content (P<0.01), EC, pH, Cl-, TOC, HCO3-, CO3-2, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, TKN, NO32-, PO43- and SO42- (P<0.001) and insignificant effect on WHC and bulk density (P>0.05). There was no significant change in the soil texture. Among various concentrations of DE, irrigation with 100% DE decreased pH (16.66%) and increased moisture content (30.82%), EC (84.13%), Cl- (292.37%), TOC (4311.61%), HCO3- (27.76%), CO3-2 (32.63%), Na+ (273%), K+ (31.59%), Ca2+ (729.76%), Mg2+ (740.47%), Fe2+ (301.90%), TKN (1723.32%), NO32- (98.02%), PO43- (337.79%) and SO42- (77.78%). The agronomical parameters such as shoot length, root length, number of roots, root nodule, number of leaves, flowers, pods, pod length, dry weight, chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI), crop yield and harvest index (HI) of T. foenum-graecum were recorded to be in increasing order at low concentrations of DE i.e., 5 to 50% and in decreasing order at high concentrations of DE i.e., 75 to 100% as compared to control. Stimulation was observed in seed emergence period and shoot length, root length, number of leaves and biomass with the increase in effluent concentration in early seedling growth period.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4312
Birds of Natural Wetlands of North-west Punjab, India
Authors: Bal R. , Dua A.
Published: March 2011

Bird community of four natural wetlands around Gurdaspur, Punjab, India has been studied from April 2006-March 2010. Though various conservation strategies are implemented in protected areas still network of unrecognized natural wetlands are ignored. The network of such natural sites is important biodiversity corridor that facilitates the movement of migratory birds. The present study is step towards the protection of these valuable habitats, namely Keshopur Miani Community Reserve, Magarmudian chammb, Shalla Pattan wetland and Kahnuwan Wetland.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4314
Fish Diversity of River Siyom of Arunachal Pradesh India: A Case Study
Authors: Bagra K. , Das D.N.
Published: March 2011

Arunachal Pradesh being rich in fishery resources biophysically, the status of the fish diversity is not known from all the water bodies. A case study was undertaken in the river Siyom (28°11′25′′-28°10′52′′N and 94°45′17′′-97°47′51′′E) of West Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh from 2002 to 2004 with the fragmentary work till 2007. For the purpose, sampling of fish was done from the river time to time using local contraption along with modern nets. A total of 44 species of fishes belongs to 9 families were identified. Fishes of family Cyprinidae were found to be dominant followed by Balitoridae. Some of the fish species were found very rare in the river, which may be due to various anthropogenic factors. Therefore, in addition to social restriction on community fishing some awareness measures need to be taken to prevent the destructive fishing activities in the river.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4324
Physico-Chemical Studies on Chimdi Lake of Sunsari District during its Restoration Stage
Authors: Surana R. , Subba B.R , Limbu K.P
Published: March 2011

Chimdi Lake was ecologically a valuable site but due to the exploitation, almost all parts of the Lake changed into a terrestrial habitat. The issues of lake conservation have been brought into light recently and the work for rehabilitation; protection and conservation have been initiated by local peoples. Water quality plays an important role in determining the biodiversity of any water body. Various physico-chemical parameters such as atmospheric temperature, water temperature, transparency, total solids, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, humidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, total alkalinity, acidity, total hardness, calcium hardness, calcium, magnesium and chloride were estimated on monthly basis from March 2004 to February 2005. Physico- chemical values revealed that the lake is a suitable site for the habitat of aquatic lives.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4337
Potential Impacts of Agriculture on Nepal Birds
Authors: Inskipp C. , Baral H.S.
Published: March 2011

This paper is a review of the potential impacts of agriculture on Nepal birds. It includes an overview of agriculture in Nepal and the changes that have taken place between the early 1950s and 2007. Agricultural development has been sluggish, and has failed to keep pace with population growth. In recent years the yields of major food crops in Nepal have been lower than other South Asian countries and Nepal is now dependent on food imports. Land holding size per family and field sizes have both decreased markedly during the period. If hill regions are considered independently, all cereal crops yields have stagnated in the last 30 years and gains in production that have been made, have been due to increases in area of cultivation, at the expense of natural habitats: forests, wetlands and grasslands. Crop productivity in the hills has declined due to land degradation. Of the 28% of Nepal land that is degraded, 10% is poorly managed sloping agriculture terraces. As yields and production of cereal crops have fallen, many farmers have shifted to growing cash crops, to meet the demands of the increasing urban population and encouraged by government agricultural policies. Cultivation area, production and yields of some cash crops have significantly increased since 1964/65. Nepal’s livestock population is one of the highest in Asia and nearly every rural household keeps domestic animals resulting in widespread and serious problems of livestock overgrazing. The importance of agricultural habitats for Nepal birds is reviewed: 21% of bird species recorded in Nepal utilizes agricultural habitats for foraging at some season. The many ecological benefits of birds to agriculture and the damage caused by birds to agriculture are described: the former far outweigh the latter. Changes in agricultural practices (including changes in crops and crop production, impacts of livestock overgrazing) are having major and far-reaching impacts on natural habitats - grasslands wetlands and forests and their bird species; these changes and impacts are detailed and analysed. The increasing use of pesticides in Nepal, which is especially high on vegetable cash crops, the serious impacts of pesticides on birds and the environment and alternatives to pesticides are reviewed. Fertilizer use in Nepal and the damaging impacts of fertilizer over-use on birds and the environment are also reviewed. Recommendations to improve farming methods for the benefit of the environment are given. These include government measures to promote organic agriculture; government measures to expand the System of Rice Intensification and to encourage further use of Effective Microorganisms, both of which have significant benefits for environment, birds and farmers; field surveys to monitor bird populations and bird distribution on agricultural lands, and outreach and awareness-raising for farmers to apply best practice for sustainable environmentally friendly farming.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4339
Conservation of Pollinator Resources in Botanic Gardens
Authors: Bhattacharya A.
Published: March 2011

This review presents the recent problems and future prospects of plant and pollinator resources in botanic gardens in the context of the role of botanic gardens for biodiversity conservation. Various anthropogenic disturbances, habitat and forage crisis, sound and light pollution, pesticide misuse, ignorance of plant-pollinator interactions in the botanic gardens are the primary concerns responsible for decline of plant and pollinator resources in botanic gardens. Several alternative procedures are to be followed have been discussed to overcome the problems for effective biodiversity conservation in botanic gardens.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4341
Checklist of Molluscs in Nallavadu Lagoon, Puducherry, India
Authors: Padmavathy A. , Anbarashan M.
Published: March 2011

The molluscs constitute a natural resource of sizable magnitude in many parts of the world. They are an age old group represented among the early fossils, a group of great diversity in size, distribution, habitat and utility. This paper presents checklist of molluscs from Nallavadu Lagoon, Puducherry, India. A total of 15 molluscs, nine species of Gastropods (6 families) and 6 species of Bivalves (4 families) were recorded.DOI: 10.3126/on.v8i1.4343
Uniquely Human: The Ethics of the Imago Dei in Genesis 1–11
Authors: Schuele Andreas
Published: March 2011

Abstract:

Wentzel van Huyssteen proposes an intriguing reinterpretation of the biblical symbol of the imago Dei, according to which the purpose of humankind as created in the image of God is “to set forth the presence of God in this world.” It is not one particular aspect of human life that is associated with the imago Dei, such as rationality and reason; rather, van Huyssteen invites us to consider the complexity of human life in its evolutionary, biological, social, and ethical dimensions as an expression of the imago Dei. This article explores how his ideas resonate with a historical-critical reading of the pertinent passages in Genesis 1–11. It has often been overlooked that the imago Dei in primeval history is deeply embedded in the priestly account of how life—human and other—is created and how it unfolds. As such, the imago Dei appears in contexts that describe the relationships between humans and animals, men and women, parents and children, and, in a general ethical sense, between neighbours. Humans are called images of God because they are capable of creating, shaping, and changing the networks of relation that connect them with each other and with the rest of creation. It is in these networks that humans fill the world with the kind of life that sets forth divine presence in the world.
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a review
Authors: Saetia Kriangsak , Cho Dosang , Lee Sangkook , Kim Daniel H. , Kim Sang Don
Published: March 2011

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is most commonly found in men, the elderly, and Asian patients. There are many diseases associated with OPLL, such as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other spondyloarthropathies. Several factors have been reported to be associated with OPLL formation and progression, including genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors. However, the pathogenesis of OPLL is still unclear. Most symptomatic patients with OPLL present with neurological deficits such as myelopathy, radiculopathy, and/or bowel and bladder symptoms. There are some reports of asymptomatic OPLL. Both static and dynamic factors are related to the development of myelopathy. Plain radiography, CT, and MR imaging are used to evaluate OPLL extension and the area of spinal cord compression. Management of OPLL continues to be controversial. Each surgical technique has some advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of operation should be made case by case, depending on the patient's condition, level of pathology, type of OPLL, and the surgeon's experience. In this paper, the authors attempt to review the incidence, pathology, pathogenesis, natural history, clinical presentation, classification, radiological evaluation, and management of OPLL.
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine: an 11-year comprehensive national epidemiology study
Authors: Wu Jau-Ching , Liu Laura , Chen Yu-Chun , Huang Wen-Cheng , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Cheng Henrich
Published: March 2011

Object

This study aimed to calculate the incidence and prevalence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the cervical spine with its comorbid disability.

Methods

Using an 11-year nationwide database in Taiwan (National Health Insurance Research Database), this retrospective study cohort analyzed the incidences of cervical OPLL causing hospitalization. All patients admitted for the diagnosis of OPLL, regardless of surgery, were identified. Age- and sex-specific incidences, Poisson regression, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted.

Results

Between 1997 and 2007 covering 241,800,725.8 person-years, 1651 patients were admitted for OPLL. The overall incidence of OPLL-related admission was 6.1 per 1 million person-years. Specifically, male sex and older age were associated with higher OPLL incidences (both p < 0.001). Among the 1651 OPLL patients, 542 (32.8%) received conservative management, 612 (37.1%) had anterior only surgery, 353 (21.4%) had posterior only surgery, and 144 (8.7%) had anterior and posterior surgery. Eighty-five patients were moderately to severely disabled (5.2% cumulative incidence rate). The incidences of disability varied by age, in a decreasing trend, except for the 60- to 69-year-old age group (p = 0.05). Patients who received posterior-only surgery were more likely to have disability.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of the Chinese population, the incidence of cervical OPLL-related admission is 6.1 per 1 million person-years, and the prevalence rate is 7.7 per 100,000 person-years. Higher incidences are observed in elderly and male patients, which implies the disease's degenerative nature. After adjustments for demographics, the incidences and trends of OPLL-related comorbid disability are associated with age and surgical approaches.
Management of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the thoracic spine
Authors: McClendon Jamal , Sugrue Patrick A. , Ganju Aruna , Koski Tyler R. , Liu John C.
Published: March 2011

The management of thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament has been studied by many spinal surgeons. Indications for operative intervention include progressive radiculopathy, myelopathy, and neurological deterioration. The ideal surgery for decompression remains highly debatable as various methods of surgical treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament have been devised. Although numerous modifications to the 3 main approaches have been identified (anterior, posterior, or lateral), the indication for each depends on the nature of compression, the morphology of the lesion, the level of the compression, the structural alignment of the spine, and the neurological status of the patient. The authors discuss treatment techniques for thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, cite case examples from a single institution, and review the literature.
A rare case of psammomatoid ossifying fibroma in the sphenoid bone reconstructed using autologous particulate exchange cranioplasty
Authors: Kasliwal Manish K. , Rogers Gary F. , Ramkissoon Shakti , Moses-Gardner Alexander , Kurek Kyle C. , Smith Edward R.
Published: March 2011

Psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (POF), a variant of ossifying fibroma, is a benign fibroosseous lesion typically arising within the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and orbit. Cranial vault involvement is exceedingly rare, with very few cases reported in the literature. The authors report a case of POF in the neurocranium of an 11-year-old child, 4 years after chemotherapy and radiation therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This case is reported in view of its rarity, novelty of presentation, and the difficulty in diagnosis due to its radiological resemblance to aneurysmal bone cyst or monostotic cystic fibrous dysplasia, further aggravated by the clinical scenario. A novel technique of cranial reconstruction called autologous particulate exchange cranioplasty was used following tumor excision.
Missile injury to the pediatric brain in conflict zones
Authors: Wani Abrar A. , Ramzan Altaf U. , Malik Nayil K. , Qayoom Abdul , Nizami Furqan A. , Kirmani Altaf R. , Wani M. Afzal
Published: March 2011

Object

This study was conducted both prospectively and retrospectively at one center over a period of 8 years. The population consisted of all patients with both an age 18 years or younger and a diagnosed penetrating missile injury (PMI) during the study interval. The authors analyzed factors determining outcome and demographic trends in this population, and they compared them with those in the more developed world

Methods

Fifty-one patients were the victims of armed conflict, although no one was directly a party to any battle. This mechanism of injury is in strong opposition to data in the literature from developed countries, in which most missile injuries are the result of suicide or homicide or are even sports related. Moreover, all previous studies on the pediatric population have considered only injuries from gunshots, but authors of the current study have included injuries from other penetrating missiles as well.

Results

On cross tabulation analysis using the chi-square test, the factors shown to correlate with outcome included the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, pupillary abnormalities, patient age, hemodynamic status, and bihemispheric damage. On multinomial regression analysis, the two strongest predictors of death were GCS score and pupillary abnormalities. The GCS score and hemodynamic status were the strongest predictors of disability.

Conclusions

There was no difference in the prognostic factors for PMI between developing or more developed countries. Glasgow Coma Scale score, pupillary abnormalities, and hemodynamic status were the strongest predictors of outcome. In conflict zones in developing countries the victims were mostly innocent bystanders, whereas in the more developed countries homicides and suicides were the leading etiological factors.
Institutional experience with 500 cases of surgically treated pediatric Chiari malformation Type I
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Beckman Joshua , Naftel Robert P. , Chern Joshua J. , Wellons John C. , Rozzelle Curtis J. , Blount Jeffrey P. , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: March 2011

Object

The diagnosis and treatment of Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) has evolved over the last few decades. The authors present their surgical experience of over 2 decades of treating children with this form of hindbrain herniation.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of their institutional experience with the surgical treatment of the pediatric CM-I from 1989 to 2010.

Results

The 2 most common presentations were headache/neck pain (40%) and scoliosis (18%). Common associated diagnoses included neurofibromatosis Type 1 (5%) and idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (4.2%). Spine anomalies included scoliosis (18%), retroversion of the odontoid process (24%), Klippel-Feil anomaly (3%), and atlantooccipital fusion (8%). Approximately 3% of patients had a known family member with CM-I. Hydrocephalus was present in 48 patients (9.6%). Syringomyelia was present in 285 patients (57%), and at operation, 12% of patients with syringomyelia were found to have an arachnoid veil occluding the fourth ventricular outlet. Fifteen patients (3%) have undergone reoperation for continued symptoms or persistent large syringomyelia. The most likely symptoms and signs to resolve following surgery were Valsalva-induced headache and syringomyelia. The average hospital stay and “return to school” time were 3 and 12 days, respectively. The follow-up for this group ranged from 2 months to 15 years (mean 5 years). Complications occurred in 2.4% of cases; there was no mortality. No patient required acute return to the operating room, and no blood transfusions were performed.

Conclusions

The authors believe this to be the largest reported series of surgically treated pediatric CM-I patients and hope that their experience will be of use to others who treat this surgical entity.
The origin of the cannula for ventriculostomy in pediatric hydrocephalus
Authors: Missori Paolo , Paolini Sergio , Domenicucci Maurizio
Published: March 2011

Medical and surgical texts from the 16th to the 18th centuries document the origin of the cannula for ventriculostomy in pediatric hydrocephalus. Fabrizio d'Acquapendente was the first physician to report external ventriculostomy through the insertion of a silver cannula with a stopper. More than 100 years later, extended use of the trocar by urologists allowed Claude-Nicolas Le Cat to perform an external ventriculostomy with a trocar and a bung.
Conservative management of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Pham Martin H. , Attenello Frank J. , Lucas Joshua , He Shuhan , Stapleton Christopher J. , Hsieh Patrick C.
Published: March 2011

Object

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can result in significant myelopathy. Surgical treatment for OPLL has been extensively documented in the literature, but less data exist on conservative management of this condition.

Methods

The authors conducted a systematic review to identify all reported cases of OPLL that were conservatively managed without surgery.

Results

The review yielded 11 published studies reporting on a total of 480 patients (range per study 1–359 patients) over a mean follow-up period of 14.6 years (range 0.4–26 years). Of these 480 patients, 348 (72.5%) were without myelopathy on initial presentation, whereas 76 patients (15.8%) had signs of myelopathy; in 56 cases (15.8%), the presence of myelopathy was not specified. The mean aggregate Japanese Orthopaedic Association score on presentation for 111 patients was 15.3. Data available for 330 patients who initially presented without myelopathy showed progression to myelopathy in 55 (16.7%), whereas the other 275 (83.3%) remained progression free. In the 76 patients presenting with myelopathy, 37 (48.7%) showed clinical progression, whereas 39 (51.5%) remained clinically unchanged or improved.

Conclusions

Patients who present without myelopathy have a high chance of remaining progression free. Those who already have signs of myelopathy at presentation may benefit from surgery due to a higher rate of progression over continued follow-up.
Approach-related complications after decompression for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Cardoso Mario J. , Koski Tyler R. , Ganju Aruna , Liu John C.
Published: March 2011

The surgical management of compressive cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can be challenging. Traditionally, approach indications for decompression of cervical spondylotic myelopathy have been used. However, the postoperative complication profile after cervical OPLL decompression is unique and may require an alternative approach paradigm. The authors review the literature on approach-related OPLL complications and suggest a management strategy for patients with single- or multiple-segment OPLL with or without greater than 50% canal stenosis.
Laminoplasty outcomes: is there a difference between patients with degenerative stenosis and those with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament?
Authors: Meyer Scott A. , Wu Jau-Ching , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: March 2011

Object

Two common causes of cervical myelopathy include degenerative stenosis and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). It has been postulated that patients with OPLL have more complications and worse outcomes than those with degenerative stenosis. The authors sought to compare the surgical results of laminoplasty in the treatment of cervical stenosis with myelopathy due to either degenerative changes or segmental OPLL.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 40 instrumented laminoplasty cases performed at a single institution over a 4-year period to treat cervical myelopathy without kyphosis. Twelve of these patients had degenerative cervical stenotic myelopathy ([CSM]; degenerative group), and the remaining 28 had segmental OPLL (OPLL group). The 2 groups had statistically similar demographic characteristics and number of treated levels (mean 3.9 surgically treated levels; p > 0.05). The authors collected perioperative and follow-up data, including radiographic results.

Results

The overall clinical follow-up rate was 88%, and the mean clinical follow-up duration was 16.4 months. The mean radiographic follow-up rate was 83%, and the mean length of radiographic follow-up was 9.3 months. There were no significant differences in the estimated blood loss (EBL) or length of hospital stay (LOS) between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean EBL and LOS for the degenerative group were 206 ml and 3.7 days, respectively. The mean EBL and LOS for the OPLL group were 155 ml and 4 days, respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement of more than one grade in the Nurick score for both groups following surgery (p < 0.05). The Nurick score improvement was not statistically different between the groups (p > 0.05). The visual analog scale (VAS) neck pain scores were similar between groups pre- and postoperatively (p > 0.05). The complication rates were not statistically different between groups either (p > 0.05). Radiographically, both groups lost extension range of motion (ROM) following laminoplasty, but this change was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with CSM due to either degenerative disease or segmental OPLL have similar perioperative results and neurological outcomes with laminoplasty. The VAS neck pain scores did not improve significantly with laminoplasty for either group. Laminoplasty may limit extension ROM.
Contrast Induced Nephropathy and Gender Variation
Authors: Siddique Md Abu , Subedi Bikash , Arzu Jahanara , Ahmed Quazi Arif , Awal Anisul , Sarker Dilip Kumar , Islam Md Sirajul , Rahman Md Mukhlesur , Ahmed Md Khursed , Fatema Nilufar , Sultan Md Ashraf Uddin , Zaman SM Mustafa , Hoque Md Harisul
Published: March 2011

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a recognized complication after percutaneous interventions (PCI). We sought to determine the impact of gender on incidence of CIN. Of a total 200 patients who underwent PCI, there were 33 (16.5%) who developed CIN (defined as > 25% rise in creatinine after PCI). CIN was present in 23.6% of female versus 17.4% of male patients (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that female gender (p < 0.0001), pre-PCI chronic renal failure (CRF) (OR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.53a€"2.10, p < 0.0001), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.5, 95%, p < 0.0001), age (OR = 1.01, p < 0.0001), and hypertension (OR = 1.2, p = 0.0035) were independent predictors of CIN. By multivariate analysis only baseline CRF, diabetes, age, functional NYHA IV class were identified as independent risk factor for CIN. Female gender is an independent predictor of CIN development. Key words: Contrast-induced nephropathy; Percutaneous interventions; Serum Creatinine. DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i1.7184University Heart Journal Vol.6(1) 2010 pp.18-20
A Proposal for CO2 Abatement in Urban Areas: The UDR1–Lethe© Turbo-Hybrid Vehicle
Authors: Capata Roberto , Coccia Antonio , Lora Max
Published: March 2011

For years the interest of the University of Roma 1 (UDR1) research group has been focused on the development of a Hybrid Series vehicle (called Lethe©), different from standard ones, thanks to the use of a Gas Turbine (GT) set as a thermal engine. The reason for this choice resides in the opportunity to reduce weight and dimensions, in comparison to a traditional Internal Combustion Engine. It’s currently not possible to use the GT engine set directly for the vehicle traction, so the UDR1 HS configuration only shows the GT set connected with the electric generator. The result is that the traction is purely electric. The resulting engine configuration is commonly described as a Hybrid Series Plug In. Several previous studies have been carried out, and this research has allowed us to define the correct ratio (Degree of Hybridization) between the installed power of the battery pack and that of the GT electric generator which simultaneously guarantee the main life for the battery package and the capacity of the vehicle to complete a common mission without lack of energy or stopping. This article reports the final step of the research: once all data has been calculated, how to “hybridize” a commercial city car, passenger sedan or any other vehicle.
Rights to Land, Forests and Carbon in REDD+: Insights from Mexico, Brazil and Costa Rica
Authors: Corbera Esteve , Estrada Manuel , May Peter , Navarro Guillermo , Pacheco Pablo
Published: March 2011

Land tenure and carbon rights constitute critical issues to take into account in achieving emission reductions, ensuring transparent benefit sharing and determining non-permanence (or non-compliance) liabilities in the context of REDD+ strategies and projects. This is so because tenure systems influence who becomes involved in efforts to avoid deforestation and improve forest management, and that land tenure, carbon rights and liabilities may be linked or divorced with implications for rural development. This paper explores these issues by looking at tenure regimes and carbon rights issues in Mexico, Brazil and Costa Rica. It is effectively shown that complex bundles of rights over forest resources have distinct implications for REDD+ design and implementation, and that REDD+ strategies in selected countries have to date failed in procedurally addressing land-use conflicts and carbon rights entitlements and liabilities.
Control of Advanced Cancer: The Road to Chronicity
Authors: Lage Agustin , Crombet Tania
Published: March 2011

Despite the recent trend toward a slight decrease in age-adjusted cancer mortality in some countries, crude mortality rates will continue to increase, driven by the demographic shift towards an aged population. Small molecules (small molecules and biologics) are not only a new therapeutic acquisition, but the tools of a more fundamental transition: the transformation of cancer from a rapidly fatal disease into a chronic condition. Antibodies and cancer vaccines can be used for a long time, even beyond progressive disease, and in aged patients, usually unfit for more aggressive conventional treatments. However, this transition to chronicity will require novel developmental guidelines adequate to this kind of drugs, for which optimal dose is not usually the maximal tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics does not define treatment schedule, and tumor shrinkage is not a good correlate of survival. The ongoing cancer immunotherapy program (including several monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic vaccines) at the Centre of Molecular Immunology can illustrate the issues to be addressed, both biological and social, along the path to transform advanced cancer into a chronic non-communicable disease compatible with years of quality life.
A Simple and Practical Solvent-Free Preparation of Polymaleimide
Authors: Zhang Xing-Rong , Tang Bing-Tao , Zhang Shu-Fen
Published: March 2011

Polymaleimide (PMAI) was synthesized by reacting polymaleic anhydride (PMA) with urea via a solvent-free reaction at 180 °C. The conversion of PMA could reach 95%. This method is simple, practical and environmentally-friendly. The structure of the resulting PMAI was characterized by 1H-NMR and IR.
Drug Resistance Modulation in Staphylococcus Aureus, a New Biological Activity for Mesoionic Hydrochloride Compounds
Authors: Soares de Oliveira Cledualdo , Dos Santos Falcão-Silva Vivyanne , Siqueira-Júnior José Pinto , Harding David Peter , Lira Bruno Freitas , Lorenzo Jorge Gonçalo Fernandes , Barbosa-Filho José Maria , Filgueiras de Athayde-Filho Petrônio
Published: March 2011

Two salts of the mesoionic compounds 1,4-diphenyl-5-(5-nitro-2-furanyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazolium-2-thiol chloride (MC-1) and 4-phenyl-5-(5-nitro-2-furanyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazolium-2-phenylamine chloride (MC-2) were synthesized utilizing 1,4-diphenyl-thiosemicarbazide and 5-nitro-2-furoyl chloride as starting materials. Their structures were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and elemental analysis. These compounds were analyzed for their influence on the effectiveness of norfloxacin, tetracycline, and erythromycin (standard antibiotics) against resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. MC-1 and MC-2, at sub-inhibitory concentrations of 16 μg/mL, favourably modulated the antibiotic activity of tetracycline by 16- and 32-fold, respectively (MIC), and that of erythromycin by 4-fold.
Potent Anti-Platelet Constituents from Centaurea iberica
Authors: Khan Amna Nisar , Fatima Itrat , Khaliq Urooj Abdul , Malik Abdul , Miana Ghulam Abbas , Qureshi Zia-ur-Rehman , Rasheed Huma
Published: March 2011

New naturally occurring nitrogenous compounds 1 and 2, along with a new dimeric lignan glucoside 3, have been isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Centaurea iberica. Their structures have been elucidated through spectroscopic techniques. All the isolated compounds showed significant platelet aggregation inhibition.
Perceived Barriers to Application of Glycaemic Index: Valid Concerns or Lost in Translation?
Authors: Grant Shannan M. , Wolever Thomas M. S.
Published: March 2011

The term glycaemic-index (GI) originally appeared in the literature in the early 1980s. GI categorizes carbohydrate according to glycaemic effect postprandially. Since its inception, GI has obtained and maintained interest of academics and clinicians globally. Upon review of GI literature, it becomes clear that the clinical utility of GI is a source of controversy. Can and should GI be applied clinically? There are academics and clinicians on both sides of the argument. Certainly, this controversy has been a stimulus for the evolution of GI methodology and application research, but may also negatively impact clinicians’ perception of GI if misunderstood. This article reviews two assessments of GI that are often listed as barriers to application; the GI concept is (1) too complex and (2) too difficult for clients to apply. The literature reviewed does not support the majority of purported barriers, but does indicate that there is a call from clinicians for more and improved GI education tools and clinician GI education. The literature indicates that the Registered Dietitian (RD) can play a key role in GI knowledge translation; from research to application. Research is warranted to assess GI education tool and knowledge needs of clinicians and the clients they serve.
Biopolymers for Hard and Soft Engineered Tissues: Application in Odontoiatric and Plastic Surgery Field
Authors: Bressan Eriberto , Favero Vittorio , Gardin Chiara , Ferroni Letizia , Iacobellis Laura , Favero Lorenzo , Vindigni Vincenzo , Berengo Mario , Sivolella Stefano , Zavan Barbara
Published: March 2011

The goal of modern dentistry and plastic surgery is to restore the patient to normal function, health and aesthetics, regardless of the disease or injury to the stomatognathic and cutaneous system respectively. In recent years tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have yielded many novel tissue replacements and implementation strategies. Scientific advances in biomaterials, stem cell isolation, growth and differentiation factors and biomimetic environments have created unique opportunities to fabricate tissues in the laboratory. Repairing of bone and skin is likely to become of clinical interest when three dimensional tissue reconstructive procedures and the appropriate supporting biomimetic materials are correctly assembled. In the present review, we provide an overview of the most promising biopolymers that may find clinical application in dento-maxillo-facial and plastic surgery.
The Challenge of Synthesizing Oligomers for Molecular Wires
Authors: Søndergaard Roar , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: March 2011

Controlling the size of the oligomer and introducing functional groups at the ends of the oligomer that allow it to react with separate electrodes are critical issues when preparing materials for molecular wires. We demonstrate a general synthetic approach to oligophenylenevinylene (OPV) derivative molecules with a molecular length up to 9–10 nm which allow for the introduction of aromatic thioacetate functionality in fully conjugated oligomer systems. Oligomers containing 3–15 phenyl units were synthesized by step wise Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) reactions of a bifunctional OPV-monomer, which demonstrated good control of the size of the OPVs. Workup after each reaction step ensures a high purity of the final products. End group functionalization was introduced as a last step.
Laser Chemosensor with Rapid Responsivity and Inherent Memory Based on a Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity
Authors: Wang Yue , McKeown Neil B. , Msayib Kadhum J. , Turnbull Graham A. , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: March 2011

This work explores the use of a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) as the active layer within a laser sensor to detect nitroaromatic-based explosive vapors. We show successful detection of dinitrobenzene (DNB) by monitoring the real-time photoluminescence. We also show that PIM-1 has an inherent memory, so that it accumulates the analyte during exposure. In addition, the optical gain and refractive index of the polymer were studied by amplified spontaneous emission and variable-angle ellipsometry, respectively. A second-order distributed feedback PIM-1 laser sensor was fabricated and found to show an increase in laser threshold of 2.5 times and a reduction of the laser slope efficiency by 4.4 times after a 5-min exposure to the DNB vapor. For pumping at 2 times threshold, the lasing action was stopped within 30 s indicating that PIM-1 has a very fast responsivity and as such has a potential sensing ability for ultra-low-concentration explosives.
W-MAC: A Workload-Aware MAC Protocol for Heterogeneous Convergecast in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xia Ming , Dong Yabo , Lu Dongming
Published: March 2011

The power consumption and latency of existing MAC protocols for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are high in heterogeneous convergecast, where each sensor node generates different amounts of data in one convergecast operation. To solve this problem, we present W-MAC, a workload-aware MAC protocol for heterogeneous convergecast in WSNs. A subtree-based iterative cascading scheduling mechanism and a workload-aware time slice allocation mechanism are proposed to minimize the power consumption of nodes, while offering a low data latency. In addition, an efficient schedule adjustment mechanism is provided for adapting to data traffic variation and network topology change. Analytical and simulation results show that the proposed protocol provides a significant energy saving and latency reduction in heterogeneous convergecast, and can effectively support data aggregation to further improve the performance.
User Identification Using Gait Patterns on UbiFloorII
Authors: Yun Jaeseok
Published: March 2011

This paper presents a system of identifying individuals by their gait patterns. We take into account various distinguishable features that can be extracted from a user’s gait and then divide them into two classes: walking pattern and stepping pattern. The conditions we assume are that our target environments are domestic areas, the number of users is smaller than 10, and all users ambulate with bare feet considering the everyday lifestyle of the Korean home. Under these conditions, we have developed a system that identifies individuals’ gait patterns using our biometric sensor, UbiFloorII. We have created UbiFloorII to collect walking samples and created software modules to extract the user’s gait pattern. To identify the users based on the gait patterns extracted from walking samples over UbiFloorII, we have deployed multilayer perceptron network, a feedforward artificial neural network model. The results show that both walking pattern and stepping pattern extracted from users’ gait over the UbiFloorII are distinguishable enough to identify the users and that fusing two classifiers at the matching score level improves the recognition accuracy. Therefore, our proposed system may provide unobtrusive and automatic user identification methods in ubiquitous computing environments, particularly in domestic areas.
Wireless Remote Weather Monitoring System Based on MEMS Technologies
Authors: Ma Rong-Hua , Wang Yu-Hsiang , Lee Chia-Yen
Published: March 2011

This study proposes a wireless remote weather monitoring system based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and wireless sensor network (WSN) technologies comprising sensors for the measurement of temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed and direction, integrated on a single chip. The sensing signals are transmitted between the Octopus II-A sensor nodes using WSN technology, following amplification and analog/digital conversion (ADC). Experimental results show that the resistance of the micro temperature sensor increases linearly with input temperature, with an average TCR (temperature coefficient of resistance) value of 8.2 × 10−4 (°C−1). The resistance of the pressure sensor also increases linearly with air pressure, with an average sensitivity value of 3.5 × 10−2 (Ω/kPa). The sensitivity to humidity increases with ambient temperature due to the effect of temperature on the dielectric constant, which was determined to be 16.9, 21.4, 27.0, and 38.2 (pF/%RH) at 27 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, and 50 °C, respectively. The velocity of airflow is obtained by summing the variations in resistor response as airflow passed over the sensors providing sensitivity of 4.2 × 10−2, 9.2 × 10−2, 9.7 × 10−2 (Ω/ms−1) with power consumption by the heating resistor of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 W, respectively. The passage of air across the surface of the flow sensors prompts variations in temperature among each of the sensing resistors. Evaluating these variations in resistance caused by the temperature change enables the measurement of wind direction.
Subtractive Inhibition Assay for the Detection of E. coli O157:H7 Using Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Wang Yixian , Ye Zunzhong , Si Chengyan , Ying Yibin
Published: March 2011

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) immunosensor was developed for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 by means of a new subtractive inhibition assay. In the subtractive inhibition assay, E. coli O157:H7 cells and goat polyclonal antibodies for E. coli O157:H7 were incubated for a short of time, and then the E. coli O157:H7 cells which bound antibodies were removed by a stepwise centrifugation process. The remaining free unbound antibodies were detected through interaction with rabbit anti-goat IgG polyclonal antibodies immobilized on the sensor chip using a BIAcore 3000 biosensor. The results showed that the signal was inversely correlated with the concentration of E. coli O157:H7 cells in a range from 3.0 × 104 to 3.0 × 108 cfu/mL with a detection limit of 3.0 × 104 cfu/mL. Compared with direct SPR by immobilizing antibodies on the chip surface to capture the bacterial cells and ELISA for E. coli O157:H7 (detection limit: both 3.0 × 105 cfu/mL in this paper), the detection limit of subtractive inhibition assay method was reduced by one order of magnitude. The method simplifies bacterial cell detection to protein-protein interaction, which has the potential for providing a practical alternative for the monitoring of E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogens.