bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substitution of Hainan indigenous genetic lineage in the Utsat people, exiles of the Champa kingdom
Authors: LI Dong‐Na , WANG Chuan‐Chao , YANG Kun , QIN Zhen‐Dong , LU Yan , LIN Xue‐Jing , LI Hui ,   the Genographic Consortium
Published: January 2013

The Utsat people do not belong to one of the recognized ethnic groups in Hainan, China. Some historical literature and linguistic classification confirm a close cultural relationship between the Utsat and Cham people; however, the genetic relationship between these two populations is not known. In the present study, we typed paternal Y chromosome and maternal mitochondrial (mt) DNA markers in 102 Utsat people to gain a better understanding of the genetic history of this population. High frequencies of the Y chromosome haplogroup O1a*‐M119 and mtDNA lineages D4, F2a, F1b, F1a1, B5a, M8a, M*, D5, and B4a exhibit a pattern similar to that seen in neighboring indigenous populations. Cluster analyses (principal component analyses and networks) of the Utsat, Cham, and other ethnic groups in East Asia indicate that the Utsat are much closer to the Hainan indigenous ethnic groups than to the Cham and other mainland southeast Asian populations. These findings suggest that the origins of the Utsat likely involved massive assimilation of indigenous ethnic groups. During the assimilation process, the language of Utsat has been structurally changed to a tonal language; however, their Islamic beliefs may have helped to keep their culture and self‐identification.
Increased seed set in down slope‐facing flowers of Lilium duchartrei
Authors: SUN Shi‐Guo , YAO Chi‐Yuan
Published: January 2013

Flower orientation has been considered one aspect of floral attraction. Plants growing on slopes should orientate their flowers facing down slope towards greater open space to enhance reproduction by attracting more pollinators. Flower angle and floral symmetry may affect this pattern; for example, this trend would be overshadowed in vertical/pendent flowers with radial symmetry because the flowers can attract pollinators and provide landing platforms from many directions. We investigated this hypothesis in Lilium duchartrei, a herb with pendent and actinomorphic flowers, in the Hengduan Mountains region of China by measuring flower direction for individuals growing on flat ground and on slopes. We also changed flower direction from facing down to up slope to test the effects on pollinator visitation frequency and subsequent plant reproduction. Plants growing on flat ground orientate their flowers equally towards the four geomagnetic directions, whereas the flowers on individuals growing on slopes preferentially face down slope. This pattern was more pronounced for individuals growing on steeper slopes. There was a positive correlation between slope angle and the seed set of flowers facing down slope (control), but a negative correlation between seed set and flowers facing up slope. The visitation frequency also tended to be higher for control flowers on steeper slopes and lower for those flowers changed to face up slope. Unexpectedly, floral direction was not affected by flower angle or floral symmetry. The results suggest that a down slope orientation of flowers could function to improve pollination in heterogeneous pollination environments.
Genetic evidence for the multiple origins of Pinghua Chinese
Authors: LU Yan , PAN Shang‐Ling , QIN Shu‐Ming , QIN Zheng‐Dong , WANG Chuan‐Chao , GAN Rui‐Jing , LI Hui ,   the Genographic Consortium
Published: January 2013

Linguistics and genetics always reach similar results in phylogenetic studies of human populations. A previous study found that populations speaking Han Chinese dialects have closer genetic relationships to each other than to neighboring ethnic groups. However, the Pinghua Chinese population from Guangxi is an exception. We have reported that northern Pinghua people are genetically related to populations speaking Daic languages. In this study, we further studied the southern Pinghua population. The Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA haplogroup components and network analysis indicated that northern and southern Pinghua populations were genetically different. Therefore, we concluded that the Pinghua speakers may have various origins, even though Pinghua dialects are similar. Pinghua dialects might have originated when the Daic or Hmongic speakers from different regions learnt to speak the same Chinese dialect hundreds of years ago. Speakers of one language do not always have just one origin.
Pollen dispersal in a mountainous area based on pollen analysis of four natural trap types from Lugu Lake, southwest China
Authors: LI Su‐Ping , HU Ya‐Qin , FERGUSON David Kay , YAO Jian‐Xin , LI Cheng‐Sen
Published: January 2013

Palynological analysis of 24 samples from four types of natural pollen traps (Lugu Lake bottom sediments, surface soil, bark samples, and moss cushions) in four sites at different altitudes from the Lugu Lake area, southwest China, has been undertaken to investigate pollen dispersal and deposition in a mountainous area and assist with the interpretation of fossil pollen analysis. Detailed comparisons between the palynological assemblage and the modern vegetation in the Lugu Lake region have been carried out. Preliminary interpretations of the correlation between pollen assemblage and vegetation at the different vertical vegetational zones can be recognized by the percentages of the main taxa, and most of the pollen taxa except Pinus are expected to be underrepresented. Exotic pollen grains can be transported over mountains more than 70 km away by wind. Upslope or downslope transport of pollen grains is crucial when reconstructing palaeoclimate in mountainous areas. We summarize the altitudinal distributions of modern woody plants whose pollen grains are present at three sites, and reveal that pollen grains are more readily carried uphill than downhill. These findings have important implications regarding the reconstruction of vegetation in mountainous regions and the interpretion of palaeoelevations.
Why do I treat HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients with nucleos(t)ide analogues?
Authors: Papatheodoridis George V.
Published: January 2013

Products that are currently used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B include interferon‐alpha (IFNa: standard or pegylated) (PEG‐IFNa) and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). NAs are used in most HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients for several reasons. They can be prescribed to all chronic HBV patients, even those with contraindications to IFNa; and even IFNa candidates are usually treated with NAs because of their advantages. Administration of NAs is easier (one oral tablet per day compared with subcutaneous IFNa injections), tolerance is excellent and the safety profile is good, whereas IFNa may have adverse events and often worsens the patients’ quality of life. The current first‐line NA options, entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir (TDV), have minimal or no risk of long‐term resistance and a virological response is achieved in almost 100% of adherent HBeAg‐negative patients, thus modifying the long‐term outcome. The need for long‐term, perhaps indefinite, treatment is the main limitation of NAs and the finite duration (48 weeks), the main advantage of IFNa, especially in young patients of reproductive age. However, at most 25% of IFNa‐treated HBeAg‐negative patients achieve a sustained off‐treatment response and therefore >75% of them will eventually receive NAs, even if they start with IFNa. As there will always be concerns about safety and family planning issues with long‐term NA therapy, NAs should be used carefully, particularly in young chronic hepatitis B patients with mild liver disease. Novel therapeutic options are needed to increase the rates of HBsAg loss and sustained off‐treatment responses.
How to optimize HCV therapy in genotype 4 patients
Authors: Esmat Gamal , El Kassas Mohamed , Hassany Mohamed , Gamil Mohamed Esmat , El Raziky Maisa
Published: January 2013

HCV is a worldwide disease with an estimated prevalence by WHO of 3%. Hepatitis C virus 4 is prevalent in Africa and the Middle East, especially Egypt. The treatment of HCV4 is affected by many factors, related to the virus itself (genotype, pretreatment viral load and prevalent quasispecies), to the host (genetic factors, age, ethnicity and liver histology), to the presence of comorbidities (obesity, insulin resistance and co‐infections) and to the therapeutic drugs (type, dose and duration). Optimizing treatment is the goal of daily practice to obtain the best results for the patient.
Current management and perspectives for HCV recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: Coilly Audrey , Roche Bruno , Samuel Didier
Published: January 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the leading causes of end‐stage liver disease and the main indication for liver transplantation (LT) in most countries. All patients who undergo LT with detectable serum HCV RNA experience graft reinfection. Between 20 and 30% of patients develop cirrhosis within 5 years post‐LT. The outcome of transplant patients with cirrhosis on the graft is severe, with a rate of decompensation at 1 year of around 40%. To date, retransplantation is the only option for patients who develop decompensation. Until 2011, standard antiviral therapy, using pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV), was the only effective therapy. Obtaining a sustained virological response (SVR) in the setting of LT greatly improves overall and graft survival, but this only concerns 30% of transplanted patients. Direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) such as protease inhibitors, polymerase or other non‐structural proteins inhibitors represent a new era in HCV‐associated liver disease. Although their use in the field of liver transplantation seems to be essential, there are some limitations due to safety and tolerance. One limitation is the potential interaction with calcineurin inhibitors. We describe the preliminary results of triple therapy with boceprevir or telaprevir in terms of efficacy and safety in liver transplant recipients.
Patients with HCV and F1 and F2 fibrosis stage: treat now or wait?
Authors: Shiffman Mitchell L. , Benhamou Yves
Published: January 2013

The current standard of care (SOC) for patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 is a combination of either boceprevir or telaprevir with peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV). Although it is effective in a high percentage of patients, this treatment is associated with significant adverse events (AEs). The next generation of protease inhibitors, simeprevir and faldaprevir, will also be used with PEG‐IFN/RBV. Interferon‐free therapy with sofosbuvir appears promising and on the horizon for patients with genotypes 2 and 3, but may still be many years away for patients with HCV genotype 1. The factors which should be considered when deciding whether to treat a patient with HCV and mild fibrosis with the current SOC now, or to delay treatment until less toxic and/or more effective therapy is available is discussed.
Interferon free therapy with direct acting antivirals for HCV
Authors: Asselah Tarik , Marcellin Patrick
Published: January 2013

The current treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 chronic infection is the addition of direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) with a protease inhibitor (telaprevir or boceprevir) to the pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) regimen. Major progress has been made in the past few years: numerous ongoing trials with different compounds, increasing sustained virological response (SVR) rates with oral regimens and shortened treatment duration. Combinations of antivirals with additive potency that lack cross‐resistance and with a good safety profile may provide new regimens in the future to make HCV the first chronic viral infection to be eradicated worldwide with a finite duration of combination DAA therapy without IFN.
Mixing of vineyard and oak‐tree ecotypes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in North American vineyards
Authors: Hyma Katie E. , Fay Justin C.
Published: January 2013

Humans have had a significant impact on the distribution and abundance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae through its widespread use in beer, bread and wine production. Yet, similar to other Saccharomyces species, S. cerevisiae has also been isolated from habitats unrelated to fermentations. Strains of S. cerevisiae isolated from grapes, wine must and vineyards worldwide are genetically differentiated from strains isolated from oak‐tree bark, exudate and associated soil in North America. However, the causes and consequences of this differentiation have not yet been resolved. Historical differentiation of these two groups may have been influenced by geographic, ecological or human‐associated barriers to gene flow. Here, we make use of the relatively recent establishment of vineyards across North America to identify and characterize any active barriers to gene flow between these two groups. We examined S. cerevisiae strains isolated from grapes and oak trees within three North American vineyards and compared them to those isolated from oak trees outside of vineyards. Within vineyards, we found evidence of migration between grapes and oak trees and potential gene flow between the divergent oak‐tree and vineyard groups. Yet, we found no vineyard genotypes on oak trees outside of vineyards. In contrast, Saccharomyces paradoxus isolated from the same sources showed population structure characterized by isolation by distance. The apparent absence of ecological or genetic barriers between sympatric vineyard and oak‐tree populations of S. cerevisiae implies that vineyards play an important role in the mixing between these two groups.
Gender behaviors as predictors of peer acceptance and victimization
Authors: KREIGER TYSON C. , KOCHENDERFER‐LADD BECKY
Published: January 2013

Children's peer relationships are important to their socioemotional and cognitive development; thus, understanding the determinants of such relationships is of ongoing interest. It was hypothesized that gender behaviors and affiliations would predict peer acceptance and victimization. Path analyses using data from 192 fourth graders showed that for both genders, engaging in feminine activities predicted less peer‐reported acceptance and greater victimization, and engaging in masculine activities predicted greater peer acceptance. Affiliating with male peers was associated with greater peer‐reported acceptance for both genders, and greater self‐reported peer acceptance for boys. Indirect effects showed that the link between gender behaviors and victimization is mediated by peer acceptance. These findings support the contention that gender behaviors relate to the quality of children's relationships.
Comparative study of systemic psoralen and ultraviolet A and narrowband ultraviolet B in treatment of chronic urticaria
Authors: Khafagy Naziha Hafez , Salem Samar Abdallah M. , Ghaly Enas Guirguis
Published: January 2013

Background

Previous success rates of psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) and narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB) in the treatment of chronic urticaria are reported in few studies with no previous reports on the comparable efficacy of both modalities in the disease.

Aim

We aimed to compare the efficacy of PUVA versus NB‐UVB in the treatment of chronic urticaria.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with chronic urticaria were included and divided into two groups: 12 patients subjected to PUVA and 12 subjected to NB‐UVB. They were compared according to the urticaria Total Severity Score (TSS) before and after treatment, cumulative dose, and side effects.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in urticaria TSS in both the NB‐UVB‐ and PUVA‐treated groups after than before treatment (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between both groups regarding the percentage of improved patients and the mean decrease of urticaria TSS (P > 0.05). Gastrointestinal upset was reported at a significantly higher percentage in the PUVA‐treated group than in the NB‐UVB‐treated group.

Conclusion

Both NB‐UVB and PUVA show comparable efficacy in the treatment of chronic urticaria with minimal reversible side effects.
Second‐degree burns caused by exposure to sunbed with displaced filter in the facial tanner: a report of two cases
Authors: Faurschou Annesofie , Heydenreich Jakob , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: January 2013

Sunbed exposure frequently leads to erythema of the skin but second‐degree burns are unusual. We report two patients who experienced second‐degree burns due to partial displacement of the filter in the facial tanner of a sunbed. This is a severe fault and calls for increased safety regulations.
Evaluation of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in vitiligo patients with and without autoimmune diseases
Authors: Saleh Hanan M. A. , Abdel Fattah Nermeen S. A. , Hamza Heba‐Tullah M. M.
Published: January 2013

Background

Vitiligo is an autoimmune depigmentation disorder, commonly associated with systemic autoimmune diseases. Deficient serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels have been noted in some patients with autoimmune diseases.

Aim

To evaluate serum 25(OH)D levels in vitiligo patients with and without systemic autoimmune diseases.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted on 40 vitiligo patients (20 patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and 20 patients without autoimmune diseases) and 40 age‐, gender‐ and skin phototype‐matched healthy controls. Serum 25(OH)D was measured in all subjects, divided into: normal or sufficient (≥ 30 ng/ml), insufficient (< 30–> 20 ng/ml) and deficient (≤ 20 ng/ml) levels.

Results

One patient with vitiligo (2.5%) versus 33 healthy controls (82.5%) have sufficient serum 25(OH)D levels while 39 patients (97.5%) versus 5 controls (12.5%) have deficient 25(OH)D levels with significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels in patients compared to controls (P‐value < 0.001). The other 2 healthy controls have insufficient 25(OH)D levels. Patients with vitiligo and autoimmune diseases have lower serum 25(OH)D levels than vitiligo patients without autoimmune diseases but with no significant difference. No significant correlations existed between age of the patients, duration of vitiligo, duration of associated autoimmune diseases, affected body surface area and serum 25(OH)D levels of patients.

Conclusion

Deficient serum 25(OH)D levels are present in vitiligo patients with and without systemic autoimmune diseases. Accordingly, screening for vitamin D deficiency seems of value in vitiligo patients for the possibility of vitamin D supplementation.
Photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kim Andrew , Chong Benjamin F.
Published: January 2013

Background

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a well‐known exacerbating factor for cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), with photosensitivity comprising one of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, discerning true photosensitivity in this population is difficult due to the broad language utilized by the ACR and the delayed‐onset nature of photosensitive lupus lesions.

Aims

The objective of this report is to provide a review of photosensitivity, photoprovocation, and phototherapy in the context of CLE patients.

Methods

A literature review in PubMed was conducted using the terms ‘ultraviolet light,’ ‘lupus erythematosus,’ ‘photoprovocation,’ or ‘photosensitivity.’

Results

Self‐patient reporting of photosensitivity and the broad definition of photosensitivity have led to the wide range of photosensitivity rates in CLE patients. Photoprovocation testing provides a more objective method to measure photosensitivity, but even these trials demonstrate significant differences due to protocol variations. Despite UVR's deleterious effect on lupus patients, ultraviolet A (UVA)‐1 may have therapeutic benefits as shown by observations on murine models and human lupus subjects.

Conclusions

Accurately discerning photosensitivity has diagnostic implications for SLE and provides motivation for greater patient adherence to photoprotective methods.
Persistent polymorphous light eruption after ultraviolet A1 phototherapy
Authors: AlJasser Mohammed I. , Lui Harvey , Ball Nigel J. , Kalia Sunil
Published: January 2013

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common photodermatosis and is characterized by the development of a pruritic skin eruption within a few hours to days after sun or artificial light exposure. The eruption usually takes up to two weeks to resolve in the absence of further ultraviolet radiation. PMLE has been reported as a side effect of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) therapy but characteristics of the eruption, especially the duration until resolution after treatment, has not been described. A 37‐year‐old female developed an unusually persistent PMLE that lasted for 5 weeks after completion of UVA1 phototherapy.
An International Delphi Study of the Causes of Death and the Criteria Used to Assign Cause of Death in Bovine Perinatal Mortality
Authors: Mee JF , Sanchez‐Miguel C , Doherty M
Published: January 2013

Contents

The objective of the present study was to elicit opinion from two groups of veterinarians [subject matter experts and non‐subject matter experts] about the causes of bovine perinatal mortality and the criteria used to assign such causes. The subject matter experts were selected on the basis of their scientific publications or experience of working in a veterinary diagnostic or research laboratory in the area of bovine perinatal mortality. The non‐subject matter experts were self‐selected as cattle veterinarians without particular expertise in bovine perinatology. A total of 74 veterinarians (46 subject matter experts and 28 non‐subject matter experts) from 23 countries responded. The study was conducted using Delphi methodology over seven rounds. Respondents were asked to agree the causes of bovine perinatal mortality and for each cause to agree the supporting diagnostic criteria. There was a close agreement between groups on 16 causes of death apart from intra‐uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and micronutrient imbalances which were accepted by fewer subject matter experts. There was inter‐group consensus on the criteria to diagnose accidents, congenital defects, dystocia, hyperthermia, infections, premature placental separation, prematurity and prolonged calving. There was inter‐group consensus on the criteria to diagnose anoxia, apart from gingival cyanosis; on haemorrhage, apart from haemorrhagic anaemia; on IUGR, apart from organ weights; and on iodine imbalance, apart from goitre and thyroid iodine content. The results from this study highlighted the current lack of standardization of the criteria used to define the cause of death for bovine perinatal mortality and the need for such standardization.
Pentraxin‐3: A novel biomarker for discriminating parapneumonic from other exudative effusions
Authors: Ozsu Savas , Abul Yasin , Mentese Ahmet , Bektas Hayriye , Uzun Aysegul , Ozlu Tevfik , Porcel José M.
Published: January 2013

Background and objective

Pentraxin‐3 (PTX‐3) is a relatively new marker of inflammation that has not been previously tested in pleural effusions. We aimed to assess whether PTX‐3 is an accurate biomarker of parapneumonic effusions (PPE) and whether it discriminates complicated (CPPE)from non‐complicated PPE.

Methods

The concentrations of pleural fluid PTX‐3 were measured by a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in a prospective cohort of 84 patients with pleural effusions, including 24 PPE, 40 malignant, and 20 miscellaneous exudative effusions. The area under the curve quantified the overall diagnostic accuracy of the test. A multivariate logistic regression analysis selected pleural fluid biochemistries predictive of PPE.

Results

Median pleural fluid PTX‐3 levels were higher in PPE than in both malignant effusions and other exudates (32.4 ng/mL vs 6.7 ng/mL, and 8.5 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). PTX‐3 > 12 ng/mL yielded 88% sensitivity, 73% specificity, likelihood ratio positive 3.3 and likelihood ratio negative 0.17 for diagnosing PPE, with an area under the curve of 0.855 (95% CI: 0.769–0.941). In the multivariate analysis, pleural PTX‐3 levels remained associated with increased diagnostic odds for PPE (odds ratio 17.7, 95% confidence interval: 3.7–85.1, P < 0.001). There was a non‐significant trend towards higher pleural PTX‐3 levels in CPPE as compared with non‐complicated.

Conclusions

High concentrations of PTX‐3 in pleural effusions are very sensitive to differentiate PPE from non‐PPE. However, they do not seem to differentiate uncomplicated‐complicated from CPPE differentiation.
Asymmetric and Time‐Varying Causality between Inflation and Inflation Uncertainty in G‐7 Countries
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Ozdemir Zeynel Abidin
Published: January 2013

We useGranger causality tests within a conditionalGaussianMarkov switching vector autoregressive (MS‐VAR) model using monthly data forG‐7 countries covering the period 1959:12–2008:10 to examine the relationship between inflation and inflation‐uncertainty. TheMS‐VARmodel allows us to model parameter time‐variation so as to reflect changes in Granger causality, assuming that these changes are stochastic and governed by an unobservableMarkov chain. Inflation uncertainty is measured as the conditional variance generated by a Fractionally Integrated Smooth Transition Autoregressive Moving Average‐Asymmetric PowerARCH(FISTARMA‐APARCH) model. The distinguishing feature of our approach from the previous studies is the determination of the sign of theGranger causality relationship between inflation and its uncertainty over time. First, using a rollingVARmodel, we show that the relationship between inflation and inflation uncertainty is time varying with frequent breaks. Second, using theMS‐VARmodel, we obtain strong evidence in favour of theHolland's ‘stabilizing Fed hypothesis’ forCanada,France,Germany,Japan,UnitedKingdom, and theUnitedStates. We also find evidence in favour of theFriedman hypothesis forCanada and theUnitedStates.
The Capstone Experience for the Religious Studies Major
Authors: Upson‐Saia Kristi
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this essay is to offer a survey of religious studies capstones from twenty‐nine U.S. colleges and universities, to identify the most common frustrations about the capstone, and to observe how departments resolve such frustrations. I conclude that the most successful capstones – in terms of students' performance and faculty satisfaction – are those that are carefully linked to their department's major curriculum, pedagogies, and staffing, that set out to achieve a reasonable set of objectives, and that are aligned with their institutional mission, culture, and expectations for assessment. Yet, I argue that it is becoming increasingly difficult to design our capstone experiences according to the above principles because of the proliferation of departmental and institutional pressures we presently face. Finally, I offer some guidelines by which we might devise or revise our capstones to alleviate some of the most common pressures.
The Contemplative Bow in Teaching and Learning Pastoral Care
Authors: Koppel Michael S.
Published: January 2013

This article elucidates theoretical underpinnings for the use of one's self in the pastoral theological classroom. The contemplative bow is developed as a capacious metaphor to describe appropriate self use and its necessary importance in the teaching and learning of pastoral arts in a theological curriculum. Central to the argument is the assumption that effective teaching and learning in pastoral care emerges from awareness and knowledge of self as well as letting go of self in beneficial service with others. Analytical engagement of educational, theological, and psychological theory informs practice for the professional school classroom.
Insertion of the dorsal oblique muscle in the dog: an anatomic basis for ventral strabismus associated with oculomotor nerve dysfunction
Authors: O'Neill Jeremy J. , Kent Marc , Glass Eric N. , Platt Simon R. , de Lahunta Alexander
Published: January 2013

Objective

To describe the insertion of the dorsal oblique (DO) muscle in relationship to the equator of the globe in dogs.

Procedure

The study was conducted on 10 fresh cadaver eyes from five dogs, which were euthanized for disease processes unrelated to ocular disease. A manual vernier caliper was used to determine the calculated measurements.

Results

The median anterior‐to‐posterior diameter of the globe was 21 mm. The median length from the vertex of the anterior pole to the anterior point of insertion of theDOtendon was 11.5 mm. The median length from the posterior pole to the posterior point of insertion of theDOtendon was 10 mm. The width of tendon of insertion of theDOtendon was 3.25 mm.

Conclusions

In disorders involving the oculomotor nerve or the oculomotor nerve nucleus in the mesencephalon, the resultant strabismus is directed ventrolaterally. Based on the insertion of the superior oblique muscle in humans, we hypothesized that theDOmuscle would likely explain the ventral deviation in disorders of the oculomotor nerve or its nucleus. In this study, the point of the insertion of theDOmuscle tendon was posterior to the equator. Based on this anatomic location, unopposed function of theDOmuscle would be expected to result in ventral deviation of the globe.
Identifying Energy Saving Opportunities In A Process Plant Through Preliminary Energy Audit
Authors: Abdul Manan Zainuddin
Published: January 2013

Peningkatan kecekapan tenaga loji proses memerlukan pemantauan, analisis serta pengubahsuaian parameter operasi loji yang tertentu, dan, kadangkala, modifikasi loji. Usaha ini melibatkan kajian ke atas agihan tenaga loji serta kehilangan tenaga akibat dari pelbagai kegunaan tenaga. Skop serta tempoh kajian bergantung kepada jenis loji, keperluan operasi loji serta kekangan yang terlibat. Adalah disarankan supaya odit tenaga permulaan dibuat sebelum odit tenaga terperinci dilaksanakan. Pendekatan ini akan membantu pengurusan loji membezakan antara potentsi penjimatan tenaga segera berbanding skima yang memerlukan pelaburan serta kajian lanjut. Kertas kerja ini menggariskan kaedah serta skop odit tenaga permulaan bagi meningkatkan kecekapan tenaga loji proses. Prosedur ini melibatkan pemahaman loji, pengumpulan data, analisis penggunaan serta kehilangan tenaga bagi bahagian-bahagian tertentu loji, analisis keputusan serta saranan pembaikan yang disertakan dengan justifikasi ekonomi. Contoh kajian ke atas dua jenis loji proses yang berbeza juga dibentangkan.

Kata kunci: Kecekapan tenaga; pengubahsuaian loji; odit tenaga; pembaikan loji; kehilangan tenaga

Improving plant energy efficiency requires monitoring, analysis and adjustments of the appropriate plant operating parameters and in some cases, plant modifications. This involves studies of plant energy distribution and the corresponding losses associated with the various uses of energy. The scope and duration of a study may vary depending on the complexity of a plant and various operational requirements and constraints. The recommended practice is to run a preliminary energy audit on a plant before conducting a detailed retrofit project. Such exercise helps plant managers to differentiate between the immediate energy saving potentials from those requiring either some investments or further studies. This paper outlines the methodology and the scope involved in a preliminary study to improve overall plant energy efficiency. The procedure includes plant familiarization, data collection and parameter measurement, analysis of energy consumption and losses in the various sections of a process plant, analysis of the results and recommendation of measures supported by economic justifications. Examples of studies completed for two different plants are also presented.

Key words: Energy efficiency; plant modifications; energy audit; plant improvement; energy losses
Process Parameters Dependence Of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Flow Patterns Inside A Capillary Rheometer Barrel
Authors: Rambely Azmin Sham , Abu Osman Noor Azuan , Wan Abas Wan Abu Bakar , Usman Juliana , Yusof Mohd. Safrulsahar
Published: January 2013

Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk membangunkan satu alternatif untuk mententukur satu isipadu tiga dimensi. Kerangka tentukuran baru ini menggunakan empat tiang yang mengandungi 20 titik kawalan. Satu eksperimen telah dilakukan untuk membandingkan keputusan yang didapati daripada dua kaedah tentukuran iaitu kerangka tentukuran Peak dan kerangka tentukuran ISNâ€“UM (kerangka baru). Keputusan eksperimen menunjukkan bahawa kerangka tentukuran ISNâ€“UM adalah sepadan dengan keputusan yang didapati daripada kerangka tentukuran Peak, walaupun kedudukan, jumlah titik kawalan dan sifat fizikal kedua-dua kerangka berbeza.

Kata kunci: Tentukuran; sistem tiang; biomekanik sukan

The purpose of this study is to develop an alternative method for calibrating a three-dimensional volume. The new calibration frame uses a set of four poles, consisting of 20 control points. An experiment was conducted to compare the result obtained using two methods of calibration, the Peak calibration frame (the control) and the ISNâ€“UM survey poles system (the new reference frame). It was found that the results obtained from the ISNâ€“UM calibration frame are comparable to those obtained using the Peak calibration frame, despite the differences in the locations and the numbers of control points, as well as the physical characteristics of both structures.

Key words: Calibration; survey poles system; sports biomechanics
Container Stacking And Retrieval Prototype Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Ab. Aziz Azizi , Zakaria Azizi
Published: January 2013

Container stacking problem is an NP (Non-Polynomial)-Hard problem. This type of problem requires robust and adaptive algorithms, such as the Constraints Programming technique. Rule-based programming is ineffective due to the complexity of container stacking problem. The container stacking processes are restricted to certain heuristic rules, which is difficult to be coded in algorithmic ways. Improper stacking will cause non-economical container forklift movement. As a result it will increase the operational costs. This paper proposed a genetic algorithms technique to solve container-stacking problem, where a prototype has been developed. The scope of the problem is based on Kontena Nasional (KONNAS Malaysia) case study, which is restricted for one-year operational basis. The container stacking mechanism is operated under several Genetic Algorithms operators such as Selection, Mutation and Crossover. The prototype is coded using C++, ORACLE 7.0 as database and runs under UNIX platform. The average optimal stacking result obtained ranged between 78-83 percent. This prototype was developed at Artificial Intelligence System Development Laboratory (AISDEL), Sirim Berhad.

Key words: Genetic algorithms; constraint programming; container stacking; heuristic rules; port management system
The Fuel Properties Of Pyrolytic Oils Derived From Carbonaceous Solid Wastes In Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rofiqul , Nabi Md. Nurun , Islam Mohammad Nurul
Published: January 2013

The carbonaceous solid wastes in the form of rice-straw, jute-stick and bagasse were pyrolyzed in a fluidized bed reactor. The condensed oils were analyzed for their properties as fuels and compared with other biomass derived pyrolytic oils and refined petroleum products. The fuel properties compared were physical properties, calorific value, elemental (CHNOS) analysis and chemical composition using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the pyrolysis of biomass may be a potential source of liquid hydrocarbon fuel.

Key words: Biomass; pyrolytic oils; fuels properties; CHNOS; FTIR
Hydrologic Characteristics of a Drained Tropical Peat Catchment: Runoff Coefficients, Water Table and Flow Duration Curves
Authors: Katimon Ayob , Abd. Wahab Ahmad Khairi
Published: January 2013

Penebusgunaan serta penyaliran lembangan bertanah gambut merupakan suatu kerja pembangunan tanah yang penting di Malaysia. Kefahaman yang jelas terhadap sifat-sifat hidrologi lembangan tanah gambut bersaliran adalah faktor perlu ke arah pengurusan optimum sumber tersebut. Data-data hidrologi daripada lembangan bertanah gambut di Parit Madirono, Johor, Malaysia, telah di kutip dan digunakan untuk mencirikan hidrologi lembangan tersebut. Pencirian hidrologi telah dibuat menggunakan pendekatan hidrologi kuantitatif biasa. Perubahan dalam magnitud komponen-komponen hidrologi kawasan kajian telah ditentukan. Kawasan kajian mengalami variasi pekali air larian yang besar, menunjukkan bahawa lembangan tanah gambut bersaliran merupakan satu sistem hidrologi yang amat dinamik. Penurunan nilai pekali air larian tahunan yang amat ketara telah didapati. Nilai pekali air larian tahunan juga besar, pada julat 0.32 ke 0.92. Ini menunjukan bahawa hidrologi kawasan kajian amat dinamik, amat telap air dan sangat â€˜flashyâ€™. Keadaan aliran rendah juga sangat kecil tetapi meningkat mengikut masa, menunjukkan bahawa kawasan tadahan tidak mampu menampung aliran semasa cuaca kemarau. Nilai paras air tanah purata tahunan didapati mengurang pada kadar 2.7 cm setahun.

Kata kunci: Hidrologi; tanah gambut tropika; lengkung aliran; lengkung paras air tanah

Reclamation and drainage of peat basin is an important land development in Malaysia. A clear understanding on the hydrologic behavior of a drained peat basin is the essential factor towards an optimal management of the resource. Hydrological data from Madirono peat catchment located in Johor State, Malaysia was collected and used to characterize its hydrologic characteristics. The characterizations were made using the ordinary quantitative hydrologic approach. The magnitude of changes in the major hydrologic component of the study catchment was quantified. The study catchment experienced a large variation in runoff coefficient, indicating that a drained peat basin is a highly dynamic hydrologic system. A decaying trend in the annual runoff coefficient was observed. The annual runoff coefficients were large, ranging from 0.32 to 0.92. This indicates that the hydrology of the study catchment was extremely dynamics, highly permeable and very flashy. The low flow condition of the basin was extremely small but improving over time indicating that the basin could not sustain river flow during dry spell. The mean annual water table decreased over time by 2.7 cm per year.

Key words: Hydrology; tropical peat; flow duration curve; water level duration curve
Therapeutic Effects of Garden: Preference of Ill Children Towards Garden Over Ward in Malaysian Hospital Environment
Authors: Said Ismail
Published: January 2013

Rawatan dalam hospital kerap meluntur perasaan kanak-kanak dan menyebabkan kelakuan regresi dan tekanan emosi, seterusnya mengurangkan daya kognitif dan kekerapan keresahan, menangis, kebimbangan, dan tekanan darah tinggi. Apabila pesakit kanak-kanak berinteraksi di dalam laman terapi di Hospital Batu Pahat dan Hospital Segamat, kesan positif yang dihasilkan adalah pesakit lebih mengutamakan laman daripada wad. Ciri-ciri laman yang mendorong pesakit berkelakuan positif terhadap laman adalah bau yang nyaman, kesegaran udara, penuh dengan cahaya suria, alam lingkungan yang ceria, bunyi yang nyaman, pandangan yang ceria, kebebasan bermain, keadaan seperti di rumah, dan kepelbagaian aktiviti. Tiga aspek laman yang dapat mewujudkan ciri-ciri tersebut adalah: (1) tata atur laman yang sempurna dengan pelbagai zon untuk bermain, (2) laman mempunyai pelbagai rupa bentuk, dan (3) perkaitan dengan faktor-faktor iklim.

Kata kunci: Laman terapi; pesakit kanak-kanak; kesihatan psikologi; pemulihan; keminatan

Hospitalisation often erodes the feelings of toddlers and young children causing regressive behaviours and stress, which result in reduced cognitive performance, helplessness, restlessness, crying, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure. Having the ill children experiencing a garden setting at Batu Pahat Hospital and Segamat Hospital, they showed remarkable preferences and positive behaviours to the garden than the ward. The attributes of the garden that contribute to the positive responses include refreshing smell, fresh air, full with light, cheerful environment, pleasant sound, scenic view, open space, free to play, home feeling, and variety of activities. These attributes are attained because the garden possesses three factors: (1) proper site planning with several play zones, (2) diversity of garden character, and (3) contact with microclimatic factors.

Key words: Therapeutic garden; ill children; psychological well being; recuperation; garden attributes
Rumus Am Lingkaran Kubik Bezier Satahan
Authors: Yeoh Weng Kang , Md. Ali Jamaluddin
Published: January 2013

Rumus untuk lingkaran kubik Bezier satahan telah diperkenalkan sebagai satu pilihan dalam reka bentuk menggunakan grafik komputer. Dalam kertas ini, rumus am bagi lingkaran tersebut telah dicari dengan menggunakan enam sifat yang dipunyai oleh rumus asal. Kelebihan rumus am ini yang mempunyai enam darjah kebebasan (berbanding dengan lima darjah kebebasan bagi rumus asal) telah dibincang di sini.

Kata kunci: Lingkaran kubik Bezier satahan; darjah kebebasan

Formula for planar cubic Bezier spiral is intruduced as an alternative in computer graphic design. In this paper, a more general formula is obtained by using six properties of the original formula. The advantage of this general formula that has six degrees of freedom (compared with five in the original formula) is discussed.

Key words: Planar cubic Bezier spiral; degrees of freedom
Ultrasound Tomography: Preliminary Result
Authors: Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Khor Kah Yen , Chan Kok San
Published: January 2013

This paper presents the initial result of an investigation into the application of ultrasonic sensors for a tomographic imaging system. Transmitters and receivers are mounted permanently on the inner part of the vertical flow pipe. To overcome the problems of objects blocking each other, four pairs of sensors are used, mounted around the area of interest, and views from different angles are obtained. The results obtained show that the system is capable of detecting particle flow.

Key words: Ultrasound tomography
A Genetic Algorithm for Solving Single Level Lot–Sizing Problems
Authors: Zenon Nasaruddin , Ahmad Ab. Rahman , Ali Rosmah
Published: January 2013

Masalah pensaizan lot satu aras timbul apabila suatu syarikat pengeluar ingin menjanakan perancangan pengeluaran terperinci bagi produk berpandukan suatu perancangan agregat. Walaupun masalah ini telah dikaji dengan meluas, hanya pendekatan pengaturcaraan dinamik dapat menjamin penyelesaian yang minimum secara global. Maka heuristik-heuristik stokastik yang mampu melepasi minimum tempatan adalah diperlukan. Kajian ini mencadangkan kaedah algoritma genetik untuk menyelesaikan masalah-masalah pensaizan lot satu aras, serta membincangkan beberapa contoh aplikasi kaedah tersebut. Dalam pelaksanaan kaedah ini, heuristik penjanaan populasi pensaizan lot yang dapat menjanakan populasi awal digunakan untuk menyediakan kromosom. Kromosom ini digunakan sebagai input untuk algoritma genetik dengan operator-operator yang khusus bagi masalah pensaizan lot. Gabungan heuristik penjanaan populasi dengan algoritma genetik menghasilkan penumpuan yang lebih pantas dalam proses mendapatkan skim pensaizan lot yang optimum disebabkan oleh ketersauran populasi awal yang digunakan.

Kata kunci: ALgorithm Genetik; Pensaizan lot

The single level lot-sizing problem arises whenever a manufacturing company wishes to translate an aggregate plan for production of an end item into a detailed planning of its production. Although the cost driven problem is widely studied in the literature, only laborious dynamic programming approaches are known to guarantee global minimum. Thus, stochastically-based heuristics that have the mechanism to escape from local minimum are needed. In this paper a genetic algorithm for solving single level lot-sizing problems is proposed and the results of applying the algorithm to example problems are discussed. In our implementation, a lot-sizing population-generating heuristic is used to feed chromosomes to a genetic algorithm with operators specially designed for lot-sizing problems. The combination of the population-generating heuristic with genetic algorithm results in a faster convergence in finding the optimal lot-sizing scheme due to the guaranteed feasibility of the initial population.

Key words: Genetic Algorithm; Lot-sizing
Assessing Pre-Service Teachers´ Information Technology (IT) Preparedness at Universiti Putra Malaysia
Authors: Wong Su Luan , Abu Bakar Kamariah , Hamzah Ramlah , Ahmat Tarmizi Rohani , Tang Sai Hong
Published: January 2013

Penyelidikan ini mengkaji kesediaan guru praperkhidmatan terhadap teknologi maklumat di Universiti Putra Malaysia. Kesediaan terhadap teknologi maklumat dalam kajian ini adalah diukur dalam tiga domain iaitu kemahiran teknologi maklumat guru, pengetahuan teknologi maklumat dan sikap mereka terhadap teknologi maklumat. Tiga ratus dan enam puluh mahasiswa dan mahasiswi yang mengambil bidang pendidikan sebagai major mengambil bahagian dalam kajian ini. Kajian ini menggunakan instrumen yang mengandungi 74 item yang berasaskan tugasan, 25 item pelbagai pilihan dan 34 item skala Likert untuk mengukur kemahiran IT, pengetahuan dan sikap masing-masing. Dapatan kajian mendapati bahawa kesedian teknologi maklumat guru-guru adalah tinggi. Secara spesifik, majoriti guru-guru mempunyai kemahiran teknologi maklumat yang tinggi, tahap pengetahuan IT yang memadai dengan sikap yang sangat positif terhadap teknologi maklumat. Hasil kajian juga menunjukkan wujud dua kumpulan yang ekstrim, mereka yang mempunyai kecekapan yang tinggi dalam alat produktiviti dan mereka yang tidak cekap.

Kata kunci: kesediaan IT; kemahiran IT; pengetahuan IT; sikap terhadap IT; guru pra perkhidmatan

This study examined pre-service teachers´ IT preparedness at Universiti Putra Malaysia. IT preparedness is measured in terms of their actual IT skills, knowledge and attitudes toward IT. Three hundred and sixty undergraduate students majoring in education participated in this study. This study used an instrument comprising 74 task based items, 25 multiple choice items and 34 Likert scale items to measure IT skills, knowledge and attitudes respectively. The result suggested that the pre-service teachers are highly IT prepared. More specifically, the majority of them have a high level of IT skills, reasonable level of IT knowledge with positively high attitudes toward IT. The result also revealed that two extreme groups existed, those who are highly proficient in certain productivity tools and those who are not.

Key words: IT preparedness; IT skills; knowledge about IT; attitudes toward IT; pre-service teachers