bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons learned from an osteoporosis clinical trial in frail long-term care residents
Authors: Greenspan SL , Nace D , Perera S , Ferchak M , Fiorito G , Medich D , Zukowski K , Adams D , Lee C , Saul M , Resnick NM
Published: December 2011

Background Although osteoporosis affects women of all ages, the impact is most pronounced in frail residents in long-term care. Nevertheless, few interventional trials have been performed in this population, and few data on therapeutic alternatives are available in this cohort.

Purpose We describe the challenges and lessons learned in developing and carrying out a trial in frail long-term-care residents.

Methods The Zoledronic acid in frail Elders to STrengthen bone (ZEST) study was designed to examine the safety and efficacy of a single-dose therapy for osteoporosis in frail residents in long-term care in the Pittsburgh area. Women with osteoporosis who were 65 years of age and older and currently not on therapy were randomized in a blinded fashion to intravenous zoledronic acid or placebo. Follow-up of each participant was planned for 2 years. All participants received appropriate calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Results Seven hundred and thirty-three contacts were made with long-term care residents of nine participating facilities. Of 252 women screened, 181 were eligible, enrolled, and randomized. Multiple barriers to research in long-term-care facilities were encountered but overcome with direct communication, information sessions, in-service trainings, and social events. Lessons learned included designing the study in a manner that avoided placing an additional burden on an already overcommitted facility staff, a two-stage consent process to separate screening from randomization, and a flexible examination schedule to accommodate residents while obtaining the necessary outcome measurements. Furthermore, a mobile unit accessible to participants containing state-of-the-art dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), assessment for vertebral fractures, and phlebotomy equipment allows all assessments to be performed on-site at each facility. Serious adverse events are collected from affiliated hospitals in real time with a novel electronic surveillance system.

Limitations The major limitation is selection of outcomes that can be assessed at participating facilities and do not require transport of participants to hospitals or clinics.

Conclusions Clinical research for osteoporosis can be successfully and safely performed with frail residents in long-term care facilities. Lessons learned from this study may inform future investigations among frail elderly residents of these facilities.
Identification and analysis of phosphorylation status of proteins in dormant terminal buds of poplar
Authors: Liu Chang-Cai , Liu Chang-Fu , Wang Hong-Xia , Shen Zhi-Ying , Yang Chuan-Ping , Wei Zhi-Gang
Published: December 2011

Background

Although there has been considerable progress made towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of bud dormancy, the roles of protein phosphorylation in the process of dormancy regulation in woody plants remain unclear.

Results

We used mass spectrometry combined with TiO2phosphopeptide-enrichment strategies to investigate the phosphoproteome of dormant terminal buds (DTBs) in poplar (Populus simonii × P. nigra). There were 161 unique phosphorylated sites in 161 phosphopeptides from 151 proteins; 141 proteins have orthologs inArabidopsis, and 10 proteins are unique to poplar. Only 34 sites in proteins in poplar did not match well with the equivalent phosphorylation sites of their orthologs inArabidopsis, indicating that regulatory mechanisms are well conserved between poplar andArabidopsis. Further functional classifications showed that most of these phosphoproteins were involved in binding and catalytic activity. Extraction of the phosphorylation motif using Motif-X indicated that proline-directed kinases are a major kinase group involved in protein phosphorylation in dormant poplar tissues.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence about the significance of protein phosphorylation during dormancy, and will be useful for similar studies on other woody plants.
The dynamic system of parental work of care for children with special health care needs: A conceptual model to guide quality improvement efforts
Authors: Hexem Kari R , Bosk Abigail M , Feudtner Chris
Published: December 2011

Background

The work of care for parents of children with complex special health care needs may be increasing, while excessive work demands may erode the quality of care. We sought to summarize knowledge and develop a general conceptual model of the work of care.

Methods

Systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles that focused on parents of children with special health care needs and addressed factors related to the physical and emotional work of providing care for these children. From the large pool of eligible articles, we selected articles in a randomized sequence, using qualitative techniques to identify the conceptual components of the work of care and their relationship to the family system.

Results

The work of care for a child with special health care needs occurs within a dynamic system that comprises 5 core components: (1) performance oftaskssuch as monitoring symptoms or administering treatments, (2) the occurrence of variouseventsand the pursuit ofvalued outcomesregarding the child's physical health, the parent's mental health, or other attributes of the child or family, (3) operating with availableresourcesand within certainconstraints(4) over the passage oftime, (5) while mentally representing ordepictingthe ever-changing situation anddetectingpossible problems and opportunities. These components interact, some with simple cause-effect relationships and others with more complex interdependencies.

Conclusions

The work of care affecting the health of children with special health care needs and their families can best be understood, studied, and managed as a multilevel complex system.
Molecular features of the complementarity determining region 3 motif of the T cell population and subsets in the blood of patients with chronic severe hepatitis B
Authors: Yang Jiezuan , He Jianqin , Lu Haifeng , Wei Li , Li Sujun , Wang Baohong , Diao Hongyan , Li Lanjuan
Published: December 2011

Background

T cell receptor (TCR) reflects the status and function of T cells. We previously developed a gene melting spectral pattern (GMSP) assay, which rapidly detects clonal expansion of the T cell receptor β variable gene (TCRBV) in patients with HBV by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) with DNA melting curve analysis. However, the molecular profiles of TCRBV in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD8+, CD8- cell subsets from chronic severe hepatitis B (CSHB) patients have not been well described.

Methods

Human PBMCs were separated and sorted into CD8+ and CD8- cell subsets using density gradient centrifugation and magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). The molecular features of the TCRBV CDR3 motif were determined using GMSP analysis; the TCRBV families were cloned and sequenced when the GMSP profile showed a single-peak, indicative of a monoclonal population.

Results

The number of skewed TCRBV in the CD8+ cell subset was significantly higher than that of the CD8- cell subset as assessed by GMSP analysis. The TCRBV11 and BV7 were expressed more frequently than other members of TCRBV family in PBMCs and CD8+, CD8- subsets. Also the relatively conserved amino acid motifs were detected in the TCRBV22, BV18 and BV11 CDR3 in PBMCs among patients with CSHB.

Conclusions

The molecular features of the TCRBV CDR3 were markedly different among PBMCs and CD8+, CD8- cell subsets derived from CSHB patients. Analysis of the TCRBV expression in the CD8+ subset was more accurate in assessing the status and function of circulating T cells. The expression of TCRBV11, BV7 and the relatively conserved CDR3 amino acid motifs could also help to predict and treat patients with CSHB.
Spinal cord stimulators and radiotherapy: First case report and practice guidelines
Authors: Walsh Lorraine , Guha Daipayan , Purdie Thomas G , Bedard Philippe , Easson Alexandra , Liu Fei-Fei , Hodaie Mojgan
Published: December 2011

Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are a well-recognised treatment modality in the management of a number of chronic neuropathic pain conditions, particularly failed back syndrome and radiculopathies. The implantable pulse generator (IPG) component of the SCS is designed and operates in a similar fashion to that of a cardiac pacemaker. The IPG consists of an electrical generator, lithium battery, transmitter/receiver and a minicomputer. When stimulated, it generates pulsed electrical signals which stimulate the dorsal columns of the spinal cord, thus alleviating pain. Analogous to a cardiac pacemaker, it can be potentially damaged by ionising radiation from a linear accelerator, in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Herein we report our clinical management of the first reported case of a patient requiring adjuvant breast radiotherapy who had a SCS in situ. We also provide useful practical recommendations on the management of this scenario within a radiation oncology department.
Productive Paradoxes
Authors: Ahmad Dohra , Nero Shondel J.
Published: December 2011

This article examines some of the central paradoxes of vernacular language use in the classroom and suggests methods for converting those paradoxes into productive teaching opportunities. Beginning from a linguistic point of view, the authors discuss the devaluing and marginalization of the vernacular in educational settings and then move on to literary examples, demonstrating how vernacular literature generates its own transnational conversation. The authors propose concrete strategies for incorporating vernacular language and literature in language arts, composition, and literature classrooms at secondary and university levels.
Evaluation of rectus extraocular muscles using dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy for assessment of disease activity
Authors: Jiang Hong , Wang Zhenchang , Xian Junfang , Li Jing , Chen Qinghua , Ai Likun
Published: December 2011

Background

It is important to assess the activity of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) for planning optimal treatment strategy. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) is a technique for assessment of microcirculation status. The correlation between disease activity and the microcirculation characteristics of extraocular muscles (EOMs) has been demonstrated in GO.

Purpose

To investigate the changes of rectus EOMs in patients with active vs. inactive GO using DCE-MRI, and to evaluate the value of DCE-MRI in assessing the activity of GO.

Material and Methods

Rectus EOMs of 20 healthy controls, 18 patients with active GO, and 16 patients with inactive GO were studied. The signal intensity (SI) of rectus EOMs on T2W images was evaluated. Regions of interest were placed on each rectus on DCE-MRI images. The DCE-MRI parameters including time to peak enhancement (Tpeak), enhancement ratio (ER), and wash-out ratio (WR) were calculated.

Results

There were significant differences in SI and Tpeak, ER and WR values among the three groups ( P = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference in SI between the active and inactive groups ( P = 0.07). Tpeak values of each rectus were significantly increased in inactive group compared with the active group ( P < 0.05). ER and WR values of the inferior rectus and WR values of the superior rectus in inactive group were significantly lower than those in active group ( P < 0.05). There was significant correlation between clinical activity score (CAS) and minimum Tpeak (minTpeak), maximum ER (maxER) and maximum WR (maxWR) ( P < 0.001). The cut-off values of minTpeak, maxER and maxWR were 156.98s, 1.31 and 13.50% respectively, giving positive predictive values of 68.00%, 88.90%, and 94.44% for the assessment of disease activity.

Conclusion

DCE-MRI could demonstrate the microcirculatory changes of rectus EOMs in both active and inactive GO, and this MRI method is a useful tool in differentiating active from inactive GO.
The tissue engineering of articular cartilage: cells, scaffolds and stimulating factors
Authors: Danišovič L'uboš , Varga Ivan , Zamborský Radoslav , Böhmer Daniel
Published: December 2011

Damage or loss of articular cartilage as a consequence of congenital anomaly, degenerative joint disease or injury leads to progressive debilitation, which has a negative impact on the quality of life of affected individuals in all age groups. Classical surgical techniques for hyaline cartilage reparation are frequently insufficient and in many cases it is not possible to obtain the expected results. For this reason, researchers and surgeons are forced to find a method to induce complete cartilage repair. Recently, the advent of tissue engineering has provided alternative possibilities for the treatment of these patients by application of cell-based therapy (e.g. chondrocytes and adult stem cells) combined with synthetic substitutes of the extracellular matrix and bioactive factors to prepare functional replacement of hyaline cartilage. This communication is aimed at a brief review of the current status of cartilage tissue engineering and recent advances in the field.
Fusion imaging technology of the intracranial veins
Authors: Zamboni P , Menegatti E , Viselner G , Morovic S , Bastianello S
Published: December 2011

Objectives

Fusion imaging technology (FIT) combines different imaging techniques by means of properly designed software. The aim of this study was to validate the ultrasonographic representation of intracranial vein anatomy by combining transcranial echo-colour Doppler (TECD) with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, we investigated the possibility of insonating the veins of the base of the skull through the novel condylar window.

Methods

We examined venous brain circulation in five healthy subjects by means of FIT, using a 1.5 T MR scanner and an ultrasound TECD equipped with Virtual Navigator technology.

Results and conclusions

Insonation of the Rosenthal and other intracranial veins through the classical transtemporal window, based on anatomical assumption, but never before validated by means of FIT study, was confirmed. Moreover, in all five subjects, FIT demonstrated the possibility of insonating the petrosal sinuses and the cavernous sinus area through the novel transcondylar approach. In conclusion, the feasibility of FIT of the intracranial veins potentially permits to study subjects in different postures and/or at the bed of non-transportable patients, after the initial MRI acquisition. Finally, the novel transcondylar approach allows obtaining haemodynamic information from the cavernous and the petrosal sinuses usually not investigated by TECD alone.
What advantage is there to be gained using large modular metal-on-metal bearings in routine primary hip replacement?
Authors: Malviya A. , Ramaskandhan J. R. , Bowman R. , Hashmi M. , Holland J. P. , Kometa S. , Lingard E.
Published: December 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible benefit of large-head metal-on-metal bearing on a stem for primary hip replacement compared with a 28 mm diameter conventional metal-on-polyethylene bearing in a prospective randomised controlled trial. We investigated cemented stem behaviour between these two different bearings using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyse, clinical and patient reported measures (Harris hip score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index, Short Form-36 and satisfaction) and whole blood metal ion levels at two years. A power study indicated that 50 hips were needed in each group to detect subsidence of > 5 mm at two years with a p-value of < 0.05.

Significant improvement (p < 0.001) was found in the mean clinical and patient reported outcomes at two years for both groups. Comparison of outcomes between the groups at two years showed no statistically significant difference for mean stem migration, clinical and patient reported outcomes; except overall patient satisfaction which was higher for metal-on-metal group (p = 0.05). Metal ion levels were raised above the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency advised safety level (7 µg per litre) in 20% of the metal-on-metal group and in one patient in metal-on-polyethylene group (who had a metal-on-metal implant on the contralateral side). Two patients in the metal-on-metal group were revised, one for pseudotumour and one for peri-prosthetic fracture.

Use of large modular heads is associated with a risk of raised whole blood metal ion levels despite using a proven bearing from resurfacing. The head-neck junction or excess stem micromotion are possibly the weak links warranting further research.
Does the addition of cement improve the rate of local recurrence after curettage of giant cell tumours in bone?
Authors: Gaston C. L. , Bhumbra R. , Watanuki M. , Abudu A. T. , Carter S. R. , Jeys L. M. , Tillman R. M. , Grimer R. J.
Published: December 2011

We retrospectively compared the outcome after the treatment of giant cell tumours of bone either with curettage alone or with adjuvant cementation. Between 1975 and 2008, 330 patients with a giant cell tumour were treated primarily by intralesional curettage, with 84 (25%) receiving adjuvant bone cement in the cavity. The local recurrence rate for curettage alone was 29.7% (73 of 246) compared with 14.3% (12 of 84) for curettage and cementation (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis both the stage of disease and use of cement were independent significant factors associated with local recurrence. The use of cement was associated with a higher risk of the subsequent need for joint replacement. In patients without local recurrence, 18.1% (13 of 72) of those with cement needed a subsequent joint replacement compared to 2.3% (4 of 173) of those without cement (p = 0.001). In patients who developed local recurrence, 75.0% (9 of 12) of those with previous cementation required a joint replacement, compared with 45.2% (33 of 73) of those without cement (p = 0.044).
A greener, halide-free approach to ionic liquid synthesis
Authors: Ferguson Jamie L. , Holbrey John D. , Ng Shieling , Plechkova Natalia V. , Seddon Kenneth R. , Tomaszowska Alina A. , Wassell David F.
Published: December 2011

Conventionally, ionic liquids with anions generated from simple organic acids are prepared following a metathetic procedure from a halide salt, usually a chloride. Here, we describe an efficient means of generating hydroxide solutions of the cations of interest, allowing many ionic liquids to be produced by simple acid–base reactions, completely avoiding the use of halides.
Intolerance of Uncertainty and Meta-Worry: Relative Importance in Discriminating GAD
Authors: Khawaja Nigar G. , McMahon Janette , Strodl Esben
Published: December 2011

This study explored whether intolerance of uncertainty and/or meta-worry discriminate between non-clinical individuals and those diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD group). The participants were 107 GAD clients and 91 university students. The students were divided into two groups (high and low GAD symptom groups). A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) adjusting for age indicated that intolerance of uncertainty distinguished between the low GAD symptom group and the high GAD symptom group, and between the low GAD symptom group and the GAD group. Meta-worry distinguished all three groups. A discriminant function including intolerance of uncertainty and meta-worry classified 94.4% of the GAD group and 97.9% of the low GAD symptom group. Only 6.8% of the high GAD symptom group was classified correctly, 77.3% of the high GAD symptom group was classified as GAD. Findings indicated that intolerance of uncertainty and meta-worry may assist with the diagnosis and treatment of GAD.
A Pilot Trial of Proactive Versus Reactive Referral to Tobacco Quitlines
Authors: Stoltzfus Ky , Ellerbeck Edward F. , Hunt Suzanne , Rabius Vance , Carlini Beatriz , Ayers Candace , Richter Kimber P.
Published: December 2011

Overview:Many U.S. hospitals use fax-referral to quitlines to provide outpatient follow-up. It is important to understand whether it is better to refer all smokers, or only those ready to quit, to quitline services. The purpose of this pilot project was to evaluate the feasibility and intermediate out-comes of a proactive (offering fax referral to all smokers) versus a reactive (pre-screening for readiness to quit within the next 30 days) approach to quitline fax-referral.Method:We employed a pre-test, post-test comparison group design in which a script-based reactive approach was employed over a two-week period and a script-based proactive approach was employed in the following two-week period. Scripts were inserted into the counselling protocols of a pre-existing inpatient treatment program.Major Findings:We enrolled 45 patients — 25 during the reactive, and 20 during the proactive block. In the reactive group, 12 (48%) indicated that they were ready to quit smoking and accepted fax-referral to the quitline. Nine (75%) were successfully contacted and enrolled in the quitline, for an overall quitline enrolment rate of 36% (9/25). In the proactive group, all accepted fax-referral to the quitline and 11 were successfully contacted and enrolled by the quitline for an overall enrolment rate of 55% (11/20). Quitlines were able to reach and enrol a higher proportion of patients referred to them, when patients were pre-screened for readiness to quit. Offering quitline referral, regardless of readiness to quit, potentially expands the reach and possibly the impact of quitline counselling.
Novel Error Prediction Method of Dynamic Measurement Lacking Information
Authors: Leyi Ge , Wei Zhao , Songling Huang , Jing Zhou
Published: December 2011

Predicting for dynamic measurement error is becoming a hot issue in measurement field. The paper deals with the error prediction of dynamic measurement lacking information. Firstly, according to grey system theory and the bootstrap method, the prediction and transfer coefficients of all error sources have been taken into account. Then, the error prediction of dynamic measurement lacking information, are obtained starting from each error sources’ absolute accuracy in terms of the error combination principle. Finally, in a general dynamic measurement, the predicting measurement errors obtained by means of this novel proposed method are compared with the ones obtained from Monte Carlo method. The results are in good agreement with each other.
Mimikry und jüdische Identität(en) in der zeitgenössischen polnisch- und russisch-jüdischen Literatur
Authors: Smola Klavdia
Published: December 2011

This article considers the phenomenon of mimicry as dealt with in contemporary Polish-Jewish and Russian-Jewish literature. Due to the massive social, religious and political marginalisation of Jews in the 20th century, mimicry once again became widespread among Eastern European Jews over this period as a special means of ethnic and cultural assimilation, dissimulation and deception. The effects of mimicry on the identity of Jews, often long after the end of the Holocaust, or more recently the fall of the communist dictatorships, are reflected in texts by Eastern European Jewish authors. The article considers mimicry as a complex-laden strategy that gives contemporary relevance once again to the problems of the socially constructed “Jewish body”, and ancient historical phenomena such as European crypto-Judaism.
The Association of Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction: Results From the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES)
Authors: Wu Chunlei , Zhang Haiying , Gao Yong , Tan Aihua , Yang Xiaobo , Lu Zheng , Zhang Youjie , Liao Ming , Wang Mengjie , Mo Zengnan
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: To describe the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its association with smoking and other risk factors among a large male population. Data were collected from 2686 men attending the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey from September 2009 to December 2009. ED was assessed using the 5‐item International Index of Erectile Function. Self‐reported smoking history was obtained from the questionnaire. Prevalence of ED was 49.5% among 2686 Chinese men in Fangchenggang aged 20–79 years. After adjusting for age, alcohol drinking, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity, smokers who smoked ≥20 cigarettes daily had a significantly increased risk of ED than never smokers (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–1.49; P = .02). After further adjustment for education, the risk of ED was still significantly higher in men smoking more than 23 years than never smokers (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.22–2.09; P = .001). Association of age and education with ED was statistically significant after adjusting for the other variables. A history of diabetes and hypertension all increased the risk of ED, but statistically significant differences did not exist after adjustment for other variables. The association between smoking and ED risk in men was higher with a habit of drinking alcohol (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01–1.74) or physical inactivity (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.05–1.67), or with a with a history of hypertension (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.11–2.62), dyslipidemia (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06–1.81), and diabetes (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.4–6.98). Our results show that heavy smoking might cause ED and that the duration of the habit increases the risk of ED. Furthermore, it highlights the potential interaction of smoking with other life habits or medical history on ED risk.
Acupuncture for Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Posadzki Paul , Zhang Junhua , Lee Myeong Soo , Ernst Edzard
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Eight databases were searched from their inception to October 2010. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) were considered if they tested acupuncture against any control intervention or no therapy in humans with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by 2 reviewers. The methodologic quality of all included RCTs was assessed using the Jadad scale. Studies of stimulation of acupoints other than by needles were excluded. Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria. They all suggested that acupuncture is effective as a range of control interventions. Their methodologic quality was variable; most were associated with major flaws. Only one RCT had a Jadad score of more than 3. The evidence that acupuncture is effective for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is encouraging but, because of several caveats, not conclusive. Therefore, more rigorous studies seem warranted.
Gastrointestinal nematodes of Coccymys ruemmleri (Rodentia, Muridae) with the description Montistrongylus giluwensis sp. nov. (Heligmonellidae) and Syphacia coccymyos sp. nov. (Oxyuridae) from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Smales Lesley
Published: December 2011

Five species of nematode were collected from the digestive tracts of 10 Coccymys ruemmleri from Papua New Guinea. Montistrongylus giluwensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congener by its size, in having more ridges in the synlophe, longer spicules and the form of the cuticle on the female posterior end. Syphacia (S.) coccymyos can be distinguished from all other species in the subgenus by having a laterally extended dorso-ventrally constricted oval cephalic plate and both cervical and lateral alae, together with the combination spicule length and egg size. The helminth assemblage had similar species richness to that of Chiruromys vates with Odilia mackerrasae the only species in common.
Description of Maritrema portucalensis sp. nov. (Digenea, Microphallidae) parasite of Carcinus maenas (Crustacea, Decapoda) from Aveiro estuary, Northern Portugal
Authors: Pina Susana , Russell-Pinto Fernanda , Rodrigues Pedro
Published: December 2011

Maritrema portucalensis sp. nov. (Digenea, Microphallidae) from Aveiro estuary, northern Portugal, is described on the basis of excysted metacercariae obtained from the gill lamellae of the shore crab Carcinus maenas (L.). M. portucalensis sp. nov. most closely resembles Maritrema subdolum Jägerskiöld, 1909, a species that also frequently uses C. maenas as second intermediate host. The new species differs from M. subdolum in having a narrower body at the level of testes and a smaller ovary and testes. Also, the digestive caeca presented various folds along their length, thickening in the terminal region. Moreover, the body surface was fully covered by tegumental spines provided with several teeth. To complement our morphological characterization and to identify M. portucalensis metacercariae, the ITS1 rDNA region of the cysts isolated from C. maenas was sequenced and compared with the corresponding available sequences of digenean trematodes belonging to the family Microphallidae. Alignments revealed 28 base-pair differences between the query-ITS1 and that of M. subdolum, and more importantly a 100% similarity with the sequence of Microphallidae sp. no. 15 cercaria from the snail Hydrobia ulvae. The last observation allowed us to establish an unequivocal association between cercaria known as Microphallidae sp. no. 15, and the metacercaria of M. portucalensis sp. nov. characterized in this work, contributing decisively to the clarification of its life cycle.
The Photochemistry of Benzotriazole Derivatives. Part 2: Photolysis of 1-Substituted Benzotriazole Arylhydrazones: New Route to Phenanthridin-6-yl-2-phenyldiazines
Authors: Al-Jalal Nader A. , Ibrahim Maher R. , Al-Awadi Nouria A. , Elnagdi Mohamed H.
Published: December 2011

Irradiation of 1-substituted benzotriazole arylhydrazones 3a–c, 4a,b and 5a,b with a 16 W low pressure mercury arc-lamp (254 nm) for 24 h gave phenanthridin-6-yl-2-phenyldiazines 9a–c, phenanthridin-6(5H)-ones 10a–c, 1-anilinobenzimidazoles 11a–c, 2-aryl-1H-benzimidazoles 12a–c, 1-arylamino-1H-benzimidazol-2-carboxylic acid ethyl esters 14a,b, 1-aryl-1H, 9H-benzo [4,5][1,2,3] triazolo[1,2-a]tetrazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl esters 16a,b, 1-arylamino-2-benzoylbenzimidazoles 18a,b and 2-benzoylbenzoxazole 21.
Hinduism in India and Congregational Forms: Influences of Modernization and Social Networks
Authors: Stroope Samuel
Published: December 2011

In light of increased scholarly interest in the scientific study of non-Christian religions and societies, I review sociological research on Hinduism. Specifically, I focus on Hindu congregational forms, a phenomenon noted in social scientific literature. Drawing on existing theories from the sociology of religion, this article illuminates possible social sources of Hindu congregational forms. Two preliminary sources are proposed and possible mechanisms elaborated: (1) modernization and (2) social networks. I conclude by proposing several new directions for research on Hindu congregational forms. These arguments and proposals offer directions for expanding understanding of how theories in the sociology of religion might operate beyond Christianity and the West.
Deriving an Improved Dynamic EROI to Provide Better Information for Energy Planners
Authors: Kessides Ioannis N. , Wade David C.
Published: December 2011

The two most frequently quantified metrics of net energy analysis–the energy return on (energy) investment and the energy payback period–do not capture the growth rate potential of an energy supply infrastructure. This is because the analysis underlying these metrics is essentially static–all energy inputs and outputs are treated the same, regardless of where they occur in the life cycle of the infrastructure. We develop a dynamic energy analysis framework to model the growth potential of alternative electricity supply infrastructures. An additional figure of merit, the infrastructure doubling time, is introduced. This metric highlights the critical importance of the time phasing of the initial energy investment for emplacing a given infrastructure, as opposed to the ongoing O&M energy expenditures, for the infrastructure’s growth potential. The doubling time metric also captures the influence of capacity factor, licensing and construction time lags.
An Edible Energy Return on Investment (EEROI) Analysis of Wheat and Rice in Pakistan
Authors: Pracha Ali S. , Volk Timothy A.
Published: December 2011

Agriculture is the largest sector of Pakistan’s economy, contributing almost 22% to the GDP and employing almost 45% of the total labor force. The two largest food crops, wheat and rice, contribute 3.1% and 1.4% to the GDP, respectively. The objective of this research was to calculate the energy return on investment (EROI) of these crops on a national scale from 1999 to 2009 to understand the size of various energy inputs and to discuss their contributions to the energy output. Energy inputs accounted for within the cropping systems included seed, fertilizer, pesticide, human labor, tractor diesel, irrigation pump electricity and diesel, the transport of fertilizer and pesticide, and the embodied energy of tractors and irrigation pumps. The largest per-hectare energy inputs to wheat were nitrogen fertilizer (52.6%), seed (17.9%), and tractor diesel (9.1%). For rice, the largest per-hectare energy inputs were nitrogen fertilizer (32%), tube well diesel (19.8%), and pesticide (17.6%). The EROI of wheat showed a gradual downward trend between 2000 and 2006 of 21.3%. The trend was erratic thereafter. Overall, it ranged from 2.7 to 3.4 with an average of 2.9 over the 11-year study period. The overall trend was fairly consistent compared to that of rice which ranged between 3.1 and 4.9, and averaged 3.9. Rice’s EROI dipped sharply in 2002, was erratic, and remained below four until 2007. It rose sharply after that. As energy inputs increased, wheat outputs increased, but rice outputs decreased slightly. Rice responded to inputs with greater output and an increase in EROI. The same was not true for wheat, which showed little change in EROI in the face of increasing inputs. This suggests that additional investments of energy in rice production are not improving yields but for wheat, these investments are still generating benefits. The analysis shows quantitatively how fossil energy is a key driver of the Pakistani agricultural system as it traces direct and indirect energy inputs to two major food crops.
The Role of Attached and Free-Living Bacteria in Biodegradation in Karst Aquifers
Authors: Painter Roger , Byl Tom , Sharpe Lonnie , Kheder Ahmad , Harris Justin
Published: December 2011

Natural attenuation of groundwater contamination occurs at some level for all aquifers impacted with organic contaminants. The issues regarding natural attenuation are whether it takes place at a sufficient rate to be protective of human health and the environment. Implementation of a Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) remedial alternative for groundwater requires parties responsible for the contamination to demonstrate to regulators and the public that MNA is protective at a given site. Analysis of MNA for remediation of karst aquifers is hampered by a lack of understanding of biodegradation in karst environments. The lack of studies examining biodegradation in karst aquifers may in large part be due to the widespread perception that contaminants are rapidly flushed out of karst aquifers resulting in insufficient residence times for contaminants to biodegrade. In highly developed and well-connected conduit systems, the rate of contaminant migration is perceived to be much faster than the rate of biodegradation. This perception of contaminant transport is largely incorrect. Tracer studies for karst aquifers often indicate that these aquifers are characterized by diverse flow regimes and storage capabilities. Additionally, it is also believed that if bioremediation in bedrock aquifers is dependent upon contact between surface-attached bacteria and contaminants, then bioremediation would be limited by the low surface-area-to-volume ratio (SA/V) of karst aquifers. A quantitative basis, however, for accepting or rejecting the assumption that attached bacteria dominate the biodegradation process in karst conduits has not been shown. The objective of this research was to determine if free-living karst bacteria from contributed as much to toluene biodegradation as attached bacteria. This is an important area of research. Research indicates bacteria are both attached and free-living in karst aquifers and it is unrealistic to think that only the attached bacteria facilitate biodegradation. The groundwater use in all tests was taken from a karst aquifer know to be impacted by BTEX. The resulting first-order rate constants were computed to be 0.014 per hour for the open system and 0.0155 per hour for the packed reactor system. Biodegradation of toluene in flow-through laboratory karst systems of varying SA/V indicated that the observed biodegradation of toluene was attributable to free-living karst bacteria and not limited by low SA/V in karst. This was evidenced by the fact that the systems with five-fold variation in SA/V were shown to have observed pseudo first order reaction rate constants that differed by only 7.0%. If attached bacteria were primarily responsible for biodegradation and limiting, a proportional difference in the observed rates relative to the difference in surface area would be expected.
The application of a monolithic triphenylphosphine reagent for conducting Appel reactions in flow microreactors
Authors: Roper Kimberley A , Lange Heiko , Polyzos Anastasios , Berry Malcolm B , Baxendale Ian R , Ley Steven V
Published: December 2011

Herein we describe the application of a monolithic triphenylphosphine reagent to the Appel reaction in flow-chemistry processing, to generate various brominated products with high purity and in excellent yields, and with no requirement for further off-line purification.
Evolutionary Algorithm for Microphone Array Optimization
Authors: Yu Jing Jing , Yu Fa Shan
Published: December 2011

This paper presented a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize element placements of microphone array with the purpose of maximizing beamforming SNR for given possible distribution of sound sources. A function based on relationship between statistical geometry descriptors and array performance matrices was applied as the objective function of GA. Optimization experiments of 1D linear array and 2D planar array were performed to demonstrate that this algorithm can effectively sort out superior arrays with significant SNR improvements over randomly generated arrays and regular arrays. High successful rate, rapid convergence speed, and fast processing time observed in all the experiments demonstrate the feasibility of this algorithm as a practical tool for microphone array design.
Research of Intelligent Control Policy on Main Steam Temperature of Thermal Power Plant
Authors: Luo Yu Feng , Liu Lu Lu
Published: December 2011

In view of the nonlinear, time-variable, long delay, large inertia character of main steam temperature system, the difficult point of control is summarized. The status quo of application study on main steam temperature by fuzzy control, neural network and fuzzy neural network control, genetic algorithms is introduced. And taking "the 600 MW concurrent boiler load in 100%" as an example, carry on the main steam temperature control simulation by means of Matlab/Simulink software. In this simulation, four control strategies are taking for the simulation experiment, and comparing with the traditional PID control algorithm. The simulation results prove that fuzzy neural network control strategies have good robustness, fast response, short setting time, and great potential for the control of main steam temperature.
A Model on Supplier Selection in Green Supply Chain Based on BP Neural Network
Authors: Li Dao Guo , Zhou Zhong Yuan , Yang Chen
Published: December 2011

Based on the complexity of the evaluation index for supplier selection in green supply chain, this paper puts forward the evaluation index system in green supply chain and presents BP neural network model to select supplier with evaluation indexes as BP neural network's input and the outcome of DEA/AHP model as BP neural network's expected output. It can be proved that the model can effectively select suppliers in green supply chain by simulation experiment with LIINGO 9.0 and MATLAB7.0.
The Direct Torque Control Research of Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motor
Authors: Zhu Jun , Wang Xu Dong , Xu Bao Yu , Feng Hai Chao
Published: December 2011

In order to improve the dynamic servo performance of PMLSM, a classical direct torque control (DTC) scheme based on bang-bang control is proposed in the paper. The proposed control method uses the bang-bang hysteresis controller formed a dual-closed loop control system, it contains torque loop and flux loop. The DTC control model was established and the simulation experiment was made. The simulation experiment results show that the DTC can improve the dynamic performance of PMLSM. It can reduce the ripples of speed and torque, so that it can provide more precision and accuracy servo performance.
Energy-Based Attitude Control of Spherical Pendulum
Authors: Lv Wen Jun , Ge Xin Sheng
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we study the attitude control problems based on model of spherical pendulum. Three degrees of freedom pendulum (3D pendulum) is a rigid body supported by a frictionless pivot. According to relative position of the center of mass and the fixed pivot without friction, the 3D rigid pendulum can be divided into two balanced attitudes, Hanging equilibrium and inverted equilibrium. For the axisymmetric 3D rigid pendulum, the axis of symmetry is equivalent to axis of inertia of rigid body, and angular velocity around the axis of symmetry is equal to zero, as a result, the 3D rigid pendulum can be equal to the spherical pendulum. According to the motion attitude of spherical pendulum, one control method based on passive theory is proposed in this paper, Firstly, we use the passive theory to research the equilibrium stability of spherical pendulum. Secondly, passive theory and the Lyapunov function are utilized to deduce the control law .Finally, the spherical pendulum reach asymptotically stable in equilibrium position.
Experimental Research on the Ultrasonic Grinding Surface Topography of Engineering Ceramics
Authors: Shao Shui Jun , Zhao Bo , Li Yu
Published: December 2011

Based on the research on the quality of grinding surface of engineering ceramics, the engineering materials can be widely used. The ultrasonic grinding surface of the ceramic plate is discussed in this paper by dividing regionally. Concentrating on how the edge quality affects the surface topography, the white-light interference measuring techniques is used to observe the topography of the grinding surface.
Research on Force Simulation of Rolls' Deformation in the Rolling Process of Medium and Heavy Plate Leveler
Authors: Wang Xiao Gang , Li Xiang Nan , Huang Qing Xue
Published: December 2011

During many factors affect the straightening precision, the shape of roller gap affect directly the flatness and the distribution of residual stress; At the same time, roll system's stiffness, as an important part of the roller leveler's whole stiffness, affect directly the design of leveling production process. In order to draw the conclusion of deformation characteristics and rules, the equivalent FEM Model on upper rolls and its support structure and investigates on the features of stress and strain after the rollers' deformation is established, based on the structural analysis of hot roller leveler for 3800mm plate steel.
Review on Temperature Modulation Technology of Gas Sensors
Authors: An Wen , Yang Chun Ying
Published: December 2011

Temperature modulation has been proved to be an efficient technique for improving the selectivity and stability of gas sensors. Recent years, there are many reports about it. This paper detailed analysis of the technology and reviewed the methods of temperature modulation, the techniques of dynamic signal processing, the optimization of modulation modes, and dynamic modeling of the responses. Then discusses the research trends of the technology.
Experimental Investigation on Underwater Opto-Acoustic Communication
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Jian Gan , Zong Si Guang
Published: December 2011

The underwater opto-acoustic communication system for directional acoustic communication between an in-air platform and a submerged platform operating is important. The paper presents a new method to solve this problem with opto-acoustic technology, which combines high-energy laser, the opto-acoustic transmitter that optical energy is converted to acoustic energy at the water surface. The laser-based transmitter provides a versatile method for generating underwater sound. The acoustic pressure is linearly proportional to the laser power. The paper designed an experimental measurement system for the opto-acoustic communication. It made experiments for study on the waveform and spectrum characteristics of opto-acoustic signals. The paper also discuss the acoustic wave after optical breakdown in water with Nd:YAG laser pulses. The opto-acoustic signals can controll by adjusting the laser's parameters. The conclusion is that the opto-acoustic communication has some technical advantages. This system presents a change in the way communicational from the air.
Research on the Imbalance-Crack Coupling Fault Diagnosis Based on Wavelet Packet and Energy Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Xu Fu Ze , Li Xue Jun , Wang Guang Bin , Yang Da Lian
Published: December 2011

It is common for the imbalance-crack coupling fault in rotating machinery, while the crack information is often overshadowed by unbalanced fault information, which is difficult to extract the crack signal. In order to extract the crack signal of the imbalance-crack coupling fault, and realize the fault diagnosis, the paper mainly analyzes its mechanical properties, and then use wavelet packet to de-nosing, decomposing and reconstructing the acquisition of vibration acceleration signal, and then analyzing the characteristics of frequency domain of the fault signal by using the energy spectrum. So the experiment proved that analyze and dispose the acquisition of the fault signal by using the method of the energy spectrum and the wavelet packet, which can effectively distinguish between the crack signal and unbalanced signals in imbalance-crack coupling faults .It also can provide some reference for the diagnosis and prevention for such fault.
A Novel Gray Image Representation Method Based on NAM Using Nonoverlapping Square Subpatterns
Authors: He Jie , Zheng Yun Ping , Guo Hui
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we propose a novel gray image representation method based on the non-symmetry and anti-packing model (NAM) by using the nonoverlapping square subpatterns, which is called the square NAM for gray images (SNAMG) representation method. Also, a SNAMG representation algorithm is put forward and the storage structures, the total data amount, and the time complexity of the proposed algorithm are analyzed in detail. By taking some standard gray images, such as ‘F16’ and ‘Peppers’, as the typical test objects, and comparing the proposed algorithm with those of the triangle NAM for gray images (TNAMG) and the classic linear quadtree (LQT), the theoretical and experimental results show that the former is obviously superior to the latter with respect to the numbers of subpatterns (nodes) and the data storage, and therefore it is a better method to represent the gray image pattern.