bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of socio-demographic and diagnostic profile of patients attending the psychiatric out-patient department of Nobel Medical College Biratnagar
Authors: Koirala Naba Raj , Yadav Rajesh , Das Ajay Kumar , Poudel Jwalanta , Bhagat Santosh Kumar
Published: January 2013

Study on prevalence of psychiatric disorders in Eastern part of Nepal, is relatively understudied subject in Nepal. The present study is undertaken with the aim to study the socio-demographic characteristics and diagnostic profile of patients attending the psychiatry OPD of Nobel Medical College, that provides both outpatient and inpatient services to psychiatric patients residing in eastern part of Nepal and nearby Indian villages. It was a retrospective study where all consecutive patients attending the Psychiatry OPD from 1st May 2011 to 30th April 2012 and fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for Category F of ICD-101 were included in the study. Amongst the total number of 637 patients, cases with Epilepsy (N=44), Headache (N=53), other medical disorders (N=13) and incomplete case record (N=17) were excluded, and the final sample size was comprised of 510 cases (males=214 and females=296). Maximum numbers of patients were in the age-group 16-40 years (N=238, 47%) and were married (N=416, 79.04%). Most of the patients suffered from Neurotic stress-related and somatoform disorders (N=214, 41.96%), followed by Mood (N=168, 32.94%) and Schizophrenia, schizotypal and related disorders (N=56, 10.98%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v1i2.7299 Journal of Nobel Medical College (2012), Vol.1 No.2 p.45-49
Evaluation of chronic headache by computed tomography: a retrospective study
Authors: Subedee Anish
Published: January 2013

Objective: To find out the proportion of intracranial abnormalities in patients with chronic headache without neurologic abnormality with the use of computed tomography (CT) and to compare the results with similar studies done previously. Materials and methods: CT images of 56 patients with chronic/recurrent headache and normal neurological findings were reviewed retrospectively. In 38 of 56 patients, both plain and contrast enhanced CT were done. Patients were divided into three groups according to the CT findings: those with no abnormality, those with minor abnormality (that did not alter patient management) and those with clinically significant abnormality. Proportion of patients in each group was found out and results were compared with previous studies with similar study design. Z test was used to evaluate whether the difference in proportions of patients in our study and previous study was statistically significant or not. Results: Of the 56 patients, 50 had normal CT (89.28 %), four had minor abnormality (7.14%) that did not alter patient management and two had significant lesions (3.57%). Contrast enhanced CT did not improve lesion detection. The minor findings detected were sub-ependymal calcifications of Tuberous sclerosis, calcified neurocysticercosis and old lacunar infarctions in external capsule. Clinically significant lesions detected were small ring enhancing lesion (neurocysticercosis or tuberculoma) and pineal cyst. Results of this study were compared with previous study with similar study design. The Z test showed that the difference in proportions in these studies was not statistically significant (p =0.0708 for minor findings and p =0.2033 for significant findings). Conclusion: The proportion of intracranial abnormalities detected by CT in this study was similar to that of previous studies. The use of intravenous contrast material administration did not improve its yield. This corroborates the evidence that the ability of CT scan in detecting significant intracranial pathology is poor in patients with chronic headache without neurologic abnormality.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v1i2.7301 Journal of Nobel Medical College (2012), Vol.1 No.2 p.57-63
Status of thyroid profile in Type-2 diabetes mellitis
Authors: Yadav Shekhar Chandra , Saldhana Alwin , Majumdar Biswajit
Published: January 2013

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defect in insulin secretion and/or insulin action. Thyroid dysfunction in diabetes mellitus patient has been frequently encountered. The clinical relationship between diabetes mellitus and thyroid function is becoming more widely recognized with hypothyroidism among diabetes mellitus patient. Total of 100 cases and 50 controls are enrolled into the study. Their fasting venous blood sample was taken and analyzed for blood sugar, T3, T4 and TSH. Blood sugar and TSH level were elevated while T3 and T4 level were statically decreased in case group in comparison to control group.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v1i2.7302 Journal of Nobel Medical College (2012), Vol.1 No.2 p.64-71
Rising rate of cesarean section - a year review
Authors: Subedi Shanti
Published: January 2013

Caesarean section is one of the most common surgeries performed in modern obstetrics. The rising trend of caesarean section in modern obstetrics is a major concern in health care system all over the world. With all the limited health care resources in a developing country like Nepal, this rising trend definitely has major implication. Rates of caesarean section countries in many countries have increased beyond the recommended level (WHO, 1985). Current available data from developed countries revealed morbidity and mortality from CS is more than in vaginal delivery for both the mother and fetus. Thus this study was conducted to evaluate the rate and indication for CS and to identify the measures to decrease its incidence if possible. Our results shows the foetal distress as the most common indication for Cesarean section in a eastern part of Nepal, which can be minimized significantly if a proper and timely investigation is carried out.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v1i2.7303 Journal of Nobel Medical College (2012), Vol.1 No.2 p.72-76
Dermoid cyst of ovary misdiagnosed as intrauterine fetal demise: a case report
Authors: Varsha Shanti Subedi , Deo Anju , Sharma Anjana , Ghimire Sita
Published: January 2013

Thirty two years multipara with amenorrhoea of five months presented with bleeding per vagina for ten days. Clinically and radiologically she was diagnosed with intrauterine fetal demise at 20 weeks period of gestation. She was induced with prostaglandins continuously for seven days. On eighth day of admission features of uterine rupture was present. On laparotomy ruptured huge dermoid cyst with chemical peritonitis was discovered. There was no evidence of pregnancy. We are reporting this case for a rare complication of ruptured dermoid cyst and also to illustrate the importance of clinical assessment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v1i2.7305 Journal of Nobel Medical College (2012), Vol.1 No.2 p.82-83
Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome
Authors: Koirala Naba Raj , Khadka Roshana , Bhattarai Manoj , Tulachan Dibya , Das Ajay Kumar , Poudel Jwalanta
Published: January 2013

Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome (DDMS) is characterized by seizures, facial asymmetry, contralateral hemiplegia and mental retardation. The characteristic radiologic features are cerebral hemiatrophy with homolateral hypertrophy of the skull and sinuses. Here we report a case of a 16 years young girl who presented with seizures severe mental retardation and weakness of left upper-limb and on CT brain was diagnosed to have DDMS.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jonmc.v1i2.7306 Journal of Nobel Medical College (2012), Vol.1 No.2 p.84-86
The Validation of the Mixedwood Growth Model (MGM) for Use in Forest Management Decision Making
Authors: Bokalo Mike , Stadt Kenneth , Comeau Philip , Titus Stephen
Published: January 2013

We evaluated the Mixedwood Growth Model (MGM) at a whole model scale for pure and mixed species stands of aspen and white spruce in the western boreal forest. MGM is an individual tree-based, distance-independent growth model, designed to evaluate growth and yield implications relating to the management of white spruce, black spruce, aspen, lodgepole pine, and mixedwood stands in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Our validation compared stand-level model predictions against re-measured data (volume, basal area, diameter at breast height (DBH), average and top height and density) from permanent sample plots using combined analysis of residual plots, bias statistics, efficiency and an innovative application of the equivalence test. For state variables, the model effectively simulated juvenile and mature stages of stand development for both pure and mixed species stands of aspen and white spruce in Alberta. MGM overestimates increment in older stands likely due to age-related pathology and weather-related stand damage. We identified underestimates of deciduous density and volume in Saskatchewan. MGM performs well for increment in postharvest stands less than 30 years of age. These results illustrate the comprehensive application of validation metrics to evaluate a complex model, and provide support for the use of MGM in management planning.
Cloning, Expression and Characterization of Mitochondrial Manganese Superoxide Dismutase from the Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Gao Xian-Long , Li Jun-Min , Wang Yong-Liang , Jiu Min , Yan Gen-Hong , Liu Shu-Sheng , Wang Xiao-Wei
Published: January 2013

A mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase from an invasive species of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci complex (Bt-mMnSOD) was cloned and analyzed. The full length cDNA of Bt-mMnSOD is 1210 bp with a 675 bp open reading frame, corresponding to 224 amino acids, which include 25 residues of the mitochondrial targeting sequence. Compared with various vertebrate and invertebrate animals, the MnSOD signature (DVWEHAYY) and four conserved amino acids for manganese binding (H54, H102, D186 and H190) were observed in Bt-mMnSOD. Recombinant Bt-mMnSOD was overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the enzymatic activity of purified mMnSOD was assayed under various temperatures. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis with whiteflies of different development stages showed that the mRNA levels of Bt-mMnSOD were significantly higher in the 4th instar than in other stages. In addition, the in vivo activities of MnSOD in the whitefly were measured under various conditions, including exposure to low (4 °C) and high (40 °C) temperatures, transfer from a favorable to an unfavorable host plant (from cotton to tobacco) and treatment with pesticides. Our results indicate that the whitefly MnSOD plays an important role in cellular stress responses and anti-oxidative processes and that it might contribute to the successful worldwide distribution of the invasive whitefly.
Proteome and Peptidome of Human Acquired Enamel Pellicle on Deciduous Teeth
Authors: Zimmerman Jason , Custodio William , Hatibovic-Kofman Sahza , Lee Young , Xiao Yizhi , Siqueira Walter
Published: January 2013

Understanding the composition and structure of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) has been a major goal in oral biology. Our lab has conducted studies on the composition of AEP formed on permanent enamel. The exhaustive exploration has provided a comprehensive identification of more than 100 proteins from AEP formed on permanent enamel. The AEP formed on deciduous enamel has not been subjected to the same biochemical characterization scrutiny as that of permanent enamel, despite the fact that deciduous enamel is structurally different from permanent enamel. We hypothesized that the AEP proteome and peptidome formed on deciduous enamel may also be composed of unique proteins, some of which may not be common with AEP of permanent enamel explored previously. Pellicle material was collected from 10 children (aged 18–54 months) and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 76 pellicle proteins were identified from the deciduous pellicle proteome. In addition, 38 natural occurring AEP peptides were identified from 10 proteins, suggesting that primary AEP proteome/peptidome presents a unique proteome composition. This is the first study to provide a comprehensive investigation of in vivo AEP formed on deciduous enamel.
VCD Studies on Chiral Characters of Metal Complex Oligomers
Authors: Sato Hisako , Yamagishi Akihiko
Published: January 2013

The present article reviews the results on the application of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy to the study of stereochemical properties of chiral metal complexes in solution. The chiral characters reflecting on the vibrational properties of metal complexes are revealed by measurements of a series of β-diketonato complexes with the help of theoretical calculation. Attention is paid to the effects of electronic properties of a central metal ion on vibrational energy levels or low-lying electronic states. The investigation is further extended to the oligomers of β-diketonato complex units. The induction of chiral structures is confirmed by the VCD spectra when chiral inert moieties are connected with labile metal ions. These results have demonstrated how VCD spectroscopy is efficient in revealing the static and dynamic properties of mononuclear and multinuclear chiral metal complexes, which are difficult to clarify by means of other spectroscopes.
The Effect of Remelting on the Physical Properties of Borotellurite Glass Doped with Manganese
Authors: Hashim Syed , Sidek Haji , Halimah Mohamed , Matori Khamirul , Yusof Wan , Zaid Mohd
Published: January 2013

A systematic set of borotellurite glasses doped with manganese (1–x) [(B2O3)0.3(TeO2)0.7]-xMnO, with x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mol%, were successfully synthesized by using a conventional melt and quench-casting technique. In this study, the remelting effect of the glass samples on their microstructure was investigated through density measurement and FT-IR spectra and evaluated by XRD techniques. Initial experimental results from XRD evaluation show that there are two distinct phases of glassy and crystallite microstructure due to the existence of peaks in the sample. The different physical behaviors of the studied glasses were closely related to the concentration of manganese in each phase. FTIR spectra revealed that the addition of manganese oxide contributes the transformation of TeO4 trigonal bipyramids with bridging oxygen (BO) to TeO3 trigonal pyramids with non-bridging oxygen (NBO).
Signalling Pathways that Inhibit the Capacity of Precursor Cells for Myelin Repair
Authors: Sabo Jennifer , Cate Holly
Published: January 2013

In demyelinating disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), targets of injury are myelin and oligodendrocytes, leading to severe neurological dysfunction. Regenerative therapies aimed at promoting oligodendrocyte maturation and remyelination are promising strategies for treatment in demyelinating disorders. Endogenous precursor cells or exogenous transplanted cells are potential sources for remyelinating oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). Several signalling pathways have been implicated in regulating the capacity of these cell populations for myelin repair. Here, we review neural precursor cells and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells as potential sources for remyelinating oligodendrocytes and evidence for the functional role of key signalling pathways in inhibiting regeneration from these precursor cell populations.
Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase and F1Fo-ATPase Dysfunction in Peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) with Cytoplasmic Male Sterility and Its Association with orf507 and Ψatp6-2 Genes
Authors: Ji Jiaojiao , Huang Wei , Yin Chuanchuan , Gong Zhenhui
Published: January 2013

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) has been associated with novel genes in the mitochondria, such as orf507 and Ψatp6-2. Plant sterility has been proved to result from the rearrangement of the mitochondrial genome. Previous studies have demonstrated that orf507 is co-transcribed with the cox II gene, and Ψatp6-2 is truncated at the 3' region of the atp6-2 that is found in the maintainer line. Until this time, little has been known about the relationship between the novel gene and the function of its corresponding enzyme in mitochondria from the CMS pepper line. Moreover, the aberrant function of the mitochondrial enzymes is seldom reported in pepper. In this study, we observed that anther abortion occurred after the tetrad stage in the CMS line (HW203A), which was accompanied by premature programmed cell death (PCD) in the tapetum. The spatiotemporal expression patterns of orf507 and Ψatp6-2 were analyzed together with the corresponding enzyme activities to investigate the interactions of the genes and mitochondrial enzymes. The two genes were both highly expressed in the anther. The orf507 was down-regulated in HW203A (CMS line), with nearly no expression in HW203B (the maintainer line). In contrast, the cytochrome c oxidase activity in HW203A showed the opposite trend, reaching its highest peak at the tetrad stage when compared with HW203B at the same stage. The Ψatp6-2 in the CMS line was also down-regulated, but it was up-regulated in the maintainer line. The corresponding F1Fo-ATPase activity in the CMS line was gradually decreased along with the development of the anther, which showed the same trend for Ψatp6-2 gene expression. On the contrary, with up-regulated gene expression of atp6-2 in the maintainer line, the F1Fo-ATPase activity sharply decreased after the initial development stage, but gradually increased following the tetrad stage, which was contrary to what happened in the CMS line. Taken together, all these results may provide evidence for the involvement of aberrant mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase and F1Fo-ATPase in CMS pepper anther abortion. Moreover, the novel orf507 and Ψatp6-2 genes in the mitochondria may be involved in the dysfunction of the cytochrome c oxidase and F1Fo-ATPase, respectively, which are responsible for the abortion of anthers in the CMS line.
Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Using Eigenvalue Fusion for OFDMA and Other Wideband Signals
Authors: Guimarães Dayan , Da Silva Carlos , De Souza Rausley
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we propose a new approach for the detection of OFDMA and other wideband signals in the context of centralized cooperative spectrum sensing for cognitive radio (CR) applications. The approach is based on the eigenvalues of the received signal covariance matrix whose samples are in the frequency domain. Soft combining of the eigenvalues at the fusion center is the main novelty. This combining strategy is applied to variants of four test statistics for binary hypothesis test, namely: the eigenvalue-based generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT), the maximum-minimum eigenvalue detection (MMED), the maximum eigenvalue detection (MED) and the energy detection (ED). It is shown that the eigenvalue fusion can outperform schemes based on decision fusion and sample fusion. A tradeoff is also established between complexity and volume of data sent to the fusion center in all combining strategies.
Design of High Impedance Electromagnetic Surfaces for Mutual Coupling Reduction in Patch Antenna Array
Authors: Islam Mohammad , Alam Md. Shahidul
Published: January 2013

A compact planar meander-bridge high impedance electromagnetic structure (MBHIES) was designed and its bandgap characteristics, mutual coupling reduction abilities were studied and compared in detail. Several parametric analyses were performed to obtain optimized design values and the transmission responses were calculated through the suspended microstrip line and waveguide simulation methods. The achieved bandgap is 2.3 GHz (2.55–4.85 GHz) with −61 dB minimum transmission coefficient level at the center frequency of 3.6 GHz. To see the effectiveness, the proposed design was inserted between a microstrip patch antenna array which operates at 3.8 GHz and whose operating bandwidth falls within the MBHIES bandgap. The surface wave suppression phenomenon was analyzed and simulated results are verified by measuring the fabricated prototypes, both are in good agreement. The configuration reduced the mutual coupling by 20.69 dB in simulation and 19.18 dB in measurement, without affecting the radiation characteristics of the array but increasing the gain slightly.
The Potential Role of Cell Penetrating Peptides in the Intracellular Delivery of Proteins for Therapy of Erythroid Related Disorders
Authors: Papadopoulou Lefkothea , Tsiftsoglou Asterios
Published: January 2013

The erythroid related disorders (ERDs) represent a large group of hematological diseases, which in most cases are attributed either to the deficiency or malfunction of biosynthetic enzymes or oxygen transport proteins. Current treatments for these disorders include histo-compatible erythrocyte transfusions or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. Gene therapy delivered via suitable viral vectors or genetically modified HSCs have been under way. Protein Transduction Domain (PTD) technology has allowed the production and intracellular delivery of recombinant therapeutic proteins, bearing Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPPs), into a variety of mammalian cells. Remarkable progress in the field of protein transduction leads to the development of novel protein therapeutics (CPP-mediated PTs) for the treatment of monogenetic and/or metabolic disorders. The “concept” developed in this paper is the intracellular protein delivery made possible via the PTD technology as a novel therapeutic intervention for treatment of ERDs. This can be achieved via four stages including: (i) the production of genetically engineered human CPP-mediated PT of interest, since the corresponding native protein either is missing or is mutated in the erythroid progenitor cell (ErPCs) or mature erythrocytes of patients; (ii) isolation of target cells from the peripheral blood of the selected patients; (iii) ex vivo transduction of cells with the CPP-mediated PT of interest; and (iv) re-administration of the successfully transduced cells back into the same patients.
A Potent (R)-alpha-bis-lipoyl Derivative Containing 8-Hydroxyquinoline Scaffold: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Its Neuroprotective Capabilities in SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Cacciatore Ivana , Fornasari Erika , Baldassarre Leonardo , Cornacchia Catia , Fulle Stefania , Di Filippo Ester , Pietrangelo Tiziana , Pinnen Francesco
Published: January 2013

A novel bis-lipoyl derivative containing 8-hydroxyquinoline scaffold (LA-HQ-LA, 5) was synthesized as a new multifunctional drug candidate with antioxidant, chelant, and neuroprotective properties for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. We have investigated the potential effectiveness of LA-HQ-LA against the cytotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA and H2O2 on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. Our outcomes showed that LA-HQ-LA resulted in significant neuroprotective and antioxidant effects against H2O2- and 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, as assessed by MTT assay. In particular, it showed potent neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA in RA/PMA differentiated cells at all the tested concentrations.
Seed and Germination Characteristics of 20 Amazonian Liana Species
Authors: Roeder Mareike , Ferraz Isolde , Hölscher Dirk
Published: January 2013

Lianas are an important component of tropical forests, and may reach their highest densities in disturbed areas. However, information on seed and germination characteristics is scarce. Twenty Amazon liana species were screened for their germination characteristics, including light dependence, tolerance of desiccation and of alternating temperatures; these characteristics are considered important for the germination success in areas with relatively open canopies. Between 31–1,420 seeds per species were available, as 15 species seeds came from one mother plant. We studied seed biometry and conducted germination trials with fresh seeds (12 h light daily, or dark) and desiccated seeds at 25 °C. Germination at alternating temperatures (20/30 °C, 15/35 °C) was analyzed for nine species. Of the 20 species, eight species with the largest seeds had desiccation sensitive seeds; this is the first record for species of four genera and one family, where only desiccation tolerant seeds are otherwise recorded. Light-dependent germination was found in three species (0.01–0.015 g) and is the first record for two; however, results were based on seeds from one plant per species. Alternating temperatures of 15/35 °C decreased final germination of four out of nine species, and response to 20/30 °C cycles varied compared to constant 25 °C. Seed and germination characteristics of the species ranged from pioneer to climax traits indicating that establishment of lianas from seeds may be confined to species specific niches.
Ant Robotic Swarm for Visualizing Invisible Hazardous Substances
Authors: Oyekan John , Hu Huosheng
Published: January 2013

Inspired by the simplicity of how nature solves its problems, this paper presents a novel approach that would enable a swarm of ant robotic agents (robots with limited sensing, communication, computational and memory resources) form a visual representation of distributed hazardous substances within an environment dominated by diffusion processes using a decentralized approach. Such a visual representation could be very useful in enabling a quicker evacuation of a city’s population affected by such hazardous substances. This is especially true if the ratio of emergency workers to the population number is very small.
Remote Sensing in Mapping Mangrove Ecosystems — An Object-Based Approach
Authors: Vo Quoc , Oppelt Natascha , Leinenkugel Patrick , Kuenzer Claudia
Published: January 2013

Over the past few decades, clearing for shrimp farming has caused severe losses of mangroves in the Mekong Delta (MD) of Vietnam. Although the increasing importance of shrimp aquaculture in Vietnam has brought significant financial benefits to the local communities, the rapid and largely uncontrolled increase in aquacultural area has contributed to a considerable loss of mangrove forests and to environmental degradation. Although different approaches have been used for mangrove classification, no approach to date has addressed the challenges of the special conditions that can be found in the aquaculture-mangrove system in the Ca Mau province of the MD. This paper presents an object-based classification approach for estimating the percentage of mangroves in mixed mangrove-aquaculture farming systems to assist the government to monitor the extent of the shrimp farming area. The method comprises multi-resolution segmentation and classification of SPOT5 data using a decision tree approach as well as local knowledge from the region of interest. The results show accuracies higher than 75% for certain classes at the object level. Furthermore, we successfully detect areas with mixed aquaculture-mangrove land cover with high accuracies. Based on these results, mangrove development, especially within shrimp farming-mangrove systems, can be monitored. However, the mangrove forest cover fraction per object is affected by image segmentation and thus does not always correspond to the real farm boundaries. It remains a serious challenge, then, to accurately map mangrove forest cover within mixed systems.
Analysis of Detection Enhancement Using Microcantilevers with Long-Slit-Based Sensors
Authors: Khaled Abdul-Rahim , Vafai Kambiz
Published: January 2013

The present work analyzes theoretically and verifies the advantage of utilizing rectangular microcantilevers with long-slits in microsensing applications. The deflection profile of these microcantilevers is compared with that of typical rectangular microcantilevers under the action of dynamic disturbances. Various force-loading conditions are considered. The theory of linear elasticity for thin beams is used to obtain the deflection-related quantities. The disturbance in these quantities is obtained based on wave propagation and beam vibration theories. It is found that detections of rectangular microcantilevers with long-slits based on maximum slit opening length can be more than 100 times the deflections of typical rectangular microcantilevers. Moreover, the disturbance (noise effect) in the detection quantities of the microcantilever with long-slits is found to be always smaller than that of typical microcantilevers, regardless of the wavelength, force amplitude, and the frequency of the dynamic disturbance. Eventually, the detection quantities of the microcantilever with long-slits are found to be almost unaffected by dynamic disturbances, as long as the wavelengths of these disturbances are larger than 3.5 times the microcantilever width. Finally, the present work recommends implementation of microcantilevers with long-slits as microsensors in robust applications, including real analyte environments and out of laboratory testing.
Performance Comparison of Two Sensors Based on Surface Plasmon Resonance in a Plastic Optical Fiber
Authors: Cennamo Nunzio , Massarotti Davide , Galatus Ramona , Conte Laura , Zeni Luigi
Published: January 2013

In silica optical fiber Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)-based sensors, an increase in fiber core diameter produces a corresponding increase in the sensitivity and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). In Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) realized in PMMA there are different influences of design parameters on the performance, as both sensitivity and SNR are concerned. In particular, the SNR, for different refractive index values of the analyte, in a 250 μm diameter POF is greater than the one in 1,000 μm diameter POF. On the other hand, the sensitivity, for the same refractive index values of the analyte, in a 1,000 μm diameter POF is greater than the one in a 250 μm diameter POF. The results of an experimental analysis demonstrating the above behavior are reported.
An Improved Direction Finding Algorithm Based on Toeplitz Approximation
Authors: Wang Qing , Chen Hua , Zhao Guohuang , Chen Bin , Wang Pichao
Published: January 2013

In this paper, a novel direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm called the Toeplitz fourth order cumulants multiple signal classification method (TFOC-MUSIC) algorithm is proposed through combining a fast MUSIC-like algorithm termed the modified fourth order cumulants MUSIC (MFOC-MUSIC) algorithm and Toeplitz approximation. In the proposed algorithm, the redundant information in the cumulants is removed. Besides, the computational complexity is reduced due to the decreased dimension of the fourth-order cumulants matrix, which is equal to the number of the virtual array elements. That is, the effective array aperture of a physical array remains unchanged. However, due to finite sampling snapshots, there exists an estimation error of the reduced-rank FOC matrix and thus the capacity of DOA estimation degrades. In order to improve the estimation performance, Toeplitz approximation is introduced to recover the Toeplitz structure of the reduced-dimension FOC matrix just like the ideal one which has the Toeplitz structure possessing optimal estimated results. The theoretical formulas of the proposed algorithm are derived, and the simulations results are presented. From the simulations, in comparison with the MFOC-MUSIC algorithm, it is concluded that the TFOC-MUSIC algorithm yields an excellent performance in both spatially-white noise and in spatially-color noise environments.
Prospects and Challenges for Disseminating Life Cycle Thinking towards Environmental Conscious Behaviors in Daily Lives
Authors: Tsuda Kazutoshi , Hara Keishiro , Uwasu Michinori
Published: January 2013

We examined the existing practices of various media to ascertain the usability of information based on life cycle thinking (LCT) which can be key to changing consciousness and behavior of consumers towards pursuing a sustainable society. Such information has been provided to consumers in various forms in various places at various times. Nevertheless, a number of issues, such as understandability, selectability, reliability, transparency, and costs etc., must still be addressed before consumers will be able to use such information as guidelines for pro-environmental behaviors in their everyday life. Further, it is also of critical importance that the consumers can culture LCT by encouraging themselves to be actively engaged in the design and evaluation processes of the upstream of productions and in the entire product life cycle. Another crucial challenge is finding ways to connect LCT with, not just product selection or designing and manufacturing, but lifestyle transformation. We need to encourage ourselves and others to think about what a sustainable life really means.
A Note on Lower Bounds for Colourful Simplicial Depth
Authors: Deza Antoine , Stephen Tamon , Xie Feng
Published: January 2013

The colourful simplicial depth problem in dimension d is to find a configuration of (d+1) sets of (d+1) points such that the origin is contained in the convex hull of each set, or colour, but contained in a minimal number of colourful simplices generated by taking one point from each set. A construction attaining d2 + 1 simplices is known, and is conjectured to be minimal. This has been confirmed up to d = 3, however the best known lower bound for d ≥ 4 is ⌈(d+1)2 /2 ⌉. In this note, we use a branching strategy to improve the lower bound in dimension 4 from 13 to 14.
Off Label Use of Botulinum Toxin in Children under Two Years of Age: A Systematic Review
Authors: Druschel Claudia , Althuizes Henriette , Funk Julia , Placzek Richard
Published: January 2013

The treatment of children with cerebral palsy with Botulinum Toxin is considered safe and effective, but is only approved for children older than two years of age. The effect of BoNT-A injection on juvenile skeletal muscle especially on neuromuscular junction density, distribution and morphology is poorly delineated and concerns of irreversible damage to the motor endplates especially in young children exist. In contrast, earlier treatment could be appropriate to improve the attainment of motor milestones and general motor development. This review systematically analyzes the evidence regarding this hypothesis. A database search, including PubMed and Medline databases, was performed and all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in children younger than two years were identified. Two authors independently extracted the data and the methods of all identified trials were assessed. Three RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The results of the analysis revealed an improvement in spasticity of the upper and lower extremities as well as in the range of motion in the joints of the lower limbs. However, evidence of an improvement of general motor development could not be found, as the assessment of this area was not completely specified for this patient group. Based on available evidence it can not be concluded that Botulinum Toxin treatment in children younger than two years improves the achievement of motor milestones. However, there is evidence for the reduction of spasticity, avoiding contractures and delaying surgery. Due to some limitations, the results of this review should be cautiously interpreted. More studies, long-term follow up independent high-quality RCTs with effectiveness analyses are needed.
Second-Line Protease Inhibitor-Based Haart after Failing Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor-Based Regimens in Asian HIV-Infected Children
Authors: Bunupuradah Torsak , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Fahey Paul , Kariminia Azar , Yusoff Nik KN , Khanh Truong H , Sohn Annette H , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Lumbiganon Pagakrong , Hansudewechakul Rawiwan , Razali Kamarul , Kurniati Nia , Huy Bui V , Sudjaritruk Tavitiya , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Fong Siew M , Saphonn Vonthanak , Ananworanich Jintanat ,   TApHOD
Published: January 2013

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends boosted protease inhibitor (bPI)-based HAART after failing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) treatment. We examined outcomes of this regimen in Asian HIV-infected children.

Methods

Children from five Asian countries in the TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database (TApHOD) with ≥24 weeks of NNRTI-based HAART followed by ≥24 weeks of bPI-based HAART were eligible. Primary outcomes were the proportions with virological suppression (HIV RNA<400 copies/ml) and immune recovery (CD4+ T-cell percentage [CD4%]≥25% if age <5 years and CD4+ T-cell count ≥500 cells/mm3 if age ≥5 years) at 48 and 96 weeks.

Results

Of 3,422 children, 153 were eligible; 52% were female. At switch, median age was 10 years, 26% were in WHO stage 4. Median weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) was -1.9 ( n=121), CD4% was 12.5% ( n=106), CD4+ T-cell count was 237 cells/mm3 ( n=112), and HIV RNA was 4.6 log10 copies/ml ( n=61). The most common bPI was lopinavir/ritonavir (83%). At 48 weeks, 61% (79/129) had immune recovery, 60% (26/43) had undetectable HIV RNA and 73% (58/79) had fasting triglycerides ≥130 mg/dl. By 96 weeks, 70% (57/82) achieved immune recovery, 65% (17/26) had virological suppression, and hypertriglyceridaemia occurred in 66% (33/50). Predictors for virological suppression at week 48 were longer duration of NNRTI-based HAART ( P=0.006), younger age ( P=0.007), higher WAZ ( P=0.020) and HIV RNA at switch <10,000 copies/ml ( P=0.049).

Conclusions

In this regional cohort of Asian children on bPI-based second-line HAART, 60% of children tested had immune recovery by 1 year, and two-thirds had hyper-lipidaemia, highlighting difficulties in optimizing second-line HAART with limited drug options.
Il-21R Gene Polymorphisms and Serum Il-21 Levels Predict Virological Response to Interferon-Based Therapy in Asian Chronic Hepatitis C Patients
Authors: Hsu Ching-Sheng , Hsu Shih-Jer , Liu Wei-Liang , Chen Chi-Ling , Liu Chun-Jen , Chen Pei-Jer , Chen Ding-Shinn , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: January 2013

Background

IL-21R polymorphisms have been identified as potential predictors of virological outcomes in Western chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients receiving interferon-based treatment. We aimed to examine the associations of IL-21R genotypes and serum IL-21 levels with virological responses to interferon-based treatment in Asian CHC patients.

Methods

Genomic and clinical data were collected from 178 consecutive Taiwanese HCV genotype 1 patients who received interferon-based therapy and 72 non-HCV healthy subjects. Among them, serum IL-21 levels, IL-21R and IL-28B genotypes were determined in 124 CHC patients and healthy controls.

Results

Among patients with IL28B rs8099917 non-TT genotypes, patients with IL-21R rs3093390 CC genotype had a higher sustained virological response rate than those with non-CC genotypes (CC versus non-CC 14/24 versus 0/4; P=0.031). Compared with non-HCV controls, CHC patients had higher serum IL-21 levels (mean ±sd HCV versus non-HCV 377.8 ±780.9 versus 70.5 ±33.2 pg/ml; P=0.001). Patients with sustained virological response had higher pretreatment serum IL-21 levels than those without (adjusted OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07, 0.80; P=0.021).

Conclusions

CHC patients have higher serum IL-21 levels than healthy adults. Higher pretreatment serum IL-21 levels and IL-21R polymorphisms may serve as potential factors predictive of treatment outcomes in CHC patients with interferon-based therapy.
Comment assurer l'efficacité de la gratuité sélective des soins au Burkina Faso ?
Authors: Mallé Samb Oumar , Ridde Valéry
Published: January 2013

Résumé Le paiement direct imposé dans le cadre de l’Initiative de Bamako a réduit l’accès aux soins pour les plus démunis et les plus vulnérables. De nombreux auteurs recommandent la mise en place de politiques de ciblage social pour rendre les soins gratuits pour ces populations. Cependant, au-delà de son efficacité, le ciblage social pose de nombreux problèmes comme son acceptabilité, la difficulté d’identifier correctement les bénéficiaires et la possible stigmatisation de ces dernières. Cette recherche analyse, selon une approche qualitative, la pertinence sociale de la gratuité sélective des soins accordée aux femmes, aux enfants et aux indigents au Burkina Faso. Cette gratuité sélective des soins est socialement acceptée, même si le choix des groupes est parfois questionné. L’implication des communautés dans la sélection des bénéficiaires joue un rôle majeur dans l’acceptabilité et l’efficacité de ces politiques, en limitant notamment la stigmatisation sociale des indigents.
Les métropoles américaines à l'épreuve du développement durable. La mobilisation locale à l'assaut du pouvoir fédéral l'exemple de Baltimore
Authors: Baffico Stéphanie
Published: January 2013

Résumé Les préoccupations environnementales ne sont pas récentes aux États-Unis. Si leur genèse est étroitement liée au mouvement transcendantaliste au xix e siècle, la « modernisation écologique » entamée dans les années 1930, mais amplifiée dans la décennie 1970, place ces questions au cœur de l’action politique américaine. Les métropoles américaines deviennent en peu de temps de véritables laboratoires d’expérimentation et d’innovation, notamment au travers des green politics, de l’économie verte, des transports, de la place de la nature en ville ou de la mixité sociale. L’un des principaux enjeux s’avère être le contrôle de l’étalement urbain. L’intégration des principes du développement durable dans les politiques d’aménagement urbain appelle la mise en place de nouvelles formes de gouvernance au sein des métropoles.
Faire face à la crise économique à Detroit : les pratiques alternatives au service d'une résilience urbaine ?
Authors: Paddeu Flaminia
Published: January 2013

Résumé Detroit subit aujourd’hui un état de crise généralisé, aggravé par la crise économique de 2008. Les politiques urbaines, paralysées par la dette publique, ne peuvent y apporter des réponses. Face à une politique d’austérité urbaine et une ville devenue dysfonctionnelle, une partie de la société civile réagit en mettant en place des pratiques économiques alternatives telles que des jardins communautaires ou le démantèlement de maisons en ruine. Ces pratiques, proposées hors de toute institution, participent de plus en plus à la création de nouvelles solidarités et au renforcement des communautés à l’échelle du quartier. Plus encore, elles font émerger des propositions de nouveaux modèles urbains, permettant de penser une résilience urbaine pour Detroit.
The discount rate for income properties
Authors: Sabal Cárdenas Jaime
Published: January 2013

Due to the lack of liquid and transparent markets it is extremely difficult to estimate betas for income property returns. Because of these difficulties, the CAPM is discarded by practitioners when valuing income properties. Instead, free cash flows are often discounted with rates derived from Gross Yields. However, Gross Yields only apply to income streams and other cash flows closely correlated with income whereas different discount rates must be applied to other cash flows such as expenses and investments. It is remarkable that this obvious anomaly has not been previously pointed out in the literature on real estate valuation. The common practice of discounting free cash flows with Gross Yields results in an overvaluation bias. Through a simple example it is demonstrated that the bias is more pronounced for larger gross yields, and the more important are the less risky cash flow streams in relation to the income correlated ones.
A Revolutionary Journey Into Learning/Education
Authors: DeSilets Lynore D.
Published: January 2013

During the past year, education took on a new format—massive open online courses (MOOCs). MOOCs are predicted to change the face of learning. In this column, information on what is happening with this “revolution” is shared.
“Missing Pieces”: Exploring Cardiac Risk Perceptions in Older Women
Authors: Lefler Leanne L. , McSweeney Jean C. , Garner Kimberly K.
Published: January 2013

Approximately 95% of older women have factors that put them at risk for developing cardiovascular disease, but research indicates many do not perceive themselves to be at risk. We examined older women’s perceived risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) and the factors influencing their perceptions. We conducted a descriptive, qualitative study using in-depth, individual interviews and quantitative measures to assess perceived risk and risk factors. Twenty-four older African American and Caucasian women had a mean 4.46 cardiac risk factors but perceived their own CHD risk as unrealistically low at 1.95 cm (
SD
= 1.57, on 0-to-8 cm visual analogue scale). Narrative data clustered in themes that represented a lack of fact-based information and multiple misconceptions about CHD and prevention. Major improvements in CHD health are only achievable if risk factors are prevented. This research suggests older women have substantial needs for consistent CHD information and prevention guidance.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2013; 6(2):107–115.]
Manin obstruction to strong approximation for homogeneous spaces
Authors: Borovoi Mikhail , Demarche Cyril
Published: January 2013

For a homogeneous space

X

(not necessarily principal) of a connected algebraic group

G

(not necessarily linear) over a number field

k

, we prove a theorem of strong approximation for the adelic points of

X

in the Brauer–Manin set. Namely, for an adelic point

x

of

X

orthogonal to a certain subgroup (which may contain transcendental elements) of the Brauer group

\operatorname{Br}(X)

of

X

with respect to the Manin pairing, we prove a strong approximation property for

x

away from a finite set

S

of places of

k

. Our result extends a result of Harari for torsors of semiabelian varieties and a result of Colliot-Thélène and Xu for homogeneous spaces of simply connected semisimple groups, and our proof uses those results.
Nonoccupational Hearing Loss: A Gift of Urbanization
Authors: Saler Sunil Suresh , Saler Parul Sunil , Desai Wilson
Published: January 2013

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the notifiable occupational disease under legislation related to occupational health and safety of most of the countries of the world. So far risk of exposure to high noise level was considered to be limited to industrial environment only. However, with rapid urbanization and modernization, the cities are becoming crowded as well as noisy. Exposure to noise from these sources have put the population not exposed to industrial noise also at risk of NIHL, especially the younger population. If corrective measures are not taken this may lead to high percentage of younger urban population with permanent hearing loss.

One hundred and fifty students were selected for study which involved questionnaires, interview, routine ENT checkup and audiogram. All the students gave history of exposure to excessive noise from community sources. Two students had residence near railway station while other two stayed near the main highway. It was found that 75% of them had the habit of listening to music with volume at the peak. A total of 10.7% students from the group were found to have hearing loss in range of 26 to 42 decibel which is alarming. The nature of hearing loss temporary or permanent is yet to be assessed by repeating the audiogram.

How to cite this article

Saler SS, Saler PS, Desai W. Nonoccupational Hearing Loss: A Gift of Urbanization. Int J Head and Neck Surg 2012;3(3):125-126.