bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Antenatal Anticoagulants (Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin and Aspirin) on Neonatal Pulmonary Vasculature in Rabbits
Authors: Canpolat Fuat Emre , Orhan Diclehan , Yigit Şule , Kale Gülsev , Yurdakök Murat , Tekinalp Gülsevin
Published: December 2009

Low-molecular-weight heparin and aspirin are the most prescribed medical agents as anticoagulants in pregnancy. Our objective was to investigate the effects of antenatal use of low-molecular-weight heparin and aspirin on pulmonary vascular development in neonatal rabbits. Seven pregnant rabbits (42 newborn rabbits) were divided into 5 groups as follows: control group (group 1, n = 14), heparin treated (group 2, n = 8), heparin and aspirin treated (group 3, n = 7), only aspirin treated (group 4, n = 6), and high-dose heparin treated (group 5, n = 12). Pulmonary histologic evaluations were carried out for all groups. Angiogenesis was also tested by CD34 immunostained microvessel count (mvc). Pathologic examination of pulmonary vasculature revealed that pulmonary vascular thickening occurred at the level of alveoli in heparin-, heparin- and aspirin-, and high-dose-heparin-treated groups (groups 2, 3, and 5). The percentage of wall thickness was different in groups 2 (26%), 3 (28.2%), and 5 (30.8%) compared with group 1 (21.4%). Statistical differences were observed between group 1 vs 2, 3, and 5. Microvessel count was also different between groups 2 (mvc = 90.5), 3 (mvc = 90.2), and 5 (mvc = 96.3) vs group 1 (mvc = 86.7). The microvessel count was statistically different between groups that received low-dose heparin vs high-dose heparin. Antenatal administration of low-molecular-weight heparin showed an effect on pulmonary vascular development. This effect may be explained by the influence of heparin on angiogenesis through placental growth factors. Further experiments are needed to understand the pathophysiology of these findings, and clinical studies are needed to correlate of these results.
Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome in a Child with Trisomy 21. An Acquired Thrombopathy with a Discussion of Thrombopathies in Childhood
Authors: Gru Alejandro , Dehner Louis P.
Published: December 2009

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS), an acquired thrombophilic disorder involving autoantibodies against phospholipids and phospholipid-binding proteins, is often accompanied by autoimmune disease but also occurs in the absence of any documented autoimmune disease. It is known to be more common in individuals with trisomy 21. Catastrophic APLS (CAPLS), a rare accelerated form of APLS, leads to acute multisystem organ failure, with microthrombi in multiple organs and a mortality rate of 50% or greater. The youngest case of APLS was reported in a 7-year-old child. We report the pathologic findings in a case of CAPLS in a 2-year-old girl with trisomy 21 who presented with an insidious skin rash, which was rapidly followed by multiorgan failure and death. All major criteria for the diagnosis of CAPLS were met, including the involvement of 3 or more organ systems, precipitous clinical deterioration, positive serology for APL, and noninflammatory microthrombi in at least one organ which, in this case, included multiple sites: skin, lungs, intestinal tract with necrotizing enterocolitis, and spleen, with multiple infarcts all documented at autopsy.
Replication of association between polymorphisms of the pancreatic ATP-sensitive potassium channel and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in two Russian urban populations
Authors: Chistiakov Dimitry , Potapov Viktor , Khodirev Dmitry , Shamkhalova Minara , Shestakova Marina , Nosikov Valery
Published: December 2009

The KCNJ11 and ABCC8 genes encode components of the pancreatic ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. Previously, we reported association of the KCNJ11 E23K and ABCC8 R1273R G/A variants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a small Russian population sample (n=244). Here we replicated association between these genetic variants and T2D in a larger cohort (588 diabetic and 597 non-diabetic subjects). Using the ANCOVA analysis, Odds Ratios (ORs) and relationships between the carriage of a genotype and biochemical parameters of the patients were assessed and then adjusted for confounders (age, gender, HbA1c, hypertension, and obesity). The KCNJ11 K23 variant and the ABCC8 R1273R allele A showed association with higher risk of T2D (adjusted OR of 1.41 and 2.03, P<0.0001, respectively). Diabetic patients homozygous for K/K had lower 2h insulin (Padjusted=0.044). The ABCC8 A/A variant was associated with increased 2h serum insulin in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects (Padjusted=0.027 and 0.033, respectively). The carriage of the risk variant K/K of KCNJ11 E23K or A/A of ABCC8 G/A R1273R was associated with reduced response to nonsulfonylurea and sulfonylurea blockers of the pancreatic KATP channel. Adjusted attributable population risk was 3.0% (KCNJ11 E23K) and 4.8% (ABCC8 G/A) suggesting for the modest effects of these genetic variants on diabetes susceptibility.
Analysis of mtDNA A3243G mutation frequency in Hungary
Authors: Gal Aniko , Komlosi Katalin , Maasz Anita , Pentelenyi Klara , Remenyi Viktoria , Ovary Csaba , Valikovics Attila , Dioszeghy Peter , Bereczki Daniel , Melegh Bela , Molnár Maria
Published: December 2009

The A3243G mutation in the mitochondrial tRNALeu (UUR) gene is one of the most common causes of mitochondrial DNA related disorders. Originally it was described in MELAS syndrome (Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic acidosis, Stroke-like episodes), later it had been found to be associated with various phenotypes. In our study the mutation frequency of the A3243G mtDNA mutation was investigated in patients with maternal sensoneural hearing loss, stroke-like episodes, ataxia and myopathy with undetermined etiology. We screened 631 Hungarian patients in North-East, South-West and Central Hungary between 1999 and 2008 for this mutation. The mtDNA analysis was performed from blood and/or muscle tissue. The A3243G substitution was present in 6 patients in heteroplasmic form. The segregation analysis detected 8 further cases. The frequency of the A3243G mutation was 2.22% in the investigated patients. The A3243G mutation frequency in Hungary does not differ significantly from other countries using similar patient selection criteria, however in Finland a higher mutation rate was found. In studies investigated the mutation frequency of this mutation in diabetes mellitus similarly wide variety was detected as well. We conclude that the study design has a huge impact on the result of the genetic epidemiological investigation analyzing the mutation frequency of the A3243G mutation due to the broad clinical phenotype and the different mutation load in different tissues.
UARS presenting with the symptoms of anxiety and depression
Authors: Kunter Erdogan , Yetkin Ozkan , Gunen Hakan
Published: December 2009

Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is a condition where the apnea-hypopnea index is less than 5 and respiratory-effort related arousal index is more than 10. The clinical presentation of UARS may be the same as obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS); it sometimes shows up with symptoms hardly suggestive of a sleep-disordered breathing. A 17 year-old male patient had applied to a local psychiatry clinic and complained of chronic fatigue, insomnia, behavioral and academic problems and was treated for anxiety and depression. After a period of unresponsive treatment, he was sent to a sleep center for evaluation of insomnia, which turned out to be a fragmented, unrefreshing sleep episode. Polysomnographical evaluation revealed that he had UARS without OSAS. His complaints decreased dramatically after he received CPAP treatment. This case shows that UARS should be considered in young patients with functional somatic syndromes even if the clinical presentation does not apparently imply the condition.
Advanced morphology and behaviour of extinct earwig-like cockroaches (Blattida: Fuziidae fam. nov.)
Authors: Vršanský Peter , Liang Jun-Hui , Ren Dong
Published: December 2009

Advanced morphology and behaviour of extinct earwig-like cockroaches (Blattida: Fuziidae fam. nov.)

We describe the extinct cockroach family Fuziidae fam. nov., represented byFuzia dadaogen. et sp. nov. from the ?Bathonian (168 Ma) Middle Jurassic sediments of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. Males are characterized by unique, long and narrow bodies with a notch on forceps of earwig-like cerci, which attaches to the long external ovipositor during courtship. In a combination with the presence of male tergal glands, it appears the most advanced form of reproduction in the nearly 300 Myr history of long external ovipositor-bearing cockroaches. Its advanced morphology significantly supports attribution of living and fossil cockroaches within a single order Blattida.
Stand conversion by means of natural succession in the Białowieża Primeval Forest
Authors: Paluch Rafał , Bielak Kamil
Published: December 2009

Przebudowa drzewostanów z wykorzystaniem naturalnych procesów sukcesyjnych w Puszczy Białowieskiej
The impact of beaver ponds on water resources in the catchment area in the Browsk Forest District - a case study
Authors: Boczoń Andrzej , Wróbel Michał , Syniaiev Valentyn
Published: December 2009

Wpływ stawów bobrowych na zasoby wodne zlewni na przykładzie badań w Nadleśnictwie Browsk
Longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) collected in Moericke traps in oak canopies of Krotoszyn forests
Authors: Hilszczański Jacek , Plewa Radosław
Published: December 2009

Kózkowate (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) koron drzew w dąbrowach krotoszyńskich na podstawie odłowów do pułapek Moericke'go
Prospects concerning use of forest mushroom resources in areas contaminated by radionuclide
Authors: Bulko Nikolaj , Kozlov Aleksandr , Shabaleva Marina , Tolkačeva Natalia
Published: December 2009

Perspektywy wykorzystania zasobów grzybów leśnych na obszarach skażonych radionuklidami
An assessing quantitative changes in demand for large-sized pine assortments in the area administered by the Regional Directorate of State Forests, Zielona Góra, between 1995-2005
Authors: Adamowicz Krzysztof
Published: December 2009

Zmiany popytu na sortymenty wielkowymiarowe sosnowe na terenie Regionalnej Dyrekcji Lasów Państwowych w Zielonej Górze w latach 1995-2005
North Field Well Delivery - Commitment to Top Quartile Performance
Authors: May Andrew Neal , Quaden Roy Martinus , Byrne Sean
Published: December 2009

This paper presents the well construction results to date of an offshore development drilling campaign, which has delivered record-breaking top-quartile performance throughout every phase of well delivery.

The primary purpose of the paper is to distribute both the techniques and lessons learnt in the Pearl well construction campaign, in order that this information can be built upon and lead to further improvements in well delivery. This is a goal that is equally important to both national governments and IOC's in the current economic climate. Some techniques are specific to carbonate reservoirs but others are valid for any offshore development where wells are pre-drilled in order to meet plateau rate from first gas.

Historically, the development wells in Qatar's giant North Field have taken in the region of 75 days to drill, complete, perforate, stimulate and clean up in preparation for their long-term production. The Pearl Well Engineering team has set a new benchmark for North Field wells, dramatically reducing this time by 40% to an average of 45 days. Every aspect of the well design and construction was examined, challenged, and where possible, optimized. Both small incremental improvements and a step-change innovation contributed to the dramatic reduction in delivery time. The paper presents full details on the incremental improvements, some of which include: cost effective Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) selection, cement design, driving of conductors with deviated drive shoes and simple, fast and very effective stimulation design.

Focus is also given to a truly innovative approach to perforation, stimulation and clean-up. For the Shell Pearl project, these activities were carried out concurrently with the drilling of new wells. The drilling continued from the rig but at the same time the perforation, stimulation and clean-up of pre-drilled wells was conducted from specially built temporary decks installed on the permanent jacket. Therefore, the 20 days per well required to perform these operations were taken off the critical path giving a corresponding direct saving on rig days.

In conclusion, this paper describes in a section-by-section manner both the main factors that contributed to a top-quartile, 40% reduction in well delivery time, and the possible future opportunities to reduce this time still further based on the experience to date.
+1730 G/A polymorphism of the estrogen receptor β gene (ERβ) may be an important genetic factor predisposing to endometriosis
Authors: BIANCO BIANCA , CHRISTOFOLINI DENISE MARIA , MAFRA FERNANDA ABANI , BRANDES ARIEL , ZULLI KARINA , BARBOSA CAIO PARENTE
Published: December 2009

Objective. To determine the frequency of the estrogen receptor gene (ERβ) +1730 G/A polymorphism in Brazilian women with endometriosis. Design. Case‐control study. Setting. Endometriosis Outpatient Clinic and Family Planning Outpatient Clinic of ABC Faculty of Medicine. Population. A total of 108 patients with endometriosis and a control group consisting of 210 fertile women. Methods. The ERβ gene +1730 G/A polymorphism was identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism‐polymerase chain reaction. Main outcome measure(s). Genotype distribution and allele frequency of the +1730 G/A polymorphism in the ERβ gene. Results. Genotypes GG, GA and AA of the ERβ gene presented frequencies of 50.9%, 47.2% and 1.9%, respectively, in the women with endometriosis. Among the patients with stage I/II endometriosis, 47% presented the normal homozygous genotype GG; 51% had a GA heterozygous genotype and 2% had a homozygous mutated genotype AA. Among the patients with stage III/IV endometriosis, genotypes GG, GA and AA were present in 54.3%, 44% and 1.7%, respectively. In the control group, 74.3% presented the normal homozygous genotype GG, 24.3% the heterozygous genotype GA and 1.4% the homozygous mutated genotype AA. Conclusion. The data suggest that the ERβ gene +1730 G/A polymorphism can be associated with the risk of endometriosis development, regardless of the stage of the disease.
Facility‐based audit of maternal mortality in Lebanon: A feasibility study
Authors: OSMAN HIBAH , CAMPBELL OONA MR , SINNO DIMA , ZARWI RANA , NASSAR ANWAR H
Published: December 2009

Objective. To assess the feasibility of establishing a maternal mortality audit in Lebanon. Design. A facility‐based reproductive age mortality study (RAMOS). Methods. Records of reproductive‐age female deaths over an eight‐year period in three hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon, were reviewed. Main outcome measures. Quality of data sources, comprehensiveness of medical charts and accessibility of information. Results. Review of records was feasible. Cross‐checking three data sources identified missed cases and coding and data entry errors. The quality and accessibility of data varied between hospitals. The maternal mortality rate was 39/100,000 live births and there were 55 pregnancy‐related deaths/100,000 live births. Lack of antenatal care, delay in seeking care and over‐intervention on the part of the medical team were among problems identified. Conclusions. A facility‐based approach is a potential tool for conducting a national maternal mortality audit in a developing country like Lebanon. Computerized medical records and mandatory participation of hospitals are prerequisites for success. This would require the government to develop a cohesive national policy on reducing maternal mortality.
Predictive value of early serum β‐hCG levels after single blastocyst transfer
Authors: OCHSENKÜHN ROBERT , ARZBERGER ANDREA , VON SCHÖNFELDT VIKTORIA , ENGEL JUTTA , THALER CHRISTIAN J , NOSS ULRICH
Published: December 2009

Objective. Analysis of serum β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) levels on standardized days after oocyte retrieval (OR) following single blastocyst transfer to predict pregnancy outcome after assisted reproductive technology. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Private fertility center. Population. A total of 230 women with an intact intrauterine pregnancy 21 days after OR and a vital term delivery (n = 191) or a miscarriage (< 10+0 gestational weeks) (n = 39) in the course of the pregnancy following single blastocyst transfer between 1999 and 2008. Methods. Blood was sampled 11, 14 and partly 21 days after OR. The serum concentration of total β‐hCG was measured by an automated quantitative immunoassay. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Main outcome measures. A total of 509 β‐hCG measurements. Results. The mean β‐hCG concentrations on days 11, 14 and 21 after OR were significantly lower in the group of patients with a miscarriage compared to the group with a term delivery (p = 0.02, < 0.001 and < 0.001 respectively). With the cut‐off values of 15 mIU/mL, 80 mIU/mL and 1500 mIU/mL on days 11, 14 and 21, the positive predictive value was 89%, 93% and 92%. The negative predictive value was 28%, 40% and 54%. Conclusions. The predictive value of a single β‐hCG measurement for pregnancy outcome after single blastocyst transfer increases between days 11 and 21 after OR. A single β‐hCG measurement on day 14 may balance the accuracy of prediction and the necessity of an early reassuring test.
Cost‐effectiveness of human papilloma virus vaccination in Iceland
Authors: ODDSSON KRISTJAN , JOHANNSSON JAKOB , ASGEIRSDOTTIR TINNA LAUFEY , GUDNASON THOROLFUR
Published: December 2009

Objective. To evaluate the likely cost‐effectiveness of introducing routine HPV vaccination in Iceland. Design. Prospective cost‐effectiveness analysis of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination. Setting and sample. Population of 12‐year‐old girls in the Icelandic population. Methods. A model was developed, comparing a cohort of all 12‐year‐old girls alive in year 2006, with or without vaccination. The model was based on the epidemiology of cervical cancer in Iceland and its premalignant stages as well as the costs involved in the treatment of each stage, assuming that the vaccines only prevent infections caused by HPV 16/18 at an efficacy of 95% and participation rate of 90%, no catch‐up vaccination, no vaccination of boys and no booster dose needed. All costs were calculated on the basis of the price level of mid‐year 2006 with a 3% discount rate. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio calculations were performed and sensitivity analysis was carried out on factors most relevant for cost‐effectiveness. Results. Vaccination costs in excess of savings would be about €313.000/year. Vaccination would reduce the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer by almost 9, prevent the death of 1.7 women and result in 16.9 quality‐adjusted life years gained annually. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was calculated to be about €18.500/quality‐adjusted life year saved. Conclusion. HPV vaccination seems to be cost‐effective in Iceland, but this was sensitive to various parameters in the model, mainly the discount rate, the price of the vaccines and the need for a booster dose.
Book Review
Authors: Bosse Gerhard
Published: December 2009

Diagnostic Imaging: Cardiovascular. Third edition. By Suhny Abbara & Thomas Walker. Salt Lake City, UT: Amirsys, 2008. 1200 pages. ISBN-13: 978-1-4160-3340-0; ISBN-10: 1-4160-3340-8. Price (hardback): USD 279
High Altitude Wetlands as Ramsar Sites in Nepal: Status after Declaration
Authors: Karki Jhamak B
Published: December 2009

No abstract.DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v1i1.1566 Journal of Wetlands Ecology Vol.1(1/2) 2008, p.13
Status of and Threats to Waterbirds of Rupa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Kafle Gandhiv , Cotton Marcus , Chaudhary Jhalak R , Pariyar Hari , Adhikari Hari , Bohora Som B , Chaudhary Umesh K , Ram Ashok , Regmi Bimal
Published: December 2009

Rupa Lake is the third biggest lake of Pokhara valley. It supports a number of floral and faunal species. A total of 36 species of waterbirds have been recorded in the lake which represents about 19 percent of the total 193 wetland-dependent birds found in Nepal. The lake is under pressure from diverse anthropogenic factors. Waterbirds of Rupa Lake face a number of threats including trapping/hunting, fish farming using nets, habitat destruction by soil erosion, sedimentation and agricultural conversion, human disturbance, water pollution and eutrophication. This article provides an overview of waterbirds and threats to them in Rupa Lake Area. Key words: Rupa Lake, waterbirds, threatsDOI: 10.3126/jowe.v1i1.1569 Journal of Wetlands Ecology Vol.1(1/2) 2008, p.9-12
Preliminary Survey and Awareness for Otter Conservation in Rupa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Jyoti , GC Dhruba Bijaya
Published: December 2009

DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v1i1.1570No abstract.   Journal of Wetlands Ecology Vol.1(1/2) 2008, p.2
People’s Perspective for Milky Stork: A Case from South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Ridwan Ahmad
Published: December 2009

DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v1i1.1571No abstract.   Journal of Wetlands Ecology Vol.1(1/2) 2008, p.7
Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People: Educating and Mobilizing Youths for Reducing Water Pollution and Sedimentation in Lakes of Pokhara Valley, Nepal
Authors: Kafle Mohan
Published: December 2009

No abstract.   Journal of Wetlands Ecology Vol.1(1/2) 2008, p.14
Results of an Experiment of Preparing Compost from Invasive Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in Rupa Lake Area, Nepal
Authors: Kafle Mohan Raj , Kafle Gandhiv , Balla Mohan Krishna , Dhakal Lekhnath
Published: December 2009

Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes (Jalakumbhi in Nepali) is an alien invasive species and now creating great environmental and economic problems covering major wetlands of the world. Nepal's wetlands are also greatly invaded by this obnoxious weed from which the social, economic and environmental sectors are facing serious problems for many years. In this context, Wetland Friends of Nepal (WFN) has carried out an experiment on making compost from this invasive weed in Begnas and Rupa Lake areas of Pokhara, Nepal with funding support from Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Program of Toyota Motor Corporation, Japan. This paper provides an overview of the findings of the experiment of preparing compost from Water hyacinth. Key words: Water hyacinth, compost, experiment, NepalDOI: 10.3126/jowe.v2i1.1852 Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2009) vol. 2, pp 17-19
Successful Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Program Model of a Developing Country (Xiamen, China) – Implementation in Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Islam Kazi Shakila , Xue Xiong-zhe , Rahman Mohammed Mahabubur
Published: December 2009

This paper represents the overall current situation of two Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) programs- one is as a successful model like Xiamen ICZM program in China and another is as a developing project like ICZM program in Bangladesh. The paper begins with an attempt to track the evolution of policies and their implementation on coastal zone management with particular reference from both the countries. It then discusses the coastal management and livelihood issues that predicate the different socio-economic and environmental situation between the two countries. The paper then goes on to discussion how the institutional management and policy initiatives of Xiamen ICZM have dealt with in the perspective of Bangladesh. There is a brief consideration of the progress of the management for ICZM of Bangladesh and how this project might be more effective and beneficial for Bangladesh. Key words: Integrated coastal zone management, Socio-economic, Bangladesh, Institutional managementDOI: 10.3126/jowe.v2i1.1854 Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2009) vol. 2, pp 34-40
Wetland Link International – A Global Network for Wetland Educators
Authors: Rostron Chris
Published: December 2009

Wetland Link International (WLI) was set up in 1991, in order to strengthen wetland education networks through wetland education centres, and has a Memorandum of Co-operation with Ramsar to deliver CEPA support internationally.  The definition of a ‘wetland education centre' is broad, encompassing large built centres with interactive exhibits and thousands of visitors, to small community-run projects with little infrastructure. Anywhere that people are working to deliver messages about wetland conservation could be included.  The network now has 350 members across the globe, and works with regional networks including WLI Asia and NorBalWet.DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v2i1.1856Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2009) Vol.2, pp.46
Water Quality Status of Some Urban Ponds of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Bhat Mohd Muzamil , Yazdani Taiyyaba , Narain Kamini , Yunus Mohammad , Shukla Ravinder Nath
Published: December 2009

This study aims to investigate the physico-chemical properties of some urban ponds in the ecological system of Lucknow which is called as the city of Nawabs in U.P. But owing to the unplanned development and urbanization, the ponds of this city are struggling for their existence. Inspite of the global alarm for restoration of the water bodies, the ponds in the city are facing neglectance. For the study period ten ponds were selected. The physico-chemical parameters of the water sampled in June 2008 from ten ponds such as PH ranged from 6.55 to 7.93; Turbidity, 6.06 NTU to 8.59 NTU; Conductivity, 12.32 ms/cm to 16.84 ms/cm; D.O., 3.72 mg/l  to 6.81 mg/l; B.O.D., 3.77 mg/l to 6.40 mg/l. Residual chlorine was detected only in pond A (1.09 mg/l), pond C (1.13 mg/l), pond E (1.04 mg/l) and in pond F (1.03 mg/l). Free CO2 was found  between 8.7 mg/l to 19.68 mg/l. TS, TDS, and Chlorides were found much beyond the permissible levels. Alkalinity ranges between 202.55 mg/l to 310.05 mg/l; Acidity between 10.75 mg/l to 15.48 mg/l; Total Hardness between 244.49 mg/l to 254.78 mg/l. Prominent sources of pollution are the domestic sewage, kitchen flow and street runoff etc. In addition, solid waste and garbage tied in polythene bags are recorded along the banks and also floating on the water surface. Key words: Lucknow; physico-chemical; restoration; sewage; Urban pondsDOI: 10.3126/jowe.v2i1.1866 Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2009) vol. 2, pp 67-73
Robertson Davies and Music
Authors: Elliott Robin
Published: December 2009

Robertson Davies once described himself as a ‘Failed Musician,’ but the musical education that Davies received, the role that music played in his life, and the use he made of music and musicians in his novels show that this is true only in the narrow sense that he did not earn a living from music. A proficient melopoetic artist, weaving music and musicians into his literary works with consummate skill and artistry, he was also professionally active as a music critic and a librettist. The German composer E.T.A. Hoffmann is the only historical musician to be given his real name and appear as a speaking character in any of the novels, but many of the author's fictional musicians are based on real-life models, and despite his great love of music, Davies often portrayed musicians as uncouth reprobates. Music, which sometimes provides structural foundations for Davies' literary works and other times serves as a leitmotif, is often a portal to unseen worlds, including the realm of the dead and of supernatural phenomena, or the domains of religious experience or creativity.
‘The Marchbanks Archive’: Editing the Marchbanks Series
Authors: Irvine Dean
Published: December 2009

In his introduction to the 1985 omnibus edition of the Marchbanks series, Robertson Davies promised to ‘equip the work of Marchbanks with what is called “a scholarly apparatus.”’ The apparatus to that volume is the closest that an ‘editor’ has come to producing a scholarly edition of Davies' fiction. Editors have compiled selected volumes of his non-fiction, his correspondence, and his quotations, but none of his editors has attempted to play the scholarly role that the author himself so thoroughly – albeit gently – mocked in the final instalment of the Marchbanks series. Despite Davies' evident amusement at the idea of equipping his writings with a scholarly apparatus, this essay foolishly proposes a theoretical model for a scholarly edition of the Marchbanks series.
Madness, Masculinity, and Magic in Robertson Davies' Fifth Business: A Tale of Hysteria; or, ‘the Suffocation of the Mother’
Authors: Goldman Marlene
Published: December 2009

Fifth Business is obsessed with straying wits, wandering women, female and male tramps, and boys who run off to the war and to the circus. Tramps and tramping threaten to destabilize the gender roles that secure settled bourgeois life in the fictional Ontario town of Deptford. These crises of mobility are often aligned with madness and, more specifically, with the disease of hysteria, the latter having been identified since antiquity with aberrant sexuality, pathological wandering, and sex-role conflict. With its portrayals of hysterical wandering, sex-role conflict, role-playing, and hypnosis, the novel recalls nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century conceptions of hysteria. But, as well as presenting familiar images of female hysteria, Davies, in his portrayal of his protagonist, also sheds light on the lesser-known form of male hysteria. Showing Davies' debt to Freud and to hysteria studies, and presenting homosexual and lesbian alternatives, the narrative ultimately conveys the message that male mental health and masculinity can be secured only by the performance of heterosexuality.
Size difference effects on the bulk, and surface properties of Bi–Zn, Cu–Pb, K–Pb and K–Tl liquid alloys
Authors: Awe O. E.
Published: December 2009

The Flory's approximate model, and the model of Prasad et al. have been used respectively to study size effects on the bulk and surface properties of Bi–Zn, Cu–Pb, K–Pb and K–Tl liquid alloys.

Our results reveal that for the same value of order energy, W/T: the effect of size on the bulk properties is to reduce the tendencies toward phase separation in Bi–Zn and Cu–Pb while in K–Pb and K–Tl is to decrease the tendencies toward chemical ordering; size effect increases both the surface concentration and the surface tension of Bi–Zn and Cu–Pb while it decreases these same quantities in K–Pb and K–Tl.
A mesoscopic grain boundary sliding controlled flow model for superplasticity in intermetallics
Authors: Anantha Padmanabhan Kuppuswamy , Ishaq Raviathul Basariya Mohammed
Published: December 2009

A model based on grain/interphase boundary sliding controlled flow that develops to a mesoscopic scale (defined to be equal to or more than a grain diameter) has been used to understand superplasticity in micrometer- and sub-micrometer grained intermetallics. The procedure for analyzing the experimental stress–strain rate data at a fixed initial grain size and temperature is so developed that the free energy of activation for the rate controlling deformation process, and the long range threshold stress which has to be overcome for boundary sliding to develop to a mesoscopic scale, σ0disloc, are estimated directly from the experimental results. The analysis is validated using experimental data pertaining to a number of systems. Directions for further development of the model are indicated.
Transformation of reverted austenite in a maraging steel under external loading: an in-situ X-ray diffraction study using high-energy synchrotron radiation
Authors: Zickler Gerald A. , Schnitzer Ronald , Hochfellner Rainer , Lippmann Thomas , Zinner Silvia , Leitner Harald
Published: December 2009

Reverted austenite strongly influences the mechanical properties of maraging steels. Therefore, X-ray diffraction using high-energy synchrotron radiation was applied for in-situ studying of the reverse martensitic phase transformation under external load in a PH 13-8 Mo maraging steel. The volume fraction of austenite, the domain size of the crystallites, and the lattice parameters were determined as function of strain for differently aged samples. It is shown that the reverted austenite is not mechanically stable under external load. Scanning of the fractured sample along the axial direction shows that the volume fraction of the austenite and the domain sizes strongly depend on the distance from the point of fracture initiation.
Effect of heat treatment on the strain hardening behaviour of an Al–Zn–Mg alloy
Authors: Hörnqvist Magnus , Karlsson Birger
Published: December 2009

The strain hardening of the Al-5.2Zn-1.2Mg alloy AA7030 in different conditions has been investigated. The dislocation related strengthening was described by the Voce equation and the quantitative effects of different superposition laws have been studied. All tempers, except the over-aged, suffer from plastic instability before the geometric Considère condition is reached. This was attributed primarily to the occurrence of shear failure due to dynamic strain ageing effects. For plastic strain levels below approximately 8 %, preceding the plastic instability, the results show that the saturation stress in the under and peak-aged tempers is independent of heat treatment, whereas the kinetics of structure formation differs. Using a linear superposition law in the under and peak aged tempers has negligible effects, whereas the use of Pythagorean addition for the over-aged temper significantly decreases the goodness-of-fit, although not to unacceptable levels. Furthermore, the naturally aged temper shows strong influence of dynamic precipitation.
Bilevel Programming for Evaluating Revenue Strategy of Railway Passenger Transport under Multimodal Market Competition
Authors: Si Bingfeng , Zhong Ming , Gao Ziyou
Published: December 2009

A bilevel programming approach is used to study the strategies of increasing revenue of the railway agency running between Beijing and Tianjin, China. Bilevel programming approaches have been used in many studies to tackle a variety of transportation problems, but rarely for railway revenue strategy analysis. In this paper, the upper-level problem of the bilevel programming is to determine optimal pricing, speed, and level-of-service (LOS) strategy that maximizes the revenue of the railway agency. The lower-level problem describes passengers’ mode choice behavior under a transportation market with three competing modes: bus, rail, and car. The lower-level problem is to minimize the traveler's cost in terms of money, time, and other related factors such as comfort and safety. A generalized cost function, considering these factors together with a logit model, is used to simulate travelers’ mode choice behavior. Study results clearly show that the bilevel programming is appropriate for the problem studied here. The results indicate that, to increase its revenue, the railway agency should focus on not only the pricing but also travel time and LOS. A pricing breakpoint of about ¥31 (¥7 = U¥1) is found, as it results in the highest revenue for all traveling speeds and LOS. Further increase of the price leads to reduced revenue. A consistent revenue increase trend is observed for all higher traveling speeds and LOS, which emphasizes that the railway agency should pay attention to a combined revenue strategy.
Review of Regional Locomotive Emission Modeling and the Constraints Posed by Activity Data
Authors: Gould Gregory , Niemeier Debbie
Published: December 2009

Diesel–electric locomotives used by U.S. freight railroads are relatively low emitters of criteria air pollutants and greenhouse gases when compared with competing modes. However, the continuous growth in goods movement is cause for concern because locomotive emissions may grow. Railroads account for only a small fraction of all mobile source emissions, but the concentration of emissions along rail facilities raises questions about equity, in particular, environmental justice, and the relative benefits of competing modes of goods movement. This paper provides a synthesis and review of current data and methods used to account for regional locomotive activity. Understanding data limitations and methodological issues at the regional scale provides a starting point for development of more spatially detailed locomotive emission models. Methods developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board are considered. It is found that each method produces different results and is inadequate for use at the regional (or smaller) spatial scale. Problems arise from activity measures that ignore differences in geography and freight rail services between regions or that depend on detailed operational data that are no longer available. Although detailed activity data do exist, they are not always available because they are owned by private railroads. New methods should minimize the use of detailed or confidential railroad data yet still be sensitive to local factors. Fuel-based methods provide the most hope, but greater cooperation between regulatory agencies and railroads is required.
Spectral Analysis of Ground Acceleration-Based Testing
Authors: Ho Carlton , Hyslip James P. , Li Dingqing
Published: December 2009

Spectral analysis of downhole acceleration data is used to identify changes in elastic properties of track substructure. The spectral analysis is based on the power spectral density (PSD) as an indicator of frequency content. This method was developed and tested at the Transportation Technology Center, Inc., in Pueblo, Colorado. The system provides an efficient means for monitoring track bed to predict settlement and deformation conditions that would require maintenance. The method relies on a triaxial piezoelectric accelerometer inserted into a permanently installed inclinometer casing installed into the subgrade. Periodic measurement of the dynamic ground response allows for the identification of changes in the small strain elastic properties of the substructure layers. The methodology uses conventional downhole seismic shear wave velocity testing. For the purpose of comparison, test sections were constructed with clean and fouled ballast. Shear wave velocities indicated the differences in material properties. PSDs of the signals were analyzed to determine variation resulting from differences in soil conditions. PSDs were calculated at different intervals of loading. With increased loading, settlement of the subtrack soils occurs. The densifi-cation can be seen as an increase in the predominant frequency of the PSD. The PSD from the section with the clean ballast had a higher predominant frequency than the PSD from the section with the fouled ballast. A decrease in predominant frequency over time would indicate the decrease in stiffness and the potential of increased fouling of the ballast with fines. Changes in the frequency content would indicate changes in elastic response.
Sandwich Model to Evaluate Railroad Asphalt Trackbed Performance under Moving Loads
Authors: Huang Hai , Shen Shihui , Tutumluer Erol
Published: December 2009

Today, asphalt trackbed is gaining more attention because it effectively strengthens railroad track support, helps waterproof underlying sub-grade, and securely confines the subgrade layer. Traditional analytical track models are either quasi-static or based on a continuous support assumption, which does not consider nonuniform, discrete support due to varying tie and ballast service conditions. In this paper, a discretely supported track model with asphalt trackbed under dynamic moving loads was solved semianalytically. On the basis of this solution, a computer program was developed and applied to study, under different train speeds, the effect of track defects, such as broken tie and weak sub-grade, on asphalt trackbed service life. A case study analysis showed that all cases of faster train speed, weaker subgrade support, and missing tie support decreased asphalt trackbed fatigue life. Of the scenarios tested, missing tie support was proved to be the most critical factor that could dramatically decrease the trackbed fatigue life. Increasing asphalt trackbed thickness from 0.1 to 0.2 m significantly extended its fatigue life and also decreased subgrade stress. Although only limited situations are discussed here, the developed computer program based on the derived semianalytical solution can be used as an optimization tool for evaluating asphalt trackbed performances under various field conditions. It also has the potential for backcalculating dynamic track modulus when track deflections are measured.
Network-Level Railway Track Maintenance Management Model
Authors: Burrow M. P. N. , Naito S. , Evdorides H. T.
Published: December 2009

A variety of decision-making tools can help railway infrastructure managers plan timely, effective, and efficient maintenance. Most of these tools address project-level maintenance on short sections of railway track, where the level of benefits tends to be discrete and definable. However, it is at the network level where the benefits are less tangible and the consideration of the maintenance investment returns plays an important role in helping frame policy. A major issue concerns how network-level benefits may be presented in a concise and straightforward manner that is meaningful to politicians and senior decision makers. To this end, this paper describes research that was carried out to develop a tool based on probabilistic models, which are capable of determining the effects of maintenance on network condition under any budget scenario. The robustness and viability of the system is demonstrated by means of an example.
Noncontact Ultrasonic Guided Wave Detection of Rail Defects
Authors: Coccia Stefano , Bartoli Ivan , Salamone Salvatore , Phillips Robert , di Scalea Francesco Lanza , Fateh Mahmood , Carr Gary
Published: December 2009

Recent train accidents, increasing tonnage, and aging rail transportation infrastructure have reaffirmed the need to improve current rail inspection technologies, consisting primarily of ultrasonic wheel testing. A recent development in rail inspection is the use of ultrasonic guided waves in the 20 kHz to 1 MHz range and noncontact probing techniques. This paper first reports on theoretical studies of ultrasonic guided wave propagation in rails based on a semianalytical finite element approach. The paper then describes the latest version of the University of California, San Diego, and FRA rail defect detection prototype, which is based on noncontact guided wave testing and real-time statistical pattern recognition for defect detection and classification. The system specifically targets transverse head cracks such as transverse fissures and detail fractures. It is also expected to be sensitive to longitudinal head cracks such as vertical split heads and mixed-mode cracks such as compound fractures. The system was field tested in March 2008 at speeds of up to 10 mph with excellent results under changing environmental conditions. Plans are in place for further improvements, including higher test speeds of up to 40 mph and installation of the system in an FRA research car for technology demonstration.
Examining the Dynamic Association of BMI and Mortality in the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: He Jianghua , McGee Daniel , Niu Xufeng , Choi Won
Published: December 2009

Based on the 40-year follow-up of the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), we used logistic regression models to demonstrate that different designs of an observational study may lead to different results about the association between BMI and all-cause mortality. We also used dynamic survival models to capture the time-varying relationships between BMI and mortality in FHS. The results consistently show that the association between BMI and mortality is dynamic, especially for men. Our analysis suggests that the dynamic property may explain part of the heterogeneity observed in the literature about the association of BMI and mortality.
Inorganic Polymer Matrix Composite Strength Related to Interface Condition
Authors: Radford Donald W. , Grabher Andrew , Bridge John
Published: December 2009

Resin transfer molding of an inorganic polymer binder was successfully demonstrated in the preparation of ceramic fiber reinforced engine exhaust valves. Unfortunately, in the preliminary processing trials, the resulting composite valves were too brittle for in-engine evaluation. To address this limited toughness, the effectiveness of a modified fiber-matrix interface is investigated through the use of carbon as a model material fiber coating. After sequential heat treatments composites molded from uncoated and carbon coated fibers are compared using room temperature 3-point bend testing. Carbon coated Nextel fiber reinforced geopolymer composites demonstrated a 50% improvement in strength, versus that of the uncoated fiber reinforced composites, after the 250 °C postcure.
Practical Applications of Telemedicine for Pediatricians
Authors: Herendeen Neil E. , Schaefer G. Bradley
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify potential applications for telemedicine specific to the field of pediatrics.

2.

Outline barriers to providing pediatric telemedicine services and suggest possible solutions to these obstacles.

3.

Evaluate specific applications for telemedicine in select pediatric subspecialties.
Telemedicine for Children in Need of Intensive Care
Authors: Dharmar Madan , Smith Anthony C. , Armfield Nigel R. , Trujano Juan , Sadorra Candace , Marcin James P.
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify and describe reasons telemedicine is useful in the management of critically ill children in remote locations.

2.

Outline factors that hinder the widespread adoption of telemedicine in the mainstream practice of pediatric critical care.

3.

Demonstrate the potential clinical, educational, and economic benefits associated with telemedicine and provide illustrative clinical scenarios.
Tele-education: Linking Educators with Learners via Distance Technology
Authors: Smith Christopher E. , Fontana-Chow Karen , Boateng Beatrice A. , Azzie Georges , Pietrolungo Lara , Cheng-Tsallis Agnes , Golding Fraser , Tallett Susan
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Explain the current state of tele-education in the medical profession.

2.

Identify effective uses of tele-education technology in pediatrics.

3.

Determine how tele-education can change the practice of pediatrics.
A 3-year-old Boy with Fever and Oral Lesions
Authors: Kreshak Allyson A. , Ly Binh T. , Edwards Whitney C.D. , Carson Stephen H.
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Understand the pathophysiology and possible etiologies for methemoglobinemia.

2.

Recognize the typical clinical presentation of patients with methemoglobinemia.

3.

Describe the various alternatives available for treating mouth pain in children.
A 12-month-old Boy with Impaired Pigmentation
Authors: Babilas Philipp , Schreml Stephan , Landthaler Michael , Vogt Thomas
Published: December 2009

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Explain the clinical presentation and pathogenesis of nevus depigmentosus.

2.

Identify the differential diagnosis of disorders with impaired pigmentation.

3.

Determine the etiopathogenesis of skin hypopigmentation, depigmentation, hypomelanosis, and amelanosis.