bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Canine Fossa Puncture Technique in Chronic Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis
Authors: Albu Silviu , Baciut Mihaela , Opincariu Iulian , Rotaru Horatiu , Dinu Cristian
Published: September 2011

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) including middle meatus antrostomy (MMA) has been advocated as the technique of choice in the treatment of maxillary chronic odontogenic sinusitis (COS). However, recently the endoscopic canine fossa puncture (CFP) has been proposed as an alternative surgical technique of accessing the entire antrum when pathology is limited only to the maxillary sinus. This study was designed to assess the outcomes of the CFP approach versus ESS (comprising MMA) in the management of COS.

Methods

A prospective study was performed on patients with COS produced by odontogenic infections (periapical granulomas or small inflammatory cysts of the molars or bicuspids), oroantral fistula (OAF), large odontogenic cysts, and maxillary foreign bodies (dental fillings, teeth roots, and implants). Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: 56 patients underwent CFP and in 54 patients the maxillary sinus was approached through MMA. After a mean follow-up of 18.5 months, recurrence rates were compared between the two groups.

Results

During the follow-up period, OAF recurred in 10 patients: 4 in the MMA group (7.4%) and 6 in the CFP group (10.7%). The difference is not statistically significant (p = 0.39, Fisher exact test).

Conclusion

In patients with COS a conservative approach with avoidance of endonasal surgery is suggested: in COS without a fistula, CFP at the time of dental treatment will be sufficient. In OAF cases, CFP yielded similar results with MMA. Nevertheless, additional study with a larger sample and a longer follow-up is required to validate these results.
Pathophysiology of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyp
Authors: Hsu Joy , Peters Anju T.
Published: September 2011

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses and nasal passages. CRS with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) is a subtype of CRS, and the pathogenesis of CRSwNP remains largely unclear.

Methods

This article reviews the literature regarding the pathophysiology of CRSwNP.

Results

Evidence suggests that altered innate immunity, adaptive immunity, tissue remodeling, and/or effects of microorganisms may play a role in the development of CRSwNP. Aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism may also contribute to the pathogenesis of CRSwNP in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.

Conclusion

There have been significant advances in the understanding pathophysiology of CRSwNP. Additional research is needed to elucidate these mechanisms and to determine their relative importance in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.
State of the Art Treatment of Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Aouad Rony K. , Chiu Alexander G.
Published: September 2011

Background

Nasal polyposis represents the end point of multiple inflammatory pathways and controversy continues as to the exact roles of medical and surgical approaches in the management of nasal polyposis.

Methods

A combination of both is often required to manage polyps adequately with surgery and intranasal steroids remaining the mainstay of therapy.

Results

Fortunately, new technological advances are making surgery safer and more efficient. In the postoperative period, debridement is effective in reducing the formation of adhesions, and topical medications may play a beneficial role in preventing polyp reformation.

Conclusion

Additional investigations into the optimal perioperative medical management is needed to ensure optimal surgical outcomes.
Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Preschool Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Suh Dong In , Lee Ju Kyung , Kim Jin Tack , Min Yang-Gi , Koh Young Yull
Published: September 2011

Background

Nonasthmatic subjects with allergic rhinitis often have bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), characteristic of asthma. The presence and degree of atopy is suggested to be important for BHR in patients with asthma. We aimed to assess BHR to methacholine (direct stimulus) and to adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP; indirect stimulus) in preschool children with allergic rhinitis and to investigate their relationship with the degree of atopy.

Methods

Methacholine and AMP bronchial challenges were performed in preschool children with allergic rhinitis (n = 96), using a modified auscultation method. The end point concentration, resulting in audible wheezing and/or oxygen desaturation, was determined for each challenge. The degree of atopy was assessed using serum total IgE levels, the number of positive skin-prick tests, and atopic scores (sum of graded wheal size).

Results

BHR to methacholine (end point concentration, ≤ 8 mg/mL) and to AMP (end point concentration, ≤ 200 mg/mL) was observed in 32 (33.3%) and 26 (27.1%) subjects, respectively. No significant relationship was observed between BHR to methacholine and any atopy parameter. In contrast, the atopic scores were higher in the AMP–BHR+ group compared with the AMP–BHR− group, and a significant association was found between the degree of atopic scores and the frequency of BHR to AMP (score for trend, p = 0.006). Such a relationship was not observed for serum total IgE levels and the number of positive SPTs.

Conclusion

BHR to methacholine and BHR to AMP were detected in a significant proportion of preschool children with allergic rhinitis. The degree of atopy in terms of atopic scores seems to be an important factor for BHR to AMP but not for BHR to methacholine.
Canine Rabies: A Looming Threat to Public Health
Authors: Burgos-Cáceres Sigfrido
Published: September 2011

Rabies is an acute, fatal viral disease that infects domestic and wild animals and is transmissible to humans. Worldwide, rabies kills over 55,000 people every year. The domestic dog plays a pivotal role in rabies transmission. Domestic dogs are not only part of our daily lives but also of our immediate surroundings, and this is reflected in the rise in pet dog ownership in developed and developing countries. This is important given that more frequent exposures and interactions at the animal-human interface increases the likelihood of contracting zoonotic diseases of companion animals. Despite existing vaccines and post-exposure prophylactic treatment, rabies remains a neglected disease that is poorly controlled throughout much of the developing world, particularly Africa and Asia, where most human rabies deaths occur. It is believed that with sustained international commitments, global elimination of rabies from domestic dog populations, the most dangerous vector to humans, is a realistic goal.
Projective Power Entropy and Maximum Tsallis Entropy Distributions
Authors: Eguchi Shinto , Komori Osamu , Kato Shogo
Published: September 2011

We discuss a one-parameter family of generalized cross entropy between two distributions with the power index, called the projective power entropy. The cross entropy is essentially reduced to the Tsallis entropy if two distributions are taken to be equal. Statistical and probabilistic properties associated with the projective power entropy are extensively investigated including a characterization problem of which conditions uniquely determine the projective power entropy up to the power index. A close relation of the entropy with the Lebesgue space Lp and the dual Lq is explored, in which the escort distribution associates with an interesting property. When we consider maximum Tsallis entropy distributions under the constraints of the mean vector and variance matrix, the model becomes a multivariate q-Gaussian model with elliptical contours, including a Gaussian and t-distribution model. We discuss the statistical estimation by minimization of the empirical loss associated with the projective power entropy. It is shown that the minimum loss estimator for the mean vector and variance matrix under the maximum entropy model are the sample mean vector and the sample variance matrix. The escort distribution of the maximum entropy distribution plays the key role for the derivation.
A Model of DNA Repeat-Assembled Mitotic Chromosomal Skeleton
Authors: Tang Shao-Jun
Published: September 2011

Despite intensive investigation for decades, the principle of higher-order organization of mitotic chromosomes is unclear. Here, I describe a novel model that emphasizes a critical role of interactions of homologous DNA repeats (repetitive elements; repetitive sequences) in mitotic chromosome architecture. According to the model, DNA repeats are assembled, via repeat interactions (pairing), into compact core structures that govern the arrangement of chromatins in mitotic chromosomes. Tandem repeat assemblies form a chromosomal axis to coordinate chromatins in the longitudinal dimension, while dispersed repeat assemblies form chromosomal nodes around the axis to organize chromatins in the halo. The chromosomal axis and nodes constitute a firm skeleton on which non-skeletal chromatins can be anchored, folded, and supercoiled.
Identification of Occupational Cancer Risks in British Columbia, Canada: A Population-Based Case—Control Study of 1,155 Cases of Colon Cancer
Authors: Fang Raymond , Le Nhu , Band Pierre
Published: September 2011

Objective: Cancer has been recognized to have environmental origin, but occupational cancer risk studies have not been fully documented. The objective of this paper was to identify occupations and industries with elevated colon cancer risk based on lifetime occupational histories collected from 15,463 incident cancer cases. Method: A group matched case-control design was used. All cases were diagnosed with histologically proven colon cancers, with cancer controls being all other cancer sites, excluding rectum, lung and unknown primary, diagnosed at the same period of time from the British Columbia Cancer Registry. Data analyses were done on all 597 Canadian standard occupation titles and 1,104 standard industry titles using conditional logistic regression for matched data sets and the likelihood ratio test. Results: Excess colon cancer risks was observed in a number of occupations and industries, particularly those with low physical activity and those involving exposure to asbestos, wood dusts, engine exhaust and diesel engine emissions, and ammonia. Discussion: The results of our study are in line with those from the literature and further suggest that exposure to wood dusts and to ammonia may carry an increased occupational risk of colon cancer.
Antioxidant Properties of the Edible Basidiomycete Armillaria mellea in Submerged Cultures
Authors: Lung Ming-Yeou , Chang Yu-Cheng
Published: September 2011

Antioxidant components, ascorbic acid, total flavonoids and total phenols are produced effectively by Armillaria mellea submerged cultures. Dried mycelia and mycelia-free broths obtained by A. mellea submerged cultures are extracted with methanol and hot water and investigated for antioxidant properties. Methanolic extracts from dried mycelia (MEM) and mycelia-free broth (MEB) and hot water extracts from dried mycelia (HWEM) by A. mellea submerged cultures show good antioxidant properties as evidenced by low EC50 values (< 10 mg/mL). Total flavonoid is mainly found in hot water extracts; however, total phenol is rich in methanol and hot water extracts from mycelia. Ascorbic acid and total phenol contents are well correlated with the reducing power and the scavenging effect on superoxide anions. Total flavonoid content is dependent on the antioxidant activity and the chelating effect on ferrous ions. Total antioxidant component contents are closely related to the antioxidant activity and the scavenging superoxide anion ability. Results confirm that extracts with good antioxidant properties from fermenting products by A. mellea are potential good substitutes for synthetic antioxidants and can be applied to antioxidant-related functional food and pharmaceutical industries.
Assessment of Tamarindus indica Extracts for Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Nwodo Uchechukwu U. , Obiiyeke Grace E. , Chigor Vincent N. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: September 2011

Ethanolic and aqueous (hot and cold) extracts of the fruit pulp, stem bark and leaves of Tamarindus indica were evaluated for antibacterial activity, in vitro, against 13 Gram negative and 5 Gram positive bacterial strains using agar well diffusion and macro broth dilution techniques, simultaneously. The fruit pulp extracts exhibited a wide spectrum of activity; the cold water extract against 95.5% of the test bacterial strains; and the hot water and ethanolic extracts against 90.9% and 86.4%, respectively. In contrast the cold water extract of the leaves and stem bark, each was active against 16.7%; while the ethanolic extract of each was active against 75% of the test strains. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranged from 7.81 mg/mL against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 to 31.25 mg/mL against Escherichia coli ATCC 11775; and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) ranged from 125 mg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145 to 250 mg/mL against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051.
Guiding Light in Electro-Optic Polymers
Authors: Pyayt Anna L.
Published: September 2011

Electro-optic polymers have unique photonic, electro-optic and mechanical properties that make them attractive to use in a wide range of devices starting from ultra-high bandwidth light modulators for optical communications to miniature low power components for on-chip optical interconnects. The main building blocks of those devices are optical waveguides, that due to versatility of the polymers can be fabricated as either traditional multi-layer polymer structures, silicon nano-slots filled with the polymer, or dynamically created waveguides based on field-induced guiding. In this paper we cover various types of waveguides and analyze their optimum designs depending on application.
Optimizing Spatial Resolution of Imagery for Urban Form Detection—The Cases of France and Vietnam
Authors: Tran Thi Dong-Binh , Puissant Anne , Badariotti Dominique , Weber Christiane
Published: September 2011

The multitude of satellite data products available offers a large choice for urban studies. Urban space is known for its high heterogeneity in structure, shape and materials. To approach this heterogeneity, finding the optimal spatial resolution (OSR) is needed for urban form detection from remote sensing imagery. By applying the local variance method to our datasets (pan-sharpened images), we can identify OSR at two levels of observation: individual urban elements and urban districts in two agglomerations in West Europe (Strasbourg, France) and in Southeast Asia (Da Nang, Vietnam). The OSR corresponds to the minimal variance of largest number of spectral bands. We carry out three categories of interval values of spatial resolutions for identifying OSR: from 0.8 m to 3 m for isolated objects, from 6 m to 8 m for vegetation area and equal or higher than 20 m for urban district. At the urban district level, according to spatial patterns, form, size and material of elements, we propose the range of OSR between 30 m and 40 m for detecting administrative districts, new residential districts and residential discontinuous districts. The detection of industrial districts refers to a coarser OSR from 50 m to 60 m. The residential continuous dense districts effectively need a finer OSR of between 20 m and 30 m for their optimal identification. We also use fractal dimensions to identify the threshold of homogeneity/heterogeneity of urban structure at urban district level. It seems therefore that our approaches are robust and transferable to different urban contexts.
Urban Sprawl Analysis and Modeling in Asmara, Eritrea
Authors: Tewolde Mussie G. , Cabral Pedro
Published: September 2011

The extension of urban perimeter markedly cuts available productive land. Hence, studies in urban sprawl analysis and modeling play an important role to ensure sustainable urban development. The urbanization pattern of the Greater Asmara Area (GAA), the capital of Eritrea, was studied. Satellite images and geospatial tools were employed to analyze the spatiotemporal urban landuse changes. Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA), Landuse Cover Change (LUCC) analysis and urban sprawl analysis using Shannon Entropy were carried out. The Land Change Modeler (LCM) was used to develop a model of urban growth. The Multi-layer Perceptron Neural Network was employed to model the transition potential maps with an accuracy of 85.9% and these were used as an input for the ‘actual’ urban modeling with Markov chains. Model validation was assessed and a scenario of urban land use change of the GAA up to year 2020 was presented. The result of the study indicated that the built-up area has tripled in size (increased by 4,441 ha) between 1989 and 2009. Specially, after year 2000 urban sprawl in GAA caused large scale encroachment on high potential agricultural lands and plantation cover. The scenario for year 2020 shows an increase of the built-up areas by 1,484 ha (25%) which may cause further loss. The study indicated that the land allocation system in the GAA overrode the landuse plan, which caused the loss of agricultural land and plantation cover. The recommended policy options might support decision makers to resolve further loss of agricultural land and plantation cover and to achieve sustainable urban development planning in the GAA.
Artificial Recharge via Boreholes Using Treated Wastewater: Possibilities and Prospects
Authors: Voudouris Kostas
Published: September 2011

Interest in artificial recharge of groundwater using pretreated wastewater continues to increase, especially in semi-arid countries. After the artificial recharge and natural treatment, the water could be extracted through boreholes pumping for direct irrigation. The selection of suitable locations for artificial recharge should be based on hydrogeological conditions, economic evaluation and environmental considerations. Clogging of boreholes that are used for artificial recharge is a serious problem and requires proper planning to reduce it. This paper deals with the investigation of the possibilities and prospects of aquifer recharge via boreholes using treated wastewater. Firstly, the aquifer recharge techniques, the proposed criteria of waste and the clogging effect are presented. Secondly, the possibility of application of artificial recharge in the South-Eastern Mesaoria aquifer of Cyprus is examined. Based on hydrogeological results, artificial recharge using tertiary treated wastewater via boreholes is one of the options available for increasing the groundwater reserves of this aquifer. The recycled water will infiltrate through gravel pack, providing favorable conditions for ventilation and laminar flow due to small water flow velocity. The treatment works include the removal of the fat, oil and grease (FOG) and cyanides (CN−) content in order to meet the upper acceptable limits.
Destination Brand Attitude and Loyalty as Factors in Revisitation of Competitive Destinations
Authors: Boo Soyoung
Published: September 2011

The role played by tourist behavior in the context of destination choice is still not entirely understood and calls for investigation into the significance of both tourist attitudes and loyalty in influencing whether a customer may repeatedly visit a destination. The objective of this article is to test a proposed relational model between destination brand attitude and destination brand loyalty, and to examine whether the model applies to specific competitive destinations in a same-destination-brand category. A series of analyses demonstrates that the relational model fits both tested destination categories well and additionally indicates that destination brand attitude does positively impact destination brand loyalty. However, the analyses also revealed that higher positive destination brand attitude does not necessarily lead to increased destination brand loyalty. The author explores the findings of this study in terms of its implications in issues of competition among repeat-visit destinations.
Superconductivity between $H_{C_2}$ and $H_{C_3}$
Authors: Fournais Søren , Helffer Bernard , Persson Mikael
Published: September 2011

Superconductivity for Type II superconductors in external magnetic fields of magnitude between the second and third critical fields is known to be restricted to a narrow boundary region. The profile of the superconducting order parameter in the Ginzburg–Landau model is expected to be governed by an effective one-dimensional model. This is known to be the case for external magnetic fields sufficiently close to the third critical field. In this text we prove such a result on a larger interval of validity.
Eigenvalue estimates for singular left-definite Sturm–Liouville operators
Authors: Behrndt Jussi , Möws Roland , Trunk Carsten
Published: September 2011

The spectral properties of a singular left-definite Sturm–Liouville operator

JA

are investigated and described via the properties of the corresponding right-definite selfadjoint counterpart

A

which is obtained by substituting the indefinite weight function by its absolute value. The spectrum of the

J

-selfadjoint operator

JA

is real and it follows that an interval

(a,b)\subset\mathbb R^+

is a gap in the essential spectrum of

A

if and only if both intervals

(-b,-a)

and

(a,b)

are gaps in the essential spectrum of the

J

-selfadjoint operator

JA

. As one of the main results it is shown that the number of eigenvalues of

JA

in

(-b,-a) \cup (a,b)

differs at most by three of the number of eigenvalues of

A

in the gap

(a,b)

; as a byproduct results on the accumulation of eigenvalues of singular left-definite Sturm-Liouville operators are obtained. Furthermore, left-definite problems with symmetric and periodic coefficients are treated, and several examples are included to illustrate the general results.
Some connections between almost periodic and periodic discrete Schrödinger operators with analytic potentials
Authors: Shamis Mira
Published: September 2011

We study discrete Schrödinger operators with analytic potentials. In particular, we are interested in the connection between the absolutely continuous spectrum in the almost periodic case and the spectra in the periodic case. We prove a weak form of a precise conjecture relating the two.

We also bound the measure of the spectrum in the periodic case in terms of the Lyapunov exponent in the almost periodic case.

In the proofs, we use a partial generalization of Chambers' formula. As an additional application of this generalization, we provide a new proof of Herman's lower bound for the Lyapunov exponent.
Eigenvalue bounds for two-dimensional magnetic Schrödinger operators
Authors: Kovařík Hynek
Published: September 2011

We prove that the number of negative eigenvalues of two-dimensional magnetic Schrödinger operators is bounded from above by the strength of the corresponding electric potential. Such estimates fail in the absence of a magnetic field. We also show how the corresponding upper bounds depend on the properties of the magnetic field and discuss their connection with Hardy-type inequalities.
How opening a hole affects the sound of a flute
Authors: Joly Romain
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we consider an open tube of diameter

\varepsilon>0

, on the side of which a small hole of size

\varepsilon^2

is pierced. The resonances of this tube correspond to the eigenvalues of the Laplacian operator with homogeneous Neumann condition on the inner surface of the tube and Dirichlet one on the open parts of the tube. We show that this spectrum converges when

\varepsilon

goes to

0

to the spectrum of an explicit one-dimensional operator. At a first order of approximation, the limit spectrum describes the note produced by a flute, for which one of its holes is open.
A family of anisotropic integral operators and behavior of its maximal eigenvalue
Authors: Mityagin Boris S. , Sobolev Alexander V.
Published: September 2011

We study the family of compact integral operators

{\bf K}_\beta

in

L2(\mathbb R)

with the kernel

K_\beta(x, y) = \frac{1}{\pi}\frac{1}{1 + (x-y)^2 + \beta^2\Theta(x, y)},

depending on the parameter

\beta >0

, where

\Theta(x, y)

is a symmetric non-negative homogeneous function of degree

\gamma\ge 1

. The main result is the following asymptotic formula for the maximal eigenvalue

M_\beta

of

\bf K_\beta

:

M_\beta = 1 - \lambda_1 \beta^{\frac{2}{\gamma+1}} + o(\beta^{\frac{2}{\gamma+1}}),\quad \beta\to 0,

where

\lambda_1

is the lowest eigenvalue of the operator

\bf A = |d/dx| + \Theta(x, x)/2

. A central role in the proof is played by the fact that

\bf K_\beta, \beta>0,

is positivity improving. The case

\Theta(x, y) = (x^2 + y^2)^2

has been studied earlier in the literature as a simplified model of high-temperature superconductivity.
Threshold Concepts in Practice Education: Perceptions of Practice Educators
Authors: Tanner Bronwyn
Published: September 2011

Introduction:

Practice education is essential in the development of the clinical competencies required for entry into the workforce. Practitioners take on the role of educator of students on placement, often at a distance from the university. While the importance of practitioners to the university curriculum is acknowledged, how best to engage both practitioners and academics in a dialogue that is meaningful and valued by both groups is an ongoing challenge. Applying a threshold concept framework has been suggested as a way to enhance dialogue between key stakeholders to facilitate student learning.

Method:

This exploratory qualitative study aimed to identify areas of transformative knowledge (threshold concepts) from the perspective of practitioners who engage with students undertaking practice education. Data were collected from two focus groups of practitioners involved in practice education. A threshold concept framework was used for analysis.

Findings:

The use of a threshold concept framework facilitated the identification of three key knowledge areas, which resulted in transformed understanding once they were grasped by students engaged in practice education.

Conclusion:

The identification of threshold concepts for practice education has the potential to inform university curriculum content and practice educator training. Further research is indicated to develop these concepts further.
Choroidal neovascularization of optic disk melanocytoma treated with bevacizumab
Authors: Kamisasanuki Taro , Uchino Eisuke , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: September 2011

Purpose

To report a case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with optic disk melanocytoma successfully treated with bevacizumab.

Methods

A 63-year-old man complained of visual impairment in his left eye. His visual acuity was 0.9 OS. Fundus examination showed optic disk melanocytoma associated with serous retinal detachment and mild hemorrhage. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography revealed CNV adjacent to the optic disc. Intravitreous bevacizumab (IVB) was performed 3 times.

Results

Choroidal neovascularization and serous retinal detachment disappeared at 5 months after IVB. Visual acuity recovered to 1.5 OS and has been stable for 1 year follow-up. No adverse events were found related to IVB.

Conclusions

Intravitreous bevacizumab can be a beneficial treatment for CNV associated with optic disc melanocytoma.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Griflow® Dual, a Pre-Set Two-Flow Infusion Device for Intravenous Immunoglobulin (Flebogamma® 5%) Administration
Authors: Sánchez Argentina , Álvarez Magdalena , Bustillo María Adoración , García María Carmen , Muñoz Margarita , Pacios Concepción , Pizarroso Lorena , Rubio María Isabel , Rodríguez Nuria
Published: September 2011

Purpose

A single center, prospective study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of Griflow® Dual–-a gravity-fed device for intravenous delivery of human immunoglobulin Flebogamma®.

Methods

A total of 2 infusions in 2 visits per patient were assessed using G2 and G3 Griflow® Dual models that provide different flow rates adjusted to the patient's weight. To follow the most common method of intravenous immunoglobulin administration, infusion through the two-way device commenced with the low flow rate capillary (clamp closed) for 30 minutes and continued with the high flow rate, opening both ways. Reliability of flow delivery (average flow rates), adverse events, as well as functionality in daily practice (questionnaire to nurses) were assessed.

Results

twenty-five valid infusions were evaluated on 13 subjects. Except for the G2 model with closed clamp in which 14.5% deviation was observed, actual average flow rate values fell well into the maximum 10% deviation permitted with respect to expected charted values (G2: 55 and 142 mL/h; G3: 76 and 189 mL/h). Discrepancies could be explained by patient's arm movements or posture change during infusion. No adverse events related to the study device occurred. In the functionality questionnaires, nurse's comfort and safety of infusion with Griflow® Dual were rated higher than without Griflow® Dual but lower than with infusion pumps.

Conclusions

Although it may not be as precise as an infusion pump, Griflow® Dual proved to be a reliable and suitable device to administer Flebogamma® 5%. Correct safety should be confirmed in a larger sample.
Is MS Intention Tremor Amplitude Related to Changed Peripheral Reflexes?
Authors: Feys Peter , Helsen Werner , Ilsbroukx Stephan , Meurrens Tom
Published: September 2011

Intention tremor is related to lesions in the cerebellum or connected pathways. Intention tremor amplitude decreased after peripheral arm cooling in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), likely caused by a reduction of muscle spindle afferent inflow, while amplitude increased when muscle spindles were artificially stimulated by tendon vibration. This study investigated the contribution of peripheral reflexes to the generation of MS intention tremor. Tendon reflexes of biceps, triceps, and brachioradialis, muscles were measured, using an electromechanical triggered reflex hammer. MS patients with (n = 17) and without (n = 17) upper limb intention and 18 healthy controls were tested. Latency of brachioradialis, biceps, and triceps tendon reflexes was greater in MS patients with tremor than in healthy controls and MS patients without tremor (except for the triceps reflex). Peak and peak-to-peak amplitude were not different between groups. It is concluded that tendon reflexes were delayed but not enlarged in MS patients with tremor.
Fourier Transform of the Continuous Arithmetic Asian Options PDE
Authors: Elshegmani Zieneb Ali , Ahmad Rokiah Rozita
Published: September 2011

Price of the arithmetic Asian options is not known in a closed-form solution,
since arithmetic Asian option PDE is a degenerate partial differential equation
in three dimensions. In this work we provide a new method for computing the
continuous arithmetic Asian option price by means of partial differential equations.
Using Fourier transform and changing some variables of the PDE we
get a new direct method for solving the governing PDE without reducing the
dimensionality of the PDE as most authors have done. We transform the second-order PDE with nonconstant coefficients to the first order with constant
coefficients, which can be solved analytically.
Shaking table test of the effects of multi‐unit particle dampers attached to an MDOF system under earthquake excitation
Authors: Lu Zheng , Lu Xilin , Lu Wensheng , Masri Sami F.
Published: September 2011

This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical/computational study of the performance of multi‐unit particle dampers with an MDOF system. A series of shaking table tests of a three‐storey steel frame with the particle damper system were carried out to evaluate the performance of the system and to verify the analysis method. An analytical solution based on the discrete element method is also presented. A comparison between the experimental and computational results shows that reasonably accurate estimates of the response of a primary system under earthquake excitations can be obtained. These results also indicate that the excitation characterization influences the performance of the particle damper system, for example, particle dampers have good performance in reducing the seismic response of structures and particle movements of plug flow pattern can yield good vibration attenuation effects. It is shown that by using properly designed multi‐unit particle dampers, a lightly damped primary system can achieve a reasonable reduction in its response, with a small weight penalty. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The reactivity of nano silica with calcium hydroxide
Authors: Lin Qing , Xu Zhongzi , Lan Xianghui , Ni Yaru , Lu Chunhua
Published: September 2011

The reactivity of nano silica (SiO2) with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) was evaluated and characterized in this study. Ca(OH)2 activated nano SiO2 takes place through an exothermic process, which is mainly attributed to the breakdown of SiOSi bonds. Ca2+ offsets the charge imbalance and bonds to SiOH and SiO− giving rise to calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel. Care has to be taken that the reactivity of nano SiO2 with Ca(OH)2 significantly depends on the Q3 percentage in nano SiO2. Q3 percentages significantly influence the reaction kinetic of nano SiO2. The higher Q3 percentage results in a higher reaction degree of nano SiO2 with Ca(OH)2 and shorter setting times of the pastes. The higher Q3 percentage results in a lower total reaction heat of nano SiO2 with Ca(OH)2. It is suggested that the Q3 percentages of nano SiO2 should be in excess of 30% to keep the satisfactory setting properties of the pastes for the application requirements of bone cement. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Synthesis, characterization, and light‐controlled antibiotic application of a composite material derived from polyurethane and silica xerogel with embedded photoactive manganese nitrosyl
Authors: Heilman Brandon J. , Halpenny Genevieve M. , Mascharak Pradip K.
Published: September 2011

The synthesis of a light‐sensitive polyurethane‐based composite material (PUX‐NO) is described. In its polyurethane medium, PUX‐NO contains entrapped silica xerogel particles in which a photoactive manganese nitrosyl has been incorporated. Green flexible films of PUX‐NO readily release nitric oxide (NO) only when exposed to low power (mW) visible light. Incorporation of the nitrosyl in the xerogel not only retains the nitrosyl (NO donor) within the composite material but also provides the right extent of hydration. Pre‐swelled films of PUX‐NO have water content close to 30 Wt % and such films can be stored for months under slightly moist condition without loss in NO‐delivering capacity. The NO‐releasing parameters of the film have been determined. The NO‐releasing capacity of PUX‐NO films can be conveniently altered by changing the amount of the nitrosyl as well as the thickness of the films. Patches of PUX‐NO film have been successfully employed to reduce drastically bacterial loads of both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii under the total control of light. Effective control of infections by these bacterial pathogens via delivery of proper doses of NO only to the sites of infection appears feasible with PUX‐NO films. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 99B: 328–337, 2011.
The comorbidity of anger symptoms with personality disorders in psychiatric outpatients
Authors: DiGiuseppe Raymond , McDermut Wilson , Unger Faith , Fuller J. Ryan , Zimmerman Mark , Chelminski Iwona
Published: September 2011

Objectives: Although many psychiatric disorders are “emotional” disorders, no disorders exist for which dysfunctional anger is a necessary feature. This study examined whether dysfunctional anger could be considered a diagnosis independent from Personality Disorders. Design: We analyzed data on 1,158 psychiatric outpatients who underwent a semi‐structured interview for Axis II disorders and ascertained the co‐occurrence of dysfunctional anger and Personality Disorders. Results: The overlap between dysfunctional anger and all Personality Disorders was low. Data analyses showed dysfunctional anger was not well accounted for by Axis II diagnoses. Conclusions: Dysfunctional anger can be viewed by researchers and clinicians as an independent diagnostic entity. The implications of these results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with anger symptoms is discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: 67:1–11, 2011.
Microbial utilization of crude glycerol for the production of value-added products
Authors: Dobson Rosemary , Gray Vincent , Rumbold Karl
Published: September 2011

Energy fuels for transportation and electricity generation are mainly derived from finite and declining reserves of fossil hydrocarbons. Fossil hydrocarbons are also used to produce a wide range of organic carbon-based chemical products. The current global dependency on fossil hydrocarbons will not be environmentally or economically sustainable in the long term. Given the future pessimistic prospects regarding the complete dependency on fossil fuels, political and economic incentives to develop carbon neutral and sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels have been increasing throughout the world. For example, interest in biodiesel has undergone a revival in recent times. However, the disposal of crude glycerol contaminated with methanol, salts, and free fatty acids as a by-product of biodiesel production presents an environmental and economic challenge. Although pure glycerol can be utilized in the cosmetics, tobacco, pharmaceutical, and food industries (among others), the industrial purification of crude glycerol is not economically viable. However, crude glycerol could be used as an organic carbon substrate for the production of high-value chemicals such as 1,3-propanediol, organic acids, or polyols. Microorganisms have been employed to produce such high-value chemicals and the objective of this article is to provide an overview of studies on the utilization of crude glycerol by microorganisms for the production of economically valuable products. Glycerol as a by-product of biodiesel production could be used a feedstock for the manufacture of many products that are currently produced by the petroleum-based chemical industry.
The Geology of Goa Group: Revisited
Authors: Dessai A. G.
Published: September 2011

The supracrustals that constitute the Goa Group of Gokul et al. (1985) can be divided into two lithostratigraphic sequences namely the Barcem Group and the Ponda Group. The former comprises predominantly greenstones (metabasalts) and rests on a basement of the 3300-3400 Ma Anmode Ghat trodhjemite gneiss with a crudely developed quartz-pebble conglomerate at the base, and shows lithological similarities with the lower part of the Bababudan Group. The younger sequence is dominated by clastics, and is assigned to a new stratigraphic group formally termed the Ponda Group which is equivalent to the Chitradurga Group of the Dharwar Supergroup. This group rests on a basement of the 2700-2900 Ma Chandranath granite gneiss with a distinct unconformity marked by a polymict, granite-clast metaconglomerate. The conglomerate displays many similarities with the Talya conglomerate that occurs at the base of the Chitradurga Group. It is overlain by a psamolitic sequence which is followed in ascending order by the chemogenic sediments that host the BIF and by the deep water turbidite sequence (argillite-graywacke association) with intercalations of mafic volcanics. The supracrustal sequence is intruded by the Bondla layered mafic-ultramafic complex along a major shear zone (NW-SE) that largely controls the course of the northwesterly flowing tributary of River Mandovi. The late intrusive, Canacona potassic granite marks the culmination of the sedimentation in the Shimoga-Goa basin.
Ionic Characters of Lake Water of Bharti Promontory, Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica
Authors: Shrivastava Prakash K. , Asthana Rajesh , Beg M. Javed , Ravindra Rasik
Published: September 2011

The Larsemann Hills area represents a unique environmental setting between marine and glacial ecosystems. One of the promontories of this region, named Bharti, depicting similar set up was selected for the study of chemical parameters with special reference to its ionic characters. Water samples from 6 selected lakes of Bharti promontory, Larsemann Hills area were collected during the austral summer of 2004-05 and analysed for major ionic concentration and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS). This study is aimed at understanding the water chemistry of lakes of this island with emphasis on correlation between different ionic concentrations, TDS and its possible causes. The study will provide baseline data that will be useful for planning further studies. Analytical result shows that the water chemistry of these lakes is mainly governed by the lithology, precipitation, drainage and marine environment. Minor contribution of evaporation, has also been observed on the chemistry of one of the lake water. The main source of water for these lakes comes mainly from snow precipitation and its melting. The drainage line mostly goes towards eastern direction for these lakes.
Role of Westerlies and Thermohaline Characteristics on Sea-Ice Extent in the Indian Ocean Sector of Antarctica
Authors: Nuncio M. , Luis Alvarinho J.
Published: September 2011

Satellite-derived sea-ice extent in the Indian Ocean Sector during the period November 1978 to December 2006 was studied in relation to the atmospheric forcing and oceanic thermohaline structure. The study revealed that sea-ice extent increased when the ocean exhibited higher stability. Low sea-ice extent was observed during 1985 to 1993, when the zonal winds and latent flux was relatively weak and when the ocean exhibited strong vertical mixing facilitated by low stability thereby, deepening the mixed layer to ~250 m. This was reflected in the ocean surface layer temperature, which was relatively warm (–0.3°C). Winds increased during 1996 to 2000, but due to higher oceanic stability mixed layer depth shallowed (< 200 m) leading to reduced vertical mixing of deep warmer layers with the surface water, leading to an enhancement in the sea-ice extent.
The Effect of Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on Ultrasonographic Median Nerve Measures Before and After Wheelchair Propulsion
Authors: Impink Bradley G. , Collinger Jennifer L. , Boninger Michael L.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To quantify median nerve characteristics before and after strenuous wheelchair propulsion and relate them to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We hypothesized that persons with and without symptoms of CTS would have significantly different nerve characteristics at baseline and after propulsion.

Design

A repeated‐measures design was used to obtain ultrasound images of the median nerve at 3 levels of the wrist (radius, pisiform, and hamate) before and after wheelchair propulsion. Investigators were blinded to subject history related to CTS.

Setting

The 2007 and 2008 National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Human Engineering Research Laboratories.

Participants

Fifty‐four participants between the ages of 18 and 65 years with a nonprogressive disability who used a manual wheelchair as their primary means of mobility completed this study.

Methods

Participants completed questionnaires regarding demographics and the presence and severity of symptoms of CTS. Ultrasound images of the median nerve were obtained before and after a 15‐minute strenuous wheelchair‐propulsion task.

Main Outcome Measurements

Baseline values and post‐propulsion changes were determined for median nerve cross‐sectional area, flattening ratio, and swelling ratio. Differences in median nerve variables between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were assessed.

Results

No significant differences between symptom groups were identified at baseline; however, persons with symptoms of CTS showed a significantly different percent change from baseline compared with the asymptomatic participants for cross‐sectional area at pisiform (P = .014) and flattening ratio at hamate (P = .022), and they showed a strong trend toward a difference in swelling ratio (P = .0502). For each of these variables, the change in the symptomatic group was in the opposite direction of the change in the asymptomatic group.

Conclusions

We found several median nerve responses to wheelchair propulsion associated with symptoms of CTS. These responses occurred even though no baseline ultrasound difference was found based on symptoms. Future research is necessary to determine how propulsion characteristics (ie, force, repetition, and posture) affect the median nerve response.
Influence of Sports Participation on Bone Health in the Young Athlete: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Fredericson Michael
Published: September 2011

Peak bone mass is attained during the second and third decades of life. Sports participation during the years that peak bone mass is being acquired may lead to adaptive changes that improve bone architecture through increased density and enhanced geometric properties. A review of the literature evaluating sports participation in young athletes, ages 10‐30 years, revealed that sports that involve high‐impact loading (eg, gymnastics, hurdling, judo, karate, volleyball, and other jumping sports) or odd‐impact loading (eg, soccer, basketball, racquet games, step‐aerobics, and speed skating) are associated with higher bone mineral composition, bone mineral density (BMD), and enhanced bone geometry in anatomic regions specific to the loading patterns of each sport. Repetitive low‐impact sports (such as distance running) are associated with favorable changes in bone geometry. Nonimpact sports such as swimming, water polo, and cycling are not associated with improvements in bone mineral composition or BMD, and swimming may negatively influence hip geometry. Participating in sports during early puberty may enhance bone mass. Continued participation in sports appears to maintain the full benefits of increased peak bone mass, although former athletes who do not maintain participation in sports may retain some benefits of increased BMD. Long‐term elite male cycling was reported to negatively influence bone health, and female adolescent distance running was associated with suppressed bone mineral accrual; confounding factors associated with participation in endurance sports may have contributed to those findings. In summary, young men and women who participate in sports that involve high‐impact or odd‐impact loading exhibit the greatest associated gains in bone health. Participation in nonimpact sports, such as swimming and cycling, is not associated with an improvement in bone health.
The harmonic mapping problem and affine capacity
Authors: Iwaniec Tadeusz , Kovalev Leonid V. , Onninen Jani
Published: September 2011

The harmonic mapping problem asks when there exists a harmonic homeomorphism between two given domains. It arises in the theory of minimal surfaces and in the calculus of variations, specifically in hyperelasticity theory. We investigate this problem for doubly connected domains in the plane, where it already presents a considerable challenge and leads to several interesting open questions.
On the equivalence of weighted inequalities for a class of operators
Authors: Luor Dah-Chin
Published: September 2011

A characterization is obtained on weight function u so that $\smash{T\colon L_{p}^+\mapsto L_{q,u}^+}$ is bounded for 1 < p < ∞ and 0 < q < ∞, where T are integral operators and related maximal operators, and for 0 < p, q < ∞, where T are geometric mean operators and related geometric maximal operators. The equivalence of such weighted inequalities for these operators are established.