bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dor sofrida pelo recém-nascido durante a punção arterial
Authors: Silva Teresa Mônica da , Chaves Edna Maria Camelo , Cardoso Maria Vera Lúcia Moreira Leitão
Published: June 2010

Objetivou-se avaliar a intensidade da dor sofrida pelo recém-nascido prematuro na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal, durante a coleta de sangue arterial, por intermédio da Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), utilizando medidas de sucção não nutritiva. Estudo de intervenção, quantitativo, realizado com 24 recém-nascidos em Fortaleza CE, em 2004. O grupo-caso recebeu uma chupeta de gaze embebida em água destilada, e o grupo-controle, uma chupeta com glicose a 25%, dois minutos antes da coleta. Na análise inferencial, a intensidade média da dor com água destilada foi 6,08; com glicose a 25% foi de 1,04. Concluímos que as alterações comportamentais variaram significativamente, já as fisiológicas pouco foram alteradas.
As práticas lúdicas no cotidiano do cuidar em enfermagem pediátrica
Authors: Brito Tábatta Renata Pereira de , Resck Zélia Marilda Rodrigues , Moreira Denis da Silva , Marques Soraia Matilde
Published: June 2010

Ainda que a ludicoterapia tenha valor terapêutico na hospitalização e necessite ser incorporada no processo de cuidar em Enfermagem Pediátrica, sua utilização não é efetiva nas instituições brasileiras. Sendo assim, objetiva-se apreender dos acadêmicos de Enfermagem o fazer práticas lúdicas com crianças hospitalizadas durante a formação profissional. Metodologicamente, adotou-se a abordagem qualitativa fenomenológica, considerando 16 acadêmicos do oitavo período do Curso de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Alfenas, após Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Utilizou-se entrevista aberta com a questão norteadora: Como são as atividades lúdicas no cotidiano de trabalho em Unidade Pediátrica? Os resultados são evidenciados pelas categorias motivação/gratificação, falta de empenho e iniciativa, e impotência. Por conseguinte, considerou-se que a inserção do lúdico em pediatria se processa gradativamente, e que o fazer práticas lúdicas implica rever a formação acadêmica, tornando a articulação ensino/pesquisa/extensão forte e coerente, para que os conteúdos enfatizem a humanização e integralização da assistência.
Trabalho precoce e acidentes ocupacionais na adolescência
Authors: Santos Márcia Elena Andrade , Mauro Maria Yvone Chaves , Brito Christiano Gripp , Machado Débora Campos
Published: June 2010

Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo, com o objetivo de investigar a ocorrência de acidentes ocupacionais em adolescentes trabalhadores. Realizado de abril a agosto de 2008, com uma amostra aleatória de 308 adolescentes entre 14 e 18 anos de idade. Os resultados evidenciaram que 168 (54,5%) eram trabalhadores, 42%, desses, alegaram ter sofrido acidentes típicos, (18,5%) acidentes de trajeto, 14,9% afastaram-se do trabalho, 51,4% não tinham carteira assinada e a maioria era do sexo masculino. Os cortes e perfurações foram os acidentes mais ocorridos (27,5%), a queimadura constituiu o principal agravo (26,9%) e as partes do corpo mais afetadas foram mãos e dedos (40,4%). Conclui-se que os acidentes ocupacionais configuram-se como uma expressão da violência contra os jovens trabalhadores e um grave problema de Saúde Pública. Deve ser incorporado com prioridade na agenda dos serviços públicos e o enfermeiro, junto à equipe de saúde, podem ser os principais articuladores desse processo.
Vulnerabilidades de adolescentes com vivências de rua
Authors: Schwonke Camila Rose Guadalupe Barcelos , Fonseca Adriana Dora da , Gomes Vera Lúcia de Oliveira
Published: June 2010

Estudo exploratório-descritivo, qualitativo, efetuado nos meses de maio e junho de 2006, com o objetivo de discutir o contexto de vulnerabilidades em que estão inseridos os adolescentes que vivenciaram o ambiente de rua, com ênfase na exposição à infecção pelo HIV. A História Oral foi a técnica escolhida para a coleta dos dados, que foi operacionalizada por meio de entrevistas individuais gravadas e transcritas. Os informantes foram seis moças e seis rapazes que se encontravam acolhidos em duas instituições de abrigo de uma cidade do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os dados revelam que a baixa escolaridade e o barato das drogas os expõem a riscos, e que, acerca da camisinha, ainda há contradições. Tais fatores aumentam a vulnerabilidade às DSTs e AIDS, tendo em vista que o ambiente da rua não oferece condições necessárias à tomada de decisões conscientes, somando-se ao fato de estarem distantes do acesso a serviços e profissionais de saúde.
A dramatização no espaço hospitalar: uma estratégia de pesquisa com crianças
Authors: Cibreiros Sylvia Alves , Oliveira Isabel Cristina dos Santos
Published: June 2010

O estudo tem por objetivo descrever a dramatização como uma abordagem metodológica, explicitando sua concepção teórica e a coleta de dados dessa estratégia nas pesquisas qualitativas com escolares hospitalizadas. A dramatização vincula-se ao brincar, uma forma de linguagem na infância, e mostrou-se como uma estratégia de coleta de dados promissora a ser usada por pesquisadores que desejem conhecer as percepções e entendimento das crianças sobre os diversos contextos de vida e papéis sociais, constituindo-se em opção de abordagem das crianças em pesquisas qualitativas.
Produção do conhecimento sobre teorias de enfermagem: análise de periódicos da área, 1998-2007
Authors: Schaurich Diego , Crossetti Maria da Graça Oliveira
Published: June 2010

Este estudo objetivou analisar a produção do conhecimento sobre teorias de enfermagem publicada em periódicos da área, entre 1998 e 2007. Trata-se de uma investigação descritiva, de natureza bibliográfica, com abordagem quantitativa. Foram encontrados e analisados 171 (4,6%) estudos sobre teorias de enfermagem extraídos do total de 3.757 resumos publicados em sete periódicos científicos. A maioria destes artigos é oriunda de pesquisas, em que foram utilizadas a Teoria de Enfermagem Humanística, a Teoria do Cuidado Cultural e a Teoria do Autocuidado como principais referenciais em trabalhos publicados em dupla autoria e originados, predominantemente, nas regiões Sul e Nordeste do País. Acredita-se que esta investigação permitiu dar visibilidade a tal temática, bem como identificar algumas das características e tendências do conhecimento acumulado referente às teorias de enfermagem, na realidade brasileira.
How Accurate Are Physicians in the Prediction of Patient Survival in Advanced Lung Cancer?
Authors: Clément-Duchêne Christelle , Carnin Charlotte , Guillemin Francis , Martinet Yves
Published: June 2010

Background.

Because most cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are diagnosed at an advanced stage with a poor prognosis, patient inclusion in clinical trials is critical. Most trials require an estimated life expectancy >3 months, based on clinician estimates of patient survival probability, without providing formal guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of clinicians' predictions of survival in NSCLC patients (stages IIIB, and IV) and the possible impact of patient quality of life on survival estimation.

Methods.

At diagnosis, clinical, biological, and quality of life data (QLQ-C30 questionnaire) were recorded, and doctors “forecast” each patient's estimated survival. Concordance between predicted and actual survival was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results.

Eighty-five patients with a mean age of 62.2 years, 81.1% male, were included (squamous cell carcinoma, 33; adenocarcinoma, 42; large cell carcinoma, 8; neuroendocrine carcinoma, 2). The mean follow-up was 40 months and median survival time was 11.7 (range, 0.4–143.7) weeks. All clinicians (residents, registrars, and consultants) overestimated patient survival time, with a moderate concordance between predicted and actual survival time. A worse global health status was associated with a lower discrepancy between estimated and actual patient survival, and a worse role functioning was associated with a larger difference between estimated and actual patient survival.

Conclusion.

The absence of specific recommendations to estimate patient survival may introduce major selection in clinical studies. Further research should investigate whether the accuracy of patient survival estimates by clinicians would be improved by taking into account patient quality of life.
Underlying Causes of the Emerging Nonmetropolitan Mortality Penalty
Authors: Cossman Jeralynn S. , James Wesley L. , Cosby Arthur G. , Cossman Ronald E.
Published: June 2010

The nonmetropolitan mortality penalty results in an estimated 40 201 excessive US deaths per year, deaths that would not occur if nonmetropolitan and metropolitan residents died at the same rate. We explored the underlying causes of the nonmetropolitan mortality penalty by examining variation in cause of death. Declines in heart disease and cancer death rates in metropolitan areas drive the nonmetropolitan mortality penalty. Future work should explore why the top causes of death are higher in nonmetropolitan areas than they are in metropolitan areas.
Community Engagement in Research: Frameworks for Education and Peer Review
Authors: Ahmed Syed M. , Palermo Ann-Gel S.
Published: June 2010

Community engagement in research may enhance a community's ability to address its own health needs and health disparities issues while ensuring that researchers understand community priorities. However, there are researchers with limited understanding of and experience with effective methods of engaging communities. Furthermore, limited guidance is available for peer-review panels on evaluating proposals for research that engages communities.

The National Institutes of Health Director's Council of Public Representatives developed a community engagement framework that includes values, strategies to operationalize each value, and potential outcomes of their use, as well as a peer-review framework for evaluating research that engages communities.

Use of these frameworks for educating researchers to create and sustain authentic community–academic partnerships will increase accountability and equality between the partners.
Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Among an Abortion Clinic Population
Authors: Saftlas Audrey F. , Wallis Anne B. , Shochet Tara , Harland Karisa K. , Dickey Penny , Peek-Asa Corinne
Published: June 2010

In this cross-sectional, clinic-based study, we estimated 1-year prevalence of intimate partner violence among 986 patients who had elective abortions. We assessed physical, sexual, and battering intimate partner violence via self-administered, computer-based questionnaires. Overall, physical and sexual intimate partner violence prevalence was 9.9% and 2.5%, respectively; 8.4% of those in a current relationship reported battering. Former partners perpetrated more physical and sexual assaults than did current partners. Violence severity increased with frequency. Abortion patients experience high intimate partner violence rates, indicating the need for targeted screening and community-based referral.
Park Rangers as Public Health Educators: The Public Health in the Parks Grants Initiative
Authors: Wong David , Higgins Charles L.
Published: June 2010

Health education in nontraditional settings can supplement messages received in more traditional venues, such as schools and health care facilities, and can reach new populations. In 2007, the US National Park Service awarded one-time seed grants of $10 000 or less to 16 parks in 16 states to fund the development of public health–focused programs for visitors. These programs used a wide variety of formats and addressed topics such as air pollution, prevention of vector-borne diseases, and promotion of physical activity in the parks. Almost 12 000 visitors attended the programs in 2007. Most programs were supported by park management and were well received by visitors. National parks and similar settings may be underutilized resources for delivering health messages to the general population.
Assessing Physical Activity in Public Parks in Brazil Using Systematic Observation
Authors: Parra Diana C. , McKenzie Thomas L. , Ribeiro Isabela C. , Ferreira Hino Adriano A. , Dreisinger Mariah , Coniglio Kathryn , Munk Marcia , Brownson Ross C. , Pratt Michael , Hoehner Christine M. , Simoes Eduardo J.
Published: June 2010

Objectives. We assessed park use in Recife, Brazil, and differences in physical activity and occupation rates in public parks with and without the Academia da Cidade Program (ACP), which provides cost-free, supervised physical activity classes.

Methods. We used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) in 128 targeted areas in 10 park sites (5 ACP sites, 5 non-ACP sites) to obtain data on the number of users and their physical activity levels and estimated age. Each area was assessed 4 times a day for 11 days over a 4-week period.

Results. A total of 32 974 people were observed during 5589 observation visits to target areas. People using ACP parks were more likely to be seen engaging in moderate-to-vigorous (64% vs 49%) and vigorous (25% vs 10%) physical activity. Relatively more participants in ACP sites than in non-ACP sites were females (45% vs 42% of park users) and older adults (14.7% vs 5.7% of park users).

Conclusions. On the basis of systematic observation, ACP appears to be a useful strategy in promoting park use and physical activity among the population in Recife.
Responses to Discrimination and Psychiatric Disorders Among Black, Hispanic, Female, and Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals
Authors: McLaughlin Katie A. , Hatzenbuehler Mark L. , Keyes Katherine M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives. We examined associations between perceived discrimination due to race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender; responses to discrimination experiences; and psychiatric disorders.

Methods. The sample included respondents in the 2004–2005 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (n = 34 653). We analyzed the associations between self-reported past-year discrimination and past-year psychiatric disorders as assessed with structured diagnostic interviews among Black (n = 6587); Hispanic (n = 6359); lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB; n = 577); and female (n = 20 089) respondents.

Results. Black respondents reported the highest levels of past-year discrimination, followed by LGB, Hispanic, and female respondents. Across groups, discrimination was associated with 12-month mood (odds ratio [ORs] = 2.1–3.1), anxiety (ORs = 1.8–3.3), and substance use (ORs = 1.6–3.5) disorders. Respondents who reported not accepting discrimination and not discussing it with others had higher odds of psychiatric disorders (ORs = 2.9–3.9) than did those who did not accept discrimination but did discuss it with others. Black respondents and women who accepted discrimination and did not talk about it with others had elevated rates of mood and anxiety disorders, respectively.

Conclusions. Psychiatric disorders are more prevalent among individuals reporting past-year discrimination experiences. Certain responses to discrimination, particularly not disclosing it, are associated with psychiatric morbidity.
Universal Health Insurance and Health Care Access for Homeless Persons
Authors: Hwang Stephen W. , Ueng Joanna J. M. , Chiu Shirley , Kiss Alex , Tolomiczenko George , Cowan Laura , Levinson Wendy , Redelmeier Donald A.
Published: June 2010

Objectives. We examined the extent of unmet needs and barriers to accessing health care among homeless people within a universal health insurance system.

Methods. We randomly selected a representative sample of 1169 homeless individuals at shelters and meal programs in Toronto, Ontario. We determined the prevalence of self-reported unmet needs for health care in the past 12 months and used regression analyses to identify factors associated with unmet needs.

Results. Unmet health care needs were reported by 17% of participants. Compared with Toronto's general population, unmet needs were significantly more common among homeless individuals, particularly among homeless women with dependent children. Factors independently associated with a greater likelihood of unmet needs were younger age, having been a victim of physical assault in the past 12 months, and lower mental and physical health scores on the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey.

Conclusions. Within a system of universal health insurance, homeless people still encounter barriers to obtaining health care. Strategies to reduce nonfinancial barriers faced by homeless women with children, younger adults, and recent victims of physical assault should be explored.
The Influence of Family Income Trajectories From Birth to Adulthood on Adult Oral Health: Findings From the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort
Authors: Peres Marco A. , Peres Karen G. , Thomson W. Murray , Broadbent Jonathan M. , Gigante Denise P. , Horta Bernardo L.
Published: June 2010

Objectives. We assessed whether 3 models of life course socioeconomic status (critical period, accumulation of risk, and social mobility) predicted unsound teeth in adulthood among a Brazilian cohort.

Methods. Life course data were collected on the 5914 live-born infants in the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort study. Participants' oral health was assessed at 15 (n = 888) and 24 (n = 720) years of age. We assessed family income trajectories and number of episodes of poverty in the life course through Poisson regressions, yielding unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios for number of unsound teeth at age 24 years.

Results. The adjusted prevalence ratio for participants born into poverty was 30% higher than for those who were not. Participants who were always poor had the highest prevalence of unsound teeth; those who were downwardly or upwardly mobile also had more unsound teeth than did other participants, after adjustment for confounders. More episodes of poverty were associated with greater prevalence of unsound teeth in adulthood.

Conclusions. Poverty at birth and during the life course was correlated with the number of unsound teeth at 24 years of age.
Pension Security Bonds: A New Plan to Address the State Pension Crisis
Authors: Rauh Joshua , Novy-Marx Robert
Published: June 2010

State pensions are in a terrible way. What should be done? In exchange for closing defined-benefit plans to new workers and enrolling all new workers in Social Security, a state should be allowed to issue tax-subsidized bonds for pension funding, according to Joshua Rauh of Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern and Robert Novy-Marx at University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Antiproliferative activity of NCI-DTP glutarimide derivatives. An alignment independent 3D QSAR study
Authors: Popovic-Djordjevic Jelena , Dosen-Micovic Ljiljana , Juranic Ivan , Drakulic Branko
Published: June 2010

Alignment-free, three dimensional structure-activity relationships (3D QSAR) of the antiproliferative potency of twenty-two glutarimide-containing compounds, taken from National Cancer Institute Developmental therapeutics Program database, toward eight representative human tumour cell lines are reported. The descriptors used in the QSAR study were derived from GRID molecular interaction fields. The obtained models readily detect structural motifs positively or negatively correlated with the potency of the studied compounds toward each cell line. In this way, the pharmacophoric pattern required for high potency of compounds is reported. This pattern can serve as guidance for the design and syntheses of novel congeners, planed to be tested toward human tumour cell lines.
Gender dimorphism in the exercise-naïve murine skeletal muscle proteome
Authors: Metskas Lauren , Kulp Mohini , Scordilis Stylianos
Published: June 2010

Skeletal muscle is a plastic tissue with known gender dimorphism, especially at the metabolic level. A proteomic comparison of male and female murine biceps brachii was undertaken, resolving an average of 600 protein spots of MW 15–150 kDa and pI 5–8. Twenty-six unique full-length proteins spanning 11 KOG groups demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05) abundance differences between genders; the majority of these proteins have metabolic functions. Identified glycolytic enzymes demonstrated decreased abundance in females, while abundance differences in identified oxidative phosphorylation enzymes were specific to the proteins rather than to the functional group as a whole. Certain cytoskeletal and stress proteins showed specific expression differences, and all three phosphorylation states of creatine kinase showed significant decreased abundance in females. Expression differences were significant but many were subtle (≤ 2-fold), and known hormonally-regulated proteins were not identified. We conclude that while gender dimorphism is present in non-exercised murine skeletal muscle, the proteome comparison of male and female biceps brachii in exercise-naive mice indicates subtle differences rather than a large or obviously hormonal dimorphism.
Reference Values for Aerobic Fitness in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Who Have Cerebral Palsy and Are Ambulatory
Authors: Verschuren Olaf , Bloemen Manon , Kruitwagen Cas , Takken Tim
Published: June 2010

Background

Very few objective data exist regarding aerobic performance in young people with cerebral palsy (CP). The characterization of aerobic fitness could provide baseline and outcome measures for the rehabilitation of young people with CP.

Objective

The objective of this study was to provide reference values for aerobic fitness in a group of children, adolescents, and young adults who had CP and who were classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I or II. Data were collected with 10-m shuttle run tests.

Design

This investigation was a cross-sectional observational study conducted between August 2008 and June 2009.

Methods

Reference values were established using data from a total of 306 children, adolescents, and young adults who had CP, who were 6 to 20 years old, and who were recruited from 26 rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, and the United States. A total of 211 participants were classified at GMFCS level I (mean age=12.2 years, SD=3.0), and 95 were classified at GMFCS level II (mean age=12.4 years, SD=3.2); 181 were male, and 125 were female. Aerobic fitness was reflected by the level achieved on the 10-m shuttle run tests.

Results

On the basis of a total of 306 assessments from the 10-m shuttle run tests, 4 reference curves were created.

Limitations

The limitation of this study is the cross-sectional nature of the design.

Conclusions

This study provided height-related reference values for aerobic fitness in children, adolescents, and young adults who had CP, who were 6 to 20 years old, and who were classified at GMFCS level I or II. Generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape were used to construct centile curves. These curves are clinically relevant and provide a user-friendly method for the prediction of aerobic fitness in young people with CP.
Comparison of Bioreplaceable Interposition Arthroplasty with Metatarsal Head Resection of the Rheumatoid Forefoot
Authors: Tiihonen Raine , Skyttä Eerik T , Ikävälko Mikko , Kalevi Kaarela , Eero Belt
Published: June 2010

Background: Interposition arthroplasty with bioreplaceable poly-L/D-lactic acid (PLDLA) implants has been studied in Finland with promising results in reconstruction of the rheumatoid hand. We evaluated this material in a series of patients with rheumatoid forefoot deformities. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients were randomized to either PLDLA metatarsophalangeal joint interposition arthroplasty group (16 patients) or to conventional metatarsal head resection group (19 patients). Results: At 3 months after surgery, the function VAS was significantly better in the control group ( p = 0.003). The difference disappeared by 12 months. Otherwise, comparison between the two groups did not reveal any statistically significant differences in the AOFAS scores or the pain VAS at 3 or 12 months. Conclusion: Early results after PLDLA interposition arthroplasty of metatarsophalangeal joints were not as promising as previously reported with rheumatoid metacarpophalangeal reconstruction.

Level of Evidence: II, Prospective Randomized Trial
Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Posterior Blade Plate in Diabetic Neuroarthropthy
Authors: Çinar Murat , Derincek Alihan , Akpinar Sercan
Published: June 2010

Background: To prevent amputation, achieving successfull ankle artrodesis in diabetic Charcot arthropaty patients is very important. As a salvage procedure, we have used a 95-degree-angled blade plate via a posterior approach to achieve tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis. Materials and Methods: Between 2006 and 2008, four diabetic patients with hindfoot Charcot arthropathy underwent talectomy and tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with an AO 95-degree-angled blade plate via a posterior approach. Two of the patients were male and two were female. The average age was 63 (range, 53 to 70) years. The mean duration of diabetes was 9 (range, 5 to 20) years. All the patients were on hemodialysis. Three of four patients had undergone previous surgeries. The average followup period was 24 (range, 12 to 35) months. Results: Clinical and radiographic fusion was present by 5 (range, 3 to 6) months in three of four patients. In the other patient, a stable fibrous ankylosis was achieved. Clinical outcomes were excellent in three patients, and good in one patient. Conclusion: The performance of tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis with the use of blade plate with a posterior approach was a safe and successful surgical method for the treatment of Charcot ankle.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Collagen-Matrix Allograft Augmentation of Bilateral Rupture of the Achilles Tendon
Authors: Kearney Rebecca S. , Costa Matthew L.
Published: June 2010

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
The Corrosion Behavior of Sputter-Deposited Nanocrystalline W-Cr Alloys in Nacl and NaohaSolutions
Authors: Basnet Minu , Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: June 2010

The corrosion behavior of the sputter-deposited nanocrystalline W-Cr alloys wasstudied in 0.5 M NaCl and alkaline 1 M NaOH solutions at 25°C, open to air usingimmersion tests and electrochemical measurements. Chromium metal acts synergisticallywith tungsten in enhancing the corrosion resistance of the sputter-deposited W-Cr alloys soas to show higher corrosion resistance than those of alloy-constituting elements in both 0.5M NaCl and 1 M NaOH solutions. In particular, the nanocrystalline W-Cr alloys containing25-91 at% chromium showed about one order of magnitude lower corrosion rates (that is,about 1-2 × 10-3 mm.y-1) than those of tungsten and chromium metals even for prolongedimmersion in 0.5 M NaCl solution at 25°C. On the other hand, the corrosion rate of thesputter-deposited W-Cr alloys containing 25-75 at % chromium was decreased significantlywith increasing chromium content and showed lowest corrosion rates (that is, 1.5-2.0 × 10-3 mm.y-1) after immersed for prolonged immersion in 1 M NaOH solution. The corrosion ratesof these nanocrystalline W-(25-75)Cr alloys are nearly two orders of magnitude lower thanthat of tungsten and more than one order of magnitude lower corrosion rate than that ofsputter-deposited chromium metal in 1 M NaOH solution. The corrosion-resistant of all theexamined sputter-deposited W-Cr alloys in 0.5 M NaCl solution is higher than in alkaline 1M NaOH solution at 25°C. Open circuit potentials of all the examined W-Cr alloys areshifted to more noble direction with increasing the chromium content in the alloys afterimmersion for 72 h in both 0.5 M NaCl and 1 M NaOH solutions at 25°C, open to air.Keywords: Sputter deposition, nanocrystalline W-Cr alloys, corrosion test, electrochemicalmeasurement, NaCl and NaOH solutions.DOI:  10.3126/jncs.v25i0.3300Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Volume 25, 2010 pp 53-61
Deexcitation Probabilities of Ne(3P2) by Xe for the Case E << D
Authors: Khadka Deba Bahadur
Published: June 2010

The deexcitaion probability calculation of the total Penning ionization cross sectionfor Ne(3P2) by Xe has been made in the region of the collisional energy from 18.5 to 38.1meV. The experimental cross sections have been compared with the deexcitation probabilityfor Ne(3P2) by Xe. Considering the magnitude of the mean collisional energy with respect toD, the application of the analysis in the case E >> D is expected to be more appropriatethan in the case E << D. For further insight into this results, it is also of great importanceto evaluate theoretical investigations of Ne(3P2) by Xe for the case E >> D.Keywords: Metastable atoms, deexcitation probabilities, pulse radiolysis, collisionalenergy, potential well depthDOI:  10.3126/jncs.v25i0.3304Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Volume 25, 2010 pp 70-74
Effects of Alloying Elements on the Corrosion Behavior of Sputter–deposited Zr–(12–21)Cr–W Alloys in 0.5 M NaCl Solution
Authors: Aryal Basu Ram , Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: June 2010

The synergistic effect of the simultaneous additions of tungsten and zirconium in thesputter-deposited amorphous or nanocrystalline Zr-(12-21)Cr-W alloys is studied in 0.5 MNaCl solution open to air at 25°C using corrosion tests and open circuit potentialmeasurements. Corrosion rates of the sputter-deposited Zr-(12-21)Cr-W alloys containing10-80 at % tungsten (that is, 0.95-1.85 x 10-2 mm.y-1) are more than one order of magnitudelower than that of the sputter-deposited tungsten and even lower than those of zirconium aswell as chromium in 0.5 M NaCl solution. The addition of 8-73 at % zirconium content inthe sputter-deposited binary W-(12-21)Cr alloys seems to be more effective to improve thecorrosion-resistant properties of the sputter-deposited ternary Zr-Cr-W alloys containing12-21 at % chromium in 0.5 M NaCl solution. The sputter-deposited Zr-(17-21)Cr-W alloyscontaining an adequate amounts of zirconium metal showed the more stable passivity andshowed higher corrosion resistance than those of alloy-constituting elements in 0.5 M NaClsolution open to air at 25°C.Keywords: Zr-(12-21)Cr-W alloys, sputter deposition, corrosion test, open circuit potential,0.5 M NaCl.DOI:  10.3126/jncs.v25i0.3305Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Volume 25, 2010 pp 75-82
Recovery of Silver from Waste X-Ray Film by Alkaline Protease from Conidiobolus coronatus
Authors: Shankar S , More SV , Laxman R Seeta
Published: June 2010

The waste X-ray/ photographic films contain 1.5 - 2 % (w/w) black metallic silver which isrecovered and reused. Around 18-20% of the world's silver needs are supplied by recyclingphotographic waste. Since silver is linked to gelatin in the emulsion layer, it is possible to break thesame and release the silver using proteolytic enzymes. Alkaline protease from Conidioboluscoronatus was investigated for enzymatic hydrolysis of gelatin from waste X-ray films. At the endof the treatment, gelatin layer was completely removed leaving the polyester film clean and silverwas recovered in the hydrolysate, both of which can be reused. Various parameters such as pH,temperature, enzyme concentration, time etc on silver removal from the film were studied. Gelatinhydrolysis was monitored by measuring increase in turbidity in the hydrolysate, which wasaccompanied by release of protein and hydroxyproline. Gelatin layer was stripped completelywithin 6 min with 1.35 U ml-1 of protease at 40°C, pH 10. Rate of gelatin hydrolysis increased withincreased in protease concentration. The enzyme could be effectively reused for four cycles ofgelatin hydrolysis. Silver in hydolysate was around 3.87% (w/w) based on total weight of sludge.Key words: Silver recovery; X-ray films; gelatin hydrolysis; alkaline protease; Conidiobolus coronatusDOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3311 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp60-69
Common Fixed Point of Semi Compatible Maps in Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Chauhan MS , Badshah VH , Chouhan Virendra Singh
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this paper is to prove a common fixed point theorem on fuzzy metric space usingthe notion of semi compatibility, our result generalize the result of Som. Also, we are givingan example that make strong to our result.Keywords: Common fixed point; Fuzzy metric space; R-weakly commuting; Semi compatible maps.DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3313 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp70-78
Hardy Uncertainty Principle for Low Dimensional Nilpotent Lie Groups G4 (III)
Authors: Bhatta CR
Published: June 2010

An uncertainty principle due to Hardy for Fourier transform pairs on ℜ says that if thefunction f is "very rapidly decreasing", then the Fourier transform can not also be"very rapidly decreasing" unless f is identically zero. In this paper we state and provean analogue of Hardy's theorem for low dimensional nilpotent Lie groups G4.Keywords and phrases: Uncertainty principle; Fourier transform pairs; veryrapidly decreasing; Nilpotent Lie groups.DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3315 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp89-95
Some Fixed Point Results by Altering Distances between Points
Authors: Jha K , Pant RP , Thapa P
Published: June 2010

The theory of fixed point is a very extensive field, which has various applications. This paperis the survey work on some fixed point theorems by altering distances between points inmetric space.Key words and phrases: fixed point; complete metric space; control function.DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3320 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp123-134
Stereotactic lesions for the treatment of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Leiphart James W. , Valone Frank H.
Published: June 2010

Object

The use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) has recently been expanded to the investigational treatment of specific psychiatric disorders. Much like movement disorders, the targets selected for DBS are based on past experience with stereotactic lesions. A literature review of past studies incorporating stereotactic lesions for psychiatric disorders was performed to provide historical context and possible guidance for current and future attempts at treating psychiatric disorders with DBS.

Methods

Original copies of the proceedings of the second, third, fourth, and fifth World Congresses of Psychiatric Surgery meetings were reviewed, and a Medline search was conducted for studies with the word “psychosurgery” and each of 14 highly prevalent psychiatric conditions identified by the National Institute of Mental Health. Postoperative results for 1145 patients with stereotactic brain lesions targeting various anatomical foci were standardized using a 5-point scale (3 [free of symptoms] to −1 [worse]). Each patient was entered into a database as a unique data point and used for this literature review.

Results

General anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder had the greatest reported improvements from anterior capsulotomy, and bipolar disorder, depression, and schizoaffective disorder had the greatest reported improvements from anterior cingulotomy, supporting these areas for DBS investigation. Addiction and schizophrenia showed the least improvement from surgery. Therefore, pursuing the treatment of these disorders with DBS using the targets in these studies may be ineffective.

Conclusions

This study provides retrospective data that suggest which anatomical focus may be effective to lesion or stimulate for the treatment of each of several psychiatric disorders.
Nonthermal irreversible electroporation for intracranial surgical applications
Authors: Ellis Thomas L. , Garcia Paulo A. , Rossmeisl John H. , Henao-Guerrero Natalia , Robertson John , Davalos Rafael V.
Published: June 2010

Object

Nonthermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) is a novel, minimally invasive technique to treat cancer, which is unique because of its nonthermal mechanism of tumor ablation. This paper evaluates the safety of an NTIRE procedure to lesion normal canine brain tissue.

Methods

The NTIRE procedure involved placing electrodes into a targeted area of brain in 3 dogs and delivering a series of short and intense electric pulses. The voltages of the pulses applied were varied between dogs. Another dog was used as a sham control. One additional dog was treated at an extreme voltage to determine the upper safety limits of the procedure. Ultrasonography was used at the time of the procedure to determine if the lesions could be visualized intraoperatively. The volumes of ablated tissue were then estimated on postprocedure MR imaging. Histological brain sections were then analyzed to evaluate the lesions produced.

Results

The animals tolerated the procedure with no apparent complications except for the animal that was treated at the upper voltage limit. The lesion volume appeared to decrease with decreasing voltage of applied pulses. Histological examination revealed cell death within the treated volume with a submillimeter transition zone between necrotic and normal brain.

Conclusions

The authors' results reveal that NTIRE at selected voltages can be safely administered in normal canine brain and that the volume of ablated tissue correlates with the voltage of the applied pulses. This preliminary study is the first step toward using NTIRE as a brain cancer treatment.
A retrospective cohort-matched comparison of conscious sedation versus general anesthesia for supratentorial glioma resection
Authors: Peruzzi Pierpaolo , Bergese Sergio D. , Viloria Adolfo , Puente Erika G. , Abdel-Rasoul Mahmoud , Chiocca E. Antonio
Published: June 2010

Object

Glioma resection under conscious (“awake”) sedation (CS) is used for eloquent areas of the brain to minimize postoperative neurological deficits. The objective of this study was to compare the duration of hospital stay, overall hospital cost, perioperative morbidity, and postoperative patient functional status in patients whose gliomas were resected using CS versus general endotracheal anesthesia (GEA).

Methods

Twenty-two cases in 20 patients who underwent surgery for cerebral gliomas under CS and a matched cohort of 22 cases in 19 patients who underwent surgery under GEA over a 3-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Criteria for inclusion in the study were as follows: 1) a single cerebral lesion; 2) gross-total resection as evidenced by postoperative Gd-enhanced MR imaging within 48 hours of surgery; 3) a WHO Grade II, III, or IV glioma; 4) a supratentorial lesion location; 5) a Karnofsky Performance Scale score ≥ 70; 6) an operation performed by the same neurosurgeon; and 7) an elective procedure.

Results

The average hospital stay was significantly different between the 2 groups: 3.5 days for patients who underwent CS and 4.6 days for those who underwent GEA. This result translated into a significant decrease in the average inpatient cost after intensive care unit (ICU) care for the CS group compared with the GEA group. Other variables were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing glioma resection using CS techniques have a significantly shorter hospital stay with reduced inpatient hospital expenses after postoperative ICU care.
Digital Computer Matching of Tooth Color
Authors: Oh Won-suk , Pogoncheff John , O’Brien William J.
Published: June 2010

This study aimed to determine the validity of the digital photocolorimetric (PCM) method in matching the color of human teeth. First, two Vitapan Classical shade guides, each containing 16 shade guide teeth, were visually shade matched, and digital photographs of each three pair of shade guide teeth were taken in a color matching booth. Secondly, visual shade matching of the upper central incisors of 48 subjects was performed by two prosthodontists independently in a chair, using the Vitapan Classical shade guide. The three closest shade guide teeth were visually selected and ranked in order of preference, for which digital photographs were taken under ceiling daylight-corrected fluorescent lighting. All digital images were analyzed on a computer screen using software to calculate the color difference between the reference tooth and other teeth in the same digital image. The percent color matching for the shade guide teeth and human teeth was 88% and 75%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in matching the tooth color between the shade guide teeth and human teeth. The digital PCM method is valid for the range of human teeth based on the Vitapan Classical shade guide. This method enhances communication with the laboratory personnel in matching the tooth color.
Background Subtraction Approach Based on Independent Component Analysis
Authors: Jiménez-Hernández Hugo
Published: June 2010

In this work, a new approach to background subtraction based on independent component analysis is presented. This approach assumes that background and foreground information are mixed in a given sequence of images. Then, foreground and background components are identified, if their probability density functions are separable from a mixed space. Afterwards, the components estimation process consists in calculating an unmixed matrix. The estimation of an unmixed matrix is based on a fast ICA algorithm, which is estimated as a Newton-Raphson maximization approach. Next, the motion components are represented by the mid-significant eigenvalues from the unmixed matrix. Finally, the results show the approach capabilities to detect efficiently motion in outdoors and indoors scenarios. The results show that the approach is robust to luminance conditions changes at scene.
Energy, Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability: Five Propositions
Authors: Sorrell Steven
Published: June 2010

This paper advances five linked and controversial propositions that have both deep historical roots and urgent contemporary relevance. These are: (a) the rebound effects from energy efficiency improvements are significant and limit the potential for decoupling energy consumption from economic growth; (b) the contribution of energy to productivity improvements and economic growth has been greatly underestimated; (c) the pursuit of improved efficiency needs to be complemented by an ethic of sufficiency; (d) sustainability is incompatible with continued economic growth in rich countries; and (e) a zero-growth economy is incompatible with a fractional reserve banking system. These propositions run counter to conventional wisdom and each highlights either a "blind spot" or "taboo subject" that deserves closer scrutiny. While accepting one proposition reinforces the case for accepting the next, the former is neither necessary nor sufficient for the latter.
Discordant PD Catheter and Effluent Culture Results. The Limited Clinical Relevance of Culturing PD Catheters
Authors: Cornelis Tom , Bargman Joanne M. , Chu Maggie , Oreopoulos Antigone , Khan Saimah , Oreopoulos Dimitrios G.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

To determine if discordance in culture results between the effluent and the tip of the peritoneal catheter had an effect on outcome in patients whose peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter was removed mostly for nonresolving peritonitis. Reasons for and outcomes of PD catheter removal were also analyzed.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all PD patients with recent peritonitis for which the PD catheter was removed between 1 January 2003 and 30 April 2009. Data including basic demographics, the organism isolated from effluent and from the PD catheter, reason for catheter removal, duration of hospitalization, and development of intra-abdominal collection were extracted as well as mortality within 8 weeks post removal and return to PD after catheter removal.

Results

Fungal peritonitis was the most common reason for PD catheter removal. 20% of the patients developed an intra-abdominal collection. Mortality related to PD catheter removal was low (3/53; 5.6%). The patients ( n =53) were divided into 3 groups: group 1 ( n = 20) had the same culture result of effluent and catheter tip; group 2 ( n = 19) had a negative culture of the catheter tip; and group 3 ( n = 14) had different organism(s) growing from effluent and catheter tip. We found no remarkable differences in duration of PD, catheter age, peritonitis rate, or mortality. Patients in group 1 had significantly more fungal peritonitis than the other 2 groups. In only 4 of the 53 patients (7.5%), the anti-infectious management was changed according to the catheter culture result.

Conclusions

Discordant results between catheter tip culture and effluent culture did not have a significant impact on patient outcome. Sending PD catheters for culture has limited clinical importance.
A new CALMAR benthic chamber operating by submersible: First application in the cold‐seep environment of Napoli mud volcano (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Caprais Jean‐Claude , Lanteri Nadine , Crassous Philippe , Noel Philippe , Bignon Laurent , Rousseaux Patrick , Pignet Patricia , Khripounoff Alexis
Published: June 2010

A new submersible‐operated benthic chamber has been developed to measure benthic organism metabolism and chemical exchange rates at the sediment‐water interface up to 6000 m depth. This equipment can be used everywhere on soft sediment, but particularly to deploy it on small area reached only by submersible‐like cold seep. The chamber, 41 cm diameter cylinder, includes six 100 mL‐sampling cells to isolate aliquots, which are sampled at predetermined intervals and an oxygen‐optode probe. This chamber named CALMAR (Chambre Autonome Légère MAnipulable par ROV) was used for the first time during the Medeco cruise (2007) in Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It allowed measurement of fluxes of oxygen, dissolved inorganic carbon, and methane on the Napoli mud volcano site. Two benthic chambers were deployed with the ROV Victor, respectively, on small, active, cold seep colonized by Siboglinidae worms and mussels (Station A), and at about 3 m from the first where no visible animals were observed (Station B). The oxygen flux was 35 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 in sediment colonized by large organisms (Station A) and 13.5 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 on the inactive area (CALMAR B). In terms of inorganic carbon, the fluxes were 34 and 10.5 mmol m−2 d−1, respectively, at A and B, and the calculated respiratory coefficient was 0.97 at A and 0.78 at B. The methane flux was only observed on the Siboglinidae colony (3 mmol m−2 d−1) and not on Station B.
Comparison of objective descriptions of the thermocline
Authors: Fiedler Paul C.
Published: June 2010

Temperature‐depth profiles, including the thermocline, are typically described or characterized by mixed layer depth, thermocline depth, and thermocline strength. Objective methods of estimating these parameters are compared with empirical determinations for 200 CTD profiles collected in the eastern and central tropical Pacific, the subtropical North Pacific, and the California Current. The objective methods are (1) maximum slope by difference, (2) maximum slope by regression, (3) four‐segment profile model, (4) inflection point, and (5) variable representative isotherm. Mixed layer depth is well estimated by the temperature criterion of (SST‐0.8°C) independent of the estimation of thermocline parameters. Thermocline depth and strength are well estimated by the variable representative isotherm method. However, thermocline strength measured as the slope of the temperature‐depth profile does not provide a good measure of stratification of the water column. Therefore, it is recommended that the thermocline strength estimate for a profile be supplemented by an estimate of the standard deviation of temperature in the near‐surface layer including the thermocline.