bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutritional status and childhood wheezing in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain , Noguchi Emiko , El Arifeen Shams , Persson Lars Åke , Moore Sophie E , Raqib Rubhana , Wagatsuma Yukiko 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between current childhood nutritional status and current wheezing among pre-school children in rural Bangladesh.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingMatlab region, rural Bangladesh.SubjectsChildren (n 912) aged 4·5 years. Anthropometric measurements of the mothers and their children were taken during a 1-year period from December 2007 to November 2008. Current wheezing was identified using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Serum total IgE was measured by human IgE quantitative ELISA. IgE specific antibody to dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) was measured by the CAP-FEIA system (Phadia AB, Uppsala, Sweden).ResultsWheezing at 4·5 years old was significantly associated with stunting (OR = 1·58; 95 % CI 1·13, 2·22) and underweight (OR = 1·39; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·94). The association with stunting remained significant after adjustment for sex, birth weight, birth length, gestational age at birth, mother's parity, maternal BMI, family history of asthma, socio-economic status, season of birth and intervention trial arm (OR = 1·74; 95 % CI 1·19, 2·56).ConclusionsStunting was a significant risk factor for wheezing among rural Bangladeshi children. Further studies will be required to confirm the relationship between nutritional status and allergic illnesses in developing countries.
Quantifying daily variation in volume and dose to the prostate, rectum and bladder using cone-beam computerised tomography
Authors: McParland Neil , Pearson Moira , Wong Joanna , Sigur Ivana , Stenger Coral , Tyldesley Scott 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionIn the era of dose escalation for localised prostate cancer, the dose–volume histogram (DVH) is integral to the assessment of rectum and bladder dose constraints. However, reliance on a single planning computerised tomography-based (P-CT) dose distribution may not account for variations in delivered dose that results from deformation of the prostate, bladder and rectum. This study uses cone-beam CT (CBCT) datasets from five patients to investigate the concordance between the dose prediction from the initial treatment plan and the dose delivered during treatment.MethodsThe intensity-modulated radiation therapy distribution used for treatment was superimposed on alternate day CBCT images for each patient. Dose metrics and absolute volumes for the prostate, rectum and bladder were extracted from the CBCT-based DVH. Differences in dose and volumes were compared with the P-CT values, and significance was tested using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsFor all five case studies, the prostate dose coverage on CBCT plans was lower than predicted with an average reduction of 3% in mean dose. Significant differences in rectal volumes and dose were observed in two out of five and four out of five patients, respectively. Reductions in bladder volume and subsequent increases in dose were observed for three out of five patients.ConclusionThe DVH from P-CT was unable to consistently predict the dose delivered to the bladder and rectum. The current bowel and bladder preparation protocols used at our institution did not eliminate variation in bladder and rectum volumes for the five patients included in this study.
The functional coding variant Asn107Ile of the neuropeptide S receptor gene (NPSR1) influences age at onset of obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Lennertz Leonhard , Franke Petra E. , Grabe Hans Jörgen , Rampacher Friederike , Schulze-Rauschenbach Svenja , Guttenthaler Vera , Ruhrmann Stephan , Pukrop Ralf , Klosterkötter Joachim , Falkai Peter , Maier Wolfgang , Wagner Michael , Mössner Rainald 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a novel central acting neuropeptide that modulates several brain functions. NPS has shown strong anxiolytic-like effects and interactions with other central transmitter systems, including serotonin and glutamate. A coding variation (Asn107Ile) of the NPS receptor gene (NPSR1) was associated with panic disorder and schizophrenia. Based on these encouraging findings, the present study aimed at exploring a potential role of NPSR1 in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). A sample of 232 OCD patients was successfully genotyped for the NPSR1 Asn107Ile variant (rs324981). Age at onset was taken into account to address the heterogeneity of the OCD phenotype. The NPSR1 genotype significantly affected age at onset of the OCD patients, with a mean age at onset approximately 4 yr earlier in homozygous carriers of the low-functioning Asn107 variant compared to patients with at least one Ile107 variant (p = 0.032). Case–control analyses with 308 healthy control subjects reveal a highly significant association of the Asn107 variant with early onset OCD (odds ratio = 2.36, p = 0.0004) while late onset OCD or the OCD group as a whole were unrelated to the NPSR1 genotype. Based on our association finding relating NPSR1 genotype to early onset OCD, we suggest a differential role of the NPS system in OCD. In particular, the early onset OCD subtype seems to be characterized by a genetically driven low NPS tone, which might affect other OCD-related transmitter systems, including the serotonin and glutamate systems. In agreement with preclinical research, we suggest that NPS may be a promising pharmacological candidate with anti-obsessional properties.
The Psychological Type Profile of Readers in the Church of England: Clones of the Clergy or Distinctive Voices?
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Jones Susan H. , Robbins Mandy 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe present study employs Jungian psychological type theory to examine the profile of 236 Readers serving in the Church of England (108 males and 128 females) alongside previously published data providing the psychological type profile of clergy serving within the Church of England (626 men and 237 women). The analysis was interpreted to test two competing accounts of Reader ministry: that Reader ministry expresses similar qualities to those reflected in ordained ministry, and that Reader ministry represents a pioneer ministry on the boundaries of the church. Overall the findings demonstrate significant psychological similarities between those exercising Reader ministry and those exercising ordained ministry, suggesting that, in the current generation, Readers tend to present themselves as clones of the clergy rather than as distinctive voices equipped for pioneer ministry or for fresh expressions of church.
Low‐complexity symbol timing error detection for quasi‐orthogonal space–time block codes
Authors: Dmochowski Pawel A. 
Published: May 2013

The author presents the design and analysis of low‐complexity symbol timing error detectors (TEDs) for timing synchronisation in quasi‐orthogonal space–time block code (QOSTBC) receivers. The estimators operate on data symbols and approximate decision variables, producing timing error measurements which are shown to be robust to channel fading. In evaluating the detector S‐curve for the general form of the estimator, the author shows that the result is independent of the constellation rotation angle employed by the code. The expressions for the estimation error variance and TED signal‐to‐noise ratio are also obtained, with the analysis carried out under the assumptions of perfect data and channel knowledge at the receiver. Through system simulations, the effects of decision errors on the detector characteristics are examined, and the overall system performance is evaluated, where the proposed TEDs are incorporated into the receiver timing loop. Receivers with perfect channel knowledge and pilot‐based channel estimation are considered. Symbol error rate results show timing synchronisation loss of less than 0.5 dB for a receiver with perfect channel information. In addition, it is shown that the receiver is able to track the timing variations two orders of magnitude faster than required by the present‐day hardware oscillators.
Experimental determination and numerical evaluation of core losses in a 150‐kVA wound‐field synchronous machine
Authors: Rasilo Paavo , Belahcen Anouar , Arkkio Antero 
Published: May 2013

The losses in the laminated core of a 150‐kVA wound‐field synchronous machine are investigated with calorimetric measurements and a numerical iron‐loss model for steel laminations. Both grid supply and pulse‐width modulated inverter supply with 1 kHz and 6 kHz switching frequencies are studied. The effect of rotor lamination material on total core losses is studied by measuring and simulating the machine with three prototype rotors, the first one being stacked of insulated 0.5‐mm Fe–Si sheets and the last two of uninsulated 1‐mm and 2‐mm steel sheets, respectively. At no load, the losses in the frame of the machine are shown to be extremely significant with voltages above the rated one. The results on load operation show that the additional inverter‐induced core losses are significantly larger with the thicker sheets. The rotor eddy‐current loss is the most affected component because of loading and the distorted supply voltage. However, unlike expected and predicted by the model, the differences in the losses between the 1‐mm and 2‐mm rotors are negligible in no‐load operation and relatively small also at load operation.
Analysis and improvement of performance in LCL filter‐based PWM rectifier/inverter application using hybrid damping approach
Authors: Mukherjee Nilanjan , De Dipankar 
Published: May 2013

A hybrid passive‐active damping solution with improved system stability margin and enhanced dynamic performance is proposed for high power grid interactive converters. In grid connected active rectifier/inverter application, line side LCL filter improves the high frequency attenuation and makes the converter compatible with the stringent grid power quality regulations. Passive damping though offers a simple and reliable solution but it reduces overall converter efficiency. Active damping solutions do not increase the system losses but can guarantee the stable operation up to a certain speed of dynamic response which is limited by the maximum bandwidth of the current controller. This paper examines this limit and introduces a concept of hybrid passive‐active damping solution with improved stability margin and high dynamic performance for line side LCL filter based active rectifier/inverter applications. A detailed design, analysis of the hybrid approach and trade‐off between system losses and dynamic performance in grid connected applications are reported. Simulation and experimental results from a 10 kVA prototype demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution. An analytical study on system stability and dynamic response with the variations of various controller and passive filter parameters is presented.
Research of a novel temperature adaptive gate driver for power metal‐oxide semiconductor
Authors: Hua‐long Zhuang , Guo‐huan Hua , Shen Xu , Wei‐feng Sun , Zhi‐qun Li 
Published: May 2013

Driving power metal‐oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor at high frequency may induce significant switching losses, which have a great proportion in total power losses. Especially in the case of higher temperature, switching losses increased tangibly. A novel temperature adaptive gate driver with low power consumption in a high‐temperature environment is proposed for switched‐mode power supply by the temperature compensation technique. It has been realised to decrease the switching losses in wide scope temperature, and cannot sacrifice performance of the electromagnetic interferences, by regulating di/dt and dv/dt of switching curve in high temperature. A 0.25 μm, 40 V bipolar‐CMOS‐DMOS (BCD) process technology is utilised and experimental circuits and results are then presented. Compared with the conventional gate driver, the turn‐on loss and turn‐off loss of the temperature adaptive gate driver can be reduced, respectively, by 17% and 22%. At present, it has been used in an AC–DC converter to improve work efficiency.
Genetic algorithm‐optimised charge simulation method for electric field modelling of plate‐type electrostatic separators
Authors: Abouelsaad Mohamed M. , Abouelatta Mohamed A. , Salama Abd‐Elhadi R. 
Published: May 2013

A novel combination of genetic algorithms (GAs) and the charge simulation method (CSM) is proposed for enhancing the computation precision of electric fields associated with plate‐type electrostatic separators; a new recycling technology of electrical and electronics waste. An algorithm is developed to, automatically, arrive at optimal arrangement of the simulating charges and their locations in order to eliminate dependency on user judgment and experience. Accurate results for electric field computation, compared with earlier published techniques, are realised for several design parameters of the separator. Experiments carried out for determination of detachment fields of small metallic particles (steel spheres of radius 0.501 mm) confirmed validity of the numerical simulation. The present work shows that the coupled GA–CSM algorithm can be an efficient and flexible design tool for accurate field computation of electrostatic separation equipment.
Study on transfection of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 gene into rabbit bone marrow stromal cells and composition to nanohydroxyapatite for constructing tissue engineered bones
Authors: Li Wencui , Liu Lijun , Zhu Weimin , Wang Daping , Zeng Yanjun 
Published: May 2013

A study is presented on effects of the adenovirus‐mediated human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (Ad‐BMP‐2) expression vector's transfection into rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) and the subsequent composition to nanohydroxyapatite (Nano‐HA) for the construction of biomimetic artificial bone in vitro. The adenovirus vector was constructed by Gateway TM technology, and the rBMSCs transfected by Ad‐BMP‐2 were cultured in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) expression. After culture for 48 h, the transfected cells were seeded onto the Nano‐HA scaffold. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the growth and attachment of cells on the composite scaffold on the third and fifth days. After transfection, the hBMP‐2 gene showed high expressions in mRNA and protein levels. SEM revealed even distribution and fine adherence of the cells in the composite scaffold. The Western blot showed high expression of BMP‐2 in the transfected and compound cells. The target cells that were transfected with the adenovirus vector that contained the genes, were bonded to the Nano‐HA scaffold, and therefore the cell carrier complexes became stable and effectively secreted growth factors, and the biomimetic artificial bones were successfully constructed in vitro.
Rayleigh‐instability‐driven dewetting of thin Au and Ag films on indium–tin‐oxide surface under nanosecond laser irradiations
Authors: Ruffino Francesco , Carria Egidio , Kimiagar Salimeh , Crupi Isodiana , Grimaldi Maria Grazia 
Published: May 2013

Investigations have been carried out on laser‐beam‐induced nanoparticle (NP) formation in thin (5 nm) Au and Ag films on indium–tin‐oxide substrate. After the irradiation the films were observed to break‐up into NPs through a dewetting mechanism. This mechanism was investigated as a Rayleigh‐instability‐driven process. In fact, for each used laser fluence, the resulting Au and Ag NPs' mean size and surface‐to‐surface mean distance were quantified and correlated between them in the framework of the Rayleigh‐instability theory showing an excellent agreement.
Skin prick test reactivity to foods in adult Malaysians with rhinitis
Authors: Gendeh Balwant Singh , Murad Shahnaz , Razi Azizah Mohd , Abdullah Nasaruddin , Mohamed Abdullah Sani , Kadir Khalid Abdul 
Published: May 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of food and house dust mite (HDM) allergy in patients with nasal congestion and rhinorrhea attending the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. This was a prospective matched, controlled study of patients skin prick tested with commercial food and common aeroallergens. The participants were 148 Malaysian adults with symptoms of nasal congestion and rhinorrhea and 113 adult Malaysian control subjects without rhinitis symptoms. The skin prick test (SPT) was used to evaluate 11 foods common to the Malaysian diet and 3 HDM inhalants. Forty‐eight percent of the patients with rhinitis had positive SPT results to foods, compared with 4.4% of control subjects (P < 0.05). The most commonly implicated foods were shrimp (48%) and rice (30%), which are common in the Malaysian diet. Seventy‐two percent of rhinitis patients had positive SPT results to HDM, compared with 22.2% of control subjects (P < 0.05). Patients with rhinitis also had significantly more gastrointestinal problems than control subjects (P < 0.05). The incidences of HDM and food allergy are significantly greater in Malaysian adults with rhinitis symptoms than in control subjects without rhinitis. The effect of avoidance or immunotherapy awaits further study.
Cost‐effective management of benign positional vertigo using canalith repositioning
Authors: Li John C. , Li Celeste J. , Epley John , Weinberg Lynn 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVEThe misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment of benign positional vertigo have resulted in significant costs to the medical system. In the current medical‐economic climate, there is an increased emphasis on cost control. Recent studies have shown that the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) is effective; the next step is to show the impact of CRP in cost‐effective management of benign positional vertigo.METHODSForty‐six of 100 patients who underwent CRP for benign positional vertigo responded to a survey regarding the financial impact of their disease. They were asked to subjectively estimate the sum of all disease‐related expenses. Objective substantiation of this number was estimated by tabulating physician data, laboratory data, and failed treatment costs.RESULTSThe subjective figure totaled $2684.74 per individual. Summation of the tangible objective figures yielded $2009.63 per patient, corroborating the subjective figure.CONCLUSIONSBecause CRP is a relatively simple procedure that can obviate many wasted expenses in most patients, we believe that it is very cost‐effective and should be incorporated into routine practice.
Preapplication of mitomycin C for enhanced patency of myringotomy
Authors: Estrem Scott A. , Baker Terry J. 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVESVentilation tubes are the mainstay of surgical treatment for eustachian tube dysfunction and have been used successfully for many years. Certain disadvantages of ventilation tubes, however, have prompted research into alternative techniques including laser myringotomy. We investigated the use of KTP laser myringotomy in conjunction with topical mitomycin C to delay healing and prolong the patency of the myringotomy.METHODSTwenty myringotomies were created in 10 Sprague‐Dawley rats. A solution of mitomycin C was applied to the intact tympanic membrane for 15 minutes. The solution was then suctioned free, and a myringotomy was created with a KTP laser. Fifty‐three rats with saline application serving as controls from a previous study were used to allow statistical assessment.RESULTSThe myringotomies remained open for a median of 9.5 weeks. Control myringotomies, which received saline solution instead of mitomycin C, healed within a median of 1.5 weeks. The difference was statistically significant at P < 0.0001. No complications were noted.CONCLUSIONTopically administered mitomycin C before laser myringotomy is effective in prolonging the patency of laser myringotomies in rats. The patency rate is similar to that achieved in experiments in which topical mitomycin C is placed into the myringotomy site created by the laser.
Xenon‐enhanced computed tomography quantifies normal maxillary sinus ventilation
Authors: Leopold Donald , Zinreich S. James , Simon Brett A. , Cullen Michelle M. , Marcucci Catherine 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to determine the applicability, safety, and normal parameters of a xenon‐enhanced CT technique to quantify maxillary sinus ventilation.PATIENTS AND METHODSNine healthy subjects inhaled a xenon‐oxygen‐air mixture through their noses while repeated CT scans were performed through the same section of their sinuses. Images were obtained every 1 to 3 minutes and analyzed to measure the density of the gas in the maxillary sinus as a function of time.RESULTSIndividual nasal cavity time constants ranged from 0.5 to 18 minutes. Studies performed after decongestion showed poorer sinus ventilation.CONCLUSIONSThe xenon‐CT washin/washout technique is safe, effective, and gives representative data.
Postoperative management of pediatric tracheostomy: Results of a nationwide survey
Authors: Gluth Michael B. , Maska Suzy , Nelson Joely , Otto Randal A. 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVEA survey was undertaken to document the postoperative care of pediatric tracheostomies by otolaryngologists.STUDY DESIGNThis study represents the results of a national survey of 564 otolaryngologists covering a broad scope of postoperative pediatric tracheostomy issues considered for patients younger than 2 years and patients older than 5 years.RESULTSOf the surveys sent, 134 responses were received, portraying a certain standard management scheme that seems to be used by most respondents.CONCLUSIONSVery little difference was seen in respondents' management of patients younger than 2 years of age as compared with those who are older than 5 years. Furthermore, agreement between actual practice and published recommendations seems to vary with some management issues. The results of this study provide a means by which otolaryngologists may familiarize themselves with national trends in the postoperative management of pediatric tracheostomies.
Comparison of regional recurrence rates of radical and comprehensive neck dissection type 3 in N0 laryngeal cancer
Authors: Yilmaz Taner , Turan Ergin , HoŞAl A. ŞEfik , Kaya Sefa 
Published: May 2013

To determine whether comprehensive neck dissection (CND) type 3 could accomplish regional tumor control as well as radical neck dissection (RND) in clinically N0 laryngeal cancer patients, we compared the regional recurrence rates of 316 N0 laryngeal cancer patients. In the 316 N0 patients, 486 neck dissections were performed. For 170 patients the dissection was bilateral, and for 146 patients it was unilateral. Of these, 193 were type 3 CNDs, and 293 were RNDs. In 30 (15.5%) of 193 type 3 CNDs and in 53 (18.1%) of 293 RNDs, metastatic lymph nodes were determined histopathologically in neck dissection specimens. The difference in cervical lymph node metastasis rates was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). During follow‐up, 3 patients who underwent CND type 3 (1.6%) and 12 who underwent RND (4.1%) had regional recurrences. The difference between recurrence rates was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A conclusion was reached that CND type 3 safely provided regional cancer control in N0 laryngeal cancer and that it might be performed to decrease the morbidity of RND.