bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreasing welding distortions in penetration nozzles by applying proper welding sequences
Authors: Najafi Mohammad , Mehrali Hossein , Sattari-Far Iradj
Published: August 2012

Welding distortions cause problems in assembly and performance of weldments, including nozzles in pressure vessels. In the present work, a three-dimensional thermo-mechanical finite element model was expanded to study the effect of the welding sequence on welding distortions in a pressurized nozzle. Among different types of distortions, shrinkage and angular distortions have been investigated. Since changes in the welding sequence increase the computational time and complicate the welding process, the effects of the welding sequence in different passes have also been studied. For the case studies, a five-pass shielded metal arc welding with V-joint geometry has been selected. The vessel has a diameter of 2000 mm and a thickness of 8 mm, and the nozzle has a diameter of 100 mm and a thickness of 8 mm. The pressure vessel and nozzles are made of 304 stainless steel material with the same chemical compositions. The finite element and experimental results have been compared, and turned out to be in good agreement. The results showed that welding in four sections with a proper sequence has significant influence on decreasing angular distortions, but the welding sequence is not an effective parameter to reduce the shrinkage type distortions. Moreover, sequencing can be used in some passes to simplify the welding process and also to decrease the process time.
A twin-rotor piston engine with annular connecting chambers
Authors: Deng Hao , Pan Cunyun , Xu Xiaojun , Zhang Xiang
Published: August 2012

An effort in progress to develop a new twin-rotor piston engine is described. A proposition of sealing, which benefits from the conventional piston-cylinder structure is presented. A six-stroke twin-rotor piston engine, which is designed to have coolant intake and drain stroke is proposed. A differential velocity drive mechanism, which controls the rotors’ oscillation, is invented. The differential velocity drive mechanism utilizes novel kinematic design to completely eliminate inertial loads. The twin-rotor engine is expected to have three key technical advantages for attaining higher power density than any available piston engine: the first is symmetrical structure and well-balanced kinetics; the second is 16 or more power strokes per revolution of the output shaft and more than two symmetrical working chambers exporting power at any time; the third is performing the four-stroke cycle without using the valve mechanism.
Evaluating the local environmental impact of air traffic with air transport systems evaluation infrastructure: outputs and validation walkthrough
Authors: Aubry S , Chaboud T , Dupeyrat M , Élie A , Huynh N , Lefebvre T , Rivière T
Published: August 2012

Air transport systems evaluation infrastructure (IESTA) is an evaluation facility for air transport systems that is currently being developed by Onera in Toulouse, France. The project aims at building a generic simulation platform, designed to ease the integration of new or existing models in order to assess air transport concepts. The first IESTA application, Clean Airport, allows the assessment of the effects of innovative concepts with regard to air traffic noise and chemical pollution on the airports' surroundings. An effective simulation capability has been built and achieved by integrating Onera's expertise in physical modelling. This article gives an overview of the resulting model toolbox architecture, the first outputs and the validation walkthrough.
Three-component particle image velocimetry in a generic can-type gas turbine combustor
Authors: Meyers Bronwyn C , Snedden Glen C , Meyer Josua P , Roos Thomas H , Mahmood Gazi I
Published: August 2012

A stereoscopic particle image velocimetry system was used to obtain the velocity field of a can-type combustor in the non-reacting condition. In order for these measurements to be taken, an optically accessible can-type forward flow combustor was manufactured. The combustor has a 10-vane swirler in the dome as well as a primary zone with six 9.5 mm holes, a secondary zone with eight 5 mm holes and a dilution zone with ten 11.8 mm holes. The two cooling rings have 30 and 50 × 1.2 mm holes and are placed between the three zones. The main flow features were captured such as the recirculation zones and jets. The more subtle features such as flow entering the swirler, entering the dilution holes from the annulus, and converging into smaller annuli around the secondary and dilution zones were also evident in some sections of the data. An unexpected flow recirculation was observed in the dilution zone. The departure of the flow from the recirculation regions to join the bulk flow in the dilution zone was also shown.
Design of optimized fuzzy model-based controller for nonlinear systems using hybrid intelligent strategies
Authors: Kharrati Hamed , Khanmohammadi Sohrab , Zeiaee Amin , Navarbaf Alireza , Alizadeh Ghasem
Published: August 2012

This paper introduces three hybrid methods for the generation and optimization of rules and membership functions of a fuzzy logic controller for nonlinear systems. The proposed methods overcome the deficiency of a systematic approach for optimal design of fuzzy controllers. An optimally designed fuzzy logic controller should have the least number of fuzzy variables and fuzzy rules and the best possible configuration of fuzzy rules in the rule table. The first strategy of this paper is a two-phase optimization problem: in the first phase, the number of fuzzy variables and their arrangement in the rule table are optimized by a genetic algorithm; in the second phase, the parameters of the membership functions are optimized via extended Kalman filtering. The second strategy tries to achieve the goals of the first method all in one phase by modifying the chromosome structure of the genetic algorithm. Then in the next step, a local search algorithm is utilized to improve the obtained results. The third strategy is similar to the second strategy in structure. However, along with optimizing the number of fuzzy variables and membership parameters, the number of fuzzy rules is also optimized. The first and second strategies are obliged to use every possible combination of fuzzy variables in the rule table; however, the third strategy is capable of distinguishing between useful and useless fuzzy rules in the rule table. The introduced strategies are applied to an automotive cruise control system. The results of the simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed methods and the superiority of the latter approaches over the former ones.
Health related quality of life in Mexican women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a descriptive study using SF-36 and LupusQoL©
Authors: García-Carrasco M , Mendoza-Pinto C , Cardiel MH , Méndez-Martínez S , García-Villaseñor A , Jiménez-Hernández C , Alonso-García NE , Briones-Rojas R , Ramos-Álvarez G , López-Colombo A
Published: August 2012

The LupusQoL© questionnaire is a disease-specific health related quality of life (HRQOL) instrument for adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Short Form-36 (SF-36) is a generic instrument that captures the physical, psychological, and social impact. We conducted a descriptive study of women aged ≥ 18 years attending our Lupus Clinic. HRQOL was assessed by applying the LupusQoL© and SF-36. Lupus activity was measured using the Mexican Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (Mex-SLEDAI) and chronic damage using the Systemic Lupus Collaborative Clinics Damage Index (SDI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. A total of 127 patients were included with a mean age of 40.5 ± 12.6 years. The mean disease duration was 8.2 ± 5.6 years, the mean disease activity score was 2.4 ± 3.0, and the mean SDI score 0.77 ± 1.06. The mean SF-36 score was 58.1 ± 21.1 and the mean LupusQoL© score was 69 ± 22.7. The correlation between global scores of the SF-36 and LupusQoL© was rho = 0.73 ( p < 0.001). The correlation between lupus disease activity and the SF-36 and the LupusQoL© was −0.26 ( p = 0.003) and −0.25 ( p = 0.004), respectively. The correlation between the SDI and the SF-36 and the LupusQoL© was −0.28 ( p = 0.001) and −0.38 ( p < 0.0001), respectively. In conclusions: both LupusQoL© and SF-36 were useful instruments in assessing HRQOL in Mexican lupus female patients. The usefulness of the LupusQoL© should be evaluated in lupus patients with moderate to severe disease activity.
A pilot study of office-based spirometry in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mancuso CA , Perna M , Sargent AB , Salmon JE
Published: August 2012

Background: Although pulmonary involvement is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), its effects on healthy lifestyle physical activity and its association with fatigue have not been well characterized. The goals of this study were to describe pulmonary function measured by office-based spirometry in patients with SLE and to compare spirometry with physical activity and systemic fatigue. Methods: During an office visit, 49 patients with SLE completed spirometry assessing: a) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, a measure of airway patency and responsiveness); b) forced vital capacity (FVC, a measure of lung volume); and c) maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV, a measure of volume of air moved during rapid breathing) which has been hypothesized to be decreased in SLE due to muscle fatigue. Patients also performed a 2-min corridor walking test and completed self-reported questionnaires measuring weekly physical activity and systemic fatigue. Results: Mean age was 45 years, 45 (92%) were women, mean SLEDAI and SLICC scores were 2.8 and 1.0, respectively. Some 24 patients had a smoking history, and 15 had a history of SLE-related pleuritis, which was not active at enrollment. FEV1 and FVC were 96% of predicted, but MVV was only 55% of predicted. The distance walked during the corridor test was similar to that of patients with other chronic diseases; however, self-reported physical activity was less than recommended by national guidelines. There were no associations between spirometry values and history of pleuritis, other pulmonary diagnoses, or smoking ( p > .10 for all comparisons), however, better FEV1 ( p =  .04) and better FVC ( p =  .04) were associated with more self-reported activity and better FEV1 ( p =  .03) was associated with longer distance walked during the corridor test. Most patients reported marked systemic fatigue; however, there were no associations between spirometry values and fatigue scores ( p > .10 for all comparisons). Conclusions: MVV was markedly diminished, which supports the hypothesis that SLE may be associated with respiratory muscle fatigue during rapid breathing. MVV was not associated with mild-to-moderate patient-directed physical activity; however, lower FEV1 and FVC were associated with less self-reported and performance-based physical activity.
Painful dilemmas: A study of the way the public’s assessment of animal research balances costs to animals against human benefits
Authors: Lund Thomas Bøker , Mørkbak Morten Raun , Lassen Jesper , Sandøe Peter
Published: August 2012

The conflict between animal costs and human benefits has dominated public as well as academic debates about animal research. However, surveys of public perceptions of animal research rarely focus on this part of attitude formation. This paper traces the prevalence of different attitudes to animal research in the public when people are asked to take benefit and cost considerations into account concurrently. Results from the examination of two representative samples of the Danish public identify three reproducible attitude stances. Approximately 30–35% of people questioned approved of animal research quite strongly, and 15–20% opposed animal research. The remaining 50% were reserved in their views. Further studies will ideally use the measure developed here to make possible relatively fine-grained comparisons and understandings of differences between populations and changes in attitudes over time.
Speech acts and performances of scientific citizenship: Examining how scientists talk about therapeutic cloning
Authors: Marks Nicola J.
Published: August 2012

Scientists play an important role in framing public engagement with science. Their language can facilitate or impede particular interactions taking place with particular citizens: scientists’ “speech acts” can “perform” different types of “scientific citizenship”. This paper examines how scientists in Australia talked about therapeutic cloning during interviews and during the 2006 parliamentary debates on stem cell research. Some avoided complex labels, thereby facilitating public examination of this field. Others drew on language that only opens a space for publics to become educated, not to participate in a more meaningful way. Importantly, public utterances made by scientists here contrast with common international utterances: they did not focus on the therapeutic but the research promises of therapeutic cloning. Social scientists need to pay attention to the performative aspects of language in order to promote genuine citizen involvement in techno-science. Speech Act Theory is a useful analytical tool for this.
Should We Exclude Inadequately Reported Studies From Qualitative Systematic Reviews? An Evaluation of Sensitivity Analyses in Two Case Study Reviews
Authors: Carroll Christopher , Booth Andrew , Lloyd-Jones Myfanwy
Published: August 2012

The role of critical appraisal of qualitative studies in systematic reviews remains an ongoing cause for debate. Key to such a debate is whether quality assessment can or should be used to exclude studies. In our study, we extended the use of existing criteria to assess the quality of reporting of studies included in two qualitative systematic reviews. We then excluded studies deemed to be inadequately reported from the subsequent analysis. We tested the impact of these exclusions on the overall findings of the synthesis and its depth or thickness. Exclusion of so-called inadequately reported studies had no meaningful effect on the synthesis. There was a correlation between quality of reporting of a study and its values as a source for the final synthesis. We propose that there is a possible case for excluding inadequately reported studies from qualitative evidence synthesis.
Images of culture: Participatory video, identity and empowerment
Authors: Zoettl Peter Anton
Published: August 2012

Drawing on recent fieldwork in Brazil and Portugal, ‘participatory video’ is critically evaluated as a tool for anthropological research and empowerment. While questions of ‘image’ and ‘identity’ stand out as a major concern of the video workshops discussed, it is suggested that awareness-raising is the ultimate objective of audiovisual methods within a ‘shared anthropology’ that seeks not only to produce scientific knowledge, but also to acquire political relevance.
Analysis of unified continuum damage mechanics model of gas turbine rotor steel: Life assessment
Authors: Nayebi Ali , Ranjbar Hamid , Rokhgireh Hojatollah
Published: August 2012

In this research, the unified creep continuum damage mechanics model of Lemaitre is used to model the stress–strain behavior of a gas turbine rotor. The unified damage law can model the creep and low cycle fatigue damage. It is based on the increment of the accumulated inelastic strain, which may be due to either creep damage or low cycle fatigue damage. The parameters of the unified continuum damage mechanics model, including Q, Norton constants, and constants of the nonlinear kinematic hardening model are determined and optimized by cyclic tension and relaxation tests. A careful three-dimensional thermal analysis is carried out and the temperature gradient is obtained. This analysis is used to determine stresses of the gas turbine rotor. Creep and low cycle damage are also modeled and stress–strain evolution in the gas turbine rotor is obtained. The replica tests are performed on four points of the rotor surface and formation of the creep voids is verified under a scanning electron microscope. Based on the continuum damage mechanics analysis, the creep–fatigue interaction is considered in modeling and the remaining life of the rotor is estimated.
Critical discourse analysis and ethnography: the crisis in the national street children’s movement in Brazil
Authors: De Melo Resende Viviane
Published: August 2012

In this article, I explore the epistemological and methodological dimensions of my research regarding representation and identification in the context of the National Street Children Movement in Brasília, the capital of Brazil. The research, carried out between 2005 and 2008, is theoretically informed by Critical Discourse Analysis and Critical Realism. My aim is to show the relations between research dimensions, research questions, methods and ontological components, in accordance to this theoretical background. In order to do so, I also describe the methods used in the field and discuss some of the research outcomes.
Measure invariance of the Political Skill Inventory (PSI) across five cultures
Authors: Lvina Elena , Johns Gary , Treadway Darren C. , Blickle Gerhard , Liu Yongmei (Lucy) , Liu Jun , Atay Salim , Zettler Ingo , Solga Jutta , Noethen Daniela , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: August 2012

This research expands the study of political skill, a construct developed in North America, to other cultures. We examine the psychometric properties of the Political Skill Inventory (PSI) and test the measurement equivalence of the scale in a non-American context. Respondents were 1511 employees from China, Germany, Russia, Turkey, and the United States. The cross-cultural generalizability of the construct is established through consistent evidence of multi-group invariance in an increasingly stringent series of analyses of mean and covariance structures. Overall, the study provides systematic evidence that political skill can be treated as a stable construct among diverse cultural groups. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that translated PSI measures operationalize the construct similarly. With some exceptions, the item loadings and intercepts are invariant for the US and non-US responses, suggesting partial measurement equivalence. After verifying the accuracy of item translation, we conclude that any differences can be explained by variation in the cultural value of uncertainly avoidance and cultural differences on a low-to-high context continuum. Detected dissimilarities are addressed, and some suggestions regarding the correct use across borders of the instrument by managers and researchers are provided.
A Rare Case of Diabetic Hand Ulcer Caused by Streptococcus agalactiae
Authors: Tian Ming , Wang Xiqiao , Xiao Yurui , Lu Shuliang , Jiang Yuzhi
Published: August 2012

This study reports the case of a 71-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes whose paronychia rapidly progressed to the right middle finger and then to the whole dorsal aspect necrosis of the right hand. After admission, the diagnosis of diabetic hand ulcer was established and Streptococcus agalactiae found as the pathogen. The authors controlled glucose, used 3% hydrogen peroxide and sulfadiazine silver in routine dressing, as well as surgical debridement, topical negative pressure, and skin grafting. The wound closed in 32 days after surgery. Diabetic hand ulcer is often developed from a small wound. The wound, if neglected, will expand very quickly and may lead to amputation and even death. So early diagnosis, standardized treatment, and postoperative rehabilitation is very important.
HIV Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction Strategies in the Context of Prevailing Gender Norms in Rural Areas of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
Authors: Bandali Sarah
Published: August 2012

Since minimal information exists on how individuals work within existing social norms to reduce HIV risk, this study explored the specific factors influencing men and women to reduce their HIV risk in the face of prevailing gender norms in rural villages of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. Qualitative data were gathered from 160 participants through 29 in-depth interviews to explore gender norms, HIV risk determinants, and risk reduction responses. Results were analyzed using adaptations of grounded theory and constant comparative analysis. Men and women who actively take measures to decrease their risk of HIV infection associate a partner’s acceptance of condom use and an HIV test as confirmation of emotional intimacy in the relationship. Other factors influencing risk reduction efforts include various levels of influence from family or peers, prior experience, relationship dynamics, and a reflection of broader personal outcomes.
Factors Associated with Reduced Antituberculous Serum Drug Concentrations in Patients with HIV-TB Coinfection
Authors: Ahmed Rabia , Cooper Ryan , Foisy Michelle , Der Evelina , Kunimoto Dennis
Published: August 2012

We describe correlates of reduced antituberculous serum drug concentrations (SDCs) in HIV-infected patients receiving treatment for active tuberculosis (TB). Cross-sectional analysis of individuals diagnosed with HIV and active TB in Northern Alberta, Canada, was performed. Of the 30 HIV-TB cases, 27 underwent measurement of SDCs. Rates of low SDCs were 9 of 26 (34%) for isoniazid (INH) and 16 of 25 (64%) for rifamycins. Increased weight and elevated body mass index (BMI) correlated with low SDCs for rifampin ( P < .05) and increased weight also correlated with reduced SDCs for INH ( P < .05). This suggests that conventional antituberculous dosing may be too low and consideration should be given to increase the maximum initial weight-based doses in HIV-infected patients.
Thermal performance of an insulated roof with reflective insulation: Field tests under hot climatic conditions
Authors: D’Orazio Marco , Di Perna Costanzo , Di Giuseppe Elisa , Morodo Matteo
Published: August 2012

The use of reflective insulation materials in buildings, for energy saving in summer, has been spreading in southern Europe. These products are not typical of the local building context. There is a lack of well-established measurement systems for reflective insulation thermal transmittance. The aim of this article is to understand whether a reflective insulation material could be effective in hot and temperate climate, also compared with other roof solutions. For this purpose, we compared the thermal performance of a roof with and without reflective insulation, both installed in a full-scale experimental building near Ancona (Italy) in the summer period. The results showed that the reflective insulation benefits are quite limited when using the insulation level imposed by actual laws, which consider insulation as the main strategy for energy saving in temperate and hot climates.
Rising damp in walls: Evaluation of the level achieved by the damp front
Authors: Guimarães Ana S , Delgado João MPQ , de Freitas Vasco P
Published: August 2012

Treating rising damp in the walls of historical buildings is complex because moisture transfer into the walls of old buildings in direct contact with the ground leads to the migration of soluble salts. This work analyzes rising damp using concepts and methods of unsaturated moisture flow theory, and a numerical validation study. A simple analytical model describes the rising damp front for the simplified situation of a monolithic wall. The influence of wall thickness, boundary conditions, wall composition, and material properties, such as porosity and sorptivity, are analyzed in detail.
Fermented fish oil suppresses T helper 1/2 cell response in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis via generation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells
Authors: Han Sang-Chul , Kang Gyeoung-Jin , Ko Yeong-Jong , Kang Hee-Kyoung , Moon Sang-Wook , Ann Yong-Seok , Yoo Eun-Sook
Published: August 2012

Background

Allergic skin inflammation such as atopic dermatitis (AD), which is characterized by pruritus and inflammation, is regulated partly through the activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs play key roles in the immune response by preventing or suppressing the differentiation, proliferation and function of various immune cells, including CD4+ T cells. Recent studies report that fermentation has a tremendous capacity to transform chemical structures or create new substances, and the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in fish oil can reduce inflammation in allergic patients. The beneficial effects of natural fish oil (NFO) have been described in many diseases, but the mechanism by which fermented fish oil (FFO) modulates the immune system and the allergic response is poorly understood. In this study, we produced FFO and tested its ability to suppress the allergic inflammatory response and to activate CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs.

Results

The ability of FFO and NFO to modulate the immune system was investigated using a mouse model of AD. Administration of FFO or NFO in the drinking water alleviated the allergic inflammation in the skin, and FFO was more effective than NFO. FFO treatment did increase the expression of the immune-suppressive cytokines TGF-β and IL-10. In addition, ingestion of FFO increased Foxp3 expression and the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs compared with NFO.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the anti-allergic effect of FFO is associated with enrichment of CD4+CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells at the inflamed sites and that FFO may be effective in treating the allergic symptoms of AD.
Marker-based linkage map of Andean common bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) and mapping of QTLs underlying popping ability traits
Authors: Yuste-Lisbona Fernando J , Santalla Marta , Capel Carmen , García-Alcázar Manuel , De La Fuente María , Capel Juan , De Ron Antonio M , Lozano Rafael
Published: August 2012

Background

Nuña bean is a type of ancient common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) native to the Andean region of South America, whose seeds possess the unusual property of popping. The nutritional features of popped seeds make them a healthy low fat and high protein snack. However, flowering of nuña bean only takes place under short-day photoperiod conditions, which means a difficulty to extend production to areas where such conditions do not prevail. Therefore, breeding programs of adaptation traits will facilitate the diversification of the bean crops and the development of new varieties with enhanced healthy properties. Although the popping trait has been profusely studied in maize (popcorn), little is known about the biology and genetic basis of the popping ability in common bean. To obtain insights into the genetics of popping ability related traits of nuña bean, a comprehensive quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed to detect single-locus and epistatic QTLs responsible for the phenotypic variance observed in these traits.

Results

A mapping population of 185 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two Andean common bean genotypes was evaluated for three popping related traits, popping dimension index (PDI), expansion coefficient (EC), and percentage of unpopped seeds (PUS), in five different environmental conditions. The genetic map constructed included 193 loci across 12 linkage groups (LGs), covering a genetic distance of 822.1 cM, with an average of 4.3 cM per marker. Individual and multi-environment QTL analyses detected a total of nineteen single-locus QTLs, highlighting among them the co-localized QTLs for the three popping ability traits placed on LGs 3, 5, 6, and 7, which together explained 24.9, 14.5, and 25.3% of the phenotypic variance for PDI, EC, and PUS, respectively. Interestingly, epistatic interactions among QTLs have been detected, which could have a key role in the genetic control of popping.

Conclusions

The QTLs here reported constitute useful tools for marker assisted selection breeding programs aimed at improving nuña bean cultivars, as well as for extending our knowledge of the genetic determinants and genotype x environment interaction involved in the popping ability traits of this bean crop.
Non-seatbelt use and associated factors among Thai drivers during Songkran festival
Authors: Siviroj Penprapa , Peltzer Karl , Pengpid Supa , Morarit Sompong
Published: August 2012

Background

Road traffic accidents are the second largest cause of burden of disease in Thailand, largely attributable to behavioural risk factors including drinking and driving, speeding, substance abuse and failure to use seatbelts. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of non-seatbelt use among drivers during Songkran festival in Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey has been performed to determine the prevalence of seatbelt use among Thai drivers (N=13722) during four days of the Songkran festival. For this sample the population of drivers was consecutively selected from 12 petrol stations in four provinces from each of the four main geographical regions of Thailand. The study was conducted at petrol stations at roads in town, outside town and highway at different time intervals when trained field staff administered a structured questionnaire and performed an observation checklist on seat belt use.

Results

An overall prevalence of 28.4% of non-seatbelt use among drivers was found. In multivariable analysis demographics (being male, younger age, coming from the Northern or Southern region in Thailand), environmental factors (earlier during the Songkran festival, in the morning and late evening and on main roads in town), seatbelt use experiences and attitudes (having been in an accident before, never having used a seatbelt, no intention to use a seatbelt, lack of awareness of danger of non-seatbelt use and lower perceived risk of being caught with non-seatbelt use) and lower exposure to road safety awareness (RSA) campaign (less frequent exposure to RSA campaign, less frequent following of RTI statistics and not talking with others about the RSA campaign) were associated with non-seatbelt use.

Conclusion

Rates of non-seatbelt use by Thai drivers during Songkran festival was 28.4%. Lower exposure to the RSA campaign was found to be associated with non-seatbelt use among drivers during the Songkran festival.
Is the high-risk strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease equitable? A pharmacoepidemiological cohort study
Authors: Wallach-Kildemoes Helle , Diderichsen Finn , Krasnik Allan , Lange Theis , Andersen Morten
Published: August 2012

Background

Statins are increasingly prescribed to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in asymptomatic individuals. Yet, it is unknown whether those at higher CVD risk – i.e. individuals in lower socio-economic position (SEP) – are adequately reached by this high-risk strategy. We aimed to examine whether the Danish implementation of the strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) by initiating statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) therapy in high-risk individuals is equitable across socioeconomic groups.

Methods

Design: Cohort study.

Setting and participants: Applying individual-level nationwide register information on socio-demographics, dispensed prescription drugs and hospital discharges, all Danish citizens aged 20+ without previous register-markers of CVD, diabetes or statin therapy were followed during 2002–2006 for first occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) and a dispensed statin prescription (N = 3.3 mill).

Main outcome measures: Stratified by gender, 5-year age-groups and socioeconomic position (SEP), incidence of MI was applied as a proxy for statin need. Need-standardized statin incidence rates were calculated, applying MI incidence rate ratios (IRR) as need-weights to adjust for unequal needs across SEP.Horizontal equity in initiating statin therapy was tested by means of Poisson regression analysis. Applying the need-standardized statin parameters and the lowest SEP-group as reference, a need-standardized statin IRR > 1 translates into horizontal inequity favouring the higher SEP-groups.

Results

MI incidence decreased with increasing SEP without a parallel trend in incidence of statin therapy. According to the regression analyses, the need-standardized statin incidence increased in men aged 40–64 by 17%, IRR 1.17 (95% CI: 1.14-1.19) with each increase in income quintile. In women the proportion was 23%, IRR 1.23 (1.16-1.29). An analogous pattern was seen applying education as SEP indicator and among subjects aged 65–84.

Conclusion

The high-risk strategy to prevent CVD by initiating statin therapy seems to be inequitable, reaching primarily high-risk subjects in lower risk SEP-groups.
Medical students’ choices of specialty in The Gambia: the need for career counseling
Authors: Bittaye Mustapha , Odukogbe Akin-Tunde Ademola , Nyan Ousman , Jallow Bintou , Omigbodun Akinyinka O
Published: August 2012

Background

Understanding preferences for specialties by medical students and the factors driving choices assists policy makers in ensuring optimal spread of personnel across disciplines.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey using self-administered structured questionnaires was conducted on consenting students of the first medical school in The Gambia, established in 1999. Data collection was in June/July 2011. Questions were on sociodemographic characteristics of students, their parents, factors related to career preferences and opinions about counseling services. Data were analysed using JMP 8.0 software.

Results

Respondents were 52.4% of 202 eligible students. Mean age was 24.1 ± 5.0 years. Females constituted 54.7%. Muslims were 72.7% while Gambians formed 77.0%. Commonest specialties chosen by females were Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Surgery in that order, while males preferred Internal Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics/Gynaecology. Commonest factors influencing choices by females were ‘focus on urgent care’ (65.5%) and ‘intellectual content of specialty’ (56.9%). For males, these were ‘intellectual content of specialty’ (60.4%) and ‘focus on urgent care’ / ‘individual’s competence’ (50.0% each). More females (30.0%) than males (23.0%) had ever received career counseling, but all students desired it.

Conclusions

Significant gender differences exist in specialty choices and factors influencing these choices amongst these students. All want career counseling.
Fabrication of porous silicon by metal-assisted etching using highly ordered gold nanoparticle arrays
Authors: Scheeler Sebastian P , Ullrich Simon , Kudera Stefan , Pacholski Claudia
Published: August 2012

A simple method for the fabrication of porous silicon (Si) by metal-assisted etching was developed using gold nanoparticles as catalytic sites. The etching masks were prepared by spin-coating of colloidal gold nanoparticles onto Si. An appropriate functionalization of the gold nanoparticle surface prior to the deposition step enabled the formation of quasi-hexagonally ordered arrays by self-assembly which were translated into an array of pores by subsequent etching in HF solution containing H2O2. The quality of the pattern transfer depended on the chosen preparation conditions for the gold nanoparticle etching mask. The influence of the Si surface properties was investigated by using either hydrophilic or hydrophobic Si substrates resulting from piranha solution or HF treatment, respectively. The polymer-coated gold nanoparticles had to be thermally treated in order to provide a direct contact at the metal/Si interface which is required for the following metal-assisted etching. Plasma treatment as well as flame annealing was successfully applied. The best results were obtained for Si substrates which were flame annealed in order to remove the polymer matrix - independent of the substrate surface properties prior to spin-coating (hydrophilic or hydrophobic). The presented method opens up new resources for the fabrication of porous silicon by metal-assisted etching. Here, a vast variety of metal nanoparticles accessible by well-established wet-chemical synthesis can be employed for the fabrication of the etching masks.
Detection of Merkel cell polyomavirus in cervical squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas from Japanese patients
Authors: Imajoh Masayuki , Hashida Yumiko , Nemoto Yuiko , Oguri Hiroyoshi , Maeda Nagamasa , Furihata Mutsuo , Fukaya Takao , Daibata Masanori
Published: August 2012

Background

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) was identified originally in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare form of human skin neuroendocrine carcinoma. Evidence of MCPyV existence in other forms of malignancy such as cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) is growing. Cervical cancers became the focus of our interest in searching for potentially MCPyV-related tumors because: (i) the major histological type of cervical cancer is the SCC; (ii) the uterine cervix is a common site of neuroendocrine carcinomas histologically similar to MCCs; and (iii) MCPyV might be transmitted during sexual interaction as demonstrated for human papillomavirus (HPV). In this study, we aimed to clarify the possible presence of MCPyV in cervical SCCs from Japanese patients. Cervical adenocarcinomas (ACs) were also studied.

Results

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 48 cervical SCCs and 16 cervical ACs were examined for the presence of the MCPyV genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing analyses. PCR analysis revealed that 9/48 cervical SCCs (19%) and 4/16 cervical ACs (25%) were positive for MCPyV DNA. MCPyV-specific PCR products were sequenced to compare them with reference sequences. The nucleotide sequences in the MCPyV large T (LT)-sequenced region were the same among MCPyV-positive cervical SCCs and AC. Conversely, in the MCPyV viral protein 1 (VP1)-sequenced region, two cervical SCCs and three cervical ACs showed several nucleotide substitutions, of which three caused amino acid substitutions. These sequencing results suggested that three MCPyV variants of the VP1 were identified in our cases. Immunohistochemistry showed that the LT antigen was expressed in tumor cells in MCPyV-positive samples. Genotyping of human HPV in the MCPyV-positive samples revealed that infected HPVs were HPV types 16, 31 and 58 for SCCs and HPV types 16 and 18 for ACs.

Conclusions

This study provides the first observation that MCPyV coexists in a subset of HPV-associated cervical cancers from Japanese patients. The prevalence of MCPyV in these lesions was close to that observed in the cutaneous SCCs. Further worldwide epidemiological surveys are warranted to determine the possible association of MCPyV with pathogenesis of cervical cancers.
The “Suicide Guard Rail”: a minimal structural intervention in hospitals reduces suicide jumps
Authors: Mohl Andreas , Stulz Niklaus , Martin Andrea , Eigenmann Franz , Hepp Urs , Hüsler Jürg , Beer Jürg H
Published: August 2012

Background

Jumping from heights is a readily available and lethal method of suicide. This study examined the effectiveness of a minimal structural intervention in preventing suicide jumps at a Swiss general teaching hospital. Following a series of suicide jumps out of the hospital’s windows, a metal guard rail was installed at each window of the high-rise building.

Results

In the 114 months prior to the installation of the metal guard rail, 10 suicides by jumping out of the hospital’s windows occurred among 119,269 inpatients. This figure was significantly reduced to 2 fatal incidents among 104,435 inpatients treated during the 78 months immediately following the installation of the rails at the hospital’s windows (χ
2 = 4.34, df = 1, p = .037).

Conclusions

Even a minimal structural intervention might prevent suicide jumps in a general hospital. Further work is needed to examine the effectiveness of minimal structural interventions in preventing suicide jumps.
Application of constrained polarization filtering for surface-wave mitigation: Three case studies
Authors: Diallo Mamadou S. , Ross Warren S. , Shatilo Andrew P. , Dura-Gomez Inmaculada , Szurek Gary C.
Published: August 2012

We applied constrained polarization filtering (CPF) to surface-wave mitigation on data sets from different geologic settings. The method derives from the application of polarization filtering in the time-frequency (t-f) domain and introduces new constraints to effectively detect and mitigate surface waves while protecting the signal. We use these constraints that we derive from velocity, amplitude, time, and frequency information to delineate the t-f region dominated by surface-wave noises. Then, we restrict the application of polarization filtering to this region to avoid damaging the signal. Straightforward application of polarization filtering without these constraints results in ineffective filtering or damage to the signal, due to the complexity of surface-wave wavetrains. The performance of CPF with these various data sets is demonstrably superior compared to the unconstrained approach. There are some of the issues that may affect performance of the CPF, but they can be overcome.
Efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in relation to
prior history of depression: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Geschwind Nicole , Peeters Frenk , Huibers Marcus , van Os Jim , Wichers Marieke
Published: August 2012

Background

There appears to be consensus that patients with only one or two prior
depressive episodes do not benefit from treatment with mindfulness-based
cognitive therapy (MBCT).

Aims

To investigate whether the effect of MBCT on residual depressive symptoms
is contingent on the number of previous depressive episodes (trial number
NTR1084).

Method

Currently non-depressed adults with residual depressive symptoms and a
history of depression ($2 prior episodes: n = 71; $3
episodes: n = 59) were randomised to MBCT
(n = 64) or a waiting list (control:
n = 66) in an open-label, randomised controlled
trial. The main outcome measured was the reduction in residual depressive
symptoms (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, HRSD-17).

Results

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy was superior to the control condition
across subgroups (β =–0.56, P<0.001). The interaction
between treatment and subgroup was not significant (β = 0.45,
P = 0.16).

Conclusions

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy reduces residual depressive symptoms
irrespective of the number of previous episodes of major depression.
Gene expression patterns specific to the regenerating limb of the Mexican axolotl
Authors: Monaghan James R. , Athippozhy Antony , Seifert Ashley W. , Putta Sri , Stromberg Arnold J. , Maden Malcolm , Gardiner David M. , Voss S. Randal
Published: August 2012

Salamander limb regeneration is dependent upon tissue interactions that are local to the amputation site. Communication among limb epidermis, peripheral nerves, and mesenchyme coordinate cell migration, cell proliferation, and tissue patterning to generate a blastema, which will form missing limb structures. An outstanding question is how cross-talk between these tissues gives rise to the regeneration blastema. To identify genes associated with epidermis-nerve-mesenchymal interactions during limb regeneration, we examined histological and transcriptional changes during the first week following injury in the wound epidermis and subjacent cells between three injury types; 1) a flank wound on the side of the animal that will not regenerate a limb, 2) a denervated limb that will not regenerate a limb, and 3) an innervated limb that will regenerate a limb. Early, histological and transcriptional changes were similar between the injury types, presumably because a common wound-healing program is employed across anatomical locations. However, some transcripts were enriched in limbs compared to the flank and are associated with vertebrate limb development. Many of these genes were activated before blastema outgrowth and expressed in specific tissue types including the epidermis, peripheral nerve, and mesenchyme. We also identified a relatively small group of transcripts that were more highly expressed in innervated limbs versus denervated limbs. These transcripts encode for proteins involved in myelination of peripheral nerves, epidermal cell function, and proliferation of mesenchymal cells. Overall, our study identifies limb-specific and nerve-dependent genes that are upstream of regenerative growth, and thus promising candidates for the regulation of blastema formation.
Stability of the tumor suppressor merlin depends on its ability to bind paxillin LD3 and associate with β1 integrin and actin at the plasma membrane
Authors: Manetti Maria Elisa , Geden Sandra , Bott Marga , Sparrow Nicklaus , Lambert Stephen , Fernandez-Valle Cristina
Published: August 2012

The NF2 gene encodes a tumor suppressor protein known as merlin or schwannomin whose loss of function causes Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). NF2 is characterized by the development of benign tumors, predominantly schwannomas, in the peripheral nervous system. Merlin links plasma membrane receptors with the actin cytoskeleton and its targeting to the plasma membrane depends on direct binding to the paxillin scaffold protein. Exon 2 of NF2, an exon mutated in NF2 patients and deleted in a mouse model of NF2, encodes the merlin paxillin binding domain (PBD1). Here, we sought to determine the role of PBD1 in regulation of merlin stability and association with plasma membrane receptors and the actin cytoskeleton in Schwann cells. Using a fluorescence-based pulse-chase technique, we measured the half-life of Halo-tagged merlin variants carrying PBD1, exon 2, and exons 2 and 3 deletions in transiently transfected Schwann cells. We found that PBD1 alone was necessary and sufficient to increase merlin's half-life from approximately three to eleven hours. Merlin lacking PBD1 did not form a complex with surface β1 integrins or associate with the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, direct binding studies using purified merlin and paxillin domains revealed that merlin directly binds paxillin LD3 (leucine-aspartate 3) domain as well as the LD4 and LD5 domains. Together these results demonstrate that a direct interaction between merlin PBD1 and the paxillin LD3–5 domains targets merlin to the plasma membrane where it is stabilized by its association with surface β1 integrins and cortical actin.
C. elegans AMPKs promote survival and arrest germline development during nutrient stress
Authors: Fukuyama Masamitsu , Sakuma Kensuke , Park Riyong , Kasuga Hidefumi , Nagaya Ryotaro , Atsumi Yuriko , Shimomura Yumi , Takahashi Shinya , Kajiho Hiroaki , Rougvie Ann , Kontani Kenji , Katada Toshiaki
Published: August 2012

Mechanisms controlling development, growth, and metabolism are coordinated in response to changes in environmental conditions, enhancing the likelihood of survival to reproductive maturity. Much remains to be learned about the molecular basis underlying environmental influences on these processes. C. elegans larvae enter a developmentally dormant state called L1 diapause when hatched into nutrient-poor conditions. The nematode pten homologue daf-18 is essential for maintenance of survival and germline stem cell quiescence during this period (Fukuyama et al., 2006; Sigmond et al., 2008), but the details of the signaling network(s) in which it functions remain to be elucidated. Here, we report that animals lacking both aak-1 and aak-2, which encode the two catalytic α subunits of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), show reduced viability and failure to maintain mitotic quiescence in germline stem cells during L1 diapause. Furthermore, failure to arrest germline proliferation has a long term consequence; aak double mutants that have experienced L1 diapause develop into sterile adults when returned to food, whereas their continuously fed siblings are fertile. Both aak and daf-18 appear to maintain germline quiescence by inhibiting activity of the common downstream target, TORC1 (TOR Complex 1). In contrast, rescue of the lethality phenotype indicates that aak-2 acts not only in the intestine, as does daf-18, but also in neurons, likely promoting survival by preventing energy deprivation during L1 diapause. These results not only provide evidence that AMPK contributes to survival during L1 diapause in a manner distinct from that by which it controls dauer diapause, but they also suggest that AMPK suppresses TORC1 activity to maintain stem cell quiescence.