bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subject Formation in A Chaste Maid in Cheapside
Authors: Anglin Sallie
Published: May 2012

The dynamic spatial malleability of early modern London as represented in A Chaste Maid in Cheapside reveals a fertile environment for marginal figures to develop identities that are socially and economically viable. The characters acclimate to these urban environments while reshaping the spaces in return. Open urban spaces, economic and social transactions, unclear physical delineations from one body to another—all of these expose the spatial fluidity that characterizes Middleton's play. The result is a subjectivity that is inexorably tied to its physical environment.
Translation and Feminization in Yu Dafu's "Moving South"
Authors: Chen Luying
Published: May 2012

Yu Dafu's novella "Moving South" forms a dialogic relationship with Johann Wolfgang Goethe's Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship in the male protagonist's translation of the song "Kennst du das Land?" Wilhelm Meister's translation of Mignon's Italian singing into this German song emblematizes the formation of a masculine rational German subject through cofiguring an Italian other as too feminine and emotional to be domesticated. Yi Ren's translation of the central line in the song into Chinese emblematizes the formation of a transnational as a sentimental and feminine figure through cofiguring a Japanese woman as an other that cannot be domesticated. "Moving South" critiques European Romanticism and Christianity.
Children's and Adolescents’ Perspectives on Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Hall Melanie J. , Gibson Barry J. , James Allison , Rodd Helen D.
Published: May 2012

Objective

Children's voices are being increasingly acknowledged in health care research. The aim of this study was to explore children's and young people's perspectives of being born with a cleft lip and/or palate.

Design

The research took a qualitative approach that consisted of two interviews with each child, drawing on child-centered methodologies and techniques. The initial interview focused on children's general life stories, and these often encompassed a discussion about cleft lip and/or palate. The follow-up interview explored specific aspects of the condition and related treatment.

Participants

The self-selected sample consisted of 17 children and young people (eight boys, nine girls) with cleft lip and/or palate, aged 8 to 17 years, who received treatment at a dental hospital in the U.K.

Results

Children's and young people's accounts identified a number of themes including how they became aware that they had been born with the condition, their views of the treatment pathway, and how it related to who they are.

Conclusions

This study highlights the value of including young people's perspectives in oral health–related research. It has allowed a deeper insight into cleft lip and palate and shows that young people can contribute their views and experiences about services which demonstrate that these could be incorporated into service evaluations.
Privatisation de la « haute police » : comment en explorer l’hypothèse ?
Authors: Ocqueteau Frédéric
Published: May 2012

L’article prend au pied de la lettre la remarque de Jean-Paul Brodeur en réplique au travail de deux chercheurs britanniques sur la privatisation de la « haute police » (ou police des renseignements). À partir de travaux empiriques menés en France, il discute des connaissances engendrées par le regard jeté sur la diversité des clientèles des agences de sécurité privée et des services internes de sûreté d’entreprises sensibles pouvant faire appel à leurs services. Il argumente sur le caractère délicat de l’hypothèse d’une privatisation de l’information détenue par les diverses agences de renseignements de l’État, attribut de souveraineté non véritablement entamé. La révolution qui convertirait le coût du renseignement public (militaire ou policier) protégeant les institutions en prix à payer au renseignement privé protégeant la sécurité de l’entreprise et celle de ses clients n’a pas véritablement commencé. On peut néanmoins en repérer quelques prémisses parmi les agences dites « d’intelligence économique », bien que la plupart de leurs contrats soient liés aux industries de l’armement contrôlées par les états-majors du ministère de la Défense.
Early Childhood Special Education: Insights from Educators and Families
Authors: Tejero Hughes Marie , Valle-Riestra Diana Martinez
Published: May 2012

Programs and services designed to meet the needs of young children with disabilities have increased substantially in recent years, often times without evaluating how effective the programs and services are at meeting the needs of children and families. This study sought to investigate how principals, teachers, and parents perceived how Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs across 31 schools in a large, urban city in the United States (US) meet the needs of young children and their families. Thirty principals, 45 teachers, and 301 families participated in the investigation. Overall, all stakeholders identified the programs’ structure, personnel, and home to school connections as strengths. They also believed that ECSE programs were an appropriate place for young children with disabilities. Families and teachers indicated satisfaction with the frequency of communication; however, both families and principals still wanted to see an increase in communication between home and school. Areas needing improvement included critical elements needed in ECSE programs related to human resources, increased funding, and appropriate adult-child ratios. Implications for practice are discussed.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Focus on Different Aspects of Management
Authors: Waly Raphael Sene , Yangde Zhang , YuXiang Chen
Published: May 2012

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Its incidence is clearly arising comprised by the prevalence of major risk factors mainly hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The population at risk is composed of chronic liver patients at the stage of extensive fibrosis or cirrhosis. The monitoring programs of this population have allowed early detection of disease management to promote a radical therapy. Understanding the carcinogenic process and the mastery of the staging systems remain essential keys in diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Recent advances in diagnosis and new treatments have made important impacts on the disease by increasing survival rates and improving quality of life for HCC patients. This paper outlines the different management aspects of HCC which include epidemiology, prevention, carcinogenesis, staging systems, diagnosis, surveillance, and the treatment.
The Effect of Aquatic and Land-Based Training on the Metabolic Cost of Walking and Motor Performance in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Getz Miriam , Hutzler Yeshayahu , Vermeer Adri , Yarom Yoni , Unnithan Viswanath
Published: May 2012

Aim. To evaluate the effects of aquatic (AQ) compared to a land-based (LB) intervention programs on metabolic cost of walking (MCW), gross motor function and locomotor performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods. Eleven children with spastic diplegic CP completed this study, six in the AQ (5.2 ± 1.45 yrs) and five in the LB group (4.1 ± 1.33 yrs). MCW derived from Oxygen uptake (VO2) measured with a Cosmed K4 device and walking speed at steady state. Additional measures included the 10-m test, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and Pediatric Evaluation Developmental Inventory (PEDI). Non-parametric statistics were used to analyze change in each group. Results. The AQ group significantly decreased MCW (Z=−2.2; P<.05) and increased steady state walking speed (Z=−2.2; P<.05). Both groups significantly increased 10-m walking speed (Z=−2.2; P<.03, and Z=−2.02; P<.05, resp.). The LB group exhibited moderate to large effect sizes in 10-m self-selected and fast walking speeds (Cohen's d=1.07 and 0.73, resp.). Conclusion. Our findings suggest that Both AQ and LB programs were effective in improving 10-m speed, while the AQ training also improved the MCW of walking at steady state in children with spastic diplegic CP.
Blood Loss and Massive Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Major Oncological Surgery: What Do We Know?
Authors: Cata Juan P. , Gottumukkala Vijaya
Published: May 2012

Patients with solid malignancies who were not candidates for tumor resections in the past are now presenting for extensive oncological resections. Cancer patients are at risk for thromboembolic complications due to an underlying hypercoagulable state; however, some patients may have an increased risk for bleeding due to the effects of chemotherapy, the administration of anticoagulant drugs, tumor-related fibrinolysis, tumor location, tumor vascularity, and extent of disease. A common potential complication of all complex oncological surgeries is massive intra- and postoperative hemorrhage and the subsequent risk for massive blood transfusion. This can be anticipated or unexpected. Several surgical and anesthesia interventions including preoperative tumor embolization, major vessel occlusion, hemodynamic manipulation, and perioperative antifibrinolytic therapy have been used to prevent or control blood loss with varying success. The exact incidence of massive blood transfusion in oncological surgery is largely unknown and/or underreported. The current literature mostly consists of purely descriptive observational studies. Thus, recommendation regarding specific perioperative intervention cannot be made at this point, and more research is warranted.
Raffination von Pflanzenölen für die Chemie durch Olefinmetathese
Authors: Chikkali Samir , Mecking Stefan
Published: May 2012

Pflanzenöle sind vielversprechende Substrate für die chemische Industrie. Ihr Anwendungsbereich in der Produktion von Chemikalien kann durch moderne katalytische Verfahren erweitert werden. Ein illustratives Beispiel für die allgemeinen Erfordernisse der “Bioraffination” zu Chemikalien ist die Olefinmetathese. Um diese Reaktion in industriellem Maßstab nutzen zu können, werden hoch aktive Katalysatoren benötigt, wodurch die Wahl der Metathesereaktion bestimmt wird. Die Mischung verschiedener Fettsäuren in technischen Pflanzenölen führt zu einer Vielzahl von Produkten. Diese Tatsache hat entscheidenden Einfluss auf das Verfahrensschema und kann zu neuen Chemikalien und Zwischenprodukten führen, die bisher noch nicht genutzt werden.
Vinyl‐addition type norbornene copolymer containing sulfonated biphenyl pendant groups for proton exchange membranes
Authors: Chen Lie , Wang Xiaofeng , He Xiaohui , Liu Shufang , Chen Yiwang , Zhou Weihua
Published: May 2012

The vinyl addition type copolymer poly(butoxymethylene norbornene‐co‐biphenyl oxyhexamethyleneoxymethylene norbornene) (P(BN/BphN)) was synthesized by using bis‐(β‐ketonaphthylimino)nickel(II)/B(C6F5)3catalytic system. P(BN/BphN) was sulfonated to give sulfonated P(BN/BphN) (SP(BN/BphN)) with concentrated sulfuric acid (98%) as sulfonating agent in a component solvent. The ion exchange capacity (IEC), degree of sulfonation (DS), water uptake, and methanol permeability of the SP(BN/BphN)s were increased with the sulfonated time. The methanol permeability of the SP(BN/BphN) membranes was in the range of 1.8 × 10−7to 7.5 × 10−7cm2/s, which were lower than the value 1.3 × 10−6cm2/s of Nafion®115. The proton conductivity of SP(BN/BphN) membranes increased with the increase of IEC values, temperature, and water uptake. Water uptake of the SP(BN/BphN) membranes was lower than that of Nafion® 115 and leads to low proton conduction. Microscopic phase separation occurred in SP(BN/BphN) membrane and domains containing sulfonic acid groups were investigated by SEM and TEM. SP(BN/BphN) membranes had good mechanical properties, high thermal stability, and excellent oxidative stability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Study of the Mechanism of Catalytic Activity of G. Sulfurreducens Biofilm Anodes during Biofilm Growth
Authors: Strycharz‐Glaven Sarah M. , Tender Leonard M.
Published: May 2012

The number of investigations involving bioelectrochemical systems (BES), processes in which microorganisms catalyze electrode reactions, is increasing while their mechanisms remain unresolved. Geobacter sulfurreducens strain DL1 is a model electrode catalyst that forms multimicrobe‐thick biofilms on anodes that catalyze the oxidation of acetate to result in an electric current. Here, we report the characterization by cyclic voltammetry (CV) of DL1 biofilm‐modified anodes (biofilm anodes) performed during biofilm development. This characterization, based on our recently reported model of biofilm anode catalytic activity, indicates the following. 1) As a biofilm grows, catalytic activity scales linearly with the amount of anode‐accessible redox cofactor in the biofilm. This observation is consistent with a catalytic activity that is limited during biofilm growth by electron transport from within cells to the extracellular redox cofactor. 2) Distinct voltammetric features are exhibited that reflect the presence of a redox cofactor expressed by cells that initially colonize an anode that is not involved in catalytic current generation
Dissemination of systematic reviews in a hospital setting: a comparative survey for spreading use of the Cochrane Library
Authors: Weng Yi-Hao , Hsu Chih-Cheng , Shih Ya-Hui , Lo Heng-Lien , Chiu Ya-Wen , Kuo Ken N
Published: May 2012

Introduction

The Cochrane Library is the most important online evidence retrieval database of systematic reviews. Since 2007, the National Health Research Institutes has offered Taiwan's regional hospitals free access to the Cochrane Library. This study investigated how these hospitals disseminate its utilisation.

Methods

The usage rate of Cochrane reviews was measured in the participating hospitals from January 2008 to December 2009. Thereafter, a questionnaire survey was conducted for each regional hospital disseminator at the beginning of 2010 to analyse their methods of disseminating Cochrane reviews.

Results

The hospitals were stratified into three groups according to the relative rate of access: high (n=15), medium (n=16) and low (n=13). In comparison with the low-usage hospitals, the high-usage hospitals tended to assign a disseminator of evidence-based medicine to take charge of the dissemination of Cochrane reviews (p<0.001). In addition, the high-usage hospitals more often used the following six methods: providing relevant information via email (p<0.05), investing in early adopters (p<0.05), using assistance from designated personnel (p<0.05), highlighting the activity of early adopters (p<0.05), conducting workshops (p=0.001), and inviting experts to speak (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between high- and low-usage hospitals in organisational barriers.

Conclusion

This study has identified several helpful strategies used by Taiwan's hospitals to enhance dissemination of the Cochrane Library, including raising of awareness, active delivery of information, mentoring relationships, and educational training. The data suggest that disseminating evidence-based medicine simultaneously is a key element.
Microglia in Alzheimer Brain: A Neuropathological Perspective
Authors: Mrak Robert E.
Published: May 2012

Microglia have long been noted to be present and activated in Alzheimer brain. Demonstrations that these microglia are associated with the specific lesions of Alzheimer disease—Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles—and that these microglia overexpress the potent proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 led to the recognition of a potential pathogenic role for these cells in initiation and progression of disease. Activated, cytokine-overexpressing microglia are near-universal components of Aβ plaques at early (diffuse) and mid (neuritic) stages of progression in Alzheimer brain, and only decline in end-stage, dense core plaques. They correlate with plaque distribution across cerebral cortical cytoarchitectonic layers and across brain regions. They also show close associations with tangle-bearing neurons in Alzheimer brain. Microglial activation is a consistent feature in conditions that confer increased risk for Alzheimer disease or that are associated with accelerated appearance of Alzheimer-type neuropathological changes. These include normal ageing, head injury, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic intractable epilepsy. The neuropathological demonstration of microglial activation in Alzheimer brain and in Alzheimer-related conditions opened the field of basic and applied investigations centered on the idea of a pathogenically important neuroinflammatory process in Alzheimer disease.
Injuries, Sequelae, and Treatment of Lightning-Induced Injuries: 10 Years of Experience at a Swiss Trauma Center
Authors: Pfortmueller Carmen A. , Yikun Yang , Haberkern Monika , Wuest Erwin , Zimmermann Heinz , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K.
Published: May 2012

Principals. Lightning is one of the most powerful and spectacular natural phenomena. Lightning strikes to humans are uncommon but can cause devastating injuries. We analyzed lightning-related admissions to our emergency department from January 2000 to December 2010 to review and highlight the main features of lightning-related injuries.Methods. All data were collected prospectively and entered in the emergency department’ database (Qualicare Switzerland) and retrospectively analyzed.Results. Nine patients with lightning-related injuries presented to our emergency department. Four were female, and five were male. The most common site of injury was the nervous system (6 out of 9 patients) followed by the cardiovascular system (5 out of 9 patients). The third most common injuries occurred to the skin (3 out of 9 patients). Four of the patients had to be hospitalized for further observation.Conclusion. Reports of lightning strikes and related injuries are scarce. The establishment of an international register would therefore benefit the understanding of their injury patterns and facilitate specific treatment.
Immunological and Nonimmunological Effects of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase on Breast Tumor Growth and Spontaneous Metastasis Formation
Authors: Levina Vera , Su Yunyun , Gorelik Elieser
Published: May 2012

The role of the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1), in tumor escape and metastasis formation was analyzed using two pairs ofIdo1+andIdo1−murine breast cancer cell lines.Ido1expression in 4T1 cells was knocked down by shRNA, andIdo1expression in NT-5 cells was upregulated by stable transfection. Growth ofIdo1−tumors and spontaneous metastasis formation were inhibited in immunocompetent mice. A higher level of cytotoxic T lymphocytes was generated by spleen cells from mice bearingIdo1−tumors thanIdo1+tumors. Tumor and metastatic growth was enhanced in immunodeficient mice, confirming an intensified immune response in the absence ofIdo1expression. However,Ido1+tumors grow faster thanIdo1−tumors in immunodeficient SCID/beige mice (lacking T, B, and NK cells) suggesting that someIdo1-controlled nonimmunological mechanisms may be involved in tumor cell growth regulation.In vitroexperiments demonstrated that downregulation ofIdo1in tumor cells was associated with decreased cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and changed expression of cell cycle regulatory genes, whereas upregulation ofIdo1in the cells had the opposite effects. Taken together, our findings indicate thatIdo1expression could exert immunological and nonimmunological effects in murine breast tumor cells.
Homomorphisms of Approximation Spaces
Authors: Wang Zhaohao , Shu Lan , Ding Xiuyong
Published: May 2012

The notion of the homomorphism of approximation spaces is introduced. Some properties
of homomorphism are investigated, and some characterizations of homomorphism are given. Furthermore, the notion of approximation subspace of approximation spaces is introduced. The relations between approximation subspaces and homomorphisms are studied.
An Alternative Regularization Method forEquilibrium Problems and Fixed Point ofNonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Sun Shuo
Published: May 2012

We introduce a new regularization iterative algorithm for equilibrium and fixed point problems of nonexpansive mapping. Then, we prove a strong convergence theorem for nonexpansive mappings to solve a unique solution of the variational inequality and the unique sunny nonexpansive retraction. Our results extend beyond the results of S. Takahashi and W. Takahashi (2007), and many others.
The Role of Preoperative Bilateral Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patient Selection for Partial Breast Irradiation in Ductal CarcinomaIn Situ
Authors: Kowalchik Kristin V. , Vallow Laura A. , McDonough Michelle , Thomas Colleen S. , Heckman Michael G. , Peterson Jennifer L. , Adkisson Cameron D. , Serago Christopher , Buskirk Steven J. , McLaughlin Sarah A.
Published: May 2012

Purpose. Women with ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) are often candidates for breast-conserving therapy, and one option for radiation treatment is partial breast irradiation (PBI). This study evaluates the use of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for PBI selection in DCIS patients.Methods. Between 2002 and 2009, 136 women with newly diagnosed DCIS underwent a preoperative bilateral breast MRI at Mayo Clinic in Florida. One hundred seventeen women were deemed eligible for PBI by the NSABP B-39 (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, Protocol B-39) inclusion criteria using physical examination, mammogram, and/or ultrasound. MRIs were reviewed for their impact on patient eligibility, and findings were pathologically confirmed.Results. Of the 117 patients, 23 (20%) were found ineligible because of pathologically proven MRI findings. MRI detected additional ipsilateral breast cancer in 21 (18%) patients. Of these women, 15 (13%) had more extensive disease than originally noted before MRI, and 6 (5%) had multicentric disease in the ipsilateral breast. In addition, contralateral breast cancer was detected in 4 (4%).Conclusions. Preoperative breast MRI altered the PBI recommendations for 20% of women. Bilateral breast MRI should be an integral part of the preoperative evaluation of all patients with DCIS being considered for PBI.
The Metabolism of Baicalin in Rat and the Biological Activities of the Metabolites
Authors: Wang Yi , Yang Jingyu , Li Xian , Wang Jinhui
Published: May 2012

Baicalin is one of the major bioactive constituents of Scutellariae Radix, but the biotransformation of it is poorly understood. In this paper, the metabolism of baicalin in rat was studied. Nine metabolites including one new compound were isolated and identified structurally. The plausible scheme for the biotransformation pathways of baicalin in the rats was deduced. And the main metabolites were evaluated for their antioxidation and anti-inflammation biological activities for the first time.
Cubic B‐Spline Collocation Method for One‐Dimensional Heat and Advection‐Diffusion Equations
Authors: Goh Joan , Majid Ahmad Abd. , Ismail Ahmad Izani Md.
Published: May 2012

Numerical solutions of one‐dimensional heat and advection‐diffusion equations are obtained by collocation method based on cubic B‐spline. Usual finite difference scheme is used for time and space integrations. Cubic B‐spline is applied as interpolation function. The stability analysis of the scheme is examined by the Von Neumann approach. The efficiency of the method is illustrated by some test problems. The numerical results are found to be in good agreement with the exact solution.
Metabolic Activity Interferometer: A Powerful Tool for Testing Antibiotics
Authors: Machado Rachel R. P. , Soares de Lima Filho Elton , Dutra Rafael C. , Barbosa Raposo Nádia R. , Duarte Rafael S. , Soares Geraldo Luiz G. , Lesche Bernhard , Kaplan Maria Auxiliadora C.
Published: May 2012

It is demonstrated that the efficiency of antibiotics can be tested using an interferometric method. Two antibiotics were used as models to show that an interferometric method to monitor the metabolic activity of slowly growing bacteria can be a safer method to judge antimicrobial properties of substances than conventional methods. The susceptibility ofMycobacterium bovisto hexane extract ofPterodon emarginatusand to the well-known antibiotic rifampicin was tested with the interferometric method and with the conventional microplate method. The microplate method revealed a potential activity of hexane extract againstM. bovis. However, the interferometric method showed that the action of this substance is rather limited. Also in the case of rifampicin, the interferometric method was able to detect resistant bacteria.
Surgical Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects in the Knee: Are We Winning?
Authors: Memon A. R. , Quinlan J. F.
Published: May 2012

Articular cartilage (AC) injury is a common disorder. Numerous techniques have been employed to repair or regenerate the cartilage defects with varying degrees of success. Three commonly performed techniques include bone marrow stimulation, cartilage repair, and cartilage regeneration. This paper focuses on current level of evidence paying particular attention to cartilage regeneration techniques.
Linear Multistep Methods for Impulsive Differential Equations
Authors: Liu X. , Song M. H. , Liu M. Z.
Published: May 2012

This paper deals with the convergence and stability of linear multistep methods for impulsive differential equations. Numerical experiments demonstrate that both the mid‐point rule and two‐step BDF method are of order p = 0 when applied to impulsive differential equations. An improved linear multistep method is proposed. Convergence and stability conditions of the improved methods are given in the paper. Numerical experiments are given in the end to illustrate the conclusion.
Green Synthesis of Robust, Biocompatible Silver Nanoparticles Using Garlic Extract
Authors: Von White Gregory , Kerscher Petra , Brown Ryan M. , Morella Jacob D. , McAllister William , Dean Delphine , Kitchens Christopher L.
Published: May 2012

This paper details a facile approach for the synthesis of stable and monodisperse silver nanoparticles performed at ambient/low temperature, where Allium sativum (garlic) extract functions as the silver salt reducing agent during nanoparticle synthesis as well as the postsynthesis stabilizing ligands. Varying the synthesis conditions provides control of particle size, size‐distribution, and kinetics of particle formation. Infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray chemical analysis, and high‐performance liquid chromatography indicated that allicin and other carbohydrates in the garlic extract are the primary nanoparticle stabilizing moieties. The synthesized silver nanoparticles also demonstrate potential for biomedical applications, owing to (1) enhanced stability in biological media, (2) resistance to oxidation by the addition of H2O2, (3) ease and scalability of synthesis, and (4) lack of harsh chemicals required for synthesis. Cytotoxicity assays indicated no decrease in cellular proliferation for vascular smooth muscle cells and 3T3 fibroblasts at a concentration of 25 μg/mL, confirming that silver nanoparticles synthesized with garlic extract are potential candidates for future experimentation and implementation in the biomedical field.
Isolation Improvement Technique for Two Closely Spaced Loop Antennas Using MTM Absorber Cells
Authors: Lee Hongmin , Lee Hyungsup
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a new method to improve isolation between two loop antennas with absorber cells exhibiting negative permittivity and permeability at the aimed frequency of 2.54 GHz. The metamaterial (MTM) unit cell was constructed by two open complementary split ring resonator (OCSRR) and a split ring resonator (SRR) arrangement. The proposed antenna structure consists of two loop antennas occupying a space with the dimensions of51 mm×24 mm×2 mmand three absorber cells. The size of each absorber unit cell is7.4 mm×7 mm×2 mm. The isolation of more than 20 dB was achieved with three absorber cells loaded between two loop antennas; interantenna spacing (center to center) is 0.23λ0at 2.54 GHz. The results show that port-to-port isolation between two antennas can be improved with absorber.
A Family of Lifetime Distributions
Authors: Pappas Vasileios , Adamidis Konstantinos , Loukas Sotirios
Published: May 2012

A four-parameter family of Weibull distributions is introduced, as an example of a more general class created along the lines of Marshall and Olkin, 1997. Various properties of the distribution are explored and its usefulness in modelling real data is demonstrated using maximum likelihood estimates.
The Prevalence of Fatigue Following Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery in Parkinson's Disease and Association with Quality of Life
Authors: Kluger Benzi M. , Parra Veronica , Jacobson Charles , Garvan Cynthia W. , Rodriguez Ramon L. , Fernandez Hubert H. , Fogel Amanda , Skoblar Barry M. , Bowers Dawn , Okun Michael S.
Published: May 2012

Fatigue is a common and disabling nonmotor symptom seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD). While deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) improves motor symptoms, it has also been associated with non-motor side effects. To date no study has utilized standardized instruments to evaluate fatigue following DBS surgery. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of fatigue following DBS surgery in PD its impact on quality of life and explore predictive factors. We recruited 44 PD subjects. At least one year following DBS placement, we administered the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the UPDRS, and a neuropsychological battery. Fifty-eight percent of subjects had moderate to severe fatigue. Fatigue was significantly associated with quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Depression preoperatively was the only predictive factor of fatigue. Fatigue is common following DBS surgery and significantly impacts quality of life.
Accumulation of Exogenous Amyloid-BetaPeptide in Hippocampal Mitochondria Causes Their Dysfunction: A Protective Role for Melatonin
Authors: Rosales-Corral Sergio , Acuna-Castroviejo Dario , Tan Dun Xian , López-Armas Gabriela , Cruz-Ramos José , Munoz Rubén , Melnikov Valery G. , Manchester Lucien C. , Reiter Russel J.
Published: May 2012

Amyloid-beta(Aβ) pathology is related to mitochondrial dysfunction accompanied by energy reduction and an elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Monomers and oligomers of Aβ have been found inside mitochondria where they accumulate in a time-dependent manner as demonstrated in transgenic mice and in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. We hypothesize that the internalization of extracellular Aβ aggregates is the major cause of mitochondrial damage and here we report that following the injection of fibrillar Aβ into the hippocampus, there is severe axonal damage which is accompanied by the entrance of Aβ into the cell. Thereafter, Aβ appears in mitochondria where it is linked to alterations in the ionic gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This effect is accompanied by disruption of subcellular structure, oxidative stress, and a significant reduction in both the respiratory control ratio and in the hydrolytic activity of ATPase. Orally administrated melatonin reduced oxidative stress, improved the mitochondrial respiratory control ratio, and ameliorated the energy imbalance.
Gestational Diabetes and Thyroid Autoimmunity
Authors: Vitacolonna Ester , Lapolla Annunziata , Di Nenno Barbara , Passante Annalisa , Bucci Ines , Giuliani Cesidio , Cerrone Dominique , Capani Fabio , Monaco Fabrizio , Napolitano Giorgio
Published: May 2012

Background. About 10% of pregnancies are complicated by previously unknown impairment of glucose metabolism, which is defined as gestational diabetes. There are little data available on prevalence of thyroid disorders in patients affected by gestational diabetes, and about their postgestational thyroid function and autoimmunity. We therefore investigated pancreatic and thyroid autoimmunity in gestational diabetic patients and in women who had had a previous gestational diabetic pregnancy.Methods. We investigated 126 pregnant women at the time of a 100-g oral glucose tolerance test: 91 were classified as gestational diabetics, and 35 were negative (controls). We also studied 69 women who had delivered a baby 18–120 months prior to this investigation and who were classified at that time gestational diabetics (38 women) or normally pregnant (31 women; controls).Results. Our data show no differences for both thyroid function and prevalence of autoimmune disorders during pregnancy; however, a significant increase in thyroid autoimmunity was seen in women previously affected by gestational diabetes. This increased prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity was not associated with the development of impaired glucose metabolism after pregnancy.Conclusions. Our data suggest that maternal hyperglycemia is a risk factor for the development of thyroid autoimmunity, a conclusion that should now be confirmed in a larger cohort of patients.
Fractional Calculus of Variations in Terms of a Generalized Fractional Integral with Applications to Physics
Authors: Odzijewicz Tatiana , Malinowska Agnieszka B. , Torres Delfim F. M.
Published: May 2012

We study fractional variational problems in terms of a generalized fractional integral with
Lagrangians depending on classical derivatives, generalized fractional integrals and derivatives. We obtain necessary optimality conditions for the basic and isoperimetric problems, as
well as natural boundary conditions for free‐boundary value problems. The fractional action‐like variational approach (FALVA) is extended and some applications to physics discussed.
Study of an ADS Loaded with Thorium and Reprocessed Fuel
Authors: Barros Graiciany de Paula , Pereira Claubia , Veloso Maria A. F. , Costa Antonella L.
Published: May 2012

Accelerator-driven systems (ADSs) are investigated for long-lived fission product transmutation and fuel regeneration. The aim of this paper is to investigate the nuclear fuel evolution and the neutronic parameters of a lead-cooled accelerator-driven system used for fuel breeding. The fuel used in some fuel rods wasT232hO2forU233production. In the other fuel rods was used a mixture based upon Pu-MA, removed from PWR-spent fuel, reprocessed by GANEX, and finally spiked with thorium or depleted uranium. The use of reprocessed fuel ensured the use ofT232hO2without the initial requirement ofU233enrichment. In this paper was used the Monte Carlo code MCNPX 2.6.0 that presents the depletion/burnup capability, combining an ADS source and kcode-mode (for criticality calculations). The multiplication factor (keff) evolution, the neutron energy spectra in the core at BOL, and the nuclear fuel evolution during the burnup were evaluated. The results indicated that the combined use ofT232hO2and reprocessed fuel allowedU233production without the initial requirement ofU233enrichment.
Odyssey 20.356-57 and the Eclipse of 1178 b.c.e .: A Response to Baikouzis and Magnasco
Authors: Gainsford Peter
Published: May 2012

The recent argument of Constantino Baikouzis and Marcelo Magnasco that Odyssey 20.356–57 preserves a reference to the solar eclipse of 26 April 1178 b.c.e . has received widespread attention in generalist publications. Unlike Carl Schoch’s 1926 argument, which came to the same conclusion,the new argument cannot be dismissed on the basis of the passage’s context. Baikouzis and Magnasco require several other tacit assumptions, however, and many of these may be rejected with great confidence.
Conquistadores, Mercenaries, and Missionaries: The Failed Portuguese Dominion of the Red Sea
Authors: d’Alòs-Moner Andreu Martínez
Published: May 2012

The conquests of Afonso de Albuquerque from 1507 to 1513 were the starting point of a century-long period of theoretical hegemony of the Portuguese monarchy on the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The Red Sea, however, remained a failed conquest of the Lusitanians. Neither the construction of a fort on Socotra island in 1507 nor the regular patrolling of the strait of Bab-el-Mandeb up to about 1550 could grant them sound control of the area. This paper will survey the main stages of Portuguese involvement in the Red Sea. Drawing on secondary literature and on original, mostly Portuguese, sources, it will propose a periodization of the geopolitical history of these contested waters in the early stage of the European expansion. Besides military leaders, mercenaries, and spies that served Portuguese interests, the involvement of religious agents, mostly Jesuit missionaries, will also be taken into consideration. The paper will also assess the impact of the Portuguese involvement in the area.
Reflections on the Red Sea Style: Beyond the Surface of Coastal Architecture
Authors: Um Nancy
Published: May 2012

In 1953, a British architect named Derek H. Matthews introduced the idea of “The Red Sea Style” in print, in a modest article with that title. Although brief and focused on a single site, this article proposed that the architecture around the rim of the Red Sea could be conceived of as a coherent and unified building category. Since then, those who have written about Red Sea port cities have generally accepted Matthews’s suggestion of a shared architectural culture. Indeed, the houses of the region’s major ports, such as Suakin in modern-day Sudan, Massawa in Eritrea, Jidda and Yanbuᶜ al-Baḥr in Saudi Arabia, and Mocha, al-Ḥudayda, and al-Luḥayya in Yemen, share a number of visual similarities that support this cross-regional designation. Although many are in ruins, these coastal buildings appear to have more in common with each other than with their inland counterparts in their locality. The present article delves into the perceived coherence of Red Sea architecture, but it moves beyond the obvious common dimensions of material and decoration to turn attention to the transhistorical aspects of these port cities, along with their specificities and implicit differences. As a nonmonumental building tradition that emerged at the southern edge of the Ottoman world in the sixteenth century and continued into the twentieth, the Red Sea style represents a tangible case of sustained cross-cultural contact across a linked maritime region and thus moves beyond the conventional modern limits of continent and nation.
Red Sea Translocals: Hadrami Migration, Entrepreneurship, and Strategies of Integration in Eritrea, 1840s–1970s
Authors: Miran Jonathan
Published: May 2012

This study examines the ways by which Hadramis played pivotal roles in the economic, political, religious, urban and intellectual history of Eritrea in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Hadrami commercial entrepreneurs and laborers moved and settled in Eritrea and prospered under Egyptian (1865–1885) and Italian rule (1885–1941) in import-export, wholesale, retail, urban construction, real-estate, transportation, light-industrial and agricultural enterprises and businesses. They also played central roles as leaders in municipal and commercial institutions, and generously supported the establishment and running of mosques and Islamic educational institutions. Hadramis also contributed to shape the Eritrean political sphere, where as some of the foremost leaders of the Muslim League, activists of Hadrami origins articulated political discourses that were influenced by Islamic modernist thought, global nationalist trends as well as ideologies concerned with social reform, education and ‘progress’. Yet by the middle of the twentieth century sectarian nationalist politics, the stricter control of international currency flows, and the curbing of movement across new national borders heavily affected Hadramis and their networks throughout the Indian Ocean. In Eritrea, growing anti-Arab campaigns between the 1940s and 1960s and the nationalization and confiscation of their properties in the 1970s led many Hadramis to leave the country and seek their fortunes elsewhere.
Propositions sur la théorie de la police
Authors: Jobard Fabien
Published: May 2012

Cet article revient sur les débats que Jean-Paul Brodeur avait développés durant au moins deux décennies autour de la place de la force dans la définition et la théorie de la police. L’auteur expose d’abord le projet théorique de The Policing Web, son dernier ouvrage, et la place qu’occupe dans celui-ci « l’illégalisme policier », qui constitue la pierre fondatrice de la théorie de la police avancée par Jean-Paul Brodeur. Il esquisse ensuite une approche sociologique de cet illégalisme policier, en montrant pour quelles raisons la méthode retenue par Jean-Paul Brodeur ne pouvait être qualifiée de sociologique, avant de formuler une « théorie sociologique de la police », fondée sur la notion de souveraineté. L’emploi de cette notion le conduit à préciser son acception, avant de formuler une proposition de « théorie politique de la police ».
The Use of a Scoring Rubric in an Online Research Methodology Course
Authors: Bartlett Kayla , Floyd Jacqui , Davis Shanda , Haas Greg , Cox Kathy , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J. , Frels Rebecca K.
Published: May 2012

Research methodology courses can be the most difficult courses in master’s-level programs representing the social, behavioral, and health sciences because, in these courses, students typically are expected to learn to think critically and contextually about social and/or academic problems in addition to learning new terminology and methodological concepts not previously part of each specific discipline. Further, the challenges of online learning might increase due to the nature of research methodology courses and the new concepts taught. Thus, as students and instructors of an online research methodology course, we describe the use of a scoring rubric as a performance assessment and provide our student research proposal project as an exemplar of effectively developing research knowledge, skills, and dispositions for use in future online learning of research methodologies.
Malocclusion Pattern (Angle's) in Mauritian Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Durgesh B. H. , Prakash Prashanth , Ramakrishnaiah Ravikumar , Subashchandra Phulari Basavaraj , Al Kheraif Abdul Aziz A.
Published: May 2012

The aim of the study was to assess the pattern of malocclusion in different ethnic group of Mauritian population visiting the Orthodontic Department at Mauras College of Dentistry and Hospital, Republic of Mauritius. The study population comprised of 624 patients who visited the orthodontic department during 2010. The clinical examination was conducted by a well-calibrated orthodontist. The data were recorded in the case sheets and was analyzed for presence of angles class I, class II, and class III malocclusion in both male and female patients of Asian, African, Caucasian, and Chinese ethnicity aged 5–55 years. Malocclusion was found to be high in females compared to males. 414 patients (150 male + 264 female) presented with class I, 182 patients (52 male + 130 female) presented with class II, and 28 patients (12 male + 16 female) presented with class III. Asian ethnic group were more affected and patient seeking orthodontic treatment was high in 11–15 years age group.
Study on thermal degradation and flame retardant property of halogen‐free polypropylene composites using XPS and cone calorimeter
Authors: Tsai Kuang‐Chung , Kuan Chen‐Feng , Chen Chia‐Hsun , Kuan Hsu‐Chiang , Hsu Shu‐Wei , Lee Fang‐Mei , Chiang Chin‐Lung
Published: May 2012

In this study, the kind of halogen‐free flame‐retardant containing phosphorus and nitrogen was blended with polypropylene (PP) by hot melt to improve the flame‐retardant property of the composites. The cone calorimeter was used to investigate flame‐retardant property of the composites. The formation mechanism of the char obtained from the combustion under air atmosphere at 700° was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results demonstrated that the PP composite containing nitrogen and phosphorus showed good flame retardancy from cone calorimeter. According to XPS results, it had been found that the intumescent char produces phosphorus and polyphosphorus acid during drastic decomposition, which act as dehydration agents to drive the formation of the heat‐resistant carbonaceous char by carbonization. There are also some glass materials, such as P2O5 compound, which can benefit the flame retardance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Melt processing and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol and polyhydroxyalkanoate multilayer films
Authors: Thellen Christopher , Cheney Sarah , Ratto Jo Ann
Published: May 2012

Multilayer films for food packaging applications composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) as the core layer and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) as the outer skin layers were produced by the co‐extrusion process. Rheological properties of PVOH and PHA were performed and analyzed before co‐extruding into a cast film. Analysis of the rheological data indicated the processing temperatures and grades of the PVOH and PHA polymers that would produce similar viscosity and melt flow properties. To improve adhesion of the layers, PHA was grafted with maleic anhydride using a dicumyl peroxide initiator to provide a tie layer material, which improved the peel strength of the PHA and PVOH layers by over 2×. Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) testing showed that the multilayer sample provided an OTR of 27 cc/m2‐day at 0% relative humidity (RH) and rates of 41 and 52 cc/m2‐day at relative humidity values of 60% and 90% RH, respectively. This indicates significant barrier performance enhancement over monolayer PVOH that provided an OTR of 60 cc/m2‐day at 0% RH and 999 cc/m2‐day at 60% RH. Biodegradation testing of the films in the marine environment showed that both the unmodified and maleated PHA polymers displayed high levels of mineralization, whereas the PVOH material did not. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Elongational rheology of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] binary blends and poly(lactic acid)/poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate]/clay ternary nanocomposites
Authors: Eslami Hassan , Kamal Musa R.
Published: May 2012

A series of blends based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] (PBSA) as well as their nanocomposites with nanoclay (PLA/PBSA/Clay ternary nanocomposites) were prepared using the twin‐screw extruder. The blends were prepared for PBSA contents ranging from 25 to 75 wt % and their corresponding nanocomposites were prepared at a single‐clay concentration. The morphology and structure of the blends and the nanocomposites were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Rheological properties (dynamic oscillatory shear measurements and elongational viscosities) of the blends, nanocomposites, and pure components were studied in detail. The strain hardening intensity of different blends and nanocomposites was compared with the behavior of the pure components. Strong strain hardening behavior was observed for blends composed of 50 wt % and higher PBSA content. However, the effect of PBSA content on the elongational viscosity was less pronounced in PLA/PBSA/Clay ternary nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013