bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prisons in Eastern Europe: Some Reflections on Prison Reform in Romania
Authors: KING ROY D.
Published: January 2009

Abstract:This paper explores some of the similarities and differences between the prison systems of eastern Europe since the collapse of the former Soviet Union, and then considers in more detail the process of prison reform in Romania. Two projects carried out under the auspices of the Netherlands Helsinki Committee and Penal Reform International working in cooperation with the Romanian Penitentiary Administration, are considered: a training seminar for prison governors and the planning of the regime for the new penitentiary in Bucharest.
Diversion of Neighbourhood Disputes to Community Mediation
Authors: MACKAY ROBERT E. , MOODY SUSAN R.
Published: January 2009

Abstract: This article reports some findings from a wider study of decision making about neighbourhood disputes by criminal justice personnel and considers the potential for the diversion to community mediation of such cases (Mackay and Moody 1994). The study was carried out in one Scottish city for the Scottish Office. We focus on that part of the study which analyses prosecutors' approaches to neighbourhood disputes and their views about diversion. We describe how prosecutors currently make decisions about neighbourhood disputes, their perceptions of these cases and their assessment of alternative ways in which such cases might be managed by the criminal justice system.
Drug Control in Prisons
Authors: SEDDON TOBY
Published: January 2009

Abstract: This article examines the UK government's recent prison drug control strategy. The focus is on the control aspects of the proposals, for example, tightening security and the introduction of mandatory urine testing. A national telephone survey of prison Heads of Custody reveals broad support for the strategy but indicates that there are certain tensions and conflicts within it. These tensions are likely to make implementation problematic and limit its effectiveness. It is argued that, given the complexity of the prison system, a drug strategy needs to be firmly embedded within overall prison and penal strategies.
Do You Get What You Pay for? Assessing the Use of Prison from an Economic Perspective
Authors: MARSH KEVIN , FOX CHRIS , HEDDERMAN CAROL
Published: January 2009

Abstract: This article assesses the relative economic costs and benefits of alternative sentences. A conceptual economic model is developed in which the benefits are the rehabilitation, incapacitation, deterrence and retribution effects of prison. A review of the literature was undertaken to identify economic studies that measure these effects. The evidence available tends to focus on costs and the rehabilitation and incapacitation effects. The evidence on the deterrence effect takes two forms – theoretical models and empirical analysis. Little economic evidence on the retribution effect of prison was identified. In conclusion, whatever the other reasons put forward for or against the use of prison, it is reasonable to conclude that using it for anyone but those convicted of serious offences is a waste of public resources.
A cluster randomized controlled trial of child‐focused psychiatric consultation and a school systems‐focused intervention to reduce aggression
Authors: Fonagy Peter , Twemlow Stuart W. , Vernberg Eric M. , Nelson Jennifer Mize , Dill Edward J. , Little Todd D. , Sargent John A.
Published: January 2009

Background:  While school‐based anti‐bullying programs are widely used, there have been few controlled trials of effectiveness. This study compared the effect of manualized School Psychiatric Consultation (SPC), CAPSLE (a systems and mentalization focused whole school intervention), and treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) in reducing aggression and victimization among elementary school children.

Method:  Participants were 1,345 third to fifth graders in nine elementary schools in a medium‐sized Midwestern city who took part in a cluster‐level randomized controlled trial with stratified restricted allocation, to assess efficacy after two years of active intervention and effectiveness after one year of minimal input maintenance intervention. Outcome measures included peer and self‐reports of bullying, bystanding, and mentalizing behavior and classroom behavioral observations of disruptive and off‐task behavior.

Results:  CAPSLE moderated the developmental trend of increasing peer‐reported victimization (p < .01), aggression (p < .05), self‐reported aggression (p < .05) and aggressive bystanding (p < .05), compared to TAU schools. CAPSLE also moderated a decline in empathy and an increase in the percent of children victimized compared to SPC (p < .01) and TAU conditions (p < .01). Results for self‐reported victimization, helpful bystanding, and beliefs in the legitimacy of aggression did not suggest significantly different changes among the study conditions over time. CAPSLE produced a significant decrease in off‐task (p < .001) and disruptive classroom behaviors (p < .01), while behavioral change was not observed in SPC and TAU schools. Superiority with respect to TAU for victimization (p < .05), aggression (p < .01), and helpful (p < .05) and aggressive bystanding (p < .01) were maintained in the follow‐up year.

Conclusions:  A teacher‐implemented school‐wide intervention that does not focus on disturbed children substantially reduced aggression and improved classroom behavior.
Psychophysiological outcomes of health qigong for chronic conditions: A systematic review
Authors: Ng Bobby H.P. , Tsang Hector W.H.
Published: January 2009

We aimed to unravel the clinical benefits and the plausible underlying psychophysiological mechanism based on available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta‐analysis of 26 RCTs shortlisted from electronic databases from 1997 to 2006 shows that qigong had some effects on increasing the numbers of white blood cells and lymphocytes, stroke volume, peak early transmitral filling velocity, peak late transmitral filling velocity, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume, and, conversely, lowering of total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and depressive mood scores. Explanatory pathways may pertain to stress reduction via nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Limitations on methodology are discussed and directions for further studies are suggested. Because of its safety, minimal cost, and clinical benefit, health qigong can be advocated as an adjunctive exercise therapy for older people with chronic conditions.
Improving the performance of physiologic hot flash measures with support vector machines
Authors: Thurston Rebecca C. , Matthews Karen A. , Hernandez Javier , De La Torre Fernando
Published: January 2009

Hot flashes are experienced by over 70% of menopausal women. Criteria to classify hot flashes from physiologic signals show variable performance. The primary aim was to compare conventional criteria to Support Vector Machines (SVMs), an advanced machine learning method, to classify hot flashes from sternal skin conductance. Thirty women with ≥4 hot flashes/day underwent laboratory hot flash testing with skin conductance measurement. Hot flashes were quantified with conventional (≥2 μmho, 30 s) and SVM methods. Conventional methods had poor sensitivity (sensitivity=0.41, specificity=1, positive predictive value (PPV)=0.94, negative predictive value (NPV)=0.85) in classifying hot flashes, with poorest performance among women with high body mass index or anxiety. SVM models showed improved performance (sensitivity=0.89, specificity=0.96, PPV=0.85, NPV=0.96). SVM may improve the performance of skin conductance measures of hot flashes.
Phenotypic and genetic correlations between evoked EEG/ERP measures during the response anticipation period of a delayed response task
Authors: Smit Dirk J. A. , Posthuma Danielle , Boomsma Dorret I. , De Geus Eco J. C.
Published: January 2009

We investigated the relationship between three electrophysiological indices of response anticipation in a spatial delayed response task with a low and high memory load manipulation: a slow cortical potential (SCP), theta desynchronization, and upper alpha synchronization. Individual differences in these three measures were examined in 531 adult twins and siblings. Heritability of the SCP at occipital‐parietal leads varied from 30% to 43%. Heritability of upper alpha synchronization (35% to 65%) and theta desynchronization (31% to 50%) was significant at all leads. Theta desynchronization and upper alpha synchronization were significantly correlated (r∼43%), but SCP was not correlated with either. The effect of working memory load on all three measures was not heritable. Response anticipation reliably evokes an SCP, upper alpha synchronization and theta desynchronization, but variation in these measures reflects different (genetic) sources.
Tracking the voluntary control of auditory spatial attention with event‐related brain potentials
Authors: Störmer Viola S. , Green Jessica J. , McDonald John J.
Published: January 2009

A lateralized event‐related potential (ERP) component elicited by attention‐directing cues (ADAN) has been linked to frontal‐lobe control but is often absent when spatial attention is deployed in the auditory modality. Here, we tested the hypothesis that ERP activity associated with frontal‐lobe control of auditory spatial attention is distributed bilaterally by comparing ERPs elicited by attention‐directing cues and neutral cues in a unimodal auditory task. This revealed an initial ERP positivity over the anterior scalp and a later ERP negativity over the parietal scalp. Distributed source analysis indicated that the anterior positivity was generated primarily in bilateral prefrontal cortices, whereas the more posterior negativity was generated in parietal and temporal cortices. The anterior ERP positivity likely reflects frontal‐lobe attentional control, whereas the subsequent ERP negativity likely reflects anticipatory biasing of activity in auditory cortex.
Prolonged platelet activation in individuals with elevated blood pressure in response to a moderate exercise challenge
Authors: Hong Suzi , Adler Karen A. , Von Känel Roland , Nordberg Judy , Ziegler Michael G. , Mills Paul J.
Published: January 2009

We examined the magnitude of 20‐min moderate exercise‐induced platelet activation in 50 volunteers with normal (n=31) or elevated blood pressure (EBP; n=19). Blood was drawn before, immediately after, and 25 min after exercise. Antibody‐staining for platelet activation markers, P‐selectin, and fibrinogen receptors was done with and without adenosine diphosphate (ADP) stimulation in whole blood for flow cytometric analyses. Exercise led to increases in percent aggregated platelets and percent platelets expressing P‐selectin or PAC‐1 binding (ps≤.001). This increase in percent platelets expressing P‐selectin continued even after a 25‐min rest only in the EBP group (p≤.01) accompanied by an increase in percent of aggregated platelets (p≤.05). Although ADP stimulation led to increased platelet activation at rest, it was attenuated following exercise, even among EBP individuals. A moderate exercise challenge induced prolonged platelet activation in individuals with EBP but attenuation in activation to further stimulation by an agonist. Findings suggest that a recovery period after physical stress appears critical in individuals with high BP regarding platelet activation and aggregation, which can lead to an acute coronary syndrome in vulnerable individuals.
An auditory oddball (P300) spelling system for brain‐computer interfaces
Authors: Furdea A. , Halder S. , Krusienski D.J. , Bross D. , Nijboer F. , Birbaumer N. , Kübler A.
Published: January 2009

This study was designed to develop and test an auditory event‐related potential (ERP) based spelling system for a brain‐computer interface (BCI) and to compare user's performance between the auditory and visual modality. The spelling system, where letters in a matrix were coded with acoustically presented numbers, was tested on a group of healthy volunteers. The results were compared with a visual spelling system. Nine of the 13 participants presented with the auditory ERP spelling system scored above a predefined criterion level control for communication. Compared to the visual spelling system, users' performance was lower and the peak latencies of the auditorily evoked ERPs were delayed. It was concluded that auditorily evoked ERPs from the majority of the users could be reliably classified. High accuracies were achieved in these users, rendering item selection with a BCI based on auditory stimulation feasible for communication.
Susceptibility weighted imaging in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Saini Jitender , Kesavadas Chandrasekhran , Thomas Bejoy , Kapilamoorthy Tirur Raman , Gupta Arun Kumar , Radhakrishnan Ashalatha , Radhakrishnan Kurupath
Published: January 2009

Aim:  Dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol can diagnose epileptogenic abnormalities in patients with intractable epilepsy. However, it is not sufficiently sensitive to detect small calcified lesions that may result from infections, tumors, or vascular malformations. This study aims to study the impact of the addition of T2*gradient echo/susceptibility weighted imaging (T2*GRE/SWI) sequence to a dedicated MRI protocol.

Method:  One hundred thirty‐seven patients with intractable epilepsy underwent MRI using conventional epilepsy protocol with addition of T2*GRE/SWI sequence. Comparison of the images with and without these sequences was done for detection of calcified abnormalities/vascular abnormalities. In patients with calcified lesions, MRI findings were correlated either with histopathology or computerized tomography (CT) to confirm the presence of calcification.

Results:  In 16 patients the sequence gave additional information compared to conventional imaging protocol. The sequence helped in better characterization of lesions in all patients. In three patients it helped in detecting the lesion and in another three it appeared useful as it best characterized the lesions. Additional lesions were detected in two patients with old calcified granulomas. Important additional information was supplied in four patients, whereas in the remaining patients lesion conspicuity was increased.

Conclusion:  T2*GRE/SWI sequence should form part of routine epilepsy protocol as it increases sensitivity by detecting occult calcified lesions or vascular malformations that may be responsible for the patient’s seizures. This is especially important in patients from developing countries who have post‐infective calcified lesions responsible for seizures and who undergo only MRI as the imaging modality for intractable seizures.
Startle epilepsy associated with gait‐induced seizures: Pathomechanism analysis using EEG, MEG, and PET studies
Authors: Saeki Keisuke , Saito Yoshiaki , Sugai Kenji , Nakagawa Eiji , Komaki Hirofumi , Sakuma Hiroshi , Sasaki Masayuki , Kaneko Yuu
Published: January 2009

We describe herein a girl who has had startle‐induced seizures since she was 3 years old. These seizures were refractory to antiepileptic medications and worsened when the patient was 9 years old, following termination of phenytoin administration because of adverse effects. During this period she could walk only a few steps with support, and sudden drop attacks inevitably occurred. Interictal electroencephalography (EEG) revealed abundant spike–wave activity at the centroparietal midline areas, and ictal EEG of poststartle and gait‐induced seizures revealed initial voltage attenuation followed by recruitment of vertex activity, which preceded a tonic or myoclonic–atonic phase. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results were unremarkable, but magnetoencephalography (MEG) and positron emission tomography (PET) suggested the presence of an extensive epileptogenic zone in the bilateral pericentral gyri, and the bilateral paracentral and left precuneus lobules, including the primary motor, supplementary motor, and supplementary sensory areas. The pathophysiologic significance of these structures is discussed.
Hippocampal zinc infusion delays the development of afterdischarges and seizures in a kindling model of epilepsy
Authors: Elsas Siegward‐M. , Hazany Saman , Gregory William L. , Mody Istvan
Published: January 2009

Purpose:  Zinc occurs in high concentration in synaptic vesicles of glutamatergic terminals including hippocampal mossy fibers. This vesicular zinc can be synaptically released during neuronal activity, including seizures. Zinc inhibits certain subtypes of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors. By blocking NMDA excitation or GABA inhibition, an excess of zinc may alter the excitability of hippocampal circuits, which contribute to the development of seizures.

Methods:  Twenty‐one adult Wistar rats were implanted under anesthesia with Alzet pumps releasing vehicle, 10 μm ZnCl2 or 1,000 μm ZnCl2, at a rate of 0.25 μl/h continuously into the hippocampal hilus for 4 weeks. Kindling was performed by daily awake commissural stimulation at 60 Hz and afterdischarges were recorded from a dentate gyrus electrode. Development of behavioral Racine seizure stages was recorded by a blinded investigator.

Results:  The development of behavioral Racine seizure stages was delayed only in rats infused with 1,000 μm ZnCl2 (p < 0.02). With completion of kindling at stimulation number 20, all groups had reached the same maximum level of behavioral seizures. The expected increased progression of afterdischarge duration was inhibited by both 10 μm ZnCl2 and 1,000 μm ZnCl2 infusion compared to control animals (p < 0.01). At stimulation number 18, all groups had reached the same maximum duration of afterdischarges.

Discussion:  We conclude that excess infused zinc delayed the development of behavioral seizures in a kindling model of epilepsy. These data support the hypothesis that zinc synaptically released during seizures may alter hippocampal excitability similar to zinc infused in our experiment.
New onset seizures in HIV—Seizure semiology, CD4 counts, and viral loads
Authors: Modi Mala , Mochan Andre , Modi Girish
Published: January 2009

Thirty‐seven HIV‐positive patients with new‐onset seizures (NOS) were prospectively identified during a 1‐year study period. The patients were categorized according to the different mechanisms causing NOS in HIV, namely focal brain lesion (FBL) in 21 patients (57%), meningitis in 6 patients (16%), metabolic derangement (no patient), and no identified cause (NIC) other than HIV itself (10 patients, 27%). Seizure semiology, CD4 counts, and blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) viral loads were studied to identify any special characteristics of the different categories. With respect to seizure semiology, all NIC patients had generalized seizures. Two‐thirds of the meningitis patients had generalized seizures with one‐third having focal seizures. Half of the patients with FBL had generalized seizures and one‐third had focal seizures. Status epilepticus was strongly associated with FBL. No significant difference could be detected between the subgroups with respect to CD4 counts and serum and CSF viral loads. The median CD4 count in all patients was 108 cells/ml, indicating advanced immunosuppression. In the FBL group this was 104 cells/ml. In the meningitis group the median CD4 count was 298 cells/ml, and in the NIC group this was 213 cells/ml. Similarly, no differences were noted in the NOS categories with respect to serum and CSF viral loads. Seizures in HIV are a nonspecific manifestation of the seizure mechanism.
Dose‐dependent memory effects and cerebral volume changes after in utero exposure to valproate in the rat
Authors: Frisch Christian , Hüsch Kerstin , Angenstein Frank , Kudin Alexei , Kunz Wolfram , Elger Christian E. , Helmstaedter Christoph
Published: January 2009

Purpose: Recent clinical studies raised concern of a cognitive teratogenicity of the major antiepileptic drug valproate. To investigate possible cerebral correlates, we established a forced self‐application schedule by diluting valproate in the drinking water of pregnant Wistar rats.

Methods: After application of medium (MD) and high doses (HDs) with mean daily intakes of about 470 and 720 mg/kg during the entire pregnancy, we analyzed effects on offspring performance in a series of behavioral paradigms as well as brain volumetric changes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: While high dosages with peak serum concentrations slightly above 100 μg/ml induced early decrements in general activity and deficits in learning and memory, medium dosages led to improved watermaze performance in 30‐day‐old rats. MRI analyses indicated increased hippocampal volumes in the MD condition, whereas in the HD condition significantly decreased cortical and brainstem volumes were registered. Cortical volume reduction was correlated with spatial acuity in the watermaze.

Conclusions: The results indicate that effects of valproate in utero on offspring cognitive capabilities might depend on total drug load differentially affecting cerebral development during adolescence in the rat.
Comparison of the discriminative ability of the generic and condition‐specific forms of the Child‐OIDP index: a study on children with different types of normative dental treatment needs
Authors: Bernabé Eduardo , Krisdapong Sudaduang , Sheiham Aubrey , Tsakos Georgios
Published: January 2009

Abstract – Objective: To compare the discriminative ability of the Generic and Condition‐Specific forms of the Child‐OIDP index on groups defined by their normative treatment need for dental caries, periodontal disease, malocclusion and traumatic dental injuries.

Methods: All 1034 11–12‐year‐old children were included from all the primary schools in a municipal area of Suphanburi Province, Thailand. Children were interviewed about sociodental impacts on quality of life in the past 3 months using the Child‐OIDP index, and then clinically examined to assess their normative treatment need for dental caries, periodontal disease, malocclusion and traumatic dental injuries. Discriminative ability of the Generic and the Condition‐Specific Child‐OIDP (CS‐Child‐OIDP) was assessed through differences in overall scores and prevalences of oral impacts between groups, as well as through their respective effect sizes and adjusted Odds Ratios (ORs).

Results: Differences in overall scores and prevalences of oral impacts between groups with and without each of the four types of normative dental treatment needs, their corresponding effect sizes and adjusted ORs, were always significant for CS‐Child‐OIDP. However, when the Generic Child‐OIDP was used to discriminate between groups, the respective figures were significant only for groups with and without normative treatment need for dental caries.

Conclusions: CS‐Child‐OIDP was better able to discriminate between groups with and without each of the four types of normative dental treatment need. The better performance of CS‐Child‐OIDP compared with the generic Child‐OIDP was independent of the indicator used to assess discriminative ability (i.e. differences between groups, effect sizes or adjusted ORs).
Purpura fulminans secondary to respiratory infection
Authors: Jakob Antje , Alexandrakis Elias , Rompel Rainer
Published: January 2009

Purpura fulminans features the sudden onset of large rapidly‐spreading areas of hemorrhagic skin necrosis. This is followed by a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy with consecutive consumption of anticoagulant factors. Patients with severe disease in whom therapy is delayed often develop shock with a poor prognosis.The mortality rate is about 30–40%. An elderly women developed purpura fulminans after a respiratory infection. Prompt diagnosis before shock symptoms had started was instrumental in producing a favorable clinical course.
Severe drug‐induced skin reactions: clinical pattern, diagnostics and therapy
Authors: Mockenhaupt Maja
Published: January 2009

The spectrum of severe drug‐induced skin reactions includes not only Stevens‐Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) but also generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and hypersensitivity syndrome (HSS), also called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). These reactions differ in clinical presentation as well as prognosis, causative agents and therapy. Therefore, the appropriate diagnostic measures should be undertaken rapidly, in order to prove the diagnosis. In addition to a thorough clinical examination, a skin biopsy should be taken and specific laboratory investigations should be done if AGEP or HSS/DRESS is suspected. Since these reactions are drug‐induced, the causative agent should be rapidly identified and withdrawn. Besides adequate supportive therapy, systemic immunomodulatory treatments may be considered. Despite intensive care management, the prognosis in SJS and TEN is often poor and influenced by the amount of skin detachment as well as the age of the patients and the pre‐existing underlying conditions. Severe sequelae may develop in survivors and affect especially mucosal sites. The prognosis of GBFDE is better but recurrent events may lead to more severe involvement. In HSS/DRESS sequelae have been also described as well as long lasting and recurrent courses, whereas AGEP usually heals without problems.
Relative Efficiency of Single‐Outlier Discordancy Tests for Processing Geochemical Data on Reference Materials and Application to Instrumental Calibrations by a Weighted Least‐Squares Linear Regression Model
Authors: Verma Surendra P. , Díaz‐González Lorena , González‐Ramírez Rosalinda
Published: January 2009

Numerous studies report geochemical data on reference materials (RMs) processed by outlier‐based methods that use univariate discordancy tests. However, the relative efficiency of the discordancy tests is not precisely known. We used an extensive geochemical database for thirty‐five RMs from four countries (Canada, Japan, South Africa and USA) to empirically evaluate the performance of nine single‐outlier tests with thirteen test variants. It appears that the kurtosis test (N15) is the most powerful test for detecting discordant outliers in such geochemical RM databases and is closely followed by the Grubbs type tests (N1 and N4) and the skewness test (N14). The Dixon‐type tests (N7, N8, N9 and N10) as well as the Grubbs type test (N2) depicted smaller global relative efficiency criterion values for the detection of outlying observations in this extensive database. Upper discordant outliers were more common than the lower discordant outliers, implying that positively skewed inter‐laboratory geochemical datasets are more frequent than negatively skewed ones and that the median, a robust central tendency indicator, is likely to be biased especially for small‐sized samples. Our outlier‐based procedure should be useful for objectively identifying discordant outliers in many fields of science and engineering and for interpreting them accordingly. After processing these databases by single‐outlier discordancy tests and obtaining reliable estimates of central tendency and dispersion parameters of the geochemical data for the RMs in our database, we used these statistical data to apply a weighted least‐squares linear regression (WLR) model for the major element determinations by X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry and compared the WLR results with an ordinary least‐squares linear regression model. An advantage in using our outlier procedure and the new concentration values and uncertainty estimates for these RMs was clearly established.
River flow forecasting using different artificial neural network algorithms and wavelet transform
Authors: Partal Turgay
Published: January 2009

In this study, the wavelet–neural network structure that combines wavelet transform and artificial neural networks has been employed to forecast the river flows of Turkey. Discrete wavelet transforms, which are useful to obtain to the periodic components of the measured data, have significantly positive effects on artificial neural network modeling performance. Generally, the feed-forward back-propagation method was studied with respect to artificial neural network applications to water resources data. In this study, the performance of generalized neural networks and radial basis neural networks were compared with feed-forward back-propagation methods. Six different models were studied for forecasting of monthly river flows. It was seen that the wavelet and feed-forward back-propagation model was superior to the other models in terms of selected performance criteria.
Prediction of the lateral flow regime and critical depth in compound open channels
Authors: Kordi E. , Ayyoubzadeh S. A. , Ahmadi M. Z. , Zahiri A.
Published: January 2009

In this study, the common critical depth calculation in compound channels has been modified considering the effect of momentum transfer between the interface of a main channel and its floodplains. In noncorrected specific energy curves of a given slope, the flow is not necessarily entirely sub- or supercritical as it is in a single cross section and there is a possibility of both flow regimes at a certain stage, called the lateral mixed flow regimes, which makes the application of specific energy equation to determine the critical depth and transitional zone calculations questionable. In the present research, the flow distribution in a main channel and floodplains has been corrected by combining the corrected hydraulic flow in compound cross sections using the coherence method. The specific energy has been subsequently modified in the subsections. The results seem satisfactory when compared with the results based on the available laboratory data.
Interfacial debonding failure for reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer strips
Authors: Bakay Ryan , Sayed-Ahmed Ezzeldin Yazeed , Shrive Nigel Graham
Published: January 2009

Rehabilitation of structures using fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) has become a preferred strengthening technique. Crack-induced debonding failure has been repeatedly recorded when using fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates to strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) beams and (or) slabs in flexure. A testing programme has been performed to determine the effect of the concrete compressive strength and the amount of shear reinforcement on the interfacial debonding. The ultimate strain at failure in the bonded laminates (usage efficiency) and the strain compatibility between the laminates and the concrete sections have been investigated. The current design methods for reinforced concrete members strengthened with FRP do not explicitly consider the interfacial debonding failure; using the results of the experimental programme, the applicability and limitations of these design methods are identified. New design procedures are proposed and compared with the experimental programme results and the currently adopted procedures.
Initial performance of the lower deck of the Centre Street Bridge, Calgary
Authors: Shrive P. L. , Brown T. G. , Newhook J. P. , Kroman J. , Tadros G. S. , Shrive N. G.
Published: January 2009

An initial assessment program was implemented for the lower deck of the Centre Street Bridge in Calgary. The program was designed so that the short-term behaviour of both the glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) and steel reinforcements used in the lower deck, and their respective spans, could be compared. The monitoring provided useful information for verifying GFRP reinforcement design performance, and also raised challenging questions as to how the spans actually behave under thermal loading. Results indicated very little difference in the performances of the spans or their reinforcements over the three year monitoring period. Instrumentation and data acquisition systems are described herein, and representative data are presented. This project allowed the authors to develop some guidance criteria vis-à-vis structural health monitoring (SHM) requirements. During the latter stages of the monitoring program, the lower deck monitoring system was considered for its potential as a long-term SHM program, but on evaluation was found to have features that made it unsuitable for SHM purposes.
Application of friction pendulum system to the main control room of a nuclear power plant
Authors: Kim Woo Bum , Lee Kangmin , Kim Gil Hee
Published: January 2009

An experimental and analytical study was performed to determine if the friction pendulum system (FPS) could be applied to the main control room (MCR) of a nuclear power plant as a seismic isolation device. A friction pendulum bearing was fabricated, and the dynamic performance of that bearing was evaluated. A partial model of the MCR with FPS was tested on a shaking table. The model consisted of a cabinet, an access floor, and four friction pendulum bearings. An artificial time history based on the MCR floor response spectrum was used as an earthquake input signal for the test. Analytical and experimental results were compared to verifiy their correlation and to enable the experimental study to cover a range of parametersnot previously studied in other similar experiments. Through these comparisons, it was affirmed that the proposed FPS seismic isolation system can be applied, with high reliability, to the MCR of a nuclear power plant.
Adequacy of TRANSYT-7F and Synchro models along a major arterial in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ratrout Nedal T. , Abu Olba Maen Abdullatif
Published: January 2009

The TRANSYT-7F and Synchro models are used in developing optimal timing plans in the city of Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia. This paper evaluates the adequacy of both TRANSYT-7F and Synchro under local traffic conditions by comparing queue lengths observed along a major arterial in the study area with simulated queues. The models were then calibrated to produce simulated queue lengths which are as close as possible to the observed ones. A clear difference was found between queue lengths estimated by Synchro and TRANSYT-7F. A queue length calibration process was accomplished for TRANSYT-7F by using platoon dispersion factor values of 20 and 35 for through and left-turning traffic, respectively. Synchro calibration was unsatisfactory. The simulated queue lengths could not be calibrated in a meaningful way to resemble the observed queue lengths. Regardless of this, both models produced comparable optimal signal timing plans.
Kinetics and isotherm studies for the adsorption of phenol using low cost micro porous ZnCl2 activated coir pith carbonA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Subha R. , Namasivayam C.
Published: January 2009

In the present study, the potential of ZnCl2 activated coir pith carbon for adsorption of phenol from aqueous solution was investigated. Batch kinetics and isotherm studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, and temperature. Adsorption kinetics was tested for first order, second order, and Bangham’s model and rate constants of kinetic models were evaluated. Equilibrium isotherms for the adsorption of phenol were analysed by Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherm models. The Langmuir adsorption capacity, Q0, was found to be 92.58 mg g–1 of the adsorbent. pH effect showed that physical adsorption might be involved in the adsorption process. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the adsorption of phenol by activated carbon was an endothermic process. The negative value of ΔG0 indicated the spontaneity of the adsorption process. Removal of phenol from synthetic wastewater was also tested. This study showed that ZnCl2 activated coir pith carbon could be used as an efficient adsorbent material for the removal of phenol from water.
Aluminum toxicity and ecological risk assessment of dried alum residual into surface water disposalA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Mortula Maruf , Bard Shannon M. , Walsh Margaret E. , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: January 2009

This paper presented a simplified ecological risk assessment of the toxicity of alum residuals from water treatment plants to surface water that is based on the framework recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Though few studies have investigated the potential for increased aluminum toxicity with discharge of alum residual streams to the aquatic environment, none have explored the use of ecological risk assessment methodologies to gain additional insight into the potential risk. This systematic approach has been used to elucidate the process of aluminum toxicity from oven-dried alum residuals on aquatic habitats. A laboratory experiment was performed to assess the leaching of dried alum residuals to five lake water samples. The tests were also done to evaluate the effect of pH levels (4, 5.5, and 7) and drying mechanism of alum residual (oven, air or freeze–thaw). Total inorganic aluminum leaching from laboratory analysis was used along with toxicity reference values to determine a risk quotient (RQ) for assessment of risk. Results revealed that alum residuals in surface water could reduce aluminum concentration or potential risk (RQ) for fish in some lake waters at natural pH levels. Surface water pH and drying mechanism of alum residuals did not have considerable effect on leachability of aluminum. Lake waters with and without the addition of alum residual showed a potential risk for chronic sub-lethal toxicity for trout species. Both chronic and acute lethal toxicity was observed in some tests depending on the initial aluminum concentrations in the lake water. A detailed review of toxicological effects of aluminum, its exposure and bioaccumulation was studied for appropriate risk assessment.
The fate of natural organic matter during UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation of drinking waterA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Sarathy Siva , Mohseni Madjid
Published: January 2009

At conditions within the range of those typically applied for commercial drinking water applications, the impact of ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2) advanced oxidation (AO) on the concentration, spectral characteristics, hydrophobicity, and biodegradability of natural organic matter (NOM) in a raw surface water and ultrafiltered surface water was studied. At an initial H2O2 dose of 20 mg L–1, UV/H2O2 mineralized less than 15% of the NOM in raw surface water at a fluence of 1500 mJ cm–2. Natural organic matter in ultrafiltered surface water was mineralized by at least 27% after about 1500 mJ cm–2. Partial oxidation of NOM led to ring opening of aromatic structures, cleavage of conjugated double bonded carbon structures, and reduction in the degree of aromatic substitution. The UV/H2O2 AO preferentially reacted with hydrophobic fractions of NOM leading to the formation of hydrophilic products. The treatment oxidized recalcitrant NOM into more readily biodegradable compounds with significant increases in formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations. Depending on NOM properties for a given water, UV/H2O2 AO may cause partial oxidation of NOM leading to the formation of biodegradable compounds. The presence of these species may need to be addressed with a downstream process capable of improving biological stability.
Effect of orifice diameter, depth of air injection, and air flow rate on oxygen transfer in a pilot-scale, full lift, hypolimnetic aeratorA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Ashley K.I. , Mavinic D.S. , Hall K.J.
Published: January 2009

A pilot-scale, full lift, hypolimnetic aerator was used to examine the effect of diffuser pore diameter, depth of diffuser submergence, and gas flow rate on oxygen transfer, using four standard units of measure for quantifying oxygen transfer: (a) KLa20(h–1), the oxygen transfer coefficient at 20 °C; (b) SOTR (g O2·h–1), the standard oxygen transfer rate; (c) SAE (g O2·kWh–1), the standard aeration efficiency and (d) SOTE (%), the standard oxygen transfer efficiency. Diffuser depth (1.5 and 2.9 m) exerted a significant effect on KLa20, SOTR, SAE, and SOTE, with all units of measure increasing in response to increased diffuser depth. Both KLa20and SOTR responded positively to increased gas flow rates (10, 20, 30, and 40 L·min–1), whereas both SAE and SOTE responded negatively. Orifice diameter (140, 400, and 800 µm) exerted a significant effect on KLa20, SOTR, SAE, and SOTE, with all units of measure increasing with decreasing orifice size. These experiments demonstrate how competing design factors interact to determine overall oxygen transfer rates in full lift hypolimnetic aeration systems. The practical application for full lift hypolimnetic aerator design is to maximize the surface area of the bubbles, use fine (i.e., ~140 μm) pore diameter diffusers, and locate the diffusers at the maximum practical depth.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9-mediated tissue injury overrides the protective effect of matrix metalloproteinase-2 during colitis
Authors: Garg Pallavi , Vijay-Kumar Matam , Wang Lixin , Gewirtz Andrew T. , Merlin Didier , Sitaraman Shanthi V.
Published: January 2009

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play an important role in pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Two known gelatinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, are upregulated during IBD. Epithelial-derived MMP-9 is an important mediator of tissue injury in colitis, whereas MMP-2 protects against tissue damage and maintains gut barrier function. It has been suggested that developing strategies to block MMP-9 activity in the gut might be of benefit to IBD. However, given that MMP-2 and MMP-9 are structurally similar, such approaches would also likely inhibit MMP-2. Thus, to gain insight into outcome of inhibiting both MMP-2 and MMP-9, MMP-2−/−/MMP-9−/−double knockout mice (dKO) lacking both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were used in this study. Three models of murine colitis were used: dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), Salmonella typhimurium (S.T.), and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Our data demonstrate that MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were highly upregulated in wild-type (WT) mice treated with DSS, S.T., or TNBS whereas dKO mice were resistant to the development of colitis. WT mice had extensive inflammation and tissue damage compared with dKO mice as suggested by histological assessment and myeloperoxidase activity. In conclusion, these results suggest an overriding role of MMP-9 in mediating tissue injury compared with the protective role of MMP-2 in development of colitis. Thus inhibition of MMP-9 may be beneficial in treatment of colitis even if resulting in inhibition of MMP-2.
Physiological Role of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Their Potential Use in Cancer Immunity
Authors: Schettini Jorge , Mukherjee Pinku
Published: January 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the control of innate and adaptive immune responses. They are a heterogeneous cell population, where plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a unique subset capable of secreting high levels of type I IFNs. It has been demonstrated that pDCs can coordinate events during the course of viral infection, atopy, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Therefore, pDC, as a main source of type I IFN, is an attractive target for therapeutic manipulations of the immune system to elicit a powerful immune response against tumor antigens in combination with other therapies. The therapeutic vaccination with antigen-pulsed DCs has shown a limited efficacy to generate an effective long-lasting immune response against tumor cells. A rational manipulation and design of vaccines which could include DC subsets outside “Langerhans cell paradigm” might allow us to improve the therapeutic approaches for cancer patients.
An Existence Result to a Strongly Coupled Degenerated SystemArising in Tumor Modeling
Authors: Hadjadj L. , Hamdache K. , Hamroun D.
Published: January 2009

We consider a mathematical model to describe the growth of a vascular tumor including
tumor cells, macrophages, and blood vessels. The resulting system of equations is reduced to a
strongly 2 × 2 coupled nonlinear parabolic system of degenerate type. Assuming the initial data
are far enough from 0, we prove existence of a global weak solution with finite entropy to the
problem by using an approximation procedure and a time discrete scheme.
Object-Place Recognition Learning Triggers Rapid Induction of Plasticity-Related Immediate Early Genes and Synaptic Proteins in the Rat Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Soulé Jonathan , Penke Zsuzsa , Kanhema Tambudzai , Alme Maria Nordheim , Laroche Serge , Bramham Clive R.
Published: January 2009

Long-term recognition memory requires protein synthesis, but little is known about the coordinate regulation of specific genes. Here, we examined expression of the plasticity-associated immediate early genes (Arc, Zif268, and Narp) in the dentate gyrus following long-term object-place recognition learning in rats. RT-PCR analysis from dentate gyrus tissue collected shortly after training did not reveal learning-specific changes in Arc mRNA expression. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were therefore used to assess possible sparse effects on gene expression. Learning about objects increased the density of granule cells expressing Arc, and to a lesser extent Narp, specifically in the dorsal blade of the dentate gyrus, while Zif268 expression was elevated across both blades. Thus, object-place recognition triggers rapid, blade-specific upregulation of plasticity-associated immediate early genes. Furthermore, Western blot analysis of dentate gyrus homogenates demonstrated concomitant upregulation of three postsynaptic density proteins (Arc, PSD-95, andα-CaMKII) with key roles in long-term synaptic plasticity and long-term memory.
RICE: A Reliable and Efficient Remote Instrumentation Collaboration Environment
Authors: Calyam Prasad , Kalash Abdul , Gopalan Ramya , Gopalan Sowmya , Krishnamurthy Ashok
Published: January 2009

Remote access of scientific instruments over the Internet (i.e., remote instrumentation) demand high‐resolution (2D and 3D) video image transfers with simultaneous real‐time mouse and keyboard controls. Consequently, user quality of experience (QoE) is highly sensitive to network bottlenecks. Further, improper user control while reacting to impaired video caused due to network bottlenecks could result in physical damages to the expensive instrument equipment. Hence, it is vital to understand the interplay between (a) user keyboard/mouse actions toward the instrument, and (b) corresponding network reactions for transfer of instrument video images toward the user. In this paper, we first present an analytical model for characterizing user and network interplay during remote instrumentation sessions in terms of demand and supply interplay principles of traditional economics. Next, we describe the trends of the model parameters using subjective and objective measurements obtained from QoE experiments. Thereafter, we describe our Remote Instrumentation Collaboration Environment (RICE) software that leverages our experiences from the user and network interplay studies, and has functionalities that facilitate reliable and efficient remote instrumentation such as (a) network health awareness to detect network bottleneck periods, and (b) collaboration tools for multiple participants to interact during research and training sessions.
Retroperitoneal Lymph Nodes in Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney and Ureter
Authors: Kundu Shilajit D. , Eggener Scott E.
Published: January 2009

The incidence of transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney and ureter is low and for that reason limited data exists regarding the appropriate management of regional retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Lymph node metastases have consistently been associated with an adverse prognosis. However, five-year cancer-specific survival following nephroureterectomy and lymphadenectomy for patients with lymph node involvement ranges from 0–39%, suggesting a therapeutic benefit. This review covers the primary tumor characteristics associated with lymph node involvement, imaging of the lymph nodes, as well as the rationale, role, patient selection, suggested anatomic templates, and technical considerations for lymphadenectomy.