bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tocilizumab for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Systemic Autoimmune Diseases: Current Perspectives and Future Directions
Authors: Ogata Atsushi , Tanaka Toshio
Published: January 2012

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a cytokine featuring redundancy and pleiotropic activity. While IL-6, when transiently produced, contributes to host defense against acute environmental stress, continuous dysregulated IL-6 production plays a significant pathological role in several systemic autoimmune diseases. In response to the expectation that IL-6 blockade would constitute a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these diseases, tocilizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, was developed. Clinical trials have verified the efficacy and the safety of tocilizumab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, resulting in approval of this innovative biologic for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in more than 90 countries worldwide. Pathological analyses of the effect of IL-6 on the development of autoimmune diseases and a considerable number of case reports and pilot studies have also indicated the beneficial effects of this antibody on other systemic autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, and large-vessel vasculitis.
Depth-Time Interpolation of Feature Trends Extracted from Mobile Microelectrode Data with Kernel Functions
Authors: Wong Stephen , Hargreaves Eric L. , Baltuch Gordon H. , Jaggi Jurg L. , Danish Shabbar F.
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims: Microelectrode recording (MER) is necessary for precision localization of target structures such as the subthalamic nucleus during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Attempts to automate this process have produced quantitative temporal trends (feature activity vs. time) extracted from mobile MER data. Our goal was to evaluate computational methods of generating spatial profiles (feature activity vs. depth) from temporal trends that would decouple automated MER localization from the clinical procedure and enhance functional localization in DBS surgery. Methods: We evaluated two methods of interpolation (standard vs. kernel) that generated spatial profiles from temporal trends. We compared interpolated spatial profiles to true spatial profiles that were calculated with depth windows, using correlation coefficient analysis. Results: Excellent approximation of true spatial profiles is achieved by interpolation. Kernel-interpolated spatial profiles produced superior correlation coefficient values at optimal kernel widths (r = 0.932–0.940) compared to standard interpolation (r = 0.891). The choice of kernel function and kernel width resulted in trade-offs in smoothing and resolution. Conclusions: Interpolation of feature activity to create spatial profiles from temporal trends is accurate and can standardize and facilitate MER functional localization of subcortical structures. The methods are computationally efficient, enhancing localization without imposing additional constraints on the MER clinical procedure during DBS surgery.
Usefulness of Magnifying Narrow-Band Imaging Endoscopy for the Diagnosis of Gastric and Colorectal Lesions
Authors: Hirata Ichiro , Nakagawa Yoshihito , Ohkubo Masaaki , Yahagi Naohisa , Yao Kenshi
Published: January 2012

A series of studies about the potential usefulness of magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (NBI) for the diagnosis of gastric and colonic lesion is reviewed. Concerning the magnifying NBI appearances of gastric lesions, a light blue crest is a highly accurate sign of the presence of histological intestinal metaplasia. Also, the degree of irregularity of the mucosal and vascular pattern is correlated with the histological severity of Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis. According to the ‘VS classification’, an irregular microvascular pattern and/or an irregular microsurface pattern together with a clear demarcation line are characteristic for early gastric carcinoma, and a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial demonstrated that magnifying endoscopy with NBI is superior to ordinary white light endoscopy for making a differential diagnosis of a small depressed lesion between carcinoma and non-carcinoma. Concerning the magnifying NBI appearances of colonic tumor, the vague or invisible microvascular pattern is mostly observed in hyperplastic polyp. The regular meshed microvascular pattern is mostly observed in adenoma. The irregular meshed microvascular pattern is mostly observed in intramucosal or shallow submucosal-invasive carcinoma. The decreased or loose microvasucular pattern is mostly observed in deep submucosal-invasive carcinoma. Thus, magnifying NBI endoscopy is useful for the differentiation of colorectal non-adenomatous lesions from adenoma, the differentiation of adenoma from carcinoma, and the assessment of invasion depth of early colorectal carcinoma. At present, several magnifying NBI classifications for the diagnosis of early colorectal neoplasia have been proposed in Japan. Recently, the NICE classification based on NBI findings with/without magnification for colorectal tumor was established by an international group.
Regulation of Gastroduodenal Motility: Acyl Ghrelin, Des-Acyl Ghrelin and Obestatin and Hypothalamic Peptides
Authors: Fujimiya Mineko , Ataka Koji , Asakawa Akihiro , Chen Chih-Yen , Kato Ikuo , Inui Akio
Published: January 2012

Real-time measurements for gut motility in conscious rats or mice combined with intracerebroventricular or intravenous injection of peptide agonists or antagonists allow us to understand the regulatory mechanism of gastrointestinal motility. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the arcuate nucleus in the hypothalamus stimulates the fasted motility in the duodenum, while urocortin in the paraventricular nucleus inhibits fed and fasted motility in the antrum and duodenum. Acyl ghrelin exerts stimulatory effects on the motility of the antrum and duodenum in both the fed and fasted state of animals. NPY Y2 and Y4 receptors in the brain may mediate the action of acyl ghrelin, and vagal afferent pathways might be involved in this mechanism. Des-acyl ghrelin exerts inhibitory effects on the motility of the antrum but not on the motility of the duodenum in the fasted state of animals. CRF type 2 receptor in the brain may mediate the action of des-acyl ghrelin, and vagal afferent pathways might not be involved in this mechanism. Obestatin exerts inhibitory effects on the motility of the antrum and duodenum in the fed state but not in the fasted state of animals. CRF type 1 and type 2 receptors in the brain may mediate the action of obestatin, and vagal afferent pathways might be partially involved in this mechanism.
Silent New DWI Lesions within the First Week after Stroke
Authors: Nolte Christian H. , Albach Fredrik N. , Heuschmann Peter U. , Brunecker Peter , Villringer Kersten , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B.
Published: January 2012

Background: The rate of cerebral infarct recurrence is determined by clinical examination. Routine neurological examination is less sensitive than cerebral imaging in detecting new cerebral lesions. We aimed to determine the rate of new diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions at 2 time points after stroke and to identify factors associated with them. Methods: Patients who were hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke underwent DWI at 3 time points (within 24, 48 and 144 h after stroke onset, respectively). Scans were made anonymous and reviewed in a random order. Lesions on DWI were delineated manually by blinded investigators. Then, coregistered DWI templates were analyzed for new ischemic lesions on the corresponding follow-up DWI. New lesions had to be separate and lesion growth was not considered. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to define predictors of new DWI lesions. Results: A total of 159 patients were enrolled in the study. Clinical stroke recurrence was detected in 2.5% of patients. A new cerebral lesion was detected in 5.7% of patients between first and second imaging (first interval) and 23.3% between second and third imaging (second interval). In univariate analyses, thrombolysis and multiple lesion pattern were associated with new lesions within the first interval. Ipsilateral carotid stenosis, multiple lesion pattern, vessel recanalization, atrial fibrillation, older age and higher NIHSS were associated with new lesions within the second interval. In multivariable analysis, ipsilateral carotid stenosis, recanalization and multiple lesion pattern remained independently associated with any new lesions. Conclusions: New DWI lesions occur more often than routine neurological examination suggests. Thrombolysis was associated with very early new DWI lesions within the first interval, ipsilateral carotid stenosis and spontaneous recanalization with new DWI lesions within the second interval.
Factors and Outcomes Associated with Recanalization Timing after Thrombolysis
Authors: Cho Kyung-Hee , Lee Deok Hee , Kwon Sun U. , Choi Choong Gon , Kim Sang Joon , Suh Dae-Chul , Kim Jong S. , Kang Dong-Wha
Published: January 2012

Background: A substantial number of acute stroke patients do not respond immediately to aggressive intra-arterial (IA) recanalization therapy. The factors and outcomes associated with timing of recanalization after IA thrombolysis, however, have not yet been determined. Methods: Factors and outcomes in 75 acute ischemic stroke patients treated with IA urokinase (± intravenous tissue plasminogen activator) within 6 h of onset were retrospectively assessed. Immediate recanalization (IR) was assessed by the angiogram at the end of the IA procedure, and delayed (DR) and no (NR) recanalization were assessed by 5-day MR angiography. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were determined at 7 days and 3 months. Results: Of the 75 patients, 32 (42.7%) achieved IR, 21 (28%) achieved DR, and 22 (29.3%) showed NR. Good functional outcomes (mRS score ≤2) at 7 days and 3 months were observed in 59.4 and 62.5%, respectively, of the IR group, 14.3 and 38.1% of the DR group, and 22.7 and 27.3% of the NR group (p = 0.001 for 7 days, p = 0.028 for 3 months). Multivariate analysis showed that cardioembolism [odds ratio (OR), 3.74; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–12.19] and middle cerebral artery occlusion (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.04–10.04) were independent predictors of IR or DR compared with NR. Age (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77–0.95) and initial NIHSS score (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04–1.37) were independent predictors of DR compared with IR. Conclusions: Patients receiving IA thrombolysis show different clinical and radiological characteristics according to the timing of recanalization. Earlier identification of DR patients and their more efficient recanalization may improve overall clinical outcomes after IA thrombolysis.
Is Obesity a New Risk Factor for Gastritis?
Authors: Yamamoto Shunsuke , Watabe Kenji , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: January 2012

Obesity has become a major concern among gastroenterologists due to its large influence on gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases: reflux esophagitis, pancreatitis, gallstone disease, liver fibrosis, and neoplastic tumors of the esophagus, pancreas, and colon. Studies of morbid obese subjects undergoing bariatric surgery have revealed that obesity is related with an increased prevalence of endoscopic and histologic gastritis. A recent study of health check-up subjects demonstrated an association of obesity with endoscopic gastritis and gastric ulcers. We recently investigated the underlying mechanisms of the effects of obesity on endoscopic gastritis in subjects undergoing health check-up examination, and demonstrated that adiponectin, a bioactive molecule released from visceral fat, could be a protective factor of endoscopic gastritis. We would like to propose a new category of gastritis, obesity-related gastritis, which could become dominant in the near future.
A New Approach to Laparoscopic Lymph Node Excision in Cases of Transverse Colon Cancer
Authors: Nakanishi Masayoshi , Kokuba Yukihito , Murayama Yasutoshi , Komatsu Shuhei , Shiozaki Atsushi , Kuriu Yoshiaki , Ikoma Hisashi , Ichikawa Daisuke , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Ochiai Toshiya , Otsuji Eigo
Published: January 2012

Background: Treatment of transverse colon cancer by laparoscopic surgery is difficult, and this surgery has been excluded in many randomized control trials. Difficulty in excising lymph nodes around the middle colonic artery has been the main factor responsible for the complexity of this surgery. Herein, we describe a new approach to overcome this difficulty in lymph node excision in cases of transverse colon cancer. Approach: We adopted the following steps to collect information that was otherwise difficult to obtain from two-dimensional images displayed on the monitor screen, in order to ensure safety during laparoscopic surgery. (1) The omental bursa was opened by directly visualizing it through a small incision created in the median epigastric region, and the cranial side of the transverse colon mesentery was then freed. (2) The colonic drainage vein entering the right gastroepiploic vein was dissected, and a gauze was inserted into the freed layer. (3) Under laparoscopic guidance, the freed layer was fixed, with the inserted gauze serving as a landmark. The lymph nodes were then excised making full use of the horizontal view. Conclusion: Utilization of a small incision in the abdomen enables full use of the horizontal view for manipulations during laparoscopy, allowing safe manipulations for lymph node excision.
Corpus Callosum Tissue Loss and Development of Motor and Global Cognitive Impairment: The LADIS Study
Authors: Frederiksen Kristian S. , Garde Ellen , Skimminge Arnold , Barkhof Frederik , Scheltens Philip , van Straaten Elisabeth C.W. , Fazekas Franz , Baezner Hansjörg , Verdelho Ana , Ferro José M. , Erkinjuntti Timo , Jokinen Hanna , Wahlund Lars-Olof , O’Brien John T. , Basile Anna M. , Pantoni Leonardo , Inzitari Domenico , Waldemar Gunhild ,   on behalf of the LADIS study group
Published: January 2012

Objective: To examine the impact of corpus callosum (CC) tissue loss on the development of global cognitive and motor impairment in the elderly. Methods: This study was based on the Leukoaraiosis and Disability (LADIS) study. Assessment of cognitive and motor functions and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were done at baseline and at a 3-year follow-up in nondemented elderly subjects. Results: 328 of 639 LADIS subjects had MRIs at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up, which allowed for assessment of CC. Logistic regression revealed differential tissue loss rates in posterior CC in subjects converting to dementia, compared to nonconverters (p < 0.05). Anterior and posterior CC tissue loss was significantly correlated with self-perceived memory impairment in nonconverters (p < 0.05). CC tissue loss was also significantly associated with impaired single leg stance time (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The present longitudinal study on CC supports the role of callosal tissue loss in the development of global cognitive as well as motor impairment.
Reproducibility and Repeatability of Cirrus™ HD-OCT Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness Measurements in Young Normal Subjects
Authors: Carpineto Paolo , Nubile Mario , Agnifili Luca , Toto Lisa , Aharrh-Gnama Agbeanda , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Di Antonio Luca , Fasanella Vincenzo , Mastropasqua Alessandra
Published: January 2012

Purpose: To assess the reproducibility and repeatability of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) device in healthy subjects. Methods: In this observational study, 68 young Caucasian healthy volunteers (68 eyes) were subjected to Cirrus™ high-definition (HD) OCT (Zeiss) peripapillary RNFL thickness measurements by two experienced examiners in two different sessions. Average, 4-quadrant and 12-clock-hour sector RNFL thicknesses were analysed. For each option, intra-observer, intrasession repeatability and interobserver, intersession reproducibility were tested. To assess the repeatability of measurements, the Bland and Altman plots were used and the coefficient of repeatability was calculated. Interobserver and intersession reproducibilities were analysed by means of concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs). Results: The sample age ranged from 21 to 39 years (mean 29.09, standard deviation ±5.21). The average RNFL thickness ranged from 90.97 to 91.46 and from 91.34 to 91.78 µm, for the first and the second operator, respectively. The highest repeatability and reproducibility were obtained for average RNFL thickness with coefficients of repeatability of 5.30 and 6.05 µm for the first and the second operator, interoperator CCCs of 0.95 and 0.96 for the first and the second session, and intersession CCCs of 0.96 and 0.97 for the first and the second operator, respectively. Conclusions: Cirrus OCT peripapillary average RNFL thickness measurement in young healthy subjects showed high interoperator and intersession reproducibility. Intrasession repeatability as tested by coefficient of repeatability was next to the device resolution, with very similar results between the two operators. When analysing quadrant and clock hour sector RNFL thickness measurements, both repeatability and reproducibility tend to decrease.
A Useful and Brief Cognitive Assessment for Advanced Dementia in a Population with Low Levels of Education
Authors: Sales Manuela V.C. , Suemoto Claudia K. , Nitrini Ricardo , Jacob-Filho Wilson , Morillo Lilian S.
Published: January 2012

Background/Aims: Almost half of community-dwelling patients and 59.6% of institutionalized residents with dementia are in moderate or severe stages of this disease. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) has limited applicability to these patients due to floor effects. We aimed to determine the correlation between the MMSE and the Severe Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE), as well as SMMSE association with functional scales in patients having moderate to severe dementia and low levels of education. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients 60 years or older attending an outpatient clinic was conducted. The MMSE, SMMSE and functional scales were applied. Clinical and demographic data from medical records were reviewed. Results: Seventy-five patients with a mean of 4.1 ± 3.6 years of education were analyzed. The mean scores on the MMSE and SMMSE were 7.8 ± 7.0 and 17.8 ± 9.4, respectively. The results indicated that the MMSE and SMMSE correlated only in patients who had an MMSE score of less than 10 (r = 0.87; p < 0.001). In addition, significant correlations were found between the SMMSE and functional scales (p < 0.001). It was observed that educational level did not interact with SMMSE performance. Conclusion: The SMMSE is a useful and reliable tool for a brief cognitive assessment of advanced dementia patients with low educational levels.
Lack of Association between Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism with Age at Onset of Subcortical Vascular Dementia
Authors: Ryu Hye Guk , Youn Sung-Won , Kwon Oh Dae
Published: January 2012

Background and Purpose: The relationship between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and onset of vascular dementia remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ApoE polymorphism and the onset of subcortical vascular dementia (SVaD) compared to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and normal controls. Methods: The study was comprised of 61 patients with SVaD (42 Binswanger type, 19 lacunar type) and 112 patients with AD (16 early-onset AD, 96 late-onset AD) as well as 284 age-, gender- and education-matched normal controls. The diagnosis of SVaD was based on modified NINDS-AIREN criteria, and the diagnosis of AD was based on NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. ApoE polymorphism was genotyped in all participants. Results: None of the three ApoE alleles was more prevalent in SVaD patients compared to normal controls, which was the case when both Binswanger and lacunar types were analyzed separately. ApoE Ε4 did not accelerate the onset of SVaD (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 0.8–3.4), in contrast to a significant relation with late-onset AD (OR 3.78, 95% CI: 2.2–6.5). Conclusion: Our results suggest that ApoE polymorphism is not associated with the onset of SVaD and that the two subtypes of SVaD may share similar pathophysiologies.
Beyond Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Welch Carrie L.
Published: January 2012

The development of population-based genome-wide association studies has led to the rapid identification of large numbers of genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and related traits. Together with large-scale gene-centric studies, at least 35 loci associated with CAD per se have been identified with replication. The majority of these associations are with common single-nucleotide polymorphisms exhibiting modest effects on relative risk. The modest nature of the effects, coupled with ethical/practical constraints associated with human sampling, makes it difficult to answer important questions beyond gene/locus localization and allele frequency via human genetic studies. Questions related to gene function, disease-causing mechanism(s), and effective interventions will likely require studies in model organisms. The use of the mouse model for further detailed studies of CAD-associated loci identified by genome-wide association studies is highlighted herein.
Association of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use on Cardiovascular Outcomes With Clopidogrel and Ticagrelor
Authors: Goodman Shaun G. , Clare Robert , Pieper Karen S. , Nicolau José C. , Storey Robert F. , Cantor Warren J. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Husted Steen , Cannon Christopher P. , James Stefan K. , Kilhamn Jan , Steg P. Gabriel , Harrington Robert A. , Wallentin Lars
Published: January 2012

Background—

The clinical significance of the interaction between clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remains unclear.

Methods and Results—

We examined the relationship between PPI use and 1-year cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) in patients with acute coronary syndrome randomized to clopidogrel or ticagrelor in a prespecified, nonrandomized subgroup analysis of the Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. The primary end point rates were higher for individuals on a PPI (n=6539) compared with those not on a PPI (n=12 060) at randomization in both the clopidogrel (13.0% versus 10.9%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.38) and ticagrelor (11.0% versus 9.2%; HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07–1.45) groups. Patients on non-PPI gastrointestinal drugs had similar primary end point rates compared with those on a PPI (PPI versus non-PPI gastrointestinal treatment: clopidogrel, HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.79–1.23; ticagrelor, HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73–1.10). In contrast, patients on no gastric therapy had a significantly lower primary end point rate (PPI versus no gastrointestinal treatment: clopidogrel, HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.12–1.49; ticagrelor, HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14–1.49).

Conclusions—

The use of a PPI was independently associated with a higher rate of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving clopidogrel. However, a similar association was observed between cardiovascular events and PPI use during ticagrelor treatment and with other non-PPI gastrointestinal treatment. Therefore, in the PLATO trial, the association between PPI use and adverse events may be due to confounding, with PPI use more of a marker for, than a cause of, higher rates of cardiovascular events.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00391872.
Downscaling Extremes—An Intercomparison of Multiple Statistical Methods for Present Climate
Authors: Bürger G. , Murdock T. Q. , Werner A. T. , Sobie S. R. , Cannon A. J.
Published: January 2012

Five statistical downscaling methods [automated regression-based statistical downscaling (ASD), bias correction spatial disaggregation (BCSD), quantile regression neural networks (QRNN), TreeGen (TG), and expanded downscaling (XDS)] are compared with respect to representing climatic extremes. The tests are conducted at six stations from the coastal, mountainous, and taiga region of British Columbia, Canada, whose climatic extremes are measured using the 27 Climate Indices of Extremes (ClimDEX; http://www.climdex.org/climdex/index.action) indices. All methods are calibrated from data prior to 1991, and tested against the two decades from 1991 to 2010. A three-step testing procedure is used to establish a given method as reliable for any given index. The first step analyzes the sensitivity of a method to actual index anomalies by correlating observed and NCEP-downscaled annual index values; then, whether the distribution of an index corresponds to observations is tested. Finally, this latter test is applied to a downscaled climate simulation. This gives a total of 486 single and 162 combined tests. The temperature-related indices pass about twice as many tests as the precipitation indices, and temporally more complex indices that involve consecutive days pass none of the combined tests. With respect to regions, there is some tendency of better performance at the coastal and mountaintop stations. With respect to methods, XDS performed best, on average, with 19% (48%) of passed combined (single) tests, followed by BCSD and QRNN with 10% (45%) and 10% (31%), respectively, ASD with 6% (23%), and TG with 4% (21%) of passed tests. Limitations of the testing approach and possible consequences for the downscaling of extremes in these regions are discussed.
Interpretation of Accurate UV Polarization Lidar Measurements: Application to Volcanic Ash Number Concentration Retrieval
Authors: Miffre A. , David G. , Thomas B. , Chacra M. Abou , Rairoux P.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, accurate UV polarization measurements are performed on a volcanic ash cloud after long-range transport at Lyon, France (45.76°N, 4.83°E). The volcanic particles are released from the mid-April 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull Icelandic volcano (63.63°N, 19.62°W). The aerosol UV depolarization, which arises from nonspherical volcanic ash particles, serves as an independent means to discriminate ash from nonash particles in the volcanic cloud. This discrimination is only feasible if the intrinsic ash particle depolarization ration δash is accurately determined. In this paper, the δash value [δash = (40.5 ± 2.0)%] is derived from literature laboratory measurements on a scattering matrix to ensure ash particle specificity. It is shown that traditional approaches, based on direct lidar depolarization ratio δa measurements, are only valid very close to the source region, because δa may be very different from δash, when nonash particles are present. For the first time, observed lidar depolarization ratios, in the range from a few percent to 40%, are hence interpreted in comparison with δash taken as a reference. It is then shown how to use the sensitive and accurate UV polarization measurements to access to the size-averaged number concentration vertical profile of volcanic ash particles in the troposphere. Vertical profiles of the backscattering coefficient specific to volcanic ash particles, providing altitude-resolved ash particle number concentrations, are presented in the troposphere after optical scattering computation. This new methodology can be applied to other aerosols events and for other optical remote sensing experiments.
Experimental study of dynamic air permeability for woven fabrics
Authors: Xiao Xueliang , Zeng Xuesen , Bandara Palitha , Long Andrew
Published: January 2012

Dynamic permeability is relevant to textile applications subjected to fluid/gas flow under high pressure, such as automotive airbags, wearable airbags and parachute fabrics. Dynamic permeability can be determined when a porous medium is tested under transient pressure conditions. This paper utilizes a reliable approach to measure and characterize dynamic permeability for woven fabrics. The experimental principle is based on the ideal gas law and the non-linear Forchheimer equation. Compared with static permeability measured under a constant low pressure, the dynamic permeability is an intrinsic property determined by change of fabric geometry and structure due to a high-pressure load. The pressure-induced deformation is identified, including effects on fiber and yarn arrangement, yarn porosity and fabric thickness. The level of deformation is a function of the number of fabric layers and initial pressure drop. The experimental results show that the dynamic permeability is higher than the static permeability for loose fabric, while it is lower for tight fabrics. For tight fabric, more fabric layers and a lower initial pressure can reduce the difference between the static and the dynamic permeability. Analytical models are used to explain and predict both static and dynamic permeability.
Reversal of the British trends in place of death: Time series analysis 2004–2010
Authors: Gomes Barbara , Calanzani Natalia , Higginson Irene J
Published: January 2012

Background: Increased attention is being paid to the place where people die with a view to providing choice and adequately planning care for terminally ill patients. Secular trends towards an institutionalised dying have been reported in Britain and other developed world regions.

Aim: This study aimed to examine British national trends in place of death from 2004 to 2010.

Design and setting: Descriptive analysis of death registration data from the Office for National Statistics, representing all 3,525,564 decedents in England and Wales from 2004 to 2010.

Results: There was a slow but steady increase in the proportion of deaths at home, from 18.3% in 2004 to 20.8% in 2010. Absolute numbers of home deaths increased by 9.1%, whilst overall numbers of deaths decreased by 3.8%. The rise in home deaths was more pronounced in cancer, happened for both genders and across all age groups, except for those younger than 14 years and for those aged 65–84, but only up to 2006. The rise was more evident when ageing was accounted for (age–gender standardised proportions of home deaths increased from 20.6% to 23.5%).

Conclusions: Following trends in the USA and Canada, dying is also shifting to people’s homes in Britain. Home deaths increased for the first time since 1974 amongst people aged 85 years and over. There is an urgent need across nations for comparative evidence on the outcomes and the costs of dying at home.
Continuous wave peristaltic motion in a robot
Authors: Boxerbaum Alexander S , Shaw Kendrick M , Chiel Hillel J , Quinn Roger D
Published: January 2012

We have developed several innovative designs for a new kind of robot that uses a continuous wave of peristalsis for locomotion, the same method that earthworms use, and report on the first completed prototypes. This form of locomotion is particularly effective in constrained spaces, and although the motion has been understood for some time, it has rarely been effectively or accurately implemented in a robotic platform. As an alternative to robots with long segments, we present a technique using a braided mesh exterior to produce smooth waves of motion along the body of a worm-like robot. We also present a new analytical model of this motion and compare predicted robot velocity to a 2D simulation and a working prototype. Because constant-velocity peristaltic waves form due to accelerating and decelerating segments, it has been often assumed that this motion requires strong anisotropic ground friction. However, our analysis shows that with smooth, constant velocity waves, the forces that cause accelerations within the body sum to zero. Instead, transition timing between aerial and ground phases plays a critical role in the amount of slippage, and the final robot speed. The concept is highly scalable, and we present methods of construction at two different scales.
A unified Bayesian framework for global localization and SLAM in hybrid metric/topological maps
Authors: Tully Stephen , Kantor George , Choset Howie
Published: January 2012

We present a unified filtering framework for hybrid metric/topological robot global localization and SLAM. At a high level, our method relies on a topological graph representation whose vertices define uniquely identifiable places in the environment and whose edges define feasible paths between them. At a low level, our method generalizes to any detailed metric submapping technique. The filtering framework we present is designed for multi-hypothesis estimation in order to account for ambiguity when closing loops and to account for uniform uncertainty when initializing pose estimates. Our implementation tests multiple topological hypotheses through the incremental construction of a hypothesis forest with each leaf representing a possible graph/state pair at the current time step. Instead of using a heuristic approach to accept or reject hypotheses, we propose a novel Bayesian method that computes the posterior probability of each hypothesis. In addition, for every topological hypothesis, a metric estimate is maintained with a local Kalman filter. Careful pruning of the hypothesis forest keeps the growing number of hypotheses under control while a garbage-collector hypothesis is used as a catch-all for pruned hypotheses. This enables the filter to recover from unmodeled disturbances such as the kidnapped robot problem.
Factor Structure of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire in Turkish Children and Gender, Grade-Level, and Socioeconomic Status Differences in Reactive and Proactive Aggression
Authors: Baş Aslı Uz , Yurdabakan İrfan
Published: January 2012

The present study aimed to evaluate the factor structure of the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) with Turkish children, and to investigate gender, grade-level, and socioeconomic status (SES) differences in reactive and proactive aggression. Participants consisted of 1,081 Turkish children (544 boys and 537 girls) aged 9 to 14 years. Findings from the confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence for the two-factor reactive-proactive model. It was also found that the factor structure of the RPQ was the same across gender groups. Reactive and Proactive Aggression scales and Total Aggression scale showed high internal consistency. Boys got higher scores on both Reactive and Proactive Aggression scales. Reactive and proactive aggression increased with age until Grade 7 in both boys and girls. Finally, the findings showed that, for both boys and girls, children with low SES had significantly higher reactive and proactive aggression scores than children with middle and high SES.
Effects of progesterone application on antioxidant enzyme activities and K+/Na+ ratio in bean seeds exposed to salt stress
Authors: Erdal Serkan , Genisel Mucip , Turk Hulya , Gorcek Zeynep
Published: January 2012

This study aimed to investigate the influence of progesterone, a mammalian sex hormone, on germination of bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds exposed to salt stress. The exogenous addition of 10−6, 10−8 and 10−10 M progesterone to the stressing media in which bean seeds were germinated in combination with the salt (100 mM NaCl) stressor induced significant protective changes in the germination and early growth parameters. The mitigating effect of progesterone was evaluated by the measurement of radicle and plumule lengths, activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT). In addition, it is the first study that exhibited changes in K/Na ratio. The obtained results showed that progesterone application stimulated germination and growth of salt-stressed seeds. Similarly, it stimulated significantly SOD, POX and CAT activities compared to both control and salt control. Salt stress significantly increased the lipid peroxidation compared to the control seeds. However, parallel to the increase in antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced by progesterone application. The best stimulatory effects on investigated parameters were recorded at 10−8 M progesterone-applied seeds. On the other hand, salt stress reduced remarkably K/Na ratio by 50% in radicle and by 80% in plumule. However, progesterone application significantly mitigated the reduction in K/Na ratio. These findings clearly demonstrate that progesterone has a positive role in moderate detrimental effects induced by salt.
Cadmium and lead content in several brands of rice grains (Oryza sativa) in central Iran
Authors: Shakerian A , Rahimi E , Ahmadi M
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) content of several commercially available brands of rice grains ( Oryza sativa) in central Iran. A total of 67 samples of the most widely consumed brands of rice grains were purchased from local bazaar markets in Shahrekord, Iran. The first step, grains of raw rice were digested by acid digestion method and then were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that Cd concentration in rice grains ranged from 0.0378 to 0.1225 ppm dry weight and its average concentration was 0.062 ± 0.019 ppm and Pb content ranged from 0.0405 to 0.1281 ppm dry weight and its average concentration was 0.068 ± 0.0185 ppm. Cd and Pb concentrations in the sampled rice grains were lower in comparison with their upper limits (0.2 and 0.2 ppm for Cd and Pb, respectively) approved by food sanitary standard. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no health problems due to the consumption of brands of rice grains, for these two elements. The results indicated that weekly intake of Cd and Pb from rice grains was below the provisional tolerable weekly intakes recommended by WHO/FAO.
Role of pH on stability and mechanical properties of gelatin films
Authors: Gioffrè Michela , Torricelli Paola , Panzavolta Silvia , Rubini Katia , Bigi Adriana
Published: January 2012

The effect of the film-forming solution pH on the triple-helix content, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of gelatin films was investigated. The films were prepared from solutions at different pHs of type A pigskin gelatin, and their mechanical characteristics were determined. At pHs higher than 9 and lower than 5, Young’s modulus, E, and the stress at break, σb, of the films decreased significantly. Cross-linking with genipin reduced deformation at break, ϵb, and increased Young’s modulus. The intensity of the 1.1-nm X-ray diffraction reflection and the denaturation enthalpy decreased at these pHs, indicating that the triple helix reduced. Preliminary in vitro tests on the cross-linked samples indicated good cell proliferation and viability.
Synthesis of curdlan-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) and formulation of doxorubicin-loaded core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Lehtovaara Benjamin C. , Verma Mohit S. , Gu Frank X.
Published: January 2012

A new core–shell nanoparticle containing the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin was formulated via amphiphilic graft copolymer self-assembly using curdlan- graft-poly(ethylene glycol) (curdlan -g-PEG). The graft copolymer was synthesized through the dicyclohexylcarbodiimide ester linkage of carboxylated PEG to the hydroxyl groups of the curdlan backbone. The nanoparticles were 109.9 nm in size and encapsulated doxorubicin in high yield (4%–5% wt/wt). The nanoparticles also controlled the release of doxorubicin over 24 h with a release profile that followed a Fickian diffusion model. The biocompatibility of curdlan- g-PEG was confirmed by hemolysis assay. This is the first nanoparticle formulated using the hydrophobicity of curdlan for concealing the immunomodulatory potential of curdlan within the core.
Can We Distinguish Juvenile Violent Sex Offenders, Violent Non-sex Offenders, and Versatile Violent Sex Offenders Based on Childhood Risk Factors?
Authors: Wanklyn Sonya G. , Ward Ashley K. , Cormier Nicole S. , Day David M. , Newman Jennifer E.
Published: January 2012

Understanding the developmental precursors of juvenile violent sex offending can contribute to the promotion of effective early intervention and prevention programs for high-risk children and youth. However, there is currently a lack of research on the early characteristics of adolescents who commit violent sex offenses. Drawing on the literature regarding the generalist and specialist positions of criminal behavior, the aim of the present study was to compare childhood risk factors for three groups of juvenile offenders: (a) pure sex offenders (PSO; n = 28); (b) violent non-sex offenders (VNSO; n = 172); and (c) versatile violent sex offenders (VVSO; n = 24). Nineteen risk factors comprising four life domains (individual, family, peer, and school) were identified from a file review. Three hierarchical logistic regression analyses examined associations between risk factors and offender groups. The results reflected the underlying heterogeneity of the sample, offering support for both the specialist and generalist positions of criminal behavior. PSOs differed from VNSOs on the basis of higher odds for precocious sexual behavior. Second, VVSOs differed from VNSOs on the basis of higher odds for precocious sexual behavior, criminal family members, and an adolescent mother, as well as lower odds for poor school behavior. Third, PSOs were marginally more likely to have engaged in early overt antisocial behavior compared with VVSOs. Fourth, many of the childhood risk factors examined were not associated with any offender group. In conclusion, VVSOs appeared to differ on the greatest number of risk factors from VNSOs, suggesting that VVSOs share a more similar developmental pathway with PSOs. The prevention and future research implications of these findings are discussed.
Effect of surface-modified nanoparticles on the mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of PP/CaCO3 nanocomposites
Authors: Zaman Haydar U , Hun Park Deuk , Khan Ruhul A , Yoon Keun-Byoung
Published: January 2012

The aim of this work was to study the effect of surface-modified calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles in the mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of polypropylene (PP) homopolymer. Pimelic acid (Pa) was used as a surface modifier for nano-CaCO3 (nCC). Three compositions of PP/nCC composites were prepared in a corotational twin-screw extruder machine with nCC content of 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the Pa treatment enhanced the interfacial adhesion between the filler and the matrix, indicating the improvement in the compatibility between PP and nCC. The measurements of the mechanical properties showed that the elastic modulus ( Ec) and impact strength ( SIC) of the composites increased at first and then decreased with the addition of fillers, and the tensile yield stress ( σyc) was reduced at the same time. The crystallization properties of virgin PP and its composites were studied with differential scanning calorimetry. The results demonstrated that, in comparison with virgin PP and PP/nCC, the addition of the Pa-treated nCC fillers led to a higher crystallization temperature, and nucleation and crystallization were improved at the same time.
Stability of delayed passivity-based teleoperation systems in transition
Authors: Jafari Alireza , Zareinejad Mohammad , Rezaei Seyed Mehdi , Ghidary Saeed Shiry , Baghestan Keivan
Published: January 2012

Many robotics researchers have focused on stability in free and constrained motions, but only a few of them have considered system stability in the transition between these phases. For a teleoperation system, due to delay effects, studying this concept is even more crucial. Recently, passivity-based controller stability has been studied in free motion and constrained mode of a teleoperation system in the presence of constant time delay. However, the controller does not guarantee arbitrary switching between these modes. In this paper, a hybrid system theorem was employed to treat delayed teleoperative tasks that involve phase transition or switching. Applying this theorem, the stability of passivity-based architecture in transition was studied. It was proved that this type of controller is stable even with arbitrary switching. Experiments on a two-degrees-of-freedom nonlinear teleoperation system were conducted to verify the approach. Experimental results have shown that passivity-based architecture, as expected in controller design, is well suited for delayed teleoperation in transition. Moreover, even without force sensing, the system’s force tracking in dealing with a hard environment is admissible.
Audio Recording Everyday Talk
Authors: Negrón Rosalyn
Published: January 2012

This article covers a number of strategies for audio recording everyday, naturally occurring interactions. Drawing on fieldwork where the author observed and recorded eleven key informants in New York City, the author provides a guide applicable to a number of research situations, but especially relevant to studies that require continuous observations—from unobtrusive to participant—across various social contexts. The author provides practical suggestions for choosing an audio recorder, recording in the field, managing informed consent issues, and addressing observer effects.
Perioperative Myocardial Injury and Hemostasis in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for Asymptomatic Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Davies Robert S. M. , Abdelhamid Mohamed , Vohra Rajiv K. , Bradbury Andrew W. , Adam Donald J.
Published: January 2012

Objective: (1) To report the incidence of myocardial injury in patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) through the routine measurement of perioperative cardiac troponin-T (cTnT) and (2) to investigate and correlate changes in perioperative cTnT levels with any concomitant hemostatic derangement. Methods: Prospective study of 30 patients undergoing elective EVAR for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Cardiac TnT was assayed at 24 hours postoperatively. Plasma thrombin antithrombin III complex (TAT), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, and soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) were assayed preoperatively and at 24 hours postoperatively. Results: Five (17%) patients demonstrated elevated cTnT levels at 24 hours; 3 patients had no clinical evidence of myocardial injury. There was a positive correlation between cTnT and TAT levels at 24 hours post-EVAR ( r = .38, P = .039, Kendall-tau B = 0.26). Conclusions: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is associated with a significant risk of perioperative myocardial injury that is underdetected clinically and associated with a procoagulopathic state.
Weather-Related Decision Errors: Differences across Flight Types
Authors: Burian Barbara K. , Orasanu Judith , Hitt Jim
Published: January 2012

Aviation incidents involving poor weather may be related to cognitive and contextual factors that lead pilots to continue with flights in the face of cues suggesting that doing so could be hazardous (i.e., commit “plan continuation errors” or PCE). To test this, 276 ASRS incident reports involving in-flight encounters with weather were analyzed. Part 91, 135 and 121 operations were found to differ significantly in their relative frequency of commission of PCEs. Factors such as hours of pilot experience, poor visibility, and crew conflict were related to the performance of a PCE. Different factors were related to PCEs committed within the three Part operations.
The Place and Value of Mental Models
Authors: Wilson John R.
Published: January 2012

This symposium is concerned to assess the current status and value of the mental model notion in human factors/ergonomics. These themes will be critically assessed in this paper, in particular questioning whether the notion is accounted for by other ideas and theories.