bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Situational Factors and Display Cues on Collision Detection and Avoidance Using a Terrain Enhanced Primary Flight Display
Authors: Peterson Douglas A. , Uhlarik John , Raddatz Kimberly R. , Ward Jason
Published: January 2012

The present research examines situation factors and display cues that contribute to the effectiveness of using a terrain enhanced primary flight display (TE-PFD) for detecting and avoiding potential Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) accidents. Specifically, the relative importance of the terrain distance, altitude, and presence of an artificial horizon line were investigated. One of the crucial features of the TE-PFD is the inclusion of an artificial horizon line in addition to the natural horizon line provided by the terrain. The present research compared collision detection and avoidance decisions using a TE-PFD both with and without an artificial horizon line. Performance was assessed using the signal detection theory (SDT) parameters of sensitivity and response bias as well as the more traditional analysis of RT. Results indicated that removal of the artificial horizon line not only reduced the perceptual ease in detecting collisions but also altered the decision criterion used to make a collision avoidance response.
Sensory Determinants of Workload and Stress in Sustained Attention
Authors: Szalma James L. , Warm Joel S. , Matthews Gerald , Dember William N. , Weiler Ernest M. , Meier Ashley
Published: January 2012

Audio-visual differences regarding temporal changes in the workload and stress associated with vigilance performance were examined. Detection probability was superior for the auditory modality. Global workload scores (NASA-TLX) for both modalities did not increase over time but scores on the Frustration subscale did. Observers became more stressed over time (Dundee Stress State Questionnaire), though those in the auditory condition recovered toward the end of the watch. Sensory factors have different implications for the workload and stress of sustained attention.
Brain Imaging Studies of Human Interaction with Well- and Poorly-Mapped Configural Displays
Authors: Sanderson Penelope , Pipingas Andrew , Danieli Frank , Silberstein Richard
Published: January 2012

In this paper we report the first application of the Steady State Probe Topography (SSPT) neuroimaging technique (Silberstein, 1992) to the design of configural displays for continuous monitoring tasks. Two studies replicated and extended the performance results of Buttigieg and Sanderson (1991) in which high-level system constraints that subjects had to monitor were either well-mapped or poorly mapped to visual emergent features of digital, bargraph, or shape displays. SSPT results for poorly-mapped displays all showed prefrontal excitation indicative of high mental workload and lateralization of excitation, regardless of the kind of display. However, SSPT results for well-mapped displays showed less prefrontal involvement the more directly the constraint being monitored was represented in the display. The display supporting best performance showed no prefrontal involvement at all, but instead involvement of areas associated with form perception and visual attention, indicating a low-workload perceptual strategy. We interpret these results in the context of recent work on ecological display design and indicate future directions for neuroimaging studies of human interaction with dynamic systems.
Soft-Copy Image Manipulation and its Influence on Perceived Color Quality of Printed Output
Authors: Dewing Wende L.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the role of cathode-ray tube (CRT) display characterizations on soft-copy image manipulation and perceived color quality of subsequently printed photographs. CRT gamma, color temperature, and excitation purity were manipulated using a central composite experimental design, resulting in fifteen unique monitor calibrations. Twenty-two participants viewed 3 images under each of the 15 CRT conditions. Participants edited color balance, brightness, and contrast of each soft-copy image. The direction and magnitude of image edits were recorded for analysis. Photographic-quality hard-copy prints of each edited soft-copy image also were generated. Participants were brought back to the lab after one month to rate the color quality of the hard-copy prints. Response surface analyses indicated that monitor calibration did influence soft-copy editing and perceived hard-copy color quality of prints generated from the edited images. CRT gamma had the greatest influence on image editing and perceived hard-copy color quality.
Electronic Text Readability Issues for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Bangor Aaron
Published: January 2012

A 2x5x2x3 (visual capability, font size, polarity, and contrast) repeated-measures design was used to determine if readability of electronic text can be improved for people with low vision. The results show that alterations can be made to the typeface of displayed characters that do not affect unimpaired vision readers while dramatically improving the readability of the impaired vision population. The key characteristic for low vision readers was found to be font size. Letters of at least 24 points were needed to maximize readability in this study. If letters smaller than this were used, negative polarity and smaller contrast ratios were found to decrease reading performance.
A Case Study of Automated Checkout Machine (ACM) Usage By an Older Adult
Authors: Bolton Amy E. , Sadowski Wallace , Hitt James M. , Zavod Merrill , Graeber Dave , Vazquez Jose
Published: January 2012

The pervasiveness of computer technology has saturated daily living in such forms as ATMs, telephone services, and most recently in the form of automated checkout machines (ACMs) at grocery stores. While technological advancements are multiplying rapidly, so is the mean age of the U.S. population. It is important that designers of automated devices consider that the diverse population of users of automated systems includes the elderly. In an effort to investigate how an older adult interacts with automation in an everyday life-event, a case study was performed of an elderly female while she interacted with an automated checkout machine at a local grocery store. A comparison of the system's components to human factors guidelines, as well as suggestions for system redesigns, are presented. In addition, feedback was obtained from the user on the system's ease of use.
Invasion vs occupation
Authors: Fahmy Shahira , Johnson Thomas J
Published: January 2012

This study aimed to determine how well embedded reporters perceived they covered the Iraq War and whether those attitudes have changed over time. While findings suggested embeds continue to judge their overall performance as positively in 2005/6 as in 2004, respondents largely recognized problems with the embedding process. Data analysis indicated after the official declaration of victory that embedded reporters became significantly less likely to agree that embeds were qualified for their job. Professional values and norms were perceived as the top factors in reporting the war, as suggested in both surveys. Other measures at the individual level were judged as less influential. Further, while journalistic routines were the strongest predictors of embed performance, these factors did not change over time. Embedded reporters identified individual-level factors, extra-media factors and ideological factors as more influential on their reporting after President Bush declared victory in May 2003 than before that declaration.
Isolation of the stromal-vascular fraction of mouse bone marrow markedly enhances the yield of clonogenic stromal progenitors
Authors: Suire Colby , Brouard Nathalie , Hirschi Karen , Simmons Paul J.
Published: January 2012

The low incidence of CFU-F significantly complicates the isolation of homogeneous populations of mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), a common problem being contamination with hematopoietic cells. Taking advantage of burgeoning evidence demonstrating the perivascular location of stromal cell stem/progenitors, we hypothesized that a potential reason for the low yield of mouse BMSCs is the flushing of the marrow used to remove single-cell suspensions and the consequent destruction of the marrow vasculature, which may adversely affect recovery of BMSCs physically associated with the abluminal surface of blood vessels. Herein, we describe a simple methodology based on preparation and enzymatic disaggregation of intact marrow plugs, which yields distinct populations of both stromal and endothelial cells. The recovery of CFU-F obtained by pooling the product of each digestion (1631.8 + 199) reproducibly exceeds that obtained using the standard BM flushing technique (14.32 + 1.9) by at least 2 orders of magnitude (P < .001; N = 8) with an accompanying 113.95-fold enrichment of CFU-F frequency when plated at low oxygen (5%). Purified BMSC populations devoid of hematopoietic contamination are readily obtained by FACS at P0 and from freshly prepared single-cell suspensions. Furthermore, this population demonstrates robust multilineage differentiation using standard in vivo and in vitro bioassays.
Comparison and transfer testing of multiplex ligation detection methods for GM plants
Authors: Ujhelyi Gabriella , van Dijk Jeroen P , Prins Theo W , Voorhuijzen Marleen M , Angeline Van Hoef AM , Beenen Henriek G , Morisset Dany , Gruden Kristina , Kok Esther J
Published: January 2012

Background

With the increasing number of GMOs on the global market the maintenance of European GMO regulations is becoming more complex. For the analysis of a single food or feed sample it is necessary to assess the sample for the presence of many GMO-targets simultaneously at a sensitive level. Several methods have been published regarding DNA-based multidetection. Multiplex ligation detection methods have been described that use the same basic approach: i) hybridisation and ligation of specific probes, ii) amplification of the ligated probes and iii) detection and identification of the amplified products. Despite they all have this same basis, the published ligation methods differ radically. The present study investigated with real-time PCR whether these different ligation methods have any influence on the performance of the probes. Sensitivity and the specificity of the padlock probes (PLPs) with the ligation protocol with the best performance were also tested and the selected method was initially validated in a laboratory exchange study.

Results

Of the ligation protocols tested in this study, the best results were obtained with the PPLMD I and PPLMD II protocols and no consistent differences between these two protocols were observed. Both protocols are based on padlock probe ligation combined with microarray detection. Twenty PLPs were tested for specificity and the best probes were subjected to further evaluation. Up to 13 targets were detected specifically and simultaneously. During the interlaboratory exchange study similar results were achieved by the two participating institutes (NIB, Slovenia, and RIKILT, the Netherlands).

Conclusions

From the comparison of ligation protocols it can be concluded that two protocols perform equally well on the basis of the selected set of PLPs. Using the most ideal parameters the multiplicity of one of the methods was tested and 13 targets were successfully and specifically detected. In the interlaboratory exchange study it was shown that the selected method meets the 0.1% sensitivity criterion. The present study thus shows that specific and sensitive multidetection of GMO targets is now feasible.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope proteins traffic toward virion assembly sites via a TBC1D20/Rab1-regulated pathway
Authors: Nachmias Dikla , Sklan Ella H , Ehrlich Marcelo , Bacharach Eran
Published: January 2012

Background

The cellular activity of many factors and pathways is required to execute the complex replication cycle of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To reveal these cellular components, several extensive RNAi screens have been performed, listing numerous 'HIV-dependency factors'. However, only a small overlap between these lists exists, calling for further evaluation of the relevance of specific factors to HIV-1 replication and for the identification of additional cellular candidates. TBC1D20, the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) of Rab1, regulates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi trafficking, was not identified in any of these screens, and its involvement in HIV-1 replication cycle is tested here.

Findings

Excessive TBC1D20 activity perturbs the early trafficking of HIV-1 envelope protein through the secretory pathway. Overexpression of TBC1D20 hampered envelope processing and reduced its association with detergent-resistant membranes, entailing a reduction in infectivity of HIV-1 virion like particles (VLPs).

Conclusions

These findings add TBC1D20 to the network of host factors regulating HIV replication cycle.
Secondary cutaneous Epstein-Barr virus-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a patient with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Yang Qing-Xu , Pei Xiao-Juan , Tian Xiao-Ying , Li Yang , Li Zhi
Published: January 2012

Only a few cases of extranodal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B-cell lymphomas arising from patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) have been described. We report a case of AITL of which secondary cutaneous EBV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) developed after the initial diagnosis of AITL. A 65-year-old Chinese male patient was diagnosed as AITL based on typical histological and immunohistochemical characteristics in biopsy of the enlarged right inguinal lymph nodes. The patient initially received 6 cycles of chemotherapy with CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, adriamycin, prednisone), but his symptoms did not disappear. Nineteen months after initial diagnosis of AITL, the patient was hospitalized again because of multiple plaques and nodules on the skin. The skin biopsy was performed, but this time the tumor was composed of large, polymorphous population of lymphocytes with CD20 and CD79a positive on immunohistochemical staining. The tumor cells were strong positive for EBER by in situ hybridization. The findings of skin biopsy were compatible with EBV-associated DLBCL. CHOP-R chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and rituximab) was then administered, resulting in partial response of the disease with pancytopenia and suppression of cellular immunity. To our knowledge, this is the first case of cutaneous EBV-associated DLBCL originated from AITL in Chinese pepole. We suggest the patients with AITL should perform lymph node and skin biopsies regularly in the course of the disease to detect the progression of secondary lymphomas.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:

http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1197421158639299
“New Ways of Doing”: The Construction of Another World in Latin America: An Interview with Raúl Zibechi
Authors: Hardt Michael , Reyes Alvaro
Published: January 2012

In a wide-ranging interview with Michael Hardt and Alvaro Reyes, Uruguayan militant and journalist Raúl Zibechi evaluates the key moments in the last two decades of Latin American social and political movements. Based on his intricate knowledge of situations from Mexico to Argentina, Zibechi analyzes the role of organizational innovations in the antisystemic movements, the constant renovation of indigenous “ways of doing,” the continued validity and limitations of Marxist conceptions of revolution, the dangers and possibilities of progressive governments for the region's antisystemic movements, and the prospects for an alternative to what Zibechi surmises is not just an economic or political crisis but nothing less than the crisis of an entire civilization. As Zibechi concludes, the next few years will be crucial for the antisystemic movements as they attempt to reorganize and reassert their central role in the politics of the region.
The Interplay of Age Stratification and HPV Testing on the Predictive Value of ASC-US Cytology
Authors: Stoler Mark H. , Wright Thomas C. , Sharma Abha , Zhang Guili , Apple Raymond , Wright Teresa L. , Behrens Catherine M. ,   the ATHENA (Addressing THE Need for Advanced HPV Diagnostics) Study Group
Published: January 2012

We have previously shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping, using the cobas HPV Test (Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA), can be used to identify women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) at the highest risk for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse. We investigated the impact of age stratification on the risk of CIN 2 or worse in women with ASC-US and the performance of HPV genotyping in different age strata.

The sensitivity of the cobas HPV Test was 93.3% in the 21- to 29-year-old age group and 67.7% in the 40 years or older group, most likely owing to pathologic misclassification of CIN 2 or worse in older women. The prevalence of CIN 2 or worse in younger women was nearly 4-fold that detected in older women and was predominantly HPV-16–related.

Age-specific evaluation of ASC-US cytology in conjunction with HPV genotype status enables more effective risk assessment and could be used in clinical management.
CD117 Expression Is a Sensitive but Nonspecific Predictor of FLT3 Mutation in T Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and T/Myeloid Acute Leukemia
Authors: Hoehn Daniela , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Chen Su S. , Tian Tian , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Ahmed Yasin , Lin Pei
Published: January 2012

Others have suggested that CD117, or an immunophenotypic profile including CD117, can serve as surrogate for FLT3 mutation in T acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), thereby guiding targeted therapy. We report the results of flow cytometry immunophenotypic analysis in 42 cases of T-ALL and T/myeloid acute leukemia also assessed for FLT3 mutation. CD117 was expressed in 21 (50%), and FLT3 was mutated in 8 cases (19%; 1 T-ALL and 7 T/myeloid). FLT3-mutated cases were terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)+/CD2+ (7/8), cytoplasmic CD3+/CD5+ (5/8), CD7+/CD13+/CD15+ (4/6), CD33+ (4/8), CD34+, and CD117+ (bright). Cytochemistry showed myeloperoxidase-positive cells in all T/myeloid acute leukemias (3%–50%). We conclude that FLT3 mutation is rare in T-ALL, and its presence supports T/myeloid lineage. CD117 expression alone is sensitive but not specific for FLT3 mutation. The immunophenotypic profile of TdT, CD7, CD13, CD34, and CD117 (bright) is helpful for predicting FLT3 mutation, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94%.
'The American girl I had once been': Psychosomatic trauma and history in Jeffrey Eugenides' Middlesex
Authors: ATHANASSAKIS YANOULA
Published: January 2012

This article focuses on Jeffrey Eugenides' (2002) novel Middlesex and the author's representation of bodies as visual and material texts. I illustrate how ethnic bodies are ideologically constructed and 'Americanized' to fit national and hegemonic standards of belonging, and I argue
that the protagonist's (Cal/-liope's) body complicates and explodes such rubrics of classification. The project of identity-making and historical recovery in Middlesex is explored psychically and corporeally. Engaging with Michel Foucault's notions of history, I suggest that Middlesex moves
through tumultuous historical moments and identifies what might be thought of as convulsions in the seemingly serene and relaxed musculature of the historical body – always with a focus on the materiality and corporeality of the protagonist, Cal/-liope and his/her hermaphroditic subjectivity.
It is this focus on the material that makes Middlesex unique and, I argue, imperative to our current understanding of American 'ethnic' literatures. Using Kaja Silverman to think about visuality and the gaze as interpolated by Cal, this article suggests that the filmic aspects of Middlesex
beckon a visual analysis that will question how bodies are read. Using Judith Butler's notions of bodily impenetrability and Elizabeth Grosz's configuration of the body as material matter, I aver that Middlesex leads its audience to deconstruct and reconsider the ways in which ethnic American
identity operates in a globalized and hybridized US landscape.
Applied theatre as an 'alternative substance': Reflections from an applied theatre project with people in recovery from alcohol and drug dependency
Authors: ZONTOU ZOE
Published: January 2012

This article explores factors by which participation in applied theatre has the potential to have an impact on problem drug and alcohol users by operating as what the author refers to as 'alternative substance'. In particular, the author seeks to examine the possibility of applied theatre
operating as an alternative form of 'escape' from their current community (a community of exclusion) and thereby functioning as a motivational force towards their social reintegration. The arguments proposed in this article will be supported by using examples of practice from an applied theatre
project that the author conducted in the organization Addiction Dependency Solutions (ADS) based in Oldham, Greater Manchester.
The union of the expressive arts and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy with adolescents presenting with traits of Borderline Personality Disorder in a residential setting
Authors: LEBOWITZ EMILY , REBER CHANDRA
Published: January 2012

This article documents the journey of expressive arts-based Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) groups with adolescent females struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA from their inception in 2009 through to the present. There has been minimal
research done on the efficacy of fusing the expressive arts with DBT; the theoretical model used at the 3East residential treatment programme. This article documents the rationale, structure and evolution of these groups. Furthermore, we discuss indicators of potential benefits from these
groups such as decreasing perfectionism, increasing mastery, coping skills, self esteem and self identity, as well as propose changes that could continue to improve the current groups. Specific interventions and client observations are showcased with the purpose of sharing our experiences
and expanding the dialogue between clinical psychology and expressive arts. Our work supports a positive outcome for the combination of these two treatments in this setting.
Engineering Properties of Cement–Treated Granular Soil for Geotechnical Application
Authors: Dong P. H. , Hayano K. , Morikawa Y. , Takahashi H.
Published: January 2012

This study introduces a new method to produce a granular material to encourage use of dredged materials for construction applications. Cement Treated Granular Soil (CTGS) was produced from dredged marine clay mixed with proper amounts of cement and polymer. This study focuses on lean mixture design to reduce the production cost. The applicability of CTGS as a geomaterial was verified based on engineering properties (i.e., compaction characteristics, California Bearing Ratio, compressibility, strength and deformation characteristics) obtained from laboratory tests. The principle of treatment and physical properties of CTGS are also discussed. It was found that CTGS is lightweight, has high porosity, and possesses similar characteristics to conventional granular materials. The densification is not sensitive to water content, and the strength and stiffness parameters obtained from the tests indicate that CTGS shows high potential for applications such as reclamation, subgrade, or backfill material.
Infinit-dimensionaler Reglerentwurf für Euler-Bernoulli Balken mit Macro-Fibre Composite Aktoren
Authors: Henikl Johannes , Schröck Johannes , Meurer Thomas , Kugi Andreas
Published: January 2012

Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Regelung eines einseitig eingespannten Euler-Bernoulli Balkens mit piezoelektrischen Aktoren, die in Form von Macro-Fibre Composite Patches realisiert sind. Auf Basis des verteilt-parametrischen mathematischen Modells wird eine nicht-kollokierte dynamische Ausgangsregelung entworfen, die die asymptotische Stabilität des geschlossenen Regelkreises gewährleistet. Neben der mathematischen Analyse werden die entwickelten Methoden an einem Versuchsstand experimentell validiert. Die Messergebnisse zeigen die Machbarkeit des vorgestellten Ansatzes.
What Is the Utility of Distal Forearm DXA in Primary Hyperparathyroidism?
Authors: Wood Kelly , Dhital Subarna , Chen Herbert , Sippel Rebecca S.
Published: January 2012

Background.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) leads to increased bone turnover, low bone mineral density, and increased fracture risk. These effects are, however, preferentially seen in the distal forearm, which is rich in cortical bone. This study aimed to determine how frequently the distal forearm T score was the worst T score and if this T score alone led to higher rate of diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Materials and Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed a prospective database of 300 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy at our institution between November 2000 and January 2009. The bone mineral density of the lumbar spine, total proximal femurs, and distal third of the nondominant radius was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry. Data on bone density are reported as T scores.

Results.

The mean T scores were −1.30 ± 0.2 in the distal forearm, −1.0 ± 0.1 in the total proximal femurs, and −0.9 ± 0.1 in the spine. The distal forearm T score was the worst bone mineral density T score in 39% of patients. This T score alone led to an upstaging in diagnosis to osteopenia or osteoporosis in 9.4% of patients.

Conclusion.

In patients with PHPT, the worst T score is commonly found in the distal forearm. This T score can identify additional patients with a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Distal forearm bone mineral density should, therefore, be assessed in all patients who have a diagnosis of PHPT.
Novel tool for optimised design of reinforced soils by columns
Authors: Bouassida Mounir , Hazzar Lassaad
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the use of some new software (Columns 1·0) to undertake the design of foundations on soils reinforced by columns. First, the main advantages of columnar-reinforced systems are briefly reviewed: namely the increase of bearing capacity, the reduction of settlement, the acceleration of consolidation and the prevention of liquefaction potential. These advantages are usually predicted from analytical calculations and quantified after recorded field data. Second, the design methodology incorporated in this new software is described. Based on results obtained essentially by the ‘group of columns' model and by the composite cell model, this methodology aims to optimise design which makes it possible to avoid overestimated quantities of column material under rigid or flexible foundation. Different types of reinforcement by columns such as the most frequently used stone columns, sand-compacted columns, deep mixing soil method, etc. can be simulated by this new software. A worked example is presented to illustrate the design provided by the software: input data, loading configurations, geotechnical profile and the drawing of designed solutions.
Operational use of a grid-based model for flood forecasting
Authors: Price David , Hudson Karen , Boyce Graeme , Schellekens Jaap , Moore Robert J. , Clark Peter , Harrison Tim , Connolly Emily , Pilling Charlie
Published: January 2012

Following the summer 2007 floods in England and Wales, a new context for flood forecasting emerged through the recommendations set out in the Pitt review. This paper presents the operational challenges being addressed by the Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) – a joint venture between the Environment Agency (EA) and the Met Office (MO) – to deliver forecasts of flood risk across England and Wales with longer lead times (out to 5 days ahead) and, on a shorter timescale, for rapid response catchments. These are both key recommendations of the Pitt review. As a joint venture, the FFC is uniquely placed to meet these objectives and, as a first step, has implemented a distributed hydrological model, grid-to-grid (G2G), calibrated across England and Wales, on the EA's national flood forecasting system. Also fundamental to successfully meeting these objectives is the FFC's ability to utilise the latest MO advances in high-resolution numerical weather prediction and nowcasting of rainfall, including forecasts in probabilistic form. Early results from applying the model to the Cumbria floods of November 2009 demonstrate that this is an effective approach for generating longer lead-time flood forecasts. The results also illustrate that this methodology is best used in combination with current regionally based flood forecasting tools.
Discharge diagnosis of high Xe concentration and high‐γ protective layer in PDPs
Authors: Zhu Di , Zhang Xiong , Izumi Tomoaki , Akiyama Toshiyuki , Kajiyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2012

Abstract— The high‐Xe‐concentration and high‐γ (ion‐induced secondary‐electron emission coefficient) protective layer have been diagnosed from both experimentation and simulation. The experimental results show that there is a great increase in luminance and luminous efficacy, while the breakdown voltage decreases in the high‐Xe and high‐γ discharge. In the high‐Xe discharge, the great increase in VUV radiation mainly results from an increase in excimer VUV emission. The application of high‐Xe concentration can greatly increase the luminous efficacy, while the high‐γ protective layer can promote it further. Considering that the total discharge efficiency can be divided into the electron heating efficiency, the Xe excitation efficiency, and the VUV radiation efficiency, both the electron heating efficiency and Xe excitation efficiency increased for a high‐Xe discharge; while for a high‐γ discharge, the increase in electron heating efficiency contributes to the improvement in discharge efficiency.
Effects of text/background color combination, ambient illuminance, and display type on discriminating performance for young and elderly users
Authors: Wang An‐Hsiang , Hwang Su‐Lun , Kuo Hui‐Tzu
Published: January 2012

Abstract— This study examined the effects of text/background color combinations (black‐on‐white, red‐on‐white, green‐on‐white, and blue‐on‐white), ambient illuminance (50, 500, and 12,000 lx), and display type (color electronic‐paper displays and conventional transmissive liquid‐crystal displays) on the discriminating performance of young and elderly users. The results showed that when participants used the color e‐paper display, young participants had significantly better discriminating performance than elderly participants under the text/background color combinations of black‐on‐white, green‐on‐white, and blue‐on‐white, whereas no significant difference was present between young and elderly participants under red‐on‐white. When participants used a conventional transmissive LCD, however, there was no significant difference between young and elderly participants under all text/background color‐combination settings. Young participants had substantially better discriminating performance under 500 and 12,000 lx than under 50 lx, whereas elderly participants had the best discriminating performance under 12,000 lx, followed by that under 500 lx, and the worst performance under 50 lx. Participants who used a conventional transmissive LCD had substantially better discriminating performance under 500 and 12,000 lx than under 50 lx. Participants who used the color e‐paper display had the best discriminating performance under 12,000 lx, followed by that under 500 lx, and the worst performance under 50 lx. The results can be the guild for the designers of color e‐paper displays.
Prevalence of Perceived Stress and Mental Health Indicators Among Reserve-Component and Active-Duty Military Personnel
Authors: Lane Marian E. , Hourani Laurel L. , Bray Robert M. , Williams Jason
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We examined stress levels and other indicators of mental health in reservists and active-duty military personnel by deployment status.

Methods. We used data from the Department of Defense Health-Related Behaviors surveys, which collect comprehensive, population-based data for reserve and active-duty forces. Data were collected from 18 342 reservists and 16 146 active-duty personnel.

Results. Overall, with adjustment for sociodemographic and service differences, reservists reported similar or less work and family stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms than did active-duty personnel. However, reservists who had been deployed reported higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than did active-duty personnel who had been deployed and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology than did any active-duty personnel and reservists who had not been deployed. The highest rates of suicidal ideation and attempts were among reservists who had served in theaters other than Iraq and Afghanistan.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that deployment has a greater impact on reservists than on active-duty members, thus highlighting the urgent need for services addressing reservists’ unique postdeployment mental health issues. Also, deployment to any theater, not only Iraq or Afghanistan, represents unique threats to all service members’ mental well-being.
Correlates of Suicidality: Investigation of a Representative Sample of Manitoba First Nations Adolescents
Authors: Mota Natalie , Elias Brenda , Tefft Bruce , Medved Maria , Munro Garry , Sareen Jitender
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We examined individual, friend or family, and community or tribe correlates of suicidality in a representative on-reserve sample of First Nations adolescents.

Methods. Data came from the 2002–2003 Manitoba First Nations Regional Longitudinal Health Survey of Youth. Interviews were conducted with adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (n = 1125) from 23 First Nations communities in Manitoba. We used bivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the relationships between a range of factors and lifetime suicidality. We conducted sex-by-correlate interactions for each significant correlate at the bivariate level. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified those correlates most strongly related to suicidality.

Results. We found several variables to be associated with an increased likelihood of suicidality in the multivariate model, including being female, depressed mood, abuse or fear of abuse, a hospital stay, and substance use (adjusted odds ratio range = 2.43–11.73). Perceived community caring was protective against suicidality (adjusted odds ratio = 0.93; 95% confidence interval = 0.88, 0.97) in the same model.

Conclusions. Results of this study may be important in informing First Nations and government policy related to the implementation of suicide prevention strategies in First Nations communities.
Enumeration and Composition of the Public Health Workforce: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Sumaya Ciro V.
Published: January 2012

The field of public health needs a comprehensive classification data system that provides a better assessment of the size and composition of its workforce. Such a data system is necessary for understanding the capacity, trend projections, and policy development critical to the future workforce.

Previous enumeration and composition studies on the public health workforce have been helpful, but the methodology used needs further improvements in standardization, specificity, data storage, and data availability. Resolving this issue should follow a consensus-based course of action that includes public and private stakeholders at the national, state, and local level.

This prime issue should be addressed now, particularly in the current environment of comprehensive health care reform.
Sexual Timetables for Oral-Genital, Vaginal, and Anal Intercourse: Sociodemographic Comparisons in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Halpern Carolyn Tucker , Haydon Abigail A.
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We documented the prevalence and relative timing of oral-genital, vaginal, and anal intercourse during adolescence and examined whether these timetables varied by sociodemographic factors.

Methods. We used data from almost 14 000 Wave IV respondents to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to generate prevalence estimates for adolescents who reached age 18 years by 2001 and logistic and ordinary least squares regression to examine sociodemographic correlates of sexual patterns.

Results. One in 5 adolescents did not engage in any of these sexual behaviors by age 18 years. More than two thirds reported vaginal or oral-genital sexual activity, but only about half experienced both. One in 10 reported anal intercourse experience. A third initiated 2 or more behaviors within a 1-year period. In longer timetables, vaginal intercourse was more often initiated first. Most sociodemographic characteristics examined were uniquely associated with prevalence and sexual timing.

Conclusions. Diversity in patterns of sexual initiation occurring in the 1990s underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive and nuanced examinations of adolescent sexual trajectories and their implications for sexual health in more recent cohorts.
Public Health Surveillance and Meaningful Use Regulations: A Crisis of Opportunity
Authors: Lenert Leslie , Sundwall David N.
Published: January 2012

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act is intended to enhance reimbursement of health care providers for meaningful use of electronic health records systems. This presents both opportunities and challenges for public health departments.

To earn incentive payments, clinical providers must exchange specified types of data with the public health system, such as immunization and syndromic surveillance data and notifiable disease reporting. However, a crisis looms because public health’s information technology systems largely lack the capabilities to accept the types of data proposed for exchange.

Cloud computing may be a solution for public health information systems. Through shared computing resources, public health departments could reap the benefits of electronic reporting within federal funding constraints.
A coupled thermo-mechanical model of friction stir welding
Authors: Veljic Darko , Perovic Milenko , Sedmak Aleksandar , Rakin Marko , Trifunovic Miroslav , Bajic Nikola , Bajic Darko
Published: January 2012

A coupled thermo-mechanical model was developed to study the temperature
fields, the plunge force and the plastic deformations of Al alloy 2024-T351
under different rotating speed: 350, 400 and 450 rpm, during the friction
stir welding (FSW) process. Three-dimensional FE model has been developed in
ABAQUS/Explicit using the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation, the
Johnson-Cook material law and the Coulomb?s Law of friction. Numerical
results indicate that the maximum temperature in the FSW process is lower
than the melting point of the welding material. The temperature filed is
approximately symmetrical along the welding line. A lower plastic strain
region can be found near the welding tool in the trailing side on the bottom
surface. With increasing rotation speed, the low plastic strain region is
reduced. When the rotational speed is increased, the plunge force can be
reduced. Regions with high equivalent plastic strains are observed which
correspond to the nugget and the flow arm.
Transformations of the ”autonomus Vojvodina” idea
Authors: Bjelica Slobodan
Published: January 2012

The idea of an autonomous region of Vojvodina had its origins in Serbian
political thought and the new political, demographic and cultural
circumstances and opportunities which emerged beginning in the 17th century.
During the 1848 Revolution Serbs within the Habspburg monarchy proclaimed a
new political entity, ?Serbian Vojvodina?, which incorporated parts of
southern Hungary, Croatia and the Military Border. The Hungarian governments?
refusal to countenance what it saw as separatism led to a bloody civil war.
In November 1849, following the suppression of the Hungarian revolt, emperor
Franz Joseph granted the Serbs a territory larger than they demanded, which
led to their being outnumbered by other ethnic communities. This duchy lasted
only for a decade. In a self-proclaimed effort to break with the complex
problems of the past and to take into account the particularities of local
history, ethnic structure, and cultural distinctiveness, the communist
government of Yugoslavia awarded territorial autonomy to Vojvodina in the
aftermath of the Second World War.
Avondale Estates: A Case Study in Governmental Accounting and Auditing—A Historical Approach
Authors: Ariail Donald L. , Durden Joe , Leathart Marilynn , Chapman-Vasill Lynette
Published: January 2012

The 82 years of accounting evolution that separate the audits of 1928 and 2009 under different accounting and auditing standards are examined through a cross-disciplined case study that compares the historical 1928 and the contemporary 2009 financial statements and the accompanying audit reports of Avondale Estates, Georgia. The 1928 and 2009 reports and financial statements of this municipality, along with the municipality's current budget information accessible over the Internet, can be used in a number of ways to enhance the instruction of governmental accounting at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. In addition to aiding in the teaching of current governmental accounting standards, the case also can be used to give the student a historical perspective on governmental accounting and the accounting profession. By comparing the accounting and reporting standards used in 1928 and 2009, the student will gain an understanding of the evolution of accounting thought. Moreover, the auditors' reports for the two periods illustrate the historical and continuing public service role of the CPA profession as detailed in ET Section 53 of the AICPA Professional Standards (AICPA 2010). Thus, this case study gives the accounting instructor a useful vehicle for teaching accounting history and thought.
Attitude of Basic Science Medical Students towards Post Graduation in Medicine and Surgery: A Questionnaire based Cross-sectional Study from Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Roy Bedanta , Banerjee Indrajit , Sathian Brijesh , Mondal Monami , Kumar Sai Sailesh , Saha Chhanchu Gopal
Published: January 2012

Background Career choice of medical students plays a vital role for health care system of a country. It also plays a crucial role to bring medical specialties into mainstream focus. Materials and Method A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study has been performed at Manipal College of Medical Sciences, during the period of 1st May to 31st August–2011. A self reported questionnaire was given to the undergraduate medical students of Basic sciences. Questionnaire included career choices, nature of career, reason for choice, and education level and occupation in their parents. Results Data was collected from 269 medical students, among them 145 males and 124 female students participated in the study. The mean age of Indian (85, 31.6%), Nepalese (110, 40.9%) and Sri Lankan (74, 27.5%) students were 18.3 ± SD 0.7, 18.6 ± SD 0.8 and 18.0 ± SD 1.5 years respectively. Education and Occupation of parents seems to influence the determination of career choice in case of Medical students (p<0.01). Females have 2.19 times preference of choosing Medicine and 0.22 times Surgery compared to males (p<0.01). In case of Nepali male students, Surgery (60.3%) was the most preferred Postgraduate subject followed by medicine (20.6%) and in female students, medicine (44.7%) and OBG (31.9%). But in case of Indian male students 58.0% & 31.4% female students want to choose surgery as their career. 53.1% of the Sri-Lankan male students want to choose medicine as their post graduation and apart from these 50% of the female students also, which is followed by surgery 46.9% (male) and 21.4% (female) respectively. Conclusion Our study supports that Post-graduation in clinical specialties is always preferred over Basic sciences due to more interaction with patients and the practical aspects of medical profession. The relatively less popularity of some streams may show long-term impact on the health of health system of Nepal. Medical Universities have to modify their academic intervention activities to improve the basic science teaching learning programme in Nepal to turn around the deficiency of post graduates in this stream.http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v1i4.5754 Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2011;1(4):126-134
The Use of Digital Games and Simulators in Veterinary Education: An Overview with Examples
Authors: de Bie M.H. , Lipman L.J.A.
Published: January 2012

In view of current technological possibilities and the popularity of games, the interest in games for educational purposes is remarkably on the rise. This article outlines the (future) use of (digital) games and simulators in several disciplines, especially in the veterinary curriculum. The different types of game-based learning (GBL)—varying from simple interactive computer board games to more complex virtual simulation strategies—will be discussed as well as the benefits, possibilities, and limitations of the educational use of games. The real breakthrough seems to be a few years away. Technological developments in the future might diminish the limitations and stumbling blocks that currently exist. Consequently, educational games will play a new and increasingly important role in the future veterinary curriculum, providing an attractive and useful way of learning.
Cancer screening in the United States, 2012
Authors: Smith Robert A. , Cokkinides Vilma , Brawley Otis W.
Published: January 2012

Each year the American Cancer Society (ACS) publishes a summary of its recommendations for early cancer detection, a report on data and trends in cancer screening rates, and select issues related to cancer screening. In this issue of the journal, current ACS cancer screening guidelines are summarized, as are the latest data on the use of cancer screening from the National Health Interview Survey. CA Cancer J Clin 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Modeling of Turbine Cycles Using a Neuro-Fuzzy Based Approach to Predict Turbine-Generator Output for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Chan Yea-Kuang , Gu Jyh-Cherng
Published: January 2012

Due to the very complex sets of component systems, interrelated thermodynamic processes and seasonal change in operating conditions, it is relatively difficult to find an accurate model for turbine cycle of nuclear power plants (NPPs). This paper deals with the modeling of turbine cycles to predict turbine-generator output using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for Unit 1 of the Kuosheng NPP in Taiwan. Plant operation data obtained from Kuosheng NPP between 2006 and 2011 were verified using a linear regression model with a 95% confidence interval. The key parameters of turbine cycle, including turbine throttle pressure, condenser backpressure, feedwater flow rate and final feedwater temperature are selected as inputs for the ANFIS based turbine cycle model. In addition, a thermodynamic turbine cycle model was developed using the commercial software PEPSE® to compare the performance of the ANFIS based turbine cycle model. The results show that the proposed ANFIS based turbine cycle model is capable of accurately estimating turbine-generator output and providing more reliable results than the PEPSE® based turbine cycle models. Moreover, test results show that the ANFIS performed better than the artificial neural network (ANN), which has also being tried to model the turbine cycle. The effectiveness of the proposed neuro-fuzzy based turbine cycle model was demonstrated using the actual operating data of Kuosheng NPP. Furthermore, the results also provide an alternative approach to evaluate the thermal performance of nuclear power plants.