bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The National Trauma Registry as a Canadian Spine Trauma Database: A Validation Study Using an Institutional Clinical Database
Authors: Furlan Julio C. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: September 2011

Background: Miscoding is a common source of error in population-based registries. Given this, we performed a validation study comparing the Canadian National Trauma Registry (NTR) data based on the 10th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases coding with clinical data from an institutional database. Methods: All patients with acute spine trauma who were admitted to Toronto Western Hospital from May 2003 to April 2007 were included. Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were estimated having chart data abstraction as the gold standard. Results: There were 92 patients with spine trauma (50 males, 42 females; ages from 16 to 102 years). The use of the NTR as a spine trauma database has an accuracy of 87%, sensitivity of 89.8% and specificity of 25%. If the same database is considered as a spinal cord injury (complete motor injury) database, there will be a decrease in the precision with an accuracy of 32.6%, sensitivity of 81.3% and specificity of 6.7%. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the NTR may be relatively more precise when used as a database of spine trauma in comparison with its use as a spinal cord injury database. However, the low specificity suggests that the NTR should be comprehensively validated using data from the other institutions that contribute with data collection for the NTR.
Predictors and Early Outcome of Hemorrhagic Transformation after Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kablau Micha , Kreisel Stefan H. , Sauer Tamara , Binder Johannes , Szabo Kristina , Hennerici Michael G. , Kern Rolf
Published: September 2011

Background: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after acute ischemic stroke is frequently detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in particular in patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Knowledge about causes and early clinical consequences of HT mostly arises from computed tomography-based studies. We analyzed potential predictors and early outcome of HT after stroke detected by MRI with T2*-weighted gradient echo sequences (T2*-MRI). Methods: 122 consecutive stroke patients (mean age 65.5 years, 41% women) who underwent T2*-MRI within 6–60 h after stroke onset were included. 25.4% of patients were treated with tPA; the overall detection rate of HT on T2*-MRI was 20.5%. Potential predictors of HT, such as age, sex, blood pressure, stroke etiology, prior antithrombotic medication, neurological deficit on admission, tPA treatment, and specific MRI findings, were analyzed. In addition, we evaluated the effect of HT on early outcome: a decrease of >4 points on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on day 5 was considered early improvement, and an increase of >4 points was considered early deterioration. Results: The main predictor for occurrence of HT was tPA treatment (48.4 vs. 11.1%; odds ratio 7.50; 95% confidence interval 2.9–19.7; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the development of HT was associated with a severer neurological deficit on admission (mean NIHSS score 9.9 vs. 5.9; p = 0.003), and territorial infarction (88 vs. 58.8%; p = 0.007). 19 patients (15.6%) showed early improvement which was associated with the occurrence of HT (p = 0.011) and tPA treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: HT is a frequent finding on T2*-MRI in patients with acute ischemic stroke associated with tPA treatment, territorial infarction and severer neurological deficits on admission. However, HT does not cause clinical deterioration; it is rather related to a favorable early outcome likely reflecting early recanalization and better reperfusion in these patients.
Interactions of Diabatic Heating in Convective Superbursts with Energy Conversion Processes in the Genesis of Cape Verde Hurricanes from African Easterly Waves
Authors: Ross Robert S. , Krishnamurti T. N. , Pattnaik S.
Published: September 2011

This paper defines a mechanism for the genesis of tropical cyclones from African easterly waves (AEWs) over the eastern Atlantic, the so-called Cape Verde storms. Convective “superbursts” produce strong diabatic heating, which then strengthens the African easterly jet (AEJ), leading to enhanced barotropic energy conversions, which occur at the critical developmental stages of the system.

Diabatic heating is calculated using the Ertel isentropic potential vorticity (IPV) equation, while energy conversions are determined using energy equations first derived by Lorenz. The genesis mechanism is developed from studying Hurricane Bill (2009), as well as Tropical Storm Debby, Hurricane Helene, and a nondeveloping AEW, all from the 2006 NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (NAMMA) field experiment, using the NCEP Final (FNL) analyses and the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF-ARW) simulations.

A striking and singular maximum in the diabatic heating due to the convective superburst is shown to precede by 24–36 h a pronounced maximum in positive barotropic energy conversion, which is demonstrated to occur simultaneously with the strengthening of the AEJ. The maximum in barotropic energy conversion is documented to occur in the developmental stages of the system, typically in the depression or early storm stages.

A physical mechanism is developed to explain how a mesoscale convective superburst can lead subsequently to an enhanced synoptic-scale AEJ over the eastern Atlantic, an enhanced jet that is critical to the genesis mechanism.

The findings agree with cited idealized studies by other investigators who found that moist AEWs grow 3 times stronger than dry waves as a result of faster AEJ development and larger barotropic energy conversions.
Characteristics of the Near-Surface Boundary Layer within a Mountain Valley during Winter
Authors: Helgason Warren , Pomeroy John W.
Published: September 2011

Within mountainous regions, estimating the exchange of sensible heat and water vapor between the surface and the atmosphere is an important but inexact endeavor. Measurements of the turbulence characteristics of the near-surface boundary layer in complex mountain terrain are relatively scarce, leading to considerable uncertainty in the application of flux-gradient techniques for estimating the surface turbulent heat and mass fluxes. An investigation of the near-surface boundary layer within a 7-ha snow-covered forest clearing was conducted in the Kananaskis River valley, located within the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The homogeneous measurement site was characterized as being relatively calm and sheltered; the wind exhibited considerable unsteadiness, however. Frequent wind gusts were observed to transport turbulent energy into the clearing, affecting the rate of energy transfer at the snow surface. The resulting boundary layer within the clearing exhibited perturbations introduced by the surrounding topography and land surface discontinuities. The measured momentum flux did not scale with the local aerodynamic roughness and mean wind speed profile, but rather was reflective of the larger-scale topographical disturbances. The intermittent nature of the flux-generating processes was evident in the turbulence spectra and cospectra where the peak energy was shifted to lower frequencies as compared with those observed in more homogeneous flat terrain. The contribution of intermittent events was studied using quadrant analysis, which revealed that 50% of the sensible and latent heat fluxes was contributed from motions that occupied less than 6% of the time. These results highlight the need for caution while estimating the turbulent heat and mass fluxes in mountain regions.
Comparing Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Patterns of Interannual Precipitation Variability over the Western United States and Northern Mexico*
Authors: Ruff Tyler W. , Kushnir Yochanan , Seager Richard
Published: September 2011

The ability of coupled climate models to simulate the patterns of interannual precipitation variability over the western half of the United States and northern Mexico is investigated by applying principal component analysis to observations and model output. Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) observations are compared to the pooled twentieth-century warm- and cold-season precipitation averages simulated by five coupled global climate models included in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report. The pooled model spatial structures (EOFs) closely match those of the GPCC observations for both halves of the year. Additionally, the twenty-first-century model pooled EOFs are almost identical in spatial extent and amplitude to their twentieth-century counterparts. Thus, the spatial characteristics of large-scale precipitation variability in the western United States are not projected to change in the twenty-first century. When global observed and modeled seasonally averaged sea surface temperature anomalies are correlated with the time series corresponding to the three leading EOFs to discern sources of each mode of precipitation variability, a pattern reminiscent of El Niño is found to be the only significant association. The spatial structures of variability also appear independent of the model-predicted precipitation trend over the twenty-first century, indicating that the mechanisms responsible for the trend are different from those associated with interannual variability. The results of this study lend confidence in the pooled model predictions of seasonal precipitation patterns, and they suggest that future changes will primarily result from the contribution of the mean trend over which statistically stationary interannual variability is superimposed.
‘Religion,’ ‘the Secular’ and the Critical Study of Religion
Authors: Engler Steven
Published: September 2011

This essay critically engages Timothy Fitzgerald’s Discourse on Civility and Barbarity (2007), arguing that it takes an important step beyond Fitzgerald’s first book, The Ideology of Religious Studies ( 2000 ), in diagnosing a current malaise of the academic study of religion and in modelling a way past this malaise. Highlighting this valuable aspect of the book, I argue, requires correcting certain problems with its argument. Specifically, there is a tension between two overarching goals: writing “a critical history of ‘religion’ as a category,” and criticizing “modern discourses on generic religion.” Once these genealogical and critical projects are brought into more effective alignment, the book models an approach where a properly critical study of religion begins with a contingently and strategically theorized domain of ‘religion’ and explores its relation to other domains—not only ‘the secular.’

Cet essai reconsidère d’un œil critique le livre Discourse on Civility and Barbarity (2007), de Timothy Fitzgerald. Il soutien qu’il donne un pas important au-delà du premier livre de Fitzgerald, The Ideology of Religious Studies ( 2000 ), dans les faits de diagnostiquer une malaise actuelle de l’étude des religions et de modeler une piste alternative. Pourtant, pour accentuer cet aspect important du livre, on doit corriger des problèmes logiques avec son argument. Spécialement, il y a une tension problématique entre les deux buts du livre : l’écriture « d’une histoire critique de ‘religion’ comme une catégorie »; et la critique « des discours modernes sur la religion générique ». Dès que ces projets généalogiques et critiques sont apportés dans une meilleure alignement, le livre modèle une approche de grande valeur : c’est le travail d’une étude proprement critique du concept ‘de religion’ de le suivre où il mène, et d’analyser ses relations avec des autres concepts.
The blurring border between the police and the military
Authors: Weiss Tomáš
Published: September 2011

This review article reviews the current ‘state of the art’ and literature on the role of the police and military within the changing nature of internal and external security. Some scholars believe that the border between these two forces has recently begun to blur, whereas others strongly disagree. This article argues that the current debate lacks comprehensiveness and conceptual underpinning. It is suggested that definitional differences between the two forces should serve as the basis for detailed and comprehensive future case studies.
Do Australian adolescent female fake tan (sunless tan) users practice better sun-protection behaviours than non-users?
Authors: Williams Melinda , Jones Sandra C , Caputi Peter , Iverson Don
Published: September 2011

Objective:

To determine differences in sun-protection behaviours, and incidence of sunburn, between Australian adolescent female fake tan users and non-users.

Design:

Cross sectional survey.

Method:

398 adolescent females aged 12 to 18 years participated in a survey at public venues, schools, and online. The main outcome measures were self-reported fake tan usage in the past 12 months, frequency of sunburns and habitual sun-protection behaviours.

Setting:

Surveys were completed in New South Wales, Australia.

Results:

The prevalence of self-reported use of fake tanning products in the past 12 months among Australian adolescent females was 34.5%. Female fake tan users were significantly less likely to report wearing a hat, wearing a shirt with sleeves or wearing pants covering to the knees. There was no difference between fake tan users and non-users in use of sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing sunglasses or avoidance of peak ultraviolet (UV) hours. Logistic regression modelling, when accounting for age, desire for a tan and skin type, revealed fake tan users were more likely to experience frequent sunburns and less likely to wear protective clothing.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that fake tan use among Australian female adolescents is associated with decreased sun protection, specifically reduced use of both upper and lower body protective clothing. Fake tan users were significantly more likely to experience repeated sunburns, after controlling for skin type. These findings provide impetus for the development of health education programmes targeting a new sub-group of adolescents with distinct tanning behaviours.
Translational and Clinical Applications of Salivary Diagnostics
Authors: Giannobile W.V. , McDevitt J.T. , Niedbala R.S. , Malamud D.
Published: September 2011

There have been significant advances in techniques for the detection of biomarker signals in the oral cavity ( e.g., ELISAs for proteins, PCR for RNA and DNA) as well as the engineering and development of microfluidic approaches to make oral-based point-of-care (POC) methods for the diagnosis for both local and systemic conditions a reality. In this section, we focus on three such approaches, namely, periodontal disease management, early markers for systemic diseases, and salivary markers useful for pharmacogenomic studies. Novel approaches using non-invasive, salivary samples and user-friendly devices offer results that are as sensitive and specific as laboratory-based analyses using blood or urine.
A Brief Comment on Ivan Szelenyi’s Comment
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: September 2011

Ivan Szelenyi argues that no third way alternatives to capitalist market economy and socialist planned economy are possible, a conclusion he reached after his own searches for such dating back to the 1980s. My comment responds to his two main points, about a “real estate bubble,” and hence the non-sustainability of Chongqing’s third finance, and the historical failures of third ways in Eastern Europe and Russia, and hence the likelihood of the same failure in Chongqing and in China.
‘No leg to stand on’: The moral economy of Australian industrial relations changes
Authors: Bailey Janis , Macdonald Fiona , Whitehouse Gillian
Published: September 2011

Labour law changes in Australia in 2006 significantly reconfigured industrial relations institutions and the balance of power in the employment relationship – in favour of employers and against the low-paid in particular. This article analyses the changes as they affected low-waged women workers, using a moral economy framework. While acknowledging the importance of material rewards, a moral economy perspective focuses on aspects of work that are not reducible to the terms of the market. The article analyses how women articulated the effects of the legislation, and how work institutions embody moral conceptions, demonstrating how labour law change can markedly disrupt the underlying, taken-for-granted moral economy.
Effects of Anger, Guilt, and Envy on Moral Hypocrisy
Authors: Polman Evan , Ruttan Rachel L.
Published: September 2011

In the current article the authors examined the impact of specific emotions on moral hypocrisy, the tendency among people to judge others more severely than they judge themselves. In two studies, they found that (a) anger increased moral hypocrisy, (b) guilt eliminated moral hypocrisy, and (c) envy reversed moral hypocrisy. In particular, these findings were observed in two domains. In Study 1, participants responded to moral dilemmas describing unethical behavior and rated how acceptable it would be if others engaged in the unethical behavior, or alternatively, if they themselves engaged in the unethical behavior. In Study 2, participants were asked how much they would like to donate to research on cancer, or alternatively, how much they think others should donate. The results demonstrate that specific emotions influence moral decision making, even when real money is at stake, and that emotions of the same valence have opposing effects on moral judgment.
The Well-Being of Children Living With Interethnic Parents
Authors: Pearce-Morris Jennifer , King Valarie
Published: September 2011

An increasing number of U.S. children are living with interethnic parents, yet we know relatively little about how they are faring. Using data from the first wave (1987-1988) of the National Survey of Families and Households, this study examines differences in child well-being between children living with interethnic parents and those living with same-ethnic parents. Results provide only limited evidence that child well-being is lower among children living with interethnic parents. Compared with children in same-ethnic families, children living with interethnic parents exhibited higher levels of negative affect, and this difference could not be explained by differences in background or family characteristics, levels of parents’ relationship stressors, or parenting quality. At the same time, however, no differences were found in global well-being, positive affect, or behavior problems. Children living with interethnic parents may face some greater difficulties that warrant concern, but they do not appear to face pervasive disadvantages.
Preparation and characterization of nickel coated carbon fiber reinforced polycarbonate composites
Authors: Kushwaha Satyaprakash , Kar Kamal K. , Krishnan P. Santhana Gopala , Sharma S. K.
Published: September 2011

Polycarbonate was reinforced with nickel coated carbon fiber and various composites were made by changing the fiber content. For comparative study, carbon fiber as such was also used to fabricate composites. Nickel coated carbon fiber was prepared by dip coating method. Scanning electron microscope studies indicated that the thickness of coating was in the rage of 1.0–1.8 µm on a 4–6 µm thick carbon fiber. Tensile and flexural properties of nickel coated carbon fiber composites were found to be higher than that of uncoated composites. Impact properties decreased with increase in fiber content in both coated and uncoated carbon fiber reinforced composites. Nickel coating decreased the notch sensitivity of composites. Significant improvement in abrasion properties were observed upon introduction of nickel coated carbon fibers. Dynamic mechanical analysis studies indicated increase in glass transition temperature with increase in nickel coated carbon fiber content. scanning electron microscope studies indicated uniform distribution of fibers. Two-step degradation was observed in air atmosphere.
Comparison of stochastic search optimization algorithms for the laminated composites under mechanical and hygrothermal loadings
Authors: Aydin Levent , Artem H. Secil
Published: September 2011

The aim of the present study is to design the stacking sequence of the laminated composites that have low coefficient of thermal expansion and high elastic moduli. In design process, multi-objective genetic algorithm optimization of the carbon fiber laminated composite plates is verified by single objective optimization approach using three different stochastic optimization methods: genetic algorithm, generalized pattern search, and simulated annealing. However, both the multi- and single-objective approaches to laminate optimization have been used by considerably few authors. Simplified micromechanics equations, classical lamination theory, and MATLAB Symbolic Math toolbox are used to obtain the fitness functions of the optimization problems. Stress distributions of the optimized composites are presented through the thickness of the laminates subjected to mechanical, thermal, and hygral loadings.
Numerical modeling of reinforced concrete beams under shear stress with and without external textile-reinforced concrete reinforcement
Authors: Contamine R. , Si-Larbi A. , Than N.Q. , Hamelin P.
Published: September 2011

Numerical modeling of TRC strengthened reinforced concrete beams under shear stress was studied. TRC strengthening consists of a mortar matrix reinforced by grid alkali resistant fiberglass textiles and mat. Initially, elements governing concrete beam behavior and different failure mechanisms were listed. Thanks to this; a time-economical, simplified but effective, numerical model on the macroscopic scale of a reinforced concrete beam sensitive to shear strain was studied. For this purpose, a parametric study of shear transfer coefficients and steel reinforcement anchor length was carried out. Finally, a macroscopic-scale numerical model of TRC composites and TRC strengthened reinforced concrete beam was proposed and validated based on the load-deflection curves and the pattern of cracking.
Effect of ceramic fillers on mechanical properties of woven jute fabric reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Ahmed K. Sabeel , Mallinatha V. , Amith S.J.
Published: September 2011

Effect of silicon carbide and aluminium oxide fillers on tension, flexural, compression, and impact properties of woven jute fabric reinforced epoxy composite has been investigated experimentally. Several laminates were prepared by hand lay-up technique by varying the percentage of filler addition. Tests (except impact) were conducted on computer interfaced universal testing machine as per ASTM standards. Impact tests were conducted on pendulum impact testing machine. The results of the tests indicated that addition of filler has significant effect on these properties. Laminate with 10 wt% of filler (based on resin) exhibited the highest properties. The properties were found to decrease beyond 10 wt% of filler loading. The mode of failure was also studied for selected samples using scanning electron microscope.
Application of vector finite screw analysis to determine the roll centre from wheel points
Authors: Chen Y C , Huang H H , Lin J B
Published: September 2011

In kinematic and compliance testing for suspensions, great importance is attached to the measurement of the instant centre and roll centre. As the suspension construction is truly three-dimensional, the screw axis theory can afford a much more accurate kinematic analysis. The purpose of this study was to present a vector finite displacement method (FSAv) for the kinematic analysis of instant centre and roll centre of suspensions. Two suspension simulation models, with and without approximately singular screw parameter, respectively, were employed to investigate the efficiency of the proposed method. It was found that the FSAv method prevailed over the method of general finite screw axis. In addition, it was not necessary to calculate the velocity matrix from the derivatives. This proposed method, therefore, is suitable for determining the roll centre height and the related parameters of instant centre. Moreover, it can be expanded for the measurement of the kingpin axis as well.
Frictional flow of damp granular material in a conical centrifuge
Authors: Symons D D
Published: September 2011

An analysis is given of velocity and pressure-dependent sliding flow of a thin layer of damp granular material in a spinning cone. Integral momentum equations for steady state, axi-symmetric flow are derived using a boundary layer approximation. These reduce to two coupled first-order differential equations for the radial and circumferential sliding velocities. The influence of viscosity and friction coefficients and inlet boundary conditions is explored by presentation of a range of numerical results. In the absence of any interfacial shear traction the flow would, with increasing radial and circumferential slip, follow a trajectory from inlet according to conservation of angular momentum and kinetic energy. Increasing viscosity or friction reduces circumferential slip and, in general, increases the residence time of a particle in the cone. The residence time is practically insensitive to the inlet velocity. However, if the cone angle is very close to the friction angle then the residence time is extremely sensitive to the relative magnitude of these angles.
An experimental assessment of the evaporation correlations for natural, forced and combined convection regimes
Authors: Jodat A , Moghiman M
Published: September 2011

In the present study, the applicability of widely used evaporation models (Dalton approach-based correlations) is experimentally investigated for natural, forced, and combined convection regimes. A series of experimental measurements are carried out over a wide range of water temperatures and air velocities for 0.01 ≤ Gr/Re2 ≤ 100 in a heated rectangular pool. The investigations show that the evaporation rate strongly depends on the convection regime's Gr/ Re2 value. The results show that the evaporation rate increases with the difference in vapour pressures over both forced convection (0.01 ≤ Gr/Re2 ≤ 0.1) and turbulent mixed convection regimes (0.15 ≤ Gr/Re2 ≤ 25). However, the escalation rate of evaporation decreases with Gr/ Re2 in the forced convection regime whereas in the turbulent mixed convection it increases. In addition, over the range of the free convection regime ( Gr/Re2 ≥ 25), the evaporation rate is affected not only by the vapour pressure difference but also by the density variation. A dimensionless correlation using the experimental data of all convection regimes (0.01 ≤ Gr/Re2 ≤ 100) is proposed to cover different water surface geometries and airflow conditions.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of small-scale cooling system equipped with helically coiled evaporator and condenser
Authors: Elsayed A , Al-dadah R K , Mahmoud S , Rezk A
Published: September 2011

Utilizing helically coiled tubes evaporator and condenser in cooling applications is promising due to their higher heat transfer coefficients compared to straight tube because of the effect of centripetal forces. With growing interest in miniature and efficient refrigeration systems, small helical coil diameter can offer significant advantages in terms of being compact, lightweight, and improved coefficient of performance (COP). This article describes a performance study of small-scale vapour compression cooling system (100 W cooling capacity) equipped with shell and helically coiled tube evaporator and condenser. A detailed mathematical model has been developed for this system based on thermodynamic principles and relevant heat transfer correlations. The model was validated using experimental results from a representative small size cooling system with agreement of ±5 per cent. The model was then used to carry out performance optimization in terms of the evaporator and condenser geometric parameters including helical coil diameter, tube inside diameter, and surface area ratio. For the range of geometrical parameters investigated, the model predicts that as the coil diameter decreases, the Cooling COP improves.
Current efforts towards a non-linear system identification methodology of broad applicability
Authors: Vakakis A F , Bergman L A , McFarland D M , Lee Y S , Kurt M
Published: September 2011

A review of current efforts towards developing a non-linear system identification (NSI) methodology of broad applicability [ 1 – 4 ] is provided in this article. NSI possess distinct challenges, since, even the task of identifying a set of (linearized) modal matrices modified (‘perturbed’) by non-linear corrections might be an oversimplification of the problem. In that context, the integration of diverse analytical, computational, and post-processing methods, such as slow flow constructions, empirical mode decompositions, and wavelet/Hilbert transforms to formulate a methodology that holds promise of broad availability, especially to systems with non-smooth non-linearities such as clearances, dry friction and vibro-impacts is proposed. In particular, the proposed methodology accounts for the fact that, typically, non-linear systems are energy- and initial condition-dependent, and has both global and local components. In the global aspect of NSI, the dynamics is represented in a frequency–energy plot (FEP), whereas in the local aspect of the methodology, sets of intrinsic modal oscillators are constructed to model specific non-linear transitions on the FEP. The similarity of the proposed methodology to linear experimental modal analysis is discussed, open questions are outlined, and some applications providing a first demonstration of the discussed concepts and techniques are provided.
Reducing the Viscosity of Diesel Fuel with Electrorheological Effect
Authors: Du Enpeng , Tang H. , Huang K. , Tao R.
Published: September 2011

Improving engine efficiency and reducing pollutant emissions are extremely important. Here the authors report their finding, using electrorheology to reduce the viscosity of diesel fuel. Diesel is made of many different molecules, 75% small molecules and 25% large molecules. In addition, it contains other nanoscale particles, such as sulfur. Therefore, diesel can be regarded as a liquid suspension. Under a strong electric field, the large molecules aggregate into small clusters, yielding a lower viscosity. For high-sulfur diesel, the applied electric field is around 1 kV/mm. However, for ultra-low-sulfur diesel, the required electric field must be around 2 kV/mm. This viscosity reduction leads to finer mist in fuel atomization, improving the combustion, and engine efficiency.
Fluidic flexible matrix composite semi-active vibration isolation mounts
Authors: Philen Michael
Published: September 2011

Variable stiffness f2mc are investigated for vibration isolation through analysis and experiments. The f2mc are novel structures that have been shown to achieve significant changes in stiffness through simple valve control. The objective of this research is to develop analysis tools to investigate the f2mc variable modulus system for semi-active vibration isolation and to validate the results through experiments. A non-linear analytical model of an isolation mount based on the f2mc tube with a proportional valve is developed. Analysis results indicate that the f2mc-based isolation mount is effective for reducing the force transmitted to the foundation and that the transmissibility ratio can be tuned via proportional valve control. Experimental results agree with analysis results and validate semi-active vibration isolation using a proportional valve.
What Local People Think About Crocodiles
Authors: van der Ploeg Jan , Araño Robert R. , van Weerd Merlijn
Published: September 2011

This article challenges several assumptions that have shaped environmental policy in the Philippines. Policy makers assume that people are antagonistic toward conserving crocodiles in the wild and think that the enforcement of environmental legislation in a context of widespread rural poverty is illegitimate and ineffective. They argue that these negative public attitudes can only be transformed by generating revenues for rural communities, for example, through crocodile ranching or ecotourism. Despite the evident failure to conserve crocodiles in the wild, this thinking continues to underpin policy and practice in the Philippines. A community-based conservation project in the northern Sierra Madre on Luzon puts this utilitarian logic in perspective. The project succeeded in transforming hostile attitudes toward crocodiles and mobilized broad societal support for the protection of the Philippine crocodile and its freshwater habitat. Cultural values, such as pride in the occurrence of this rare and iconic species, form an important incentive for people to support the preservation of the species in the wild. These experiences highlight the importance of moving beyond ideological positions in discussions on biodiversity conservation, and enable the design of integrative and innovative solutions to conserve wildlife in human-dominated landscapes.
Reproductive empowerment: The main motivator and outcome of carrier testing
Authors: Lewis Celine , Skirton Heather , Jones Ray
Published: September 2011

The aim of this Grounded Theory study was to assess the motivation and outcomes of carrier testing. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had undergone carrier testing for autosomal recessive, X-linked conditions and chromosome translocations. Reproductive empowerment emerged as the central phenomenon. A desire to manage risk was the main motivator for carrier testing, and information gathering the main facilitator. Participants were then able to make informed decisions, regain control over their reproductive risk and pass on information to family members. These findings support a patient-reported outcome measure of empowerment currently being developed for genetic services.
Electro-mechanical simulation and analysis on spatial error of multi-axis laser welding motion
Authors: Peng F , Zhang M , Yan R , Ma J , Li B
Published: September 2011

This article proposes a co-simulation platform concerning both mechanical and control subsystems, in order to test the dynamic performance of the welding machine. Two welding trajectories, before and after smoothing, are conducted in the simulation platform and welding practice to study the influence among smoothness, space precision and welding quality. Meanwhile, a series of welding trajectories are used to examine the spatial error of tool path motion by simulation in the platform. Results indicate that, the feed rate increases so high, beyond the dynamic characteristic of machine tool that induced undesirable oscillation of welding velocity and acceleration, as well as increased spatial error.
‘Dancing down memory lane’: Circle dancing as a psychotherapeutic intervention in dementia—a pilot study
Authors: Hamill Michelle , Smith Lesley , Röhricht Frank
Published: September 2011

Background: There is increasing recognition that psychological interventions for people with dementia and their carers are of value. Neuropsychological considerations and an exploration of the literature point towards the potential benefits of non-verbal, body-oriented interventions to work psychotherapeutically with people as their cognitive abilities deteriorate.

Method: A total of 18 people (11 people with moderate-to-severe dementia and 7 family carers) consented to partake. Measures were completed before and after the group therapy (45 minutes once a week for 10 weeks). Weekly progress monitoring sheets were completed and participants were interviewed after the group for their views.

Results: The therapeutic intervention had a positive impact on participants’ general well-being and mood, including improving people’s concentration and communication with others.

Discussion: The results of the pilot study support using therapeutic circle dance as a body-oriented psychological intervention for people with dementia and their carers. Further studies with more stringent methodologies in larger samples are required.
Lagrange’s equations with constraints in model applications from the field of textile mechanics
Authors: Szablewski Piotr
Published: September 2011

In many problems from the field of textile engineering (e.g. fabric folding, motion of the sewing thread), it is necessary to investigate the motion of the objects in dynamic conditions, taking into consideration the influence of the forces of inertia and changing in the time boundary conditions. This article deals with the model analysis of the motion of the flat textile structure using Lagrange’s equations with constraints. The motion of the objects is under the influence of the gravity force. Lagrange’s equations have been used for discrete model of the structure. Numerical considerations presented in this article should give answer about practical usefulness of the Lagrange’s equations for solving the dynamic problem.
Glanzmann thrombasthenia: a review of ITGA2B and ITGB3 defects with emphasis on variants, phenotypic variability, and mouse models
Authors: Nurden Alan T. , Fiore Mathieu , Nurden Paquita , Pillois Xavier
Published: September 2011

Characterized by mucocutaneous bleeding arising from a lack of platelet aggregation to physiologic stimuli, Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is the archetype-inherited disorder of platelets. Transmitted by autosomal recessive inheritance, platelets in GT have quantitative or qualitative deficiencies of the fibrinogen receptor, αIIbβ3, an integrin coded by the ITGA2B and ITGB3 genes. Despite advances in our understanding of the disease, extensive phenotypic variability with respect to severity and intensity of bleeding remains poorly understood. Importantly, genetic defects of ITGB3 also potentially affect other tissues, for β3 has a wide tissue distribution when present as αvβ3 (the vitronectin receptor). We now look at the repertoire of ITGA2B and ITGB3 gene defects, reexamine the relationship between phenotype and genotype, and review integrin structure in the many variant forms. Evidence for modifications in platelet production is assessed, as is the multifactorial etiology of the clinical expression of the disease. Reports of cardiovascular disease and deep vein thrombosis, cancer, brain disease, bone disorders, and pregnancy defects in GT are discussed in the context of the results obtained for mouse models where nonhemostatic defects of β3-deficiency or nonfunction are being increasingly described.
Cytoskeletal stabilization of inhibitory interactions in immunologic synapses of mature human dendritic cells with natural killer cells
Authors: Barreira da Silva Rosa , Graf Claudine , Münz Christian
Published: September 2011

Human mature dendritic cells (DCs) can efficiently stimulate natural killer (NK)–cell responses without being targeted by their cytotoxicity. To understand this important regulatory crosstalk, we characterized the development of the immunologic synapse between mature DCs and resting NK cells. Conjugates between these 2 innate leukocyte populations formed rapidly, persisted for prolonged time periods and matured with DC-derived f-actin polymerization at the synapse. Polarization of IL-12 and IL-12R to the synapse coincided with f-actin polymerization, while other activating and inhibitory molecules were enriched at the interface between DCs and NK cells earlier. Functional assays revealed that inhibition of f-actin polymerization in mature synapses led to an increase of IFN-γ secretion and cytotoxicity by NK cells. This elevated NK-cell reactivity resulted from decreased inhibitory signaling in the absence of MHC class I polarization at the interface, which was observed on inhibition of f-actin polymerization in DCs. Thus, inhibitory signaling is stabilized by f-actin at the synapse between mature DCs and resting NK cells.
Molecular evolution of Adh and LEAFY and the phylogenetic utility of their introns in Pyrus (Rosaceae)
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyan , Hu Chunyun , Spooner David , Liu Jing , Cao Jiashu , Teng Yuanwen
Published: September 2011

Background

The genusPyrusbelongs to the tribe Pyreae (the former subfamily Maloideae) of the family Rosaceae, and includes one of the most important commercial fruit crops, pear. The phylogeny ofPyrushas not been definitively reconstructed. In our previous efforts, the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) revealed a poorly resolved phylogeny due to non-concerted evolution of nrDNA arrays. Therefore, introns of low copy nuclear genes (LCNG) are explored here for improved resolution. However, paralogs and lineage sorting are still two challenges for applying LCNGs in phylogenetic studies, and at least two independent nuclear loci should be compared. In this work the second intron ofLEAFYand the alcohol dehydrogenase gene (Adh) were selected to investigate their molecular evolution and phylogenetic utility.

Results

DNA sequence analyses revealed a complex ortholog and paralog structure ofAdhgenes inPyrusandMalus, the pears and apples. Comparisons between sequences from RT-PCR and genomic PCR indicate that someAdhhomologs are putatively nonfunctional. A partial region ofAdh1was sequenced for 18Pyrusspecies and three subparalogs representingAdh1-1were identified. These led to poorly resolved phylogenies due to low sequence divergence and the inclusion of putative recombinants. For the second intron ofLEAFY, multiple inparalogs were discovered for bothLFY1int2andLFY2int2.LFY1int2is inadequate for phylogenetic analysis due to lineage sorting of two inparalogs.LFY2int2-N, however, showed a relatively high sequence divergence and led to the best-resolved phylogeny. This study documents the coexistence of outparalogs and inparalogs, and lineage sorting of these paralogs and orthologous copies. It reveals putative recombinants that can lead to incorrect phylogenetic inferences, and presents an improved phylogenetic resolution ofPyrususingLFY2int2-N.

Conclusions

Our study represents the first phylogenetic analyses based on LCNGs inPyrus. Ancient and recent duplications lead to a complex structure ofAdhoutparalogs and inparalogs inPyrusandMalus, resulting in neofunctionalization, nonfunctionalization and possible subfunctionalization. Among all investigated orthologs,LFY2int2-Nis the best nuclear marker for phylogenetic reconstruction ofPyrusdue to suitable sequence divergence and the absence of lineage sorting.
Coupled fixed point results in cone metric spaces for "Equation missing" -compatible mappings
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Samet Bessem , Vetro Calogero
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of "Equation missing"-compatible mappings, b-coupled coincidence point and b-common coupled fixed point for mappings F, G : X × X → X, where (X, d) is a cone metric space. We establish b-coupled coincidence and b-common coupled fixed point theorems in such spaces. The presented theorems generalize and extend several well-known comparable results in the literature, in particular the recent results of Abbas et al. [Appl. Math. Comput. 217, 195-202 (2010)]. Some examples are given to illustrate our obtained results. An application to the study of existence of solutions for a system of non-linear integral equations is also considered.

2010 Mathematics Subject Classifications: 54H25; 47H10.
A nodulo-cystic eumycetoma caused by Pyrenochaeta romeroi in a renal transplant recipient: A case report
Authors: Mathuram Thiyagarajan Umasankar , Bagul Atul , Nicholson Michael L
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Pyrenochaeta romeroi (P. romeroi) is a saprophytic fungus found in soil and plants. The fungal spores can be introduced into deeper tissues by trauma. It causes eumycetoma, which affects skin and subcutaneous tissues.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old South Asian man presented with a painless, nodular lesion (1 cm × 0.5 cm) on the left knee. He had had a renal transplant eight months earlier for end-stage renal failure. The patient was on tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone for immunosuppression. The lesion had progressed dramatically (to 5 cm × 5 cm) despite antibiotic treatment. The size and location of the lesion was severely affecting his quality of life, so an excision biopsy was performed. Nuclear ribosomal repeat-region sequencing confirmed the causative organism as P. romeroi. An in vitro antifungal susceptibility test demonstrated that P. romeroi was sensitive to voriconazole. Following a successful surgical removal, voriconazole was continued orally for two months.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, we are reporting the first case of Eumycetoma caused by P. romeroi in a renal transplant recipient. Physicians should be aware of this rare fungal disease in transplant recipients. We recommend a combination of medical and surgical management in these immunosuppressed patients.
Diagnostic efficacy of monoclonal antibody based sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of Fasciola gigantica excretory/secretory antigens in both serum and stool
Authors: Demerdash Zeinab A , Diab Tarek M , Aly Ibrahim R , Mohamed Salwa H , Mahmoud Faten S , Zoheiry Mona K , Mansour Wafaa A , Attia Mohy E , El-Bassiouny Azza E
Published: September 2011

Background

This research was carried out to develop a reliable monoclonal antibody (MoAb)-based sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of active Fasciola gigantica infection in both serum and stool for comparative purposes.

Methods

From a panel of MoAbs raised against F. gigantica excretory/secretory antigens (ES Ags), a pair (12B/11D/3F and 10A/9D/10G) was chosen due to its high reactivity and strict specificity to F. gigantica antigen by indirect ELISA.

Results

The two MoAbs were of the IgG1 and IgG2a subclasses, respectively. Using SDS-PAGE and EITB, the selected MoAbs recognized 83, 64, 45 and 26 kDa bands of ES Ags. The lower detection limit of ELISA assay was 3 ng/ml. In stool, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic efficacy of ELISA was 96%, 98.2 and 97.1%; while in serum they were 94%, 94.6% and 94.3%, respectively. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between ova count in stool of F. gigantica infected patients and the OD readings of ELISA in both stool and serum samples (r = 0.730, p < 0.01 and r = 0.608; p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

These data showed that the use of MoAb-based sandwich ELISA for the detection of F. gigantica coproantigens in stool specimens was superior to serum samples; it provides a highly efficient, non-invasive technique for the diagnosis of active F. gigantica infection.