bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking Rate Trends in Korean Occupational Groups: Analysis of KNHANES 1998–2009 Data
Authors: Jang Tae‐Won , Kim Hyoung‐Ryoul , Choi Sarah E. , Yim Hyeon‐Woo , Lee Hye‐Eun , Myong Jun‐Pyo , Koo Jung‐Wan
Published: October 2012

Smoking Rate Trends in Korean Occupational Groups: Analysis of KNHANES 1998–2009 Data: Tae‐Won JANG, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine and Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Korea—

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate changes in the smoking rate among Korean adults from 1998–2009 by gender and occupational groups.

Methods

Using the data from the first (1998), second (2001), third (2005) and fourth (2009) waves of the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), we examined men and women between 25−64 years old. Occupational groups were classified into 3 groups of non‐manual workers, 5 groups of manual workers and other workers groups. The other group included the unemployed, students and housewives. Age‐adjusted prevalence rates of cigarette smoking were calculated for 10‐year age groups in each wave of the KNHANES. Trends in the smoking rate according to occupational groups were estimated.

Results

Among male workers, decreasing trends in smoking rates were observed in non‐manual workers, manual workers, and other workers. The odds ratios and prevalence ratios for the smoking rates of the manual workers comparing the non‐manual workers increased from 1998 to 2005, whereas decreased to 1.38 and 1.12, respectively, in 2009. Differences in smoking rates between manual and non‐manual workers increased from 1998 to 2005 but decreased from 2005 to 2009. Among female workers, the smoking rates decreased between 1998 and 2001 and increased beginning in 2001.

Conclusions

The smoking rate of the manual workers group was still higher than that of the non‐manual workers group. Anti‐smoking programs specific to each occupational group are needed.
Mechanical characterization of “blister” defects on optical oxide multilayers using nanoindentation
Authors: Mehrotra K. , Howard H.P. , Jacobs S.D. , Lambropoulos J.C.
Published: October 2012

We characterize “blisters”, defects observed in multilayer dielectric (MLD) coatings after exposure to acid cleaning procedures. Nanoindentation is used to make site-specific indentations across blisters to measure the mechanical response, especially their compliance under different conditions of loading. Two regions of statistically different mechanical response are identified within a blister defect and compared to the undisturbed regions of the MLD coating. The indentation response of blisters can vary across samples, and we suggest reasons for this variation.
Effect of Praseodymium Species on the Structural and Functional Properties of Nanocrystalline BiFeO3 Powders and Thin Films
Authors: Albino Gina Montes , Gálvez-Saldaña Marco , Perales-Pérez Oscar
Published: October 2012

The present study addressed the effect of the incorporation of Praseodymium species in the BiFeO3(BFO) structure on the corresponding structural and functional properties of powders and films. The level of the doping species varied from 0 at% to 4 at%. BFO powders and thin films were synthesized by a sol-gel method, where glycol was aggregated to the main solvent to increase the viscosity of the precursor solutions and promote their adhesion onto platinum substrates. The development of the host BFO structure was confirmed by XRD analyses of samples annealed at 700°C for one hour (powders) or 500°C for 2 hours (thin films), in air. The average crystallite size varied from 37 nm to 41 nm and 28nm to 40nm for powders and thin films, respectively, due to the increase of the doping level. The incorporation of specific dopant species played an important role in the ferromagnetic and ferroelectric behavior in the material.
Fabrication and Characterization of Colossal Dielectric Response of Polycrystalline Ca1-x SrxCu3Ti4O12 (0≤x≤1) Ceramics
Authors: Yun Lee Sung , Yoo Duk-Keun , Lee Jihye , Jo William , Hong Youn-Woo , Kim Young-Hwan , Yoo Sang-Im
Published: October 2012

We report the microstructures and dielectric properties of Ca1-xSrxCu3Ti4O12 (C1-xSxCTO, 0≤x≤1) ceramics sintered at the various sintering temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1060˚C in air. The linear increase in lattice parameter in C1-xSxCTO (0≤x≤1) ceramics is observable for the full range of substitution. However, the second phases of SrTiO3 and CuO start to occur from the composition of x=0.8, implying that a stoichiometric SrCu3Ti4O12 (SCTO) compound may not exist. While the C0.6S0.4CTO and C0.4S0.6CTiO samples exhibit relatively lower dielectric constant (εr) of ∼40,000 below 1 kHz, the CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) and SCTO show the extremely high εr values of ~120,000 and ∼180,000, respectively. Complex impedance (Z*) and modulus (M*) spectroscopy revealed that the capacitance (C) and resistivity (ρ) values of grain boundary in all samples are much higher than those of grains.
Improved Electrical Properties of BaTiO3 – coated CaCu3Ti4O12 Dielectrics
Authors: Kim Hui Eun , Lee Sung Yun , Yoo Sang-Im
Published: October 2012

We report a significant improvement in the electrical properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) dielectrics by the BaTiO3 (BTO) additive. The addition of BTO to CCTO was performed using two different methods of a solid-state mixing and a sol-gel coating. Compared with pure CCTO ceramics (εr ∼ 52,000 and tanδ ∼ 0.38 at 100 kHz), BTO-added CCTO samples commonly showed a large improvement in the dielectric loss property although their dielectric constants were depressed around one order of magnitude; εr ∼ 5900 and tanδ ∼0.05 for 5 mol% BTO-coated CCTO sample and εr ∼ 4,075 and tanδ ∼ 0.02 for 5 mol% BTO-mixed CCTO sample. In addition, BTO-coated CCTO samples showed relatively lower leakage current than those of BTO-mixed CCTO samples, implying that the sol-gel coating is more effective for improving the electrical properties of CCTO.
Optical Properties of ATO Sol-gel Coated Carbon Fibers
Authors: Richard Brandon , Alcantar Norma , Hoff Andrew , Thomas Sylvia
Published: October 2012

Recent trends in composite research include the development of structural materials with multiple functionalities. In new studies, novel materials are being designed, developed, modified, and implemented into composite designs. Typically, an increase in functionality requires additional material phases within one system. The presence of excessive phases can result in deterioration of individual or overall properties. True multi-functional materials must maintain all properties at or above the minimum operating limit. In this project, samples of Sb-doped SnO2(ATO) sol-gel solutions are used to coat carbon fibers and are heat treated at a temperature range of 200 – 500 °C. Results from this research are used to model the implementation of sol-gel coatings into carbon fiber reinforced multifunctional composite systems. This research presents a novel thermo-responsive sol-gel/ (dopant) combination and evaluation of the actuating responses due to various heat treatment temperatures. While ATO is a well-known transparent conductive material, the implementation of ATO on carbon fibers for infrared thermal reflectivity has not been examined. These coatings serve as actuators capable of reflecting thermal infrared radiation in mid-range and near-range wavelengths (λ). By altering the ATO sol gel thickness and heat treatment temperatures, optimal optical properties are obtained. While scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used for imaging, electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS) is used to verify the compounds present in the coatings. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was performed to analyze the reflectivity in the infrared spectra and analyze the crystal structures after heat treatments.
Ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, and magnetoelectric coupling in highly textured thin films of the multiferroic Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3
Authors: Raymond-Herrera Oscar , Góngora-Lugo Paola , Ostos Carlos , Curiel-Alvarez Mario , Bueno-Baques Dario , Machorro-Mejia Roberto , Mestres-Vila Lourdes , Font-Hernández Reynaldo , Portelles-Rodriguez Jorge , Siqueiros Jesús M.
Published: October 2012

A study of the ferroelectric and magnetic properties and of the magnetoelectric coupling effects of Pb(Fe0.5Nb0.5)O3 (PFN) thin films, grown on SrRuO3/Si [(100) or (111)] substrates by the rf-magnetron sputtering technique, is presented. Structural, morphological, and compositional characterization was realized using the XRD, AFM, XPS, and TEM techniques. Highly textured single phase films with different thickness (from 45 to 270 nm) were successfully grown without Fe2+ presence. A vertically [110] oriented grainy structure was observed. Polarization vs. electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops exhibit excellent and almost constant values of the maximum (∼ 60 μC/cm2) and remanent (∼ 22 μC/cm2) polarizations in the temperature range from 4 K to room temperature; small values of the coercive field, characteristic of soft ferroelectric materials, are observed in these samples. Measurements of the zero-field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) magnetization behavior and magnetic (M-H) hysteresis loops were realized at different temperatures between 5 and 300 K. Proof of the existence of ferromagnetic order in the low temperature region (below to 50 K) is discussed and reported for the first time. Values of the maximum (∼ 3 emu/g) and remanent (∼ 1.5 emu/g) magnetizations were obtained. dc magnetic field dependence of the ferroelectric hysteresis loops are shown as evidence of the magnetoelectric coupling.
Hetero-Epitaxial Growth of YBCO and MgB2 Thin Films on Decorated Substrates with Nano-Wires and Nano-Particles
Authors: Ohshima Shigetoshi
Published: October 2012

Superconducting NMR pickup coils have to have a low surface resistance (Rs) under a high magnetic field. One way of reducing the Rs of superconducting thin films is adding artificial pins to the films. We examined the hetero-epitaxial growth of MgB2and YBCO thin films on decorated sapphire and MgO substrates while using nano-wires and nano-particles to add pins to the films.

We used ZnO nano-wire to add artificial grain boundary pins to MgB2 films. The tilted c-plane sapphire substrate with nano-step edges was used for these substrates. The terrace width with one lattice step edge can be controlled by changing the tilt angle. AFM images showed that the tilted c-plane sapphire substrate had straight nano-step edges. ZnO nono-wires were decorated on the nano-step edges by MOCVD, and then deposited on MgB2 films by sputtering. The Rs of the films was then measured with a sapphire rod resonator. The Rs of MgB2 thin films fabricated on the tilted c-plane sapphire substrate with ZnO nano-wires was lower than that of MgB2thin films on a conventional sapphire substrate under a high magnetic field.

We used BaZrO3(BZO) nano-particles to add the artificial pins to YBCO thin films. The BZO particles on the MgO substrates were fabricated by laser deposition. The size and density of these particles were controlled with a pulse number of laser shot. YBCO thin films were formed on decorated MgO substrate by laser deposition. The Rs of YBCO thin films on the decorated MgO substrate was lower than that of the YBCO films formed on a conventional MgO substrate under a high magnetic field.

We clarified that artificial pins in MgB2and YBCO thin films are useful for decreasing the Rs under a high magnetic field.
Thermal mass impact on energy performance of a low, medium and heavy mass building in Belgrade
Authors: Andjelkovic Bojan , Stojanovic Branislav , Stojiljkovic Mladen , Janevski Jelena , Stojanovic Milica
Published: October 2012

Heavy mass materials used in building structures and architecture can
significantly affect building energy performance and occupant comfort. The
purpose of this study was to investigate if thermal mass can improve the
internal environment of a building, resulting in lower energy requirements
from the mechanical systems. The study was focused on passive building energy
performance and compared annual space heating and cooling energy requirements
for an office building in Belgrade with several different applications of
thermal mass. A three-dimensional building model was generated to represent a
typical office building. Building shape, orientation, glazing to wall ratio,
envelope insulation thickness, and indoor design conditions were held
constant while location and thickness of building mass (concrete) was varied
between cases in a series of energy simulations. The results were compared
and discussed in terms of the building space heating and cooling energy and
demand affected by thermal mass. The simulation results indicated that with
addition of thermal mass to the building envelope and structure: 100% of all
simulated cases experienced reduced annual space heating energy requirements,
67% of all simulated cases experienced reduced annual space cooling energy
requirements, 83% of all simulated cases experienced reduced peak space
heating demand and 50% of all simulated cases experienced reduced peak space
cooling demand. The study demonstrated that there exists a potential for
reducing space heating and cooling energy requirements with heavy mass
construction in the analyzed climate region (Belgrade, Serbia).
Analysis of the evaporative towers cooling system of a coal-fired power plant
Authors: Lakovic Mirjana , Lakovic Slobodan , Banjac Milos
Published: October 2012

The paper presents a theoretical analysis of the cooling system of a 110 MW
coal-fired power plant located in central Serbia, where eight evaporative
towers cool down the plant. An updated research on the evaporative tower
cooling system has been carried out to show the theoretical analysis of the
tower heat and mass balance, taking into account the sensible and latent heat
exchanged during the processes which occur inside these towers. Power plants
which are using wet cooling towers for cooling condenser cooling water have
higher design temperature of cooling water, thus the designed condensing
pressure is higher compared to plants with a once-through cooling system.
Daily and seasonal changes further deteriorate energy efficiency of these
plants, so it can be concluded that these plants have up to 5% less
efficiency compared to systems with once-through cooling. The whole analysis
permitted to evaluate the optimal conditions, as far as the operation of the
towers is concerned, and to suggest an improvement of the plant. Since plant
energy efficiency improvement has become a quite common issue today, the
evaluation of the cooling system operation was conducted under the hypothesis
of an increase in the plant overall energy efficiency due to low cost
improvement in cooling tower system.
Active control of flow and heat transfer in boundary layer on the porous body of arbitrary shape
Authors: Nikodijevic Dragisa , Stamenkovic Zivojin , Zivkovic Dragan , Boricic Aleksandar , Kocic Milos
Published: October 2012

The paper discusses the possibility of active control of flow and heat
transfer using a magnetic field and suction in a generalized form. The
unsteady temperature two-dimensional laminar magnetohydrodynamic boundary
layer of incompressible fluid on a porous body of arbitrary shape is
analyzed. Outer electric filed is neglected, magnetic Reynolds number is
significantly lower than one i. e. the considered problem is in inductionless
approximation. Characteristic properties of fluid are constant and it is
assumed that a uniform suction or injection of a fluid, same as the fluid in
primary flow, can take place through the body surface. The boundary-layer
equations are generalized such that the equations and the boundary conditions
are independent of the particular conditions of the problem, and this form is
considered as universal. Obtained universal equations are numerically solved
using the ?progonka? method. Numerical results for the dimensionless
velocity, temperature, shear stress and heat transfer as functions of
introduced sets of parameters are obtained, displayed graphically and used to
carry out general conclusions about the development of temperature
magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer.
Thermomechanical finite element analysis of hot water boiler structure
Authors: Zivkovic Dragoljub , Milcic Dragan , Banic Milan , Milosavljevic Pedja
Published: October 2012

The paper presents an application of the Finite Elements Method for stress
and strain analysis of the hot water boiler structure. The aim of the
research was to investigate the influence of the boiler scale on the thermal
stresses and strains of the structure of hot water boilers. Results show that
maximum thermal stresses appear in the zone of the pipe carrying wall of the
first reversing chamber. This indicates that the most critical part of the
boiler are weld spots of the smoke pipes and pipe carrying plate, which in
the case of significant scale deposits can lead to cracks in the welds and
water leakage from the boiler. The nonlinear effects were taken into account
by defining the bilinear isotropic hardening model for all boiler elements.
Temperature dependency was defined for all relevant material properties, i.
e. isotropic coefficient of thermal expansion, Young?s modulus, and isotropic
thermal conductivity. The verification of the FEA model was performed by
comparing the measured deformations of the hot water boiler with the
simulation results. As a reference object, a Viessmann - Vitomax 200 HW
boiler was used, with the installed power of 18.2 MW. CAD modeling was done
within the Autodesk Inventor, and stress and strain analysis was performed in
the ANSYS Software.
Optimization of operation of energy supply systems with co-generation and absorption refrigeration
Authors: Stojiljkovic Mirko , Blagojevic Bratislav , Vuckovic Goran , Ignjatovic Marko , Mitrovic Dejan
Published: October 2012

Co-generation systems, together with absorption refrigeration and thermal
storage, can result in substantial benefits from the economic, energy and
environmental point of view. Optimization of operation of such systems is
important as a component of the entire optimization process in
pre-construction phases, but also for short-term energy production planning
and system control. This paper proposes an approach for operational
optimization of energy supply systems with small or medium scale
co-generation, additional boilers and heat pumps, absorption and compression
refrigeration, thermal energy storage and interconnection to the electric
utility grid. In this case, the objective is to minimize annual costs related
to the plant operation. The optimization problem is defined as mixed integer
nonlinear and solved combining modern stochastic techniques: genetic
algorithms and simulated annealing with linear programming using the object
oriented ?ESO-MS? software solution for simulation and optimization of energy
supply systems, developed as a part of this research. This approach is
applied to optimize a hypothetical plant that might be used to supply a real
residential settlement in Nis, Serbia. Results are compared to the ones
obtained after transforming the problem to mixed 0-1 linear and applying the
branch and bound method.
Avoidable and unavoidable exergy destruction and exergoeconomic evaluation of the thermal processes in a real industrial plant
Authors: Vuckovic Goran , Vukic Mica , Stojiljkovic Mirko , Vuckovic Dragan
Published: October 2012

Exergy analysis is a universal method for evaluating the rational use of
energy. It can be applied to any kind of energy conversion system or chemical
process. An exergy analysis identifies the location, the magnitude and the
causes of thermodynamic inefficiencies and enhances understanding of the
energy conversion processes in complex systems. Conventional exergy analyses
pinpoint components and processes with high irreversibility. To overcome the
limitations of the conventional analyses and to increase our knowledge about
a plant, advanced exergy-based analyses are developed. These analyses provide
additional information about component interactions and reveal the real
potential for improvement of each component constituting a system, as well as
of the overall system. In this paper, a real industrial plant is analyzed
using both conventional and advanced exergy analyses, and exergoeconomic
evaluation. Some of the exergy destruction in the plant components is
unavoidable and constrained by technological, physical and economic
limitations. Calculations related to the total avoidable exergy destruction
caused by each component of the plant supplement the outcome of the
conventional exergy analysis. Based on the all-reaching analysis, by
improving the boiler operation (elimination of approximately 1 MW of
avoidable exergy destruction in the steam boiler) the greatest improvement in
the efficiency of the overall system can be achieved.
Modeling thermal effects in braking systems of railway vehicles
Authors: Milosevic Milos , Stamenkovic Dusan , Milojevic Andrija , Tomic Misa
Published: October 2012

The modeling of thermal effects has become increasingly important in product
design in different transport means, road vehicles, airplanes, railway
vehicles, and so forth. The thermal analysis is a very important stage in the
study of braking systems, especially of railway vehicles, where it is
necessary to brake huge masses, because the thermal load of a braked railway
wheel prevails compared to other types of loads. In the braking phase,
kinetic energy transforms into thermal energy resulting in intense heating
and high temperature states of railway wheels. Thus induced thermal loads
determine thermomechanical behavior of the structure of railway wheels. In
cases of thermal overloads, which mainly occur as a result of long-term
braking on down-grade railroads, the generation of stresses and deformations
occurs, whose consequences are the appearance of cracks on the rim of a wheel
and the final total wheel defect. The importance to precisely determine the
temperature distribution caused by the transfer process of the heat generated
during braking due to the friction on contact surfaces of the braking system
makes it a challenging research task. Therefore, the thermal analysis of a
block-braked solid railway wheel of a 444 class locomotive of the national
railway operator Serbian Railways is processed in detail in this paper, using
analytical and numerical modeling of thermal effects during long-term braking
for maintaining a constant speed on a down-grade railroad.
Prediction of heat generation in rubber or rubber-metal springs
Authors: Banic Milan , Stamenkovic Dusan , Miltenovic Vojislav , Milosevic Milos , Miltenovic Aleksandar , Djekic Petar , Rackov Milan
Published: October 2012

The temperature of rubber or rubber-metal springs increases under cyclic
loading, due to hysteresis losses and low rubber thermal conductivity.
Hysteresis losses correspond to energy dissipation from the rubber, which is
primarily converted into heat. This well-known phenomenon, called heat
build-up, is the primary reason for rubber aging. Increase in temperature
within the rubber compound leads to degradation of its physical and chemical
properties, increase in stiffness and loss of damping capability. This paper
presents a novel procedure of heat generation prediction in rubber or
rubber-metal springs. The procedure encompasses the prediction of hysteresis
loss, i. e. dissipated energy within the rubber, by finite element analysis
and application of a modern visco-plastic rubber constitutive model. The
obtained dissipated energy was used as an input for transient thermal
analysis. Verification of the proposed procedure was performed by comparison
of simulation results with experimentally obtained data during the dynamic
loading of the rubber specimen. The proposed procedure is highly
computationally efficient and it enables time integration, which can be
problematic in coupled mechanical thermal analysis.
Thermal stability of crossed helical gears with wheels made from sintered steel
Authors: Miltenovic Aleksandar , Kuzmanovic Sinisa , Miltenovic Vojislav , Tica Milan , Rackov Milan
Published: October 2012

A considerable slide exists between the flanks of worm and gear during the
work, which results in flank wear and considerable loss of energy. The energy
is, thereby, converted into heat, which leads to the warming-up of gear
drive, compromising its correct operation, and to scuffing in critical cases.
Oil temperature has an important role in thermal stability. Viscosity depends
on temperature. Viscosity significantly affects the processes in the contact
zone, i.e. the energy losses, and hence the temperature. Optimal lubrication
can be provided only in the relevant field of temperatures. The paper
presents experimental and theoretical research on the effect of temperatures
and thermal stability of a worm and gear set with a gear made of sintered
steel Fe1.5Cr0.2Mo on their ability and appearance of boundary conditions.
The Impact of Mindful Awareness Practices on College Student Health, Well-Being, and Capacity for Learning: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yamada Kiyomi , Victor Tara L.
Published: October 2012

This preliminary study examined the feasibility and potential utility of mindful awareness practices (MAPs) in terms of enhancing student learning in the college classroom, as well as improving psychological well-being. One of two identical undergraduate psychology sections included a 10-minute MAP at the beginning of every class (mindfulness group n = 37; control group n = 23). Primary learning and secondary self-report outcomes were obtained. Controlling for significant demographic covariates, students in the mindfulness group demonstrated significant increases in mindful awareness traits and reductions in rumination and state anxiety compared with controls. While mindfulness intervention did not lead to significant improvement in academic performance across the semester, 81% of students self-reported positive effects of MAPs on their learning. It is concluded that it is feasible to incorporate MAPs into a regular college classroom. MAPs may help improve student psychological well-being. Although students perceived themselves to benefit from their mindfulness practice, further research is needed to examine the effects of MAPs on student academic performance.
Transforming Introductory Psychology: A Systematic Approach to Course Redesign
Authors: Drab-Hudson Danae L. , Whisenhunt Brooke L. , Shoptaugh Carol F. , Newman Mary C. , Rost Ann , Fondren-Happel Rachel N.
Published: October 2012

Higher education is faced with the daunting task of serving greater numbers of students and improving student outcomes while facing declining resources. This combination of factors has created an environment predisposed to course transformation/redesign. Facing course redesign can be puzzling, intimidating, and overwhelming. The purpose of the current article is to break down barriers and demystify the process of course redesign. Issues that lead to course redesign, including high DFW (grade of D/F or Withdrawal) rates, poor learning outcomes, course drift, and grade inflation, are explored. A systematic approach to course redesign is presented, including the early stages of garnering support through the process of developing an effective evaluation strategy. The ‘whole course’ redesign approach used for a large enrolment, general education Introductory Psychology course at a large Midwestern US university is used as a case study to demonstrate the process, issues, and challenges. Specific redesign plans and suggestions for institutions considering the process are discussed. In addition, data are presented regarding the faculty team's satisfaction with the redesign process as well as perceptions of the course from the undergraduate learning assistants.
Using Goal Orientation to Enhance College Retention and Graduation Rates
Authors: Hoyert Mark Sudlow , O'Dell Cynthia D. , Hendrickson Kelly A.
Published: October 2012

In this study goal orientation theory, a model used to explore achievement motivation that is commonly covered in introductory psychology textbooks, is used to improve student success. Some variants of the theory posit that mastery goals are associated with adaptive behaviours that can lead to increased success. As a result, the authors of this study developed an intervention designed to increase the pursuit of mastery goals. In previous research, they found that the intervention was associated with altered goals and improved grades. In the current study, they examined the consequences for retention and graduation rates. During the fall 2005 semester, the intervention was extended to 221 students enrolled in introductory psychology classes. A similar set of students who did not receive the intervention served as a comparison group. Five years later, the authors examined the students' transcripts for persistence in school. Students who were at risk for failure and who completed the intervention enrolled in courses at the university at nearly twice the rate of the comparison group in each of the subsequent years, and they graduated at nearly twice the rate of the comparison group. Thus, this intervention was associated with increased retention and graduation rates.
A Role for Social Psychology Instruction in Reducing Bias and Conflict
Authors: Stalder Daniel R.
Published: October 2012

Two studies investigated the potential for social psychology instruction to improve interpersonal understanding and to reduce conflict among American undergraduates. In Study 1, in comparison with general-education social science students who received fewer lectures and exercises on the fundamental attribution error (FAE), social psychology students showed: (a) greater openness to their own FAE; (b) less FAE in explaining anti-American terrorism; and (c) less negative feeling and judgment in response to negative behaviour in general. Self-reported understanding of the FAE concept predicted all three of these outcome measures across courses. In Study 2, from pre- to post-instruction periods, social psychology students showed: (a) an increase in openness to their own biases; (b) a decrease in the FAE in judging three of five targets (driver, employee, terrorist); (c) a decrease in negative feelings toward one of four targets (driver); but (d) a slight increase in a self-serving bias. All but one result in Study 2 remained after covarying for social desirability.
Boundary value problems for quasi-linear elliptic second order equations in unbounded cone-like domains
Authors: Borsuk Mikhail , Wiśniewski Damian
Published: October 2012

We study the behaviour of weak solutions (as well as their gradients) of boundary value problems for quasi-linear elliptic divergence equations in domains extending to infinity along a cone.
Randomized Evaluation of a Supplemental Grade-Wide Mathematics Intervention
Authors: VanDerHeyden Amanda , McLaughlin Tara , Algina James , Snyder Patricia
Published: October 2012

A randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate the effects of a supplemental mathematics intervention that emphasized fluency building for computations and procedures. All fourth- and fifth-grade English-speaking students from a single school district who were participating in general education mathematics instruction and had a 2009 year-end accountability score were included in the study ( N = 537). Assignment to intervention or control conditions occurred at the classroom level with roughly half of classes being assigned to intervention and half being assigned to control conditions within each school. Outcome measures included the 2009 year-end statewide accountability measure in mathematics as well as three computation curriculum-based measurement probes of mathematics administered on three occasions during the school year. Implementation integrity data were collected in intervention classrooms via direct observation, teacher surveys, and monitoring of permanent products. Multilevel linear modeling (MLM) analysis was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on student mathematics outcomes for all students and for students who were low performing at baseline. Intervention effects were detected at both grade levels (but not on all outcome measures). MLM was also used to evaluate the mediating effect of intervention implementation integrity on intervention effects. The integrity with which the intervention was implemented in intervention classrooms predicted end-of-year standardized measures of mathematics achievement and growth on curriculum-based measures. Implications for mathematics instruction in general and mathematics intervention within response to intervention models are discussed.
Sialyl-Tn in Cancer: (How) Did We Miss the Target?
Authors: Julien Sylvain , Videira Paula A. , Delannoy Philippe
Published: October 2012

Sialyl-Tn antigen (STn) is a short O-glycan containing a sialic acid residue a2,6-linked to GalNAca-O-Ser/Thr. The biosynthesis of STn is mediated by a specific sialyltransferase termed ST6GalNAc I, which competes with O-glycans elongating glycosyltransferases and prevents cancer cells from exhibiting longer O-glycans. While weakly expressed by fetal and normal adult tissues, STn is expressed by more than 80% of human carcinomas and in all cases, STn detection is associated with adverse outcome and decreased overall survival for the patients. Because of its pan-carcinoma expression associated with an adverse outcome, an anti-cancer vaccine, named Theratope, has been designed towards the STn epitope. In spite of the great enthusiasm around this immunotherapy, Theratope failed on Phase III clinical trial. However, in lieu of missing this target, one should consider to revise the Theratope design and the actual facts. In this review, we highlight the many lessons that can be learned from this failure from the immunological standpoint, as well as from the drug design and formulation and patient selection. Moreover, an irrefutable knowledge is arising from novel immunotherapies targeting other carbohydrate antigens and STn carrier proteins, such as MUC1, that will warrantee the future development of more successful anti-STn immunotherapy strategies.
Microfluidic-Based Amplification-Free Bacterial DNA Detection by Dielectrophoretic Concentration and Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer Assisted in Situ Hybridization (FRET-ISH)
Authors: Packard Michelle M. , Shusteff Maxim , Alocilja Evangelyn C.
Published: October 2012

Although real-time PCR (RT-PCR) has become a diagnostic standard for rapid identification of bacterial species, typical methods remain time-intensive due to sample preparation and amplification cycle times. The assay described in this work incorporates on-chip dielectrophoretic capture and concentration of bacterial cells, thermal lysis, cell permeabilization, and nucleic acid denaturation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assisted in situ hybridization (FRET-ISH) species identification. Combining these techniques leverages the benefits of all of them, allowing identification to be accomplished completely on chip less than thirty minutes after receipt of sample, compared to multiple hours required by traditional RT-PCR and its requisite sample preparation.
Erythropoietin Modulates Autophagy Signaling in the Developing Rat Brain in an In Vivo Model of Oxygen-Toxicity
Authors: Bendix Ivo , Schulze Corina , Haefen Clarissa von , Gellhaus Alexandra , Endesfelder Stefanie , Heumann Rolf , Felderhoff-Mueser Ursula , Sifringer Marco
Published: October 2012

Autophagy is a self-degradative process that involves turnover and recycling of cytoplasmic components in healthy and diseased tissue. Autophagy has been shown to be protective at the early stages of programmed cell death but it can also promote apoptosis under certain conditions. Earlier we demonstrated that oxygen contributes to the pathogenesis of neonatal brain damage, which can be ameliorated by intervention with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo). Extrinsic- and intrinsic apoptotic pathways are involved in oxygen induced neurotoxicity but the role of autophagy in this model is unclear. We analyzed the expression of autophagy activity markers in the immature rodent brain after exposure to elevated oxygen concentrations. We observed a hyperoxia-exposure dependent regulation of autophagy-related gene (Atg) proteins Atg3, 5, 12, Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), LC3A-II, and LC3B-II which are all key autophagy activity proteins. Interestingly, a single injection with rhEpo at the onset of hyperoxia counteracted these oxygen-mediated effects. Our results indicate that rhEpo generates its protective effect by modifying the key autophagy activity proteins.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Phenotypic Changes in Birch (Betula platyphylla) Autotetraploids
Authors: Mu Huai-Zhi , Liu Zi-Jia , Lin Lin , Li Hui-Yu , Jiang Jing , Liu Gui-Feng
Published: October 2012

Plant breeders have focused much attention on polyploid trees because of their importance to forestry. To evaluate the impact of intraspecies genome duplication on the transcriptome, a series of Betula platyphylla autotetraploids and diploids were generated from four full-sib families. The phenotypes and transcriptomes of these autotetraploid individuals were compared with those of diploid trees. Autotetraploids were generally superior in breast-height diameter, volume, leaf, fruit and stoma and were generally inferior in height compared to diploids. Transcriptome data revealed numerous changes in gene expression attributable to autotetraploidization, which resulted in the upregulation of 7052 unigenes and the downregulation of 3658 unigenes. Pathway analysis revealed that the biosynthesis and signal transduction of indoleacetate (IAA) and ethylene were altered after genome duplication, which may have contributed to phenotypic changes. These results shed light on variations in birch autotetraploidization and help identify important genes for the genetic engineering of birch trees.
Hemobilia Secondary to Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Procedure: A Case Report
Authors: Kaswala Dharmesh , Gandhi Divyang , Moroianu Andrew , Patel Jina , Patel Nitin , Klyde David , Brelvi Zamir
Published: October 2012

A 59 year-old woman with liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C, complicated by refractory hepatic hydrothorax was treated with a TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) procedure. The procedure was complicated by substantial gastrointestinal hemorrhage. EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) was performed and revealed hemobilia. A hepatic angiogram was then performed revealing a fistulous tract between a branch of the hepatic artery and biliary tree. Bleeding was successfully stopped by embolization of the bleeding branch of the right hepatic artery. Hemobilia is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding with an increasing incidence due to the widespread use of invasive hepatobiliary procedures. Hemobilia is an especially uncommon complication of TIPS procedures. We recommend that in cases of hemobilia after TIPS placement, a physician should immediately evaluate the bleeding to exclude an arterio-biliary fistula.
trans-Caryophyllene, a Natural Sesquiterpene, Causes Tracheal Smooth Muscle Relaxation through Blockade of Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ Channels
Authors: Pinho-da-Silva Leidiane , Mendes-Maia Paula Virgínia , Teófilo Taylena Maria do Nascimento Garcia , Barbosa Roseli , Ceccatto Vania Marilande , Coelho-de-Souza Andrelina Noronha , Santos Cruz Jader , Leal-Cardoso José Henrique
Published: October 2012

trans-Caryophyllene is a major component in the essential oils of various species of medicinal plants used in popular medicine in Brazil. It belongs to the chemical class of the sesquiterpenes and has been the subject of a number of studies. Here, we evaluated the effects of this compound in airway smooth muscle. The biological activities of trans-caryophyllene were examined in isolated bath organs to investigate the effect in basal tonus. Electromechanical and pharmacomechanical couplings were evaluated through the responses to K+ depolarization and exposure to acetylcholine (ACh), respectively. Isolated cells of rat tracheal smooth muscle were used to investigate trans-caryophyllene effects on voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels by using the whole-cell voltage-clamp configuration of the patch-clamp technique. trans-Caryophyllene showed more efficiency in the blockade of electromechanical excitation-contraction coupling while it has only minor inhibitory effect on pharmacomechanical coupling. Epithelium removal does not modify tracheal smooth muscle response elicited by trans-caryophyllene in the pharmacomechanical coupling. Under Ca2+-free conditions, pre-exposure to trans-caryophyllene did not reduce the contraction induced by ACh in isolated rat tracheal smooth muscle, regardless of the presence of intact epithelium. In the whole-cell configuration, trans-caryophyllene (3 mM), inhibited the inward Ba2+ current (IBa) to approximately 50% of control levels. Altogether, our results demonstrate that trans-caryophyllene has anti-spasmodic activity on rat tracheal smooth muscle which could be explained, at least in part, by the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels blockade.
Molecular Mechanism of Arenavirus Assembly and Budding
Authors: Urata Shuzo , Yasuda Jiro
Published: October 2012

Arenaviruses have a bisegmented negative-strand RNA genome, which encodes four viral proteins: GP and NP by the S segment and L and Z by the L segment. These four viral proteins possess multiple functions in infection, replication and release of progeny viruses from infected cells. The small RING finger protein, Z protein is a matrix protein that plays a central role in viral assembly and budding. Although all arenaviruses encode Z protein, amino acid sequence alignment showed a huge variety among the species, especially at the C-terminus where the L-domain is located. Recent publications have demonstrated the interactions between viral protein and viral protein, and viral protein and host cellular protein, which facilitate transportation and assembly of viral components to sites of virus egress. This review presents a summary of current knowledge regarding arenavirus assembly and budding, in comparison with other enveloped viruses. We also refer to the restriction of arenavirus production by the antiviral cellular factor, Tetherin/BST-2.
Proposed
DSM-5
Changes for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Lohr W. David , Le Jennifer F.
Published: October 2012

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

2.

Understand the proposed criteria for ASD in the
DSM-5
.

3.

Gain awareness of the proposed advantages and concerns posed by the
DSM-5
diagnostic criteria for ASD.

The patient is a 12-year-old female diagnosed with the mainly inattentive type of attention-deficit disorder due to problems with focus and completing homework. She is treated with 54 mg per day of extended-release methylphenidate. The family presents for ongoing management of ADD but also note she has tantrums over homework and sharing with her 10-year-old sister.
An 11-Year-Old Boy with Tantrums and Head Banging
Authors: Lohr W. David , Le Jennifer F.
Published: October 2012

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Distinguish presentations of anxiety from core autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms.

2.

Become familiar with developmental differences between anxiety and anxiety in ASD.

3.

Know when either, or both, psychosocial and pharmacologic treatment of anxiety in ASD is appropriate.

The patient is an 11-year-old white male with a history of Asperger’s disorder who presents with a history of anger and tantrums that occur about twice per week in reaction to frustrations and requests made of him. The tantrums consist of balling his fists, gesturing to hit, banging his head, grunting, screaming, and crying. He struggles with transitions from preferred activities and is upset if his expectations are not met. The parents report he also has tantrums over any mistakes he makes in his schoolwork.
FcγRIIb on Liver Sinusoidal Endothelium Clears Small Immune Complexes
Authors: Ganesan Latha P. , Kim Jonghan , Wu Yun , Mohanty Sudhasri , Phillips Gary S. , Birmingham Daniel J. , Robinson John M. , Anderson Clark L.
Published: October 2012

It has long been known that the ITIM-bearing IgG Fc receptor (FcγRIIb, RIIb) is expressed on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) and that the liver is the major site of small immune complex (SIC) clearance. Thus, we proposed that RIIb of LSEC eliminates blood-borne SIC, thereby controlling immune complex-mediated autoimmune disease. Testing this hypothesis, we found most RIIb of the mouse, fully three-quarters, to be expressed in liver. Moreover, most (90%) liver RIIb was expressed in LSEC, the remainder in Kupffer cells. An absent FcRγ in LSEC implied that RIIb is the sole FcγR expressed. Testing the capacity of liver RIIb to clear blood-borne SIC, we infused mice intravenously with radio-iodinated SIC made of OVA and rabbit IgG anti-OVA. Tracking decay of SIC from the blood, we found the RIIb knockout strain to be severely deficient in eliminating SIC compared with the wild-type strain, terminal half-lives being 6 and 1.5 h, respectively. RIIb on LSEC, a major scavenger, keeps SIC blood concentrations low and minimizes pathologic deposition of inflammatory immune complex.
IL-7 Restores Lymphocyte Functions in Septic Patients
Authors: Venet Fabienne , Foray Anne-Perrine , Villars-Méchin Astrid , Malcus Christophe , Poitevin-Later Françoise , Lepape Alain , Monneret Guillaume
Published: October 2012

Septic syndrome is the leading cause of mortality for critically ill patients worldwide. Patients develop lymphocyte dysfunctions associated with increased risk of death and nosocomial infections. In this study, we performed preclinical experiments testing the potential of recombinant human IL-7 (rhIL-7) as a lymphostimulating therapy in sepsis. Circulating IL-7 and soluble IL-7 receptor α-chain (soluble CD127) concentrations were measured in plasma, whereas cellular CD127 expression was evaluated on circulating CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes from septic shock patients and healthy volunteers. Lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ production, STAT5 phosphorylation, and B cell lymphoma 2 induction were measured ex vivo in response to T cell stimulation in the presence or not of rhIL-7. We show that IL-7 pathway (plasmatic IL-7 concentration and cellular and soluble CD127 expressions) is not overtly altered and remains activable in septic patients. Most importantly ex vivo treatment of patients’ cells with rhIL-7 significantly improves lymphocyte functionality (CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte proliferations, IFN-γ production, STAT5 phosphorylation, and B cell lymphoma 2 induction after stimulation). To our knowledge, this constitutes the first report of rhIL-7 ability to restore normal lymphocyte functions in septic patients. These results support the rational for initiating a clinical trial testing rhIL-7 in septic shock.