bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
e-Health Tools for Targeting and Improving Melanoma Screening: A Review
Authors: Tyagi Abhilasha , Miller Kimberly , Cockburn Myles
Published: December 2012

The key to improved prognosis for melanoma is early detection and diagnosis, achieved by skin surveillance and secondary prevention (screening). However, adherence to screening guidelines is low, with population-based estimates of approximately 26% for physician-based skin cancer screening and 20–25% for skin self-examination. The recent proliferation of melanoma detection “e-Health” tools, digital resources that facilitate screening in patients often outside of the clinical setting, may offer new strategies to promote adherence and expand the proportion and range of individuals performing skin self-examination. The purpose of this paper is to catalog and categorize melanoma screening e-Health tools to aid in the determination of their efficacy and potential for adoption. The availability and accessibility of such tools, their costs, target audience, and, where possible, information on their efficacy, will be discussed with potential benefits and limitations considered. While e-Health tools targeting melanoma screening are widely available, little has been done to formally evaluate their efficacy and ability to aid in overcoming screening barriers. Future research needs to formally evaluate the potential role of e-Health tools in melanoma prevention.
Validation of Cytomegalovirus Immune Competence Assays for the Characterization of CD8+T Cell Responses Posttransplant
Authors: Ravkov Eugene V. , Pavlov Igor Y. , Hanson Kimberly E. , Delgado Julio C.
Published: December 2012

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the most important infectious complications of transplantation. Monitoring CMV-specific CD8 T cell immunity is useful for predicting active CMV infection and for directing targeted antiviral therapy. In this study, we examined four basic parameters for validation of CMV-specific tetramer staining and peptide stimulation assays that cover five most frequent HLA class I alleles. We also examined the potential use of CMV-specific CD8+T cell numbers and functional and cytolytic responses in two autologous HSCT recipients treated for multiple myeloma. The coefficient of variation (CV %) of the precision within assays was 3.1−24% for HLA-tetramer staining, 2.5−47% for IFN-γ, and 3.4−59.7% for CD107a/b production upon peptide stimulation. The precision between assays was 5−26% for tetramer staining, 4−24% for IFN-γ, and 5−48% for CD107a/b. The limit of detection was 0.1−0.23 cells/μL of blood for tetramer staining, 0−0.23 cell/μL for IFN-γ, and 0.11−0.98 cells/μL for CD107a/b. The assays were linear and specific. The reference interval with 95% confidence level was 0−18 cells/μL for tetramer staining, 0−2 cells/μL for IFN-γ, and 0–3 cells/μL for CD107a/b. Our results provide acceptable measures of test performance for CMV immune competence assays for the characterization of CD8+T cell responses posttransplant measured in the absolute cell count perμL of blood.
Increased Expression of Visfatin in Monocytes and Macrophages in Male Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Chiu Cheng-An , Yu Teng-Hung , Hung Wei-Chin , Lu Li-Fen , Chung Fu-Mei , Tsai I-Ting , Yang Chih-Ying , Hsu Chia-Chang , Lu Yung-Chuan , Houng Jer-Yiing , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Wang Chao-Ping
Published: December 2012

We demonstrated that visfatin expressed in monocytes and neutrophils and increased their reactivity in male acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. Furthermore, visfatin was strongly appeared in lipid rich coronary rupture plaques and macrophages. These results suggest another explanation about leukocytes mediated visfatin that may play a pathogenesis role in coronary vulnerable plaques rupture.
Matched Asymptotic Expansions to the Circular Sitnikov Problem with Long Period
Authors: Rosales-Vera Marco
Published: December 2012

The circular Sitnikov problem is revisited, using matched asymptotic expansions. In the case of large oscillation periods, approximate analytical expressions for the period and the orbit of the third body are found. The results are compared with those described in the literature and show that the movement of the third body can be well described by two analytical solutions, the inner and outer solutions.
Absence of mTOR Inhibitor Effect on Hepatic Cyst Growth: A Case Report of a Kidney Transplant Recipient with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Friedrich L. , Barbey F. , Pascual M. , Venetz J.-P.
Published: December 2012

Some experimental studies have suggested a beneficial effect of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor use on hepatic and renal cyst growth in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, the results of clinical studies are conflicting and the role of mTOR inhibitors is still uncertain. We report the case of a patient with ADPKD who underwent deceased kidney transplantation because of an end-stage renal disease. The evolution was uneventful with an excellent graft function under cyclosporine (CsA) monotherapy. Some years later, the patient developed a symptomatic hepatomegaly due to growth of cysts. CsA was replaced by sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, in order to reduce or control the increase in the cyst and liver volume. Despite the switch, the hepatic volume increased by 25% in two years. Finally sirolimus was stopped because of the lack of effect on hepatic cyst growth and the presence of sirolimus side effects. The interest of our case resides in the followup by MRI imaging during the mTOR inhibitor treatment and 15 months after the restart of the initial immunosuppressive therapy. This observation indicates that mTOR inhibitors did not have significant effect on cyst-associated hepatic growth in our patient, which is consistent with some results of recent large clinical studies.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Some New Functionalized Terphenyl Derivatives
Authors: Samshuddin Seranthimata , Narayana Badiadka , Sarojini Balladka Kunhanna , Shetty Divya N. , Suchetha Kumari Nalilu
Published: December 2012

New functionalized terphenyl derivatives incorporating various heterocyclic rings are prepared by using 4,4′′-difluoro-5′-hydroxy-1,1′:3′,1′′-terphenyl-4′-carbohydrazide as a key intermediate derived from 4,4′-difluoro chalcone, a versatile synthone. All the derivatives are characterized by 1H NMR, IR, and mass spectral data. All the synthesized products are screened for their in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The majority of the tested compounds exhibited significant antioxidant activity and some of them showed good antimicrobial activity.
On the Convergence Rate of Kernel‐Based Sequential Greedy Regression
Authors: Wang Xiaoyin , Wei Xiaoyan , Pan Zhibin
Published: December 2012

A kernel‐based greedy algorithm is presented to realize efficient sparse learning with data‐dependent basis functions. Upper bound of generalization error is obtained based on complexity measure of hypothesis space with covering numbers. A careful analysis shows the error has a satisfactory decay rate under mild conditions.
Anxiolytic Effects of Flavonoids in Animal Models of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Zhang Li-Ming , Yao Jia-Zhi , Li Yang , Li Kai , Chen Hong-Xia , Zhang You-Zhi , Li Yun-Feng
Published: December 2012

The dysregulation of the serotonergic system has long been recognized as an important factor underlying the pathophysiology of PTSD. To date, SSRIs have already been established as the firstline pharmacotherapeutic agents for treating acute and chronic PTSD. However, SSRIs largely have several disadvantages which limit their utility. Our previous study has also shown that administration of the total flavonoids, isolated from the extract of Xiaobuxin-Tang (XBXT, mild mind-easing decoction), comprising four Chinese medicines including Haematitum, Flos Inulae, Folium Phyllostachydis Henonis, and Semen Sojae Preparatum, exerted significant antidepressant-like effect in chronically mildly stressed rats, possibly mediated by serotonergic activation. Since the central serotonergic dysfunction is an important and well-known cause mediating the pathophysiology of trauma-related symptoms in PTSD, it is reasonable to predict that flavonoids may exert therapeutic effects on PTSD in animal models. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the effect of flavonoids in alleviating the enhanced anxiety and fear response induced in two PTSD animal models. Ser, an SSRI, was administered as a positive control. Furthermore, the changes of brain monoaminergic neurotransmitters after chronic flavonoids administration have also been assessed in SPS-treated rats.
Synchronization of Unified Chaotic Systems Using Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: Hou Yi-You , Liau Ben-Yi , Chen Hsin-Chieh
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a method for synchronizing the unified chaotic systems via a sliding mode controller (SMC). The unified chaotic system and problem formulation are described. Two identical unified chaotic systems can be synchronized using the SMC technique. The switching surface and its controller design are developed in detail. Simulation results show the feasibility of a chaotic secure communication system based on the synchronization of the Lorenz circuits via the proposed SMC.
Environmentally Benign Mortar-Pestle-Induced Acylation and O-Alkylation of Aromatic and Heteroaromatic Compounds under Solvent-Free Micellar Conditions and Computation of Their Drug Likeliness Properties
Authors: Reddy Kancharla Rajendar , Rajanna Kamatala Chinna , Uppalaiah Kusampally , Kumar Mukka Satish , Venkateshwarlu Marri
Published: December 2012

Environmentally benign mortar-pestle-induced practical methods have been developed for the acylation and O-alkylation of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds under solventfree micellar conditions, which were found to efficiently afford moderate to excellent yields of products.
Strong Uniform Attractors for Nonautonomous Suspension Bridge‐Type Equations
Authors: Wang Xuan , Ma Qiaozhen
Published: December 2012

We discuss long‐term dynamical behavior of the solutions for the nonautonomous suspension bridge‐type equation in the strong Hilbert space , where the
nonlinearity g(u, t) is translation compact and the time‐dependent external forces h(x, t) only satisfy condition (C*) instead of translation compact. The existence of strong solutions and strong uniform attractors is investigated using a new process scheme. Since the solutions of the nonautonomous suspension bridge‐type equation have no higher regularity and the process associated with the solutions is not continuous in the strong Hilbert space, the results are new and appear to be optimal.
Beneficial Effects of Aminoguanidine on Skin Flap Survival in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Ozturk Ayse , Fırat Cemal , Parlakpınar Hakan , Bay-Karabulut Aysun , Kirimlioglu Hale , Gurlek Ali
Published: December 2012

Random flaps in DM patients have poor reliability for wound coverage, and flap loss remains a complex challenge. The protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG) administration on the survival of dorsal random flaps and oxidative stress were studied in diabetic rats. Two months after the onset of DM, dorsal McFarlane flaps were raised. Forty rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) AG, (3) DM, and (4) DM + AG groups. Flap viability, determined with the planimetric method, and free-radical measurements were investigated. In addition, HbA1c and blood glucose levels, body weight measurements, and histopathological examinations were evaluated. The mean flap necrotic areas (%) in Groups I to IV were 50.9 ± 13.0, 32.9 ± 12.5, 65.2 ± 11.5, and 43.5 ± 14.7, respectively. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were higher in the DM group than in the nondiabetic group, while the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were reduced as a result of flap injury. In the diabetic and nondiabetic groups, AG administration significantly reduced the MDA and NO levels and significantly increased GSH content and SOD enzyme activity. We concluded that AG plays an important role in preventing random pattern flap necrosis.
Applications of Umbral Calculus Associated with p‐Adic Invariant Integrals on Zp
Authors: Kim Dae San , Kim Taekyun
Published: December 2012

Recently, Dere and Simsek (2012) have studied the applications of umbral algebra to some special functions. In this paper, we investigate some properties of umbral calculus associated with p‐adic invariant integrals on Zp. From our properties, we can also derive some interesting identities of Bernoulli polynomials.
Effects of Input Voltage on Flow Separation Control for Low-Pressure Turbine at Low Reynolds Number by Plasma Actuators
Authors: Matsunuma Takayuki , Segawa Takehiko
Published: December 2012

Active flow control using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators was investigated to reattach the simulated boundary layer separation on the suction surface of a turbine blade at low Reynolds number, Re = 1.7 × 104. The flow separation is induced on a curved plate installed in the test section of a low-speed wind tunnel. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to obtain instantaneous and time-averaged two-dimensional velocity measurements. The amplitude of input voltage for the plasma actuator was varied from ±2.0 kV to ±2.8 kV. The separated flow reattached on the curved wall when the input voltage was ±2.4 kV and above. The displacement thickness of the boundary layer near the trailing edge decreased by 20% at ±2.0 kV. The displacement thickness was suddenly reduced as much as 56% at ±2.2 kV, and it was reduced gradually from ±2.4 kV to ±2.8 kV (77% reduction). The total pressure loss coefficient, estimated from the boundary layer displacement thickness and momentum thickness, was 0.172 at the baseline (actuator off) condition. The total pressure loss was reduced to 0.107 (38% reduction) at ±2.2 kV and 0.078 (55% reduction) at ±2.8 kV.
A Review of Soft Techniques for Electromagnetic Assessment of Concrete Condition
Authors: Queiroz F. A. A. , Vieira D. A. G. , Travassos X. L. , Pantoja M. F.
Published: December 2012

This paper describes some efforts to design more efficient analysis for the GPR raw‐data interpretation. Such analysis requires algorithms by which problems having complex scattering properties can
be solved as accurately and as quickly as possible. This specification is difficult to achieve when dealing with iteratively solved algorithms characterized by a forward solver as part of the loop, which often
makes the solution process computationally prohibitive for large problems. The inverse problem is solved by an alternative approach which uses model‐free methods based on example data. Measurements with GPR equipment were performed to validate the algorithms using concrete slabs.
Road Extraction from High-Resolution SAR Images via Automatic Local Detecting and Human-Guided Global Tracking
Authors: Cheng Jianghua , Ding Wenxia , Ku Xishu , Sun Jixiang
Published: December 2012

Because of existence of various kinds of disturbances, layover effects, and shadowing, it is difficult to extract road from high-resolution SAR images. A new road center-point searching method is proposed by two alternant steps: local detection and global tracking. In local detection step, double window model is set, which consists of the outer fixed square window and the inner rotary rectangular one. The outer window is used to obtain the local road direction by using orientation histogram, based on the fact that the surrounding objects always range along with roads. The inner window rotates its orientation in accordance with the result of local road direction calculation and searches the center points of a road segment. In global tracking step, particle filter of variable-step is used to deal with the problem of tracking frequently broken by shelters along the roadside and obstacles on the road. Finally, the center-points are linked by quadratic curve fitting. In 1 m high-resolution airborne SAR image experiment, the results show that this method is effective.
Pooling Birth Cohorts in Allergy and Asthma: European Union-Funded Initiatives – A MeDALL, CHICOS, ENRIECO, and GA2LEN Joint Paper
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Anto Josep , Sunyer Jordi , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Vrijheid Martine , Keil Thomas ,   CHICOS Study Group  ENRIECO Study Group  GA2LEN Study Group
Published: December 2012

Long-term birth cohort studies are essential to understanding the life course and childhood predictors of allergy and the complex interplay between genes and the environment (including lifestyle and socioeconomic determinants). Over 100 cohorts focusing on asthma and allergy have been initiated in the world over the past 30 years. Since 2004, several research initiatives funded under the EU Framework Program for Research and Technological Development FP6-FP7 have attempted to identify, compare, and evaluate pooling data from existing European birth cohorts (GA2LEN: Global Allergy and European Network, FP6; ENRIECO: Environmental Health Risks in European Birth Cohorts, FP7; CHICOS: Developing a Child Cohort Research Strategy for Europe, FP7; MeDALL: Mechanisms of the Development of ALLergy, FP7). However, there is a general lack of knowledge about these initiatives and their potentials. The aim of this paper is to review current and past EU-funded projects in order to make a summary of their goals and achievements and to suggest future research needs of these European birth cohort networks.
Mapping of the IgE and IgG4 Sequential Epitopes of Ovomucoid with a Peptide Microarray Immunoassay
Authors: Martínez-Botas Javier , Cerecedo Inmaculada , Zamora Javier , Vlaicu Cristina , Dieguez Maria Carmen , Gómez-Coronado Diego , de Dios Verónica , Terrados Soledad , de la Hoz Belén
Published: December 2012

Background: Ovomucoid (Gal d 1) has been demonstrated to be the most important allergen in IgE-mediated egg allergy. Peptide microarray analysis is a novel method that can provide useful information on the nature of specific allergens. Methods: A peptide microarray immunoassay was performed using a 15- and 20-amino acid (aa) library of overlapping peptides (3-offset) of the primary sequence of ovomucoid. Sera from 50 patients with IgE-mediated egg allergy and reactivity to ovomucoid, with more than 1 year of follow-up, and sera from 10 controls were tested. Peptides were considered major epitopes when the average weighted Z-score was greater than 3 and recognized by at least 20% of the patient’s sera. Specific IgE epitopes were established on the basis of the IgE/IgG4 Z-score ratio. Results: The IgE and IgG4 recognition pattern was similar in both sets of peptides, but the signal intensity was generally higher in the 20-aa set. Thirty-four percent of the patients did not recognize any IgE sequential peptide and 20% of the patients recognized more than 10 sequential peptides. We identified 3 major IgE B-cell epitopes in domains I and II of ovomucoid. IgE/IgG4 ratio analysis showed that peptides 1–2 (aa 4–20) and peptides 29–31 (aa 91–104) were specific IgE epitopes. Conclusion: By using peptide microarray immunoassay in egg-allergic patients, we established that 34% of the patients do not have any linear epitope recognized by IgE. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of this finding.
Cardiovascular Transition to Extrauterine Life in Growth-Restricted Neonates: Relationship with Prenatal Doppler Findings
Authors: Turan Sifa , Turan Ozhan M. , Salim Mubadda , Berg Christoph , Gembruch Ulrich , Harman Christopher R. , Baschat Ahmet A.
Published: December 2012

Objective: Cardiovascular status in fetal growth restriction (FGR) can be classified by the severity of individual Doppler abnormalities (early and late) or by the rate of clinical progression. We tested the hypothesis that aspects of the fetal cardiovascular status in FGR affect neonatal cardiovascular findings. Study Design: FGR cases [abdominal circumference <5th percentile and an elevated umbilical (MCA) artery (UA) pulsatility index] had UA, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus (DV) Doppler. Positive UA end-diastolic velocity and/or a low MCA pulsatility index denoted early and absent/reversed UA end-diastolic velocity, whereas an increased DV pulsatility index for veins denoted late responses. The rate of progression was classified into mild, progressive and severe. After delivery, shunt dynamics and blood flow across the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), foramen ovale and atriaventricular valves, myocardial contractility and pharmacologic pressor requirement were noted at neonatal echocardiography. These findings were related to prenatal Doppler parameters. Results: In 94 patients, only individual Doppler parameters related to neonatal echocardiographic findings. Absent/reversed UA DV significantly predicted PDA with right to left shunt (p = 0.016). The pressor need for cardiovascular instability was observed in neonates with abnormal prenatal DV Doppler and with lower birth weights delivered at earlier gestational age (p < 0.0001 for both). Pressor need was significantly related to neonatal death (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.35, p = 0.002). Conclusion: A markedly abnormal UA Doppler predisposes growth-restricted neonates to persistence of fetal circulation associated with right to left shunting. Abnormal venous Doppler is a risk factor for cardiovascular instability which in turn significantly contributes to neonatal mortality. Further clarification of the neonatal cardiovascular transition may be helpful in guiding early neonatal assessment and management.
Impact of Early Childhood Caries on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Preschool Children and Their Parents
Authors: Martins-Júnior P.A. , Vieira-Andrade R.G. , Corrêa-Faria P. , Oliveira-Ferreira F. , Marques L.S. , Ramos-Jorge M.L.
Published: December 2012

The aim of the present population study was to evaluate the impact of early childhood caries (ECC) on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children and their parents/caregivers. A random sample of 638 children (aged 2–5 years) underwent a clinical oral examination to assess ECC, and their parents were invited to answer two questionnaires: one on the OHRQoL of the child, the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale, and another on the characteristics and sociodemographic conditions of the child. Descriptive analysis, χ2 test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and hierarchically adjusted Poisson regression models were used. The prevalence of ECC was 52.2%. The number of teeth with decay ranged from 1 (n = 42; 6.6%) to 20 (n = 5; 0.8%), averaging 2.86 (SD = 4.04). There was a significant difference between the severity of ECC and OHRQoL in terms of the impact on both child and family (p < 0.001). An increase in the severity of ECC resulted in an increased negative impact on the quality of life of the child (rate ratio, RR = 5.32; 95% confidence interval, CI: 3.67–7.71). Greater age of the mother had a positive impact on the OHRQoL of preschool children (RR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.54–0.97). Increased age resulted in an increased negative impact on the quality of life of the child (RR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.61–5.47). ECC has a negative impact on the OHRQoL of children aged 2–5 years and their parents. Mothers aged 30 or older reported better OHRQoL, independent of the presence of ECC and the age of the child.
Sonic Hedgehog Signaling and VACTERL Association
Authors: Ngan E.S.-W. , Kim K.-H. , Hui C.-c.
Published: December 2012

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is vital for the patterning and organogenesis of almost every system. The specificity of these developmental processes is achieved through a tight spatio-temporal regulation of Hh signaling. Mice with defective Hh signal exhibit a wide spectrum of anomalies, including Vertebral defects, Anal atresia, Cardiovascular anomalies, Tracheoesophageal fistula, Renal dysplasia, and Limb defects, that resemble strikingly the phenotypes observed in VACTERL association in humans. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of mammalian Hh signaling and highlight the relevance of various mouse models for studying the etiology and pathogenesis of VACTERL association. In addition, recent advances in genetic study for unraveling the complexity of genetic inheritance of VACTERL and the implication of the Sonic hedgehog pathway in disease pathogenesis are also discussed.
Experimental studies on hole quality and machinability characteristics in drilling of unreinforced and reinforced polyamides
Authors: Gaitonde VN , Karnik SR , Rubio Juan Carlos Campos , de Oliveira Leite Wanderson , Davim JP
Published: December 2012

In this study, experimental studies on hole quality and machinability in drilling of unreinforced polyamide (PA6) and reinforced polyamide with 30% of glass fibers (PA66-GF30) using cemented carbide (K20) tool have been carried out. The experiments have been planned as per full factorial design of experiments. The effects of spindle speed, feed rate, and point angle on hole quality such as hole diameter and circularity error; the machinability characteristics such as thrust force and specific cutting coefficient have been analyzed by developing response surface methodology based second-order mathematical models. The parametric analysis shows that the quality of holes can be improved by proper selection of cutting parameters. The analysis also indicates the influence of reinforced fiber on proposed machinability characteristics during drilling of polyamides.
Experimental investigation of a composite phase change material: Thermal-energy storage and release
Authors: Trigui Abdelwaheb , Karkri Mustapha , Boudaya Chokri , Candau Yves , Ibos Laurent , Fois Magali
Published: December 2012

In recent times, composites made out of polymers and paraffin waxes were thought to be good thermal energy storage materials, in which the heat is stored as latent heat of fusion in the paraffin wax. In this study, phase change composite material with spherical shape calibrated based paraffin wax (RT27) was produced. The properties of the prepared composite phase change material have been characterized. The objective of this article was to study the energy storage and the energy recovery by using a phase change composite material. An experimental set-up consisting of fluxmetric measurement has been constructed to provide the thermal performance of the composite. In addition, a differential scanning calorimetry analysis was carried out. The experimental apparatus allows providing heat storage capacities and “apparent” thermal conductivities of the composite at the solid and liquid states, and also a measurement of the latent heat of fusion. The proposed test provides temperature and heat flux measurements at the material borders. The amount of energy exchanged during the variation of the thermodynamic state samples could be calculated when the boundary temperatures vary. In this article, one shows how it can allow the study of complex composite material with PCM. In particular, heat flux measurements make it possible to highlight very specific behaviors of these products and are thus a very interesting experimental source of data which comes to complete the traditional measurement methods like calorimetric device (differential scanning calorimetry).
Development and in vitro assessment of bioactive glass/polymer nanostructured composites with silver
Authors: Vulpoi A , Simon V , Ylänen H , Simon S
Published: December 2012

Two composites consisting of non-woven poly-96L/4D-lactide copolymer meshes and a bioactive glass containing silver and silver free were obtained in polyvinyl-alcohol solutions by slurry dipping method under slow mechanical stirring. The development of hydroxyapatite type nanocrystals on samples surface in simulated body fluid proved for both composites the tendency for high level of bioactivity. Their antibacterial effect was evaluated against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis. Both composites showed inhibitory effect on bacterial growth, but only the composite with silver containing bioactive glass proved to have bactericidal effect. The AgCl nanocrystals and Ag3PO4 particles self-assembled on the surface of this composite proved the release of silver ions into simulated body fluid.
Effect of the interface layer on the mechanical behavior of TiO2 nanoparticle reinforced aluminum matrix composites
Authors: Shin JH , Choi HJ , Cho MK , Bae DH
Published: December 2012

The interface reaction and its effect on the mechanical properties have been experimentally studied for aluminum-based composites reinforced with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2). Aluminum-based composites containing TiO2 nanoparticles (20 nm in size) are developed by hot-rolling the ball-milled powder. High chemical potential energy of the nanoparticles induces the fast formation of the interface layer during the heat treatment process, and high yield stress of 514 MPa in a composite containing 5 vol.% TiO2 nanoparticles can be achieved. Furthermore, dislocations are emitted at the nanoparticle/matrix interface during deformation due to the high stress concentration. This study can provide useful insights for the design of metal-matrix composites.
A study on erosive wear analysis of glass fiber–epoxy–AlN hybrid composites
Authors: Panda Pravuram , Mantry Sisir , Mohapatra S , Singh SK , Satapathy A
Published: December 2012

Aluminum nitride reinforced glass fiber epoxy resin composite was prepared by simple hand lay-up technique and its mechanical as well as erosion wear behavior were investigated. The interactive influence of various operational variables on specific wear behavior of composite materials has been studied thoroughly. It was observed that with increasing percentage of filler particles, there is a decline in tensile strength, but there is a significant improvement in hardness and erosion wear performance. Among all the factors, impact velocity is the most significant factor followed by filler percentage and impingement angle, while temperature has the least significance on erosion of the hybrid composite. Taguchi’s orthogonal arrays were used to identify the controlling factors influencing the erosion wear rate. Scanning electron microscopy studies were conducted to understand the erosion mechanism involved during the material removal process.
Short beam interlaminar shear behavior and electrical resistance-based damage self-sensing of woven carbon/epoxy composite laminates in a cryogenic environment
Authors: Takeda Tomo , Shindo Yasuhide , Fukuzaki Tatsuya , Narita Fumio
Published: December 2012

This article investigates the interlaminar shear behavior and damage detection of woven carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite laminates at cryogenic temperatures. Short beam shear tests were performed at room temperature and liquid hydrogen temperature (20 K), and the temperature dependence of the apparent interlaminar shear strength was examined. The electrical resistance of the composite specimens was also monitored during the tests. A detailed observation of the tested specimens was made to assess the damage, and the relationship between the damage and the electrical resistance was discussed. In addition, the stress, strain and current density distributions in the short beam shear specimens were determined by the finite element method. The numerical results were used to better understand and explain the experimental findings.
Family and Parenthood in an Ageing ‘Youth’ Culture: A Collective Embrace of Dominant Adulthood?
Authors: Hodkinson Paul
Published: December 2012

‘Youth’ music and style cultures, such as the punk, goth, metal and club scenes, are often regarded as opposed to the institution of the family and the values it symbolises. Yet significant numbers of the participants of such groups are now remaining actively involved into their thirties and beyond alongside the taking on of permanent cohabitation, marriage and parenthood. This article explores the increasing importance of family life for ageing members of ‘youth’ cultures in relation to the case study of the goth scene, a dark-themed grouping whose average age is rising. I emphasise the collective nature of the embrace of family among older goths and the implications of this for the values and environment of the group itself and the trajectories of individual members. Amongst other things, I explore whether the drift towards family and parenthood amongst goths might be understood as a collective assimilation into dominant adulthood.
The Role of Subjectivity and Knowledge Power Struggles in the Formation of Public Policy
Authors: Shortall Sally
Published: December 2012

There is a growing incentive for sociologists to demonstrate the use-value of their research. Research ‘impact’ is a driver of research funding and a measure of academic standing. Academic debate on this issue has intensified since Burawoy’s (2004) call for a ‘public’ sociology. However, the academy is no longer the sole or primary producer of knowledge and empirical sociologists need to contend with the ‘huge swathes’ of social data that now exist (Savage and Burrows, 2007). This article furthers these debates by considering power struggles between competing forms of knowledge. Using a case study, it specifically considers the power struggle between normative and empirical knowledge, and how providers of knowledge assert legitimacy for their truth claims. The article concludes that the idea of ‘impact’ and ‘use-value’ is extremely complex and depends on the policy context of knowledge power struggles, and on how policy makers want to view the world.
An Examination of Color-Blind Racism and Race-Related Stress Among African American Undergraduate Students
Authors: Coleman M. Nicole , Chapman Stephanie , Wang David C.
Published: December 2012

This study examined the role of color-blind racial ideology among a sample of 152 African American undergraduate students in relation to race-related stress. We hypothesized that those who endorsed relatively higher color-blind racial attitudes would experience greater race-related stress because experiences with racism would be interpreted as more taxing without an operating framework of extant racism in the United States. Contrary to our hypothesis, after controlling for overall well-being, trait-level positive and negative affect, and racial identity, we found color-blind racial attitudes to be a negative predictor of race-related stress. This finding indicates that moderate levels of color-blind attitudes may act as a buffer against race-related stress among undergraduate students who possess an overall sense of well-being. A detailed discussion of the findings and implications for future research is provided.
IRTPRO 2.1 for Windows (Item Response Theory for Patient-Reported Outcomes)
Authors: Paek Insu , Han Kyung T.
Published: December 2012

This article reviews a new item response theory (IRT) model estimation program, IRTPRO 2.1, for Windows that is capable of unidimensional and multidimensional IRT model estimation for existing and user-specified constrained IRT models for dichotomously and polytomously scored item response data.
Support and Education of Gifted Students in Poland
Authors: Limont Wieslawa
Published: December 2012

This article describes the support and education of gifted students in Poland. The author presents a definition of ability. Rudimentary documents and acts of the Polish Ministry of National Education regarding the education of gifted students are introduced. The systems of general and special education are discussed—including artistic and sports schools. The author presents the latest projects of the Ministry and selected examples of good school practices and nongovernment organizations supporting the development of the gifted. A brief description of significant study results is provided as well as theoretical and educational concepts regarding gifted students. Finally, the author indicates possible changes in projects on the support and education of the gifted with the necessity of including the education of the gifted in the life span perspective. Directions for further research in the area of ability are also presented.
Effect of operating parameters on bio-fuel production from waste furniture sawdust
Authors: Uzun Başak Burcu , Kanmaz Gülin
Published: December 2012

Fast pyrolysis is an effective technology for conversion of biomass into energy and value-added chemicals instead of burning them directly. In this study, fast pyrolysis of waste furniture sawdust (pine sawdust) was investigated under various reaction conditions (reaction time, pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, residence time and particle size) in a tubular reactor. The optimum reaction conditions for bio-oil production was found as reaction time of 5 min, pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C, heating rate of 300 °C min−1 under nitrogen flow rate of 400 cm3 min−1. At these conditions, maximum bio-oil yield was obtained as 42.09%. Pyrolysis oils were characterized by using various elemental analyses, fourier – transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results of the GC–MS showed that cracking of large molecular phenolics was followed by partial conversion into phenol and alkylated phenols (45%) during the pyrolysis. According to the experimental and characterization results; the liquid product could be used as feedstock for the chemical industry or petroleum crude for refinery.
Effect of blockage ratio on the maximum temperature under the ceiling in tunnel fires
Authors: Li Liming , Cheng Xudong , Cui Yu , Dong Wenhui , Mei Zhibin
Published: December 2012

Tunnel blockage ratio is defined as the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the fire source to that of the tunnel. These fire sources in reality correspond to those that have considerable cross-sectional area such as trains or heavy goods vehicles, which are very common. The effect of tunnel blockage ratio on the maximum temperature under the ceiling in tunnel fires is analyzed using experimental data from three past studies. Results indicate that the maximum temperature decreases with the increase in the blockage ratio for small fires, while it does not vary with the blockage ratio for large fires. Previous models are modified based on above analysis by introducing a factor that accounts for the blockage effect. The modified models are more generally applicable.
Early-Onset Acquired Myasthenia Gravis Secondary to Anti–Muscle-Specific Kinase Autoantibodies
Authors: Yilmaz Sanem , Gokben Sarenur , Serdaroglu Gul , Akcay Ayfer
Published: December 2012

Autoimmune myasthenia gravis is rarely seen during infancy. Similar to adults, 85% to 90% of generalized pediatric myasthenia gravis cases have acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Approximately 30% of the remaining cases have antibodies against muscle-specific kinase. Information on the clinical course, treatment alternatives, and prognosis of pediatric muscle-specific kinase antibody–positive myasthenia gravis is limited because of the small number of cases. Here, we present a 14-month-old girl with muscle-specific kinase antibody–positive myasthenia gravis as one of the youngest patients described so far in the literature.
The ‘Image of Africa’ in Africana Sociology
Authors: Manigault-Bryant James A.
Published: December 2012

‘Africana Sociology’ begins with a reappraisal of the ‘image of Africa’ in the form of sociology’s theoretical narrative about modernity’s spatial and temporal order. Early sociologists, like Auguste Comte and Lester Ward, conceived sociology as a secular discourse, although it transmitted Protestant values that reduced people of African descent to fetish objects. In the work of Charles H. Long, the ‘image of Africa’ appears in the African American religious imagination because it – more than the land in which Blacks were enslaved – authenticated their origins. In my appropriation of the concept, it is a semiotic device that, through its dialectical relationship with the ‘image of involuntary presence’, structures sociology’s narrative form. Like in the work of W. E. B. Du Bois, the image of Africa designates the American nation as a site of crisis, while imbuing Black subjectivity with a wider consciousness of modernity.
A dynamic predictive maintenance model considering spare parts inventory based on hidden semi-Markov model
Authors: Liu Qinming , Dong Ming , Peng Ying
Published: December 2012

The maintenance strategies optimization can play a key role in the industrial systems, in particular to reduce the related risks and the maintenance costs, improve the availability, and the reliability. Spare part demands are usually generated by the need of maintenance. It is often dependent on the maintenance strategies, and a better practice is to deal with these problems simultaneously. This article presents a stochastic dynamic programming maintenance model considering multi-failure states and spare part inventory. First, a probabilistic maintenance model called hidden semi-Markov model with aging factor is used to classify the multi-failure states and obtain transition probabilities among multi-failure states. Then, spare parts inventory cost is integrated into the maintenance model for different failure states. Finally, a double-layer dynamic programming maintenance model is proposed to obtain the optimal spare parts inventory and the optimal maintenance strategy through which the minimum total cost can be achieved. A case study is used to demonstrate the implementation and potential applications of the proposed methods.
Deformation and Stress Analysis of Supported Buttock Contact
Authors: Dabnichki P A , Crocombe A D , Hughes S C
Published: December 2012

Non-linear finite element analysis has been used to investigate the contact problem between a buttock and a cushion of varying properties. The buttock tissue has been modelled on the macroscale by assuming it to be a hyperelastic (rubber-like) material with properties that correspond to the overall buttock response. Both rigid and flexible cushions have been considered. The contact between the cushion and the buttock has been modelled assuming both friction and friction-free conditions. The effect of these parameters on the buttock-cushion deformation and the tissue compressive and shear stress distributions have been presented. This study forms part of work towards the development of body segment simulators for use in investigations of seating and other support surfaces.
Anisotropie Contraction of Cortical Bone Caused by Dehydration of Samples of the Bovine Femur in Vitro
Authors: Finlay J B , Hardie W R
Published: December 2012

Cortical bone from the bovine femur has been studied to determine any changes in dimensions that might be caused by dehydration and subsequent rehydration of the samples. Nine control and ten embalmed axially oriented parallelepiped samples were produced with nominal dimensions of 5 × 5 × 30 mm. Sequences of oven drying and rehydration were studied, before dehydration in a vacuum desiccator prior to determining ash weights. Vacuum dehydration caused anisotropic shrinkage with statistically different (p < 0.00015) mean strains of 9200, 27000 and 40200 microstrain in the axial, circumferential and radial directions respectively. The corresponding mean strains for the embalmed samples were 7200, 21400 and 34000 microstrain (p < 0.000 15). These strains are notably greater than the typically quoted 3000 microstrain peak associated with normal physiological activities. Rehydration of either the control or embalmed samples in isotonic saline did not reproduce the original radial or circumferential dimensions. Due to the small range of ash weights from 69.8 to 75.2 per cent, no meaningful correlation between ash weight and shrinkage could be extracted from the data. These findings have a potentially dramatic impact upon the design and conduct of all in vitro studies that use bone, whether fresh or embalmed.
The Stiffness of Human Apophyseal Articular Cartilage as an Indicator of Joint Loading
Authors: Swanepoel M W , Smeathers J E , Adams L M
Published: December 2012

The stiffness and thickness distribution of healthy lumbar apophyseal cartilage was measured in 25 lumbar motion segments (L1–4). The cartilage indentation and needling techniques of Swann and Seedhom (37) were suitably altered to cope with the low modulus and small size of the joint surfaces. A load of 3.12 ± 0.19 N (mean ± s.d.) was applied to the cartilage through a hemispherical indenter of 4.756 mm diameter. The stiffness was calculated using the displacement and instantaneous load 150 ms and 2 s after the indenter first contacted the surface, and using the equations of both Waters (46) and Hayes et al. (47). The mean stiffness of apophyseal joint cartilage was 2.8 M Pa ± 4 per cent (mean ± 95 per cent confidence limit), and thickness 1.02 mm ± 3 per cent. Peripheral apophyseal joint cartilage was softer than central cartilage. The stiffnesses of the centres of the superior and inferior joint surfaces were 3.01 MPa ± 12 per cent and 3.55 MPa ± 11 per cent. Inferior surfaces had a mean thickness of 0.93 mm ± 5 per cent and stiffness of 2.88 MPa ± 7 per cent. Superior surfaces had a mean thickness of 1.10 mm ± 4 per cent and stiffness of 2.74 MPa ± 5 per cent. It was found that the stiffness of cartilage calculated according to the formula of Hayes et al. (47), based on a constitutive analysis of a thin isotropic elastic layer, was directly proportional to both the stiffness calculated using the semi-empirical formula of Waters (46), derived to describe indentation of thin rubber sheets, and the nominal compressive creep modulus calculated by dividing the mean contact stress by the strain at the deepest point of indentation. The creep modulus calculated 2 s after contact was directly proportional to the creep modulus calculated 150 ms after indenter contact, implying that deformation behaviour was uniform between these points despite variation of cartilage stiffness.
The Effect of PMMA Thickness on Thermal Bone Necrosis around Acetabular Sockets
Authors: Revie I C , Wallace M E , Orr J F
Published: December 2012

One aim of custom acetabular hip replacement sockets is to achieve fixation through a uniform cement layer of selected thickness. In vitro experiments demonstrate that curing temperatures are determined by cement thickness and position relative to the socket rim. A maximum thickness of 7 mm is indicated by interpretation of curing temperature-time relationships in terms of predicted bone necrosis. It is concluded that the results contribute to the establishment of an optimum cement layer thickness, but other factors require investigation to complement this work to gain further understanding of the problem.