bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term effects of melatonin and pinealectomy on serotonergic neuronal activity across the light–dark cycle
Authors: Domínguez-López Sergio , Mahar Ian , Bambico Francis Rodriguez , Labonté Benoit , Ochoa-Sánchez Rafael , Leyton Marco , Gobbi Gabriella
Published: July 2011

Melatonin (MLT) and serotonin (5-HT) are two biosynthetically related compounds implicated in several common physiological functions and the etiology of mood disorders. How they interact, though, is not yet fully understood. In this study, single-unit extracellular recordings were used to monitor dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) 5-HT neuronal activity in anesthetized rats, under basal conditions (CTRL), in response to MLT administration, and after pinealectomy (PX) across the light–dark cycle. Under basal conditions, the number of spontaneously active 5-HT neurons and their firing rate were both significantly lower in the dark phase. In the light phase, administration of MLT at low doses (0.5–1 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased 5-HT firing activity. This inhibitory effect of MLT was completely blocked by the MT1/MT2 receptor antagonist luzindole, but not by the selective MT2 receptor antagonist 4P-PDOT, the selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635, or by the α2 adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan. In the opposite experiment, PX increased 5-HT firing activity in the dark phase, and this was reversed by MLT administration (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Finally, in a forced swim test, MLT (1 mg/kg, i.p.) increased immobility time and decreased swimming behavior. Together, these results suggest that nocturnal MLT secretion imposes tonic inhibitory control over a sub-population of DR 5-HT neurons. This MLT-induced decrease in 5-HT neurotransmission may represent a biological mechanism underlying mood disorders characterized by increased MLT secretion, such as seasonal affective disorder.
The course of brain abnormalities in schizophrenia: can we slow the progression?
Authors: Van Haren NE , Cahn W , Hulshoff Pol HE , Kahn RS
Published: July 2011

There is convincing evidence that schizophrenia is characterized by progressive brain volume changes during the course of the illness. In a large longitudinal study it was shown that different age-related trajectories of brain tissue loss are present in patients compared with healthy subjects, suggesting that brain maturation that occurs in the third and fourth decade of life is abnormal in schizophrenia. Studies show that medication intake is an important confounding factor when interpreting brain volume (change) abnormalities. Atypical antipsychotics have been found to be related to smaller decreases in tissue loss. Moreover, independent of antipsychotic medication intake, the brain volume abnormalities appear associated to the outcome of the illness. Before being able to intervene with therapies and prevent the brain from shrinking, one has to understand the underlying mechanism of the progressive changes in the brains of schizophrenia patients.
Characterization of the Gastric Immune Response in Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) With Helicobacter-Associated Gastritis
Authors: Terio K. A. , Munson L. , Moore P. F.
Published: July 2011

Captive cheetahs have an unusually severe progressive gastritis that is not present in wild cheetahs infected with the same strains of Helicobacter. This gastritis, when severe, has florid lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltrates in the epithelium and lamina propria with gland destruction, parietal cell loss, and, in some cases, lymphoid follicles. The local gastric immune response was characterized by immunohistochemistry in 21 cheetahs with varying degrees of gastritis. The character of the response was similar among types of gastritis except that cheetahs with severe gastritis had increased numbers (up to 70%) of lamina proprial CD79a+CD21– B cells. CD3+CD4+ T cells were present in the lamina propria, and CD3+CD8α+ T cells were within the glandular epithelium. Lymphoid aggregates had follicular differentiation with a central core of CD79a+/CD45R+ B cells and with an outer zone of CD3+ T cells that expressed both CD4 and CD8 antigens. MHC II antigens were diffusely expressed throughout the glandular and superficial epithelium. No cheetah had evidence of autoantibodies against the gastric mucosa when gastric samples from 30 cheetahs with different degrees of gastritis were incubated with autologous and heterologous serum. These findings indicate that T-cell distribution in cheetahs is qualitatively similar to that in other species infected with Helicobacter but that large numbers of lamina propria activated B cells and plasma cells did distinguish cheetahs with severe gastritis. Further research is needed to determine whether alterations in the Th1:Th2 balance are the cause of this more plasmacytic response in some cheetahs.
Workplace Violence in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Lo T. Wing , Chappell Duncan , Kwok Sharon Ingrid , Wu Joseph
Published: July 2011

This article reports a survey of workplace violence in Hong Kong. A sizable number of the 1,198 organizations that were questioned reported that they had experienced such violence over the 2 years preceding the study, but the problem was not prevalent. In both the private and government sectors, nonphysical violence happened more frequently than physical violence, and there was a reported lack of preparedness of many organizations to deal with the violence. Compared with private organizations, government organizations experienced more coworker and customer violence, but more private than government organizations believed that workplace violence caused the loss of key employees and clients. Correlation analysis found that a subculture of workplace violence appears to emerge over time, such that the more customer violence is experienced, the more is coworker violence, and the more the nonphysical violence, the more the physical violence. These findings are discussed with reference to international findings.
Recycling policies and programmes for PET drink bottles in Mexico
Authors: Schwanse Elvira
Published: July 2011

Transition and emerging economies confront a steadily increasing generation of municipal solid waste in the form of disposable packaging. The following article reports the situation of soft drink bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in Mexico. Since 2002 schemes following the European Green Dot principle have been partly implemented to place responsibility on the producer, mainly soft drink bottlers. Private stakeholders are responsible for national recovery activities. Meanwhile Government presence to promote recovery is absent. Of post-consumer PET 75% is exported, and the newly created bottle-to-bottle (BTB) PET industry is confronted with bottlenecks in their post-consumer PET supply.
High efficient waste-to-energy in Amsterdam: getting ready for the next steps
Authors: Murer Martin J. , Spliethoff Hartmut , Waal Chantal M. W. de , Wilpshaar Saskia , Berkhout Bart , Berlo Marcel A. J. van , Gohlke Oliver , Martin Johannes J. E.
Published: July 2011

Waste-to-energy (WtE) plants are traditionally designed for clean and economical disposal of waste. Design for output on the other hand was the guideline when projecting the HRC (HoogRendement Centrale) block of Afval Energie Bedrijf Amsterdam. Since commissioning of the plant in 2007, operation has continuously improved. In December 2010, the block's running average subsidy efficiency for one year exceeded 30% for the first time. The plant can increase its efficiency even further by raising the steam temperature to 480°C. In addition, the plant throughput can be increased by 10% to reduce the total cost of ownership. In order to take these steps, good preparation is required in areas such as change in heat transfer in the boiler and the resulting higher temperature upstream of the super heaters. A solution was found in the form of combining measured data with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. Suction and acoustic pyrometers are used to obtain a clear picture of the temperature distribution in the first boiler pass. With the help of the CFD model, the change in heat transfer and vertical temperature distribution was predicted. For the increased load, the temperature is increased by 100°C; this implies a higher heat transfer in the first and second boiler passes. Even though the new block was designed beyond state-of-the art in waste-to-energy technology, margins remain for pushing energy efficiency and economy even further.
EPR policies for electronics in developing Asia: an adapted phase-in approach
Authors: Akenji Lewis , Hotta Yasuhiko , Bengtsson Magnus , Hayashi Shiko
Published: July 2011

The amount of e-waste is growing rapidly in developing countries, and the health and environmental problems resulting from poor management of this waste have become a concern for policy makers. In response to these challenges, a number of Asian developing countries have been inspired by policy developments in OECD countries, and have drafted legislations based on the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR). However, the experiences from developed countries show that a successful implementation of EPR policies requires adequate institutions and sufficient administrative capacity. Even advanced countries are thus facing difficulties. This paper concludes from existing literature and from the authors’ own observations that there seems to be a mismatch between the typical policy responses to e-waste problems in developing Asia and the capacity for successful implementation of such policies. It also notes that the e-waste situation in developing Asian countries is further complicated by a number of additional factors, such as difficulties in identifying producers, import of used electronic products and e-waste (sometimes illegal), and the existence of a strong informal waste sector. Given these challenges, the authors conclude that comprehensive EPR policy schemes of the kind that have been implemented in some advanced countries are not likely to be effective. The paper therefore proposes an alternative phase-in approach whereby developing Asian countries are able to move gradually towards EPR systems. It argues that this approach would be more feasible, and discusses what could be the key building blocks of each implementation stage.
Blood chromium levels of children working in gem-polishing industries in India
Authors: Tiwari Rajnarayan R , Saha Asim , Sathwara N G , Parikh Jagdish R
Published: July 2011

The gem-polishing industry in Jaipur, India employs a substantial proportion of children. The process of polishing may result in exposure to chromium in working children. Thus, this study aims to find out the levels of chromium in these working children and the associated factors. Blood samples were analysed for chromium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean blood chromium levels were 2.51 ± 1.11 mg/100 ml and 2.33 ± 1.10 mg/100 ml in working and school children, respectively, which is well within the permissible levels. However, the practice of employing children should be totally curbed.
Limb-Girdle Myasthenia Gravis in a 10-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Sankhyan Naveen , Chakrabarty Biswaroop , Sharma Suvasini , Ramesh Konanki , Gulati Sheffali
Published: July 2011

A 10-year-old girl presented with progressive proximal limb muscle weakness without facial, ocular, or bulbar muscle involvement. There was no fatigability or diurnal fluctuation in symptoms. Her weakness worsened with febrile illnesses and recovered with accruing disabilities over a few weeks. Serum creatine kinase levels and muscle biopsy were normal. A significant decrement on repetitive nerve stimulation test and positive response to therapeutic neostigmine challenge test confirmed the diagnosis of limb-girdle myasthenia. She responded well to corticosteroids and thymectomy, demonstrating a likely autoimmune etiology. This case highlights the long-term fluctuations in a case of myasthenia gravis and the need for a high index of suspicion for myasthenia in children presenting with unexplained muscle weakness, even in the absence of typical features such as fatigability, diurnal fluctuation, and oculobulbar weakness.
Cats, Frogs, and Snakes
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: July 2011

Disturbed neurulation fascinated scientists of all times. In Egypt, anencephalic infants were venerated as animal-headed gods. Roman law required them to be killed. The medieval world held the mother responsible, either because of assumed imagination or “miswatching,” or because of suspected intercourse with animals or devils. Modern embryology and teratology began with the use of the microscope by Malpighi in 1672. Details of neural tube closure were described by Koelliker in 1861 and by His in 1874. From 1822, genetic disease and familial recurrence due to insufficient nutrition were discerned and lower social class identified as a risk factor. It took a century to define the malnutrition as insufficient folate intake. The mandatory supplementation of folate in staple foods successfully reduced the incidence of neural tube defects in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Chile, but it was not adopted by most European countries.
Design of a vision-based human–machine interface device for remote control applications
Authors: Karkoub M , Her M-G , Huang C-C , Kuo Y-W
Published: July 2011

In this study, a computerized vision system is successfully developed to control the orientation of a camera via two DC motors. This vision-based human–machine interface device is able to move in the same direction as the operator head. The backbone of this device is a sophisticated image-processing technique used to locate skin colour and separate the face from the complex background. Subsequently, the centre of the face is determined as well as the direction of sight. The motion of the servo motors controlling the orientation of the remote camera is controlled by the judged viewing angle and head position. Therefore, controlling the motor rotation is achieved through distant remote control made possible by the human–machine interface and wireless internet connection. A video of the experimental setup can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPrDWrzNJNQ
Reduced-order modelling in non-linear dynamics: an approach based on non-linear modes
Authors: Mazzilli C E N , Monticelli G C , Neto N A Galan
Published: July 2011

It is largely accepted that non-linear modes of vibration may be particularly suitable for obtaining ‘reduced-order’ models in non-linear dynamics, for their ability to grasp the essential qualitative system information that a much larger number of linear modes are required to. Previous work by the first author on ‘reduced-order’ modelling in non-linear dynamics did not account for the velocity contents within non-linear modes. For many systems, this simplifying assumption does not, in fact, spoil the quality of the ‘reduced-order’ model. Nevertheless, it is not to be generally taken for granted. In this article, a generalised procedure for ‘reduced-order’ modelling in non-linear dynamics that uses the full displacement and velocity contents of non-linear modes is addressed and illustrated. Two case studies are presented and conclusions regarding the relevance of the velocity contents are drawn. Comparison between non-linear dynamic responses of finite-element and ‘reduced-order’ models under different load conditions is made. For both external and parametric resonances, a remarkable agreement between them was achieved, provided the velocity contents within the non-linear modes are retained. In the second case study, damping is essential to help the system settling down in a post-critical periodic attractor, otherwise wave propagation and reflection will have an enduring effect.
Optimal design of thin-profile fine-pitch ball grid array package under drop impact test
Authors: Chen R S , Cheng H E , Wu R W , Huang C H , Liao W C , Chuang J H
Published: July 2011

This article describes the board-level drop reliability of thin-profile fine-pitch ball grid array (TFBGA) subjected to Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) drop test conditions featuring an impact pulse profile with a peak acceleration of 1500  G and a pulse duration of 0.5 ms. The solder ball is assumed to be an elastoplastic model and the other components linear elastic ones. Both the global/local finite element and the finite grid region methods are introduced to improve the accuracy and the convergence during the meshing process. Meanwhile, the contact impact process during the drop test is translated into the effective support excitation load on the printed circuit board (PCB) through the support excitation scheme to simplify the analysis. By means of optimal parameters of the Taguchi robust design, the average stress of the solder ball at the PCB side surface becomes 80.9 MPa, which shows a 57 per cent reduction compared to the original stress of 189.7 MPa. As a result, the impact reliability of the TFBGA package is significantly improved. Finally, the JEDEC drop test is conducted to verify the optimal results obtained by the Taguchi method.
Investigation of metal extrusion forming through steadily rotating container
Authors: Li F , Chu G N , Liu E L , Wu R Z , Zhang X L
Published: July 2011

To deal with the problems of high energy consumption and low material utilization in low plastic alloy extrusion, a new forming technology – container rotation extrusion – is proposed, and the die structure is also designed. Compared with the die rotation extrusion, which is only suitable for circular section parts, container rotation extrusion can solve the problem of axial ‘cut off’ caused by odd-shaped section product extrusion. The study results show that, in comparison to conventional extrusion, plastic zone expands obviously during forming process and the forming load decreases by 42.1%. What is more, during container rotation extrusion, ‘dead zone’ is disappeared. Consequently, this technology can form both complex cross-section and low plastic material products to achieve ‘small equipment does large workpiece’.
Neurotoxicity of cobalt
Authors: Catalani S , Rizzetti MC , Padovani A , Apostoli P
Published: July 2011

Cobalt exerts well-known and documented toxic effects on the thyroid, heart and the haematopoietic system, in addition to the occupational lung disease, allergic manifestations and a probably carcinogenic action. Cobalt neurotoxicity is reported in isolated cases, and it has never been systematically treated. Bilateral optic atrophy and retinopathy, bilateral nerve deafness and sensory-motor polyneuropathy have been described long ago as a result of chronic occupational exposure to cobal powder or during long-term treatment of anaemia with cobalt chloride. Recently, some patients with high levels of cobalt released from metal prosthesis have been referred as presenting with tinnitus, deafness, vertigo, visual changes, optic atrophy, tremor and peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this work is to group these cases and to identify a possible mechanism of cobalt neurotoxicity, focusing on hypothetic individual susceptibility such as altered metal-binding proteins, altered transport processes in target cells or polymorphic variation of genetic background.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with purported ‘chronic Lyme disease’
Authors: Greco TP , Conti-Kelly AM , Greco TP
Published: July 2011

Background: Antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) positive patients and patients with purported chronic Lyme disease (‘CLD’) share many clinical features. After identifying significant aPL in sera of several index patients with ‘CLD’, we performed aPL tests on all patients referred inwhom ‘CLD’ was suspected, diagnosed or treated.

Methods: All patients with suspected, diagnosed or treated ‘CLD’ and reportedly ‘positive’ Lyme assays were studied. aPL testing included anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), anti-beta-2-glycoprotein-1 antibodies (anti-β2GP1) and lupus anticoagulant (LAC). Patients were classified into four newly described categories of CLD and data was analyzed.

Results: One hundred and six patients were evaluated, of whom 82% had neurologic symptoms and 51% rheumatologic symptoms. Eighty-eight of 106 (83%) patients had positive Lyme serologies (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] 62/106, 58.4%; western blot [WB] 64/106, 60%), while 18/106 (16.9%) were negative or equivocal. aPL was found in all ‘CLD’ categories. aCL and/or anti-β2GP1 were positive in 85/106 (80%), with aCL present in 69/106 (65%) and anti-β2GP1 present in 69/106 (65%). For all assays, IgM isotypes predominated: WB 55/64 (85%), aCL 63/69 (91%), anti-β2GP1 52/69 (75%), aCL and/or anti-β2GP1 74/85 (87%). Anti-β2GP1 assays occurred in higher titer than aCL: 36/69 (52%) versus 63/69 (91%), p<0.001. Seventeen patients had aPL-related events. Only 12/106 (11.3%) had true post-Lyme syndromes (PLS), category IV, or late Lyme disease (LLD). Most patients had been treated for Lyme: 82/106 (79%).

Conclusion: aPL occurs frequently in patients with ‘CLD’. IgM anti-β2GP1, IgM aCL and IgM WB were frequently found. Documented PLS or LLD was uncommon. The role of aPL in patients with ‘CLD’ needs further investigation. Lupus (2011) 20, 1372–1377.
Cholestasis and cholelithiasis in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Hall Brittany A. , Ketz-Riley Cornelia J.
Published: July 2011

A 3-year-old female spayed domestic ferret ( Mustela putorius furo) was presented for evaluation of severely increased liver enzyme activities noted prior to anesthesia. The ferret showed no clinical signs of liver or gall bladder disease. Serum biochemical profile confirmed elevations in alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity and total bilirubin concentration. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a distended and convoluted common bile duct although no obstruction was seen. Upon exploratory laparotomy, a large amount of sediment was found within the bile duct that appeared to be obstructing it, but no other cause for the obstruction was found. A choledochoduodenostomy was performed, and the ferret recovered uneventfully from surgery. Liver enzyme activities returned to normal by 5 days post-operatively. Biopsy and culture results yielded no definitive cause of the bile duct obstruction. Cholestasis is a rarely reported disease in ferrets and generally has been described in connection with neoplasia or parasitism, neither of which was found in the current case.
Specificity and sensitivity of serum canine pancreatic elastase-1 concentration in the diagnosis of pancreatitis
Authors: Mansfield Caroline S. , Watson Penny D. , Jones Boyd R.
Published: July 2011

The aim of the current study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of serum canine pancreatic elastase-1 (cPE-1) for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs. The study was prospective, assessing dogs presenting with clinical signs similar to pancreatitis. Sixty-one dogs were recruited (49 with pancreatic disease and 12 with non-pancreatic disease). There was no significant difference in serum cPE-1 between dogs with pancreatic disease and non-pancreatic disease. However, there was a significant difference in serum cPE-1 between severe acute pancreatitis and non-pancreatic disease. A cut-off value for serum cPE-1 > 17.24 ng/ml resulted in sensitivity of 61.4% and specificity of 91.7% for diagnosis of all types of pancreatic disease. The sensitivity rose to 65.85% and 78.26% for the diagnosis of all types of acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis, respectively. Serum cPE-1 is more sensitive at diagnosing severe acute pancreatitis than chronic or mild acute pancreatitis, and has a high positive likelihood ratio. Dogs with chronic pancreatitis tended to have lower serum cPE-1 concentration, suggesting decreased exocrine function.
Evaluation of rapid and sensitive reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for detecting Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus in chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)
Authors: Suebsing Rungkarn , Oh Myung-Joo , Kim Jeong-Ho
Published: July 2011

Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was developed for detecting Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) in chum salmon ( Oncorhynchus keta) in Korea. The RT-LAMP is a novel approach of nucleic acid gene amplification with high specificity, sensitivity, and rapidity under isothermal conditions. Based on the VP2/NS gene sequence of VR-299 and Jasper strains, a set of 6 IPNV-specific primers was designed to recognize 8 diverse sequences of the IPNV RNA. The assay was successfully optimized to detect IPNV at 65°C in 30 min. The detection limit was 0.075 tissue culture infectious dose infecting 50% of inoculated cultures per milliliter (TCID50/ml) from IPNV-infected rainbow trout gonad (RTG)-2 cells, whereas nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR) had a sensitivity of 7.5 TCID50/ml. Using RT-LAMP assay, field samples were analyzed and the results compared with those of nRT-PCR assay. Two hundred and sixty-six out of 659 (40.4%) samples were IPNV-positive by RT-LAMP, whereas 182 of 659 samples (27.6%) were IPNV-positive by nRT-PCR. The results indicate that RT-LAMP can be a useful tool for early field diagnosis of IPNV.
Evaluation of an immunochromatographic assay for rapid detection of Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis
Authors: Moongkarndi Primchanien , Rodpai Ekkarat , Kanarat Sasitorn
Published: July 2011

An immunochromatographic assay was developed to detect Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis in a single strip. The assay was constructed in the form of a sandwich, using 2 specific anti– S. Typhimurium and anti– S. Enteritidis antibodies immobilized on a nitrocellulose membrane at separated test lines, while the other specific antibody to Salmonella spp. was conjugated with gold nanoparticles. The test strips can immediately detect S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis specifically in a culture medium at levels as low as 104 and 106 cfu/ml, respectively. The contamination of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis at 1 cfu/ml or greater can be detected by the test strips after 6–24 hr incubation. The specificities of the test strips to detect S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, in spiked samples, were obtained at 100%; the sensitivities were at 98.89% (89/90) and 87.50% (70/80), respectively, compared with the conventional method. The newly developed multiplex immunochromatographic assay is the first report on the efficient detection of both S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis simultaneously in single strip. This test strip also provides advantages of simplicity and very rapid detection of these specific bacterial contaminants in chicken and can be useful for mass detection on chicken farms and in other veterinary products.
Human sensorimotor learning for humanoid robot skill synthesis
Authors: Babič Jan , Hale Joshua G. , Oztop Erhan
Published: July 2011

Humans are very skilled at learning new control tasks, and in particular, the use of novel tools. In this article we propose a paradigm that utilizes this sensorimotor learning capacity to obtain robot behaviors, which would otherwise require manual programming by experts. The concept is to consider the target robot platform as a tool to be controlled intuitively by a human. The human is therefore provided with an interface designed to make the control of the robot intuitive, and learns to perform a given task using the robot. This is akin to the stage where a beginner learns to drive a car. After human learning, the skilled control of the robot is used to build an autonomous controller so that the robot can perform the task without human guidance. We demonstrate the feasibility of this proposal for humanoid robot skill synthesis by showing how a statically stable reaching skill can be obtained by means of this framework. In addition, we analyze the feedback interface component of this paradigm by examining a dynamics task, in which a human learns to use the motion of the body to control the posture of an inverted pendulum that approximates a humanoid robot, so that it stays upright.
Active vibration control of cantilever beam by using PID based output feedback controller
Authors: Khot SM , Yelve Nitesh P , Tomar Rajat , Desai Sameer , Vittal S
Published: July 2011

Undesired noise and vibrations have a detrimental effect in many areas. Hence the control of vibrations has become a relevant technological challenge. Active vibration control of structures using smart materials is especially in vogue. This involves sensing the motion of the structure using sensors, generating a control signal using a controller and applying a control force on the structure using actuators. To design the control system of any vibrating structure, the mathematical model of the system is required. However, it is difficult to theoretically construct a model of complex structures. On the other hand, it is relatively simpler to model such systems in a Finite Element (FE) environment like ANSYS©. This paper deals with the extraction of the full and reduced mathematical models of a cantilever beam into MATLAB© from its FE model. The full model of the beam is reduced by discarding those modes which do not contribute to the overall response. It is found that the frequency and transient responses of the full and reduced models match closely. Hence the reduced model may be used to represent the system which in turn reduces the computational time. The controller is designed using proportional-integral-derivative theory with output feedback. SIMULINK© is then used to create a working block diagram of the control system and perform the control action. The transient responses of the controlled full and reduced models are then plotted which are found to be in close agreement. The procedure for the design of the controller described in this paper may be extended to control the vibrations of any real life system.
Navigating Between Dialogue and Confrontation: Phronesis and Emotions in Interviewing Elites on Ethnic Discrimination
Authors: Thuesen Frederik
Published: July 2011

Interviews with political or organizational elites often constitute a valuable source of knowledge about organizational culture, values, and strategies. However, such interviews often confront the researcher with either reluctant or control-seeking respondents, especially for sensitive issues such as human rights and ethnic discrimination, issues that may involve strong emotions. Drawing inspiration from a qualitative methodology focusing on resistance and power, the article argues that in such situations, the interviewer needs to integrate both dialogic and agonistic interview methodologies through phronesis, Aristotle’s concept of practical rationality. A phronetic approach, involving reflections on the link between reason and emotions, is well suited for handling both dialogue and confrontation in the interview process. Empirically, the article draws on interviews with representatives of trade unions and employer organizations on the subject of human rights and ethnic discrimination in the Danish labor market.
Pronounced focal and diffuse brain damage predicts short-term disease evolution in patients with clinically isolated syndrome suggestive of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sbardella E , Tomassini V , Stromillo ML , Filippini N , Battaglini M , Ruggieri S , Ausili Cefaro L , Raz E , Gasperini C , Sormani MP , Pantano P , Pozzilli C , De Stefano N
Published: July 2011

Background: In clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), the role of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting prognostic markers is still debated.

Objective: To evaluate measures of diffuse brain damage (such as brain atrophy and the ratio of N-acetylaspartate to creatine (NAA/Cr)) in patients with CIS, in addition to focal lesions, as predictors of 1-year disease evolution.

Methods: 49 patients with CIS underwent MRI scans to quantify T2-lesions (T2-L) and gadolinium-enhanced lesion (GEL) number at baseline and after 1 year. Along with 25 healthy volunteers, they also underwent combined MRI/magnetic resonance spectroscopy examination to measure normalized brain volumes (NBVs) and NAA/Cr. Occurrence of relapses and new T2-L was recorded over 1 year to assess disease evolution.

Results: Occurrence of relapses and/or new T2-L over 1 year divided patients with CIS into ‘active’ and ‘stable’ groups. Active patients had lower baseline NAA/Cr and NBV. Baseline T2-L number, GEL, NAA/Cr and NBV predicted subsequent disease activity. Multivariable logistic regression models showed that both ‘focal damage’ (based on T2-L number and GEL) and ‘diffuse damage’ (based on NBV and NAA/Cr) models predicted disease activity at 1 year with great sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. This was best when the four MRI measures were combined (80% sensitivity, 89% specificity, 83% accuracy).

Conclusions: Quantitative MRI measures of diffuse tissue damage such as brain atrophy and NAA/Cr, in addition to measures of focal demyelinating lesions, may predict short-term disease evolution in patients with CIS, particularly when used in combination. If confirmed in larger studies, these findings may have important clinical and therapeutic implications.
The relative importance of systolic versus diastolic blood pressure control and incident symptomatic peripheral artery disease in women
Authors: Powell Tiffany M , Glynn Robert J , Buring Julie E , Creager Mark A , Ridker Paul M , Pradhan Aruna D
Published: July 2011

Prospective data regarding risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD) are sparse, especially among women; the relative contribution of systolic versus diastolic blood pressure control for incident PAD has not been well studied. We evaluated the association of self-reported blood pressure control with incident symptomatic PAD in middle-aged and older women. We examined the relationship between reported hypertension and incident confirmed symptomatic PAD ( n = 178) in 39,260 female health professionals aged ≥ 45 years without known vascular disease at baseline. Median follow-up was 13.3 years. Women were grouped according to presence of reported isolated diastolic (IDH), isolated systolic (ISH), or combined systolic–diastolic hypertension (SDH) using cut-points of 90 and 140 mmHg for diastolic and systolic blood pressure, respectively. SBP and DBP were modeled as continuous and categorical exposures. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), including adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, were derived from Cox proportional hazards models. Adjusted HRs compared to women without reported hypertension were 1.0 (0.4–2.8) for IDH, 2.0 (1.3–3.1) for ISH, and 2.8 (1.8–4.5) for SDH. There was a 43% increased adjusted risk per 10 mmHg of reported SBP (95% CI 27–62%) and a gradient in risk according to SBP category (< 120, 120–139, 140–159, and ≥ 160 mmHg); HRs were 1.0, 2.3, 4.3, and 6.6 ( p-trend < 0.001), respectively. Reported DBP, while individually predictive in models excluding SBP, was not predictive after adjustment for SBP. In conclusion, these prospective data suggest a strong prognostic role for uncontrolled blood pressure and, particularly, uncontrolled systolic blood pressure in the development of peripheral atherosclerosis in women.
Trends in socioeconomic disparities in the utilization of dental care in Brazil and Sweden
Authors: Celeste Roger Keller , Nadanovsky Paulo , Fritzell Johan
Published: July 2011

Aims: To describe trends in socioeconomic disparities in utilization of dental care. Methods: We obtained cross-sectional data from Sweden in the period 1968—2000 and from Brazil in 1986 and 2002 for 16 state capitals. The outcome was the percentage of people who reported that they had visited the dentist in the last 12 months, calculated for a higher and a lower income group and stratified by sex, age (two groups: young and adults) and dental status. Adjusted prevalence differences and prevalence ratios were produced using Poisson regression. Results: In Brazil, there was a decline in use of dental care among the 15—19 year olds in the period 1986—2002, but not among the 35—44 year olds. In Sweden, there was a decline among the young and adults between 1991 and 2000. Overall, socioeconomic disparities in use of dental services between the higher and the lower economic groups showed a decline in both countries. The reduction in disparities among young Brazilians was 1.1 percentage points per year (p < 0.01), but among the other age groups the decline was not significant (p>0.01). In the last surveys, the gap remained in both countries and age groups (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The recent decline in utilization of dental care and in the socioeconomic gap may mirror improvements in oral health. However, there are still relevant and persistent disparities in utilization of dental care in both countries, with a higher proportion of people of higher socioeconomic status visiting the dentist.
Trauma systems: Do trauma teams make a difference?
Authors: Tai Marcus C-K , Cheng Raymond C-H , Rainer Timothy H
Published: July 2011

This review describes the various components of a trauma team, and emphasises its value as one of many parts of a trauma system. The evidence for the team is weak and based on expert opinion and experience. Nevertheless, the evidence that high quality trauma systems improve survival, and that a trauma team is a vital component of all such systems is compelling. There is no evidence that a particular component of the team is essential. The trauma team is likely to have most impact on patients with moderate severity of trauma and probability of survival.
Improvement of cognitive impairment in female type 2 diabetes mellitus mice by spironolactone
Authors: Sakata Akiko , Mogi Masaki , Iwanami Jun , Tsukuda Kana , Min Li-Juan , Jing Fei , Ohshima Kousei , Ito Masaharu , Horiuchi Masatsugu
Published: July 2011

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exhibit more severe cognitive decline in females compared with males; however, the preventive approach to this gender-specific cognitive decline is still an enigma. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that also acts as an androgen receptor antagonist. Here, we investigated whether spironolactone attenuates cognitive impairment observed in female T2DM mice. Adult wild-type (WT) mice and an obese T2DM model, KKAy mice, were employed in this study. Cognitive function was evaluated by the shuttle avoidance test and Morris water maze test. Administration of spironolactone (50 mg/kg per day in chow) had no significant effect on blood pressure, glucose tolerance or insulin resistance. In WT mice, no significant sex difference in cognitive function was observed; however, treatment with spironolactone improved spatial memory in the water maze, especially in female WT mice. Administration of spironolactone markedly improved the cognitive decline in female KKAy mice up to the level in male KKAy mice. Spironolactone treatment also improved cognitive function in ovariectomized-KKAy mice, but failed to improve it in those with administration of estradiol (200 µg/kg per day). In diabetic mice, spironolactone improved impaired cognitive function observed in female mice, suggesting that spironolactone may prevent cognitive impairment associated with diabetes in females clinically.
The long-term antiproteinuric effect of eplerenone, a selective aldosterone blocker, in patients with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease
Authors: Tsuboi Nobuo , Kawamura Tetsuya , Okonogi Hideo , Ishii Takeo , Hosoya Tatsuo
Published: July 2011

Introduction: There is still insufficient data concerning the clinical effects of eplerenone, a selective aldosterone blocker, in patients with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods: This study included non-diabetic CKD patients with urinary protein excretion (UPE) of 1.0 g/gCr or more in spite of long-term treatment with renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. The clinical effects of eplerenone (25–50 mg/day) were investigated for 12 months.

Results: Eplerenone treatment was associated with a 38% reduction in UPE after 12 months. There was only a slight increase in the serum potassium level. The reduction of proteinuria was observed more prominently in patients with modestly impaired renal function than in those with preserved renal function at baseline.

Conclusion: The long-term administration of low-dose eplerenone was effective and safe for the treatment of non-diabetic CKD patients who showed persistent proteinuria in spite of therapy with RAS inhibitors.
The Role of Cognitive Appraisal in Adaptation to Traumatic Stress in Adults With Serious Mental Illness: A Critical Review
Authors: Sherrer Margaret V.
Published: July 2011

A compelling body of literature suggests that negative appraisal may be associated with adverse reactions to traumatic stress. However, very few studies have examined how appraisal influences posttraumatic adaptation in people with serious mental illness (SMI) despite evidence of disproportionately high prevalence rates of trauma exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in this population. The purpose of this article is to provide a critical analysis of the theoretical and empirical literature on cognitive appraisal and psychological adaptation to traumatic stress with a specific focus on individuals diagnosed with SMI. It will be argued that appraisal is a key correlate that may partially account for higher rates of PTSD in people diagnosed with major mood and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, meriting special consideration for future research.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Promoting Healthy Subsistence Fish Consumption in Culturally Distinct Communities
Authors: Driscoll David , Sorensen Asta , Deerhake Marion
Published: July 2011

Methyl mercury is a potent neurotoxin that causes developmental delays in young and unborn children and has been linked to neurological and cardiovascular degeneration in adults. Methyl mercury is the basis of a state-sponsored fish advisory to limit consumption of local fish in North Carolina. This study employed methods and analytic constructs from the behavioral and social sciences to assess the determinants of subsistence fishing and to promote informed fish consumption among culturally distinct and lower income subsistence fishers in southeastern North Carolina. Formative research revealed that Native American and African American were more likely than Latino residents to know of the fish advisory, and to practice procurement and preparation strategies that are mistakenly believed to render locally caught fish safe for consumption. Fish advisories were developed for each community to promote informed fish consumption intentions among residents who consume local fish. The interventions were successful in increasing knowledge and healthy intentions among most residents. Adherence to some safe fish consumption practices were constrained by cultural and economic factors. These results demonstrate the utility of multidisciplinary approaches for assessing and reducing human exposure to methyl mercury through subsistence fish consumption.
Proportional hazards model for reliability analysis of solder joints under various drop-impact and vibration conditions
Authors: You M-Y , Liu F , Meng G
Published: July 2011

This paper is devoted to the use of a proportional hazards model (PHM) for reliability analysis of solder joints through two case studies: a drop-impact test and a vibration test. The lifetime data collected under various load conditions can be integrated in establishing a PHM for reliability analysis of solder joints. PHM has the capability of evaluating the influence of load conditions (e.g. drop height, power spectrum density in random vibration) on the life span of solder joints. Using this capability, this paper focuses on the implementation of PHM for estimating the reliability characteristics (MTTF and probability density function (p.d.f.) of failure) of solder joints whose load conditions are not contained in the training dataset of the PHM. In comparison with the naive use of lifetime data by simply ignoring the effect of load conditions, the two case studies verify the effectiveness of PHM in providing consistent reasonable estimation of the reliability characteristics of solder joints. The perspectives and the procedures of the use of PHM in this paper are generic and can be directly adopted for other systems/products.
On safety analysis of complex technical maritime transportation systems
Authors: Kolowrocki K , Soszynska J
Published: July 2011

The methodology of a multistate approach to complex technical system safety analysis is introduced, and a system safety function is defined. A semi-Markov process for system operation process modelling is used. Furthermore, linking of the multistate system safety model and the system operation process model is carried out to build a general joint safety model of a system operating at variable conditions. This joint model is applied in safety evaluation of the technical system of a ferry operating at sea. The ferry technical system safety is analysed in varying operational conditions, with its safety structure and component safety functions changing in its operational time.
Targeted therapy of non-small-cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Tiwari Divya , Brodie Seth A. , Brandes Johann C.
Published: July 2011

The rapid expansion of novel technologies in cancer research over the past several years has led to a dramatically improved understanding of the molecular biology of lung cancer. As a consequence, novel targeted therapies are rapidly being developed. In this review, we summarize the most important molecular pathways in lung cancer and describe the clinical evidence for the development of therapies against these targets.
Improving Mobility and Reducing Disability in Older People Through Early High-Dose Vitamin D Replacement Following Hip Fracture: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial and Economic Evaluation
Authors: Mak Jenson C. S. , Mason Rebecca , Klein Linda , Cameron Ian D.
Published: July 2011

Hypovitaminosis D is particularly common among older people with a proximal femoral (hip) fracture and has been linked with poorer lower extremity functioning, falls, and fractures. There is evidence that disability severity and fall rates may be reduced by adequate vitamin D replacement. However, the ideal regimen for vitamin D administration to have these benefits in older people who have been in the hospital has not been established. This randomized controlled trial will investigate the effects of an oral vitamin D loading dose with maintenance oral vitamin D and calcium on lower extremity function (gait velocity), correction of hypovitaminosis D, falls, and fractures among older people after hip fracture surgery. The cost-effectiveness of the REVITAHIP program from the health and community service provider’s perspective will also be established, as will predictors of adherence with the treatment. A total of 450 older people who have recently had a hip fracture requiring surgical intervention will be screened to achieve 250 participants for the study. Participants will have no medical contraindications to vitamin D replacement. The primary outcome measure will be mobility-related disability as measured with the 2.4-m gait velocity test. Secondary measures will be 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels at 2, 4, and 26 weeks, number of falls and fractures, and additional measures of mobility, disability, quality of life, health system and community–service contact, adherence to the intervention, and adverse events. After surgical fixation and being deemed medically stable, participants will be randomly allocated to an intervention or placebo-control group. Participants of the intervention group will receive initial oral 250 000 IU (5 × 50 000 IU) vitamin D3 tablets. Both groups will receive oral maintenance vitamin D3 and calcium and will follow the usual hip fracture rehabilitation pathway. The study will determine the impact of a vitamin D loading dose on mobility-related disability in older people following hip fracture and will discuss the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a loading dose vitamin D replacement more generally. The results will have direct implications for future use of vitamin D therapy for this high-risk group.