bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract SY38-04: Altered metabolic enzymes and metabolites in cancer
Authors: Xiong Yue
Published: August 2012

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China Altered metabolic regulation was recognized as the first tumor phenotype and broadly used in the clinic for tumor detection. Recent findings of frequent mutations targeting gene encoding metabolic enzymes in cancer have renewed interest in cancer metabolism. Eight metabolic genes encoding for four metabolic enzymes, IDH1, IDH2, SDH and FH, have been found to be mutated in a wide range of human cancers. Our recent findings revealed that associated with the mutations of these four enzymes are the accumulation of three metabolites, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), succinate and fumarate, that act as antagonists of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) and negatively regulate the activity of multiple α-KG-dependent dioxygenases, including both histone demethylases and newly discovered TET family of DNA hydroxylases. Consistent with these in vitro and cell culture studies, tumor with IDH1/2 mutation exhibit altered methylation on both histone and DNA. These findings suggest not only roles of these putative oncometabolites in epigenetic control and gene regulation, but also potential new targets for cancer therapy.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY38-04. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-SY38-04
Abstract SY40-02: Interplay between microenvironment and cancers
Authors: Bhardwaj Nina , Godefroy Emmanuelle , Jotereau Francine , Manches Olivier , Gallois Anne , Goldberg Judith
Published: August 2012

Tumors are highly adept at evading the immune system through a multitude of mechanisms, including the secretion of factors that modulate both innate and adaptive immunity. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is a proteolytic enzyme that degrades the extracellular matrix and is over expressed by many tumors, including melanoma. We recently documented the presence of MMP-2-specific CD4(+) T cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in several melanoma patients (Cancer Cell 19:333, 2011). Strikingly, MMP-2-specific CD4(+) T cells displayed an inflammatory T(H)2 profile, mainly TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-13 and expressing GATA-3. When exposed to MMP-2, immature human dendritic cells (DCs) primed naïve CD4(+) T cells to differentiate into an inflammatory T(H)2 phenotype through OX40L expression and inhibition of IL-12p70 production. MMP-2 was subsequently found to degrade the type I IFN receptor, thereby preventing STAT1 phosphorylation, which is necessary for IL-12p35 production, and the subsequent formation of bioactive IL-12. More recently we have explored the mechanisms underlying the up regulation of OX40L and have identified signaling pathways and potential receptors that lead to this modulation. Active MMP-2, therefore, acts as an endogenous type 2 “conditioner” providing an explanation for the observed prevalence of detrimental type 2 responses in melanoma. Novel properties of MMP-2 on other components of the immune system, and on tumor progression, will be discussed along with DC-based strategies to alleviate immune suppression.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY40-02. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-SY40-02
Fatal Asymmetric Interstitial Lung Disease after Erlotinib for Lung Cancer
Authors: Ren Shaohua , Li Yuan , Li Weiwen , Zhao Zhongwei , Jin Chunxian , Zhang Dengke
Published: August 2012

Pulmonary toxicity is a known complication of erlotinib, one of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It consists of diverse entities such as interstitial pneumonitis, bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis. In our report, an unusual case of an asymmetric interstitial lung disease was described. A 68-year-old female presented with resistant cough, hemoptysis and a right lung atelectasis on chest X-ray. She underwent selective bronchial artery embolization successfully after pharmaceutical therapy failed to stop hemoptysis. Flexible bronchoscope revealed that the opening of the right main bronchus was blocked completely by a neoplasm with a distance <2 cm to the carina and the sample of bronchoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (cT3N2M0). Dyspnea and asymmetric interstitial lung disease in the nontumorous lung were noted on the 6th day of erlotinib therapy (150 mg daily) which had been efficacious in its anticancer effect. Discontinuing erlotinib use and treatment with corticosteroids could not relieve her symptoms. The patient deteriorated rapidly and died of progressive respiratory failure. We explored the mechanisms of asymmetric interstitial lung disease.
Out-of-Proportion Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Adir Yochai , Humbert Marc , Sitbon Olivier , Wolf Rafael , Lador Frédéric , Jaïs Xavier , Simonneau Gérald , Amir Offer
Published: August 2012

Background: A subset of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) will have a marked increase in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). Objective: To evaluate the clinical and hemodynamic characteristics of these patients in comparison to patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Methods: We reviewed the clinical and hemodynamic data of patients with HFpEF with out-of-proportion pulmonary hypertension (HFpEF-PH) and compared it to the corresponding data of age-matched patients with IPAH. Results: Twenty consecutive patients with HFpEF-PH and 20 patients with IPAH were included in the study. The mean age (±SD) was 71.3 ± 7.8 and 70.2 ± 6.7 years, respectively. The majority of the HFpEF-PH patients were postmenopausal females with at least two features of the metabolic syndrome and atrial fibrillation. Although HFpEF-PH patients fulfilled the criteria for out-of-proportion PH, with transpulmonary gradient (TPG) >12 mm Hg, the difference between the diastolic PAP and the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was significantly lower compared to IPAH (6.3 ± 6.2 vs. 27.5 ± 4.8, p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that a diagnosis of HFpEF-PH should be suspected when severe PH occurs in an elderly postmenopausal female with one or more features of the metabolic syndrome and atrial fibrillation. Interestingly, these patients had significantly lower differences between diastolic PAP and PCWP, suggesting that the increase in TPG is mainly caused by an elevated systolic PAP, possibly as a result of increased pulmonary vascular stiffness, and not pulmonary vascular remodeling.
The Incidence and Prevalence of Thyroid Disease Do Not Differ in the Multiple Sclerosis and General Populations: A Validation Study Using Administrative Data
Authors: Marrie Ruth Ann , Yu Bo Nancy , Leung Stella , Elliott Lawrence , Warren Sharon , Wolfson Christina , Tremlett Helen , Fisk John , Blanchard James
Published: August 2012

Background: Prior studies of a possible increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease (AIT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) are inconsistent. We aimed to validate and apply administrative case definitions for the surveillance of AIT in MS. Methods: We used administrative health data to identify 4,192 persons with MS and an age-, sex- and geographically matched general population cohort (n = 20,940). We developed case definitions for AIT using International Classification of Disease-9/10 codes and prescription claims, compared them to medical records and applied them to estimate the incidence and prevalence of AIT. Results: When compared to medical records, the administrative case definition using ≥1 hospital or ≥2 physician or ≥2 prescription claims had a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 98.4%. In 2005, the age-adjusted prevalence of AIT was 9.51% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.46–10.6] in the MS population and 8.56% (95% CI 8.11–9.02) in the general population. The age-adjusted incidence of AIT per 100,000 persons per year was 422.8 (95% CI 204.4–641.3) in the MS population and 407.7 (95% CI 308.5–506.9) in the general population. From 1996 to 2005, the prevalence of AIT rose in both populations. Conclusion: Administrative data can be used for surveillance of AIT in MS. The incidence and prevalence of thyroid disease are similar in the MS and general populations.
Alouatta seniculus: Density, Home Range and Group Structure in a Bamboo Forest Fragment in the Colombian Andes
Authors: Gómez-Posada Carolina , Londoño Jorge Mario
Published: August 2012

We evaluated population density, group structure and home range of red howler monkeys in a bamboo forest fragment in the Cordillera Central mountain range of Colombia. We estimated a density of 377.7 individuals/km2, which is a higher density than normally reported for this species. The average home range size was 3.6 ± 1.1 ha. We found large groups (15.1 ± 4.0 individuals) with subgrouping behavior (daily divisions in foraging subgroups), and a high number of adult and subadult individuals of both sexes per group (mean of 5 males and 7 females per group). The small home range and large group size observed may be related to the high density of howler monkeys in this fragment, which we suggest could be the result of limited dispersal opportunities for these monkeys. The results illustrate the great plasticity of the genus Alouatta, which enables the monkeys to live in a wide range of conditions.
Analysis of the Adaptation Capacity of Staphylococcus aureus to Commonly Used Antiseptics by Microplate Laser Nephelometry
Authors: Wiegand C. , Abel M. , Ruth P. , Hipler U.-C.
Published: August 2012

Background: Bacterial colonization and infection are important factors in compromised wound healing. Antiseptics have become an alternative for antimicrobial applications as antibiotic resistance is increasing; they have multiple targets with a broad spectrum of activity. Hence, the risk for developing resistance should be low. However, concerns have been raised that their growing use may result in bacteria that are less susceptible. Methods: The capacity of common antiseptics such as silver nitrate, polihexanide, octenidine, chlorhexidine and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-iodine to induce adaptation in a Staphylococcus aureus strain was analyzed in vitro using microplate laser nephelometry. S. aureus was repeatedly incubated with the respective half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) over a time period of 100 days. The influence of the continued treatment was determined by in situ monitoring of changes in the dose-response curves and calculation of the current IC50 values for the substances tested. Results: During the experiment, S. aureus quickly adapted to high concentrations of the antibiotic mupirocin during repeated treatment. Moreover, a significant increase of the IC50 for silver nitrate was observed over time. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed for polihexanide or chlorhexidine. While the IC50 for octenidine was also found to increase significantly, although the change was only marginal, reiterated incubation with PVP-iodine led to a decrease in the IC50. Conclusion: Repeated treatment of S. aureus with polihexanide, chlorhexidine, octenidine and PVP-iodine did not trigger bacterial adaptation to these substances.
Ultrasmall Superparamagnetic Particles of Iron Oxide in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Alam Shirjel R. , Shah Anoop S.V. , Richards Jennifer , Lang Ninian N. , Barnes Gareth , Joshi Nikhil , MacGillivray Tom , McKillop Graham , Mirsadraee Saeed , Payne John , Fox Keith A.A. , Henriksen Peter , Newby David E. , Semple Scott I.K.
Published: August 2012

Background—

Inflammation following acute myocardial infarction (MI) has detrimental effects on reperfusion, myocardial remodelling, and ventricular function. Magnetic resonance imaging using ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide can detect cellular inflammation in tissues, and we therefore explored their role in acute MI in humans.

Methods and Results—

Sixteen patients with acute ST-segment elevation MI were recruited to undergo 3 sequential magnetic resonance scans within 5 days of admission at baseline, 24 and 48 hours following no infusion (controls; n=6) or intravenous infusion of ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (n=10; 4 mg/kg). T2*-weighted multigradient-echo sequences were acquired and R2* values were calculated for specific regions of interest. In the control group, R2* values remained constant in all tissues across all scans with excellent repeatability (bias of −0.208 s
−1
, coefficient of repeatability of 26.96 s
−1
; intraclass coefficient 0.989). Consistent with uptake by the reticuloendothelial system, R2* value increased in the liver (84±49.5 to 319±70.0 s
−1
;
P
<0.001) but was unchanged in skeletal muscle (54±8.4 to 67.0±9.5 s
−1
;
P
>0.05) 24 hours after administration of ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide. In the myocardial infarct, R2* value increased from 41.0±12.0 s
−1
(baseline) to 155±45.0 s
−1
(
P
<0.001) and 124±35.0 s
−1
(
P
<0.05) at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. A similar but lower magnitude response was seen in the remote myocardium, where it increased from 39±3.2 s
−1
(baseline) to 80±14.9 s
−1
(
P
<0.001) and 67.0±15.7 s
−1
(
P
<0.05) at 24 and 48 hours, respectively.

Conclusions—

Following acute MI, uptake of ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide occurs with the infarcted and remote myocardium. This technique holds major promise as a potential method for assessing cellular myocardial inflammation and left ventricular remodelling, which may have a range of applications in patients with MI and other inflammatory cardiac conditions.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01323296.
“Displaying the Ensigns of Harmony”: The French Army in Newport, Rhode Island, 1780–1781
Authors: Jones T. Cole
Published: August 2012

In June 1780, a French Catholic army landed in Newport, Rhode Island. Given British Americans’ longstanding animosities toward French Canada and initial confusions about the allied soldiers’ identity, cross-cultural accord had to be carefully established. The present essay illuminates how this unprecedented, seemingly unlikely Revolutionary alliance played out in practice.
“One Language in Prayer”: Evangelicalism, Anti-Catholicism, and Harriet Beecher Stowe's The Minister's Wooing
Authors: Meyer Neil
Published: August 2012

The author explores antebellum America's anti-Catholic imagination, how it informed the Beecher family, and how Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel The Minister's Wooing responded to that ethos. Rejecting her family's and her nation's anti-Catholicism, Stowe portrays an ideal, sympathetic community of Catholic and Protestant women in the New England home.
Probabilistic Change of Wheat Productivity and Water Use in China for Global Mean Temperature Changes of 1°, 2°, and 3°C
Authors: Liu Yujie , Tao Fulu
Published: August 2012

Impacts of climate change on agriculture are a major concern worldwide, but uncertainties of climate models and emission scenarios may hamper efforts to adapt to climate change. In this paper, a probabilistic approach is used to estimate the uncertainties and simulate impacts of global warming on wheat production and water use in the main wheat cultivation regions of China, with a global mean temperature (GMT) increase scale relative to 1961–90 values. From output of 20 climate scenarios of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Data Distribution Centre, median values of projected changes in monthly mean climate variables for representative stations are adapted. These are used to drive the Crop Environment Resource Synthesis (CERES)-Wheat model to simulate wheat production and water use under baseline and global warming scenarios, with and without consideration of carbon dioxide (CO2) fertilization effects. Results show that, because of temperature increase, projected wheat-growing periods for GMT changes of 1°, 2°, and 3°C would shorten, with averaged median values of 3.94%, 6.90%, and 9.67%, respectively. There is a high probability of decreasing (increasing) changes in yield and water-use efficiency under higher temperature scenarios without (with) consideration of CO2 fertilization effects. Elevated CO2 concentration generally compensates for the negative effects of warming temperatures on production. Moreover, positive effects of elevated CO2 concentration on grain yield increase with warming temperatures. The findings could be critical for climate-change-driven agricultural production that ensures global food security.
Impacts of Ice Clouds on GPS Radio Occultation Measurements
Authors: Zou X. , Yang S. , Ray P. S.
Published: August 2012

Mathematical solutions accounting for the effects of liquid and ice clouds on the propagation of the GPS radio signals are first derived. The percentage contribution of ice water content (IWC) to the total refractivity increases linearly with the amount of IWC at a rate of 0.6 (g m−3)−1. Measurements of coincident profiles of IWC from CloudSat in deep convection during 2007–10 are then used for estimating the ice-scattering effects on GPS radio occultation (RO) measurements from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC). The percentage contribution of IWC to the total refractivity from CloudSat measurements is consistent with the theoretical model, reaching about 0.6% at 1 g m−3 IWC.

The GPS RO refractivity observations in deep convective clouds are found to be systematically greater than the refractivity calculated from the ECMWF analysis. The fractional N bias (GPS minus ECMWF) can be as high as 1.8% within deep convective clouds. Compared with ECMWF analysis, the GPS RO retrievals have a negative temperature bias and a positive water vapor bias, which is consistent with a positive bias in refractivity. The relative humidity calculated from GPS retrievals is usually as high as 80%–90% right above the 0°C temperature level in deep convection and is about 15%–30% higher than the ECMWF analysis. The majority of the data points in deep convection are located on the negative side of temperature differences and the positive side of relative humidity differences between GPS RO retrievals and ECMWF analysis.
Tropical Stationary Wave Response to ENSO: Diabatic Heating Influence on the Indian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Jang Youkyoung , Straus David M.
Published: August 2012

The atmospheric response to boreal summer tropical diabatic heating is studied in the atmospheric model component of the Community Atmosphere Model [CAM, version 3 (CAM3)] of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. An idealized heating function (with broad vertical but localized horizontal structure) is added to CAM3 near the equator; the circulation response is studied as a function of the sign of the heating and its longitude (Indian Ocean to eastern Pacific Ocean). The atmospheric circulation forced by the added heating interacts with all the physical and dynamical processes in CAM3; the total heating is the sum of the added heating and that produced by CAM3. In experiments using climatological sea surface temperature, added cooling (heating) over the Maritime Continent induces asymmetric anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation extending toward India, opposing (reinforcing) the climatological monsoon flow and weakening (strengthening) the Indian monsoon. The anchoring of the anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation over India as the added cooling (heating) is moved eastward over warm SST regions is greatly reduced when a slab ocean model is used. A negative (positive) air–sea feedback over the Indian Ocean is identified when heating (cooling) is added in the Indonesian region. Experiments in which the total heating is similar to estimates of the observed heating for the summer of 1987 are examined.
Is an Epic Pluvial Masking the Water Insecurity of the Greater New York City Region?*,+
Authors: Pederson Neil , Bell Andrew R. , Cook Edward R. , Lall Upmanu , Devineni Naresh , Seager Richard , Eggleston Keith , Vranes Kevin P.
Published: August 2012

Six water emergencies have occurred since 1981 for the New York City (NYC) region despite the following: 1) its perhumid climate, 2) substantial conservation of water since 1979, and 3) meteorological data showing little severe or extreme drought since 1970. This study reconstructs 472 years of moisture availability for the NYC watershed to place these emergencies in long-term hydroclimatic context. Using nested reconstruction techniques, 32 tree-ring chronologies comprised of 12 species account for up to 66.2% of the average May–August Palmer drought severity index. Verification statistics indicate good statistical skill from 1531 to 2003. The use of multiple tree species, including rarely used species that can sometimes occur on mesic sites like Liriodendron tulipifera, Betula lenta, and Carya spp., seems to aid reconstruction skill. Importantly, the reconstruction captures pluvial events in the instrumental record nearly as well as drought events and is significantly correlated to precipitation over much of the northeastern United States. While the mid-1960s drought is a severe drought in the context of the new reconstruction, the region experienced repeated droughts of similar intensity, but greater duration during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The full record reveals a trend toward more pluvial conditions since ca. 1800 that is accentuated by an unprecedented 43-yr pluvial event that continues through 2011. In the context of the current pluvial, decreasing water usage, but increasing extra-urban pressures, it appears that the water supply system for the greater NYC region could be severely stressed if the current water boom shifts toward hydroclimatic regimes like the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
El Niño Impacts on Seasonal U.S. Atmospheric Circulation, Temperature, and Precipitation Anomalies: The OLR-Event Perspective*
Authors: Chiodi Andrew M. , Harrison Don E.
Published: August 2012

This study shows that, since 1979 when outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) observations became reliably available, most of the useful U.S. seasonal weather impact of El Niño events is associated with the few events identified by the behavior of outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) over the eastern equatorial Pacific (“OLR–El Niño events”). These events produce composite seasonal regional weather anomalies that are 95% statistically significant and robust (associated with almost all events). Results also show that there are very few statistically significant seasonal weather anomalies, even at the 80% level, associated with the non-OLR–El Niño events. A major enhancement of statistical seasonal forecasting skill over the contiguous United States appears possible by incorporating these results. It is essential to respect that not all events commonly labeled as El Niño events lead to statistically useful U.S. seasonal forecast skill.
Near-N Oscillations and Deep-Cycle Turbulence in an Upper-Equatorial Undercurrent Model
Authors: Pham Hieu T. , Sarkar Sutanu , Winters Kraig B.
Published: August 2012

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) is used to investigate the role of shear instabilities in turbulent mixing in a model of the upper Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC). The background flow consists of a westward-moving surface mixed layer above a stably stratified EUC flowing to the east. An important characteristic of the eastward current is that the gradient Richardson number Rig is larger than ¼. Nevertheless, the overall flow is unstable and DNS is used to investigate the generation of intermittent bursts of turbulent motions within the EUC region where Rig > ¼. In this model, an asymmetric Holmboe instability emerges at the base of the mixed layer, moves at the speed of the local velocity, and ejects wisps of fluid from the EUC upward. At the crests of the Holmboe waves, secondary Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities develop, leading to three-dimensional turbulent motions. Vortices formed by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability are occasionally ejected downward and stretched by the EUC into a horseshoe configuration creating intermittent bursts of turbulence at depth. Vertically coherent oscillations, with wavelength and frequency matching those of the Holmboe waves, propagate horizontally in the EUC where the turbulent mixing by the horseshoe vortices occurs. The oscillations are able to transport momentum and energy from the mixed layer downward into the EUC. They do not overturn the isopycnals, however, and, though correlated in space and time with the turbulent bursts, are not directly responsible for their generation. These wavelike features and intermittent turbulent bursts are qualitatively similar to the near-N oscillations and the deep-cycle turbulence observed at the upper flank of the Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent.
Impact of norm perceptions and guilt on audience response to anti-smoking norm PSAs: The case of Korean male smokers
Authors: Lee Hyegyu , Paek Hye-Jin
Published: August 2012

Objective:

To examine how norm appeals and guilt influence smokers’ behavioural intention.

Design:

Quasi-experimental design.

Setting:

South Korea.

Method:

Two hundred and fifty-five male smokers were randomly assigned to descriptive, injunctive, or subjective anti-smoking norm messages. After they viewed the norm messages, their norm perceptions, guilt and behavioural intention were measured.

Results:

The study revealed several findings: (1) injunctive norm perceptions significantly affected behavioural intention; (2) descriptive norm perceptions had a non-significant impact; (3) subjective norm perceptions had an unexpected impact on behavioural intention; (4) guilt arousal strongly and directly affected behavioural intention in all three conditions; and (5) guilt arousal did not mediate the relationship between norm perceptions and guilt.

Conclusion:

Injunctive norms messages that smoking in the presence of others is an unacceptable behaviour in society could persuade smokers to alter their behaviours. In addition, our study suggests substantial potentials of guilt in smokers’ behaviour change.
An analysis of self-accounts of children-in-conflict- with-law in Kashmir concerning the impact of torture and detention on their lives
Authors: Barad B.
Published: August 2012

Based on the self-accounts of children-in-conflict-with-law (CCL) in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK), this article attempts to understand the psychosocial issues of children in conflict zones. The issues of torture and imprisonment are extremely serious concerns of children experiencing an armed conflict. This article studies the lived experiences of Kashmiri children and analyses their self-accounts through an interpretative phenomenological frame. This qualitative investigation explores the meanings and interpretations that the CCL attach to their experiences of torture and incarceration. The exposure to such adversity chronically endangers their social, economic, psychological and physical well-being.
Service user involvement in teaching about conflict – an exploration of the issues
Authors: Duffy Joe
Published: August 2012

Service user involvement is now a well embedded feature of social work education in the United Kingdom. Whilst many education institutions have fully embraced the involvement of service users in teaching, there is still work to be done in more fully engaging with service users who are seldom heard. This article highlights the opportunities and challenges associated with innovative work being piloted in Northern Ireland where victims and survivors of political conflict are routinely involved in teaching social work students about the impact of conflict on their lives.
Solidification observations and sliding wear behavior of cast TiC particulate-reinforced AlMgSi matrix composites
Authors: Mavros H , Karantzalis AE , Lekatou A
Published: August 2012

Al7Mg5Si-based TiC reinforced composites have been produced by casting methods. The microstructures of the monolithic alloy and the composite materials are explained in terms of solidification phenomena. The TiC presence significantly alters the matrix microstructure both by causing extensive grain refinement and by altering the extent and morphology of the Mg2Si phase. The TiC particles serve as potential nucleation sites for the Mg2Si phase. The effect of the TiC reinforcing particles on the sliding wear performance at the composites has also been investigated. TiC additions improve the overall wear rate of the monolithic alloy. A likely wear mechanism is proposed, based on wear rate and friction coefficient data along with wear track and debris examination.
The Duality of Courses and Students
Authors: Ferrare Joseph J.
Published: August 2012

Significant attention has been given to how students become grouped or “tracked” through the courses they share in common. However, this work has yet to be connected to a targeted analysis of the way in which courses are grouped with other courses through the students they co-enroll. Drawing on insights from field theory, the author examines this duality with special attention to the social organization of courses and the curricular discourses they contain. Multidimensional scaling and multiple correspondence analysis are used to analyze course-taking data for a cohort of students (2005-2009, n = 494) at a comprehensive high school in the midwestern United States. The results illustrate a “field” of courses that are distributed vertically according to a principle of status that opposes different forms of curricular discourse and horizontally according to oppositions between symbolic and material forms, artistic and technical skills, and the “inner” work of the household to the “outer” work of certain occupations. While the vertical dimension of courses is associated with a racial and social class hierarchy of students, the horizontal dimension passes through a division of the sexes.
Rhythm and Entrainment of Acquisition and Alliance Initiatives and Firm Performance: A Temporal Perspective
Authors: Shi Weilei (Stone) , Prescott John E.
Published: August 2012

A temporal perspective, focusing on when and under what conditions firms should accelerate or slow down their acquisition and alliance initiatives, is gaining momentum in strategy research. We explore the temporal relationships between rhythm, entrainment and firm performance. Firms that temporally structure the rhythm of repetitive acquisitions in an even-event pace achieve superior performance as compared to an even or event pace. We also find that intraentrainment—the internal synchronization between acquisition and alliance initiatives—enhances performance and the extraentrainment of alliances—the synchronization with competitors’ alliance rhythm—enhances performance. Our findings have important implications for the organizational improvisation, dynamic fit and alliance/acquisition experience literatures which further opens the window to understanding the creation of competitive advantage by managing rhythm-type strategic actions over time.
Numerical study on the perforation of fiber reinforced plastic laminates struck by high velocity projectiles
Authors: Xin Shi-Hong , Wen He Ming
Published: August 2012

A numerical study is performed herein on the perforation of fiber reinforced plastic laminates struck normally by flat-nosed projectiles at high velocities. First, some previous constitutive models for fiber reinforced plastic composites are briefly reviewed and then a constitutive model is proposed to predict the perforation of fiber reinforced plastic laminates. The present constitutive model is developed based on the concept of continuum damage mechanics and criteria for different failure modes which take the quadratic form of various stress parameters. The effects of strain rate on the strength as well as the modulus of fiber reinforced plastic laminated materials are also considered in the model. It transpires that the present numerical simulations are in good agreement with experimental observations for the perforation of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, glass fiber reinforced plastic and kevlar fiber reinforced plastic laminates impacted by flat-ended projectiles in terms of deformation profile, ballistic limit and residual velocity. It also transpires that the present constitutive model is advantageous over the existing models.
Headaches that kill: A retrospective study of incidence, etiology and clinical features in cases of sudden death
Authors: Lynch Karen M , Brett Francesca
Published: August 2012

Objective:

The study objective was to analyze cases of sudden death that presented to the National Deptartment of Clinical Neurosciences, Ireland, over a 10-year period (1997–2006) where headache was the presenting symptom.

Background:

Headache is a common yet challenging presentation in clinical neurology. In the vast majority of cases, the cause is trivial and reversible—however, in a few patients it may be indicative of a more sinister intracranial process. Recognizing associated “red flag” features and identifying possible life-threatening causes are crucial in ensuring prompt and appropriate intervention.

Design/methods:

A retrospective study/database of all autopsy cases presenting to the Neuropathology Department in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, was carried out for the period 1997–2006. Cases were selected with headache as the presenting clinical feature. Traumatic head injuries or known central nervous system (CNS) disorders were excluded. Autopsy and medical reports were reviewed to identify associated red flag features at initial presentation according to the International Classification of Headache Diseases, second edition (ICHD-II) criteria.

Results:

Fifty-five autopsy cases out of a total of 499 complying with selection criteria were reviewed. Over the 10-year-study period, the number of cases of fatal headaches over time were negatively correlated. The most commonly associated red flag symptoms included age over 50: loss of consciousness and collapse, and worst/thunderclap character of headache. Cause of death at autopsy comprised vascular events 60.4% ( N = 29), primary brain tumours/cysts 16.7% ( N = 8) and meningitis 6.25% ( N = 3). Aneurysms accounted for the majority of vascular cases 22.9% ( N = 11), with loss of consciousness, occipital headache, neck pain and a focal neurological deficit seen more commonly in this subset of cases.

Conclusions:

Sudden-onset headache is a common and often alarming presentation. The majority of cases are of a benign nature; however, a small proportion may be indicative of a catastrophic etiology. Documenting “red flags” on initial presentation is crucial to acutely identify and treat those at highest risk. The results demonstrate an improving trend among clinicians in recognizing and initiating appropriate interventions in these patients, and highlights particular red flag features common in cases of fatal headaches.
Chronic headaches and insomnia: Working toward a biobehavioral model
Authors: Ong Jason C , Park Margaret
Published: August 2012

Background: Sleep disturbances are consistently associated with chronic headaches, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. One potential barrier to generating new hypotheses is the lack of synthesis between models of headache and models of sleep. The goal of this paper is to present a perspective on the chronification of migraine and tension-type headaches based upon conceptual models used in sleep research.

Methods: We provide a critical review of the literature on sleep and headache, highlighting the limitations in sleep methodology. Models of sleep physiology and insomnia are discussed, along with the potential implications for the chronification of migraine and tension-type headache. In addition, we propose a biobehavioral model that describes the interaction between behaviors related to coping with headache, the impact of these behaviors on insomnia and sleep physiology and the downstream propensity for future headache attacks.

Conclusions: We hope that this perspective will stimulate interdisciplinary activity toward uncovering the pathway for more effective interventions for chronic headache patients.
The analysis of allodynia in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Ekizoglu Esme , Baykan Betul , Orhan Elif K , Ertas Mustafa
Published: August 2012

Objectives: Allodynia is frequently associated with migraine and other primary headaches. Our aim was to investigate the presence of allodynia and related features in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), which is a disabling secondary headache disorder.

Methods: We included 46 IIH patients and analyzed their clinical and laboratory findings retrospectively. Allodynia was assessed using the validated 12-item allodynia symptom checklist (ASC-12), in addition to examining pressure (with von Frey filaments) and brush allodynia.

Results: Allodynia was detected in 23 (50%) of IIH patients with ASC-12 and/or instrumental testing. The most commonly reported location was unilateral V1 distribution. The allodynic symptom profile was similar but milder when compared to 143 migraineurs with ASC-12. Only the aggravation of headache with physical activity emerged as a significant variable associated with allodynia in IIH. Among allodynic patients, only eight had previous migraine diagnosis. After onset of IIH, 20 patients reported migraine-like headache, while only three reported non-migrainous headache. In contrast, 13 of 23 non-allodynic IIH patients had non-migrainous headache features ( p = 0.0045).

Conclusion: Half of the IIH patients reported allodynia, and these allodynic patients had mostly migraine-like headache profiles. Our study suggested that IIH may trigger some common mechanisms with migraine in pain pathways causing allodynia.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation on a thermal power plant with air-cooled condenser
Authors: Borghei Leila , Khoshkho Ramin Haghighi
Published: August 2012

The environmental wind speed, wind direction, and surroundings of the air-cooled condenser are parameters that may affect the cooling system performance. This article concentrates on the hot air recirculation phenomenon and its dependence on ambient winds are numerically simulated using the computational fluid dynamics code, FLUENT. In this study, two different wind directions (cases A and B) and two different wind speeds are considered. Results show that the hot air recirculation increases with the increment of velocity speed. Case A has a critical wind direction angle. Wind causes an air temperature increase at the fan inlet due to hot air recirculation, resulting in the deterioration of the heat transfer performance. In case A, fan inlet temperature is about 2.2 °C higher than fan inlet temperature in case B. Heat rejection in case B is 10.5% higher than case A. Increment of the wind speed from 3 to 9 m/s leads to 5.9 °C rise in fan inlet temperature and heat rejection reduction about 27%. The effect of the hot air recirculation phenomenon occurs at 9 m/s in case A.
Effect of tip clearance on impeller discharge flow and vaneless diffuser performance of a centrifugal compressor
Authors: Hong Soon-Sam , Abhari Reza S
Published: August 2012

To see the tip clearance effect on a centrifugal compressor, time-resolved flow measurements are carried out at the discharge of a centrifugal compressor impeller with a diameter of 280 mm. The impeller is 30° back swept and is operated at a blade tip speed of 260 m/s, which is a rather high speed for measuring time-resolved flow. Six levels of tip clearance ratio ranging from 0.06 to 0.21 were tested. A fast response aerodynamic probe equipped with a single pressure sensor is used for the flow measurements. The correlation between the impeller efficiency and the tip clearance is presented. The mean flow variation from hub to shroud is obtained and its dependence on the tip clearance is discussed. The measured time-resolved flow at impeller exit differs from the classical jet-wake flow model. Four kinds of flow patterns (blade wake, jet, channel wake, and tip clearance flow) are observed at the impeller discharge plane. By increasing the tip clearance, the total pressure loss in the vaneless diffuser decreases, while the impeller loss increases. One-dimensional flow calculations of the vaneless diffuser show that the matching constant of a skin friction coefficient is decreased by increasing the tip clearance.
Feedback linearization-based robust nonlinear control design for hypersonic flight vehicles
Authors: Ur Rehman Obaid , Petersen Ian R , Fidan Baris
Published: August 2012

A new approach to designing a robust nonlinear controller for longitudinal flexible body models of canard configured air-breathing hypersonic flight vehicles with significant couplings and interactions is presented. The methodology uses a robust feedback linearization method to feedback linearize the nonlinear air-breathing hypersonic flight vehicle model with 24 uncertainty parameters. Using this approach, a linearized uncertainty model of the air-breathing hypersonic flight vehicle is obtained in the first step by considering an upper bound on each uncertain parameter. In the second step, a minimax linear quadratic regulator-based velocity and altitude robust tracking controller is synthesized for the linearized model. Simulation studies are conducted using the original nonlinear model of the air-breathing hypersonic flight vehicle with a large flight envelope and time-varying uncertainties. Simulation results show that the feedback linearization-based minimax linear quadratic regulator controller effectively achieves the tracking requirement and robustly stabilizes the air-breathing hypersonic flight vehicle.
Youth representatives’ opinions on recruiting and representing young workers: A twofold unsatisfied demand?
Authors: Vandaele Kurt
Published: August 2012

Unionization levels are far lower among young workers than for the workforce in general. How can trade unions become more responsive to their particular interests and needs? Union confederations, even in countries with decentralized union structures, have the potential to take effective initiatives to facilitate and support new organizing strategies targeted at young workers, for example by spreading knowledge, practical skills and vision of relevance for improving the representation and recruitment of young workers. Yet the survey findings reported here show that youth representatives across Europe find their confederations’ responsiveness and commitment to organizing to be inadequate. Their dissatisfaction confirms previous research findings concerning young workers and their unfulfilled desire for unionization.
Gender and family status differences in leisure-time sports/fitness participation
Authors: Taniguchi Hiromi , Shupe Frances L
Published: August 2012

Drawing data from the 2010 American Time Use Survey, we examine how time spent in the major life domains, that is, paid work, unpaid work, and personal care, is associated with time spent on sports/fitness participation, and whether the size of this association differs by gender, marital, and parental status. We find that time in the major life domains is adversely associated with sports/fitness participation, although more so for men. Considering this gender difference in the effects of the time in the major life domains also helps us better reveal the oft-noted gender gap in sports/fitness participation. Moreover, we find the negative association of time spent in the major life domains and time on sports/fitness participation is stronger for married than single persons, whereas this association does not vary in size by parental status. Implications of these findings for future research on gender stratification in sports/fitness are discussed.
Evaluating Structural Equivalence in Psychological Questionnaires Using Weighted Multidimensional Scaling
Authors: Padilla José-Luis , Benítez Isabel , Sireci Stephen G. , Flores-Galaz Mirta
Published: August 2012

Cross-cultural scientists evaluate constructs across different cultural and linguistic groups. However, to make valid comparisons it is necessary to assure the equivalence of measurement instruments across populations. In this paper we use multidimensional scaling (MDS) to evaluate the structural equivalence of a measure of assertiveness developed originally for Mexican culture across Mexican and Spanish samples. 316 students from the Autonomous University of Yucatan (Mexico) and 316 students from the University of Granada (Spain) responded to the questionnaire. Separate dimensions were needed to account for the structure of the assertiveness questionnaire across the Mexican and Spanish samples. However, the distinction between dimensions was different in both samples. The results suggest that culture determines which assertive behaviors are considered appropriate. The usefulness of MDS for evaluating the equivalence of psychological questionnaires is discussed.
Older patients with breast cancer: is there bias in the treatment they receive?
Authors: Markopoulos Christos , van de Water Willemien
Published: August 2012

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant tumor in women worldwide and as breast cancer incidence increases with increasing age, over 40% of new cases are diagnosed in women older than 65 years of age. However, older patients are not treated to the same extent as younger patients and increasing age at diagnosis predicts deviation from guidelines for all treatment modalities. Evidence-based medicine in older patients is lacking as they are usually excluded from clinical trials often because of existing comorbidities and limited life expectancy. Accordingly, there is a higher competing risk of death from other causes than breast cancer compared with younger patients and this may have led to the false interpretation that prognosis of breast cancer in older patients is relatively good. However, every treatment modality should be evaluated during treatment decision making. Multimodal therapy should not be routinely withheld as data show that disease-specific mortality increases with age, probably due to undertreatment. Prognostic markers, fitness and comorbidities rather than chronological age should determine optimal, individualized therapy. It is recommended that treatment decisions should be discussed in a multidisciplinary setting, ideally in combination with any form of geriatric assessment, to improve breast cancer outcome in the older population.
Inspirational or Self-Deflating
Authors: Hoyt Crystal L.
Published: August 2012

This research examines the role of self-efficacy in women’s responses to elite leadership role models. Previous research on role models has been equivocal, demonstrating that the impact of social comparisons on the self is multifaceted. Using an experimental methodology, 102 female participants were presented with role models (elite, nonelite, control) before serving as the leader of an ostensible three-person group. Findings revealed that women with low, as opposed to high, levels of leadership self-efficacy were less inspired by the highly successful role models and showed deflating contrast effects as demonstrated in their diminished identification with leadership, leadership aspirations, and leadership performance. Moreover, the performance effects were mediated by participants’ identification with leadership. This research has identified an important self-regulatory variable that influences whether people engage in assimilative or contrastive processes when making strategic comparisons and it identifies the important role of self-perceptions in behavioral responses to role models.