bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin and Endostatin Concentrations in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Adrenal Tumors Undergoing Unilateral Adrenalectomy
Authors: Stepien T. , Jurczynska J. , Lawnicka H. , Stepien H. , Krupinski R. , Kolomecki K. , Kuzdak K. , Komorowski J.
Published: September 2011

Peripheral blood osteopontin (OPN) and endostatin (END) levels were studied in 35 patients with adrenal cortex tumors and 10 patients with pheochromocytoma before unilateral adrenalectomy, as well as in 10 healthy subjects (controls). Thirty days after surgery, OPN and END were evaluated again in 16 patients with adrenal cortex tumors and 4 female patients with pheochromocytoma. Before surgery, OPN blood concentrations increased in the group of patients with adrenal cortex carcinomas as compared to controls (p < 0.001) and the group with Conn syndrome (p < 0.05); they did not change after surgery. Before adrenalectomy, OPN blood levels in pheochromocytoma patients were also lower than in Conn syndrome subjects (p < 0.05). After adrenalectomy, the normal concentrations of END decreased only in the group of patients with hormonally inactive cortical adenomas (p < 0.05). We were unable to demonstrate any relationships between removed tumor volumes and OPN or END blood levels.
Pitfalls in the Quest of Neuroprotectants for the Perinatal Brain
Authors: Gressens Pierre , Le Verche Virginia , Fraser Mhoyra , Rousset Catherine I. , Schwendimann Leslie , Bennet Laura , George Sherly A. , Wang Xiaoyang , Mallard Carina , Tilley Barbara C. , Dournaud Pascal , Gunn Alistair Jan , Hagberg Henrik , Levison Steven W.
Published: September 2011

Sick preterm and term newborns are highly vulnerable to neural injury, and thus there has been a major search for new, safe and efficacious neuroprotective interventions in recent decades. Preclinical studies are essential to select candidate drugs for clinical trials in humans. This article focuses on ‘negative’ preclinical studies, i.e. studies where significant differences cannot be detected. Such findings are critical to inform both clinical and preclinical investigators, but historically they have been difficult to publish. A significant amount of time and resources is lost when negative results or nonpromising therapeutics are replicated in separate laboratories because these negative results were not shared with the research community in an open and accessible format. In this article, we discuss approaches to strengthen conclusions from negative preclinical studies and, conversely, to reduce false-negative preclinical evaluations of potential therapeutic compounds. Without being exhaustive, we address three major issues in conducting and interpreting preclinical experiments, including: (a) the choice of animal models, (b) the experimental design, and (c) issues concerning statistical analyses of the experiments. This general introduction is followed by synopses of negative data obtained from studies of three potential therapeutics for perinatal brain injury: (1) the somatostatin analog octreotide, (2) an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist, topiramate, and (3) a pyruvate derivative, ethyl pyruvate.
Estimating the Relative Uncertainties Sourced from GCMs and Hydrological Models in Modeling Climate Change Impact on Runoff
Authors: Teng Jin , Vaze Jai , Chiew Francis H. S. , Wang Biao , Perraud Jean-Michel
Published: September 2011

This paper assesses the relative uncertainties from GCMs and from hydrological models in modeling climate change impact on runoff across southeast Australia. Five lumped conceptual daily rainfall–runoff models are used to model runoff using historical daily climate series and using future climate series obtained by empirically scaling the historical climate series informed by simulations from 15 GCMs. The majority of the GCMs project a drier future for this region, particularly in the southern parts, and this is amplified as a bigger reduction in the runoff. The results indicate that the uncertainty sourced from the GCMs is much larger than the uncertainty in the rainfall–runoff models. The variability in the climate change impact on runoff results for one rainfall–runoff model informed by 15 GCMs (an about 28%–35% difference between the minimum and maximum results for mean annual, mean seasonal, and high runoff) is considerably larger than the variability in the results between the five rainfall–runoff models informed by 1 GCM (a less than 7% difference between the minimum and maximum results). The difference between the rainfall–runoff modeling results is larger in the drier regions for scenarios of big declines in future rainfall and in the low-flow characteristics. The rainfall–runoff modeling here considers only the runoff sensitivity to changes in the input climate data (primarily daily rainfall), and the difference between the hydrological modeling results is likely to be greater if potential changes in the climate–runoff relationship in a warmer and higher CO2 environment are modeled.
It’s Too Late to Apologize
Authors: Klinger Rebecca S. , Ladany Nicholas , Kulp Lauren E.
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify events in which therapists felt embarrassment, shame, or both in a therapy session and to investigate the relationship of the embarrassing-shameful events with the therapist reactions. Ninety-three therapists participated in this study, and the most frequent events reported were having a scheduling mistake, forgetting or confusing client information, being visibly tired, falling asleep, and arriving late. Implications and need for further research, particularly concerning the effects of therapist embarrassment and shame on therapy process and outcome, are discussed.
Physical and mechanical properties of wood–plastic composites hybridized with inorganic fillers
Authors: Gwon Jae Gyoung , Lee Sun Young , Chun Sang Jin , Doh Geum Hyun , Kim Jung Hyeun
Published: September 2011

Hybrid filler-reinforced composites are considered as high performance materials, but limited number of studies on hybridizations of wood fibers and mineral fillers were reported. Three types of inorganic fillers (talc, kaolin, and zinc-borate), which have been widely adopted in various applications, were used for manufacturing wood–plastic composites (WPCs). The aim of this study is to understand the effects of filler shape, size, surface nature, and loading amount on the physical properties of WPCs. Kaolin filler showed the best performance in mechanical strength because of its staked plate shape, small particle size, and highly hydrophilic characteristics of its surface. In water absorption, talc filler showed a lower value than the kaolin case due to the structural difference.
Thermal Treatments Modulate Bacterial Adhesion to Dental Enamel
Authors: Hu X.L. , Ho B. , Lim C.T. , Hsu C.S.
Published: September 2011

Numerous studies have demonstrated the effects of laser-induced heat on demineralization of enamel; however, no studies have investigated the link between heat/laser-induced changes in physicochemical properties and bacterial adhesion. In this study, we investigated the effects of thermal treatment on surface properties of enamel such as hydrophobicity and zeta potential. Bacterial adhesion to treated surfaces was characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy, and adhesion force was quantified by atomic force microscopy. The hydrophobicity of enamel increased after heating (p < 0.05), and the zeta potential of heated enamel became more negative than that of the control (p < 0.01). Streptococcus oralis and S. mitis were more hydrophilic than S. sanguis, with more negative zeta potential (all p < 0.01). S. mitis and S. oralis occupied significantly less area on enamel after being heated (p < 0.05). Heating reduced the adhesion force of both S. mitis and S. oralis to enamel with or without saliva coating. Reduction of adhesion force was statistically significant for S. mitis (p < 0.01), whereas that of S. oralis was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Heating did not affect the adhesion of S. sanguis with or without saliva coating. In conclusion, thermal treatment and photothermal/laser treatments may modulate the physicochemical properties of enamel, preventing the adhesion of some bacterial species.
A Longitudinal Investigation of Employment Among Low-Income Youth
Authors: Purtell Kelly M. , McLoyd Vonnie C.
Published: September 2011

Drawing on previous research linking patterns of adolescent employment—defined in terms of duration and intensity—to educational and occupational outcomes later in life (Staff & Mortimer, 2008), the present study (a) examined positive social behavior and academic variables as longitudinal predictors of patterns of adolescent employment during the school year in a low-income, ethnically diverse sample and (b) assessed patterns of employment as correlates of adolescents’ optimism for the future and perceived efficacy. Results revealed a predictive relationship between youths’ autonomy and steady employment 3 years later. Furthermore, steady employment during adolescence was related to greater optimism about the future and higher levels of efficacy.
‘Cleanliness is next to godliness’
Authors: Longkumer Arkotong
Published: September 2011

This article investigates the link between religious change and perceptions of and attitudes towards ‘hygiene’ and ‘order’ amongst adherents of Heraka, a religious reform movement among the Zeme Naga of Assam. It examines the problematic role of sacrifice, its relation-ship to the economy, and the consequent theological shift towards a monotheistic god, Tingwang, by focusing on the ritual of a Heraka village renewal. Not only does this ritual validate the abandonment of sacrifice, but also greatly diminishes disease-creating conditions—with blood equalling dirt—that traditional sacrifices had allegedly involved. Thus, while it can be said that ‘secular’ factors such as economic and health benefits explain the ‘conversion’ to Heraka, the article argues that theological beliefs, in particular Christian notions of ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’, also had an impact on the Heraka.
Adjusting distances
Authors: Narasimhan Haripriya
Published: September 2011

This article explores the continued relevance of menstrual pollution among the Vattima, a Tamil Brahmin sub-caste. Even as they are part of the Tamil Brahmin diaspora, the Vattima Brahmins, a small, close-knit community, are in active contact with ancestral villages in the Kaveri delta region. Based on data gathered from Vattima in India and in USA, this article looks at the discourse surrounding menstruation and seclusion practices across generations. It highlights the ways in which changes in Vattima marriage practices, women’s access to education as well as migration to, and employment in, urban areas, have contributed to significant changes in attitudes to menstrual pollution. Observing menstrual pollution, however, is seen as crucial in sustaining notions of Brahmin-hood within their homes and among other Brahmins. This is made possible by constantly rede-fining the space and time that should be kept pollution-free.
Involvement of the cholinergic system of CA1 on harmane-induced amnesia in the step-down passive avoidance test
Authors: Nasehi Mohammad , Sharifi Shahrbano , Zarrindast Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2011

β-carboline alkaloids such as harmane (HA) are naturally present in the human food chain. They are derived from the plant Peganum harmala and have many cognitive effects. In the present study, effects of the nicotinic system of the dorsal hippocampus (CA1) on HA-induced amnesia and exploratory behaviors were examined. One-trial step-down and hole-board paradigms were used to assess memory retention and exploratory behaviors in adult male mice. Pre-training (15 mg/kg) but not pre-testing intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of HA decreased memory formation but did not alter exploratory behaviors. Moreover, pre-testing administration of nicotine (0.5 µg/mouse, intra-CA1) decreased memory retrieval, but induced anxiogenic-like behaviors. On the other hand, pre-test intra-CA1 injection of ineffective doses of nicotine (0.1 and 0.25 µg/mouse) fully reversed HA-induced impairment of memory after pre-training injection of HA (15 mg/kg, i.p.) which did not alter exploratory behaviors. Furthermore, pre-testing administration of mecamylamine (0.5, 1 and 2 µg/mouse, intra-CA1) did not alter memory retrieval but fully reversed HA-induced impairment of memory after pre-training injection of HA (15 mg/kg, i.p.) which had no effect on exploratory behaviors. In conclusion, the present findings suggest the involvement of the nicotinic cholinergic system in the HA-induced impairment of memory formation.
Patient and Public Involvement in Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Légaré France , Boivin Antoine , van der Weijden Trudy , Pakenham Christine , Burgers Jako , Légaré Jean , St-Jacques Sylvie , Gagnon Susie
Published: September 2011

Background. The role of patient and public involvement programs (PPIPs) in developing and implementing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) has generated great interest. Purpose. The authors sought to identify key components of PPIPs used in developing and implementing CPGs. Data sources. The authors searched bibliographic databases and contacted relevant organizations. Study selection. In total, 2161 articles and reports were retrieved on PPIPs in the development and implementation of CPGs. Of these, 71 qualified for inclusion in the review. Data extraction. Reviewers independently extracted data on key components of PPIPs and barriers and facilitators to their operation. Data synthesis. Over half of the studies were published after 2002, and more than half originated from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. CPGs that involved patients and the public addressed a variety of health problems, especially mental health and cancer. The most frequently cited objective for using PPIPs in developing CPGs was to incorporate patients’ values or perspectives in CPG recommendations. Patients and their families and caregivers were the parties most often involved. Methods used to recruit PPIP participants included soliciting through patient/public organizations, sending invitations, and receiving referrals and recruits from clinicians. Patients and the public most often participated by taking part in a CPG working group, workshop, meeting, seminar, literature review, or consultation such as a focus group, individual interview, or survey. Patients and the public principally helped formulate recommendations and revise drafts. Limitations. The authors did not contact the authors of the studies. Conclusion. This literature review provides an extensive knowledge base for making PPIPs more effective when developing and implementing CPGs. More research is needed to assess the impact of PPIPs and resources they require.
Gyro-aided feature tracking for a moving camera: fusion, auto-calibration and GPU implementation
Authors: Hwangbo Myung , Kim Jun-Sik , Kanade Takeo
Published: September 2011

When a camera rotates rapidly or shakes severely, a conventional KLT (Kanade–Lucas–Tomasi) feature tracker becomes vulnerable to large inter-image appearance changes. Tracking fails in the KLT optimization step, mainly due to an inadequate initial condition equal to final image warping in the previous frame. In this paper, we present a gyro-aided feature tracking method that remains robust under fast camera–ego rotation conditions. The knowledge of the camera’s inter-frame rotation, obtained from gyroscopes, provides an improved initial warping condition, which is more likely within the convergence region of the original KLT. Moreover, the use of an eight-degree-of-freedom affine photometric warping model enables the KLT to cope with camera rolling and illumination change in an outdoor setting. For automatic incorporation of sensor measurements, we also propose a novel camera/gyro auto-calibration method which can be applied in an in-situ or on-the-fly fashion. Only a set of feature tracks of natural landmarks is needed in order to simultaneously recover intrinsic and extrinsic parameters for both sensors. We provide a simulation evaluation for our auto-calibration method and demonstrate enhanced tracking performance for real scenes with aid from low-cost microelectromechanical system gyroscopes. To alleviate the heavy computational burden required for high-order warping, our publicly available GPU implementation is discussed for tracker parallelization.
Differences in Clinical Characteristics of Head Injuries to Snowboarders by Skill Level
Authors: Koyama Shinya , Fukuda Osamu , Hayashi Nakamasa , Endo Shunro
Published: September 2011

Background: Many reports have compared head injuries between snowboarding and skiing. However, detailed studies comparing snowboarding head injuries between beginners and intermediates/experts have been lacking.

Purpose: The authors investigated differences in clinical characteristics of head injuries to snowboarders between beginners (group B) and intermediates/experts (group IE).

Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods: The study population included 2367 patients treated at Saito Memorial Hospital and Yuzawa Community Health Medical Center, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, during 9 seasons from 1999-2000 to 2007-2008.

Results: Group B comprised 959 patients (mean age, 23.0 years; 52% males). Group IE comprised 1408 patients (mean age, 24.8 years; 72% males). Accidents in group B predominantly occurred as falls on gentle slopes (37%) and intermediate slopes (33%), whereas accidents in group IE occurred mostly during jumping (48%). The impact point on the head was predominantly occipital in both groups, but group IE showed a significantly higher frequency of trauma to the frontal region. The ratio of neurologic abnormalities was significantly higher in group IE. However, the ratio of surgical cases was significantly higher in group B (n = 10, 1.04%) than in group IE (n = 5, 0.36%). More acute subdural hematomas were seen in group B, but more fractures, contusions, and acute epidural hematomas were seen in group IE. Four moderate disabilities, 2 comatose patients, and 2 deaths were seen in group B, and 1 moderate disability, 2 severe disabilities, and 1 death were seen in group IE during this study.

Conclusion: The data suggest significant differences in clinical states between beginners and intermediates/experts. Preventive methods for severe head injuries among snowboarders need to be devised based on differences in skill levels.
Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) Gene Mutations and Autism: Literature Review and a Case Report of a Patient With Cowden Syndrome, Autistic Disorder, and Epilepsy
Authors: Conti Sara , Condò Maria , Posar Annio , Mari Francesca , Resta Nicoletta , Renieri Alessandra , Neri Iria , Patrizi Annalisa , Parmeggiani Antonia
Published: September 2011

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene mutations are associated with a spectrum of clinical disorders characterized by skin lesions, macrocephaly, hamartomatous overgrowth of tissues, and an increased risk of cancers. Autism has rarely been described in association with these variable clinical features. At present, 24 patients with phosphatase and tensin homolog gene mutation, autism, macrocephaly, and some clinical findings described in phosphatase and tensin homolog syndromes have been reported in the literature. We describe a 14-year-old boy with autistic disorder, focal epilepsy, severe and progressive macrocephaly, and multiple papular skin lesions and palmoplantar punctate keratoses, characteristic of Cowden syndrome. The boy has a de novo phosphatase and tensin homolog gene mutation. Our patient is the first case described to present a typical Cowden syndrome and autism associated with epilepsy.
Night Blindness in a Teenager With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Roddy Marie Frances , Greally Peter , Clancy Geraldine , Leen Gerardine , Feehan Sinead , Elnazir Basil
Published: September 2011

This article describes the case of a 16‐year‐old boy with cystic fibrosis who presented with difficulty seeing in the dark. He had a history of bowel surgery at birth, and he developed cystic fibrosis liver disease and osteopenia during his teenage years. He always had good lung function. When his serum vitamin A level was checked, it was undetectable in sample. He was diagnosed with night blindness and commenced on high‐dose vitamin A. His symptoms resolved within 3 days. However, it took over 1 year for his vitamin A level to return to normal. This case emphasizes the importance of monitoring vitamin levels in cystic fibrosis to detect deficiency and prevent long‐term consequences, and it highlights the challenges encountered during the course of night blindness treatment.
Calculation of helical gear’s basic parameters using COP-data acquired by optical 3D digitizer
Authors: Asgharifard-Sharabiani P , Hannaneh A , Nikkhah-Bahrami M
Published: September 2011

Gears are industrial components with a precise geometry. Identification of their basic parameters plays an important role in their reverse design and quality control process. This article describes a new approach for the calculation of helical gear’s basic parameters using optical data acquired by 3D digitizer. This approach is implemented by acquiring cloud-of-points data (COP-data) from the bearing seats and gear tooth surface. Cylinder surface fitting through COP-data acquired from bearing seats is performed for the determination of gear axis of rotation. In a final step, involute helicoid surface fitting through COP-data acquired from gear tooth surface determines the helical gear’s primary features. Particle swarm optimization algorithm as an efficient method is applied to perform the surface fitting process in this article.
Dynamics of spacecraft with gyro-gravitational system of stabilization due to elastic ring antenna deployment
Authors: Khoroshilov V S , Zakrzhevskii A E
Published: September 2011

This article deals with the study of the dynamics of the spacecraft with the gyro-gravitational system of stabilization. The deployment of a flexible ring antenna is performed after placing the spacecraft into orbit and completion of the preliminary damping by a special jet-propelled system, and after uncaging the gyros. Primarily, the antenna is a pre-stressed tape wound on a special drum. When the drum starts deploying the tape, it takes the shape of an elastic ring of variable diameter. The objective of the study is the mechanical and computational modelling of the spacecraft dynamics. The equations of motion are derived with the use of the Eulerian–Lagrangian formalizm. Numerical simulations of the operational mode of the system are conducted. Numerical results indicate that the system used for attitude stabilization ensures the shape of the deployed design and prescribed accuracy of the orientation. Simulation results are presented for the spacecraft model to show the effectiveness of the spacecraft and deployment process stabilization.
Analytical formulas for the effective width caused by bulging and flattening of curved aircraft panels
Authors: Schagerl M
Published: September 2011

The skin of a curved aircraft panel flattens, if it is subjected to circumferential tension, and bulges, if it is subjected to compression. These deformations distort the hoop stress distribution, which further leads to a reduced load-carrying width of the skin in circumferential direction. The book Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain (W. C. Young and R. G. Budynas, 2002) presents a method to calculate the effective width of wide flanges of curved beams under tension. Although often used, it is shown in the current article that this method is not applicable to assess the effects of flattening and bulging of aircraft panels. As a reason, the support provided by the longitudinal stringers is identified. The current article consists of two parts. The first part presents the derivation of an analytical method to calculate the effective width caused by bulging and flattening of curved aircraft panels. The underlying model uses standard theories for straight and curved beams and is thus consistent with the assumptions made for Roark's formula. For improving the accuracy of this analytical result, the second part presents a simple procedure to fit this analytical approach to results from parametric Finite Element studies.
Analysis and design of a modular underactuated mechanism for robotic fingers
Authors: Yao S , Ceccarelli M , Zhan Q , Carbone G , Lu Z
Published: September 2011

This paper presents an analysis of the design problems and requirements for underactuated mechanisms for robotic fingers. The case of performing a grasping task is considered and a solution is proposed that consists of a series of linked underactuated mechanisms. Optimality criteria are analysed with the aim of formulating a general design algorithm based on a suitable optimization problem. An example of a four-phalanx modular finger is used to highlight the practical feasibility of the proposed modular design concepts and procedures.
Optimal design of ring-stiffened cylindrical shells using homogenization approach
Authors: Andrianov I V , Awrejcewicz J , Diskovsky A A
Published: September 2011

We propose a modification of the homogenization method for computational model of an axially symmetric cylindrical shell supported by rings having different stiffness properties governed by arbitrary analytical functions. The mentioned functions serve as control for an associated inverse problem. The latter is solved through a zero-order approximation corresponding to the structurally orthotropic solution being formulated for the first-order approximation of the location of discrete rings.
Probabilistic approach to large amplitude ship rolling in random seas
Authors: Dostal L , Kreuzer E
Published: September 2011

For a vessel in open seas, the sudden indirect excitation of roll motions due to waves from the front or rear leads to dangerous situations, sometimes even capsizing. We derive a general non-linear model, which is appropriate for the analysis of parametric excited roll motions in head or following random seas. The irregular waves are modelled in terms of a continuous time autoregressive moving average process. The resulting model of stochastic differential equations is investigated numerically by Local Statistical Linearization. The necessary stochastic moments and their derivatives are computed using Itô's differential rule and Gaussian closure.
On a structural–acoustic panel cavity modelling in the mid-high frequency domain
Authors: de Rochambeau M , Ichchou M , Troclet B
Published: September 2011

This article presents a fluid–structure interaction modelling, based on a coupling between component mode synthesis or finite element and statistical energy analysis (SEA). The hybrid strategy is applied on a panel–cavity coupled system using a modal analysis with uncoupled modes of the subsystems and through a finite element model of the coupled system. The determination of the energy transfer parameters is then considered. The hybrid SEA model is then validated in the high-frequency domain by comparison with an SEA model. Finally, a parametric survey is offered through the established modelling and conclusions on its validity domain are drawn.
Analytical solution to the elastic bending of long and rectangular thin plate resting on rubber foundation
Authors: Mehrara M , Nategh M J , Naeeni H M
Published: September 2011

In this study, the elastic bending of long and rectangular plate resting on unilateral rubber foundation under a concentrated load has been investigated. A new continuum model has been developed to study the rubber foundation reaction. A simplified one-parameter model could thus be obtained for the foundation reaction permitting the parameter to be directly determined without resorting to trial estimation. The governing differential equations have been derived for the plate–foundation system. A numerical–analytical method has been proposed for the exact and closed-form solution of the equations. Several examples have been presented in order to draw a comparison between the results of the proposed solution and the conventional numerical solution. The results have also been compared with the Winkler's mechanical model. Finally, the effect of various parameters on the behaviour of the plate–foundation system has been studied. The results indicate that the length of contact region between the plate and the foundation is influenced by the mechanical and geometrical parameters of the plate and also on the foundation modulus but does not depend on the loading.
Triangular relationship between vibration modes of an elastically supported rigid body with a plane of symmetry
Authors: Jang S-J , Kim J W , Choi Y J
Published: September 2011

The geometrical properties of vibration modes of a single rigid body with one plane of symmetry are presented. When in-plane vibration modes are represented by the axes normal to the plane of symmetry, three intersecting points of those axes and the plane of symmetry constitute two triangles whose orthocentres are coincident with the mass centre and planar couple point, while the induced wrenches of three out-of-plane modes are found to form two triangles whose orthocentres are lying on the mass centre and the perpendicular translation point. Examining these triangles reveals that the triangular areas are proportional to the distributions of the mass and stiffness in the vibrating system and the shapes of the triangles are related to the natural frequencies. A numerical example is provided to verify the proposed findings.
Review of advances in diamond thin film synthesis
Authors: Srikanth V V S S
Published: September 2011

From time immemorial, diamond attracted a special attention not only as a precious gemstone but also as an application material due to its unique and unsurpassed properties. Interest in diamond thin film research has enormously increased owing to the fact that most of the diamond properties could be utilized for various applications only when it is in the form of a thin film. At present, diamond thin films are able to serve in applications such as electro-mechanical, electro-chemical, bio-medical, bio-sensing, optical, electronic, and machining. Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) is the standalone technique used for diamond thin film synthesis. The mechanism of which typically involves addition of one carbon atom at a time from carbon containing activated gas phase to an initial template resulting in sp3 carbon atom network (diamond). Depending on the synthesis conditions, diamond thin film can constitute epitaxial, oriented, and polycrystalline (micron- and nano-sized) diamond grains. This article reviews important advances that have taken place in diamond thin film synthesis.
Effect of circular tool path on cutting force profile in micro-end-milling
Authors: Banerjee A , Bordatchev E V
Published: September 2011

Micro-end-milling requires high spindle rotational speed to achieve effective material removal. This results in the requirement of tool stoppage or slowdown during a micro-end-milling operation, a deterrent to productivity and to part acceptability. A circular tool path geometry can avoid discontinuities in the tool movements leading to a more consistent and smooth material removal. However, optimal process planning for such a tool path will require detailed understanding of the chip-formation mechanism in circular end-milling. The cut geometry during end-milling along a circular tool path is often approximated as that of a linear tool path. Although this assumption works well for circular tool paths with higher tool path radius, this is not the case for lower tool path radius often used in micro-milling. In this study, the effect of circular tool path on the cutting force for varying tool path rotation angle, tool path radius, and feed rate is experimentally investigated. Systematic signal processing was applied to analyse the measured cutting force signal along linear and several circular tool paths. Qualitative as well as quantitative differences were observed in the cutting force profiles obtained using different tool path radii, tool path orientations, and feed rates. This implies the need for an improved chip thickness formulation dedicated to micro-end-milling with circular tool path rather than approximating it with formulations derived for linear tool path.
Theoretical design and experimental verification of a 1/50 scale model of a quayside container crane
Authors: Jin Y L , Li Z G
Published: September 2011

An effective way to study the dynamic performances and seismic behaviours of large-scale engineering structures is using a scale model. This article aims to develop a geometric-scaled model of the 1/50 for a quayside container crane such that the dynamic characteristics of the prototype can be accurately predicted from the relevant features of this scale model. To this end, a detailed design process for the main components of a 1/50 scale model of the quayside container crane was first presented according to the similitude law. Then, a hammering modal test and the Ling dynamic system shaking table test were successively carried out to obtain the dynamic characteristics of this 1/50 scale model. Furthermore, the experimental results were compared with the computed results of the prototype obtained from numerical simulation and they showed a fairly good agreement. From the comparison results, it can be seen that the model design is instructive enough to provide some valuable information and practical use for professionals and researchers involved in the design of large-scale port facilities.
Application of in situ polyurethane geocomposite beams to improve the passive shoulder resistance of railway track
Authors: Woodward P K , Kennedy J , Medero G M , Banimahd M
Published: September 2011

Recent research has highlighted the effect of the individual contributions of the crib, shoulder, and base resistance to the lateral behaviour of a typical railway sleeper under loading. The contribution of the shoulder ballast has been seen to provide around 30 per cent of the lateral resistance for an unloaded sleeper. The addition of extra ballast in the shoulder area provides a very limited increase in lateral sleeper resistance. It is common in areas of high lateral loading, such as switch and crossings, to provide sleeper end plates to improve the passive resistance of the track. Sleeper end plates have, however, many disadvantages, not least is the need to disturb the ballast in order to facilitate their installation. The application of polyurethane reinforcement of the ballast shoulder to rapidly form an in situ GeoComposite shoulder beam (geobeam) has many advantages over end plates, including the ability of the lateral beam to be installed directly after the track geometry has been corrected; the lateral track geometry can then be ‘captured’ at installation. The beam can also be formed while the trains are still running. In this article the application of lateral GeoComposite side beams to improve the passive resistance of the shoulders is illustrated through analytical and numerical analysis. The application of the technique to actual problem sites is also presented and the performance of the technique at the Harford bridge transition site discussed.
Sociality, Pathogen Avoidance, and the Neuropeptides Oxytocin and Arginine Vasopressin
Authors: Kavaliers Martin , Choleris Elena
Published: September 2011

Both humans and nonhumans have evolved a variety of mechanisms to recognize pathogen threat and a variety of adaptive behavioral responses to minimize exposure to it. Because social interactions facilitate the spread of infection among individuals, the ability to recognize and avoid infected and potentially infected individuals is crucial. The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are involved in mediating various facets of social behavior, including social recognition and responses to salient social threats. Results of studies with rodents have revealed that OT and AVP are also associated with the olfactory-mediated recognition and avoidance of actually or potentially infected individuals. The evidence reviewed here suggests that OT and AVP likely play parallel roles in modulating the recognition and avoidance of socially relevant pathogen threat in both humans and rodents.
High-temperature high-frequency turbine exit flow field measurements in a military engine with a cooled unsteady total pressure probe
Authors: Mersinligil M , Desset J , Brouckaert J F
Published: September 2011

The measurement of unsteady pressures within the hot components of gas turbine engines still remains a true challenge for test engineers. Several high-temperature pressure sensors have been developed, but so far, their applications are restricted to unsteady wall static pressure measurements. Because of the severe flow conditions such as turbine inlet temperatures of 1700 °C and pressures of 50 bar or more in the most advanced aero-engine designs, few (if any) experimental techniques exist to measure the time-resolved flow total pressure inside the gas path. This article describes the measurements performed at the turbine exit of a military engine with a cooled fast response total pressure probe. The probe concept is based on the use of a conventional miniature piezo-resistive pressure sensor, located in the probe tip to achieve a bandwidth of at least 40 kHz. Due to the extremely harsh conditions, the probe and sensor are heavily water cooled. The probe was designed to be continuously immersed into the hot gas stream to obtain time series of pressure with a high bandwidth and therefore statistically representative average fluctuations at the blade passing frequency (BPV). The experimental results obtained with a second-generation prototype are presented. The probe was immersed into the engine through the bypass duct between turbine exit and flame-holders of the afterburner of a Volvo RM12 engine, at exhaust temperatures above 900 °C. The probe was able to resolve the BPV (∼17 kHz) and several harmonics up to 100 kHz.
Kawasaki disease and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Diniz JC , Almeida RT , Aikawa NE , Sallum AME , Sakane PT , Silva CA
Published: September 2011

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common vasculitis in childhood. To the authors’ knowledge, only one case of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE)-like onset mimicking KD and another case of KD and JSLE association have previously been described. However, the prevalence of this association of the two diseases was not reported. Therefore, over 27 consecutive years, 5419 patients were followed at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit and 271 (5%) of them met the ACR classification criteria for JSLE. Two (0.7%) of them were female. These also had KD according to European League against Rheumatism / Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (EULAR/PReS) consensus criteria and are described in this report. One case was a 13-year-old who presented all six KD criteria. Echocardiogram showed pericardial effusion, dilatation and tortuosity of right and left coronary, and her symptoms promptly improved after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Lupus diagnosis was established a few days later. Another case was a 4-year-old who had also met all six KD criteria, with improvement after IVIG, and lupus diagnosis was made 1 year later. In conclusion, the frequency of the association between these two autoimmune diseases was rare. The occurrence of a second autoimmune systemic disease in a patient with a history of KD should also be considered. Furthermore, the initial presentation of lupus may mimic KD.
Prospective assessment of C4d deposits on circulating cells and renal tissues in lupus nephritis: a pilot study
Authors: Batal I , Liang K , Bastacky S , Kiss LP , McHale T , Wilson NL , Paul B , Lertratanakul A , Ahearn JM , Manzi SM , Kao AH
Published: September 2011

Complement activation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN), a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We prospectively evaluated 15 LN subjects and two control groups: 13 non-SLE renal subjects (control A) and 239 SLE subjects without LN (control B). All had C4d levels on circulating erythrocytes (E-C4d), reticulocytes (R-C4d) and platelets (P-C4d) measured by flow cytometry, while C4d deposition in renal tissue was semiquantitatively assessed in LN subjects and control A using immunoperoxidase staining.

Compared with control A, LN biopsies had higher glomerular-C4d scores ( p = 0.003), which were associated with more frequent granular glomerular immunofluorescence staining and electron dense deposits ( p < 0.001). Compared with control A and B groups, LN subjects had higher E-C4d ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.005) and R-C4d levels ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.008), respectively. LN subjects were more likely to have P-C4d compared with control A ( p = 0.016). In LN, only E-C4d correlated with National Institutes of Health (NIH) activity index ( r = 0.55, p = 0.04).

In conclusion, LN biopsies showed frequent glomerular-C4d staining associated with immune complex deposits. LN subjects had higher E-C4d and R-C4d levels compared with both control groups. E-C4d levels also correlated with NIH activity index. These findings suggest a potential role of C4d on circulating cells as a biomarker for lupus nephritis.
Giving Care to Men and Women with Mental Illness
Authors: Janardhana N. , Shravya R. , Naidu D.M. , Saraswathy L. , Seshan Valli
Published: September 2011

Caregivers are a largely understudied, unsung population who shoulder many of the social and psychological costs of mental illness. This study examines the load of caregiving during symptomatic and stabilised phases of the mentally ill and the various ways in which family members adapt themselves to give care. Drawing its data from 200 families with mental illness in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the study diffuses the notion of care as physical, medical, psychological and social. The article focuses on how the gender of the affected person affects caregiving and underlines the indispensability of the family. Used to giving credit for any improvement to doctors and medicines, the study records the incredulous gratitude of caregivers at being acknowledged for the work they do, providing a boost to the morale of tired, unacknowledged caregivers.
La Mala Algaraba
Authors: Giménez-Eguibar Patricia , Wasserman Soler Daniel I.
Published: September 2011

This study examines Spanish Catholic attitudes towards the Arabic language of Spain’s Islamic communities in the sixteenth century. While many studies have located the origins of language policy in Spain in the 18th century, we analyze the main royal decrees and ecclesiastical legislation that address the Arabic language in an earlier period. We depart from the generally-accepted scholarly notion that in the Spanish Church, there existed two positions regarding the Arabic language: first, that Islamic communities should be approached through the Arabic language and, second, that their language should be prohibited in favour of Castilian. To trouble this framework, we examine the attitudes of two Spanish churchmen regarding the Arabic language, whose complex positions pre-vent them from being readily categorized as advocates or opponents of Arabic.
The Challenge of Change at Teradata Global Consulting Center (GCC) Pakistan (A and B)
Authors: Khurshid Anwar , Imran Sadaf
Published: September 2011

The cases ‘The Challenge of Change at Teradata Global Consulting Center (GCC) Pakistan (A and B)’ describe the issues and challenges faced by a professional services organization, Teradata Global Consulting Center (GCC) Pakistan, in implementing international standards for an information security management system, namely, ISO 27001. Being an outsource company based in Pakistan, its international clientele were concerned about the security of their proprietary data. The company expected that ISO 27001 certification would help their business development by retaining and acquiring international clients. An ISO team was formed to implement the certification throughout the office and a date in July 2007 was fixed for the final audit, giving the team nine months to complete the implementation. The ISO team faced a great deal of resistance from the Line Managers who were supposed to implement the policies in their respective teams. The Chairman of the ISMF himself was not happy with the direction in which the certification was heading, and he eventually resigned. With the impending external audit coming up, the ISO team leader was worried if they would attain certification.

Case B narrates that Kashif Jadoon was made the new ISMF Chairman. Soon after getting on board, Kashif realized that the documentation was complete but when it came to implementation, there were several gaps. Kashif also observed that there was resistance from the Line Managers and their teams. Kashif decided to use a different approach, which he called the ‘reverse strategy’. He decided to try to get a consensus across the organization about the need to get the certification. The managers were made accountable for the teams and people would be reported for non-compliance regardless of their designations. The team members were also told about the business value of the certification. Different competitions were held to further motivate the employees. The implementation process started with a new vigour. A second internal audit was conducted by the ISO team to further get the company ready for the final external audit. The ISO team and the ISMF now waited for the external audit to be conducted.
From Cells to Systems
Authors: Doeller Christian F. , Barry Caswell , Burgess Neil
Published: September 2011

How do we know where we are? Orientation in space is key to our daily existence as we follow familiar routes, navigate to a previous location, or just try to get home as quickly as possible. As well as being interesting in its own right, spatial cognition is also a useful model system in which to understand the neural bases of cognition and memory formation more generally. Spatial behavior offers potentially straightforward correlates of neuronal activity that can be studied similarly in adults and infants of both human and non-human animals. The neural mechanisms of spatial behavior can be realistically investigated in a well-controlled way with the aid of virtual reality technologies in humans and rodents. Virtual reality can thus help to bridge the gap between electrophysiological studies in rodents and brain imaging studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans. Within this framework, this article aims to translate findings from the single cell level in rodents to understand the neural and systems level mechanisms of spatial cognition in the human brain.
A new self-adaptive trust region method for unconstrained optimization
Authors: Cui Zhaocheng , Wu Boying
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we propose a new self-adaptive trust region method for unconstrained optimization problems and develop some convergence properties. In our algorithm, we use the previous and current iterative information to define a suitable trust region radius at each iteration. The global and superlinear convergence properties of the algorithm are established under reasonable assumptions. Preliminary numerical results show that the new method is efficient and attractive for solving unconstrained optimization problems.