bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Otolaryngology Resident Selection
Authors: Bent John P. , Colley Patrick M. , Zahtz Gerald D. , Smith Richard V. , Parikh Sanjay R. , Schiff Bradley , Fried Marvin P.
Published: February 2011

Objectives

To examine the relationship between National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) rank list position and future otolaryngology residency performance.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Methods

Eight consecutive residency classes (starting 2001‐2008; 4 residents/y) were reviewed. Three hundred and thirty‐three applicants (40.6 applicants/y) were interviewed, and 316 (94.9%) were ranked. Residents matching with our program were divided 3 different ways: into quarters, thirds, and halves, based on their rank order. Correlation coefficients were obtained to compare resident rank number and rank group (quarter, third, half) to faculty evaluation, coresident evaluation, and in‐service score. Chi‐square tests were conducted comparing rank group to chief resident selection and annual teaching award.

Results

Resident NRMP rank number was not significantly correlated with faculty evaluation, coresident evaluation, or in‐service exam score (−0.21 < r < 0.05; P >. 28). There was also no significant correlation between resident quarter, third, or half rank group and faculty evaluation; coresident evaluation; or in‐service exam score (−0.29 < r < 0.10; P >. 13). Chi‐square analysis found no relationship between resident rank group and chief resident (P >. 35) or teaching award (P >. 13) selection.

Conclusions

Applicant rank number and rank group did not correlate with performance of this otolaryngology residency cohort as assessed by faculty evaluation, coresident evaluation, in‐service exam score, or selection for chief resident or the annual teaching award. Resident selection committees should consider reallocating manpower hours from creating rank order to recruiting applicants and selecting interview candidates.
Impact of pharmacological treatments on outcome in adult rodents after traumatic brain injury: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wheaton P , Mathias JL , Vink R
Published: February 2011

Pharmacological treatments have been widely investigated in pre-clinical animal trials to evaluate their usefulness in reducing cognitive, behavioural and motor problems after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the relative efficacy of these agents has yet to be evaluated, making it difficult to assess the strength of evidence for their use in a clinical population. A meta-analytic review of research (1980–2009) was therefore conducted to examine the impact of pharmacological treatments administered to adult male rodents after experimental TBI on cognitive, behavioural, and motor outcome. The PubMed and PsycInfo databases were searched using 35 terms. Weighted Cohen’s d effect sizes, percent overlap, Fail-Safe N statistics and confidence intervals were calculated for each treatment. In total, 91 treatments were evaluated in 223 pre-clinical trials, comprising 5988 rodents. Treatments that were investigated by multiple studies and showed large and significant treatment effects were of greatest interest. Of the 16 treatments that were efficacious, six improved cognition, 10 improved motor function and no treatment improved behaviour (depression/anxiety, aggression, zoosocial behaviour). Treatment benefits were found across a range of TBI models. Drug dosage and treatment interval impacted on treatment effects.
Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in migraine patients
Authors: Perko Denis , Pretnar-Oblak Janja , Sabovic Miso , Zvan Bojana , Zaletel Marjan
Published: February 2011

Background: Endothelial dysfunction could be involved in the pathophysiology of migraine. The results obtained from a few studies on endothelial dysfunction in migraine are controversial. We investigated brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), which reflects systemic endothelial dysfunction, in migraine patients without comorbidities. By employing strict inclusion criteria we avoided the possible changes to FMD from confounding factors.

Methods. Forty migraine patients without comorbidities (20 with and 20 without aura) and 20 healthy subjects were included. FMD of brachial arteries and carotid intima-media thickness were measured by using standard procedures.

Results. We did not find any difference in FMD between migraine patients and healthy subjects ( p = .96). Also, no differences were found among healthy subjects, migraine patients with aura and without aura ( p = .99).

Conclusion. Our study showed that systemic endothelial function is not impaired in migraine patients without comorbidities, neither in those with or without aura. Considering these findings, the investigation of cerebral endothelial function would be useful in a further investigation of the role of endothelial (dys)function in migraine pathophysiology.
Effects of different coupling agents on the mechanical and interfacial properties of oil palm fiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Ramli R. , Yunus R.M. , Beg M.D.H. , Alam A.K.M.M.
Published: February 2011

This study investigates the effects of fiber loading and coupling agent on the performance of EFB fiber composites of oil palm biomass. The dried EFBs were ground in random sizes for composite production. Fiber composition and fiber morphology were evaluated by SEM and EDAX. Ground fiber was compounded with PP by means of a twin-screw compounder for the preparation of EFB/PP composites. Two types of MAPP were used as a coupling agent during compounding. The incorporated fiber contents for EFB composites were 10—40% (by weight). The test specimens were prepared by injection molding. The composites were characterized by melt flow index and mechanical testing such as TS, TM, FS, FM, and IS. Surface morphology was studied by SEM.
Effect of the polymer—filler interaction on the thermo-mechanical response of polyurethane-clay nanocomposites from blocked prepolymer
Authors: Dorigato Andrea , Pegoretti Alessandro , Penati Amabile
Published: February 2011

Thin transparent films of polyurethane—clay nanocomposites were prepared by dispersing different amounts of commercial organo-modified clay in a mixture of cycloaliphatic amines used as chain extender of a blocking prepolymer, in order to investigate the role of the filler content on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the resulting composites. X-ray diffraction measurements evidenced the formation of an intercalated structure, regardless to the clay loading. Furthermore, the optical clarity of the samples was not substantially compromised by the nanofiller addition even at elevated clay amounts. Interestingly, the relatively strong polymer—filler interaction led to a substantial reduction of the matrix crosslinking degree for high clay loadings. Consequently, the relative thermal lifetime was positively affected by the presence of clay up to a filler content of 7 wt%, while uniaxial tensile tests under quasi-static and impact conditions evidenced an increase of the elastic modulus proportional to the clay concentration, without impairing the original tensile properties at break.
Modeling of the mechanical loading effects on the effective diffusive behavior of polymer matrix composites
Authors: Gueribiz D. , Jacquemin F. , Rahmani M. , Fréour S. , Loucif K.
Published: February 2011

In this study, the effect of a mechanical loading on the diffusion process in a polymer matrix composite is discussed. The application of an external loading is expected to modify the microstructure of the material and cause change in effective diffusive behavior as the diffusion in the polymer matrix is dependent on the free volume. On the basis of the free volume theory, the mechanical problem imposed on the representative volume element (RVE) is solved and then the volume fraction of free volume is determined. The effect of external mechanical loading on the moisture content and diffusion coefficient was first examined and finally the corresponding local stresses in the RVE are calculated.
Massive Aspiration Past the Tracheal Tube Cuff Caused by Closed Tracheal Suction System
Authors: Dave Mital H. , Frotzler Angela , Madjdpour Caveh , Koepfer Nelly , Weiss Markus
Published: February 2011

Background: Aspiration past the tracheal tube cuff has been recognized to be a risk factor for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This study investigated the effect of closed tracheal suctioning on aspiration of fluid past the tracheal tube cuff in an in vitro benchtop model. Methods: High-volume low pressure tube cuffs of 7.5 mm internal diameter (ID) were placed in a 22 mm ID artificial trachea connected to a test lung. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) with 15 cm H2O peak inspiratory pressure and 5 cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was used. A closed tracheal suction system (CTSS) catheter (size 14Fr) was attached to the tracheal tube and suction was performed for 5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds under 200 or 300 cm H2O suction pressures. Amount of fluid (mL) aspirated along the tube cuff and the airway pressure changes were recorded for each suction procedure. Fluid aspiration during different suction conditions was compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test (Bonferroni correction [α = .01]). Results: During 10, 15, and 20 seconds suction, airway pressure consistently dropped down to −8 to −13 cm H2O ( P < .001) from the preset level. Fluid aspiration was never observed under PPV + PEEP but occurred always during suctioning. Aspiration along the tube cuff was higher with −300 cm H2O than with −200 cm H2O suction pressure ( P < .001) and was much more during 15 and 20 seconds suction time as compared to 5seconds ( P < .001). Conclusion: Massive aspiration of fluid occurs along the tracheal tube cuff during suction with the closed tracheal suction system.
The Vibration Discomfort of Standing Persons: The Effect of Body Supports
Authors: Thuong O , Griffin M J
Published: February 2011

When standing and exposed to vibration in trains, passengers and crew may seek support by leaning on a surface or holding a bar or a handle that alters the transmission of vibration to their bodies. The effects of such contact on the discomfort caused by vibration have not been previously investigated. This study was designed to investigate the effects of postural supports on the discomfort caused by fore-and-aft and lateral whole-body vibration in the frequency range 0.5—16 Hz. Using the method of magnitude estimation, 12 standing male subjects judged the discomfort caused by five magnitudes of sinusoidal vibration at six frequencies (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16 Hz) and in two directions (fore-and-aft or lateral) while using four different postural supports: no support, holding a vertical bar, leaning with back support, and leaning with shoulder support. Equivalent comfort contours were constructed, showing how discomfort depends on the vibration frequency over a range of vibration magnitudes with each support. Compared to standing with no support, holding a vertical bar had only a minor effect on the discomfort caused by either fore-and-aft or lateral vibration. At frequencies greater than about 2 Hz, leaning backwards against a back support increased the discomfort caused by fore-and-aft vibration and leaning sideways against a shoulder support increased discomfort caused by lateral vibration. Frequency weightings derived from the equivalent comfort contours show that the weightings suggested in current standards do not provide good predictions of the frequency dependence of discomfort caused by vibration when standing without any support or when supported and holding only a bar. It is concluded that leaning, with the back or shoulder supported, increases the discomfort caused by vibration in a direction normal to the body surface at frequencies greater than about 2 Hz. Currently, standardized frequency weightings do not provide good predictions of the discomfort caused by horizontal vibration when standing without holding a support.
Using Bogie-Mounted Sensors to Understand the Dynamics of Third Rail Current Collection Systems
Authors: Stewart E , Weston P , Hillmansen S , Roberts C
Published: February 2011

Electric railways collect power from the infrastructure via various current collection systems. For high-voltage AC- and DC-powered railways, this is usually achieved using overhead electrification equipment and a train-borne pantograph. The dynamics of such systems are well understood, and the systems are able to be operated under a range of conditions and speeds. Lower-voltage DC-powered railways (<1500 V) use a current collecting shoe as part of a shoegear system and track side electrification infrastructure in the form of a conductor rail. The dynamics of such systems are equally as complex as those of overhead systems. This is due to the interaction between the conductor rail and the track system, coupled with the dynamics of the conductor shoe assembly, which are mechanically linked with the bogie and axle systems. The systems also collect high currents (<2000 A), and therefore maintaining an effective electrical contact is essential. The interface between the conductor shoe and conductor rail is regulated through standards and guidelines. However, there are numerous engineering challenges in the effective management of the whole system that have yet to be addressed. The mechanical design of the system must balance the requirements of good fatigue life with appropriate impact strength. Other issues such as removal of contaminants from the conductor rail surface and shoe wear also have an impact on the design.

This article presents some experimental results from a bogie-mounted instrumentation system designed to monitor a typical example of a shoegear assembly operated on the UK railway system. The results indicate that the shoegear broadly performs in accordance with the design guidelines. Several points of loss of contact were observed, and it is shown that the contact force between the conductor shoe and rail can be estimated. The mean force was found to vary with third rail height, but a wide distribution of forces is found at any one height because of hysteresis in the shoegear. Large, but short-term, forces and torques occur because of third rail irregularities and ramps.
The Mars Hopper: An Impulse-Driven, Long-Range, Long-Lived Mobile Platform Utilizing In Situ Martian Resources
Authors: Howe S D , O'Brien R C , Ambrosi R M , Gross B , Katalenich J , Sailer L , Webb J , McKay M , Bridges J C , Bannister N P
Published: February 2011

The requirements for performance by planetary exploration missions are increasing. Landing at a single location to take data is no longer sufficient. Due to the increasing cost, the missions that provide mobile platforms that can acquire data at displaced locations are becoming more attractive. Landers have also had limited range due to power limitations, limited lifetime of subsystems, and the inability to negotiate rough terrain. The Center for Space Nuclear Research has designed an instrumented platform that can acquire detailed data at hundreds of locations during its lifetime — a Mars Hopper. The Mars Hopper concept utilizes energy from radioisotopic decay in a manner different from any existing radioisotopic power source — as a thermal capacitor. By accumulating the heat from radioisotopic decay for long periods, though, the power of the source can be dramatically increased for short periods. Thus, a radioisotopic thermal rocket is possible. The platform will be able to ‘hop’ from one location to the next every 2—3 days with a separation of 10—20km per hop. Each platform will weigh around 50kg unfuelled which is the condition at deployment. Consequently, several platforms may be deployed on a single launch from Earth. With a lifetime estimated at 10 years, the entire surface of Mars can be mapped in detail by a couple dozen platforms. In addition, hoppers can collect samples and deliver them to the Mars Science Laboratory for more detailed analysis. Furthermore, the basic platform can be deployed to Europa, Titan, and even Venus with alterations — the propulsion system and operations essentially will be the same.
In vitro measurement of the axial migration force on the proximal end of a bifurcated abdominal aortic aneurysm stent-graft model
Authors: Corbett T J , Callanan A , McGloughlin T M
Published: February 2011

The drag forces acting on rigid abdominal aortic aneurysm stent-graft models have been previously determined by numerical, analytical, and experimental means. It is not clear what effect the assumption of rigidity has on the axial component of proximal migration (ACPM) force acting on the proximal end of a non-rigid stent-graft model. In this study the ACPM force was measured for a non-rigid stent-graft model of 24 mm proximal and 12 mm distal diameters using a custom-built migration force rig. A flow loop containing a working fluid that consisted of 42% water and 58% glycerol mixture by volume provided physiological flow conditions. The stent-graft model consisted of a woven Dacron graft supported by an external polymer rib. The effect of systolic pressure and stent-graft geometry on the ACPM force was also investigated. The ACPM force ranged between 2.96 and 4.92 N and was strongly dependant on pressure. Increasing the bifurcation angle or tortuousity was also seen to increase the ACPM force. Using analytical methods it was determined that almost 40 per cent of the ACPM force may be attenuated by compressive forces in the stent-graft model. The amount of drag force attenuated could be an important design consideration to prevent migration in future stent-grafts.
Hierarchical Encoding in Visual Working Memory
Authors: Brady Timothy F. , Alvarez George A.
Published: February 2011

Influential models of visual working memory treat each item to be stored as an independent unit and assume that there are no interactions between items. However, real-world displays have structure that provides higher-order constraints on the items to be remembered. Even in the case of a display of simple colored circles, observers can compute statistics, such as mean circle size, to obtain an overall summary of the display. We examined the influence of such an ensemble statistic on visual working memory. We report evidence that the remembered size of each individual item in a display is biased toward the mean size of the set of items in the same color and the mean size of all items in the display. This suggests that visual working memory is constructive, encoding displays at multiple levels of abstraction and integrating across these levels, rather than maintaining a veridical representation of each item independently.
Modelling of liquid flat-plate solar collector operation in transient states
Authors: Zima W , Dziewa P
Published: February 2011

The article presents a one-dimensional mathematical model for simulating the transient processes which occur in liquid flat-plate solar collectors. The proposed method considers a collector model with distributed parameters. In the model, the boundary conditions can be time dependent. The proposed model is based on solving equations which describe the energy conservation for the glass cover, air gap between cover and absorber, absorber, working fluid, and insulation. The differential equations derived were solved using the implicit finite-difference method in an iterative scheme. All thermo-physical properties of the fluid, absorber and air gap are computed in real time. The time-spatial distributions of heat transfer coefficients are also computed in the on-line mode. In order to experimentally verify the proposed method, a test bench was built and measurements were carried out. Comparing the measurement results of the transient fluid temperature at the collector outlet with computational results, satisfactory convergence is found. The proposed method is appropriate for the verification of the effectiveness of various absorbers and their surface coatings, without the need to carry out research on existing collectors. It allows the influence of fluid mass flowrate on the collector performance to be analysed and collector time constant to be determined. The presented model is suitable for collectors working in a parallel or in a serpentine tube arrangement with single or double covers.
Breast Cancer Survivorship and Work Disability
Authors: Quinlan Elizabeth , Maclean Roanne , Hack Thomas , Tatemichi Sue , Towers Anna , Kwan Winkle , Miedema Bo , Tilley Andrea
Published: February 2011

Breast cancer survivors can anticipate a number of years of paid labor market participation. Therefore, the link between breast cancer survivorship and productivity deserves serious consideration. The hypothesis guiding this study is that arm disability, particularly pain and range of motion limitations, are important explanatory variables in survivors’ loss of productivity. The study investigates the association between productivity and arm disability over time. The longitudinal data are drawn from survivors in four geographical locations in Canada. Regression results indicate that survivors with arm pain, 2.5 to 3 years postsurgery, are almost 8 times more likely to experience a loss in productivity compared to those survivors without pain, and those with some range of motion limitations are 4 times more likely to experience productivity loss 2.5 to 3 years postsurgery compared to their counterparts without limitations. More than 40% of survivors begin to or continue to experience productivity loss as long as 30 to 36 months after surgery and that the loss in productivity is primarily due to two forms of arm disability: pain and range-of-motion limitations. These findings highlight the importance of rehabilitation programming for breast cancer survivors.
Families’ Experiences in Wraparound: A Qualitative Study Conceived and Conducted by Families Through a Professional-Family Collaboration
Authors: Painter Kirstin , Allen J. Sean , Perry Barbara
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this study, the Family Experience Study, was to record experiences of families not captured by standard quantitative measures utilizing open-ended questions that allowed families to tell their stories in their own words. This qualitative study was conceived and carried out by family members who received wraparound services and participated in a Community Evaluation Team with the guidance and support of professional evaluators. Trained family members conducted structured interviews with 40 caregivers of children who completed wraparound through a collaborative community initiative aimed at creating a sustainable system of care for families with children affected by serious emotional disturbance. Interviews were recorded on audiotape, transcribed, and subjected to qualitative analysis. Key factors important to families emerged from these interviews that parallel and support the underlying principles of system of care such as collaborative, strengths based, youth and family driven, community based, individualized, and culturally competent.
Losartan Decreases Cardiac Muscle Fibrosis and Improves Cardiac Function in Dystrophin-Deficient Mdx Mice
Authors: Spurney Christopher F. , Sali Arpana , Guerron Alfredo D. , Iantorno Micaela , Yu Qing , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Rayavarapu Sree , van der Meulen Jack , Hoffman Eric P. , Nagaraju Kanneboyina
Published: February 2011

Recent studies showed that chronic administration of losartan, an angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist, improved skeletal muscle function in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. In this study, C57BL/10ScSn-Dmdmdx/J female mice were either untreated or treated with losartan (n = 15) in the drinking water at a dose of 600 mg/L over a 6-month period. Cardiac function was assessed via in vivo high frequency echocardiography and skeletal muscle function was assessed using grip strength testing, Digiscan monitoring, Rotarod timing, and in vitro force testing. Fibrosis was assessed using picrosirius red staining and Image J analysis. Gene expression was evaluated using real-time polymerized chain reaction (RT-PCR). Percentage shortening fraction was significantly decreased in untreated (26.9% ± 3.5%) mice compared to losartan-treated (32.2% ± 4.2%; P < .01) mice. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in losartan-treated mice (56 ± 6 vs 69 ± 7 mm Hg; P < .0005). Percentage cardiac fibrosis was significantly reduced in losartan-treated hearts (P < .05) along with diaphragm (P < .01), extensor digitorum longus (P < .05), and gastrocnemius (P < .05) muscles compared to untreated mdx mice. There were no significant differences in skeletal muscle function between treated and untreated groups. Chronic treatment with losartan decreases cardiac and skeletal muscle fibrosis and improves cardiac systolic function in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice.
Effect of Processing in Volatiles from a Portuguese Traditional Dry-fermented Ripened Sausage ‘Chouriço Grosso Borba-Estremoz PGI’
Authors: Partidário A.M. , Roseiro C. , Santos C.
Published: February 2011

Volatile compounds from ‘Chouriço Grosso’, a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) dry fermented and ripened pork sausage, were analyzed by a purge and trap — gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system (PT/GC/MS) and compared with those from sausages obtained through a modified drying/smoking technique. At the end of the processing (40 days), the two major groups of volatiles present in both types of sausages were sulphur compounds and hydrocarbons. Total volatiles concentration was about 71 mg/kg and 99 mg/kg, respectively for traditional and modified processes. After 3 months at storage, sulphur compounds presented the highest relative values 39.4% (w/w) for traditional batch, while both sulphur compounds, 26.3% (w/w) and alcohols, 26.5% (w/w), showed identical quantities in the modified batch. By extending the product life time up to 12 months, an increase in the concentrations was observed, 193 and 266 mg/kg, respectively for traditional and modified processes. The relative quantities of the different groups diverged between the products assayed, with hydrocarbons and alcohols, and sulfur compounds and hydrocarbons predominating, by decreasing order, in traditional and modified processes, respectively.
Key Aroma Components of a Dry-Cured Sausage with High Fat Content (Sobrassada)
Authors: Gianelli M.P. , Olivares A. , Flores M.
Published: February 2011

The key aroma components and the lipolysis in a dry cured sausage ‘Sobrassada of Mallorca from black pig’ were studied. Sobrassada was characterized by a fatty acid profile with a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and by the generation during the curing process of polyunsaturated free fatty acids that were oxidized to generate flavor compounds. Eighty-four different volatile compounds were identified and three of them were for the first time detected in dry sausages (methyl nonanoate, 1-methyl-1H-pyrrole and 2-acetyl pyrrole). Thirty-five different aroma active zones were found. The aroma of sobrassada was not only due to compounds already detected as essential contributors in dry sausages (3-methyl butanoic acid, ethyl 3-methyl butanoate, 2, 3-butanedione and acetic acid) but also to other compounds such as ethyl octanoate, furfural, benzaldehyde, (Z)-2-nonenal, 4-methyl-phenol, delta-hexalactone, heptanoic acid, 2-pentylfuran and 2-acetyl-pyrrole which gave specific aroma notes.
Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Anticarcinogenic Potential of Mentha Leaf Extracts
Authors: Jain Deepika , Pathak Neelam , Khan Saba , Raghuram Gorantla Venkata , Bhargava Arpit , Samarth Ravindra , Mishra Pradyumna Kumar
Published: February 2011

We examined the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity and anticarcinogenic potential of Mentha leaf extracts (petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts) on 6 human cancer (HeLa, MCF-7, Jurkat, T24, HT-29, MIAPaCa-2) and normal (IMR-90, HEK-293) cell lines. Of all the extracts tested, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of M piperita showed significant dose- and time-dependent anticarcinogenic activity leading to G1 cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, perturbation of oxidative balance, upregulation of Bax gene, elevated expression of p53 and p21 in the treated cells, acquisition of senescence phenotype, while inducing pro-inflammatory cytokines response. Our results provide the first evidence of direct anticarcinogenic activity of Mentha leaf extracts. Further, bioassay-directed isolation of the active constituents might provide basis for mechanistic and translational studies for designing novel anticancer drugs to be used alone or as adjuvant for prevention of tumor progression and/or treatment of human malignancies.
Change in quality of life in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis over 2 years in relation to other clinical parameters: results from a trial of intramuscular interferon β-1a
Authors: Miller DM , Weinstock-Guttman B , Bourdette D , You X , Foulds P , Rudick RA
Published: February 2011

Background: A randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of weekly intramuscular injections of interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis included the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), a validated measure of patient-reported quality of life (QoL).

Objective: To demonstrate the impact of moderate to severe SIP disability at baseline and change in QoL as measured by SIP over 2 years in relation to other study parameters.

Methods: In 158 patients, SIP scores were determined at baseline and 2 years. Scores were correlated with disease progression and treatment.

Results: Patients who experienced disability progression, as defined by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and annualized relapse rate, during the study demonstrated significant worsening in Physical SIP scores compared with patients who did not progress ( p = 0.031). In patients with low SIP scores, indicating moderate or severe disability at baseline, treatment with IFNβ-1a significantly improved Physical SIP subscores.

Conclusions: Patients with disability progression defined using EDSS, the physician-derived primary outcome measure, had Physical SIP scores indicating worsening disability, validating the physician-derived primary outcome measure using patient self-report. Treatment with IFNβ-1a had beneficial effects on QoL in patients with worse SIP scores at baseline.
The effects of deliberations and religious identity on mock jurors’ verdicts
Authors: Miller Monica K. , Maskaly Jonathan , Green Morgan , Peoples Clayton D.
Published: February 2011

Jurors may be biased toward defendants because of their group status or similarities/differences. Deliberation may minimize bias by forcing jurors to rationalize their decisions. In two experiments, mock jurors read that, at the time of the crime, the defendant was: engaged in Christian prayers, Islamic prayers, or TV watching (control). Study 1 described a crime stereotypically associated with Muslims (bombing a transportation center); Study 2 used a crime associated with fundamentalist Christians (bombing an abortion clinic). Participants gave predeliberation and postdeliberation verdicts. Findings for both studies are similar, despite the stereotypicality of the crime. There was a general leniency effect—the more participants saw themselves as similar to the defendant, the less certain they were of guilt. Deliberation made jurors less likely to convict Muslim and Christian defendants, but not control-group defendants. Religious identity of the defendant had no direct effect on verdicts. Findings have implications for juror bias, crime stereotypicality, and the effects of jury deliberation.
LED-based metameric light sources: Rendering the colours of objects and other colour quality criteria
Authors: Viliūnas V. , Vaitkevičius H. , Stanikūnas R. , Švegžda A. , Bliznikas Z.
Published: February 2011

Solid-state white light sources based on multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) have three features that make them radically different from other sources of electrically generated light. These are the narrowband spectra of the individual LEDs, the possibility of controlling the light output of the individual LEDs and the limited stability of the LED’s colour. These features make it possible to achieve a set of solid-state white light sources that are metameric to a selected reference light source. A computational method to optimise the intensities of narrowband LEDs to obtain these metameric light sources is proposed. The appearance of object colours under these metameric light sources differs and can be used to satisfy users’ requests according to the various aspects of colour quality required, without altering the visual appearance of the light source.
Antiplatelet therapy and vascular disease: an update
Authors: Buch Mamta H. , Prendergast Bernard D. , Storey Robert F.
Published: February 2011

Atherosclerosis is a diffuse, systemic disorder of the large and medium-sized arterial vessels, affecting the coronary, cerebral and peripheral circulation. Chronic inflammatory processes are the central pathophysiological mechanism largely driven by lipid accumulation, and provide the substrate for occlusive thrombus formation. The clinical sequelae of acute arterial thrombosis, heart attack and stroke, are the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world. Such acute events are characterized by rupture or erosion of the atherosclerotic plaque leading to acute thrombosis. The atherosclerotic process and associated thrombotic complications are collectively termed atherothrombosis. The platelet is a pivotal mediator of various endothelial, immune, thrombotic and inflammatory responses and therefore a key player in the initiation and progression of atherothrombosis. A robust evidence base supports the clear clinical benefits of antiplatelet agents in the primary and secondary therapy of atherothrombotic disorders. Percutaneous coronary and peripheral interventions have an established central role in the management of atherothrombotic disease and demand a greater understanding of platelet biology. In this article, we provide a clinically orientated overview of the pathophysiology of arterial thrombosis and the evidence supporting the use of the various established antiplatelet therapies, and discuss new and future agents.
Performance Measurement in a Small Taiwanese Hotel Chain
Authors: Chen Tien-Hui
Published: February 2011

Performance evaluation can be a challenge for a hotel firm with just a few business units. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is one way to analyze each unit’s relative use of inputs and its relative production of outputs. To address the small sample size, DEA can apply slack analysis, which essentially compares each hotel’s inputs to the group’s mean and identifies where the slack—the extra input—occurs. Likewise, the analysis can identify the slack in terms of under-average outputs. A further approach is to use dual analysis, which accounts for the fact that variables have more than one facet. This DEA approach obtains specific factor targets on which the managers of the inefficient units can focus to improve their performance. As an illustration of this technique, the study evaluates the efficiency of a seven-unit Taiwanese hotel chain and highlights the slack in the less-efficient hotels’ operation. Thus, DEA with slack analysis can both evaluate current operations and provide goals for future improvement.
The Effects of Tourism on Economic Growth in Hong Kong
Authors: Jin Jang C.
Published: February 2011

An analysis of a five-variable vector autoregressive (VAR) model demonstrates the positive short-run effect of tourism on Hong Kong’s economic growth. The five variables are real output, real capital, labor, openness, and tourism. Among other findings, the analysis supports the commonly held notion that tourism promotes economic growth. However, the analysis could not confirm a long-term effect of tourism on economic growth. The analysis also shows that Hong Kong’s economy is capital-driven, while labor is not a significant economic driver.
Integration of Crosswind Forces into Train Dynamic Modelling
Authors: Baker C , Hemida H , Iwnicki S , Xie G , Ongaro D
Published: February 2011

In this paper a new method is used to calculate unsteady wind loadings acting on a railway vehicle. The method takes input data from wind tunnel testing or from computational fluid dynamics simulations (one example of each is presented in this article), for aerodynamic force and moment coefficients and combines these with fluctuating wind velocity time histories and train speed to produce wind force time histories on the train. This method is fast and efficient and this has allowed the wind forces to be applied to a vehicle dynamics simulation for a long length of track.

Two typical vehicles (one passenger, one freight) have been modelled using the vehicle dynamics simulation package ‘VAMPIRE®’, which allows detailed modelling of the vehicle suspension and wheel—rail contact. The aerodynamic coefficients of the passenger train have been obtained from wind tunnel tests while those of the freight train have been obtained through fluid dynamic computations using large-eddy simulation. Wind loadings were calculated for the same vehicles for a range of average wind speeds and applied to the vehicle models using a user routine within the VAMPIRE package. Track irregularities measured by a track recording coach for a 40 km section of the main line route from London to King's Lynn were used as input to the vehicle simulations.

The simulated vehicle behaviour was assessed against two key indicators for derailment; the Y/ Q ratio, which is an indicator of wheel climb derailment, and the Δ Q/ Q value, which indicates wheel unloading and therefore potential roll over. The results show that vehicle derailment by either indicator is not predicted for either vehicle for any mean wind speed up to 20 m/s (with consequent gusts up to around 30 m/s). At a higher mean wind speed of 25 m/s derailment is predicted for the passenger vehicle and the unladen freight vehicle (but not for the laden freight vehicle).
A short-range prediction model for track quality index
Authors: Xu P , Sun Q , Liu R , Wang F
Published: February 2011

In the process of train operation, the interaction between train wheels and railway track underneath leads to changes in track geometry. Changes in track geometry result in track irregularity. For managing the mean value of track irregularity, Railway Maintenance Department in China uses track quality index (TQI) to quantify track irregularity of a unit track section. TQI is used for planning and scheduling railway track maintenance and guiding track maintenance work in China. Based on the characteristics of changes in TQI and in accordance with differential and integral principles, a novel track irregularity prediction technique has been developed in this article. This technique utilizes track waveform data generated by a track geometry car to build different track irregularity prediction models for each unit section and use different models to make predictions for TQIs of different unit sections along the railway track on each day in a future short-range period of time. In this article, the technique was applied to 25 sets of track waveforms generated for Beijing–Shanghai railway up-going track (Jing–Hu up-going track) administrated by Jinan Railway Bureau and errors in predicted TQI were analysed in both spatial and temporal dimensions. The error analysis results show that some maintenance works, such as temping, levelling, and aligning have significant influence on TQI predictions. The methods for weakening the influence of such track maintenance and the usage of TQI predictions were also discussed.
In situ performance of a ballasted railway track with under sleeper pads
Authors: Schneider P , Bolmsvik R , Nielsen J C O
Published: February 2011

An extensive full-scale field test to investigate the influence of under sleeper pads (USPs) on track quality (with respect to magnitudes of vertical track irregularities) and track dynamics has been conducted on the Schweizerische Bundesbahnen test site at Kiesen in Switzerland. Static track geometry data and dynamic track responses in terms of sleeper strain and accelerations of rail and sleeper during train pass-by have been measured and analysed. It is observed that the use of USPs generates higher rail and sleeper accelerations but lower sleeper strains due to bending. The degradation of track geometry appears to slow down when USPs are used.
Optimizing and validating an electromagnetic tracker in a human performance laboratory
Authors: Murphy A J , Bull A M J , McGregor A H
Published: February 2011

Measurement errors have previously been observed using electromagnetic motion trackers in applied laboratories. The aims of this study were to optimize the layout of a human performance laboratory for assessing ergometer rowing technique, and to assess the precision and repeatability of measured rotations and trajectories using the Flock of Birds electromagnetic tracker. Four experiments investigated system performance over a large experimental volume: optimization of laboratory space, repeatability of laboratory layout, precision of measured rotations, and repeatability of measured displacements. Measurement accuracy was influenced by varying the global position of the system transmitter; results suggested a correlation with increasing distance between the electromagnetic source and equivalent sensors. Bringing the transmitter or sensors into closer proximity of metallic items may be another source of measurement error. An optimal location for the transmitter was identified, into which the transmitter was repositioned with good repeatability. Measurements were not negativelyaffected by the presence of a rowing ergometer in the experimental volume. Induced sensor rotations were reconstructed with high precision, and the system calculated small changes in sensor displacement with good repeatability. The system is a suitable technology for measuring the trajectory and rotation of moving body segments in applied human movement laboratories.
Dynamic Response of Inextensible Beams by Improved Energy Balance Method
Authors: Sfahani M G , Barari A , Omidvar M , Ganji S S , Domairry G
Published: February 2011

An improved He's energy balance method (EBM) for solving non-linear oscillatory differential equation using a new trial function is presented. The problem considered represents the governing equations of the non-linear, large-amplitude free vibrations of a slender cantilever beam with a rotationally flexible root and carrying a lumped mass at an intermediate position along its span. Based on the simple EBM, the variational integral of the non-linear conservative system is established, and the Fourier series expansion is employed to address the governing algebraic equations. An alternate procedure for a particular value of the initial condition is then used to estimate the constants. This semi-analytical representation gives excellent approximations to the exact solutions for the whole range of the oscillation amplitude, reducing the respective error of angular frequency in comparison with the simple EBM. Two illustrative examples are considered in order to elucidate the methods described, and to reveal the improvements made by the modified method.
Constraint Stabilization of Mechanical Systems in Ordinary Differential Equations Form
Authors: Masarati P
Published: February 2011

This work discusses a simple means to add kinematic constraints to existing mechanical problems formulated in terms of ordinary differential equations. The constraints are expressed by algebraic relationships between the co-ordinates of the unconstrained problem. A solution projection approach ensures compliance of the solution with the derivatives of holonomic constraint equations up to second order within the desired accuracy. The structure of the unconstrained problem is not altered, resulting in a simple, little intrusive, yet effective means to enforce kinematic constraints into existing formulations and implementations originally intended to address differential problems, without the complexity of solving differential-algebraic problems or resorting to implicit numerical integration schemes and without altering the number and type of equations of the original unconstrained problem. The proposed formulation is compared with known approaches. Numerical applications of increasing complexity illustrate its distinguishing aspects.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Effect of Post-Weld Heat Treatment Parameters on the Relaxation of Welding Residual Stresses
Authors: Akbarzadeh I , Attarha M J , Salehi M , Sattari-Far I
Published: February 2011

In this paper, numerical and experimental studies are conducted to investigate the effect of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) parameters, including holding time and temperature, on the distribution of welding residual stresses. The selected material is AISI type 304 austenitic stainless steel in the form of a pipe, for which the determination of heat treatment parameters is complicated by the risk of intergranular corrosion. The study includes experimental measurements of residual stresses both before and after PWHT of the pipe, and creep and tensile tests to determine the viscoplastic behaviour and mechanical strength of the material. Good agreement between experimental measurements and numerical predictions is obtained; therefore, further simulations were performed to study the effect of variation of heat treatment parameters on the relaxation of welding residual stresses.
Efficient generation of transgene-free induced pluripotent stem cells from normal and neoplastic bone marrow and cord blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Hu Kejin , Yu Junying , Suknuntha Kran , Tian Shulan , Montgomery Karen , Choi Kyung-Dal , Stewart Ron , Thomson James A. , Slukvin Igor I.
Published: February 2011

Reprogramming blood cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides a novel tool for modeling blood diseases in vitro. However, the well-known limitations of current reprogramming technologies include low efficiency, slow kinetics, and transgene integration and residual expression. In the present study, we have demonstrated that iPSCs free of transgene and vector sequences could be generated from human BM and CB mononuclear cells using nonintegrating episomal vectors. The reprogramming described here is up to 100 times more efficient, occurs 1-3 weeks faster compared with the reprogramming of fibroblasts, and does not require isolation of progenitors or multiple rounds of transfection. Blood-derived iPSC lines lacked rearrangements of IGH and TCR, indicating that their origin is non–B- or non–T-lymphoid cells. When cocultured on OP9, blood-derived iPSCs could be differentiated back to the blood cells, albeit with lower efficiency compared to fibroblast-derived iPSCs. We also generated transgene-free iPSCs from the BM of a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). CML iPSCs showed a unique complex chromosomal translocation identified in marrow sample while displaying typical embryonic stem cell phenotype and pluripotent differentiation potential. This approach provides an opportunity to explore banked normal and diseased CB and BM samples without the limitations associated with virus-based methods.