bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD4
+
T Cells and Complement Independently Mediate Graft Ischemia in the Rejection of Mouse Orthotopic Tracheal Transplants
Authors: Khan Mohammad A. , Jiang Xinguo , Dhillon Gundeep , Beilke Joshua , Holers V. Michael , Atkinson Carl , Tomlinson Stephen , Nicolls Mark R.
Published: October 2011

Rationale:

While microvascular injury is associated with chronic rejection, the cause of tissue ischemia during alloimmune injury is not yet elucidated.

Objective:

We investigated the contribution of T lymphocytes and complement to microvascular injury-associated ischemia during acute rejection of mouse tracheal transplants.

Methods and Results:

Using novel techniques to assess microvascular integrity and function, we evaluated how lymphocyte subsets and complement specifically affect microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation in MHC-mismatched transplants. To characterize T cell effects on microvessel loss and recovery, we transplanted functional airway grafts in the presence and absence of CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells. To establish the contribution of complement-mediated injury to the allograft microcirculation, we transplanted C3-deficient and C3-inhibited recipients. We demonstrated that CD4
+
T cells and complement are independently sufficient to cause graft ischemia. CD8
+
T cells were required for airway neovascularization to occur following CD4-mediated rejection. Activation of antibody-dependent complement pathways mediated tissue ischemia even in the absence of cellular rejection. Complement inhibition by CR2-Crry attenuated graft hypoxia, complement/antibody deposition on vascular endothelium and promoted vascular perfusion by enhanced angiogenesis. Finally, there was a clear relationship between the burden of tissue hypoxia (ischemia×time duration) and the development of subsequent airway remodeling.

Conclusions:

These studies demonstrated that CD4
+
T cells and complement operate independently to cause transplant ischemia during acute rejection and that sustained ischemia is a precursor to chronic rejection.
Fasting and Post-Glucose Load Measures of Insulin Resistance and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Older Adults
Authors: Thacker Evan L. , Psaty Bruce M. , McKnight Barbara , Heckbert Susan R. , Longstreth W.T. , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Meigs James B. , de Boer Ian H. , Boyko Edward J. , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Kizer Jorge R. , Tracy Russell P. , Smith Nicholas L. , Siscovick David S.
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Few studies have assessed post-glucose load measures of insulin resistance and ischemic stroke risk, and data are sparse for older adults. We investigated whether fasting and post-glucose load measures of insulin resistance were related to incident ischemic stroke in nondiabetic, older adults.

Methods—

Participants were men and women in the Cardiovascular Health Study, age 65+ years and without prevalent diabetes or stroke at baseline, followed for 17 years for incident ischemic stroke. The Gutt insulin sensitivity index was calculated from baseline body weight and from fasting and 2-hour postload insulin and glucose; a lower Gutt index indicates higher insulin resistance.

Results—

Analyses included 3442 participants (42% men) with a mean age of 73 years. Incidence of ischemic stroke was 9.8 strokes per 1000 person-years. The relative risk (RR) for lowest quartile versus highest quartile of Gutt index was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.24–2.16), adjusted for demographics and prevalent cardiovascular and kidney disease. Similarly, the adjusted RR for highest quartile versus lowest quartile of 2-hour glucose was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.39–2.42). In contrast, the adjusted RR for highest quartile versus lowest quartile of fasting insulin was 1.10 (95% CI, 0.84–1.46).

Conclusions—

In nondiabetic, older adults, insulin resistance measured by Gutt index or 2-hour glucose, but not by fasting insulin, was associated with risk of incident ischemic stroke.
Managerial Organization and Professional Autonomy: A Discourse-Based Conceptualization
Authors: Thomas Pete , Hewitt Jan
Published: October 2011

The conceptualization of professions and professionalization is once again a significant theme in the social sciences. The position of professions seems increasingly complex as relations with other occupational groups develop in ways that seem uncertain, ambiguous and complex. We present a discourse-based framework for the analysis of professional change, drawing on Chouliaraki and Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis (CDA), and their adaptations of the work of Laclau and Mouffe, and Bhabha. The model focuses on the articulation process within conjunctures of social practice, and in particular how social actors endeavour to make advantageous articulations which achieve a degree of permanence in an inherently changeable world. It also considers how discourses are articulated together to create hybrid forms of professional discourse. We apply the framework to recent changes in the role and autonomy of general medical practitioners in the United Kingdom following the implementation of the clinical governance system, to assess the value of the framework in addressing the negotiated nature of professionalism and, more specifically, to explore the relationship between managerialism and professional autonomy and status.
The United States and Vietnam
Authors: Burghardt Raymond F.
Published: October 2011

US and Vietnamese relations have progressed remarkably since diplomatic relations between the two countries were normalized in 1995. The purpose of this essay is to reflect on this progress and to consider implications for the future. Trends suggest the United States and Vietnam will continue to cooperate closely and pragmatically on matters of trade and foreign direct investment, education, public health and well-being, and strategic interests, including military cooperation. While these trends are viewed as beneficial to both countries, they also are considered important to the regional balance of power, as China continues to increase its influence in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Effect of cure regime on internal strain and stress development in a filled epoxy resin assessed by fiber Bragg-grating optical strain and normal force measurements
Authors: Harsch M. , Karger-Kocsis J. , Herzog F. , Fejős M.
Published: October 2011

The influence of thermal treatment on the reaction-induced strain and stress states of an anhydride-hardened bisphenol A-based epoxy (EP) resin containing 50 wt.% inorganic filler particles was studied. Two different cure regimes were selected for the EP curing and their effect on the strain and force development were assessed by Bragg-grated fiber optical and normal force detection techniques. Surface cracking of the specimens was also visualized optically. During long isothermal treatment in the dwelling phase of the curing process, tensile forces evolved in the cross-linking EP. When vitrification occurred already at a low degree of conversion in a given cure regime, high internal forces were generated, causing early cracking of the EP. A cure regime (temperature profile) compensating the cure-induced volume shrinkage by additional thermal expansion was proposed as most beneficial to delay the vitrification and thus the build-up of damage-causing high internal stresses.
The effect of Plantago major Linnaeus on serum total sialic acid, lipid-bound sialic acid, some trace elements and minerals after administration of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in rats
Authors: Oto Gokhan , Ekin Suat , Ozdemir Hulya , Levent Abdulkadir , Berber Ismet
Published: October 2011

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of Plantago major Linnaeus ( PM) extract on serum total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA), some trace elements (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron) and mineral levels (magnesium, calcium and sodium) in Wistar albino rat administrated 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Rats were divided into three equal groups ( n = 6). Group I comprised the control group, group II was treated with DMBA (100 mg/kg, single dose) and group III was treated with DMBA (100 mg/kg single dose) and aqueous extract of PM 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days. After 60 days, statistical analyses showed that TSA and LSA levels in DMBA and DMBA + PM groups were significantly higher compared to the control group (TSA: p < 0.01, p < 0.05; LSA: p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). Serum Zn levels were decreased in subjects treated with DMBA ( p < 0.01) and DMBA + PM ( p < 0.05) compared to the control group values. Serum Cu levels were increased in DMBA group and PM-treated group compared to the control group values. The results of this investigation showed that the levels of TSA and LSA changed significantly, which are sensitive markers for detecting the toxic effects of DMBA. On the other hand, observed decline in Zn levels in rats from DMBA + PM group might be due to decreased generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Results from this study suggest that PM may be partially effective in preventing carcinogenesis initiated by environmental carcinogen DMBA.
Beautiful From the Inside Out
Authors: Norwood Sarah Jane , Murray Marisa , Nolan Amanda , Bowker Anne
Published: October 2011

The goal of the present study was to design, implement, and evaluate a school-based programme that aimed to increase self-esteem and positive body image among preadolescent boys and girls. Participants in grades five and six ( N = 77; Mage = 10.86, 53.2% girls) from a public school in Eastern Ontario completed a battery of validated measures to assess factors related to self-esteem and body image, one week before and one week after the programme. Results indicated that, for both boys and girls, participation in the programme was associated with significantly higher levels of self-esteem and positive body image. The programme was also effective in making participants significantly more aware but less accepting of the distorted and unrealistic body ideals perpetuated by the media. Findings support a new approach for improving body image among Canadian preadolescents. Implications for educators, researchers, and clinicians are discussed.
A Mixed-Method Evaluation of a Strength-Based Bullying Prevention Program
Authors: Rawana Jennine S. , Norwood Sarah Jane , Whitley Jessica
Published: October 2011

The goal of this study was to describe the strength-based bullying prevention program, Strengths in Motion, and to evaluate the program utilizing a mixed-method design. Participants included students in Grades 4 to 8 from an intervention ( n = 50) and a comparison ( n = 53) school in Northern Ontario. Measures of bullying, strengths, and classroom climate were completed at three time points: One month prior to the start of the program (baseline), and at 3 and 8 months after the program had started. Quantitative analyses revealed that there was a significant decrease in students’ bullying victimization over time, an increase in classroom climate, and students’ personal awareness of their strengths. Semistructured interviews conducted 20 months after the start of the program with various stakeholders, including parents and school staff, complemented these findings and provided additional information on the efficacy of the program and the strength-based approach. Study findings are discussed in terms of the implications for future research.
Hurtful Cyber-Teasing and Violence
Authors: Madlock Paul E. , Westerman David
Published: October 2011

The current study sought to specifically examine the affect of teasing by way of technology (cyber-teasing) and the importance of the redressive component of a tease. A triangulated approach was used here to gain better insight into the concept of “hurtful” cyber-teasing between romantic partners. A pretheoretical model was developed highlighting the possible associations between teasing via technology and relational outcomes. Findings provide researchers with the prevalence of hurtful cyber-teasing and the associated personal and relational outcomes. In addition, the relationship between hurtful cyber-teasing and the reasons why certain messages escalated into face-to-face verbal aggression and physical violence were also revealed. These results are discussed in light of the inability of technology to fully transmit the redressive nonverbal component of a cyber-tease.
Sentencing Disparity Among Upper and Lower Class Health Care Professionals Convicted of Misconduct
Authors: Payne Brian K. , Dabney Dean A. , Ekhomu Jessica L.
Published: October 2011

A longstanding debate in criminology and criminal justice has focused on whether white-collar offenders are sentenced more leniently than other types of offenders. This study uses a sample of approximately 1,200 adjudicated offenders who were employed in various types of health care professions at the time of their offenses—including both high-status and low-status positions—to explore whether the formal response to these types of occupational offenders are based on the status of the offender. The results show that certain types of high-status white-collar offenders appear to be punished more severely than lower status offenders from the health care field. Implications for policy, theory, and future research are provided.
A modified bees algorithm and a statistics-based method for tuning its parameters
Authors: Pham Q T , Pham D T , Castellani M
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a novel version of the bees algorithm. This version is characterized by an extended set of search operators, and a mechanism that protects the most recently generated solutions from competition with more evolved individuals. Compared to the standard implementation of the bees algorithm, the new procedure requires the selection of an additional set of parameters. A new statistical method is proposed to tune these extra parameters. The proposed tuning method was used to determine a unique set of learning parameters for the modified bees algorithm on eight popular function optimization benchmarks. When tested against the standard bees algorithm and two other well-known optimization procedures, the new algorithm attained top performances on nearly all the benchmarks. The experimental results also proved that, tested on a search space much larger than that where it was tuned, the modified bees algorithm still outperformed the standard method, and the degradation of the performance of the two algorithms was comparable. These results prove the effectiveness of the modified bees algorithm, and show that the proposed tuning procedure is a valuable alternative to the complex and subjective trial-and-error methods that are often used.
Recommended confidence intervals for two independent binomial proportions
Authors: Fagerland Morten W , Lydersen Stian , Laake Petter
Published: October 2011

The relationship between two independent binomial proportions is commonly estimated and presented using the difference between proportions, the number needed to treat, the ratio of proportions or the odds ratio. Several different confidence intervals are available, but they can produce markedly different results. Some of the traditional approaches, such as the Wald interval for the difference between proportions and the Katz log interval for the ratio of proportions, do not perform well unless the sample size is large. Better intervals are available. This article describes and compares approximate and exact confidence intervals that are – with one exception – easy to calculate or available in common software packages. We illustrate the performances of the intervals and make recommendations for both small and moderate-to-large sample sizes.
When the Patient Says No
Authors: Soriano Maria Aileen , Lagman Ruth
Published: October 2011

The need to ascertain appropriate decision-making capacity is greatest when dealing with refusals of lifesaving or life-prolonging treatment. This may be complicated by delirium, concurrent depression, metabolic disturbances or significant symptom burden, family conflicts, and social issues. This is a case of a 48-year-old patient with a long-standing history of a symptomatic pan-invasive pituitary adenoma who refused life-prolonging treatment. Ultimately, a patient must be able to understand the information given to him, evaluate the consequences of the options presented, deliberate on these options based on his values, communicate this choice, and maintain consistency overtime. These refusals of treatment may fluctuate with time and intensity of the illness. Denial of this right of autonomy and self-determination may worsen the individual’s physical and existential suffering.
Role of Haloperidol in Palliative Medicine
Authors: Prommer Eric
Published: October 2011

Haloperidol is a butyrophenone neuroleptic agent characterized as a high-affinity dopamine antagonist, originally used for the treatment of schizophrenia. Awareness of the role dopamine plays in many symptoms in palliative care, such as nausea, vomiting, and delirium, has led to the use of dopamine antagonists such as haloperidol for the treatment of these symptoms in the palliative care setting. Listed as 1 of the 25 important drugs in palliative care, haloperidol can be administered by multiple routes and can be given without dose alteration in the setting of both renal and hepatic insufficiency. Haloperidol is extensively metabolized in the liver, with CYP3A4 the chief cytochrome oxidase responsible for metabolism. This article will review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and current uses of haloperidol in palliative medicine. There will be an examination of the evidence base for the use of haloperidol in palliative medicine.
A Comparison of Function-Based Replacement Behaviors for Escape-Motivated Students
Authors: Dwyer Kelly , Rozewski Danielle , Simonsen Brandi
Published: October 2011

Individuals who engage in problem behavior should be taught an appropriate behavior that meets the same function and replaces the problem behavior. Often, there are several appropriate replacement behaviors, and guidance is needed to choose among them. This study employs a hybrid single subject design with a baseline, alternating treatments, and final treatment phase to compare the effects of four replacement behavior conditions (none, teacher help, break, or choice between help and break) on the off-task behavior of three boys with a history of escaping from task demands. Although all replacement behaviors were associated with less off-task behavior than none, the choice condition was associated with the least off-task behavior and its implementation was staggered during the final treatment phase.
Hofstede and Shane Revisited
Authors: Rinne Tiffany , Steel G. Daniel , Fairweather John
Published: October 2011

Hofstede’s value dimensions offer a measure of one component of culture (cultural values) and are a means of gaining greater understanding of the role culture plays in national innovation success. Hofstede’s (1980) cultural measures of individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance, for example, have been shown to be correlated to the number (per capita) of trademarks ( Shane, 1993 ). Via multivariate multiple linear regression, we assess the link between Hofstede’s measures of cultural values and innovation as measured by the Global Innovation Index (GII). Our analyses show a strong negative relationship between Hofstede’s dimensions of power distance and GII innovation scores as well as a strong positive relationship between individualism and GII innovation scores. No relationship was found for Hofstede’s measure of uncertainty avoidance.
A self-tuning fuzzy inference sliding mode control scheme for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Chaouch Djamel Eddine , Ahmed-Foitih Zoubir , Khelfi Med Fayçal
Published: October 2011

A self-tuning fuzzy inference sliding mode control method is presented for single inverted pendulum position tracking control. Sliding mode control is a special nonlinear control method which has a quick response, is insensitive to parameters’ variation and disturbance; and is very suitable for nonlinear system control. Neuro-fuzzy logic systems are used to directly generate the "equivalent control term". In this case, a neuro-fuzzy system was described as a self-tuning fuzzy inference system optimized online using Takagi-Sygeno type of rules and a back-propagation algorithm to minimize a cost function. The cost function is made up of a quadratic error term and a weight decay term that prevents an excessive growth of parameters. The definition of sliding mode control was presented, and on the basis of the inverted pendulum system the sliding mode controller was designed. Stability of the proposed control scheme is proved by the Lyapunov theorem and the control scheme is applied to an inverted pendulum system. Simulation studies show that the method is effective and can be applied to a nonlinear control system.
How small regional accommodation providers view and respond to online intermediaries
Authors: Hills Joshua R , Cairncross Grant
Published: October 2011

The internet has become a particularly important means for distribution in the tourism industry, leading to the emergence of many global companies operating as online intermediaries. While research has focused on the strategies of these intermediaries and the distribution strategies of hotel chains, limited research attention has been paid to online distribution with regard to regional small accommodation providers. This study investigates the perspective of these organizations with regard to their evaluations of online intermediaries and their resulting online distribution strategies. Adopting a multiple case study strategy, the research finds that the interests of the small accommodation providers and online intermediaries conflict and result in dissatisfaction. This is resulting in small accommodation providers moving away from contracting online intermediaries in favour of search engine optimization (SEO) of their own website. The study concludes by discussing the implications, and associated issues, of such a strategy.
Circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and abdominal aortic pathology: From the Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Grodin Justin L , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M , Ayers Colby R , Kumar Darpan S , Rohatgi Anand , Khera Amit , McGuire Darren K , de Lemos James A , Das Sandeep R
Published: October 2011

Prior reports have associated increased circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), an endopeptidase active in the extracellular matrix, with the formation and rupture of aortic aneurysms, raising the possibility that MMP-9 may be a useful diagnostic or therapeutic target for aortic pathology. However, associations between MMP-9 and pathological abdominal aortic phenotypes in the general population have not been reported. In the Dallas Heart Study, a population-based sample of Dallas County residents ( n = 2304), we measured MMP-9 and performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdominal aorta, measuring aortic compliance, plaque, wall thickness and luminal diameter. After adjustment for traditional cardiac risk factors and body size, higher MMP-9 quartiles were independently associated with higher aortic wall thickness and larger luminal diameter ( p < 0.0001 for each), but not abdominal aortic plaque ( p = 0.08), coronary artery calcium ( p = 0.20) or the aortic luminal diameter/aortic wall thickness ratio ( p = 0.37), supporting the hypothesis that therapies targeting MMP-9 may affect the abdominal aortic wall and modify aortic pathology.
Hydrogen generation for sensing and control in submerged friction stir welding
Authors: Fleming P , Bloodworth T , Lammlein D , Strauss A , Cook G
Published: October 2011

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a recently developed welding technique, where the metals that are welded are not melted. FSW takes place at temperatures below the solidus points of the metals that are joined. FSW is thus a solid-state process. This can yield weldments of a significantly higher strength than those achieved by traditional fusion welding processes. This is due to the enhanced grain structure of the FSW materials. Submerged FSW is performed underwater for structural purposes such as oil platforms and pipelines, or in industrial settings and laboratories in order to further enhance the strength of the weldments, sometimes exceeding the strength of the parent materials. Submerged FSW, due to the significantly lower temperatures of the process compared to FSW in air, yields even more enhanced grain structures and greater strengths. In the experiments performed here, it is shown that the hydrogen generated during submerged FSW is produced at rates and quantities sufficient to be easily detected by means of a fuel cell. The generated hydrogen, which is a function of the FSW parameters, can be used as a means of sensing and control of submerged FSW which can be applied to robotic and automatic submerged FSW.
Intergenerational digital storytelling: a sustainable community initiative with inner-city residents
Authors: Davis Dylan
Published: October 2011

Digital storytelling (DST) is being increasingly used in a range of contexts to exploit current technological capabilities of capturing and reproducing community stories. Methods of storytelling collection are typically realized over short time frames of days or weeks, and appropriate visual images and interview data produce multimodal outputs. A particular stream of work has developed in community-based DST around intergenerational storytelling in environments where student researchers may work with older storytellers in culturally diverse urban settings. DST also emphasizes the participatory nature of the process and outcomes with respect to enabling untold but significant stories to emerge, and technical and storytelling skills to be transferred to participants through the process. This article addresses the particular concerns of relationship building and the pedagogical aims of training students to carry out research using this participatory DST research approach where intergenerational and cultural issues are foregrounded. In the conclusion, the author reflects on this particular focus and the shortcomings of the project with regard to the substantive participatory and democratic benefits exemplified by other projects; he also provides evidence of the other achievements of this project in an intergenerational project supported by an inner-city health organization in Melbourne, Australia.
Intertextual voices and engagement in TV advertisements
Authors: Feng Dezheng , Wignell Peter
Published: October 2011

By analysing multimodal TV advertisements, this study aims to show how intertextual voices are exploited in advertising discourse to enhance persuasive power. Taking as their point of departure the assumption that all discourses are intertextual recontextualizations of social practice that draw on external voices from both specific discourses and discursive conventions, the authors identify two types of intertextual voice in TV advertisements: character and discursive voice. This article illustrates the multimodal construction of voices and demonstrates that the choice of voices is closely related to the ‘domain’ of the product. It is argued that the intertexual voices contribute to the advertising discourse through multimodal engagement strategies. Character voice endorses the advertised product through such resources as lexico-grammar, intonation, facial expression and staged narrative, while discursive voice endorses the advertised product through contextualization and intertextual discourse structure. It is hoped that the study will shed light on the understanding of the heteroglossic nature of advertisements, the interaction between intertextual voices and the advertised message, and multimodal construction of voices and engagement.
Identification of correlated damage parameters under noise and bias using Bayesian inference
Authors: An Dawn , Choi Joo-Ho , Kim Nam H.
Published: October 2011

This article presents statistical model parameter identification using Bayesian inference when parameters are correlated and observed data have noise and bias. The method is explained using the Paris model that describes crack growth in a plate under mode I loading. It is assumed that the observed data are obtained through structural health monitoring systems, which may have random noise and deterministic bias. It was found that a strong correlation exists (a) between two parameters of the Paris model, and (b) between initially measured crack size and bias. As the level of noise increases, the Bayesian inference was not able to identify the correlated parameters. However, the remaining useful life was predicted accurately because the identification errors in correlated parameters were compensated by each other. It was also found that the Bayesian identification process converges slowly when the level of noise is high.
Early childhood socialization: Societal context and childrearing values in Hungary
Authors: Brayfield April , Korintus Márta
Published: October 2011

This article examines the socio-cultural context of early childhood socialization in Hungary. Using a macroscopic lens, we describe the national demographic situation and the social organization of early childhood education and care. Our analysis then shifts to a microscopic focus on parental values and beliefs about the substance of what young children should be learning in different settings. Results from our national survey suggest that Hungarian parents tend to view the socialization roles of childcare workers and parents as different, but complementary: good manners should be learned at home, while cognitive and social skills should be learned in nurseries. Most respondents also think that young children should learn about the world, others, and themselves through play in group settings, while reading and math lessons should wait until elementary school.
A Theory of Sex Differences in Technical Aptitude and Some Supporting Evidence
Authors: Schmidt Frank L.
Published: October 2011

In this article, I present a theory that explains the origin of sex differences in technical aptitudes. The theory takes as proven that there are no sex differences in general mental ability (GMA), and it postulates that sex differences in technical aptitude (TA) stem from differences in experience in technical areas, which is in turn based on sex differences in technical interests. Using a large data set, I tested and found support for four predictions made by this theory: (a) the construct level correlation between technical aptitude and GMA is larger for females than males, (b) the observed and true score variability of technical aptitude is greater among males than females, (c) at every level of GMA females have lower levels of technical aptitude, and (d) technical aptitude measures used as estimates of GMA for decision purposes would result in underestimation of GMA levels for girls and women. Given that GMA carries the weight of prediction of job performance, the support found for this last prediction suggests that, for many jobs, technical aptitude tests may underpredict the job performance of female applicants and employees. Future research should examine this question.
The Hungry Mind
Authors: von Stumm Sophie , Hell Benedikt , Chamorro-Premuzic Tomas
Published: October 2011

Over the past century, academic performance has become the gatekeeper to institutions of higher education, shaping career paths and individual life trajectories. Accordingly, much psychological research has focused on identifying predictors of academic performance, with intelligence and effort emerging as core determinants. In this article, we propose expanding on the traditional set of predictors by adding a third agency: intellectual curiosity. A series of path models based on a meta-analytically derived correlation matrix showed that (a) intelligence is the single most powerful predictor of academic performance; (b) the effects of intelligence on academic performance are not mediated by personality traits; (c) intelligence, Conscientiousness (as marker of effort), and Typical Intellectual Engagement (as marker of intellectual curiosity) are direct, correlated predictors of academic performance; and (d) the additive predictive effect of the personality traits of intellectual curiosity and effort rival that the influence of intelligence. Our results highlight that a “hungry mind” is a core determinant of individual differences in academic achievement.
The Need for Standardization of Tacrolimus Assays
Authors: Levine Daniel M , Maine Gregory T , Armbruster David A , Mussell Christopher , Buchholz Christoph , O'Connor Gavin , Tuck Victoria , Johnston Atholl , Holt David W
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND

Owing to the lack of an internationally recognized tacrolimus reference material and reference method, current LC-MS and immunoassay test methods used to monitor tacrolimus concentrations in whole blood are not standardized. The aim of this study was to assess the need for tacrolimus assay standardization.

METHODS

We sent a blinded 40-member whole-blood tacrolimus proficiency panel (0–30 μg/L) to 22 clinical laboratories in 14 countries to be tested by the following assays: Abbott ARCHITECT (n = 17), LC-MS (n = 9), and Siemens Dade Dimension (n = 5). Selected LC-MS laboratories (n = 4) also received a common calibrator set. We compared test results to a validated LC-MS method. Four samples from the proficiency panel were assigned reference values by using exact-matching isotope-dilution mass spectrometr at LGC.

RESULTS

The range of CVs observed with the tacrolimus proficiency panel was as follows: LC-MS 11.4%–18.7%, ARCHITECT 3.9%–9.5%, and Siemens Dade 5.0%–48.1%. The range of historical within-site QC CVs obtained with the use of 3 control concentrations were as follows: LC-MS low 3.8%–10.7%, medium 2.0%–9.3%, high 2.3%–9.0%; ARCHITECT low 2.5%–9.5%, medium 2.5%–8.6%, high 2.9%–18.6%; and Siemens/Dade Dimension low 8.7%–23.0%, medium 7.6%–13.2%, high 4.4%–10.4%. Assay bias observed between the 4 LC-MS sites was not corrected by implementation of a common calibrator set.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus assay standardization will be necessary to compare patient results between clinical laboratories. Improved assay accuracy is required to provide optimized drug dosing and consistent care across transplant centers globally.
Evaluation of Various Test Devices for the Measurements of Aggregates and Asphalt Mixtures’ Specific Gravity
Authors: Bae Abraham , Mohammad Louay N. , Cooper Samuel B. , King William
Published: October 2011

Current test procedures for determining the density properties of aggregate and hot mix asphalt mixtures (HMA) are time consuming and subjective. The density can have significant impact on the performance of asphalt pavements. Three devices (SSDetect, CoreLok, and CoreDry) which can significantly reduce testing time were independently evaluated. Three experiments were performed to evaluate these devices. In the first experiment, specific gravity and absorption of two aggregate types (coarse sand and number 11 limestone) were conducted. The second experiment evaluated the HMA mixture bulk specific gravity (Gmb) of two mixture types (open graded friction coarse and dense graded). The last experiment examined the HMA Gmb of roadway cores. It is noted that the results from these test devices were compared to their counterpart conventional ones. Ten laboratories in Louisiana participated in this experimental program. In general, the SSDetect single operator and multilaboratories precision of both aggregate specific gravity measurements were better than that determined from American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) T84. Furthermore, the results from the SSDetect device did meet the AASHTO precision criterion. Also, HMA Gmb precision values for the CoreLok were similar to that of AASHTO T166 for both mixtures. HMA Gmb values computed from results of the CoreDry device were similar to the ones determined from conventional method for the roadway cores.
Barnás polyposis és diverticulosis együttes előfordulása sigmabélben – Mucosalis prolapsus syndroma esete
Authors: Karácsony Tibor , Joó Judit , Berczi Lajos , Antal András
Published: October 2011

Absztrakt

A szerzők egy 48 éves férfi kórtörténetét ismertetik. Az eset diagnosztikus különlegessége hogy a colonoscopia során számos barnás színű, egy-két cm nagyságú sigmapolipot és diverticulosist találtunk. A gastrointestinalis vérzés miatt laparoscopos sigmaresectiót ajánlottunk, melyet tervezett időben elvégeztünk. A hisztológiai vizsgálat a sigmabélben a diverticulosis és a polyposis együttes előfordulását megerősítette. A ritka elváltozás az irodalomban diverticulosisasszociált, prolapsus típusú gyulladásos polyposisként ismert, ami a mucosalis prolapsus egy változata. A polipok barnás elszíneződését a bennük lerakódott haemosiderin okozta.
List of Contributors
Authors: An Kyungwon
Published: October 2011

Full text available.
Electrostatic field of cube electrodes
Authors: Velickovic Dragutin , Milovanovic Alenka
Published: October 2011

Electric field and potential distribution in the surroundings of cube electrodes are numerically determined using Equivalent Electrodes Method.
An influence of the petrol pump for the atmospheric electric field distribution in the surroundings of the vehicles
Authors: Milovanovic Alenka
Published: October 2011

In this paper the potential and electric field distribution in the surroundings of the cargo vehicles is approximately numerically determined, when they are exposed to the Atmospheric Electric Field (AEF), having uniform intensity and vertical polarization. The cases of the cargo vehicles either isolated or near by petrol pumps are observed. Several results of total induced charge and electrical moment of the vehicle including maps of equipotential and equienergetic curves are presented. The Equivalent Electrode Method (EEM) is used to solve this problem.
Draft amendments to CCIR report 943 and question 48/10: CCIR Study Groups, Doc. Yug 10/1
Authors: Surutka Jovan
Published: October 2011

This paper presents text of the document of the CCIR Study Groups, for period 1982-1986, and draft amendments to report 1943 and question 48/10 prepared by the author, prof. Dr Jovan Surutka, regular member of Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and accepted by the CCIR Study Groups as Doc. YUG 10/1. The author developed a new method of elimination of the static atmospheric electricity from the guys of LF and MF broadcast antennas.
Shielding effect of non-ferrous metallic plates in vicinity of three phase conductors
Authors: Milutinov Miodrag , Pekaric-Nadj Neda
Published: October 2011

This paper uses multi conductor based method (MCM) for numerical estimation of magnetic field cancellation around balanced three phase power conductors introduced by aluminum plates. Aluminum was identified as a suitable shielding material for moderate field reduction due to its low cost and satisfactory shielding performance.
On-line monitoring of multi-area power systems in distributed environment
Authors: Ramesh Ramadoss , Ramachandran Velimuthu
Published: October 2011

The main objective of this paper is to develop a distributed model using grid environment through which on-line monitoring of multi-area power systems can be carried out continuously. Grid computing is a viable solution in order to exploit the enormous amount of computing power available across Internet to solve large interconnected power system problems. A grid service model is proposed for on-line monitoring of multi-area power systems, which provides solutions at specific intervals of time. The proposed model is designed in such a way that any node in the grid can provide the service, which can obtain the power system data from other client grid nodes and responds with solution. Hence the proposed model is highly distributed and has inherent features of scalability and reliability implicitly .
A high performance PWM inverter voltage-fed induction machines drive with an alternative strategy for speed control
Authors: Bounadja M. , Mellakhi A. , Belmadani B.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the method of behaviour model control is applied to an induction motor with its mechanical load in order to increase the robustness of the vector control and to keep its performances despite the presence of perturbations (parameters variations, abrupt load variations, etc). The idea of the proposed control is interesting and useful. It induces adding supplementary control inputs, which yield the process to follow the model. The distinguished feature of this control design is that it achieves the same performances as the Field Oriented Control without the need for heavy and expensive gain tuning. The proposed strategy minimizes the energy used for the control and ensures the stabilization and excellent tracking performance of the system. Simplicity of the method, minimization of the required energy and the elimination of the need for gain tuning are the main positive features of the proposed approach.
Synchronous machine parameter identification in frequency and time domain
Authors: Hasni M. , Djema S. , Touhami O. , Ibtiouen R. , Fadel M. , Caux S.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the results of a frequency and time-domain identification procedure to estimate the linear parameters of a salient-pole synchronous machine at standstill. The objective of this study is to use several input signals to identify the model structure and parameters of a salient-pole synchronous machine from standstill test data. The procedure consists to define, to conduct the standstill tests and also to identify the model structure. The signals used for identification are the different excitation voltages at standstill and the flowing current in different windings. We estimate the parameters of operational impedances, or in other words the reactance and the time constants. The tests were carried out on synchronous machine of 1.5 kVA 380V 1500 rpm.
Hybrid reed: Solid-state devices are a new generation of protective relays
Authors: Gurevich Vladimir
Published: October 2011

Research and development in the field of electromechanical protective relays has not been conducted for tens of years. Author?s approach allows viewing the problem of re-equipment of relay protection in a new way. In the author?s opinion combination of reed switches with magnetic circuits and semiconductor elements opens new avenues in development of the promising protective relays featuring reliability, simplicity and low cost. Examples of protective relays made with these elements are given below.
Factor affecting characteristic of voltage sag due to fault in the power system
Authors: Patne Nita , Thakre Krishna
Published: October 2011

Faults in the power system are the most common reason for the occurrence of important power quality problem, voltage sag in the system. Due to increasing use of sensitive and sophisticated control in almost all modern devices at the industrial and residential consumer level, the Voltage sag which causes severe problems to these devices needs to be analyzed. Factors which affect the characteristics of voltage sag as a type of fault in the system, location of fault in the system, X/R ratio of transmission lines, type of transmission as single or double circuit transmission, Point on wave of sag initiation are studied in this paper. PSCAD/EMTDC is used as a simulation tool.
Detection of breathing phases
Authors: Bozic Ivan , Klisic Djordje , Savic Andrej
Published: October 2011

The electrical stimulation systems, for the needs of artificial ventilation are in the grater or lesser extent, in commercial use since 1970's. Apart from development of new methods of stimulation and hardware solutions, the key role in development of such systems is reliable detection of phases during breathing. This paper gives the review of stimulation methods, physiology of respiratory system and one of the possible solutions, proposed by the authors. .
System for digitalization of medical images based on DICOM standard
Authors: Cabarkapa Slobodan , Zajic Goran , Pavlovic Milan , Slavkovic Nikola , Reljin Nikola , Kragovic Milanko
Published: October 2011

According to DICOM standard, which defines both medical image information and user information, a new system for digitalizing medical images is involved as a part of the main system for archiving and retrieving medical databases. The basic characteristics of this system are described in this paper. Furthermore, the analysis of some important DICOM header's tags which are used in this system, are presented, too. Having chosen the appropriate tags in order to preserve important information, the efficient system has been created. .
Voltage-controlled oscillator at 6 GHz for Doppler radar in heart sensing applications
Authors: Jovanovic Predrag , Tasic Sinisa , Jokanovic Branka
Published: October 2011

In this paper, the design of a low noise voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for heart sensing applications is presented. It is designed using Ansoft Designer software to have a low level of phase noise, therefore a bipolar transistor is chosen. Many effects such as the behavior of large signals, the parasitic effects of packages, etc., are taken into account. Hence, through a nonlinear analysis, quite accurate simulation results are provided.
One solution to recognition of artistic pictures for guide robots by using artificial neural networks
Authors: Lukic Luka
Published: October 2011

In this paper is presented one solution to efficient, robust and cheap recognition of artistic pictures on the walls of museums and exhibit halls that reveals satisfactory measure of universality in order to be applied in the areas of trade, process industry, quality control, etc. This solution can be used in a wide range of applications where there is a demand of classifying objects on basis of their visual properties in a large number of existing classes. Here is proposed a method of selective grouping of pattern vectors as training sets for classifiers (artificial neural networks in this case), providing a smaller number of hidden layers in networks, achieving more precise performances and significantly expanding a number of classes to be classified. Selection approach is used in the very classification as well - neural networks are fed with input pattern vectors chosen from subsets determined by additional coefficients. .
Estimation of reliability of a interleaving PFC boost converter
Authors: Gulam Amer , Rao Srinivasa
Published: October 2011

Reliability plays an important role in power supplies. For other electronic equipment, a certain failure mode, at least for a part of the total system, can often be employed without serious (critical) effects. However, for power supply no such condition can be accepted, since very high demands on its reliability must be achieved. At higher power levels, the continuous conduction mode (CCM) boost converter is preferred topology for implementation a front end with PFC. As a result, significant efforts have been made to improve the performance of high boost converter. This paper is one of the efforts for improving the performance of the converter from the reliability point of view. In this paper, interleaving boost power factor correction converter is simulated with single switch in continuous conduction mode (CCM), discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and critical conduction mode (CRM) under different output power ratings. Results of the converter are explored from reliability point of view.
Electronic states and optical transitions in a graphene quantum dot in a normal magnetic field
Authors: Grujic Marko , Tadic Milan
Published: October 2011

An analytical approach using the Dirac-Weyl equation is implemented to obtain the energy spectrum and optical absorption of a circular graphene quantum dot in the presence of an external magnetic field. The results are obtained for the infinite-mass and zigzag boundary conditions. We found that the energy spectra of a dot with zigzag boundary condition exhibit a zero energy band regardless of the value of the magnetic field, while for the infinite mass boundary conditions, the zero energy states appear only for high magnetic fields.