bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Views and Values of Developmental Disabilities and Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Support Professionals Regarding the Prevention and Handling of Situations of Abuse
Authors: Hickson Linda , Khemka Ishita , Golden Harriet , Chatzistyli Aikaterini
Published: September 2013

Past research has indicated that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are vulnerable to all types of abuse. It is apparent that the views and values of support professionals constitute an important aspect of the cultural context in which adults with I/DD face and respond to potentially abusive situations. In the present study, the perspectives of support professionals working with adults with I/DD were assessed relative to those of support professionals working in the area of domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) regarding various aspects of abuse prevention and the risk factors that may contribute to the vulnerability of people with I/DD to abuse. Their responses to a set of decision‐making scenarios involving abuse were also compared. Results indicated that both groups were almost unanimous in their belief that it was important to provide abuse prevention training to individuals with I/DD, their families, and their service providers. However, the DV/SA support professionals saw people with I/DD as generally more vulnerable to abuse than did the I/DD support professionals. Furthermore, the DV/SA support professionals placed more importance on environmental and cultural sources of vulnerability than did I/DD support professionals, who emphasized characteristics of the potential victim, such as self‐empowerment. Finally, the two groups showed different patterns of responses to some decision‐making situations. Taken as a whole, the findings support the need to develop effective interventions and to foster increased communication and collaboration among I/DD and DV/SA support professionals.
Issues Emanating From the Implementation of Policies on Restraint Use With People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Rickard Eóin David , Chan Jeffrey , Merriman Brian
Published: September 2013

Some service providers use restraints and seclusion with people with an intellectual disability, and policies that permit such practices usually state that their use is primarily to prevent the risk of self‐injury or risk to others. However, the use and effectiveness of restrictive practices have been questioned due to the negative impact on the service user and staff and may also be considered a contravention of the human rights of the service user. Consequently, policies are now trending toward limiting restraint use or on the prevention of or safe elimination of the use of restraint. In Ireland, new legislation has attempted to formalize the definitions of restraint and seclusion, as well as place restrictions on such practices. However, issues have been raised with respect to the implementation of the new policies, particularly in operationalizing a definition of restraint and applying it to widely heterogeneous clinical groups considering the autonomy that service providers have in devising their own service‐level policies. The authors use legislation from Ireland and Victoria, Australia, to illustrate restraint practices and the issues emanating from its use. The authors argue that a gap remains between our understanding of the place of implementing restrictive practices with respect to service provision and their actual applications by providers. They conclude that such discordance between policy and practice needs to be addressed by stronger regulation.
Omega‐3 fatty acids and/or fluvastatin in hepatitis C prior non‐responders to combination antiviral therapy – a pilot randomised clinical trial
Authors: Sheridan David A. , Bridge Simon H. , Crossey Mary M. E. , Felmlee Daniel J. , Fenwick Fiona I. , Thomas Howard C. , Neely R. Dermot G. , Taylor‐Robinson Simon D. , Bassendine Margaret F.
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background & Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) utilises cholesterol and lipoprotein metabolism for replication and infectivity. Statins and omega‐3 (n–3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to have antiviral properties in vitro. This open label pilot study evaluated the efficacy of fluvastatin (Lescol® 40–80 mg) and n‐3 PUFA (Omacor®1 g and 2–4 g) on HCV‐RNA and lipoviral particles (LVP) in difficult to treat prior non‐responders.

Methods

Patients (n = 60) were randomly allocated in a factorial design to: no active drug; low‐dose n‐3 PUFA; high‐dose n‐3 PUFA; fluvastatin; low‐dose n‐3 PUFA + fluvastatin; or high‐dose n‐3 PUFA + fluvastatin. 50/60 completed study drugs for 12 weeks and followed up to week 24. Comparison was made between fluvastatin (n = 24) vs no fluvastatin (n = 26) and n‐3 PUFA high‐dose (n = 17) vs low‐dose (n = 17) vs none (n = 16). The primary outcomes were change in total HCV‐RNA, LVP and ALT at week 12 compared with baseline. Secondary outcome was change in interferon‐gamma‐inducible protein‐10 (IP10) as a measure of interferon activation.

Results

35% had compensated cirrhosis and 45% were prior null responders. There was no significant change in total HCV RNA, LVP, non‐LVP or LVP ratio in patients receiving fluvastatin or n‐3 PUFAs. ALT was not significantly different in those treated with fluvastatin or n‐3 PUFAs. 12 weeks of low‐dose n‐3 PUFA decreased median IP10 concentration by −39 pg/ml (−111, 7.0 pg/ml Q1–Q3).

Conclusions

Fluvastatin and n‐3 PUFAs have no effect on plasma HCV‐RNA or LVP. The effect of low‐dose n‐3 PUFA on IP10 warrants further prospective evaluation as a supplemental therapy to enhance interferon sensitivity.
Secretion of atypical protein substrates by the ESAT‐6 Secretion System of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Anderson Mark , Aly Khaled A. , Chen Yi‐Hsing , Missiakas Dominique
Published: September 2013

Staphylococcus aureus encodes the specialized ESAT‐6 Secretion System (ESS). EsxA and EsxB are secreted by the ESS pathway, and share sequence features of ESAT‐6 and CFP‐10 of the Type VII Secretion System (T7SS) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Unlike ESAT‐6 and CFP‐10, EsxA and EsxB do not interact. Instead, EsxB associates with a novel substrate, EsxD, and EsxA dimerizes with itself or EsxC (EsaC). Unlike EsxA and EsxB, EsxC and EsxD do not share obvious sequence features of WXG100 proteins nor PE/PPE and Esp families of proteins, all of which belong to the pfam EsxAB clan of mycobacterial T7SS. EsxD carries the C‐terminal motif YxxxD/E that has been proposed to target T7 substrates for secretion in mycobacteria. Here, we find that deletion, but not amino acid substitutions, in this motif prevent secretion of EsxA and EsxC but not EsxB or EsxD. This is unlike the genetic inactivation of esxA, esxB, esxC or esxD that leads to loss of secretion of all four substrates. Thus, substrate secretion can be uncoupled by deleting the last six amino acids of EsxD. The physical association of EsxC and EsxD with canonical WXG100 proteins suggests that these proteins belong to the EsxAB clan.
Dual input control: activation of the Bartonella henselae VirB/D4 type IV secretion system by the stringent sigma factor RpoH1 and the BatR/BatS two‐component system
Authors: Québatte Maxime , Dick Mathias S. , Kaever Volkhard , Schmidt Alexander , Dehio Christoph
Published: September 2013

The co‐ordinated expression of virulence factors is a critical process for any bacterial pathogen to colonize its host. Here we investigated the mechanisms of niche adaptation of the zoonotic pathogen Bartonella henselae by combining genetic approaches and shotgun proteomics. We demonstrated that expression of the VirB/D4 type IV secretion system (T4SS) and its secreted effector proteins require the alternative sigma factor RpoH1, which levels are controlled by the stringent response (SR) components DksA and SpoT. The RpoH1‐dependent activation requires an active BatR/BatS two‐component system (TCS) while BatR expression is controlled by RpoH1 and the SR components. Deletion of spoT results in a strong attenuation of VirB/D4 T4SS expression whereas dksA, rpoH1 or batR deletion fully abolishes its activity. In contrast to their activating effect on the VirB/D4 T4SS, which is critical at the early stage of host infection, SpoT and DksA negatively regulate the Trw T4SS, which mediates host‐specific erythrocyte infection at a later stage of the colonization process. Our findings support a model where the SR signalling and the physiological pH‐induced BatR/BatS TCS conjointly control the spatiotemporal expression of B. henselae adaptation factors during host infection.
Multiple Hair Whorls in a Child with Normal Cranial and Neurologic Development
Authors: Malathi Munisamy , Chandrasekhar Laxmisha , Thappa Devinder M.
Published: September 2013

Hair whorls are a normal characteristic of the human scalp and abnormally placed or absent whorls have been associated with cranial or neurologic abnormalities. We report a case of multiple whorls in a child with normal neurologic development. We also include a brief review of the literature on the development of hair whorls and their associations.
Effectiveness of influenza vaccine in children in day‐care centers of Sapporo
Authors: Mori Mitsuru , Hasegawa Junko , Showa Satoko , Matsushima Aiko , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Yoto Yuko , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: September 2013

Background

We conducted a retrospective cohort study for evaluating the effectiveness of the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) among children aged 0–6 years in the 2011–2012 season in Sapporo City, Japan, because of scarce evidence.

Methods

From 10 day‐care centers in Sapporo City, Japan, 629 parents participated in the study. Each parent of the subjects described whether a subject received TIV once or twice in the 2011–2012 season, as well as the exact dates of receiving TIV from records in a maternal and child health handbook marked by a pediatrician. The incidence of influenza was defined as being affected with influenza as diagnosed by a pediatrician. Cox's proportional model was used for calculating a hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of TIV on an influenza incidence.

Results

After adjusting potential confounding variables, such as the day‐care center, presence of comorbidity, size of household, number of siblings, and number of smokers in the home in addition to the age and sex of the child, HR was significantly reduced in the subjects aged 1 year (HR = 0.22, 95%CI 0.09–0.54) as well as in the total subjects (HR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.52–0.99). Consequently, the effectiveness of TIV was calculated as 78% for the subjects aged 1 year and 28% for the total subjects.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that TIV is effective, especially in subjects aged 1 year. Further studies are necessary in different seasons, places, and populations to clarify the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in children.
Autonomy by imposition. The birth of the natio Scota in the law faculty of the University of Padua (1534)
Authors: Piovan Francesco
Published: September 2013

The natio was the fundamental constituting element of the students' corporations in the medieval and early modern studia; it grouped students from an area whose homogeneity depended on language or habits, the issue of political nations being at the time a minor one. Therefore, the existence of a natio in a studium should indicate the presence of students from a specific geographic area. This is not the case for the jurists' natio Scota, founded in 1534 by a decree of the Venetian Collegio. Separated from the older natio Anglica, which from its origin had gathered all students coming from the British Isles, the natio Scota was in fact an empty container, whose creation was essentially intended to help solve a conflict within the universitas iuristarum. Such conflict did not concern either the English or the Scots, but the French‐speaking students of the Provençal and Burgundian nationes and the Italian‐speaking Piemontese students asking to join those nationes.
Notes from the archives concerning the Paduan days of Thomas Savage (1481–1482)
Authors: Forin Elda Martellozzo
Published: September 2013

Thomas Savage (d. 1507), who would become Archbishop of York in 1501, was certainly in Padua in the academic year 1481–82, when he became rector of the universitas iuristarum. So far very little has been known of his Paduan year, but now we can add to this knowledge two relevant documents: the rotulus (the list of teaching posts with the names of the respective lecturers) approved at the beginning of his mandate, and the doctorate in civil law he was awarded at the end of his year as a rector by the Palatine Count Girolamo Capodilista. These documents, both unpublished, allow us a better understanding of some details of his Paduan sojourn.
‘Medieval’, ‘Renaissance’, ‘modern’. Issues of periodization in Italian university history
Authors: Denley Peter
Published: September 2013

Italian university historiography is strongly influenced by current notions of periodization and change. ‘Medieval’ universities have been seen as unique but soon outdated creations, to be overtaken by ‘Renaissance’ universities in which the driving forces were the requirements of ‘princes’ or whoever else was at the helm of the ‘territorial state’. The ‘Renaissance’ universities, and even more their ‘modern’ successors, are supposed to have been more functional, more responsive to demand and to the aspirations of rulers and elites – and thus, by implication, more ‘efficient’. But this reading fails to take full cognisance of the true significance of the medieval universities, which in practice were strongly pragmatic foundations as well as idealistic ones. From the thirteenth century, Italian universities in particular were locked in a mechanism of market forces that ensured that they were constantly open to fresh initiatives and constantly subject to change. This contribution reassesses these institutions and contests the traditional chronological perspectives.
Beyond the classroom: international interest in the studia humanitatis in the university towns of Quattrocento Italy
Authors: Rundle David
Published: September 2013

This article challenges two common misconceptions about ultramontani and Italian Renaissance education. The first is better known but still prevalent in some accounts: it is too often assumed that a visit to Italy needs must make a foreigner come under the influence of the studia humanitatis – but, in truth, many travelled without ever coming in contact with what we call humanism. The second misconception is less recognized: it is the assumption that travellers to Italy sought out specific teachers, in particular, Guarino da Verona, as a font of humanist learning. Even in the classic iconoclastic account of Grafton and Jardine, it is accepted that Guarino enjoyed an international reputation that attracted students to him. In truth, the claim tells us more about the self‐conscious construction of Guarino's image by his students (sometimes under his own direction) than it does about their own experience. It is a reputation that has created a classic case of misdirection: modern scholars concentrate on what was or was not happening in his presence, at the risk of missing what was going on elsewhere. Despite their own rhetoric, Guarino's foreign students did not flock to Italy solely to sit at the pedagogue's feet: they submitted themselves to multiple educational stimuli, and continued their own studies away from their master. In other words, the students manufactured their own humanist experience, both within and outside educational establishments.
From Classroom to Dyad: Actor and Partner Effects of Aggression and Victim Reputation
Authors: Lansu Tessa A. M. , Cillessen Antonius H. N. , Sandstrom Marlene J.
Published: September 2013

This study examined whether early adolescents’ classroom aggression predicted their aggression in a one‐on‐one dyadic setting, and whether early adolescents’ classroom victimization predicted their victimization in the dyadic setting. After completing peer nominations for aggression and victimization, 218 early adolescents (M age = 11.0 years) participated in a dyadic paradigm in which they were led to believe that they played against a same‐sex classmate for whom they could set the intensity of noise blasts. Analyses with the actor–partner interdependence model by Olsen and Kenny showed that peer‐nominated physical aggression for boys and relational aggression for girls predicted noise blast aggression in the dyadic setting. For girls but not boys, peer‐nominated victimization predicted victimization in the dyadic setting.
Toddler Inhibitory Control, Bold Response to Novelty, and Positive Affect Predict Externalizing Symptoms in Kindergarten
Authors: Buss Kristin A. , Kiel Elizabeth J. , Morales Santiago , Robinson Emily
Published: September 2013

Poor inhibitory control and bold approach have been found to predict the development of externalizing behavior problems in young children. Less research has examined how positive affect may influence the development of externalizing behavior in the context of low inhibitory control and high approach. We used a multi‐method approach to examine how observed toddler inhibitory control, bold approach, and positive affect predicted externalizing outcomes (observed, adult‐, and self‐reported) in additive and interactive ways at the beginning of kindergarten. Children who were 24‐month‐olds (N = 110) participated in a laboratory visit and 84 were followed up in kindergarten for externalizing behaviors. Overall, children who were low in inhibitory control, high in bold approach, and low in positive affect at 24 months of age were at greater risk for externalizing behaviors during kindergarten.
Concentrations of metals and metalloids in soils that have the potential to lead to exceedance of maximum limit concentrations of contaminants in food and feed
Authors: McGrath S. P. , Zhao F. J.
Published: September 2013

This review focusses on the transfers of metals and metalloids from soil to food and feed, based mostly on UK information. Published information on the behaviour of a number of these contaminants in soil–plant systems is used to evaluate which elements are likely to transfer to food and feed. Data on the concentrations of metals and metalloids in soils and other soil properties in England and Wales are used in models to illustrate the likelihood of transfers exceeding the maximum concentration limits in food and feed in European legislation. Information from crop and herbage quality surveys is used to compare with the output from models. In most cases, the modelled or observed concentrations in food and feed do not reach the maximum allowable concentrations. Of all the contaminants considered, Cd appears to be most likely to exceed limit concentrations under UK conditions, but at present, there is some difficulty predicting Pb uptake and As uptake into the edible parts of crops from soil. However, crops exceeding the food limits are more likely to be grown if those crops are vegetables and if soil limit concentrations and best soil management practices have not been followed (e.g. maintenance of high soil pH in the case of cationic metals). We discuss the gaps and uncertainties for different metals and metalloids and show the need to review the situation if food or feed maximum concentration limits are changed as new information becomes available on toxicology and dietary exposure.
The effect of ‘allergenic’ and ‘nonallergenic’ antibiotics on dog keratinocyte viability in vitro
Authors: Voie Katrine L. , Lucas Benjamin E. , Schaeffer David , Kim Dewey , Campbell Karen L. , Lavergne Sidonie N.
Published: September 2013

Background

Immune‐mediated adverse drug reactions (drug hypersensitivity) are relatively common in veterinary medicine, but their pathogenesis is not well understood. For an unknown reason, delayed drug hypersensitivity often targets the skin. Antibiotics, especially β‐lactams and sulfonamides, are commonly associated with these adverse events. The ‘danger theory’ hypothesizes that ‘danger’ signals, such as drug‐induced cell death, might be part of the pathogenesis of drug hypersensitivity reactions.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The goal of this study was to determine whether antibiotics that are commonly associated with cutaneous drug hypersensitivity (allergenic) decrease canine keratinocyte viability in vitro more than antibiotics that rarely cause such reactions (nonallergenic).

Methods

Immortalized canine keratinocytes (CPEK cells) were exposed to a therapeutic range of drug concentrations of four ‘allergenic’ antibiotics (two β‐lactams, i.e. amoxicillin and cefalexin, and two sulfonamides, i.e. sulfamethoxazole and sulfadimethoxine) or two ‘nonallergenic’ antibiotics (enrofloxacin and amikacin) over 48 h (2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h). The reactive nitroso metabolite of sulfamethoxazole was also tested.

Results

Cefalexin (2 mmol/L) significantly decreased cell viability after 48 h (28 ± 7%; P = 0.035). The nitroso metabolite of sulfamethoxazole (100 μmol/L) decreased cell viability after 2 h (21 ± 7%; P = 0.049), but cell numbers were increased after 8 h (22 ± 6%; P = 0.018). In addition, enrofloxacin (500 μmol/L) also significantly decreased cell viability by 37% (±6%; P = 0.0035) at 24 h and by 70% (±8%; P < 0.001) at 48 h.

Conclusion

It appears that the effect of drugs on the in vitro viability of dog keratinocytes is not a good predictor of the ‘allergenic’ potential of an antibiotic. Further work is required to investigate other drug‐induced ‘danger’ signals in dog keratinocytes exposed to ‘allergenic’ antibiotics in vitro.
A Computational Approach for Cam Size Optimization of Disc Cam-Follower Mechanisms With Translating Roller Followers
Authors: Flores Paulo
Published: September 2013

The main objective of this work is to present a computational approach for design optimization of disc cam mechanisms with eccentric translating roller followers. For this purpose, the objective function defined here takes into account the three major parameters that influence the final cam size, namely, the base circle radius of the cam, the radius of the roller and the offset of the follower. Furthermore, geometric constraints related to the maximum pressure angle and minimum radius of curvature are included to ensure good working conditions of the system. Finally, an application example is presented and used to discuss the main assumptions and procedure adopted throughout this work.
A Kinematic Model for Parallel-Joint Coordinate Measuring Machine
Authors: Li Jie , Yu Lian-Dong , Sun Jing-Qi , Xia Hao-Jie
Published: September 2013

The typical nonorthogonal coordinate measuring machine is the portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM), which is widely applied in manufacturing. In order to improve the measurement accuracy of PCMM, structural designing, data processing, mathematical modeling, and identification of parameters of PCMM, which are essential for the measurement accuracy, should be taken into account during the machine development. In this paper, a kind of PCMM used for detecting the crucial dimension of automobile chassis has been studied and calibrated. The Denavit–Hartenberg (D–H) kinematic modeling method has often been used for modeling traditional robot, but the D–H error representation is ill-conditioned when it is applied to represent parallel joints. A modified four-parameter model combined with D–H model is put forward for this PCMM. Based on the kinematic model, Gauss–Newton method is applied for calibrating the kinematic parameters. The experimental results indicate the improvement of measuring accuracy and the effectiveness of the PCMM based on the proposed method.
Geometric Analysis of a Foldable Barrel Vault With Origami
Authors: Cai Jianguo , Xu Yixiang , Feng Jian
Published: September 2013

This paper investigates the geometry of a foldable barrel vault with modified Miura-ori patterns, which displays a curvature during the motion. The principal of spherical trigonometry was used to obtain the relationship of the inclined angles between adjacent folded papers of Miura-ori. Then, the radius, span, rise, and longitudinal length of the foldable barrel vault in all configurations throughout the motion are determined. The results show that the radius of curvature grows exponentially and the span increases during deployment. Furthermore, the rise increases first, followed by a decrease with increasing deployment angle.
Optical Measurement of Local and Global Transfer Functions for Equivalence Ratio Fluctuations in a Turbulent Swirl Flame
Authors: Bobusch Bernhard C. , Ćosić Bernhard , Moeck Jonas P. , Oliver Paschereit Christian
Published: September 2013

Equivalence ratio fluctuations are known to be one of the key factors controlling thermoacoustic stability in lean premixed gas turbine combustors. The mixing and thus the spatiotemporal evolution of these perturbations in the combustor flow is, however, difficult to account for in present low-order modeling approaches. To investigate this mechanism, experiments in an atmospheric combustion test rig are conducted. To assess the importance of equivalence ratio fluctuations in the present case, flame transfer functions for different injection positions are measured. By adding known perturbations in the fuel flow using a solenoid valve, the influence of equivalence ratio oscillations on the heat release rate is investigated. The equivalence ratio fluctuations in the reaction zone are measured spatially and temporally resolved using two optical chemiluminescence signals, captured with an intensified camera. A steady calibration measurement allows for the quantitative assessment of the equivalence ratio fluctuations in the flame. This information is used to obtain a mixing transfer function, which relates fluctuations in the fuel flow to corresponding fluctuations in the equivalence ratio of the flame. The current study focuses on the measurement of the global, spatially integrated, transfer function for equivalence ratio fluctuations and the corresponding modeling. In addition, the spatially resolved mixing transfer function is shown and discussed. The global mixing transfer function reveals that, despite the good spatial mixing quality of the investigated generic burner, the ability to damp temporal fluctuations at low frequencies is rather poor. It is shown that the equivalence ratio fluctuations are the governing heat release rate oscillation response mechanism for this burner in the low-frequency regime. The global transfer function for equivalence ratio fluctuations derived from the measurements is characterized by a pronounced low-pass characteristic, which is in good agreement with the presented convection–diffusion mixing model.
Heat in Computers: Applied Heat Transfer in Information Technology
Authors: Nakayama Wataru
Published: September 2013

Since the advent of modern electronics technology, heat transfer science and engineering has served in the development of computer technology. The computer as an object of heat transfer research has a unique aspect; it undergoes morphological transitions and diversifications in step with the progress of microelectronics technology. Evolution of computer's hardware manifests itself in increasing packing density of electronic circuits, modularization of circuit assemblies, and increasing hierarchical levels of system internal structures. These features are produced by the confluence of various factors; the primary factors are the pursuit of ever higher processing performance, less spatial occupancy, and higher energy utilization efficiency. The cost constraint on manufacturing also plays a crucial role in the evolution of computer's hardware. Besides, the drive to make computers ubiquitous parts of our society generates diverse computational devices. Concomitant developments in heat generation density and heat transfer paths pose fresh challenges to thermal management. In an introductory part of the paper, I recollect our experiences in the mainframe computers of the 1980s, where the system's morphological transition allowed the adoption of water cooling. Then, generic interpretations of the hardware evolution are attempted, which include recapturing the past experience. Projection of the evolutionary trend points to shrinking space for coolant flow, the process commonly in progress in all classes of computers today. The demand for compact packaging will rise to an extreme level in supercomputers, and present the need to refocus our research on microchannel cooling. Increasing complexity of coolant flow paths in small equipment poses a challenge to a user of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation code. In highly integrated circuits the paths of electric current and heat become coupled, and coupled paths make the electrical/thermal codesign an extremely challenging task. These issues are illustrated using the examples of a consumer product, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a many-core processor chip.
Virtual Chain Approach for Mobility Analysis of Multiloop Deployable Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Hailin , Deng Zongquan , Qi Xiaozhi , Li Bing
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we present a virtual chain approach for the mobility analysis of multiloop deployable mechanisms. First, the relative motion of the links of single-loop units in multiloop mechanisms are analyzed using the equivalent motion of certain types of open-loop virtual kinematic chains; these kinematic chains comprise some types of joints connected in series by flexible links. This reveals that the links in these virtual chains are not rigid when the mechanism is moving. The parameters of these virtual kinematic chains (such as the link length, the twist angle of two adjacent revolute joint axes, and so on) are variable. By using this approach that involves equivalent kinematic chains, the multiloop mechanisms can be considered equivalent to single-loop mechanisms with flexible links; the closure equations of such multiloop mechanisms can also be derived. The analytical procedures are explained using examples of multiloop mechanisms in which Myard mechanisms as used as the basic single-loop units. A prototype is also fabricated to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed multiloop mechanism. The proposed method yields a more intuitive and straightforward insight into the mobility of complicated multiloop mechanisms.
Computational Simulation of Temperature Elevations in Tumors Using Monte Carlo Method and Comparison to Experimental Measurements in Laser Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Manuchehrabadi Navid , Chen Yonghui , LeBrun Alexander , Ma Ronghui , Zhu Liang
Published: September 2013

Accurate simulation of temperature distribution in tumors induced by gold nanorods during laser photothermal therapy relies on precise measurements of thermal, optical, and physiological properties of the tumor with or without nanorods present. In this study, a computational Monte Carlo simulation algorithm is developed to simulate photon propagation in a spherical tumor to calculate laser energy absorption in the tumor and examine the effects of the absorption (μa) and scattering (μs) coefficients of tumors on the generated heating pattern in the tumor. The laser-generated energy deposition distribution is then incorporated into a 3D finite-element model of prostatic tumors embedded in a mouse body to simulate temperature elevations during laser photothermal therapy using gold nanorods. The simulated temperature elevations are compared with measured temperatures in PC3 prostatic tumors in our previous in vivo experimental studies to extract the optical properties of PC3 tumors containing different concentrations of gold nanorods. It has been shown that the total laser energy deposited in the tumor is dominated by μa, while both μa and μs shift the distribution of the energy deposition in the tumor. Three sets of μa and μs are extracted, representing the corresponding optical properties of PC3 tumors containing different concentrations of nanorods to laser irradiance at 808 nm wavelength. With the injection of 0.1 cc of a 250 optical density (OD) nanorod solution, the total laser energy absorption rate is increased by 30% from the case of injecting 0.1 cc of a 50 OD nanorod solution, and by 125% from the control case without nanorod injection. Based on the simulated temperature elevations in the tumor, it is likely that after heating for 15 min, permanent thermal damage occurs in the tumor injected with the 250 OD nanorod solution, while thermal damage to the control tumor and the one injected with the 50 OD nanorod solution may be incomplete.
Extrapolation of Maximum Noise Levels From Near-Field Measurements to Far-Field Positions
Authors: Bravo Teresa , Ibarra David , Cobo Pedro
Published: September 2013

The goal of this work is to propose a new strategy for the attenuation of the traffic noise, which constitutes one of the main sources of acoustic pollution in urban and suburban areas. This strategy is based on the measurement of the noise radiated by each individual vehicle using an electro-acoustic system, composed of two microphones for the acquisition of the engine and of the rolling noise. These microphones have been situated inside the engine hood and close to the right back tire respectively. The signals have been recorded for diesel and petrol engines and through typical urban and suburban courses with different persons. Using this procedure, we aim to characterise the drivers responsible of the highest noise levels producing maximum annoyance. The near-field measurements have been then extrapolated to far field positions using an analytical filter that takes into account absorbing properties of the propagation floor. For the internal signal it has been necessary to characterise the acoustic properties of the engine hood experimentally using an array of microphones surrounding the vehicle. The propagated noise is calculated considering the absorption due to the geometrical divergence, the absorption by the air, and the effect of the propagating surface. The signals extrapolated to the receiver position could be compared with the current normative to propose recommendations concerning noise control actions.
An Energy Diffusion Model for Interior Acoustics With Structural Coupling Using the Boundary Element Method
Authors: Corcoran Joseph M. , Burdisso Ricardo A.
Published: September 2013

Recently, a new model for the propagation of sound in interior volumes known as the acoustic diffusion equation has been explored as an alternative method for acoustic predictions and analysis. The model uses statistical methods standard in high frequency room acoustics to compute a spatial distribution of acoustic energy over time as a diffusion process. For volumes coupled through a structural partition, the energy consumed by structural vibration and acoustic energy transmitted between volumes has been incorporated through a simple acoustic transmission coefficient. In this paper, a Boundary Element Method (BEM) solution to the simple diffusion model is developed. The integral form of the 3D acoustic diffusion equation for coupled volumes is derived using the Laplace transform and Green’s Second Identity. The solution using the BEM is developed as well as an efficient Laplace transform inversion scheme to obtain both steady state and transient interior acoustic energy. In addition, a fully coupled model where both structural and acoustic energy are computed as a diffusion process is proposed. A simple volume configuration is examined as the diffusion models are analyzed and compared to conventional room acoustics analysis methods. Advantages of the energy diffusion methods over conventional methods, such as computation of energy distributions and accurate transmission from one volume to another, are revealed as the comparisons are made.
Study of Wall Thickness and Material Effect on Acoustic Wave Propagation in Water-Filled Piping
Authors: Mokhtari Alireza , Chatoorgoon Vijay
Published: September 2013

The operation of many industries, such as power plants or many piping systems, demands knowledge of generated pressure pulsations. The effect of acoustic wave amplification in piping systems can be detrimental to the integrity and life of whole plant. Therefore, understanding of the nature of acoustic wave propagation in water filled piping systems needs to be established based on fundamental experiments and analysis. Chatoorgoon et al. [1] and Rzentkowski et al. [2], compared their no flow experiments with theoretical calculation, and realized that the resonant frequency shifts increased linearly, with resonant frequency increasing.

This paper presents an experimental study showing that linear wave theory, based on a transmission matrix method does predict well the acoustic resonance frequency from 50 to 500 Hz. and the resonant frequency shifts were negligible. Study of tube wall thickness, material (stainless steel and Aluminum) and some equal branch configurations for “Closed-end” tubes are discussed.
Sound Manipulation With Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Zigoneanu Lucian , Popa Bogdan-Ioan , Cummer Steven A.
Published: September 2013

Acoustic metamaterials are engineered materials with properties hard or impossible to find in natural materials (e.g. negative effective density and/or negative bulk modulus). Therefore, a myriad of novel applications could be imagined and some of them have already been theoretically and/or experimentally demonstrated. Gradient index acoustic lenses, acoustic cloaks or acoustic absorbing panels are some common examples. Here, we review the coordinate transformation approach (transformation acoustics) which provides the material parameters needed to precisely control the acoustic wave propagation. Then, we use this technique to design an acoustic black hole and a 3D acoustic ground cloak. We use numerical simulations to explore the practical feasibility of the material parameters required by these applications and design non-resonant, highly sub-wavelength unit cells that will implement them in practice.
Approaches to Urban Noise Management in India
Authors: Naik Neelima S.
Published: September 2013

Noise pollution in urban areas is recognized as a major environmental concern in India. The lack of infrastructure and fast paced life in major metropolitan cities of India has made the urban environment extremely crowded, busy as well as noisy and as a result the millions of people living in the major metropolitan areas are suffering from the impacts of noise pollution. Noise levels are escalating at such a rate that it has become a major threat to the quality of human lives. Direct links between noise and health have been established by research conducted over the past few decades. There are several causes for urban degradation such as population migration, environmental considerations not adequately being incorporated into master plans, uncoordinated and haphazard development, weak implementation of plans and laws and inadequate institutional competences and resource crunch. This paper discusses the causal factors, impacts and the different approaches adopted by the Central Government as well as some major State Pollution Control Boards to curb the urban noise problem and the need for looking into non-conventional solutions such as Ecocity programme to bring in visible environmental improvement.
Determination of Volume Fractions in a Two-Phase Flows From Sound Speed Measurement
Authors: Chaudhuri Anirban , Osterhoudt Curtis F. , Sinha Dipen N.
Published: September 2013

Accurate measurement of the composition of oil-water emulsions within the process environment is a challenging problem in the oil industry. Ultrasonic techniques are promising because they are non-invasive and can penetrate optically opaque mixtures. This paper presents a method of determining the volume fractions of two immiscible fluids in a homogenized two-phase flow by measuring the speed of sound through the composite fluid along with the instantaneous temperature. A linear chirp signal is transmitted through the fluid and de-chirp method is applied to calculate the sound speed in the medium. Two separate algorithms are developed by representing the composite density as (i) a linear combination of the two densities, and (ii) a non-linear fractional formulation. Both methods lead to a quadratic equation with temperature dependent coefficients, the root of which yields the volume fraction. The densities and sound speeds are calibrated at various temperatures for each fluid component, and the fitted polynomial is used in the final algorithm. We present results when the new algorithm is applied to mixtures of crude oil and process water from two different oil fields, and a comparison of our results with a Coriolis meter; the difference between mean values is less than 1%.
Loudness of sounds with a subcritical bandwidth: A challenge to current loudness models?
Authors: Hots J. , Rennies J. , Verhey J. L.
Published: September 2013

Level differences at equal loudness were measured for bandpass noises centered at 1.5 kHz with bandwidths from 5 to 405 Hz and a 1.5-kHz pure tone. Irrespective of the reference (tone or 135-Hz wide noise), the data indicate a decrease in loudness with increasing bandwidth. This is at odds with the assumption of stationary loudness models that loudness for sounds with a subcritical bandwidth is determined by the intensity and center frequency only. It is also not in agreement with dynamic loudness models, which predict higher levels for a tone than for equally loud noises, i.e., the opposite effect.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 10 September 2013
Authors: Irvine Kenneth D. , Sun Gongping , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2013

An adaptor protein promotes nuclear accumulation of the transcriptional coactivator Yorkie in response to JNK signaling.
Always at Your Beclin Call
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: September 2013

Beclin 2 coordinates autophagy and degradation of G protein–coupled receptors.
BAT Burns Fat? Cool.
Authors: Jastreboff Ania M.
Published: September 2013

Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue in adult humans, increasing nonshivering thermogenesis and energy expenditure while decreasing fat mass.
Implantable Lanterns for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Seker Erkin
Published: September 2013

Implantable illumination devices enable selective thermal and drug therapy of deep tumors.
The Virtue of Intolerance
Authors: Voight Benjamin F.
Published: September 2013

Ordering genes based on genetic variation at the population level helps to prioritize mutations that underlie human disease.
Deciphering the Origins and Tracking the Evolution of Cholera Epidemics with Whole-Genome-Based Molecular Epidemiology
Authors: Grad Yonatan H. , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: September 2013

The devastating Haitian cholera outbreak that began in October 2010 is the first known cholera epidemic in this island nation. Epidemiological and genomic data have provided strong evidence that United Nations security forces from Nepal introduced toxigenic
Vibrio cholerae
O1, the cause of epidemic cholera, to Haiti shortly before the outbreak arose. However, some have contended that indigenous
V. cholerae
contributed to the outbreak. In a recent paper (
mBio
4
:e00398-13, 2013), L. S. Katz et al. explored the nature and rate of changes in this ancient pathogen’s genome during an outbreak, based on whole-genome sequencing of 23 Haitian
V. cholerae
clinical isolates obtained over a 20-month period. Notably, they detected point mutations, deletions, and inversions but found no insertion of horizontally transmitted DNA, arguing strongly against the idea that autochthonous
V. cholerae
donated DNA to the outbreak strain. Furthermore, they found that Haitian epidemic
V. cholerae
isolates were virtually untransformable. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that the Haitian isolates were nearly identical to isolates from Nepal and that the Nepalese-Haitian isolates were distinguishable from isolates circulating elsewhere in the world. Reconstruction of the phylogeny of the Haitian isolates was consistent with a single introduction of
V. cholerae
to Haiti sometime between late July and late October 2010, dates remarkably concordant with epidemiological observations. In aggregate, this paper provides additional compelling evidence that the
V. cholerae
strain responsible for the Haitian cholera epidemic came from Nepal and illustrates the power of whole-genome-based analyses for epidemiology, pathogen evolution, and forensics.
An important complication of a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: macrophage activation syndrome
Authors: Reddy Yuvaram N V , Bhatia Navin , Scott Julius Xavier , Nagarajan Priyathersini
Published: September 2013

A 4-year-old girl, a known case of juvenile idiopathic arthritis for 2 years presented to us with high-grade fever and abdominal distension for 2 months. On examination, her temperature was 104°F and she was found to be pale with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy of up to 3×3 cm in size. Her liver was enlarged with a firm consistency and a span of 12 cm. Her spleen was enlarged up to 3 cm along its long axis. The rest of her systemic examination was normal. Laboratory investigations revealed leucocytosis, anaemia and thrombocytopenia with a mildly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Serum ferritin was 16 500 ng/dL and lactate dehydrogenase was 2311 U/L. A bone marrow aspirate showed macrophages showing ingested nuclei. She was diagnosed as having macrophage activation syndrome and was initiated on intravenous methylprednisolone 300 mg daily for 3 days and was switched over to oral prednisolone 2 mg/kg/day. She is currently doing well on follow-up.
Acquired esophagobronchial fistula without Ono's sign and with unusual cause
Authors: Zuunai Aryasuren , Selenge Bulgan , Lee Jung Hun , Lee Sang Hee
Published: September 2013

A 60-year-old woman presented with dyspnoea and respirophasic chest discomfort, as well as a history of idiopathic oesophageal diverticulum. Physical examinations showed no evidence of Ono's sign, fever and weight loss. Chest radiograph revealed a right-sided transudative pleural effusion. Barium oesophagogram made a diagnosis of acquired esophagobronchial fistula communicating between oesophagus and bronchus. The oesophagobronchial fistula, causing pleural effusions, was very small and could be caused by idiopathic oesophageal diverticulum. The pleural effusion was removed by thoracentesis, which improved her symptoms. Surgical therapy or covered oesophageal stenting was advised, but she declined. She is followed-up regularly on an outpatient basis.
KRAS testing in metastatic colorectal carcinoma: challenges, controversies, breakthroughs and beyond
Authors: Malapelle Umberto , Carlomagno Chiara , de Luca Caterina , Bellevicine Claudio , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: September 2013

Metastatic colorectal cancer harbouring a mutation in codon 12 or 13 of the KRAS gene does not benefit from therapy with antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The implementation of community KRAS testing is generating a rapid flow of new data that have implications for the pathologist and testing guidelines besides the physician. Therefore, it seems timely to draw together the threads of this large body of information in order that pathologists can be knowledgeable partners in the multidisciplinary process of targeted cancer therapy and to help refine current testing guidelines. This review addresses (1) the most relevant methodological and technical aspects of KRAS testing in terms of sample site (primary/metastatic), test specimens (resection/biopsy/cytology) and the diverse molecular methods available; (2) the issues related to daily practice, namely, the timing of the test, its turnaround time and the quality control procedures; and (3) the evidence related to the relationship between KRAS genetic intratumoural heterogeneity, clinical sensitivity of mutational detection tools and anti-EGFR treatment outcome. Hopefully, in the near future, elucidation of the potential of biomarker panels and of the mechanisms underlying primary and acquired resistance to anti-EGFR therapy will refine even further personalised treatment regimens for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.