bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurochemical aftermath of amateur boxing
Authors: Zetterberg H. , Hietala M. A. , Jonsson M. , Andreasen N. , Styrud E. , Karlsson I. , Edman A. , Popa C. , Rasulzada A. , Wahlund L. O. , Mehta P. D. , Rosengren L. , Blennow K. , Wallin A.
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Little solid information is available on the possible risks for neuronal injury in amateur boxing.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether amateur boxing and severity of hits are associated with elevated levels of biochemical markers for neuronal injury in cerebrospinal fluid.

DESIGN: Longitudinal study.

SETTING: Referral center specializing in evaluation of neurodegenerative disorders.

PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen amateur boxers (11 men and three women) and 10 healthy male nonathletic control subjects.

INTERVENTIONS: The boxers underwent lumbar puncture 7–10 days and 3 months after a bout. The control subjects underwent LP once.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neurofilament light protein, total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein, phosphorylated tau, and beta‐amyloid protein 1–40 (Abeta([1–40])) and 1–42 (Abeta([1–42])) concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid were measured.

RESULTS: Increased levels after a bout compared with after 3 months of rest from boxing were found for two markers for neuronal and axonal injury, neurofilament light protein (mean±SD, 845±1140 vs 208±108 ng/L; P=0.008) and total tau (mean±SD, 449±176 vs 306±78 ng/L; P=0.006), and for the astroglial injury marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (mean±SD, 541±199 vs 405±138 ng/L; P=0.003). The increase was significantly higher among boxers who had received many hits (>15) or high‐impact hits to the head compared with boxers who reported few hits. In the boxers, concentrations of neurofilament light protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, but not total tau, were significantly elevated after a bout compared with the nonathletic control subjects. With the exception of neurofilament light protein, there were no significant differences between boxers after 3 months of rest from boxing and the nonathletic control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS: Amateur boxing is associated with acute neuronal and astroglial injury. If verified in longitudinal studies with extensive follow‐up regarding the clinical outcome, analyses of cerebrospinal fluid may provide a scientific basis for medical counseling of athletes after boxing or head injury.
Parents of Elementary School Students Weigh in on Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index Screening at School
Authors: Kubik Martha Y. , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Story Mary , Rieland Gayle
Published: November 2006

Abstract: School‐based body mass index (BMI) screening and parent notification programs have been recommended as a childhood overweight prevention strategy. However, there are little empirical data available to guide decision making about the acceptability and safety of programs. A pilot study was conducted using a quasiexperimental research design. In fall 2004, children in 4 suburban elementary schools (kindergarten to sixth grade) in the St Paul/Minneapolis, MN, metropolitan area completed height/weight screening. The following spring, parents in 2 schools received letters containing height/weight and BMI results. A self‐administered post‐only survey examined parents’ opinions and beliefs regarding school‐based BMI screening and parent notification programs (response rate: 790/1133 = 70%). The χ2 test of significance was used to examine differences in program support by treatment condition, child’s weight status, and sociodemographic characteristics. Among all parents, 78% believed it was important for schools to assess student’s height/weight annually and wanted to receive height, weight, and BMI information yearly. Among parents receiving the letter, 95% read most/all of the letter. Most parents (80%) and children (83%) reported comfort with the information in the letter. Parents of overweight children were more likely to report parental discomfort as well as child discomfort with letter content. There was considerable parental support for school‐based BMI screening and parent notification programs. Programs may be a useful overweight prevention tool for children. However, continued attention to how best to support parents and children affected by overweight is required. (J Sch Health. 2006;76(10):496‐501)
New capillary rheometer allowing for small-angle x-ray scattering experiments inside the die. Application to the extrusion of block copolymers, their macroscopic defects, and their structure
Authors: Carreras Enric Santanach , Piau Jean-Michel , El Kissi Nadia , Pignon Fréderic , Panine Pierre
Published: November 2006

Extrusion rates are often limited by the surface cracks originating at the die exit. These cracks can be so severe in the case of certain polymers that the phenomenon known as “flow split” occurs. Previous work by the same authors explains the macroscopic mechanisms leading to flow split observed during the extrusion of polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-co-buylene)-block-polystyrene block copolymers in their microphase separated state. The present paper looks at the effects of extrusion on the structure of these block copolymers at regimes showing the different characteristic defects of the fluids. The structure of extruded samples is examined by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). A comparison between the relaxation times characteristic of the copolymers and the time necessary to prepare the samples shows that quenching of samples the flow of which is stable at the die exit is practically impossible with a standard capillary rheometer. Hence, in situ experiments inside the die are necessary to understand the structure changes occurring during the extrusion process. For this reason, a new capillary rheometer equipped with a beryllium die, transparent to x rays, is developed and preliminary tests are performed. The results validate the design and show the feasibility of on-line experiments. Moreover, an interpretation that relates the macroscopic defects and structure observed with SAXS experiments is proposed.
Hydrophobic interactions in associative polymer/nonionic surfactant systems: Effects of surfactant architecture and system parameters
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Scanu Lauriane F. , Khan Saad A.
Published: November 2006

The rheological behavior of a comb-like associative polymer with pendant hydrophobes in the presence of nonylphenol polyethoxylate (NPe) nonionic surfactants is examined. In particular, the effects of surfactant concentration, polymer concentration, and surfactant’s hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) are investigated with the latter being varied by using surfactants with different number of ethoxylate units (e=6, 8, 12, and 15). Steady shear and dynamic measurements are performed and the zero/low shear viscosity (η0), the number and average life time of the hydrophobic junctions, and the numbers of polymer hydrophobes and NP8 surfactant molecules per hydrophobic junction are determined. The trend of zero/low shear viscosity with increasing NP8 surfactant concentration exhibits four distinct regions, each of them related to molecular-level changes: (1) surfactant addition to the hydrophobic junctions (no change in η0 from that of pure hydrophobically modified alkali–soluble emulsion polymer solution); (2) formation of mixed micelles containing surfactants and several polymer hydrophobes (η0 increases); (3) saturation of each polymer hydrophobe by individual surfactant micelles (η0 decreases); and (4) formation of free surfactant micelles (η0 is constant). The viscosity trend of the polymer/NP8 surfactant systems with increasing surfactant concentration does not change upon increasing polymer concentration from 0.5 to 1wt%. Moreover, the number of surfactant molecules bound to polymer hydrophobes at the viscosity maximum is the same for both polymer concentrations. In terms of the effects of surfactant HLB on polymer/NPe surfactants systems, we find essentially similar trends of zero/low shear viscosity with increasing surfactant concentration for systems containing surfactants of higher HLB (NP12 and NP15). However, the viscosity maximum is lower, and viscosity in the fourth region gradually decreases for systems containing higher HLB surfactant. In contrast, systems containing a surfactant with lower HLB (NP6) exhibit a different behavior with a continuous increase in zero/low shear viscosity with increasing surfactant concentration.
Effect of charged polyelectrolytes on the electrophoretic behavior, stability, and viscoelastic properties of montmorillonite suspensions
Authors: Ramos-Tejada M. M. , Galindo-González C. , Perea R. , Durán J. D. G.
Published: November 2006

This work is devoted to the study of the rheological properties of sodium montmorillonite suspensions in aqueous media containing polyelectrolytes in solution. Two different polyelectrolytes are employed: polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). PAA can bear negative charge, thus acting as a polyanion, while PEI can be considered as a polycation, although the charge of both polymers is strongly dependent on pH of the solution. The rheological behavior of clay suspensions is essentially determined by the electric potential of the faces and edges of the laminar clay particles. In order to analyze the changes in the interfacial electric potential of clay surfaces, the zeta potential of clay particles was estimated from electrophoresis measurements for different solution compositions. The yield stress and the storage modulus of the suspensions were determined demonstrating that only in some cases the storage modulus can be correlated with the changes in electrostatic interactions between particles. In particular, in clay/PEI suspensions at neutral-basic pH the changes in the viscoelastic properties do not match with those in surface-to-surface electrostatic interactions. Different mechanisms are proposed to explain the wide variety of rheological phenomena observed.
Characterization of sparsely long chain branched polycarbonate by a combination of solution, rheology and simulation methods
Authors: van Ruymbeke E. , Kaivez A. , Hagenaars A. , Daoust D. , Godard P. , Keunings R. , Bailly C.
Published: November 2006

We characterize sparsely and randomly branched polycarbonate and fractions thereof by a combination of solution and rheological techniques, and we compare the observations with the results of Monte Carlo simulations as well as tube-based modeling. On-line coupling of size exclusion chromatography with intrinsic viscosity (SEC-IV) yields values for the viscosity branching index g′, which deviate significantly from linear behavior above approximately 0.3 branches per chain. The experimental g′ also follows closely the predictions for the geometric branching factor g calculated by Monte Carlo simulations of the polymer structure across the entire molar mass distribution (g=g′). The Monte Carlo simulations provide an explicit description of the molecular architectures present and can therefore in principle be used to test models suitable for sparsely branched polymers. Experimental dynamic moduli of unfractionated and fractionated samples are compared with predictions of a tube-based model recently published in van Ruymbeke et al. [J. Non-Newt. Fluid Mech. 128, 7–22 (2005b)]. When the model is calibrated for polydisperse linear polycarbonate, discrepancies between the predicted and measured dynamic moduli are clearly observed at levels well below the detection limit of branching by the SEC-IV coupling method. The comparison between observed and predicted moduli is therefore a very sensitive method for the detection of sparse long chain branching in poorly and moderately entangled polymers, of which polycarbonate is a good example.
How dilute are dilute solutions in extensional flows?
Authors: Clasen C. , Plog J. P. , Kulicke W.-M. , Owens M. , Macosko C. , Scriven L. E. , Verani M. , McKinley G. H.
Published: November 2006

We investigate the concentration dependence of the characteristic relaxation time of dilute polymer solutions in transient uniaxial elongational flow. A series of monodisperse polystyrene solutions of five different molecular weights (1.8×106⩽M⩽8.3×106g∕mol) with concentrations spanning five orders of magnitude were dissolved in two solvents of differing solvent quality (diethylphthalate and oligomeric styrene). Optical measurements with a capillary breakup extensional rheometer of the rate of filament thinning and the time to breakup in each fluid are used to determine the characteristic relaxation time. A criterion for a lower sensitivity limit is introduced, in the form of a minimum concentration cmin necessary for experimental resolution of the effects of polymeric viscoelasticity. This criterion is validated by experiment and comparison to numerical calculations with a multimode bead-spring dumbbell model. These calculations also rationalize previous paradoxical observations of extensional thinning in fluid threads of ultradilute polymer solutions in which stress relaxation apparently occurred faster than predicted by the Zimm theory. Above this minimum sensitivity limit we show that the effective relaxation time of moderately dilute solutions (0.01⩽c∕c*⩽1) in transient extensional flow rises substantially above the fitted value of the relaxation time extracted from small amplitude oscillatory shear flow and above the Zimm relaxation time computed from kinetic theory and intrinsic viscosity measurements. This effective relaxation time exhibits a power-law scaling with the reduced concentration (c∕c*) and the magnitude of the exponent varies with the thermodynamic quality of the solvent. The scaling of this “self-concentration” effect appears to be roughly consistent to that predicted when the dynamics of the partially elongated and overlapping polymer chains are described within the framework of blob theories for semi-dilute solutions.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Persistence and Production in T-Cell Development
Authors: Gurney Kevin B. , Uittenbogaart Christel H.
Published: November 2006

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication depends on CD4 and coreceptor expression as well as host factors associated with the activation state of the cell. To determine the impact of the activation stage of thymocytes on the HIV-1 life cycle, we investigated R5 and X4 HIV-1 entry, reverse transcription, and expression in discrete thymocyte subsets at different stages of T-cell development. Early after infection, preferential entry and replication of R5 HIV-1 were predominantly detected in mature CD3+/hiCD27+thymocytes. Thus, R5 HIV-1 targets the stage of development where thymocytes acquire functional responsiveness, which has important implications for HIV pathogenesis. In contrast, X4 HIV-1 expression and replication were primarily found in immature CD3−/+/lowCD27−CD69−thymocytes. HIV-1 proviral burden and virus expression in thymocyte subsets correlated with the expression of the highest levels of the respective coreceptor. R5 and X4 HIV-1 entered and completed reverse transcription in all subsets tested, indicating that the activation state of thymocytes and coreceptor expression are sufficient to support full reverse transcription throughout development. Although R5 HIV-1 is expressed mainly in mature CD3+/hiCD27+thymocytes, 5.3% of HIV-1-infected immature thymocytes express R5 HIV-1, indicating that potentially latent viral DNA can be established early in T-cell development.
Generation of Mucosal Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 T-Cell Responses by Recombinant
Mycobacterium smegmatis
▿
Authors: Yu Jae-Sung , Peacock James W. , Vanleeuwen Stacie , Hsu Tsungda , Jacobs William R. , Cayabyab Mark J. , Letvin Norman L. , Frothingham Richard , Staats Herman F. , Liao Hua-Xin , Haynes Barton F.
Published: November 2006

A successful vaccine vector for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) should induce anti-HIV-1 immune responses at mucosal sites. We have generated recombinant
Mycobacterium smegmatis
vectors that express the HIV-1 group M consensus envelope protein (Env) as a surface, intracellular, or secreted protein and have tested them in animals for induction of both anti-HIV-1 T-cell and antibody responses. Recombinant
M. smegmatis
engineered for expression of secreted protein induced optimal T-cell gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot assay responses to HIV-1 envelope in the spleen, female reproductive tract, and lungs. Unlike with the induction of T-cell responses, priming and boosting with recombinant
M. smegmatis
did not induce anti-HIV-1 envelope antibody responses, due primarily to insufficient protein expression of the insert. However, immunization with recombinant
M. smegmatis
expressing HIV-1 Env was able to prime for an HIV-1 Env protein boost for the induction of anti-HIV-1 antibody responses.
National Serosurvey of Cytomegalovirus in Australia
Authors: Seale Holly , MacIntyre C. Raina , Gidding Heather F. , Backhouse J. L. , Dwyer Dominic E. , Gilbert Lyn
Published: November 2006

In anticipation of the development of a vaccine against cytomegalovirus (CMV), we conducted a large, nationally representative serosurvey to examine the seroprevalence of CMV in Australia. Sera were collected opportunistically from laboratories around Australia. Age- and gender-representative samples were tested for CMV antibody. The population-weighted rate of CMV seropositivity in subjects between 1 and 59 years of age was 57% (95% confidence interval, 55.2 to 58.6%). An association between CMV seroprevalence and increasing age was recognized; however, little overall difference in seroprevalence between the sexes was found. The finding that high levels of CMV exposure occur in the first few years of life suggests that for a universal vaccination program to have maximal impact, the vaccine would need to be delivered to infants and have a long duration of protective efficacy. This is the first national serosurvey looking at cytomegalovirus in the Australian community. This study provides valuable information that can be used to examine the incidence of infection in the community and help focus the administration of a future CMV vaccine to appropriate target populations.
Dark Immunofluorescence: Correlation with Serum Immunoglobulin Abnormalities
Authors: List J. , Buckland M. S. , Thobhani B. , Sheed C. J. , Mann J. C. , Claxton M. , Heelan B.
Published: November 2006

Occasional serum samples (<0.5%) tested by indirect immunofluorescence showed less fluorescence than did negative-control serum. A retrospective review of these patients' serum immunoglobulins revealed a high percentage of abnormalities (71%, versus 22% of controls). We suggest that this observation should be reported when seen and that the clinician should be alerted to an association with immunoglobulin abnormalities.
Differentiation of the Gastric Mucosa III. Animal models of oxyntic atrophy and metaplasia
Authors: Goldenring James R. , Nomura Sachiyo
Published: November 2006

Gastric cancer in humans arises in the setting of oxyntic atrophy (parietal cell loss) and attendant hyperplastic and metaplastic lineage changes within the gastric mucosa. Helicobacter infection in mice and humans leads to spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM). In a number of mouse models, SPEM arises after oxyntic atrophy. In mice treated with the parietal cell toxic protonophore DMP-777, SPEM appears to arise from the transdifferentiation of chief cells. These results support the concept that intrinsic mucosal influences regulate and modulate the appearance of gastric metaplasia even in the absence of significant inflammation, whereas chronic inflammation is required for the further neoplastic transition.
Surfactant protein A binds to IgG and enhances phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized erythrocytes
Authors: Lin Peggy M. , Wright Jo Rae
Published: November 2006

Surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D, immunoglobulins, and complement all modulate inflammation within the lung by regulating pathogen clearance. For example, SP-A binds to and opsonizes a variety of bacteria and viruses, thereby enhancing their phagocytosis by innate immune cells such as alveolar macrophages. Immunoglobulins, which bind to antigen and facilitate Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis, can also activate complement, a family of soluble proteins with multiple host defense functions. Previous studies showed that SP-A and complement protein C1q interact. Since complement protein C1q binds to IgG and IgM immune complexes, the hypothesis tested in this study was that SP-A, which is structurally homologous to C1q, also binds to IgG and affects its functions. SP-A binds to the Fc, rather than the Fab, region of IgG. Binding is calcium dependent but not inhibited by saccharides known to bind to SP-A's carbohydrate recognition domain. The binding of SP-A does not inhibit the formation of immune complexes or the binding of IgG to C1q. In contrast, SP-A enhances the uptake of IgG-coated erythrocytes, suggesting that SP-A might be influencing Fc receptor-mediated uptake. In summary, this study shows a novel interaction between SP-A and IgG and a functional consequence of the binding.
Decreased Intracellular Calcium Stimulates Renin Release via Calcium-Inhibitable Adenylyl Cyclase
Authors: Ortiz-Capisano M. Cecilia , Ortiz Pablo A. , Harding Pamela , Garvin Jeffrey L. , Beierwaltes William H.
Published: November 2006

Intracellular calcium and cAMP are the 2 second messengers that regulate renin release; cAMP stimulates renin release from juxtaglomerular (JG) cells, whereas increased intracellular calcium inhibits it. We hypothesized that decreased intracellular calcium acts by activating calcium-inhibitable isoforms of adenylyl cyclase, increasing cAMP, and stimulating renin secretion. We used a primary culture of JG cells isolated from C-57/B6 mice. Cells were plated to a density of 70% in serum-free medium and incubated for 2 hours with or without 100 μmol/L of the cytosolic calcium chelator 5′5-dimethyl-1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetra-acetic acid (BAPTA-AM) to decrease intracellular calcium. JG cell cAMP content and renin release were determined by radioimmunoassay. Intracellular cAMP content was 4.04±0.92 pM/mL per milligram of protein, and it increased by125±33% (
P
<0.01) with BAPTA-AM. Basal renin was 1.28±0.40 μg of angiotensin I per milliliter per hour per milligram of protein, and BAPTA-AM increased it by 182±62% (
P
<0.025). Western blots using an antibody that recognizes adenylyl cyclase types V and VI yielded a characteristic band of ≈135 kDa. When primary cultures of isolated JG cells were tested for the calcium-inhibitable isoforms of adenylyl cyclase, they showed intense focal cytoplasmic staining. Cells stained for both renin and adenylyl cyclase V/VI showed colocalization in the cytoplasm, primarily on the granules. An adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (SQ 22,536) completely blocked BAPTA-AM–stimulated renin release and JG cell cAMP content. We conclude that calcium-inhibitable isoform(s) of adenylyl cyclase (types V and/or VI) exist within the JG cell. Thus, decreased intracellular calcium stimulates adenylyl cyclase, resulting in cAMP synthesis and, consequently, renin release.
Bedside Tool for Predicting the Risk of Postoperative Dialysis in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Mehta Rajendra H. , Grab Joshua D. , O’Brien Sean M. , Bridges Charles R. , Gammie James S. , Haan Constance K. , Ferguson T. Bruce , Peterson Eric D.
Published: November 2006

Background—

Estimation of an individual patient’s risk for postoperative dialysis can support informed clinical decision making and patient counseling.

Methods and Results—

To develop a simple bedside risk algorithm for estimating patients’ probability for dialysis after cardiac surgery, we evaluated data of 449 524 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery and enrolled in >600 hospitals participating in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database (2002–2004). Logistic regression was used to identify major predictors of postoperative dialysis. Model coefficients were then converted into an additive risk score and internally validated. The model also was validated in a second sample of 86 009 patients undergoing cardiac surgery from January to June 2005. Postoperative dialysis was needed in 6451 patients after cardiac surgery (1.4%), ranging from 1.1% for isolated CABG procedures to 5.1% for CABG plus mitral valve surgery. Multivariable analysis identified preoperative serum creatinine, age, race, type of surgery (CABG plus valve or valve only versus CABG only), diabetes, shock, New York Heart Association class, lung disease, recent myocardial infarction, and prior cardiovascular surgery to be associated with need for postoperative dialysis (
c
statistic=0.83). The risk score accurately differentiated patients’ need for postoperative dialysis across a broad risk spectrum and performed well in patients undergoing isolated CABG, off-pump CABG, isolated aortic valve surgery, aortic valve surgery plus CABG, isolated mitral valve surgery, and mitral valve surgery plus CABG (
c
statistic=0.83, 0.85, 0.81, 0.75, 0.80, and 0.75, respectively).

Conclusions—

Our study identifies the major patient risk factors for postoperative dialysis after cardiac surgery. These risk factors have been converted into a simple, accurate bedside risk tool. This tool should facilitate improved clinician–patient discussions about risks of postoperative dialysis.
Genotype-Specific Onset of Arrhythmias in Congenital Long-QT Syndrome
Authors: Tan Hanno L. , Bardai Abdennasser , Shimizu Wataru , Moss Arthur J. , Schulze-Bahr Eric , Noda Takashi , Wilde Arthur A. M.
Published: November 2006

Background—

The identification of the molecular-genetic substrate underlying the various forms of the congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS) has sparked studies into possible genotype–phenotype correlations with the aim of developing genotype-tailored therapy. The onset of torsade de pointes (TdP) may differ among LQTS patients, being pause dependent in some but not all. This disparity may point to different arrhythmia mechanisms and may affect therapy strategies. We studied whether the proportion of pause-dependent TdP onset varies among LQTS genotypes.

Methods and Results—

We studied all LQT1 (n=10), LQT2 (n=34), and LQT3 (n=6) patients from 4 centers for whom ECGs of TdP onset were available and analyzed whether pauses preceded TdP onset (first available ECG per patient). Pauses preceded TdP significantly more often in LQT2 (68%) than in LQT1 (0%), and the interval immediately before TdP (pause interval) was significantly longer in LQT2 than in LQT1. The proportion of pause dependence in LQT3 (33%) appeared intermediate, but this group was too small for statistical analysis.

Conclusions—

Pause dependence of TdP onset is predominant in LQT2 but absent or rare in LQT1. It is suggested that disparities in pause dependence of TdP onset may reflect different arrhythmia mechanisms.
Neural Processing of Spatial Information: What We Know about Place Cells and What They Can Tell Us about Presence
Authors: Brotons-Mas Jorge R , O'Mara Shane , Sanchez-Vives Maria V
Published: November 2006

Brain processing of spatial information is a very prolific area of research in neuroscience. Since the discovery of place cells (PCs)(O'Keefe & Dostrovsky, “The hippocampus as a spatial map,” Brain Research 34, 1971) researchers have tried to explain how these neurons integrate and process spatial and non-spatial information. Place cells are pyramidal neurons located in the hippocampus and parahippocampal region which fire with higher frequency when the animal is in a discrete area of space. Recently, PCs have been found in the human brain. The processing of spatial information and the creation of cognitive maps of the space is the result of the integration of multisensory external and internal information with the brain's own activity. In this article we review some of the most relevant properties of PCs and how this knowledge can be extended to the understanding of human processing of spatial information and to the generation of spatial presence.
Walking by Thinking: The Brainwaves Are Crucial, Not the Muscles!
Authors: Leeb Robert , Keinrath Claudia , Friedman Doron , Guger Christoph , Scherer Reinhold , Neuper Christa , Garau Maia , Antley Angus , Steed Anthony , Slater Mel , Pfurtscheller Gert
Published: November 2006

Healthy participants are able to move forward within a virtual environment (VE) by the imagination of foot movement. This is achieved by using a brain-computer interface (BCI) that transforms thought-modulated electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings into a control signal. A BCI establishes a communication channel between the human brain and the computer. The basic principle of the Graz-BCI is the detection and classification of motor-imagery-related EEG patterns, whereby the dynamics of sensorimotor rhythms are analyzed. A BCI is a closed-loop system and information is visually fed back to the user about the success or failure of an intended movement imagination. Feedback can be realized in different ways, from a simple moving bar graph to navigation in VEs.

The goals of this work are twofold: first, to show the influence of different feedback types on the same task, and second, to demonstrate that it is possible to move through a VE (e.g., a virtual street) without any muscular activity, using only the imagination of foot movement. In the presented work, data from BCI feedback displayed on a conventional monitor are compared with data from BCI feedback in VE experiments with a head-mounted display (HMD) and in a high immersive projection environment (Cave). Results of three participants are reported to demonstrate the proof-of-concept. The data indicate that the type of feedback has an influence on the task performance, but not on the BCI classification accuracy. The participants achieved their best performances viewing feedback in the Cave. Furthermore the VE feedback provided motivation for the subjects.
Agency and Presence: A Common Dependence on Subjectivity?
Authors: Herrera Gerardo , Jordan Rita , Vera Lucí
Published: November 2006

This paper argues that presence, as shown in virtual environments, can usefully be seen as comprising various subtypes and that these in turn may have common conceptual and ontological features with a sense of agency as defined by Russell (1996, Agency: Its Role in Mental Development, Erlbaum.). Furthermore, an analysis of Russell's characterization of the concept of agency may be useful for acquiring insight into the sense of presence itself and the variables affecting it. Empirical evidence from cognitive developmental research and the positive results of attempts to develop symbolic understanding in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in virtual environments suggest that presence may be more about experiencing agency than either pretending to be there or constructing and reconstructing mental models in real time. This analysis is used to shed some light on the current issues of presence research and to open up new philosophical and psychological aspects, in relation to both presence and ASD.
Physical Interaction with a Virtual Knee Joint—The 9 DOF Haptic Display of the Munich Knee Joint Simulator
Authors: Frey Martin , Hoogen Jens , Burgkart Rainer , Riener Robert
Published: November 2006

In specific fields, medical education at many universities is rather theoretical and the amount of practical training is limited. A significant improvement can be achieved using virtual reality training stations with lifelike visual, acoustic, tactile, and kinesthetic feedback. Particularly, when simulating procedures that require direct contact with the patient body, a realistic haptic simulation addressing tactile and kinesthetic senses can be essential for the acceptance of virtual simulation stations. A purely passive phantom may provide realistic haptic feedback, but its properties cannot be changed over time.

This paper presents the haptic display of the Munich Knee Joint Simulator, which was developed to improve training and education of physical knee joint examinations. The haptic interface comprises a combination of passive phantom segments providing realistic tactile sensations, and strong actuators generating highly dynamic kinesthetic force feedback. A 3 degree of freedom (DOF) manipulator was developed in this study to drive the thigh prosthesis and one 6 DOF industrial robot was used to actuate the shank prosthesis. Both manipulators are driven by hybrid admittance-impedance controllers capable of simulating the complex dynamics of the thigh and the shank. Both actuators are equipped with a 6 DOF force torque sensor and they are virtually coupled by an analytical knee joint model. The proposed setup is capable of simulating a mechanical stiffness as high as 80 kN/m in the translatory DOF and simultaneously allows free motion in the rotatory DOF. Experimental tests of the simulator with orthopedic physicians proved the usability of the proposed concept.
The guns of Travancore or how much powder may a Maharaja blaze away?
Authors: Kooiman Dick
Published: November 2006

The main focus of this article is the chequered history of Travancore state's gun salutes. After the somewhat unexpected award of a prestigious dynastic salute in 1866, all later efforts to rise in the hierarchy of guns remained in vain. What were the grounds on which gun salutes were claimed by the rulers of Travancore, and granted or withheld by the British-Indian government? A related question is the paucity of documentary evidence that both parties had to cope with. What kind of knowledge did both parties actually posses when invoking the sanction of immemorial custom in support of their claims?
International Protection of Minority Rights
Authors: Vijapur Abdulrahim P.
Published: November 2006

The twentieth century began, well after the First World War, to focus on the rights of minorities and their linkages with general peace and welfare. The record of the League of Nations, however, was not very encouraging. This is perhaps why, in the post-Second World War period, the international community adopted a more cautious approach to minority rights than before. This is manifested in the reluctance to agree on a definition of minorities, and also a clear preference for perceiving minority rights as being inseparable from human rights. The growing body of international legal instruments for the protection of human rights has, nevertheless, a discernible bearing on minority rights. The international covenants on human rights best exemplify this. Further, the monitoring mechanisms of the UN have also contributed to minority rights through progressive interpretations and rulings. Alongside, regional initiatives, as in Europe, have also helped the cause of minority rights after the end of the Cold War. Shortcomings in the international protection of minority rights are due to the apprehensions of state actors. They fear the abuse of the right to self-determination and the rights of indigenous peoples—as part of minority/human rights—will endanger the existing socio-political order.
Japan–Bangladesh Economic Partnership
Authors: Moni Monir Hossain
Published: November 2006

Japan has been the ‘single largest donor’ to Bangladesh ever since diplomatic ties were established in February 1972 between the two, although one can always ask whether such huge official development assistance (ODA) has been effective in contributing to the sustainability accomplishments of Bangladesh. Despite the magnitude of Japan's economic assistance to Bangladesh, the latter's share in Japanese global trade and investment is negligible. Despite having many competitive advantages, Bangladesh has been suffering from a huge trade deficit in its business with Japan. Likewise, even though Bangladesh has been trying its best to attract Japanese investors and entrepreneurs by offering a package of incentives and better facilities, investment here remains very low. While Japan recognizes the strategic significance of Bangladesh in a changing Asia, and wants to help the nation approach global competition better, Bangladesh's image abroad is dented by poor governance and political instability. Against this background, one needs to identify the challenges confronting Japan and Bangladesh in their bilateral relationship while analysing the significance of the Japan–Bangladesh economic partnership.
Thermal comfort based fuzzy logic controller
Authors: Gouda M M , Danaher S , Underwood C P
Published: November 2006

Most heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control systems are considered as temperature control problems. In this work, the predicted mean vote (PMV) is used to control the indoor temperature of a space by setting it at a point where the PMV index becomes zero and the predicted percentage of persons dissatisfied (PPD) achieves a maximum threshold of 5%. This is achieved through the use of a fuzzy logic controller that takes into account a range of human comfort criteria in the formulation of the control action that should be applied to the heating system to bring the space to comfort conditions. The resulting controller is free of the set up and tuning problems that hinder conventional HVAC controllers. Simulation results show that the proposed control strategy makes it possible to maximize the indoor thermal comfort and, correspondingly, a reduction in energy use of 20% was obtained for a typical 7-day winter period when compared with conventional control.
The influence of furniture and equipment layouts on airflow pattern in a clean room
Authors: Cheong K W , Djunaedy E
Published: November 2006

The layout of the production line in any clean rooms will change according to the production process and this posed a problem for post clean room maintenance. Air velocity is one of the many problematic issues commonly found in clean room environment. It is important to address this on-going problem whenever there is an upgrading of the production process in which more advanced equipment were being introduced to the clean room to automate the process. This paper examines the characteristics of airflow distribution within the clean room due to changes in the production process. This study was conducted for a class 100 clean room at a disk-drive manufacturing firm. The airflow distribution in the clean room was simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. This model provides a valuable insight into the processes that are difficult and time-consuming to study experimentally. The results showed that furniture such as a workbench and a laminar flow hood have great impact on the airflow pattern in the clean room. The predicted airflow results offered substantial benefits in the design and development of a better furniture layout plan that eradicates any of the possible turbulence problems.
How Mayan mothers with different amounts of schooling organize a problem-solving discussion with children
Authors: Chavajay Pablo
Published: November 2006

This study investigated how two groups of Guatemalan Mayan mothers varying in schooling experience organized children’s participation in a problem-solving discussion. Twenty-eight foursomes of mothers and three children (ages 6-12 years) were videotaped discussing how to solve the shortage of drinking water in their town. Mayan mothers with no or very little schooling (0-2 grades) more often facilitated children’s verbal contributions through open invitations without assigning particular children to respond, whereas Mayan mothers with greater schooling experience (12 or more grades) more often structured children’s contributions through individual turn taking and test questions. These observed differences in mothers’ structuring of children’s participation may be associated with how western schooling and other practices associated with modernization are affecting the cultural practices of a Mayan community that is becoming increasingly more modernized.
The role of ecodevelopmental context and self-concept in depressive and externalizing symptoms in Hispanic adolescents
Authors: Schwartz Seth J. , Coatsworth J. Douglas , Pantin Hilda , Prado Guillermo , Sharp Erin Hiley , Szapocznik José
Published: November 2006

The present study examined the extent to which self-concept is related to depressive and externalizing symptoms in Hispanic adolescents, in the presence of contextual variables. A sample of 167 Hispanic adolescents and their primary caregivers completed measures of family functioning, and of school bonding and competence. Adolescents completed measures of self-concept and peer antisocial behavior. Reports of depressive symptoms were gathered from adolescents only, whereas reports of externalizing symptoms were gathered from both adolescents and parents. Self-concept was directly and negatively related to adolescent reports of both depressive and externalizing symptoms, but not to parent reports of externalizing problems. The relationships of school bonding and peer antisocial behavior to adolescent-reported adjustment appeared to operate through self-concept, and the strong bivariate relationships of adolescent-reported family functioning to adolescent-reported adjustment appeared to operate through school bonding and self-concept. Implications for further research and for intervention are discussed.
Temperament and ecological context among Yucatec Mayan children
Authors: Cervera María Dolores , Méndez Rosa María
Published: November 2006

This study examined the relationships between temperament and ecological context among Yucatec Mayan children based on the assumption that maternal ethnotheories act as mediators and are related to world view. Since the latter is related to ecological context, its transformation may result in variations in ethnotheories and, therefore, temperament characteristics. Using standard questionnaires and ethnographic data, we evaluated 178 children aged 4 to 36 months from two villages representing the most contrasting ecological contexts in Yucatan, Mexico. Mothers described temperament-like behaviours as modos (ways) and related them to their concepts of development and children’s vulnerability, and to child-care and rearing practices. Age predicted threshold, approach, and intensity. Ecological context independently contributed to variations in approach, intensity, mood, and distractibility. Parental characteristics did not independently contribute but appeared to influence the relation between ecological context and mood, intensity, and distractibility. The findings suggest that temperament variations associated with ecological context may result from differences in maternal ethnotheories about rate of development and vulnerability of children and that knowledge of the national language and increased education without transformation of ecological context may have influenced ethnotheories on rate of development rather than on vulnerability.
Coping with Problems of Understanding in Interorganizational Relationships: Using Formalization as a Means to Make Sense
Authors: Vlaar Paul W.L. , Van den Bosch Frans A.J. , Volberda Henk W.
Published: November 2006

Research into the management of interorganizational relationships has hitherto primarily focused on problems of coordination, control, and to a lesser extent, legitimacy. In this article, we assert that partners cooperating in such relationships are also confronted with ‘problems of understanding’. Such problems arise from differences between partners in terms of culture, experience, structure and industry, and from the uncertainty and ambiguity that participants in interorganizational relationships experience in early stages of collaboration. Building on Karl Weick’s theory of sensemaking, we advance that participants in interorganizational relationships use formalization as a means to make sense of their partners, the interorganizational relationships in which they are engaged and the contexts in which these are embedded so as to diminish problems of understanding. We offer a systematic overview of the mechanisms through which formalization facilitates sensemaking, including: (1) focusing participants’ attention; (2) provoking articulation, deliberation and reflection; (3) instigating and maintaining interaction; and (4) reducing judgement errors and individual biases, and diminishing the incompleteness and inconsistency of cognitive representations. In this way, the article contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between formalization and sensemaking in collaborative relationships, and it carries Karl Weick’s thinking on the relationship between sense-making and organizing forward in the context of interorganizational management.
A Golden Braid: Allport, Goffman, Weick
Authors: Czarniawska Barbara
Published: November 2006

One of the central tenets of Karl Weick’s work and one of his original contributions to organization theory is his insistence that organizational scholars should study structures of events rather than people, objects, or pseudo-objects, important as they all are. Through the operation of sensemaking, events may be portrayed as meaningful actions or random occurrences, but it is the connections among them that are central to organizing. This paper connects Karl Weick’s work to that of Floyd H. Allport and Erving Goffman, two among several writers who inspired Weick. These three authors shared an interest in what Allport called structuring, Goffman called ordering, and Weick called organizing of the events and experiences of everyday life. This genealogical presentation of their work attempts to situate their thoughts within contemporary debates in social sciences, including those determined by the spirit of the times.
School Improvement Planning in East Tennessee Middle Schools: A Content Analysis and Perceptions Study
Authors: Anfara Vincent A. , Patterson Faye , Buehler Alison , Gearity Brian
Published: November 2006

This mixed-methods study focuses on school improvement planning in middle schools in east Tennessee. Utilizing the improvement plans of 17 middle schools and surveys that were administered to 493 teachers and 35 administrators, this study found that there was (a) an overemphasis on academic goals, (b) an overreliance on the use of “homemade” data collection instruments, (c) a lack of attention to the effectiveness of school leadership, and (d) no mention of research-based, middle school best practices. Policy recommendations are offered.
The Interactive Effects of Homosexual Speech and Sexual Orientation on the Stigmatization of Men
Authors: Gowen Catherine W. , Britt Thomas W.
Published: November 2006

This research examined the joint effects of homosexual linguistic variation and sexual orientation on the stigmatization of male students applying for college admission. Participants were asked to listen to a tape of a speaker who was identified as homosexual, heterosexual, or unspecified and spoke with either stereotypical gay speech or standard speech. Participants made admission decisions, indicated the amount of scholarship funding to be offered, and completed a measure of desired social distance. Participants responded more positively to the homosexual speaker when he spoke with stereotypical gay speech than with standard speech but gave a heterosexual speaker less of a scholarship when he spoke with gay speech. Negative attitudes toward homosexuals were related to greater desired social distance toward homosexuals, especially if the individual spoke with gay speech, but did not predict admission or scholarship decision ratings. The results are discussed in terms of the potential negative consequences of expectancy violations versus the benefits of conformity to stereotypes.
Racial/Ethnic Self-Labeling in Relation to Group Socialization and Identity in African-Descended Individuals
Authors: Anglin Deidre M. , Whaley Arthur L.
Published: November 2006

This study explored the relationship of racial/ethnic labels to racial socialization and racial identity in a sample of 123 college students of African descent. Logistic regression analyses revealed that individuals self-labeling as African American reported more racial socialization experiences emphasizing cultural survival than those who self-labeled as West Indian/Caribbean, African, or Black. The self-label Black was not associated with racial socialization and was negatively associated with an Afrocentric racial identity.