bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional Crosstalk between the Estrogen Receptor and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer: Molecular Basis and Clinical Implications
Authors: Giuliano Mario , Trivedi Meghana V. , Schiff Rachel
Published: August 2013

The estrogen receptor (ER) and/or the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) signaling pathways are the dominant drivers of cell proliferation and survival in the majority of human breast cancers. As a result, targeting these pathways provides the most effective therapies in appropriately selected patients. Nevertheless, resistance to both endocrine and anti-HER2 therapies occurs frequently and represents a major clinical challenge. Compelling preclinical and clinical evidence relates this treatment resistance to the presence of a complex bidirectional molecular crosstalk between the ER and HER2 pathways. As a consequence, treatment strategies targeting either pathway are associated with up-regulation of the other one, ultimately resulting in resistance to therapy. Therefore, a more promising strategy to prevent or overcome either endocrine or anti-HER2 resistance at least in some tumors is to combine targeted treatments that simultaneously block both signaling pathways. Many clinical trials exploring this strategy have shown positive results, and many more are currently ongoing. Future clinical trials with appropriate patient selection, based on biomarker evaluation of primary tumors and possibly of recurrent lesions, are warranted for the optimization of individualized therapeutic strategies.
A Link between the Intrarenal Renin Angiotensin System and Hypertension in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kocyigit Ismail , Yilmaz Mahmut Ilker , Unal Aydin , Ozturk Fahir , Eroglu Eray , Yazici Cevat , Orscelik Ozcan , Sipahioglu Murat Hayri , Tokgoz Bulent , Oymak Oktay
Published: August 2013

Background/Aims: Early onset of hypertension and its consequences account for the great majority of deaths in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components have been shown in ADPKD kidneys independent of systemic RAS. Thus, we examined the urinary angiotensinogen (UAGT) levels as a biomarker of intrarenal RAS status in ADPKD patients with/without hypertension and healthy subjects. Methods: Eighty-four ADPKD patients (43 with hypertension and 41 without hypertension) and 40 healthy controls were studied cross-sectionally. Patients with glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min were excluded from the study. Hypertension was diagnosed with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Urinary and plasma concentration of angiotensinogen, spot urine microprotein and creatinine (UCre) levels were recorded for each participant. Results: UAGT/UCre levels were higher in hypertensive ADPKD patients (23.7 ± 8.4) compared with normotensive ADPKD patients (16.6 ± 5.2) and healthy controls (6.9 ± 3.3; p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, UAGT correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and proteinuria. The independence of these correlations was analyzed in a regression model, and UAGT was shown to be significantly predicted by proteinuria and DBP. Conclusion: Intrarenal RAS activation which is monitored by UAGT levels clinically may be a harbinger of hypertension and kidney disease in ADPKD patients.
Inositol 1, 4, 5-Trisphosphate Receptors and Human Left Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: Signore Sergio , Sorrentino Andrea , Ferreira-Martins João , Kannappan Ramaswamy , Shafaie Mehrdad , Del Ben Fabio , Isobe Kazuya , Arranto Christian , Wybieralska Ewa , Webster Andrew , Sanada Fumihiro , Ogórek Barbara , Zheng Hanqiao , Liu Xiaoxia , del Monte Federica , D’Alessandro David A. , Wunimenghe Oriyanhan , Michler Robert E. , Hosoda Toru , Goichberg Polina , Leri Annarosa , Kajstura Jan , Anversa Piero , Rota Marcello
Published: August 2013

Background—

Little is known about the function of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) in the adult heart experimentally. Moreover, whether these Ca
2+
release channels are present and play a critical role in human cardiomyocytes remains to be defined. IP3Rs may be activated after Gαq-protein–coupled receptor stimulation, affecting Ca
2+
cycling, enhancing myocyte performance, and potentially favoring an increase in the incidence of arrhythmias.

Methods and Results—

IP3R function was determined in human left ventricular myocytes, and this analysis was integrated with assays in mouse myocytes to identify the mechanisms by which IP3Rs influence the electric and mechanical properties of the myocardium. We report that IP3Rs are expressed and operative in human left ventricular myocytes. After Gαq-protein–coupled receptor activation, Ca
2+
mobilized from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via IP3Rs contributes to the decrease in resting membrane potential, prolongation of the action potential, and occurrence of early afterdepolarizations. Ca
2+
transient amplitude and cell shortening are enhanced, and extrasystolic and dysregulated Ca
2+
elevations and contractions become apparent. These alterations in the electromechanical behavior of human cardiomyocytes are coupled with increased isometric twitch of the myocardium and arrhythmic events, suggesting that Gαq-protein–coupled receptor activation provides inotropic reserve, which is hampered by electric instability and contractile abnormalities. Additionally, our findings support the notion that increases in Ca
2+
load by IP3Rs promote Ca
2+
extrusion by forward-mode Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchange, an important mechanism of arrhythmic events.

Conclusions—

The Gαq-protein/coupled receptor/IP3R axis modulates the electromechanical properties of the human myocardium and its propensity to develop arrhythmias.
Negative Emotional Experiences during Navigation Enhance Parahippocampal Activity during Recall of Place Information
Authors: Chan Edgar , Baumann Oliver , Bellgrove Mark A. , Mattingley Jason B.
Published: August 2013

It is known that the parahippocampal cortex is involved in object–place associations in spatial learning, but it remains unknown whether activity within this region is modulated by affective signals during navigation. Here we used fMRI to measure the neural consequences of emotional experiences on place memory during navigation. A day before scanning, participants undertook an active object location memory task within a virtual house in which each room was associated with a different schedule of task-irrelevant emotional events. The events varied in valence (positive, negative, or neutral) and in their rate of occurrence (intermittent vs. constant). On a subsequent day, we measured neural activity while participants were shown static images of the previously learned virtual environment, now in the absence of any affective stimuli. Our results showed that parahippocampal activity was significantly enhanced bilaterally when participants viewed images of a room in which they had previously encountered negatively arousing events. We conclude that such automatic enhancement of place representations by aversive emotional events serves as an important adaptive mechanism for avoiding future threats.
The Source of Jus Cogens Obligations – How Legal Positivism Copes with Peremptory International Law
Authors: Linderfalk Ulf
Published: August 2013

If legal positivists wish to sustain their account of the international legal system, arguably, they have yet to explain how jus cogens obligations can derive from the usual norm-creating processes recognized by international law. This article provides such an explanation exactly. The explanation builds on the distinction between first order rules of jus cogens (commanding or prohibiting some certain action) and second order rules of the jus cogens regime (specifying the legal consequences ensuing from the postulated superiority of jus cogens over ordinary international law). As argued in this essay, the jus cogens status of a rule of law (R) derives from the existence of the second order rules of the jus cogens regime and from the application of those rules to R. Consequently, the explanation of the source of jus cogens obligations lies in the source of the second order rules, rather than in the source of the first order rules themselves. The second order rules are general customary international law, why this must also be the source of jus cogens obligations. This essay ends by inquiring into the implications of this analysis for the concept of jus cogens and for international legal theory in general.
Ten new species of Triclistus Förster, 1869 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Peru, with a key to Neotropical species
Authors: ALVARADO MABEL , RODRIGUEZ-BERRIO ALEXANDER
Published: August 2013

Triclistus Förster, 1869 is a widely distributed genus of the family Ichneumonidae, rich in the Old World but poorly represented in the Neotropical region. Ten new species are described: Triclistus ashaninka sp. n., Triclistus bicolor sp. n., Triclistus castilloai sp. n., Triclistus cholo sp. n., Triclistus muqui sp. n., Triclistus inti sp. n., Triclistus matsiguenga, sp. n., Triclistus megantoniensis sp. n., Triclistus warmi sp. n. and Triclistus yungas sp. n. A key to Neotropical species is also presented, and four species group are suggested, based in the head and propodeum structure.
Notalina roraima Holzenthal 1986 (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae), male genitalia variability and larval description
Authors: ZAMORA-MUÑOZ CARMEN , DERKA TOMÁŠ , CRESSA CLAUDIA
Published: August 2013

Notalina roraima Holzenthal 1986 was described on the basis of a single holotype specimen from the Pantepui Region. The species is a member of the endemic Neotropical long-horned caddisfly (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) subgenus Notalina (Neonotalina) Holzenthal 1986. We present new records of this species and describe some morphological variation in the male genitalia. Moreover, we describe and illustrate the larva of this species and include information of its habitat. We also differentiate it from N. morsei, the only larva of the subgenus Neonotalina described until now.
A new Crossodactylodes Cochran, 1938 (Anura: Leptodactylidae: Paratelmatobiinae) from the highlands of the Atlantic Forests of southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: TEIXEIRA MAURO JR. , RECODER RENATO SOUSA , AMARO RENATA CECÍLIA , DAMASCENO ROBERTA PACHECO , CASSIMIRO JOSÉ , RODRIGUES MIGUEL TREFAUT
Published: August 2013

A new Crossodactylodes is described from Serra das Lontras, in the highlands of the Atlantic Forests of southern Bahia. The new species can be distinguished from all other Crossodactylodes by having Finger I ending in an acute tip, a larger body size, by cranial features, and by molecular data. Like their congeners, the new species live in bromeliads but is widely geographically disjunct, being apparently restricted to the summit of a mountain range in Northeastern Brazil.
Statistical Parameterization Expressing ENSO Variability and Reversibility in Response to CO2 Concentration Changes
Authors: Ohba Masamichi , Tsutsui Junichi , Nohara Daisuke
Published: August 2013

The degree of reversibility in the behavior of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in response to CO2 concentration changes is examined using the air–sea coupled Community Climate System Model, version 4. The model is run under simple and idealized climate change scenarios where atmospheric CO2 concentration is gradually increased to four times the preindustrial level and then gradually reduced at a similar rate along this trajectory. While the simulated ENSO amplitude is reduced when CO2 concentration increases, the amplitude is enhanced when CO2 decreases. This enhancement occurs with a relative El Niño–like warming of mean sea surface temperature. Most of the El Niño–like warming is attributed to a weakened cold water upwelling in the equatorial eastern Pacific. This weakened cooling is a result of a vertical ocean temperature gradient that is reduced in relation to a lag between subsurface temperature warming and surface temperature change. From these findings, a statistical parameterization expressing ENSO variability is developed in terms of the global-mean surface temperature and the vertical gradient of the global-mean temperature in the upper ocean. Plugging this parameterization into a statistical model of ENSO and combining the latter with a statistical spatial pattern of the ENSO-related temperature anomaly enables the reconstruction of surface temperature variability over North America. This approach can be useful when one assesses future climate changes under various CO2 emission scenarios using very simple models whose outputs are limited to a small number of global-mean variables.
Acceleration of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current by Wind Stress along the Coast of Antarctica
Authors: Zika Jan D. , Le Sommer Julien , Dufour Carolina O. , Naveira-Garabato Alberto , Blaker Adam
Published: August 2013

The influence of wind forcing on variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is investigated using a series of eddy-permitting ocean–sea ice models. At interannual and decadal time scales the ACC transport is sensitive to both the mean strength of westerly winds along the ACC circumpolar path, consistent with zonal momentum balance theories, and sensitive to the wind stresses along the coast of Antarctica, consistent with the “free mode” theory of Hughes et al. A linear combination of the two factors explains differences in ACC transport across 11 regional quasi-equilibrium experiments. Repeated single-year global experiments show that the ACC can be robustly accelerated by both processes. Across an ensemble of simulations with realistic forcing over the second half of the twentieth century, interannual ACC transport variability owing to the free-mode mechanism exceeds that due to the zonal momentum balance mechanism by a factor of between 3.5 and 5 to one. While the ACC transport may not accelerate significantly owing to projected increases in along-ACC winds in future decades, significant changes in transport could still occur because of changes in the stress along the coast of Antarctica.
Pediatric Health Care Provider Perceptions of Weight Loss Surgery in Adolescents
Authors: Vanguri Poornima , Lanning David , Wickham Edmond P. , Anbazhagan Aruna , Bean Melanie K.
Published: August 2013

This study explored pediatric health care providers’ obesity treatment practices and perceptions about adolescent weight loss surgery (WLS). Surveys were e-mailed to pediatric listservs. After descriptive analyses, correlations, chi-squares, and one-way analyses of variance compared responses by provider characteristics. Surveys were completed by 109 providers. Almost half do not routinely measure body mass index. Providers typically counsel patients about lifestyle change, with limited perceived benefit; <10% have ever referred patients for WLS, citing cost (20%), risk (49%), or “not indicated in pediatrics” (17%) as reasons. However, when presented with patient scenarios of different ages and comorbidities, likeliness to refer for WLS increased substantially. Surgeons, younger providers and those with fewer years of experience were more likely to refer for WLS ( P < .05). Despite expert consensus recommendations supporting WLS as part of a comprehensive obesity treatment plan, significant pediatric provider resistance to refer obese adolescents remains. Improved referral and management practices are needed.
Development of Wireless Automatic Checking Handset for Wide-Distributed Emergency Lights
Authors: Lin Hsiung-Cheng , Liu Liang-Yih , Luo Wei-Lun , Chi Ming-N
Published: August 2013

Emergency lighting facilities are widely installed in public areas such as school, hospital, and station. According the fire regulation in most of countries around the world, such facilities must be installed and checked regularly to ensure their normal working condition. Usually, they are suspended from a high place and distributed widely in the building. Presently, the checking responsibility depends on human operation only, taking at least 30 min for each device. This problem does pose most difficulty to fully meet the required checking rules. Therefore, the proposed scheme develops a portable emergency light checking handset based on wireless transmission/receiving modules integrated with the infrared (IR) ray. The checking command can be transmitted in straight one-way direction, and the checked results can be received at once within 6–10 m. Moreover, the automatic checking mechanism is activated in a prescheduled time. Experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithm can not only control the checking schedule but also read the checked results within the range of 6–10 m instantly. The checking duty relying on the human operation is thus reduced significantly.
Exposure to traumatic events and symptoms of post-traumatic stress among South African university students
Authors: McGowan Taryn C , Kagee Ashraf
Published: August 2013

We investigated the lifetime exposure to traumatic events and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety among 1337 students at a large residential university in South Africa. Traumatic events were assessed using the Stressful Life Events Scaling Questionnaire, and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety were measured using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale–Self Report Version, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. The sample consisted of females ( n = 857) and males ( n = 480). Approximately 90% of the sample reported at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and male and female students reported similar levels of exposure to traumatic events. With regard to symptoms of post-traumatic stress, those students who had experienced a traumatic event reported more severe post-traumatic stress symptoms than those students who had not. Significant correlations were found among symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. The significant predictors of the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms were gender, Black race, Coloured race, and year of study. The significant predictors of the frequency of traumatic events were gender, age, Black race, Coloured race, and private residence. These results are compared with South African trauma-related studies as well as findings from other countries.
The state of the psychological contract and employees’ intention to leave: The mediating role of employee well-being
Authors: van der Vaart Leoni , Linde Bennie , Cockeran Marike
Published: August 2013

Changes in the work environment can influence employees’ perception of the employment relationship, their psychological contracts, and consequently, their work-related attitudes and behaviour. The study aimed to demonstrate the mechanism through which the state of employees’ psychological contract impacts employees’ intention to leave employment and the role of employee well-being as a mediator. Cross-sectional data were obtained from employees representing various organisations ( N = 246). Structural equation modelling demonstrated that employee well-being mediates the relationship between the state of the psychological contract and an employee’s intention to leave the organisation. The study stresses the importance of designing individual-level interventions to enhance well-being in the workplace, which should form part of the retention strategy of any organisation.
The Normative Order of Reporting Police Misconduct
Authors: Long Michael A. , Cross Jennifer Eileen , Shelley Tara O’Connor , Kutnjak Ivković Sanja
Published: August 2013

Using anonymous surveys of 3,235 officers in 30 police agencies, we tested hypotheses derived from prior policing research, legitimacy theory, and disciplinary fairness literature on the intentions of police officers to report acts of misconduct perpetrated by fellow officers. We examined features of the normative order involving peer reporting of police misconduct at both the individual agency and aggregate police subculture levels. Consistent with previous research, the perceived seriousness of the offense and legitimacy (endorsement) are consistently strong predictors of officers’ intentions to report misconduct. We also find that perceived fairness of discipline provides significant results, but the direction of the relationship depends on the perceived seriousness of the offense. It is clear that the majority of police officers participate in a shared normative culture of when to and when not to report misconduct. Finally, we note the importance of studying the reporting of police misconduct using a social psychological lens.
Swallow Preservation Exercises during Chemoradiation Therapy Maintains Swallow Function
Authors: Duarte Victor M. , Chhetri Dinesh K. , Liu Yuan F. , Erman Andrew A. , Wang Marilene B.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To evaluate a swallow preservation protocol (SPP) in which patients received swallow therapy before, during, and after radiation treatment and its efficacy in maintaining swallowing function in head and neck cancer patients.

Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty‐five patients who received radiation (RT) or chemoradiation (CRT) participated in the SPP from 2007 to 2012. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: compliant and noncompliant with SPP. At each SPP visit, the diet of each patient was recorded as regular (chewable), puree, liquid, or gastrostomy tube (G‐tube) dependent, along with their compliance with the swallow exercises. Patients were stratified by age, gender, tumor stage, type of treatment, radiation dose, diet change, dysguesia, odynophagia, pain, and stenosis. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the 2 compliance groups in regards to swallowing‐related outcomes at 1 month after completion of therapy.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients were compliant and 28 were noncompliant with SPP during treatment. The compliant group had a higher percentage of patients tolerating a regular diet (54.4% vs 21.4%, P =. 008), a lower G‐tube dependence (22.8% vs 53.6%, P =. 008), and a higher rate of maintaining or improving their diet (54.4% vs 25.0%, P =. 025) compared to noncompliant patients.

Conclusion

A swallow preservation protocol appears to help maintain or improve swallow function in head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT or CRT. Patients who are able to comply with swallow exercises are less likely to worsen their diet, receive a G‐tube, or develop stenosis.
T-tube insertion for sclerotic subglottic stenosis
Authors: Goto Taichiro , Kato Ryoichi
Published: August 2013

T-tube insertion is effective treatment for subglottic stenosis, but it is generally difficult due to bending of the T-tube. In a 52-year-old woman with relapsing polychondritis, a T-tube was inserted after predilatation using Hegar dilators. We describe the details of our T-tube insertion methods for sclerotic subglottic stenosis.
Effect of strain paths and residual delta ferrite on the failure of cold rolled austenitic stainless steels, type 304L
Authors: Ahmed Ismaila I , da Fonseca Joao Q , Sherry Andrew H
Published: August 2013

This study was carried out to assess the effect of strain paths and residual delta ferrite on failure characteristics of austenitic stainless steels cold rolled to 20% reduction. Optical metallography was carried out to determine grain size and quantify residual delta ferrite. Mechanical tensile tests to failure along three orthogonal directions were carried out on annealed and 20% cold rolled samples to study the effects of strain paths on mechanical properties of the material. Post-mortem scanning electron microscopy was used to study fracture surface and cross-sectional views of the failed specimens. The yield strength of material cold rolled to 20% reduction increased relative to annealed material along the rolling and transverse directions by twice as much along the normal direction. The increase in the yield strength occurred at the expense of ductility which decreased by about half in all directions. It also emerged that material loaded along rolling and transverse directions showed a gradual failure (from rupture strength), while that loaded along the normal direction exhibited a rapid failure. Correlation between ferrite morphologies on the three orthogonal planes and failure characteristics on fracture surfaces were established. The scanning electron microscopic micrographs suggest that materials loaded along transverse and rolling directions failed with characteristic features of pure ductile failure, while specimen loaded along normal direction showed mixed features of ductile and brittle failure.
Effect of hydration on the frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of articular cartilage
Authors: Pearson Benjamin , Espino Daniel M
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of tissue hydration on the frequency-dependant viscoelastic properties of articular cartilage. Such changes were determined at frequencies associated with normal (1–10 Hz) and impulsive/traumatic (90 Hz) heel-strike times. Cartilage on bone samples, obtained from bovine humeral heads, was tested when hypo-hydrated and hyper-hydrated using dynamic mechanical analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed at a range of frequencies between 1 and 90 Hz. Hypo-hydration increased the stiffness of cartilage as compared to hyper-hydrated cartilage; this increase was greater at higher frequencies. The storage modulus and stiffness increased in hypo-hydrated cartilage as compared to hyper-hydrated cartilage. However, the loss modulus and stiffness increased when cartilage was hypo-hydrated as compared to hyper-hydrated, but these increases were not frequency dependent. An impulsive heel-strike time may result in a greater increase of stiffness in hypo-hydrated cartilage, compared with hyper-hydrated cartilage. However, the ratio of storage to loss stiffness was greater for hyper-hydrated cartilage, thereby, reducing the tissue’s ability to dissipate energy and increasing the likelihood of cartilage rupture.
Facilitation of Voluntary Goal-Directed Action by Reward Cues
Authors: Lovibond Peter F. , Colagiuri Ben
Published: August 2013

Reward-associated cues are known to influence motivation to approach both natural and man-made rewards, such as food and drugs. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are not well understood. To model these processes in the laboratory with humans, we developed an appetitive Pavlovian-instrumental transfer procedure with a chocolate reward. We used a single unconstrained response that led to an actual rather than symbolic reward to assess the strength of reward motivation. Presentation of a chocolate-paired cue, but not an unpaired cue, markedly enhanced instrumental responding over a 30-s period. The same pattern was observed with 10-s and 30-s cues, showing that close cue-reward contiguity is not necessary for facilitation of reward-directed action. The results confirm that reward-related cues can instigate voluntary action to obtain that reward. The effectiveness of long-duration cues suggests that in clinical settings, attention should be directed to both proximal and distal cues for reward.
Citizen science as seen by scientists: Methodological, epistemological and ethical dimensions
Authors: Riesch Hauke , Potter Clive
Published: August 2013

Citizen science as a way of communicating science and doing public engagement has over the past decade become the focus of considerable hopes and expectations. It can be seen as a win–win situation, where scientists get help from the public and the participants get a public engagement experience that involves them in real and meaningful scientific research. In this paper we present the results of a series of qualitative interviews with scientists who participated in the ‘OPAL’ portfolio of citizen science projects that has been running in England since 2007: What were their experiences of participating in citizen science? We highlight two particular sets of issues that our participants have voiced, methodological/epistemological and ethical issues. While we share the general enthusiasm over citizen science, we hope that the research in this paper opens up more debate over the potential pitfalls of citizen science as seen by the scientists themselves.
Precarious work and Australian labour norms
Authors: Tweedie Dale
Published: August 2013

Casual employment in Australia is more prevalent than temporary work in most European nations, and casual employees have fewer rights and entitlements than comparable temporary employment categories in Europe. Yet, despite Australia’s long history of industrial activism and political representation of labour, there are fewer examples of social or political movements in Australia resisting precarious work than in Europe. This article provides a partial explanation of this puzzling lack of social resistance to casual employment. It begins from the idea, developed by the Frankfurt School tradition of critical social theory, that economic systems can create or sustain norms that conceal their more harmful social effects from public view. It then uses conceptual categories drawn from critical social theory to show how individual and social costs of casual employment have been overlooked or ‘reified’ in the workplace and in public political discourse. The study is based on existing qualitative research and on a new analysis of attitudes to work and economic organisation in Australian public discourse.
Predictive modeling of nonlinear wave propagation for structural health monitoring with piezoelectric wafer active sensors
Authors: Shen Yanfeng , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: August 2013

This article presents predictive modeling of nonlinear guided wave propagation for structural health monitoring using both finite element method and analytical approach. In our study, the nonlinearity of the guided waves is generated by interaction with a nonlinear breathing crack. Two nonlinear finite element method techniques are used to simulate the breathing crack: (a) element activation/deactivation method and (b) contact analysis. Both techniques are available in ANSYS software package. The solutions obtained by these two finite element method techniques compare quite well. A parametric analytical predictive model is built to simulate guided waves interacting with linear/nonlinear structural damage. This model is coded into MATLAB, and the WaveFormRevealer graphical user interface is developed to obtain fast predictive waveform solutions for arbitrary combinations of sensor, structural properties, and damage. The predictive model is found capable of describing the nonlinear wave propagation phenomenon. This article finishes with summary and conclusions followed by recommendations for further work.
Combined electrical and electromechanical simulations of a piezoelectric cymbal harvester for energy harvesting from walking
Authors: Leinonen Mikko , Palosaari Jaakko , Juuti Jari , Jantunen Heli
Published: August 2013

In this article, simulation combining real-life mechanical input energy with electromechanical and electrical behavior of piezoelectric energy harvester and electronics is demonstrated. A finite element method model for a piezoelectric cymbal harvester is developed and compared to measurements from an actual prototype. The measurements were taken using a piston imitating a measured walking pressure profile, which was also used in the simulations as an arbitrary input signal. The finite element method model was used to calculate the electrical power of the prototype under a resistive load. These results were then compared to the measured results, which showed that the error in the generated power between the model and the actual prototype was below 7% for stroke displacements below 1.3 mm. Such accurate modeling of full chain from mechanical to electrical energy will be an essential tool in optimization of the mechanics, electronics, and materials of the future energy harvesting devices.
Piezoceramic composite actuators for a solid-state variable-camber wing
Authors: Bilgen Onur , Friswell Michael I
Published: August 2013

A solid-state piezocomposite variable-camber morphing wing is proposed for fixed-wing aircraft that operate in the low Reynolds number regime. An experimental evaluation of the wing which employs a continuous inextensible surface, continuous boundary conditions, and surface-bonded piezoelectric actuators is presented. The partially active surface is designed to have sufficient bending stiffness in the chordwise and spanwise directions to sustain shape under aerodynamic loading. In contrast, the in-plane stiffness is relatively high; however, the necessary deformations that are required to change the aerodynamic response can still be attained while maintaining the surface area constant. Coupled with the continuous boundary conditions and the spar structure, the prototype piezocomposite wing can achieve desired change in aerodynamic response quantified in terms of lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio. The experimental variable-camber, shell-like, morphing wing sustains aerodynamic loading at the maximum tested free-stream velocity of 22.8 m/s and at a Reynolds number of 251,000 without degradation of aerodynamic authority.
Decision making in social neurobiological systems modeled as transitions in dynamic pattern formation
Authors: Araújo Duarte , Diniz Ana , Passos Pedro , Davids Keith
Published: August 2013

Extant models of decision making in social neurobiological systems have typically explained task dynamics as characterized by transitions between two attractors. In this paper, we model a three-attractor task exemplified in a team sport context. The model showed that an attacker–defender dyadic system can be described by the angle x between a vector connecting the participants and the try line. This variable was proposed as an order parameter of the system and could be dynamically expressed by integrating a potential function. Empirical evidence has revealed that this kind of system has three stable attractors, with a potential function of the form V( x)=− k1 x+ k2 ax2/2− bx4/4+ x6/6, where k1 and k2 are two control parameters. Random fluctuations were also observed in system behavior, modeled as white noise ε t, leading to the motion equation dx/ dt = − dV/ dx+ Q0.5ε t, where Q is the noise variance. The model successfully mirrored the behavioral dynamics of agents in a social neurobiological system, exemplified by interactions of players in a team sport.
The olive tree effect: Future time perspective when the future is uncertain
Authors: Morselli Davide
Published: August 2013

Different fields of psychology have shown that future time perspective (FTP) has an important role in changing individual attitudes and behaviours. However, recent societal conditions, like the economic crises of the Western world, may have changed the meaning itself of the future, passing from hope to threat. This article discusses possible consequences of this change of sign of the future and the implications of future time perspective as an educational strategy in multicultural context. Synthesizing the concepts of future time orientation and generativity, a distinction between personal and social FTP is proposed. Whereas personal FTP is oriented to personal achievement and can be embedded into the Western culture but not into other cultures, social FTP is proposed as a resource for community building. Social FTP stresses the importance of the survival of the community, focusing on long-term and inclusive goals which transcend individual personal achievement. Social FTP is proposed as a cross-cultural tool for improving intergroup and interpersonal relations.
Improving antenatal risk assessment in women exposed to high risks
Authors: Perry Natasha , Newman Louise K , Hunter Mick , Dunlop Adrian
Published: August 2013

Antenatal substance use and related psychosocial risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of child protection involvement; less is known about the predictive nature of maternal reflective functioning (RF) in this population. This preliminary study assessed psychosocial and psychological risk factors for a group of substance dependent women exposed to high risks in pregnancy, and their impact on child protection involvement. Pregnant women on opiate substitution treatment ( n = 11) and a comparison group ( n = 15) were recruited during their third trimester to complete measures of RF (Pregnancy Interview), childhood trauma, mental health and psychosocial assessments. At postnatal follow-up, RF was reassessed (Parent Development Interview – Revised Short Version) and mother–infant dyads were videotaped to assess emotional availability (EA). Child protection services were contacted to determine if any concerns had been raised for infant safety. Significant between-group differences were observed for demographics, psychosocial factors, trauma and mental health symptoms. Unexpectedly, no significant differences were found for RF or EA between groups. Eight women in the ‘exposed to high risks’ group became involved with child protection services. Reflective functioning was not significantly associated with psychosocial risk factors, and therefore did not mediate the outcome of child protection involvement. Women ‘exposed to high risks’ were equally able to generate a model of their own and their infants’ mental states and should not be seen within a deficit perspective. Further research is required to better understand the range of risk factors that predict child protection involvement in high risk groups.
Effects of using nursing home residents to serve as group activity leaders: Lessons learned from the RAP project
Authors: Skrajner Michael J. , Haberman Jessica L. , Camp Cameron J. , Tusick Melanie , Frentiu Cristina , Gorzelle Gregg
Published: August 2013

Previous research has demonstrated that persons with early to moderate stage dementia are capable of leading small group activities for persons with more advanced dementia. In this study, we built upon this previous work by training residents in long-term care facilities to fill the role of group activity leaders using a Resident-Assisted Programming (RAP) training regimen. There were two stages to the program. In the first stage, RAP training was provided by researchers. In the second stage, RAP training was provided to residents by activities staff members of long-term care facilities who had been trained by researchers. We examine the effects of RAP implemented by researchers and by activities staff member on long-term care resident with dementia who took part in these RAP activities. We also examined effects produced by two types of small group activities: two Montessori-based activities and an activity which focuses on persons with more advanced dementia, based on the work of Jitka Zgola. Results demonstrate that levels of positive engagement seen in players during RAP (resident-led activities) were typically higher than those observed during standard activities programming led by site staff. In general, Montessori-Based Dementia Programming® produced more constructive engagement than Zgola-based programming (ZBP), though ZBP did increase a positive form of engagement involving observing activities with interest. In addition, RAP implemented by activities staff members produced effects that were, on the whole, similar to those produced when RAP was implemented by researchers. Implications of these findings for providing meaningful social roles for persons with dementia residing in long-term care, and suggestions for further research in this area, are discussed.
The development and evaluation of an educational intervention for primary care promoting person-centred responses to dementia
Authors: Edwards Rachel , Voss Sarah E , Iliffe Steve
Published: August 2013

Background

Early diagnosis of dementia within primary care is important to allow access to support. However, dementia remains under-detected in general practice.

Aim

This work aimed to develop and evaluate an educational intervention for primary care promoting person-centred responses to people experiencing cognitive decline.

Method

A prototype educational intervention was pilot tested and refined; the final version of the educational intervention was then evaluated in four volunteer practices. A questionnaire was administered pre- and post-training to 94 practice staff to assess knowledge and attitudes to dementia. The responses of general practitioners (who make diagnostic, referral and treatment decisions) were compared with those from other staff who do not have such roles.

Findings

Post-training, there were statistically significant improvements in understanding of person-centred care for people with dementia; attitudes to early diagnosis; awareness of non-cognitive dementia symptoms; and awareness of the role that non-clinical staff may have in recognising dementia.

Conclusions

A dementia education intervention for primary care which fosters person-centred attitudes can involve all members of a primary care team. Further research is needed to ascertain if improvements in knowledge and attitudes translate into improved practice.
A new nanotechnology of fly ash inertization based on the use of silica gel extracted from rice husk ash and microwave treatment
Authors: Bosio Alberto , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Zacco Annalisa , Borgese Laura , Rodella Nicola , Zanotti Davide , Depero Laura E , Siviero Giacomo , Cinosi Amedeo , Bingham Paul A , Bontempi Elza
Published: August 2013

This article reports the first results on chemical stabilization of municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash, by means of the employment of silica gel extracted from rice husk ash. The inertized sample is obtained after thermal treatment by microwave heating. The results of leaching tests on the obtained materials demonstrate that the proposed sol–gel technology is extremely promising in terms of resource used: indeed, all the materials employed for inertization in this treatment are themselves waste materials. The obtained inert material has a composition that makes it extremely interesting for green building applications.
The research of micro–nano laser patterning system based on digital micromirror device
Authors: Hu Jin , Pu Dong-lin , Chen Lin-sen
Published: August 2013

This article presents the properties of the micro–nano sacle laser patterning system based on digital micromirror device. The introduction of the excellent spatial light modulator—digital micromirror device—provides a possibility for the patterning system to combine high resolution and accuracy with short writing time. The optical characteristics of the digital micromirror device–input imaging system are analyzed. An overlapping exposure method is proposed to obtain optical resolution enhancement and high fidelity of the input pattern. Based on this method, an optical synthetic-aperture effect is realized without increasing the system complexity or decreasing the process efficiency.
Research on novel cathode structure of air-breathing micro-direct methanol fuel cell
Authors: Deng Huichao , Zhang Yufeng , Li Yang , Zhang Xuelin , Liu Xiaowei
Published: August 2013

In this article, a novel cathode current collector with “cross” self-breathing configuration is proposed to improve the performance of self-breathing micro-direct methanol fuel cell. The simulation result shows that “cross” cathode micro-direct methanol fuel cell effectively improves the efficiency of oxygen mass transport and makes oxygen distribute uniformly which lead to high power density and temperature. The novel “cross” cathode structure and comparative high temperature promote rate of water evaporation which suspends flooding in the cathode, and the end of channel connects with atmosphere causing liquid state water on the gas diffusion layer to discharge outside directly. The self-breathing micro-direct methanol fuel cells with “cross” cathode structure are fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems technologies and are tested at room temperature. The experimental results show that the “cross” cathode micro-direct methanol fuel cell, whose peak power density is 17.1 mW cm−2, exhibits significantly higher performance than the conventional perforated cathode micro-direct methanol fuel cell. Moreover, during the long-term operation of the “cross” cathode micro-direct methanol fuel cell, there is no water flooding on the cathode surface.
Development of nanocomposites for conservation of artistic stones
Authors: D’Amato Rosaria , Caneve Luisa , Giancristofaro Cristina , Persia Franca , Pilloni Luciano , Rinaldi Antonio
Published: August 2013

Properties of consolidant and protective materials modified with nanoparticles were analysed in this study following their application onto marble samples. For this purpose, different solutions of an acrylic resin with dispersed SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared. The relative durability of Paraloid B72, an acrylic resin used as consolidant and modified by nanoparticles, was evaluated comparatively by means of diverse diagnostic techniques, namely, scanning electron microscopy, laser-induced fluorescence, ultrasonic sound, colorimetry, total immersion water absorption and contact angle. The results demonstrate that nanoparticles enhance the effectiveness of consolidant and protective material because they induce substantial changes of surface morphology of the coating layer.
Health activism: the way forward to improve health in difficult times
Authors: Laverack Glenn
Published: August 2013

Health activism is an action on behalf of a cause, action that goes beyond what is conventional or routine in society. It involves a challenge to the existing order whenever it is perceived to lead to a social injustice or inequality. Today social injustice is killing people on a grand scale and it is timely for health activism to be used as a way forward to improve health during difficult economic and political times. Health activism is essential because it can create the necessary conditions for people to take control over their own lives when others cannot or will not act on their behalf. Health promotion agencies and the practitioners that they employ, professional organisations and researchers can also play an important role. What is clear is that if greedy corporations and complacent governments are not challenged, we will continue to have limited success in improving health.