bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(no relation)
Authors: Miller Jerry
Published: October 2012

Although Friedrich Nietzsche had no less to say about value than he did about truth, his writings reflect contradictory views about their interrelation. In several passages, Nietzsche explicitly remarks that no relation exists between phenomena and value, describing value as a derivative and secondary mode of interpretation arbitrarily ‘attached’ to primary, non-evaluative interpretations. Elsewhere and more understated, however, runs an opposing line of argumentation in which Nietzsche presents interpretation as emerging through evaluation and therefore as necessarily ‘colored’ by it. While Gilles Deleauze's exegesis of Nietzsche struggles to maintain a certain faithfulness to this ambiguity, most contemporary inheritors of Nietzschean thought, including Richard Rorty and Michel Foucault, have embraced the claim of ‘no relation’ between value and interpretation. This article provides support, in part through the analytic of race, for the alternative hypothesis that holds the indissociable relation of value and interpretation.
Sinonasal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Husain Qasim , Kanumuri Vivek V. , Svider Peter F. , Radvansky Brian M. , Boghani Zain , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: October 2012

Objective

This study reviews the published outcomes related to sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (SNACC). Clinical presentation, radiographic diagnosis, pathology, treatment, and management outcomes of this uncommon disease are reported.

Data Sources

PubMed database.

Methods

A systematic review of studies for SNACC from 1960 to 2012 was conducted. A PubMed search for articles related to SNACC, along with bibliographies of those articles, was performed. Articles were examined for both individual patient data (IPD) and aggregate patient data (APD) that reported survivability. Demographics, disease site and spread, treatment strategies, follow‐up, outcome, and survival were described for IPD, and a meta‐analysis for survival rates was performed for APD.

Results

A total of 55 journal articles were included. Individual patient data were reported in 39 journal articles, comprising a total of 88 cases of SNACC. Sixteen articles, totaling 366 patients that reported aggregate 5‐year survivorship pertaining to SNACC, were also included. Average follow‐up in the IPD was 51.2 months (range, 1‐198 months), and 5‐year survivorship was 63.5%. In the studies reviewed, surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy was the most common therapy used and resulted in the highest percentage of survivors. Aggregate patient data meta‐analysis revealed a 5‐year survival rate of 62.5%.

Conclusion

This study contains the largest pool of SNACC patients to date. The data suggest that SNACC has a poor overall prognosis. It also suggests that surgery with postoperative radiotherapy is the most commonly used and may possibly be the most effective therapy.
From Cancer to Cookbooks
Authors: Shuman Andrew G.
Published: October 2012

Clementine Paddleford overcame laryngeal cancer to become the most famous culinary journalist of her time. Through archival research, her long‐forgotten tale may be shared anew. Perhaps no individual better encapsulates the consequences of head and neck cancer than does a food reporter, for whom speech and swallowing are truly indispensable. In an era in which vocal rehabilitation after total laryngectomy was limited, and when conservation procedures were still being developed, Paddleford underwent partial laryngectomy in 1931. Thereafter, her tracheotomy morphed into a fashion statement, and her dysphonia became her calling card, as she traveled the world in pursuit of original recipes and the stories behind them. Paddleford reminds us that cancer survivorship is not simply measured in months or years. Her legacy is a testament to both individual willpower and the ability of doctors and patients to balance risks and benefits in pursuit of partnerships with common goals.
Evaluation of Open Midline Glossectomy in the Multilevel Surgical Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Suh Gerald D.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To analyze the overall success rate of open midline glossectomy with lingual tonsillectomy in the surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) as well as a subset analysis to determine whether certain patient factors influence clinical outcome.

Study Design

Case series with retrospective data collection.

Setting

Private practice with surgeries performed at a single community hospital (St Johns–Riverside Hospital).

Subjects and Methods

Fifty consecutive patients who had moderate to severe OSAS with Friedman tongue position III or IV and underwent midline glossectomy with lingual tonsillectomy as part of multilevel sleep apnea surgery and had pre‐ and postsurgery in‐laboratory sleep studies performed.

Results

The overall success rate was 56.0% using success defined as a postoperative apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) less than 20 and a decrease of greater than 50%. Median AHI decreased from 52.0 to 18.3 with a median change of −26.1 (interquartile range, −41.6 and −17.1). Of significance on subset analysis, patients with a preoperative AHI <60 had a 68.8% success rate (P =. 02), and patients with Friedman tongue position III had a 75.9% success rate (P =. 0009).

Conclusion

The findings of this case series would suggest that multilevel sleep apnea surgery, incorporating midline glossectomy with lingual tonsillectomy, is a valid alternative for managing moderate to severe OSAS in patients who do not respond or are resistant to continuous positive airway pressure therapy. In patients with a preoperative AHI <60 or Friedman tongue position III, surgical success rate is significantly improved.
Relativization strategies in SLA
Authors: Luzi Eleonora
Published: October 2012

This article examines the process of acquisition of relative clauses in second language (L2) Italian. Despite the fact that linguistic research clearly evidences a distinction between restrictive relative clauses and non-restrictive relative clauses, second language acquisition studies have so far investigated the acquisition of relative clauses disregarding this fundamental and functional difference. Based on the analysis of oral data of 96 L2 Italian students of two different Common European Framework of Reference proficiency levels (B1 and C2), this study examines occurrences of target language relative clauses and of other strategies of relativization (i.e. coordinated sentences), analysing proficiency and first language (L1) influence on distribution. The significant differences in the distribution of alternative relativization strategies between the two groups and the non-restrictive function of coordinated sentences lead to the hypothesis that there are two distinct patterns of acquisition: one for restrictive and another for non-restrictive relative clauses.
Asymmetries in the perception of non-native consonantal and vocalic length contrasts
Authors: Altmann Heidi , Berger Irena , Braun Bettina
Published: October 2012

How well can non-native length contrasts for vowels and for consonants be perceived and is one type more difficult than the other? Three listener groups (native Italian and German as well as advanced German learners of Italian) performed a speeded same–different task involving vocalic and consonantal length contrasts as well as segmental contrasts as controls. Phonologically, Italian, but not German, has a consonantal length contrast, while German, but not Italian, has a vocalic length contrast. Analysis of responses yielded a clear asymmetry: A non-native vowel length contrast was perceived just as well as the native consonantal length contrast. A non-native consonantal length contrast, however, was perceived poorly compared to the native vocalic length contrast: Italians showed higher sensitivity for consonantal length than German learners of Italian, who in turn were better than German non-learners. Reaction time analyses indicated that, despite displaying higher accuracy, the decision was just as difficult for learners as for non-learners, suggesting different types of difficulty for listeners with and without experience with a consonantal length contrast.
All Stories Are Not Alike
Authors: Shaffer Victoria A. , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J.
Published: October 2012

The use of patient stories in decision aids is a highly controversial practice. However, the resulting debates and research have yielded little consensus about the impact of patient stories due to vague operational definitions of narratives. In this article, we argue that narratives are not homogeneous in either content or effect and hence should not be considered a single construct in research. The purpose of this article is to provide a taxonomy that guides both the development of decision aids and future research on this topic. We define three dimensions of narratives that are likely to moderate their impact on decision making: 1) the purpose of the narrative, 2) the content of the message, and 3) the evaluative valence, or overall tone, of the message. In addition, we describe predicted effects of different types of narratives on decision making and discuss their potential interactions. Our taxonomy provides a framework that will allow for the precise documentation of different narrative types, the use of appropriate outcome measures, and a systematic evaluation of narratives in all types of decision aids. Failures to recognize the complex structure of narratives will result both in research that does little to inform our understanding of the impact of patient stories and in the use of narratives in patient education materials that have unintended consequences on both decision processes and behavior.
Migraine with aura associated with unilateral cortical increase in vascular permeability
Authors: Rotstein DL , Aviv RI , Murray BJ
Published: October 2012

Background:

Few studies to date have captured perfusion and vascular permeability changes during a migraineur’s aura. This may be important information to the clinician in the context of the differential diagnosis of migraine with aura versus acute stroke.

We report a case in which magnetic resonance perfusion during a migraine aura showed unilateral hypoperfusion differentially affecting gray and white matter and was associated with a hemispheric increase in permeability.

Conclusions:

Imaging in this case suggests that migraine aura is associated with oligemia below the threshold for infarction. Increased vascular permeability may be a critical mechanism contributing to perfusion changes observed in migraine with aura.
Associations Between Lower Extremity Muscle Mass and Multiplanar Knee Laxity and Stiffness
Authors: Shultz Sandra J. , Pye Michele L. , Montgomery Melissa M. , Schmitz Randy J.
Published: October 2012

Background:

Compared with men, women have disproportionally greater frontal (varus-valgus) and transverse (internal-external) plane laxity and lower stiffness, despite having similar sagittal (anterior-posterior) plane laxity and stiffness. While the underlying cause is unclear, the amount of lower extremity lean mass (LELM) may be a contributing factor.

Hypothesis:

Lower extremity lean mass would be a stronger predictor of frontal and transverse plane laxity and incremental stiffness than the sagittal plane. Associations between LELM and stiffness would be stronger at lower force increments.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Sixty-three women and 30 men with no history of ligament injury were measured for knee laxity and incremental stiffness in the sagittal (−90- to 130-N posterior-to-anterior directed loads), frontal (±10-N·m varus-valgus torques), and transverse (±5-N·m internal-external rotation torques) planes and underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans to measure LELM. Linear regressions examined the extent to which LELM predicted each laxity and stiffness value, while also accounting for a person’s sex.

Results:

Females (vs males) had greater laxity and less stiffness in the frontal and transverse planes but not the sagittal plane. Lower extremity lean mass was a poor predictor of sagittal laxity and stiffness ( R2 range = .021-.081; P > .06) but was a stronger predictor of frontal ( R2 range = .215-.567; P < .01) and transverse ( R2 range = .224-.356; P < .01) plane laxity and stiffness. Associations were stronger for low ( R2 = .495-.504) versus high ( R2 = .215-.435) frontal plane stiffness but were similar for low ( R2 = .233-.293) versus high ( R2 = .224-.356) transverse plane stiffness. Once we accounted for a person’s LELM, sex had little effect on laxity and stiffness (change in R2 after removal = .01-.08; P = .027-.797).

Conclusion:

Less LELM was associated with greater laxity and less stiffness in frontal and transverse planes, which may contribute to the disproportionally higher laxities and reduced stiffnesses observed in females in these planes.

Clinical Relevance:

Frontal and transverse plane laxity and stiffness may be modifiable through strength training interventions that promote changes in muscle characteristics (eg, muscle cross-sectional area, stiffness) that may contribute to static knee joint stability, thus dynamic joint stability during sport activity.
Design, construction and management of tailings storage facilities for surface disposal in China: case studies of failures
Authors: Wei Zuoan , Yin Guangzhi , Wang J G , Wan Ling , Li Guangzhi
Published: October 2012

Rapid development of China’s economy demands for more mineral resources. At the same time, a vast quantity of mine tailings, as the waste byproduct of mining and mineral processing, is being produced in huge proportions. Tailings impoundments play an important role in the practical surface disposal of these large quantities of mining waste. Historically, tailings were relatively small in quantity and had no commercial value, thus little attention was paid to their disposal. The tailings were preferably discharged near the mines and few tailings storage facilities were constructed in mainland China. This situation has significantly changed since 2000, because the Chinese economy is growing rapidly and Chinese regulations and legislation require that tailings disposal systems must be ready before the mining operation begins. Consequently, data up to 2008 shows that more than 12 000 tailings storage facilities have been built in China. This paper reviews the history of tailings disposal in China, discusses three cases of tailings dam failures and explores failure mechanisms, and the procedures commonly used in China for planning, design, construction and management of tailings impoundments. This paper also discusses the current situation, shortcomings and key weaknesses, as well as future development trends for tailings storage facilities in China.
Identification of apoptosis-related genes and transcription variations in response to microcystin-LR in zebrafish liver
Authors: Wei Lili , Hoole Dave , Sun Baojian
Published: October 2012

There is growing evidence that the effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) are closely related to apoptosis. This study utilized microarray to identify the apoptosis-related genes induced by MC-LR in zebrafish liver. The messenger RNA abundance of some apoptosis-related genes was found to be increased, including five tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related members (apoptosis regulatory protein siva, tumor necrosis factor–α ( tnfa) TNF (ligand) superfamily member 10 ( tnfsf10), TNF-inducible protein 6 ( tnfaip6) and TNF receptor associated factor 2 binding protein ( traf2bp)), three p53-related genes (tumor protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 1 ( tp53inp1), p53-induced protein phosphatase 1 ( ppm1d) and a novel apoptosis stimulating protein of p53 ( aspp2)), bcl 2 family members (proapoptosis gene bax and antiapoptosis gene mcl 1), caspases (caspase y ( caspy) and a PYD and CARD domain-containing protein ( pycard)) and the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) induced apoptosis protein 2 ( taip2). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to study the kinetic transcriptional changes in seven apoptosis-related genes. Elevated transcription of p53, tp53inp1, mcl 1 and taip2 could only be detected at 6 h, increased transcription of the antagonist molecules, bcl 2 and bax could be detected at most time points and the significant change of caspy could be found at 48 h and 72 h after stimulation. Taken together, the results obtained in the present study clearly demonstrate that large amount of apoptosis-related genes are involved in the regulation of MC-LR-induced apoptosis.
Toxicity of titanium oxide nanoparticles causes functionality and DNA damage in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sperm in vitro
Authors: Pawar Kamlesh , Kaul Gautam
Published: October 2012

The present study has examined the effect of different concentrations (1 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml) of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) (<100 nm) on viability, membrane integrity, capacitation status and DNA integrity of buffalo spermatozoa. Characterization of NPs was done by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and acridine orange test (AOT) were employed to detect DNA fragmentation in sperm treated with NPs. There was significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in cell viability and membrane integrity (assessed by enzyme leakage) at 6 h of incubation with NPs. However, significant ( p < 0.05) increase in sperm capacitation was observed for TiO2 NP albeit at lower concentrations. In DNA fragmentation assay, there was dose-dependent increase in the DNA fragmentation ( r = 0.96). Ultrathin cross-sections revealed TiO2 NPs inside head and plasma membrane of the buffalo spermatozoa as assessed by TEM. These studies suggest that TiO2 NPs may have cytotoxic effect on buffalo spermatozoa by affecting sperm functionality and causing high amount of DNA fragmentations.
Determination of genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties of essential oil from Ferula orientalis L. using Ames/Salmonella and E. coli WP2 bacterial test systems
Authors: Ozkan Hakan , Yanmis Derya , Karadayi Mehmet , Bal Tugba , Baris Ozlem , Gulluce Medine
Published: October 2012

The essential oils having many application fields such as medicine, flavoring, cosmetics are natural products obtained from aromatic plants. As the natural products of Ferula species have a wide range of use in folk medicine, this study was planned to evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of essential oils of leaves and flowers of Ferula orientalis grown in Erzurum, through the bacterial reverse mutation assay. Furthermore, the chemical compositions of essential oils isolated by the hyrodistillation method were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), as their biological activities were connected to their contents. According to our results, any tested essential oil at any used concentration on Salmonella typhimurium TA1535 and TA1537 strains and in Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA strain showed no mutagenic activity. However, the tested materials at different concentrations showed antimutagenic activities against the used mutagens. The inhibition rates ranged against sodium azide (NaN3) on S. typhimurium TA1535 from 29% to 36%, against 9-aminoacridine (9-AA) on S. typhimurium TA1537 from 40% to 68% and against N-methyl- N’-nitro- N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) on E. coli WP2 uvrA from 23% to 52%, respectively. Also, it is revealed by GC and GC/MS analysis of the essential oils isolated from the leaves and flowers, respectively. The major compounds in these oils were determined as α-cadinol, δ-cadinene and germacrene D-4-ol. The results of this study indicate that as the essential oils of F. orientalis have many constituents, they show no mutagenic activity but significant antimutagenic activity, and these materials can be safely used in medicinal applications after further investigations.
Feeding Tube Placement
Authors: Stayner James L. , Bhatnagar Akash , McGinn Arlo N. , Fang John C.
Published: October 2012

Feeding tube placement for enteral nutrition (EN) support is widely used in both critically ill and stable chronically ill patients who are unable to meet their nutrition needs orally. Nasal or oral feeding tubes can be performed blindly at the bedside or with fluoroscopic or endoscopic guidance into the stomach or small bowel. Percutaneous feeding tubes are used when EN support is required for longer periods (>4–6 weeks) and are most commonly placed endoscopically or radiographically. Although generally safe and effective, there is a wide spectrum of known complications associated with feeding tube placement. Errors made at the time of feeding tube placement can result in a number of these procedural and postprocedural complications. In many cases, a single error at the time of placement can result in numerous complications. A thorough knowledge of these errors and avoiding them in practice will decrease iatrogenic complications in a vulnerable population. In addition, early recognition and management of complications will further minimize morbidity and even mortality in enteral feeding tube placement. This article reviews the common errors leading to complications of enteral feeding tube placement and their prevention and management.
Efficacy of Erythropoietin Combined With Enteral Nutrition for the Treatment of Anemia in Crohn's Disease
Authors: Liu Song , Ren Jianan , Hong Zhiwu , Yan Dongsheng , Gu Guosheng , Han Gang , Wang Gefei , Ren Huajian , Chen Jun , Li Jieshou
Published: October 2012

Background: Anemia is a common and serious complication in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The present study was dedicated to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of erythropoietin (EPO) combined with enteral nutrition (EN) in anemic Crohn's disease (CD) patients, in terms of hemoglobin level, treatment success rate, adverse events, and predictor of this therapy. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study in CD patients. On the basis of hemoglobin level, all enrolled patients were divided into anemic and nonanemic groups. The anemic group was further divided into EPO and non‐EPO subgroups, depending on whether EPO was prescribed. Hematological and other parameters were measured initially and in the first 4 weeks after starting treatment. Results: In total, 109 patients (49 nonanemic and 60 anemic, including 38 EPO and 22 non‐EPO) were included. The prevalence of anemia in CD was 55.05%. Age, disease behavior, Crohn's Disease Activity Index scores, C‐reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly different between anemic and nonanemic groups. An increase in hemoglobin level and a significant decrease in C‐reactive protein level were observed in the EPO treatment group. Treatment success rate was 63.16% in the EPO group, whereas none of patients achieved treatment success in the non‐EPO group. Conclusion: EPO combined with EN can improve the hemoglobin level in anemic CD patients.
Fabrication of multilayer ZrO2–biphasic calcium phosphate–poly-caprolactone unidirectional channeled scaffold for bone tissue formation
Authors: Mondal Dibakar , So-Ra Son , Sarkar Swapan Kumar , Min Young Ki , Yang Hun Mo , Lee Byong Taek
Published: October 2012

We developed a continuously porous scaffold with laminated matrix and bone-like microstructure by a multi-pass extrusion process. In this scaffold, tetragonal ZrO2, biphasic calcium phosphate and poly-caprolactone layers were arranged in a co-axially laminated unit cell with a channel in the center. The entire matrix phase had a laminated microstructure of alternate lamina of tetragonal ZrO2, biphasic calcium phosphate and poly-caprolactone—biphasic calcium phosphate with optimized designed thickness and channeled porosity. Each of the continuous pores was coaxially encircled by the poly-caprolactone—biphasic calcium phosphate layer, biphasic calcium phosphate layer and finally tetragonal ZrO2 layer, one after the other. Before extrusion, 5 vol% graphite powder was mixed with tetragonal ZrO2 to ensure pores in the outer layer and connectivity among the lamellas. The design strategy is aimed to incorporate a lamellar microstructure like the natural bone in the macro-scaled ceramic body to investigate the strengthening phenomenon and pave the way for fabricating complex microstructure of natural bone could be applied for whole bone replacement. The final fabricated scaffold had a compressive strength of 12.7 MPa and porosity of 78 vol% with excellent cell viability, cell attachment and osteocalcin and collagen expression from cultured MG63 cells on scaffold.
Enteral Nutrition in the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patient
Authors: DeBellis Heather F. , Fetterman James W.
Published: October 2012

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, chronic disease, in which malnutrition can have an undesirable effect. Therefore, the patient’s nutritional status is critical for optimizing outcomes in COPD. The initial nutrition assessment is focused on identifying calorically compromised COPD patients in order to provide them with appropriate nutrition. Nutritional intervention consists of oral supplementation and enteral nutrition to prevent weight loss and muscle mass depletion. Evaluation of nutritional status should include past medical history (medications, lung function, and exercise tolerance) and dietary history (patient’s dietary habits, food choices, meal patterns, food allergy information, and malabsorption issues), in addition to physiological stress, visceral proteins, weight, fat-free mass, and body mass index. The current medical literature conflicts regarding the appropriate type of formulation to select for nutritional intervention, especially regarding the amount of calories from fat to provide COPD patients. This review article focuses on the enteral product formulations currently available, and how they are most appropriately utilized in patients with COPD.
An Update for Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia Pharmacotherapy
Authors: DeBellis Heather F. , Jones Melissa C. , Kincaid Scott E.
Published: October 2012

In 2007, 1.2 million people in the United States were hospitalized with pneumonia, and more than 52 000 died from the disease. Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) can be caused by a variety of organisms as a result of patient factors such as comorbidities, epidemiologic conditions, or the setting in which the infection was contracted. Treatment of CABP differs depending on the types of bacteria that are suspected. In the last several years, due to the concern regarding multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), 2 new antibiotics have been developed and approved for use in CABP. Ceftaroline fosamil (Teflaro) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2010 and tigecycline (Tygacil) in March 2009. In clinical trials, both agents have been shown to be efficacious and are generally well tolerated. Although these agents have received approval as therapy for CABP, it is the responsibility of physicians and pharmacists to prudently use these antimicrobials where they are truly needed. Until these agents show superiority over conventional therapy for selected patient populations, given the wide variety of pharmacotherapy that can prove efficacious for pneumonia, the new agents should be reserved for patients who have known risk factors for MDROs. Further studies are warranted for these agents in the setting of CABP.
This Too Shall Pass
Authors: de Guzman Allan B. , Jimenez Benito Christian B. , Jocson Kathlyn P. , Junio Aileen R. , Junio Drazen E. , Jurado Jasper Benjamin N. , Justiniano Angela Bianca F.
Published: October 2012

Considering the paucity of studies dealing with the holistic aspect of the cancer experience, this grounded theory study seeks to conceptualize the process of cancer survivorship among Filipinos. Twenty-seven Filipino cancer survivors were purposively selected, and a two-part instrument, specifically robotfoto and focus group interviews, was used to gather data. The Glaserian method of grounded theory analysis was used, and extended texts were analyzed inductively via a dendrogram. Member checking and correspondence were observed to validate the surfacing stages, leading to the conceptualization of a theoretical model termed as the Ribbon of Cancer Survivorship. The said model describes the trifling (living before), transfusing (accepting the reality), transforming (being strong), and transcending (living beyond) phases of cancer survivorship. Ten interesting substages were also identified, namely: tainting, desolating, disrupting, and embracing for the transfusing phase; tormenting, distressing, awakening, and transfiguring for the transforming phase, and trembling and enlivening for the transcending phase. The resulting theoretical model has clearly and successfully described the entire process of cancer survivorship among Filipinos. It is hoped that the model be used as a reference for future studies about cancer survivorship and as a guide for nurses in providing a more empathetic care among cancer patients.
Development of an optimal strategy for the energy management of a range-extended electric vehicle with additional noise, vibration and harshness constraints
Authors: Millo Federico , Rolando Luciano , Mallamo Fabio , Fuso Rocco
Published: October 2012

Nowadays, electric vehicles represent a promising solution for reducing the fuel consumption (and thus the carbon dioxide emission) and the pollutant emissions of road vehicles, especially in highly congested urban areas, although their driving range and usability still limit the customer acceptance even for a city car application. Extended-range electric vehicles may partly overcome these limitations, having an auxiliary power unit which can provide electrical energy to the powertrain once the battery has been depleted. On the other hand, the operations of such an auxiliary power unit should be almost completely unnoticeable in order to avoid any impacts on the electric driving experience, resulting in considerably reduced drive-related noise. Therefore the aim of this work is the design, through numerical simulation, of a powertrain controller capable of minimizing the carbon dioxide emission of a range-extended electric vehicle and, at the same time, avoiding any discomfort for the passenger related to the auxiliary power unit operations. Starting from the development of a powertrain controller focused on minimization of the carbon dioxide emission of the vehicle, the main noise targets will be defined and their effects on the energy management system will be analysed.
Simulating the impact of premixed charge compression ignition on light-duty diesel fuel economy and emissions of particulates and NOx
Authors: Gao Zhiming , Daw C Stuart , Wagner Robert M , Edwards K Dean , Smith David E
Published: October 2012

We report results from urban drive cycle simulations of a light-duty conventional vehicle and a similar hybrid electric vehicle, both of which are equipped with diesel engines capable of operating in either conventional diesel combustion mode or in premixed charge compression ignition mode. Both simulated vehicles include lean exhaust after-treatment trains for controlling hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions. Our results indicate that, in the simulated conventional vehicle, premixed charge compression ignition can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions by reducing the need for lean nitrogen oxide traps and diesel particulate filter regeneration. However, the opportunity for utilizing premixed charge compression ignition in the simulated hybrid electric vehicle is limited because the engine typically experiences higher loads and multiple stop–start transients that are outside the allowable premixed charge compression ignition operating range. This suggests that developing ways of extending the premixed charge compression ignition operating range combined with improved control strategies for engine and emissions control management will be especially important for realizing the potential benefits of premixed charge compression ignition in hybrid electric vehicles.
Maximising heat dissipation from ventilated wheel-hub-mounted railway brake discs
Authors: Galindo-López Carlos H , Tirović Marko
Published: October 2012

Improvement of convective heat dissipation from wheel-mounted discs presents a unique challenge due to the existence of a secondary air flow (in the circumferential direction), between the vanes and wheel web. Although this flow reduces pumping efficiency (air mass flow), it promotes air mixing between different channels and increases turbulence. Beginning with the existing design, a procedure was developed to maximise convective heat dissipation based on specific post-processing procedures and monitored parameters. These included the secondary flow (behind the vanes), air speed in the channels at specific planes and points, global air flow pattern and the distribution of the convective heat transfer coefficient. By analysing these plots and graphs it was possible to identify areas where flow and heat transfer characteristics could be improved. Ultimately, the specific power dissipation (the product of the average convective heat transfer coefficient and the disc wetted area), provided a single quantitative measure of disc design effectiveness in convective cooling. The newly developed design showed an increase in convective heat dissipation of over 10% when compared with the existing disc.
What are the functions of System 2 modules? A reply to Chiappe and Gardner
Authors: Barrett H. Clark , Kurzban Robert
Published: October 2012

Chiappe and Gardner (2012) argue that the concept of modularity proposed by us (Barrett & Kurzban, 2006) is different from the way modularity has been conventionally viewed in evolutionary psychology and that it cannot explain the existence of mechanisms designed to deal with novelty. We reiterate our view that there is no reason natural selection is limited to creating mechanisms that are innate, automatic, encapsulated, and domain-narrow. Indeed, all functionally designed mechanisms in the mind, including those that do not have these properties, are the products of natural selection, including “System 2” mechanisms. Further, if mechanisms designed to deal with “novelty” exist, then they must exploit some recurrent features of problems in order to work. Therefore, the problems System 2 mechanisms solve cannot be novel along every possible dimension, and System 2 mechanisms must have design features that allow them to find solutions.
Special Education Hearing Officers
Authors: Zirkel Perry A.
Published: October 2012

The use of a simple 50%-50% box score of decisions for parents and districts, respectively, is a false measure of the impartiality of hearing officers under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This analysis canvasses relevant structural factors that the stakeholders, the mass media, and the professional literature have failed to recognize both generally and systematically. These factors include IDEA amendments, regulatory revisions, Supreme Court decisions, lower court precedents, and state system changes that cumulatively suggest that a more nuanced view is both appropriate and necessary.
Successful Treatment by Adding Duloxetine to Pregabalin for Peripheral Neuropathy Induced by Paclitaxel
Authors: Takenaka Motoyasu , Iida Hiroki , Matsumoto Shigemi , Yamaguchi Shinobu , Yoshimura Noritaka , Miyamoto Maki
Published: October 2012

Although paclitaxel is a commonly used anticancer drug, peripheral neuropathy may develop as a side effect. Worsening of the symptoms with time may cause patients who receive paclitaxel to give up their chemotherapy. Duloxetine, a serotonin- and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitor, has been used to treat peripheral neuropathic pain. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with gastric cancer, who underwent gastrectomy and then received 8 cycles of chemotherapy involving weekly administrations of paclitaxel. Under this paclitaxel treatment, he complained of severe peripheral neuropathy, leading to a diminished quality of life. Following treatment with a combination of duloxetine and pregabalin, a remission of his symptoms was achieved. Duloxetine plus pregabalin therapy may be useful for the peripheral neuropathy induced by paclitaxel.
Responsiveness in an Era of Inequality
Authors: Hayes Thomas J.
Published: October 2012

To what extent do members of Congress respond unequally to people in different economic situations? How does partisan control of the agenda change the way in which Senators respond to the poor? Using data from the 2004 National Annenberg Election Survey, and multiple roll call votes, I examine Senate responsiveness for the 107th through 111th Congresses. The results show consistent responsiveness toward upper income constituents. Moreover, Republicans are more responsive than Democrats to middle-income constituents in the 109th Congress, and a case study of the 107th Senate reveals that responsiveness toward the wealthy increases once Democrats take control of the chamber.
Dyadic Adjustment and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Parker M. L. , Tambling Rachel B. , Campbell Kelly
Published: October 2012

The present study examines adult attachment as a mediator, explaining the association between dyadic adjustment and depressive symptoms. Participants included 188 women and 35 men ( N = 223) with a mean age of 28.9 years ( SD = 9.95 years; range = 18–66 years). Results replicated previous research by demonstrating a significant association between poor relationship adjustment and depressive symptoms. However, the authors extended prior work identifying avoidance as a mediator of the relationship between each Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS) subscale (i.e., Satisfaction, Consensus, and Cohesion) and symptoms of depression. On the other hand, attachment anxiety mediated only the relationship between the cohesion subscale of the RDAS and depressive symptoms but was not influential in the association between satisfaction or consensus and symptoms of depression. Implications for the clinical treatment of depression among adults are discussed.
Functional Connectivity in the Normal and Injured Brain
Authors: Gillebert Céline R. , Mantini Dante
Published: October 2012

The brain is neither uniform nor composed of similar modules but is rather a mosaic of different and highly interconnected regions. Accordingly, knowledge of functional connectivity between brain regions is crucial to understanding perception, cognition, and behavior. Functional connectivity methods estimate similarities between activity recorded in different regions of the brain. They are often applied to resting state activity, thus providing measures that are by nature task independent. The spatial patterns revealed by functional connectivity are not only shaped by the underlying anatomical structure of the brain but also partially depend on the history of task-driven coactivations. Inter-subject differences in functional connectivity may, at least to some degree, underlie variability observed in task performance across healthy subjects and in behavioral impairments in neurological patients. In this respect, recent studies have demonstrated that behavioral deficits in patients with brain injury are not only due to local tissue damage but also due to altered functional connectivity among structurally intact regions connected to the damaged site. Studies based on functional connectivity have the potential to advance basic understanding of how brain lesions induce neuropsychological syndromes. Furthermore, they may eventually suggest improved rehabilitation strategies for patients with brain injury, through the design of individualized treatment and recovery protocols.
In Vivo and In Vitro Evidence of Protective Effects of a Natural Flavone on Rat Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion and Hypoxia–Reoxygenation Injuries
Authors: Zhang Kai , Bai Yongping , Song Tao , Zhang Guogang
Published: October 2012

In the present study, we for the first time explored the protective effect of LOB (Chrysoeriol 7- O-[ β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-(1→2)- O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside]) on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in a rat model and on hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R) injury in a rat myocardium cell line. An I/R rat model and an H/R rat myocardium cell model were established. The animal and H9C2 (2-1) rat myocardium cells were pretreated with increasing doses of LOB before the I/R or H/R injury. Malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and the caspase 3 activity were measured. Pretreatment with LOB dose dependently reduced the elevated plasma levels of LDH and IL-6 and myocardium MDA level induced by the I/R injury in the rat model, and the elevated culture medium LDH, cell MDA levels, and caspase 3 activity induced by the H/R injury in the cell model were also reduced. Both in vivo and in vitro data showed that high-dose LOB (20 mg/kg or 10 μmol/L) had stronger protective effects than the positive control drug verapamil. In conclusion, our study for the first time provided both in vivo and in vitro evidence that LOB exerted significant cardioprotective effects on myocardial I/R injury in rats, suggesting that LOB could be a potential therapeutic agent for myocardial I/R injury.
The Effect of FV-426 G/A Gene Variation on the Occurrence of Thrombosis
Authors: Öztürk Ayşenur , Akar Nejat
Published: October 2012

Factor V (FV) plays a crucial role in both procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways. It was indicated that -426G/A change in the promoter of the FV gene may have an effect on the occurrence of thrombosis. We aimed to investigate the effect of -426G/A gene variation on thrombus formation in the thrombosis patients of age 0 and 18 years and 70 years and older. The study included 179 patients with the diagnosis of thromboembolism and also 221 healthy individuals as controls. The Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to detect -426G/A. It was observed that carrying AA genotype does not have a significant risk of thrombosis between the patients and controls (for 0-18 age group P = .96, odds ratio [OR]: 1.13 [0.38-3.30], for ≥70 age P = .94, OR: 0.69 [0.11−4.28]). The same results were obtained when FV Leiden mutation carriers were excluded (for 0-18 age group P = .95, OR: 1.15 [0.35−3.78], for ≥70 age P = .89, OR: 0.73 [0.11−4.56]). In this study, an effect on thrombosis of -426G/A polymorphism was not determined.
Benefits and Risks of Preventing Thromboembolism With Enoxaparin in Patients With General Surgery in Real World—The CLEVER Study
Authors: Schellong Sebastian M. , Encke Albrecht , Weber Artur-Aaron , Bramlage Peter , Paar W. Dieter , Haas Sylvia
Published: October 2012

Background:

We aimed to document enoxaparin use in real world and identify the risk factors for bleeding complications.

Methods:

Postauthorization study in 448 surgical patients receiving enoxaparin prophylaxis. Complete compression ultrasound (CCUS) was performed at day 10 ± 3.

Results:

During treatment, 11 of 448 patients had suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT) but none confirmed. One patient had symptoms of pulmonary embolism ([PE] 0.22%; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.21-0.66). There were no asymptomatic cases detected upon CCUS. At the 90-day follow-up, 4 (0.9%) of the 440 patients had DVT symptoms (95% CI 0.02-1.80) and none had PE; 5.4% had major and 11.6% any type of bleeding complications. Major bleeding was more frequent in those with kidney disease (odds ratio [OR] 5.53), those who are bedridden (OR 5.49), those with peridural indwelling catheters (OR 4.01), and those on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR 3.33).

Conclusions:

Enoxaparin is effective and safe in surgical patients to prevent venous thromboembolism.
Mean Platelet Volume may be Elevated in Mitral Valve Prolapse and Associated With the Severity of Prolapse
Authors: Icli Atilla , Aksoy Fatih , Dogan Abdullah , Arslan Akif , Ersoy Ibrahim , Yucel Habil , Gorgulu Ozkan
Published: October 2012

Thromboembolic events can be seen in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP). It is unclear whether platelet activation may contribute to these events in patients with MVP. Thus, we aimed to evaluate mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with MVP and its association with the severity of MVP. This study included 312 patients with MVP and 240 control participants. Mean platelet volume was significantly higher in patients with MVP than in controls (8.9 ± 0.7 vs 7.9 ± 0.6 fL, P = .001). In linear regression analysis, MPV was independently associated with the degree of mitral regurgitation (β = .23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.14-0.32, P = .001), maximal leaflet displacement (β = .24, 95%CI: 0.17-0.31, P = .001), and mean thickness of the anterior (β = .47, 95%CI: 0.27-0.61, P = .001) and posterior leaflets (β = .22, 95%CI: 0.03-0.41, P = .02). Our findings show that MPV can be elevated in patients with MVP and may be independently associated with severity of mitral regurgitation, leaflet displacement, and thickness of the leaflets.
2011 Annual Survey of Journalism and Mass Communication Enrollments
Authors: Becker Lee B. , Vlad Tudor , Kalpen Konrad
Published: October 2012

Enrollments in journalism and mass communication programs declined in the autumn of 2011, compared to a year earlier. Enrollments were down slightly at the senior and junior levels and substantially at the freshman level. Enrollment increased at the sophomore level. The majority of administrators say they have made curricular changes in the past two years in response to changes taking place in the communication landscape. Much of that change is focused on revisions to what had been the journalistic core. The field has become more diverse racially and ethnically, coming close to matching the characteristics of the overall population.
Organizational and Supervisory Apology Effectiveness
Authors: Bisel Ryan S. , Messersmith Amber S.
Published: October 2012

We synthesize the interdisciplinary literature into a heuristic for crafting effective organizational and supervisory apologies (the OOPS four-component apology). In the first experiment, we demonstrate how an offense committed by an organization is perceived to be more egregious than an offense committed by a friend or supervisor. Furthermore, results did not support that OOPS apologies are unequally effective if issued by a friend, supervisor, or organization. In the second experiment, we test OOPS apology-training effectiveness. Results indicated that trained participants crafted more effective apologies. Our apology heuristic is an innovation for training business communicators how to apologize effectively.
Amino acid composition and antioxidant activities of hydrolysates and peptide fractions from porcine collagen
Authors: Ao Jing , Li Bo
Published: October 2012

The amino acid composition and antioxidant activities of different hydrolysates from porcine collagen were analyzed. The gelatin was hydrolyzed for antioxidative peptides with various proteases, namely papain, protease from bovine pancreas, protease from Streptomyces, and cocktail mixture of protease from bovine pancreas and protease from Streptomyces. The hydrolysates were assessed using methods of DPPH radical-scavenging ability, metal-chelating ability and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity. It was found that the collagen hydrolysates by different protease treatments had different amino acid compositions and antioxidant properties. However, the contents of Hyp and Pro were improved and the content of Gly was decreased in each collagen hydrolysate compared with collagen. The hydrolysate prepared with the cocktail mixture of proteases, which exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, was separated into 6 fractions by gel filtration chromatography. Fraction 2 was further separated by ion exchange chromatography. Fraction 2b with abundant basic amino acids and Fraction 2d which was slightly acidic fractions had higher radical-scavenging and metal-chelating activities, and both Fraction 2b and 2d contained more hydrophobic amino acids. The results confirmed that the antioxidative peptides were rich in Hyp, Pro and Gly, which accounted for half of amino acid composition. This article added further support to the preparation of natural antioxidative peptides from porcine skin collagen.