bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Low-Dose versus High-Doseγ-Tocotrienol on the Bone Cells Exposed to the Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Abd Manan Nizar , Mohamed Norazlina , Shuid Ahmad Nazrun
Published: August 2012

Oxidative stress and apoptosis can disrupt the bone formation activity of osteoblasts which can lead to osteoporosis. This study was conducted to investigate the effects ofγ-tocotrienol on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities, and apoptosis of osteoblast exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Osteoblasts were treated with 1, 10, and 100 μM ofγ-tocotrienol for 24 hours before being exposed to 490 μM (IC50) H2O2for 2 hours. Results showed thatγ-tocotrienol prevented the malondialdehyde (MDA) elevation induced by H2O2in a dose-dependent manner. As for the antioxidant enzymes assays, all doses ofγ-tocotrienol were able to prevent the reduction in SOD and CAT activities, but only the dose of 1 μM of GTT was able to prevent the reduction in GPx. As for the apoptosis assays,γ-tocotrienol was able to reduce apoptosis at the dose of 1 and 10 μM. However, the dose of 100 μM ofγ-tocotrienol induced an even higher apoptosis than H2O2. In conclusion, low doses ofγ-tocotrienol offered protection for osteoblasts against H2O2toxicity, but itself caused toxicity at the high doses.
Existence and Uniqueness of Positive Solutions for a Singular Fractional Three‐Point Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Cabrera I. J. , Harjani J. , Sadarangani K. B.
Published: August 2012

We investigate the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions for the following singular fractional three‐point boundary value problem , where 3 < α ≤ 4, is the standard Riemann‐Liouville derivative and f : (0,1]×[0, ∞)→[0, ∞) with (i.e., f is singular at t = 0). Our analysis relies on a fixed point theorem in partially ordered metric spaces.
Positive Selection and the Evolution ofizumoGenes in Mammals
Authors: Grayson Phil , Civetta Alberto
Published: August 2012

Most genes linked to male reproductive function have been known to evolve rapidly among species and to show signatures of positive selection. Different male species-specific reproductive strategies have been proposed to underlie positive selection, such as sperm competitive advantage and control over females postmating physiology. However, an underexplored aspect potentially affecting male reproductive gene evolution in mammals is the effect of gene duplications. Here we analyze the molecular evolution of members of theizumogene family in mammals, a family of four genes mostly expressed in the sperm with known and potential roles in sperm-egg fusion. We confirm a previously reported bout of selection forizumo1and establish that the bout of selection is restricted to the diversification of species of the superorder Laurasiatheria. None of theizumogenes showed evidence of positive selection in Glires (Rodentia and Lagomorpha), and in the case of the non-testes-specificizumo4, rapid evolution was driven by relaxed selection. We detected evidence of positive selection forizumo3among Primates. Interestingly, positively selected sites include several serine residues suggesting modifications in protein function and/or localization among Primates. Our results suggest that positive selection is driven by aspects related to species-specific adaptations to fertilization rather than sexual selection.
Symmetry and Antisymmetry of the CMB Anisotropy Pattern
Authors: Kim Jaiseung , Naselsky Pavel , Hansen Martin
Published: August 2012

Given an arbitrary function, we may construct symmetric and antisymmetric functions under a certain operation. Since statistical isotropy and homogeneity of our Universe has been a fundamental assumption of modern cosmology, we do not expect any particular symmetry or antisymmetry in our Universe. Besides fundamental properties of our Universe, we may also figure our contamination and improve the quality of the CMB data products, by matching the unusual symmetries and antisymmetries of the CMB data with known contaminantions. If we let the operation to be a coordinate inversion, the symmetric and antisymmetric functions have even and odd-parity respectively. The investigation on the parity of the recent CMB data shows a large-scale odd-parity preference, which is very unlikely in the statistical isotropic and homogeneous Universe. We investigated the association of the WMAP systematics with the anomaly, but did not find a definite non-cosmological cause. Besides the parity anomaly, there is anomalous lack of large-scale correlation in CMB data. We show that the odd-parity preference at low multipoles is, in fact, phenomenologically identical with the lack of large-angle correlation.
Recovery of Hg(0) from the Aqueous Hg(I/II) Present in Analyte Solution after Quantitative Determination of Iron
Authors: Giri Suman K. , Das Nigamananda
Published: August 2012

An easy and feasible approach to recover HgCl2, used in quantitative determination of iron values, as Hg(0) was described. Both Hg(I) and Hg(II), present in the solution after quantitative determination of iron, was completely reduced to Hg(0) by the addition of aluminium chips in more slightly excess than the stoichiometric amount. The purity of recovered Hg(0) was verified by comparing the value of density with pure mercury. This simple method may be useful to remove the mercury from other waste aqueous solutions before their discharge into the environment.
Strategies for Following Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Yehoshua Zohar , Rosenfeld Philip J.
Published: August 2012

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) provides a novel strategy for imaging and monitoring progression in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The advantage of SDOCT over other imaging modalities or functional tests is that one modality can be used to image both drusen and geographic atrophy while obtaining reproducible, quantitative data on both drusen morphology and the area of geographic atrophy. Moreover, this strategy enables the clinician to follow the disease as it progresses from drusen to both geographic atrophy and choroidal neovascularization. No other imaging modality is able to quantitatively assess all forms of AMD. This unique feature of SDOCT makes it the ideal imaging modality for monitoring patients with AMD, providing routine care, and for following patients in clinical trials designed to assess the efficacy of new drugs for the treatment of dry AMD.
Late versus Prophylactic Chorioretinectomy for the Prevention of Trauma-Related Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Kuhn Ferenc , Teixeira Susana , Pelayes David E.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: Certain injuries, especially those with a deep-impact (involving the choroid and even the sclera) intraocular foreign body (IOFB), have a high risk for developing either full-blown proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) or full-thickness retinal folds. Although less severe than the former, this so-called ‘stage 0 PVR’ can severely impact vision, and effective treatment for these folds has not existed heretofore. Patients and Methods: Four eyes of 4 patients sustained an IOFB injury with deep impact. All eyes underwent vitrectomy and IOFB removal soon after the injury, and all eyes showed substantial visual improvement postoperatively. However, in a few months the visual acuity dropped again, due to the development of full-thickness retinal folds radiating from the scar. All four eyes then underwent a second vitrectomy with (late rather than prophylactic) chorioretinectomy by creating a 1-mm-wide ring of bare sclera around the scar. The highest setting of the diathermy machine was used as the endodiathermy probe evaporated both the retina and the choroid to create the ring. Laser retinopexy to surround the ring was used only if the lesion was not in the posterior pole. Results: Within a few days, the retinal folds completely disappeared in each eye, and the visual acuity reached the highest earlier value seen after the initial surgery. All patients have long-term follow-up (mean, 22 months) with no postoperative complications. Conclusions: Chorioretinectomy, although it is ideally used as a prophylaxis against PVR formation and the development of retinal fold formation, also proved equally effective as a late treatment option in the presence of such folds. Such late chorioretinectomy, however, is applicable only for eyes with deep-impact IOFB injuries, not for eyes with a perforating injury or rupture.
Anaplastic Ganglioglioma: A Very Rare Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor
Authors: Schneider Christian , Vosbeck Jürg , Grotzer Michael A. , Boltshauser Eugen , Kothbauer Karl F.
Published: August 2012

Gangliogliomas (GGs) are a small subset of intramedullary spinal cord tumors in children. The anaplastic variant (WHO grade III) appears to be an extreme rarity. A literature research revealed only 15 case reports of intramedullary anaplastic GGs (aGGs) and only 4 pediatric patients. The course of an 18-month-old boy with sudden onset of paraparesis is presented. Spinal MRI revealed a contrast-enhancing intramedullary tumor ranging from T6 to T12. The patient underwent a standard laminectomy/laminoplasty and gross total resection of the lesion. His neurological status remained unchanged postoperatively and he recovered very well during outpatient neurorehabilitation. Neuropathologic examination revealed an aGG of WHO grade III. Because of the high-grade histology, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide were administered. The patient subsequently recovered to a normal functional status. Clinical and radiographic progression-free survival is now 4 years. Based on an extensive literature review, this is only the fifth pediatric patient with a primary intramedullary aGG and the second with documented progression-free survival of over 4 years. Another 4 primary intramedullary aGGs in adults and 7 patients with spinal dissemination from a cerebral aGG or malignant transformation of a low-grade GG have been reported. In comparison to the published case reports, which often indicate significant neurological dysfunction and rather short survival, the neurological recovery in this patient was favorable, and the oncologic outcome even more so. This is an argument for the use of the aggressive treatment regimen of complete resection followed by radio- and chemotherapy applied here.
Pediatric Primary Anaplastic Ganglioglioma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Scoccianti Silvia , Giordano Flavio , Agresti Benedetta , Detti Beatrice , Cipressi Samantha , Franceschini Davide , Greto Daniela , Mussa Federico , Sardi Iacopo , Buccoliero Annamaria , Aricò Maurizio , Genitori Lorenzo , Biti Giampaolo
Published: August 2012

Gangliogliomas with anaplastic features are classified as grade III tumors by the World Health Organization. The clinical course and optimal treatment of anaplastic gangliogliomas have not been well understood to date. We report a case of a primary pure anaplastic ganglioglioma in a 14-year-old male treated with surgery and radiotherapy, who is disease-free 6 years after the diagnosis. A review of primary pure anaplastic gangliogliomas in children (between 3 and 21 years of age) is presented. Gross total removal and focal radiotherapy with a total dose of 54 Gy are recommended. The addition of chemotherapy should be evaluated. Prospective studies are needed to identify an appropriate chemotherapy schedule and to define biological factors in order to select those patients with a poor prognosis, who are to be treated with a more aggressive therapy.
Towards Development of a Survival Prediction Tool for Pediatric Head Injury
Authors: Kouznetsov Evgueni , Brennan Maureen , Vassilyadi Michael
Published: August 2012

Background: The ability to provide an accurate prognosis for children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) would be useful for the children’s families and the caregivers. In this study we examined whether an appropriate mathematical model can predict survival in this patient population. Methods: Data from the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) TBI registry was analyzed. First, a series of univariate logistic regressions was performed to ascertain the significance of individual predictors, such as age, maximum Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, maximum head injury Abbreviated Injury Scores (AIS) and the Injury Severity Score (ISS). Second, a multinomial logistic regression was fitted using only individually significant predictors and inmodel predictor significance, and interactions were tested. Only two significant predictors were kept in the final model. This final model was subsequently used to predict survival for each individual patient using the n-1 training set (i.e. Lachenbruch’s leave-one-out method). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) method was used to ascertain specificity-sensitivity trade-offs at different probability cut-offs in order to predict survival. Results: Only the maximum GCS and head injury AIS remained significant, both individually and in the polynomial logistic regression. Empiric ROC curve analyses from leave-one-out survival predictions showed statistical significance (area under the curve = 0.87, Z = 6.8, p < 0.001). Only 12% of cases were misclassified using the ‘best’ cut-off. Conclusion: An outcome predictive model for pediatric TBI can be devised using an appropriate mathematical model. It may help to estimate expected outcomes in pediatric TBI more objectively.
Intraventricular Meningioma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Okechi Humphrey , Albright A. Leland
Published: August 2012

In this article we describe the clinical course of a child with an intraventricular meningioma and review the relevant literature. A 7-year-old girl with a several-month history of headaches had a CT scan that demonstrated a large, enhancing, intraventricular tumor. The tumor was completely excised via a superior parietal approach. Pathological examination revealed a pleomorphic meningioma. Postoperative scans demonstrated no residual tumor. Pediatric intraventricular tumors are rare. The surgical objective is complete resection, which appears to be associated with excellent outcomes.
Predicting Survival of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis at Presentation: A 15-Year Experience
Authors: Gordon Paul H. , Salachas François , Lacomblez Lucette , Le Forestier Nadine , Pradat Pierre-François , Bruneteau Gaelle , Elbaz Alexis , Meininger Vincent
Published: August 2012

Objective: To describe the clinical features at first evaluation that best predict survival of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) population from the Salpêtrière Hospital between 1995 and 2009. Methods: Data are collected and entered into a clinical database from all patients seen at the Paris ALS Center. Variables analyzed were demographic and baseline information, strength testing (manual muscle testing; 1995-2009), the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R; 2002-2009) and survival status. The χ2 test and ANOVA assessed differences in variables by region and across time period. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models determined which variables best predicted survival. Flexible modeling of continuous predictors (splines) assessed trends in survival for different variables. Results: 3,885 patients with ALS were seen in 1995-2009, of whom 2,037 had ALSFRS-R scores. Age, weight, strength, and site of onset varied by region of residence. The proportion of patients living outside Paris, the time to first visit, patient age, and motor function differed across time periods. In Cox models, site of onset, time to first visit greater than 18 months, strength and the year of visit after 2006 predicted survival (all p values <0.0001). Compared to patients first seen between 1999 and 2002, the hazard ratio of death was 1.04 (95% CI = 0.95-1.14) for 2003-2006, and 0.76 (95% CI = 0.66-0.87) after 2006, while adjusting for other predictors of survival. The use of noninvasive ventilation increased during 2004-2008 from 16 to 51% of patients. Conclusions: Older age, bulbar onset, shorter delay to first visit and poor motor function at first visit predicted shorter survival rates in this large center-based sample from France, showing marked consistency across time and region of residence. Survival improved after 2006, concurrent with increasing rates of noninvasive ventilation use. Clinicopathologic correlation could better define subgroups, but identification of etiologies may be needed to elucidate individual forms of ALS with unique survival patterns.
Population Approaches to Improve Diet, Physical Activity, and Smoking Habits
Authors: Mozaffarian Dariush , Afshin Ashkan , Benowitz Neal L. , Bittner Vera , Daniels Stephen R. , Franch Harold A. , Jacobs David R. , Kraus William E. , Kris-Etherton Penny M. , Krummel Debra A. , Popkin Barry M. , Whitsel Laurie P. , Zakai Neil A.
Published: August 2012

Background—

Poor lifestyle behaviors, including suboptimal diet, physical inactivity, and tobacco use, are leading causes of preventable diseases globally. Although even modest population shifts in risk substantially alter health outcomes, the optimal population-level approaches to improve lifestyle are not well established.

Methods and Results—

For this American Heart Association scientific statement, the writing group systematically reviewed and graded the current scientific evidence for effective population approaches to improve dietary habits, increase physical activity, and reduce tobacco use. Strategies were considered in 6 broad domains: (1) Media and educational campaigns; (2) labeling and consumer information; (3) taxation, subsidies, and other economic incentives; (4) school and workplace approaches; (5) local environmental changes; and (6) direct restrictions and mandates. The writing group also reviewed the potential contributions of healthcare systems and surveillance systems to behavior change efforts. Several specific population interventions that achieved a Class I or IIa recommendation with grade A or B evidence were identified, providing a set of specific evidence-based strategies that deserve close attention and prioritization for wider implementation. Effective interventions included specific approaches in all 6 domains evaluated for improving diet, increasing activity, and reducing tobacco use. The writing group also identified several specific interventions in each of these domains for which current evidence was less robust, as well as other inconsistencies and evidence gaps, informing the need for further rigorous and interdisciplinary approaches to evaluate population programs and policies.

Conclusions—

This systematic review identified and graded the evidence for a range of population-based strategies to promote lifestyle change. The findings provide a framework for policy makers, advocacy groups, researchers, clinicians, communities, and other stakeholders to understand and implement the most effective approaches. New strategic initiatives and partnerships are needed to translate this evidence into action.
Long-Term Survival After Aortic Valve Replacement Among High-Risk Elderly Patients in the United States
Authors: Brennan J. Matthew , Edwards Fred H. , Zhao Yue , O'Brien Sean M. , Douglas Pamela S. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: August 2012

Background—

Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains the standard of care for the treatment of operable, symptomatic aortic valve disease; however, to date, there are limited national data on the contemporary long-term outcomes after AVR in older individuals.

Methods and Results—

We examined long-term survival among 145 911 AVR patients ≥65 years of age undergoing AVR at 1026 centers with participation in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database from 1991 to 2007. In-hospital complications and long-term survival were stratified by age, Society of Thoracic Surgeons perioperative risk of mortality, and several comorbidities. The median patient age was 76 years; 16% had chronic lung disease, 6% had preoperative renal failure, 38% had heart failure, and 12% had prior cardiac surgery. The median survival in patients 65 to 69, 70 to 79, and ≥80 years of age undergoing isolated AVR was 13, 9, and 6 years, respectively. For AVR plus coronary artery bypass graft procedures, median survival was 10, 8, and 6 years, respectively. Although only 5% of isolated AVR patients had a high Society of Thoracic Surgeons perioperative risk of mortality (≥10%), their median survival was 2.5 to 2.7 years. Severe lung disease and renal failure were each associated with a ≥50% reduction in median survival among all age groups compared with those who did not have these comorbidities, whereas left ventricular dysfunction and prior cardiac operation were associated with a 25% reduction in median survival.

Conclusion—

Long-term survival after surgical AVR in the elderly is excellent, although patients with a high Society of Thoracic Surgeons perioperative risk of mortality and those with certain comorbidities carry a particularly poor long-term prognosis.
Wind Speed Retrieval Based on Sea Surface Roughness Measurements from Spaceborne Microwave Radiometers
Authors: Hong Sungwook , Shin Inchul
Published: August 2012

Wind speed is the main factor responsible for the increase in ocean thermal emission because sea surface emissivity strongly depends on surface roughness. An alternative approach to estimate the surface wind speed (SWS) as a function of surface roughness is developed in this study. For the sea surface emissivity, the state-of-the-art forward Fast Microwave Emissivity Model, version 3 (FASTEM-3), which is applicable for a wide range of microwave frequencies at incidence angles of less than 60°, is used. Special Sensor Microwave Imager and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) observations are simulated using FASTEM-3 and the Global Data Assimilation and Prediction System operated by the Korea Meteorological Administration. The performance of the SWS retrieval algorithm is assessed by comparing its SWS output to that of the Global Data Assimilation System operated by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. The surface roughness is computed using the Hong approximation and characteristics of the polarization ratio. When compared with the Tropical Atmosphere–Ocean data, the bias and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the SWS outputs from the proposed wind speed retrieval algorithm were found to be 0.32 m s−1 (bias) and 0.37 m s−1 (RMSE) for the AMSR-E 18.7-GHz channel, 0.38 m s−1 (bias) and 0.42 m s−1 (RMSE) for the AMSR-E 23.8-GHz channel, and 0.45 m s−1 (bias) and 0.49 m s−1 (RMSE) for the AMSR-E 36.5-GHz channel. Consequently, this research provides an alternative method to retrieve the SWS with minimal a priori information on the sea surface.
Bimodal Character of Cyclone Climatology in the Bay of Bengal Modulated by Monsoon Seasonal Cycle*
Authors: Li Zhi , Yu Weidong , Li Tim , Murty V. S. N. , Tangang Fredolin
Published: August 2012

The annual cycle of tropical cyclone (TC) frequency over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) exhibits a notable bimodal character, different from a single peak in other basins. The causes of this peculiar feature were investigated through the diagnosis of a genesis potential index (GPI) with the use of the NCEP Reanalysis I dataset during the period 1981–2009. A methodology was developed to quantitatively assess the relative contributions of four environmental parameters. Different from a conventional view that the seasonal change of vertical shear causes the bimodal feature, it was found that the strengthened vertical shear alone from boreal spring to summer cannot overcome the relative humidity effect. It is the combined effect of vertical shear, vorticity, and SST that leads to the GPI minimum in boreal summer. It is noted that TC frequency in October–November is higher than that in April–May, which is primarily attributed to the difference of mean relative humidity between the two periods. In contrast, more supercyclones (category 4 or above) occur in April–May than in October–November. It is argued that greater ocean heat content, the first branch of northward-propagating intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) associated with the monsoon onset over the BoB, and stronger ISO intensity in April–May are favorable environmental conditions for cyclone intensification.
Precipitation Contribution of Tropical Cyclones in the Southeastern United States from 1998 to 2009 Using TRMM Satellite Data
Authors: Prat Olivier P. , Nelson Brian R.
Published: August 2012

The objective of this paper is to characterize the precipitation amounts originating from tropical cyclones (TCs) in the southeastern United States during the tropical storm season from June to November. Using 12 years of precipitation data from the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM), the authors estimate the TC contribution on the seasonal, interannual, and monthly precipitation budget using TC information derived from the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS). Results derived from the TRMM Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42 showed that TCs accounted for about 7% of the seasonal precipitation total from 1998 to 2009. Rainfall attributable to TCs was found to contribute as much as 8%–12% for inland areas located between 150 and 300 km from the coast and up to 15%–20% for coastal areas from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, southern Florida, and coastal Carolinas. The interannual contribution varied from 1.3% to 13.8% for the period 1998–2009 and depended on the TC seasonal activity, TC intensity, and TC paths as they traveled inland. For TCs making landfall, the rainfall contribution could be locally above 40% and, on a monthly basis, TCs contributed as much as 20% of September rainfall. The probability density functions of rainfall attributable to tropical cyclones showed that the percentage of rainfall associated with TC over land increased with increasing rain intensity and represent about 20% of heavy rainfall (>20 mm h−1), while TCs account for less than 5% of all seasonal precipitation events.
Medium-Range Ensemble Sensitivity Analysis of Two Extreme Pacific Extratropical Cyclones
Authors: Chang Edmund K. M. , Zheng Minghua , Raeder Kevin
Published: August 2012

In this study, ensemble sensitivity analysis has been applied to examine the evolution of two extreme extratropical cyclones over the Pacific. Sensitivity using, as forecast metrics, forecast cyclone minimum pressure and location, as well as principal components (PCs) of the leading EOFs in forecast SLP variations near the cyclone center, has been computed for medium-range forecasts of up to 7.5 days. Results presented here show that coherent sensitivity patterns can be tracked from the forecast validation time back in time to at least day −6, with the sensitivity signal exhibiting downstream development characteristics in most cases. Comparing the different forecast metrics, sensitivity patterns derived from the PCs of the leading EOFs in forecast SLP variations are apparently more coherent than those derived from cyclone parameters.

To test whether the linear sensitivity analyses provide quantitatively accurate guidance under the highly nonlinear evolution of the atmospheric flow, perturbed initial condition experiments have been conducted using initial condition perturbations derived based on ensemble sensitivity. Results of this study suggest that in the medium range, perturbations derived from cyclone parameters are quite effective in modifying the evolution of the cyclones out to 5.5 days, but are largely ineffective for 7.5-day forecasts. On the other hand, perturbations derived based on the PCs of the leading EOFs are still quite effective in modifying forecast cyclone location out to 7.5 days. These results suggest that EOF-based sensitivities perform better than cyclone parameter-based sensitivities in the medium range.
Ergonomics in Mining
Authors: Apud Elías
Published: August 2012

Objective:

The objective of this article is to analyze the current state of knowledge regarding ergonomics in Chilean mining.

Background:

Information has been gathered during the past 15 years from studies of Chilean miners.

Method:

This article is based on a compilation of information of 700 workplaces where physical, mental, environmental, and organizational loads were evaluated with a systemic approach.

Results:

The results of the Chilean experience reveal that it is important to overcome the concept of “static” ergonomics focused on workplaces that may be valid for offices and machine operation but not for a significant number of miners who will be moving around workstations located in systems of different complexity. The consequence of these complex and dynamic work situations is that more than 50% of absenteeism for health reasons is attributed to musculoskeletal disorders, and there are no standard recommendations that universally apply. The results showed that these problems can be tackled by implementing participatory programs.

Conclusion:

The main conclusion of the Chilean experience is that there is a need to continue advancing from diagnostic studies to participatory interventions. At the same time, it is imperative that all new investments in plants, small or large, include considerations of relevant ergonomic concepts from the early planning stages. It is also important to increase ergonomic training within companies, including not only the managers who make major decisions but also the workers who are directly affected by the lack of ergonomics.

Application:

It is expected that this description of the Chilean experience may be useful for other countries where mining is also a source of income and employment.
Global, Broad, or Specific Cognitive Differences? Using a MIMIC Model to Examine Differences in CHC Abilities in Children With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Niileksela Christopher R. , Reynolds Matthew R.
Published: August 2012

This study was designed to better understand the relations between learning disabilities and different levels of latent cognitive abilities, including general intelligence ( g), broad cognitive abilities, and specific abilities based on the Cattell–Horn–Carroll theory of intelligence (CHC theory). Data from the Differential Ability Scales–Second Edition (DAS-II) were used to create a multiple-indicator multiple cause model to examine the latent mean differences in cognitive abilities between children with and without learning disabilities in reading (LD reading), math (LD math), and reading and writing(LD reading and writing). Statistically significant differences were found in the g factor between the norm group and the LD groups. After controlling for differences in g, the LD reading and LD reading and writing groups showed relatively lower latent processing speed, and the LD math group showed relatively higher latent comprehension-knowledge. There were also some differences in some specific cognitive abilities, including lower scores in spatial relations and numerical facility for the LD math group, and lower scores in visual memory for the LD reading and writing group. These specific mean differences were above and beyond any differences in the latent cognitive factor means.
Poor Comprehenders in the Classroom
Authors: Pimperton Hannah , Nation Kate
Published: August 2012

Differing etiological explanations have been proposed to account for poor comprehenders’ difficulties with reading comprehension, with some researchers emphasizing working memory deficits and others arguing for oral language weaknesses playing a key causal role. The authors contrasted these two theoretical accounts using data obtained from direct measures of working memory and from teacher ratings of poor comprehenders’ behavior in the classroom. At the group level, poor comprehenders showed weaknesses on verbal but not nonverbal working memory tasks, in keeping with the “language account.” However, they also showed evidence of elevated levels of problem behaviors specifically associated with working memory deficits. Further analysis revealed that these group differences in working-memory-related problem behaviors were carried by a small subgroup of poor comprehenders who also displayed domain-general (verbal and nonverbal) working memory problems, argued to be reflective of “genuine” underlying working memory deficits.
A Social Identity Approach to Person Memory
Authors: Van Bavel Jay J. , Cunningham William A.
Published: August 2012

Evidence indicates that superior memory for own-group versus other-group faces (termed own-group bias) occurs because of social categorization: People are more likely to encode own-group members as individuals. The authors show that aspects of the perceiver’s social identity shape social attention and memory over and above mere categorization. In three experiments, participants were assigned to a mixed-race minimal group and showed own-group bias toward this minimal group, regardless of race. Own-group bias was mediated by attention toward own-group faces during encoding (Experiment 1). Furthermore, participants who were highly identified with their minimal group had the largest own-group bias (Experiment 2). However, social affordances attenuated own-group bias—Memory for other-group faces was heightened among participants who were assigned to a role (i.e., spy) that required attention toward other-group members (Experiment 3). This research suggests that social identity may provide novel insights into person memory.
The Motivated Self: Self-Affirmation and the Better-Than-Average Effect
Authors: Guenther Corey L. , Timberlake Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2012

Research has shown that individuals routinely espouse “better-than-average” beliefs across a host of traits, skills, and abilities. Although some theorists take this tendency as evidence of self-enhancement motives guiding the organization and understanding of self-knowledge, others argue that better-than-average perceptions can be fully explained by nonmotivational processes. The present studies inform this controversy by exploring whether self-affirmation attenuates the magnitude of this comparative bias. Consistent with a motivational account, Studies 1 and 2 demonstrate that the better-than-average effect is reliably reduced following the affirmation of an important self-aspect. Moreover, Study 2 shows this attenuation to be primarily the product of self-ratings becoming more modest following an affirmation. Discussion focuses on potential avenues for future research as well as on the current findings’ implications for understanding the role of self-enhancement in judgment and behavior.
Temporary exit from employment throughout the life course: An alternative to retirement to challenge ageism and sexism
Authors: Alfageme Alfredo , Pastor Begoña García , Viñado Celia
Published: August 2012

The aim of this commentary is to present and briefly discuss an alternative to the traditional life-course retirement model. We explore the idea that paid retirement could be spread throughout workers’ adult lives to accommodate personal and family needs, wishes and circumstances, rather than being concentrated exclusively at the end of a person’s life. A legal framework could be introduced – without noticeable increases in public spending – that would contribute to overcoming the social exclusion many people experience on forced retirement from employment, as well as the gender inequalities that stem from reconciling the work–life balance.
A 10-year literature review of family caregiving for motor neurone disease: Moving from caregiver burden studies to palliative care interventions
Authors: Aoun Samar M , Bentley Brenda , Funk Laura , Toye Chris , Grande Gunn , Stajduhar Kelli J
Published: August 2012

Background:

There is growing awareness that different terminal diseases translate into different family caregiver experiences, and the palliative and supportive care needs of these families are both similar and unique. Family members caring for people with motor neurone disease may experience exceptional strain due to the usually rapid and progressive nature of this terminal illness.

Aim:

The purpose of this review is to synthesize contemporary research and provide a comprehensive summary of findings relevant to motor neurone disease family caregivers, as well as highlight some of the suggested interventions to alleviate burden and improve quality of life for this group.

Design:

We conducted a comprehensive review of empirical research on family caregiving for people with motor neurone disease in peer-reviewed journals published in English, January 2000–April 2011. Fifty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results:

This comprehensive literature review was consistent with previous research documenting the substantial burden and distress experienced by motor neurone disease family caregivers and revealed important points in the trajectory of care that have the potential for negative effects. The diagnosis experience, assisted ventilation, cognitive changes and end-of-life decision making create challenges within a short time. This review has also implicated the need for improvements in access to palliative care services and highlighted the absence of interventions to improve care.

Conclusions:

Caregiver burden and quality-of-life studies on motor neurone disease family caregivers have so far dominated the research landscape .The focus needs to be on developing interventions that provide direct practical and psychosocial supports for motor neurone disease family caregivers.
Prediction and optimization of cure cycle of thick fiber-reinforced composite parts using dynamic artificial neural networks
Authors: Jahromi Parisa Eghbal , Shojaei Akbar , Reza Pishvaie S Mahmoud
Published: August 2012

Curing of thermoset-based composites experience substantial temperature overshoot, especially at the center of thick parts and large temperature gradient exists through the whole part due to large amount of heat released and low conductivity of the composite. This leads to non-uniformity of cure, residual stress and consequently composite cracks and possibly degradation of the polymer. The scope of this work is to optimize the cure cycle in order to improve the properties and gaining a relatively uniform part of composite, using trained recurrent artificial neural networks purposed for speeding up the repetitious model re-calls during the optimization process. Numerical results obtained based on the three-dimensional finite volume method is used to train the network. The optimization problem is aimed to develop multi-linear-stage cure cycles by minimizing the objective function that includes maximum temperature difference through the cure cycle with the constraints of maximum allowable temperature considering degradation temperature of the polymer, minimum temperature of cure initiation, and finally reaching a maximum final conversion. The results showed the effectiveness of the approach used in this study in terms of the optimization computation time.
Effects of structure characteristics of carbon nanotubes on properties of composites
Authors: Zhu Yue-Feng , Chen Wen-Jia , Jiang Yin , Wang Feng-Yin
Published: August 2012

In this article, HNO3 (4 mol/L) was employed to open the ends of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and a 1:3 mixture of concentrated HNO3 and H2SO4 was employed to obtain acid-treated CNTs. Acetone was used as the solvent to introduce CNTs into epoxy resins. The bending strength of CNTs/epoxy resins composites increased with the increase of the CNTs content at first, and decreased after the CNTs content reached a certain value. The enhancement effect of acid-treated CNTs was better than that of end-opened CNTs, and not end-opened CNTs performed the worst. This was perhaps because the matrix could restrain the CNTs more effectively at each end of the CNTs if the CNTs were end-opened. Besides, the bending strength of the composites with CNTs with smaller diameters was higher than that of the composites with CNTs with bigger diameters.
Low percolation threshold of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes—polycarbonate nanocomposites
Authors: Ayesh Ayman S , Ibrahim SS , Abu-Abdeen M
Published: August 2012

A series of polycarbonate films loaded with different concentrations of UV-ozone pretreated single-walled carbon nanotubes were prepared. The electrical and mechanical properties of these composites were investigated. The improvement of the single-walled carbon nanotubes dispersion in polycarbonate (PC) matrix leads to a dramatic enhancement in the electrical conductivity with low percolation threshold (0.5 wt% of single-walled carbon nanotubes loading). Results obtained from the analysis of the dielectric parameters at room temperature and domain frequency range reveal that single-walled carbon nanotubes increases the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and AC conductivity of the composites. The dielectric relaxation behavior of these composites is mostly due to polymer molecular relaxation when the single-walled carbon nanotubes content is below the percolation threshold whereas it is almost due to the charge conductivity relaxation above 0.8 wt% single-walled carbon nanotubes. The calculated values of the elastic modulus obtained from the stress–strain curves also show a percolation behavior with a threshold of 0.08 wt% single-walled carbon nanotube.
Effect of modification of montmorillonite on the cellular structure and mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate/clay nanocomposite foams
Authors: Ma Jianzhong , Deng Fuquan , Xue Chaohua , Duan Zhouyang
Published: August 2012

Nanocomposite foams, based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, were prepared by melt blending of ethylene vinyl acetate with organically modified montmorillonite and at a high curing pressure of the blends. The organically modified montmorillonites were obtained by the modification of montmorillonite with octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, dimethyl octadecyl hydroxy ethyl ammonium nitrate and dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride as the intercalating agent. The intercalation effect of montmorillonite layers by the tetraalkylammonium cations was characterized by X-ray diffraction. The state of organically modified montmorillonite in the blends was studied using transmission electron microscopy and the cellular microstructure of the foamed samples was observed by scanning electron microscope. The effects of tetraalkylammonium modification of montmorillonite on the cellular structure and the mechanical properties of the ethylene vinyl acetate-based foams were investigated. It was found that organically modified montmorillonites with different alkyl chains played important role in the formation of the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the ethylene vinyl acetate/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposite foams. With the alkyl chains, it was possible to obtain ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposite foams with significantly lowered density and improved mechanical properties.
Acoustic emission monitoring of repaired composite laminates
Authors: Asokan R , Arumugam V , Santulli C , Stanley A Joseph
Published: August 2012

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation conducted to study the strength of different repair technique on impact damaged glass fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) using the acoustic emission technique. ASTM D3039 tensile specimens (250 mm × 18 mm × 2 mm) fabricated using bi-directional glass fibre and epoxy resin are impacted at low energy (1.89 J) so as to produce a limited yet visible amount of damage. Subsequently, the damaged region is repaired using different methods. These include the bare removal of impacted region (“dressed” sample), taper sanded (“scarf”) repair or the application of single lap technique. Subsequently, the impacted and differently repaired samples have been subjected to tensile loading to failure monitored using acoustic emission to evaluate the quality of repair obtained, in particular distinguishing between the different failure modes obtained during post-impact tensile tests, namely matrix cracking, delamination and fibre breakage, according to the classification information obtained in previous literature. This allows understanding which mode of failure is dominant in each case and possibly proposing which might be the most suitable repair method for these laminates.
Wrestling with Imperial Patriarchy
Authors: Barton Mukti
Published: August 2012

I, an Indian Christian, have been made to feel inferior in Britain on account of my Indian identity and my sex. Something of the past British imperialism still expresses itself in its sexism and racism towards me. This combination I name imperial patriarchy. I find that white feminist theologians often present an analysis that still stems from an imperial/colonial mind-set. I critique Mary Daly’s Gyn/Ecology: The Metaethics of Radical Feminism with the help of post-colonial feminists. Daly suffered the same convenient amnesia as the Victorian missionaries who criticized Chinese foot binding while forgetting that a Victorian woman’s torso was bound by a corset or tight lacing. I call upon Western feminists to become aware of the imprint of imperial patriarchy on their own thinking and then to join with their non-Western sisters in combating both sexism and racist imperialism.
A Remembrance of Things (Best) Forgotten: the ‘allegorical past’ and the Feminist Imagination
Authors: Graham Elaine
Published: August 2012

The US TV series Mad Men, set in an advertising agency in 1960s New York, offers a vivid portrayal of corporate sexism in pre-feminist America, and yet its creators defend it as a ‘feminist’ show. Reflecting on the series, I will draw out two key elements which seem significant for a consideration of the current state of feminism in church and academy, both of which centre around what it means to remember or (not) to forget. First, there is the power of what might be called ‘the allegorical past’ in helping to shape the sensibilities of both feminist theory and feminist theology: reimagining the past in order to destabilize the present and to re-envision the future. But second there is the question of whether we have become too complacent – and forgetful about the sexual revolution of the past 50 years, and whether a new wave of ‘re-membering’ our feminist heritage is required, in order to rejuvenate progressive visions of critique and transformation.
Child Health in the Sundarbans: How Far Do Mutually Reinforcing Shocks Act As Contextual Determinants?
Authors: Mukherjee Moumita , Kanjilal Barun , Barman Debjani , Mazumdar Papiya G.
Published: August 2012

Childhood chronic under-nutrition and common childhood illness are highly prevalent in the delta region of the Sundarbans of West Bengal, India. The present work tested the hypothesis—frequent climatic shock is likely to predispose chronic and transient health shocks through behavioural responses of households in the presence of inaccessibility, inadequacy and acceptability barriers which act in the economy as long wave shocks. The work is based on a household and facility survey; primary data was collected in 19 blocks of the Sundarbans. The results highlight that transient climatic shock make child health worse through the pathway of chronic poverty, low resilience, physical and social barriers to health-seeking as well as ineffective service delivery systems. Further in-depth research is required to understand multiple vulnerabilities, related to coping of households and ways to improve the service delivery mechanism to have healthy children in the Sundarbans in the near future.