bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust cooperative visual localization with experimental validation for unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Nemra Abdelkrim , Aouf Nabil
Published: November 2012

This article aims to present an adaptive and robust cooperative visual localization solution based on stereo vision systems. With the proposed solution, a group of unmanned vehicles, either aerial or ground will be able to construct a large reliable map and localize themselves precisely in this map without any user intervention. For this cooperative localization and mapping problem, a robust nonlinear H∞ filter is adapted to ensure robust pose estimation. In addition, a robust approach for feature extraction and matching based on an adaptive scale invariant feature transform stereo constrained algorithm is implemented to build a large consistent map. Finally, a validation of the solution proposed is presented and discussed using simulation and experimental data.
Changes in German sport participation: Historical trends in individual sports
Authors: Klostermann Claudia , Nagel Siegfried
Published: November 2012

Sport has become a highly differentiated social phenomenon in recent years. Changes in society, such as individualization, the growing significance of the health and body culture, and changing values, are considered to be generative mechanisms for increasing social importance and the differentiation of modern sport. Although discussions in sport sociology attribute the changes observed in recent decades of sport participation to a socially determined differentiation of sport, this premise has hardly ever been empirically tested. The present study examines to what extent the postulated developments in sport can be observed on the micro level of those engaging in sport, by examining sport behaviour from a contemporary historical perspective. Based on a life-course approach to research, a total of 1739 over 50-year-olds in Germany were asked about their sport participation as part of a retrospective longitudinal study. Results show that the increasing differentiation of sport can be documented by more diversified forms of individual sport careers. During a 30-year observation period the popularity of competitive sport decreased and the variety of ways in which sport was organized increased. A differentiated analysis based on examining three birth cohorts showed that the reported change in sport participation can be attributed to age, cohort and period effects. In addition, the present study examines how specific events in contemporary history are reflected in individual sporting careers. Sport careers in Chemnitz (Eastern Germany) and Braunschweig (Western Germany) differed before German reunification, but these differences have evened out after the political changes and the process of transformation.
Optimal sensor positioning for impact localization in smart composite panels
Authors: Mallardo V , Aliabadi M H , Khodaei Z Sharif
Published: November 2012

Impacts can inflict critical consequences on composite structures; therefore, smart impact monitoring systems can be very helpful. A global optimisation of the piezoelectric sensors position for impact location identification is investigated in this article. The artificial neural networks and probabilistic analysis approach are used to define the objective function. Genetic algorithms are adopted to search for the optimal location of the sensors. The improved crossover and mutation functions are designed. The procedure is applied to a full-scale stiffened composite aircraft panel.
Place and Crime
Authors: Kim Sangmoon , LaGrange Randy L. , Willis Cecil L.
Published: November 2012

Standard sociology and criminology have not been sufficiently sensitive to the unique characteristics that places have. It has been implicitly assumed that one place (be it a neighborhood, census track, or metropolitan area) is interchangeable with another, given certain demographic and economic variables. This article attempts to recast environmental criminology within a sociological framework known as the “sociology of place.” The unequal spatial distribution of crime makes it an ideal candidate for analysis within this sociological framework: crime is universal, yet spatially concentrated; targets everyone, yet not everyone equally; is socially constructed, yet has a very real physical reality to it. The article addresses the important linkage between crime and place.
Investigation of structural, tribological and corrosion properties of electroless Ni–B coating deposited on 316L stainless steel
Authors: Bülbül Ferhat , Altun Hikmet , Ezirmik Vefa , Küçük Özkan
Published: November 2012

The AISI 316L type of stainless steel is a popular steel material, as it has excellent corrosion resistance in aqueous solutions at ambient temperatures. However, the application of the AISI 316L stainless steel is limited by its relatively low hardness and low wear resistance. In this study, the electroless Ni–B coating was deposited on the AISI 316L stainless steel, and its structural, tribological and corrosion properties were characterised. Microstructural analysis showed that the electroless Ni–B coating deposited on the AISI 316L steel substrate exhibited a typical cauliflower-like structure exhibits an amorphous growth. From this study, it may be concluded that this process cannot only improve the hardness and wear resistance of the 316L stainless steel, but can also provide cathodic protection without losing or sacrificing the original properties of the 316L stainless steel.
Recognition performance differentiates between elderly patients in the long term course of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Müller Stephan , Saur Ralf , Greve Bernhard , Melms Arthur , Hautzinger Martin , Fallgatter Andreas J , Leyhe Thomas
Published: November 2012

Background:

Cognitive impairment is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), but little is known about cognitive decline in patients in the long-term course of progressive MS. Because advancing age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), AD-related pathology must be considered in elderly patients with MS. Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) represents the prodromal phase of AD with subjects showing memory impairment that does not improve with recognition testing.

Objective:

We sought to identify disease-dependent deterioration patterns by comparing elderly patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and with aMCI using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease test battery.

Methods:

This study included 120 age-, education- and gender-matched participants, including healthy controls ( n=40), SPMS patients ( n=40), and aMCI patients ( n=40).

Results:

Episodic memory deficits appeared in the long-term course of SPMS. Deficits were associated with deterioration of executive function, but not impairment of memory storage as recognition was preserved in SPMS in contrast to the patients with aMCI.

Conclusion:

Through neuropsychological testing, MS-related episodic memory impairment due to deteriorated executive function can be distinguished from AD-related encoding and storage deficits. Hence, neuropsychological testing may help to identify AD-related pathology in SPMS patients.
Three-dimensional finite element and analytical modelling of tyre–soil interaction
Authors: Li Hao , Schindler Christian
Published: November 2012

Tyre–soil interaction models were developed for the investigation of tyre dynamic behaviours with two different approaches: finite element method and analytical method. In the finite element model the 3D tyre was modelled as a non-linear solid assembly consisting of tread block, belt and carcass layers, sidewall, beads and rim, and the soil modelled as a 3D object was attributed with the elasto-plastic mechanical behaviour. In the analytical model the contact between deformable tyre and soft soil is described by non-linear springs and dampers in the radial direction and shear stress-displacement model in the tangential direction. The equations accounting for the analytical model were integrated in the multi-body simulation software-ADAMS. Simulations with these two different tyre–soil interaction models were carried out to study the longitudinal slip-longitudinal force and slip angle-lateral force relationship.
Semiactive control of a fixed offshore jacket platform using LQR algorithm
Authors: Sudip Paul , TK Datta
Published: November 2012

Semiactive control of a fixed offshore jacket platform using linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control algorithm is presented for deepwater conditions. The control devices are the semiactive hydraulic dampers (SHDs), installed in the bracings of the jacket structure. The optimum choice of the damping coefficient of the dampers is generated based on a law that considers variable values of the damping coefficients subjected to specified upper and lower bounds. The response quantities of interest, which are targeted for control, include acceleration and displacement of the deck, and the base shear. A four-legged steel jacket platform in a water depth of 183 m (600 ft) and under two sea states is considered as an example problem for finding out the controlled responses. The results of the parametric study indicate that significant reductions in the peak values of response quantities of interest can be achieved by semiactive control, using SHDs.
Infrasound Sensitizes Human Glioblastoma Cells to Cisplatin-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Rachlin Kenneth , Moore Dan H. , Yount Garret
Published: November 2012

The development of nontoxic agents that can selectively enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy is an important aim in oncology. This study evaluates the ability of infrasound exposure to sensitize glioblastoma cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. The infrasound was delivered using a device designed to replicate the unique infrasound emissions measured during external Qigong treatments. Human glioblastoma cell lines harboring wild-type p53 (U87) or mutant p53 (U251, SF210, and SF188) were treated in culture with cisplatin, infrasound emissions, or the combination of the 2 agents. Induction of apoptosis was quantified after 24 hours by flow cytometry following annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Infrasound emissions alone, delivered at moderate levels (~10 mPa) with dynamic frequency content (7-13 Hz), did not induce apoptosis, yet combining infrasound with cisplatin augmented the induction of apoptosis by cisplatin in all the 4 cell lines ( P < .05). Increased cellular uptake of the fluorophore calcein associated with infrasound exposure was quantified by fluorescence microscopy as well as flow cytometry, demonstrating increased cell membrane permeability. The 4 cell lines differed in the degree to which infrasound exposure increased calcein uptake, and these differences were predictive of the extent to which infrasound enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis. When exposed to specific frequencies, membrane permeabilization also appeared to be differentially responsive for each cell line, suggesting the potential for selective targeting of tissue types using isolated infrasonic frequencies. Additionally, the pressure amplitudes used in this study were several orders of magnitude less than those used in similar studies involving ultrasound and shock waves. The results of this study provide support for using infrasound to enhance the chemotherapeutic effects of cisplatin in a clinical setting.
The Role of Confirmation Bias in the Treatment of Diverse Patients
Authors: Moreno Jennette P. , Johnston Craig A.
Published: November 2012

Providing effective treatment within a diverse population is complex and difficult. Issues such as a limited amount of time that can be spent with patients and the need to make decisions based on limited information can lead to information processing errors that have a detrimental impact on treatment outcomes. Cognitive biases (e.g., confirmation bias) may further compound this issue by making it less likely that a health care provider will make adjustments to treatment plans. Steps to minimize the potential for cognitive biases are discussed.
Role of grouping in the development of an overall maintenance optimization framework for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Hameed Zafar , Vatn Jørn
Published: November 2012

The reliability and maintenance of offshore wind turbines present new challenges that demand novel, optimal, but at the same time cost effective, strategies to handle them. Wind turbines are installed in arrays and the combination of these arrays is called a wind farm. Owing to the wind loads and atmospheric conditions it is expected that certain wind turbines on the wind farm will behave similarly as they are located in close proximity. These similarities in the wind turbines need to be exploited at the wind farm level. To address this issue, a method is proposed to group different activities at both the intra and inter wind turbines at a wind farm level. Different kinds of tasks could be grouped together, such as inspection, preventive replacement at the wind farm level to share the access and travel costs from one wind turbine to another. To undertake these tasks, a hybrid approach of using the block replacement policy and condition-based model has been adopted to exploit the strengths of each approach. Moreover, using such a hybrid approach at the wind farm level, which groups different activities together, will act as a decision support tool that favors having an optimal strategy. By grouping different tasks at the wind farm level in conjunction with the hybrid approach will be advantageous by addressing the issues of access, logistics, transportation and weather in an efficient way. Moreover, this grouping of activities will to help optimize the frequency of visits to the wind farm and reduce the hazards related with risks and safety.
Whatever happened to Tanjug? Re-loading memory for an understanding of the global news system
Authors: Vukasovich Christian , Boyd-Barrett Oliver
Published: November 2012

What became of Tanjug, the once celebrated Yugoslavian news agency, first coordinator of the Non-Aligned News Agencies Pool, and major point of reference for the New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO) debates of the 1970s? The authors explore a service that offered alternative perspectives to those of news agencies of the major powers. Tanjug’s alternative service prefigured the NWICO debates by two decades. It achieved news coups of considerable relevance to the narrative of Cold War conflict. Tanjug’s history prior to and in the wake of NWICO is insufficiently registered in media scholarship. It continued to provide an alternative news service up to the disintegration of both the Soviet bloc and of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. The agency has survived even these setbacks, successfully accommodating the more limited and in some ways more conventional options available to a national news agency of a fairly small country.
Effects of thermal and UV aging on antibacterial properties of linear low-density polyethylene and poly(vinyl chloride) films containing nano-silver colloid
Authors: Chinkamonthong Ratchanee , Kositchaiyong Apisit , Sombatsompop Narongrit
Published: November 2012

This work studied the effects of thermal and UV-accelerated aging on the antibacterial performance and the physical, structural, and mechanical properties of linear low-density polyethylene and poly(vinyl chloride) resin doped with nano-silver colloid, by varying the dosage of nano-silver colloid, contact time, and aging time. Antimicrobial performance was evaluated by plate count agar method against Escherichia coli. The results indicated that Escherichia coli cell count decreased with increasing contact time for poly(vinyl chloride) film but increased with increasing contact time for linear low-density polyethylene film. The maximum %bacteria reduction for linear low-density polyethylene film never reached 99.9% for any nano-silver content; but poly(vinyl chloride) film achieved 99.9% bacterial reduction with nano-silver content of 200 ppm at a contact time of 150 min. The addition of nano-silver colloid to poly(vinyl chloride) film did not affect the lightness; however, it significantly decreased the lightness of linear low-density polyethylene film. Aging increased the brittleness of both linear low-density polyethylene and poly(vinyl chloride) films with nano-silver colloid added. Antibacterial performances of linear low-density polyethylene and poly(vinyl chloride) films were more sensitive to UV aging than to thermal aging. Changes in antibacterial performance from both types of aging could be explained by physical and structural changes on the film surfaces.
Leukotriene B4 receptor locus gene characterisation and association studies in asthma
Authors: Tulah Asif S , Beghé Bianca , Barton Sheila J , Holloway John W , Sayers Ian
Published: November 2012

Background

Polymorphisms spanning genes involved in the production of leukotriene B4(LTB4) e.g.ALOX5APandLTA4Hare associated with asthma susceptibility, suggesting a role for LTB4in disease. The contribution ofLTB4receptorpolymorphism is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to characterise the genes for the two pivotal LTB4receptors,LTB4R1andLTB4R2in lung tissue and determine if polymorphisms spanning these genes are associated with asthma and disease severity.

Methods

Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) was used to characterise theLTB4R1andLTB4R2gene structure in lung. TheLTB4R1/2locus on chromosome 14q11.2 was screened for polymorphic variation. SixLTB4Rsingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 370 Caucasian asthma families and 299 Adult Asthma Individuals (n=1877 total) and were evaluated for association with asthma and severity (BTS) outcome measures using Family Based Association Test, linear regression and chi square.

Results

LTB4R1has complex mRNA arrangement including multiple 5′-untranslated exons, suggesting additional levels of regulation. Three potential promoter regions across theLTB4R1/2locus were identified with some airway cell specificity. 22 SNPs (MAF>0.01) were validated across theLTB4Rlocus in the Caucasian population.LTB4R1andLTB4R2SNPs were not associated with asthma susceptibility, FEV1or severity.

Conclusions

LTB4R1andLTB4R2shows splice variation in the 5′-untranslated region and multiple promoter regions. The functional significance of this is yet to be determined. Both receptor genes were shown to be polymorphic.LTB4Rpolymorphisms do not appear to be susceptibility markers for the development of asthma in Caucasian subjects.
Roles of microRNA on cancer cell metabolism
Authors: Chen Bing , Li Hongbin , Zeng Xiao , Yang Pengbo , Liu Xinyu , Zhao Xia , Liang Shufang
Published: November 2012

Advanced studies of microRNAs (miRNAs) have revealed their manifold biological functions, including control of cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell death. However, it seems that their roles as key regulators of metabolism have drawn more and more attention in the recent years. Cancer cells display increased metabolic autonomy in comparison to non-transformed cells, taking up nutrients and metabolizing them in pathways that support growth and proliferation. MiRNAs regulate cell metabolic processes through complicated mechanisms, including directly targeting key enzymes or transporters of metabolic processes and regulating transcription factors, oncogenes / tumor suppressors as well as multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. MiRNAs like miR-375, miR-143, miR-14 and miR-29b participate in controlling cancer cell metabolism by regulating the expression of genes whose protein products either directly regulate metabolic machinery or indirectly modulate the expression of metabolic enzymes, serving as master regulators, which will hopefully lead to a new therapeutic strategy for malignant cancer. This review focuses on miRNA regulations of cancer cell metabolism,including glucose uptake, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and insulin production, lipid metabolism and amino acid biogenesis, as well as several oncogenic signaling pathways. Furthermore, the challenges of miRNA-based strategies for cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics have been discussed.
Intestinal parasite infections in immigrant children in the city of Rome, related risk factors and possible impact on nutritional status
Authors: Manganelli Laura , Berrilli Federica , Di Cave David , Ercoli Lucia , Capelli Gioia , Otranto Domenico , Giangaspero Annunziata
Published: November 2012

Background

Parasitic diseases can represent a social and economic problem among disadvantaged people - even in developed countries. Due to the limited data available concerning Europe, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the presence of parasites in immigrant children and the risk factors favouring the spread of parasites. Subsequently, the possible correlation between nutritional status and parasitic infections was also investigated.

Findings

A convenience sample of two hundred and forty seven immigrant children (aged 0–15) attending the Poliambulatorio della Medicina Solidale in Rome was examined. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and parasitological and anthropometric tests were applied. Chi-squared test and binary logistic multiple-regression models were used for statistical analysis.

Thirty-seven children (15%) tested positive to parasites of the following species:Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba coli, Giardia duodenalis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoidesandStrongyloides stercoralis. A monospecific infection was detected in 30 (81%) out of 37 parasitized children, while the others (19%) presented a polyparasitism. The major risk factors were housing, i.e. living in shacks, and cohabitation with other families (p<0.01). Children classified in the lower height Z-scores had a significantly greater prevalence of parasites (30.9%) than the others (p<0.01).

Conclusions

This study shows that parasite infection in children is still quite common, even in a developed country and that children’s growth and parasitism may be related. Extensive improvements in the living, social and economic conditions of immigrants are urgently needed in order to overcome these problems.
Lurking in the shadows: Famous Monsters of Filmland and its female fans
Authors: Ritsma Natasha
Published: November 2012

This article looks at the triangular relationships among Forrest J Ackerman’s role as editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland, the social and historical context in which it was circulated and the gendered fan cultures featured and promoted in this material document. Famous Monsters
provides a rich site for readers to question assumptions about how gender was approached in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Contemporary representations and discussions of Famous Monsters that pigeonhole it as a solely male-oriented magazine demonstrate the need to critically re-examine historical
texts in creating nuanced readings of gendered power relations in shaping fans’ social practices.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Rib Fractures in Ex-preterm Infants
Authors: Lucas-Herald Angela , Butler Sandra , Mactier Helen , McDevitt Helen , Young David , Ahmed Syed Faisal
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of rib fractures in ex-preterm infants.

METHODS:

Infants born at <37 weeks’ gestation and admitted before 2011 to 3 regional neonatal units were identified from admission registers. For 2 centers, these data were available from 2000 onward and, for another center, from 2005. Electronic records were searched to identify chest radiographs performed up to age 1 year. Chest radiograph reports were then reviewed for evidence of rib fractures, and the case notes of all affected individuals were scrutinized.

RESULTS:

Of the 3318 eligible preterm infants, 1446 had a total of 9386 chest radiographs. Of these infants, 26 (1.8%) were identified as having a total of 62 rib fractures. Their median (range) gestation at birth was 26 weeks (23–34). The median chronological age of these infants at the time of the radiograph was 14 weeks (5 weeks to 8 months). The median corrected gestational age at the time of the radiograph was 39 weeks (34 weeks to 4 months). Of the 62 fractures, 27 (36%) were sited posteriorly, and 15 (53%) of the infants with posterior rib fractures were diagnosed with osteopathy of prematurity. Classic risk including conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and diuretics, were present in 23 of 26 (88%) infants. A full skeletal survey was performed in 8 of 26 (31%). Investigations for nonaccidental injury occurred in 4 of 26 (15%) cases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Evidence of rib fractures is present in ∼2% of ex-preterm infants. The evaluation of these fractures in infancy requires a detailed neonatal history irrespective of the site of rib fracture.
Continuous Versus Bolus Infusion of Doxorubicin in Children With ALL: Long-term Cardiac Outcomes
Authors: Lipshultz Steven E. , Miller Tracie L. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Neuberg Donna S. , Dahlberg Suzanne E. , Colan Steven D. , Silverman Lewis B. , Henkel Jacqueline M. , Franco Vivian I. , Cushman Laura L. , Asselin Barbara L. , Clavell Luis A. , Athale Uma , Michon Bruno , Laverdière Caroline , Schorin Marshall A. , Larsen Eric , Usmani Naheed , Sallan Stephen E.
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Doxorubicin, effective against many malignancies, is limited by cardiotoxicity. Continuous-infusion doxorubicin, compared with bolus-infusion, reduces early cardiotoxicity in adults. Its effectiveness in reducing late cardiotoxicity in children remains uncertain. We determined continuous-infusion doxorubicin cardioprotective efficacy in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

METHODS:

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 91-01 enrolled pediatric patients between 1991 and 1995. Newly diagnosed high-risk patients were randomly assigned to receive a total of 360 mg/m2 of doxorubicin in 30 mg/m2 doses every 3 weeks, by either continuous (over 48 hours) or bolus-infusion (within 15 minutes). Echocardiograms at baseline, during, and after doxorubicin therapy were blindly remeasured centrally. Primary outcomes were late left ventricular (LV) structure and function.

RESULTS:

A total of 102 children were randomized to each treatment group. We analyzed 484 serial echocardiograms from 92 patients (n = 49 continuous; n = 43 bolus) with ≥1 echocardiogram ≥3 years after assignment. Both groups had similar demographics and normal baseline LV characteristics. Cardiac follow-up after randomization (median, 8 years) showed changes from baseline within the randomized groups (depressed systolic function, systolic dilation, reduced wall thickness, and reduced mass) at 3, 6, and 8 years; there were no statistically significant differences between randomized groups. Ten-year ALL event-free survival rates did not differ between the 2 groups (continuous-infusion, 83% versus bolus-infusion, 78%; P = .24).

CONCLUSIONS:

In survivors of childhood high-risk ALL, continuous-infusion doxorubicin, compared with bolus-infusion, provided no long-term cardioprotection or improvement in ALL event-free survival, hence provided no benefit over bolus-infusion.
Health Care Provider and Caregiver Preferences Regarding Nasogastric and Intravenous Rehydration
Authors: Freedman Stephen B. , Keating Laura E. , Rumatir Maggie , Schuh Suzanne
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Despite evidence supporting its use, nasogastric rehydration is rarely used in North America. We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional, 3-phase study to evaluate current perspectives.

METHODS:

We compared the proportions of respondents in favor of nasogastric (as opposed to intravenous) rehydration, should oral rehydration fail, between clinicians and caregivers. Phase 1: caregivers of children aged 3 to 48 months, who presented to a Canadian pediatric emergency department with symptoms of gastroenteritis, were invited to complete a survey. Phase 2: phase 1 participants administered intravenous or nasogastric rehydration had the procedure observed and outcome data recorded. Phase 3: pediatric emergency medicine physicians, fellows, and nurses completed a survey.

RESULTS:

Four hundred thirty-five children-parent dyads and 113 health care providers participated. If oral rehydration were to fail, 10% (47 of 435) of caregivers and 14% (16 of 113) of clinicians would choose nasogastric rehydration (difference = 3.4%; 95% confidence interval: −2.8 to 11.4). Caregivers were more familiar with the term intravenous than nasogastric rehydration (80% vs 20%; P < .001). Sixty-four children (15%) received intravenous rehydration; none received nasogastric rehydration. Participating nurses have inserted 90 (interquartile range: 25–150) intravenous cannulas compared with 4 (interquartile range: 2–10) nasogastric tubes during the preceding 6 months (P < .001). After a brief educational intervention, the proportion recommending nasogastric rehydration increased to 27% (117 of 435) among caregivers (P < .001) and 43% (49 of 113) among health care providers (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In keeping with caregiver desires, health care providers in a Canadian emergency department employ intravenous rehydration when oral rehydration fails. Enhanced change management strategies will be required for nasogastric rehydration to become adopted in this environment.
Fatigue assessment of structures on the Docklands Light Railway, London, UK
Authors: Jackson Paul A. , Duckett William G. , Spencer William A.
Published: November 2012

The Docklands Light Railway in London, UK has been in service for some 25 years and has now been upgraded for the second time to enable it to use longer trains at higher frequencies. The structures had to be assessed and, when necessary, strengthened. The assessment would normally have been done using a similar approach to that which would be used for a new design. However, this showed up a significant need for strengthening purely for fatigue. It was therefore decided to strain gauge some structures and the results showed significantly smaller ranges than predicted. Rather than use the results directly, they were used to develop a more realistic assessment approach. This was partly because of the need to apply results for a limited number of structures subjected to two-car trains, to a larger number of structures subjected to three-car trains. Comparison with the strain gauge readings suggested the adopted approach was still very conservative but major savings were still made compared with the strengthening that would have been required by the conventional approach. Two of the structures had more specific and localised problems. Here it was possible to strain gauge all the critical elements and more direct use of the results was possible.
A Commentary on : A Valid Test of Resource Development and Installation? Absolutely Not
Authors: Leeds Andrew M. , Korn Deborah L.
Published: November 2012

Researchers have published evidence supporting both the “working memory” and the “REM/Orienting Response” hypotheses as mechanisms underlying the documented treatment effects of EMDR on patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. Hornsveld et al. (2011) provide additional evidence of the impact of eye movements (EMs) on aspects of positive memory recall, but overstate their findings relevance to resource development and installation (RDI: Korn & Leeds, 2002) and to the interhemispheric interaction hypothesis (Propper & Christman, 2008). Most likely multiple mechanisms underlie the observed effects of EMDR and RDI. The needed RDI test is to randomly assign patients with Disorders of Extreme Stress not Otherwise Specified with measured coping difficulties to alternate conditions: one an RDI procedure without bilateral (or other distracting) sensory stimulation and one with bilateral EMs.
Stop the Use of Eye Movements in Resource Development and Installation, Until Their Additional Value Has Been Proven: A Rejoinder to
Authors: Hornsveld Hellen K. , Jongh Ad de , Broeke Erik ten
Published: November 2012

This brief article responds to Leeds and Korn’s (2012) commentary on our article (Hornsveld et al., 2011) in which we found that eye movements (EMs) during recall of positive and resourceful autobiographic memories (such as those used in resource development and installation [RDI]) led to decreases of (a) vividness, (b) pleasantness, and (c) experienced strength of the intended quality or resource. Hence, we found an opposite effect than what was intended and critically discussed this in our article. In their comments, Leeds and Korn stress their positive clinical experience with RDI and emphasize the limitations of our study. Here we argue that our results, despite their limitations, are fully in line with mounting evidence supporting a working memory account for EMs. Moreover, opposite effects for EMs in the RDI and the safe place procedure accord with several other clinical observations. Given the absence of any confirmatory results, we again advocate, and now even more strongly, to stop the use of EMs in the RDI and safe place procedures until their additional value has been proven.
EMDR With Grief: Reflections on Ginny Sprang’s 2001 Study
Authors: Murray Katy
Published: November 2012

“Translating Research Into Practice” is a new regular journal feature in which clinicians share clinical case examples that support, elaborate, or illustrate the results of a specific research study. Each column begins with the abstract of that study, followed by the clinician’s description of their own application of standard eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) procedures with the population or problem treated in the study. The column is edited by the EMDR Research Foundation with the goal of providing a link between research and practice and making research findings relevant in therapists’ day-to-day practices. In this issue’s column, Katy Murray references Sprang’s (2001) study, which investigated EMDR treatment of complicated mourning and describes how she used EMDR with three challenging cases—a mother mourning for her young adult son who died by suicide, a woman struggling with the loss of her mother to Alzheimer’s disease, and a young mother whose baby was stillborn. Case examples are followed with a comprehensive discussion.
Field performance of self-siphon sediment cleansing set for sediment removal in deep CSO chamber
Authors: Zhou Yongchao , Zhang Yiping , Tang Ping
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a study of the self-siphon sediment cleansing set (SSCS), a system designed to remove sediment from the deep combined sewer overflow (CSO) chamber during dry-weather periods. In order to get a better understanding of the sediment removal effectiveness and operational conditions of the SSCS system, we carried out a full-scale field study and comparison analysis on the sediment depth changes in the deep CSO chambers under the conditions with and without the SSCS. The field investigation results demonstrated that the SSCS drains the dry-weather flow that accumulated for 50–57 min from the sewer channel to the intercepting system in about 10 min. It is estimated that the bed shear stress in the CSO chamber and sewer channel is improved almost 25 times on average. The SSCS acts to remove the near bed solids with high pollution load efficiently. Moreover, it cleans up not only the new sediment layer but also part of the previously accumulated sediment.
Counseling in Primary Care Improves Depression and Quality of Life
Authors: Carta MG , Petretto D , Adamo S , Bhat KM , Lecca ME , Mura G , Carta V , Angermeyer M , Moro MF
Published: November 2012

Introduction:

To measure the effectiveness on Quality of Life of adjunctive cognitive behavioral counseling in the setting of General Practitioners (GPs) along with the treatment as usual (TAU;) for the treatment of depression.

Methods:

Six month-controlled trial of patients who were referred to randomly assigned GPs (four for experimental group of patients and ten for the control) was done. Experimental sample had 34 patients with DSM-IV diagnosis of Depression (Depressed Episode, Dysthymia, or Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood) receiving the TAU supplemented with counseling. Control group had 30 patients with diagnosis of Depression receiving only the TAU.

Results:

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score improved in both groups. Patients in the experimental group showed greater improvement compared to the control group at T2. The World Health Organization Quality OF Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL) score also improved in the experimental group but not in the control group. The improvement in the experimental group was statistically significant in terms of both BDI and WHOQOL scores.

Conclusions:

Adding counseling to TAU in general medical practice settings is more effective in controlling the symptoms of depression and improving the quality of life as measured over a period of six months, than TAU alone. These results while encouraging, also calls for a larger study involving a largersample size and a longer period of time.
Solvent extraction of Palladium (II) and effective separation of Palladium(II) and Platinum(IV) with synthetic sulfoxide MSO
Authors: Pan L. , Bao X. , Gu G.
Published: November 2012

Extraction performances of Pd(II) and separation behaviors of Pd(II) and
Pt(IV) were studied using a synthetic sulfoxide MSO as extractant from
hydrochloric acid media. Pd(II) transferring was depended strongly on the MSO
and HC1 concentration, phase ratio (O/A), contact time, and Pd(II)
concentration in stock solution. By controlling MSO and HC1 concentration,
Pd(II) and Pt(IV) could be separated effectively and the highest separation
coefficient reached 758 when MSO and HC1 concentration were fixed at 25%
(V/V) and 1.5 M, respectively. Pd(II) loaded in organic phase was stripped
effectively with a mixed solution containing NH4C1 and ammonia solutes. The
percentage stripping of Pd(II) was 95.1% using 3% (?) NH4C1 and 3 M NH3H2O.
Flavonoid Apigenin Is an Inhibitor of the NAD+ase CD38
Authors: Escande Carlos , Nin Veronica , Price Nathan L. , Capellini Verena , Gomes Ana P. , Barbosa Maria Thereza , O’Neil Luke , White Thomas A. , Sinclair David A. , Chini Eduardo N.
Published: November 2012

Metabolic syndrome is a growing health problem worldwide. It is therefore imperative to develop new strategies to treat this pathology. In the past years, the manipulation of NAD+ metabolism has emerged as a plausible strategy to ameliorate metabolic syndrome. In particular, an increase in cellular NAD+ levels has beneficial effects, likely because of the activation of sirtuins. Previously, we reported that CD38 is the primary NAD+ase in mammals. Moreover, CD38 knockout mice have higher NAD+ levels and are protected against obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here, we show that CD38 regulates global protein acetylation through changes in NAD+ levels and sirtuin activity. In addition, we characterize two CD38 inhibitors: quercetin and apigenin. We show that pharmacological inhibition of CD38 results in higher intracellular NAD+ levels and that treatment of cell cultures with apigenin decreases global acetylation as well as the acetylation of p53 and RelA-p65. Finally, apigenin administration to obese mice increases NAD+ levels, decreases global protein acetylation, and improves several aspects of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Our results show that CD38 is a novel pharmacological target to treat metabolic diseases via NAD+-dependent pathways.
A comment on the analogous confinement of a neutral particle to a quantum dot via noninertial effects
Authors: Bakke Knut
Published: November 2012

In this contribution, we discuss the nonrelativistic limit of the Dirac equation for a neutral particle with a permanent electric dipole moment interacting with external fields in a noninertial frame. We show a case where the geometry of the manifold can play the role of a hard-wall confining potential due to noninertial effects, and can yield bound states analogous to a confinement of the spin-half neutral particle interacting with external fields to a quantum dot described by a hard-wall confining potential [33].
Soil Erosion and Surface Water Quality Impacts of Natural Gas Development in East Texas, USA
Authors: McBroom Matthew , Thomas Todd , Zhang Yanli
Published: November 2012

Due to greater demands for hydrocarbons and improvements in drilling technology, development of oil and natural gas in some regions of the United States has increased dramatically. A 1.4 ha natural gas well pad was constructed in an intermittent stream channel at the Alto Experimental Watersheds in East Texas, USA (F1), while another 1.1 ha well pad was offset about 15 m from a nearby intermittent stream (F2). V-notch weirs were constructed downstream of these well pads and stream sedimentation and water quality was measured. For the 2009 water year, about 11.76 cm, or almost 222% more runoff resulted from F1 than F2. Sediment yield was significantly greater at F1, with 13,972 kg ha−1 yr−1 versus 714 kg ha−1yr−1 at F2 on a per unit area disturbance basis for the 2009 water year. These losses were greater than was observed following forest clearcutting with best management practices (111–224 kg ha−1). Significantly greater nitrogen and phosphorus losses were measured at F1 than F2. While oil and gas development can degrade surface water quality, appropriate conservation practices like retaining streamside buffers can mitigate these impacts.
Noninvasive Bioluminescence Imaging of Olfactory Ensheathing Glia and Schwann Cells following Transplantation into the Lesioned Rat Spinal Cord
Authors: Roet Kasper C. D. , Eggers Ruben , Verhaagen Joost
Published: November 2012

In this study, we assess the feasibility of bioluminescence imaging to monitor the survival of Schwann cells (SCs) and olfactory ensheathing glia cells (OECs) after implantation in the lesioned spinal cord of adult rats. To this end, purified SCs and OECs were genetically modified with lentiviral vectors encoding luciferase-2 and GFP and implanted in the lesioned dorsal column. The bioluminescent signal was monitored for over 3 months, and at 7 and 98 days postsurgery, the signal was compared to standard histological analysis of GFP expression in the spinal cords. The temporal profile of the bioluminescent signal showed three distinct phases for both cell types. (I) A relatively stable signal in the first week. (II) A progressive decline in signal strength in the second and third week. (III) After the third week, the average bioluminescent signal stabilized for both cell types. Interestingly, in the first week, the peak of the bioluminescent signal after luciferin injection was delayed when compared to later time points. Similar to in vitro, our data indicated a linear relationship between the in vivo bioluminescent signal and the GFP signal of the SCs and OECs in the spinal cords when the results of both the 7 and 98 day time points are combined. This is the first report of the use of in vivo bioluminescence to monitor cell survival in the lesioned rat spinal cord. Bioluminescence could be a potentially powerful, non-invasive strategy to examine the efficacy of treatments that aim to improve the survival of proregenerative cells transplanted in the injured rat spinal cord.
Characterization of Adult Stem/Progenitor Cell Populations from Bone Marrow in a Three-Dimensional Collagen Gel Culture System
Authors: Claros Silvia , Rodríguez-Losada Noela , Cruz Encarnación , Guerado Enrique , Becerra José , Andrades José A.
Published: November 2012

Stem cell transplantation therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is considered a useful strategy. Although MSCs are commonly isolated by exploiting their plastic adherence, several studies have suggested that there are other populations of stem and/or osteoprogenitor cells that are removed from primary culture during media replacement. Therefore, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) culture system in which adherent and nonadherent stem cells are selected and expanded. Here, we described the characterization of 3D culture-derived cell populations in vitro and the capacity of these cells to differentiate into bone and/or cartilage tissue when placed inside of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) cylinders, implanted subcutaneously into the backs of rat for 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Our results demonstrates that 3D culture cells were a heterogeneous population of uncommitted cells that express pluripotent-, hematopoietic-, mesenchymal-, and endothelial-specific markers in vitro and can undergo osteogenic differentiation in vivo.
Beach Recreation Among Urban Dwellers in Lagos, Nigeria: A Multivariate Analysis of Preferences and Decision-making Process
Authors: Ajala O. A. , Aliu I. R.
Published: November 2012

This article empirically examines the underlying factors that influence beach preferences, choice decision-making processes, and perception of beach facilities by the local residents in Lagos, Nigeria. A survey of perception of two beaches by respondents in four Local Government Areas
(LGAs) provided the primary data for the study. Using the Random Utility Theory (RUT) framework, the study discovered that preference formation and beach choices are considerably influenced by the respondent's perception of spatial and environmental attributes of beach sites as well as the
recreationist characteristics. The implication of these findings is that the observed beach behavior of recreationists cannot only be attributed to their personal attributes but essentially to their perception of the conditions of the beaches. Hence, government with other stakeholders in tourism
development in Nigeria needs to take a critical interest in the development of the beaches with regards to accessibility, facilities, security, environment, space, transport system, and a host of other important things that can facilitate attraction to coastal beaches in Lagos and in Nigeria
at large.
Les conceptions juridiques du harcèlement sexuel en France et aux États-Unis
Authors: Saguy Abigail C.
Published: November 2012

Résumé Lorsque l’ancien directeur du Fonds monétaire international, Dominique Strauss Kahn ( dsk ), a été arrêté pour tentative de viol sur une femme de chambre d’un hôtel Sofitel à New York en mai 2011, on a beaucoup spéculé sur le rôle qu’avaient joué les différences d’attitude vis-à-vis de la sexualité en France et aux États-Unis. Cet article explique que si ce scandale avait plus de chances d’éclater à New York qu’à Paris c’est moins en raison de différences culturelles intemporelles entre les deux pays que de différences juridiques. Aux États-Unis, la responsabilité de l’employeur se trouve fortement engagée en cas de harcèlement sexuel, ce qui a incité les entreprises à instaurer des règlements internes et des codes de conduite. Complété par la loi de 1994 sur les violences faites aux femmes ( Violence Against Women Act , vawa ), ce dispositif a permis une plus grande prise de conscience du problème du harcèlement et de la violence sexuels. En France, en revanche, où la responsabilité de l’employeur est minime, les entreprises n’ont guère eu à prendre de mesures contre le harcèlement sexuel, retardant par là-même la prise de conscience de l’opinion. C’est à cause de cet écart qu’une plainte pour harcèlement sexuel avait plus de chances d’être déposée à New York qu’à Paris. L’article affirme toutefois qu’en attirant l’attention sur la question de la violence sexuelle, l’affaire dsk – à laquelle s’est ajoutée en mars 2012 une mise en examen pour proxénétisme en bande organisée – pourrait elle-même contribuer à faire évoluer le cadre juridique français et à renforcer la protection des victimes de violence sexuelle.