bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of bone remodelling around dental implants
Authors: Ojeda J , Martínez-Reina J , García-Aznar J M , Domínguez J , Doblaré M
Published: June 2011

Crestal bone loss can result in the failure of dental implants and can be caused, by among other factors, the development of non-physiological mechanical conditions. Bone remodelling (BR) is the physiological process through which bone adapts itself to the mechanical environment. A previously published mathematical model of BR is used in this work to study the homogenized structural evolution of peri-implant bone. This model is used to study the influence of the diameter and length of a dental implant of pure titanium on its long-term stability. The temporal evolution of porosity and microstructural damage of the peri-implant bone are the variables analysed in this study. The results show that damage and porosity increase as the implant length decreases and, more pronouncedly, as its diameter decreases. The increase in damage and porosity levels is localized, as many other studies confirm, at the implant neck due to the stress concentration that is created in that area. The main conclusion of this study is that in implants with a diameter equal to or greater than 3 mm the damage is under control and there is no mechanical failure of the peri-implant bone in the long term.
Early versus later onset childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: Clinical features, treatment and outcome
Authors: Hui-Yuen JS , Imundo LF , Avitabile C , Kahn PJ , Eichenfield AH , Levy DM
Published: June 2011

The objective of the study was to compare clinical features, treatment and disease outcome in patients with early versus later onset of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). A retrospective matched cohort study of cSLE patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2008 and followed for a minimum of one year was conducted. Thirty-four pre-pubertal cSLE patients with disease onset prior to their 12th birthday were matched by ethnicity and year of diagnosis to 34 pubertal cSLE patients. The most common criteria at diagnosis in both groups were malar rash, arthritis, hematologic manifestations, and renal disease. After a mean follow-up of more than six years, a similar proportion of patients in the two groups were still prescribed corticosteroids (47% and 41%); patients in the early onset group required a significantly higher daily dose (0.6 mg/kg prednisone-equivalent versus 0.2 mg/kg, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in organ involvement, disease activity and disease damage between the two groups, and severe complications occurred at similar rates. There were a greater number of admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in the early onset group (18 versus 5, p = 0.01), with time-to-event analysis demonstrating a significantly shorter disease duration from diagnosis to first PICU admission in the early onset group ( p < 0.001). While a similar proportion of patients in the early and later onset groups required treatment with cyclophosphamide, patients in the early onset group received treatment earlier in their disease course (mean 13.7 versus 19.9 months, p < 0.001). Early onset cSLE leads to earlier and more frequent PICU admission, earlier use of cyclophosphamide, and higher corticosteroid dose at long-term follow-up.
The short-term role of corticosteroid therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue diseases: report of five cases and a literature review
Authors: Kato M , Kataoka H , Odani T , Fujieda Y , Otomo K , Oku K , Horita T , Yasuda S , Atsumi T , Ohira H , Tsujino I , Nishimura M , Koike T
Published: June 2011

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening complication in connective tissue diseases (CTD). It remains controversial whether immunosuppressive therapy is useful for PAH associated with CTD (PAH-CTD). The Dana Point algorithm does not refer such treatments in patients with PAH-CTD due to the lack of evidence. However, some case reports have shown the potential efficacy of immunosuppression for PAH-CTD. Here we report five cases of PAH-CTD treated with corticosteroids and discuss the current management of PAH-CTD with immunosuppressive agents. Our cases consisted of three active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a quiescent SLE and an active polymyositis. WHO functional classes at baseline were class III in three cases and class II in two. Median follow-up period was 44 (28–92) weeks. PAH was diagnosed by right heart catheterization in all cases (median pulmonary arterial pressure was 45 (29–49) mmHg). All patients received 1 mg/kg of prednisolone (PSL) for 2–4 weeks, followed by appropriate dose reduction. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was performed in patients resistant to the high dosage of PSL. Four patients received vasodilators in combination. The therapy as above improved WHO functional class 4 weeks after the initiation of PSL in all the patients. Two patients required dose increase or additional administration of vasodilators due to the dose reduction of PSL. Corticosteroid therapy may be effective for PAH-CTD at least in the short term, even in low general activity of CTD or moderate PAH. Our experience suggests that corticosteroid therapy, by itself or in conjunction with standard vasodilators, is effective for PAH-CTD patients.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and cardiac risk factors: medical record documentation and patient adherence
Authors: Bengtsson C , Bengtsson AA , Costenbader KH , Jönsen A , Rantapää-Dahlqvist S , Sturfelt G , Nived O
Published: June 2011

This study explores patients’ knowledge of cardiac risk factors (CRFs), analyses how information and advice about CRFs are documented in clinical practice, and assesses patient adherence to received instructions to decrease CRFs. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with ≥ 4 ACR criteria participated through completing a validated cardiovascular health questionnaire (CHQ). Kappa statistics were used to compare medical records with the self-reported CHQ (agreement) and to evaluate adherence. Two hundred and eleven (72%) of the known patients with SLE participated. The mean age of the patients was 55 years. More than 70% of the SLE patients considered hypertension, obesity, smoking and hypercholesterolaemia to be very important CRFs. The agreement between medical record documentation and patients’ reports was moderate for hypertension, overweight and hypercholesterolaemia (kappa 0.42–0.60) but substantial for diabetes (kappa 0.66). Patients’ self-reported adherence to advice they had received regarding medication was substantial to perfect (kappa 0.65–1.0). For lifestyle changes in patients with hypertension and overweight, adherence was only fair to moderate (kappa 0.13–0.47). Swedish SLE patients’ awareness of traditional CRFs was good in this study. However, the agreement between patients’ self-reports and medical record documentation of CRF profiles, and patients’ adherence to medical advice to CRF profiles, could be improved.
Cognitive dysfunction in SLE: development of a screening tool
Authors: Adhikari T , Piatti A , Luggen M
Published: June 2011

Background. Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is among the most common neuropsychiatric manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There are two methods which have been used to detect CD in patients with SLE: traditional neuropsychological tests (NPT) and the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM). Both are time-consuming and neither is readily available for screening purposes.

Purpose. The aim of our study was to evaluate the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test as a screening tool for detection of CD in SLE.

Methods. SLE patients fulfilling ACR criteria were administered the ANAM, a computerized test battery which measures various cognitive domains and the MoCA, a one-page, performance-based screening test designed to detect mild cognitive impairment in the elderly. With the ANAM as the gold standard, the performance characteristics of the MoCA were assessed.

Results. In total, 44 patients were evaluated. Of these, 11 (25%) were identified by the ANAM as being impaired in comparison with 13 (29.5%) by the MoCA. The scores were significantly correlated ( r = 0.57, p < 0.001). Using the standard cutoff of 26, the sensitivity of MoCA was 83% and specificity 73%.

Conclusion. The MoCA appears to be a promising screening tool for the detection of CD in SLE both for epidemiologic studies and for routine clinical care.
Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Brazilian dogs by real-time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Santos Huarrisson A. , Pires Marcus S. , Vilela Joice A. R. , Santos Tiago M. , Faccini João L. H. , Baldani Cristiane D. , Thomé Sandra M. G. , Sanavria Argemiro , Massard Carlos L.
Published: June 2011

Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in dogs from Brazil in the municipalities of Seropédica and Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro state, by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using SYBR Green to detect the amplification. Of 253 samples, 18 (7.11%) were positive, with a threshold cycle (Ct) ranging from 31 to 35 cycles. The PCR product from a positive sample was cloned and sequenced. The sequence obtained demonstrated 100% identity with other A. phagocytophilum sequences published in the GenBank database. The analytical sensitivity of RT-PCR using SYBR Green system was able to detect 3 plasmid copies when defined numbers of plasmid copies containing 122 base pairs from the msp2 gene were used. The assay was considered specific when DNA from bacteria ( Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma marginale, Ehrlichia canis, Neorickettsia risticii, Rickettsia rickettsii) closely related to A. phagocytophilum was placed in the reaction. These results demonstrate that the canine granulocytic anaplasmosis agent is present in regions in which dogs could be a source of infection for tick vectors. The current study reports the detection of A. phagocytophilum, a zoonotic agent responsible for Human granulocytic anaplasmosis, in Brazilian dogs.
Development and evaluation of a real-time polymerase chain reaction method for the detection of Mycoplasma felis
Authors: Söderlund Robert , Bölske Göran , Holst Bodil Ström , Aspán Anna
Published: June 2011

Infection by Mycoplasma felis is associated with ocular and respiratory disease in cats and respiratory disease in horses. A correct diagnosis is beneficial since the use of specific antimycoplasmal treatment can lead to resolution. The objective of the present study was to develop a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method based on dual-labeled fluorogenic probe technology, targeting the gene encoding elongation factor Tu ( tuf ), for the fast and specific detection of M. felis. Specificity was achieved by basing the assay design on partial sequencing of the tuf gene in strains and clinical isolates of M. felis as well as other mycoplasma species. The detection limit of the developed assay was in the order of 10 copies of target DNA, and no cross-reaction was observed with a panel of several mycoplasma species. Compared to a previously published conventional PCR protocol, the novel assay had equal or slightly improved performance in terms of sensitivity and specificity when analyzing 100 conjunctival swab samples from cats with clinical signs of infection.
Development of a set of multiplex standard polymerase chain reaction assays for the identification of infectious agents from aborted bovine clinical samples
Authors: Tramuta Clara , Lacerenza Daniela , Zoppi Simona , Goria Mariella , Dondo Alessandro , Ferroglio Ezio , Nebbia Patrizia , Rosati Sergio
Published: June 2011

The current study describes the development of a set of 5 multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) assays for the simultaneous detection of abortive infection agents in bovine fetal tissues, including Brucella spp., Leptospira spp., and Campylobacter fetus (mPCR1); Hammondia heydorni, Neospora caninum, and Toxoplasma gondii (mPCR2); Coxiella burnetii and Chlamydophila psittaci (mPCR3); Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, and Ureaplasma diversum (mPCR4); and Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1; mPCR5). The protocol was tested on different tissue samples collected from 50 aborted bovine fetuses, and it showed that out of the 50 fetuses, 7 (14%, mPCR2) were PCR-positive for N. caninum, 4 (8%, mPCR5) were PCR-positive for BVDV, and 2 (4%, mPCR4) were PCR-positive for U. diversum. The results obtained by using each multiplex PCR were 100% concordant with those obtained by using the respective PCR assays targeting single genes on the same specimens. Moreover, all multiplex PCR assays on clinical samples were compared with reference methods, obtaining a perfect accordance in all samples and confirming the validity of the set of multiplex PCR assays. The proposed set of multiplex PCR assays is, therefore, suitable for the simultaneous detection of the main infectious agents responsible for bovine abortion.
Antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus spp. isolates from cases of mastitis in buffalo in Brazil
Authors: de Medeiros Elizabeth S. , França Chirles A. , Krewer Carina da C. , Peixoto Renata de M. , de Souza Júnior Aldo F. , Cavalcante Marielly B. , da Costa Mateus M. , Mota Rinaldo A.
Published: June 2011

Persistent buffalo mastitis caused by Staphylococcus spp. gives rise to economic losses and may be resistant to antimicrobial therapy. The aim of the present study was to determine resistance patterns and the presence of mecA, blaZ, and efflux pump in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from cases of mastitis in Brazilian buffalo herds. Susceptibility to antimicrobials was determined by the disk diffusion test and detection of the mecA and blaZ genes by polymerase chain reaction. The efflux pump screening test was performed by growing samples in Muller–Hinton agar containing ethidium bromide. The percentages for resistance to the drugs tested were: 71.8% to penicillin, 49.2% to amoxicillin, 65.8% to oxacillin, 62.3% to cefquinome, 44.7% to cephalonium, 45.2% to ciprofloxacin, 32.6% to enrofloxacin, 58.7% to erythromycin, 42.7% to florfenicol, 34.6% to gentamicin, 35.1% to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, 8.5% to tetracycline + neomycin + bacitracin, 43.2% to cephalothin, 38.1% to streptomycin, 58.7% to tetracycline, 31.6% to norfloxacin, 45.2% to ceftriaxone, 43.2% to nitrofurantoin, 57.7% to doxycycline, and 53.7% to cephalexin. Simultaneous resistance to 4 or more antimicrobial drug groups was observed in 112 isolates, using the mecA (11) and blaZ (79) genes, and efflux pump (47). It is concluded that Staphylococcus spp. isolates from cases of mastitis in Brazilian buffalo show varying levels of resistance to antibiotics, and caution should be exercised in choosing therapeutics in order to minimize the risk to public health.
Enrichment of PrPSc in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues prior to analysis by Western blot
Authors: Nicholson Eric M.
Published: June 2011

Diagnosis of prion disease is primarily through immunodetection of the infectious agent. Typically, 2 distinct procedures are recommended for a definitive diagnosis, with immunohistochemistry and Western blot providing the most information as to the specific isolate in question. In the past, these approaches required formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and fresh or frozen tissue, respectively; however, methods have been developed that allow for use of fixed tissue for Western blot. The present study describes a method of enriching PrPSc in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues prior to Western blot analysis for the detection of PrPSc. With this modified procedure, 5 times the previously reported sample size may be used for analysis, greatly enhancing the sensitivity of this procedure.
An immunosorbent assay based on the recombinant ApxIa, ApxIIa, and ApxIIIa toxins of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and its application to field sera
Authors: Shin Min-Kyoung , Kang Mi Lan , Cha Seung Bin , Lee Won-Jung , Sung Ji Hyun , Yoo Han Sang
Published: June 2011

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the etiologic agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, a highly contagious pulmonary disease in pigs with major economic losses for pig producers worldwide. Whereas A. pleuropneumoniae isolates are divided into 15 serotypes, the isolates secrete 4 types of exotoxins (ApxI, ApxII, ApxIII, and ApxIV), which are known as major virulence factors. In the current study, the ApxIA, ApxIIA, and ApxIIIA genes were amplified and their recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli M15 cells. The antigenicity of each recombinant protein was demonstrated by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using sera from pigs vaccinated with a subunit vaccine. When ELISAs using the recombinant antigens were optimized and then applied to sera from 320 randomized pigs in Korea, an observed increase in seroprevalence was found among sows in comparison with weaned piglets and growing pigs, indicating an age-dependent seroprevalence. The results obtained in the study suggest that the developed ELISAs may be useful for A. pleuropneumoniae vaccination strategy as a screening tool for pig herds as well as for detection of specific antibodies to Apx exotoxins.
Pelger-Huët anomaly in two related mixed-breed dogs
Authors: Vale André M. , Tomaz Loreno R. , Sousa Rejane S. , Soto-Blanco Benito
Published: June 2011

A 6-month-old male mixed-breed dog weighing 12.6 kg weight was presented for evaluation of a subcutaneous nodule on the dorsum. The medical history indicated trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole treatment 2 months before presentation at the veterinary hospital. The initial complete blood cell count (CBC) results included an apparent left shift. Microscopic examination of a blood smear (Panoptic stain) revealed granulocytes with hyposegmented nuclei, coarse mature chromatin, and a nuclear shape varying from round to bilobed (pince-nez) or slightly indented. Occasional neutrophils and eosinophils had typical segmentation of nuclei. Abnormalities were not present in limited serum biochemical testing. The CBC was repeated 17 and 120 days later, and the results were similar to those observed in the first examination. The parents of the patient were located, and a CBC was performed on both animals. The dam, but not the sire, had nuclear hyposegmentation of granulocytes, confirming the diagnosis of Pelger-Huët anomaly.
C-reactive protein concentrations in serum of dogs with naturally occurring renal disease
Authors: Raila Jens , Schweigert Florian J. , Kohn Barbara
Published: June 2011

The current study was undertaken to investigate the relation between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations and parameters of renal function in dogs with naturally occurring renal disease. Dogs were assigned to groups according to plasma creatinine concentration, urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UP/UC), and exogenous plasma creatinine clearance (P-ClCr) rates. Group A (healthy control dogs; n = 8): non-azotemic (plasma creatinine <125 µmol/l) and nonproteinuric (UP/UC <0.2), with P-ClCr rates >90 ml/min/m2; group B (n = 11): non-azotemic, nonproteinuric dogs with reduced P-ClCr rates (50–89 ml/min/m2); group C (n = 7): azotemic, borderline proteinuric dogs (P-ClCr rates: 22–67 ml/min/m2); and group D (n = 6): uremic, proteinuric dogs (not tested for P-ClCr). The serum CRP concentrations were measured via commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The CRP concentrations in the clinically healthy dogs (group A) ranged from 2.09 mg/l to 8.60 mg/l (median: 3.21 mg/l). In comparison with dogs of group A, median CRP concentrations were significantly ( P < 0.01) elevated in dogs of group B (17.6 mg/l, range: 17.0–19.2 mg/l), group C (24.8 mg/l, range: 18.0–32.5 mg/l), and group D (59.7 mg/l, range: 17.7–123 mg/l). Serum CRP was significantly related to P-ClCr ( r = –0.83; P < 0.001), plasma creatinine ( r = 0.81; P < 0.001), UP/UC ( r = 0.70; P < 0.001), and leukocytes ( r = 0.49; P < 0.01). The significant relations between serum CRP concentrations and biochemical parameters of kidney function in plasma and urine suggest that a stimulation of the acute phase response is implicated in the pathogenesis of canine renal disease.
Voucher Users and Revitalized Public-Housing Residents 6 Years After Displacement
Authors: Brooks Fred , Lewinson Terri , Aszman Jennifer , Wolk Jim
Published: June 2011

Objective: A total of 6 years after displacement by a Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) project, this research examines residents who returned to the redeveloped community and residents who decided to keep their vouchers and were living in private sector housing. Respondents were compared on the following variables: application process and decision to move back, satisfaction with housing, material hardships, and perception of economic well-being. Method: The study employed a static group comparison research design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 56 respondents through five focus groups. Results: Residents who moved back to the revitalized public housing were highly satisfied with their housing, had significantly fewer material hardships, and perceived their economic well-being more positively compared to residents remaining in the voucher program. Conclusions: Our results both support and expand upon previous empirical findings on the complex comparisons between voucher users and revitalized public-housing residents.
The Pattern of Antimicrobial Use for Palliative Care In-Patients During the Last Week of Life
Authors: Abduh Al-Shaqi Mohammed , Alami Ahmad Hasan , Zahrani Ali Saeed Al- , Al-Marshad Batlah , Muammar Abdulrahman Bin- , MZ Al-Shahri
Published: June 2011

Background: In terminally ill cancer patients approaching the dying phase, liberal use of antimicrobials is often viewed by palliative care experts as irrational. No previous reports have reviewed current antimicrobial use in palliative care settings in Saudi Arabia. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the pattern of antimicrobial use in a tertiary palliative care unit (TPCU) during the last week of patients’ life. Methods: Medical records of all patients who died in the TPCU over a 14-month period were reviewed for demographics as well as the frequency and rationale of antimicrobial use during the patients’ last week of life. Information on antimicrobial use was obtained from a computerized pharmacy database. Results: Of 138 patients who died with advanced cancer in the TPCU, 87 (63%) were on one or more antimicrobials during their last week of life. Antibiotics were more frequently used as compared to antifungal and antiviral agents, 64 (46.4%); 45 (32.6%); and 2 (1.5%), respectively. About one third (31.3%) of patients who received antibiotics during their last week of life were prescribed more than one antibiotic. Antimicrobials were mostly given systemically (79%) rather than topically (21%). The most common rationales for antimicrobial prescribing were oral thrush in 36 patients (25.4%), wound care in 29 patients (20.4%), and on empirical basis in 29 patients (20.4%). Conclusions: The current practice of antimicrobial prescribing, especially for patients who are eminently dying, may need to be reviewed. Initiation of antimicrobial treatment in this group of patients should be based on clear treatment goals and desired outcomes, considering views of patients and families.
Ultimate and Proximal Determinants of Motivation Given an Attribution Perspective and the Metaphors Guiding Attribution Theory
Authors: Weiner Bernard
Published: June 2011

Attribution theory includes mastery and maintenance of society among its ultimate determinants of action and a variety of information sources and emotions as the proximal or immediate determinants of motivation. These goals are guided by two metaphors: the person as a scientist and the person as a judge. I discuss these positions and point out some of the perceived limitations of the articles in this special issue.
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
Authors: Prokop Jessica L. , Galon Patricia
Published: June 2011

Implementation of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 will provide an opportunity for school nurses to intervene in the serious childhood obesity problem in the United States. Major changes in the management of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) will likely challenge schools yet may provide the impetus for a collaborative effort by the interdisciplinary school staff and parents to make a real difference for children. School nurses must use this occasion for a change to promote healthy eating habits and increased physical activity levels for students to carry into adulthood.
The Brain’s Default Network and Its Adaptive Role in Internal Mentation
Authors: Andrews-Hanna Jessica R.
Published: June 2011

During the many idle moments that comprise daily life, the human brain increases its activity across a set of midline and lateral cortical brain regions known as the “default network.” Despite the robustness with which the brain defaults to this pattern of activity, surprisingly little is known about the network’s precise anatomical organization and adaptive functions. To provide insight into these questions, this article synthesizes recent literature from structural and functional imaging with a growing behavioral literature on mind wandering. Results characterize the default network as a set of interacting hubs and subsystems that play an important role in “internal mentation”—the introspective and adaptive mental activities in which humans spontaneously and deliberately engage in every day.
An adaptive anechoic termination for active vibration control
Authors: Rustighi E , Mace BR , Ferguson NS
Published: June 2011

The active broadband control of the flexural vibration of a slender structure, in particular a beam, is obtained by the use of an adaptive anechoic termination. The anechoic termination, which absorbs any energy incident upon it, is implemented by applying a force close to one end of the structure. The force is determined by a feed-forward adaptive control that uses estimates of the incident and reflected waves as reference and error signals. Digital filters are implemented to estimate, in real-time, the amplitudes of these waves by filtering the outputs of an array of sensors. The reflected wave is used as the cost function in a filtered-X LMS adaptive control. The use of the propagating waves as reference and error signals also allows the method to be effective for resonant structures, a situation in which conventional approaches fail to be reliable. In order to compare the method with a conventional approach an anechoic termination that uses the primary excitation as reference is also considered. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate the method applied to semi-infinite and finite resonant structures. A broadband reduction of up to 20 dB in the ratio of the reflected and incident powers is demonstrated both numerically and experimentally. The use of the adaptive anechoic termination to reduce the vibration levels in structures is shown to be more effective than other typical feed-forward active control systems. Furthermore, it can be applied to cases where no reference signal, such as the primary excitation, is directly available.
Intimate Partner Violence Against Deaf Female College Students
Authors: Anderson Melissa L. , Leigh Irene W.
Published: June 2011

It has been estimated that roughly 25% of all Deaf women in the United States are victims of intimate partner violence (Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services [ADWAS]), a figure similar to annual prevalence rates of 16% to 30% for intimate partners in the general population. One goal of the present study was to ascertain the prevalence of intimate partner violence victimization in a sample of Deaf female college students. When comparing the prevalence of physical assault, psychological aggression, and sexual coercion victimization to hearing female undergraduates, the current sample was approximately two times as likely to have experienced victimization in the past year.
Shelf Life Prediction of Fresh Italian Pork Sausage Modified Atmosphere Packed
Authors: Torrieri E. , Russo F. , Di Monaco R. , Cavella S. , Villani F. , Masi F.
Published: June 2011

The shelf life of fresh Italian pork sausages packed in modified atmosphere was studied. Samples were packed using different levels of oxygen (high and low) with different levels of carbon dioxide (high-low) in the atmospheres headspace and were stored at 4 °C for 9 days. Microbial, physiochemical and sensory parameters were analyzed during storage. A consumer test was performed to determine the critical acceptability levels. Sensory data were mathematically modelled to estimate product shelf life. A first-order kinetic model and a Weibull-type model aptly described, respectively, the changes in fresh pork sausage odor and color over storage time. These models may be used to predict the sensory shelf life of fresh pork sausage. Results showed that 20% O2 and 70% CO2 extend fresh pork sausage shelf life to 9 days at 4 °C. The microbial quality of the samples at the critical sensory level of acceptability was within the range of microbial acceptability.
Sound Fields in Complex Listening Environments
Authors: Vorländer Michael
Published: June 2011

The conditions of sound fields used in research, especially testing and fitting of hearing aids, are usually simplified or reduced to fundamental physical fields, such as the free or the diffuse sound field. The concepts of such ideal conditions are easily introduced in theoretical and experimental investigations and in models for directional microphones, for example. When it comes to real-world application of hearing aids, however, the field conditions are more complex with regard to specific stationary and transient properties in room transfer functions and the corresponding impulse responses and binaural parameters. Sound fields can be categorized in outdoor rural and urban and indoor environments. Furthermore, sound fields in closed spaces of various sizes and shapes and in situations of transport in vehicles, trains, and aircrafts are compared with regard to the binaural signals. In laboratory tests, sources of uncertainties are individual differences in binaural cues and too less controlled sound field conditions. Furthermore, laboratory sound fields do not cover the variety of complex sound environments. Spatial audio formats such as higher-order ambisonics are candidates for sound field references not only in room acoustics and audio engineering but also in audiology.
Methodological aspects of working memory assessment in simultaneous interpreters
Authors: Köpke Barbara , Signorelli Teresa M.
Published: June 2011

It is commonly assumed that simultaneous interpreting is very demanding with respect to cognitive resources such as working memory (WM). Previous studies measuring WM skills in simultaneous interpreters, however, have yielded contradictory findings. Some studies seem to support the hypothesis of enhanced WM skills in professional interpreters, others do not find differences between interpreters and controls. This article offers an attempt to account for some of these contradictory results with an analysis of methodological aspects and their theoretical implications. Two of the most frequently used experimental paradigms are considered: a free recall task with articulatory suppression (Köpke & Nespoulous, 2006; Padilla, Bajo, & Macizo, 2005; Padilla Benítez, 1995) and reading or listening span (Christoffels, de Groot, & Kroll, 2006; Köpke & Nespoulous, 2006; Liu, Schallert, & Carroll, 2004; Padilla Benítez, 1995). Concerning the free recall task, it is argued that participant selection may account for contradictory findings and that differences in task timing are so pronounced that the different studies may actually assess different memory skills. The discussion of methodological differences in the listening or reading span task leads to the claim that results are consistent with the view of professional interpreters being advantaged in free recall WM tasks but not in serial recall.
Absenteeism, Performance and Occupant Satisfaction with the Indoor Environment of Green Toronto Schools
Authors: Issa M.H. , Rankin J.H. , Attalla M. , Christian A.J.
Published: June 2011

This study aimed to compare a number of quantitative and qualitative aspects of usage across a sample of 10 conventional, 20 energy-retrofitted and three green Toronto schools. Student, teacher and staff absenteeism data, as well as Grade 3 and 6 student performance data on reading, writing and arithmetic tests administered by Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office were collected. A survey of 150 teachers was conducted to investigate their satisfaction with the indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort and acoustics of their school buildings. The statistical analysis of the data showed that teachers in green schools were in general more satisfied with their classrooms and personal workspaces’ lighting, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, heating, ventilation and air conditioning than teachers in the other schools. Nevertheless, they were less satisfied with acoustics. Student, teacher and staff absenteeism in green schools also improved by 2–7.5%, whereas student performance improved by 8–19% when compared with conventional schools. However, these improvements were not statistically significant and could not therefore be generalised to all Toronto public schools. Whether these marginal improvements justify the extra cost premium of green buildings remains an active contentious topic that will need further investigation.
Impact of Environmental Pollution on Human Health of the Population Which Lives Nearby Kosovo Thermopower Plants
Authors: Zeneli Lulzim , Daci Nexhat , Paçarizi Hidajet , Daci-Ajvazi Majlinda
Published: June 2011

This study describes an investigation of effects of environmental pollution as a result of outflow from the coal processing industry. Coal is one the largest deposits of fossil inorganic material where metal accumulations have been observed. The trace elements in coal that could have an undesirable environmental impact include: Hg, Pb, Be, Se, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Ge, Mn, V and Co. Dust consisting of fly ash and bottom ash is one the main components of the environmental pollution that is released from the industrial area of thermopower plants of ‘‘Kosova’’. Analysis of the emission of the fly ash from thermopower plants of ‘‘Kosovo’’ during 2005 showed that contamination had exceeded EU standards by 400—500%. In a comparative study of biochemical parameters in blood of human population of two different environments in Kosovo, one done near by the Kosovo thermopower plants in Obiliç, a highly polluted environment investigated group and the other that is considered as a relatively clean rural environment in Dragash, control group. Based on the results achieved in this study, it can be concluded that the pollution emitted from Kosovo thermopower plants by releasing fly ash and bottom ash to the environment has a direct effect on human health of the population living in the industrial area of Obiliç.
Modelling of Particle Deposition and Rebound Behaviour on Ventilation Ducting Wall Using an Improved Wall Model
Authors: Ke Sun  , Lin Lu  , Hai Jiang
Published: June 2011

This paper reports a study of particle deposition and rebound behaviour in a vertical two-dimensional ventilation duct, employing a Lagrangian particle model incorporating an algebraic rigid particle—wall impact model. A RNG κ - ε turbulence model was applied to solve the turbulent duct flow. Fifteen particle size groups ranging from 5 to 200 μm are investigated with one-way coupling approach. The turbulent airflow and particle movement were validated by experimental data. Adopting the particle—wall impact model, the dimensionless deposition velocities have been predicted smaller than those using conventional ‘‘trap’’ model, especially for particles of large relaxation time. The dimensionless deposition velocity and deposition fraction would first increase, and then decrease with increasing particle diameter. The deposition and capture fraction would roughly decrease with increasing frictional velocity. Additionally, Saffman force has played an important role in this improved wall model. This paper has demonstrated that particle rebound could have a considerable effect on the deposition and concentration of large particles in rooms and ventilation ducts. These findings would benefit the design of filters in ventilation systems and the control of particle contaminants that could affect the indoor air quality of the living spaces.
Numerical Simulation of Oxy-Acetylene Testing Procedure of Ablative Materials for Re-Entry Space Vehicles
Authors: Marra F , Pulci G , Tirilló J , Bartuli C , Valente T
Published: June 2011

A testing apparatus for flame exposure of ablative, high thermal flux-resistant materials has been designed and manufactured according to the ASTM E 285-80 standard. The test is useful for the selection of thermal protection systems (TPS) working as ablators and for the evaluation of their shielding performance. In order to support the material/component design and to offer new and differentiated tools for the screening phase of TPS materials, a CFD (computational fluid-dynamics) model of the burning test was developed. The model simulates the combustion of an oxygen—acetylene mixture occurring in a conventional welding torch, and calculates the heat flux incident on the sample and the related temperature fields. The validation of the model was obtained performing suitable instrumented tests enabling direct measurements of both incident heat flux and temperatures of the front and back surfaces of an ablative sample. Good agreement was found between numerical results and experimental measurements, encouraging the use of simulations for the design of the test environmental conditions.
Combined Butt Joint Welding and Post Weld Heat Treatment Simulation Using SYSWELD and ABAQUS
Authors: Deshpande A A , Tanner D W J , Sun W , Hyde T H , McCartney G
Published: June 2011

Due to increases in computational power, the finite-element (FE) method is now widely used to predict the thermal, material, and mechanical effects of welding. Welding simulations can provide important information about component distortions and residual stresses. This facilitates a reduction in lead-time and cost associated with the process planning. Moreover, welding is generally performed in combination with other manufacturing processes such as stress relief heat treatment. This article presents a simple method where welding and post weld heat treatment operations are combined using an uncoupled plasticity—creep model. Two FE codes, welding-function-specific SYSWELD and the general-purpose FE package, ABAQUS, were used to perform butt joint welding and post weld heat treatment simulations of two Inconel 718 plates. The predicted results obtained from the two FE codes, such as thermal histories, residual stresses, nodal displacements, and stress relaxation, are compared. Based on the results presented, some useful benchmarking comments on the use of the two FE codes for welding simulation are given.
Sport for decolonization
Authors: Darnell Simon C. , Hayhurst Lyndsay M.C.
Published: June 2011

Sport is now mobilized as a novel and effective means of achieving international development goals, leading to an increasingly institutionalized relationship between sport and development. While there is recent evidence of the effectiveness of Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) programmes and policies, research has also drawn attention to the relations of power that underpin the movement and, in particular, to colonizing tendencies in SDP initiatives. This article explores this critical research and considers it against the insights and importance of a development praxis concerned with decolonization. We argue that SDP scholars and activists would be well served to consider the main tenets of a decolonizing framework and we put forth some theoretical and methodological imperatives for decolonizing sport for development.
Immigration and integration
Authors: Kotin Stephanie , Dyrness Grace R. , Irazábal Clara
Published: June 2011

Although the role of religion in the lives of immigrants has recently been a subject of interest by scholars, there has not been much focus on the importance of the religio-political activism of faith-based and community organizations in favour of immigrants. This article focuses on a religious congregation, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, and a community-organizing network, the Salvadoran American National Association, to demonstrate how religion is actively promoting and aiding political engagement on behalf of and with immigrants in Los Angeles, with a particular, although not exclusive, focus on immigrants of Latino origin, who comprise the lion’s share of immigrants in Los Angeles County. The theoretical analysis builds on concepts drawn from religious activism for immigrant rights and theories of social mobilization, interest groups, symbolic and social capital, and economic and morality politics. We use a triangulated methodological approach that includes observation and participant observation, interviews, content analysis of multimedia and intellectual advocacy for the immigrant rights movement.
Coping and its relationship to quality of life in dementia caregivers
Authors: Pattanayak Raman Deep , Jena Renuka , Vibha Deepti , Khandelwal Sudhir Kumar , Tripathi Manjari
Published: June 2011

Coping and Quality of Life (QoL) of dementia caregivers has not been studied in the Indian context. Thirty two patients with dementia of Alzheimer’s type were assessed for level of cognitive functioning using Hindi mental state examination and for severity of dementia using Clinical dementia rating. Their key caregivers were assessed using the Coping checklist and WHO-QoL (BREF) Hindi version. Education was positively correlated to total coping score ( p = 0.02), problem-solving ( p < 0.01), positive distraction ( p = 0.04) and acceptance ( p = 0.02) and negatively correlated with religion ( p = 0.01) and denial ( p = 0.01). Use of social support as coping was found to be positively correlated with domains of QoL. Problem-solving was seen to have a significant positive correlation with psychological QoL (p = 0.0471) while denial/blame (p = 0.0068) had significant negative correlation with both physical and psychological QoL. Both coping strategies and QoL has been shown to depend on caregiver characteristics rather than the severity of the patient’s dementia.
Self and embodiment: A bio-phenomenological approach to dementia
Authors: Millett Stephan
Published: June 2011

Loss of self is widely regarded to be a consequence of dementia, and this perceived loss presents a variety of problems – not least because a clear understanding of the concept of self is elusive. This paper suggests a way to cut through problems that arise because we rely on conceptions of self in our understanding of the effects of dementia. It is proposed that we can avoid reliance on the concept of self through an approach based in bio-phenomenology. Such an approach would help us better understand the inner life of those with dementia and assist us to recognize that even in late stage dementia they are semiotic subjects with unique value.
Sliding interactions: An ethnography about how persons with dementia interact in housing with care for the elderly
Authors: Ericsson Iréne , Hellström Ingrid , Kjellström Sofia
Published: June 2011

This ethnography describes how persons with dementia interact with cognitively intact persons in housing with care for the elderly. The results, drawing upon 31 observation sessions and nine interviews, are described under the following themes, which were interpreted from the standpoint of social interaction theory: interaction with expression of satisfaction, disorientation, and dissociation. Interaction provided satisfaction, but did not always reflect a positive experience. Awareness in persons with dementia seemed to be greater than others perceived and, as a result, interaction was adversely affected by frequent well-intentioned corrections and comments. Participation in interaction can be encouraged and feelings of indignation avoided by assuming that persons with dementia are aware of their situation and how others behave toward them. Sensitivity is required to interpret individuals' expressions of desire not to participate, while simultaneously it is important to try to interpret why they want to refrain.
Exploring the potential of social network sites in relation to intercultural communication
Authors: Lang Anouk
Published: June 2011

This article reports on the results of a project which used a social network site to support students on a year abroad and foster informal learning, particularly in the area of intercultural communication. The project employed a peer-mentoring structure to solve the problem of role conflict, in which users of these sites may feel some tension as the academic and social dimensions – two contexts usually kept fairly separate – of their lives collide. This article describes how students used the site, reports on the benefits of the project to both students and mentors, and sets out some recommendations for increasing the sustainability of social network sites as pedagogical tools in other educational contexts.
Corrosion detection with piezoelectric wafer active sensors using pitch-catch waves and cross-time–frequency analysis
Authors: Yu Lingyu , Giurgiutiu Victor , Wang Jingjiang , Shin Yong-June
Published: June 2011

A time–frequency analysis-based signal processing study for detecting active corrosion in aluminum plate-like structure utilizing the broadband piezoelectric wafer active sensors is presented in this article. Tests were conducted on an aluminum plate with a network of sensors installed on one side of the plate for Lamb wave generation and reception. The corrosion was emulated as material loss of an area of 50 × 38 mm2 on the opposite side of the plate. The corroded area resulted in a thickness loss on the plate and a change in wave propagation as well. The experimental data were first evaluated by a statistical damage index (DI) based on root mean square values and then the Cohen’s class motivated cross-time–frequency analysis. The cross-time–frequency analysis was found more reliable and precise for detecting the corrosion progression when compared to the DI method. Not only can the proposed metric correctly evaluate the phase difference of specific frequency and time, it also carries useful information of phase difference, which is strongly correlated to the physics of corrosion detection using Lamb waves. Novel aspects of this study include a sensing approach that can sense corrosion damage on both external and internal surfaces of a given structure, the employment of effective tuning in corrosion detection, and using cross-time–frequency analysis to quantitatively evaluate thickness loss. Though the corrosion studied herein is an idealized and simplified situation, the subject work on phase difference and cross-time–frequency analysis is useful first-step effort and opens a new way to perform Lamb wave-based corrosion detection. The results presented in this article combine easy-to-examine corrosion assumptions together with low-frequency antisymmetric Lamb wave analysis to provide a stepping stone for more complicated analysis needed for further real life corrosion assessment.