bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure Reduction, Decreased Diffusion on MRI, and Outcomes After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Garg Rajeev K. , Liebling Storm M. , Maas Matthew B. , Nemeth Alexander J. , Russell Eric J. , Naidech Andrew M.
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Decreased diffusion (DD) consistent with acute ischemia may be detected on MRI after acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but its risk factors and impact on functional outcomes are not well-defined. We tested the hypotheses that DD after ICH is related to acute blood pressure (BP) reduction and lower hemoglobin and presages worse functional outcomes.

Methods—

Patients who underwent MRI were prospectively evaluated for DD by certified neuroradiologists blinded to outcomes. Hemoglobin and BP data were obtained via electronic queries. Outcomes were obtained at 14 days and 3 months with the modified Rankin Scale, a functional scale scored from 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (dead). We used logistic regression for dependence or death (modified Rankin Scale score 4–6).

Results—

DD distinct from the hematoma was found on MRI in 39 of 95 patients (41%). DD was associated with greater BP reductions from baseline and a higher risk of dependence or death at 3 months (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–13.9;
P
=0.004) after correction for ICH score (1.8 per point; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–3.1;
P
=0.01). Lower hemoglobin was associated with worse ICH score, larger hematoma volume, and worse outcomes, but not DD.

Conclusions—

DD is common after ICH, associated with greater acute BP reductions, and associated with disability and death at 3 months in multivariate analysis. The potential benefits of acute BP reduction to reduce hematoma growth may be limited by DD. The prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia manifested as DD are potential methods to improve outcomes.
Cerebral Mast Cells Mediate Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in Acute Experimental Ischemic Stroke Through Perivascular Gelatinase Activation
Authors: Mattila Olli S. , Strbian Daniel , Saksi Jani , Pikkarainen Tero O. , Rantanen Ville , Tatlisumak Turgut , Lindsberg Perttu J.
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Perivascularly positioned cerebral mast cells (MC) have been shown to participate in acute blood-brain barrier disruption and expansive brain edema following experimental transient cerebral ischemia. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Because proteolytic gelatinase enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, are thought to have a central role in compromising the integrity of the blood-brain barrier following ischemia, we examined whether cerebral MCs influence gelatinase activity in ischemic cerebral microvasculature.

Methods—

Rats underwent 60 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 3-hour reperfusion, and were treated with a MC-stabilizing (cromoglycate), or MC-degranulating (compound 48/80) agent, or vehicle. Genetically manipulated, MC-deficient WsRc
Ws/Ws
rats and their wild-type littermates (WT) underwent the same procedures. Cerebral edema and extravasation of Evans blue albumin were measured. Gelatinase activity was visualized by in situ zymography and was quantified with computerized high-throughput image and data analysis.

Results—

Activated MCs showed secretion of gelatinase-positive granules. Genetic MC deficiency decreased global gelatinase-active area (−69%, compared with WT;
P
<0.001) and the mean gelatinase activity of the ischemic microvasculature (−57% compared with WT;
P
=0.002). MC stabilization with cromoglycate decreased the percentage of microvessels with high gelatinase activity (−36% compared with saline;
P
<0.05). Compound 48/80 showed increased area of in situ zymography activity in the ischemic lesion (+55% compared with saline;
P
<0.001). Microvascular gelatinase activity correlated with brain swelling (
r
=0.84;
P
<0.001; and
r
=0.61;
P
=0.02).

Conclusions—

Our data demonstrate that cerebral MCs participate in regulation of acute microvascular gelatinase activation and consequent blood-brain barrier disruption following transient cerebral ischemia.
Stroke Quality Metrics
Authors: Parker Carol , Schwamm Lee H. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Smith Eric E. , Reeves Mathew J.
Published: October 2011

Background and Purpose—

Stroke quality metrics play an increasingly important role in quality improvement and policies related to provider reimbursement, accreditation, and public reporting. We conducted 2 systematic reviews examining the relationships between compliance with stroke quality metrics and patient-centered outcomes, and public reporting of stroke metrics and quality improvement, quality of care, or outcomes.

Methods—

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched to identify studies that evaluated the relationship between stroke quality metric compliance and patient-centered outcomes in acute hospital settings and public reporting of stroke quality metrics and quality improvement activities, quality of care, or patient outcomes. We specifically excluded studies that evaluated the effect of stroke units or hospital certification.

Results—

Fourteen studies met eligibility criteria for the review of stroke quality metric compliance and patient-centered outcomes; 9 found mostly positive associations, whereas 5 found no or very limited associations. Only 2 eligible studies were found that directly addressed the public reporting of stroke quality metrics.

Conclusions—

Some studies have found positive associations between stroke metric compliance and improved patient-centered outcomes. However, high-quality studies are lacking and several methodological difficulties make the interpretation of the reported associations challenging. Information on the impact of public reporting of stroke quality metric data is extremely limited. Legitimate questions remain as to whether public reporting of stroke metrics is accurate, effective, or has the potential for unintended consequences. The generation of high-quality data examining quality metrics and stroke outcomes as well as the impact of public reporting should be given priority.
Feedback-related Brain Potential Activity Complies with Basic Assumptions of Associative Learning Theory
Authors: Luque David , López Francisco J. , Marco-Pallares Josep , Càmara Estela , Rodríguez-Fornells Antoni
Published: October 2011

Feedback-related negativity (FRN) is an ERP component that distinguishes positive from negative feedback. FRN has been hypothesized to be the product of an error signal that may be used to adjust future behavior. In addition, associative learning models assume that the trial-to-trial learning of cue–outcome mappings involves the minimization of an error term. This study evaluated whether FRN is a possible electrophysiological correlate of this error term in a predictive learning task where human subjects were asked to learn different cue–outcome relationships. Specifically, we evaluated the sensitivity of the FRN to the course of learning when different stimuli interact or compete to become a predictor of certain outcomes. Importantly, some of these cues were blocked by more informative or predictive cues (i.e., the blocking effect). Interestingly, the present results show that both learning and blocking affect the amplitude of the FRN component. Furthermore, independent analyses of positive and negative feedback event-related signals showed that the learning effect was restricted to the ERP component elicited by positive feedback. The blocking test showed differences in the FRN magnitude between a predictive and a blocked cue. Overall, the present results show that ERPs that are related to feedback processing correspond to the main predictions of associative learning models.
Temporal Dynamics of Cognitive–Emotional Interplay in Moral Decision-making
Authors: Sarlo Michela , Lotto Lorella , Manfrinati Andrea , Rumiati Rino , Gallicchio Germano , Palomba Daniela
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the temporal dynamics of emotional and cognitive processing underlying decision-making in moral judgment. Thirty-seven participants were presented with a set of 60 dilemmas varying in whether killing one individual was an intended means to save others (instrumental dilemmas) or a foreseen but unintended consequence (incidental dilemmas). Participants were required to decide between Options A (letting a specific number of people die) and B (killing one person to save a specific number of people). ERPs were recorded to a slide displaying the letters A and B while subjects were deciding between the options, and movement-related potentials were recorded time-locked to the behavioral response, thus allowing the investigation of both stimulus- and response-related processes during decision-making. Ratings of emotional valence and arousal experienced during decision-making were collected after each decision. Compared with incidental dilemmas, instrumental dilemmas prompted a lower number of B choices and significantly more unpleasant decisions. A larger P260 component was found in the frontopolar and frontal areas when subjects were deciding on instrumental than incidental dilemmas, possibly reflecting an immediate affective reaction during the early stage of assessment and formation of preferences between available options. On the other hand, decisions on incidental dilemmas required greater attentional resources during the fairly controlled later processing, as reflected in the larger slow wave amplitudes. In addition, facilitation of action selection and implementation was found for incidental dilemmas during the second stage of decision-making, as supported by the larger amplitudes of both components of the Bereitschaftspotential.
On the Automaticity of Semantic Processing during Task Switching
Authors: Vachon François , Jolicœur Pierre
Published: October 2011

There is growing evidence that processes formerly believed to be automatic are, in fact, strongly modulated by top–down influences. The purpose of the present work was to investigate how cognitive control can affect the purported automaticity of word processing by examining the impact of task switching on semantic processing using the ERP technique. In the context of the psychological refractory period dual-task paradigm, two experiments contrasted the context-sensitive N400 ERP elicited by the second of two target words under conditions that involved either a task switch or no-task switch. Although the N400 was not affected by SOA in the absence of switching, it was strongly attenuated at short SOAs when the psychological refractory period procedure involved a switch from a perceptual to a semantic task (Experiment 1) or a switch between two different semantic tasks (Experiment 2). These findings suggest that semantic processing cannot be performed in parallel with task switching and illustrate limitations in the ability of the cognitive system to adapt flexibly to the dynamically changing challenges of the environment according to task demands and behavioral goals.
Noninvasively Decoding the Contents of Visual Working Memory in the Human Prefrontal Cortex within High-gamma Oscillatory Patterns
Authors: Polanía Rafael , Paulus Walter , Nitsche Michael A.
Published: October 2011

The temporal maintenance and subsequent retrieval of information that no longer exists in the environment is called working memory. It is believed that this type of memory is controlled by the persistent activity of neuronal populations, including the prefrontal, temporal, and parietal cortex. For a long time, it has been controversially discussed whether, in working memory, the PFC stores past sensory events or, instead, its activation is an extramnemonic source of top–down control over posterior regions. Recent animal studies suggest that specific information about the contents of working memory can be decoded from population activity in prefrontal areas. However, it has not been shown whether the contents of working memory during the delay periods can be decoded from EEG recordings in the human brain. We show that by analyzing the nonlinear dynamics of EEG oscillatory patterns it is possible to noninvasively decode with high accuracy, during encoding and maintenance periods, the contents of visual working memory information within high-gamma oscillations in the human PFC. These results are thus in favor of an active storage function of the human PFC in working memory; this, without ruling out the role of PFC in top–down processes. The ability to noninvasively decode the contents of working memory is promising in applications such as brain computer interfaces, together with computation of value function during planning and decision making processes.
Electrophysiologically Dissociating Episodic Preretrieval Processing
Authors: Bridger Emma K. , Mecklinger Axel
Published: October 2011

Contrasts between ERPs elicited by new items from tests with distinct episodic retrieval requirements index preretrieval processing. Preretrieval operations are thought to facilitate the recovery of task-relevant information because they have been shown to correlate with response accuracy in tasks in which prioritizing the retrieval of this information could be a useful strategy. This claim was tested here by contrasting new item ERPs from two retrieval tasks, each designed to explicitly require the recovery of a different kind of mnemonic information. New item ERPs differed from 400 msec poststimulus, but the distribution of these effects varied markedly, depending upon participants' response accuracy: A protracted posteriorly located effect was present for higher performing participants, whereas an anteriorly distributed effect occurred for lower performing participants. The magnitude of the posterior effect from 400 to 800 msec correlated with response accuracy, supporting the claim that preretrieval processes facilitate the recovery of task-relevant information. Additional contrasts between ERPs from these tasks and an old/new recognition task operating as a relative baseline revealed task-specific effects with nonoverlapping scalp topographies, in line with the assumption that these new item ERP effects reflect qualitatively distinct retrieval operations. Similarities in these effects were also used to reason about preretrieval processes related to the general requirement to recover contextual details. These insights, alongside the distinct pattern of effects for the two accuracy groups, reveal the multifarious nature of preretrieval processing while indicating that only some of these classes of operation are systematically related to response accuracy in recognition memory tasks.
An Overview of CMIP5 and the Experiment Design
Authors: Taylor Karl E. , Stouffer Ronald J. , Meehl Gerald A.
Published: October 2011

The fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) will produce a state-of-the- art multimodel dataset designed to advance our knowledge of climate variability and climate change. Researchers worldwide are analyzing the model output and will produce results likely to underlie the forthcoming Fifth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Unprecedented in scale and attracting interest from all major climate modeling groups, CMIP5 includes “long term” simulations of twentieth-century climate and projections for the twenty-first century and beyond. Conventional atmosphere–ocean global climate models and Earth system models of intermediate complexity are for the first time being joined by more recently developed Earth system models under an experiment design that allows both types of models to be compared to observations on an equal footing. Besides the longterm experiments, CMIP5 calls for an entirely new suite of “near term” simulations focusing on recent decades and the future to year 2035. These “decadal predictions” are initialized based on observations and will be used to explore the predictability of climate and to assess the forecast system's predictive skill. The CMIP5 experiment design also allows for participation of stand-alone atmospheric models and includes a variety of idealized experiments that will improve understanding of the range of model responses found in the more complex and realistic simulations. An exceptionally comprehensive set of model output is being collected and made freely available to researchers through an integrated but distributed data archive. For researchers unfamiliar with climate models, the limitations of the models and experiment design are described.
A Novel Approach for the Detection of Inhomogeneities Affecting Climate Time Series
Authors: Toreti Andrea , Kuglitsch Franz G. , Xoplaki Elena , Luterbacher Jürg
Published: October 2011

Sudden changes caused by nonclimatic factors (inhomogeneities) usually affect instrumental time series of climate variables. To perform robust climate analyses based on observations, a proper identification of such changes is necessary. Here, an approach (named the “GAHMDI” method, after its components and purpose) that is based on a genetic algorithm and hidden Markov models is proposed for detection of inhomogeneities caused by changes in the mean and variance. Simulated series and a case study (winter precipitation from a weather station located in Milan, Italy) are set up to compare GAHMDI with existing methodologies and to highlight its features. For the identification of a single changepoint, GAHMDI performs similarly to other methods (e.g., standard normal homogeneity test). However, for the identification of multiple inhomogeneities and changes in variance, GAHMDI returns better results than three widespread methods by avoiding overdetection. For future applications and research in the homogenization of climate datasets (temperature and precipitation) the use of GAHMDI is encouraged, preferably in combination with another detection procedure (e.g., the method of Caussinus and Mestre) when metadata are not available. Since GAHMDI is developed in the generic context of time series segmentation, it can be applied to series of generic variables—for instance, those related to economics, biology, and informatics.
An Exploration of Boundaries and Solidarity in Counseling Relationships
Authors: Speight Suzette L.
Published: October 2011

This article explores the boundaries between clinicians and clients in light of the construct of solidarity. A universal conception of boundaries is critiqued and a culturally congruent view of boundaries is examined, rooted in the concept of solidarity. The article includes case illustrations of the connection between boundaries and solidarity and concludes with suggestions for mental health professionals.
Identification of the effective bundle length in a multifilament yarn from the size effect response
Authors: Chudoba Rostislav , Vořechovský Miroslav , Rypl Rostislav
Published: October 2011

The article proposes a method for characterizing the in situ interaction between filaments in a multifilament yarn. The stress transfer between neighboring filaments causes the reactivation of a broken filament at some distance from the break. The utilized statistical bundle models predict a change in the slope of the mean size effect curve once the specimen length becomes longer than the stress transfer length. This fact can be exploited in order to determine the stress transfer length indirectly using the yarn tensile test with appropriately chosen test lengths. The identification procedure is demonstrated using two test series of tensile tests with AR-glass and carbon yarns.
Refined delamination characterization for composite laminates using digital means
Authors: Nagarajan VA , Sundaram S , Thyagarajan K , Selwin Rajadurai J , Rajan TPD
Published: October 2011

Drilling is most widely applied to composite materials; nevertheless, the damage induced by this operation on composite materials may reduce drastically the component performance. In order to establish the damage level, delamination is measured quantitatively using digital means. A comparison between the conventional ( FD) and adjusted ( FDA) delamination factor is presented. In order to quantify the delamination effectively, ‘a refined delamination factor ( FDR)’ is proposed. The accuracy of the proposed criteria is validated using experimental results.
Glycosphingolipids Regulate Ameloblastin Expression in Dental Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kamasaki Y. , Nakamura T. , Yoshizaki K. , Iwamoto T. , Yamada A. , Fukumoto E. , Maruya Y. , Iwabuchi K. , Furukawa K. , Fujiwara T. , Fukumoto S.
Published: October 2011

Neurotrophin 4 (NT-4) and its receptors regulate the differentiation of ameloblasts in tooth development. Gangliosides, sialic acids that contain glycosphingolipids (GSLs), are involved in a variety of membrane-associated cell physiological functions such as ligand-receptor signal transmission. However, the expression patterns and functions of GSLs during tooth development remain unclear. In this study, we identified strong expressions of GM3 and LacCer in dental epithelium, which give rise to differentiation into enamel-secreting ameloblasts. Exogenous GM3 and LacCer in dental epithelial cells induced the expression of ameloblastin ( Ambn), while it was also interesting that GM3 synergistically exerted enhancement of NT-4-mediated Ambn expression. In addition, consistently exogenous GM3 and LacCer in dental epithelial cells induced distinct activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), an event upstream of the expression of Ambn. Furthermore, depletion of GSLs from dental epithelial cells by D- threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP) inhibited Ambn expression as well as phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In contrast, exogenous addition of GM3 or LacCer rescued the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 repressed by pre-treatment with D-PDMP. Taken together, these results suggest that GM3 and LacCer are essential for NT-4-mediated Ambn expression, and contribute to dental epithelial cell differentiation into ameloblasts.
Lymphangiogenesis Is Induced during Development of Periodontal Disease
Authors: Mkonyi L.E. , Bakken V. , Søvik J.B. , Mauland E.K. , Fristad I. , Barczyk M.M. , Bletsa A. , Berggreen E.
Published: October 2011

Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatics, is associated with chronic inflammation and tissue injury, and its role is to enhance lymphatic flow, immune cell transport, and antigen clearance. It is unknown if lymphangiogenesis takes place during periodontal disease development, and we hypothesized that growth of lymphatic vessels occurs in gingiva during development of periodontitis in mice. Inflammation was induced in gingiva with Porphyromonas gingivalis gavage, and bone resorption was verified after 42 days. Growth of lymphatic and blood vessels was measured after immunofluorescent staining with LYVE-1 and CD31. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factors and 2 inflammatory cytokines was investigated 10 days post-infection. Gingival lymphangiogenesis was found 10 days and 42 days post-infection, but proliferation of vessels was observed only in the shortest observation period. Epithelial expression of vascular growth factors (VEGF) A, C, and D was observed in gingiva, and increased numbers of immune cells expressing VEGF-C were found after infection, along with up-regulation of IL-1β and TNF-α at protein levels. We conclude that lymphangiogenesis takes place in gingiva during periodontal disease development, and that up-regulation of vascular growth factor C in recruited immune cells is likely important for the growth of lymphatic vessels.
An integrated study procedure on real-time estimation of time-varying multi-joint human arm viscoelasticity
Authors: Deng M. , Inoue A. , Zhu Q.M.
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes an integrated procedure to study on real-time estimation of time-varying multi-joint human arm viscoelasticity. Estimating viscoelasticity of time-varying human multi-joint arms has been a challenging issue, particularly the uncertainty factor consisting of time-varying motor command from the central nervous system, measurement noises and modelling error of the rigid body dynamics. In general, the uncertainty factor is subject to non-Gaussian noise. In this paper, with a score function technique, a practical filter algorithm for estimating the multi-joint human arm viscoelasticity is proposed. The filter guarantees that all of the estimated elements of viscoelasticity are bounded. A lab-based experimental rig is set up to provide a real bench test to the theoretical development. It has been observed that the theoretical prediction is consistent with simulating real demos.
Don’t Mind Meat? The Denial of Mind to Animals Used for Human Consumption
Authors: Bastian Brock , Loughnan Steve , Haslam Nick , Radke Helena R. M.
Published: October 2011

Many people like eating meat, but most are reluctant to harm things that have minds. The current three studies show that this dissonance motivates people to deny minds to animals. Study 1 demonstrates that animals considered appropriate for human consumption are ascribed diminished mental capacities. Study 2 shows that meat eaters are motivated to deny minds to food animals when they are reminded of the link between meat and animal suffering. Finally, Study 3 provides direct support for our dissonance hypothesis, showing that expectations regarding the immediate consumption of meat increase mind denial. Moreover, this mind denial in turn reduces negative affect associated with dissonance. The findings highlight the role of dissonance reduction in facilitating the practice of meat eating and protecting cultural commitments.
Comparing Methods for Item Analysis
Authors: Jones Andrew T.
Published: October 2011

Practitioners often depend on item analysis to select items for exam forms and have a variety of options available to them. These include the point-biserial correlation, the agreement statistic, the B index, and the phi coefficient. Although research has demonstrated that these statistics can be useful for item selection, no research as of yet has compared the difficulty of the items that these statistics will select in test development. The purpose of this research was to compare the difficulty of the items that these statistics would select for a test form and how the difficulty of item selection might vary, depending on the cut score. Results showed that considerable variability existed between the difficulty levels of the items selected by each of the statistics. The difference in difficulty depended on the location of the cut score. The agreement statistic tended to select the easiest items, whereas the point-biserial correlation selected items near the mean. Other results showed that the phi index tended to select items near the value of the cut score, whereas the B index followed this pattern to a lesser extent.
Detection of Answer Copying Based on the Structure of a High-Stakes Test
Authors: Belov Dmitry I.
Published: October 2011

This article presents the Variable Match Index (VM-Index), a new statistic for detecting answer copying. The power of the VM-Index relies on two-dimensional conditioning as well as the structure of the test. The asymptotic distribution of the VM-Index is analyzed by reduction to Poisson trials. A computational study comparing the VM-Index with the K-Index demonstrates that with the VM-Index, there is a large decrease in the Type II error rate and a smaller decrease in the Type I error rate.
WISC-IV GAI and CPI in Psychoeducational Assessment
Authors: Bremner Dawn , McTaggart Breanne , Saklofske Donald H. , Janzen Troy
Published: October 2011

The General Ability Index (GAI) and Cognitive Proficiency Index (CPI) are two index scores that can be calculated for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Canadian Edition ((WISC-IVCDN). The GAI comprises the verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning subtests and reflects reasoning abilities. The CPI includes the working memory and processing-speed subtests that are more focused on the proficiency and efficiency of cognitive processing. This article presents GAI and CPI patterns observed in several small samples of referred children and includes three brief case examples of how the scores can provide another lens for analyzing children’s abilities with the WISC-IVCDN.
Perfectionism, Rumination, Worry, and Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescents
Authors: Flett Gordon L. , Coulter Lisa-Marie , Hewitt Paul L. , Nepon Taryn
Published: October 2011

The present study examined trait perfectionism, automatic perfectionistic thoughts, rumination, worry, and depressive symptoms in early adolescents. A group of 81 elementary school students in Grades 7 and 8 completed 5 questionnaires: the Child-Adolescent Perfectionism Scale, the Perfectionism Cognitions Inventory, the Children’s Response Styles Questionnaire, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire for Children, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The correlational results revealed associations between both trait perfectionism and perfectionistic automatic thoughts and the indices of depression and worry. Rumination was associated with perfectionistic automatic thoughts, self-oriented perfectionism, depression, and worry. Tests of mediation indicated that rumination mediated the association between perfectionism and depressive symptoms, thus highlighting the role of maladaptive forms of cognitive reactivity in perfectionism. The findings suggested that perfectionistic children and youth are at-risk due to cognitive vulnerabilities and they should benefit from programs focused jointly on reducing perfectionism, associated cognitive tendencies, and susceptibility to depression and worry.
Prediction of the low cycle fatigue regime of the S–N curve with application to an aluminium alloy
Authors: Jan M M , Gaenser H-P , Eichlseder W
Published: October 2011

Engineering estimates for the prediction of fatigue life is an important consideration at the design stage of components. Conventional approach of dimensioning against cyclic loading consists of comparing the stress amplitudes against the life time. Similarly, when a component is under high loading, a strain-life methodology is adopted. In both cases, extensive experimental efforts are required for obtaining the stress-life or strain-life curves. Therefore, it is important to develop a methodology for obtaining the fatigue life of a material to obtain a basic fatigue life data for design engineers.

This study focuses on the fatigue life of a material in the region of low cycle fatigue. A method is proposed for obtaining an estimate for the fatigue life of material under high loading from the results of the high cycle fatigue and static properties of the material within the stress-based diagram. The concept is applied to a wrought aluminium alloy typically used for cryogenic applications.
Micro- and nano-manufacturing: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Dimov S , Brousseau E , Minev R , Bigot S
Published: October 2011

This article presents the authors’ views about the current trends in the development of micro- and nano-manufacturing. Especially, it is focused on broadening the range of materials and processing technologies that should be considered in designing and implementing manufacturing platforms underpinning the development and the serial production of micro- and nanotechnologies (MNT) enabled products. This article discusses the existing trends in research and development of MNT and their applications, together with the challenges and opportunities that they represent for research community and industry in designing and implementing new manufacturing platforms for existing and emerging products.
Flow analysis of injection-moulded parts with cylindrical microfeatures
Authors: Cui Z , Peng Y , Liu C , Shen C
Published: October 2011

Injection moulding a macro-sized plastic part with microfeatures involves multi-dimensional flow and heat transfer behaviours, because there is a substantial difference between the dimensions of macro-sized part and its micro-sized features. How to effectively increase the filling distance of the microfeatures in a macro-sized part is a big challenge. In this study, a method combining both numerical simulation and analytical solution was employed to analyse the flow and the heat transfer behaviours of injection-moulded parts with cylindrical microfeatures. First, finite element and finite difference methods were used to simulate the filling process in the macrocavity based on a generalized Hele–Shaw theory. As a result, the pressure profiles at the entrance of the microfeatures were obtained. Then, the effects of the mould temperature, the injection speed, the dimension of microfeature, and the heat transfer coefficient on the filling distance in the microfeatures were investigated by a non-isothermal analytic method.
A study on the asynchronous brake lock-up of a statically indeterminate tractor with an air suspension
Authors: Xuanfeng Wang , Yingchun Liang , Guang Shi , Chaosheng Huang , Guozeng Ying
Published: October 2011

The paper aims to resolve the practical problems of asynchronous brake lock-up which acts on the wheels of statically indeterminate tractors with an air suspension. First, two kinds of deflection model are calculated, both of which are under the combined effect of the brake force and the vertical force. One model considers the leaf spring suspension that is mounted on the front axle, and the other considers the air suspensions that are mounted on both the midlift axle and the drive axle. Second, a 12-degree-of-freedom braking force distribution model of the statically indeterminate multi-axle tractor–semitrailer is constructed on the basis of the foregoing preparation. Third, the ideal braking forces of each axle in the model are simultaneously calculated and the actual braking forces of each axle are measured by road tests. The curves of the ideal and the actual braking force distribution ratios at different brake rates are described. The contradistinctive outcome indicates that the excessive braking force of the midlift axle results in a premature brake lock-up, which is the main reason why wheels lock asynchronously. Finally, because of the analysis of the distribution ratios of the ideal and the actual braking forces, the paper outlines how to redesign the braking force distribution of the tractor–semitrailer according to ECE R13, SAE J992b, and JASO C514. The paper also proposes a definition of and calculational method for the fitting degree (FD), and the FD of the midlift axle is improved from 61.2 per cent to 91.8 per cent. Compared with the original tractor–semitrailer, not only is the actual braking force distribution more reasonable but also the brake stability is improved.
Application and stress analysis of laminated composites for high-speed impellers of process centrifugal compressors
Authors: Almasi A
Published: October 2011

A new study for laminated composite rotating disk fabricated from symmetric sequential quasi-isotropic layers to predict three-dimensional (3D) stress and deformation is addressed. It is used to evaluate the mechanical stress and integrity of fibre reinforced multi-layer laminates used for ultra high-speed impellers of modern process centrifugal compressors. Composite laminates are relatively weak in out-of-plane loading, inter-laminar stress, stress concentration near the edge, and stress singularities. 3D stresses and deformations shall be investigated for laminated composite rotating disk applications.
Copper coating on austenitic stainless steel using microwave hybrid heating
Authors: Gupta D , Sharma A K
Published: October 2011

Coating of copper on austenitic stainless steel (SS-316) is useful where high thermal conductivity as well as high electrical conductivity along with high strength is desirable. Common applications of these coatings include aerospace systems such as space stations and satellites. Usually, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and physical vapour deposition (PVD) techniques are employed for developing such coatings. In the present work, copper coatings with an average thickness of 230 micrometers were successfully developed on SS-316 substrates using microwave hybrid heating (MHH) technique. The MHH technique was employed in order to enhance the coupling efficiency of the target material (metallic copper powder) with the incident microwaves at room temperature. Copper powders of average grain size 5 micrometers were melted and deposited on the steel substrates by controlled exposure of microwave radiation of 900 W at 2.54 GHz frequency in a multi-mode applicator. Coatings were analysed through energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and measurement of microhardness. The developed coatings were reasonably uniform, dense, and homogenous, although the presence of micropores was detected. Coatings were formed by necking, followed by agglomeration, and fusing of melted copper particles during microwave irradiation. Microstructure of the developed coatings consists of 3-D chain like arrays of the fused particles. The presence of oxides of copper in the deposits has been confirmed. The coatings so developed had a mean hardness of 270±30 HV.
Smoking Has Declined But Not for All
Authors: Hanifi S. M. A. , Mahmood S. S. , Bhuiya A.
Published: October 2011

Smoking is one of the leading causes of death and two-thirds of the world’s smokers live in 10 countries, including Bangladesh. This study examines the trend and differentials in smoking in Chakaria, Bangladesh. Data from 2 surveys conducted in 1994 and 2008 in Chakaria were used. Results showed that smoking declined from 41% in 1994 to 27% in 2008. However, the decline was lower among the poor and the rate remained the same for the female illiterate. Interventions to prevent smoking need to be designed such that they are effective in disadvantaged groups and do not contribute to widening of socioeconomic inequalities in smoking prevalence and tobacco-related ill health and death.
Socioeconomic Status and Smoking Among Thai Adults
Authors: Jitnarin Nattinee , Kosulwat Vongsvat , Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Boonpraderm Atitada , Haddock Christopher K. , Poston Walker S. C.
Published: October 2011

The authors examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and smoking in Thai adults. A nationally representative sample of 7858 Thais adults (18 years and older) was surveyed during 2004 to 2005. Four demographic/socioeconomic indicators were examined in logistic models: gender, education, occupational status, and annual household income. Overall, 22.2% of the participants were smokers. Men were more likely to be smokers across all age groups and regions. Compared with nonsmokers, current smokers were less educated, more likely to be employed, but had lower household income. When stratified by gender, education and job levels were strongly associated with smoking prevalence among males. A significant relationship was found between annual household income and smoking. Those who lived under the poverty line were more likely to smoke than persons who lived above the poverty line in both genders. The present study demonstrated that socioeconomic factors, especially education level and occupational class, have a strong influence on smoking behavior in Thai adults.
Psychosocial Distress and Suicide Ideation in Chinese and Philippine Adolescents
Authors: Page Randy M. , West Joshua H. , Hall P. Cougar
Published: October 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify associations between suicide ideation and indicators of psychological distress and health behaviors in Chinese and Philippine adolescents. Method: Global School Health Surveys consisting of 9015 Chinese and 7338 Philippine students aged 11 to 17 years were analyzed using logistic regression to determine demographic, psychosocial, and health/risk behavioral determinants of suicide ideation. Results: In both samples, suicide ideation was associated with substance use, physical activity, feelings of loneliness, hopelessness/sadness, and worrying. Chinese girls were more likely to than boys to report suicide ideation and suicide planning, whereas Philippine girls were more likely to report suicide planning. Overweight status and sedentary behaviors were associated with increased risk of suicide ideation in Chinese adolescents, but the same influences were observed to be protective for Philippine adolescents. Conclusions: Psychosocial, demographic, and health/risk behaviors factors appear to impact suicide ideation and suicide planning in both of these youth populations.
Modeling the Hospital Burden of Common Infectious Diseases With Application to Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Ardkaew Jurairat , Tongkumchum Phattrawan
Published: October 2011

This study aims to identify the incidence patterns of the most common infectious diseases, including acute diarrhea, pyrexia of unknown origin, hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, and pneumonia, in the 7 provinces of northeastern Thailand, based on individual hospital case records of infectious disease routinely reported from 1999 to 2004. Log-linear regression analysis with age-group, season, and district as factors was used, with data from all 4 diseases as outcomes combined into 1 model. Results confirmed that the highest incidence of each infectious disease occurred in children aged less than 5 years of age, with particularly high rates for diarrhea. In addition, the burden of pyrexia of unknown origin was found to be lower in districts bordering Laos, and the incidence rates were higher from April to June in 1999-2001 and 2004 and from July to September in 2002-2003. Higher incidence rates also occurred in most rural districts of Loei and Udon Thani provinces.
Closing the International Health Gaps
Authors: Chang Peter W. S.
Published: October 2011

A revised set of International Health Regulations came into force in June 2007. A month earlier, The Lancet had noted the importance of filling the remaining gaps in the global health system. One of these gaps was the exclusion of Taiwan from the structures of the World Health Organization (WHO), denied a presence at the World Health Assembly and able to communicate with the WHO only through a complex and time-consuming bureaucratic process. This situation was becoming increasingly indefensible in the face of clear difficulties in transmitting information about epidemic diseases, such as the SARS outbreak in 2003 and the growing threat of avian influenza since 2004. This is at last being addressed following a landmark decision to admit Taiwan to observer status at the World Health Assembly in May 2009. These developments will be addressed in this article.
Measuring Service Quality of Public Dental Health Care Facilities in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: John Jacob , Yatim Fekriah Mohd , Mani Shani Ann
Published: October 2011

This study investigates patients’ expectations and perceptions of service quality in public dental health care and measures their “satisfaction gap.” This descriptive study involved 481 dental outpatients in Kelantan, Malaysia. A modified SERVQUAL 20-item instrument was used to assess patients’ expectations before and perceptions after receiving dental treatment. The “satisfaction gap” was then measured. Results showed that patients visiting for management of dental pain were more satisfied ( P = .007) than those visiting with appointment. The most significant service quality dimensions were related to responsiveness, assurance, and empathy of the dental health care providers. There was a significant difference between the patients’ expectations and their perceptions of service provided ( P < .01) with regard to all dimensions. In conclusion, dental service providers should give emphasis to the compassionate and emotional aspects of care and to remember that they are integral components of quality service.
Association Between Adolescent Marriage and Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Rahman Mosfequr , Hoque Md. Aminul , Mostofa Md. Golam , Makinoda Satoru
Published: October 2011

This study explores the association between adolescent marriage and intimate partner violence (IPV) among young adult women using 2007 Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey data. The analyses are restricted to young women 20 to 24 years old. Logistic regression analyses are constructed to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between adolescent marriage and IPV in the past year. Results show that there is a strong significant relationship between adolescent marriage and experience of physical IPV in the past year among this population. Association between sexual IPV and adolescent marriage is insignificant. Adolescent marriage puts women at increased risk of physical IPV into their young adult period. Government agencies need to enforce existing law on the minimum age at marriage to reduce IPV among adolescent and young adult girls.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Defined by the International Diabetes Federation and National Cholesterol Education Program Criteria Among Thai Adults
Authors: Aekplakorn Wichai , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi , Tatsanavivat Pyatat , Suriyawongpaisal Paibul
Published: October 2011

This study determines the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Program III (NCEP) criteria in Thai adults. Data from a national representative sample, InterASIA study, including a total of 5305 Thai adults 35 years and older were analyzed. Overall, the age-standardized prevalence of MetS by IDF and NCEP criteria were 24.0% (men 16.4%, women 31.6%) and 32.6% (men 28.7%, women 36.4%), respectively. The difference in prevalence of MetS between genders was much greater for the IDF compared with the NCEP definition. The age-standardized prevalence rates distributed by geographic region were relatively uniform with a lowest prevalence in the northeast. Among all possible sets of components for MetS, the most common combinations were a set of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglyceride, and hyperglycemia in men (3.9%) and a set of abdominal obesity, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high triglycerides in women (6.7%). MetS is common in Thai adults and NCEP definition captures more cases of MetS compared with the IDF definition. Implementation of programs to prevent obesity and metabolic factors along with future periodic survey to monitor the problem is crucial.
Comparison of the Health Status of Children Aged Between 6 and 12 Years Reared by Grandparents and Parents
Authors: Nanthamongkolchai Sutham , Munsawaengsub Chokchai , Nanthamongkolchai Chantira
Published: October 2011

The purpose of the present study was to compare the health status of children aged between 6 and 12 years reared by grandparent and parent, including the factors affecting the development of both groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2 different caregiver groups, 160 children living with their grandparents and 160 children living with their parents in Phrae province. The samples were selected by cluster sampling and data were collected from March 10 to April 8, 2006 by questionnaire. The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence–3 was used to test the child development. Data were analyzed by frequency distribution, percentage, χ2 test, and multiple logistic regression. The illness in the past 6 months and nutritional status of the children aged 6 to 12 years were not different between 2 groups, but the child development and appropriateness of child rearing were different with statistical significance ( P < .05). Children who were reared by grandparents had a higher percentage (66.7%) of below normal development than those reared by parents (33.3%), and had inappropriate child rearing by a rate of 57.7% compared with 42.3%. In addition, the factors affecting the development of children reared by grandparents were both the level of the family income and the child rearing factor, whereas the child development in those who were reared by parents was affected only by the child rearing factor.