bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time control of dielectric elastomer actuators via bioelectric and biomechanical signals
Authors: Carpi Federico , Raspopovic Stanisa , Frediani Gabriele , De Rossi Danilo
Published: December 2009

Dielectric elastomers represent a high‐performance class of electromechanically active polymers, largely studied nowadays to develop soft actuators with pseudo‐muscular functions, suitable for a broad spectrum of biomedical and biorobotic applications. As such, they are investigated to achieve the ambitious goal of developing artificial muscles. From the perspective of using this technology for systems interfacing humans and machines, the possibility to control them in real time via human bioelectric and biomechanical signals is a fundamental requirement. This work provides the first detailed investigation on this topic. The amplitude and frequency of actuation of buckling dielectric elastomer actuators were dynamically controlled with electromyographic, electrocardiographic and respitrace signals, subjected to low‐pass filtering and amplification. The actuators were able to follow, in real time and in synchrony, inputs corresponding to skeletal muscle contraction, heart beating and respiratory activity. This work shows that real‐time open‐loop control of dielectric elastomer actuators via human bioelectric and biomechanical signals is feasible and readily achievable. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Racial differences in prostate cancer risk remain among US servicemen with equal access to care
Authors: Wells Timothy S. , Bukowinski Anna T. , Smith Tyler C. , Smith Besa , Dennis Leslie K. , Chu Laura K. , Gray Gregory C. , Ryan Margaret A.K.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among US men, however, the etiology remains unclear. Yet, one consistency is that black non‐Hispanic men are at increased risk for prostate cancer compared to white, non‐Hispanic men. The goal of this study was to assess relations between demographic and other potential prostate cancer risk factors in the context of the US military healthcare system, which provides equal access to all US servicemen.

METHODS

Military healthcare and demographic data were used to describe risk factors for prostate cancer in the US military from September 1993 to September 2003. Cox's proportional hazards regression was employed to model the time to prostate cancer hospitalization.

RESULTS

Four hundred eight first prostate cancer hospitalizations were identified among 2,761,559 servicemen. The adjusted rate per 100,000 persons rose from 1.41 to 3.62 for white non‐Hispanic men and 1.43 to 6.08 for black non‐Hispanic men by the end of the study. The increasing incidence over time for combined race/ethnic groups was similar to trends reported in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program for the US civilian population. No association was observed between occupation and prostate cancer hospitalization. However, black non‐Hispanic men were at increased risk compared with white non‐Hispanic men (hazard ratio = 2.72, 95% confidence interval: 2.12, 3.49).

CONCLUSIONS

No association was observed between occupation and prostate cancer hospitalization. In this relatively young cohort, black non‐Hispanic race/ethnicity was found to be predictive of prostate cancer, and this association existed regardless of access to care and socioeconomic status. Prostate 70: 727–734, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptive rover behavior based on online empirical evaluation: Rover–terrain interaction and near‐to‐far learning
Authors: Krebs Ambroise , Pradalier Cédric , Siegwart Roland
Published: December 2009

Owing to the fundamental nature of all‐terrain exploration, autonomous rovers are confronted with unknown environments. This is especially apparent regarding soil interactions, as the nature of the soil is typically unknown. This work aims at establishing a framework from which the rover can learn from its interaction with the terrains encountered and shows the importance of such a method. We introduce a set of rover–terrain interaction (RTI) and remote data metrics that are expressed in different subspaces. In practice, the information characterizing the terrains, obtained from remote sensors (e.g., a camera) and local sensors (e.g., an inertial measurement unit) is used to characterize the respective remote data and RTI model. In each subspace, which can be described as a feature space encompassing either a remote data measurement or an RTI, similar features are grouped to form classes, and the probability distribution function over the features is learned for each one of those classes. Subsequently, data acquired on the same terrain are used to associate the corresponding models in each subspace and to build an inference model. Based on the remote sensor data measured, the RTI model is predicted using the inference model. This process corresponds to a near‐to‐far approach and provides the most probable RTI metrics of the terrain lying ahead of the rover. The predicted RTI metrics are then used to plan an optimal path with respect to the RTI model and therefore influence the rover trajectory. The CRAB rover is used in this work for the implementation and testing of the approach, which we call rover–terrain interactions learned from experiments (RTILE). This article presents RTILE, describes its implementation, and concludes with results from field tests that validate the approach. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sediment load estimates and variations in the Lower Mekong River
Authors: Wang J.‐J. , Lu X. X. , Kummu M.
Published: December 2009

Although sediment issues have critical implications for aquatic ecology, agriculture, water supply and river navigation, studies regarding the sediment production, deposition and transportation in the Lower Mekong River are relatively sparse. With the construction and operation of dams in the Upper Mekong River, this issue has attracted more attention in recent years. The estimation of sediment loads has been hindered by the serious lack of sediment measurements in the Lower Mekong River. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of estimating the sediment loads for the years without good quality SSC measurements in the Lower Mekong River. To make this estimate, this study classified the rating curves on the basis of the synchronous nature of the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and the water discharge among the adjacent stations (e.g. Chiang Saen, Luang Prabang, Nong Khai, Mukdahan and Khong Chiam). Together with other methods, it was possible to estimate the yearly sediment loads for the period of 1962–2003 at the five mainstream Lower Mekong River stations. Consequently, the spatial and temporal variations in the sediment loads and water discharge in the Lower Mekong River were examined. In addition, the possible impacts of Chinese dams as well as the annual sediment load of the Mekong River into the sea were also investigated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying instream flow incremental method for the spawning habitat protection of Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis)
Authors: Ban X. , Du Y. , Liu H. Z. , Ling F.
Published: December 2009

The Chinese sturgeon,Acipenser sinensis, is an anadromous species that spawns in the Yangtze River and Pearl River of China. Its population has declined dramatically since the construction of the Gezhouba Dam (GD) in 1981 and then with the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) upstream of the GD in 2003. This paper presents a quantitative method based on the instream flow incremental method to explore the relationship between the fish spawning habitat and the operations of the GD and TGD, aiming to find a solution for conservation of the species. A two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was built with the River2D to simulate the hydraulic behaviour of the stream below the GD. Habitat suitability index was determined by the biological data of the fish collected in the field. The two parts were then integrated through a geographical information system developed via ArcGIS to outline the fish habitat area variation with flows. The decision support system is applied to set up a habitat time series for validating the assumption that more habitats have the potential to support more fish. The fish habitat results for alternative instream flow schemes are then compared with one another for defining the optimal flow requirements and evaluating effects of reservoir operation alternatives in order to improve the operation management for the GD and TGD projects. The results show that the optimal flow for spawning of the fish is about 7000–13000 m3/s and the optimal inlets combination is where the inflow comes from two power plants. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Innovative joints in steel construction
Authors: Bijlaard Frans S. K. , Coelho Ana M. Girão , Magalhães Victor J. D. A.
Published: December 2009

Innovative concepts for beam‐to‐column joints are currently under development. The emphasis with these new forms is on providing an incentive for the mass production of joints and connections, automating the process of structural assembly and reducing dangerous erection procedures. Two alternative concepts for moment‐transmitting joints are addressed below. The joints include modular connecting elements that provide stability during the erection phase and are later finished to ensure that the design loads are transferred from the beam to the column. The development phase of these concepts is dealt with in this paper.
Constructing secured cognitive wireless networks: experiences and challenges
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Li Cheng
Published: December 2009

Recent development in wireless communications has lead to the problem of growing spectrum shortage. Cognitive radio, as a novel technology, has been proposed in recent years to solve this problem by dynamically accessing the spectrum so as to enhance the spectrum utilization. Security in cognitive radio networks has become a challenging issue because there are more chances open to attackers by cognitive radio technology, compared to those from conventional wireless networks. These weaknesses and vulnerable aspects, introduced by the nature of cognitive radio, may cause serious impact on the security and quality of service (QoS) provisioning for the entire network. Unfortunately, at present, there is no specific secure protocol designed for cognitive radio networks. Therefore, in this paper, we conduct a high‐level survey to review and reflect the state‐of‐the‐art work on the security issues in cognitive networks. We focus on analyzing the security system at the macroscopic level, where both protection and detection are considered to be the most essential parts to ensure security in the whole network. Furthermore, we investigate special characteristics of cognitive networks at different protocol layers, including physical layer, link layer, network layer, transport layer and application layer. We recognize both the challenges and experiences, and focus on constructing the secured cognitive wireless networks. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards utility‐optimal random access without message passing
Authors: Liu J. , Yi Y. , Proutiere A. , Chiang M. , Poor H. V.
Published: December 2009

It has been recently suggested by Jiang and Walrand that adaptive carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) can achieve optimal utility without any message passing in wireless networks. In this paper, after a survey of recent work on random access, a generalization of this algorithm is considered. In the continuous‐time model, a proof is presented of the convergence of these adaptive CSMA algorithms to be arbitrarily close to utility optimality, without assuming that the network dynamics converge to an equilibrium in between consecutive CSMA parameter updates. In the more realistic, slotted‐time model, the impact of collisions on the utility achieved is characterized, and the tradeoff between optimality and short‐term fairness is quantified. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A software‐defined radio based cognitive radio demonstration over FM band
Authors: Zhou Ruolin , Mian Omer , Li Xue , Wang Bin , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we present a software‐defined radio (SDR) based cognitive radio (CR) implementation and demonstration over the frequency modulation (FM) band. Using GNU Radio as the software platform and USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) SDR boards as the hardware solution, we implement and demonstrate a CR that autonomously senses the entire FM band, detects all the active FM stations (occupied bands) as well as the spectrum holes (non‐occupied bands), exploits the available spectrum holes to transmit secondary users' data without interference with the existing FM transmission. Moreover, we demonstrate that when a primary user's transmission returns to its allocated spectrum band after a period of absence, the CR automatically adapts its transmission and hands off to a different spectrum hole that is available to avoid interference with the returning primary user. Moreover, we have proposed, implemented, and demonstrated a frequency hopping scheme over multiple spectrum holes to support multiple secondary users while attaining the minimum interference among the users. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Per‐user service model for opportunistic scheduling scheme over fading channels
Authors: Dianati Mehrdad , Tafazolli Rahim , Shen Xuemin , Naik Kshirasagar
Published: December 2009

In this paper, we propose a finite‐state Markov model for per‐user service of an opportunistic scheduling scheme over Rayleigh fading channels, where a single base station serves an arbitrary number of users. By approximating the power gain of Rayleigh fading channels as finite‐state Markov processes, we develop an algorithm to obtain dynamic stochastic model of the transmission service, received by an individual user for a saturated scenario, where user data queues are highly loaded. The proposed analytical model is a finite‐state Markov process. We provide a comprehensive comparison between the predicted results by the proposed analytical model and the simulation results, which demonstrate a high degree of match between the two sets. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive antenna selection at mobile stations for SDMA in WiMAX networks
Authors: Wang Tairan , Tao Zhifeng , Molisch Andreas F. , Orlik Philip V. , Zhang Jinyun
Published: December 2009

The IEEE 802.16/WiMAX standard has fully embraced multi‐antenna technology and can, thus, deliver robust performance and high transmission rates. Nevertheless, due to its inherent cost concerns, a WiMAX mobile station (MS) should preferably contain fewer radio frequency (RF) chains than antenna elements. This is because the former is often substantially more expensive than the latter. Thus, antenna selection, wherein a subset of antennas is dynamically selected to connect to the limited number of RF chains for transceiving, is a highly appealing performance enhancement technique for multi‐antenna WiMAX terminals. In this paper, a novel protocol for antenna selection in space division multiple access (SDMA) transmission is developed for the next‐generation IEEE 802.16 mobile stations. Both locally and globally optimal selection rules are considered together with various linear precoding designs at the base station (BS). The proposed protocol can readily accommodate various channel situations (e.g., reciprocal and non‐reciprocal channels). As demonstrated by analysis and simulation, the proposed protocol delivers considerable performance improvement over conventional IEEE 802.16 terminals that lack antenna selection capability. Moreover, the proposed protocol leverages the existing signaling method defined in IEEE 802.16, thereby incurring a negligible signaling overhead and requiring only minimal modifications of the standard. To the best of our knowledge, this paper represents the first effort to support antenna selection capability for SDMA transmissions in IEEE 802.16 mobile stations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Categorical perception
Authors: Goldstone Robert L. , Hendrickson Andrew T.
Published: December 2009

Categorical perception (CP) is the phenomenon by which the categories possessed by an observer influences the observers' perception. Experimentally, CP is revealed when an observer's ability to make perceptual discriminations between things is better when those things belong to different categories rather than the same category, controlling for the physical difference between the things. We consider several core questions related to CP: Is it caused by innate and/or learned categories, how early in the information processing stream do categories influence perception, and what is the relation between ongoing linguistic processing and CP? CP for both speech and visual entities are surveyed, as are computational and mathematical models of CP. CP is an important phenomenon in cognitive science because it represents an essential adaptation of perception to support categorizations that an organism needs to make. Sensory signals that could be linearly related to physical qualities are warped in a nonlinear manner, transforming analog inputs into quasi‐digital, quasi‐symbolic encodings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics
Representation, philosophical issues about
Authors: Roth Martin A.
Published: December 2009

The concept ofrepresentationplays a central role in philosophical and scientific theorizing about the mind, and according to the representational theory of mind (RTM), a wide variety of cognitive and perceptual capacities are best explained in terms of the occurrence and processing of mental representations. The concept of representation remains elusive, however, and there is no widespread agreement among philosophers or cognitive scientists over what it is for one thing to represent another. One reason for the lack of consensus is that philosophers and scientists deploy the concept in many different ways for many different purposes. Another reason for the lack of consensus is that, while it is generally agreed that a scientifically useful notion of representation should be informed and constrained by what we know about brains, there is disagreement over what contemporary neuroscience does or does not suggest about the nature of representation. This article discusses some of the key issues involved in developing a general theory of mental representation, in light of these divergent purposes and conflicting views. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Philosophy > Foundations of Cognitive Science
The MHD boundary layer flow due to a rough rotating disk
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu M.
Published: December 2009

The present paper is devoted to the solution of the steady laminar flow of an incompressible viscous electrically conducting fluid over a rotating disk in the presence of a uniform transverse magnetic field. Classical von Kármán problem of a rotating disk is extended to the case where the disk surface admits partial slip. Using von Kármán similarity transformation the nonlinear equations of motion are reduced to a boundary value problem whose solution is then obtained in terms of a series of exponentially decaying functions for the full range of slip coefficients. The exact numerical method is found to improve as the strength of the magnetic field and the strength of the applied slip are increased. The effects of the magnetic field together with the slip on the physically significant relevant parameters, such as the wall shears, the torque, and the vertical suction are clarified. Purely explicit analytical expressions for the solution of magnetohydrodynamic equations to support the numerically evaluated solutions are also obtained via the homotopy analysis method.
On some constitutive equations for micropolar plates
Authors: Chróścielewski J. , Witkowski W.
Published: December 2009

In this paper we discuss the constitutive relations for micropolar plates recently obtained by Altenbach and Eremeyev. We pay particular attention to their relation for the resultant drilling stress couple and compare it with that used so far in the statically and kinematically exact nonlinear six‐parameter shell theory. Using the results of Altenbach and Eremeyev, we present bounds on values of the constitutive parameter αt from the six‐parameter shell theory model. Some representative numerical simulations show how the drilling stiffness αt affects the FEM results.
Styrene and Phenylethanol Adsolubilization of a Polymerizable Gemini Surfactant
Authors: Asnachinda Emma , Khaodhiar Sutha , Sabatini David A.
Published: December 2009

A polymerizable gemini surfactant was used to adsolubilize styrene and phenylethanol, representing less and more polar organic solutes, respectively, in order to evaluate the impact of admicellar polymerization on the adsolubilization process. Adsolubilization was also evaluated using a polymerizable monomeric surfactant and conventional surfactant for comparison purposes. The main results were that: (1) polymerized and unpolymerized admicelles showed similar adsolubilization potential—validating the use of polymerized admicelles without sacrificing adsolubilization, and (2) gemini surfactants showed adsolubilization capacities equal to or higher than conventional surfactants.
A Novel mRNA Level Subtraction Method for Quick Identification of Target-Orientated Uniquely Expressed Genes Between Peanut Immature Pod and Leaf
Authors: Wu Ning , Matand Kanyand , Williams Sonya
Published: December 2009

Subtraction technique has been broadly applied for target gene discovery. However, most current protocols apply relative differential subtraction and result in great amount clone mixtures of unique and differentially expressed genes. This makes it more difficult to identify unique or target-orientated expressed genes. In this study, we developed a novel method for subtraction at mRNA level by integrating magnetic particle technology into driver preparation and tester–driver hybridization to facilitate uniquely expressed gene discovery between peanut immature pod and leaf through a single round subtraction. The resulting target clones were further validated through polymerase chain reaction screening using peanut immature pod and leaf cDNA libraries as templates. This study has resulted in identifying several genes expressed uniquely in immature peanut pod. These target genes can be used for future peanut functional genome and genetic engineering research.
Divalent metal‐dependent regulation of hepcidin expression by MTF‐1
Authors: Balesaria Sara , Ramesh Bala , McArdle Harry , Bayele Henry K. , Srai Surjit K.S.
Published: December 2009

Hepcidin is a small acute phase peptide that regulates iron absorption. It is induced by inflammation and infection, but is repressed by anaemia and hypoxia. Here we further reveal that hepcidin transcription also involves interactions between functional metal response elements (MREs) in its promoter, and the MRE‐binding transcription factor‐1. Analysis of hepcidin mRNA and protein levels in hepatoma cells suggests that its expression may be regulated by divalent metal ions, with zinc inducing maximal effects on hepcidin levels. These data suggest that this peptide may be a pleiotropic sensor of divalent metals, some of which are xenobiotic environmental toxins.
Disulfide linkage in the coiled‐coil domain of subunit H of A1AO ATP synthase from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and the NMR structure of the C‐terminal segment H85–104
Authors: Gayen Shovanlal , Grüber Gerhard
Published: December 2009

The C‐terminal residues 98–104 are important for structure stability of subunit H of A1AO ATP synthases as well as its interaction with subunit A. Here we determined the structure of the segment H85–104 of H from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii, showing a helix between residues Lys90 to Glu100 and flexible tails at both ends. The helix–helix arrangement in the C‐terminus was investigated by exchange of hydrophobic residues to single cysteine in mutants of the entire subunit H (HI93C, HL96C and HL98C). Together with the surface charge distribution of H85–104, these results shine light into the A–H assembly of this enzyme.
Chaperone‐mediated autophagy in health and disease
Authors: Kon Maria , Cuervo Ana Maria
Published: December 2009

Chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA) is a lysosomal pathway that participates in the degradation of cytosolic proteins. CMA is activated by starvation and in response to stressors that result in protein damage. The selectivity intrinsic to CMA allows for removal of damaged proteins without disturbing nearby functional ones. CMA works in a coordinated manner with other autophagic pathways, which can compensate for each other. Interest in CMA has recently grown because of the connections established between this autophagic pathway and human pathologies. Here we review the unique properties of CMA compared to other autophagic pathways and its relevance in health and disease.
Methyl‐Typing: An improved and visualized COBRA software for epigenomic studies
Authors: Yang Cheng-Hong , Chuang Li-Yeh , Cheng Yu-Huei , Gu De-Leung , Chen Chung-Ho , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: December 2009

Combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) is one of the most commonly used methylation quantification methods. However, it focuses on relatively few restriction enzymes. Here, we present Methyl‐Typing, a web‐based software that provides restriction enzyme mining data for methyl‐cytosine‐containing sequences following bisulfite‐conversion. Gene names, accession numbers, sequences, PCR primers, and file upload are accessible for input. Promoter sequences and restriction enzymes for CpG‐ and GpC‐containing recognition sites are retrieved. Four representative enzymes were tested successfully by COBRA on the experimental work. Therefore, the Methyl‐Typing tool provides a comprehensive COBRA‐restriction enzyme mining. It is freely available at http://bio.kuas.edu.tw/methyl‐typing.
“Top hat” versus conventional loop electrosurgical excision procedure in women with a type 3 transformation zone
Authors: Kietpeerakool Chumnan , Suprasert Prapaporn , Khunamornpong Surapan , Sukpan Kornkanok , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Srisomboon Jatupol
Published: December 2009

Objective

To compare the “top‐hat” and conventional loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP) performed in women with a type 3 transformation zone to assess the rate of endocervical margin involvement.

Methods

Women with a type 3 transformation zone randomly allocated into the conventional (n = 94) and top‐hat LEEP (n = 86) groups were analyzed.

Results

The rate of endocervical margin involvement in the top‐hat group was lower than that in the conventional group (32.6% vs 53.2%; RR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19–0.68; P = 0.003). Among women with positive endocervical margins, women undergoing top‐hat LEEP were less likely to have residual lesions compared with those in the conventional group (52.2% vs 84.1%, respectively, P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the complication rate between the top‐hat and conventional groups (7.0% vs 10.6%, respectively, P = 0.39).

Conclusion

Top‐hat LEEP performed in women with a type 3 transformation zone reduces the risks of endocervical margin involvement and residual diseases compared with conventional LEEP, with no significant difference in perioperative complications.
Accounting Principles for Non-Executive Directors
Authors: Holgate Peter , Buckley Elizabeth
Published: December 2009

Good quality non-executive directors are essential to good corporate governance. They bring a wealth of experience to the boardroom, and together with their fellow board members they are responsible for the company's annual report and accounts. However, very few are trained accountants. This volume explains the key elements of a listed company's annual report and accounts. Part I explains the difference between profit and cash flows, the accounting profession, the international harmonisation of accounting rules, the origins of the rules governing the preparation of accounts, the regulation of financial reporting and the overarching principles behind accounting rules. Part II discusses issues relevant to listed companies: mergers and acquisitions; earnings per share; realised and distributable profits; financial instruments; and other key topics. An appendix sets out 50 questions, linked to the chapters, which non-executive directors might like to ask at meetings of the board and audit committee.
The Wandering Heretics of Languedoc
Authors: Bruschi Caterina
Published: December 2009

How should historians read sources which record inquisitorial trials in the Middle Ages? How can we understand the fears felt by those on trial? By analysing six volumes of depositions in the trial of Cathar and Waldensian heretics in Languedoc between the late twelfth and the fourteenth century, in this book, Caterina Bruschi challenges old methodologies in the study of dissent. She examines the intrinsic narratological problems related to the sources and, using approaches from the social sciences, analyses the different fears felt by deponents and how those fears affected their actions and decisions. In so doing, she sheds light on itinerancy within the ecclesial structure of non-conformist movements and contextualises the problem of itinerancy as a benchmark for the definition of heresy. Focusing on the lives and attitudes of trial witnesses, this innovative account is a major contribution to our understanding of the nature of religious non-conformity in the Middle Ages.
The War Puzzle
Authors: Vasquez John A.
Published: December 2009

This book constructs a new scientific explanation of the onset and expansion of war and the conditions of peace. The author describes systematically those factors common to wars between equal states to see if there is a pattern that suggests why war occurs, and how it might be avoided or mitigated, delineating the typical path by which relatively equal states have become embroiled in wars with one another in the modern global system. Emphasis is placed on the issues that give rise to war and how the practices of power politics lead to a series of steps that produce war rather than peace. The book differs from others in that it employs the large number of empirical findings generated in the last twenty-five years as the basis of its theorizing, and integrates these research findings so as to advance dramatically the scientific knowledge of war and peace.
Epicatechin induces NF-κB, activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2p45-related factor-2 (Nrf2) via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) signalling in HepG2 cells
Authors: Granado-Serrano Ana Belén , Martín María Angeles , Haegeman Guy , Goya Luis , Bravo Laura , Ramos Sonia
Published: December 2009

The dietary flavonoid epicatechin has been reported to exhibit a wide range of biological activities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the time-dependent regulation by epicatechin on the activity of the main transcription factors (NF-κB, activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2p45-related factor (Nrf2)) related to antioxidant defence and survival and proliferation pathways in HepG2 cells. Treatment of cells with 10 μm-epicatechin induced the NF-κB pathway in a time-dependent manner characterised by increased levels of IκB kinase (IKK) and phosphorylated inhibitor of κB subunit-α (p-IκBα) and proteolytic degradation of IκB, which was consistent with an up-regulation of the NF-κB-binding activity. Time-dependent activation of the AP-1 pathway, in concert with enhanced c-Jun nuclear levels and induction of Nrf2 translocation and phosphorylation were also demonstrated. Additionally, epicatechin-induced NF-κB and Nrf2 were connected to reactive oxygen species intracellular levels and to the activation of cell survival and proliferation pathways, being phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) associated to Nrf2 modulation and ERK to NF-κB induction. These data suggest that the epicatechin-induced survival effect occurs by the induction of redox-sensitive transcription factors through a tight regulation of survival and proliferation pathways.
Peanut protein reduces body protein mass and alters skeletal muscle contractile properties and lipid metabolism in rats
Authors: Jacques Hélène , Leblanc Nadine , Papineau Roxanne , Richard Denis , Côté Claude H.
Published: December 2009

It is well known that diets high in nuts or peanuts favourably affect plasma lipid concentrations. However, few studies have examined the effects of nut and peanut protein (PP) on body composition and skeletal muscle properties. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of dietary PP compared with two animal proteins, casein (C) and cod protein (CP) on body composition, skeletal muscle contractile properties and lipid metabolism in rats. Thirty-two male rats were assigned to one of the following four diets containing either C, CP, PP or C+peanut protein (CPP, 50:50) mixture. After 28 d ofad libitumfeeding and after 12-h fast, blood, liver and muscle were collected for measurements of plasma and hepatic cholesterol and TAG, plasma glucose and insulin and contractile properties. Rats fed with the low-quality protein, PP, had lower body weight gain, body protein mass, soleus mass and liver weight than those fed with the high-quality dietary proteins, C and CP. PP also caused a deficit in contractile properties in soleus. Likewise, PP increased plasma cholesterol and body fat mass compared with CP. However, these elevations were accompanied with increased hepatic TAG concentrations and lowered intestinal fat excretion. These results show that PP intake alters body composition by reducing skeletal muscle mass and liver weight as well as muscle contractility and lipid metabolism. Adding a complete protein such as C might partially counteract these adverse effects.
Effect of a soluble surfactant on a finite-sized bubble motion in a blood vessel
Authors: SWAMINATHAN T. N. , MUKUNDAKRISHNAN K. , AYYASWAMY P. S. , ECKMANN D. M.
Published: December 2009

We present detailed results for the motion of a finite-sized gas bubble in a blood vessel. The bubble (dispersed phase) size is taken to be such as to nearly occlude the vessel. The bulk medium is treated as a shear thinning Casson fluid and contains a soluble surfactant that adsorbs and desorbs from the interface. Three different vessel sizes, corresponding to a small artery, a large arteriole, and a small arteriole, in normal humans, are considered. The haematocrit (volume fraction of RBCs) has been taken to be 0.45. For arteriolar flow, where relevant, the Fahraeus–Lindqvist effect is taken into account. Bubble motion causes temporal and spatial gradients of shear stress at the cell surface lining the vessel wall as the bubble approaches the cell, moves over it and passes it by. Rapid reversals occur in the sign of the shear stress imparted to the cell surface during this motion. Shear stress gradients together with sign reversals are associated with a recirculation vortex at the rear of the moving bubble. The presence of the surfactant reduces the level of the shear stress gradients imparted to the cell surface as compared to an equivalent surfactant-free system. Our numerical results for bubble shapes and wall shear stresses may help explain phenomena observed in experimental studies related to gas embolism, a significant problem in cardiac surgery and decompression sickness.
An unusual case of cotton wool use to improve hearing
Authors: Bergin M , Murray D , Bird P
Published: December 2009

Objectives:

To report an unusual observation whereby hearing was improved by insertion of cotton wool onto a retracted tympanic membrane, and to explore potential explanations for this.

Case report:

We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with a severe mixed hearing loss who was noted to have a significant improvement in her hearing using a technique shown to her many years ago by a Russian physician. Upon application of a moist piece of cotton wool, gains of up to 40 dB were observed. This was associated with a significant subjective improvement in hearing. We discuss potential mechanisms for this effect, including amplification, a baffle effect and phase differences.

Conclusion:

The mechanism of the hearing improvement observed in this case is unknown, but is likely to be related to sound amplification from the relatively large surface area of the cotton wool to the smaller oval window.
The Transportation of Narain Sing: Punishment, Honour and Identity from the Anglo–Sikh Wars to the Great Revolt
Authors: ANDERSON CLARE
Published: December 2009

This paper examines fragments from the life of Narain Sing as a means of exploring punishment, labour, society and social transformation in the aftermath of the Anglo–Sikh Wars (1845–1846, 1848–1849). Narain Sing was a famous military general who the British convicted of treason and sentenced to transportation overseas after the annexation of the Panjab in 1849. He was shipped as a convict to one of the East India Company's penal settlements in Burma where, in 1861, he was appointed head police constable of Moulmein. Narain Sing's experiences of military service, conviction, transportation and penal work give us a unique insight into questions of loyalty, treachery, honour, masculinity and status. When his life history is placed within the broader context of continuing agitation against the expansion of British authority in the Panjab, we also glimpse something of the changing nature of identity and the development of Anglo–Sikh relations more broadly between the wars of the 1840s and the Great Indian Revolt of 1857–1858.
Concurrent nematode infection and pregnancy induce physiological responses that impair linear growth in the murine foetus
Authors: ODIERE M. R. , KOSKI K. G. , WEILER H. A. , SCOTT M. E.
Published: December 2009

This study examined concurrent stresses of nematode infection and pregnancy using pregnant and non-pregnant CD1 mice infected 3 times with 0, 50 or 100Heligmosomoides bakerilarvae. Physiological, energetic, immunological and skeletal responses were measured in maternal and foetal compartments. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was elevated by pregnancy, but not by the trickle infection. Energy demands during pregnancy were met through increased food intake and fat utilization whereas mice lowered their body temperature during infection. Both infection and pregnancy increased visceral organ mass and both altered regional bone area and mineralization. During pregnancy, lumbar mineralization was lower but femur area and mineralization were higher. On the other hand, infection lowered maternal femur bone area and this was associated with higher IFN-γ in maternal serum of heavily infected pregnant mice. Infection also reduced foetal crown-rump length which was associated with higher amniotic fluid IL-1β.
Enhancing understanding: The development of a glossary of health technology assessment adaptation terms
Authors: Rosten Claire , Chase Deborah L. , Hicks Nicholas J. , Milne Ruairidh
Published: December 2009

Background: The way people use health technology assessment (HTA) terms varies considerably across Europe. Such variation can lead to misunderstandings when reading HTA reports from different contexts. This work is one of the outputs of the EUnetHTA Project and was undertaken between 2006 and 2008.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a glossary of HTA adaptation terms to help reduce the misunderstandings of terms used in HTA reports from contexts other than the reader's own.

Methods: Several HTA glossaries were examined to identify ways in which an additional glossary could offer readers something new and to identify adaptation terms for inclusion. Twenty-eight European HTA organizations provided terms for the glossary and drafted descriptions and examples of how each specific term was used in their particular setting. The organizations then commented on the descriptions provided by the other groups and worked together to draft a single description for certain terms.

Results: A glossary of HTA adaptation terms was developed. It provides a comprehensive range of descriptions, examples, and comments for forty-two potentially confusing HTA terms related to adaptation.

Conclusions: This glossary will be a valuable resource for European HTA agencies when reading HTA reports produced in different contexts and for adapting HTA reports produced in other countries. The glossary will help improve understanding and help facilitate the adaptation process.
A common policy framework for evidence generation on promising health technologies
Authors: Carbonneil Cédric , Quentin Fabienne , Lee-Robin Sun Hae
Published: December 2009

Background:Generation of additional evidence may be necessary to access new promising technologies (marketing approval or coverage). Access with evidence generation (AEG) is a more recent concept with regard to coverage than to marketing approval.

Objectives:One aim of Work Package 7 (WP7) Strand A of the European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) was to provide an overview of national AEG mechanisms associated with marketing approvals and funding or coverage decisions.

Methods:A systematic literature review, surveys of WP7 Partners, and consultation of key people were used to obtain information on the AEG mechanisms used by twenty-three countries (twenty European countries, United States, Canada [Ontario], and Australia).

Results:Interest in the implementation of AEG policies, particularly at the coverage decision stage, is growing. An overview of national experiences was used to draw up a generally applicable five-step policy framework for AEG mechanisms that comprised (i) a first assessment identifying knowledge gaps; (ii) a decision conditional to evidence generation; (iii) generation of the evidence requested; (iv) re-assessment integrating the new evidence; (v) a revised decision. The critical factors for success that were identified were coordination, methodological guidance, funding, and a regulatory framework. Countries were categorized on the basis of current implementation of the proposed policy framework.

Conclusions:International collaboration is necessary to gather a critical mass of high-quality data quickly and to ensure timely access to new promising technologies. The overview produced by WP7A has led to development of tools to facilitate collaboration on evidence generation.
Internal evaluation of the European network for Health Technology Assessment project
Authors: Håheim Lise Lund , Imaz Iñaki , Loud Marlène Läubli , Gasparetto Teresa , González-Enriquez Jesús , Dahlgren Helena , Trofimovs Igor , Berti Elena , Mørland Berit
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The internal evaluation studied the development of the European network for Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Project in achieving the general objective of establishing an effective and a sustainable network of health technology assessment (HTA) in Europe.

Methods: The Work Package 3 group was dedicated to this task and performed the work. Information on activities during the project was collected from three sources. First, three yearly cross-sectional studies surveyed the participants’ opinions. Responses were by individuals or by institutions. The last round included surveys to the Steering Committee, the Stakeholder Forum, and the Secretariat. Second, the Work Package Lead Partners were interviewed bi-annually, five times in total, to update the information on the Project's progress. Third, additional information was sought in available documents.

Results: The organizational structure remained stable. The Project succeeded in developing tools aimed at providing common methodology with intent to establish a standard of conducting and reporting HTA and to facilitate greater collaboration among agencies. The participants/agencies expressed their belief in a network and in maintaining local/national autonomy. The Work Package Leaders expressed a strong belief in the solid base of the Project for a future network on which to build, but were aware of the need for funding and governmental support.

Conclusions: Participants and Work Package Leaders have expressed support for a future network that will improve national and international collaboration in HTA based on the experience from the EUnetHTA project.
Regional Seminar on the Protection and Safeguard of the Church's Cultural Heritage Objects Held in Mexico City September 29—October 1 2009
Authors: Cordero Jorge A. Sánchez
Published: December 2009

As an UNESCO initiative, Mexico was chosen as the country to host a seminar about the illicit trafficking of religious cultural objects. This problem is severe in the region and the idea was received with great enthusiasm by all.
Investing in Health: A Contribution to the Achievement of the Lisbon Agenda
Authors: McKee Martin , Suhrcke Marc
Published: December 2009

In the Lisbon Agenda, the European Union’s member States have committed themselves to invest in becoming the most competitive economy in the world. In this paper we review the evidence on whether investment in health should be part of this process. Concentrating on microeconomic studies, we show how better health can increase productivity and labour supply. In addition, there is an indirect positive effect through the investment that healthy people make their own education. Governments pursuing sustainable economic growth – broadly defined – should include the health of their population along with education and physical infrastructure in a balanced investment strategy.
The Liverpool City-region Health is Wealth Commission
Authors: Woodward Susan , Devaney Clare
Published: December 2009

The Liverpool City-region Health is Wealth Commission was established to examine the growing divergence between the City-region’s public health status and its marked economic growth, specifically looking at links between health and productivity, identifying knowledge-gaps, and encouraging a more focused and collaborative alignment between the business, research and public health agendas. Over 18 months of investigation, Commissioners considered a wide range of research-based and plenary evidence from a number of key witnesses. The Commission made 12 final recommendations within six core themes: Alcohol, Smoking & Obesity; Incapacity Benefit; Wellbeing at Work; Beyond the Built Environment; Procurement; and Knowledge Capital. The Commission’s findings were published in September 2008, as part of Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture programme.
Alcohol Misuse and its Consequences – An Overview and a European Perspective
Authors: Gilmore Ian T.
Published: December 2009

Alcohol is an important part of European culture and Europe currently has the world’s heaviest alcohol consumption. There is some evidence for harmonisation of drinking habits across Europe, particularly in the totalper capitaconsumption, types of beverage and frequency of teenage drunkenness. As part of this pattern, increasing consumption and deleterious health effects have been particularly noticeable in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and deaths from cirrhosis in these countries now exceed EU averages. This is a difficult area for Governments where the tension between regulation and personal choice is conspicuous and widely debated. In the UK, regulation has been weak but there are signs that the appetite for tackling the twin drivers of price and availability may be increasing.