bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JOSEPHSON DECOUPLING PHASE IN INHOMOGENEOUS ARRAYS OF SUPERCONDUCTING QUANTUM DOTS
Authors: SARKAR SUJIT
Published: July 2012

A quantum phase analysis of inhomogeneous arrays of superconducting quantum dots (SQD) is presented. Existence of Josephson decoupling (JD) phase is observed at the half-filling. It occurs due to fluctuations of Josephson couplings over the sites. This JD phase is the phase incoherent gapped state of the system. In JD phase superconductivity disappears even in the absence of Coulomb blockade phase. It is also observed that the inhomogeneity of on-site Coulomb charging energy produces the relevant coupling term that yields Coulomb blockade gapped phase. The presence of nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor Coulomb interaction yields the same physics for inhomogeneous and homogeneous SQD.
AN EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT MODEL PROPOSED FOR THE INTERMEDIATE BAND NANOSTRUCTURED QUANTUM DOT SOLAR CELLS
Authors: HOUSHMAND MOHAMMAD , ZANDI MOHAMMAD H. , DEHKORDI SOMAYEH S. , PEREZ MAURICIO D. , GORJI NIMA E.
Published: July 2012

The equivalent circuit of the p-i-n structure has been considered and developed for the quantum dot intermediate band solar cells where the nanoparticles are inserted in the active region of the diode. The admittance of the circuits are calculated consisting of frequency dependent capacitance and conductance. The presence of quantum dot layers in the active region of the diode increases the capacitance and conductance of the cell in lower frequencies. However, the number of QD cannot be increased and has an optimum.
QUANTUM CIRCUITS IN THE PRESENCE OF A MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: UTRERAS-DÍAZ CONSTANTINO A. , LAROZE DAVID
Published: July 2012

In the present work, we consider a quantum LC circuit under a constant magnetic field. In particular, we derive a new discretized form of the Schrödinger equation, which is equivalent to introducing a potential in the pseudo-flux representation. We discuss the physical assumptions leading to our results, and using a direct numerical approach we calculate the energy spectrum of the LC quantum circuit as a function of a constant external magnetic flux. The results are compared with the spectrum obtained using the Li–Chen potential [Y. Q. Li and B. Chen, Phys. Rev. B 53 (1996) 4027]. Our results indicate that the energy spectra from both models are numerically different, hence they may be clearly distinguished under appropriate experimental conditions.
STUDY OF ZITTERBEWEGUNG AND THE RADIATED FIELDS IN GRAPHENE SYSTEM
Authors: WANG YI-XIANG , HE YUE-JUAN , XIONG SHI-JIE
Published: July 2012

We theoretically study Zitterbewegung behavior of electrons in graphene system when the external perpendicular magnetic field exists. The initial state is assumed as a wave packet shape which is the superposition of the positive and negative LLs. The evolution of the dipole moments and the excited electric fields are calculated for the localized and extended wave packets which exhibit different behavior. We further analyze their Fourier spectrum and study which factors affect the excited electric field as it can be directly detected in experiment. The results are analyzed and discussed.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF RBCs MIGRATION TOWARD THE CENTER AREA OF THE ARTERIOLE, FAHRAEUS–LINDQVIST EFFECT
Authors: GHOFRANI MAAB M. , MOUSAVIAN S. M.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, in order to investigate movement of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) toward the centre area of blood vessels CFD modeling is done. Subjects of this study are a sample of arteriole vessel with 8 mm inside diameter without any branch (1st model) and another vessel which has 8 mm inside diameter, with a side branch by 2 mm inside diameter (2nd model). In 1st model, four different inlet velocities are applied to see the effect of boundary condition on wall shear stress and volume fraction. The multiphase model is extended to include the blood rheological properties at low shear rates that present the non-Newtonian CFD model. In addition, Eulerian multiphase CFD approach is adopted for describing the hemodynamic of blood flows. The migration and segregation of red blood cells in disturbed flow regions are evaluated. This behavior of blood was attributed to flow-dependent interactions of RBCs in blood flow. Moreover, the effect of inlet velocity on RBCs aggregation and WSS is clearly recognizable from results. This two-phase hemodynamic analysis may have application to study those kinds of vascular diseases which are dealing with RBCs change in size and shape with in vivo complex flow conditions.
COMPARISON OF COMMERCIAL PATELLOFEMORAL ARTHROPLASTY SYSTEMS ON THE BASIS OF PATELLA KINEMATICS, PERI-PATELLAR SOFT TISSUE TENSION AND PROSTHESIS DESIGN
Authors: MÜLLER JACOBUS H. , ERASMUS PIETER J. , SCHEFFER CORNIE
Published: July 2012

Patellofemoral arthroplasties are desirable when treating isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis, due to preservation of the tibiofemoral joint. Since few studies report on new commercial patellofemoral prosthesis biomechanics, a musculoskeletal model enabling analysis of subject-specific knee biomechanics was used to compare four patellofemoral replacement systems (A, B, C, and D) to one another. The prostheses were implanted according to manufacturer guidelines, after which the knee flexed and extended under active muscle loading. An increased patellotrochlear index enabled early patella-trochlear groove engagement. The resurfaced patellae were stable in mediolateral shift and anteroposterior displacement, but only Prosthesis A and D provided a smooth transition between the distal prosthesis border and femoral cartilage. A reduction in the anteroposterior condylar distance displaced the patella posteriorly, resulting in reduced peri-patellar soft tissue tension but an increased patella tendon–quadriceps tendon ratio. The tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance became pathologic in all replacements. The patella will be stable irrespective of the prosthesis used, but Prosthesis A and D seem to provide a better fit to the trochlear groove anatomy. The increased tibial tubercle–trochlear groove distance emphasizes the importance of extensor alignment in combination with the placement of the prosthesis: an increased Q-angle might lead to excessive lateral wear on the patella button. The extensor mechanism load will increase post-surgery based on the rise in the patella tendon–quadriceps tendon ratio which points to a reduced moment arm. This work provides insight into the dynamic biomechanical function and the design of current commercial patellofemoral replacement systems.
ANALYSIS OF ELECTROCARDIOGRAM SIGNALS OF ARRHYTHMIA AND ISCHEMIA USING FRACTAL AND STATISTICAL FEATURES
Authors: DON S. , CHUNG DUCKWON , MIN DUGKI , CHOI EUNMI
Published: July 2012

In this study, we present a three-stage method for detecting abnormalities and classifying electrocardiogram (ECG) beats using a k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) classifier and Gaussian mixture model (GMM). In the first stage, a signal filtering method is used to remove the ECG beat baseline wander. In the second stage, features are extracted based on Higuchi's fractal dimension (HFD) and statistical features. In the third stage, k-NN and GMM are used as classifiers to classify arrhythmia and ischemia. A total of 30,000 ECG segments obtained from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia and European ST-T Ischemia databases were used to quantify this approach. 60% of the beats were used for training the classifier and the remaining 40%, for validating it. An overall accuracy of 99% and 98.24% was obtained for k-NN and GMM, respectively. This result is significantly better than that of currently used state-of-the-art classification approaches for arrhythmia and ischemia.
Usefulness of Noninvasive Predictors of Oesophageal Varices in Black African Cirrhotic Patients in Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa)
Authors: Mahassadi Alassan Kouamé , Bathaix Fulgence Yao , Assi Constant , Bangoura Aboubacar Demba , Allah-Kouadio Emile , Kissi Henriette Ya , Touré Abdoulaye , Doffou Stanislas , Konaté Issa , Attia Alain Koffi , Camara Mathieu Benoit , Ndri-Yoman Thérèse Aya
Published: July 2012

Aims.To determine the usefulness of platelet count (PC), spleen diameter (SD) and platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PC/SD ratio) for the prediction of oesophageal varices (OV) and large OV in black African patients with cirrhosis in Côte d’Ivoire.Materials and Methods.Study was conducted in a training sample (111 patients) and in a validation sample (91 patients).Results.Factors predicting OV were sex: (OR=0.08,P=0.0003), PC (OR = 12.4,P=0.0003), SD (OR = 1.04,P=0.002) in the training sample. The AUROCs (±SE) of the model (cutoff ≥ 0.6), PC (cutoff < 110500), SD (cutoff > 140) and PC/SD ratio (cutoff ≤ 868) were, respectively; 0.879 ± 0.04, 0.768 ± 0.06, 0.679 ± 0.06, 0.793 ± 0.06. For the prediction of large OV, the model’s AUROC (0.850 ± 0.05) was superior to that of PC (0.688 ± 0.06), SD (0.732 ± 0.05) and PC/SD ratio (0.752 ± 0.06). In the validation sample, with PC, PC/SD ratio and the model, upper digestive endoscopy could be obviated respectively in 45.1, 45.1, and 44% of cirrhotic patients. Prophylactic treatment with beta blockers could be started undoubtedly respectively in 36.3, 41.8 and 28.6% of them as having large OV.Conclusion.Non-invasive means could be used to monitor cirrhotic patients and consider treatment in African regions lacking endoscopic facilities.
Transposon Invasion of theParameciumGermline Genome Countered by a Domesticated PiggyBac Transposase and the NHEJ Pathway
Authors: Dubois Emeline , Bischerour Julien , Marmignon Antoine , Mathy Nathalie , Régnier Vinciane , Bétermier Mireille
Published: July 2012

Sequences related to transposons constitute a large fraction of extant genomes, but insertions within coding sequences have generally not been tolerated during evolution. Thanks to their unique nuclear dimorphism and to their original mechanism of programmed DNA elimination from their somatic nucleus (macronucleus), ciliates are emerging model organisms for the study of the impact of transposable elements on genomes. The germline genome of the ciliateParamecium, located in its micronucleus, contains thousands of short intervening sequences, the IESs, which interrupt 47% of genes. Recent data provided support to the hypothesis that an evolutionary link exists betweenParameciumIESs andTc1/marinertransposons. During development of the macronucleus, IESs are excised precisely thanks to the coordinated action of PiggyMac, a domesticatedpiggyBactransposase, and of the NHEJ double-strand break repair pathway. A PiggyMac homolog is also required for developmentally programmed DNA elimination in another ciliate,Tetrahymena. Here, we present an overview of the life cycle of these unicellular eukaryotes and of the developmentally programmed genome rearrangements that take place at each sexual cycle. We discuss how ancient domestication of apiggyBactransposase might have allowedTc1/marinerelements to spread throughout the germline genome ofParamecium, without strong counterselection against insertion within genes.
Aging and Bone Health in Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Jasien Joan , Daimon Caitlin M. , Maudsley Stuart , Shapiro Bruce K. , Martin Bronwen
Published: July 2012

Low bone mass density (BMD), a classical age-related health issue and a known health concern for fair skinned, thin, postmenopausal Caucasian women, is found to be common among individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities (D/IDs). It is the consensus that BMD is decreased in both men and women with D/ID. Maintaining good bone health is important for this population as fractures could potentially go undetected in nonverbal individuals, leading to increased morbidity and a further loss of independence. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of bone health of adults with D/ID, their risk of fractures, and how this compares to the general aging population. We will specifically focus on the bone health of two common developmental disabilities, Down syndrome (DS) and cerebral palsy (CP), and will discuss BMD and fracture rates in these complex populations. Gaining a greater understanding of how bone health is affected in individuals with D/ID could lead to better customized treatments for these specific populations.
Scrotal Calcinosis: A Case Report and Review of Pathogenesis and Surgical Management
Authors: Tela Usman M. , Ibrahim M. Bashir
Published: July 2012

Idiopathic scrotal calcinosis is an uncommon benign disorder of the scrotal skin which is characterized by multiple calcified intradermal nodules. We report a 33-year old with asymptomatic multiple calcified scrotal skin nodules. He had wide excision of the lesions and direct closure of the scrotum. We review the pathogenesis and surgical treatment options for this rare disease of the scrotum.
Designing High-Performance Fuzzy Controllers Combining IP Cores and Soft Processors
Authors: Montiel-Ross Oscar , Quiñones Jorge , Sepúlveda Roberto
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a methodology to integrate a fuzzy coprocessor described in VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language) to a soft processor embedded into an FPGA, which increases the throughput of the whole system, since the controller uses parallelism at the circuitry level for high-speed-demanding applications, the rest of the application can be written in C/C++. We used the ARM 32-bit soft processor, which allows sequential and parallel programming. The FLC coprocessor incorporates a tuning method that allows to manipulate the system response. We show experimental results using a fuzzy PD+I controller as the embedded coprocessor.
A Wireless Sensor Network System with a Jumping Node for Unfriendly Environments
Authors: Zhang Jun , Song Guangming , Qiao Guifang , Li Zhen , Wang Aimin
Published: July 2012

Mobile robots have been adopted to repair failed wireless sensor network systems for node damage, battery exhaustion, or obstacles. But most of the robots use wheeled locomotion manner, which does not work well or even fails when confronted with obstacles in uneven terrains. To solve this problem, this paper presents the design of a jumping robot to serve as a robotic node for wireless sensor networks. The robot can jump up to or over obstacles to repair the broken network connections. The robot senses its posture angle by using an acceleration sensor and self-rights automatically by using a pole leg after falling down on the ground. The robot also can steer and adjust its take-off angle by the pole leg. A network monitoring system with the proposed robot is built to test its basic locomotion capabilities and the network repair function. Experimental results show that the robot can jump about 90 cm in height and traverse 50 cm far at a take-off angle of 75 degrees. The robot can repair the network by jumping up to a 10 cm high platform. The proposed system with a jumping node can provide powerful support for applications in unfriendly environments.
Psychosocial Well-Being in Persons with Aphasia Participating in a Nursing Intervention after Stroke
Authors: Bronken Berit Arnesveen , Kirkevold Marit , Martinsen Randi , Wyller Torgeir Bruun , Kvigne Kari
Published: July 2012

The psychosocial adjustment process after stroke is complicated and protracted. The language is the most important tool for making sense of experiences and for human interplay, making persons with aphasia especially prone to psychosocial problems. Persons with aphasia are systematically excluded from research projects due to methodological challenges. This study explored how seven persons with aphasia experienced participating in a complex nursing intervention aimed at supporting the psychosocial adjustment process and promoting psychosocial well-being. The intervention was organized as an individual, dialogue-based collaboration process based upon ideas from “Guided self-determination.” The content addressed psychosocial issues as mood, social relationships, meaningful activities, identity, and body changes. Principles from “Supported conversation for adults with aphasia” were used to facilitate the conversations. The data were obtained by participant observation during the intervention, qualitative interviews 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after the intervention and by standardized clinical instruments prior to the intervention and at 2 weeks and 12 months after the intervention. Assistance in narrating about themselves and their experiences with illness, psychological support and motivation to move on during the difficult adjustment process, and exchange of knowledge and information were experienced as beneficial and important by the participants in this study.
Spatial Domain Adaptive Control of Nonlinear Rotary Systems Subject to Spatially Periodic Disturbances
Authors: Yang Yen-Hsiu , Chen Cheng-Lun
Published: July 2012

We propose a generic spatial domain control scheme for a class of nonlinear rotary systems of variable speeds and subject to spatially periodic disturbances. The nonlinear model of the rotary system in time domain is transformed into one in spatial domain employing a coordinate transformation with respect to angular displacement. Under the circumstances that measurement of the system states is not available, a nonlinear state observer is established for providing the estimated states. A two‐degree‐of‐freedom spatial domain control configuration is then proposed to stabilize the system and improve the tracking performance. The first control module applies adaptive backstepping with projected parametric update and concentrates on robust stabilization of the closed‐loop system. The second control module introduces an internal model of the periodic disturbances cascaded with a loop‐shaping filter, which not only further reduces the tracking error but also improves parametric adaptation. The overall spatial domain output feedback adaptive control system is robust to model uncertainties and state estimated error and capable of rejecting spatially periodic disturbances under varying system speeds. Stability proof of the overall system is given. A design example with simulation demonstrates the applicability of the proposed design.
Correlation of TrpGly and GlyTrp Rotamer Structure with W7 and W10 UV Resonance Raman Modes and Fluorescence Emission Shifts
Authors: Eisenberg Azaria Solomon , Juszczak Laura J.
Published: July 2012

Tryptophyl glycine (TrpGly) and glycyl tryptophan (GlyTrp) dipeptides at pH 5.5 and pH 9.3 show a pattern of fluorescence emission shifts with the TrpGly zwitterion emission solely blue shifted. This pattern is matched by shifts in the UV resonance Raman (UVRR) W10 band position and the W7 Fermi doublet band ratio. Ab initio calculations show that the 1340 cm−1 band of the W7 doublet is composed of three modes, two of which determine the W7 band ratios for the dipeptides. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the dipeptides take on two conformations: one with the peptide backbone extended; one with the backbone curled over the indole. The dihedral angle critical to these conformations is χ1 and takes on three discrete values. Only the TrpGly zwitterion spends an appreciable amount of time in the extended backbone conformation as this is stabilized by two hydrogen bonds with the terminal amine cation. According to a Stark effect model, a positive charge near the pyrrole keeps the 1La transition at high energy, limiting fluorescence emission red shift, as observed for the TrpGly zwitterion. The hydrogen bond stabilized backbone provides a rationale for the Cmethylene-Cα-Ccarbonyl W10 symmetric stretch that is unique to the TrpGly zwitterion.
Inhibition of Mitochondrial CytochromecRelease and Suppression of Caspases by Gamma-Tocotrienol Prevent Apoptosis and Delay Aging in Stress-Induced Premature Senescence of Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Makpol Suzana , Abdul Rahim Norhazira , Kien Hui Chua , Wan Ngah Wan Zurinah
Published: July 2012

In this study, we determined the molecular mechanism ofγ-tocotrienol (GTT) in preventing cellular aging by focusing on its anti-apoptotic effect in stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) model of human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). Results obtained showed that SIPS exhibited senescent-phenotypic characteristic, increased expression of senescence-associatedβ-galactosidase (SAβ-gal) and promoted G0/G1cell cycle arrest accompanied by shortening of telomere length with decreased telomerase activity. Both SIPS and senescent HDFs shared similar apoptotic changes such as increased Annexin V-FITC positive cells, increased cytochromecrelease and increased activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 (P<0.05). GTT treatment resulted in a significant reduction of Annexin V-FITC positive cells, inhibited cytochromecrelease and decreased activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 (P<0.05). Gene expression analysis showed that GTT treatment down regulated BAX mRNA, up-regulated BCL2A1 mRNA and decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression (P<0.05) in SIPS. These findings suggested that GTT inhibits apoptosis by modulating the upstream apoptosis cascade, causing the inhibition of cytochromecrelease from the mitochondria with concomitant suppression of caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. In conclusion, GTT delays cellular senescence of human diploid fibroblasts through the inhibition of intrinsic mitochondria-mediated pathway which involved the regulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes and proteins.
Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a SOI-MEMS-Based Active Microprobe for Potential Cellular Force Sensing Applications
Authors: Zhang Li , Dong Jingyan
Published: July 2012

This paper presents the design, analysis, fabrication, and characterization of an electrostatically driven single-axis active probing device for the applications of cellular force sensing and materials characterization. The active microprobe is actuated by linear comb drivers to generate the motion in the probing direction. Both actuation and sensing comb-drive structures are designed for the probing stage. The sensing comb structures enable us to sense the probe displacement when the device is actuated, which enables applications of force-balanced sensing and provides the capability of closed-loop control towards better accuracy. The designed active probing device is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with a 10 μm thick device layer through surface micromachining technologies and deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) process. The handle layer beneath probe stage is etched away by DRIE process to decrease the film damping between the stage and the handle wafer thus achieving high-quality factor. The fabricated stage provides a motion range of 14 μm at actuation voltage of 140 V. The measured natural frequency of the stage is 1.5 kHz under ambient conditions. A sensitivity of 6 fF/ μm has been achieved. The proposed single-axis probe is aimed at sensing cellular force which ranges from a few nano-Newton to μN and micromanipulation applications.
New Baetidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) Records from Venezuela and Nymph Description of an UnnamedFallceonSpecies
Authors: Cruz Paulo Vilela , Boldrini Rafael , Quinto Carlos F. , Frontado Hortencia
Published: July 2012

The Ephemeroptera fauna in Venezuela is poorly known, as is also the case in others areas in South America. Recently, two studies increased from 33 to 50 the number of species recorded in Venezuela. The objective of the present study is to report for the first time in Venezuela the following species:Baetodes levis;Camelobaetidius edmundsi;Fallceonsp.;Mayobaetis ellenae.The nymph ofFallceonsp. is described, but is not named because adults were not reared to allow species identification; however, description of this nymph indicates the presence of this genus in South America.
Analysis of Circular Polarization of Cylindrically Bent Microstrip Antennas
Authors: Kellomäki Tiiti
Published: July 2012

When circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antennas are bent, the polarization becomes elliptical. We present a simple model that describes the phenomenon. The two linear modes present in a CP patch are modeled separately and added together to produce CP. Bending distorts the almost-spherical equiphase surface of a linearly polarized patch, which leads to phase imbalance in the far-field of a CP patch. The model predicts both the frequency shifting of the axial ratio band as well as the narrowing of the axial ratio beam. Uncontrolled bending is a problem associated especially with flexible textile antennas, and wearable antennas should therefore be designed somewhat conformal.
Numerical Analysis of Mixed Convection through an Internally Finned Tube
Authors: Rout Sachindra Kumar , Mishra Dipti Prasad , Nath Thatoi Dhirendra , Acharya Asit Ku.
Published: July 2012

Wall temperature of an internally finned tube has been computed numerically for different fin number, height, and shape by solving conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy using Fluent 12.1 for a steady and laminar flow of fluid inside a tube under mixed flow condition. It has been found that there exists an optimum number for fins to keep the pipe wall temperature at a minimum. The fin height has an optimum value beyond which the wall temperature becomes insensitive to fin height. For a horizontal tube, under mixed flow condition, it is seen that the upper surface has higher average temperature than the lower surface. The impact of fin shape on the heat transfer rate shows that wall temperature is least for triangular-shaped fins, compared to rectangular- and T-shaped fins. In addition to the thermal characteristics, the pressure drop caused due to the presence of fins has also been studied.
Weight Loss after Sleeve Gastrectomy in Super Superobesity
Authors: Catheline J.-M. , Fysekidis M. , Dbouk R. , Boschetto A. , Bihan H. , Reach G. , Cohen R.
Published: July 2012

Objective. This prospective study evaluated laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for its safety and efficiency in excess weight loss (%EWL) in super superobese patients (BMI>60 Kg/m2).Results. Thirty patients (33 women and 7 men) were included, with mean age of 35 years (range 18 to 59). Mean preoperative BMI was 66 Kg/m2(range 60 to 85). The study included one patient with complete situs inversus and 4 (14%) with previous restrictive gastric banding. The mean operative time was 120 minutes (range 80 to 220 min) and the mean hospital stay was 7.5 days (4 to 28 days). There was no postoperative mortality or need for a laparotomy conversion. Two subphrenic hematomas, one gastric fistula, and one pulmonary embolism, were the major complications. After 18 months 17 (77%) had sufficient weight loss and six had insufficient results, leading to either re-sleeve gastrectomy (3), or gastric bypass (2). Three years after the initial laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, the mean EWL was 51% (range 21 to 82).Conclusion. The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and efficient operating procedure for treating super superobesity. In the case of insufficient weight loss, a second-stage operation like resleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass can be proposed.
Synthesis of Colloidal Ruthenium Nanocatalyst by Chemical Reduction Method
Authors: Patharkar R. G. , Nandanwar S. U. , Chakraborty M.
Published: July 2012

Colloidal ruthenium nanoparticles were prepared by chemical reduction of ruthenium trichloride (RuCl3) using sodium borohydrate (NaBH4) as reducing agent and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a stabilizer. Size and size distribution of synthesized colloidal Ru nanoparticles were studied by varying different parameters such as molar ratio (MR) of SDS/RuCl3, NaBH4/RuCl3, effects of different stabilizers, and reducing agents. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Stability of colloidal nanoparticles was detected by Turbiscan. Stable Ru nanoparticles were dispersed on γ‐Al2O3 to prepare Ru/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst. This catalyst was characterized by X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM).
Congenital Occipital Encephalocele with Dabska Tumor: Report of an Unusual Case
Authors: Rumana M. , Khursheed N. , Ramzan A.
Published: July 2012

Encephaloceles arise from developmental defects in neural tube formation. These lesions contain brain and meninges which herniate through a defect in the skull. These may present as isolated malformations or rarely be associated with brain tumors. We hereby discuss a case of an unusual association of an occipital encephalocele with papillary intralymphatic angioendothelioma or Dabska tumor arising from the sac itself. The patient underwent resection of the herniated brain tissue with repair and closure of the dural defect. Histopathological examination revealed evidence of Dabska tumor from the sac. This is the first case report of the association of an occipital encephalocele with a rare vascular tumor, i.e. papillary intralymphatic angioendothelioma.
An Integrated Analysis of Liver Safety Data from Orlistat Clinical Trials
Authors: Morris Marc , Lane Peter , Lee Kwan , Parks Daniel
Published: July 2012

Objective: Orlistat is an oral gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor and is indicated for treatment of obesity in combination with a hypocaloric diet. Post-marketing reports of adverse reactions revealed hints for possible drug-induced liver injury which has prompted changes to the product information. Orlistat’s development program, involving over 30,000 patients, did not indicate a hepatic safety issue. Methods: We analyzed liver function test data from randomized clinical trials of orlistat, using i) meta-analysis of published study safety data, ii) time-to-event analysis for individual patients, and iii) a novel and more sensitive method derived from the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Evaluation of Drug-Induced Serious Hepatotoxicity (eDISH) technique. Over 10,000 subjects were included. Results: The combined odds ratio from a simple summary-level fixed-effects meta-analysis of treatment-emergent abnormalities in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (defined as greater than the upper level of normal for 2 successive measurements) was 1.09 (95% CI 0.93–1.28), and in total bilirubin 1.24 (95% CI 1.03–1.49). Part of the small apparent effect was due to longer exposure to orlistat than to placebo, on average. A patient-level display, adjusting for regression towards the mean, and Kaplan-Meier analysis of changes in ALT and bilirubin, taking account of different exposure, showed no significant difference between orlistat and placebo. This shows that there is no signal for hepatic damage in clinical studies of orlistat. Conclusion: While idiosyncratic liver injury following exposure to orlistat cannot be excluded, it is likely to be extremely rare.
Change in Body Fat during a Family-Based Treatment of Obesity in Children: The Relative Importance of Energy Intake and Physical Activity
Authors: Steinsbekk Silje , Wichstrøm Lars , Ødegård Rønnaug , Mehus Ingar
Published: July 2012

Objective: The aim of the current study was to examine to what extent changes in reported energy intake and physical activity predict changes in body fat during a family-based outpatient treatment of obesity in children. Methods: Total body fat (DXA), reported energy intake (4-day diet record), and physical activity (accelerometer) was measured in 99 children (age 7–12 years, mean BMI SDS = 2.99) at baseline as well as after 6 months 2 years of treatment. Repeated measures (GLM), growth modeling, and structural equation modeling (SEM) were applied in the data analyses. Results: There was significant decrease in body fat, reported energy intake, and physical activity at both follow-ups (p < 0.001) compared to baseline. Changes in reported energy intake from baseline to 6 months predicted a decrease in body fat from baseline to 6 months (β = 0.68, p < 0.001). In addition, changes in reported energy intake had a strong indirect effect on body fat at 2-year follow-up, mediated by changes in body fat from baseline to 6 months (indirect β = 0.50, p < 0.001). Changes in physical activity did not predict changes in body fat during treatment. Conclusions: Changes in reported energy intake significantly affected body fat at 6 months and indirectly predicted the amount of body fat at 2-year follow-up. The indirect effect was mediated by a decrease in body fat obtained during the first phase of treatment.
The Variational Bayesian Approach to Fitting Mixture Models to Circular Wave Direction Data
Authors: Wu Burton , McGrory Clare A. , Pettitt Anthony N.
Published: July 2012

The emerging variational Bayesian (VB) technique for approximate Bayesian statistical inference is a non-simulation-based and time-efficient approach. It provides a useful, practical alternative to other Bayesian statistical approaches such as Markov chain Monte Carlo–based techniques, particularly for applications involving large datasets. This article reviews the increasingly popular VB statistical approach and illustrates how it can be used to fit Gaussian mixture models to circular wave direction data. This is done by taking the straightforward approach of padding the data; this method involves adding a repeat of a complete cycle of the data to the existing dataset to obtain a dataset on the real line. The padded dataset can then be analyzed using the standard VB technique. This results in a practical, efficient approach that is also appropriate for modeling other types of circular, or directional, data such as wind direction.
Southern Hemisphere Jet Variability in the IPSL GCM at Varying Resolutions
Authors: Arakelian Ara , Codron Francis
Published: July 2012

Fluctuations of the Southern Hemisphere eddy-driven jet are studied in a suite of experiments with the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, version 4 (LMDZ4) atmospheric GCM with varying horizontal resolution, in coupled mode and with imposed SSTs. The focus is on the relationship between changes in the mean state brought by increasing resolution, and the intraseasonal variability and response to increasing CO2 concentration.

In summer, the mean jet latitude moves poleward when the resolution increases in latitude, converging toward the observed one. Most measures of the jet dynamics, such as skewness of the distribution or persistence time scale of jet movements, exhibit a simple dependence on the mean jet latitude and also converge to the observed values. In winter, the improvement of the mean-state biases with resolution is more limited.

In both seasons, the relationship between the dominant mode of variability—the southern annular mode (SAM)—and the mean state remains the same as in observations, except in the most biased winter simulation. The jet fluctuations—latitude shifts or splitting—just occur around a different mean position. Both the model biases and the response to increasing CO2 project strongly onto the SAM structure. No systematic relation between the amplitude of the response and characteristics of the control simulation was found, possibly due to changing dynamics or impacts of the physical parameterizations with different resolutions.
Numerical Wave Modeling in Conditions with Strong Currents: Dissipation, Refraction, and Relative Wind
Authors: Ardhuin Fabrice , Roland Aron , Dumas Franck , Bennis Anne-Claire , Sentchev Alexei , Forget Philippe , Wolf Judith , Girard Françoise , Osuna Pedro , Benoit Michel
Published: July 2012

Currents effects on waves have led to many developments in numerical wave modeling over the past two decades, from numerical choices to parameterizations. The performance of numerical models in conditions with strong currents is reviewed here, and observed strong effects of opposed currents and modulations of wave heights by tidal currents in several typical situations are interpreted. For current variations on small scales, the rapid steepening of the waves enhances wave breaking. Using different parameterizations with a dissipation rate proportional to some measure of the wave steepness to the fourth power, the results are very different, none being fully satisfactory, which points to the need for more measurements and further refinements of parameterizations. For larger-scale current variations, the observed modifications of the sea state are mostly explained by refraction of waves over currents and relative wind effects, that is, the wind speed relevant for wave generation is the speed in the frame of reference moving with the near-surface current. It is shown that introducing currents in wave models can reduce the errors on significant wave heights by more than 30% in some macrotidal environments, such as the coast of Brittany, in France. This large impact of currents is not confined to the locations where the currents are strongest, but also downwave from strong current gradients.
Registered Sex Offenders in the United States
Authors: Harris Andrew J. , Levenson Jill S. , Ackerman Alissa R.
Published: July 2012

Although sex offender registration and notification policies have occupied an increasingly prominent place on state and federal crime control agendas, much policy discourse has occurred amid a dearth of reliable and relevant national data. This article presents the results of a study designed to broaden knowledge about the registered sex offender (RSO) population and the content of the nation’s sex offender registries. The authors analyze state-level RSO populations across several dimensions, including levels of public Internet disclosure, RSO residential status, supervision status, and assigned risk levels. Findings suggest significant interstate variation across these dimensions, and indicate that the nation’s RSO population is considerably more diverse and complex than commonly portrayed in the media and in policy debates. Implications for federal and state policies aimed at reforming the nation’s sex offender registries are discussed.
The Influence of Gentrification on Gang Homicides in Chicago Neighborhoods, 1994 to 2005
Authors: Smith Chris M.
Published: July 2012

In this study, the author examines the effects of three forms of gentrification—demographic shifts, private investment, and state intervention—on gang-motivated homicides in Chicago from 1994 to 2005 using data from the U.S. Census, the Chicago Police Department, business directories, and the Chicago Housing Authority. The findings suggest that demographic shifts have a strong negative effect on gang homicide. Private investment gentrification, measured here as the proliferation of coffee shops, has a marginally significant and negative effect on gang homicide. In contrast, state-based gentrification, operationalized as the demolition of public housing, has a positive effect on gang homicide.
Race, Gender, Crime Severity, and Decision Making in the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Leiber Michael J. , Peck Jennifer H.
Published: July 2012

Based on interpretations of an integrated focal concerns and loosely coupling framework, individual and joint relationships involving race and gender with case outcomes were examined as well as possible tempering effects by crime severity and the stage in the proceedings. The results from multiple logistic regression indicate mixed support for the theoretical framework in terms of the ability to determine at what stages race and gender effects would be most evident. Crime severity was predictive of decision making and in some cases had a conditioning effect on the discovered race/gender relationships with case outcomes. The implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
The Causal Impact of Exposure to Deviant Peers
Authors: Paternoster Ray , McGloin Jean Marie , Nguyen Holly , Thomas Kyle J.
Published: July 2012

Objectives:

This study addresses the enduring question about whether exposure to deviant peers causes individuals to engage in deviance. Ample literature comments on this point, but methodological limitations prevent strong conclusions about causality.

Method:

The authors conducted a laboratory-based experiment under the guise of a memory/recall study for which participants could earn up to $20. All 91 participants had the opportunity to cheat on a computer-based word recall task by clicking on up to four links that provided access to the words in order to illegitimately earn more money for their performance. In the treatment condition ( n = 47), subjects were exposed to a confederate who indicated an intention to cheat, justified this behavior, and cheated on the task.

Results:

Whereas none of the participants in the control condition cheated on this task, 38 percent of the participants in the treatment condition did. This effect endures when controlling for various attributes of participants in regression models. Supplemental analyses underscore the notion that clicking on the links reflected cheating rather than curiosity.

Conclusions:

This experiment provides evidence that exposure to a deviant peer can cause individuals to engage in deviance. Future experimental work should focus on determining the precise mechanism/mechanisms responsible.
The Conditional Impact of Official Labeling on Subsequent Delinquency
Authors: Jackson Dylan B. , Hay Carter
Published: July 2012

Objectives: Recent tests of labeling theory reveal a criminogenic effect of official labels. Drawing from Braithwaite and Sherman, the current study examines how the effects of a criminal label on recidivism vary by the degree of warmth and attachment found in the family environment. Method: Using ordinary least squares regression and product-term analysis, the authors tested their hypothesis using data from the Children at Risk program, which contains a sample of high-risk youths. Findings: Family attachment, examined across several waves of data, significantly diminishes the harmful effects of a criminal label. Conclusions: Results suggest that warm, supportive parents can reduce the likelihood that their children will reoffend. Their findings also imply that the labeling perspective may need further specification regarding the conditions under which a labeling effect is most likely to occur. Implications for juvenile justice policy are also discussed.
Here and Gone: Anticipation and Separation Effects of Prison Visits on Inmate Infractions
Authors: Siennick Sonja E. , Mears Daniel P. , Bales William D.
Published: July 2012

Objectives:

This study examines the effect of prison visitation on the probability of inmate misconduct.

Method:

Our sample is an admissions cohort of over 7,000 inmates admitted to Florida correctional facilities between 2000 and 2002. The authors conducted multilevel analyses of the week-to-week association between officially recorded disciplinary infractions and prison visits, including spousal, significant other, parental, relative, and friend visits.

Results:

The probability of an in-prison infraction declines in anticipation of visits, increases immediately following visits, and then gradually declines to average levels. This pattern is relatively consistent across visitors and infraction types but is strongest for spousal visits and contraband infractions. More frequent visits are associated with a more rapid postvisit decline.

Conclusions:

If visits reduce the pains of imprisonment or increase social control, then these effects may be too short-lived to create lasting improvements in the behavior of individuals while incarcerated. Future research should attempt to replicate and explain these findings and examine the longer term effects of visitation on inmate adjustment during and after incarceration.
A Cross-Cultural Validation of the Learning-Related Boredom Scale (LRBS) With Canadian and Chinese College Students
Authors: Tze Virginia M. C. , Klassen Robert M. , Daniels Lia M. , Li Johnson C.-H. , Zhang Xiao
Published: July 2012

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Learning-Related Boredom Scale (LRBS) from the Academic Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ; Pekrun, Goetz, & Perry, 2005; Pekrun, Goetz, Titz, & Perry, 2002) in a sample of 405 university students from Canada and China. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factor structure and measurement invariance of the LRBS across cultural settings, after which the relationships between the LRBS, boredom frequency in class, intrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy for self-regulated learning (SESRL) were examined. Results showed evidence of reliability and measurement invariance of the LRBS, and the relationships between the LRBS, boredom frequency, and SESRL were similar across settings. The study thus provided evidence that learning-related boredom is a valid construct across culturally diverse school settings and supported the use of the LRBS in both Canadian and Chinese student populations.
Test-Taking Skills in College Students With and Without ADHD
Authors: Lewandowski Lawrence , Gathje Rebecca A. , Lovett Benjamin J. , Gordon Michael
Published: July 2012

College students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often request and receive extended time to complete high-stakes exams and classroom tests. This study examined the performances and behaviors of college students on computerized simulations of high-stakes exams. Thirty-five college students with ADHD were compared to 185 typical peers on measures of reading decoding, speed, vocabulary, comprehension, test strategies, time management, and test anxiety. Results indicated no differences between students with and without ADHD on various reading (decoding, speed, vocabulary, and comprehension) and test-taking variables (time utilization, navigation style, or strategy use), yet significant differences were present regarding their perceptions of, and anxiety during, test taking. It appears that students with ADHD perform similarly to peers on timed reading tests, although they think they perform less well and worry more about their performance.
Universal Screening in Middle School
Authors: Chin Jenna K. , Dowdy Erin , Quirk Matthew P.
Published: July 2012

Universal screening is a promising approach for identifying students at risk for behavioral and emotional problems. Due to the frequent adolescent onset of behavioral and emotional problems, middle school is an important time for early identification. This study explored the ability of the Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) to predict behavioral outcomes (i.e., behavioral grades, suspensions, and office disciplinary referrals) in a sample of 694 middle-school students. Both the teacher and student rated BESS forms were able to significantly predict behavioral outcomes. Findings suggest that the BESS can be an effective tool for identifying students at risk of experiencing behavior problems.
Emotional Intelligence, Communication Competence, and Student Perceptions of Team Social Cohesion
Authors: Troth Ashlea C. , Jordan Peter J. , Lawrence Sandra A.
Published: July 2012

Students generally report poor experiences of group work in university settings. This study examines whether individual student perceptions of team social cohesion are determined by their level of emotional intelligence (EI) and whether this relationship is mediated by their communication skills. Business students ( N = 273) completed the 16-item self-report Workplace Emotional Intelligence Profile—Short Version (WEIP-S; Jordan & Lawrence, 2009) before forming teams. Students worked in teams for 8 weeks to complete group work. Afterwards, peer ratings of student communication appropriateness and effectiveness were collected as was each student’s self-report perceptions of the level of team social cohesion. The effect of management of others’ emotions on team social cohesion was mediated by communication effectiveness. The authors discuss the implications of EI training and student team allocation as possible ways to improve student team cohesion.