bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo electrochemical evidence for simultaneous 5‐HT and histamine release in the rat substantia nigra pars reticulata following medial forebrain bundle stimulation
Authors: Hashemi Parastoo , Dankoski Elyse C. , Wood Kevin M. , Ambrose Rebecca Ellen , Wightman Robert Mark
Published: June 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 749–759.

Exploring the mechanisms of serotonin [5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)] in the brain requires an in vivo method that combines fast temporal resolution with chemical selectivity. Fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry is a technique with sufficient temporal and chemical resolution for probing dynamic 5‐HT neurotransmission events; however, traditionally it has not been possible to probe in vivo 5‐HT mechanisms. Recently, we optimized fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry for measuring 5‐HT release and uptake in vivo in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR) with electrical stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) in the rat brain. Here, we address technical challenges associated with rat DRN surgery by electrically stimulating 5‐HT projections in the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), a more accessible anatomical location. MFB stimulation elicits 5‐HT in the SNR; furthermore, we find simultaneous release of an additional species. We use electrochemical and pharmacological methods and describe physiological, anatomical and independent chemical analyses to identify this species as histamine. We also show pharmacologically that increasing the lifetime of extracellular histamine significantly decreases 5‐HT release, most likely because of increased activation of histamine H‐3 receptors that inhibit 5‐HT release. Despite this, under physiological conditions, we find by kinetic comparisons of DRN and MFB stimulations that the simultaneous release of histamine does not interfere with the quantitative 5‐HT concentration profile. We therefore present a novel and robust electrical stimulation of the MFB that is technically less challenging than DRN stimulation to study 5‐HT and histamine release in the SNR.
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE RAW MATERIALS USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF CHINESE PORCELAIN AND STONEWARE BODIES AND THE RESULTING MICROSTRUCTURES*
Authors: TITE M. S. , FREESTONE I. C. , WOOD N.
Published: June 2011

The microstructures of porcelain and stoneware bodies from north and south China, spanning the period from the Tang to the Ming dynasty (7th–17th centuries ad), were examined in polished sections in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) after etching the sections with hydrofluoric acid (HF). Mullite, present as fine, mainly elongated crystals, is the dominant crystalline phase observed. The bulk chemical compositions of the bodies are determined by energy‐dispersive spectrometry in the SEM, and the relative amounts of mullite and quartz present in the different ceramics are estimated from X‐ray diffraction measurements. Mullite formed from areas of kaolinitic clay, mica particles and feldspar particles is distinguished through a combination of the arrangement of the mullite crystals, and the associated SiO2/Al2O3 wt% concentration ratios. It is shown that very different microstructures are observed in ceramic bodies produced using kaolinitic clay from north China (Ding porcelain and Jun stoneware), porcelain stone from south China (qingbai and underglaze blue porcelain and Longquan stoneware), and stoneware clays from south China (Yue and Guan stonewares). Therefore, SEM examination of HF‐etched, polished sections of the bodies of high‐refractory ceramics has considerable potential for investigating the raw materials used in their production.
Is beauty a gift or a curse? The influence of an offender's physical attractiveness on forgiveness
Authors: PHILLIPS APRIL E. , HRANEK CASSANDRA
Published: June 2011

Two studies examined the influence of a female offender's level of physical attractiveness on forgiveness. In Study 1, an apology offered to a male participant (role‐playing a victim) by an attractive female offender was more effective at increasing forgiveness compared to the same apology offered by a less attractive offender. In contrast, female participants displayed the opposite pattern, responding more positively to the less attractive offender. Study 2 revealed that this effect was mediated by participants' judgments about the quality of the apology received. Male participants judged the apology as higher in quality when it was offered by the attractive offender, whereas female participants rated the apology as higher quality when it was offered by the less attractive offender.
Attachment and depressive symptoms in middle childhood and early adolescence: Testing the validity of the emotion regulation model of attachment
Authors: BRENNING KATRIJN M. , SOENENS BART , BRAET CAROLINE , BOSMANS GUY
Published: June 2011

This research examines differential associations between attachment dimensions (anxiety and avoidance) and emotion regulation (ER) strategies (dysregulation and suppression) in middle childhood and early adolescence. Furthermore, the study investigates how attachment and ER relate to depressive symptoms and perceived parenting. Two cross‐sectional studies (N = 339 and N = 746) supported the hypothesized associations between attachment anxiety and avoidance and emotional dysregulation and suppression, respectively. Mixed evidence was found for ER as a mediator in associations between attachment and depressive symptoms. Study 2 found that parental responsiveness and autonomy‐support are related differentially to the attachment dimensions. The Discussion focuses on the dynamics involved in associations between parenting, attachment, ER, and depression and on directions for future research.
New species of Allorhogas Gahan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reared from galls on Lycium cestroides Schltdl. (Solanaceae) in Argentina
Authors: MARTÍNEZ Juan José , ALTAMIRANO Alejandra , SALVO Adriana
Published: June 2011

Allorhogas cordobensis sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Doryctinae) is described from the province of Córdoba, Argentina. Its representatives can be distinguished from all other known species of the genus by the unusual morphology of the ovipositor tip and the expanded clypeus apically. Remarkably, this species is also characterized by having a tridentate mandible, a feature known only in exodont braconids, mostly of the subfamily Alysiinae. The new species was reared from stem galls on Lycium cestroides, which constitutes the second record of an Allorhogas species associated with galls on representatives of the plant family Solanaceae.
Incidence of Anagrus obscurus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) egg parasitism on Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis and Platycnemis pennipes (Odonata: Calopterygidae: Platycnemididae) in Italy
Authors: SANTOLAMAZZA Serena , BAQUERO Enrique , CORDERO‐RIVERA Adolfo
Published: June 2011

Very little is known about the incidence of egg parasitoids in odonates, perhaps because Odonata eggs are well protected by stems or leaves, sometimes below water. In Central Italy (Pontecorvo, Frosinone Province) two damselflies, Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis and Platycnemis pennipes, occur in high densities. In August 2007 we collected 30 stems of the aquatic plant Potamogeton sp. used as substrate for oviposition and incubated eggs in the laboratory. Most stems (24 for C. haemorrhoidalis and 23 for P. pennipes) contained Odonata eggs. Parasitoids emerged from 12 stems, with a mean parasitism of 2% for C. haemorrhoidalis and 6% for P. pennipes, and a maximum of 14% and 50%, respectively. Furthermore, we observed egg‐laying of 19 females of C. haemorrhoidalis and 11 of P. pennipes, and marked the stems where oviposition was observed. Clutches remained in the river for five days and were then collected and incubated. Parasitoids emerged from 11 of 30 stems, with an average parasitism of 8% for C. haemorrhoidalis and 3% for P. pennipes (maximums of 50% and 29%, respectively). All parasitoids belonged to the family Mymaridae, and were identified as Anagrus (Anagrus) obscurus Förster, 1861, sensuSoyka, 1955. This is the first time that this species is described as an egg parasitoid of odonates, and that the egg parasitoid of C. haemorrhoidalis and P. pennipes is identified. Our data suggest that egg parasitism might be a significant selective factor for both odonates in the studied locality, affecting female oviposition behavior.
Long‐Term Results of Percutaneous Lumbar Decompression mild® for Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Mekhail Nagy , Vallejo Ricardo , Coleman Mark H. , Benyamin Ramsin M.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) generally occurs from a combination of degenerative changes occurring in the lumbar spine. These include hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum, facet joint arthritic changes and bulging of the intervertebral disk. Spinal stenosis leads to compression of the lumbar neural elements (cauda equina), which manifests as low back and leg pain especially on standing and walking known as “neurogenic claudication.” Current treatment options for LSS are varied. Conservative management, including physical therapy with/without epidural steroid injections, may be adequate for mild stenosis. Surgical decompression is reserved for severe cases and results in variable degrees of success. Patients with moderate‐to‐severe LSS having ligamentum flavum hypertrophy as a key contributor are generally inappropriately treated or undertreated. This is due to ineffectiveness of conservative therapy and possibility that major surgical compression might be too aggressive. Percutaneous decompression offers a possible solution for this patient population.

Methods:  One‐year follow‐up study was conducted at 11 U.S. sites. Study cohort included 58 mild® percutaneous decompression patients who underwent 170 procedures, the majority treated bilaterally at one or two lumbar levels. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and SF‐12v2® Health Survey.

Results:  No major mild® device or procedure‐related complications were reported. One‐year data showed significant reduction of pain as measured by VAS. Improvement in physical functionality, mobility, and disability was significant as measured by ZCQ, SF‐12v2, and ODI.

Conclusions:  At 1 year this 58‐patient cohort demonstrated continued excellent safety profile of the mild® procedure and equally important, showed long‐term pain relief and improved functionality.
Tense and Tension in Long‐Term Fieldwork: How Postwar Is Postwar Sarajevo?
Authors: MARKOWITZ FRAN
Published: June 2011

Along with the knowledge gained from lived experience, the main things we can learn from doing and writing about long‐term fieldwork amid what Burawoy and Verdery (1999) call “uncertain transitions” are those hard to describe, fluid factors external to individual agency and to the workings of local knowledge. Based on extended research in Sarajevo after the signing of the 1995 Dayton Accords that ended a heinous war fought for and against ethnic cleansing, this article addresses the double difficulty of conducting fieldwork and writing a text that credits the dynamism of time while also accounting for the entrenchment of terms and practices that are setting the parameters of culture in postwar Sarajevo.
Induction of labor and the risk for emergency cesarean section in nulliparous and multiparous women
Authors: THORSELL MALIN , LYRENÄS SVEN , ANDOLF ELLIKA , KAIJSER MAGNUS
Published: June 2011

Objective. To assess the risk for emergency cesarean section among women in whom labor was induced in gestational week ≥41 and to evaluate if parity and mode of induction affected this association. Design. Hospital‐based retrospective cohort study. Population. Singleton pregnancies delivered after ≥41 gestational weeks at Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, during 2002–2006. Material and methods. Of 23 030 singleton pregnancies meeting the entry criteria, 881 were induced with a Bishop score of <7. Obstetric outcome was assessed through linkage with the Swedish Medical Birth Registry and a local obstetrical database containing information from patients’ medical files. Results were adjusted for body mass index, age and the use of epidural analgesia. Main outcome measure. Risk for emergency cesarean section. Results. Among women who were induced, the proportions delivered by emergency cesarean section were 42% for nulliparous and 14% for multiparous. Compared to spontaneous onset, this corresponded to a more than threefold increase in risk for nulliparous women (OR 3.34, 95%CI 2.77–4.04) and an almost twofold increase in risk for multiparous women (OR 1.94, 95%CI 1.24–3.02). There was no significant difference in risk for emergency cesarean section between the two methods of induction (PGE2 and transcervical catheter). Conclusions. Compared to spontaneous onset of delivery, induction of labor is associated with an increased risk for emergency cesarean section both among nulliparous and multiparous women. When labor is induced, the high risk for emergency cesarean must be kept in mind.
Prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes after gestational diabetes mellitus comparing different cut‐off criteria for abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy
Authors: ANDERBERG EVA , LANDIN‐OLSSON MONA , KALÉN JOHAN , FRID ANDERS , URSING DAG , BERNTORP KERSTIN
Published: June 2011

Objective. To determine the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance after gestational diabetes mellitus in relation to different categories of glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Design. Prospective study. Setting. Four delivery departments and three hospitals in southern Sweden took part in recruitment and follow‐up. Population. Women undergoing a 75g oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy delivering in 2003–2005. Methods. At first follow‐up, one to two years after delivery, 29% of eligible women with abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy had an oral glucose tolerance test – 160 with gestational diabetes and 309 with gestational impaired glucose tolerance – in addition to 167 control women. Cut‐off levels defining gestational diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were two‐hour capillary blood glucose levels of 9.0 and 7.8mmol/l or plasma glucose 10.0 and 8.6mmol/l, respectively. Main outcome measures. Frequency of abnormal test results at follow‐up. Results: Diabetes was diagnosed in 11% and impaired glucose tolerance in 24% of women with gestational diabetes vs. 4 and 23% in those with gestational impaired glucose tolerance, respectively. Combining women with abnormal test results during pregnancy revealed diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance in 29% as compared to 10% among controls; the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for having abnormal test results was 3.3 (1.8–5.9) in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Lowering the cut‐off level for gestational diabetes to include the category of impaired glucose tolerance would identify a high percentage of women with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance postpartum, who constitute target groups for intervention and/or diabetes prevention.
Gonorrhoea surveillance, laboratory diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 11 countries of the eastern part of the WHO European region
Authors: UNEMO MAGNUS , SHIPITSYNA ELENA , DOMEIKA MARIUS ,   the Eastern European Sexual and Reproductive Health (EE SRH) Network Antimicrobial Resistance Group
Published: June 2011

Unemo M, Shipitsyna E, Domeika M and the Eastern European Sexual and Reproductive Health (EE SRH) Network Antimicrobial Resistance Group. Gonorrhoea surveillance, laboratory diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 11 countries of the eastern part of the WHO European region. APMIS 2011.

Quality‐assured worldwide surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is crucial for public health purposes. In the countries of the eastern part of the WHO European region the knowledge regarding gonococcal AMR is limited, and antimicrobials of many different types, sources and quality are used for gonorrhoea treatment. This study surveyed gonorrhoea incidence, laboratory diagnosis and gonococcal AMR testing in 11 independent countries of the former Soviet Union. The national gonorrhoea incidences remain mainly high. In general, gonococcal culture and AMR testing were rarely performed, poorly standardized and rarely quality assured. To establish a gonococcal AMR surveillance programme in Eastern Europe, i.e. the geographical area of the former Soviet Union, several actions have recently been undertaken by the Eastern European Sexual and Reproductive Health (EE SRH) Network and the WHO. The information provided herein will be useful in this respect.
Sexual Health of Dutch Medical Students: Nothing to Worry About
Authors: Fickweiler Freek , Keers Joost C. , Weijmar Schultz Willibrord C.M.
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Little is known about the sexual lives and development of medical students because of relatively small sample sizes and, in particular, low response rates in research. Enhancing medical students' awareness and understanding of sexual behavior is imperative, as gaps in knowledge might impede effective sexual health consultations in their later professional practice.

Aim

The aim of this study was to provide insight into the sexual lives and development of medical students.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures of this study are demographic, contextual, and sexual data based on validated surveys.

Methods

Preclinical medical students aged under 26 years were approached during scheduled classes and by e-mail to complete a web-based questionnaire. Our results were compared with international and Dutch normative data. Ordinal regression analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to assess relationships between variables.

Results

A total of 1,598 questionnaires were returned (response rate 52%: 1,198 by women, 400 by men). There were 719 first-year students (mean age 19.17 years) and 879 third-year students (mean age 21.5 years). Gender distribution differences were seen in all the cohorts and were corrected for. Compared with international and Dutch (88%) normative data, our first- (62.7%; P < 0.001) and third-year (79.9%; P = 0.018) medical students had less sexual experience and showed different advancements in sexual behavior. However, these differences decreased, which suggests that medical students “catch-up” as their age increases. Sexual behavior in our sample did not differ from international data, except for a strikingly high sexual satisfaction (80%). We also confirmed that social and environmental characteristics change with alterations in sexual behavior. Although contraceptive measures were used more frequently (98%; P = 0.006), sexually transmitted diseases were more common (4.6%; P = 0.008), which suggests inappropriate use of protective measures. Independent predictive determinants for protective sexual behavior were the form of relationship (P < 0.001; OR = 1.97) and sexual orientation (P = 0.009; odds ratio = 2.26).

Conclusion

These data provide insight into the sexuality of medical students. The results of this study reliably clarify previous findings and form a solid basis for further research.xsxs
Opportunity, fair process and relationship value: career development as a driver of proactive work behaviour
Authors: Crawshaw Jonathan R. , van Dick Rolf , Brodbeck Felix C.
Published: June 2011

In line with recent findings from organisational justice theory, we hypothesised that employee proactive behaviour and careerist orientation is predicted by the interplay of perceived favourability of career development opportunities, the perceived fairness of the procedures used to decide them, and employee organisational commitment. Employees (N = 325) of a large financial services organisation responded to a self‐completion questionnaire. As predicted, when career development opportunities were viewed unfavourably, perceived procedural justice was significantly and positively related to individual proactive behaviour and significantly and negatively related to careerist orientation but only when organisational commitment was high. It appears that high procedural justice may only ‘offset’ the negative effects of unfavourable career development opportunities when employees identify with, and are committed to, their organisation. Further support is presented for a relational, rather than instrumental, model of procedural justice when reflecting on employee reactions to their employers’ policies and decision‐making. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Effect of enteral nutrition on dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in rats
Authors: WANG Fang , ZHAO Hai Ying , ZHANG Shu Tian , GONG You Zhe , ZHANG Hai Fang , ZHANG Chuan
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of enteral nutrition (EN) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in rats.

METHODS: Eighty‐four Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into 7 groups (12 rats in each group). The blank control group was given ordinary laboratory feed and drinking water. The experimental groups received 5% DSS as drinking water for 7 days. Of the experimental groups, the model control group received ordinary laboratory feed, protein based enteral nutrition (PEN) was fed in the PEN group, while other groups received ordinary laboratory feed plus 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA), methyl‐prednisolone,Lactobacillusor glutamine, respectively. On the 8th day, all the rats were sacrificed. Inflammatory scores were assessed from colonic mucosa. Blood culture from inferior vena cava, fecal culture and secretary immunoglobulin‐A (S‐IgA) levels from colonic contents were determined.

RESULTS: Colon inflammatory scores ofLactobacillus, PEN, glutamine and drug‐treated groups were lower than that of the model control group (P < 0.01). The ratios of bacteria translocation in the EN (PEN,Lactobacillusand glutamine) groups were lower than that in the model control group (P < 0.0083). FecalLactobacilliin theLactobacillusand glutamine groups were higher than that in the model control group (P < 0.05). S‐IgA levels in colonic contents of the PEN and 5‐ASA group were lower than that in the model control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: EN is an effective therapy for treating DDS‐induced colitis. EN could alleviate damage, promote the repair of colonic epithelial cells and inhibit bacterial translocation.Lactobacillusand glutamine could also increase theLactobacilliin colon.
Autotransplantation of ectopic teeth: a retrospective study of 284 teeth
Authors: Hewitt A.B. , Gelson W.
Published: June 2011

Objective:  To determine outcome in a series of autotransplanted teeth undertaken by the same surgeon over 25 years.

Methods:  This retrospective study examined the outcome of autotransplantation of 284 ectopic teeth – mainly maxillary canines – in a cohort group of 235 patients with a follow‐up of between 0.5 and 19 years (median 2.0). Indication for autotransplantation was severe tooth ectopia when orthodontic repositioning was considered unsuitable clinically or unacceptable to the patient. The technique involved minimal instrumentation and using a multibond appliance for stabilisation and fine tuning of tooth position. Outcomes were measured at the last clinic follow‐up.

Results:  Patients were aged between 9 and 51.8 years (median 15.4). Autotransplanted teeth comprised 254 maxillary canines, four mandibular canines, nine maxillary incisors, one mandibular incisor, five maxillary premolars and 11 mandibular premolars. Apices were fully formed in 202 teeth (71.0%). Only 11 transplants were known to fail, but including loss to follow‐up, there was a 96% 5‐year survival and 65% 10‐year survival. Of the survival group, 180 (66.9%) were vital with no root resorption, 57 (21.2%) were non‐vital with normal radiographic appearances and 32 (11.9%) were root filled with normal radiographic appearances. There was no significant difference in survival between open and closed apices (P = 0.90). Of the failed group, four (36.4%) had root resorption requiring extraction and seven (63.6%) were lost.

Conclusion:  The findings are consistent with other studies in the field. Tooth transplantation should be considered when planning rehabilitation for patients presenting with ectopic teeth.
Successful carnivore identification with faecal DNA across a fragmented Amazonian landscape
Authors: MICHALSKI FERNANDA , VALDEZ FERNANDA PEDONE , NORRIS DARREN , ZIEMINSKI CHRIS , KASHIVAKURA CYNTIA KAYO , TRINCA CRISTINE S. , SMITH HEATH B. , VYNNE CARLY , WASSER SAMUEL K. , METZGER JEAN PAUL , EIZIRIK EDUARDO
Published: June 2011

The use of scat surveys to obtain DNA has been well documented in temperate areas, where DNA preservation may be more effective than in tropical forests. Samples obtained in the tropics are often exposed to high humidity, warm temperatures, frequent rain and intense sunlight, all of which can rapidly degrade DNA. Despite these potential problems, we demonstrate successful mtDNA amplification and sequencing for faeces of carnivores collected in tropical conditions and quantify how sample condition and environmental variables influence the success of PCR amplification and species identification. Additionally, the feasibility of genotyping nuclear microsatellites from jaguar (Panthera onca) faeces was investigated. From October 2007 to December 2008, 93 faecal samples were collected in the southern Brazilian Amazon. A total of eight carnivore species was successfully identified from 71% of all samples obtained. Information theoretic analysis revealed that the number of PCR attempts before a successful sequence was an important negative predictor across all three responses (success of species identification, success of species identification from the first sequence and PCR amplification success), whereas the relative importance of the other three predictors (sample condition, season and distance from forest edge) varied between the three responses. Nuclear microsatellite amplification from jaguar faeces had lower success rates (15–44%) compared with those of the mtDNA marker. Our results show that DNA obtained from faecal samples works efficiently for carnivore species identification in the Amazon forest and also shows potential for nuclear DNA analysis, thus providing a valuable tool for genetic, ecological and conservation studies.
Durinskia baltica (Dinophyceae), a newly recorded species and genus from China, and its systematics
Authors: ZHANG Qi , LIU Guo‐Xiang , HU Zheng‐Yu
Published: June 2011

Abstract  A freshwater dinoflagellate was identified as Durinskia baltica (Levander) Carty & Cox by morphological characteristics, with the plate formula: Po, x, 4′, 2a, 6″, 5c, 4s, 5‴, 2″″. Durinskia was a newly recorded dinoflagellate genus for China with two anterior intercalary plates and six characteristic precingular plates. Partial sequences of the small and large subunit ribosomal DNA and internal transcribed spacer sequences for the dinoflagellate cells were obtained from field samples. Molecular phylogenetic results indicated Durinskia species could cluster into a monophyletic group, which were distinct from Peridinium species. According to morphological and molecular evidence, it was agreed that the genus Durinskia was separated from the genus Peridinium, which could be a polyphyletic group. In addition, D. baltica was an infrequent diatom‐harboring dinoflagellate which was known to possess an endosymbiotic diatom or diatom‐like alga. The phylogenetic analyses indicated that D. baltica had a close affinity with Peridiniopsis penardii and P. niei, common freshwater bloom‐forming species in China.
Functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome: Do illness perceptions play a regulatory role?
Authors: Moss‐Morris Rona , Petrie Keith J. , Weinman John
Published: June 2011

The relationships between illness perceptions, coping and adjustment were investigated in the context of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Self‐reported illness perceptions, coping, disability levels and psychological well‐being were assessed in a national sample of 233 CFS sufferers. A series of regression analyses indicated that illness perceptions explained a greater percentage of the variance in levels of disability and psychological well‐being than did the coping strategies used by the participants to manage their illness. The illness perception components of illness identity, emotional causes, controllability and consequences had the strongest overall association with adjustment such that participants with a strong illness identity, who believed their illness was out of their control, caused by stress and had very serious consequences were most disabled and psychologically impaired. Disengagement coping strategies and venting emotions were also associated with greater disability and poorer psychological well‐being, while positive reinterpretation and seeking social support were positively related to psychological well‐being. The potential role of illness perceptions in the maintenance of CFS is discussed.
Investigating the relationship between justice‐vengeance motivations and punitive sentencing recommendations
Authors: Murray Jennifer , Thomson Mary E. , Cooke David J. , Charles Kathy E.
Published: June 2011

Purpose. The present research investigated the relationship between underlying justice and vengeance motivations and sentencing recommendations made by expert clinicians, semi‐experts, and lay‐people. It was hypothesized that the semi‐experts would recommend significantly different sentence lengths from those recommended by the expert and lay‐person groups, in line with previous research findings. It was also hypothesized that justice and vengeance motivations would be related to punitive sentencing recommendations, and that these would not be the same across the three levels of expertise.

Method. An independent groups design was utilized in the main analysis, with participants belonging to three distinct levels of clinical experience (experts, semi‐experts, and lay‐people). A questionnaire was administered, with participants being measured on levels of justice and vengeance motivations, and asked to recommend appropriate sentence lengths based on nine separate crime‐scenarios. These covariables were correlated and the correlation coefficients were compared across the three levels of expertise.

Results. The former hypothesis was not upheld. Findings do, however, support the latter hypothesis, with the key finding indicating that for both justice and vengeance motivations in punitive judgement, it is the lay‐participants who appear distinct from the experts and semi‐experts.

Conclusions. The current findings emphasize that while expert and lay‐person judgements may often appear to be the same, different processes and motivations underlying clinical judgements are occurring at the different stages of expertise. With the differences in the relationships between justice and vengeance motivations and judgements found in the current research, it is argued that expert and lay judgements that appear to be the same are, in fact, distinguishable and are related to quite different underlying motivations and decision‐making processes.
Geometric Issues in Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Engineering Integration
Authors: Shapiro Vadim , Tsukanov Igor , Grishin Alex
Published: June 2011

The long-standing goal of computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided engineering (CAE) integration demands seamless interfaces between geometric design and engineering analysis/simulation tasks. The key challenge to this integration stems from the distinct and often incompatible roles geometric representations play, respectively, in design and analysis. This paper critically examines and compares known mesh-based and meshfree approaches to CAD/CAE integration, focusing on the basic tasks and components required for building fully integrated engineering applications. For each task, we identify the fundamental requirements and challenges and discuss how they may be met by known techniques and proposed solutions.
Performance and Emission Experimental Evaluation and Comparison of a Regenerative Gas Microturbine Using Biodiesel From Various Sources as Fuel
Authors: Nascimento Marco A. R. , Sierra R. Guido A. , Silva Lora Electo E. , Rendon Manuel A.
Published: June 2011

This study aims at carrying out an emission/performance experimental analysis to evaluate and compare the use of pure Biodiesel obtained from different sources: castor, soybean, and palm oil, in a 30 kW regenerative Diesel one shaft gas microturbine engine installed in the laboratories of the Federal University of Itajubá—UNIFEI, Brazil, at steady state condition and at different level loads. A comparison study with the obtained results for Biodiesel and Diesel was carried out for all cases. There were no significant changes in the performance of the microturbine that reached thermal efficiency levels of about 26%. The minimum heat rate obtained at full load was for the Biodiesel fuel from palm oil and the maximum was for castor oil, with a value 8.38% higher than the Diesel fuel. In addition, a slight rise in CO and a reduction in the NOx concentrations were observed.
Ultrasonic Measurement for Film Thickness and Solid Contact in Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Dwyer-Joyce R. S. , Reddyhoff T. , Zhu J.
Published: June 2011

The reflection of ultrasound can be used to determine oil film thickness in elastohydrodynamic lubricated (EHL) contacts if the opposing surfaces are fully separated by the liquid layer. The proportion of the wave amplitude reflected depends on the stiffness of the liquid layer, which is a function of its bulk modulus and thickness. However, in many practical applications, boundary or mixed film lubrication is a common occurrence as the nominal thickness of the separating film is of a similar order to the height of the surface asperities. The reflection is then dependent on both the liquid contact and solid contact parts and the total interfacial stiffness is the controlling parameter. In this paper an investigation was carried to study the reflection of ultrasonic waves from the lubricated contact between a sliding steel ball and a flat steel disc when substantial solid contact occurs. To interpret the ultrasonic reflection results, a mixed regime model for a circular point contact was established. The liquid film stiffness was calculated by using a predicted film thickness and a bulk modulus estimated from published rheological models of lubricants under high pressure. Solid contact stiffness was predicted using a statistical rough surface contact model. Under all operating conditions, the prediction of fluid stiffness was found to be much greater than the solid contact stiffness. The total stiffness predicted by the model showed good agreement with experimental measurements for kinematic cases. The model was used to separate the stiffness contributions from the asperity contact part and lubricant layer part from the experimental data. For contact pressures ranging from 0.42 to 0.84 GPa and sliding speed from zero to 2 m/s, the film thickness was found to vary from 0.01 to 0.8 μm, and the proportion of the load supported by asperity contact varied from 50% to 0%.
FSI Analysis of a Human Trachea Before and After Prosthesis Implantation
Authors: Malvè M. , del Palomar A. Pérez , Chandra S. , López-Villalobos J. L. , Finol E. A. , Ginel A. , Doblaré M.
Published: June 2011

In this work we analyzed the response of a stenotic trachea after a stent implantation. An endotracheal stent is the common treatment for tracheal diseases such as stenosis, chronic cough, or dispnoea episodes. Medical treatment and surgical techniques are still challenging due to the difficulties in overcoming potential complications after prosthesis implantation. A finite element model of a diseased and stented trachea was developed starting from a patient specific computerized tomography (CT) scan. The tracheal wall was modeled as a fiber reinforced hyperelastic material in which we modeled the anisotropy due to the orientation of the collagen fibers. Deformations of the tracheal cartilage rings and of the muscular membrane, as well as the maximum principal stresses, are analyzed using a fluid solid interaction (FSI) approach. For this reason, as boundary conditions, impedance-based pressure waveforms were computed modeling the nonreconstructed vessels as a binary fractal network. The results showed that the presence of the stent prevents tracheal muscle deflections and indicated a local recirculatory flow on the stent top surface which may play a role in the process of mucous accumulation. The present work gives new insight into clinical procedures, predicting their mechanical consequences. This tool could be used in the future as preoperative planning software to help the thoracic surgeons in deciding the optimal prosthesis type as well as its size and positioning.
A method for detecting whistles, moans, and other frequency contour sounds
Authors: Mellinger David K. , Martin Stephen W. , Morrissey Ronald P. , Thomas Len , Yosco James J.
Published: June 2011

An algorithm is presented for the detection of frequency contour sounds—whistles of dolphins and many other odontocetes, moans of baleen whales, chirps of birds, and numerous other animal and non-animal sounds. The algorithm works by tracking spectral peaks over time, grouping together peaks in successive time slices in a spectrogram if the peaks are sufficiently near in frequency and form a smooth contour over time. The algorithm has nine parameters, including the ones needed for spectrogram calculation and normalization. Finding optimal values for all of these parameters simultaneously requires a search of parameter space, and a grid search technique is described. The frequency contour detection method and parameter optimization technique are applied to the problem of detecting “boing” sounds of minke whales from near Hawaii. The test data set contained many humpback whale sounds in the frequency range of interest. Detection performance is quantified, and the method is found to work well at detecting boings, with a false-detection rate of 3% for the target missed-call rate of 25%. It has also worked well anecdotally for other marine and some terrestrial species, and could be applied to any species that produces a frequency contour, or to non-animal sounds as well.
Binaural unmasking with multiple adjacent masking electrodes in bilateral cochlear implant users
Authors: Lu Thomas , Litovsky Ruth , Zeng Fan-Gang
Published: June 2011

Bilateral cochlear implant (BiCI) users gain an advantage in noisy situations from a second implant, but their bilateral performance falls short of normal hearing listeners. Channel interactions due to overlapping electrical fields between electrodes can impair speech perception, but its role in limiting binaural hearing performance has not been well characterized. To address the issue, binaural masking level differences (BMLD) for a 125 Hz tone in narrowband noise were measured using a pair of pitch-matched electrodes while simultaneously presenting the same masking noise to adjacent electrodes, representing a more realistic stimulation condition compared to prior studies that used only a single electrode pair. For five subjects, BMLDs averaged 8.9 ± 1.0 dB (mean ± s.e.) in single electrode pairs but dropped to 2.1 ± 0.4 dB when presenting noise on adjacent masking electrodes, demonstrating a negative impact of the additional maskers. Removing the masking noise from only the pitch-matched electrode pair not only lowered thresholds but also resulted in smaller BMLDs. The degree of channel interaction estimated from auditory nerve evoked potentials in three subjects was significantly and negatively correlated with BMLD. The data suggest that if the amount of channel interactions can be reduced, BiCI users may experience some performance improvements related to binaural hearing.
Development of a temporal fundamental frequency coding strategy for cochlear implants
Authors: Vandali Andrew E. , van Hoesel Richard J. M.
Published: June 2011

A sound-coding strategy for users of cochlear implants, named enhanced-envelope-encoded tone (eTone), was developed to improve coding of fundamental frequency (F0) in the temporal envelopes of the electrical stimulus signals. It is based on the advanced combinational encoder (ACE) strategy and includes additional processing that explicitly applies F0 modulation to channel envelope signals that contain harmonics of prominent complex tones. Channels that contain only inharmonic signals retain envelopes normally produced by ACE. The strategy incorporates an F0 estimator to determine the frequency of modulation and a harmonic probability estimator to control the amount of modulation enhancement applied to each channel. The F0 estimator was designed to provide an accurate estimate of F0 with minimal processing lag and robustness to the effects of competing noise. Error rates for the F0 estimator and accuracy of the harmonic probability estimator were compared with previous approaches and outcomes demonstrated that the strategy operates effectively across a range of signals and conditions that are relevant to cochlear implant users.
On the two-point cross-correlation function of anisotropic, spatially homogeneous ambient noise in the ocean and its relationship to the Green’s function
Authors: Buckingham Michael J.
Published: June 2011

It is well established that the free-space Green’s function can be recovered from the two-point cross-correlation function of a random noise field if the noise is white and isotropic. Ambient noise in the ocean rarely satisfies either of these conditions. However, a non-uniform spectrum could be pre-whitened by the application of a suitable filter but anisotropy cannot be so readily eliminated. To investigate the effects of vertical anisotropy, three azimuthally uniform, spatially homogeneous noise fields are analyzed, two of which are idealized, while the third is representative of ambient noise in the deep ocean. In each case, the coherence function, the cross-correlation function, and the derivative of the latter with respect to the correlation delay, are derived for vertical and horizontal alignments of the sensor pair. With vertical sensors, any step-function discontinuity in the directional density function is mapped into a delta function at an appropriate time delay in the derivative (with respect to time delay) of the cross-correlation function. No such mapping occurs with horizontal sensors. In this case, only horizontally traveling noise can generate delta functions in the derivative of the cross-correlation function, and these always appear at the retarded time on either side of the origin.
Probing waveforms and adaptive receivers for active sonar
Authors: Ling Jun , Li Jian , Stoica Petre , Datum Michael
Published: June 2011

Active sonar systems involve the transmission and reception of one or more probing sequences, which provide a basis for extraction of target information in a region of interest. The probing sequences at the transmitter and signal processing at the receiver play crucial roles in the overall system performance. In this paper, CAN (cyclic algorithm-new) is employed to synthesize probing sequences with good aperiodic autocorrelation properties. The performance of the CAN sequences will be compared with those of pseudo random noise and random phase sequences. Two adaptive receiver designs, namely the iterative adaptive approach (IAA) and the sparse learning via iterative minimization (SLIM) method, will also be considered. IAA and SLIM will be compared with the conventional matched filter method. The performances of the algorithms will be illustrated via numerical examples, which show that CAN, IAA, and SLIM can contribute to the overall performance improvement of the active sonar systems.
Improved signal processing to detect cancer by ultrasonic molecular imaging of targeted nanoparticles
Authors: Hughes Michael , Marsh Jon , Lanza Gregory , Wickline Samuel , McCarthy John , Wickerhauser Victor , Maurizi Brian , Wallace Kirk
Published: June 2011

In several investigations of molecular imaging of angiogenic neovasculature using a targeted contrast agent, Renyi entropy [If(r)] and a limiting form of Renyi entropy (If,∞) exhibited significantly more sensitivity to subtle changes in scattering architecture than energy-based methods. Many of these studies required the fitting of a cubic spline to backscattered waveforms prior to calculation of entropy [either If(r) or If,∞]. In this study, it is shown that the robustness of If,∞ may be improved by using a smoothing spline. Results are presented showing the impact of different smoothing parameters. In addition, if smoothing is preceded by low-pass filtering of the waveforms, further improvements may be obtained.
Focused sound from three-dimensional sound propagation effects over a submarine canyon
Authors: Chiu Linus Y. S. , Lin Ying-Tsong , Chen Chi-Fang , Duda Timothy F. , Calder Brian
Published: June 2011

Ship noise data reveal an intensification of the near-surface sound field over a submarine canyon. Numerical modeling of sound propagation is used to study the effect. The noise data were collected during an ocean acoustic and physical oceanography experiment northeast of Taiwan in 2009. In situ measurements of water sound–speed profiles and a database of high-resolution bathymetry are used in the modeling study. The model results suggest that the intensification is caused by three-dimensional sound focusing by the concave canyon seafloor. Uncertainties in the model results from unsampled aspects of the environment are discussed.
Effects of speaking style on speech intelligibility for Mandarin-speaking cochlear implant users
Authors: Li Yongxin , Zhang Guoping , Kang Hou-yong , Liu Sha , Han Deming , Fu Qian-Jie
Published: June 2011

Cochlear implant (CI) users’ speech understanding may be influenced by different speaking styles. In this study, speech recognition was measured in Mandarin-speaking CI and normal-hearing (NH) subjects for sentences produced according to four styles: slow, normal, fast, and whispered. CI subjects were tested using their clinical processors; NH subjects were tested while listening to a four-channel CI simulation. Performance gradually worsened with increasing speaking rate and was much poorer with whispered speech. CI performance was generally similar to NH performance with the four-channel simulation. Results suggest that some speaking styles, especially whispering, may negatively affect Mandarin-speaking CI users’ speech understanding.
A spiral wave front beacon for underwater navigation: Basic concept and modeling
Authors: Hefner Brian T. , Dzikowicz Benjamin R.
Published: June 2011

A spiral wave front source produces an acoustic field that has a phase that is proportional to the azimuthal angle about the source. The concept of a spiral wave front beacon is developed by combining this source with a reference source that has a phase that is constant with the angle. The phase difference between these sources contains information about the receiver’s azimuthal angle relative to the beacon and can be used for underwater navigation. To produce the spiral wave front, two sources are considered: a “physical-spiral” source, which produces the appropriate phase by physically deforming the active element of the source into a spiral, and a “phased-spiral” source, which uses an array of active elements, each driven with the appropriate phase, to produce the spiral wave front. Using finite element techniques, the fields produced by these sources are examined in the context of the spiral wave front beacon, and the advantages of each source are discussed.