bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Sonochemical Reaction by Dual-Pulse Ultrasound
Authors: Xu Zheng , Yasuda Keiji
Published: July 2011

In order to apply sonochemistry in wastewater treatment, enhancement of sonochemical reaction is necessary. Oxidation of potassium iodide and the degradation of acid orange 7 in aqueous solution using ultrasound irradiation were performed at 490 kHz. Power-modulated pulsed waves were employed and the enhancement of reaction amount was observed compared with using continuous wave. The enhancement ratio for irradiation to rigid wall was larger than that for irradiation to free surface. Moreover, the best modulated pulsed on time was experimentally determined and the effect of the superposition of pulsed waves (dual-pulse) was studied. Enhancement was also observed and calculated separately when using dual-pulse ultrasound. The enhancement upon the use of the dual-transducer was ascribed to the enlargement of sonochemical reaction field. The enhancement upon the incorporating pulsed waves was ascribed to both the reduction of reaction threshold effect and the residual acoustical pressure at the pulsed off time.
Degradation of Diethyl Phthalate by Sono-Fenton Process and its Dependence on the Power Density
Authors: Hwang Anna , Na Seungmin , Ha Jeongsook , Khim Jeehyeong
Published: July 2011

The first-order rate constants of diethyl phthalate (DEP) degradation by sonochemical, Fenton and sono-Fenton processes were compared, and the synergistic effect of the combined sono-Fenton process and the dependence of the degradation rate on the power density (80, 180, and 330 W L-1) were investigated. The rate constants for the individual sonochemical and Fenton processes were 10-3 to 10-2 and 1.02 ×10-2 min-1, respectively. The synergy from the combined process increased significantly as the applied power density increased, and it was 1.97 with the input of ultrasonic energy of 330 W L-1. This increase was attributed to the higher efficiency of hydroxyl radical production from several pathways. The relationship between the degradation rate constant and power density was linear because the cavitation rate increased with increasing power level of the applied ultrasound.
Applying Sub-Loop Tube to Control the Sound Field in a Loop-Tube-Type Thermoacoustic System
Authors: Sakamoto Shin-ichi , Sahashi Kazuki , Kitadani Yuji , Ishino Takahiro , Watanabe Yoshiaki
Published: July 2011

In this report, we propose a loop-tube-type thermoacoustic system with a diverging sub-loop tube to control the sound field, specifically the phase difference between sound pressure and particle velocity, in the prime mover of a thermoacoustic system for improvement in energy conversion. The phase difference must become 0° or near 0°. This phase difference contributes to energy conversion through isothermal heat exchange process and makes a thermoacoustic system highly efficient in terms of energy conversion. The sub-loop tube diverges from the main loop tube and rejoins it. Thereby, the sub-loop tube forms a loop. The sub-loop tube position is changed. By diverging the sub-loop tube, the acoustic impedance at the connection position changes and the resonance condition in the thermoacoustic system is changed. As a result, the phase difference in the prime mover is controlled for improvement in energy conversion. Nevertheless, the phase difference in the prime mover cannot be measured. The sound field and ωτ are measured with and without a sub-loop tube. The degree of heat exchange between the working gas and the stack wall is represented as ωτ, which is the product of angular frequency ω and thermal relaxation time τ. Results show that diverging the sub-loop tube and changing its position alter the sound field in the thermoacoustic system, specifically changing the phase difference in the prime mover. The change in the phase difference in the prime mover raises the efficiency of energy conversion from heat to sound.
Design and Evaluation of Emulsion Generation Device Using Ultrasonic Vibration and Microchannel
Authors: Kanda Takefumi , Harada Takuya , Tominaga Yoshiyuki , Suzumori Koichi , Ono Tsutomu , Iwabuchi Sotaro , Ito Kazuyuki , Ogawara Ken-ichi , Higaki Kazutaka , Yoshizawa Yuta
Published: July 2011

The aim of this research is to realize a small continuous flow system with emulsification devices. This system is designed for the generation of sub-micron or nano monodisperse emulsions. In this study, we have designed, fabricated, and evaluated a device that consists of a microchannel plate and an ultrasonic vibrating plate. This device can realize a continuous flow system and the plates are easily stacked. The oscillation frequency was 2.25 MHz. We succeeded in generating emulsions that have a diameter of 200 nm. We also designed the cross-sectional pattern of the microchannel of the ultrasonic device to increase residence time effectively. As a result, we have succeeded in obtaining emulsions that have a diameter of 80 nm.
High-Speed Focus Scanning by an Acoustic Variable-Focus Liquid Lens
Authors: Koyama Daisuke , Isago Ryoichi , Nakamura Kentaro
Published: July 2011

The high-speed scanning of a focal point by a variable-focus liquid lens is discussed. We have investigated a high-speed variable-focus liquid lens using acoustic radiation force. It consists of a cylindrical aluminum cell with a diameter of 6 mm and a thickness of 3 mm filled with water, silicone oil, and an ultrasound transducer. The oil–water interface can be deformed and the focal point can be changed by controlling input voltage. By exciting with an amplitude modulation (AM) signal, the vibration on the oil–water interface synchronized with the modulation wave was generated. The vibration displacement amplitude decreased with an inverse proportion of f
0.66 over 100 Hz, which is close to the resonance frequency of the lens. The path of the laser beam transmitted through the lens was calculated by ray-tracing simulations. The lens could scan at focal lengths of from 7.0 to 14.5 mm at 1 kHz in the axial direction.
Novel Transfer Method Using Near-Field Acoustic Levitation and Its Application
Authors: Yano Ryuto , Aoyagi Manabu , Tamura Hideki , Takano Takehiro
Published: July 2011

The holding of a levitated object above stator vibrators by utilizing the holding force, which is generated by near-field acoustic levitation, is possible. The holding force yields at the edge of a vibration plate and nodes of a bending vibration mode, and it is in proportion to the vibration amplitude of the vibration plate. In this paper, we describe methods of transfer and positioning of a levitated object above many aligned stator vibrators, some experimental results, and the proposition of the application as a noncontact-stepping ultrasonic motor (NCS-USM). Linear-type and rotary-type NCS-USMs can be flexibly constructed. The NCS-USM has a possibility of high torque performance compared with an ordinary noncontact USM using a traveling wave.
Target Area Extension in Synthetic Aperture Array Signal Processing for High-Frame-Rate Estimate of Two-Dimensional Motion Vector In vivo
Authors: Yagi Shin-ichi , Yokoyama Ryouta , Tamura Kiyoshi , Sato Masakazu
Published: July 2011

A strategic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) along a flight path has been developed including a potential extensibility in a wide-range target area and an excellent spatial resolution by utilizing two-way range stacking, matched filtering, and chirp signal transmission. For the simultaneous ultrahigh-frame-rate ultrasonic imaging of microdynamics in a living tissue, a one-way synthetic aperture array processing of a real-time-received two-dimensional (2D) echo signal followed by a successive transmission is indispensable, in which the range stacking in SAR should be modified toward the pulsed ultrasonic irradiation generated by the array transducer. Therefore, the modification of the range stacking was proposed for pulsed radiation from a flexible point ultrasonic source. Firstly, a one-way receiving range stacking algorithm was described in a spatiotemporal frequency domain, and it was consequently extended to account for the forward-range- and cross-range-dependent time delay of the 2D echo signal in each range bin for the reconstruction of the target area. The overall system performance for the linear array transducer having 256 elements with a 3.0 MHz center frequency and a 0.25 mm pitch was verified for the reconstructed images in a numerical simulation and a hardware experiment.
Shear Wave Velocity Estimation by Virtual Sensing Array Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Miwa Takashi , Parajuli Raj Kumar , Tomizawa Ryosuke , Yamakoshi Yoshiki
Published: July 2011

Tissue displacement by continuous shear wave propagation successfully gives local wavelength, which depends on the local velocity of the shear wave. Our goal for velocity distribution estimation in future clinical applications is to achieve less than 10% error and less than 5 mm spatial resolution. However, this has been difficult to achieve owing to the presence of multiple shear waves generated by complicated propagation such as reflection, scattering, and diffraction. In this paper, we propose a velocity estimation method based on wave number spectrum analysis from the limited small area of the displacement distributions. To increase the spatial resolution, we derive a deconvolution-based displacement estimation method for high-frequency excitation. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated through numerical simulations and experiments with agar phantom. Even if a large reflected wave from a boundary exists, it is found that this method achieved the velocity estimation error of 10% and spatial resolution of 4.5 mm at a wavelength of 2.2 mm.
Estimation of Arterial Stiffness by Time–Frequency Analysis of Pulse Wave
Authors: Saito Masashi , Yamamoto Yuya , Shibayama Yuka , Matsukawa Mami , Watanabe Yoshiaki , Furuya Mio , Asada Takaaki
Published: July 2011

Evaluation of a pulse wave is effective for the early diagnosis of arteriosclerosis because the pulse wave contains the reflected wave that is the age- and stiffness-dependent component. In this study, we attempted to extract the parameter reflecting the component by pulse wave analysis using continuous wavelet transform. The Morlet wavelet was used as the mother wavelet. We then investigated the relationship between the parameter and the reflected wave that was extracted from the pulse wave by our previously reported separation technique. Consequently, the result of wavelet transform of the differentiated pulse waveform changed markedly owing to age and had medium correlation with the peak of the reflected wave (R=0.68).
Measurement of Interference Structures of Ship-Radiated Noise in Shallow Water with Rock and Sand Bottom
Authors: Hahn Jooyoung
Published: July 2011

In this study, the interference structures in the frequency domain are measured in the propagation of broadband acoustic waves in shallow water, which are composed of rock and sand bottom. The measured frequency range is from 20 to 2048 Hz, and the receiver is 500 m away from a source. As a broadband sound source, ship-radiated noise is employed and a vertical line array, which is composed of 10 hydrophones, serves as a receiver. The result shows that the interference cycle on the rock bottom is 312 Hz shorter than that on the sand bottom. It also shows that as the receiver depth increases, a smaller number of interference peaks appear thus, the interference cycle is longer. This result will be useful in the estimation of bottom properties in shallow water environments.
Coherence Bandwidth Effects on Underwater Image Transmission in Multipath Channel
Authors: Kim Jongwook , Park Kyu-Chil , Park Jihyun , Yoon Jong Rak
Published: July 2011

The performance of an underwater acoustic communication system in shallow water is strongly affected by the water surface and the seabed acoustical properties. Time-variant water surface scattering and grazing-angle-dependent bottom reflection limit the received signal coherency. Consequently, the performance of underwater acoustic communication systems is degraded, and high-speed digital communication is disrupted. In this study, the authors consider two different multipath channels, such as a water tank and a river, and conduct experiments to quantify these effects on the image transmission using binary frequency shift keying (BFSK) modulation. The quality of the received image in a water tank experiment is shown to be affected by water surface scattering. In the 9-m-deep Nakdong river experiment, it is shown to be affected by grazing-angle-dependent bottom reflection. The analysis is based on the coherence bandwidth of the multipath channel response.
Study of Doppler Shift Correction for Underwater Acoustic Communication Using Orthogonal Signal Division Multiplexing
Authors: Ebihara Tadashi , Mizutani Keiichi
Published: July 2011

In this study, we apply Doppler shift correction schemes for underwater acoustic (UWA) communication with orthogonal signal division multiplexing (OSDM) to achieve stable communication in underwater acoustic channels. Three Doppler correction schemes, which exploit the guard interval, are applied to UWA communication with OSDM and evaluated in simulations. Through a simulation in which only the Doppler effect is considered, we confirmed that by adapting schemes to UWA communication with OSDM, we can correct large Doppler shifts, which addresses the usual speed of vehicles and ships. Moreover, by considering both the Doppler effect and channel reverberation, we propose the best possible combination of Doppler correction schemes for UWA communication with OSDM. The results suggest that UWA communication with OSDM may lead to high-quality communication by considering channel reverberation and large Doppler shifts.
Motilin stimulates preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation and adipocyte lipid storage
Authors: Miegueu Pierre , Cianflone Katherine , Richard Denis , St-Pierre David H.
Published: July 2011

Motilin is a circulating gastrointestinal peptide secreted primarily by duodenal mucosal M cells and recognized for its prokinetic effects on gastrointestinal tissues. Little information is available regarding effects on insulin/glucose homeostasis or adipocyte function. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of motilin on adipocyte proliferation, differentiation, lipolysis, and macronutrient uptake in adipocytes. 3T3-L1 cells and primary rat adipocytes were treated acutely and chronically with varying motilin concentrations, and effects were compared with vehicle alone (control), set as 100% for all assays. In preadipocytes, motilin stimulated proliferation ([3H]thymidine incorporation) and mitochondrial activity (141 ± 10%, P < 0.001 and 158 ± 10%, respectively, P < 0.001), in a concentration-dependent manner. Chronic supplementation with motilin during differentiation further increased lipogenesis (Oil red O staining 191 ± 27%, P < 0.05) and was associated with an upregulation of PPARγ (148 ± 8%, P < 0.01), C/EBPα (142 ± 17%, P < 0.05), and Cav3 (166 ± 20%, P < 0.05) expression. In mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes motilin increased fatty acid uptake/incorporation (≤202 ± 12%; P < 0.01) and glucose uptake (146 ± 9% P < 0.05) and decreased net fatty acid release (maximal −31%, P < 0.05) without influencing total lipolysis (glycerol release). Similar effects were obtained in primary rat adipocytes. Motilin acutely increased expression of PPARγ, CEBPβ, DGAT1, and CD36 while decreasing adiponectin mRNA and secretion. In human adipose tissue, motilin receptor GPR38 correlated with HOMA-IR and GHSR1 ( r = 0.876, P < 0.0001). Motilin binding and fatty acid incorporation into adipocytes were inhibited by antagonists MB10 and [d-lys3]-GRP6 and PI 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. Taken together, these results suggest that motilin may directly influence adipocyte functions by stimulating energy storage.
Exendin-4 upregulates the expression of Wnt-4, a novel regulator of pancreatic β-cell proliferation
Authors: Heller Charlotte , Kühn Markus C. , Mülders-Opgenoorth Birgit , Schott Matthias , Willenberg Holger S. , Scherbaum Werner A. , Schinner Sven
Published: July 2011

The Wnt-signaling pathway regulates β-cell functions. It is not known how the expression of endogenous Wnt-signaling molecules is regulated in β-cells. Therefore, we investigated the effect of antidiabetic drugs and glucose on the expression of Wnt-signaling molecules in β-cells. Primary islets were isolated and cultured. The expression of Wnt-signaling molecules (Wnt-4, Wnt-10b, Frizzled-4, LRP5, TCF7L2) and TNFα was analyzed by semiquantitative PCR and Western blotting. Transient transfections were carried out and proliferation assays of INS-1 β-cells performed using [3H]thymidine uptake and BrdU ELISA. Insulin secretion was quantified. A knockdown (siRNA) of Wnt-4 in β-cells was carried out. Exendin-4 significantly increased the expression of Wnt-4 in β-cells on the mRNA level (2.8-fold) and the protein level (3-fold) ( P < 0.001). The effect was dose dependent, with strongest stimulation at 10 nM, and it was maintained after long-term stimulation over 4 wk. Addition of exd-(9–39), a GLP-1 receptor antagonist, abolished the effect of exendin-4. Treatment with glucose, insulin, or other antidiabetic drugs had no effect on the expression of any of the examined Wnt-signaling molecules. Functionally, Wnt-4 antagonized the activation of canonical Wnt-signaling in β-cells. Wnt-4 had no effect on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion or insulin gene expression. Knocking down Wnt-4 decreased β-cell proliferation to 45% of controls ( P < 0.05). In addition, Wnt-4 and exendin-4 treatment decreased the expression of TNFaα mRNA in primary β-cells. These data demonstrate that stimulation with exendin-4 increases the expression of Wnt-4 in β-cells. Wnt-4 modulates canonical Wnt signaling and acts as regulator of β-cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine release. This suggests a novel mechanism through which GLP-1 can regulate β-cell proliferation.
Enhancement of Adhesion between EPDM and Polyester Fabric by Using Natural Rubber Modified by Maleic Anhydride
Authors: El-Wakil A. A.
Published: July 2011

This study presents a new method for improving adhesion between ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and polyester fabric. In this work, natural rubber was modified by maleic anhydride in order to improve the adhesion force between ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber and polyester fabric. The effect of thermal aging and ionizing radiation on the stability of the rubber mix as well as on the peel strength of the rubber-coated fabric was investigated. It was observed that the natural rubber modified by maleic anhydride improved the peel strength of the EPDM rubber-coated polyester fabric.
HCV Infection and B-Cell Lymphomagenesis
Authors: Ito Masahiko , Kusunoki Hideki , Mochida Keiko , Yamaguchi Kazunari , Mizuochi Toshiaki
Published: July 2011

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recognized as a major cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. It has been suggested that HCV infects not only hepatocytes but also mononuclear lymphocytes including B cells that express the CD81 molecule, a putative HCV receptor. HCV infection of B cells is the likely cause of B-cell dysregulation disorders such as mixed cryoglobulinemia, rheumatoid factor production, and B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders that may evolve into non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Epidemiological data indicate an association between HCV chronic infection and the occurrence of B-cell NHL, suggesting that chronic HCV infection is associated at least in part with B-cell lymphomagenesis. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of recent literature, including our own, to elucidate a possible role of HCV chronic infection in B-cell lymphomagenesis.
A Prospective Pilot Study to Evaluate the Relationship Between Acute Change in Left Ventricular Synchrony After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Patient Outcome Using a Single-Injection Gated SPECT Protocol
Authors: Friehling Mati , Chen Ji , Saba Samir , Bazaz Raveen , Schwartzman David , Adelstein Evan C. , Garcia Ernest , Follansbee William , Soman Prem
Published: July 2011

Background—

There are ongoing efforts to optimize patient selection criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In this regard, the relationship between acute change in left ventricular synchrony (LV) after CRT and patient outcome remains undefined.

Methods and Results—

A novel protocol was designed to evaluate acute change in left LV synchrony after CRT using phase analysis of standard gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging with a single injection of radiotracer and prospectively applied to 44 patients undergoing CRT. Immediately after CRT, 18 (41%), 11 (25%), and 15 (34%) patients had an improvement, no change, or a worsening in LV synchrony. An algorithm incorporating the presence of baseline dyssynchrony, myocardial scar burden, and lead concordance predicted acute improvement or no change in LV synchrony with 72% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 96% positive predictive value, and 64% negative predictive value and had 96% negative predictive value for acute deterioration in synchrony. Over a follow-up period of 9.6±6.8 months, patients who had an acute deterioration in synchrony after CRT had a higher composite event rate of death, heart failure hospitalizations, appropriate defibrillator discharges, and CRT device deactivation for worsening heart failure symptoms, compared with patients who had an improvement or no change [hazard ratio, 4.6 (1.3 to 16.0); log rank test;
P
=0.003].

Conclusions—

In this single-center pilot study, phase analysis of gated SPECT was successfully used to predict acute change in LV synchrony and patient outcome after CRT.
Assessment of the Regional Climate Model Version 3 over the Maritime Continent Using Different Cumulus Parameterization and Land Surface Schemes
Authors: Gianotti Rebecca L. , Zhang Dongfeng , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: July 2011

This paper describes an assessment of the Regional Climate Model, version 3 (RegCM3), coupled to two land surface schemes: the Biosphere–Atmosphere Transfer System, version 1e (BATS1e), and the Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS). The model’s performance in simulating precipitation over the Maritime Continent was evaluated against the 3-hourly Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis 3B42 product. It is found that the model suffers from three major errors in reproducing the observed rainfall histogram: underestimation of the frequency of dry periods, overestimation of the frequency of low-intensity rainfall, and underestimation of the frequency of high-intensity rainfall. Additionally, the model does not accurately reproduce the observed timing of the diurnal rainfall peak, particularly over land. These four errors persisted regardless of the choice of lateral boundary conditions, convective parameterization scheme, or land surface scheme. The magnitude of the wet–dry bias in the simulated volumes of rainfall was, however, strongly dependent on the choice of the convection scheme and lateral boundary conditions. The Grell convection scheme with Fritsch–Chappell closure was the best performing of the convection schemes, having the smallest error magnitudes in both the rainfall histogram and average diurnal cycle, and also having good representation of the land surface energy and evapotranspiration components. The 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) was found to produce better simulations of observed rainfall when used as lateral boundary conditions than did the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis. Discussion of the nature of the major model errors is provided, along with some suggestions for improvement.
Direct Evidence of a Changing Fall-Rate Bias in XBTs Manufactured during 1986–2008
Authors: DiNezio Pedro N. , Goni Gustavo J.
Published: July 2011

This paper presents direct evidence of systematic depth errors consistent with a fall-rate bias in 52 temperature profiles collected using expendable bathythermographs (XBTs). The profiles were collected using the same recording system and under the same ocean conditions, but with XBTs manufactured during years 1986, 1990, 1991, 1995, and 2008. The depth errors are estimated by comparing each XBT profile with a collocated profile obtained from conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD) casts using a methodology that unambiguously separates depth errors from temperature errors. According to the manufacture date of the probes, the XBT fall-rate error has changed from (−3.77 ± 0.57)% of depth in 1986 to (−1.05 ± 1.34)% of depth in 2008. The year dependence of the fall-rate bias can be identified with statistical significance (1σ) below 500 m, where the effect of the fall-rate bias is larger. This result is the first direct evidence of changes in the XBT fall-rate characteristics. Therefore, for the 1986–2008 period, the hypothesis that the XBT errors are due to a time-varying fall-rate bias, as hypothesized by Wijffels et al., cannot be rejected. Additional implications for current efforts to correct the historical temperature profile database are discussed.
Modeling Training Effects Using a Human Performance Taxonomy
Authors: Meador Douglas P. , Hill Raymond R.
Published: July 2011

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize skill acquisition during training and skill retention as a function of training strategy, retention period, and task type in the form of a numerical model and then apply that model to make predictions of performance on an unknown task.

Background: Complex systems require efficient and effective training programs for the humans who operate them in discontinuous fashion. Although there are several constructs for learning theory, models that enable analysts to predict training outcomes are needed during the design of training programs.

Method: This study involved 60 participants who were trained on five tasks relevant to RQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft system sensor operators by one of three strategies that represented a continuum of instructor interactivity. After training, performance data for all five tasks were collected. Participants completed the same tasks 30 or 60 days later to determine skill retention and the rate at which task proficiency was reacquired.

Results: Models built from tasks that isolate human performance channels adequately predicted performance on a task that combined those channels.

Conclusion: Models that predict performance on tasks that isolate human performance channels can be used to make predictions on tasks that draw on multiple channels. This model provided a distribution of performance data that was statistically similar to actual performance data.

Application: System designers trained with human performance data on a set of tasks can apply those tasks’ characteristics to future tasks to make reasonably accurate performance predictions, thereby allowing the designers to make early decisions regarding training strategy to teach those tasks.
Piecing Together the Past
Authors: Riep Steven L.
Published: July 2011

Writers and filmmakers in Taiwan have sought to use the narrative techniques of classic detective fiction to recover events of the Nationalist government–imposed White Terror of the early 1950s to bring the once-concealed past to light. Fiction writer Chen Yingzhen (Ch’en Ying-chen) pioneered this technique in short fiction written in 1983 to bring before the public the events of the White Terror and to consider how guilt for the atrocities should be affixed. Wan Jen’s (Wan Ren) 1995 feature film Super Citizen Ko explores possibilities for memorialization and the notion of victimhood in its recovery of the Nationalist repression of progressive political movements and its impact on a former political prisoner and his family. Finally, Tseng Wen-Chen (Zeng Wenzhen) in her documentary Spring: The Story of Xu Jinyu offers a portrait of a woman White Terror survivor turned political activist living in an era when the White Terror has been commemorated but remains poorly understood by the younger generation.
Food Allergy
Authors: Reisacher William , Damask Cecelia , Calhoun Karen , Veling Maria
Published: July 2011

In the past several years, food allergies have taken center stage in the media and have become a topic of great concern for our patients and their families. Whether or not this is due to a rise in the prevalence of food allergies or just a heightened awareness, it is our responsibility as clinicians and scientists to critically analyze the current evidence available concerning the epidemiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and management of this disease. In 2010, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) published guidelines concerning the diagnosis and management of food allergies. Since 2009, the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery has sponsored a miniseminar titled, “Food Allergy: State of the Science.” This commentary focuses on the highlights from the 2010 meeting and provides some thoughts on what this latest publication means to otolaryngologists.
WindVOiCe, a Self-Reporting Survey: Adverse Health Effects, Industrial Wind Turbines, and the Need for Vigilance Monitoring
Authors: Krogh Carmen M.E. , Gillis Lorrie , Kouwen Nicholas , Aramini Jeff
Published: July 2011

Industrial wind turbines have been operating in many parts of the globe. Anecdotal reports of perceived adverse health effects relating to industrial wind turbines have been published in the media and on the Internet. Based on these reports, indications were that some residents perceived they were experiencing adverse health effects. The purpose of the WindVOiCe health survey was to provide vigilance monitoring for those wishing to report their perceived adverse health effects. This article discusses the results of a self reporting health survey regarding perceived adverse health effects associated with industrial wind turbines.
The geography of gentrification
Authors: Lees Loretta
Published: July 2011

This paper revisits the ‘geography of gentrification’ thinking through the literature on comparative urbanism. I argue that given the ‘mega-gentrification’ affecting many cities in the Global South gentrification researchers need to adopt a postcolonial approach taking on board critiques around developmentalism, categorization and universalism. In addition they need to draw on recent work on the mobilities and assemblages of urban policies/policy-making in order to explore if, and how, gentrification has travelled from the Global North to the Global South.
The significance of Gilbert F. White’s 1945 paper ‘Human adjustment to floods’ in the development of risk and hazard management
Authors: Macdonald N. , Chester D. , Sangster H. , Todd B. , Hooke J.
Published: July 2011

Few publications may claim to have transcended the original field in which they were written, by shaping a wide range of research areas and philosophies. In this short paper we reflect on the manner in which Gilbert F. White’s 1945 publication ‘Human adjustment to floods’ has not only shaped how we study and perceive flooding, but has also had a significance beyond its original aims, revolutionizing the ways in which hazard and risk are conceptualized more generally. Before considering the impact of ‘Human adjustment to floods’, we briefly review academic understanding of floods in the decades leading up to the 1940s and later place the 1945 paper in the context of White’s subsequent contributions to research which both developed and built on his ideas.
Rethinking Temperature Sensitivity of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
Authors: Ruby Norman F.
Published: July 2011

A report by Buhr et al. (2010) proposed that the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is resistant to phase shifts induced by heat pulses and to entrainment by temperature cycles. These findings are inconsistent with those from studies by other laboratories in which the SCN readily phase shifts in response to heat pulses. I propose that their negative findings are not due to the SCN being temperature insensitive but are based on an explant culture preparation that does not fully express the properties of the SCN that are present in other in vitro preparations.
Treatment of Congenital Hemiparesis With Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy
Authors: Taub Edward , Griffin Angi , Uswatte Gitendra , Gammons Kristin , Nick Jennifer , Law Charles R.
Published: July 2011

To determine efficacy of pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement therapy, 20 children with congenital hemiparesis (ages 2 to 6 years) were randomly assigned to receive the treatment or usual care. Controls crossed over to the therapy after 6 months. Children receiving the therapy first exhibited emergence of more new classes of motor patterns and skills (eg, crawling, thumb-forefinger prehension; 6.4 vs 0.02, P < .0001, effect size d = 1.3), and demonstrated significant gains in spontaneous use of the more affected arm at home (2.2 vs 0.1, P < .0001, d = 3.8) and in a laboratory motor function test. Depending on the measure, benefits were maintained (range, no loss to 68% retention over 6 months). When controls crossed over to the therapy, they exhibited improvements as great as or greater than those receiving therapy first. Thus, Constraint-Induced Movement therapy appears to be efficacious for young children with hemiparesis consequent to congenital stroke.
A Concept Analysis of Person-Centered Care
Authors: Morgan Stephanie , Yoder Linda H.
Published: July 2011

The term person-centered care (PCC) has been frequently used in the literature, but there is no consensus about its meaning. This article uses Walker and Avants’s method of concept analysis as a framework to analyze PCC. A literature search was completed and data were collected using several search engines (CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Review). The key words used were “individualized-care,” “person-centered care,” “patient-centered care,” “client-centered care,” and “resident-centered care.” Attributes, antecedents, and consequences of PCC were identified. Empirical referents were provided to measure PCC from the perspective of the person receiving care and finally, a model case provides an exemplar of the concept.
Reconstructing Holocene climate from tree rings: The potential for a long chronology from the Scottish Highlands
Authors: Wilson R. , Loader N.J. , Rydval M. , Patton H. , Frith A. , Mills C.M. , Crone A. , Edwards C. , Larsson L. , Gunnarson B.E.
Published: July 2011

Despite promising research in the 1980s showing the potential of Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) for the reconstruction of past summer temperatures in the Scottish Highlands, little dendroclimatic work has been attempted in this region since. This reflects, in part, the limited number of sparsely distributed remnant natural/semi-natural pine woodlands in the Scottish Highlands and the lack of old growth forest therein. On average, most of the pine trees dated in this region are around 225 years in age. Here, we present the first results of an ongoing interdisciplinary initiative to develop a long Scottish chronology through the acquisition of modern, historical and subfossil pine material from the native pinewoods, historic structures and lakes of the Scottish Highlands. Radiocarbon dating of 25 subfossil pine timbers recovered from lake sediments identified the presence of preserved material covering the last 8000 years with initial clusters focused on the last two millennia and early–mid Holocene. Although developing a well-replicated 8000 year pine chronology will take many years, this preliminary study indicates that a millennial length pine chronology from the northwest Cairngorm region is a feasible and realistic objective in the near future. The importance of such a record in this climatically important sector of northwest Europe cannot be underestimated.
An Interview with Ada María Isasi-Díaz
Authors: Isherwood Lisa
Published: July 2011

In this exclusive Interview Ada María Isasi-Díaz responds to questions about her work in theology, and the social and political challenges for Mujerista Theology in the first half of the twenty-first century. She discusses some of the biggest shifts in theology since she first engaged with it, and the challenges of growing ‘a Hispanic garden in a foreign land.’ A focus of the interview is Mujerista Theology and how it has developed over the last 20 years and is adapting for the future.
Response 1 to Rosemary Radford Ruether: ‘Should Women Want WomenPriests or Women-Church?’
Authors: Via Jane
Published: July 2011

This response to Rosemary Ruether’s ‘Should Women Want Women Priests or Women-Church,’ an article published in this issue of Feminist Theology, is written by a Roman Catholic Womanpriest and pastor of a non-canonical Catholic parish. Jane Via finds more support in the New Testament for women in leadership roles than does Rosemary Radford Ruether. Via argues the impact of Aristotelian philosophy on Christian thought and the precedent it creates to use contemporary philosophy to interpret Christianity begs popularization. Ruether’s historical summary of women’s roles in Protestant churches enlarges feminist awareness. Via addresses the positive contributions of Women-Church and RCWP and the limitations of each. She concurs with Ruether: women need both.
The Criminalization of Immigrants as a Racial Project
Authors: Provine Doris Marie , Doty Roxanne Lynn
Published: July 2011

Contemporary policy responses to unauthorized immigration, we argue, reinforce racialized anxieties by (a) focusing attention on physically distinctive and economically marginalized minorities who are defined as the nation’s immigration“threat,” (b) creating new spaces of enforcement within which racial anxieties flourish and become institutionalized; and thereby (c) racializing immigrant bodies. We examine three federal enforcement policies: (a) the physical border buildup that began in the 1990s, (b) partnerships with local police, and (c) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiatives to enhance interior enforcement. The result has been the construction of a landscape of institutionalized racial violence embedded in our current immigration regime.
Pupil participation in Scottish schools: How far have we come?
Authors: Hulme Moira , McKinney Stephen , Hall Stuart , Cross Beth
Published: July 2011

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1989), which applies to all children under the age of 18, established the overarching principles guiding pupil participation. In most European states, signatories to the Convention have enacted policies to promote the voice of the child or young person in decisions that affect them. In education systems strategies to enhance pupil participation are an increasing feature of deliberation on education for citizenship, curriculum flexibility, pedagogical approaches and assessment for learning. Despite the positive policy context and professional commitment to principles of inclusion, translating policy intentions so that the spirit of the legislation is played out in the day-to-day experiences of pupils is a constant challenge. This article reports on research that examines how pupil participation is understood and enacted in Scottish schools. It considers how the over-laying of diverse policies presents mixed messages to practitioners.
Designing and evaluating the process of school self-evaluations
Authors: Vanhoof Jan , Van Petegem Peter
Published: July 2011

In exchange for the autonomy they have been granted, schools are required to evaluate the quality of the education they provide. Self-evaluation initiatives are a frequently chosen method. The present article reveals the underlying processes which have an impact on the results of such self-evaluations. It is based on research which demonstrates that self-evaluation processes that strongly comply with certain policy-related principles have a greater chance of success than processes in which this is not the case or only to a lesser degree. These principles are presented here in such a way that they can serve as a series of guidelines for the design and evaluation of self-evaluation processes.
Danish education registers
Authors: Jensen Vibeke M. , Rasmussen Astrid W.
Published: July 2011

Introduction: Collection of systematic information on education is a long-established practice in Denmark. Content: We describe the education registers available through Statistics Denmark. In particular, we describe the most widely used register: the Population Education Register (PER). Validity and coverage: In 2008, 96% of the Danish population aged 15—69 have non-missing education information in PER. For the immigrant population born in the same cohorts the coverage is 85—90%, which is a high coverage in an international context. Conclusion: The validity and coverage of the Danish education registers are very high.
Studies based on the Danish Adoption Register: Schizophrenia, BMI, smoking, and mortality in perspective
Authors: Petersen Liselotte , Sørensen Thorkild I.A.
Published: July 2011

Introduction: The genetic and familial environmental influences making up familial correlations in traits and familial aggregation of diseases may be disentangled by adoption studies. Thus, resemblance between the adoptee and the biological relatives indicates a contribution of the segregating gene they have in common, and resemblance between the adoptee and the rearing adoptive family members indicates influences of the shared family environment. The Danish Adoption Register includes information on all 14,425 non-familial adoptions of Danish children legally granted in Denmark from 1924 to 1947. Research topics: To illustrate the adoption study approach in research, we present results achieved in schizophrenia, body fatness, smoking, and mortality. Significantly higher prevalence of schizophrenia and related conditions were found in biological relatives to adoptees with schizophrenia than among biological relatives to adoptees without schizophrenia. Clear trends in body mass index of biological relatives and the weight of adoptees were found in several settings. A genetic influence on smoking habits were found within a generation. A moderate genetic influence on the mortality rate has been found. Conclusion: The Danish Adoption Register has contributed to the knowledge about environmental and genetic influence in various fields. Genetic influence on the risk of schizophrenia, body fatness, smoking habits, and on the mortality rate has been found.
The Danish National Birth Cohort: Selected scientific contributions within perinatal epidemiology and future perspectives
Authors: Nybo Andersen Anne-Marie , Olsen Jørn
Published: July 2011

Introduction: In this review a selection of studies published during the period 2002-2010, based on data from the Danish National Birth Cohort linked with other health registers, is described. Illustrative examples of studies addressing perinatal health outcomes (pregnancy complications and fetal and infant health) of a variety of exposures during pregnancy, as well as examples showing different methodological approaches in design and analyses of the studies, are presented. Research topics: The exposures of interest include alcohol drinking, coffee intake, smoking, use of nicotine substitutes, physical exercise, working conditions, medication and infections during pregnancy, and environmental possible toxins. The study designs cover straightforward cohort analyses, case-control studies and sub-cohort analyses with enriched data collection. Conclusion: So far, the Danish National Birth Cohort has provided important knowledge for evidence-based antenatal care by giving more accurate risk estimates for adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with the exposures of interest. Some new potential hazardous exposures during pregnancy have been identified and others have been put to rest. We believe that this investment in epidemiologic infrastructure was well spent. The existence of the Danish National Birth Cohort together with other cohorts and national registers has given Denmark a leading position in reproductive epidemiology.
Explaining imprisonment in Europe
Authors: Lappi-Seppälä Tapio
Published: July 2011

This paper presents the findings of a comparative study that explores the linkages between the use of imprisonment in 30 countries and a range of potentially explanatory factors for variations in this measure of punitivity, including: crime levels; social indicators, such as those measuring investment in welfare programmes and income inequality; trust in other people and trust in political institutions; public fear of crime and public punitivity; and variations in political structure and forms of democracy. The main conclusions are that moderate penal policies have their roots in a consensual and corporatist political culture, in high levels of social trust and political legitimacy, and in a strong welfare state; and that more punitive policies that make more use of imprisonment are to be found in countries where these characteristics are less in evidence.
In criminal justice we trust? A decade of public opinion research in Belgium
Authors: Parmentier Stephan , Vervaeke Geert
Published: July 2011

Like other modern-day democracies, Belgium has in the last quarter century introduced many changes in its system for justice administration, by undertaking judicial reforms and commissioning empirical research on public confidence. Following long years of fierce criticism of the police and the criminal justice system since the late 1980s, the turn of the century witnessed three quantitative surveys (the Justice Barometers) in 2002, 2007 and 2010. These were complemented by several qualitative studies in specific districts or with specific groups. Although many variables appear to exert some influence on public confidence, the one that emerges time and again is the degree of contact with the justice system and the ensuing negative perceptions that result from it. This contribution describes the most salient findings of this decade of public opinion research on the criminal justice system in Belgium and reflects on the implications for judicial policy-making.
Induction of Apoptosis of Tumor Cells by Some Potentiated Homeopathic Drugs
Authors: Preethi Korengath , Ellanghiyil Sunila , Kuttan Girija , Kuttan Ramadasan
Published: July 2011

Background. Homoeopathic medicines treat diseases, including cancer, using ultradiluted preparations. Earlier studies indicated that homoeopathic medicines are cytotoxic to tumor cells and reduced animal tumors. However, the mechanism of homoeopathic medicines at the cellular level is not known. Methods. The following drugs were used in the study: Ruta 200C, Carcinosinum 200C, Hydrastis 200C, Thuja 200C, and Thuja 1M. These drugs were tested for their ability to induce apoptosis as seen by morphology, DNA laddering, expression of genes related to apoptosis, and TUNEL assay. Similarly, the effect of homoeopathic medicines on apoptosis was measured by microarray analysis. Activity of Ruta 200C was compared with that of the mother tincture. Results. Ruta 200C produced morphological changes in the Dalton’s lymphoma ascites tumor cells and induced DNA laddering. Carcinosinum 200C increased apoptotic gene p53 and Ruta 200C decreased antiapoptotic gene Bcl2. Administration of potentiated homoeopathic drugs to tumor-bearing mice induced TUNEL-positive cells in the tumor, showing increased apoptosis of tumor cells. Microarray analysis of cells treated with homoeopathic drugs indicated that many enzymes related to apoptosis were increased by homoeopathic drugs. Conclusion. These data indicate that apoptosis is one of the mechanisms of tumor reduction of homeopathic drugs. A comparison of potentiated drugs with their mother tincture indicated that the potentiated drugs have biological activity similar to that of their mother tincture in spite of ultradilution.