bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the wear behaviour of TiB2 particle reinforced aluminium composites produced by mechanical alloying
Authors: Ozyurek Dursun , Ciftci Ibrahim
Published: June 2011

In this study, wear behaviour of TiB2 particle reinforced aluminium (Al) composites produced by the mechanical alloying method was investigated. TiB2 ceramic particles of four different volume fractions were mechanically alloyed with Al and A356 alloy matrix materials. The mechanically alloyed particles were cold presses and then sintered at 550°C. After the sintering process, the composites were characterised through hardness measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Wear tests were also carried out on a pin-on-disc type wear apparatus under 10, 25 and 50 N loads. Wear loss of the composites were found to decrease with increasing hardness which increased with increasing TiB2 particle volume fraction. However, increasing the applied load and sliding distance increased the wear loss. Wear surface examinations showed that various wear mechanisms were effective in wear of the composites.
Large displacement static analysis of a cantilever Timoshenko beam composed of functionally graded material
Authors: Kocatürk Turgut , Şimşek Mesut , Akbaş Şeref Doğuşcan
Published: June 2011

In this study, non-linear static analysis of a cantilever Timoshenko beam composed of functionally graded material (FGM) under a non-follower transversal uniformly distributed load is studied with large displacements and large rotations. Material properties of the beam change in the thickness direction according to a power-law function. In this study, the finite element of the beam is constructed by using the total Lagrangian Timoshenko beam element approximation. The non-linear problem is solved by using the incremental displacement-based finite element method in conjunction with the Newton-Raphson iteration method. To use the solution procedures of the Newton-Raphson method, there is a need to linearize equilibrium equations, which can be achieved through the linearization of the principle of virtual work. In this study, the effects of large deflections, large rotations and various material distributions on displacements and normal stress and shear stress distributions through the thickness of the beam are investigated in detail. The convergence study is performed for various numbers of finite elements. In addition, some of the particular results of the present study which are obtained for the homogeneous material case are compared with the results of the SAP2000 packet program. Numerical results show that geometrical non-linearity and material distribution play very important roles in the static responses of FGM beams.
Thermal stresses in rings of thermoplastic composites made by automated fiber placement process
Authors: Zhao Qi , Hoa Suong V. , Gao Zhan Jun
Published: June 2011

The automated fiber placement (AFP) of thermoplastic composites has a complex thermal history, which seriously leads to residual stresses in the products. An ANSYS simulation model is proposed to predict thermal history and induced thermal stresses in thermoplastic composite rings. It attempts to simulate closely the AFP process by adding materials incrementally. The processing speed was modeled by incrementally moving the hot air heater along the outer surface of the composite cylinder. The analysis is time-dependent, including two steps of transient heat transfer and induced thermal stress analyses. The heat transfer characteristics and the accumulated thermal effect during processing are investigated. Thermally induced stresses are examined.
Application of fiber optic sensors for elevated temperature testing of polymer matrix composite materials
Authors: Montesano John , Selezneva Marina , Poon Cheung , Fawaz Zouheir , Behdinan Kamran
Published: June 2011

Advanced polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials have been more frequently employed for aerospace applications due to their light weight and high strength. Fiber-reinforced PMC materials are also being considered as potential candidates for elevated temperature applications such as supersonic vehicle airframes and propulsion system components. A new generation of high glass-transition temperature polymers has enabled this development to materialize. Clearly, there is a requirement to better understand the mechanical behaviour of this class of composite materials. In this study, polyimide-coated fiber optic sensors are employed to continuously monitor strain in a woven carbon fiber bismaleimide (BMI) matrix laminate subjected to tensile static and fatigue loading at elevated temperatures. A unique experimental test protocol is utilized to investigate the capability of the optical sensors to monitor strain and track stiffness degradation of the composite material. An advanced interrogation system and an optical spectrum analyzer are utilized to track the variation in the optical fiber wavelength and the wavelength spectrum for correlation with strain gage measurements. Isothermal tensile static and fatigue tests at room temperature, 105°C, 160°C and 205°C suggest that these optical sensors are capable of continuously monitoring strain and tracking the stiffness loss of a highly compliant PMC specimen during cyclic loading. The results illustrate that employing optical sensors for elevated temperature applications has significant advantages when compared to conventional strain gages.
Anomalous elastic and piezoelastic properties of monoclinic bis(hexylammonium) zirconium bis (nitrilotriacetate) dihydrate, (C6H13NH3)2Zr(N(CH2COO)3)2 · 2 H2O
Authors: Haussühl Eiken , Haussühl Siegfried
Published: June 2011

Large single crystals with optical quality of bis(hexylammonium) zirconium bis (nitrilotriacetate) dihydrate with dimensions up to about 15 cm3 were grown from aqueous solutions. The complete elastic stiffness tensor was determined at 293 K. The propagation velocities of ultrasonic modes which are strongly related to the elastic constants c
11, c
22, c
33, and c
66, displayed anomalous behaviour between 260 K and 300 K. We observed distinct anomalies in the temperature dependent evolution of the elastic coefficient c
22 as indicated by a drastic change of the thermoelastic constant T
22 between about 275 K and 295 K. No discontinuity of any ultrasonic wave velocity and no anomalous attenuation effects have been measured in the temperature range between 120 K and 330 K by plane wave techniques. Additionally, strong anomalies occur in the thermal expansion between 310 K and 270 K which is also recognized by differential scanning calorimetry. The complete piezoelastic tensor was measured between 1 and 1600 bar under hydrostatic conditions.
Learning from failures
Authors: Saini Angela
Published: June 2011

Today’s complex energy systems are bound to fail under extreme or unexpected conditions. Preparing for these rare events and containing the damage is an essential part of managing such occurrences.
Characterization of Hydrophobic Forces for in Liquid Self-Assembly of Micron-Sized Functional Building Blocks
Authors: Gullo M. R. , Jacot-Descombes L. , Aeschimann L. , Brugger J.
Published: June 2011

This paper presents the experimental and numerical study of hydrophobic interaction forces at nanometer scale in the scope of engineering micron-sized building blocks for self-assembly in liquid. The hydrophobic force distance relation of carbon, Teflon and dodeca-thiols immersed in degassed and deionized water has been measured by atomic force microscopy. Carbon and dodeca-thiols showed comparable attractive and binding forces in the rage of pN/nm2. Teflon showed the weakest binding and no attractive force. Molecular dynamic simulations were performed to correlate the molecular arrangement of water molecules and the hydrophobic interactions measured by atomic force microscopy. The simulations showed a depletion zone of 2Å followed by a layered region of 8Å in the axis perpendicular to the hydrophobic surface.
Oral Rehabilitation Following Removal of a Rhabdomyosarcoma and Subsequent Microstomia: A Case Report
Authors: Bilhan Hakan , Geckili Onur , Atalay Belir , Arat Selda
Published: June 2011

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor that is most often seen in children younger than 15 years of age. This pathology is found mainly in the head and neck region. Treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma at early stages of life usually affects the dental and osseous development of children. Because of impaired development, microstomia can arise, making dental treatment more difficult. This article presents a patient with microstomia caused by resection of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in the nasolabial region. The patient was treated with 5 dental implants and fixed hybrid prosthesis in the maxilla and 2 implants supporting an overdenture in the mandible.
Part 3: Pharmacogenetic Variability in Phase II Anticancer Drug Metabolism
Authors: Deenen Maarten J. , Cats Annemieke , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H.M.
Published: June 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify genetic variants of glutathione S-transferase and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferase that have been shown to affect clinical outcomes in patients with cancer and describe the general effects of these variants with respect to standard treatment.Describe potential treatment considerations in patients with cancer who have genetic polymorphisms that affect Phase II metabolism of anticancer drugs.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Equivalent drug doses may lead to wide interpatient variability in drug response to anticancer therapy. Known determinants that may affect the pharmacological response to a drug are, among others, nongenetic factors, including age, gender, use of comedication, and liver and renal function. Nonetheless, these covariates do not explain all the observed interpatient variability. Differences in genetic constitution among patients have been identified to be important factors that contribute to differences in drug response. Because genetic polymorphism may affect the expression and activity of proteins encoded, it is a key covariate that is responsible for variability in drug metabolism, drug transport, and pharmacodynamic drug effects.

We present a series of four reviews about pharmacogenetic variability. This third part in the series of reviews is focused on genetic variability in phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes (glutathione S-transferases, uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferases, methyltransferases, sulfotransferases, and N-acetyltransferases) and discusses the effects of genetic polymorphism within the genes encoding these enzymes on anticancer drug therapy outcome. Based on the literature reviewed, opportunities for patient-tailored anticancer therapy are proposed.
Part 4: Pharmacogenetic Variability in Anticancer Pharmacodynamic Drug Effects
Authors: Deenen Maarten J. , Cats Annemieke , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H.M.
Published: June 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Identify genetic polymorphisms within pharmacodynamic candidate genes that are potential predictive markers for treatment outcome with anticancer drugs.Describe treatment selection considerations in patients with cancer who have genetic polymorphisms that could influence pharmacodynamic aspects of anticancer therapy.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Response to treatment with anticancer drugs is subject to wide interindividual variability. This variability is expressed not only as differences in severity and type of toxicity, but also as differences in effectiveness. Variability in the constitution of genes involved in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic pathways of anticancer drugs has been shown to possibly translate into differences in treatment outcome. The overall knowledge in the field of pharmacogenetics has tremendously increased over the last couple of years, and has thereby provided opportunities for patient-tailored anticancer therapy. In previous parts of this series, we described pharmacogenetic variability in anticancer phase I and phase II drug metabolism and drug transport. This fourth part of a four-part series of reviews is focused on pharmacodynamic variability and encompasses genetic variation in drug target genes such as those encoding thymidylate synthase, methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, and ribonucleotide reductase. Furthermore, genetic variability in other pharmacodynamic candidate genes involved in response to anticancer drugs is discussed, including genes involved in DNA repair such as those encoding excision repair crosscomplementing group 1 and group 2, x-ray crosscomplementing group 1 and group 3, and breast cancer genes 1 and 2. Finally, somatic mutations in KRAS and the gene encoding epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and implications for EGFR-targeted drugs are discussed. Potential implications and opportunities for patient and drug selection for genotype-driven anticancer therapy are outlined.
Dendritic Cells and Malignant Plasma Cells: An Alliance in Multiple Myeloma Tumor Progression?
Authors: Tucci Marco , Stucci Stefania , Strippoli Sabino , Dammacco Franco , Silvestris Franco
Published: June 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe defective immunological features that have been identified in dendritic cells in multiple myeloma and explain how immunologic dendritic cell defects could reduce the clinical efficacy of dendritic cell-based vaccines.Outline possible therapeutic strategies based on current knowledge of the bone marrow crosstalk between myeloma cells and immature dendritic cells.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

The crosstalk of myeloma cells with accessory cells drives the expansion of malignant plasma cell clones and the hyperactivation of osteoclastogenesis that occurs in multiple myeloma (MM). These reciprocal interactions promote defective dendritic cell (DC) function in terms of antigen processing, clearance of tumor cells, and efficacy of the immune response. Thus, myeloma cells exert immune suppression that explains, at least in part, the failure of therapeutic approaches, including DC vaccination. Impairment of DCs depends on high bone marrow levels of cytokines and adhesion molecules that affect both maturation and expression of costimulatory molecules by DCs. Moreover, DCs share with osteoclasts (OCs) a common ontogenetic derivation from the monocyte lineage, and thus may undergo OC-like transdifferentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Immature DCs (iDCs) induce clonogenic growth of malignant plasma cells while displaying OC-like features, including the ability to resorb bone tissue once cultured with myeloma cells. This OC-like transdifferentiation of iDCs is dependent on the activation of both the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK)–RANK ligand (RANK-L) and CD47–thrombospondin (TSP)-I axes, although interleukin 17–producing T helper-17 clones within the bone microenvironment may also take part in this function. Therefore, iDCs allied with malignant plasma cells contribute to MM osteoclastogenesis, although other molecules released by tumor cells may independently contribute to the bone-resorbing machinery.
The Physical Dipole Model and Polarizability for Magnetostatic Object Parameter Estimation
Authors: Furey John S. , Butler Dwain K.
Published: June 2011

The physical dipole is the next simplest model of a magnetic object beyond the point dipole model. The theory and analytical properties of the physical dipole are developed and explored, and compare favorably with alternative models, including limiting cases of prolate spheroids and other shapes. The general applicability of explicitly modeling the demagnetization properties of magnetic materials is critically reviewed, and reasons proffered to use the object polarizability instead, especially for the external field properties of most relevance. Neither the physical dipole model nor polarizability is currently used for magnetostatic parameter estimation of magnetic objects such as unexploded ordnance. It is recommended that their utility be further explored with field data.
An evaluation model for measuring customer satisfaction levels in a water supply domain: case study – water supply in Hamedan
Authors: Fattahi Parviz , Kherikhah Amirsaman , Sadeghian Ramin , Zandi Shahla , Fayyaz Saeed
Published: June 2011

Customer satisfaction is an important goal in total quality management. In order to meet this goal, it is necessary to use an evaluation model to measure customer satisfaction. This paper proposes an evaluation model for measuring the customer satisfaction level in a water supply domain. Some important criteria such as water quality, water quantity, responsibility of the company, etc. are distinguished and used in the proposed model. To integrate all of these criteria in a unit index, the analytic hierarchy process technique is used. The proposed model integrates customer opinions in a unit index to measure the customer satisfaction level. To evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model, Hamedan Water Company is studied as a case study. The results show that the proposed model can be used as a useful tool for analyzing customer satisfaction levels in water supply domains for other companies. The proposed model also distinguishes company strengths and weaknesses in the field of customer satisfaction.
Can drip irrigation technology be socially beneficial? Evidence from Southern India
Authors: Suresh Kumar D. , Palanisami K.
Published: June 2011

Drip irrigation has received considerable attention from policy makers because of its significant contribution towards resource saving, enhanced agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. This paper explores the potential benefits of drip irrigation adoption by addressing the social benefits and costs in Southern India. The study shows that adoption of drip irrigation technology has resulted in significant external and private benefits. The social benefit–cost ratio (SBCR) ranged from 4.33 to 5.19 at a 2% discount rate under different scenarios across regions. This confirms that a wide adoption of drip irrigation produces sufficient social benefits to justify the subsidization of drip irrigation. Water management policy should focus attention on the promotion of drip irrigation in regions where water and labour scarcity are critical.
Institutional analysis of irrigation management in Haiti: a case study of three farmer managed schemes
Authors: Boyer Michelet , Speelman Stijn , Van Huylenbroeck Guido
Published: June 2011

In the late 1990s, like many other developing countries, Haiti started a process of devolving responsibilities over irrigation scheme management to water users’ associations. In this paper, a three-step methodology for institutional analysis is applied to investigate the functioning of this new setting in Haiti, using three irrigation schemes managed by farmers as case studies. First, the institutional structures are described using an adapted version of the Institutional Decomposition and Analysis framework. Secondly, the efficiency of the institutional structures is assessed against a set of criteria for sustainable management. The combination of these two steps allows the identification of strengths and weaknesses, and leads to the third and final step of formulation of practical recommendations. Results indicate that authorities in Haiti had a clear vision of the reform process which was translated in sound objectives, a comprehensive reform methodology and efforts to revise the legal framework. However, the outcome of the reform process has been negatively affected by a perceived organizational deficiency, and by the absence of a functioning water pricing system and of clearly defined and enforceable water rights. Finally, similar to the situation in many other countries, the major constraint faced by the established water users’ associations appears to be financial self-sufficiency.
Massive freshwater gains from producing food at sea
Authors: Radulovich Ricardo
Published: June 2011

Water scarcity may be the most limiting factor to increasing world food production. Irrigation water is already overdrawn beyond sustainable levels and to increase reliance on rainfed agriculture is risky, even more so with climate change. However, to promote deliberate food production at sea, both fished and farmed, and both plant and animal, requires no freshwater or land. The thousands of liters of freshwater needed to produce each kilogram of food on land are saved by producing at sea. Yet the ocean currently provides only around 2% of total food by weight. Even small rates of success in increasing food production at sea may represent the equivalent of massive freshwater gains, while the opposite is also true and decreases in marine fishing are costly in freshwater terms. If 10% of all ocean areas were eventually farmed, i.e. through mariculture, including extensive methods such as assisted fisheries and seaweed ranching, total yield could equal that currently produced in agriculture, and it might be more reliable. This would represent the equivalent gain of all the water already used in agriculture and about three times the water used for crop irrigation. Thus, it is essential to include deliberate production of food at sea and the concurrent freshwater gains in any policy discussions and documents on food and water.
Synchronized Symmetrical Bus-Clamping PWM Strategies for Three Level Inverter: Applications to Low Switching Frequencies
Authors: Veeranna Sreenivasappa Bhupasandra , Yaragatti Udaykumar R , Beig Abdul R
Published: June 2011

The digital control of three-level voltage source inverter fed high power high performance ac drives has recently become a popular in industrial applications. In order to control such drives, the pulse width modulation algorithm needs to be implemented in the controller. In this paper, synchronized symmetrical bus-clamping pulse width modulation strategies are presented. These strategies have some practical advantages such as reduced average switching frequency, easy digital implementation, reduced switching losses and improved output voltage quality compared to conventional space vector pulse width modulation strategies. The operation of three level inverter in linear region is extended to overmodulation region. The performance is analyzed in terms THD and fundamental output voltage waveforms and is compared with conventional space vector PWM strategies and found that switching losses can be minimized using bus-clamping strategy compared to conventional space vector strategy. The proposed method is implemented using Motorola Power PC 8240 processor and verified on a constant v/f induction motor drive fed from IGBT based inverter.
Quantitative analysis of the change in neuronal numerical density of the human nucleus dentatus within development
Authors: Gudovic Radmila , Maric Dusica , Krstonosic Bojana , Babovic Sinisa , Ristanovic Dusan , Milosevic Nebojsa
Published: June 2011

Background/Aim. The role of the dentate nucleus is to coordinate input
information coming from the lower olivary complex and various parts of the
brainstem of the spinal marrow with the output information from the
cerebellar cortex. To better understand functions and relations of the
dentate nucleus it is highly important to study its development process. The
aim of this study was to determine a possible mathematical model of decrease
in neuronal numerical density of the human nucleus dentatus at different
stages of development. Methods. This study included 25 fetal brains of
different age (12.5-31 weeks of gestational age and one brain of a 6-day-old
newborn). The brains were fixed in 10% formalin-alcohol solution and embedded
in paraffin. Sections were cut at a thickness of 6, 15, and 30 ?m and stained
with cresyl violet. Each fifth section was analyzed using a light microscope,
and numerical density of dentate nucleus neurons was established using the
M42 Weibel's grid system. Results. The obtained results revealed a constant
decrease in numerical density value. The changes of numerical densities at
different stages of development correspond with Boltzmann function
principles. The first, almost perpendicular part of Boltzmann function
corresponds with the development of the dorsomedial lamina and the appearance
of ventrolateral lamina primordium. The second, more or less horizontal part
of Boltzmann function corresponds with the development of both laminae.
Conclusion. The obtained results indicate that Boltzmann function can be
considered a mathematical model of change in neuronal numerical density of
dentate nucleus at different stage of development.
Effects of use of riboflavin and ultraviolet light for pathogen inactivation on quality of platelet concentrates
Authors: Stanojkovic Zoran , Antic Ana , Stojanovic Miodrag
Published: June 2011

Background/Aim. Pathogen inactivation in blood and blood products is one of
the major means to achieve a zero risk blood supply and improve transfusion
safety. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) activated by ultraviolet (UV) light, produces
active oxygen which damages cell membrane and prevents replication of the
carrier of diseases (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) in all blood products. The
aim of this study was to establish the influence of the process of pathogens
photoinactivation using riboflavin and UV rays on the biochemical and
functional characteristics of platelet concentrates prepared from ?buffy
coat?. Methods. The examination included 80 platelet concentrates prepared
from ?buffy coat?, which was separated from whole blood donated by voluntary
blood donors around 6 hours from the moment of collection. Concentrates were
pooled, filtered and separated unton two groups: one consisted of 10 control
units and the other of 10 examined units (pooled platelet concentrates).
Examined units of the platelets were treated by riboflavin (35 mL) and UV
rays (6.24 J/mL, 265-370 nm) on Mirasol aparature (Caridian BCT
Biotechnologies, USA) in approximate duration of 6 min. A total of 35 mL of
saline solution was added to the control units. The samples for examining
were taken from the control and examined units initially (K0, I0), after the
addition of saline (K1) and riboflavin (I1), after illumination (I2), first
day of storage (K3, I3) and the fifth day of storage (K4, I4). The following
parameters were measured: platelet count and platelet yield, residual
erythrocyte and leukocyte count, pH, pO2, pCO2 and bacterial contamination.
Results. All the measured parameters showed a statistically significant
decrease comparing to K0 and I0; all the results of the first day of platelet
storage showed statistically significant decrease comparing to K1 and I1, and
all the results of the fifth day of platelet storage (K4, I4) showed a
statistically significant decrease comparing to K1 and K3 and to I1 and I3.
There was no the mentioned difference in the measured parameters between K4
and I4 (the end of storage - the fifth day). All the platelet units were
sterile till the seventh day, when the investigation ended. Conclusion.
Platelet concentrates inactivated by riboflavin and UV rays (Mirasol PRT
sistem, Caridian BCT, USA) keep all the characteristics assessed by the Guide
to the preparation, use and quality assurance of blood components (Council of
Europe), during the whole storage period (five days). The obtained data were
correlated with existing up to date literature and demonstrated that Mirasol
treated platelets were safe and could be incorporated effectively in the
routine blood bank and transfusion setting.
Therapeutic hypothermia and neurological outcome after cardiac arrest
Authors: Petrovic Milovan , Panic Gordana , Jovelic Aleksandra , Canji Tibor , Srdanovic Ilija , Popov Tanja , Golubovic Miodrag
Published: June 2011

Introduction/Aim. The most important clinically relevant cause of global
cerebral ischemia is cardiac arrest. Clinical studies showed a marked
neuroprotective effect of mild hypothermia in resuscitation. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the impact of mild hypothermia on neurological outcome
and survival of the patients in coma, after cardiac arrest and return of
spontaneous circulation. Methods. The prospective study was conducted on
consecutive comatose patients admitted to our clinic after cardiac arrest and
return of spontaneous circulation, between February 2005 and May 2009. The
patients were divided into two groups: the patients treated with mild
hypothermia and the patients treated conservatively. The intravascular in
combination with external method of cooling or only external cooling was used
during the first 24 hours, after which spontaneous rewarming started. The
endpoints were survival rate and neurological outcome. The neurological
outcome was observed with Cerebral Performance Category Scale (CPC).
Follow-up was 30 days. Results. The study was conducted on 82 patients: 45
patients (age 57.93 ? 14.08 years, 77.8% male) were treated with hypothermia,
and 37 patients (age 62.00 ? 9.60 years, 67.6% male) were treated
conservatively. In the group treated with therapeutic hypothermia protocol,
21 (46.7%) patients had full neurological restitution (CPC 1), 3 (6.7%)
patients had good neurologic outcome (CPC 2), 1 (2.2%) patient remained in
coma and 20 (44.4%) patients finally died (CPC 5). In the normothermic group
7 (18.9%) patients had full neurological restitution (CPC 1), and 30 (81.1%)
patients remained in coma and finally died (CPC 5). Between the two
therapeutic groups there was statistically significant difference in
frequencies of different neurologic outcome (p = 0.006), specially between
the patients with CPC 1 and CPC 5 outcome (p = 0.003). In the group treated
with mild hypothermia 23 (51.1%) patients survived, and in the normothermic
group 30 (81.1%) patients died, while in the group of survived patients 23
(76.7%) were treated with mild hypothermia (p = 0.003). Conclusion. Mild
therapeutic hypothermia applied after cardiac arrest improved neurological
outcome and reduced mortality in the studied group of comatose survivors.
Prognostic value of apoptotic activity in muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Ristic Ana , Jankovic-Velickovic Ljubinka , Stokanovic Dragana
Published: June 2011

nema
Focal neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic gland carcinoma with basaloid pattern
Authors: Gligorijevic Jasmina , Velickovic Ljubinka , Jancic Snezana , Radovanovic Zoran , Krstic Miljan , Katic Vuka
Published: June 2011

Introduction. Prostatic gland basal cell proliferations exhibit morphological
continuum ranging from basal cell hyperplasia to basal cell carcinoma. In the
following report, we described clinical features, morphological spectrum,
neuroendocrine differentiation and histogenesis of prostatic gland basal cell
carcinoma in our patient. Case report. Hematoxylineosin (HE), Alcian
blu-periodic acid schiff (ABPAS) at pH 2.5 stained sections and the
avidin-biotinperoxidase complex (ABC), were performed on prostate gland
paraffin-embedded tissue. Monoclonal antibodies directed against cytokeratin
(34?E12) which selectively stains basal cells, prostate specific antigen
(PSA), chromogranine A, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), synaptophysin and
CD56, were used. Basal cell proliferations exhibited a morphological
continuum ranging from basal cell hyperplasia to prostatic gland carcinoma.
In these prostatic lesions, positive reactivity was demonstrated for 34?E12
and CD56. These findings indicate that the basaloid cells of basal cell
hyperplasia, florid basal cell hyperplasia, atypical basal cell hyperplasia
and basal cell carcinoma are derived from basal cells of the normal prostate
gland suggesting a continuum in the progression of hyperplasia to benign and
then malignant neoplasia. The presence of CD56 protein in the discovered
lesions may be related to their neuroendocrine differentiation. Conclusion.
The fact, that our patient was well six years after the radical prostatectomy
supports the belief of some authors that basal cell carcinoma represents a
low grade carcinoma with an excellent prognosis.
Dilemmas in diagnostics and therapy of rolandic epilepsy
Authors: Skrijelj Fadil , Sokic Dragoslav
Published: June 2011

Introduction. It is considered that around 20%-30% of patients of all ages
and in all continents have wrong epilepsy diagnoses. Diagnostic and
consequential therapeutic errors appear, most often, when an adequate
diagnostics is not applied. Benign focal epilepsy of childhoods with
centrotemporal spikes-rolandic epilepsy, brings very often to diagnostic and
therapeutic problems because of persistence of epilepticforms changes in an
electroencephalography (EEG) recording, several years after establishment of
good control over seizures. Case report. We presented 8.5 years-old girl,
with the first and the only epileptic seizure at the age of 5, during her
sleep. With a clear correlation of EEG record, benign rolandic epilepsy was
diagnosed, so the therapy with valproate was introduced. There were no
seizures after three years of its implementation. Because of epileptic-forms
changes that still persisted in EEG record during her sleep, it was suggested
to further use valproate. However, after reconsidering all circumstances it
was concluded that the AED should bee slowly reduced up to its exclusion.
After a complete stoppage of the therapy, the patient did not have any
epileptic seizure for nine months, although EEG still remained pathologically
changed during her sleep. Conclusion. A changed EEG record in a patient with
rolandic epilepsy must not be a predictor of continuation of antiepileptic
drugs therapy, after 2-3 years of successful seizures remission.
Latino/a Immigrant Children's Drawings and Writings
Authors: Soto Lourdes Diaz , Garza Irene
Published: June 2011

This article shares children's drawings and writings reflecting immigration border-crossing experiences in south Texas, USA. The authors present the children's drawings as well as their narratives, relying on the work of Robert Coles and the authors' own intuitive Latina/Xicana lenses. The authors' intent is to pursue the possibility of future inquiry with ameliorative intentions for increasing numbers of young immigrant children.
A Document Analysis of the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Developmentally Appropriate Practice Position Statement: What Does it Tell Us about Supporting Children with Disabilities?
Authors: Gregg Katy
Published: June 2011

With the increasing frequency of young children with disabilities being included in early childhood classrooms, there is a critical need for early childhood educators and professionals to take an analytical look at the standards guiding early childhood education. By completing a qualitative document analysis of the developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the author explored what the statement articulates regarding children with disabilities included in early childhood classrooms. This discussion explicates what teachers may take away from DAP regarding disabilities and the gaps it leaves for individual interpretation in classrooms. Findings indicate that while DAP and inclusive practices have much in common, the position statement lacks the specificity necessary to assist general early childhood teachers in implementing individualized approaches.
The Body Politic: Childhood Obesity as a Symbol of an Unbalanced Economy
Authors: Kroner Crystal
Published: June 2011

As society's novices, children are becoming more susceptible to advertisers who target them as a profitable demographic. This creates an alarming trend of obesity and exacts a considerable financial, physical and ethical toll on the community. To view obesity as concurrent with malnourishment seems counter-intuitive, this study uses Butler's description of the body as the enactment of hegemony, in order to reveal a tension between our cultural and economic ideologies manifesting in children's bodies. To come closer to this, the social context of food is examined; its production and distribution in light of today's overabundance of mass-marketed low-quality foods, to show how this state of unbalance affects children's bodies. Next, literature from the health-related fields regarding the negative impact of advertising directed at children is examined, to support the argument for educational policies tailored to the current political context. As the ideology of consumerism becomes increasingly connected to children's bodies, intervention strategies must begin teaching them how to navigate this complex political landscape in order to inculcate a more balanced and alternative perspective on accountability and consumption.
Privileged Advocates: Disability and Education Policy in the USA
Authors: Ong-Dean Colin , Daly Alan J. , Park Vicki
Published: June 2011

Since the establishment of educational rights for children with disabilities in the 1970s, special education in the US has included a growing share of students and has constituted an ever-growing share of education budgets. Previous research has focused on the disproportionate assignment to special education of low-income and minority students, concluding that special education mainly reproduces social disadvantages. This article argues that privileged parents – by virtue of their ability to navigate complex legal and scientific practices and discourses that are seen as guarantees of fairness and neutrality in special education – are able to secure advantageous resources for their children through special education. Through analysis of the distribution and content of ‘due process' hearing requests in the California special education system, this article shows how advocacy in this part of the system depends on parents' cultural and economic capital. Specifically, reimbursement claims in due process hearings show how having economic capital can be used to leverage public education resources, while parents' testimony in hearings shows the importance of having cultural capital. In concluding, the emphasis on parental involvement in both regular and special education is discussed and alternatives to the individualized system of rights in special education are considered.
Sexuality Education Policy and the Educative Potentials of Risk and Rights
Authors: Mayo Cris
Published: June 2011

This article argues that institutions need to take more risks to improve sexuality education. Understanding how risk structures sexuality may help make sexuality education more attuned to the needs of diverse students. Situating sexuality in the context of human rights can help to demonstrate the kinds of social and institutional risks that are created by limiting sexuality education. In addition to contributing to high rates of HIV and unwanted pregnancy, insufficient sexuality education augments conditions for expressions of gender-based violence that harm young people in general but also more specifically impede young women's educational attainment. By limiting information and deliberation on desire, risk and culturally based gender inequities, sexuality education in its current state continues to limit health and life options for all people.
More Than Bodies: Protecting the Health and Safety of LGBTQ Youth
Authors: Linville Darla
Published: June 2011

This article presents data from a six-month participatory action research project. Researchers included one doctoral student and eight high-school students in New York City, all of whom identified as non-heterosexual and/or gender non-conforming. The research analyzed language and behavior in school, as well as state anti-bullying and sex education policies, and found their application to be mixed, with high-school students not receiving even HIV/AIDS lessons in some cases, even though they are mandated by the state. Young people speaking in the research presented in this article ask for a consideration of safety that includes their need for accurate and comprehensive information about sex, sexuality and gender – not just for themselves but also for their peers, teachers and school authorities. They request that consideration of the health and safety of LGBTQ youth needs to include more than just anti-bullying protections and HIV/AIDS materials, and that biological arguments about sexuality and gender roles should be called into question by curricular materials in favor of a fuller history of sexual and gendered identities. These changes, they suggest, may improve their level of belonging in their schools – a key factor in their physical and mental health and safety during adolescence.
Expanding School Improvement Policy to Better Address Barriers to Learning and Integrate Public Health Concerns
Authors: Adelman Howard S. , Taylor Linda
Published: June 2011

This article stresses that current school improvement policy in the USA marginalizes development of the type of system of student support necessary for enabling student success and well-being at school. Then we discuss how education policy can be expanded and operationalized to correct this deficiency. Finally, we explore the implications of the expanded policy for connecting overlapping public education and public health concerns.
The RANKL/RANK/OPG Signaling Pathway Mediates Medial Arterial Calcification in Diabetic Charcot Neuroarthropathy
Authors: Ndip Agbor , Williams Alfred , Jude Edward B. , Serracino-Inglott Ferdinand , Richardson Steve , Smyth J.V. , Boulton Andrew J.M. , Alexander M. Yvonne
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE

The receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) signaling pathway (RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling) is implicated in the osteolysis associated with diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN); however, the links with medial arterial calcification (MAC) seen in people with CN are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of RANKL/OPG in MAC in patients with CN.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Bio-plex multiarray technology were used to quantify a range of cytokines, including RANKL and OPG in sera from 10 patients with diabetes, 12 patients with CN, and 5 healthy volunteers. Human tibial artery segments were immunohistochemically stained with Alizarin red and human RANKL antibody. Human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were also explanted from arterial segments for in vitro studies.

RESULTS

We demonstrate colocalization and upregulation of RANKL expression in areas displaying MAC. Systemic levels of RANKL, OPG, and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-8, granulocyte colony–stimulating factor) were elevated in those with CN compared with diabetic patients and healthy control subjects. Human VSMCs cultured in CN serum showed accelerated osteoblastic differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity) and mineralization (alizarin red staining) compared with cells treated with diabetic or control serum (P < 0.05). Coincubation with OPG, the decoy receptor for RANKL, attenuated osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs and was independent of a high calcium-phosphate milieu. The accelerated mineralization induced by RANKL and CN serum correlated with nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB, a process abrogated by OPG.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide direct evidence that RANKL/RANK/OPG signaling is modulated in patients with CN and plays a role in vascular calcification. This study highlights this pathway as a potential target for intervention.
Progressive Erosion of β-Cell Function Precedes the Onset of Hyperglycemia in the NOD Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Ize-Ludlow Diego , Lightfoot Yaima L. , Parker Matthew , Xue Song , Wasserfall Clive , Haller Michael J. , Schatz Desmond , Becker Dorothy J. , Atkinson Mark A. , Mathews Clayton E.
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE

A progressive decline in insulin responses to glucose was noted in individuals before the onset of type 1 diabetes. We determined whether such abnormalities occurred in prediabetic NOD mice—the prototypic model for human type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Morning blood glucose was measured every other day in a cohort of NOD females. Glucose tolerance and insulin secretion were measured longitudinally by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests in NOD/ShiLtJ and BALB/cJ mice 6 to 14 weeks of age. Arginine-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were assessed during intraperitoneal arginine or intraperitoneal insulin tolerance tests.

RESULTS

During prediabetes, NOD females displayed a progressive increase in glucose levels followed by an acute onset of hyperglycemia. First-phase insulin responses (FPIRs) during the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) declined before loss of glucose tolerance in NOD. The failure of FPIR could be detected, with a decline in peak insulin secretion during IPGTT. Arginine-stimulated insulin secretion remained unchanged during the study period. The decline in insulin secretion in NOD mice could not be explained by changes in insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an impressive decline in FPIR before changes in glucose tolerance, suggesting that impairment of FPIR is an early in vivo marker of progressive β-cell failure in NOD mice and human type 1 diabetes. We portend that these phenotypes in NOD mice follow a similar pattern to those seen in humans with type 1 diabetes and validate, in a novel way, the importance of this animal model for studies of this disease.
Active Power Measurements - An Overview and a Comparison of DSP Algorithms by Noncoherent Sampling
Authors: Sedlacek Milos , Stoudek Zdenek
Published: June 2011

Active Power Measurements - An Overview and a Comparison of DSP Algorithms by Noncoherent Sampling

This paper presents an overview of algorithms for one-phase active power estimation using digital signal processing in the time domain and in the frequency domain, and compares the properties of these algorithms for a sinusoidal test signal. The comparison involves not only algorithms that have already been published, but also a new algorithm. Additional information concerning some known algorithms is also included. We present the results of computer simulations in MATLAB and measurement results gained by means of computer plug-in boards, both multiplexed and using simultaneous signal sampling. The use of new cosine windows with a recently published iterative algorithm is also included, and the influence of additive noise in the test signal is evaluated.
DSPIC-Based Impedance Measuring Instrument
Authors: Santos José , Ramos Pedro
Published: June 2011

DSPIC-Based Impedance Measuring Instrument

An implemented impedance measuring instrument is described in this paper. The device uses a dsPIC (Digital Signal Peripheral Interface Controller) as a processing unit, and a DDS (Direct Digital Synthesizer) to stimulate the measurement circuit composed by the reference impedance and the unknown impedance. The voltages across the impedances are amplified by programmable gain instrumentation amplifiers and then digitized by analog to digital converters. The impedance is measured by applying a seven-parameter sine-fitting algorithm to estimate the sine signal parameters. The dsPIC communicates through RS-232 or USB with a computer, where the measurement results can be analyzed. The device also has an LCD to display the measurement results.
DAC Testing Using Modulated Signals
Authors: Fexa Pavel , Vedral Josef , Svatoš Jakub
Published: June 2011

DAC Testing Using Modulated Signals

This document analyses qualities of methods used for testing dynamical parameters of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC) using a multi-frequency signal. As the source for these signals, Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signals are used. These signals are often used in radio engineering. Results of the tests, like Effective Number of Bits (ENOB), Signal-to-Noise and Distortion (SINAD), are evaluated in the frequency domain and they are compared with standard results of Sine Wave FFT test methods. The aim of this research is firstly to test whether it is possible to test a DAC using modulated signals, secondly to reduce testing time, while estimating band performance of DAC.