bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual mixed silica–carbonate deposits from magmatic–hydrothermal hot springs, Savo, Solomon Islands
Authors: Smith D.J. , Jenkin G.R.T. , Petterson M.G. , Naden J. , Fielder S. , Toba T. , Chenery S.R.N.
Published: October 2011

The volcanic island of Savo, Solomon Islands, hosts an active hydrothermal system discharging unusual alkaline (pH 7–8) sulphate-rich, chloride-poor fluid, with variable admixtures of Ca–Mg–HCO
3
−
-rich fluid. Hot springs and their outflow streams precipitate a variety of deposits, including travertine, silica sinter and unusual mixed silica–carbonate rocks. Travertine fabrics are dominated by ray-crystal calcite, associated with rapid abiotic precipitation from a supersaturated solution. Sinter is produced by evaporation of thermal waters, and downstream samples contain preserved traces of micro-organisms, which potentially acted as templates for precipitation. Trace element chemistry of sinters and travertines includes anomalously high levels of Te, indicating a magmatic origin for a component fluid in the hydrothermal system. Springs are close to or at saturation with both calcite and amorphous silica. Increased contributions from the Ca–Mg–HCO
3
−
end-member favours calcite formation; this fluid is of low-temperature origin, and as such is favoured by high rainfall. Mixed samples show cyclical changes between silica and carbonate precipitation, potentially as a result of seasonal variation in rainfall.

Supplementary material:

A spreadsheet of water and deposit chemical analyses is available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18495
.
Oil charge preserves exceptional porosity in deeply buried, overpressured, sandstones: Central North Sea, UK
Authors: Wilkinson Mark , Haszeldine R. Stuart
Published: October 2011

Exceptionally high-porosity sandstones are reported from oil provinces worldwide, yet the mechanism of porosity preservation remains controversial. We present strong evidence that the exceptional porosities in the Jurassic Fulmar Formation within the North Sea are the result of early oil charging preventing cementation and chemical compaction in sands with relatively low detrital clay contents, although overpressure and grain coatings do have some effect. The most dramatic evidence that reservoir quality is related to early oil charge is the spatial distribution of the porosity: the maximum porosity of the Fulmar Formation is systematically highest immediately below the top seal, and decreases below this despite uniform sedimentology. Hence, porosity is preferentially preserved where oil first accumulated in these unusually homogeneous overpressured reservoir sandstones, at the top. Oil charge prevents or significantly retards chemical compaction and cementation of a reservoir, preserving porosity. There is independent evidence for early oil charging of reservoirs within the Central Graben, from fluid inclusion studies and K–Ar age dates of authigenic illite. Micro-quartz grain coatings, which have been proposed to preserve porosity during burial, are associated with only 5% extra porosity in sands that exceed the worldwide average sandstone porosity by almost 20%.
Zircon U–Pb age for the Orkney lamprophyre dyke swarm, Scotland, and relations to Permo-Carboniferous magmatism in northwestern Europe
Authors: Lundmark A.Mattias , Gabrielsen Roy H. , Flett Brown John
Published: October 2011

Magmatic zircon in the syenite (bostonite) part of a composite NE–SW-trending cogenetic bostonite–camptonite dyke in Orkney, Scotland, yields a laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry age of 313 ± 4 Ma and
ε
Hf
(313 Ma)
values of +6 to +11. This suggests that the NE–SW-, east–west- and NW–SE-trending Scottish lamprophyre dyke swarms were emplaced during one late Carboniferous magmatic event, contrasting with published K–Ar dates ranging between
c
. 325 and 250 Ma. This magmatism is interpreted as a response to late Variscan regional extension or an early response to the Skagerrak mantle plume. Lamprophyre magmatism was initiated some 10 Ma earlier in Scotland than in the Oslo Rift.

Supplementary material:

Thin-section images of the investigated rocks, geochemical data and an REE plot, U–Pb and Hf isotopic data, and a Hf v. time diagram are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18501
.
Hacking cars
Authors: Wright Alex
Published: October 2011

Researchers have discovered important security flaws in modern automobile systems. Will car thieves learn to pick locks with their laptops?
OCaml for the masses
Authors: Minsky Yaron
Published: October 2011

Why the next language you learn should be functional.
The rise and fall of high performance Fortran
Authors: Kennedy Ken , Koelbel Charles , Zima Hans
Published: October 2011

HPF pioneered a high-level approach to parallel programming but failed to win over a broad user community.
Perceptual models of viewpoint preference
Authors: Secord Adrian , Lu Jingwan , Finkelstein Adam , Singh Manish , Nealen Andrew
Published: October 2011

The question of what are good views of a 3D object has been addressed by numerous researchers in perception, computer vision, and computer graphics. This has led to a large variety of measures for the goodness of views as well as some special-case viewpoint selection algorithms. In this article, we leverage the results of a large user study to optimize the parameters of a general model for viewpoint goodness, such that the fitted model can predict people's preferred views for a broad range of objects. Our model is represented as a combination of attributes known to be important for view selection, such as projected model area and silhouette length. Moreover, this framework can easily incorporate new attributes in the future, based on the data from our existing study. We demonstrate our combined goodness measure in a number of applications, such as automatically selecting a good set of representative views, optimizing camera orbits to pass through good views and avoid bad views, and trackball controls that gently guide the viewer towards better views.
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
Authors: Agrawal Arun , Nepstad Daniel , Chhatre Ashwini
Published: October 2011

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) policies, projects, and interventions are among the most prominent of recent attempts to mitigate climate change. Because REDD+ projects focus on forests, they simultaneously affect socioeconomic and ecological outcomes at local, subnational, national, regional, and global levels. This review assesses the promise of REDD+ for the continued ability of forests to provide multiple benefits to human societies at multiple scales. We survey REDD+ efforts at different levels, examining them through an actor-oriented approach. The article highlights the criticality of collaborative action to enhance desired outcomes of REDD+ efforts. In summarizing major REDD+ future trends, the paper emphasizes the need to learn from past forestry, agricultural, biodiversity, and development policies, and for adaptive policy making.
Gas Chromatographic/Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Volatile Metabolites in Bovine Vaginal Fluid and Assessment of Their Bioactivity
Authors: Sankar R. , Archunan G.
Published: October 2011

The chemical profiles of vaginal fluid collected from cows in oestrus and nonoestrus were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to establish any qualitative differences that might have potential value in bovine biocommunication. Eight different organic compounds were detected using the two chromatograms. The chemical profiles of oestrus vaginal fluid were distinguished significantly by the presence of three specific substances, namely, trimethylamine, acetic acid, and propionic acid that were not present in nonoestrus phase. The oestrus specific synthetic compounds were rubbed onto the genital region of nonoestrus animals (dummy cows), and the bulls were allowed to sniff the genital region and observed sexual behaviours. The statistical significance was higher (P<0.001) in bulls exhibiting repeated flehmen and mounting behaviours towards the mixture of acetic acid, propionic acid, and trimethylamine as compared to test these compounds separately. It was concluded that the volatile substances present in the bovine vaginal fluid during oestrus may act as chemical communicators.
Modelling of the Annual Mean Urban Heat Island Pattern for Planning of Representative Urban Climate Station Network
Authors: Unger János , Savić Stevan , Gál Tamás
Published: October 2011

The spatial distribution of the annual mean urban heat island (UHI) intensity pattern was analysed for the medium-sized city Novi Sad, Serbia, located on the low and flat Great Hungarian Plain. The UHI pattern was determined by an empirical modelling method developed by (Balázs et al. 2009). This method was based on datasets from urban areas of Szeged and Debrecen (Hungary). The urban study area in Novi Sad (60 km2) was established as a grid network of 240 cells (0.5 km ×0.5 km). A Landsat satellite image (from June 2006) was used in order to evaluate normalized difference vegetation index and built-up ratio by cells. The pattern of the obtained UHI intensity values show concentric-like shapes when drawn as isotherms, mostly increase from the suburbs towards the inner urban areas. Results of this thermal pattern and determination of one of the local climate classification systems were used for recommending 10 locations for representative stations of an urban climate network in Novi Sad.
The Role of Macrolides in Noncystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
Authors: Figueiredo Bruna de Campos Guimarães e , Ibiapina Cássio da Cunha
Published: October 2011

Objective. The present study aims at reviewing the main publications on the use of macrolides as immunomodulators in patients with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.Source of Data. The Medline database was our source of data for this research carried out until June 2011, using the key words: macrolides and bronchiectasis, while searching for original articles and reviews.Summary of Data. Seven clinical studies that evaluated the action of the macrolides in patients with bronchiectasis were found. There was the sputum volume, reduction in pulmonary exacerbation frequency, and in the use of antimicrobial treatment, in addition to pulmonary function improvement.Conclusions. Anti-inflammatory action and immunomodulatory effects can be attributed to macrolides when administered in low doses and on the long term. This use has been well established both in diffuse panbronchiolitis and in cystic fibrosis. Evidence indicates possible benefits in bronchiectasis. Future studies are needed, though, to establish the ideal dose and treatment duration and to understand the implications in the generation of microbial resistance.
Periodic Solutions to a Third‐Order Conditional Difference Equation over the Integers
Authors: He Li , Liu Wanping
Published: October 2011

This paper studies a third‐order conditional difference equation which is a generalization from the literature. We investigate this equation by transforming it into a first‐order system. Finally it is proved that the equation has no period‐two (or three) integer solutions. Besides, its all period‐four (and five) integer solutions are derived under appropriate rational parameters.
Practical Diagnosis of Red Cell Disorders in Southern Spain
Authors: Molina-Arrebola M.A. , Avivar-Oyonarte C. , Salas-Coronas J. , Pérez-Moyano R. , Giménez-López M.J. , García-Bautista J.A. , Jiménez-Gila A.M. , Porrino-Herrera C.
Published: October 2011

Background: Hereditary red cell disorders are associated with a protective effect against malaria, which results in an increased prevalence in malaria-endemic areas. Migratory flows from these areas are resulting in a marked increase in such abnormalities in Southern Spain. Methods: All hemoglobin disorders diagnosed between 1997 and 2010 have been recorded. Since 2008, we have performed systematic screening for hemoglobinopathies on African patients. A high-pressure liquid chromatography system was used as screening method for structural hemoglobinopathies and for separation of hemoglobin (Hb) F and A2. Results: We detected 666 cases in patients of foreign origin and 308 in native Spanish patients. Thalassemias (thal) are the most frequent disorders amongst the local population: β-thal minor, 57.1% (176/308); α-thal, 18.2% (56/308), and δβ-thal, 7.8% (24/308). In ethnic minorities, there is a huge variety of hemoglobinopathies: heterozygous Hb S, 45% (300/666); heterozygous Hb C, 15% (100/666); β-thal minor, 13.7% (91/666); α-thal, 10.2% (68/666); Hb SS in 14 patients, and Hb CC in 9 patients. Of the native patients, 14 were found to have Hb AS and 9 Hb AC. Conclusion: Given the modern migratory flows, greater knowledge of these disorders is needed by all medical staff, and new practical and cost/time-effective diagnostic approaches have to be devised.
Insomnia and the Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Laugsand Lars E. , Vatten Lars J. , Platou Carl , Janszky Imre
Published: October 2011

Background—

Few prospective studies have investigated insomnia in relation to risk for coronary heart disease. We assessed insomnia symptoms and risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a large, population-based study.

Methods and Results—

A total of 52 610 men and women were followed up for a first AMI, and 2368 incident AMIs occurred during 11.4 years of follow-up, either identified at hospitals or by the National Cause of Death Registry. In our analyses, we adjusted for age, sex, marital status, education, shift work, blood pressure, lipids, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep and having a feeling of nonrestorative sleep were associated with a moderate increase in AMI risk. The multiadjusted hazard ratios for AMI were 1.45 (95% confidence interval 1.18–1.80) for people with difficulties initiating sleep almost every night, 1.30 (1.01–1.68) for those with difficulties maintaining sleep almost every night, and 1.27 (1.03–1.57) for those with a feeling of nonrestorative sleep more than once a week compared with people who never experienced these sleep difficulties. When we combined the symptoms, a dose-dependent association was seen between the number of insomnia symptoms and AMI risk (
P
for trend 0.003). Alternative multivariable models and different sensitivity analyses suggest that the results were robust, especially concerning difficulties initiating sleep.

Conclusions—

Insomnia is associated with a moderately increased risk for AMI.
Performance of the Traditional Age, Sex, and Angina Typicality–Based Approach for Estimating Pretest Probability of Angiographically Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Cheng Victor Y. , Berman Daniel S. , Rozanski Alan , Dunning Allison M. , Achenbach Stephan , Al-Mallah Mouaz , Budoff Matthew J. , Cademartiri Filippo , Callister Tracy Q. , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Chinnaiyan Kavitha , Chow Benjamin J.W. , Delago Augustin , Gomez Millie , Hadamitzky Martin , Hausleiter Jörg , Karlsberg Ronald P. , Kaufmann Philipp , Lin Fay Y. , Maffei Erica , Raff Gilbert L. , Villines Todd C. , Shaw Leslee J. , Min James K.
Published: October 2011

Background—

Guidelines for the management of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) rely on the age, sex, and angina typicality–based pretest probabilities of angiographically significant CAD derived from invasive coronary angiography (guideline probabilities). Reliability of guideline probabilities has not been investigated in patients referred to noninvasive CAD testing.

Methods and Results—

We identified 14048 consecutive patients with suspected CAD who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography. Angina typicality was recorded with the use of accepted criteria. Pretest likelihoods of CAD with ≥50 diameter stenosis (CAD50) and ≥70 diameter stenosis (CAD70) were calculated from guideline probabilities. Computed tomographic angiography images were evaluated by ≥1 expert reader to determine the presence of CAD50 and CAD70. Typical angina was associated with the highest prevalence of CAD50 (40 in men, 19 in women) and CAD70 (27 men, 11 women) compared with other symptom categories (
P
<0.001 for all). Observed CAD50 and CAD70 prevalences were substantially lower than those predicted by guideline probabilities in the overall population (18 versus 51 for CAD50, 10 versus 42 for CAD70;
P
<0.001), driven by pronounced differences in patients with atypical angina (15 versus 47 for CAD50, 7 versus 37 for CAD70) and typical angina (29 versus 86 for CAD50, 19 versus 71 for CAD70). Marked overestimation of disease prevalence by guideline probabilities was found at all participating centers and across all sex and age subgroups.

Conclusion—

In this multinational study of patients referred for coronary computed tomographic angiography, determination of pretest likelihood of angiographically significant CAD by the invasive angiography-based guideline probabilities greatly overestimates the actual prevalence of disease.
Renin- and Prorenin-Induced Effects in Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Overexpressing the Human (Pro)Renin Receptor
Authors: Batenburg Wendy W. , Lu Xifeng , Leijten Frank , Maschke Ulrike , Müller Dominik N. , Danser A.H. Jan
Published: October 2011

Renin/prorenin binding to the (pro)renin receptor ([P]RR) results in direct (angiotensin-independent) second-messenger activation in vitro, whereas in vivo studies in rodents overexpressing prorenin (≈400-fold) or the (P)RR do not support such activation. To solve this discrepancy, DNA synthesis, extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, and plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1 release were evaluated in wild-type and human (P)RR-overexpressing vascular smooth muscle cells after their incubation with 1 to 80 nmol/L of (pro)renin. Human prorenin (4 nmol/L, ie, ≈800-fold above normal) + angiotensinogen increased DNA synthesis in human (P)RR cells only in an angiotensin II type 1 receptor–dependent manner. Prorenin at this concentration also increased plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1 release via angiotensin. Prorenin alone at 4 nmol/L was without effect, but at 20 nmol/L (≈4000-fold above normal) it activated extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 directly (ie, independent of angiotensin). Renin at concentrations of 1 nmol/L (≈2000-fold above normal) and higher directly stimulated DNA synthesis, extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, and plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1 release in wild-type and human (P)RR cells, and similar effects were seen for rat renin, indicating that they were mediated via the rat (P)RR. In conclusion, angiotensin generation depending on prorenin-(P)RR interaction may occur in transgenic rodents overexpressing prorenin several 100-fold. Direct (pro)renin-induced effects via the (P)RR require agonist concentrations that are far above the levels in wild-type and transgenic rats. Therefore, only prorenin (and not [P]RR) overexpression will result in an angiotensin-dependent phenotype, and direct renin-(P)RR interaction is unlikely to ever occur in nonrenin-synthesizing organs.
Charisma, Leadership, and Historiography
Authors: Rotberg Robert I.
Published: October 2011

Charisma is a social phenomenon, not an individual trait, but using the concept loosely (as we all do) as a catch-all description for magnetism, fame, heroism, or celebrity is both misleading and confusing; all of these terms are analytically distinct from charisma as well as from each other. Loose usage obscures the significance of the interactions between genuinely charismatic men or women—usually political and organizational leaders and gifted mobilizers rather than movie stars and athletic giants—and their believers and followers. Adulation is not necessarily indicative of charisma, nor is popular appeal. Charismatic leaders and their devotees together move barriers and overcome obstacles in order to achieve transformative goals. Charisma is best understood as the inspirational component of the bond between leaders and their followers that allows them to act as if they are genuinely moved to maximize what they presume, or are led to believe, are their own interests.
Interactive, graphical processing unit-based evaluation of evacuation scenarios at the state scale
Authors: Perumalla Kalyan S , Aaby Brandon G , Yoginath Srikanth B , Seal Sudip K
Published: October 2011

In large-scale scenarios, transportation modeling and simulation is severely constrained by simulation time. For example, few real-time simulators scale to evacuation traffic scenarios at the level of an entire state, such as Louisiana (approximately 1 million links) or Florida (2.5 million links). New simulation approaches are needed to overcome severe computational demands of conventional (microscopic or mesoscopic) modeling techniques. Here, a new modeling and execution methodology is explored that holds the potential to provide a tradeoff among the level of behavioral detail, the scale of transportation network, and real-time execution capabilities. A novel, field-based modeling technique and its implementation on graphical processing units are presented. Although additional research with input from domain experts is needed for refining and validating the models, the techniques reported here afford interactive experience at very large scales of multi-million road segments. Illustrative experiments on a few state-scale networks are described based on an implementation of this approach in a software system called GARFIELD. Current modeling capabilities and implementation limitations are described, along with possible use cases and future research.
Racial and Ethnic Stereotypes and Bullying Victimization
Authors: Peguero Anthony A. , Williams Lisa M.
Published: October 2011

Bullying is a serious problem within the U.S. school system. Prior research suggests that victimization is stratified by race and ethnicity. However, few studies consider factors that may moderate this relationship. This article extends research on this topic by considering whether stereotypes moderate bullying among racial and ethnic youth. Youth who violate stereotypes may experience derogatory treatment. This study examines whether violated racial and ethnicity stereotypes are linked to the victimization of racial and ethnic minorities. The study findings based on data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 indicate that stereotypes linked to family socioeconomic status (SES), test scores, and interscholastic sports participation moderate the relationship between bullying victimization and race and ethnicity. The implications for future research and policy implementation are discussed.
Exploring Resiliency Within Schools
Authors: Phillips Matthew D. , Turner Michael G. , Holt Thomas J.
Published: October 2011

Although research has explored the effects of protective factors on fostering resiliency within individuals, the same level of inquiry has not emerged investigating the causes of why high-risk organizations are resilient to serious violent delinquency. One type of organization that seems particular appropriate for research inquiry is the school. Using a sample of 307 school principals from the School Survey on Crime and Safety, this study investigates how protective factors are individually and cumulatively related to resiliency against serious violence within schools. The findings indicate schools may be more reactive than proactive in their efforts to remain resilient. The theoretical and policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Operator-based robust nonlinear control and its realization for a multi-tank process by using a distributed control system
Authors: Wen Shengjun , Deng Mingcong , Bi Shuhui , Wang Dongyun
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a robust nonlinear control design method using an operator-based robust right coprime factorization approach and its realization based on a distributed control system (DCS) device are considered for a multi-tank process. In detail, for the multi-tank process, consisting of a water-level process and a water-flow process, theoretical models are developed according to the Bernoulli theorem. Based on the obtained models, a robust nonlinear feedback control design is presented by using robust right coprime factorization for the multi-tank process. Further, from a large-scale industrial application viewpoint, the realization of the designed operator-based robust right coprime factorization controllers is considered by using a DCS device. Because there are some nonlinear functions in the designed controllers which cannot be realized straightforwardly in the DCS device such that the designed controllers need to be realized approximately. That is, there exist some parasitic terms for the approximated realization of the controllers in the real system. As a result, the parasitic terms and processes’ unknown uncertainties should be considered simultaneously. In this paper, a robust condition is derived to guarantee robust stability of the nonlinear feedback control system with the parasitic terms and the uncertainties. Moreover, tracking controller design problem for the multi-tank process is discussed. Finally, by using a DCS device (CENTUM CS3000), experimental results are given to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme.
A Temporal Perspective of Merger and Acquisition and Strategic Alliance Initiatives
Authors: Shi Weilei (Stone) , Sun Jing , Prescott John E.
Published: October 2011

The incorporation of a temporal perspective in merger and acquisition (M&A) and alliance research has gained increasing popularity. Since a temporal perspective focuses on the management of time and its consequences, it contributes a unique value proposition to the M&A and alliance stream of research. Over the past 30 years researchers have explored a wide variety of topics and methodological approaches. As a result, research evidence has progressed in a somewhat fragmented manner where its cumulative impact is difficult to discern. The purpose of this review is to systematically assess the underlying logic and contributions of a temporal lens for the M&A and alliance literature as well as identify core temporal constructs, mechanisms, relationships, and promising research directions. The authors’ review of 144 published articles not only catalogs the state of the art and accumulated knowledge but also identifies critical hurdles that need to be addressed to chart future research directions.
The assessment of low mood in stroke patients with aphasia: reliability and validity of the 10-item Hospital version of the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire (SADQH-10)
Authors: Cobley Christine S , Thomas Shirley A , Lincoln Nadina B , Walker Marion F
Published: October 2011

Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of an observational screening measure of depressive symptoms (SADQH-10; 10-item Hospital version of the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire) for use in stroke patients with aphasia and to determine the convergent and divergent validity of the SADQH-10.

Design: Cross-sectional cohort.

Setting: Hospital and community.

Participants: Stroke patients with aphasia ( n = 165) were recruited through hospital wards and community services as part of a randomised controlled trial. Participants were aged 29 to 94 years (68.6 ± 12.1) and 65% were men.

Results: The SADQH-10 demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.77). Factor analysis revealed the SADQH-10 to be measuring three constructs (social interaction and physical pain, tearfulness, loss of interest and motivation). Significant correlations were found between scores on the SADQH-10 and VAMS ‘sad’ item ( rs = 0.297, P < 0.01) but not with the VASES ‘depression’ item ( rs = 0.064, P = 0.590) or measures of physical and language abilities.

Conclusions: The SADQH-10 is both a valid and reliable observational screening measure of depressive symptoms for stroke patients with aphasia.
Sacred Healing Stories Told at the End of Life
Authors: Tuck Inez , Johnson Susan Carey , Kuznetsova Maria I. , McCrocklin Carolyn , Baxter Marian , Bennington Linda K.
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Cancer is a challenging disease to diagnose and treat, and oftentimes even with the best medical intervention, it spreads and is deemed incurable, requiring a shift from cure to end-of-life care. This study used a spirituality measure and the PATS© storytelling intervention developed by the principal investigator to better understand the experience of being diagnosed with cancer and being told no further curative treatments are warranted. Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study was to implement a storytelling approach to explore the experience of living with terminal cancer. Second, the study documented the presence of spirituality and healing in the narratives. Method: The qualitative data were analyzed by narrative analysis developed by Riessman. Findings: Seven synoptic stories were written and later sorted into healing categories. The narrative analysis yielded three themes. There were instances of religion and spirituality found in the transcribed stories. The participants’ scores on the Spiritual Health Inventory indicated the presence of spirituality. Conclusion: Storytelling allowed the seven study participants to share personal experiences and achieve a sense of connectedness and intimacy. The use of the PATS© intervention is a way to facilitate physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and provide holistic end-of-life care.
Squats and squat-type defects in rails: the understanding to date
Authors: Grassie S L
Published: October 2011

In the 1970s, a rolling contact fatigue defect that was christened a squat was identified on the British railway network, primarily at first on the West Coast Main Line. Two productive decades of international research on squats followed, which later contributed to a rapid understanding of gauge corner cracking, which differs in detail but is similar in many important respects to a classic squat. In the last 10–15 years, a rail defect that is superficially similar to the classic squat has appeared on several railways. This has been investigated in some detail, initially in Australia and more recently also in Europe as part of the Innotrack project. These investigations have both assumed that the investigated defect is a classic squat. This paper reviews research on the squat and on its younger cousin. It forms the basis for a companion paper that presents original observations from track and detailed metallurgical examinations of specimens of the more recent squat-type defect. The review in this paper is used in the companion paper to identify features of the two types of defects that are similar and those that are significantly different.
The Briksdalsbre Event: A winter precipitation-induced decadal-scale glacial advance in southern Norway in the ad 1990s and its implications
Authors: Nesje Atle , Matthews John A.
Published: October 2011

In the ad 1990s maritime glaciers in Scandinavia started to advance as a response to positive net mass balance in the preceding years, invoking annual advance rates in the order of ~50–60 m and a total frontal advance of 285 m (at Briksdalsbreen) in less than a decade. Records from six south Norwegian glaciers with continuous, annual front measurements are used to evaluate the magnitude, duration, climatic causes, and frontal time lags involved in this mass balance perturbation and the following frontal response of glaciers in southern Norway. A climate index based on meteorological data from Bergen unequivocally demonstrates that the main cause for the large glacier advances in Scandinavia in the 1990s was high winter precipitation linked to positive NAO index in the winters of 1988/1989, 1989/1990, 1992/1993, 1994/1995, 1997/1998, and 1999/2000. Less positive (or negative) glacier mass balance years were 1990/1991, 1993/1994, 1995/1997, and 1998/1999. Between 1996/1997 and 2009, Briksdalsbreen retreated 486 m (maximum annual retreat of 145 m in 2005/2006). The main cause of the significant glacier retreat in the early twenty-first century was a combined effect of reduced winter precipitation and higher summer temperatures. The glacier advance and following retreat phase back to the pre-advance position was completed in ~20 years, and is here termed the Briksdalsbre Event. This event has relevance for the identification and interpretation of decadal to centennial Holocene glacial events recorded in lacustrine and terrestrial sequences.
Comparative evaluation of a competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a SYBR Green–based real-time PCR to quantify Porcine circovirus-2 DNA in swine tissue samples
Authors: Dezen Diogenes , Rijsewijk Franciscus A.M. , Teixeira Thais F. , Holz Carine L. , Varela Ana P. , Cibulski Samuel P. , Gregianini Tatiane Shäffer , Batista Helena B.C.R. , Franco Ana C. , Roehe Paulo M.
Published: October 2011

Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) is considered the major etiological agent of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in pigs. The clinical manifestations of the disease are correlated with moderate to high amounts of PCV-2 DNA in biological samples of affected pigs. A threshold of 107 DNA copies/ml is suggested as the trigger factor for symptoms. A comparative study was conducted to determine which quantitative method would be more suitable to estimate the PCV-2 DNA load. Two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed: a competitive PCR (cPCR) and a SYBR Green–based real-time PCR. The assays were compared for their capacity to detect PCV-2 in DNA samples extracted from liver, lung, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and kidney of PMWS-affected ( n = 23) or non–PMWS-affected pigs ( n = 9). Both assays could successfully quantify PCV-2 DNA in all tissue samples and were able to detect significant differences between the numbers of PCV-2 DNA copies found in tissues of PMWS-affected and non–PMWS-affected pigs (≥102.5). The highest mean viral loads were detected by the SYBR Green real-time PCR, up to 107.0±1.5 copies/100 ng of total DNA sample, while the cPCR detected up to 104.8±1.5. A mean difference of 101.8 was found between the amounts of PCV-2 DNA detected, using the SYBR Green real-time PCR and the cPCR, suggesting that the viral load threshold for PMWS should be determined for each particular assay.
Rapid detection of GM1 ganglioside in cerebrospinal fluid in dogs with GM1 gangliosidosis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Satoh Hiroyuki , Yamauchi Toyofumi , Yamasaki Masahiro , Maede Yoshimitsu , Yabuki Akira , Chang Hye-Sook , Asanuma Taketoshi , Yamato Osamu
Published: October 2011

The concentration of GM1 (monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is markedly increased in dogs with GM1 gangliosidosis due to GM1 accumulation in the central nervous system and leakage to the CSF. The present study established a rapid and simple method for detection of accumulated GM1 in the CSF in dogs with GM1 gangliosidosis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF MS) and discusses the usefulness of this method for the rapid diagnosis and/or high-risk screening of this disease in domestic animals. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from normal dogs and 4- to 11-month-old Shiba dogs with GM1 gangliosidosis. The MALDI TOF MS analysis was carried out in combination with a special sample plate and a simple desalting step on the plate. Specific signs of GM1 could be detected in the standard GM1 solutions at concentrations of 50 nmol/l or more. The signs were also clearly detected in CSF (131–618 nmol/l) in affected dogs, but not in normal canine CSF (12 ± 5 nmol/l, mean ± standard deviation). The results demonstrated that MALDI TOF MS can detect GM1 accumulated in canine CSF even in the early stage of the disease. In conclusion, the rapid detection of increased CSF GM1 using MALDI TOF MS is a useful method for diagnosis and/or screening for canine GM1 gangliosidosis.
Disparity in Hospice Utilization by African American Patients With Cancer
Authors: Ramey Stephen J. , Chin Steve H.
Published: October 2011

Patients with cancer represent the largest group of hospice users, making this population critically important in hospice research studies. Despite the potential benefits of hospice, many studies have noted lower levels of utilization among African Americans. The goal of this literature review was to determine whether this disparity exists within this population of patients with cancer. The largest studies focusing on multiple cancers found lower hospice use among African American patients with cancer. Disparities also existed after entry into hospice. Age, gender, geographic location, preference for aggressive care, and knowledge of hospice influenced hospice use by these patients. Since African American patients with cancer evidently use hospice at a lower rate, future studies should explore potential barriers to participation by this patient population and methods to remove these obstacles.
Journal Writing
Authors: Fahsl Allison J. , McAndrews Stephanie L.
Published: October 2011

Writing can be a powerful tool for thinking and learning. Journaling is one form of writing that is a commonly used learning tool in many classrooms. Children use journals to record personal experiences, explore reactions and interpretations to reading and videos, or record, analyze, or enhance information about literature or other subject areas. This article examines how to scaffold journal writing instruction for students with learning disabilities within a diagnostic teaching cycle by establishing learning outcomes, planning assessment, planning instruction, implementing instruction, and analyzing individual student learning. Example lessons, differentiation strategies, scoring guides, and student samples are provided.
Risk of cataract and glaucoma in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bazelier Marloes T , Mueller-Schotte Sigrid , Leufkens Hubert GM , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , van Staa Tjeerd , de Vries Frank
Published: October 2011

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with risk of cataract or glaucoma.

Methods: We conducted a population-based cohort study utilizing the UK General Practice Research Database (1987–2009) linked to the national hospital registry of England (1997–2008). Incident MS patients (5576 cases) were identified and each was matched to six patients without MS (controls) by age, gender, and practice. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of incident cataract and glaucoma in MS. Time-dependent adjustments were made for age, history of diseases and drug use.

Results: MS patients had no overall increased risk of cataract, adjusted (adj.) HR 1.15 (95% CI 0.94–1.41) or glaucoma, adj. HR 1.02 (95% CI 0.78–1.33). Risk of cataract (adj. HR 2.45 (95% CI 1.56–3.86)) and glaucoma (adj. HR 1.70 (95% CI 1.01–2.86)) was significantly greater in patients < 50 years, particularly in men < 50 years: cataract, adj. HR 4.23 (95% CI 2.22–8.05) and glaucoma, adj. HR 2.76 (95% CI 1.28–5.93).

Conclusion: This is the first study which showed that the risk of cataract and glaucoma is elevated in MS patients younger than 50 years, particularly men.
Differential effects of interferon-ß1b on cytokine patterns of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells derived from RRMS and PPMS patients
Authors: Skrzipek Sabine , Vogelgesang Antje , Bröker Barbara M , Dressel Alexander
Published: October 2011

The influence of interferon (IFN)-β on cytokine release by immune cells remains controversial. This study compared IFN-β1b effects on mononuclear cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells derived from healthy controls and relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) patients. Effects of IFN-β1b (0-10,000 U/ml) on cytokine release were determined in cell culture. IFN-β1b inhibited IFN-γ and induced interleukin (IL)-4 selectively in RRMS-derived CD4+ T cells. IL-10 was significantly induced in all cell populations from RRMS but only marginally in PPMS. IL-5 was always inhibited; IL-17A remained unaltered. These in vitro data parallel clinical observations that IFN-β is most effective in RRMS.
Idle speed performance improvement via torque balancing control in ignition-event scale for SI engines with multi-cylinders
Authors: Li P , Shen T , Liu D
Published: October 2011

Imbalance in torque generation leads to engine speed fluctuation. To improve the idle engine speed performance, the torque balancing control problem is addressed in this paper for multi-cylinder SI engines. To evaluate cylinder-to-cylinder imbalance, the average torque in ignition-event scale is introduced as controlled output, which enables a feedback control to be performed without measurement of instantaneous torque, and the individual spark advances are chosen as control inputs. A linear discrete time model with single input and single output is proposed to represent the dynamics of the imbalance, where a sequentially switching function is introduced to describe the spark advance signals delivered to each cylinder and the differences in torque generation caused by the individual cylinder characteristics are equivalently modelled as unknown offset in the inputs. An estimation algorithm with the proof of convergence is presented to provide on-line estimation of the unknown offset under the passivity assumption of the system. Furthermore, a feedback control law which combines the unknown offset estimation and the model predictive control is proposed. Finally, the unknown offset estimation and the feedback control approach are validated based on the experimental results carried out on a six-cylinder gasoline engine test bench.
Transumbilical Single-Access Laparoscopic Perforated Gastric Ulcer Repair
Authors: Dapri Giovanni , Mourad Haicam El , Himpens Jacques , Evola Giuseppe , Marsili Luisa , Cadière Guy-Bernard
Published: October 2011

Introduction. In patients presenting with peritonitis, laparoscopy offers the possibility of diagnosis as well as treatment, with less abdominal trauma, reduced postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stay. Case report. A 30-year-old woman, presenting with diffuse abdominal pain and free pneumoperitoneum, was submitted to transumbilical single-access laparoscopy. The procedure was performed using a standard 11-mm reusable trocar in the umbilicus and curved reusable instruments inserted transumbilically without trocars. The cavity exploration showed a perforated gastric ulcer at the anterior surface of the prepyloric area. A gastric suture repair, omentoplasty, and lavage of the cavity were performed. Results. The umbilical incision was 15 mm and laparoscopy lasted 86 minutes. Use of painkillers was minimal, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. After 6 months, the umbilical scar was no visible. Conclusions. Transumbilical single-access laparoscopy can be proposed in selected patients presenting perforated gastric ulcer, with the main advantage of improved cosmetic results.
Probabilistic framework for risk analysis of power system small-signal stability
Authors: Rueda J L , Erlich I
Published: October 2011

In power system planning and operation studies, conventional methodologies are still largely used for small-signal stability analysis under the deterministic framework. Nevertheless, no information concerning the small-signal instability risk can be derived and the obtained results are too conservative since deterministic approaches are unable to properly reflect the existing uncertainties in real power systems. Hence, there is a need to develop new approaches which can handle a wider range of operating conditions and consequently capture all of the possible scenarios that may lead to insecure conditions. The present paper explores relevant issues associated with the conditions for application of the Monte Carlo method (MC) in probabilistic eigenanalysis (PE), namely the selection of: a suitable sampling technique for MC-based PE; and a stopping rule which is sufficient to achieve some specified confidence level. The proposed MC-based PE approach provides probabilistic indexes for small-signal stability assessment and enhancement. Several power systems of different sizes and with different small-signal stability performances are used to investigate the feasibility of the probabilistic indexes as well as to compare MC-based PE with an analytical probabilistic approach based on the two-point estimation method (TPE).
Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus: an update for clinicians
Authors: Kim Susan S. , Kirou Kyriakos A. , Erkan Doruk
Published: October 2011

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that is driven by autoantibodies that target multiple organ systems. B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and its receptors on B-cell subsets play an important role in autoimmune B-cell development and SLE pathogenesis. Targeted therapy with belimumab, the monoclonal antibody against BLyS, has shown clinical benefit in two large-scale, multicenter phase III trials leading to US Food and Drug Administration approval for patients with serologically positive SLE who have active disease despite standard therapy. This review will discuss the challenges in lupus drug development and clinical trials, the basics of B-cell pathogenesis in SLE, the recent lupus clinical trials of B-cell targeted treatments, and other potential targeted therapies under investigation for patients with lupus.
Collagen-based packaging films for nonfood applications and their comparison with commercial polyolefin (polypropylene block copolymer) films
Authors: Sommer Isabell , Kunz Peter M
Published: October 2011

The potential use of collagen as packaging film was investigated. Various chemical properties (permeability, resistance to chemicals, and weathering) and physical properties (resistance to puncture impacts, tearing, and temperature) of cast films were compared with those of a polyolefin (polypropylene block copolymer) car body paint protection film. The collagen films showed excellent resistance to nonpolar substances (oil and fuel mix) and they had tensile strengths (27 N/mm2) similar to those of polyolefin films (38 N/mm2). The collagen films tested, however, were brittle (elongation at break = 34%) and exhibited a high solubility in polar substances like deionized water (total soluble matter = 20 wt% at 20°C, 40 wt% at 60°C after 1 h). Due to the low water resistance their usage as packaging films is anticipated to be restricted to indoor applications or to applications which require water solubility.
Simple genetic diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia by sensitive detection of the BRAF-V600E mutation
Authors: Tiacci Enrico , Schiavoni Gianluca , Forconi Francesco , Santi Alessia , Trentin Livio , Ambrosetti Achille , Cecchini Debora , Sozzi Elisa , Francia di Celle Paola , Di Bello Cristiana , Pulsoni Alessandro , Foà Robin , Inghirami Giorgio , Falini Brunangelo
Published: October 2011

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a distinct clinicopathologic entity that responds well to purine analogs but is sometimes difficult to differentiate from HCL-like disorders (eg, splenic marginal zone lymphoma and HCL variant). We recently identified the BRAF-V600E mutation as the disease-defining genetic event in HCL. In this study, we describe a new, simple, and inexpensive test for genetics-based diagnosis of HCL in whole-blood samples that detects BRAF-V600E through a sensitive allele-specific PCR qualitative assay followed by agarose-gel electrophoresis. This approach detected BRAF-V600E in all 123 leukemic HCL samples investigated containing as few as 0.1% leukemic cells. BRAF-V600E was detected at different time points during the disease course, even after therapy, pointing to its pivotal role in HCL pathogenesis and maintenance of the leukemic clone. Conversely, 115 non-HCL chronic B-cell neoplasms, including 79 HCL-like disorders, were invariably negative for BRAF-V600E. This molecular assay is a powerful tool for improving the diagnostic accuracy in HCL.