bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Climate Change Regime Post-Kyoto: Why Compliance is Important and How to Achieve it
Authors: Vezirgiannidou Sevasti-Eleni
Published: October 2009

This paper considers a climate policy architecture that would be conducive to wide participation and successful compliance. Compliance in particular is an aspect of climate policy that has been under-specified in current proposals for an architecture for climate policy. Although admittedly a successful regime would have to satisfy a number of criteria, including environmental goals, dynamic efficiency and cost-effectiveness, any agreement would have to be implemented and enforced. The focus here is both on how to construct a regime that is environmentally effective, and on how to reduce problems of compliance and leakage. Other criteria will be considered in the proposal, such as cost-effectiveness and how to facilitate the negotiation process, but the primary focus will be on participation and compliance. The main argument is that a climate agreement based on both emissions targets and policies and measures is the most conducive to maximum participation and a successful compliance mechanism.
Shin Buddhism, Authority, and the Fundamental Law of Education
Authors: Dessì Ugo
Published: October 2009

This article takes its cue from one of the most controversial issues in the contemporary Japanese scene, the 2006 complete revision of the Fundamental Law of Education, that includes among its objectives the cultivation of patriotism, the high evaluation of Japanese tradition and culture, and the promotion of general knowledge regarding religion in public schools. Within this framework, the role of religion in education indeed represents a sensitive subject, which entails once again reinterpretation of the issues of the separation of state and religion, and the freedom of religion, which are enshrined in the Japanese Constitution. There have been reactions to this revision from various religious institutions, ranging from support to overt opposition. What is argued here is that these responses are meaningful to understanding some of the major dynamics currently at work within the Japanese religious world, and their implications for the issue of religion and authority. In this respect, the Shin Buddhist position may be seen as a way of contesting the claims of authority by political institutions, and affirming an alternative authoritative discourse on the basis of selected doctrinal sources, and a positive approach toward globalization and the differentiation of religion, politics and education.
Immediacy, Mediation, and Media in Early Modern Catholic and Protestant Representations of Safavid Iran
Authors: Brentjes Sonja
Published: October 2009

In this paper I argue that none of the sources produced by European visitors to Safavid Iran are unmediated, immediate expressions of observations, experiences, emotions and descriptions of the country's nature and culture. I offer as evidence different kinds of textual sources created by four travelers in the early seventeenth century, maps of Iran produced in various European cities and prints and engravings made by artists. I show that partly contradictory discourses governed these textual and visual representations of Iran and that particularities of each kind shaped the practices and norms of the creation of its individual representatives.
Leadership for Literacy Coaching: The Principal’s Role in Launching a New Coaching Program
Authors: Matsumura Lindsay Clare , Sartoris Mary , Bickel Donna DiPrima , Garnier Helen E.
Published: October 2009

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between principal leadership and variation in teachers’ participation in a new literacy coaching program: Content-Focused Coaching® (CFC). Research design: Twenty-nine schools were randomly assigned to participate in the CFC program or to serve as a comparison. Interviews were conducted with elementary school principals and coaches, and teachers completed surveys describing their experiences with their new coach. Correlation analyses investigated the relationship between the categories of principal support and the frequency of teachers’ participation in individual coaching activities. Principals’ actions and beliefs were also compared across schools, with teachers’ relatively high and low participation in coaching, to identify patterns in principal leadership. Findings: Principal leadership was significantly associated with the frequency with which teachers conferred with their new CFC coach and were observed by their new coach as teaching reading comprehension lessons. Principal behaviors associated with teachers’ increased engagement with coaches included actively participating in the CFC program and publicly endorsing the coach as a source of literacy expertise to teachers. Principal beliefs regarding a literacy coach’s role and responsibilities were associated with the frequency with which teachers opened their classrooms to the new coaches. Implications: This study provides insight into the features of principal leadership that may support coaches in engaging with teachers and gaining access to their classrooms. Observing teachers’ lessons is a critical dimension of effective coaching and a difficult task for coaches to accomplish. Learning how principals can positively contribute to this process could help schools and districts make more effective use of their literacy coaching resources.
On the Sensitivity of the Nanostructural Parameters on Young’s Modulus of PLSNs in Fully Intercalated Structures
Authors: Yazdi A. Zehtab , Bagheri R. , Kazeminezhad M.
Published: October 2009

Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites have been observed to demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties particularly at low weight fractions of silicate. Experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that numerous structural parameters strongly influence the modulus of such nanocomposites. A multiscale micromechanical model is developed which considers a wide range of different affecting parameters including the particle aspect ratio, the number of silicate layers per stack, the d-spacing ratio between the layers, the penetration of polymer chains along silicate sheets, the intercalation feature, and the particle volume fraction. The developed model illustrates the accuracy and flexibility superiorly compared with the conventional models proposed in the literature. Moreover, good agreement is found between the experimental data and the modeling results.
Periodontal Gene Transfer by Ultrasound and Nano/Microbubbles
Authors: Chen R. , Chiba M. , Mori S. , Fukumoto M. , Kodama T.
Published: October 2009

A non-viral gene delivery approach with nano/microbubbles and ultrasound offers opportunities for targeting soft tissues for gene therapy. The periodontium is a complex structure comprised of hard (cementum, alveolar bone) and soft tissues (periodontal ligament, gingivae). We hypothesized that our established gene delivery method would allow the periodontal tissue to be targeted for transfection for gene therapy. Expression kinetics and sites of transfection sites with this approach were investigated in rat periodontal tissue. Bioluminescence imaging revealed that transient gene expression was induced at day 1 posttransfection, while confocal microscopy showed that gene expression was localized in the muscle cells of gingival tissues. These findings indicate that regular transfection with this approach results in high gene expression, facilitating gene therapy for periodontal disease involving alveolar bone resorption.
Diclofenac Sodium Inhibits NFκB Transcription in Osteoclasts
Authors: Karakawa A. , Fukawa Y. , Okazaki M. , Takahashi K. , Sano T. , Amano H. , Yamamoto M. , Yamada S.
Published: October 2009

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, acts efficiently against inflammation; however, down-regulation of diclofenac on bone remodeling has raised concerns. The inhibitory mechanisms of diclofenac are poorly understood. We hypothesized that diclofenac down-regulates osteoclast differentiation and activation via inhibition of the translocation of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). When osteoclasts prepared from mouse hematopoietic stem cells were treated with diclofenac, tartrateresistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Pit formation assay revealed the abolition of osteoclastic bone resorption; levels of cathepsin K transcripts, an osteoclastic resorption marker, were down-regulated time-dependently. Diclofenac induced the accumulation of the inhibitor of kappa B in cytosol, which led to suppression of the nuclear translocation of NFκB and phosphorylated NFκB. These results suggest that the novel mechanism of diclofenac for bone remodeling is associated with phosphorylated NFκB reduction, which regulates osteoclast differentiation and activation.
CCR5 Down-regulates Osteoclast Function in Orthodontic Tooth Movement
Authors: Andrade I. , Taddei S.R.A. , Garlet G.P. , Garlet T.P. , Teixeira A.L. , Silva T.A. , Teixeira M.M.
Published: October 2009

During orthodontic tooth movement, there is local production of chemokines and an influx of leukocytes into the periodontium. CCL5 plays an important role in osteoclast recruitment and activation. This study aimed to investigate whether the CCR5-receptor influences these events and, consequently, orthodontic tooth movement. An orthodontic appliance was placed in wild-type mice (WT) and CCR5-deficient mice (CCR5−/−). The expression of mediators involved in bone remodeling was evaluated in periodontal tissues by Real-time PCR. The number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts and the expression of cathepsin K, RANKL, and MMP13 were significantly higher in CCR5−/−. Meanwhile, the expression of two osteoblastic differentiation markers, RUNX2 and osteocalcin, and that of bone resorption regulators, IL-10 and OPG, were lower in CCR5−/−. Analysis of the data also showed that CCR5−/− exhibited a greater amount of tooth movement after 7 days of mechanical loading. The results suggested that CCR5 might be a down-regulator of alveolar bone resorption during orthodontic movement.
Regulatory T-cells in Periapical Lesions
Authors: Colić M. , Gazivoda D. , Vucević D. , Majstorović I. , Vasilijić S. , Rudolf R. , Brkić Z. , Milosavljević P.
Published: October 2009

CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are of crucial importance in regulating the immune response, including the control of any defense against infection. Their presence in periapical lesions has not been demonstrated, as yet. We hypothesized that Tregs infiltrate periapical lesions, where they inhibit T-cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to characterize Tregs in periapical lesions by confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and functional assays. We showed that CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ cells in periapical lesions expressed IL-10 and TGF-β. Their frequency was significantly higher than in peripheral blood and correlated with the levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in culture supernatants of periapical lesion mononuclear cells. Tregs inhibited the proliferation of responder T-cells in vitro, at least in part, by stimulating the production of IL-10. These findings suggest that CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ cells in periapical lesions may play regulatory roles in controlling local immune/inflammatory processes.
Illness and Meaning: A Review of Select Writings
Authors: Whitsitt David Robert
Published: October 2009

This article explores select writings of seven authors who have examined the experience of serious illness, the meaning of it, and how individuals create or discover that meaning. These authors have been seminal thinkers in the field, and their works have influenced current thinking about illness and meaning. This article explores six major themes from select works of these authors: (a) postmodernism, culture, and illness; (b) embodied knowledge and the sick person; (c) illness narratives and their moral function; (d) key relationships for the sick person; (e) illness and death; and (f) the meaning of being ill. Apart from these, areas for future exploration are included.
Engineering the Dynamic Behavior of Metamodeled Languages
Authors: Mészáros Tamás , Mezei Gergely , Charaf Hassan
Published: October 2009

Language engineering is a key factor in Multi-Paradigm Modeling (MPM). Since MPM strongly builds on metamodeling, the applied language engineering methods must also be generic enough to support various metamodels. Besides the generic methods to build the abstract and concrete syntax of a visual language, only a few solutions are available to describe the dynamic behavior (‘animation’) of the models. The aim of this paper is to contribute (i) an event-based conceptual architecture to support animation, (ii) a set of visual languages to describe the animation of the models and their execution. These concepts were used to implement the animation support in our tool called Visual Modeling and Transformation System (VMTS). The VMTS animation framework introduces novel languages to describe certain aspects of animation, while integrating the benefits of the existing approaches. Our solution clearly separates the domain knowledge and the animation description both on a conceptual and implementation level. Thus, the VMTS offers a concise and systematic solution to provide a highly customizable animation framework for metamodeled languages with strong integration support to external systems such as simulation engines. The efficiency of the approach is illustrated with a rather complex animation case study implementing a model transformation debugger.
The Effect of Fiber Properties on the Characteristics of Spliced Yarns Part I: Prediction of Spliced Yarns Tensile Properties
Authors: Ünal Pelin Gürkan , Özdil Nilgün , Taşkın Cankut
Published: October 2009

In this study, the effects of splicing parameters, fiber and yarn properties on the tenacity and elongation of spliced yarns were investigated in detail. For this purpose, yarns from eight different cotton types, having three different counts (29.5, 19.7 and 14.8 tex) and three different twist coefficients (α tex 3653, αtex 4038, αtex 4423) were produced. Fiber properties measured using an Advanced Fiber Information System fiber tester were evaluated. Artificial neural network and response surface models were used to analyze spliced yarn tenacity and elongation as dependent variables. As independent variables, fiber properties together with the machine settings such as opening air, splicing air and splicing time, yarn twist and yarn count were chosen. As a result of the study, equations and neural network models that predict the tenacity and elongation of the spliced yarns were obtained. The obtained equations and models are statistically important and have high coefficient of multiple determination ( R2).
Finite Element Simulation of a Yarn Pullout Test for Plain Woven Fabrics
Authors: Valizadeh Masoumeh , Lomov Stepan , Ravandi Sayed Abdolkarim Hosseini , Salimi Mahmoud , Rad Saeed Ziaie
Published: October 2009

In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) model of a yarn pullout test for plain woven fabrics is introduced. The main focus of the study is on the realization of a 3D fabric geometrical model, the incorporation of anisotropic material properties and the validation of yarn and fabric finite element meso-models using experimental results. The material properties of yarn and fabric were assumed to be linear orthotropic. The required engineering constants were obtained from experimentally-measured tensile, compression and shear diagrams. The accuracy of the applied engineering constants was investigated by finite element (FE) modeling of yarn pure bending. The yarn pullout test was modeled with the Abaqus FE package. The fabric sample was modeled with solid elements for the weft and warp yarns in the interlacing points, which are directly involved in the yarn pullout, plus shell elements for the parts of the fabric that undergo only shear deformation. The effects of the geometrical model and material anisotropy were investigated and the predicted force—displacement profiles of the yarn pullout test were compared with experimental measurements.
Study on General Geometrical Modeling of Single Yarn with 3D Twist Effect
Authors: Tianyong Zheng
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a general method for modeling a 3D photorealistic single yarn for the construction of a fabric structure composed of the yarn with different types of cross sections. Various types of cross sections can be designed by using a quasi-uniform quadratic B-spline curve. The central line of the yarn is designed by a sequence of key control points to form a shape-preserving quasi-uniform cubic B-spline curve. The control grid of the B-spline surface for the single yarn is based on the combination of the quadratic and cubic curve. With random turbulence and proper assemblage of the cross sections, a realistic 3D twist effect for the single yarn is achieved. The simulated pictures of the yarns and fabrics indicate that this general and flexible model can be applied to the simulation of various 3D geometrical structures of yarns and then extended to fabrics.
Development and Filtration Performance of Polylactic Acid Meltblowns
Authors: Ya Liu  , Bowen Cheng  , Guoxiang Cheng
Published: October 2009

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable material that can be used to make meltblowns (MBs, which are fabrics made by the meltblowing method) using direct melt spun. PLA MBs were successfully produced in a 20 cm laboratory meltblown line. The relationships between the processing parameters and the filtration performance of PLA MBs were explored in this study. The key parameters regarding the filtration performance of PLA MBs, including the PLA chip drying process, the melt temperature, the hot air temperature, and the width of the air gap, were thoroughly investigated using scanning electronic microscopy, filtration efficiency, and breathability tests. It was found that the processing parameters were significant to the structure, thus the filtration performance of PLA MBs. PLA turned out to be a favorable material for meltblowing. The preferred spinning temperature was 220°C for optimal web quality. The diameter of PLA MB fibers became larger with the increase of hot air temperature. With the increase of air gap width, the diameter of PLA MB fibers went up, whereas the crimp level went down. This information may be useful for the future development of a commercialized production line of PLA MBs.
Automatic Volumetric Measurement of Nanofiber Webs using Metaball Approximation Based on Scanning Electron Microscope Images
Authors: In Hwan Sul  , Young Jun Cho  , Chang Kyu Park
Published: October 2009

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images are an essential tool for identifying the microstructures of fibrous and polymeric materials. Useful information, including fiber orientation and radius distributions, can be retrieved from the SEM images. However, the image is two dimensional and its manual measurement is inevitable for acquiring volumetric information. This paper reconstructed the three-dimensional shape of the fibers by approximating the fibers with spheres known as metaballs. Image analysis techniques were used to generate metaballs and the volumetric information was calculated from the sizes and positions of the metaballs. The proposed method was tested with nano-scale polymer SEM images and automatic statistical measurements were compared with the manual measurements.
An Instrument for Determining the Average Fiber Linear Density (Fineness) of Cotton Lint Samples
Authors: Abbott A.M. , Higgerson G.J. , Long R.L. , Lucas S.R. , Naylor G.R.S. , Tischler C.R. , Purmalis M.M.
Published: October 2009

No satisfactory technology has emerged for routine rapid measurement of fiber linear density at commercial speed for the cotton industry. This paper introduces the CottonscanTM instrument, a new technology designed to undertake this task. An inter-laboratory trial of the Cottonscan TM system to ascertain the performance of the technology is described. Overall, the 95% confidence limit for a single measurement was estimated to be ±10.4 mtex. Further, spinning trial results have confirmed that unlike the Micronaire value, average fiber linear density obtained from the CottonscanTM correlate well with measured yarn properties. These data indicate that the CottonscanTM instrument can be usefully employed to determine average fiber linear density, an important fiber quality parameter which can be a useful additional tool for the spinner in predicting yarn properties.
The Dynamics of Residential Segregation in Buffalo: An Agent-based Simulation
Authors: Yin Li
Published: October 2009

Race and class factors have been studied as underlying causes of segregation for many years. Individual choices on race and economic constraints of living in one area versus another play an important role in residential segregation. An attempt has not yet been made to simulate the interplay of neighbourhood racial and economic composition in forming segregation using empirical micro-level data. Using City of Buffalo data, this study explores how individuals’ housing location choices with respect to racial composition and housing sale prices in their neighbourhoods can give rise to aggregate patterns of residential segregation and how segregation at one point in time was contributing to increased segregation at later stages. The results show that observed patterns of segregation in the city could plausibly arise from the interaction of racial and economic factors. This study also demonstrates the application of such models on exploring the possible effects of proposed integration efforts.
Spatio-temporal Analysis of Noise Pollution near Boston Logan Airport: Who Carries the Cost?
Authors: Ogneva-Himmelberger Yelena , Cooperman Brian
Published: October 2009

Airports are often located near densely populated residential areas, affecting a large number of people. Thus, knowing socio-demographic characteristics of the noise-affected areas is important for the development of policies on noise control and abatement. This study proposes a new methodology that combines airport noise models with spatial statistics and geographical information systems to identify spatial clusters of socio-demographic characteristics in relationship to the noise level. Statistically significant ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ socio-demographic clusters represent spatial concentrations of certain social groups, corresponding to various levels of vulnerability to environmental impacts. Results show that the population ‘paying’ for the cost of noise from Logan International Airport in Boston, USA, is highly vulnerable as there are more minority and lower-income populations, and lower house prices in the noise-affected areas. These results should draw the attention of policy-makers and the public as policies for noise abatement are being developed.
The Changing Ethnic Structure of Housing Tenures in London, 1991—2001
Authors: Hamnett Chris , Butler Tim
Published: October 2009

This paper examines the changing ethnic composition of housing tenures in London (inner and outer) from 1991 to 2001. The question that it addresses is the extent to which ethnic minorities have become increasingly concentrated in social and privately rented housing in the inner city, as much of the literature on other European and American cities suggests, and the extent to which some of them have been able to move outwards and upwards into suburban ownership. The period 1991—2001 is particularly important in London because it witnessed a major increase in the size and importance of its ethnic minority population and important changes in its tenure structure. The introduction of an ethnicity question in the 1991 census permits analysis over time. The paper shows both an increase in suburban ethnic minority ownership and a growing concentration of ethnic minority groups in social and privately rented housing.
The Validity of Virtual Environments for Eliciting Emotional Responses in Patients With Eating Disorders and in Controls
Authors: Ferrer-García Marta , Gutiérrez-Maldonado José , Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Moreno Elena
Published: October 2009

This article explores the efficacy of virtual environments representing situations that are emotionally significant to patients with eating disorders (ED) to modify depression and anxiety levels both in these patients and in controls. Eighty-five ED patients and 108 students were randomly exposed to five experimental virtual environments (a kitchen with low-calorie food, a kitchen with high-calorie food, a restaurant with high-calorie food, a restaurant with low-calorie food, and a swimming-pool) and to one neutral environment. In the interval between the presentation of each situation, anxiety and depressed mood were assessed. Results of several repeated measures analyses demonstrated that patients show higher levels of anxiety and a more depressed mood after eating, especially high-calorie food, and after visiting the swimming pool than in the neutral room. In contrast, controls only show higher levels of anxiety in the swimming pool. In the rest of the situations they presented a similar mood state as in the neutral room. We concluded that virtual reality is a useful vehicle for eliciting similar emotional reactions to those one would expect in real life situations. Thus, this technology seems well suited for use in experimental studies as well as in evaluative and therapeutic contexts.
Group-Based Preference Assessment for Children and Adolescents in a Residential Setting: Examining Developmental, Clinical, Gender, and Ethnic Differences
Authors: Resetar Volz Jennifer L. , Cook Clayton R.
Published: October 2009

This study examines developmental, clinical, gender, and ethnic group differences in preference in residentially placed children and adolescents. In addition, this study considers whether residentially placed youth prefer stimuli currently being used as rewards as part of a campuswide token economy system and whether youth would identify preferred stimuli that are not currently offered. The article discusses a survey devised specifically for the purpose of this study. Stimuli currently offered as rewards are listed and rated on a 5-point Likert-type scale. Results indicate that the majority of stimuli available within the token economy system were rated as preferred. Also, significant developmental, clinical, gender, and ethnic group differences are found, indicating the benefit of considering group-level characteristics when designing and implementing a groupwide token economy system. The implications of the results and directions for future research are discussed.
A Culture of Genius: How an Organization’s Lay Theory Shapes People’s Cognition, Affect, and Behavior
Authors: Murphy Mary C. , Dweck Carol S.
Published: October 2009

Traditionally, researchers have conceptualized implicit theories as individual differences—lay theories that vary between people. This article, however, investigates the consequences of organization-level implicit theories of intelligence. In five studies, the authors examine how an organization’s fixed (entity) or malleable (incremental) theory of intelligence affects people’s inferences about what is valued, their self- and social judgments, and their behavioral decisions. In Studies 1 and 2, the authors find that people systematically shift their self-presentations when motivated to join an entity or incremental organization. People present their “smarts” to the entity environment and their “motivation” to the incremental environment. In Studies 3a and 4, they show downstream consequences of these inferences for participants’ self-concepts and their hiring decisions. In Study 3b, they demonstrate that the effects are not due to simple priming. The implications for understanding how environments shape cognition and behavior and, more generally, for implicit theories research are discussed.
Occupation and Industry Sex Segregation, Gender, and Workplace Support: The Use of Flexible Scheduling Policies
Authors: Minnotte Krista Lynn , Cook Alison , Minnotte Michael C.
Published: October 2009

This study examines how industry and occupation sex segregation are related to the use of flexible scheduling policies and perceptions of the career repercussions of using such policies. The analysis is performed on data from the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce ( N = 2,810). Findings suggest that the percentage of women per industry and occupation increase the likelihood of using flexible scheduling; however, the effect is not cumulative. The results show that organization family support interacts with gender and the sex composition of the industry in predicting use of flexible scheduling. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the relationship between the extent of sex segregation and perceptions of the career repercussions of using policies is complicated with a three-way interaction of percentage women per industry, percentage women per occupation, and gender. These patterns are discussed in further detail along with implications of the study.
Depression assessment and classification in palliative cancer patients: a systematic literature review
Authors: Wasteson Elisabet , Brenne Elisabeth , Higginson Irene J , Hotopf Matthew , Lloyd-Williams Mari , Kaasa Stein , Loge Jon Håvard ,   the European Palliative Care Research Collaborative (EPCRC)
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to review the literature on depression in palliative cancer care in order to identify which assessment methods and classification systems have been used in studies of depression. Extensive electronic database searches in PubMed, CancerLit, CINAHL, PsychINFO, EMBASE and AgeLine as well as hand search were carried out. In the 202 included papers, 106 different assessment methods were used. Sixty-five of these were only used once. All together, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was the most commonly used assessment method. However, there were regional differences and while the HADS dominated in Europe it was quite seldom used in Canada or in the USA. Few prevalence and intervention studies used assessment methods with an explicit reference to a diagnostic system. There were in total few case definitions of depression. Among these, the classifications were in general based on cut-off scores (77%) and not according to diagnostic systems. The full range of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria was seldom assessed, i.e. less than one-third of the assessments in the review took into account the duration of symptoms and 18% assessed consequences and impact upon patient functioning. A diversity of assessment methods had been used. Few studies classified depression by referring to a diagnostic system or by using cut-off scores. Evidently, there is a need for a consensus on how to assess and conceptualize depression and related conditions in palliative care.
Intranasal alfentanil for severe intractable angina in inoperable coronary artery disease
Authors: Osborn Hannah , Jefferson Melanie
Published: October 2009

Chronic refractory angina can lead to multiple acute hospital admissions. This can be due to patient and healthcare professional misconceptions regarding the meaning of the chest pain experienced. Symptom control, psychological support and education form an important part of the management of this condition. We describe a case study where intranasal alfentanil provided rapid relief of symptoms preventing repeated hospital admissions.
Acute and chronic treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors exert opposite effects on respiration in rats: possible implications for panic disorder
Authors: Annerbrink Kristina , Olsson Marie , Hedner Jan , Eriksson Elias
Published: October 2009

Prompted by the suggested importance of respiration for the pathophysiology of panic disorder, we studied the influence of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) as well as other serotonin-modulating compounds on respiration in freely moving rats. The effect on respiration after acute administration of compounds enhancing synaptic levels of serotonin, that is, the serotonin reuptake inhibitors paroxetine and fluoxetine, the serotonin-releasing agents m-chlorophenylpiperazine and d-fenfluramine, and the selective 5-HT1A antagonist WAY-100635, were investigated. All serotonin-releasing substances decreased respiratory rate in unrestrained, awake animals, suggesting the influence of serotonin on respiratory rate under these conditions to be mainly inhibitory. In line with a previous study, rats administered fluoxetine for 23 days or more, on the other hand, displayed an enhanced respiratory rate. The results reinforce the assumption that the effect of subchronic administration of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor on certain serotonin-regulated parameters may be opposite to that obtained after acute administration. We suggest that our observations may be of relevance for the fact that acute administration of SRIs, d-fenfluramine, or m-chlorophenylpiperazine often is anxiogenic in panic disorder patients, and that weeks of administration of an SRI leads to a very effective prevention of panic.
A comparison of serum prolactin concentrations after administration of paliperidone extended-release and risperidone tablets in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Berwaerts Joris , Cleton Adriaan , Rossenu Stefaan , Talluri Krishna , Remmerie Bart , Janssens Luc , Boom Sandra , Kramer Michelle , Eerdekens Mariëlle
Published: October 2009

Increases in serum prolactin concentrations after administration of risperidone have been attributed, by some, to the availability of paliperidone in plasma. This double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study in patients with schizophrenia compared serum prolactin concentrations following the administration of paliperidone extended-release and risperidone immediate-release tablets. At steady state, the doses administered resulted in a similar exposure to paliperidone and the pharmacologically active fraction of risperidone (i.e. risperidone + paliperidone), respectively. Eligible patients were randomized to either paliperidone extended-release 12 mg on days 1—6 or risperidone immediate-release 2 mg on day 1 and 4 mg on days 2—6. Mean serum prolactin concentrations increased on day 1 (Cmax: 71.8 ng/ml and 89.7 ng/ml reached at 6.5 hours and 2.6 hours for paliperidone extended-release and risperidone immediate-release, respectively). On day 6, serum prolactin concentration—time profiles were similar for both treatments, with overall higher serum prolactin concentrations than on day 1 (AUC0—24 h: 1389 and 842 ng h/ml, and 1306 and 741 ng.h/ml on day 6 and day 1 for paliperidone extended-release and risperidone immediate-release, respectively). These results indicate that paliperidone extended-release 12 mg and risperidone immediate-release 4 mg, administered over a period of 6 days, lead to similar elevations in serum prolactin concentrations.
The anxiolytic effect of pregabalin in outpatients undergoing minor orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Gonano Christopher , Latzke Daniela , Sabeti-Aschraf Manuel , Kettner Stephan C , Chiari Astrid , Gustorff Burkhard
Published: October 2009

Preoperative anxiety can increase postoperative pain and is therefore important to avoid. Different approaches have already been tested for preoperative anxiolysis. Gabapentinoids might be a useful alternative to benzodiazepines. Pregabalin is used for treating generalized anxiety disorders and shows a favourable pharmacokinetic profile after oral administration; however, its anxiolytic effect preoperatively in healthy outpatients is still unclear. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial the anxiolytic effect of pregabalin in 40 outpatients undergoing standardised general anaesthesia and postoperative pain therapy for minor orthopaedic surgery was analysed. Patients received preoperatively either 300 mg pregabalin or placebo orally. The primary outcome was anxiety before anaesthesia induction, the secondary outcome the postoperative pain, both assessed using a visual analogue scale from 0 to 100. Without any side effects pregabalin reduced preoperative anxiety compared with the control group (23 ± 10 vs. 38 ± 17; p = 0.003). Pain scores did not differ between groups; however, need of piritramide in the postanaesthesia care unit was reduced to half by pregabalin compared with the control group. A single preoperative dose of 300 mg pregabalin reduces anxiety in patients undergoing minor orthopaedic surgery without any side effects like dizziness or persisting sedation resulting in a prolonged stay in the postanaesthesia care unit.
Eplerenone, a selective mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, exerts anxiolytic effects accompanied by changes in stress hormone release
Authors: Hlavacova Natasa , Bakos Jan , Jezova Daniela
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of chronic treatment with eplerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and clinically used antihypertensive drug, on animal correlates of mood disorders, namely anxiety-like behaviour, stress hormones release and brain plasticity. Male rats (n = 40) were injected subcutaneously twice daily with eplerenone (50 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle for 11 days. Open-field and elevated plus-maze tests were used as both anxiety-related paradigms and stress stimuli to evaluate hormone responses. Eplerenone-treated rats showed reduced anxiety-like behaviour manifested by both conventional and ethological parameters related to exploration and risk assessment behaviour in the elevated plus-maze test and partially in the open-field test. Eplerenone treatment resulted in an elevation of plasma aldosterone and oxytocin levels. Chronic treatment with eplerenone prevented the stress-induced rise in plasma corticosterone levels and vasopressin concentrations in the posterior pituitary. Eplerenone treatment failed to induce substantial changes in hippocampal brain derived neurotrophic factor protein concentrations. In conclusions, chronic treatment with eplerenone (1) exerts anxiolytic effects and (2) influences corticosterone, oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations in a manner consistent with the anxiolytic outcome.
Motion Analysis with Experimental Verification of the Hybrid Robot PEOPLER-II for Reversible Switch between Walk and Roll on Demand
Authors: Okada Tokuji , Botelho Wagner Tanaka , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: October 2009

We propose a newly renovated mobile robot PEOPLER-II (Perpendicularly Oriented Planetary Legged Robot), and addresses its motion analysis for switching its locomotion from leg-type to wheel-type and vice versa. For the leg-type locomotion, particularly in a transitional state of sitting or standing, we propose a control method based on minimization of the total energy cost using the distribution of the motor power payload in the hip and knee joints, in addition to the method of keeping the same payload factor. Also, we discuss robot configurations for switching between the two locomotion types by considering environmental factors such as walking gaits, ground inclination angle and robot’s traveling direction. Knee joint position of a pivotal foot determines knee ahead and knee behind gaits. In each switch, we check such characteristics as the hip joint rotation direction, robot center trajectory, and necessary total power in a practical point of use. Then we build three beneficial switching cycles aiming for moderate use of a motor, rider’s comfort, and power saving. Finally, we demonstrate the switching by considering the aim and verify that the results of the analysis become useful for enabling switching on demand.
Advances in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) in earth system science
Authors: Rott Helmut
Published: October 2009

During recent years, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry (InSAR) has become an important tool for precise measurements of the earth’s surface topography and deformation. This paper presents an overview on recent developments in InSAR applications, with emphasis on the use of satellite-borne sensors for applications in geoscience, topographic mapping, natural hazard monitoring and environmental research. InSAR measurement principles are briefly introduced. Recent results on the use of repeat-pass interferometry for mapping seismic and volcanic deformation, monitoring landslides and subsidence, and mapping glacier motion are described. Other InSAR applications introduced in the paper are: topographic mapping, retrieval of biogeophysical parameters on land surfaces, and measurements of water currents. Examples of interferometric products are shown for satellite-borne SAR systems operating at X-band, C-band and L-band radar frequencies. An outlook is provided on upcoming SAR systems which will spur further advances in InSAR techniques and applications.
Anatomical Confirmation of the Use of Radiographic Landmarks in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Redfern John , Kamath Ganesh , Burks Robert
Published: October 2009

Background

A recent study has described radiographic landmarks for femoral insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Clinical relevance and application of these landmarks for surgical reconstruction have yet to be determined.

Hypothesis

Radiographic landmarks can be used to accurately determine the femoral insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament in a percutaneous fluoroscopically guided surgical technique.

Study Design

Descriptive laboratory study

Methods

The femoral insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament was estimated using fluoroscopy in 8 fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees. The knees were dissected and the true anatomical medial patellofemoral ligament femoral insertion was identified. Radiographic markers were placed on both the estimated and anatomical medial patellofemoral ligament and a repeat lateral radiograph was performed. Using imaging software, the distance between the true anatomical insertion and the fluoroscopically determined insertion was calculated.

Results

All 8 points determined by fluoroscopically guided pin placement averaged less than 4 mm from the anatomical insertion. The radiographic landmark method consistently placed the origin on average 2.5 mm anterior and 0.6 mm distal to the anatomical insertion.

Conclusion

Radiographic landmarks determined by fluoroscopy can be used to accurately reproduce the femoral insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament in ligament reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance

Confirming the use of radiographic landmarks to determine the medial patellofemoral ligament femoral insertion may help to increase accuracy and precision in ligament reconstruction and minimize surgical dissection.
Lindane residues in cultivated cucumber and in the most consumed fish in Caspian Sea (Iran)
Authors: M Shokrzadeh , SS Saeedi Saravi , Y Zehtab Yazdi
Published: October 2009

In this study, the concentrations of lindane residues (organochlorine pesticides) were analyzed in samples of cultivated cucumbers ( Cucumis sativus L.) and four species of most consumed fish (Sefid, Koli, Kilca and Kafal fish). Samples of cucumber were collected from five sites in Sari city (north, south, east, west and central areas) and samples of fish were caught using electric fishing from four major fishing centers (Chalous and Babolsar cities, Khazar Abad and Miankaleh regions) in Mazandaran province of Iran. Quantitative determination of the lindane content was performed by gas chromatography electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). The results showed that the concentration of lindane in cucumber samples and in the dorsal muscle of the selected fish were less than the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) recommended intake.
Mechanical and Conductive Properties of Carbon Black-filled High-density Polyethylene, Low-density Polyethylene, and Linear Low-density Polyethylene
Authors: Qiang Yuan  , Bateman Stuart A. , Dongyang Wu
Published: October 2009

High conductive composites were manufactured using single screw extruder melt compound method with carbon black (CB)-filled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). A low percolation threshold value was achieved from the composites consisting of 2 wt% CB (Printex) with HDPE (HDPE3690). The impact strength of CB/LDPE and CB/LLDPE composites were almost 20 times higher than that of CB/HDPE3690. The tensile modulus and strength of conductive composites increased with the content of CB. Microstructures of conductive composites were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. At the 2 wt% CB content, the CB particles have built a conductive network, which lead to high conductivity.
HR Determinants of Organizational Success amongst Small and Medium Enterprises in the Indian Automobile Sector
Authors: Akhouri Narendra Nath , Sharma Radha R.
Published: October 2009

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the auto sector have emerged in response to the growing off-shore requirements of the auto industry. The growth has been so rapid that it has remained elusive to researchers and the present study is an attempt to bridge this knowledge gap. Three scales (Engaging Leadership both from the perspectives of the leaders and the subordinates, and Employee Engagement) were developed by the researchers for the purpose of the study. Two existing scales viz., Cultural Intelligence and Positive and Negative Affectivity were also used in the study. The results show statistically significant results between professionals of high performing and low performing SMEs on Engaging Leadership, Employee Engagement, Cultural Intelligence and Positivity and Negativity.
Multi-spillover Effects of Multinational Corporations on Host Countries
Authors: Dusanjh Harpreet , Sidhu A.S.
Published: October 2009

The debate on the mushrooming growth of MNCs (multinational corporations) across the globe is drawing the attention of researchers as well as policy makers worldwide. This debate concerns the self-seeking motives of the entry of these MNCs in the host nations. Arguments differ on whether the MNCs operate in the new nations for their own motives only, thereby ignoring the interest of the host countries and their domestic firms. Several studies conducted in the past have attempted to measure the effects of the entry of the MNCs in the host nations. Unlike the direct effects, the indirect effects of these multinationals are quite difficult to enunciate due to the imprecise and disparate nature of the definition of these spillovers. The present paper contributes to this research by investigating the findings of past empirical researches carried out on spillover effects generated by these MNCs in the host nations. The study concludes that existence of both positive as well as negative spillovers is not the sole outcome of an ‘MNC entry’ into a host nation as posed by its critics but an array of other factors, thereby calling for a wider research to explore these factors.
Productivity and Financial Structure
Authors: Ghosh Saibal
Published: October 2009

The article utilizes data on high-tech Indian firms for 1996–2007 to explain the association between leverage and productivity. Accordingly, firm-level productivity measures are regressed on a set of control variables, which includes leverage among the regressors. The findings suggest that low leveraged firms tend to be more productive, on average. Robustness tests support the results.