bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stroke without dissection from a neck holding manoeuvre in martial arts
Authors: McCarron M O , Patterson J , Duncan R
Published: December 2008

Carotid artery trauma is a known cause of stroke in young people. The vessel may occlude, dissect or shower thrombotic emboli into intracranial vessels. This paper reports the use of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging in a 29 year old man who developed an embolic stroke after neck holding manoeuvres at a martial arts class. Awareness of the potential consequences of these procedures is matched by the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis of stroke now that thrombolytic and neuroprotective treatments are emerging, which are effective only within a short time window.
PHYSICAL FITNESS AND FLYING
Authors: Koch A.
Published: December 2008

“Fitness” is a word wellknown in the countries of the English language, especially in U.S.A. In Europe we used and use more for the same conception, words like “die Kondition, die Eignung, die Tauglichkeit, die Form” (Germany) or “la condition, la performance, le rendement” (France) or “la forma” (Italy, Spain). Problems of the performance or fitness belong to the sport science as long as we have the modern Olympic Games. Here will be used the word “fitness”. What are we imagining if we are talking about fitness? The definition of “fitness” is very different, there are many. For example: “Fitness is a state which characterizes the degree to which the organism is able to function” (LARSON). Which are the components of the fitness?

Fitness has many spectrums. It means aptitude for a certain task, for a job, for a game, for a profession? What does physical fitness mean? How can we measure fitness? Which are the factors that impair, which are the factors which improve fitness?

These are the questions discussed in which are included as well the basic idea of the special point of view in relation to flying personnel.
GRADING OF SPORTING EVENTS BY SIZE
Authors: Khosla T.
Published: December 2008

Data are presented showing that at the Mexico Olympics the outcome of most events could be prejudged in favour of the taller competitors, who themselves represent a minor proportion of the general population. It is suggested that, in order to encourage the widest participation by the community in sport, grading of competitors by size be introduced into all sports.
Variability of corticosteroid responses during exercise stress in active and sedentary middle-aged males.
Authors: White J. A. , Ismail A. H. , Bottoms G. D.
Published: December 2008

Two groups of middle-aged male subjects (both N=11), one active (mean age 44.6 years) and one sedentary (mean age 43.7 years), undertook a graded exercise stress test on a bicycle ergometer in the post-absorptive state. Blood serum corticosteroid levels were measured at the following stages of metabolism; at rest, under conditions of submaximal and "maximal' exercise and during recovery. The active group showed no significant change in mean serum corticosteroid levels from resting values, during exercise and recovery. However the sedentary group displayed a significant increase in mean serum corticosteroid levels from a resting value of 5.81 plus or minus 0.41 mub-g/100 ml. (mean plus or minus S.E.) to 7.83 plus or minus 0.71 mug/100 ml. during "maximal' exercise (p smaller than 0.05), which was maintained throughout recovery 7.82 plus or minus 0.70 ug/100 ml (p smaller than 0.05). Futhermore the active group demonstrated significantly lower mean serum corticosteroid levels compared with the sedentary group under conditions of submaximal (p smaller than 0.05) and "maximal' (p smaller than 0.01) exercise and during recovery (p smaller than 0.01). It was concluded that the variability in the response patterns of serum corticosteroids during exercise stress in active and sedentary middle-aged males, reflected the physiological differences observed between the two groups of subjects.
Physical Fitness of Canadian Physical Education Students with a Note on International Differences
Authors: Shephard Roy J. , Pimm Peter
Published: December 2008

Measurements of physical fitness have been carried out on 161 University of Toronto physical and health education students, 78 men and 83 women; 144 of the students were non-smokers, and the remainder had a relatively light cigarette consumption, 10 men averaging 12.3 cigarettes/day and 7 women 8.7 cigarettes/day.

The more fit members of the group tended to volunteer for maximum testing, while less fit subjects elected sub-maximum test procedures. Allowing for this factor, the average V̇O2(max) was 49.0 ml./kg. min in the male non-smokers, 37.7 ml./kg. min in the female non-smokers, 51.8 ml./kg. min for male smokers and 42.9 ml./kg. min for female smokers. Measurements of skinfold thicknesses (average readings for four groups 12.2, 13.3, 19.5 and 15.3 mm) with estimates of body fat (18.0, 28.5, 21.9 and 27.7%), muscle strength and lean mass support the view that although most students perceive themselves as fit, neither the men nor the women have an exceptional capacity for endurance work.

Despite a recent and fairly light cigarette habit, lung volumes are poorer in the smokers than in the non-smokers.

Even at the first laboratory visit, bicycle ergometer predictions of V̇O2(max) over-estimate direct treadmill readings for this group, the discrepancy being 5-6% for the men and 8-9% for the women.

Results are compared with published information on physical education students from other nations. There seem national differences between endurance-oriented Scandinavian students and heavy, contact-sport oriented North Americans.
STUDY ON THE STRUCTURE AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF Zn1-xCrxO FILMS BY RF MAGNETRON SPUTTERING TECHNIQUE
Authors: JU J. , WU X. M. , ZHUGE L. J.
Published: December 2008

Zn 1-x Cr x O (x = 0, 0.03, 0.09) films were prepared by the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique on Si (111) and quartz glass substrates. The effects of Cr -doping on the structural and optical properties of ZnO films have been discussed. The structural properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) while optical properties using UV-Visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS). XRD measurement revealed that the films were single phase and wurtzite structure with c-axis orientation. With the increase of Cr concentration, the intensity of the (002) peak and the grain size of the Zn 1-x Cr x O (x = 0, 0.03, 0.09) films decreased, and the Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of (002) peak, the crystal lattice parameter c of Zn 1-x Cr x O (x = 0, 0.03, 0.09) films and the width of optical band gap increased, respectively. In the transmittance spectra of the Zn 1-x Cr x O (x = 0, 0.03, 0.09) films, the movement of the absorption edge of the ultraviolet region is the Burstein–Moss shift with the increase of Cr concentration.
INVESTIGATION OF THE ENTROPY AND SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY OF GaN USING INCOMPLETE GAMMA FUNCTIONS
Authors: SÖNMEZOǦLU SAVAŞ
Published: December 2008

The aim of this paper is to provide validity and reliable analytical relation for the thermodynamic functions calculated in terms of the Debye temperature using incomplete gamma functions, and examines the entropy and specific heat capacity of hexagonal single crystals of GaN in the 0–1800 K temperature range. The obtained results have been compared with the corresponding experimental and theoretical results. Our results are in excellent agreement with the theoretical results over the entire temperature range. It has also shown that at low temperature, our results are in very good agreement with the experimental results, however, at high temperature, our results are lower than other experimental results.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CURRENT DENSITY AND MASS DENSITY FOR OHMIC TOKAMAK PLASMAS
Authors: ASIF M.
Published: December 2008

The relation between current density and mass density in the plasma has been derived based on the assumption that the magnetic entropy is constant in time. Over the entire range of quasi-stationary ohmic conditions, it is obtained [Formula: see text]. Here j0 and ρ0 are the central values of j and ρ with j0 ≈ cB/2πR0 (this corresponds to a value q ≈ 1 of the safety factor near the minor axis).
STRONG CORRELATION EFFECTS IN SINGLE-WALL CARBON NANOTUBES
Authors: CARR SAM T.
Published: December 2008

We present an overview of strong correlations in single-wall carbon nanotubes, and an introduction to the techniques used to study them theoretically. We concentrate on zigzag nanotubes, although universality dictates that much of the theory can also be applied to armchair or chiral nanotubes. We show how interaction effects lead to exotic low energy properties and discuss future directions for studies on correlation effects in nanotubes.
EFFECT OF CLASSICAL TRAPPING IN QUANTUM CHAOS: AN ANOMALOUS DIFFUSION APPROACH
Authors: WANG JIAO , GARCIA-GARCIA ANTONIO M.
Published: December 2008

We study generic effects on the quantum dynamics of classical trapping-leaking mechanism by investigating in detail the 2δ-kicked rotors whose classical phase space is partitioned into momentum cells separated by trapping regions which slow down the motion. We focus on a range of parameters where the dynamics is generic, namely, the phase space has no stable islands. As a consequence of the trapping-leaking mechanism, we show that the classical motion is described by a process of anomalous diffusion. We investigate in detail the impact of the underlying classical anomalous diffusion on the quantum dynamics with special emphasis on the phenomenon of dynamical localization. Based on the study of the quantum density of probability, its second moment and the return probability, we identify a region of weak dynamical localization where the quantum diffusion is still anomalous but the diffusion rate is slower than in the classical case. Moreover, we examine how other relevant time scales, such as the quantum-classical breaking time and the one related to the beginning of full dynamical localization, are modified by the classical anomalous diffusion. Finally, we discuss the relevance of our results for understanding the role of classical cantori in quantum mechanics.
STOCHASTIC RESONANCE IN HINDMARSH–ROSE NEURAL NETWORK WITH SMALL-WORLD CONNECTIONS
Authors: YANG RENHUAN , SONG AIGUO
Published: December 2008

We study stochastic resonance (SR) in Hindmarsh–Rose (HR) neural network with small-world (SW) connections driven by external periodic stimulus, focusing on the dependence of properties of SR on the network structure parameters. It is found that, the SW neural network enhances SR compared with single neuron. By turning coupling strength c, two categories of SR were gained. With the connection-rewiring probability p increasing, the resonance curve becomes more and more sharp and the peak value increases gradually and then reaches saturation. The SW network enhances the SR peak value compared with regular network and widens resonance in ascending range compared with random network. When decreasing node degree k, the resonance range is enlarged, and the signal noise ratio (SNR) curve becomes a two peak one from a classic single peak SR curve, and then the stochastic resonance phenomenon almost disappears.
A TOOL BASED ON DL FOR UML MODEL CONSISTENCY CHECKING
Authors: SIMMONDS JOCELYN , BASTARRICA MARÍA CECILIA , HITSCHFELD-KAHLER NANCY , RIVAS SEBASTIÁN
Published: December 2008

Automated consistency checking of UML models becomes necessary as models grow in size and complexity. Since the UML metamodel does not enforce model consistency, there are no fixed guidelines on how to approach the consistency problem. Current solutions are generally partial. The translation of the metamodel and the user designed model into Description Logics has proved to provide a solution in detecting a large set of inconsistencies. In order to make this solution available to system designers, we have implemented MCC+, a UML model consistency checker, built as a plug-in for Poseidon for UML, and relying on Jena as a reasoning engine. Compared to other approaches, we propose a usable and scalable solution, interoperable with a known modeling tool. We show the application of MCC+ to a real world large example of a meshing tool.
CONFLICT-FREE COLORINGS OF SHALLOW DISCS
Authors: ALON NOGA , SMORODINSKY SHAKHAR
Published: December 2008

We prove that any collection of n discs in which each one intersects at most k others, can be colored with at most O( log 3 k) colors so that for each point p in the union of all discs there is at least one disc in the collection containing p whose color differs from that of all other members of the collection that contain p. This is motivated by a problem on frequency assignment in cellular networks, and improves the best previously known upper bound of O( log n) when k is much smaller than n.
A FAST k-MEANS IMPLEMENTATION USING CORESETS
Authors: FRAHLING GEREON , SOHLER CHRISTIAN
Published: December 2008

In this paper we develop an efficient implementation for a k-means clustering algorithm. The algorithm is based on a combination of Lloyd's algorithm with random swapping of centers to avoid local minima. This approach was proposed by Mount 30. The novel feature of our algorithms is the use of coresets to speed up the algorithm. A coreset is a small weighted set of points that approximates the original point set with respect to the considered problem. We use a coreset construction described in 12. Our algorithm first computes a solution on a very small coreset. Then in each iteration the previous solution is used as a starting solution on a refined, i.e. larger, coreset. To evaluate the performance of our algorithm we compare it with algorithm KMHybrid 30 on typical 3D data sets for an image compression application and on artificially created instances. Our data sets consist of 300,000 to 4.9 million points. Our algorithm outperforms KMHybrid on most of these input instances. Additionally, the quality of the solutions computed by our algorithm deviates significantly less than that of KMHybrid. We conclude that the use of coresets has two effects. First, it can speed up algorithms significantly. Secondly, in variants of Lloyd's algorithm, it reduces the dependency on the starting solution and thus makes the algorithm more stable. Finally, we propose the use of coresets as a heuristic to approximate the average silhouette coefficient of clusterings. The average silhouette coefficient is a measure for the quality of a clustering that is independent of the number of clusters k. Hence, it can be used to compare the quality of clusterings for different sizes of k. To show the applicability of our approach we computed clusterings and approximate average silhouette coefficient for k = 1,…, 100 for our input instances and discuss the performance of our algorithm in detail.
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS ON HUMAN RESPIRATORY DYNAMICS USING FLOW-VOLUME SPIROMETRY AND COMBINED NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: VEEZHINATHAN MAHESH , MANOHARAN SUJATHA C. , RAMAKRISHNAN SWAMINATHAN
Published: December 2008

In this work, detection of pulmonary abnormalities carried out using flow-volume spirometry and combined neural network is presented. The respiratory data (N = 225) were obtained from volunteers using a commercially available spirometer recorded by a standard acquisition protocol. The spirometric data were used for classification of normal, restrictive, and obstructive abnormalities using combined neural networks. The first level of the networks was implemented to assess the primary abnormality, whereas the second level of the networks further classified the degree of abnormality. The results were validated with the measured values of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and adjusted accuracy. Combined neural networks using a radial basis algorithm were found to be effective in classifying various degrees of abnormalities as normal, restrictive, or obstructive. Furthermore, combined neural networks achieved significant improvement in accuracy compared to stand-alone neural networks. It appears that this method of integrated assessment is useful in understanding pulmonary function dynamics with incomplete data and/or data with poor recording.
A Decade of Satellite Ocean Color Observations
Authors: McClain Charles R.
Published: December 2008

After the successful Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS, 1978–1986) demonstration that quantitative estimations of geophysical variables such as chlorophyll a and diffuse attenuation coefficient could be derived from top of the atmosphere radiances, a number of international missions with ocean color capabilities were launched beginning in the late 1990s. Most notable were those with global data acquisition capabilities, i.e., the Ocean Color and Temperature Sensor (OCTS, Japan, 1996–1997), the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS, United States, 1997-present), two Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometers (MODIS, United States, Terra/2000-present and Aqua/2002-present), the Global Imager (GLI, Japan, 2002–2003), and the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS, European Space Agency, 2002-present). These missions have provided data of exceptional quality and continuity, allowing for scientific inquiries into a wide variety of marine research topics not possible with the CZCS. This review focuses on the scientific advances made over the past decade using these data sets.
Thermal Radiation and Buoyancy Effects on Heat and Mass Transfer over a Semi‐Infinite Stretching Surface with Suction and Blowing
Authors: Shateyi S.
Published: December 2008

This study sought to investigate thermal radiation and buoyancy effects on heat and mass transfer over a semi‐infinite stretching surface with suction and blowing. Appropriate transformations were employed to transform the governing differential equations to nonsimilar form. The transformed equations were solved numerically by an efficient implicit, iterative finite‐difference scheme. A parametric study illustrating the influence of wall suction or
injection, radiation, Schmidt number and Grashof number on the fluid velocity, temperature and concentration is conducted. We conclude from the study that the flow is appreciably influenced by thermal radiation, Schmidt number, as well as fluid injection or suction.
Remote Laboratory Experiments in a Virtual Immersive Learning Environment
Authors: Berruti Luca , Davoli Franco , Zappatore Sandro , Massei Gianluca , Scarpiello Amedeo
Published: December 2008

The Virtual Immersive Learning (VIL) test bench implements a virtual collaborative immersive environment, capable of integrating natural contexts and typical gestures, which may occur during traditional lectures, enhanced with advanced experimental sessions. The system architecture is described, along with the motivations, and the most significant choices, both hardware and software, adopted for its implementation. The novelty of the approach essentially relies on its capability of embedding functionalities that stem from various research results (mainly carried out within the VICOM national project), and “putting the pieces together” in a well‐integrated framework. These features, along with its high portability, good flexibility, and, above all, low cost, make this approach appropriate for educational and training purposes, mainly concerning measurements on telecommunication systems, at universities and research centers, as well as enterprises. Moreover, the methodology can be employed for remote access to and sharing of costly measurement equipment in many different activities. The immersive characteristics of the framework are illustrated, along with performance measurements related to a specific application.
The Study of a New Method to Determine Copper Ion by Square-Wave Voltammetry-Extraction Iodometry at the Liquid/Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Shi Changyan , Xie Shaoai , Jia Jinping
Published: December 2008

A new method of indirect determination ofCu2+was developed based on square-wave voltammetry by the oxidation of iodide in organic solvent at the liquid/liquid (L/L) interface. The limit of detection for the determination ofCu2+in this method was found to be5×10−4 mol/L, and the concentration ranged up to1×10−2 mol/L gave a linear limiting current versus concentration response. For the same simulated wastewater, this method showed high accuracy compared with the result tested by sodium diethyldithiocarbamate extraction spectrophotometry. This approach could be applied to the indirect determination of the oxidative heavy metals in the industrial wastewater.
A Method for Fabricating Arrays of Nanopatterns with the Feature Size beyond Diffraction Limit
Authors: Li Shuhong , Shi Lifang , Dong Xiaochun , Du Chunlei , Zhang Yudong
Published: December 2008

A convenient lithographic technique is proposed in this paper, which can be used to produce subdiffraction‐limit arrays of nanopatterns over large areas (about several square centimeters). An array of polystyrene spheres (PS) is arranged on the surface of a layer of silver which has a thickness of about tens of nanometers. With the normal illumination light of wavelength 365 nm perpendicular to the substrate, PS can generate an array of optical patterns with high intensity at their contact points with silver. By designing the silver slab, the evanescent waves that carry subwavelength information about the optical patterns are substantially enhanced, while propagating components are restrained. In the photoresist which is on the other side of silver, the optical intensity is redistributed and subdiffraction‐limit patterns are obtained after exposure and development. Simulation by finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) and experiments were carried out to verify the technique. The results show that by using PS with diameter of 600 nm, nanopatterns with dimension of less than 80 nm can be obtained.
Application of Sequence-Dependent Electrophoresis Fingerprinting in Exploring Biodiversity and Population Dynamics of Human Intestinal Microbiota: What Can Be Revealed?
Authors: Huys Geert , Vanhoutte Tom , Vandamme Peter
Published: December 2008

Sequence-dependent electrophoresis (SDE) fingerprinting techniques such as denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) have become commonplace in the field of molecular microbial ecology. The success of the SDE technology lays in the fact that it allows visualization of the predominant members of complex microbial ecosystems independent of their culturability and without prior knowledge on the complexity and diversity of the ecosystem. Mainly using the prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene as PCR amplification target, SDE-based community fingerprinting turned into one of the leading molecular tools to unravel the diversity and population dynamics of human intestinal microbiota. The first part of this review covers the methodological concept of SDE fingerprinting and the technical hurdles for analyzing intestinal samples. Subsequently, the current state-of-the-art of DGGE and related techniques to analyze human intestinal microbiota from healthy individuals and from patients with intestinal disorders is surveyed. In addition, the applicability of SDE analysis to monitor intestinal population changes upon nutritional or therapeutic interventions is critically evaluated.
Adaptive Output Tracking of Driven Oscillators
Authors: Diao Lili , Guay Martin
Published: December 2008

Heart dynamics are usually unknown and require the application of real‐time control technique because of the
fatal nature of most cardiac arrhythmias. The problem of controlling the heart dynamics in a real‐time manner
is formulated as an adaptive learning output‐tracking problem. For a class of nonlinear dynamic systems with
unknown nonlinearities and nonaffine control input , a Lyapunov‐based technique is used to develop a control law.
An adaptive learning algorithm is exploited that guarantees the stability of the closed‐loop system and convergence
of the output tracking error to an adjustable neighborhood of the origin. In addition, good approximation of the
unknown nonlinearities is also achieved by incorporating a persistent exciting signal in the parameter update law.
The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by an application to a cardiac conduction system modelled
by two coupled driven oscillators.
Metastatic Liposarcoma to the Parotid
Authors: Trabelsi Amel , Ben Abdelkrim Soumaya , Jemni Hela , Stita Wided , Ouni Chadia , Dhouibi Abdelmejid , Hmissa Sihem , Mokni Moncef , Korbi Sadok
Published: December 2008

Distant metastases of the parotid gland are uncommon. They arise from primary tumors located in the head and neck, mainly melanoma and epidermoid carcinoma. Other histological types of metastasis are very rare. We report an exceptional case of parotid metastasis of myxoid liposarcoma in a 42-year-old man and insist on the worse prognosis of this entity.
CYP1A1, mEH, and GSTM1 Polymophisms and Risk of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer: A Spanish Case-Control Study
Authors: Varela-Lema L. , Ruano-Ravina A. , Juiz Crespo M. A. , Kelsey K. T. , Loidi L. , Barros-Dios J. M.
Published: December 2008

Background. Genetic polymorphisms of drug metabolizing enzymes involved in the detoxification pathways of carcinogenic substances may influence cancer risk.Methods. Case-control study that investigates the relationship between CYP1A1 Ile/Val, exon 4 mEH, and GSTM1 null genetic polymorphism and the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer examining the interaction between these genes, tobacco, and alcohol. 92 incident cases and 130 consecutive hospital-based controls have been included.Results. No significant associations were found for any of the genotypes assessed. The estimated risk was slightly elevated in subjects with the wild type of the mEH gene and the null GSTM1 genotype. For exon 4 mEH heterozygous polymorphism, the risk was slightly lower for heavy smokers than for light smokers. The inverse association was observed for the GSTM1 null genotype.Conclusions. The results suggest that exon 4 mEH and GSTM1 null polymorphisms might influence oral and pharyngeal cancer.
PPARγ, PTEN, and the Fight against Cancer
Authors: Teresi Rosemary E. , Waite Kristin A.
Published: December 2008

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor, which belongs to the family of nuclear hormone receptors. Recent in vitro studies have shown that PPARγ can regulate the transcription of phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosometen (PTEN), a known tumor suppressor. PTEN is a susceptibility gene for a number of disorders, including breast and thyroid cancer. Activation of PPARγ through agonists increases functional PTEN protein levels that subsequently induces apoptosis and inhibits cellular growth, which suggests that PPARγ may be a tumor suppressor. Indeed, several in vivo studies have demonstrated that genetic alterations of PPARγ can promote tumor progression. These results are supported by observations of the beneficial effects of PPARγ agonists in the in vivo cancer setting. These studies signify the importance of PPARγ and PTEN′s interaction in cancer prevention.
Ultra-High-Pressure Balloon Angioplasty for Treatment of Resistant Stenoses Within or Adjacent to Previously Implanted Pulmonary Arterial Stents
Authors: Maglione Jessica , Bergersen Lisa , Lock James E. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: December 2008

Background—

Stents are essential tools in the management of pulmonary arterial (PA) stenosis in patients with congenital heart disease. Although stents can usually be reexpanded as children grow, resistant in-stent or peri-stent obstruction can complicate the management of PA stents. Angioplasty with ultra-high-pressure (UHP) balloons may facilitate successful treatment of stent-associated PA stenoses that are resistant to high-pressure dilation.

Methods and Results—

We reviewed patients who underwent UHP angioplasty of in-stent or peri-stent PA stenoses that were resistant to high-pressure redilation. A resistant stenosis was defined as a residual balloon waist during high-pressure redilation of the stent, along with a pressure gradient and/or angiographic stenosis. Thirty-four lesions in 29 patients, including 8 with multiple concentric, overlapping, or adjacent stents, were included. The median age at UHP angioplasty was 9 years, and a median of 4 years had elapsed since unsuccessful high-pressure angioplasty. Thirty-one of the 34 (91% [81% to 100%]) UHP angioplasty procedures were successful in relieving the resistant stenosis. Balloon:waist diameter ratios were conservative (median 1.26), reflecting the ability of UHP balloons to “fracture” nearly all obstructions. After UHP dilation, lesion diameter increased by a median of 3.1 mm (36%), significantly more than after previous high-pressure dilation (1.3 mm, 19%;
P
<0.001). In 5 lesions, UHP angioplasty fractured the stent, allowing further vessel expansion. There were no vascular or other complications.

Conclusions—

UHP angioplasty was safe and effective for treatment of stent-related resistant PA stenosis in this series; the ability to fracture maximally expanded stents may extend the utility of stents in the pediatric population.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme–Derived Angiotensin II Formation During Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Gonzalez-Villalobos Romer A. , Satou Ryousuke , Seth Dale M. , Semprun-Prieto Laura C. , Katsurada Akemi , Kobori Hiroyuki , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: December 2008

The extent to which endogenous angiotensin (Ang) II formation is responsible for increasing kidney Ang II content and blood pressure during Ang II–induced hypertension is unknown. To address this, mice were treated with an Ang-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (ACEi) to block endogenous Ang II formation during chronic Ang II infusions. C57BL/6J male mice (8 to 12 weeks) were subjected to Ang II infusions (400 ng/kg per minute) with or without an ACEi (lisinopril, 100 mg/L in the drinking water) for 12 days. Blood pressure was monitored by tail-cuff method and telemetry. Ang II content was determined by radioimmunoanalysis. Ang II infusions increased 24-hour mean arterial pressure significantly (141.0±3.7 mm Hg) versus controls (110.0±1.0 mm Hg). ACEi prevented the increase in concentration in Ang II–infused mice (Ang II+ACEi; 114.0±7.4 mm Hg;
P
value not significant). Plasma Ang II content was significantly increased by Ang II (367±60 fmol/mL) versus controls (128±22 fmol/mL;
P
<0.05); plasma Ang II was not altered by ACEi alone (90±31) or in combination with Ang II infusions (76±27). Intrarenal Ang II content was significantly increased by Ang II (998±143 fmol/g) versus controls (524±60 fmol/g;
P
<0.05), and this was prevented by ACEi (Ang II+ACEi; 484±102 fmol/g;
P
value not significant). Thus, ACEi ameliorates the increases in blood pressure and intrarenal Ang II content caused by Ang II infusions, indicating that endogenous ACE-mediated Ang II formation plays a significant role in the increases of blood pressure and intrarenal Ang II during Ang II–induced hypertension.
Educational benefits of international experiential learning in an MSW program
Authors: Gilin Barbara , Young Tom
Published: December 2008

English

Providing an international study experience for MSW students in schools of social work in the USA has become more important in the context of globalization. The authors describe how a brief international study course enhanced the learning experiences of 16 MSW students along four dimensions, including cross-cultural sensitivity and professional identity development.

French

Sous l’impulsion de la mondialisation, l’importance d’offrir une expérience internationale aux étudiants de maîtrise en travail social dans les écoles de travail social américaines s’est accrue. Les auteurs décrivent la façon dont un cours sommaire d’étude internationale a enrichi l’apprentissage de 16 étudiants à la maîtrise, notamment au chapitre de la sensibilité interculturelle et du développement de l’identité professionnelle.

Spanish

La provisión de un estudio experiencial internacional para estudiantes de MSW en escuelas de trabajo social en los Estados Unidos, se ha vuelto más importante en el contexto de la globalización. Los autores describen cómo un breve curso internacional aumentó las experiencias de aprendizaje de 16 estudiantes de MSW a lo largo de cuatro dimensiones, incluyendo sensibilidad transcultural y desarrollo de la identidad profesional.
Japanese students' perceptions of international perspectives in social work
Authors: Saito Yoshihiko , Johns Robert
Published: December 2008

English

This article reports on a small-scale enquiry into the value for Japanese social work students of learning about international social work. The study highlights a number of practice-related benefits for students, linking these to contemporary Japanese and UK social work education and practice.

French

Cet article présente le rapport d’une enquête à échelle restreinte sur les valeurs des étudiants Japonais en travail social qui étudient le travail social international. L’étude souligne nombre d’avantages relatifs à la pratique pour les étudiants, en lien avec la formation et les pratiques de travail social contemporaines japonaises et britanniques.

Spanish

Este es el reporte de una investigación a pequeña escala sobre el valor que para los estudiantes japoneses de trabajo social tiene el aprender acerca del trabajo social internacional. El estudio subraya primero un número de beneficios relacionados con la práctica que alcanzarán los estudiantes, y después muestra la conexión que existe entre tales beneficios a la práctica y educación del trabajo social contemporáneos en el Japón y en el Reino Unido.
Benefits and Detriments of African American Male Athletes' Participation in a Big-Time College Football Program
Authors: Singer John N.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the nature and status of four African American male athletes' educational experiences as participants in a big-time college football program at a predominantly white institution of higher education (PWIHE) in the United States of America. A focus group and individual interviews revealed that although these African American males felt that they derived certain tangible and intangible benefits from being participants in this football program, the term `student-athlete' was an inaccurate description of who they are, especially given the expectations and tremendous time demands their participation in football related activities placed on them. These general findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research in college sport.
`Imagine, a Man Playing Netball!'
Authors: Tagg Brendon
Published: December 2008

This article provides a textual analysis of selected media representations of men's netballers in New Zealand, an analysis of interviews with members of the Otago men's netball team, and a brief description of the author's participant-observation research in this area. The article discusses and challenges stereotypical representations of men who play netball — a sport originally designed specifically for women, and historically dominated by women — as either effeminate or gay cross-dressers. While the idea that men's netballers are perverse `gender-benders' remains widespread, the increasing popularity of social mixed-gender netball, combined with the determined efforts of established men's netballers, is beginning to challenge popular preconceptions. Men's netball provides recreational opportunities for both men who subscribe to hegemonic definitions of masculinity and for men who espouse more marginalized masculinities. Some evidence even suggests that despite altercations between homophobic Otago players and `queer' players from other teams during the 1990s, men's netball has actually provided opportunities for some players to challenge homophobia.
Glucocorticoid-induced Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Acute Rheumatic Fever
Authors: Çağdaş Deniz N. , Paç F. Ayşenur , Çakal Erman
Published: December 2008

Glucocorticoids are used as anti-inflammatory agents and are associated with many side effects including hyperglycemia, hypertension, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, and so on. Hyperglycemia is a common side effect, but ketoacidosis is observed rarely. We present a girl who developed diabetic ketoacidosis after the administration of methylprednisolone during the treatment of acute rheumatic fever. She did not have diabetes and was not obese. She developed ketoacidosis after glucocorticoid therapy. Glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance, lipolysis, and ketogenesis were likely to have precipitated ketoacidosis. During the treatment of ketoacidosis, the insulin need of the patient was gradually decreased by reducing glucocorticoid dose. In addition to the gradual reduction in glucocorticoid dose, salicylate therapy could be considered the treatment for insulin resistance. In this patient, screening for blood gases and urine was diagnostic in the diagnosis of ketoacidosis. The risk of ketoacidosis as well as hyperglycemia should be considered in the course of glucocorticoid therapy.
Challenging Neorealism
Authors: Smith John K. , Hodkinson Phil
Published: December 2008

How researchers can go about judging, or adjudicating among, different knowledge claims recently has become a highly contested issue. In this response to Hammersley, we argue that he has not been able to justify his neorealist position that we can/must appeal to an independently existing reality, which can be known as it really is, to sort out our differences. To the contrary, we argue that we must accept relativism, not in the sense of “anything goes,” but in the sense that as human beings we are finite. As a result, any criteria we pose for judging knowledge claims always is, as it must be, the product of time and place contingent agreement.
Roots/Routes
Authors: Swanson Dalene M.
Published: December 2008

This narrative acts as an articulation of a journey of many routes. Following Part I of the same research journey of rootedness/routedness, it debates the nature of transformation and transcendence beyond personal and political paradoxes informed by neoliberalism and related repressive globalizing discourses. Through a more personal, descriptive, and philosophical approach, the author seeks to move, in a reflexive manner, beyond the delimiting roots of deficit discourse and its unrootedness with the daily, local, and lived. Through the use of a nontraditional writing—research approach, the author explores other, less objectifying, ways of being in research and attempts to provide alternative pedagogies of possibility away from dichotomous and positivist research engagement. By confronting socially constructed knowledges and identities, and “(re)sourcing” these through “humble togetherness” (Ubuntu), the storying seeks to find a transcendent spirituality through the routes/roots of research and achieve the emergence of transformative possibilities through pedagogies of hope!
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Funding
Authors: Boba Rachel , Lilley David
Published: December 2008

Although evaluations of process and implementation suggest that the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding program has resulted in positive outcomes, no study has evaluated its impact on violent crime. This study examines panel data from 1996 to 2002 (10,371 jurisdictions) throughout the United States. Findings indicate that VAWA grants were associated with reductions in rape and assault. These relationships persisted after controlling for general downward crime trends and effects of other justice grants. The results provide support for continued existence of this funding stream and for additional evaluation to determine exactly which programs funded are effective in reducing crime.
Government Formation in Multi-Level Settings
Authors: Ştefuriuc Irina
Published: December 2008

It is generally assumed that in multi-level political systems political actors desire to form regional coalitions that match the party composition of the coalition governing at the central level, and that where this matching attempt does not occur it is because a possible new coalition formula for the central level is being tested at the regional one. This article shows that the congruence of party composition of government coalitions across levels is in itself neither desirable nor undesirable for regional political actors. Its strategic potential is mediated by three other factors: the institutional setting regulating the intensity of cross-level intergovernmental cooperation in policy-making, the type of party in question and its respective relative bargaining weight at both levels of government. Empirical evidence from four Spanish regional government-formation cases supports this argument.
The Causes of Youths' Low News Consumption and Strategies for Making Youths Happy News Consumers
Authors: Huang Edgar
Published: December 2008

Based on the uses and gratifications theory and the Delphi technique, this study did an in-depth investigation among 28 college and high school students on youths' rationales behind their news consumption behavior. The study concludes that, in years to come, the news industry needs to realize a true convergence online by providing to the younger generation an experience of consuming multimedia news that is customizable and relevant to them with an opportunity for participatory journalism.
X-ray powder diffraction line profile analysis of mechanically alloyed Cu–Cr powder
Authors: Lahiri I. , Bhargava S.
Published: December 2008

Four different compositions of Cu–Cr system (Cu0·90Cr0·10, Cu0·75Cr0·25, Cu0·60Cr0·40 and Cu0·50Cr0·50) were mechanically alloyed using different milling parameters. Samples collected from the milled powder of 24 batches after different time intervals were studied by X-ray diffraction. The diffraction data were analysed by three different line profile analysis methods, namely, Williamson–Hall method, integral breadth method and peak fitting method to calculate the crystallite size and microstrain in the materials. Peak fitting and integral breadth methods were found to be more suitable for the systems under study. Logarithmic relationships between the milling time and crystallite size or microstrain are proposed. The model was further validated by time interpolated data from two of the present batches and two composition extrapolated batches (Cu0·25Cr0·75 and Cu0·10Cr0·90).
Comparisons of elastic and creep deformation linearly dependent upon stress
Authors: Greenwood G. W.
Published: December 2008

The theory of linear elasticity provides a complete description of reversible deformation under small stresses for both isotropic and anisotropic solids. At elevated temperatures, creep deformation sometimes occurs at a rate that is linearly dependent upon stress. When this form of creep arises from vacancy movement, there is possibility of anisotropic behaviour through the orientational dependence of average grain dimensions. This indicates that the elasticity theory may be utilised to provide comparable descriptions of such creep deformation, with creep strain built up of equal increments of strain occurring in equal intervals of time. The extent of this analogy is explored with the conclusion that its usefulness is substantial when grains are small in relation to geometrical features of the component but it is no longer applicable when the grains approach the size of these features and where there is a high gradient of stress.
Ultrasonic brazing of high fraction volume of SiC particulate reinforced aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Zhang Y. , Yan J. C. , Wu Q.
Published: December 2008

The ultrasonic brazing of 55 vol.-%SiCp/A356 composites in air has been investigated. When the ultrasonic vibration is applied for 0·5 s, the oxide layer is still continuous at most places between the filler metal and the composites. As the ultrasonic action time increases, the oxide film sufficiently disappears in the bond region, resulting in the complete wetting of Zn–Al alloy with the composites and the significant mass transfer between the SiC/A356 and the Zn–Al alloy is observed. As the dissolving of the composites on the surface, the SiC particles in the base materials get into the bond metals in which reinforcements are distributed uniformly. The shear strength of bonds increases with the ultrasonic acting time.
Corra: Computational framework and tools for LC-MS discovery and targeted mass spectrometry-based proteomics
Authors: Brusniak Mi-Youn , Bodenmiller Bernd , Campbell David , Cooke Kelly , Eddes James , Garbutt Andrew , Lau Hollis , Letarte Simon , Mueller Lukas N , Sharma Vagisha , Vitek Olga , Zhang Ning , Aebersold Ruedi , Watts Julian D
Published: December 2008

Background

Quantitative proteomics holds great promise for identifying proteins that are differentially abundant between populations representing different physiological or disease states. A range of computational tools is now available for both isotopically labeled and label-free liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based quantitative proteomics. However, they are generally not comparable to each other in terms of functionality, user interfaces, information input/output, and do not readily facilitate appropriate statistical data analysis. These limitations, along with the array of choices, present a daunting prospect for biologists, and other researchers not trained in bioinformatics, who wish to use LC-MS-based quantitative proteomics.

Results

We have developed Corra, a computational framework and tools for discovery-based LC-MS proteomics. Corra extends and adapts existing algorithms used for LC-MS-based proteomics, and statistical algorithms, originally developed for microarray data analyses, appropriate for LC-MS data analysis. Corra also adapts software engineering technologies (e.g. Google Web Toolkit, distributed processing) so that computationally intense data processing and statistical analyses can run on a remote server, while the user controls and manages the process from their own computer via a simple web interface. Corra also allows the user to output significantly differentially abundant LC-MS-detected peptide features in a form compatible with subsequent sequence identification via tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). We present two case studies to illustrate the application of Corra to commonly performed LC-MS-based biological workflows: a pilot biomarker discovery study of glycoproteins isolated from human plasma samples relevant to type 2 diabetes, and a study in yeast to identify in vivo targets of the protein kinase Ark1 via phosphopeptide profiling.

Conclusion

The Corra computational framework leverages computational innovation to enable biologists or other researchers to process, analyze and visualize LC-MS data with what would otherwise be a complex and not user-friendly suite of tools. Corra enables appropriate statistical analyses, with controlled false-discovery rates, ultimately to inform subsequent targeted identification of differentially abundant peptides by MS/MS. For the user not trained in bioinformatics, Corra represents a complete, customizable, free and open source computational platform enabling LC-MS-based proteomic workflows, and as such, addresses an unmet need in the LC-MS proteomics field.