bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed Shrinkage of the Brain After Ischemic Stroke: Preliminary Observations With Voxel‐Guided Morphometry
Authors: Kraemer Matthias , Schormann Thorsten , Hagemann Georg , Qi Bi , Witte Otto W. , Seitz Rüdiger J.
Published: November 2009

Background and Purpose. The most important effect of cerebral ischemia is brain infarction. In this magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, the authors aimed at assessing postischemic brain atrophy.Methods. Ten patients suffering from their first acute cerebral ischemia in the territory of the middle cerebral artery were studied retrospectively. Three‐dimensional MRI volume scans were recorded in the acute and chronic stage after infarction and analyzed voxel by voxel intraindividually with the newly developed voxel‐guided morphometry.Results. Shrinkage of brain tissue was detected in all patients, not only in the perilesional cortical structures but also in contralateral homolog cortex areas and subcortically in the striatum and thalamus. This secondary shrinkage was not related to the size of the infarcts or to the clinical outcome of patients.Conclusions. Our study suggests that delayed brain atrophy after acute ischemic stroke involved areas anatomically connected with the ischemic brain lesion but nevertheless was accompanied by a simultaneous improvement of the neurological deficit.
Combined Use of F‐18 Fluorocholine Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Brain Tumor Evaluation
Authors: Kwee Sandi A. , Coel Marc N. , Lim John , Ko Jehoon P.
Published: November 2009

Background. Choline metabolism is often abnormal in malignant brain tumors.Methods. Brain positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with F‐18 fluorocholine (FCH) was performed on 2 patients with intracranial lesions suspected to be high‐grade malignant gliomas on the basis of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and multivoxel 1H‐MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) findings. Standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements on PET were compared with measurements of choline/creatine metabolite ratio on MRSI in corresponding regions. Brain biopsy revealed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in one case and demyelinating disease in the other.Results. In the case of GBM, the tumor demonstrated increased FCH uptake on PET. The mean and maximum SUV in areas of the tumor correlated with regional choline/ creatine ratio measurements (r= 0.76,P < .001;r= 0.83,P < .001, respectively). In the case of tumefactive demyelinating lesions, the lesion demonstrated low FCH uptake, which did not correlate with choline/ creatine ratio measurements.Conclusions. Assessments of choline metabolism may aid in evaluating intracranial mass lesions.
Measurement of Whole‐Brain Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pelletier Daniel , Garrison Kathleen , Henry Roland
Published: November 2009

Brain atrophy reflects the net result of irreversible and destructive pathological processes in multiple sclerosis (MS). The gross morphological changes can be accurately quantified using standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisitions and various image analysis tools. The current methods used to assess whole‐brain atrophy in patients with MS can be classified into 2 groups based on their reliance on segmentation and registration. Segmentation‐based methods employed to measure whole‐brain atrophy in MS include the brain parenchymal fraction, the index of brain atrophy, the whole‐brain ratio, the brain to intracranial capacity ratio, fuzzy connectedness/Udupa's method, 3DVIEWNIX, the Alfano method, and SIENAX. Current registration‐based methods used to measure whole‐brain atrophy in MS include the brain boundary shift integral, SIENA, statistical parametric mapping, template‐driven seg mentation, and voxel‐based morphometry. Most of the methods presented here are sensitive to subtle changes in brain structures and have been successfully applied to MS as measures of whole‐brain atrophy. Yet comparative studies of these methods are limited and are complicated by the lack of a gold standard for image acquisition, a segmentation algorithm, an image analysis method, or a reproducibility measure. Overall, the measure of whole‐brain atrophy from MRI contributes to an appreciation of the dynamics of MS pathology and its relationship to the clinical course of MS. Determination of the relative reproducibility, precision, sensitivity, and validity of these methods will promote the use of whole‐brain atrophy measures as components of comprehensive MRI‐based outcome assessment in MS clinical trials.
Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging of Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Sakai Osamu , Barest Glenn D.
Published: November 2009

Cerebral malaria occurs in 2% of patients infected by Plasmodium falciparum. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of small white matter infarcts due to cerebral malaria have been previously reported, however nonspecific. Since diffusion‐weighted imaging can differentiate acute embolic infarcts from other chronic or nonspecific white matter lesions, it may aid diagnosis of this illness in patients who travel to endemic areas.
An Unusual Presentation of Rheumatoid Meningitis
Authors: Chowdhry Vaidehi , Kumar Neeraj , Lachance Daniel H. , Salomao Diva R. , Luthra Harvinder S.
Published: November 2009

Background. Central nervous system involvement in rheumatoid arthritis can rarely occur in the absence of systemic disease. Rheumatoid meningitis has not been reported to present as spells of neurologic dys‐function. Patient and Methods. The authors describe a woman with a history of well‐controlled rheumatoid arthritis who presented with headaches and spells of focal neurological dysfunction. Brain magnetic resonance imaging, brain biopsy, and temporal artery biopsy were required to make the diagnosis of rheumatoid meningitis with arteritis. Results. Neuroimaging revealed abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement. Necrotizing granulomatous inflammation was seen on meningeal and brain biopsy. A temporal artery biopsy showed evidence of arteritis without giant cells. Conclusions. The possibility of central nervous system involvement by rheumatoid arthritis should be considered in patients with a history of rheumatoid arthritis even in the absence of systemic symptoms. Making the diagnosis may require meningeal and brain biopsy. The condition may be steroid responsive.
Imaging Spinal Cord Damage in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Rocca M. A. , Hickman S. J. , Bö L. , Agosta F. , Miller D. H. , Comi G. , Filippi M.
Published: November 2009

During the past 2 decades, the considerable improvement of magnetic resonance (MR) technology and the development of new MR strategies capable of providing an in vivo overall assessment of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology have allowed us to obtain important novel pieces of information on disease evolution in the brain. However, despite this, the correlation between brain MR imaging metrics and clinical disability are still suboptimal. A reason for this discrepancy might be the involvement of clinically eloquent structures, such as the spinal cord, which owing to technical challenges have not been extensively studied using MR imaging until very recently. An objective and accurate estimate of the presence and extent of spinal cord damage might indeed contribute to increasing the strength of the correlations between clinical and MRI metrics. This review summarizes the main results obtained from the application of conventional and modern MR‐based techniques for the evaluation of spinal cord damage in MS.
Comparison of 1‐ and 2‐Marker Techniques for Calculating System Magnification Factor for Angiographic Measurement of Intracranial Vessels
Authors: Divani A. A. , Tholany C. R. , Siddiqui A. U. , AlKawi A. , Hussain M. S. , Kirmani J. F. , Qureshi A. I.
Published: November 2009

Background and Purpose. Accurate estimation of an intracranial vessel size is crucial during a diagnostic or therapeutic angiography procedure. The use of 1 or 2 external markers of known size is previously proposed to manually estimate the magnification factor (MF) of an intracranial vessel. The authors evaluated the use of different external marker techniques commonly used during angiographic measurements. Methods. Forty‐three intracranial vessels in 17 patients were measured using 1‐and 2‐marker techniques. To obtain the MF, 2 metallic markers were attached to the frontal‐temporal regions. The MFs for the targeted vessels were obtained from the x‐ray films by measuring the image sizes of the markers and their positions with respect to the target vessel. Results. Using a phantom, the errors resulted from (a) linear interpolation of MFs, (b) linear interpolation of inverse MFs, and (c) using the MFs of 1 marker, which were 1.23% to 2.23%, 0.8% to 1.55%, and 3.85% to 14.62%, respectively. A similar trend was observed for the measurement of cerebral arteries. Conclusion. The use of 2 markers can result in a more accurate estimation of the vessel size. The use of only 1 external marker can lead to substantial error based on the location of the target vessel. Optimizing image acquisition is also crucial for accurate determination of vessel size.
Restricted Diffusion of the Splenium in Acute Wernicke's Encephalopathy
Authors: Loh Yince , Watson William D. , Verma Ajay , Krapiva Pavel
Published: November 2009

Acute Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is caused by profound vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency and commonly presents with the classic clinical triad of mental confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. This characteristic presentation results from the propensity of acute thiamine deficiency to preferentially injure specific brain regions: the dorsomedial thalamus, periaqueductal gray, and mamillary bodies. In these regions, abnormal magnetic resonance signaling on conventional sequences has been well described; however, diffusion restriction has only recently been reported. The authors demonstrate diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) abnormalities of the splenium of the corpus callosum in a patient with acute WE, which has not been reported previously, and suggest a potential pathological mechanism. With the recent addition of DWI, MRI is becoming more sensitive to the changes in acute WE. Furthermore, the use of apparent diffusion coefficient mapping to evaluate the extent of likely underlying cytotoxic injury may help determine long‐term response to vitamin therapy and, thus, disability.
Tooth loss and intakes of nutrients and foods: a nationwide survey of Japanese dentists
Authors: Wakai Kenji , Naito Mariko , Naito Toru , Kojima Masaaki , Nakagaki Haruo , Umemura Osami , Yokota Makoto , Hanada Nobuhiro , Kawamura Takashi
Published: November 2009

Wakai K, Naito M, Naito T, Kojima M, Nakagaki H, Umemura O, Yokota M, Hanada N, Kawamura T. Tooth loss and intakes of nutrients and foods: a nationwide survey of Japanese dentists. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 43–49. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Objectives:  To clarify the association of tooth loss with dietary intakes among dentists, for whom sufficient dental care is available.

Methods:  We analyzed the data from 20 366 Japanese dentists (mean age ± SD, 52.2 ± 12.1 years; women 8.0%) who participated in a nationwide cohort study from 2001 to 2006. The baseline questionnaire included a validated food‐frequency questionnaire to estimate intakes of foods and nutrients. We computed the geometric means of daily intakes by the number of teeth, adjusting for age, sex, smoking, physical activity, and history of diabetes.

Results:  The mean intakes of some key nutrients and food groups, such as carotene, vitamins A and C, milk and dairy products, and vegetables including green‐yellow vegetables, decreased with the increasing number of teeth lost (P for trend <0.05). On the contrary, mean intakes of carbohydrate, rice, and confectioneries were increased among those with fewer teeth (P for trend <0.05). The difference in the geometric mean (%) between totally edentulous subjects and those with ≥25 teeth, that is [(Geometric mean for ≥25 teeth) — (Geometric mean for 0 teeth)]/(Geometric mean for ≥25 teeth) × 100, was 14.3%, 8.6%, 6.1%, and –6.1% for carotene, vitamin C, vitamin A, and carbohydrate, respectively. For food groups, it was 26.3%, 11.9%, 5.6%, –9.5%, and –29.6% for milk and dairy products, green‐yellow vegetables, total vegetables, rice, and confectioneries, respectively.

Conclusions:  Tooth loss was linked with poorer nutrition even among dentists.
Afghanistan: Statistics of War
Authors: Fairweather Clive
Published: November 2009

Do British soldiers in Afghanistan have enough helicopters, or are their lives being put unnecessarily at risk? Will heavily armoured vehicles become more necessary? And is the campaign against the Taliban winnable? Colonel Clive Fairweather, former intelligence officer, explains what statistics of war can tell us.
The Sands of Time: Does History Obey the Rules of Statistics?
Authors: Buchanan Mark
Published: November 2009

Tiny events—the flap of a butterfly wing, the fall of a grain of sand—can lead to nothing, or to catastrophe. In a previous issue1 we described how tiny re-alignments or large avalanches in a slowly growing pile of sand seem random but at last are responding to statistical analysis. Now Mark Buchanan asks if history, too, obeys the statistical rules of the sand-pile.
Keep Young and Beautiful: Evidence for An “Anti-Aging” Product?
Authors: Bland Martin
Published: November 2009

In 2007 No. 7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum became Boots'fastest ever selling product after a BBC2 Horizon programme reported on a clinical trial of its effectiveness: here, unusually, was a scientific trial that seemed to show that a beauty product actually worked. The episode demonstrated that science as a brand or an endorsement can have enormous influence on consumer attitudes. This year, in April, Boots scored again: a trial of an “intense” version of the same product caught the attention of the media and again boosted sales. Martin Bland examined the trial.
Survival of The Sickest: Tracking Their Progress
Authors: Jones Byron
Published: November 2009

Byron Jones gives a brief introduction to the analysis of survival data and shows techniques that can model events such as waiting times and even the length of pregnancies.
EGF receptor in relation to tumor development: molecular basis of responsiveness of cancer cells to EGFR‐targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Takeuchi Kenji , Ito Fumiaki
Published: November 2009

The function of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is dysregulated in various types of malignancy as a result of gene amplification, mutations, or abnormally increased ligand production. Therefore, the tyrosine kinase activity of the EGFR is a promising therapeutic target. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib (Iressa), show evident anticancer effects in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer. The induction of apoptosis has been considered to be the major mechanism for these gefitinib‐mediated anticancer effects. Lung cancer cells harboring mutant EGFRs become dependent on them for their survival and, consequently, undergo apoptosis following the inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase by gefitinib. Gefitinib has been shown to inhibit cell survival and growth signaling pathways such as the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 pathway and the Akt pathway, as a consequence of the inactivation of EGFR. However, the precise downstream signaling molecules of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and Akt have not yet been elucidated. In this minireview we have highlighted the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on members of the Bcl‐2 family of proteins, which are downstream signaling molecules and serve as the determinants that control apoptosis. We also discuss tyrosine kinase inhibitor‐induced apoptosis via c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase.
How Unusual are the Contents of Paraphilias? Paraphilia-Associated Sexual Arousal Patterns in a Community-Based Sample of Men
Authors: Ahlers Christoph Joseph , Schaefer Gerard Alfons , Mundt Ingrid Annette , Roll Stephanie , Englert Heike , Willich Stefan N. , Beier Klaus Michael
Published: November 2009

Introduction

This is a report of a cross-sectional study on paraphilia-associated sexual arousal patterns (PASAP) among men in a metropolitan city in Germany, EU.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of PASAP during sexual fantasies, fantasies accompanying masturbation, and real-life sociosexual behavior.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, self-reported sexual history data were collected by questionnaire from 367 volunteers recruited from a community sample of 1,915 men aged 40–79 years.

Main Outcome Measures

The Derogatis Symptom Checklist—Revised (SCL-90–R) and the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQ; German original, Fragebogen zur Lebenszufriedenheit, [FLZ]) were administered to obtain a general subjective health measure and a measure of general as well as sex life satisfaction. The Questionnaire on Sexual Experiences and Behaviour was administered to comprehensively assess all relevant sexo-medical data.

Results

The percent of men that reported at least one PASAP was 62.4%. In 1.7% of cases, PASAP were reported to have caused distress. The presence of PASAP was associated with a higher likelihood of being single (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95%; confidence interval [CI] 1.047–6.640), masturbating at least once per week (OR 4.4; 95%; CI 1.773–10.914), or having a low general subjective health score (OR 11.9; 95%; CI 2.601–54.553). Pedophilic PASAP in sexual fantasies and in real-life sociosexual behavior was reported by 9.5% and 3.8% of participants, respectively.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that paraphilia-related experience can not be regarded as unusual from a normative perspective. At the same time, many men experience PASAP without accompanying problem awareness or distress, even when PASAP contents are associated with potentially causing harm to others. In view of the relevance for sex life and relationship satisfaction, presence of PASAP should be assessed in all sexual medicine consultations. Future research should focus on conditions in which PASAP reach clinical significance in the sense of mental disorders.
Age-Related Changes in General and Sexual Health in Middle-Aged and Older Men: Results from the European Male Ageing Study (EMAS)
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Lee David M. , Forti Gianni , O’Connor Daryl B. , Maggi Mario , O’Neill Terence W. , Pendleton Neil , Bartfai Gyorgy , Boonen Steven , Casanueva Felipe F. , Finn Joseph D. , Giwercman Aleksander , Han Thang S. , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Kula Krzysztof , Lean Michael E.J. , Punab Margus , Silman Alan J. , Vanderschueren Dirk , Wu Frederick C.W. , the EMAS Study Group
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Limited information is available concerning the general and sexual health status of European men.

Aim

To investigate the age-related changes in general and sexual health in middle-aged and older men from different countries of the European Union.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional multicenter survey performed on a sample of 3,369 community-dwelling men aged 40–79 years old (mean 60 ± 11 years). Subjects were randomly selected from eight European centers including centers from nontransitional (Florence [Italy], Leuven [Belgium], Malmö[Sweden], Manchester [United Kingdom], Santiago de Compostela [Spain]) and transitional countries (Lodz [Poland], Szeged [Hungary], Tartu [Estonia]).

Main Outcome Measures

Different parameters were evaluated including the Beck’s Depression Inventory for the quantification of depressive symptoms, the Short Form-36 Health Survey for the assessment of the quality of life (QoL), the International Prostate Symptom Score for the evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms, and the European Male Ageing Study sexual function questionnaire for the study of sexual function.

Results

More than 50% of subjects reported the presence of one or more common morbidities. Overall, hypertension (29%), obesity (24%), and heart diseases (16%) were the most prevalent conditions. Around 30% of men reported erectile dysfunction (ED) and 6% reported severe orgasmic impairment, both of which were closely associated with age and concomitant morbidities. Only 38% of men reporting ED were concerned about it. Furthermore, concern about ED increased with age, peaking in the 50–59 years age band, but decreased thereafter. Men in transitional countries reported a higher prevalence of morbidities and impairment of sexual function as well as a lower QoL.

Conclusion

Sexual health declined while concomitant morbidities increased in European men as a function of age. The burden of general and sexual health is higher in transitional countries, emphasizing the need to develop more effective strategies to promote healthy aging for men in these countries.
3-D Ultrasonographic Appearance of Two Intermittent Paraurethral Cysts: A Case Report
Authors: Battaglia Cesare , Venturoli Stefano
Published: November 2009

Introduction

In the adult female, a cyst of the Skene’s duct is a rare event that may be either the late consequence of a congenital abnormality or the result of a chronic acquired inflammation.

Aim

To report a case of bilateral paraurethral Skene’s duct cysts.

Methods

A young (32 years old), eumenorrheic (menstrual cycle of >25 and <35 days) woman complained of a 6-month intermittent scarce lubrication during intercourse and a sensation of a small intravaginal “extraneous” body. The patient was repeatedly assessed with a detailed history, with a bimanual pelvic examination and with bi- and tridimensional ultrasonographic and color Doppler analyses of the urethrovaginal space.

Main Outcomes Measures

Transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasonographic evaluation of internal genitalia, bladder, and urethra and three-dimensional analysis of the paraurethral structures.

Results

The evaluation of the structures comprised in the urethrovaginal space evidenced two small (1.7 and 1.1 cm in the maximum diameter) anechoic cysts with some debris in the most declivous part, laterally displaced to the middle/distal urethra. The cysts disappeared after a medical therapy.

Conclusions

A sudden reduction of the vaginal lubrication requires a prompt gynecological and ultrasonographic evaluation of the urethrovaginal space.
Selection and Use of Phytate‐Degrading LAB to Improve Cereal‐Based Products by Mineral Solubilization During Dough Fermentation
Authors: Anastasio Marilena , Pepe Olimpia , Cirillo Teresa , Palomba Simona , Blaiotta Giuseppe , Villani Francesco
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT:  New producers of phytate‐degrading enzymes, especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB), were used to improve mineral solubilization during dough fermentation. In all, among strains from different sources by microorganisms (150 lactic acid bacteria, 36 yeasts), 38 (24%) exhibited a clear zone around the colonies by hydrolyzing hexacalcium phytate contained in solid medium. When phytase‐positive strains from plate assay were tested for phytase activity in liquid medium, 6 of the strains (37%) exhibited phytate‐degrading activity in at least one of the 3 different media used. Of the LAB, the highest phytase values were found for Enterococcus faecium A86 (0.74 U/mL) and Lactobacillus plantarum H5 (0.71 U/mL). Two different starter cultures obtained by combinations of phytase‐positive (phy+: L. plantarum H5 and L3, Leuconostoc gelidum A16, and E. faecium A86) or phytase‐negative (phy−: L. gelidum LM249, L. plantarum H19, and L. plantarum L8) selected LAB strains, were used to measure mineral concentrations of iron, zinc, and manganese during dough fermentation. Although the 2 kinds of starter showed similar acidic values, the presence of phytate‐degrading LAB strains increased mineral solubilization in comparison to the starter phy−.
Comparison of 3 Spectrophotometric Methods for Carotenoid Determination in Frequently Consumed Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Biehler Eric , Mayer Frédéric , Hoffmann Lucien , Krause Elmar , Bohn Torsten
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT:  Carotenoids are C‐40 tetraterpenoid compounds with potential health beneficial effects. Major dietary sources include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Rapid screening methods are therefore desired, but their accuracy varies depending on the carotenoid profile and the matrix of the plant food. In the present study, 3 different methods were compared, all based on a rapid extraction protocol and spectrophotometric measurements to determine the total amount carotenoids present in fruits and vegetables (n = 28), either with or without chlorophyll. Published methods (a) Lichtenthaler and (b) Hornero‐Méndez and Mínguez‐Mosquera were compared with a newly developed method (method c) based on the average molar absorption coefficient (135310 Lcm−1mol−1) and wavelength (450 nm in acetone), for the 5 predominant carotenoid species (beta‐carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene, lutein, beta‐cryptoxanthin) in the investigated foods. All results were compared to HPLC (method d). To avoid overestimating carotenoid concentrations due to chlorophyll A and B presence, the effect of saponification was studied for all methods. Overall, saponification led to significant carotenoid losses (12.6 ± 0.9%). Methods a, b, c, and d yielded 5.1 ± 0.4 mg/100 g, 4.6 ± 0.5 mg/100 g, 4.3 ± 0.5 mg/100 g, and 4.2 ± 0.5 mg/100 g total carotenoids, respectively, with method a leading to significant higher mean concentrations compared to all other methods (P < 0.001, Bonferroni) with methods b and c being not significantly different and highly correlated compared to HPLC (> r = 0.95). Similar results were found when stratifying for chlorophyll content and fruits compared with vegetables, however, accuracy varied for individual fruits, highlighting the limitation to use the same method for all plant foods.

Practical Application: This study presents a comparison of various rapid spectrophotometric measurements to determine total carotenoid content in various fruits and vegetables and could aid in the selection of the appropriate method for individual plant foods with different carotenoid profile and matrices.
Commentary on Grolnick and Pomerantz, “Issues and Challenges in Studying Parental Control: Toward a New Conceptualization”
Authors: Conger Rand D.
Published: November 2009

Abstract— W. S. Grolnick and E. M. Pomerantz (2009) take on the difficult challenge of rethinking how investigators might use the concept of parental control in the study of child and adolescent development. They note that previous conceptual and empirical work has employed a wide variety of definitions of parental control and argue that this broad range of approaches has created problems for the field. For example, they cite B. C. Rollins and D. L. Thomas (1979), who identified more than 15 different labels for the construct. This multiplicity of definitions, the authors suggest, has led to ambiguity in the interpretation of research findings. In particular, Grolnick and Pomerantz propose that the multiple‐forms approach to defining parental control is so fraught with problems that scholars should replace it with another strategy for describing and measuring control and related constructs. They then suggest a new approach that they believe will solve the problem and also increase the theoretical value of research on these types of parenting behaviors. This commentary first discusses their critique of the multiple‐forms approach and then analyzes their proposed solution to the conceptual difficulties they describe.
On Genes, Brains, and Behavior: Why Should Developmental Psychologists Care About Brain Development?
Authors: Stiles Joan
Published: November 2009

Abstract—The past several decades have seen tremendous progress in understanding mammalian brain development. The models that have emerged suggest that this development is dynamic and, from the very beginning, involves the continuous interaction of genetic, organismic, and environmental factors. The central question posed in this article is whether these models of brain development should be of import to developmental psychologists. It is argued that the key debates in psychology are founded on assumptions that are integrally related to questions of biology and biological inheritance. The construct of innateness, in particular, is central to these debates, and the biological system most critically implicated in claims about innate behaviors is the brain. However, as this article attempts to show, the underlying assumptions of contemporary psychological models reflect largely outdated ideas about what it means for something to be innate. Contemporary models of brain development challenge the foundational constructs of the nature versus nurture formulation, emphasizing that the processes of brain development engage both inherited and environmental factors and rely upon their continuous interaction. These models also emphasize that the relationship between brain and behavioral development is one of interdependence and reciprocity: Behaviors influence brain development and the brain mediates all behavior. Thus, the key to understanding the origins and emergence of both the brain and behavior lies in understanding how genetic, organismic, and environmental factors are engaged in the dynamic and interactive processes that define development of the neurobehavioral system.
Economic impact of services for first‐episode psychosis: a decision model approach
Authors: McCrone Paul , Knapp Martin , Dhanasiri Sujith
Published: November 2009

Aim: To assess the impact of early intervention (EI) services on service costs for people with first‐episode psychosis.

Methods: A decision model was constructed to map the care pathways following input from EI services and from standard care. A Markov process was used to run the model over 18 2‐month cycles. Probabilities and costs for the model of admissions, readmissions and use of community services were obtained from the literature, routine sources and expert opinion. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to address uncertainty around the parameter estimates.

Results: The model estimated 1 year costs to be £9422 for EI and £14 394 for standard care. The respective figures over 3 years were £26 568 and £40 816. One‐way sensitivity analyses revealed that the results were robust to changes in most parameters with the exception of the readmission rate. A relatively small decrease in the readmission rate for standard care patients would eliminate the cost saving. The probabilistic sensitivity analyses also showed that the results were robust to parameter changes.

Conclusions: This study suggests cost savings associated with EI. However, caution is required as the model is relatively simple and relies on a number of assumptions.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Parenting Practices, Couple Satisfaction, and Child Behavior Problems
Authors: Linville Deanna , Chronister Krista , Dishion Tom , Todahl Jeff , Miller John , Shaw Daniel , Gardner Francis , Wilson Melvin
Published: November 2009

This longitudinal study examined the relationship between couple relationship satisfaction, parenting practices, parent depression, and child problem behaviors. The study participants (n = 148) were part of a larger experimental study that examined the effectiveness of a brief family‐centered intervention, the Family Check‐Up model. Regression analysis results indicated that our proposed model accounted for 38% of the variance in child problem behavior at Time 2, with child problem behavior and couple relationship satisfaction at child age 2 years each accounting for a significant portion of the variance in child problem behavior at age 3. Couple relationship satisfaction directly predicted child behavior problems over time. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Motivating Students' Foreign Language and Culture Acquisition Through Web‐Based Inquiry
Authors: Altstaedter Laura Levi , Jones Brett
Published: November 2009

Abstract: According to the National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project, one of the ultimate goals of studying a foreign language is to better understand different cultures. To this end, we implemented a project in an undergraduate foreign language course that promoted a systematic inquiry‐based approach to learning about the Hispanic culture. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether this project would increase students' ability perceptions and values related to the Spanish language and the Hispanic culture. Data from questionnaires and reflection essays demonstrated that students reported higher ability perceptions and values in the Spanish language and the Hispanic culture as a direct result of participating in the project. These findings suggest that this inquiry‐based teaching approach is a viable way to incorporate the study of culture into a university foreign language course.
Student Preconceptions of Japanese Language Learning in 1989 and 2004
Authors: Hayashi Atsuko
Published: November 2009

Abstract: This study compares student preconceptions and expectations of Japanese language learning from studies conducted in 1989 and 2004. Over the years, student interests and pedagogical approaches have changed. However, the changes do not reflect on the student preconceptions and expectations. They still believe in traditional approaches to language learning, and their instrumental motivation is still high. A total of 374 undergraduate students studying Japanese in a four‐year college participated in this study. The participants responded to a questionnaire concerning the four areas of language learning: (1) difficulty, (2) nature, (3) strategies, and (4) motivation. In analyzing these findings, this study recommends that instructors impart the facts about Japanese language learning to their students and assess whether their own curriculums meet the students' needs.
The influence of muscle tremor on shooting performance
Authors: Lakie Martin
Published: November 2009

Shooting ability is compromised by involuntary movement. Some of this movement is physiological tremor. Tremor size has a demonstrable inverse correlation with shooting performance. Consequently, factors which affect tremor size should affect shooting ability. Adrenaline and local muscle warming markedly increase tremor size, whereas local muscle cooling reduces it. The physiological mechanisms behind these changes are not well understood, but they have the potential to affect shooting performance in subjects who exercise heavily and/or are exposed to extreme environments. The Olympic biathlon is an event in which vigorous physical exercise alternates with rifle shooting and it often takes place in a cold environment. The possible impact of exercise, temperature and other factors on the Olympic biathlete is considered here.
Mathematical Modeling, Analysis, and Design of Magnetorheological (MR) Dampers
Authors: Chooi Weng Wai , Oyadiji S. Olutunde
Published: November 2009

Most magnetorheological (MR) fluid dampers are designed as fixed-pole valve mode devices, where the MR fluid is forced to flow through a magnetically active annular gap. This forced flow generates the damping force, which can be continuously regulated by controlling the strength of the applied magnetic field. Because the size of the annular gap is usually very small relative to the radii of the annulus, the flow of the MR fluid through this annulus is usually approximated by the flow of fluid through two infinitely wide parallel plates. This approximation, which is widely used in designing and modeling of MR dampers, is satisfactory for many engineering purposes. However, the model does not represent accurately the physical processes and, therefore, expressions that correctly describe the physical behavior are highly desirable. In this paper, a mathematical model based on the flow of MR fluids through an annular gap is developed. Central to the model is the solution for the flow of any fluid model with a yield stress (of which MR fluid is an example) through the annular gap inside the damper. The physical parameters of a MR damper designed and fabricated at the University of Manchester are used to evaluate the performance of the damper and to compare with the corresponding predictions of the parallel plate model. Simulation results incorporating the effects of fluid compressibility are presented, and it is shown that this model can describe the major characteristics of such a device—nonlinear, asymmetric, and hysteretic behaviors—successfully.
One-Dimensional Model of Natural Convection in Differentially Heated Partitioned Enclosures With Conducting External Walls and Vertical Partitions
Authors: Sambou V. , Lartigue B. , Monchoux F. , Breton J. L.
Published: November 2009

Natural convection in partitioned enclosures is extensively investigated due to its importance in many applications. Real enclosures have diffusive walls and partitions. A method has been developed to evaluate the global natural convection Nusselt number for a differentially heated (heated from sides) partitioned enclosure with walls and vertical partitions of finite thickness. A formula has been elaborated, giving the global Nusselt number as a function of the global Rayleigh number, global aspect ratio of the whole enclosure, and two other dimensionless parameters: the conductive thermal resistance ratio and the porosity. After validation of the method by comparison of our results with those from both the literature studies and the numerical simulation, a parametric study is carried out to show the influence of the dimensionless parameters. The method is a helpful tool for thermal engineers and scientists to design such a common system.
On Diluted-Fuel Combustion Issues in Burning Biogas Surrogates
Authors: Wilson David A. , Lyons Kevin M.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes an analysis of the burning velocity of pure and diluted fuels, with implications for the development and operation of biogas-fueled combustors. Background work in the area of flame stabilization and propagation are introduced from the combustion literature. Fuels examined in this paper were methane and ethylene; the diluents were primarily nitrogen, as well as argon, carbon dioxide, and helium. Trends in terms of burning velocities as functions of equivalence ratio are reported for a variety of fuels. Additionally, flame temperatures and associated burning velocities as a function of diluent composition are reported. Implications for several flame stabilization theories are discussed, as well as point to potential issues in converting combustors to accept biogas as a fuel permitting stable operation.
A Global and a Local Approach With Evolutionary Algorithms to Locate Malfunction Causes in Energy Systems
Authors: Toffolo Andrea , Lazzaretto Andrea
Published: November 2009

Energy system performance may differ from the expected one during actual operation because of the effects of faults, anomalies, and wear and tear due to normal use. One of the main issues of diagnosis, i.e., the procedure to discover the causes of malfunctions, is to find the way back from measured altered performance to the original cause. Several procedures were proposed in the literature to solve the diagnostic problem, usually based on the comparison between a reference nonmalfunctioning condition and an actual, possibly malfunctioning, condition. A different strategy is suggested in the paper. A direct search of the possible causes of malfunctions is performed by means of an evolutionary algorithm: a component fault is arbitrarily introduced in a model of the healthy system by substituting the reference characteristic curve with an altered one, and the algorithm is used to search for a combination of different kinds of performance modifiers that generates the same measured effects of the actual anomaly. A global and a local approach are proposed and applied to a real test case plant, also in presence of measurement noise. The local approach demonstrates to be more effective in terms of accuracy and computational effort.
A Transcritical CO2 Rankine Cycle With LNG Cold Energy Utilization and Liquefaction of CO2 in Gas Turbine Exhaust
Authors: Lin Wensheng , Huang Meibin , He Hongming , Gu Anzhong
Published: November 2009

A novel transcritical Rankine cycle is presented in this paper. This cycle adopts CO2 as its working fluid with exhaust from a gas turbine as its heat source and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its cold sink. With CO2 working transcritically, large temperature difference for the Rankine cycle is realized. Moreover, the CO2 in the gas turbine exhaust is further cooled and liquefied by LNG after transferring heat to the Rankine cycle. In this way, not only is the cold energy utilized but also a large part of the CO2 is recovered from burning of the vaporized LNG. In this paper, the system performance of this transcritical cycle is calculated. The influences of the highest cycle temperature and pressure to system specific work, exergy efficiency, and liquefied CO2 mass flow rate are analyzed. The exergy loss in each of the heat exchangers is also discussed. It turns out that this kind of CO2 cycle is energy-conservative and environment-friendly.
On the Design of an Aero-Engine Nose Cone Anti-Icing System Using a Rotating Heat Pipe
Authors: Gilchrist S. , Ewing D. , Ching C. Y.
Published: November 2009

The feasibility of using a rotating heat pipe to anti-ice the nose cones of small turbofan aero-engines is investigated. A stationary jacket evaporator design was used to transport heat into the rotating heat pipe located along the central fan shaft of the engine. The rotating heat pipe condenser was made an integral part of the nose cone using a high conductivity, lightweight material and the tip of the nose cone. The use of heating channels along the nose cone and passive heat transfer enhancement in the evaporator were also investigated. The computational model used to predict the heat transfer performance is outlined. The overall heat transfer to the nose cone was 0.8–1.2 kW using water in the heat pipe and 0.4–0.75kW using ethanol. The heating channels were not effective due to the small contact area with the nose cone. The heat transfer enhancement in the evaporator increased the total heat transfer modestly and the temperature of the nose cone increased over the contact area made with the high conductivity material. The results show that rotating heat pipes are a feasible nose cone anti-icing technology.
Installation Plan of a Fuel Cell Microgrid System Optimized by Maximizing Power Generation Efficiency
Authors: Obara Shin’ya , Tanno Itaru
Published: November 2009

If energy-supplying microgrids can be arranged to operate with maximal efficiency, this will have a significant influence on the generation efficiency of the grid and will reduce greenhouse gas production. A means of optimizing the microgrid needs to be developed. Moreover, microgrids that use proton exchange membrane-type fuel cells (PEM-FCs) may significantly reduce the environmental impact when compared with traditional power plants. The amount of power supplied to the grid divided by the heating value of the fuel is defined as the system generation efficiency. The authors find that when a set of PEM-FCs and a natural gas reformer are connected to the microgrid in an urban area, the annual generation efficiency of the system slightly exceeds 20%. When a PEM-FC follows the electricity demand pattern of a house, it operates at a partial load most of the time, resulting in a low efficiency of the microgrid. A method of improving the generation efficiency of a fuel cell microgrid is proposed, where a supply system of power and heat with a high energy efficiency are constructed. In this paper, a method of installing two or more microgrids is proposed (known as the partition cooperation system). The grids can be connected in an urban area to maximize generation efficiency. Numerical analysis shows that the system proposed in this paper (which has an annual generation efficiency of 24.6–27.6%) has a higher generation efficiency than conventional PEM-FC systems (central generating systems have annual generation efficiencies of 20.6–24.8%).
Experiment Research of Phase Inversion in Mineral Oil-Water Two-Phase Flow in Horizontal Pipe
Authors: Wang Wei , Gong Jing
Published: November 2009

In oil-water two-phase dispersed flow, phase inversion may occur when the continuous phase becomes dispersed. This phenomenon, which controls the nature of the phase in contact with the pipe, has a great importance on the corrosion and on the pressure drop, which dramatically affects the delivery ability and operational modality. It is therefore imperative for the phase inversion research to be taken into consideration. However, most of the knowledge on phase inversion is for light mineral oil with low viscosity, few research focuses on high viscosity oil-water phase inversion. Arirachakaran et al. (1989, “An Analysis of Oil/Water Flow Phenomena in Horizontal Pipes,” SPE Professional Product Operating Symposium, Oklahoma, SPE Paper No. 18836) found that critical water fraction when inversion occurred was dramatically reduced with the increment of oil viscosity, and the existing phase inversion models are invalidated. In this paper, an experimental study has been made of high viscosity mineral oil-water flow through a horizontal pipe loop. Results indicate that phase inversion for oil phase with high viscosity occurs much earlier than low viscosity oil, and phase inversion tends to be delayed, with the increment in experimental temperature. The influence of mixture velocities on the inversion process could be neglected in the range of mixture velocities that we studied. As well, inversion point obtain by our experiment are best predicted by the correlation of Arirachakaran et al. (1989, “An Analysis of Oil/Water Flow Phenomena in Horizontal Pipes,” SPE Professional Product Operating Symposium, Oklahoma, SPE Paper No. 18836). Models of Decarre and Fabre (1997, “Phase Inversion Prediction Study,” Rev. Inst. Fr. Pet., 52, pp. 415–424) and Braunerand Ullmann (2002, “Modeling of Phase Inversion Phenomenon in Two-Phase Pipe Flows,” Int. J. Multiph. Flow, 28, pp. 1177–1204), based on minimization of system total energy, seem to be invalidated for high viscosity oil.
A New Rotor-Ball Bearing-Stator Coupling Dynamics Model for Whole Aero-Engine Vibration
Authors: Chen G.
Published: November 2009

In this paper, a new rotor-ball bearing-stator coupling system dynamics model is established for simulating the practical whole aero-engine vibration. The main characteristics of the new model are as follows: (1) the coupling effect between rotor, ball bearing, and stator is fully considered; (2) the elastic support and the squeeze film damper are considered; (3) the rotor is considered as an Euler free beam of equal-section model, and its vibration is analyzed through truncating limited modes; (4) nonlinear factors of ball bearing such as the clearance of bearing, nonlinear Hertzian contact force, and the varying compliance vibration are modeled; and (5) rubbing fault between rotor and stator is considered. The Zhai method, which is a new explicit fast numerical integration method, is employed to obtain system’s responses, and the whole aero-engine vibration characteristics are studied. Finally, aero-engine tester including casing is established to carry out rubbing fault experiment, the simulation results from rotor-ball bearing-stator coupling model are compared with the experiment results, and the correctness of the new model is verified to some extent.