bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FDA Experience with Medical Countermeasures under the Animal Rule
Authors: Aebersold Paul
Published: September 2011

The Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule in May 2002 to permit the Agency to approve drugs or license biological products on the basis of animal efficacy studies for use in ameliorating or preventing serious or life-threatening conditions caused by exposure to lethal or permanently disabling toxic biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear substances. Only two drugs were approved in the first nine years of the “Animal Rule” despite massive investment by the federal government since 2001 to stimulate development of medical countermeasures to biological threats. This article therefore examines the Food and Drug Administration reviews made public after approval of those two drugs and the public discussion at the Agency's Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee of one biological product under development under the Animal Rule. Despite the paucity of approved drugs or licensed biological products as medical countermeasures, several investigational drugs have been placed in the National Strategic Stockpile for use as medical countermeasures, if needed.
ROS-Mediated Signalling in Bacteria: Zinc-Containing Cys-X-X-Cys Redox Centres and Iron-Based Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ortiz de Orué Lucana Darío , Wedderhoff Ina , Groves Matthew R.
Published: September 2011

Bacteria are permanently in contact with reactive oxygen species (ROS), both over the course of their life cycle as well that present in their environment. These species cause damage to proteins, lipids, and nucleotides, negatively impacting the organism. To detect these ROS molecules and to stimulate the expression of proteins involved in antioxidative stress response, bacteria use a number of different protein-based regulatory and sensory systems. ROS-based stress detection mechanisms induce posttranslational modifications, resulting in overall conformational and structural changes within sensory proteins. The subsequent structural rearrangements result in changes of protein activity, which lead to regulated and appropriate response on the transcriptional level. Many bacterial enzymes and regulatory proteins possess a conserved signature, the zinc-containing redox centre Cys-X-X-Cys in which a disulfide bridge is formed upon oxidative stress. Other metal-dependent oxidative modifications of amino acid side-chains (dityrosines, 2-oxo-histidines, or carbonylation) also modulate the activity of redox-sensitive proteins. Using molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysical, and structure biology tools, molecular mechanisms involved in sensing and response to oxidative stress have been elucidated in detail. In this review, we analyze some examples of bacterial redox-sensing proteins involved in antioxidative stress response and focus further on the currently known molecular mechanism of function.
Social Stress Promotes and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Inhibits Tumor Growth in Mouse Models of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Al-Wadei Hussein A.N. , Plummer Howard K. , Ullah Mohammad F. , Unger Benjamin , Brody Joel R. , Schuller Hildegard M.
Published: September 2011

Psychologic distress is associated with increased lung cancer incidence and mortality. We have shown that non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro are stimulated by the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent activation of cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) downstream of β-adrenergic receptors and that this pathway is inhibited by the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Because the stress neurotransmitters noradrenalin and adrenalin are β-adrenergic agonists, the current study has tested the hypothesis that social stress stimulates NSCLC growth in vivo and that GABA inhibits this effect. Social stress was induced in mice carrying xenografts from two NSCLC cell lines in the presence and absence of treatment with GABA. Xenograft sizes were measured after 30 days. Noradrenalin, adrenalin, cortisol, GABA, and cAMP were measured in blood and tumor tissues by immunoassays. Expression of nicotinic receptors in the xenografts was assessed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Protein expression of phospho (p)-CREB, CREB, phospho (p)-ERK, ERK, and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) 65 and 67 were determined by Western blotting. Xenograft sizes in stress-exposed mice were significantly increased. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits α3, α4, α5, and α7 in xenograft tissues showed posttranscriptional induction. Noradrenalin, adrenalin, and cortisol were elevated in serum and xenograft tissue whereas GABA was suppressed. Levels of cAMP, p-CREB, and p-ERK were increased whereas GAD65 and GAD67 were suppressed in tumor tissue. Treatment with GABA reversed the effects of stress. Our findings suggest that social stress stimulates NSCLC by increasing nAChR-mediated stress neurotransmitter signaling and that GABA is a promising novel agent for NSCLC intervention. Cancer Prev Res; 5(2); 189–96. ©2011 AACR.
Microcosm Biofilms Originating from Children with Different Caries Experience Have Similar Cariogenicity under Successive Sucrose Challenges
Authors: Azevedo M.S. , van de Sande F.H. , Romano A.R. , Cenci M.S.
Published: September 2011

Objectives: The source of saliva inocula and the individual characteristics of saliva donors could affect the cariogenic activity of in vitro biofilms, but this could also be modulated by environmental determinants, such as the frequency of sugar consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the cariogenicity of microcosm biofilm growths from the saliva of caries-free (CF) children, children with early childhood caries (ECC) and with severe ECC (S-ECC), under regular sucrose exposure. Methods: Microcosm plaque biofilms were initiated from the saliva of CF, ECC and S-ECC children. Biofilms were grown in 24-well microplates on bovine enamel discs for up to 10 days in artificial saliva, which was replaced daily. Growth conditions comprised cariogenic challenge (artificial saliva supplemented with 1% sucrose 6 h/day) or no cariogenic challenge. Daily pH was obtained from the artificial saliva, and after the experimental period, the biofilm formed on the enamel discs was collected for microbiological analyses. Mineral loss in enamel discs was estimated by percentage of surface hardness change. Results: Overall, no statistically significant differences were found among saliva sources (p > 0.05). Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli counts increased in the biofilms grown under cariogenic challenge (p < 0.05), while a substantial decrease in the artificial saliva pH was detected under the same condition (p < 0.001). Higher demineralization (p < 0.001) was observed under sucrose exposure regardless of caries experience of children. Conclusions: While the sucrose exposure determined the cariogenicity of the biofilms, the caries experience of children who provided the inocula did not affect mineral loss associated with these biofilms.
What Is the Site of Origin of Cochleovestibular Schwannomas?
Authors: Roosli Christof , Linthicum, Jr. Fred H. , Cureoglu Sebahattin , Merchant Saumil N.
Published: September 2011

The belief that cochleovestibular schwannomas arise from the glial-Schwann cell junction has repeatedly been quoted in the literature, although there is no published evidence that supports this statement. A systematic evaluation of the nerve of origin and the precise location of cochleovestibular schwannomas using our respective archival temporal bone collections was conducted. Forty tumors were within the internal auditory canal (IAC), while 10 were intralabyrinthine neoplasms. Of the 40 IAC schwannomas, 4 arose from the cochlear nerve, and 36 from the vestibular nerve. Twenty-one tumors clearly arose lateral to the glial-Schwann cell junction, while 16 tumors filled at least two thirds of the IAC, with the epicenter of the neoplasm located in the mid part or the lateral part of the IAC. Only 3 schwannomas were located in the medial one third of the IAC in the area of the glial-Schwann cell junction. We concluded that cochleovestibular schwannomas may arise anywhere along the course of the axons of the eighth cranial nerve from the glial-Schwann sheath junction up until their terminations within the auditory and vestibular end organs.
Paced Left Ventricular QRS Width and ECG Parameters Predict Outcomes After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Hsing Jeff M. , Selzman Kimberly A. , Leclercq Christophe , Pires Luis A. , McLaughlin Michael G. , McRae Scott E. , Peterson Brett J. , Zimetbaum Peter J.
Published: September 2011

Background—

For patients with symptomatic New York Heart Association class III or IV, ejection fraction ≤35%, and QRS ≥130 ms, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an established treatment option. However, use of these implant criteria fails to result in clinical or echocardiographic improvement in 30% to 45% of CRT patients.

Methods and Results—

The Predictors of Response to CRT (PROSPECT)-ECG is a substudy of the prospective observational PROSPECT trial. ECGs collected before, during, and after CRT implantation were analyzed. Primary outcomes were improvement in clinical composite score (CCS) and reduction of left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) of >15% after 6 months. Age, sex, cause of cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction location, right ventricular function, mitral regurgitation, preimplantation QRS width, preimplantation PR interval, preimplantation right ventricular–paced QRS width, preimplantation axis categories, LV-paced QRS width, postimplantation axis categories, difference between biventricular (Bi-V) pacing and preimplantation QRS width, and QRS bundle branch morphological features were analyzed univariably in logistic regression models to predict outcomes. All significant predictors (α=0.1), age, and sex were used for multivariable analyses. Cardiomyopathy cause interaction and subanalyses were also performed. In multivariable analyses, only QRS left bundle branch morphological features predicted both CCS (odds ratio [OR]=2.46,
P
=0.02) and LVESV (OR=2.89,
P
=0.048) response. The difference between Bi-V and preimplantation QRS width predicted CCS improvement (OR=0.89,
P
=0.04). LV-paced QRS width predicted LVESV reduction (OR=0.86,
P
=0.01). Specifically, an LV-paced QRS width of ≤200 ms was predictive of nonischemic LVESV reduction (OR=5.12,
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Baseline left bundle branch QRS morphological features, LV-paced QRS width, and the difference between Bi-V and preimplantation QRS width can predict positive outcomes after CRT and may represent a novel intraprocedural method to optimize coronary sinus lead placement.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00253357.
Recovery of Mitral Isthmus Conduction Leads to the Development of Macro-Reentrant Tachycardia After Left Atrial Linear Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sawhney Navinder , Anand Kislay , Robertson Clare E , Wurdeman Taylor , Anousheh Ramtin , Feld Gregory K
Published: October 2011

Background—

Left atrial linear ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) may be proarrhythmic, leading to left atrial macro-reentrant tachycardia (LAT). Whether due to failure to achieve block initially or to recovery of conduction after ablation is unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of recovery of mitral isthmus (MI) conduction compared with cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) conduction, and the relationship between recovery of MI conduction and postablation LAT.

Methods and Results—

Of 163 patients with AF who underwent circumferential pulmonary vein ablation plus left atrial linear ablation, in whom MI and CTI ablation produced bidirectional conduction block, 52 underwent repeat ablation for recurrent atrial arrhythmias (AF or LAT). Of these 52 patients, coronary sinus ablation was required in 48 to achieve bidirectional MI block at the index ablation. During repeat ablation, MI and CTI conduction was assessed in sinus rhythm. At repeat ablation, MI conduction had recovered in 38 of 52 patients, as compared with CTI conduction which recovered in only 12 of 52 patients (
P
=0.001). At repeat ablation, the recurrent clinical arrhythmia in 12 patients was MI-dependent LAT. Recovery of MI conduction was associated with development of MI-dependent LAT (
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

Despite using bidirectional conduction block as a procedural end point, recovery of MI conduction is common and may lead to LAT after left atrial linear ablation for AF. The reason for greater recovery of MI versus CTI conduction is unknown but could be due to differences in isthmus anatomy or lower power used for ablation in the left versus right atrium.
Four Genetic Loci Influencing Electrocardiographic Indices of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Shah Sonia , Nelson Christopher P. , Gaunt Tom R. , van der Harst Pim , Barnes Timothy , Braund Peter S. , Lawlor Debbie A. , Casas Juan-Pablo , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Drenos Fotios , Kivimaki Mika , Talmud Philippa J. , Humphries Steve E. , Whittaker John , Morris Richard W. , Whincup Peter H. , Dominiczak Anna , Munroe Patricia B. , Johnson Toby , Goodall Alison H. , Cambien Francois , Diemert Patrick , Hengstenberg Christian , Ouwehand Willem H. , Felix Janine F. , Glazer Nicole L. , Tomaszewski Maciej , Burton Paul R. , Tobin Martin D. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Navis Gerjan , van Gilst Wiek H. , Mayosi Bongani M. , Thompson John R. , Kumari Meena , MacFarlane Peter W. , Day Ian N.M. , Hingorani Aroon D. , Samani Nilesh J.
Published: October 2011

Background—

Presence of left ventricular hypertrophy on an ECG (ECG-LVH) is widely assessed clinically and provides prognostic information in some settings. There is evidence for significant heritability of ECG-LVH. We conducted a large-scale gene-centric association analysis of 4 commonly measured indices of ECG-LVH.

Methods and Results—

We calculated the Sokolow-Lyon index, Cornell product, 12-lead QRS voltage sum, and 12-lead QRS voltage product in 10 256 individuals from 3 population-based cohorts and typed their DNA using a customized gene array (the Illumina HumanCVD BeadChip 50K array), containing 49 094 genetic variants in ≈2100 genes of cardiovascular relevance. We followed-up promising associations in 11 777 additional individuals. We identified and replicated 4 loci associated with ECG-LVH indices: 3p22.2 (
SCN5A
, rs6797133,
P
=1.22×10
−7
) with Cornell product and 12q13.3 (
PTGES3
, rs2290893,
P
=3.74×10
−8
), 15q25.2 (
NMB
, rs2292462,
P
=3.23×10
−9
), and 15q26.3 (
IGF1R
, rs4966014,
P
=1.26×10
-7
) with the 12-lead QRS voltage sum. The odds ratio of being in the top decile for the 12-lead QRS voltage sum for those carrying 6 trait-raising alleles at the 12q13.3, 15q25.2, and 15q26.3 loci versus those carrying 0 to 1 alleles was 1.60 (95% CI: 1.20 to 2.29). Lead single-nucleotide polymorphisms at the 12q13.3 and 15q25.2 loci showed significant expression quantitative trait loci effects in monocytes.

Conclusions—

These findings provide novel insights into the genetic determination of ECG-LVH. The findings could help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms determining this prognostically important trait.
Online Trust, Trustworthiness, or Assurance?
Authors: Cheshire Coye
Published: September 2011

Every day, individuals around the world retrieve, share, and exchange information on the Internet. We interact online to share personal information, find answers to questions, make financial transactions, play social games, and maintain professional and personal relationships. Sometimes our online interactions take place between two or more humans. In other cases, we rely on computers to manage information on our behalf. In each scenario, risk and uncertainty are essential for determining possible actions and outcomes. This essay highlights common deficiencies in our understanding of key concepts such as trust, trustworthiness, cooperation, and assurance in online environments. Empirical evidence from experimental work in computer-mediated environments underscores the promises and perils of overreliance on security and assurance structures as replacements for interpersonal trust. These conceptual distinctions are critical because the future shape of the Internet will depend on whether we build assurance structures to limit and control ambiguity or allow trust to emerge in the presence of risk and uncertainty.
An analysis on air permeability of polyester/viscose blended needle-punched nonwovens
Authors: Çinçik Emel , Koç Erdem
Published: October 2011

Air permeability is one of the important properties which affect the performance of nonwovens used for filtration, insulation and drainage applications. In this study, an analysis on the air permeability of the polyester/viscose blended needle-punched nonwovens has been carried out. In addition, a mixture-process crossed regression model with two mixture components (polyester and viscose blend ratios) and two process variables (fabric mass per unit area and needling density) is developed to analyze the air permeability of polyester/viscose blended needled nonwovens. For this purpose, five different blend ratios of polyester/viscose webs were produced, cross lapped and needled in four different mass per unit areas and three different punching densities. Air permeability of sixty nonwovens was determined by performing standard test method and the data obtained from tests were statistically analyzed with the Design Expert software. In conclusion, blend ratio of polyester-viscose fibers in web, fabric mass per unit area and needling density have major effects on the air permeability of nonwovens and the generated statistical model has given satisfactory predictions about air permeability.
Restructuring Searle’s Making the Social World
Authors: Hindriks Frank
Published: October 2011

Institutions are normative social structures that are collectively accepted. In his book Making the Social World, John R. Searle maintains that these social structures are created and maintained by Status Function Declarations. The article’s author criticizes this claim and argues, first, that Searle overestimates the role that language plays in relation to institutions and, second, that Searle’s notion of a Status Function Declaration confuses more than it enlightens. The distinction is exposed between regulative and constitutive rules as being primarily a linguistic one: whereas deontic powers figure explicitly in regulative rules, they feature only implicitly in constitutive rules. Furthermore, he contends that Searle’s collective acceptance account of human rights cannot adequately account for the fact that people have these rights even when they are not recognized. Finally, It is argued that a conception of collective intentionality that involves collective commitment is needed in order to do justice to the normative dimension of institutions.
Optimal design of multi-machine power system stabilizer using robust ant colony optimization technique
Authors: Linda M Mary , Nair N Kesavan
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a multi-objective design of the multi-machine Power System Stabilizer (PSS) using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) is proposed. The fine tuning of PSS parameters problem is converted to an optimization problem that is resolved by an ACO-based dominant metaheuristic technique. The strength of the proposed ACO-based PSS is tested on two different multi-machine power systems under diverse operating conditions. The outcomes of the proposed ACOPSS are compared with the Conventional PSS, Genetic Local Search-based PSS, Chaotic Optimization-based PSS and Particle Swarm Optimization-based PSS (PSOPSS). From the simulation results it can be inferred that the ACOPSS reduces the settling time and maximum overshoot more than the other techniques.
Effect of Early Compared With Delayed Enteral Nutrition on Endocrine Function in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chourdakis Michael , Kraus Michaela M. , Tzellos Thrasivoulos , Sardeli Chrysanthi , Peftoulidou Maria , Vassilakos Dimitrios , Kouvelas Dimitrios
Published: October 2011

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in a hypermetabolic and hypercatabolic status in which adequate nutrition support is essential to improve clinical outcome. The endocrine system of a patient with TBI is also affected and may play a critical role in either the metabolic or the immunologic response to the trauma. In the present study, the effect of standard, delayed enteral feeding (DEF), compared with early (within 24–48 hours) enteral feeding (EEF), on the endocrine function of patients with TBI was investigated. Methods: This comparative, prospective, open‐labeled, randomized study included TBI patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Injury severity was assessed by the Glasgow Coma Scale and predicted mortality by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II. Twenty‐five patients received DEF and 34 patients received EEF. The effect of the onset of nutrition on pituitary, thyroidal, gonadal, and adrenal function was investigated on days 6 and 12 after admission to the hospital. Results: Levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and testosterone (in males) of DEF patients declined in comparison to levels of the day of admission to the ICU. The decrease of hormonal values was less pronounced in the EEF group. Cortisol concentrations rose in the DEF group; a lesser hormonal change was found in the EEF group. Deaths during the study for the DEF group and EEF group were 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusions: EEF may exert beneficial effects on the hormonal profile of TBI patients, possibly contributing to a better clinical outcome in this patient group.
Resilience and Vulnerability in the Midst of Sociopolitical Violence in Northern Ireland
Authors: Coulter Stephen , Mullin Anne
Published: October 2011

This article focuses on the experience of one particular family living amid the sociopolitical violence in Northern Ireland to illustrate the impact of a particular traumatic event—a paramilitary assault due to mistaken identity. These attacks are often colloquially referred to as “punishment shootings”or “beatings.” The systemic effect on family relationships and the unfolding therapeutic process are emphasized. A number of emerging themes and issues that have wider applicability are discussed.
Simulation in Otolaryngology
Authors: Deutsch Ellen S.
Published: October 2011

Simulation is revolutionizing medical education, certification, and ongoing professional development. Simulation encompasses a variety of technologies as well as nontechnical approaches to improve individual psychomotor skills, group effectiveness, and systems processes, all without direct risk to patients. Simulation‐enhanced learning experiences, addressing learning objectives based on the needs of the individual or the group and following the principles of adult education, can be used to ensure consistent and comprehensive learning opportunities, thereby creatively complementing didactic and clinical learning experiences. Pockets of simulation expertise are already present in the field of otolaryngology; more will develop as these exciting and important innovations blossom.
Wind Turbines Make Waves
Authors: Havas Magda , Colling David
Published: October 2011

People who live near wind turbines complain of symptoms that include some combination of the following: difficulty sleeping, fatigue, depression, irritability, aggressiveness, cognitive dysfunction, chest pain/pressure, headaches, joint pain, skin irritations, nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, and stress. These symptoms have been attributed to the pressure (sound) waves that wind turbines generate in the form of noise and infrasound. However, wind turbines also generate electromagnetic waves in the form of poor power quality (dirty electricity) and ground current, and these can adversely affect those who are electrically hypersensitive. Indeed, the symptoms mentioned above are consistent with electrohypersensitivity. Sensitivity to both sound and electromagnetic waves differs among individuals and may explain why not everyone in the same home experiences similar effects. Ways to mitigate the adverse health effects of wind turbines are presented.
Omitted Costs, Inflated Benefits
Authors: Gallant Parker , Fox Glenn
Published: October 2011

The government of Ontario has adopted wind energy development as an alternative energy source. It enacted the Green Energy and Economy Act, May 2009, with the intention to fast track the approval process regarding industrial wind turbines. The Act legislated a centralized decision making process while removing local jurisdictional authority. Throughout this process, the government reassured the public of inexpensive and reliable electricity. This article explores the costs and benefits related to the renewable energy policy established in Ontario, Canada.
Acoustic, tomographic, and morphological properties of bismaleimide-modified PLA green composites
Authors: Baltazar-y-Jimenez Alexis , Seviaryna Inna , Sain Mohini , Maeva Elena Yu.
Published: October 2011

The effect of N′-(o-phenylene)dimalemide and 2,2′ dithiobis(benzothiazole) on the speed of sound, sound attenuation and loss factor, 3-D microstructure, fiber dispersion, and morphology of wood pulp-reinforced PLA composites produced by hot press was investigated. Analysis of the chemical composition and fiber length of the wood pulp fibers provided information about the mechanism of adhesion and crystallinity of the modified composites. It was found that the modified composites have quite similar sound attenuation values, whereas the 3-D tomography analysis suggests the creation of a closely compact, cross-linked microstructure with improved fiber dispersion at higher processing temperature. The occurrence of a uniform, single-phase morphology suggests good compatibility between N′-(o-phenylene)dimalemide and 2,2′ dithiobis(benzothiazole) to PLA. Fourier transform–infrared (FT–IR) spectrometry suggests the creation of a new bond involving scission of the N′-(o-phenylene)dimalemide molecule to PLA and/or wood pulp. XRD analysis showed that the largest increase in the crystallinity occurred in the modified PLA blends.
‘Greening’ of unsaturated polyester resin based bulk molding compound with acrylated epoxidized soybean and linseed oils: effect of urethane hybridization
Authors: Grishchuk S. , Leanza R. , Kirchner P. , Karger-Kocsis J.
Published: October 2011

Acrylated epoxidized soybean and linseed oils of different characteristics were incorporated in the absence and presence of PMDI in UP resin-based BMC up to 15 wt%. The thermal, thermomechanical, static fracture mechanical, dynamic impact, and thermal degradation properties of the modified and reference BMCs were determined. With increasing amount of functionalized plant oils, the glass transition temperature of the matrix, the stiffness ( E-modulus), and Charpy impact strength of the composites decreased. On the other hand, the static fracture mechanical parameters and thermal degradation were less affected by oil modification. Type and characteristics of the plant oils affected mostly the Charpy impact strength. Additional cross-linking, induced by PMDI, resulted in some compensation of the property deterioration except the glassy modulus. The large drop in the modulus was traced to unfavored PMDI/kaolin interactions triggered by the water content of the latter. Incorporation of PMDI was associated with a prominent increase in the glass transition temperature. The results suggest that dilution of traditional UP-based BMC with acrylated epoxidized plant oils, being associated with some property degradation, is limited.
Diversity Policies in Public and Private Sector Organizations
Authors: Groeneveld Sandra , Verbeek Stijn
Published: October 2011

This article centers on a comparison of diversity policies in Dutch public and private sector organizations and their effectiveness in improving ethnic minority representation. Data have been obtained from 8,283 annual reports of Dutch organizations in 2001 and 2002. Three types of diversity policies are analyzed: (a) policies designed to analyze ethnic minority representation, (b) policies designed to improve the influx of ethnic minorities in organizations, and (c) policies designed to improve the management of a diverse workforce in organizations. Results show that public sector organizations report more diversity policies and different types of diversity policies than do private sector organizations. In terms of effectiveness, only policies designed to improve the management of a diverse workforce seem to affect the representation of ethnic minorities in organizations in the short term. No sectoral differences in the effectiveness of various policy types were found.
Multi-objective optimization of yield rate and tact time of ACF in the TFT-LCD short-bar attach process using the fuzzy dominant directed graph method
Authors: Kuo J-L , Hsieh C-H
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes a fuzzy-DDG method to solve the multi-objective optimization problem in regard to the anisotropic conductive film (ACF) attach process for thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD). As such, this paper has been motivated by a desire to decrease the usage of ACF materials in the ACF attach process. Herein, the experimental Taguchi method will be used to find the optimal solution for this problem. This paper will study the optimization problem of yield rate and tact time with respect to control factors of TFT-LCD. In using the Taguchi method, five test cases are discussed: the first involves the optimal yield rate problem; the second, the optimal tact time problem; and the third, solving multiple problems by simultaneously considering yield rate and tact time. Additionally, the conventional multiple performance characteristics index (MPCI) method is used, although it exhibits a less than optimal fuzzy inference structure, and fuzzification as well as defuzzification processes are required; in the fourth and the fifth cases, a new fuzzy DDG method is used to determine the multiple objective problems. Notably, the conventional fuzzy inference structure is not required in this algorithm and only graph-based matrix operations are required. Testing results show that the fourth and the fifth cases are more convenient in regard to arithmetical operations, compared to the third case. The fourth case illustrates the problem with the vertex order included only; only crisp potential values are derived. The fifth case illustrates the problem with the vertex S/N ratio values included and fuzzy potential values derived. Experimental results are provided to verify the validity of the proposed fuzzy DDG method.
Investigation on a multispar composite wing
Authors: Stamatelos D G , Labeas G N
Published: October 2011

The potential advantages of an airliner composite wing are investigated by considering a multispar configuration. An efficient initial sizing methodology, suitable for large-scale composite components, such as the studied aircraft main wing, is applied for the preliminary design of a multispar wing. The methodology comprises three basic modules, i.e. the computational stress analysis of the structure, the comparison of the stress–strain results to design allowable, and a suitable resizing procedure in order to satisfy all design requirements. A detailed comparison between optimized designs of conventional (2-spar) and three alternative wing configurations, which comprise 4-, 5-, and 6-spars for the wing construction is performed. In order to understand the effect of different material properties, as well as the variation of maximum strain level allowed the total wing mass, parametric analyses are performed for all configurations considered. Comparing the conventional and the multispar arrangements, it arises that under certain conditions, the multispar configuration demonstrates significant advantages over the conventional design. In addition, for all the configurations investigated, i.e. the 2-, 4-, 5- and 6-spar designs, the mass breakdown in the wing subcomponents is presented, such that the maximum mass saving potentials are identified for each multispar configuration.
Multi-objective optimization of a recuperative gas turbine cycle using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm
Authors: Sayyaadi H , Aminian H R
Published: October 2011

A regenerative gas turbine cycle with two particular tubular recuperative heat exchangers in parallel is considered for multi-objective optimization. It is assumed that tubular recuperative heat exchangers and its corresponding gas cycle are in design stage simultaneously. Three objective functions including the purchased equipment cost of recuperators, the unit cost rate of the generated power, and the exergetic efficiency of the gas cycle are considered simultaneously. Geometric specifications of the recuperator including tube length, tube outside/inside diameters, tube pitch, inside shell diameter, outer and inner tube limits of the tube bundle and the total number of disc and doughnut baffles, and main operating parameters of the gas cycle including the compressor pressure ratio, exhaust temperature of the combustion chamber and the air mass flowrate are considered as decision variables. Combination of these objectives anddecision variables with suitable engineering and physical constraints (including NO x and CO emission limitations) comprises a set of mixed integer non-linear problems. Optimization programming in MATLAB is performed using one of the most powerful and robust multi-objective optimization algorithms, namely non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. This approach is applied to find a set of Pareto optimal solutions. Pareto optimal frontier is obtained, and a final optimal solution is selected in a decision-making process.
Improved velocity estimation using low-performance position and torque sensors with applications in friction compensation control systems
Authors: Zhang Z , Zhou X , Fan D
Published: October 2011

Velocity computation based on simple numerical differentiation from a low-resolution position sensor or numerical integration from an imperfect torque sensor may be highly erroneous, especially in the low-velocity or high-acceleration regions. To resolve this problem, a novel approach to obtaining high-performance velocities in these regions is presented. The proposed estimator is based on the framework of the Kalman filter. A switching architecture is used to address the estimation problem, with the sensors functioning under different situations. Experimental results show that the proposed estimator significantly reduces velocity errors in estimation compared with an encoder or torque sensor. A dual-loop control structure is also developed with estimated velocity feedback for application in the friction compensation control system of an inertially stabilized platform. Experimental findings show that the control characteristic significantly improves because the proposed approach enables the rejection of non-linear friction.
Olanzapine-induced neutropenia in a patient with systemiclupus erythematosus: a role of FcγRIIIb polymorphism?
Authors: Salviati M , Ortona E , Colasanti T , Francia A , Pontecorvo S , Delle Chiaie R
Published: October 2011

In this study, we report the case of a Chinese patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed neutropenia after treatment by olanzapine for the SLE-related psychiatric symptoms. The relationship between agranulocytosis, SLE and olanzapine is still unknown. Fcγ receptor IIIb (FcγRIIIb) is a low-affinity receptor, constitutively expressed only by neutrophils; NA1 and NA2 have been identified as representing polymorphisms of FcγRIIIb. NA1 is associated with the incidence of autoimmune neutropenia and is particularly frequent in Asiatic ethnic groups. The Chinese patient resulted to be homozygous for NA1. We suggest that the presence of NA1 allele may be a predisposing factor to olanzapine-induced agranulocytosis in patients with SLE. Hence, the analysis of FcγRIIIb polymorphism should be investigated in other cases of antipsychotic-induced agranulocytosis.
Subacute cerebellar ataxia and atrophy developed in a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus whose cerebrospinal fluid was positive for antineuronal cell antibody
Authors: Iwasaki Y , Okamoto A , Shoda H , Takahashi Y , Fujio K , Kawahata K , Yamamoto K
Published: October 2011

Subacute cerebellar ataxia in combination with cerebellar atrophy has rarely been reported as one of the manifestations of lupus in the central nervous system (CNS). We describe a 27-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed subacute cerebellar ataxia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of her brain showed cerebellar atrophy in both hemispheres, particularly on the right side. Moreover, increased antineuronal cell antibody levels were detected in her cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebellar ataxia improved markedly following high-dose corticosteroid administration. This suggests that a relationship exists between autoantibodies and subacute atrophic processes in CNS lupus.
Giant disseminated condylomatosis in SLE
Authors: CostaPinto L , Grassi MFR , Serravalle K , Travessa ACV , Olavarria VNO , Santiago MB
Published: October 2011

Introduction: Females with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have higher prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can lead to the development of warts. Herein we report the first case of giant disseminated condylomatosis (GDC) in a SLE female on mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Case report: The patient, a 33-year-old, Black female, was diagnosed with SLE during her first pregnancy in 2003 based on the features of arthritis, skin rash, seizures, nephritis and presence of antinuclear antibodies. Her pregnancy resulted in preterm delivery of a stillborn fetus at 28 weeks. Since that time she has been treated with steroids and different regimens of immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and lately MMF. In the last few years she presented GDC involving the genital area in addition to skin on the lower abdomen. Topical therapy with trichloroacetic acid, imiquimod and podophyllin was only partially effective. Different types of HPV were identified in the lesions, being HPV-11 in abdomen, HPV 6, 11, 42 in vulva, HPV-6, 11 in vagina and HPV-6, 11 in endocervix. Conclusions: GDC may be a complication of SLE, secondary to the disease itself, its treatment or other factors not yet identified.
Emotion and music: The Ethiopian lyre bagana
Authors: Weisser Stéphanie
Published: October 2011

The bagana is a paraliturgical lyre played by the Christian Amhara of Ethiopia. It is used to perform spiritual music. Bagana is an intimate instrument, accompanied by the singing voice only. It has a special role in Christian Amhara music, as its myth of origin closely connects it to God, the biblical King David and King Menelik I. It is reputed to be very powerful and its performances arouse intense reactions in both players and listeners. Some of these reactions were observed directly (immediate calming, tears, overwhelmed faces). Inner reactions to bagana were investigated by means of 108 statements collected from 32 participants (from virtuoso players to simple listeners) during interviews or discussion. Statements were classified by using the Strong Experiences related to Music (SEM) descriptive system ( Gabrielsson & Lindström Wik, 2003 ). Results show that the inner reactions bagana elicits are varied (statements fall into six of the seven categories of the SEM descriptive system) but a majority of the statements can be classified into the Feelings/Emotions (5) and Existential and Transcendental (6) categories. The least commonly admitted reactions fall into the Physical Reactions and Behaviours (2) and the Perception (3) categories. These results are discussed in detail and confronted with the direct observations. The utility and difficulties of the SEM descriptive system in ethnomusicological contexts are also discussed.
Adaptive Instruments for Students With Physical Disabilities
Authors: Darrow Alice-Ann
Published: October 2011

The main adaptations that will be made for music students with physical disabilities are those that make the classroom accessible and those that make classroom instruments accessible. There are a number of principles to guide one when selecting instruments for students with physical disabilities. These principles can assist one in determining the instruments best suited to meet selected therapeutic and educational goals, as well as instruments that can accommodate students’ physical limitations.
Assessing a Presidential Transition
Authors: Lovvorn Al S. , Walker W. Earl
Published: October 2011

A presidential administration transition is a crucial time for establishing an effective governance style and reflects the president’s own personality. Presidents are concerned with building a coherent, cohesive team as they move from their electoral victory to implementing their vision for the country through legislative successes. A successful president displays an entrepreneurial mind-set as he proceeds throughout his 1st year to achieve early legislative victories, which establish the president as an effective president. This entrepreneurial approach requires cold-blooded politics and eschews inordinate concern for individuals, issues, and policies, and, this entrepreneurial approach is predicated on nimble governance and shrewd implementation. Nimble governance is choosing among alternative priorities, avoiding blunders, and maneuvering in the face of opposition. Shrewd implementation results in a few, carefully selected initiatives that are announced early, lobbied energetically, enacted swiftly, and executed boldly. These criteria are applied to the inaugural year of the Clinton presidency.
Does Foreign Military Intervention Help Human Rights?
Authors: Peksen Dursun
Published: October 2011

This article examines the effect of foreign armed intervention on human rights conditions in target countries. It is argued that military intervention contributes to the rise of state repression by enhancing the state’s coercive power and encouraging more repressive behavior, especially when it is supportive or neutral toward the target government. Results from bivariate probit models estimated on time-series cross-section data show that supportive and neutral interventions increase the likelihood of extrajudicial killing, disappearance, political imprisonment, and torture. Hostile interventions increase only the probability of political imprisonment. The involvement of an intergovernmental organization or a liberal democracy as an intervener is unlikely to make any major difference in the suggested negative impact of intervention.
Deriving a Forecast Model for European Election Turnout
Authors: Evans Jocelyn , Ivaldi Gilles
Published: October 2011

Turnout is a key indicator in European Parliament elections in the absence of a direct executive outcome. Forecasting turnout is an important exercise in requiring the identification of a parsimonious model with good lead time from the array of structural, demographic, and attitudinal variables employed in rich explanatory models of turnout, and simultaneously minimizing prediction error. Building on a series of regression models using aggregate data, this article explores the applicability of such an approach to turnout in the EU-27 countries and considers the explanatory added value that deriving such a forecast model can also provide.
Mathematical modeling of gearbox including defects with experimental verification
Authors: Omar Farag K , Moustafa Kamal AF , Emam Samir
Published: October 2011

A nine degree-of-freedom model of one stage gear system is presented in this research work. The gearbox structure is coupled with the vibration of the gear shaft. The model considers gear size, errors, and faults. The model includes varying meshing stiffness and a realistic representation of the gear transmission error (TE) and gear faults. Gear TE is modeled as a displacement excitation. The model equations are solved using Matlab and using parameters representing a real experimental gearbox rig. Experimental and simulated data are compared for different operating speeds, torque loads, and gear cracks. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental ones. The authors believe that the model presented here can be used in studying gear faults and would be very useful in developing gear fault monitoring techniques.
Coupled longitudinal and transverse vibration of automotive belts under longitudinal excitations using analog equation method
Authors: Scurtu Petru Razvan , Clark Mike , Zu Jean W
Published: October 2011

There are many studies on vibrations of moving belts originated from automotive belt drives. These studies, however, mainly consider the nonlinear effect of the transversal vibration of the belt under transversal excitation without considering the coupling effect between the transversal and longitudinal vibrations under longitudinal excitation. In this paper, a nonlinear model is built for a standing tensioned belt periodically excited longitudinally at one end with a known amplitude and frequency and with the other end clamped, which allows for coupling between the periodic longitudinal excitation and transversal vibration. The nonlinear system is solved using the Analog Equation Method. The two coupled nonlinear hyperbolic differential equations of the system are reduced to two uncoupled linear equations pertaining to the longitudinal and transverse deformation of a substitute beam with unit longitudinal and bending stiffness, respectively. The reduced equations are under a fictitious time-dependent load distribution with the same boundary and initial conditions. The fictitious forces are established numerically from the integral expression of the oscillation solution with the requirement that the equations of motion be satisfied at discreet time intervals. It is found that the transversal vibration appears as a stable and predictable beating phenomenon due to an internal resonance from the periodic energy transfer between the longitudinal excitation and the transversal vibration, which manifests itself as a standing wave.
Prediction of blast-induced vibrations in limestone quarries using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Mohammadnejad M , Gholami R , Ramezanzadeh A , Jalali ME
Published: October 2011

One of the major environmental concerns related to blasting operation in mining and civil engineering projects is ground vibration. The ground parameters should be taken into account by the prediction models, especially if the ground conditions have variable characters. In a blasting environment, this is usually possible by using an empirical method. However, in this study, the application of a novel artificial method, called a ‘Support Vector Machine’ (SVM), has been offered for the prediction of blast-induced ground vibration by taking into consideration the maximum charge per delay and the distance between the blast face and monitoring point. Two limestone quarries have been studied through this research. The results clearly show that the SVM can be used as a reliable predictor technique to predict the vibration level with a correlation coefficient of 0.944 which has been obtained by comparing measured and predicted values.
Quasi sliding mode control for chaotic symmetric gyros with linear-plus-cubic damping and input nonlinearity
Authors: Huang Cheng-Fang , Lin Jui-Sheng , Liao Teh-Lu , Yan Jun-Juh
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a new concept of quasi sliding mode control (QSMC) is introduced for the tracking control of chaotic symmetric gyros with linear-plus-cubic damping. In contrast to previous works on sliding mode control, based on the proposed QSMC, the chattering phenomenon can be eliminated. Furthermore, the controlled gyro system can track desired trajectories and tracking errors can be driven into a predictable neighborhood of zero, even when the input nonlinearity is present. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed QSMC design method.