bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of age, gender, hormonal status and smoking habits on colonic transit time
Authors: Meier Rémy , BEGLINGER C. , DEDERDING J. P. , MEYER‐WYSS B. , FUMAGALLI M. , ROWEDDER A. , TURBERG Y. , BRIGNOLI R.
Published: November 2010

Abstract The factors that influence colonic transit time in healthy humans are not yet clearly defined. The aim of this study was therefore to determine (a) if there are differences in colonic transit time between men and women and (b) if age, female hormonal status or smoking habits are associated with alterations in these parameters. Colonic transit time was measured in 164 asymptomatic subjects (80 males, 84 females) by a radio‐opaque marker technique with one single plain abdominal X‐ray. Colonic transit time was significantly shorter in men than in women (30 ± 2 vs. 42 ± 3 h, P < 0.05). Colonic transit time in non‐smoking males was significantly shorter compared with smoking males (26 ± 2 vs. 40 ± 5 h, P < 0.05). In females only height and menstrual cycle influenced colonic transit times. We conclude that gender and smoking habits should be considered when studying colonic transit time in health and disease.
Oesophageal motility in adult coeliac disease
Authors: USAI P. , Bassotti Gabrio , SATTA P. USAI , CHERCHI M. VITTORIA , PLESA A. , BOY F. , MORELLI A. , BALESTRIERI A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract Coeliac sprue is a relatively frequent disease with protean clinical manifestations. Recent studies suggest that gastrointestinal motor abnormalities may explain some symptoms complained of by such patients. We investigated whether coeliac patients have oesophageal motor abnormalities from both a clinical and a physiological point of view. Thirty‐six consecutive adult sprue subjects (14 during the florid phase and 22 on gluten‐free diet) were studied. A clinical questionnaire on gastrointestinal symptoms (with emphasis on those of oesophageal origin) was administered. Moreover, 18 patients (13 on free and five on gluten‐free diet) gave their consent for oesophageal manometry and eight subjects for pH‐metry also. Oesophageal clinical symptoms were compared with those of 144 age‐ and sex‐matched controls from a general population sample, and manometry with that of 34 healthy volunteers. Of coeliac patients 50% complained of dysphagia (P < 0.001 vs. controls) and 14% noncardiac chest pain (P = NS vs. controls). Manometric examination showed motor abnormalities in 67% of the subjects examined, consisting of nutcracker oesophagus, hypotonic lower oesophageal sphincter associated with simultaneous contractions, and frequent repetitive (>3 peaks) contractions. These abnormalities were equally distributed among free and gluten‐free diet patients. pH‐metry showed only one pathological reflux out of eight subjects studied. We conclude that patients with coeliac sprue may display abnormal oesophageal motility. This confirms previous studies suggesting that gastrointestinal motor abnormalities should probably be added to the clinical spectrum of the disease.
Haemodynamic modulations in IgA nephropathy
Authors: ROCCATELLO D. , MENGOZZI G. , MOSSO R. , GIGLIOLA G. , CACACE G. , POLLONI R. , CESANO G. , PICCIOTTO G. , PARADISI L. , BANCALE E. , PICCOLI G. , SENA LM , COPPO R.
Published: November 2010

Summary:While a variety of immunologic factors are likely to be involved in the initial acute phlogistic events in IgA nephropathy (IgAN), progression to renal failure occurs through a relatively silent course histologically related to prevalent sclerotic changes. In this phase of IgAN, haemodynamic mechanisms are likely to play the most important role. Among the others, angiotensin II and endothelin 1 are thought to be critical mediators. Angiotensin II promotes mesangial cell contraction, modulates membrane permselectivity and induces glomerular hypertension. Evidence for a local angiotensin II hyperactivity in IgAN (especially in patients at definite risk of progression) has been previously provided by our group. Endothelin 1 is mitogenetic for mesangial cells and increases matrix production. Moreover, it exerts local vasoconstrictor effects and induces mesangial cell contraction, both resulting in glomerular afterload. Again, plasma and urinary endothelin 1 are elevated in IgAN. Moreover, those patients with increased risk of progression show an increased ratio between urinary endothelin 1 and cyclic guanosine 3′,5′ monophosphate (GMP), a local messanger with counterbalancing effects. Several data of clinical benefits of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors in IgAN have been reported. Less is known about the intrinsic mechanism of the antiproteinuric action, either reduction of filtration fraction or changes in glomerular permselectivity. The clinical usefulness of factors counterbalancing endothelin 1 effects, such as nitric oxide donors, remains to be established. A sample of eight IgAN patients with poor prognostic indicators was enrolled to examine the renal haemodynamic effects of angiotensin receptor antagonism, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition and administration of an exogenous source of nitric oxide. Study periods (7 days each) were randomized and spaced out by one week wash‐out. Data showed that angiotensin receptor antagonism and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition were equally effective in modifying renal haemodynamics, but only the latter condition significantly reduced albuminuria, possibly indicating a prevalent action on membrane permselectivity in the short time period of the study. The antiproteinuric effects of nitric oxide donors were strictly confined to patients with increased urinary endothelin 1/cyclic GMP ratio. Finally, each treatment condition was found to be associated with an increased nitric oxide production, which appeared to be an additional factor in modulation of filtration fraction changes.
Cultivating the power of partnerships in feminist participatory action research in women’s health
Authors: Ponic Pamela , Reid Colleen , Frisby Wendy
Published: November 2010

PONIC P, REID C and FRISBY W.Nursing Inquiry2010;17: 324–335 Cultivating the power of partnerships in feminist participatory action research in women’s health

Feminist participatory action research integrates feminist theories and participatory action research methods, often with the explicit intention of building community–academic partnerships to create new forms of knowledge to inform women's health. Despite the current pro‐partnership agenda in health research and policy settings, a lack of attention has been paid to how to cultivate effective partnerships given limited resources, competing agendas, and inherent power differences. Based on our 10+ years individually and collectively conducting women's health and feminist participatory action research, we suggest that it is imperative to intentionally developpower‐withstrategies in order to avoid replicating the power imbalances that such projects seek to redress. By drawing on examples from three of our recent feminist participatory action projects we reflect on some of the tensions and complexities of attempting to cultivate power‐with research partnerships. We then offer skills and resources needed by academic researchers to effectively harness the collective resources, agendas, and knowledge that each partner brings to the table. We suggest that investing in the process of cultivating power‐with research partnerships ultimately improves our collective ability to understand and address women's health issues.
What happens when you involve patients as experts? a participatory action research project at a renal failure unit
Authors: Blomqvist Kerstin , Theander Eva , Mowide Inger , Larsson Veronica
Published: November 2010

BlOMQVIST K, THEANDER E, MOWIDE I and LARSSON V. Nursing Inquiry 2010; 17: 317–323 What happens when you involve patients as experts? a participatory action research project at a renal failure unit

Although there is a trend towards developing health care in a patient‐centred direction, changes are usually planned by the professionals without involving the patients. This paper presents an ongoing participatory action research project where patients with chronic renal failure, nurses at a specialist renal failure unit, a hospital manager and a researcher worked together to develop patient‐centred care. The project combined the expertise of patients in their own experiences of living with a chronic condition with the professional expertise of nurses, the manager and the researcher. As the workload on the unit was uneven, the development work needed to be low in intensity but long‐term. Based on a number of dialogues in focus groups, four main development areas were identified; access to test results, prerequisites for postponing the progress of the illness, general awareness and understanding of living with chronic renal failure, and family‐focused care. A number of changes have been planned or implemented, such as developing a prototype for a web‐based feed‐back system, expanding patient education to newly diagnosed patients, steering the nurses' role towards a guiding and family‐focused function, and planning a digital story‐telling workshop. Involving committed people who have the mandate to change practices were prerequisites for success.
Engineering a novel c‐di‐GMP‐binding protein for biofilm dispersal
Authors: Ma Qun , Yang Zhonghua , Pu Mingming , Peti Wolfgang , Wood Thomas K.
Published: November 2010

Bacteria prefer to grow attached to themselves or an interface, and it is important for an array of applications to make biofilms disperse. Here we report simultaneously the discovery and protein engineering of BdcA (formerly YjgI) for biofilm dispersal using the universal signal 3,5‐cyclic diguanylic acid (c‐di‐GMP). The bdcA deletion reduced biofilm dispersal, and production of BdcA increased biofilm dispersal to wild‐type level. Since BdcA increases motility and extracellular DNA production while decreasing exopolysaccharide, cell length and aggregation, we reasoned that BdcA decreases the concentration of c‐di‐GMP, the intracellular messenger that controls cell motility through flagellar rotation and biofilm formation through synthesis of curli and cellulose. Consistently, c‐di‐GMP levels increase upon deleting bdcA, and purified BdcA binds c‐di‐GMP but does not act as a phosphodiesterase. Additionally, BdcR (formerly YjgJ) is a negative regulator of bdcA. To increase biofilm dispersal, we used protein engineering to evolve BdcA for greater c‐di‐GMP binding and found that the single amino acid change E50Q causes nearly complete removal of biofilms via dispersal without affecting initial biofilm formation.
Thiazolidinediones and fracture risk in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Betteridge D. J.
Published: November 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 759–771 (2011)

Thiazolidinediones are widely used effective drugs for the management of hyperglycaemia in Type 2 diabetes and may provide additional metabolic benefits. Any advantages of these agents need to be considered in the context of any potential risk from adverse events. Recent evidence from several sources, including large‐scale randomized controlled trials and observational studies, suggests that long‐term use of thiazolidinediones is associated with bone loss and an increased risk of fractures in women with Type 2 diabetes. As patients with Type 2 diabetes are already at high risk for fractures, the clinical relevance of this reported association with thiazolidinedione therapy deserves careful consideration. Generally, the fracture risk with thiazolidinediones appears similar in magnitude to that associated with several other widely used drug classes, although there are unanswered questions regarding susceptibility factors, differential effects on bone sites and potential management approaches. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence for an increase in fracture risk with thiazolidinediones and places it in the context of recent analyses of fracture risk with other commonly used drug classes. The potential clinical implications of any association are also discussed.
Integration of tactics for management of Eucalyptus herbivores: influence of moisture and nitrogen fertilization on red gum lerp psyllid colonization
Authors: Paine T.D. , Hanlon C.C.
Published: November 2010

Moisture stress and fertilization have been reported to both increase or decrease susceptibility of plants to herbivory. In the Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) system in California, cultural practices that maintain sufficient moisture levels in the living outer bark contribute to the resistance of the trees to the invasive eucalyptus longhorned borer, Phoracantha semipunctata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). However, a community of fluid‐feeding psyllids has also been introduced into the state and it was unclear if water management practices that reduce susceptibility to the borer enhanced susceptibility to the psyllids. The results of irrigation and fertilization field trials demonstrated that low water applications and high levels of fertilization resulted in higher levels of red gum lerp psyllid, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), populations on the foliage than on trees treated with higher levels of irrigation and no fertilization. There were no differences in levels of parasitization of the psyllids by Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) under the various treatment regimes. Consequently, it is possible to integrate compatible cultural practices and the use of natural enemies to manage populations of both the borer and the psyllid.
Far‐Infrared Radiation Promotes Angiogenesis in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells via Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinase Activation
Authors: Rau Cheng‐Shyuan , Yang Johnson Chia‐Shen , Jeng Seng‐Feng , Chen Yi‐Chun , Lin Chia‐Jung , Wu Chia‐Jung , Lu Tsu‐Hsiang , Hsieh Ching‐Hua
Published: November 2010

This study was designed to determine the in vitro angiogenic ability of far‐infrared (FIR) radiation in the skin‐derived cultured human microvascular endothelial cells and to elucidate the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in this process. The results revealed that FIR radiation from a WSTM TY301 FIR emitter activated p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), but not Akt or c‐Jun N‐terminal protein kinases (JNK), and significantly promoted angiogenesis by increasing tube formation in Matrigel and the migration of cells across an eight micron polyester filter. The addition of 50 μm PD98059, a MEK inhibitor, significantly inhibited the activation of ERK and the enhanced angiogenesis; in contrast, the inhibition of p38 phosphorylation did not inhibit the enhanced angiogenesis. After FIR radiation, there was no increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms (VEGF‐A, ‐B, ‐C and ‐D) mRNA and VEGF protein, no increase phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) detected using Western blotting, and no increase in NO production detected using flow cytometry in cells pre‐incubated with the cell‐permeable NO‐binding dye diluted 4‐amino‐5‐methylamino‐2′, 7′‐difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF‐FM DA). This study revealed that FIR radiation possesses in vitro angiogenic activity via the activation of the MEK/ERK but not the VEGF/Akt/eNOS‐dependent signaling pathways.
Sociocultural Factors Influencing Students' Learning in Science and Mathematics: An Analysis of the Perspectives of African American Students
Authors: Brand Brenda R. , Glasson George E. , Green Andre' M.
Published: November 2010

The voices of African American students reveal sociocultural factors that influence their achievement in science and mathematics classes. Using a sociocultural theoretical framework (Mercer & Covey, 1980), this ethnographic study interpreted the perspectives of five African American students as they discussed their learning experiences in science and mathematics classrooms. This framework acknowledges the vulnerability of the educational system to societal influences that inevitably assert cultural values and norms. The students' discussions provided insight into their beliefs about the varied ways in which sociocultural factors impact their learning in science and mathematics classrooms.
Comparison between traditional surgery, CO2 and Nd:Yag laser treatment for generalized gingival hyperplasia in Sturge–Weber syndrome: a retrospective study
Authors: Inchingolo Francesco , Tatullo Marco , Abenavoli Fabio M. , Marrelli Massimo , Inchingolo Alessio D. , Inchingolo Angelo M. , Dipalma Gianna
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Sturge–Weber syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that belongs to the group of neuroectodermal development anomalies called “phakomatoses”. Hyperplastic lesions affect the gingiva, causing massive spontaneous bleeding.

Methods:  We report a retrospective study of 11 patients affected by Sturge–Weber syndrome, with generalized gingival hyperplasia and angiomatous lesions of the oral cavity. Traditional scalpel surgery was performed in three patients; the remaining eight underwent laser gingivectomy. Specifically, four were treated with electrosurgery and a CO2 laser, and the remaining four patients were treated with a neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser at 1.06, with a power of 4 or 6 W. In order to measure the patients’ pain response, we used a visual analog scale. We clinically evaluated the tissue response and the possible presence of relapse in the surgically‐treated areas.

Results:  The three patients treated with traditional surgery had a relapse between 17 and 24 months after surgery. The four patients treated with the CO2 laser had a relapse between 36 and 42 months after surgery in 75% of cases.

Conclusions:  The most encouraging results were achieved using the neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser; patients treated with this procedure had a relapse 5 years and 4 months from surgery in only 25% of cases.
Survey of Korean dentists on the awareness on bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws
Authors: Yoo Ji‐Yeon , Park Yong‐Duk , Kwon Yong‐Dae , Kim Deog‐Yoon , Ohe Joo‐Young
Published: November 2010

Aim:  This survey evaluates the awareness of bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws among Korean dentists.

Methods:  We prepared a questionnaire based on bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw guidelines, suggested by The American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons. Among 13 405 dentists, we randomly selected 264 (2%) practitioners.

Results:  A total of 56.5% of respondents had heard of bisphosphonates asmedication related to osteonecrosis, but only 31.4% routinely recorded bisphosphonate medication history. The cross‐sectional analysis demonstrated that most dentists were unaware of The American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons’ guidelines. Dentists with <5 years’ clinical experience were significantly more aware than those with >5 years’ experience. Experience with treating osteonecrosis of the jaw patients and recording medication histories were significantly greater in dental hospitals with >300 beds or university hospitals. Awareness of the severity of bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws was greatest among oral surgeons.

Conclusion:  Dentists should thoroughly check patients’ medical histories, including bisphosphonate intake. With the exception of oral surgeons, most Korean dentists were not adequately aware of bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws and its seriousness, making it a potential risk in Korean dentistry. Therefore, it is important to educate clinicians regarding the potential risk of bisphosphonate medication in dentistry through education programs.
Response of periodontitis and healthy patients in a Porphyromonas gingivalis‐stimulated whole‐blood model
Authors: Grenier Daniel , Cazalis Julia , Gagnon Guy
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To investigate the inflammatory responses of periodontitis patients and healthy patients in a whole‐blood model stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Methods:  Whole blood collected from 17 periodontitis patients and six healthy patients was stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis cells. The secretion of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. An analysis of covariance with the ancova model was used to evaluate the significance of differences in secreted host molecules by whole blood from the periodontitis and healthy groups.

Results:  Porphyromonas gingivalis induced the secretion of interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, interferon inducible protein‐10 by whole blood from patients in the periodontitis and healthy groups. Matrix metalloproteinase‐8 and ‐9 levels secreted by whole blood also increased following stimulation. No significant differences (P < 0.05) in the amounts of secreted host molecules were observed between periodontitis and healthy patients.

Conclusion:  This study suggests that Porphyromonas gingivalis can provoke an inflammatory response and promote the progression of periodontitis by inducing the secretion of high levels of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases by a mixed leukocyte population. However, the whole‐blood model did not reveal any significant differences in the inflammatory response between periodontitis patients (n = 17) and periodontally‐healthy patients (n = 6).
Results of intradermal testing for the investigation of atopic dermatitis and recurrent urticaria in 50 horses in the south of England
Authors: Rendle D. I. , Durham A. E. , Wylie C. E. , Newton J. R.
Published: November 2010

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and recurrent urticaria (RU) are common immune‐mediated conditions of horses and ponies associated with high morbidity. Effective pharmacological treatment options are limited but identification of the causal allergens allows avoidance strategies and immunotherapy regimens to be employed. Intradermal testing (IDT) is the most widely accepted means of identifying the relevant allergens but there are no published reports of this technique being used in the UK for the investigation of dermatological disease. This study presents the results of testing with a varied panel of allergens in 50 horses with dermatological disease living in the south of England. Intradermal testing was performed in horses presented to The Liphook Equine Hospital for further investigation of AD or RU between June 2002 and March 2009. Allergen selection was based upon availability, results of previous studies, pollen charts and the likelihood of allergens being prevalent in the stable or pasture environment in the south of England. Injection sites were evaluated at 1 h (immediate phase), 4 h (late phase) and 24 h (delayed phase) and skin responses compared to the response generated by the positive control (histamine) at 1 h. Total numbers of positive reactions and numbers of positive reactions to specific allergens were similar in horses with atopic dermatitis and those with urticaria (P = 0.39). There was a statistically significant difference in the number of reactions observed at different time points, with more positive reactions occurring at 1 h than 24 h (P<0.001), and at 4 h than 24 h (P<0.001). Reading the test at 24 h rarely provides additional information. Reaction patterns were similar to those of previous studies performed in other countries with large numbers of positive reactions reported to mites, dusts and insects. Positive reactions were also common to allergens not previously identified as irritants or common allergens in equids; nettle, daisy, dandelion, horse chestnut, cat, cattle, sheep and pigeon. These allergens may be important causes of allergic dermatitis in equids in the UK; however, further studies should be performed in both normal horses and horses with allergic dermatitis to investigate irritant thresholds and validate these findings. Intradermal testing may be shortened from the conventional 24 h to 4 h without significantly affecting the results of the test.
Energy expenditure during sleep, sleep deprivation and sleep following sleep deprivation in adult humans
Authors: Jung Christopher M. , Melanson Edward L. , Frydendall Emily J. , Perreault Leigh , Eckel Robert H. , Wright Kenneth P.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

One of the proposed functions of sleep is to conserve energy. We determined the amount of energy conserved by sleep in humans, how much more energy is expended when missing a night of sleep, and how much energy is conserved during recovery sleep. Findings support the hypothesis that a function of sleep is to conserve energy in humans. Sleep deprivation increased energy expenditure indicating that maintaining wakefulness under bed‐rest conditions is energetically costly. Recovery sleep after sleep deprivation reduced energy use compared to baseline sleep suggesting that human metabolic physiology has the capacity to make adjustments to respond to the energetic cost of sleep deprivation. The finding that sleep deprivation increases energy expenditure should not be interpreted that sleep deprivation is a safe or effective strategy for weight loss as other studies have shown that chronic sleep deprivation is associated with impaired cognition and weight gain.
Synaptic vesicles control the time course of neurotransmitter secretion via a Ca2+/H+ antiport
Authors: Cordeiro J. Miguel , Gonçalves Paula P. , Dunant Yves
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

A low‐affinity Ca2+/H+ antiport has been described in the membrane of synaptic vesicles isolated from mammalian brain cortex. We show here evidence that the role of the vesicular Ca2+/H+ antiport is to shorten the time course of transmitter release during individual nerve impulses. The process seems of great importance since it can enable rapid synapses to transmit briefer signals, and so work at high frequencies.
Integration and propagation of somatosensory responses in the corticostriatal pathway: an intracellular study in vivo
Authors: Pidoux Morgane , Mahon Séverine , Deniau Jean‐Michel , Charpier Stéphane
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

The striatum is a deep‐brain region that controls sensory‐guided behaviours. It is proposed that this striatal function is achieved by the integration of sensory information arising from the cerebral cortex. By means of in vivo electrophysiological tools, we examine in the rat how natural sensory events are integrated in cortical neurons and subsequently processed in their neuronal targets in the striatum. Although cortical neurons are reliably excited by the sensory stimulus, we found that neurons in the striatum display either no sensory response or a synaptic excitation that is able to produce a functional signal in only half of the neurons. These data show that the propagation of the sensory flow from the cortex to the striatum results in a refinement of external information that could allow the selection of more appropriate behaviours.
Monte Carlo modeling of electron backscattering from carbon nanotube forests
Authors: Alam M. K. , Yaghoobi P. , Nojeh A.
Published: November 2010

The authors present a new Monte Carlo tool capable of simulating electron trajectories in nanotube forests, taking into account the underlying nanoscale nature of the material. The scattering angle distribution is adaptively modified at each step of the simulation according to the local environment (how the nanotubes are positioned, their diameters, and internanotube distances). This provides additional degrees of freedom in the Monte Carlo simulation that are directly related to the internal structure of the nanotube forest, allowing the model to closely match experimental data.
CONSTRAINT ON THE KINEMATICAL AND DYNAMICAL MODEL FROM THE LATEST OBSERVATIONAL DATA
Authors: LU JIANBO , WU YABO , XU LIXIN
Published: November 2010

The kinematical model j(z) = j0and dynamical model wde(z) = w0, are constrained from the latest observational data: Union2 data including 557 type Ia supernovae (SNIa), 15 observational Hubble data (OHD), baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) data from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and Two-degree Field Galaxy Redshift Survey (2dFGRS) and CMB data from seven-year WMAP. We get the current values of deceleration parameter q0, jerk parameter j0, dimensionless matter density Ωm, equation of state for dark energy w0and transition redshift zT. Furthermore, it is shown that for both kinematical and dynamical models, the constraint results support for the cosmic concordance model, ΛCDM.
SQUEEZING SPECTRUM OF RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE FOR A CAVITY COUPLED TWO-LEVEL ATOM
Authors: WANG ZIQING , WANG SHUNJIN , WANG GUODONG , SHEN WEIBO
Published: November 2010

We investigate the modification of squeezing spectrum of resonance fluorescence of a weakly driven two-level atom coupled with a frequency-tunable cavity mode with finite bandwidth. For atom-laser resonance or small atom-laser detuning, as the cavity resonant frequency adjusted, the squeezing switches between the phase quadratures. When the coupling between the atom and the cavity increases, the degree of squeezing in the out-of-phase quadrature decreases, while the noise in the in-phase quadrature decreases and can be squeezed. For proper atom-laser detuning, with the cavity-laser detuning increasing, the degree of squeezing in the in-phase quadrature increases and the squeezing spectrum exhibits two-mode squeezing.
ACCRETION PROBLEM IN A KERR BLACK HOLE GEOMETRY VIEWED AS FLOWS IN CONVERGING–DIVERGING DUCTS
Authors: CHAKRABARTI K. , MAJUMDAR M. M. , CHAKRABARTI SANDIP K.
Published: November 2010

Accretion flow on a horizon is supersonic, no matter what the flow angular momentum or the spin of the black hole is. This means that a black hole accretion can always be viewed as a flow in a flat space–time through one or more convergent–divergent ducts. In this paper, we study how the area of cross-sections must vary in order that the flow has the same properties in both systems. We show that the accretion flow experiencing a shock is equivalent to having two ducts connected back-to-back, both with a neck where the flow becomes supersonic. We study the pressure and Mach number variations for corotating, contrarotating flows and flows around a black hole with evolving spin.
EVOLUTION OF TPS FUNDAMENTALS UTILIZING NEW JIT STRATEGY: PROPOSAL AND VALIDITY OF ADVANCED TPS AT TOYOTA
Authors: AMASAKA KAKURO , SAKAI HIROHISA
Published: November 2010

In this study, the author has developed a "new production management technology system, Advanced TPS" based on a further evolution of the fundamentals of TPS (Toyota Production System). Advanced TPS was developed through establishing a global production technology and management system based on New JIT, a new management technology principle. The validity of the proposed Advanced TPS was verified at Toyota Motor Corporation.
Evaluation of force and torque magnitude discrimination thresholds on the human hand-arm system
Authors: Vicentini M. , Galvan S. , Botturi D. , Fiorini P.
Published: November 2010

This article reports on experiments about haptic perception aimed at measuring the force/torque differential thresholds applied to the hand-arm system. The experimental work analyzes how force is sent back to the user by means of a 6 degrees-of-freedom haptic device. Our findings on force perception indicate that the just-noticeable-difference is generally higher than previously reported in the literature and not constant along the stimulus continuum. We found evidence that the thresholds change also among the different directions. Furthermore, asymmetries in force perceptions, which were not described in previous reports, can be evinced for most of the directions. These findings support our claim that human beings perceive forces differently along different directions, thus suggesting that perception can also be enhanced by suitable signal processing, that is, with a manipulation of the force signal before it reaches the haptic device. We think that the improvement of the user perception can have a great impact in many applications and in particular we are focusing on surgical teleoperation scenarios.
Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance in Obese Prepubertal Children in Lebanon: A Primary Health Concern
Authors: Nasreddine L. , Ouaijan K. , Mansour M. , Adra N. , Sinno D. , Hwalla N.
Published: November 2010

Background/Aims: Ethnic-based associations between obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MS) have been suggested. The prevalence of MS in obese children was found to range between 13.9 and 48.8%, depending on the country of origin. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between obesity and various components of MS in prepubertal children in Lebanon. Methods: Eighty-seven obese children (Tanner stage 1), 25 overweight and 28 normal-weight controls were recruited from private and public schools. Anthropometric, biochemical and blood pressure measurements were performed. Results: According to the modified Adult Treatment Panel III definition, the MS was identified in 26.4 and 4% of obese and overweight children, respectively, with a higher prevalence among girls than boys. The most common abnormalities among subjects with MS were elevated waist circumference (WC) (100.0%), high triglyceride (91.7%) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (66.7%) levels. Insulin resistance was identified in 70% of obese children and 75% of those having the MS. Body mass index, WC and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were significant determinants of the MS in this age group. Conclusion: MS was found in 26.4% of obese Lebanese children, thus underscoring the importance of early screening of obesity and its associated metabolic abnormalities and of developing successful multicomponent interventions addressing pediatric obesity and MS.
Relationship Between Overnight Rostral Fluid Shift and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Drug-Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Friedman Oded , Bradley T. Douglas , Chan Christopher T. , Parkes Robert , Logan Alexander G.
Published: November 2010

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs frequently in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The factors accounting for this observation, however, are unclear. Both conditions demonstrate clinical features suggestive of extracellular fluid volume overload. The aims of this study were to examine whether the spontaneous overnight fluid shift from the legs to the upper body is associated with obstructive sleep apnea in hypertensive subjects and whether its magnitude is greater in drug-resistant hypertension. Leg fluid volume and the circumference of the calf and neck were measured before and after sleep in drug-resistant hypertensive (n=25) and controlled hypertensive (n=15) subjects undergoing overnight polysomnography. The severity of obstructive sleep apnea was greater in the drug-resistant hypertensive group than in the controlled hypertensive group (apnea-hypopnea index: 43.0±5.4 versus 18.1±4.2 events per hour of sleep;
P
=0.02, case-mix adjusted). In both groups, the apnea-hypopnea index strongly related to the amount of leg fluid volume displaced (
R
2
=0.56;
P
<0.0001), although the magnitude of change was greater in the drug-resistant hypertensive group (346.7±24.1 versus 175.8±31.3 mL;
P
=0.01, propensity-score adjusted). The overnight reduction in calf circumference and increase in neck circumference were also greater in drug-resistant hypertension (both
P
≤0.02). In hypertensive subjects, rostral fluid displacement strongly relates to the severity of obstructive sleep apnea with its magnitude being greater in drug-resistant hypertension. Our findings support the concept that fluid redistribution centrally during sleep accounts for the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in drug-resistant hypertension.
Orthostatic Hypotension and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Franceschini Nora , Rose Kathryn M. , Astor Brad C. , Couper David , Vupputuri Suma
Published: November 2010

Orthostatic hypotension is associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality, but little is known of its association with incident chronic kidney disease. We evaluated this association in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure ≥20 mm Hg or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure ≥10 mm Hg within 2 minutes of standing. Incident chronic kidney disease was defined using an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m
2
, or a coded hospitalization (discharge) or death for chronic kidney disease through 2005, after exclusion of chronic kidney disease at baseline. The associations between orthostatic hypotension and chronic kidney disease were modeled using Cox proportional hazard while adjusting for confounders including resting blood pressure and medications. Among 12 593 participants, 1326 developed chronic kidney disease (6.3 cases per 1000 person-years; median follow-up of 16 years), with higher rates in blacks than whites. An increased risk of chronic kidney disease was observed among persons with orthostatic hypotension compared with those without it (blacks hazard ratio 2.0, 95% CI, 1.5 to 2.8; whites hazard ratio 1.2, 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.6;
P
for race interaction=0.02). An alternative chronic kidney disease classification, based on an increase in serum creatinine at the 3- or 9-year follow-up visits, showed significant associations with orthostatic hypotension in both whites and blacks. These findings suggest that orthostatic hypotension increases the risk of chronic kidney disease in middle-aged persons, but race effects vary by choice of chronic kidney disease definition.
Hypertensive Hypertrophied Myocardium Is Vulnerable to Infarction and Refractory to Erythropoietin-Induced Protection
Authors: Yano Toshiyuki , Miki Takayuki , Tanno Masaya , Kuno Atsushi , Itoh Takahito , Takada Akifumi , Sato Tatsuya , Kouzu Hidemichi , Shimamoto Kazuaki , Miura Tetsuji
Published: November 2010

The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that hypertensive hypertrophy is vulnerable to infarction and defective in cytoprotective mechanisms by modification of intracellular signaling and mitochondrial proteins. Myocardial infarction was induced by 20-minute coronary occlusion/reperfusion in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHR-SPs) and their controls (Wistar-Kyoto rats [WKYs]). Infarct size expressed as a percentage of area-at-risk was larger by 29% in SHR-SPs than in WKYs. Pretreatment with erythropoietin (EPO) significantly limited infarct size in WKYs but not in SHR-SPs. Ca
2+
retention capacity of mitochondria, an index of the threshold for opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, on reperfusion was reduced in SHR-SPs compared with that in WKYs. Suppression of reactive oxygen species by
N
-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine increased Ca
2+
retention capacity after reperfusion and limited infarct size in SHR-SPs to levels in WKYs. EPO induced phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-related kinase, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the myocardium in both WKYs and SHR-SPs. EPO enhanced interaction of phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β and adenine nucleotide translocase on reperfusion in WKYs, although such an effect of EPO was not detected in SHR-SPs. The results suggest that enhanced opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores by reactive oxygen species and modification of the signal downstream of phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the mitochondria underlie the increased vulnerability to infarction and the lack of anti-infarct tolerance by EPO, respectively, in hypertensive hypertrophied hearts.
Characteristics of Ocean Surface Winds in the Lee of an Isolated Island Observed by Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Isoguchi Osamu , Shimada Masanobu , Kawamura Hiroshi
Published: November 2010

Characteristics of ocean surface winds around an isolated island are examined in relation to atmospheric stability using a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and rawinsonde sounding observations. The SAR-derived winds on 22 May 2009 indicate a low-level jet extending over 30 km behind the island. Around the time of SAR acquisition, winds intensified on the leeward side in association with the stabilization of stratified flows, which suggests the connection of the SAR-derived jet with downslope winds. A number of SAR-derived winds elucidate typical wind patterns and their transitions depending on the nondimensional mountain height . For cases of large (>2), a wake is formed in the lee of the island and low-level jets produce strong wind shear on both sides of the wake. For cases of relatively small (<1.75), although a weak wind region is formed behind the mountain, no wind jets develop. As a transition of the above two cases , a low-level jet develops in the lee of the island, as in the case on 22 May 2009. These wake configurations and their -dependent transitions seem to correspond to major regimes for hydrostatic flow over topography with constant upstream speed and buoyancy frequency: small-amplitude waves , wave breaking , and flow splitting . It is noted that the ocean surface winds behind the island are very sensitive to around the transition point, changing up and down. The occurrence of each wind pattern shows clear seasonal features dependent on atmospheric stability.
Particle size effect on the permeability properties of nano-SiO2 blended Portland cement concrete
Authors: Alireza Naji Givi  , Suraya Abdul Rashid  , Aziz Farah Nora A. , Mohamad Amran Mohd Salleh
Published: November 2010

In this study, nano-SiO2 has been used as a high reactive pozzolan to develop the microstructure of the interfacial transition zone between the cement paste and the aggregate. Mechanical tests of blended cement-based concretes exposed that in addition of the pozzolanic reactivity of nano-SiO2 (chemical aspect), its particle grading (physical aspect) also revealed considerable influences on the blending effectiveness. It was concluded that the relative permeability reduction (relative to the control concrete made with plain cement) is higher for coarser nano-SiO2 after 90 days of moisture curing. However, finer nano-SiO2 particles showed better effects in early ages. These phenomena can be due to the free spacing between mixture particles that was associated with the global permeability of the blended cement-based concretes. This article presents the results of the effects of particle size ranges involved in nano-SiO2 blended Portland cement on the water permeability of concrete. It is revealed that the favorable results for coarser nano-SiO2 reflect enhanced particle packing formation accompanied by a reduction in porosity and particularly in particle spacing after 90 days.
Suspension Grafting Copolymerization of EPM-g-MAN and Its Toughening Effect on SAN Resin
Authors: Xiong Kai , Wang Lianshi , Zhang Anqiang
Published: November 2010

EPM-graft-methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile (EPM-g-MAN) was synthesized by graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylonitrile (AN) onto ethylene—propylene bipolymer (EPM) using the method of suspension polymerization. A novel engineering plastic with high impact strength, AEMS, which shows excellent resistance to weatherability and yellow discoloration and aging properties, were prepared by blending EPM-g-MAN with styrene—acrylonitrile (SAN) resin. The influence of the suspension grafting copolymerization technologies, including monomer ratios, EPM ratios, initiator content on monomer conversion ratio, grafting ratio, grafting efficiency, and the impact strength of AEMS, were investigated. The result showed that the optimized reaction conditions were obtained when the mass ratio of AN/MMAAN(fAN) was 15 wt%, the mass ratio of EPM/(EPM + MMA-AN) was 60 wt%, and the mass ratio of BPO/(EPM + MMA-AN) was 0.6 wt%. When the EPM/ AEMS mass ratio was 25 wt%, the notched Izod impact strength of AEMS reached 55.9 kJ/m2. DSC and DMA analysis showed that the compatibility of EPM-g-MAN and SAN resin improved when the grafting chain polarity was appropriate. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that EPM phase was the near continuous phase in the shape of bead string with diameter of about 0.15 μm and had good compatibility with SAN resin. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that AEMS fracture surface appeared ‘root beard’ morphology. These phenomena indicated that the toughening mechanism was shear yielding of matrix, which endowed AEMS with remarkable toughness.
Performers’ experienced emotions in the construction of expressive musical performance: An exploratory investigation
Authors: Van Zijl Anemone G. W. , Sloboda John
Published: November 2010

Does a performer feel sad when s/he performs a sad piece of music, or does s/he perform sadness? Not much is known about the relationship between felt and performed emotions in performing musicians. Some studies emphasize the importance of feeling the emotions; others underline the idea of planned expressiveness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between a performer’s experienced emotions and the construction of a musically expressive performance. Eight music students (mean age: 20.9, SD: 1.13) completed an introductory, semi-structured interview; a monitoring period during which they filled out an Individual Playing Diary; and an in-depth, semi-structured interview based on the diary. Differences were found between performers’ emotions related to the practice activity (e.g., frustration at not being able to master technical difficulties) and emotions related to the music (e.g., aesthetic delight). Initially, practice-related emotions prevailed. Then, music-related emotions came to the fore. As the learning process developed, ‘feeling’ the musical emotions transformed into ‘knowing’ the musical emotions: the expressive interpretation, and the intensity of felt emotions waned. At the point of performance, some felt emotion was added again. These findings provide a detailed insight into an under-studied aspect of music performance as a creative practice.
David Held is an Anarchist. Discuss
Authors: Prichard Alex
Published: November 2010

David Held’s international political theory is an echo of many of the core ideas at the heart of the anarchist tradition. These include an attempt to mediate a course between liberalism and Marxism, the centrality of the principle of autonomy to his political theory, a similar critique of the state and the economy based on this principle, and a vision for politics that is decentralised, multi-level and federal. The core differences revolve around a different reading of the history of state formation, the centrality of the democratic legal state to Held’s work and the rejection of the same by the anarchists. From an anarchist perspective, it is internally contradictory for Held to call for the continued existence of the institution which has historically been the antithesis of autonomy — the state. I will argue that because he has not taken the anarchist literature seriously, his defence of the state is left open to an anarchist critique. My argument will be that anarchy, rather than the state, is the precondition of autonomy. My dual aim with this article is to help bring anarchism in from the cold and to show where anarchist theory and contemporary cosmopolitanism might fruitfully learn from one another. My conclusion is that David Held is not an anarchist, but a more consistent Heldian political philosophy would be.