bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Network Characterization of Reflectarray Antennas
Authors: Freni Angelo , Mussetta Marco , Pirinoli Paola
Published: July 2012

An efficient artificial neural network (ANN) approach for the modeling of reflectarray elementary components is introduced to improve the numerical efficiency of the different phases of the antenna design and optimization procedure, without loss in accuracy. The comparison between the results of the analysis of the entire reflectarray designed using the simplified ANN model or adopting a full-wave characterization of the unit cell finally proves the effectiveness of the proposed model.
A Study of Performance Output of a Multivane Air Engine Applying Optimal Injection and Vane Angles
Authors: Singh Bharat Raj , Singh Onkar
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a new concept of the air engine using compressed air as the potential power source for motorbikes, in place of an internal combustion engine. The motorbike is proposed to be equipped with an air engine, which transforms the energy of the compressed air into mechanical motion energy. A mathematical model is presented here, and performance evaluation is carried out on an air-powered novel air turbine engine. The maximum power output is obtained as 3.977 kW (5.50 HP) at the different rotor to casing diameter ratios, optimal injection angle 60°, vane angle 45° for linear expansion (i.e., at minimum air consumption) when the casing diameter is kept 100 mm, at injection pressure 6 bar (90 psi) and speed of rotation 2500 rpm. A prototype air engine is built and tested in the laboratory. The experimental results are also seen much closer to the analytical values, and the performance efficiencies are recorded around 70% to 95% at the speed of rotation 2500–3000 rpm.
Chylothorax from Bilateral Primary Burkitt’s Lymphoma of the Ovaries: A Case Report
Authors: Etonyeaku A. C. , Akinsanya O. O. , Ariyibi O. , Aiyeyemi A. J.
Published: July 2012

We present a case of bilateral ovarian Burkitt’s lymphoma is an 18-year old. Diagnosis was made at histology of specimens obtained after an exploratory (diagnostic) laparotomy. Disease was advanced at presentation and complicated with both chylothorax and chylous ascites. Response to chemotherapy though dramatic was short lived. This underscores the need for high index of suspicion amongst clinicians. The availability of affordable less traumatic diagnostic procedures like laparoscopy and computerized tomography scans with facilities for guided biopsies in resource-poor settings can fast track diagnosis and hence treatment.
State of the Art on Cactus Additions in Alkaline Media as Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: Torres-Acosta A. A. , Martínez-Molina W. , Alonso-Guzmán E. M.
Published: July 2012

This research in progress includes results on the corrosion performance of reinforcing steel in alkaline media when two different dehydrated cacti (Opuntia ficus-indica—Nopal—and Aloe Vera) were used as additions in pH 12.5 and 13.3 solutions and in concrete. The dehydrated cactus addition was mixed at different concentrations by either solution or cement mass (0.10%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%). Half-cell potentials and LPR measurements were performed at different time periods to characterize the possible corrosion inhibiting effect of the cactus additions tested in such alkaline media. Results showed good corrosion inhibiting effect of dehydrated Nopal on reinforcing steel, in all tested solutions, when chloride ions are present. Aloe Vera did show also corrosion inhibiting improvements in some extent. The addition of such cactus led to an apparent formation of a denser and more packed oxide/hydroxide surface layer on the steel surface that decreased corrosion activity. This oxide/hydroxide layer growth was confirmed by microscopic evaluation of the metal surface layer performed at the end of the research program. The preliminary findings suggest that adding Nopal at concentrations between 1% and 2%, by mass, might be suitable for durability enhancing applications in alkaline media, especially in concrete structures.
Isolated Cataplexy in the Differential Diagnosis of Drop Attacks: A Case of Successful Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Egel Robert T. , Lee Anthony , Bump Thomas , Javois Alexander
Published: July 2012

Drop attacks are sudden spontaneous falls that are not accompanied by alteration of consciousness and are followed by immediate recovery. Cataplexy, which is usually associated with narcolepsy, is one of the causes of drop attacks. We report a patient with the rare condition of cataplexy without associated narcolepsy (isolated cataplexy). Isolated cataplexy should be included in the differential diagnosis when a patient presents with recurrent drop attacks and normal diagnostic test results.
Creative Carbon Accounting—A Reply to “The Wood, the Trees, or the Forest? Carbon in Trees in Tasmanian State Forest: A Response to Comments”
Authors: Dean Christopher
Published: July 2012

Moroni et al. (2012) made forty claims which misrepresent my earlier reply to their work (Dean, 2011) and if left unrefuted, might mislead all but the most expert reader—I cover seven of the most important ones here. Firstly, in my earlier paper I had calculated a conservative carbon deficit in State forests due to logging of the most-targeted forest types—mature wet-eucalypt—by clearfell, burn and sow to yield even-aged eucalypt regeneration. That deficit was conservative as a range of stand ages were used even though most carbon flux through logging has been from the old-growth subset. It was additionally conservative at the landscape-scale as inclusion of conversion to plantation and logging of other primary-forest types would have yielded a larger carbon deficit, not a smaller one, as implied in Moroni et al. (2012). Secondly, their claim that I applied “carbon saturation” at the landscape-scale is incorrect. Instead I applied carbon carrying capacity at that scale and included different stands ages in its calculation (by definition). Conversely, Moroni et al. (2012) produce the “confusion” which they claim to observe by advocating the use of “carbon saturation” at the landscape-scale, which can have no practical usage.
A Systematic Methodology for Reliability Improvements on SoC‐Based Software Defined Radio Systems
Authors: Diamantopoulos Dionysios , Siozios Kostas , Xydis Sotiris , Soudris Dimitrios
Published: July 2012

Shrinking silicon technologies, increasing logic densities and clock frequencies, lead to a rapid elevation in power density. Increased power density results in higher onchip temperature, which creates numerous problems tightly firmed to reliability degradation. Since typical low‐power design has been proved inefficient to tackle the temperature increment by itself, device architects are facing the challenge of developing new methodologies to guarantee timing, power, and thermal integrity of the chip. In this paper, we propose a thermal‐aware exploration framework targeting temperature hotspots elimination through the efficient exploration of multiple microarchitecture selections over the temperature‐area trade‐off curve. By carefully planning at design time the resources of the initial microarchitecture that should be replicated, the proposed methodology optimizes the system’s thermal profile and attens on‐chip temperature under various design constraints. The introduced framework does not impose any architectural or compiler modification, whereas it is orthogonal to any other thermal‐aware methodology. For evaluation purposes, we employ the software‐defined radio executed onto a thermal‐aware instance of LEON3 processor. Based on experimental results, we found that our methodology leads to an architecture that exhibits temperature reduction of 17 Kelvin degrees, which leads to improvement against aging phenomena about 14%, with a controllable overhead in silicon area about 15%, compared to the initial LEON3 instance.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy before and after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Review
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Jang Jin Seok , Yoshizawa Yashiro , Osawa Satoshi , Sugimoto Ken , Sato Yoshihiko , Furuta Takahisa
Published: July 2012

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a novel endoscopic procedure first developed in the 1990s which enables en bloc resection of gastric neoplastic lesions that are difficult to resect via conventional endoscopic mucosal resection. However, given that ESD increases the risk of intra- and post-ESD delayed bleeding and that platelet aggregation and coagulation in artificial ulcers after ESD strongly depend on intragastric pH, faster and stronger acid inhibition via proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine 2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) as well as endoscopic hemostasis by thermocoagulation during ESD have been used to prevent ESD-related bleeding. Because PPIs more potently inhibit acid secretion than H2RAs, they are often the first-line drugs employed in ESD treatment. However, acid inhibition after the initial infusion of a PPI is weaker in the early phase than that achievable with H2RAs; further, PPI effectiveness can vary depending on genetic differences in CYP2C19. Therefore, optimal acid inhibition may require tailored treatment based on CYP2C19 genotype when ESD is performed, with a concomitant infusion of PPI and H2RA possibly most effective for patients with the rapid metabolizer CYP2C19 genotype, while PPI alone may be sufficient for those with the intermediate or poor metabolizer genotypes.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Cysticercosis—A Case Report
Authors: Suchitha S. , Vani K. , Sunila R. , Manjunath G. V.
Published: July 2012

Cysticercosis, caused by cysticercus cellulosae, the larval form ofTaenia solium, is potentially a dangerous systemic disease with variable clinical manifestations. The disease most commonly involves subcutaneous and muscle tissues, followed by the eye and brain. Cysticercosis can be diagnosed by various radiologic means or by serology, both of which, however, are not definitive. Biopsy and histologic examination containing the cysticerci is the most definitive method of diagnosis. We report a case of cysticercosis in a 27-year-old male patient, who presented with a subcutaneous swelling in the back which was diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
Feasibility Study and Demonstration of an Aluminum and Ice Solid Propellant
Authors: Pourpoint Timothee L. , Wood Tyler D. , Pfeil Mark A. , Tsohas John , Son Steven F.
Published: July 2012

Aluminum-water reactions have been proposed and studied for several decades for underwater propulsion systems and applications requiring hydrogen generation. Aluminum and water have also been proposed as a frozen propellant, and there have been proposals for other refrigerated propellants that could be mixed, frozen in situ, and used as solid propellants. However, little work has been done to determine the feasibility of these concepts. With the recent availability of nanoscale aluminum, a simple binary formulation with water is now feasible. Nanosized aluminum has a lower ignition temperature than micron-sized aluminum particles, partly due to its high surface area, and burning times are much faster than micron aluminum. Frozen nanoscale aluminum and water mixtures are stable, as well as insensitive to electrostatic discharge, impact, and shock. Here we report a study of the feasibility of an nAl-ice propellant in small-scale rocket experiments. The focus here is not to develop an optimized propellant; however improved formulations are possible. Several static motor experiments have been conducted, including using a flight-weight casing. The flight weight casing was used in the first sounding rocket test of an aluminum-ice propellant, establishing a proof of concept for simple propellant mixtures making use of nanoscale particles.
Application of Multiple Linear Regression Models and Artificial Neural Networks on the Surface Ozone Forecast in the Greater Athens Area, Greece
Authors: Moustris K. P. , Nastos P. T. , Larissi I. K. , Paliatsos A. G.
Published: July 2012

An attempt is made to forecast the daily maximum surface ozone concentration for the next 24 hours, within the greater Athens area (GAA). For this purpose, we applied Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models against a forecasting model based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach. The availability of basic meteorological parameters is of great importance in order to forecast the ozone’s concentration levels. Modelling was based on recorded meteorological and air pollution data from thirteen monitoring sites within the GAA (network of the Hellenic Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate Change) over five years from 2001 to 2005. The evaluation of the performance of the constructed models, using appropriate statistical indices, shows clearly that in every aspect, the prognostic model by far is the ANN model. This suggests that the ANN model can be used to issue warnings for the general population and mainly sensitive groups.
Hepatoprotective Potential ofCaesalpinia cristaagainst Iron-Overload-Induced Liver Toxicity in Mice
Authors: Sarkar Rhitajit , Hazra Bibhabasu , Mandal Nripendranath
Published: July 2012

The present study was carried out to evaluate the ameliorating effect ofCaesalpinia cristaLinn. (CCME) extract on iron-overload-induced liver injury. Iron overload was induced by intraperitoneal administration of iron dextran into mice. CCME attenuated the percentage increase in liver iron and serum ferritin levels when compared to control group. CCME also showed a dose-dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and liver fibrosis. The serum enzyme markers were found to be less, whereas enhanced levels of liver antioxidant enzymes were detected in CCME-treated group. In presence of CCME, the reductive release of ferritin iron was increased significantly. Furthermore, CCME exhibited DPPH radical scavenging and protection against Fe2+-mediated oxidative DNA damage. The current study confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of CCME against the model hepatotoxicant iron overload and the activity is likely related to its potent antioxidant and iron-chelating property.
Q Fever with Unusual Exposure History: A Classic Presentation of a Commonly Misdiagnosed Disease
Authors: Nett Randall J. , Book Earl , Anderson Alicia D.
Published: July 2012

We describe the case of a man presumptively diagnosed and treated for Rocky Mountain spotted fever following exposure to multiple ticks while riding horses. The laboratory testing of acute and convalescent serum specimens led to laboratory confirmation of acute Q fever as the etiology. This case represents a potential tickborne transmission ofCoxiella burnetiiand highlights the importance of considering Q fever as a possible diagnosis following tick exposures.
Development of Specific Aspects of Spirituality during a 6-Month Intensive Yoga Practice
Authors: Büssing Arndt , Hedtstück Anemone , Khalsa Sat Bir S. , Ostermann Thomas , Heusser Peter
Published: July 2012

The majority of research on yoga focuses on its psychophysiological and therapeutic benefits, while the spiritual aspects are rarely addressed. Changes of specific aspects of spirituality were thus investigated among 160 individuals (91% women, mean age years; 57% Christians) starting a 2-year yoga teacher training. We used standardized questionnaires to measure aspects of spirituality (ASP), mindfulness (FMI—Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory), life satisfaction (BMLSS—Brief Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale), and positive mood (lightheartedness/relief). At the start of the course, scores of the respective ASP subscales forsearch for insight/wisdom, transcendence conviction, andconscious interactions/compassionwere high, while those forreligious orientationwere low. Within the 6 month observation period, bothconscious interactions/compassion(effect size, Cohen’s ),Religious orientation(),Lightheartedness/Relief() and mindfulness () increased significantly. Particularly non-religious/non-spiritual individuals showed moderate effects for an increase ofconscious interactions/compassion. The results from this study suggest that an intensive yoga practice (1) may significantly increase specific aspects of practitioners’ spirituality, mindfulness, and mood, (2) that these changes are dependent in part on their original spiritual/religious self-perception, and (3) that there are strong correlations amongst these constructs (i.e.,conscious interactions/compassion, and mindfulness).
Water Quality of River Kosi and Rajera System at Rampur (India): Impact Assessment
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Bahadur Yogendra
Published: July 2012

River Kosi, an important tributary of river Ramganga, is one of the important rivers of Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh After traveling for about 100 kms in lower Himalayas with higher velocity, it emerges at Ramnagar in Indo‐Gangetic plains. Here, the major portion of city sewage is discharged into it. Then, it flows through the famous rice belt area of Kashipur, where a number of polluting industries discharge their highly polluted effluents into it. To determine the extent of pollution in downstream district Rampur, a study was conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dilution caused by the merger of river Rajera with Kosi River. For this samples, were collected from three stations and analyzed for various parameters for the period of one year. The study revealed higher levels of industrial pollution as compared to domestic pollution. It also shows the alleviating effects of dilution caused by the merger of river Rajera.
Competing Mortality Contributes to Excess Mortality in Patients with Poor-Risk Lymph Node-Positive Prostate Cancer Treated with Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Froehner Michael , Scholz Albrecht , Koch Rainer , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Baretton Gustavo B. , Wirth Manfred P.
Published: July 2012

Background: Factors predicting survival in men with lymph node-positive prostate cancer are still poorly defined. Patients and Methods: 193 prostate cancer patients with histopathologically proven lymph node involvement with a median follow-up of 7.3 years were studied. 94% of patients received immediate hormonal therapy. Kaplan-Meier curves were calculated to evaluate overall survival rates and compared with the log-rank test. Cumulative disease-specific and competing mortality rates were calculated by competing risk analysis and compared with the Pepe-Mori test. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the independent significance of predictors of all-cause mortality. Results: Age (70 years or older vs. younger), Gleason score (8–10 vs. 7 or lower) and the number of involved nodes (3 or more vs. 1–2) were identified as independent predictors of all-cause mortality. When patients with 0–1 of these risk factors were compared with those with 2–3 risk factors, all-cause (rates after 10 years 21% vs. 71%, p < 0.0001), disease-specific (12 vs. 37%, p = 0.009) and competing mortality (9 vs. 33%, p = 0.02) differed significantly. Conclusions: Some of the excess mortality in patients with poor-risk lymph node-positive prostate cancer may be attributed to increased competing mortality, possibly caused by an interaction between comorbid diseases and hormonally treated persistent or progressive prostate cancer.
Neutralization of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Reduces Renal Fibrosis and Hypertension in Rats with Renal Failure
Authors: Therrien Frédérick J. , Agharazii Mohsen , Lebel Marcel , Larivière Richard
Published: July 2012

Background: Increased production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in chronic kidney disease may be involved in the progression of renal failure and injury, and cardiovascular disease. We investigated the effect of TNF-α neutralization on renal failure, inflammation and fibrosis, and blood pressure in rats with renal failure. Methods and Results: Renal failure was induced by renal mass reduction and the animals were treated with PEG-sTNFR1, a pegylated form of soluble TNF type 1 receptor that neutralizes TNF-α, for 6 weeks. Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were higher in renal failure rats that were associated with increased serum creatinine, albuminuria and renal injury comprised of blood vessel media hypertrophy, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy and interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. These changes were associated with greater levels of TNF-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, nuclear transcription factor NF-ĸB and cytosolic phospho-IĸB-α, and inflammatory markers expression (ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1). Moreover, endothelin (ET)-1 production was also increased, whereas nitric oxide (NO) release was decreased. TNF-α neutralization reduced hypertension, albuminuria and renal inflammation and fibrosis, which were coupled to a reduction in renal NF-ĸB activation, inflammatory markers expression, TGF-β1 and ET-1 production, and an increase in NO release. Conclusion: Neutralization of TNF-α in rats with renal failure decreases NF-ĸB activity that is associated with a reduction in renal TGF-β1 and ET-1 production, and an improvement of NO release. These effects likely reduce renal inflammation and fibrosis, and blood pressure indicating a pivotal role for TNF-α, at least, in the progression of renal injury.
Predicting the Net Basin Supply to the Great Lakes with a Hydrometeorological Model
Authors: Deacu Daniel , Fortin Vincent , Klyszejko Erika , Spence Christopher , Blanken Peter D.
Published: July 2012

The paper presents the incremental improvement of the prediction of the Great Lakes net basin supply (NBS) with the hydrometeorological model Modélisation Environmentale–Surface et Hydrologie (MESH) by increasing the accuracy of the simulated NBS components (overlake precipitation, lake evaporation, and runoff into the lake). This was achieved through a series of experiments with MESH and its parent numerical weather prediction model [the Canadian Global Environmental Multiscale model in its regional configuration (GEM Regional)]. With forcing extracted from operational GEM Regional forecasts, MESH underestimated the NBS in fall and winter. The underestimation increased when the GEM precipitation was replaced with its corrected version provided by the Canadian Precipitation Analysis. This pointed to overestimated lake evaporation and prompted the revision of the parameterization of the surface turbulent fluxes over water used both in MESH and GEM. The revised parameterization was validated against turbulent fluxes measured at a point on Lake Superior. Its use in MESH reduced the lake evaporation and largely corrected the NBS underestimation. However, the Lake Superior NBS became overestimated, signaling an inconsistency between the reduced lake evaporation and the prescribed precipitation. To remove the inconsistency, a new forcing dataset (including precipitation) was generated with the GEM model using the revised flux parameterization. A major NBS simulation improvement was obtained with the new atmospheric forcing reflecting the atmospheric response to the modified surface fluxes over the lakes. Additional improvements resulted by correcting the runoff with a modified snowmelt rate and by insertion of observed streamflows. The study shows that accurate lake evaporation simulation is crucial for accurate NBS prediction.
Errors Caused by Long-Term Drifts of Magnetron Frequencies for Refractivity Measurement with a Radar: Theoretical Formulation and Initial Validation
Authors: Parent du Chatelet Jacques , Boudjabi Chiraz , Besson Lucas , Caumont Olivier
Published: July 2012

Refractivity measurements in the boundary layer by precipitation radar could be useful for convection prediction. Until now such measurements have only been performed by coherent radars, but European weather radars are mostly equipped with noncoherent magnetron transmitters for which the phase and frequency may vary. In this paper, the authors give an analytical expression of the refractivity measurement by a noncoherent drifting-frequency magnetron radar and validate it by comparing with in situ measurements. The main conclusion is that, provided the necessary corrections are applied, the measurement can be successfully performed with a noncoherent radar. The correction factor mainly depends on the local-oscillator frequency variation, which is known perfectly. A second-order error, proportional to the transmitted frequency variation, can be neglected as long as this change remains small.
School violence in Bedouin schools in Israel: A re-examination
Authors: Elbedour Salman , ElBassiouny Amanda , Bart William M. , Elbedour Hammad
Published: July 2012

Students in Bedouin schools in Israel completed a survey in which they indicated how frequent abusive teacher behaviors occurred in their classrooms; responses indicated that abusive teacher behaviors occur often. Female students tended to register higher levels of punitive teacher behaviors than male students and secondary school students tended to register higher levels of punitive teacher behaviors than elementary school students. Also, the perceived frequencies of abusive teacher behaviors presented in this study tended to be significantly higher than perceived frequencies of similar teacher behaviors reported in a comparable 1997 study. This problem of school violence deserves attention and resolution.
Articulating Scientific Practice with PROTEE
Authors: Valve Helena , McNally Ruth
Published: July 2012

Scientific knowledge is the outcome of a collective, for example, of experts, methods, equipment, and experimental sites. The configuration of the collective shapes the scientific findings, allowing some interactions to become visible and meaningful at the expense of others. PROTEE is a methodology that aims to increase the reflexivity of research and innovation projects by helping to sensitize practitioners to the demarcations their projects enact and to think through how these may affect the relevance of the outcomes. We used PROTEE to structure a series of dialogues with a research project that wanted its findings to make a contribution to the heated debate on transgenic trees. Through this process, the project did indeed become more articulated while we ourselves became engaged with the project in a very particular way, by becoming loyal to it. The dialogues also made the risks that engagement with public debate entails for scientists very apparent. Like us, the scientific project chose its loyalties, but what PROTEE did was to help make these explicit.
An overview of mixed-effects statistical models for second language researchers
Authors: Cunnings Ian
Published: July 2012

As in any field of scientific inquiry, advancements in the field of second language acquisition (SLA) rely in part on the interpretation and generalizability of study findings using quantitative data analysis and inferential statistics. While statistical techniques such as ANOVA and t-tests are widely used in second language research, this review article provides a review of a class of newer statistical models that have not yet been widely adopted in the field, but have garnered interest in other fields of language research. The class of statistical models called mixed-effects models are introduced, and the potential benefits of these models for the second language researcher are discussed. A simple example of mixed-effects data analysis using the statistical software package R (R Development Core Team, 2011) is provided as an introduction to the use of these statistical techniques, and to exemplify how such analyses can be reported in research articles. It is concluded that mixed-effects models provide the second language researcher with a powerful tool for the analysis of a variety of types of second language acquisition data.
Violence Reported by the Immigrant Population Is High as Compared With the Native Population in Southeast Spain
Authors: Colorado-Yohar S. , Tormo M. J. , Salmerón D. , Dios S. , Ballesta M. , Navarro C.
Published: July 2012

Immigrants constitute a population vulnerable to the problem of violence. This study sought to ascertain the prevalence of violence reported by the immigrant population in the Murcian Region of Spain and characterize the related factors, taking the country population as reference. A cross-sectional study was carried out based on a representative population sample of Latin American ( n = 672; 48% women), Moroccan ( n = 361; 25% women), and Spanish origin ( n = 1,303; 66% women), aged 16 to 64 years. Using a specific questionnaire, the prevalence of violence in the preceding year was assessed. The results were compared with the Spaniards using the 2006 National Health Survey (NHS). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to study the factors associated with violence having been reported in each group, both separately and in immigrants versus Spaniards. Finally, the cause and place of last aggression were studied. The prevalence of violence was 6.5% in Latin Americans, 12.0% in Moroccans, and 2.7% in Spaniards. Discrimination was the principal violence-related factor in all three groups. Among Latin Americans, low educational level was also associated with violence. Among Moroccans, those who had perceived discrimination showed the greatest differences in prevalence of violence compared with natives. Intimate partner violence (IPV) registered a prevalence of below 2%. As a conclusion, in this study, violence was little reported and higher among immigrants. The principal violence-related factor was discrimination. More studies of this type are called for to characterize the problem in other population-representative samples.
Negative Social Reactions to Assault Disclosure as a Mediator between Self-Blame and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Survivors of Interpersonal Assault
Authors: Hassija Christina M. , Gray Matt J.
Published: July 2012

The type of causal attributions offered for traumatic life events has been documented as a potential vulnerability factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few investigations have sought to identify the mechanisms by which such explanations are associated with greater posttraumatic distress. One possible factor that may account for the relationship between maladaptive attributional tendencies and PTSD symptoms is the quality of social reactions received from one’s social network upon disclosure. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between self-blaming attributions provided for traumatic events, negative social reactions, and PTSD symptom severity. Undergraduate psychology students ( N = 68), who reported previously experiencing interpersonal assault, completed measures assessing their attributions for their assault and the quality of reactions received from members of their social network upon disclosure. Results from a statistical mediational analysis suggest that a self-blame may be associated with poorer psychological adjustment by virtue of negative social reactions. Results of this study further our understanding of risk and resilience among assault survivors and may have significant implications for treatment interventions for individuals with PTSD.
Fastest, highest, youngest? Analysing the athlete’s experience of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games
Authors: Krieger Jörg
Published: July 2012

The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are the newest addition to the Olympic Movement and, in light of recent discussions of the education of high-performance athletes, represent a change within the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from a philosophy of ‘winning by all means’ to a philosophy much more informed by education. Therefore, this paper analyses the YOG through the experiences of participating athletes and puts their perception of the event in contrast to the policies of the IOC. Through the centring of the agents within the hermeneutic analysis, along with the use of Critical Discourse Analysis, a more relevant image of the YOG is constructed and it shows that that the perceptions of the athletes are in contrast to the policy documents. Whereas the organisation claims that the content of the Culture and Education Programme of the YOG was very successful and enhanced the educational experience of the athletes, the subjects of this study were in a way dissatisfied with the programme. Thus, their perceptions helped to deconstruct the political claims in a very valuable way and future, athlete-centred research is needed in order to enhance the educational and cultural effects of the YOG.
Recontextualizing Anthropomorphic Metaphors in Organization Studies
Authors: Schoeneborn Dennis , Blaschke Steffen , Kaufmann Ina Maria
Published: July 2012

In this article, the authors discuss critically the use of “anthropomorphic” metaphors in organization studies (e.g., organizational knowledge, learning, and memory). They argue that, although these metaphors are potentially powerful, because of frequent usage they are at risk of becoming taken for granted and contextually disconnected from their source domain, the human mind. To unleash the heuristic potential of such metaphors, it is necessary to take into account the inherent dynamics and bidirectionality of metaphorical language use. Therefore, the authors propose a methodology for the context-sensitive use of metaphors in organization studies. They illustrate this approach by developing the new metaphor of organizational insomnia, which is informed by recent neuroscientific research on human sleep and its disruptions. The insomnia metaphor provides an alternative way of explaining deficits in organizational knowledge, learning, and memory, which originate in a state of permanent restlessness.
Diffuse and heterogeneous T2-hyperintense lesions in the splenium are characteristic of neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Makino Takahiro , Ito Shoichi , Mori Masahiro , Yonezu Tadahiro , Ogawa Yoshitsugu , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: July 2012

Background:

Callosal lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) are usually focal, involving the inferior aspect of the corpus callosum on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but little is known about callosal lesions in neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

Objective:

To clarify MRI abnormalities in callosal lesions of NMO.

Methods:

Japanese patients with NMO ( n=28) or MS ( n=22) were assessed. The distributions and appearances of callosal lesions were evaluated on a brain mid-sagittal T2-weighted image (T2WI) or a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image with a 1.5T MRI scanner. Logistic regression analysis identified which characteristics of the callosal lesions were useful for discriminating NMO from MS.

Results:

Callosal lesions were present in 79% of NMO and 82% of MS patients. Callosal abnormalities of NMO, including splenial lesions (57% in NMO versus 27% in MS, odds ratio (OR)=4.23, p=0.04), diffusely spreading lesions from the lower to upper edges of the corpus callosum (71% versus 23%, OR=7.18, p=0.0024), and heterogeneous T2 hyperintense lesions (71% versus 9%, OR=44.3, p=0.0006), were feasible for discriminating NMO from MS.

Conclusion:

Diffuse and heterogeneous T2 hyperintense splenial lesions were characteristic of NMO. These findings could help distinguish NMO from MS on MRI.
From political judgements to public justifications (and vice versa): How communities generate reasons upon which to act
Authors: Kornprobst Markus
Published: July 2012

Existing literature in International Relations has firmly established that public justifications matter in world politics. They make it possible for a range of communities — nations, security communities, global advocacy networks and so on — to take political action. This article aims to improve on our understanding of how communities produce such justifications. It seeks to make conceptual and methodological contributions. On the conceptual level, I contend that political judgements generate public justifications and, vice versa, that these justifications shape future judgements. I outline a three-circuit map for studying the communicative processes that link judgements and justifications. On the methodological level, I argue that what I label a structured, focused communication analysis is well suited to put the three-circuit map to use to do empirical research. I tailor the structure and focus of such an analysis to the requirements of research on public justification.
Combustion simulations of the fuels for advanced combustion engines in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine
Authors: Krishnasamy Anand , Ra Youngchul , Reitz Rolf D , Bunting Bruce
Published: July 2012

Numerical simulations of combustion have been performed for a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine operating on multi-component reference diesel fuels. Two surrogate representation methods were used to describe the nine fuels for advanced combustion engines. The first method of surrogates, denoted as physical-surrogate components, was formulated to describe the fuel’s physical properties by matching its distillation profile, specific gravity, lower heating value, hydrogen-to-carbon ratio, and cetane index with measured data. The second method of surrogates, denoted as chemical-surrogate components, was introduced to represent the chemistry of the fuel components using a new group chemistry representation model. In the model, the fuel components in the physical-surrogate components and chemical-surrogate components are related through the classification of chemical structures of the components, i.e. the component in the physical-surrogate components are grouped based on their chemical classes and the chemistry of each group is calculated using a chemical kinetics mechanism (MultiChem) that represents the combustion characteristics of its chemical class. This MultiChem mechanism includes reduced reaction mechanisms for the four main surrogate hydrocarbon chemistry components of diesel fuel, n-paraffins, iso-paraffins, naphthenes, and aromatics, with two n-paraffins to provide the ability to mimic molecular weight effects. The computations were performed using a multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamic code, KIVA-ERC-CHEMKIN, and the results show that the predictions of the present multi-component combustion models are in good agreement with experimental measurements. The combustion characteristics of the fuels for advanced combustion engines are well represented and the present models are well suited for practical engine computations.
Anosognosia
Authors: Maki Yohko , Amari Masakuni , Yamaguchi Tomoharu , Nakaaki Shutaro , Yamaguchi Haruyasu
Published: July 2012

We aimed to study how patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) suffer from awareness of their deficits. Self-awareness was assessed using the Anosognosia Questionnaire for Dementia in 12 pairs of MCI outpatients and caregivers, 23 with mild AD, and 18 with moderate AD. The discrepancy between patient’s and caregiver’s evaluation (anosognosia) became greater as AD progressed. The predictors of patients’ distress, shown by multiple linear regression analyses, were awareness of decline in intellectual or social functioning; self-awareness of deficits in remembering appointments in MCI; in remembering appointments, writing, mental calculation, and understanding the newspaper in mild AD; and in mental calculation and doing clerical work in moderate AD. Caregivers assumed the predictors of patients’ distress differently: awareness of deterioration of memory in MCI and mild AD, and basic activities of daily living in moderate AD. Understanding patients’ disability from patients’ perspective is required for successful care.
Probation Violations and Juvenile Justice Decision Making
Authors: Leiber Michael J. , Peck Jennifer H.
Published: July 2012

Prior research has cited that probation violations and in particular technical violations are increasing as a justification for increased social control within juvenile justice proceedings. This issue is especially acute for minority youth. The focus of the present study is to address a void in the literature by assessing the interrelationships among probation violations and race/ethnicity with juvenile justice decision making within six jurisdictions in a Mid-Atlantic state. The findings reveal that probation violations result in severe outcomes at some stages and leniency at other points in the proceedings. Blacks and Hispanics individually impact decision making in a similar manner. Probation violations and race/ethnicity do not interact to the extent as predicted. Implications are discussed in the context of reducing the disproportionate presence and confinement of minority youth in the juvenile justice system.
Yoga as an Alternative and Complementary Treatment for Asthma
Authors: Sharma Manoj , Haider Taj , Bose Partha P.
Published: July 2012

The morbidity and mortality associated with asthma make it a worldwide health concern. Corticosteroid therapy is the most popular method to treat asthma, but yoga has been identified as an alternative therapy to expensive drugs. A systematic review of studies meeting the following criteria is presented: ( a) be published in the English language; ( b) included in CINAHL, Medline, or Alt HealthWatch; ( c) between the years 1972 and 2012; ( d) include yoga as an intervention; ( e) use any quantitative study design; and ( f) measures one of the following outcomes: forced expiratory volume in 1 second, peak expiratory flow rate, airway resistance, or Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score. Of the 15 studies systematically analyzed, 10 documented significant improvement because of yoga. Limitations include lack of a theory-based approach, self-reporting errors, and intervention adherence issues.
Depletion of radio-resistant regulatory T cells enhances antitumor immunity during recovery from lymphopenia
Authors: Baba Junko , Watanabe Satoshi , Saida Yu , Tanaka Tomohiro , Miyabayashi Takao , Koshio Jun , Ichikawa Kosuke , Nozaki Koichiro , Koya Toshiyuki , Deguchi Katsuya , Tan Chunrui , Miura Satoru , Tanaka Hiroshi , Tanaka Junta , Kagamu Hiroshi , Yoshizawa Hirohisa , Nakata Ko , Narita Ichiei
Published: July 2012

Cytotoxic lymphodepletion therapies augment antitumor immune responses. The generation and therapeutic efficacy of antitumor effector T cells (TEs) are enhanced during recovery from lymphopenia. Although the effects of lymphodepletion on naive T cells (TNs) and TEs have been studied extensively, the influence of lymphodepletion on suppressor cells remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate a significant increase of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in sublethally irradiated lymphopenic mice. These radio-resistant Tregs inhibited the induction of TEs in tumor-draining lymph-nodes (TDLNs) during recovery from lymphopenia. The transfer of TNs into lymphopenic tumor-bearing mice resulted in some antitumor effects; however, Treg depletion after whole-body irradiation and reconstitution strongly inhibited tumor progression. Further analyses revealed that tumor-specific T cells were primed from the transferred TNs, whereas the Tregs originated from irradiated recipient cells. As in irradiated lymphopenic mice, a high percentage of Tregs was observed in cyclophosphamide-treated lymphopenic mice. The inhibition of Tregs in cyclophosphamide-treated mice significantly reduced tumor growth. These results indicate that the Tregs that survive cytotoxic therapies suppress antitumor immunity during recovery from lymphopenia and suggest that approaches to deplete radio and chemo-resistant Tregs can enhance cancer immunotherapies.
Diagnosing celiac disease by video capsule endoscopy (VCE) when esophogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and biopsy is unable to provide a diagnosis: a case series
Authors: Chang Matthew S , Rubin Moshe , Lewis Suzanne K , Green Peter H
Published: July 2012

Background

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is mainly used to evaluate patients with celiac disease in whom their course after diagnosis has been unfavorable and the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, lymphoma or refractory celiac disease is entertained, but it has been suggested that VCE could replace esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and biopsy under certain circumstances.

Methods

We report a single center case series of 8 patients with suspected celiac disease who were diagnosed by VCE.

Results

EGD and biopsy had been performed in 4 patients resulting in a negative biopsy, declined by 2, and contraindicated in 2 due to hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. In all patients, mucosal changes of scalloping, mucosal mosaicism and reduced folds were seen in either the duodenum or jejunum on VCE. Follow-up in 7 patients demonstrated improvement in either their serological abnormalities or their presenting clinical features on a gluten-free diet.

Conclusions

Our case series demonstrates that VCE and the visualization of the characteristic mucosal changes of villous atrophy may replace biopsy as the mode of diagnosis when EGD is either declined or contraindicated, or when duodenal biopsies are negative and there remains a high index of suspicion. Further study is needed to clarify the role and cost of diagnosing celiac disease with VCE.
Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & K.D. Hyde: Nutritional value and in vitro neurite outgrowth activity in rat pheochromocytoma cells
Authors: Phan Chia-Wei , Wong Wei-Lun , David Pamela , Naidu Murali , Sabaratnam Vikineswary
Published: July 2012

Background

Drugs dedicated to alleviate neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have always been associated with debilitating side effects. Medicinal mushrooms which harness neuropharmacological compounds offer a potential possibility for protection against such diseases.Pleurotus giganteus(formerly known asPanus giganteus) has been consumed by the indigenous people in Peninsular Malaysia for many years. Domestication of this wild mushroom is gaining popularity but to our knowledge, medicinal properties reported for this culinary mushroom are minimal.

Methods

The fruiting bodiesP. giganteuswere analysed for its nutritional values. Cytotoxicity of the mushroom’s aqueous and ethanolic extracts towards PC12, a rat pheochromocytoma cell line was assessed by using 3-[4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Neurite outgrowth stimulation assay was carried out with nerve growth factor (NGF) as control. To elucidate signaling mechanisms involved by mushroom extract-induced neurite outgrowth, treatment of specific inhibitor for MEK/ERK and PI3K signalling pathway was carried out.

Results

The fruiting bodies ofP. giganteuswere found to have high carbohydrate, dietary fibre, potassium, phenolic compounds and triterpenoids. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells in a dose- and time-dependant manner with no detectable cytotoxic effect. At day 3, 25 μg/ml of aqueous extract and 15 μg/ml of ethanolic extract showed the highest percentage of neurite-bearing cells, i.e. 31.7 ± 1.1% and 33.3 ± 0.9%; respectively. Inhibition treatment results suggested that MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt are responsible for neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells stimulated byP. giganteusextract. The high potassium content (1345.7 mg/100 g) may be responsible for promoting neurite extension, too.

Conclusions

P. giganteuscontains bioactive compounds that mimic NGF and are responsible for neurite stimulation. Hence, this mushroom may be developed as a nutraceutical for the mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases.