bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control Proxy Functions for Sequential Design and Control Optimization
Authors: Peters Diane L. , Papalambros P. Y. , Ulsoy A. G.
Published: September 2011

Optimal system design of “smart” products requires optimization of both the artifact and its controller. When the artifact and the controller designs are independent, the system solution is straightforward through sequential optimization. When the designs are coupled, combined simultaneous optimization can produce system-optimal results, but presents significant computational and organizational complexity. This paper presents a method that produces results comparable with those found with a simultaneous solution strategy, but with the simplicity of the sequential strategy. The artifact objective function is augmented by a control proxy function (CPF), representing the artifact’s ease of control. The key to successful use of this method is the selection of an appropriate CPF. Four theorems that govern the choice and evaluation of a CPF are given. Each theorem is illustrated using a simple mathematical example. Specific CPFs are then presented for particular problem formulations, and the method is applied to the optimal design and control of a micro-electrical mechanical system actuator.
Thermoelectric Cooling Analysis Using Modified-Graphical-Method for Multidimensional-Heat-Transfer-System
Authors: Phan Huy N. , Agonafer Dereje
Published: September 2011

Comprehensive analysis of microelectronic cooling systems utilizing thermoelectric modules is time consuming because it involves solving many parametric equations, which require solving complex mathematical equations or the assistance of an expensive computation-fluid-dynamic software. In this study, a modified-graphical method (MGM) based on a previous study by Lineykin and Ben-Yaakov is proposed to analyze an active cooling system using thermoelectric modules. The MGM provides quicker visualization of the cooling requirement such as the optimum operating currents, temperature of the hot side, and coefficient of performance without the need of using any manufacturer’s proprietary data. In addition, the MGM is designed to analyze a multidimensional-heat-transfer-system utilizing thermoelectric modules (Phan, H., and Agonafer, D., 2010, “Experimental Analysis Model of an Active Cooling Method for 3D-ICs Utilizing Multidimensional Configured Thermoelectric Coolers,” ASME J. Electron. Packag. 132(2), p. 024501).
TAF1B Is a TFIIB-Like Component of the Basal Transcription Machinery for RNA Polymerase I
Authors: Naidu Srivatsava , Friedrich J. Karsten , Russell Jackie , Zomerdijk Joost C. B. M.
Published: September 2011

RNA polymerase I uses a transcription factor IIB–related protein for transcription, similar to the known requirement for polymerase II and III.
The Influence of Nonlinear Mesoscale Eddies on Near-Surface Oceanic Chlorophyll
Authors: Chelton Dudley B. , Gaube Peter , Schlax Michael G. , Early Jeffrey J. , Samelson Roger M.
Published: September 2011

Large ocean eddies are the cause of some sea-surface height and chlorophyll anomalies previously ascribed to Rossby waves.
Mothering Beetles Suppress Microbes to Protect Food for Their Young
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: September 2011

Burying beetles, which raise their young in animal corpses, preserve their offspring's food store by coating these "nurseries" with antibiotic secretions, researchers reported at the meeting.
Particle Physicists' New Extreme Teams
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2011

Life at the world's biggest atom smasher is an odd combination of selfless cooperation and intense competition.
Two-Year Colleges Are Jumping Into the U.S. Research Pool
Authors: McCook Alison
Published: September 2011

A growing number of community colleges hope to improve instruction and train a more diverse cadre of scientists by involving students in research.
Adjusted Wallace Coefficient as a Measure of Congruence between Typing Methods
Authors: Severiano Ana , Pinto Francisco R. , Ramirez Mário , Carriço João A.
Published: September 2011

We propose a new coefficient, the adjusted Wallace coefficient (
AW
), and corresponding confidence intervals (CI) as quantitative measures of congruence between typing methods. The performance of the derived CI was evaluated using simulated data. Published microbial typing data were used to demonstrate the advantages of
AW
over the Wallace coefficient.
The Influenza C Virus CM2 Protein Can Alter Intracellular pH, and Its Transmembrane Domain Can Substitute for That of the Influenza A Virus M2 Protein and Support Infectious Virus Production
Authors: Stewart Shaun M , Pekosz Andrew
Published: September 2011

The influenza C virus CM2 protein and a chimeric influenza A virus M2 protein (MCM) containing the CM2 transmembrane domain were assessed for their ability to functionally replace the M2 protein. While all three proteins could alter cytosolic pH to various degrees when expressed from cDNA, only M2 and MCM could at least partially restore infectious virus production to M2-deficient influenza A viruses. The data suggest that while the CM2 ion channel activity is similar to that of M2, sequences in the extracellular and/or cytoplasmic domains play important roles in infectious virus production.
SCHEMA MEDIATION IN PEER DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Authors: ZHAO JIE , POTTINGER RACHEL , BROWN CODY , RAJAGOPALAN SHRIRAM
Published: September 2011

Peer Data Management Systems (PDMSs) allow the efficient sharing of data between peers with overlapping sources of information. These sources share data through mappings between peers. In current systems, queries are asked over each peer's local schema and then translated using the mappings between peers. While this allows the data to be accessed uniformly, users lack access to information that is not in their own schemas. In this paper, we propose a light-weight, automatic method to create a mediated schema in a PDMS. Our work benefits PDMSs by allowing access to more data and without unduly stressing the peer's resources or requiring additional resources such as ontologies. We present our system — MePSys, which creates a mediated schema in PDMSs automatically using the existing mappings provided to translate queries. We further discuss how to update the mediated schema in a stable state, i.e. after the system setup period.
Hybrid Deposition of Titanium Carbide Thin Films
Authors: Kadlec Jaromir , Joska Z. , Pokorny Z. , Jelinek M. , Kocourek T.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this paper is to describe hybrid pulsed laser magnetron technology (PLDMS) for deposition of both TiC and TiCN thin films. Films were fabricated in argon atmosphere (TiC) and argon/nitrogen mixtured atmosphere (TiCN). Titanium carbide based materials exhibit an unique combination of physical properties such as high hardness, low friction coefficient, high thermal conductivity, and high thermal stability. TiCN thin films are used for improvement of adhesion of carbon based thin films as an interlayer prior to carbon based deposition Film properties were studied by SEM, XRD, XPS and GDOES. The PLDMS method allows easily and smoothly change composition profile along layer thickness by changing of laser repetition rate and magnetron power. The PLDMS system is a suitable tool for fabrication of specially tailored layer at new deposition conditions.
Glutamine administration ameliorates sepsis-induced kidney injury by downregulating the high-mobility group box protein-1-mediated pathway in mice
Authors: Hu Ya-Mei , Pai Man-Hui , Yeh Chiu-Li , Hou Yu-Chen , Yeh Sung-Ling
Published: September 2011

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication of sepsis. High-mobility group box (HMGB)-1 was implicated as a late mediator of lethal systemic inflammation in sepsis. Since glutamine (GLN) was shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, we hypothesized that GLN administration may downregulate an HMGB-1-mediated pathway and thus ameliorate sepsis-induced AKI. Mice were randomly assigned to a normal group (NC), a septic saline group (SS), or a septic GLN group (SG). Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The SS group was injected with saline, and the SG group was given 0.75 g GLN/kg body wt once via a tail vein 1 h after CLP. Mice were killed 2, 6, and 24 h after CLP, and blood and kidneys of the animals were harvested for further analysis. The results showed that sepsis resulted in higher mRNA and/or protein expressions of kidney HMGB-1, toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, myeloid differentiation primary-response protein (MyD) 88, and receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) compared with normal mice. Septic mice with GLN administration exhibited decreased HMGB-1, TLR4, RAGE, and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 protein expressions and reduced nitrotyrosine levels in kidney tissues. The histological findings showed that damage to the kidneys was less severe, and survival improved in the SG group. These results indicated that a single dose of GLN administered after the initiation of sepsis plays a prophylactic role in downregulating the expressions of HMGB-1-related mediators and decreasing oxidative stress in the kidneys, which may consequently have ameliorated AKI induced by sepsis.
Urinary matrix metalloproteinase activities: biomarkers for plaque angiogenesis and nephropathy in diabetes
Authors: McKittrick Ian B. , Bogaert Yolanda , Nadeau Kristen , Snell-Bergeon Janet , Hull Amber , Jiang Tao , Wang Xiaoxin , Levi Moshe , Moulton Karen S.
Published: September 2011

Diabetic complications of nephropathy and accelerated atherosclerosis are associated with vascular remodeling and dysregulated angiogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) modify extracellular matrix during vascular remodeling and are excreted in urine of patients with vascular malformation or tumor angiogenesis. We hypothesized that urinary MMP activities would be sensitive biomarkers for vascular remodeling in diabetic complications. Activities of MMP-2, MMP-9, and its complex with neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL/MMP-9) were measured by substrate gel zymography in urine from nondiabetic (ND) and type 1 diabetic (T1D) rodents that were susceptible to both T1D-induced plaque angiogenesis and nephropathy, or nephropathy alone. Additionally, these urine activities were measured in ND and T1D adolescents. Urinary MMP-9, MMP-2, and NGAL/MMP-9 activities were increased and more prevalent in T1D compared with ND controls. Urinary MMP-2 activity was detected in mice with T1D-induced plaque neovascularization. In nephropathy models, urinary NGAL/MMP-9 and MMP-9 activities appeared before onset of albuminuria, whereas MMP-2 was absent or delayed. Finally, urinary MMP activities were increased in adolescents with early stages of T1D. Urinary MMP activities may be sensitive, noninvasive, and clinically useful biomarkers for predicting vascular remodeling in diabetic renal and vascular complications.
A Rare Case Report of Mid Cavitary Takotsubo: The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Sherratt Jesse , McDonald Carolyn E. , York Gerald , Slim Ahmad
Published: September 2011

This is a case report of a female presenting originally with clinical picture of acute coronary syndrome and depressed left ventricular function with no angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease with mid cavitary akinesis and basal as well as apical hyperkinesis after emotional stresses identified by multi-imaging modalities to be mid cavitary Takotsubo. The Incidence and the prevalence of apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo) is on the rise with more reports in the literature; however, mid cavitary Takotsubo remains rare and raises questions more than answers as to the reason behind the mid cavitary localization in some patients versus apical involvement.
Megaloappendix: A Case Report
Authors: Samaha Abdel Hady A. , Tawfik Ayman S. , Abbas Tariq O. , Abdelhamid Ashraf
Published: September 2011

The vermiform appendix is an organ that can have variable sizes, locations as well as functional potentials. We describe here the longest and largest appendix removed measuring about 55 cm in length.
The Nonlocal p‐Laplacian Evolution for Image Interpolation
Authors: Zhan Yi
Published: September 2011

This paper presents an image interpolation model with nonlocal p‐Laplacian regularization. The nonlocal p‐Laplacian regularization overcomes the drawback of the
partial differential equation (PDE) proposed by Belahmidi and Guichard (2004) that
image density diffuses in the directions pointed by local gradient. The grey values of
images diffuse along image feature direction not gradient direction under the control
of the proposed model, that is, minimal smoothing in the directions across the image features and maximal smoothing in the directions along the image features. The total
regularizer combines the advantages of nonlocal p‐Laplacian regularization and total
variation (TV) regularization (preserving discontinuities and 1D image structures).
The derived model efficiently reconstructs the real image, leading to a natural interpolation, with reduced blurring and staircase artifacts. We present experimental results
that prove the potential and efficacy of the method.
Non‐Fragile Sliding Mode Control of Uncertain Chaotic Systems
Authors: Liu Leipo , Han Zhengzhi , Fu Zhumu
Published: September 2011

This paper is concerned with non‐fragile sliding mode control of uncertain chaotic systems with external disturbance. Firstly, a new sliding surface is proposed, and sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that sliding mode dynamics is asymptotically stable with a generalized H2 disturbance rejection level. Secondly, non‐fragile sliding mode controller is established to make the state of system reach the sliding surface in a finite time. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Metachronous Anal Canal and Prostate Cancers with Simultaneous Definitive Therapy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Miles Edward F. , Jacimore Laura L. , Nelson John W.
Published: September 2011

Anal canal cancer is rare, accounting for only 1.3% of all gastrointestinal tract malignancies. Prostate cancer incidence is much higher and accounts for 27.6% of all malignancies in men. Treatment guidelines for anal cancer involve radiotherapy to the primary site and draining lymphatics while treatment for prostate cancer can also include pelvic radiotherapy. The literature is silent on the optimum course of action when these two malignancies are found synchronously or metachronously. Herein, we report a case of a patient diagnosed with intermediate risk prostate cancer who, prior to definitive therapy for this first malignancy, was also diagnosed with anal canal cancer. We conclude that a simultaneous approach with radiation therapy and chemotherapy with subsequent boost to the prostate is recommended. Screening for synchronous prostate cancer in male anal canal cancer patients is probably indicated and may preclude suboptimal treatment for a second occult primary.
Syphilitic Aortic Aneurysm in a Young HIV-Infected Man: Case Presentation
Authors: Cataño Juan Carlos , Ramirez Isabel Cristina
Published: September 2011

We describe the case of a young HIV-positive man who presented to the emergency room in hypovolemic shock. During subsequent evaluation, we documented a huge aortic aneurysm consistent with tertiary syphilis. The final autopsy demonstrated the extent of cardiovascular compromise caused by this aneurysm.
Increasing Trend of Resistance to Penicillin, Tetracycline, and Fluoroquinolone Resistance inNeisseria gonorrhoeaefrom Pakistan (1992–2009)
Authors: Jabeen Kauser , Nizamuddin Summiya , Irfan Seema , Khan Erum , Malik Faisal , Zafar Afia
Published: September 2011

Emergence and spread of drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is global concern. We evaluated trends of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae over years 1992–2009 in Pakistan. Resistance rates were compared between years (2007–2009) and (1992–2006). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and interpreted according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria using the disk diffusion methodology against penicillin, ceftriaxone, tetracycline and ofloxacin. Additional antibiotics tested in 100 strains isolated during 2007–2009, included cefotaxime, cefoxitin, cefuroxime, cefipime, ceftazidime, ceftizoxime, cefixime, cefpodoxime, spectinomycin and azithromycin. Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 was used as control. Chi-square for trend analysis was conducted to assess resistance trend over the study period. During study period significant increase in combined resistance to penicillin, tetracycline and ofloxacin was observed (Pvalue ). Resistance rates during the two study period also increased significantly (Pvalue ). Ceftriaxone resistance was not observed. None of the isolates were found to be resistant or with intermediate sensitivity to additional antibiotics. Our findings suggest that penicillin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline should not be used in the empirical treatment of gonorrhea in Pakistan. Ceftriaxone and cefixime should be the first line therapy; however periodic MICs should be determined to identify emergence of strains with reduced susceptibility.
RP105-Negative B Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Koarada Syuichi , Tada Yoshifumi
Published: September 2011

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease characterized by B cells producing autoantibodies against nuclear proteins and DNA, especially anti-double-strand DNA (dsDNA) antibodies. RP105 (CD180), the toll-like receptor- (TLR-) associated molecule, is expressed on normal B cells. However, RP105-negative B cells increase in peripheral blood from patients with active SLE. RP105 may regulate B-cell activation, and RP105-negative B cells produce autoantibodies and take part in pathophysiology of SLE. It is possible that targeting RP105-negative B cells is one of the treatments of SLE. In this paper, we discuss the RP105 biology and clinical significance in SLE.
Analytic Approximation of the Solutions of Stochastic Differential Delay Equations with Poisson Jump and Markovian Switching
Authors: Yang Hua , Jiang Feng
Published: September 2011

We are concerned with the stochastic differential delay equations with Poisson jump and Markovian switching (SDDEsPJMSs). Most SDDEsPJMSs cannot be solved explicitly as stochastic differential equations. Therefore, numerical solutions have become an important issue in the study of SDDEsPJMSs. The key contribution of this paper is to investigate the strong convergence between the true solutions and the numerical solutions to SDDEsPJMSs when the drift and diffusion coefficients are Taylor approximations.
The Use of Diamond for Energy Conversion System Applications: A Review
Authors: Eguiluz K. I. B. , Peralta-Hernández J. M. , Hernández-Ramírez A. , Guzmán-Mar J. L. , Hinojosa-Reyes L. , Martínez-Huitle C. A. , Salazar-Banda G. R.
Published: September 2011

Catalytic layers of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrodes are usually composed of platinum nanoparticles dispersed on an electron conductive carbon support, which can undergo several degradation processes like dissolution of Pt and carbon corrosion under PEMFC working conditions. In this context, the major advantage of conductive boron-doped diamond (BDD) surfaces is their mechanical and chemical stability. BDD is also considered as a good substrate for studying the intrinsic properties of deposited catalysts, avoiding some problems encountered with other substrates, that is, surface corrosion, oxide formation, or electronic interactions with the deposit. Thus, the first part of this review summarized the surface modification of BDD materials, with emphasis in different techniques, to improve the catalytic efficiency of supported catalysts for PEMFCs. In addition, it is known that graphite carbon or lithium metal alloys used in advanced lithium-ion high-energy batteries suffer morphological changes during the charge-discharge cycling, which in turn results in a very poor cycle life. Thus, the use of diamond materials in these applications was also reviewed, since they have very stable surfaces and exhibits excellent electrochemical properties when compared with other carbon forms like glassy carbon and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite.
Antiangiogenic and Antimetastatic Activity of JAK Inhibitor AZD1480
Authors: Xin Hong , Herrmann Andreas , Reckamp Karen , Zhang Wang , Pal Sumanta , Hedvat Michael , Zhang Chunyan , Liang Wei , Scuto Anna , Weng Shaobu , Morosini Deborah , Cao Zhu A. , Zinda Michael , Figlin Robert , Huszar Dennis , Jove Richard , Yu Hua
Published: September 2011

STAT3 has important functions in both tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment to facilitate cancer progression. The STAT regulatory kinase Janus-activated kinase (JAK) has been strongly implicated in promoting oncogenesis of various solid tumors, including the use of JAK kinase inhibitors such as AZD1480. However, direct evidence that JAK drives STAT3 function and cancer pathogenesis at the level of the tumor microenvironment is yet to be established clearly. In this study, we show that AZD1480 inhibits STAT3 in tumor-associated myeloid cells, reducing their number and inhibiting tumor metastasis. Myeloid cell–mediated angiogenesis was also diminished by AZD1480, with additional direct inhibition of endothelial cell function in vitro and in vivo. AZD1480 blocked lung infiltration of myeloid cells and formation of pulmonary metastases in both mouse syngeneic experimental and spontaneous metastatic models. Furthermore, AZD1480 reduced angiogenesis and metastasis in a human xenograft tumor model. Although the effects of AZD1480 on the tumor microenvironment were important for the observed antiangiogenic activity, constitutive activation of STAT3 in tumor cells themselves could block these antiangiogenic effects, showing the complexity of the JAK/STAT signaling network in tumor progression. Together, our results indicated that AZD1480 can effectively inhibit tumor angiogenesis and metastasis mediated by STAT3 in stromal cells as well as tumor cells. Cancer Res; 71(21); 6601–10. ©2011 AACR.
Cell-Selective Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling Improves Therapeutic Index in a Melanoma Chemotherapy Model
Authors: Enzler Thomas , Sano Yasuyo , Choo Min-Kyung , Cottam Howard B. , Karin Michael , Tsao Hensin , Park Jin Mo
Published: September 2011

The transcription factor NF-κB promotes the survival of cancer cells exposed to doxorubicin and other chemotherapeutic agents. IκB kinase is essential for chemotherapy-induced NF-κB activation and considered a prime target for anticancer treatment. An IκB kinase inhibitor sensitized human melanoma xenografts in mice to killing by doxorubicin yet also exacerbated treatment toxicity in the host animals. By using mouse models that simulate cell-selective targeting, we found that impaired NF-κB activation in melanoma and host myeloid cells accounts for therapeutic and adverse effects, respectively. Ablation of tumor-intrinsic NF-κB activity resulted in apoptosis-driven tumor regression after treatment with doxorubicin. By contrast, chemotherapy in mice with myeloid-specific loss of NF-κB activation led to a massive intratumoral recruitment of interleukin-1β–producing neutrophils and necrotic tumor lesions, a condition associated with increased host mortality but not accompanied by tumor regression. Therefore, a molecular target-based therapy may be steered toward different clinical outcomes depending on the drug's cell-specific effects.

Significance: Our findings show that the IκB kinase–NF-κB signaling pathway is important for both promoting treatment resistance and preventing host toxicity in cancer chemotherapy; however, the two functions are exerted by distinct cell type–specific mechanisms and can therefore be selectively targeted to achieve an improved therapeutic outcome. Cancer Discovery; 1(6); 496–507. ©2011 AACR.

Read the Commentary on this article by Aggarwal and Sung, p. 469

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 457
Luteolin Inhibits Apoptosis and Improves Cardiomyocyte Contractile Function through the PI3K/Akt Pathway in Simulated Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Fang Fang , Li Dongye , Pan Huanjun , Chen Dan , Qi Lingling , Zhang Ruiqu , Sun Hong
Published: September 2011

Luteolin, a naturally occurring polyphenol flavonoid, has demonstrated to exert myocardial protection effects. However, the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated whether luteolin pretreatment was associated with cardioprotection in a rat ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model. Luteolin significantly not only restored contractility of the left ventricle, but also reduced the infarct size and lactate dehydrogenase leakage during I/R. In addition, luteolin pretreatment significantly improved cardiomyocyte shortening amplitude, decreased the apoptotic rate, upregulated Bcl-2 expression, downregulated Bax expression and raised the Bcl-2/Bax ratio under a simulated ischemia/reperfusion (SI/R) condition. Moreover, luteolin pretreatment increased protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation, phospholamban phosphorylation and the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase following SI/R. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is one of the most important intracellular survival signal pathways. To determine whether luteolin-induced cardioprotection was mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway, we utilized the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Inhibition of Akt activity markedly abolished luteolin-induced positive contraction and inhibition of apoptosis in SI/R cardiomyocytes. These results showed that luteolin inhibits apoptosis and improves cardiomyocyte contractile function at least partly through the PI3K/Akt pathway in SI/R.
From source to sink
Authors: Sharan Awadhendra
Published: September 2011

This article examines the making of a modern colonial city through the rhetoric of ‘improvement’ and ‘progress’ in relation to water. The reference is to the history of water in the city of Delhi and what may be called ‘the first science of environment’ in a colonial urban context, with a focus not so much on the ‘extent’ of water supply and drainage, and its (in)adequacy in the colonial city, as on concerns around the ‘(im)purity’ of water, narratives of pollution, technologies of purity and the transformations they effected in a colonial context. In doing so it hopes to build upon a rich tradition of writings on urban water, its modernisation as also its location within a colonial regime, being suggestive of a framework in which we may consider water both as infrastructure and as environment, as much a network of pipes and drains as matters of pollution and well-being, as much a story of the search for and protection of the source as of the fate of the sink into which it ultimately flows.
Sealing Caries in Primary Molars
Authors: Innes N.P.T. , Evans D.J.P. , Stirrups D.R.
Published: September 2011

The Hall Technique (HT) is a method for managing carious primary molars. Decay is sealed under pre-formed metal crowns without any caries removal, tooth preparation, or local anesthesia. The aim of this study was to compare HT clinical/radiographic failure rates with General Dental Practitioners’ (GDPs) standard (control) restorations. We conducted a split-mouth, randomized control trial (132 children, aged 3-10 yrs, GDPs n = 17) in Scotland. There were 264 study teeth with initial lesions, 42% of which were radiographically > half-way into dentin, and 67% of which had Class II restorations. Teeth were randomized to HT (intervention) or GDPs’ usual treatment (control). Annual clinical/radiographic follow-up data were recorded. Ninety-one patients (69%) had 48 months’ minimum follow-up. At 60 months, ‘Major’ failures (irreversible pulpitis, loss of vitality, abscess, or unrestorable tooth) were recorded: HT, 3 (3%); control restorations, 15 (16.5%) (p = 0.000488; NNT 8); and ‘Minor’ failures (reversible pulpitis, restoration loss/wear/fracture; or secondary caries): HT, 4 (5%); control restorations, 38 (42%) (p < 0.000001; NNT 3). Overall, there were follow-up data for 130 patients (2-60 mos): ‘Major’ failures: HT, 3 (2%); control restorations, 22 (17%) (p = 0.000004; NNT 7); and ‘Minor’ failures, HT, 7 (5%); control restorations, 60 (46%) (p < 0.000001; NNT 3). Sealing in caries by the Hall Technique statistically, and clinically, significantly outperformed GDPs’ standard restorations in the long term (Trial registration no. ISRCTN 47267892).
An efficient approach for distributed channel allocation with learning automata-based reservation in cellular networks
Authors: Misra Sudip , Krishna P Venkata , Saritha Vankadara
Published: September 2011

Presently, mobile and wireless networks are witnessing rapid growth and the users of these networks demand many services that require unlimited frequency spectrum. Providing unlimited frequency spectrum is expensive and difficult. So,efficient use of the available frequency spectrum will greatly satisfy the demands of various services. In this paper, we propose a learning automata (LA)-based channel reservation scheme, which determines the optimal number of reserved channels for the system that is being tested. The proposed scheme is tested on four different extended models (systems) – Single Traffic No Queues (STNQ), Single Traffic with Queues (STWQ), Multi-traffic No Queues (MTNQ), and Multi-traffic with Queues (MTWQ). These four systems employ the channel allocation procedure, which is based on the distributed dynamic allocation policies. The presented systems deal with both originating calls and handoff calls. Quality of Service (QoS) may be improved further by reserving the channels for handoff calls based on the user mobility and type of cell. The performance evaluation of the systems with the proposed LA scheme shows improvement when compared with legacy systems. At a particular instant when the system load is 100, 21%, 28%, 18%, 23%, 22%, 27%, 11%, and 18% of the originating calls are blocked and only 2.4%, 3.6%, 1.9%, 2.1%, 1.9%, 2.3%, 0.4%, and 0.55% of the handoff calls are dropped in the case of the STNQ with LA, STNQ without LA, STWQ with LA, STWQ without LA, MTNQ with LA, MTNQ without LA, MTWQ with LA, and MTWQ without LA systems respectively.
Almost Invisible: Glimpsing the City and its Residents in the Urban Sustainability Discourse
Authors: Vallance Suzanne , Perkins Harvey C. , Bowring Jacky , Dixon Jennifer E.
Published: September 2011

‘Urban sustainability’ currently receives widespread and generally enthusiastic endorsement, yet concerns are emerging that recent expressions of the concept may actually be working against the city and its residents. Based on research in Christchurch, New Zealand (one of the most urbanised countries in the world), it is argued that the assimilation of social, economic and bio-physical environmental elements that gave the idea much of its original legitimacy has been reduced to a minimalist set of material and discursive ‘eco-friendly’ denominators. As a result, only occasional glimpses of the city and its human inhabitants are caught in attempts to operationalise sustainability in urban areas. The effect is that cities, in New Zealand at least, are less liveable and less likeable than they should be. It is suggested that there is a real need to re-urbanise and rehumanise the urban sustainability agenda as a means of realising its integrative and transformative potential.
The Economic Costs and Transport Benefits of Seoul’s Industrial Land Use Controls
Authors: Jun Myung-Jin
Published: September 2011

This study focuses on both the favourable and adverse consequences of Seoul’s industrial development controls; namely, the transport benefits and the economic costs. The study develops a method to estimate the effects of the controls by combining three different models: a 2SLS regression model, a random-utility-based location choice model and a transport model. The most important findings are the aggregate annual economic costs and transport benefits of the controls: a $45.9 billion output and 336 000 job losses versus $4.8 billion in transport cost savings. These empirical findings indicate that the citizens of the Seoul metropolitan region would be better off economically, with more job opportunities, in the absence of the industrial development controls, and would pay relatively minor transport costs for these benefits.
Development of a nationwide consensus syllabus of palliative medicine for undergraduate medical education in Japan: A modified Delphi method
Authors: Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Tamba Kaichiro , Takamiya Yusuke , Morita Tatsuya , Bito Seiji , Otaki Junji
Published: September 2011

Background:

There is currently no consensus syllabus of palliative medicine for undergraduate medical education in Japan, although the Cancer Control Act proposed in 2007 covers the dissemination of palliative care.

Aim:

To develop a nationwide consensus syllabus of palliative medicine for undergraduate medical education in Japan using a modified Delphi method.

Design:

We adopted the following three-step method: (1) a workshop to produce the draft syllabus; (2) a survey-based provisional syllabus; (3) Delphi rounds and a panel meeting (modified Delphi method) to produce the working syllabus. Educators in charge of palliative medicine from 63% of the medical schools in Japan collaborated to develop a survey-based provisional syllabus before the Delphi rounds. A panel of 32 people was then formed for the modified Delphi rounds comprising 28 educators and experts in palliative medicine, one cancer survivor, one bereaved family member, and two medical students.

Results:

The final consensus syllabus consists of 115 learning objectives across seven sections as follows: basic principles; disease process and comprehensive assessment; symptom management; psychosocial care; cultural, religious, and spiritual issues; ethical issues; and legal frameworks. Learning objectives were categorized as essential or desirable (essential: 66; desirable: 49).

Conclusions:

A consensus syllabus of palliative medicine for undergraduate medical education was developed using a clear and innovative methodology. The final consensus syllabus will be made available for further dissemination of palliative care education throughout the country.
The personal value of being a palliative care Community Volunteer Worker in Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Jack Barbara A , Kirton Jennifer A , Birakurataki Jerith , Merriman Anne
Published: September 2011

Background:

Volunteers in palliative care play a key role, particularly in the hospice setting. The expansion of palliative care into developing countries has been accompanied by the emergence of volunteer workers, who are providing a main source of support and care for patients, many of whom never see a health professional.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the motivation for becoming a volunteer and the personal impact of being a palliative care Community Volunteer Worker in Uganda.

Design:

A qualitative methodology using semi-structured individual and group digitally recorded interviews was adopted for the study. Data were analysed for emerging themes using thematic analysis.

Setting/Participants:

Forty-three interviews were undertaken, 32 with Community Volunteer Workers and 11 with the Hospice clinical teams, using semi-structured digitally recorded individual, group and focus group interviews at the Hospice Africa sites in Uganda.

Results:

The results identified the cultural wish to help people as a key motivator in becoming a volunteer. Additionally, the volunteers reported having a sense of pride in their volunteering role, and this role had a positive impact on their perceived status in their local community.

Conclusion:

This model of volunteering is clearly having an impact on the volunteers, both personally and also in terms of how they are treated in their communities. Further research to explore the long-term personal benefits of being a palliative care volunteer is recommended.
Multisensory Non-photoperiodic Cue Advances the Onset of Seasonal Breeding in Island Canaries (Serinus canaria)
Authors: Voigt Cornelia , Meiners Torsten , Ter Maat Andries , Leitner Stefan
Published: September 2011

In most temperate zone vertebrates, photoperiodic change plays the major role in the timing of seasonal breeding. However, direct environmental stimuli such as temperature, rainfall, or availability of food are thought to be important for fine-tuning breeding activities. Building on evidence from wild Island canaries ( Serinus canaria), the authors had shown advancing effects of green vegetation on breeding under captive, short-day conditions. So far, the precise, sensory modalities of this stimulatory cue are unknown. Here the authors present new data that confirm advanced breeding activities in the presence of green vegetation and narrow its stimulatory components. They found that direct exposure of the birds to fresh green vegetation represented the strongest stimulus and advanced breeding by up to 2 months compared to controls. In contrast, access to artificial green vegetation, extracts from green vegetation, or olfactory components alone had no such effects. This is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first experiment that examines sensory components of an effective, supplementary, non-photoperiodic cue in a temperate zone species. The data suggest that in order to use non-photoperiodic information to time breeding, birds must be able to integrate and process multisensory stimuli. Single non-photoperiodic sensory cues are insufficient to affect the timing of seasonal breeding.
Synaptotagmin10-Cre, a Driver to Disrupt Clock Genes in the SCN
Authors: Husse Jana , Zhou Xunlei , Shostak Anton , Oster Henrik , Eichele Gregor
Published: September 2011

Surgical lesion of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) profoundly affects the circadian timing system. A complication of SCN ablations is the concomitant scission of SCN afferents and efferents. Genetic disruption of the molecular clockwork in the SCN provides a complementary, less invasive experimental approach. The authors report the generation and functional analysis of a new Cre recombinase driver mouse that evokes homologous recombination with high efficiency in the SCN. They inserted the Cre recombinase cDNA into the Synaptotagmin10 ( Syt10) locus, a gene strongly expressed in the SCN. Heterozygous Synaptotagmin10-Cre ( Syt10Cre) mice have no obvious circadian locomotor phenotype, and homozygous animals show slightly reduced light-induced phase delays. Crosses of Syt10Cre mice with β-galactosidase reporter animals revealed strong Cre activity in the vast majority of SCN cells. Cre activity is not detected in nonneuronal tissues with the exception of the testis. The authors demonstrate that conditionally deleting the clock gene Bmal1 using the Syt10Cre driver renders animals arrhythmic.
Disruption of Circadian Rhythms Accelerates Development of Diabetes through Pancreatic Beta-Cell Loss and Dysfunction
Authors: Gale John E. , Cox Heather I. , Qian Jingyi , Block Gene D. , Colwell Christopher S. , Matveyenko Aleksey V.
Published: September 2011

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is complex metabolic disease that arises as a consequence of interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. One recently described environmental trigger associated with development of T2DM is disturbance of circadian rhythms due to shift work, sleep loss, or nocturnal lifestyle. However, the underlying mechanisms behind this association are largely unknown. To address this, the authors examined the metabolic and physiological consequences of experimentally controlled circadian rhythm disruption in wild-type (WT) Sprague Dawley and diabetes-prone human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic (HIP) rats: a validated model of T2DM. WT and HIP rats at 3 months of age were exposed to 10 weeks of either a normal light regimen (LD: 12:12-h light/dark) or experimental disruption in the light-dark cycle produced by either (1) 6-h advance of the light cycle every 3 days or (2) constant light protocol. Subsequently, blood glucose control, beta-cell function, beta-cell mass, turnover, and insulin sensitivity were examined. In WT rats, 10 weeks of experimental disruption of circadian rhythms failed to significantly alter fasting blood glucose levels, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, beta-cell mass/turnover, or insulin sensitivity. In contrast, experimental disruption of circadian rhythms in diabetes-prone HIP rats led to accelerated development of diabetes. The mechanism subserving early-onset diabetes was due to accelerated loss of beta-cell function and loss of beta-cell mass attributed to increases in beta-cell apoptosis. Disruption of circadian rhythms may increase the risk of T2DM by accelerating the loss of beta-cell function and mass characteristic in T2DM.
Casual Hookups to Formal Dates
Authors: Reid Julie A. , Elliott Sinikka , Webber Gretchen R.
Published: September 2011

“Hooking up,” a popular type of sexual behavior among college students, has become a pathway to dating relationships. Based on open-ended narratives written by 273 undergraduates, we analyze how students interpreted a vignette describing a heterosexual hookup followed by a sexless first date. In contrast to the sexual script which holds that women want relationships more than sex and men care about sex more than relationships, students generally accorded women sexual agency and desire in the hookup and validated men’s post-hookup relationship interest. However, in explaining the sexless date, students typically reasoned the woman was being chaste and withholding sex to redeem her reputation whereas they often characterized the man’s abstinence in terms of a pity date. The findings underscore the tenacity of gendered sexual scripts around heterosexual dates and hookups but also reveal fissures and contradictions that suggest some changes to the sexual double standard.
Maintaining absolute clearances in ballasted railway tracks using in situ three-dimensional polyurethane GeoComposites
Authors: Woodward P K , Kennedy J , Medero G M , Banimahd M
Published: September 2011

Maintaining track clearances in ballasted railway tracks are a critical issue for the safety and operational performance of the railway environment. In general, railway standards aredefined with respect to the minimum gauge clearance allowed between the dynamic swept envelope of the train vehicles and the fixed structure for a given vehicle speed. Absolute clearance of a line is categorized based on the clearance level, for example, in the UK, it is defined in terms of normal, reduced, or special reduced clearance. In special reduced clearance, the level of track fixity is defined as high fixity, medium fixity, and low fixity. In high track fixity, a concrete-slab track solution must be adopted; in medium track fixity, some form of ballast stabilization and/or reinforcement can be used. The principal requirement is that using a standard methodology, the clearances should always be greater than zero; the clearance representing the margin for unknown events. In this article, an in situ three-dimensional (3D) polyurethane ballast reinforcement technique is used to provide a very robust level of track fixity. The performance of the reinforcement technique is shown through experimental tests using a 200 ton capacity cyclic compression machine. The experimental tests are used to show the performance of the technique for applications like railway tunnels and station platforms where clearances issues are paramount. The base and shoulder GeoComposite experimental tests are performed with the initial ballast poorly compacted thus representing a worse case on-site scenario. Based on the experimental results, a new track fixity category is proposed termed virtual high fixity. A case study showing the impact and site application of the 3D polyurethane reinforcement research to Grovehill Tunnel UK is presented and reference is also made to another reinforced clearance issue site at Hoxton Station UK.
Reflections on Community-based Rehabilitation
Authors: Thomas Maya
Published: September 2011

Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) has grown and evolved over the last three decades, from being a service delivery approach for persons with disabilities living in rural areas in developing countries, to a world-wide accepted strategy and movement, based on inclusive community development principles. This article traces the origins and current understanding of CBR, goes on to discuss some of debates around the concept of CBR, and introduces the WHO CBR Guidelines. The Guidelines provide a structure for CBR planners and practitioners, based on a synthesis of CBR experiences from different regions of the world, and are an attempt to build on existing field level practice. The Guidelines demonstrate how CBR can be a useful strategy to achieve the goal of inclusive development for persons with disabilities. The Guidelines also provide a much needed framework for monitoring and evaluating CBR projects, with the increasing calls from around the world for strengthening the evidence base for CBR.
Developing a Competency Tool for Home Health Care Nurse Managers
Authors: Rosenfeld Peri , Pyc Lindsay S. , Rosati Robert J. , Marren Joan M.
Published: September 2011

Identifying the competencies required for the nurse manager role is a focus of much of the literature on nursing education and workforce. The unique nature of home health care nursing requires specially designed tools that reflect its distinctive nature. This article describes how one home health care nursing agency developed an assessment tool to measure nurse manager competencies and how the agency uses the tool to provide staff-development programs for their nurse managers.
Numerical modelling of hydraulic seals by inverse lubrication theory
Authors: Fatu A , Hajjam M
Published: September 2011

This article describes a methodology used to achieve a numerical analysis of hydraulic seals by the inverse hydrodynamic lubrication method. The main novelties consist of taking into account the influence of the shear stresses in the lubricant film and in the treatment of hydrodynamic effects on the seal inlet. Each step is detailed and discussed in terms of possible error over the predicted seal performances. It has been shown that the pressure field computed directly from the structure model does not give a realistic approximation of the hydrodynamic pressure in the inlet zone, and a hydrodynamic correction is necessary. Furthermore, it has been shown that if the tangential friction due to the shear stress in the lubricant film is not taken into account, error of about 5 per cent can be made, concerning the predictions of leakage and friction force.
International education, values and attitudes: A critical analysis of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile
Authors: Wells John
Published: September 2011

This article provides a critical review of the way that the International Baccalaureate (IB) promotes international education and international mindedness through the IB Learner Profile. While discussing theories of values and attitudes, and the teaching of values and theories of value acquisition, the paucity of such topics in IB texts is noted. It is acknowledged that the IB is in the process of providing support for schools in their delivery of the Learner Profile, and this article is intended to contribute to discussion as to how best that might be done.