bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox Regulation of Mitochondrial ATP Synthase
Authors: Wang Sheng-Bing , Foster D. Brian , Rucker Jasma , O'Rourke Brian , Kass David A. , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: August 2011

Rationale:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective clinical treatment for heart failure patients with conduction delay, impaired contraction, and energetics. Our recent studies have revealed that mitochondrial posttranslational modifications (PTM) may contribute to its benefits, motivating the present study of the oxidative regulation of mitochondrial ATP synthase.

Objectives:

We tested whether CRT alteration of ATP synthase function is linked to cysteine (Cys) oxidative PTM (Ox-PTM) of specific ATP synthase subunits.

Methods and Results:

Canine left ventricular myocardium was collected under conditions to preserve Ox-PTM from control, dyssynchronous heart failure (DHF), or hearts that had undergone CRT. In-gel ATPase activity showed that CRT increased ATPase activity by ≈2-fold (
P
<0.05) over DHF, approaching control levels, and this effect was recapitulated with a reducing agent. ATP synthase function and 3 Ox-PTM: disulfide bond, S-glutathionylation and S-nitrosation were assessed. ATP synthase from DHF hearts contained 2 novel disulfide bonds, between ATP synthase α subunits themselves and between α and γ subunits, both of which were decreased in CRT hearts (4.38±0.13- and 4.23±0.36-fold, respectively,
P
<0.01). S-glutathionylation of ATP synthase α subunit occurred in DHF hearts and was decreased by CRT (1.56±0.16-fold,
P
<0.04). In contrast, S-nitrosation of ATP synthase α subunit in DHF hearts was lower than in CRT hearts (1.53±0.19-fold,
P
<0.05). All modifications occurred at ATP synthase α subunit Cys294 and Cys to Ser mutation indicated that this residue is critical for ATP synthase function.

Conclusions:

A selective Cys in ATP synthase α subunit is targeted by multiple Ox-PTM suggesting that this Cys residue may act as a redox sensor modulating ATP synthase function.
Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue–Derived Methyl Palmitate in Vascular Tone Regulation and Pathogenesis of Hypertension
Authors: Lee Yuan-Chieh , Chang Hsi-Hsien , Chiang Chih-Lung , Liu Chin-Hung , Yeh Jih-I , Chen Mei-Fang , Chen Po-Yi , Kuo Jon-Son , Lee Tony J.F.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT)–derived relaxing factor (PVATRF) significantly regulates vascular tone. Its chemical nature remains unknown. We determined whether palmitic acid methyl ester (PAME) was the PVATRF and whether its release and/or vasorelaxing activity decreased in hypertension.

Methods and Results—

Using superfusion bioassay cascade technique, tissue bath myography, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, we determined PVATRF and PAME release from aortic PVAT preparations of Wistar Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats. The PVAT of Wistar Kyoto rats spontaneously and calcium dependently released PVATRF and PAME. Both induced aortic vasorelaxations, which were inhibited by 4-aminopyridine (2 mmol/L) and tetraethylammonium 5 and 10 mmol/L but were not affected by tetraethylammonium 1 or 3 mmol/L, glibenclamide (3 μmol/L), or iberiotoxin (100 nmol/L). Aortic vasorelaxations induced by PVATRF- and PAME-containing Krebs solutions were not affected after heating at 70°C but were equally attenuated after hexane extractions. Culture mediums of differentiated adipocytes, but not those of fibroblasts, contained significant PAME and caused aortic vasorelaxation. The PVAT of spontaneously hypertensive rats released significantly less PVATRF and PAME with an increased release of angiotensin II. In addition, PAME-induced relaxation of spontaneously hypertensive rats aortic smooth muscle diminished drastically, which was ameliorated significantly by losartan.

Conclusions—

We found that PAME is the PVATRF, causing vasorelaxation by opening voltage-dependent K
+
channels on smooth muscle cells. Diminished PAME release and its vasorelaxing activity and increased release of angiotensin II in the PVAT suggest a noble role of PVAT in pathogenesis of hypertension. The antihypertensive effect of losartan is attributed partly to its reversing diminished PAME-induced vasorelaxation.
Central Angiotensin (1-7) Enhances Baroreflex Gain in Conscious Rabbits With Heart Failure
Authors: Kar Sumit , Gao Lie , Belatti Daniel A. , Curry Pamela L. , Zucker Irving H.
Published: August 2011

In chronic heart failure (CHF), arterial baroreflex function is impaired, in part, by activation of the central renin-angiotensin system. A metabolite of angiotensin (Ang) II, Ang-(1-7), has been shown to exhibit cardiovascular effects that are in opposition to that of Ang II. However, the action of Ang-(1-7) on sympathetic outflow and baroreflex function is not well understood, especially in CHF. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intracerebroventricular infusion of Ang-(1-7) on baroreflex control of heart rate and renal sympathetic nerve activity in conscious rabbits with CHF. We hypothesized that central Ang-(1-7) would improve baroreflex function in CHF. Ang-(1-7) (2 nmol/1 μL per hour) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (1 μL per hour) was infused by an osmotic minipump for 4 days in sham and pacing-induced CHF rabbits (n=3 to 6 per group). Ang-(1-7) treatment had no effects in sham rabbits but reduced heart rate and increased baroreflex gain (7.4±1.5 versus 2.5±0.4 bpm/mm Hg;
P
<0.05) in CHF rabbits. The Ang-(1-7) antagonist A779 (8 nmol/1 μL per hour) blocked the improvement in baroreflex gain in CHF. Baroreflex gain increased in CHF+Ang-(1-7) animals when only the vagus was allowed to modulate baroreflex control by acute treatment with the β-1 antagonist metoprolol, indicating increased vagal tone. Baseline renal sympathetic nerve activity was significantly lower, and baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity was enhanced in CHF rabbits receiving Ang-(1-7). These data suggest that augmentation of central Ang-(1-7) inhibits sympathetic outflow and increases vagal outflow in CHF, thus contributing to enhanced baroreflex gain in this disease state.
Patent Foramen Ovale May Be Causal for the First Stroke but Unrelated to Subsequent Ischemic Events
Authors: Mono Marie-Luise , Geister Laura , Galimanis Aekaterini , Jung Simon , Praz Fabien , Arnold Marcel , Fischer Urs , Wolff Stefan , Findling Oliver , Windecker Stephan , Wahl Andreas , Meier Bernhard , Mattle Heinrich P. , Nedeltchev Krassen
Published: August 2011

Background and Purpose—

Studies with very long follow-up are scarce in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO). Little is known about the etiology of recurrent cerebrovascular events (CVE) in PFO patients.

Methods—

We collected information on recurrent CVE in 308 patients with cryptogenic stroke and PFO and sought to determine concurrent stroke causes that had emerged or been newly detected since the index event. One hundred fifty-eight patients received aspirin (48%), clopidogrel (2%), or oral anticoagulants (50%; medical group). One hundred fifty patients underwent percutaneous PFO closure (closure group).

Results—

Mean age at index event was 50 years (SD 13). In 33% of patients, the index stroke or transient ischemic attack was preceded by at least 1 CVE. Mean follow-up was 8.7±4.0 years. During follow-up, 32 recurrent CVE (13 strokes and 19 transient ischemic attacks) occurred in the medical and 16 recurrent CVE (8 strokes and 8 transient ischemic attacks) in the closure group. Concurrent etiologies were identified for 12 recurrent CVE in the medical group (38%): large artery disease (9%), small artery disease (6%), cardioembolism (13%), cerebral vasculitis (3%), and antiphospholipid-antibody-syndrome (6%). In the closure group, 7 recurrent CVE had a concurrent etiology (44%): large artery disease (6%), small artery disease (19%), cardioembolism (13%), and thrombophilic disorder (6%). The frequency of concurrent etiologies did not differ between patients with recurrent CVE under medical treatment and those undergoing PFO closure (
P
=0.68).

Conclusions—

Concurrent etiologies are identified for more than one third of recurrent ischemic events in patients with cryptogenic stroke, casting doubt on the sole causal role of PFO.
Coupling between Gravity Waves and Tropical Convection at Mesoscales
Authors: Lane Todd P. , Zhang Fuqing
Published: August 2011

An idealized cloud-system-resolving model simulation is used to examine the coupling between a tropical cloud population and the mesoscale gravity waves that it generates. Spectral analyses of the cloud and gravity wave fields identify a clear signal of coupling between the clouds and a deep tropospheric gravity wave mode with a vertical wavelength that matches the depth of the convection, which is about two-thirds of the tropospheric depth. This vertical wavelength and the period of the waves, defined by a characteristic convective time scale, means that the horizontal wavelength is constrained through the dispersion relation. Indeed, the wave–convection coupling manifests at the appropriate wavelength, with the emergence of quasi-regular cloud-system spacing of order 100 km. It is shown that cloud systems at this spacing achieve a quasi-resonant state, at least for a few convective life cycles. Such regular spacing is a key component of cloud organization and is likely a contributor to the processes controlling the upscale growth of convective systems. Other gravity wave processes are also elucidated, including their apparent role in the maintenance of convective systems by providing a mechanism for renewed convective activity and system longevity.
The Role of Small Soluble Aerosols in the Microphysics of Deep Maritime Clouds
Authors: Khain A. P. , Phillips V. , Benmoshe N. , Pokrovsky A.
Published: August 2011

Some observational evidence—such as bimodal drop size distributions, comparatively high concentrations of supercooled drops at upper levels, high concentrations of small ice crystals in cloud anvils leading to high optical depth, and lightning in the eyewalls of hurricanes—indicates that the traditional view of the microphysics of deep tropical maritime clouds requires, possibly, some revisions. In the present study it is shown that the observed phenomena listed above can be attributed to the presence of small cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) with diameters less than about 0.05 μm. An increase in vertical velocity above cloud base can lead to an increase in supersaturation and to activation of the smallest CCN, resulting in production of new droplets several kilometers above the cloud base. A significant increase in supersaturation can be also caused by a decrease in droplet concentration during intense warm rain formation accompanied by an intense vertical velocity. This increase in supersaturation also can trigger in-cloud nucleation and formation of small droplets. Another reason for an increase in supersaturation and in-cloud nucleation can be riming, resulting in a decrease in droplet concentration. It has been shown that successive growth of new nucleated droplets increases supercooled water content and leads to significant ice crystal concentrations aloft. The analysis of the synergetic effect of the smallest CCN and giant CCN on production of supercooled water and ice crystals in cloud anvils allows reconsideration of the role of giant CCN. Significant effects of small aerosols on precipitation and cloud updrafts have been found. The possible role of these small aerosols as well as small aerosols with combination of giant CCN in creating conditions favorable for lightning in deep maritime clouds is discussed.
Modeling the Summertime Climate of Southwest Asia: The Role of Land Surface Processes in Shaping the Climate of Semiarid Regions
Authors: Marcella Marc P. , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: August 2011

Presented is a study on the role of land surface processes in determining the summertime climate over the semiarid region of southwest Asia. In this region, a warm surface air temperature bias of 3.5°C is simulated in the summer by using the standard configuration of Regional Climate Model version 3 (RegCM3). Biases are also simulated in surface albedo (underestimation), shortwave incident radiation (overestimation), and vapor pressure (underestimation). Based on satellite measurements documented in NASA’s surface radiation budget (SRB) dataset, a correction in surface albedo by 4% is introduced in RegCM3 to match the observed SRB data. Increasing albedo values results in a nearly 1°C cooling over the region. In addition, by incorporating RegCM3’s dust module and including subgrid variability for surface wind, shortwave incident radiation bias originally of about 45 W m−2 is reduced by 30 W m−2. As a result, the reduction of shortwave incident radiation cools the surface by 0.6°C. Finally, including a representation for the irrigation and marshlands of Mesopotamia produces surface relative humidity values closer to observations, thus eliminating a nearly 5-mb vapor pressure dry bias over some of the region. Consequently, the representation of irrigation and marshlands results in cooling of nearly 1°C in areas downwind of the actual land-cover change. Along with identified biases in observational datasets, these combined processes explain the 3.5°C warm bias in RegCM3 simulations. Therefore, it is found that accurate representations of surface albedo, dust emissions, and irrigation are important in correctly modeling summertime climates of semiarid regions.
Poleward Atmospheric Energy Transports and Their Variability as Evaluated from ECMWF Reanalysis Data
Authors: Mayer Michael , Haimberger Leopold
Published: August 2011

The vertically integrated global energy budget is evaluated with a direct and an indirect method (both corrected for mass inconsistencies of the forecast model), mainly using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis Interim (ERA-Interim) data. A new estimate for the net poleward total energy transport is given. Comparison to satellite-derived radiation data proves that ERA-Interim is better suited for investigation of interannual variations of the global energy budget than available satellite data since these either cover a relatively short period of time or are too inhomogeneous in time. While much improved compared to the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40), regionally averaged energy budgets of ERA-Interim show that strong anomalies of forecasted vertical fluxes tend to be partly compensated by unrealistically large forecasted energy storage rates. Discrepancies between observed and forecasted monthly mean tendencies can be taken as rough measure for the uncertainties involved in the ERA-Interim energy budget. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is shown to have large impact on regional energy budgets, but strong compensation occurs between the western and eastern Pacific, leading to only small net variations of the total poleward energy transports (similar magnitude as the uncertainty of the computations). However, Hovmöller longitude–time plots of tropical energy exports show relatively strong slowly eastward-moving poleward transport anomalies in connection with ENSO. Verification of these findings using independent estimates still needs to be done.
GNSS Precipitable Water Vapor from an Amazonian Rain Forest Flux Tower
Authors: Adams David K. , Fernandes Rui M. S. , Maia Jair M. F.
Published: August 2011

Understanding the complex interactions between water vapor fields and deep convection on the mesoscale requires observational networks with high spatial (kilometers) and temporal (minutes) resolution. In the equatorial tropics, where deep convection dominates the vertical distribution of the most important greenhouse substance—water—these mesoscale networks are nonexistent. Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) meteorological networks offer high temporal/spatial resolution precipitable water vapor, but infrastructure exigencies are great. The authors report here on very accurate precipitable water vapor (PWV) values calculated from a GNSS receiver installed on a highly nonideal Amazon rain forest flux tower. Further experiments with a mechanically oscillating platform demonstrate that errors and biases of approximately 1 mm (2%–3% of PWV) can be expected when compared with a stable reference GNSS receiver for two different geodetic grade receivers/antennas and processing methods [GPS-Inferred Positioning System (GIPSY) and GAMIT]. The implication is that stable fixed antennas are unnecessary for accurate calculation of precipitable water vapor regardless of processing techniques or geodetic grade receiver.
Smoothing Problems in a Bayesian Framework and Their Linear Gaussian Solutions
Authors: Cosme Emmanuel , Verron Jacques , Brasseur Pierre , Blum Jacques , Auroux Didier
Published: August 2011

Smoothers are increasingly used in geophysics. Several linear Gaussian algorithms exist, and the general picture may appear somewhat confusing. This paper attempts to stand back a little, in order to clarify this picture by providing a concise overview of what the different smoothers really solve, and how. The authors begin addressing this issue from a Bayesian viewpoint. The filtering problem consists in finding the probability of a system state at a given time, conditioned to some past and present observations (if the present observations are not included, it is a forecast problem). This formulation is unique: any different formulation is a smoothing problem. The two main formulations of smoothing are tackled here: the joint estimation problem (fixed lag or fixed interval), where the probability of a series of system states conditioned to observations is to be found, and the marginal estimation problem, which deals with the probability of only one system state, conditioned to past, present, and future observations. The various strategies to solve these problems in the Bayesian framework are introduced, along with their deriving linear Gaussian, Kalman filter-based algorithms. Their ensemble formulations are also presented. This results in a classification and a possible comparison of the most common smoothers used in geophysics. It should provide a good basis to help the reader find the most appropriate algorithm for his/her own smoothing problem.
On Peirce’s Motivation for Equitability in Forecast Verification
Authors: Rodwell Mark J.
Published: August 2011

In 1884, Peirce proposed a new two-category score for deterministic forecasts. The score was motivated by the desire to estimate the number of correct forecasts based on sound reasoning, without being sensitive to the frequency distribution of any residual random component of the forecast system. At the end of his article, Peirce pondered the situation of more than two categories and stated “I have a solution for this case.” Alas, it does not appear that he published this. Here, a simple calculation demonstrates a possible solution. Interestingly, it leads directly to the equitability constraints proposed over a hundred years later by Gandin and Murphy. Indeed, Peirce’s motivation provides a compelling and complementary justification for the use of equitability in scoring.
Preparation and properties of multifunctional nylon 6 composite material
Authors: Chiu-Chun Lai , Chyi-Wen Jen , Yuh-Shyang Chang , Kuo-Shien Huang
Published: August 2011

We considered polyamide 6 as a base material for a composite and added improved tourmaline and carbon fiber to manufacture a material that could release negative ions and resist electromagnetic waves. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses, we verified that the improved tourmaline could disperse homogeneously in the base material, whose thermal properties improved as the content of tourmaline increased. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the added tourmaline and carbon fiber complemented the conductive network of the composite material. A negative ion detector and an infrared thermal imaging system both revealed that with an appropriate tourmaline content, the negative ion release properties of the composite material could reach 2020 units cm−3 with a difference in temperature of up to 7.54°C. Analyses by a four-point probe low-resistance tester and electromagnetic wave shielding effectiveness tester demonstrated that the osmotic concentration was approximately 4%, and the surface resistivity was high, up to 1.04 × 107 Ω cm−1, reaching the range of static dissipative materials (106–1012 Ω cm−1). The maximum electromagnetic wave shielding effectiveness was as high as 30 dB MHz−1.
Hemp fiber and its composites – a review
Authors: Shahzad Asim
Published: August 2011

The use of hemp fibers as reinforcement in composite materials has increased in recent years as a response to the increasing demand for developing biodegradable, sustainable, and recyclable materials. Hemp fibers are found in the stem of the plant which makes them strong and stiff, a primary requirement for the reinforcement of composite materials. Themechanical properties of hemp fibers are comparable to those of glass fibers. However their biggest disadvantage is the variability in their properties. Composites made of hemp fibers with thermoplastic, thermoset, and biodegradable matrices have exhibited good mechanical properties. A number of hemp fiber surface treatments, used to improve the fiber/matrix interfacial bonding, have resulted in considerable improvements in the composites’ mechanical properties.
Behavioral modeling of a monolithically integrated three-axis capacitive accelerometer based on the MetalMUMPs process
Authors: Iqbal Abid , Bazaz Shafaat A.
Published: August 2011

In this paper we present behavioral modeling of a monolithically integrated three-axis capacitive accelerometer using the standard MetalMUMPs process. The behavioral modeling is done in order to verify the design with respect to structural and electrostatic performance of the designed three-axis capacitive accelerometer. The proposed accelerometer is 3.2 mm × 3.5 mm in size, designed for sensing the acceleration of 25 g in three axes. The mechanical noise floor for in-plane ( x and y) and out-of-plane ( z) axes is 0.291, 0.316, and 2.84 µ g/√ (Hz), respectively. The total sense capacitance along the x, y, and z axes is 68.5 fF, 100 fF, and 6.19 pF, respectively. Sensitivity of 2.568 fF/ g, 4 fF/ g, and 0.252 pF/ g is obtained for in-plane ( x and y) and out-of-plane ( z) axes, respectively. The resonance frequency for the designed accelerometer is 800 and 2500 Hz for in-plane and out-of-plane axes, respectively. The results obtained by behavioral modeling are compared with the analytical results, which are approximately the same.
Evaluating electronic health record systems: a system dynamics simulation
Authors: Kasiri Narges , Sharda Ramesh , Asamoah Daniel Adomako
Published: August 2011

Implementing electronic health record (EHR) systems in the next few years is on the agenda for many healthcare organizations. Before investing in an EHR system, however, decision makers need to identify and measure the benefits of such systems. We propose using a system dynamics (SD) approach to measuring the benefits of EHR systems. Using an SD approach, it is possible to map complex relationships among clinical processes in hospitals into a model by which one can dynamically measure the effect of any changes in the parameters over time. Simulation of EHR implementations using an SD model produces useful data on the benefits of EHRs that are hard to obtain through empirical data collection methods. The results of an SD model can then be transformed into economic values to estimate financial performance. This paper presents an example of an SD model and its application in EHR decision making.
Extending the Concept of Moral Panic: Elias, Climate Change and Civilization
Authors: Rohloff Amanda
Published: August 2011

Combining the theories and concepts of Norbert Elias with the empirical example of climate change, this article aims to extend and develop the concept of moral panic. The focus of the analysis is on the documentary An Inconvenient Truth — an exemplar of a more general trend in popular culture regarding the moralization and individual regulation of climate change. In the final sections of the article, Al Gore’s short-term campaign is related to more long-term social processes.
The Methodological Impact of Feminism: A Troubling Issue for Sociology?
Authors: Cohen Rachel Lara , Hughes Christina , Lampard Richard
Published: August 2011

As British sociology seeks to overcome a historical distaste for quantitative research methods, one of the discipline’s most dynamic sub-fields may prove troublesome. Feminist research thrives both within and outside sociology. As such it provides new insights and enriches the discipline, something recognized by the 2010 Benchmarking Review of Sociology. Yet feminist research has long been associated with an antipathy towards quantitative methods. This article explores the extent to which this persists. Methodological patterns in articles from 19 journals in the interdisciplinary field of ‘women’s studies’ are analysed. Perhaps surprisingly, a large proportion of articles employed quantitative methods. Those engaged with feminist literature or epistemologies were, however, unlikely to be quantitative. This article also highlights the importance of national contexts, suggesting perhaps we should not ask why UK research is so qualitative, but why US research is so quantitative.
Rethinking the Cultural Context of Schooling Decisions in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods
Authors: Harding David J.
Published: August 2011

The literature on neighborhood effects on schooling theorizes that neighborhood cultural context is an important mechanism generating such effects. However, explanations that rely on subcultural theories, such as oppositional culture, have met with considerable criticism on empirical grounds, and no alternative account of the cultural context of disadvantaged neighborhoods has been developed in the education literature. This study develops a new account of the cultural context of schooling decisions in disadvantaged neighborhoods based on the concept of cultural heterogeneity, defined as the presence of a wide array of competing and conflicting cultural models. It applies this concept to neighborhood effects on college enrollment. Using survey data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study shows that disadvantaged neighborhoods exhibit greater heterogeneity in college goals and that adolescents in more heterogeneous neighborhoods are less likely to act in concert with the college goals that they articulate.
Prediction of various degrees of vocational secondary school absenteeism: Importance of the organization of the educational system
Authors: Lannegrand-Willems Lyda , Cosnefroy Olivier , Lecigne André
Published: August 2011

The aim of this research was to study different types of absenteeism in vocational secondary school taking into account the specificity of the school context. Participants were 523 students. First, three school absenteeism groups were established: Students with no absenteeism (nearly 64% of the sample), students with absenteeism (26%), and students with problematic absenteeism (10%). These groups were then compared according to four dimensions directly linked to the school context in order to identify the characteristics most associated with each type of absenteeism. Dimensions considered in this study were: 1) students’ characteristics and their status in vocational secondary school; 2) personal variables of school involvement; 3) relational variables (with parents, teachers, and school climate); and 4) belief variable in school system (belief in school justice). Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed that beyond the impact of the personal variables, the organization of the educational system seems to be a major predictor in the explanation of various forms of absenteeism. Implications from the research for psychological providers practice were suggested in order to encourage school attendance by vocational secondary school students.
Small Bowel Feeding Tube Placement Using an Electromagnetic Tube Placement Device
Authors: Rivera Rene , Campana Jeanmarie , Hamilton Cynthia , Lopez Rocio , Seidner Douglas
Published: August 2011

Background: An electromagnetic tube placement device (ETPD) monitors tip position of feeding tubes (FT) during placement in the digestive tract. It helps to avoid airway misplacement and permits positioning into the small bowel (SB). This study compares the overall agreement between FT tip location as determined by an ETPD vs an abdominal radiograph of the kidneys, ureter, and bladder (KUB). Methods: Using an ETPD, A nurse placed postpyloric FTs in ICU patients. We included all patients in whom the ETPD was used for FT placement. Data were prospectively recorded for 255 days on the rate of successful postpyloric placement, ETPD estimated tip location, and KUB location. Results: 860 tubes were placed in 616 patients, 719 (83.6%) of which recorded for ETPD and KUB. According to the KUB, 81% of tubes were in the SB; however, ETPD suggested 89% were beyond the pylorus. There was moderate agreement beyond what could be attributed to chance between KUB and ETPD tip locations (475 [66.1%], κ score 0.62 [95% confidence interval 0.58–0.67]). More tubes by KUB were distal (134[18.6%]) vs proximal (110[15.3%]) to the suspected location by ETPD (P < .0001. Tubes in or distal to the second half of the duodenum, according to ETPD were rarely in the stomach (<1%). No tubes were proximal to the stomach or placed into the airway. Conclusions: The strong agreement between KUB and ETPD, when tubes were believed to be in the second part of the duodenum or beyond, suggests that KUB is necessary only when the FT tip is suspected to be in the proximal duodenum.
Spoiled Group Identities and Backstage Work
Authors: O’Brien John
Published: August 2011

How do persons with a stigmatized identity learn potential responses to discrimination and harassment? Drawing on three and a half years of ethnographic data, this paper demonstrates how members of a group of Muslim American youth are socialized in locally dominant stigma management strategies through stigma management rehearsals. Stigma management rehearsals are small group interactions through which leaders and members encourage their peers to adopt normative stigma responses. I identify two rehearsal types that vary in their socializing function as well as in their temporal orientation toward stigmatizing incidents. In direct preparation rehearsals, individuals anticipating a stigmatizing encounter are quickly taught the normative response. In deep education rehearsals, stigmatizing incidents set in the past or hypothetical future are used to teach justifications underlying local responses and to allow for the private expression of publicly inappropriate responses. These findings suggest that intragroup dynamics and backstage processes are important considerations when investigating issues of stigma and stigma management.
Working Women Households And Time-Saving Consumption
Authors: Mathew Shalina Susan
Published: August 2011

This article explores the impact of labour force participation of Indian women on the consumption expenditure of their households. Field survey data were collected from working-wife and non-working wife households in Kerala, the state in India with the highest labour market participation of women in the organised sector. Differences in time-saving consumption expenditures of working and non-working wife households and different variables influencing consumption expenditures were researched. The study shows that among the variables which positively affect the time-saving consumption expenditure of the households, non-economic factors influence the time-saving consumption expenditure of the working-wife households more prominently than in non-working wife households.
Do beta-blockers alter dyspnea and fatigue in advanced lung cancer? A retrospective analysis
Authors: Cameron Paul , Ellis Peter M , Pond Gregory R , Goffin John R
Published: August 2011

Introduction:

Dyspnea is common in lung cancer and may be partially attributable to increased ventilatory drive due to muscle weakness. The sympathetic component of this pathway might be mitigated by β-blockers.

Methods:

A retrospective review of new patients with stage III–IV non-small lung cancer or any small cell lung cancer was undertaken to assess the impact of β-blocker use on dyspnea and fatigue. Data were abstracted for clinical characteristics, β-blocker use, and pre-treatment Edmonton Symptom Assessment System dyspnea and fatigue scores.

Results:

Of 348 patients assessed, 202 met eligibility criteria. The median age was 67, 55.4% were female, 18.8% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 5.9% had active coronary artery disease. Over 60% of patients scored 4/10 or higher on their dyspnea and fatigue scores. While dyspnea and fatigue were moderately associated, no association was found between β-blocker use and either symptom. Recorded dosages of β-blockers were low. COPD was associated with dyspnea and fatigue, while anemia was associated with fatigue.

Conclusions:

Dyspnea and fatigue are prevalent and increased in the presence of COPD and anemia. No association between β-blocker use and dyspnea or fatigue scores was observed. This may be attributable to inadequate dosing or to retrospective bias.
Work and family conflict in academic science: Patterns and predictors among women and men in research universities
Authors: Fox Mary Frank , Fonseca Carolyn , Bao Jinghui
Published: August 2011

This article addresses work–family conflict as reported among women and men academic scientists in data systematically collected across fields of study in nine US research universities. Arguing that academic science is a particularly revealing case for studying work–family conflict, the article addresses: (1) the bi-directional conflict of work with family, and family with work, reported among the scientists; (2) the ways that higher, compared with lower, conflict, is predicted by key features of family, academic rank, and departments/institutions; and (3) patterns and predictors of work–family conflict that vary, as well as converge, by gender. Results point to notable differences, and commonalties, by gender, in factors affecting interference in both directions of work–family conflict reported by scientists. These findings have implications for understandings of how marriage and children, senior compared with junior academic rank, and departmental climates shape work–family conflict among women and men in US academic science.
Quantifying the uncertainty of synchrotron-based lattice strain measurements
Authors: Schuren J C , Miller M P
Published: August 2011

Crystallographic lattice strains – measured using diffraction techniques – are the same magnitude as typical macroscopic elastic strains. From a research perspective, the main interest is in measuring changes in lattice strains induced during in-situ loading: either from one macroscopic stress level to another or from one cycle to the next. The hope is to link these measurements to deformation-induced changes in the internal structure of crystals, possibly related to inelastic deformation and damage. These measurements are relatively new – little experimental intuition exists and it is difficult to discern whether observed differences are due to actual micromechanical evolution or to random experimental fluctuations. If the measurements are linked to material evolution on the size scale of the individual crystal, they have the potential to change the ideas about grain scale deformation partitioning processes and can be used to validate crystal-based simulation frameworks. Therefore, understanding the uncertainty associated with the lattice strain experiments is a crucial step in their continued development. If the measured lattice strains are of the same order as the random fluctuations that are part of the measurement process, documenting the strains can create more confusion than understanding. Often lattice strain error is quoted as ±1 × 10−4. This simple value fails to account for the range of factors that contribute to the experimental uncertainty – which, if not properly accounted for, may lead to a false confidence in the measurements. The focus of this paper is the development of a lattice strain uncertainty expression that delineates the contributing factors into terms that vary independently: (i) the contribution from the instrument and (ii) the contribution from the material under investigation. These aspects of uncertainty are described, and it is then possible to employ a calibrant powder method (diffraction from an unstrained material with high-precision lattice constants) to quantify the instrument portion of the lattice strain uncertainty. In these experiments, the instrument contribution to the uncertainty has been found to be a function of the Bragg angle and the intensity of the diffracted peaks. To develop a model for the instrument portion of the lattice strain uncertainty two datasets obtained using a MAR345 online image plate at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source and a GE 41RT amorphous silicon detector at the Advanced Photon Source have been examined.
Migraine and cognitive decline in the population-based EVA study
Authors: Rist Pamela M , Dufouil Carole , Glymour M Maria , Tzourio Christophe , Kurth Tobias
Published: August 2011

Background: Previous studies on migraine and cognition have shown mixed results. However, many could not assess the relationship between migraine and change in cognitive function or only used a limited number of cognitive tests.

Methods: Prospective cohort study among 1170 participants of the Epidemiology of Vascular Ageing Study who provided information about migraine status and completed cognitive testing. Participants were classified as having no severe headache, non-migraine headache and migraine. Cognitive functioning was measured at up to four time points using nine different cognitive functioning tests. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate the relationship between migraine status and change in cognitive function.

Results: Of the 1170 participants, 938 had no severe headache, 167 had migraine, and 65 had non-migraine headache. After adjusting for age, gender, education and smoking status, people with migraine or non-migraine headache did not experience a greater rate of cognitive decline than those without headache or migraine in any domain (for the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), p-values were 0.68 for the non-migraine headache and time interaction and 0.85 for the migraine and time interaction) during 4–5 years of follow-up. For the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, those with migraine declined less over time (p-value = 0.02).

Conclusion: Migraine was not associated with faster cognitive decline over time.
Logics, thresholds, strategic power, and the promotion of liberalisation by governments: a case study from British higher education
Authors: Dodds Anneliese
Published: August 2011

Liberalisation has become an increasingly important policy trend, both in the private and public sectors of advanced industrial economies. This article eschews deterministic accounts of liberalisation by considering why government attempts to institute competition may be successful in some cases and not others. It considers the relative strength of explanations focusing on the institutional context, and on the volume and power of sectoral actors supporting liberalisation. These approaches are applied to two attempts to liberalise, one successful and one unsuccessful, within one sector in one nation – higher education in Britain. Each explanation is seen to have some explanatory power, but none is sufficient to explain why competition was generalised in the one case and not the other. The article counsels the need for scholars of liberalisation to be open to multiple explanations which may require the marshalling of multiple sources and types of evidence.
Wigner–Ville distribution based on cyclic spectral density and the application in rolling element bearings diagnosis
Authors: Zhou Y , Chen J , Dong G M , Xiao W B , Wang Z Y
Published: August 2011

The vibration signals of rolling element bearings are random cyclostationary when they have faults. Also, statistical properties of the signals change periodically with time. The accurate analysis of time-varying signals is an essential pre-requisite for the fault diagnosis and hence safe operation of rolling element bearings. The Wigner distribution is probably most widely used among the Cohen’s class in order to describe how the spectral content of a signal changes over time. However, the basic nature of such signals causes significant interfering cross-terms, which do not permit a straightforward interpretation of the energy distribution. To overcome this difficulty, the Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD) based on the cyclic spectral density (CSD) is discussed in this article. It is shown that the improved WVD, based on CSD of a long time series, can render the time–frequency distribution less susceptible to noise, and restrain the cross-terms in the time–frequency domain. Simulation and experiment of the rolling element-bearing fault diagnosis are performed, and the results indicate the validity of WVD based on CSD in time–frequency analysis for bearing fault detection.
A study on dynamic behaviour of functionally graded thick hollow circular cylinders
Authors: Talebian S T , Tahani M
Published: August 2011

This article presents the analysis of functionally graded hollow circular cylinders with finite length under axisymmetric dynamic loads. It is assumed that the functionally graded cylinder is comprised of metal-phase and ceramic-phase, whereas material properties are graded in the thickness direction of the cylinder according to power law distribution. Two-dimensional finite element method in conjunction with the Newmark method is used to solve the system of time-dependent coupled equations that govern the dynamic responses. By introducing especial elements, it is possible to distribute the material properties through the thickness of cylinder exactly according to the power law distribution. Dynamic loads applied on the cylinder are axisymmetric in the hoop direction and can vary in the radial and axial directions. As examples, the transient responses of functionally graded cylinders, which are excited in radial direction by increasing and sudden internal pressure and line load and also in axial direction by longitudinal incident wavelet, are calculated, and the characteristics of waves are discussed. The results in the present study are obtained for thick cylinder and cylindrical shell and compared with the results for isotropic cylinders.
Mathematical modelling, simulation, and estimation of aircraft parameters using five degree-of-freedom dynamic test rig
Authors: Peyada N K , Ghosh A K , Go T H
Published: August 2011

This article proposes a scheme to estimate the aerodynamic derivatives of aircraft using a wind tunnel dynamic test rig system. A five-degree-of-freedom (DOF) rig system has been used to simulate near free flight manoeuvres inside the wind tunnel by exciting a scaled down model aircraft through various types of control surface deflections. A mathematical model that incorporates five DOF in aircraft motion has been developed. The five DOF equations of motion of the rig system are formulated using a vector and matrix approach. The simulated flight data, generated from a five DOF mathematical model, has been used to estimate the aerodynamic parameters of the aircraft. The maximum likelihood method has been used to achieve close estimates of the parameters by minimizing the error between simulated and computed response.
Values for Excellence in Professional Work
Authors: Srinivasan M.S.
Published: August 2011

One of the main events of our modern age is the emergence of the professional class or the knowledge-worker as a powerful and influential section of the society. The technocrat, manager, banker, entre-preneur and the finance-pro are some of the dominant types of these professional elite of our age. This brings us to the question, what are the values which can lead to quality and excellence in professional work? Professional excellence is normally associated with knowledge and skill. A professional is a knowledge-worker and therefore knowledge and skill are undoubtedly some of the important values of professional work. But for excellence, knowledge and skill alone are not enough. Something more is needed. This article examines the guiding values of professional work in the modern corporate context.
Effect of imatinib therapy with and without turmeric powder on nitric oxide levels in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ghalaut Veena S , Sangwan Lata , Dahiya Kiran , Ghalaut PS , Dhankhar Rakesh , Saharan Rakesh
Published: August 2011

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in different stages of malignancies. Increased levels of NO have been reported in different leukemias. Imatinib is the preferred drug for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Turmeric powder contains curcumin which has anti-leukemic property and also decreases NO synthesis. This study was conducted on fifty patients of CML divided into two groups, group A receiving imatinib alone and group B receiving turmeric powder along with imatinib for six weeks. Nitric oxide levels were estimated in these patients before and after receiving therapy and were analyzed statistically. Nitric oxide levels were found to be significantly decreased in both the groups, but more significantly in group B after receiving the respective treatments. Thus, curcumin acts as an adjuvant to imatinib in decreasing the NO levels and may help in the treatment of CML patients.
Growth Dysregulation and ADHD
Authors: Faraone Stephen V. , Lecendreux Michel , Konofal Eric
Published: August 2011

Objective: A small literature suggests that ADHD may be associated with dysregulated growth, but this prior work primarily used clinically referred samples, so it faces difficulties of interpretation. The objective of this study is to sample the general French population for ADHD and evaluate if ADHD is associated with dysregulated growth. Methods: Starting with 18 million telephone numbers, 7,912 were randomly called. Among 4,186 eligible families, 1,012 were recruited. The goal was for the final distribution of the sample to match the demographic background of the French population. A telephone interview was administered to all families to diagnose ADHD and assess other psychopathology and functioning variables. Results: Medication-naïve ADHD was associated with being taller, t(515) = 26.3, p < .001, and heavier, t(518) = 1.8, p = .03, for young children. In contrast, for older children, medication-naïve ADHD participants were shorter and lighter. These results were stronger for weight than height. Conclusion: Although these data do not cast doubt on the well-documented association of stimulant treatment with delays in growth, they provide some support for the idea that, in the absence of medication exposure, ADHD is associated with dysregulated growth.