bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Determinants of Statin-Induced Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction
Authors: Chasman Daniel I. , Giulianini Franco , MacFadyen Jean , Barratt Bryan J. , Nyberg Fredrik , Ridker Paul M
Published: February 2012

Background—

In statin trials, each 20 mg/dL reduction in cholesterol results in a 10–15% reduction of annual incidence rates for vascular events. However, interindividual variation in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) response to statins is wide and may partially be determined on a genetic basis.

Methods and Results—

A genome-wide association study of LDL-C response was performed among a total of 6989 men and women of European ancestry who were randomly allocated to either rosuvastatin 20 mg daily or placebo. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genome-wide association (
P
<5×10
−8
) with LDL-C reduction on rosuvastatin were identified at
ABCG2
,
LPA
, and
APOE
, and a further association at
PCSK9
was genome-wide significant for baseline LDL-C and locus-wide significant for LDL-C reduction. Median LDL-C reductions on rosuvastatin were 40, 48, 51, 55, 60, and 64 mg/dL, respectively, among those inheriting increasing numbers of LDL-lowering alleles for SNPs at these 4 loci (
P
trend=6.2×10
−20
), such that each allele approximately doubled the odds of percent LDL-C reduction greater than the trial median (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8–2.1;
P
=5.0×10
−41
). An intriguing additional association with sub–genome-wide significance (
P
<1×10
-6
) was identified for statin related LDL-C reduction at
IDOL
, which mediates posttranscriptional regulation of the LDL receptor in response to intracellular cholesterol levels. In candidate analysis, SNPs in
SLCO1B1
and
LDLR
were confirmed as associated with LDL-C lowering, and a significant interaction was observed between SNPs in
PCSK9
and
LDLR
.

Conclusions—

Inherited polymorphisms that predominantly relate to statin pharmacokinetics and endocytosis of LDL particles by the LDL receptor are common in the general population and influence individual patient response to statin therapy.
Most Important Papers in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Implantation
Authors:   The Editors
Published: February 2012

The following are highlights from the series,
Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions Topic Review
. This series summarizes the most important manuscripts, as selected by the editors, which have published in the
Circulation
portfolio. The studies included in this article represent the most noteworthy research in the areas of transcatheter aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic-valve implantation.
Effect of Fructose on Blood Pressure
Authors: Ha Vanessa , Sievenpiper John L. , de Souza Russell J. , Chiavaroli Laura , Wang D. David , Cozma Adrian I. , Mirrahimi Arash , Yu Matthew E. , Carleton Amanda J. , Dibuono Marco , Jenkins Alexandra L. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Wolever Thomas M.S. , Beyene Joseph , Kendall Cyril W.C. , Jenkins David J.A.
Published: February 2012

Concerns have been raised about the adverse effect of fructose on blood pressure. International dietary guidelines, however, have not addressed fructose intake directly. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of fructose in isocaloric exchange for other carbohydrates on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures. Studies were identified using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases (through January 9, 2012). Human clinical trials of isocaloric oral fructose exchange for other carbohydrate sources for ≥7 days were included in the analysis. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method using random-effects models and expressed as mean differences with 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Q-statistic and quantified by I
2
. Study quality was assessed using the Heyland Methodological Quality Score. Thirteen isocaloric (n=352) and 2 hypercaloric (n=24) trials met the eligibility criteria. Overall, fructose intake in isocaloric exchange for other carbohydrates significantly decreased diastolic (mean difference: −1.54 [95% CI: −2.77 to −0.32]) and mean arterial pressure (mean difference: −1.16 [95% CI: −2.15 to −0.18]). There was no significant effect of fructose on systolic blood pressure (mean difference: −1.10 [95% CI: −2.46 to 0.44]). The hypercaloric fructose feeding trials found no significant overall mean arterial blood pressure effect of fructose in comparison with other carbohydrates. To confirm these results, longer and larger trials are needed. Contrary to previous concerns, we found that isocaloric substitution of fructose for other carbohydrates did not adversely affect blood pressure in humans.
Evaluation of TRMM Rain Estimates Using Ground Measurements over Central Florida
Authors: Wang Jianxin , Wolff David B.
Published: February 2012

This study evaluates space-based rain estimates from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite using ground-based measurements from the radar (GR) and tipping-bucket rain gauges (TG) over the TRMM Ground Validation (GV) site at Melbourne, Florida. The satellite rain products are derived from the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI), precipitation radar (PR), and combined (COM) rain algorithms using observations from both instruments. The TRMM satellite and GV rain products are spatiotemporally matched and are intercompared at multiple time scales over the 12-yr period from 1998 to 2009. On monthly and yearly scales, the TG agree excellently with the GR because the GR rain rates are generated using the TG data as a constraint on a monthly basis. However, large disagreements exist between the GR and TG at shorter time scales because of their significantly different spatial and temporal sampling modes. The yearly biases relative to the GR for the PR and TMI are generally negative, with a few exceptions. The COM bias fluctuates from year to year over the 12-yr period. The PR, TMI, and COM are in good overall agreement with the GR in the lower range of rain rates, but the agreement is notably worse at higher rain rates. The diurnal cycle of rainfall is captured well by all products, but the peak satellite-derived rainfall (PR, TMI, and COM) lags the peak from the ground measurements (GR and TG) by ~1 h.
Contributions of Downstream Eddy Development to the Teleconnection between ENSO and the Atmospheric Circulation over the North Atlantic
Authors: Li Ying , Lau Ngar-Cheung
Published: February 2012

The spatiotemporal evolution of various meteorological phenomena associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the North Pacific–North American–North Atlantic sector is examined using both NCEP–NCAR reanalyses and output from a 2000-yr integration of a global coupled climate model. Particular attention is devoted to the implications of downstream eddy developments on the relationship between ENSO and the atmospheric circulation over the North Atlantic.

The El Niño–related persistent events are characterized by a strengthened Pacific subtropical jet stream and an equatorward-shifted storm track over the North Pacific. The wave packets that populate the storm tracks travel eastward through downstream development. The barotropic forcing of the embedded synoptic-scale eddies is conducive to the formation of a flow that resembles the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The more frequent and higher persistence of those episodes during El Niño winters contribute to the prevalence of negative NAO conditions.

The above processes are further delineated by conducting a case study for the 2009/10 winter season, in which both El Niño and negative NAO conditions prevailed. It is illustrated that the frequent and intense surface cyclone development over North America and the western Atlantic throughout that winter are associated with upper-level troughs propagating across North America, which in turn are linked to downstream evolution of wave packets originating from the Pacific storm track.
An Automated Cirrus Cloud Detection Method for a Ground-Based Cloud Image
Authors: Yang Jun , Lu Weitao , Ma Ying , Yao Wen
Published: February 2012

Cloud detection is a basic research for achieving cloud-cover state and other cloud characteristics. Because of the influence of sunlight, the brightness of sky background on the ground-based cloud image is usually nonuniform, which increases the difficulty for cirrus cloud detection, and few detection methods perform well for thin cirrus clouds. This paper presents an effective background estimation method to eliminate the influence of variable illumination conditions and proposes a background subtraction adaptive threshold method (BSAT) to detect cirrus clouds in visible images for the small field of view and mixed clear–cloud scenes. The BSAT algorithm consists of red-to-blue band operation, background subtraction, adaptive threshold selection, and binarization. The experimental results show that the BSAT algorithm is robust for all types of cirrus clouds, and the quantitative evaluation results demonstrate that the BSAT algorithm outperforms the fixed threshold (FT) and adaptive threshold (AT) methods in cirrus cloud detection.
On the design and characterisation of low-stiffness auxetic yarns and fabrics
Authors: Wright Julian R , Burns Michael K , James Edward , Sloan Michael R , Evans Kenneth E
Published: February 2012

An auxetic material is one which exhibits a negative Poisson's ratio; it expands laterally when stretched longitudinally and contracts laterally when compressed longitudinally. The helical auxetic yarn is a novel fibre structure with a diverse range of potential applications. The unusual mechanical properties of the yarn can be determined by particular combinations of geometry and component material properties. This paper reports on the development of low-stiffness auxetic yarns and fabrics which offer a range of applications such as medical devices, particularly bandages, compression hosiery and support garments and fashion apparel. The mechanical performance of the yarns and fabrics is elucidated, with emphasis on the ability to exploit significant changes through a prescribed strain range. A yarn Poisson's ratio as low as −1.5 is demonstrated, and fabrics with in-plane and out-of-plane negative Poisson's ratios are illustrated. Stiffness is shown to be highly dependent upon yarn geometry.
Electrokinetic properties of functional layers in absorbent incontinence nonwoven products
Authors: Vincent Edwards J , Prevost Nicolette , Condon Brian , Batiste Sarah , Reynolds Michael , Allen Hiram (Chuck) , Ducruet Miriam , Sawhney Paul , Parikh Dharnidar V , Slopek Ryan
Published: February 2012

Incontinence control through the use of well designed nonwoven materials is a rapidly growing area of interest. Analysis of the streaming zeta potential, absorbance capacity and moisture content measurements of absorbent layers in incontinence materials is a useful approach to evaluation and design. Using this approach, electrokinetic properties can be used to demonstrate the role of fiber surface polarity, swelling, and water uptake in the mechanism of incontinence control. By applying electrochemical double layer analysis to functional layers of absorbent incontinence products, the polar charge differences between cover stock, the acquisition/distribution layer (ADL) and the absorbent core were characterized. The aqueous fiber polarity is characterized from pH titration plots that give zeta plateau (ζplateau) values for each absorbent layer. The ζplateau value assigns the relative hydrophilic/hydrophobic (amphiphilic) character of the cover stock and ADL. Delta zeta (Δζ) and moisture content are applied to determine the functional value of fluid acquisition due to swelling and moisture absorption. Structure/function mechanisms are proposed for urine uptake relative to volume, pH and fluid transport in the cover stock and ADL of heavy, moderate, light incontinence pads and adult incontinence underwear. Using an electrokinetic analysis as a model to describe the mechanism of urine transport in absorbent incontinence materials makes possible the distinction of absorbent material design differences based on fiber charge, swelling, and absorption capacity. The electrokinetic model approach to absorbent incontinence material analysis and design is discussed for its potential applications.
Physico-mechanical properties of chemically treated polypropylene rice straw bio-composites
Authors: Bassyouni M. , Taha I. , Abdel-Hamid Shereen M.-S. , Steuernagel L.
Published: February 2012

Rice straw is causing in many countries severe environmental problems in terms of black clouds caused by the incineration process. Hence, among other reasons, the incorporation of ground rice straw as a filler and reinforcement material for polymers is of advantageous. In this study, Egyptian rice straw was used to reinforce commercial polypropylene and laboratory prepared maleic anhydride-grafted PP with the fill grades between 5wt% and 30wt%. Rice straw PP composites show an improved Young's modulus at increased fill grades, against a decrease in tensile strength. The addition of 1% maleic anhydride per I g of rice straw as a compatibilizing agent caused further amelioration of the fiber/matrix bonding leading to improved mechanical behavior, which was also assessed using scanning electron microscopy. Additional assessments were made via thermographic analysis and density measurements.
Delamination growth behavior in carbon fiber reinforced plastic angle ply laminates under compressive fatigue loads
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wang Rongguo , Liu Wenbo , Chen Chunlu , He Xiaodong
Published: February 2012

Delamination fatigue growth experiments are carried out on angle ply T700/TDE85 Graphite/Epoxy laminates under compressive fatigue loads. Delamination growth is monitored in real time during fatigue test. Three-dimensional finite element methods are used to calculate strain energy release rate G by standard ABAQUS procedures. Components of strain energy release rate as the delamination grows are discussed. In particular, the delamination growth rate da/dN and the stabilized delamination length are systematically investigated in order to define the effect of loading level, delamination size, and delamination position on delamination growth behavior under compressive fatigue loads. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy techniques are used to identify the fatigue delamination growth mechanisms and to assess the delamination growth behavior.
Toughening of brittle epoxy using bitumen as a new modifier
Authors: Zavareh Siamak , Vahdat Ghader
Published: February 2012

This article describes the toughening of brittle epoxy using bitumen as a new modifier. The main objective of this study is to incorporate bitumen into epoxy matrix with the aim of obtaining an epoxy hybrid material with higher impact and fracture properties and lower cost without attenuating the other desired mechanical properties such as tensile strength. Mechanical properties of epoxy/bitumen hybrids with different bitumen contents were studied. With the addition of only 2% bitumen to epoxy, maximum improvements of 164% and 187% were obtained for impact strength and fracture resistance, respectively. The addition of bitumen to epoxy matrix had no significant effect on tensile properties. Morphological properties of the hybrid were studied by scanning electron microscopy and a dispersion of micron-sized bitumen particles in epoxy-rich matrix was obtained as main morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis of the hybrid in inert environment showed that the thermal stability decreases slightly with incorporation of bitumen into epoxy matrix. The chemical stability of the hybrid against different acids and alkalis was higher than neat epoxy but relatively lower stability was observed against organic solvents.
Evaluation of skin-core adhesion bond of out-of-autoclave honeycomb sandwich structures
Authors: Butukuri R.R. , Bheemreddy V.P. , Chandrashekhara K. , Berkel T.R. , Rupel K.
Published: February 2012

Composite sandwich structures offer several advantages over conventional structural materials such as lightweight, high bending and torsional stiffness, superior thermal insulation and excellent acoustic damping. One failure mechanism in a composite sandwich structure is the debonding of the composite facesheets from the core structure. A well-formed adhesive fillet at the interface of the honeycomb core cell walls and the laminate is a significant factor in preventing bond failure. In the present work, honeycomb composite sandwich panels are manufactured using a low-cost vacuum-bag-pressure-only out-of-autoclave manufacturing process. CYCOM®5320 out-of autoclave prepreg is used for the facesheet laminates and FM® 300-2U film adhesive is used for the facesheet-to-core bond. The manufactured composite sandwich panels are of aerospace quality with a facesheet laminate void content of around 1%. In this study, adhesive fillet formation and adhesive mechanical strength are evaluated as a function of several different sandwich construction design variables. Both aluminum and aramid Nomex® honeycomb core materials are considered to study the effect of core cell size and core material. The effect of film adhesive thickness is studied. A process for reticulation of the adhesive is applied and studied. A quantitative investigation of the adhesive fillet geometry is carried out for all the panels. Manufactured panels are evaluated for flatwise tensile strength in accordance with test method ASTM C297. Optimized combinations of core material, core density, cell size and adhesive thickness are identified. Results show that the reticulation process improves fillet formation and increases flatwise tensile properties.
Transverse impact behaviors of four-step 3-D rectangular braided composites from unit-cell approach
Authors: Zhang Yan , Jiang Lili , Sun Baozhong , Gu Bohong
Published: February 2012

Transverse impact behaviors of 3-D carbon/epoxy braided composite are reported in experimental and finite element analysis (FEA) approaches. In the experimental approach, the quasi-static penetration and transverse impact behaviors were tested to obtain load–displacement curves and fracture morphologies of the braided composite. In FEA, a unit cell model was established to derive the constitutive equation and failure criteria. Based on the model, a user-defined material subroutine (VUMAT) was written and connected with commercial FEA code ABAQUS/Explicit to calculate the impact damage. Good agreements between the experimental and FEA results prove the validity of the unit cell model and the subroutine VUMAT.
Morphology, dimensional stability and mechanical properties of polypropylene–wood flour composites with and without nanoclay
Authors: Khanjanzadeh Hossein , Tabarsa Taghi , Shakeri Alireza
Published: February 2012

Several composites based on recycled—virgin polypropylene, wood flour and organically modified montmorillonite (commonly called ‘nanoclay’) were prepared by melt compounding. This paper aims to evaluate the potential for the use of recycled polypropylene and underutilized wood flour as material for the development of wood–plastic composites, as well as reinforcement effect of organically modified montmorillonite on them. In order to improve the poor interfacial interaction between the hydrophilic wood flour and hydrophobic polypropylene matrix, as well as polypropylene–organically modified montmorillonite, maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene was used as a compatibilizer. Some mechanical and physical properties were evaluated. Findings of this work show that both recycled and virgin polypropylene can be used in manufacture of wood–plastic composites and there is no significant difference in the properties of resulting nanocomposites. It was found that mechanical properties of polypropylene containing 40wt% wood flour reinforcement remain essentially unchanged when the virgin polypropylene in the matrix is replaced be recycled polypropylene. Morphologies of the nanocomposites were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and the results showed increased d-spacing of clay layers indicating enhanced compatibility between polypropylene and clay and wood flour. Consequently, polypropylene recycled from postconsumer applications can be used in high-value nanocomposites without going the expense of separating out impurities from the polymer.
Imagining a Just and Sustainable Society: A Critique of Alternative Economic Models in the Global Justice Movement
Authors: Park Mi
Published: February 2012

This article examines diverse visions of an alternative society articulated by individuals and groups in the Global Justice Movement (GJM). It finds that many dissenters of globalization tend to converge on the idea that localization, economic descaling and political devolution would foster social conditions favourable to a just and sustainable society. Critiquing this idea, this article identifies a number of foreseeable problems associated with a descaled, localized economy with a decentralized political structure. With a notable silence on the issue of the movement of people, local-centred economic models may provide an ecological ground for anti-immigration and trade protectionism of the rich countries. Small-scale farming and small scale eco-technology are far too inadequate to meet the food and energy needs of the populace in huge urban areas. Given the fast growing rate of urbanization globally, localizers must address the issue of how to go about restructuring the economy without infringing on people’s occupational aspirations and their preference for certain modes of living (rural or urban). In short, the presumed positive correlation between a descaled local economy and social justice is challenged throughout the article.
Defining Social Enterprise Across Different Contexts
Authors: Kerlin Janelle A.
Published: February 2012

This study proposes a conceptual framework for institutional processes shaping social enterprise that spans regional differences in the term. Over time, countries and regions have come to identify different definitions and concepts with the term social enterprise, leading to a debate among researchers and practitioners on how to define the concept. Rather than a narrow definition, this study draws on the theory of historical institutionalism, national-level empirical data, and country descriptions of social enterprise to construct a conceptual framework that informs models of social enterprise found internationally. These models are preliminarily checked against empirically based case studies of five countries’ current institutional patterns and how they relate to the types of social enterprises found there. Theoretically this research advances understanding of how context influences the development of social enterprise, which in turn informs social enterprise models with practical implications.
Measurement of short-circuiting and its effect on the controlled autoignition or homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion in a two-stroke poppet valve engine
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhao Hua
Published: February 2012

Controlled autoignition or homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion in four-stroke spark ignition engines has been the subject of extensive research over the last decade. In order to extend the load range of controlled autoignition combustion for automotive applications, systematic research has been carried out on these combustion processes in a single-cylinder poppet valve engine that is capable of both four-stroke operation and two-stroke operation through flexible variable valve actuation. Since short-circuiting is a common issue for two-stroke engine operation, it is necessary to quantify the amount of short-circuiting. In this paper, a new method of measuring the short-circuiting rate during two-stroke engine operation is presented and applied to investigate the effect of short-circuiting on two-stroke controlled autoignition or homogeneous charge compression ignition operation. The cycle-resolved air short-circuiting rate is derived from instantaneous measurement of the carbon dioxide concentration near an exhaust valve using a Cambustion fast-response non-dispersive infrared analyser. It is found that the short-circuited air leads to fuel-rich combustion and hence high carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions under closed-loop λ = 1 control. A method to calculate the in-cylinder air-to-fuel ratio based on the measured short-circuiting rate is presented and used to understand better the in-cylinder combustion and pollutant formation process during two-stroke operation of a direct-injection four-valve engine.
Analysis and evaluation of an anti-shock seat with a multi-stage non-linear suspension for a tactical vehicle under a blast load
Authors: Dong Yan-Peng , Lu Zhen-Hua
Published: February 2012

Landmines and improvised explosive devices are serious threats to wheeled tactical vehicles. An anti-shock seat plays a key role in improving the anti-blast performance with respect to the safety of the occupants of the wheeled tactical vehicle, and the elastic and damping characteristics of the seat suspension are critical. A lumped-parameter model of the occupant–seat unit is set up and validated by vertical shock dynamics simulation. The responses of the occupant–seat system to the blast load are predicted for a seat suspension with initial linear elastic and damping characteristics, and the effects of the changes in the elastic and damping parameters of the suspension are studied. To achieve the compromise between the impact safety and the vibrational comfort of the occupant, the multi-stage non-linear elastic and damping characteristics of the seat suspension are investigated. Parametric optimization of the three-stage non-linear characteristics is conducted, and the results show a reduction in the peak acceleration of the pelvis by 11.7%. The correlation between the minimum response of the occupant and the minimum seat suspension stroke is revealed through multi-objective optimization.
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a child with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gokce M , Bulus D , Bilginer Y , Gumruk F , Besbas N , Cetin M
Published: February 2012

Haematological involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – which ranges from the well-described haemolytic anaemia to macrophage activation syndrome – has a large impact on both morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, association between haematological malignities and SLE – in terms of pathophysiology and molecular genetics – is an obscure entity which has not been clarified evidently to date. Herein, we present a six-year-old female with the diagnosis of SLE who developed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia following a period of myelodysplasia. It could possibly be coincidental; however, persistent cytopenia, prominent dysplasia on bone marrow smears and azathioprine treatment may be considered as possible triggers for the development of leukaemia in the present case.
Community Participation for Thalassemia Prevention Initiated by Village Health Volunteers in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Jopang Yupin , Petchmark Suthep , Jetsrisuparb Arunee , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Sanchaisuriya Pattara , Schelp Frank Peter
Published: February 2012

The study was conducted to assess the achievement of a thalassemia screening program at a community level supported by village health volunteers (VHVs) of 2 subdistricts in the northeast of Thailand. One subdistrict served as the intervention and the other as the control area. A training program was organized for the village health volunteers from the intervention area. Essential information about the risk and danger of thalassemia was given to the participants who wanted to have children in the community as well. Of the 206 individuals who wanted to have children living in the intervention area, 190 (92.2%) agreed to undergo screening. Of the 196 individuals within the control area, only 26 (13.3%) voluntarily participated in the screening tests. Attitude toward prevention and knowledge about the disease improved significantly in both areas, but the differences between the scores were statistically significantly higher for individuals living in the intervention area.
Correlation of Dental Health Behavior With Health Awareness and Subjective Symptoms in a Rural Population in Japan
Authors: Song Wenqun , Tamaki Yoh , Arakawa Yuki , Ogino Daisuke , Aoki Kunie , Ohyama Masakazu , He Dawei , Osawa Taeko , Ohsawa Kazuo , Kadoma Yoshinori , Nomura Yoshiaki , Arakawa Hirohisa
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the association of dental health behavior with health awareness, oral condition, and subjective symptoms in Japan. The present study included 1699 individuals who underwent dental checkups at the public health center of Miura City. All those who underwent dental checkups were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The correlation between having a regular dentist and each of the other items was analyzed. Undergoing regular checkups was significantly related to having a regular dentist. To analyze the correlation of dental health behavior with Subjective symptoms and Health awareness, structured equation modeling was performed following factor analysis. As a result, only the regression weight between dental health behavior and health awareness was found to be statistically significant. The present survey indicates that dental health behavior was significantly related to Health awareness but not to Subjective symptoms.
Sustainability in Action
Authors: Leuenberger Deniz Zeynep
Published: February 2012

Public administration has moved beyond speaking of sustainability as a norm or a philosophy towards implementation and action. Lessons learned from sustainable development practice must now be documented and shared to increase the positive impact of sustainability initiatives. This series of papers offers that opportunity, with a special focus on local government applications of sustainability.
Outcomes of a Family-Centered Transition Process for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Hagner David , Kurtz Alan , Cloutier Heidi , Arakelian Caroline , Brucker Debra L. , May Janet
Published: February 2012

A three-component intervention was implemented with 47 youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as they transitioned from high school to adult life. The youth, ages 16 to 19 years, were randomly assigned to a Year 1 group or a Year 2 group. Participants in the Year 1 group received a transition planning intervention consisting of (a) group training sessions for families in the transition process, (b) person-centered planning meetings facilitated by project staff, and (c) follow-up assistance with career exploration and plan implementation. Data were collected pre- and post implementation to measure student and family expectations, self-determination, and career decision-making ability. The Year 2 group began receiving services following the second data collection point. Participants in the Year 1 group reported statistically significant increases in all four measured variables, whereas the Year 2 group showed no significant changes. Implications for redesigning transition services for this population are discussed.
Change in Smoking, Diet, and Walking for Exercise in Blacks
Authors: Berg Carla J. , Thomas Janet L. , An Lawrence C. , Guo Hongfei , Collins Tracie , Okuyemi Kolawole S. , Ahluwalia Jasjit S.
Published: February 2012

Positive changes in one health behavior may be accompanied by other constructive health behavior changes. Thus, the authors investigated the association of smoking reduction and cessation to changes in fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and engaging in walking for exercise. This study included 539 Black light smokers (≤10 cigarettes per day ≥25 days/month) enrolled in a 2 × 2 factorial study (placebo vs. nicotine gum, health education vs. motivational interviewing). Reducing cigarette consumption ( p = .02) and quitting smoking ( p < .01), as well as receiving the nicotine gum ( p = .04), was associated with increased FV intake, after controlling for baseline FV intake. Compared with those who did not reduce their smoking, both reducers ( p < .001) and quitters ( p < .001) were more likely to walk for exercise at follow-up, after controlling for baseline walking status ( p = .01). Thus, addressing one health risk behavior may prompt other positive health behaviors, which may argue for developing interventions targeting multiple health risk behaviors.
Investigations on friction-fade and friction-recovery performance of phenolic composites based on fly ash–graphite combinations for braking applications
Authors: Satapathy Bhabani K , Patnaik Amar , Dadkar Nandan , Rath Prasanta , Tomar Bharat S
Published: February 2012

Friction composite materials based on combinatorial variations of fly ash and graphite were fabricated and evaluated on Krauss friction tester under inertia-braking mode following the ECE R-90 regulation. The frictional responses, such as friction fade at elevated temperatures and friction recovery on cooling, of the composites have demonstrated three regimes of friction evolution irrespective of the composition and the test runs. The composite with the highest fly ash content (i.e. 65 wt.%) and without graphite, shows the highest frictional performance, comparable frictional fluctuation, permissible fading but the highest wear with the highest rise in disc temperature. The composite with 60 wt.% fly ash in combination with 5 wt.% graphite showed higher frictional performance, permissible fading, lower wear volume and relatively lesser rise in disc temperature. However, the other composites having <60 wt.% fly ash and >5 wt.% graphite contents show unacceptable frictional level and friction-fade characteristics. Recovery performances of all composites remained above 100%. The study comprehensively established that composite material with ≥60 wt.% fly ash content in combination with ≤5 wt.% graphite content is functionally ideal to meet the desired performance requirements. Analysis of frictional data revealed the predominance of fade coefficient, whereas material coefficient remained minimally influential. Wear data analysis indicates that the inherent material factor predominates the wear performance followed by temperature-induced effects. Among the fade and recovery influences, the recovery coefficient has been observed to be predominant over the fade coefficient in the determination of the wear behaviour. Worn surface morphology revealed the role of topographical attributes in controlling the friction and wear performances.
The role of computed tomography in musculoskeletal trauma
Authors: Harvey JJ , West ATH
Published: February 2012

Computed tomography is the undisputed gold standard in the imaging of acute trauma, despite the introduction of focused assessment with sonography for trauma and magnetic resonance imaging. However, the role of computed tomography is far wider than just polytrauma imaging: its high spatial resolution, short scan times and very high sensitivity and specificities make computed tomography useful in the diagnosis of subtle injuries, as well as providing a general overview of other compartmental injuries. Three-dimensional reconstructions illustrates complex injury patterns clearly, aiding surgical planning and permitting accurate orthopaedic hardware follow-up. This article outlines some of the basic properties of computed tomography using examples from musculoskeletal trauma, to illustrate to clinicians what computed tomography can and cannot do for their practice.
Time-varying reliability analysis using a response surface method for a laminated plate under a dynamic load
Authors: Chakraborty Bishakha , Bhar Ashoke
Published: February 2012

Composite materials are finding increased usage in a variety of applications such as civil, aerospace and marine structures. A key feature of such structures is the dynamic nature of loadings and the uncertainties. Accurate prediction of the failure of composite structures has become more challenging to designers in the presence of inherent scatter in the material properties and the dynamic load such as that due to an earthquake, which varies with time. The present work aims at time-varying reliability analysis of a laminated composite plate. The method combines transient vibration analysis, first ply failure analysis and reliability analysis by the response surface method to predict the reliability of the laminated plate. Transient analysis is investigated by using the eight-node isoparametric quadratic elements of the first-order shear deformable theory. The Newmark time integration algorithm is employed for solving the time-dependent equations. The first ply failure criterion was used as the criterion for probabilistic failure analysis. Parametric studies are made by varying the ply orientation and the boundary conditions.
Counting Sexual Violence in the Congo
Authors: Torpey John , Palermo Tia
Published: February 2012

An interview with Tia Palermo, a professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Palermo used population-based data to better understand the occurrence of sexual violence in Congo. Palermo talks about how the magnitude of sexual violence is higher than previous studies suggest and also offers insight on the geographic spread of such violence.
Playing but Losing
Authors: Cooky Cheryl , Lavoi Nicole M.
Published: February 2012

Girls and women have more opportunities since Title IX, but the playing field is still far from level. Cheryl Cooky and Nicole M. Lavoi explore how major inequities remain, especially in terms of media attention, distribution of institutional resources and opportunities to coach and lead in the world of sport.
America’s Lost Generation
Authors: Park Sangyoub
Published: February 2012

Sociologist Sangyoub Park discusses how the recession is affecting every aspect of American lives—especially those of young people.
Targeting Cortical Representations in the Treatment of Chronic Pain
Authors: Moseley G. Lorimer , Flor Herta
Published: February 2012

Recent neuroscientific evidence has confirmed the important role of cognitive and behavioral factors in the development and treatment of chronic pain. Neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain are associated with substantial reorganization of the primary somatosensory and motor cortices as well as regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. What is more, in patients with chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia, the amount of reorganizational change increases with chronicity; in phantom limb pain and other neuropathic pain syndromes, cortical reorganization correlates with the magnitude of pain. These findings have implications for both our understanding of chronic pain and its prevention and treatment. For example, central alterations may be viewed as pain memories that modulate the processing of both noxious and nonnoxious input to the somatosensory system and outputs of the motor and other response systems. The cortical plasticity that is clearly important in chronic pain states also offers potential targets for rehabilitation. The authors review the cortical changes that are associated with chronic pain and the therapeutic approaches that have been shown to normalize representational changes and decrease pain and discuss future directions to train the brain to reduce chronic pain.
Quasi-random reflections on randomized controlled trials and comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Goodman Steven N
Published: February 2012

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) is still an evolving framework for which much needs to be done to improve the ability of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to supply the necessary evidence. Perhaps, most important is to start with a clearly specified decision and decision maker in mind when the RCTs are designed. Second is to initiate RCTs with clinically relevant outcomes and comparators earlier in the evaluation process. Third is to specify and measure factors that might modify the intervention’s effect, subject to logistical constraints of complexity and cost, so the trial is maximally informative, about how and to whom the intervention should be administered. It will be necessary to borrow observational methodologies and approaches to extract meaningful causal and subgroup inferences from such trials. Process variables should be seen as potentially part of that framework of effect-modifying factors, perhaps amenable to embedded experimental assessment with a trial. Perhaps most importantly, we need to improve the nationwide CER infrastructure to allow for rapid initiation and accrual for CER trials to reduce the trade-off that often exists between the speed of evidence development and its quality.
Increased hepatic expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the hepatic inflammation-fibrosis-carcinoma sequence
Authors: Soares João-Bruno , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro , Afonso Luís , Rolanda Carla , Lopes Paula , Roncon-Albuquerque Roberto , Gonçalves Nádia , Boal-Carvalho Inês , Pardal Fernando , Lopes Susana , Macedo Guilherme , Lara-Santos Lúcio , Henrique Rui , Moreira-Dias Luís , Gonçalves Raquel , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário , Leite-Moreira Adelino F
Published: February 2012

We evaluated expression of TLR2, TLR4 and proinflammatory genes [NF-κB, TNF-α, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)] in liver samples of patients in different stages of liver disease. Fifteen patients with unexplained transaminases elevation (reference group), 22 with viral chronic hepatitis (hepatitis group), 14 with virus-induced severe fibrosis/cirrhosis (cirrhosis group) and 10 with hepatocarcinoma (hepatocarcinoma group) were consecutively included in the study. Quantification of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α and COX-2 mRNA was done by real-time RT-PCR and TLR2 and TLR4 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Compared with reference, TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA was increased in hepatitis (TLR2: 2.66 ± 0.69; TLR4: 3.11 ± 0.79; P < 0.05) and cirrhosis (TLR2: 2.14 ± 0.5; TLR4: 1.74 ± 0.27; P < 0.05) and decreased in hepatocarcinoma (TLR2: 0.48 ± 0.15; TLR4: 0.54 ± 0.10; P < 0.05). This associated with increased TNF-α and COX-2 mRNA in hepatitis (TNF-α: 3.24 ± 0.79; COX-2: 2.47 ± 0.36; P < 0.05) and cirrhosis (TNF-α: 1.73 ± 0.28; COX-2: 1.8 ± 0.35, P < 0.05), whereas NF-κB mRNA was increased in hepatitis (2.42 ± 0.31; P < 0.05) and unchanged in cirrhosis (1.34 ± 0.17; P = 0.3). Hepatocarcinoma presented increased COX-2 mRNA (1.63 ± 0.15; P < 0.05) and maintained (at decreased levels) mRNA of NF-κB (0.52 ± 0.12) and TNF-α (0.52 ± 0.12; P < 0.05, all genes). Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in hepatitis and cirrhosis and maintained expression in hepatocarcinoma. Upregulation of TLR2, TLR4 and their proinflammatory mediators is associated with virus-induced hepatic IFC sequence.
Development and validation of a real-time quantification assay to detect and monitor BRAFV600E mutations in hairy cell leukemia
Authors: Schnittger Susanne , Bacher Ulrike , Haferlach Torsten , Wendland Nicole , Ulke Madlen , Dicker Frank , Grossmann Vera , Haferlach Claudia , Kern Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

The BRAFV600E mutation was recently detected in hairy cell leukemia (HCL) by whole exome sequencing. To make use of this new marker for diagnosis and follow-up of HCL, we developed a BRAFV600Emut-specific quantitative real-time PCR assay and validated it in 117 HCL patients and 102 non-HCL/BRAFwt patients. The cut-off level to discriminate BRAFV600E-positive/-negative cases was set at 0.023% BRAFV600E/BRAFwt. A total of 115 of 117 HCL (98.3%) demonstrated percentage BRAFV600E/BRAFwt above the cut-off (mean, 29.6 ± 41.1). The remaining 2 of 117 HCL with lower percentage BRAFV600E/BRAFwt ratios were also BRAFwt by deep-sequencing technology. Sixteen HCL-variant patients showed percentage BRAFV600E/BRAFwt values corresponding to “non-HCL.” Follow-up studies in 19 HCL cases demonstrated a decrease of percentage BRAFV600E/BRAFwt during therapy. The log-reductions as determined by RT-PCR and immunophenotyping correlated significantly (P < .001). In conclusion, we confirmed BRAFmut as a useful marker in HCL, its absence in HCL variant, and developed an RT-PCR-based assay to monitor minimal residual disease in HCL.
Fractionated breath condensate sampling: H2O2 concentrations of the alveolar fraction may be related to asthma control in children
Authors: Trischler Jordis , Merkel Nick , Könitzer Stephanie , Müller Christina-Maria , Unverzagt Susanne , Lex Christiane
Published: February 2012

Background

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways but recent studies have shown that alveoli are also subject to pathophysiological changes. This study was undertaken to compare hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations in different parts of the lung using a new technique of fractioned breath condensate sampling.

Methods

In 52 children (9-17 years, 32 asthmatic patients, 20 controls) measurements of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), lung function, H2O2 in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and the asthma control test (ACT) were performed. Exhaled breath condensate was collected in two different fractions, representing mainly either the airways or the alveoli. H2O2 was analysed in the airway and alveolar fractions and compared to clinical parameters.

Results

The exhaled H2O2 concentration was significantly higher in the airway fraction than in the alveolar fraction comparing each single pair (p = 0.003, 0.032 and 0.040 for the whole study group, the asthmatic group and the control group, respectively). Asthma control, measured by the asthma control test (ACT), correlated significantly with the H2O2 concentrations in the alveolar fraction (r = 0.606, p = 0.004) but not with those in the airway fraction in the group of children above 12 years. FENO values and lung function parameters did not correlate to the H2O2 concentrations of each fraction.

Conclusion

The new technique of fractionated H2O2 measurement may differentiate H2O2 concentrations in different parts of the lung in asthmatic and control children. H2O2 concentrations of the alveolar fraction may be related to the asthma control test in children.