bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN IMPROVED MODEL FOR REDUCED-ORDER PHYSIOLOGICAL FLUID FLOWS
Authors: SAN OMER , STAPLES ANNE E.
Published: September 2011

An improved one-dimensional mathematical model based on the Pulsed Flow Equations (PFE) is derived by integrating the axial component of the momentum equation over the transient Womersley velocity profile, providing a dynamic momentum equation whose coefficients are smoothly varying functions of the spatial variable. The resulting momentum equation along with the continuity equation and pressure-area relation form our reduced-order model for physiological fluid flows in one dimension and are aimed at providing accurate and fast-to-compute global models for physiological systems represented as networks of quasi one-dimensional fluid flows. The consequent nonlinear coupled system of equations is solved by the Lax-Wendroff scheme and is then applied to an open model arterial network of the human vascular system containing the largest 55 arteries. The proposed model with functional coefficients is compared with current classical one-dimensional theories which assume steady state Hagen-Poiseuille velocity profiles, either parabolic or plug-like, throughout the whole arterial tree. The effects of the nonlinear term in the momentum equation and different strategies for bifurcation points in the network, as well as the various lumped parameter outflow boundary conditions for distal terminal points are also analyzed. The results show that the proposed model can be used as an efficient tool for investigating the dynamics of reduced-order models of flows in physiological systems and would, in particular, be a good candidate for the one-dimensional, system-level component of geometric multiscale models of physiological systems.
EFFECT OF HARMONIC BOUNDARY MOTION ON VELOCITY PROFILE AND SHEAR STRESS OF CONVEYED FLUID IN AN ANNULAR PIPE
Authors: LIN SHUEEI-MUH
Published: September 2011

In this study, the mathematical model of oscillating flow in an annular straight pipe due to an imposed oscillating pressure gradient and with harmonic boundary motion is established. So far, no literature is devoted to investigate the effect of harmonic boundary motion on the velocity profile and shear stress. The Navier–Stokes Equation in the cylindrical coordinate is the governing equation of fluid motion. The exact solution of this system in terms of real function only is presented. This method is more understood and helpful for deeply investigating the internal oscillating flow than the conventional complex method presented by Womersley. It is found that the effects of the boundary motion, the wave frequency, the Womersley number, and the radius ratio on the velocity profile and shear stress distribution are significant.
A THREE-KINETIC-STATE MODEL OF AXONAL TRANSPORT DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: KUZNETSOV A. V.
Published: September 2011

This paper develops a model of axonal transport drug delivery that includes three populations (kinetic states) of pharmaceutical agent complexes (PACs), namely PACs transported by dynein motors, PACs freely suspended in the cytosol, and PACs accumulated at the Nodes of Ranvier. The number of model parameters is minimized by recasting governing equations into the dimensionless form. The obtained equations are solved numerically. The dependencies of the three PAC concentrations as well as the diffusion-driven, motor-driven, and total PAC fluxes on the PAC diffusivity and the length of the axon are investigated. Two situations are analyzed: when all kinetic constantans are the same (in this case the dynein-driven PAC flux exceeds the diffusion flux by a large amount) and when kinetic constants describing PAC transition from the freely suspended state are small (in the this case the diffusion-driven flux is the major component of the total flux, but since the diffusion transport mechanism is highly inefficient compared to the motor-driven one for large particles, the total PAC flux is much smaller in this case).
GAIT SPECTRAL ANALYSIS: AN EASY FAST QUANTITATIVE METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Authors: SARBAZ YASHAR , TOWHIDKHAH FARZAD , GHARIBZADEH SHAHRIAR , JAFARI AYYOOB
Published: September 2011

At present, there is no quantitative test to definitely diagnose Parkinson's disease (PD). For this purpose, we computed the power spectra of stride and swing signals of normal persons and patients. The evaluation of power spectra in stride on normal group shows that the main peak of the frequency range is in the range of 0.018 to 0.02 Hz. In contrast, the main peak frequency is different in different PD patients. Our studies on swing signal and its power spectra show that there is a significant difference between the amplitude of frequency components between normal and PD groups. Patients show power spectra amplitude even more than 10 times that of normal patients. The clinical data were obtained from http://www.physionet.org. For measuring time intervals, force sensors were used in the plantar portion of the foot. Power spectra of left stride, right stride, and left swing were computed. Frequency domain of power spectra was divided into 10 parts and then the surface area under each part was calculated. We used artificial neural network for classification of these groups. The clinical data was divided into two parts, training and test sets. An accuracy of 93.75% was obtained during training. The test data was used for validation of the classifier and an accuracy of 92.86% was obtained. The proposed classifier may be used as a tool for helping the clinicians to diagnose PD. Surely the final diagnosis should be obtained by an expert neurologist.
Altered mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in placentas from undernourished rat gestations
Authors: Belkacemi Louiza , Desai Mina , Michael Nelson D. , Ross Michael G.
Published: September 2011

Maternal undernutrition (MUN) during pregnancy results in intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses and small placentas. Although reduced fetal nutrient supply has been presumed to be etiologic in IUGR, MUN-induced placental dysfunction may occur prior to detectable fetal growth restriction. Placental growth impairment may result from apoptosis signaled by mitochondria in response to reduced energy substrate. Therefore, we sought to determine the presence of mitochondrial-induced apoptosis under MUN and ad libitum diet (AdLib) pregnancies. Pregnant rats were fed an AdLib or a 50% MUN diet from embryonic day 10 (E10) to E20. At E20, fetuses and placentas from proximal- and mid-horns (extremes of nutrient/oxygen supply) were collected. Right-horn placentas were used to quantify apoptosis. Corresponding left-horn placentas were separated into basal (hormone production) and labyrinth (feto-maternal exchange) zones, and protein expression of the mitochondrial pathway was determined. Our results show that the MUN placentas had significantly increased apoptosis, with lower expression of cytosolic and mitochondrial anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and Bcl-XL, and significantly higher expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and Bak especially in the labyrinth zone. This was paralleled by higher coimmunostaining with the mitochondrial marker manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), indicating transition of pro-apoptotic factors to the mitochondrial membrane. Also, cytosolic cytochrome c and activated caspases-9 and -3 were significantly higher in all MUN. Conversely, peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor-γ (PPARγ), a member of the nuclear receptor family with anti-apoptotic properties, was significantly downregulated in both zones and horns. Our results suggest that MUN during rat pregnancy enhances mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in the placenta, probably due to the downregulation of PPARγ expression.
Differential neural representation of oral ethanol by central taste-sensitive neurons in ethanol-preferring and genetically heterogeneous rats
Authors: Lemon Christian H. , Wilson David M. , Brasser Susan M.
Published: September 2011

In randomly bred rats, orally applied ethanol stimulates neural substrates for appetitive sweet taste. To study associations between ethanol's oral sensory characteristics and genetically mediated ethanol preference, we made electrophysiological recordings of oral responses (spike density) by taste-sensitive nucleus tractus solitarii neurons in anesthetized selectively bred ethanol-preferring (P) rats and their genetically heterogeneous Wistar (W) control strain. Stimuli (25 total) included ethanol [3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, and 40% (vol/vol)], a sucrose series (0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 M), and other sweet, salt, acidic, and bitter stimuli; 50 P and 39 W neurons were sampled. k-means clustering applied to the sucrose response series identified cells showing high (S1) or relatively low (S0) sensitivity to sucrose. A three-way factorial analysis revealed that activity to ethanol was influenced by a neuron's sensitivity to sucrose, ethanol concentration, and rat line ( P = 0.01). Ethanol produced concentration-dependent responses in S1 neurons that were larger than those in S0 cells. Although responses to ethanol by S1 cells did not differ between lines, neuronal firing rates to ethanol in S0 cells increased across concentration only in P rats. Correlation and multivariate analyses revealed that ethanol evoked responses in W neurons that were strongly and selectively associated with activity to sweet stimuli, whereas responses to ethanol by P neurons were not easily associated with activity to representative sweet, sodium salt, acidic, or bitter stimuli. These findings show differential central neural representation of oral ethanol between genetically heterogeneous rats and P rats genetically selected to prefer alcohol.
Evaluation of Silkworm Lines against Variations in Temperature and RH for Various Parameters of Commercial Cocoon Production
Authors: Hussain Mubashar , Ahmad Khan Shakil , Naeem Muhammad , Aqil Tahir , Khursheed Rizwan , ul Mohsin Ata
Published: September 2011

Eleven inbred silkworm lines (M-101, M-103, M-104, M-107, Pak-1, Pak-3, Pak-2, Pak-4, PFI-1, PFI-2, and S-1) were evaluated for various parameters of cocoon production under different temperature and relative humidity conditions (25±1,30±1, and35±1 °Cin combination with 55, 65, and 75% RH for three hrs during 4th and 5th instar. The experiment was laid out in factorial design with three replications. Significant variations in the performance of silkworm lines were noticed due to influence of temperature and RH treatment on 4th and 5th instar larvae. The silkworm lines performed significantly better when the larvae were reared at25±1 °Cwith 70–80% RH while almost all the silkworm lines showed poor performance at higher temperature exposures for 3 hrs. Exposures to lower humidity (55%) during larval rearing in 4th and 5th instar at different temperatures (25±1,30±1, and35±1 °C) resulted in lowering the cocoon production. The cumulative evaluation index values for different traits showed that Pak-4 (61.42) was the best line followed by M-101 (59.15), Pak-2 (56.37), Pak-3 (52.83) PFI-I (52.62), and M-107(50.03). The study clearly underlines the importance of optimization of environmental conditions during larval rearing in relation to commercial cocoon production. The investigations strongly recommend that temperature and relative humidity in the range of 25-26 °Cand 70–80%, respectively, are mandatory for excellent results of cocoon production and Pak-4, M-101, Pak-2, Pak-3, PFI-I, and M-107 were suitable for commercial rearing.
In Vitro Repair of Fractured Fiber-Reinforced Cusp-Replacing Composite Restorations
Authors: Fennis Willem M. M. , Kreulen Cees M. , Tezvergil Arzu , Lassila Lippo V. J. , Vallittu Pekka K. , Creugers Nico H. J.
Published: September 2011

Objective. To assess fracture resistance and failure mode of repaired fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) cusp-replacing restorations.Methods. Sixteen extracted human premolars with fractured cusp-replacing woven (Group (A)) or unidirectional (Group (B)) FRC restorations from a previous loading experiment were repaired with resin composite and loaded to fracture.Results. Differences in fracture loads between groups were not statistically significant (P=0.34). Fracture loads of repaired specimens were significantly lower than those of original specimens (P=0.02for Group (A) andP<0.001for Group (B)). Majority of specimens showed failure along the repaired surface. In Group (B) 89% of specimens showed intact tooth substrate after restoration fracture, while this was 28% in Group (A) (P=0.04).Conclusion. Fractured cusp-replacing FRC restorations that are repaired with resin composite show about half of fracture resistance of original restorations. Mode of failure with a base of unidirectional fibers is predominantly adhesive.
Proposal of High-Temperature-Operation Tolerant SOI MOSFET and Preliminary Study on Device Performance Evaluation
Authors: Omura Yasuhisa
Published: September 2011

We propose a high-temperature-operation (HTOT) SOI MOSFET and show preliminary simulation results of its characteristics. It is demonstrated that HTOT SOI MOSFET operates safely at 700 K with no thermal instability because of its expanded effective bandgap. It is shown that its threshold voltage is higher than that of the conventional SOI MOSFET because its local thin Si regions offer an expanded effective band gap. It is shown that HTOT SOI MOSFET with 1-nm-thick local-thin Si regions is almost insensitive to temperature for (427 C). This confirms that HTOT SOI MOSFET is a promising device for future high-temperature applications.
Dairy Foods in a Moderate Energy Restricted Diet Do Not Enhance Central Fat, Weight, and Intra-Abdominal Adipose Tissue Losses nor Reduce Adipocyte Size or Inflammatory Markers in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Controlled Feeding Study
Authors: Van Loan Marta D. , Keim Nancy L. , Adams Sean H. , Souza Elaine , Woodhouse Leslie R. , Thomas Anthony , Witbracht Megan , Gertz Erik R. , Piccolo Brian , Bremer Andrew A. , Spurlock Michael
Published: September 2011

Background. Research on dairy foods to enhance weight and fat loss when incorporated into a modest weight loss diet has had mixed results.Objective. A 15-week controlled feeding study to determine if dairy foods enhance central fat and weight loss when incorporated in a modest energy restricted diet of overweight and obese adults.Design. A 3-week run-in to establish energy needs; a 12-week 500 kcal/d energy reduction with 71 low-dairy-consuming overweight and obese adults randomly assigned to diets: ≤1 serving dairy/d (low dairy, LD) or ≤4 servings dairy/d (adequate dairy, AD). All foods were weighed and provided by the metabolic kitchen. Weight, fat, intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) macrophage number, SAT inflammatory gene expression, and circulating cytokines were measured.Results. No diet differences were observed in weight, fat, or IAAT loss; nor SAT mRNA expression of inflammation, circulating cytokines, fasting lipids, glucose, or insulin. There was a significant increase (P=0.02) in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the AD group.Conclusion. Whether increased dairy intake during weight loss results in greater weight and fat loss for individuals with metabolic syndrome deserves investigation. Assessment of appetite, hunger, and satiety with followup on weight regain should be considered.
TLR2 Agonist PSK Activates Human NK Cells and Enhances the Antitumor Effect of HER2-Targeted Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Authors: Lu Hailing , Yang Yi , Gad Ekram , Inatsuka Carol , Wenner Cynthia A. , Disis Mary L. , Standish Leanna J.
Published: September 2011

Purpose: The therapeutic effect of trastuzumab monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has been shown to be partially dependent on functional natural killer (NK) cells. Novel agents that enhance NK cell function could potentially improve the antitumor effect of trastuzumab. We recently identified polysaccharide krestin (PSK), a natural product extracted from medicinal mushroom Trametes versicolor, as a potent toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) agonist. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of PSK on human NK cells and the potential of using PSK to enhance HER2-targeted mAb therapy.

Experimental Design: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with PSK to evaluate the effect of PSK on NK cell activation, IFN-γ production, cytotoxicity, and trastuzumab-mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Whether the effect of PSK on NK cells is direct or indirect was also investigated. Then, in vivo experiment in neu transgenic (neu-T) mice was carried out to determine the potential of using PSK to augment the antitumor effect of HER2-targeted mAb therapy.

Results: PSK activated human NK cells to produce IFN-γ and to lyse K562 target cells. PSK also enhanced trastuzumab-mediated ADCC against SKBR3 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Both direct and interleukin-12–dependent indirect effects seem to be involved in the effect of PSK on NK cells. Oral administration of PSK significantly potentiated the antitumor effect of anti-HER2/neu mAb therapy in neu-T mice.

Conclusion: These results showed that PSK activates human NK cells and potentiates trastuzumab-mediated ADCC. Concurrent treatment with PSK and trastuzumab may be a novel way to augment the antitumor effect of trastuzumab. Clin Cancer Res; 17(21); 6742–53. ©2011 AACR.
Expression of FoxM1 Is Required for the Proliferation of Medulloblastoma Cells and Indicates Worse Survival of Patients
Authors: Priller Markus , Pöschl Julia , Abrão Leticia , von Bueren André O. , Cho Yoon-Jae , Rutkowski Stefan , Kretzschmar Hans A. , Schüller Ulrich
Published: September 2011

Purpose: The transcription factor Forkhead box M1 (FoxM1) is a key regulator of cell-cycle progression. It is involved in the development of multiple organs, and we have previously reported on its important role for the mitotic entry of cerebellar granule neuron precursors. Constitutive expression of FoxM1 is required for the growth of multiple cancer types. This study aimed to determine its role in medulloblastoma, the most frequent malignant brain tumor in childhood that can derive from cerebellar granule neuron precursors.

Experimental Design: We evaluated the expression of FoxM1 together with its prognostic value in two independent series of human medulloblastoma samples using immunohistochemistry (n = 43) and gene expression arrays (n = 193). The functional impact of FoxM1 expression was characterized by knockdown experiments in four human medulloblastoma cell lines, and the thiazole antibiotic siomycin A was tested to downregulate FoxM1 and inhibit tumor cell growth.

Results: FoxM1 was highly expressed in all subtypes of medulloblastoma. Importantly, expression levels of FoxM1 significantly correlated with unfavorable clinical outcome in univariate analysis (P = 0.0005), and FoxM1 was identified as an independent prognostic marker by multivariate analysis (P = 0.037). Knockdown of FoxM1 in medulloblastoma cell lines resulted in a significant decrease of cell viability which was caused by a failure in mitotic spindle formation and caspase-dependent mitotic catastrophe. Siomycin A significantly inhibited the expression of FoxM1 and the growth of medulloblastoma cells.

Conclusions: FoxM1 may be used as an additional prognostic marker and may represent a potential novel target to treat patients suffering from medulloblastoma. Clin Cancer Res; 17(21); 6791–801. ©2011 AACR.
Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer: Why Hyaluronidase Deserves a Second Look
Authors: Whatcott Clifford J. , Han Haiyong , Posner Richard G. , Hostetter Galen , Von Hoff Daniel D.
Published: September 2011

Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition is a characteristic observed in many solid tumors. Increased levels of one ECM component—namely, hyaluronan (HA)—leads to reduced elasticity of tumor tissue and increased interstitial fluid pressure. Multiple initial reports showed that the addition of hyaluronidase (HYAL) to chemotherapeutic regimens could greatly improve efficacy. Unfortunately, the bovine HYAL used in those studies was limited therapeutically by immunologic responses to treatment. Newly developed recombinant human HYAL has recently been introduced into clinical trials. In this article, we describe the role of HA in cancer, methods of targeting HA, and clinical studies performed to date, and we propose that targeting HA could now be an effective treatment option for patients with many different types of solid tumors. Cancer Discovery; 1(4): 291–96. ©2011 AACR.
Thrombolysis in Posterior Circulation Stroke: Stroke Subtypes and Patterns, Complications and Outcome
Authors: Förster A. , Gass A. , Kern R. , Griebe M. , Hennerici M.G. , Szabo K.
Published: September 2011

Background: Patients with posterior circulation stroke (PCS) were underrepresented in or even excluded from the large clinical trials investigating acute therapy with thrombolysis. Therefore, the knowledge about potential benefits and risks of thrombolysis in PCS is sparse. Methods: From July 2004 until June 2007, 237 stroke patients were treated with thrombolysis within 3 h after onset of symptoms in our stroke unit. Baseline characteristics, etiology, CT/MRI stroke patterns, clinical outcome, and complications of patients with PCS were compared to those with anterior circulation stroke (ACS). Results: There were 30 patients in the PCS group; 198 had ACS. In the PCS group, less patients had a history of prior stroke (0/30 vs. 31/198 (15.7%), p = 0.02) and less were treated with platelet inhibitors (6/30 (20.0%) vs. 83/198 (41.9%), p = 0.02). Onset to treatment time was higher in the PCS group (156.2 ± 23.2 vs. 141.1 ± 30.7, p = 0.01). Small vessel disease occurred more often in PCS patients (10/30 (33.3%) vs. 12/198 (6.1%), p < 0.001), whereas stroke of undetermined cause was less frequent (5/30 (16.7%) vs. 75/198 (37.9%), p = 0.02). Correspondingly, PCS patients had more lacunar (13/30 (43.3%) vs. 15/198 (7.3%), p < 0.001) strokes on CT/MRI. Patients with PCS had significantly lower median NIHSS scores after 2 and 24 h, whereas the median NIHSS and mRS scores at discharge as well as the mRS score at the 3-month follow-up, although still lower, did not differ significantly between both groups. Outcome was similar with regard to complications and mortality. Conclusions: Patients with PCS have a higher rate of small vessel disease and lacunar stroke. In terms of potential benefits and risks of thrombolysis, we could demonstrate no significant differences between PCS and ACS. Acute PCS patients should be diagnosed and treated with the same elaborateness as ACS patients.
Characterization of Direct and Indirect Cerebral Revascularization for the Treatment of European Patients with Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Czabanka M. , Peña-Tapia P. , Scharf J. , Schubert G.A. , Münch E. , Horn P. , Schmiedek P. , Vajkoczy P.
Published: September 2011

Background: The best revascularization strategy for moyamoya disease (MMD) remains unknown. Our aim was to characterize angiographic revascularization effects of a bilateral standardized revascularization approach, consisting of superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass and encephalomyosynangiosis (EMS) on one hemisphere and single EMS on the contralateral hemisphere of each patient, and to compare the effects of both revascularization strategies on cerebral hemodynamics. Methods: In 30 patients (18 females/12 males, age 8–63 years), standardized revascularization was performed. Digital subtraction angiography was performed preoperatively and at 7 days, 6 months and 12 months postoperatively. STA-MCA and EMS functions were graded I (poor), II (medium) or III (extensive) according to angiographic aspects. In 20 patients, cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVRC) was assessed pre- and postoperatively (at 12 months) using xenon CT. Results: After 12 months, STA-MCA/EMS function was grade 1 in 40/40%, grade 2 in 27/26%, and grade 3 in 27/10% of hemispheres, respectively. Twelve months after surgery, single EMS showed grade I in 37%, grade II in 27%, and grade III in 20% of hemispheres. Combined revascularization improved CVRC significantly compared to preoperative measurement (preoperative: 16.5 ± 34.6% vs. postoperative: 60.8 ± 64.22%; p < 0.05). Single EMS did not improve CVRC significantly (preoperative: 21.8 ± 35.9% vs. postoperative: 34.8 ± 63.0%; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Combined and indirect revascularization may be successfully applied in a bilateral standardized approach. STA-MCA/EMS is superior to single EMS in restoring CVRC in adult MMD patients.
MRI-Guided Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation without Microelectrode Recording: Can We Dispense with Surgery under Local Anaesthesia?
Authors: Nakajima Takeshi , Zrinzo Ludvic , Foltynie Thomas , Olmos Iciar Aviles , Taylor Chris , Hariz Marwan I. , Limousin Patricia
Published: September 2011

Aims: Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is traditionally performed under local anaesthetic (LA). STN visualization and routine validation of electrode location on stereotactic MRI may allow surgery under general anaesthesia (GA). This study compares the clinical outcome of MRI-guided STN DBS performed under LA or GA in a consecutive patient series. Methods: Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor scores (UPDRS-III) in 14 GA patients (mean age 56.1 years, disease duration 13.8 years) were compared with those of 68 LA patients (mean age 57.5 years, disease duration 15.2 years). Results: Baseline UPDRS-III were worse in the GA group, both on medication (GA: 20.9 ± 10.8; LA: 13.2 ± 7.8, p < 0.01) and off medication (GA: 57.9 ± 16.6; LA: 48.2 ± 15.7, p < 0.05). On stimulation off medication motor scores significantly improved in both groups (GA: 27.3 ± 11.8, mean 12-month follow-up; LA: 23.7 ± 11.8, mean 14-month follow-up). The percentage improvement was similar in both groups (GA: 52.8%; LA: 50.8%, p = 0.96). Transient surgical complications occurred in 1 GA and 7 LA patients. Conclusions: MRI-guided STN DBS under GA with routine stereotactic verification of lead location did not have a negative effect on efficacy or safety. Surgery under GA is a viable option in patients who would find it hard to tolerate awake surgery due to disease severity, comorbidities or anxiety.
Supportive and Palliative Care of Advanced Nonmalignant Lung Disease
Authors: Kreuter Michael , Herth Felix J.F.
Published: September 2011

Supportive and palliative care is an interdisciplinary challenge with the aims of symptom relief and improvement of quality of life in end-stage patients. Main complaints of patients with advanced nonmalignant lung disease are depression and anxiety, dyspnea, pain, and coughing. The discomfort of many physicians, caregivers, and family members with discussions about end-of-life care is one obstacle for the timely initiation of palliative care and the uncertainty of the short-term prognosis in most advanced nonmalignant respiratory diseases. Early dialog about supportive care already at the onset of the patient’s first symptoms and contemporaneous to life-prolonging therapy may overcome these barriers. Furthermore, continuing education for health professionals in palliative care ensures adequate palliative support. Here, we review insights into symptom control and palliative care in patients with advanced nonmalignant respiratory disease.
Vertical Structure of Tropical Cyclones with Concentric Eyewalls as Seen by the TRMM Precipitation Radar
Authors: Hence Deanna A. , Houze Robert A.
Published: September 2011

Ten years of data from the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission satellite’s Precipitation Radar are analyzed to determine the typical vertical structure of the concentric eyewalls of tropical cyclones undergoing eyewall replacement. The vertical structure of the secondary (outer) eyewall is different from the primary (inner) eyewall and also different from the eyewall of single eyewall storms. The upper-troposphere portions of the outer eyewalls are like the rainbands from which they evolve. Their lower-tropospheric portions are more intense and more uniform than rainbands of single eyewall storms, suggesting that these secondary eyewalls are forming from rainbands undergoing axisymmetrization and building from below. The inner concentric eyewalls are more strongly affected by shear than are the eyewalls of single eyewall storms, while the outer eyewalls are relatively unaffected by shear, which suggests the outer eyewall is amplifying the shear-induced asymmetry of the inner eyewall.
Characterization of Turbulent Latent and Sensible Heat Flux Exchange between the Atmosphere and Ocean in MERRA
Authors: Roberts J. Brent , Robertson Franklin R. , Clayson Carol A. , Bosilovich Michael G.
Published: September 2011

Turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture across the atmosphere–ocean interface are fundamental components of the earth’s energy and water balance. Characterizing both the spatiotemporal variability and the fidelity of these exchanges of heat and moisture is critical to understanding the global water and energy cycle variations, quantifying atmosphere–ocean feedbacks, and improving model predictability. This study examines the veracity of the recently completed NASA Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) product in terms of its turbulent surface fluxes. This assessment employs a large dataset of directly measured turbulent fluxes as well as other turbulent surface flux datasets. The spatial and temporal variability of the surface fluxes are examined in terms of their annual-mean climatologies, their seasonal covariability of near-surface bulk parameters, and their representation of extremes. The impact of data assimilation on the near-surface parameters is assessed through evaluation of the incremental analysis update tendencies. It is found that MERRA turbulent surface fluxes are relatively accurate for typical conditions but have systematically weak vertical gradients in moisture and temperature and a weaker covariability between the near-surface gradients and wind speed than found in observations. This results in an underestimate of the surface latent and sensible heat fluxes over the western boundary current and storm-track regions. The assimilation of observations generally acts to bring MERRA closer to observational products by increasing moisture and temperature near the surface and decreasing the near-surface wind speeds.
Clarice Lispector’s The Passion According to G.H.
Authors: Caufield Catherine
Published: September 2011

This essay is an exploration of the way in which Jewish religious paradigms are manifested and sometimes subverted in Clarice Lispector’s novel The Passion According to G.H. The question which guides this enquiry is the theoretical issue of examining what is being represented in this text: What is the mimetic relationship between the character’s development and the ineffable referent to which the narrative refers? Utilizing a phenomenological philosophical hermeneutic literary methodology, it is found that an ineffable referent in the text of The Passion According to G.H. is articulated through a tension between religious reference and a self-reflective narrator questioning the limits of language. As this tension plays out, ostensibly through contemplation of a squashed cockroach, the narrator’s consciousness is transformed to an understanding larger than that of the ordinary quotidian.

Ce travail est une exploration de la manière par laquelle des paradigmes religieux juifs sont manifestés et parfois renversés dans le roman de Clarice Lispector La passion selon G.H. La question qui guide cette enquête est la question théorique d’examiner ce qui est représenté dans ce texte : Quel est le rapport mimétique entre le développement du caractère et le référent inexprimable auxquel le récit se réfère? Utilisant la méthodologie littéraire de l’herméneutique philosophique phénoménologique, on le constate qu’un référent inexprimable dans le texte de La passion selon G.H. est articulé par une tension entre la référence religieuse et la réflexivité propre du narrateur, remettant en cause les limites de la langue. Comme cette tension a eu lieu, ostensiblement par la contemplation d’un cafard écrasé, la conscience du narrateur est transformée à un arrangement plus grand que celui du quotidien ordinaire.
Neutrality and the development of the European Union’s common security and defence policy
Authors: Devine Karen
Published: September 2011

This article examines the content of concepts of neutrality articulated in elite and public discourses in the context of the development of the European Union’s (EU) Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). In parallel with security and defence policy developments in successive EU treaties, many argue that the meaning of neutrality has been re-conceptualized by elites in EU ‘neutral’ member states (specifically, Austria, Finland, Ireland and Sweden) to the point of irrelevance and inevitable demise. Others argue that the concept of ‘military’ neutrality, as it is termed by elites in Ireland, or ‘military non-alignment’, as it is termed by elites in Austria, Sweden and Finland, meaning non-membership of military alliances, is compatible with the CSDP in the Lisbon Treaty. An investigation of these paradoxical discursive claims as to the status of neutrality yields findings of a divergence in public ‘active’ and elite ‘military’ concepts of neutrality that embodies competing foreign policy agendas. These competing, value-laden, concepts reflect tensions between, on the one hand, the cultural influences of a domestic constituency holding strong national identities and role-conceptions informed by a postcolonial or anti-imperialist legacy and, on the other hand, elite socialization influences of ‘global actor’ and common defence-supported identity ambitions encountered at the EU level that can induce discursively subtle yet materially significant shifts in neutral state foreign policy. The article concludes with an analysis of the compatibility of both ‘military’ neutrality and the ‘active’ concept of neutrality with the CSDP in the Lisbon Treaty and draws conclusions on the future role of neutrality both inside and outside the EU framework.
Transformed beyond recognition? The politics of post-neutrality
Authors: Agius Christine
Published: September 2011

The transition from neutrality to post-neutrality has been debated by constructivists and rationalists alike as a seemingly logical and unproblematic move: the end of the Cold War and the widening of the security agenda in a globalizing world have meant that a state-centric approach to security is no longer viable or desirable. The former neutrals are subsequently reconfiguring their security policies to reflect this development and contributing to European and NATO security initiatives, and at the same time contributing their own unique ‘soft security’ experiences and practices. This article aims to problematize this seemingly smooth move from neutrality to post-neutrality by examining the discourses deployed to facilitate this change. Arguing that there is a politics of post-neutrality at work, it draws attention to how identity is being reconstituted in the process of European integration and identity-formation, and how discourses on changing forms of security cooperation are facilitating the discursive dissemination of an inevitable logic that neutrality in any form will eventually be abandoned.
Combined use of self-efficacy scale for oral health behaviour and oral health questionnaire: A pilot study
Authors: Soutome Sakiko , Kajiwara Kazumi , Oho Takahiko
Published: September 2011

Objective:

To examine whether the combined use of a task-specific self-efficacy scale for oral health behaviour (SEOH) and an oral health questionnaire (OHQ) would be useful for evaluating subjects’ behaviours and cognitions.

Design:

Questionnaires.

Methods:

One hundred and eighty-five students completed the SEOH and OHQ. The 30-item OHQ uses a nominal scale, and the 25-item SEOH includes four subscales with items rated on a five-point Likert scale. The SEOH score of each student was evaluated on the basis of the sum of all scores. The relationship between SEOH scores, including scores on all subscales, and observed values on the OHQ was examined using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Female subjects exhibited higher average scores than male subjects on both the SEOH and self-efficacy scale. Logistic regression analysis revealed eight significant interactions between scores on the SEOH, including its subscales, and OHQ items for male and 10 significant interactions for female.

Conclusion:

Combining the SEOH and the OHQ is useful as a psychological criterion for the clinical assessment and prediction of motivation and skills with respect to oral health behaviour.
The Effects of Security Threats on Antecedents of Police Legitimacy
Authors: Jonathan-Zamir Tal , Weisburd David
Published: September 2011

Objectives:

Examine the relative importance of “police performance” and “procedural justice” as antecedents of police legitimacy in situations of acute security threats, in comparison to situations of “no threat.”

Method:

A unique security situation in Israel allowed for a natural experiment. Using survey data and a multivariate regression approach, the authors compare the importance of “procedural justice” and “police performance” in “Sderot,” an Israeli town facing immediate security threats, with other Israeli communities that did not suffer from specific security threats at the time.

Results:

As expected, assessments of police performance did increase in importance for the public under threat. At the same time and contrary to the authors' hypothesis, evaluations of procedural justice did not decline in importance, and, what is more, procedural justice remained the primary antecedent of police legitimacy in both conditions.

Conclusions:

There does not seem to be a zero-sum game between “police performance” and “procedural justice” in predicting police legitimacy. Moreover, procedural justice is consistently the primary antecedent of police legitimacy, even when the public is faced with the stressful situation of immediate security threats. The authors encourage future research to replicate their analysis in different settings and particularly under different conditions of security threats.
Single and multiple yarn pull-out on E-glass woven fabric structures
Authors: Bilisik Kadir , Yolacan Gaye
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to understand the pull-out properties of E-glass woven fabrics. For this purpose, low yarn linear density E-Glass-F1 and high yarn linear density E-Glass-F2 woven fabrics were used to conduct the pull-out tests.

A developed yarn pull-out fixture was used to test short and long fabric sample dimensions. Data generated from the single and multiple yarn pull-out tests using E-Glass-F1 and E-Glass-F2 woven fabrics included fabric pull-out forces, yarn crimp extensions in the fabrics and fabric displacements.

Yarn pull-out forces depend on yarn linear density, fabric density, fabric sample dimensions and the number of pulled ends in the fabric. Results showed that multiple yarn pull-out force was higher than single yarn pull-out force. Single and multiple yarn pull-out forces in high yarn linear density E-Glass-F2 were higher than those of low yarn linear density E-Glass-F1 fabric. It was found that the crimp ratio in the fabric and fabric lengths is an important structural parameter for yarn crimp extension. Fabric displacement resulting from the multiple yarn pull-out test was higher than that of the single yarn pull-out test. Fabric displacement generated from single and multiple pull-out tests depended on fabric sample dimensions and the number of pulled yarn ends.

Future research will concentrate on the development of the analytical relationship between pull-out and yarn fabric structural parameters which could result in a better fabric structure for use in composite applications.
Collaborating With Diabetes Educators to Promote Smoking Cessation for People With Diabetes
Authors: MacAller Tami , Brown Marianne , Black Karen , Greenwood Deborah
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Smoking exacerbates the harmful effects of diabetes by increasing risk of diabetes-related complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, nephropathy, and neuropathy. To address the smoking cessation needs of people with diabetes, a partnership was formed among diabetes educators, the California Department of Public Health’s Diabetes and Tobacco Control Programs, and the California Smokers’ Helpline.

Methods

A task force composed of 8 diabetes educators voluntarily designed and implemented a statewide educational campaign titled, “Do You cAARd?” The program aimed to promote referrals to the state’s tobacco quitline by diabetes educators. Intervention activities included development of a “toolkit” for diabetes educators, presentations at American Association of Diabetes Educators chapter meetings, distribution of pocket-sized smoking cessation materials, and a print media campaign.

Results

The campaign reached 170 diabetes educators directly via educational presentations. A post-campaign online survey of 46 diabetes educators showed 80% had referred clients to the Helpline for smoking cessation support, 76% knew the Helpline’s phone number, and 70% had distributed Helpline materials. More than 700 toolkits were downloaded, potentially reaching as many as 75% of California’s 900 diabetes educators. The percentage of Helpline calls from people with diabetes and the proportion of callers referred by health care providers also increased over time.

Conclusions

This program partnership serves as a sustainable, efficient, replicable outreach model for smoking cessation.
Morphologic Characteristics Help Explain the Gender Difference in Peak Anterior Cruciate Ligament Strain During a Simulated Pivot Landing
Authors: Lipps David B. , Oh Youkeun K. , Ashton-Miller James A. , Wojtys Edward M.
Published: September 2011

Background: Gender differences exist in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) cross-sectional area and lateral tibial slope. Biomechanical principles suggest that the direction of these gender differences should induce larger peak ACL strains in females under dynamic loading.

Hypothesis: Peak ACL relative strain during a simulated pivot landing is significantly greater in female ACLs than male ACLs.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Twenty cadaveric knees from height- and weight-matched male and female cadavers were subjected to impulsive 3-dimensional test loads of 2 times body weight in compression, flexion, and internal tibial torque starting at 15° of flexion. Load cells measured the 3-dimensional forces and moments applied to the knee, and forces in the pretensioned quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscle equivalents. A novel, gender-specific, nonlinear spring simulated short-range and longer range quadriceps muscle tensile stiffness. Peak relative strain in the anteromedial bundle of the ACL (AM-ACL) was measured using a differential variable reluctance transducer, while ACL cross-sectional area and lateral tibial slope were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. A repeated-measures Mann-Whitney signed-rank test was used to test the hypothesis.

Results: Female knees exhibited 95% greater peak AM-ACL relative strain than male knees (6.37% [2.53%] vs 3.26% [1.89%]; P = .004). Anterior cruciate ligament cross-sectional area and lateral tibial slope were significant predictors of peak AM-ACL relative strain ( R2 = .59; P = .001).

Conclusion: Peak AM-ACL relative strain was significantly greater in female than male knees from donors of the same height and weight. This gender difference is attributed to a smaller female ACL cross-sectional area and a greater lateral tibial slope.

Clinical Relevance: Since female ACLs are systematically exposed to greater strain than their male counterparts, training and injury prevention programs should take this fact into consideration.
Aerogel: a potential three-dimensional nanoporous filler for resins
Authors: Ai Du  , Bin Zhou  , Yunong Li  , Xiuyan Li  , Junjian Ye  , Longxiang Li  , Zhihua Zhang  , Guohua Gao  , Jun Shen
Published: September 2011

Considering its special microstructure and unique properties, silica aerogel was chosen as three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous filler for epoxy resin in this paper. Pure epoxy resin (0 wt%), 0.1 wt%, 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 100 wt% (pure silica aerogel) aerogel/epoxy composites were fabricated and then characterized by dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and field emission scanning electron microscope. The results showed that small amount of filler efficiently increased the stiffness of the composites, but the stiffness decreased with the increase of the mass fraction of the aerogel in the composites (composites ratio); the glass transition temperature of the composites substantially increased, compared to pure epoxy resin. Also, the compressive modulus of the composites at glassy state, rubbery state, and hardening state were studied, respectively. At last, the effects which presumably affect the properties of aerogel/epoxy composites were discussed. Anchoring effect and interfacial effect were suggested to explain the thermal—mechanical behaviors of the composites with different composite ratio.
Realign carbon nanotubes in PMMA nano-fibers by improved electrospinning equipment
Authors: Dai Jianfeng , Wang Junhong , Mu Xiaowen , Chen Xiaoting
Published: September 2011

An electrospinning equipment combining with a long capillary has been assembled to realign carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibers. The in situ polymerization process was used to improve the dispersion of CNTs and the interface combining between CNTs and matrix. The SEM results indicated that the smooth and arranged electrospun nano-fibers with a diameter of about 100 nm were obtained. TEM investigations show the well dispersion and realignment of CNTs in composite fibers. The FTIR spectra show the chemical bonding between CNTs and matrix. Comparing with pure PMMA, the electrical conductivity increased by 10 orders of magnitude for the composite fiber bundle containing 8 wt% of CNTs. The Herman orientation factor of CNTs reached 0.89 based on the Raman spectra analysis and the modified formula taking the partial disorder of the fibers into account. Meanwhile, the realignment of CNTs before the electrospinning process by poiseuille flow within capillary was analyzed.
Prediction of long-term durability of unidirectional CFRP
Authors: Koyanagi Jun , Nakada Masayuki , Miyano Yasushi
Published: September 2011

This study examines the applicability of the SFF model (Koyanagi J, Kotani M, Hatta H and Kawada H. A comprehensive model for determining tensile strengths of various unidirectional composites. J Compos Mater 2009; 43: 1901–1914) to the time and temperature dependence of strength for two kinds of CFRP. The only difference in the materials is the reinforcing carbon fiber, which is not time or temperature-dependent; the time and temperature dependence of strength for the two materials differ. The SFF model, however, can follow their strengths well. Postulating the SFF applicability, the validity of the conventional accelerated testing methodology by elevated temperature and a simple method to predict long-term durability, including creep lifetime, are discussed.