bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The power and politics of collaboration in nurse practitioner role development
Authors: Burgess Judith , Purkis Mary Ellen
Published: November 2010

BURGESS J and PURKIS ME. Nursing Inquiry 2010; 17: 297–308 The power and politics of collaboration in nurse practitioner role development

This health services study employed participatory action research to engage nurse practitioners (NPs) from two health authorities in British Columbia, Canada, to examine the research question: How does collaboration advance NP role integration within primary health‐care? The inquiry was significant and timely because the NP role was recently introduced into the province, supported by passage of legislation and regulation and introduction of graduate education programs. In separate and concurrent inquiry groups, the NPs discussed their practice patterns, role development progress and understanding of collaboration and role integration. The inquiry revealed the political nature of the NP role and the extent to which NPs relied on collaborative relations at all levels of the health system to advance role integration. Given that NP role development is still at an early stage in this province, as well as other provinces in Canada, this study provides important insights into the power and politics of role development, and offers direction for future role advancement.
Hypospadias in a Friesian Gelding
Authors: Brink Palle , Schumacher Jim
Published: November 2010

Objective: To report clinical signs and management of hypospadias in a horse.

Study Design: Clinical report.

Animal: A 6‐year‐old, Friesian gelding.

Methods: Partial phallectomy was performed to resolve contact dermatitis of the pelvic limbs and abnormal behavior during urination. Subsequent urethral meatal stenosis was treated by revision.

Results: Hypospadias and chordee caused altered direction of urine flow, contact dermatitis of the pelvic limbs, and abnormal behavior. Partial phallectomy and subsequent revision after meatal stenosis resolved urine direction, flow and abnormal behavior.

Conclusions: Abnormalities of the urinary tract associated with hypospadias can result in urine‐induced, contact dermatitis and distress during urination, but these complications can be resolved by partial phallectomy.
Sticks or Carrots? Optimal CEO Compensation when Managers Are Loss Averse
Authors: DITTMANN INGOLF , MAUG ERNST , SPALT OLIVER
Published: November 2010

This paper analyzes optimal executive compensation contracts when managers are loss averse. We calibrate a stylized principal‐agent model to the observed contracts of 595 CEOs and show that this model can explain observed option holdings and high base salaries remarkably well for a range of parameterizations. We also derive and calibrate the general shape of the optimal contract that is increasing and convex for medium and high outcomes and that drops discontinuously to the lowest possible payout for low outcomes. Finally, we identify the critical features of the loss‐aversion model that render optimal contracts convex.
Who Blows the Whistle on Corporate Fraud?
Authors: DYCK ALEXANDER , MORSE ADAIR , ZINGALES LUIGI
Published: November 2010

To identify the most effective mechanisms for detecting corporate fraud, we study all reported fraud cases in large U.S. companies between 1996 and 2004. We find that fraud detection does not rely on standard corporate governance actors (investors, SEC, and auditors), but rather takes a village, including several nontraditional players (employees, media, and industry regulators). Differences in access to information, as well as monetary and reputational incentives, help to explain this pattern. In‐depth analyses suggest that reputational incentives in general are weak, except for journalists in large cases. By contrast, monetary incentives help explain employee whistleblowing.
Acute abdomen in SLE
Authors: MALAVIYA Anand N. , SHARMA Amit , AGARWAL Divya , KAPOOR Sanjiv , GARG Shriram , SINGH Sadhana , RAWAT Roopa
Published: November 2010

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease with protean manifestations. Most often it presents with mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal or renal involvement. In comparison, gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of SLE are far less common. The case presented here highlights the differential diagnosis of GI manifestations of SLE that range from non‐life‐threatening to serious life‐threatening complications, including some of the complications of on‐going drug treatments. While some of them present as ‘acute abdomen’, others are more subacute or chronic, yet serious enough to be life‐threatening. The serious GI manifestations of SLE include mesenteric vasculitis causing perforation or hemorrhage with peritonitis, acute pancreatitis and intestinal pseudo‐obstruction. The patient in this paper had clinical features, imaging findings and laboratory parameters that helped the treating physician to narrow down the diagnostic possibilities and finally, in making the diagnosis of lupus‐pancreatitis. She was treated with intravenous ‘bolus’ (i.v.‐pulse) methylprednisolone for 3 days, i.v.‐pulse cyclophosphamide 750 mg (one dose) along with oral methylprednisolone and other supportive measures including blood transfusions. This led to prompt and complete recovery.
Australian opinions on water fluoridation: do Queenslanders believe differently?
Authors: Akers Harry F. , Armfield Jason M.
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To test whether residents of Queensland differ from residents elsewhere in Australia with respect to support for water fluoridation.

Methods:  Questionnaire data were obtained from an Australia‐wide sample of 517 adults. The study occurred in 2008, shortly after the state government mandated fluoridation across Queensland.

Results:  There were no significant differences in fluoridation support or in beliefs regarding the benefits and harms of fluoridation between Queensland and non‐Queensland residents. However, respondents from Queensland were more resistant to changing their minds regarding their fluoridation stance, more distrusting of public health officials, and more supportive of decisions to introduce fluoridation being made by the people via a referendum. After controlling for potentially confounding variables, Queenslanders demonstrated significantly more support for water fluoridation than non‐Queenslanders.

Conclusions:  Perceived Queensland characteristics, which political scientists have used to explain aberrant political behavior or public policy, were not relevant to the longstanding pre‐2009 disparity in water fluoridation coverage between Queensland and the rest of Australia. The findings of this investigation do not support the assumption that Queenslanders are more opposed to fluoridation than residents elsewhere in Australia.
Clinical efficacy of lidocaine, mepivacaine, and articaine for local infiltration
Authors: Srisurang Suttapreyasri , Narit Leepong , Prisana Pripatnanont
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To assess and compare the efficacy of single buccal and palatal infiltration of lidocaine, mepivacaine, or articaine with 1:100 000 epinephrine by maxillary anesthetic injection.

Methods:  A double‐blinded, randomized, clinical trial was conducted with 33 patients undergoing upper premolar extraction. The patients were randomly allocated into one of three groups, according to the local anesthetic agent used: 2% lidocaine, 2% mepivacaine, or 4% articaine, all with 1:100 000 epinephrine, and were blinded to the anesthetic used. The extent of anesthetization, pulpal anesthetization in adjacent teeth, pain on injection, and adverse effects of the anesthetic agents were assessed.

Results:  The extent of anesthetization produced by 4% articaine (42 mm) was statistically more significant (P ≤ 0.05) than 2% lidocaine (33 mm) and 2% mepivacaine (32.5 mm). The successful anesthetization of adjacent teeth occurred more often in the articaine group than in the lidocaine and mepivacine groups, although not to a statistically‐significant extent. The pain scores for the injections were comparable between the three groups.

Conclusions:  Local anesthetization using 4% articaine with 1:100 000 epinephrine covers a wider area of soft tissue and adjacent teeth than 2% lidocaine or 2% mepivacaine with 1:100 000 epinephrine, which is sufficient for the extraction of one or two teeth.
A 2D Lumped Parameter Model for Prediction of Temperature in C/C Composite Disk Pair in Dry Friction Contact
Authors: Elhomani A. , Farhang K.
Published: November 2010

In applications involving substantial friction, surface failure is an inevitable phenomenon. Friction induced failure typically involves the generation of considerable heat. Existence of significant frictional force leads to relatively high interface temperature as a result of dynamic nature of flash temperatures at the contact areas. A first step in predicting friction induced failure is to develop an accurate thermomechanical model of the friction system. A thermomechanical model is developed in this paper based on a lumped parameter representation of a two-disk brake. A disk is viewed as consisting of three main regions: (1) the surface contact, (2) the friction interface, and (3) the bulk. The lumped parameter model is obtained by dividing a disk into a number of concentric rings and stacked layers. The friction layer contains both the interface and contact elements, each includes the equivalent thermal capacitance and conductive resistance. The contact capacitance and resistance are described in terms of the elastic contact interaction between the surfaces of the two disks. Therefore, they are obtained using the Greenwood and Williamson model for contact of rough surfaces. Each is described as a statistical summation of the micron-scale interaction of the surfaces.
Energy Analysis and Optimization of a Water-Loop Heat Pump System
Authors: Yuan Shui , Grabon Michel
Published: November 2010

A water-loop heat pump system consists of a set of water-source heat pumps that are connected with a closed-loop water network, which allows heat to be injected into or extracted out of the loop water. Such a configuration is able to meet simultaneous heating and cooling demands with a heat recovery capability. This paper analyzes the impact of loop water temperature on energy performance of individual heat pumps and the whole system, demonstrates that there exists a unique loop water temperature that minimizes overall power consumption of the configuration under discussion, and proposes a strategy to find the optimal temperature, which can be implemented in a real-time application. Simulations have been conducted to verify that a significant energy savings can be achieved over conventional practice.
Performance of Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Systems and Their Impacts on Electric Utility Loads
Authors: Sharaf-Eldeen Yahya I.
Published: November 2010

This work involves measurements, analyses, and evaluation of performance of air-source heat pump water heaters (HPWHs), and their impacts on electric utility loads. Two add-on, heat pumps (HPs) rated at 7000 BTU/h (2.051 kW) and 12,000 BTU/h (3.517 kW) were utilized. The HPs were retrofitted to two 50 gal (189.3 l) electric water heaters (EWHs) with their electric heating elements removed. A third standard EWH was used for comparison. The testing setups were fully instrumented for measurements of all pertinent parameters, including inlet and outlet water temperatures, inlet and outlet air temperatures of the HPs, temperature and humidity of the surrounding air, volume of water drawn out of the storage tanks, as well as the electric energy consumptions of the systems. Performance measures evaluated included the coefficient of performance, the energy factor (EF), and the first hour rating (FHR). The HPWH systems gave EFs ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 and corresponding energy savings (and reductions in utility peak loads) ranging from 49.0% to 63.0%, approximately. The values obtained in the summer months were, as expected, somewhat higher than those obtained in the winter ones. The average values of the EFs and energy savings (and reductions in utility peak loads) were about 2.1 and 56.0%, respectively. FHR results were much lower for the HPWHs compared with those for the standard EWH. These results show that HPWHs are much more efficient compared with standard EWHs. While the average value of the EF for the EWH was about 0.92, the HPWHs yielded EFs averaging more than 2.00, resulting in annual energy savings averaging more than 50%. The results also show that HPWHs are effective at reducing utility peak loads, in addition to providing substantial cost savings to consumers.
Colloidal optical waveguides with integrated local light sources built by capillary force assembly
Authors: Lecarme O. , Pinedo Rivera T. , Arbez L. , Honegger T. , Berton K. , Peyrade D.
Published: November 2010

Colloidal waveguide fabrication based on the convective assisted capillary force assembly technique and their optical properties is presented in this work. A large variety in shape of colloidal waveguides is built with their own integrated local light sources. It is highlighted that these structures exhibit propagation of the visible light at the micrometric scale. Finally, the onset of the integration of a colloidal emitter on a classical photonic system is developed using a stamping method.
Revisiting B20H16 by means of a joint computational/experimental NMR approach
Authors: Hnyk Drahomír , Holub Josef , Jelínek Tomáš , Macháček Jan , Londesborough Michael G. S.
Published: November 2010

A new synthesis of the fused macropolyhedral boron cluster B20H16 is described and its molecular structure in solution discussed, based on multi-nuclear NMR spectra, including COSY measurements, in relation to its previously elucidated solid-state structure. To verify the conclusions from the NMR study, experimentally determined chemical shifts are compared with calculated values at the GIAO-B3LYP level with a TZP basis set by Huzinaga. There is a very good agreement between the experimental and computed δ(11B) values, suggesting that the MP2/6-31G* internal coordinates are a reasonable representation of the molecular geometry of this twenty-vertex cluster in solution that is essentially the same as its solid-state structure. A computational analysis of the FMO orbitals of B20H16, in particular of the LUMO, reveals that the four naked boron atoms, common for two shared icosahedral subclusters, are the reactive sites of this D2d-symmetrical molecule.
The effectiveness of middle and high school-based suicide prevention programmes for adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Cusimano Michael D , Sameem Mojib
Published: November 2010

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of middle and high school-based suicide prevention curricula.

Data sources

The following were searched: Ovid MEDLINE(R) in-process and other non-indexed citations and Ovid MEDLINE(R), Ovid Healthstar, CINAHL, PsycINFO, all EBM reviews—Cochrane DSR, ACP Journal Club, DARE, CCTR, CMR, HTA, and NHSEED, and the ISI Web of Science, until October 2009; government web pages for statistics and other demographic data in countries where they were available; citation lists of relevant articles.

Review methods

Randomised controlled studies, interrupted time series analyses with a concurrent comparison group, studies with follow-up examinations (post-test questionnaires and monitoring suicide rates), and middle to high school-based curriculum studies, including both male and female participants, were included.

Results

36 potentially relevant studies were identified, eight of which met the inclusion criteria. Overall, statistically significant improvements were noted in knowledge, attitude, and help-seeking behaviour. A decrease in self reported ideation was reported in two studies. None reported on suicide rates.

Conclusion

Although evidence exists that school-based programmes to prevent suicide among adolescents improve knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviours, no evidence yet exists that these prevention programmes reduce suicide rates. Further well designed, controlled research is required before such programmes are instituted broadly to populations at risk.
BRANE COSMOLOGY WITH GENERALIZED CHAPLYGIN GAS IN THE BULK
Authors: SAAIDI KH. , MOHAMMADI A. H.
Published: November 2010

We find exact solution of the Einstein equations in the context of the braneworld scenario. We assumed a generalized Chaplygin gas equation of state for bulk. This study displays a constant energy density and pressure for bulk in late time. It is shown that our assumptions impose a specific equation of state on brane. In this work, we obtain a decelerate universe in early time and late time. In the end, it is shown that under some assumption we can obtain equation of state of cosmological constant for bulk.
PREDICTED SIGNATURES AT THE LHC FROM U(1) EXTENSIONS OF THE STANDARD MODEL
Authors: NATH PRAN
Published: November 2010

We discuss the U (1)X extensions of the standard model with focus on the Stueckelberg mechanism for mass growth for the extra U (1)X gauge boson. The assumption of an axionic connector field which carries dual U(1) quantum numbers, i.e. quantum numbers for the hypercharge U(1) Y and for the hidden sector gauge group U (1)X, allows a nontrivial mixing between the mass growth for the neutral gauge vector bosons in the SU(2) L × U (1)Y sector and the mass growth for the vector boson by the Stueckelberg mechanism in the U (1)X sector. This results in an extra Z′ which can be very narrow, but still detectable at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The U (1)X extension of the minimal supersymmetric standard model is also considered and the role of the Fayet–Illiopoulos term in such an extension discussed. The U (1)X extensions of the SM and of the MSSM lead to new candidates for dark matter.
THE EFFECT OF SURFACES ON THE ORIENTATIONAL PROPERTIES AND PHASE TRANSITIONS PECULIARITIES OF A NONPOLAR SMECTOGEN
Authors: YILDIZ SEVTAP , ÖZKAN ZAYIM ESRA , PEKCAN ÖNDER , ÖZBEK HALUK
Published: November 2010

The effect of thin films on the orientational and optical properties of nonpolar monolayer smectogen 4-butoxyphenyl-4′-decyloxybenzoate [Formula: see text] liquid crystal has been studied by polarizing microscopy and high-resolution photon transmission method. The uniform planar textures of [Formula: see text] on the surfaces coated with WO3, VO2, and WO3– VO2mixture thin films have been obtained. No significant shifts in the phase transition temperatures to lower values under the influence of the surfaces have been observed. We have also presented the new experimental data on the critical behavior of the layer compression modulus B near the nematic–smectic A transition. It was observed that the data in the vicinity of the transition can be described by a power law expression after the introduction of a first-order correction-to-scaling term within the limit of experimental error. The resulting critical exponent was found to be 0.34∓0.01 which is good agreement with the previously reported values for other investigated compounds in literature.
COLLECTIVE DYNAMICS OF A NANO-FLUID: FULLERENE, C60
Authors: TEWARI S. P. , DHINGRA GRIMA , SILOTIA POONAM
Published: November 2010

Collective dynamics of a strongly correlated nano-fluid of fullerenes, C 60 having number density 0.945 particles/nm3 at 1850 K has been predicted using the sphericalized inter-fullerene interaction and the self-consistent microscopic theory of fluids. The dynamical structure factors have been computed to yield much different dispersion relation of the collective excitations from that of the Lennard–Jones type fluid. The wave-vector dependent longitudinal viscosity of the nano-fluid has also been reported.
ELECTRON/POSITRON EXCESSES IN THE COSMIC RAY SPECTRUM AND POSSIBLE INTERPRETATIONS
Authors: FAN YI-ZHONG , ZHANG BING , CHANG JIN
Published: November 2010

The data collected by ATIC, PPB-BETS, FERMI-LAT and HESS all indicate that there is an electron/positron excess in the cosmic ray energy spectrum above ~100 GeV, although different instrumental teams do not agree on the detailed spectral shape. PAMELA also reported clearly the excessive feature of the fraction of positron above several GeV, but with no excess in antiprotons. Here we review the observational status and theoretical models of this interesting observational feature. We pay special attention to various physical interpretations proposed in the literature, including modified supernova remnant models for the e± background, new astrophysical sources, and new physics (the dark matter models). We suggest that although most models can make a case to interpret the data, with the current observational constraints the dark matter interpretations, especially those invoking annihilation, require much more exotic assumptions than some other astrophysical interpretations. Future observations may present some "smoking-gun" observational tests to differentiate different models and to identify the correct interpretation of the phenomenon.
Quantifying fidelity for virtual environment simulations employing memory schema assumptions
Authors: Mourkoussis Nicholaos , Rivera Fiona M. , Troscianko Tom , Dixon Tim , Hawkes Rycharde , Mania Katerina
Published: November 2010

In a virtual environment (VE), efficient techniques are often needed to economize on rendering computation without compromising the information transmitted. The reported experiments devise a functional fidelity metric by exploiting research on memory schemata. According to the proposed measure, similar information would be transmitted across synthetic and real-world scenes depicting a specific schema. This would ultimately indicate which areas in a VE could be rendered in lower quality without affecting information uptake. We examine whether computationally more expensive scenes of greater visual fidelity affect memory performance after exposure to immersive VEs, or whether they are merely more aesthetically pleasing than their diminished visual quality counterparts. Results indicate that memory schemata function in VEs similar to real-world environments. “High-level” visual cognition related to late visual processing is unaffected by ubiquitous graphics manipulations such as polygon count and depth of shadow rendering; “normal” cognition operates as long as the scenes look acceptably realistic. However, when the overall realism of the scene is greatly reduced, such as in wireframe, then visual cognition becomes abnormal. Effects that distinguish schema-consistent from schema-inconsistent objects change because the whole scene now looks incongruent. We have shown that this effect is not due to a failure of basic recognition.
Perceptually guided high-fidelity rendering exploiting movement bias in visual attention
Authors: Hasic Jasminka , Chalmers Alan , Sikudova Elena
Published: November 2010

A major obstacle for real-time rendering of high-fidelity graphics is computational complexity. A key point to consider in the pursuit of “realism in real time” in computer graphics is that the Human Visual System (HVS) is a fundamental part of the rendering pipeline. The human eye is only capable of sensing image detail in a 2
ˆ
foveal region, relying on rapid eye movements, or saccades, to jump between points of interest. These points of interest are prioritized based on the saliency of the objects in the scene or the task the user is performing. Such “glimpses” of a scene are then assembled by the HVS into a coherent, but inevitably imperfect, visual perception of the environment. In this process, much detail, that the HVS deems unimportant, may literally go unnoticed.

Visual science research has identified that movement in the background of a scene may substantially influence how subjects perceive foreground objects. Furthermore, recent computer graphics work has shown that both fixed viewpoint and dynamic scenes can be selectively rendered without any perceptual loss of quality, in a significantly reduced time, by exploiting knowledge of any high-saliency movement that may be present. A high-saliency movement can be generated in a scene if an otherwise static objects starts moving. In this article, we investigate, through psychophysical experiments, including eye-tracking, the perception of rendering quality in dynamic complex scenes based on the introduction of a moving object in a scene. Two types of object movement are investigated: (i) rotation in place and (ii) rotation combined with translation. These were chosen as the simplest movement types. Future studies may include movement with varied acceleration. The object's geometry and location in the scene are not salient. We then use this information to guide our high-fidelity selective renderer to produce perceptually high-quality images at significantly reduced computation times. We also show how these results can have important implications for virtual environment and computer games applications.
Ada for parallel, embedded, and real-time applications
Authors: McCormick John W.
Published: November 2010

The arrival and popularity of multi-core processors has sparked a renewed interest in the development of parallel programs. Similarly, the availability of low cost microprocessors and sensors has generated a great interest in embedded real-time programs. Ada is arguably the most appropriate language for development of parallel and real-time applications. This tutorial provides an introduction to the features of Ada that make it appropriate in these domains including.

High level support for low level programming.

The task.

Communication and synchronization based on shared objects.

Communication and synchronization based on direct interaction.

Support for compliance with real-time scheduling theory.
Systems software integrity assurance
Authors: Lane Chris
Published: November 2010

DataComm is a program that will enhance existing communications between the air traffic controller and the pilot by sending digital messages to supplement the existing voice communications. With more reliance on DataComm as the FAA's Next Generation systems become fielded, ensuring the communications is reliable, accurate, and most importantly safe becomes increasingly critical. RTCA DO-278 provides the guidelines for communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management systems software integrity assurance. It doesn't guarantee that the software developed in accordance with these guidelines is safe but if followed it ensures that the processes are in place to properly plan, develop and verify the software. Lockheed Martin is in the process of integrating DataComm with the En Route Automation and Modernization (ERAM) program and is developing the program in compliance with DO-278. This brings challenges as well as opportunities with the increasing reliance on commercial off the shelf (COTS) software. These challenges and some insight into developing systems to the standards of DO-278 will be discussed.
Real-time system development in ada using LEGO® mindstorms® NXT
Authors: Bradley Peter J. , de la Puente Juan A. , Zamorano Juan
Published: November 2010

In this paper, we describe a set of tools to fully develop a real-time application under Linux using as target the LEGO® Mindstorms® NXT robotics kit. These tools provide Real-Time & Embedded systems teachers with an alternative to conventional software models designed in classrooms and labs.
Extending Ada to support multi-core based monitoring and fault tolerance
Authors: Li You , Yang Lu , Bu Lei , Wang Linzhang , Zhao Jianhua , Li Xuandong
Published: November 2010

Monitoring-Oriented Programming (MOP) and Software Fault Tolerance(SFT) are two important approaches to guarantee the reliablity of software systems, especially for those running online for long term. However, the introduction of monitoring or fault tolerance module will bring in high overhead. With the prevalence of multi-core platform, we can find the trade off between the reliablity and the efficiency. As one of the most reliable programming languages, Ada is used to a significant degree in many fields. Providing the support of MOP and SFT in Ada can help the programmers enhance the reliablity of software systems. In this paper, we present an approach to extending Ada to support multi-core based monitoring and fault tolerance. First we introduce the framework of multi-core based MOP and SFT. Based on this framework, programmers can design the components of MOP and SFT with tasks parallel to main tasks in Ada programming. All these tasks can be allocated to different physical cores to run concurrently. Then, we give a proposal for enabling multi-core based MOP and SFT in Ada. In this proposal, we design two packages
System.MOP_Elements and System.SFT_Elements
for programmers to indicate various monitoring and fault tolerance components. With the packages,programmers can also assign computation resources for each component. Finally we animate this proposal via a prototype tool called MCAda and use two case studies to show our approach.
Is Alpha Wave Neurofeedback Effective with Randomized Clinical Trials in Depression? A Pilot Study
Authors: Choi Sung Won , Chi Sang Eun , Chung Sun Yong , Kim Jong Woo , Ahn Chang Yil , Kim Hyun Taek
Published: November 2010

Frontal asymmetric activation has been proposed to be the underlying mechanism for depression. Some case studies have reported that the enhancement of a relative right frontal alpha activity by an asymmetry neurofeedback training leads to improvement in depressive symptoms. In the present study, we examined whether a neurofeedback training designed to increase the relative activity of the right frontal alpha band would have an impact on symptoms of depressive subjects suffering from emotional, behavioral, and cognitive problems. Our results indicated that the asymmetry neurofeedback training increased the relative right frontal alpha power, and it remained effective even after the end of the total training sessions. In contrast to the training group, the placebo control group did not show a difference. The neurofeedback training had profound effects on emotion and cognition. First, we replicated earlier findings that enhancing the left frontal activity led to alleviation of depressive symptoms. Moreover, cognitive tests revealed that the asymmetry training improved performance of executive function tests, whereas the placebo treatment did not show improvement. We preliminarily concluded that the asymmetry training is important for controlling and regulating emotion, and it may facilitate the left frontal lobe function.
Aberration corrected and monochromated environmental transmission electron microscopy: Challenges and prospects for materials science
Authors: Hansen T. W. , Wagner J. B. , Dunin-Borkowski R. E.
Published: November 2010

The latest generation of environmental transmission electron microscopes incorporates aberration correctors and monochromators, allowing studies of chemical reactions and growth processes with improved spatial resolution and spectral sensitivity. Here, we describe the performance of such an instrument using examples taken from studies of fuel cells and supported catalysts. We discuss the challenges involved in performing in situ gas reaction experiments quantitatively and reliably and we highlight the care required to understand the effect of the electron beam on dynamic experiments performed in the electron microscope.
Integrated modelling of precipitation during friction stir welding of 2024-T3 aluminium alloy
Authors: Hersent E. , Driver J. H. , Piot D. , Desrayaud C.
Published: November 2010

The microstructure and hardness profiles across a friction stir welded joint of a 2024-T3 aluminium alloy have been simulated by thermal and microstructure models. Thermal modelling is based on a semi-analytical model, which analyses the complex material flow by standard velocity fields. The precipitation model is based on classical nucleation, growth and coarsening mechanisms and can be combined with precipitation hardening laws. Applying these models in succession gives simulated hardness profiles, which have been compared to experimental hardness values after friction stir welding under equivalent conditions. The positions of maximum and minimum hardness are well reproduced, but the simulated hardness variation across the weld is less pronounced than the experimental one. The simulated microstructures in well characterised zones of the joint have been compared to previous TEM observations and shown to be generally in agreement. The results demonstrate the feasibility of making realistic hardness predictions from physically based models on a standard personal computer.
Temperature dependence of low cycle fatigue of 316(N) weld metals and 316L(N)/316(N) weld joints
Authors: Reddy G.V. Prasad , Sandhya R. , Valsan M. , Rao K. Bhanu Sankara
Published: November 2010

The low cycle fatigue behaviour of 316(N) weld metals and 316L(N)/316(N) weld joints have been investigated in the temperature range of 300–873 K, at a strain amplitude of ±0·6% and a strain rate 3 6 10–3 s–1, to study the influence of dynamic strain aging (DSA). The 316(N) weld metal exhibited better fatigue life than the weld joint, though the weld metal has shown higher cyclic stress response and higher plastic strain accumulation than the weld joint. Significant features observed in the temperature regime of 300–873 K include the maximum in fatigue life at 573 K and DSA in the range of 673–873 K. Occurrence of DSA has been manifested through drastic reduction in fatigue life in the range of 673–873 K, associated with anomalous stress response. Dominant DSA effects have been observed at about 773 K in the weld joint and at 823 K in the weld metal. However, the effect of DSA is found to be nominal beyond 823 K where the reduction in fatigue life is attributed to the combined effects of oxidation and DSA. Secondary crack density measurements (in the range of 300–873 K) in the weld joint specimens revealed the severity of the heat affected zone (HAZ) in inducing fatigue damage. Parameters have been identified to determine the temperature corresponding to dominant DSA effects.
MHC variation and risk of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Hosking Fay J. , Leslie Stephen , Dilthey Alexander , Moutsianas Loukas , Wang Yufei , Dobbins Sara E. , Papaemmanuil Elli , Sheridan Eamonn , Kinsey Sally E. , Lightfoot Tracy , Roman Eve , Irving Julie A. E. , Allan James M. , Taylor Malcolm , Greaves Mel , McVean Gilean , Houlston Richard S.
Published: November 2010

A role for specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variants in the etiology of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been extensively studied over the last 30 years, but no unambiguous association has been identified. To comprehensively study the relationship between genetic variation within the 4.5 Mb major histocompatibility complex genomic region and precursor B-cell (BCP) ALL risk, we analyzed 1075 observed and 8176 imputed single nucleotide polymorphisms and their related haplotypes in 824 BCP-ALL cases and 4737 controls. Using these genotypes we also imputed both common and rare alleles at class I (HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C) and class II (HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQA1, and HLA-DQB1) HLA loci. Overall, we found no statistically significant association between variants and BCP-ALL risk. We conclude that major histocompatibility complex-defined variation in immune-mediated response is unlikely to be a major risk factor for BCP-ALL.
Genomic tools development for Aquilegia: construction of a BAC-based physical map
Authors: Fang Guang-Chen , Blackmon Barbara P , Henry David C , Staton Margaret E , Saski Christopher A , Hodges Scott A , Tomkins Jeff P , Luo Hong
Published: November 2010

Background

The genusAquilegia, consisting of approximately 70 taxa, is a member of the basal eudicot lineage, Ranuculales, which is evolutionarily intermediate between monocots and core eudicots, and represents a relatively unstudied clade in the angiosperm phylogenetic tree that bridges the gap between these two major plant groups.Aquilegiaspecies are closely related and their distribution covers highly diverse habitats. These provide rich resources to better understand the genetic basis of adaptation to different pollinators and habitats that in turn leads to rapid speciation. To gain insights into the genome structure and facilitate gene identification, comparative genomics and whole-genome shotgun sequencing assembly, BAC-based genomics resources are of crucial importance.

Results

BAC-based genomic resources, including two BAC libraries, a physical map with anchored markers and BAC end sequences, were established fromA. formosa. The physical map was composed of a total of 50,155 BAC clones in 832 contigs and 3939 singletons, covering 21X genome equivalents. These contigs spanned a physical length of 689.8 Mb (~2.3X of the genome) suggesting the complex heterozygosity of the genome. A set of 197 markers was developed from ESTs induced by drought-stress, or involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis or floral development, and was integrated into the physical map. Among these were 87 genetically mapped markers that anchored 54 contigs, spanning 76.4 Mb (25.5%) across the genome. Analysis of a selection of 12,086 BAC end sequences (BESs) from the minimal tiling path (MTP) allowed a preview of theAquilegiagenome organization, including identification of transposable elements, simple sequence repeats and gene content. Common repetitive elements previously reported in both monocots and core eudicots were identified inAquilegiasuggesting the value of this genome in connecting the two major plant clades. Comparison with sequenced plant genomes indicated a higher similarity to grapevine (Vitis vinifera) than to rice andArabidopsisin the transcriptomes.

Conclusions

TheA. formosaBAC-based genomic resources provide valuable tools to studyAquilegiagenome. Further integration of other existing genomics resources, such as ESTs, into the physical map should enable better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptive radiation and elaboration of floral morphology.
The role of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GapA-1) in Neisseria meningitidis adherence to human cells
Authors: Tunio Sarfraz A , Oldfield Neil J , Ala'Aldeen Dlawer AA , Wooldridge Karl G , Turner David PJ
Published: November 2010

Background

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenases (GAPDHs) are cytoplasmic glycolytic enzymes, which although lacking identifiable secretion signals, have also been found localized to the surface of several bacteria (and some eukaryotic organisms); where in some cases they have been shown to contribute to the colonization and invasion of host tissues. Neisseria meningitidis is an obligate human nasopharyngeal commensal which can cause life-threatening infections including septicaemia and meningitis. N. meningitidis has two genes, gapA-1 and gapA-2, encoding GAPDH enzymes. GapA-1 has previously been shown to be up-regulated on bacterial contact with host epithelial cells and is accessible to antibodies on the surface of capsule-permeabilized meningococcal cells. The aims of this study were: 1) to determine whether GapA-1 was expressed across different strains of N. meningitidis; 2) to determine whether GapA-1 surface accessibility to antibodies was dependant on the presence of capsule; 3) to determine whether GapA-1 can influence the interaction of meningococci and host cells, particularly in the key stages of adhesion and invasion.

Results

In this study, expression of GapA-1 was shown to be well conserved across diverse isolates of Neisseria species. Flow cytometry confirmed that GapA-1 could be detected on the cell surface, but only in a siaD-knockout (capsule-deficient) background, suggesting that GapA-1 is inaccessible to antibody in in vitro-grown encapsulated meningococci. The role of GapA-1 in meningococcal pathogenesis was addressed by mutational analysis and functional complementation. Loss of GapA-1 did not affect the growth of the bacterium in vitro. However, a GapA-1 deficient mutant showed a significant reduction in adhesion to human epithelial and endothelial cells compared to the wild-type and complemented mutant. A similar reduction in adhesion levels was also apparent between a siaD-deficient meningococcal strain and an isogenic siaD gapA-1 double mutant.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrates that meningococcal GapA-1 is a constitutively-expressed, highly-conserved surface-exposed protein which is antibody-accessible only in the absence of capsule. Mutation of GapA-1 does not affect the in vitro growth rate of N. meningitidis, but significantly affects the ability of the organism to adhere to human epithelial and endothelial cells in a capsule-independent process suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of meningococcal infection.
The role of colonoscopy in the management of intestinal obstruction: a 20-year retrospective study
Authors: Katsanos Konstantinos H , Maliouki Mariana , Tatsioni Athina , Ignatiadou Eleftheria , Christodoulou Dimitrios K , Fatouros Michael , Tsianos Epameinondas V
Published: November 2010

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the use colonoscopy over time in the assessment of large bowel obstruction in a tertiary university hospital.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of surgical and colonoscopy records for the years 1990-2009 in a university hospital. All patients diagnosed with non-conservatively managed bowel obstruction were included.

Results

We recorded 644 patients diagnosed with non-conservatively managed bowel obstruction. Four hundred forty-one (67.3%) were managed only by surgery, 157 (23.6%) were managed by colonoscopy, and 46 (6.9%) by combined colonoscopy and surgery. Patients over 77 years were more likely to receive colonoscopy as monotherapy or combined with surgery as compared to younger patients. Management by colonoscopy only and by combined colonoscopy and surgery increased over time.

Conclusions

Colonoscopy in the management of non-conservatively treated bowel obstruction increased over time. However, therapeutic colonoscopy still has a limited role in bowel obstruction either as monotherapy or combined with surgery.
Plexin-B1 silencing inhibits ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion
Authors: Ye Shuangmei , Hao Xing , Zhou Ting , Wu Mingfu , Wei Juncheng , Wang Yongjun , Zhou Li , Jiang Xuefeng , Ji Li , Chen Yin , You Lanying , Zhang Yiqun , Xu Gang , Zhou Jianfeng , Ma Ding , Wang Shixuan
Published: November 2010

Background

Elevated Plexin-B1 expression has been found in diverse human cancers and in non-neoplastic tissues, and it mediates diverse biological and pathological activities. However, whether or not Plexin-B1 expression is involved in human ovarian tumors remains unclear. In the present study, Plexin-B1 expression was explored in benign and malignant human ovarian tumor tissues. In addition, the impact of Plexin-B1 expression on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated in vitro.

Methods

Plexin-B1 expression was analyzed in normal and benign ovarian tissues and serous ovarian tumors (both borderline and malignant) by immunohistochemical staining, as well as in four human ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780, C13*, SKOV3, and OV2008) by RT-PCR and western blot analyses. Furthermore, endogenous Plexin-B1 expression was suppressed by Plexin-B1 siRNA in SKOV3 cells, which overexpress Plexin-B1. Protein levels of Plexin-B1, AKT and AKTSer473 were examined by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were measured with MTT, wound healing and boyden chamber assays, respectively, and the cytoskeleton was monitored via F-actin staining.

Results

Expression levels of Plexin-B1 protein were significantly higher in serous ovarian carcinomas than in normal ovaries or benign ovarian neoplasms, and in the former, Plexin-B1 expression was positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis, and the membrane and cytoplasm of cancer cells stained positively. SKOV3 cells displayed the highest Plexin-B1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels among the four tested human ovarian cancer cell lines and was selected as a cell model for further in vitro experiments. Plexin-B1 siRNA significantly suppressed phosphorylation of AKT at Ser473 in SKOV3 cells, but it did not alter total AKT expression. In addition, silencing of Plexin-B1 in SKOV3 cells inhibited cell migration and invasion and reorganized the cytoskeleton, whereas cell proliferation was not affected.

Conclusion

Plexin-B1 expression correlates with malignant phenotypes of serous ovarian tumors, probably via phosphorylation of AKT at Ser473, suggesting that Plexin-B1 might be a useful biomarker and/or a novel therapeutic target.
The impact of obesity on walking and cycling performance and response to pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD
Authors: Sava Francesco , Laviolette Louis , Bernard Sarah , Breton Marie-Josée , Bourbeau Jean , Maltais François
Published: November 2010

Background

We examined the influence of overweight and obesity on pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, quality of life and response to pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD.

Methods

261 patients with COPD were divided into three groups: normal body mass index (BMI), overweight and obese. Baseline and post rehabilitation pulmonary function, 6-min walking test (6MWT), endurance time during a constant workrate exercise test (CET) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores were compared between all three classes of BMI.

Results

At baseline, obese and overweight patients had less severe airflow obstruction compared to normal BMI patients. There was no baseline difference in CET performance or SGRQ scores across BMI classes and 6MWT was reduced in the presence of obesity (p < 0.01). Compared to baseline, post-rehabilitation 6MWT, CET performance and SGRQ scores improved significantly in each group (p < 0.01), but 6MWT was still significantly lower in the presence of obesity.

Conclusions

Walking, but not cycling performance was worse in obese patients. This difference was maintained post rehabilitation despite significant improvements. Weight excess may counterbalance the effect of a better preserved respiratory function in the performance of daily activities such as walking. However, obesity and overweight did not influence the magnitude of improvement after pulmonary rehabilitation.
Cloning and biochemical characterization of a novel lipolytic gene from activated sludge metagenome, and its gene product
Authors: JunGang Li , KeGui Zhang , WenJun Han
Published: November 2010

In this study, a putative esterase, designated EstMY, was isolated from an activated sludge metagenomic library. The lipolytic gene was subcloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 using the pET expression system. The gene estMY contained a 1,083 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 360 amino acids with a molecular mass of 38 kDa. Sequence analysis indicated that it showed 71% and 52% amino acid identity to esterase/lipase from marine metagenome (ACL67845) and Burkholderia ubonensis Bu (ZP_02382719), respectively; and several conserved regions were identified, including the putative active site, GDSAG, a catalytic triad (Ser203, Asp301, and His327) and a HGGG conserved motif (starting from His133). The EstMY was determined to hydrolyse p-nitrophenyl (NP) esters of fatty acids with short chain lengths (≤C8). This EstMY exhibited the highest activity at 35°C and pH 8.5 respectively, by hydrolysis of p-NP caprylate. It also exhibited the same level of activity over wide temperature and pH spectra and in the presence of metal ions or detergents. The high level of stability of esterase EstMY with unique substrate specificities makes it highly valuable for downstream biotechnological applications.