bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Effects of Environmental Enrichment–Mediated Functional Improvement After Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Matter Ashley M. , Folweiler Kaitlin A. , Curatolo Lauren M. , Kline Anthony E.
Published: March 2011

Background. Environmental enrichment (EE) enhances motor and cognitive performance after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, whether the EE-mediated benefits are time dependent and task specific is unclear. A preliminary study, in which only half of the possible temporal manipulations were evaluated, revealed that the beneficial effects of enrichment were only observed when provided concurrently with specific training (ie, motor or cognitive), suggesting task-specific dependence. Objective. To further assess the effects of time of initiation and duration of EE on neurobehavioral recovery after TBI by evaluating and directly comparing all the temporal permutations. Methods. Anesthetized adult male rats received either a cortical impact or sham injury and were then randomly assigned to 8 groups receiving continuous or early and delayed EE with either 1 or 2 weeks of exposure. Functional outcome was assessed with established motor (beam-balance/walk) and cognitive (Morris water maze) tests on postinjury days 1 to 5 and 14 to 18, respectively. Results. Motor ability was enhanced in the TBI groups that received early EE (ie, during testing) versus standard housing. In contrast, acquisition of spatial learning was facilitated in the groups receiving delayed EE (ie, during training). Conclusions. These data support the conclusion from the previous study that EE-mediated functional improvement after TBI is contingent on task-specific neurobehavioral experience and extends those preliminary findings by demonstrating that the duration of enriched exposure is also important for functional recovery.
Effect of Step Training and Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Functional Performance in Parkinson Patients
Authors: Kadivar Zahra , Corcos Daniel M. , Foto James , Hondzinski Jan M.
Published: March 2011

Background. Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) can influence movement during straight line walking and direction transition in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD). Objective. The authors studied whether multidirectional step training with RAS would generalize to functional gait conditions used in daily activities and balance. Methods. In a matched-pairs design, 8 patients practiced externally paced (EP) stepping (RAS group), and 8 patients practiced internally paced (IP) stepping (no RAS group) for 6 weeks. Participants were evaluated on the first and last days of practice, and 1 week, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after practice termination. Evaluations included a primary measurement—the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI)—and secondary measurements—the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Tinetti-gait and balance tests, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), and Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ). Results. The RAS group significantly improved performance on the DGI and several secondary measures, and they maintained improvements for the DGI, Tinetti, FOGQ, and balance and gait items of the UPDRS above pretraining values at least 4 weeks after practice termination. The no RAS group revealed several improvements with training but could not maintain these improvements for as long as the other group. Conclusions. Individuals with PD can generalize motor improvements achieved during multidirectional step training to contexts of functional gait and balance. Training with RAS is advantageous for enhancing functional gait improvements and the maintenance of functional gait and balance improvements over 8 weeks.
Single Session of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Transiently Increases Knee Extensor Force in Patients With Hemiparetic Stroke
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Takeda Kotaro , Otaka Yohei , Kita Kahori , Osu Rieko , Honda Manabu , Sadato Norihiro , Hanakawa Takashi , Watanabe Katsumi
Published: March 2011

Background. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the motor cortex can enhance the performance of a paretic upper extremity after stroke. Reported effects on lower limb (LL) function are sparse. Objective. The authors examined whether tDCS can increase the force production of the paretic quadriceps. Methods. In this double-blind, crossover, sham-controlled experimental design, 8 participants with chronic subcortical stroke performed knee extension using their hemiparetic leg before, during, and after anodal or sham tDCS of the LL motor cortex representation in the affected hemisphere. Affected hand-grip force was also recorded. Results. The maximal knee-extension force increased by 21 N (13.2%, P < .01) during anodal tDCS compared with baseline and sham stimulation. The increase persisted less than 30 minutes. Maximal hand-grip force did not change. Conclusions. Anodal tDCS transiently enhanced knee extensor strength. The modest increase was specific to the LL. Thus, tDCS might augment the rehabilitation of stroke patients when combined with lower extremity strengthening or functional training.
How Do Cognitive Function and Knowledge Affect Heart Failure Self-Care?
Authors: Vaughan Dickson Victoria , Lee Christopher S. , Riegel Barbara
Published: March 2011

Despite extensive patient education, few heart failure (HF) patients master self-care. Impaired cognitive function may explain why patient education is ineffective. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design was used to explore how knowledge and cognitive function influence HF self-care. A total of 41 adults with HF participated in interviews about self-care and completed standardized instruments measuring knowledge, cognitive function, and self-care. Content analysis uncovered themes suggesting that lack of understanding, not lack of knowledge, contributes to poor self-care. Linear regression tested the relative influence of knowledge and cognitive function on self-care. Cognitive function was a stronger determinant of self-care than knowledge. Poorer cognitive function was related to better self-care and explained in part by mixed methodology and the qualitative narratives.
Design and time parameters identification for non-Markovian Petri net models: application to reliability analysis
Authors: Lefebvre D
Published: March 2011

The reliability analysis for dynamic systems is often based on timed stochastic Petri net models. The contribution of this paper concerns the design and identification of non-Markovian timed stochastic Petri net models. In particular, stochastic Petri nets that combine firing periods with normal and exponential probability density functions (pdfs) are considered. A numerical method is proposed for the identification of the parameters that characterize the pdfs of the firing periods. This method is based on a statistical analysis of the collected event sequences that are recorded by supervision systems. The method is applied for the reliability analysis of a single server with variable operation periods.
Risk-based software release policy under parameter uncertainty
Authors: Xie M , Li X , Ng S H
Published: March 2011

The determination of the optimal release time is a significant problem in the software development process. Most existing research on this problem is based on the assumption that the model parameters are either known or can be accurately estimated. Due to the uncertainties associated with parameter estimation created by the very limited amount of software failure data that is generally available, the accuracy of the optimum release time determined by traditional approaches is questionable. When the mean value of the optimal release time is used, for example, there is only a 50 per cent chance that the reliability target is met at the time of release. In this paper, an optimal software release policy under parameter uncertainty is studied. To take parameter uncertainty into consideration, an optimal risk-based software release time determination approach is introduced. Application examples are given to illustrate this approach and simulation studies are carried out. The presented results can help management to consider multiple risk levels in order to reach a more reasonable decision.
Genetic algorithm-aided reliability analysis
Authors: Harnpornchai N
Published: March 2011

A hybrid procedure consisting of the combination of a genetic algorithm (GA) and reliability analysis (referred to as GA-aided reliability analysis) is described, discussed, and summarized. Two classes of GA, namely simple GAs and multimodal GAs, are introduced to solve a number of important problems in reliability analysis. The problems cover the determination of the point of maximum likelihood (PML) in the failure domain, the computation of failure probability using the GA-determined PML, and the determination of multiple design points. The Monte Carlo simulation-based (MCS-based) method using the GA-determined PML is specifically implemented in the so-called importance sampling around PML (ISPML). The application of the GA-based approach to several problems is then demonstrated via numerical examples. With the aid of GAs, an accurate reliability analysis can be achieved even if there is no information about either the geometry of the limit state surfaces or the total number of crucial likelihood points. In addition, GAs significantly improve the computational efficiency and increase the potential of rare event analysis under the condition of limited computational resources. The implementation of the GA-based approaches is straightforward due to their algorithmic simplicity.
Stochastic hybrid automata model for dynamic reliability assessment
Authors: Castañeda G A Pérez , Aubry J-F , Brinzei N
Published: March 2011

A dynamic hybrid system is described by a set of continuous variables and a set of discrete events interacting together. The reality also requires taking into account component failures and the stochastic behaviour of the system. Some events or variables then take a stochastic character. The current paper presents the concept of a stochastic hybrid automaton (SHA) and its abilities to handle interactions between component failures, physical variables of the process, and operating modes of the system. Its use as a tool for Monte Carlo simulation that allows the evaluation of dependability parameters in a dynamic context is proposed. As a validation, the SHA approach has been applied to a benchmark problem studied by some other authors using different techniques (continuous cell-to-cell mapping technique, stochastic Petri nets, and piecewise deterministic Markov processes). The main interest is to show how the dependency between the probability distribution of a component failure and a physical continuous variable (temperature) may be handled. As an illustration of its other abilities, the SHA approach has been applied to a second application including particular components with multiple ageing modes. In this example the main interest is to highlight the problems of the modelling and the dependability assessment of a hybrid dynamic system.
Importance and uncertainty analysis in software reliability assessment of computer relay
Authors: Mohanta D K , Roy D S
Published: March 2011

Assessment of software reliability is an area of the utmost importance for software-based systems employed in safety-critical applications such as computer relaying of power transmission lines. In a typical software development process, software is designed as a combination of components and modules instead of a monolithic block. Different components contribute to varying degrees to the overall functioning of software and thus knowledge of component importance can reveal vital information for software designers and test engineers. Moreover, software reliability is estimated on the basis of collected historical data followed by an assumed distribution curve and is thus inherently susceptible to uncertainties. The fault tree is an important aid that is used widely for safety and reliability consideration of component-based systems and can also be applied to software. In fault tree analysis, the uncertainties in the failure probability of a system's basic component can be propagated to find the uncertainty of the overall system. Fuzzy set theory has been used in fault tree analysis for quantifying the basic event uncertainty and for propagating it. In this paper, a methodology to assess fuzzy module importance as well as fuzzy module uncertainty importance of software has been presented. A case study of computer relay software has been used to demonstrate the viability of the proposed methodology.
Risk and expertise in the speed limit enforcement debate: Challenges, adaptations and responses
Authors: Wells Helen
Published: March 2011

This article explores the changing role of expertise within a society increasingly subject to policies justified by a ‘risk’ narrative. It uses the ongoing debate around the use of speed cameras to enforce speed limits as a lens through which the twin challenges of the ‘demonopolization’ and ‘democratization’ of expertise can be understood. Drawing on empirical research conducted with those who view themselves as experts in relation to the issue of speeding it proposes, first, that traditionally conceived experts such as government officials, police officers and road safety practitioners have had to adapt to the reality of a ‘marketplace’ of expertise in which their own expert product must be marketed in order to compete with that of other self-proclaimed expert voices. Second, and drawing on research conducted with drivers themselves, this research proposes that these marketing strategies are being deployed for the benefit of a public which actually sees itself as emancipated from such external sources of expertise and able to claim expert status in its own right. The findings are of potential relevance to any policy maker, practitioner or pressure group seeking to use a risk narrative to legitimate or oppose a policy stance.
Factors That Contribute to Low Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women in Different Amazonian Communities
Authors: Borba-Pinheiro Cláudio Joaquim , Drigo Alexandre Janotta , de Alencar Carvalho Mauro César Gurgel , da Silva Nádia Souza Lima , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin
Published: March 2011

Background:

The aim of this study was to verify socioeconomic differences, nutrition, body balance and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD) in two Amazonian communities.

Methods:

A total of 42 female volunteers participated in the study. The volunteers were separated into two groups: Villa ( n = 20; 53 ± 5.5 years) and City ( n = 22; 56 ± 7.9 years). The following evaluation instruments were used: dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); a socioeconomic questionnaire; a QoL questionnaire; a dietary habits questionnaire; and a balance test. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used.

Results:

The data showed significant differences in socioeconomic level (Δ%=+15.9%, p = 0.000), lumbar spine L2-L4 (Δ% = +0.10%, p = 0.007), balance (Δ% = +4.3%, p = 0.03) and some important aspects of nutrition, such as the consumption of milk (Δ%=+34%, p = 0.01) and alcohol (+14.8%, p = 0.0001). These significant differences also contributed to the total QoL score (Δ%=+76.2%, p = 0.000) and the majority of the QoL-related functions.

Conclusion:

This study verified that socioeconomic level, nutritional status, physical activity levels and QoL can influence the BMD of postmenopausal women. The study suggests new strategies for official health organizations to use in order to prevent and treat osteoporosis. In addition, this study can provide an orientation to physical activity, nutrition and medical professionals.
Immunotherapeutic effects of IL-7 during a chronic viral infection in mice
Authors: Nanjappa Som G. , Kim Eui Ho , Suresh M.
Published: March 2011

Viral persistence during chronic viral infections is associated with a progressive loss of T-cell effector function called functional exhaustion. There is therefore a need to develop immunotherapies to remediate the functional deficits of T cells during these infections. We investigated the immunotherapeutic effects of IL-7 during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection in mice. Our results showed that the effects of IL-7 on T cells depend on the viral load, timing, and duration of treatment during the course of the infection. We document that the effectiveness of IL-7 was constrained by high viral load early in the infection, but treatment for at least 3 weeks during declining viral titers mitigated the programmed contraction of CD8 T cells, markedly enhanced the number of high-quality polyfunctional virus-specific CD8 T cells with a nonexhausted phenotype, and accelerated viral control. Mechanistically, the enhancement of CD8 T-cell responses by IL-7 was associated with increased proliferation and induction of Bcl-2, but not with altered levels of PD-1 or Cbl-b. In summary, our results strongly suggest that IL-7 therapy is a potential strategy to bolster the quality and quantity of T-cell responses in patients with chronic viral infections.
Selected clinical highlights from the 2010 ERS Congress in Barcelona
Authors: Robalo Cordeiro C. , Singh S. , Herth F.J.F. , Ley S. , Chavannes N.H. , Clini E. , Cottin V.
Published: March 2011

This article reviews a selection of presentations at the 2010 annual meeting of the European Respiratory Society held in Barcelona, Spain, which was the largest congress ever in the field of respiratory medicine. The best abstracts from the groups of the Clinical Assembly (Clinical Problems, Rehabilitation and Chronic Care, Imaging, Interventional Pulmonology, Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease, and General Practice and Primary Care) are presented in the context of the current literature.
The best on infections: update from the 2010 ERS Congress
Authors: Miravitlles M. , Sotgiu G. , Dimopoulos G. , Rohde G. , Centis R. , Ferrara G. , Ewig S. , Blasi F. , Migliori G.B.
Published: March 2011

Respiratory tract infections and tuberculosis are among the leading reasons for seeking medical care. In this report the most recent advances in the field of clinical research and basic sciences of respiratory infections and tuberculosis are presented through the analysis of some of the best abstracts presented at the 20th European Respiratory Society Congress in Barcelona, Spain and their subsequent publications in major journals. The role of viruses in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, the importance of new biomarkers in the management and risk assessment of lower respiratory tract infections, new modalities of treatment of respiratory infections as well as new tools for the diagnosis of latent and active tuberculosis in special subgroups of patients (children and immunocompromised individuals), and the new epidemiological threat of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis cases are discussed.
The breathless adolescent asthmatic athlete
Authors: Carlsen K-H.
Published: March 2011

This article concerns physical activity and sports in asthmatic adolescents. Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is found in 8–10% of the normal child population and in ∼35% of children with current asthma, as reported in a population-based birth cohort study.

The mechanisms of EIA are related to markedly increased ventilation during exercise, which causes increased heat and water loss through respiration, leading to bronchial constriction. In athletes and especially in endurance athletes, the repeated daily physical activity during training will, over time, cause epithelial damage and increase inflammation in the respiratory mucosa. With increased exposure to environmental agents, such as as cold air in skiers and chlorine compounds in swimmers, the athlete may contract symptoms and signs of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, either worsening existing asthma or causing symptoms in a previous healthy adolescent athlete.

There are several causes of breathlessness in adolescents, including EIA, vocal cord dysfunction, poor physical fitness and others, which are important to consider in the diagnostic procedure.

The asthmatic athlete should follow the same guidelines for treating their asthma as an ordinary asthmatic patient, with careful consideration of the special diagnostic rules given for the use of asthma drugs in sports, especially for inhaled β2-agonists.
Increased lung neutrophil apoptosis and inflammation resolution in nonresponding pneumonia
Authors: Moret I. , Lorenzo M.J. , Sarria B. , Cases E. , Morcillo E. , Perpiñá M. , Molina J.M. , Menéndez R.
Published: March 2011

Neutrophil activation state and its relationship with an inflammatory environment in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remain insufficiently elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the neutrophil apoptosis and cytokine pattern in CAP patients after 72 h of treatment, and their impact on infection resolution.

Apoptosis of blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) neutrophils was measured in nonresponding CAP (NCAP), in responding CAP (blood only) and in patients without infection (control). Pro-inflammatory (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were measured. Main outcomes were clinical stability and days of hospitalisation.

Basal neutrophil apoptosis was higher in the BAL and blood of NCAP, whereas spontaneous apoptosis (after 24 h culture) was lower. Cytokines in NCAP were higher than in responding CAP and control: IL-6 was increased in BAL and blood, IL-8 in BAL and IL-10 in blood. An increased basal apoptosis (≥20%) in BAL of NCAP was associated with lower systemic IL-10 (p<0.01), earlier clinical stability (p=0.05) and shorter hospital stay (p=0.02). A significant correlation was found for systemic IL-6 and IL-10 with days to reach stability and length of stay.

After 72 h of treatment, an increased basal alveolar neutrophil apoptosis might contribute to downregulation of inflammation and to faster clinical stability.
Piecing the puzzle together: foreign-born tuberculosis in an immigrant-receiving country
Authors: Langlois-Klassen D. , Wooldrage K.M. , Manfreda J. , Sutherland K. , Ellis E. , Phypers M. , Gushulak B. , Long R.
Published: March 2011

In major immigrant-receiving countries, annual foreign-born tuberculosis (TB) case counts and rates are relatively constant. Why this is so, and who might be a high-yield target for screening for latent TB infection, remain open questions.

Foreign-born TB in Canada during 1986–2002 was retrospectively examined using national TB and immigration data as well as census data. Case counts and rates were analysed in relation to demographics, immigration period and time since arrival.

Pre-1986 immigrants (n=3,860,853) and 1986–2002 immigrants (n=3,463,283) contributed 8,662 and 9,613 TB cases, respectively. Immigrants arriving ≤5 yrs ago and those arriving >10 yrs ago contributed almost equally to the annual foreign-born TB case count despite a 3.5-fold difference in in-country person-yrs. Remarkably stable and relatively low TB incidence was observed among immigrants >10 yrs post-arrival. Conversely, TB incidence within 5 yrs of arrival was dynamic, demonstrating a strong inverse association with time since arrival and higher sensitivity to changes in immigration level than shifts toward higher incidence source countries.

Relative constancy in foreign-born TB incidence is explained by a complex convergence of several factors. Immigrants born in high-incidence countries who arrived ≤2 yrs ago and were aged 15–34 yrs upon arrival constitute high-yield targets for preventive therapy.
Sequential Propagation of Seismic Fragility across Interdependent Lifeline Systems
Authors: Hernandez-Fajardo Isaac , Dueñas-Osorio Leonardo
Published: March 2011

Realistic models of service networks must consider the evolution of interactions with external systems to evaluate emergent response effects on individual network performance. This paper introduces a new dynamic methodology for the assessment of systemic fragility propagation across interdependent networks subjected to seismic action that improves existing static methodologies. Interdependencies are discrete, unidirectional relationships between elements of distinct networks, which are able to influence response evolution from transient to steady-state stages. Comparisons of systemic fragility curves results for isolated and interdependent power and water networks display the importance of interdependence strength and density properties. For the test water network, inter-systemic failure propagation increases its connectivity loss by up to 24%, while high interdependence strengths make the median fragility rise up to 56.2%. In contrast, reductions of interdependence density improve the median water fragility up to 81.7%. Insights obtained from this model, and its associated sequential fragility algorithm, reveal complex coupling patterns and interdependence-based mitigation strategies that are essential for lifeline system management.
Noncanonical BMP Signaling Regulates Cyclooxygenase-2 Transcription
Authors: Susperregui Antonio R. G. , Gamell Cristina , Rodríguez-Carballo Edgardo , Ortuño Maria José , Bartrons Ramon , Rosa José Luis , Ventura Francesc
Published: March 2011

Activation of p38 MAPK has been shown to be relevant for a number of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) physiological effects. We report here the involvement of noncanonical phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) signaling in the transcriptional induction of Cox2 (Ptgs2) by BMP-2 in mesenchymal cells and organotypic calvarial cultures. We demonstrate that different regulatory elements are required for regulation of Cox2 expression by BMP-2: Runt-related transcription factor-2 and cAMP response element sites are essential, whereas a GC-rich Smad binding element is important for full responsiveness. Efficient transcriptional activation requires cooperation between transcription factors because mutation of any element results in a strong decrease of BMP-2 responsiveness. BMP-2 activation of p38 leads to increased recruitment of activating transcription factor-2, Runx2, Smad, and coactivators such as p300 at the responsive sites in the Cox2 proximal promoter. We demonstrate, by either pharmacological or genetic analysis, that maximal BMP-2 effects on Cox2 and JunB expression require the function of p38 and its downstream effector mitogen/stress-activated kinase 1. Altogether our results strongly suggest that cooperative effects between canonical and noncanonical BMP signaling allow the fine-tuning of BMP transcriptional responses on specific target genes.
Evaluation of Tensile Strength of Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composite Laminates at Cryogenic Temperatures Using the Open Hole Specimens
Authors: Watanabe Shinya , Shindo Yasuhide , Takeda Tomo , Narita Fumio , Yamaki Satoru
Published: March 2011

We propose a combined numerical-experimental method for the evaluation of the tensile strength properties of woven carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates at cryogenic temperatures using the open hole specimens. Cryogenic tensile tests were conducted on the open hole specimens of quasi-isotropic woven CFRP laminates, and the length of the hole edge damage zone corresponding to the specimen failure was determined by the microscopic examinations of failed specimens. A finite element based method was developed for estimating the cryogenic tensile strength of the unnotched woven laminates using the experimentally determined failure load and damage zone length. In the damage zone, the material was assumed to carry a uniform normal stress equal to the tensile strength. The results demonstrate that the present method is an efficient approach to measuring the tensile strength of high-strength advanced composites at cryogenic temperatures.
Oxidative DNA damage and obesity in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Al-Aubaidy Hayder A , Jelinek Herbert F
Published: March 2011

Objective

This study illustrates the relationship between oxidative DNA damage and obesity in patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes compared with controls.

Design and methods

Participants attended the School of Community Health, Diabetes Screening Clinic, Charles Sturt University, Australia, between February 2006 and June 2008. A total of 162 participants (35 type 2 diabetic patients; eight prediabetic subjects; and 119 age-, gender-, and weight-matched controls) were investigated. All patients were selected on clinical grounds.

Results

Serum 8-hydroxy 2′-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) level was significantly greater in the prediabetic subjects (671.3±140 pg/ml) compared with controls (210.1±166 pg/ml; P<0.01). The diabetic group (1979.6±1209 pg/ml) had the highest level of 8-OHdG. There was a significant increase in serum 8-OHdG in obese subjects (848.5±103 pg/ml; P<0.001) and overweight subjects (724±102 pg/ml; P=0.005) compared with the lean subjects (196.5±327 pg/ml).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that serum 8-OHdG is increased already in prediabetes suggesting oxidative DNA damage to be present with minor elevation of blood glucose levels (BGLs). The statistically significant positive correlation between serum 8-OHdG and body mass index in the diabetic group indicates that obesity has an additive effect to increased BGL contributing to oxidative DNA damage.
False victimization syndrome
Authors: Resch Mária , Bella Tamás
Published: March 2011

Criminology and criminal-psychology are sciences dealing mostly with the personality of the criminals as well as the interconnections of crime and deviance. The other player of the crimes – the victim - has recently come into focus posing the question why and how somebody is becoming a victim, and what effect can the victim have when the crime is being committed. The first international publications appeared at the beginning of the third millennium on so-called victims who are convinced to suffer from material, moral or other damages and, accordingly, who would pursue “justice” at any rate. They often appeal against decisions. Considering these facts the procedures are rather thorough and circumspect. A significant part of the law-enforcement staff is heavily involved for long periods. On the other side there is the person considered criminal being actually the real victim. These people are getting alienated from the society because of their reckoned deeds and, because of the distorting influence of the media they are condemned morally. The present study describes the syndromes of fake-victim, their occurrence as well as psychiatric considerations, social appearance and impact. Authors are drawing attention to the medical-legal existence of the problem as well as its existence. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 559–568..
Systemic and immunomodulatory effects of whole body therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Pongor Vince , Toldi Gergely , Szabó Miklós , Vásárhelyi Barna
Published: March 2011

Several neurobiological mechanisms contribute to the development of ischemic-reperfusion damage of the central nervous system that may be modulated by hypothermia. Nowadays hypothermia is a therapeutic tool for the treatment of stroke and perinatal asphyxia. Hypothermia does not only affect the central nervous system, but also has systemic effects. It influences the muscular and cardiovascular system, the systematic metabolism, induces electrolyte changes, and decreases inflammation. This review summarizes the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on the immune system. Experiments on cell lines and in animals along with human experience indicate that short term (2-4 hours) hypothermia increases the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and decreases that of proinflammatory cytokines. Long term (>24 hours) hypothermia, however, increases proinflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, hypothermia inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and decreases HLA-DR expression associated with cell activation. These results suggest that therapeutic hypothermia has a systemic immunomodulatory effect. Further research is required to determine the contribution of immunomodulation to the defense of the central nervous system. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 575–580.
Clinical and Microbiologic Outcomes in Trauma Patients Treated for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Ventilator‐Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Czosnowski Quinn A. , Wood G. Christopher , Magnotti Louis J. , Croce Martin A. , Swanson Joseph M. , Boucher Bradley A. , Fabian Timothy C.
Published: March 2011

Study Objectives. To determine clinical and microbiologic plus clinical success rates in critically ill trauma patients who received treatment for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP). Design. Retrospective medical record review.

Setting. Level I trauma intensive care unit of a large academic medical center.

Patients. A total of 101 patients who developed S. maltophilia VAP between January 1997 and December 2007.

Measurements and Main Results. Patients' baseline demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as characteristics of their VAP, were documented. The primary study outcome was the rate of clinical success in patients with S. maltophilia VAP; a secondary outcome was microbiologic plus clinical success rate in these patients. Standard definitions were employed to determine these outcomes related to VAP treatment. The study population had higher injury severity scores and a higher rate of traumatic brain injury than is typically observed in the study's intensive care unit. The median time to diagnosis of S. maltophilia VAP was 15 days (interquartile range 11–24 days). Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was the sole organism isolated in 34% of patients; the other patients had polymicrobial VAP. Despite inadequate empiric antibiotic therapy being administered to 97% of the patients, the overall clinical success rate was 87%. The microbiologic plus clinical success rate was 82%. The most common treatments for S. maltophilia VAP were trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (77 patients received monotherapy, 9 received combination therapy) and ciprofloxacin (6 patients received monotherapy, 8 received combination therapy); all‐cause and VAP‐related mortality rates were 13% and 7%, respectively.

Conclusion. Critically ill trauma patients with S. maltophilia VAP responded well to therapy despite high rates of inadequate empiric antibiotic administration. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole was the most common therapy, but clinical success rates did not differ significantly based on antibiotic selection. This study adds significantly to the available S. maltophilia VAP outcomes data.
Improving Prescribing Safety in Patients with Renal Insufficiency in the Ambulatory Setting: The Drug Renal Alert Pharmacy (DRAP) Program
Authors: Bhardwaja Bharati , Carroll Nikki M. , Raebel Marsha A. , Chester Elizabeth A. , Korner Eli J. , Rocho Bob E. , Brand David W. , Magid David J.
Published: March 2011

Study Objective. To determine whether a computerized Drug Renal Alert Pharmacy (DRAP) program could decrease the rate of medication errors in drug selection or dosing for 15 target drugs in patients with renal insufficiency.

Design. Randomized, controlled, population‐based effectiveness trial.

Setting. A large integrated health care delivery system.

Patients. A total of 32,917 health plan members who were at least 18 years old, had an estimated creatinine clearance of 50 ml/minute or lower, and were not receiving dialysis between December 1, 2003, and February 28, 2005, were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (16,577 patients) or usual care (control) group (16,340 patients). Of the 32,917 patients, 6125 patients (3025 in the intervention group and 3100 in the usual care group) were prescribed at least one target drug and were included in the analysis.

Intervention. A computerized tool—the DRAP program—was used to alert pharmacists at the time of dispensing to possible errors in target drug selection and dosing for patients with renal insufficiency. The 15 target drugs were previously identified based on frequency of use in our health care system and risk of serious adverse events.

Measurements and Main Results. The primary outcome was the proportion of medication errors, defined as target drugs that should be avoided or were dosed inappropriately, in the intervention and usual care groups. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework was used to evaluate the intervention's potential for translation and generalizability. Among the 6125 patients who received a target drug, no significant differences were noted in age, sex, creatinine clearance, comorbid conditions, and number of target drugs between groups at baseline. Over the 15‐month intervention period, the proportion of medication errors was significantly lower in the intervention group than the usual care group (33% vs 49%, p<0.001). After the study period, when the intervention was expanded to both groups, a 20% reduction in errors was sustained in the combined groups over the subsequent 7 months.

Conclusion. The DRAP program was successful in reducing medication errors for patients with renal insufficiency in an ambulatory setting and was demonstrated to have sustainability after study completion.
Modelling railway track geometry deterioration
Authors: Guler Hakan , Jovanovic Stanislav , Evren Gungor
Published: March 2011

Understanding track geometry deterioration decisively influences the planning and optimisation of track maintenance and renewal works and consequently the substantial related costs (savings) each year of every railway. To understand this deterioration it must be accurately modelled, paving the way towards its forecasting into the future. The main aim of the present study was to model railway track geometry deterioration using multivariate statistical analysis of the variables involved and to predict the future behaviour of the track geometry deterioration. For this purpose, a track section of about 180 km in length was selected as the base for the model and divided into analytical segments of as uniform characteristics as possible using a special segmentation algorithm. The lengths of the individual analytical segments were not identical, but were also kept as close to uniform as possible. For each analytical segment, the following general information was collected: track structure, traffic characteristics, track layout, environmental factors, track geometry measurements records and maintenance and renewal history data. Consequently, multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the main track geometry parameters: twist, level, alignment, gauge and cant. The coefficients of the independent variables involved in track geometry were found for each parameter in order to predict future behaviour for the purposes of efficient maintenance and renewal management.
Active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode displays with indium gallium zinc oxide thin‐film transistors and normal, inverted, and transparent organic light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Hsieh Hsing‐Hung , Tsai Tsung‐Ting , Chang Chin‐Yu , Hsu Shih‐Feng , Chuang Ching‐Sang , Lin Yusin
Published: March 2011

Abstract— Active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) displays have gained wide attention and are expected to dominate the flat‐panel‐display industry in the near future. However, organic light‐emitting devices have stringent demands on the driving transistors due to their current‐driving characteristics. In recent years, the oxide‐semiconductor‐based thin‐film transistors (oxide TFTs) have also been widely investigated due to their various benefits. In this paper, the development and performance of oxide TFTs will be discussed. Specifically, effects of back‐channel interface conditions on these devices will be investigated. The performance and bias stress stability of the oxide TFTs were improved by inserting a SiOx protection layer and an N2O plasma treatment on the back‐channel interface. On the other hand, considering the n‐type nature of oxide TFTs, 2.4‐in. AMOLED displays with oxide TFTs and both normal and inverted OLEDs were developed and their reliability was studied. Results of the checkerboard stimuli tests show that the inverted OLEDs indeed have some advantages due to their suitable driving schemes. In addition, a novel 2.4‐in. transparent AMOLED display with a high transparency of 45% and high resolution of 166 ppi was also demonstrated using all the transparent or semi‐transparent materials, based on oxide‐TFT technologies.
Efficiency enhancement of solution‐processed single‐layer blue‐phosphorescence organic light‐emitting devices having co‐host materials of polymer (PVK) and small‐molecule (SimCP2)
Authors: Liu Shun‐Wei , Yuan Chih‐Hsien , Yeh Shi‐Jay , Wu Min‐Fei , Chen Chin‐Ti , Lee Chih‐Chien
Published: March 2011

Abstract— A new type of single‐layer blue‐phosphorescence organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) containing poly(9‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) and small‐molecule‐based amorphous ambipolar bis(3,5‐di(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl) diphenylsilane (SimCP2) as the co‐host material have been demonstrated. All active materials [PVK, SimCP2, Flrpic (blue‐phosphorescence dopant), and OXD‐7 (electron transport)] were mixed in a single layer for solution processing in the fabrication of OLEDs. The SimCP2 small‐molecule host has adequate high electron and hole‐carrier mobiltieis of ∼10−4 cm2/V‐sec and a sufficiently large triplet state energy of ∼2.70 eV in confining emission energy on FIrpic. Based on such an architecture for single‐layer devices, a maximum external quantum efficiency of 6.2%, luminous efficiency of 15.8 cd/A, luminous power efficiency of 11 lm/W, and Commision Internale de l'Eclairage (CIEx,y) coordinates of (0.14,0.32) were achieved. Compared with those having PVK as the single‐host material, the improvement in the device performance is attributed to the balance of hole and electron mobilities of the co‐host material, efficient triplet‐state energy confinement on FIrpic, and the high homogeneity of the thin‐film active layer. Flexible blue‐phosphorescence OLEDs based on solution‐processed SimCP2 host material (withou PVK) have been demonstrated as well.
Hole‐rich host materials for blue‐phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Cosimbescu Lelia , Polikarpov Evgueni , Swensen James S. , Darsell Jens T. , Padmaperuma Asanga B.
Published: March 2011

Abstract— Stable and efficient organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) are an integral part of the future of lighting and displays. The hole accumulation at the hole‐transport/emissive‐layer interface in such devices is considered to be a major pathway for degradation and efficiency loss. Here, the design and synthesis of two charge‐transporting host materials, based on the phosphine oxide (PO) moiety, engineered to improve hole transport of the emissive layer, will be reported. The compounds are an extension of a molecular design strategy which incorporates a hole‐transporting moiety and an electron‐transporting moiety. These materials were designed with two hole‐transport moieties (HTms) to further improve hole transport, compared to the first‐generation host materials that were designed with one hole‐transport functional group. The triplet exciton energy was maintained at a level greater than that of FIrpic (2.7 eV) to prevent exciton quenching. The EHOMO and ELUMO of the two classes of molecules (i.e., 1 HTm vs. 2 HTms) were similar; however, their device performance varied greatly. Emission zone experiments were conducted to further characterize the difference in charge transport between the molecules.
Prospectus of waste stabilization ponds in Ceará, Northeast Brazil
Authors: da Silva F. J. A. , de Souza R. O. , de Castro F. J. F. , Araújo A. L. C.
Published: March 2011

WSP technology has been used in Ceará, Northeast Brazil, since middle 1970s. There are presently 96 ponds plants and most of them are comprised by single cells (40%) and series of 3 ponds (35%). They were under loaded due to incomplete house connections to the sewerage network and low per capita wastewater contributions. Highest removal rates of organic material, ammonia and faecal coliform were found in 3 pond series. Faecal coliform removal was in accordance with the literature and series of ponds reached numbers ≤105 cells/100 ml. In series with 4 and 5 ponds FC was below 103 cells/100 ml. Ammonia removal varied from 30 to 80% and total phosphorus the removal was not significant. An increase in the number of maturation ponds enhances nutrient and coliform removal. Up-grading schemes should be investigated as well as effluent reuse potential.
Design of an integrated piggery system with recycled water, biomass production and water purification by vermiculture, macrophyte ponds and constructed wetlands
Authors: Morand Philippe , Robin Paul , Pourcher Anne-Marie , Oudart Didier , Fievet Sebastien , Luth Daniel , Cluzeau Daniel , Picot Bernadette , Landrain Brigitte
Published: March 2011

Since 2001 the swine experimental station of Guernévez has studied biological treatment plants for nutrient recovery and water recycling, suited to the fresh liquid manure coming out of flushing systems. An integrated system with continuous recycling was set up in 2007, associated with a piggery of 30 pregnant sows. It includes a screen, a vermifilter, and macrophyte ponds alternating with constructed wetlands. The screen and the vermifilter had a lower removal efficiency than in previous studies on finishing pigs. A settling tank was then added between the vermifilter and the first lagoon to collect the worm casts. A second vermifilter was added to recover this particulate organic matter. A storage lagoon was added to compensate for evaporative losses and complete pollution abatement, with goldfish as a bioindicator of water quality. The removal efficiency of the whole system was over 90% for COD and nitrogen, over 70% for phosphorus and potassium, and more than 4 logarithmic units for pathogens (E. coli, enterococci, C perfringens). Plant production was about 20 T DM ha−1 y−1. Floating macrophytes (Azolla caroliniana, Eichhornia crassipes, Hydrocotyle vulgaris) were more concentrated in nutrients than helophytes (Phragmites australis, Glyceria aquatica,…). Azolla caroliniana was successfully added to feed finishing pigs.
Survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis in human urine
Authors: Vinnerås Björn , Bölske Göran , Wahlström Helene , Albihn Ann
Published: March 2011

Tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease that mainly causes respiratory infection. However, it can also infect other organs such as the kidneys and bladder, which can lead to high counts of the organisms in the urine. Introducing urine diversion systems and reuse of the urine in agriculture may introduce new transmission routes for infection, increasing the risk of spread. This study evaluated the inactivation rate of mycobacteria in human urine for ensuring safe reuse in agriculture and examined whether current World Health Organization recommendations on storage time are sufficient for inactivating Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis. In this study, a decimal reduction in M. tuberculosis and M. bovis in human urine containing 7 and 3 g NH3-N L−1, respectively, was obtained in just over 10 days at 4°C and below three days at 22°C. This is considerably faster than previously reported reduction rates of mycobacteria in animal slurry at similar temperatures. Based on the present results, a storage time of five weeks at temperatures below 20°C or of two weeks at temperatures above 20°C is sufficient to prevent transmission of mycobacteria when recycling human urine. These values lie within the WHO recommended storage period.