bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Leaders: An Interactional Theory
Authors: Rejai Mostafa , Phillips Kay
Published: December 2008

This paper proposes an interactional theory to explain the rise of leaders by stressing the interplay between sociodemographic variables, psychological dynamics, and situational factors. The theory is applied to three large-scale empirical studies of revolutionary leaders, loyalist elites, and military personalities that reply on careful data collection and analysis. The theory is confirmed, as the findings demonstrate that the three elite groups share a large number of commonalities as well as some differences. Some leadership dynamics appear to be universal, oblivious to time, place, culture, national frontier, and the like.
Leadership - Is That What We Study?
Authors: Baruch Yehuda
Published: December 2008

Leadership is a key issue in the development of groups, organizations and nations. The study of leadership plays a crucial role in the behavioral and management sciences. It receives a lot of attention and is intensively explored. However, leadership is different from headship or appointmentship. This study set itself the task of investigating whether studies on leadership really focus on this very phenomenon or do they refer to appointmentship instead. Recent research in the area of leadership is examined and analyzed, covering 113 papers published during the fifteen years between 1981-1995. Four leading journals in the behavioral studies were chosen, which have a specific interest and regularly publish papers in the area of leadership. The findings indicate that in most cases, papers which attempted or puported to study leadership are in fact focusing on "appointmentship". This is more apparent in empirical field studies. Implications are discussed and ideas are suggested for future research.
The Role of Leadership in Condominium and Homeowner Associations
Authors: Stirling James Byron
Published: December 2008

Formal leadership is critical to success in condominium and homeowner association management. To influence followers and effectively govern a constitutional community, a leader's managerial style must fit the association's mission-its structure, function, and goals; and satisfy members' expectations and needs. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine if there are optimal leadership styles and strategies to promote member involvement, acceptable goals, and conflict avoidance in common-interest membership organizations.
Thermal Effect in Dynamic Yielding and Fracture of Metals and Alloys
Authors: Gruzdkov A.A. , Sitnikova E.V. , Morozov N.F. , Petrov Y.V.
Published: December 2008

The explanation of transition between ductile and brittle modes of fracture based on the “incubation time” concept is proposed. This approach allows us to establish relation between the influences of different loading parameters (strain-rate, temperature) on the mode of fracture. Proposed criteria give explanation to anomalous behavior of yield limit and possible high-temperature embrittlement.
Asymptotics of Edge Dislocation Pile-Up against a Bimetallic Interface
Authors: Voskoboinikov R.E. , Chapman S.J. , Mcleod J.B. , Ockendon J.R.
Published: December 2008

The approach developed in preceding papers is extended to derive the equilibrium positions of n edge dislocations in a linear pile-up stressed by a constant applied loading against an interface in a bimetallic solid. As n →∞, the dislocations in the inner region are located with sufficient accuracy that the stress distribution at the interface can be evaluated by a simple computational procedure. Such a prediction is impossible using a conventional continuum dislocation theory.
Life-Threatening Food Refusal in Two Nine-Year-Old Girls: Re-Thinking the Maudsley Model
Authors: Rhodes Paul , Prunty Martine , Madden Sloane
Published: December 2008

While there is growing evidence for the efficacy of the Maudsley model of family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa, little is known concerning the most effective treatment for pre-adolescents with Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). The presentation of case studies of children with EDNOS is important. Large-scale studies are difficult due to low incidence and the application of homogenous manualized approaches may be unsuitable to the wide range of potential disorders. The aim of this article is to present two detailed case studies of children with food avoidant emotional disorder, both presenting with life threatening food refusal. A flexible and individualized approach to family therapy was taken, resulting in the resumption of eating in less than seven weeks and four months respectively.
Guilt and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Child Victims of Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Kletter Hilit , Weems Carl F. , Carrion Victor G.
Published: December 2008

Our objective was to examine the relationship between guilt and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children with a history of interpersonal violence. Eighty-seven children between the ages of 5 and 16 years (mean age = 11.70 years) were administered the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents to assess for PTSD symptoms and associated features. Multiple regression analysis found that guilt over acts of commission or omission (behaviors the child performed or failed to perform during the event or to prevent it) was highly associated with PTSD severity. Derealization and changes in attachment were also significantly related to PTSD symptoms. Findings suggest that it may be important for clinicians to assess for associated features in traumatized children as these are associated with greater PTSD severity. Posttraumatic interventions may benefit from targeting these symptoms.
Responding to Societal Devaluation: Effects of Perceived Personal and Group Discrimination on the Ethnic Group Identification and Personal Self-Esteem of Latino/Latina Adolescents
Authors: Armenta Brian E. , Hunt Jennifer S.
Published: December 2008

The Rejection-Identification model (Branscombe, Schmitt, & Harvey, 1999) posits that perceived discrimination may lead to increased ingroup identification, which can help maintain psychological well-being in the face of societal devaluation. To address unknown aspects of this model, we examined the effects of perceived personal and group discrimination on the group identification and personal self-esteem of Latino/Latina adolescents. Results showed that perceived group discrimination was related to higher personal self-esteem via direct and indirect routes (i.e. through group identification). However, perceived personal discrimination was directly and indirectly associated with lower personal self-esteem. Moreover, these two levels of discrimination showed interactive effects on both group identification and personal self-esteem. These results highlight the importance of distinguishing between levels of discrimination in the Rejection-Identification model.
Perceived Polarization: Reconciling Ingroup and Intergroup Perceptions Under Uncertainty
Authors: Sherman David K. , Hogg Michael A. , Maitner Angela T.
Published: December 2008

Two studies investigated how generalized uncertainty affects the tendency to coordinate perceptions of the ingroup with intergroup perceptions. Across two field studies, we found that uncertainty leads to a stronger association between the perceived entitativity of an ingroup and the extent of perceived attitude polarization between the ingroup and outgroup. Study 1 showed that, for striking grocery store employees, feelings of uncertainty were associated with enhanced coordination of ingroup entitativity and intergroup polarization. Study 2 primed Democrat and Republican partisans to feel either high uncertainty or high certainty. Those who felt uncertain associated their perceptions of their group's entitativity with perceived polarization of the two parties more strongly than did those who felt certain. Discussion centers on processes underlying the phenomena as well as the implications of the findings for political polarization in American society.
Market-Led Reforms as Incentives for Media Change, Development and Diversification in the Baltic States
Authors: Balčytienė Auksė
Published: December 2008

The arguments in this article are structured around the normative ideal that the function of the news media is to support democratization, to ensure that different opinions are heard and to guarantee freedom of speech. First, the article assesses the relationship between the size of the media market and the official media policies in the three Baltic states. Second, it describes how liberal regulation, ongoing structural changes in the news market and a weak tradition of professional journalism have resulted in a proliferation of market-oriented logic in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Indeed, liberal regulation and existing media policies promote a diversity of media actors as well as content; still, in such a context, new skills are needed by consumers to critically assess available information and make informed choices — in general terms, to be media literate. Finally, this article discusses the challenges of the Baltic media as a new chance to address old problems of professional journalism.
Professionalism Online
Authors: Steele Janet
Published: December 2008

This article focuses on the online news service Malaysiakini and describes the specific mechanisms by which it uses the ideology of independent journalism to challenge authoritarianism. It takes an ethnographic approach and analyzes how journalists at Malaysiakini conceive of “independent journalism” and how this understanding is related to broader questions of democracy and social change. Malaysian journalists are not only restricted by the law but also by structures of ownership in which mainstream news organizations are linked to the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition. Like Malaysia's proliferating blogging community, Malaysiakini has taken advantage of an unlikely loophole in the law that promises a “no-censorship” policy for the Internet. Yet unlike Malaysia's bloggers, Malaysiakini functions as a traditional news provider, and it is the norms and values of journalistic professionalism rather than the medium of the Internet that make Malaysiakini so threatening to government authorities. The author argues that Malaysiakini uses the norms of good journalism to legitimize alternative views of events, thus challenging the authoritarianism of the Barisan Nasional. She concludes by suggesting that in creating a space where citizens are free to express their opinions, Malaysiakini deliberately promotes a blueprint for democratic civic discourse in Malaysia.
Influence of deformation during T10 treatment on microstructure/hardness/electrical conductivity of Cu–Cr alloy produced in nonprotected atmosphere
Authors: Hosseini E. , Habibollahzadeh A. , Erfanmanesh M. , Mostajabodave H. , Kazeminezhad M.
Published: December 2008

Cu–1·5Cr alloy was successfully produced by a new method, composed of alloying via melting in a non-protected atmosphere followed by rapid cooling in a water cooled mould. The effects of deformation magnitude during T10 treatment on microstructure, electrical conductivity and hardness of alloy were also investigated. The results showed that cold work before age hardening treatment, especially in the range of 20–40% deformation, provides optimum electrical and mechanical properties, i.e. electrical conductivity of 70–85% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) and hardness of 160–180 HB. In addition, the cold work promotes a useful anisotropy in electrical and mechanical properties of Cu–1·5Cr alloy after aging treatment. A proposed design for a pilot plant is shown.
Genomic sequence and activity of KS10, a transposable phage of the Burkholderia cepacia complex
Authors: Goudie Amanda D , Lynch Karlene H , Seed Kimberley D , Stothard Paul , Shrivastava Savita , Wishart David S , Dennis Jonathan J
Published: December 2008

Background

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a versatile group of Gram negative organisms that can be found throughout the environment in sources such as soil, water, and plants. While BCC bacteria can be involved in beneficial interactions with plants, they are also considered opportunistic pathogens, specifically in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease. These organisms also exhibit resistance to many antibiotics, making conventional treatment often unsuccessful. KS10 was isolated as a prophage of B. cenocepacia K56-2, a clinically relevant strain of the BCC. Our objective was to sequence the genome of this phage and also determine if this prophage encoded any virulence determinants.

Results

KS10 is a 37,635 base pairs (bp) transposable phage of the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia. Genome sequence analysis and annotation of this phage reveals that KS10 shows the closest sequence homology to Mu and BcepMu. KS10 was found to be a prophage in three different strains of B. cenocepacia, including strains K56-2, J2315, and C5424, and seven tested clinical isolates of B. cenocepacia, but no other BCC species. A survey of 23 strains and 20 clinical isolates of the BCC revealed that KS10 is able to form plaques on lawns of B. ambifaria LMG 19467, B. cenocepacia PC184, and B. stabilis LMG 18870.

Conclusion

KS10 is a novel phage with a genomic organization that differs from most phages in that its capsid genes are not aligned into one module but rather separated by approximately 11 kb, giving evidence of one or more prior genetic rearrangements. There were no potential virulence factors identified in KS10, though many hypothetical proteins were identified with no known function.
Transgenic increases in seed oil content are associated with the differential expression of novel Brassica-specific transcripts
Authors: Sharma Nirmala , Anderson Maureen , Kumar Arvind , Zhang Yan , Giblin E Michael , Abrams Suzanne R , Zaharia L Irina , Taylor David C , Fobert Pierre R
Published: December 2008

Background

Seed oil accumulates primarily as triacylglycerol (TAG). While the biochemical pathway for TAG biosynthesis is known, its regulation remains unclear. Previous research identified microsomal diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1, EC 2.3.1.20) as controlling a rate-limiting step in the TAG biosynthesis pathway. Of note, overexpression ofDGAT1results in substantial increases in oil content and seed size. To further analyze the global consequences of manipulatingDGAT1levels during seed development, a concerted transcriptome and metabolome analysis of transgenicB. napusprototypes was performed.

Results

Using a targetedBrassicacDNA microarray, about 200 genes were differentially expressed in two independent transgenic lines analyzed. Interestingly, 24–33% of the targets showing significant changes have no matching gene inArabidopsisalthough these represent only 5% of the targets on the microarray. Further analysis of some of these novel transcripts indicated that several are inducible by ABA in microspore-derived embryos. Of the 200Arabidopsisgenes implicated in lipid biology present on the microarray, 36 were found to be differentially regulated in DGAT transgenic lines. Furthermore, kinetic reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (k-PCR) analysis revealed up-regulation of genes encoding enzymes of the Kennedy pathway involved in assembly of TAGs. Hormone profiling indicated that levels of auxins and cytokinins varied between transgenic lines and untransformed controls, while differences in the pool sizes of ABA and catabolites were only observed at later stages of development.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the increased TAG accumulation observed in transgenicDGAT1plants is associated with modest transcriptional and hormonal changes during seed development that are not limited to the TAG biosynthesis pathway. These might be associated with feedback or feed-forward effects due to altered levels of DGAT1 activity. The fact that a large fraction of significant amplicons have no matching genes inArabidopsiscompromised our ability to draw concrete inferences from the data at this stage, but has led to the identification of novel genes of potential interest.
Role of cAMP in the promotion of colorectal cancer cell growth by Prostaglandin E2
Authors: Löffler Ivonne , Grün Michael , Böhmer Frank D , Rubio Ignacio
Published: December 2008

Background

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a product of the cyclooxygenase (COX) reaction, stimulates the growth of colonic epithelial cells. It is inferred that the abrogation of prostaglandins' growth-promoting effects as a result of COX inhibition underlies the advantageous effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Despite this appreciation, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure since cell culture studies have yielded discrepant results regarding PGE2's mitogenicity.

Methods

We have employed several alternative approaches to score cell proliferation and apoptosis of 4 CRC cell lines exposed to PGE2 under various conditions. To investigate the role of cAMP in PGE2's functions, activation of the cAMP pathway was assessed at different levels (changes in cAMP levels and PKA activity) in cells subjected to specific manipulations including the use of specific inhibitors or prostanoid receptor-selective agonists/antagonists.

Results

Our data document that the dose-response curve to PGE2 is 'bell-shaped', with nano molar concentrations of PGE2 being more mitogenic than micro molar doses. Remarkably, mitogenicity inversely correlates with the ability of PGE2 doses to raise cAMP levels. Consistent with a major role for cAMP, cAMP raising agents and pertussis toxin revert the mitogenic response to PGE2. Accordingly, use of prostanoid receptor-selective agonists argues for the involvement of the EP3 receptor and serum deprivation of HT29 CRC cells specifically raises the levels of Gi-coupled EP3 splice variants.

Conclusion

The present data indicate that the mitogenic action of low PGE2 doses in CRC cells is mediated via Gi-proteins, most likely through the EP3 receptor subtype, and is superimposed by a second, cAMP-dependent anti-proliferative effect at higher PGE2 doses. We discuss how these findings contribute to rationalize conflictive literature data on the proliferative action of PGE2.
Antigen-independent adhesion and cell spreading by inducible costimulator engagement inhibits T cell migration in a PI-3K-dependent manner
Authors: Franko Jennifer L , Levine Alan D
Published: December 2008

Engagement of the costimulatory protein ICOS activates effector/memory T cells in tissue by enhancing TCR-mediated proliferation and cytokine production. We now report that in an antigen-independent manner, ICOS also induces adhesion and spreading in human effector/memory T cells, consequently inhibiting cell migration. T cell spreading and elongation after ICOS ligation are accompanied by the formation of two types of actin-rich membrane protrusions: thin, finger-like structures similar to filopodia and short, discrete microspikes. Although filopodia/microspike formation occurs independently of the PI-3K signaling cascade, ICOS-mediated T cell elongation depends on PI-3K activity, which inhibits the accumulation of GTP-bound RhoA. Further inhibition of RhoA activation exacerbates the ICOS-mediated, elongated phenotype. We propose that in inflamed tissue, ICOS engagement by ICOS ligand on a professional or nonprofessional APC prevents the forward motility of the T cell by inhibiting RhoA-dependent uropod retraction. The resulting ICOS-induced T cell spreading and filopodia/microspike formation may promote antigen recognition by enhancing a T cell’s scanning potential of an adherent APC surface.
Inflammatory Cytokines Regulate Glycoprotein Subunit β5 of Thyrostimulin through Nuclear Factor-κB
Authors: Suzuki Chizuko , Nagasaki Hiroshi , Okajima Yoshiki , Suga Hidetaka , Ozaki Nobuaki , Arima Hiroshi , Iwasaki Yasumasa , Oiso Yutaka
Published: December 2008

Thyrostimulin is a heterodimeric hormone comprised of two glycoprotein hormone subunits, namely glycoprotein hormone subunit α2 and glycoprotein hormone subunit β5 (GPB5). Immunological studies have revealed that both subunits colocalize in human pituitary corticotroph cells. Although recombinant thyrostimulin protein selectively activates the TSH receptor and has thyrotropic activity in rats, its biological functions have not been clarified. To explore the physiological regulators for the GPB5, the 5′-flanking region of the GPB5 coding sequence up to 3-kb upstream was analyzed by luciferase reporter assays. We found that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) markedly activated GPB5 transcription. Disruption of the putative NF-κB-binding motifs in the GPB5 5′-flanking region silenced the GPB5 activation by p65. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that recombinant p65 bound to the predicted NF-κB-binding sites. Because NF-κB is known to associate with acute phase inflammatory cytokines, we examined whether TNFα or IL-1β could regulate GPB5. Both these cytokines activated GPB5 transcription by 2- to 3-fold, and their effects were abolished by the addition of MG132, a NF-κB inhibitor. Our results suggest that inflammatory cytokines positively regulate thyrostimulin through NF-κB activation.
PAPA-1 Is a Nuclear Binding Partner of IGFBP-2 and Modulates Its Growth-Promoting Actions
Authors: Miyako Kenichi , Cobb Laura J. , Francis Malik , Huang Alden , Peng Bonnie , Pintar John E. , Ariga Hiroyoshi , Cohen Pinchas
Published: December 2008

IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) have multiple cellular effects, which occur by both IGF-dependent and -independent mechanisms. IGFBP-2 is involved in the regulation of both normal and carcinogenic cell growth. To further understand the actions of IGFBP-2, we carried out a yeast two-hybrid screen to search for intracellular partner proteins using a human prostate cDNA library. We isolated Pim-1-associated protein-1 (PAP-1)-associated protein-1 (PAPA-1) as an IGFBP-2-binding protein, whose expression and subcellular localization is regulated by both IGFBP-2 and androgens. Coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay confirmed the interaction in vitro, and confocal microscopy showed the colocalization of IGFBP-2 and PAPA-1 in the nucleus. Suppression of PAPA-1 by small interfering RNA treatment enhanced the growth-promoting effect of IGFBP-2. Conversely, IGFBP-2-promoted bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into LNCaP cells was abrogated by the simultaneous overexpression of myc-hPAPA-1. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts from IGFBP-2 knockout mouse showed diminished growth activity compared with wild type, and expression of FLAG-mPAPA-1 decreased cell proliferation in IGFBP-2 knockout, but not control mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These studies suggest that the growth-promoting role of IGFBP-2 in prostate cancer is inhibited by its intracellular interaction with PAPA-1.
Simplified mathematical formulas for the prediction of deformations in the plate bending process using an oxy-propane gas flame
Authors: Bae K-Y , Yang Y-S , Hyun C-M , Cho S-H
Published: December 2008

Simplified mathematical formulas are proposed to predict deformations during the plate forming process via line heating with an oxy-propane flame. The formulas are derived from a statistical approach to the results of thermo-mechanical analyses using the finite element method (FEM) for combinations of practical heating parameters. As a first step, the heat flux of the flame is modelled as a single Gaussian distribution. A series of thermo-mechanical analyses are then performed with the heat flux model using an FEM-based commercial software. The results of the analyses are finally synthesized with their heating parameters for a statistical approach, which results in the simplified formulas. The results of the analyses and the predictions of the formulas are compared with those of the experimental measurements.
Study of the uncertainty of angle measurement for a rotary-laser automatic theodolite (R-LAT)
Authors: Muelaner J E , Wang Z , Jamshidi J , Maropoulos P G , Mileham A R , Hughes E B , Forbes A B
Published: December 2008

This paper shows how the angular uncertainties can be determined for a rotary-laser automatic theodolite of the type used in (indoor-GPS) iGPS networks. Initially, the fundamental physics of the rotating head device is used to propagate uncertainties using Monte Carlo simulation. This theoretical element of the study shows how the angular uncertainty is affected by internal parameters, the actual values of which are estimated. Experiments are then carried out to determine the actual uncertainty in the azimuth angle. Results are presented that show that uncertainty decreases with sampling duration. Other significant findings are that uncertainty is relatively constant throughout the working volume and that the uncertainty value is not dependent on the size of the reference angle.
The effect of prosthetic ankle mobility in the sagittal plane on the gait of transfemoral amputees wearing a stance phase controlled knee prosthesis
Authors: Lee S , Hong J
Published: December 2008

An experimental method was developed to determine the effects of prosthetic ankle mobility in the sagittal plane on the gaits of transfemoral amputees wearing a stance and swing (SNS) phase controlled knee prosthesis. Specially designed ankles with different ranges of motion in the sagittal plane were applied to rigid foot prostheses in order to exclude possible foot—ankle system interactions. The developed method was examined on even ground with five male transfemoral amputees wearing a SNS knee. The relative knee flexion—extension angles (defined as differences between maximum and minimum knee flexion angles) between initial contact and opposite initial contact were used to obtain changes in impact energy absorption in SNS knees in the early stance phase for two different ranges of ankle motion in the sagittal plane. Notable changes in relative knee flexion—extension angles were observed for the no-motion ankles, but no change in relative knee flexion—extension angles was observed for the maximum-motion ankles. Therefore, it is possible that sagittal mobility of a foot—ankle system is an important factor for inducing early flexion—extension movement of the knee in the stance phase of gait of transfemoral amputees wearing a SNS knee.
Fluid—structure interaction in axially symmetric models of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Fraser K H , Li M-X , Lee W T , Easson W J , Hoskins P R
Published: December 2008

Abdominal aortic aneurysm disease progression is probably influenced by tissue stresses and blood flow conditions and so accurate estimation of these will increase understanding of the disease and may lead to improved clinical practice. In this work the blood flow and tissue stresses in axially symmetric aneurysms are calculated using a complete fluid—structure interaction as a benchmark for calculating the error introduced by simpler calculations: rigid walled for the blood flow, homogeneous pressure for the tissue stress, as well as one-way-coupled interactions. The error in the peak von Mises stress in a homogeneous pressure calculation compared with a fluid—structure interaction calculation was less than 3.5 per cent for aneurysm diameters up to 7 cm. The error in the mean wall shear stress, in a rigid-walled calculation compared with a fluid—structure interaction calculation, varied from 30 per cent to 60 per cent with increasing aneurysm diameter. These results suggest that incorporation of the fluid—structure interaction is unnecessary for purely mechanical modelling, with the aim of evaluating the current rupture probability. However, for more complex biological modelling, perhaps with the aim of predicting the progress of the disease, where accurate estimation of the wall shear stress is essential, some form of fluid—structure interaction is necessary.
Strain distribution in the proximal human femoral metaphysis
Authors: Cristofolini L , Juszczyk M , Taddei F , Viceconti M
Published: December 2008

There is significant interest in the stress—strain state in the proximal femoral metaphysis, because of its relevance for hip fractures and prosthetic replacements. The scope of this work was to provide a better understanding of the strain distribution, and of its correlation with the different directions of loading, and with bone quality. A total of 12 pairs of human femurs were instrumented with strain gauges. Six loading configurations were designed to cover the range of directions spanned by the hip joint force. Inter-specimen variability was reduced if paired specimens were considered. The principal strain magnitude varied greatly between loading configurations. This suggests that different loading configurations need to be simulated in vitro. The strain magnitude varied between locations but, on average, was compatible with the strain values measured in vivo. The strain magnitudes and the direction of principal tensile strain in the head and neck were compatible with the spontaneous fractures of the proximal femur reported in some subjects. The principal tensile strain was significantly larger where the cortical bone was thinner; the compressive strain was larger where the cortical bone was thicker. The direction of the principal strain varied significantly between measurement locations but varied little between loading configurations. This suggests that the anatomy and the distribution of anisotropic material properties enable the proximal femur to respond adequately to the changing direction of daily loading.
The importance of a thick cement mantle depends on stem geometry and stem—cement interfacial bonding
Authors: Caruana J , Janssen D , Verdonschot N , Blunn G W
Published: December 2008

The thickness of the cement mantle around the femoral component of total hip replacements is a contributing factor to aseptic loosening and revision. Nevertheless, various designs of stems and surgical tooling lead to cement mantles of different thicknesses. Opinion is divided on whether a thick mantle enhances implant longevity. This study investigates the effect of cement mantle thickness on accumulated damage in the cement, and how this is influenced by the presence or absence of a proximal collar and on whether the stem—cement interface remains bonded. Three-dimensional finite element simulations incorporating creep and non-linear damage accumulation were performed to investigate cracking in the cement mantles around Stanmore Hips under physiologically informed stair-climbing and gait loads. Cement mantle thickness, stem—cement interfacial bonding, and collar design were varied to assess the interactive effects of these parameters. In all cases, damage levels were three to six times higher when the stem—cement interface remained bonded. Cement mantle thickness had little effect on cement damage accumulation around debonded collared stems but was critical in both bonded and collarless cases, where a thicker mantle reduced cement cracking. Damage around a smooth debonded stem with a collar is thus much less sensitive to cement thickness than around bonded or collarless stems.
Simultaneous reduction in cloud point, smoke, and NOx emissions by blending bioethanol into biodiesel fuels and exhaust gas recirculation
Authors: Shudo T , Nakajima T , Hiraga K
Published: December 2008

Palm oil has the important advantage of productivity compared with other vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil and soybean oil. However, the cold flow performance of palm oil methyl ester (PME) is poorer than other vegetable-oil-based biodiesel fuels. Previous research by the current authors has shown that ethanol blending into PME improves the cold flow performance and considerably reduces smoke emission. The reduced smoke may be expected to allow an expansion in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) limit and lead to reduced oxides of nitrogen (NO x). This paper experimentally analyses the influence of EGR on smoke and NO x emissions with ethanol-blended PME.

The results show that the combination of ethanol blending and EGR is effective in reducing NO x and smoke simultaneously without the thermal efficiency deteriorating. The smoke reduction can be attributed to an improved fuel—air mixing by an increased ignition delay owing to the low cetane number of ethanol and by a promoted fuel spray atomization caused by the low boiling point of ethanol. The increase in the oxygen content also leads to lower soot emission. The decrease in local equivalence ratio by ethanol blending was also suggested by the flame observation in which flame with high luminosity, high temperature, and high KL factor shrinks.
Dynamics of lashed trailers on a ship under roll and pitch excitations
Authors: Poulios P , Themelis N , Spyrou K
Published: December 2008

The prediction of the dynamic behaviour of lashed trailers placed at various locations on the vehicle deck(s) of a ferry is discussed. Excitations on the lashed trailers are produced by the combined roll and pitch motions, caused by steep waves encountered by the ship from various angles. Firstly, the typical requirements of the IMO's Cargo Securing Manual, as implemented for an existing ferry, are presented. Thereafter the mathematical model that has been developed for the needs of the present study is set out. The characteristics of the lashings, as well as of the trailer support (trestle) and suspension systems, are taken into account. Ship motions are simulated with a well-known panel code, and they are subsequently imported into the mathematical model of lashed trailers. This is a step towards an integrated ‘performance-based’ framework for the investigation of cargo safety on board that is ship and environment specific.
Treatment of asymptomatic rectal Chlamydia trachomatis: is single-dose azithromycin effective?
Authors: Steedman N M , McMillan A
Published: December 2008

Rectal infection with Chlamydia trachomatis affects approximately 7% of men having sex with men (MSM), attending departments of Genito-Urinary (GU) Medicine [Manavi et al. Int J STD AIDS 2004;15:162–4], and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated genital C. trachomatis infection include 1 g of single-dose oral azithromycin as a recommended regimen [BASHH 2006]. A retrospective analysis was performed on case-notes from all patients diagnosed with rectal C. trachomatis infection in the department of GU Medicine, Edinburgh for the one-year period from 1 June 2005. Of 101 new episodes of rectal chlamydial infection, only 9% were associated with anorectal symptoms. Excluding these, 85% of asymptomatic patients were treated with a single dose of azithromycin 1 g orally, with a calculated treatment failure rate of 13% (nine of 68). This suggests that single-dose azithromycin may be a less than effective treatment in asymptomatic rectal C. trachomatis infection. The potential treatment failure rate with this regimen emphasizes the need for a test of cure at the appropriate interval following treatment to ensure clearance of infection.
Anglian Genitourinary Medicine Audit Group — cervical cytology screening in HIV-positive women
Authors: Harry T C
Published: December 2008

Immunosuppressed HIV-infected women are at risk of developing cervical cytological abnormalities and should have routine annual cervical cytology smears performed as recommended by the National Health Services Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP). In the Anglian Genitourinary Medicine Audit Group review of practice of cervical cytology smears, only 55.5% of clinics met the NHSCSP standards. The mean age of the 173 women in the cohort was 35.8 ± 8.1, range 16–66 years. Seventy-eight percent of clinics performed cervical cytology screening in women under the age of 25 years. High-grade cervical cytological abnormality (moderate dyskariosis and above) was seen in 9.5% of the cohort and 39.5% had low-grade lesions (borderline and mild dyskariosis). One patient, a 41-year-old black African on highly active antiretroviral therapy with HIV-1 RNA level <50 copies/mL and a CD4 count of 240 cells/mm3 had invasive cervical cancer requiring hysterectomy. The expected mean number of cervical cytology smears for the cohort was 3.29 and the calculated performed mean cervical cytology smear was 1.9 ( P = 0.0001), a statistically significant difference. Asylum dispersal among 69.5% black Africans in the cohort contributed to some of the clinics not meeting the NHSCSP standards.
Non-consultant career grade doctors in genitourinary medicine – are they up to the job? National survey 2007
Authors: Bailey H R , Mullan H , Pinsent S , Sashidharan P N , Theobald N
Published: December 2008

Non-consultant career grade doctors in genitourinary (GU) medicine have been called ‘a reliable silent backbone of the specialty’ and ‘a spare pair of hands‘ [Hiscock E. Non-consultant career grade staff in GU medicine; a reliable backbone or, a spare pair of hands? Int J STD AIDS 1996;7:375–7]. But are they adequate pairs of hands? This survey, conducted in July 2007, examined the work, qualifications and experience of these doctors. A summary of the 154 (19%) responses is presented. Respondents contributed 773 sessions per week, including 164 special interest sessions; 30 (19.5%) were doing regular HIV work. Non-clinical work was described by 134 (87%), especially teaching (132 [86%]) and management roles (26 [17%]). Postgraduate qualifications were cited by 148 (96%), including DipGUM or Dip Ven (51 [33%]), contraception qualifications such as DFFP, MFFP or FFFP (110 [71%]), MRCGP (43 [8%]) and qualifications in psychosexual medicine/therapy (10 [6.5%]). Over half were trained in general practice. Certificate of completion of specialist training or equivalent was held by 55 (36%), including two in GU medicine. These doctors are well qualified, and an asset to the specialty.
Combined Exposures of Noise and Whole-Body Vibration and the effects on Psychological Responses, a Review
Authors: Ljungberg J.K.
Published: December 2008

The aim of this review is to shed light on a research area that concerns the studies of psychological responses to combined exposures of noise and whole-body vibration (WBV). Vehicle drivers are a group of workers that are often exposed to multiple stressors like noise, WBV and mental loads. Degraded performance because of environmental stressors may lead to injury or accidents. Standards that govern health risk assessment do not take into consideration the complexities of these multiple exposure environments (ISO 1997a, ISO 1999). Some studies have shown that the effect of one factor may be different than the effect of two factors presented together. For example, negative combined effects have been found in tracking tasks (Sommer and Harris, 1973), in arithmetic tasks (Harris and Schoenberger, 1980), as well as in subjective ratings (Ljungberg, Neely, Lundstrom, 2004), although in many of the studies the noise and WBV stimuli have been very unlike those that can be found in real workmg environments. Applying methods from the “irrelevant sound” paradigm (e.g. Jones, 1990) by using short-term memory tasks with a serial component as well as focus on frequencies rather than level has been revealed to tap the resources both objectively and subjectively more in both noise and WBV studies (e.g. Banbury et al. 2001; Kjellberg, 1990) Still, most experiments that have been conducted have focused on rather short exposure times in controlled laboratory settings. Using longer exposure times might also reveal other results since longer exposure times may be negatively related to sensitivity to noise and WBV (Abbate et al. 2004; Neely, Lundstrom, and Bjorkvist, 2002, Weinstein, 1978)
A Proposal for Evaluating the Potential Health effects of Wind Turbine Noise for Projects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
Authors: Keith Stephen E. , Michaud David S. , Bly Stephen H.P.
Published: December 2008

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) requires certain projects with federal government triggers to undergo an environmental assessment before receiving federal government approval. On request under CEAA, Health Canada provides advice on the health effects of noise to responsible authorities for wind turbine projects. The advice that Health Canada provides on the health effects of noise is generally based only on well-accepted scientific evidence for a link between noise exposure and health. For quiet rural areas, in which annoyance reactions towards intruding noise may be augmented, this paper proposes noise mitigation if predicted wind turbine noise levels exceed 45 dBA at noise sensitive receptors. In this proposal, a cautious approach is adopted by using predicted noise levels that are evaluated at the wind speed that produces the highest wind turbine noise, and background noise is evaluated in calm winds. This accounts for sheltering by obstructions. Wind speed gradient effects related to stable atmospheric conditions are also accounted for with this approach. The proposal is based on predicted project-noise related changes in long-term high annoyance, rattle and sleep disturbance. Noise mitigation for wind turbine construction noise is proposed based on potential for expectation of complaints.
Vibration Suppression Control against Periodic Disturbances for Systems with Input Saturation
Authors: Kosaka Manabu
Published: December 2008

Compressors, pumps etc often generate noise and vibration due to periodic disturbances. It is known that vibration suppressing systems such as repetitive control are effective in suppressing periodic disturbances. However, there is no report about methods that can make control performance deterioration as small as possible when the control inputs of the vibration suppression system are saturated. This paper develops a disturbance observer that is effectively suppressing periodic disturbances, and proposes a method that can make control performance deterioration minimal even if the control inputs are saturated. First, the proposed system estimates disturbances using the disturbance observer. Next the estimated disturbances are passed into a filter of unity gain and zero phase change at the disturbance's frequencies, and are added into the control input in order to cancel the periodic disturbance. Some motor system simulations show that the phase of the estimated disturbances corresponds to that of the periodic disturbances so that the method can make control performance deterioration minimal. The method is appropriate to rotational machine systems such as compressors and pumps in which vibration and noise should be avoided.
How Incorporating Feedback Mechanisms in a DSS Affects DSS Evaluations
Authors: Kayande Ujwal , De Bruyn Arnaud , Lilien Gary L. , Rangaswamy Arvind , van Bruggen Gerrit H.
Published: December 2008

Model-based decision support systems (DSS) improve performance in many contexts that are data-rich, uncertain, and require repetitive decisions. But such DSS are often not designed to help users understand and internalize the underlying factors driving DSS recommendations. Users then feel uncertain about DSS recommendations, leading them to possibly avoid using the system. We argue that a DSS must be designed to induce an alignment of a decision maker's mental model with the decision model embedded in the DSS. Such an alignment requires effort from the decision maker and guidance from the DSS. We experimentally evaluate two DSS design characteristics that facilitate such alignment: (i) feedback on the upside potential for performance improvement and (ii) feedback on corrective actions to improve decisions. We show that, in tandem, these two types of DSS feedback induce decision makers to align their mental models with the decision model, a process we call deep learning, whereas individually these two types of feedback have little effect on deep learning. We also show that deep learning, in turn, improves user evaluations of the DSS. We discuss how our findings could lead to DSS design improvements and better returns on DSS investments.
Cribriform-Morular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Cameselle-Teijeiro José , Menasce Lia P. , Yap Beng K. , Colaco Rovel J. , Castro Patricia , Celestino Ricardo , Ruíz-Ponte Clara , Soares Paula , Sobrinho-Simões Manuel
Published: December 2008

We describe an especially aggressive case of cribriform-morular variant (C-MV) of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in a 42-year-old man with familial adenomatous polyposis who died with lung and brain metastases 17 months after thyroidectomy. The angioinvasive neoplasm combined a mixture of trabecular, solid, cribriform, and follicular patterns of growth with CD10+ morules. Follicles were devoid of colloid, and the nuclear features typical of PTC were present in some areas and missing in others. Tumor cells were positive for thyroid transcription factor-1 and, in 40% of the tumoral mass, also were positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin and were negative for thyroglobulin and calcitonin. Strong nuclear staining for β-catenin was found in all tumor cells, as was positivity for p53 and cyclin D1. In addition to the germline heterozygous APC Ex 2–3 duplication mutation, a somatic homozygous silent p.Thr1493Thr gene variant was found in the neoplastic cells along with RET/PTC rearrangement. This tumor represents the first case of C-MV of PTC showing neuroendocrine differentiation.
Primary Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma With Intestinal Differentiation Mimicking Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Hong C. , Schmidt Lindsay , Greenson Joel K. , Chang Andrew C. , Myers Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2008

Pulmonary adenocarcinoma with intestinal differentiation is rare and typically expresses proteins common to lung primaries. We report a case in a 51-year-old woman with a solitary 3.3-cm mass in the left lower lobe. Additional clinical investigation, including positron emission tomography scan with fluorine 18–labeled fluorodeoxyglucose, colonoscopy, and capsule endoscopy of her small bowel, revealed no evidence of tumor elsewhere. She underwent left lower lobectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Histologic examination revealed tall columnar cells without goblet cell differentiation arranged in a cribriform and acinar pattern with extensive central necrosis. Metastatic carcinoma was present in multiple hilar lymph nodes. Mediastinal lymph nodes were negative. Immunohistochemical stains demonstrated diffuse positivity for cytokeratin (CK) 20 and CDX-2 in neoplastic cells with negative staining for CK7 and thyroid transcription factor-1. CK7 expression has been documented in all 14 cases previously reported. This is the first description of pulmonary adenocarcinoma with intestinal differentiation with histopathologic and immunophenotypic findings indistinguishable from metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma.
Extent and Histologic Pattern of Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia Present on Core Needle Biopsy Specimens of the Breast Can Predict Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in Subsequent Excision
Authors: Wagoner Michael J. , Laronga Christine , Acs Geza
Published: December 2008

Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) diagnosed by core needle biopsy (CNB) is regarded as an indication for surgical excision. We investigated whether histologic subtype and extent of ADH in a series of 123 CNB specimens can predict the presence of carcinoma on surgical excision. We found that ADH present in more than 2 foci in CNB specimens was a strong predictor of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on excision (>2 foci, 16/41 vs 6/82 for 1 or 2 foci; P < .0001). The micropapillary subtype of ADH also predicted the presence of DCIS (P = .0006). Our study suggests that micropapillary histologic subtype and extent of ADH in CNB specimens can be applied to predict the presence of DCIS on surgical excision. By using the combination of the extent of ADH in CNB specimens (1 or 2 foci), the presence of microcalcifications within the lesion, and the lack of residual mammographic calcifications after CNB, we identified a low-risk group of patients (n = 25), none of whom had carcinoma on surgical excision. Patients with ADH restricted to fewer than 3 foci may not need surgical excision, especially when the mammographic abnormality is completely removed by CNB.