bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture Improves Sleep Conditions of Minipigs Representing Diurnal Animals through an Anatomically Similar Point to the Acupoint (GV20) Effective for Humans
Authors: Takeishi Ka-ichiro , Horiuchi Masahisa , Kawaguchi Hiroaki , Deguchi Yoshiki , Izumi Hiroyuki , Arimura Emi , Kuchiiwa Satoshi , Tanimoto Akihide , Takeuchi Toru
Published: February 2012

Acupuncture, an alternative medicine, has been widely applied for people with sleep disturbances; therefore, the effects should be evaluated objectively. Micro-minipigs (MMPigs), the smallest miniature pigs for animal experiments, were used. Acupuncture was performed at two different points: Dafengmen is located on the head and is an anatomically similar point to human-Baihui (GV20), an effective acupoint for sleep disturbances in humans; pig-Baihui is on the back. The procedure was performed as follows: shallow, within 5 mm depth for several seconds; deep, 10–20 mm depth for 20 min. The sleep conditions were evaluated by actigraph, and the amount of catecholamine in pooled urine after acupuncture treatment. MMPigs with deep acupuncture at Dafengmen showed significantly efficient values on actigraph and catecholamine analysis as compared with untreated MMPigs. The effective acupoint for sleep conditions in the porcine model is at an anatomically similar point to humans, rather than the point determined by traditional Chinese medicine.
Graph-Theoretic Approach for the Dynamic Simulation of Flexible Multibody Systems
Authors: Richard M. J. , Bouazara M.
Published: February 2012

This paper provides a general description of a variational graph-theoretic formulation for simulation of flexible multibody systems (FMSs) which includes a brief review of linear graph principles required to formulate this algorithm. The system is represented by a linear graph, in which nodes represent reference frames on flexible bodies, and edges represent components that connect these frames. The method is based on a simplistic topological approach which casts the dynamic equations of motion into a symmetrical format. To generate the equations of motion with elastic deformations, the flexible bodies are discretized using two types of finite elements. The first is a 2 node 3D beam element based on Mindlin kinematics with quadratic rotation. This element is used to discretize unidirectional bodies such as links of flexible systems. The second consists of a triangular thin shell element based on the discrete Kirchhoff criterion and can be used to discretize bidirectional bodies such as high-speed lightweight manipulators, large high precision deployable space structures, and micro/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMSs). Two flexible systems are analyzed to illustrate the performance of this new variational graph-theoretic formulation and its ability to generate directly a set of motion equations for FMS without additional user input.
Genotoxicity Studies Performed in the Ecuadorian Population
Authors: Paz-y-Miño César , Cumbal Nadia , Sánchez María Eugenia
Published: February 2012

Genotoxicity studies in Ecuador have been carried out during the past two decades. The focuses of the research were mainly the area of environmental issues, where the populations have been accidentally exposed to contaminants and the area of occupational exposure of individuals at the workplace. This paper includes studies carried out in the population of the Amazon region, a zone known for its rich biodiversity as well as for the ecological damage caused by oil spills and chemical sprayings whose consequences continue to be controversial. Additionally, we show the results of studies comprised of individuals occupationally exposed to toxic agents in two very different settings: flower plantation workers exposed to pesticide mixtures and X-ray exposure of hospital workers. The results from these studies confirm that genotoxicity studies can help evaluate current conditions and prevent further damage in the populations exposed to contaminants. As such, they are evidence of the need for biomonitoring employers at risk, stricter law enforcement regarding the use of pesticides, and increasingly conscientious oil extraction activities.
A Direct Eigenanalysis of Multibody System in Equilibrium
Authors: Yang Cheng , Cao Dazhi , Zhao Zhihua , Zhang Zhengru , Ren Gexue
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a direct eigenanalysis procedure for multibody system in equilibrium. The first kind Lagrange’s equation of the dynamics of multibody system is a set of differential algebraic equations, and the equations can be used to solve the equilibrium of the system. The vibration of the system about the equilibrium can be described by the linearization of the governing equation with the generalized coordinates and the multipliers as the perturbed variables. But the multiplier variables and the generalize coordinates are not in the same dimension. As a result, the system matrices in the perturbed vibration equations are badly conditioned, and a direct application of the mature eigensolvers does not guarantee a correct solution to the corresponding eigenvalue problem. This paper discusses the condition number of the problem and proposes a method for preconditioning the system matrices, then the corresponding eigenvalue problem of the multibody system about equilibrium can be smoothly solved with standard eigensolver such as ARPACK. In addition, a necessary frequency shift technology is also presented in the paper. The importance of matrix conditioning and the effectiveness of the presented method for preconditioning are demonstrated with numerical examples.
Modelling and Performance Analysis of a Network of Chemical Sensors with Dynamic Collaboration
Authors: Skvortsov Alex , Ristic Branko
Published: February 2012

The problem of environmental monitoring using a wireless network of chemical sensors with a limited energy supply is considered. Since the conventional chemical sensors in active mode consume vast amounts of energy, an optimisation problem arises in the context of a balance between the energy consumption and the detection capabilities of such a network. A protocol based on “dynamic sensor collaboration” is employed: in the absence of any pollutant, the majority of sensors are in the sleep (passive) mode; a sensor is invoked (activated) by wake-up messages from its neighbors only when more information is required. The paper proposes a mathematical model of a network of chemical sensors using this protocol. The model provides valuable insights into the network behavior and near optimal capacity design (energy consumption against detection). An analytical model of the environment, using turbulent mixing to capture chaotic fluctuations, intermittency, and nonhomogeneity of the pollutant distribution, is employed in the study. A binary model of a chemical sensor is assumed (a device with threshold detection). The outcome of the study is a set of simple analytical tools for sensor network design, optimisation, and performance analysis.
Controversies in the Management of Endometrial Carcinoma: An Update
Authors: Mehasseb Mohamed K. , Latimer John A.
Published: February 2012

Endometrial carcinoma is the commonest type of female genital tract malignancy in the developed countries. Endometrial carcinoma is usually confined to the uterus at the time of diagnosis and as such usually carries an excellent prognosis with high curability. Our understanding and management of endometrial cancer have continuously developed. Current controversies focus on screening and early detection, the extent of nodal surgery, and the changing roles of radiation therapy and chemotherapy and will be discussed in this paper.
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Mesocarbon Microbead-Based Counter Electrodes
Authors: Hsieh Chien-Te , Yang Bing-Hao , Chen Wei-Yu
Published: February 2012

The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) equipped with mesocarbon microbead (MCMB)-based counter electrodes were explored to examine their cell performance. Three types of nanosized additives including platinum, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon black (CB) are well dispersed and coated over microscaled MCMB powders. In the design of the counter electrodes, the MCMB graphite offers an excellent medium that allows charge transfer from the ITO substrate to the dye molecule. The active materials such as Pt, CNT, and nanosize CB act as an active site provider for the redox reaction. Among these counter electrodes, the DSCs fabricated with CB electrode exhibit the highest power conversion efficiency. This improved efficiency can be attributed to the fact that the CB nanoparticles not only offer a large number of catalytic sites but also low charge transfer resistance, facilitating a rapid reaction kinetics. Such design of carbon counter electrode has been confirmed to be a promising candidate for replacing Pt electrodes.
A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Attitudes toward HIV Testing in the Dental Setting
Authors: VanDevanter Nancy , Combellick Joan , Hutchinson M. Katherine , Phelan Joan , Malamud Daniel , Shelley Donna
Published: February 2012

An estimated 1.1 million people in the USA are living with HIV/AIDS. Nearly 200,000 of these individuals do not know that they are infected. In 2006, the CDC recommended that all healthcare providers routinely offer HIV screening to adolescent and adult patients. Nurse-dentist collaborations present unique opportunities to provide rapid oral HIV screening to patients in dental clinic settings and reach the many adults who lack primary medical providers. However, little is known about the feasibility and acceptability of this type of innovative practice. Thus, elicitation research was undertaken with dental providers, students, and patients. This paper reports the results of qualitative interviews with 19 adults attending a university-based dental clinic in New York City. Overall, patients held very positive attitudes and beliefs toward HIV screening in dental sites and identified important factors that should be incorporated into the design of nurse-dentist collaborative HIV screening programs.
Specific Niche Characteristics Facilitate the Invasion of an Alien Fish Invader in Boreal Streams
Authors: Korsu Kai , Heino Jani , Huusko Ari , Muotka Timo
Published: February 2012

We studied the ecological niche relations of native stream fish and an alien invader, brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), to examine if brook trout had located an underused environmental niche in our boreal study system. In both study years (1994 versus 2004), we found brook trout to have the most marginal niche position of all the fish species examined. The most important environmental variable affecting the distribution of brook trout was pH, with acid headwater sites being dominated by this species. Brown trout, in contrast, had relatively nonmarginal niche, occurring in average conditions across the sampled sites. Other fish species had niche positions between the two salmonids. Our results show that fish invasions may be strongly facilitated by the presence of suboptimally occupied environmental niche space in the recipient river system.
Putative Multifunctional Signature of Lung Metastases in Dedifferentiated Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Malchenko Sergey , Seftor Elisabeth A. , Nikolsky Yuri , Hasegawa Susan L. , Kuo Sean , Stevens Jeff W. , Poyarkov Stas , Nikolskaya Tatiana , Kucaba Tamara , Wang Min , Abdulkawy Hakim , Casavant Thomas , Morcuende Jose , Buckwalter Joseph , Hohl Raymond , DeYoung Barry , Kernstine Kemp , Bonaldo Maria de Fatima , Hendrix Mary J. C. , Soares Marcelo B. , Soares Vera Maria F. C.
Published: February 2012

Chondrosarcomas are among the most malignant skeletal tumors. Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is a highly aggressive subtype of chondrosarcoma, with lung metastases developing within a few months of diagnosis in 90% of patients. In this paper we performed comparative analyses of the transcriptomes of five individual metastatic lung lesions that were surgically resected from a patient with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. We document for the first time a high heterogeneity of gene expression profiles among the individual lung metastases. Moreover, we reveal a signature of “multifunctional” genes that are expressed in all metastatic lung lesions. Also, for the first time, we document the occurrence of massive macrophage infiltration in dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma lung metastases.
Impaired Cognitive Function and Hippocampal Neurogenesis following Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Christie Lori-Ann , Acharya Munjal M. , Parihar Vipan K. , Nguyen Anna , Martirosian Vahan , Limoli Charles L.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: A substantial proportion of breast cancer survivors report significant, long-lasting impairments in cognitive function, often referred to as “chemobrain.” Advances in detection and treatment mean that many more patients are surviving long-term following diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. Thus, it is important to define the types, extent, and persistence of cognitive impairments following treatment with cytotoxic cancer drugs.

Experimental Design: We examined the effects of chronic treatment with two agents commonly used in patients with breast cancer, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Athymic nude rats were given 50 mg/kg cyclophosphamide, 2 mg/kg doxorubicin, or saline injections once per week for 4 weeks. A novel place recognition task and contextual and cued fear conditioning were used to characterize learning and memory ability. Immunofluorescence staining for immature and mature neurons and activated microglia was used to assess changes in neurogenesis and neuroinflammation.

Results: Cyclophosphamide- and doxorubicin-treated rats showed significantly impaired performance on the novel place recognition task and the contextual fear conditioning task compared with untreated controls, suggesting disrupted hippocampal-based memory function. Chemotherapy-treated animals showed a significant decline in neurogenesis [80%–90% drop in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd)-labeled cells expressing NeuN]. Activated microglia (ED1-positive) were found after cyclophosphamide but not doxorubicin treatment.

Conclusions: Our results show that chronic treatment with either of two commonly used chemotherapeutic agents impairs cognitive ability and suggest that strategies to prevent or repair disrupted hippocampal neurogenesis may be effective in ameliorating this serious side effect in cancer survivors. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 1954–65. ©2012 AACR.
New Strategies for Advanced Neuroendocrine Tumors in the Era of Targeted Therapy
Authors: Dong Mei , Phan Alexandria T. , Yao James C.
Published: February 2012

Low- to intermediate-grade neuroendocrine tumor (NET) constitutes a group of indolent malignancies that share the capacity for secreting hormones and neuroamines. Until recently, there were few therapeutic options for oncologic control. The PROMID study showed that octreotide long-acting repeatable formulation can delay tumor growth in midgut NETs. And, recent phase III studies showed both everolimus and sunitinib improved progression-free survival in pancreatic NETs, validating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mTOR pathway and angiogenesis as important targets for further advances. Ongoing and planned pivotal studies targeting these pathways in other NET subtypes may widen their therapeutic application. Development of rational combinations may further improve therapeutic outcome. These successes and our improved understanding of the underlying molecular biology are likely to lead to further important advances on the horizon. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 1830–6. ©2012 AACR.
MiR-196a Is Upregulated in Gastric Cancer and Promotes Cell Proliferation by Downregulating p27kip1
Authors: Sun Ming , Liu Xiang-hua , Li Jin-hai , Yang Jin-song , Zhang Er-bao , Yin Dan-dan , Liu Zhi-li , Zhou Jing , Ding Ying , Li Su-qin , Wang Zhao-xia , Cao Xiu-feng , De Wei
Published: February 2012

Aberrant expression of miR-196a has been frequently reported in cancer studies. However, the expression and mechanism of its function in gastric cancer remains unclear. Quantitative real-time PCR was carried out to detect the relative expression of miR-196a in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues. SGC7901 cells were treated with miR-196a inhibitors, mimics, or pCDNA/miR-196a to investigate the role of miR-196a in cell proliferation. Higher expression of miR-196a in gastric cancer tissues was associated with tumor size, a higher clinical stage, and was also correlated with shorter overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. Exogenous downregulation of miR-196a expression significantly suppressed the in vitro cell-cycle progression, proliferation, and colony formation of gastric cancer cells, and ectopic miR-196a expression significantly enhanced the development of tumors in nude mice. Luciferase assays revealed that miR-196a inhibited p27kip1 expression by targeting one binding site in the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of p27kip1 mRNA. qPCR and Western blot assays verified that miR-196a reduced p27kip1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. The p27kip1-mediated repression in cell proliferation was reverted by exogenous miR-196a expression. A reverse correlation between miR-196a and p27kip1 expression was noted in gastric cancer tissues. Our study shows that aberrant overexpression of miR-196a and consequent downregulation of p27kip1 could contribute to gastric carcinogenesis and would be targets for gastric cancer therapies and further developed as potential prognostic factors. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 842–52. ©2012 AACR.
Increased Relative Risk of Lung Cancer in 2,904 Patients with Saccular Intracranial Aneurysm Disease in Eastern Finland
Authors: Huttunen Terhi , Riihinen Annamaija , Pukkala Eero , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Koivisto Timo , Ronkainen Antti , Rinne Jaakko , Hernesniemi Juha , Sankila Risto , Jääskeläinen Juha E.
Published: February 2012

Background and Objective: To analyze the long-term incidence of cancer after the first diagnosis of saccular intracranial aneurysm (sIA) disease. Methods: The Neurosurgery Department of the Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) solely serves a defined Eastern Finnish population. The Kuopio sIA database contains 2,904 consecutive sIA cases from 1980 to 2007, 618 unruptured (170 familial and 448 sporadic) and 2,286 ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) cases (308 familial and 1,978 sporadic). They were followed for the incidence of cancer (Finnish Cancer Registry) until death (n = 1,176) or until December 31, 2008, giving a total of 26,844 person-years. Their standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of different cancers were calculated as compared to the corresponding KUH population (year of follow-up, gender, age). Results: Lung cancer after the first sIA diagnosis occurred in 30 of the 1,340 male patients [SIR = 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-2.9], and in 10 of the 1,564 female patients (SIR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.2-4.7). Poisson regression analysis identified male gender and increasing diameter of the ruptured sIA as independent risk factors for lung cancer, while familial sIA disease, age at aSAH, site of ruptured sIA, or the presence of associated unruptured sIAs had no significant effect. Conclusions: Carriers of the sIA disease have an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Their long-term smoking habits after the sIA diagnosis should be elucidated for preventive purposes.
Association between Subcortical Lesions and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Palmqvist Sebastian , Sarwari Agmall , Wattmo Carina , Bronge Lena , Zhang Yi , Wahlund Lars Olof , Nägga Katarina
Published: February 2012

Background/Aims: The most devastating features of Alz-heimer's disease (AD) are often the behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD). There is controversy as to whether subcortical lesions contribute to BPSD. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between BPSD and subcortical lesions (white-matter lesions and lacunes) in AD. Methods: CT or MRI from 259 patients with mild-to-moderate AD were assessed with the Age-Related White Matter Changes scale. Linear measures of global and temporal atrophy and Mini-Mental State Examination scores were used to adjust for AD pathology and disease severity in logistic regression models with the BPSD items delusions, hallucinations, agitation, depression, anxiety, apathy and irritability. Results: Lacunes in the left basal ganglia were asso-ciated with delusions (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.21-5.48) and hallucinations (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.38-8.01) and lacunes in the right basal ganglia were associated with depression (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.01-4.51). Conclusion: Lacunes in the basal ganglia resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of delusions, hallucinations and depression, when adjusting for cognition and atrophy. This suggests that basal ganglia lesions can contribute to BPSD in patients with AD, independently of the AD process.
Protein Kinase Activity Profiling of Postmortem Human Brain Tissue
Authors: Hoozemans Jeroen J.M. , Hilhorst Riet , Ruijtenbeek Rob , Rozemuller Annemieke J.M. , van der Vies Saskia M.
Published: February 2012

Background: Identification of signal transduction pathways that are critically involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is essential for the development of disease-specific biomarkers and drug therapy. Objective: This study is aimed at identifying protein kinases and signaling pathways that are activated in AD pathology. Methods: Microarray-based kinome profiling was employed for the detection of protein kinase activity in postmortem brain tissue derived from AD and age-matched nondemented control cases. Global serine/threonine kinase activity profiles are identified applying a peptide array system consisting of 140 peptides derived from known kinase substrate sequences covalently attached to porous chips, through which a protein solution is constantly pumped up and down. Peptide phosphorylation is determined by measuring the association of a mixture of fluorescently labeled antibodies, raised against phosphoserine- or phosphothreonine-containing peptides. Results: Protein lysates from freshly frozen postmortem brain tissue from nondemented controls and pathologically confirmed AD cases show ATP-dependent phosphorylation of peptides. In AD and control cases, peptides that are differentially phosphorylated are identified. Conclusion: Protein kinase activity profiling can be used to reveal novel kinases and new signaling pathways involved in AD pathology.
Resampling Methods for Meta-Model Validation with Recommendations for Evolutionary Computation
Authors: Bischl B. , Mersmann O. , Trautmann H. , Weihs C.
Published: February 2012

Meta-modeling has become a crucial tool in solving expensive optimization problems. Much of the work in the past has focused on finding a good regression method to model the fitness function. Examples include classical linear regression, splines, neural networks, Kriging and support vector regression. This paper specifically draws attention to the fact that assessing model accuracy is a crucial aspect in the meta-modeling framework. Resampling strategies such as cross-validation, subsampling, bootstrapping, and nested resampling are prominent methods for model validation and are systematically discussed with respect to possible pitfalls, shortcomings, and specific features. A survey of meta-modeling techniques within evolutionary optimization is provided. In addition, practical examples illustrating some of the pitfalls associated with model selection and performance assessment are presented. Finally, recommendations are given for choosing a model validation technique for a particular setting.
Interaction Strategies for an Affective Conversational Agent
Authors: Smith Cameron , Crook Nigel , Charlton Daniel , Boye Johan , de la Camara Raul Santos , Turunen Markku , Benyon David , Gambäck Björn , Mival Oli , Webb Nick , Cavazza Marc
Published: February 2012

The development of embodied conversational agents (ECA) as companions brings several challenges for both affective and conversational dialogue. These include challenges in generating appropriate affective responses, selecting the overall shape of the dialogue, providing prompt system response times, and handling interruptions. We present an implementation of such a companion showing the development of individual modules that attempt to address these challenges. Further, to resolve resulting conflicts, we present encompassing interaction strategies that attempt to balance the competing requirements along with dialogues from our working prototype to illustrate these interaction strategies in operation. Finally, we provide the results of an evaluation of the companion using an evaluation methodology created for conversational dialogue and including analysis using appropriateness annotation.
Haptic Rendering of Juggling with Encountered Type Interfaces
Authors: Ruffaldi Emanuele
Published: February 2012

Haptic interaction in a virtual world can be tool mediated or direct; and, among direct interactions, the encountered haptic interfaces provide physical contact only when there is contact with a virtual object. This paper deals with the haptic rendering of the catching and throwing of objects by means of this type of interface. A general model for the rendering of the impact is discussed with the associated formalism for managing multiple objects and multiple devices. Next, a key parameter for simulating the impact is selected by means of a psychophysical test. Finally, a working system is presented with the application of the rendering strategy to the case of haptic juggling, showing the possibility of effectively performing basic juggling patterns with two balls.
Evaluation of the cross-section of lignocellulosic fibers using digital microscopy and image analysis
Authors: d’Almeida JRM , Mauricio MHP , Paciornik S
Published: February 2012

Lignocellulosic fibers have several advantages as reinforcement for polymer-matrix composites such as their biodegradability and neutrality with respect to CO2 emission. One characteristic of these fibers is the variability of their properties that usually present large bounds due to several factors. In respect to the determination of fiber properties, one issue is the actual measurement of the fiber cross-section. It is usual practice to measure a typical cross-section length and to assume that the fibers have circular cross-sections, although this is known to be a relatively crude approximation. In this work, digital microscopy and image analysis were used to measure the actual cross-section of several lignocellulosic fibers. The true area was compared to those calculated from minimum and maximum projected diameters, and the errors were analyzed.
Nettle fibre (Urtica dioica L.) reinforced poly(lactic acid): A first approach
Authors: Fischer Holger , Werwein Elena , Graupner Nina
Published: February 2012

Stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica L.) is a bast fibre plant ideally suited to cultivation in central Europe, producing fibres of remarkable high tensile strength and fineness. Only little literature is available about nettle-reinforced standard plastics. The present study represents a first approach to produce nettle-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with fibre loads of 20–40 wt-% to assess the technical potential of this material compared to 30 wt-% nettle/polypropylene. The tensile strength could only be increased in case of 30 wt-% nettle/poly(lactic acid) from 52 of the pure PLA to 59 MPa. This is far away from the real potential of the nettle fibres used here with a single element tensile strength of 930  ±  500 MPa. Concerning the Young’s and flexural modulus, a clear reinforcement effect was found for all poly(lactic acid) composites. The effect was strongest in case of 30 wt-% nettle/PLA: both moduli increased from <3500 MPa of poly(lactic acid) to >5,000 MPa. This is as well far below the single element value of the pure fibres (26,451 ± 14,445 MPa). As known from PLA reinforced with other bast fibres, the unnotched Charpy impact strength is lower than that of the pure polymer. The nettle-reinforced samples were found to have Charpy impact values <50% of the pure PLA. In general, the results show a good potential for nettle as reinforcement for PLA. The crucial point for the future development will be to improve the fibre–matrix interaction in order to increase especially the tensile strength of the composites by closing the large gap between fibre and matrix strength.
Dielectric and mechanical properties of alkali- and silane-treated bamboo-epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar V , Kumar Rakesh
Published: February 2012

Nanocomposites of silane- and alkali-treated bamboo fiber and epoxy resin incorporated with nanoclay were prepared. The possibility of obtaining relatively low dielectric constant (ε) bamboo-epoxy nanodielectrics with improved mechanical properties was demonstrated. Silane coupling agents and mercerization of bamboo mats resulted in decrease of dielectric constant (ε) and dissipation factor (Tan δ) of bamboo-epoxy composites due to decrease in orientation polarization by the reduction of hydrophilicity as compared to untreated composites. The tensile and flexural strength of alkali-treated bamboo-epoxy nanocomposites with 3 wt% nanoclay increased by 60% and 42%, respectively, as compared to pure composites. The minimum value of dielectric constant 1.77 at 1 MHz was obtained for mercerized aminopropyltriethoxy silane-treated bamboo-epoxy nanocomposites. Tan δ and ε decreased with increasing frequency for all the composites. Ultrasound sonication was used in the dispersion of nanoclay. Scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the nanoclay particles distribution inside the bamboo-epoxy nanocomposites.
Drilling of composite laminates with solid and hollow drill point geometries
Authors: Rakesh PK , Singh I , Kumar D
Published: February 2012

Drilling is one of the most important method for hole making in composite materials. Drilling of polymer matrix composites causes substantial damage around the drilled hole. Damage free holes can be made using modified drill geometry. The present research investigation focuses on the drill geometry as candidate parameter that influence drilling forces and drilling-induced damage. The four different drill geometries (solid and hollow in shape) are used for drilling in composite materials. The cutting mechanism of these drill geometries is substantially different, and therefore influences the drilling-induced damage. The experimental results suggest a strong relationship between the drill point geometry and the drilling-induced damage.
Development of models for predicting impact strength of Al7075/Al2O3 composites produced by stir-casting
Authors: Deshmanya Indumati B , Purohit GK
Published: February 2012

Aluminium matrix based metal matrix composites (MMCs) are being extensively used in various industrial applications that need high strength combined with low weight, high hardness, wear resistance, high temperature resistance, improved impact strength, etc. They are amenable to secondary manufacturing processes such as extrusion, rolling, forging, welding, etc. However, because of their complex nature, both in terms of composition and difficulty in manufacturing by the standard fabrication techniques, researchers are keen to study various combinations of constituent materials – matrix and reinforcement, their processing, property evaluation, and extending their applications in various fields. This article presents the details of the investigation comprising stir casting of Al7075 matrix material reinforced with Al2O3 particulates. An attempt has been made to predict the impact strength of these MMCs, which is an important property that decides their suitability in shock loading environment, both in the as-cast and forged conditions. Multi-factor, rotatable, central composite design has been used to predict the impact strength in terms of charpy-V. The mathematical models developed are validated using Fisher’s F-test.
The role of a silane coupling agent in carbon nanotube/polypropylene composites
Authors: Xin Fei , Li Lin
Published: February 2012

The carbon nanotube (CNT)/polypropylene(PP) composites have been prepared with the aid of a silane coupling agent (ZFDA, Dow Corning® Z‐6173) and then characterized by electron microscopic, electrical, mechanical, and thermal measurements in order to understand the role of the silane coupling agent in CNT/PP composites. It was experimentally found that the best usage of ZFDA was 20 wt% based on the CNTs. The coupling agent could effectively reduce the percolation threshold to 0.01 wt% from 2.7 wt% for electrical conductivity and at the same time largely improve tensile modulus of CNT/PP composites without sacrificing tensile strength. Being similar to CNTs, the coupling agent‐treated CNTs (named as ZCNTs) could act as a nucleating agent to shift the crystallization temperature of PP to higher temperatures but decrease crystallinity of PP with increasing filler content. The role of the silane coupling agent in these CNT/PP composites has been explored in detail.
Flow Among Musicians
Authors: Sinnamon Sarah , Moran Aidan , O’Connell Michael
Published: February 2012

“Flow” is a highly coveted yet elusive state of mind that is characterized by complete absorption in the task at hand as well as by enhanced skilled performance. Unfortunately, because most measures of this construct have been developed in physical activity and sport settings, little is known about the applicability of flow scales to the experiences of performers in other domains such as music. To fill this gap in the research literature, the present study had two objectives. First, we investigated the psychometric adequacy of the Dispositional Flow Scale–2 (DFS-2) for a large sample ( n = 205) of musicians. In addition, we examined the experience of flow among amateur and elite music students. Results indicated that the DFS-2 is a generally reliable and factorially-sound measure of flow and that flow states are experienced quite frequently by music students. Nevertheless, the results also raise questions about the validity of certain subscales of this test (e.g., merging of action and awareness, loss of self-consciousness). The theoretical and practical significance of these findings is discussed and suggestions are provided for future research on flow.
Visions of Autonomy
Authors: Looker Benjamin
Published: February 2012

To date, urban scholars have given little attention to the radical politics of neighborhood autonomy that characterized the utopianist vanguard of the broader 1970s neighborhoods movement. Focusing on a constellation of little-known theorists, activists, and institutions—Milton Kotler, Karl Hess, the Alliance for Neighborhood Government, Washington’s Adams-Morgan Organization, and others—this article explores the cultural and intellectual impulses undergirding this fractured movement. It begins by identifying the movement’s New Left origins, then investigates the tensions and fissures that defined this network, as leftists, libertarians, counterculturalists, civil rights organizers, and alternative technology proponents forged provisional alliances. In the end, the article suggests, elements of the burgeoning New Right found partial success in appropriating these ideals of urban community self-reliance, harnessing them to a free market political project. This trajectory demonstrates, however, that the localist language of neighborhood communalism is a place where traditional distinctions among left, liberal, and right often blur or even crumble.
Crisis and the Development of China’s Southwestern Periphery
Authors: Kinzley Judd C.
Published: February 2012

For much of the twentieth century, China’s rugged southwest existed as a veritable blank spot on the country’s geological and planning maps. Geo-political crises in the late 1930s and later in the mid-1960s, however, spurred leaders to redirect state investment and attention away from east and central China and toward this isolated periphery. The story of Panzhihua, once a village tucked away into an isolated corner of the southwest but now a steel-producing industrial icon, highlights the transformative power of geo-political crisis in China’s peripheral regions. By examining the activity of geologists and other agents of the state charged with the task of pinpointing regions for state-sponsored development, this article sheds light on the central role that crisis played in driving investment into China’s southwest during the twentieth century.
How the Moralization of Issues Grants Social Legitimacy to Act on One’s Attitudes
Authors: Effron Daniel A. , Miller Dale T.
Published: February 2012

Actions that do not have as their goal the advancement or protection of one’s material interests are often seen as illegitimate. Four studies suggested that moral values can legitimate action in the absence of material interest. The more participants linked sociopolitical issues to moral values, the more comfortable they felt advocating on behalf of those issues and the less confused they were by others’ advocacy (Studies 1 and 2). Crime victims were perceived as being more entitled to claim special privileges when the crime had violated their personal moral values (Studies 3 and 4). These effects were strongest when the legitimacy to act could not already be derived from one’s material interests, suggesting that moral values and material interest can represent interchangeable justifications for behavior. No support was found for the possibility that attitude strength explained these effects. The power of moralization to disinhibit action is discussed.
Education and Dementia Risk
Authors: Basu Rashmita
Published: February 2012

This study examined importance of education on dementia risk among older adults. It explored to what extent this relationship represents an independent effect of education on dementia risk. A cross-sectional sample of adults age 70 years or older was selected from the Aging Demographics and Memory Study, a supplement to the Health and Retirement Study, to examine the association between education and dementia risk and to mitigate the possibility of self-selection bias (unobserved variable bias) in explaining this correlation. An identification strategy using parental and sibling characteristics as instrumental variables for education was used to remove bias from the estimate of education parameter’s effect on dementia risk. The association between education and dementia risk was observed after accounting for self-selection bias. Results from the two-stage ordered logit model suggest that the impact of education on dementia risk is not an artifact but rather the observed association between education and dementia incidence has a causal component.
Out-Migration of Young Adults and Gender Division of Intergenerational Support in Rural China
Authors: Song Lu , Li Shuzhuo , Feldman Marcus W.
Published: February 2012

Using data from the baseline and follow-up surveys of Well-Being of Elderly in Anhui Province, China, conducted in 2001, 2003, and 2006 by the Institute for Population and Development Studies of Xi’an Jiaotong University, the authors use random-effects models to explore the gender division of intergenerational support of the elderly in rural families. Analyses by parents’ and children’s gender suggest that there are gender differences in intergenerational support because of gender roles and divisions in families. The analysis shows that older mothers receive more returns, which reciprocates their support, while older fathers benefit more from the out-migration of adult children. Although sons take more responsibility for family support, daughters reciprocate support from their elderly parents more. Enhancement of the role and function of daughters in families has accompanied the out-migration of young adults and suggests that gender differences in intergenerational support between sons and daughters have decreased.
Prolonged warm ischemia for transfusion-free arterial switch and ventricular septal defect surgery in a 4.5-Kg baby
Authors: Rubatti M , Durandy Y
Published: February 2012

Blood-free pediatric surgery is increasingly used for surgical correction of simple cardiopathies. Herein, we describe a complex cardiopathy, arterial switch operation and ventricular septal defect, with pre-operative thrombocytopenia in a 4.5 Kg baby treated with warm surgery and intermittent warm blood microplegia without any blood product. Bypass time was 89 min and aortic cross-clamp time 61 min. The maximal length of warm ischemia (time between microplegia injections) was 42 minutes. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was weaned off the ventilator after 7 hours, was discharged from the ICU on day 2 and was discharged from the hospital on day 7. The two main factors involved in this result were high pre-operative hemoglobin level and bypass technique with small prime volume, microplegia and warm perfusion. However, the success of this challenging case is also the result of teamwork and of rigorous patient care.
The role of asymmetry and the nature of microembolization in cognitive decline after heart valve surgery: a pilot study
Authors: Zanatta P , Benvenuti S Messerotti , Valfrè C , Baldanzi F , Palomba D
Published: February 2012

Our objective was to determine the role of asymmetry and the nature of microembolization on postoperative cognitive decline in patients who had undergone heart valve surgery. Continuous transcranial Doppler ultrasound was intraoperatively used for both middle cerebral arteries in 13 right-handed heart valve surgery patients to detect microembolization. The Trail Making Test A and B, Memory with 10/30 s interference, the Digit Span Test and Phonemic Fluency were performed preoperatively, at discharge and three months after surgery. Our data suggest that early and late postoperative psychomotor and executive functions may be sensitive to microemboli in the left, but not in the right middle cerebral artery. Moreover, solid and gaseous microemboli are both similarly associated with early postoperative cognitive decline while, surprisingly, late postoperative cognitive decline is more likely to be associated with gaseous than solid microemboli.
Examining the effectiveness of antipsychotic medication in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Taylor Mark , Cavanagh Jonathan , Hodgson Richard , Tiihonen Jari
Published: February 2012

The regular use of antipsychotic medication is known to improve overall outcomes and diminish risk of relapse, but applying the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) into routine clinical practice is not always straightforward. Furthermore, psychiatrists, service users and policy makers can have trouble keeping up with the burgeoning and, at times, conflicting results from research trials, meta-analysis and systematic reviews. In this paper we examine the differences between efficacy and effectiveness trials with regard to antipsychotic medication with a focus on first-episode psychosis, after reviewing the relative contribution of antipsychotic medication to outcomes in schizophrenia.
Reduced Expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin and High Expression of Basal Cytokeratins in Feline Mammary Carcinomas With Regional Metastasis
Authors: Peñafiel-Verdu C. , Buendia A. J. , Navarro J. A. , Ramirez G. A. , Vilafranca M. , Altimira J. , Sanchez J.
Published: February 2012

Feline mammary carcinomas are highly aggressive neoplasms. Several mechanisms are thought to be involved in their progression, including the loss of epithelial adhesion molecules. The present study was carried out on 21 adenomas and 139 mammary carcinomas. Of the carcinomas, 66 were not reported to have metastasized, while the remaining 73 had evidence of regional lymph node metastasis at the moment of diagnosis. The relationship was examined between the expression of the E-cadherin–β-catenin complex and basal (CK5/6, CK14) and luminal (CK8/18) cytokeratin expression. In the medical literature, carcinomas expressing basal cytokeratins are reported as having a poor prognosis in human breast cancer. Results revealed that preservation of the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin is a significant feature of carcinomas without metastasis, whereas carcinomas with metastasis reveal the loss of one or both adhesion molecules. Additionally, basal cytokeratin expression was statistically associated with the presence of regional metastasis. Furthermore, the expression of E-cadherin–β-catenin was significantly correlated with the high expression of CK18 and low expression of CK5/6.
Use of Video Laryngoscopy and Camera Phones to Communicate Progression of Laryngeal Edema in Assessing for Extubation
Authors: Newmark Jordan L. , Ahn Young K. , Adams Mark C. , Bittner Edward A. , Wilcox Susan R.
Published: February 2012

Video laryngoscopy has demonstrated utility in airway management. For the present case series, we report the use of video laryngoscopy to evaluate the airway of critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients, as a means to reduce the risk of immediate postextubation stridor by assessing the degree of laryngeal edema. We also describe the use of cellular phone cameras to document and communicate airway edema in using video laryngoscopy for the patients’ medical records. We found video laryngoscopy to be an effective method of assessing airway edema, and cellular phone cameras were useful for recording and documenting video laryngoscopy images for patients’ medical records.
Research on assembly sequence planning method for large-scale assembly based on an integrated assembly model
Authors: Zhao S , Hong J , Zhao H , Li S , Ding L
Published: February 2012

Aiming at assembly sequence planning problems for large-scale assembly, a sequence generation approach is proposed based on an integrated assembly model. First, by analysing geometrical constraint and tool constraint relationships, a novel integrated assembly model is proposed which includes geometrical constraint and tool constraint relationship equations. Then, a feasible assembly sequence of each subassembly can be obtained by calculating the assembly constraint relationship equations of parts or subsubassemblies. Furthermore, the final assembly sequences of the product are obtained by iterating the feasible assembly sequence of subassemblies according to the hierarchical relation of assembly process structure tree. Finally, the complexity of the proposed method is analysed and compared with existing methods. A demonstration case is given and the results demonstrate that the proposed approach is effective and very suitable for large-scale assembly.
Public perceptions of animal experimentation across Europe
Authors: von Roten Fabienne Crettaz
Published: February 2012

The goal of this article is to map out public perceptions of animal experimentation in 28 European countries. Postulating cross-cultural differences, this study mixes country-level variables (from the Eurostat database) and individual-level variables (from Eurobarometer Science and Technology 2010). It is shown that experimentation on animals such as mice is generally accepted in European countries, but perceptions are divided on dogs and monkeys. Between 2005 and 2010, we observe globally a change of approval on dogs and monkeys, with a significant decrease in nine countries. Multilevel analysis results show differences at country level (related to a post-industrialism model) and at individual level (related to gender, age, education, proximity and perceptions of science and the environment). These results may have consequences for public perceptions of science and we call for more cross-cultural research on press coverage of animal research and on the level of public engagement of scientists doing animal research.