bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New material ofGilmoremys lancensisnov. comb. (Testudines: Trionychidae) from the Hell Creek Formation and the diagnosis of plastomenid turtles
Authors: Joyce Walter G. , Lyson Tyler R.
Published: May 2011

Plastomenidae is a poorly diagnosed clade of extinct soft-shelled turtles (Trionychidae) known from the Campanian to Eocene of North America. Five skulls, a mandible, two carapaces, and numerous plastral remains from the Hell Creek Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian) of North Dakota and Montana are referable toGilmoremys lancensisnov. comb., a taxon previously known from a carapace and xiphiplastron only.Gilmoremys lancensisis diagnosed by a carapace that is covered by elongate sinusoidal grooves, distally expanded second costals, hyoplastral shoulders, an extensive secondary palate with accessory ridges, an extremely elongate mandible, a contribution of the parietal to the wall of the orbit, and a posterior ossified narial canal. A phylogenetic analysis of all well-known plastomenid turtles establishesGilmoremys lancensisas the most basal known plastomenid and reveals that cranial characters are more reliable in diagnosing plastomenid turtles, in particular the contribution of the parietal to the orbit wall and the extensive secondary palate. All plastomenid turtles with a locked entoplastron are placed inHutchemys.Assuming that all taxa are monophyletic, the phylogenetic analysis implies that theG. lancensislineage is the only one to go extinct at the K/T boundary, whereas the four remaining plastomenid lineages survive. Extensive ghost ranges are nevertheless apparent. Taphonomic considerations indicate thatG. lancensiswas a riverine turtle, whereas more derived plastomenids preferred swampy habitats.
Identifying Age-Friendly Behaviours for Bus Driver Age-Awareness Training
Authors: Broome Kieran , Worrall Linda E. , Fleming Jennifer M. , Boldy Duncan P.
Published: May 2011

Background. Occupational therapists may be involved in advocating for age-friendly bus systems and training bus drivers in age-awareness. In order to develop evidence-based bus driver age-awareness training programs, the specific required bus driver behaviours should be explicated. Purpose. This study aims to define, clarify, and illustrate behaviours associated with bus driver friendliness and helpfulness. Methods. Forty older people (aged 60 and over) in Queensland, Australia, completed a round trip bus journey and subsequent interview. Qualitative content analysis of participant observations with stimulated recall interviews was used to identify categories and themes around friendly and helpful bus drivers. Findings. General professional behaviours included making older people feel safe, courtesy, friendliness, helpfulness and being aware of invisible disabilities and specific professional behaviours included giving time, pulling in close to the curb, communication, and information. Implications. The findings are incorporated into suggestions for a bus driver age-awareness training program.
Mixed convection inside nanofluid filled rectangular enclosures with moving bottom wall
Authors: Mahmoodi Mostafa
Published: May 2011

The mixed convection fluid flow and heat transfer in lid-driven rectangular
enclosures filled with the Al2O3-water nanofluid is investigated numerically.
The left and the right vertical walls as well as the top horizontal wall of
the enclosure are maintained at a constant cold temperature Tc. The bottom
horizontal wall of the enclosure, which moves from left to right, is kept at
a constant hot temperature Th, with Th>Tc. The governing equations written in
terms of the primitive variables are solved using the finite volume method
and the SIMPLER algorithm. Using the developed code, a parametric study is
performed and the effects of the Richardson number, the aspect ratio of the
enclosure and the volume fraction of the nanoparticles on the fluid flow and
heat transfer inside the enclosure are investigated. The results show that at
low Richardson numbers, a primary counterclockwise vortex is formed inside
the enclosure. More over it is found that for the range of the Richardson
number considered, 10-1-101, the average Nusselt number of the hot wall,
increases with increasing the volume fraction of the nanoparticles. Also it
is observed that the average Nusselt number of the hot wall of tall
enclosures is more that to that of the shallow enclosures.
The effect of pollutant emission from district heating systems on the correlation between air quality and health risk
Authors: Djordjevic Amelija , Zivkovic Nenad , Mihajlovic Emina , Radosavljevic Jasmina , Raos Miomir , Zivkovic Ljiljana
Published: May 2011

The monitoring and the control of air pollution which is a consequence of the
activities of district heating plants in the area of Nis have indicated that
there is a cause and effect relationship between the emitted pollutants and
air quality on one hand, and health risk on the other hand. The aim of this
paper is to determine the correlation between district heating plants, air
quality and health risk. The evidence of this connection is the hazardous
health quotient and the level of total carcinogenic risk in comparison to
measured immission concentration and expected immission concentrations of
pollutants from district heating plants in the city.
Elite Sport is Not an Additional Source of Distress for Adolescents with High Stress Levels
Authors: Gerber Markus , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Pühse Uwe , Brand Serge
Published: May 2011

This study examined whether participation in elite sport inter acts with stress in decreasing or increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents, and further, whether the interplay between participation in high-performance sport and stress is related to the perceived quality of sleep. 434 adolescents (278 girls, 156 boys; age: M = 17.2 yr.) from 15 “Swiss Olympic Sport Classes” and 9 conventional classes answered a questionnaire and completed a 7-day sleep log. Analyses of covariance showed that heightened stress was related to more depressive symptoms and higher scores for trait-anxiety Moreover, those classified as having poor sleep by a median split cutoff reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. No significant (multivariate) main effects were found for high-performance sport athletes. Similarly, no significant two- or three-way inter action effects were found. These results caution against exaggerated expectations concerning sport participation as a stress buffer. Nevertheless, participation in high-performance sport was not found to be an additional source of distress for adolescents who reported high stress levels despite prior research that has pointed toward such a relationship.
Test-Retest Reliability and Construct Validity of the Helplessness, Hopelessness, and Haplessness Scale in Patients with Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Vatan Sevginar , Ertas Sedar , Lester David
Published: May 2011

In a sample of 100 Turkish psychiatric patients with diagnoses of anxiety disorders, Lester's Helplessness, Hopelessness, and Haplessness inventory had moderate estimates of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity.
Associations of Social Relationships with Consultation for Symptoms of Depression: A Community Study of Depression in Older Men and Women in Québec
Authors: Mechakra-Tahiri Samia-Djemaa , Zunzunegui Maria Victoria , Dubé Micheline , Préville Michel
Published: May 2011

To assess associations between social relationships and consultation for symptoms of depression, data from a representative sample of 2,811 French-speaking community-dwelling older adults in Québec were used. Less than half of the older adults meeting DSM criteria for depression ( N = 379; 47.1%) had sought consultation about their depression-relevant symptoms in the preceding 12 months. Having a cohabitant partner or having children were not associated with frequency of consultation for women. Men without a partner tended to consult more frequently than men with a cohabiting partner (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 0.81, 7.88). None of the men without a confidant had consulted. Among the 67 men with a confidant, consultation was more frequent among those not cohabiting with a partner (70%) than among those with a cohabiting partner (46%). The influence of social relationships on consultation for depression differed in men and women in this population of depressed elderly people in Québec.
Comparative Analysis of A Client's Verbal Responses in Counseling Sessions: Quantitative Case Study
Authors: Lee Han-Jong
Published: May 2011

This study investigated how the in-session change in a client's verbal behavior might influence the effectiveness of counseling sessions. 10 sessions of counseling with a male undergraduate suffering from depressive mood were conducted by a humanistically oriented counselor. The two most effective and the two least effective sessions were identified according to the client's evaluation of the effectiveness of counseling sessions. Results indicated that over the three segments of the most effective sessions, the client gradually increased responses that indicated exploration of his own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. By contrast, the client continued talking mainly about past events in a storytelling manner throughout the least effective sessions.
Executive Functioning and Positive Psychological Characteristics: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Kruger Gert H. J.
Published: May 2011

Positive psychological characteristics and executive function are correlated with gratitude, satisfaction with life, and forgiveness. The goal of this study was to replicate these findings while examining two additional constructs, namely, hope and optimism. 113 students (25 men, 88 women) between the ages of 17 to 24 years ( M = 19.4, SD = 1.5) volunteered to participate. Positive correlations between executive function and gratitude were found but mixed results were obtained for forgiveness and satisfaction with life. Hope and optimism correlated positively with executive function and hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that they contributed significantly to the explanation of executive functioning. Further investigation into relationships between executive functioning, its neurobiological substrates, and positive psychological attributes is recommended.
Differentiating Clinical Groups Using the Serial Color-Word Test (S–Cwt)
Authors: Hentschel Uwe , Rubino I. Alex , Bijleveld Catrien
Published: May 2011

The present study attempted to differentiate 11 diagnostic groups by means of the Serial Color-Word Test (S–CWT), using multivariate discriminant analysis. Two alternative scoring systems of the S–CWT were outlined. A sample of 514 individuals who had clinical diagnoses of various types and 397 controls who had no diagnostic findings comprised the sample. The first discriminant analysis failed to differentiate the groups adequately. The groups were consequently reduced to four (schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, temporo-mandibular joint pain dysfunction syndrome, and eating disturbances), which gave better reclassification findings for a clinical application of the test. This classification gave over 55% correct assignments. The final four groups had a statistically significant discrimination on the test, which remained stable also in a bootstrap procedure. Implications for treatment indications and outcomes as well as strategies for further studies using the S–CWT are discussed.
Prediction of Intrinsic Motivation and Sports Performance Using 2×2 Achievement Goal Framework
Authors: Li Chiung-Huang , Chi Likang , Yeh Suh-Ruu , Guo Kwei-Bin , Ou Cheng-Tsung , Kao Chun-Chieh
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of 2×2 achievement goals on intrinsic motivation and performance in handball. Participants were 164 high school athletes. All completed the 2×2 Achievement Goals Questionnaire for Sport and the Intrinsic Motivation subscale of the Sport Motivation Scale; the coach for each team rated his athletes' overall sports performance. Using simultaneous-regression analyses, mastery-approach goals positively predicted both intrinsic motivation and performance in sports, whereas performance-avoidance goals negatively predicted sports performance. These results suggest that athletes who pursue task mastery and improvement of their competence perform well and enjoy their participation. In contrast, those who focus on avoiding normative incompetence perform poorly.
Depression and Suicidality in Obese Patients
Authors: Lester David , Pompili Maurizio , Iliceto Paolo , Girardi Paolo
Published: May 2011

A study of 70 obese patients indicated the presence of severe depression in 32% of the sample and some suicidal risk in 23%. Given this high prevalence, health professionals should always explore the presence of depression and suicidality in obese patients.
Physical and Motor Skill Training for Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Hayakawa Kimiyasu , Kobayashi Kando
Published: May 2011

This study investigated the effectiveness of using special training machines for children with intellectual disabilities to strengthen their body's inner muscles and improve their ability to maintain standing posture and improve walking movement. The participants were 23 high school age boys with intellectual disabilities who had difficulties expressing greetings, and needed to be led by the hand when walking. Four special training machines were used for walking movements, for standing and walking balance, for leg-hip extension, and for ipsilateral movement in a sitting position. Each participant underwent 30 min. of training once a week over a 3-mo. period during school time. Body control ability required to perform each training exercise was improved over the training period. A significant improvement was observed in the 50-m dash, mean 10-m walk time, and 10-m obstacle course walk. The hip joint split angle showed a significant increase. Legal guardians all reported their child had “improved and/or progressed” for each of the targeted movements.
Behaviors and Attitudes of Normally Developing Children toward Their Intellectually Disabled Siblings
Authors: Ünal Nazan , Baran Gülen
Published: May 2011

This study investigated behaviors of children who have normal development toward their siblings with intellectual disabilities. 9- to 17-year-old normally developing siblings (55 girls, 39 boys) of 94, 5- to 15-year-old mentally disabled children (51 girls, 43 boys) who were attending a special education and rehabilitation center were enrolled in the study. Data were gathered by using a general information form and the Schaeffer Sibling Behavior Rating Scale. Age of the disabled child did not have a significant effect on siblings' behaviors, while knowledge of family about the diagnosis and educational status of their child with intellectual disabilities affected sibling behaviors.
Association between Just World Beliefs and Perceptions of Counterproductive Workplace Behaviors
Authors: Stieger Stefan , Kastner Cornelia K. , Voracek Martin , Furnham Adrian
Published: May 2011

320 adults rated 48 counterproductive workplace behaviors (CWBs) on a 9-point scale, from petty to serious offense, and also completed the Just World Beliefs scale. Ratings of the seriousness of the CWBs indicated considerable variability in perceptions, with theft and physical violence rated most strongly. A factor analysis yielded five interpretable factors. Older participants were more likely to rate as more serious all counterproductive workplace behaviors.
Visual Processing of Music Notation: A Study of Event-Related Potentials
Authors: Lee Horng-Yih , Wang Yu-Sin
Published: May 2011

In reading music, the acquisition of pitch information depends mostly on the spatial position of notes, hence more spatial processing, whereas the acquisition of temporal information depends mostly on the visual features of notes and object recognition. This study used both electrophysiological and behavioral methods to compare the processing of pitch and duration in reading single musical notes. It was observed that in the early stage of note reading, identification of pitch could elicit greater N1 and N2 amplitude than identification of duration at the parietal lobe electrodes. In the later stages of note reading, identifying pitch elicited a greater negative slow wave at parietal electrodes than did identifying note duration. The sustained contribution of parietal processes for pitch suggests that the dorsal pathway is essential for pitch processing. However, the duration task did not elicit greater amplitude of any early ERP components than the pitch task at temporal electrodes. Accordingly, a double dissociation, suggesting involvement of the dorsal visual stream, was not observed in spatial pitch processing and ventral visual stream in processing of note durations.
Efficacy of an Explicit Handwriting Program
Authors: Kaiser Marie-Laure , Albaret Jean-Michel , Doudin Pierre-André
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an explicit handwriting program introduced during the first grade of elementary school. Grade 1 children ( N = 23) with an age range of 6.1 to 7.4 yr. (15 girls, 8 boys) were administered an additional handwriting program of two weekly sessions of 45 min. over six weeks. Another group of 19 Grade 1 children (11 girls, 8 boys) received only the regular handwriting program of one weekly session. The Concise Assessment Scale for Children's Handwriting was administered to measure the changes in quality and speed of handwriting. The children given the explicit program showed better quality and speed of handwriting than did the control group. Their handwriting was more regular, with fewer ambiguous letters and fewer incorrect relative heights.
Message Framing and Color Combination in the Perception of Medical Information
Authors: Chien Yu-Hung
Published: May 2011

A 2 × 2 between-subjects design was used to examine the effects of message framing (gain vs loss) and color combination (red background with white characters vs white background with black characters) on 120 university students' perception of materials promoting the H1N1 flu vaccine and their willingness to receive the vaccine after they had read the materials. Each participant completed a 6-item questionnaire, and the results of an analysis of variance showed that participants rated vaccine information presented through loss-framed messages as having greater interest and leading to greater understanding. Loss-framed messages presented on a white background with black characters significantly increased the willingness of the participants to receive the vaccine.
Useful Visual Field in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Choice Reaction Time Study
Authors: Matsuda Yukihisa , Matsui Mie , Tonoya Yasuhiro , Ebihara Naokuni , Kurachi Masayoshi
Published: May 2011

This study examined the size of the useful visual field in patients (9 men, 6 women) with schizophrenia. A choice reaction task was conducted, and performances at 2.5, 5, 7, 10, and 25° in both visual fields were measured. Three key findings were shown. First, patients had slower choice reaction times (choice RTs) than normal controls. Second, patients had slower choice RTs in the right visual field than in the left visual field. Third, patients and normal controls showed the same U-shaped choice RT pattern. The first and second findings were consistent with those of other studies. The third finding was a clear indication of the patients' performance in peripheral vision, and a comparison with normal controls suggested that there was no difference in the size of the useful visual field, at least within 25°.
An Additive Model for Relations between AQT Single-and Dual-Dimension Naming Speed
Authors: Nielsen Niels P. , Wiig Elisabeth H.
Published: May 2011

Color-form naming in A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) is used to assess processing speed on three rapid automatic naming tasks, two of which measure single-dimension and the third of which measures dual-dimension naming speed. These tests have been used to identify changes in processing speed associated with normal aging. The present study evaluated whether a simple additive model could explain the normally expected relation between scores on measures of single- and dual-dimension naming speed. The AQT color (C), form (F), and color-form (CF) naming tests were administered individually to 270 adults (ages 18 to 70 yr.). Paired-sample t tests mean comparisons of C + F and CF naming times for the total group and for three age cohorts (ages 18 to 34, 35 to 54, and 55 to 70), each with 90 adults, indicated significant mean differences between these processing-speed measures for the total group and for the 18- to 34- and 35- to 54-year age cohorts. Thus, a simple additive model does not explain the relationship between single- and dual-dimension naming speed across ages. To provide a better description, an additive model with “overhead” (a measure of processing efficiency) was proposed and norm-referenced for using the AQT tests to assess normal and atypical ranges for dual-dimension processing efficiency (overhead). ANOVA with post hoc analysis (Scheffé) compared AQT C + F, CF, and overhead means across age cohorts. The results indicated significant mean differences for the CF and overhead measures, but not for the C + F measure. Normative ranges for typical overhead sizes were established for each age cohort. In clinical practice, an overhead larger than typical or normal for a given age would suggest executive dysfunction, involving attention, visual working memory, and set shifting.
Recognizing Dynamic Scenes: Influence of Processing Orientation
Authors: Huff Markus , Schwan Stephan , Garsoffky Bärbel
Published: May 2011

From face recognition studies, it is known that instructions are able to change processing orientation of stimuli, leading to an impairment of recognition performance. The present study examined instructional influences on the visual recognition of dynamic scenes. A global processing orientation without any instruction was assumed to lead to highest recognition performance, whereas instructions focusing participants' attention on certain characteristics of the event should lead to a local processing orientation with an impairment of visual recognition performance as a direct consequence. Since the pattern of results provided evidence for this hypothesis, theoretical contributions were discussed.
Effect of Visual-Verbal Load and Spatial Compatibility on Stimulus Response
Authors: Huang Wei-Shin , Liu Chau-Chyun , Hsu Chun-Chia , Lai Ching-Huei
Published: May 2011

This study examined the effects of visual-verbal load (as measured by a visually presented reading-memory task with three levels) on a visual/auditory stimulus-response task. The three levels of load were defined as follows: “No Load” meant no other stimuli were presented concurrently; “Free Load” meant that a letter (A, B, C, or D) appeared at the same time as the visual or auditory stimulus; and “Force Load” was the same as “Free Load,” but the participants were also instructed to count how many times the letter A appeared. The stimulus-response task also had three levels: “irrelevant,” “compatible,” and “incompatible” spatial conditions. These required different key-pressing responses. The visual stimulus was a red ball presented either to the left or to the right of the display screen, and the auditory stimulus was a tone delivered from a position similar to that of the visual stimulus. Participants also processed an irrelevant stimulus. The results indicated that participants perceived auditory stimuli earlier than visual stimuli and reacted faster under stimulus-response compatible conditions. These results held even under a high visual-verbal load. These findings suggest the following guidelines for systems used in driving: an auditory source, appropriately compatible signal and manual-response positions, and a visually simplified background.
Genetic Approach for the Fast Discovery of Phenazine Producing Bacteria
Authors: Schneemann Imke , Wiese Jutta , Kunz Anna Lena , Imhoff Johannes F.
Published: May 2011

A fast and efficient approach was established to identify bacteria possessing the potential to biosynthesize phenazines, which are of special interest regarding their antimicrobial activities. Sequences of phzE genes, which are part of the phenazine biosynthetic pathway, were used to design one universal primer system and to analyze the ability of bacteria to produce phenazine. Diverse bacteria from different marine habitats and belonging to six major phylogenetic lines were investigated. Bacteria exhibiting phzE gene fragments affiliated to Firmicutes, Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Thus, these are the first primers for amplifying gene fragments from Firmicutes and Alphaproteobacteria. The genetic potential for phenazine production was shown for four type strains belonging to the genera Streptomyces and Pseudomonas as well as for 13 environmental isolates from marine habitats. For the first time, the genetic ability of phenazine biosynthesis was verified by analyzing the metabolite pattern of all PCR-positive strains via HPLC-UV/MS. Phenazine production was demonstrated for the type strains known to produce endophenazines, 2-hydroxy-phenazine, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid, phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid, and chlororaphin as well as for members of marine Actinobacteria. Interestingly, a number of unidentified phenazines possibly represent new phenazine structures.
L'indicateur de bien-être économique : une application à la France
Authors: Jany-Catrice Florence , Kampelmann Stephan
Published: May 2011

Parmi les initiatives, multiples, qui cherchent à affiner les mesures de bien- être à partir d'une vision multicritère du bien-être économique, les travaux de Lars Osberg et d'Andrew Sharpe font partie des références qui proposent un cadre rigoureux et stimulant de mesure. Leurs travaux n'ont malheureusement pas jusqu'ici pas été appliqués avec soin au cas français. L'article vise à combler cette lacune empirique en proposant, à partir de bases de données originales, une estimation du bien-être économique et de son évolution sur plus de deux décennies (1980- 2003).
Statut résidentiel et durée de chômage en France et au Royaume-Uni
Authors: Brunet Carole , Clark Andrew , Lesueur Jean-Yves
Published: May 2011

Carole Brunet Andrew Clark Jean-Yves Lesueur

Statut résidentiel et durée de chômage en France et au Royaume- Uni

Des études sur données agrégées ont mis en évidence une corrélation positive entre le taux de propriétaires et le taux de chômage en Europe et aux Etats-Unis. Les nombreux travaux éco- nométriques sur données individuelles américaines, danoises, hollandaises ou anglaises, plus rarement sur données françaises, qui ont été développés dans la littérature, ont conduit à des résultats très contradictoires. L'étude économétrique proposée dans cet article s'inscrit dans cette réflexion en proposant une analyse comparée, sur données individuelles britanniques et françaises, des effets du statut résidentiel sur la durée des épisodes de chômage. L'influence des différents modes d'occupation du logement sur la durée de séjour dans l'état de chômage est estimée pour la France à partir du panel européen des ménages et pour le Royaume-Uni à partir du British Household Panel Survey. On contrôle lors des estimations les sources de biais relevant de la censure et de l'auto-sélection. Les résultats économétriques font apparaître des effets très discriminants entre les deux pays. Si la propension à la propriété immobilière augmente la durée de chômage en France, elle n'induit en revanche aucun effet statistiquement significatif en Angleterre. Dans les deux pays, les accédants à la propriété manifestent, toutes choses égales par ailleurs, les durées de chômage les plus basses, témoignage de salaires de réserves différenciés au sein des propriétaires. Au Royaume-Uni, ce sont plutôt les locataires du secteur social qui enregistrent les durées de chômage les plus longues, résultat qui ne réfute pas l'observation faite dans d'autres études d'une plus faible mobilité des locataires du secteur social par rapport aux locataires du secteur privé.
Potential of Skin Fibroblasts for Application to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tissue Engineering
Authors: Tremblay Pierrot , Cloutier Réjean , Lamontagne Jean , Belzil Anne-Marie , Larkin Anne-Marie , Chouinard Luc , Chabaud Stéphane , Laverty Sheila , Lussier Bertrand , Goulet Francine
Published: May 2011

Fibroblasts isolated from skin and from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) secrete type I and type III collagens in vivo and in vitro. However, it is much easier and practical to obtain a small skin biopsy than an ACL sample to isolate fibroblasts for tissue engineering applications. Various tissue engineering strategies have been proposed for torn ACL replacement. We report here the results of the implantation of bioengineered ACLs (bACLs), reconstructed in vitro using a type I collagen scaffold, anchored with two porous bone plugs to allow bone–ligament–bone surgical engraftment. The bACLs were seeded with autologous living dermal fibroblasts, and grafted for 6 months in goat knee joints. Histological and ultrastructural observations ex vivo demonstrated a highly organized ligamentous structure, rich in type I collagen fibers and cells. Grafts' vascularization and innervation were observed in all bACLs that were entirely reconstructed in vitro. Organized Sharpey's fibers and fibrocartilage, including chondrocytes, were present at the osseous insertion sites of the grafts. They showed remodeling and matrix synthesis postimplantation. Our tissue engineering approach may eventually provide a new solution to replace torn ACL in humans.
Medical Terminations of Pregnancy: A Viable Source of Tissue for Cell Replacement Therapy for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Kelly C. M. , Precious S. V. , Torres E. M. , Harrison A. W. , Williams D. , Scherf C. , Weyrauch U. M. , Lane E. L. , Allen N. D. , Penketh R. , Amso N. N. , Kemp P. J. , Dunnett S. B. , Rosser A. E.
Published: May 2011

“Proof-of-principle” that cell replacement therapy works for neurodegeneration has been reported, but only using donor cells collected from fetal brain tissue obtained from surgical terminations of pregnancy. Surgical terminations of pregnancy represent an increasingly limited supply of donor cells due to the tendency towards performing medical termination in much of Europe. This imposes a severe constraint on further experimental and clinical cell transplantation research. Therefore, we explore here the feasibility of using medical termination tissue as a donor source. Products of conception were retrieved from surgical terminations over the last 7 years and from medical terminations over the last 2.5 years. The number of collections that yielded fetal tissue, viable brain tissue, and identifiable brain regions (ganglionic eminence, ventral mesencephalon, and neocortex) were recorded. We studied cell viability, cell physiological properties, and differentiation potential both in vitro and following transplantation into the central nervous system of rodent models of neurodegenerative disease. Within equivalent periods, we were able to collect substantially greater numbers of fetal remains from medical than from surgical terminations of pregnancy, and the medical terminations yielded a much higher proportion of identifiable and dissectible brain tissue. Furthermore, we demonstrate that harvested cells retain the capacity to differentiate into neurons with characteristics appropriate to the region from which they are dissected. We show that, contrary to widespread assumption, medical termination of pregnancy-derived fetal brain cells represent a feasible and more readily available source of human fetal tissue for experimental cell transplantation with the potential for use in future clinical trials in human neurodegenerative disease.
The guanine-quadruplex aptamer 93del inhibits HIV-1 replication ex vivo by interfering with viral entry, reverse transcription and integration
Authors: Faure-Perraud Aurélie , Métifot Mathieu , Reigadas Sandrine , Recordon-Pinson Patricia , Parissi Vincent , Ventura Michel , Andréola Marie-Line
Published: May 2011

Background

We have previously identified the guaninerich oligonucleotide (ODN) 93del as a potent inhibitor in vitro of HIV-1 integrase. Moreover, low nanomolar concentrations of ODN 93del have been shown to inhibit HIV-1 replication in infected cells.

Methods

To investigate the ex vivo mechanism of ODN 93del inhibition, we analysed its antiviral effects on the early steps of HIV-1 replication such as viral entry, reverse transcription and integration using quantitative PCR.

Results

In addition to the effect on viral entry previously described for other guanine-quadruplex ODNs, transfection experiments showed that ODN 93del severely affects the proviral integration step independently of the effect on viral entry. Moreover, incubation of viral particles with ODN 93del revealed a potential microbicide activity of the aptamer.

Conclusions

Our data point to an original multimodal inhibition of HIV-1 replication by ODN 93del, strongly suggesting that targets of guanine-quartet-forming ODNs involve entry as well as other intracellular early steps of HIV-1 replication.
Prevention of VTE Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Hemophilia Patients
Authors: Stein Matthew I. , Park Justin , Raterman Stephen
Published: May 2011

The often debilitating condition of hemophilic arthropathy is treated with elective total joint arthroplasty. Little has been published addressing the role of thromboembolic prophylaxis in the hemophilic patient population following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although the American College of Chest Physicians and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons have set guidelines for thromboembolic prophylaxis in the general population, no such standard of care is in place for hemophilic patients. While the risk of thrombosis in hemophilic patients following THA and TKA is thought to be lower, cases have been reported of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hemophilic patients.
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Critical Thinking
Authors: Jenkins Sheryl Daun
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this cross-cultural study was to explore critical thinking among nurse scholars in Thailand and the United States. The study used qualitative methodology to examine how nurse scholars describe critical thinking in nursing. Nurse educators in Thailand and the United States were questioned concerning the following aspects of critical thinking: essential components; teaching and evaluation techniques; characteristics of critical thinkers; and the importance of a consensus definition for critical thinking in nursing. Their statements, which revealed both common and specific cultural aspects of critical thinking, were subjected to content analysis. Certain themes emerged that have not been widely discussed in the literature, including the link between staying calm and thinking critically, the assertion that happiness is an essential component of critical thinking, and the participants’ nearly unanimous support for coming to a consensus definition of critical thinking for nursing.
Historia fósil de las ratas palustres de los géneros Holochilus y Lundomys (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) en el Cono Sur de América del Sur
Authors: Pardiñas Ulyses F.J. , Teta P.
Published: May 2011

Los géneros hermanos Holochilus y Lundomys, junto con las formas extintas Carletonomys y Noronhomys y la viviente Pseudoryzomys, constituyen un pequeño clado de sigmodontinos de hábitos anfibios, que habitan en ambientes tropicales y subtropicales del Neotrópico. Basándonos en la totalidad de la evidencia fósil disponible para Argentina, Bolivia, sudeste de Brasil y Uruguay se revisó el registro paleontológico de Holochilus y Lundomys de la porción austral de América del Sur. Las distribuciones en el pasado y sus cronologías indican las siguientes ocurrencias para el área de estudio: Holochilus brasiliensis (Pleistoceno Medio-Reciente en Argentina, Pleistoceno Tardío-Reciente en Brasil), H. chacarius (Holoceno Tardío-Reciente en Argentina, Holoceno Temprano-Reciente en Bolivia), †H. primigenius (Pleistoceno Medio en Bolivia) y Lundomys molitor (Pleistoceno Medio-Pleistoceno Tardío en Argentina, Pleistoceno Tardío-Reciente en Uruguay). Considerando en conjunto las distribuciones actuales, los requerimientos ambientales de estos taxones y los registros fósiles, se verifican varios episodios de expansión y retracción de sus poblaciones, posiblemente vinculados con pulsos climáticos húmedos y secos alternantes durante el Pleistoceno-Holoceno.
Mechanical Properties Variation of B500SD High Ductility Reinforcement Regarding its Corrosion Degree
Authors: Cobo A. , Moreno E. , Cánovas M. F.
Published: May 2011

Corrosion effects on reinforcement become evident in the bar section reduction and in the variation of mechanical properties related to ductility. In this research work, 96 B500SD steel bars, previously subjected to different corrosion variables, have been tested. Results show that the elongation of the bars diminishes and the ratio between the maximum tensile stress and the elastic limit increases as the corrosion degree advances. These phenomena can be explained by studying the necking effect and the different steel composition through the manufacture process.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-7%Si Matrix Composites Reinforced by Al63Cu25Fe12 Icosahedral Quasicrystal Particles
Authors: Li Zhen Yuan , Geng Hao Ran , Qin Hai Ou
Published: May 2011

The Al-7%Si /9% Al63Cu25Fe12 composites were fabricated by mechanical stirring method. The composite took Al-7%Si as matrix, Al63Cu25Fe12 icosahedral quasicrystal as reinforced particles. The microstructure and chemical composition of composites were investigated by means of SEM and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) analysis and the mechanical properties was also measured. The results showed that Al63Cu25Fe12 particles were fractured and passivated after added into the Al-7%Si matrix, and distributed homogeneously along the crystal boundaries.The quasicrystal was not decomposed. Mechanical properties of the as-castand alloy were improved obviously.
The Application of Grillage Method in Analyzing Box Girder Structure
Authors: Yi Li Yun
Published: May 2011

This paper introduces the theory of grillage method, principles and grillage beam meshing as well as the performance calculation of grillage member section in detail. The finite element software Midas / Civil is used to establish the continuous box girder bridge model for the comparative analysis between the grillage method and single girder method, and the results show that the precision of grillage method can meet the needs of the engineering design.
Probabilistic State Estimation Based Scheduling Approach for Cloud Computing
Authors: Zheng Gui De , Chen Ming
Published: May 2011

The next generation of scientific experiments and studies are being carried out by large collaborations of researchers distributed around the world engaged in analysis of huge collections of data generated by scientific instruments. Grid computing has emerged as an enabler for such collaborations as it aids communities in sharing resource to achieve common objective. This paper defines the problem of scheduling distributed data-intensive application on to Gird resource and presents a formal resource and application model for the problem.
Research of Electric Wheelchair Control System Based on DSP
Authors: Hu Lian Jun , Geng Qing Hua , Song Hong , Chen Gui Xu
Published: May 2011

In this paper, the control system for electric wheelchair is based on DSP.The motor drive by PWM DC/DC converter. In the speed feedback control system, the method to estimate the approximate motor speed by measuring the motor terminal voltage is established. The design and implementation for electric wheelchair control system will be depicted in this article.
Remote Sensing Image Segmentation Based on Human Visual System Region-Split and Graph Cut
Authors: Jiang Hua , Wen Jing
Published: May 2011

Aiming at the problem of poor real-time ability of Normalized Cut (NC), this paper suggests a remote sensing image segmentation algorithm based on region-split and graph cut within human visual system (HVS). According to the features of HVS, the algorithm uses region-split method to segment the remote sensing image into a large number of small regions. By integrating gray feature and spatial location of each region, NC is used to segment the image among regions from global view, by which the final segmented image can be generated. Experimental results show that comparing with the traditional NC, operating speed is significantly improved as getting close segmentation quality, and this is a kind of effective method of image segmentation.
Edge Detection of Color Image Using Unit-Linking PCNN
Authors: Wang Xin Cun , Cheng Man , Liu Yu Min , Peng Yue Hong
Published: May 2011

PCNN model has the characteristic of similar group neurons releasing pulse synchronously, which is suitable for image segmentation that performs logarithmic transformation on luminance component of color image in order to accord with human visual characteristics. During the segmentation process of R, G, B three components of color images, choosing neuron key parameters by genetic algorithm, controlling iteration by skewness indicators, achieving edge detection of split graphs from R, G, B three components in the model of Unit-Linking PCNN, and getting final results by the strategy of weighted combination. Simulation results show that the approach can embody more contour details of images, and is more self-adaptive.
Effect of Fly Ash on Mechanical Properties and Structure of CaO-Al2O3-P2O5-SiO2 System
Authors: Tian Xiu Shu , Mei Shi Gang , Ren Shu Xia
Published: May 2011

In this paper, mainly CaO-Al2O3-P2O5-SiO2 gel system and the effect of fly ash on the mechanical properties and the microstructure of the hydrated system without and within lay ash at different ages have been studied. The structures were characterized by XRD and SEM. The experimental results show that fly ash does not hydrate at the early age and provides the interface, so the hydration products of CaO-Al2O3-P2O5-SiO2 system is deposited directly on its surface, which lead to a lower early strength; but fly ash hydrates at the later age and improves the hydration of CaO-Al2O3-P2O5-SiO2 system.
Feature Model Design Using Dynamic Feature Semantic Network
Authors: Hao Yong Tao , Peng Si Zhen
Published: May 2011

In order to improve practical application of feature technology, feature operators are defined to describe feature manufacturing information, which is added into semantic network to construct a dynamic semantic network. As designed by feature by model could store feature type and feature relationship information, it is used in the construction of dynamic feature semantic network. At last, the example shows that the proposed semantic network construct system could work well.
The Research of Engine Modeling Based on the Petri Model of Behavior Flow
Authors: Hao Yong Tao , Tang Tao
Published: May 2011

So far the research of product intelligent design model focused on product function. Referring to the three principles, generality, practicability and reusability we stress that modeling for behavior meets more requirement of intelligent design model. Corresponding to product behavior we suggest the concept of behavior flow. Based on the concept we suggest the framework of product intelligent design model and adopt hybrid Petri net to describe and formulize the model of behavior flow. At last according to such theory we build a model for engine behavior to demonstrate the suggestions and methods.
Experimental Investigation into the Static Cushioning Properties of Rhombic Honeycomb Paperboard
Authors: Xie Yong , Yan Li Rong
Published: May 2011

The cushioning characteristics of honeycomb paperboards with rhombic core were investigated and compared with the conventional hexagonal honeycomb paperboards. The compressing tests under low-velocity impact loads were performed to analyze stresses and deformation behaviors of specimens based on stress-strain curves and cushioning coefficient-strain curves. The results show that, compared of the hexagonal core, the rhombic core structure is able to decrease the rigidity and improve the initial cushioning properties of honeycomb paperboard. It is more benefit for packaging fragile items.
Chaotic Dynamics of Fractional-Order Liu System
Authors: Gao Xin
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we numerically investigate the chaotic behaviors of a new fractional-order system. We find that chaotic behaviors exist in the fractional-order system with order less than 3. The lowest order we find to have chaos is 2.4 in such system. In addition, we numerically simulate the continuances of the chaotic behaviors in the fractional-order system with orders from 2.7 to 3. Our investigations are validated through numerical simulations.
Multilevel Inverter Based DSTATCOM with Energy Storage Device
Authors: Zhang Jun Li , Lv Xiao Feng , Li Chao
Published: May 2011

With the growth of industry manufacturers and population, power quality becomes more and more important issue, and is attracting significant attention due to the increase in the number of sensitive loads. A distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) is a voltage source inverter (VS1)-based power electronic device, which is usually used to compensate reactive power and sustain the system voltage in distribution power system. Compared with the traditional STATCOM, multilevel STATCOMs exhibit faster dynamic response, smaller volume, lower cost, and higher ratings. A multilevel inverter connected to an energy storage device can control both active and reactive power flow, providing more flexible and versatile power transmission operation. SPWM is actually a kind of multi-pulse trigger mode and used to trigger the switches in DSTATCOM.
Research on Preparation of High Purity (C2F5COO)3Nd(phen) and the Fluorescence Properties of its Solution in DMSO-d6
Authors: Hua Yin Qun , Zhou Jin Ping , Ye Yun Xia , Sun Hai Feng
Published: May 2011

A high-purity (C2F5COO)3Nd(Phen) (tripentafluoropropionic acid one-1，10-Phenanthroline of Nd) in Methyl sulfoxide-d6(DMSO-d6) was synthesized. The structure and elemental compositions were examined by IR spectrum, elemental analysis, NMR(1H,12C spectrum) three measurements; The XRF was used to investigate its exciting and fluorescence spectrum. A strong emission at 1060nm of Nd(III) has been successfully got. According to the research, the high purity and less C-H bond in the complex can well protect the lanthanide Nd(III) which is helpful to get a narrow and strong fluorescence spectrum.
Study on Shock-Absorbing Capacity of Roadside Safety Devices Made by Porous Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Authors: Xiao Jiu Mei , Shang Xin Chun
Published: May 2011

The porous Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is designed to fabricate the roadside safety devices fixed on the conventional metal or concrete road highway guardrails. When the UHMWPE with pores is shocked, the material is compressed because the pores are closed and much energy is absorbed. Next, elastic deformation and plastic deformation happen further under the stress, kinetic energy is transformed into deformation energy further. The cushioning capacity of UHMWPE will be improved when the pores are induced. Then the vehicles will not be destroyed seriously when they bounce. On the other hand, it will be convenient to fix the roadside safety devices on the conventional metal or concrete road highway guardrails and the cost must be lower than changing the whole guardrails. Experimental results indicate that: UHMWPE exhibited excellent shock-absorbing capacity and it was a promising roadside safety material.