bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Infectious Complication and Its Risk Factors after Urological Procedures of the Upper Urinary Tract
Authors: Matsumoto Minori , Shigemura Katsumi , Yamamichi Fukashi , Tanaka Kazushi , Nakano Yuzo , Arakawa Soichi , Fujisawa Masato
Published: November 2011

Background:Invasive upper urinary tract procedures such as retrograde pyelography (RP) or single (S-J) or double J (D-J) stenting are commonly performed to assess or treat ureteral strictures. Urinary tract infection (UTI) can result after such procedures, and prophylactic antimicrobial administration (PAA) may be necessary. This study investigated infectious complications and risk factors, focusing on PAA. Methods:We studied antimicrobial prevention in 353 upper urinary tract examinations or treatments. Procedures included S-J or D-J installation or exchange, RP and percutaneous nephrostomy. We investigated PAA and the occurrence of febrile infectious complications with respect to each procedure and attempted to find the risk factors. Results:Levofloxacin was used in 149 subjects (42.2%) and cefcapene pivoxil in 114 cases (32.3%). There were 16 febrile infectious complication cases (4.5%) after procedures, and pyuria or hydronephrosis prior to examination or treatment was an independent risk factor for infectious complication (p < 0.05) as well. Conclusions:These data showed that it is necessary to evaluate the risk factors before urological procedures of the upper urinary tract and to offer a definite preventive methodology according to these risk factors for the establishment and update of guidelines.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Review with Clinical Examples
Authors: van Dijk F.S. , Cobben J.M. , Kariminejad A. , Maugeri A. , Nikkels P.G.J. , van Rijn R.R. , Pals G.
Published: November 2011

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is characterized by susceptibility to bone fractures, with a severity ranging from subtle increase in fracture frequency to prenatal fractures. The first scientific description of OI dates from 1788. Since then, important milestones in OI research and treatment have, among others, been the classification of OI into 4 types (the ‘Sillence classification’), the discovery of defects in collagen type I biosynthesis as a cause of most cases of OI and the use of bisphosphonate therapy. Furthermore, in the past 5 years, it has become clear that OI comprises a group of heterogeneous disorders, with an estimated 90% of cases due to a causative variant in the COL1A1 or COL1A2 genes and with the remaining 10% due to causative recessive variants in the 8 genes known so far, or in other currently unknown genes. This review aims to highlight the current knowledge around the history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical/radiological features, management, and future prospects of OI. The text will be illustrated with clinical descriptions, including radiographs and, where possible, photographs of patients with OI.
Prevalence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Austrian Males: Update 2009
Authors: Haidinger Gerald , Waldhör Thomas , Madersbacher Stephan , Schatzl Georg , Vutuc Christian
Published: November 2011

Introduction: The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a representative sample of Austrian males aged 15–89 years was assessed in 2009. The results were compared with the findings of a similar study conducted in 1995. Materials and Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey on LUTS was conducted in 2009 in Austria. A quota sample of 1,926 Austrians was selected. The sample comprised 0.03% of the population and was representative in terms of age, sex, occupational status and area of residence. Results: Some degree of LUTS is reported by 64.6% of the male population in Austria aged 15–89 years. IPSS correlates significantly with age. In all age groups storage symptoms are more prevalent than voiding symptoms. The prevalence of voiding symptoms (IPSS >0) among Austrian males is 35.5% and the prevalence of storage symptoms is 61.6%. In both groups the prevalence increases with age. Compared to 1995, the prevalence of dissatisfaction declined significantly. An extrapolated number of more than 35,000 men are ‘terribly’ dissatisfied with their current urinary condition. Conclusions: The prevalence of LUTS in Austria meliorated in Austria significantly between 1995 and 2009. This in part may be attributed to intensified contact of males with urologists in the past.
L-Shaped Right-to-Left Crossed-Fused Renal Ectopia with Left Dysplastic Ureter
Authors: Song Wei , Yang Jinrui , Zhu Liang , Liu Longfei
Published: November 2011

Crossed-fused renal ectopia is a relatively rare congenital malformation. Herein, we report a case of L-shaped right- to-left crossed-fused renal ectopia with a left dysplastic ureter in a 5-year-old girl. She underwent a left nephrectomy and the postoperative course was uneventful.
Elevation of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Level in Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Virus-Positive Patients Is Not Associated with Abnormalities of Cardiac Function
Authors: Kucukazman Metin , Ata Naim , Yavuz Bunyamin , Dal Kursat , Ertugrul Derun Taner , Yalcin Ahmet Arif , Deveci Onur Sinan , Sen Omer , Akin Kadir Okhan , Cizmeci Zeynep , Sacikara Muhammed , Nazligul Yasar
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To compare B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and echocardiographic parameters in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and healthy control subjects. Subjects and Methods: 52 consecutive patients with HBV and 47 healthy controls were examined. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography after a complete medical history and laboratory examination including BNP, C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). Results: Demographic characteristics were similar in patients with HBV and the control group. No significant difference was found in conventional Doppler and tissue Doppler parameters between the two groups. BNP levels were significantly higher in patients with HBV [6.5 ng/l (range 0.5-85.2)] than controls [4.3 ng/l (range 0.5-18.3)], p = 0.039. hsCRP [3.25 mg/l (0.02-40.2) vs. 0.5 mg/l (0.02-8.0)] levels were significantly higher in patients with HBV than control subjects (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with HBV had higher BNP, CRP, and hsCRP levels than controls. Echocardiographic findings were similar in both groups. This slight BNP elevation in HBV patients may be related to chronic inflammation due to HBV.
Effects of Subtherapeutic Concentrations of Chlorhexidine Gluconate on Germ Tube Formation of Oral Candida
Authors: Ellepola Arjuna N.B. , Joseph Bobby J. , Khan Z.U.
Published: November 2011

Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of brief exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate on germ tube formation of Candida albicans isolates obtained from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics using steroid inhalers and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Forty isolates of C. albicans were used in this study. All these isolates were quantified for germ tube formation without exposure to the drug and were used as the control group for data analysis. Isolates were also exposed to three subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate (0.00125, 0.0025 and 0.005%) for 30 min (limited exposure); the antiseptic was then removed and germ tube formation of these isolates was quantified microscopically following incubation in a germ tube-inducing medium. Results: Compared with the unexposed controls, brief exposure to all concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate suppressed the ability of the C. albicans isolates to form germ tubes in increasing order by 13.72% (p < 0.001 to p = 0.02), 46.16% (p < 0.001) and 72.46% (p <0.001). Conclusions: These findings show that brief exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate may modulate germ tube formation of C. albicans isolates, thereby suppressing their pathogenicity, and further elucidate the pharmacodynamic mechanisms by which chlorhexidine gluconate may operate in vivo.
A Novel Model of Cardiovascular Risk Based on Kidney Function
Authors: Foley Robert N. , Collins Allan J.
Published: November 2011

Background/Aims: Although creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is associated with cardiovascular events, threshold values for optimum discrimination are unclear. We aimed to identify serum creatinine and eGFR thresholds of maximum sensitivity and specificity (MaxSn+Sp) for a composite outcome of coronary heart disease, stroke, and death. Methods: Classification tree methodology defined the hierarchical rank of serum creatinine, eGFR, and cardiovascular risk factors in adults aged 45–64 years (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, n = 15,582; follow-up, 13.1 years). The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study, and Cockcroft-Gault corrected for body surface area (CG/BSA) eGFR equations were used. Results: The mean study population age was 54.2 years; 26.4% were African-American. The mean standardized creatinine level was 0.83 mg/dl. The mean eGFRCKD-EPI, eGFRMDRD, and eGFRCG/BSA values were 95.7, 98.6, and 99.7 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The composite outcome occurred for 22.1% of the population. For all eGFR measures, sensitivity was <0.05 and specificity >0.98 for thresholds of 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. MaxSn+Sp for serum creatinine occurred at 0.73 mg/dl (sensitivity 0.66/specificity 0.48); corresponding values for eGFRCKD-EPI, eGFRCG/BSA, and eGFRMDRD were 95 (0.52/0.59), 90 (0.44/0.67), and 75 (0.16/0.91) ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Considering optimum thresholds for 10 modifiable risk factors, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤44 mg/dl ranked first; rankings for optimum renal function thresholds varied between sixth and tenth. Conclusions: Optimum eGFR thresholds for community-based risk triage were substantially higher than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, which currently defines moderate abnormality. Utility of creatinine-based risk triage in older adults appears modest.
Blood Oxygen Level–Dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging Identifies Cortical Hypoxia in Severe Renovascular Disease
Authors: Gloviczki Monika L. , Glockner James F. , Crane John A. , McKusick Michael A. , Misra Sanjay , Grande Joseph P. , Lerman Lilach O. , Textor Stephen C.
Published: November 2011

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis has a range of manifestations depending on the severity of vascular occlusion. The aim of this study was to examine whether exceeding the limits of adaptation to reduced blood flow ultimately leads to tissue hypoxia, as determined by blood oxygen level dependent MRI. We compared 3 groups of hypertensive patients, 24 with essential hypertension, 13 with “moderate” (Doppler velocities 200–384 cm/s), and 17 with “severe” atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS; velocities >384 cm/s and loss of functional renal tissue). Cortical and medullary blood flows and volumes were determined by multidetector computed tomography. Poststenotic kidney size and blood flow were reduced with ARAS, and tissue perfusion fell in the most severe lesions. Tissue medullary deoxyhemoglobin, as reflected by R2* values, was higher as compared with the cortex for all of the groups and did not differ between subjects with renal artery lesions and essential hypertension. By contrast, cortical R2* levels were elevated for severe ARAS (21.6±9.4 per second) as compared with either essential hypertension (17.8±2.3 per second;
P
<0.01) or moderate ARAS (15.7±2.1 per second;
P
<0.01). Changes in medullary R2* after furosemide administration tended to be blunted in severe ARAS as compared with unaffected (contralateral) kidneys. These results demonstrate that severe vascular occlusion overwhelms the capacity of the kidney to adapt to reduced blood flow, manifest as overt cortical hypoxia as measured by blood oxygen level–dependent MRI. The level of cortical hypoxia is out of proportion to the medulla and may provide a marker to identify irreversible parenchymal injury.
Pregnancy Upregulates Large-Conductance Ca
2+
-Activated K
+
Channel Activity and Attenuates Myogenic Tone in Uterine Arteries
Authors: Hu Xiang-Qun , Xiao Daliao , Zhu Ronghui , Huang Xiaohui , Yang Shumei , Wilson Sean , Zhang Lubo
Published: November 2011

Uterine vascular tone significantly decreases whereas uterine blood flow dramatically increases during pregnancy. However, the complete molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We hypothesized that increased Ca
2+
-activated K
+
(BK
Ca
) channel activity contributes to the decreased myogenic tone of uterine arteries in pregnancy. Resistance-sized uterine arteries were isolated from nonpregnant and near-term pregnant sheep. Electrophysiological studies revealed a greater whole-cell K
+
current density in pregnant compared with nonpregnant uterine arteries. Tetraethylammonium and iberiotoxin inhibited K
+
currents to the same extent in uterine arterial myocytes. The BK
Ca
channel current density was significantly increased in pregnant uterine arteries. In accordance, tetraethylammonium significantly increased pressure-induced myogenic tone in pregnant uterine arteries and abolished the difference in myogenic responses between pregnant and nonpregnant uterine arteries. Activation of protein kinase C produced a similar effect to tetraethylammonium by inhibiting BK
Ca
channel activity and increasing myogenic tone in pregnant uterine arteries. Chronic treatment of nonpregnant uterine arteries with physiologically relevant concentrations of 17β-estradiol and progesterone caused a significant increase in the BK
Ca
channel current density. Western blot analyses demonstrated a significant increase of the β1, but not α, subunit of BK
Ca
channels in pregnant uterine arteries. In accordance, steroid treatment of nonpregnant uterine arteries resulted in an upregulation of the β1, but not α, subunit expression. The results indicate that the steroid hormone-mediated upregulation of the β1 subunit and BK
Ca
channel activity may play a key role in attenuating myogenic tone of the uterine artery in pregnancy.
Climate Simulations with an Isentropic Finite-Volume Dynamical Core
Authors: Chen Chih-Chieh , Rasch Philip J.
Published: November 2011

This paper discusses the impact of changing the vertical coordinate from a hybrid pressure to a hybrid-isentropic coordinate within the finite-volume (FV) dynamical core of the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM). Results from a 20-yr climate simulation using the new model coordinate configuration are compared to control simulations produced by the Eulerian spectral and FV dynamical cores of CAM, which both use a pressure-based (σ − P) coordinate. The same physical parameterization package is employed in all three dynamical cores.

The isentropic modeling framework significantly alters the simulated climatology and has several desirable features. The revised model produces a better representation of heat transport processes in the atmosphere leading to much improved atmospheric temperatures. The authors show that the isentropic model is very effective in reducing the long-standing cold temperature bias in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, a deficiency shared among most climate models. The warmer upper troposphere and stratosphere seen in the isentropic model reduces the global coverage of high clouds, which is in better agreement with observations. The isentropic model also shows improvements in the simulated wintertime mean sea level pressure field in the Northern Hemisphere.
Traffic light food labelling in schools and beyond
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Pescud Melanie , Donovan Robert J
Published: November 2011

Objective:

The present study investigated stakeholders’ reactions to the introduction of a traffic light food classification system in primary and secondary school canteens.

Design:

Interviews and focus groups were conducted with stakeholders approximately 18 months after the introduction of the traffic light system, followed by telephone and web-based surveys.

Setting:

The context of the study was Western Australia, where a comprehensive healthy food policy was recently introduced in government schools.

Method:

Stakeholder groups included parents, principals, teachers, canteen managers, and representatives of parents and citizens committees.

Results:

Participants reported high levels of acceptance of the traffic light system and supported its extension to nutrition education programmes targeting children and parents.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that there is likely to be considerable support for an extension of the traffic light policy to the health curriculum in schools and into other food provision contexts.
Prisoners’ self-reported health and attitudes to health promotion initiatives in a Scottish Prison
Authors: Pulford AJ , Aspinall E , Hardie S , Murphy L , McDevitt RM , Watts M
Published: November 2011

Objective:

To explore prisoners’ views on their own health, health promotion and harm reduction measures, prior to a period of significant change in the way these services are delivered in the prison setting.

Design:

Structured interviews with prisoners as part of a wider Health Needs Assessment of a local prison.

Setting:

A high security prison in the West of Scotland with capacity for 700 male prisoners.

Methods:

A structured questionnaire with prisoners recruited from education, regular wings, and protection wings. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis and statistical techniques.

Results:

Seventy-nine prisoners were interviewed. Most prisoners reported their health as good or excellent, despite reporting high levels of risk-taking behaviour. Nearly half thought their health had improved since incarceration, citing reduced drug and alcohol use and healthier lifestyles. Prisoners expressed mixed views on harm reduction initiatives, with concerns around confidentiality, bullying, and being exposed to drug use or sexual activity in their ‘home’ environment.

Conclusion:

This study indicates the importance of listening to prisoners’ views about health promotion and harm reduction initiatives, and also of challenging their perceptions of what constitutes ‘good health’ and risk-taking behaviour. It also highlights the importance of environmental factors on prisoners’ health both within the prison and upon release.
Engaging ‘gay’ businesses in HIV prevention ‘Everywhere’: Findings from a qualitative study in eight European cities
Authors: Sherriff Nigel , McDonnell Elizabeth , Bogen-Johnston Leanne , Tunstall Ben , O’Brien Oonagh ,   on behalf of the Everywhere Consortium
Published: November 2011

Objective:

‘Gay’ businesses providing physical and virtual sex spaces for men who have sex with men (MSM) have been shown empirically to be useful sites for public health and health promotion interventions. While HIV incidence in Europe has been more or less stable in recent years, the number of infections attributed to MSM has continued to increase with new cases almost doubling in Western and Central Europe between 2000 and 2006. Set within the context of the Everywhere Project, the objective of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability to ‘gay’ businesses of developing and implementing a European model of HIV prevention focusing on MSM that provides common prevention standards across eight European countries.

Design:

A qualitative study

Setting:

‘Gay’ businesses that bring men together and facilitate sex between them in ‘gay’ tourist destinations and other European capital cities.

Method:

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 54 ‘gay’ business representatives from different European cities. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using a ‘framework’ approach.

Results:

Many representatives of ‘gay’ businesses reported being willing to provide HIV prevention activities that target MSM in their venues and perceive this as part of improving their corporate image of being a socially responsible enterprise. However, concerns were voiced around issues such as fear of alienating customers, and inciting stigma and discrimination, safe-sex fatigue and lack of knowledge of prevention messages, as well as the need for appropriate condom and lubricant distribution networks. Businesses also reflected on the potential benefits and disadvantages of being involved in a scheme that provides a common and recognizable framework for HIV prevention across multiple European countries.

Conclusions:

Early conclusions from this exploratory research suggest that a European-wide model of HIV prevention is acceptable and feasible to those working in ‘gay’ businesses. Further investigations, however, are required to develop solutions in order to overcome identified social, cultural and practical barriers.
Has the Instability of Personal Incomes been Increasing?
Authors: Jenkins Stephen P.
Published: November 2011

This paper examines trends in the instability of personal incomes in Britain in terms of changes in the transitory variance and in volatility, measures that have received much recent attention in research about the USA. It is shown that, although US measures have trended upwards over the past two decades, there is no such trend in Britain between the early-1990s and the mid-2000s. Explanations for these differences are discussed.
Estimation and control of non-linear variables in a continuous fermentation process using sliding mode techniques
Authors: Rahman AFNA , Spurgeon SK , Yan XG
Published: November 2011

Biomass, substrate or metabolite concentrations are difficult to measure online in fermentation processes because of the lack of reliable, cheap and sterilizable transducers. Currently, many of the measurements required may be determined through offline analysis, which is costly and time consuming. Furthermore, the specific growth rate conditions involved in the fermentation are typically non-linear and uncertain. In this paper, a new variable, the substrate consumption rate, consisting of a combination of substrate concentration, biomass concentration, specific growth rate and yield production coefficient, is introduced to overcome these problems and simplify the non-linear differential equations of the fermentation process. A sliding mode observer, which only requires measurement of substrate concentration, is then developed to solve the estimation problem, providing a soft sensor to estimate the substrate consumption rate. It is shown that the sliding mode exhibited by the corresponding observer error dynamics is exponentially stable. This parameterization and the resulting estimate of biomass concentration are then utilized within a feedback control strategy. Non-linear simulation results in the presence of both parameter uncertainties and external disturbances illustrate the approach.
Managing Two Cultural Identities
Authors: Mok Aurelia , Morris Michael W.
Published: November 2011

Increasingly, individuals identify with two or more cultures. Prior research has found the degree to which individuals chronically integrate these identities (bicultural identity integration; BII) moderates responses to cultural cues: High BII individuals assimilate (adopting biases that are congruent with norms of the cued culture), whereas low BII individuals contrast (adopting biases that are incongruent with these norms). The authors propose BII can also be a psychological state and modulated by shifts in processing styles. In four experiments, the authors induced a global or local processing style using physical posture (Experiment 1) and cognitive manipulations (Experiments 2–4) and found that BII is enhanced in contexts facilitating a more global processing style (i.e., smiling, high-level construal, and similarity focus). The authors also found that contrastive responses to cultural cues are diminished when BII is situationally enhanced. Implications for research on processing style, identity integration, and performance in culture-based situations are discussed.
Perioperative Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Dhanda Patil Reena , Patil Yash J.
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis

(1) To determine the presence of Veterans Affairs (VA) institutional guidelines for the perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); (2) to examine current use of preoperative screening tools for OSA in the VA; and (3) to understand current VA practice patterns regarding postoperative disposition of patients with OSA.

Study Design

Survey study.

Setting

Veterans Affairs hospitals with surgical services; sample size 102 facilities.

Subjects

Veterans Affairs health care providers.

Methods

The authors surveyed health care providers at VA hospitals using a survey tool developed by the authors.

Results

The response rate was 80%. A variety of preoperative screening tools for OSA were used by respondents, most commonly American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines (53%). A policy for postoperative disposition of known and presumed OSA was present in 26% and 19% of responses, respectively. Of those respondents reporting a formal postoperative care policy, 48% and 30% admitted patients to a monitored ward bed and surgical intensive care unit, respectively. Of the 74% of respondents unaware of an institutional policy, Anesthesia and Surgery worked together to dictate postoperative disposition of patients with known OSA 73% of the time. The degree of OSA was ranked as the most important factor (58%) influencing postoperative disposition. Ten percent of respondents reported a major perioperative complication attributable to OSA in the past year.

Conclusion

This survey study elucidates the heterogeneity of preoperative screening for and postoperative care of veterans with OSA. Future investigators may use these data to formalize institutional policies with regard to patients with OSA, with potentially significant impacts on patient care and usage of financial resources.
Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM): A qualitative study of a brief individual psychotherapy for individuals with advanced cancer
Authors: Nissim Rinat , Freeman Emily , Lo Chris , Zimmermann Camilla , Gagliese Lucia , Rydall Anne , Hales Sarah , Rodin Gary
Published: November 2011

Background:

Although psychosocial care has been regarded as central to palliative and supportive care, there have been few empirically tested approaches to individual intervention.

Aim:

The subjective experience of advanced cancer patients receiving a new manualized brief individual psychotherapy, referred to as Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), was examined prior to the initiation of a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of this intervention.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who had a diagnosis of advanced cancer, and who underwent the intervention.

Setting/Participants:

Patients were recruited from a large urban regional cancer center in Toronto, Canada. The 10 interviewees included seven women and three men. All had completed between three to six CALM sessions prior to the interview.

Results:

The CALM intervention was associated with profound and unique patient-identified benefits and no patient-identified risks or concerns. Five interrelated benefits of the intervention were identified: (1) a safe place to process the experience of advanced cancer; (2) permission to talk about death and dying; (3) assistance in managing the illness and navigating the healthcare system; (4) resolution of relational strain; and (5) an opportunity to ‘be seen as a whole person’ within the healthcare system. These benefits were regarded by participants as unique in their cancer journey.

Conclusions:

Findings from a qualitative study suggest that the CALM intervention provides substantial benefits for patients with advanced cancer prior to the end of life. Findings informed the development of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention.
Flexural strengthening of concrete beams with near-surface mounted steel–fiber-reinforced polymer composite bars
Authors: Sun Z.Y. , Wu G. , Wu Z.S. , Luo Y.B.
Published: November 2011

This article presents an experimental study on concrete beams strengthened with NSM reinforcements under monotonic static loading. The NSM reinforcements include commonly used steel bars, CFRP bars, and four different types of SFCBs. The main parameters of SFCBs considered in this study have been the types of FRP used (CFRP and basalt FRP) and steel/FRP ratio. The results show that (1) the stiffness during the elastic stage and the load capacity at the ultimate state of concrete beams strengthened with NSM–SFCB could be enhanced significantly; (2) the failure modes of the two concrete beams were as follows: the concrete beam strengthened with ordinary steel bar crushed after the steel bar yielded, while the beam strengthened with CFRP bar demonstrated a debonding of concrete cover on the beam soffit without any crushing of the concrete in the compression zone; (3) the steel/FRP ratio is of vital importance for the performance of beams strengthened with NSM–SFCBs. For SFCB with a high FRP/steel ratio, debonding of the concrete cover occurred after the yielding of the SFCB inner steel bars, while for beams strengthened with NSM SFCB with lower FRP/steel ratio, concrete crushing occurred after the rupture of the SFCB outer FRP; (4) compared with NSM–CFRP bars, NSM–SFCB can achieve the same anticorrosion properties at a much lower cost, which makes SFCB a competitive material for NSM strengthening of concrete structures.
Element content analysis by WDXRF in pistachios grown under organic and conventional farming regimes for human nutrition and health
Authors: Akbaba Uğur , Şahin Yusuf , Türkez Hasan
Published: November 2011

In this investigation, the elemental composition of various Antep pistachios ( Pistacia vera L.) samples was determined using a sensitive method called wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). A total of 27 elements, such as Al, As, Bi, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, S, Sr, Zn, Cl, Pb, K, Mg, Na, Ba, Rb, Si, Br, Sn, Au, La, Ti and Zr, were determined in pistachios samples ( n = 10) grown under organic and conventional farming regimes. The obtained results from each group were analyzed statistically using SPSS statistic program. It was observed that the concentration and peak intensity values of Ca, Fe, Mn, P, Mg, Cl, Na and K elements were higher in the pistachios samples grown under organic farming regime. Similarly, Al was found in higher level in the samples grown under conventional farming regime. As, Bi, Cd, Pb, Ti, La, Sn and Zr contents were measured. Their contents were below the detection limits. Our findings clearly revealed that organic pistachios are likely to have higher nutritional mineral content. The pistachios samples grown under conventional farming regime could contain harmful metals like Al that might damage various systems and/or organs of humans and animals.
Synthesis and properties of novel poly(ether ether ketone) copolymers with (3,5-ditrifluoromethyl)phenyl and (4-phenoxy)phenyl side groups
Authors: Mu Jianxin , Wang Yan , Shi Leilei , Vertogradskiy Kirill , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: November 2011

A new nonfluorinated bisphenol monomer 2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1,4-diphenol was prepared via a four-step synthesis process. A series of poly(ether ether ketone) copolymers (6FPOP-PEEKs) were derived from 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone via a nucleophilic aromatic substitution polycondensation with various molar feed ratios of bisphenol monomer, 2-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1,4-diphenol to (3,5-ditrifluoromethyl)phenylhydroquinone. The molecular weights ( Mn values), polydispersities and Tg values of 6FPOP-PEEKs increase as the molar feed ratio of 6FPH/(6FPH+POPH) increases. These 6FPOP-PEEKs show very high thermal stability. At a wavelength of 1550 nm, the refractive indices of the 6FPOP-PEEKs films are in the range of 1.5992–1.6396 and birefringences are in the range of 0.0034–0.0043. The near-infrared spectra show that the 6FPOP-PEEK films have small light absorption at the telecommunication wavelengths of 1300 and 1550 nm.
Development and evaluation of transfer functions for a variable speed compressor
Authors: Ekren O , Şahin S , İşler Y
Published: November 2011

In this study, transfer functions of electronic expansion valve and variable speed scroll compressor in a chiller system are developed based on an experimental analysis. Dynamic behaviours of water temperature at chiller output and refrigerant superheat at evaporator outlet have either the first- or the second-order linear models, respectively. Different from the existing modelling studies in literature novel models are presented for variable speed refrigeration system with scroll compressor and liquid type evaporator. The scroll compressor used in the current study is not produced for variable speed operation however it is operated with some limitations in the range of 30 to 50 Hz through an inverter. Similar restrictions are presented for the electronic expansion valve as 10 per cent to 35 per cent opening range because of operational limitations. To validate transfer functions of the variable speed scroll compressor and electronic expansion valve, mean square error values for all transfer functions are calculated. The mean square error values vary between 0.0126 and 0.3116. In addition, all transfer functions are designed and tested using corresponding proportional–integral–derivative controllers in order to see their applicability. The results indicate that energy savings are a consequence of operating the chiller at smaller frequencies than the basic 50 Hz while partial load occurred.
Adaptive command filtered backstepping tracking controller design for quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Choi In-Ho , Bang Hyo-Choong
Published: November 2011

This paper discusses the design of an adaptive command-filtered backstepping flight control law with uncertain parameters for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The control law is tasked with tracking reference trajectories with a constrained velocity, attitude, and attitude rate. Thruster misalignment is included in the formulation of the quadrotor dynamics. Online parameter update laws are used to compensate for the uncertain parameters, namely mass, inertia, actuator gain, and thruster misalignment. Command filters are used to implement the vehicle’s actuator and state constraints. Stability of the control law with parameter update laws during periods of saturation is guaranteed by using a modified tracking error in the Lyapunov function, in which the effect of the saturation is smoothed into the other internal control steps. The controller and its performance are evaluated using a non-linear, six-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of a quadrotor UAV in simulations. The results show that the proposed control law enhances the tracking performance by controlling internal states even with parameter uncertainties and thruster misalignment errors.
Predicting the spontaneous termination of atrial fibrillation based on Poincare section in the electrocardiogram phase space
Authors: Parvaneh Saman , Hashemi Golpayegani Mohammad Reza , Firoozabadi Mohammad , Haghjoo Majid
Published: November 2011

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a commonly encountered cardiac arrhythmia. Predicting the conditions under which AF terminates spontaneously is an important task that would bring great benefit to both patients and clinicians. In this study, a new method was proposed to predict spontaneous AF termination by employing the points of section (POS) coordinates along a Poincare section in the electrocardiogram (ECG) phase space.

The AF Termination Database provided by PhysioNet for the Computers in Cardiology Challenge 2004 was applied in the present study. It includes one training dataset and two testing datasets, A and B. The present investigation was initiated by producing a two-dimensional reconstructed phase space (RPS) of the ECG. Then, a Poincare line was drawn in a direction that included the maximum point distribution in the RPS and also passed through the origin of the RPS coordinate system. Afterward, the coordinates of the RPS trajectory intersections with this Poincare line were extracted to capture the local behavior related to the arrhythmia under investigation. The POS corresponding to atrial activity were selected with regard to the fact that similar ECG morphologies such as P waves, which are corresponding to atrial activity, distribute in a specific region of the RPS. Thirteen features were extracted from the selected intersection points to quantify their distributions. To select the best feature subset, a genetic algorithm (GA), in combination with a support vector machine (SVM), was applied to the training dataset. Based on the selected features and trained SVM, the performance of the proposed method was evaluated using the testing datasets.

The results showed that 86.67% of dataset A and 80% of dataset B were correctly classified. This classification accuracy is in the same range as or higher than that of recent studies in this area. These results show that the proposed method, in which no complicated QRST cancelation algorithm was used, has the potential to predict AF termination.
Design of an active–passive device for human ankle movement during functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis
Authors: Belforte Guido , Eula Gabriella
Published: November 2011

Functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis has made major strides in recent years, both because of the development of new scanners and owing to magnetic resonance compatible systems that make it possible to stimulate parts of the human body during analysis. The significant gains in our knowledge of the brain that can thus be achieved justify efforts to construct machines with control circuits suitable for this purpose. This paper presents a magnetic resonance compatible mechatronic device with electropneumatic control that can be used to move one or both feet during functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis of the cerebral motor zones. The system is innovative and original. The results obtained at the end of the investigation were good, and demonstrated that the design is feasible.
Big Time Is Not Always Long
Authors: Chang Acer Y.-C. , Tzeng Ovid J. L. , Hung Daisy L. , Wu Denise H.
Published: November 2011

To reproduce the duration of an event precisely, one needs to represent the temporal information without being influenced by other magnitude attributes (e.g., size) of the event. In the present study, however, task-irrelevant numerical magnitude automatically affected participants’ reproduction of the duration of a stimulus. In Experiment 1, participants made key-press responses to reproduce the duration of numbers. Reproduced durations were shorter for small numbers (e.g., 1) than for large numbers (e.g., 9). In contrast, in Experiment 2, participants’ reproductions of a standard duration were longer when their key-press response was accompanied by visual presentation of a small number than when it was accompanied by presentation of a large number. These results clearly demonstrate that number-time interference extends beyond simple mapping between stimulus categories and response alternatives. The findings support the notion that either a common magnitude representation or closely connected magnitude representations underlie numerical and temporal processing.
A Face Only an Investor Could Love
Authors: Wong Elaine M. , Ormiston Margaret E. , Haselhuhn Michael P.
Published: November 2011

Researchers have theorized that innate personal traits are related to leadership success. Although links between psychological characteristics and leadership success have been well established, research has yet to identify any objective physical traits of leaders that predict organizational performance. In the research reported here, we identified leaders’ facial structure as a specific physical trait that correlates with organizational performance. Specifically, we found that firms whose male CEOs have wider faces (relative to facial height) achieve superior financial performance. Decision-making dynamics within a firm’s leadership team moderate this effect, such that the relationship between a given CEO’s facial measurements and his firm’s financial performance is stronger in firms with cognitively simple leadership teams.
Multi-point robust design optimization of wind turbine airfoil under geometric uncertainty
Authors: Ju Y P , Zhang C H
Published: November 2011

Modern wind turbine airfoil designs are increasingly emphasizing low sensitivity to the leading edge roughness in addition to good aerodynamic performances under varying wind conditions. In this study, a multi-point robust design optimization method has been systematically established for the wind turbine airfoil. The objective is to not only maximize the lift-to-drag ratio and lift coefficient at and near the design point, but also minimize their sensitivity to the leading edge roughness associated with the geometry profile uncertainty. The geometry parameterization of the airfoil is conducted by the Bezier curves. In the robust optimization, the multi-objective genetic algorithm, Monte Carlo simulation technique, and artificial neural network model are used. The results show that both the robust Pareto optimal (RPO) and deterministic Pareto optimal (DPO) airfoils have higher lift-to-drag ratio and lift coefficient than the original design FX 63-137 at and near the design point. A smaller maximum camber and larger radii near the leading edge help the RPO airfoil outperform both the DPO and original ones in terms of low sensitivity to the leading edge roughness. This study may be useful to the future development of the wind turbine airfoils with higher efficiency and reliability.
Mad, bad, or virtuous? The moral, cultural, and pathologizing features of defiance
Authors: Potter Nancy Nyquist
Published: November 2011

Defiance is sometimes treated as behavior that needs to be punished or even diagnosed, especially when it is expressed by the subjugated. In contrast to that view, I argue that the readiness to be defiant is a virtue. Drawing upon an Aristotelian framework, updated by an uncompromising challenge to hegemonic power differences, I indicate a way for the subjugated and disenfranchised to recoup self-worth and moral agency. Defiance even may help correct for burdened virtues, as Lisa Tessman analyzes them. Thus, this article falls within the domains of moral psychology and social change. Difficulties in conceptualizing and operationalizing defiance as a virtue, especially since defiance tends to be divisive within society, are discussed in terms of cases. Special attention is paid to medicalizing discourses that take defiance to be a sign of pathology, especially with members of oppressed groups.
Smithsonian Folkways
Authors: Beegle Amy Christine
Published: November 2011

This column describes multimedia resources available to teachers on the Smithsonian Folkways website. In addition to massive collections of audio and video recordings and advanced search tools already available through this website, the Smithsonian Global Sound educational initiative brought detailed lesson plans and interactive features to the fingertips of teachers and students. Smithsonian Folkways Certification Courses in World Music Pedagogy are also discussed.
The Nursing Home Falls Self-Efficacy Scale
Authors: Lach Helen W. , Ball Linda J. , Birge Stanley J.
Published: November 2011

We examined a brief measure of falls self-efficacy in nursing home residents participating in a pilot randomized controlled trial to study the effects of hip protectors on the prevention of fractures ( N = 116, mean age 82 ± 8, 72% female). Internal consistency reliability was acceptable with Cronbach’s alpha of .79. Factor analysis supported two factors representing self-efficacy expectations and outcome expectancy. Contrasted groups comparisons and construct validity were examined. We found lower falls self-efficacy in participants who needed help with mobility, in people with lower executive function, and in participants who reported fear of falling. Scores were not associated with prospective falls or adherence with hip protector use. The findings of this study provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the scale for future research.
Is physical activity associated with low-risk health behaviours among 15-year-old adolescents in Finland?
Authors: Vuori Mika T. , Kannas Lasse K. , Villberg Jari , Ojala S.A. Kristiina , Tynjälä Jorma A. , Välimaa Raili S.
Published: November 2011

Aims: To investigate the associations between physical activity and the pattern of risk health behaviour consisting of smoking, alcohol consumption, snuff (snus), cannabis, and condom use among 15-year-old adolescents, taking their educational aspirations and family affluence into account. Methods: The data were collected in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Finland in 2006. Standardised questionnaires were issued at schools to a 15-year-old nationally representative sample, of which 84.5% (1710 pupils) participated. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations between physical activity, pattern of risk health behaviour, family affluence, and educational aspirations. Separate models for daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) were tested. Multi-level analysis was performed in order to control the nested characteristics of the data. Results: Boys were significantly more physically active and used alcohol, cannabis, and snuff more often than girls. Girls had used a condom in their last intercourse less often than boys. The educational aspirations for higher education had the strongest association with the low-risk health behaviour, with the odds ratios in the MVPA model 3.30 (95% CI 2.41–4.55) for the boys and 3.46 (95% CI 2.56–4.67) for the girls. In the LTPA model, the corresponding odds ratios were 3.31 (95% CI 2.40–4.56) for the boys and 3.52 (95% CI 2.60–4.56) for the girls. Conclusions: Physical activity was not significantly associated with the low-risk health behaviour, whereas educational aspirations for higher education showed the strongest association. The results support the earlier studies indicating a social gradient in health-related behaviour already in adolescence.
The influence of high-temperature oxidation resistant titanium aluminide coating on low-cycle fatigue behaviour of titanium alloy IMI 834 at 600 °C
Authors: Sahu J K , Sahu K K , Ray A K
Published: November 2011

The low-cycle fatigue behaviour of titanium alloy IMI 834 was comparatively studied in bare condition and with titanium aluminide (Al2Ti) coating at 600 °C in air. Results revealed that at higher values of total strain amplitudes (Δ εt/2), Al2Ti-coated IMI 834 alloy has longer fatigue life ( Nf) compared to the bare IMI 834 alloy, which appears to be due to load shifting to the coat. At lower values of Δ εt/2, Al2Ti coating on IMI 834 alloy seems to have no effect on Nf. Higher values of cyclic strength coefficient ( K′) and cyclic hardening exponent ( n′) for coated IMI 834 alloy indicate that coating offers resistance to cyclic plastic deformation at 600 °C in air, and hence it is beneficial. The coating adheres well to the substrate and is also fairly resistant to high-temperature corrosion in sea water atmosphere at 600 °C.