bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anesthetic Isoflurane Posttreatment Attenuates Experimental Lung Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation and Apoptosis
Authors: Li Jun-tang , Wang Hui , Li Wei , Wang Li-feng , Hou Li-chao , Mu Jing-lan , Liu Xin , Chen Hui-juan , Xie Ke-lang , Li Nan-lin , Gao Chun-fang
Published: April 2013

We investigated the effect of 1.4% isoflurane (ISO) on the development of inflammation and apoptosis caused by zymosan (ZY) in mice. We found that ZY-challenged mice exhibited significant body weight loss, markedly high mortality, and significant lung injury characterized by the deterioration of histopathology, histologic scores, and wet-to-dry ratio after ISO treatment. ISO dramatically attenuated ZY-induced lung neutrophil recruitment and inflammation, as evidenced by the reduced levels of total cells, neutrophils, and proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and of their mRNA expression in lung tissues. ISO also inhibited ZY-induced expression and activation of nuclear factor-kappaB p65 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in pulmonary tissue. ZY administration also resulted in the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression and activity in the lung, which was further enhanced by ISO treatment. Moreover, ISO markedly prevented ZY-induced pulmonary cell apoptosis in mice, as reflected by the decrease in expression of procaspase-8, procaspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, and cleaved caspase-3, as well as in caspase-3 activity and Bcl-2-associated X/B-cell lymphoma 2 ratio. These results indicate that ISO is a potential therapeutic drug for treating ZY-induced lung injury, and further investigations are warranted.
Detection of Structural Changes in Tachogram Series for the Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation Events
Authors: Ieva Francesca , Paganoni Anna Maria , Zanini Paolo
Published: April 2013

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. It naturally tends to become a chronic condition, and chronic Atrial Fibrillation leads to an increase in the risk of death. The study of the electrocardiographic signal, and in particular of the tachogram series, is a usual and effective way to investigate the presence of Atrial Fibrillation and to detect when a single event starts and ends. This work presents a new statistical method to deal with the identification of Atrial Fibrillation events, based on the order identification of the ARIMA models used for describing the RR time series that characterize the different phases of AF (pre-, during, and post-AF). A simulation study is carried out in order to assess the performance of the proposed method. Moreover, an application to real data concerning patients affected by Atrial Fibrillation is presented and discussed. Since the proposed method looks at structural changes of ARIMA models fitted on the RR time series for the AF event with respect to the pre- and post-AF phases, it is able to identify starting and ending points of an AF event even when AF follows or comes before irregular heartbeat time slots.
Incidence and Pattern of Graft-versus-Host Disease in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Transplantation after Nonmyeloablative Conditioning with Total Lymphoid Irradiation and Antithymocyte Globulin
Authors: Veltri Lauren , Regier Michael , Cumpston Aaron , Leadmon Sonia , Tse William , Craig Michael , Hamadani Mehdi
Published: April 2013

Nonmyeloablative (NMA) conditioning with total lymphoid irradiation and antithymocyte globulin (TLI/ATG) has been shown to protect against acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We report here our institutional experience with allogeneic transplantation following NMA conditioning with TLI/ATG (). GVHD prophylaxis consisted of a combination of a calcineurin inhibitor and mycophenolate mofetil. Median patient age was 59 years. The median followup of surviving patients is 545 days. One patient experienced primary graft rejection. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 18 days and platelet engraftment was 9.5 days. The cumulative incidence (CI) of grade II–IV acute GVHD at day +100 was 28.6% and 38.1% at day +180. The CI for grade III-IV acute GVHD was 28.6% at day +180. CI of chronic GVHD was 45.2% at 1 year. The CI of disease relapse was 9.5% at 1 year. The rate of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was 0% at day +100 and only 9.5% at 1 year. The overall and progression free survival at 1 year was 81% and 80.4%, respectively. Our limited, retrospective data show encouraging relapse and NRM rates with TLI/ATG-based NMA conditioning, but with higher than previously reported rates of acute and chronic GVHD, underscoring the need for novel strategies designed to effectively prevent GVHD.
Fifteen Years of Annual Mass Treatment of Onchocerciasis with Ivermectin Have Not Interrupted Transmission in the West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Katabarwa Moses N. , Eyamba Albert , Nwane Philippe , Enyong Peter , Kamgno Joseph , Kueté Thomas , Yaya Souleymanou , Aboutou Rosalie , Mukenge Léonard , Kafando Claude , Siaka Coulibaly , Mkpouwoueiko Salifou , Ngangue Demanga , Biholong Benjamin Didier , Andze Gervais Ondobo
Published: April 2013

We followed up the 1996 baseline parasitological and entomological studies on onchocerciasis transmission in eleven health districts in West Region, Cameroon. Annual mass ivermectin treatment had been provided for 15 years. Follow-up assessments which took place in 2005, 2006, and 2011 consisted of skin snips for microfilariae (mf) and palpation examinations for nodules. Follow-upSimuliumvector dissections for larval infection rates were done from 2011 to 2012. mf prevalence in adults dropped from 68.7% to 11.4%, and nodule prevalence dropped from 65.9% to 12.1%. The decrease of mf prevalence in children from 29.2% to 8.9% was evidence that transmission was still continuing. mf rates in the follow-up assessments among adults and in children levelled out after a sharp reduction from baseline levels. Only three health districts out of 11 were close to interruption of transmission. Evidence of continuing transmission was also observed in two out of three fly collection sites that had infective rates of 0.19% and 0.18% and ATP of 70 (Foumbot) and 300 (Massangam), respectively. Therefore, halting of annual mass treatment with ivermectin cannot be done after 15 years as it might escalate the risk of transmission recrudescence.
On the Issues and Challenges of Fiber-Wireless (Fi-Wi) Networks
Authors: Win Harry Tin , Pathan Al-Sakib Khan
Published: April 2013

The objective of this article is to present various aspects of Fiber-Wireless (Fi-Wi) networks, which is a technology of current interest of the researchers. Fiber-wireless technology, known in short as “Fi-Wi,” is a combination of optical-fiber-based network and wireless network. Fi-Wi has recently come forward as one of the emerging future network technologies yet the term is often mixed up with wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology. In fact, Wi-Fi network could be included in a Fi-Wi architecture. Due to the unfamiliarity with the term, “Fi-Wi” and similar sounding commonly known “Wi-Fi,” many students, even academics and practitioners sometimes may not be able to differentiate between these. In the recent years, a good number of works on various issues of Fi-Wi have come out, but an overall survey with the latest advancements in the area is yet to be found. Hence, in this work, we analyze various issues and challenges of implementing Fi-Wi networks in practical scenarios to allow researchers to find future directions of research and general readers to understand the issues better.
Self-Efficacy Appraisals and Test-Taking Behavior of Students from Culturally Diverse Populations
Authors: Birenbaum Menucha , Nasser-Abu Alhija Fadia
Published: April 2013

This study examined the relationships between self-efficacy calibration and test-taking behavior as measured by the percentage of skipped items, unreached items, and incorrect responses on a mathematics test. Jewish and Arab 8th graders in four achievement levels, as defined by quartiles of the test score distribution, were compared with respect to their mathematics self-efficacy and their test-taking behavior. The results indicated that in every achievement level Arab students as compared to their Jewish counterparts tended to report higher levels of self-efficacy and to attempt more items on the test, which resulted in a higher rate of incorrect responses. The results support previous research findings pointing to the detrimental effect that overestimation of SE has on performance. The results were discussed with reference to the metacognitive processes involved in estimation of self-efficacy and in test performance. The identified gaps between the two ethnic groups were discussed in light of the learning culture that characterizes each of them. The contribution of the Israeli context, whereby students from two culturally diverse groups study according to the same mathematics curriculum but in separate schools, to understanding factors underlying culture-related group differences in mathematics test performance was underscored.
Genomic Biomarkers for Personalized Medicine: Development and Validation in Clinical Studies
Authors: Matsui Shigeyuki
Published: April 2013

The establishment of high-throughput technologies has brought substantial advances to our understanding of the biology of many diseases at the molecular level and increasing expectations on the development of innovative molecularly targeted treatments and molecular biomarkers or diagnostic tests in the context of clinical studies. In this review article, we position the two critical statistical analyses of high-dimensional genomic data, gene screening and prediction, in the framework of development and validation of genomic biomarkers or signatures, through taking into consideration the possible different strategies for developing genomic signatures. A wide variety of biomarker-based clinical trial designs to assess clinical utility of a biomarker or a new treatment with a companion biomarker are also discussed.
Immune Infiltrates Are Prognostic Factors in Localized Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Rusakiewicz Sylvie , Semeraro Michaela , Sarabi Matthieu , Desbois Mélanie , Locher Clara , Mendez Rosa , Vimond Nadège , Concha Angel , Garrido Federico , Isambert Nicolas , Chaigneau Loic , Le Brun-Ly Valérie , Dubreuil Patrice , Cremer Isabelle , Caignard Anne , Poirier-Colame Vichnou , Chaba Kariman , Flament Caroline , Halama Niels , Jäger Dirk , Eggermont Alexander , Bonvalot Sylvie , Commo Frédéric , Terrier Philippe , Opolon Paule , Emile Jean-François , Coindre Jean-Michel , Kroemer Guido , Chaput Nathalie , Le Cesne Axel , Blay Jean-Yves , Zitvogel Laurence
Published: April 2013

Cancer immunosurveillance relies on effector/memory tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells with a T-helper cell 1 (TH1) profile. Evidence for a natural killer (NK) cell-based control of human malignancies is still largely missing. The KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate markedly prolongs the survival of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) by direct effects on tumor cells as well as by indirect immunostimulatory effects on T and NK cells. Here, we investigated the prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) expressing CD3, Foxp3, or NKp46 (NCR1) in a cohort of patients with localized GIST. We found that CD3+ TIL were highly activated in GIST and were especially enriched in areas of the tumor that conserve class I MHC expression despite imatinib mesylate treatment. High densities of CD3+ TIL predicted progression-free survival (PFS) in multivariate analyses. Moreover, GIST were infiltrated by a homogeneous subset of cytokine-secreting CD56bright (NCAM1) NK cells that accumulated in tumor foci after imatinib mesylate treatment. The density of the NK infiltrate independently predicted PFS and added prognostic information to the Miettinen score, as well as to the KIT mutational status. NK and T lymphocytes preferentially distributed to distinct areas of tumor sections and probably contributed independently to GIST immunosurveillance. These findings encourage the prospective validation of immune biomarkers for optimal risk stratification of patients with GIST. Cancer Res; 73(12); 3499–510. ©2013 AACR.
Age and Gender Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in the Metropolitan Area of Naples
Authors: Petruzziello Arnolfo , Coppola Nicola , Diodato Anna Maria , Iervolino Vincenzo , Azzaro Rosa , Di Costanzo Gaetano , Di Macchia Catia Addolorata , Di Meo Tommaso , Loquercio Giovanna , Pasquale Giuseppe , Cacciapuoti Carmela
Published: April 2013

Objective: To assess any time-related variations in the distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in the metropolitan area of Naples, Italy. Methods: HCV genotypes were analysed in 255 HCV RNA-positive patients with chronic HCV infection, observed from 2009 to 2011, and compared with data pertaining to a sample of 176 HCV RNA-positive patients observed from 2006 to 2008. Results: In both periods of analysis, genotype 1b was predominant (51.8 and 48.3%, respectively), followed by genotype 2 (27.9 and 31.7%, respectively). These HCV genotypes were particularly prevalent in older patients, whereas genotypes 3a and 1a were observed more frequently in the younger population. Genotype 1b was particularly common in females compared to males in both study periods (39.3% of 89 males vs. 64.3% of 87 females in the 3-year period 2006-2008, p < 0.001; 41.5% of 118 males vs. 54.0% of 137 females in the period 2009-2011, p < 0.05). The prevalence of patients with genotype 1b in the age range 51-60 years was higher in the 2006-2008 period than in 2009-2011 (76.9 vs. 37.7%; p < 0.0005) and lower in the over 60 year olds (55.1 vs. 59.6%; p = 0.5). Conclusion: Genotype 1b, historically the most prevalent in Italy, is still predominant; however, when comparing the two time periods, a cohort effect evidencing the increasing prevalence of genotype 1b among elderly patients was revealed.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership: The Challenges of Unraveling the Noodle Bowl
Authors: Elms Deborah
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Much has been made of the “spaghetti or noodle bowl” problem of overlapping preferential trade agreements (PTA). A new PTA, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), currently under negotiation between eleven states – Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam – is intended to help address this issue. The TPP will lower or eliminate barriers to trade among the partners. But officials are not operating in a vacuum as they negotiate this new agreement. Instead, they must contend with rules created in previous agreements, many of which link TPP partners together in ways that constrain their options now. This article looks in detail at negotiations over market access in goods to better understand the tradeoffs faced by negotiators. Unfortunately, some of the decisions made so far after three years of talks suggest that the TPP market access deal could end up being just another twisted noodle in a crowded bowl.
Comments on ‘The valid generic names for the fish species usually placed in Cyclocheilichthys’ (KOTTELAT 2013) and a correction of Pasco-viel et al. (2012)
Authors: PASCO-VIEL EMMANUEL , VERAN MONETTE , VIRIOT LAURENT
Published: April 2013

As authors of the study demonstrating the non-monophyly of the genus previously called Cyclocheilichthys (Pasco-Viel et al. 2012), which included nine species, we acknowledge Kottelat’s (2013: this issue) conclusions with regard to the generic names for the species we investigated:cu� o������g pincer-shaped suckers, is described for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. In scolex morphology, M. ficta closely resembles phyllobothriidean cestodes, parasites of elasmobranchs. However, this similarity does not reflect phylogenetic relatedness of these cestodes but instead presents an example of convergent morphological evolution of attachment organs of unrelated groups of cestodes that parasitize different groups of vertebrates. Besides scolex morphology, the genus is characterised by the possession of a very large cirrus-sac, which may reach up to the midline of proglottides, few testes (less than 60), vitelline follicles limited to the dorsal side of proglottides, a large vaginal sphincter, and eggs with a three-layered embryophore covered with rounded projections. Numerous errors in the diagnosis of M. ficta, which appeared in the literature as a result of uncritical compilation of data without examination of original material, are corrected. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes ssr- and lsrDNA and mitochondrial genes rrnL and cox1 place this species among other snake-parasitizing proteocephalideans of the genus Ophiotaenia. The convergent evolution of scolex morphology across distantly related taxa is discussed.
Macrobothriotaenia ficta (Cestoda: Proteocephalidea), a parasite of sunbeam snake (Xenopeltis unicolor): example of convergent evolution
Authors: SCHOLZ TOMÁŠ , CHAMBRIER ALAIN DE , KUCHTA ROMAN , LITTLEWOOD D. TIMOTHY J. , WAESCHENBACH ANDREA
Published: April 2013

The poorly known proteocephalidean cestode Macrobothriotaenia ficta (Meggitt, 1931) from the sunbeam snake Xenopeltis unicolor (Ophidia: Xenopeltidae) is redescribed on the basis of re-examination of its type specimens from Burma (Myanmar), and vouchers from Thailand and Vietnam. The peculiar morphology of the scolex, which is formed by four pedunculate lobe-bearing pincer-shaped suckers, is described for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. In scolex morphology, M. ficta closely resembles phyllobothriidean cestodes, parasites of elasmobranchs. However, this similarity does not reflect phylogenetic relatedness of these cestodes but instead presents an example of convergent morphological evolution of attachment organs of unrelated groups of cestodes that parasitize different groups of vertebrates. Besides scolex morphology, the genus is characterised by the possession of a very large cirrus-sac, which may reach up to the midline of proglottides, few testes (less than 60), vitelline follicles limited to the dorsal side of proglottides, a large vaginal sphincter, and eggs with a three-layered embryophore covered with rounded projections. Numerous errors in the diagnosis of M. ficta, which appeared in the literature as a result of uncritical compilation of data without examination of original material, are corrected. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes ssr- and lsrDNA and mitochondrial genes rrnL and cox1 place this species among other snake-parasitizing proteocephalideans of the genus Ophiotaenia. The convergent evolution of scolex morphology across distantly related taxa is discussed.
Labour struggles for workplace justice: Migrant and immigrant worker organizing in Canada
Authors: Choudry Aziz , Thomas Mark
Published: April 2013

This article explores the dynamics of labour organizing among migrant and immigrant workers in Canada, focusing on two case studies: first, recent efforts to organize migrant farmworkers in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Program; and, second, the work of the Immigrant Workers’ Centre in Montreal. The Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Program, which employs workers from Mexico and Caribbean countries, is often viewed by policymakers and employers as an example of ‘best practices’ in migration policy. Yet workers in the program experience seasonal employment characterized by long hours and low wages, and are exempt from many basic labour standards. The Immigrant Workers’ Centre formed in 2000 to provide a safe place for migrant and racialized immigrant workers to come together around problems in their workplaces. Through these case studies, we examine labour organization efforts including advocacy and grassroots organizing through the Immigrant Workers’ Centre and legal challenges attempting to secure recognition of freedom of association rights for farmworkers. The article explores the ‘limits and possibilities’ of these strategies, and concludes by assessing the implications for labour organizing among the growing numbers of migrant and immigrant workers employed in a wide range of low-wage, low-security occupations due to the recent expansion of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Labor non-governmental organizations in China: Mobilizing rural migrant workers
Authors: Xu Yi
Published: April 2013

In China, rural migrant workers are now the biggest labor force in urban and industrial areas. However, these workers lack effective and legitimate ways to organize themselves to counterbalance the power of capital or negotiate for better rights. Since official trade unions are unable to represent or protect migrant workers, and independent unions are prohibited in China, labor non-governmental organizations emerge as an informal way to mobilize and protect workers. This article explores how labor non-governmental organizations mobilize migrant workers in China, and the dilemmas they face. Labor non-governmental organizations use three strategies to organize workers: legal mobilizing, cultural mobilizing and a campaign intervention approach. However, because they face daily surveillance, repression and co-option by the state, these non-governmental organizations have limited political opportunities to organize workers on a large scale or develop a labor movement. While some struggle to resist these attempts to restrict their activity, other non-governmental organizations become domesticated by the state. Overcoming these limitations will require new tactics by non-governmental organizations to carve an independent space to organize migrant workers.
Effects of Self-Directed Summary of Performance on Postsecondary Education Students’ Participation in Person-Centered Planning Meetings
Authors: Mazzotti Valerie L. , Kelley Kelly R. , Coco Cassie M.
Published: April 2013

Teaching students to develop and use a Summary of Performance (SOP) may be one method for teaching self-advocacy skills to ensure students with intellectual disability can advocate for accommodations and supports during Person-Centered Planning (PCP) meetings and in postschool employment settings. This study used a multiple-probe across participants design to investigate the effects of the Self-Directed Summary of Performance (SD-SOP) on participation in PCP meetings for students with intellectual disability. Results indicated increased participation during PCP meetings for all participants. In addition, participants were able to generalize use of the SD-SOP to employment settings. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Massive hemoptysis from pulmonary ligament artery supplying abnormal basal segments of the lower lobe
Authors: Liu Zhen-Sheng , Li Xiao-Qiang , Li Cheng , Zhou Long-Jiang , Wang Jia-Xiang , Wang Wei , Sun Yong , Kuang Xiong-Wei
Published: April 2013

Background

Non-bronchial systemic arteries can be a signiﬁcant source of massive hemoptysis in patients with marked pleural involvement. However, in some cases without pleural involvement, the pulmonary ligament artery (PLA) can also enter the abnormal lung parenchyma and be responsible for hemoptysis.

Purpose

To discuss the factors influencing the development of a blood supply from the PLA in patients with hemoptysis.

Material and Methods

Seventy-five consecutive patients who underwent bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for massive hemoptysis were evaluated between January 2006 and December 2011 retrospectively. Selective arteriography showed an enlarged and tortuous PLA in five patients. CT was done to determine the site and extent of the underlying diseases before BAE in all patients. Angiographic and CT images were analyzed to determine if there was a relationship between PLA supply and location of the underlying disease or mediastinal pleural involvement.

Results

The underlying lesions of six patients involved the basal segments of the lower lobe without marked mediastinal pleural thickening or adhesion, but diaphragmatic and lateral pleural thickening was observed in one case. Of these six patients, the PLA supplied blood to the lesions related to the hemoptysis in five patients. No patient with massive hemoptysis whose underlying lesions involved other segments of lung had a PLA supplying the lesions.

Conclusion

Even though pleural involvement is absent, underlying lesions involving the basal segments of the lower lobe could be a good indicator that the PLA is the cause of bleeding in patients with massive hemoptysis.
Symmetry Analysis of Embroideries on Greek Women's Chemises
Authors: Reinhardt Priscilla A. , Welters Linda
Published: April 2013

Symmetry analysis is a tool for classifying one- and two-dimensional patterns. A total of seven arrangements are possible for one-dimensional patterns. This project applied symmetry analysis to the embroideries on traditional women's chemises from various regions of Greece to determine preference for specific symmetry types. The embroidered bands, columns, and free-standing motifs on the hems of three hundred-eighteen chemises were analyzed. The data were sorted to determine the frequency of pattern arrangements as they pertain to each region and ethnic group. The results showed that although each of the seven possible pattern arrangements were present in the embroideries of the chemises analyzed, only two symmetries were dominant. Vertical reflection was the most commonly found classification followed by vertical and horizontal symmetry occurring simultaneously. Pattern arrangements varied by region rather than by ethnic group. Chemises with horizontal bands displayed a greater variety of symmetry types than chemises with vertical columns and free-standing motifs. The technique of symmetry analysis has widespread applicability to other textile designs with repeating patterns.
Attitudes Toward Gender Roles, Self-esteem, and Body Image: Application of a Model
Authors: Lennon Sharron J. , Rudd Nancy A. , Sloan Bridgette , Jae Sook Kim
Published: April 2013

The Rudd and Lennon (1994) model of body aesthetics is used in this research to guide research investigating relationships among body image, attitudes toward gender roles, and self-esteem. Questionnaires were completed by 202 Korean college women, 52 Singaporean college women, 171 African-American college women, and 109 Caucasian-American college women. Significant differences were found among the groups on gender ideology, self-esteem, and the body image variables. African-American college women had the highest self-esteem and appearance evaluation scores. More importantly, however, across all groups high self-esteem was associated with positive body images and non-traditional attitudes toward gender roles. Additionally, social group membership and individualism were related to body image. Results are explained within the context of the Rudd and Lennon (1994) model of body aesthetics and suggestions are offered for future research within that context.
A scheme of supplementary production in linear programming scheduling of die casting processes
Authors: Park Yong Kuk , Yang Jung-Min
Published: April 2013

The linear programming model for die casting processes provides the optimal production plan that maximizes the average efficiency of melting furnaces. In this article, we address supplementary production in linear programming scheduling of die casting processes. Since a real die casting campaign is subject to a variety of potential malfunctions, there may exist defective items among final cast products, thus failing to match the quantities of customer orders. The objective of this study is to propose a novel scheme of preventing product shortage by manufacturing additional cast products associated with the result of the linear programming model. In particular, supplementary production is practicable by utilizing the residue of molten alloy and cast scraps or remnants available in each shift. The sequence of casting shifts is also adjusted for facilitating this supplementary production. The proposed scheme does not alter any part of the original scheduling result of the linear programming model. A numerical experiment is conducted using real foundry data to validate integrity and performance of the proposed scheme.
Investigation of tool wear and surface roughness during machining of ZA43–SiCp composite using full factorial approach
Authors: Marigoudar Rajaneesh N , Kanakuppi Sadashivappa
Published: April 2013

This article presents the study of machinability of ZA43 alloy reinforced with silicon carbide particulate metal matrix composites. The specimen was fabricated through conventional liquid metallurgy technique. Silicon carbide with particle size of 60 µm with three different weight percentages (i.e. 5%, 10%, and 15%) was used for fabrication. Dry turning of composite specimens was carried out using uncoated and coated carbide indexible inserts on a conventional lathe. Comparisons of performance of each grade of the cutting tool were carried out in the experiment wherein 162 experiments were executed with the aim of determining surface roughness on the machined area of the composite and wear land on the flank portion of the cutting tool. The results were recorded and analyzed with a statistical analysis tool (analysis of variance) to identify the significant parameter influencing both surface roughness and flank wear. It was observed that cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut were the parameters affecting the surface finish and responsible for higher tool wear. The composition of the material also had substantial effect in deciding the surface roughness value and tool wear land.
A parametric study of electrical discharge machining process parameters on machining of cast Al/B4C metal matrix nanocomposites
Authors: Gopalakannan S , Senthilvelan T
Published: April 2013

Aluminium metal matrix nanocomposite reinforced with 0.5 wt% B4C nanoparticles was prepared by a novel ultrasonic cavitation method. The metal matrix nanocomposite was studied microscopically to ascertain the uniform distribution and the degree of dispersion of the B4C nanoparticles within the aluminium metal matrix. Electrical discharge machining was employed to machine the metal matrix nanocomposite with copper electrode by adopting response surface methodology using face-centred central composite design technique. This method has been applied to investigate the influence of process parameters and their interactions. Furthermore, a mathematical model has been formulated in order to study the machining characteristics. It has been observed that pulse current was found to be the most important factor that affects the characteristics of all the three output parameters such as material removal rate, electrode wear rate and surface roughness. The pulse current and pulse on time have statistical significance on both electrode wear rate and surface roughness. Higher pulse off time lowers the electrode wear rate value, whereas both pulse current and pulse on time increase the electrode wear rate. Similarly, surface roughness also increases with increase in pulse current and pulse on time. From the analyses, the optimum combination of the parameters has been identified for the metal matrix nanocomposite. The results obtained from the confirmation experiments were compared with the experimental results and found that errors are in the acceptable range.
Knee abduction angular impulses during prolonged running with wedged insoles
Authors: Lewinson Ryan T , Worobets Jay T , Stefanyshyn Darren J
Published: April 2013

Wedged insoles may produce immediate effects on knee abduction angular impulses during running; however, it is currently not known whether these knee abduction angular impulse magnitudes are maintained throughout a run when fatigue sets in. If changes occur, this could affect the clinical utility of wedged insoles in treating conditions such as patellofemoral pain. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether knee abduction angular impulses are altered during a prolonged run with wedged insoles. It was hypothesized that knee abduction angular impulses would be reduced following a prolonged run with wedged insoles. Nine healthy runners participated. Runners were randomly assigned to either a 6-mm medial wedge condition or a 6-mm lateral wedge condition and then ran continuously overground for 30 min. Knee abduction angular impulses were quantified at 0 and 30 min using a gait analysis procedure. After 2 days, participants returned to perform the same test but with the other wedge type. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate main effects of wedge condition and time and interactions between wedge condition and time ( α = 0.05). Paired t-tests were used for post hoc analysis ( α = 0.01). No interaction effects ( p = 0.958) were found, and knee abduction angular impulses were not significantly different over time ( p = 0.384). Lateral wedge conditions produced lesser knee abduction angular impulses than medial conditions at 0 min (difference of 2.79 N m s, p = 0.006) and at 30 min (difference of 2.76 N m s, p < 0.001). It is concluded that significant knee abduction angular impulse changes within wedge conditions do not occur during a 30-min run. Additionally, knee abduction angular impulse differences between wedge conditions are maintained during a 30-min run.
Serial Consolidation of Orientation Information Into Visual Short-Term Memory
Authors: Liu Taosheng , Becker Mark W.
Published: April 2013

Previous research suggests that there is a limit to the rate at which items can be consolidated in visual short-term memory (VSTM). This limit could be due to either a serial or a limited-capacity parallel process. Historically, it has proven difficult to distinguish between these two types of processes. In the present experiment, we took a novel approach that allowed us to do so. Participants viewed two oriented gratings either sequentially or simultaneously and reported one of the gratings’ orientation via method of adjustment. Performance was worse for the simultaneous than for the sequential condition. We fit the data with a mixture model that assumes performance is limited by a noisy memory representation plus random guessing. Critically, the serial and limited-capacity parallel processes made distinct predictions regarding the model’s guessing and memory-precision parameters. We found strong support for a serial process, which implies that one can consolidate only a single orientation into VSTM at a time.
Nonlinear controls of a rotating tower crane in conjunction with trolley motion
Authors: Le Tuan A , Dang Viet-Hung , Ko Deok H , An Tran N , Lee Soon-Geul
Published: April 2013

Based on two nonlinear control techniques composed of partial feedback linearization and sliding mode control, the robust nonlinear controllers are successfully designed in the case of crane’s complicated operation in which a combination of trolley translation and tower rotation is considered. The proposed controllers concurrently implement four duties well: rotating tower and moving trolley to desired positions from their initial positions precisely, keeping small the cargo swings during transport process, and completely suppressing them at cargo destination. The simulation results show the high qualities of system responses and asymptotical stability of all state trajectories. The robustness of two suggested controllers is also analyzed and compared through simulation.
The Teenage Brain
Authors: Bonnie Richard J. , Scott Elizabeth S.
Published: April 2013

In this article, we explore the emerging and potential influence of adolescent brain science on law and public policy. The primary importance of this research is in policy domains that implicate adolescent risk taking; these include drug and alcohol use, driver licensing, and criminal justice. We describe the emerging importance of brain science in the Supreme Court and other policy arenas. Finally, we argue that current research cannot contribute usefully to legal decisions about individual adolescents and should not be used in criminal trials at the present time, except to provide general developmental information.
Importance of flexural mode shapes in dynamic analysis of high-speed trains traveling on bridges
Authors: Younesian Davood , Marjani Seyed Rahim , Esmailzadeh Ebrahim
Published: April 2013

The effects of railway car-body flexibility on the dynamic analysis of high-speed trains traveling on bridges are studied. The flexible car-body is modeled as a uniform beam supported by the primary and secondary suspensions. A parametric sensitivity study is carried out to examine the effects of different parameters, namely the track irregularity, rail joint, traveling speed and the wheel flat, on the dynamic responses of the car-body and bridge. The rail surface roughness is regenerated by its power spectral density. Different types of rail joint geometries and wheel imperfections are mathematically modeled and included in the numerical simulation. It is found that the flexural mode shapes of the body structure can remarkably affect the calculated ride comfort index especially in the low frequency range.
Incorporating citizens: corporate political engagement with climate change in Australia
Authors: Nyberg Daniel , Spicer André , Wright Christopher
Published: April 2013

Studies of corporate citizenship have considered how corporations shape the delivery of basic rights. While liberal commentators argue that corporations can act as protectors of citizenship rights where state regulation is lacking, more radical commentators claim that corporations seek to obstruct the rights of citizens. In this article we build on theories of hegemony to argue that corporate citizenship can be more fruitfully understood as an attempt to incorporate citizenship activities in order to benefit corporate agendas. To explore how this process plays out, we examine how companies have sought to influence the political debate over climate change in Australia. Through analysis of corporate documents, media coverage and interviews with senior managers, we identify how corporations use practices of campaigning and exemplifying to build a common identity with citizens and synchronize corporate and citizen interests. This involves the recasting of citizens as active constituents, responsible consumers, ethical employees and ecopreneurs. Through this process, citizenship becomes increasingly incorporated within the value creating activities of corporations.
Adapted shared reading at school for minimally verbal students with autism
Authors: Mucchetti Charlotte A
Published: April 2013

Almost nothing is known about the capacity of minimally verbal students with autism to develop literacy skills. Shared reading is a regular practice in early education settings and is widely thought to encourage language and literacy development. There is some evidence that children with severe disabilities can be engaged in adapted shared reading activities. The current study examines the impact of teacher-led adapted shared reading activities on engagement and story comprehension in minimally verbal 5–6-year-old children with autism using a multiple baseline/alternating treatment design. Four students and three teachers participated. Teachers conducted adapted shared reading activities with modified books (visual supports, three-dimensional objects, simplified text) and used specific strategies for increasing student engagement. Student performance during adapted activities was compared to performance during standard shared reading sessions. Results: All four students showed increased story comprehension and engagement during adapted shared reading. Average percentage of session engaged was 87%–100% during adapted sessions, compared with 41%–52% during baseline. Average number of correct responses to story comprehension questions was 4.2–4.8 out of 6 during adapted sessions compared with 1.2–2 during baseline. Visual supports, tactile objects, and specific teaching strategies offer ways for minimally verbal students to meaningfully participate in literacy activities. Future research should investigate adapted shared reading activities implemented classroomwide as well as joint engagement, language, and literacy outcomes after using such activities over time.
Interventions in schools for children with autism spectrum disorder: Methods and recommendations
Authors: Kasari Connie , Smith Tristram
Published: April 2013

Although researchers have identified many promising teaching strategies and intervention programs for children with autism spectrum disorder, research on implementation of these interventions in school settings has lagged. Barriers to implementation include incompletely developed interventions, limited evidence of their utility in promoting long-term and meaningful change, and poor fit with school environments. To overcome these barriers, interventions need to be detailed in manuals that identify key components yet allow for flexibility, and studies need to evaluate long-term, real-life outcomes. Innovative research strategies also may be important, particularly carrying out research on new interventions in school settings from the outset, conducting partial effectiveness trials in which study personnel administer interventions in school settings, using community-partnered participatory research approaches, and redesigning interventions in a modular format.
Death, absence and afterlife in the garden
Authors: Ginn Franklin
Published: April 2013

This article considers what we might learn about landscape from how certain gardeners respond to death, absence and afterlife. After situating the domestic garden amid recent work on landscapes of memory and absence in geography, the article presents a circuit of the garden in four movements: passing, touching, weeding and sitting. Each draws on encounters with experienced gardeners living in British suburbs. In particular, these movements focus on: commemorabilia, including plants, which offer the possibility to materialize and anchor something of what would otherwise be lost; how absences are teased into awkward presence through conversation and reminiscence; and the importance of the ‘people’ who continue to produce the garden landscape after their death. Collectively, the practices I describe are an attempt to domesticate – that is, to coconstitute more malleable and familiar relations with – absent presences, and in so doing to seek a comfortable, even if ultimately impossible, alignment between self, past, memory and landscape. I stress that this seeking requires work: practical projects of digging, planting, weeding, of making memory and losing it again. In so doing, the article suggests that the spectral does not always arrive from the outside but is something that can be fabricated. I conclude that we should look to the practicalities of living rather than ideas of life, and to acts of landscaping rather than concepts of landscape, in seeking to ascertain the ways in which absence comes to matter.
Who does what to whom? Gender and domestic violence perpetrators in English police records
Authors: Hester Marianne
Published: April 2013

The article discusses findings from first study in Europe to track domestic violence cases over six years through the criminal justice system and compare cases involving male and female perpetrators. Ninety-six cases involving men and women recorded by the police in England as intimate domestic violence perpetrators were tracked to provide detailed narratives and progression of cases, establishing samples with a single male or female perpetrator or where both partners were recorded as perpetrators. Domestic violence involves a pattern of abusive behaviour over time and the in-depth longitudinal approach allowed similarities and differences in violent and abusive behaviours used by men and women, as recorded by the police, to be explored. Gender differences were found relating to the nature of cases, forms of violence recorded, frequency of incidents and levels of arrest.
Management of pulmonary hypertension in left heart disease
Authors: Schmeisser Alexander , Schroetter Hagen , Braun-Dulleaus Ruediger C.
Published: April 2013

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to left heart disease is classified as group II according to the Dana Point classification, which includes left ventricular systolic and/or diastolic left heart failure, and left-sided valvular disease. PH due to left heart disease is the most common cause and when present, especially with right ventricular dysfunction, is associated with a worse prognosis. Left heart disease with secondary PH is associated with increased left atrial pressure, which causes a passive increase in pulmonary pressure. Passive PH could be superimposed by an active protective, and in some patients by an ‘out of proportion’, elevated precapillary pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodelling which leads to greater or lesser further increase of the pulmonary artery pressure. In this review, epidemiological and pathophysiologic mechanisms for the development of group II PH are summarized. The conflicting data about the haemodynamic and possible parameters to diagnose passive versus reactive and ‘out of proportion’ PH are presented. The different therapeutic concepts, along with novel treatment strategies, are reviewed in detail and critically discussed regarding their effectiveness and safety.
Marxism and religion
Authors: Surin Kenneth
Published: April 2013

A brief overview of Marx's account of religion is followed by a consideration of a conception of liberation—a notion shared by marxists and adherents of religious traditions alike—that is substantive enough to overcome the marginalization and exploitation of countless numbers of human beings. The final section deals with the possibility of a rapprochement between the marxist and the adherent of a religious tradition.
Prosper, consume and be saved
Authors: Maddox Marion
Published: April 2013

A Sydney-based megachurch with global reach, well-known for its “prosperity gospel” of financial acquisition, has developed an additional strand: a detailed theology of consumption. The affinity between a theology of guilt-free—indeed, obligatory—consumption and late capitalism goes some way towards explaining the attraction this minority strand of Christianity holds for politicians, including those without personal religious commitments, in a secular electorate.
Critical feminist studies in religion
Authors: Fiorenza Elisabeth Schüssler
Published: April 2013

Critical feminist studies in religion seek to articulate a theoretical analytics not in terms of gender and feminine identity but in socio-political terms. They understand wo/men as socio-political subject-citizens who are producing cultural knowledges and religious discourses in situations of domination and alienation.
On Marx's “soulless conditions” and the fate and function of religion
Authors: Wagoner Bryan
Published: April 2013

This review engages Berger M, Reichardt T and Städtler M (eds) (2012) Der Geist geistloser Zustände: Religionskritik und Gesellschaftstheorie. The collection, along with each of the essays, is examined as a contribution to political and social critique of religion in light of secularization and pluralization.
Critical approaches to religion in China
Authors: Puett Michael
Published: April 2013

This is a discussion of possible approaches for the critical study of Chinese religions.