bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of self‐absorption on PET and PET/CT shielding requirements
Authors: Elschot M. , de Wit T. C. , de Jong H. W. A. M.
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The high energy (511 keV) annihilation photons used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging generally require a substantial amount of lead to protect personnel and the general public from ionizing radiation. A cost‐effective design of the PET facility that ensures radiation does not exceed formal dose limits requires accurate estimation of the necessary PET shielding. The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group 108 recently published broad beam transmission factors based on Monte Carlo calculations of 511 keV photons. In this work, an extension to the AAPM model is presented, based on Monte Carlo simulations including the effects of self‐absorption on the photon energy spectrum.

Methods

Monte Carlo calculations were performed usingMCNPX. The photon energy spectrum after self‐absorption was computed by simulating a normal activity distribution in an anthropomorphic phantom. This spectrum was used to calculate the dose rate transmission factors for various wall thicknesses of lead, concrete, and iron. The method was validated by measurement and corresponding simulation of the transmission factors of an source in air and in PMMA. Furthermore, a method to generate 3D area dose rate maps of PET facilities incorporating the calculated transmission tables is presented and applied to several shielding situations.

Results

The calculated self‐absorption correction factor and the broad beam transmission factors resulting from Monte Carlo simulations of a monoenergetic point source emitting 511 keV photons were in excellent agreement with the results of the AAPM publication (0.66 vs 0.64 and , respectively). However, when all radiation physics, i.e., also the effect of self‐absorption on the photon energy spectrum, is included in the Monte Carlo calculations, a substantial reduction in required shielding material was found. For example, including all radiation physics leads to 13.3 mm of lead required to obtain a typical transmission factor of 0.1, instead of 16.0 mm of lead when the AAPM data including only the self‐absorption correction factor are used. These findings were confirmed by the experimental measurements. The transmission factors produced in this work can be applied in the same manner as those estimated by AAPM to allow for a cost‐effective design of PET and PET/CT facilities without violating radiation safety regulations.

Conclusions

Taking into account the effect of self‐absorption on the photon energy spectrum results in more accurate and cost‐effective shielding requirement estimations.
Identification of Carbonate-Rich Outcrops on Mars by the Spirit Rover
Authors: Morris Richard V. , Ruff Steven W. , Gellert Ralf , Ming Douglas W. , Arvidson Raymond E. , Clark Benton C. , Golden D. C. , Siebach Kirsten , Klingelhöfer Göstar , Schröder Christian , Fleischer Iris , Yen Albert S. , Squyres Steven W.
Published: June 2010

Ancient Carbonate Minerals on Mars

The historical presence of liquid water on Mars together with a CO
2
-rich atmosphere should have resulted in the accumulation of large deposits of carbonate minerals. Yet, evidence for the presence of carbonates on the surface of Mars has been scarce. Using data collected by the Mars Exploration Rover, Spirit,

Morris
et al.

(p.
421
, published online 3 June; see the Perspective by

Harvey

) now present evidence for carbonate-rich outcrops in the Comanche outcrops within the Gusev crater. The carbonate is a major outcrop component and may have formed in the Noachian era (∼4 billion years ago) by precipitation from hydrothermal solutions that passed through buried carbonate deposits. Thus, it is likely that extensive aqueous activity under neutral pH conditions did occur on Mars.
Outdoor air pollution is associated with rapid decline of lung function in α-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Wood Alice M , Harrison Roy M , Semple Sean , Ayres Jon G , Stockley Robert A
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Outdoor air pollutants are associated with respiratory morbidity and mortality, but little longitudinal work has been undertaken in this area in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with α-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) typically exhibit faster decline of lung function than subjects with usual COPD and thus represent a group in whom studies of factors influencing decline may be more easily clarified.

Methods

Decline of FEV1and KCO in subjects of the PiZZ genotype from the UK AATD registry were studied. Pollution levels (PM10, ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide) during the exposure window were extracted from GIS maps, matching the measurement to each patient's home address. Clinical predictors of decline were sought using generalised estimating equations, and pollutants added to these subsequently. Single pollutant models were used due to multicollinearity.

Results

In the FEV1decline analysis, higher baseline FEV1was associated with rapid decline of FEV1(p<0.001). High PM10exposure predicted more rapid decline of FEV1(p=0.024). In a similar analysis for KCO decline, higher baseline KCO predicted rapid decline (p<0.001) as did higher exposure to ozone (p=0.018). High PM10exposure also showed a trend towards this effect (p=0.056).

Conclusions

Exposure to ozone and PM10predicts decline of lung function in AATD.
On the coupled theory of thermo-piezoelectric/piezomagnetic materials with two temperatures
Authors: Ezzat Magdy A. , El-Karamany Ahmed S. , Awad Emad S.
Published: June 2010

In the present work, the theory of two-temperature thermoelasticity for a piezoelectric/piezomagnetic materials is formulated. An equation of energy balance is introduced and the uniqueness theorem is proved. An integral identity that involves two admissible processes at two different instants is introduced and the reciprocity theorem is proved without using Laplace transform. The variational principle of Gurtin type is established.
Higher order properties and Bell inequality violation for the three-mode enhanced squeezed state
Authors: Zhang Shuang-Xi , Yuan Hong-Chun , Fan Hong-Yi
Published: June 2010

By extending the usual two-mode squeezing operator S2 = exp[iλ(Q1P2 + Q2P1)] to the three-mode squeezing operator S3 = exp{iλ[Q1(P2 + P3) + Q2(P1 + P3) + Q3(P1 + P2)]}, we obtain the corresponding three-mode squeezed coherent state. The higher order properties of this state, such as higher order squeezing and higher order sub-Possonian photon statistics, are investigated. It is found that the new squeezed state not only can be squeezed to all even orders but also exhibits squeezing enhancement compared with the usual cases. In addition, we examine the violation of the Bell inequality for the three-mode squeezed states by using the formalism of Wigner representation.
The growth of vapour bubble in a superheated liquid between two phase turbulent flow
Authors: Mohammadein S. A. , Abu-Bakr A. F.
Published: June 2010

In this paper, the growth of a vapour bubble in superheated water for two-phase turbulent flow is studied. The growth problem is formulated by mass and momentum equations under physical assumptions between two finite boundaries. The analytical solution is obtained in terms of the vapour bubble radius. The bubbly growth is affected by thermal diffusivity, superheating, and the Péclet number. The fact that the scale of the bubble is larger than the scale of the turbulence in the mixture surrounding the growing bubble is considered. The previous models of growth for laminar flow are obtained as a special cases of the present model for some values of the parameters a, b, n, and φ0, respectively.
On the flow of geomagnetically induced currents in an electric power transmission network
Authors: Pirjola Risto J.
Published: June 2010

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in conductor networks are among the ground-level effects of space weather. GICs are a possible source of problems to the system. Today, electric power transmission grids are the most important concern regarding GICs, which may in the worst cases lead to blackouts in large areas and permanent damage to transformers. The evaluation of GIC risks and the design of possible countermeasures require estimation of expected GIC magnitudes in transformers. This can be achieved by model calculations supplemented by GIC recordings at some sites. Although in principle GICs can flow all over a large galvanically-connected power grid, which should thus be included as a whole in a GIC calculation, the network must usually be restricted somehow in practical computations of GICs. By using a power grid test model, this paper provides a systematic numerical investigation showing that GICs do not flow over very long distances in a power grid, which is a good result and justifies the neglect of the parts of the network that lie far away from the area of primary interest. Besides practical significance in electric power engineering, studies of GICs can be used for space physics and geophysical research as well. It is also important to understand the features of the flow pattern of GICs in a network.
Litter degradation rate and β-glucosidase activity increase with fungal diversity
Authors: LeBauer David S.
Published: June 2010

Declining biodiversity is a critical component of global change owing to its influence on ecosystem functioning. Decomposition rate frequently increases with fungal species number, but the responses of extracellular enzymes to fungal species number have not been tested. To test the effect of biodiversity on decomposition and enzyme activities, quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) litter was inoculated with mixtures of one, two, four, or eight fungi from a pool of 16 fungi that had been isolated from a boreal forest in Alaska. Total CO2 release and the activities of β-glucosidase, which targets cellulose, and polyphenol oxidase, which targets lignin and other recalcitrant phenolic compounds, were observed across the range of species numbers in the mixtures. Total CO2 release and β-glucosidase activity increased with number of species but were only weakly correlated with each other; polyphenol oxidase activity had no correlation with number of species or CO2 release. The results indicate that, over 4 months, decomposition of labile carbon is positively correlated with number of species.
Electric resistivity tomography shows radial variation of electrolytes in Quercus robur
Authors: Bieker Dirk , Rust Steffen
Published: June 2010

Electric resistivity tomograms of English oak ( Quercus robur L.) show a very distinct pattern of electric resistivity that has not been found in any other tree species yet and that cannot be related to the distribution of wood moisture content over the stem cross section. To reveal the factors underlying this two-dimensional pattern of electric resistivity, the variation of specific gravity and wood moisture content was analyzed in 18 cross sections of six roadside English oak trees after electric resistivity tomography. pH and electrolyte content were analyzed in two representative cross sections. Results show that electric resistivity correlates neither with wood moisture content nor density. The steep increase in electric resistivity at the sapwood–heartwood boundary correlates well with decreasing pH, potassium, and magnesium. The decreasing electric resistivity within the heartwood of English oak correlates with potassium and magnesium, increasing from the sapwood–heartwood boundary to the pith. More research is needed to identify species-specific electric resistivity patterns and their main factors if the method is to be used to detect wood fungal decay, historical ground water contamination, or other influences that may change the pattern of electric resistivity in the stem cross section.
85Sr PRODUCTION VIA PROTON INDUCED ON VARIOUS TARGETS USING TALYS 1.0 CODE
Authors: SADEGHI MAHDI , KAKAVAND TAYEB , ALIPOOR ZAHRA
Published: June 2010

TALYS 1.0 code was used to calculate excitation function for proton induced on 85/87/ nat Rb , 89 Y and 88/87/86 Sr targets that lead to produce 85 Sr radioisotope using low and medium energy accelerators. Recommended thickness of the targets according to SRIM code was investigated. Theoretical integral yields for any reaction were computed. The results were compared with experimental data. 85 Rb (p, n)85 Sr process was determined as most interesting one due to radionuclidic purity. The TALYS 1.0 code predicts a maximum cross-section of about 798 mb at 11 MeV for this reaction.
WARPED EMBEDDINGS BETWEEN EINSTEIN MANIFOLDS
Authors: YANG HUAN-XIONG , ZHAO LIU
Published: June 2010

Warped embeddings from a lower dimensional Einstein manifold into a higher dimensional one are analyzed. Explicit solutions for the embedding metrics are obtained for all cases of codimension 1 embeddings and some of the codimension n>1 cases. Some of the interesting features of the embedding metrics are pointed out and potential applications of the embeddings are discussed.
DIGITAL ORIGIN OF COSMIC INFLATION
Authors: CHOU CHUNG-HSIEN , YU HOI-LAI
Published: June 2010

Assuming our physical universe processes and registers information to determine its dynamical evolution, one can put serious constraints on the cosmology that our universe can bear, in particular, the origin of cosmic inflation. The universe evolves to gain her computation capacity which is linear in time t. On the other hand, the growth in content of degrees of freedom (i.e. by integrating in more galaxies) is as t3/2 through expansion. When the in flux of degrees of freedom of the universe grows beyond some value, the computation capacity of the universe becomes insufficient to determine its evolution, the universe fixes its Hubble radius and inflates away its degrees of freedom within its horizon to regain dynamical evolution. The length of inflation is determined by the communication time required by the universe to become aware of the dropping in the degrees of freedom below some critical value by inflation and is proportional to its Hubble radius. We predict that there can be multiple cosmic inflations. The next inflation era will stop after inflating for a period of 1019 sec if the past inflation period of our universe was 10-33 sec.
THE CONFINEMENT TERM
Authors: GUENDELMAN E. I. , KOROVER I.
Published: June 2010

Motivated by arguments based on spontaneous breaking of scale invariance, a term of the form [Formula: see text] is introduced in the action of the gauge fields. For N<0 this leads to linear confinement, while for N>0, after appropriate regularization, this leads to the vanishing of the gauge fields beyond a critical length, i.e. to a different realization of confinement. A mechanism where two values of N can be connected is discussed.
ULTRA HIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS: ORIGIN AND PROPAGATION
Authors: STANEV TODOR
Published: June 2010

We introduce the highest energy cosmic rays and briefly review the powerful astrophysical objects where they could be accelerated. We then introduce the interactions of different cosmic ray particles with the photon fields of the Universe and the formation of the cosmic ray spectra observed at Earth. The last topic is the production of secondary gamma rays and neutrinos in the interactions of the ultrahigh energy cosmic rays.
EXTENSIBLE SYNTAX-ORIENTED VERIFIER WITH CONTEXT-DEPENDENT RECURSIVE VERIFICATION
Authors: SHIMOMURA TAKAO , CHEN QUAN LIANG , TAKAHASHI MUNEO
Published: June 2010

To develop Web applications of high quality, it is important to apply efficient frameworks to standardize the process of development in projects, or apply useful design patterns to produce the program code that can easily be enhanced. In addition to these efforts, we have to check the programs to see whether they keep various kinds of rules such as verification items for security which are common for all kinds of Web applications, and verification items for coding styles or code conventions which pertain to each project. This paper proposes a verification method for an extensible syntax-oriented verifier, and describes the implementation of its prototype system, SyntaxVerifier. SyntaxVerifier makes it possible to detect syntactical objects based on their syntactic contexts. It realizes a context-dependent recursive verification which makes it easy to dynamically trace a syntax tree in a verification process itself.
Transmural heterogeneity of repolarization and Ca2+ handling in a model of mouse ventricular tissue
Authors: Bondarenko Vladimir E. , Rasmusson Randall L.
Published: June 2010

Mouse hearts have a diversity of action potentials (APs) generated by the cardiac myocytes from different regions. Recent evidence shows that cells from the epicardial and endocardial regions of the mouse ventricle have a diversity in Ca2+ handling properties as well as K+ current expression. To examine the mechanisms of AP generation, propagation, and stability in transmurally heterogeneous tissue, we developed a comprehensive model of the mouse cardiac cells from the epicardial and endocardial regions of the heart. Our computer model simulates the following differences between epicardial and endocardial myocytes: 1) AP duration is longer in endocardial and shorter in epicardial myocytes, 2) diastolic and systolic intracellular Ca2+ concentration and intracellular Ca2+ concentration transients are higher in paced endocardial and lower in epicardial myocytes, 3) Ca2+ release rate is about two times larger in endocardial than in epicardial myocytes, and 4) Na+/Ca2+ exchanger rate is greater in epicardial than in endocardial myocytes. Isolated epicardial cells showed a higher threshold for stability of AP generation but more complex patterns of AP duration at fast pacing rates. AP propagation velocities in the model of two-dimensional tissue are close to those measured experimentally. Simulations show that heterogeneity of repolarization and Ca2+ handling are sustained across the mouse ventricular wall. Stability analysis of AP propagation in the two-dimensional model showed the generation of Ca2+ alternans and more complex transmurally heterogeneous irregular structures of repolarization and intracellular Ca2+ transients at fast pacing rates.
Nasal Anatomy of Paradolichopithecusgansuensis (Early Pleistocene, Longdan, China) with Comments on Phyletic Relationships among the Species of this Genus
Authors: Nishimura Takeshi D. , Zhang Yingqi , Takai Masanaru
Published: June 2010

Paradolichopithecus was a large cercopithecine primate that existed in Eurasia from the middle Pliocene to the early Pleistocene. Para. arvernensis from the late Pliocene of Senèze, France, shows no maxillary sinus, whereas Para.sushkini from the late Pliocene of Kuruksay, Tajikistan, has this feature. In this study, we examined a new maxillary specimen of Para. gansuensis from the early Pleistocene of Longdan, China. The Longdan maxilla had lost its facial part, which exposed the internal floor of the nasal region. The nasal floor expands laterally, making the maxillary body thin at the P3–M2 level and thick at the M3 level and extending to the maxillary tubercle. Such a topography is seen in the Senèze and Kuruksay crania. The Longdan maxilla shows no evidence of the formation of a maxillary sinus within the inferior portion of the thick maxillary body, as is seen in the Senèze cranium. Such a configuration could reflect the absence of a maxillary sinus in the Longdan specimen. Eastern Para. gansuensis might have dispersed eastward retaining a primitive condition, while central Para. sushkini would have acquired this feature independently in central Eurasia.
Basophil Activation Marker CD203c Is Useful in the Diagnosis of Hen’s Egg and Cow’s Milk Allergies in Children
Authors: Sato Sakura , Tachimoto Hiroshi , Shukuya Akinori , Kurosaka Norimasa , Yanagida Noriyuki , Utsunomiya Tomohiro , Iguchi Masamichi , Komata Takatsugu , Imai Takanori , Tomikawa Morimitsu , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: June 2010

Background: The diagnosis of food allergy (FA) is usually based on oral food challenge tests (OFC). However, OFCs occasionally induce severe adverse reactions. CD203c expression on basophils is emerging as a potential diagnostic index. We evaluated whether CD203c expression on basophils would be a useful marker of OFC-associated symptoms in hen’s egg and cow’s milk allergies in children. Methods: Seventy-one patients who had been diagnosed with FA based on OFCs or a convincing history of FA symptoms in the Department of Pediatrics, Sagamihara National Hospital, were recruited. CD203c expression was assessed after stimulation with antigens (egg white, ovomucoid, milk or casein) using allergenicity kits. The CD203c stimulation index (SI = the allergen-induced CD203c expression level divided by the baseline expression level) and the threshold of CD203c expression (the minimum concentration of antigen to induce CD203c SI ≧2) were analyzed in association with tolerance acquisition. Results: For the CD203c SI, the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve were 0.72 for egg white, 0.82 for ovomucoid, 0.84 for milk and 0.67 for casein. The positive predictive value for the threshold of CD203c expression was 94.7% for egg white, 100% for ovomucoid, 85.7% for milk and 75.0% for casein. Conclusions: Assessment of food antigen-induced CD203c expression on basophils is useful to determine if children will outgrow FA as well as in decision making regarding whether or not to perform OFCs.
Serum Eosinophil Cationic Protein and 27 Cytokines/Chemokines in Acute Exacerbation of Childhood Asthma
Authors: Kato Masahiko , Yamada Yoshiyuki , Maruyama Kenichi , Hayashi Yasuhide
Published: June 2010

Background: Little information is available on eosinophil activation and cytokine/chemokine responses in childhood asthma, thus we examined serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and 27 types of cytokines/chemokines in acute exacerbation of asthma (acute asthma) and stable asthma. Methods: We determined peripheral eosinophil count, and the serum levels of ECP and 27 types of cytokines/chemokines (IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -12, -13, -15 and -17, IFN-γ, IP-10, TNF-α, GM-CSF, G-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1α and -1β, eotaxin, RANTES, PDGF-bb, FGF basic and VEGF) using a multiplex bead-based assay in 85 acute and 79 stable asthma patients, and 14 controls. We also examined the effects of systemic corticosteroids on these responses in acute asthma. Results: The serum levels of ECP, IL-5, -6, -8 and -10, G-CSF, MCP-1, IL-1ra and IP-10 were significantly elevated in acute compared with stable asthma. Similarly, serum levels of ECP, IL-5 and IP-10 were significantly higher in acute asthma than in controls. Furthermore, in the acute phase, elevated serum levels of ECP, IL-5, IL-6, IL-1ra and IP-10, but not IL-8, IL-10, G-CSF and MCP-1 were significantly reduced after treatments that included systemic corticosteroids. Conclusion: Eosinophil activation could be induced by acute exacerbation of childhood asthma.
Differential Activation of Eosinophils by ‘Probiotic’ Bifidobacterium bifidum and ‘Pathogenic’ Clostridium difficile
Authors: Hosoki Koa , Nakamura Akiko , Nagao Mizuho , Hiraguchi Yukiko , Tokuda Reiko , Wada Hideo , Nobori Tsutomu , Fujisawa Takao
Published: June 2010

Background: Recent studies suggest that probiotics alleviate pathophysiological processes of allergic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases, whereas ‘non-probiotic’ microflora has negative effects. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well known, especially in relation to eosinophils, the major effector cells of these inflammatory diseases. Objective: To investigate the effects of probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum (BB) on human eosinophil functions compared with pathogenic Clostridium difficile (CD). Methods: Peripheral human eosinophils were cultured with heat-killed BB or CD. FISH-labeled CD and BB were incubated with eosinophils visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Superoxide generation and degranulation of eosinophils were measured with the cytochrome c reduction method and the eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) release assay, respectively. Results: Confocal microscopy revealed that Cy3-labeled CD and BB were apparently ingested by eosinophils. Both bacteria induced minimal superoxide generation. However, CD elicited significantly higher EDN release than BB. GM-CSF significantly enhanced EDN release by CD but not by BB. Bacterial-induced EDN release was calcium dependent. Conclusion: The beneficial effect of probiotic BB might be explained, at least in part, by its ability to decrease EDN release from eosinophils compared with ‘pathogenic’ CD.
Effect of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor on Allergic Inflammatory Cells
Authors: Ito Wataru , Takeda Masahide , Ueki Shigeharu , Tanigai Tomomi , Kayaba Hiroyuki , Chihara Junichi
Published: June 2010

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has multiple activities in a variety of tissues, and is known to prevent the onset and progression of various diseases, but the mechanisms by which HGF exert its beneficial effects remain to be elucidated, although many studies have shown that HGF exerts anti-inflammatory effects in multiple animal models of diseases of the liver, kidney, lung and other organs. Recently, we have reported that HGF also reduces allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma by ovalbumin. Furthermore, HGF directly modulates various functions of eosinophils, which have been shown to play a pivotal role in the development of allergic airway inflammation. HGF influences a number of cell types, and regulates various biological activities, including cytokine production, cell migration, proliferation and survival. This review focuses on the effect of HGF on various inflammatory cells, e.g. eosinophils and dendritic cells, in allergic reactions.
The Influence of Vascular Disease on Cognitive Performance in the Preclinical and Early Phases of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Laukka E.J. , Fratiglioni L. , Bäckman L.
Published: June 2010

Background/Aim: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most important causes of old-age cognitive impairment. We aimed to examine the influence of history of vascular disease on cognition in preclinical and early AD. Methods: Participants from a population-based study were assessed twice with a test of global cognition. The study sample was nondemented at baseline. Three years later, 138 persons were diagnosed with AD and 783 persons remained nondemented. History of vascular disease (heart disease, cerebrovascular disease) was assessed at both occasions. Results: Analyses of covariance revealed significant main effects of group (AD; comparison group) and vascular disease (present; absent) at baseline and follow-up (p < 0.01). At follow-up, a significant interaction indicated that the AD group was more negatively affected by vascular disease (p < 0.01). The fastest rate of cognitive decline was observed for those persons with preclinical AD who had new recordings of vascular disease. Conclusions: History of vascular disease has a negative impact on cognition in old age. This effect is most pronounced in persons in the earliest clinical phases of AD. Treatment of vascular risk factors in early AD might postpone time of diagnosis and slow down dementia progression.
Application of Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination to Diagnosis and Monitoring of Progressive Primary Aphasia
Authors: Leyton Cristian E. , Hornberger Michael , Mioshi Eneida , Hodges John R.
Published: June 2010

Background/Aims: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) comprises 2 main variants: semantic dementia (SD) and progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA). Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) has become widely used for the diagnosis of dementias. Less information, however, is available about its ability to detect and monitor changes in cognition in PPA. We aimed to analyse the sensitivity and longitudinal changes of ACE scores in 2 subforms of PPA. Methods: We included 63 SD and 45 PNFA cases, all of whom had at least 2 assessments. Sensitivity levels, annualised rates of change and difference in scores over time on repeated ACE measurements were calculated. Results: A cut-off of 88 points detected 95% of the PNFA and SD cases. Longitudinal analysis showed an average annual decline of 10 points per year, with no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: The ACE is a useful tool for detecting and tracking the evolution of PPA.
Protective Effect of High-Density Lipoprotein-Based Therapy in a Model of Embolic Stroke
Authors: Lapergue Bertrand , Moreno Juan-Antonio , Dang Bao Quoc , Coutard Michèle , Delbosc Sandrine , Raphaeli Guy , Auge Nathalie , Klein Isabelle , Mazighi Mikael , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Amarenco Pierre , Meilhac Olivier
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are inversely associated with stroke incidence, suggesting a protective effect. Using a rat model, we tested the hypothesis that HDL exerts direct vasculo-/neuroprotective effects when administered during the acute phase of embolic stroke.

Methods—

After embolic occlusion, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly treated intravenously with purified HDL versus saline immediately (2, 10 mg/kg) or 3 or 5 hours (10 mg/kg) after stroke. The effects of HDL were assessed blindly 24 hours later by evaluating neurological deficit score and measuring the infarct volume and blood–brain barrier breakdown. Protease activities and neutrophil infiltration were also evaluated.

Results—

HDL injection immediately after stroke (10 mg/kg) reduced by 68% the mortality at 24 hours (
P
=0.015). HDL administration immediately or at 3 or 5 hours after stroke also reduced cerebral infarct volume by 74%, 68%, and 70.7%, respectively (
P
=0.0003,
P
=0.011, and
P
=0.019; n=17 per group). The neurological deficit at 24 hours in the HDL-treated group was decreased versus the saline-treated group (
P
=0.015). Ischemia-induced blood–brain barrier breakdown was significantly reduced in HDL-treated rats versus controls (
P
=0.0045). Neuroprotective effects of HDL were associated with decreased neutrophil recruitment in the infarct area (
P
=0.0027) accompanied by reduced matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase activity. Immunostaining showed that HDL was associated with endothelial and glial cells, and also that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression was decreased in vessels within the infarct area.

Conclusions—

Administration of HDL is neuroprotective when performed up to 5 hours after experimental stroke. This effect may be attributed to the ability of HDL to protect the blood–brain barrier and limit neutrophil recruitment.
Quality Monitoring of Acute Stroke Care in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, 2001–2006
Authors: Grau Armin J. , Eicke Martin , Biegler Marcel K. , Faldum Andreas , Bamberg Christian , Haass Anton , Hardt Roland , Hufschmidt Andreas , Lowitzsch Klaus , Marx Jürgen , Schmitt Eberhard , Schoenemann Hartmut , von Arnim Wolf , Weiss Hagen , Dienlin Sieghard
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Quality monitoring projects are useful tools to improve the quality and to assess temporal trends of stroke care in larger populations.

Methods—

In Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, a statewide, hospital-based, acute stroke care quality monitoring project was started in 2001. Initially, participation was mandatory for all hospitals with dedicated stroke units and from 2006 onward was mandatory for all hospitals. Quality monitoring included a structured data assessment and quality indicators for procedural measures.

Results—

Between 2001 and 2006, the numbers of patients registered annually (N=6389 vs N=10 610), admission <3 hours after stroke onset (28.2% vs 34.6%), admission via emergency medical systems (38.1% vs 50.3%), and treatment in stroke units (44.3% vs 59.5%) increased significantly (
P
<0.0001, respectively). In ischemic stroke, use of thrombolytic therapy increased (for patients admitted <3 hours after onset, 6.5% vs 14.1%), whereas therapy with high-dose heparin declined (24.5% vs 6.0%,
P
<0.0001). Several quality indicators (performance of neuroimaging and Doppler/duplex sonography, neuroimaging <3 hours after admission) showed stable results at a high level; more patients received echocardiography (62.2% vs 74.0%), but fewer patients were rapidly examined by extracranial Doppler/duplex sonography (68.7% vs 62.8%,
P
<0.0001). Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, use of aspirin and combined aspirin/dipyridamole, and diagnosis of atrial fibrillation increased (
P
<0.0001, respectively). Use of oral anticoagulation remained stable at ≈38% of patients with cardioembolism.

Conclusions—

Although these results reflect high standards of acute stroke care and improvements regarding early admission, thrombolytic therapy, and several secondary preventive measures, there is still the potential for further improvement regarding thrombolysis, use of oral anticoagulation and statins, and admission to stroke units, for example.
Ethnic and Gender Disparities in Adolescent Obesity and Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure in a Rural US Population
Authors: Rodriguez Ruben , Mowrer Jana , Romo Jessica , Aleman April , Weffer Simón E. , Ortiz Rudy M.
Published: June 2010

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) in ethnically diverse adolescents (1064 males; 974 females; 13-17 years) in a rural community. Prevalence of overweight was 20.4% in females and 17.5% in males. In contrast, the prevalence of obesity was 29.4% in males and 14.5% in females. African American males had the highest prevalence of obesity (33.3%) compared with non-Hispanic whites (26.3%). Prevalence of elevated SBP was higher than pre-elevated SBP in males regardless of race/ethnicity, but not in females. Obese females had 4-fold and 9-fold greater odds of developing pre-elevated SBP and elevated SBP, respectively, than their normal weight cohorts. Prevalence of obesity is almost twice that of overweight in males in our rural population suggesting that adolescent males from disadvantaged, rural populations are potentially at a greater risk for metabolic disorders than those in major metropolitan areas.
Treatment Failure, Recurrence, and Antibiotic Prescription Rates for Different Acute Otitis Media Treatment Methods
Authors: Grubb Mark S. , Spaugh David C.
Published: June 2010

In an era of increasing antibiotic resistance, reliance on empirical antibiotic therapy for management of acute otitis media (AOM) will eventually become an untenable strategy. New research efforts are needed to identify effective treatment alternatives. In this retrospective analysis, we assessed AOM treatment failure (AOMTF), recurrent AOM (RAOM), and antibiotic prescription rates for groups of AOM episodes managed with either immediate antibiotics (ABX), tympanocentesis + observation (Tap + OBS), or tympanocentesis + immediate antibiotics (Tap + ABX). No significant differences in rates of AOMTF or RAOM were observed between any of the treatment groups. The 30-day rate of antibiotic prescriptions written for AOM was significantly lower in the TAP + OBS group (1 prescription per 3.8 episodes) than in the immediate antibiotic therapy groups (1.2 prescriptions per episode), P < .001. The comparative risk of AOMTF was slightly higher among AOM episodes caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (OR 2.523; CI 1.070-5.944; P = 0.056). Neither the presence of other particular otopathogens, nor the presence of drug-resistant otopathogens, nor the choice of any particular AOM antibiotic therapy correlated with increased risk of either AOMTF or RAOM. The observed absence of significant differences in clinical outcomes between the various treatment groups in this study is consistent with findings published by other authors: alternative AOM therapies can help reduce reliance on antibiotics without inviting significant increases in rates of clinical failure.
Testing for comparability of human values across countries and time with the third round of the European Social Survey
Authors: Davidov Eldad
Published: June 2010

This study tests the compatibility and comparability of the human values measurements from the third round of the European Social Survey (ESS) to measure the 10 values from Schwartz’s (1992) value theory in 25 countries. Furthermore, it explains the dangers associated with ignoring non-invariance before comparing the values across nations or over time, and specifically describes how invariance may be tested. After initially determining how many values can be identified for each country separately, the comparability of value measurements across countries is assessed using multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA). This is necessary to allow later comparisons of values’ correlates and means across countries. Finally, invariance of values over time (2002-07) is tested. Such invariance allows estimating aggregate value change and comparing it across countries meaningfully. In line with past results, only four to seven values can be identified in each country. Analyses reveal that the ESS value measurements are not suitable for measuring the 10 values; therefore, some adjacent values are unified. Furthermore, a subset of eight countries displays metric invariance for seven values, and metric invariance for six values is found for 21 countries. This finding indicates that values in these countries have similar meanings, and their correlates may be compared but not their means. Finally, temporal scalar invariance is evidenced within countries and over time thus allowing longitudinal value change to be studied in all the participating countries.
Toleration, neutrality and historical illiteracy
Authors: Tate John William
Published: June 2010

John Gray has acquired international prominence and notoriety for his trenchant and uncompromising critique of the liberal tradition. According to Gray, the pervasive value pluralism that characterizes the contemporary world has rendered liberalism, and in particular its theory of toleration, both historically redundant and theoretically obsolete as a means of ensuring peaceful coexistence between competing values and practices. Gray insists that his alternative political framework of modus vivendi is far more capable of achieving these outcomes. This paper challenges Gray’s account of the liberal tradition, and its theory of toleration, revealing the shortcomings of that account at a historical and philosophical level. It argues that liberalism emerged in a European context characterized by precisely the sort of pluralism that Gray associates with the contemporary world, and was specifically conceived to deal with it in a manner which is still relevant today. In this way, it is possible to rescue the liberal tradition from the theoretical obsolescence and historical redundancy to which Gray seeks to consign it.
Face recognition across varying poses in 7- and 9-month-old infants: The role of facial expression
Authors: Gross Cornelia , Schwarzer Gudrun
Published: June 2010

Three studies were conducted to determine whether 7- and 9-month-old infants generalize face identity to a novel pose of the same face when only internal face sections with and without an emotional expression were presented. In Study 1, 7- and 9-month-old infants were habituated to a full frontal or three-quarter pose of a face with neutral facial expression. In Study 2, 7-month-olds were habituated to a face with a positive or negative expression. In the novelty preference test, immediately following habituation, infants were shown a pair of faces: the habituation face in a novel pose and a novel face in the same pose. Generalization of facial identity was inferred from longer fixation time to the novel face. Whereas 7-month-old infants did not dishabituate to the novel face with neutral expression, 9-month-olds fixated longer on the novel face with neutral expression (Study 1). However, when faces displayed a positive or negative expression 7-month-olds also looked longer at the novel face, indicating generalization of the habituation face to a novel pose (Study 2). Study 3 showed that 7-montholds’ generalization ability in Study 2 cannot be explained by an inability to discriminate between the two poses of the habituation face. Results showed 9- but not 7-month-olds recognized neutral looking faces in a novel pose, and 7-month-olds’ face recognition ability was enhanced by emotional facial expression.
System Development and Demonstration of a Cooperative UAV Team for Mapping and Tracking
Authors: Cole David T. , Thompson Paul , Göktoğan Ali Haydar , Sukkarieh Salah
Published: June 2010

We present the implementation and demonstration of a team of two fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles whose task is to improve the localization accuracy of a number of ground-based features. The underlying algorithmic paradigm is based on over a decade’s worth of work on Decentralized Data Fusion and Control. We present the components of the architecture, including vehicle localization, feature tracking, path planning and cooperative control. The algorithms described are implemented on a complete Unmanned Aerial System. Three demonstrations were performed, with varying levels of cooperation between team members. We present the results of these demonstrations and compare the performance of the team in completing the mission along with a quantitative understanding of the benefits achieved.
Treatment of Glenohumeral Arthrosis
Authors: Boselli Karen J. , Ahmad Christopher S. , Levine William N.
Published: June 2010

The successful diagnosis and treatment of glenohumeral arthrosis in the young and active patient can be challenging to even the most experienced of clinicians. A thorough preoperative evaluation, including a detailed understanding of patient expectations, facilitates the selection of a treatment strategy. Arthroscopy is the gold standard for detecting chondral injuries, and it is increasingly used as an effective first line of management. In patients who fail arthroscopic debridement and reparative techniques, further treatment should proceed with an algorithmic decision-making approach encompassing patient-based and disease-based factors. Restorative and reconstructive techniques may provide improvements in pain and functional outcome while delaying the need for total shoulder arthroplasty, although the longevity of these treatments has yet to be established in the literature. Hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty have historically proven to be the most durable and reliable options in properly selected patients. However, concerns about progressive glenoid erosion and glenoid component loosening have led many to pursue alternative nonarthroplasty techniques for the management of arthrosis in active young individuals.
Assessing odour nuisance from wastewater treatment and composting facilities in Greece
Authors: Lasaridi Katia , Katsabanis George , Kyriacou Adamantini , Maggos Thomas , Manios Thrassyvoulos , Fountoulakis Mihalis , Kalogerakis Nicolas , Karageorgos Petros , Stentiford Edward Ian
Published: June 2010

The problem of odour nuisances in Greece was explored using: (a) field measurements of a range of malodorous compounds (hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, benzene, toluene, xylenes, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl-mercaptan and carbonyl sulfide) from selected wastewater treatment plants and composting facilities; and (b) questionnaires, completed by wastewater treatment plant operators, to investigate potential odour problems, the odour abatement technologies used, and potential interest and motives for adopting such technologies. The sparse information available in the literature is also exploited. Results indicate that on several occasions there was an odour problem, often stemming from the uncontrolled city sprawl, which results in mixed and often conflicting land uses. This is particularly true for wastewater treatment plants, which tend to be built close to built-up areas and highlights the importance of town planning as a tool to minimize odour problems. Measurement of odours and/or odour related gases is not commonly practised in Greece, while the odour abatement systems currently used are often considered inadequate by plant managers who do have an active interest in using more efficient and effective technologies. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic effort to monitor the odour nuisance in the country.
High-Intensity Rehabilitation for Violent Offenders in New Zealand: Reconviction Outcomes for High- and Medium-Risk Prisoners
Authors: Polaschek Devon L. L.
Published: June 2010

As the empirical evidence accumulates, so does confidence that carefully designed and delivered rehabilitation approaches can reduce risk. Yet little is known about how to rehabilitate some specialized groups, such as high-risk violent offenders: career criminals with an extensive history of violent behavior. Since 1998, New Zealand’s Rimutaka Violence Prevention Unit (RPVU) has provided intensive cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation to violent men. In this evaluation, 112 medium- and high-risk prisoners who entered the program after 1998 are case matched to 112 untreated men. Reconviction outcome data over an average of 3.5 years postrelease show that 10% to 12% fewer program completers were reconvicted for violence compared to their untreated controls. High-risk completers also are less likely to be reconvicted for any offense. Those men who opted out of the study are a slightly higher-risk group than those who completed it, but noncompletion does not further increase their risk. Given the lack of program theory, and formidable practical challenges involved in working with such a high-risk group, these results are very promising.
Is Reporting of Rape on the Rise? A Comparison of Women With Reported Versus Unreported Rape Experiences in the National Women’s Study-Replication
Authors: Wolitzky-Taylor Kate B. , Resnick Heidi S. , McCauley Jenna L. , Amstadter Ananda B. , Kilpatrick Dean G. , Ruggiero Kenneth J.
Published: June 2010

Rape affects one in seven women nationwide. Historically, most rape victims do not report rape to law enforcement. Research is needed to identify barriers to reporting and correlates of reporting to guide policy recommendations that address such barriers. We investigated the prevalence of reporting rape among a national sample of women ( N = 3,001) interviewed in 2006. The study also examined predictors of reporting as well as barriers to reporting, concerns about reporting, and women’s experiences with the reporting process. Results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of reporting (15.8%) has not significantly increased since the 1990s. Differences were found between rape types, with rapes involving drug or alcohol incapacitation or facilitation being less likely to be reported than forcible rapes. Several predictors of reporting emerged in multivariable analyses. Implications for public health and public policy are discussed.
Identifying Subtypes of Spousal Assaulters Using the B-SAFER
Authors: Thijssen Jill , de Ruiter Corine
Published: June 2010

In the present study, a structured risk assessment instrument for intimate partner violence, the Brief Spousal Assault Form for the Evaluation of Risk (B-SAFER), was coded for 146 files of spousal assault cases from the Dutch probation service, dating from 2004 and 2005. The aim of the study was twofold: (a) to validate Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart’s typology using the risk factors of the B-SAFER and (b) to examine the relationship between the subtypes found and recidivism rates. Four subtypes of assaulters were identified: family only, generally violent/antisocial, low-level antisocial, and psychopathology. These subtypes were comparable to the subtypes found in previous studies. The generally violent/antisocial subtype had the highest recidivism rate, although not significantly different from the other three subtypes.