bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with Caregivers’ Underestimation of Quality of Life in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhao Hongmei , Novella Jean-Luc , Dramé Moustapha , Mahmoudi Rachid , Barbe Coralie , di Pollina Laura , Aquino Jean-Pierre , Pfitzenmeyer Pierre , Rouaud Olivier , George Marie-Yvonne , Ankri Joël , Blanchard François , Jolly Damien
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with differences between how Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and their caregivers rate the patient’s health-related quality of life (QoL). Methods: Cross-sectional, multicentre study. Patients were 65 years or more, suffering from mild to moderate AD, native French speakers, with a main caregiver. Interrater agreement of the QoL-AD was assessed using the intraclass coefficient. A generalised linear model was used to identify factors related to the difference in health-related QoL scores between patients and their caregivers. Results: The 122 patients of the study were 82 ± 6 years old and mainly women (69%). Independent factors related to the difference between patients and caregivers were: Mini Mental State Exam score (β = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.05–0.59); instrumental activities of daily living score (β = –0.61; 95% CI = –1.14 to –0.07); total Neuropsychiatric Inventory score (β = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.05–0.59), and Zarit’s burden score (β = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.01–0.17). Conclusion: Practitioners must take into account the trend towards underestimation when health-related QoL is rated by caregivers or proxies.
Successful Surgical Excision of a Nondysraphic Holodorsal Intramedullary Lipoma in a 14-Month-Old Child
Authors: Kumar Amandeep , Chandra P.S. , Bisht Ajay , Garg Ajay , Mahapatra Ashok K. , Sharma M.C.
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Nondysraphic intramedullary lipomas of the spinal cord are rare lesions. They are most commonly seen in the second or third decade of life. Their occurrence in the pediatric age group is even rarer. Case Report: The authors describe a 14-month-old child who presented with delayed motor milestones involving the bilateral lower limbs. The child was unable to sit or stand. MRI revealed a dorsally located intramedullary lipoma extending from C7 to D12. The child underwent C7–L1 laminotomy and gross total excision of the lipoma. Postoperatively, the child improved neurologically and attained normal power in the bilateral lower limbs. Discussion: Very few cases of extensive intramedullary lipomas involving the dorsal cord have previously been reported. Only two cases of pediatric extensive dorsal lipomas have been mentioned to date. The authors describe successful surgical excision of a holodorsal intramedullary lipoma in a 14-month-old child. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case being reported of a holodorsal intramedullary lipoma in the youngest patient.
Mortality Rates in Trials of Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Barkoudah Ebrahim , Skali Hicham , Uno Hajime , Solomon Scott D. , Pfeffer Marc A.
Published: February 2012

Background

In randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus, mortality rates vary substantially. We sought to examine the inclusion and exclusion criteria of these RCTs to explore relationships with mortality.

Methods and Results

MEDLINE database was searched from August 1980 through March 2011. Selection criterion included published RCTs of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus of at least 1000 patients, reporting all‐cause mortality and having follow‐up duration of at least 1 year. Twenty‐two trials were eligible. Annualized mortality rates were derived. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were tabulated for each trial. Trials were categorized in 4 groups according to annual mortality rates: <1, ≥1 to <2, ≥2 to <4, and ≥4 per 100 patient‐years. The analysis cohort included 91842 patients and 6837 deaths. Mortality rates ranged from 0.28 to 8.24 per 100 patient‐years. Patients enrolled in the highest mortality category were more likely to be older and had longer diabetes duration and higher blood pressure. The selection for hypertension was common in the low‐ as well as high‐mortality trials. Although the mortality rates were higher in RCTs with prior cardiovascular morbidity, the selection for chronic kidney disease—defined by either higher serum creatinine or lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and/or the presence of proteinuria—was associated with the highest mortality rates.

Conclusions

In this analysis of RCTs of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a 29‐fold difference in annualized mortality was observed. In these RCTs, selection for renal disease, defined by either decline in renal function or presence of proteinuria, portends important mortality risk.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00303979
A Simple Computational Cell: Coupling Boolean Gene and Protein Networks
Authors: Bull Larry
Published: February 2012

This article presents an abstract, tunable model containing two of the principal information-processing features of cells and explores its use with simulated evolution. The random Boolean model of genetic regulatory networks is extended to include a protein interaction network. The underlying behavior of the resulting two coupled dynamical networks is investigated before their evolvability is explored using a version of the NK model of fitness landscapes.
Remote Sensing Evaluation of CLM4 GPP for the Period 2000–09*
Authors: Mao Jiafu , Thornton Peter E. , Shi Xiaoying , Zhao Maosheng , Post Wilfred M.
Published: February 2012

Remote sensing can provide long-term and large-scale products helpful for ecosystem model evaluation. The authors compare monthly gross primary production (GPP) simulated by the Community Land Model, version 4 (CLM4) at a half-degree resolution with satellite estimates of GPP from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) GPP product (MOD17) for the 10-yr period January 2000–December 2009. The assessment is presented in terms of long-term mean carbon assimilation, seasonal mean distributions, amplitude and phase of the annual cycle, and intraannual and interannual GPP variability and their responses to climate variables. For the long-term annual and seasonal means, major GPP patterns are clearly demonstrated by both products. Compared to the MODIS product, CLM4 overestimates the magnitude of GPP for tropical evergreen forests. CLM4 has a longer carbon uptake period than MODIS for most plant functional types (PFTs) with an earlier onset of GPP in spring and a later decline of GPP in autumn. Empirical orthogonal function analysis of the monthly GPP changes indicates that, on the intraannual scale, both CLM4 and MODIS display similar spatial representations and temporal patterns for most terrestrial ecosystems except in northeast Russia and in the very dry region of central Australia. For 2000–09, CLM4 simulated increases in annual averaged GPP over both hemispheres; however, estimates from MODIS suggest a reduction in the Southern Hemisphere (−0.2173 PgC yr−1), balancing the significant increase over the Northern Hemisphere (0.2157 PgC yr−1). The evaluations highlight strengths and weaknesses of the CLM4 primary production and illuminate potential improvements and developments.
Vatican II on the Liturgical Presence of Christ
Authors: Gerald O’Collins SJ
Published: February 2012

In its Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy ( Sacrosanctum concilium, December 1963), Vatican II listed five modes in which the risen Christ is actively present in the liturgical celebrations of the Church. Four of these five modes emerge strongly in the revised rites published from 1969 into the 1970s. But post-Vatican II sacramental theology has not displayed much interest in the five modes of Christ’s presence. The lack of an analysis of ‘presence’ may be a major reason for this neglect. The article proposes ten characteristics of presence: as relational, mediated, personal, free, transformative, costly, bodily, multiform, feminine, and future-oriented.
The Anglo-Irish War (1919–1921): Just War or Unjust Rebellion?
Authors: McGrath Andrew
Published: February 2012

The Anglo-Irish War (1919–1921) has rarely been discussed or analysed in terms of just war theory; however, at the time both its defenders and detractors employed principles which are recognizably derived from just war principles, even if in most cases they did not invoke the theory by name. Despite considerable variety within each group in terms of their application of just war principles and their interpretation of the historical events, the Republican commentators tend to focus almost exclusively on jus ad bellum (just cause), whereas the Imperialists tend to concentrate on jus in bellum (just conduct).
The Universal Work of the Holy Spirit in the Missiology of Pope John Paul II
Authors: McGregor Peter John
Published: February 2012

This article examines John Paul II’s understanding of the universal work of the Holy Spirit and the possible salvific role of other religions. It examines various critiques of his thought on these questions and concludes that, for him, the work of the Holy Spirit is never separated from the work of Christ. It maintains that, for John Paul II, there is no salvation apart from Christ, the Holy Spirit is working in every human heart, there are spiritual riches in other religions through which God can influence people, these ‘seeds of the Word’ are preparations for the fullness of the Gospel, and the Church plays a necessary role in mediating salvation to all. Dialogue with other religions and respect for their spiritual riches are not opposed to evangelization; rather, such dialogue and respect are expressions of evangelization.
Analysis and design procedures for the flexural behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite poles
Authors: Metiche Slimane , Masmoudi Radhouane
Published: February 2012

Earlier research progress on using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite poles for transmission lines revealed that the use of these poles is economically viable and industrially reliable. While this promising alternative technique is coming to be widely accepted in practice and evolving to become the future of the construction in transmission lines, the development of appropriate design guidelines that deal with detailed analysis of such poles has lagged behind. Design approaches for conventional steel/wood poles were influential in providing safety and robustness to these poles. However, little advanced approaches focused on the design of fiber-reinforced polymer poles. This is the focus of the present paper. The available design procedures of fiber-reinforced polymer poles are based on the allowable stress design theory of composite material under various states of stress. However, various experimental results show that cracking and early failure of fiber-reinforced polymer poles are normally controlled by the relative location of the opening from the base of the pole. Most of the design guidelines ignore such effect and accounts only for the effect of these holes by considering their influence on the abrupt reduction in the cross-sectional area of the poles. These guidelines do not give a specific attention to the impact of the opening on the generated stress concentrations in their vicinity. Furthermore, local buckling at a nearby area of the opening generally dominates the mode of failure of such poles that requires more attention to the relative locations of the openings. A new design approach is introduced to accurately evaluate the design equations for the flexural behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer -composite poles. The accuracy of both the developed design procedures and that of existing design approaches are verified by comparison with documented test results of an early experimental program of the authors.
meSO: simulation optimization using a multicriteria process capability index and evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Otamendi F Javier
Published: February 2012

A successful implementation of a simulation-optimization (SO) methodology is presented. Based on evolutionary algorithms with a multicriteria fitness function, the new SO is used to developed weekly schedules at a ship building factory that manufactures around 60 jobs per week. Simulation modeling is used to account for randomness on the input data, as well as to correctly abstract the complex operations carried out in the real system. A variant of genetic algorithms is used to search for the appropriate schedule. Its fitness function is a multicriteria process capability index that aggregates three individual criteria, namely, makespan, line blockage and idleness of resources. The index is based on the satisfaction of thresholds for each and every criterion, thresholds that are tightened as improved schedules are found. The thresholds are also used to reject non-promising alternatives without having to perform the same number of runs as for the candidates that stand out for implementation. The name of the methodology is meSO: multicriteria evolutionary SO.
Universal power line manager for wind turbine generator connected to microgrid
Authors: JenoPaul P , Raglend I Jacob , Prakash T Ruban Deva
Published: February 2012

A wind power plant meets so many power quality issues when it is connected to a microgrid. This paper envisages a new power quality conditioner to regulate the supply frequency, to control the power flow, to minimize the current harmonics and to regulate the voltage for a fixed-speed induction-type wind generator. The proposed new power line conditioner is called the universal power line manager (UPLM). The control circuit of the UPLM is the combination of the control system of the unified power quality conditioner, power flow control and a frequency regulator. For these reasons, the compensator proposed here is called the UPLM. The complete system has been developed, analysed and validated by Matlab/Simulink study. Simulation results are presented to confirm that the new approach has a better performance for wind turbine generation.
Impact of methylprednisolone in priming solution of cardiopulmonary bypass on anti-inflammatory CD163 receptor during cardiac surgery
Authors: Krejsek J , Mandak J , Kunes P , Lonsky V , Kolackova M , Jankovicova K , Andrys C
Published: February 2012

We evaluated the influence of methylprednisolone in cardiopulmonary bypass fluid on scavenger receptor for hemoglobin CD163 molecule expression on monocytes of patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass with either exposure to methylprednisolone present in the cardiopulmonary bypass fluid (20 patients), or without methylprednisolone in the cardiopulmonary bypass fluid (22 patients) and operated on without cardiopulmonary bypass (42 patients). The dynamics of CD163 expression was also followed in patients operated on without cardiopulmonary bypass. This study was a retrospective analysis of a comparison of two studies. The expression of CD163 was determined quantitatively by standardized flow cytometry technique. The similarities in the dynamics of CD163 monocyte expression, comparing the patients operated on with or without cardiopulmonary bypass, were found. Compared to the preoperative level, CD163 monocyte expression was significantly elevated on the 1st postoperative day. Monocyte CD163 expression on the 1st postoperative day was evidently similar in both groups of patients operated without cardiopulmonary bypass (median value of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) 18,896; interquartile range from 27,538 to 57,711; median value of MFI 18,863; interquartile range from 16,514 to 26,559; n.s.), suggesting high reproducibility of our flow cytometric method; the monocyte CD163 expression was significantly higher (median value of MFI 37,902; interquartile range from 27,538 to 57,711) on the 1st postoperative day in patients exposed to methylprednisolone compared to patients without this exposure (median value of MFI 20,995; interquartile range from 16,321 to 29,623) (p<0.001).

We concluded that the expression of hemoglobin scavenger receptor CD163 on monocytes of cardiac surgical patients is induced by methylprednisolone present in cardiopulmonary bypass fluid.
On being all things to all people: Boundary organizations and the contemporary research university
Authors: Parker John , Crona Beatrice
Published: February 2012

This article examines the challenges and tensions that inhere in university-based boundary organizations. We begin by reconceptualizing the theory of boundary organizations, bringing it into greater alignment with the realities of the current university environment. Using in-depth interviews, documentary analysis and ethnographic field work, this framework is applied to a university-based boundary organization attempting to reconcile the needs of water policymakers, university administrators, university departments, and funding agencies. These stakeholders place diverse, conflicting demands on the boundary organization. Those demands create four sets of enduring tensions requiring ongoing management by the boundary organization. However, the ability to manage these tensions is structured by constituents’ relative levels of power, legitimacy, and saliency. We show the importance of adaptive boundary management for managing these enduring tensions, while also concluding that the demands of some stakeholders may be incommensurable. The article closes with a number of concrete suggestions for enhancing the efficacy of university-based boundary organizations.
Becoming differently modern
Authors: Head Lesley , Gibson Chris
Published: February 2012

Anthropogenic climate change is a quintessentially modern problem in its historical origins and discursive framing, but how well does modernist thinking provide us with the tools to solve the problems it created? On one hand even though anthropogenic climate change is argued to be a problem of human origins, solutions to which will require human actions and engagements, modernity separates people from climate change in a number of ways. On the other, while amodern or more-than-human concepts of multiple and relational agency are more consistent with the empirical evidence of humans being deeply embedded in earth surface processes, these approaches have not sufficiently accounted for human power in climate change, nor articulated generative pathways forward. We argue that recent research in human geography has much to offer because it routinely combines both deconstructive impulses and empirical compulsions (ethnographic, material, embodied, practice-based). It has a rather unique possibility to be both deconstructive and generative/creative. We bring together more-than-human geographies and cross-scalar work on agency and governance to suggest how to reframe climate change and climate change response in two main ways: elaborating human and non-human continuities and differences, and identifying and harnessing vernacular capacities.
Acoustic emission techniques for failure characterisation in composite top-hat stiffeners
Authors: Raju  , Azmi AI , Prusty BG
Published: February 2012

Modern day aerospace, automotive, marine, mechanical and civil structures rely on the advanced composites for their added benefits over conventional metallic structures. The complex damage process in composites involves various failure modes such as matrix cracking, fibre-matrix debonding, fibre fracture and delamination. This paper presents an acoustic emission technique for the failure characterisation of top-hat stiffener specimens using conventional piezoelectric acoustic emission sensors and modern fibre Bragg Gratings. Strain insensitive fibre Bragg Grating sensors are used in this experimental investigation to compare the performance of piezoelectric sensors for composite structures. This work has contributed to the development of an acoustic emission sensing system based on fibre Bragg Gratings. Main objectives of this work are to compare the sensing characteristics simultaneously in a composite structure with a surface-bonded acoustic emission–fibre Bragg Grating sensor and acoustic emission–piezoelectric sensor. The feasibility of the system is demonstrated in typical applications of in-situ structural health monitoring based on acoustic emission techniques.
Experiment and modeling on axial behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer confined concrete cylinders with different sizes
Authors: Liang Meng , Wu Zhi-Min , Ueda Tamon , Zheng Jian-Jun , Akogbe Romuald
Published: February 2012

In most experiments, small-size fiber reinforced polymer–confined concrete cylinders are used to study the axial compressive behavior. Based on the experimental results, many strength models and stress–strain relationships of confined concrete have been established. Whether the experiment-based strength models and stress–strain relationships can be directly applied to large-size circular concrete columns, however, is still an open issue. To clarify this issue, this article studies the influence of specimen sizes on the axial behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer confined concrete cylinders. Three types of concrete cylinders with diameters of 100, 200, and 300 mm, wrapped with one ply, two plies, and three plies of carbon fiber reinforced polymer, respectively, are cast and tested. The experimental results show that, under identical lateral confining stress, the compressive strength and axial stress–strain relationship are independent of the specimen size. Based on theoretical analysis and experimental data, an analysis-oriented stress–strain relationship and an analytical strength model are developed to predict the axial compressive behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer–confined concrete cylinders. The validity of the stress–strain relationship and strength model is verified with the experimental results and 16 existing models obtained from the literature.
Good Guys With Guns
Authors: Stroud Angela
Published: February 2012

In most states in the U.S. it is legal to carry a concealed handgun in public, but little is known about why people want to do this. While the existing literature argues that guns symbolize masculinity, most research on the actual use of guns has focused on marginalized men. The issue of concealed handguns is interesting because they must remain concealed and because relatively privileged men are most likely to have a license to carry one. Using in-depth interviews with 20 men, this article explores how they draw on discourses of masculinity to explain their use of concealed handguns. These men claim that they are motivated by a desire to protect their wives and children, to compensate for lost strength as they age, and to defend themselves against people and places they perceive as dangerous, especially those involving racial/ethnic minority men. These findings suggest that part of the appeal of carrying a concealed firearm is that it allows men to identify with hegemonic masculinity through fantasies of violence and self-defense.
N-Acetylcysteine amide protects against methamphetamine-induced tissue damage in CD-1 mice
Authors: Zhang X , Tobwala S , Ercal N
Published: February 2012

Methamphetamine (METH), a highly addictive drug used worldwide, induces oxidative stress in various animal organs, especially the brain. This study evaluated oxidative damage caused by METH to tissues in CD-1 mice and identified a therapeutic drug that could protect against METH-induced toxicity. Male CD-1 mice were pretreated with a novel thiol antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA, 250 mg/kg body weight) or saline. Following this, METH (10 mg/kg body weight) or saline intraperitoneal injections were administered every 2 h over an 8-h period. Animals were killed 24 h after the last exposure. NACA-treated animals exposed to METH experienced significantly lower oxidative stress in their kidneys, livers, and brains than the untreated group, as indicated by their levels of glutathione, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl and their catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity. This suggests that METH induces oxidative stress in various organs and that a combination of NACA as a neuro- or tissue-protective agent, in conjunction with current treatment, might effectively treat METH abusers.
Dengue fever evolving into systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis: a case report
Authors: Rajadhyaksha A , Mehra S
Published: February 2012

Dengue viremia may be the trigger for immune complex formation in patients who are predisposed to developing autoimmune disease. We report a rare case of dengue virus infection evolving into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of dengue fever evolving into lupus nephritis.

A 22 year old female presented with having had high grade fever, skin rash, breathlessness, retro-orbital pain, abdominal pain, arthralgias and myalgias for 10 days. She tested positive for dengue immunoglobulin M (IgM). She was given supportive treatment and was subsequently discharged. Four weeks later she developed recurrent fever, arthralgia, rash and anasarca. She was suspected as having SLE with active lupus nephritis. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), and anti double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti dsDNA) titers were positive and complements were low. Renal biopsy showed diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis grade IV. She was treated with steroids and immunosuppressants to which she responded. Dengue viremia incites antibody production, which if excessive causes deposition of viral antigen-antibody immune complexes. This could possibly lead to renal tubular damage and glomerulonephritis in susceptible individuals. Dengue fever leading to development of glomerulonephritis is rarely seen. Our patient developed dengue fever and after a month presented with manifestations of SLE and lupus nephritis. Both dengue fever and SLE have common manifestations of fever, arthralgia, rash, leucopenia with thrombocytopenia and serositis. Bacterial and viral infections may act as a ‘trigger’ for starting or relapsing lupus activity in genetically predetermined individuals. In our case it may be possible that dengue virus could have triggered a dysfunctional immune response, resulting in the developing of autoimmunity and SLE with lupus nephritis.
Clinical implications and prognostic significance of thrombocytopenia in Tunisian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jallouli M , Frigui M , Marzouk S , Snoussi M , Kechaou M , Kaddour N , Masmoudi H , Elloumi M , Bahloul Z
Published: February 2012

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the role of thrombocytopenia in terms of disease manifestations, disease activity and prognostic impact in a cohort of Tunisian systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods: The charts of 182 SLE patients diagnosed between 1996 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical manifestations, immunological profiles, disease activity, SLE relapses and survival rate at the time of follow-up were recorded. Results: Thrombocytopenia (<100,000/mm3) and severe thrombocytopenia (<20,000/mm3) was observed in 19.2% and 4.4%, respectively. Hemorrhagic manifestations were observed in 11 patients (31.4%). Thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with splenomegaly, renal disorders, neurologic manifestations, arterial thrombosis, leucopenia, low C3 level at SLE diagnosis, SLE relapses and infectious complications. Using multivariate logistic regression, thrombocytopenia was independently associated with splenomegaly (odds ratio [OR] = 9.36, p = 0.001), neurologic manifestations (OR = 4.6, p = 0.006) and renal disease (OR = 4.15, p = 0.02). By multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, thrombocytopenia was associated with the occurrence of mortality after adjusting for variables known to influence it (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.79, p = 0.045). The cause of death was unrelated to hemorrhagic complications in all patients. Conclusion: Our results, concerning North-African SLE patients, confirm the findings of previous studies which suggest that thrombocytopenia correlates with more severe disease and has a negative impact on the survival of lupus patients.
Creating the conditions for self-fulfilment for aged care residents
Authors: Brownie Sonya , Horstmanshof Louise
Published: February 2012

In 1991 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Principles for Older Persons as a framework for international policy responses to population ageing. These principles promote independence, participation, care, self-fulfilment and dignity as legitimate entitlements of all older people. Although these principles, or variations of them, are embedded in standards of best-practice in residential aged care facilities, the literature shows that in reality institutional care can deny older people opportunities to exercise some of these entitlements. More specifically, residential aged care facilities can deprive older people of access and support to pursue opportunities for the full development of their potential, i.e. their entitlement to self-fulfilment. This discussion article explores the influence of institutional care on older people’s ability to exercise their entitlement to self-fulfilment. We identify the characteristics of a ‘good life’ in institutional care, according to aged care residents themselves. The Eden Alternative™ is presented as a model of aged care that aims to create the conditions for a ‘good life’ and self-fulfilment for aged care residents.
Electrolocation of multiple objects based on temporal sweep motions
Authors: Sim Miyoung , Kim DaeEun
Published: February 2012

Weakly electric fish use self-generated electric fields to identify prey, explore their surroundings, and communicate with conspecifics. They have electroreceptors over their entire skin surfaces, and readings from these electroreceptors form electric images. The characteristics of electric images include important information such as the locations, shapes, and electrical properties of target objects. The lateral distance to a target object can be estimated using the rate between maximal slope and maximal amplitude, or relative slope, and provides a direct cue to localize target objects, irrespective of size and electrical properties. Sensor readings acquired from distributions of electroreceptors are interpreted as spatial electric images. Temporal electric images can be assessed using a single electroreceptor by back-and-forth swimming. Some species of weakly electric fish engage in back-and-forth swimming behavior during foraging and can use spatiotemporal information to localize objects. With active body movement and forward swimming, a single electroreceptor can scan the time course of potential perturbation caused by a target object. If there is more than one target object, electric images may be distorted by interactions between individual images. In this paper, we suggest that temporal relative slope is an effective measure for the electrolocation of multiple objects by robotic systems. We investigate the characteristics of temporal relative slopes based on back-and-forth sweeping motions to localize multiple spherical objects via modeling experiments. This method can be applied to biomimetic robotic systems in the underwater environment.
An overlapping-based process model for managing schedule and cost risk in product development
Authors: Yang Qing , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yao Tao
Published: February 2012

Overlapping between development activities stemming from concurrent engineering may not only reduce duration of a project but also create rework risk. This article presents a process modeling and analysis technique for managing complex product development projects using optimization and simulation techniques. In order to analyze the forced overlapped process with lead–risk, we propose evolution and sensitivity design structure matrix for reflecting overlapping and their impact on the degree of activity sensitivity and evolution in the process model. Using the design structure matrix, we present the schedule and cost model associated with iteration, overlapping, and rework by incorporating many more general characteristics of complex design processes. The model can be used for better project planning and control by identifying overlapping and risk for process improvements, and for evaluating alternative planning and execution strategies. An industrial example, a tactics aerocraft preliminary development design process at a company, is provided to illustrate the utility of the model using optimization and discrete-event simulation. The optimization model maximizes the compressed time associated with overlapping and yields several managerial insights, including optimization analysis of project activity sequence, how overlapping and rework risk impact on project schedule and cost, trading off schedule and cost risk.
Mathematical modeling for seismic response of steel bridges with internal damping systems
Authors: Raftoyiannis Ioannis G , Michaltsos George T
Published: February 2012

The present work deals with internal damping systems aiming to reduce the torsional and torsional-flexural modal amplitudes in steel bridges with open or closed cross sections. The effect of internal damping systems on the vibration modes and modal amplitudes is studied using simple models of bridges subjected to earthquake actions and useful results are gathered that can be used for design purposes.
Semi-active damping of drive systems
Authors: Frey Siegfried , Groh Konrad , Verl Alexander
Published: February 2012

Drive systems as used in machinery and technical applications often suffer from insufficient system damping. In order to improve the damping characteristic, the method of semi-active control is proposed. Specific requirements associated with drive systems are pointed out and addressed in the course of this paper. Based on the classical sky-hook damping a novel semi-active control strategy, well suited for use in drive systems, is presented. The fundamental background is explained on a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) drive model and stability is proven by means of the direct method of Lyapunov. Finally the control strategy is verified on an experimental test bench and proof for the effectiveness and applicability of this method is given.
Various gradient elasticity theories in predicting vibrational response of single-walled carbon nanotubes with arbitrary boundary conditions
Authors: Ansari R , Gholami R , Rouhi H
Published: February 2012

This article deals with the development and use of different gradient beam theories in order to predict the vibrational behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). To address the problem of free vibration, the Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories in conjunction with the gradient elasticity theories including stress, strain and combined strain/inertia are implemented. The generalized differential quadrature method is employed to numerically solve the problem which can treat various boundary conditions. The results generated from the present gradient models are compared with those from molecular dynamics simulations as a benchmark of good accuracy and the proper values of small length scales used in the gradient models are proposed. This study shows prominent differences between various gradient models when the nanotube becomes very short (for aspect ratios of approximately lower than six). It is indicated that applying the strain gradient elasticity by incorporation of inertia gradients yields more reliable results especially for shorter length SWCNTs on account of two small-scale factors related to the inertia and strain gradients. Moreover, since with the reduction in the aspect ratio of nanotubes the effects of boundary conditions become dominant, a discussion is given to investigate the influence of end conditions on the vibrational characteristics of SWCNTs.
Therapists’ Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practices and Implementation of Parent–Child Interaction Therapy
Authors: Nelson Melanie McDiarmid , Shanley Jenelle R. , Funderburk Beverly W. , Bard Elizabeth
Published: February 2012

Child abuse and neglect affects many families each year, but evidence-based parent training programs can be instrumental in reducing maltreatment. Parent–Child Interaction Therapy, a parent training program developed for treatment of disruptive child behavior, has demonstrated effectiveness with families at risk of or exposed to child maltreatment. However, methods for disseminating this evidence-based intervention in community settings are not well understood. This study examined the association between community-based therapists’ attitudes toward evidence-based practices (EBPs) and their participation in an implementation research project in which they received two forms of consultation. Results showed that therapists’ self-reported unwillingness to diverge from EBPs was positively associated with their use of phone consultation and satisfaction with consultation. The degree to which therapists found EBPs appealing was positively associated with satisfaction as well. Open therapist attitudes toward EBPs were associated with greater attendance for online consultation. The next step in this line of research is to examine how therapists’ attitudes toward EBPs can be improved, if changing attitudes affects therapist acquisition of treatment skills, and if such improvements enhance implementation efforts.
Examining Media Contestation of Masculinity and Head Trauma in the National Football League
Authors: Anderson Eric , Kian Edward M.
Published: February 2012

American football has long been central to the construction of masculinity in the United States. Of the multiple masculine scripts promoting professional players’ hegemonic masculine status, sacrificing one’s body for the sake of sporting glory is a key tenet. Sport journalists have traditionally used their media platform to reify this social script, an act which simultaneously promotes their own masculine capital. However, this article investigates a crack in this hegemonic system. Through a media analysis of the reporting on Aaron Rodgers’ self-withdrawal (after hitting his head) from an important National Football League (NFL) game, we argue that increasing cultural awareness as to the devastating effects of concussions, in the form of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, combined with a softening of American masculinity is beginning to permit some prominent players to distance themselves from the self-sacrifice component of sporting masculinity. Concerning concussions, we conclude major sport media are beginning to support the notion of health over a masculine warrior narrative.
Systemic complement profiling in multiple sclerosis as a biomarker of disease state
Authors: Ingram G , Hakobyan S , Hirst CL , Harris CL , Loveless S , Mitchell JP , Pickersgill TP , Robertson NP , Morgan BP
Published: February 2012

Background:

There is increasing evidence of significant and dynamic systemic activation and upregulation of complement in multiple sclerosis (MS), which may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the pathological role of complement in MS and the potential role for complement profiling as a biomarker of MS disease state.

Methods:

Key components of the classical, alternative and terminal pathways of complement were measured in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with MS in different clinical phases of disease and in matched controls.

Results:

Increased plasma levels of C3 ( p<0.003), C4 ( p<0.001), C4a ( p<0.001), C1 inhibitor ( p<0.001), and factor H ( p<0.001), and reduced levels of C9 ( p<0.001) were observed in MS patients compared with controls. Combined profiling of these analytes produced a statistical model with a predictive value of 97% for MS and 73% for clinical relapse when combined with selected demographic data. CSF-plasma correlations suggested that source of synthesis of these components was both systemic and central.

Conclusion:

These data provide further evidence of alterations in both local and systemic expression and activation of complement in MS and suggest that complement profiling may be informative as a biomarker of MS disease, although further work is needed to determine its use in distinguishing MS from its differential.
Does interferon beta treatment exacerbate neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder?
Authors: Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Woojun , Li Xue Feng , Jung In-Ja , Kim Ho Jin
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

Recent case reports and series have shown that patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) experience clinical deterioration under interferon beta (IFN-β) treatment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether and to what extent IFN-β exacerbates NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD).

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 40 patients with NMOSD who had been treated with IFN-β for more than 6 months and whose disease duration was more than 1 year at the initiation of IFN-β treatment. We evaluated their annualized relapse rates (ARR) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores before and after IFN-β treatment.

Results:

In total, 95% of patients exhibited an ineffective or exacerbated response to IFN-β treatment and the mean ARR significantly increased after IFN-β treatment ( p = 0.002). The increased ARR > 50% under IFN-β treatment was observed in 20 patients (50%). The mean EDSS score significantly increased following IFN-β treatment ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In patients with NMOSD, IFN-β treatment is not only ineffective for preventing relapses but also may even increase relapses significantly. Thus, a more careful diagnostic approach to differentiate NMO from multiple sclerosis and attention to decision of treatment is warranted for patients at high risk of NMO.
Efficacy of optimal long-term management of multiple cardiovascular risk factors (CVD) on walking and quality of life in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD): Protocol for randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oka Roberta K , Conte Michael S , Owens Christopher D , Rapp Joseph , Fung Gordon , Alley Hugh F , Giacomini John C , Myers Jonathan , Mohler Emile R
Published: February 2012

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an understudied chronic illness most prevalent in elderly individuals. PAD patients experience substantial walking impairment due to symptoms of limb ischemia that significantly diminishes quality of life (QOL). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality is increased in this population because of aggressive atherosclerosis resulting from untreated CVD risk factors. Despite current national guidelines recommending intensive CVD risk factor management for PAD patients, untreated CVD risk factors are common. Interventions that bridge this gap are imperative. The Vascular Insufficiency – Goals for Optimal Risk Reduction (VIGOR2) study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that examines the effectiveness of a long-term multifactor CVD risk reduction program on walking and quality of life in patients with PAD. The purpose of this article is to provide a detailed description of the design and methods of VIGOR2. Clinical Trial Registration – URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00537225
Percutaneous intervention in peripheral artery disease improves calf muscle phosphocreatine recovery kinetics: A pilot study
Authors: West Amy M , Anderson Justin D , Epstein Frederick H , Meyer Craig H , Hagspiel Klaus D , Berr Stuart S , Harthun Nancy L , Weltman Arthur L , Annex Brian H , Kramer Christopher M
Published: February 2012

We hypothesized that percutaneous intervention in the affected lower extremity artery would improve calf muscle perfusion and cellular metabolism in patients with claudication and peripheral artery disease (PAD) as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS). Ten patients with symptomatic PAD (mean ± SD: age 57 ± 9 years; ankle–brachial index (ABI) 0.62 ± 0.17; seven males) were studied 2 months before and 10 months after lower extremity percutaneous intervention. Calf muscle phosphocreatine recovery time constant (PCr) in the revascularized leg was measured by 31P MRS immediately after symptom-limited exercise on a 1.5-T scanner. Calf muscle perfusion was measured using first-pass gadolinium-enhanced MRI at peak exercise. A 6-minute walk and treadmill test were performed. The PCr recovery time constant improved significantly following intervention (91 ± 33 s to 52 ± 34 s, p < 0.003). Rest ABI also improved (0.62 ± 0.17 to 0.93 ± 0.25, p < 0.003). There was no difference in MRI-measured tissue perfusion or exercise parameters, although the study was underpowered for these endpoints. In conclusion, in this pilot study, successful large vessel percutaneous intervention in patients with symptomatic claudication, results in improved ABI and calf muscle phosphocreatine recovery kinetics.
Significance of high-normal serum uric acid level as a risk factor for arterial stiffness in healthy Korean men
Authors: Shin Jin Young , Lee Hye Ree , Shim Jae Yong
Published: February 2012

A high serum uric acid (SUA) level is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the relationship between arterial stiffness and uric acid in healthy subjects with a normal SUA level. We assessed whether a high-normal uric acid level increased arterial stiffness by measuring brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) in healthy subjects. Among 779 subjects who visited the health promotion center, 393 men and 234 women with normal SUA levels (male: 3.5–8.0 mg/dl, female: 2.5–5.4 mg/dl) were divided into quartiles: in men, Q1 ( n = 90, 3.5–4.3 mg/dl), Q2 ( n = 94, 4.4–5.1 mg/dl), Q3 ( n = 106, 5.2–5.9 mg/dl) and Q4 ( n = 103, 6.0–8.0 mg/dl); in women, Q1 ( n = 57, 2.5–3.6 mg/dl), Q2 ( n = 49, 3.7–4.1 mg/dl), Q3 ( n = 61, 4.2–4.6 mg/dl) and Q4 ( n = 67, 4.7–5.4 mg/dl). The mean values of ba-PWV increased gradually by SUA quartile. The men’s SUA had an independent, positive association with ba-PWV after correcting for age, glucose, body mass index, blood pressure, resting heart rate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and triglyceride ( R2 = 0.39, adjusted R2 = 0.37, p < 0.001). The odds ratios (95% CI) for high ba-PWVs (> 75th percentile, 1473 cm/s) in men were 1.89 (0.69–5.20, Q2), 2.36 (1.10–5.08, Q3), and 2.91 (1.39–6.11, Q4), after adjusting for confounding factors ( p < 0.001). In women, SUA showed no independent association with ba-PWV ( p = 0.186). After adjusting for confounding factors, the mean ba-PWV values of Q3 (1418 cm/s) and Q4 (1421 cm/s) in men were higher than those of Q1 (1355 cm/s) ( p < 0.05). Above the SUA level of 5.2 mg/dl, arterial stiffness was increased in healthy Korean men.
Mobile Phone Communication and Health System Strengthening
Authors: Manoharan G. , Dharmarajan Shoba , Ramalingam P. K. , Mathew Siju , Varghese Jacob C.
Published: February 2012

Introduction: I-TECH India established a warmline pilot in the year 2008 to provide mobile-based technical support on clinical management to doctors caring for HIV patients in antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers. Methods: Warmline was piloted from May to August 2008. Standardized call records were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: The service was used by 38 doctors. The study demonstrated the frequency of calls and the nature of questions raised by them. Of the calls, 139 were new calls (90.3%) and 15 were follow-up calls. The average number of calls per day was 2.6 (SD 1.6). Of the total number, 81% of the calls were from high-volume centers. Most of the calls were related to ARV toxicities, ART initiation, and the management of opportunistic infections (OI). Conclusion: The South Indian warmline pilot demonstrated a potential model of ongoing technical assistance to ART doctors in times of need. AIDS-control organizations may consider expanding this model of expert distance-mentoring clinical support as a resource in India and other countries.