bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A flight to Rome: Ernst Rabel's intellectual itinerary
Authors: Stagl Jakob Fortunat
Published: December 2011

How can one explain that Ernst Rabel (1874–1951), born in Vienna, with Jewish roots, became the architect of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and one of the foremost authorities ever on Private International Law? Was this a mere coincidence or was his method of looking for similarities in the law of di erent nations rather than looking for its disparities the product of an universalism rooted in the example of the Roman Empire and its law and the experience of the multiethnic Empire of the Hapsburgs?
The Responsibility to Protect: The First Decade
Authors: Luck Edward C.
Published: December 2011

It is early for definitive assessments of RtoP's future as a policy instrument. Like a maturing child, we know more about its talents and aptitudes than about how they will be nurtured or stunted in the years ahead. The generally positive dialogue in the General Assembly in July 2011 suggests that the Member States understand the difference between a principle and the tactics to implement it. Building on conceptual and political progress, the United Nations is applying RtoP perspectives to a growing number of situations. In five of these, it appears to have helped save lives. Big challenges and uncertainties lie ahead, however. Perceptions of RtoP's political clout are proving to be a mixed blessing, while questions of selectivity, sovereignty, and possible misuse remain. Five near-term priorities are identified.
Evaluating the well-being of public library workers
Authors: Juniper Bridget , Bellamy Pat , White Nicola
Published: December 2011

This study aimed to develop and pilot a questionnaire to determine the ways in which working in a UK public library system can impact the well-being of those deployed in the sector. The methodological framework was based on an approach used to evaluate the well-being of patients in a clinical setting. Based on the responses of 466 employees, the results identified eight dimensions of library worker well-being; organizational, advancement, job design aspects, physical health, psychological health, interpersonal relationships, workload and facilities. Analyses indicated that organizational aspects most impaired well-being and longer-serving employees were worst affected. The findings offer a new, evidence-based perspective on the well-being issues that public library workers perceive to be most important and challenge earlier claims regarding stress and burnout. Also considered is the relevance of employer-sponsored wellness programmes where improvement in organizational performance is the prime reason behind provision.
Middle cerebral artery resistivity and pulsatility indices in systemic lupus erythematosus: evidence for hyperperfusion
Authors: Greene ER , Yonan KA , Sharrar JM , Sibbitt WL , Roldan CA
Published: December 2011

Background and purpose: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with significant cerebrovascular and neuropsychiatric disease for which multiple pathogeneses have been proposed. Although global cerebral hypoperfusion has been proposed, there are limited data about intracerebral arterial hemodynamics. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) allows portable, high temporal and spatial resolution, noninvasive blood velocity measurements in the middle cerebral arteries, and calculations of standard resistivity (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices. RI and PI correlate with cerebral hemispheric arteriolar tone, blood flow resistances, and impedances. Accordingly, we hypothesized that there would be significant differences ( p < 0.05) in RI and PI between SLE patients and healthy, age and gender matched controls. Methods: TCD was used to measure RI and PI bilaterally on 34 stable SLE patients (35 ± 11 years) and 15 control subjects (34 ± 10 years). Patients and controls had similar, normal blood pressures and were examined in the supine position during normal, resting respiration. RI and PI were determined by a blinded, experienced observer. Results: There were no significant differences in RI and PI bilaterally within each cohort. However, SLE patients had significantly lower average RI and PI values compared with controls: 0.45 ± 0.10 versus 0.52 ± 0.05 ( p < 0.05); and 0.65 ± 0.19 versus 0.77 ± 0.12, ( p < 0.05); respectively. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that RI and PI values in the human middle cerebral artery are significantly lower in SLE compared with controls. These indices indicate that middle cerebral arterial resistances and impedances are decreased in SLE. Under normotensive conditions, the results are consistent with hyperperfusion in SLE with increased arteriolar dilation and increased cerebral blood flow.
Prognostic factors for survival in systemic lupus erythematosus associated pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Chow SL , Chandran V , Fazelzad R , Johnson SR
Published: December 2011

Objective: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare but severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that can ultimately result in death. The identification of factors that prognosticate survival in SLE-PH is necessary for appropriate monitoring, timing of therapeutics and lung transplantation. The primary objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors for survival in SLE-PH through review of the literature. The methodological quality of the prognostic studies was also evaluated .Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies evaluating prognostic factors for survival in SLE-PH. Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (inception – week 2 2010) were searched. A standardized abstraction form was used by two independent reviewers to extract prognostic factors. Methodological quality was evaluated using a validated quality index. Results: Twenty-three observational studies from 375 citations were evaluated. Elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure, Raynaud’s phenomenon, thrombocytopenia, plexiform lesion, infection, thrombosis, pregnancy, pulmonary vasculitis and anticardiolipin antibodies were associated with decreased survival. Lupus disease activity, nephritis and central nervous system disease were not associated with survival. The sample sizes were small and methodological quality of the studies was variable. Conclusion: This study summarizes factors that may be associated with decreased survival in SLE-PH. The small sample sizes and variable methodological quality preclude definitive conclusions. This study provides the groundwork for further research using large cohorts.
Three-dimensional elasticity solution for sandwich beams/wide plates with orthotropic phases: The negative discriminant case
Authors: Kardomateas George A. , Phan Catherine N.
Published: December 2011

In an earlier paper, Pagano (1969) [Pagano NJ. Exact solutions for composite laminates in cylindrical bending. J Compos. Mater. 1969; 3: 398–411] presented the three-dimensional elasticity solution for orthotropic beams (applicable also to sandwich beams) for the cases of: (1) a phase with positive discriminant of the qudratic characteristic equation, which is formed from the orthotropic material constants and further restricted to positive real roots and (2) an isotropic phase, which results in a zero discriminant. The roots in this case are all real, unequal, and positive (positive discriminant) or all real and equal (isotropic case). This purpose of this article is to present the corresponding solution for the cases of (1) negative discrimnant, in which case the two roots are complex conjugates and (2) positive discriminant but real negative roots. The case of negative discriminant is frequently encountered in sandwich construction, where the orthotropic core is stiffer in the transverse than the in-plane directions. Example problems with realistic materials are solved and compared with the classical and the first-order shear sandwich beam theories.
Transient analysis of composite and sandwich plates by radial basis functions
Authors: Roque C. M. C. , Ferreira A. J. M. , Neves A. M. A. , Soares C. M. M. , Reddy J. N. , Jorge R. M. N.
Published: December 2011

This article presents a study of the linear transient response of composite plates using radial basis functions and collocation method. We use the Kansa method and radial basis functions in a pseudo-spectral framework. The first-order and a third-order shear deformation plate theories are used. It is shown that the present method produces highly accurate displacements and stresses when compared with the available results in the literature.
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation with an intermediate intensity conditioning regimen in multiple sclerosis: the Italian multi-centre experience
Authors: Mancardi GL , Sormani MP , Di Gioia M , Vuolo L , Gualandi F , Amato MP , Capello E , Currò D , Uccelli A , Bertolotto A , Gasperini C , Lugaresi A , Merelli E , Meucci G , Motti L , Tola MR , Scarpini E , Repice AM , Massacesi L , Saccardi R ,   the Italian BMT Study Group, Donnini I , Bosi A , Guidi S , Bagigalupo A , Bonzano L , Bruzzi P , Roccatagliata L , Antenucci R , Granella F , Martino G , Rottoli M , Solaro C , Salvi F , Barilaro A , Capobianco M
Published: December 2011

Background: Over recent years numerous patients with severe forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) refractory to conventional therapies have been treated with intense immunosuppression followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). The clinical outcome and the toxicity of AHSCT can be diverse, depending on the various types of conditioning protocols and on the disease phase.

Objectives: To report the Italian experience on all the consecutive patients with MS treated with AHSCT with an intermediate intensity conditioning regimen, named BEAM/ATG, in the period from 1996 to 2008.

Methods: Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes of 74 patients were collected after a median follow-up period of 48.3 (range = 0.8–126) months.

Results: Two patients (2.7%) died from transplant-related causes. After 5 years, 66% of patients remained stable or improved. Among patients with a follow-up longer than 1 year, eight out of 25 subjects with a relapsing–remitting course (31%) had a 6–12 months confirmed Expanded Disability Status Scale improvement > 1 point after AHSCT as compared with one out of 36 (3%) patients with a secondary progressive disease course ( p = 0.009). Among the 18 cases with a follow-up longer than 7 years, eight (44%) remained stable or had a sustained improvement while 10 (56%), after an initial period of stabilization or improvement with median duration of 3.5 years, showed a slow disability progression.

Conclusions: This study shows that AHSCT with a BEAM/ATG conditioning regimen has a sustained effect in suppressing disease progression in aggressive MS cases unresponsive to conventional therapies. It can also cause a sustained clinical improvement, especially if treated subjects are still in the relapsing–remitting phase of the disease.
Monitoring Indoor Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Effectiveness of Natural Trickle Ventilation in a Middle School in Rome
Authors: Cornaro Cristina , Paravicini Alessandro , Cimini Annamaria
Published: December 2011

An extensive CO2 concentration monitoring activity was carried out in a middle school located in Rome. Objective of the study was to evaluate the indoor air quality in eight classrooms during class occupation and to evaluate the ventilation rates of a natural trickle ventilation system, through an interactive approach involving the pupils. The analysis was conducted in two phases: a long-term analysis that consisted of evaluating the CO2 concentration and indoor air temperature in each classroom during the 2009/2010 scholastic year to obtain a snapshot of the indoor environment and a short-term testing carried out in 4 days in February 2010, involving the pupils in the monitoring activity. The campaign was performed during the teaching hours and students registered the air exchange events (opening and closing of windows and door) during the class hours. The correlation of the air exchange events recorded by the students with the CO2 concentration level recorded every minute and the opening and closing control of the trickle ventilation system allowed the evaluation of the ventilation rate of the system. The interactive evaluation approach gave the conclusion that the system alone could not completely fulfil its performance requirement.
Modelltransformationen in nutzer-zentrierten Entwurfsprozessen der Automation
Authors: Hager Henning , Hennig Stefan , Seißler Marc , Braune Annerose
Published: December 2011

Die Zusammenführung modellbasierter und nutzerzentrierter Entwurfsprozesse bei der Entwicklung von Benutzungsschnittstellen kann die Gebrauchstauglichkeit der resultierenden Benutzungsschnittstellen verbessern. Aus der Kombination der Entwurfsprozesse erwachsen Anforderungen an die notwendigen Modelltransformationen. Als zentrale Herausforderung wird in diesem Beitrag die Überwindung der Abstraktionslücke zwischen abstrakten und konkreten Modellen betrachtet. Anhand einer Transformation innerhalb des nutzerzentrierten Entwicklungsprozesses der Useware zur Integration einer domänenspezifischen Sprache der Automatisierungstechnik, werden die Herausforderungen der Modelltransformationen analysiert und mit den Mitteln der modellgetriebenen Software-Entwicklung gelöst. Weiterhin wird die Unterstützung von iterativem Vorgehen in modellbasierten Entwicklungsprozessen untersucht und als Lösung das Persistant Transformation Mapping vorgeschlagen.
Tendência temporal de tabagismo em população urbana: um estudo de base populacional no Sul do Brasil
Authors: Dias-Damé Josiane L. , Cesar Juraci A. , Silva Suele Manjourany
Published: December 2011

Avaliou-se a tendência temporal da prevalência de tabagismo conforme renda familiar, idade e sexo entre indivíduos com 20 anos ou mais residentes em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Cinco inquéritos de base populacional utilizando-se de setores censitários foram realizados na cidade entre 2002-2010. Considerou-se tabagismo o consumo de um ou mais cigarros por dia há pelo menos um mês. A tendência temporal foi avaliada por meio do teste de qui-quadrado para tendência linear. Os cinco inquéritos realizados incluíram 15.136 indivíduos. Neste período, a prevalência total de tabagismo caiu de 28% (25,8-30,4) em 2002 para 21% (19,5-23,5) em 2010. Esta queda de 23% foi semelhante entre os sexos, mas muito diferente em relação à renda familiar. Quanto menor a renda familiar, maior a prevalência de tabagismo. Entre 2002-2010, a taxa de redução do tabagismo foi de 26% no menor quintil de renda e de 39% no maior. Apesar das reduções observadas, a prevalência de tabagismo ainda é elevada, indicando a necessidade de fortalecer medidas de controle voltadas principalmente aos indivíduos com menor renda.
Análise de tendências das taxas de mortalidade infantil e de seus fatores de risco na cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, no período de 1996 a 2008
Authors: Hernandez Alessandra Rivero , Silva Clécio Homrich da , Agranonik Marilyn , Quadros Fernanda Maciel de , Goldani Marcelo Zubaran
Published: December 2011

Objetiva-se determinar as tendências de mortalidade infantil e de seus fatores de risco em Porto Alegre. Este é um estudo baseado nas informações do registro de nascidos vivos e de óbitos infantis no período de 1996-2008. Foi analisada a tendência temporal das taxas de mortalidade infantil (TMI) e de seus componentes, de acordo com a escolaridade materna, o número de consultas de pré-natal, idade materna, número de filhos vivos e mortos, sexo do recém-nascido, o tipo de parto, a idade gestacional, o peso de nascimento e o tipo de hospital. Foi utilizada a regressão sequencial de Poisson para estimar a influência da condição socioeconômica e os demais fatores de risco. A TMI decaiu entre os nascidos de mães com escolaridade inferior a 11 anos. Entre os nascidos de mães com 12 ou mais anos de escolaridade, não houve alterações significativas. A condição socioeconômica materna foi o fator que mais se associou à redução da mortalidade infantil. Contudo, a tendência de redução não atingiu todo o potencial devido ao aumento do baixo peso ao nascer.
Museu Paulista da USP: percursos e desafios
Authors: Oliveira Cecília Helena de Salles
Published: December 2011

O artigo sublinha marcos do percurso do centenário Museu Paulista e discute alguns dos problemas e dilemas vividos atualmente pelos museus de História, particularizando os desafios de museus universitários.
Ética e Serviço Social: fundamentos e contradições
Authors: Sarmento Hélder Boska de Moraes
Published: December 2011

Este ensaio tem o objetivo de problematizar a temática dos fundamentos éticos na sociedade contemporânea no que se refere ao reconhecimento de diferenças e à possibilidade de um efetivo exercício ético e político. Os argumentos partem da crítica que Marx faz ao caráter social do homem na sociedade capitalista e desenvolvem-se focados em três pontos: o primeiro, caracteriza o indivíduo na sociedade contemporânea, marcado pela incerteza, diversidade e diferença; o segundo, parte da compreensão de que esses aspectos exigem maior clareza nas inter-relações entre ética e política; e o terceiro, destaca diferentes concepções e expressões éticas da sociedade contemporânea. A construção desses argumentos exige um conhecimento rigoroso dos fundamentos éticos e políticos, sua diversidade e complexidade; elementos necessários ao debate da ética no Serviço Social.
A performance comparison: USMG-FMG attending physicians.
Authors: Saywell R M , Studnicki J , Bean J A , Ludke R L
Published: December 2011

To determine whether patterns of differences in performance exist between United States Medical Graduate and Foreign Medical Graduate attending Physicians, two types of inpatient hospital audits (Payne Process Audit and the Joint Committee on Accreditation of Hospitals' Performance Evaluation Program-P.E.P. Audit) were conducted in 22 Maryland and Pennsylvania non-federal, short-term hospitals. A total of 6,980 medical records were abstracted from eight diagnostic categories for 1,321 attending physicians; 985 of which were USMGs and 331 were FMGs. The results from both audits indicate that while there is evidence of a strong hospital-type of physician interaction for many of the diagnoses, there was no significant overall difference in performance between USMG and FMG attending physicians. The largest and most consistent differences in physician performance were associated with hospital characteristics, not physician characteristics.
Physician-nurse practitioner interaction patterns in primary care practices.
Authors: Lamb G S , Napodano R J
Published: December 2011

A new method is presented which describes and measures the problem-solving and collaborative efforts between physicians and nurse practitioners on primary care teams. Application of the method would allow the relationship between team interaction and outcomes of health care to be studied. The method relates clinical problem-solving between team members to a measure of collaboration. Team interaction data were collected in a two-stage process for the purpose of tool development and refinement. Six nurse practitioner-physician teams practicing in three primary care settings participated. Audiotapes of team interactions were analyzed for initiation of interaction, character of the decision-making process that led to the interaction between providers, and characteristics of the exchange between physician and nurse practitioner. Inter-rater agreement was 0.80 for scoring of the rationale for interaction and 0.70 for collaborative scores. The findings suggest that this method is an uncomplicated clinically relevant means of allowing professionals in primary care practices to examine their own practice patterns. Trends in the data reveal little interaction between practitioners, and minimal physician initiation of exchange on the team.
Natural history of untreated syringomyelia in pediatric patients
Authors: Singhal Ash , Bowen-Roberts Tim , Steinbok Paul , Cochrane Doug , Byrne Angela T. , Kerr John M.
Published: December 2011

Object

The natural history of syringomyelia in pediatric patients remains uncertain. Although symptomatic and operative cases of syringomyelia are well studied, there are fewer articles in the literature on the nonoperative syrinx and its clinical and radiological course. The purpose of this research was to analyze the natural history of untreated syringomyelia in pediatric patients presenting with minimal neurological symptoms.

Methods

A review of the neurosurgery database at British Columbia's Children's Hospital identified all pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) with syringes identified on MR imaging. Patients were included in this study if they had at least 2 MR images of the spine, at least 1 year apart, while receiving nonoperative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine changes in the size of the syrinx over time. Clinic notes were analyzed to establish demographic and clinical features and to determine any clinical changes over time.

Results

A total of 17 patients were included in the study. Symptoms at presentation were often mild and included limb numbness (3 cases), headaches (2 cases), mild sensory deficits (2 cases), mild motor deficits (3 cases), and intermittent incontinence (7 cases). The consultant neurosurgeon believed that the syrinx was not contributing to the symptoms in these 17 patients. The syrinx either remained unchanged (7 cases) or diminished in size (8 cases) in a total of 15 patients (88%). In the remaining 2 patients the authors noted an increase in syrinx size, in 1 of whom the clinical course also worsened. Both of these patients had a Chiari malformation and subsequently underwent craniocervical decompression. Overall, the mean change was −0.7 mm of maximal axial diameter (range −2.6 to +2.7 mm). Sixteen patients (94%) exhibited no worsening of symptoms over time.

Conclusions

Syringomyelia often remains stable in patients receiving nonoperative treatment. However, given that 2 (12%) of 17 syringes in this series enlarged, it is likely appropriate to include periodic imaging in the follow-up of these cases.
Synthesis and catalytic applications of combined zeolitic/mesoporous materials
Authors: Vernimmen Jarian , Meynen Vera , Cool Pegie
Published: December 2011

In the last decade, research concerning nanoporous siliceous materials has been focused on mesoporous materials with intrinsic zeolitic features. These materials are thought to be superior, because they are able to combine (i) the enhanced diffusion and accessibility for larger molecules and viscous fluids typical of mesoporous materials with (ii) the remarkable stability, catalytic activity and selectivity of zeolites. This review gives an overview of the state of the art concerning combined zeolitic/mesoporous materials. Focus is put on the synthesis and the applications of the combined zeolitic/mesoporous materials. The different synthesis approaches and formation mechanisms leading to these materials are comprehensively discussed and compared. Moreover, Ti-containing nanoporous materials as redox catalysts are discussed to illustrate a potential implementation of combined zeolitic/mesoporous materials.
The Applicability of Corporatist Models to the Study of Soviet Politics: The Case of the Trade Unions
Authors: Ruble Blair
Published: December 2011

Most Western specialists of Soviet affairs trained after 1960 have cometo reject the totalitarian model of Soviet politics. The attack on thetotalitarian portrayal of the Soviet polity has been sustained for nearly twodecades with numerous alternative approaches to the study of Soviet politicscoming to the fore. Among the most importance of these new researchstrategies have been the attempts of H. Gordon Skilling to introduce interestgroup theory to the study of Soviet political processes1 and of Jerry Hough topresent an image of "institutional pluralism.n2 Both Skilling and Hough seekto analyze Soviet politics in terms comparable to political systems elsewhere;both seek to integrate Soviet studies and political science.
Estate, Class, and Community: Urbanization and Revolution in Late Tsarist Russia
Authors: Brower Daniel R.
Published: December 2011

In what ways did the development of cities in late tsarist Russiaalter the character of social relations and conflicts in that keyperiod? At first glance, the question may appear poorly posed. It has long been customary to assess the history of Russian society in the nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries in terms of estate and class, to evaluate change by class differentiation, and to look for the sources of social conflict in the strains engendered by the transformation (to the extent it occurred) of a "society of estates" into a "society of classes." The urban centers of the country fran this point of view provided merely the setting in which key segments of the population experienced and reacted to new economic forces and politicalpressures. Recent books in the social history of the time havesubstantially enlarged and enriched our understanding of the changes under way among the urban population.
Evolution in the Soviet Sociology of Work: From Ideology to Pragmatism
Authors: Shlapentokh Vladimir
Published: December 2011

This paper will examine the history of developments in the Soviet sociology of work, focusing particularly on research on attitudes toward work. The principal object of analysis will be the developments in empirical sociological research in the USSR since 1953, with an effort to explain the origins of the concepts recently circulating in soviet literature on work. It  is also important to include a brief discussion of the views of worker attitudes dominant during the stalin era, for these have had a strong impact on the subsequent work of soviet sociologists. An examination of the stakhanovite movement of the 1930s will be used to describe these attitudes.
Soviet Ethnic Relations and the Fall of Nikolai Podgorny
Authors: Warhola James W.
Published: December 2011

In late May 1977, Nikolai Podgorny lost his position on the Soviet Politburo; several weeks later he was dismissed from his position as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. Podgorny was an exceptionally powerful figure in the Kremlin; his abrupt and unceremonious removal from the Politburo is widely recognized as a very significant political event. This is especially true given the fact that within several weeks after Podgorny's ouster, General Secretary Brezhnev assumed Podgorny's former position as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. An analysis of Podgorny's fall from power is significant for it reveals a good deal about leadership politics under Brezhnev, and about the role of specific issues in power maintenance and loss. This study presents evidence supporting the proposition that Soviet nationality relations were a significant issue in Podgorny's loss of political power culminating in his dismissal from the Politburo and subsequent removal from the Presidium Chairmanship.
The Formation of Working Class Cultural Institutions during NEP: The Workers' Club Movement in Moscow, 1921-1923
Authors: Hatch John B.
Published: December 2011

One of the fundamental political legacies of the Russian civil war was the estrangement between workers and the Bolshevik state. This development, which had taken on definite form in the winter of 1920-21, was conditioned by social and material factors and was the source of growing reservations in the minds of Lenin and his colleagues as to the commitment of a profoundly changed working class to the Bolshevik vision of a disciplined, yet enthusiastic, march towards Marx's industrial utopia. On this point, Lenin's concerns were well grounded: exhausted by years of sacrifice and declining living standards and working conditions, scattered by the necessities and dislocations of war, and increasingly estranged from state, party, and trade union elites, workers were singularly unattuned to the party's call for labor sacrifice and discipline. Instead, they wanted an end to hardship, a restoration of pre-W\VI living standards, a say over the conditions of work and life, and expanded opportunities for themselves and their children, all as compensation for earlier and current sacrifices.
Textiles and National Identity among Ukrainians in Poland
Authors: Dankowska Joanna
Published: December 2011

The changesin functions of traditional folk textiles among the Ukrainians who in 1947 were resettled to northeastern Poland can be regarded as an indicator of the preservation of their Ukrainian national identity. While conducting field research amongst the Ukrainians living in Poland, the author frequently heard it said that their folk textiles (especially costumes and cross-stitched embroidery) were important symbols of their national and cultural identity. There are many functions of any national or regional textiles (Bogatyrev 1979; Bazielich 1987}, but I will focus on Ukrainian folk textiles as a symbol of the national identity of the users. Folk textiles as a national symbol does not, of course, exclude the coexistence of other functions such as ritual aesthetics, practicality, and qualifiers of gender, age, and wealth. However, all of these are less important than the national function of the Ukrainian textiles.
Prognostic Factors of Short-Term Outcome of Low Back Pain in Patients Attending Health Insurance Clinics in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
Authors: Kasim Khaled , El Sadak Abedel-Aziz , Hassan Haytham , Abdel-Wahed Alaa , Shaaban Samy
Published: December 2011

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the predictors of short-term outcome of low back pain (LBP) in a cohort of LBP patients. Subjects and Methods. A prospective cohort of 400 LBP patients who attending the health insurance clinics at Al-Hussinia city, Sharakia governorate, Egypt, were the subjects of this study. The data were collected by using a predesigned questionnaire at the index consultation. The outcome variable (good versus bad outcome), in terms of return to work, was collected one/two weeks later on the next consultation or by telephone. Statistical analyses including predictive regression analysis was done. Results. Out of the analysed 349 patients, there have been 202 patients (58%) with good back pain outcome. Logistic regression analyses showed that the factors most significantly associated with good back pain outcome were the recency of pain (OR = 4.85; 95% CI = 2.88–8.17), patient's occupation (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.33–3.35) and absence of obesity (OR = 2.70; 95% CI = 1.15–5.22). Other significant less important factors were age of the patient, and site of pain. Conclusions. Reliable information on back pain related history, patient's occupation, body mass index and age of the patient at the index consultation are important to assess short-term prognosis in LBP patients.
Comparative investigation of the ultraviolet stabilization of polycarbonate/poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) with different ultraviolet absorbers
Authors: Rajan Vipin V. , Wäber Roy , Wieser Jürgen
Published: December 2011

When polycarbonate (PC)/poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) (ABS) blends are exposed to outdoor conditions, they are mainly degraded by sunlight; this is known as photodegradation. It is the ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight that is responsible for the degradation of the blend. To stabilize the blend against the harmful ultraviolet radiation, ultraviolet absorbers (UVAs) are used. In this study, three different UVAs—Tinuvin 1577 (a hydroxyphenyl triazine type), Cyasorb 5411 (a benzotriazole type), and Uvinul 3030 (a cyanoacrylate type)—were compounded with a PC/ABS blend at 240°C with a twin‐screw extruder. Accelerated aging of the compounded sample was done by an Atlas Suntest containing xenon lamp. The degradation studies were performed with ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and yellowing index measurements. The molecular weight of the compounded sample was determined by gel permeation chromatography. It was found that hydroxyphenyl triazine type UVA showed the best results for decreasing the degradation products, oxidation rate, and yellowing of the PC/ABS blend. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of multiwall carbon nanotube and au nanoparticle on the structure–property relationship of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)
Authors: Anbarasan R. , Peng C. A.
Published: December 2011

Temperature‐sensitive poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm) was synthesized both in the presence and absence of nanomaterials like allyl mercaptan decorated gold nanoparticle and allyalcohol‐conjugated multiwall carbon nanotube. The influence of the nanomaterials on the structure–property relationship of PNIPAAm was analyzed and critically compared to the pristine PNIPAAm. During the in situ polymerization, the nanosphere shape of Au nanoparticle was converted into Au nanorod shape, which was confirmed through UV–vis spectroscopy. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymer/nanocomposites was greater than that of the pristine polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis declared that the polymer/nanocomposites exhibited higher thermal stability than the homopolymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis of functionalized polymeric adsorbent selective to cobalt
Authors: Ghag Kumudini S. , Mahanwar P. A.
Published: December 2011

Amino derivative of chloromethylated polystyrene resin was synthesized and functionalized by 1,10‐phenanthroline (1,10‐Phen) to yield a novel adsorbent, namely 4‐methylamino‐[N,N‐bis(2,2′)‐1,10‐phenanthroline] polystyrene (4‐MABPPS). The complete development of novel adsorbent along with its characterization is described in detail. The adsorption ability and selectivity of 4‐MABPPS were investigated for cobalt and zirconium ions so as to efficiently separate cobalt ion impurities from zircalloy cladding material of nuclear reactors. The experimental results showed selective uptake of cobalt by the adsorbent in the presence of zirconium. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of hollow poly(imino ether ketone) microspheres by microliquid technique
Authors: Chang Guanjun , Miao Lubin , Xu Zhen , Xu Yi , Wei Lidong , Hu Hongju , Luo Xuan , Zhang Lin , Lin Runxiong
Published: December 2011

1, 4‐bis (4‐amiophenoxy) benzene and 1, 4‐Bis (4‐bromobenzoyl) benzene as monomers, poly(imino ether ketone) (PIEK) was synthesized via palladium‐catalyzed aryl amination reaction. Based on the good chemical and physical properties, big diameter (0.6–2 mm) hollow microspheres of PIEK, used for Inertial Confinement Fusion research, were prepared by using the microliquid technique and double‐layer latex technique. A new double T‐channel droplet generator was designed and developed for fabrication of controlled‐size PIEK hollow microspheres continuously. Study on manipulative condition of diameter and thickness of microspheres was done, and density matching impacting on the quality of shells was discussed. The structures of the PIEK hollow microspheres were characterized, and they possessed equal wall thickness and good spherical symmetry. The properties of the microspheres were detected, and the results showed that they showed good stability under cold environment and high temperature. Additionally, the PIEK hollow microspheres exhibited good mechanical and anti‐irradiation properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Influence of stretching on the resilience of LLDPE monofilaments for application in artificial turf
Authors: Kolgjini B. , Schoukens G. , Kiekens P.
Published: December 2011

Polymeric filaments have been used successfully in artificial turf, however lack of resilience and excessive fibrillation are still the main problems encountered on artificial turf fields and especially when used for football. Resilience is the ability to recover rapidly from a deformation, especially from a bending deformation. FIFA and EN standards recognize the 0.8 m‐Lisport for predicting filament behavior, but this method does not provide any information concerning the resilience of individual filaments. Furthermore, it is merely a qualitative method that only assesses the system in its entirety. The research presented in this article is twofold, first to develop a test method to assess the resilience of a single filament and to correlate with the established methodology, dynamic bending by Favimat R. Second to characterize fiber morphology and to correlate the morphology characteristics with the resilience measurements. A good correlation of the static bending with dynamic bending is obtained and both test methods provide valuable information about the influence of the processing parameters on the resilience. Dynamic scanning calorimetry, Raman and WAXS measurements clearly prove the influence of the structure and more specifically of the amorphous phase on the resilience. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
New route to monodispersed amphiphilic core‐shell polymer nanoparticles: Polymerization of styrene from α‐methylstyrene‐containing macroinitiator
Authors: Jiang Shan , Fang Xiaohua , Yu Qiang , Deng Jianping , Yang Wantai
Published: December 2011

A novel method has been developed to prepare amphiphilic core‐shell polymer nanoparticles via polymerizations of styrene (St) initiated by hydrophilic α‐methylstyrene (AMS)‐containing prepolymers. AMS‐containing prepolymers were first synthesized by soap‐free emulsion copolymerization of AMS, butyl acrylate (BA), and acrylic acid (AA) and then were kept at 90°C to generate free radicals on the AMS segments, which subsequently initiate the polymerization of St. Thus, well‐defined, amphiphilic core‐shell nanoparticles, ranging from 126 to 282 nm in diameter, were produced in the absence of surfactant. The St conversion, molecular weights, and size of products strongly depended on the AMS‐containing prepolymer concentration and the AMS content of it. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images of the particles clearly show well‐defined core‐shell morphologies where PSt cores are coated with hydrophilic AMS‐containing prepolymer shells. The amphiphilic core‐shell nanoparticles can be produced in high concentrations (up to 25% solids content). This new method is scientifically and technologically significant because it provides a commercially viable route to a wide variety of novel amphiphilic core‐shell nanoparticles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis of N‐benzyl‐O‐carboxymethylchitosan and application in the solubilization enhancement of a poorly water‐soluble drug (triamcinolone)
Authors: de Oliveira Rosa Tania Regina , Debrassi Aline , da Silva Ruth Meri Lucinda , Bressan Camila , de Freitas Rilton Alves , Rodrigues Clóvis Antonio
Published: December 2011

N‐Benzyl‐O‐carboxymethyl chitosan (OCChB) was synthesized through a reaction of O‐carboxymethylchitosan (OCCh) and benzaldehyde by the reductive amination method. The chemical structures and physical properties of the derivatives were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H‐NMR. The cytotoxicity of the polymers was tested by MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1000 μg/mL. The substitution degrees of the derivatives, calculated by 1H‐NMR, were 12 and 53% for OCChB1 and OCChB2, respectively. The results show that the derivatives were not toxic at 1000 μg/mL and could decrease the surface tension by concentration on the system surface compared with OCCh. Because of this property, OCChB was applied as a solubility enhancer for triamcinolone (TC), a poorly water‐soluble drug. The polymer solutions at 1.0 mg/mL increased the TC solubility up to 3.5 times for OCChB1 and 5.0 times for OCChB2 compared with its solubility in water. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Application of polyurethane/citric acid/silicone softener composite on cotton/polyester knitted fabric producing durable soft and smooth surface
Authors: Montazer M. , Hashemikia S.
Published: December 2011

Application of softeners on fabrics can usually increase the fabric pilling tendency and it is difficult to obtain a soft handle fabric without pilling during wearing. This research was conducted to use various chemicals to reduce pilling with reasonable softness on the cotton/polyester knitted fabric. Diverse composites of the water‐based polyurethane resin (PU), citric acid (CA) as a crosslinking agent and silicone‐based softener were selected and applied on the fabric through conventional pad‐dry‐cure method. The characteristics of the treated fabrics including pilling rate, pilling density, water droplet adsorption time, bending length, crease recovery angle, tensile strength, and water contact angle were examined and reported. Application of the polyurethane resin along with citric acid reduced the fabric pilling. However, co‐application of resin, CA, and softener improved the fabric crease recovery angle, bending length, and water droplet adsorption time. The preferred formulation was 20 g L−1 CA, 25 g L−1PU resin, and 20 g L−1 silicone softener. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Durable polytetrafluoroethylene composites in harsh environments: Tribology and corrosion investigation
Authors: Mu Liwen , Chen Jian , Shi Yijun , Feng Xin , Zhu Jiahua , Wang Huaiyuan , Lu Xiaohua
Published: December 2011

The tribological properties and mass loss of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites filled with carbon fiber (CF) or potassium titanate whisker (PTW) after the immersion in 30% sulfuric acid solution for 5 or 15 days were studied under different temperatures (25, 50, and 75°C). Results show that PTW/PTFE composites exhibit better anticorrosive and antiwear properties than those of CF/PTFE composites. Acid immersion has no obvious effect on the wear rate of the PTW/PTFE composite. The wear rate of CF/PTFE immersed for 15 days is thrice as much that of untreated composites and 3.6 times as much that of PTW/PTFE composites. Results also indicate that the wear rate of PTFE composites increases with the increasing corrosive mass loss rate and is more dependent on the corrosive mass loss rate rather than the friction coefficient. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Molecular characterization and gene expression of apolipophorin III from the ghost moth, Thitarodes pui (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae)
Authors: Sun Zixuan , Yu Junfeng , Wu Wenjing , Zhang Guren
Published: December 2011

Apolipophorin III (apoLp‐III) functions in lipid transport and immune activation in insects. We cloned a cDNA encoding putative apoLp‐III from larvae of Thitarodes pui, a host species of Ophiocordyceps sinensis, with great economic importance in the Tibetan Plateau. Excluding a putative signal peptide of the first 20 amino acid residues, the 171‐residue mature apoLp‐III has a calculated molecular mass of 18,606 Da. T. pui apoLp‐III shares little sequence homologies (<36%) with other apoLp‐IIIs. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that T. pui apoLp‐III belongs to a distinct, early diverging lineage of lepidopteran apoLp‐IIIs. Homology modeling of T. pui apoLp‐III shows a bundle of five amphipathic α‐helices, including a short helix 3′. T. pui apoLp‐III was constitutively expressed in larval fat body at lower levels than pupal and adult fat body. Significant induction of apoLp‐III expression, associated with strongest nodulation response, was observed in both sixth and eighth instar larvae challenged with Beauveria bassiana conidia at 1 hr after inoculation, compared with saline‐injected controls. The inoculation experiment as well as previous field studies revealed the relative susceptibility of the sixth instar to the entomopathogenic fungus. ApoLp‐III transcripts in the infected sixth and eighth instars were found to be induced highest 2‐ and 14.7‐fold, respectively, during the first 12 hr. In late‐stage infection, the infected susceptible sixth instar showed decrease in apoLp‐III expression followed by production of B. bassiana hyphal bodies, whereas the infected eighth instar showed longer lasting increase in the expression. These results suggest that apoLp‐III might contribute to T. pui immune response against fungal pathogens. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy may be safe and effective in patients with systemic sclerosis and borderline pulmonary artery pressure
Authors: Kovacs Gabor , Maier Robert , Aberer Elisabeth , Brodmann Marianne , Graninger Winfried , Kqiku Xhylsime , Scheidl Stefan , Tröster Natascha , Hesse Christian , Rubin Lewis , Olschewski Horst
Published: December 2011

Objective

Borderline pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), characterized by a marked exercise‐induced increase in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) with normal resting values, may precede overt PAH in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We undertook the present study to investigate whether PAH treatment is safe in these patients and might attenuate hemodynamic progression.

Methods

SSc patients with borderline PAH underwent right heart catheterization at baseline, after a 12‐month observation period, and subsequently after 6 months of bosentan therapy. Changes in mean PAP at 50W during the observation period versus during therapy were compared.

Results

Ten patients completed the study. Mean PAP at rest, at 50W, and during maximal exercise increased significantly during the observation period (mean ± SD increases of 2.5 ± 3.0 mm Hg [P = 0.03], 4.0 ± 2.9 mm Hg [P = 0.002], and 6.8 ± 4.1 mm Hg [P = 0.0005], respectively) and tended to decrease during the treatment period (decreases of 2.5 ± 3.9 mm Hg [P = 0.07], 1.5 ± 4.5 mm Hg [P = 0.32], and 1.8 ± 7.0 mm Hg [P = 0.43], respectively). The changes during the observation period versus the therapy period were significantly different (P = 0.03 at rest, P = 0.01 at 50W [primary end point], and P = 0.02 during maximal exercise). The changes in resting pulmonary vascular resistance were also significantly different during the observation period (increase of 8 ± 25 dynes · seconds · cm−5) versus during the therapy period (decrease of 45 ± 22 dynes · seconds · cm−5) (P < 0.0005). Changes in resting pulmonary arterial wedge pressure were not significantly different between the observation period and the treatment period, despite the significant increase during the observation period (2.6 ± 2.5 mm Hg [P = 0.01]). No relevant adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

In SSc patients with borderline abnormal pulmonary hemodynamics, resting and exercise PAP may increase significantly within 1 year of observation. Bosentan might be safe and effective to attenuate these changes. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the exploratory findings of this hypothesis‐generating pilot study.