bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HyperfIltration due to Amino and Keto Acid Supplements of Low-Protein Diets: Influence on Creatinine Clearance
Authors: Gretz N. , Meisinger E. , Strauch M.
Published: June 2009

In 12 male ⅚ nephrcctomizcd Spraguc-Dawlcy rats we analyzed the influence of commercially available amino/keto acid supplements on creatinine clearance. The addition of different supplements to an 8% protein diet resulted in an increase of creatinine clearance. Keto acids per se do not seem to cause a remarkable increase in creatinine clearance/hyperfiltration. Our data underline the importance of the protein content of a low-protein diet and the composition of amino/ keto acid supplements, as these factors per se can cause hyperfíltration and might accelerate progression of chronic renal failure.
Influence of Keto Acid (KA) Treatment on Renal Osteodystrophy
Authors: Lindenau K. , Kokot F. , Vetter K. , Schmicker R. , Fröhling P.T.
Published: June 2009

A marked improvement of renal osteodystrophy was achieved after a combined treatment with keto acids and vitamin D in patients with chronic renal failure. Results were checked by histological investigations. The biochemical background of the successful treatment was analysed. A regression of hyperparathroidism and improvement in vitamin D status are the cause of this phenomenon.
Hepatische Enzephalopathien
Authors: Gerok W.
Published: June 2009

The functional disturbances of the central nervous system in hepatic encephalopathy are due to several coexisting pathogenetic factors: Endogenous neurotoxins, imbalance of amino acids in blood plasma and alterations of the blood-brain barrier. These factors, in turn, effect alterations of neurotransmitters and their receptors. Therapeutic interventions are aimed at the inhibition of ammonia production by protein restriction, lactulose or antibiotics. A new therapeutic concept is the application of branched chain amino acids. Their effect is based on the stimulation of protein synthesis in muscle, enhanced urea synthesis in the liver and increased ammonia detoxification by glutamine synthesis in the brain.
Das Krankheitsbild der hepatischen Enzephalopathie
Authors: Schomerus H.
Published: June 2009

Hepatic encephalopathy implies disturbances of consciousness, intellectual function, behavior and neuromuscular function in the course of diseases of the liver. By employing psychometric and neurophysiologic methods, functional disturbances can be demonstrated well before clinical manifestation of encephalopathy. This latent form of encephalopathy is especially disturbing for patients doing manual work. Treatment should be started during this early phase of the disease.
Therapeutische Studien mit verzweigtkettigen Aminosäuren bei portosystemischer Enzephalopathie
Authors: Egberts E.-H.
Published: June 2009

Published controlled clinical trials with branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in patients with portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE) are described and their results discussed. A positive effect on PSE by BCAA seems probable but without altering mortality rate. Improvement of nutritional state cannot be finally evaluated.
Influence of the Qualitative Caloric Composition of Enteral Diets on Liver Protein Synthesis in Normal and Operated Rats
Authors: Schwartz S. , Farriol M. , Rodriguez R. , Garcia E. , Padró J.B. , Vente P.E.
Published: June 2009

Protein synthesis L-(1–14C) leucine in liver was studied. Normal (n = 40) and operated (n = 40) Sprague-Dawley rats with an initial body weight of 161.18 ± 12 g were divided into four groups (n=10), respectively. Each group, subjected to the same conditions of temperature, light, noise and movement received a different commercial formula for human enteral nutrition and water for 8 days (normal rats) and six days (operated rats). All rats received the same caloric and protein intake per ml (1 kcal; 6–7.10’3 g protein), with no statistically significant differences among groups. The differences in diets were merely qualitative. The tolerance to all diets was similar, with rats attaining the expected weight. Losses of protein, alpha aminic nitrogen, total fat and non sterified fatty acid in faeces were negligible. In normal rats, different results in liver protein synthesis were obtained. No mass/synthesis rate correlation was found. Under these conditions it would appear that these results are due to the different diets used. In operated rats, a significantly different liver protein synthesis per gram of body weight was obtained, but not per gram of organ weight. These results suggest that the influence of the qualitative caloric intake, in the stress phase, is less than in the normal state.
Bedeutung der verzweigtkettigen Ketosäuren für den Proteinstoffwechsel
Authors: Schauder P.
Published: June 2009

Verzweigtkettige Ketosauren könnten Fortschritte bei der Behandlung stickstoffakkumulierender Erkrankungen oder von Zuständen mit gesteigerter Proteolyse ermöglichen. Die Beeinflussung des Proteinmetabolismus durch diese Substanzen ist komplex. Es sind Mechanismen wie 1) Transaminierung zu den analogen Amínosäuren, 2) Hemmung der Proteolyse, 3) Stimulierung der Insulinsekretion und 4) Aktivierung der BCKA-Dekarboxylase zu berücksichtigen. Die Behandlung mit verzweigtkettigen Ketosauren befindet sich derzeit noch im experimentellen Stadium.
Modulation of Cellular Tropism and Innate Antiviral Response by Viral Glycans
Authors: Rogers Kristin M. , Heise Mark
Published: June 2009

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are a significant cause of human and animal disease worldwide. Multiple interactions between virus and the host innate immune system ultimately determine the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of the infection. Evidence is rapidly emerging that suggests viral glycans play a key role in viral pathogenesis by regulating host cell tropism and interactions with the host innate immune response. Glycan-mediated interactions are especially important for arboviruses which must adapt to variable glycosylation systems and cellular receptors within both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. This review focuses on emerging evidence which supports a crucial role for viral glycans in mediating host cell tropism and regulating the innate antiviral response.
Long-Term Outcomes After Catheter Ablation of Cavo-Tricuspid Isthmus Dependent Atrial Flutter
Authors: Pérez Francisco J. , Schubert Christine M. , Parvez Babar , Pathak Vishesh , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. , Wood Mark A.
Published: June 2009

Background—

Despite the success of catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus–dependent atrial flutter (AFL), important postablation outcomes are ill-defined. The purpose of our study was to analyze long-term outcomes after catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus–dependent AFL.

Methods and Results—

A meta-analysis was performed of articles reporting clinical outcomes after catheter ablation of AFL published between January 1988 and July 2008. The analysis included 158 studies comprising 10 719 patients (79% men, 59.8�0.5 years old, 46% left atrial enlargement, 46% heart disease, 42% with history of atrial fibrillation, 14.3�0.4 months of follow-up). The overall acute success rate adjusted for reporting bias was 91.1% (95% CI, 89.5 to 92.4), 92.7% (95% CI, 90.0 to 94.8) for 8- to 10-mm tip/or irrigated radiofrequency catheters, and 87.9% (95% CI, 84.2 to 90.9) for 4- to 6-mm tip catheters (
P
>0.05). Atrial flutter recurrence rates were significantly reduced by use of 8- to 10-mm tip or irrigated radiofrequency catheters (6.7% versus 13.8%,
P
<0.05) and by use of bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus block as a procedural end point (9.3% versus 23.6%,
P
<0.05). The AFL recurrence rate did not increase over time. The overall occurrence rate of atrial fibrillation after AFL ablation was 33.6% (95% CI, 29.7 to 37.3) but was 52.7% (95% CI, 47.8 to 57.6) in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation before ablation and 23.1% (95% CI, 17.5 to 29.9) in those without atrial fibrillation before ablation (
P
<0.05). The incidence of atrial fibrillation increased over time in both groups; however, 5 years after ablation, the incidence of atrial fibrillation was similar in those with and without atrial fibrillation before ablation. The acute complication rate was 2.6% (95% CI, 2 to 3). The mortality rate during follow-up was 3.3% (95% CI, 2.4 to 4.5). Antiarrhythmic drug use after ablation was 31.6% (95% CI, 25.6 to 37.8). The long-term use of coumadin was 65.9%, (95% CI, 43.8 to 82.8). Quality of life data were very limited.

Conclusions—

AFL ablation is safe and effective. Ablation technology and procedural end points have greater influences on AFL recurrences than on acute ablation success rates. Atrial fibrillation is common after AFL ablation. Almost one third of patients take antiarrhythmic drugs after AFL ablation. Atrial fibrillation before AFL ablation may indicate a more advanced state of electric disease.
Prolactin Levels and the Risk of Future Coronary Artery Disease in Apparently Healthy Men and Women
Authors: Reuwer Anne Q. , Twickler Marcel ThB , Hutten Barbara A. , Molema Frederique W. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Dallinga-Thie Geesje M. , Bogorad Roman L. , Goffin Vincent , Smink-Bol Mijke , Kastelein John J.P. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Khaw Kay-Tee
Published: June 2009

Background—

Prolactin is increasingly recognized to play a stimulatory role in the inflammatory response. Because inflammation is considered of crucial importance in the development of atherosclerosis, we aimed to evaluate whether prolactin levels are associated with the occurrence of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods and Results—

We performed a nested case-control study in the prospective EPIC-Norfolk cohort. Cases were apparently healthy men and women, aged 45 to 79 years, who developed fatal or nonfatal CAD (n=882). Controls remained free of CAD (n=1490). Overall, systemic prolactin levels did not differ between cases and controls, and people in the highest prolactin tertile did not have a significantly increased risk of developing future CAD (in men, odds ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.61; in women, odds ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.64). However, in a separate immunohistochemical study, the presence of prolactin receptors could be demonstrated in postmortem human coronary artery plaques (preliminary data).

Conclusions—

Elevated systemic prolactin levels do not predict CAD in the general population. However, prolactin receptors were found in human coronary artery plaques. This observation may indicate a role of prolactin within atherosclerotic plaques. More studies are needed to define the possible role of prolactin in atherosclerotic plaque development.
Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Annuloplasty
Authors: Sack Stefan , Kahlert Philipp , Bilodeau Luc , Pièrard Luc A. , Lancellotti Patrizio , Legrand Victor , Bartunek Jozef , Vanderheyden Marc , Hoffmann Rainer , Schauerte Patrick , Shiota Takahiro , Marks David S. , Erbel Raimund , Ellis Stephen G.
Published: June 2009

Background—

We assessed the safety and feasibility of permanent implantation of a novel coronary sinus mitral repair device (PTMA, Viacor Inc).

Methods and Results—

Symptomatic (New York Heart Association class 2 or 3) patients with primarily functional mitral regurgitation (MR) were included. A diagnostic PTMA procedure was performed in the coronary sinus venous continuity. MR was assessed and the PTMA device adjusted to optimize efficacy. If MR reduction (≥1 grade) was observed, placement of a PTMA implant was attempted. Implanted patients were evaluated with echocardiographic, quality of life, and exercise capacity metrics. Nineteen patients received a diagnostic PTMA study. Diagnostic PTMA was effective in 13 patients (MR grade 3.2�0.6 reduced to 2.0�1.0), and PTMA implants were placed in 9 patients. Four devices were removed uneventfully (7, 84, 197, and 216 days), 3 for annuloplasty surgery due to observed PTMA device migration and/or diminished efficacy. No procedure or device-related major adverse events with permanent sequela were observed in any of the diagnostic or implant patients. Sustained reductions of mitral annulus septal-lateral dimension from 3D echo reconstruction dimensions were observed (4.0�1.2 mm at 3 months).

Conclusions—

Percutaneous implantation of the PTMA device is feasible and safe. Acute results demonstrate a possibly meaningful reduction of MR in responding patients. Sustained favorable geometric modification of the mitral annulus has been observed, though reduction of MR has been limited. The PTMA method warrants continued evaluation and development.
Target Enormoz: Soviet Nuclear Espionage on the West Coast of the United States, 1942–1950
Authors: Herken Gregg
Published: June 2009

Alexander Vassiliev's notebooks fill in long-standing gaps in historians' understanding of Soviet nuclear espionage in the western United States during the Second World War and Cold War. Scholars are, in effect, finally able to see some of the most notorious spy cases in modern history from the Soviet side. The notebooks exonerate some individuals who were accused of spying—and whose careers were ruined as a result—while confirming the guilt of others. These revelations include an arguably definitive answer to a question that has been the centerpiece of Cold War controversy for more than half a century: whether the renowned American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer was, as alleged at the time, “an agent of the Soviet Union.” The new evidence indicates that he was not a spy.
The Rosenberg Ring Revealed: Industrial-Scale Conventional and Nuclear Espionage
Authors: Usdin Steven T.
Published: June 2009

New evidence from the KGB's archives reveals that Julius Rosenberg's espionage ring was larger and caused more damage to U.S. security than has been previously understood. Rosenberg's prosecution centered on his recruitment of David Greenglass to spy on the Manhattan Project. Notes smuggled out of Moscow by Alexander Vassiliev show that Rosenberg also recruited Russell McNutt as a nuclear spy. The Rosenberg ring's primary contribution to the USSR, however, was a wealth of detailed information about non-nuclear weapons systems that were critical elements of the early Cold War Soviet arsenal.
Wind Effects on Drogued and Undrogued Drifters in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Poulain Pierre-Marie , Gerin Riccardo , Mauri Elena , Pennel Romain
Published: June 2009

The wind effects on drogued and undrogued drifters are assessed using Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment (CODE) and Surface Velocity Program (SVP) drifter datasets and ECMWF wind products in the eastern Mediterranean. Complex and real linear regression models are used to estimate the relative slip of undrogued SVP drifters and to extract the wind-driven currents from the drifter velocities. The frequency response of the wind-driven currents is studied using cross-spectral analysis. By comparing the velocities of cotemporal and nearly collocated undrogued and drogued SVP drifters, it appears that undrogued SVP drifters have a general downwind slippage of about 1% of the wind speed. Time-lagged complex correlations and cross-spectral results show that the wind response is almost simultaneous. The velocities of SVP drifters drogued to 15 m are poorly correlated with the winds (R2 ≈ 3%): wind-driven currents have a magnitude of 0.7% of the wind speed and are 27°–42° to the right of the wind. For undrogued SVP drifters, the correlation with the winds increases to R2 ≈ 22% and the angle between winds and currents decreases to 17°–20°. The magnitude of the wind-driven currents is about 2% of the wind speed. For CODE designs, wind-driven currents are 1% of the wind speed at an angle of about 28° to the right of the wind (R2 ≈ 8%). Spectral and cospectral analyses reveal that the drifters sampled more anticyclonic than cyclonic motions. The inner coherence spectra show that wind and currents are more correlated at temporal scales spanning 3–10 days. They also confirm that the wind response is quasi-simultaneous and that currents are generally to the right of the wind.
Social Relationships as a Decisive Factor in Recovering From Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Schön Ulla-Karin , Denhov Anne , Topor Alain
Published: June 2009

Background: Recovery research often describes recovery from mental illness as a complex individual process. In this article a social perspective on recovery is developed.

Aims: To ascertain which factors people regard as decisive to their own recovery and what makes them beneficial.

Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 58 persons in Sweden who had recovered from severe mental illness. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using grounded theory.

Results: Three dimensions of contributing recovery factors were identified. Social relationships emerged as the core category throughout these dimensions.

Conclusions: The results show that recovery processes are social processes in which social relationships play a key role.
Psychological Help-Seeking in Homeless Adolescents
Authors: Collins Pádraig , Barker Chris
Published: June 2009

Background: Homeless young people in the UK are a vulnerable group: their levels of psychological problems, physical ill health and violent victimisation exceed those of their housed counterparts.

Aims: This qualitative study aimed to examine homeless young people's views about seeking psychological help for their problems.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 16 homeless young people at an emergency hostel. A thematic analysis and an analysis of the participants' narratives were undertaken.

Results: A sense of hurt and anger at the perceived betrayal by their families and society made many participants reluctant to seek help and to trust help offered by others, and accordingly they placed a high value on self-sufficiency. Many said that they would, however, seek help from people whom they perceived to be genuine, caring, trustworthy, empathic and capable of containing their distress.

Conclusion: Mental health professionals providing clinical services for this underserved population need to be aware of the importance of rejection and abandonment issues, along with the consequent hurt, anger and mistrust.
Compeer Friends: a Qualitative Study of a Volunteer Friendship Programme for People with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Mccorkle Brian H. , Dunn Erin C. , Yu Mui Wan  , Gagne Cheryl
Published: June 2009

Background: People with serious mental illness (SMI) experience numerous barriers to developing and maintaining friendships.

Aims: To explore the benefits and drawbacks of an intentional friendship programme (Compeer, Inc), which develops new social relationships for people with SMI by matching them in one-to-one relationships with community volunteers for weekly social activities.

Methods: Twenty clients and volunteers, in Compeer friendships for different lengths of time, participated in individual semi-structured qualitative interviews. Several volunteers were themselves current or former consumers of mental health services.

Results: Participants reported numerous benefits to participating in Compeer. Clients and volunteers spoke enthusiastically about the benefits of gaining a friend. Many intentional relationships deepened over several years into mutually beneficial friendships. Most clients became more outgoing, sociable and active, with increased self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence. Volunteers who had experienced mental illness themselves provided unique added benefits to the relationship. Drawbacks were minimal and financial and other costs to volunteers were low.

Conclusions: Intentional friendships can be a potent yet cost-effective way to help people with SMI develop social skills, expand their social networks, and improve their quality of life. However, because relationships take several years to develop, quantitative evaluations using short follow-up periods may underestimate programme effectiveness.
Understanding the Compressive Behavior of Linear and Cross-linked Poly(vinyl chloride) Foams
Authors: Lim G.T. , Altstädt V. , Ramsteiner F.
Published: June 2009

The work reported in this article was initiated by the IUPAC Subcommittee ‘Structure and Properties of Commercial Polymers’ to study the ‘Structure and properties of linear and cross-linked structural poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) foams’, and intends in particular to give a good understanding of the compressive response of these PVC foams with various foam densities. From a careful review of chemical reactions of polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate [a mixture of 4,4'-methylene-bis(phenyl-isocyanate) and oligomeric isocyanates] with water or phthalic acid, it is known from the material supplier that a semi-interpenetrating polymer network of polyureas and/or polyamides is formed by cross-linking. The amide groups in these polymers are hydrophilic and can affect the overall mechanical response of PVC foams, especially under water. Scanning electron microscopy is used to study the morphology of linear and cross-linked foams and their heterogeneous foam deformation. Compression testing of these PVC foams is conducted in air and water, and illustrates the influence of foam density and cross-linking. Correlation of compressive testing of foams with the corresponding cross-linked PVC bulk materials suggests that elastic collapse of cells during compression may be linked to strain-softening of the corresponding bulk material. Finally, new predictive models are adopted for the PVC foams to give reasonable estimates of their compressive modulus and yield strength.
Assessing the Cross-Cultural Validity of a Parental Autonomy Granting Measure
Authors: Supple Andrew J. , Ghazarian Sharon R. , Peterson Gary W. , Bush Kevin R.
Published: June 2009

This study investigates the cross-cultural validity of a 10-item parental autonomy granting measure with samples of adolescents from the United States, China, Mexico, and India. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis suggested a moderately high degree of cross-cultural equivalence, particularly for the United States and China. Invariance in item loadings was found across samples, with the exception of items assessing freedom regarding career choices and encouragement to participate in family decisions. Correlations between autonomy granting and three criterion factors suggested that, across cultures, parental autonomy granting is associated with higher perceptions of parental support and greater effort exerted in school. Correlations varied in reference to associations between parental autonomy granting and reports of love withdrawal from mothers and fathers. Results also suggested that mean levels of autonomy granting from parents were highest in the U.S. sample and lowest in China. Results provide support for the universality of autonomy granting as a salient aspect of parenting across cultures but also point to areas where significant cultural differences exist.
High Volume Measurements of Cotton Maturity by a Customized Microscopic System
Authors: Bugao Xu  , Xu Yao  , Bel Patricai , Hequet Eric F. , Wyatt Bobby
Published: June 2009

Information about cotton maturity is desirable to cotton breeders and growers for cotton enhancement and to textile manufacturers for quality control. This paper reports on the development of a dedicated system that facilitates direct, fast and high volume measurements of cotton maturity from longitudinal views, and the experimental results. The system examines cotton fibers in a projected 2-D image to measure the variations in fiber width, which reveal the severity of fiber convolutions, and the fiber translucence that reflects the thickness of the secondary wall. This paper describes the methodology for extracting these features and how they relate to cotton maturity.
A Study on Figured Double-face Jacquard Fabric with Full-color Effect
Authors: Ng M.C.F. , Zhou J.
Published: June 2009

The application of digital design technology has provided the chance for innovating the structure design of traditional jacquard fabric. In this paper, a study on innovative design was carried out aimed at creating double-face fabric with novel full-color effects on both face and back sides. The basic design theory was that with the application of full-color compound fabric structure and regular stitch weaves, under layered-combination design mode, the figured double-face jacquard fabric could be designed through the combination of face and backing fabric structures that were designed respectively in advance. By such way, the resultant fabric structure was capable of expressing independent full-color figuring effects on both sides of fabric, in which the backing structure was covered by face structure. Such fabric fully meets the requirement of balanced interlacement and poses no problems in industrial production due to the application of the regular face, backing and stitch weaves.
Analysis of the Fiber Spatial Trajectory in Vortex Spun Yarn
Authors: Zhuanyong Zou  , Jianyong Yu  , Wenliang Xue  , Yunde Zhu  , Jianming Wu  , Longdi Cheng
Published: June 2009

The principle and the process of yarn formation determine fiber migration and twist radial distribution in a yarn. Usually tracer fiber technology is introduced to discuss fiber configuration in the yarn body. There are few studies on fiber spatial configuration based on the principle and the process of yarn formation. In this paper, we discuss fiber spatial trajectory in vortex spun yarn from the viewpoint of the principle and the process of yarn formation. Based on the fiber movement rule, the parameter equations of fiber spatial trajectory in vortex spun yarn were established. The fiber spatial configuration and its influenced factors were analyzed. The research results showed that the fiber spatial configuration in vortex spun yarn consisted of the core fiber and the migration wrapper fiber as well as the regular wrapper fiber. The fiber spatial configuration in vortex spun yarn was affected by the following factors: delivery speed, distance from the front roller nip point to the hollow spindle, mean angular velocity for the open-end trailing fiber, fiber length, and vortex spun yarn diameter.
Indigo Dyeing of Polyamide Using Enzymes for Dye Reduction
Authors: Božič Mojca , Kokol Vanja , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: June 2009

Classical processes of indigo dyeing use sodium dithionite as reducing agent, causing enormous environmental problems. In this paper, a new process of indigo reduction using NADHdependent reductases from Bacillus subtilis in the presence of redox mediators is presented. The efficiency of mediated enzymatic indigo reduction on the dyeing of decitex polyamides 6 and 6,6 was studied at 60 °C, pH 7 and 11, and different indigo concentrations. The color values and color fastness properties (to wash, light and perspiration) were evaluated and compared to chemically indigo-dyed polyamides. The results indicated that the dyeing properties were pH, time and polyamide type dependent, resulting in the greater color depth of morphologically more amorphous polyamide 6,6 dyed at pH 11 for 90 minutes. Both the alkaline and acid perspiration fastness properties of the dyeings were very good, whereas the dyeings displayed poorer fastness of 3—4 to light and wash. Successful reuse of the enzyme was confirmed.
Characteristics of Novel Triplet Spun Yarns Made from Fibers of Differing Fineness
Authors: Matsumoto Yo-ichi , Kimura Hirokazu , Yamamoto Takanori , Matsuoka Toshio , Fukushima Kazunari
Published: June 2009

In order to reduce the hairiness of ring spun yarns and to develop novel multilayered spun yarns, we investigated the properties of triplet spun yarns made from the same size of three rovings with different fiber fineness using an experimental ring spinning frame. The results were: (1) different fiber fineness triplet spun yarn, a new yarn made by combination staple fibers of three different fineness into one twisting process; (2) although triplet spun yarn had a side-by-side structure in the cross-section, the central angle made by the assembly of finer fibers was smaller than that of coarser fibers; and (3) in comparison with single yarn, triplet spun yarn had less hairiness and greater strength because of the lower spinning tension of each strand and the twist propagation in each strand.
The Effect of pH on Wool Fiber Diameter and Fabric Dimensions
Authors: Qing Li  , Brady Peter Rex , Xungai Wang
Published: June 2009

Wool fabrics are often treated under conditions of varying pH in dyeing and finishing processes. It is known that in air the dimensions of wool fabrics change with the amount of fiber swelling at different regain. In this work, it has been shown that a similar relationship between fiber swelling and fabric dimensions existed in water at different pH values. The diameters of Merino and Corriedale wool fibers in water at different pH values were measured with an OFDA 2000 fiber diameter analyzer, fitted with a specially constructed accessory liquid cell. The results showed that the mean diameters of swollen wool fibers in water varied with pH. Minimum swelling was obtained in the range pH 5-7. It was found that the dimensions of wool fabric in water were dependent on the pH. The changes in fiber diameter in water could be attributed to changes in ionic interactions between charged acid and basic groups in wool protein with variations in pH.
Thermal Comfort Properties of Angora Rabbit/Cotton Fiber Blended Knitted Fabrics
Authors: Oglakcioglu Nida , Celik Pinar , Ute Tuba Bedez , Marmarali Arzu , Kadoglu Huseyin
Published: June 2009

In this study, thermal properties of different cotton and Angora rabbit fiber blended fabrics were investigated. It is known that cotton fiber has good comfort properties and Angora rabbit fiber is a speciality fur fiber which possesses good softness, whiteness and warmth. The aim of this study was to combine the excellent characteristics of these fibers to produce knitted fabrics with better comfort properties. First, short staple yarns were spun from cotton and Angora rabbit fibers with different blend ratios in two different spinning systems. Then, 1 × 1 rib knitted fabrics were produced with these yarns and the thermal comfort parameters of fabrics were measured on Alambeta and Permetest devices. Finally, according to end use, the optimum ratios were analyzed. The results indicated that the increase of Angora fiber ratio in the fabric and the spinning system affected the thermal comfort properties. The statistical analyses showed that only the fabrics including 25 % of rabbit fiber generated a significant difference on these parameters. Besides, the fabrics knitted from ring yarns had a warmer feeling at first touch and provided more thermal insulation but less water vapor permeability than the fabrics knitted from open-end yarns.
An Experimental Study of Some Comfort-related Properties of Cotton—Acrylic Knitted Fabrics
Authors: Çil M.G. , Nergis U.B. , Candan C.
Published: June 2009

The interaction of water with fabrics, which incorporates water vapor permeability, wicking abilities and drying behaviors of the fabrics, are tested to obtain some comfort-related properties of fabrics from cotton, acrylic and cotton—acrylic blends. The effects of categorical variables such as fiber composition, yarn count and tightness on the comfort properties are tested. Results of the experimental study show that the transfer and longitudinal wicking abilities of fabrics increase with the use of coarse yarns while the drying rates increase with the use of comparatively finer yarns. Furthermore, both longitudinal and transfer wicking abilities as well as drying rates of the fabrics studied increase with the increase in the acrylic fiber ratio within the composition.
Wear Attributes of Cashmere Single Jersey Knitted Fabrics Blended with High and Low Crimp Superfine Merino Wool
Authors: McGregor Bruce A. , Postle Ron
Published: June 2009

In a replicated experiment, we investigated the impact of cashmere in blends with superfine wools on the wear attributes of single jersey knitted fabrics. We also investigated the relative performance of low crimp/low fiber curvature superfine wool when compared with cashmere and also when compared with traditional high crimp/high fiber curvature superfine wool in pure and blended knitted fabrics. Wool type, blend ratio and fabric structure affected fabric air permeability, resistance to pilling and change in appearance, relaxation shrinkage, hygral expansion, and dimensional stability during laundering. The responses to variation in fiber crimp were much greater than previously reported. The fabric properties of low crimp wool differed significantly from those made from high crimp wool, and low crimp wool fabric properties differed significantly from, but were closer to, the fabric properties of cashmere, compared with high curvature wool.
Structure? What Structure?
Authors: Onuf Nicholas
Published: June 2009

Kenneth Waltz is a structural theorist. While scholars often comment on Waltz's conception of structure, they rarely address the philosophical assumptions behind it — assumptions that go back to Kant and finally to Aristotle. Appropriately situated, Waltz's conception of structure points to a strong version of constructivist social theory. To make my case, I trace Waltz's view of political structure in his early work, recapitulate his views on science, models and theory, address the question of his (or any) theory's relation to `reality', illustrate his difficulty with structural theory and institutional reality, and consider the vexed question of any theory's fit to a world already talked into existence. I show how close Waltz is to a philosophical position that solves his problem with theory's relation to reality and specifies the conditions under which any social theory can make sense or use of the term structure.
`Big and Important Things' in IR: Structural Realism and the Neglect of Changes in Statehood
Authors: Sørensen Georg
Published: June 2009

Structural realism has important insights to offer regarding the current balance of power and its effects on world politics. But structural realism is less ready to analyze changes in statehood and their implications for international relations. States are not `like units' and anarchy does not always mean self-help. A richer concept of structure which includes economic power, political—military power, and international norms gives us a better take on the ways in which international forces affect domestic structures of states. In particular, they help us detect the weak states in the developing world, and the postmodern states in the OECD world. In weak states the classical security dilemma has been turned on its head: instead of domestic order and international threat there is domestic threat and international order. In postmodern states violent external threat has been dramatically reduced because these states make up a security community.
Structural Realism, Classical Realism and Human Nature
Authors: Brown Chris
Published: June 2009

Kenneth Waltz's Theory of International Politics is a modern classic, and deserves to be read the way classic texts ought to be read, i.e. in context and in its own terms. Recovering the context in this case is difficult because of the changes in the discourse since 1979, but one difference between the contemporary and the current reception of the text does seem clear — Waltzian structural realism (or neorealism) is now, but was not then, seen as breaking with the traditions of classical realism. How is this discontinuity to be understood? Part of the answer lies in the rhetoric employed by participants in this debate, but, more substantively, there is a genuine disagreement between neorealism and classical realism over the role played by human nature in international relations. Waltzian neorealism appears, contrary to the tradition, to reject any major role for human nature, describing theories that emphasise this notion as `reductionist'; however, on closer examination, the picture is less clear-cut. Waltz's account of human nature can be related quite closely to the major strands in the realist genealogy, but at a tangent to them. Interestingly, and perhaps unexpectedly, it is also compatible with at least some of the findings of contemporary evolutionary psychology.
Human Nature and World Politics: Rethinking `Man'
Authors: Crawford Neta C.
Published: June 2009

While realists acknowledge that their theories of world politics are rooted in specific assumptions about human nature, neorealists tend to discount human nature in favor of an emphasis on systemic forces. Nevertheless neorealism has assumptions about human nature that shape neorealist theorizing. Specifically, in Man, the State, and War and Theory of International Politics, Waltz make essentially the same assumptions about human nature as the realists — that our human natures are fixed, that we cannot trust others, and that decision-makers are rational calculators who seek to promote their narrowly defined self-interests. Moreover, for Waltz, human nature determines world politics as much or more than its anarchic structure. A review of biology, specifically human neuroscience, suggests that these assumptions about human nature, and its relation to world politics, ought to be challenged. Our `natures' are much more complex and flexible than realism and neorealism assumes.
Response of Vitiligo to Narrowband Ultraviolet B and Oral Antioxidants
Authors: Elgoweini Maha , Din Nagwa Nour El
Published: June 2009

Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB‐UVB) is the most widely and effective therapeutic option in vitiligo. Antioxidant supplementation has also been reported to be useful. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of oral antioxidants with NB‐UVB in the treatment of vitiligo. Twenty‐four patients with stable vitiligo were recruited and divided randomly into 2 groups. They were treated with NB‐UVB plus oral vitamin E in group A and with NB‐UVB only in group B. Improvement was recorded according to the extent of repigmentation in the existing lesions. Both plasma malondialdehyde (MDA; product of lipid peroxidation) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured before and after treatment. Twenty patients completed the study. Marked to excellent repigmentation was noted in 72.7% and 55.6% of the patients in group A and group B, respectively. Of the patients, 70% in group A and 85% in group B experienced mild erythema. After treatment, there was a significant reduction in plasma MDA in group A than in group B, but the increase in plasma GSH was not significant. In conclusion, oral vitamin E may represent a valuable adjuvant therapy, preventing lipid peroxidation in the cellular membrane of melanocytes and increasing the effectiveness of NB‐UVB.
The Absence of an Interaction Between Warfarin and Cranberry Juice: A Randomized, Double‐Blind Trial
Authors: Ansell Jack , McDonough Maryellen , Zhao Yanli , Harmatz Jerold S. , Greenblatt David J.
Published: June 2009

The question of potentiation of warfarin anticoagulation by cranberry juice (CJ) is a topic of biomedical importance. Anecdotal reports of CJ‐warfarin interaction are largely unconfirmed in controlled studies. Thirty patients on stable warfarin anticoagulation (international normalized ratio [INR], 1.7–3.3) were randomized to receive 240 mL of CJ or 240 mL of placebo beverage, matched for color and taste, once daily for 2 weeks. The INR values and plasma levels of R‐ and S‐warfarin were measured during the 2‐week period and a 1‐week follow‐up period. The CJ and placebo groups (n = 14 and 16, respectively) did not differ significantly in mean plasma R‐ and S‐warfarin concentrations. Eight patients (4 on CJ, 4 on placebo) developed minimally elevated INR (range, 3.38–4.52) during the treatment period. Mean INR differed significantly (P< .02) only on treatment day 12; at all other time points, the groups did not differ. Cranberry juice has no effect on plasma S‐ or R‐warfarin plasma levels, excluding a pharmacokinetic interaction. A small though statistically significant pharmacodynamic enhancement of INR by CJ at a single time point is unlikely to be clinically important and may be a random change. Enhanced warfarin anticoagulation attributed to CJ in anecdotal reports may represent a chance temporal association.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Linezolid in Patients With Infectious Disease: Application to Lower Body Weight and Elderly Patients
Authors: Abe Sadahiro , Chiba Koji , Cirincione Brenda , Grasela Thaddeus H. , Ito Kaori , Suwa Toshio
Published: June 2009

Linezolid (Zyvox), belonging to oxazolidinone antibiotics, is commonly used for the treatment of patients infected with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin‐resistant enterococci. Although linezolid has been approved worldwide, the Japanese pharmacokinetic (PK) profile has not been characterized in detail. The objective of this study is to develop a population PK model for linezolid that can be applied to a Japanese population. This population PK model was established based on the 1 Japanese phase III and 4 Caucasian phase II/III studies. A total of 2539 linezolid plasma concentration measurements from 455 patients, aged 18 to 98 years and body weight 30 to 190.5 kg, were used for the analysis. The data were analyzed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. Body weight (BW), age, ethnicity, and gender were investigated as covariates. The final model was validated by the bootstrap technique. The PK profiles of linezolid were described with a 1‐compartment PK model with first‐order absorption and first‐order elimination. In the final population PK model, BW and age were influential covariates on clearance, and the distribution volume was affected by BW. The present population PK model of linezolid described well the PK profiles in Japanese patients who have lower BW and are relatively older compared with those in the United States/European Union.
China's Neglected Informal Economy
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: June 2009

The informal economy—defined as workers who have no security of employment, receive few or no benefits, and are often unprotected by labor laws—in China today accounts for 168 million of the 283 million urban employed, but the official statistical apparatus in China still does not gather systematic data on the informal economy. Part of the reason for the neglect is the misleading influence of mainstream economic and sociological theories, which have come from the “economic dualism,” “three-sector hypothesis,” and “olive-shaped” social structure theories that held great influence in the United States in the 1960s. This article reviews the core elements of that modernization model, the “revolution” in development economics that followed in the 1970s and 1980s, and the “counterrevolution” from neoclassical economics that came with the rising ideological tide of neoconservatism. The article argues for a balanced theoretical perspective that can more appropriately capture the realities of the informal economy today.
Adapting by Learning
Authors: Shaoguang Wang
Published: June 2009

Adaptive capacity is essential for any human social system, because human societies are full of unique circumstances, genuine uncertainty, novel complexity, structural instabilities, and conflicts of values and interests, and, more important, the environment under which the systems exist is always changing, while everyone, including policy makers and policy experts, operates under conditions of “bounded rationality.” Learning is the base of adaptive capacity. The first section of the article distinguishes four learning models by their location along two dimensions: the promoters of learning (policy makers or policy advocates) and the sources of learning (practical experience or controlled experiments). By studying the evolution of health care financing in rural China over the past 60 years, the remaining five sections attempt to illustrate how policy makers react to newly emerging problems, imbalances, and difficulties by “fine-tuning” or altering policy instruments, or adopting a new goal hierarchy according to lessons drawn from past and present experience as well as deliberate policy experiments. The resilience of the Chinese system lies in its deep-seated one-size-does-not-fit-all pragmatism.
Maximum Tinkering under Uncertainty
Authors: Heilmann Sebastian
Published: June 2009

At a time when many Western standard recipes for economic policy are losing credibility, it is imperative to step back from past orthodox explanations and rethink the unconventional approaches to managing economic change that we find in China's developmental experience. The key to understanding the adaptability of China's political economy over the last few decades lies in the unusual combination of extensive policy experimentation with long-term policy prioritization. China can serve as an extremely instructive place to look for lessons on creative management of uncertainty in policy making.
Out of the Darkness
Authors: Bramall Chris
Published: June 2009

China's rapid economic growth since 1978 has occurred precisely because it has not followed the strategy of parallel partial progression and financial liberalization advocated by Fan and Woo. However, China missed an historic opportunity to build welfare capitalism in the 1980s and 1990s, choosing instead to dismantle its rural health care and educational systems and—as Philip Huang rightly argues—failing to secure workers' right in the burgeoning informal sector. In these respects, China's transition path has been far inferior to that of Britain in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Nevertheless, the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 has discredited Anglo-Saxon capitalism and presents a renewed opportunity for China to build a form of xiaokang socialism modeled on the Rheinish capitalism that was so successful in countries such as France, Germany, and Japan before 1989.
The discordant MZ-twin method: One step closer to the holy grail of causality
Authors: Vitaro Frank , Brendgen Mara , Arseneault Louise
Published: June 2009

Twin studies are well known for their value in quantifying the contribution of genes to population variation in behaviors and personality traits. Twin studies also provide a unique opportunity to untangle the contribution of environmental experiences to emotional and behavioral development. This is particularly true when examining monozygotic (MZ) twins since they represent a pair of individuals naturally matched on both their genetic background and their shared environment, thus allowing the identification of environmental experiences unique to each twin which may impact developmental outcome. This article presents two analytical strategies based on the discordant MZ-twin method. It stresses the power of this method to establish plausible causal pathways between environmental factors and developmental outcomes, and provides examples from the socio-developmental literature to illustrate its application. It also describes the limitations of this method and its requirements for optimal utilization.