bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Case Developments in Health Law
Authors: Hartman Brett
Published: June 2009

In January 2009, the California Court of Appeal for the Fifth District held that an individual suffering from paranoid schizophrenia could be forcefed and medicated despite his refusal of consent. The patient was a prison inmate, who engaged in a hunger strike to protest imagined abuses by prison guards. The court, reconciling conflicting provisions of California law, upheld the appointment of a conservator to make treatment decisions because the patient could not participate in those decisions “by means of a rational thought process.” However, in tying mental capacity to the plausibility of a protestor’s claims, the court risks placing political dissent at the mercy of judicial discretion.
Assessing Laws and Legal Authorities for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Gostin Lawrence O. , Pomeranz Jennifer L. , Jacobson Peter D. , Gottfried Richard N.
Published: June 2009

Law is an essential tool for public health practice, and the use of a systematic legal framework can assist with preventing chronic diseases and addressing the growing epidemic of obesity.The action options available to government at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels and its partners can help make the population healthier by preventing obesity and decreasing the growing burden of associated chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses the four-part systematic legal framework commonly referred to as “public health legal preparedness” to demonstrate the essential role law can play for any public health issue. This paper uses the “laws and legal authorities” component of the framework and should be considered in combination with the competencies, coordination, and information-best practices components of the framework.
Assessing Competencies for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Perdue Wendy Collins , Ammerman Alice , Fleischhacker Sheila
Published: June 2009

Obesity is the result of people consistently consuming more calories than they expend. A complex interaction of social and environmental conditions affects both energy consumption and physical activity levels. These conditions include, but are not limited to the following factors: the availability of affordable and healthy food; price disparities between healthy and less healthy foods; access to or perceived safety of recreation facilities; and the conduciveness of the physical environment to active modes of transportation, such as walking and biking. As outlined in the “Assessing Laws and Legal Authorities for Obesity Prevention and Control” paper in this supplement issue, laws and government policies in the United States influence nearly all of these social and environmental factors.
Assessing Information on Public Health Law Best Practices for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Jacobson Peter D. , Kim Susan C. , Tortolero Susan R.
Published: June 2009

In 2008, Representative John Read of Mississippi recently co-sponsored state legislation that would ban restaurants from serving obese customers. He later admitted that the bill was a publicity stunt,meant to “shed a little light on the number one problem in Mississippi.” Although controversial, Read’s bill exemplifies both the current perception of obesity as a national public health problem and the general sentiment underlying the types of interventions that are being considered to address this issue. The proposed legislation also demonstrates how policymakers can use or, in this case misuse, information about obesity to generate significant discussion on an issue along with ill-conceived legal interventions.

Information sharing and the methods used to share best practices are components of the fourth core element of public health legal preparedness.
Improving Laws and Legal Authorities for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Pomeranz Jennifer L. , Gostin Lawrence O.
Published: June 2009

This paper is one of four interrelated action papers resulting from the 2008 National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control. Summit participants engaged in discussions on the current state of the law with respect to obesity, nutrition and food policy, physical activity, and physical education. Participants also identified gaps in the law at all jurisdictional levels and relevant to numerous sectors and disciplines that have a stake in obesity prevention and control.

The companion paper, “Assessment of Laws and Legal Authorities for Obesity Prevention and Control,”identified numerous laws and policies enacted to target the three domains of healthy lifestyles, healthy places, and healthy societies. That paper identified several gaps in the law that require attention and action. This paper addresses those gaps and presents applicable laws and legal authorities that public health professionals and lawyers can consider to implement to close the gaps.
Improving Coordination of Legal-Based Efforts across Jurisdictions and Sectors for Obesity Prevention and Control
Authors: Must Aviva , Bennett Gary , Economos Christina , Goodman Elizabeth , Schilling Joe , Quintiliani Lisa , Rosenbaum Sara , Vincent Jeff , Ashe Marice
Published: June 2009

This paper is the companion to the “Assessment of Coordination of Legal-Based Efforts across Jurisdictions and Sectors for Obesity Prevention and Control” paper, and the third of four papers outlining action options that policymakers can consider as discussed as part of the National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control. The goal of this paper is to identify potential action and policy strategies related to coordination across jurisdictions and sectors that can be adopted by policymakers and implemented by practitioners to address the obesity epidemic. The paper examines collaboration among four sectors — community agencies and organizations (with a special focus on enhancing the built environment), schools, health care institutions, and workplaces — and examines collaboration from both vertical and horizontal perspectives. Additionally, the paper is structured around three legal themes — which are posed as questions — to frame the policy action discussion:
Effect of Homogenization Techniques on Reducing the Size of Microcapsules and the Survival of Probiotic Bacteria Therein
Authors: Ding W.K. , Shah N.P.
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated 2 different homogenization techniques for reducing the size of calcium alginate beads during the microencapsulation process of 8 probiotic bacteria strains, namely, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. salivarius, L. plantarum, L. acidophilus, L. paracasei, Bifidobacterium longum, B. lactis type Bi‐04, and B. lactis type Bi‐07. Two different homogenization techniques were used, namely, ultra‐turrax benchtop homogenizer and Microfluidics™ microfluidizer. Various settings on the homogenization equipment were studied such as the number of passes, speed (rpm), duration (min), and pressure (psi). The traditional mixing method using a magnetic stirrer was used as a control. The size of microcapsules resulting from the homogenization technique, and the various settings were measured using a light microscope and a stage micrometer. The smallest capsules measuring (31.2 μm) were created with the microfluidizer using 26 passes at 1200 psi for 40 min. The greatest loss in viability of 3.21 log CFU/mL was observed when using the ultra‐turrax benchtop homogenizer with a speed of 1300 rpm for 5 min. Overall, both homogenization techniques reduced capsule sizes; however, homogenization settings at high rpm also greatly reduced the viability of probiotic organisms.
Control of Listeria Monocytogenes by Lauric Arginate on Frankfurters Formulated with or without Lactate/Diacetate
Authors: Martin E.M. , Griffis C.L. , Vaughn K.L.S. , O'Bryan C.A. , Friedly E.C. , Marcy J.A. , Ricke S.C. , Crandall P.G. , Lary, Jr. R.Y.
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT:  Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a food safety concern that can be associated with ready‐to‐eat (RTE) meat and poultry products because of its persistence in the processing environment. Listeriosis has a fatality rate of 28% in immuno‐compromised individuals. RTE meats receive a lethal heat treatment but may become contaminated by Lm after this treatment. Federal regulators and manufacturers of RTE meats are working to find additional ways to control postprocess contamination by Lm in RTE meats. This research was initiated to validate combinations of antimicrobials that would produce an immediate lethality of at least 1 log of Lm on artificially contaminated frankfurters, and also suppress Lm growth to less than 2 logs throughout the extended shelf life at refrigerated temperatures (4 °C). Based on our studies, 22‐ppm lauric arginate (LAE, ethyl‐N‐dodecanoyl‐L‐arginate hydrochloride) gave more than a 1‐log reduction of Lm surface inoculated onto frankfurters within 12 h. The combination of either 1.8%/0.13% or 2.1%/0.15% potassium lactate/sodium diacetate (L/D) in combination with 22 ppm LAE caused more than a 2‐log reduction at 12 h. Storage studies revealed that complementary interactions of L/D and LAE also met the 2nd requirement. This combination initially reduced Lm by 2 logs and suppressed growth to less than 2 logs even at the end of the 156‐d storage life for frankfurters. These results confirmed that the combination of L/D with LAE as a postprocessing–prepackaging application could be useful in complying with the USDA's Alternative 1 that requires validation for the control of Lm on RTE frankfurters.
Pluvial flooding: new approaches in flood warning, mapping and risk management
Authors: Falconer R.H. , Cobby D. , Smyth P. , Astle G. , Dent J. , Golding B.
Published: June 2009

In response to Defra's First Government Response to the Making Space for Water consultation, the Feasibility study into expanding flood warning to cover other flood risks (reference RF5) has investigated the technical feasibility of providing warning services for sources of flooding other than from rivers and the sea. Following a review of all nonfluvial and noncoastal sources of flooding perceived as significant, it was concluded that it is currently technically feasible to consider providing some form of warning service for pluvial and three forms of groundwater flooding. Although a warning service for pluvial flooding is considered less advanced than that for groundwater, a trigger rainfall forecast and a method for identifying locations most susceptible to pluvial flooding has been proposed. This form of service could provide responding organisations with more warning of possible flooding than is currently available.
The quiet crisis and the emergence of La Relève: A study of crisis perception and executive leadership within the Canadian federal public service, 1997–2002
Authors: Johnson David , Molloy Andrew
Published: June 2009

Abstract: In 1997, then‐clerk of the Privy Council Jocelyne Bourgon reported to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien that a “quiet crisis” existed within the ranks of the federal public service. After years of restraint, privatization, deregulation, downsizing, pay freezes, salary cutbacks, hiring moratoriums and staff reductions, the clerk reported that the members of the public service were suffering from a crisis of identity and purpose. To address this problem, the Privy Council Office launched La Relève, a program of crisis management designed to resolve the immediate tensions faced by the public service and to promote the renewal and rejuvenation of the public service at the beginning of the 21st century as it dealt with a variety of mega‐trends affecting public‐service delivery. La Relève marked the beginning of a decade of close attention to human resource management within the federal public service. But was there actually a crisis within the federal government in 1997? Using in‐depth interviews with a wide variety of senior public‐service insiders, this article explores three schools of thought found in Ottawa respecting “the crisis” and assesses the use of crisis management in this case for framing public‐sector modernization policy.

Sommaire: En 1997, Jocelyne Bourgon, alors greffière du Conseil privé, signalait au Premier ministre Jean Chrétien qu'il existait une «crise silencieuse» au sein de la fonction publique fédérale. Après des années de restriction, de privatisation, de déréglementation, de compression d'effectifs, de gel des salaires, de réductions de salaires, de suspension du recrutement et de réductions d'effectifs, la greffière signalait que les membres de la fonction publique souffraient d'une crise d'identité et de raison d'être. Pour s'attaquer à ce problème, le Bureau du Conseil privé a lancé La Relève, programme de gestion de crise conçu pour résoudre les tensions immédiates auxquelles faisait face la fonction publique et pour promouvoir le renouveau et le rajeunissement de cette dernière au début du XXIe siècle alors qu'elle subissait diverses tendances majeures qui exerçaient une influence sur la prestation des services publics. La Relève a marqué le début d'une décennie au cours de laquelle on a porté une grande attention à la gestion des ressources humaines au sein de la fonction publique fédérale. Mais est‐ce qu'une crise régnait véritablement au sein du gouvernement fédéral en 1997? Grâce à des entrevues approfondies avec une grande variété de hauts fonctionnaires, le présent article examine trois écoles de pensée prévalant à Ottawa au sujet de «la crise», et évalue l'utilisation de la gestion de crise dans ce cas pour formuler une politique de modernisation du secteur public.
Parallel universes: Canadian and U.S. public administration study
Authors: Henderson Keith M.
Published: June 2009

Abstract:In this article, the discipline/profession of Canadian public administration is compared to its American counterpart. As parallel universes of inquiry and application, both have evolved from administration to management to governance. In spite of this and other similarities, possibilities for greater collaboration and cross‐fertilization have been overlooked and impeded by what the author calls an American attitude of “benign neglect.” The Canadian study of public administration reciprocates with self‐sufficiency and an enviable coherence in spite of similar divisions in the two countries between political science/policy and generic management approaches. To confirm the neglect, the author conducted a mini‐survey of Canadian content in the journalPublic Administration Reviewand in papers presented at U.S. conferences and – for contrast – of American content in the journalCanadian Public Administrationand at Canadian conferences. Modest proposals for rectifying the evident parallel but separate trajectories are suggested through greater interaction that would enrich both study and practice. Exploring some of the overlooked successes in Canadian administration would be useful for students of public administration in the U.S.

Sommaire :Le présent article établit une comparaison entre la discipline/la profession de l'administration publique canadienne et son homologue aux États‐Unis. En tant qu'univers parallèles d'enquêtes et d'application, les deux ont évolué, passant de l'administration au management, puis à la gouvernance. Malgré cela et d'autres similarités, les possibilités d'une plus grande collaboration et d'enrichissement mutuel ont été ignorées et empêchées par une attitude américaine qualifiée par l'auteur de «négligence bienveillante ». L'étude canadienne de l'administration publique a réagi par l'autosuffisance et une cohérence enviable malgré des divisions similaires dans les deux pays entre les approches de sciences politiques et de gestion générique. Pour confirmer cette négligence, l'auteur a entrepris un mini sondage sur le contenu canadien dans la revuePublic Administration Reviewet lors de conférences américaines et, par contraste, sur le contenu américain dansAdministration publique du Canadaet lors de conférences canadiennes. De modestes propositions sont faites pour rectifier les trajectoires évidentes, parallèles, et cependant distinctes, suggérant une plus grande interaction qui enrichirait à la fois la théorie et la pratique. Il serait utile pour les étudiants américains en administration publique d'examiner en profondeur certains des succès ignorés de l'administration canadienne.
Reproductive traits associated with invasiveness in Conyza sumatrensis
Authors: HAO Jian‐Hua , QIANG Sheng , LIU Qian‐Qian , CAO Fei
Published: June 2009

Abstract  Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E. Walker, a member of Asteraceae, is a highly invasive species. However, its reproduction biology remains poorly known. To understand the role of reproductive traits in successful invasion of the species, we studied several traits of its reproductive system: the miniature capitulum and gynomonoecious sexual system, the biology and phenology of capitula and florets, pollen/ovule ratio, the mating system (self‐compatibility), flower visitors, physical traits and dispersal potential of achenes, germination potential of achenes from manually pollinated capitula, and the association of these traits with invasiveness. Our study showed that the reproductive traits of autonomous seed production, versatile mating system of self‐ and cross‐pollination, and generalized pollination system might contribute to the species’ successful invasive capability. The invasiveness was further enhanced by the high and rapid production of achenes, as well as the high percentage, rapid germination rate and high dispersal capability of achenes. It was concluded that in annual or winter‐annual weeds, autonomous seed production contributed significantly to the invasiveness of the species.
Climatic envelope of evergreen sclerophyllous oaks and their present distribution in the eastern Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains
Authors: YANG Qing‐Song , CHEN Wen‐Yun , XIA Ke , ZHOU Zhe‐Kun
Published: June 2009

Abstract  Evergreen sclerophyllous oaks (the E.S. oaks, Quercus section Heterobalanus) are the dominant species of the local ecosystem in the eastern Himalaya and the Hengduan Mountains, southwest China. In this study, we document the climatic envelope of the seven E.S. oak species and examine the relationships between climate and their distribution. This was done using a principal components analysis (PCA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA) of nine climatic indices. The main climatic envelope of the E.S. oaks were: mean temperature of the warmest month (MTW)=12.0–19.5 °C, warmth index (WI) = 33.2–88.9 °C month, annual biotemperature (BT)=−6.9–−0.3 °C, coldness index (CI)=−30.4–−10.1 °C month, mean temperature of the coldest month (MTC)=−3.7–3.0 °C and annual precipitation (AP)=701–897 mm at the lower limits; and MTW=8.3–16.1 °C, WI=15.7–59.1 °C month, BT=3.6–8.9 °C, CI=−55.4–−19.3 °C month, MTC=8.3–16.1 °C and AP=610–811 mm at the upper limits. The climatic range of the E.S. oaks is wide and includes two climatic zones, the cool‐temperature zone and the subpolar zone. The PCA and MRA results suggest that the thermal climate plays a major role and precipitation plays a secondary role in controlling the large‐scale distribution of the E.S. oaks, except Quercus monimotricha. In thermal regimes, BT and/or MTW are most important for both lower and upper limits of the E.S. oaks. Furthermore, our results indicate that the upper distribution limits of the E.S. oaks are less determined by low temperatures and their duration (CI) than by other factors.
Notes on the family Brassicaceae in China
Authors: GERMAN Dmitry A , CHEN Wen‐Li
Published: June 2009

Abstract  A critical revision of the collections of Brassicaceae in some Chinese (PE, XJA, XJBI, XJFA, XJNM, XJU) and foreign (LE, P) herbaria is made. One genus, Neurotropis (DC.) F. K. Mey., and 11 species, Alyssum szarabiacum Nyár., Barbarea stricta Andrz., Erysimum czernjajevii N. Busch, Erysimum kotuchovii D. German, Erysimum mongolicum D. German, Lepidium karelinianum Al‐Shehbaz, Matthiola superba Conti, Neurotropis platycarpa (Fisch. & Mey.) F. K. Mey., Ptilotrichum dahuricum Peschkova, Sisymbrium subspinescens Bunge, and Smelowskia micrantha (Botsch. & Vved.) Al‐Shehbaz & S. I. Warwick, are reported from China for the first time. Six species, Aphragmus involucratus (Bunge) O. E. Schulz, Dontostemon perennis C. A. Mey., Goldbachia torulosa DC., Lepidium amplexicaule Willd., Neotorularia brevipes (Kar. & Kir.) Hedge & J. Léonard, and Parrya stenocarpa Kar. & Kir., are confirmed to occurr in China. Five species, Dontostemon integrifolius (L.) C. A. Mey., Draba zangbeiensis L. L. Lou, Lepidium alashanicum H. L. Yang, Sinapis arvensis L., and Strigosella brevipes (Bunge) Botsch., are reported as novelties for some provinces in China, and Strigosella hispida (Litv.) Botsch. occurs in Xinjiang, China. However, the occurrence of one genus, Pseudoarabidopsis Al‐Shehbaz, O’Kane & Price, and four species, Draba huetii Boiss., Eutrema halophilum (C. A. Mey.) Al‐Shehbaz & S. I. Warwick, Galitzkya spathulata (Steph. ex Willd.) V. Bocz., and Pseudoarabidopsis toxophylla (Bieb.) Al‐Shehbaz, O’Kane & Price, could not be confirmed in China. The occurrence of six species, Aphragmus bouffordii Al‐Shehbaz, Barbarea orthoceras Ledeb., Lepidium latifolium L., Ptilotrichum canescens (DC.) C. A. Mey., Strigosella hispida (Litv.) Botsch., and Strigosella scorpioides (Bunge) Botsch., is not confirmed in certain provinces of China. All names follow the latest taxonomic treatment for relevant groups; detailed morphological descriptions of the newly recorded taxa are provided; and distinguishing characters from related species already known in China are discussed. Other comments are provided where needed.
Morphological characteristics of leaf epidermis and size variation of leaf, flower and fruit in different ploidy levels in Buddleja macrostachya (Buddlejaceae)
Authors: CHEN Gao , SUN Wei‐Bang , SUN Hang
Published: June 2009

Abstract  Buddleja macrostachya (Buddlejaceae) is a widespread shrub native to the Sino‐Himalayan mountains and beyond. It has been found to occur at two ploidy levels, hexaploid, 2n=6x=114 and dodecaploid, 2n=12x=228. To determine if morphological characters might be used as indicators of ploidy levels, we measured floral and fruit length, relative and absolute leaf size, trichome density on both leaf surfaces, and stomatal density and length in different populations of B. macrostachya. In general, flower and fruit length, absolute leaf size, and stomatal length increased with an increase at ploidy level (P<0.01), whereas adaxial cell and stomatal density decreased with an increase at ploidy level (P<0.01). We found no conspicuous differences in relative leaf size (P>0.05) in different populations. Other characters studied such as trichome type, cuticular membrane and ornamentation of stomata, cell and stomatal shape, and anticlinal wall pattern were quite constant in this species. Thus it appears that flower and fruit length, absolute leaf size, and stomatal frequency and length can be used to distinguish hexaploid from dodecaploid cytotypes either in the field or in herbarium specimens.
Genetic relationship between parasitized and non‐parasitized Haloxylon ammodendron in the Alxa Desert
Authors: WANG Xu‐Mei , YANG Dong‐Ye , TIAN Yong‐Zhen , TU Peng‐Fei , SUN Qi‐Shi , LI Xiao‐Bo
Published: June 2009

Abstract  Haloxylon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge is a host for the holoparasitic plant Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, the original source of medicinal material known as Herba Cistanchis. The inter‐simple sequence repeat marker was used to assess the genetic variations and relationships among six accessions of H. ammodendron with a total of 120 individuals collected from three localities in the Alxa Desert, Inner Mongolia, China. At each locality, individuals both parasitized (PP) by C. deserticola and non‐parasitized (NP) were sampled. The results showed that Nei's gene diversity and Shannon's index of PP accessions were higher, but were not significantly different, from those of NP accessions. An unweighted pair‐group method arithmetic average dendrogram showed two clusters, one that included all PP accessions, and the other the NP accessions. Genetic differentiation therefore existed between PP and NP accessions, which might be attributed to low gene flow between the NP and PP groups (Nm<1).  However, the relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance within each group, although not statistically significant in this study, might be associated with high gene flow in both the NP and PP groups.
Essays on Transforming Security and Development in an Unequal World
Authors: Bagayoko Niagalé , McLean Hilker Lyndsay
Published: June 2009

These two papers add further dimensions to the discussions inIDS Bulletin40.2 (March 2009) on ‘Transforming Security and Development in an Unequal World’ edited by Robin Luckham, Niagalé Bagayoko, Lucia Dammert, Claudio Fuentes and Michael Solis. Like the contributions to the latter, they were first discussed at the founding Colloquium of the Global Consortium for Security Transformation held at Kandalama, Sri Lanka in September 2007.

Niagalé Bagayoko's paper on ‘State, Non‐State and Multilateral Logics of Action in Post‐Conflict Environments’ considers the complexities of Northern policymaking and their impacts in post‐conflict countries. It thus differs from but complementsIDS Bulletin40.2, which focuses mostly on security and development from a Southern perspective.

She argues that a number of different policy logics are at work in the security, development, humanitarian and media etc domains, which are sometimes coordinated – but often in tension with – each other. Her approach thus differs from that of certain critical voices in the NGO and academic worlds, which hold that there is a danger that Northern security priorities might ‘securitise’ the humanitarian and development agendas, particularly in post‐conflict environments. While these dangers are real, nevertheless one should not stereotype all international actors as ‘Northern’ or as promoting Northern security (e.g. anti‐terrorist) agendas. It is instead more fruitful to view such actors as diverse players with conflicting interests that operate according to different policy logics.

Lyndsay McLean Hilker's paper on ‘Why Identity Politics Matters for Security and What Follows for Research and Policy’ spells out a general framework for analysis of identity‐based violent conflict, drawing upon empirical examples, including Rwanda, where she has focused her own research. It is unique in its focus on the implications of analysis and research on identity politics for development policy.

She contends that identity politics matter both to the persistence of insecurity and to the achievement of greater security. Evidence from multiple contexts demonstrates that identity provides an effective basis for group mobilisation into collective action – both violent and non‐violent in nature. If we are to work to combat insecurity at the local as well as the global level, we need to look in more depth at the processes leading to violence in the name of identity in specific contexts, and explore the types of interventions that can prevent and respond to such violence. It is especially important to understand under what circumstances identity politics can be exercised in ways that are inclusive and empowering rather than exclusionary or violent.
Fluid replacement and heat stress during exercise alter post‐exercise cardiac haemodynamics in endurance exercise‐trained men
Authors: Lynn Brenna M. , Minson Christopher T. , Halliwill John R.
Published: June 2009

It has been reported that endurance exercise‐trained men have decreases in cardiac output with no change in systemic vascular conductance during post‐exercise hypotension, which differs from sedentary and normally active populations. As inadequate hydration may explain these differences, we tested the hypothesis that fluid replacement prevents this post‐exercise fall in cardiac output, and further, exercise in a warm environment would cause greater decreases in cardiac output. We studied 14 trained men ( 4.66 ± 0.62 l min−1) before and to 90 min after cycling at 60% for 60 min under three conditions: Control (no water was consumed during exercise in a thermoneutral environment), Fluid (water was consumed to match sweat loss during exercise in a thermoneutral environment) and Warm (no water was consumed during exercise in a warm environment). Arterial pressure and cardiac output were measured pre‐ and post‐exercise in a thermoneutral environment. The fall in mean arterial pressure following exercise was not different between conditions (P= 0.453). Higher post‐exercise cardiac output (Δ 0.41 ± 0.17 l min−1; P= 0.027), systemic vascular conductance (Δ 6.0 ± 2.2 ml min−1 mmHg−1; P= 0.001) and stroke volume (Δ 9.1 ± 2.1 ml beat−1; P < 0.001) were seen in Fluid compared to Control, but there was no difference between Fluid and Warm (all P > 0.05). These data suggest that fluid replacement mitigates the post‐exercise decrease in cardiac output in endurance‐exercise trained men. Surprisingly, exercise in a warm environment also mitigates the post‐exercise fall in cardiac output.
Leptin receptor gene expression and number in the brain are regulated by leptin level and nutritional status
Authors: Mitchell Sharon E. , Nogueiras Ruben , Morris Amanda , Tovar Sulay , Grant Christine , Cruickshank Morven , Rayner D. Vernon , Dieguez Carlos , Williams Lynda M.
Published: June 2009

Hormone potency depends on receptor availability, regulated via gene expression and receptor trafficking. To ascertain how central leptin receptors are regulated, the effects of leptin challenge, high‐fat diet, fasting and refeeding were measured on leptin receptor number and gene expression. These were measured using quantitative 125I‐labelled leptin in vitro autoradiography and in situ hybridisation, respectively. Ob‐R (all forms of leptin receptor) expression in the choroid plexus (CP) was unchanged by high‐fat diet or leptin challenge, whereas fasting increased but refeeding failed to decrease expression. 125I‐labelled leptin binding to the CP was increased by fasting and returned to basal levels on refeeding. 125I‐Labelled leptin was reduced by leptin challenge and increased by high‐fat feeding. Ob‐Rb (signalling form) in the arcuate (ARC) and ventromedial (VMH) nuclei was increased after fasting and decreased by refeeding. Leptin challenge increased Ob‐Rb expression in the ARC, but not after high‐fat feeding. In general, changes in gene expression in the ARC and VMH appeared to be largely due to changes in area rather than density of labelling, indicating that the number of cells expressing Ob‐Rb was the parameter that contributed most to these changes. Leptin stimulation of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3), a marker of stimulation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) pathway, was unchanged after high‐fat diet. Thus, early loss of leptin sensitivity after high‐fat feeding is unrelated to down‐regulation of leptin receptor expression or number and does not involve the JAK/STAT pathway. The effect of leptin to decrease 125I‐labelled leptin binding and the loss of ability of leptin to up‐regulate Ob‐Rb expression in the ARC after high‐fat feeding offer potential mechanisms for the development of leptin insensitivity in response to both hyperleptinaemia and high‐fat diet.
Exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) mediates cAMP‐dependent but protein kinase A‐insensitive modulation of vascular ATP‐sensitive potassium channels
Authors: Purves Gregor I. , Kamishima Tomoko , Davies Lowri M. , Quayle John M. , Dart Caroline
Published: June 2009

Exchange proteins directly activated by cyclic AMP (Epacs or cAMP‐GEF) represent a family of novel cAMP‐binding effector proteins. The identification of Epacs and the recent development of pharmacological tools that discriminate between cAMP‐mediated pathways have revealed previously unrecognized roles for cAMP that are independent of its traditional target cAMP‐dependent protein kinase (PKA). Here we show that Epac exists in a complex with vascular ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channel subunits and that cAMP‐mediated activation of Epac modulates KATP channel activity via a Ca2+‐dependent mechanism involving the activation of Ca2+‐sensitive protein phosphatase 2B (PP‐2B, calcineurin). Application of the Epac‐specific cAMP analogue 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP, at concentrations that activate Epac but not PKA, caused a 41.6 ± 4.7% inhibition (mean ±s.e.m.; n= 7) of pinacidil‐evoked whole‐cell KATP currents recorded in isolated rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Importantly, similar results were obtained when cAMP was elevated by addition of the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin in the presence of the structurally distinct PKA inhibitors, Rp‐cAMPS or KT5720. Activation of Epac by 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP caused a transient 171.0 ± 18.0 nm (n= 5) increase in intracellular Ca2+ in Fura‐2‐loaded aortic myocytes, which persisted in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Inclusion of the Ca2+‐specific chelator BAPTA in the pipette‐filling solution or preincubation with the calcineurin inhibitors, cyclosporin A or ascomycin, significantly reduced the ability of 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP to inhibit whole‐cell KATP currents. These results highlight a previously undescribed cAMP‐dependent regulatory mechanism that may be essential for understanding the physiological and pathophysiological roles ascribed to arterial KATP channels in the control of vascular tone and blood flow.
Surface Hardening of Titanium Articles With Titanium Boride Layers and its Effects on Substrate Shape and Surface Texture
Authors: Sanders Anthony P. , Tikekar Nishant , Lee Curtis , Chandran K. S. Ravi
Published: June 2009

There is widespread interest in engineering improved properties into the surface layer of manufactured articles. One method for doing so involves a novel boriding process that creates hardened surface layers by the growth of a dual layer TiB2+TiB coating on titanium articles. The objective of the present work was to demonstrate the fundamental feasibility of this process by producing uniform thick boride coating layers on titanium articles and to polish them to a very fine surface texture suitable for biomedical implant bearing surfaces. A powder pack diffusion boriding process was used to grow dual layer TiB2+TiB coatings on simple shapes. Lapping processes were used to polish the borided articles. Evaluation was carried out using measurements of surface texture, geometric form, and hardness, and by metallurgical analysis. Boriding on as-received titanium articles resulted in shape distortion that hampered the subsequent polishing efforts. Hence, further articles were treated with stress-relief annealing prior to boriding, at temperatures below and above the β-transus of the substrate article. Annealing itself caused some form distortion, which was eliminated by lapping. Then, after boriding the annealed articles, varying surface textures and shape distortions were observed. Articles annealed above the β-transus had surface textures with significant peak-to-valley roughness (14–55 μm), and the texture appeared to be patterned upon the substrate microstructure. However, form distortion seemed to be alleviated. For articles annealed below the β-transus, form distortion was not alleviated, and the articles exhibited wavy surface textures with a high peak-to-valley roughness (up to 50 μm). Whether combined or independent, the surface texture changes and shape distortion that occurred during boriding thwarted the polishing processes; the articles could not be uniformly polished to a roughness less than 0.05 μm within the coating thickness. To achieve uniformly polished dual layer TiB2+TiB surfaces on titanium articles using the pack boriding technique, it appears that the substrate raw materials should be free of residual stresses and consist of a fine microstructure.
Microstructural Assessment of Copper Friction Stir Welds
Authors: Polar A. , Indacochea J. E.
Published: June 2009

Friction stir welding (FSW) of electrolytic tough pitch copper plates was conducted using a conventional CNC milling machine. The microstructure evolution of the weld was correlated with the process parameters used in the study and in conjunction with increasing temperatures during processing. When the optimum process parameters were achieved, a sound weld joint was obtained. The weldments were evaluated by microstructural analysis, using optical and scanning electron microscopes, and in terms of mechanical properties. At early stages of FSW and/or when using less than optimum welding parameters low temperatures result, metal does not plasticize effectively producing defects, such as large cavities, porosity, and poor bonding, due to the lack of plasticized material. Cavities were found at the advancing region of the weld, and in this area the finest grains were observed from the entire weld. The cavities were reduced, and the grain size increased further along in the weld as the temperature increased also. The typical weld nugget found in the friction stir welding of other metals was not observed in this case. Dynamic recrystallization was observed in the “stirred zone” of the weld; considering that the strain rate in this region was the same in all three cases, the difference in grain size was attributed to the differences in process temperature.
Efficient Gradient-Based Tolerance Optimization Using Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Bowman R. Alan
Published: June 2009

A gradient-based optimization approach is employed to select design tolerances for the component dimensions of a mechanical assembly to minimize manufacturing cost while achieving a desired probability of meeting functional requirements, known as the yield. Key to the feasibility of such an approach is to be able to use Monte Carlo simulation to make estimates of the derivatives of the yield with respect to the design tolerances quickly and accurately. A new approach for making these estimates is presented and is shown to be far faster and more accurate than previous approaches. Gradient-based optimization using the new approach for estimating the derivatives is applied to example problems from the literature. The solutions are superior to all previously published solutions and are obtained with very reasonable computer run times. Additional advantages of a gradient-based approach are described.
Quantitative Analysis of Holes Produced in Laser Micromachining: A New Quality Index
Authors: Campbell Benjamin , Tiryakioğlu Murat
Published: June 2009

Prior methods of assessing the quality of laser machined features are reviewed. The common features that contribute to a quality analysis for laser-drilled holes are described and the best methods to measure them are presented. A new quality index based on the Taguchi loss function is introduced. The use of the new quality index in laser micromachining applications is demonstrated.
Nanomanufacturing Using Electrospinning
Authors: Bellan Leon M. , Craighead Harold G.
Published: June 2009

Electrospinning has become a popular technique for fabricating nanofibers from a variety of materials and has been tailored for a multitude of applications. These nanofibers may be used as devices (e.g., biosensors, field effect transistors (FETs), and resonators) or may be used to fabricate nanoscale features in other materials. Several methods for controlling the orientation of deposited fibers have been demonstrated, including linear and rotary mechanical motion, using prepatterned electrodes on a substrate to attract the fibers, and using electric fields to alter the path of the electrospinning jet in-flight. Electrospinning systems employing more complex tip geometries have been investigated. Several techniques have been developed to overcome the problem of low mass throughput, including using large arrays of electrospinning tips fed by the same solution and various tipless electrospinning techniques. The electrospinning tip has also been modified to produce either side-by-side or coaxial multicomponent fibers and tubes. The mechanism by which the fluid jet solidifies into fibers has also been varied, and though most electrospinning experiments still rely upon in-flight solvent evaporation for solidification, melt electrospinning and in-flight polymerization have also been investigated. This article will review recent developments in electrospinning techniques and applications.
Parametrical and Motion Analysis of a Moored Rectangular Floating Breakwater
Authors: Elchahal Ghassan , Younes Rafic , Lafon Pascal
Published: June 2009

Moored floating breakwaters with a leeward boundary, assimilating the port quay walls are described by a large number of coupled variables. This complicates their design and requires a detailed parametrical and motion analysis to assess their hydrodynamic performance. A diffraction-radiation boundary value problem is developed. It arises from the interaction of linear waves on a moored floating breakwater with a leeward boundary described by a partial reflective sidewall. The effects of the sidewall clearance, structural parameters, mooring lines stiffness, and their angle of inclination on the transmission coefficient and the dynamic motion of the floating breakwater are considered. The transmission coefficient is strongly affected by the motion itself and the allowable length change in the mooring lines.
Heat Transfer Prediction of In-Service Welding in a Forced Flow of Fluid
Authors: Lindström Per R. M.
Published: June 2009

An algorithm for heat transfer prediction of in-service welding operations in a forced flow of fluid is presented. The algorithm presented is derived from Rosenthal’s 3D heat flow equation and boundary layer approximations. This was possible by the introduction of an apparent thermal conductivity kPL, which is a function of the boundary layer’s heat transfer coefficient αf and the base material’s thickness δ. This implies that a weld cooling time ΔtT1/T2 in a forced flow of fluid can now be calculated by an ordinary engineering calculator and thus enabling suitable welding parameters to be determined. The magnitude of kPL(αf,δ) was established by regression analysis of results from a parametric finite element analysis series of a total number of 112 numerical simulations. Furthermore, the result of the regression analysis was validated and verified by a welding experiment series accomplished on an in-house designed and constructed in-service welding rig. The principle design of the welding rig as well as its instrumentation, a PC based Data Acquisition system, is described. In addition, a method to measure the weld metals cooling time ΔtT1/T2 by means of thermocouple elements is described. Finally, the algorithm presented in this study proved feasible for industrial in-service welding operations of fine-grained Carbon and Carbon–Manganese steels with a maximum Carbon Equivalent (IIW) (CE) of 0.32.
Stern Slamming of a LNG Carrier
Authors: Oberhagemann Jan , Holtmann Michael , el Moctar Ould , Schellin Thomas E. , Kim Daewoong
Published: June 2009

Rational assessment of stern slamming of a large twin screw liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier comprised prediction of hydrodynamic impact loads and their effects on the dynamic global structural behavior of the hull girder. Linear theory obtained regular equivalent waves that caused maximum relative normal velocities at critical locations underneath the ship’s stern. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computations based on the volume of fluid method yielded transient (nonlinear) hydrodynamic impact (slamming) loads that were coupled to a nonlinear motion analysis of the ship in waves. At every time step of the transient computation, the finite volume grid was translated and rotated, simulating the actual position of the ship. Hydrodynamic loads acting on the hull were converted to nodal forces for a finite element model of the ship structure. Slamming-induced pressure peaks, typically lasting for about 0.5 s, were characterized by a steep increase and decrease before and after the peak values. Shape and duration agreed favorably with full-scale measurements and model tests carried out on other ships, indicating the plausibility of our numerical predictions. Hull girder whipping was analyzed to investigate dynamic amplification of structural stresses. Short-duration impact-related slamming loads excited the ship structure to vibrations in a wide range of frequencies. Excitation of the lowest fundamental eigenmode contributed most to additional stresses caused by hull girder whipping. Although, for the cases investigated, longitudinal stresses and shear stresses caused by quasisteady wave bending were uncritical, we obtained a significant amplification (up to 25%) due to the dynamic structural response.
Finite Element Analysis of Plastic Strain Distribution in Multipass ECAE Process of High Density Polyethylene
Authors: Aour B. , Zaïri F. , Naït-Abdelaziz M. , Gloaguen J. M. , Lefebvre J. M.
Published: June 2009

Equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) is a relatively novel forming process to modify microstructure via severe plastic deformation without modification of the sample cross section. In this study, an optimized design of die geometry is presented, which improves homogeneity of the plastic deformation and decreases the pressing force required for extrusion. Then, a typical semicrystalline polymer (high density polyethylene) was subjected to multipass ECAE using two different processing routes: route A where the sample orientation is kept constant between passes and route C where the sample is rotated by 180 deg. Compression tests at room temperature and under different strain rates were used to identify the material parameters of a phenomenological elastic-viscoplastic model. Two-dimensional finite element analysis of ECAE process was carried out, thus allowing to check out the homogeneity of the plastic strain distribution. The effects of die geometry, number of passes, processing route, and friction coefficient on the plastic strain distribution were studied. The simulations were performed for three channel angles (i.e., 90 deg, 120 deg, and 135 deg), considering different corner angles. According to simulation results, recommendations on the angular extrusion of the polymer are provided for improving die and process performance.
Inclusion Problems
Authors: Mura Toshio
Published: June 2009

The present review on inclusion problems emphasizes papers published after 1982. Materials associated with inclusions are composite materials, precipitated or transformed alloys, porous media, and polycrystals. The inclusion problems deal with the following subjects of these materials: (1) average elastic moduli and average thermal properties; (2) nonelastic constitutive equations; (3) behavior of inclusions including nucleation, growth, and collapse of voids; (4) cracks and inclusions including the transformation toughening, crack growth through composites and stress intensity factors; (5) sliding and debonding inclusions; and (6) dynamic effects of inclusions.
Opportunities for Application of Fracture Mechanics for Offshore Structures
Authors: Rhee H. Chong , Kanninen Melvin F.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this paper is to identify fracture-critical problems in the offshore industry and to match them with fracture mechanics techniques emanating from applications in other areas. To set the stage, a review is made of fracture mechanics problems in the offshore structural technology. The fracture mechanics analysis procedures suitable for these problems are then discussed with an emphasis on fracture parameter calculation methods and crack instability analysis procedures. Recommendations are provided for the implementation of more efficient fracture mechanics methods for offshore structural applications.