bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on Yarn Hairiness of Polyester/Cotton Blended Ring-Spun Yarns Made from Different Blend Ratios
Authors: Canoglu Suat , Tanir S. Kevser
Published: January 2009

In this study, 1.4 denier and 32 mm of fiber-length polyester and 30.2 mm fiber-length cotton (4.35 micronaire) rovings of 695 tex (αtex = 10.7) were blended with different polyester/cotton ratios (i.e. 17/83, 33/67, 50/50, 67/33, and 83/17). The yarns were produced at a spindle speed of 11,000 rev/min with a 42 mm ring diameter, where C-type half round travelers of 85 and 95 mg were employed in ring frames. The resulting 36 tex (αtex = 37.5) yarns were examined by measuring their tensile strength, elongation, count, twist, evenness, and hairiness. Then the yarns were knitted into fabrics to observe and evaluate pilling performance. The observations based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were concluded both on the hairiness and pilling values, depending on the blend proportions. Among the yarns produced, the best hairiness with the traveler of 95 mg weight was obtained from the blend yarn with a polyester/cotton ratio of 33/67 and the best pilling parameter was accrued from the knitted fabrics with a polyester/cotton ratio of 83/17.
The Influence of Yarn Count on the Splicing of Simple Continuous Filament Synthetic Yarns
Authors: Webb Carwyn James , Waters Graham Thomas , Guo Ping Liu  , Thomas Clive
Published: January 2009

Pneumatic splicing is a complex process, its efficiency being dependent on many variables. The research reported in this paper relates to the relationship between splicing performance and yarn count. The tests were performed using an industry-standard synthetic yarn, which was used as a baseline in previous research on the splicing process. This paper reports on the change in performance of industry-standard and experimental splicers with various configurations as yarn count was varied. The report offers an explanation for the change of splicing performance with yarn count.
All My Relations: Understanding Perceptions of Justice and Conflict between Companies and Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Whiteman Gail
Published: January 2009

Research on organizational justice typically investigates how perceptions of justice affect encounters between internal organizational actors, with few studies analyzing perceptions between firms and external stakeholders. In addition to a narrow focus on employer—employee relations, the organizational justice literature is dominated by western and European cultural perspectives. My paper addresses these gaps by exploring how justice theory may be useful in understanding conflicts between local Indigenous Peoples and multinational firms from the natural resource sector. I argue that this applied research problem can make a number of conceptual contributions to organization studies of justice. I illustrate how organizational justice theory applies within this new context, and also how indigenous cultural visions of justice enrich and challenge our very notion of organizational justice.
Virtually Normal
Authors: King Samantha
Published: January 2009

This essay explores media narratives about Mark Bingham, the gay, rugby-playing Republican and successful businessman, who is believed to have played a key role in the struggle with the hijackers of United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. The analysis reveals that, with few exceptions, both lesbian and gay and mainstream publications mobilized Bingham's story in ways that lent tacit support to the intensified militarism and imperialism that have characterized the post-9/11 period. By focusing on the deployment of narratives about Bingham's athletic abilities, the argument points to the ways in which antihomophobic and gay-positive discourses about sport participation and prowess can operate in ways that bolster regressive political agendas and reproduce, rather than challenge, exclusionary norms of subjectivity.
The Antieconomy Hypothesis (Part 1)
Authors: Vanderburg Willem H.
Published: January 2009

This article attempts to make some sense of what is happening to the role of money and the economy in our lives and in our communities. It shows that the picture provided by the discipline of economics makes no sense at all. Corporations and national economies have become wealth extractors as opposed to wealth creators. Only about 3% of daily financial flows around the globe have any meaningful connection to the production and distribution of goods and services or to direct productive investments. Free trade is restricted to the flows of goods and services, but it is forced trade to people and communities. Such flows ought to serve them, but under free trade they are permitted to do more harm than good. These developments have transformed the role of money and the economy into wealth extraction or what may be regarded as antimoney and an antieconomy. The implications are far reaching, and require urgent attention if the present human, social, and environmental crises are not to be intensified.
Indoor Navigation for a Humanoid Robot Using a View Sequence
Authors: Ido Junichi , Shimizu Yoshinao , Matsumoto Yoshio , Ogasawara Tsukasa
Published: January 2009

Humanoid robots are expected to work in the human environment due to their similarity to the human shape, and they are required to achieve localization and navigation autonomously. In this paper, indoor navigation is realized based on a view-based approach using a camera mounted on the head. In the case of a humanoid robot, image blur and swing due to walking is a crucial issue for image matching during localization. The quantitative effect of walking on the image is firstly investigated by utilizing a motion capture system. Then a method to generate a stable view sequence is proposed based on the detection of optical flows. The navigation function with the proposed method was implemented on a humanoid robot HRP-2, and the effectiveness was confirmed by indoor walking experiments.
Robotic Mapping Using Measurement Likelihood Filtering
Authors: Mullane John , Adams Martin D. , Wijerupage Sardha Wijesoma
Published: January 2009

The classical occupancy grid formulation requires the use of a priori known measurement likelihoods whose values are typically either assumed or learned from training data. Furthermore, in previous approaches, the likelihoods used to propagate the occupancy map variables are, in fact, independent of the state of interest and are derived from the spatial uncertainty of the detected point. This allows the use of a discrete Bayes filter as a solution to the problem, as discrete occupancy measurement likelihoods are used. In this paper, we first shown that once the measurement space is redefined, theoretically accurate and state-dependant measurement likelihoods can be obtained and used in the propagation of the occupancy random variable. The required measurement likelihoods for occupancy filtering are, in fact, those commonly encountered in both the landmark detection and data association hypotheses decisions. However, the required likelihoods are generally a priori unknown as they are a highly non-linear function of the landmark's signal-to-noise ratio and the surrounding environment. The probabilistic occupancy mapping problem is therefore reformulated as a continuous joint estimation problem where the measurement likelihoods are treated as continuous random states which must be jointly estimated with the map. In particular, this work explicitly considers the sensors detection and false-alarm probabilities in the occupancy mapping formulation. A particle solution is proposed which recursively estimates both the posterior on the map and the measurement likelihoods. The ideas presented in this paper are demonstrated in the field robotics domain using a millimeter wave radar sensor and comparisons with previous approaches, using constant discrete measurement likelihoods, are shown. A manually constructed ground-truth map and satellite imagery are also provided for map validation.
Silsesquioxane-based Hybrid Nanocomposite with Self-assembling Properties for Porous Limestones Conservation
Authors: Simionescu Bogdana , Olaru Mihaela , Aflori Magda , Cotofana Corneliu
Published: January 2009

The study was concerned with the synthesis and characterization of a silsesquioxane-based hybrid nanocomposite with self-assembling properties intended for monumental porous limestone conservation. Radical polymerization of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate in the presence of a primary amine surfactant yielded a new type of hybrid nanocomposite, in which silica was dispersed as domains with typical sizes in the nanometer range. The self-assembling properties of the synthesized composite have been ascribed to the supramolecular assembling abilities of the surfactant, as well as to the combination of linear, ladder, and cage-like fragments of silsesquioxane type. This new sol—gel approach, in which the surfactant makes the pore size of the network more coarse and uniform, avoids cracking while drying inside the stone and thus provides an effective alternative for porous limestone conservation.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Phenylethynyl-Containing Imide Oligomers Based on Isomeric Biphenyltetracarboxylic Dianhydrides
Authors: Liu Yanfeng , Wang Zhen , Li Gao , Ding Mengxian
Published: January 2009

In order to further improve both processability of imide oligomers containing pendent or/and terminal phenylethynyl groups and their cured T g values without sacrificing mechanical properties, isomeric dianhydrides, 2,2',3,3'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (3,3'-BPDA) or 2,3',3,4'-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride (3,4'-BPDA), were introduced into main chain. The rigid and bent structure of the isomeric BPDAs can provide a good combination of melt flow while maintaining a high Tg. Phenylethynyl containing oligoimides were prepared from the reaction of isomeric dianhydrides (3,3'-BPDA, 3,4'-BPDA and 4,4'-BPDA), 4,4'-oxydianiline (4,4'-ODA), 3,5-diamino-4'-phenylethynyl benzophenone (DPEB) and 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride (4-PEPA) or phthalic anhydride (PA) at an approximate number average molecular weight of 2500 and 5000 g mol-1. The imide oligomers from 3,3'-BPDA and 3,4'-BPDA exhibited good processability. The 3,3'-BPDA-based imide oligomers exhibited slightly lower melt viscosity and the cured resins exhibited similar Tg values compared with those from 3,4'-BPDA. OI-7 and OI-8 each with a molecular weight of 2500 g mol-1 had lower melt viscosities of 25 Pa s (342 °C) and 178 Pa s (344 °C) and higher cured T g at 367 °C and 365 °C. The cured films from OI-7, OI-8 showed good tensile properties and the elongations at break were around 10%. The neat resins from OI-7 and OI-8 had higher compressive strengths of 200 and 190 MPa. G827/OI-7 and G827/OI-8 exhibited comparable mechanical properities: flexural strengths of 1714 and 1826 MPa, flexural modulus of 130 and 124 GPa, and interlayer shear strengths of 95 and 101 MPa, respectively.
Evolving scientific research governance in Australia: a case study of engaging interested publics in nanotechnology research
Authors: Katz Evie , Solomon Fiona , Mee Wendy , Lovel Roy
Published: January 2009

This paper examines the prospects for integrating social context questions within science and technology research and development governance. While the use of public engagement to investigate social aspects of emerging technologies is increasingly accepted, incorporating social understandings into research and development processes is far less developed. The paper outlines two Australian public engagement workshops in the social issues of nanotechnologies, and a third workshop with nanoscientists, which explored governance options for incorporating social context questions within research processes. Our research suggests that in Australia we are still some distance from integrating social issues into nanotechnology research and development governance. In part, this is because the difficulties of prediction and control of nanotechnologies, together with particular characteristics of scientific cultures and institutions, make both prospects and outcomes of integration difficult to assess.
Influence of Short-term Rosuvastatin Therapy on Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Endothelial Function
Authors: Pirro Matteo , Schillaci Giuseppe , Romagno Paolo F. , Mannarino Massimo R. , Bagaglia Francesco , Razzi Rolando , Pasqualini Leonella , Vaudo Gaetano , Mannarino Elmo
Published: January 2009

Endothelial progenitor cells maintain endothelium integrity by replacing injured endothelial cells. Cholesterol-lowering promotes either endothelial progenitor cells mobilization or improves endothelial function. It is unknown whether improving endothelial function with statin is associated with a parallel increased endothelial progenitor cells availability. Thirty-two hypercholesterolemic patients were assigned to 4-week rosuvastatin (10 mg daily) and 16 hypercholesterolemic served as controls. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells, brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilatation, an index of endothelial function, and the lipid profile were measured before and after the 4-week statin therapy. At baseline, we found a correlation between circulating endothelial progenitor cells and flow-mediated vasodilatation (r = .31, P = .029). At the end of the 4-week intervention with rosuvastatin there was a 37% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .001) and a significant 72% increase in the number of endothelial progenitor cells and flow-mediated vasodilatation (4.7 + 0.7% to 8.8 + 0.4%, P < .001). Endothelial progenitor cells and flow-mediated vasodilatation were unchanged at the end of the study in patients not taking statin. A correlation emerged between endothelial progenitor cells and flow-mediated vasodilatation variations (r = .52, P < .001), this correlation being still significant after controlling for blood cholesterol reduction. In conclusion, short-term rosuvastatin therapy contributes in hyperchoelsterolemic patients to improving endothelial function by lowering cholesterol and increasing the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells; the latter effect appears to be partly independent from reduction in plasma cholesterol.
National Trends in Intimate Partner Homicides
Authors: Dawson Myrna , Bunge Valerie Pottie , Balde Thierno
Published: January 2009

In the past decade, research has begun to identify factors that may be contributing to declines in spousal homicide. The authors address two gaps in the Canadian literature: (a) the documentation of trends, including subgroup variations, and (b) the identification of factors that may be associated with declines. Using Statistics Canada data, the authors assess the association of declines with various factors. Results indicate that shifts in relative employment and divorce rates appear to be associated with declining rates for women, whereas shifts in men's education and divorce rates appear to be associated with declining rates of spousal homicide for men.
Face-to-Face Versus Online Tutoring Support in Humanities Courses in Distance Education
Authors: Richardson John T.E.
Published: January 2009

The experiences of students taking the same courses in the humanities by distance learning were compared when tutorial support was provided conventionally (using limited face-to-face sessions with some contact by telephone and email) or online (using a combination of computer-mediated conferencing and email). The Course Experience Questionnaire and the Revised Approaches to Studying Inventory were administered in a postal survey to 1264 students taking two different courses with the UK Open University. There were no significant differences between the students who received face-to-face tuition and those who received online tuition either in their perceptions of the academic quality of their courses or in the approaches to studying that they adopted on those courses. Provided that tutors and students receive appropriate training and support, course designers in the humanities can be confident about introducing online forms of tutorial support in campus-based or distance education.
Imagining Globalization Through Latin American Literature
Authors: Seminet Georgia
Published: January 2009

Through a combination of practical applications and theoretical underpinnings, this article explores the question of how to approach the teaching of Latin American Literature in the current period of globalization. Many theorists argue that we need new epistemologies in which to ground our pedagogy for the 21st century. Understanding the effects of globalization on Latin American Literature is a challenge, but one way we can meet it is by taking heed of new epistemologies such as Walter Mignolo's idea of `border thinking' or Boaventura de Sousa Santos' `epistemology of the South' that advocate an inclusive, dialogic approach to the integration of histories, cultures and different knowledges.
Process Evaluation of the Hunter Illawarra Kids Challenge Using Parent Support Study: A Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial for the Management of Child Obesity
Authors: Jones Rachel A. , Warren Janet M. , Okely Anthony D. , Collins Clare E. , Morgan Philip J. , Cliff Dylan P. , Burrows Tracy , Cleary Jane , Baur Louise A.
Published: January 2009

The purposes of this article are to (a) outline findings from secondary or process outcome data of the Hunter Illawarra Kids Challenge Using Parent Support (HIKCUPS) study and (b) inform the design and development of future research interventions and practice in the management of child obesity. Data were collected by means of facilitator evaluations, independent session observation, attendance records, and parent questionnaires. Internal validity and reliability of the program delivery were high. All parents reported positive changes in their children as a result of the physical activity program, the dietary modification program, or both. Most participants completed the home activities, but more than half reported that finding time to do them was problematic. Facilitator review indicated that future programs should specifically cater to children of similar age or same sex, allow adequate time for explanation of complex nutritional concepts, and use intrinsic motivators for participants. Recommendations for future interventions, specifically the implementation of subsequent HIKCUPS or other multisite effectiveness studies, are detailed.
Sonographic Detection of Isolated Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis
Authors: Barwick Lee Anne
Published: January 2009

Inferior vena cava thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which a clot or thrombus forms in the major vessel that returns blood to the heart and lungs. The primary concern is that of potentially life-threatening pulmonary emboli, or clots traveling to the lung. Risk factors vary greatly, but all fall into the general categories of hypercoagulable state, venous injury, and venous stasis. Signs and symptoms vary with the extent of thrombus, and more than half of all patients remain asymptomatic until pulmonary embolism occurs. Although treatment for cases of localized inferior vena cava thrombosis is fairly straightforward with an excellent prognosis, the variability in and sometimes lack of signs, symptoms, and risk factors render isolated cases of inferior vena cava thrombosis difficult to detect prior to complications from pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis.
Psychological adjustment and quality of life in children and adolescents following open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease: a systematic review
Authors: Latal Beatrice , Helfricht Susanne , Fischer Joachim E , Bauersfeld Urs , Landolt Markus A
Published: January 2009

Background

Children with congenital heart defects (CHD) requiring open-heart surgery are a group at high risk for health-related sequelae. Little consensus exists regarding their long-term psychological adjustment (PA) and health-related quality of life (QoL). Thus, we conducted a systematic review to determine the current knowledge on long-term outcome in this population.

Methods

We included randomized controlled trials, case control, or cohort studies published between 1990–2008 evaluating self- and proxy-reported PA and QoL in patients aged between two and 17 years with a follow-up of at least two years after open heart surgery for CHD.

Results

Twenty-three studies assessing psychological parameters and 12 studies assessing QoL were included. Methodological quality of the studies varied greatly with most studies showing a moderate quality. Results were as follows: (a) A considerable proportion of children experienced psychological maladjustment according to their parents; (b) studies on self-reported PA indicate a good outcome; (c) the studies on QoL suggest an impaired QoL for some children in particular for those with more severe cardiac disease; (d) parental reports of psychological maladjustment were related to severity of CHD and developmental delay.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of survivors of open-heart surgery for CHD are at risk for psychological maladjustment and impaired QoL. Future research needs to focus on self-reports, QoL data and adolescents.
HCV-related burden of disease in Europe: a systematic assessment of incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality
Authors: Mühlberger Nikolai , Schwarzer Ruth , Lettmeier Beate , Sroczynski Gaby , Zeuzem Stefan , Siebert Uwe
Published: January 2009

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease, end-stage cirrhosis, and liver cancer, but little is known about the burden of disease caused by the virus. We summarised burden of disease data presently available for Europe, compared the data to current expert estimates, and identified areas in which better data are needed.

Methods

Literature and international health databases were systematically searched for HCV-specific burden of disease data, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and liver transplantation. Data were collected for the WHO European region with emphasis on 22 countries. If HCV-specific data were unavailable, these were calculated via HCV-attributable fractions.

Results

HCV-specific burden of disease data for Europe are scarce. Incidence data provided by national surveillance are not fully comparable and need to be standardised. HCV prevalence data are often inconclusive. According to available data, an estimated 7.3–8.8 million people (1.1–1.3%) are infected in our 22 focus countries. HCV-specific mortality, DALY, and transplantation data are unavailable. Estimations via HCV-attributable fractions indicate that HCV caused more than 86000 deaths and 1.2 million DALYs in the WHO European region in 2002. Most of the DALYs (95%) were accumulated by patients in preventable disease stages. About one-quarter of the liver transplants performed in 25 European countries in 2004 were attributable to HCV.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that hepatitis C is a major health problem and highlight the importance of timely antiviral treatment. However, data on the burden of disease of hepatitis C in Europe are scarce, outdated or inconclusive, which indicates that hepatitis C is still a neglected disease in many countries. What is needed are public awareness, co-ordinated action plans, and better data. European physicians should be aware that many infections are still undetected, provide timely testing and antiviral treatment, and avoid iatrogenic transmission.
Up-regulation and clinical relevance of novel helicase homologue DHX32 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Chunling , Liang Xianming , Huang Ruxin , Zhang Zhongying
Published: January 2009

Background

This study aimed to find novel biomarkers for colorectal cancer.

Methods

Fluorescent mRNA differential display PCR (DD-PCR) was used to screen the genes differentially expressed in colorectal cancer tissues and their adjacent tissues. The differentially expressed genes were confirmed by real-time PCR and then their clinical relevance (such as association with tumor location and lymph gland metastasis) was further investigated.

Results

We identified by DD-PCR a novel RNA helicase, DHX32, which showed higher expression in colorectal cancer tissues than their adjacent tissues, and this result was confirmed by real time RT-PCR. In addition, we found that the level of DHX32 gene expression in colorectal cancer was significantly associated with cancer location, lymph gland metastasis, cancer nodal status, differentiation grade, and Dukes, stage.

Conclusion

DHX32 may play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer and could serve as a novel biomarker for colorectal cancer after additional investigation.
TLR7 and TLR8 agonists trigger different signaling pathways for human dendritic cell maturation
Authors: Larangé Alexandre , Antonios Diane , Pallardy Marc , Kerdine-Römer Saadia
Published: January 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity. These APCs have the ability to recognize specific molecular signatures of pathogens through TLRs. In particular, the intracellular TLR7 and TLR8, mediating the recognition of ssRNA by DCs, play a major role in the immune response during viral infection. Although differences have been identified between TLR7 and TLR8, in terms of cellular expression and functions, the signaling pathways that lead to DC maturation following TLR7 or TLR8 engagement are largely unknown. We compared the signaling pathways involved in human CD34-DC maturation induced by agonists selective for TLR7 (imiquimod) or TLR8 (3M002). TLR7 and TLR8 activation up-regulated CCR7, CD40, CD86, and CD83 expression and IL-6 and IL-12p40 production. However, only TLR8 activation led to IL-12p70 production and il-12p35 mRNA expression. We found that upon TLR7 and TLR8 activation, JNK and NF-κB positively regulated the expression of CCR7, CD86, CD83, and CD40 and the production of IL-6 and IL-12p40. However, although p38MAPK participated in the up-regulation of maturation markers in response to TLR7 activation, this kinase exerted an inhibitory effect on CD40 expression and IL-12 production in TLR8-stimulated DCs. We also showed that the Jak/STAT signaling pathway was involved in CD40 expression and cytokine production in TLR7-stimulated DCs but negatively regulated CD83 expression and cytokine secretion in DCs activated through TLR8. This study showed that TLR7 and TLR8 activate similar signaling pathways that play different roles in DC maturation, depending on which TLR is triggered.
Genetic Variations in the PI3K/PTEN/AKT/mTOR Pathway Are Associated With Clinical Outcomes in Esophageal Cancer Patients Treated With Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Hildebrandt Michelle A.T. , Yang Hushan , Hung Mien-Chie , Izzo Julie G. , Huang Maosheng , Lin Jie , Ajani Jaffer A. , Wu Xifeng
Published: January 2009

Purpose

The phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been implicated in resistance to several chemotherapeutic agents. In this retrospective study, we determined whether common genetic variations in this pathway are associated with clinical outcomes in esophageal cancer patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma who have undergone chemoradiotherapy and surgery.

Patients and Methods

Sixteen tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PIK3CA, PTEN, AKT1, AKT2, and FRAP1 (encoding mTOR) were genotyped in these patients and analyzed for associations with response to therapy, survival, and recurrence.

Results

We observed an increased recurrence risk with genetic variations in AKT1 and AKT2 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.06 to 4.60; and HR, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.64 to 6.66, respectively). This effect was magnified with an increasing number of AKT adverse genotypes. In contrast, a predictable protective effect by PTEN genetic variants on recurrence was evident. Survival tree analysis identified higher-order interactions that resulted in variation in recurrence-free survival from 12 to 42 months, depending on the combination of SNPs. Genetic variations in AKT1, AKT2, and FRAP1 were associated with survival. Patients homozygous for either of the FRAP1 SNPs assayed had a more than three-fold increased risk of death. Two genes—AKT2 and FRAP1—were associated with a poor treatment response, while a better response was associated with heterozygosity for AKT1:rs3803304 (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.99).

Conclusion

These results suggest that common genetic variations in this pathway modulate clinical outcomes in patients who undergo chemoradiotherapy. With further validation, these results may be used to build a model of individualized therapy for the selection of the optimal chemotherapeutic regimen.
Computational investigation of blast survivability and off-road performance of an up-armoured high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle
Authors: Grujicic M , Arakere G , Nallagatla H , Bell W C , Haque I
Published: January 2009

Since ballistic and blast survivability and off-road handling and stability of military vehicles, such as the high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), are two critical vehicle performance aspects, they both (including the delicate balance between them) have to be considered when a new vehicle is being designed or an existing vehicle retrofitted (e.g. up-armoured). Finite-element-based transient non-linear dynamics and multi-body longitudinal dynamics computational analyses were employed, relatively, in the present work to address the following two specific aspects of the performance of an HMMWV: first, the ability of the vehicle to survive detonation of a landmine shallow buried into sand underneath the right wheel of the vehicle and, second, the ability of the vehicle to withstand a simple straight-line brake manoeuvre during off-road travel without compromising its stability and safety of its occupants. Within the first analysis, the kinematic and structural responses (including large-scale rotation and deformation, buckling, plastic yielding, failure initiation, fracture, and fragmentation) of the HMMWV to the detonation of a landmine were analysed computationally using the general-purpose transient non-linear dynamics analysis software ABAQUS/Explicit. The second analysis was carried out using Simpack, a general-purpose multi-body dynamics program, and the main purpose of this analysis was to address the vehicle stability during the off-road travel. The same sand model was used in both types of analysis. Finally, the computational results obtained are compared with general field-test observations and data in order to judge the physical soundness and fidelity of the present approach.
Homogeneous charge compression ignition versus dual fuelling for utilizing biogas in compression ignition engines
Authors: Swami Nathan S , Mallikrajuna J M , Ramesh A
Published: January 2009

In this work, biogas was used in a compression ignition (CI) engine in the homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode as well as in the dual-fuel mode together with diesel. In the HCCI mode, the charge temperature and amount of diesel injected into the intake manifold were used to control combustion. The presence of carbon dioxide in biogas suppresses the high heat release rates normally encountered in neat-diesel-fuelled HCCI engines. Efficiencies close to diesel operation together with extremely low levels of nitric oxide (NO) and smoke were attained in a brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) range from 2.5bar to 4bar in the biogas—diesel homogeneous charge compression ignition (BDHCCI) mode. Proper control over the charge temperature was essential. Thermal efficiency was higher and NO, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and smoke levels were lower than in the biogas—diesel dual-fuel mode. Thus, the BDHCCI mode is a viable option for using biogas in CI engines in the medium-load ranges. Operation of the engine in the CI mode with diesel below a BMEP of 2.5bar, then in the HCCI mode up to a BMEP of 4bar, and in the dual-fuel mode at higher BMEPs could lead to good overall performance and low emissions.
Thin spring steel band wheel with a rubber tread, a development proposal with potential to reduce fuel consumption on some road vehicles
Authors: Batelaan J
Published: January 2009

A reduction in vehicle rolling resistance is one of the goals of a partially developed vehicle suspension, called a band wheel or a track wheel. Instead of a pneumatic tyre, a band wheel uses an oval thin spring steel band with a very low hysteresis energy loss. The lower segment of the oval band acts like a leaf spring suspension. The current status of this suspension development is summarized. The rolling loss of the band wheel is calculated and estimated. New details describe the steps in producing and forming the critical thin steel spring-loaded band structure. Bonding of a rubber tread to the steel requires close attention to tread design to minimize its rolling resistance. A development project is needed to produce highly uniform and durable spring bands to demonstrate and measure the band wheel rolling resistance.
A Decision-Making Framework for Ozone Pollution Control
Authors: Yang Zehua , Chen Victoria C. P. , Chang Michael E. , Sattler Melanie L. , Wen Aihong
Published: January 2009

In this paper, an intelligent decision-making framework (DMF) is developed to help decision makers identify cost-effective ozone control policies. High concentrations of ozone at the ground level continue to be a serious problem in numerous U.S. cities. Our DMF searches for dynamic and targeted control policies that require a lower total reduction of emissions than current control strategies based on the “trial and error” approach typically employed by state government decision makers. Our DMF utilizes a rigorous stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) formulation and incorporates an atmospheric chemistry module to model how ozone concentrations change over time. Within the atmospheric chemistry module, methods from design and analysis of computer experiments are employed to create SDP state transition equation metamodels, and critical dimensionality reduction is conducted to reduce the state-space dimension in solving our SDP problem. Results are presented from a prototype DMF for the Atlanta metropolitan region.
Educational and interpersonal uses of home computers by adolescents with and without specific language impairment
Authors: Durkin Kevin , Conti‐Ramsden Gina , Walker Allan , Simkin Zoë
Published: January 2009

Many uses of new media entail processing language content, yet little is known about the relationship between language ability and media use in young people. This study compares educational versus interpersonal uses of home computers in adolescents with and without a history of specific language impairment (SLI). Participants were 55 17‐year‐olds with SLI and 72 typically developing peers. Measures of frequency and ease of computer use were obtained as well as assessments of participants' psycholinguistic skills. Results showed a strong preference for interpersonal computer use in both groups. Virtually all participants engaged with interpersonal new media, finding them relatively easy to use. In contrast, one third of adolescents with SLI did not use educational applications during a typical week. Regression analyses revealed that lower frequency of educational use was associated with poorer language and literacy skills. However, in adolescents with SLI, this association was mediated by perceived ease of use. The findings show that language ability contributes to new media use and that adolescents with SLI are at a greater risk of low levels of engagement with educational technology.
Remote control, umbilical cord and beyond: The mobile phone as a transitional object
Authors: Ribak Rivka
Published: January 2009

This paper investigates mobile phone use as a medium of inter‐generational communication. Research on teenage mobile phone use has tended to focus on its peer group functionality. In this paper, the mobile phone is examined as a transitional object in parent–teen interrelationships. Specifically, drawing on ethnographic work conducted in Israel among teenagers between 2000 and 2006, the paper focuses on mobile telephones as physical objects that can connect people and mediate relationships. It is shown that, for parents and their teenage children, the mobile phone is important more for the possibility of communication and less for the text or voice conversation it actually carries. Analysis focuses also on the role of the mobile phone in enabling inter‐generational distance and intimacy, attending to the complicated ways in which the mobile phone is employed by parents and their teenage children. It is argued that the analysis of mobile phone practices needs to take directly into account the specific cultural contexts of production and consumption, as culture, technology and family mutually shape one another.
Why do employees undertake creative action?
Authors: Unsworth Kerrie L. , Clegg Chris W.
Published: January 2009

There is much research identifying factors that lead to a creative outcome, but little on what leads employees to begin the creative process in the first place. This research used semi‐structured interviews with 65 engineers to explore the factors and processes involved in this phenomenon. We found that general work motivation, creativity requirements, cultural support for creativity, time resources, and autonomy were all used as cues in deciding whether undertaking creative action would be worthwhile via judgmental processes of expectancy and instrumentality. We also discovered overlaps with the cognate literatures of organizational citizenship and proactivity and explore these in discussing new areas for research.
An Investigation on Quenching Performance of Hot Alkaline Bath
Authors: Raygan S. , Rassizadehghani J. , Askari M.
Published: January 2009

An investigation was done on understanding the cooling affect of alkaline salt bath medium on microstructure, mechanical and surface properties of AISI 1045 steel in comparison with oil. Salt bath medium used in this research contained 40 % NaOH and 60 % KOH with addition of 5 wt. % water at 205°C. H-value of the medium was determined by the Rushman Lamont method. This value was found to be 0.4. Hardening of 1045 steel in salt bath resulted in higher hardness and improved hardenability in comparison with oil quenching. Strength and ductility was also increased by this treatment. This was found to be a direct result of different microstructures evolved during quenching treatments. Hardening of 1045 steel in this medium resulted in an almost uniform microstructure which consisted of fine martensite and bainite. In comparison the microstructure of oil quenched sample was martensite, ferrite, widmanestatten ferrite and pearlite. Surface properties also improved by decrease in surface roughness and a good bearing area curve.
Chemo- and radiotherapy of germ cell testicular cancer by literature
Authors: Baki Márta , Takácsi Nagy László , Mayer Árpád
Published: January 2009

A tanulmány felsorolja a heredaganatok előfordulási gyakoriságát, a patológiai megoszlást és a prognosztikai faktorokat. A műtéti beavatkozás előtt végzett tumormarker-meghatározások a későbbi terápia alapját képezik, figyelembe véve a képalkotó eljárások adatait is. A szerzők a seminoma és a nem seminoma stádium szerinti kezelését ismertetik. Seminoma kezdeti stádiuma esetén a monokarboplatin-kezelés a sugárterápiával egyenértékű. A jelenleg elfogadott másodlagos, illetve harmadlagos kemoterápiás lehetőségek is felsorolásra kerülnek. A csírasejtes heredaganatok komplex ellátásakor nemcsak a jó terápiás válasz elérését, hanem a kezelés késői károsodásait is figyelembe kell venni.
Acute inversion of the uterus
Authors: Bhalla Rita , Wuntakal Rekha , Odejinmi Funlayo , Khan Rehan U
Published: January 2009

Acute uterine inversion is a rare and unpredictable obstetric emergency.

Mortality and morbidity are reduced by early recognition and management.

Shock and uterine replacement must be addressed simultaneously.

The importance of teamwork cannot be overemphasised.

There is a need for skills and drills training because of the rarity of acute inversion.

Learning objectives:

To understand the pathophysiology.

To understand and to be able to evaluate critically the general management principles.

Ethical issues:

Management of uterine inversion is guided by a relatively small evidence base, resulting in treatment modalities being used without proper evaluation.

Please cite this article as: Bhalla R, Wuntakal R, Odejinmi F, Khan RU. Acute inversion of the uterus. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:13–18.
Initial Response of Soil Nutrient Pools to Prescribed Burning and Thinning in a Managed Forest Ecosystem of Northern Alabama
Authors: Nobles Maria M. , Dillon Wallace , Mbila Monday
Published: January 2009

Forest management practices such as prescribed burning and thinning are commonly used to restore degraded forest communities in the Southern Appalachians. Prescribed treatments influence physical and chemical properties of soils and change the balance of nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen. This study was conducted to investigate the initial impacts of prescribed burning, thinning and a combination of prescribed thinning and burning on total carbon and nitrogen pools, as well as other properties, in soil and forest floor. Effects of these disturbance regimes were tested on Typic Hapludults at the Bankhead National Forest in Northern Alabama. Results show that prescribed burning alone led to significant increases in total C and N contents in soil surface horizons. Burning alone also resulted in changes in exchangeable Na pools and significant increases in pH values throughout the study sites. Combination of prescribed thinning and burning did not result in significant changes in total C and N concentrations. However, significant increases in K and Na concentrations were observed in these sites. Prescribed thinning alone did not appear to impact total C and total N concentrations, soil acidity or exchangeable Ca and Mg concentrations, but caused significant increases in Na and decreases in K concentrations. Results of the study indicated that prescribed burning alone appeared to have a stronger impact on total C and N pools than a combination of prescribed thinning and burning. Use of prescribed thinning alone did not have any effect on total C and N pools in soils and forest floor. While prescribed burning alone and a combination of thinning and burning led to changes in exchangeable K and Na pools, no change was detected in either Ca or Mg concentrations.
Variations in Corn Yield and Nitrogen Uptake in Relation to Soil Attributes and Nitrogen Availability Indices
Authors: Nyiraneza Judith , N'Dayegamiye Adrien , Chantigny Martin H. , Laverdière Marc R.
Published: January 2009

Identification of soil attributes most determinant to crop yield is still a matter of debate. The main objective of the present study was to relate the variations in corn (Zea maysL.) yield and N uptake to 16 soil attributes. Samples were collected in 2005 and 2006 from a long‐term experiment. Soil organic C (SOC), total N (TN), potential mineralizable N (PMN), NO3extractable with KCl (NO3–KCl) and CaCl2(NO3–CaCl2), NO3adsorbed on anion exchange membranes (NO3–AEM), N extracted with NaHCO3read at 205 nm (N‐NaHCO3−205) and 220 nm (N‐NaHCO3−220), N present in fulvic acid (FA‐N), humic acid (HA‐N) and non‐humified fractions (NHF‐N), mean weight diameter of aggregates (MWD), total, macro‐ and microporosity, and bulk density (Db) were measured. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted with the measured soil attributes, and the principal components (PCs) were used in a stepwise regression with corn yield and N uptake. In both years, a maximum of 88% of the total variance was explained. The stepwise regression analysis indicated that the first two PCs explained 78 to 91% of the variability in corn yield and N uptake. Based on the PCA, TN, HA‐N, NO3–KCl, NO3–CaCl2,NO3–AEM, and PMN appeared as primary indicators of corn yield and N uptake, whereas MWD, FA‐N, and NHF‐N appeared as secondary indicators. When the variability in corn yield and N uptake explained by each N availability index was assessed, NO3–KCl and NO3–CaCl2appeared as the best predictors of corn yield because of their ease of measurement and reliability across years.
Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in an Eastern Corn Belt Soil: Nitrogen Source and Rotation
Authors: Hernandez-Ramirez Guillermo , Brouder Sylvie M. , Smith Douglas R. , Van Scoyoc George E.
Published: January 2009

Soil C sequestration may mitigate increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. This study was conducted to assess chemical and physical fractions of total organic C (TOC) and total N (TN) as affected by land use, N fertilizer source, and rotation. Particulate organic matter (POM) and non‐hydrolyzable C (NHC) fractions were measured in Drummer (fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquoll) silty clay loam and Raub (fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Aquic Argiudoll) silt loam soil series during two growing seasons. Agroecosystems evaluated were continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CC) and corn grown in rotation with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS) both with urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN), CC with either spring or fall liquid swine manure (CCSM and CCFM, respectively), soybean in rotation with CSUAN (SC), and restored prairie grass (PG). In general, CCFM exhibited the largest soil C and N pools. In corn–soybean rotations, the TOC declined roughly 10% following SC but increased a comparable amount following CSUAN. The 2‐yr corn–soybean rotation (SC and CSUAN) had a similar overall effect as CCUAN on TOC (ranging from 22 to 24 g C kg−1 soil). When compared with CCUAN, PG soils were enriched in TOC, fine POM‐C and NHC but not in N pools, reflecting soil C and N dynamics dominated by fine root turnover without fertilization and tillage. Comparison of soil C pools between treatments that differed in TOC revealed that newly sequestered C was preferentially allocated into POM supporting this fraction as an indicator of management effect on C sequestration.
Should Visual Images Be Defined as Depictive Neural Patterns, or as Conscious Sensations Constructed from “Imageless” Visual Thoughts?
Authors: Kunzendorf Robert G. , Buker Franz
Published: January 2009

Greater vividness of visual imagery correlated significantly with improved performance on a task in which 112 subjects generated and tested hypotheses about the rules of three-point perspective (3PP), but not with improvement on a similar task in which another 116 subjects applied previously known rules of two-point perspective (2PP). Given the 100-year history of research finding zero correlation between image vividness and visuospatial reasoning, the 2PP results are interpreted as support for Külpe's thesis that the imageless thinker's existing knowledge of imageless rules allows for the solution of spatial problems, without any construction of visual images. The 3PP results are interpreted as support for Kunzendorf and Reynold's thesis that the vivid imager's construction of test images from newly hypothesized rules allows for the refinement of those imageless rules, with less reliance on overt mistakes for corrective feedback.