bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization of the human 75-kDal Fe-S protein of NADH-coenzyme Q reductase gene (NDUFS1) to 2q33→q34
Authors: Duncan A.M.V. , Chow W. , Robinson B.H.
Published: May 2008

The gene for the human 75-kDal Fe-S protein of the NADH-coenzyme Q reductase was localized to 2q33→q34 by in situ hybridization to human metaphase chromosomes banded, by BrdU-incorporation, to the 500–550 band level of resolution.
The KDR gene maps to human chromosome 4q31.2→q32, a locus which is distinct from locations for other type III growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases
Authors: Terman B.I. , Jani-Sait S. , Carrion M.E. , Shows T.B.
Published: May 2008

KDR (kinase insert domain receptor), a new type III receptor tyrosine kinase gene, maps to human chromosome 4q31.2→q32 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. This differs from the chromosomal locations of other members of this gene family.
Localization of two new DNA markers on the linkage map of human chromosome 6q
Authors: Byth B.C. , Love D.R. , Murray J.C. , Davies K.E.
Published: May 2008

Recently, an autosomal homolog of the dystrophin gene (DMDL) was identified on chromosome 6q24. As part of our analysis of the DMDL locus, we endeavoured to isolate DNA markers to further define the genetic map of this region. We have isolated and characterized two new genetic markers in the region of the DMDL locus, the RFLP D6S129 and a (CA)n dinucleotide repeat polymorphism within the DMDL gene itself and have positioned them on the existing genetic map of chromosome 6q. These markers will be important in testing the hypothesis that the DMDL gene is the locus responsible for autosomal forms of neuromuscular disease.
Germ line-restricted supernumerary (B) chromosomes in Eptatretus okinoseanus
Authors: Kubota S. , Nakai Y. , Kuro-o M. , Kohno S.
Published: May 2008

Cytogenetic studies were performed on two types of Japanese hagfish (Eptatretus okinoseanus) that eliminate about 45% (type A) and 55% (type B) of their DNA from presumptive somatic cells during the differentiation of somatic cells. The observations revealed inter- and intraindividual variations in the number of chromosomes in germ cells of both types of hagfishes. Although the modal number of chromosomes in the germ cells was 54 in both types, the percentage of cells with the modal number was rather low (38.6% [51/132] in five specimens of type A and 22.7% [25/110] in eight specimens of type B). In addition, one of seven type B specimens clearly had a modal number of 62 chromosomes. Another specimen of type B had a bimodal distribution of chromosome numbers, with peaks of 54 and 59 chromosomes. The observation of interindividual variations was supported by data on the amount of DNA in germ cells of type B specimens. However, these variations were rarely observed in somatic cells. These results suggest that supernumerary (B) chromosomes are maintained in germ cells and are eliminated together with some other chromosomes and/or chromatin from somatic cells.
Localization by in situ hybridization of a type I keratin intermediate filament gene (Krt-1.14) to band D of mouse Chromosome 11
Authors: Correll A.T. , Webb G.C. , Ford J.H. , Rogers G.E. , Powell B.C.
Published: May 2008

A probe from the 3’ noncoding region of a murine type I keratin intermediate filament (IF) gene (Krt-1.14) localizes to band D of murine Chromosome 11 using in situ hybridization. This localization provides a physical confirmation of the assignment of the type I keratin genes by linkage analysis in the mouse. It also demonstrates that the Krt-1.14 genes are at a single locality in the mouse in contrast to the two locations on the short and long arms of chromosome 17 in humans.
Localization of the interferon-α gene cluster to rat chromosome bands 5q31→q33 by fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Testa J.R. , Taguchi T. , Knudson A.G. , Hino O.
Published: May 2008

The chromosomal location of the rat interferon-α (IFNA) gene cluster was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The fluorescent signals were localized to 5q31→q33. A previous report, using somatic cell hybrids, had suggested that the IFNA locus maps at a different region on rat chromosome 5.
Localization of mouse parathyroid hormone-like peptide gene (Pthlh) to distal chromosome 6 using interspecific backcross mice and in situ hybridization
Authors: Seldin M.F. , Mattei M.-G. , Hendy G.N.
Published: May 2008

The single copy parathyroid hormone-like peptide gene (Pthlh) was mapped to distal mouse chromosome 6 using genetic linkage analysis with a panel of DNA samples from interspecific backcross mice. In all 114 meiotic events examined, the Pthlh locus cosegregated with the locus for the Kirsten ras-2 gene (Kras-2) which was previously localized to distal mouse chromosome 6. In addition, Pthlh was localized to chromosome 6 band F-G and the mouse parathyroid hormone Pth was localized to chromosome 7 band F, by in situ hybridization. These studies confirm the previous localization of Pthlh to mouse chromosome 6 using somatic cell hybrids and show that the Pthlh/PTHLH locus is a part of a conserved linkage group between distal mouse chromosome 6 and the proximal segment of the short arm of human chromosome 12.
The persistence of chromosome translocations in a radiation worker accidentally exposed to tritium
Authors: Lucas J.N. , Poggensee M. , Straume T.
Published: May 2008

The chromosome translocation frequency in lymphocytes of an individual accidentally exposed to tritium six years previously was measured using chromosome painting, Comparisons with results from cytogenetic studies shortly after the accident indicate that the translocation frequency has remained unaltered in this individual for six years.
Talking about Horses: Control and Freedom in the World of "Natural Horsemanship"
Authors: Birke Lynda
Published: May 2008

This paper explores how horses are represented in the discourses of "natural horsemanship" (NH), an approach to training and handling horses that advocates see as better (kinder, more gentle) than traditional methods. In speaking about their horses, NH enthusiasts move between two registers: On one hand, they use a quasi-scientific narrative, relying on terms and ideas drawn from ethology, to explain the instinctive behavior of horses. Within this mode of narrative, the horse is "other" and must be understood through the human learning to communicate and through appropriate training. On the other hand, NH enthusiasts—like many horse owners—seek to emphasize partnership. In this type of discourse, people portray their horses as almost human. The tensions between these two ways of talking about horses reflect contradictory ideas about control versus freedom in relating to horses, especially as related to emotions expressed by caregivers (owners) about their relationships with horses.
Origin of Adult Animal Rights Lifestyle in Childhood Responsiveness to Animal Suffering
Authors: Pallotta Nicole
Published: May 2008

This qualitative study examines the childhood experiences of adult animal rights activists regarding their feelings about, and interactions with, nonhuman animals. Central to children's experiences with animals is the act of eating them, a ritual both normalized and encouraged by the dominant culture and agents of socialization. Yet, despite the massive power of socialization, sometimes children resist the dominant norms of consumption regarding animals. In addition to engaging in acts of resistance, some children, as suggested in the biographical narratives of adult vegan animal activists, also possess a predisposition to respond to the perceived suffering of animals. This predisposition is a variant of the trait empathy but is specifically animal-oriented. In open-ended interviews with 30 vegan animal activists about their paths into the movement, this study examined these childhood experiences and the predisposition that may help set the stage for later adoption of a vegan, animal-rights lifestyle.
The Recovering God of Hosea
Authors: Brueggemann Walter
Published: May 2008

This paper addresses the question of the character of God as sketched in the poetry of Hosea. It considers the broad and rich spectrum of images and metaphors that are employed to give expression to that divine character in poetic idiom. It is clear that the range and spectrum of metaphors cannot be systematized, but one can nonetheless identify among them usages that bespeak divine judgment, usages that articulate a positive concern, and usages that are neutral or ambiguous. After that survey, the discussion focuses upon the two provocative texts if Hosea 2:2-23 and 11:11-9. Attention is given, in each of these cases, to the movement from judgment to positive possibility. The two governing metaphors of husband-wife and parent-child are taken to be indispensable for a relationship that persists, even in the face of harsh judgment and alienation. The flow of drama in these two texts suggests that YHWH has been an agent of violence, but is "in recovery" from that propensity to violence.
A Quasi-Eulerian, Quasi-Lagrangian View of Surface-Wave-Induced Flow in the Ocean
Authors: Broström Göran , Christensen Kai Håkon , Weber Jan Erik H.
Published: May 2008

In this study the influence of surface waves on the mean flow in an ocean of arbitrary depth is examined. The wave-induced forcing on the mean flow is obtained by integrating the Eulerian equations for mass and momentum balance from the bottom to an undulating material surface within the water column. By using the mean position of the material surface as the vertical coordinate, the authors obtain the depth dependence of the mean flow and the wave-induced forcing. Substitution of the vertical coordinate makes the model Lagrangian in the vertical direction. The model is Eulerian in the horizontal direction, allowing one to model the effects of a spatially nonuniform wave field or varying depth in a straightforward way.
A Laboratory Study of the Zonal Structure of Western Boundary Currents
Authors: Pierini Stefano , Malvestuto Vincenzo , Siena Giuseppe , McClimans Thomas A. , Løvås Stig M.
Published: May 2008

The zonal structure of strongly nonlinear inertial western boundary currents (WBCs) is studied experimentally along a straight “meridional” coast in a 5-m-diameter rotating basin by analyzing the “zonal” profile of the meridional velocity field as a function of transport intensity and other dynamical parameters. The return flow that is generated by the surface wind stress curl in the oceanic interior is forced in the rotating basin by the motion of a piston, in the absence of any surface stress. The laboratory setup consists of two parallel rectangular channels separated by an island and linked by two curved connections: in the first channel, a piston is forced at a constant speed up ranging from 0.5 to 3 cm s−1 over a distance of 2.5 m, producing a virtually unsheared current at the entrance of the second channel. In the latter, a linear reduction of the water depth provides the topographic beta effect that is necessary for the development of the westward intensification. Nearly steady currents are obtained and measured photogrammetrically over a region of about 1 m2. In all of the experiments performed, an appropriate horizontal Reynolds number (Re = ɛ/E, where ɛ and E are dimensionless numbers measuring the importance of nonlinearity and lateral friction, respectively) is Re ≫ 1. The zonal profile of the meridional velocity is always found to have (away from the viscous boundary layer) a nearly exponential structure typical of inertial WBCs, whose width agrees well with the classical inertial boundary layer length scale δI. A control experiment (with up = 1 cm s−1) is analyzed in detail: it has the same ɛ as the Gulf Stream (GS) but a much smaller E. This implies that the laboratory flow is expected to be geometrically similar to the GS outside the viscous boundary layer, but to differ within it. To assess the effect of such a departure from dynamic similarity, a mathematical model is used that numerically simulates a flow that is fully dynamically similar to the GS. The comparison between the profile thus obtained numerically and the one obtained experimentally shows that they are, indeed, virtually coincident outside the viscous boundary layer, except for a small offset that tends to vanish as Re → ∞. Moreover, additional sensitivity experiments in which the piston speed, the rotation rate of the basin, the topographic beta effect, and the width of the main channel are varied provide further information on the zonal structure of WBCs.
The Influence of Fetch on the Response of Surface Currents to Wind Studied by HF Ocean Surface Radar
Authors: Mao Yadan , Heron Malcolm L.
Published: May 2008

The momentum transfer from wind to sea generates surface currents through both the wind shear stress and the Stokes drift induced by waves. This paper addresses issues in the interpretation of HF radar measurements of surface currents and momentum transfer from air to sea. Surface current data over a 30-day period from HF ocean surface radar are used to study the response of surface currents to wind. Two periods of relatively constant wind are identified—one for the short-fetch condition and the other for the long-fetch condition. Results suggest that the ratio of surface current speed to wind speed is larger under the long-fetch condition, while the angle between the surface current vector and wind vector is larger under the short-fetch condition. Data analysis shows that the Stokes drift dominates the surface currents under the long-fetch condition when the sea state is more mature, while the Stokes drifts and Ekman-type currents play almost equally important roles in the total currents under the short-fetch condition. The ratios of Stokes drift to wind speed under these two fetch conditions are shown to agree well with results derived from the empirical wave growth function. These results suggest that fetch, and therefore sea state, significantly influences the total response of surface current to wind in both the magnitude and direction by variations in the significance of Stokes drift. Furthermore, this work provides observational evidence that surface currents measured by HF radar include Stokes drift. It demonstrates the potential of HF radar in addressing the issue of momentum transfer from air to sea under various environmental conditions.
A Laboratory Model of Vertical Ocean Circulation Driven by Mixing
Authors: Whitehead J. A. , Wang Wei
Published: May 2008

A model of deep ocean circulation driven by turbulent mixing is produced in a long, rectangular laboratory tank. The salinity difference is substituted for the thermal difference between tropical and polar regions. Freshwater gently flows in at the top of one end, dense water enters at the same rate at the top of the other end, and an overflow in the middle removes the same amount of surface water as is pumped in. Mixing is provided by a rod extending from top to bottom of the tank and traveling back and forth at constant speed with Reynolds numbers >500. A stratified upper layer (“thermocline”) deepens from the mixing and spreads across the entire tank. Simultaneously, a turbulent plume (“deep ocean overflow”) from a dense-water source descends through the layer and supplies bottom water, which spreads over the entire tank floor and rises into the upper layer to arrest the upper-layer deepening. Data are taken over a wide range of parameters and compared to scaling theory, energetic considerations, and simple models of turbulently mixed fluid. There is approximate agreement with a simple theory for Reynolds number >1000 in experiments with a tank depth less than the thermocline depth. A simple argument shows that mixing and plume potential energy flux rates are equal in magnitude, and it is suggested that the same is approximately true for the ocean.
Simulated Variability of the Circulation in the North Atlantic from 1953 to 2003
Authors: Deshayes Julie , Frankignoul Claude
Published: May 2008

The variability of the circulation in the North Atlantic and its link with atmospheric variability are investigated in a realistic hindcast simulation from 1953 to 2003. The interannual-to-decadal variability of the subpolar gyre circulation and the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) is mostly influenced by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Both circulations intensified from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s and then decreased. The monthly variability of both circulations reflects the fast barotropic adjustment to NAO-related Ekman pumping anomalies, while the interannual-to-decadal variability is due to the baroclinic adjustment to Ekman pumping, buoyancy forcing, and dense water formation, consistent with previous studies.

An original characteristic of the oceanic response to NAO is presented that relates to the spatial patterns of buoyancy and wind forcing over the North Atlantic. Anomalous Ekman pumping associated with a positive NAO phase first induces a decrease of the southern subpolar gyre strength and an intensification of the northern subpolar gyre. The latter is reinforced by buoyancy loss and dense water formation in the Irminger Sea, where the cyclonic circulation increases 1–2 yr after the positive NAO phase. Increased buoyancy loss also occurs in the Labrador Sea, but because of the early decrease of the southern subpolar gyre strength, the intensification of the cyclonic circulation is delayed. Hence the subpolar gyre and the MOC start increasing in the Irminger Sea, while in the Labrador Sea the circulation at depth leads its surface counterpart. In this simulation where the transport of dense water through the North Atlantic sills is underestimated, the MOC variability is well represented by a simple integrator of convection in the Irminger Sea, which fits better than a direct integration of NAO forcing.
Impact of Historical Climate Change on the Southern Ocean Carbon Cycle
Authors: Matear R. J. , Lenton A.
Published: May 2008

Climate change over the last several decades is suggested to cause a decrease in the magnitude of the uptake of CO2 by the Southern Ocean (Le Quere et al.). In this study, the atmospheric fields from NCEP R1 for the years 1948–2003 are used to drive an ocean biogeochemical model to probe how changes in the heat and freshwater fluxes and in the winds affect the Southern Ocean’s uptake of carbon. Over this period, the model simulations herein show that the increases in heat and freshwater fluxes drive a net increase in Southern Ocean uptake (south of 40°S) while the increases in wind stresses drive a net decrease in uptake. The total Southern Ocean response is nearly identical with the simulation without climate change because the heat and freshwater flux response is approximately both equal and opposite to the wind stress response. It is also shown that any change in the Southern Ocean anthropogenic carbon uptake is always opposed by a much larger change in the natural carbon air–sea exchange. For the 1948–2003 period, the changes in the natural carbon cycle dominate the Southern Ocean carbon uptake response to climate change. However, it is shown with a simple box model that when atmospheric CO2 levels exceed the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) of the upwelled Circumpolar Deep Water (≈450 μatm) the Southern Ocean uptake response will be dominated by the changes in anthropogenic carbon uptake. Therefore, the suggestion that the Southern Ocean carbon uptake is a positive feedback to global warming is only a transient response that will change to a negative feedback in the near future if the present climate trend continues.

Associated with the increased outgassing of carbon from the natural carbon cycle was a reduction in the aragonite saturation state of the high-latitude Southern Ocean (south of 60°S). In the simulation with just wind stress changes, the reduction in the high-latitude Southern Ocean aragonite saturation state (≈0.2) was comparable to the magnitude of the decline in the aragonite saturation state over the last 4 decades because of rising atmospheric CO2 levels (≈0.2). The simulation showed that climate change could significantly impact aragonite saturation state in the Southern Ocean.
NASA Cold Land Processes Experiment (CLPX 2002/03): Airborne Remote Sensing
Authors: Cline Don , Yueh Simon , Chapman Bruce , Stankov Boba , Gasiewski Al , Masters Dallas , Elder Kelly , Kelly Richard , Painter Thomas H. , Miller Steve , Katzberg Steve , Mahrt Larry
Published: May 2008

This paper describes the airborne data collected during the 2002 and 2003 Cold Land Processes Experiment (CLPX). These data include gamma radiation observations, multi- and hyperspectral optical imaging, optical altimetry, and passive and active microwave observations of the test areas. The gamma observations were collected with the NOAA/National Weather Service Gamma Radiation Detection System (GAMMA). The CLPX multispectral optical data consist of very high-resolution color-infrared orthoimagery of the intensive study areas (ISAs) by TerrainVision. The airborne hyperspectral optical data consist of observations from the NASA Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS). Optical altimetry measurements were collected using airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) by TerrainVision. The active microwave data include radar observations from the NASA Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Polarimetric Ku-band Scatterometer (POLSCAT), and airborne GPS bistatic radar data collected with the NASA GPS radar delay mapping receiver (DMR). The passive microwave data consist of observations collected with the NOAA Polarimetric Scanning Radiometer (PSR). All of the airborne datasets described here and more information describing data collection and processing are available online.
Circulation and Exchange in Choked Marginal Seas
Authors: Pratt Larry J. , Spall Michael A.
Published: May 2008

A theory for the exchange between a rotating, buoyancy-forced marginal sea and an ocean is developed and tested numerically. Cooling over the marginal sea leads to sinking and sets up a two-layer exchange flow, with a warm surface layer entering from the ocean and a cool layer exiting at depth. The connecting strait is sufficiently narrow and shallow to cause the exchange flow to be hydraulically controlled. The incoming surface layer forms a baroclinically unstable boundary current that circles the marginal sea in a cyclonic sense and feeds heat to the interior by way of eddies. Consistent with the overall heat and volume balances for the marginal sea, there is a continuous family of hydraulically controlled states with critical flow at the most constricted section of the strait. Included in this family is a limiting “maximal-exchange” solution with two sections of hydraulic control in the strait and with fixed layer depths at the most constricted section. The state of exchange for a given forcing is predicted using a theory that assumes energy conservation over a certain path connecting the strait to the marginal sea or, in some cases, the ocean. Depending on the configuration of the exchange, long-wave information may be blocked from entering the strait from the marginal sea, from the open ocean, or both. The scenario that holds determines what is predicted and what needs to be input. Numerical tests of the prediction for the temperature difference and the state of exchange are carried out for straits with a pure contraction in width and for a constant width strait with a topographic sill. The comparison is reasonable in most cases, though the numerical model is not able to reproduce cases of multiple states predicted by the theory for certain forcing values. The analytical model is an alternative to the Price and Yang and Siddall et al. models of a marginal sea outflow.
Vulnerability due to Nocturnal Tornadoes
Authors: Ashley Walker S. , Krmenec Andrew J. , Schwantes Rick
Published: May 2008

This study investigates the human vulnerability caused by tornadoes that occurred between sunset and sunrise from 1880 to 2007. Nocturnal tornadoes are theorized to enhance vulnerability because they are difficult to spot and occur when the public tends to be asleep and in weak building structures. Results illustrate that the nocturnal tornado death rate over the past century has not shared the same pace of decline as those events transpiring during the daytime. From 1950 to 2005, a mere 27.3% of tornadoes were nocturnal, yet 39.3% of tornado fatalities and 42.1% of killer tornado events occurred at night. Tornadoes during the overnight period (local midnight to sunrise) are 2.5 times as likely to kill as those occurring during the daytime hours. It is argued that a core reason why the national tornado fatality toll has not continued to decrease in the past few decades is due to the vulnerability to these nocturnal events. This vulnerability is magnified when other factors such as escalating mobile (or “manufactured”) home stock and an increasing and spreading population are realized. Unlike other structure types that show no robust demarcation between nocturnal and daytime fatalities, nearly 61% of fatalities in mobile homes take place at night revealing this housing stock’s distinct nocturnal tornado vulnerability. Further, spatial analysis illustrates that the American South’s high nocturnal tornado risk is an important factor leading to the region’s high fatality rate. The investigation emphasizes a potential break in the tornado warning dissemination system utilized currently in the United States.
Does Religion Distract the Poor?
Authors: De La O Ana L. , Rodden Jonathan A.
Published: May 2008

This article asks whether religion undermines the negative relationship between income and left voting that is assumed in standard political economy models of democracy. Analysis of cross-country survey data reveals that this correlation disappears among religious individuals in countries that use proportional representation. This is the case in large part because there is a moral values dimension that has a correlation with income that is equal in magnitude but has the opposite sign as the economic dimension, and the votes of the religious are better explained by their positions on moral than economic issues, especially in countries with multiparty systems. The authors conclude by discussing implications for theories of redistribution.
Interdependence in Comparative Politics
Authors: Franzese Robert J. , Hays Jude C.
Published: May 2008

Interdependence is ubiquitous and often central across comparative politics. Indeed, as the authors show first, theoretically, any situation involving externalities from one unit's actions on others' implies interdependence. Positive or negative externalities induce negative or positive interdependence, which spurs competitive races or free riding, with corresponding early or late-mover advantages, and thus strategic rush to act or delay and inaction. The authors show next how to model interdependent processes empirically, how not doing so risks omitted-variable biases favoring domestic and exogenous-external accounts over interdependence, but how doing so naïvely risks simultaneity biases with the opposite substantive implications. They then discuss how to estimate properly specified interdependence models and, finally, how to interpret and present estimated spatio-temporally dynamic effects, response paths, and long-run steady-states, with associated standard errors. They illustrate by replicating a noteworthy earlier, nonspatial study of capital tax competition. Web appendices contain further technical details, literature survey, data, statistical software code, and spreadsheet templates for all suggested procedures.
Coping in Context
Authors: Habarth Janice M. , Graham-Bermann Sandra A. , Bermann Eric A.
Published: May 2008

This study contributes to literature examining the salience of ecological variables by investigating relationships between stress, coping, community resources, and residential nature. One hundred thirty-three low-income women in mid-Michigan reported on institutional resource availability, recent stressful events, and preferred coping styles. Research assistants rated yards surrounding respondents' homes for the presence of natural features. African American mothers reported greater usage of both emotion-focused and active coping strategies compared to European American mothers. Availability of community resources was found to predict significantly to the use of active and emotion-focused coping strategies, and stress intensity and natural resources predicted significantly to avoidant coping strategies. Further development of the Residential Natural Resources Inventory and investigation of the variance of environmental stressors, resources, and coping responses within racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups are recommended.
Effects of Water Absorption on Creep Behavior of Wood—Plastic Composites
Authors: Saeed Kazemi Najafi  , Sharifnia Houri , Tajvidi Mehdi
Published: May 2008

The effects of filler loading and immersion in water on the creep/ recovery behavior of composites made from MDF (medium density fiberboard) flour (as natural fiber) and recycled HDPE (high density polyethylene) (as resin) were studied (at 60, 70, and 80% by weight fiber loadings). Nominal density and dimensions of the manufactured panels were 1 g/cm3 and 35 × 35 × 1 cm3, respectively. Maximum values of flexural modulus and strength of panels were obtained at 70 and 60% fiber content, respectively. The creep strain decreased as the lignocellulosic flour level increased. Water absorption has negative effect on creep behavior of MDF flour/HDPE composites. For all filler contents, it can be seen that the creep strain increases when the immersion time increases. This is believed to occur as a result of the cumulative effect of absorbed water on fiber matrix debonding and easier relaxation of the molecules at higher moisture contents leading to larger deformations at longer times.
Investigation of Scaling Effects in Fiber—Metal Laminates
Authors: Mckown S. , Cantwell W.J. , Jones N.
Published: May 2008

The results of a series of quasi-static and impact tests on four scale-model sizes of fiber—metal laminate (FML) are compared to a scaling law that predicts response parameters based on a simple geometrical relationship of the input parameters. The FMLs consist of an aluminum alloy and a self-reinforced thermoplastic composite based on polypropylene fibers in a polypropylene matrix. The scaled FML laminates were arranged in a 2/1 configuration, and ply-level scaling of the FML constituent materials was employed to yield specimens with a nominally constant composite volume fraction, as well as correctly scaled in-plane and bending stiffness properties. In the initial part of this experimental program, the tensile and flexural properties of these hybrid materials were investigated at quasi-static rates of loading. Here, no significant scaling effects were observed in the mechanical response of the laminates. Following this, simply-supported scaled beams and plates were subjected to low-velocity impact loading in order to investigate scaling effects in the processes of damage development and target perforation. Here, response parameters such as the target deflection, the impact force, and the damage threshold energy were found to obey the scaling law. It is believed that experimental data of this nature will give greater confidence to engineers involved in the design of components based on hybrid materials such as fiber—metal laminates.
Mechanical Analysis of Folding Induced Failure in Corrugated Board: A Theoretical and Experimental Comparison
Authors: Hägglund R. , Isaksson P.
Published: May 2008

The problem of failure in the facings of a corrugated board is investigated by means of a mechanical model utilizing the principles of continuum damage mechanics. To evaluate the predictive capability of the model, experiments have been conducted on in-plane isotropic single- and two-ply paper sheets manufactured in the laboratory. It is found that there is a qualitative agreement between model and experiments. The model can predict if delamination will occur before the top-ply loses its in-plane load carrying capacity due to material degradation. To circumvent delamination problems, a material with low stiffness should be used in the top-ply (as compared to the bottom-ply) and a very thin top-ply should be avoided. It is exemplified that it is possible to steer the failure mode by optimizing the degree of beating or the ply thickness. It is demonstrated that plasticity may be omitted in the analysis if one is only interested in characterizing the expected type of failure mode. An important key result is that, if the circumstances are that severe damage growth takes place in the crack-tip region, then delamination most likely occur which may be in contradiction to what is anticipated from classical theories of fracture mechanics.
Corruption and Bilateral Aid
Authors: Schudel Carl Jan Willem
Published: May 2008

Corruption in developing states reduces the effectiveness of foreign aid that is allocated to them, because government officials in corrupt countries use this money for private rather than public purposes. Despite this, existing studies do not find different aid policies from donor governments toward corrupt and less corrupt recipients. However, most of these studies have not taken account of variation among donor states. This is an important omission, because donor states behave differently. This article argues that the responsiveness of donor states to corruption in recipient states depends on their own level of corruption: less corrupt donor states allocate more aid to less corrupt recipient states than to corrupt recipients, whereas corrupt donor states do not make such a clear distinction. This proposition is tested by both pooled ordinary least squares and fixed effects estimations. The data support the argument that corruption levels in donor states determine their reaction to corruption in recipient states.
Population, Resources, and Political Violence
Authors: Urdal Henrik
Published: May 2008

Recent cross-national studies have found only moderate support for the idea that population pressure and resource scarcity may lead to political violence, contrary to much of the case study literature in the field. This article suggests that the level of analysis may be at the heart of this discrepancy. In a time-series study of political violence in 27 Indian states for the 1956–2002 period, it is tested whether high population pressure on renewable natural resources, youth bulges, and differential growth rates between religious groups are associated with higher levels of armed conflict, political violent events, and Hindu-Muslim riots. The results are generally more supportive of the resource scarcity and conflict scenario than recent global studies. The article further suggests that youth bulges affect all three forms of violence and that differential growth rates are positively related to armed conflict.
Evaluating Inclusive Educational Practices for Students With Severe Disabilities Using the Program Quality Measurement Tool
Authors: Cushing Lisa S. , Carter Erik W. , Clark Nitasha , Wallis Terry , Kennedy Craig H.
Published: May 2008

Recent legislative and school reform efforts require schools to evaluate and improve educational practices for students with severe disabilities. The authors developed the Program Quality Measurement Tool (PQMT) to enable administrators and educators to evaluate the educational programming provided to students with severe disabilities against best practice indicators, identify programmatic strengths and needs, and assess improvements in educational service delivery over time. The PQMT incorporates a multimethod approach to assessing inclusive practices for students with severe disabilities at the levels of the local education agency, school building, and student. The results indicate acceptable levels of interobserver agreement, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, congruent validity, and discriminative validity for the PQMT.
Student and Teacher Variables Contributing to Access to the General Education Curriculum for Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Lee Suk-Hyang , Soukup Jane H. , Little Todd D. , Wehmeyer Michael L.
Published: May 2008

The predictors of student and teacher variables on the access to the general education curriculum of 19 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities were examined based on the observation data collected for a total of 1,140 minutes. Multilevel regression analyses were employed to analyze the data. The findings indicated that both student and teacher variables are strong predictors of access to the general education curriculum. A complicated pattern of the relationship between student and teacher variables (e.g., suppression, correction of distortion) was found along with interaction between these variables and environmental factors. These findings also suggest future practices and research that can be considered to enhance access to the general education curriculum for students with disabilities.
Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students' Memory of Lectures with Speech-to-Text and Interpreting/Note Taking Services
Authors: Stinson Michael S. , Elliot Lisa B. , Kelly Ronald R. , Yufang Liu
Published: May 2008

In one investigation with 48 deaf and hard-of-hearing (hh) high school students and a second investigation with 48 deaf/hh college students, all viewed one lecture with an interpreter and one with the C-Print® speech-to-text support service. High school students retained more lecture information when they viewed speech-to-text support, compared to interpreter support, and when they studied note taker notes or a hard copy of the text after viewing the lecture, compared to no opportunity to study. For college students, however, there was no difference between retention with these two kinds of support or with study of notes, compared to no study. For the college investigation, there was a three-way interaction due to markedly better performance on a multiple-choice than on a sentence-completion test when students viewed an interpreter and did not study notes. This result may have reflected difficulty in comprehending unfamiliar terms. Reading proficiency was also related to retention.
Routine Chest Radiography Following Imaging‐Guided Placement of Tunneled Central Lines: A Waste of Time, Money, and Radiation
Authors: Kessel David O. , Taylor Edward J. , Robertson Iain , Patel Jai V. , Denton Lucy J. , Perren Timothy J.
Published: May 2008

Background: This study sought to evaluate routine chest radiography following placement of tunneled central lines using combined ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 150 consecutive patients who underwent placement of tunneled central lines in the vascular radiology suite. Ultrasound‐guided vein puncture was performed with an 18‐gauge needle in each case, and the access site was noted. Line position was confirmed by fluoroscopy. Following the procedure, 50 patients had both an on‐table digital chest radiograph and a conventional chest radiograph. Subsequent patients had a digital radiograph and a fluoroscopic image grab. Final line tip position was scored, and complications were recorded. Results: Line placement was optimal (95%) or acceptable (5%) in all patients. Line tip position could be satisfactorily evaluated on supine fluoroscopy. Mean fluoroscopic x‐ray dose was 0.5 cGy/cm2. Digital chest x‐ray dose was 9.0 cGy/cm2, and formal chest radiography dose was 12.0 cGy/cm2. The only complications were 2 carotid artery punctures without clinical sequelae. Conclusion: When lines are placed under imaging guidance with ultrasound to direct the venous puncture, complications are rare and are not likely to be clinically important. Conventional and digital chest radiographs do not contribute clinically relevant information but do add to the radiation dose, time, and expense of the procedure.
Early Initiation of Enteral Feeding After Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement
Authors: Dubagunta Srinivasan , Still Christopher D. , Kumar Arvind , Makhdoom Zahoor , Inverso Nicholas A. , Bross Ronald J. , Komar Michael J. , Mulhisen Lisa , Rogers Joanne Z. , Whitmire Susan , Whilden Bethann
Published: May 2008

Enteral feeding through the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is usually initiated about 12 to 24 hours after insertion of the tube. There have been earlier studies evaluating the efficacy of early initiation of enteral feedings that had encouraging results. However, delayed initiation of feeding following PEG placement continues to be practiced widely. We believe that feeding can be done earlier without any increase in associated morbidity or mortality and with obvious reduction in the need for parenteral nutrition and healthcare costs. We evaluated a protocol to initiate enteral nutrition 4 hours after the PEG tube insertion with subsequent discharge of the outpatients on the same day. We conducted a prospective study to assess the efficacy of early initiation of PEG feeding. We enrolled 77 patients in our study who were having PEG tubes placed for enteral feeding. Only patients who had a PEG placed for gastric venting procedures were excluded from our study. During the course of our study, no patient had to be excluded for the latter reason. Patients were evaluated by the physician performing the procedure, 4 hours after the tube was inserted. Their vital signs were checked, and a thorough abdominal examination was performed. Minimal tenderness around the PEG site was the most frequent finding. Otherwise, all the patients had a benign abdominal examination. The tube was flushed with 60 mL of sterile water. Following the examination, orders were given to restart the feedings. These patients were followed for a 30‐day period to evaluate complications associated with PEG tube placement and early initiation of PEG feeding. There was one case of aspiration pneumonia (1.3%) and one death that was attributed to the underlying disease out of our 77 patients. Early initiation of enteral feeding after PEG tube placement can be successfully completed with a systematic protocol and close observation. Not only was this protocol found to be safe, it can also have significant cost savings by eliminating the need for inpatient hospitalization for the procedure.
Does the Mini Nutritional Assessment Predict Hospitalization Outcomes in Older People?
Authors: Van Nes MC , Herrmann FR , Gold G
Published: May 2008

Background: The Mini Nutritional Assessment is a validated clinical tool for the assessment of nutritional status in older people. Moderate to severe malnutrition is common in elderly patients in hospital and is associated with a poor outcome. Objectives: To determine whether the Mini Nutritional Assessment can predict the outcome of hospital stay in older individuals. Setting: A tertiary‐care geriatric hospital. Methods: We evaluated nutritional status using the Mini Nutritional Assessment in 1319 patients (mean age 84.2, 70% women) admitted between February 1996 and January 1998; 1145 complete assessments were available for analysis. The assessment was carried out on admission and studied in relation to length of stay and in‐hospital mortality for all patients, and discharge to a nursing home for those living at home before admission. Results: Mini Nutritional Assessment scores averaged 19.9 ± 3.8 (mean ± SD) with a range of 8.0–27.5, and a median of 20.5. A score below 17, corresponding to malnutrition, was associated with an almost threefold increase in mortality and in the rate of discharge to a nursing home; this contrasted with a score above 24, which indicates satisfactory nutritional status (11.3% vs 3.7%, p < .01; and 20.3% vs 7.7%, p < .001, respectively). Length of stay was longer in the low scoring group (42.0 days vs 30.5 days, p < .0002). Conclusion: Poor nutritional status as measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment was associated with increased in‐hospital mortality, a higher rate of discharge to nursing homes, and a longer length of stay.
Is There a Role for Specialized Enteral Nutrition in the Intensive Care Unit?
Authors: Russell Mary Krystofiak , Charney Pamela
Published: May 2008

The enteral route is preferred for nutrition support of critically ill patients who have a functional gastrointestinal tract. A variety of specialized formulas are available to help manage the complications often seen in these patients. This review summarizes the literature supporting the use of formulas marketed for liver disease, wound healing, immune‐system enhancement, pulmonary and renal disease, and diabetes mellitus. With the exception of the immune‐enhancing formulas, convincing evidence for the use of these formulas in critically ill patients is lacking. Further studies are warranted.
Considerations in Feeding Obese Patients: A Review of a Classic Article
Authors: Ireton‐Jones Carol S.
Published: May 2008

Thirteen obese patients requiring parenteral nutrition for postoperative complications were studied prospectively to evaluate the efficacy of hypocaloric, high‐protein parenteral feeding. Nonprotein caloric intake averaged 881 kcal/d or 51.5% of the patients' measured resting energy expenditure. Protein averaged 2.13 ± 0.59 g/kg ideal body weight (IBW). Serum albumin and TIBC increased significantly (2.8 ± 0.5 g/dL to 3.2± 0.4 g/dL, p < .01 and 196 ±39 μg/dL to 248 + 49μ g/dL, p < .05, respectively), and subjects lost weight (120.0± 60.0 kg to 109.7 ±32.5 kg, p < .05). Nitrogen balance studies in 8 subjects suggested nitrogen equilibrium or positive balance can be achieved (+2.4 ± 1.9 g/dL). All patients exhibited complete tissue healing of wounds and abscess cavities and closure of fistulae. In obese, protein‐depleted surgical patients, net protein anabolism and clinical efficacy can be achieved with hypocaloric, high‐protein feeding. Abundant endogenous fat stores provide obligatory energy. (Dickerson RN, Rosato, E, Mullen JL. New protein anabolism with hypocaloric parenteral nutrition in obese stressed patients.
Plasma Zinc Is an Insensitive Predictor of Zinc Status: Use of Plasma Zinc in Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Fung Ellen B. , Kawchak Deborah A. , Zemel Babette S. , Ohene‐Frempong Kwaku , Stallings Virginia A.
Published: May 2008

Background: This study was designed to explore the use of plasma zinc in determining zinc deficiency in children with sickle cell disease‐SS (SCD‐SS) as indicated by a growth response to zinc supplementation. Methods: Fasting plasma zinc was assessed in children with SCD‐SS (ages 4 to 10 years) who were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg zinc/d in cherry syrup (zinc) or cherry syrup alone (placebo) for 12 months. Evaluations for growth, dietary intake, and other biochemical parameters were made at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months. Longitudinal mixed effects analysis evaluated differences between groups over 12 months. Results: A total of 38 prepubertal children (20 male and 18 female; 18 zinc and 20 placebo) completed the study (7.1 ± 1.7 years old). At baseline, plasma zinc was low (≤70 μg/dL) in 7 male subjects. Despite the significant increase in height over 12 months (+0.7 cm) with zinc supplementation (p = .019), plasma zinc did not change over the 12 months of study, and there was no association between plasma zinc and linear growth. Those children with low plasma zinc who received zinc supplementation showed improved linear growth. Conclusions: These findings suggest that plasma zinc is an insensitive indicator of zinc status in children with SCD‐SS. Children with low plasma zinc will benefit from zinc supplementation. However, some children with normal plasma zinc and poor growth may also have growth‐limiting zinc deficiency and exhibit a growth response to zinc supplementation. Although this study focused on children with SCD‐SS, results may be generalized to other pediatric clinical illnesses where nutrition‐related growth failure is investigated.