bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Moisture Conditioning Methods on Mechanical Properties of Injection Molded Nylon 6
Authors: Jia Nanying , Fraenkel Howard A. , Kagan Val A.
Published: April 2004

The influence of various standard (ASTM, ISO) and experimental moisture conditioning methods on mechanical performance of injection molded nylon 6 is discussed as a result of an in-depth, comprehensive investigation.

These methods covered a wide range for two basic process parameters for conditioning: temperature (from 23 to 100 C) and relative humidity (from 50% RH to water immersion). The variation of these parameters may result in significantly different moisture absorption rates, equilibrium levels and mechanical properties. The kinetics of mechanical performance and microstructure were evaluated prior to tests and during conditioning in this comprehensive analysis.

The results from this investigation may provide comprehensive, up-to-date information and recommendations concerning accelerated nylon conditioning methods for test specimens and various molded parts, preselection of nylon based plastic for design, and prediction and optimization of mechanical performance.
Nonlinear Finite Element Modeling of Delamination Crack Growth Process between Belts of a Radial Tire
Authors: Feng Xijin , Yan Xiangqiao , Wei Yintao , Du Xingwen
Published: April 2004

A radial tire is a very complex structure made from rubber elastomers and fiber rubber composite materials. During its use, a delamination crack growth between belts can occur, which obviously affects its durability and life. In the present paper, a new numerical model of the delamination crack growth in complex structures is presented. The model can reveal the crack growth dependence on the relative size of energy release rates at the left and right crack tips and the interfacial material property. The crack growth model, the Irwin’s virtual crack close technique and finite element analysis method are together used in simulating numerically the growth process of the delamination crack between belts of a radial tire. The numerical results show that the crack growth model proposed in the present paper can more really characterize the complexity of the delamination crack growth process in complex composite structures.
Assessment of Dielectrometry for Characterization of Processing and Moisture Absorption in FRP Composites
Authors: Cordovez M. , Li Y. , Karbhari V. M.
Published: April 2004

The increasing use of ambient cured resin systems for the fabrication of composites used in structural components such as in civil infrastructure creates a need for monitoring cure progression over time as well as for tracking changes due to environmental exposure during the extended period of time needed to attain full cure. Further, there is a need for the development of methods to monitor the health of structures in the field for applications such as column retrofit, external strengthening of girders and slabs, and even bridge decks. This paper investigates the application of dielectrometry to the characterization of E-glass epoxy composites exposed to deionized water. Results are correlated with DSC and moisture absorption. It is shown that a direct correlation between moisture absorption and permittivity can be obtained.
Experimental Studies on the High Strain Rate Compression Response of Woven Graphite/Epoxy Composites at Room and Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Hosur M. V. , Adya M. , Jeelani S. , Vaidya U. K. , Dutta Piyush K.
Published: April 2004

In this study, experimental investigations on affordable woven graphite/epoxy laminates under high strain rate compression loading at room and elevated temperatures are discussed. 17-layered woven graphite/epoxy laminates are fabricated with plain and satin weave fabrics with room temperature curing SC-15 epoxy resin using affordable vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) process. Samples were tested at strain rates ranging from 200 to 1100/s at four different temperatures: room, 125, 175, and 225 F. Upper limit on the temperature was selected based on the supplier’s data sheet for SC-15 epoxy resin system, which has a dry glass transition temperature of 220 F. Failure mechanisms were characterized through optical microscopy. Failure modes were influenced by the temperature and fabric architecture. Results of the study indicate the softening of fiber–matrix interface with increasing temperature, which affects the dynamic compression strength. Satin weave samples exhibit higher compressive strength as compared to plain weave samples due to straighter fabric architecture.
Review of a Large Clinical Series: Outcome of Pediatric Status Epilepticus Admitted to Intensive Care
Authors: Parsons Simon J. , Tomas Katarina , Cox Peter
Published: April 2004

The authors determine the relationship between seizure duration, etiology, and outcome in a modern intensive care setting and assess the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) and the empiric use of antimicrobial therapy. The design was a retrospective chart review. The setting was a tertiary pediatric critical care unit. Patients included 161 consecutive admissions to the critical care unit at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, with status epilepticus over a 3-year period. There were no interventions. The overall mortality was 5.6%. A further 11% experienced an adverse neurological outcome as determined on hospital discharge. Mean seizure duration was 1.5 ± 2.8 hours in those children with a normal outcome, 1.7 ± 1.2 hours in those survivors with an abnormal neurological outcome ( P > 0.05), and 6.8 ± 12 hours in those who died ( P < 0.05). The CT scan was abnormal in 41% of cases. New findings that directly affected immediate management decisions were found in 20% of CT scans. Both the duration and etiology of status epilepticus affect the outcome. CT scanning should be done without delay, once the patient is stable. Antiviral therapy should be started empirically now that encephalitis is far more common than bacterial meningitis in this group of patients. Studies are lacking that compare the efficacy of drugs available to treat status epilepticus. These studies need to be done, as the findings could affect the duration of status.
Endocrine Changes in Critical Illness
Authors: Nylen Eric S. , Muller Beat
Published: April 2004

The homeostatic corrections that have emerged in the course of human evolution to cope with catastrophic events involve a complex multisystem endeavor, of which the endocrine contribution is an integral component. Although the repertoire of endocrine changes has been probed in some detail, discerning the vulnerabilities and failure of this system is far more challenging. The ensuing endocrine topics illustrate some of the current issues reflecting attempts to gain an improved insight and clinical outcome for critical illness.
Adhesion and Proliferation of Human Dermal Fibroblasts on Collagen Matrix
Authors: Croce Maria Antonietta , Silvestri Chiara , Guerra Deanna , Carnevali Elena , Boraldi Federica , Tiozzo Roberta , Parma Bruna
Published: April 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate adhesion and growth of human dermal fibroblasts on a 0.150 mm-thick matrix of reconstituted collagen isolated from horse tendon. Collagen was extracted and polymerized according to the standard procedures (Opocrin, Corlo, Modena, Italy). By light microscopy, the bottom surface of the matrix appeared linear and compact, whereas the superficial one was indented and less homogeneous. By scanning electron microscopy, the collagen fibrils had different diameters and the great majority of them was oriented parallel to the surface of the gel. By transmission electron microscopy, collagen fibrils showed the typical banding. Human dermal fibroblasts were seeded on the collagen matrix, previously equilibrated in growth medium. Fibroblast proliferation stopped in the second week and was always significantly lower than that of the same cell strain seeded on plastic and cultured in parallel. By light microscopy, after six days culture, cells formed a confluent multilayer on the surface of the gel. By scanning and transmission electron microscopy, fibroblasts appeared flat and adherent to the matrix. Contacts of cells among themselves and with the collagen fibrils were observed. Fibroblasts never moved into the collagen gel. In conclusion, human dermal fibroblasts can be grown in a three-dimensional matrix made by horse tendon that, on the other hand, seems to condition their proliferation rate.
New Glucose Biosensor Based on Glucose Oxidase-immobilized Gelatin Film Coated Electrodes
Authors: Sungur S&unknown;bel , Emregü Emel , Günend&unknown; Gülendem , Numanoğlu Yasem&unknown;n
Published: April 2004

In this article we describe the preparation of a new glucose biosensor based on electrode coating with glucose oxidase-immobilized gelatin. Glucose oxidase was immobilized onto gelatin by cross-linking with chromium III acetate. Properties of the immobilized glucose oxidase enzyme electrode have been studied and results were compared with free enzyme electrode. Effect of temperature and pH variations, kinetic properties, and reusability were among the subjects analyzed. Also interfering effect of the electro-active compounds was investigated and their influence on the behavior of glucose oxidase electrode was determined. The response time of the developed glucose oxidase enzyme electrode was 60 s with a detection limit of 0.25 mM and preserved its accuracy within the 2 months period of reuse experiments.
Cultural Aspects of Psychosis in the Elderly
Authors: Faison Warachal Eileen , Armstrong Dena
Published: April 2004

The elderly population is rapidly growing and increasing in diversity. Furthermore, mental disorders are common in this population. Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing psychotic symptoms. Consequently, clinicians must increase their awareness of culture and its effect on psychosis in the elderly. This article briefly reviews the components of cultural assessments, cultural issues pertaining to diagnosis and treatment, and culture-bound syndromes. Some studies have demonstrated ethnic differences in the presention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychotic disorders in the elderly. These differences may be explained by factors including clinicians’ bias, cultural distance between patients and clinicians, culturally biased diagnostic instruments, stereotypes of psychopathology, and biological and other environmental factors. However, some studies have not documented ethnic differences in diagnosing and treating psychotic disorders. Appropriate assessments and diagnoses include patients’ and clinicians’ ethnic and cultural contexts. Rigorous methodological research is needed to further evaluate the prevalence and treatment of psychotic disorders in ethnic minority elders.
Sleep/Wake Disruption in Alzheimer’s Disease: APOE Status and Longitudinal Course
Authors: Yesavage Jerome A. , Friedman Leah , Kraemer Helena , Tinklenberg Jared R. , Salehi Ahmad , Noda Art , Taylor Joy L. , O’Hara Ruth , Murphy Greer
Published: April 2004

Disturbed sleep is a major clinical problem in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Apolipoprotein •4 (APOE •4) carrier status may increase risk of AD, yet there are no data on relations between APOE status and progression of sleep disturbance in AD. The objective of this study was to determine if sleep parameters in AD patients change over time as a function of APOE carrier status. Forty-four community-dwelling AD patients with diagnosis of probable AD were followed from early stages of disease. Their sleep/wake parameters were compared according to APOE status. For APOE •4 carriers, only wake after sleep onset (WASO) increased in association with lower cognitive function as indicated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); for non-•4 subjects, increases in WASO and declines in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and the amplitude of the rest/activity circadian rhythm over time were associated with lower performance on the MMSE. In these data, APOE status was associated with the progression of sleep/wake disturbances in AD. Overall, there was greater deterioration on sleep parameters in patients negative for the •4 allele.
Advancing Biobehavioral Research in Childhood Cancer
Authors: Moore Ida M. (Ki)
Published: April 2004

Research on individual and family responses to a child’s or adolescent’s cancer diagnosis and treatment is important because of significant advances in the field of pediatric oncology. To date, the majority of research has been behavioral or psychosocial in nature. It could be argued that a more holistic perspective that includes psychological, sociocultural, and biological dimensions would advance knowledge about individual and family responses to the experience of childhood cancer. Biobehavioral research refers to investigations that link behavioral and biological underpinnings in specific areas of science. The purpose of this article is to review research in two broad areas that could benefit from a biobehavioral perspective—psychosocial functioning/behavioral adjustment, and CNS treatment outcomes. Studies that include biological measures are highlighted. Advantages, challenges, and strategies for advancing biobehavioral research in childhood cancer are proposed.
Internet-Based Collaborative Design for an Injection-moulding System
Authors: Al-Ashaab Ahmed , Rodriguez Karina , Molina Arturo , Cardenas Mauro , Aca Joaquin , Saeed Mohammed , Abdalla Hassan
Published: April 2004

Nowadays, the globalization of the manufacturing enterprises requires collaboration across frontiers. In order to attain effective collaboration, the information about the product life cycle must be captured and administrated in a way that supports the decision taken during the product development. In this context, the manufacturing process information needs to be shared between manufacturers. This paper introduces the SPEED (Supporting Plastic enginEEring Development) system designed to facilitate the sharing of injection-moulding information between interested parties via the Internet. Both the architecture and the functionality of the SPEED system are presented and described in this paper through a case study. The evolving issues are addressed. Finally, closing remarks and conclusions of the system are presented.
A Constraint-driven Execution Plan for Maximizing Concurrency in Product Development
Authors: Hu Jinmin , Liu Jianxun , Prasad Brian
Published: April 2004

One of the major goals of Concurrent Product Development (CPD) is to shorten the design cycle time by increasing more task overlaps of the ensuing design activities. Increasing task or activity overlap often hinges on two timing questions (a) ‘‘When does the downstream activity require certain information from its upstream activities and (b) when will the required information on an activity be available for scheduling the next dependent task?’’ The paper discusses a constraint-driven execution plan to handle the concurrency during scheduling of various dependent tasks. This constraint-driven execution plan is designed to relieve the alignments of start and end points commonly encountered during scheduling of the concurrent tasks. It is not essential that an activity will start only when a dependent activity is fully finished. In constraint-driven execution plan, a task or an activity can be initiated as soon as the required information is available rather than after the completion of all the upstream activities dependent on it. The paper shows that if we follow this execution plan during a CPD process, concurrencies among the ensuing design activities can be maximized. The paper also discusses how this execution plan can be used in a context of a workflow management system (WfMS). Employing this plan, it is possible to easily transform most of the event-condition-action (ECA) rules-based workflow model–from its activity completion event-driven forms–into an information-constraint-satisfaction-driven forms. This execution plan, thus, enables an event-driven WfMs to support concurrency of tasks during product development and concurrent tasks’ scheduling.
An Integrative Approach to Depression: Part 1—Etiology
Authors: Zuess Jonathan
Published: April 2004

This two-part series presents an integrative model for understanding and treating depression, encompassing the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual levels of the human being. Major depressive disorder may be seen as a dysregulated form of an adaptive response. Theories regarding the adaptive functions of depression drawn from psychology, evolutionary biology, ethology, neuroendocrinology, dream research, the philosophies of naturopathy and homeopathy, and the spiritual traditions of the Native Americans and other cultures are reviewed and synthesized. This model provides the basis for the rational application of a variety of complementary and conventional therapies.
An Integrative Approach to Depression: Part 2—Assessment and Treatment
Authors: Zuess Jonathan
Published: April 2004

This article is the second of a two-part series presenting an integrative model for understanding and treating depression. In this part, the integrative model provides the basis for comprehensive assessment and treatment, guiding the application of a wide variety of treatments. Evidence-based complementary and conventional treatment modalities for depression are also reviewed.
Depressive Disorders: Treatment with Nonpharmacological Alternatives
Authors: Zunkel Gretchen M.
Published: April 2004

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of current social psychology theories explaining depressive disorders and to describe selected nonpharmacological approaches that may be useful in treating disorders related to these causes. It is essential that providers of health care are alert to the signs and symptoms of depression. For many cases of depression, the presentation is not straightforward. Early recognition by both provider and client is important to the successful treatment of depressive disorders. The cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies discussed in this article may be useful to augment other types of alternative and complementary healing modalities or for clients who prefer nonpharmacological treatment.
Physical Activity as a Nonpharmacological Treatment for Depression: A Review
Authors: Phillips Wayne T. , Kiernan Michaela , King Abby C.
Published: April 2004

Physical activity is increasingly being cited as an alternative to more traditional drug treatments for treating depression. Although an increasing amount of research has investigated this theory, much of the literature has been criticized from a methodological perspective. Given rising concern for the increasing costs of mental health care, it is timely and important to examine valid, reliable, and objective research findings on the potential role of physical activity as a low-cost non-pharmacological intervention for the treatment of depression. This article reviews cross-sectional, longitudinal, and randomized studies that investigated the role of physical activity in the prevention and alleviation of depression. The review found that although there is undoubtedly a need for more research with a greater emphasis on methodological strength, the scientific literature is generally supportive of the beneficial effects of aerobic and nonaerobic exercise on depression in clinically and nonclinically depressed adults. Implications for public health are discussed.
Financial Ratio Analysis of Korean Households
Authors: Moon Sook Jae , Yuh Yoonkyung , Hanna Sherman D.
Published: April 2004

The purpose of this study is to explore the usefulness and limitations of six family financial ratio guidelines developed in the United States in assessing the financial situation of households in South Korea. The ratios examined are debt safety, debt service, solvency, liquidity, savings, and capital accumulation. Guidelines for the first three ratios tend to be enforced by lenders and have similar patterns in both countries, but Korean households are much more likely to meet savings and liquidity guidelines than are U.S. households, and are much less likely to meet the capital accumulation guideline. Multivariate logistic regression analyses show complex patterns of effects of demographic variables on whether Korean households meet each guideline. In four out of six logistic regressions, having a graduate or professional degree has a negative effect on meeting the guideline, raising questions about the appropriateness of the guidelines.
Level of Income and its Distribution as Determinants of Korean Expenditure Patterns
Authors: Fan Jessie X. , Abdel‐Ghany Mohamed , Lee Yoon G.
Published: April 2004

Even though the permanent income and relative income hypotheses have been utilized in past research to explain consumer behavior, no previous attempt has been made to integrate them into one model in explaining household expenditure behavior. In this article, the hypotheses are synthesized into a single model. The model was empirically tested using data from the 1996 Korean National Survey of Family Income and Expenditures. The results indicate that household expenditure behavior is generally explained by both hypotheses when integrated in one model. However, the impact of relative income and permanent income varies by expenditure categories.
Thermal Transport in Straw Insulation
Authors: Beck A. , Heinemann U. , Reidinger M. , Fricke J.
Published: April 2004

An evacuable guarded hot plate for thermal conductivity measurements between 200 and 800 C was used to investigate the heat transfer in barley straw. The different thermal transfer mechanisms (solid, gaseous conduction and infrared-radiative heat transfer) as well as coupling effects were separated. The measured thermal conductivities (λ = 0.041 W m−1 K−1) are similar to those of conventional insulation materials such as foams, glass or mineral fibres which are widely used as building insulation materials. Straw from barley or wheat, which is a low-cost, renewable material readily available world-wide, is therefore an interesting alternative to conventional insulation materials.
On the Meanings and Uses of Laughter in Research Interviews
Authors: Grønnerød Jarna Soilevuo
Published: April 2004

The use of laughter is often overlooked when analysing qualitative research interviews. This article argues, however, that the analysis of laughter is valuable for two reasons. First, analysing laughter helps to describe relationships and interactions between interviewee and interviewer in a way that is sensitive to subtle changes and variations in interactive positions. Second, these relationships and interactions are also the contexts in which research data are created. A close analysis of these interactions thus helps in understanding how the data emerge. The results demonstrate the role of laughter in certain interactive patterns; for example impression management, problem revelation, coping with stress caused by the interview situation and negotiations of heterosexual tensions.The implications of these patterns for research interviews are discussed, as well as certain aspects of woman-to-man interviewing in feminist research.
Mesothelioma in Cappadocian Villages
Authors: Dogan A. Umran
Published: April 2004

Volcanic tuffs in the Cappadocian region of Turkey have weathered into a dramatic landscape. The soft rock of which they are composed is easily quarried and excavated and has long provided both caves and building material for homes. Studying the complex geology of Cappadocia has shown the presence of zeolitic rocks in some areas which contain respirable fibres of the zeolite group mineral erionite. In 1975, a high incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) was observed in several villages of this region. MPM is a quickly progressing lethal disease with very poor prognosis. Clinical and experimental studies suggested that the disease was linked to the erionite mineral. Extensive studies have since confirmed that it is the erionite, rather than any of the asbestos types known to cause MPM, that is the major cause of this epidemic in the study area. In addition to the three erionite villages of Cappadocia (Tuzköy, Karain and Sar| h| d| r), the list has now been extended to include the villages of Karacaoren, Boyali, Cokek and Yesiloz. The high potential of erionite to induce MPM has now received further confirmation from both epidemiological and other recent experimental work.
Filamentous Fungi Isolated in Hospitals and Some Medical Institutions in Lithuania
Authors: Lugauskas Albinas , Krikštaponis Arūnas
Published: April 2004

Investigations on the diversity of species of filamentous fungi found in the premises of five medical institutions: two hospitals, the museum of heart surgery, the centre of mental health, and a newly established medicine packing factory, have been carried out. A total of 155 species ascribed to 41 fungal genera were isolated and identified, of which species from the genera of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Acremonium, Paecilomyces, Mucor and Cladosporium made up the vast majority. A number of airborne fungi were also found in the same premises as well. Among the fungi found were several identified as allergenic and opportunistically pathogenic species. The potential health risk for the patients and staff posed by the fungi isolated is discussed.
A Portable Decision Making Tool for Health Professionals Based on Neural Networks
Authors: Vartziotis F , Fotiadis D. I. , Likas A , Lagaris I. E.
Published: April 2004

The article presents a fast portable system to provide health professionals with solutions for pre-operative surgical planning and decision making in real time. The system employs an effective computational environment for solving partial and ordinary differential equations based on neural networks. This approach is implemented partially on a specialized hardware board to exploit the fact that neural networks constitute massively parallel systems. The system also contains a powerful and convenient graphical user interface. There are tools to visualize and/or animate 2-D and 3-D data, and a customized interactive environment where particular biomedical problems can be easily processed and formulat
Finding Genes Contributing to the Arthritis Phenotype by Comparing Rat and Human Genome Data
Authors: Andersson Lars , Petersen Greta , Johnson Per , StÂhl Fredrik
Published: April 2004

Published quantitative trait locus (QTL) data, as well as all known rat genes and DNA markers, have since 1993 been collected and made easily accessible at the rat genome database, RatMap. The objective of the present study is to fully integrate available data concerning rat models with human genome information. The final goal of this process is to make results from any rat model experiment directly applicable to humans. The overall goal of this work is to create an automatic system which, for any given rat chromosomal region associated with a QTL, will characterize both mapped rat genes and all putative homologous human genes in that region. This article reports the use of the web application to find human gene candidates contributing to an arthritis phenotype.
‘Ethical Foreign Policy’
Authors: O’Neill Onora
Published: April 2004

Human rights have been the principal ethical ingredients of ‘ethical foreign policy’. Some human rights promulgated in UN and other Declarations are more aspirational than achievable; others are of variable importance. So we need to look behind the Declarations to see which human rights claims should be taken most seriously. I shall argue that we take rights seriously only if we take the counterpart obligations seriously, and can take obligations seriously only if we connect them to the capabilities of the agents and agencies who will have to discharge them. A realistic view of those agents and agencies cannot be based on the assumption that the relevant agents are all of them states, since this line of thought collapses where states are weak or failing. A realistic account of agency, or of obligations, a fortiori of rights has to take certain types of non-state actors and their obligations seriously.
Identification of a Crack in a Rotor System using a Model-based Wavelet Approach
Authors: Sekhar A. S.
Published: April 2004

The dynamics and diagnostics of a cracked rotor have been gaining importance in recent years. Vibration monitoring during start-up or shut-down is as important as during steady-state operations to detect cracks especially for machines such as aircraft engines which start and stop quite frequently and run at high speeds. In the present study, a model-based method is proposed for the on-line identification of cracks in a rotor while it is passing through its flexural critical speed. The fault-induced change of the rotor system is taken into account by equivalent loads in the mathematical model. The equivalent loads are virtual forces and moments acting on the linear undamaged system to generate a dynamic behaviour identical to the measured one of the damaged system. The rotor has been modelled using FEM, while the crack is considered through local flexibility change. The crack has been identified for its depth and location on the shaft for different rotor accelerations. The nature and symptoms of the fault – crack – are further ascertained using the continuous wavelet transform.
Powerful and Free: Intraorganizational Power and the Dynamics of Corporate Strategy
Authors: Mitsuhashi Hitoshi , Greve Henrich R.
Published: April 2004

The questions of how shifts occur between inertia and change and why only some organizations make strategic changes have received significant attention from scholars in strategy and organization theory. Here the horizontal and vertical dimensions of organizational power structures’ influence on the dynamics of corporate strategy are examined.The horizontal dimension of institutionalization of subunit power causes inertia, while the vertical dimension of power differences in the top management team causes strategic change. These effects hold for the simple magnitude of strategic changes, changes that break organizational momentum and changes following performance decline. Analysis of changes in the diversification of Japanese shipbuilding and robotics firms supports the theory.
From Consent to Mutual Inquiry
Authors: Ospina Sonia , Dodge Jennifer , Godsoe Bethany , Minieri Joan , Reza Salvador , Schall Ellen
Published: April 2004

The Leadership for a Changing World (LCW) program is a joint endeavor between the Ford Foundation, the Advocacy Institute, and the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. This paper focuses on the experiences of the Research and Documentation component of LCW – lead by a research team from the Wagner School – during the initial implementation phases of the research. This component formed an inquiry group consisting of both academic researchers and social change practitioners to collaboratively explore and discover the ways in which communities doing social change engage in the work of leadership. We used group relations theory to understand a series of critical dilemmas and contradictions experienced by the coresearchers. This paper identifies four such paradoxes that center around issues of democracy and authority.
Conflict Resolution Tactics and Bullying
Authors: Wilson Carlene , Parry Lisa , Nettelbeck Ted , Bell Jodie
Published: April 2004

Teachers' reports were used to define school children, ages 10 and 11 years, as bullies (n = 47), passive victims (n = 37), aggressive victims (n = 29), and controls (n = 220). Teachers' ratings of children's styles of interactions with peers were consistent with these assignments, confirming significantly different kinds of conflict resolution strategies between the four groups. Compared to controls or passive victims, bullies and aggressive victims were judged to display higher levels of aggression. In contrast, controls scored above bullies or aggressive victims for prosocial behaviors. These results were partially confirmed by children's reports about their own behaviors. Attempts to establish whether bullying and victimization could be linked to social learning of conflict resolution tactics from parents, television, or peers suggested that peers had a role in sustaining aggressive behaviors.
Examining Racial Disparity of Male Property Offenders in the Missouri Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Ray Katherine E. Brown , Alarid Leanne Fiftal
Published: April 2004

Using juvenile court data of 4,284 cases, this study examined to what extent racial disparity and discrimination existed for male property offenders within six counties in Missouri. Logistic regression analyses tested probabilities of juveniles being processed in the system at four decision-making points: referral, detention, adjudication, and disposition when available legal factors and county type were controlled. The authors found evidence of contextual racial discrimination in some jurisdictions during selected decision points in the juvenile justice system. In all counties combined, Black youths were more likely to be formally referred and detained before adjudication, whereas White youths were more likely to be adjudicated.
Effect of peak expiratory flow data quantity on diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in occupational asthma
Authors: Anees W. , Gannon P.F. , Huggins V. , Pantin C.F.A. , Burge P.S.
Published: April 2004

Serial peak expiratory flow records are recommended in the first-line investigation of suspected occupational asthma.

The effects of sequentially reducing the numbers of working weeks, consecutive days at work and readings taken per day on diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were investigated, using good quality peak expiratory flow records from 81 workers with independently confirmed occupational asthma and 60 asthmatics without occupational exposure.

Sensitivity was 81.8% for records of 4 weeks' duration and 70% for those of 2 weeks' duration (specificity 93.8 and 82.4% respectively). The sensitivity fell to 56.7% if there were only 2 consecutive workdays in each work period. Although best at 8 readings·day−1, sensitivity and specificity were acceptable with four daily readings (82.4 and 87%). The effect of defining a record as being of adequate quality if it was of ≥2.5 weeks' duration, with ≥4 readings·day−1and ≥3 consecutive workdays in each work period, was tested in records not used in the initial data reduction process. The sensitivity and specificity respectively of adequate records were 78.1 and 91.8versus63.6 and 83.3% for inadequate records.

Peak expiratory flow records for the diagnosis of occupational asthma should be interpreted with caution if they do not satisfy the suggested minimum data quantity criteria.
Differential effects of emphysema on skeletal muscle fibre atrophy in hamsters
Authors: Mattson J.P. , Delp M.D. , Poole D.C.
Published: April 2004

Patients afflicted with emphysema demonstrate altered peripheral skeletal muscle fibre composition and atrophy. It is unknown whether these alterations are general to all skeletal muscles independent of function, phenotype or oxidative capacity. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine whether emphysema induces alterations in muscle fibre composition or atrophy in respiratory and locomotory muscles with diverse fibre types and metabolic profiles.

Fibre composition and cross-sectional area were measured in selected hindlimb muscles and diaphragm of hamsters following saline (control, n=7) or elastase (emphysema, n=15) instillation.

Excised lung volume increased 145% with emphysema. Fibre composition was largely unaltered, with the exception of a 13% reduction in IIB fibres in the tibialis anterior muscle of emphysema animals. Type I fibre size was also mainly unaltered, except for a diminished cross-sectional area in plantaris muscle. However, fibre cross-sectional area of fast-twitch types IIA, IIX and/or IIB fibres was reduced in the caudal biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles of emphysema animals. In contrast, there was a trend for emphysema to increase the cross-sectional area of type IIA fibres in the diaphragm.

These data demonstrate that emphysema-induced atrophy primarily affects locomotory muscles, independent of phenotype or oxidative capacity.
Clarithromycin reduces the severity of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in patients with asthma
Authors: Kostadima E. , Tsiodras S. , Alexopoulos E.I. , Kaditis A.G. , Mavrou I. , Georgatou N. , Papamichalopoulos A.
Published: April 2004

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the effects of a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic, clarithromycin, on bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in patients with a diagnosis of asthma.

Adult asthma patients undergoing treatment with budesonide 400 µgb.i.d.and salbutamol 200 µgp.r.n.less than twice weekly were studied. Arm A (16 males/six females, aged 48±16 yrs) received clarithromycin 250 mgb.i.d.for 8 weeks, arm B (eight males/12 females, aged 42±12 yrs) clarithromycin 250 mgt.i.d.and arm C (six males/15 females, aged 41±16 yrs) placebo dextrose tablets. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness was quantified by measurement of the provocative dose of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (PD20).

Median (interquartile range) PD20in the three groups before and after treatment with clarithromycin were: arm A: 0.3 (0.1–1) and 1.3 (0.6–2) mg; arm B: 0.4 (0.1–0.9) and 2 (2–2) mg; and arm C: 0.4 (0.1–0.9) and 0.3 (0.1–0.6) mg, respectively. Serum free cortisol levels were determined and remained unchanged from baseline in the clarithromycin-treated patients.

It is concluded that clarithromycin reduces the degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in patients with asthma.
Impact of preventing exacerbations on deterioration of health status in COPD
Authors: Spencer S. , Calverley P.M.A. , Burge P.S. , Jones P.W.
Published: April 2004

Exacerbations of chronic obstuctive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with worse health status. The Inhaled Steroids in Obstructive Lung Disease in Europe (ISOLDE) study showed that treatment with fluticasone propionate (FP) reduced exacerbation frequency and the rate of deterioration in health status as compared with placebo. The present study analysed these data to test whether the effect of FP on health status was attributable to its effect on exacerbations.

Rates of deterioration in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score were obtained for 613 patients with moderate to severe COPD followed for a maximum of 3 yrs. Exacerbation rates were skewed and could not be normalised, therefore, patients were stratified into three exacerbation groups: none, infrequent (<1.65 exacerbations·yr−1) and frequent (>1.65 exacerbations·yr−1).

There were 91 patients with no exacerbations, 285 with infrequent exacerbations and 235 with frequent exacerbations. Frequent exacerbations were independently associated with a worse baseline SGRQ score (p<0.0001) and a more rapid rate of deterioration in health status (p=0.0003). Exacerbation frequency and rate of decline in forced expiratory volume in one second were independently related to the rate of deterioration in SGRQ score.

Statistical modelling showed the beneficial effect of fluticasone propionate on deterioration in health status to be largely due to its effect on exacerbation frequency.
Developing Strategies for Maritrans’ Business Units
Authors: Mudrageda Murthy V. , Murphy Frederic H. , Welch Steve
Published: April 2004

After the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 mandated early retirement for all large single-hulled vessels that carry petroleum and petroleum products, Maritrans’ stock lost 80 percent of its value. Through a sequence of studies, Maritrans improved its understanding of its market and developed a strategy for rebuilding its single-hulled fleet and dealing with a further threat to its profitability from a government program of loan guarantees to build new ships. We demonstrated to the US Maritime Administration that giving out loan guarantees would lead to excess capacity and depressed rates and to government expenditures to cover loan losses. Maritrans backed off from operating petroleum-product terminals after we showed that it would not gain synergies with marine transportation. Combining the models for these two studies, we modeled the marine-transportation market for the eastern United States and developed an integrated strategy for rebuilding the Gulf Coast fleet. Maritrans announced its new strategy in 1997 and its stock almost doubled, reaching levels not seen since the Oil Pollution Act was passed.
People Skills: Change Management Tools–The Modern Leadership Model
Authors: Levasseur Robert E.
Published: April 2004

This is the third in a series of columns about some of the most effective models, methods, and processes of organization development (OD). OD is a discipline that offers much to the MS/OR practitioner determined to help clients solve real-world problems. Because it is based on a systemic view of organizations, OD includes the whole universe of fuzzy people issues that increasingly determine the success or failure of efforts to implement otherwise flawless technical solutions.
20/30 Hindsight: What Is Operations Research?
Authors: Chamberlain Robert G.
Published: April 2004

What is operations research today?
Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Jones Stephen C. , Marshall Sally M. , Bilous Rudy W.
Published: April 2004

Diabetic kindney disease affects up to one third of patients withtype 1 and type 2 diabetes and is anow the commonest single cause of end‐stage renal failure in the western world. The cumulative incidence of diabetic nephropathy continues to increase as type 2 diabetes becomes more prevalent. Managing increasing numbers of patients requiring renal replacement therapy is a major challenge for health services throughout the world. Diagnosis is usually made upon clinical grounds and is based on the detection of albuminuria. If the diagnosis is in doubt renal biopsy should be considered. The major clinical phases of diabetic kidney disease are microalbuminuria, proteniuria or overt nephropathy, progressive renal impairment, and end‐stagerenal failure. Not all patients progress to end‐stage renal afailure because of an associated excess cardiac mortality. Major risk factors for diabetic kidney disease are poor glycemic control and hypertension. Genetic factors also appear to play an important role in determining an individuals predisposition, but the gene(s) responsible have not yet been unequivocallly identified. Treatment is based upon primary prevention with good glycaemic control and treatment of hypertension. Secondary prevention with antihypertensive therapy, particularly with agents acting on the renin‐‐angiotensin system, can slow the rate of progression of diabetic nephropathy and delay the onset of end‐stage renal failure. Coexisting cardiovascular risk factors should also be aggressively managed. Patients with advanced diabetic kidney disease often have multiple problems that require the input of a large number of health care professionals.
Clinical and genetic heterogeneity in Desbuquois dysplasia
Authors: Faivre Laurence , Le Merrer Martine , Zerres Klaus , Hariz Mongi Ben , Scheffer Déborah , Young Ian D. , Maroteaux Pierre , Munnich Arnold , Cormier‐Daire Valérie
Published: April 2004

Desbuquois dysplasia is a rare chondrodysplasia of autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by short stature, joint laxity, facial anomalies, a “Swedish key” appearance of the proximal femur, and advanced carpal and tarsal bone age. Patients with Desbuquois dysplasia can be divided in two groups, depending on whether hand changes include an extra ossification center distal to the second metacarpal and whether phalangeal dislocations are present or absent. We have recently reported linkage of a Desbuquois dysplasia gene to 17q25.3 in a group of patients with typical hand abnormalities. Here, we report on the exclusion of the 17q25.3 locus in three inbred Desbuquois families originated from Turkey, Asia, and Morocco without typical hand abnormalities. Microsatellite DNA markers from the 17q25.3 region were used at an average spacing of 2 cM, and the three affected individuals from families 1 to 3 were heterozygous for the 17q25.3 region. These results allow us to exclude this region as the locus in Desbuquois families with no hand anomalies and demonstrate genetic heterogeneity. Ongoing studies will hopefully lead to the identification of the responsible genes. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiomyopathy in Coffin–Lowry syndrome
Authors: Facher Jennifer J. , Regier Elizabeth J. , Jacobs Gretta H. , Siwik Ernest , Delaunoy Jean‐Pierre , Robin Nathaniel H.
Published: April 2004

Coffin–Lowry syndrome (CLS) is a rare but well‐documented X‐linked disorder characterized by small size, developmental delay/mental retardation, and characteristic facial and skeletal findings in affected males. The phenotype in affected females is far more variable and can include developmental differences, obesity, and characteristic facial and skeletal differences. Cardiac anomalies are reported in less than 20% of affected males, with cardiomyopathy being one of the rare but reported complications of this disorder. However, cardiomyopathy is not well characterized in CLS. Here, we report on a 14‐year‐old boy with physical and developmental findings consistent with CLS who presented with a relatively sudden onset of signs of congestive heart failure due to a restrictive cardiomyopathy; an endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated non‐specific hypertrophic myocyte alterations consistent with cardiomyopathy. This is the first description of the histology and electron microscopy of cardiomyopathy in CLS. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new patient with pure trisomy 4p resulting from isochromosome formation and whole arm translocation
Authors: Zahed L. , Oreibi G. , El‐Amine H. , Obeid M. , Bitar F.F.
Published: April 2004

Short arm isochromosome formation with translocation of the entire long arm of the same chromosome is an unusual constitutional abnormality that has been observed, to our knowledge, in 18 cases. Only one of these previously reported cases involved chromosome 4, resulting in pure trisomy 4p. Pure trisomy 4p has been reported in a number of cases, the majority of them due to familial chromosome rearrangements, and is associated with a distinct pattern of abnormal findings. We report here a second case of a de novo chromosome 4 whole arm translocation with short‐arm isochromosome formation, which we have delineated further by FISH studies. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface properties of cationic ultraviolet‐curable coatings containing a siloxane structure
Authors: Sangermano M. , Bongiovanni R. , Malucelli G. , Priola A. , Pollicino A. , Recca A. , Jönsson S.
Published: April 2004

A polysiloxane diglycidyl ether was used as a comonomer of epoxy resins to obtain coatings through the ultraviolet curing technique. Notwithstanding its very low concentration (<1 wt %), the siloxane monomer caused a change in the surface properties of the films. Selective surface stratification was evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and an interesting surface modification was achieved without changing the bulk properties of the films or the rate of polymerization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 584–589, 2004
Effect of static magnetic field on growth and sporulation of some plant pathogenic fungi
Authors: Nagy P. , Fischl G.
Published: April 2004

Growth and sporulation of phytopathogenic microscopic fungi were studied under a static magnetic field. The applied flux densities were 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mT. The magnetic field decreased the growth of colonies by 10% using this flux density region. At 0.1 mT flux density, the deviations are significant, P = .001, while in other cases the deviations generally are not significant. At the same time, the number of the developed conidia of Alternaria alternata and Curvularia inaequalis increased by 68–133%, but the number of Fusarium oxysporum conidia decreased by 79–83%. The deviations are generally significant at the P = .05 level. Bioelectromagnetics 25:316–318, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.