bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linguistic Justice
Authors: Van Parijs Philippe
Published: March 2007

The world is full of situations of asymmetric bilingualism: the members of one linguistic group learn the language of another without the latter reciprocating. In such a situation, the cost of learning is borne by one group, whereas the benefit is enjoyed by both. This paper first argues that, in the absence of any cost-sharing device, such situations are unjust. Next, it critically examines four potential criteria of linguistic justice, each of which offers a distinct answer to the question of how to allocate between two linguistic groups the cost of one of them learning a second language. Criteria suggested by Church and King, Jonathan Pool and David Gauthier are spelled out and rejected in favour of a criterion of equal ratios of benefit to cost. Lastly, the paper sketches some policy implications concerning what is owed by English natives to the rest of mankind as a result of English being adopted as a worldwide lingua franca.
Liberalism and the Politics of Cultural Authenticity
Authors: Johnson James
Published: March 2007

In this paper, I consider one possible defense of the presumption, common among liberal legal and political theorists, that we should respect culture. Specifically, I examine the view, forcefully articulated by Joseph Carens, that we can identify those attachments or practices that are candidates for one or another form of legal protection by determining whether they are `authentic' in the sense that members of some relevant group accept or embrace them as an integral component of their culture. I first sketch in detail Carens's view and show that despite appearances his position is central to liberal arguments that we should respect culture. Next, I recapitulate the empirical case (the complicated cultural politics on the islands of Fiji) that Carens uses as a vehicle for his argument. I then challenge the implications that Carens draws from the Fijian case. In particular, I argue that claims to `authenticity' are themselves artifacts of strategic political processes, that they and the institutions they purport to justify are in fact morally arbitrary, and, therefore, that `authenticity' cannot afford a basis for justifying policies aimed at protecting culture in Fiji or elsewhere. I suggest in conclusion that by invoking authenticity in this regard Carens courts a brand of relativism that is especially pernicious in that it erodes the terrain of democratic representation and deliberation. This is ironic to the extent that Carens seeks to defend democracy as well as difference. On this basis I recommend that, for purposes of justifying social, political or economic arrangements, we abandon the language of authenticity altogether.
Rawls in Italy
Authors: Ricciardi Mario
Published: March 2007

The article has three parts. The first is devoted to the analysis of some features of Italian philosophy that might be used to explain why analytic philosophy of politics, and analytic philosophy in general, has few practitioners. The second part gives an explanation of the relatively small audience Rawls has among liberals in Italy. Some features of the Italian liberal tradition might be helpful in explaining this fact; hence a short presentation of these features (as exemplified by Croce) is outlined. The third part deals with the reception of Rawls's ideas among the small group of analytic political philosophers in Italy.
Validity of Attachment Theory
Authors: BOLEN REBECCA M.
Published: March 2007

In recent years, attachment theory has been used more frequently for understanding abuse and violence. Yet, conceptualizations of these problems presuppose that attachment theory is valid. By reviewing the empirical literature on attachment theory to determine whether its key hypotheses are supported, this article addresses this important assumption. Hypotheses of attachment theory that are addressed are that attachment (a) has a biological or physiological base, (b) is universal, (c) is intergenerationally transmitted, (d) is transmitted from caregiver to infant, and (e) is predictive and dynamic but largely stable across time. Although all the hypotheses have some empirical support, and meta-analyses of certain of these hypotheses are encouraging, there are contradictory findings. At this time, support for attachment theory remains equivocal, and the limits of the theory are not clearly defined. Although these limitations do not preclude its use in trauma literature, professionals must remain aware of these limitations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Victims of Domestic Violence
Authors: JONES LORING , HUGHES MARGARET , UNTERSTALLER ULRIKE
Published: March 2007

The objectives of this research were to analyze data from literature based on studies of battered women to determine (a) the correlation of domestic violence and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), (b) the best treatment strategies for PTSD, and (c) the evidence of PTSD treatment effectiveness with battered women. Findings were (a) symptoms of battered women are consistent with PTSD symptoms; (b) certain populations are at higher risk of developing PTSD symptoms; (c) intensity, duration, and perception of the battering experience is a significant factor in the severity of the PTSD symptoms; (d) demographic variables influence PTSD severity; (e) standardized PTSD assessment is needed by professionals working with women experiencing domestic violence; (f) there is a need for greater public health involvement for prevention, identification, and medical treatment of domestic violence and PTSD; and (g) certain treatment strategies are recommended for PTSD but lack rigorous testing of their efficacy.
Has the Americans with Disabilities Act Made a Difference? A Policy Analysis of Quality of Life in the Post-Americans with Disabilities Act Era
Authors: Harrison Tracie Culp
Published: March 2007

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed more than 10 years ago. Policy makers hoped to enable persons with disabilities to combat social barriers such as unemployment by preventing discrimination. It has been the most comprehensive piece of legislation for persons with disabilities in the United States, but the effects of the ADA have been debatable. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the effect of the ADA on quality of life for persons with disabilities and offer suggestions for health care policy.
Policy Update: Final Rule on Physician Supervision for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Authors: Jacobson Nadine M.
Published: March 2007

On January 18, 2001, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) released its final rule on the supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). The rule removes a federal requirement that a physician, specifically the surgeon or anesthesiologist, must supervise nurse anesthetists delivering anesthesia to Medicare patients. The HCFA rule defers to the states on the issue of whether a CRNA must be supervised or not.
The Relationships among Employment, Paid Sick Leave, and Difficulty Obtaining Health Care of Single Mothers with Young Children
Authors: Kneipp Shawn M.
Published: March 2007

Single mothers face many challenges in managing their multiple roles, including lack of time and feelings of role strain. Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, this study examined whether employment was associated with difficulty obtaining health care in single mothers with young children. Although employment was not associated with increased difficulty obtaining health care (odds ratio = .56, p = .195), when every person in single-mother households had full-year health insurance coverage, the likelihood of difficulty obtaining health care was significantly reduced (odds ratio = .33, p = .008). Overwhelmingly, women attributed the primary difficulty of obtaining health care to affordability rather than lack of time or the inability to take time off work. These findings indicate that having health insurance is critical to reducing barriers to care for single-mother families and that affordability is the primary barrier to care for single-mother families that lack health insurance.
Considerations for Policies Regarding Genetic Testing of Children
Authors: Twomey John G.
Published: March 2007

Policy development in many areas of genetics and health care is still unsettled because of the continuing growth of knowledge, technologies, and therapies. Policy by professional organizations, institutions, and opinion leaders about restricting access to genetic testing for children before disease symptoms appear seems not to have carefully considered the relationship between parents and their minor children. The author reviews background information regarding policies recommended by health care professionals for genetic presymptomatic and predisposition testing of children and the controversies surrounding professional versus parental views on the topic. After discussing each side of the issue, recommendations are presented for ways of listening to and taking into account parental motivations for testing their children.
Network Materials — Reinforcing and Stiffening with Three-Dimensional Textile Structures
Authors: Disselbeck D.
Published: March 2007

A new structural material described here is a fibre composite based on three-dimensionally moulded textile sheets that are set and stabilized with synthetic resin. The special feature of the material is its filigree structure. The network material is lightweight, strong, permeable to gases and liquids, mouldable, and permeable. These properties open up new possibilities of solving problems, especially in light weight construction: the material can be used on its own as a core for sandwich systems, as a skeleton for reinforcing other materials, and for permanently joining different types of material to one another. Initial examples of applications in various sectors are introduced.
Electrically Conductive Non-Metallic Textile Coatings
Authors: Gregory R.V. , Kimbrell W.C. , Kuhn H.H.
Published: March 2007

An industrially feasible process for the polymerization of pyrrole or aniline on the surface of textile fibers and assemblies is discussed. Physical properties of the resulting fabrics are described as well as their stability under various condi tions. Fabrics coated with polypyrrole maintained the general physical properties of the untreated fabrics; in composite structures they are environmentally stable.
The Measurement of Moisture Vapour Transmission through Simulated Clothing Systems
Authors: Gretton J.C. , Brook D.B. , Dyson H.M. , Harlock S.C.
Published: March 2007

Currently, waterproof breathable fabrics are assessed in isolation when determining their ability to transmit moisture vapour. In wear, however, these fabrics form part of a clothing system.
Recruitment, Representation, and Political Values
Authors: Jackson John S. , Brown Jesse C. , Brown Barbara L.
Published: March 2007

This article has two major objectives. First, it offers an examination of some important characteristics of the delegates to the 1976 Democratic National Convention, and comparisons are made with other recent conventions. Those 1976 delegate characteristics are also placed in the context of recent changes in the delegate selection rules. The second objective is to demonstrate empirically the extent to which the delegate selection rules and/ or the group characteristics of the delegates have a systematic impact on the dele gates' candidate preferences. In addition, several other more "political" variables are examined for their relationship to candidate fortunes. All of this analysis is ultimately addressed to the question of why Jimmy Carter was nominated and elected in 1976.
Measuring Friends-and-Neighbors Voting
Authors: Van Wingen John R. , Parker Joseph B.
Published: March 2007

Although the friends-and-neighbors factor helps explain the results of Democratic primaries in several Southern states, an adequate measure of the phenomenon is conspicu ously missing. A procedure for measuring the hometown support, the concentration of that support, and the importance of friends-and-neighbors is developed herein. The 1947 special general election and the 1978 Democratic primaries for the Mississippi U.S. Senate seat are analyzed to show how the measure is better than a previous one, how the im portance of friends-and-neighbors in determining election outcomes can be calculated, and how one can detect if the importance is spurious. The analysis demonstrates that friends-and-neighbors was as important in the 1978 first primary as it was in the 1947 special general election. The high importance in the 1978 runoff is partially explained, however, by the emerging North-South cleavage in Mississippi politics.
Balance Theory and Political Cognitions
Authors: Shaffer Stephen D.
Published: March 2007

The CPS 1972-1976 panel is employed to test numerous principles of balance theory on Americans' political cognitions. Evidential support is found for Heider's original formulation of balance theory pertaining to dichotomous variables comprising a triad and extensions of this theory to structures of more than three cognitions, and variables measured at the interval level. Political reality effects, rational policy evaluation processes, and alternative psychological perspectives cannot adequately explain our data patterns. Other findings are: people attain balance in diverse ways by changing any of their cognitions; the more politically sophisticated are more affected by balance processes; balance theory has implications for the vote decision. The implications of the study for the nature of American democracy are also addressed.
Public Support for the Supreme Court in the 1970s
Authors: Handberg Roger , Maddox William S.
Published: March 2007

In the 1960s, Murphy and Tanenhaus examined the linkages between public opinion and the U.S. Supreme Court. This article represents a new look at that question within the context of the 1970s, using national survey data. Four clusters of explanations are developed, based upon the previous literature, and tested, using trust in the Court as the dependent vanable. The two most important explanatory variables found are race and education, but race is declining as an explanation for variations in support for the Court.
An Empirical Examination of the Minimax Hypothesis
Authors: Kenney Patrick J. , Rice Tom W.
Published: March 2007

In this article we examine empirically the minimax hypothesis. The hypothesis holds that individuals are motivated to incur the minimal costs of voting in order to avoid the maximum regret: Their preferred candidate losing by a single vote. The results of our study suggest that a substantial number of people apparently do employ a minimax decision-making process. Over one-third of the individuals interviewed reported sometimes worrying that if they abstain from voting their favorite candidate might lose. In addition, these respondents were significantly more likely than those who expressed no worry to claim they voted in 1984 and to say they planned to vote in 1986. And perhaps most intriguing, further analysis suggests that individuals may be more likely to employ minimax decision making than expected utility decision making.
Testing Theories of State Policy-Making
Authors: Ringquist Evan J.
Published: March 2007

Comparative state policy studies have traditionally relied on one of three explanations of policy influence, classified here as the economic, political, and group influence models. Each of these traditional models, however, provides a narrow and biased representation of the policy process. Moreover, the single-equation, multiple regression format most often used to operationalize these models can lead to misrepresentations of the influences surrounding policy-making. In this article, an integrated model of the policy process is developed and operationalized as an alternative to these partial theories of state policy-making. Through theoretical discussion and empirical evaluation, this integrated model is demonstrated as superior to the traditional models when analyzing the strength of state air pollution control programs.
Partisan Change Among Native White Southerners: 1965-1982
Authors: Rice Tom W.
Published: March 2007

In this article a unique three-wave parent-youth panel study is used to examine partisanship change among native white Southerners from 1965 to 1982. The data suggest that Southerners have not moved away from the Democratic Party slowly and methodically as most cross-sectional studies suggest. Many of the respondents in the panel demonstrated substantial volatility on the party identification scale across the three panel waves.
The Behavioral Consequences of Vice-Presidential Debates
Authors: Holbrook Thomas M.
Published: March 2007

In this article I examine a much neglected area of American politics: the political consequences of vice-presidential debates. Specifically, I explore how perceptions of candidate performance in the 1984 and 1988 vice-presidential debates influenced vote intention and evaluations of the vice-presidential candidates. Using panel surveys that allow for the control of predebate vote choice and political predispositions, these results indicate that vice-presidential debates do influence public opinion. Additional data are used to illustrate the aggregate effects of vice-presidential debates.
Minority Turnout and the Creation of Majority-Minority Districts
Authors: Brace Kimball , Handley Lisa , Niemi Richard G. , Stanley Harold W.
Published: March 2007

In the construction of majority-minority districts, it has typically been assumed that turnout of minority voters is low compared to that of Whites. But what happens in the minority-dominated districts that are created? With a considerably enhanced ability to elect a candidate of their own choosing, does turnout increase? We test whether the creation of majority-minority legislative districts in Florida increased turnout of Black and Hispanic voters in 1992. The results are mixed. Over-time comparisons suggest that turnout of both groups might have benefitted from the creation of majority-minority districts. Cross-sectional analyses, however, suggest both increases and decreases in turnout in the newly created minority districts. We cannot yet conclude that the creation of minority-dominated districts has a consistent effect on minority turnout.
Redistricting and Incumbent Reelection Success in Five State Legislatures
Authors: Basehart Harry , Comer John
Published: March 2007

Does redistricting affect the election success of incumbents? Does it affect the electoral fortunes of political parties? These questions are examined in five states that used different redistricting processes in 1991-1992 and in two states where the redistricting process changed from 1981-1982 to 1991-1992. In states where redistricting was highly partisan, parties controlling the process gained politically. In states where redistricting was bipartisan, that is, both parties were involved, neither party gained an advantage. Likewise, where redistricting was nonpartisan, that is, parties were excluded from the process, neither party gained an advantage and the outcome was least hospitable to incumbents.
Clinton and Congress
Authors: Bond Jon R. , Fleisher Richard
Published: March 2007

This article presents an analysis of presidential-congressional relations during 1993. It analyzes support from the party factions in Congress (liberal Democrats, conservative Democrats, liberal Republicans, and conservative Republicans) and support from party and committee leaders. Clinton won 84% of conflictual votes in the House and 83% in the Senate. Clinton's success and support changed over the course of the year. Coalitions were more partisan early in the year and Clinton's success rate m the first quarter exceeded 90%. Later in the year, Clinton received more bipartisan support, but his success rate declined. Finally, party and committee leaders provided levels of support typical of what party leaders provided other majority party presidents, although the difference in support from party and committee leaders observed in previous research has disappeared. This may be due to the greater control the caucus can exert on committee chairs and the diminished probabihty that a chair will be drawn from the cross-pressured faction.
The Effectiveness of School Desegregation Plans, 1968-1991
Authors: Rossell Christine H. , Armor David J.
Published: March 2007

A major debate in school desegregation policy is whether voluntary, market-based mechanisms (such as magnet schools) result in more school desegregation than command-and-control approaches (such as mandatory reassignment). Using data obtained from a national probability sample of 600 school districts, we explore the effects of different types of desegregation plans on White flight, racial imbalance, and interracial exposure from 1968 to 1991 Based on the results of multiple regression analyses, we find that (a) voluntary plans result in lower levels of White flight and higher levels of change in interracial exposure than mandatory-reassignment or controlled-choice plans (which fall between the two approaches) and (b) voluntary plans are not disadvantaged in comparison to mandatory-reassignment or controlled-choice plans in the achievement of racial balance.
Explaining Elite Attitudes On the Georgia Flag
Authors: Clark John A.
Published: March 2007

Confederate symbols continue to spark controversy throughout the South. Analysis of a survey of Georgia campaign contributors reveals that a variety of factors—racial attitudes, conservative identity, and traditionalist values—help account for support for the state flag, which contains the Confederate battle emblem. Older respondents were more likely to support the flag as well. The results are consistent with a "symbolic politics" approach, where symbols trigger affective responses based on earlier socialization experiences. Contributors who grew up outside the South respond differently to the flag, providing additional support for the symbolic politics argument.
The Role of Agenda Setting in Policy Innovation
Authors: Hays Scott P. , Glick Henry R.
Published: March 2007

In this article we link theoretically and empirically the process of agenda setting to the diffusion of innovations across the American states. We use independent variables that reflect both agenda setting and the specific state context, and we hypothesize that a combination of these variables affects the likelihood of policy adoption in the various states. Employing event history analysis of pooled cross-sectional time series data on the adoption of living-will laws, we find that the best model of living-will adoptions includes both agenda setting and state context variables. Our findings demonstrate the importance of linking agenda setting with internal state characteristics to reach a more complete explanation of state policy making.
Hispanic and Anglo Patients' Reported Use of Alternative Medicine in the Medical Clinic Context
Authors: Lundy Michele B. , Morgan Laura L. , Rhoads Kelton V. L. , Bay R. Curtis
Published: March 2007

Little research has been done into the concurrent use by different ethnic groups of alternative and conventional medicine, including the use of alternative medicine modalities by Hispanic and Anglo patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 516 low-income Hispanic and Anglo patients at eight community-based family practice clinics located in low-income, ethnically diverse areas of greater Phoenix, Arizona. A related questionnaire examined the awareness of and attitudes about alternative medi cine use by the patients' physicians. In different ways, most of the Anglo and Hispanic patients are using alternative medicine concurrently. This suggests the possibility that conventional medicine is not meeting their health care needs. Differences between Anglo and Hispanic patients in the use of alternative practitioners and therapies were identified. The findings indicated a frequent lack of communication between physicians and their patients regarding alternative medicine use among both Hispanics and Anglos.
Review Article : Protecting the Most Vulnerable: Home Mechanical Ventilation as a Case Study in Disability and Medical Care: Report from an NIH Conference
Authors: Stuart Mary , Weinrich Michael
Published: March 2007

Patients requiring chronic mechanical ventilation represent a particularly vul nerable segment of the expanding population of individuals with chronic disabilities Many of these individuals can live successfully at home, but face significant obsta cles. Current policies m health care coverage, durable medical equipment coverage, eligibility for assisted living, and licensing of caregivers all restrict the abilities of these individuals to live in the community. Prolonged home mechanical ventilation was pioneered m France, where a current international "best practice" provides a model for developing comprehensive, cost-effective care for these individuals.
Does Proprioceptive Loss Influence Recovery of the Upper Extremity After Stroke?
Authors: Rand Debbie , (Tamar) Weiss Patrice L. , Gottlieb Daniel
Published: March 2007

Stroke patients with motor paralysis and proprioceptive deficits are considered to have a worse functional outcome than those with pure motor paralysis, but the mechanism of this detrimental effect is not clear. In order to clarify it, we compared the motor and functional recovery of the affected upper extremity in stroke patients having pure motor paralysis with that of such patients with both motor and proprioceptive deficits. Forty patients undergoing stroke rehabilitation were studied: 20 with pure motor deficits and 20 also with proprioceptive deficits. They were assessed on four occasions during the first six weeks of rehabilitation. Motor impairment was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer subscale of the upper extremity, disability with the Frenchay Arm Test, and proprio ception by the Thumb Localization Test. Significant within-group improvement of the motor and functional abilities was demonstrated in both groups, between admission to six weeks later (p < 0.001, either group). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups, although pure motor patients had a slightly better outcome. It was concluded that the proprioception deficit did not influence limb recovery in the first six weeks of rehabilitation. Therefore, the upper extremity of all patients should be treated and given a similar chance because significant improvement can be expected in all cases. Key Words: Upper Extremity—Stroke—Proprioception—Rehabilitation.
Analytical Analysis of Tastes and Odors Imparted to Foods By Packaging Materials
Authors: Wyatt David M.
Published: March 2007

Manufacturers are frequently interested in determining if their plastic component imparts an off-taste or odor to a food. This paper describes one analytical approach to this problem. The technique utilizes a purge and trap headspace of volatiles from the plastic followed by gas chromatographic and mass spectroscopic characterization. An introduction into the basics of taste and odor analysis is given, followed by a discussion of the specific instrumentation and procedures used for this work. Examples demonstrate various aspects of this technique.
Measurement of Co2 Permeability in Polymer Films
Authors: Alger Montgomery M. , Ward William J.
Published: March 2007

A simple and sensitive method for measuring CO2 permeability in polymer films has been developed. The method is based on the use of 14CO2. At time zero 14CO2 is injected on the high pressure side of the cell. Permeation is monitored with a Geiger counter which senses 14CO2 on the low pressure side of the cell. The counts/time on the low pressure side are proportional to the total concentration of CO 2 which has diffused through the film. With the known source concentration the volume-time curve is constructed and the permeability and time lag are calculated. The system sensitivity as it is presently configured is on the order of 10-15 em3(STP).cm/cm2.sec.cm Hg. Results are presented for a measurement of a 0.025 cm polycarbonate film.
Urethane Films— Transdermal Opportunities
Authors: Komerska James F.
Published: March 2007

For transdermal patches to function, the packaging material must not only prevent unwanted diffusion of the active ingredients, but also—in a seemingly contradictory fashion—permit controlled rates of penetration of the active ingredients through the skin side of the patch. Polyurethanes have a unique combination of properties includ ing good physical properties and an ability to transmit gas and vapor while acting as a barrier to liquids. These films can be produced with a broad range of controlled dif fusion rates. Urethanes can also be formulated to provide good biocompatibility and other needed features, such as solvent resistance and heat sealability. The result has been that urethanes have been used successfully for the production of several transdermal patches.
Effects of Static Tensile Stress On Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Thin Films
Authors: Grehlinger M. , Kraft M.
Published: March 2007

Dynamic mechanical test results are presented for two linear low density poly ethylene (LLDPE) films and a polycarbonate (PC) film which show the effects of var iations in the static tensile stress on the dynamic properties. The differences arise from variations in creep of the films which may cause changes in the molecular orien tation and therefore changes in the mechanical properties. The different nature of semicrystalline polymers such as LLDPE and amorphous polymers such as PC is emphasized by their different responses to constant force and proportional-to-force tension control.
Effects of Anti-Block/Processing Aid Combinations On Lldpe Blown Film Extrusion
Authors: Blong Thomas J. , Duchesne Denis
Published: March 2007

Anti-block agents differing in composition, structure, and surface coating were compounded with fluorocarbon elastomer polymer processing aids (PPAs) in linear low density polyethylene. Separate and combined masterbatches of 20% anti-block and 2% PPA were melt mixed and let down to 5000 ppm and 500 ppm respectively.

Preliminary investigation of the combined PPA/anti-block masterbatches by capil lary rheometer identified wide ranging differences when comparing equilibrium melt viscosity and melt fracture onset. Synthetic silicas appeared to show the great est decrease in PPA performance while ceramic micro-spheres caused little change. Further studies were conducted on a commercial film line at shear rates of 750 s-1. Results showed that the PPA was generally more effective when incorporated as a separate masterbatch than when compounded with the anti-block. For example, melt fracture could only be eliminated in the presence of diatomaceous earth and the PPA when the two were compounded separately. In the case of calcium carbonate and ceramic spheres, melt fracture was eliminated in the combined samples but equilib rium pressures were higher and equilibrium times were longer. Coated silicas showed less interference with PPA performance than did their uncoated analogs when used in a combined masterbatch.
Slow Rate Penetration of Packaging Films
Authors: Seyler Rick J.
Published: March 2007

A detailed evaluation of the slow rate penetration resistance measure ment was conducted on twenty-two different monolithic, coextruded, or laminated flexible barrier packaging films using five different probe geometries.

No universal change in penetration resistance with penetration rate was found. Decreasing probe sharpness or severity increased the observed penetration resis tance and improved the signal-to-noise ratio. However, similar rankings of film per formance were possible regardless of probe geometry. After considering these and many other factors, it is recommended that measurement of slow rate penetration re sistance should be made using a 20 mm/min penetration rate and a 3 2 mm dia hemispherical probe with a probe:clamp diameter ratio of 10.
Effect of Flavor Sorption On Adhesive and Cohesive Bond Strengths in Laminations
Authors: Schroeder M.A. , Harte B.R. , Giacin J.R. , Hernandez R.J.
Published: March 2007

The effect of sorption of flavor volatiles on the adhesive and cohesive bond strength of multilayer laminations was investigated. Two polyester/polyolefin adhesive laminates coated with a polyvinylidene chloride-polyvinylchloride copoly mer were surface-exposed to lemon juice and a hot sauce product, as well as to food simulant systems at 45°C. Sorption of flavor volatiles resulted in delamination of both laminates following exposure to the respective food products. A Dynamic Headspace Concentrator, interfaced with Capillary Gas Chromatography, identified d-limonene as the primary component sorbed by the laminates upon exposure to lemon juice. Us ing Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis and Scanning Election Microscopy, adhesive bond failure with the linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) laminate was identified, while cohesive bond failure occurred within the ethylene vinyl ace tate copolymer (EVA) laminate Bond strength was quantified using a peel test Sig nificant reductions in bond strength occurred upon exposure to the food products.
Quality Performance Optimization Tools for the Fabrication of Hmw-Hdpe Blown Film
Authors: van Kerckhoven C.A.A. , Harris W.D. , Cantu L.K.
Published: March 2007

Film used in the merchandise bag and grocery sack markets is often made of High Molecular Weight High Density Polyethylene (HMW- HDPE) resin. It allows blown film to be fabricated at relatively thin gauges while maintaining required strength properties. An extruder with a decom pression screw and cooled grooved feed throat is typically used to process molten polymer at high rates. An internal bubble cooling (IBC) system and in ternal bubble stabilizer (IBS) overcome destabilizing effects and control the gauge at high outputs. Post-die orientation is induced via a high stalk con figuration to obtain the desired performance properties. This paper deals with the control aspects of extrusion and orientation to obtain a uniform gauge and a good distribution of the properties. It describes how film performance can be altered using fabrication laboratory equipment to simulate the film making process of the bag making industry.
Flexomer™ Polyolefins-a Unique Class of Ethylene Copolymers for Low Temperature Film Applications
Authors: Eagar D.C. , Ealer G.E. , Bartocci S.A. , Kung D.M.
Published: March 2007

FLEXOMERTM polyolefins, referred to as very low density poly ethylenes (VLDPEs), are manufactured by a gas-phase, fluid bed process tech nology. Commercially available products typically range in density from 0.880 to 0.912 g/cc. The growing family of VLDPEs includes both narrow and broad molecular weight distribution polymers. The low crystallinity of these resins results in energy absorbing characteristics that yield outstanding low tempera ture impact properties. The lower brittleness temperature of VLPDE products provides superior low temperature performance when compared with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) copolymers.
Oppressed and Oppressors? The Systematic Mistreatment of Men
Authors: New Caroline
Published: March 2007

This paper argues for a structural definition of oppression as systematic mistreatment. Using the work of Connell and other theorists, I discuss the implications of the proposed definition for the oppression of women and suggest that men, too, are systematically mistreated and therefore oppressed in modern societies. This structural concept of men's oppression is compared with the idea developed in the men's movement of the 1970s that men are oppressed by sex roles, and with more recent discourses of masculinity. I argue that men may have conflicting interests in relation to the gender order. While men are frequently the agents of the oppression of women, and in many senses benefit from it, their interests in the gender order are not pregiven but constructed by and within it. Since in many ways men's human needs and capacities are not met within the gender orders of modern societies, they also have a latent `emancipatory interest' in their transformation.
Unification of Sociological Theory by the Rational Choice Model: Conceiving the Relationship between Economics and Sociology
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: March 2007

This paper reconsiders the possibility for unification of sociological theory by the rational choice model. This is induced by the claims of rational choice theorists that extending this model from economics to sociology can be conducive to establishing a unifying paradigm and method to be given `paradigmatic privilege' within sociology. The outcome of such an extension of the economic approach has been `sociological rational choice theory' or `rational action theory for sociology'. Within sociology, such a rational choice model is regarded as a major theoretical or/and methodological innovation and thus a `new' promise for sociology's unification. Overall, the paper suggests that these `ecumenistic' claims of rational choice theorists cannot be taken at face value since they are predicated upon dubious views of the relations between economy and society and between economics and sociology, including inadequate interpretations of neoclassical economics.
Secretion of cytokines and growth factors into autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease liver cyst fluid
Authors: Nichols Matthew T. , Gidey Elsa , Matzakos Tom , Dahl Rolf , Stiegmann Greg , Shah Raj J. , Grantham Jared J. , Fitz Gregory J. , Brian R.
Published: March 2007

The principal extrarenal manifestation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) involves formation of liver cysts derived from intrahepatic bile ducts. Autocrine and paracrine factors secreted into the cyst would be positioned to modulate the rate of hepatic cyst growth. The aim of this study was to identify potential growth factors present in human ADPKD liver cyst fluid. Cytokine array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis of human ADPKD liver cyst fluid detected epithelial neutrophil attractant 78, interleukin (IL)-6 (503 ± 121 pg/mL); and IL-8 (4,488 ± 355 pg/mL); and elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor compared with non-ADPKD bile (849 ± 144 pg/mL vs. 270 pg/mL maximum concentration). ADPKD liver cyst cell cultures also released IL-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor, suggesting that cystic epithelial cells themselves are capable of secreting these factors. Western blotting of cultured cyst cells and immunostaining of intact cysts demonstrate that cysteine-X-cysteine receptor 2, an epithelial neutrophil attractant 78 and IL-8 receptor, is expressed at the apical domain of cyst lining epithelial cells. Suggesting the cystic epithelial cells may exist in hypoxic conditions, electron microscopy of the ADPKD liver cyst epithelium revealed morphological features similar to those observed in ischemic bile ducts. These features include elongation, altered structure, and diminished abundance of apical microvilli. In conclusion, IL-8, epithelial neutrophil attractant 78, IL-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor may serve as autocrine and paracrine factors to direct errant growth of ADPKD liver cyst epithelia. Interruption of these signaling pathways may provide therapeutic targets for inhibiting liver cyst expansion. (Hepatology 2004;40:836-846).
Allelic loss of chromosome 4q21 ≈ 23 associates with hepatitis B Virus—related hepatocarcinogenesis and elevated alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Yeh Shiou-Hwei , Lin Ming-Wei , Lu Shu-Fen , Wu Dai-Chen , Tsai Shih-Feng , Tsai Ching-Yi , Lai Ming-Yang , Hsu Hey-Chi , Chen Ding-Shinn , Chen Pei-Jer
Published: March 2007

Allelic loss of chromosome 4q is one of the most frequent genetic aberrations found in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and suggests the presence of putative tumor suppressor genes within this region. To precisely define the region containing these tumor suppressor genes for further positional cloning, we tried a detailed deletion mapping strategy in 149 HCCs by using 49 microsatellite markers covering 4q12 ≈ 25. A common region with allelic loss has been identified based on the interstitial deletions occurring within it; this region is found between D4S1534 and D4S1572 (a 17.5-cM genetic interval). When we included all cases with limited aberration regions for comparison, 2 smaller regions were derived: 1 between D4S1534 and D4S2460 (3.52 cM) and 1 between D4S2433 and D4S1572 (8.44 cM). A few candidate genes were found to be down-regulated in HCCs, but without sequence mutations. In these HCCs, 4q alleleic loss was associated with hepatitis B virus infection status and the elevation of serum alpha-fetoprotein (≥400 ng/mL). In conclusion, the current study not only mapped a common allelic loss region on chromosome 4q, but it also revealed that its loss may be involved in hepatitis B virus--related hepatocarcinogenesis and the elevation of serum alpha-fetoprotein. (Hepatology 2004;40:847-854).
MR image segmentation using vector decomposition and probability techniques: A general model and its application to dual‐echo images
Authors: Kao Yi‐Hsuan , Sorenson James A. , Winkler Stefan S.
Published: March 2007

A general model is developed for segmenting magnetic resonance images using vector decomposition and probabilfty techniques. Each voxel is assigned fractional volumes of q tissues from p differently weighted images (q ≤ p + 1) in the presence of partial‐volume mixing, random noise, and other tissues. Compared wtth the eigenimage method, fewer differently weighted images are needed for segmenting the q tissues, and the contrast‐to‐noise ratio in the calculated fractional volumes is improved. The model can produce com‐posrte tissue‐type images similar to that of the probability methods, by comparing the fractional volumes assigned to different tissues on each voxel. A three‐tissue (p = 2, q = 3) model is illustrated for segmenting three tissues from dual‐echo images. M provides statistical analysis to the algebraic method. A three‐compartment phantom is segmented for validation. Two clinical examples are presented.
Statistical methods of estimation and inference for functional MR image analysis
Authors: Bullmore Edward , Brammer Michael , Williams Steve C. R. , Rabe‐Hesketh Sophia , Janot Nicolas , David Anthony , Mellers John , Howard Robert , Sham Pak
Published: March 2007

Two questions arising In the analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired during periodic sensory stimulation are: i) how to measure the experimentally determined effect in fMRI time series; and ii) how to decide whether an apparent effect is significant Our approach is first to fit a time series regression model, including sine and cosine terms at the (fundamental) frequency of experimental stimulation, by pseudogeneralized least squares (PGLS) at each pixel of an image. Sinusoidal modeling takes account of locally variable hemodynamic delay and dispersion, and PGLS fitting corrects for residual or endogenous autocorrelation in fMRI time series, to yield best unbiased estimates of the amplitudes of the sine and cosine terms at fundamental frequency; from these parameters the authors derive estimates of experimentally determined power and its standard error. Randomization testing is then used to create inferential brain activation maps (BAMs) of pixels significantly activated by the experimental stimulus. The methods are illustrated by application to data acquired from normal human subjects during periodic visual and auditory stimulation.
Myocardial perfusion modeling using MRI
Authors: Larsson Henrik B. W. , Fritz‐Hansen Thomas , Rostrup Egill , Søndergaard Lars , Ring Poul , Henriksen Ole
Published: March 2007

In the present study, it is shown that it is possible to quantify myocardial perfusion using magnetic resonance imaging in combination with gadolinium diethylenetriaminopentaacetic acid (Gd‐DTPA). Previously, a simple model and method for measuring myocardial perfusion using an inversion recovery turbo‐FLASH (fast low‐angle shot) sequence and Gd‐DTPA has been presented. Here, an extension of the model is presented taking into account fast and slow water exchange between the compartments, enabling the calculation of the unidirectional influx constant (KJ for Gd‐DTPA, the distribution volume of Gd‐DTPA (A), the vascular blood volume (Vb), and the time delay through the coronary arteries (AT). The model was evaluated by computer simulation and used on experimental results from seven healthy subjects. The results in the healthy volunteers for a region of interest placed in the anterior myocardial wall were (mean ± SD) Ki=54 ± 10 ml/100 g/min, λ=30 ± 3 ml/100 g, Vb=9 ± 2 ml/100 g, ΔT=3.2 ± 1.1 s. These results are in good agreement with similar results obtained by other methods.
Design of conformationally rigid dimeric MRI agents
Authors: Shukla Rajesh , Fernandez Maria , Pilial Radhakrishna K. , Ranganathan Ramachandran , Ratsep Peter C. , Zhang Xun , Tweedle Michael F.
Published: March 2007

The conformational flexibility of the linkage mechanism or tether between paramagnetic metal centers is explored to assess optimal structural characteristics of multirneric MRI contrast agents. Two dimeric paramagnetic chelates differing in linkage flexibility but similar in symmetry are compared. Relaxivity, water hydration number, and reorientation times of the chelate groups are obtained, and the results demonstrate that greater linkage flexibility reduces overall relaxiv′rty.
Quantitative tissue sodium concentration mapping of normal rat brain
Authors: Christensen James D. , Barrère Bertrand J. , Boada Fernando E. , Vevea J. Michael , Thulborn Keith R.
Published: March 2007

A quantitative in vivo method for obtaining maps of tissue sodium concentration (TSC) by MRI is compared to the invasive, global 22Na radionuclide dilutional technique in the normal rat brain. The MR method uses a three‐dimensional projectional acquisition scheme to minimize signal losses from transverse relaxation. Internal calibration standards are used to convert the signal intensity into TSC after correction for B1 inhomogeneities by using the ratio of 23Na and 1H images obtained with identical B1 distributions and sensitivities at the two frequencies. Over the biological range of concentrations, the TSC, measured as the ratio of MR signals of 23Na and 1H, gives a linear response with concentration. In the normal rat brain, the mean TSC measured using the MRI method (TSC = 45 ± 4 mM, animals = 5) is not significantly different from the global 22Na radionuclide method (TSC = 49 ± 6 mM, animals = 7).
Aluminum‐27 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging of the human gastric lumen
Authors: Kaspar Armin , Bilecen Deniz , Scheffler Klaus , Seelig Joachim
Published: March 2007

Aluminum NMR is proposed as a new imaging and spectroscopy modality. Its potential is exemplified by in vivo studies of the human stomach. The dissolution kinetics of aluminum‐containing drugs at physiological doses and their removal from the human stomach have been followed by 27Al magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Aluminum concentrations as low as 0.5 mg Al3+ in the human stomach can be detected. The time course of gastric emptying has been visualized with 27Al magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under normal conditions and in the presence of an antimuscarinic agent, which reduces the gastric motor function. 27Al MRI is the only direct method to visualize the gastric pH. 27Al MRI opens new possibilities for medical and pharmaceutical science.