bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility to Peer Influence, Self‐Control, and Delinquency
Authors: Meldrum Ryan C. , Miller Holly V. , Flexon Jamie L.
Published: October 2012

The significance of peers during adolescence is well established in the social science literature. However, relatively few studies have devoted attention to susceptibility to peer influence with regard to both its causes and consequences. The current study aims to add to this literature in two ways. First, it investigates the role of self‐control in the etiology of susceptibility to peer influence. Second, it examines the independent and interactive effects of these two constructs on self‐reported delinquency. Results indicate that individuals who are higher in self‐control are less likely to be susceptible to peer influence, that susceptibility is a stronger predictor of delinquency than self‐control, and that the influence of susceptibility on delinquency is moderated by one's level of self‐control. In particular, the effect of susceptibility to peer influence on delinquency is stronger for individuals with higher levels of self‐control. The implications of the findings for theory and future research are discussed.
Palaeoceanographic changes in the North Atlantic during the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition (MIS 31–19) as inferred from planktonic foraminiferal and calcium carbonate records
Authors: Hernández‐Almeida Iván , Sierro Francisco Javier , Flores José‐Abel , Cacho Isabel , Filippelli Gabriel Michael
Published: October 2012

Marine sediments from the Integrated Ocean Drilling Project (IODP) Site U1314 (56.36°N, 27.88°W), in the subpolar North Atlantic, were studied for their planktonic foraminifera, calcium carbonate content, and Neogloboqudrina pachyderma sinistral (sin.) δ13C records in order to reconstruct surface and intermediate conditions in this region during the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition (MPT). Variations in the palaeoceanography and regional dynamics of the Arctic Front were estimated by comparing CaCO3 content, planktonic foraminiferal species abundances, carbon isotopes and ice‐rafted debris (IRD) data from Site U1314 with published data from other North Atlantic sites. Site U1314 exhibited high abundances of the polar planktonic foraminifera N. pachyderma sin. and low CaCO3 content until Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 26, indicating a relatively southeastward position of the Arctic Front (AF) and penetration of colder and low‐salinity surface arctic water‐masses. Changing conditions after MIS 25, with oscillations in the position of the AF, caused an increase in the northward export of the warmer North Atlantic Current (NAC), indicated by greater abundances of non‐polar planktonic foraminifera and higher CaCO3. The N. pachyderma sin. δ13C data indicate good ventilation of the upper part of the intermediate water layer in the eastern North Atlantic during both glacial and interglacial stages, except during Terminations 24/23, 22/21 and 20/1. In addition, for N. pachyderma (sin.) we distinguished two morphotypes: non‐encrusted and heavily encrusted test. Results indicate that increases in the encrusted morphotype and lower planktonic foraminiferal diversity are related to the intensification of glacial conditions (lower sea‐surface temperatures, sea‐ice formation) during MIS 22 and 20.
Supply Chain Learning and Spillovers in Vendor Managed Inventory
Authors: “Oliver” Yao Yuliang , Dong Yan , Dresner Martin
Published: October 2012

Despite extensive literature on the value of supply chain collaboration programs, little research has examined the issue from the perspective of organizational learning. Using a unique, operational level dataset, we empirically examine the learning curves through which performance improvements are realized under vendor managed inventory (VMI). Performance is measured at the downstream distributor locations by examining inventory levels after controlling for customer service performance (stockouts). We identify and assess three sources of learning: a supply chain dyad's self‐learning, learning spillovers from electronic data interchange (EDI), and learning spillovers from other supply chain dyads. We find that self‐learning, learning spillovers from EDI, and learning spillovers from other supply chain dyads, all have positive and significant impacts on a distributor's inventory performance. In addition, we find that self‐learning may exhibit a U‐shaped learning curve (i.e., performance first improves and then plateaus or declines). These findings suggest that the various learning experiences with VMI and EDI can lead to improved performance over time, but the path to improvement may be complex.
Cervical Cancer Screening in the Era of Human Papillomavirus Testing and Vaccination
Authors: Murphy Jeanne , Mark Hayley
Published: October 2012

Cervical cancer screening algorithms have changed with the introduction of testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) and better understanding of the natural history of HPV. This review was undertaken to present recent developments related to cervical cancer screening, with HPV testing as a focus. Specifically, guidelines now recommend initiating cervical cancer screening at age 21, stopping at age 65 to 70 if previous tests are normal, and screening no more than every 2 to 3 years. Human papillomavirus testing is now incorporated into guidelines for cervical cancer screening in the United States, with the major impact being the lengthening of recommended screening intervals. Primary screening with HPV testing, although not yet approved in the United States, may serve to increase access to care for the millions of underserved women worldwide who bear most of the burden of cervical cancer. Despite clear guidelines from authoritative sources, many clinicians (including midwives) overscreen women. In cervical cancer screening, as in many areas of women's health care, performing tests that are unlikely to result in useful information may lead to harm.
Correlates of Hepatitis B Virus Health‐Related Behaviors of Korean Americans: A Situation‐Specific Nursing Theory
Authors: Lee Haeok , Fawcett Jacqueline , Yang Jin Hyang , Hann Hie‐Won
Published: October 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explain the evolution of a situation‐specific theory developed to enhance understanding of health‐related behaviors of Korean Americans (KAs) who have or are at risk for a chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Organizing Construct: The situation‐specific theory evolved from an integration of the Network Episode Model, studies of health‐related behaviors of people with HBV infection, and our studies of and practice experiences with Asian American individuals with HBV infection.

Findings: The major concepts of the theory are sociocultural context, social network, individual‐level factors, illness experience, and health‐related behaviors.

Conclusions: The major propositions of the theory are that sociocultural context, social network, and individual‐level factors influence the illness experience, and that sociocultural context, social network, individual‐level factors, and the illness experience influence health‐related behaviors of KAs who have or are at risk for HBV infection.

Clinical Relevance: This situation‐specific theory represents a translation of abstract concepts into clinical reality. The theory is an explanation of correlates of health‐related HBV behaviors of KAs. The next step is to develop and test the effectiveness of a nursing intervention designed to promote behaviors that will enhance the health of KAs who have or are at risk for HBV infection, and that takes into account sociocultural context, social network, individual‐level factors, and illness experience.
Expert estimates of caregiver hours for older Singaporeans with dementia
Authors: Riley Crystal M , Haaland Benjamin A , Love Sean R , Matchar David B
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To obtain experts' estimates of the number of non‐medical care hours required by older Singaporeans at different stages of ageing‐related dementia, with low or high behavioural features.

Methods:  Experts on dementia in Singapore attended one of two meetings where they provided estimates of the number of care hours required for individuals at mild, moderate and severe levels of dementia with either low or high behavioural features. The experts were shown the collated responses, given an opportunity to discuss as a group, and then polled again.

Results:  The estimated mean care hours varied by dementia severity and the level of behavioural features. There was no interaction between dementia severity and behavioural features.

Conclusion:  Estimated care hours needed by individuals with dementia is independently influenced by severity of dementia and behavioural features. These estimates may be useful for policy‐makers in projecting the impact of caregiving.
Complications observed in older new haemodialysis patients in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Feng‐Chi , Chiang Chin‐Ling , Lee Shih‐Yi , Wu Chih‐Jen , Chen Han‐Hsiang , Chen Yu‐Wei
Published: October 2012

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the impacts of heomodialysis (HD) in older patients, and potential consequences of adverse events for health insurance costs.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty‐five new patients (130 were younger than 65 years and 125 were older than 65 years) who had received conventional HD for at least 1 year were reviewed.

Results

Older patients had significantly more arteriovenous (AV) shunt failures (0.7 ± 0.1 vs 0.4 ± 0.07, P = 0.006) and hospitalisations (0.8 ± 0.1 vs 0.4 ± 0.09, P = 0.03) than younger ones. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis showed that AV shunt failure was an independent risk factor for hospitalisation.

Conclusions

The relatively high risk of AV shunt failures and hospitalisation in older patients highlights the additional expenditure on HD required in terms of health insurance.
Ceramic Coatings and Glass Additives for Improved SiC‐Based Filters for Molten Iron Filtration
Authors: Tucker Michael C. , Tu Jay
Published: October 2012

Reticulated silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic filters are prepared with modified coatings in an attempt to improve mechanical properties of the sintered filter. Two classes of coatings are used: mixtures of non‐SiC ceramic and sintering aid and mixtures of SiC and glass. Various candidate ceramics, sintering aids, and glasses are screened. The most promising coatings are determined to be silica with 5 wt% bismuth oxide and SiC with ≤10 wt% Spruce Pine Batch glass. Filters with these coatings are prepared and subjected to mechanical abuse. Both coatings improve the ruggedness of the filter relative to the standard uncoated SiC type. Filters with <10 wt% glass additive were subjected to molten metal impingement and filtration of liquid gray iron at 1510°C. Those with 5 wt% glass or more softened during filtration. Those with 2.5 wt% glass or less survived without failure.
Effect of Calcinating Temperature and Mn doping on Dielectric Properties of temperature‐stable BaTiO3‐Based X8R Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Baolin , Wu Shunhua
Published: October 2012

Systematic investigation has been made on the structure and dielectric properties of MnCO3‐doped barium titanate‐based X8R ceramics, to reveal the relationship between the manufacturing process and dielectric properties. The dielectric ceramic sintered at 950°C showed high permittivity and low dielectric loss, meeting X8R specifications. Transmission electron microscopy and EDS analysis were used. The results suggested that the temperature‐stable BaTiO3‐based X8R ceramics with the good dielectric properties can be prepared through the BaTiO3 calcined at 1150°C and doped with 0.7 wt% MnCO3.
Foliar persistence and residual activity of methoxyfenozide against beet armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Aguirre Omar‐Ulises , Martínez Ana‐Mabel , Campos‐García Jesús , Hernández Luis‐Antonio , Figueroa José‐Isaac , Lobit Philippe , Viñuela Elisa , Chavarrieta Juan‐Manuel , Smagghe Guy , Pineda Samuel
Published: October 2012

A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the persistence of methoxyfenozide in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) foliage. An aqueous suspension of methoxyfenozide was sprayed on pepper plants at concentrations of 72 and 144 mg of active ingredient (a.i.)/L. Foliage was collected at different intervals of time (0, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days) after the treatment, and the methoxyfenozide residue was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The foliage was also used in bioassays to determine the residual toxicity on and the consumption rate of the third‐instar larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The methoxyfenozide concentrations observed after 50 days had decreased to 19 and 69 μg/g per sample, corresponding to a loss of 61% and 28% from the application concentrations of 72 and 144 mg a.i./L, respectively. When fitting a first‐order kinetics degradation model, the half‐life (DT50) of this compound was 76 days. Both application concentrations of methoxyfenozide caused a high mortality rate (≥97%) when the larvae were fed the pepper foliage collected at all of the time intervals. Lastly, at all of the time points, the consumption rate by the larvae was reduced to between 57% and 92% for both concentrations that were bioassayed. Our results indicate that, under the present greenhouse conditions, the degradation of methoxyfenozide was slower than that reported by other authors and that its residues were highly toxic to S. exigua larvae. The implications of these results for the management programs of this pest are discussed.
‘Red mist’ homicide: sexual infidelity and the English law of murder (glossingTitus Andronicus)
Authors: Howe Adrian
Published: October 2012

For over 300 years, criminal courts have regarded sexual infidelity as sufficiently grave provocation as to provide a warrant, indeed a ‘moral warrant’, for reducing murder to manslaughter. While the warrant has spilled over into diminished responsibility defences, wounding, grievous bodily harm and attempted murder cases, it is provocation cases that have provided the precedents enshrining a defendant's impassioned homicidal sexual infidelity tale as excusatory. Periodically, judges and law reformers attempt to reign in provocation defences, most recently in England and Wales where provocation has been replaced by a loss of control defence that, most controversially, specifically excludes sexual infidelity as a trigger for loss of control. This paper reflects on this reform and its reception, glossing Shakespeare's scathing critique of warrants for murder inTitus Andronicus.
Thymosin α1 as a stimulatory agent of innate cell‐mediated immune response
Authors: Serafino Annalucia , Pierimarchi Pasquale , Pica Francesca , Andreola Federica , Gaziano Roberta , Moroni Noemi , Zonfrillo Manuela , Sinibaldi‐Vallebona Paola , Garaci Enrico
Published: October 2012

The innate immune response and its cellular effectors—peripheral blood mononuclear cells and differentiated macrophages—play a crucial role in detection and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. Chemotherapy and some immunosuppressive drugs used after organ transplantation and for treatment of autoimmune diseases have, as main side effect, bone marrow suppression, which can lead to a reduced response of the innate immune system. Hence, many immune‐depressed patients have a higher risk of developing bacterial and invasive fungal infections compared with immune‐competent individuals. Thymosin α1 (Tα1) immunomodulatory activity on effector cells of the innate immunity has been extensively described, even if its mechanism of action is not completely understood. Here, we report some of the main knowledge on this topic, focusing on our in vitro and in vivo work in progress that reinforce the validity of Tα1 as a stimulatory agent for detection and elimination of pathogens by differentiated macrophages and for restoring immune parameters after chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression.
Molecular function of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Nishihira Jun
Published: October 2012

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a unique protein that participates in inflammation, immune responses, and cell growth. An array of in vitro and in vivo experiments has demonstrated that MIF is profoundly involved in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Blockade of MIF bioactivities by either neutralizing anti‐MIF antibodies or antagonists prevents inflammatory cytokine cascade, which strongly suggests that an anti‐MIF therapeutic strategy is feasible for treatment of IBD. Recently, we developed a new therapeutic approach for IBD by administration of antisense MIF oligonucleotides in conjugation with schizophyllan (SPG), a member of the glucan family. SPG specifically binds Dectin‐1 expressed in antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), and the antisense MIF/SPG complex is incorporated into the cells. In in vivo experiments of colitis models in mice, we found that intraperitoneal administration of the complex ameliorated the clinical signs of colitis and improved the histological scores. This novel therapy designed to knock down the MIF production in APCs is expected to be clinically applicable for the treatment of IBD.
Cancer prevention as biomodulation: targeting the initiating stimulus and secondary adaptations
Authors: Furth Priscilla A.
Published: October 2012

In a medical sense, biomodulation could be considered a biochemical or cellular response to a disease or therapeutic stimulus. In cancer pathophysiology, the initial oncogenic stimulus leads to cellular and biochemical changes that allow cells, tissue, and organism to accommodate and accept the oncogenic insult. In epithelial cell cancer development, the process of carcinogenesis is frequently characterized by sequential cellular and biochemical adaptations as cells transition through hyperplasia, dysplasia, atypical dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and invasive cancer. In some cases, the adaptations may persist after the initial oncogenic stimulus is gone in a type of “hit‐and‐run” oncogenesis. These pathophysiological changes may interfere with cancer prevention therapies targeted solely to the initial oncogenic insult, perhaps contributing to resistance development. Characterization of these accommodating adaptations could provide insight for the development of cancer preventive regimens that might more effectively biomodulate preneoplastic cells toward a more normal state.
Unfolded protein response to autophagy as a promising druggable target for anticancer therapy
Authors: Suh Dong Hoon , Kim Mi‐Kyung , Kim Hee Seung , Chung Hyun Hoon , Song Yong Sang
Published: October 2012

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for protein processing. In rapidly proliferating tumor cells, the ER tends to be overloaded with unfolded and misfolded proteins due to high metabolic demand. With the limited protein‐folding capacity of the ER, tumor cells often suffer from more ER stress than do normal cells. Thus, cellular stress responses to cope with ER stress, such as the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy, might be more activated in cancer cells than in normal cells. The complex signaling pathways from the UPR to autophagy provide promising druggable targets; a number of UPR/autophagy‐targeted anticancer agents are currently in development in preclinical and clinical studies. In this short review we will discuss the potential anticancer efficacy of modulators of cellular stress responses, especially UPR and autophagy, on the basis of their signaling pathways. In addition, the current developmental status of the UPR/autophagy‐targeted agents will be discussed.
Alpha‐Lipoic Acid Protects against Indomethacin‐Induced Gastric Oxidative Toxicity by Modulating Antioxidant System
Authors: Kaplan Kursat Ali , Odabasoglu Fehmi , Halici Zekai , Halici Mesut , Cadirci Elif , Atalay Fadime , Aydin Ozlem , Cakir Ahmet
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Gastroprotective effects of α‐lipoic acid (ALA) against oxidative gastric damage induced by indomethacin (IND) have been investigated. All doses (50, 75, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight) of ALA reduced the ulcer index with 88.2% to 96.1% inhibition ratio. In biochemical analyses of stomach tissues, ALA administration decreased the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and catalase (CAT) in gastric tissues, which were increased after IND application. ALA also increased the level of glutathione (GSH) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) that were decreased in gastric damaged stomach tissues. In conclusion, the gastroprotective effect of ALA could be attributed to its ameliorating effect on the antioxidant defense systems.
Arsenic Bioaccessibility in Cooked Rice as Affected by Arsenic in Cooking Water
Authors: Signes‐Pastor Antonio J. , Al‐Rmalli Shaban W. , Jenkins Richard O. , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A. , Haris Parvez I.
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Rice can easily accumulate arsenic (As) into its grain and is known to be the highest As‐containing cereal. In addition, the As burden in rice may increase during its processing (such as when cooking using As‐polluted water). The health risk posed by the presence of As in cooked rice depends on its release from the matrix along the digestive system (bioaccessibility). Two types of white polished long‐grain rice, namely, nonparboiled and parboiled (total As: 202 and 190 μg As kg−1, respectively), were cooked in excess of water with different levels of As (0, 10, 47, 222, and 450 μg As L−1). The bioaccessibility of As from these cooked rice batches was evaluated with an in vitro dynamic digestion process. Rice cooked with water containing 0 and 10 μg As L−1 showed lower As concentrations than the raw (uncooked) rice. However, cooking water with relatively high As content (≥47 μg As L−1) significantly increased the As concentration in the cooked rice up to 8‐ and 9‐fold for the nonparboiled and parboiled rice, respectively. Parboiled rice, which is most widely consumed in South Asia, showed a higher percentage of As bioaccessibility (59% to 99%) than nonparboiled rice (36% to 69%) and most of the As bioaccessible in the cooked rice (80% to 99%) was released easily during the first 2 h of digestion. The estimation of the As intake through cooked rice based on the As bioaccessibility highlights that a few grams of cooked rice (less than 25 g dry weight per day) cooked with highly As contaminated water is equivalent to the amount of As from 2 L water containing the maximum permissible limit (10 μg As L−1).

Practical Application:  Studies on As bioaccessibility are needed for determining human As intake from rice for use in accurate risk assessments to establish updated legislation regarding maximum level of As in food. High As bioaccessibility from parboiled rice (consumed by the majority of the people in South Asia), and the findings of high As levels in discarded rice gruel (fed to livestock), has implications for human and animal health.
Implicit Learning and Acquisition of Music
Authors: Rohrmeier Martin , Rebuschat Patrick
Published: October 2012

Implicit learning is a core process for the acquisition of a complex, rule‐based environment from mere interaction, such as motor action, skill acquisition, or language. A body of evidence suggests that implicit knowledge governs music acquisition and perception in nonmusicians and musicians, and that both expert and nonexpert participants acquire complex melodic, harmonic, and other features from mere exposure. While current findings and computational modeling largely support the learning of chunks, some results indicate learning of more complex structures. Despite the body of evidence, more research is required to support the cross‐cultural validity of implicit learning and to show that core and more complex music theoretical features are acquired implicitly.
Underaged Patients' Opinions Toward Different Containment Measures: A Questionnaire Survey in Finnish Adolescent Psychiatry
Authors: Hottinen Anja , Välimäki Maritta , Sailas Eila , Putkonen Hanna , Joffe Grigori , Noda Toshie , Lindberg Nina
Published: October 2012

Problem

The current literature does not provide an understanding of adolescent patients' opinions toward various containment measures and how these are related to the opinions of the staff who are caring for them.

Methods

The study population comprised 81 inpatients and 128 staff members in an inpatient setting in Finland. Their opinions were studied using the Attitude to Containment Measures Questionnaire.

Findings

The adolescents were more critical toward most containment measures compared to the staff. Exactly as reported in previous studies among adult service users, the containment measures most accepted by the adolescents were as‐needed medication, intermittent observation, and time out. They were considered as helpful, safe, and respectful methods. Net bed, which has never been used in Finland, was most disapproved. It was considered as a distressing, inhuman, and cruel method. Opinions toward mechanical restraint, which is commonly used in Finnish adolescent psychiatry, were noticeable: adolescents rated mechanical restraint among the three least accepted, staff among the three most accepted containment methods. Adolescents considered it as distressing and not consistent of human dignity.

Conclusions

Adolescents disapprove of containment measures some of which are widely used in psychiatric practice. Their opinions differ significantly from those of the staff. New ways to manage crisis situations should be developed. Where containment cannot be avoided, information, explanation about the procedures involved, and debriefing should be offered to an underaged patient in a manner which takes account of his/her developmental level.
Importance of Blood Pressure Control After Repair of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: 25‐Year Follow‐Up in 252 Patients
Authors: Melby Spencer J. , Zierer Andreas , Damiano Ralph J. , Moon Marc R.
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that impact outcome following repair of type A aortic dissection. Over 25 years (1984–2009), 252 patients underwent repair of acute type A dissection. Mean follow‐up for reoperation or death was 6.9±5.9 years. Operative mortality was 16% (41 of 252). Multivariate analysis identified one risk factor for operative death: presentation malperfusion (P=.003). For operative survivors, 5‐, 10‐, and 20‐year survival was 78%±3%, 59%±4%, and 24%±6%, respectively. Late death occurred earlier in patients with previous stroke (P=.02) and chronic renal insufficiency (P=.007). Risk factors for late reoperation included male sex (P=.006), Marfan syndrome (P<.001), elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP, P<.001), and absence of β‐blocker therapy (P<.001). Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated at 10‐year follow‐up that patients who maintained SBP <120 mm Hg had improved freedom from reoperation (92±5%) compared with those with SBP 120 mm Hg to 140 mm Hg (74%±7%) or >140 mm Hg (49%±14%, P<.001). At 10‐year follow‐up, patients on β‐blocker therapy experienced 86%±5% freedom from reoperation compared with only 57%±11% for those without (P<.001). Operative survival was decreased with preoperative malperfusion. Long‐term survival was dependent on comorbidities but not operative approach. Reoperation was markedly increased in patients not on β‐blocker therapy and decreased with improved SBP control. Strict control of hypertension with β‐blocker therapy is warranted following repair of acute type A dissection.
Difficult temperament moderates links between maternal responsiveness and children’s compliance and behavior problems in low‐income families
Authors: Kochanska Grazyna , Kim Sanghag
Published: October 2012

Background:  Research has shown that interactions between young children’s temperament and the quality of care they receive predict the emergence of positive and negative socioemotional developmental outcomes. This multimethod study addresses such interactions, using observed and mother‐rated measures of difficult temperament, children’s committed, self‐regulated compliance and externalizing problems, and mothers’ responsiveness in a low‐income sample.

Methods:  In 186 thirty‐month‐old children, difficult temperament was observed in the laboratory (as poor effortful control and high anger proneness), and rated by mothers. Mothers’ responsiveness was observed in lengthy naturalistic interactions at 30 and 33 months. At 40 months, children’s committed compliance and externalizing behavior problems were assessed using observations and several well‐established maternal report instruments.

Results:  Parallel significant interactions between child difficult temperament and maternal responsiveness were found across both observed and mother‐rated measures of temperament. For difficult children, responsiveness had a significant effect such that those children were more compliant and had fewer externalizing problems when they received responsive care, but were less compliant and had more behavior problems when they received unresponsive care. For children with easy temperaments, maternal responsiveness and developmental outcomes were unrelated. All significant interactions reflected the diathesis‐stress model. There was no evidence of differential susceptibility, perhaps due to the pervasive stress present in the ecology of the studied families.

Conclusions:  Those findings add to the growing body of evidence that for temperamentally difficult children, unresponsive parenting exacerbates risks for behavior problems, but responsive parenting can effectively buffer risks conferred by temperament.
Flood risk assessment and its application in the eastern part of Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Gain A.K. , Hoque M.M.
Published: October 2012

Traditional flood design methods are increasingly supplemented by risk‐oriented methods based on comprehensive risk analysis. This analysis requires: (1) the estimation of flood hazard that represents intensity of a flood, (2) estimation of vulnerability, e.g. percentage of damage to total property as a function of flood depth and duration, and (3) the consequences of flooding, e.g. loss of life and damage to property. In this study, flood hazard maps of the Balu‐Tongikhal River system within the eastern part of Dhaka City are prepared using geoprocessing tools and a hydrodynamic model. The raster‐based vulnerability maps and expected damage maps of several return period floods are then produced. In comparison with the classical inundation maps, these damage maps generate more information about the flooding events. Consequently, the produced maps are useful in evaluating policy alternatives and minimising property loss because of floods in the study area.
Anti‐apolipoprotein A‐1 autoantibodies as biomarker for atherosclerosis burden in patients with periodontitis
Authors: Wick P. A. , Mombelli A. , Pagano S. , Moren X. , Giannopoulou C. , Mach F. , Roux‐Lombard P. , Vuilleumier N.
Published: October 2012

Background and Objective

Anti‐apolipoprotein A‐1 (anti‐apoA‐1) IgG is a potential marker of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and cardiovascular complications. In patients with periodontitis the presence of anti‐apoA‐1 IgGs in serum and their association with atherosclerosis is unknown.

Material and Methods

One‐hundred and thirty subjects with periodontal disease and 46 healthy subjects, matched for age and gender, participated in this study. Anti‐apoA‐1 IgG, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) ‐2, ‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 were measured in serum samples. An ankle‐brachial index (ABI) value below 1.11 served as a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis. Predictive accuracies of biomarkers for abnormal ABI were determined using receiver–operating characteristics curves and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, periodontitis patients showed lower median ABI values (1.10 vs. 1.15; p < 0.0001), a higher prevalence of anti‐apoA‐1 IgG positivity (23.8% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.009) and higher concentrations of hsCRP (1.62 mg/L vs. 0.85 mg/L; p = 0.02) and MMP‐9 (435 μg/mL vs. 283 μg/mL; p < 0.0001). In patients younger than 50 years of age (n = 66), anti‐apoA‐1 IgG was found to be the best predictor for an abnormal ABI (area under the curve = 0.63; p = 0.03). Anti‐apoA‐1 IgG positivity increased the risk of having an abnormal ABI (odds ratio = 4.20; p = 0.04), independently of diabetes, smoking and body mass index.

Conclusions

Anti‐apoA‐1 IgG positivity and atherosclerosis, as reflected by abnormal ABI, were more prevalent in periodontitis patients than in age‐ and gender‐matched controls. In younger periodontitis patients, anti‐apoA‐1 IgG was found to be the best predictor of atherosclerosis burden.
Tidal exposure or microhabitats: what determines sandy‐beach nematode zonation? a case study of a macrotidal ridge‐and‐runnel sandy beach in Belgium
Authors: Maria Tatiana F. , Vanaverbeke Jan , Gingold Ruth , Esteves André M. , Vanreusel Ann
Published: October 2012

Lately, across‐shore zonation has been found to be more important in structuring the nematode community of a tropical macrotidal sandy beach than microhabitat heterogeneity. To evaluate whether this zonation pattern applies to a temperate beach, a macrotidal ridge‐and‐runnels sandy beach in the North Sea was studied. We investigated whether a similar zonation occurs in sandbar and runnel microhabitats, and whether the runnels harbour a different community from the subtidal. Our results indicate that nematode communities from runnel and sandbar habitats are significantly different. In addition, horizontal zonation patterns for nematode communities differ between both habitats. Nematode assemblages from sandbars are divided to lower, middle and upper beach while upper and middle runnels cluster together. The subtidal and upper runnels showed dissimilar nematode assemblages, although runnels showed the same dominant species (Daptonema normandicum), which increases its abundance towards the upper runnels. This study illustrates the importance of microhabitat heterogeneity, which resulted in different zonation patterns across the sandy beach examined. The divergent zonation between sandbars and runnels in the macrotidal temperate sandy beach, compared with the pattern observed for a subtropical sandy beach with similar morphodynamics, indicates that generalizations about nematode distribution patterns should be made with caution.
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RETENTION RATIO IN A KALECKIAN DISTRIBUTION AND GROWTH MODEL WITH DEBT ACCUMULATION—A COMMENT ON SASAKI AND FUJITA (2012)
Authors: Hein Eckhard
Published: October 2012

In a paper published in Metroeconomica, Sasaki and Fujita (2012) argue that an earlier paper of mine (Hein, ; Metroeconomica, 57, pp. 310–39), which introduces interest payments and corporate debt into a post‐Kaleckian distribution and growth model, leads to empirically implausible and unusual results from a Keynesian/Kaleckian perspective. The major reason for the presumed shortcomings is found in the overly restrictive assumption of a retention ratio equal to unity. However, in the alternative model presented by Sasaki and Fujita either perfect capital gains have to be assumed or firms have to be allowed to issue equity in the accumulation process. The latter variant yields results which are again close to Hein ().
Effects of an acute, outpatient physiotherapy exercise program following pediatric heart or lung transplantation
Authors: Deliva R. D. , Hassall A. , Manlhiot C. , Solomon M. , McCrindle B. W. , Dipchand A. I.
Published: October 2012

This prospective interventional study investigated the impact of a three‐month, ambulatory HA or HB, semi‐individualized, PT‐prescribed exercise program following pediatric HTx or LTx. SMW distance, strength, and flexibility were assessed at start and completion of the program and one yr after enrollment. Subjects received either an HB or HA exercise program three times per week. The cohort demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements in SMW distances at three months (425.7 ± 109.4–500.6 ± 93.6 m, p < 0.001) and at one yr (528.5 ± 66.6 m, p = 0.001), although there was no difference between the two groups at any time. Similar improvements were also observed in strength and flexibility measures. Correlates with higher SMW distance at three months and one yr included older age, male gender, and underlying diagnosis other than CHD. Male gender and diagnosis other than CHD were associated with a slower improvement in the SMW distance. This is the first report of institutionally based, outpatient exercise rehabilitation in the recovery following pediatric thoracic transplantation. We found similar improvements to HB interventions up to one yr after surgery. Further study of the role of exercise rehabilitation and long‐term fitness outcomes is needed.
Investigating the Drag Force of Luffa Tendril Due to Free Coiling
Authors: Liou N.‐S. , Ruan G.‐W. , Yen H.‐H.
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Tendrils of some species of plants freely coil between their bases and tips to drag up the shoot and ensure no waste of shoot growth. In this study, the drag force generated by tendrils of the luffa plant (Luffa cylindrica) during free coiling was evaluated using a force measurement system that consisted of cantilever wire apparatus, CCD camera and finite element analysis software. How the stiffness of an object to which is attached the tip of tendrils affects the development of drag force because of free coiling was investigated. Experimental results showed that the tendril attached to a stiffer support could take longer to develop drag force and generate stronger drag force than one attached to a less stiff support. The drag force developed by free coiling of the luffa tendril could be on the order of 0.17 N. This force is sufficient to pull up more than eight times the internodal weight of the luffa shoot without other support. The relation between the magnitude of drag force generated by free coiling and the contraction ratio of the tendril was elucidated. The drag force–time curves show that the rate of increase in drag force resulting from free coiling of luffa tendrils in the first 20 h is higher than that after 20 h.
Effect of Flow Inclination on Wind Turbine Performance
Authors: Tsalicoglou Christina , Barber Sarah , Chokani Ndaona , Abhari Reza S.
Published: October 2012

This work examines the effect of flow inclination on the performance of a stand-alone wind turbine and of wind turbines operating in the wakes of upstream turbines. The experimental portion of this work, which includes performance and flowfield measurements, is conducted in the ETH dynamically-scaled wind turbine test facility, with a wind turbine model that can be inclined relative to the incoming flow. The performance of the wind turbine is measured with an in-line torquemeter, and a 5-hole steady-state probe is used to detail the inflow and wake flow of the turbine. Measurements show that over a range of tip-speed ratios of 4–7.5, the power coefficient of a wind turbine with an incoming flow of 15 deg inclination decreases on average by 7% relative to the power coefficient of a wind turbine with a noninclined incoming flow. Flowfield measurements show that the wake of a turbine with an inclined incoming flow is deflected; the deflection angle is approximately 6 deg for an incoming flow with 15 deg inclination. The measured wake profiles are used as inflow profiles for a blade element momentum code in order to quantify the impact of flow inclination on the performance of downstream wind turbines. In comparison to the case without inclination in the incoming flow, the combined power output of two aligned turbines with incoming inclined flow decreases by 1%, showing that flow inclination in complex terrain does not significantly reduce the energy production.
Combustion Assessment of a 50% Algae-Based HRD76 Fuel and 50% Conventional F76 Military Diesel Fuel Blend
Authors: MacKinnon Matthew T. , Shaw Jesse D. , Quiñones Martin
Published: October 2012

As part of the United States Navy green energy initiative, engineers at Rolls-Royce and NAVSEA conducted a combustion assessment for a blend of 50% algae-derived HRD76 biofuel and 50% conventional F76 military diesel. The assessment consisted of combustion rig testing with Rolls-Royce Model 501-K34 gas turbine combustion system hardware. Identical tests were performed with the biofuel blend and a baseline fuel consisting of 100% F76 military diesel. The test results quantified the impact of the alternative fuel blend on ignition, lean blow-out, combustor exit temperature profile, combustion system hardware temperatures, primary zone flame radiance, carbon deposition, and emissions. This paper discusses the methods and results of the combustion rig tests.
Review and Advances in Heat Pipe Science and Technology
Authors: Faghri Amir
Published: October 2012

Over the last several decades, several factors have contributed to a major transformation in heat pipe science and technology applications. The first major contribution was the development and advances of new heat pipes, such as loop heat pipes (LHPs), micro and miniature heat pipes, and pulsating heat pipes (PHPs). In addition, there are now many commercial applications that have helped contribute to the recent interest in heat pipes. For example, several million heat pipes are manufactured each month for applications in CPU cooling and laptop computers. Numerical modeling, analysis, and experimental simulation of heat pipes have significantly progressed due to a much greater understanding of various physical phenomena in heat pipes as well as advances in computational and experimental methodologies. A review is presented hereafter concerning the types of heat pipes, heat pipe analysis, and simulations.
A Compliant End-Effector to Passively Limit the Force in Tele-Operated Tissue-Cutting
Authors: Bhargav Santosh D. B. , Chakravarthy Shanthanu , Ananthasuresh G. K.
Published: October 2012

This paper presents a compliant end-effector that cuts soft tissues and senses the cutting forces. The end-effector is designed to have an upper threshold on cutting forces to facilitate safe handling of tissue during automated cutting. This is demonstrated with nonlinear finite element analysis and experimental results obtained by cutting inhomogeneous phantom tissue. The cutting forces are estimated using a vision-based technique that uses amplified elastic deformation of the compliant end-effector. We also demonstrate an immersive tele-operated tissue-cutting system together with a haptic device that gives real-time force feedback to the user.
Distributed Load Estimation From Noisy Structural Measurements
Authors: Dickinson Ben T. , Singler John R.
Published: October 2012

Accurate estimates of flow induced surface forces over a body are typically difficult to achieve in an experimental setting. However, such information would provide considerable insight into fluid-structure interactions. Here, we consider distributed load estimation over structures described by linear elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs) from an array of noisy structural measurements. For this, we propose a new algorithm using Tikhonov regularization. Our approach differs from existing distributed load estimation procedures in that we pose and solve the problem at the PDE level. Although this approach requires up-front mathematical work, it also offers many advantages including the ability to: obtain an exact form of the load estimate, obtain guarantees in accuracy and convergence to the true load estimate, and utilize existing numerical methods and codes intended to solve PDEs (e.g., finite element, finite difference, or finite volume codes). We investigate the proposed algorithm with a two-dimensional membrane test problem with respect to various forms of distributed loads, measurement patterns, and measurement noise. We find that by posing the load estimation problem in a suitable Hilbert space, highly accurate distributed load and measurement noise magnitude estimates may be obtained.
Stochastic Analysis of a Nonlinear Forced Panel in Subsonic Flow With Random Pressure Fluctuations
Authors: Li Peng , Yang Yiren , Xu Wei , Chen Guo
Published: October 2012

The stochastic behavior of a two-dimensional nonlinear panel subjected to subsonic flow with random pressure fluctuations and an external forcing is studied in this paper. The total aerodynamic pressure is considered as the sum of two parts, one given by the random pressure fluctuations on the panel in the absence of any panel motion, and the other due to the panel motion itself. The random pressure fluctuations are idealized as a zero mean Brownian motion. Galerkin method is used to transform the governing partial differential equation to a series of ordinary differential equations. The closed moment equations are obtained by the Itô differential rule and Gauss truncation. The stability and complex responses of the moment equations are presented in theoretical and numerical analysis. Results show that a bifurcation of fixed points occurs and the bifurcation point is determined as functions of noise spectral density, dynamic pressure, and panel structure parameters; the chaotic response regions and periodic response regions appear alternately in parameter spaces, the periodic responses trajectories change rhythmically, and the route from periodic responses to chaos is via doubling-period bifurcation. The treatment suggested in this paper can also be extended for the other fluid-structure dynamic systems.
BTX-A Administration to the Target Muscle Affects Forces of All Muscles Within an Intact Compartment and Epimuscular Myofascial Force Transmission
Authors: Yucesoy Can A. , Emre Arıkan Önder , Ateş Filiz
Published: October 2012

Measurement of forces of mono- and bi-articular muscles of an entire intact muscle compartment can allow for a comprehensive assessment of the effects of Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) both at and beyond the injection site, and in conditions close to those in vivo. The goal was to test the hypotheses that BTX-A affects (1) the forces of not only the injected but also the noninjected muscles of the compartment, and (2) epimuscular myofascial force transmission (EMFT). Two groups of Wistar rats were tested: Control (no BTX-A injected) and BTX (0.1 units of BTX-A were injected exclusively to the mid-belly of TA). Isometric forces were measured simultaneously at the distal tendons of the tibialis anterior (TA) at different lengths, the restrained extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) muscles and at the proximal tendon of EDL. Five days post-injection, BTX-A did affect the total forces of all muscles significantly: (1) The TA force decreased differentially (by 46.6%–55.9%) for most lengths such that a significant negative correlation was found between force reductions and increased muscle length. The maximum TA force decreased by 47.3%. However, the muscle’s length range of force production did not change significantly. (2) Distal and proximal EDL forces decreased (on average by 67.8% and 62.9%, respectively). (3) The EHL force also decreased (on average by 9.2%). The passive forces of only the TA showed a significant increase at higher lengths. EMFT effects were shown for the control group: (1) at the shortest TA lengths, the EDL proximo-distal force differences were in favor of the distal force, which was reversed at higher lengths. (2) the EHL force measured at the shortest TA length decreased (by 34%) as a function of TA lengthening. After BTX-A exposure, such EMFT effects disappeared for the EDL, whereas they remained as profound for the EHL. Exposure to BTX-A does affect forces of all muscles operating in an intact compartment. For the BTX-A injected muscle, the reduction in muscle force becomes less pronounced at higher muscle lengths. BTX-A also has effects on EMFT, however, these effects are not uniform within the anterior crural compartment. Decreased forces of the noninjected synergistic muscles suggest the presence of unintended additional effects of BTX-A both for the targeted distal joint and for the nontargeted proximal joint.