bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture mechanics of crack propagation in composite repairs of steel pressure piping
Authors: Linden JM , Köpple M , Elder D , Gibson AG
Published: September 2013

One of the typical failure modes of composite repairs in oil and gas pipelines is the formation of a blister underneath the repair. Exceeding the critical pressure, and therefore the critical energy release rate ( GC) for crack propagation, will result in failure of the repair. Knowing the magnitude of the energy release rate ( G) is therefore key to understanding the interfacial debonding between a steel pipe and a composite repair. This paper describes two approaches for calculating the value of G for crack advance: (a) a purely analytical evaluation and (b) finite element analysis computation using the pressure–volume method (PVM). The design guidance by ASME and ISO standards for correct dimensioning is also presented, incorporating the most recent changes, which are derived from the work presented here.
What you don’t know can hurt you: Information, external transparency, and interstate conflict, 1982–1999
Authors: Bell Sam R.
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the role that information plays in conflict behavior by focusing on the external component of governmental transparency. Building from the crisis bargaining and the diversionary strategic conflict avoidance literature, I argue that governments that are more externally transparent are less likely to initiate conflict and are less likely to have the opportunity to use force for diversionary purposes. Using original data on the access that foreign media has to states, a large- N statistical analysis is implemented. The empirical analysis suggests that states that are more externally transparent are less likely to initiate conflict and that these same states are less likely to respond to domestic challenges with diversionary uses of force. This research demonstrates the important role of governmental transparency and provides support for some of the conclusions of crisis bargaining models and the strategic conflict avoidance argument in the diversionary literature.
Can you trust a dictator: A strategic model of authoritarian regimes’ signing and compliance with international treaties
Authors: Chyzh Olga
Published: September 2013

Building on recent studies that focus on institutional variation among authoritarian regimes, this paper asks whether this variation leads to meaningful differences in the tendencies to reach and comply with international agreements. The results suggest that previous evidence regarding the democratic credibility advantage over autocracies may have been driven by a lack of a more refined authoritarian regime typology. Employing such a typology, I find that the institutional constraints that generate credibility and compliance may not be unique to democracies. In fact, the only authoritarian regime that seems to lack such features is bossism, a personalist party-based regime. Bosses are more likely than democracies to enter into international agreements, but are less likely than democracies to comply with the agreements they sign. This result is remarkably robust. Results associated with other types of autocracies suggest minor or no differences between autocracies and democracies, relating to reaching and complying with international treaties. Finally, I find evidence of strategic behavior, as all regime types are more likely to sign agreements and less likely to comply when the other negotiating party is a boss, compared with a democracy.
De novo bone formation on macro/microporous silk and silk/nano-sized calcium phosphate scaffolds
Authors: Yan Le-Ping , Salgado António J , Oliveira Joaquim M , Oliveira Ana L , Reis Rui L
Published: September 2013

Macro/microporous silk/nano-sized calcium phosphate scaffolds (SC16) with bioactive and superior physicochemical properties are currently being developed. In this study, we evaluated the new bone formation ability in rat femur of the SC16 scaffolds in vivo, using silk fibroin scaffolds (S16) as control. The CaP distribution profile in the scaffolds was characterized by micro-computed tomography and the CaP phase was found to be distributed homogeneously in the SC16 scaffolds. Mineralization was only observed in SC16 scaffolds, and both scaffolds gradually degraded with time. By staining the explants, new bone growth was observed directly on the SC16 surface and with higher density than that observed on the S16 scaffolds. These results demonstrated that the SC16 hybrid scaffolds are osteoconductive and can be good candidates for bone tissue engineering as they promote superior de novo bone formation.
Encapsulation of simvastatin in PLGA microspheres loaded into hydrogel loaded BCP porous spongy scaffold as a controlled drug delivery system for bone tissue regeneration
Authors: Nath Subrata D , Linh Nguyen TB , Sadiasa Alexander , Lee Byong T
Published: September 2013

The main objective of this study was to fabricate a controlled drug delivery which is simultaneously effective for bone regeneration. We have encapsulated simvastatin, which enhances osteoblastic activity, in the poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres. Loading of these microspheres inside the spongy scaffold of biphasic calcium phosphate with the help of Gelatin (Gel) hydrogel controls the delivery of the drug, and ensures a more favorable drug release profile. As a result, some significant benefits have been achieved, such as higher mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility in in vitro experiments. For determining the characteristics of the composite scaffold, several analysis, such as scanning electron microscope, EDX, X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, and porosity were carried out. The in vitro drug release profile clearly indicates that simvastatin release from the microsphere was more controlled and prolonged after loading in the scaffold. Biocompatibility was certainly higher for the final composite scaffold compared to drug unloaded scaffold, as assessed through MTT assay and Confocal imaging with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. Cell attachment and proliferation were certainly higher in the presence of drug loaded microspheres. Bone remodeling gene and protein expression were observed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot respectively. Simvastatin loaded scaffold exhibited the best results in every determination which was carried out.
Drug-eluting cements for hard tissue repair: A comparative study using vancomycin and RNPA1000 to inhibit growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Eidem Tess M , Coughlan Aisling , Towler Mark R , Dunman Paul M , Wren Anthony William
Published: September 2013

Bone cement used in orthopaedic applications can become colonized with bacterial biofilms, resulting in severe medical complications. Consequently, bone cements are often loaded with antibiotics in an effort to prevent bacterial colonization. However, current formulations may not release antibiotics into the environment at sufficient and sustained concentrations required to impede bacterial growth or may be incompatible with antibiotics that are effective against the colonizing organism. Thus, new cement formulation options are needed. This report describes the performance of a novel SiO2-TiO2-ZnO-CaO-SrO-based glass polyalkenoate cement as a carrier of antimicrobials active against Staphylococcus aureus, the predominant cause of orthopaedic biofilm-associated infections. The antibiotic vancomycin and a novel Staphylococcus aureus RnpA inhibitor under pre-clinical development, RNPA1000, were included in these studies. Rheological testing characterized the workability of the glass polyalkenoate cement over a range of powder-to-liquid ratios and polyacrylic acid concentrations and revealed that the most suitable powder-to-liquid ratio was 2/1.25 with 40 wt& polyacrylic acid. Loading glass polyalkenoate cement with either 20–30& RNPA1000 or vancomycin prevented bacterial growth. However, longer incubations allowed for Staphylococcus aureus colonies to form near the vancomycin-infused cement, indicating that vancomycin may not be suitable for long-term biofilm inhibition in comparison to RNPA1000. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses confirmed successful incorporation RNPA1000 into the cement matrix and were indicative of its slow release. These studies establish a drug-eluting formulation of glass polyalkenoate cement with great potential in orthopaedic implants that incorporates known antibiotics as well as RNPA1000 to prevent growth of the dangerous pathogen Staphylococcus aureus.
The physical property evaluation of degradation thermoplastic polylactic acid net-reinforced dental filling material
Authors: Lu Chao-Tsang , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: September 2013

Filling materials are used in root end surgery to seal the cavities of teeth and protecting teeth from saliva and bacterial leakage. This study fabricates nonwoven nets using low-melting point polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. Intermediate restorative material (IRM®, a temporary filling material) is made of zinc oxide powder and eugenol solvent with a 3:1 ratio. IRM is then added with PLA fibers or nets to form the fiber-reinforced composite filling material (FFM) or net-reinforced composite filling material (NFM), respectively. FFM and NFM are tested in terms of setting time, compressive strength, solubility, and microleakage to compare the difference between the addition of fibers or nets. The results show that FFM with 2% PLA fibers demonstrates an optimal reinforcing effectiveness and does not cause leaking beyond 40 days after being tested. In addition, it also has better compressive strength than IRM and thus provides greater reinforcement.
Comparison of mechanical properties of wood–plastic composites reinforced with continuous and noncontinuous glass fibers
Authors: Zolfaghari Abbas , Behravesh Amir Hossein , Shahi Peyman
Published: September 2013

This article presents an experimental investigation on the effect of glass fiber length on the mechanical properties of hybrid wood–plastic composites (HWPCs) manufactured via an extrusion process. There is a substantial interest in enhancing the mechanical performance of WPCs. Incorporation of glass fibers has been found to be an effective remedy in this regard. Theoretically, it is expected that mechanical properties can be improved via applying longer fibers. Three different lengths, 5, 15, and 25 mm of glass fibers were added to the WPC compounds to reinforce WPCs in an extrusion process. In addition, continuous glass fibers were also embedded into the extruded WPC with 70 wt% wood content, utilizing a special equipment in extrusion. Mechanical tests showed that applying noncontinuous glass fibers only marginally improved the mechanical strengths. In contrast, continuous fibers did significantly enhance the final properties of the produced profiles. The glass fiber size was also measured after extrusion, and it was observed that severe fiber breakages occurred during the process, which is the main reason for the inefficiency of noncontinuous fibers. The flexural, tensile, and impact strengths were improved up to 14%, 50%, and seven times in the continuously glass fibers reinforced WPC.
Identification of the contribution of a coherent vibration source in a gasoline direct-injection engine using a two-input single-output model
Authors: Choi Sangil , Jang Ji Uk , Lee Seungmin , Lee Sang-Kwon
Published: September 2013

Identification of the contributions of vibration sources in a gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine is important in order to reduce the vibration of the gasoline direct-injection engine components. A multiple-input single-output system is identified by using the coherence method. In this paper, the contributions of vibration sources in a gasoline direct-injection engine are identified by simulating a two-input single-output model. The partial and ordinary coherence functions between the two inputs and the single output are applied to identify the contributions of the two inputs to the output. In order to evaluate the proposed method, a preliminary test was performed using a laboratory test rig. The results show that the model can be used to identify the contribution of each input to the output. Furthermore, this model is applied for identification of the vibration source in a gasoline direct-injection engine.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvic floor: From clinical to biomechanical imaging
Authors: Brandão Sofia , Roza Thuane Da , Parente Marco , Ramos Isabel , Mascarenhas Teresa , Natal Jorge Renato M
Published: September 2013

This article reviews the current role of magnetic resonance imaging in the study of the pelvic floor anatomy and pelvic floor dysfunction. The application of static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the clinical context and for biomechanical simulation modeling is assessed, and the main findings are summarized. Additionally, magnetic resonance–based diffusion tensor imaging is presented as a potential tool to evaluate muscle fiber morphology. In this article, focus is set on pelvic floor muscle damage related to urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, sometimes as a consequence of vaginal delivery. Modeling applications that evaluate anatomical and physiological properties of pelvic floor are presented to further illustrate their particular characteristics. Finally, finite element method is described as a method for modeling and analyzing pelvic floor structures’ biomechanical performance, based on material and behavioral properties of the tissues, and considering pressure loads that mimic real-life conditions such as active contraction or Valsalva maneuver.
Cooking and lighting habits in rural Nepal and Uganda
Authors: Sanchez Teodoro , Dennis Ronald , Pullen Keith R
Published: September 2013

Nearly a quarter of the world’s population has no access to electricity and nearly half cook with biomass or coal. Over the past 30 years there have been several initiatives to design and introduce appropriate, renewable energy technologies for household energy supply. However, few of these have been successful in terms of significant penetration and long-term sustainability. A new initiative, the SCORE project, was launched in 2007 with the objective of producing a clean biomass cook stove which also incorporates a thermo-acoustic engine which converts some of the heat into electricity. It was vital to determine the technical requirements of this new device as a pre-requisite to engineering development particularly in the two candidate countries where this new technology was to be trialled: Nepal and Uganda. Accurate data could not be sourced in the open literature and therefore studies were commissioned in order to obtain the relevant data. The data obtained are of significant value for any development projects involving the provision of small-scale off-grid electrical power and heat for cooking. A major purpose of the paper is hence to quantify current cooking and lighting habits in order to clarify some of the socio-economic issues that are important to the technical design of cooking and lighting systems.
Victims and Transitional Justice
Authors: McEvoy Kieran , McConnachie Kirsten
Published: September 2013

This article explores the construction of victimhood in transitional societies. Drawn from fieldwork in a dozen jurisdictions as well as elements of criminological, feminist, sociological, philosophical and postcolonial literature, the article focuses in particular on how victimhood is interpreted and acted upon in transitional contexts. It explores the ways in which victims’ voice and agency are realised, impeded or in some cases co-opted in transitional justice. It also examines the role of blame in the construction of victimhood. In particular, it focuses upon the ways in which the importance of blame may render victimhood contingent upon ‘blamelessness’, encourage hierarchies between deserving and undeserving victims and require the reification of blameworthy perpetrators. The article concludes by suggesting that the increased voice and agency associated with the deployment of rights discourses by victims comes at a price – a willingness to acknowledge the rights and humanity of the ‘other’ and to be subject to the same respectful critical inquiry as other social and political actors in a post-conflict society.
Using Systematic Feedback and Reflection to Improve Adventure Education Teaching Skills
Authors: Richardson Rick , Kalvaitis Darius , Delparte Donna
Published: September 2013

This study examined how adventure educators could use systematic feedback to improve their teaching skills. Evaluative instruments demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in teaching skills when applied at an outdoor education center in Western Canada. Concurrent focus group interviews enabled instructors to reflect on student feedback to improve teaching in subsequent courses. Instructors had the opportunity to share their experiences, thereby solidifying their learning and validating their practices. The triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data yielded a descriptive model of the reflective process, featuring multiple channels for repeated, systematic feedback to promote continuous reflection. Creating group opportunities for adventure educators to share their teaching experiences is recommended to facilitate instructional improvement, boost staff morale, and instill a sense of professionalism.
Strength prediction and progressive failure analysis of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminate with multiple interacting holes involving three dimensional finite element analysis and digital image correlation
Authors: Ubaid Jabir , Kashfuddoja Mohammad , Ramji Manoharan
Published: September 2013

Composites are finding lot of applications in aerospace, automobile and many other sectors due to their high strength to weight ratio and longer fatigue life. For assembly or electrical wiring purposes, often hole(s) are drilled into the laminate thereby reducing its strength. The strength prediction and damage mechanics study is of great importance in such structural applications. In this work, a three-dimensional finite element based progressive damage model (PDM) is presented for unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates having two holes in different configurations subjected to tensile loading. The developed model is suitable for predicting failure and post failure behavior of fiber reinforced composite materials. The material is assumed to behave as linear elastic until final failure. The three broad steps involved in this study are stress analysis, failure analysis and damage propagation which are implemented as a PDM involving finite element analysis. Hashin’s failure criteria for unidirectional fiber composite is used for the damage prediction. It utilizes a set of appropriate degradation rules for modeling the damage involving material property degradation method. Digital image correlation (DIC) experiment is also carried out to perform whole field strain analysis of CFRP panel with different hole configurations. Whole field surface strain and displacement from finite element prediction are compared with DIC results for validation of the finite element model. Load–deflection behavior as well as path of damage progression is predicted by both PDM simulation and experiment. They are found to be in good agreement thereby confirming the accuracy of PDM implementation. Effect of spacing between the holes on stress concentration factor (SCF) is also further investigated.
On theoretical and experimental study of a two-degree-of-freedom anti-resonance floating vibration isolation system
Authors: Liu Chunrong , Xu Daolin , Zhou JiaXi , Bishop Steve
Published: September 2013

A two-degree-of-freedom floating vibration isolator (TDOFFVI) based on an anti-resonance mechanism is presented. This isolator has two tunable anti-resonance frequencies capable of attenuating vibrations at one or two frequency excitations simultaneously. A mathematical model of the TDOFFVI is developed. The force transmissibility and the anti-resonance frequencies in conjunction with design parameters are formulated and the optimal design of the TDOFFVI is given. A physical prototype of the TDOFFVI has been designed, built and tested. The experimental results validate the theoretical analysis and show that the TDOFFVI can perform effectively in vibration isolation.
Homogenization in periodically heterogeneous elastic bodies with multiple micro-contact
Authors: Fillep Sebastian , Orlik Julia , Bare Zoufine , Steinmann Paul
Published: September 2013

The aim of this contribution is to compute the effective in-plane tension and shear behaviour of textile-like elastic materials, that is, plates or shells with a periodic micro-structure composed of long woven or knitted fibres. The knitting or weaving results in multiple periodic contact between fibres. Mathematically the problem can be formulated as an in-plane elasticity problem defined in a heterogeneous domain with ε-periodic micro-structure, including multiple micro-contact between the structural components, which is described by the Signorini and Tresca-friction contact conditions. The asymptotic analysis and homogenized limit for such problems was recently obtained by Damlamian et al. via periodic unfolding strategy. These results are briefly recalled in the paper. The obtained two-scale algorithm is implemented for some specific textile materials, which are macroscopic shells with a 3-D microstructure including contact. For each macroscopic deformation state, a contact problem in the periodicity cell or representative volume element is solved and the corresponding non-linear macroscopic stress–strain relation is obtained. The results are illustrated by the simulation of woven and knitted textiles.
Uncertain Cost Estimates Influencing Priorities for Multimodal Transportation Corridors
Authors: Lambert James H. , Soliman Shadi M. , Linthicum Alexander S. , Thekdi Shital A.
Published: September 2013

Economic uncertainties have prompted transportation departments to consider cost-effective spending to reduce funding shortages. Although methods exist for identifying and prioritizing projects, there is need for analysis of long-range plans that consider stakeholder perspectives. This article compares two pairs of cost estimates: (a) modal agency cost estimates with (b) highway-only implementations and (c) regional Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) plans with (d) the state Department of Transportation (DOT) highway plan. This article develops methods to compare the perspectives of cost estimates for transportation improvements. The methods are adaptable to include both preliminary cost data and detailed life cycle cost data. The results aid in the prioritization of engineering and long-range planning efforts for projects that are expected to contribute to the goals of a variety of stakeholder investments. The methods support efforts for increasing accuracy and inclusion of life cycle costs into project estimates and employment of more sophisticated cost methodologies, such as cost-effectiveness and cost–benefit analysis.
The Effects of Brazil’s Taxation and Social Spending on the Distribution of Household Income
Authors: Higgins Sean , Pereira Claudiney
Published: September 2013

Relative to other countries in Latin America, Brazil has high rates of taxation and large social spending. We estimate the redistributive effect of fiscal policy on income distribution and poverty in Brazil using household survey data that contain detailed information about many labor and nonlabor income sources, direct taxes paid, contributions to the pension system, transfers received, use of public education and health services, and consumption. On the spending side, we find that although Brazil has some well-targeted antipoverty programs, these transfers have relatively low per capita amounts and a large portion of direct transfer beneficiaries are nonpoor. As a result, inequality and poverty reduction are low relative to Brazil’s spending. On the tax side, indirect taxes paid by the poor often surpass the direct transfer and indirect subsidy benefits they receive.
Policing Convenience Store Crime: Lessons from the Glendale, Arizona Smart Policing Initiative
Authors: White Michael D. , Katz Charles M.
Published: September 2013

The Glendale, Arizona Police Department received funding in 2009 through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Smart Policing Initiative (SPI). The Glendale team employed problem-oriented policing to address crime and disorder at convenience stores throughout the city. The SPI team’s analysis demonstrated that crime was disproportionately occurring at Circle K stores and that store management practices were largely responsible for the crime problem. The Glendale SPI team developed a multipronged response that included intervention with Circle K leadership and the implementation of prevention and suppression strategies. Results indicate that crime dropped significantly at the SPI target stores (42%) from the year preceding the intervention to the year after. This decline is inconsistent with crime patterns witnessed at the remaining convenience stores in the city of Glendale. The article concludes with a discussion of how police departments can successfully engage with private sector corporations on issues of crime, disorder, and community safety.
How constructions of the future shape organizational responses: climate change and the Canadian oil sands
Authors: Lê Jane K.
Published: September 2013

This empirical study examines the relationship between constructions of the future and anticipated organizational responses to climate change. Findings from the Athabasca oil sands region of Alberta, Canada indicate that actors’ views of climate change affect not only the way they construct the future of oil sands development, but also which responses they see as legitimate. Specifically, whether actors construct a future of no development, partial development or full development of the oil sands, influences the combinations of organizational responses they recommend (i.e. not responding, lobbying, engaging, developing and informing). These findings contribute to our understanding of organizational responses to climate change by showing that (1) climate action requires more than actors simply viewing climate change as strategic; (2) different constructions of the future create alternative strategic environments that necessitate divergent responses; (3) strong future constructions narrow the repertoire of business responses to climate change; and (4) in this process governments play a crucial role beyond setting climate change policy. This study thus highlights the importance of studying future constructions if we want to understand current organizational responses to environmental issues that contribute to climate change.
Imagining the climate crisis and the great disruption: an interview with Paul Gilding
Authors: Wright Christopher , Gilding Paul
Published: September 2013

Paul Gilding has had an extensive career in environmental activism and as a sustainability consultant to major global companies. His recent book The Great Disruption (Gilding, 2011), argues that consumer capitalism has reached it ecological and economic limits and we are entering a fundamental crisis. The following edited interview was conducted with Paul in January 2013 and explores how he imagines the future of a climate-shocked world.
Future imaginings: organizing in response to climate change
Authors: Wright Christopher , Nyberg Daniel , De Cock Christian , Whiteman Gail
Published: September 2013

Climate change has rapidly emerged as a major threat to our future. Indeed the increasingly dire projections of increasing global average temperatures and escalating extreme weather events highlight the existential challenge that climate change presents for humanity. In this editorial article we outline how climate change not only presents real, physical threats but also challenges the way we conceive of the broader economic, political and social order. We asked ourselves (and the contributors to this special issue) how we can imagine alternatives to our current path of ever escalating greenhouse gas emissions and economic growth? Through reference to the contributions that make up this special issue, we suggest that critically engaging with the concept of social, economic and political imaginaries can assist in tackling the conceptual and organizational challenges climate change poses. Only by questioning current sanitized and market-oriented interpretations of the environment, and embracing the catharsis and loss that climate change will bring, can we open up space for new future imaginings.
The Tyranny of Distance: Kafka and the problem of distance in bureaucratic organizations
Authors: McCabe Darren
Published: September 2013

Inspired by the insights of Franz Kafka, this article explores the problem of ‘distance’ in a UK bank, particularly by focusing on one of its back-office processing centres. Distance refers to a way of not seeing those below us in the hierarchy; this might mean that we act in ways that display little thought or concern for the experiences of others. It is argued that the ‘distance’ created between human beings through bureaucratic ways of organizing is potentially debilitating. Academic accounts often strive for objectivity and, in doing so, they tend to stand at a distance from the suffering of those they seek to represent. By contrast, fiction elucidates distance in a more emotional, passionate and, therefore, engaged and engaging way. This article draws on Kafka because his work is subversive and it highlights the need to create ways of organizing and being that promote empathy with ‘others’. Nevertheless, this is not to suggest that distance can be eliminated because it is fundamental to how we develop our sense of self and it is ingrained within processes of rationalization. The article is distinctive because although numerous accounts have used fiction to theoretically analyse organizations few have sought to use fiction to analyse empirical material.
Prototype fretting device and some experimental results
Authors: Cheikh M , Fermy A
Published: September 2013

The device presented in this work enables a conventional fatigue machine to be adapted so that it can be used as a tribometer. The DEMAFtrib (Device using Fatigue Machine as Tribometer) adds a second axis to a uniaxial fatigue machine in the form of an add-on accessory. It allows the measurement of wear and friction forces at the contact point of two surfaces in relative motion. The apparatus can also be used as a fretting-wear machine or a fretting-fatigue machine. This device can be used in mechanical-testing laboratories equipped with a fatigue machine and presenting a need to characterize materials under wear and fretting. A sample of study results on the wear and fretting of 7075 aluminium is presented as an application of the use of the DEMAFtrib in tribological and fretting tests.
Aquaporin-4 antibody-positive myelitis initially biopsied for suspected spinal cord tumors: Diagnostic considerations
Authors: Sato Douglas Kazutoshi , Misu Tatsuro , Rocha Cristiane Franklin , Callegaro Dagoberto , Nakashima Ichiro , Aoki Masashi , Fujihara Kazuo , Lana-Peixoto Marco Aurelio
Published: September 2013

Two patients with longitudinally extensive myelopathy were initially biopsied for suspected spinal cord tumors. Both patients were later diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) supported by their AQP4-seropositivity. Pathological review of both biopsies revealed demyelinated lesions with thickened vessel walls and tissue rarefaction. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated findings compatible with acute NMOSD lesions in one case while the other case exhibited findings consistent with chronic NMOSD lesions. A pre-biopsy differential diagnosis of longitudinally extensive spinal cord tumors should include NMOSD. Specific biopsy features, such as cystic changes with vascular wall thickening and astrocyte injury, should raise suspicion for NMOSD.
Single aortic clamping in coronary artery bypass surgery reduces cerebral embolism and improves neurocognitive outcomes
Authors: Gasparovic Hrvoje , Borojevic Marko , Malojcic Branko , Gasparovic Kristina , Biocina Bojan
Published: September 2013

Aortic manipulation releases embolic material, thereby enhancing the probability of adverse neurologic outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We prospectively evaluated 59 patients undergoing CABG. Patients in the single (SC, n = 37) and multiple clamp (MC, n = 22) groups were comparable in relation to age and operative risk ( p > 0.05). Neurocognitive evaluation consisted of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Color Trails Test A, the Grooved Pegboard test and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Data acquisition was performed preoperatively, early postoperatively and at the 4-month follow-up. Intraoperative transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring was used to quantify the embolic load in relation to different aortic clamping strategies. Preoperative neurocognitive results were similar between the groups ( p > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative delirium was greater in the MC group but this failed to reach statistical significance (23% vs 8%, p = 0.14). SC patients had fewer embolization signals (270 ± 181 vs 465 ± 160, p < 0.0001). Early postoperative neurocognitive results were depressed in comparison to preoperative values in both groups ( p < 0.05 for multiple comparisons). The magnitude of this cognitive depression was greater in the MC group ( p < 0.05 for multiple comparisons). Preoperative levels of neurocognition were restored at follow-up in the SC group in all tests except the AVLT. A trend towards improvements in neurocognitive performances at follow-up was also observed in the MC group. Residual attention, motor skill and memory deficits were, however, documented with multiple tests. In conclusion, the embolic burden was significantly lower in the SC group. This TCD imaging outcome translated into fewer early cognition deficits and superior late restoration of function.
A slightly high-normal glucose level is associated with increased arterial stiffness in Japanese community-dwelling persons with pre-diabetes
Authors: Kawamoto Ryuichi , Tabara Yasuharu , Kusunoki Tomo , Abe Masanori , Kohara Katsuhiko , Miki Tetsuro
Published: September 2013

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in diabetes is a risk factor for arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the impact of a slightly high-normal glucose level remains controversial. We investigated whether slightly high-normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was independently associated with arterial stiffness in non-diabetic community-dwelling persons. We recruited 114 men aged 69 ± 9 years (range 40–89) and 208 women aged 68 ± 7 years (range 36–84) during their annual health examination in a single community. Arterial stiffness was evaluated by the mean of the right and left brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV). Age-adjusted ba-PWV increased significantly from the lowest to the highest FPG group ( p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses for ba-PWV revealed that FPG levels (β=0.154, p < 0.001) were independently and significantly associated with ba-PWV. The multivariate-adjusted ba-PWV value of the high-normal glucose group (Group 3: 95–100 mg/dL) was significantly higher than that of the lowest normal glucose group (Group 1: 52–89 mg/dL) ( p=0.021), and the ba-PWV value in the IFG group (Group 4: 101–125 mg/dL) was significantly higher than those of the normal glucose groups (Group 1: <90 mg/dL; Group 2: 90–94 mg/dL) ( p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). Slightly high-normal glucose levels were associated with arterial stiffness in Japanese community-dwelling persons.
Interfacing data destinations and visualizations: A history of database literacy
Authors: Mukherjee Rahul
Published: September 2013

I look at journals and popular magazines on computers and information systems from the early 1970s through the early 1990s to see how they construct expertise about databases and address various publics with different “database literacy” levels. During this period, emerging database technologies such as relational database models and menu-driven interfaces made it possible for users to keep a distance from their data. Alongside such technical changes, socially constructed discourse distinguished “information” from “data” and experts (including computer programmers) emphasized that data was too enormous and unwieldy to be handled by common users and prescribed that such users should concentrate on working with information; that is, data processed by the database management systems (DBMSs). By tracing the socio-technical forces that created data–information categorizations and the dynamic interfacing role played by DBMSs, the article attempts to understand how we arrived at notions about where and how our data are stored.
A computational study on the performance and emission parameters mapping of a ship propulsion system
Authors: Theotokatos Gerasimos , Tzelepis Vasileios
Published: September 2013

In this article, the mapping of the performance and emission parameters of a merchant vessel propulsion system over the ship operating envelope was carried out by using a model capable of representing the ship propulsion system behaviour. The model was developed based on a modular approach and was implemented in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The various parts of the propulsion engine as well as the shafting system, the propeller and ship hull were represented by separate submodels having the appropriate interface for exchanging the required variables to each other. The output of the model includes the performance and emission parameters of the engine as well as the operating parameters of the propeller and ship. Initially, the propulsion engine operation under steady-state conditions was simulated and the predicted engine performance parameters results were validated. Then, simulations of the ship propulsion system operating points at various resistance curves were performed. Based on the derived results, the mapping of the ship propulsion system performance and emission parameters was presented and their variation throughout the ship operating envelope was discussed. Finally, an example of using the derived results in order to minimise the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for a typical ship route is presented and discussed.
Experimental and numerical investigation on the shock resistance of honeycomb rubber coatings subjected to underwater explosion
Authors: Xiao Feng , Chen Yong , Hua Hongxing , Zhu Dawei
Published: September 2013

A comparative study of honeycomb rubber coatings of the same material and total mass subjected to underwater explosion has been carried out in this article. Three types of cell topologies were considered: hexachiral honeycomb, reentrant honeycomb, and circular honeycomb. Three groups of live underwater explosion tests with different attack angles and stand-off distances were conducted on the stiffened metal boxes covered with the coatings. The free field water pressure and wall pressure near the coating’s wet surface were monitored. The acceleration peaks at typical test locations on the inner structure were selected as the major comparative criterions. As a theoretical extension to the test work, finite element simulations have been undertaken using ABAQUS/Explicit software package to provide insights into the coating’s working mechanism and the relation between compression behavior and water blast shock resistance. The results show that the protective effects of different coatings are consistent under different attack angles and stand-off distances. Compression performance depends on the coating structure and plays a dominant role in the underwater shock resistance. Although structural absorbed energy has a significant contribution in the shock resistance, soft coating can substantially reduce the total incident impulse at the initial fluid–structure interaction stage. Furthermore, a smaller fraction of incident impulse is transferred to the honeycomb coating with lower compressive strength.
Which signal to rely on? The impact of the quality of board interlocks and inventive capabilities on research and development alliance formation under uncertainty
Authors: Ni Sullivan Bilian , Tang Yi
Published: September 2013

In this study, we demonstrate that the quality of a firm’s board interlocks and a firm’s inventive capabilities can serve as signals of its quality as a research and development alliance partner to other firms. The extent of the signaling effects, however, varies under different types of uncertainty. Using research and development alliance, patent and board interlock data from the US biotechnology industry during the period 1990–2003, we find that the board interlock quality as well as the strength and focus of a firm’s inventive capabilities have positive and significant effects on the likelihood of research and development alliance formation. Importantly, we further find that the impact of the strength of a firm’s inventive capabilities is weaker, while the impact of the quality of the firm’s board interlocks is stronger, under both market uncertainty and firm-specific uncertainty. The implications for studies of board interlocks, uncertainty, and research and development alliances are discussed.
β-Arrestins 1 and 2 are critical regulators of inflammation
Authors: Fan Hongkuan
Published: September 2013

β-Arrestins 1 and 2 couple to seven trans-membrane receptors and regulate G protein-dependent signaling, receptor endocytosis and ubiquitylation. Recent studies have uncovered several unanticipated functions of β-arrestins, suggesting that the role of β-arrestins in cell signaling is much broader than originally thought. It is now recognized that β-arrestins can transduce receptor signaling independent of G proteins. The expression of β-arrestins is differentially regulated in immune cells and tissues in response to specific inflammatory stimuli, and β-arrestins are critical regulators of the inflammatory response. This review will focus on β-arrestins in immune cells and the impact of altered expression on the pathogenesis of specific inflammatory diseases. Understanding the role of β-arrestins in inflammation may lead to new strategies to treat inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and atherosclerosis.
Thought Calibration
Authors: Kupor Daniella M. , Tormala Zakary L. , Norton Michael I. , Rucker Derek D.
Published: September 2013

Previous research suggests that people draw inferences about their attitudes and preferences based on their own thoughtfulness. The current research explores how observing other individuals make decisions more or less thoughtfully can shape perceptions of those individuals and their decisions and ultimately impact observers’ willingness to be influenced by them. Three studies suggest that observing others make more (vs. less) thoughtful decisions generates more positive reactions when a choice is difficult but more negative reactions when a choice is easy. In essence, people perceive the quality of others’ decisions to be greater when other individuals engage in the right amount of thinking for the situation. These assessments then affect observers’ own decisions and openness to influence.
Intersectionality and publics: How exploring publics’ multiple identities questions basic public relations concepts
Authors: Vardeman-Winter Jennifer , Tindall Natalie , Jiang Hua
Published: September 2013

As a descriptive theory, intersectionality refers to individuals’ interdependent and simultaneous identities that affect how publics confront issues. In this article, we introduce an intersectional approach to publics that complements current segmentation strategies with publics. This article complements early efforts to study multiple identities by expanding the possibilities and realities of accessing and analyzing intersectionality within our intellectual and practical discipline. Also, this article attempts to make apparent possible taken-for-granted assumptions in the research and campaign design process. This approach helps researchers and practitioners to better understand the sociopolitical contexts of public relations communication relationships that lead to the construction of identities.
Hegemonic discourse and self-discipline: Exploring Foucault’s concept of bio-power among public relations professionals
Authors: Place Katie R. , Vardeman-Winter Jennifer
Published: September 2013

This qualitative study of 20 public relations practitioners examines power in public relations through the lens of bio-power – the control and management of human life through regulatory and discursive forces (Foucault, 1978; Macey, 2009; Vogelaar, 2007). Results suggest that biopower exists as (1) hegemonic knowledges of ‘brokering information’, ‘shaping public opinion’, ‘adding value’, and ‘pleasing people’ and (2) disciplining forces of a workaholic culture and self-censorship. Findings suggest that based on specific hegemonic discourses about public relations, practitioners encounter bio-power and discipline themselves to conform with industry hegemonic discourses.
Positioning a price on carbon: Applying a proposed hybrid method of positioning discourse analysis for public relations
Authors: Wise Deborah , James Melanie
Published: September 2013

The primary aim of this research was to explore whether the conceptual framework for intentional positioning in public relations proposed by James in 2010–11, which is underpinned by positioning theory, could be used to guide a discourse analysis of strategic positioning tactics. Positioning discourse analysis is designed to examine how discourse is being used to strategically position something in order to gain an advantage, or to achieve a goal in a public relations context. In this study, a sample of speeches by the two leading politicians in Australia on the topic of carbon pricing was analysed. Both politicians worked to position a carbon price/tax as good and bad for Australia respectively. Guided by James’s framework, the positioning goal, positioning type and positioning purpose were identified along with the discursive strategies used. However, one of the positions was not as strongly held in the public debate as the other. Applying positioning theory, it could be seen that although other factors in the strategy and tactics were basically sound, it could also be argued that the right to position in a certain way had not been sufficiently established in the opinion of Australian voters. Undertaking a positioning discourse analysis offers another way of examining practice and sheds more light on the role of discourse in strategic public relations. This was a small study with generally encouraging findings that indicate further testing of the method is warranted.
Organizational Responses to Institutional Changes—A Review and an Extension
Authors: Mukundhan K.V.
Published: September 2013

As economies undergo institutional transition, firms change their internationalization strategies to take advantage of the prevailing institutional environment of the time. Extant studies on firm internationalization have predominantly focused on the effects of host country institutional environments in determining the internationalization strategies of firms. However, recent evidence from emerging market firms indicates that motivations for going international, the choice of international locations and modes of market entry are influenced in part by the institutional environment of the home country. Underlying the successful internationalization of emerging market firms is a transformation in perspective from critical wariness to one involving foreign multinationals in the development process. Drawing upon the experience of Indian firms, this article accounts for the evolution of emerging country multinational enterprises and explains their internationalization by mapping the observed patterns to institutional changes in their home environment. In the process, this article develops propositions that map the internationalization strategies of firms with the maturation of economic institutions in their home country.