bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fascist Stylisation of Time
Authors: Fogu Claudio
Published: January 2015

The Fascist Stylisation of Time

Stimulated by the publication of Roger Griffith's Modernism and Fascism (2007), this piece revisits my 2003 study of fascist politics of history in Italy to identify the ideal-typical traits of what I call the fascist «historic imaginary», and explore its relations with its relation to the discursive and mental phenomena we call postmodernism/postmodernity. I argue that the fascist mental orientation towards time does not reside in what Griffin calls «a mental attitude towards the transcendence of time,» but in a de-temporalisation of historical time and an immanent conception of the relationship between res gestae and historia rerum gestarum. I further contend that this de-temporalisation has very specific connections with the postwar stylization and serialization of historical time into the «temporality of the fashion decade» as well as with the perception of «historic event» (i.e. Holocaust, Fall of the Berlin Wall) as recoding the image of the «end of history».
Reliability Analysis of Light Emitting Diode Technologies for Cabin Lighting in Manned Space Flight Applications
Authors: Treichel Todd
Published: January 2015

Light emitting diode (LED) technology is used by the commercial markets to replace traditional fluorescent and incandescent lighting technologies for consumers to take advantage of energy savings. Advantages of transitioning to LED technologies in spacecraft are reduced mass, reduced occupied volume, reduced power, improved color control, longer operating life, and lower cost associated with power consumption and disposal. Components and subsystems that make up the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) require continued performance and operation. A system failure cannot be tolerated for it is extremely difficult to repair and expensive to replace. Therefore, the vehicular LED module must function when launched and continue to function throughout the respective product life-cycle (days, month, or years depending on mission). This analysis evaluates three different LED package types for reliability performance using Electrical, Electronic, and Electro-mechanicals (EEE) parts testing techniques. The goal of the study was to investigate the suitability of commercial off the shelf (COTS) LED technologies in accordance with a probable EEE parts management plan.Â
Nitrogen Phase Separation During Free Fall to Inform Design of Future Microgravity Cryogenic Rankine Power Cycles
Authors: Fernandez Roberto J. , Traum Matthew J.
Published: January 2015

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2013 Elijah High Altitude Balloon Payload Team
Authors: Cybela Trent , Kass Daniel , Koeune Amber , Pedigo Nathaniel , Tirimacco Alana
Published: January 2015

Over the past ten weeks, the payload team for the Elijah High Altitude Balloon Project has researched, designed, and constructed a scientific payload that would fly to the edges of space and gather data advancing the teamâ€™s knowledge of Earth sciences, aerospace sciences, and aerospace engineering. The payload packages consisted of a sensor suite, telemetry system, Geiger counter, and camera. The telemetry system was able to provide a live data feed that interacted with existing networks to record data acting as a proof of the concept that a similar system would be viable and even suggested for future teams. The sensor suite was designed to gather data that would provide tracking data and finalize the battery experiment. While the tracking sensors were unsuccessful the thermistors and voltmeter reported data that confirmed that the various electronic components onboard were kept within their operating temperatures and gave data on the battery performance inflight. The Geiger counter data that was gathered was not able to be directly correlated with an altitude, it was able to be correlated with time, and as all data points received were on the ascent of the balloon it is possible to state that there was a positive correlation between radiation levels and altitude. The camera system that was included in the payload was able to record the entirety of the two flights and provided imagery from the edge of space. A large amount of the project was also devoted to the development of a rugged and reusable capsule; this task was accomplished by the creation of a layered capsule wall that insulated the capsule and gained increased rigidity due to the geometry of the capsule and an internal rib cage that supported plates for the electronics.Â
Team Whoosh Generator 2013 WSGC Collegiate Rocket Competition
Authors: Pajunen Kirsti , Johnson Eric , Larson Chris , Falcon Victoria , Ihrcke James
Published: January 2015

The objective of the 2013 Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium Collegiate Rocket competition was to design, build, and launch a single-stage high powered rocket that must reach a target altitude of 3000 feet and deploy a parachute(s) electronically for a successful recovery. Upon recovery, the rocket must be determined to be in a flyable condition to be considered a successful launch. Teams receive a launch score based on their combination of reaching the desired altitude and on whether or not the rocket was recovered in a flyable condition. At the kick-off meeting, Team Whoosh Generator was informed they would be using a Cesaroni I540 motor and a 4.0-in airframe diameter. An RRC2 mini altimeter (from last yearâ€™s rocket) and an ALTS25 altimeter given to the team at this yearâ€™s altimeter conference were selected to complete the apogee requirements. Upon reaching apogee (estimated around 3080 feet) a drogue chute deployed under which the rocket descended until it reached an altitude of 500 feet. A second chute then deployed such that a slow decent speed was obtained for landing. A Transolve Beep-X Sonic Locator was activated before launch and was used to aid in recovery of the rocket. Included in this report are design details considered, anticipated performance, photos of the construction process, and flight results. 1Â
NASA and Biotechnology â€“ Professional Development for Secondary Teachers
Authors: Bielec Barbara
Published: January 2015

An integral part of enhancing science education is training teachers in current content and techniques, and biotechnology is one of the technologies that will be needed to maintain living systems in space. The BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTC Institute) offered two graduate education courses in biotechnology for teachers during summer 2012. Each weeklong course was held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center. Biotechnology: The Basics and Biotechnology: Beyond the Basics provided teachers with training, background and curriculum materials including information about NASA and biotechnology. Teachers of a wide variety of subjects with varied levels of teaching experience were active participants in this lab-based learning. They are now prepared to provide similar opportunities for their students.Â
Teaching Teachers through Outreach
Authors: Heeringa Coggin
Published: January 2015

Elementary and middle school teachers participated in workshops and credit and/or non-credit classes designed to increase their content knowledge and to introduce age-appropriate activities which will prepare the next generation for careers in the STEM disciplines. Each of the classes and workshops were scheduled along with a public outreach event, giving teachers experience in demonstrating the activities.Â
The Badger eXploration Loft at Desert RATS 2011
Authors: Wachs Jordan
Published: January 2015

In recent years, the aim of both NASA as well as the nascent private space industry has become increasingly audacious. By any measure, it is becoming apparent that long duration manned missions to deep space are inevitable; as are the inherent complexities and risks associated with such large scale undertakings. With this in mind, it is critical that engineers and scientists work toward the goal of understanding the difficulties that lay ahead. Analog studies such as the Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) are one critical resource available for the investigation of the effectiveness of various mission architectures. This paper provides a brief outline of D-RATS and focuses on the role, abilities, and benefits of the integration of the Badger X-Loft with the Habitat Demonstration Unit mission during D-RATS 2011.Â
Infrasonic Detection
Authors: Thomas Paul
Published: January 2015

Infrasonic signals have traditionally been hard to detect because of wind and background noise interference. A new type of hardened foam windscreen, which was designed at NASA, was tested to determine how well it works at reducing noise. Different densities and shapes were tested at different elevations. The windscreens were quite effective at filtering out superfluous background noise. The medium density, sphere-shaped windscreen was the most effective at reducing background noise. These windscreens should be effective tools in future infrasonic research. More rigorous tests should be performed in order to better catalog the exact properties of the windscreens, such as how they perform at different temperatures, elevations, and humidities.Â
The Next Generation Science Standards are Coming to Wisconsin
Authors: Lee Shelley
Published: January 2015

The Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium provided the state science leadership team with a grant that funded a meeting of the state appointed science leadership team. Occurring at a critical time, the team was able to respond to a draft the of the Next Generation Science Standards on behalf of science teachers around the state. The team then was able to develop a comprehensive plan of implementation for the standards.Â
Observing Convection in Microgravity
Authors: Heer Matt
Published: January 2015

The purpose of the experiment is to observe the movement, or lack thereof, of heat in an enclosed space in multiple gravitational accelerations. An electric heat source will be placed in the center of an insulated box and three temperature probes above and below the heating element at equal spacing will record temperature variations every hundredth of a second. It will be placed on a KC-135 airplane that does a series of parabolas that provide an acceleration of 0G (or microgravity) similar to that of astronauts on the space station, and 2G on its return climb. On earth heat is dispersed unevenly due to cold air being denser therefore getting pulled down by gravity. In a micro gravitational environment there is nothing to cause this shift. During the microgravity phase of our experiment, we expect to initially see symmetry in the temperatures (ie temperature probe C and D are the same, B and E are the same, A and F are the same. See Illustration 1). As the plane goes into its 2 G phase, we expect to see heat rise. (ie probe A is hottest, B next hottest, and continuing with that pattern with probe F being coldest)Â
A Simplified Model for Flagellar Motion
Authors: Meinerz Kelsey , Karkheck John
Published: January 2015

Many bacteria use long, thin appendages called Flagella to propel them forward. Examples of bacteria which use these are Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. A rotary motor within the cell causes the flagellum to spin, which then propels the bacterium through its fluid environment. This is a complex process, especially for a single-celled organism. In order to better understand how this process works, we have created and tested a model for flagellar motion using springs in different fluids. Quantifying the propulsive force is an important goal, not only for relating it to bacterial motion, but also for potential applications in low gravity environments.Â
Fumarole Alteration of Hawaiian Basalts: A Potential Mars Analog
Authors: Gerard Teri , Mchenry Lindsay J.
Published: January 2015

Over the last decade of Mars exploration, planetary scientists have discovered widespread sulfate-rich deposits indicating the acidic weathering of basalts (Squyres and Knoll, 2005; Bibring et al., 2006). By understanding the processes occurring during alteration of basalt in wet volcanic environments such as solfataras, we can learn more about the past aqueous processes on Mars. Chemically altered mineral assemblages of potentially hydrothermal origin have been detected at several Mars sites including Gusev Crater, Mawrth Vallis, and Nili Fossae (Ehlmann et al., 2010; Ehlmann et al., 2008; Chojnacki and Hynek, 2008; Schmidt et al., 2008; Yen et al., 2008; Bibring et al., 2006). The abundant magnesium and iron sulfates, hematite, and silica suggest alteration of basalts in water-limited, saline-acidic conditions, consistent with acidic evaporites or potentially sulfur-rich fumaroles (Squyres et al., 2007; Morris et al, 2000). In order to fully understand the formation of the minerals observed on Mars, it is necessary to fully understand the geochemical and mineralogical pathways that the basalt undergoes as it weathers under different conditions. Kilauea volcano Hawaii provides an excellent Mars analog for hydrothermal alteration. Samples collected at various fumaroles will be analyzed in order to determine any mineralogical and/or geochemical signatures that can help determine the origin of the mineral assemblages seen on Mars.Â
WSGC Elijah High Altitude Payload 2012 Summer Team Final Report
Authors: Boldus Brock , Comiskey Patrick , Jones Latisha , Mauk Kaitlyn , Peterson Ben , Weichart Matthew
Published: January 2015

The 2012 Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium Elijah High Altitude Payload Team explored four different experiments this summer. We investigated the motion of the payload during flight, designed several systems for two cameras, utilized a magnetometer, and inspected the use of thermistors. Each experiment had numerous subcategories that resulted in more work than we had time for. Because of these unforeseen consequences, our team had to urgently attempt to make the deadline of the launch date. Through this haste, sections were overlooked; therefore we lost the cameras during flight and were not able to gather data from the magnetometer and thermistor experiments. However, this experience demonstrated a lot about the engineering process and working as a team. The internship taught us how to become better engineers through our mistakes and was an extremely worthwhile experience.Â
When Galaxies Collide: The Search for Low-frequency Gravitational Wave Backgrounds in the Universe
Authors: Chamberlin Sydney
Published: January 2015

Gravitational waves (GWs) are a predicted feature of General Relativity (GR). These waves, which are tiny ripples in the fabric of space-time, appear as wavelike solutions to the vacuum Einstein equation, and are the only prediction from GR that have not yet been directly observed. In the past few decades, large scale efforts aimed at detecting these elusive waves have increasingly gained momentum: a direct observation of GWs will provide an entirely new mechanism for learning more about the structure and evolution of astrophysical objects in our universe, as well as the cosmology that underlies the universe itself.Â
WSGC Collegiate Rocket Competition Design Analysis â€“ Team ChlAM
Authors: Strassman Max , Tinius Chloe , Udelhoven Andrew
Published: January 2015

The WSGC Collegiate Rocket Competitionâ€™s 2012 launch challenged teams to launch a single stage high-power rocket as close to 3000 ft in the air while transmitting live video for the entire ascent. Our team designed and successfully launched a roughly 5 foot tall rocket for the competition on a $1000 budget. With the aid of simulation software and our own calculations, our rocket had a safe and stable launch to 2479 ft, lower than our expected 3000 ft. Error was likely caused by the strong wind and rainy conditions during the launch, which add drag. In addition, we made assumptions in our calculations about the rocketâ€™s drag coefficient, which may not have been accurate. We were satisfied with the success of our first high-power rocket and learned a lot that can be carried over to next yearâ€™s competition.Â
MDRS Crew 110A â€“ Summary Report
Authors: Olson Aaron , Mason Julie
Published: January 2015

The crew would like to thank the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC), the UW- Madison Dean of Engineering, their faculty advisor Dr. Frederick Elder, and the Mars Society Mission Support for their knowledge, guidance, and support of the mission. We could not have accomplished our goals without you. Crew 110A consisted of a team of engineers, undergraduates and graduate students, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During our stay, we celebrated the New Year with an inaugural midnight EVA and red Martian cool-aid, we anxiously listened to the UW-Madison Badger Football Team play in the Rose Bowl, and we completed 15 EVAâ€™s within a seven day period. The crew set out with a mission to conduct habitability, atmospheric, geologic imaging, and space suit ergonomic studies and a vision to advance the space industryâ€™s exploration capabilities.Â
Round 2: Flight, Floating, and Mars Courses
Authors: Desotell Sarah J.
Published: January 2015

â€œExploring Marsâ€ and â€œFlight and Floatingâ€ are new courses that have been integrated into the Ripon College curriculum. â€œExploring Marsâ€ was developed for non-science major students to increase their general scientific interest through topics of space exploration and space science. â€œFlight and Floatingâ€ was designed for students with physics, math, and engineering interests, combining experimental design and mathematical modeling to study drag, lift, thrust, and buoyancy.Â
Searching for Continuous Gravitational Waves with Pulsar Timing Arrays: Detection and Characterization
Authors: Ellis Justin
Published: January 2015

Gravitational Waves (GWs) are tiny ripples in the fabric of space-time predicted by Einsteins theory of General Relativity. Pulsar timing arrays (PTAs) offer a unique opportunity to detect low frequency GWs in the near future. Such a detection would be complementary to both LISA and LIGO GW efforts. In this frequency band, the expected source of GWs are Supermassive Black Hole Binaries (SMBHBs) and they will most likely form in an ensemble creating a stochastic GW background with the possibility of a few nearby/massive sources that will be individually resolvable. A direct detection of GWs will open a new window into the fields of astronomy and astrophysics by allowing us to constrain the coalescence rate of SMBHBs, providing further tests on the theory of General Relativity, and giving us access to properties of black holes not accessible by current astronomical techniques. Here we will discuss the development of a robust detection pipeline for single resolvable GW sources that is fully tailored to the unique aspects of PTA data analysis.Â
Biotechnology Teacher Training
Authors: Bielec Barbara
Published: January 2015

An integral part of enhancing science education is training teachers in current content and techniques, and biotechnology is one of the technologies that will be needed to maintain living systems in space. The BioPharmaceutical Technology Center Institute (BTC Institute) offered two graduate education courses in biotechnology for teachers during summer 2011. Each weeklong course was held at the BioPharmaceutical Technology Center. Biotechnology: The Basics and Biotechnology: Beyond the Basics were designed and presented to provide teachers with training, background and curriculum materials (including information about NASA and biotechnology), so that they may implement hands-on biotechnology in their classrooms. Teachers of a wide variety of subjects with varied levels of experience were active participants in lab-based training.Â
Promoting the Computational Science Initiative (ProCSI)
Authors: Melanz Dan
Published: January 2015

PROmoting the Computational Science Initiative (ProCSI) Summer Program is a six day pre- college engineering program for high school students who come from ethnic groups that are traditionally underrepresented in engineering. The ProCSI program is designed to attract outstanding high school students to the College of Engineering at UW Madison. Students become part of a pre-collegiate community that will explore the excitement and rigors of engineering and collegiate life through participation in hands-on labs, industry and undergraduate seminars, graduate research presentations, college preparation workshop, lab tours, undergraduate admissions presentations, and social activities. Students will go through a lab sequence focused on Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Computational Science, and Engineering Applications, respectively.Â
Structure and Behavior of AWM and MKW Clusters
Authors: Ramuta Michael
Published: January 2015

A grasp of the life-cycles of large-scale structures is critical to understanding the Universe. This can be accomplished through the study of poor clusters-- that is, younger clusters that are likely evolving to another state. The selected clusters are significant in that they are poor but also possess a type-cD galaxy. This brighter central galaxy suggests that these clusters may be dynamically evolved and are potential candidates for fossil groups. In order to more fully understand the structure and behavior of poor galaxy clusters, 13 clusters were selected and analyzed. Using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we present structural descriptions and mass estimates of these 13 galaxy clusters.Â
Big Bang Blackbody Simulator
Authors: Stanchfield Sara
Published: January 2015

The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is a remnant glow from the Big Bang, and as such it provides us with a direct view into the early universe. By mapping out the CMB we are able to view the universe as it appeared when it was only 400,000 years old. The CMB radiates as an almost perfect blackbody at a temperature of 2.7 Kelvin. It is necessary to be able to simulate the CMB as a blackbody source in order to allow us to test instrumentation intended for CMB observation. The purpose of the Big Bang Blackbody Simulator is to construct a blackbody â€˜cold loadâ€™ to measure the microwave response of superconducting Transition-Edge Hot-Electron Microbolometers. These detectors will allow us to measure the faint polarization signals in the CMB that are expected to be the result of gravitational waves generated in the very first moments of the universe.Â
Detection of non-Einsteinian Gravitational Waves using a Pulsar Timing Array
Authors: Chamberlin Sydney J.
Published: January 2015

In the next decade gravitational waves may be detected using a pulsar timing array. In an effort to develop optimal detection strategies for stochastic backgrounds of gravitational waves in general metric theories of gravity, we investigate the overlap reduction functions for these theories and discuss their characteristics. We show that sensitivity increases for non-transverse gravitational waves and discuss the physical origin of this effect. We calculate the overlap reduction functions for the current NANOGrav Pulsar Timing Array (PTA) and show that the sensitivity to the vector and longitudinal modes can increase dramatically for pulsar pairs with small angular separations.Â
Towards a Better Understanding of Dark Matter Halo Structures around Galaxies
Authors: Wheeler Melissa
Published: January 2015

There is substantial evidence that the stars, dust, and gas visible in galaxies are enveloped in â€œhalosâ€ of unseen dark matter. The goal of this research is to explore the effects varying initial conditions have on final equilibrium distributions of simulated dark matter halo density and velocity, and to assess how well analytical models fit these data. In particular, we pay special attention to the velocity distributions of our models, something often overlooked in other studies. Eighty separate computer simulations representing dark matter halos were made under various initial conditions, involving two halo types and three variables. Analytical density and velocity models were fitted to the 80 halos, including de Vaucouleurs, Plummer, generalized Navarro- Frenk-White, and non-extensive thermodynamics models. Statistical chi-squared (Ï‡2 ) tests, quantifying how well a model fits data, were applied. Relative Ï‡2 values for each model were plotted, reflecting which analytical models performed best for various simulations.Â
Using Networking Algorithms to Assess the Environment of Galaxy Groups
Authors: Bramson Ali M. , Wilcots Eric M.
Published: January 2015

Understanding the environment in which a galaxy resides is crucial to our understanding of galaxy evolution. Most galaxies (~70%) live in groups and it is important to develop a quantitative understanding of how galaxies are distributed within groups and how groups are distributed in the larger scale structure. In addition to the traditional friends-of-friends algorithm, I have applied various concepts from networking algorithms to understand the network of galaxy groups in clusters, and to understand the substructure within groups. Doing so provides a new method of gauging the large scale environments of galaxies and groups, and will result in a more concrete way to define a group and to quantify the strength of the community structure that exists.Â
Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence at High-Latitude Regions of the Milky Way
Authors: Pingel Nickolas , StanimirovicÌ SnezÌŒana , Young-Lee Min
Published: January 2015

We performed statistical analysis on the high-latitude molecular cloud MBM16 with data collected from the Galactic Arecibo L-Band Feed Array HI (GALFA-HI) Survey. We developed a code toÂ convolve a circular kernel across a spatial column density image to create maps of the 3rd and 4th statistical moments. With these higher-order moment maps, we utilized a relationship derived purely from the theoretical MHD simulations of Burkhart et al. (2010) to directly estimate the sonic Mach number (Ms). We then looked at an estimate for the slope of the spatial power of our region to check our range of calculated Mach numbers and verify the reliability of our results. We found that the translucent, non-star forming molecular cloud, MBM16, can be considered largely subsonic to transonic, which is consistent with the conception of stars being dominant drivers of interstellar turbulence.Â
Modal evaluation of fluid volume in spacecraft propellant tanks
Authors: Crosby Kevin
Published: January 2015

A novel, real-time method of determining the volume of propellant present in a spacecraft tank in reduced gravity is presented. In the experiment reported here, modal analysis techniques are applied to detect shifts in resonant mode frequencies of a fluid-loaded tank as fluid is drained from the tank. These experiments are conducted in the weightless environment of parabolic flights through participation in the NASA Systems Engineering Exploration Discovery (SEED) program. Ground testing of the experimental methods is compared with the flight data, and the resolution of the analysis is estimated to be better than 10% of actual fill-fraction. Comparison with existing direct and indirect techniques for assessing propellant volume in reduced gravity suggests that the modal analysis method may prove to be more cost effective and afford better resolution than existing methods.Â
Modal evaluation of fluid volume in spacecraft propellant tanks
Authors: Finnvik Stephanie , Metallo Steven , Robinson John , Werlink Rudy , Crosby Kevin M.
Published: January 2015

A novel, real-time method of determining the volume of propellant present in a spacecraft tank in reduced gravity is presented. In the experiment reported here, modal analysis techniques are applied to detect shifts in resonant mode frequencies of a fluid-loaded tank as fluid is drained from the tank. These experiments are conducted in the weightless environment of parabolic flights through participation in the NASA Systems Engineering Exploration Discovery (SEED) program. Ground testing of the experimental methods is compared with the flight data, and the resolution of the analysis is estimated to be better than 10% of actual fill-fraction. Comparison with existing direct and indirect techniques for assessing propellant volume in reduced gravity suggests that the modal analysis method may prove to be more cost effective and afford better resolution than existing methods.Â
Compression after Impact: Damage Characterization of Multi-Directional 10-Ply Carbon- Epoxy Prepreg Laminates Subject to Quasi-Static Impact Force
Authors: Lo Ricco Marco , El-Hajjar Rani
Published: January 2015

During the course of service, aerospace structures inevitably will suffer some form of damage, including the possibility of impact. Two general types of impact damage, either resulting from a quasi-static force or a dynamic impulse force, characterize the nature of impact threats for analysis and experimentation in a lab setting. Using ASTM D7137 Standard Test method for Compressive Residual Strength Properties of Damaged Polymer Matrix Composite, this study subjects multidirectional carbon-fiber/epoxy laminates to Compression After Impact (CAI) tests to determine whether the results may be used to characterize and quantify the effects of impact damage on laminate compressive strength. Characterization of impact damage in regions of a structure subject to high-strain compression could assist decision-making in implementing repairs. In addition, this paper examines the effects of different impacting patterns on the behavior in compression.Â
Long‐term oil contamination increases deterministic assembly processes in soil microbes
Authors: Liang Yuting , Zhang Xu , Zhou Jizhong , Li Guanghe
Published: January 2015

The mechanisms that drive microbial turnover in time and space have received considerable attention but remain unclear, especially for situations with anthropogenic perturbation. To understand the impact of long‐term oil contamination on microbial spatial turnover, 100 soil samples were taken from five oil exploration fields located in different geographic regions across China. The microbial functional diversity was analyzed with a high‐throughput functional gene array, GeoChip. Our results indicated that soil microbial α‐diversity (richness and Shannon diversity index) decreased significantly with contamination. All contaminated and uncontaminated samples exhibited significant spatial autocorrelation between microbial community similarity and spatial distance, as described by a distance–decay relationship (DDR). However, long‐term oil exposure flattened the slopes of the DDRs of all of the functional genes and each functional group involved in C/N/P/S cycling, particularly of those involved in contaminant degradation. The relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes in microbial assembly was determined. The decrease in microbial spatial turnover with long‐term oil contamination was coupled with an increase in the proportion of deterministic processes that structured microbial assembly based on null model analysis. The results indicated long‐term oil contamination significantly affects soil microbial community spatial structure by acting as an environmental filter to decrease the regional differences distinguishing soil microbial communities.
Effects of Enamel Matrix Derivative and Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 on Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts
Authors: Heng Nora H.M. , Zahlten Janine , Cordes Valerie , Ong Marianne M‐A , Goh Bee Tin , N'Guessan Philippe D. , Pischon Nicole
Published: January 2015

Background: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is suggested to stimulate transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) production. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a downstream mediator of TGF‐β. This study explores the effects of EMD and TGF‐β1 on CTGF in periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts and their interactions in PDL proliferation and development.

Methods: Human PDL cells were stimulated with EMD. To explore the effects of EMD and TGF‐β1 on CTGF expression, cells were treated with and without TGF‐β inhibitor, and CTGF protein levels were assayed by Western blot analysis. To study the role of CTGF in PDL development, cells were treated with CTGF inhibitor. DNA synthesis was analyzed by bromodeoxyuridine enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine messenger RNA expression of PDL osteoblastic differentiation markers: type I collagen, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin.

Results: EMD induced a concentration‐dependent increase of CTGF protein expression in PDL cells. EMD‐ and TGF‐β1‐stimulated CTGF expression was significantly reduced in the presence of TGF‐β inhibitor. CTGF inhibition downregulated both EMD‐ and TGF‐β1‐induced DNA synthesis. The effect of CTGF and EMD on osteoblastic mRNA expression in PDL cells is not obvious.

Conclusions: EMD stimulates CTGF expression in human PDL cells, a process modulated by the TGF‐β pathway. CTGF can affect EMD‐ and TGF‐β1‐induced PDL cell proliferation, but its effects on PDL with regard to osteoblastic differentiation remain inconclusive. The results provide novel insights into EMD–CTGF interaction in PDL cells.
Effect of Living Cellular Sheets on the Angiogenic Potential of Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Villar Cristina C. , Zhao Xiang R. , Livi Carolina B. , Cochran David L.
Published: January 2015

Background: A fundamental issue limiting the efficacy of surgical approaches designed to correct periodontal mucogingival defects is that new tissues rely on limited sources of blood supply from the adjacent recipient bed. Accordingly, therapies based on tissue engineering that leverage local self‐healing potential may represent promising alternatives for the treatment of mucogingival defects by inducing local vascularization. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of commercially available living cellular sheets (LCS) on the angiogenic potential of neonatal dermal human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC‐dNeo).

Methods: The effect of LCS on HMVEC‐dNeo proliferation, migration, capillary tube formation, gene expression, and production of angiogenic factors was evaluated over time.

Results: LCS positively influenced HMVEC‐dNeo proliferation and migration. Moreover, HMVEC‐dNeo incubated with LCS showed transcriptional profiles different from those of untreated cells. Whereas increased expression of angiogenic genes predominated early on in response to LCS, late‐phase responses were characterized by up‐ and downregulation of angiostatic and angiogenic genes. However, this trend was not confirmed at the protein level, as LCS induced increased production of most of the angiogenic factors tested (i.e., epidermal growth factor [EGF], heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor, interleukin 6, angiopoietin, platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, placental growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor) throughout the investigational period. Finally, although LCS induced HMVEC‐dNeo proliferation, migration, and expression of angiogenic factors, additional factors and environmental pressures are likely to be required to promote the development of complex, mesh‐like vascular structures.

Conclusion: LCS favor initial mechanisms that govern angiogenesis but failed to enhance or accelerate HMVEC‐dNeo morphologic transition to complex vascular structures.
Association of Serum 17β‐Estradiol Concentration, Hormone Therapy, and Alveolar Crest Height in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Wang Youjin , LaMonte Michael J. , Hovey Kathleen M. , Mai Xiaodan , Tezal Mine , Millen Amy E. , Ochs‐Balcom Heather M. , Genco Robert J. , Barnabei Vanessa M. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean
Published: January 2015

Background: Declines in endogenous estrogen levels after menopause can lead to systemic bone loss, including loss of oral bone and alveolar crest height (ACH). However, few studies have assessed both serum 17β‐estradiol (E2) and exogenous hormone therapy (HT) use in relation to oral bone loss.

Methods: This study examines the associations among serum E2, HT use, and ACH in 613 postmenopausal women from the Buffalo OsteoPerio study. Baseline ACH levels and 5‐year ACH were assessed for groups according to E2 level (undetectable, >5.00 to ≤18.00, >18.00 to ≤46.07, and >46.07 pg/mL) and among HT use (never, ever) using analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association of ACH loss with serum E2 and HT use.

Results: In cross‐sectional analyses, no association was found of serum E2 with whole‐mouth mean or worst‐site ACH. However, history of HT use was associated with ACH. Women who had never used HT had more ACH loss assessed as a whole‐mouth mean ACH (P = 0.01) and as worst‐site ACH loss (P = 0.03). In logistic regression analyses of baseline ACH loss severity, HT never‐users had two‐fold higher odds of being in the severe ACH loss category compared to ever‐users (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 3.62). No association was observed of 5‐year change in ACH with baseline serum E2 or HT use.

Conclusion: Although this study did not detect an association with current serum E2 level and ACH, HT use was found to be associated with less ACH loss in postmenopausal women.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Radiographic Methods for Predicting Insertion Torque of Dental Implants
Authors: Cortes Arthur Rodriguez Gonzalez , Eimar Hazem , Barbosa Jorge de Sá , Costa Claudio , Arita Emiko Saito , Tamimi Faleh
Published: January 2015

Background: Subjective radiographic classifications of alveolar bone have been proposed and correlated with implant insertion torque (IT). The present diagnostic study aims to identify quantitative bone features influencing IT and to use these findings to develop an objective radiographic classification for predicting IT.

Methods: Demographics, panoramic radiographs (taken at the beginning of dental treatment), and cone‐beam computed tomographic scans (taken for implant surgical planning) of 25 patients receiving 31 implants were analyzed. Bone samples retrieved from implant sites were assessed with dual x‐ray absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography, and histology. Odds ratio, sensitivity, and specificity of all variables to predict high peak IT were assessed.

Results: A ridge cortical thickness >0.75 mm and a normal appearance of the inferior mandibular cortex were the most sensitive variables for predicting high peak IT (87.5% and 75%, respectively). A classification based on the combination of both variables presented high sensitivity (90.9%) and specificity (100%) for predicting IT.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that it is possible to predict IT accurately based on radiographic findings of the patient. This could be useful in the treatment plan of immediate loading cases.
Can Analysis of Variance Be More Significant?
Authors: McIntosh Marla S.
Published: January 2015

Recent widespread criticism of the lack of statistical rigor in science journals has focused attention on the need to improve the standards for statistical design and analysis in research. This study examined the role of analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the context of current concerns regarding the validity and appropriateness of statistics in scientific publications. One objective was to suggest how ANOVA tables can be constructed to enhance the transparency and scientific integrity of scientific journals and better assist the interpretation of data. The broader goal of this study was to generate new discussion, debate, and ideas regarding ANOVA. The history and current status of ANOVA as the context for assessing the practical and statistical relevance of ANOVA tables for students, authors, reviewers, editors, and readers of scientific journals is discussed. Each component of an ANOVA table (sources of variation, degrees of freedom, sums of squares, mean squares,Fvalues, andPvalues) is critiqued for its information and value. Using a criterion of including the components that provide essential information on key details of the experimental design and validating the appropriateness of the analysis, guidelines are provided for constructing an ANOVA table that is SIMPLE—Simple, Informative, Meaningful, Powerful, Logical, and Effective. A prototype SIMPLE ANOVA table is presented to encourage further consideration and debate regarding best practices for ANOVA tables.
Pressure transfer modeling for an urban water supply system based on Pearson correlation analysis
Authors: Zhu Bin , Yuan Jingqi
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an approach to modeling the water pressure transfer among nodes in an urban water supply network for the purpose of pressure control. The network is divided into different sub-networks based on the Pearson correlation analysis of the nodal pressure measurements. The Pearson correlation analysis is performed to find out the set of nodes, whose water pressures are highly correlated, and thus a corresponding sub-network is formulated. As a case study, 47 sub-networks are recognized for a region with an area of 250 km2 and 77 nodes in total. For each sub-network, a linear model is constructed to quantify the pressure transfer. The output of the model is the pressure estimate for the node of our interest which is called the center node. The rest of the nodes in the sub-network are called the correlated nodes of the center node, and the pressure measurements at the correlated nodes constitute the input to the model. The average relative error of the model is less than 3%. A pressure regulating method based on the model is proposed and tested numerically.
Economic activity of middle-aged women in Serbia as relevant gender equality issue
Authors: Sobot Ankica
Published: January 2015

Economic characteristics of the female population are important dimensions
of contemporary gender regime. Thus, this paper focuses on disadvantageous
characteristics of economic activity pointing to the range and the intensity
of economic dependence of women as one of the obstacles to the improvement of
their social position and reducing of gender gap. Statistical data show
economic inactivity and unemployment of middle-aged women in Serbia. Also,
regarding the employed women the economic disadvantages could be discussed.
The indicator of this is a gender difference in earnings as a result of a
smaller number of women having well-paying jobs. In the base of gender
economic differences are characteristics of gender roles, and for this reason
a specific ?women?s work? is seen as an important segment in the improvement
of the economic position of women and reducing of gender-based economic gap.
Is skills’ renewal in ageing workforce possible? Evidence from Serbia
Authors: Gligorijevic Vera , Miric Natalija , Vasic Petar
Published: January 2015

This paper examines the role which different demographic groups (youth,
persons of prime working age and older persons) have played in the overall
change of the labour force (reproduction), changes in the educational
attainment and changes in the distribution of occupations. This paper uses
the pseudo-cohort analysis and cross-sectoral data collected from the Labour
Force Survey. Main findings show that the educational attainment of new
entrants into the labour force was higher than that of retiring workers over
the time period of 2004-2014. The composition of occupational changes over
the decade confirmed what had been observed for the educational attainment of
the labour force. Young new entrants into strongly growing occupations (most
of which were highly skilled) by far outnumbered the retirees over the past
decade.
Population ageing and its impact on labour force in the south east Europe countries
Authors: Vojkovic Gordana , Magdalenic Ivana , Zivanovic Zora
Published: January 2015

Population ageing has become an increasing challenge of our time. The process
of demographic ageing is more intense in the Balkan countries, some of which
have already held the world?s top positions. This paper examines the trends
of population ageing in the Balkans and the South East Europe (SEE) countries
(Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, FYR of Macedonia,
Romania, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Croatia) at the beginning of the
21st century and the cross-country differences in the timing of the ageing
process. In addition to the analysis of an overall effect of the main
factors, this paper examines the influence of population ageing on labour
force in the Balkan countries. There are three factors behind the increases
in the share of the population aged 65 and over: declining fertility rates in
recent decades which have reduced the relative number of young people, the
rise in life expectancy and the cohort of baby boomers over the age of 60.
The ageing of the Balkan countries population introduces several major policy
challenges. Paper highlights the impact of population ageing on human
resources and labor supply.
Regional level in the function of mitigating negative demographic trends in rural areas of Serbia: Case study of the district of Zajecar
Authors: Drobnjakovic Marija , Pantic Marijana , Filipovic Marko
Published: January 2015

Long-term marginalization of villages has caused negative demographic trends
in rural areas of Serbia, primarily through forceful de-population,
unfavorable demographic structures and other structural problems. The term
?extinction? is the most often related to the recent appearance of
demographic shrinkage and economic decline of villages. According to the last
population census (2011), 13 settlements without permanent inhabitants have
been recorded. The fact that about 1/3 of all settlements in rural Serbia is
sparsely inhabited (less than 20 inh/km2) indicates that scales of
demographic decline impacts are yet to be seen. The Spatial Plan of the
Republic of Serbia (2010) advocates polycentric and balanced regional
development. Creation of adequate instruments to mitigate demographic decline
in rural areas requires clear definition of regional territorial units. Are
they going to be NUTS 3 level, or functional urban areas, as spatially and
functionally integrated areas which represent more suitable choice for
addressing the issue of demographic and economic decline, or should concrete
answers be looked for at the level of identified rural regions [Spatial Plan
of the Republic of Serbia, 2010; National Program for Rural Development,
2011]? This paper will research these issues in the District of Zajecar with
a good practice in Germany.
Change in Medical Spending Attributable to Diabetes: National Data From 1987 to 2011
Authors: Zhuo Xiaohui , Zhang Ping , Kahn Henry S. , Bardenheier Barbara H. , Li Rui , Gregg Edward W.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes care has changed substantially in the past 2 decades. We examined the change in medical spending and use related to diabetes between 1987 and 2011.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using the 1987 National Medical Expenditure Survey and the Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys in 2000–2001 and 2010–2011, we compared per person medical expenditures and uses among adults ≥18 years of age with or without diabetes at the three time points. Types of medical services included inpatient care, emergency room (ER) visits, outpatient visits, prescription drugs, and others. We also examined the changes in unit cost, defined by the expenditure per encounter for medical services.

RESULTS

The excess medical spending attributed to diabetes was $2,588 (95% CI, $2,265 to $3,104), $4,205 ($3,746 to $4,920), and $5,378 ($5,129 to $5,688) per person, respectively, in 1987, 2000–2001, and 2010–2011. Of the $2,790 increase, prescription medication accounted for 55%; inpatient visits accounted for 24%; outpatient visits accounted for 15%; and ER visits and other medical spending accounted for 6%. The growth in prescription medication spending was due to the increase in both the volume of use and unit cost, whereas the increase in outpatient expenditure was almost entirely driven by more visits. In contrast, the increase in inpatient and ER expenditures was caused by the rise of unit costs.

CONCLUSIONS

In the past 2 decades, managing diabetes has become more expensive, mostly due to the higher spending on drugs. Further studies are needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of increased spending on drugs.