bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood agricultural and adult occupational exposures to organic dusts in a population-based case–control study of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Parks CG , Cooper GS , Dooley MA , Park MM , Treadwell EL , Gilkeson GS
Published: July 2008

Organic dust exposure can influence the development and symptoms of immune-related diseases such as atopy and asthma, but has rarely been examined in relation to systemic autoimmunity. The present analyses explore the association of lifetime farm and occupational organic dust exposures with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in recently diagnosed patients ( n = 265) compared with controls ( n = 355) frequency matched by age, sex and state. Questionnaire data included childhood farm residence, childhood and adult experience with specific crops, and adult work in textiles, hog or poultry processing and paper or furniture manufacture. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by logistic regression models including age, sex, state, race, education and silica exposure. Overall childhood or adult farm contact and childhood farm residence were not associated with SLE. Farm contact with livestock was inversely associated with SLE (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.35, 0.88). This effect was most pronounced among those with childhood farm residence and both childhood and adult livestock exposure (OR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.06, 0.63), but was difficult to separate from adult exposure to grains or corn. Other adult occupational exposures were not associated with SLE risk overall, regardless of childhood farm residence or livestock exposure, although an inverse association was seen among non-smokers (OR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.33, 1.1), particularly for textile work (OR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.19, 0.64). These exploratory findings support the development of studies to specifically investigate the effects of organic dust exposure on SLE risk, with particular attention to exposure assessment and characterization of demographics, smoking and other occupational exposures.
Prevalence and clinical associations of anti-Ku antibodies in systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Cavazzana I , Ceribelli A , Quinzanini M , Scarsi M , Airò P , Cattaneo R , Franceschini F
Published: July 2008

We retrospectively analysed the prevalence and clinical features associated to anti-Ku antibodies in patients affected by different autoimmune diseases. Anti-Ku antibodies are detected in 147 sera out of 7239 anti-ENA positive sera (2%). They are found in 2% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) (8 out of 379), 1.8% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (7 out of 372) and 1.8% of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) (9 out of 496) and more rarely in Sjögren Syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Most of anti-Ku positive patients were affected by UCTD and overlap syndromes, including polymyositis, SSc and SLE. Interstitial lung disease, myositis, articular symptoms, Raynaud’s phenomenon and sicca represents the main clinical features detected in our cohort. The rate and severity of pulmonary disease is similar to those found in other SSc patients. Isolated anti-Ku were detected in about 47% of sera. No clinical differences were observed between these patients and subjects with multiple anti-nuclear specificities. However, anti-Ku are usually detected in association with other serological markers in SLE and Sjögren Syndrome, while they occurred isolated in SSc and polymyositis.
Possible familial Mediterranean fever in a Caucasian patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Schreiber BE , Lachmann HJ , Mackworth-Young CG
Published: July 2008

We report the case of a Caucasian man with systemic lupus erythematosus who had recurrent fevers and abdominal pain. He was later found to carry E148Q polymorphism of MEFV, the gene responsible for familial Mediterranean fever.
Haemolytic anaemia in a multi-ethnic cohort of lupus patients: a clinical and serological perspective
Authors: Jeffries M , Hamadeh F , Aberle T , Glenn S , Kamen DL , Kelly JA , Reichlin M , Harley JB , Sawalha AH
Published: July 2008

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be associated with a variety of haematological manifestations. We identified 76 patients with haemolytic anaemia in a cohort of 1251 unrelated female lupus patients enrolled in our studies. The presence of the various American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria for lupus and serological specificities were determined in lupus patients with haemolytic anaemia and compared with a group of race-matched control lupus patients without haemolytic anaemia. Clinical data were obtained from medical records, and serological specificities were determined in our clinical immunology laboratory at OMRF. The presence of haemolytic anaemia in lupus patients was associated with a higher frequency of proteinuria (OR = 2.70, P = 0.000031), urinary cellular casts (OR = 2.83, P = 0.000062), seizures (OR = 2.96, P = 0.00024), pericarditis (OR = 2.21, P = 0.0019), pleuritis (OR = 1.72, P = 0.028) and lymphopenia (OR = 1.79, P = 0.015). These findings were independent of the presence of thrombocytopenia, which was approximately five times more common in lupus patients with haemolytic anaemia. Lupus patients with haemolytic anaemia were about 8 years younger than lupus patients without haemolytic anaemia at the time of disease onset ( P = 0.000001). In the absence of thrombocytopenia, lupus patients with haemolytic anaemia were approximately two times more likely to have anti-dsDNA antibodies ( P = 0.024). The presence of haemolytic anaemia is associated with a subset of lupus characterized by a younger age of disease onset, and a more severe disease with a higher likelihood of renal involvement, seizures, serositis and other cytopenias.
Pakistan's Changing Outlook on Kashmir
Authors: Hussain Syed Rifaat
Published: July 2008

Having remained wedded to Kashmir as an ‘armed self-determination conflict’ for over five decades, Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf seems to be changing course in favour of a diplomatic settlement that would be acceptable to India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris. This changing Pakistani outlook on Kashmir is clearly reflected in President Musharraf ’s advocacy of a four-point proposal which seeks a settlement of the Kashmir dispute outside the framework of UN resolutions. This article describes key elements of Islamabad's new thinking on Kashmir, analyses some of the domestic, regional and global factors underpinning this change and concludes by noting some of the domestic challenges faced by Musharraf in effectively pursuing his out of the box thinking on Kashmir.
Export Controls in India
Authors: Sethi Manpreet
Published: July 2008

The article undertakes a generic examination of the global change in understanding export controls with the end of the Cold War and in the wake of new threats of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation to and by non-state actors. These have necessitated a more inclusive approach to export controls. India, which until now has been outside such regimes, has a special significance since it is a major user, producer and trader of dual-use items and technologies. The article links the global changes with a simultaneous transformation in India's perception of export controls. It contrasts India's past and present approaches to export controls, identifies measures towards their better institutionalisation, highlights implementation challenges unique to the Indian environment and suggests measures to overcome these challenges. The article also argues that while export controls ensure trade with security, they have limited value as tools of non-proliferation, which in order to be sustainable, must not only dry up supply sources but also mitigate demand.
Development of Small and Medium Enterprises in Bhutan
Authors: Moktan Suresh
Published: July 2008

Over 98 per cent of the Bhutanese private sector consists of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and it is invariably believed that they would play a central role in fostering entrepreneurship development, providing employment and reducing poverty. However, there are several difficult challenges facing Bhutanese SMEs. This article analyses the constraints on SMEs in Bhutan by conducting interviews and a nationwide questionnaire survey of 168 micro and small firms. The findings indicate that the biggest constraints are related to restrictive business regulations, finance and infrastructure. Additionally, significant differences in the severity level of constraints between urban and rural districts are observed with regards to size, sector and ownership. Even within the SMEs, the segregation approach generated an altogether different portrayal of their distinctive needs. Our findings clearly suggest lack of government support to the SMEs. The article concludes that the Royal Government of Bhutan needs to promote the growth of SMEs through demand-driven and specifically targeted policies for urban and rural districts, based on their idiosyncratic needs.
Hedging Rainfall Risk by Farmers Growing Soyabean in Jhalawar District
Authors: Seth Rajiv , Ansari Valeed A. , Datta Manipadma
Published: July 2008

Rainfall risk to the yield of a crop can be hedged, to an extent, by the use of weather derivatives. The paper considers a theoretical model which maximises the expected utility of a farmer growing a crop, with respect to planned production. An option to hedge the weather risk to yield, through purchase of weather derivatives, is introduced. The case of farmers growing soyabean in Jhalawar district of Rajasthan in central India is taken as an example in order to determine the theoretical willingness to pay to hedge volumetric risk to yield.
Achieving Universal Elementary Education in India
Authors: Banerji Rukmini , Mukherjee Anit N.
Published: July 2008

India's programme for universalisation of elementary education, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), is regarded as the largest such programme in the world. Over the last five years, impressive strides have been made in improving infrastructure, ensuring access, bringing out-of-school children into the mainstream education system and appointing teachers. In the next phase of the SSA, until 2012, the focus needs to shift to retention and quality, which are interlinked. Children's learning achievements can be improved significantly through appropriate strategies of teacher training and remedial education. The financial requirements for enhancing the quality of primary education will have to be ensured through a mix of fiscal measures, devolution strategies and new implementation mechanisms.
Employment for People With Intellectual Disability in Australia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Dempsey Ian , Ford Jerry
Published: July 2008

Australia and the United Kingdom have implemented similar policy and legislative initiatives designed to enhance the participation of people with intellectual disability in the workforce. However, the results of these initiatives have differed across these two countries because of historical and administrative differences in the management of government-funded employment services for people with a disability. Similarities across both countries include increased funding for employment services for people with a disability, strong policy statements on the inclusion of people with a disability in the workforce, a dearth of meaningful data on the employment of people with intellectual disability, continuing high unemployment rates for this population, and the lack of an outcomes-focused approach to evaluating whether employment services are meeting the needs of people with intellectual disability and their families.
Perceived Self-Determination of Youth with Emotional and Behavior Disorders
Authors: Van Gelder Natalee , Sitlington Patricia L. , Morrison Pugh Krista
Published: July 2008

In this pilot study, the authors investigated the perceptions of the self-determination of youth with emotional and behavior disorders from a community high school, separate educational facility, and residential facility. The perceptions of students, parents or caregivers, and teachers were compared across and within these settings. The authors found that (a) students consistently rated themselves in the moderate range, (b) students from the residential facility rated themselves the highest, (c) parents or caregivers and teachers rated students from the community high school higher than students from the other two settings, (d) all groups rated students from the separate educational facility the lowest, and (e) teachers across all three settings perceived the students' levels of self-determination to be higher than did parents or caregivers.
Community-Based Participatory Research in Disability and Long-Term Care Policy
Authors: Minkler Meredith , Hammel Joy , Gill Carol J. , Magasi Susan , Breckwich Vásquez Victoria , Bristo Marca , Coleman Diane
Published: July 2008

From 1997 to 2003, Illinois was spending approximately 80% of its long-term care budget on nursing homes and institutional care and was facing significant challenges to its long-term care delivery and the need to rebalance toward community-based supports for people with disabilities. A case-based program evaluation was done to analyze Moving Out of the Nursing Home to the Community, a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project. The Chicago-based project documented the experiences and concerns of 200 disabled people attempting to transition out of nursing homes to least restrictive community living, actively involving participants in an empowerment and systems and policy change program. The authors describe the partnership between the University of Illinois at Chicago and two centers for independent living; the project's research, policy-related goals, and activities; and the outcomes realized. Barriers and facilitating factors to long-term care systems change are described, as are implications for other CBPR partnerships focused on disability public policy.
Thermomechanically Coupled Micromechanical Analysis of Shape Memory Alloy Composites Undergoing Transformation Induced Plasticity
Authors: Freed Yuval , Aboudi Jacob
Published: July 2008

In this investigation, fully thermomechanically coupled constitutive and energy equations for shape memory alloys (SMAs) that include the effect of transformation induced plasticity are presented. This is followed by a micromechanical analysis for the establishment of the fully coupled thermomechanical constitutive equations that model the overall behavior of SMA composites undergoing transformation induced plasticity. The effects of the thermomechanical coupling and permanent inelasticity which arise by the phase transformation were examined. It was found that the response of the monolithic SMA depends upon the thermomechanical coupling. The permanent inelasticity and the resulting induced temperature become significant especially in the case of several repeating cycles. In addition, the induced average temperature caused by the thermomechanical coupling as well as the stress—strain behavior of SMA/epoxy and SMA/aluminum composite materials were determined. A significant thermomechanical coupling, which corresponds to an appreciable temperature increase, was observed for the SMA/aluminum metal matrix composite material. For the case of SMA/epoxy polymeric matrix composite material the thermomechanical coupling was found to be negligible. This results from the absence of inelastic strains in the polymeric matrix in spite of the existence of rate of dilatation effect in the epoxy phase.
Pseudo-rigid Body Modeling of IPMC for a Partially Compliant Four-bar Mechanism for Work Volume Generation
Authors: Bandopadhya Dibakar , Bhattacharya Bishakh , Dutta Ashish
Published: July 2008

Conventional four-bar crank rocker mechanisms made of rigid links can generate only one path, at the rocker tip, for one revolution of the crank. However, if the rocker length can be actively changed then its tip can generate a work volume. This study describes an application of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) as a partially compliant rocker in a four-bar mechanism for work volume generation. First, an experiment is conducted to study the voltage verses bending characteristics of IPMC and based on the experimental data the IPMC is modeled using a pseudo rigid body model. The model is based on the fix-pin support type of cantilever mode and its derivation is explained in detail. The maximum and minimum length of the rocker is controlled by changing the voltage applied to it and this generates a work volume for one revolution of the crank. Simulation results are compared with the experimentally obtained work volume and the differences are found. The proposed mechanism has the potential for application in micro positioning, compliant structures, etc.
Transient Response of Sandwich Beams with Electrorheological Core
Authors: Rezaeepazhand Jalil , Pahlavan Lotfollah
Published: July 2008

The present work investigates the transient response of a three-layer sandwich beam with an electrorheological (ER) core. Electrorheological fluids are a class of smart materials, which exhibit reversible changes in mechanical properties when subjected to an electric field. As applying an electric field to the core layer changes the dynamic characteristics of the structure, the ER layer can be used for suppressing the vibrations and reducing the settling time of the beam. A finite element model of the structure is developed and a direct integration algorithm is used to simulate the impulse response of the proposed sandwich beam. The core is modeled as a Bingham plastic material and effects of changes in the applied electric field on the structure settling time and its natural frequencies are represented for several thickness ratios. The variations of damping force vector, due to the dependence of the ER fluid shear stress, to the sign of shear rate, are considered in each iteration. The ER layer thickness and the applied electric field level have a significant influence on the damping behavior of the model.
Modeling of Carbon Nanotube Actuators: Part II — Mechanical Properties, Electro Mechanical Coupling and Validation of the Model
Authors: Riemenschneider Johannes , Opitz Steffen , Sinapius Michael , Monner Hans Peter
Published: July 2008

Carbon nanotubes have the potential to become one of the actuating materials of the future. Since the discovery of the actuating effect a lot of experimental data was collected to describe the electro-mechanical coupling. With this paper a model for the system behavior is available to enhance the understanding of the effect. An analytical model is introduced in the first part of the article. The electrical parameters of the model are determined by impedance spectroscopy. Furthermore, the mechanical parameters and the electro-mechanical coupling have to be examined. The main subject of the second part of the article is to validate the model and to compare measured and simulated responses to several excitations.
Toward Heat Energy Harvesting using Pyroelectric Material
Authors: Guyomar Daniel , Sebald Gaël , Lefeuvre Elie , Khodayari Akram
Published: July 2008

This study investigates the feasibility of heat energy harvesting using pyroelectric effect. In order to improve the effectiveness of the energy conversion from heat to electricity, the synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (SSHI) (Guyomar et al., 2005) technique is experimentally tested, which has already proved its quality in electromechanical conversion. For several amplitude variations of temperature from 0.5 to 8.0 K, the conversion efficiency is found about 0.02% of Carnot thermodynamic cycle with a standard interface. Under the same heating conditions, experimental results show that the SSHI technique increases the converted energy by a factor which is about 2.5 times of the standard interface, with which the efficiency practically becomes 0.05% of Carnot thermodynamic cycle. In this case, the produced electrical power for temperature amplitude 7 K is more than 0.3 mW for an energy harvesting device composed of 8 g of active material. The main power limitation is due to temperature frequency. Low speed of heat transfer makes it difficult to obtain fast temperature variations with large amplitude.
Criteria for Assessing the Level of Group Development (LGD) of Work Groups
Authors: Meneses Rocío , Ortega Raúl , Navarro José , de Quijano Santiago D.
Published: July 2008

The main objective of this study is to identify criteria that would allow us to determine when a collection of people is a group. A bibliographic search of the psychological literature has yielded the terms groupness, entitativity, and groupality. These three constructs are then theoretically analyzed and compared, and are found to share two main aspects: (a) the conception of groups as a continuum varying in their level of group development (LGD) and (b) most of the central criteria that have been considered to define a group as a group. Regarding these central criteria, we categorize them as determining elements, LGD criteria, and group results trying to respect their different epistemological positions. The theoretical proposal outlined here provides a basis on which to develop tools that will enrich organizational assessment.
Designing in Teams
Authors: Peeters Miranda A. G. , Rutte Christel G. , van Tuijl Harrie F. J. M. , Reymen Isabelle M. M. J.
Published: July 2008

Twenty-six multidisciplinary student design teams ( n = 128) each built a robot that had to perform a specific task in a design contest. For these teams, an input—process—output framework of team member personality (input), generic and specific design behaviors (process), and contest result and supervisor and team member ratings of the design (output) was researched using correlations. Agreeableness and conscientiousness were positively related to generic design behaviors in both the concept and elaboration phase of the design process. Generic design behaviors were positively related to contest result and team member ratings of the design's technical realization. The conclusions hold implications for design research (multiple process and outcome measures are needed) and practice (attention for personality differences in teams and particular design behaviors in specific design phases foster design outcomes).
Gender Social and Personal Identity, Sex Dissimilarity, Relationship Conflict, and Asymmetrical Effects
Authors: Randel Amy E. , Jaussi Kimberly S.
Published: July 2008

Research on the linkage between sex diversity and relationship conflict has yielded inconsistent findings. In efforts to address this inconsistency and to better understand what contributes to group member perceptions of relationship conflict, interrelationships among sex dissimilarity, gender identity, and relationship conflict were examined utilizing theoretical frameworks from the literatures on identity, status, sex diversity, and asymmetrical effects. Results show that gender social identity moderated the effects of sex dissimilarity on relationship conflict such that in the presence of a strong gender social identity, sex dissimilarity increased perceptions of relationship conflict. This effect was stronger for men than for women, such that men with strong gender social identities in groups in which they were sex dissimilar had greater perceptions of relationship conflict. In addition, a significant three-way interaction was found, in which sex-dissimilar individuals with strong gender social and personal identities perceived a particularly high level of relationship conflict.
The usability of a commercial game physics engine to develop physics educational materials: An investigation
Authors: Price Colin B.
Published: July 2008

Commercial computer games contain “physics engine” components, responsible for providing realistic interactions among game objects. The question naturally arises of whether these engines can be used to develop educational materials for high school and university physics education. To answer this question, the author's group recently conducted a detailed scientific investigation of the physics engine of Unreal Tournament 2004 (UT2004). This article presents their motivation, methodology, and results. The author presents the findings of experiments that probed the accessibility and fidelity of UT2004's physics engine, examples of educational materials developed, and an evaluation of their use in high school classes. The associated pedagogical implications of this approach are discussed, and the author suggests guidelines for educators on how to deploy the approach. Key resources are presented on an associated Web site.
Network Autocorrelation Regression With Binary and Ordinal Dependent Variables
Authors: Dow Malcolm M.
Published: July 2008

Dow and Eff recently reported high levels of network autocorrelation for over eleven hundred and fifty variables coded for the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample (SCCS) with respect to five distinct measures of network proximity: distance, language, cultural complexity, religion, and ecological niche. Most of the variables were discrete, either binary or ordinal, as are the vast majority of variables in all cross-cultural samples. A large percentage showed significant levels of autocorrelation with respect to two or more networks simultaneously. One implication of these findings is that there is a need in comparative research for statistical models that can deal with binary and ordinal dependent variables while simultaneously controlling for one or more autocorrelation process. The current paper suggests one such regression modeling procedure and applies it in a reanalyses of the causes of polygyny. Both spatial autocorrelation by itself, and spatial and language autocorrelation in combination, were found to be significant predictors of polygyny.
Purposive Social Selection and the Evolution of Human Altruism
Authors: Boehm Christopher
Published: July 2008

Normally scientific evolutionary approaches eschew any element of teleology in theorizing about how natural selection processes work, but social decisions pose a problem for this position. This article examines both positive and negative social sanctioning by human groups to show that purposive social selection at the level of phenotype can have parallel effects at the level of genotype, and that social control has shaped human genetic nature profoundly. A small cross-cultural sample of Pleistocene-appropriate foragers is used to suggest that human groups have been favoring generous individuals, for at least 45,000 years, in ways that affect their fitness. The impact on gene pools could have been substantial, given that runaway selection is likely to have been involved. This type of explanation, which takes human purposes into account as part of evolutionary process, offers a new solution for the genetic paradox of altruistic behavior.
Using the Advocacy Coalition Framework to Understand Freight Transportation Policy Change
Authors: Stich Bethany , Miller Chad R.
Published: July 2008

The advocacy coalition framework (ACF) was developed to study complex, enduring public policy processes involving multiple actors. In this article, it is applied to the freight transportation policy subsystem in the United States, in which the highway motor complex has traditionally dominated coalitions from other transportation modes (e.g., railroads, aviation, and inland waterways). Using historical analysis and the Appalachian wood products industry as an illustrative example of the policy change toward intermodalism, the article shows how changes external to the subsystem are forcing a rethinking of the governing belief systems. The research provides support for several ACF hypotheses and substantiates its validity as a framework for studying the freight transportation policy subsystem. Conclusions regarding the need for increased policy-oriented learning and the prediction of the emergence of a new intermodal coalition are made based on the ACF.
Financing Infrastructure in the 21st Century City
Authors: Pagano Michael A. , Perry David
Published: July 2008

The collapse or perilous crumbling of our infrastructures, the basic building blocks of the nation's economy, underscores the investment and fiscal policies that confront the nation's leaders as well as the nation's cities' leaders. In this article, the authors focus on one key dimension of the “infrastructure crisis,” namely, the critical issues surrounding the financing of city infrastructure and a proposed set of sustainable options available to policy makers, particularly examining trends toward decentralization and fragmentation of governmental and financial institutions and toward market-based and consumer- or customer-oriented policies. Urban policy makers today find themselves in the position of negotiating with neighboring communities, competitive markets, and citizens in a fragmented governance system. What appears to be little more than organized chaos has evolved over decades into the complex, if not always rational, system of infrastructure finance and governance in which cities and other local governments find themselves today.
When Voters Make Laws
Authors: Garrett Elizabeth , McCubbins Mathew D.
Published: July 2008

Three challenges affect the use of initiatives and referendums concerning bonds to fund local infrastructure. First, public officials can often make take-it-or-leave-it offers to voters, conferring substantial power on the agenda setters and not necessarily leading to policy that the voters prefer. Second, initiatives are subject to sequential-elimination agendas that can result in suboptimal policy. This problem is compounded in local direct democracy by the presence of multiple jurisdictions and an aggregate limit on bond capacity, leading to a “race to the polls.” Third, in some but not all cases, voters can be faced with an information environment that precludes making reasoned decisions at the polls. The authors assess several case studies to determine whether trustworthy voting cues are available to voters in elections on infrastructure bonds.
A New Approach to Finance Metropolitan Transportation and Ensure System Performance
Authors: DeCorla-Souza Patrick
Published: July 2008

This article presents a new approach to ensure the performance of highway systems in metropolitan areas while providing a new funding source that will allow a reduction or elimination of existing taxes dedicated for transportation use. The approach involves conversion of existing freeways in metropolitan areas into premium-service free-flowing highways that provide fast, frequent, and inexpensive express bus service, while charging all private vehicles a variable toll, except for authorized buses and certified vanpool vehicles. The article provides estimates of the potential economic and financial impacts from such an approach applied in the five most congested U.S. metropolitan areas. The estimates suggest that the concept could provide sufficient revenue to replace the fuel tax and perhaps other transportation taxes, while providing huge reductions in congestion delay and fuel consumption.
The Postseason Value of an Elite Player to a Contending Team
Authors: Krautmann Anthony C. , Ciecka James
Published: July 2008

This paper suggests the possibility that a superstar's ability to propel a team into the playoffs may make him particularly valuable—pushing his salary beyond that which would otherwise be expected. Whereas a team in Major League Baseball (MLB) could play as many as 11 additional home games by the time it concludes the World Series, the number of home-field playoff games is a random variable with a mean of about 4 extra home games. Using reasonable assumptions, this implies that the expected increase in a MLB team's revenues associated with making the playoffs is about $11 million. The analysis shows that contending teams pay elite players (on average) an extra $2.8 million—a 40% bonus—to lure superstars to their rosters.
A Review on Designing the Waterproof Breathable Fabrics Part II: Construction and Suitability of Breathable Fabrics for Different Uses
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Arunangshu , Vinay Kumar Midha
Published: July 2008

This article describes engineering design of waterproof breathability fabrics specifically designed for leisure, medial uses and survival clothing. In many applications, breathable fabrics not only satisfy water-vapor permeability but also a number of other functional characteristics. Garment design, cut and fit, design of seam, constituent of multilayer structure and various forms of ventilation system are often modified depending on the functional requirement. In the comparative evaluation of several breathable fabrics, it is often very difficult to suggest the product which performs best. The conditions of application and corresponding requirements imposed on the product are quite different depending on the end use.
Spunlaced Flax/Polypropylene Nonwoven as Auto Interior Material: Mechanical Performance
Authors: Yan Chen  , Müller Dieter H. , Nießen Katrin , Müssig Jörg
Published: July 2008

The spunlacing technique for producing auto interior nonwovens is examined. A 50/50 flax/polypropylene nonwoven is processed using an AquaJet spunlace system with two different spunlacing settings. The spunlaced nonwovens are thermally bonded into 2D and 3D interior parts by a panel press and a stamp-forming press. Physical properties, mechanical properties, and moldability of the nonwovens after spunlacing and molding are evaluated in accordance with relevant European and German industrial standards. The statistical method of variance analysis and image analysis method are used for data process. The research work finds that the spunlacing process brings some technical merits for the flax/polypropylene nonwoven in auto interior applications, in particular, an enhancement of tensile and flexural strengths, a large thickness reduction with controlled ultimate weight, and a competitive moldability. The experimental data also reveals that using a setting of lower water-jet pressure on the spunlacing process line is more suitable for entangling flax/polypropylene nonwovens to produce high performance auto interior composites.
Polypyrrole-coated Nonwovens for Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: Avloni J. , Lau R. , Ouyang M. , Florio L. , Henn A.R. , Sparavigna A.
Published: July 2008

Several shielding applications, to protect human health and electronic devices against dangerous effects of electromagnetic radiation, require solutions that fabrics can suitably fulfill. Here, we will discuss the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of polypyrrole-coated polyester nonwoven textiles, in the frequency range 100—800 MHz. Insertion losses for samples with different surface resistivity ranging from 40 Ω/sq till the very low value of 3 Ω/sq were measured with a dual-transverse electromagnetic cell. We found a correlation between the shielding effectiveness and the surface conductivity of composites. For the sample with the lowest surface resistivity, we obtained an electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of 37 dB.
Public Schools, Religious Establishments, and the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: McGuire Kevin T.
Published: July 2008

The issue of devotional activity in the public schools has long been a staple of the U.S. Supreme Court's agenda, but knowledge of the local implementation of school prayer policy remains limited to the Court's earliest decisions. To what extent are schools presently engaged in religious activities prohibited by the Court? This study addresses this question through a survey in which recent high school graduates provided data on the level and types of devotional practices in their schools. The results suggest that there continues to be resistance to the Supreme Court, especially in the South, in rural and less educated communities, and in areas with higher concentrations of conservative Christians.
Strategic Intellectual Capital Development: A Defining Paradigm for HRD?
Authors: Holton Elwood F. , Yamkovenko Bogdan
Published: July 2008

The performance paradigm of human resource development (HRD) practice has served the field well, particularly in enhancing the relevance and impact of HRD interventions. However, in this article, it is argued that the time has come for a new defining paradigm to advance the field of HRD to a higher level of organizational impact. This article proposes that strategic intellectual capital development (SICD) should be that new paradigm. The argument for SICD is built by merging two streams of research. First, the development of human capital theory is traced through to its expanded conceptualization of intellectual capital theory. Second, the argument for a strategic approach is built off the strategic human resource management literature. The SICD perspective is offered as a robust and broad conceptualization that is essential for HRD to provide organizations the intellectual horsepower to achieve their strategic objectives.
Evolving Strategies in Treatment of Isolated Symptomatic Innominate Artery Disease
Authors: Palchik Eugene , Bakken Andrew M. , Wolford Heather Y. , Waldman David L. , Davies Mark G.
Published: July 2008

Purpose: To examine the evolving roles of endovascular and open approaches in treatment of symptomatic innominate artery (IA) disease. Methods: Patients treated for symptomatic IA lesions with or without involvement of the right common carotid and/or right subclavian arteries between 1997 and 2006 were identified. Charts and diagnostic studies were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of 18 patients treated, 8 required open reconstruction. Ten patients with high-grade focal stenosis were stented. Immediate technical and clinical success was 100% among all patients. Mean follow-up time was 25 and 27 months for endovascular and open interventions, respectively. The primary patency rates were 78% ± 14 and 80% ± 10 for endovascular and open groups, respectively. Assisted primary patency rate was 100% for both groups. There were no peri-operative mortalities or neurological events. We encountered two systemic (pulmonary) complications and one access-related complication among open and endovascular patients, respectively. Conclusion: Endovascular repair is evolving as a primary mode of therapy for focal IA lesions while open approach is reserved for more extensive disease. Patho-anatomical characteristics of a given IAlesion along with peri-operative risk assessment determine a proper surgical approach.
Effect of Preoperative Renal Dysfunction on Mortality and Postoperative Renal Failure Following Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Soong Chee V. , Makar Ragai R. , O'Donnell Mark E. , Badger Stephen A. , Lee Bernard , Sharif Muhammad A.
Published: July 2008

This study was aimed to assess the effect of preoperative renal dysfunction on mortality and postoperative renal failure in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. A total of 155 patients with a mean age of 74.9 years (±6.4) were included. In all, 31 patients (20%) had a preoperative creatinine level of >1.5 mg/dL, whereas 66 patients (42.6%) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min. Perioperative mortality was 2.6% with no significant difference between those with and without abnormal renal indices. Long-term survival at 4 years was 30% in patients with creatinine >1.5 mg/dL compared to over 60% in those with normal creatinine ( P < .02). The difference in long-term survival was not as significant in patients with normal or reduced glomerular filtration rate ( P = .13). However, neither creatinine nor glomerular filtration rate were found to accurately predict survival even though both demonstrated strong predictivity for postoperative renal failure in patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Modified Trapdoor Exposure for Open Repair of Brachiocephalic Artery Branch Injury: Case Report
Authors: Wall Michael L. , Davies Robert S. M. , Simms Malcolm H.
Published: July 2008

Central venous catheterization is associated with a wide spectrum of vascular complications, including inadvertent arterial puncture. We describe 2 cases of successful open surgical repair of iatrogenic cervicothoracic arterial injuries secondary to central venous catheterization. In both patients, a novel transmanubrial approach was incorporated to expose and control the brachiocephalic artery.
Endovascular Repair of Symptomatic Renal Transplant Site Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Moosavi Christopher A. , Gujrathi Sunil K. , Friedman Adie , Fox David , Silberzweig James E.
Published: July 2008

This article reports a patient with a symptomatic external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm at a prior transplant nephrectomy site who underwent successful repair with percutaneous endovascular placement of a covered stent. Endovascular treatment with a covered stent is a safe and effective alternative to open surgery in the treatment of a symptomatic pseudoaneurysm arising from a transplant nephrectomy site.
Successful Repair of Popliteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Tibial Lengthening Osteotomy in a 7-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Bowman Jonathan N. , Ellozy Sharif H. , Ting Jess , Ghiassi Saber
Published: July 2008

Popliteal artery injury is a known but rare complication of elective orthopedic procedures. This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula after a tibial lengthening osteotomy in a 7-year-old boy.
Aneurysm Regression After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: What Should We Expect?
Authors: El Sayed Hosam F. , Meier George H. , Mendoza Bernardo , Sprouse L. Richard , Parent F. Noel , Panneton Jean M.
Published: July 2008

This study reviewed a large national core laboratory database for the Ancure (Guidant, Menlo Park, California) phase I and II trial of overall aneurysm sac regression after endovascular aneurysm repair. Data were reviewed for aneurysm size and endoleak in follow-up. Endoleak was recorded as well as maximum major and minor axis aortic diameters. Included were patients with baseline assessment within 3 months of implantation and at least 24 months of follow-up, and 444 were available for review. The mean baseline aortic diameter was 56.6 mm; mean follow-up was 48.7 months. Of these patients, 129 (29.5%) had aneurysm regression to less than 40 mm, 42 (9.5%) regressed to less than 35 mm, and 12 (2.7%) had complete aneurysm sac obliteration. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that baseline aneurysm size was the only predictor of aneurysm size regression. Significant sac regression is common after Ancure aneurysm repair and appears to be related primarily to initial aneurysm size.
Associations Between Statin Treatment and Markers of Inflammation, Vasoconstriction, and Coagulation in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Gottsäter Anders , Flondell-Site Despina , Kölbel Tilo , Lindblad Bengt
Published: July 2008

The association of statins with markers of inflammation, vasoconstriction, and coagulation was evaluated in 325 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm with respect to statin treatment or not. Variables evaluated included routine laboratory markers, lipids, homocysteine, endothelin-1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and -9, and activated protein C-protein C inhibitor (APC-PCI) complex. Statin-treated patients were more often male (85% vs 75%; P = .024) and had ischemic heart disease (57% vs 19%; P < .0001). They showed lower levels of cholesterol ( P < .0001), homocysteine ( P = .027), MMP-9 ( P = .038), and endothelin-1 ( P = .005), and higher levels of APC-PCI complex ( P = .042). Differences persisted in logistic regression for cholesterol ( P < .0001), APC-PCI complex ( P = .034), and homocysteine ( P = .021). Statin-treated patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm show higher APC-PCI complex and lower homocysteine levels. Whether this translates into lower risk for aneurysm expansion or rupture will be evident from further follow-up.
Assessment of Aortic Pathology and Peripheral Arterial Disease Using Multidetector Computed Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Lin Peter H. , Bechara Carlos , Kougias Panagiotis , Huynh Tam T. , LeMaire Scott A. , Coselli Joseph S.
Published: July 2008

The development of multidetector computed tomography represents a remarkable diagnostic advancement because this imaging modality has been widely used in the evaluation of the cardiovascular system. With scanner-adjusted image acquisition and contrast medium administration, multidetector computed tomographic angiography provides a cost-effective and accurate imaging assessment in patients with aortic pathologies or peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Multidetector computed tomographic angiography is associated with several advantages, including high image spatial resolution and rapid imaging acquisition speed. This diagnostic methodology allows accurate detection of a variety of intravascular lesions in the carotid artery, thoracic and abdominal aorta, renal arteries, and peripheral arterial systems. This article provides an overview of multidetector computed tomographic angiography in the assessment of arterial disease and reviews current literature about this diagnostic technology in the evaluation of aortic and peripheral arterial pathologies.
Use of the Abdominal Aorta as an Alternative Access Site for Thoracic Aortic Stent Graft Placement
Authors: Martinez Trabal Jorge L. , Pigott John P. , Comerota Anthony J.
Published: July 2008

The treatment of thoracic aortic pathology has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years, with a trend toward less invasive endovascular techniques and away from open surgical repair. Reports on the successful use of endografts in the thoracic aorta have demonstrated decreased morbidity and mortality of these procedures compared with traditional open repair. However, some patients are not candidates for an endovascular approach because of a short proximal landing zone, arch angulation, luminal irregularities, or a large diameter of the transverse arch and the proximal descending aorta. Other patients are excluded because of distal pathology or anatomic irregularities. This article presents 2 patients with thoracic aortic pathology, and both had inadequate proximal landing zones and small, calcified iliac arteries prohibiting femoral or iliac access. Successful repair of these patients was achieved by a staged procedure using a brachiocephalic debranching technique, followed by direct infrarenal aortic cannulation through a limited celiotomy.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase and Diabetes: Vascular Implications
Authors: Maier Kristopher G.
Published: July 2008

Vascular disease associated with diabetes mellitus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is increasing in the United States. It is now recognized that oxidative stress plays a substantial role in the underlying vascular pathology of several diseases, including hypertension and diabetes. In diabetes, there is an increase in the steady state levels of reactive oxygen species. One of the primary generators of reactive oxygen species is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. Studies have indicated that inhibition of this system is associated with vascular benefits in diabetes. Therefore, there may be a role for therapies directed at nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase in this disease. This review will examine the structure, activation, potential role in vascular disease, and benefits of inhibition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase.
The Use of Arterial Closure Devices for Incidental Arterial Injury
Authors: Kirkwood Melissa L. , Wahlgren Carl-Magnus , Desai Tina R.
Published: July 2008

Incidental arterial injury is one of the main mechanical complications associated with central venous catheter placement. These injuries can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The use of arterial closure devices to repair these injuries offers a less invasive alternative than open repair and a safer approach than manual compression. We present 3 cases of critically ill patients treated with arterial closure devices when attempted central venous catheterization failed and inadvertent arterial cannulation occurred. A brief review of the various closure devices and there indications is discussed.