bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualification of Arterial Stiffness as a Risk Factor to the Progression of Chronic Kidney Diseases
Authors: Takenaka Tsuneo , Mimura Taku , Kanno Yoshihiko , Suzuki Hiromichi
Published: August 2005

Background: Reflection pressure may influence the clinical course of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). The relationship between the augmentation index (AI) and progression of non-diabetic CKDs was characterized. Methods: Ninety-nine patients were enrolled into the study. Pulse wave form analysis was performed to determine AI that assesses arterial stiffness. Results: In a cross-sectional study, a multiple regression analysis found that AI correlated positively to age and weight, and negatively to height and heart rate (R2 = 0.50). Furthermore, echocardiography was performed in 51 patients who gave their consent. In male patients under angiotensin inhibition, left ventricular mass index increased as AI was elevated (r = 0.33, slope = 0.85 ± 0.30 g/m2/%, p < 0.05, n = 23). A prospective study was performed in 41 patients who consented to having their creatinine clearance measured repeatedly. In the patients with angiotensin inhibition a higher basal AI resulted in a greater annual decrease in creatinine clearance (r = –0.52, slope = –0.43 ± 0.14 ml/min/year/%, p < 0.01, n = 27). Conclusion: The present data indicate that AI as well as angiotensin contribute to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy. Furthermore, our results suggest that in addition to angiotensin, AI is a risk factor of progression of non-diabetic CKDs.
Desmond Morris's Two Spheres
Authors: Root-Bernstein Robert
Published: August 2005

What is the value of artistic practices, techniques, inventions, aesthetics and knowledge for the working scientist? What is the value of scientific practices, techniques, inventions, aesthetics and knowledge for the artist? When does art become science and science, art? Can an individual excel at both science and art, or is even a passing familiarity with one sufficient to influence the other significantly? Guest editor Robert Root-Bernstein continues the exploration of such questions in the second installment of the Leonardo special project “ArtScience: The Essential Connection.”

Interested authors: please send proposals, queries and/or manuscripts to the Leonardo Editorial Office: < isast@leonardo.info >. Additional information available on the Leonardo web site: < www.leonardo.info >.
New Ideas Emerge When Collaboration Occurs
Authors: Plautz Dana
Published: August 2005

This paper provides some examples demonstrating the value for industry of funding and working with artists on research projects. It discusses how art research and industry can mutually benefit from working together at the research and development level. While artistic practice has long been recognized for its innovation and creativity, the potential of artistic research and the collaborative nature of artistic practice are currently underutilized by high-tech industry.
Symbolic Pointillism: Computer Art Motivated by Human Brain Structures
Authors: Krüger Norbert , Wörgötter Florentin
Published: August 2005

The authors introduce a new kind of computer art motivated by cortical structures in the human visual system. This type of computer art is related to the sub-group of the impressionist art movement called pointillism. However, while pointillism visualizes and makes use of processes that have been associated with the human eye, Symbolic Pointillism also makes cortical processes explicit. The visual representations underlying this art have been developed during a project that aims at the transfer of functional aspects of human vision to artificial systems. The authors have applied their findings in such an artificial vision system and in a sound/vision installation.
Between Art, Science and Technology: Data Representation Architecture
Authors: Bermúdez Julio , Agutter Jim , Foresti Stefano , Westenskow Dwayne , Syroid Noah , Drews Frank , Tashjian Elizabeth
Published: August 2005

As our civilization continues to dive deeper into the information age, making sense of complex data becomes critical. This work takes on this challenge by means of a novel method based on complete inter disciplinarity, design process and built-in evaluations. The result is the design, construction, testing and deployment of data environments supporting real-time decision-making in such diverse domains as anesthesiology and live art performance. Fundraising success, technology licensing, market implementation and many live art performances provide evidence of the great potential of committed interdisciplinary work for advancing science, art and technology while benefiting society at large.
Both and Neither: in silico v1.0, Ecce Homology
Authors: West Ruth , Burke Jeff , Kerfeld Cheryl , Mendelowitz Eitan , Holton Thomas , Lewis J.P. , Drucker Ethan , Yan Weihong
Published: August 2005

Ecce Homology, a physically interactive new-media work, visualizes genetic data as calligraphic forms. A novel computer-vision user interface allows multiple participants, through their movement in the installation space, to select genes from the human genome for visualizing the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), a primary algorithm in comparative genomics. Ecce Homology was successfully installed in the UCLA Fowler Museum, 6 November 2003–4 January 2004.
Metadesign as an Emergent Design Culture
Authors: Giaccardi Elisa
Published: August 2005

The concept of metadesign was adopted in the 1980s regarding the use of information technologies in relation to art, cultural theories and design practices (from interactive art to biotechnological design). This article introduces theories and practices of metadesign and contributes to the unfolding of metadesign as an emergent design culture, calling for an expansion of the creative process in the new design space engendered by information technologies.
Interfacing the Brain Directly with Musical Systems: On Developing Systems for Making Music with Brain Signals
Authors: Miranda Eduardo Reck , Brouse Andrew
Published: August 2005

The authors discuss their work on developing technology to interface the brain directly with music systems, a field of research generally known as Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI). The paper gives a brief background of BCI in general and surveys various attempts at musical BCI, or Brain-Computer Music Interface (BCMI) — systems designed to make music from brain signals, or brainwaves. The authors present a technical introduction to the electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures brainwaves detected by electrodes placed directly on the scalp. They introduce approaches to the design of BCI and BCMI systems and present two case study systems of their own design: the BCMI-Piano and the Inter-Harmonium.
The Critical Collaboration between Art and Science: An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump and the Ramifications of Genomics for Society
Authors: Schlick Tamar
Published: August 2005

Inspired by a famous 18th-century painting by Joseph Wright, the author discerns similarities between issues relevant then and the public's current reception of scientific ideas from modern biology in the wake of the Human Genome Project. She proposes educational and scientific initiatives and advocates more positive and balanced portrayals of scientific themes in the arts to help engage the public in a discourse about the ramifications of genomics science and technology for our lives.
A Filter-Based Evolutionary Algorithm for Constrained Optimization
Authors: Clevenger Lauren , Ferguson Lauren , Hart William E.
Published: August 2005

We introduce a filter-based evolutionary algorithm (FEA) for constrained optimization. The filter used by an FEA explicitly imposes the concept of dominance on a partially ordered solution set. We show that the algorithm is provably robust for both linear and nonlinear problems and constraints. FEAs use a finite pattern of mutation offsets, and our analysis is closely related to recent convergence results for pattern search methods. We discuss how properties of this pattern impact the ability of an FEA to converge to a constrained local optimum.
Dimitrios Doukas and the Accentuation of the New Testament Text of the Complutensian Polyglot
Authors: Lee John
Published: August 2005

This paper begins by pointing out the previously unobserved fact that the accentuation of the Greek New Testament text of the Complutensian Polyglot (1514) follows a monotonic system almost exactly the same as that now in use in Modern Greek. Next is considered the information on the matter in the preface to the volume. The Greek text of the preface is presented with English translation and notes. A number of misconceptions are dealt with. The question of the identity of the inventor of the accentuation is then explored in full. The evidence in favour of Dimitrios Doukas as editor of the text and author of the preface is summarised and augmented. The paper then argues that it was he who conceived and applied the system of accentuation. Possible other sources of the idea are considered and eliminated. Finally the question of who might have been behind the initial intention to print an unaccented text is discussed.
Virgin Territory: Purity and Divine Knowledge in Late Medieval Catoptromantic Texts[1] Le territoire vierge: Pureté et savoir divin dans les textes catoptromantiques du Moyen Âge tardif
Authors: Fanger Claire
Published: August 2005

La catoptromancie (divination par l'observation d'objets brillants) est une pratique abondamment attestée dans l'histoire, depuis l'Antiquité. Toutefois, les travaux académiques consacrés aux rituels de catoptromancie médiévaux sont encore assez rares. Cet article traite d'abord des prières et des rituels catoptromantiques pratiqués à l'aide d'un médium—toujours un enfant vierge—, lesquels se trouvent, notamment, dans deux manuels de nécromancie mediévale (Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, Rawl. D. 252, et le manuel publié par Richard Kieckhefer sous le titre Forbidden Rites). Après une analyse de l'idée de virginité, qui apparaît dans les mots des prières, l'article se concentre sur l'explication qu'un philosophe du XIIIe siècle, Guillaume d'Auvergne, fournit en matière d'utilisation d'enfants vierges au cours d'expériences catoptromantiques. Guillaume s'emploie longuement à réfuter la doctrine platonicienne selon laquelle la science n'est qu'une sorte de réminiscence; mais malgré son opposition à l'idée de “science-réminiscence”, il se montre naturellement favorable à la notion, également platonicienne, selon laquelle la pureté virginale peut, en principe, donner plus facilement accès aux régions de lumière appartenant à l'ordre du Créateur. Selon Guillaume, la lumière divine habite tout naturellement l'âme qui n'est pas encombrée et accablée de vices corporels; toutefois, il est pratiquement impossible à l'âme seule, sans l'assistance de Dieu, de franchir les frontières de ces régions. Ici, Guillaume fait allusion aux expériences d'ascèse infructueuses, auxquelles il s'est lui-même livré dans son adolescence. Bien évidemment, malgré l'opposition théologique à l'encontre de l'expérience théurgique, il existe une intéressante continuité entre la pratique et la théorie de la catoptromancie médiévale. En conclusion, l'article fait brièvement état de quelques autres continuités entre, d'une part, les formes de théurgie médiévale (notamment, dans les prières de l'ars notoria et dans celles de Jean de Morigny); et d'autre part, les conversations de John Dee avec les anges. Enfin, l'auteur présente une suggestion peut-être susceptible de résoudre “l'énigme Edward Kelly”.
Lilie, Licht und Gottes Weisheit: Philipp Otto Runge und Jacob Böhme
Authors: Öhlenbach Melanie
Published: August 2005

The influence of Jacob Böhme on early Romantic art and its philosophy has been largely neglected by modern scholars, even though tracing the impact of Böhme's writing opens a wide range of new interpretations and leads to a deeper understanding. Phillip Otto Runge's life, his theory and works bear testimony to Böhme's importance. The article is divided into five sections: The historical and biographical background (1) forms the basis of describing Runge's demand for a new form of art (“Neue Kunst”) (2): Art is considered as the revelation of God and the artist as its tool, while the artist's imagination creates the insight of God. It is the artists' duty to re-create the diverging harmony of man and cosmos in the sense of an artistic-spiritual revolution. Due to his early death, Runge managed only partly to put his ambitions into practice, notably in the Morning of his Four Times of a Day (Die Vier [Tages-] Zeiten) which was the only one of the four copperplate prints that was finally painted in colours. In its copperplate version (3), Runge uses rich symbolic features that show both his theoretical ambitions and Böhme's influence. The author argues that Runge's work reflects Böhme's ideas of God and the Holy Trinity, angels, the creation of the world, and “Christosophierdquo. In order to understand the full impact of Runge's works, it is also necessary to explain his theory of colours (Farbentheorie) (4). Colours are perceived to be “signature rerum” which indicate the possibility to return to God. Runge's theories of light, the trinity of the primary colours and the harmony of colours as well as their application (transparent or non-transparent) are based on Böhme's spiritual ideas. The final chapter of Runge's life as well as of this article is dedicated to the coloured version of the Morning (Der Kleine Morgen) (5). The author shows how the element of the female figure, which strongly suggests Böhme's idea of “Sophiardquo, is central to the painting. In recognition of all the features previously explained, the author provides a holistic interpretation of Runge's life work that includes and goes beyond previous interpretations.
Note A Margine Dell'Influsso Di G.I. Gurdjieff Su Samael Aun Weor
Authors: Zoccatelli PierLuigi
Published: August 2005

George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff (1866-1949) plays a special role among the key figures of contemporary esotericism. While he always refused to be identified as “a master”, and did not particularly like the word “esotericism” either, Gurdjieff was uniquely infiuential not only on subsequent Western esotericism, but on literature, architecture, music and the arts in general as well. It is true, on the other hand, that followers, schools and independent disciples each interpreted Gurdjieff's teachings in very different ways. The article discusses Gurdjieff's infiuence on a lesser known, but quite important esoteric author, the Colombian master Samael Aun Weor (1917-1997), who established a “Gnostic Movement” which today is present in a number of different countries and has several thousands of followers. Neither Gurdjieff nor Weor left behind a single group or movement. Instead, their followers split up into a dozen different organizations, as also happened with the followers of other masters within the framework of Western esotericism, where a characteristic “genealogical hypertrophy” often leads to endless claims of legitimacy and schisms. Both Gurdjieff and Weor may also be studied in terms of the “charisma of the book”, a category Jane Williams-Hogan introduced with reference to Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), i.e. their books generated a plethora of organized movements even beyond the presumed intentions of their authors. What is perhaps new in this article is that it discusses Gurdjieff's profound infiuence on Weor. This infiuence is rarely acknowledged, and in fact the crucial element of Weor's system, i.e. sexual magic, is not a central feature in most of the movements claiming Gurdjieff's heritage. Yet, a doctrine of sexuality as a pre-eminent kind of relation with the sacred, and as a means of achieving higher states of consciousness, is far from absent in Gurdjieff's writings. In fact, several of Weor's ideas about the use and manipulation of sexual energies appear to be taken literally from Gurdjieff. A study of Weor thus may be especially significant in order to address an aspect of Gurdjieff which was never adequately discussed in the large international corpus of publications about his teachings.
Forbidden Knowledge: Anti-Esoteric Polemics and Academic Research La connaissance interdite: Polémiques anti-ésotériques et recherche académique.
Authors: Hanegraaff Wouter J.
Published: August 2005

L'objet de cet article est de montrer que l'“Esotérisme occidental”, entendu comme champ de recherche spécifique, est le résultat d'un discours polémique qui s'est développé dans la culture occidentale au cours de nombreux siècles. La culture occidentale définit sa propre identité par le moyen d'un Grand Récit Polémique qui exclut certains types de religion, de vision du monde, ou de pratique, lesquels ressortiraient au domaine de “l'Autre”. C'est ainsi que le monothéisme définit son identité en rejetant le “paganisme” et l'“idolâtrie”; les premiers théologiens chrétiens, en rejetant l'hérésie du “gnosticisme”; le christianisme ancien et médiéval en rejetant la magie comme inspirée par des démons; le Protestantisme, en rejetant le Catholicisme Romain comme idolâtrie crypto-païenne; et les Lumières, en rejetant toute une série de croyances et de pratiques comme liées à l'hermétisme et à “l'occulte”. Par suite de ce processus cumulatif, l'“espace” occupé dans l'imaginaire collectif par l'“Autre” païen s'est peu à peu empli de contenus toujours nouveaux au fur et à mesure que le temps passait, et a continué à se développer, à s'étendre, jusqu'à finir, dans la recherche et le discours académiques dominants, par devenir une sorte de corbeille à papier de “savoir rejeté”. Récemment, des chercheurs ont commencé à se rendre compte que ce terrain, maintenant désigné généralement sous l'appellation de “Esotérisme occidental”, nécessite une étude sérieuse et impartiale. D'un point de vue historique, la Grand Récit Polémique, qui est à la base de notre identité culturelle commune, consiste en une longue série de simplifications successives fondées sur des programmes idéologiques et normatifs. Or, une tâche importante dévolue à la recherche historique et critique consiste à apporter un correctif aux faits historiques ainsi dénaturés, et à développer une compréhension plus complexe, plus nuancée, et plus neutre, de la culture occidentale. Voir les choses selon cette perspective nouvelle ne saurait perpétuer le programme polémique de base qui voit dans les idées et les développements de l'“ésotérique” quelque chose qui ferait partie d'une contre-culture des “autres”, dirigée contre le discours dominant. Il s'agit, en revanche, de les analyser en tant que dimension négligée de la culture et de la société en général. Une telle approche n'est pas seulement susceptible de nous aider à mieux saisir le sens de la réalité historique; elle est également, et nécessairement, appelée à connaître des implications radicales quant à la manière dont “nous” percevons notre propre identité.
Strength Evaluation of a Composite Marine Propeller Blade
Authors: Lin H. J. , Lin J. J. , Chuang T. J.
Published: August 2005

The strength of a composite propeller blade is evaluated by performing a nonlinear hydroelastic analysis. The finite element method, lifting surface theory, least square method, equilibrium equation, and Hashin failure criteria are employed for the structural analysis, fluid analysis, stress smoothing, three-dimensional stress calculation, and strength assessment, respectively. Additionally, the strength of the blades with balanced and unbalanced stacking sequences are evaluated and discussed. Five failure modes, fiber tension and compression, matrix tension and compression, and delamination are considered. The strength is shown to be insufficient for the blades with [.../452/90/0]S. Meanwhile, the blades with [.../2/90/0]S and [.../15/15/90/0]S are shown to have sufficient structural strength. However, attention shall be paid to the delamination failure at the leading and trailing edges of the blade.
A Study on the Mechanical and Water Absorption Properties of Granite Powder/Epoxy Toughened with PMMA and Fly Ash/Epoxy Toughened with PMMA Composites
Authors: Ramakrishna H. V. , Rai S. K.
Published: August 2005

In this study, the properties of two particulate reinforced epoxy composites namely granite powder and fly ash have been assessed. An attempt has also been made to improve the pure matrix system epoxy resin using commercially available thermoplastic (polymethyl methacrylate). Pure blend matrix with different weight fractions of polymethyl methacrylate and epoxy are prepared and the blend matrix having the highest strength is selected for preparing composites. The composites are prepared with different weight percentages of granite powder and fly ash with the blend matrix, and their impact, compression, and water absorption properties are studied.
Application of the Quadric Surfaces Criterion to Laminated Composites Containing a Through Thickness Crack
Authors: Yeh Hsien-Liang , Yeh Hsien-Yang
Published: August 2005

The purpose of this study is to apply the newly developed quadric surfaces failure criterion to laminated composites containing stress concentrations under tensile loading. To investigate this criterion, the influence of the material anisotropic properties and the far-field loading on the Graphite/Epoxy [90/0 /45]s laminates with a central crack were studied. The fracture angle and damage zone can also be evaluated from this criterion.

The tensile failure of a laminate is governed by the failure of the plies having fibers parallel to the loading direction. Under the uniaxial tensile load, the fracture planes of all the plies are perpendicular to the tensile loading direction within the [90/0 /45]s laminates containing a central crack.
Flow Analysis during On-line and Radial Injection Applications in Permeability Measurements
Authors: Hattabi M. , Echaabi J. , Bensalah M. O. , Bréeard J. , Saouab A.
Published: August 2005

In this study, a simple technique for revealing the key parameters (permeability, frontend kinetics) of the RTM process is developed. The variations in permeability during the technique lift the capillary effect, which is modeled for two configurations. The analysis of the front-end kinetics helps to identify the permeability tensor. The examination of the capillary number gives evidence of a non-saturated zone, characterized by a critical length.
Stability of FRP Beams under Three-point Loading and LRFD Approach
Authors: Sirjani Mojtaba B. , Razzaq Zia
Published: August 2005

This article presents the results of an experimental and theoretical study of I-section fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) beams subjected to a gradually increasing midspan load. The load is applied about the beam major axis from the compression flange side through a point below the shear center. The boundary conditions are flexurally and torsionally pinned. A 4 2 1/4 in. 3 pultruded I-section is adopted for the study and beam span lengths of 108, 96, 84, and 72 in. are used. The flexural-torsional response of the FRP beams is studied experimentally up to the maximum loadcarrying capacity. The experimental peak loads are compared with those arrived at theoretically using an equilibrium approach and are found to be in good agreement. To obtain a design expression for estimating the beam buckling load, an elastic buckling moment expression from the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) specification of the American Institute of Steel Construction is first modified. Next, a LRFD approach for the beam is outlined and its use demonstrated through analysis and design examples.
Unsymmetric and Biaxial Bending of FRP Angle Sections
Authors: Sirjani Mojtaba B. , Razzaq Zia
Published: August 2005

This article presents a procedure for estimating the cracking moment of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) angle section subjected to unsymmetrical or biaxial bending. The procedure is demonstrated by means of numerical examples for both equal and unequal-leg angle sections subjected to bending about non-principal axes of the cross section.
Studies on Cornstarch-filled Poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate) Latex-reinforced Polyester Nonwoven Fabric Composites
Authors: Kumar M. N. Satheesh , Siddaramaiah
Published: August 2005

Poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate) latex is prepared with 70: 30 weight ratio of styrene to butyl acrylate. Various weight percentages of cornstarch have been incorporated into the prepared copolymer latex. Polyester nonwoven fabric-reinforced cornstarch – filled copolymer latex composites have been fabricated by the impregnation method. The latex to fabric pickup ratio maintained is 3.2: 1. Physicomechanical properties, percentage water absorption, and percentage thickness swelling of composites have been studied. The fabricated cornstarch-filled composites have been evaluated for its ability to retain the shape after it has been molded to the desired shape by measuring the percentage area shape retention, hardness, and resilience. It is observed that the fabricated thermoplastic composite specimens retained or increased the mechanical properties up to 20wt% cornstarch loading.
Mechanical and Transport Properties of Colloidal Silica-Unsaturated Polyester Composites
Authors: Singh Paramjit , Kaushik Anupama , Kirandeep
Published: August 2005

Colloidal silica-reinforced polyester composites with different volume fractions of colloidal silica are investigated for morphology, tensile strength, and flexural strength. Morphology is studied using scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties are studied with respect to varying filler content i.e., from 0.5 to 2.5% (by wt.) and it is found that the tensile and flexural strengths increase initially with increasing filler content and then start to decreasing with the increase in filler content. There are several explanations for these effects, which are discussed in terms of reinforcing mechanisms. In addition, the effect of various aggressive solvents is studied. It is found that the chemical absorption increases with increasing filler content. The kinetics of swelling and sorption has also been studied for carbon tetrachloride, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde at 30 C. Diffusivity coefficient decreases and sorption coefficient increases with increasing filler content. In addition, the mode of transport is observed to be non-Fickian. The effect of solvents on the diffusion behavior of the composites is also studied. It is found that the equilibrium degree of swelling increases with the increase in the solubility parameter of the solvent and is maximum in the solvent, which has the solubility parameter value near to that of the polyester resin. As solubility parameter value deviates more from that of the resin, the equilibrium absorption value decreases.
Studies on Tensile Properties and Chemical Resistance of Glass Mat-Epoxy Toughened with Epoxy Phenol CNSL Composites
Authors: Priya S. Padma , Ramakrishna H. V. , Rai S. K. , Rajulu A. Varada
Published: August 2005

In this study, epoxy is toughened with epoxy phenol cashew nut shell liquid (EPCNSL) and different weight percentages of glass mat have been reinforced into this matrix. Their tensile strength has been determined. The variation of tensile strength of both epoxy and epoxy phenol CNSL toughened epoxy with varying weight fractions of the glass mat are studied. The tensile strength increases with epoxy phenol CNSL content upto 20% (w/w) in the composites. EPCNSL toughened composites show good chemical resistance to some acids, alkalis, and solvents. The interfacial bonding between the reinforcement and the matrix has been studied for both these composites using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique.
Hygrothermal Aging on Pultruded Carbon Fiber/Vinyl Ester Resin Composite for Sucker Rod Application
Authors: Yu Yunhua , Yang Xiaoping , Wang Lili , Liu Hongliang
Published: August 2005

The effects of hygrothermal aging on thermal and mechanical properties, and on the microstructure of pultruded unidirectional carbon fiber/vinyl ester resin (CF/VE) composites were investigated. The composite specimens were immersed in distilled water and salt solution at 95 and 65 C for more than 1000 h and the moisture absorption was recorded. The diffusion rate of moisture into the composite was found to fit Fickian’s diffusion model. SEM observation revealed that the fiber-matrix interface was weakened due to the invasion of moisture leading to debonding. Three-point flexural and interlaminar shear tests showed that both flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the composite specimens deteriorated to some extent after hygrothermal aging, while stiffness was less affected. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) results indicated that the glass transition temperature of the matrix underwent complicated changes, which was attributed to the combinational effects of plasticization and the formation of hydrogen bonds in the systems.
Density, Void Content, Weight Reduction, and Chemical Resistance Studies on Waste Silk Fabric Reinforced Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene-toughened Epoxy Composites
Authors: Priya S. Padma , Ramakrishna H. V. , Rai S. K.
Published: August 2005

Epoxy is toughened with acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer and composites are developed using varying weight fractions of waste silk fabric as reinforcement. Properties, such as density, void content, and weight reduction of the composites developed are studied and compared to that of pure epoxy/silk fabric composites. A chemical resistance test of these toughened resin composites is also carried out. This revealed that toughening the matrix used for composites enhances the resistance of the composites.
Utilization of Waste Silk Fabric as Reinforcement for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Toughened Epoxy Matrix
Authors: Rai S. K. , Priya S. Padma
Published: August 2005

The blend matrix epoxy-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is prepared with varying weight percentage (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) of ABS content in epoxy and the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of this blend matrix is determined. The blend matrix, which contains 4% ABS content in epoxy shows maximum strength and this is used as the matrix to prepare composites. Composites are prepared with varying weight fraction of silk fabric as the reinforcement and pure epoxy and ABS-epoxy as matrix. The developed composites are tested for their mechanical properties and it is found that the strength of the composites increases after toughening epoxy resin with ABS polymer.
Prior Thermal Spikes and Thermal Shocks on Mechanical Behavior of Glass Fiber-Epoxy Composites
Authors: Ray B. C. , Mula S. , Bera T. , Ray P. K.
Published: August 2005

Fiber-reinforced glass-epoxy composites with and without prior thermal history are subjected to hygrothermal conditioning for different exposure times. The prior thermal history is given in the form of thermal shocks and thermal spikes at three different temperatures. The effects of exposure time and prior thermal history on the moisture absorption kinetics are studied. The effects of prior conditioning parameters are also investigated. The variation of mechanical properties as a function of exposure time and prior conditioning parameters are assessed by the three-point short beam shear bend test. It has been observed that there is an initial improvement in the mechanical properties followed by a steady deterioration. Mechanical tests performed at different crosshead velocities show increasing brittleness of the composites and that is found to be a function of cross-head velocity.
Flexural and Shear Properties of Silica Particle Modified Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite
Authors: Cao Y. , Cameron J.
Published: August 2005

The objective of this study is to develop a new method of manufacturing glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites and to quantitatively show that the properties of such a new material are superior to that of a conventional fiber reinforced polymer composite of the same material base composition. To achieve this objective, the glass fiber (GF) reinforced epoxy composite samples are prepared in four different ways: Method A, using ‘clean’ GF as the reinforcement (i.e., with no modification or additional treatment to the as-received fiber); Method B, modifying the surface of the GF with silica particles before applying in the composite system; Method C, prestressing the clean GF during the curing procedure of the composite; and Method D, prestressing the silica modified GF during the curing procedure of the composite. Preparation by Method D is the newly developed method. The finished composite samples are tested by the three-point bend test and the short-beam shear test under ASTM standard conditions. The results indicate that the composites prepared by the new method, which include the GF surface modification and the GF prestressing preparation conditions, have an excellent combination of properties when compared to the specimens made by the other three methods.
Organizing migrant workers
Authors: Holgate Jane
Published: August 2005

The structural position of black and minority ethnic workers (BME) and migrant workers in the UK labour market is relatively well known. Many workers in these groups find themselves in low-paid, low-skilled jobs primarily because of their ethnicity and regardless of their skills. This racialization of the labour market has been well documented - particularly since the ‘large-scale’ BME immigration in the post-war period. What is less well known is what it is like to work in these increasingly segmented sections of the economy where white workers have abandoned jobs in favour of (slightly) more lucrative work. Adopting a case-study approach, this article follows a trade union’s attempt to organize a sandwich factory of 500 workers, where most of the workforce was made up of BME migrant workers.
‘He earns the bread and butter and I earn the cream’
Authors: Charles Nickie , James Emma
Published: August 2005

This article explores the relation between job insecurity, male breadwinner ideology and family forms drawing on qualitative, in-depth interviews with women and men working in three organizations in a specific travel-to-work area in South Wales. We argue that a modified form of male breadwinner family is still widespread in this part of Britain, but that the elements that constitute male breadwinner ideology and the male breadwinner family are disrupted by men’s job insecurity. There are few signs of the emergence of a dual breadwinner/dual carer family, although the families of 42 percent of our respondents conformed to a dual earner family form. The only circumstance where men took on more of the care work was in a situation of role reversal as a result of men’s job insecurity and/or job loss and was most evident amongst couples where both were on low incomes with insecure jobs.
Non-standard employment relations and wages among school leavers in the Netherlands
Authors: de Vries M. Robert , Wolbers Maarten H. J.
Published: August 2005

Non-standard (alternatively, flexible) employment has become common in the Netherlands, and viewed as an important weapon for combating youth unemployment. However, if such jobs are ‘bad’, non-standard employment becomes a matter of concern. In addition, non-standard employment may hit the least qualified, excluding them from the primary segment of the labour market, where ‘good’ jobs are found. We first examine whether less-educated school leavers more often end up in a job with a non-standard employment contract than the higher educated. Then, we investigate the effect of having a non-standard employment contract on job advantages in terms of wages. The data come from three large-scale Dutch school leaver surveys as held in 2001.The results show: (a) less-educated school leavers indeed are more likely to have a non-standard contract than more highly educated ones, while (b) those in non-standard employment earn less in their jobs. A substantial part of these differences can be ascribed to the segment of the labour market in which school leavers work.
Disability, work, and welfare
Authors: Barnes Colin , Mercer Geof
Published: August 2005

This article engages with debates relating to social policy and disabled people’s exclusion from the British labour market. Drawing on recent developments from within the disabled people’s movement, in particular, the concept of independent living and the social model of disability, and the associated disability studies literature, a critical evaluation of orthodox sociological theories of work, unemployment, and under-employment in relation to disabled people’s exclusion from the workplace is provided. It is argued that hitherto, analyses of work and disability have failed to address in sufficient depth or breadth the various social and environmental barriers that confront disabled people. It is suggested therefore that a reconfiguration of the meaning of work for disabled people - drawing on and commensurate with disabled people’s perspectives as expressed by the philosophy of independent living - and a social model analysis of their oppression is needed and long overdue.
The invisibility of violence
Authors: Bishop Vicky , Korczynski Marek , Cohen Laurie
Published: August 2005

This article explores the social construction of violence within the front-line context of job centres in the Employment Service (ES). The issue of violence within organizations is typically approached using positivistic methods. In contrast, this article deepens understandings of violence in organizations by using an interpretive approach. Through an analysis of data generated through an in-depth case study, this article argues that although ES front-liners experienced much of customer behaviour as violent, this high level of violence was systematically denied by the organization. In effect, the formal organization constructed violence in such a way that it was rendered invisible. This article examines not only how management, formal policies and procedures construct violence as invisible, but also the role of the staff themselves as active agents in the social construction of violence out of the workplace.
Suppression or expression
Authors: Lewis Patricia
Published: August 2005

Based on an interview study of neonatal nurses, this article sets out to explore the management of emotions within a work context where their suppression is a professional requirement. Drawing on Bolton’s (2000a, 2000b) identification of different types of organizational emotionality, in particular prescriptive and philanthropic emotion management, the article seeks to demonstrate the complexities involved in the performance of emotional labour. It does this by first exploring the times when a nurse chooses to perform one form of emotion management over another (e.g. prescriptive over philanthropic). Second, the article examines the relationship between these two forms of emotion management, taking into account their gendered nature and highlighting the existence of any tensions between them. Lastly, it considers how nurses create informal communities of coping (Korczynski, 2003) as a means of dealing with the consequences of having to move between these two different forms of emotion management.
Learning emotion rules in service organizations
Authors: Seymour Diane , Sandiford Peter
Published: August 2005

This article discusses the way in which emotion rules are learned by service workers through an ethnographic study of employees in a chain of public houses. It reviews the findings of recent research based on studies of large firms in the service sector in order to discuss similarities and differences in the ways in which emotion rules are learned, internalized, controlled, and monitored in large firms and small units. It concludes that in contrast to large firms, small units are characterized by little formal training and few explicit rules for emotion management and display. Implicit rules for performing emotional labour are learned through informal socialization with colleagues, managers, and customers. The importance of competing informal social control mechanisms is highlighted, showing how service workers are expected to be skilled emotion managers negotiating the expectations of different stakeholders.
Bringing emotion to work
Authors: Hughes Jason
Published: August 2005

This article centrally examines the sociological significance of emotional intelligence (EI) as a nascent managerial discourse. Through developing a three-way reading of the writers Richard Sennett, Daniel Goleman, and George Ritzer, it is contended that EI can be understood to signal ‘new rules’ for work involving demands for workers to develop moral character better attuned to the dynamics of the flexible workplace - character that is more ‘intelligent’, adaptive, and reflexive. Furthermore, it is argued that while EI appears in some important respects to open the scope for worker discretion, it might also signal diminished scope for worker resistance. However, ultimately, the case of EI is used to problematise recent discussions of worker resistance - to suggest the possibility of ‘resistant’ worker agency exercised through collusion with, as well as transgression of, corporate norms and practices.
PPAR-γ agonists inhibit toll-like receptor-mediated activation of dendritic cells via the MAP kinase and NF-κB pathways
Authors: Appel Silke , Mirakaj Valdete , Bringmann Anita , Weck Markus M. , Grünebach Frank , Brossart Peter
Published: August 2005

Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in initiating and maintaining primary immune responses. However, mechanisms involved in the resolution of these responses are elusive. We analyzed the effects of 15d-PGJ2 and the synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ ligand troglitazone (TGZ) on the immunogenicity of human monocyte-derived DCs upon stimulation with toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. Activation of PPAR-γ resulted in a reduced stimulation of DCs via the TLR ligands 2, 3, 4, and 7, characterized by down-regulation of costimulatory and adhesion molecules and reduced secretion of cytokines and chemokines involved in T-lymphocyte activation and recruitment. MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein-1) production was increased due to PPAR-γ activation. Furthermore, TGZ-treated DCs showed a significantly reduced capacity to stimulate T-cell proliferation, emphasizing the inhibitory effect of PPAR-γ activation on TLR-induced DC maturation. Western blot analyses revealed that these inhibitory effects on TLR-induced DC activation were mediated via inhibition of the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways while not affecting the PI3 kinase/Akt signaling. Our data demonstrate that inhibition of the MAP kinase and NF-κB pathways is critically involved in the regulation of TLR and PPAR-γ-mediated signaling in DCs.
Timely triggering of homeostatic mechanisms involved in the regulation of T-cell levels in SIVsm-infected sooty mangabeys
Authors: Muthukumar Alagarraju , Zhou Dejiang , Paiardini Mirko , Barry Ashley P. , Cole Kelly S. , McClure Harold M. , Staprans Silvija I. , Silvestri Guido , Sodora Donald L.
Published: August 2005

Sooty mangabeys, the natural host of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVsm), generally avoid progressive depletion of CD4+ T cells and opportunistic infections associated with infection of humans (HIV) and macaques (SIVmac). The means by which the SIVsm-infected mangabeys maintain CD4+ T-cell levels despite high rates of viral replication is unknown. One cytokine that has a key role in the regulation of T-cell levels is interleukin-7 (IL-7). Here, the longitudinal assessment of 6 SIVsm-infected mangabeys identified an early increase in plasma IL-7 levels at weeks 1 to 5 after infection. This IL-7 increase correlated with an early decline in CD4+ T-cell levels (decline of 492-1171 cells/μL) accompanying acute viremia. Elevated IL-7 levels were followed by increased T-cell proliferation (Ki67) and maintenance of lower but stable (more than 500 cells/μL) CD4+ T-cell levels in each mangabey through 37 weeks of infection. These data contrast with our earlier studies in SIVmac-infected macaques, in which the IL-7 increase was delayed until 20 to 40 weeks after infection, just before the onset of simian AIDS. Taken together, these data suggest that timely triggering of IL-7 is important for stabilizing healthy T-cell levels in mangabeys and that timely administration of exogenous IL-7 may show benefit during pathogenic SIVmac and HIV infection.
p130Cas mediates the transforming properties of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase
Authors: Ambrogio Chiara , Voena Claudia , Manazza Andrea D. , Piva Roberto , Riera Ludovica , Barberis Laura , Costa Carlotta , Tarone Guido , Defilippi Paola , Hirsch Emilio , Erba Elisabetta Boeri , Mohammed Shabaz , Jensen Ole N. , Palestro Giorgio , Inghirami Giorgio , Chiarle Roberto
Published: August 2005

Translocations of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene have been described in anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (ALCLs) and in stromal tumors. The most frequent translocation, t(2;5), generates the fusion protein nucleophosmin (NPM)–ALK with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Along with transformation, NPM-ALK induces morphologic changes in fibroblasts and lymphoid cells, suggesting a direct role of ALK in cell shaping. In this study, we used a mass-spectrometry–based proteomic approach to search for proteins involved in cytoskeleton remodeling and identified p130Cas (p130 Crk-associated substrate) as a novel interactor of NPM-ALK. In 293 cells and in fibroblasts as well as in human ALK-positive lymphoma cell lines, NPM-ALK was able to bind p130Cas and to induce its phosphorylation. Both of the effects were dependent on ALK kinase activity and on the adaptor protein growth factor receptor–bound protein 2 (Grb2), since no binding or phosphorylation was found with the kinase-dead mutant NPM-ALKK210R or in the presence of a Grb2 dominant-negative protein. Phosphorylation of p130Cas by NPM-ALK was partially independent from Src (tyrosine kinase pp60c-src) kinase activity, as it was still detectable in Syf-/- cells. Finally, p130Cas-/- (also known as Bcar1-/-) fibroblasts expressing NPM-ALK showed impaired actin filament depolymerization and were no longer transformed compared with wild-type cells, indicating an essential role of p130Cas activation in ALK-mediated transformation.
Role of FcRγ and factor XIIIA in coated platelet formation
Authors: Jobe Shawn M. , Leo Lorie , Eastvold Joshua S. , Dickneite Gerhard , Ratliff Timothy L. , Lentz Steven R. , Di Paola Jorge
Published: August 2005

Platelet activation in response to dual stimulation with collagen and thrombin results in the formation of a subpopulation of activated platelets known as coated platelets. Coated platelets are characterized by high surface levels of α-granule proteins and phosphatidylserine, which support the assembly of procoagulant protein complexes. Using murine models, we tested the hypothesis that the collagen receptor-associated molecule FcRγ and the transglutaminase factor XIIIA are required for the formation of coated platelets. Following dual stimulation with the collagen receptor agonist convulxin and thrombin, 68% of platelets from C57BL/6 mice acquired the coated platelet phenotype, defined by high surface levels of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor and decreased binding of the αIIbβ3 activation-dependent antibody PE-JON/A. In FcRγ-/- mice, only 10% of platelets became “coated” after dual stimulation with convulxin plus thrombin (P < .05 vs C57BL/6 platelets). Decreased coated platelet formation in FcRγ-/- platelets was accompanied by decreased annexin V binding (P < .01) and decreased platelet procoagulant activity (P < .05). Platelets from FXIIIA-/- mice did not differ from control platelets in coated platelet formation or annexin V binding. We conclude that FcRγ, but not factor XIIIA, is essential for formation of highly procoagulant coated platelets following dual stimulation with collagen and thrombin.