bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biobanks for non-clinical purposes and the new law on forensic biobanks: does the Italian context protect the rights of minors?
Authors: Tozzo Pamela , Pegoraro Renzo , Caenazzo Luciana
Published: November 2010

Biobanks are an important resource for medical research. Genetic research on biological material from minors can yield valuable information that can improve our understanding of genetic–environmental interactions and the genesis and development of early onset genetic disorders. The major ethical concerns relating to biobanks concern consent, privacy, confidentiality, commercialisation, and the right to know or not to know. However, research on paediatric data raises specific governance and ethical questions with regard to consent and privacy. We have considered the Italian normative context focusing on what is mentioned in each document on the ethical and legal requirements that guarantee the rights of minors. We found out that there is no systematic reflection on the ethical and policy issues arising from the participation of minors in biobank research. Moreover, we have focused on the same aspects for the new Italian Law on the National Forensic Biobank.
How to read a postoperative total hip replacement radiograph
Authors: McBride Tim J , Prakash Divya
Published: November 2010

In 2006 over 55 000 primary total hip replacements were implanted in the UK. A crucial aspect of follow-up for these patients is the assessment of the postoperative radiograph. Information gained from the initial radiograph includes assessment of the quality of implantation and hence the likelihood of long term success. Follow-up radiographs can be assessed for signs of component failure. Orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, junior surgical trainees, general medical practitioners, and advanced nurse/extended scope practitioners may all be required to interpret these radiographs during clinical practice. The authors feel that certainly during orthopaedic surgical training, not enough time is allocated to formal training on the systematic assessment of such radiographs. This review aims to provide the reader with a systematic approach to analysing the initial postoperative total hip arthroplasty radiograph, and subsequent follow-up films. Basics of patient positioning for obtaining radiographs, types of prosthesis encountered, and terminology used are covered. Assessment of initial radiographs focuses on assessing leg length, acetabular and femoral positioning, and cement mantle adequacy. Follow-up radiographs are assessed for signs of component failure. A review of the literature provides evidence for the assessment and importance of adequacy of component positioning, and good cementing technique. Normal and abnormal follow-up radiographic features are outlined to allow assessment of loosening or impending failure of a prosthesis.
Smoking restrictions in bars and bartender smoking in the US, 1992–2007
Authors: Bitler Marianne P , Carpenter Christopher , Zavodny Madeline
Published: November 2010

Objective

The present work is an analysis of whether adoption of state clean indoor air laws (SCIALs) covering bars reduces the proportion of bartenders who smoke primarily by reducing smoking among people already employed as bartenders when restrictions are adopted or by changing the composition of the bartender workforce with respect to smoking behaviours.

Methods

Logistic regressions were estimated for a variety of smoking outcomes, controlling for individual demographic characteristics, state economic characteristics, and state, year, and month fixed effects, using data on 1380 bartenders from the 1992–2007 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey combined with data on SCIALs from ImpacTeen.

Results

State restrictions on smoking in bars are negatively associated with whether a bartender smokes, with a 1-point increase in restrictiveness (on a scale of 0–3) associated with a 5.3% reduction in the odds of smoking. Bar SCIALs are positively associated with the likelihood a bartender reports never having smoked cigarettes but not with the likelihood a bartender reports having been a former smoker.

Conclusion

State clean indoor air laws covering bars appear to reduce smoking among bartenders primarily by changing the composition of the bartender workforce with respect to smoking rather than by reducing smoking among people already employed as bartenders when restrictions are adopted. Such laws may nonetheless be an important public health tool for reducing secondhand smoke.
Strong advocacy led to successful implementation of smokefree Mexico City
Authors: Crosbie Eric , Sebrié Ernesto M , Glantz Stanton A
Published: November 2010

Objective

To describe the approval process and implementation of the 100% smokefree law in Mexico City and a competing federal law between 2007 and 2010.

Methods

Reviewed smokefree legislation, published newspaper articles and interviewed key informants.

Results

Strong efforts by tobacco control advocacy groups and key policymakers in Mexico City in 2008 prompted the approval of a 100% smokefree law following the WHO FCTC. As elsewhere, the tobacco industry utilised the hospitality sector to block smokefree legislation, challenged the City law before the Supreme Court and promoted the passage of a federal law that required designated smoking areas. These tactics disrupted implementation of the City law by causing confusion over which law applied in Mexico City. Despite interference, the City law increased public support for 100% smokefree policies and decreased the social acceptability of smoking. In September 2009, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the City law, giving it the authority to go beyond the federal law to protect the fundamental right of health for all citizens.

Conclusions

Early education and enforcement efforts by tobacco control advocates promoted the City law in 2008 but advocates should still anticipate continuing opposition from the tobacco industry, which will require continued pressure on the government. Advocates should utilise the Supreme Court's ruling to promote 100% smokefree policies outside Mexico City. Strong advocacy for the City law could be used as a model of success throughout Mexico and other Latin American countries.
RATE PROCESS OF YIELDING IN SOME BODY-CENTERED CUBIC ALKALI METALS
Authors: MUSHTAQ N. , BUTT M. Z.
Published: November 2010

Temperature dependence of the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) of 5N pure body-centered cubic (bcc) alkali metals K , Li , and Na has been critically examined within the framework of the Feltham–Butt model of flow stress in crystals with high intrinsic lattice friction. The model is based on the concept of the Peierls mechanism, i.e., the kink-pair mode of escape of screw dislocations trapped in Peierls valleys. It predicts that the square–root of CRSS, τ1/2, varies with the temperature, T, in accord with the relation τ1/2 = A – BT, where A and B are positive constants. Evaluation of the microscopic parameters of the model from the experimental τ – T data shows that the Peierls mechanism on (321) plane is responsible for the initial flow stress in K single crystal at rather low temperatures between 1.5 and 25 K. However, the rate–controlling process of yielding in Li (90–300 K) and Na (50–150 K) single crystals is not Peierls mechanism but stress-assisted, thermally activated, breakaway of edge-dislocation segments from short rows of pinning points due to localized defects, by cooperative unzipping and at the same time expanding in the shape of shallow bulge to the saddle point.
APPLYING NEURAL NETWORKS TO SOFTWARE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT
Authors: SCHNEIDEWIND NORMAN
Published: November 2010

We adapt concepts from the field of neural networks to assess the reliability of software, employing cumulative failures, reliability, remaining failures, and time to failure metrics. In addition, the risk of not achieving reliability, remaining failure, and time to failure goals are assessed. The purpose of the assessment is to compare a criterion, derived from a neural network model, for estimating the parameters of software reliability metrics, with the method of maximum likelihood estimation. To our surprise the neural network method proved superior for all the reliability metrics that were assessed by virtue of yielding lower prediction error and risk. We also found that considerable adaptation of the neural network model was necessary to be meaningful for our application – only inputs, functions, neurons, weights, activation units, and outputs were required to characterize our application.
RESEARCH ON A NEW HARDNESS TESTING DEVICE BASED ON VIRTUAL DESIGN
Authors: CHEN QIONG , LV YUAN-JUN
Published: November 2010

Structure optimization of Hardness Testing Device (HTD) based on virtual design is proposed here. The purpose of the HTD is to obtain hardness properties of accessories. Since the creation of the previous HTD, a few problems have been experienced during testing. In the present work, improvements in both equipment design and automation control have been made. A realistic digital analysis is generated by combining automated and interactive approaches to evaluate the capability of the device with simulation software ADAMS and AMESim. Theoretical analysis is taken into account to obtain numerical results close to reality. The approach and the conclusions should be useful for composite structures design. The improved design of HTD reduces the number of costly physical prototypes, improves design quality and reduces product development time.
A supervised combination strategy for illumination chromaticity estimation
Authors: Li Bing , Xiong Weihua , Xu De , Bao Hong
Published: November 2010

Color constancy is an important perceptual ability of humans to recover the color of objects invariant of light information. It is also necessary for a robust machine vision system. Until now, a number of color constancy algorithms have been proposed in the literature. In particular, the edge-based color constancy uses the edge of an image to estimate light color. It is shown to be a rich framework that can represent many existing illumination estimation solutions with various parameter settings. However, color constancy is an ill-posed problem; every algorithm is always given out under some assumptions and can only produce the best performance when these assumptions are satisfied. In this article, we have investigated a combination strategy relying on the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) technique that integrates the output of edge-based color constancy with multiple parameters. Experiments on real image data sets show that the proposed method works better than most single-color constancy methods and even some current state-of-the-art color constancy combination strategies.
Effective requirements engineering
Authors: Bail William
Published: November 2010

Failures in systems closely correlate to shortcomings in the system's requirements. Some historic data suggests that requirements are responsible for nearly half of all system development failures. This is especially true for critical systems that are real-time and embedded. Expectations for fault tolerance, graceful degradation, degraded performance modes, and temporal challenges (latency and synchronization) fail to be fully satisfied by common practice.

This tutorial discusses shortcomings in current practices, and provides guidance for enhanced practices that address historic shortcomings, and provide an approach to weighing tradeoffs associated with ambitious goals and realistic limits. It clarifies terminology to facilitate a clearer focus on underlying concepts. In addition, it specifically addresses the issue of stakeholder acceptability, allowing trade-offs of various system qualities to determine overall system acceptance. The tutorial does not describe in detail any specific techniques. Rather, it describes the ways that requirements need to be handled to maximize the likelihood of success.
Unmanned systems with Ada and RTEMS
Authors: Cicalese Cindy , Sherill Joel , Sward Ricky , Weatherly Richard
Published: November 2010

This tutorial provides an introduction to the development of software in Ada for unmanned systems. The authors will demonstrate how they are using Ada over RTEMS in developing the real time control software for a large unmanned ground vehicle. RTEMS is an open source, real-time operating system that provides a high performance environment for embedded applications on a range of processors and embedded hardware.

The format of the tutorial will be hands-on, focusing on developing applications in Ada over RTEMS using a live Fedora GNU Linux DVD. The DVD provides a complete GNAT Ada installation with all sources and scripts as well as the prebuilt toolset and simulators. The instructors will demonstrate some of the hardware components of the large unmanned ground vehicle controlled by software developed in Ada over RTEMS. The attendee will gain from this tutorial a practical application of how Ada can be used in the development of unmanned systems. The attendee should bring a x86 compatible laptop with DVD reader, if possible.
A deterministic run-time environment for Ada-05 on the ATmega16 microcontroller
Authors: Ras Jim , Cheng Albert M.K.
Published: November 2010

Microcontrollers account for more than 90% of total microprocessors sold, yet their capabilities are seldom explored in computer science courses. A simple 8-Bit microcontroller can be used in a computer language programming course to facilitate the study of computer architecture and fundamental programming concepts. Through hands-on experience, students can appreciate using a computer language such as Assembly or ADA to develop applications for embedded devices. ADA is not often used in small embedded systems because of ADA's high overhead. We can overcome this problem by using a subset of ADA, such as the Ravenscar Profile. The goal of this paper is to describe how ADA can be used to develop high-integrity real-time systems supporting the Ravenscar tasking model of ADA-05 on the Atmel AVR ATmega16 microcontroller.
Towards Ada 2012
Authors: Schonberg Edmond
Published: November 2010

The Ada Rapporteur Group [ARG] following the directives of ISO/IEC/JTC1/SC22/WG9 is preparin and update to the Ada 2005 standard. This paper presents a snapshot of the more important language enhancements under discussion. Even though these enhancements are not yet in their final form and will not become part of the new standard until approved by ISO, the description that follows is an accurate reflection of the main directions in which the language is evolving. However, the names of packages, subprograms, and formal parameters, as well as some details of the syntax might change from what is presented here.
I know what you will do next summer
Authors: Krishnamurthy Balachander
Published: November 2010

This is a brief journey across the Internet privacy landscape. After trying to convince you about the importance of the problem I will try to present questions of interest and how you might be able to apply your expertise to them.
Pazopanib in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ward James E. , Stadler Walter M.
Published: November 2010

Pazopanib is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with advanced renal cell cancer on the basis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial, which showed that once a day dosing of 800 mg of pazopanib resulted in progression free survival of 9.2 months versus 4.2 months (P < 0.0001). Pazopanib thus joins sorafenib and sunitinib as one of the clinically available VEGF receptor (VEGFR)–targeted drugs for the treatment of patients with advanced clear cell renal cell cancer. The mechanism of action, preclinical and clinical data, and a comparison with the other drugs in its class are outlined below. Clin Cancer Res; 16(24); 5923–7. ©2010 AACR.
Intrapleural r-tPA in Association with Low-Molecular Heparin May Cause Massive Hemothorax Resulting in Hypovolemia
Authors: Anevlavis Stavros , Archontogeorgis Kostas , Tzouvelekis Argyris , Kouliatsis George , Pozova Sofia , Bougioukas Ioannis , Bouros Demosthenes , Froudarakis Marios E.
Published: November 2010

The use of intrapleural instillation of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) in the treatment of pleural infection may increase pleural fluid drainage associated with a clinical and imaging improvement, leading to a faster resolution. The use of r-tPA is generally well tolerated. Here we report 2 cases of massive pleural hemorrhage resulting in life-threatening hypovolemia, in 2 patients treated with intrapleural r-tPA for a pleural infection, who were simultaneously receiving systemic anticoagulation (1 therapeutic, the second prophylactic) with low-molecular weight heparin. It appears that the decision of treating pleural infection with r-tPA in patients receiving therapeutic or prophylactic systemic anticoagulation must be well balanced and in case of association of these compounds, close monitoring is necessary.
Blood Arachidonic Acid and HDL Cholesterol Influence the Phagocytic Abilities of Human Monocytes/Macrophages
Authors: Gutowska I. , Baśkiewicz M. , Machaliński B. , Chlubek D. , Stachowska E.
Published: November 2010

Aims: Many immunomodulators may intensify the process of phagocytosis in monocytes. Among them are the fatty acids contained in cellular membrane phospholipids. But in the available literature there are no reports on how blood fatty acids and lipoproteins can modulate the phagocytic abilities of cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was the evaluation of the phagocytic activity of monocytes isolated from the blood of healthy human subjects with defined fatty acids and lipoprotein content. Methods: Cells obtained from 24 donors were used for measuring phagocytic activity and for the quantification of serum fatty acids, total cholesterol, TG, HDL, and LDL, respectively. Phagocytosis was determined using a PHAGOTEST kit, fatty acids using a GC chromatograph, and lipids using test kits. Results/Conclusions: The analysis shows an influence of serum HDL concentrations on the process of phagocytosis in the isolated cells and suggests that the concentration of arachidonic acid in blood is a factor that determines the phagocytic ability of monocytes. Moreover, the concentration of conjugated linoleic acid trans-10 cis-12 has considerable influence on phagocytosis.
Analysis of Thioester-Containing Proteins during the Innate Immune Response of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bou Aoun Richard , Hetru Charles , Troxler Laurent , Doucet Daniel , Ferrandon Dominique , Matt Nicolas
Published: November 2010

Thioester-containing proteins (TEPs) are conserved proteins among insects that are thought to be involved in innate immunity. In Drosophila, the Tep family is composed of 6 genes named Tep1–Tep6. In this study, we investigated the phylogeny, expression pattern and roles of these genes in the host defense of Drosophila. Protostomian Tep genes are clustered in 3 distinct branches, 1 of which is specific to mosquitoes. Most D. melanogaster Tep genes are expressed in hemocytes, can be induced in the fat body, and are expressed in specific regions of the hypodermis. This expression pattern is consistent with a role in innate immunity. However, we find that TEP1, TEP2, and TEP4 are not strictly required in the body cavity to fight several bacterial and fungal infections. One possibility is that Drosophila TEPs act redundantly or that their absence can be compensated by other components of the immune response. TEPs may thus provide a subtle selective advantage during evolution. Alternatively, they may be required in host defense against specific as yet unidentified natural pathogens of Drosophila.
What Is the Optimal Blood Pressure in Patients After Acute Coronary Syndromes?
Authors: Bangalore Sripal , Qin Jie , Sloan Sarah , Murphy Sabina A. , Cannon Christopher P. ,   for the PROVE IT-TIMI 22 Trial Investigators
Published: November 2010

Background—

Aggressive blood pressure (BP) control has been advocated in patients with acute coronary syndrome, but few data exist in this population relative to cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 4162 patients enrolled in the PRavastatin Or atorVastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy–Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (PROVE IT-TIMI) 22 trial (acute coronary syndrome patients randomized to pravastatin 40 mg versus atorvastatin 80 mg). The average follow-up BP (systolic and diastolic) was categorized into 10-mm Hg increments. The primary outcome was a composite of death due to any cause, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring rehospitalization, revascularization after 30 days, and stroke. The secondary outcome was a composite of death due to coronary heart disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or revascularization. The relationship between BP (systolic or diastolic) followed a J- or U-shaped curve association with primary, secondary, and individual outcomes, with increased events rates at both low and high BP values, both unadjusted and after adjustment for baseline variables, baseline C-reactive protein, and on-treatment average levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A nonlinear Cox proportional hazards model showed a nadir of 136/85 mm Hg (range 130 to 140 mm Hg systolic and 80 to 90 mm Hg diastolic) at which the incidence of primary outcome was lowest. The curve was relatively flat for systolic pressures of 110 to 130 mm Hg and diastolic pressures of 70 to 90 mm Hg.

Conclusions—

After acute coronary syndrome, a J- or U-shaped curve association existed between BP and the risk of future cardiovascular events, with lowest event rates in the BP range of approximately 130 to 140 mm Hg systolic and 80 to 90 mm Hg diastolic and a relatively flat curve for systolic pressures of 110 to 130 mm Hg and diastolic pressures of 70 to 90 mm Hg, which suggests that too low of a pressure (especially <110/70 mm Hg) may be dangerous.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00382460.
Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Patients With ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes Intended for Reperfusion With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Steg Philippe Gabriel , James Stefan , Harrington Robert A. , Ardissino Diego , Becker Richard C. , Cannon Christopher P. , Emanuelsson Håkan , Finkelstein Ariel , Husted Steen , Katus Hugo , Kilhamn Jan , Olofsson Sylvia , Storey Robert F. , Weaver W. Douglas , Wallentin Lars ,   for the PLATO Study Group
Published: November 2010

Background—

Aspirin and clopidogrel are recommended for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or undergoing coronary stenting. Ticagrelor, a reversible oral P2Y12-receptor antagonist, provides faster, greater, and more consistent platelet inhibition than clopidogrel and may be useful for patients with acute ST-segment elevation (STE) ACS and planned primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Result—

Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO), a randomized, double-blind trial, compared ticagrelor with clopidogrel for the prevention of vascular events in 18 624 ACS patients. This report concerns the 7544 ACS patients with STE or left bundle-branch block allocated to either ticagrelor 180-mg loading dose followed by 90 mg twice daily or clopidogrel 300-mg loading dose (with provision for 300 mg clopidogrel at percutaneous coronary intervention) followed by 75 mg daily for 6 to 12 months. The reduction of the primary end point (myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death) with ticagrelor versus clopidogrel (10.8% versus 9.4%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.75 to 1.01;
P
=0.07) was consistent with the overall PLATO results. There was no interaction between presentation with STE/left bundle-branch block and randomized treatment (interaction
P
=0.29). Ticagrelor reduced several secondary end points, including myocardial infarction alone (HR, 0.80;
P
=0.03), total mortality (HR, 0.82;
P
=0.05), and definite stent thrombosis (HR, 0.66;
P
=0.03). The risk of stroke, low in both groups, was higher with ticagrelor (1.7% versus 1.0%; HR,1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 2.48;
P
=0.02). Ticagrelor did not affect major bleeding (HR, 0.98;
P
=0.76).

Conclusion—

In patients with STE-ACS and planned primary percutaneous coronary intervention, the effects of ticagrelor were consistent with those observed in the overall PLATO trial.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00391872.
Ionizing Radiation Exposure to Patients Admitted With Acute Myocardial Infarction in the United States
Authors: Kaul Prashant , Medvedev Sofia , Hohmann Samuel F. , Douglas Pamela S. , Peterson Eric D. , Patel Manesh R.
Published: November 2010

Background—

Invasive and noninvasive cardiovascular imaging is beneficial in the care of patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction. Little is known about patients' cumulative radiation exposure.

Methods and Results—

All patients admitted with an acute myocardial infarction to any of 49 University HealthSystem Consortium member hospitals from 2006 to 2009 were reviewed for inpatient procedures involving ionizing radiation that included chest radiograph, computed tomogram scans, radionuclide imaging, diagnostic cardiac catheterization, and percutaneous coronary intervention. The average cumulative effective radiation dose per patient was estimated on the basis of published typical effective radiation doses for imaging procedures. Patients (n=64 071) admitted for acute myocardial infarction had a median age of 64.9 years. A total of 276 651 procedures involving ionizing radiation were performed during the study period, a median of 4.3 procedures per patient per admission. The majority of patients had invasive catheterization (77%), followed by computed tomogram scans (52%), mostly body examinations. The median cumulative effective radiation dose delivered was 15.02 mSv per patient per acute myocardial infarction admission. Postprocedural bleeding was a significant predictor of radiation exposure (odds ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.85 to 2.18), together with postprocedural mechanical complications resulting from device implantation (odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 2.61 to 3.13). Patients with higher underlying clinical complexity (defined by severity of illness scores) had higher radiation exposure and higher mortality (
P
<0.0001). There was also significant geographic variation in radiation exposure; patients in New England received the lowest cumulative exposure (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 0.81).

Conclusions—

Acute myocardial infarction inpatients are exposed to an approximate median radiation dose of 15 mSv. This exposure is a result of multiple cardiovascular and noncardiovascular procedures. Efforts should be made to understand the risks and benefits of radiation exposure per episode of care for acute myocardial infarction.
Who wants to be a cosmopolitan?
Authors: Hansen Kathryn
Published: November 2010

This article explores two political discourses—composite culture and cosmopolitanism—as divergent, indeed competing, modes of advocating cultural pluralism. The first part of the article considers the genealogy of each construct and explores the theoretical differences between the two. The second part turns to the question of how composite culture and cosmopolitanism are configured in narrative terms in recent works of fiction and film. The primary focus is on Hindi author Manzoor Ahtesham’s 1986 novel Sukha Bargad (A Dying Banyan in English translation). The novel illustrates the withering of composite culture from the perspective of a brother and sister growing up in post-Independence Bhopal. To provide a comparative framework, two recent works of Anglophone fiction are drawn into the discussion: Aravind Adiga’s novel White Tiger (2008) and Vikas Swarup’s novel Q & A, the basis for the movie Slumdog Millionaire. These texts may be read as critiques of cosmopolitanism from the subaltern position. The article asks whether composite culture and cosmopolitanism remain relevant in neo-liberalized India, while also calling for further research on these issues using literary texts in Hindi and Urdu.
Feminine, criminal or manly?
Authors: Gupta Charu
Published: November 2010

This article places the Dalit male body at its centre, and in the process disturbs the idea of masculinity in colonial India. It argues that ways in which caste, Dalit identities and masculinity relate to each other have not been readily recognised, in spite of a growing body of work on Dalits in the colonial period. The article explores how the Dalit male body was socially constructed, or belied, by colonial authorities, by upper castes and by Dalits themselves in colonial Uttar Pradesh, both for purposes of social control and for the construction of identity. It approaches Dalit masculinity discursively, through its representations in the dominant culture, in which the imagery was related to larger structures of oppression, such as lack of education, a discriminatory labour market, criminal justice system and technologies of surveillance, which resulted in an institutional decimation of Dalit males. At the same time, the article attempts to understand assertions of Dalit masculinity by Dalits themselves, by rooting it in a wider historical narrative. It seeks a gendered interpretation of Dalit histories, and the crisis of Dalit manhood.
Ethnic variations in pathways to acute care and compulsory detention for women experiencing a mental health crisis
Authors: Lawlor Caroline , Johnson Sonia , Cole Laura , Howard Louise M.
Published: November 2010

Background: Much recent debate on excess rates of compulsory detention and coercive routes to care has focused on young black men; evidence is less clear regarding ethnic variations among women and factors that may mediate these.

Aim: To explore ethnic variations in compulsory detentions of women, and to explore the potential role of immediate pathways to admission and clinician-rated reasons for admission as mediators of these differences.

Method: All women admitted to an acute psychiatric inpatient ward or a women’s crisis house in four London boroughs during a 12-week period were included. Data were collected regarding their pathways to care, clinician-rated reasons for admission, hospital stays, and social and clinical characteristics.

Results: Two hundred and eighty seven (287) women from white British, white other, black Caribbean, black African and black other groups were included. Adjusting for social and clinical characteristics, all groups of black patients and white other patients were significantly more likely to have been compulsorily admitted than white British patients; white British patients were more likely than other groups to be admitted to a crisis house and more likely than all the black groups to be admitted because of perceived suicide risk. Immediate pathways to care differed: white other, black African and black other groups were less likely to have referred themselves in a crisis and more likely to have been in contact with the police. When adjustment was made for differences in pathways to care, the ethnic differences in compulsory admission were considerably reduced.

Discussion: There are marked ethnic inequities not only between white British and black women, but also between white British and white other women in experiences of acute admission. Differences between groups in help-seeking behaviours in a crisis may contribute to explaining differences in rates of compulsory admission.
Nanocomposites of EVA/polystyrene nanoparticles/montmorillonite
Authors: Chuayjuljit Saowaroj , Worawas Chutima
Published: November 2010

Nanocomposites of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles, and montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared by latex compounding. The nanolatex of PS was synthesized by differential microemulsion polymerization and then blended with EVA at EVA/PS dry weight ratios of 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30, before mixing with MMT at 1, 3, or 5 parts per hundred rubbers. The latex composite mixtures were cast on a glass mold and compressed into thin sheets. The nanocomposites were characterized for their structures, mechanical properties, and thermal behaviors. The tensile strength, Young’s modulus, storage modulus, and thermal stability were all improved with the incorporation of MMT, although the extent of such depended upon and varied with the EVA/PS ratio of the nanocomposite.
In situ polymerization synthesis and characterization of single wall nanotubes/ poly(vinyl)triazole nanocomposites
Authors: Beyaz Saadet K. , Tekin Nalan , Kara Ali , Şimşek Eyüp , Çakmak Gülbeden , Güney H. Yüksel , Lamari Farida D.
Published: November 2010

The synthesis of single wall nanotubes (SWNT)/poly(vinyl)triazole (PVTri) composites by in situ emulsion polymerization method and its chemical and physical properties were investigated throughout this work. The surface modification of the SWNT by nitric acid treatment and air oxidation has improved the dispersion of the SWNT in the PVTri matrix. The SWNT/PVTri composite is obtained by covalent bonding of the carboxyl terminated SWNTs to PVTri. The effect of covalent bond formation between PVTri and SWNT on the thermal and electrical properties of the composite is also studied. The spectroscopic, thermal, and microscopic analysis has confirmed the structure, homogeneity, and the morphology of surface functionalized SWNT and SWNT/PVTri composites. SWNT/PVTri composites showed enhanced chemical stability in many common solvents and high electrical conductivity.
High modulus regenerated cellulose fiber-reinforced cellulose acetate butyrate biocomposites
Authors: Carrillo F. , Martín G. , López-Mesas M. , Colom X. , Cañavate J.
Published: November 2010

The properties of composites prepared with a matrix of biodegradable cellulose ester (cellulose acetate butyrate, CAB) and reinforced with regenerated cellulose lyocell fibers (lyocell/CAB) were studied and compared with short flax fiber-reinforced composites (flax/CAB), used as reference. The effect of the lyocell fiber content on the composite properties was also investigated. Tensile properties, dimensional stability, fiber—matrix compatibility, and biodegradability were investigated by tensile testing, water absorption test, scanning electron microscopic analysis, and soil burial test, respectively. From the results, it was shown how the Young’s modulus of lyocell/CAB composites increased from 2 GPa for neat CAB to 4 GPa for a composite with a lyocell fiber content of 34.8% (v/v). Similar trend was obtained for flax/CAB biocomposites which showed higher modulus than lyocell/CAB composites, with values of 5 GPa for a flax/CAB composite with the same composition. Moreover, tensile strength of lyocell/CAB composites with fiber content higher than 16.7% (v/v) resulted in lower values than neat CAB, indicating a high probability of failure cracks on lyocell/CAB composite samples when increasing fiber composition. In addition, compared to neat CAB, elongation at break decreased for all the composites studied. It was also observed that increasing the fiber content, the water absorption of the composites increased compared to neat CAB matrix due to the hydrophilic nature of the lyocell and flax fibers. The biodegradation test showed, after 60 days of soil burial, about 10% and 25% of mass lost for 34.8% (v/v) of lyocell/ CAB and flax/CAB composites, respectively.
The effect of an arm sling on energy consumption while walking in hemiplegic patients: a randomized comparison
Authors: Han Seung Hoon , Kim Taikon , Jang Seong Ho , Kim Mi Jung , Park Si-bog , Yoon Seoung Ic , Choi Bong-Kun , Lee Michael Y , Lee Kyu Hoon
Published: November 2010

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an arm sling on gait speed and energy efficiency of patients with hemiplegia.

Design: A randomized crossover design.

Setting: A rehabilitation department of a university hospital.

Subjects: Thirty-seven outpatients with hemiplegia were included in this study.

Interventions: All patients walked on a 20-m walkway twice on the same day, randomly with and without an arm sling, at a self selected speed.

Main measures: The heart rate, gait speed, oxygen cost and oxygen rate were measured on all patients. We analysed all values with and without an arm sling and also compared them after all patients being stratified according to demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results: When we compared the heart rate between walking with (90.7 ± 17.2 beats/min) and without (91.2 ± 18.6 beats/min) the arm sling, it was significantly decreased while walking with the arm sling. When we compared the gait speed between walking with (32.8 m/min) and without (30.1 m/min), it was significantly increased with the arm sling walking. The O2 rate in hemiplegic patients walking with the arm sling was significantly decreased by 7%, compared to walking without arm sling (5.8 mL/kg min and 6.2 mL/kg min, respectively). The O2 cost in hemiplegic patients walking without arm sling was significantly 1.4 times greater than walking with it (0.2 mL/kg m and 0.3 mL/kg m, respectively).

Conclusion: An arm sling can be used to improve the gait efficiency.
Responsiveness and validity of two outcome measures of instrumental activities of daily living in stroke survivors receiving rehabilitative therapies
Authors: Wu Ching-yi , Chuang Li-ling , Lin Keh-chung , Horng Yi-shiung
Published: November 2010

Objective: To comprehensively investigate and compare the responsiveness and validity of two instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) measures: a modified version of the Nottingham Extended ADL Scale and the Frenchay Activities Index, after stroke rehabilitation.

Setting: Rehabilitation clinics.

Subjects: Seventy stroke patients received a three-week intervention (mean (SD) age, 55.5 (12.1) years; 46 (65.7%) men; mean (SD) time post stroke, 19.9 (12.5) months).

Measures: Four outcome measures (modified Nottingham Extended ADL Scale, Frenchay Activities Index, Stroke Impact Scale and Motor Activity Log) were administered before and after treatment. We used the standardized response mean (SRM) to examine responsiveness and the Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) to examine concurrent validity.

Results: Responsiveness was significantly larger for the modified Nottingham Extended ADL Scale (SRM = 0.9) compared with the Frenchay Activities Index (SRM = 0.5). The correlations between the modified Nottingham Extended ADL Scale and Frenchay Activities Index were good to excellent before (ρ = 0.8) and after treatment (ρ = 0.8). The modified Nottingham Extended ADL Scale and Frenchay Activities Index showed fair correlations with the Stroke Impact Scale ADL/Instrumental ADL domain, Stroke Impact Scale total score and Motor Activity Log before treatment (ρ = 0.3—0.4). After treatment, the modified Nottingham Extended ADL Scale and Frenchay Activities Index demonstrated moderate to good correlations with the Stroke Impact Scale ADL/Instrumental ADL domain (ρ = 0.6) and fair correlations with the Stroke Impact Scale total score and Motor Activity Log (ρ = 0.2—0.5).

Conclusions: The modified Nottingham Extended ADL Scale and Frenchay Activities Index are both valid outcome measures but the modified Nottingham Extended ADL Scale is more responsive than the Frenchay Activities Index. While simultaneously considering the properties of responsiveness and validity, the modified Nottingham Extended ADL Scale may be a relatively sound measure of instrumental ADL function in stroke patients receiving rehabilitation.
Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of ice therapy in patients with an acute tear in the gastrocnemius muscle: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Prins Jan CM , Stubbe Janine H , van Meeteren Nico LU , Scheffers Frans A , van Dongen Martien CJM
Published: November 2010

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial and the preliminary effectiveness of ice therapy in the acute phase of a gastrocnemius tear for the quality of functional recovery.

Design: A pilot version of an intended prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted.

Participants: A total of 19 patients with an acute tear in the gastrocnemius muscle were randomly allocated to either active or control treatment.

Intervention: The intervention consisted of the repeated application of crushed ice.

Main measures: Primary outcome measures were functional capacity and reconvalescence time. Secondary outcome measures were pain and work absenteeism. The number of patients we could include within the 6-hour time window and dropping out from the pilot study were regarded as indicators of the feasibility of ice therapy.

Results: A total of 16 patients were excluded from the study because diagnosis was not made within 6 hours after onset of the complaint. The 19 patients included completed the treatment. For functional capacity, reconvalescence time, work absenteeism and pain relief, no significant differences between the intervention and control group were found.

Conclusions: The execution of a randomized controlled trial on ice therapy for acute gastrocnemius tear is feasible though quite an enterprise. First, it is recommended to improve the recruitment processes. Second, power analysis demands inclusion of 396 participants. Preliminary effectiveness in our limited-sized trial indicates that the use of ice is not beneficial for people who receive ice therapy.
Social activity contributes independently to life satisfaction three years post stroke
Authors: Boosman H , Schepers VPM , Post MWM , Visser-Meily JMA
Published: November 2010

Objective: To determine social activity and life satisfaction three years post stroke and to investigate the contribution of social activity to life satisfaction controlled for the influence of demographic, physical and cognitive disabilities and social support.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Subjects: One hundred and sixty-five patients with a stroke.

Main measures: The Life Satisfaction questionnaire (LiSat-9), the Social Support List – Interaction (SSL-12-I), the Barthel Index, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Frenchay Activities Index.

Results: In total, 165 stroke patients participated, of whom 112 (67.9%) reported that they were satisfied with life as a whole. Socially inactive patients were significantly less often satisfied (50%, n = 26) than socially moderately (74.4%, n = 64) and socially highly active (81.5%, n = 22) patients. Lowest satisfaction ratings were found for sexual life (40.6%, n = 58). The socially inactive group was most satisfied with their partner relationship (85.1%, n = 40), the moderately and highly socially active group with their self-care ability (87.2%, n = 75 and 96.3%, n = 26, respectively). ADL and social activity were moderately correlated with life satisfaction. Social activity was found to explain an additional variance of the LiSat-9 total score (6.9%) and overall life satisfaction item (5.2%) after controlling for demographic variables, social support, ADL and cognitive functioning.

Conclusions: Three years post stroke, many patients report ongoing dissatisfaction with various life domains. Social activity was related to life satisfaction.
How music touches: Musical parameters and listeners’ audio-tactile metaphorical mappings
Authors: Eitan Zohar , Rothschild Inbar
Published: November 2010

Though the relationship of touch and sound is central to music performance, and audio-tactile metaphors are pertinent to musical discourse, few empirical studies have investigated systematically how musical parameters such as pitch height, loudness, timbre and their interactions affect auditory–tactile metaphorical mappings. In this study, 40 participants (20 musically trained) rated the appropriateness of six dichotomous tactile metaphors (sharp–blunt, smooth–rough, soft–hard, light–heavy, warm–cold and wet–dry) to 20 sounds varying in pitch height, loudness, instrumental timbre (violin vs. flute) and vibrato. Results (repeated measures MANOVA) suggest that tactile metaphors are strongly associated with all musical variables examined. For instance, higher pitches were rated as significantly sharper, rougher, harder, colder, drier and lighter than lower pitches. We consider several complementary accounts of the findings: psychophysical analogies between tactile and auditory sensory processing; experiential analogies, based on correlations between tactile and auditory qualities of sound sources in daily experience; and analogies based on abstract semantic dimensions, particularly potency and activity.
Evolution and Anarchism in International Relations: The Challenge of Kropotkin’s Biological Ontology
Authors: Goodwin Adam
Published: November 2010

This article will utilise Peter Kropotkin’s theory of Mutual Aid to reconsider ontology in International Relations (IR). Mutual Aid Theory holds that the evolution of organisms is shaped by cooperation within a group of species against a variable ecology; thus giving rise to a sociality instinct. This is contrasted with the Malthusian assumption that evolution takes place at the individual level according to their intraspecific fitness. Mutual Aid Theory, applied to the realm of politics, overturns collective-action-problem-grounded theories that hold that the egoistic and competitive drive of humans must be overcome to promote cooperation. Bradley Thayer applied the orthodox individual-fitness interpretation of evolution in an attempt to shore up realist arguments. I argue that such reductionist approaches to studying politics are archaic and not congruent with current scientific understanding. A Critical Realist (CR) approach, placing analytical priority on ontological investigations over epistemological/methodological commitments, is employed to assist in the criticism of orthodox reductionist ontologies. However, equally in line with Kropotkin’s Anarchist ideas, I argue that this critical realist approach also provokes ontologically-driven inquiries into post-sovereignty global politics and can inform the emancipatory intent of Critical IR theory, along side the basic Anarchist ontological claim: society precedes the State.
Anarchy and Anarchism: Towards a Theory of Complex International Systems
Authors: Cudworth Erika , Hobden Stephen
Published: November 2010

The use of ‘anarchy’ in International Relations theory appears very different from its incarnations in political philosophy. Whilst realist scholars have used anarchy to describe an absence of centralised political authority in which states wield differential power, political philosophers in the anarchist tradition have mounted a critique of the coercive and compulsory powers of states themselves. This article argues for reconceptualising ‘anarchy’ in International Relations theory using insights from complexity theory. We would describe the international system as a complex adaptive system which has a tendency to self-organisation. Furthermore, in distinct contrast to Waltz, we argue that the international system has to be seen as embedded within a range of physical systems, and other social systems including those which reproduce a range of (gendered, racial, class-based, colonial) relations of domination. Here insights from anarchist social ecologism can be utilised to further accounts of hierarchy and dominance within International Relations.