bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chondroitinase ABC reduces time to muscle reinnervation and improves functional recovery after sciatic nerve transection in rats
Authors: Sabatier Manning J. , To Bao Ngoc , Rose Samuel , Nicolini Jennifer , English Arthur W.
Published: November 2011

Application of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) to injured peripheral nerves improves axon regeneration, but it is not known whether functional recovery is also improved. Recordings of EMG activity [soleus (Sol) M response and H reflexes] evoked by nerve stimulation and of Sol and tibialis anterior (TA) EMG activity and hindlimb and foot kinematics during slope walking were made to determine whether ChABC treatment of the sciatic nerve at the time of transection improves functional recovery. Recovery of evoked EMG responses began as multiple small responses with a wide range of latencies that eventually coalesced into one or two more distinctive and consistent responses (the putative M response and the putative H reflex) in both groups. Both the initial evoked responses and the time course of their maturation returned sooner in the ChABC group than in the untreated (UT) group. The reinnervated Sol and TA were coactivated during treadmill locomotion during downslope, level, and upslope walking throughout the study period in both UT and ChABC-treated rats. By 10 wk after nerve transection and repair, locomotor activity in Sol, but not TA, had returned to its pretransection pattern. There was an increased reliance on central control of Sol activation across slopes for both groups as interpreted from elevated prestance Sol EMG activity that was no longer modulated with slope. Limb length and orientation during locomotion were similar to those observed prior to nerve injury during upslope walking only in the ChABC-treated rats. Thus treatment of cut nerves with ChABC leads to improvements in functional recovery.
T Cells and Adoptive Immunotherapy: Recent Developments and Future Prospects in Gastrointestinal Oncology
Authors: Amedei Amedeo , Niccolai Elena , D'Elios Mario M.
Published: November 2011

Gastrointestinal oncology is one of the foremost causes of death: the gastric cancer accounts for 10.4% of cancer deaths worldwide, the pancreatic cancer for 6%, and finally, the colorectal cancer for 9% of all cancer-related deaths. For all these gastrointestinal cancers, surgical tumor resection remains the primary curative treatment, but the overall 5-year survival rate remains poor, ranging between 20–25%; the addition of combined modality strategies (pre- or postoperative chemoradiotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy) results in 5-year survival rates of only 30–35%. Therefore, many investigators believe that the potential for making significant progress lies on understanding and exploiting the molecular biology of gastrointestinal tumors to investigate new therapeutic strategies such as specific immunotherapy. In this paper we will focus on recent knowledge concerning the role of T cells and the use of T adoptive immunotherapy in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.
Prelabour Caesarean Section following IVF/ICSI in Older-Term Nulliparous Women: Too Precious to Push?
Authors: Gillet E. , Martens E. , Martens G. , Cammu H.
Published: November 2011

Objective. To compare prelabour caesarean section (CS) rates in older nulliparous women with a term singleton baby in cephalic presentation conceiving spontaneously and through IVF/ICSI. When the latter women would ask for CS, how willing are gynaecologists to comply with that request?Methods. A population-based retrospective (1995–2009) cohort study, conducted in Northern Belgium. A comparison of 1,866 nulliparous women pregnant after IVF/ICSI and 15,228 controls is made. An anonymous postal questionnaire is sent to all Belgian gynaecologists.Result. Both groups are comparable with respect to maternal age, gestational age, and birth weight. Prelabour CS is more often performed in women who conceived through IVF/ICSI compared to those who conceived spontaneously (9.2% versus 6.3%,P<0.001). One in five gynaecologists agrees with the maternal request.Conclusion. IVF/ICSI pregnancies in older nulliparous women more often end in a prelabour CS and a substantial number of gynaecologists go along with a nonmedical reason for CS.
On Motion Planning for Point‐to‐Point Maneuvers for a Class of Sailing Vehicles
Authors: Xiao Lin , Jouffroy Jerome
Published: November 2011

Despite their interesting dynamic and controllability properties, sailing vehicles have not been much studied in the control community. In this paper, we investigate motion planning of such vehicles. Starting from a simple dynamic model of sailing vessels in one dimension, this paper first considers their associated controllability issues, with the so‐called no‐sailing zone as a starting point, and it links them with a motion planning strategy using two‐point boundary value problems as the main mathematical tool. This perspective is then expanded to do point‐to‐point maneuvers of sailing vehicles in the plane, that is, automatic path generation combined with computation of control input profiles. Simulations are presented to illustrate the potential of the approach.
Economic Development Perspective and City Leadership
Authors: Vanderleeuw James , Jarmon Christopher , Pennington Michael , Sowers Thomas , Davis Terri
Published: November 2011

The viability of traditional economic development strategies has long been questioned by urban policy scholars; yet traditional strategies remain the norm among city leaders. Traditional concerns emphasize economic and business considerations at the expense of nontraditional community considerations such as quality of life. In this paper, we examine the conditions under which city leaders give weight to nontraditional community concerns when making economic development decisions. Our analysis of the results of a survey conducted of more than 200 leaders in over 150 Texas cities indicates that although traditional economic development concerns remain dominant, certain conditions may exist that allow or compel city leaders to give increased weight to non‐traditional community considerations. Conditions revealed by our study include the socioeconomic status of Texas cities and the relative differences in leadership positions and professionalism among city leaders. The paper concludes with a discussion of how our study contributes to the literature about economic development policy and points to avenues for future research on the conditions under which decision‐making strategies are pursued by city leaders.
Comparison of Naturally Conceived and IVF-DZ Twins in the Netherlands Twin Registry: A Developmental Study
Authors: van Beijsterveldt Catharina E. M. , Bartels Meike , Boomsma Dorret I.
Published: November 2011

In a large set of twin pairs, we compared twins born after IVF to naturally conceived twins with respect to birth characteristics, growth, attainment of motor milestones, and emotional and behavioral problems. Twin families were registered with the Netherlands Twin Register. We included 1534 dizygotic (DZ) twins born after IVF, 5315 naturally conceived (NC) DZ twins, and 1504 control NC DZ twins who were matched to the IVF twins based on maternal age, maternal educational level, smoking during pregnancy, gestational age, and offspring sex. Data were obtained by longitudinal surveys sent to fathers, mothers, and teachers at ages 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, and 12 years. Results showed no differences in growth, in attainment of motor milestones, and in behavioral development between IVF and matched NC twins. It can be concluded that for nearly all aspects, development in IVF and NC children is similar.
Maximum Norm Analysis of a Nonmatching Grids Method for Nonlinear Elliptic PDES
Authors: Harbi A. , Boulbrachene M.
Published: November 2011

We provide a maximum norm analysis of a finite element Schwarz alternating method for a nonlinear elliptic PDE on two overlapping subdomains with nonmatching grids. We consider a domain which is the union of two overlapping subdomains where each subdomain has its own independently generated grid. The two meshes being mutually independent on the overlap region, a triangle belonging to one triangulation does not necessarily belong to the other one. Under a Lipschitz asssumption on the nonlinearity, we establish, on each subdomain, an optimal L∞ error estimate between the discrete Schwarz sequence and the exact solution of the PDE.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation in Cancer Progression and Therapy
Authors: Oblak Alja , Jerala Roman
Published: November 2011

Cancer immunotherapy has been the focus of intense research since the late 19th century when Coley observed that bacterial components can contribute to cancer regression by eliciting an antitumor immune response. Successful activation and maturation of tumor-specific immune cells is now known to be mediated by bacterial endotoxin, which activates Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4 is expressed on a variety of immune as well as tumor cells, but its activation can have opposing effects. While TLR4 activation can promote antitumor immunity, it can also result in increased tumor growth and immunosuppression. Nevertheless, TLR4 engagement by endotoxin as well as by endogenous ligands represents notable contribution to the outcome of different cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy. Further research of the role and mechanisms of TLR4 activation in cancer may provide novel antitumor vaccine adjuvants as well as TLR4 inhibitors that could prevent inflammation-induced carcinogenesis.
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in an Infant due toNaegleria fowleri
Authors: Khanna Vinay , Khanna Ruchee , Hebbar Shrikiran , Shashidhar V. , Mundkar Sunil , Munim Frenil , Annamalai Karthick , Nayak Deepak , Mukhopadhayay Chiranjay
Published: November 2011

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by free-living amebaeNaegleria fowleriis a rare and fatal condition. A fatal case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis was diagnosed in a 5-month-old infant who presented with the history of decrease breast feeding, fever, vomiting, and abnormal body movements. Trophozoites ofNaegleria fowleriwere detected in the direct microscopic examination of CSF and infant was put on amphotericin B and ceftazidime. Patient condition deteriorated, and he was discharged against medical advice and subsequently expired. We also reviewed previously reported 8 Indian cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and observed that for the last 5 years, none of the patients responded to amphotericin B. Has an era of amphotericin B-resistantNaegleria fowleribeen emerged? Management strategy of PAM needs to be reviewed further.
Power Balance Control in an AC/DC/AC Converter for Regenerative Braking in a Two-Voltage-Level Flywheel-Based Driveline
Authors: Oliveira Janaína G. , Lundin Johan , Bernhoff Hans
Published: November 2011

The integration of a flywheel as a power handling can increase the energy storage capacity and reduce the number of battery charge/discharge cycles. Furthermore, the ability of recovering energy of the vehicle during breaking can increase the system efficiency. The flywheel-based all-electric driveline investigated here has its novelty in the use of a double-wound flywheel motor/generator, which divides the system in two different voltage levels, enhancing the efficiency of the electric driveline. The connection of two AC electrical machines (i.e., the flywheel and the wheel motor) with different and variable operation frequency is challenging. A power matching control applied to an AC/DC/AC converter has been implemented. The AC/DC/AC converter regenerates the electric power converted during braking to the flywheel machine, used here as power handling device. By controlling the power balance, the same hardware can be used for acceleration and braking, providing the reduction of harmonics and robust response. A simulation of the complete system during braking mode has been performed both in Matlab and Simulink, and their results have been compared. The functionality of the proposed control has been shown and discussed, with full regeneration achieved. A round-trip efficiency (wheel to wheel) higher than 80% has been obtained.
A DiffServ Architecture for QoS-Aware Routing for Delay-Sensitive and Best-Effort Services in IEEE 802.16 Mesh Networks
Authors: Bhakta Ishita , Chakraborty Sandip , Mitra Barsha , Sanyal Debarshi Kumar , Chattopadhyay Samiran , Chattopadhyay Matangini
Published: November 2011

In today's networks, the widespread use of real-time traffic such as video and audio applications demand special service guarantee in terms of throughput, delay, and jitter, thus making quality of service (QoS) a key problem. IEEE 802.16 mesh networks are likely to be the basis of next-generation last mile network connectivity. So, providing QoS is one of the major designing goals in IEEE 802.16 mesh network. While the standard defines five service classes for PMP mode, no standard defined service classes exist for mesh mode. In this paper, we describe a differentiated service (DiffServ) architecture for QoS support in IEEE 802.16 mesh network by considering a basic requirement for QoS guarantee—delay. A new cross-layer routing metric is proposed, namely, expected scheduler delay (ESD). An efficient distributed scheme is proposed to calculate ESD and route the packets using source routing mechanism. This scheme is capable of differentiating between delay sensitive and best-effort traffic and route packets accordingly. Finally, the results of the proposed scheme are compared with the standard schemes that take hop count as a routing metric.
Generalized Morphea after Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy
Authors: Kushi Jonathan , Csuka M. E.
Published: November 2011

We present a case of a 69-year-old woman who received external beam radiation for the treatment of breast cancer. Seven months later, she developed generalized morphea involving the area of irradiated skin of the breast as well as distant sites of the groin and distal lower extremity. Postirradiation morphea is an uncommon yet well-documented phenomenon, usually confined to the radiated site and the immediate surrounding tissue. To our knowledge, this is only the fourth reported case of morphea occurring distant from the radiation field. While most cases of postirradiation morphea have been shown to either resolve spontaneously or respond to topical corticosteroids, our patient required systemic therapy with methotrexate, which resulted in clinical improvement. With this paper, we hope to bring further awareness to this phenomenon and demonstrate a successful treatment response with the use of methotrexate in postirradiation generalized morphea.
The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Organ Tropism of Breast Cancer Metastasis: A Mechanistic Balance between the “Seed” and the “Soil”?
Authors: Chu Jenny E. , Allan Alison L.
Published: November 2011

Breast cancer is a prevalent disease worldwide, and the majority of deaths occur due to metastatic disease. Clinical studies have identified a specific pattern for the metastatic spread of breast cancer, termed organ tropism; where preferential secondary sites include lymph node, bone, brain, lung, and liver. A rare subpopulation of tumor cells, the cancer stem cells (CSCs), has been hypothesized to be responsible for metastatic disease and therapy resistance. Current treatments are highly ineffective against metastatic breast cancer, likely due to the innate therapy resistance of CSCs and the complex interactions that occur between cancer cells and their metastatic microenvironments. A better understanding of these interactions is essential for the development of novel therapeutic targets for metastatic disease. This paper summarizes the characteristics of breast CSCs and their potential metastatic microenvironments. Furthermore, it raises the question of the existence of a CSC niche and highlights areas for future investigation.
Local Fatigue Evaluation in PZT Thin Films with Nanoparticles by Piezoresponse Force Microscopy
Authors: Li B. S.
Published: November 2011

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films with the morphotropic phase boundary composition (Zr/Ti = 52/48) have been prepared using a modified diol-based sol-gel route by introducing 1–5 mol% barium titanate (BT) nanoseeds into the precursor solution on platinized silicon substrates (Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si). Macroscopic electric properties of PZT film with nanoparticle showed a significant improvement of ferroelectric properties. This work aims at the systematic study of the local switching polarization behavior during fatigue in PZT films with and without nanoparticles by using very recent developed scanning piezoelectric microscopy (SPM). We show that the local fatigue performance, which is characterized by variations of local piezoloop with electric cycles, is significantly improved by adding some nanoseeds. It has been verified by scanning electron microscope (SEM) that the film grain morphology changes from columnar to granular structure with the addition of the nanoseeds. On the other hand, the existence of PtxPb transition phase, which existed in interface at early crystallization stage of pure PZT thin film, deteriorates the property of the interface. These microstructures and the interfaces of these films significantly affect the electrons injection occurred on the interfaces. The domain wall pinning induced by injected electrons and the succeeding penetration into the films is discussed to explain the fatigue performance.
Master‐Slave Synchronization of Stochastic Neural Networks with Mixed Time‐Varying Delays
Authors: Ge Yongyong , Li Tao , Fei Shumin
Published: November 2011

This paper investigates the problem on master‐salve synchronization for stochastic neural networks with both time‐varying and distributed time‐varying delays. Together with the drive‐response concept, LMI approach, and generalized convex combination, one novel synchronization criterion is obtained in terms of LMIs and the condition heavily depends on the upper
and lower bounds of state delay and distributed one. Moreover, the addressed systems can include some famous network
models as its special cases, which means that our methods extend those present ones. Finally, two numerical examples are
given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented scheme.
The IL1B-511 Polymorphism (rs16944 AA Genotype) Is Increased in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease in Mexican Population
Authors: Falfán-Valencia Ramcés , Pavón-Romero Gandhi F. , Camarena Angel , García María de la Luz , Galicia-Negrete Gustavo , Negrete-García María Cristina , Teran Luis Manuel
Published: November 2011

Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity. The mechanisms which produce these manifestations of intolerance are not fully defined, current research focuses on cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) inhibition, metabolism of arachidonic acid, and the COX pathway to the lipoxygenase (LO) route, inducing increased synthesis of leukotrienes (LT). The biological plausibility of this model has led to the search for polymorphisms in genes responsible for proinflammatory cytokines synthesis, such as IL1B and IL8. We performed a genetic association study between IL8-251 (rs4073) and IL1B-511 (rs16944) polymorphisms in AERD, aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA), and healthy control subjects. Using allelic discrimination by real-time PCR, we found statistically nonsignificant associations between AERD, ATA, and healthy control subjects for the GG and GA genotypes of IL1B (rs16944). Interestingly, the AA genotype showed an increased frequency in the AERD patients versus the ATA group (GF = 0.19 versus 0.07, , OR 2.98, and 95% CI 1.17–7.82). This is the first observation that IL1B polymorphisms are involved in AERD. Thus, future studies must investigate whether interleukin-1 is released in the airways of AERD patients and whether it relates to genetic polymorphisms in the IL1B gene.
Semiclassical Description of Anisotropic Magnets for Spin
Authors: Muminov Khikmat , Yousefi Yousef
Published: November 2011

Nonlinear equations describing one-dimensional non-Heisenberg ferromagnetic model are studied by the use of generalized coherent states in a real parameterization. Also, dissipative spin wave equation for dipole and quadruple branches is obtained if there is a small linear excitation from the ground state.
Perinatal Programming of Asthma: The Role of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Azad Meghan B. , Kozyrskyj Anita L.
Published: November 2011

Perinatal programming, a dominant theory for the origins of cardiovascular disease, proposes that environmental stimuli influence developmental pathways during critical periods of prenatal and postnatal development, inducing permanent changes in metabolism. In this paper, we present evidence for the perinatal programming of asthma via the intestinal microbiome. While epigenetic mechanisms continue to provide new explanations for the programming hypothesis of asthma development, it is increasingly apparent that the intestinal microbiota plays an independent and potentially interactive role. Commensal gut bacteria are essential to immune system development, and exposures disrupting the infant gut microbiota have been linked to asthma. This paper summarizes the recent findings that implicate caesarean delivery, breastfeeding, perinatal stress, probiotics, and antibiotics as modifiers of infant gut microbiota in the development of asthma.
SMAC Mimetic (JP1201) Sensitizes Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers to Multiple Chemotherapy Agents in an IAP-Dependent but TNF-α–Independent Manner
Authors: Greer Rachel M. , Peyton Michael , Larsen Jill E. , Girard Luc , Xie Yang , Gazdar Adi F. , Harran Patrick , Wang Lai , Brekken Rolf A. , Wang Xiaodong , Minna John D.
Published: November 2011

Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) are key regulators of apoptosis and are inhibited by the second mitocondrial activator of caspases (SMAC). Previously, a small subset of TNF-α–expressing non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) was found to be sensitive to SMAC mimetics alone. In this study, we determined if a SMAC mimetic (JP1201) could sensitize nonresponsive NSCLC cell lines to standard chemotherapy. We found that JP1201 sensitized NSCLCs to doxorubicin, erlotinib, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, vinorelbine, and the combination of carboplatin with paclitaxel in a synergistic manner at clinically achievable drug concentrations. Sensitization did not occur with platinum alone. Furthermore, sensitization was specific for tumor compared with normal lung epithelial cells, increased in NSCLCs harvested after chemotherapy treatment, and did not induce TNF-α secretion. Sensitization also was enhanced in vivo with increased tumor inhibition and increased survival of mice carrying xenografts. These effects were accompanied by caspase 3, 4, and 9 activation, indicating that both mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptotic pathways are activated by the combination of vinorelbine and JP1201. Chemotherapies that induce cell death through the mitochondrial pathway required only inhibition of X-linked IAP (XIAP) for sensitization, whereas chemotherapies that induce cell death through multiple apoptotic pathways required inhibition of cIAP1, cIAP2, and XIAP. Therefore, the data suggest that IAP-targeted therapy using a SMAC mimetic provides a new therapeutic strategy for synergistic sensitization of NSCLCs to standard chemotherapy agents, which seems to occur independently of TNF-α secretion. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7640–8. ©2011 AACR.
Diabetic Nephropathy in the Arab Gulf Countries
Authors: Farag Youssef M.K. , Al Wakeel Jamal S.
Published: November 2011

While the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, one third of the diabetic patients will eventually develop chronic kidney disease. The aim of this review is to present the available data on diabetic nephropathy and its complications in the Arab Gulf countries. This will eventually help to raise the awareness of both government and healthcare systems towards the substantial value of prevention, early detection as well as proper management of both diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. This could be achieved by funding large-scale longitudinal studies, improving training programs (both research and clinical) and increasing the role of media in fighting this epidemic.
Comments on “Why Hasn’t Earth Warmed as Much as Expected?”
Authors: Knutti Reto , Plattner Gian-Kasper
Published: November 2011

In a recent paper, Schwartz et al. suggest that 1) over the last century the earth has warmed less than expected, and they discuss several factors that could explain the discrepancy, including climate sensitivity estimates and aerosol forcing. Schwartz et al. then continue to 2) estimate the allowed carbon emissions for stabilization of global temperature, and find that given the uncertainty in the climate sensitivity even the sign of these allowed carbon emissions is unknown, implying that past emissions may already have committed the earth to 2°C warming for a best-estimate value of climate sensitivity of 3 K. Both of these conclusions in the Schwartz et al. study are revisited herein, and it is shown that 1) in contrast to Schwartz et al., current assessments of climate sensitivity, radiative forcing, and thermal disequilibrium do not support the claim of a discrepancy between expected and observed warming; and 2) the allowed emissions estimated by Schwartz et al. are in conflict with results from a hierarchy of climate–carbon cycle models and are strongly underestimated due to erroneous assumptions about the behavior of the carbon cycle and a confusion of the relevant time scales.
Atmospheric Circulations Induced by a Midlatitude SST Front: A GCM Study
Authors: Brachet Sidonie , Codron Francis , Feliks Yizhak , Ghil Michael , Le Treut Hervé , Simonnet Eric
Published: November 2011

The atmospheric effects of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over and near western boundary currents are a matter of renewed interest. The general circulation model (GCM) of the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique (LMD-Z) has a zooming capability that allows a regionally increased resolution. This GCM is used to analyze the impact of a sharp SST front in the North Atlantic Ocean: two simulations are compared, one with climatological SSTs and the other with an enhanced Gulf Stream front. The results corroborate the theory developed previously by the present team to explain the impact of oceanic fronts. In this theory, the vertical velocity at the top of the atmospheric boundary layer has two components: mechanical and thermal. It is the latter that is dominant in the tropics, while in midlatitudes both play a role in determining the wind convergence above the boundary layer. The strengthened SST front does generate the previously predicted stronger ascent above the warmer water south of the front and stronger descent above the colder waters to the north. In the GCM simulations, the ascent over the warm anomalies is deeper and more intense than the descent.
Mechanical properties of pressure-less sintered zirconia–magnesium aluminum silicate glass composite
Authors: Sanosh KP , Kim TN , Balakrishnan A
Published: November 2011

The main objective of the present study was to develop a high-strength machinable ceramic based on zirconia (ZrO2) and magnesium aluminum silicate (Mg3Al2Si6O18; MAS) glass system through pressure-less sintering. Pressure-less sintering of ZrO2, 3 mol% yttria-stabilized (YSZ) was carried out at 1450°C in air, using 10 wt% MAS glass as a sintering additive. The influence of glass on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composite was investigated. The presence of glass into the ZrO2 matrix was substantiated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffractometry (XRD) revealed no crystalline phases other than tetragonal ZrO2. The flexural strength of the composite was found to be ~30% higher than YSZ. The apparent crack resistance was determined by Vickers microindentations carried out at different loads ranging from 9.8 to 196 N. The apparent crack length on the surface at each load was found to be decreased (6–21%) in YSZ and the corresponding crack-resistance values increased by about 5–20%. Both YSZ and composite showed rising trend in crack-resistance values as the indentation load was increased. Improved properties of composite sample were attributed to the formation of a relatively larger process zone surrounding the crack, crack-arrest behavior due to the localized compressive stresses, and the crack-bridging phenomena.
Preparation and phase composition optimization of yttrium silicates/SiC multilayer coating coated carbon/carbon composites
Authors: Ya-qin Wang , Jian-feng Huang , Zheng-hui Chen , Li-yun Cao
Published: November 2011

In order to optimize the phase composition and improve the oxidation resistance of yttrium silicates coating, Y2SiO5-Y2Si2O7-Y4Si3O12 coatings with different phase composition were deposited on the surface of SiC pre-coated carbon/carbon (C/C) composites using a hydrothermal electrophoretic deposition process. The as-prepared multilayer coatings were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The influence of phase composition on the morphologies and anti-oxidation properties of the multicomposition yttrium silicates coatings were investigated. The phase composition of the coating was optimized. Results show that Y2SiO5/Y2Si2O7/Y4Si3O12 mass ratio has strong effect on the morphology and oxidation resistance of yttrium silicates coatings. It is found that a low thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) district existed in the Y2SiO5-Y2Si2O7-Y4Si3O12 ternary phase diagram. When the optimized phase composition of Y2SiO5/Y2Si2O7/Y4Si3O12 in the low CTE district reaches Y2SiO5 = 20.1 wt%, Y2Si2O7 = 8.3 wt%, and Y4Si3O12 = 71.6 wt%, dense and homogenous yttrium silicates coatings with perfect oxidation resistance are achieved. After 80 h oxidation in 1773 K, weight loss of the coated C/C composites is only 2.17 × 10−3 g.cm−2.
Eugene Kulischer, Joseph Schechtman and the Historiography of European Forced Migrations
Authors: Ferrara Antonio
Published: November 2011

This article deals with two prominent figures in the historiography of twentieth-century European forced migrations: Eugene Kulischer and Joseph Schechtman. Their studies, although published between 1946 and 1962, are still among the standard works on the subject and are as yet unsurpassed in their scope and breadth of outlook, despite the flurry of new publications on the subject after the opening of East Central European archives after 1989. In this article I strive to explain how and why they were able to accomplish such a scholarly feat, paying special attention to their biographies which I have tried to reconstruct, using, for the first time, not only their own writings but also personal testimonies from their students and disparate archival sources located in the United States and Israel. I also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their works by comparing them with more recent works on the same subject. This is, to my knowledge, the first attempt to reconstruct on the basis of archival evidence the lives and works of the two most important historians of a phenomenon whose impact on the overall history of Europe (and especially of its East Central part) is now generally recognized.
‘Framing’ Romanità: The Celebrations for the Bimillenario Augusteo and the Augusteo–Ara Pacis Project
Authors: Kallis Aristotle
Published: November 2011

In the early 1930s the fascist authorities took the decision to celebrate the 2000-year anniversary of Augustus’ birth, scheduled for 1937–8. The celebrations constituted the pinnacle of fascism’s identification with romanità and underlined Mussolini's growing tendency to identify with an 'imperial' imagery. They also constituted a crucial landmark in the regime's effort to portray Rome as the sacred centre of a new universal political religion. In this article I focus on the two landmark architectural-urbanistic projects in the context of the Bimillenario that were eventually fused into one: the reconfiguration of Augustus’ Mausoleum and its surrounding zone; and the excavation and reconstruction of the Ara Pacis Roman temple. The extravagant programme of architectural-urbanistic interventions in an area of profound archaeological importance inside the historic centre of Rome provides a case-study for assessing the regime’s growing tendency to use architecture and conspicuous, lavish urban planning as acts of 'framing' the past in new 'sacred' locations where space and time interpenetrated. Through projects such as the Augusteo-Ara Pacis the fascist regime aimed to transform the ‘framed’ relics of the Roman palimpsest into 'sacred' access points of a new, decidedly futural and universal temporality.
Marriage and Offending among a Cohort of Disadvantaged African Americans
Authors: Doherty Elaine Eggleston , Ensminger Margaret E.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: Drawing on Sampson and Laub’s age-graded theory of informal social control, this research tests the generalizability of the marriage effect on desistance from crime. Specifically, do urban African American men and women living in the United States benefit from marriage similarly to Whites? Methods: The authors use hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to analyze the relationship between marriage and official arrest counts among African American male and female first graders from Woodlawn, an inner-city community in Chicago, first assessed in 1966 and followed up at three time points (ages 16, 32, and 42). Results: The authors find strong evidence of a marriage effect for the males across crime type, with a reduction in offending between 21 percent and 36 percent when in a state of marriage. The findings for females were less consistent across crime type, a 10 percent reduction in the odds of a property arrest and a 9 percent increase in the odds of a drug arrest when in a state of marriage. Conclusions: Their findings provide evidence in favor of the generality of Sampson and Laub’s theory, at least for males. However, the authors were not able to evaluate the mechanisms of desistance and identify this as an area of future research.
An Examination of the Incremental Usefulness of Balance-Sheet Information Beyond Earnings in Explaining Stock Returns
Authors: Huang Yuan , Zhang Guochang
Published: November 2011

Until recently, studies in accounting research have predominantly focused on using earnings information to explain stock returns. This article examines how information provided by the other primary financial statement—the balance sheet—is incrementally useful for determining returns. Based on existing models of equity value, the author shows theoretically that returns should be related to three balance sheet–related variables—the previous period’s (equity) capital investment, contemporaneous capital investment, and the profitability change—in addition to the earnings variables used in previous studies. Our empirical analysis yields the following results. First, the three balance sheet–related variables each have a statistically and economically significant effect that is incremental to those of the earnings variables on equity returns, and together they improve the explanatory power of an earnings-only-based model from 11.5% to 13.9% in annual cross-sectional samples. Second, over time, the incremental explanatory power (IEP) of the balance-sheet variables is negatively correlated with the explanatory power of earnings. Third, in cross sections, the balance sheet–related variables have a greater IEP for firms whose earnings are less informative (negative vs. positive earnings firms and young vs. mature firms) and for firms whose future earnings are more uncertain (firms with high vs. low analyst forecast errors, and firms with high vs. low analyst forecast dispersions). These results suggest that information from the balance sheet complements that contained in the income statement about equity returns.
Traditions and Transitions in Quantitative Societal Culture Research in Organization Studies
Authors: Peterson Mark F. , Søndergaard Mikael
Published: November 2011

Quantitative societal culture research (QSCR) in organization studies crystallizes a configuration of social science perspectives and methods that became prominent in the 1970s. We consider the qualities of and boundaries around cultural groups that this tradition emphasizes, and other characteristics of cultural groups that it does not emphasize. Current debates surrounding this tradition reflect both recent social science innovations and rediscoveries of early social science perspectives. Our analysis of quantitative cross-cultural societal research in organization studies considers this process of crystallization, innovation and rediscovery. We suggest ways to address current controversies and promote conversations with other research approaches.
Activation of TRPV4 on dural afferents produces headache-related behavior in a preclinical rat model
Authors: Wei Xiaomei , Edelmayer Rebecca M , Yan Jin , Dussor Gregory
Published: November 2011

Background: The mechanisms contributing to the pain of migraine are poorly understood although activation of afferent nociceptors in the trigeminovascular system has been proposed as a key event. Prior studies have shown that dural-afferent nociceptors are sensitive to both osmotic and mechanical stimuli. Based on the sensitivity to these stimuli we hypothesized that dural afferents express the osmo/mechano-sensitive channel transient receptor-potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4).

Methods: These studies used in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology of trigeminal neurons retrogradely labeled from the dura to examine the functional expression of TRPV4. Additionally, we used a rat headache model in which facial/hind paw allodynia following dural stimulation is measured to determine whether activation of meningeal TRPV4 produces responses consistent with migraine.

Results: These studies found that 56% and 49% of identified dural afferents generate currents in response to hypotonic solutions and 4α-PDD, respectively. The response to these stimuli indicates that dural afferents express TRPV4. Activation of meningeal TPRV4 using hypotonic solution or 4α-PDD in vivo resulted in both facial and hind paw allodynia that was blocked by the TRPV4 antagonist RN1734.

Conclusion: These data indicate that activation of TRPV4 within the meninges produces afferent nociceptive signaling from the head that may contribute to migraine headache.
In Other Sources
Authors: Konrad Moira , Freeman Shaqwana M. , Bartholomew Audrey , Kelley Kelly R. , Cease-Cook Jennifer , Flynn Susan D. , Scroggins La’ Shawndra , Fishley Katelyn M. , Keesey Susan , Fleming Shannon S. , Toms Ozalle M. , Rowe Dawn A.
Published: November 2011

This column provides brief summaries of transition-related articles published in 2010 in other professional journals. The 64 articles included descriptive, experimental, and qualitative research as well as program descriptions, conceptual articles, and practitioner pieces. Addressed were all areas of Kohler’s (1996) taxonomy for transition programming: family involvement, interagency collaboration, program structure, student development, and student-focused planning.
Comparison of injection moulded, natural fibre-reinforced composites with PP and PLA as matrices
Authors: Mofokeng J. P. , Luyt A. S. , Tábi T. , Kovács J.
Published: November 2011

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) were comparatively investigated as matrices for injection-moulded composites containing small (1–3 wt%) amounts of short sisal fibre. The morphology, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties, as well as degradation characteristics were investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the composites show more intimate contact and better interaction between the fibres and PLA, compared to PP. This improved interaction was confirmed by the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results which showed the presence of hydrogen bonding interaction between PLA and the fibres. The thermal stability (as determined through thermogravimetric analysis [TGA]) of both polymers increased with increasing fibre content, with a more significant improvement in the case of PP. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed a significant influence of the fibres on the cold crystallization and melting behaviour of PLA, even at the low fibre contents of 1–3%. The influence of the fibres on the melting characteristics of the PP was negligible, but it had a significant influence on the nonisothermal crystallization temperature range. Both the storage and loss moduli of the PLA decreased with increasing fibre content below the glass transition of PLA, but the influence on the loss modulus was more significant. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results clearly show cold crystallization of PLA around 110°C, and the presence of fibres gave rise to higher modulus values between the cold crystallization and melting of the PLA. The presence of fibres also had an influence on the dynamic mechanical properties of PP. This article further describes basic biodegradation observations for the investigated samples.
Religion as Custom and Political Resistance: An Unorthodox Interpretation of EP Thompson’s The Making of the English Working Class
Authors: Reed Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2011

While EP Thompson recognizes the regressive potential of popular religion, his work also makes it possible to evaluate this cultural scheme as a vehicle of political resistance. This article seeks to make a case for the significance of popular religion in a politics of resistance through an unorthodox interpretation of The Making of the English Working Class. A close reading of the history of orthodox and sectarian Methodism presented in this work reveals popular religion as a contentious custom and a vehicle of political resistance.
Perceiving a Negative Event as Central to One’s Identity Partially Mediates Age Differences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Boals Adriel , Hayslip Bert , Knowles Laura R. , Banks Jonathan B.
Published: November 2011

Objective: Older adults report fewer posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than younger adults, but the reasons for this age difference are unclear. In the current study, the authors explored the extent to which they may be due to age differences in event centrality (the extent to which a person construes a stressful event as central to their identity). Method: A sample of older and younger adults nominated their most stressful event and completed measures of PTSD symptoms and event centrality. Results: The results revealed that older adults were less likely to construe a stressful event as central to identity, even after controlling for type of event, how long ago the event occurred, and gender. In addition, the results of a mediation analysis indicated that age-related differences in event centrality partially mediated age-related differences in PTSD symptoms. Discussion: The results are consistent with the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory view that older adults tend to use cognitive strategies designed to protect emotional health.
Caesarean-section, my body, my choice: The construction of ‘informed choice’ in relation to intervention in childbirth
Authors: McAra-Couper Judith , Jones Marion , Smythe Liz
Published: November 2011

The notion of choice, especially of informed choice, is a central tenet of maternity services in most western countries; it also underpins debate about rising rates of intervention that are now a feature of childbirth in many of these countries. Our study investigated the shaping of understanding and practice in relation to these rising rates of intervention in childbirth in the New Zealand context. Critical hermeneutics was used to analyse the data from interviews with nine midwives and obstetricians, and six focus groups with 33 women. This article reports on the notion of choice, which featured prominently in all the interviews. It became clear that women’s choices were strongly influenced and determined by social change, by the gendering of women, and by values such as control, predictability, convenience, the ‘quick fix’ and the normalization of surgery. We argue that the prevailing notion of ‘informed’ choice obscures the structural and social influences on ‘choice’.
Thallium toxicosis in a dog consequent to ingestion of Mycoplasma agar plates
Authors: Puschner Birgit , Basso Marguerite M. , Graham Thomas W.
Published: November 2011

A 1-year-old dog ingested a mixture of blood agar and Mycoplasma agar plates. The Mycoplasma agar plates contained thallium acetate, which resulted in an estimated minimum dose of 5 mg thallium acetate/kg bodyweight. Clinical signs over the course of 2–3 weeks included vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, alopecia, dysphonia, ataxia, paresthesia, intension tremors, megaesophagus with subsequent aspiration pneumonia, and several seizure episodes. The dog was treated with intravenous fluids and placement of a gastric feeding tube. Thallium concentrations in hair were 8.2 µg/g in samples taken on day 19, 16.4 µg/g in samples taken 3 months after exposure, 13.4 µg/g in samples taken 5 months after exposure, and nondetectable in samples taken 7 months after exposure. The blood thallium concentration was 190 µg/l on day 19 and nondetec table 3 months after exposure. Megaesophagus and dysphonia continued for 10 months after exposure. This case of thallium poisoning following ingestion of mycoplasma agar plates demonstrates that unusual sources of thallium still exist and suggests that thallium toxicosis should be included in the list of differential diagnoses in dogs presented with megaesophagus, especially if alopecia and other unexplained peripheral neuropathies are present. Hair and blood samples are useful specimens to reach an accurate diagnosis even if taken several weeks post exposure. The postexposure blood and hair thallium concentrations reported in this case are useful data for diagnosticians investigating dogs with potential thallium poisoning.
Facilitating Authentic Becoming
Authors: Eriksen Matthew
Published: November 2011

A Model of Authentic Becoming that conceptualizes learning as a continuous and ongoing embodied and relational process, and uses social constructionism assumptions as well as Kolb’s experiential learning model as its point of departure, is presented. Through a focus on the subjective, embodied, and relational nature of organizational life, the assignment presented in this article provides a structure to facilitate students becoming more effective and authentic organizational members and self-authors. Learning outcomes also include the development of self-understanding, empathy, and the ability to engage in practical reflexivity and self-reflection. Students incorporate organizational behavior concepts and theories meaningfully into their writing and lives. Additional learning and the improvement of the classroom learning environment are facilitated through students verbally sharing their assignments in class with one another.