bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Hydrodynamics, Kinetics, Energetic and Exergetic Aspects of Fluidized Bed Drying of Rough Rice
Authors: Khanali Majid , Rafiee Shahin
Published: February 2014

The hydrodynamics, kinetics as well as energy and exergy analyses of fluidized bed drying of rough rice under various experimental conditions were investigated. Drying experiments were conducted at drying air temperatures of 55, 60, and 70°C, superficial fluidization velocities of 2.3, 2.5, and 2.8 m/s, solid holdups of 0.66 and 1.32 kg, and rough rice initial moisture content of 0.25 d.b. Various popular drying models were used to fit the drying data. It was found that the fluidized bed hydrodynamics of the rough rice was uniform and stable. The drying rate was found to increase with increase in drying air temperature and superficial fluidization velocity, while decreased with increase in solid holdup. Statistical analyses showed that the Midilli et al. model was the best model in describing fluidized bed drying characteristics of the rough rice. The results showed that the values of energy efficiency were higher than the corresponding values of exergy efficiency during the entire drying process. Furthermore, at initial stage of drying, the energy and exergy efficiencies were higher than those at the end of drying. It was also found that both the energy and the exergy efficiencies increased with increasing drying air temperature and solid holdup, whereas decreased with the increase in superficial fluidization velocity.
Quantitative Price Tests in Antitrust Market Definition with an Application to the Savory Snacks Markets
Authors: Katsoulacos Yannis , Konstantakopoulou Ioanna , Metsiou Eleni , Tsionas Efthymios
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we utilize the complete set of quantitative tests at the disposal of economists for delineating antitrust markets. This includes the Small but Significant Increase in Price (SSNIP) test but also a large number of traditional and newer price co-movement tests. We apply these tests to the savory snacks market using Greek bi-monthly data. This market has been subject to many antitrust investigations because of its market structure and its important implications for consumer welfare. However, no dominant view has yet emerged regarding the appropriate definition of the relevant market. Our results indicate that a wide relevant market definition is appropriate.
Action of a Frobenius-like group with fixed-point free kernel
Authors: Ercan Gülin , Güloğlu İsmail Ş.
Published: February 2014

We call a finite group Frobenius-like if it has a nontrivial nilpotent
normal subgroup F possessing a nontrivial complement H such that

[
F
,
h
]
=
F

${[
F,h] =F}$

for all nonidentity elements h ∈ H. We prove that any
irreducible nontrivial F
H-module for a Frobenius-like group F
H of odd order over an algebraically-closed field
has an H-regular direct summand if either F is fixed-point free on V or F acts nontrivially on V and the characteristic of the field is coprime to the order of F. Some consequences of this result are also derived.
Markedness conflicts: sociolinguistic speculations
Authors: Enger Hans-Olav
Published: February 2014

Naturalness conflicts represent a problem for Natural Morphology, as no general principles are claimed to hold. In this field, Natural Morphology might try to draw on sociolinguistic findings.

Different types of dialects may differ as to what constitutes a natural development. Morphological transparency is less important in more "peripheral" dialects; Natural Morphologists have evaluated one kind of naturalness too highly. More "central" dialects seem more prone to morphological change, and place a higher premium on morphological transparency. However, extramorphological motivation and language-specific principles seem to be even more important.
Quality of life improves after strabismus surgery in patients with Graves' orbitopathy
Authors: Jellema Hinke Marijke , Merckel-Timmer Elly , Kloos Roel , Saeed Peerooz , Mourits Maarten P
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the influence of strabismus surgery on quality of life (QoL) in Graves' orbitopathy (GO) patients.

Design

Prospective study of case series.

Methods

Consecutive GO-patients who were scheduled for their first strabismus surgery were included in the study. The patients completed the GO-QoL questionnaire within 3 months before the surgery and 2–4 months after the surgery. A complete orthoptic examination, including the field of binocular single vision (BSV), was performed. Clinically relevant response (CRR) in the QoL was also evaluated.

Results

In this study, 28 patients were included. The GO-QoL score for visual functioning was 46.3±24.2 before surgery and 65.7±30.5 after surgery (P=0.009). The GO-QoL score for appearance changed from 60.6±25.9 to 69.5±24.2 (P=0.005). After surgery, the field of BSV increased from 24.3±34.8 to 68.5±36.0 points (P=0.000). A weak correlation was found between the field of BSV and the visual functioning score after surgery (r=0.417;P=0.034). CRR was found in 20 (71%) patients. Those with a CRR showed a larger field of BSV (P=0.002) and better GO-QoL scores (P=0.008).

Conclusions

GO-QoL score increases significantly for both visual functioning and appearance after the first strabismus surgery in GO-patients, showing the highest improvement for the visual functioning questions. Both the GO-QoL and field of BSV outcomes correlate well with the CRR.
IGF1R blockade with ganitumab results in systemic effects on the GH–IGF axis in mice
Authors: Moody Gordon , Beltran Pedro J , Mitchell Petia , Cajulis Elaina , Chung Young-Ah , Hwang David , Kendall Richard , Radinsky Robert , Cohen Pinchas , Calzone Frank J
Published: February 2014

Ganitumab is a fully human MAB to the human type 1 IGF receptor (IGF1R). Binding assays showed that ganitumab recognized murine IGF1R with sub-nanomolar affinity (KD=0.22 nM) and inhibited the interaction of murine IGF1R with IGF1 and IGF2. Ganitumab inhibited IGF1-induced activation of IGF1R in murine lungs and CT26 murine colon carcinoma cells and tumors. Addition of ganitumab to 5-fluorouracil resulted in enhanced inhibition of tumor growth in the CT26 model. Pharmacological intervention with ganitumab in naïve nude mice resulted in a number of physiological changes described previously in animals with targeted deletions ofIgf1andIgf1r, including inhibition of weight gain, reduced glucose tolerance and significant increase in serum levels of GH, IGF1 and IGFBP3. Flow cytometric analysis identified GR1/CD11b-positive cells as the highest IGF1R-expressing cells in murine peripheral blood. Administration of ganitumab led to a dose-dependent, reversible decrease in the number of peripheral neutrophils with no effect on erythrocytes or platelets. These findings indicate that acute IGF availability for its receptor plays a critical role in physiological growth, glucose metabolism and neutrophil physiology and support the presence of a pituitary IGF1R-driven negative feedback loop that tightly regulates serum IGF1 levels through Gh signaling.
Insulin regulates the novel adipokine adipolin/CTRP12: in vivo and ex vivo effects
Authors: Tan Bee K , Lewandowski Krzysztof C , O'Hare Joseph Paul , Randeva Harpal S
Published: February 2014

There has been intense interest in the adipokines of the C1q complement/TNF-related protein (CTRP) superfamily. Adipolin (CTRP12) has been described as a novel adipokine, abundantly expressed in adipose tissue with insulin-sensitising and anti-inflammatory effects. We wanted to investigate the effects of acute and chronic hyperinsulinaemia on circulating adipolin concentrations (ELISA) via a prolonged insulin–glucose infusion in humans. We also examined the effects of insulin and the insulin sensitiser, rosiglitazone, on adipolin concentrations (western blotting) in human adipose tissue explants. We found that hyperinsulinaemic induction in healthy lean human subjects significantly increased circulating levels of adipolin (P<0.05 and P<0.01). Furthermore, in subcutaneous adipose tissue explants, insulin significantly increased adipolin protein expression and secretion (P<0.05 and P<0.01). This effect was attenuated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002 (P<0.05). Moreover, the insulin-sensitising peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist, rosiglitazone, significantly increased adipolin protein expression and secretion in subcutaneous adipose tissue explants (P<0.05 and P<0.01). This effect was inhibited by the PPARγ antagonist, GW9662 (P<0.05). Our data provide novel insights into adipolin physiology in human subjects.
VIP contribution to the decidualization program: regulatory T cell recruitment
Authors: Grasso Esteban , Paparini Daniel , Agüero Mariana , Mor Gil , Pérez Leirós Claudia , Ramhorst Rosanna
Published: February 2014

During early pregnancy, the human uterus undergoes profound tissue remodeling characterized by leukocyte invasion and production of proinflammatory cytokines, followed by tissue repair and tolerance maintenance induction. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is produced by trophoblast cells and modulates the maternal immune response toward a tolerogenic profile. Here, we evaluated the contribution of the VIP/VPAC to endometrial renewal, inducing decidualization and the recruitment of induced regulatory T cells (iTregs) that accompany the implantation period. For that purpose, we used an in vitro model of decidualization with a human endometrial stromal cell line (HESC) stimulated with progesterone (P4) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) simulating the inflammatory response during implantation and human iTregs (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+) differentiated from naïve T cells obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of fertile women. We observed that VIP and its receptor VPAC1 are constitutively expressed in HESCs and that P4 increased VIP expression. Moreover, in HESC VIP induced expression of RANTES (CCL5), one of the main chemokines involved in T cell recruitment, and this effect is enhanced by the presence of P4 and LPS. Finally, assays of the migration of iTregs toward conditioned media from HESCs revealed that endogenous VIP production induced by P4 and LPS and RANTES production were involved, as anti-RANTES neutralizing Ab or VIP antagonist prevented their migration. We conclude that VIP may have an active role in the decidualization process, thus contributing to recruitment of iTregs toward endometrial stromal cells by increasing RANTES expression in a P4-dependent manner.
Food restriction during lactation suppresses Kiss1 mRNA expression and kisspeptin-stimulated LH release in rats
Authors: Ladyman Sharon R , Woodside Barbara
Published: February 2014

Among the numerous physiological changes that accompany lactation is the suppression of the reproductive axis. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible role for the kisspeptin system in the restoration of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis during late lactation in rats using a food restriction model that allows manipulation of the duration of lactational anovulation. Kiss1 mRNA expression and kisspeptin-immunoreactive cell counts were examined in both food-restricted dams and ad libitum (AL)-fed dams across late lactation when LH concentrations begin to increase. In the arcuate nucleus, Kiss1 mRNA expression and kisspeptin-positive cell counts were suppressed during late lactation. In the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV), day 15 food-restricted dams had significantly lower AVPV Kiss1 mRNA expression and a decreased LH response to exogenous kisspeptin compared with the AL-fed dams. Following 5 days of ad libitum food intake, these values were restored to levels similar to those in dams that had been fed ad libitum throughout lactation. In conclusion, this study shows that delayed restoration of the reproductive axis due to food restriction is associated with a decrease in kisspeptin sensitivity and low AVPV Kiss1 mRNA in late lactation.
Effects of cytokine-suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs on inflammatory activation in ex vivo human and ovine fetal membranes
Authors: Stinson Lisa F , Ireland Demelza J , Kemp Matthew W , Payne Matthew S , Stock Sarah J , Newnham John P , Keelan Jeffrey A
Published: February 2014

Intrauterine infection and inflammation are responsible for the majority of early (<32 weeks) spontaneous preterm births (PTBs). Anti-inflammatory agents, delivered intra-amniotically together with antibiotics, may be an effective strategy for preventing PTB. In this study, the effects of four cytokine-suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs (CSAIDs:N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), SB239063, TPCA-1 and NEMO binding domain inhibitor (NBDI)) were assessed on human and ovine gestational membrane inflammation. Full-thickness membranes were collected from healthy, term, human placentas delivered by Caesarean section (n=5). Using a Transwell model, they were stimulatedex vivowith γ-irradiation-killedEscherichia coliapplied to the amniotic face. Membranes from near-term, ovine placentas were stimulatedin uterowith lipopolysaccharide,Ureaplasma parvumor saline control and subjected to explant culture. The effects of treatment with CSAIDs or vehicle (1% DMSO) on accumulation of PGE2and cytokines (human interleukin 6 (IL6), IL10 and TNFα; ovine IL8 (oIL8)) were assessed in conditioned media at various time points (3–20 h). In human membranes, the IKKβ inhibitor TPCA-1 (7 μM) and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063 (20 μM) administered to the amniotic compartment were the most effective in inhibiting accumulation of cytokines and PGE2in the fetal compartment. NAC (10 mM) inhibited accumulation of PGE2and IL10 only; NBDI (10 μM) had no significant effect. In addition to the fetal compartment, SB239063 also exerted consistent and significant inhibitory effects in the maternal compartment. TPCA-1 and SB239063 suppressed oIL8 production, while all CSAIDs tested suppressed ovine PGE2production. These results support the further investigation of intra-amniotically delivered CSAIDs for the prevention of inflammation-mediated PTB.
Assessment of telephone speech perception in individuals who received cochlear implant in the period 1993-2003
Authors: Rigotti Pricila Perini , Costa Orozimbo Alves , Bevilacqua Maria Cecilia , Nascimento Leandra Tabanez do , Alvarenga Katia de Freitas
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate telephone speech perception in individuals who received cochlear implant in the period 1993-2003. METHODS: Twenty seven CI users were divided into pre and post-lingual groups, being the speech perception assessed in two stages: first by a list of sentences imposed on speakerphone with the same mapping used to evaluate the phone and, in a second stage, using the landline, landline phone adapter with CI and cell phone. RESULTS: In the group of pre-lingual hearing loss, 75% of subjects were able to maintain a dialogue with the interlocutor and 19% did so with difficulty. In the post-lingual group, 89% were able to maintain the dialogue with the interlocutor and 11% did so with difficulty. Both groups of subjects pre and post-lingual use the phone as a media, and most have satisfactory performance without the need for aid or CI accessories. CONCLUSION: One of the benefits of the CI is to introduce the life of the hearing impaired phone use regardless of their technology and accessories, as well as with the phone adapter and cell phone. In this study, most individuals CI users showed satisfactory performance in the comprehension of sentence and questions by the telephone, with better performance, although discrete, for the group post-lingual. Thus, there is the importance of careful indication of the IC and auditory rehabilitation program that minimize the impact of deafness in the communication, especially via telephone, regardless of the time when the hearing was acquired. So, this fact improves the conditions for CI users to maintain their daily activities, following the dynamism of contemporary life.
The interaction between awareness of one' s own speech disorder with linguistics variables: distinctive features and severity of phonological disorder
Authors: Dias Roberta Freitas , Melo Roberta Michelon , Mezzomo Carolina Lisboa , Mota Helena Bolli
Published: February 2014

PURPOSE: To analyze the possible relationship among the awareness of one' s own speech disorder and some aspects of the phonological system, as the number and the type of changed distinctive features, as well as the interaction among the severity of the disorder and the non-specification of distinctive features. METHODS: The analyzed group has 23 children with diagnosis of speech disorder, aged 5:0 to 7:7. The speech data were analyzed through the Distinctive Features Analysis and classified by the Percentage of Correct Consonants. One also applied the Awareness of one' s own speech disorder test. The children were separated in two groups: with awareness of their own speech disorder established (more than 50% of correct identification) and without awareness of their own speech disorder established (less than 50% of correct identification). Finally, the variables of this research were submitted to analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The type of changed distinctive features weren' t different between the groups, as well as the total of changed features and the severity disorder. However, a correlation between the severity disorder and the non-specification of distinctive features was verified, because the more severe disorders have more changes in these linguistic variables. CONCLUSION: The awareness of one' s own speech disorder doesn' t seem to be directly influenced by the type and by the number of changed distinctive features, neither by the speech disorder severity. Moreover, one verifies that the greater phonological disorder severity, the greater the number of changed distinctive features.
Integrated sensory motor system in prematurely born children
Authors: Medeiros Andrea Monteiro Correia , Jesus Graysianne Alves de , Almeida Leylane Fonseca , Raposo Oscar Felipe Falcao
Published: February 2014

PURPOSE: To investigate about an integrated sensory motor system existence in premature newborns, submitted to gustatory stimulation. METHODS: Analytical and experimental study of contents, double-blind. Being participants 90 premature newborns, divided into two groups (water or sucrose analysis 12%). Recorded by 15 minutes (first and last moments, without stimulation; and second time with gustatory stimulation). Three independent judges analyzed the behaviors in the right hand and left hand in the mouth and suction in the left and right and hand during the various behavioral states, those being inserted in the database of Statistical Package for Social Science, being then considered that the events observed by at least two of them. It was made use of Spearman' s rank correlation test on a significance level by p<0.05. RESULTS: Considering the groups both separately and together, right and left had initially moderate correlation, being right hand in the mouth remained strong at the end and left hand in the mouth finished on moderate and strong correlation, according to each behavioral state. Right hand suction in its total and sucrose showed a strong correlation initially in drowsy state, becoming moderate at the end. In alertness state there was initially a weak correlation in both stimuli ending in moderate correlation in sucrose and strong in water. Left hand suction presented initially moderate correlation on the alert state, ending in weak correlation in sucrose stimuli, which did not occur in the water that started and finished strong. CONCLUSION: The oral stimulation influenced the hand-mouth coordination, showing early motor sensory integration. However, there was no discrimination about the gustatory capacity on the newborns.
Validation of the Voice Handicap Index: 10 (VHI-10) to the Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Costa Thiago , Oliveira Gisele , Behlau Mara
Published: February 2014

PURPOSE: To validate the Voice Handicap Index - 10 (VHI-10) into Brazilian Portuguese and to check its psychometric measures. METHODS: The validation was performed following the guidelines suggested by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust. A hundred ten individuals participated, 60 with vocal complaint, 6 males and 54 females, with age ranging from 21 to 82 years; and 50 without vocal complaint, 6 males and 44 females, age ranging from 18 to 87 years. The procedures performed were a voice self-assessment and the VHI-10. For the self-assessment, the individuals evaluated their vocal quality by means of a five-point scale: excellent, very good, good, fair and poor. The VHI-10 was administered twice to 30 of the 60 individuals with vocal complaint to determine the test-retest reproducibility. For checking the sensitivity, the VHI-10 was administered to 21 patients that underwent voice rehabilitation. RESULTS: The validity was determined by comparing the total score with the self-assessment results. Individuals that classified their voice as poor had a total score of 28.2 (standard deviation=8). Internal consistence was determined with high values of coefficient (p<0.001). Results showed a high level of reproducibility (p=0.0114). Sensitivity was demonstrated with a significant difference between pre and post-rehabilitation results (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The VHI-10 is an instrument validated into Brazilian Portuguese, with psychometric measures of validity, reliability and sensibility proven and can be applied to individuals with voice problems.
Analysis of aspects of quality of life in teachers' voice after discharged: longitudinal study
Authors: Ferreira Josiane Mendes , Campos Nathalia Ferreira , Bassi Iara Barreto , Santos Marco Aurelio Rocha , Teixeira Leticia Caldas , Gama Ana Cristina Cortes
Published: February 2014

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term effects of voice therapy on the life quality of teachers who were discharged or abandoned the voice therapy for dysphonia. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study based on analysis of assessments with teachers of municipal schools in Belo Horizonte, who were referred to voice therapy and were discharged or abandoned the speech-language therapy for more than six months. A total of 33 teachers in the discharged group and 20 teachers in the abandoned group were contacted by phone and invited to participate in the study by answering the Voice activity and participation profile, which was forwarded to the researchers and sent via letter. RESULTS: At the moment of the pre speech therapy, the discharged and abandoned groups were homogeneous, except in relation to daily communication parameter. Comparing the discharged group in the pre and post speech-language therapy, it was showed improvements in social communication parameter as well as in the total score. The discharged group presented worsening in self-perception parameter when comparing the average values in the post therapy and current moments, and the group abandoned presented worsening in work, social communication and total score when comparing to the average values in the pre therapy and current moments. The discharged and abandoned groups differ in the present moment in all investigated parameters. CONCLUSION: Speech-language therapy for dysphonia have long term positive effects on life quality and voice of teachers who were soon discharged from the therapy and in a period of two years on average. Teachers who have abandoned treatment and did not obtain improvement in the voice showed negative impact in life quality and voice in a time of 2 years and 2 months on average.
Focused Ion Beam and Nanomechanical Tests for High Resolution Surface Characterisation: New Resources for Platinum Group Metals Testing
Authors: Sebastiani Marco , Renzelli Marco , Battaini Paolo , Bemporad Edoardo
Published: February 2014

Recently, the increasing importance and scope of nanotechnology has extended the need for high resolution characterisation tools beyond their traditional domains. As a consequence, advanced high-resolution tools at the nanoscale are now increasingly used in research and development (R&D) activities, offering the chance for a better understanding of submicron feature size dependence. This paper gives an overview of the synergic application of two high resolution techniques on the platinum group metals (pgms): focused ion beam (FIB) coupled with electron beam imaging, milling and deposition techniques; and nanoindentation testing. After a brief description of both techniques (architecture, probe-sample interaction basics and operation modes), the effectiveness of this combined approach is demonstrated for microstructural and nanomechanical investigations on very small samples. The advantages are low cost, fast and site-specific sample preparation for transition electron microscopy (TEM) analysis; study of the mechanical hardening effect on microstructure and hardness profile at the micron scale; failure analysis; and understanding of plasticity and elasticity behaviour. Two specific case studies related to a platinum-copper alloy for jewellery use and a platinum-rhodium alloy for sensor manufacturing are presented and discussed.
A Catalyst for Change: The European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights
Authors: Lawler Mark , Le Chevalier Thierry , Murphy Martin J. , Banks Ian , Conte Pierfranco , De Lorenzo Francesco , Meunier Françoise , Pinedo H.M. , Selby Peter , Armand Jean-Pierre , Barbacid Mariano , Barzach Michèle , Bergh Jonas , Bode Gerlind , Cameron David A. , Braud Filippo , Gramont Aimery , Diehl Volker , Diler Sarper , Erdem Sema , Fitzpatrick John M. , Geissler Jan , Hollywood Donal , Højgaard Liselotte , Horgan Denis , Jassem Jacek , Johnson Peter W. , Kapitein Peter , Kelly Joan , Kloezen Sandra , La Vecchia Carlo , Löwenberg Bob , Oliver Kathy , Sullivan Richard , Tabernero Josep , Van de Velde Cornelis J. , Wilking Nils , Wilson Roger , Zielinski Christoph , Hausen Harald , Johnston Patrick G.
Published: February 2014

The European Cancer Concord is a unique patient-centered partnership that will act as a catalyst to achieve improved access to an optimal standard of cancer care and research for European citizens. In order to provide tangible benefits for European cancer patients, the partnership proposes the creation of a “European Cancer Patient's Bill of Rights,” a patient charter that will underpin equitable access to an optimal standard of care for Europe's citizens.
Negotiation of poor ground in an undersea tunnel
Authors: Coggan John , Yelland Scott
Published: February 2014

The 2ṡ65 km Gwithian outfall tunnel formed part of the tunnelling operations under the ‘Clean Sweep’ sewage/sewerage distribution system upgrade within the south-west region of the UK during the 1990s. The 3ṡ0 m high by 2ṡ8 m wide, rectangular, tracked tunnel was constructed by Trafalgar House Construction using drill and blast techniques to intercept a series of pre-drilled diffuser units 25 m below the seabed in St Ives Bay. In view of the close proximity to the seabed, and the risk of water ingress, systematic probe drilling was performed at regular intervals during construction. Where necessary, in order to reduce the water-make to within pre-defined limits, cementitious grouting of the ground ahead of the advancing face was undertaken. One major fault zone required extensive grouting, as initial probe holes were making in the order of 200 gallons per minute (909 l/min). Tunnel advance through ‘exceptionally poor’ ground required modification to the excavation methodology and implementation of additional support measures. Evaluation of geotechnical data from the undersea tunnel suggests that the Q-system provided a sound basis for assessment of rock quality and for guidance on associated support requirements. Good correlation was obtained between mapped Q-values and tunnel advance rates. Importantly, engineering judgement informed final support recommendations.
Brittle rupture of an aged HPDE geomembrane at local gravel indentations under simulated field conditions
Authors: Abdelaal F.B. , Rowe R.K. , Brachman R.W.I.
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT: The susceptibility of a 1.5 mm thick high-density polyethylene geomembrane to brittle rupture from long-term stress cracking in a simulated municipal solid waste landfill liner is examined. The geomembrane was pre-aged in a leachate at 85°C to lower the notched constant tensile load stress crack resistance of the geomembrane to about 75 h. The aged geomembrane was then used as part of a composite liner system in geosynthetic liner longevity simulators (GLLSs) with a geosynthetic clay liner and sand foundation layer below the geomembrane and a 560 g/m2 geotextile protection layer and 50 mm drainage gravel above the geomembrane. The GLLSs allow the simulation of field conditions including elevated temperatures, overburden pressure, leachate circulation, and composite liner exposure conditions. The geomembrane experienced brittle rupture on the side slopes of the local gravel indentations for temperatures between 55 and 85°C. The higher the liner temperature, the shorter the time to rupture and the higher the tensile strain at rupture. Arrhenius modelling of the test data gave an activation energy of Ea = 112 kJ/mol.
Laboratory characterisation of optimised geocomposites for asphalt pavement reinforcement
Authors: Pasquini E. , Bocci M. , Canestrari F.
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT: In order to improve road pavement performance, reinforcement systems can be employed in asphalt layers. In this regard, composite materials obtained by combining bituminous membranes with fibreglass grids represent a promising option because they are able to allow both waterproofing and improved mechanical properties of asphalt pavements. At the same time, the presence of reinforcement at the interface inevitably causes a reduction of interlayer bonding that may negatively influence overall pavement strength. The present research had the twofold objective of evaluating the effectiveness of pavement rehabilitation by using geocomposites and identifying an optimised product. Particularly, the present experimental study intended to characterise three reinforcing materials produced by combining an elastomeric membrane with different reinforcement types and positions. Moreover, the prospective use of a tack coat at the interface was also evaluated. To achieve these aims, interface shear tests and both quasi-static and dynamic flexural tests were carried out on double-layered reinforced samples prepared in the laboratory. An unreinforced reference system was also investigated for comparison purposes. The experimental results showed that improved mechanical properties were achieved in the case of reinforced systems. This research study also provided useful suggestions for the production and utilisation of an optimised geocomposite for asphalt pavement reinforcement.
Effects of blown film process on initial properties of HPDE geomembranes of different thicknesses
Authors: Ewais A.M.R. , Rowe R.K.
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT: The differences in the properties of five high density polyethylene geomembranes (GMBs) of different thicknesses made by the same manufacturer from same GMB resin are investigated. The 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.4 mm thick GMBs investigated were manufactured during the same production run by changing the pulling speed of the GMB out of the extrusion die, such that, the pulling speed decreased with increasing thickness. There were no differences in the initial HP-OIT or Std-OIT values of the different GMBs. However, there were differences in the key mechanical and physical properties of the GMBs that cannot be simply explained by the increase in the amount of material due to increasing GMB thickness. These differences are explained by differences in the morphological structure of the GMBs arising from the different thermal and stress histories experienced during the manufacturing process. The effects of the differences in the morphological structure are discussed in terms of: the decrease in the relative differences between the stress–elongation curves in the machine and cross-machine directions as thickness increases; changes in the enthalpies of melting and crystallisation by differential scanning calorimetry with changing thickness; and the different stress crack resistance (SCR) for the GMBs. For example, thinner GMBs had a greater difference between the SCR in the machine and cross-machine direction. Increasing the GMB thickness from 1.5 to 2.4 mm resulted in increasing the SCR from ∼ 800 to ∼ 1100 h in the cross-machine direction and decreasing its SCR from ∼ 4100 to ∼ 2000 h in the machine direction. Thus, GMBs of different thickness manufactured from the same resin can be expected to have differences in their physical and mechanical properties that are dependent on the additional material but also the difference in the tension and cooling rate experienced during the manufacturing process.
A comparative study on modified epoxy and glycidyl carbamate coatings for corrosion and fouling prevention
Authors: Dhanapal Duraibabu , Rebheka Gowripriya , Palanivel Saravanan , Srinivasan Ananda Kumar
Published: February 2014

The objective of the study focuses on the development and characterization of modified epoxy (ME) and glycidyl carbamate (GC) coatings. The coatings were applied on mild steel specimens by bar coated to a thickness of 80 µm using Aradur 140 (polyamidoimidazoline) curing agent. ME and GC coatings were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral studies to ascertain their structure. The corrosion- and fouling-resistant behavior of these coatings in comparison with a commercially available paint was determined by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy and antifouling studies. These coatings appear to be both corrosion and fouling resistant.
A Role for EMDR in the Treatment of Trauma in Patients Suffering From a Psychosis: Four Vignettes
Authors: Laugharne Richard , Marshall Deborah , Laugharne Jon , Hassard Alan
Published: February 2014

Many patients with a functional psychosis are likely to have a history of trauma and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); some may be traumatized by their psychotic symptoms. We present a series of vignettes to describe eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of 4 patients suffering from a functional psychotic illness who had a significant history of trauma. After receiving EMDR, each patient showed an improvement in their PTSD symptoms and reported an improvement in the quality of their lives. Follow-up at 3–6 years indicated that the treatment effects were maintained, with changes evident in elimination of trauma-related delusions, reduction in anxiety and depression, fewer hospital admissions, and overall improved quality of life. Because a history of trauma and PTSD symptoms are more frequent in patients with a psychosis, and trauma may be an etiological component of psychosis, EMDR treatment needs to be researched and explored as a treatment opportunity.
The “Flashforward Procedure”: Confronting the Catastrophe
Authors: Logie Robin David Julian , Jongh Ad De
Published: February 2014

This article introduces the “Flashforward procedure,” which is a specific application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). It is used for the treatment of irrational fears, for example, when a persisting fear continues after the core memories of past events have been fully processed. A theoretical background is presented, and the procedure is explained, together with 2 illustrative case studies. We describe psychological conditions and mental health problems for which the use of EMDR aimed at client’s flashforward might be appropriate, as well as indicating which stage in the therapeutic process is most applicable for the use of this procedure. Furthermore, the Flashforward procedure is compared with other EMDR applications and similar procedures in other therapies. Some implications are discussed.
Dissociation of the Personality and EMDR Therapy in Complex Trauma-Related Disorders: Applications in Phases 2 and 3 Treatment
Authors: van der Hart Onno , Groenendijk Mariëtte , Gonzalez Anabel , Mosquera Dolores , Solomon Roger
Published: February 2014

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy can play a major role in phase-oriented treatment of complex trauma-related disorders. In terms of the theory of structural dissociation of the personality and its related psychology of action, a previous article described Phase 1 treatment—Stabilization, Symptom Reduction, and Skills Training—emphasizing the use of EMDR procedures in this phase. Phase 2 treatment mainly involves applications of EMDR processing in overcoming the phobia of traumatic memories and their subsequent integration. Phase 3 treatment focuses on further integration of the personality, which includes overcoming various phobias pertaining to adaptive functioning in daily life. This article emphasizes treatment approaches that assist therapists in incorporating EMDR protocols in Phases 2 and 3 of phase-oriented treatment without exceeding clients’ integrative capacity or window of tolerance.
Kinetic model for the sorption of copper ions onto sugar beet shreds
Authors: Brdar Mirjana , Sciban Marina , Kukic Dragana , Dosenovic Tatjana
Published: February 2014

Adsorption kinetics is of great significance to evaluate the performance of
adsorption process. The kinetics of copper ions adsorption onto different
sized sugar beet shreds has been considered. Sugar beet shreds are very
promising adsorbents due to their convenient chemical composition and
availability in relatively large quantities in many countries. Experimental
data were fitted with pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetic models.
Also, we used the intraparticle diffusion model for further analysis of
kinetics. The coefficient of determination indicates that, the
pseudo-second-order equation obtained by using non-linear least square
method, was the most appropriate model for the description of copper ions
adsorption onto sugar beet shreds. The adsorption capacities at equilibrium,
for a particle size of 224 - 400 ?m, 400 - 750 ?m and 750 - 1000 ?m, are 10
mg/g, 9 mg/g and 8.6 mg/g, respectively. By using intraparticle diffusion
model proposed by Weber and Morris, it was obtained that there exist two
different stages in adsorption: fast initial adsorption which is further
limited by intraparticle diffusion.
Transformational Leadership in the Consumer Service Workgroup: Competing Models of Job Satisfaction, Change Commitment, and Cooperative Conflict Resolution
Authors: Yang Yi-Feng
Published: February 2014

This paper discusses the effects of transformational leadership on cooperative conflict resolution (management) by evaluating several alternative models related to the mediating role of job satisfaction and change commitment. Samples of data from customer service personnel in Taiwan were analyzed. Based on the boot-strap sample technique, an empirical study was carried out to yield the best fitting model. The procedure of hierarchical nested model analysis was used, incorporating the methods of bootstrapping mediation, PRODCLIN2, and structural equation modeling (SEM) comparison. The analysis suggests that leadership that promotes integration (change commitment) and provides inspiration and motivation (job satisfaction), in the proper order, creates the means for cooperative conflict resolution.
Repetition Duration Influences Ratings of Perceived Exertion
Authors: Diniz Rodrigo C. R. , Martins-Costa Hugo C. , Machado Sandra C. , Lima Fernando V. , Chagas Mauro H.
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the effect of different repetition durations on ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) in active muscles (RPE-AM) and the overall body (RPE-O). 19 male volunteers ( M age = 25.4 yr., SD = 3.5) performed strength training protocols with multiple sets matched by the number of sets and repetitions, intensity and rest interval but different repetition durations: 4 sec., 6 sec., or self-paced. Participants were asked to estimate their RPE-AM and RPE-O after each set. Training protocols with a 6-sec repetition duration produced distinct responses on RPE during and after performance compared to 4-sec. and self-paced durations. However, there were no significant differences between 4-sec. and self-paced durations.
Personality, Sex of Participant, and Face-to-Face Interaction Affect Reading of Informed Consent Forms
Authors: Knepp Michael M.
Published: February 2014

Students ( N = 183) participated in a study designed to determine if each student read the informed consent form. Approximately 12% of students in the online condition followed the procedure compared with 38% in the laboratory phase. Participants with higher trait worry and those with lower emotion reappraisal were more likely to follow the procedure, while women were more likely to read the form than men. Across conditions, most students do not read informed consent documents, particularly in online formats. These findings of this research support the idea that women tend to be more information-seeking than men in health and research settings and those with higher trait worry tend to read the consent forms to alleviate uncertainty and trust concerns.
From Specific Training to Global Shift of Manual Preference in Kung Fu Experts
Authors: Maeda Rodrigo S. , Souza Rosana M. , Teixeira Luis A.
Published: February 2014

Manual preference and intermanual performance asymmetry have been approached from a multidimensional and dynamic perspective. A point of interest from that approach is the role of lateralized motor experiences on handedness. In this study, intermanual performance asymmetry in sport-specific movements and manual preference in daily living tasks were compared between Kung Fu athletes and novices. Analysis of movement time in the performance of interlaterally symmetric and asymmetric movement patterns showed smaller intermanual performance asymmetry in experts. Analysis of manual preference using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory indicated that experts presented predominantly weak or moderate strength of right hand preference. Novices, conversely, were found to have predominantly strong right hand preference. These results suggest that extensive bimanual training by experts leads to a global shift of manual preference, affecting hand selection in distinct tasks.
Relative Sensitivity of Depth Discrimination for Ankle Inversion and Plantar Flexion Movements
Authors: Black Georgia , Waddington Gordon , Adams Roger
Published: February 2014

25 participants (20 women, 5 men) were tested for sensitivity in discrimination between sets of six movements centered on 8°, 11°, and 14°, and separated by 0.3°. Both inversion and plantar flexion movements were tested. Discrimination of the extent of inversion movement was observed to decline linearly with increasing depth; however, for plantar flexion, the discrimination function for movement extent was found to be non-linear. The relatively better discrimination of plantar flexion movements than inversion movements at around 11° from horizontal is interpreted as an effect arising from differential amounts of practice through use, because this position is associated with the plantar flexion movement made in normal walking. The fact that plantar flexion movements are discriminated better than inversion at one region but not others argues against accounts of superior proprioceptive sensitivity for plantar flexion compared to inversion that are based on general properties of plantar flexion such as the number of muscle fibres on stretch.
Evaluation on Quality of Life in Patients with Nasal Polyposis Managed with Optimal Medical Therapy
Authors: Aboud Saleh Khaled , Husain Salina , Gendeh Balwant Singh
Published: February 2014

Nasal polyposis (NP) has a great impact on quality of life (QOL) and its management involves a combination of medical therapy and surgery. To the authors' knowledge, no publication has extensively examined NP after optimal medical treatment based on subjective evaluations. The aim of this prospective study was designed to evaluate the QOL in NP patients after (1) a short course of oral steroids, (2) initial 3-month course of macrolide, and (3) long-term treatment with intranasal steroids. A total of 55 patients with grades I and II NP were consecutively treated with oral prednisolone at 25 mg in a single dose for 2 weeks, macrolide at 250 mg daily for the first 3 months, and long-term intranasal steroids. Patients were followed up and evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months for QOL measure. At baseline, patients with grade I and grade II NP showed significantly worse QOL scores on all Rhinosinusitis Disability Index domains, particularly for physical function (4.59 ± 1.41) and were significantly higher in social function (3.16 ± 1.17). At 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment, patients showed a significant improvement in all impaired QOL domains compared with baseline after optimal medical therapy (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the optimal medical treatment to improve QOL incorporates medical polypectomy with a short course of oral steroids in addition to macrolide and this can be maintained by long-term intranasal steroid therapy.
Hockey Concussion Education Project, Part 1. Susceptibility-weighted imaging study in male and female ice hockey players over a single season
Authors: Helmer Karl G. , Pasternak Ofer , Fredman Eli , Preciado Ronny I. , Koerte Inga K. , Sasaki Takeshi , Mayinger Michael , Johnson Andrew M. , Holmes Jeffrey D. , Forwell Lorie A. , Skopelja Elaine N. , Shenton Martha E. , Echlin Paul S.
Published: February 2014

Object

Concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a commonly occurring sports-related injury, especially in contact sports such as hockey. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), which appear as small, hypointense lesions on T2*-weighted images, can result from TBI. The authors use susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) to automatically detect small hypointensities that may be subtle signs of chronic and acute damage due to both subconcussive and concussive injury. The goal was to investigate how the burden of these hypointensities changes over time, over a playing season, and postconcussion, in comparison with subjects who did not suffer a medically observed and diagnosed concussion.

Methods

Images were obtained in 45 university-level adult male and female ice hockey players before and after a single Canadian Interuniversity Sports season. In addition, 11 subjects (5 men and 6 women) underwent imaging at 72 hours, 2 weeks, and 2 months after concussion. To identify subtle changes in brain tissue and potential CMBs, nonvessel clusters of hypointensities on SWI were automatically identified, and a hypointensity burden index was calculated for all subjects at the beginning of the season (BOS), the end of the season (EOS), and at postconcussion time points (where applicable).

Results

A statistically significant increase in the hypointensity burden, relative to the BOS, was observed for male subjects with concussions at the 2-week postconcussion time point. A smaller, nonsignificant rise in the burden for female subjects with concussions was also observed within the same time period. There were no significant changes in burden for nonconcussed subjects of either sex between the BOS and EOS time points. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the burden between male and female subjects in the nonconcussed group at both the BOS and EOS time points, with males having a higher burden.

Conclusions

This method extends the utility of SWI from the enhancement and detection of larger (> 5 mm) CMBs, which are often observed in more severe cases of TBI, to cases involving smaller lesions in which visual detection of injury is difficult. The hypointensity burden metric proposed here shows statistically significant changes over time in the male subjects. A smaller, nonsignificant increase in the burden metric was observed in the female subjects.