bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Djibouti, une nouvelle porte de l'Afrique ?
Authors: Foch Arthur
Published: September 2010

Résumé Frappé par une crise économique sans précédent au début des années 1990, Djibouti bénéficie quelques années plus tard d’un essor important de son secteur portuaire qui permet progressivement de redresser l’économie du pays. Alors qu’il était marginalisé par la crise et caractérisé par un certain laisser-aller dans sa gestion, le secteur portuaire djiboutien est aujourd’hui l’un des plus modernes d’Afrique de l’Est. Cet article interroge les raisons du succès portuaire djiboutien. Il identifie ses déterminants et analyse la mise en œuvre des différents projets réalisés. Pour finir, il questionne la durabilité de la réussite djiboutienne dans un contexte de crise financière et de concurrence accrue de la part des autres ports régionaux.
De la diversité urbaine : des hommes et des dieux sur les pentes de Puymin à Vasio Vocontiorum
Authors: Bouet Alain
Published: September 2010

Résumé Vaison-la-Romaine (Vaucluse) est l’une des villes antiques les plus largement dégagées grâce aux fouilles du chanoine Sautel menées depuis le début du xx e  s. dans les secteurs de La Villasse et de Puymin. L’étude d’une partie de cette dernière zone apporte un regard nouveau sur son organisation : un sanctuaire précoce (Portique de Pompée), comparable à l’ Augusteum d’Herculanum et à l’Édifice d’Eumachia de Pompéi, jouxte une voie processionnelle qui permet d’accéder, par le biais d’un tunnel, au théâtre et à son probable sanctuaire qui le surmontait. En contrebas de la colline s’étend un quartier artisanal dans lequel a été mise en évidence une meunerie hydraulique (îlot du « nymphée »), rare exemple en Gaule d’un tel aménagement urbain. C’est donc un quartier où se côtoient activités religieuses et artisanales que se propose de restituer cette étude.
Benchmarking : l'utilisation du chiffre dans la gestion de l'État
Authors: Simon Patrick
Published: September 2010

Résumé Les méthodes de gestion incubées dans les entreprises ont inspiré largement les nouvelles formes de gestion de l’État. Que ce soit avec l’introduction du benchmarking , particulièrement visible dans la Révision générale des politiques publiques, ou la conception de politiques d’insertion fondée sur l’économie expérimentale, l’État nouveau style a un usage particulier des statistiques qui symbolise bien son inspiration néolibérale. Emmanuel Didier remet cette évolution en perspective dans l’histoire du chiffre dans la conduite des affaires publiques.
Red Light district et porno durable !
Authors: Bourcier Marie-Hélène
Published: September 2010

Résumé Dans cet article Marie-Hélène Bourcier s’attache à décrire le potentiel du « porno vert » émergent qui constitue l’un des prolongements du féminisme pro-sexe avec les premières mobilisations des sex workers dans les années 70 et les subcultures SM dans les années 80. De symbole, voire de fabrique absolue de « l’exploitation de la femme » dans les années 80, l’industrie du sexe aurait-elle généré des espaces micropolitiques qui permettent entre autres de réarticuler un matérialisme enfin indécent ? En quoi les gouines rouges y sont pour quelque chose ? Et de quelles micropolitiques parle-t-on en terre républicaine ?
L'éthique du care en trois subversions
Authors: Laugier Sandra
Published: September 2010

Résumé L’auteur interroge quelques raisons pour lesquelles l’éthique du care a été récemment attaquée, lors de l’introduction du terme dans le débat public. Il a entre autres été suggéré que le care ne serait pas féministe, mais essentialiserait le féminin en lui donnant un contenu moral. Elle vise au contraire à montrer que l’éthique du care est une radicalisation du féminisme, par trois subversions : elle subvertit la définition de la morale (comme partage du bien et du mal, et définition du juste), elle oblige à faire attention à des réalités négligées et par là à nos raisons de les ignorer, et enfin elle rompt le dualisme différentialisme/universalisme.
Allégories d'une nation dilacérée : le sertão de Glauber Rocha
Authors: Gomes Pereira Pedro Paulo
Published: September 2010

Cet essai s’agit d’une géographie imaginative qui a modelé au Brésil une catégorie d’espace, le sertão , comme l’une des principales façons de définir la nation. La perspective sera ici celle de comprendre comment Le Dieu noir et le Diable blond [ Deus e o Diabo Na Terra do Sol ], de Glauber Rocha, a construit le sertão et comment ce sertão définit et projette le Brésil. Glauber Rocha a filmé à l’épicentre des contradictions qui existent dans l’affirmation du Brésil face à un autre extérieur et face à la présence d’ autres au sein de la nation, mais aussi dans la présence d’une pluralité de voix et de sujets historiques face aux agissements d’un Etat national qui planifie la diversité.
Devenirs de l'anthropophagie, du Brésil au Monde
Authors: Tible Jean
Published: September 2010

Ouvrage où Giuseppe Cocco tente de penser les changements contemporains du travail, de l’emploi et de la production ainsi que la dichotomie nature/culture à partir du Brésil (et de la Bolivie) et d’une lecture du « perspectivisme amazonien » d’Eduardo Viveiros de Castro.
Maladresse des voix
Authors: Vanni Michel
Published: September 2010

Résumé Quelles sont les conditions d’émergence d’une voix ? La voix s’inscrit dans des systèmes réglés qui autorisent son repérage, et déplace tout à la fois ces systèmes pour faire surgir des nominations partiellement inédites. C’est vers une politique de l’attention aux voix – et vers la militance qui correspond à cette politique – qu’entendent pointer les réflexions proposées ici, sous la forme d’une vingtaine de thèses commentées.
Déroutes – des voix
Authors: Wiser Antonin
Published: September 2010

Résumé Je voudrais proposer une lecture de deux textes de Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe, L’« Allégorie » (1967-1968) et Phrase (2000), pour y suivre une voie déroutante, celle de ce qui prend là le nom de littérature. Celle-ci s’élève comme un chant dans le soir, un écho lointain, à l’heure où le sujet déjà s’efface et laisse place à une phrase qui le traverse et le renverse. Portée par une « douce voix que nous savons n’être pas nôtre », la littérature emplit alors l’espace de notre disparition.
Interface Between Macro and Nano Worlds
Authors: Skorc Gregor , Safaric Riko , Lukman David , Protsenko Sirhiy Ivanovich , Zapusek Simon
Published: September 2010

This paper describes the design of a nanorobotic application which includes: nanorobotic arm, Akiyama sensor system, a vacuum chamber, and an interface tools for the nanorobotic hardware developed using C++ and VRML languages in order to create a desktop virtual-reality environment which improves visualisation and prevents collision of the nanomanipulator hardware with the associated workspace. The presented experiment shows how the used man-machine interface could be used for communication between macro and micro/nano worlds.
Differential Roles for Endothelial ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and VCAM-1 in Shear-Resistant T Cell Arrest, Polarization, and Directed Crawling on Blood–Brain Barrier Endothelium
Authors: Steiner Oliver , Coisne Caroline , Cecchelli Roméo , Boscacci Rémy , Deutsch Urban , Engelhardt Britta , Lyck Ruth
Published: September 2010

Endothelial ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 were shown to be essential for T cell diapedesis across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro under static conditions. Crawling of T cells prior to diapedesis was only recently revealed to occur preferentially against the direction of blood flow on the endothelial surface of inflamed brain microvessels in vivo. Using live cell-imaging techniques, we prove that Th1 memory/effector T cells predominantly crawl against the direction of flow on the surface of BBB endothelium in vitro. Analysis of T cell interaction with wild-type, ICAM-1–deficient, ICAM-2–deficient, or ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 double-deficient primary mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells under physiological flow conditions allowed us to dissect the individual contributions of endothelial ICAM-1, ICAM-2, and VCAM-1 to shear-resistant T cell arrest, polarization, and crawling. Although T cell arrest was mediated by endothelial ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, T cell polarization and crawling were mediated by endothelial ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 but not by endothelial VCAM-1. Therefore, our data delineate a sequential involvement of endothelial ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in mediating shear-resistant T cell arrest, followed by endothelial ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 in mediating T cell crawling to sites permissive for diapedesis across BBB endothelium.
Deoxyuridine Triphosphate Incorporation during Somatic Hypermutation of Mouse VkOx Genes after Immunization with Phenyloxazolone
Authors: Roche Benjamin , Claës Aurélie , Rougeon François
Published: September 2010

Somatic hypermutation (SHM) of Ig genes is the result of a two-phase process initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase, relying on two different strategies for the introduction of mutations at CG pairs (phase I) and at AT pairs (phase II). To explain the selectivity of phase II, two mechanisms were proposed: AT-selective error-prone DNA-polymerases, deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) incorporation, or both. However, there has been no experimental evidence so far of the possible involvement of the latter. We have developed a ligation-anchored PCR method based on the formation of single-strand breaks at uracils. In this study, we show the presence of uracil in hypermutating VkOx genes in wild type (AID+/+) mice, demonstrating that dUTP incorporation via DNA polymerases could be a major mechanism in SHM. Thus, error-prone DNA polymerases would participate in SHM via low-fidelity replication and incorporation of dUTP.
NF-κB Activation Limits Airway Branching through Inhibition of Sp1-Mediated Fibroblast Growth Factor-10 Expression
Authors: Benjamin John T. , Carver Billy J. , Plosa Erin J. , Yamamoto Yasutoshi , Miller J. Davin , Liu Jin-Hua , van der Meer Riet , Blackwell Timothy S. , Prince Lawrence S.
Published: September 2010

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a frequent complication of preterm birth. This chronic lung disease results from arrested saccular airway development and is most common in infants exposed to inflammatory stimuli. In experimental models, inflammation inhibits expression of fibroblast growth factor-10 (FGF-10) and impairs epithelial–mesenchymal interactions during lung development; however, the mechanisms connecting inflammatory signaling with reduced growth factor expression are not yet understood. In this study we found that soluble inflammatory mediators present in tracheal fluid from preterm infants can prevent saccular airway branching. In addition, LPS treatment led to local production of mediators that inhibited airway branching and FGF-10 expression in LPS-resistant C.C3-Tlr4Lpsd/J fetal mouse lung explants. Both direct NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) that activate NF-κB reduced FGF-10 expression, whereas chemokines that signal via other inflammatory pathways had no effect. Mutational analysis of the FGF-10 promoter failed to identify genetic elements required for direct NF-κB–mediated FGF-10 inhibition. Instead, NF-κB activation appeared to interfere with the normal stimulation of FGF-10 expression by Sp1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and nuclear coimmunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the RelA subunit of NF-κB and Sp1 physically interact at the FGF-10 promoter. These findings indicate that inflammatory signaling through NF-κB disrupts the normal expression of FGF-10 in fetal lung mesenchyme by interfering with the transcriptional machinery critical for lung morphogenesis.
Cutting Edge: NLRP12 Controls Dendritic and Myeloid Cell Migration To Affect Contact Hypersensitivity
Authors: Arthur Janelle C. , Lich John D. , Ye Zhengmao , Allen Irving C. , Gris Denis , Wilson Justin E. , Schneider Monika , Roney Kelly E. , O’Connor Brian P. , Moore Chris B. , Morrison Amy , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Bertin John , Koller Beverly H. , Liu Zhi , Ting Jenny P-Y.
Published: September 2010

Nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins are regulators of inflammation and immunity. Although first described 8 y ago, a physiologic role for NLRP12 has remained elusive until now. We find that murine Nlrp12, an NLR linked to atopic dermatitis and hereditary periodic fever in humans, is prominently expressed in dendritic cells (DCs) and neutrophils. Nlrp12-deficient mice exhibit attenuated inflammatory responses in two models of contact hypersensitivity that exhibit features of allergic dermatitis. This cannot be attributed to defective Ag processing/presentation, inflammasome activation, or measurable changes in other inflammatory cytokines. Rather, Nlrp12−/− DCs display a significantly reduced capacity to migrate to draining lymph nodes. Both DCs and neutrophils fail to respond to chemokines in vitro. These findings indicate that NLRP12 is important in maintaining neutrophils and peripheral DCs in a migration-competent state.
MIAWARA-C, a new ground based water vapor radiometer for measurement campaigns
Authors: Straub C. , Murk A. , Kämpfer N.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. In this paper a new 22 GHz water vapor spectro-radiometer which has been specifically designed for profile measurement campaigns of the middle atmosphere is presented. The instrument is of a compact design and has a simple set up procedure. It can be operated as a standalone instrument as it maintains its own weather station and a calibration scheme that does not rely on other instruments or the use of liquid nitrogen. The optical system of MIAWARA-C combines a choked gaussian horn antenna with a parabolic mirror which reduces the size of the instrument in comparison with currently existing radiometers. For the data acquisition a correlation receiver is used together with a digital cross correlating spectrometer. The complete backend section, including the computer, is located in the same housing as the instrument. The receiver section is temperature stabilized to minimize gain fluctuations. Calibration of the instrument is achieved through a balancing scheme with the sky used as the cold load and the tropospheric properties are determined by performing regular tipping curves. Since MIAWARA-C is used in measurement campaigns it is important to be able to determine the elevation pointing in a simple manner as this is a crucial parameter in the calibration process. Here we present two different methods; scanning the sky and the Sun. Finally, we report on the first spectra and retrieved water vapor profiles acquired during the Lapbiat campaign at the Finnish Meteorological Institute Arctic Research Centre in Sodankylä, Finland. The performance of MIAWARA-C is validated here by comparison of the presented profiles against the equivalent profiles from the Microwave Limb Sounder on the EOS/Aura satellite.
Accumulation of DOC in Low Phosphate Low Chlorophyll (LPLC) area: is it related to higher production under high N:P ratio?
Authors: Mauriac R. , Moutin T. , Baklouti M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The biogeochemistry of carbon and nutrients (N, P) in the surface layer of the ocean strongly depends on the interaction between C, N and P at the cell level and at the population level where interaction between primary producers (phytoplankton) and remineralizers (heterotrophic bacteria) impact the overall stock and dynamics of organic carbon. To understand these interactions in the surface layer of the Mediterranean Sea, we implemented, using Eco3M, a multi-element, steady state, mechanistic model. This cell-based model intend to represent the growth of phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria under various amount of nutrients. As a results, it displays the expected biogeochemical characteristics of the system and give us insight on the expected interaction between phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria both in term of competition for inorganic nutrients and in term of commensalism for organic carbon. In this study, we found a good quantitative agreement between model results and literrature data for stocks and fluxes of the western Mediterranean basin. In addition, for phytoplankton we show how the uncoupling between carbon production and growth could impact the overall DOC dynamic and based on these results, we proposed a new explanantion for the observed DOC accumulation in the surface layer of the Mediterranean Sea.
Fingerprints of changes in the terrestrial carbon cycle in response to large reorganizations in ocean circulation
Authors: Bozbiyik A. , Steinacher M. , Joos F. , Stocker T. F.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. CO2 and carbon cycle changes in the land, ocean and atmosphere are investigated using the comprehensive carbon cycle-climate model NCAR CSM1.4-carbon. Ensemble simulations are forced with freshwater perturbations applied at the North Atlantic and Southern Ocean deep water formation sites under pre-industrial climate conditions. As a result, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation reduces in each experiment to varying degrees. The physical climate fields show changes that are well documented in the literature but there is a clear distinction between northern and southern perturbations. Changes in the physical variables affect, in return, the land and ocean biogeochemical cycles and cause a reduction, or an increase, in the atmospheric CO2 by up to 20 ppmv, depending on the location of the perturbation. In the case of a North Atlantic perturbation, the land biosphere reacts with a strong reduction in carbon stocks in some tropical locations and in high northern latitudes. In contrast, land carbon stocks tend to increase in response to a southern perturbation. The ocean is generally a sink of carbon although large re-organizations occur throughout various basins. The response of the land biosphere is strongest in the tropical regions due to a shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The carbon fingerprints of this shift, either to the south or to the north depending on where the freshwater is applied, can be found most clearly in South America. For this reason, a compilation of various paleoclimate proxy records of Younger Dryas precipitation changes are compared with our model results.
Geostatistical regionalization of low-flow indices: PSBI and Top-Kriging
Authors: Castiglioni S. , Castellarin A. , Montanari A. , Skøien J. O. , Laaha G. , Blöschl G.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Recent studies highlight that geostatistical interpolation, which has been originally developed for the spatial interpolation of point data, can be effectively applied to the problem of regionalization of hydrometric information. This study compares two innovative geostatistical approaches for the prediction of low-flows in ungauged basins. The first one, named Physiographic-Space Based Interpolation (PSBI), performs the spatial interpolation of the desired streamflow index (e.g., annual streamflow, low-flow index, flood quantile, etc.) in the space of catchment descriptors. The second technique, named Topological kriging or Top-Kriging, predicts the variable of interest along river networks taking both the area and nested nature of catchments into account. PSBI and Top-Kriging are applied for the regionalization of Q355 (i.e., the streamflow that is equalled or exceeded 355 days in a year, on average) over a broad geographical region in central Italy, which contains 51 gauged catchments. Both techniques are cross-validated through a leave-one-out procedure at all available gauges and applied to a subregion to produce a continuous estimation of Q355 along the river network extracted from a 90 m DEM. The results of the study show that Top-Kriging and PSBI present complementary features and have comparable performances (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiencies in cross-validation of 0.89 and 0.83, respectively). Both techniques provide plausible and accurate predictions of Q355 in ungauged basins and represent promising opportunities for regionalization of low-flows.
The mass and energy balance of ice within the Eisriesenwelt cave, Austria
Authors: Obleitner F. , Spötl Ch.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Meteorological and glaciological measurements were performed in a prominent ice cave (Eisriesenwelt, Austria) during a full annual cycle. The observed meteorological conditions feature the basic characteristics of a dynamically ventilated cave system with a well distinguished winter and summer regime. The calculated energy balance of the ice is largely predetermined by the input of long-wave radiation originating at the host rock surface. On average the turbulent fluxes withdraw energy from the surface. This is more pronounced during winter due to enhanced circulation and lower humidity. During summer the driving gradients reverse sign and the associated fluxes provide some energy for melt. About 4 cm of ice were lost at the measurements site during a reference year. This was due to some sublimation during winter, while the major loss resulted from melt during summer. Small amounts of accumulation occurred during spring due to refreezing of seepage water. These results are largely based on employing a numerical mass and energy balance model. Sensitivity studies prove their reliability regarding diverse measurement uncertainties and indicate that the annual mass balance essentially depends on summer temperature and the availability of seepage water in spring. The latter induces a considerable interannual and spatial variability of the mass budget.
Cognitive and psycholinguistic skills of adults who are functionally illiterate: Current state of research and implications for adult education
Authors: Eme Elsa
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this article is to review empirical studies that have investigated the cognitive and language skills of adults who are functionally illiterate (A‐IL), that is, individuals whose literacy skills are too low to meet the literacy demands of society, even though they have attended school and are not illiterate in the strictest sense of the term. Three questions are addressed: (1) What are the types of reading and spelling difficulties that characterize adults who are A‐IL? (2) Are their written language difficulties related to cognitive or language impairments which could explain their failure to learn? (3) What are the implications of these psychological findings for adult education? Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spacing effects in real‐world classroom vocabulary learning
Authors: Sobel Hailey S. , Cepeda Nicholas J. , Kapler Irina V.
Published: September 2010

As a primary goal, educators often strive to maximize the amount of information pupils remember. In the lab, psychologists have found efficient memory strategies for retaining school‐related materials. One such strategy is the spacing effect, a memory advantage that occurs when learning is distributed across time instead of crammed into a single study session. Spaced learning is not often explicitly utilized in actual classrooms, perhaps due to a paucity of research in applied settings and with school‐aged children. The current study examined the spacing effect in real‐world fifth‐grade classrooms. We taught 39 children unfamiliar English words using both massed and spaced learning. Five weeks later, we tested vocabulary recall. One‐week spacing produced superior long‐term retention compared to massed learning. This finding demonstrates that the spacing effect can be generalized to vocabulary learning in applied settings and middle‐school‐aged children. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and preliminary validation of a meniscal symptom index
Authors: Niu Nina N. , Losina Elena , Martin Scott D. , Wright John , Solomon Daniel H. , Katz Jeffrey N.
Published: September 2010

Objective

In diagnosing symptomatic meniscal tear, clinicians often query patients with a “checklist” of symptoms such as “popping” or “catching.” There has been little research on the reliability or diagnostic value of these terms.

Methods

We developed questions to elicit the presence of 11 checklist symptoms associated with meniscal tear and administered a survey with both “checklist” and expanded descriptions to study subjects. We examined the reliability of the checklist and expanded versions of each item. Validity was evaluated in relation to the clinical diagnosis of symptomatic meniscal tear, which consisted of the clinical impression of the treating orthopedic surgeon based upon physical examination, history, and magnetic resonance imaging. We developed a Meniscal Symptom Index, calculated as the sum of those expanded descriptive items that were independently associated with symptomatic meniscal tear in multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 300 individuals (mean ± SD age 52 ± 12 years, 67% women) completed the survey. One hundred twenty‐one had symptomatic meniscal tear. Test–retest reliability was higher for expanded descriptions than for checklist items. The Meniscal Symptom Index consisted of 4 expanded items: localized pain, clicking, catching, and giving way. Among the subjects with none of these symptoms, 16% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2%, 30%) had symptomatic meniscal tear, whereas among those with all 4 symptoms, 76% (95% CI 63%, 88%) had symptomatic meniscal tear (P for trend = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Clinicians should use expanded symptom definitions when querying patients about meniscal symptoms. A newly developed Meniscal Symptom Index holds promise as a diagnostic tool and merits further validation.
Double‐Network Interpenetrating Bone Cement via in situ Hybridization Protocol
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Changsheng , Liu Yufei , Zhang Shuo
Published: September 2010

A major obstacle to the development of a more efficient calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) is its relatively low mechanical strength and susceptibility to brittle fracture. Herein, a series of dual‐setting hybrids have been developed based on the in situ crosslinking polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate derivatized dextran (Dex‐MA) and the synchronous hydration process of CPC. Such a strategy is highly desirable for bone regeneration and provides insight into hybrid cement designing. The structure and physical properties of the resulting hybrids are investigated. Compared with CPC, the initial setting time is shortened and may be modulated. As a result, the hybrid cement possesses characteristics of both of its components, and is tunable from stiff‐but‐not‐brittle to ductile‐but‐not‐soft depending on the composition of the double network. Introduction of the polymeric moiety does not obstruct the fundamental hydrating process of CPC. Due to the synergistic effect produced by the double‐network structure, the resulting hybrid has an optimal compressive strength of over 98.3 MPa. The mass ratio of the binary network and the size of apertures are shown to be key parameters for improving the compressive strength.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Reaction of Alkynyl Aldehydes with 1,3‐Keto Esters or 1,3‐Diketones
Authors: Zhu Zhi‐Qiang , Xiao Ji‐Chang
Published: September 2010

The N‐heterocyclic carbene‐catalyzed reaction of alkynyl aldehydes with 1,3‐keto esters or 1,3‐diketones has been studied. This protocol offers an entirely new, mild and atom‐economical access to highly functionalized 3,4‐dihydropyranones.
Longitudinal study of probable post‐traumatic stress disorder in firefighters exposed to the World Trade Center disaster
Authors: Berninger Amy , Webber Mayris P. , Niles Justin K. , Gustave Jackson , Lee Roy , Cohen Hillel W. , Kelly Kerry , Corrigan Malachy , Prezant David J.
Published: September 2010

Background

Symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been reported even years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 (9/11).

Methods

We used screening tools to assess the prevalence of probable PTSD in 9/11‐exposed firefighters at two time points, within 6 months of 9/11 (baseline) and 3–4 years post‐disaster (follow‐up).

Results

Five thousand six hundred fifty‐six individuals completed assessments at both times. 15.5% reported probable PTSD post‐9/11, 8.6% at baseline and 11.1% at follow‐up, on average 2.9 (SD 0.5) years later. Analyses revealed that nearly half of all probable PTSD occurred as delayed onset (absent baseline, present follow‐up). Compared with the resilient group (no probable PTSD at either time), probable PTSD at baseline, and delayed onset at follow‐up were each associated with concomitant functional impairment (OR 19.5 and 18.9), respectively.

Conclusion

Similar percentages of firefighters met criteria for baseline and delayed onset probable PTSD at follow‐up, years later. Both were associated with substantial functional impairment. Early risk identification could provide opportunities for mental health interventions before symptoms compromise work and social relationships. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1177–1185, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A review of statutory medical examinations in Asian‐Pacific countries
Authors: Wong Tze Wai , Wong Andromeda H.S.
Published: September 2010

Background

Statutory medical examinations (SME) are practiced worldwide to promote workers' health. We reviewed SME legislation and enforcement in the rapidly industrializing Asia‐Pacific, compared these with laws in Europe and America, and identified areas for further development.

Methods

Information on SME in 13 Asian‐Pacific countries was collected by a questionnaire survey of occupational health (OH) experts from each country, supplemented by a literature and Internet search.

Results

SME laws were diverse throughout the Asia‐Pacific, and were either selective or comprehensive, depending on the countries' legal systems. Common problems included manpower shortage, high costs and lack of awareness of SME. This resulted in poor compliance, which was broadly associated with the level of socio‐economic development.

Conclusions

Educating the public on OH issues would address compliance problems, as would the training and efficient deployment of OH professionals. The development of management systems and regional standards would encourage a harmonized approach towards SME. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:78–88, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for foot and ankle disorders among assembly plant workers
Authors: Werner Robert A. , Gell Nancy , Hartigan Anne , Wiggermann Neal , Keyserling W. Monroe
Published: September 2010

Background

Jobs that necessitate prolonged standing and walking activities are commonly associated with worker's complaints of foot and ankle pain. The objective of this study was to determine the relative contributions of work activity (time spent standing, walking, or sitting), floor surface characteristics, weight, BMI, age, foot biomechanics, and other demographic and medical history factors to the prevalence of foot and ankle disorders.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study design was used to evaluate employees of an engine manufacturing plant. The main outcome variable was foot or ankle disorders defined by pain and a positive physical examination. The independent variables included baseline demographics, medical history, ergonomic exposures, psychosocial factors, shoe characteristics and foot biomechanics.

Results

Twenty‐four percent of the cohort met the case definition of foot/ankle disorder with 10% defined as new cases. Fifty‐two percent had symptoms of foot/ankle. An increased risk of presenting with foot/ankle disorders was associated with high metatarsal pressure on gait assessment, increased time spent walking, female gender, reported high job dissatisfaction, a history of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or vascular disorder. For the truck/forklift drivers, an increased number of times getting in and out of the vehicle was associated with a higher prevalence of ankle/foot problems.

Conclusions

An increased risk is associated with higher metatarsal pressure and increased time spent walking. These findings suggest several options for primary and secondary prevention strategies. The use of shoe orthoses with a medial longitudinal arch and metatarsal pad as well as including optional sit/stand workstations may be helpful. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1233–1239, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
No evidence that rare coding variants inZNF804Aconfer risk of schizophrenia
Authors: Dwyer S. , Williams H. , Holmans P. , Moskvina V. , Craddock N. , Owen M.J. , O'Donovan M.C.
Published: September 2010

Strong evidence that rare variants of relatively high penetrance are involved in the etiology of schizophrenia is currently restricted to the data from studies investigating copy number variants and major structural re‐arrangements in that disorder. Global tests of the hypothesis of the involvement of fairly high penetrance rare single nucleotide changes or small insertion deletion events await the genesis of data from large‐scale sequencing studies, meanwhile, a pragmatic approach to trying to detect such alleles is to target sequencing efforts on genes for which there is compelling evidence from other sources for their involvement in this disorder. We have undertaken a study, which aimed to identify whether rare (frequency ∼0.001%) coding variants in the schizophrenia susceptibility geneZNF804Aare involved in this disorder. We screened the coding regions of the gene in 517 schizophrenic cases and 501 controls, and genotyped rare non‐synonymous variants in a case–control sample powered to detect association to rare alleles with an effect size (odds ratio) of 5. No single rare variant was associated with schizophrenia, nor was the burden of rare, or even fairly common, non‐synonymous variants. Our results do not support the hypothesis that moderately rare non‐synonymous variants at theZNF804Alocus are involved in schizophrenia susceptibility. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms of the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene are associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and influence brain tissue mRNA expression
Authors: Brookes K.J. , Hawi Z. , Park J. , Scott S. , Gill M. , Kent L.
Published: September 2010

Previous studies in animals and humans have implicated the X‐chromosome STS gene in the etiology of attentional difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This family based association study has fine mapped a region of the STS gene across intron 1 and 2 previously associated with ADHD, in an extended sample of 450 ADHD probands and their parents. Significant association across this region is demonstrated individually with 7 of the 12 genotyped SNPs, as well as an allele specific haplotype of the 12 SNPs. The over transmitted risk allele of rs12861247 was also associated with reduced STS mRNA expression in normal human post‐mortem frontal cortex brain tissue compared to the non‐risk allele (P = 0.01). These results are consistent with the hypothesis arising from previous literature demonstrating that boys with deletions of the STS gene, and hence no STS protein are at a significantly increased risk of developing ADHD. Furthermore, this study has established the brain tissue transcript of STS, which except from adipose tissue, differs from that seen in all other tissues investigated. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of rubber ferrite composites based on nano‐nickel ferrites
Authors: George Mathew , Kurian Philip , Anantharaman M. R.
Published: September 2010

Ultra fine nickel ferrite have been synthesized by the sol‐gel method. By heat treating different portions of the prepared powder separately at different temperatures, nano‐sized particles of nickel ferrite with varying particle sizes were obtained. These powders were characterised by the X‐ray diffraction and then incorporated in the nitrile rubber matrix according to a specific recipe for various loadings. The cure characteristics and the mechanical properties of these rubber ferrite composites (RFCs) were evaluated. The effect of loading and the grain size of the filler on the cure characteristics and tensile properties were also evaluated. It is found that the grain size and porosity of the filler plays a vital role in determining the mechanical properties of the RFCs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of particle structure on the peel strength and heat resistance properties of vinyl acetate/acrylate latexes laminating adhesives
Authors: Zhou Changlin , Che Rongsheng , Zhong Ling , Xu Wei , Guo Dongyang , Lei Jingxin
Published: September 2010

The concept of using particle structure design to prepare emulsion laminating adhesives (LAs) for improving both the peel strength and heat resistance properties has been investigated. The homogeneous particle latices based on vinyl acetate/acrylate copolymer (samples 1–3) were synthesized by seeded semicontinuous emulsion polymerization with different chain transfer agent (CTA) contents but with no functional monomers, while the core‐shell structure crosslinkable latices (samples 4 and 5) were prepared through multistage polymerization technique. The emulsion particle structure was investigated by TEM and particle size analyzer. The results indicate that the average emulsion particle diameter is about 130 nm and the particles grow without secondary nucleation. Samples 1 and 2 prepared with 0.7 and 0.5 phm (per hundred gram monomer) CTA respectively, show high peel strength but poor heat resistance property. On the contrary, the sample 3 prepared with 0.1‐phm CTA exhibits low peel strength but relatively good heat resistance. However, sample 4, which was synthesized with 0.5‐phm CTA and 0.4‐phm acetoacetoxy ethyl methacrylate (AAEM) in core but 0.5‐phm CTA and 0.6‐phm AAEM in shell stages, shows high peel strength (1032.9 g/in.) and good heat resistance property (524.9 g/in.). In addition, sample 5 also demonstrates high peel strength (987.2 g/in.) and good heat resistance property (643.5 g/in.) when it was synthesized using 0.1‐phm CTA but no AAEM in core, 0.36‐phm CTA and 0.75‐phm AAEM in shell stages. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
An approach to imprint irganox 1076: Potential application to the specific migration test in olive oil
Authors: Dopico‐García M. S. , Cela‐Pérez Concepción , López‐Vilariño J. M. , González‐Rodríguez M. V. , Barral‐Losada L. F.
Published: September 2010

Irganox 1076 is a hindered phenolic antioxidant commonly added to polyolefins, whose migration from the plastic packaging into the food is regulated by European legislation. The work herein reports on an initial approach to obtain a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for Irganox 1076, a previously nonimprinted target. In a subsequent step, the application of the molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction (MISPE) to the fatty simulant olive oil is tested to get its determination free of interferences using high‐performance liquid chromatography with PDA detector. The influence of five variables, namely porogen, functional monomer, crosslinker, initiator, and initiation method was investigated through the synthesis of miniMIPs. The best results were obtained using methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in tetrahydrofuran under UV radiation with 2,2′‐azobis‐(2‐methylpropionitrile). The application of MISPE to olive oil showed the potential of the imprinted polymer to clean up complex matrices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Objective measurement of fabric properties of the plasma‐treated cotton fabrics subjected to cocatalyzed wrinkle‐resistant finishing
Authors: Lam Yin L. , Kan Chi W. , Yuen Chun W. M. , Au Chui H.
Published: September 2010

The wrinkle resistance treatment together with plasma pretreatment is especially very important to cotton fabrics because of their high wrinkling tendency. However, the processes improved the wrinkle recovery property of cotton fabrics, but, at the same time, may worsen the fabric handle, which is an important factor when designing the end‐uses of fabric because handling of fabric also a critical factor for purchasing decision. The Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics (KES‐F) measures the scale of “basic hand” and “total hand” values determined by the combined results of sensory tests conducted by the instrumental measurements. In the present article, the effects of plasma treatment and catalyzed 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) treatment on the fabric yellowing are also studied. The results found that the wrinkle‐resistant treatment had a negative effect on the tensile properties, shearing properties, bending properties, and surface friction and variation, whereas the compressional properties are improved by the treatment. In addition, the plasma treatment improves the tensile properties and bending properties but not the compressional properties, shearing properties, and surface friction and variation. Besides, it is concluded that these treatments can influence not only the fabric handle but also the yellowness of fabrics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Foaming of a polymer–nanoparticle system: Effect of the particle properties
Authors: Famili M. H. N. , Janani Hamed , Enayati M. S.
Published: September 2010

This work is an experimental study of the effects of nanoparticles with different characteristics and contents on foaming composites made of three different nanosilica particles with different geometrical and chemical surface properties in a polystyrene matrix. In addition to the general characteristics reported in our last study on the morphology of polymer–nanoparticle composites, this study shows that nanosilicas of larger sizes can result in foams of higher cell densities. Additionally, the cell densities of foams can be reduced if the nanoparticle surface becomes more affine to the polymer matrix chemically. These results show a correspondence with the effects of the characteristics of the nucleation agent on the nucleation of bubbles, which have been explored previously. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effects of various polyurethanes on the mechanical and structural properties of an epoxy resin
Authors: Kostrzewa M. , Hausnerova B. , Bakar M. , Siwek E.
Published: September 2010

Polyurethanes (PURs) obtained from poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) and polyoxypropylene diols (POPDs) of different molecular weights were used as modifiers of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. The impact strength, critical stress intensity factor, stress, and strain during three‐point bending were measured as functions of the PUR type and content. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy were employed for the structure and morphology analysis. The addition of 10 or 15% PUR to the epoxy resin resulted in the most enhanced mechanical properties. However, a modifier loading higher than 15% led to decreases in the impact strength, critical stress intensity factor, and flexural strength. Moreover, shorter flexible segments in PUR obtained from lower molecular weight PEG led to stronger composites, whereas composites containing PUR based on lower molecular weight POPD with long flexible segments exhibited higher toughness and strain at break and lower impact strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Morphology and thermomechanical properties of epoxy thermosets modified with polysulfone‐block‐polydimethylsiloxane multiblock copolymer
Authors: Hu Di , Zheng Sixun
Published: September 2010

Polysulfone‐block‐polydimethylsiloxane (PSF‐b‐PDMS) multiblock copolymer was synthesized via the Mannich polycondensation between phenolic hydroxyl‐terminated polysulfone and aminopropyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane in the presence of formaldehyde. The multiblock copolymer was characterized by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and used as a modifier to improve the thermomechanical properties of epoxy thermosets. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the epoxy thermosets containing PSF‐b‐PDMS multiblock copolymer possesses the microphase‐separated morphological structures. Depending on the content of the PSF‐b‐PDMS multiblock copolymer, the spherical particles with the size of 50–200 nm in diameter were dispersed into the continuous epoxy matrices. The measurement of static contact angles showed that with the inclusion of PSF‐b‐PDMS multiblock copolymer, the epoxy thermosets displayed the improved surface hydrophobicity. It is noted that the epoxy resin was significantly toughened in terms of the measurement of critical stress field intensity factor (K1C). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Bioadhesive hydrophobic chitosan microparticles for oral delivery of insulin:In vitrocharacterization andin vivouptake studies
Authors: Sonia T. A. , Rekha M. R. , Sharma Chandra P.
Published: September 2010

Hydrophobically modified polymeric matrices for drug delivery were developed byN‐acylation of chitosan with long(C18) and medium chain(C8) fatty acid chlorides like octanoyl and oleoyl chloride. Chemical modifications of chitosan were confirmed by IR spectra and trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid assay. Modified chitosan particles were prepared by ionotropic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate. Hydrophobic modification was confirmed by contact angle measurements. Scanning electron micrographs showed the presence of compact microparticles. Swelling studies showed that oleoyl chitosan exhibited low swelling profile than octanoyl chitosan at acidic pH.In vitrorelease profile at pH 7.4 showed that about 90% of insulin was released by 5th hour. ELISA studies proved that the microparticles were capable of maintaining biological activity of insulin. Mucoadhesion studies proved that oleoyl derivative was more mucoadhesive than octanoyl derivative.In vivouptake studies of fluorescent‐labeled microparticles on rat intestinal sections showed that oleoyl chitosan microparticles exhibited significant uptake than octanoyl chitosan. These results suggests that oleoyl moiety would resist degradation by the gastric enzymes and will enhance mucoadhesivity through hydrophobic interactions and also the permeability by loosening the tight junctions, thus making it a useful carrier for oral peptide delivery applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of phenol–formaldehyde microcapsules containing linseed oil and its use in epoxy for self‐healing and anticorrosive coating
Authors: Jadhav Rajendra S. , Hundiwale Dilip G. , Mahulikar Pramod P.
Published: September 2010

Phenol–formaldehyde microcapsules with linseed oil as an active agent were produced by applying in situ polymerization method. The anticorrosion and self‐healing efficiency of the synthesized materials were studied. Characteristics of these synthesized capsules were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and surface morphology was analyzed by using scanning electron microscope. Controllable particle size was estimated at different rpm of stirrer and particle size was checked under microscope and also by using particle size analyzer. The anticorrosion performance of encapsulated microcapsules coated with epoxy resin was carried out in 5% NaCl aqueous solution. The effectiveness of linseed oil filled microcapsules was investigated for healing the cracks generated in paint films or coatings. It was found that the cracks were successfully healed when linseed oil was released from ruptured microcapsules. Further, linseed oil‐healed area was found to prevent effectively the corrosion of the substrate in immersion studies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010