bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression, Anxiety, Body Image, Sexual Functioning, and Dyadic Adjustment Associated with Dialysis Type in Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Öyekçin Demet Güleç , Gülpek Demet , Sahin Erkan Melih , Mete Levent
Published: August 2012

Objective:

Depression is the most widely studied complication in dialysis patients. In patients with chronic renal failure, changes in body image are considered to be associated with invasive treatment interventions. In addition, sexual problems are common in dialysis patients. In this study, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients are investigated for depression, anxiety, body image, sexual satisfaction, and dyadic adjustment.

Methods:

Hemodialysis patients ( n = 36), peritoneal dialysis patients ( n = 54), and healthy controls ( n = 30) were included in the study. All the subjects were assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Body Image Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Scale, Golombok-Rust Inventory for Sexual Satisfaction, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale.

Results:

Depression (20.64 + 15.20) and anxiety levels (14.72 + 12.36) were significantly higher in hemodialysis group compared to peritoneal dialysis (13.54 + 12.51; 12.74 + 11.21) and control groups (7.17 + 5.58; 9.86 + 9.19). In peritoneal dialysis group, as depression and anxiety levels increased, body image was disturbed and sexual satisfaction decreased. In peritoneal dialysis group, body image (86.98 + 23.63) was better than hemodialysis group (101.58 + 26.51) and was not different from the control group (83.67 + 22.11). In hemodialysis group, as depression and anxiety levels increased, body image was disturbed. In both groups, long-term dialysis disturbed body image.

Conclusion:

Patients should be informed about the impacts of dialysis. Clinicians may wish to monitor dialysis-users for anxiety, depression, dyadic adjustment, and body image difficulties at follow-up appointments. Interventions that target intimate partner interventions, appearance-related beliefs, and anxiety depression may be of benefit to this population.
The Relationship between Postpartum Depression and Breastfeeding
Authors: Hamdan Aisha , Tamim Hani
Published: August 2012

Introduction:

The purpose was to investigate the possible correlation or predictive relationship between breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression (PPD).

Method:

We conducted a prospective study in which 137 Arab women were assessed during pregnancy and postpartum. Current breastfeeding was correlated with postpartum outcomes (EPDS and MINI), employment, and use of formula at 2 and 4 months postpartum, as well as with other variables.

Results:

Women who were breastfeeding at 2 and 4 months had lower scores on EPDS ( p < 0.0037 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and were less likely to be diagnosed with PPD at 4 months ( p < 0.0025). Higher scores on EPDS and diagnosis of PPD at 2 months were predictive of lower rates of breastfeeding at 4 months ( p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005, respectively). Women who were employed and using formula at 2 months were less likely to breastfeed at 4 months ( p < 0.0001). Breastfeeding women at 2 months had lower scores on EPDS ( p < 0.003) and were less likely to be diagnosed with PPD ( p < 0.05) at 4 months.

Discussion:

The results indicate that women who breastfeed their infants reduced their risk of developing PPD, with effects being maintained over the first 4 months postpartum. PPD may also decrease the rate of breastfeeding, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between these variables.
The Abuse of Prescription Medications and Employment History
Authors: Sansone Randy A. , Leung Justin S. , Wiederman Michael W.
Published: August 2012

Objective:

The relationship between prescription medication abuse and employment history is rarely studied and is the focus of the present study.

Method:

Using a cross-sectional consecutive sample of 325 internal medicine outpatients and a self-report survey methodology, we examined prescription medication abuse (“Have you ever intentionally, or on purpose, abused prescription medications?”) and four employment variables.

Results:

We found statistically significant relationships between the abuse of prescription medications and all four employment variables—i.e., number of different jobs held since age 18 (5.05 in nonabusers versus 7.81 in past abusers), estimated percentage of time employed since age 18 (79.0% in nonabusers versus 63.3% in past abusers), being paid “under the table” (24.9% in nonabusers versus 77.4% in past abusers), and being fired (37.2% in nonabusers versus 64.5% in past abusers)—all indicating less employment viability in participants with past histories of prescription medication abuse.

Conclusions:

The abuse of prescription medications is associated with impaired functionality in the work arena.
Religion and Smoking: A Review of Recent Literature
Authors: Garrusi Behshid , Nakhaee Nouzar
Published: August 2012

Tobacco smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are a major threat to human health worldwide. The effort to prevent tobacco use should be regarded as an important public health strategy. Given the significance of religion and spirituality in the daily life of more than 90% of the world's population, the relationship of religion and smoking should be seen as a critical research area. Religions are many and varied, but most value human well-being highly and so do not approve of tobacco use, even though they do not prohibit it entirely. In recent years, researchers have shown more interest in the subject of religion and health, including drug and tobacco use. Differences of focus and methodology notwithstanding, most studies have ascertained a deterrent role for religion as regards tobacco use, and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the negative relationship between religion or spirituality and smoking. Many of the studies, however, suffer from shortcomings that need to be acknowledged and addressed, such as using nonstandard data-gathering tools, lack of a unified definition of religion or spirituality, and paucity of research in non-Christian and developing countries. Finally, the cross-sectional nature of many of the studies makes the meaningful interpretation of findings difficult.
Metaphors in the Rhetoric of Pandemic Flu: Electronic Media Coverage of H1N1 and Swine Flu
Authors: Angeli Elizabeth L.
Published: August 2012

Drawing on pandemic flu metaphor research and building on previous metaphor theory, this article uses rhetorical analysis to examine and move toward understanding the metaphors surrounding H1N1 and swine flu. To understand these metaphors, I created two Google Alerts for the terms “H1N1” and “swine flu” and collected data using these Google Alerts from November 10, 2009 to December 10, 2009. I then examined the headlines and content found in the news articles, blogs, and websites from the Google Alerts, and grouped the metaphors used in these headlines and content thematically. These themes work toward providing a rhetoric of pandemic flu, a rhetoric that might assist health care recipients in being more aware of how metaphors used in electronic media create meaning for health concerns.
Taxonomies, Folksonomies, and Semantics: Establishing Functional Meaning in Navigational Structures
Authors: Bacha Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2012

This article argues for the establishment of a usability process that incorporates the study of “words” and “word phrases.” It demonstrates how semantically mapping a navigational taxonomy can help the developers of digital environments establish a more focused sense of functional meaning for the users of their digital designs.
The Active Reader: What is Active?
Authors: Van Woerkum Cees
Published: August 2012

How writers can adapt to their readers is an important issue in effective communication strategies, and certainly crucial in the case of functional texts. Therefore, it is necessary to look at how readers are constructed as partners in a communication co-production. This article explores the concept of the “active reader,” which is getting more and more attention nowadays. Its main aim is to present a typology of what this active readership means, in the phases before actual reading, in the reading phase, and in the after-reading phase. The elements of this typology are subsequently explicated. The article concludes with recommendations for writers who wish to use the concept of the active reader as a guideline.
The Development of a Project-Based Collaborative Technical Writing Model Founded on Learner Feedback in a Tertiary Aeronautical Engineering Program
Authors: Tatzl Dietmar , Hassler Wolfgang , Messnarz Bernd , Flühr Holger
Published: August 2012

The present article describes and evaluates collaborative interdisciplinary group projects initiated by content lecturers and an English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) instructor for the purpose of teaching technical writing skills in an aeronautical engineering degree program. The proposed technical writing model is assessed against the results of a learner survey and refined accordingly. The survey showed that learners appreciated the cross-disciplinary collaboration in projects, and it delivered important insights into learning effects and student progress in both language and content matters. The article concludes with a list of recommendations for the implementation of project-based collaborative technical writing instruction, which may support or complement academic writing courses in similar contexts. The proposed model considers the circumstances of students in workload-intensive tertiary settings and synthesizes approaches such as problem-based learning, content-based instruction, task-based language teaching, a guided product approach to collaborative writing, and learner autonomy.
On-the-fly Ambiguity Resolution Using an Estimator of the Modified Ambiguity Covariance Matrix for the GNSS Positioning Model Based on Phase Data
Authors: Cellmer S.
Published: August 2012

On-the-fly Ambiguity Resolution Using an Estimator of the Modified Ambiguity Covariance Matrix for the GNSS Positioning Model Based on Phase Data

On-the-fly ambiguity resolution (OTF AR) is based on a small data set, obtained from a very short observation session or even from a single epoch observation. In these cases, a classical approach to ambiguity resolution (e.g. the Lambda method) can meet some numerical problems. The basis of the Lambda method is an integer decorrelation of the positive definite ambiguity covariance matrix (ACM). The necessary condition for the proper performing of this procedure is a positive definiteness of ACM. However, this condition is not satisfied in cases of very short observation sessions or single epoch positioning if phase-only observations are used. The subject of this contribution is such a case where phase-only observations are used in the final part of the computational process. The modification of ACM is proposed in order to ensure its positive definiteness. An estimator of modified ACM is a good ACM approximation for the purpose of performing the LAMBDA method. Another problem of short sessions (or a single epoch) positioning is the poor quality of the float solution. In this paper, a cascade adjustment with wide-lane combinations of signals L1 and L2 as a method of solving this problem is presented.
Scores on the Safe Functional Motion Test Are Associated with Prevalent Fractures and Fall History
Authors: Recknor Chris P. , Grant Stephanie L. , Recknor Julie C. , MacIntyre Norma J.
Published: August 2012

Purpose: The Safe Functional Motion test (SFM) was developed to measure observed body mechanics and functional motion associated with spine load, balance, strength, and flexibility during everyday tasks to profile modifiable risks for osteoporotic fracture. This cross-sectional study evaluated the associations between SFM score and history of vertebral compression fracture (VCF), hip fracture, and injurious falls, all established predictors of future risk. Method: An osteoporosis clinic database was queried for adults with an initial SFM score and corresponding data for prevalent VCF and/or hip fracture, femoral neck bone mineral density (fnBMD), and history of injurious fall (n=847). Multiple logistic regressions, adjusted for age, gender, and fnBMD (and injurious falls in the prevalent fracture analyses), were used to determine whether associations exist between SFM score and prevalent VCF, prevalent hip fracture, and history of injurious fall. Results: SFM score was associated with prevalent VCF (odds ratio [OR]=0.89; 95% CI, 0.79–0.99; p=0.036), prevalent hip fracture (OR=0.77; 95% CI, 0.65–0.92; p=0.004), and history of injurious fall (OR=0.80; 95% CI, 0.70–0.93; p=0.003) after adjusting for other important covariates. Conclusions: Adults with higher SFM scores (“safer motion” during performance of everyday tasks) were less likely to have a history of fracture or injurious fall. Further study is warranted to evaluate the predictive value of this tool.
Image Analysis Technique for Aggregate Morphology Analysis with Two-Dimensional Fourier Transform Method
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , Wang Linbing , Tutumluer Erol
Published: August 2012

This paper presents some results of the NCHRP 4–34 Laser Detection and Ranging project. A high-resolution Fourier transform interferometry (FTI) system was developed for aggregate morphology characterization with the use of a fiber-optic coupler to form a Young's double-pinhole interferometer. The FTI system used a charge-coupled device camera to capture fringe images of aggregates with a size ranging from ¾ in. to No. 50 and to reconstruct three-dimensional surfaces of aggregates on the basis of fringe distortions from the captured digital images. A program was developed in MATLAB to quantify morphologic characteristics of aggregates from a variety of sources. The output results include sphericity, flatness ratio, elongation ratio, angularity, and texture for each individual aggregate particle. In this paper, only the morphologic characteristics of seven types of coarse aggregate with sizes ranging from ¾ in. to No. 4 are presented. These aggregates were also analyzed with the Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS) II and the University of Illinois aggregate image analyzer (UIAIA) for further comparison. The FTI system is easy to operate and can rapidly quantify morphologic characteristics of aggregates. The FTI results of these aggregates are generally consistent with the results of AIMS II and UIAIA with regard to roughness rankings despite minor differences for several aggregates.
Gradation Effects Influencing Mechanical Properties of Aggregate Base–Granular Subbase Materials in Minnesota
Authors: Xiao Yuanjie , Tutumluer Erol , Qian Yu , Siekmeier John A.
Published: August 2012

Aggregate gradation effects on strength and modulus characteristics of aggregate base–granular subbase materials used in Minnesota are described. The importance of specifying proper aggregate grading or particle size distribution has long been recognized for achieving satisfactory performance in pavement applications. In the construction of dense-graded unbound aggregate base–subbase layers, well-graded gradation bands were often established years ago on the basis of the experience of the state transportation agency and may not have a direct link to mechanical performance. To improve specifications for superior performance targeted in the mechanistic–empirical pavement analysis and design framework, there is a need to understand how differences in aggregate gradations may affect unbound aggregate base–subbase behavior for site-specific design conditions. Aggregates with different gradations and material properties were compiled in a statewide database established from a variety of sources in Minnesota. Analyses showed nonunique modulus and strength relationships for most aggregate base and especially subbase materials. Laboratory resilient modulus and shear strength results were analyzed for critical gradation parameters by common gradation characterization methods. The most significant correlations were between a gravel-to-sand ratio (proposed based on ASTM D2487-11) and aggregate shear strength properties. Aggregate compaction (AASHTO T99) and resilient modulus characteristics could also be linked to the gravel-to-sand ratio and verified with other databases in the literature. The gravel-to-sand ratio can be used to optimize aggregate gradations for improved base–subbase performances primarily influenced by shear strength.
Surface Energy Characteristics and Impact of Natural Minerals on Aggregate–Bitumen Bond Strengths and Asphalt Mixture Durability
Authors: Miller Clint , Little Dallas N. , Bhasin Amit , Gardner Nathan , Herbert Bruce
Published: August 2012

The surface free energy of a solid is a material property that influences its interaction with other solids, liquids, and gases. Mineral aggregates are mixed with bitumen in the production of asphalt mixtures, and the interaction of aggregates with bitumen, water, or chemical modifiers affects the overall performance of the mixtures and, in turn, the pavement structure. A comprehensive characterization of the minerals that make up these aggregates can be used to explain the interactions between the aggregates and components used to bind the aggregates including bitumen, water, and chemical additives. This paper combines several techniques to quantify and describe or catalog mineral properties. These properties primarily include surface free energy, specific surface area, and surface carbon content of some of the most common minerals found in aggregates. The paper presents data that exemplify how this information can be used to characterize the moisture-induced stripping potential for bitumen–mineral combinations. Results indicate that a simple energy ratio calculated on the basis of adhesive bond energies from surface free energy measurements of the minerals and the bitumen can predict performance in asphalt mixtures and that a few minerals can form thermodynamically stable bonds with some bitumens that are inherently resistant to stripping.
Aggregate Retention in Chip Seal
Authors: Rahman Farhana , Islam M. Shahidul , Musty Haritha , Hossain Mustaque
Published: August 2012

Chip seal is a widely used preventive maintenance treatment for flexible pavements. However, a major problem with chip seal is the damage caused by loose aggregates from newly placed seals, partly because of a lack of compatibility between aggregate and asphalt emulsion. In this study, limestone, crushed gravel, synthetic lightweight aggregates, and recycled asphalt pavement materials were studied in the laboratory with two polymer-modified asphalt emulsions to find the aggregate–emulsion combination that would result in maximum chip retention. Replicate specimens were tested in the ASTM D7000 sweep test for each aggregate–emulsion combination. Lightweight aggregates and gravel were also tested in a newly developed test setup for simulating the sweep test. Test results show that lightweight aggregates perform better than gravel. However, lightweight aggregate sources play an important role in chip retention. Emulsion is the most significant factor that affects chip loss. Statistical analysis identified the influential design factors affecting chip retention. Analysis of variance shows that aggregate and emulsion types and aggregate–emulsion interaction are significant factors affecting chip retention. Aggregate precoating and its interaction with emulsion type are insignificant factors as far as chip retention is concerned.
Influence of Recycled Asphalt Pavement Content on Air Void Distribution, Permeability, and Modulus of Base Layer
Authors: Wu Mengqi , Wen Haifang , Balasingam Muhunthan , Manahiloh Kalehiwot N.
Published: August 2012

The use of recycled materials for construction is beneficial to both the environment and the economy. Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is one of the most commonly used recycled materials. State departments of transportation allow its use in unbound base materials at different percentages. The modulus and the permeability are recognized as important parameters for base course materials because of their effect on pavement service life. Determining the effects of the percentage of RAP on the modulus and permeability of base materials that contain RAP is important for proper pavement design. This study evaluates the effects of RAP percentage on the resilient modulus and the permeability of unbound base materials. Increasing the RAP percentage increased the resilient modulus. Constant-head permeability test results indicated that increasing the RAP percentage decreased the coefficient of permeability. High-resolution X-ray computed tomography was used to study the internal structure of the test specimens. RAP mixtures had lower void ratios than virgin crushed aggregate, which explained the high resilient modulus and low permeability of RAP mixtures.
Sustainable Roadway Design and Construction in Federal Lands Highway Program
Authors: Muench Stephen T. , Armstrong Amit , Allen Brian
Published: August 2012

The Federal Lands Highway (FLH) Program is a $1 billion annual program administered by FHWA. The program provides financial resources and technical assistance for public roads that give access to a variety of federal and Indian lands, including those administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Much of this work is dedicated to the design and construction of roadway projects, which must incorporate the strategic sustainability values of these agencies and FHWA. This paper identifies key FLH sustainability values and uses the Greenroads rating system taxonomy and Greenroads scores on seven case study projects to draw conclusions about FLH project-level sustainability practices. Findings are that (a) projects scored in the 21- to 26-point range and none achieved certification, (b) 14 identifiable sustainability practices are well integrated into project delivery, (c) 12 practices can be considered potential areas of improvement for little additional effort, and (d) 15 practices could be considered priorities based on FHWA and partner agency values.
Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation Dashboard
Authors: Xie Gang , Hoeft Brian
Published: August 2012

This paper introduces the Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation (FAST) dashboard, an integrated web-based freeway and arterial performance monitoring and measurement system. The dashboard provides an intuitive web-based user interface to present real-time and historical freeway and arterial network monitoring and performance information in a variety of displays, including the interactive three-dimensional surface plot tool, which the user selects and customizes. These displays also include most of those found in the Highway Capacity Manual and other widely accepted professional handbooks. In addition to comprehensive performance measures, newly defined measures, such as delay volume in mile-minute2, are applied in the system. Since September 2009, the FAST dashboard has been widely applied in day-to-day operations, incident management, express lane evaluation, ramp meter operation and evaluation, intelligent transportation system device maintenance, and operation data quality control. Moreover, the system facilitates coordination with other transportation fields by providing information to the planning and transit departments.
Enterprise Risk Management for Transportation Agencies
Authors: Curtis Joyce A. , D'Angelo Daniel , Hallowell Matthew R. , Henkel Timothy A. , Molenaar Keith R.
Published: August 2012

Risk management is implicit in transportation business practices. Administrators, planners, and engineers coordinate many organizational and technical resources to manage transportation network performance. Transportation agencies manage some of the largest and highest-valued public assets and budgets in federal, state, and local governments. It is the agencies' corporate responsibility to set clear strategic goals and objectives to manage these assets so economic growth and livability of their regions improves and the public gets the best value. Risks can affect an agency's ability to meet its goals and objectives. As network and delivery managers, these agencies must identify risks, assess the possible impacts, develop plans to manage the risks, and monitor the effectiveness of their actions. This paper presents the results of (a) a comprehensive literature review, (b) a state-of-the-practice survey of 43 U.S. transportation agencies, and (c) seven case studies from leading transportation organizations in Australia, England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Scotland. The paper concludes with recommendations for achieving enterprise risk management in U.S. highway agencies. Recommendations pertain to formalizing enterprise risk management approaches, embedding risk management in existing business processes, using risk management to build trust with transportation stakeholders, defining leadership and organizational responsibilities for risk management, identifying risk owners, supporting risk allocation strategies, and reexamining existing policies, processes, and standards through rigorous risk management analysis.
Evaluation of Gastric Ulcerogenic and Healing Impairment Effects of Bisphosphonates: Adverse Gastric Reactions of Bisphosphonate
Authors: Takeuchi Koji , Amagase Kikuko
Published: August 2012

Bisphosphonates (BPPs) were developed as antiresorptive drugs capable of treating diseases related to bone remodeling; however, they have untoward effects including ulceration in the upper gastrointestinal tract and worsen the healing‐impairment action of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, prescribed in patients with arthritis or osteoporosis. We produced ulcers in the antrum by administering BPPs to fasted rats, followed by refeeding, and confirmed their healing‐impairment action on pre‐existing gastric ulcers; the ulcerogenic effect is due to direct mucosal irritation and decrease in the mucosal anti‐oxidative system, while the latter effect is due to dysregulation of growth factor expression, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor, and angiogenesis in the ulcerated mucosa. In this article, we describe these two animal models for investigating BPP‐related adverse reactions, including methods for the induction of antral ulcers and healing impairment of gastric ulcers, as well as measurement of pathogenic functional and biochemical changes. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 53:21.10.1‐21.10.29. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Plasmonic Response of Ag‐ and Au‐Infiltrated Cross‐Linked Lysozyme Crystals
Authors: Muskens Otto L. , England Matt W. , Danos Lefteris , Li Mei , Mann Stephen
Published: August 2012

Metal‐infiltrated protein crystals form a novel class of bio‐nanomaterials of great interest for applications in biomedicine, chemistry, and optoelectronics. As yet, very little is known about the internal structure of these materials and the interconnectivity of the metallic network. Here, the optical response of individual Au‐ and Ag‐infiltrated cross‐linked lysozyme crystals is investigated using angle‐ and polarization‐dependent spectroscopy. The measurements unequivocally show that metallic inclusions formed inside the nanoporous solvent channels do not connect into continuous nanowires, but rather consist of ensembles of isolated spheroidal nanoclusters with aspect ratios as high as a value of four, and which exhibit a pronounced plasmonic response that is isotropic on a macroscopic length scale. Fluorescence measurement in the visible range show a strong contribution from the protein host, which is quenched by the Au inclusions, and a weaker contribution attributed to the molecule‐like emission from small Au‐clusters.
Beyond Samarium Diiodide: Vistas in Reductive Chemistry Mediated by Lanthanides(II)
Authors: Szostak Michal , Procter David J.
Published: August 2012

Reactions proceeding through open‐shell, single‐electron pathways offer attractive alternative outcomes to those proceeding through closed‐shell, two‐electron mechanisms. In this context, samarium diiodide (SmI2) has emerged as one of the most important and convenient‐to‐use electron‐transfer reagents available in the laboratory. Recently, significant progress has been made in the reductive chemistry of other divalent lanthanides which for many years had been considered too reactive to be of value to synthetic chemists. Herein, we illustrate how new samarium(II) complexes and nonclassical lanthanide(II) reagents are changing the landscape of modern reductive chemistry.
Orgenic plants: Gene‐manipulated plants compatible with organic farming
Authors: Ryffel Gerhart U.
Published: August 2012

Based on recent advances in plant gene technology, I propose to develop a new category of GM plants, orgenic plants, that are compatible with organic farming. These orgenic plants do not contain herbicide resistance genes to avoid herbicide application in agriculture. Furthermore, they either contain genes that are naturally exchanged between species, or are sterile to avoid outcrossing if they received a transgene from a different species. These GM plants are likely to be acceptable to most sceptics of GM plants and facilitate the use of innovative new crops.
Alcohol and drugs in seriously injured drivers in six European countries
Authors: Legrand Sara‐Ann , Isalberti Cristina , der Linden Trudy Van , Bernhoft Inger Marie , Hels Tove , Simonsen Kirsten Wiese , Favretto Donata , Ferrara Santo Davide , Caplinskiene Marija , Minkuviene Zita , Pauliukevicius Alvydas , Houwing Sjoerd , Mathijssen René , Lillsunde Pirjo , Langel Kaarina , Blencowe Tom , Verstraete Alain G.
Published: August 2012

The objective of this study was to determine the presence of alcohol and drugs in drivers severely injured in traffic crashes in six European countries. Data were collected from 2492 seriously injured drivers of cars and vans in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, and the Netherlands, between 2007 and 2010. Toxicological analysis was performed with chromatographic techniques on whole blood for 23 substances. The percentage of drivers positive for at least one psychoactive substance ranged between 28% (Lithuania) and 53% (Belgium). Alcohol (≥0.1 g/L) was the most common finding with the highest percentage in Belgium (42.5%). Among the alcohol‐positive drivers, 90.5% had a blood alcohol count (BAC) ≥0.5 g/L and 65.7% had a BAC ≥1.3 g/L. Benzodiazepines (0.0–10.2%) and medicinal opioids (0.5–7.8%) were the most prevailing medicinal drugs, but half of the concentrations were lower than therapeutic. Cannabis (0.5–7.6%) was the most prevailing illicit drug. Alcohol was found in combination with drugs in 2.3‐13.2% of the drivers. Drug combinations were found in 0.5–4.3% of the drivers. This study confirms the high prevalence of psychoactive substances in injured drivers, but we observed large differences between the participating countries. Alcohol was the most common finding, followed by cannabis and benzodiazepines. Notable are the many drivers having a BAC ≥ 1.3 g/L. The majority of the substances were found in combination with another psychoactive substance, mostly alcohol. The high prevalence of high BACs and combinations (compared to roadside surveys) suggest that those drivers are most at risk and that preventive actions should target them preferentially. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Intramolecular Interactions of Si/P in 1,2‐Phenylene Frameworks
Authors: Sanji Takanobu , Naito Keigo , Kashiwabara Taigo , Tanaka Masato
Published: August 2012

The synthesis and structure of 1‐diphenylphosphino‐2‐(fluorodiphenylsilyl) benzene 1 and 1‐diphenylphosphino‐2‐(difluorophenylsilyl)‐ benzene 2 are reported. An X‐ray crystal structure analysis of 1 shows a weak interaction between the silicon and phosphorus moieties, producing a hypervalent state at the silicon. The hypervalent state of the silicon is also supported by a natural bond orbital calculation. However, despite having a difluorosilyl group, 2 does not show a hypervalent state for the silicon, based on an X‐ray crystal structure analysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 00:1–5, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21044
A comprehensive look at financial volatility prediction by economic variables
Authors: Christiansen Charlotte , Schmeling Maik , Schrimpf Andreas
Published: August 2012

We investigate whether return volatility is predictable by macroeconomic and financial variables to shed light on the economic drivers of financial volatility. Our approach is distinct owing to its comprehensiveness: First, we employ a data‐rich forecast methodology to handle a large set of potential predictors in a Bayesian model‐averaging approach and, second, we take a look at multiple asset classes (equities, foreign exchange, bonds and commodities) over long time spans. We find that proxies for credit risk and funding liquidity consistently show up as common predictors of volatility across asset classes. Variables capturing time‐varying risk premia also perform well as predictors of volatility. While forecasts by macro‐finance augmented models also achieve forecasting gains out‐of‐sample relative to autoregressive benchmarks, the performance varies across asset classes and over time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of Cotherapy Supervision With Client Outcomes, Attrition, and Trainee Effectiveness in a Psychotherapy Training Clinic
Authors: Tanner Melissa A. , Gray James J. , Haaga David A. F.
Published: August 2012

Objective

Cotherapy supervision has been hypothesized to enhance client outcomes and trainee effectiveness, but there is little empirical evidence relevant to either claim. This study tested both hypotheses, using data from the supervision of psychology doctoral students conducting cognitive behavioral therapy in a university‐based clinic.

Method

Groups of clients treated by supervisor‐trainee duos and groups of clients treated by solo trainees with varying exposure to cotherapy supervision were compared on changes in symptoms as measured with the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ‐45) and on dropout rates.

Results

Clients showed statistically significant reductions in symptoms from pretreatment to posttreatment. However, there were no significant group differences in the magnitude of change or in client retention.

Conclusions

No support was obtained for the hypothesized benefits of cotherapy supervision. Clients treated by a cotherapy (supervisor and supervisee) team did not improve more than did clients treated by solo trainees. Furthermore, clients treated by (solo) trainees who had received cotherapy supervision did not improve more than did clients treated by trainees who had not received cotherapy supervision.
Climatic trends over Ethiopia: regional signals and drivers
Authors: Jury Mark R. , Funk Chris
Published: August 2012

This study analyses observed and projected climatic trends over Ethiopia, through analysis of temperature and rainfall records and related meteorological fields. The observed datasets include gridded station records and reanalysis products; while projected trends are analysed from coupled model simulations drawn from the IPCC 4th Assessment. Upward trends in air temperature of + 0.03 °C year−1 and downward trends in rainfall of − 0.4 mm month−1 year−1 have been observed over Ethiopia's southwestern region in the period 1948‐2006. These trends are projected to continue to 2050 according to the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab model using the A1B scenario. Large scale forcing derives from the West Indian Ocean where significant warming and increased rainfall are found. Anticyclonic circulations have strengthened over northern and southern Africa, limiting moisture transport from the Gulf of Guinea and Congo. Changes in the regional Walker and Hadley circulations modulate the observed and projected climatic trends. Comparing past and future patterns, the key features spread westward from Ethiopia across the Sahel and serve as an early warning of potential impacts. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy on two chalices from the Benedictine Abbey of Einsiedeln: Identification of gemstones
Authors: Karampelas Stefanos , Wörle Marie , Hunger Katja , Lanz Hanspeter
Published: August 2012

The gems that adorn two golden chalices from Einsiedeln Abbey (Switzerland) crafted in 1609 and 1629 were investigated using Raman spectroscopy. The results were also compared with those obtained by other non‐destructive means such as microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence. The chalice made in 1609 was adorned with 16 corundum (15 rubies and 1 sapphire), four garnets (two almandine and two grossular), seven quartzes (six amethysts and one citrine) and one peridot (forsterite olivine). All pearls of this chalice were found to be from a saltwater mollusc. The chalice crafted in 1629 was adorned with 23 diamonds. Compilation of all the results does not exclude that the stones mounted to the chalices are of ‘oriental’ origin. However, more research needs to be done by additional spectroscopic means to shed more light on their origin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy spectra of Mexican dyestuffs
Authors: Casanova‐González Edgar , García‐Bucio Angélica , Ruvalcaba‐Sil José Luis , Santos‐Vasquez Víctor , Esquivel Baldomero , Falcón Tatiana , Arroyo Elsa , Zetina Sandra , Roldán María Lorena , Domingo Concepción
Published: August 2012

Dyes were used in Mexico since early pre‐Hispanic periods for coloring of fibers, codex writing, and mural paintings, among other purposes. From the wide variety of Mexican dyes, only a handful has been studied at length. Moreover, few studies had been devoted to the identification of these substances in artistic or historical objects, in part, because of the lack of a suitable technique that complies with the nondestructive or microdestructive requirements that involves working with such objects. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) may provide the tool needed to identify the more than 20 dyes that can be found in Mexico and the first step would be acquiring their SERS spectra in laboratory conditions. To fulfill that goal, carminic acid, cochineal (Dactylopius coccus), achiote (Bixa orellana), muitle (Justicia spicigera), zacatlaxcalli (Cuscuta sp.), brazilwood (Caesalpinia echinata), and cempazuchitl (Tagetes erecta) SERS spectra were recorded in aqueous solution and directly on dyed wool fibers, using silver colloids as SERS substrate. Ag nanoparticles were prepared by chemical reduction with sodium citrate and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electronic microscopy. Pure carminic acid was used for control SERS spectra and then samples of cochineal, achiote, muitle, zacatlaxcalli, brazilwood, and cempazuchitl were tested. Samples were prepared either by extraction from their natural sources or by dyeing the fibers; in both cases traditional recipes were followed. The acquired spectra may serve in future research as comparative references for the identification of the dyes present in cultural artifacts, and in the case of cempazuchitl, muitle, and zacatlaxcalli, these are probably the first reported Raman spectra of such plants. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increase of the stimulated Raman scattering threshold at droplets by spectral broadening of nanosecond laser pulses
Authors: Hankel R. F. , Braeuer A. , Leipertz A.
Published: August 2012

We show that the threshold of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) from single micro‐droplets increases with the bandwidth of the pulsed excitation laser radiation. SRS thresholds were experimentally investigated for two droplet sizes and two excitation bandwidths. For the narrowband excitation, a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser with a central wavelength of 532 nm, a full width half maximum (FWHM) bandwidth of 0.05 nm and a repetition rate of 10 Hz was used. For the comparison with the broadband excitation, a dye resonator containing Rhodamine 6G being pumped by the Nd:YAG laser was utilized with a central wavelength of 566 nm and a FWHM bandwidth of 4 nm. Droplets of 89 and 116 µm diameters, respectively, were illuminated by a vertical light sheet. If the broadband excitation is applied instead of the narrowband excitation ‐ for both droplet sizes ‐ the pulsed excitation energies can be increased by a factor of approximately 5 before the SRS threshold is reached. The multiplication register of an emCCD detector was used to detect low signals. The gain factor of the detector was calibrated and adapted to different excitation energies and signal intensities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Primal‐dual active set methods for Allen–Cahn variational inequalities with nonlocal constraints
Authors: Blank Luise , Garcke Harald , Sarbu Lavinia , Styles Vanessa
Published: August 2012

We propose and analyze a primal‐dual active set method for discretized versions of the local and nonlocal Allen–Cahn variational inequalities. An existence result for the nonlocal variational inequality is shown in a formulation involving Lagrange multipliers for local and nonlocal constraints. Local convergence of the discrete method is shown by interpreting the approach as a semismooth Newton method. Properties of the method are discussed and several numerical simulations demonstrate its efficiency. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
Occipitalization of the Atlas in Two Female Skeletons from Apollonia Pontica, Bulgaria
Authors: Keenleyside A.
Published: August 2012

Occipitalization of the atlas was observed in two adult female skeletons from the Greek colonial site of Apollonia Pontica (5th to 3rd centuries BC), located on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Representing a rare congenital anomaly of the atlanto‐occipital junction, this condition has been documented in very few skeletal remains from Classical antiquity. Postmortem damage to one of the specimens prevented an evaluation of its clinical significance. The dimensions of the second specimen, however, suggest that the affected individual may have experienced some neurological symptoms associated with her condition. The burial of the two females in close proximity to one another raises the possibility that they may have been biologically related. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of heat accelerated aging on tensile strength of three dimensional braided/epoxy resin composites
Authors: Song Leilei , Li Jialu
Published: August 2012

The tensile tests of three‐dimensional (3Dim) and four‐directional (4Dir) carbon fiber braided/epoxy resin composites and carbon fiber woven plain fabric laminated/epoxy composites after heat accelerated aging at 150 and 180°C for 60, 120, and 180 h were carried out respectively. The reason of the changes of tensile property of these composites after different aging period of time at different high temperature was explained. The results of two‐way ANOVA analyzing indicate that the aging time has a significant effect on tensile strength of these composites. With the increase of accelerated aging period of time at high temperature, the tensile strengths of these composite samples decreased compared with that of composite samples without aging. However the decrease of tensile strength of 3Dim and 4Dir braided composites is less than that of laminated composites. One of the reasons is after aging for a long time at high temperature, the resin is damaged and becomes brittle which make the bonding force between fiber and resin decrease. Another reason is the structure of reinforcement of composites. After aging, the structure of 3Dim and 4Dir braided/epoxy resin composites still keeps the integrity which makes the 3Dim and 4Dir composites have less tensile performance degradation (3Dim and 4 Dir: three‐dimensional and four‐directional). POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Gentamicin loaded β‐tricalcium phosphate/gelatin composite microspheres as biodegradable bone fillers
Authors: Sezer Umran Aydemir , Aksoy Eda Ayse , Durucan Caner , Hasirci Nesrin
Published: August 2012

In this study, novel composite bone fillers with microspherical shape, biodegradable property, and antibacterial effect were designed and prepared. Various fillers with different β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP)/gelatin (G)/glutaraldeyde (GA) compositions were loaded with a model antibiotic, gentamicin. The effect of composition and preparation conditions on the release of gentamicin was investigated in in vitro conditions. Complete release were observed in 12 h for pure β‐TCP powder, and this period was extended up to 96 h as the gelatin content increased in the microspheres. Morphological and chemical structures of the microspheres, before and after the release studies, were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared, respectively. Antibacterial activities were examined againstEscherichia coliby using disc diffusion method and promising results were obtained. It is proposed that these novel β‐TCP/G/GA microspheres can be applied locally to prevent and/or eliminate infection that might occur around a defected region of hard tissue and supports the healing process. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization and DC electrical conductivity of the composite films containing polyaniline‐carboxymethyl cellulose
Authors: Basavaraja C. , Kim Jin Kyoung , Thinh P.X. , Huh Do Sung
Published: August 2012

New polymer composites containing polyaniline‐carboxymethyl cellulose (PANI‐CMC) were prepared via the polymerization of aniline hydrochloride using different concentration (wt%) of sodium CMC using ammonium persulfate as an oxidant. The thermal stability and embedded crystallinity of the composites were investigated using thermogravimetric and X‐ray diffraction analysis method, respectively. The electrical properties of the composites were examined using temperature‐dependent DC conductivity within 300–500 K. As compared to pure polyaniline the composites with increasing CMC in the PANI‐CMC composites shows the enhancement in the higher crystallinity and thermal stability, and higher electrical conductivities under equivalent conditions. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
A study on mechanical, thermal, and wear characteristics of nylon 66/molybdenum disulfide composites reinforced with glass fibers
Authors: Basavaraj E. , Ramaraj B. , Siddaramaiah
Published: August 2012

The influence of silane‐coated short glass fibers (SGF) on the mechanical and wear characteristics of nylon 66 composites was investigated by compounding nylon 66 with 35% SGF as well as with 2% molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and without MoS2 in a co‐rotating twin screw extruder. Thus the resultant material was evaluated for physico‐mechanical, thermal, sliding wear, and morphological characteristics. It was found that the addition of glass fibers as well as MoS2 has significantly improved the tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact strength of the nylon 66. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis reveals significant changes in the crystallization behavior of nylon 66 for incorporation of fillers. Thermal stability of the nylon 66 was found to be improved as revealed by the thermogravimetric analysis results. Dynamic mechanical analysis results show drastic improvement in the storage modulus of the nylon 66 both in the glassy region as well as in the rubbery region. Wear analysis shows that the incorporation of glass fibers and MoS2 filler has reduced the wear loss and specific wear rate of nylon 66. Worn surfaces were examined with scanning electron microscopy to have better insight of the wear mechanism. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers