bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution Characteristics of Effective Source Rocks and Their Control on Hydrocarbon Accumulation: A Case Study from the Dongying Sag, Eastern China
Authors: Guangyou ZHU , Qiang JIN , Shuichang ZHANG , Jinxing DAI , Linye ZHANG , Jian LI
Published: February 2012

Abstract  The exploration conducted in the Bohai Bay basin, eastern China has demonstrated that the abundant petroleum resources have close affinities to the hydrocarbon kitchen with rich organic matter. A number of oil‐generating associations with various characteristics of organic geochemistry and assemblages of multiple reservoir facies are developed due to the multi‐center sedimentation, multi‐source supply and multi‐cycle evolution of filling, which have resulted in the formation of multiple oil and gas accumulation zones of various layers and trap styles. Among them the Paleogene Shahejie Formation is the most important hydrocarbon accumulation combination in the Dongying sag. Heretofore, its proved reserve has reached nearly 1.8×109t, which accounts for more than 90% of the total proved reserves of the Dongying sag. Based on previous studies, more than 600 source rock samples and 186 crude oil samples of the Shahejie Formation, collected from 30 oilfields, have been treated with organic geochemical testing. By combining the sedimentary sequence characteristics and geochemical analysis results, the source rocks of the Shahejie Formation can be divided into three genetic types, i.e. the saline lake facies (the upper Es4, brackish water deep lake facies (the lower Es3) and fresh‐water lake facies (the middle Es3), which correspond to the under‐filling, balanced‐filling and over‐filling lake types respectively and represent the three most essential genetic models for source rocks of non‐marine fault basins in China. Based on a thorough oil‐source correlation, the source rocks of the saline lake and brackish deep lake facies are determined to be the most contributive source rocks in the Dongying sag. Furthermore, by probing into the accumulation of organic matter and hydrocarbon migration pattern, it can be inferred that the hydrocarbons, generated from source rocks of the saline lake facies with relatively low maturity, have mainly accumulated in the uplifted parts of the basin's margin via lateral migration and the reservoirs are dominated by the buried hill and stratigraphic types, while hydrocarbons generated from source rocks of the brackish lake facies are mainly distributed in the basin's center via vertical migration and characterized by forming lithologic reservoirs. Also, the reservoirs located in the transitional belts have complex types and mostly controlled by faults, characterized by block (structural‐lithologic) reservoirs, and the crude oils mainly come from source beds of Es13 and Es24 respectively.
The Influence of Mechanical and Laser Cutting on the Fatigue Strengths of Square Hollow-Section Welded T-Joints
Authors: Moazed R. , Fotouhi R.
Published: February 2012

T-joint connections are commonly encountered in many machine components and load carrying members. The T-joint connections can be fabricated using traditional cutting (machine or flame) or by laser cutting techniques. The present study investigates the feasibility of using laser cutting to produce welded square hollow-section T-joints with similar or higher fatigue strengths than their conventional mechanical cut counterparts. A total of 21 full-scale T-joint samples, typical of those found in the agricultural industry, were included in this study. Nineteen of these samples were examined with the intention of forming a fatigue crack of approximately 3.8 cm (1.5 in.es) in length, and two samples with strain gauges attached for strain measurements. The experimental results of the full-scale T-joints subjected to cyclic loads showed that the fatigue strength of the samples that were manufactured with laser cutting were higher than those fabricated with mechanical cutting. A finite element analysis (FEA) of the T-joints was also performed, and the FEA results were verified with the experimental strain measurements.
Combining Variation Simulation With Welding Simulation for Prediction of Deformation and Variation of a Final Assembly
Authors: Pahkamaa Andreas , Wärmefjord Kristina , Karlsson Lennart , Söderberg Rikard , Goldak John
Published: February 2012

In most variation simulations, i.e., simulations of geometric variations in assemblies, the influence from heating and cooling processes, generated when two parts are welded together, is not taken into consideration. In most welding simulations, the influence from geometric tolerances on parts is not taken into consideration, i.e., the simulations are based on nominal parts. In this paper, these two aspects, both crucial for predicting the final outcome of an assembly, are combined. Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate a number of different non-nominal parts in a software for variation simulation. The translation and rotation matrices, representing the deviations from the nominal geometry due to positioning error, are exported to a software for welding simulation, where the effects from welding are applied. The final results are then analyzed with respect to both deviation and variation. The method is applied on a simple case, a T-weld joint, with available measurements of residual stresses and deformations. The effect of the different sources of deviation on the final outcome is analyzed and the difference between welding simulations applied to nominal parts and to disturbed (non-nominal) parts is investigated. The study shows that, in order to achieve realistic results, variation simulations should be combined with welding simulations. It does also show that welding simulations should be applied to a set of non-nominal parts since the difference between deviation of a nominal part and deviation of a non-nominal part due to influence of welding can be quite large.
The Effect of Pressure Relief in Prosthetic Sockets on the Wear and Comfort of BK Amputees
Authors: Nehme Gabi , Semaan Raymond , Oueini Ramzi
Published: February 2012

Great flexibility in prosthetic sockets, with long range of spring like action is needed while designing a socket. A finite element analysis is conducted to investigate the stress and displacement distribution for different socket cases where relief is needed. The relieved socket after optimization of the pressure distribution areas showed less wear and more comfort for amputees than the non-relieved socket. A Design of Experiment using 2 level factorial design is used to optimize the relief areas with respect to pressure distribution. Stresses and displacements were included in the model desirability. Higher deformation of the pressure relief areas is sought while preserving the socket structural integrity. A compromise with the structural integrity of the socket and the optimized values with high desirability of the Design of Experiment Model imply that Duraform socket A with 1.69mm relief area could be the best design scenario between several cases. Wear and skin analysis indicated that the relieved socket is significantly better than the unrelieved one.
Modeling Viscous Isothermal Piston Skirts EHL in Very Low Initial Engine Start Up Speeds
Authors: Qasim Syed Adnan , Malik M. Afzaal
Published: February 2012

In the normal low-speed engine operation, elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) of piston skirts and lubricant rheology reduce friction and prevent wear. In a few initial start up cycles, a very low engine speed and absence of EHL cause adhesive wear. This study models hydrodynamic and EHL of piston skirts in the initial very low cold engine start up speed by using a high viscosity lubricant. The 2-D Reynolds equation is solved and inverse solution technique is used to calculate the pressures and film thickness profiles in the hydrodynamic and EHL regimes, respectively. The work is extended to investigate the effects of three very low initial engine start up speeds on the transverse eccentricities of piston skirts, film thickness profiles and pressure fields in the hydrodynamic and EHL regimes. Despite using a viscous lubricant, thin EHL film profiles are generated at low start up speeds. This study suggests very low speed optimization in the cold initial engine start up conditions to prevent piston wear under isothermal conditions.
Effects of Burnishing Pattern on Surface Integrity in Microforming of Biodegradable Bone Implants
Authors: Salahshoor M. , Guo Y. B.
Published: February 2012

When a medical device is implanted into the human body, either hard or soft tissue, the body will respond to the device surface. While the bulk material of the device is often important for structural integrity, the device surface is at the interface with biology function. Major effort has been spent modifying an implant surface in order to control a biological response. Metallic biodegradable Magnesium-Calcium (MgCa) alloys have attracted an increased attention for orthopedic fixation applications. This research focuses on plastic burnishing as a novel micro forming technique that is tune surface integrity to control biodegradation as a biological response. The effects of burnishing pattern as an important process parameter on surface integrity characteristics such as surface roughness, surface topography, microstracture, microhardness, and residual stresses are investigated.
Residual Stress Profiles in High Speed Machining and Microforming of Biodegradable Orthopedic Implants
Authors: Salahshoor M. , Guo Y. B.
Published: February 2012

Biodegradable magnesium-calcium alloy is an attractive orthopedic biomaterial compared to permanent metallic alloys. However, the critical issue is that magnesium-calcium alloy corrodes too fast in the human organism. Hook-shaped compressive residual stress profiles, induced by various surface modification techniques in near surface zone, are proven to slower the degradation rate. This guarantees the presence of the implant in-vivo till the metabolic reactions leading to healing are over. The knowledge on how process parameters affect residual stress profiles is fundamental in successfully engineering the implants surface. Majority of surface modification techniques fall into two broad categories of cutting and forming operations. This study investigates the effects of process parameters in high speed face milling, representing a cutting operation, and low plasticity burnishing, as a micro forming process, on residual stress and microhardness profiles.
Robust Optimum Design of Fluid Dynamic Bearing for 2.5 Inch HDD Using Statistical Method
Authors: Hashimoto Hiromu , Ochiai Masayuki , Sunami Yuta
Published: February 2012

This paper describes the application of robust optimum design using the statistical method to the design of fluid dynamic bearings used for HDD spindle motors. Fluid dynamic bearings for HDD spindle motors are very small and generally manufactured by mass production process. Therefore, the bearings are demanded to easily manufacture the bearings and expected an insensitive design of the bearing which mean having low variability of bearing characteristics towards manufacturing errors. Hence, in this paper, the influence of bearing characteristics upon the occurrence of the manufacturing errors is conducted using the statistical method. As a result, the bearing with low variability of bearing characteristics can be obtained with the application of the new optimization method with the consideration of dimensional tolerances.
Microstructure of NiCrBSi Laser Cladding Coatings Textured by Nd-YAG Laser
Authors: Higuera-Garrido A. , Gonza´lez R. , Cadenas M. , Viesca J. L. , Herna´ndez-Battez A.
Published: February 2012

The use of texturing as a surface treatment that improves the tribological behavior is widespread in industrial and scientific fields, it is used in internal combustion engines [1], in biomechanical applications [2], in manufacturing processes [3] and in a full range of different applications. When texturing is carried out at low energy levels, the material melts superficially in a process governed by convection and thermocapillarity phenomena [4], whereas at high energy levels the reaction of the material could lead to its sudden vaporization [5] and local melting.
Elastic Deformation of Surface Roughness in Thin Film Hydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Yagi Kazuyuki , Sugimura Joichi
Published: February 2012

In the current study, the influence of elastic deformation in thin film hydrodynamic lubrication was numerically investigated. The one dimensional Reynolds equation was solved with considering the piezoviscosity effect of the lubricant and elastic deformation of the sliding surface in flat-flat contacts. The contact area comprised of a stationary rigid surface with sine waves with amplitude of several nano meters and a moving flat compliant surface. The obtained numerical results show that small amplitude of roughness compared with the averaged film thickness influences the pressure distribution of the hydrodynamic film. Reduction of the roughness and decay in wave of the roughness occurred because of the elastic deformation induced by local pressure generation.
Effects of Surface Contamination Layers and Roughness on the Determination of Mechanical Properties of Thin Films Using Nanoindentation
Authors: Demas Nicholaos G. , Ajayi Oyelayo O. , Shareef Iqbal
Published: February 2012

Nanoindentation measurements on TiAlN, CrN, a-C:H:Me, and TiN, deposited on steel substrates have been performed. It was found that the resulting surface roughness/morphology after deposition significantly affects the measurements of nanomechanical properties, while measurements of these properties on the surface may be significantly different than the bulk portion of the coating, exhibiting a lower nanohardness due to the existence of a surface contamination layer. A simple method is proposed for accurately measuring the nanomechanical properties of coatings alleviating the need for excessive statistical analysis and the issues that arise from surface topography and the presence of surface and contamination layers on thin films.
Study of Elastohydrodynamic Film Shape Under Different Directions of Velocity Vectors
Authors: Omasta Milan , Krupka Ivan , Hartl Martin
Published: February 2012

Some machines elements such as hypoid gears and Wildhaber-Novikov gears works under conditions where the surface velocities are variously oriented, thus the entrainment and sliding velocities act at different directions. The influence of sliding velocity vector direction with respect to entrainment velocity vector has not been sufficiently determined yet. So, the aim of current experimental study is to investigate effect of slide-to-roll ratio and direction of sliding velocity vector with respect to entrainment velocity vector on elastohydrodynamic (EHD) film thickness using thin-film colorimetric interferometry in smooth glass-steel point contact.
On the Role of Bit Cutter-on-Rock Tribometry to Aid the Drilling Process for New Energy Resources
Authors: Dougherty Patrick S. M. , Pudjoprawoto Randyka , Higgs C. Fred
Published: February 2012

In this study, techniques for studying the Tribology of rock cutting are being developed using bit cutter-on-rock tribometry (BCORT). Tribo-testing is carried out on a slider pad-on-disk tribometer, retrofitted to include water-jet fabricated rock disks, a variable radius cutter assembly, and a system for the capture of in situ depth of cut. Preliminary findings for BCORT testing of O1 tool steel on Carthage marble are presented, in addition to verification of depth of cut measurements with a scanning white light optical interferometer. The interdependence of interfacial cutting friction, depth of cut rate, and disk speed are discussed in conjunction with experiments.
COMPARISON OF GENERAL RELATIVISTIC AND PSEUDO-NEWTONIAN DESCRIPTION OF MAGELLANIC-CLOUDS MOTION IN THE FIELD OF MILKY WAY
Authors: STUCHLÍK ZDENĚK , SCHEE JAN
Published: February 2012

We test precision of the Cosmological Paczynski–Wiita (CPW) potential reflecting properties of the Schwarzschild–de Sitter (SdS) spacetimes in modeling dynamical phenomena related to galaxy motion. We consider a simplified model of Magellanic Clouds moving in the field of Milky Way as test particles. Time evolution of their position along trajectories obtained in the CPW framework using the notion of Newtonian time is compared to the one obtained in the fully general relativistic (GR) approach when the time evolution is expressed in terms of time related to the location of Earth in the Galaxy field. The differences in the position-evolution of the Magellanic Clouds obtained in the CPW and GR approaches are given for appropriately chosen values of the Milky Way mass. It is shown that the integrated relativistic corrections represent ~10-5 part of the Newtonian CPW predictions for the orbital characteristics of the motion and slightly grow with Galaxy mass growing, being at least by one order higher than the local scaling GR corrections. The integrated orbital GR corrections thus could be important only in very precise modeling of the motion of Magellanic Clouds. The CPW framework is used to show that, quite surprisingly, the influence of the cosmological constant on the Magellanic Clouds motion can be strong and significantly alters the trajectories of Magellanic Clouds and time evolution along them. The relative contribution of the cosmological constant is ~10-1 or higher. It is most profoundly demonstrated by the increase of the binding mass that represents 22% for Small Magellanic Cloud and even 47% for Large Magellanic Cloud, putting serious doubts on gravitational binding to the Milky Way in the later case.
RELATIONSHIP AMONG DIFFERENT TESTS OF EVALUATING LOW BACK CORE STABILITY
Authors: Aggarwal Anoop , Kumar Suraj , Madan Ruchika , Kumar Ratnesh
Published: February 2012

Purpose: This study aims to determine the relation among the commonly used different tests of evaluating core stability performance. Establishing this relationship is important as different authors have used different types of tests for evaluating core stabilization in their study yet relation among these tests and the individual importance of each of these tests is not clearly established so far. Methods: Among 40 recreationally active subjects the core stability performance was evaluated using variety of different tests reported in the previous literatures. Results: Results show that there was no significant correlation among the performance scores on different test of core stability. Conclusions: The assessment of the core stability performance must be in concordance with the need of the individual and of the study. Also, different tasks or sports selectively require different components of the core stability. In order to evaluate more than one component of the core stability performance, the different combinations of the tests must be used. If one wishes to test all the components of the core stabilization, then no single test is sufficient and a battery of test must be used to assess different components separately.
Oncolytic Immunotherapy of Advanced Solid Tumors with a CD40L-Expressing Replicating Adenovirus: Assessment of Safety and Immunologic Responses in Patients
Authors: Pesonen Sari , Diaconu Iulia , Kangasniemi Lotta , Ranki Tuuli , Kanerva Anna , Pesonen Saila K. , Gerdemann Ulrike , Leen Ann M. , Kairemo Kalevi , Oksanen Minna , Haavisto Elina , Holm Sirkka-Liisa , Karioja-Kallio Aila , Kauppinen Satu , Partanen Kaarina P. L. , Laasonen Leena , Joensuu Tima , Alanko Tuomo , Cerullo Vincenzo , Hemminki Akseli
Published: February 2012

The immunosuppressive environment of advanced tumors is a primary obstacle to the efficacy of immunostimulatory and vaccine approaches. Here, we report an approach to arm an oncolytic virus with CD40 ligand (CD40L) to stimulate beneficial immunologic responses in patients. A double-targeted chimeric adenovirus controlled by the hTERT promoter and expressing CD40L (CGTG-401) was constructed and nine patients with progressing advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapies were treated intratumorally. No serious adverse events resulting in patient hospitalization occurred. Moderate or no increases in neutralizing antibodies were seen, suggesting effective Th1 immunologic effects. An assessment of the blood levels of virus indicated 17.5% of the samples (n = 40) were positive at a low level early after treatment, but not thereafter. In contrast, high levels of virus, CD40L, and RANTES were documented locally at the tumor. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analyzed by IFN-γ ELISPOT analysis and induction of both survivin-specific and adenovirus-specific T cells was seen. Antitumor T-cell responses were even more pronounced when assessed by intracellular cytokine staining after stimulation with tumor type–specific peptide pools. Of the evaluable patients, 83% displayed disease control at 3 months and in both cases in which treatment was continued the effect was sustained for at least 8 months. Injected and noninjected lesions responded identically. Together, these findings support further clinical evaluation of CGTG-401. Cancer Res; 72(7); 1621–31. ©2012 AACR.
Immune Suppression in Premalignant Respiratory Papillomas: Enriched Functional CD4+Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells and PD-1/PD-L1/L2 Expression
Authors: Hatam Lynda J. , DeVoti James A. , Rosenthal David W. , Lam Fung , Abramson Allan L. , Steinberg Bettie M. , Bonagura Vincent R.
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Respiratory papillomas, caused by human papillomaviruses types 6 and 11 (HPV6/11), are premalignant lesions with potential for malignant conversion. The cytokine and chemokine micromilieu of papillomas is TH2-like with a marked absence of IFN-γ expression. To illuminate why patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) fail to effectively control their disease, we further investigated the suppressive cellular microenvironment in papillomas.

Experimental Design: CD4+CD25+CD127low/−Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and CD4+CD25−CD127low/−Foxp3− T cells within papillomas were characterized and isolated. Their suppressor function was measured by inhibition of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation. Expression of PD-1, CD69, and Helios was identified on these T cells. PD-L1, PD-L2, CCL17, and CCL22 mRNA was also identified in papillomas by quantitative PCR.

Results: Functional Tregs were markedly enriched in papillomas and strongly inhibited anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibody activated PBMC proliferation. The natural Treg marker Helios was reduced on Tregs from papillomas, indicating that the majority of Tregs in papillomas are adaptive. The majority of the papilloma-derived CD4+ T cells expressed the CD4+CD25−CD127low/−Foxp3−PD1+CD69+ phenotype and failed to suppress PBMC proliferation, suggesting that they are chronically activated and exhausted. The Treg-attracting chemokine CCL22 was equally expressed by all laryngeal tissues examined. However, CCL17 was robustly expressed by papillomas compared with unaffected laryngeal tissues from RRP patients and individuals without RRP. PD-L1 was elevated in papillomas compared with control laryngeal tissues.

Conclusions: Papilloma CD4+ T cells are enriched with functional Tregs, and the adaptive Helios− Treg fraction was increased within the TH2-like papilloma micromilieu. CD4+CD25−CD127low/−Foxp3− T-cells failed to suppress PBMC proliferation and may be exhausted. The PD-1/PDL-1 pathway may represent an additional immunosuppressive mechanism that contributes to defective HPV6/11 clearance in RRP. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 1925–35. ©2012 AACR.
On Offshore Propagating Diurnal Waves
Authors: Jiang Qingfang
Published: February 2012

Characteristics and dynamics of offshore diurnal waves induced by land–sea differential heating are examined using linear theory. Two types of heating profiles are investigated, namely a shallow heating source confined within an atmospheric boundary layer (BL) and a deep heating source located above the boundary layer.

It is demonstrated that a boundary layer top inversion or a more stable layer aloft tends to partially trap diurnal waves in the BL and consequently extend perturbations well offshore. The wave amplitude decays with offshore distance due to BL friction and leakage of energy into the free atmosphere. The dependence of trapped waves on the inversion height and strength, atmosphere stratification, latitude, BL friction, and background winds is investigated. Diurnal waves generated by a deep heating source extending well above the BL are characterized by longer wavelengths, faster propagation, and substantially longer e-folding decay distances than waves induced by a BL source. For the latter, BL friction has little impact on the e-folding decay distance, as waves are mostly located in the free atmosphere rather than in a frictional BL.
A Satellite-Derived Climate-Quality Data Record of the Clear-Sky Surface Temperature of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Hall Dorothy K. , Comiso Josefino C. , DiGirolamo Nicolo E. , Shuman Christopher A. , Key Jeffrey R. , Koenig Lora S.
Published: February 2012

The authors have developed a climate-quality data record of the clear-sky surface temperature of the Greenland Ice Sheet using the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) ice-surface temperature (IST) algorithm. Daily and monthly quality-controlled MODIS ISTs of the Greenland Ice Sheet beginning on 1 March 2000 and continuing through 31 December 2010 are presented at 6.25-km spatial resolution on a polar stereographic grid along with metadata to permit detailed accuracy assessment. The ultimate goal is to develop a climate data record (CDR) that starts in 1981 with the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Polar Pathfinder (APP) dataset and continues with MODIS data from 2000 to the present, and into the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) era (the first VIIRS instrument was launched in October 2011). Differences in the APP and MODIS cloud masks have thus far precluded merging the APP and MODIS IST records, though this will be revisited after the APP dataset has been reprocessed with an improved cloud mask. IST of Greenland may be used to study temperature and melt trends and may also be used in data assimilation modeling and to calculate ice sheet mass balance. The MODIS IST climate-quality dataset provides a highly consistent and well-characterized record suitable for merging with earlier and future IST data records for climate studies. The complete MODIS IST daily and monthly data record is available online.
2010 Western North Pacific Typhoon Season: Seasonal Overview and Forecast Using a Track-Pattern-Based Model
Authors: Kim Joo-Hong , Ho Chang-Hoi , Kim Hyeong-Seog , Choi Woosuk
Published: February 2012

Fourteen named tropical cyclones (TCs) formed in the western North Pacific (WNP) in 2010, representing the lowest count since 1951. Both low activity during the typhoon season (June–October) and quiescence during the pre- and posttyphoon seasons were major contributing factors. Despite overall low activity, TC activity along land boundaries was enhanced because the overall genesis locations of TCs shifted to the north and west and a majority of them affected the coastal countries in the WNP. These features are attributed to the expansion of the subtropical high and weakening of the monsoon trough associated with the rapid transition of the 2009/10 El Niño to the 2010/11 La Niña. The National Typhoon Center (NTC) in South Korea utilizes the recently developed track-pattern-based model of the hybrid statistical–dynamical type as the operational long-range TC forecast system. This model fairly forecast the anomalous spatial distribution of TC track density for the 2010 typhoon season. A higher-than-normal track density was successfully forecast near Korea and Japan. This is attributed to the overall skillful forecast of TC count for each pattern by the NTC model, though some deficiencies in forecasting extremes for some patterns are evident. The total seasonal genesis frequency integrated over the seven patterns is well below normal (about 16.4) close to the observations. The fair predictability in 2010 using the NTC model is attributed to the skillful forecast of the ENSO transition by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s Climate Forecast System, in addition to the validity of the NTC model itself.
Perceived Behavioral Control in Reasoned Action Theory
Authors: Yzer Marco
Published: February 2012

The inclusion of perceptions of control over behavioral performance has importantly advanced the ability of reasoned action theory to explain behavioral intentions and predict behavior. In consequence, the theory has usefulness as a tool for developing behavior change interventions. Despite the theoretical and practical importance of a perceived behavioral control construct, there remains ambiguity regarding the precise meaning and measurement of items. A central issue is that items used to measure perceived behavioral control often load on two factors, one composed of confidence-framed items and the other of control-framed items. According to reasoned action theory, these two factors represent capacity and autonomy aspects of perceived behavioral control. In this article I review the usefulness of the current dual-aspect conceptualization of perceived behavioral control, present illustrative perceived capacity and autonomy data, and discuss new areas of inquiry that can further advance the conceptualization of perceived behavioral control.
The Quantitative Analysis of Reasoned Action Theory
Authors: Bleakley Amy , Hennessy Michael
Published: February 2012

This article serves as a guide for conducting statistical analyses in a reasoned action context. Using structural equation modeling concepts, the authors identify two elements of reasoned action data: the structural component relating theoretical variables to one another and a measurement component defining the theoretical constructs. The authors then describe a three-step analytic approach: analyzing the proximal determinants of intention to perform a behavior, analyzing the underlying beliefs, and performing a segmentation analysis for intervention design purposes. In each step, when appropriate, the authors discuss the role of background/precursor variables. The authors conclude by addressing several common analytic issues that may arise when conducting a reasoned action analysis, such as the role of past behavior and testing for moderation.
The Reasoned Action Model
Authors: Jaccard James
Published: February 2012

The reasoned action model (RAM) of Fishbein and Ajzen has been highly influential in the social and health sciences. This article describes three areas for future research that should expand its explanatory power. One area of research focuses on an idiographic RAM that encourages researchers to pursue the estimation of RAM parameters on a per-individual level rather than through traditional nomothetic modeling. The second area encourages scientists to develop a split-second RAM, that is, a RAM that can provide perspectives on the split-second decisions people make in everyday life. Integration of the RAM with models of working (short-term) memory is stressed. The third area for research encourages scientists to develop a multioption RAM that incorporates and is responsive to the choices that people make when confronted with multiple alternatives. This perspective stresses the need to apply the RAM to the full range of behavioral options that are available to people as they contemplate performing one behavior versus another. Perspectives for theoretical advancement in each area are developed.
Preoperative and Therapeutic Embolization of Extremities of Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors
Authors: Ibrahim Wael Hamed , Safran Zakareya Al , Hasan Hosam , Zeid Wael Abu
Published: February 2012

Embolization of bone and soft tissue tumors has a broad range of indications, from curative treatment to palliation. The main purpose of embolization is to occlude as much of the tumor blood supply as possible. The outcome ranges from complete tumor devascularization and necrosis to degrees of ischemia and hypovascularity. Thus, the tumor will shrink, bleeding will be reduced, borders between the tumor and surrounding tissue will become clear, and resection will be easier. The purpose of this study was to correlate the effectiveness of preoperative embolization with the blood loss and transfusion requirement during surgery for bone or soft tissue tumors.
Social Networking as a Development Tool: A Critical Reflection
Authors: Scott Kathryn , Liew Tess
Published: February 2012

The convergence of community development and participatory democracy philosophies and practices supports social networking as a key tool to address urban social issues. The proliferation of formalised social networks is examined here to provide a New Zealand example of global trends towards fostering ‘social capital’ to address urban social problems. Social networking is situated in a participatory governance context and critiques of neo-liberalism and Bourdieu’s formulation of social capital are used to consider divergent and often conflicting expectations and practices of networking. Ethnographic data are used to demonstrate that, for some ethnic minority groupings, perverse economic incentives meant that it was more advantageous to maintain a marginalised position rather than to participate in ‘community’ networks. Evidence of increasing levels of multiscale collaboration is qualified by such exclusions of some sectors of community and the continuation of strategic agendas developed without community input.
Housing Differentiation and Renewal in Middle-ring Suburbs: The Experience of Sydney, Australia
Authors: Randolph Bill , Freestone Robert
Published: February 2012

Many suburban areas in Australian cities built between the 1930s and 1960s are facing major challenges from socio-demographic change, ageing housing, long-term disinvestment and entrenched pockets of social disadvantage. Yet despite emerging relative disadvantages, these middle ring or ‘third city’ suburbs are experiencing locally generated piecemeal market-led reinvestment and renewal. This paper explores housing, household and housing investment characteristics and trends in the older parts of Sydney’s western suburbs drawing on analyses of socio-demographic and development application data. Policy options to achieve more appropriate urban renewal outcomes under broad social sustainability criteria are canvassed. Similarities and differences to the American ‘first suburb’ phenomenon are noted.
A Golden Silence? Acts of Remembrance and Commemoration at U.K. Football Games
Authors: Foster Liam , Woodthorpe Kate
Published: February 2012

This article reviews the use of minute’s silences and applause at football (soccer) games in the United Kingdom, considering why acts of remembrance take place and for whom. Examining the variation in commemoration, the article explores the extent to which these acts serve as liminal events to reinforce or diminish football fans’ sense of (“fictive”) kinship and cohesion. Uncertainty about how to conduct them, and their purpose, is complicated by the way in which they are now used for a wide variety of people, regardless of their affiliation to a club, alongside their organization and spontaneity.
Microbubble Therapy Enhances Anti‐tumor Properties of Cisplatin and Cetuximab In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Heath Cara H. , Sorace Anna , Knowles Joseph , Rosenthal Eben , Hoyt Kenneth
Published: February 2012

Objective

To determine if microbubble‐mediated ultrasound therapy (MB‐UST) can improve cisplatin or cetuximab cytotoxicity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro and in vivo by increasing tumor‐specific drug delivery by disruption of tumor cell membranes and enhancing vascular permeability.

Study Design

In vitro and in vivo study.

Setting

University medical center.

Subjects

Immunodeficient mice (6 weeks old) and 4 HNSCC cell lines.

Methods

Changes to cell permeability were assessed in vitro after MB‐UST. Cellular apoptosis resulting from adjuvant MB‐UST with subtherapeutic doses of cisplatin or cetuximab was assessed by cell survival assays in vitro. The in vivo effect of adjuvant MB‐UST in flank tumors was assessed in vivo with histological analysis and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI).

Results

In vitro results revealed that MB‐UST can increase cell permeability and enhance drug uptake and apoptosis in 4 HNSCC cell lines. In vivo adjuvant MB‐UST with cetuximab or cisplatin showed a statistically significant reduction in tumor size when compared with untreated controls. TUNEL analysis yielded a larger number of cells undergoing apoptosis in tumors treated with cetuximab and adjuvant MB‐UST than did cetuximab alone but was not significantly greater in tumors treated with cisplatin and adjuvant MB‐UST compared with cisplatin alone. DW‐MRI analysis showed more free water, which corresponds to increased cell membrane disruption, in tumors treated with MB‐UST.

Conclusion

MB‐UST promotes disruption of cell membranes in tumor cells in vitro, which may be leveraged to selectively improve the uptake of conventional and targeted therapeutics in vivo.
Snoring Management with Nasal Surgery and Upper Airway Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Carroll William , Wilhoit Christina S. , Intaphan Jared , Nguyen Shaun A. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: February 2012

Objective

To review techniques and outcomes of nasal surgery with upper airway radiofrequency ablation (RFA) when used for socially disruptive snoring, including the rate of infection with reused RFA applicator tips.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Community‐based sleep‐disordered breathing clinic.

Methods

A prospectively acquired sleep quality assurance database was reviewed to determine demographics, complications, snoring outcomes, level of daytime sleepiness, and sleep‐related quality of life in patients with socially disruptive snoring treated with nasal surgery and upper airway RFA.

Results

One hundred thirty patients (48 women; 82 men) with a mean age of 50 years (range, 24‐83 years) underwent nasal surgery and upper airway RFA for the treatment of chronic nasal blockage with socially disruptive snoring. All patients underwent septoplasty with or without inferior turbinate reduction and RFA to the soft palate and/or base of tongue. Patients received a mean of 2.2 (range, 1‐4) applications of upper airway RFA during the course of treatment. No infections occurred with reuse of applicator tips. Fifty‐four bed partners (42%) reported complete snoring resolution, whereas 68 (52%) reported residual snoring that was improved. Snoring resolution was more common in patients who underwent repeated applications of upper airway RFA (odds ratio 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.09‐5.26).

Conclusion

Nasal surgery combined with upper airway RFA improved snoring with few complications in this series of patients with anatomic nasal obstruction with socially disruptive snoring. Reuse of RFA applicator tips at palatal sites reduces cost without an observed increase in the risk of upper airway infection.
Fostering musical creativity in pre-service teacher education: Challenges and possibilities
Authors: Economidou Stavrou Natassa
Published: February 2012

Research regarding music teaching in primary school reveals generalist teachers’ and student teachers’ low musical abilities and low confidence in teaching Music, and even more, in including creative activities in music teaching. This article reports on a study which sought to create a fruitful and supportive environment that would allow 64 primary school student teachers participating in a sound stories’ project, to unearth their creative skills and abilities, through active participation and direct experimentation with sound and music. The study focused on the exploration of the formation of student teachers’ beliefs regarding the concept of musical creativity, as well as possible educational implications stemming from the processes, experiences and emotions student teachers went through during the project.
Employment status and family role attitudes: A trend analysis for the Netherlands
Authors: Kraaykamp Gerbert
Published: February 2012

Using data from 14 repeated cross-sectional surveys ( N = 19,961), this study investigated trends in the family role attitudes of full-time, part-time and non-working men and women since the 1980s. The results show that in the Netherlands inter-cohort effects are considerably smaller in magnitude than intra-cohort (period) effects in driving changes in attitudes. Large differences were found between women working in paid employment (both full-time and part-time) and non-working women, and these differences remained remarkably stable over the years. Further, part-time working men seem much more egalitarian in their views on family roles than full-time working men. Although these differences declined somewhat over the years, a substantial gap remains.
For better or worse: Negative life events and sibling relationships
Authors: Voorpostel Marieke , van der Lippe Tanja , Flap Henk
Published: February 2012

Using Dutch data ( N = 6630), this article examines how sibling relationships (including full biological, half- and adopted siblings) differed for persons who experienced a negative life event (divorce, physical illness, psychological problems, addiction, problems with the law, victimization of abuse or financial problems) and those who did not. Results showed that people who experienced serious negative life events in the past often had less active, less supportive and more strained sibling ties. The group that experienced a physical illness formed an exception, showing more supportive and active sibling ties, but also higher levels of conflict. Results suggest inequality between persons who have experienced negative life events and those who have not in terms of access to positive and supportive sibling relationships.
What determines change in the division of housework over the course of marriage?
Authors: Grunow Daniela , Schulz Florian , Blossfeld Hans-Peter
Published: February 2012

This article analyses the changing division of housework between husbands and wives in western Germany. Using representative longitudinal data from the Bamberg Panel Study of Married Couples, the authors analyse how the division of household labour changes over the first 14 years of marriage. In particular, they assess when and under what conditions the husband’s share of traditionally ‘female’ housework increases or decreases. They consider shifts in spouses’ employment hours, relative earnings and family transitions as time-varying predictor variables in event-history models. It is found that almost half of all newlyweds begin by sharing household tasks equally. But over the course of marriage, the husband’s contribution to housework declines significantly, mostly independent of spouses’ income or working hours. The husband increasing his share of housework is uncommon, even when the wife works longer hours or realizes higher earnings. Traditional gender norms seem to trump earnings. This is particularly true when children are born.
An investigation of the validity of six measures of physical function in people awaiting joint replacement surgery of the hip or knee
Authors: Gill Stephen D , de Morton Natalie A , Mc Burney Helen
Published: February 2012

Objective:

To assess and compare the validity of six physical function measures in people awaiting hip or knee joint replacement.

Design:

Eighty-two people awaiting hip or knee replacement were assessed using six physical function measures including the WOMAC Function scale, SF-36 Physical Function scale, SF-36 Physical Component Summary scale, Patient Specific Functional Scale, 30-second chair stand test, and 50-foot timed walk. Validity was assessed using a head-to-head comparison design.

Results:

Convergent validity was demonstrated with significant correlations between most measures (Spearman’s rho 0.22 to 0.71). The Patient Specific Functional Scale had the lowest correlations with other measures of physical function. Discriminant validity was demonstrated with low correlations between mental health and physical function scores (Spearman’s rho −0.12 to 0.33). Only the WOMAC Function scale, 30-second chair stand test, and 50-foot timed walk demonstrated known groups validity when scores for participants who walked with a gait aid were compared with those who did not. Standardized response means and Guyatt’s responsiveness indexes indicated that the SF-36 was the least responsive measure.

Conclusions:

For those awaiting joint replacement surgery of the hip or knee, the current investigation found that the WOMAC Function scale, 30-second chair stand test, and 50-foot timed walk demonstrated the most evidence of validity. The Patient Specific Functional Scale might complement other measures by capturing a different aspect of physical function.
Whole-body vibration in addition to strength and balance exercise for falls-related functional mobility of frail older adults: a single-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pollock Ross D , Martin Finbarr C , Newham Di J
Published: February 2012

Objectives:

To investigate the effects of whole-body vibration in addition to an exercise programme on functional mobility and related outcomes for frail older fallers.

Design:

Single-blind randomized parallel group trial.

Setting:

UK; National Health Service assessment and rehabilitation facility for older people.

Participants:

Frail older fallers: 38 (80 ± 8.6 years) performed the exercise with whole-body vibration (vibration group), and 39 (82 ± 8.1 years) without (exercise group).

Intervention:

Sixty minutes supervised exercise class three times weekly for eight weeks ± whole-body vibration (up to 5 × 1 minute, 15–30 Hz and 2–8 mm peak-to-peak).

Measurements:

Timed Up and Go, 6-m walk, static balance, fear of falling (FES-I) and self-reported health status (SF-12 version 2) were assessed at baseline, four weeks (mobility measures only), eight weeks and six months.

Results:

Timed Up and Go and 6-m walk improved in both groups at eight weeks ( P < 0.01), but significantly more in the vibration group (timed up and go: 38 vs. 20%, P < 0.05); 6-m walk: (36 vs. 18.1%, P < 0.05, respectively). Balance, fear of falling and physical component of the self-reported health status improved similarly in both groups ( P < 0.05). At follow-up, no significant differences from baseline remained for any measure. The mean total time experienced was 37% of maximal target.

Conclusion:

The addition of whole-body vibration to strength and balance exercise resulted in greater improvements in functional mobility than exercise alone, despite achieving lower than anticipated exposure. Gains from neither intervention were sustained at six months.