bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analog Reverses the Molecular Pathology and Cardiac Dysfunction of a Mouse Model of Obesity
Authors: Noyan-Ashraf Mohammad Hossein , Shikatani Eric Akihiko , Schuiki Irmgard , Mukovozov Ilya , Wu Jun , Li Ren-Ke , Volchuk Allen , Robinson Lisa Annette , Billia Filio , Drucker Daniel J. , Husain Mansoor
Published: November 2012

Background—

Cardiac consequences of obesity include inflammation, hypertrophy, and compromised energy metabolism. Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin hormone capable of cytoprotective actions that reduces inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress in other tissues. Here we examine the cardiac effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide in a model of obesity, independent of changes in body weight.

Methods and Results—

C57Bl6 mice were placed on a 45% high-fat diet (HFD) or a regular chow diet. Mice on HFD developed 46±2% and 60±2% greater body weight relative to regular chow diet–fed mice at 16 and 32 weeks, respectively (both
P
<0.0001), manifesting impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and cardiac ceramide accumulation by 16 weeks. One-week treatment with liraglutide (30 µg/kg twice daily) did not reduce body weight, but reversed insulin resistance, cardiac tumor necrosis factor-α expression, nuclear factor kappa B translocation, obesity-induced perturbations in cardiac endothelial nitric oxide synthase, connexin-43, and markers of hypertrophy and fibrosis, in comparison with placebo-treated HFD controls. Liraglutide improved the cardiac endoplasmic reticulum stress response and also improved cardiac function in animals on HFD by an AMP-activated protein kinase–dependent mechanism. Supporting a direct mechanism of action, liraglutide (100 nmol/L) prevented palmitate-induced lipotoxicity in isolated mouse cardiomyocytes and primary human coronary smooth muscle cells and prevented adhesion of human monocytes to tumor necrosis factor-α–activated human endothelial cells in vitro.

Conclusions—

Weight-neutral treatment with a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog activates several cardioprotective pathways, prevents HFD-induced insulin resistance and inflammation, reduces monocyte vascular adhesion, and improves cardiac function in vivo by activating AMP-activated protein kinase. These data support a role for glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs in limiting the cardiovascular risks of obesity.
Three-dimensional Shape Coding in Grasping Circuits: A Comparison between the Anterior Intraparietal Area and Ventral Premotor Area F5a
Authors: Theys Tom , Pani Pierpaolo , van Loon Johannes , Goffin Jan , Janssen Peter
Published: November 2012

Depth information is necessary for adjusting the hand to the three-dimensional (3-D) shape of an object to grasp it. The transformation of visual information into appropriate distal motor commands is critically dependent on the anterior intraparietal area (AIP) and the ventral premotor cortex (area F5), particularly the F5p sector. Recent studies have demonstrated that both AIP and the F5a sector of the ventral premotor cortex contain neurons that respond selectively to disparity-defined 3-D shape. To investigate the neural coding of 3-D shape and the behavioral role of 3-D shape-selective neurons in these two areas, we recorded single-cell activity in AIP and F5a during passive fixation of curved surfaces and during grasping of real-world objects. Similar to those in AIP, F5a neurons were either first- or second-order disparity selective, frequently showed selectivity for discrete approximations of smoothly curved surfaces that contained disparity discontinuities, and exhibited mostly monotonic tuning for the degree of disparity variation. Furthermore, in both areas, 3-D shape-selective neurons were colocalized with neurons that were active during grasping of real-world objects. Thus, area AIP and F5a contain highly similar representations of 3-D shape, which is consistent with the proposed transfer of object information from AIP to the motor system through the ventral premotor cortex.
Retrieval Search and Strength Evoke Dissociable Brain Activity during Episodic Memory Recall
Authors: Reas Emilie T. , Brewer James B.
Published: November 2012

Neuroimaging studies of episodic memory retrieval have revealed activations in the human frontal, parietal, and medial-temporal lobes that are associated with memory strength. However, it remains unclear whether these brain responses are veritable signals of memory strength or are instead regulated by concomitant subcomponents of retrieval such as retrieval effort or mental search. This study used event-related fMRI during cued recall of previously memorized word-pair associates to dissociate brain responses modulated by memory search from those modulated by the strength of a recalled memory. Search-related deactivations, dissociated from activity due to memory strength, were observed in regions of the default network, whereas distinctly strength-dependent activations were present in superior and inferior parietal and dorsolateral PFC. Both search and strength regulated activity in dorsal anterior cingulate and anterior insula. These findings suggest that, although highly correlated and partially subserved by overlapping cognitive control mechanisms, search and memory strength engage dissociable regions of frontoparietal attention and default networks.
A New Statistical–Dynamical Downscaling Procedure Based on EOF Analysis for Regional Time Series Generation
Authors: Martinez Yosvany , Yu Wei , Lin Hai
Published: November 2012

A new statistical–dynamical downscaling procedure is developed and then applied to high-resolution (regional) time series generation and wind resource assessment. The statistical module of the new procedure uses empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis for the generation of large-scale atmospheric component patterns. The dominant atmospheric patterns (associated with the EOF modes explaining most of the statistical variance) are then dynamically downscaled or adjusted to high-resolution terrain and surface roughness by using the Global Environmental Multiscale–Limited Area Model (GEM-LAM). Regional time series are constructed using the model outputs. The new method is applied to the Gaspé region of Québec in Canada. The dataset used is the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis of wind, temperature, humidity, and geopotential height during the period 1958–2004. Regional time series of wind speed and temperature are constructed, and a numerical wind atlas of the Gaspé region is generated. The generated time series and the numerical wind atlas are compared with observations at different masts located in the Gaspé Peninsula and are also compared with a numerical wind atlas for the same region generated in Yu et al. The results suggest that the newly developed procedure can be useful to generate regional time series and reasonably accurate numerical wind atlases using large-scale data with much less computational effort than previous techniques.
Modulation of Western North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Activity by the ISO. Part II: Tracks and Landfalls
Authors: Li Richard C. Y. , Zhou Wen
Published: November 2012

This study investigates how tropical cyclone (TC) tracks and landfalls are modulated by the two major components of the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO), the 30–60-day Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and the 10–20-day quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO). In the convective phases of the MJO (phases 7 + 8 and 1 + 2), the western North Pacific Ocean (WNP) is mainly clustered with westward- and northwestward-moving TCs. The strong easterlies (southeasterlies) in the southern flank of the subtropical high lead to an increase in TC activity and landfalls in the Philippines and Vietnam (China and Japan) in phase 7 + 8 (phase 1 + 2). In the nonconvective phases (phases 3 + 4 and 5 + 6), TCs change from the original straight-moving type to the recurving type, such that the tendency for landfalls is significantly reduced. The QBWO, on the other hand, has a significant influence on TC landfalls in the Philippines and Japan. The strengthening of the subtropical high in phase 1 + 2 favors the development of westward-moving TCs and results in an increase in landfalls in the Philippines, while in phase 3 + 4 (phase 5 + 6), there is an increase (decrease) in TC activity and landfalls in Japan because of changes in genesis locations and large-scale circulations. The results herein suggest that both the MJO and QBWO exert distinctive impacts on TCs in the WNP.
Seasonal-to-Interannual Prediction of the Asian Summer Monsoon in the NCEP Climate Forecast System Version 2
Authors: Jiang Xingwen , Yang Song , Li Yueqing , Kumar Arun , Liu Xiangwen , Zuo Zhiyan , Jha Bhaskar
Published: November 2012

The NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFS) is an important source of information for seasonal climate prediction in many Asian countries affected by monsoon climate. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of the prediction of the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) by the new CFS version 2 (CFSv2) using the hindcast for 1983–2010, focusing on seasonal-to-interannual time scales. Many ASM features are well predicted by the CFSv2, including heavy monsoon rainfall centers, large-scale monsoon circulation patterns, and monsoon onset and retreat features. Several commonly used dynamical monsoon indices and their associated precipitation and circulation patterns can be predicted several months in advance. The CFSv2 has better skill in predicting the Southeast Asian monsoon than predicting the South Asian monsoon. Compared to CFS version 1 (CFSv1), the CFSv2 has increased skill in predicting large-scale monsoon circulation and precipitation features but decreased skill for the South Asian monsoon, although some biases in the CFSv1 still exist in the CFSv2, especially the weaker-than-observed western Pacific subtropical high and the exaggerated strong link of the ASM to ENSO.

Comparison of CFSv2 hindcast with output from Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) simulations indicates that exclusion of ocean–atmosphere coupling leads to a weaker ASM. Compared to AMIP, both hindcast and CMIP show a more realistic annual cycle of precipitation, and the interannual variability of the ASM is better in hindcast. However, CMIP does not show any advantage in depicting the processes associated with the interannual variability of major dynamical monsoon indices compared to AMIP.
The Effect of Topographic Variability on Initial Condition Sensitivity of Low-Level Wind Forecasts. Part II: Experiments Using Real Terrain and Observations
Authors: Bieringer Paul E. , Ray Peter S. , Annunzio Andrew J.
Published: November 2012

A study by Bieringer et al., which is Part I of this two-part study, demonstrated analytically using the shallow-water equations and numerically in controlled experiments that the presence of terrain can result in an enhancement of sensitivities to initial condition adjustments. The increased impact of adjustments to initial conditions corresponds with gradients in the flow field induced by the presence of the terrain obstacle. In cross-barrier flow situations the impact of the initial condition adjustments on the final forecast increases linearly as the height of the terrain obstacle increases. While this property associated with initial condition perturbations may be present in an analytic and controlled numerical environment, it is often difficult to realize these benefits in a more operationally realistic setting. This study extends the prior work to a situation with actual terrain, Doppler radar wind observations over the terrain, and observations from a surface mesonet for model verification. The results indicate that the downstream surface wind forecast was improved more when the initial conditions adjusted through the assimilation of Doppler radar data originated from areas with terrain gradients than from regions where the terrain was relatively flat. This result is consistent with the findings presented in Part I and suggests that when varying terrain elevation is present upstream of a target forecast area, a greater benefit (in terms of forecast accuracy) can be made by targeting additional observations in the regions containing variable terrain than regions where the terrain is relatively flat.
The Labor Market for Politicians
Authors: Parker Glenn R. , Parker Suzanne L. , Dabros Matthew S.
Published: November 2012

The so-called revolving door between employment in government and industry is especially relevant to the U.S. Congress because ex-legislators are notorious for taking jobs as lobbyists. There are two prominent explanations for why they do so: Lobbying either matches the talents of former legislators due to their specialized congressional training or it represents customary ex-post payments for ex-ante legislative assistance to special interests. This article explores the former dynamic, focusing on how specialized training impacts occupational outcomes of legislators and finds strong evidence to support the notion that former legislators become lobbyists due to unique human capital. This finding somewhat qualifies the notion that possible ex-post payments are a main driver for the postelective employment choices of ex-legislators.
A Complete Data Set of Political Regimes, 1800–2007
Authors: Boix Carles , Miller Michael , Rosato Sebastian
Published: November 2012

This article updates and describes a widely used data set on democracy. Covering 1800–2007 and 219 countries, it represents the most comprehensive dichotomous measure of democracy currently available. We argue that our measure’s distinguishing features—a concrete, dichotomous coding and a long time span—are of critical value to empirical work on democracy. Inspired by Robert Dahl, we define a country as democratic if it satisfies conditions for both contestation and participation. Specifically, democracies feature political leaders chosen through free and fair elections and satisfy a threshold value of suffrage. After comparing our coding to that of other popular measures, we illustrate how democracy’s predictive factors have evolved since 1800. In particular, we show that economic modernization variables have steadily declined in their correlation with democracy over time.
Cohesive modeling of damage growth in z-pinned laminates under mode-I loading
Authors: Ranatunga Vipul , Clay Stephen B
Published: November 2012

In this paper, a traction-separation-based cohesive modeling approach is proposed to predict the effect of z-pinning on laminated composites. A detailed experimental characterization of the z-pin pullout process using the flatwise tension test is presented. Utilizing these flatwise tension results, numerical simulation of the progressive damage due to delaminations in a double cantilever beam with z-pinning has been performed. Experimental details of the z-pinned double cantilever beams are presented for IM7/977-3 graphite/epoxy. The approach taken in this study utilizing the cohesive elements within the Abaqus® finite element software has proven that the models can predict the behavior of z-pinned composites close to experimental observations. It was found that the discretization of the fracture resistance curve along the z-pin field is essential to capture the dynamics of the delamination accurately.
A numerical model for predicting effective thermal conductivities of alumina/Al composites
Authors: Ferguen N , Cogné C , Bellenger E , Guessasma M , Pélegris C
Published: November 2012

This article describes a novel technique for manufacturing functionally graded materials with tailored properties for thermal management. These materials are ceramic/metal composites with a gradient microstructure, elaborated by producing a porosity gradient preform made of alumina phase subsequently infiltrated by the molten aluminum alloy (Al) phase. In order to model these particulate composites and to evaluate their effective thermal conductivities, a numerical approach based on both discrete element method and finite element method has been developed. The study presented here deals with alumina/Al composites without gradient microstructure and is conducted to numerically investigate the effects of the particle size distributions and the interconnection sizes between particles on the effective thermal conductivity. The situation in which an interfacial thermal resistance is present between both phases of composites to simulate a non ideal contact has also been considered.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)/montmorillonite/silver hybrid nanoparticles prepared from aqueous solutions by the electrospraying method
Authors: Park Jae Hyeung , Park Sung Min , Kwon Il Jun , Hyun Jae Min , Deng Yulin , Jeong Young Gyu , Cheong In Woo , Yeum Jeong Hyun
Published: November 2012

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/montmorillonite/silver hybrid nanoparticles are successfully fabricated by one-step electrospraying process in aqueous solution. The aim of this project is to design an optimum solution parameter for electrospraying system and evaluate inorganic material effects to antibacterial performance and thermal properties. Hybrid nanoparticles could be obtained at low molecular weight and concentration of the polymer. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed montmorillonite and silver were well dispersed in poly(vinyl alcohol) nanoparticles and enhanced thermal properties of the composite material. In anti-bacterial test, the poly(vinyl alcohol)/montmorillonite/silver hybrid nanoparticles showed an excellent anti-bacterial performance.
Synthesis and characteristics of continuous basalt fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites
Authors: Akhlaghi F , Eslami-Farsani R , Sabet SMM
Published: November 2012

This study, for the first time investigates the applicability of basalt fiber as a reinforcing material for metal matrix composites through various experimental works for thermal stability and mechanical properties. The residual tensile strength values of basalt fibers after being exposed at different temperatures in a furnace for pre-determined times and/or after being immersed into molten aluminum for different lengths of time were evaluated. Throughout these experimental studies, a processing method for fabrication of these composites was optimized. In this method, basalt preforms were coated with a thin layer of aluminum by immersion into aluminum melt for a short period of time. These laminates were stacked in a mold and consolidated by hot pressing (300℃, 7 min and 630 MPa). The microstructural studies confirmed a good bonding between aluminum and basalt together with a reasonably uniform distribution of fibers within the matrix alloy. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the fractured basalt fibers in the matrix alloy as well as occasional improper infiltration of the matrix alloy into the fiber bundles. Consequently, the mechanical properties of aluminum/basalt composites were far inferior to those expected by law of mixtures predictions. However, the strength values of these newly developed metal matrix composites are still adequate for some engineering applications.
Compressive strength of composite laminates with an open hole: Effect of ply blocking
Authors: Soutis C
Published: November 2012

This paper examines the application of a cohesive zone model to predict the open hole compressive strength of an IM7/8552 carbon fibre/epoxy quasi-isotropic multidirectional laminate and investigates the level-ply scaling or ply blocking effect on notch sensitivity. Cohesive zone models have been successfully applied to predict the damage from notches in engineering materials loaded in tension. They have also been used to determine the growth of fibre microbuckling from a hole in composite laminates under compression. The usual strategy is to replace the inelastic deformation associated with plasticity or microbuckling with a line-crack and to assume some form of stress-displacement (σ − δ) bridging law across the crack faces. Here a plastic fibre kinking analysis and a linear reduced (softening) σ − δ relationship are used for the prediction of the unnotched and open hole compressive strength; the theoretical results will be compared with experimental data in Part B of the 3rd World-Wide Failure Exercise.
Electrically conductive textile coating with a PEDOT-PSS dispersion and a polyurethane binder
Authors: Åkerfeldt Maria , Strååt Martin , Walkenström Pernilla
Published: November 2012

Electrically conductive textile coatings have been prepared by the addition of a dispersion of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT-PSS) and ethylene glycol to a polyurethane-based coating formulation. The formulations were designed to have similar viscosities, measured with a rheometer using a cone-and-plate set-up. The formulations were applied to woven poly(ethylene) terephthalate substrates using a direct coating method. The concentration PEDOT-PSS in the finished coatings varied between 0.7 and 6.2 wt%, the coating deposit between 19 and 155 g/m2 and the drying procedure between 4 hours at 20°C and 10 minutes at 150°C. Surface resistivity was measured with a ring probe and surface topology was addressed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PEDOT-PSS concentration had a large effect on the resistivity, which dropped by five orders of magnitude with an increased concentration. The steepest decrease occurred between 1 and 3 wt% PEDOT-PSS, indicating a percolation threshold. An increased coating deposit resulted in a resistivity drop by a factor 10, but no significant effect on the resistivity of the samples could be ascertained by variation of the drying conditions when samples had been subjected to subsequent annealing.
Feature curve-net-based three-dimensional garment customization
Authors: Li Jituo , Lu Guodong , Liu Zheng , Liu Jiongzhou , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: November 2012

Garment customization means that clients can provide their individual information for creating garments that fit them well. It has become a trend in garment industry. Three-dimensional (3D) methods have been emerging and have proved to be intuitive and effective ways for garment customization. In this paper, we propose a novel 3D garment customization approach based on a feature curve-net. A feature curve-net is weaved by feature curves that are initially extracted from 3D human models and then fitted onto 3D garment models. Three-dimensional garment models are locally parameterized on the feature curve-nets by applying bicubic Coons surface technology. Feature curve-nets created from different human models have the same topology connectivity. Thus, garment models on a reference human model can be transferred onto a target human model by reconstructing the garment models from the feature curve-net on the target human model. The shapes of the customized garment models can be further conveniently altered by interactively editing the feature curve-net. Our method supports both the 3D garment resizing and 3D garment editing, while most existing 3D garment customization methods can only support 3D garment resizing. Our method is flexible and can be useful in garment customization.
Numerical simulation and analysis of fluid flow in double melt-blown die
Authors: Meng Kai , Wang Xinhou
Published: November 2012

Melt-blown die usually consists of two components: the coat-hanger feed distributor and the spinneret plate with a series of orifices. In this paper, fluid flow in double melt-blown die was simulated using the three-dimensional finite element method. The fluid flow inside the melt-blown die was analyzed, particularly the flow near the joint point of the double melt-blown die and the entrance of the orifice. Velocity distribution at the outlet of the die was also analyzed through a comparison with the fluid flow in the double melt-blown coat-hanger feed distributor. The results show that the convergence flow around the entrance of the orifice can improve the velocity distribution at the die’s outlet to a certain extent. The improved uniformity of the velocity distribution at the outlet of the double melt-blown die proves the feasibility of using side-by-side melt-blown die to fabricate wider uniform melt-blown webs.
Assessment of moisture management performance of multilayer compression bandages
Authors: Fauland Gulnara , Lenz Angelika , Rohrer Christian , Bechtold Thomas
Published: November 2012

The moisture management property of compression bandages is a critical factor influencing the state of well-being and compliance of patients with venous and lymphatic disorders. The thermal resistance and water vapor transmission rate of compression bandages were assessed using a limb model, which allows bandage application under tension and provides valuable insight on moisture distribution across the entire ensemble under simulated wear conditions. The performance of eight commercially available two- and four-layer compression bandages was evaluated based on measurement of physical parameters, such as thickness and mass per area, moisture sorption, air permeability, water vapor permeability, and moisture distribution during the simulated wear test. The gravimetrically determined water vapor transmission of the different bandages varied from 279 to 341 g m−2 h−1. Low air permeability of padding or cohesive can indicate possible moisture barrier properties, which could cause undesirable moisture accumulation inside the bandage. Robust reproducibility of the test, along with rapidity and ease of manipulation, allows comparison between the individual products and could provide the basis of dressing performance standardization.
Innovative three-dimensional fabric structure with negative Poisson's ratio for composite reinforcement
Authors: Ge Zhaoyang , Hu Hong
Published: November 2012

This paper presents an innovative three-dimensional (3D) fabric structure for composite reinforcement. Different from most conventional 3D fabric structures, the new structure displays a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) effect under compression. Based on a manufacturing process developed by combining both non-weaving and knitting technologies, four NPR 3D fabric samples with different warp yarn diameters were first manufactured manually. Then, their Poisson’s ratio (PR) values under compression along the fabric thickness direction were experimentally evaluated. A geometrical model was also proposed for the theoretical calculation of PR values of these fabrics and was compared with experimental data. The good agreements were obtained between the calculation and experiment. The results show that all the 3D fabrics display NPR effect under compression, which results in a unique feature that allows the structure to concentrate itself under the compressive load to better resist the load. This special feature makes this innovative 3D fabric structure very attractive for many potential applications such as automobile, aerospace, defense and sports equipment, where impact protection can be a highly desirable property.
The preparation and antibacterial activity of polyester fabric loaded with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Hong , Shi Xue , Lv Yihang , Mao Zhiping
Published: November 2012

A facile procedure for binding silver nanoparticles on polyester fabrics was reported. In this paper, the multifunctional polymer films were firstly formed through simple dip-coating of polyester fabrics in an aqueous solution of dopamine. Then the silver nanoparticles were in situ generated on the surface of dopamine-modified polyester fabrics in an aqueous solution of silver nitrate under room temperature. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry were used to characterize the structure and the content of silver nanoparticles. The antibacterial efficiencies of treated samples were quantitatively estimated. The results indicated that the dopa-polyester fabrics loaded with silver nanoparticles showed durable antibacterial activity.
Photo-induced antimicrobial and decontaminating agents: recent progresses in polymer and textile applications
Authors: Sun Gang , Hong Kyung Hwa
Published: November 2012

In recent years, antimicrobial and decontaminating products and materials have drawn a lot of attention due to the outbreaks of infectious diseases in the public, as well as potential and unwanted exposure to certain hazardous chemicals in the living environment. Photo-chemistry has revealed that both inorganic photo-catalysts and organic photo-sensitizers could generate some reactive oxygen species (ROSs) on certain polymeric surfaces under light exposure and these ROS can provide antimicrobial and decontaminating functions. Thus, researchers have been trying to incorporate the photo-active agents into various polymeric substrates to prepare self-decontaminating materials for medical applications, protective clothing, etc. This paper will provide a review of the recent research progresses in the area of photo-induced functional materials, specifically antimicrobial functions and decontamination abilities of the materials.
Systematic investigation and optimization of fine cotton yarns produced in a modified ring spinning system using statistical methods
Authors: Feng Jie , Xu Bin Gang , Tao Xiao Ming
Published: November 2012

A modified ring spinning technique has been recently developed by incorporating false twisting devices into a conventional ring frame for producing a low torque and soft handle singles yarn. Our previous studies showed that this technology can be applied for producing coarse modified yarns (7–32 Ne) with improved yarn and fabric performance. The present paper extends the work for the production and optimization of modified yarns at a fine yarn count (80 Ne). Compared with the conventional ring spinning system, the modified system presents a different and complicated spinning condition in terms of yarn tension and twist distributions, as well as the interaction between the false twisting device and conventional ring frame. Therefore, this paper aims to systematically investigate the quantitative relationship between spinning system parameters and physical properties of the fine modified yarns using the combined statistical methods of fractional factorial and response surface methodology. In this paper, potential spinning system parameters are proposed and the significances of their effect on yarn properties are quantitatively evaluated. Then the statistical relationships between the significant system parameters and the properties of fine modified yarn are fully examined and optimized. With these optimum parameters, the fine modified yarn and woven fabric were produced and their properties were assessed and compared with the conventional ones.
Calculation of the phase diagram of a btda-tdi/mdi co-polyimide/ N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone/water system in the phase separation process
Authors: Liu Li-Qi , Xiang Hong-Bing , Huang Zhong , Chen Lei , Yu Jun-Rong , Zhu Jing , Hu Zu-Ming
Published: November 2012

Theoretical ternary phase diagrams with good agreement with experiment cloud point data were constructed for a btda-tdi/mdi (p84) co-polyimide/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP)/water system. The theoretical phase diagram was calculated based on the Flory–Huggins theory of polymer solution. To construct the theoretical phase diagrams, all the binary interaction parameters were determined accurately. The water–P84 co-polyimide interaction parameter (χ13) and the nmp-p84 co-polyimide interaction parameter (χ23) were calculated from solubility parameters theoretically and determined by equilibrium swelling experiment and intrinsic viscosity measurement, respectively. The water–NMP interaction parameter ( g12) was calculated by the universe sichemical functional group activity coefficient method. According to the theoretical binodals, spinodals and critical points of the p84 co-polyimide/nmp/water system at different temperatures, we conclude that the effect of temperature on the position of binodal curves was small; this phenomenon is similar to the results of the cloud point titration experiment at different temperatures. The study also found that the p84 co-polyimide fractions of both theoretical critical points and experimental critical points are lower (less than 4 wt%), that is, the spinning or coating solution will be demixed by nucleation and the growth mechanism at the early stage of the forming process.
Compressibility of the kapok fibrous assembly
Authors: Yan Jinjiang , Fang Chao , Wang Fu-Mei , Xu Bugao
Published: November 2012

In this paper we study the compressibility of kapok fibrous assemblies via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image observations on kapok microstructures and measurements obtained from Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) compression testing. The assemblies, made of slightly carded kapok fibers, were treated in different levels of relative humidity (dry or wet) and pressure (0 or 100 kPa) conditions. The SEM images of the treated samples revealed that kapok fibers were initially hollow and circular, but could be crushed partially or totally to become thin ribbons after being pressed with a 100 kPa pressure. Over 80% of the fibers in the wet-pressure-treated assembly appeared to be crushed. In the KES testing, the compressional resilience, bulkiness and other parameters of the kapok assemblies were calculated from the compression curves. The results showed that the compressional resilience of the dry-treated kapok assemblies was better than that of the wet-treated assemblies; the bulkiness of both the dry- and wet-treated assemblies was reduced after the pressure treatment, but in the wet assemblies kapok hollow structures and interspaces among fibers were much easier to be squeezed than those of the dry assemblies.
Effects of the number and position of phase-change material-treated fabrics on the thermo-regulating properties of phase-change material garments
Authors: Yoo Hwasook , Lim Jihye , Kim Eunae
Published: November 2012

In this study, the effects of the number and position of fabrics treated with phase-change materials (PCMs) on thermo-regulating properties in four-layer garments were investigated. Nanosilver-coated nonadecane was employed as a PCM and coated onto cotton fabrics for the study. The heating and cooling effects of this PCM were evaluated by measuring temperature changes in the air layers of the microclimate within clothing using a Human–Clothing–Environment simulator. Results showed that increased incorporation of PCM-treated fabrics in a garment led to increased heating and cooling effects. In cases in which the number of PCM-treated fabrics incorporated into a garment was the same, the effects of the PCM differed according to the PCM-treated fabrics’ positions in the garment. It was found that the outer layer of a garment ensemble is the more appropriate position for the effects of the PCM.
Identifying effective design features of commercial sports bras
Authors: Zhou Jie , Yu Winnie , Ng Sun-pui
Published: November 2012

This paper identifies the effective design features of commercial sports bras by evaluating the reduction of breast displacement during activities. Four subjects, with breast and body types representative of Chinese females of age 24–40 years were studied while they performed activities either braless or wearing one of seven different sports bras representative of the range commercially available. The three-dimensional movement of the breasts was derived by videoing the motion of breast markers attached at six different breast positions using a Vicon 3D motion analysis system. The breast displacement relative to the thorax was measured using a validated local “thorax–breast 3D coordinate system”. The results showed that there was a significant difference in breast displacement between the different breast markers. The bra samples generally achieved the greatest reduction in breast displacement in the medial–lateral direction. The reduction in breast displacement was positively related to the gore height, shoulder strap width, neckline height and side seam depth. The underlying mechanism of breast movement and bra support is also discussed. The study concluded that the most effective bras had the following features: compression type, short vest style, high neckline, slings, cross back, bound neckline, no centre gore, no wire, no cradle, no pad and a non-adjustable wide strap. This provides practical guidelines for bra designers and manufacturers to develop more supportive bras for women performing these physical activities.
Electrical properties of conductive fabrics for operating capacitive touch screen displays
Authors: Bae Jihyun , Hong Kyung Hwa
Published: November 2012

Electrically conductive textiles have many potential applications, such as sensors, static charge dissipation, and electro-magnetic interference shields. In this study, two different types of core spun yarns were produced with silver-plated nylon filaments as the conductive material. The electrical characteristics of the core spun yarns and the fabric samples knitted with these yarns were investigated. It was clear that the surface resistance of each type of knitted fabric depends on the surface exposure of the conductive materials. However, both knit types exhibited reasonable features for application as a touching operator for capacitive touch screen panels.
Designing of 3D woven integrated T-joint tube
Authors: Zheng Tianyong , Li Shengxian , Jing Shujuan , Ou Ya
Published: November 2012

T-joint tube composites have huge potential applications in structural engineering. The paper tries to find an easy way to design and manufacture woven integrated T-joint tube by the theory of ‘flattening-weaving-unfurling’. The difficulty in smoothly unfurling the flattened woven structure lies in the wrinkles formed at the crossing area of the two tubular members, which is analyzed in detail. The key to solve the problem is to increase the extensibility of the structure. A four-layer interlocked hollow woven structure with sandwiched weft wicks in a mini-hole was designed to give the fabric the ability of being extended after part of the wick yarns have dropped out. The parameters of the structure, such as base weave, weft density, number, and thickness of the wick yarns, are investigated to evaluate their effects on the extensibility of the structure. To achieve a higher extensibility, the final structure design should have the following features: coarse wick yarn, relatively higher weft density, 2/2 twill base, and number of wick yarns less than four. By using NedGraphics Jacquard CAD (Computer Aided Design) system, the contour of the crossing area of the T-joint tube was designed, the weaves in different sections of the fabric were assigned, and a JC5 format file was exported to control a normal electronic Jacquard loom to weave the structure. The final experiment indicates that the 3D T-joint tube can be unfurled smoothly and the method of the design is visually verified to be effective.
Alkali treatment of cotton yarns with ultrasonic bath
Authors: Khajavi Ramin , Atlasi Aramesh , Yazdanshenas Mohammad-Esmail
Published: November 2012

In this study, the effects of ultrasound on the conventional mercerization treatment of cotton yarns were investigated. The yarns were treated in slack and under tension conditions with sodium hydroxide at various times (5 and 10 min) and temperatures (0, 20, 40 and 60℃) with and without the presence of ultrasound waves. The microstructure of samples were analyzed under characteristic absorbance at peaks with wave number 665, 713, 897, 982, 1032, 1165, 1206, 1236, 1282, 1319, 2900 and 3343 cm–1. Hydrogen-bonding intensity (HBI) was measured by A4000–2995:A1337, and crystallinity index (CI) was calculated by the absorbance ratios A1431:A987 and A1263:A1200, using the method of Jayme and Knolle. Moreover, tensile breaking load and elongation at break of samples were determined. Results showed that mercerizing cotton yarns in the presence of ultrasound waves in slack and under tension conditions led to an increase in the amount of cellulose II cotton, up to 71% and 61%, respectively. In comparison with the conventional method, it improved breaking load for both slack and with tension mercerized samples, and also increased elongation at break. However, there was no significant difference in elongation break values of mercerized samples with tension.
Influence of knitted fabric construction on the ultraviolet protection factor of greige and bleached cotton fabrics
Authors: Wong Wai-yin , Lam Jimmy Kwok-Cheong , Kan Chi-wai , Postle Ron
Published: November 2012

The alarming increase of incidence of skin cancer has hastened development of ultraviolet (UV) protective clothing and research on UV protection of apparel. Although various fabric parameters that affect ultraviolet radiation (UVR) transmission were studied by researches, most of them focused on woven fabrics and chemical approach in enhancing UV protection. There were few studies concerning knitted fabrics, in particular the influence of fabric constructions on ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) and structural properties. The magnitude of transmission and scattering of UVR through a fabric is decided by fabric construction or knit structure, which is classified by geometrical arrangement of yarns and fibers of the fabric. This paper aimed at studying the influence of different knit structures upon the UPF with the three main knit stitches incorporated in the knitted fabric constructions, namely the knit, tuck and miss stitches. The UPF and structural characteristics, including thickness, weight, stitch density and porosity of greige and bleached knitted fabrics with different knit structures, are compared by adopting factorial analysis of variance. The results show that fabrics with miss stitches possess a higher UPF than fabrics with tuck stitches. The double-knitted fabrics have better UV protection than the single-knitted fabrics overall, but bleaching has different impacts on the UPF of single- and double-knitted fabrics. The study reveals that fabric thickness or weight cannot be used solely in explaining the UV protective performance of knitted fabrics. However, fabric porosity can be a good indicator for UV protection when comparing fabrics with similar fabric weight and thickness but different structures or fiber contents.
Characterization of copper-plated conductive fibers after pretreatment with supercritical carbon dioxide and surface modification using Lyocell fiber
Authors: Cho Hangjin , Tabata Isao , Hisada Kenji , Hirogaki Kazumasa , Hori Teruo
Published: November 2012

Metal plating onto the fibers using supercritical fluid (SCF) is a manufacturing technology used to make highly conductive fiber; further research is being carried out actively on synthetic fibers such as aramid, polyester and nylon fibers. However, metal plating onto the fibers using SCF has some problems. The adhesion between the fiber and plate metal is not high, and this method requires heat stability because of the high temperature and pressure under supercritical state, so natural fibers are of limited use. This paper investigated Lyocell fiber, which is cellulose fiber and has good heat stability, to find the optimum condition of the supercritical pretreatment. After making conductive fibers, abrasion and washing tests were carried out to examine adhesion between the fiber and plated metal. Also, to improve the adhesion between the fiber and metal much more, an attempt has been made to change the surface modification of the fiber by oxygen plasma, acid or base. In particular, the copper-plated conductive fiber after plasma treatment had high conductive properties, even after abrasion and washing tests were conducted.
Mechanical and tactile properties of plain knitted fabrics produced from rayon Vortex yarns
Authors: Suzuki Yukihiro , Sukigara Sachiko
Published: November 2012

We investigated and compared rayon Vortex, ring-spun, and open-end spun yarns, and plain knitted fabrics produced from these yarns. Yarn tensile, compression, bending, and torsion tests were conducted, and differences between spinning systems were observed for bending and torsion properties. Evaluation by hand indicated that the Vortex fabric was much smoother than fabric made from open-end yarn, but less smooth than the fabric produced from ring-spun yarn. Fabric smoothness was related to both its air resistance and the hairiness of its yarn. Fabric air resistance is found to be a useful index to describe the tactile properties of knitted fabrics.
Latino Emergent Bilingual Youth in High Schools
Authors: García Ofelia , Woodley Heather Homonoff , Flores Nelson , Chu Haiwen
Published: November 2012

This article explores the results of a study of Latino youth in New York City public high schools. We propose that the common element among the schools is what we call here transcaring, an overarching culture of care that allows for the creation of third spaces within school, transcending traditional dichotomies around language, culture, place, and measurement found in many U.S. schools. We identify the different threads that make up transcaring strategies—translanguaging, transculturación, transcollaboration and transactions through dynamic assessments—focusing on each of its components by drawing examples from our data.
Le Goût des Autres: Gentrification Told by Children
Authors: Authier Jean-Yves , Lehman-Frisch Sonia
Published: November 2012

If the gentrification literature has considerably expanded in recent decades, few works have attempted to understand the relationship between the ‘gentrifying’ households of the middle classes and the ‘gentrified’ households of the working classes, as seen through the eyes of the children. However, in many cases, gentrification involves families and children are then actively involved residential co-existence. This is the issue at the heart of this article: to examine the experiences of social diversity of children from different social backgrounds aged 9 to 11, living in a gentrified neighbourhood in Paris. This is done by investigating successively their representations of and activities within the neighbourhood, their usage of a public space which occupies a key position (the local park) and their sociability. On the basis of these analyses, it is shown how, within this gentrified neighbourhood, the children ‘play’ with social diversity.
Using Ecological Systems Theory and Density of Acquaintance to Explore Resident Perception of Entrepreneurial Climate
Authors: Kline Carol , Gard McGehee Nancy , Paterson Shona , Tsao Jerry
Published: November 2012

Using the concepts of Ecological Systems Theory and Density of Acquaintance, this study was developed to explore the relationship between rural North Carolina residents’ characteristics and their perceptions of entrepreneurial climate (e-climate). The North Carolina Community Assessment for Tourism and Entrepreneurial Climate Study was developed to determine which factors influence how residents view their community e-climate, an important antecedent to tourism success, in their community. Four categories of hypotheses were developed focusing on a resident’s (1) residential tenure and nativity, (2) community involvement through volunteerism, (3) employment, and (4) entrepreneurial self-perception were developed. The first three categories included variables measuring residents’ Density of Acquaintance; the fourth category addressed residents’ perceptions of themselves concerning entrepreneurial activity in both their paid and volunteer work. Findings indicated that residential tenure and amount of volunteerism had the greatest influence on perceived e-climate. The most commonly differentiated factor of e-climate was consistently Training and Assistance.
Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek
Authors: Crellin Robert
Published: November 2012

This review treats both Campbell’s book Basics of Verbal Aspect in Biblical Greek specifically as well as his view of verbal aspect in Greek more generally. In the assessment of the latter, two points receive particular attention: (a) his desire to replace tense with spatial proximity/remoteness as the underlying semantic category encoded by the indicative, and (b) his identification of the perfect with imperfective aspect.