bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Level and Performance on Psychometric Tests in NHANES III
Authors: McGrath John , Scragg Robert , Chant David , Eyles Darryl , Burne Thomas , Obradovic Darja
Published: September 2007

Background: Animal studies and in vitro experiments indicate that vitamin D is involved in a diverse range of neurobiological functions. We had the opportunity to examine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] levels and performance on various cognitive tasks, based on a large, representative community sample. Methods: Three age groups were available from the population-based NHANES III survey: adolescent group (n = 1,676, age range 12–17 years), adult group (n = 4,747, 20–60 years), elderly group (n = 4,809, 60–90 years). The associations between eight psychometric measures and serum 25(OH)D were assessed. Results: In the adolescent and adult groups, none of the psychometric measures were associated with 25(OH)D levels. In the elderly group there was a significant difference between 25(OH)D quintiles performance on a learning and memory task; however, those with the highest quintile of 25(OH)D were most impaired on the task, contrary to the hypotheses. Conclusion: Lower 25(OH)D levels were not associated with impaired performance on various psychometric measures. While it remains to be seen if chronic exposure to low 25(OH)D levels alters brain function in the long term, this cross-sectional study suggests that 25(OH)D levels do not influence neurocognitive performance.
Effect of Acute Administration of Recombinant Human Leptin during the Neonatal Period on Body Temperature and Endocrine Profile of the Piglet
Authors: Litten J.C. , Mostyn A. , Laws J. , Corson A.M. , Symonds M.E. , Clarke L.
Published: September 2007

Background: Leptin is produced predominantly by white adipocytes; in adults it regulates appetite and energy expenditure but its role in the neonate remains to be fully established. Objectives: To examine the effects of acute administration of recombinant human leptin on the endocrine profile and thermoregulation of neonatal pigs. Methods: 24 pairs of siblings (n = 48) were administered with either a single dose (4 µg ml–1 kg–1 body weight) of leptin (L: n = 24) or a placebo (P: n = 24) on day 6 of neonatal life. Rectal temperature was recorded, and tissue samples were taken at 1 (n = 12), 2 (n = 12), 4 (n = 12) or 6 (n = 12) hours post-administration. Plasma concentrations of hormones and metabolites were determined in conjunction with messenger RNA (mRNA) for leptin and uncoupling protein-2. Results: Plasma leptin increased following leptin administration, and differences in concentrations of insulin, thyroxine and non-esterified fatty acids were observed between the two groups. Initially, rectal temperature decreased in L pigs but returned to start values by 1.5 h. This decline in rectal temperature was delayed in placebo animals, resulting in differences between treatments at 1.5 and 2 h. Conclusions: Acute leptin administration alters the endocrine profile of pigs and influences the thermoregulatory ability of the neonate.
Congenital Intrathoracic Stomach: Short Esophagus or Hiatal Hernia?
Authors: Leung Alex W.K. , Lam Hugh S. , Chu Winnie C.W. , Lee Kim H. , Tam Yuk H. , Ng Pak C.
Published: September 2007

We present a rare case of congenital intrathoracic stomach due to short esophagus in a preterm infant. Antenatal ultrasound during the second trimester showed a tubular cystic structure in the posterior mediastinum. The diagnosis of congenital hiatal hernia was initially made. After birth, the diagnosis was confirmed to be intrathoracic stomach associated with a congenitally short esophagus by upper gastrointestinal contrast study and laparotomy. Features that suggest intrathoracic stomach secondary to congenital short esophagus over the relatively more common congenital hiatal hernia include early identification of the intrathoracic stomach during the second trimester and the consistent absence of an abdominal stomach bubble on antenatal ultrasound. The infant’s condition could not be surgically repaired due to the extremely malformed and short esophagus and she subsequently died. This is in sharp contrast to the more surgically amenable and non-life-threatening congenital hiatal hernia. Early recognition of intrathoracic stomach associated with congenital short esophagus is important as it is associated with difficult management and significant postnatal complications. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in this situation. The prognosis is cautiously guarded, and the parents should be appropriately counseled.
Graphical Tests for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Based on the Ternary Plot
Authors: Graffelman Jan , Camarena Jair Morales
Published: September 2007

Objective: We design a graphical test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This can circumvent the calculation of p values and the statistical (non)signiﬁcance of a large number of bi-allelic markers can be inferred from their position in a graph. Method: By rewriting expressions for the χ2 statistic (with and without continuity correction) in terms of the heterozygote frequency an acceptance region for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is obtained that can be depicted in a ternary plot. Results: We obtain equations for curves in the ternary plot that separate markers that are out of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium from those that are in equilibrium. The curves depend on the chosen signiﬁcance level, the sample size and on a continuity correction parameter. Some examples of graphical tests using a set of 106 SNPs on the long arm of human chromosome 22 are described. Signiﬁcant markers and poor markers with a lot of missing values are easily identiﬁed in the proposed plots. R software for making the diagrams is provided. Conclusion: The proposed graphs can be used as control charts for spotting problematic markers in large scale genotyping studies, and constitute an excellent tool for the graphical exploration of bi-allelic marker data.
Genome-Wide Scan for Quantitative ACE Activity in Taiwan Young-Onset Hypertension Study
Authors: Wang Ruey-Yun , Chung Chia-Min , Fann Cathy S.J. , Yang Hsin-Chou , Chen Jaw-Wen , Jong Yuh-Shiun , Jou Yuh-Shan , Lo Huey-Ming , Ho Feng-Ming , Kang Chih-Sen , Chen Chien-Chung , Chang Huan-Cheng , Shyue Song-Kun , Pan Wen-Harn
Published: September 2007

Objectives: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) plays major roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, findings on the relations between ACEvariants and CVD have not been consistent. The purpose of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for serum ACE activity, a heritable endophenotype of cardiovascular diseases (estimated heritability = 0.58). Methods: With 1,271 individuals from 373 young-onset (age ≤40) hypertension pedigrees, 479 deCODE microsatellite markers were genotyped. Results: We identified a previously unknown loci on chromosomes 9 at 149.4 cM (LOD = 3.00) in addition to a strong linkage peak near the ACE structural locus on chromosome 17 at 89.6 cM (LOD = 4.60). Conclusions: These results not only indicate that the ACE gene or nearby loci on 17q was among the strongest QTL influencing ACE activity, but also reveal a potential ACE QTL in human genome, pointing to the complexity of ACE regulation.
Platelet-Derived Nitric Oxide Signaling and Regulation
Authors: Gkaliagkousi Eugenia , Ritter James , Ferro Albert
Published: September 2007

Nitric oxide (NO) exerts important vasodilatory, antiplatelet, antioxidant, antiadhesive, and antiproliferative effects. Although endothelium derived NO has been shown to be of prime importance in cardio- and vasculoprotection, until recently little was known about the role of platelet-derived NO. New evidence suggests that NO synthesized by platelets regulates platelet functions, in particular suppressing platelet activation and intravascular thrombosis. Moreover, platelet NO biosynthesis may be decreased in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or with coronary heart disease, and this may contribute to arterial thrombotic disease in these patients. Here, we review the current state of knowledge as regards the role of platelet-derived NO, both in normal physiology and in cardiovascular disease states, and compare platelet NO signaling and regulation with that in endothelial cells.
Population Validity and Cross-Validity
Authors: Algina James , Keselman H.J.
Published: September 2007

Applications of distribution theory for the squared multiple correlation coefficient and the squared cross-validation coefficient are reviewed, and computer programs for these applications are made available. The applications include confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, and sample size selection.
Reforming the United Kingdom's public employment and social security agencies
Authors: Wiggan Jay
Published: September 2007

The creation, during Labour's second term, of the Department for Work and Pensions and the new delivery agency Jobcentre Plus, was a significant reorganization of the administration of employment and social security policy. Drawing on Regulation theory the article argues that reform was structurally driven by the need to ensure delivery mechanisms aligned with Labour's vision of an `employment first' welfare state. The organization and objectives of the Employment Service and Benefits Agency that Labour inherited hindered moves to promote joined-up working to deliver employment opportunities for the economically inactive. To overcome this problem the Government embarked on a merger to break down the organizational, historical and cultural barriers that had separated the work of each agency. The administrative function of delivering social security and employment policy has been shaped into an active exponent of the Government's socioeconomic strategy for supporting an evolving neo-liberal regime of accumulation.
How do politicians use performance information? An analysis of the Norwegian local government experience
Authors: Askim Jostein
Published: September 2007

This article aims to improve knowledge of performance information's role in political decision-making. Two research questions are addressed, with data from a national survey of councillors in Norway: first, how important is performance information for councillors? The article disaggregates decision-making into three stages and assesses performance information utilization at each stage. The results show surprisingly high levels of utilization. Second, why do some councillors use performance information more than others? The article compares utilization across policy sectors and the results show two contrasting groups: utilization is higher among councillors working with elderly care, administrative affairs, and educational affairs than among councillors working with other sectors. Possible reasons for this pattern are discussed.
Effect of MoSi2 Particles on the Fracture Toughness of AlN-, SiC-, and Si3N4-based Ceramics
Authors: Sciti Diletta , Carlo Celotti Gian , Pezzotti Giuseppe , Guicciardi Stefano
Published: September 2007

The effect of 30 vol% MoSi2 addition on the fracture toughness of AlN-, SiC-, and Si3N4-based composites is investigated. To isolate the contribution of MoSi2 particulate, the toughness of the composite is compared to that of the reference AlN, SiC, and Si 3N4 matrixes. It turns out that the main toughening mechanisms are residual stress and crack deflection. The residual stress is evaluated through the strain measure in the reinforcing particles by X-ray diffraction, and the crack deflection by analysis of the crack paths. The overall toughening effect is calculated as the sum of these two contributions compared to the experimental values of the toughness of the composites.
The Influence of Strain Rate on the Mode III Interlaminar Fracture of Composite Materials
Authors: Pennas D. , Cantwell W.J. , Compston P.
Published: September 2007

The Mode III interlaminar fracture toughness, GIIIc, of composite materials based on both thermoplastic and thermosetting-matrices have been investigated using the edge crack torsion (ECT) test geometry. Tests were undertaken at room temperature and over a range of crosshead displacement rates to study the influence of strain rate on the interlaminar fracture properties of these materials. Further information concerning the crack tip loading conditions was obtained by undertaking a finite element analysis of the ECT specimen geometry.

The experimental results show that the value of GIIIc depends on initial crack length, increasing steadily with increasing crack length for both types of material. It has been shown that the interlaminar fracture toughness of the glass fiber/epoxy-based system was superior to that offered by its thermoplastic counterpart, an effect that may be due to the fact that the glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene composite was slow-cooled from its processing temperature. The interlaminar fracture toughness of both types of composite remained roughly constant over the range of crosshead displacement rates considered here suggesting that they do not exhibit any rate-sensitive fracture behavior. The finite element analysis of the ECT specimens showed that the specimen is subjected to pure Mode III loading over the central part of the test specimen whereas regions of locally-high Mode II loading were observed over the region in which the load was applied. The Mode III strain energy release rate profile does not depend on specimen thickness or the displacement of the ECT test geometry.
Muslim Women and Feminisms: Illustrations from the Iranian Experience
Authors: Afshar Haleh
Published: September 2007

It is the contention of the author that Islam provides a framework that enables its adherents to open pathways towards feminism. If we define feminism in terms of offering women choices and giving their choices respect, then we would be able to see that in their long struggle for liberation Iranian women have remained true to both their faith and the ideals of feminists. The most important pathway to this success has been greater access to education and the right that women have exercised of learning about their faith and what it offers them. Women who chose to fight for their rights in the context of Islam and its teaching are breaking new paths that had been barred to them for over a millennium. The process has been slow and hard and different depending on the country. Throughout, the most effective strategy has been to insist that Islam does not recognize intermediaries between God and the believers and each Muslim has the God-given right to discover her/his faith and engage with it through the very words of God as recorded in the Koran. This immediacy enables women to construct a dialogue and initiate a process of interpretation and development, which places Islam in the framework of what could be called a feminist discourse. The author explores some of the methods used to begin this process and considers its development in Iran.
Religion: soutien divin et tension psychologique
Authors: Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Thorlindsson Thorolfur , Bjarnason Thoroddur
Published: September 2007

The authors investigate the relationship between religion and delinquent behaviour, under conditions of strain. They analyse data from a representative sample of Icelandic adolescents. Building on both the literature from religion and deviance as well as social stress literature they test a model of main and buffer effects of perceived divine support under conditions of strain in adolescents' lives. The model receives considerable support. The study shows that both structural support, measured as religious participation and functional support, measured as perceived support from one's God, hinder delinquency. Divine support, however, does not condition the effects of strain on the outcome variable.
Nanosilver Functionalized Cotton Fabric
Authors: Gorenšek Marija , Recelj Petra
Published: September 2007

The influence of reactive dyes with massive chromogene and nanosilver on ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) values of lightweight cotton fabrics was investigated. The effect of nanosilver on the color of cotton fabrics and on antibacterial effectiveness was also determined. AATCC Test method 183-1998 was used for the calculation of the UPF of lightweight cotton fabric. The antibacterial activity was determined according to ASTM Designation E 2149-01. The research shows an increase in the UPF values of lightweight cotton fabrics when they are pale red or pale navy dyed with nanosilver. Cotton fabrics treated with 80 nm nanosilver showed inhibition of the growth of Streptococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. Changes of color are observed on dyed cotton fabrics treated with nanosilver.
The Comparison of Cotton Knitted Fabric Properties Made of Compact and Conventional Ring Yarns Before and After the Dyeing Process
Authors: Dönmez Kretzschmar S. , Özgüney A.T. , Özçelik G. , Özerdem A.
Published: September 2007

This study investigated the differences between knitted fabrics made from compact and conventional ring-spun yarns. 100% cotton yarns, produced from the same cotton blend, were spun according to compact and conventional ring spinning principles in two different yarn counts and twist factors. Three different knitting structures, i.e., interlock, rib and single jersey, were produced from these yarns. The physical properties of these fabrics were investigated and compared with each other before and after the reactive dyeing process. When the results were examined, it was found that the hairiness of compact yarns was less and the strength and elongation percentages were higher, the fabrics produced with compact yarns showed less tendency to pilling and had a higher bursting strength. No statistical differences were observed with regard to spirality, weight, abrasion resistance, color efficiency and rubbing fastness of the fabrics produced with compact and ring-spun yarns.
Fibrous Materials as Soft Matter
Authors: Pan Ning , He Ji-Huan , Yu Jianyung
Published: September 2007

This paper proposes a new type of soft matter, namely fibrous materials. The common characteristics of soft matter that are shared by fibrous materials, such as the multiphase composition, porous and highly deformable structures, and the non-negligible contributions of entropy to the material behavior are illustrated. More importantly, some unique problems, complex and interesting, yet more or less unrealized, or ignored in dealing with fibrous materials are highlighted. The study includes the packing geometry of fibers, macro—micro behavioral inconsistencies, friction and self-locking mechanisms, bi-modular behavior, and allometric or scaling problems. The fabric wrinkling or crumpling problem and its peculiar fracture behavior and failure criteria are discussed. This paper also elucidates the significance of treating fibrous materials as soft matter and the great potential of such study to materials in general and to biomaterials in particular.
The Influence of Industrial Laundering of Hospital Textiles on the Properties of Cotton Fabrics
Authors: FiJan Sabina , Šostar Turk SonJa , Neral Branko , Pušić TanJa
Published: September 2007

Every laundry is determined to maintain or constantly improve the quality of its services. This quality is defined by parameters that are determined by standard methods. With the help of different industrial laundries some research on the influence of laundering procedure on the quality of laundered fabrics was conducted. For this purpose standard cotton fabrics were laundered 50 times or 25 times, respectively, by certain procedures. After laundering, the quality was assessed by determining the decrease in breaking strength, chemical wear, incineration residue, Ganz degree of whiteness, lightness and the Ganz—Griesser tint deviation. It was found that higher chemical and mechanical damage was mainly due to higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide used at higher temperatures in longer laundering procedures with lower bath ratios. The quality of the investigated laundering procedures could be improved by adapting the dose of detergents, bath ratio, temperature and duration as well as the sorting before laundering.
Enzyme-mediated Crosslinking of Wool. Part II: Keratin and Transglutaminase
Authors: Cardamone Jeanette M. , Phillips John G.
Published: September 2007

Keratin hydrolysates (KH) and their lyophilized powders (KP) were applied with transglutaminase (amine γ-glutamyltransferase EC 2.3.2.13; TG) to fine jersey wool fabric bleached by peroxycarboximidic acid in the first step of the ARS process. The full ARS process involving treatment with proteolytic enzyme (Esperase 8.0L™) after pretreatment by bleaching can result in up to 18% fabric strength loss in fine-gage jersey knits, yet the ARS process has met with industry acceptance. To alleviate strength loss we applied solutions of KH and KP in combination with TG as a transferase enzyme to catalyze transamidation reactions involving keratin as KH and KP and keratinaceous wool fabric in order to provide crosslinking between and among these keratin constituents. Treatments of KH from 100% to 10% owb with TG showed that shrinkage could be controlled; application of 6% owf KP and 2% owf TG controlled shrinkage to 4.89%. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the keratin material coated the fibers to fill the raised scales of the wool. The results of statistical analysis predicted the optimum application conditions of 5% KP and 5% TG. These conditions minimized felting shrinkage to 5.21% and fabric weight change to 0.26% and maximized dry burst strength to 4.7% loss and increase in fabric whiteness to 17.8 whiteness index units. Wool material, including hydrolysates and powders crosslinked by TG enzyme mediation can provide a rich resource for the production of modified keratin-based biomaterials.
Investigating Smart Textiles Based on Shape Memory Materials
Authors: Chan Vili Yvonne Y. F.
Published: September 2007

The emergence of high performance fibers and Smart textiles has led to the development of new textiles having sensing, adapting and reacting capabilities. Textile designers are exploring unorthodox areas for inspiration for the production of new and pioneering textiles. This paper investigates Smart aspects of textiles based on shape memory materials particularly for enhancing the aesthetics of woven interior textiles. Shape memory alloy and shape memory polymer have been modified to allow the materials to be incorporated into the woven structure. Through yarn spinning, hybrid blends have been produced; the aesthetic engineering of which has provided new woven textiles that are capable of sensing a temperature change and reacting by changing to a prescribed shape. Examples of applications for these new dynamic textiles will be described and discussed.
Effects of pH in Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching of Cotton Fabrics Pretreated with Ferrous Sulfate
Authors: Maekawa Masako , Hashimoto Akiko , Tahara Mitsuru
Published: September 2007

In order to establish a bleaching method for cotton fabrics under a mild condition, we attempted to treat the fabrics with various concentrations of ferrous sulfate solution prior to hydrogen peroxide bleaching. The whiteness index (WI) and tensile strength for cotton were measured and compared with those of alkaline bleaching. It was observed that the pH for the bleaching solution changed during bleaching, as a result of the pretreatment conditions such as ferrous sulfate concentration and immersion period. In addition, the WI and tensile strength for cotton were determined by the pH of the bleaching solution after bleaching.
A Controlled Experiment on Yarn Hairiness and Fabric Pilling
Authors: Beltran Rafael , Wang Lijing , Wang Xungai
Published: September 2007

This study focused on the hairiness of worsted wool yarns and how it affects the pilling propensity of knitted wool fabrics. Conventional worsted ring spun yarns were compared with comparable SolospunTM yarns and yarns modified with a hairiness reducing air nozzle in the winding process (JetWind). Measurements of yarn hairiness (S3) on the Zweigle G565 hairiness meter showed a reduction in the S3 value of approximately 46% was achieved using SolospunTM ring spinning attachment and a 33% reduction was achieved using the JetWind process. Interestingly, subsequent evaluation of the pilling performance of fabrics made from the SolospunTM spun yarn and JetWind modified yarn showed a half grade and full grade improvement, respectively over a similar fabric made from conventional ring spun yarns. This result suggested that a relatively large reduction in yarn hairiness was needed to achieve a moderate improvement in fabric pilling, and that the nature of yarn hairiness was also a key factor in influencing fabric pilling propensity. It is postulated that the wrapping of surface hairs by the air vortex in the JetWind process may limit the ability of those surface fibers to form fuzz and reach the critical height required for pill formation.
Experimental Studies on the Dimensional Properties of Half Milano and Milano Rib Fabrics
Authors: Amreeva Gulmira , Kurbak Arif
Published: September 2007

In this work, the dimensional properties of milano rib and half milano rib knitted fabrics were investigated experimentally using five different take-down tension values, five different tightness values, and three different yarn types. Dry, wet, and wash relaxations were applied to the samples, and after each relaxation, course-spacings ( c) and wale-spacings ( w) were measured. Loop lengths (ℓ) were also measured only after dry relaxation. Linear regression analysis was applied to the relations between c and ℓ and between w and ℓ. High correlation coefficients were found and the intercepts Ac and Aw of these linear regression equations were statistically important. Yet another regression equation between the intercepts Ac and the inclinations 1/ Kc and also between Aw and 1/ Kw could be applied with high correlation coefficients. The results showed that Kurbak's empirical equations were also applied to milano rib fabrics and the coefficients of the equations were given together with the most popular weft knitted fabrics.
Fibrous Structures with Designed Wicking Properties
Authors: Coskuntuna Esra , Fowler Alex J. , Warner Steven B.
Published: September 2007

Fibrous structures have been designed and tested to achieve anisotropic flow properties. A structure that transports liquid in one specific in-plane direction as fast as possible was formed by parallel arrangement of continuous filament yarns in the middle layer of a three-layer structure. The top and bottom layers consisted of low areal density nonwoven fabrics. Tests showed that flow was faster in the middle layer, yielding a nonuniform flow front among the layers. Structures with larger pores in the middle layer wicked faster, as anticipated from the Washburn equation. Although we maximized the in-plane orientation to increase the flow anisotropy of the structures, the flow anisotropy was only approximately 3, which can be usefully compared to a mechanical anisotropy of the structure of perhaps 50 or higher. A mathematical expression derived from combining the continuity equation with Darcy's Law was used to model the flow behavior in these structures. The predicted values of the flow front were within 20% of the experimental values. Another structure was designed to maximize liquid transport through the thickness of a fabric. It contained flocked fibers in the middle layer oriented parallel to the direction of flow. Structures with single and double layers of flocked fibers with varying fiber denier and flock density were made and tested. The number of layers, the fiber denier and the interaction between the number of layers and flock density influenced the transverse flow behavior of these structures. Single layer samples with high-flock density and high fiber denier promoted transverse flow best. Double layer high-flock density samples hindered the transverse flow, retaining the liquid in the middle region where the layers met to produce smaller pores.
Performance Evaluation of Water Repellent Finishes on Woven Fabric Properties
Authors: Ozcan Gulay
Published: September 2007

In this study, plain woven fabrics in two blends were chosen to investigate the effects of water repellent finishes on woven fabric properties. The fabrics were treated with different types of water repellents at different concentrations. The levels of water repellency of the fabrics were measured in accordance with the AATCC 22 (1996) spray test method. To evaluate the effect of water repellent finishes on the woven fabric properties, breaking strength, abrasion resistance, pilling, light fastness, washing and perspiration tests of the fabrics were performed using relevant British Standards, ASTM and ISO standards. Wetting time of the fabrics was also measured before and after abrasion, washing and perspiration tests to evaluate performance and durability of the treatments. The results, evaluated using SPSS statistical program, showed that the water repellent finish type and concentrations were very important parameters to obtain water repellent fabric having acceptable use properties.
Corporeal Controls
Authors: Barron Michael , Bradford Simon
Published: September 2007

This article explores the experiences of gay and bisexual young men in Ireland. It draws on focus groups and individual interviews with a group of gay and bisexual men aged 16 to 25 in Dublin. The article explores how their identities are “discredited” and “othered” through symbolic and material violence, and their bodies become an index in both maintaining and transgressing normative masculine identities. Gay and bisexual young men are stigmatized (by others and self), particularly in school and through sport, by an ascribed femininity in their body practices, and they resist this by employing survival strategies and by recreating their identities through diverse and deliberate presentations of their bodies. The young men compared experiences at school and on the gay scene, the latter often providing them with positive and affirming experiences, although there was evidence that the gay body is subject to (negative) scrutiny on the scene as well.
Measured and predicted energy demand of a low energy building: important aspects when using Building Energy Simulation
Authors: Karlsson F. , Rohdin P. , Persson M.-L.
Published: September 2007

Three different simulation tools were used to simulate a low energy terraced house in the south of Sweden. The software tools all use dynamic models to calculate, for example, the energy demand for heating and the indoor temperatures. The aim of this paper is to discuss the relative importance to the annual energy demand of different energy aspects of a Swedish low-energy house. Both measured and simulated values are considered and compared. The focus is on the impact of choice of software, the habits of the tenants, and the relative impact of different design parameters such as ventilation rates.

The measured values for total electricity demand range from about 6000 kWh to over 12 000 kWh, the average demand being 8020 kWh. The annual predicted total energy demand using three different simulation software tools deviated by about 2%. The energy use deviation due to airflow control was about 10%, and the deviation due to differences in heat exchanger efficiency was about 20% and the deviation in annual energy use due to differences in internal gains due to differences in tenant habits, assumed in the models, was 7%.

Furthermore, when comparing the predicted energy use during the design process of the low-energy building with actual measurements after the tenants have moved in, these differ about 50% in average for this specific case.

Practical application: Building energy simulation software is often used to make predictions of how different construction materials, design principles and operation influence the energy balance and indoor thermal comfort. It is therefore important that the output of these software tools is trustworthy and accurate. This paper discusses the importance of accurate input data during the design process in order to achieve a valid prediction of energy use with emphasis on tenants' behaviour. It was shown that the deviations in a parametric study were larger than the deviations in the comparison between the results from the three simulation tools. This indicates a need for more accurate models for modelling tenant behaviour and habits rather than more accurate building component models.
New algorithm for generating hourly temperature values using daily maximum, minimum and average values from climate models
Authors: Chow D.H.C. , Levermore Geoff J.
Published: September 2007

The use of building simulation programmes for predicting building performance is increasing all the time especially with the advent of cheap, fast computers. Hourly weather data, in particular outdoor dry bulb temperature (DBT) and solar radiation values, are required for simulation programmes for building performance. When hourly values are not available there are algorithms for generating hourly temperature values from daily values. These use the daily maximum temperature TMAX, and daily minimum temperature, TMIN. However, climate prediction models, such as HadCM3 and HadRM3 also provide the daily average dry-bulb temperature TAVE as well as the daily maximum and minimum. The average temperature is important for selecting weather years and also because the average temperature is often different from the average of the maximum and minimum, assumed in the simpler algorithms. Buildings being designed now will need to perform under future weather conditions with climate change, so the downscaling of daily values from climate prediction models to hourly values is required. This paper describes a new, more accurate algorithm for generating hourly temperature values in the UK that uses all three temperature parameters from climate change models, and demonstrates the improvement of the quality of the generated values against traditional algorithms that use just the daily maxima and minima.

Practical application: The proposed algorithm for generating hourly DBT values from daily maximum, minimum and average values is intended primarily for deriving hourly data for running building simulation programmes, as some weather stations and future climate prediction models only provide daily values of weather parameters.

Climate change is affecting all aspects of human life, and as well as being affected by climate change, buildings can also affect the degree of climate change, since well-designed buildings will require less energy to run, thus minimising the amount of carbon dioxide emitted. As the climate is predicted to change significantly in the next 100 years, if buildings are designed to last, it is important for designers to know how buildings will respond and perform then. Building simulation programmes are useful for this, but they require hourly weather data which are not provided by most climate prediction models. By having a quality-assured algorithm for down-scaling the raw daily values to hourly values, data from climate prediction models, such as HadCM3 and HadRM3 can be used for building simulations for any location in the world.

The hourly DBTs derived from using the algorithm suggested in this paper may also be used in conjunction with other hourly weather data, such as wet-bulb temperature, solar irradiance, cloud cover and wind speed, derived from the same dataset.
Quantifying the flood resilience properties of walls in typical UK dwellings
Authors: Escarameia M. , Karanxha A. , Tagg A.
Published: September 2007

Building for resilience against floodwater has become increasingly important given the high demand for new houses in the UK and the need to build in flood-prone areas. There are current recommendations on the use of building materials that will minimise the impact of floods; however, these are rarely substantiated by scientific evidence and tend to relate to individual building materials rather than composite constructions. To fill this gap, a laboratory investigation was undertaken aimed at quantifying the properties of walls (and their constituents) when exposed to floodwater. Time-varying leakage rates and drying rates were determined for 13 different wall constructions subjected to 1 m water depth. Both masonry and timber frame walls were studied, incorporating common types of cavity insulation. Recommendations are given for resilient construction.

Practical application: The work described in this paper was part of a larger study commissioned by the Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) and EA/ DEFRA, aimed at obtaining a better understanding of how buildings behave when subjected to floodwater. The ultimate aim was to develop guidance for the construction of new buildings, focusing on domestic properties in areas at risk of flooding. This will be taken into account in the next revision of the Building Regulations, namely in Approved Document C. A guidance document on resilient and resistant construction, synthesising the findings of the overall project, will be a reference document for the new Planning Policy Statement (PPS25), which defines the requirements for resilient developments in England and Wales.
Love as a Battlefield
Authors: Allison Colleen J. , Bartholomew Kim , Mayseless Ofra , Dutton Donald G.
Published: September 2007

The authors explored the attachment dynamics of heterosexual couples identified for male partner violence. Based on semistructured interviews, participants were assessed for attachment orientations. Based on a thematic analysis of the interviews, two strategies for regulating distance within these relationships were identified: pursuit and distancing. Partners' abusive acts often appeared to serve one of these attachment strategies. As a pursuit strategy, violence forced one partner to focus on the other, and as a distancing strategy, violence served to push a partner back when the perpetrator had been approached too closely and perceived no other means of escape or self-protection. To understand the context in which individuals acted abusively, the authors considered the interaction between the attachment orientations of both partners as they sought to regulate their emotional and physical proximity. Findings highlight the relational basis of intimate violence.
Modelling services to meet the palliative care needs of chronic heart failure patients and their families: current practice in the UK
Authors: Selman Lucy , Harding Richard , Beynon Teresa , Hodson Fiona , Hazeldine Caroline , Coady Elaine , Gibbs Louise , Higginson Irene J.
Published: September 2007

Objective : To describe current provision of specialist palliative care for chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, and explore challenges, referral criteria and recommendations to inform service development. Method : Semi-structured qualitative telephone survey of key professionals involved in CHF palliative care in the UK. Results : Twenty telephone interviews were conducted with staff from 17 services comprising three main types: hospital-based (n = 7), community-based (n = 6) and hospice-based (n = 4). The main recommendations made were to establish mechanisms for joint working between palliative care and cardiology; to ensure that stakeholders are involved from the outset of service planning; and to involve community heart failure nurses in service provision. Referral guidelines were collected from four services, covering diagnostic, symptomatological, psychosocial and team-related criteria. Conclusions : Information regarding existing services' challenges, recommendations and referral systems is essential when designing a new service, maximising feasibility and acceptability. This study design is of particular value when descriptions and evaluations of service models are lacking in the literature. The survey gives much-needed depth and detail to the types of services currently providing palliative care to CHF patients across the UK. Palliative Medicine 2007; 21 : 385—390
A practical instrument to explore patients' needs in palliative care: the Problems and Needs in Palliative Care questionnaire — short version
Authors: Osse Bart H.P. , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra J.F.J. , Schadé Egbert , Grol Richard P.T.M.
Published: September 2007

Objective : Short and convenient checklists are necessary tools to support and structure needs assessments in daily palliative practice. This study aims to develop a short version of the Problems and Needs in Palliative Care questionnaire (PNPC-sv); a self-report questionnaire for patients covering all dimensions of palliative care, to investigate their problems and (unmet) needs. Methods : The original Problems and Needs in Palliative Care questionnaire (PNPC) instrument is a comprehensive checklist of problems and needs for palliative care, and has shown validity and reliability. With its 90 items, however, it is not always practical. Thus it was abridged to a short version with 33 items. The validity and reliability are established with its item response, its internal consistency, and with its correlations with the original PNPC and with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 and COOP/WONCA quality-of-life measures. A secondary analysis was done with data from 94 patients with metastatic cancer who had completed the long version. Results : Each item in the PNPC represents a problem relevant to 25% of the patients or more. High correlations of PNPC-sv and PNPC domains demonstrate construct validity. The dimension reliability was satisfactory (Cronbach's α > 0.70), while two problem-aspect domains were less coherent. The PNPC-sv domains show convergent validity with corresponding health-related quality-of-life domains. Conclusion : The PNPC-sv is a concise, patient-centred tool that helps to identify the problems affecting the patient's quality of life and needs for care. It identifies prevalent needs for care and appears reliable. Further research should study the clinical effects of integrating the questionnaire into daily palliative-care practice. Palliative Medicine 2007;21 : 391—399
The role of general practitioners in continuity of care at the end of life: a qualitative study of terminally ill patients and their next of kin
Authors: Michiels Eva , Deschepper Reginald , Van Der Kelen Greta , Bernheim Jan L. , Mortier Freddy , Vander Stichele Robert , Deliens Luc
Published: September 2007

Objectives : Exploring terminal patients' perceptions of GPs' role in delivering continuous end-of-life care and identifying barriers to this. Design : Qualitative interview study with patients (two consecutive interviews). Setting : Primary care Belgium. Participants : Seventeen terminally ill cancer patients, informed about diagnosis and prognosis. Results : Terminal patients attribute a pivotal role to GPs in different aspects of two types of continuity. Relational continuity: having an ongoing relationship with the same GP, of which important aspects are eg, keeping in touch after referral and feeling responsible for the patient. Informational continuity: use of information on past events and personal circumstances to provide individualised care, of which important aspects are eg, exchange of information between GPs, specialists and care facilities. Patients also identify barriers to continuity eg, lack of time and of GPs' initiative. Conclusions : At the end of life when physicians can no longer rely on biomedical models of diagnosis-therapy-cure, patients' perspectives are of utmost importance. This qualitative study made it possible to gain insights into terminal patients' perceptions of continuous primary end-of-life care. It clarifies the concept and identifies barriers to it. Palliative Medicine 2007; 21 : 409—415
Rites and Rights of Passage
Authors: Khan Aisha
Published: September 2007

This article explores the possibility, and constitution, of what might be called a diasporic consciousness among Indians in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Memorialized in diaspora stories about the betrayal of indentured laborers, and in concerns about acquiring proper knowledge with which to practice religious rituals, diasporic consciousness is an expression of Indo-Trinidadians' agency and is fundamentally political. Seeking to alleviate, or countermand, the vulnerability that betrayal and ignorance are perceived to foster, Indo-Trinidadians strive for potent visibility in nationalist ideology through narrative memorializations of injustice and practiced attainments of religious knowledge. In these efforts, rights and rites are mutually constitutive.
The Diaspora at Home
Authors: Charusheela S.
Published: September 2007

The concept of diaspora can be fruitfully used to open up economic analysis. Unlike the current ways in which the terms immigrant, emigrant, and migrant have entered economics, the term diaspora shows promise in pushing us toward richer analyses of economic subjectivity. In addition, it opens the possibility for a more critical interrogation of the `international' and `national' than is currently available within mainstream economic analysis. However, the term can be pushed further. Using the experience of growing up Tamil in Bombay in the 1970s as its focus, this article complicates the concept of diaspora. It highlights diasporas `within' nations, and shows how groups may enter the diasporic experience without traveling. This exploration allows us to critically re-examine binaries of national—cosmopolitan, assimilation— resistance, necessary before we can usefully deploy the concept of diaspora for projects of cross-disciplinary conversation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polysilane-Organometallic Complexes
Authors: Sacarescu Liviu , Ardeleanu Rodinel , Sacarescu Gabriela , Simionescu Mihaela
Published: September 2007

A new polysilane with pendant metal complex segments was synthesized and characterized. For this purpose a macroligand has been prepared starting from a iodopropyl-functionalized polysilane and a bis(salicylideneimine) derivative. Under mild reaction temperature this polymeric ligand was able to form crosslinked structures. The material was then doped with metal cations and was investigated to observe the system behavior near the gelation point. The UV-vis spectrum of the new material indicated that the electronic structures of the conjugate polysilane chain and metal complex remained unaffected by the condensation reaction process. Similar polymeric structures could be useful to build new organic electroconductive devices.
Newly Synthesized Branch-type Aromatic Oxadiazole Polymer and Binary Fluorescence Patterning on its Film
Authors: Soo Choi Moon , Jun Kim Hyung , Lee Taek Seung , Seok Lyoo Won
Published: September 2007

Aromatic side-chain oxadiazole polymer linked with 9,9'-dioctylfluorene was successfully synthesized via Suzuki coupling reaction. Hydroxyphenyl group was attached in the 2-position of the oxadiazole unit in the polymer side chain to control the optical properties of the polymer. We confirmed the presence of the t-butoxycarbonyl group on the hydroxyl group using thermogravimetric analysis, which was incorporated to avoid side reaction during polymerization. We also performed the simple and easy fabrication method for the dual fluorescence image using photochemical cleavage of the t-butoxycarbonyl group from the polymer to induce fluorescence color changes before and after UV irradiation.
Sulfonated Fluorovinylene Aromatic Ether Polymers for Proton Exchange Membranes2
Authors: Iacono Scott T. , Ewald Dirk , Sankhe Amit , Rettenbacher Arno , Smith Dennis W.
Published: September 2007

A new semi-fluorinated perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether containing polymer was prepared in high yield via the condensation of a commercial 4,4'-((1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorocyclobutane-1,2-diyl)bis(oxy))bisphenol (bisphenol T) and bis(trifluorovinyloxyether)biphenyl producing transparent, flexible films. The polymer system was structurally characterized using 1H and 19F NMR and exhibited a high degree of thermal stability as determined by thermogravimetric analysis capacity. The sulfonated analogue showed the highest degree of sulfonation at 27% from ion-exchange chromatography, producing a conductivity of 0.011 S cm-1 at 100% relative humidity.