bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure on short-sprint race times
Authors: Mureika J R
Published: August 2006

A numerical model of 100 m and 200 m world class sprinting performances is modified using standard hydrodynamic principles to include effects of air temperature, pressure, and humidity levels on aerodynamic drag. The magnitude of the effects are found to be dependent on wind speed. This implies that differing atmospheric conditions can yield slightly different corrections for the same wind-gauge reading. In the absence of wind, temperature is found to induce the largest variation in times (0.01 s per 10°C increment in the 100 m), while relative humidity contributes the least (under 0.01 s for all realistic conditions for 100 m). Barometric pressure variations at a particular venue can also introduce fluctuations in performance times on the order of a 0.01 s for this race. The combination of all three variables is essentially additive, and is more important for head-wind conditions that for tail-winds. As expected, calculated corrections in the 200 m are magnified due to the longer duration of the race. The overall effects of these factors on sprint times can be considered a ``second order'' adjustment to previous methods that rely strictly on a venue's physical elevation, but can become important in extreme conditions.PACS Nos.: 01.80, 02.60L
Rapid calculation method for wave-guide-immersed dielectric resonant frequencies
Authors: Nistor Rudolf , Petrescu Emil
Published: August 2006

A rapid calculation is used to obtain the resonant frequencies of a dielectric sample excited in a semi-infinite wave guide. An analysis procedure for a sample excited in a semi-infinite wave guide is carried out to show the effect of the sample's dimensions and electrical permittivity. The theoretical resonant frequencies of the resonators are predicted and compared with those measured. The theoretical values of the resonant frequencies are in good agreement with experimental data within a margin of error less than 8%. PACS Nos.: 32.30.Bv, 41.20.Jb
THE POLARON REVISITED
Authors: MØLLER JACOB SCHACH
Published: August 2006

In recent years, the spectral properties of the translation invariant Nelson model has been studied. Some of the results obtained did not extend to the related polaron model for technical reasons related to the typical assumption of boundedness of the phonon dispersion relation in the polaron model. In this paper, we work with a large class of linearly coupled translation invariant models which includes both the Nelson model and H. Fröhlich's polaron model. The problems considered are chosen based on relevance for the polaron model. A key input is an analysis of the behavior of the bottom of the spectrum of the fiber Hamiltonians at large total momentum.
HIGH POWER SIC PIN RECTIFIERS
Authors: Singh Ranbir
Published: August 2006

High voltage PiN rectifiers made using conventional semiconductor materials such as Silicon are restricted to less than 20 kHz and less 120°C operation, thereby severely limiting the availability of advanced electronic hardware used for power grid (also called electric utility), energy storage, pulsed power, intelligent machinery and ultra high voltage solid state power conditioning. Such applications require high power density, very high frequency, and high temperature rectifiers to realize reasonably sized systems. SiC PiN Rectifiers are expected to play an enabling role in a variety of such high voltage applications because they have been shown to offer 2 to 3 orders of magnitude faster switching, high junction temperature capability, high current density operation, and much higher power densities as compared to Silicon.
COLUMN POLARITY MATRIX ALGORITHM FOR TERNARY FIXED POLARITY REED–MULLER EXPANSIONS
Authors: FALKOWSKI BOGDAN JAROSLAW , LOZANO CICILIA CLAUDIA , RAHARDJA SUSANTO
Published: August 2006

A new algorithm that efficiently calculates fixed polarity Reed–Muller (FPRM) expansions for ternary functions is presented in this paper. The algorithm starts from the truth vector representation of a ternary function and recursively generates all elements of the input function's polarity matrix. Computational costs for this algorithm are derived and they are smaller than in other existing methods for generating the complete polarity matrix when n ≤ 3.
GROUNDED CAPACITOR FIRST-ORDER FILTERS INCLUDING CANONICAL FORMS
Authors: MAHESHWARI SUDHANSHU , KHAN IQBAL A. , MOHAN JITENDRA
Published: August 2006

Six novel first-order filters with voltage input, voltage and current outputs employing a single fully differential current conveyor are proposed, three of which are canonical. All the circuits employ a grounded capacitor; and realize all-pass, low-pass and/or high-pass functions. Some circuits provide five distinct first-order functions or six functions with additional output stages. The proposed circuits are verified through computer simulation results.
MODEL HIERARCHIES FOR CELL AGGREGATION BY CHEMOTAXIS
Authors: CHALUB FABIO , DOLAK-STRUSS YASMIN , MARKOWICH PETER , OELZ DIETMAR , SCHMEISER CHRISTIAN , SOREFF ALEXANDER
Published: August 2006

We present partial differential equation (PDE) model hierarchies for the chemotactically driven motion of biological cells. Starting from stochastic differential models, we derive a kinetic formulation of cell motion coupled to diffusion equations for the chemoattractants. We also derive a fluid dynamic (macroscopic) Keller–Segel type chemotaxis model by scaling limit procedures. We review rigorous convergence results and discuss finite-time blow-up of Keller–Segel type systems. Finally, recently developed PDE-models for the motion of leukocytes in the presence of multiple chemoattractants and of the slime mold Dictyostelium Discoideum are reviewed.
PERMANENCE, AVERAGE PERSISTENCE AND EXTINCTION IN NONAUTONOMOUS SINGLE-SPECIES GROWTH CHEMOSTAT MODELS
Authors: REHIM MEHBUBA , TENG ZHIDONG
Published: August 2006

Non-autonomous single-species growth chemostat models with general response functions are considered. In the models, the dilution rate and removal rate are allowed to be different from each other. A series of new criteria on the boundedness, permanence, persistence, average persistence and extinction of the population is established. In particular, when models degenerate into the almost periodic case, the equivalences of the permanence, persistence and average persistence of species are obtained. These results improve and extend some well-known corresponding results obtained in Refs. 1, 14 and 17.
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SELF-AFFINE FRACTAL INTERPOLATION MODEL
Authors: ZHANG TONG , ZHUANG ZHUO
Published: August 2006

Iterated function system (IFS) models have been explored to represent discrete sequences where the attractor of an IFS is self-affine either in R2 or R3 (R is the set of real numbers). In this paper, the self-affine IFS model is extended from R3 to Rn (n is an integer and greater than 3), which is called the multi-dimensional self-affine fractal interpolation model. This new model is presented by introducing the defined parameter "mapping partial derivative." A constrained inverse algorithm is given for the identification of the model parameters. The values of new model depend continuously on all of the variables. That is, the function is determined by the coefficients of the possibly multi-dimensional affine maps. So the new model is presented as much more general and significant.
OSCILLATION CRITERIA FOR A CLASS OF SECOND-ORDER IMPULSIVE DELAY DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS
Authors: ZHANG HONG , CHEN LANSUN
Published: August 2006

This paper is devoted to the investigation of the oscillation of a class of second-order nonlinear impulsive delay difference equations. Some interesting results are obtained, and some examples which illustrate that impulsive perturbations play a very important role in giving rise to oscillations of equations are also included.
NONLINEAR MODEL OF A FABRIC WARP AND WEFT
Authors: BRUNIAUX PASCAL , NGOC CYRIL NGO
Published: August 2006

This study aims to develop a realistic mathematical model of fabric. In contrast to other studies on fabric modeling as a deformable surface, the model described in this article takes into account the geometry of the object. Moreover, it integrates the nonlinear phenomena of the dynamic behavior of material. As input parameters, the weaving data that define the 3D structure of the object and the mechanical properties of the yarn that express its dynamics are used. Thus, the fabric model is composed of a geometrical model of fabric (structure) on which a model of yarn (material characterization) is added. This hypothesis may be reasonable since a fabric shows the result of a three-dimensional assembly of yarns judiciously disposed. Since these yarns interact dynamically: the main difficulty consists of defining the yarn model. In our case, it is composed of various nonlinear functions representing the dynamic behavior of yarn. In order to characterize the flexibility of material, the weight, the elasticity and any other mechanical characteristics defining the relation between the strain and the stretching out of the shape should be taken into account. Firstly, several works dealing with realistic mathematical models of fabric are described. A taxonomic classification is achieved in order to position our study (in comparison to the scientific community). Secondly, the model of the fabric is described. A geometrical model of the object is presented. It allows one to dimension the object in a 3D space and then to position it at its initial state. Subsequently, a nodal model of yarns is described, step by step, in order to demonstrate the separability of the various dynamic behaviors. These nodal links make it simple to integrate the proposed model in the global geometrical model. Thus, the methods of numerical resolution used to simulate the complete model of the fabric are exposed. One method is selected and used in order to improve the performances of the fabric simulator and to obtain better stability. Several simulations illustrate the quality of the results obtained.
Gap junction channel activity in short-term cultured human detrusor myocyte cell pairs: gating and unitary conductances
Authors: Wang H.-Z. , Brink Peter R. , Christ George J.
Published: August 2006

Several independent lines of investigation indicate that intercellular communication through gap junctions modulates bladder physiology and, moreover, that altered junctional communication may contribute to detrusor overactivity. However, as far as we are aware, there are still no direct recordings of gap junction-mediated intercellular currents between human or rat detrusor myocytes. Northern and Western blots were used to identify connexin expression in frozen human bladder tissue and short-term cultured human detrusor myocytes. Double whole cell patch (DWCP) recording revealed that human detrusor myocyte cell pairs were well coupled with an average junctional conductance of 6.5 ± 4.6 nS (ranging from 0.1 to 15 nS, n = 22 cell pairs). Macroscopic gap junction channel currents in human detrusor myocytes exhibited voltage dependence similar to homotypic connexin43. The normalized transjunctional conductance-voltage ( Gj- Vj) relationship was symmetrical and well described by a two-state Boltzmann relation ( Gmin ≈ 0.33, V0 = 63.6 mV, Z = 0.117 or equal to 2.95 gating charges), suggestive of a bilateral voltage-gated mechanism. In symmetric 165 mM CsCl, the measured single-channel slope conductance was ∼120 pS for the fully open channel and ∼26 pS for the major substate. Occasionally, other subconductance states were also observed. The single-channel mean open time declined with increasing Vj, accounting for the Vj-dependent decline of macroscopic junctional current. Qualitatively similar electrophysiological characteristics were observed in DWCP of freshly isolated rat detrusor myocytes. These data confirm and extend previous observations and are consistent with reports in other smooth muscle cells types in which Cx43-mediated intercellular communication has been identified.
Role of cardiolipin alterations in mitochondrial dysfunction and disease
Authors: Chicco Adam J. , Sparagna Genevieve C.
Published: August 2006

Cardiolipin (CL) is a structurally unique dimeric phospholipid localized in the inner mitochondrial membrane where it is required for optimal mitochondrial function. In addition to its role in maintaining membrane potential and architecture, CL is known to provide essential structural and functional support to several proteins involved in mitochondrial bioenergetics. A loss of CL content, alterations in its acyl chain composition, and/or CL peroxidation have been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in multiple tissues in a variety of pathological conditions, including ischemia, hypothyroidism, aging, and heart failure. Recently, aberrations in CL metabolism have been implicated as a primary causative factor in the cardioskeletal myopathy known as Barth syndrome, underscoring an important role of CL in human health and disease. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of evidence that has linked changes in the CL profile to mitochondrial dysfunction in various pathological conditions. In addition, a brief overview of CL function and biosynthesis, and a discussion of methods used to examine CL in biological tissues are provided.
Characterization of a novel voltage-dependent outwardly rectifying anion current in Caenorhabditis elegans oocytes
Authors: Yin Xiaoyan , Denton Jerod , Yan Xiaohui , Strange Kevin
Published: August 2006

An inwardly rectifying swelling- and meiotic cell cycle-regulated anion current carried by the ClC channel splice variant CLH-3b dominates the whole cell conductance of the Caenorhabditis elegans oocyte. Oocytes also express a novel outwardly rectifying anion current termed ICl,OR. We recently identified a worm strain carrying a null allele of the clh-3 gene and utilized oocytes from these animals to characterize ICl,OR biophysical properties. The ICl,OR channel is strongly voltage dependent. Outward rectification is due to voltage-dependent current activation at depolarized voltages and rapid inactivation at voltages more hyperpolarized than approximately +20 mV. Apparent channel open probability is zero at voltages less than +20 mV. The channel has a 4:1 selectivity for Cl− over Na+ and an anion selectivity sequence of SCN− > I− > Br− > Cl− > F−. ICl,OR is relatively insensitive to most conventional anion channel inhibitors including DIDS, 4,4′-dinitrostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid, and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid. However, the current is rapidly inhibited by niflumic acid, metal cations including Gd3+, Cd2+, and Zn2+, and bath acidification. The combined biophysical properties of ICl,OR are distinct from those of other anion currents that have been described. During oocyte meiotic maturation, ICl,OR activity is rapidly downregulated, suggesting that the channel may play a role in oocyte Cl− homeostasis, development, cell cycle control, and/or ovulation.
Immunological memory is compromised by food restriction in deer mice Peromyscus maniculatus
Authors: Martin Lynn B. , Navara Kristen J. , Weil Zachary M. , Nelson Randy J.
Published: August 2006

The immune system protects organisms against infection, but this protection presumably comes at a cost. Here, we asked whether food restriction would compromise the ability of an organism to generate an immune response on reexposure to an antigen, which would represent a functional cost of immunological memory. Immunological memory is generated when B and T lymphocytes sensitive to components of pathogens (i.e., antigens) proliferate after exposure and persist in circulation to hinder reinfection. To test the possibility that B cell memory, the component of the immune system responsible for antibody production, is expensive to maintain, secondary antibody production against a novel protein [keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)] was compared in food-restricted and ad libitum-fed male deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus). To determine whether compromised secondary antibody production was solely due to elevated corticosterone independent of resource availability, some food-restricted and ad libitum-fed mice were subjected to unpredictable, chronic (2 h/day) restraint. Mice fed 70% of their ad libitum diet 2 wk after primary antigen challenge produced ∼95% less IgG against KLH after a second antigen challenge than mice fed ad libitum, even though all mice were fed ad libitum during the secondary antibody response period. Restraint had no effect on secondary IgG production in response to KLH, and corticosterone concentrations 1 day after food restriction did not differ between food-restricted and ad libitum-fed mice. Together, these data imply that secondary antibody responses and the benefits of immunological memory are energetically costly in this species.
Laser-Evoked Potentials Are Graded and Somatotopically Organized Anteroposteriorly in the Operculoinsular Cortex of Anesthetized Monkeys
Authors: Baumgärtner Ulf , Tiede Wiebke , Treede Rolf-Detlef , Craig A. D. (Bud)
Published: August 2006

The operculoinsular cortical region has a major role in the representation of noxious stimuli, based on functional imaging observations, clinical lesion studies, and EEG recordings of specifically pain-related laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) in humans. The source of LEPs has not been identified, and several somatic representations and cytoarchitectonic areas may be present in this complex region. To overcome the limitations of human studies, a primate model is needed in which the main LEP generator in this region can be localized and characterized using invasive methods. We obtained EEG recordings of evoked responses to noxious laser stimulation at different intensities and performed dipole source analyses in three anesthetized macaque monkeys. We show that LEPs can be recorded that 1) grade with stimulus intensity, 2) display two distinct responses corresponding to the “late” (Aδ-fiber) and the “ultralate” (C-fiber) LEPs recorded in humans, and 3) originate deep within the operculoinsular region, thus establishing a valid primate model for experimental analysis of LEPs. Further, we found that LEPs elicited from the leg, arm, and ear display a global somatotopy organized in the posteroanterior direction (leg posterior and arm and ear anterior), which contrasts starkly with the mediolateral (leg to face) gradient of the somatotopic representations in primary and secondary somatosensory cortices. These results provide evidence that the main generator of pain-related activity in operculoinsular cortex may participate in both the somatic localization and the intensity discrimination of pain sensations, and they indicate that it may be distinct from the traditional somatosensory cortices.
Autocorrelation Analysis of Hair Bundle Structure in the Utricle
Authors: Rowe M. H. , Peterson E. H.
Published: August 2006

The ability of hair bundles to signal head movements and sounds depends significantly on their structure, but a quantitative picture of bundle structure has proved elusive. The problem is acute for vestibular organs because their hair bundles exhibit complex morphologies that vary with endorgan, hair cell type, and epithelial locus. Here we use autocorrelation analysis to quantify stereociliary arrays (the number, spacing, and distribution of stereocilia) on hair cells of the turtle utricle. Our first goal was to characterize zonal variation across the macula, from medial extrastriola, through striola, to lateral extrastriola. This is important because it may help explain zonal variation in response dynamics of utricular hair cells and afferents. We also use known differences in type I and II bundles to estimate array characteristics of these two hair cell types. Our second goal was to quantify variation in array orientation at single macular loci and use this to estimate directional tuning in utricular afferents. Our major findings are that, of the features measured, array width is the most distinctive feature of striolar bundles, and within the striola there are significant, negatively correlated gradients in stereocilia number and spacing that parallel gradients in bundle heights. Together with previous results on stereocilia number and bundle heights, our results support the hypothesis that striolar hair cells are specialized to signal high-frequency/acceleration head movements. Finally, there is substantial variation in bundle orientation at single macular loci that may help explain why utricular afferents respond to stimuli orthogonal to their preferred directions.
Differential Regulation of Two Distinct Voltage-Dependent Sodium Currents by Group III Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Activation in Insect Pacemaker Neurons
Authors: Lavialle-Defaix Céline , Gautier Hélène , Defaix Antoine , Lapied Bruno , Grolleau Françoise
Published: August 2006

Using whole cell patch-clamp technique and immunocytochemistry on adult dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons isolated from the cockroach Periplaneta americana CNS, we reported the characterization of a native mGluR, sharing pharmacological properties with vertebrate metabotropic glutamate receptor III (mGluRIII) that regulated voltage-dependent sodium current ( INa). The global INawas dissociated by means of l-glutamate sensitivity, deactivation time constant, voltage dependence of activation and inactivation, recovery from inactivation, and intracellular regulation process. These two currents were respectively designated INa1and INa2for l-glutamate-sensitive and -insensitive sodium currents. l-glutamate selectively reduced INa1by an increase of intracellular cAMP level. Using different activators and/or inhibitors of G proteins and cAMP/PKA cascade, together with St-Ht31 (an inhibitor of PKA binding to AKAP) and AKAP-79 antibodies, we established that mGluRIII was linked to INa1by a Gi/o and a suspected Gs protein. According to the activated signaling pathway, l-glutamate elevated the cAMP level, which thereby activated cytosolic PKA and released PKA bound to AKAP. As expected from both biophysical and pharmacological studies, we showed that, through an inhibition of INa1, l-glutamate increased DUM neuron spontaneous electrical activity. These results indicated that such mGluRIII-activated dual processes provided a new physiological control of pacemaker neuronal firing.
Ovarian Volume: Determinants and Associations with Cancer among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Sherman Mark E. , Lacey James V. , Buys Saundra S. , Reding Douglas J. , Berg Christine D. , Williams Craig , Hartge Patricia
Published: August 2006

Clinical studies have reported associations between ovarian stromal hyperplasia and the diagnosis of hormonally related tumors such as endometrial cancer. To assess the hypothesis that characteristics of benign ovaries among postmenopausal women are related to risk for breast, endometrial, and colon cancer, we analyzed systematically collected transvaginal ultrasound data for participants enrolled in the screening arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Among women without cancer, median ovarian volume declined with age from 1.25 cm3 for women between ages 55 and 59 years to 1.0 cm3 for those between ages 65 and 69 years. African American and Caucasian women had larger median ovarian volumes than Asians. Larger ovarian volume was also associated with the highest quartiles of height and weight and ever having smoked. After adjusting for race, age, parity, body mass, smoking, and hormone use, women with median ovarian volumes ≥3.0 cm3 were at increased risk for breast cancer [odds ratio (OR), 1.42; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.11-1.70], endometrial cancer (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.12-3.48), and colon cancer (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.25-3.21). Significant trends of risk with increasing volume were found only for breast and endometrial cancers. We conclude that large ovaries among postmenopausal women may represent a marker of risk for hormonally related tumors. Confirmation of these findings in future studies, including analyses of serum hormone levels and tissues, may provide insights into hormonal carcinogenesis among older women. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(8):1550–4)
Effect-Size Measures and Meta-Analytic Thinking in Counseling Psychology Research
Authors: Henson Robin K.
Published: August 2006

Effect sizes are critical to result interpretation and synthesis across studies. Although statistical significance testing has historically dominated the determination of result importance, modern views emphasize the role of effect sizes and confidence intervals. This article accessibly discusses how to calculate and interpret the effect sizes that counseling psychologists use most frequently. To provide context, the author presents a brief history of statistical significance tests. Second, the author discusses the difference between statistical, practical, and clinical significance. Third, the author reviews and graphically demonstrates two common types of effect sizes, commenting on multivariate and corrected effect sizes. Fourth, the author emphasizes meta-analytic thinking and the potential role of confidence intervals around effect sizes. Finally, the author gives a hypothetical example of how to report and potentially interpret some effect sizes.
Social work as a profession
Authors: Knežević Mladen , Ovsenik Rok , Jerman Janja
Published: August 2006

English

The authors were interested in finding out whether student social workers perceive social work differently in the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Croatia. According to the results of this research, there are significant differences between student social workers; however, they can be found in a relatively small number of factors that describe social work as a profession.

French

Les auteurs cherchaient à savoir si les étudiants en travail social des républiques de Slovénie et de Croatie perçoivent le travail social différemment les uns des autres. Ces deux républiques se sont développées ensemble, en un pays, l'ex-Yougoslavie, pendant une longue période. Ces deux républiques constituaient la partie la plus développée de l'ex-Yougoslavie, mais ils ont connu des destins fort différents lors de la rupture du pays. Les résultats de la présente étude indiquent des différences significatives entre les étudiants en travail social des deux républiques. Toutefois, on retrouve ces différences dans un nombre relativement restreint de facteurs qui décrivent le travail social en tant que profession.

Spanish

Se pregunta si los estudiantes de trabajo social de la República de Eslovaquia y de la República de Croacia perciben el trabajo social diferentemente. Los dos países se desarrollaron como un solo país, la antigua Yugoslavia, durante un largo tiempo. Ambos países eran los más desarrollados de Yugoslavia, pero su destino fue muy distinto después de la disolución de este país. Se hallaron diferencias significativas entre los estudiantes de ambos países, pero circunscritas a un pequeño número de factores que describen el trabajo social como una profesión.
Advocating for the forgotten human right
Authors: Hodge David R.
Published: August 2006

English

Human rights are a central social work concern. Little attention, however, has been paid to the right to religious freedom called by some the forgotten human right delineated in Article 18 of the Declaration. Given increasing religious persecution around the world, this represents a significant oversight. Accordingly, this article suggests strategies for promoting religious freedom and ameliorating religious oppression.

French

Les droits de la personne sont une préoccupation clé du travail social. Toutefois, on a porté peu d'attention au droit de la liberté de religion que certains qualifient de droit de l'homme oublié évoqué à l'article 18 de la Déclaration. Si l'on tient compte du phénomène croissant de la persécution religieuse à l'échelle de la planète, l'oubli est significatif. Pour pallier ce manque, cette recherche propose des stratégies visant la promotion de la liberté religieuse et la réduction des oppressions dans ce domaine.

Spanish

Una preocupación central del trabajo social son los derechos humanos. Se ha prestado poca atención, sin embargo, al derecho de libertad religiosa llamada por algunos 'el derecho humano olvidado' - delineado en Artículo 18 de la Declaración. Dado el aumento mundial de persecución religiosa, esto representa un descuido significativo. En este ensayo sugiere estrategias para promover la libertad religiosa y disminuir la opresión.
Cross-cultural application of self-in-relation theory
Authors: Liu Chu-Li Julie , Regehr Cheryl
Published: August 2006

English

The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine the manner in which ‘selfinrelation’ theory applies to Asian (Taiwanese) women. The findings indicate that participants' perceptions of self and others vary based on distinctive social categories. Implications for culturally appropriate social work practice, in particular the working alliance, are addressed.

French

L'objectif de cette étude qualitative est d'analyser la façon dont la théorie du 'sentiment de soi en interrelation' s'applique aux femmes asiatiques de Taïwan. Les résultats indiquent que la perception des participantes à l'égard de soi ou des autres varie en fonction de diverses catégories sociales. D'après ce constat, l'auteur analyse comment adapter la pratique du travail social du'point de vue culturel et il se penche tout particulièrement sur l'alliance thérapeutique.

Spanish

Este estudio cualitativo examina de qué forma la teoría 'el-sí-mismo-en-relación' ('self-in-relation') es aplicable a mujeres asiáticas de Taiwán. Los resultados indican que las percepciones de las participantes acerca de sí mismas y otros varían según categorías sociales distintivas. Se examinan las implicaciones para el trabajo social, en particular para el establecimiento de la alianza trabajador-usuario.
Exploring emancipatory youth work
Authors: Yum Steven Ngai Sek
Published: August 2006

English

The present study explores the possibility of emancipatory youth work from a Foucauldian perspective focusing on practitioners' potential as a force for change. Based on narratives generated from interviews with outreach youth workers in Hong Kong, the study shows how workers have invented their own style of liberating practice. The implications of the findings are discussed.

French

La présente étude explore les possibilités du travail d'émancipation auprès des jeunes selon une perspective foucaldienne focalisant sur le potentiel des praticiens comme moteur de changement. En se basant sur les récits obtenus à la suite d'entrevues avec des travailleurs de proximité auprès des jeunes à Hong Kong, l'étude montre comment ces travailleurs ont créé leur propre style de libération de la pratique. Les résultats de la recherche sont analysés.

Spanish

Se explora la posibilidad de trabajo emancipatorio con jóvenes desde una perspectiva foucauldiana, enfocándose en el potencial del trabajador social como una fuerza de cambio. Partiendo de narrativas generadas en entrevistas con trabajadores con jóvenes en el Hong Kong, el estudio muestra como estos trabajadores han inventado su propio estilo de práctica liberadora. Se exponen las implicaciones de los resultados.
Conscientization – the experience of Canadian social work students in Mexico
Authors: Larson Grant , Allen Helen
Published: August 2006

English

This article describes the reflections of three groups of Canadian social work students who participated in a 10-day cultural immersion study tour in Mexico. An analysis of student reflective papers subsequently provides insight into the value of personal and professional transformational experience. Students embraced a new understanding of the connection between structural inequalities and individual experience; and also reported increased understanding of human diversity relevant to their anti-oppressive practice in Canada.

French

Cette recherche décrit les réflexions de trois groupes d'étudiants canadiens en travail social ayant participé à un séjour d'immersion culturelle de 10 jours au Mexique. L'analyse des réflexions de ces étudiants apporte de la lumière sur la valeur de l'expérience de transformation personnelle et professionnelle. Les étudiants ont développé une nouvelle compréhension du lien entre les inégalités structurelles et l'expérience personnelle; ils ont aussi développé une meilleure compréhension de la diversité humaine qu'ils peuvent appliquer à leur pratique anti-oppressive au Canada.

Spanish

Se describen las reflexiones de tres grupos de estudiantes de trabajo social canadienses que participaron en un viaje de estudio de 10 días de inmersión cultural en México. Un análisis de sus ensayos clarifica el valor de la experiencia personal y profesional de transformación. Los estudiantes adquirieron una nueva compresión de la conexión entre las desigualdades estructurales y la experiencia individual; también reportaron un mayor entendimiento de la diversidad humana, aplicable a su práctica anti-opresiva en el Canadá.
Dynamic Response of In-plane Pre-stressed Sandwich Panels with a Viscoelastic Flexible Core and Different Boundary Conditions
Authors: Malekzadeh K. , Khalili M. R. , Jafari A. , Mittal R. K.
Published: August 2006

A new mathematical method and double Fourier series set of functions is developed to find out the local and global transverse and in-plane mode shapes, damped natural frequencies and modal loss factors in composite sandwich panels with multilayered laminated face sheets, viscoelastic flexible core and arbitrary boundary conditions. An improved high order sandwich plate theory (IHSAPT) is applied to investigate the dynamic behavior of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) sandwich thin and thick panels. The present analysis is very general and valid for any type of core, any type of boundary conditions as well as for the cases where the conditions at the upper face sheet are different from those at the lower one along the same edge. Interaction between static in-plane initial stress and dynamic response of a sandwich panel are studied in this article. For different boundary conditions, solutions are obtained using the simple proposed identical double Fourier series functions and Stokes’s transformation technique. The effect of some parameters such as panel aspect ratio, thickness of core-thickness of panel ratio, and initial in-plane stresses on dynamic response of composite sandwich panel are discussed and studied in detail.
Novel Woven Sisal Fabric Reinforced Natural Rubber Composites: Tensile and Swelling Characteristics
Authors: Jacob Maya , Thomas Sabu , Varughese K. T.
Published: August 2006

Textile composites are prepared by reinforcing natural rubber with woven sisal fabric. Sisal fabric is subjected to various chemical modifications like mercerization, silanation, and heat treatment, and its influence on the mechanical properties is analyzed. Tensile strength is seen to decrease with all chemical modifications except for composites prepared with heat-treated sisal fabric. The rubber/fiber interface is improved by the addition of a resorcinol-hexamethylene tetramine system to the rubber matrix. Equilibrium swelling experiments are carried out to assess the extent of interfacial adhesion. The swelling index parameter is evaluated. The hardness of the textile composites is analyzed. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies are conducted to evaluate fiber/matrix interface.
Modeling of In Situ Strength Development for the Thermoplastic Composite Tow Placement Process
Authors: Tierney John , Gillespie J. W.
Published: August 2006

The composite tow placement process is a non-autoclave consolidation method that involves in situ consolidation and bonding of thermoplastic tape on a preconsolidated substrate. It can be used as a method for manufacturing large composite structures with a high degree of process control and dimensional accuracy. The bond strength that develops between layers within the laminate ultimately governs the final strength of the part. In this work, a model is presented for predicting through-thickness heat transfer and bond strength development based on intimate contact and healing at the ply interface. Experiments are carried out to validate these results for a wide variety of process conditions, and they show that model based predictive control can be used as a method for process optimization. The numerical results show that bond strength development is significantly affected by the process set points (e.g., head velocity heat input and roller pressures), and that the resulting strength can vary significantly within the part based on these set points.
Social Achievement Goals: The Nature and Consequences of Different Orientations Toward Social Competence
Authors: Ryan Allison M. , Shim Sungok Serena
Published: August 2006

The proposition that achievement goals are applicable to the social domain was examined in four studies. Study 1 established that different orientations toward developing or demonstrating social competence can be seen in individuals’ responses to open-ended questions about their social goals and social competence. Studies 2 through 4 evaluated a new survey measure of social achievement goals. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the hypothesized model of social achievement goals. Convergent and discriminant validity for the new measure of social achievement goals was established. In line with hypotheses, a social development goal was associated with adjustment and a social demonstration-avoid goal was associated with maladjustment both concurrently and longitudinally. A social development goal also was positively related to instructor ratings of students’ social adjustment in small classroom settings. A social demonstration-approach goal was most often unrelated to adjustment. The importance of social achievement goals for a comprehensive understanding of social motivation and adjustment is discussed.
When Do Ego Threats Lead to Self-Regulation Failure? Negative Consequences of Defensive High Self-Esteem
Authors: Lambird Kathleen Hoffman , Mann Traci
Published: August 2006

High self-esteem (HSE) is increasingly recognized as heterogeneous. By measuring subtypes of HSE, the present research reevaluates the finding that HSE individuals show poor self-regulation following ego threat (Baumeister, Heatherton, & Tice, 1993). In Experiment 1, participants with HSE showed poor self-regulation after ego threat only if they also were defensive (high in self-presentation bias). In Experiment 2, two measures—self-presentation bias and implicit self-esteem—were used to subtype HSE individuals as defensive. Both operationalizations of defensive HSE predicted poor self-regulation after ego threat. The results indicate that (a) only defensive HSE individuals are prone to self-regulation failure following ego threat and (b) measures of self-presentation bias and implicit self-esteem can both be used to detect defensiveness.
Anger and Guilt About Ingroup Advantage Explain the Willingness for Political Action
Authors: Leach Colin Wayne , Iyer Aarti , Pedersen Anne
Published: August 2006

Three studies examined non-Aboriginal Australians’ guilt and anger about their ingroup’s advantage over structurally disadvantaged Aborigines. Study 1 showed that participants who perceived their ingroup as relatively advantaged perceived this inequality as unfair and felt guilt and anger about it. Anger, and to a lesser degree guilt, predicted the willingness to engage in political action regarding ingroup advantage. Study 2 showed both guilt and anger to be relatively self-focused because both were associated with appraising the ingroup’s (rather than the government’s) discrimination as responsible for ingroup advantage. Study 3 examined on participants especially willing to engage in political action to bring about systemic compensation to Aborigines. Anger about ingroup advantage was a potent predictor. Although guilt was associated with the abstract goal of systemic compensation, guilt did not explain willingness for political action. Results underline the importance of examining specific group-based emotions in intergroup relations.
The Thermoelectrical Behavior of PEO Films Doped with MnCl2 Salt
Authors: Ahmad Ayad , Saq'an S. , Ramadin Y. , Zihlif A.
Published: August 2006

The poly(ethylene oxide) polymer (PEO) is doped with fine powder of MnCl2 salt and thin films of thickness (50–150 mm) with salt content (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) are obtained. The AC electrical conductivity and dielectric constants are studied as a function of temperature through an impedance technique. It is found that AC conductivity increases and the calculated activation energy decreases with increasing temperature due to enhancement of the ionic conduction in the film bulk. The dielectric constants of the doped membranes increase with temperature. It is found that the peak value of the tanloss is shifted to a higher frequency at higher temperatures. The dielectric behavior is explained on the basis of interfacial (space charge) polarization, dipolar polarization, and hindrance of the polymer matrix.
Morphology, Thermal, and Mechanical Behavior of Ethylene Octene Copolymer Toughened Polyamide 6/Polypropylene Nanocomposites
Authors: Wahit M. U. , Hassan A. , Ishak Z. A. Mohd , Rahmat A. R. , Bakar A. Abu
Published: August 2006

Polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP = 70/30 parts) blends containing 10 wt% of ethylene octene copolymer (POE) and different loading (2–6 wt%) of organophilic modified monmorillonite (MMT, organocaly) are prepared using a twin screw extruder followed by injection molding. Polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) of 5 wt% is also incorporated as a compatibilizer. The mechanical properties of blended nanocomposites are studied through tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The morphology, essentially comprised of PP and POE particles dispersed in the PA6 matrix, is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wide angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to characterize the formation of nanocomposites. The thermal properties are characterized by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The dynamic mechanical properties of the PA6/PP blend and PA6/PP/POE nanocomposites are analyzed by using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). The incorporation of organoclay does not influence the melting temperature or crystallinity of PA6 or PP. However, the thermal stability of the nanocomposites improved by about 20 C with the incorporation of 2–4 wt% organoclay. The PA6/PP nanocomposites containing 4 wt% of organoclay and 10 wt% of POE exhibit good toughness retention without significant loss of stiffness and strength properties.
New Automated Long-term Extrapolation Method for Plastic Pipes under Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Farshad M.
Published: August 2006

In this article, an automated method for prediction of the long-term (creep rupture) behavior of multilayer pipes under hydrostatic pressure is presented. For long-term extrapolation, a combined quadratic and linear regression analysis is used. This procedure is automated in the pipe software called automated design and analysis of pipes (ADAP) for design and analysis of pipelines. Two examples showing this procedure using the software ADAP are presented and the results are compared with the existing international standards. Through this study, a new automated procedure for the extrapolation of the long-term hydrostatic strength of thermoplastic and fiber reinforced pipes is presented. Hence the arbitrary action of defining a sharp knee becomes redundant. Moreover, instead of a computational but physically non-plausible sharp knee, a transition zone between the ductile and the brittle behavior at a higher temperature is obtained. This automated method and the inherent novel features may be of use in the revisions of the existing international standards. The proposed method can be used for the prediction of the long-term internal hydrostatic behavior of thermoplastics pipes, glass fiber reinforced laminate pipes, and multilayer plastics pipes.
On the Impact Characterization of Polymer Composite Plates: Dimensionless Parameters and Damage Criteria
Authors: Chaturvedi Shive K. , Likavec Michael T.
Published: August 2006

In this study, important physical and material parameters dealing with high velocity impact events are identified and characterized. The most significant material and geometrical parameters of the target that control the initiation and growth of dominant damage modes are discussed. An energy balance expression is formulated in a manner that can be used for polymer composite systems with the two major damage modes namely, delamination, and penetration in mind, and their assessment is made reinterpreting some of the significant experimental data on high-velocity impact situations using dimensionless parameters. Three criteria are proposed to characterize the impact events viz, projectile-based criteria, target-based criteria, and projectile–target interactionbased criteria.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Initiatives in the Children’s Oncology Group and the Role of the Pediatric Oncology Nurse
Authors: Hawks Ria
Published: August 2006

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has emerged as a new area of investigation in cancer research and treatment. CAM modalities are widely used, but little is known about their efficacy. The Children’s Oncology Group has made a major commitment to CAM research in childhood and adolescent cancer, beginning with studies of CAM in the area of supportive care. Pediatric oncology nurses, as implementing clinicians and collaborating researchers, are critical to the success of these studies.
Future Directions of CAM Research in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Post-White Janice , Hawks Ria , O'Mara Ann , Ott Mary Jane
Published: August 2006

Children with cancer are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to relieve symptoms, reduce side effects of treatment, and cope with the emotional aspects of having a life-threatening illness. Parental decisions about using CAM should be based on studies of efficacy and safety. Unfortunately, little evidence of efficacy is available for the majority of CAM therapies. This article discusses the methodological challenges to conducting CAM research in children and the evidence needed to support integrative medicine in pediatric oncology.
Sandwich Materials Selection Charts
Authors: Pflug Jochen , Verpoest Ignaas
Published: August 2006

This article presents an approach to facilitate comparison and optimization of sandwich material combinations. Equivalent homogenized sandwich material properties (bending stiffness, density, and cost) are presented graphically in material selection charts to enable an efficient performance per cost evaluation. The effects of core shear deformations and panel production costs can be included in those sandwich material selection charts.
Important Meetings with Important Persons
Authors: Neander Kerstin , Skott Carola
Published: August 2006

In this study families that have struggled with their relationships to their children have identified people who have had a positive influence on the child or the family. By enabling meetings between the parents and these key figures the participants were given an opportunity to together recall their contact. The aim of the study was to examine the understanding they constructed of these beneficial processes. Interpretation according to Max van Manen's hermeneutic-phenomenological method led to the crystallization of a number of central themes. These themes together constitute the following whole: these are narratives about ‘emerging mutual trust’, which ‘overcomes obstacles’. The key figures or ‘important persons’ have a ‘clear orientation’ in their occupation and they work in ‘the essential everyday world’ to find and establish ‘contexts that nourish development’ in children and parents. The outcome of this is the creation of ‘new narratives’ that replace the old ones.