bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of a major locus for islet inflammation and fibrosis in the spontaneously diabetic Torii rat
Authors: Fuse Masanori , Yokoi Norihide , Shinohara Masami , Masuyama Taku , Kitazawa Riko , Kitazawa Sohei , Seino Susumu
Published: July 2008

The pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis in the pancreatic islets in diabetes is largely unknown. Spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats exhibit inflammation and fibrosis in and around the islets during the development of the disease. We investigated genetic factors for diabetes, islet inflammation, and fibrosis in the SDT rat. We produced F1 and F2 rats by intercross between SDT and F344 rats, examined the onset of diabetes, glucose tolerance, and histology of the pancreas, and performed genetic analysis of these traits. We then established a congenic strain carrying the SDT allele at the strongest diabetogenic locus on the F344 genetic background and characterized glucose tolerance and histology of the pancreas. F1 rats showed glucose intolerance and inflammatory changes mainly in the islets. Genetic analysis of diabetes identified a major locus on chromosome 3, designated Dmsdt1, at which a dominantly acting SDT allele was involved. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of glucose tolerance revealed, in addition to Dmsdt1 [logarithm of odds (LOD) 5.3 near D3Mit12], three other loci, designated Dmsdt2 (LOD 4.2 at D8Rat46), Dmsdt3 (LOD 3.8 near D13Arb5), and Dmsdt4 (LOD 5.8 at D14Arb18). Analysis of a congenic strain for Dmsdt1 indicates that the dominantly acting SDT allele induces islet inflammation and fibrosis. Thus we have found a major locus on chromosome 3 for islet inflammation and fibrosis in the SDT rat. Identification of the genes responsible should provide insight into the pathogenesis of diabetes.
Prioritization of candidate disease genes for metabolic syndrome by computational analysis of its defining phenotypes
Authors: Tiffin Nicki , Okpechi Ikechi , Perez-Iratxeta Carolina , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A. , Ramesar Rajkumar
Published: July 2008

There is a rapid increase in the world-wide burden of disease attributed to metabolic syndrome, as defined by co-occurrence of an array of phenotypes including abdominal obesity, dysglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertension. Familial studies clearly indicate a genetic component to the disease and many linkage studies have identified a large number of linked loci. No disease-causing genes, however, have been conclusively identified, most likely because this is a multigenic disease for which effects of many causative genes may be small and combined with environmental effects. To assist empirical identification of metabolic syndrome associated genes, we present here a novel computational approach to prioritize candidate genes. We have used linkage studies and the clinical and population-specific presentation of the disease to select a final candidate gene list of 19 most likely disease-causing genes. These are predominantly involved in chylomicron processing, transmembrane receptor activity, and signal transduction pathways. We propose here that information about the clinical presentation of a complex trait can be used to effectively inform computational prioritization of disease-causing genes for that trait.
Area-Based Approach in Power Quality Assessment
Authors: Chattopadhyay Surajit , Sengupta Samarjit , Mitra Madhuchhanda
Published: July 2008

This paper presents an approach for assessment of power quality parameters using analysis of fundamental and harmonic voltage and current waveforms. Park transformation technique has been utilized for the analysis in three-phase system, which has reduced the computational effort to a great extent. Contributions of fundamental and harmonic components in power system voltage and current signals have been assessed separately. An algorithm has been developed to calculate the power quality parameters from online signals. This algorithm has been simulated for a radial system, and the results have been compared with that obtained from a standard FFT-based system. The results are seen to be in good agreement with that of the standard system.
Parallel Solvers for Finite‐Difference Modeling of Large‐Scale, High‐Resolution Electromagnetic Problems in MRI
Authors: Wang Hua , Trakic Adnan , Liu Feng , Li Bing Keong , Weber Ewald , Crozier Stuart
Published: July 2008

With the movement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology towards higher field (and therefore frequency) systems, the interaction of the fields generated by the system with patients, healthcare workers, and internally within the system is attracting more attention. Due to the complexity of the interactions, computational modeling plays an essential role in the analysis, design, and development of modern MRI systems. As a result of the large computational scale associated with most of the MRI models, numerical schemes that rely on a single computer processing unit often require a significant amount of memory and long computational times, which makes modeling of these problems quite inefficient. This paper presents dedicated message passing interface (MPI), OPENMP parallel computing solvers for finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD), and quasistatic finite‐difference (QSFD) schemes. The FDTD and QSFD methods have been widely used to model/analyze the induction of electric fields/currents in voxel phantoms and MRI system components at high and low frequencies, respectively. The power of the optimized parallel computing architectures is illustrated by distinct, large‐scale field calculation problems and shows significant computational advantages over conventional single processing platforms.
Experimental Investigation of Land Mobile Prediction Methods and Modeling of Radio Planning Tool Parameters along Indian Rail Road Rural Zones
Authors: Prasad M. V. S. N. , Dalela P. K. , Chaitanya M.
Published: July 2008

Mobile communication networks in rural zones were not given enough importance and emphasis unlike their urban counter parts due to the unattractive revenues and economic considerations for the cellular operators. In order to identify the suitable prediction methods for Indian rail road rural zones, train‐based measurements were conducted in the northern and western rural zones along rail roads. These were carried out by recording the carriers emitted by the trackside base stations inside the moving train. The observed signal levels converted into path losses were compared initially with various conventional prediction methods. The observed results were also compared with the predicted results of radio planning tool utilizing digital terrain data. The constants of the model incorporated in the radio planning tool were tuned separately for north Indian and west Indian base stations based on the observed results. The suitability of the models has been evaluated in terms of standard statistical parameters.
Disturbed α‐Cell Function in Mice with β‐Cell Specific Overexpression of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide
Authors: Ahrén Bo , Sörhede Winzell Maria
Published: July 2008

Exogenous administration of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) has been shown to inhibit both insulin and glucagon secretion. This study examined α‐cell function in mice with β‐cell specific overexpression of human IAPP (hIAPP) after an oral protein gavage (75 mg whey protein/mouse). Baseline glucagon levels were higher in transgenic mice (41±4.0 pg/mL, n = 6) than in wildtype animals (19±5.1 pg/mL, n = 5, P = .015). In contrast, the glucagon response to protein was impaired in transgenic animals (21±2.7 pg/mL in transgenic mice versus 38±5.7 pg/mL in wildtype mice at 15 minutes; P = .027). Baseline insulin levels did not differ between the groups, while the insulin response, as the glucagon response, was impaired after protein challenge (P = .018). Glucose levels were not different between the groups and did not change significantly after protein gavage. Acetaminophen was given through gavage to the animals (2 mg/mouse) to estimate gastric emptying. The plasma acetaminophen profile was similar in the two groups of mice. We conclude that disturbances in glucagon secretion exist in mice with β‐cell specific overexpression of human IAPP, which are not secondary to changes in gastric emptying. The reduced glucagon response to protein challenge may reflect a direct inhibitory influence of hIAPP on glucagon secretion.
The Role of PPAR Ligands in Controlling Growth‐Related Gene Expression and their Interaction with Lipoperoxidation Products
Authors: Barrera Giuseppina , Toaldo Cristina , Pizzimenti Stefania , Cerbone Angelo , Pettazzoni Piergiorgio , Dianzani Mario Umberto , Ferretti Carlo
Published: July 2008

Peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand‐activated transcription factors that belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. The three PPAR isoforms (α, γ and β/δ) have been found to play a pleiotropic role in cell fat metabolism. Furthermore, in recent years, evidence has been found regarding the antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and differentiation‐promoting activities displayed by PPAR ligands, particularly by PPARγ ligands. PPAR ligands affect the expression of different growth‐related genes through both PPAR‐dependent and PPAR‐independent mechanisms. Moreover, an interaction between PPAR ligands and other molecules which strengthen the effects of PPAR ligands has been described. Here we review the action of PPAR on the control of gene expression with particular regard to the effect of PPAR ligands on the expression of genes involved in the regulation of cell‐cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis. Moreover, the interaction between PPAR ligands and 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE), the major product of the lipid peroxidation, has been reviewed.
In Vitro Assessment of Optical Properties of Blood by Applying the Extended Huygens‐Fresnel Principle to Time‐Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Signal at 1300 nm
Authors: Popescu Dan P. , Sowa Michael G.
Published: July 2008

A direct method for the measurement of the optical attenuation coefficient and the scattering anisotropy parameter based on applying the extended Huygens‐Fresnel principle to optical coherence tomography images of blood is demonstrated. The images are acquired with a low‐power probing beam at the wavelength of 1300 nm. Values of 12.15 mm−1 and 0.95 are found for the total attenuation coefficient and the scattering anisotropy factor, respectively. Also, as a preliminary step, the optical refraction index is determined with a precision of two decimal numbers directly from optical coherence images. The total attenuation coefficient and the scattering anisotropy factor are determined with precisions within experimental error margins of 5% and 2%, respectively. Readable OCT signal is obtained for a maximum propagation of light into blood of 0.25 mm. At the maximum probed depth, the measured signal is almost 103 smaller than its initial intensity when entering the sample.
Experiences Gained during the Development of a Passive BSAR with GNSS Transmitters of Opportunity
Authors: Cherniakov M. , Saini Rajesh , Antoniou Michael , Zuo Rui , Plakidis Eleftherios
Published: July 2008

This paper presents an overview of the research conducted at University of Birmingham. It highlights and briefly discusses various systems parameters (e.g., resolution, power budget), problems (e.g., interference, heterodyne channel Doppler compensation), and signal processing algorithms (imaging, synchronization) required for successfully obtaining an image. The GLONASS satellite is used for experiential confirmation of the main results. All these results are presented and briefly discussed.
Studies of Dye Sensitisation Kinetics and Sorption Isotherms of Direct Red 23 on Titania
Authors: Holliman Peter J. , Vaca Velasco Beatriz , Butler Ian , Wijdekop Maarten , Worsley David A.
Published: July 2008

Sorption kinetics and isotherms have been measured for a commercial dye (Direct Red 23) on different samples of powdered Titania, and the data were analysed to better understand the dye sensitization process for dye sensitised solar cells (DSSCs). For the sorption kinetics, the data show rapid initial sorption (<1 hour) followed by slower rate of increasing uptake between 1 and 24 hours. While higher initial concentrations of dye correspond to higher sorption overall, less dye is absorbed from higher initial dye concentrations when considered as percentage uptake. The correlation between the sorption data and model isotherms has been considered with time. The Langmuir model shows better correlations compared to the Freundlich isotherm. The dye uptake data has also been correlated with Titania characterization data (X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, BET and zero point charge analysis). Kinetic data show significantly better fits to second‐order models compared to first order. This suggests that chemisorption is taking place and that the interaction between the dye sorbate and the Titania sorbent involves electron sharing to form an ester bond.
Comparison of Methods for Dependency Determination between Human Failure Events within Human Reliability Analysis
Authors: Čepin Marko
Published: July 2008

The human reliability analysis (HRA) is a highly subjective evaluation of human performance, which is an input for probabilistic safety assessment, which deals with many parameters of high uncertainty. The objective of this paper is to show that subjectivism can have a large impact on human reliability results and consequently on probabilistic safety assessment results and applications. The objective is to identify the key features, which may decrease subjectivity of human reliability analysis. Human reliability methods are compared with focus on dependency comparison between Institute Jožef Stefan human reliability analysis (IJS-HRA) and standardized plant analysis risk human reliability analysis (SPAR-H). Results show large differences in the calculated human error probabilities for the same events within the same probabilistic safety assessment, which are the consequence of subjectivity. The subjectivity can be reduced by development of more detailed guidelines for human reliability analysis with many practical examples for all steps of the process of evaluation of human performance.
The Translational Research Working Group Developmental Pathways: Introduction and Overview
Authors: Hawk Ernest T. , Matrisian Lynn M. , Nelson William G. , Dorfman Gary S. , Stevens Lisa , Kwok Jennifer , Viner Jaye , Hautala Judith , Grad Oren ,   for the Translational Research Working Group
Published: July 2008

The Translational Research Working Group (TRWG) was created as a national initiative to evaluate the current status of the National Cancer Institute's investment in translational research and envision its future in an inclusive, representative, and transparent manner. To clarify the challenges facing translational research and facilitate its deliberations, the TRWG conceptualized translational research as a set of developmental processes or pathways focused on various clinical goals. Drawing on the collective knowledge of the TRWG members, six pathways were derived, with two addressing the development of tools designed to characterize an individual's cancer-related health status (biospecimen-based and image-based assessment modalities) and four addressing the development of interventions intended to change cancer-related health status (drugs or biological agents, immune response modifiers, interventive devices, and life-style alterations). The pathways, which share a number of common structural elements, are graphically represented by schematic flowcharts that capture relevant contingencies, decision points, and interdependencies. They are conceived not as comprehensive descriptions of the corresponding real-world processes but as tools designed to serve specific purposes including research program management and research project management, coordination of research efforts, and professional and lay education and communication. Further development of the pathways is encouraged, as is application of the pathway concept to translational research on other diseases.
Quelques Observations D'Un Orientaliste Sur La Thèse De Pirenne 1)
Authors: Ashtor E.
Published: July 2008

La thèse de Pirenne qui a suscité des discussions si animées a été négligée pendant de longues années par les orientalistes de métier. Autant que nous sachions l'exposé brillant de notre collègue Cl. Cahen sur" Quelques problèmes concernant l'expansion économique musulmane au Haut Moyen Age"2) est la première contribution qu'y aient faite les historiens de l'Orient musulman. Le but du présent article serait d'amplifier les arguments avancés par Cahen, d'en apporter de nouveaux et, cela s'entend, de donner ça et là d'autres interprétations des textes. Nous voudrions dans ce modeste essai attirer l'attention des collègues "occidentalistes" sur ce qu'on pourrait inférer des sources orientales, arabes et en d'autres langues, en ce qui concerne le problème des échanges commerciaux entre l'Orient musulman et l'Occident chrétien, au Ville, au IXe et dans la première moitié du Xe siècle 3).
Spanien Og De Forenede Nationer
Authors: De Erice José Sebastian
Published: July 2008

Øjeblikket turde være inde til at søge at skaffe sig et Overblik over, hvad der foregik i de forenede Nationer ved disses Behandling af det saakaldte »spanske Sporgsmaal«. Til bedre Forstaaelse heraf vil det vaere nyttigt kort at erindre, dels om de oprindelige Direktiver for Organisationen, dels om hvad der gik forud for den ejendommelige Holdning, den gennem 4 Aar indtog overfor vort Land
Norske Dommer Angående Folkerett Og Tnternasjonal Privatrett i aRene I953 Og I954
Authors: Hambro Edvard
Published: July 2008

Den forholdsvis sparsomme norske rettspraksis pÅ det internasjonale felt er blitt beriket ved noen ganske interessante høyesterettsdommer i de siste par År De folkerettslige dommer er i sitt innhold mindre interessante enn de dommer som angÅr internasjonal privatrett, ikke fordi de forhold som er gjenstand for dommene i og for seg har mindre betydning, men fordi de grunnleggende teoretiske forhold som til en viss grad ble behandlet i prosedyren ikke blev avgjort av høyesterett, mens derimot de store farskapssaker av 24 september 1953 i virkeligheten betyr et oppgjør med tidligere praksis og derfor er blitt meget omstendelige
rTsa in the Tibetan Manuscripts from Dunhuang
Authors: Yan Zhen , Lo Vivienne
Published: July 2008

In the earliest extant specialist medical work sMan dpyad
zla ba’i rgyal po (The Medical Investigation of the Lunar King,
early 8th century CE) and the classical work of Tibetan medicine, rGyud
bzhi (The Four Medical Tantras, generally dated by scholars to the
12th century CE), there are records of rtsa in its meaning of
'pulse taking'. The concept of rtsa in Tibetan medicine, as the
Chinese mai脈, eventually came to combine notions of 'the
vessels' and 'channels' of the body with diagnostic readings of 'pulsating
vessels' at its surface. This article considers the earliest extant records of
rtsa from Dunhuang and finds evidence of the separate
development of these two aspects. These early records are unique inasmuch as
they not only provide a source for history of medicine, but also represent Tibet
and Tibetan culture as an important place for both cultural exchange and
resistance, particularly in the transmission of medical knowledge and practice
from China.
The Vocabulary ofTocharian Medical Manuscripts
Authors: Carling Gerd
Published: July 2008

This paper will give a survey of the Tocharian medical vocabulary as
known from fragments of manuscripts preserved in Buddhist monasteries along the
Northern route of the Silk Road. The origin of the medical vocabulary reflects
the influx of loanwords and cultural influences from neighbouring languages as
well as the written lingua franca of the region, Sanskrit.
However, different parts of the vocabulary reflect different types of
vocabulary, e.g., indigenous words, calques, loan translations or borrowings.
Tocharian medical texts represent, in almost all instances, translations from
Sanskrit. This has of course influenced the vocabulary, even though traces of an
indigenous tradition can be found in the vocabulary.
Tibetan Medical Schools of The Aga Area (Chita Region)
Authors: Bolsokhoyeva Natalia
Published: July 2008

Buryat medicine, which derived from Tibeto-Mongolian medical systems
and traditions, has thrived in the Transbaikal region from the eighteenth
century. There are, however, two main streams in Buryat healing traditions: one
deriving from Buryat folk medicine and the other, the main focus of this
article, scholarly Tibetan medicine, as transmitted through Mongolian medical
culture. As it was adopted in Buryatia, Tibeto-Mongolian medicine went through a
process of adaptation to the local environment, most conspicuously in the field
of pharmacology. It is here that we find the main original Buryat contributions
to the wider development of Tibeto Mongolian medical culture.
The Dangerous Drug Offender in Federal Court
Authors: Spohn Cassia , Sample Lisa L.
Published: July 2008

This study examines the complex relationships among stereotypes about crime, the offender’s race/ethnicity, and sentencing decisions. Using data on White, Black, and Hispanic male drug offenders sentenced in three U.S. district courts and a definition of the dangerous drug offender appropriate to the federal sentence system, the authors explore the degree to which stereotypes about dangerous drug offenders influence sentence length. The results reveal that fitting the stereotype of a dangerous federal drug offender (i.e., a male drug trafficker with a prior trafficking conviction who used a weapon to commit the current offense) affected the length of the prison sentence for Black offenders but not for White or Hispanic offenders. Further analysis revealed that this effect was confined to Black offenders convicted of drug offenses involving crack cocaine. The results provide further evidence that the focal concerns guiding judicial decision making may vary depending on the offender’s race or ethnicity.
Thrust Force and Wear Assessment When Drilling Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymeric Composite
Authors: Faria P.E. , Campos R.F. , Abrão A.M. , Godoy G.C.D. , Davim J.P.
Published: July 2008

The principal aim of this article is to investigate the influence of the drilling parameters and tool material/coating (high speed steel and plain and coated carbide) on the thrust force and tool wear when drilling glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite. In order to predict the performance of the cutting tools in the industrial environment, extended drilling tests (up to 24000 holes) were conducted and the influence of changes in the geometry of the drills on the thrust force was assessed. The results indicated that the high speed steel tool presented remarkable wear rates, which drastically altered its edge preparation and resulted in a thrust force of 492 N after 1000 holes. In opposition to that, the cemented carbide drill presented superior wear resistance, with a thrust force of 147N after drilling 24000 holes. Finally, the use of the titanium nitride coated drill did not offer a significant contribution neither to the tool wear resistance nor to the machining thrust force.
Studies on Tensile and Flexural Properties of Short Banana/Glass Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polystyrene Composites
Authors: Haneefa Anshida , Bindu Panampilly , Aravind Indose , Thomas Sabu
Published: July 2008

The interest in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites is growing rapidly due to its high performance in terms of mechanical properties, significant processing advantages, excellent chemical resistance, low cost, and low density. The development of composite materials based on the reinforcement of two or more fiber types in a single matrix, which leads to the production of hybrid composites. In the field of technical utilization of plant fibers, banana fiber-reinforced composites represent one of the most important areas. The influence of fiber content, fiber loading, and hybrid effect on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, elongation at break, and flexural properties of the composites, was evaluated. The volume fraction of glass fiber based on total fiber content increases all the mechanical properties, except elongation at break. The tensile and flexural properties of composites are observed to have improved as the fiber loading (vol%) increases. On the other hand, lack of good interfacial adhesion and poor resistance to moisture absorption make the use of natural fiber-reinforced composites less attractive. Modification of the banana fiber improves the optimum fiber-matrix properties. Hybrid effect was calculated using additive rule of hybrid mixtures. The comparison of theoretical and experimental values of tensile properties was determined using a number of models. All the models except parallel show good agreement with the experimental results.
Effects of RTM Mold Temperature and Vacuum on the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy/Glass Fiber Composite Plates
Authors: Kaynak Cevdet , Akgul Eralp , Isitman Nihat Ali
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of mold temperature, application of vacuum at resin exit ports, and initial resin temperature on the mechanical properties of epoxy matrix woven glass fiber reinforced composite specimens produced by resin transfer molding (RTM). For this purpose, six mold temperatures (25, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120°C), two initial resin temperatures (15 and 28°C), and vacuum (0.03 bar) and without vacuum (~1 bar) conditions are utilized. Specimens are characterized by ultrasonic C-scan inspection, mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, and impact), thermal analyses (ignition loss and TGA) and scanning electron microscopy. It is observed that mechanical properties of the specimens produced at a mold temperature of 60°C with the application of vacuum and initial resin temperature of 28°C proved to be the highest (e.g., 16, 26, and 43% higher tensile strength, flexural strength, and Charpy impact toughness, respectively, compared to the lowest values attained with mold temperatures other than 60°C while other variables are kept constant). It has been shown that application of vacuum contributes to the final mechanical properties of the produced composites by lowering the percentage of `voids'. In fact, without the application of vacuum, the deteriorations in mechanical properties are as high as 26% loss in Charpy impact toughness and 5% losses in tensile and flexural strength. Additionally, lowering the initial resin temperature is shown to alter mechanical properties (e.g., 14, 12, and 18% losses in tensile strength, flexural strength, and Charpy impact toughness, respectively, when the initial resin temperature is decreased from 28 to 15°C).
Constructing Coherence
Authors: Grossman Pam , Hammerness Karen M. , McDonald Morva , Ronfeldt Matt
Published: July 2008

In this article, the authors focus on the concept of coherence, a relatively underexplored concept in teacher education. They investigate the relationship between students' perceptions of coherence and a number of structural features of teacher education programs to help develop a stronger definition of one important dimension of coherence—the relationship between fieldwork and coursework. The authors examine the relationship between specific program features and students' perceptions of the degree to which program vision, principles, and practices are aligned with those in the field and also explore the degree to which students have opportunities to practice what they are learning in the program and to enact program goals and visions of good teaching and learning in the classroom. In a field that is calling for larger-scale studies, this research attempts to identify promising features that are also amenable to large-scale studies of the impact of teacher education.
Impact of Weather on Downhill Ski Lift Ticket Sales
Authors: Shih Charles , Nicholls Sarah , Holecek Donald F.
Published: July 2008

Skiing heavily relies on specific weather and environmental conditions to make participation both feasible and enjoyable. The lack of published research on the relationships among ski activity, weather, and climate is, therefore, surprising, especially in light of mounting evidence regarding climate change. The analyses of the influence of daily weather variations on daily ski lift ticket sales at two Michigan ski resorts presented here appear to be the first of their kind. Results suggest that weather variables such as minimum and maximum temperature, snow depth, and wind chill do indeed have a statistically significant impact on downhill ski lift ticket sales. The regression models developed could be used by outdoor recreation and tourism providers for both short-term decision making and longer-term planning and management activities, in particular those involving consideration of climate change and potential adaptation strategies.
Male Sexual Offenders' Emotional Openness With Men and Women
Authors: Underhill James , Wakeling Helen C. , Mann Ruth E. , Webster Stephen D.
Published: July 2008

This study explored male sexual offenders' openness and intimacy with adult males and females. Two measures developed to examine intimacy with adults (Openness to Women and Openness to Men) were validated on sexual offenders ( N = 1,857) undergoing cognitive-behavioral treatment in Her Majesty's Prison Service. Both measures had good reliability and validity, although they correlated with socially desirable responding. All offenders reported lower intimacy with men compared with nonoffenders, but child molesters also reported lower intimacy with women than nonoffenders and rapists. Openness to adults was related to risk, with higher risk offenders having greater problems with intimacy than lower risk offenders. However, the authors did not find a relationship between low openness to women and high emotional congruence with children.
Effect of LiCl Filler on the Structure and Morphology of PVDF Films
Authors: Eleshmawi I.S.
Published: July 2008

Polyvinyldene fluoride (PVDF) films filled with LiCl of mass fraction range 2 ≤ W ≤ 10 wt% are prepared by casting technique by using N, N-dimethylacetamide as a solvent. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis indicates the presence of α and γ-phases of PVDF. The maximum content of these phases increment at 6 and 4 wt% LiCl, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies carried out show that the degree of crystallinity increases as doped concentration increases up to 1 wt% and it is nearly constant up to 6 wt%. The presence of α and γ-phases is confirmed by XRD analysis. Morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that as the content of LiCl increases, the films' surface becomes rough with some small aggregates, but the particles are well distributed in the entire surface region. DC electrical conduction values increase with increasing temperature and filling level (FL) for all samples. This increase can be explained with the help of free volume theory.
Influence of Organoclay Prepared by Solid State Method on the Morphology and Properties of Polyvinyl Chloride/Organoclay Nanocomposites
Authors: Mingliang GE , Demin Jia
Published: July 2008

In this study, organically modified clay (organoclay) is prepared by treating Na+ montmorillonite with alkylammonium ions and silane coupling agent KH-560 through a solid phase method. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/ organoclay nanocomposites are prepared by melt intercalation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that PVC chains can intercalate into the gallery of the organoclay to form exfoliated PVC/ organoclay nanocomposites. The glass transition temperatures ( Tg) of PVC/ organoclay nanocomposites are studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the result shows the Tg of PVC/organoclay nanocomposites are higher than that of neat PVC. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that organoclay can slow down the speed of thermal decomposition and tend to increase the on-set thermal decomposition temperature of the PVC. Mechanical properties test indicates that when the organoclay content is below 7 phr, the impact strength of PVC/organoclay nanocomposites are better than that of neat PVC.
Morphology and Properties of SEBS Block Copolymer Compatibilized PS/HDPE Blends
Authors: Rek Vesna , Vranješ Nina , Šlouf Miroslav , Fortelný Ivan , Jelčić Želimir
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study is to examine the influence of poly [styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) compatibilizer on the morphology and properties of atactic polystyrene/high density polyethylene (aPS/HDPE) blends. The rheological behavior of the blends melt during processing is followed. The concentration of SEBS does not significantly influence the processing parameters. The morphology is determined by SEM and TEM. aPS/HDPE/SEBS blends exhibit fine dispersion of HDPE or aPS particles in the matrix and better adhesion at the interface. Higher concentration of SEBS results in better compatibility. Transmission electron micrographs confirm existence of the SEBS interfacial layer between the aPS and the HDPE phase. This effect is stronger in the blends with higher SEBS concentration and HDPE as matrix. The mechanical properties are determined. The tensile strength decreases while the elongation at break and the impact strength increase with the SEBS content. The results prove that SEBS acts as a compatibilizer in aPS/HDPE blends and its effect is more expressed in blends with a higher SEBS content and HDPE as matrix.
A Parametric Study on Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis of Initially Imperfect Shallow Spherical Shells
Authors: Altekin Murat , Yükseler R. Faruk
Published: July 2008

Geometrically nonlinear analysis of initially imperfect shallow spherical shells under uniformly distributed axisymmetrical load is investigated in this computational study. The thickness of the shell is considered to be uniform and the material is assumed to be isotropic. The numerical treatment of the nonlinear fundamental shallow spherical shell equations is carried out by the finite difference method and the Newton—Raphson method. The influence of the parameters (Poisson's ratio, parameters of thickness, depth and initial imperfection) on the critical load, the value and the location of the maximum displacement components and the maximum stress resultants is examined by various numerical experiments each of which is made for two distinct types of supports along the edge: clamped and simply supported. Despite the dominant role of the nonlinearity, some general statements are obtained and the influence of the parameters is highlighted.
War, trauma and children's development: Observations from a modern evolutionary perspective
Authors: Belsky Jay
Published: July 2008

Lethal intergroup conflict has been part of the human experience ever since our species emerged on the African savannah. Modern evolutionary thinking suggests that children's development could have evolved a variety of responses to it, some of which are highlighted upon considering, from the field of behavioural ecology, life-history theory and, derived from it, Belsky, Steinberg and Draper's (1991) evolutionary theory of socialization. This speculative essay examines the implications of such thinking, specifically with regard to insecure attachment, anxiety, depression, aggression, pubertal and sexual development, as well as mating and parenting. Considered, too, are issues of intergenerational transmission and variation in developmental reactivity to exposure to deadly political violence of the ethnic-cleansing variety in childhood.
Future orientation in times of threat and challenge: How resilient adolescents construct their future
Authors: Seginer Rachel
Published: July 2008

Drawing on the importance of future orientation for adolescent development this analysis presents a model describing how future orientation is affected by high challenge (or resilience) in the face of political violence. The analysis consists of three parts. The first two present future orientation conceptualization and the psychological processes underlying threat and challenge/resilience, respectively. Consequently, the third part outlines an integrated model positing that the effect of challenge/resilience on future orientation is mediated by hope and moderated by four factors: cultural orientations, developmental period, interpersonal relationships, and intrapersonal characteristics.
Political violence in retrospect: Its effect on the mental health of Palestinian adolescents
Authors: Haj-Yahia Muhammad M.
Published: July 2008

The aim of this study has been to examine the effect of retrospective report of political violence during the first Intifada (1987—1993) on psychological adjustment of 1185 Palestinian adolescents (10th to 12th graders) seven years after the first Intifada had ended. Analysis of the inter-relations was conducted between self-reported measures of political violence, socio-demographic characteristics, perceived parents' psychological adjustment problems and internalizing (i.e., somatization, withdrawal, anxiety, and depression) and externalizing (i.e., thought, attention and social problems, delinquent and aggressive behaviors) symptoms. It showed the significant net effect of retrospectively reported exposure to political violence on both internalizing symptoms and externalizing symptoms over and above the effect of socio-demographic characteristics and perceived parents' psychological adjustment problems. The discussion addresses the meaning of these results in light of the conceptual and methodological limitations of this study.
Psychological reactions to Israeli occupation: Findings from the national study of school-based screening in Palestine
Authors: Abdeen Ziad , Qasrawi Radwan , Nabil Shibli , Shaheen Mohammad
Published: July 2008

Children exposed to violent war-like and repeated political violence often experience a continued threat to life and their sense of safety, as well as a disruption of daily functioning. The purpose of the study was to examine the psychological impact of exposure to Israeli occupation on Palestinian school children in the West Bank and Gaza, Palestine. We assessed the association between exposure to occupation and the severity of posttraumatic symptoms and the inter-relationship between posttraumatic symptoms, functional impairment, somatic complaints, and coping strategies in school children. Palestinian students ( n = 2100) from grades 9—11 were screened from both the West Bank ( n = 1235) and Gaza ( n = 724) and responded to self-report questionnaires. Results showed that extensive exposure to violence was associated with higher levels of posttraumatic distress and more somatic complaints in both the West Bank and Gaza regions. More Gaza than West bank students reported symptoms meeting the criteria for PTSD, and more girls than boys in both groups reported somatic complaints. Thus, school-based screening can be an effective method for case identification of students showing PTSD symptoms as a result of exposure to political violence.
Factors Associated with Caregiver Burden in Heart Failure Family Caregivers
Authors: Saunders Mitzi M.
Published: July 2008

Fifty caregivers and 41 heart failure patients participated in a study examining the association of caregiver characteristics and the caregiving environment on caregiver burden. Using a cross-sectional design, caregivers were interviewed face-to-face using a caregiver characteristic/demographic tool designed for this study, the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Short Depression Scale, the Caregiver Reaction Assessment questionnaire, and the New York Heart Association Functional Classification Guide to obtain the caregiver's perception of patient disease severity. Patient medical records were assessed following caregiver interviews for patient demographics, comorbidities, and ejection fraction percentages. Significantly higher levels of burden were found among Caucasian caregivers, those caring for other relatives besides the patient, unemployed caregivers, and single- versus two-family caregivers (respite caregiving). Fifty-one percent of the variance in caregiver burden was accounted for by the variables caregiver advanced age, higher caregiver hours, more caregiver physical health problems, higher levels of caregiver depressive symptoms, and more patient comorbidities. This article concludes with implications for nursing practice and future research.
Exploring Antecedents of Five Types of Organizational Commitment Among Correctional Staff
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Hogan Nancy L. , Shanhe Jiang
Published: July 2008

Correctional staff are the backbone of any correctional organization, and building organizational commitment among employees is critical for an effective organization. Although there is a small but growing body of literature on the antecedents and consequences of organizational commitment, there has been little discussion on the various types and levels of commitment and whether results differ depending on the form of commitment being measured. This study reviewed the three major types (i.e., affective, moral, and continuance) and two levels (i.e., agency and institutional) of organizational commitment. Multivariate analysis of survey results from 272 staff at a high-security prison in the Midwest revealed that the effects of the major forms of organizational structure (i.e., input into decision making, job autonomy, promotional opportunities, institutional communication, and organizational fairness) and job stress varied considerably depending on which form of organizational commitment was measured.
Labour, Exploitation and Capitalism in Russia Before and After 1991
Authors: Haynes Michael J.
Published: July 2008

This article explores the relevance of the idea of state capitalism in Russian development. It situates the idea within the framework of capitalist development which it argues is marked by global inequalities, power imbalances and economic and military competition. The Russian Revolution of October 1917 was an attempt to overthrow this system but its failure led to a highly intense form of state capitalism which lasted until 1991. The underlying continuities in the different regimes in Russia are then analysed in terms of the process of working class exploitation.
Reflections on the Impact upon China's Polity from the Retreat of State Capitalism
Authors: Hasan Rumy
Published: July 2008

This article examines China's political economy since the 1949 revolution from a state capitalist perspective. The theoretical appeal of this perspective lies in how intense, military competition and concomitant development of the heavy industrial sectors dictated the path taken by the whole political economy. The article examines the gradual retreat of state control over the economy and the adoption of a `dual track' approach. It analyses the factors that have led the Chinese economy to achieve an unprecedented growth rate, arguing that the retreat of state capitalism has resulted in the reconfiguration of classes which will have inevitable and significant political ramifications.
State Capitalism versus Communism: What Happened in the USSR and the PRC?
Authors: Gabriel Satya , Resnick Stephen A. , Wolff Richard D.
Published: July 2008

Since 1917 analysts have debated what kind of economic system existed in the USSR and the PRC. They mostly juxtaposed `socialism' there to `capitalism' in Western Europe and the USA. The two sides were defined chiefly in terms of private versus state property and markets versus planning. We challenge this debate by means of Marx's focus on the organization of surplus labor. That is, we distinguish capitalism, socialism, and communism according to how these systems differently organize the surplus. They exhibit different ways of producing, appropriating, and distributing the surpluses generated in production. Not only does this approach yield a new and different analysis of the similarities between capitalism and socialism, it also conceives communism as more radically different from both of them than other approaches do. Finally, we indicate some current political implications of our approach and its conclusions.
The Utility of Fluoroquinolones in the Critically Ill
Authors: Wargo Kurt A. , Wright Brad M. , Gupta Rahul
Published: July 2008

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been used for more than 40 years to treat a variety of infections from simple uncomplicated urinary tract infections to infections as severe as nosocomial-acquired pneumonia. Their availability both orally and intravenously, ease of dosing, favorable safety profile, and broad spectrum of activity have led to the pervasive use of these agents in both the community and institutions. Unfortunately, this widespread use has led to the development of resistance and subsequently, increased mortality. Resistance, specifically with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, as well as their association with the development of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, has led many clinicians to question the use of fluoroquinolones in the critically ill. This article will review these issues related to the use of fluoroquinolones, in an effort to better define their role among institutionalized patients.
An Update on the Management of Nosocomial Pneumonia
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Wargo Kurt A.
Published: July 2008

Nosocomial pneumonia is the second most common hospital-acquired infection, after urinary tract infection; however, it carries with it a mortality rate estimated to be between 20% and 50%. Furthermore, patients with nosocomial pneumonia are hospitalized for an additional 7 to 9 days with an attributable cost of $40 000 or more per patient compared to patients without nosocomial pneumonia. While treatment options vary, initial empiric treatment of nosocomial pneumonia should include antimicrobials that will have activity against the organisms that will likely be encountered, including, but not limited to, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter species, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter subspecies, Serratia marcescens, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. During a time of increasing resistance, it is crucial that early recognition along with appropriate treatment and dosing strategies are employed to achieve successful outcomes. The goal of this article is to update clinicians about nosocomial pneumonia and provide information regarding caveats to selecting and dosing antimicrobials, so informed decisions can be made when treating this serious condition.
The Erythropoietic Receptors Agonists: FDA Warnings, Changing Guidelines, and Other Responses to Negative Data
Authors: Saltiel Manny
Published: July 2008

In 2006, two large, international, randomized trials comparing high-intensity to low-intensity treatment with epoetin alfa were published. Both trials demonstrated that low-intensity treatment—with goal serum hemoglobin values of 11.3 or 10.5 to 11.5 g/dL, respectively—was associated with improved outcomes in patients with anemia and nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. Over the following 6 to 12 months, regulatory agencies, insurers, and hospital systems would react, sometimes dramatically, as further literature became available that caused a rethinking of the appropriate use of these valuable agents. This article will summarize the response to recent literature regarding the administration of erythropoietic stimulating agents.