bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germ line activation of the Tie2 and SMMHC promoters causes noncell-specific deletion of floxed alleles
Authors: de Lange Willem J. , Halabi Carmen M. , Beyer Andreas M. , Sigmund Curt D.
Published: July 2008

Tissue-specific knockouts generated through Cre-loxP recombination have become an important tool to manipulate the mouse genome. Normally, two successive rounds of breeding are performed to generate mice carrying two floxed target-gene alleles and a transgene expressing Cre-recombinase tissue-specifically. We show herein that two promoters commonly used to generate endothelium-specific ( Tie2) and smooth muscle-specific [smooth muscle myosin heavy chain ( Smmhc)] knockout mice exhibit activity in the female and male germ lines, respectively. This can result in the inheritance of a null allele in the second generation that is not tissue specific. Careful experimental design is required therefore to ensure that tissue-specific knockouts are indeed tissue specific and that appropriate controls are used to compare strains.
Pathophysiological Roles of PPARγ in Gastrointestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Necela Brian M. , Thompson E. Aubrey
Published: July 2008

Although the highest levels of PPARγ expression in the body have been reported in the gastrointestinal epithelium, little is known about the physiological functions of that receptor in the gut. Moreover, there is considerable controversy concerning the effects of thiazolidinedione PPARγ agonists on the two major diseases of the gastrointestinal track: colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. We will undertake to review both historical and recently published data with a view toward summarizing what is presently known about the roles of PPARγ in both physiological and pathological processes in the gastrointestinal epithelium.
GPS Time and Frequency Transfer: PPP and Phase‐Only Analysis
Authors: Defraigne Pascale , Guyennon Nicolas , Bruyninx Carine
Published: July 2008

To compute precise point positioning (PPP) and precise time transfer using GPS code and phase measurements, a new software named Atomium was developed by the Royal Observatory of Belgium. Atomium was also adapted to perform a phase‐only analysis with the goal to obtain a continuous clock solution which is independent of the GPS codes. In this paper, the analysis strategy used in Atomium is described and the clock solutions obtained through the phase‐only approach are compared to the results from the PPP mode. It is shown that the phase‐only solution improves the stability of the time link for averaging times smaller than 7 days and that the phase‐only solution is very sensitive to the station coordinates used. The method is, however, shown to perform better than the IGS clock solution in case of changes in the GPS receiver hardware delays which affects the code measurements.
A Stochastic Cobweb Dynamical Model
Authors: Brianzoni Serena , Mammana Cristiana , Michetti Elisabetta , Zirilli Francesco
Published: July 2008

We consider the dynamics of a stochastic cobweb model with linear demand and a backward‐bending supply curve. In our model,
forward‐looking expectations and backward‐looking ones are assumed, in fact
we assume that the representative agent chooses the backward predictor with probability
q_, __0_q_1, and the forward predictor with probability (1 − q), so that the expected price at time t is a random variable and consequently the dynamics describing the price evolution in time is governed by a stochastic dynamical system. The dynamical system becomes a Markov process when the memory rate vanishes. In particular, we study the Markov chain in the cases of discrete and continuous time. Using a mixture of analytical tools and numerical methods, we show that, when prices take discrete values, the corresponding Markov chain is asymptotically stable. In the case with continuous prices and nonnecessarily zero memory rate, numerical evidence of bounded price oscillations is shown. The role of the memory rate is studied through numerical experiments, this study confirms the stabilizing effects of the presence of resistant memory.
Complementary Roles of Hippocampus and Medial Entorhinal Cortex in Episodic Memory
Authors: Lipton P. A. , Eichenbaum H.
Published: July 2008

Spatial mapping and navigation are figured prominently in the extant literature that describes hippocampal function. The medial entorhinal cortex is likewise attracting increasing interest, insofar as evidence accumulates that this area also contributes to spatial information processing. Here, we discuss recent electrophysiological findings that offer an alternate view of hippocampal and medial entorhinal function. These findings suggest complementary contributions of the hippocampus and medial entorhinal cortex in support of episodic memory, wherein hippocampal networks encode sequences of events that compose temporally and spatially extended episodes, whereas medial entorhinal networks disambiguate overlapping episodes by binding sequential events into distinct memories.
An Efficient Zero‐Stable Numerical Method for Fourth‐Order Differential Equations
Authors: Kayode S. J.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this paper is to produce an efficient zero‐stable numerical
method with the same order of accuracy as that of the main starting values (predictors) for direct solution of fourth‐order differential equations without reducing it to a system of first‐order equations. The method of collocation of the differential system arising from the approximate solution to the problem is adopted using the power series as a basis function. The method is consistent, symmetric, and of optimal order p = 6.
The main predictor for the method is also consistent, symmetric, zero‐stable, and of optimal order p = 6.
Genevestigator V3: A Reference Expression Database for the Meta‐Analysis of Transcriptomes
Authors: Hruz Tomas , Laule Oliver , Szabo Gabor , Wessendorp Frans , Bleuler Stefan , Oertle Lukas , Widmayer Peter , Gruissem Wilhelm , Zimmermann Philip
Published: July 2008

The Web‐based software tool Genevestigator provides powerful tools for biologists to explore gene
expression across a wide variety of biological contexts. Its first releases, however, were limited by the scaling
ability of the system architecture, multiorganism data storage and analysis capability, and availability of
computationally intensive analysis methods. Genevestigator V3 is a novel meta‐analysis system resulting
from new algorithmic and software development using a client/server architecture, large‐scale manual
curation and quality control of microarray data for several organisms, and curation of pathway data for mouse
and Arabidopsis. In addition to improved querying features, Genevestigator V3 provides new tools to analyze
the expression of genes in many different contexts, to identify biomarker genes, to cluster genes into
expression modules, and to model expression responses in the context of metabolic and regulatory networks.
Being a reference expression database with user‐friendly tools, Genevestigator V3 facilitates discovery
research and hypothesis validation.
Analysis of Surface Texturization of Solar Cells by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Chung Hsiao-Yen , Chen Chiun-Hsun , Chu Hsin-Sen
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this paper is to develop a simple new model, based on the classic molecular dynamics simulation (MD), alternative to complex electron‐photon interactions to analyze the surface texturization of solar cells. This methodology can easily propose the absorptance differences between texturing and nontexturing solar cells. To verify model feasibility, this study simulates square, pyramidal, and semicircular texturization surfaces. Simulations show that surface texturization effectively increases the absorptance of incident light for solar cells, and this paper presents optimal texturization shapes. The MD model can also be potentially used to predict the efficiency promotion in any optical reflection‐absorption cases.
Do PPARγ Ligands Suppress the Growth of Cholangiocarcinoma or the Cholangiohepatitis Induced by the Tumor?
Authors: Suzuki Satoru , Hashizume Kiyoshi
Published: July 2008

Cholangiocarcinoma is a predominantly fatal cancer, which can be difficult to treat. It has been reported that the administration of pioglitazone temporarily improved not only diabetic control, but also bile duct carcinoma‐induced cholangiohepatitis. Pioglitazone is considered to have both direct and indirect mechanisms of action on the tumor‐related hepatitis. Several molecules induced by thiazolidinedione, including Smad pathway‐related molecules, adipokines, and other lipid metabolism‐related proteins, may directly or indirectly suppress tumor development and/or tumor‐induced cholangiohepatitis. Although the most frequent and critical side effect of thiazolidinedione is drug‐induced hepatitis, it can probably be avoided by careful monitoring of serum hepatic enzyme levels. Thiazolidinedione should be considered for management of tumor‐induced hepatitis in the presence of diabetes unless severe side effects occur.
Metabolic Control Analysis: A Tool for Designing Strategies to Manipulate Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Moreno-Sánchez Rafael , Saavedra Emma , Rodríguez-Enríquez Sara , Olín-Sandoval Viridiana
Published: July 2008

The traditional experimental approaches used for changing the flux or the concentration of a particular metabolite of a metabolic pathway have been mostly based on the inhibition or over‐expression of the presumed rate‐limiting step. However, the attempts to manipulate a metabolic pathway by following such approach have proved to be unsuccessful. Metabolic Control Analysis (MCA) establishes how to determine, quantitatively, the degree of control that a given enzyme exerts on flux and on the concentration of metabolites, thus substituting the intuitive, qualitative concept of rate limiting step. Moreover, MCA helps to understand (i) the underlying mechanisms by which a given enzyme exerts high or low control and (ii) why the control of the pathway is shared by several pathway enzymes and transporters. By applying MCA it is possible to identify the steps that should be modified to achieve a successful alteration of flux or metabolite concentration in pathways of biotechnological (e.g., large scale metabolite production) or clinical relevance (e.g., drug therapy). The different MCA experimental approaches developed for the determination of the flux‐control distribution in several pathways are described. Full understanding of the pathway properties when working under a variety of conditions can help to attain a successful manipulation of flux and metabolite concentration.
The Fetal Allograft Revisited: Does the Study of an Ancient Invertebrate Species Shed Light on the Role of Natural Killer Cells at the Maternal-Fetal Interface?
Authors: Lightner Amy , Schust Danny J. , Chen Yi-Bin A. , Barrier Breton F.
Published: July 2008

Human pregnancy poses a fundamental immunological problem because the placenta and fetus are genetically different from the host mother. Classical transplantation theory has not provided a plausible solution to this problem. Study of naturally occurring allogeneic chimeras in the colonial marine invertebrate, Botryllus schlosseri, has yielded fresh insight into the primitive development of allorecognition, especially regarding the role of natural killer (NK) cells. Uterine NK cells have a unique phenotype that appears to parallel aspects of the NK-like cells in the allorecognition system of B. schlosseri. Most notably, both cell types recognize and reject “missing self” and both are involved in the generation of a common vascular system between two individuals. Chimeric combination in B. schlosseri results in vascular fusion between two individual colonies; uterine NK cells appear essential to the establishment of adequate maternal-fetal circulation. Since human uterine NK cells appear to de-emphasize primary immunological function, it is proposed that they may share the same evolutionary roots as the B. schlosseri allorecognition system rather than a primary origin in immunity.
Integrated VCOs for Medical Implant Transceivers
Authors: Tekin Ahmet , Yuce Mehmet R. , Liu Wentai
Published: July 2008

The 402–405 MHz medical implant communication service (MICS) band has recently been allocated by the US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) with the potential to replace the low‐frequency inductive coupling techniques in implantable devices. This band was particularly chosen to provide full‐integration, low‐power, faster data transfer, and longer communication range. This paper investigates the design of a voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) that will be an essential building block of such wireless implantable devices operating in the MICS service band. Three different integrated quadrature VCOs that meet the requirements of the MICS standard are designed in 0.18 μm TSMC CMOS process to propose an optimum choice. Their performances in terms of power consumption, die area, linearity, and phase noise are compared. The fabricated VCOs are a four‐stage differential ring VCO, an LC tank VCO directly loaded with a poly‐phase filter, and an 800 MHz LC tank VCO with a high‐frequency master‐slave divider. All three architectures target a VCO gain of Kvco = 15 MHz/V with 3 calibration control and 2 frequency‐shift keying (FSK) control signals and are designed for 1.5 V supply voltage in a 0.18‐μm standard CMOS process.
Fast Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Algorithms Using Projected Gradient Approaches for Large-Scale Problems
Authors: Zdunek Rafal , Cichocki Andrzej
Published: July 2008

Recently, a considerable growth of interest in projected gradient (PG) methods has been observed due to their high efficiency in solving large-scale convex minimization problems subject to linear constraints. Since the minimization problems underlying nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) of large matrices well matches this class of minimization problems, we investigate and test some recent PG methods in the context of their applicability to NMF. In particular, the paper focuses on the following modified methods: projected Landweber, Barzilai-Borwein gradient projection, projected sequential subspace optimization (PSESOP), interior-point Newton (IPN), and sequential coordinate-wise. The proposed and implemented NMF PG algorithms are compared with respect to their performance in terms of signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) and elapsed time, using a simple benchmark of mixed partially dependent nonnegative signals.
Biochemical Evaluation of Patients with Active Acromegaly and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Efficacy and Safety of the Galanin Test
Authors: Mazziotti G. , Bonadonna S. , Doga M. , Patelli I. , Gazzaruso C. , Solerte S.B. , De Menis E. , Giustina A.
Published: July 2008

The oral glucose tolerance test, which is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of active acromegaly, should not be performed in the presence of basal hyperglycemia. Moreover, false-positive responses may occur in patients with diabetes mellitus. Galanin has previously been demonstrated to induce paradoxical inhibition of growth hormone (GH) secretion in most patients with active acromegaly. In this study, we assessed GH response to galanin infusion in a series of 17 consecutive patients with active acromegaly, 7 of whom had coexistent type 2 diabetes mellitus and 10 were without either diabetes mellitus or impaired tolerance to glucose. 6 acromegalic patients with diabetes mellitus (85.7%) and 7 without diabetes (70.0%) showed a decrease in serum GH values during galanin infusion (χ2 0.9; p = 0.6). The GH nadir occurred at a comparable time in the two groups of acromegalic patients. Moreover, the two groups showed no significant difference (p = 0.45) in ΔGH during galanin infusion. Galanin infusion did not induce any significant change in plasma glucose levels in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with acromegaly. The results of our study provide evidence that the galanin test may be of value for the diagnosis of acromegaly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The Poll Tax in Sasanian Babylonia the Talmudic Evidence
Authors: Goodblatt David M.
Published: July 2008

The BT evidence on the poll tax in Babylonia dates on the whole to the fourth century. It therefore provides evidence for a period in which we lack detailed information on Sasanian taxation. The evidence consisted of nineteen pericopae comprising legal discussions, anecdotes, and Biblical exegesis. The details on the tax were generally mentioned only in passing. In several cases, we could not be sure of the precise meaning or implication of the passages or of crucial terms appearing in them. Consequently, the information we derived from these sources did not yield a coherent picture, and our conclusions were often tentative. But since we have almost no other evidence for this period, whatever we can learn is of value. I shall summarize here the results of my investigation.
Den Internationale Domstols Otteogtyvende Aar
Authors: Hudson Manley O
Published: July 2008

I Lobet af 1949 - Domstolens 28de Virkeaar - er der ydet vaegtige Bidrag til Rettens Praksis, dels gennem 2 Domsafgerelser i Korfu Kanal Sagen, dels gennem et Responsum om Erstatning for Skade, lidt i De Forenede Nationers Tjeneste.
The Bretton Woods Agreement Article Viii, Sec. 2 (b)
Authors: Madsen-Mygdal N.P.
Published: July 2008

As to Article VIII, sec 2 (b), (1) of the Bretton Woods Agreement (see Appendix (11) for text) it is comparatively easy to ascertain the negative, what the Article does not say: The Article does not say that any contract or performance which is contrary to any rule of the monetary restrictive system of any member shall be unenforceable Most certainly, nothing like this has been said in express words, and it would also have been very strange to incorporate such words in an Agreement which aims at establishing monetary freedom However, there are some learned writers on modern Monetary Law who try to interpret the actual Article VIII in such a way that it amounts to more or less such a result 1) These writers base their arguments on what they imagine was the intention, viz to give the whole system of modern restrictive systems a certain effectiveness through international cooperation Now, even if such an intention could be shown I submit that it cannot be taken into account, as it has not been expressed in words This must be particularly so in an Inteinational Agreement of this nature where supposedly every word has been weighed carefully Furthermore, there is no evidence of such an intention As to the positive contents of the words I submit that they represent a clear and definite, but rather narrow technical concept
Was there a Silk Road?
Authors: Whitfield Susan
Published: July 2008

Is the 'Silk Road' a meaningful term? Is it being used simply to
provide a historical legitimacy for our preoccupation with the dichotomy of east
and west, the rising power oflndia and China and the waning of Europe, and our
ambivalence towards globalisation? If it ever had any descriptive or analytic
force for scholarship, is this now lost and should we discard the term entirely
in our scholarly discourse as misleading at best and leave it for the marketers
to exploit as a symbol of luxury and exoticism? This article argues that
although the term 'Silk Road' has become a widely used portmanteau term, with
apt clarification it is still a meaningful term for scholarship.
Along The Musk Routes: Exchanges Between Tibet and The Islamic World
Authors: Akasoy Anna , Yoeli-Tlalim Ronit
Published: July 2008

From as early as the ninth century onwards, Arabic literature
praises the quality of a typical and highly desirable product of Tibet, musk. In
Arabic and Persian as well as Tibetan and Hebrew texts musk is discussed in a
variety of genres such as geographical, zoological, religious and medical
literature as well as in travellers' and merchants' accounts. These sources
reveal an active trade route, which existed between Tibet and the Islamic world
from the eighth century onwards. After discussing this set of trade roures, the
article focuses on a comparison between the medical uses of musk in Arabic and
Tibetan medical sources. The great number of similarities between the uses of
musk in these two medical traditions suggests that along with the substance,
there were also exchanges of knowledge. Hence we propose that following the
model of the 'Silk Roads' and its cultural aspects, similar cultural
interactions took place along the 'Musk Roures', which linked Tibet and the
Islamic world.
The Transmission of Foreign Medicine via the Silk Roads in Medieval China: A Case Study of Haiyao Bencao
Authors: Ming Chen
Published: July 2008

The importance of cultural exchange along the Silk Routes to the
cosmopolitan identity of High Tang culture has long been acknowledged. This
paper develops that understanding for the medical context by examining the
Haiyao bencao 海瑶本草 (Overseas Pharmacopoeia), a specialist
materia medica work made up of foreign remedies. With a
deeper understanding of the sociocultural and religious context within which its
author, Li Xun 李恂), a Persian born in China, worked we can begin to build a
vivid picture of the background against which foreign medicines arrived from the
Western regions to Medieval China.
Islamic Pharmacy in the Mamlūk and Mongol Realms: Theory and Practice
Authors: Chipman Leigh
Published: July 2008

This article will discuss aspects of pharmacy in the thirteenth and
fourteenth centuries CE, when the central Islamic lands–which also form a
central part of the Silk Road between China and Europe-were dominated by the
Mamlūk Empire in Egypt and Syria, and the Mongol Īl–khāns in Iran. Exchanges of
practical and theoretical knowledge occurred across the hostile frontier, but it
remains ro be seen to what extent this affected the practice of community
pharmacists in the Islamic world, let alone the theory used by docrors learned
in the Arabic pharmacological tradition. As I have only very recently begun to
study the Mongol side of things in greater depth, this article will be weighted
towards the Mamluks, and I will point out areas that require further research
before any definite conclusion can be reached. I will begin by discussing the
state of pharmacy in Mamluk Egypt, continue to say a few words about the
developments in pharmacology caused by the establishment of the Mongol Empire,
and finally, discuss the status of pharmacists in hospitals under the Mongols
and Mamlūks.
Notes on Uighur Medicine, Especially on the Uighur Siddhasāra Tradition
Authors: Zieme Peter
Published: July 2008

There are many primary sources that allow us to reconstruct Old
Uighur medicine. This article considers those that demonstrate the following
influences: folk medicine, Syriac medicine, Indian and Chinese medicine. The
article includes general remarks on the Uighur translations of the Siddhasāra
and its role in the history of Uighur medicine: the bilingual version, a list of
the preserved parts of the monolingual Uighur version, medicinal plant names,
and comments on general translation methods. The Uighur translation deviates
considerably from the Sanskrit, but it exploits the medical knowledge it
contains in interesting ways. A translation of such a medical compendium like
the Siddhasāra was, nor is, an easy task. That we observe equivalents,
substitutes and Turkic equivalents in the Uighur version is no wonder. Each of
these has to be evaluated carefully. Much scholarly work has already been
carried out by H. W. Bailey, R. Emmerick and D. Maue. In particular I would like
to mention the contriburion of the first editor Reşid Rahmeti (Arat) [Rachmati]
who read the texts first and translated them without knowledge of their real
source. At that time he had already surmised that the model for the translation
must have been a substantial work.
Tibetan Medical Illustrations from the History Museum of Buryatia, Ulan Ude
Authors: Bolsokhoyeva Natalia
Published: July 2008

The Atlas of Tibetan Medicine is the illustrative
material to all four volumes of Tibetan medicine's locus
classicus, the Four Tantras (rGyud
bzhi), and their commentary, the Blue Beryl (or:
Lapis Lazuli, Vaidurya mgon po). It is kept at the
collection of the History Museum of Buryatia in Ulan-Ude. It took more than
sixteen years (from 1687 until 1703) to complete the full set of these medical
paintings. The following includes a brief description of the contents of the
Atlas, how the copy was brought from Tibet to Buryatia, how
it was transferred to the Tsugol manba datshang and to the Aschagat medical
school and finally, how it got to the Museum of Atheism in Ulan-Ude.
Testing a Culture-Specific Extension of Objectification Theory Regarding African American Women's Body Image
Authors: Buchanan Taneisha S. , Fischer Ann R. , Tokar David M. , Yoder Janice D.
Published: July 2008

Objectification theory has emphasized objectification in terms of body shape and size. African American women may expect to be evaluated on additional physical attributes such as skin tone. Therefore, we extended previous research on objectification theory by adding separate measures of skin-tone concerns in a survey of 117 African American women. Results from a series of path analyses revealed that as hypothesized, habitual body monitoring of skin tone predicted specific skin-tone dissatisfaction as well as general shame regarding body shape and size. Contrary to theoretical predictions, self-objectification did not mediate links between habitual monitoring (of skin tone or of body size and shape) and body dissatisfaction. In terms of objectification theory, results suggest that skin tone is a relevant dimension of habitual body monitoring and dissatisfaction for some African American women.
Prosecuting Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Walsh Wendy A. , Jones Lisa M. , Cross Theodore P. , Lippert Tonya
Published: July 2008

Corroborating evidence has been associated with a decrease in children’s distress during the court process, yet few studies have empirically examined the impact of evidence type on prosecution rates. This study examined the types of evidence and whether charges were filed in a sample of child sexual abuse cases ( n = 329). Cases with a child disclosure, a corroborating witness, an offender confession, or an additional report against the offender were more likely to have charges filed, controlling for case characteristics. When cases were lacking strong evidence (confession, physical evidence, eyewitness), cases with a corroborating witness were nearly twice as likely to be charged. Charged cases tended to have at least two types of evidence, regardless of whether there was a child disclosure or not.
Telling Them What They Know
Authors: Diamond Michael A.
Published: July 2008

The author explores the psychological dynamics of feedback to clients by examining the method and processes of organizational diagnosis and change. In so doing, the concept of the unthought known is introduced along with several other psychological concepts to help explain the clients' initial response to consultant feedback. In particular, the author submits that it is not so much that clients do not know what consultants tell them at this stage of the process of organizational change as much as it is the case that they had not thought of it. This understanding of the change process and feedback to clients has important implications for working effectively with clients' inevitable defensive resistances and anxieties. Two case vignettes are offered as illustrations of defensive resistance and the unthought known in organizational change consultations.
Failure Load Prediction of a Mechanically Fastened Composite Joint Subjected to a Clamping Force
Authors: Choi Jin-Ho , Ban Chang-Su , Kweon Jin-Hwe
Published: July 2008

As fiber reinforced composites have been widely used in aircraft and space structures, their joint design has become a very important research area because these joints are often the weakest parts of composite structures. In this article, the failure load of a mechanically fastened composite joint subjected to a clamping force was tested and predicted using the failure area index (FAI) method. The failure load of composite joints subjected to clamping forces on different geometric shapes and dimensions were predicted using the FAI method, and the results were compared with experimental results. From the tests and analyses, the failure load of a mechanically fastened composite joint subjected to a clamping force could be predicted within 23% via the FAI method.
Chemical Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Analysis of Polyaniline/Copper Composite Powder
Authors: Guo Y. , Zheng M. , Chen J.
Published: July 2008

To improve the stability of fine copper powder, it was pretreated by benzotriazole first. Then ammonium persulfate was dripped into treated powder/aniline suspension to produce polyaniline/copper composite. Detected by field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and FT-IR spectroscopy, it has been proved that the composite has core-shell structure, its core is of copper particles, and its shell is interlaced with reduced half-oxidized polyaniline fibers. Tested by thermogravimetric analyzer, the composite had four stages of degradation in nitrogen and was more stable than copper powder in air.
Fracture Evaluation of GFRP—Concrete Interfaces for Freeze—Thaw and Wet-Dry Cycling
Authors: Davalos Julio F. , Kodkani Shilpa S. , Ray Indrajit , Chunfu Lin
Published: July 2008

Externally bonded glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) fabrics are being increasingly used for seismic retrofit and rehabilitation of concrete structures due to their high strength to weight ratio and low cost in comparison to carbon and aramid fibers. However, previous studies have shown that glass fibers are vulnerable to attack caused by harsh environmental weathering agents such as freezing—thawing, wetting—drying, and exposure to alkaline and acidic environments. Concerned with durability, this study is based on a fracture mechanics approach to evaluate the interface durability of GFRP bonded to normal concrete (NC) and high-performance concrete (HPC), subjected to two types of weathering protocols: (1) freeze—thaw cycling under calcium chloride, which is used to simulate the deleterious effect of the de-icing agents used on highways in wintry weather; and (2) alternate wetting and drying in a sodium-hydroxide solution, which is used to simulate the naturally occurring alkalinity due to the presence of concrete pore water, that can cause degradation due to a combination of mechanisms such as leaching and pitting of the glass fibers, and cracking and spalling of the resin matrix. Durability of the GFRP—concrete interface is characterized based on the critical strain energy release rate, under Mode-I loading, and weight and strain measurements. Unconditioned companion specimens are fractured alongside their aged counterparts to provide baseline-feedback and also enable comparative analysis of the fracture surfaces. Considerable degradation of the interface bond integrity is found to have resulted with increasing cycling period.
Morphology and Properties of Conducting Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrosulfate/Graphite Nanosheet Composites
Authors: Chaosheng Yu  , Bin Li
Published: July 2008

Polyvinyl alcohol hydrosulfate (PVA-S) was obtained by esterification reaction of polyvinyl alcohol using sulfuric acid. Nanoscale graphite (NanoG) resulting from exfoliation of expandable graphite and subsequent sonication irradiation of resulting expanded graphite shows nanoscale structure with a thickness of 40—70 nm, which also exhibits higher aspect ratios. The PVA-S/NanoG nanocomposite was fabricated by solution compounding. SEM and optical micrographs were applied to confirm the formation of the PVA-S/NanoG nanocomposite. The tensile strength, elastic modulus, and yield strength of the PVA-S/NanoG nanocomposite were measured and found to decrease with the increasing NanoG loading. The electrical conductivity rises with the increase in temperature, indicating that the temperatures are important parameters of governing the electrical conductivity. The obtained PVA-S/NanoG nanocomposite showed low percolation threshold value of about 0.2 wt%, and maximum of electrical conductivity of 5.4 × 10-5 S cm-1.
Delamination in High Speed Drilling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)
Authors: Campos Rubio Juan C. , Abrão Alexandre M. , Eustáquio Faria Paulo , Correia Antônio Esteves , Davim João Paulo
Published: July 2008

When holes are produced on carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminates, in particular for the aerospace and automotive industries, special attention should be focused on as the machining parameters influencing the damage. In this study special drill bits and high-speed cutting (HSC) are used and compared with conventional cutting conditions. The digital image of the damage was conducted in order to analyze the delamination when two composite boards were drilled simultaneously. The experimental results indicated that the use of HSC in drilling is suitable to reduce the damages produced in CFRP with material removal rate increasing considerably.
Electrical Conductivity Study of Carbon Nanotube Yarns, 3-D Hybrid Braids and their Composites
Authors: Bradford Philip D. , Bogdanovich Alexander E.
Published: July 2008

Long continuous yarns consisting solely of carbon nanotubes may be the future of specialty composites requiring unique multi-functional properties. Many of such yarns were incorporated in a hybrid composite here, to demonstrate for the first time, their effect on increasing the electrical conductivity of an otherwise insulating composite. Six-ply nanotube yarns produced by University of Texas at Dallas were used as a raw material in this study. Thirty-six ends of such yarn were utilized in a 3-D braiding process along with nine axial bundles of glass fibers. The experimental study of the electrical conductivity of the produced nanotube yarns, 3-D braids and composites made thereof is described; the results for different tested materials are mutually compared and discussed. Some non-trivial effects attributed to the complex multi-level hierarchy and nano-scale building blocks of the studied materials are revealed. Special attention is paid to a proper interpretation of the obtained experimental results, because the tested materials represent complex discrete networks of numerous electrically conductive elements.
On the Pin Bearing Behavior of Orthotropic Fiber Metal Laminates
Authors: Krimbalis P.P. , Poon C. , Behdinan K. , Fawaz Z.
Published: July 2008

Experiments enforcing a pin bearing loading configuration were performed on a fully orthotropic GLARE 4 variant. The protocol employed in such experiments stemmed from a similar methodology performed on quasi-isotropic GLARE variants though now incorporating a local measurement scheme using biaxial strain gauges rather than uniaxial ones. The aim of this local measurement was both the extraction of novel bearing yield strength values and the detection of buckling within the aluminum layers. The encouragement of delamination and buckling was key since they not only form an integral portion of the proposed yielding through delamination buckling (YDB) mechanism but in addition, the pin bearing configuration — which ipso facto, encourages the former(s) — has been identified in the literature as the most conservative and accurate means for analyzing joint behavior and collapse. Analytical calculations previously performed support the empirical findings and provide direct evidence for the hegemony of aluminum yield strength in joint collapse. The proposed and employed protocol has been shown to be effective across a comprehensive range of GLARE variants and may be extended analogously to other standardized testing methodologies.
In Situ Curable Alpha-hydroxyacid Based Degradable Polymer Composites for Injectable Biomedical Applications
Authors: Dong Xie  , Park Jong-Gu , Jun Zhao  , Yiming Weng
Published: July 2008

In Situ polymerizable liquid degradable oligomeric polyesters based upon alpha-hydroxyacids were synthesized and characterized. Injectable and in situ curable composites formulated with these oligomeric polyesters and bioabsorble beta-tricalcium phosphate, were prepared at room temperature using the redox-initiation system. The results show that increasing glycolic acid/l-lactic acid molar ratio increased the initial compressive and diametral tensile strengths and curing time but decreased the degree of conversion. Increasing molecular weight of oligomeric polyesters decreased the initial strengths, exotherm and conversion but increased the curing time. Increasing the number of initiator arm decreased the initial strengths and curing time but increased the exotherm and conversion. During the course of degradation, all the materials showed a burst degradation behavior within 24 h, followed by an increase in strength. The degradation rate is found to be dependant upon the molar ratio, molecular weight of oligomeric polyester, number of initiator arm and type of comonomer.
Critical Race Theory and Interest Convergence as Analytic Tools in Teacher Education Policies and Practices
Authors: Milner H. Richard
Published: July 2008

In The Report of the AERA Panel on Research and Teacher Education, Cochran-Smith and Zeichner's (2005) review of studies in the field of teacher education revealed that many studies lacked theoretical and conceptual grounding. The author argues that Derrick Bell's (1980) interest convergence, a principle of critical race theory, can be used as an analytic, explanatory, and conceptual tool in the study and analyses of policies and practices in teacher education. In particular, the author outlines interest convergence as a tenet of critical race theory, conceptualizes some broad themes of “raced” interests in teacher education, applies the interest-convergence principle to teacher education, and introduces an evolving theory of disruptive movement in teacher education to fight against racism in teacher education policies and practices.
The Impact of Distance on International Tourist Movements
Authors: McKercher Bob , Chan Andrew , Lam Celia
Published: July 2008

This article examines the impact of distance on global tourist flows through an analysis of departing visitor share from 41 major source markets to 146 destinations. The study concludes that 80% of all international travel occurs to countries within 1,000 kilometers of the source market and that, with few exceptions, distant destinations have great difficulty attracting more than a 1% or 2% share of departures. However, high volatility in share within each distance cohort was also noted. Regression analysis of variation in share by distance suggests that market access and the level of tourism development within a destination distort movement patterns regardless of distance. Relationship variables played an important role in short-haul travel; a mix of source, destination, and relationship characteristics influence travel to medium haul destinations; and destination attributes influence share at long-haul destinations.
The LSI-R and the Compas
Authors: Fass Tracy L. , Heilbrun Kirk , DeMatteo David , Fretz Ralph
Published: July 2008

Over the past two decades, the role of risk-needs assessment in the criminal justice system has increased substantially. This study provides validation data on the Level of Service Inventory—Revised (LSI-R) and the Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS) using a large male cohort ( N = 975) with a substantial proportion of ethnic minority offenders. In comparing the predictive validity of these tools, the authors employed a retrospective, archival, known-groups design to study outcomes of offenders released into the community from New Jersey prisons between 1999 and 2002, with a postrelease outcome period of 12 months. The results indicate that both the LSI-R composite score and the COMPAS recidivism score have inconsistent validity when tested on different ethnic/racial populations. Furthermore, the results suggest that different ethnic/racial groups have varying risk and needs factors that predict recidivism.
Studies on the Modification of Commercial Epoxy Resin using Cardanol-based Phenolic Resins
Authors: Unnikrishnan K.P. , Thachil Eby Thomas
Published: July 2008

Bisphenol A epoxy resin is blended with different phenolic novolac resins for property modification. The phenolic resins employed are (a) novolac resins derived from phenol/formaldehyde (PN) and cardanol/ formaldehyde (CDN) condensation and (b) condensation products of cardanol—phenol mixtures with formaldehyde (CPNs). Cardanol is the main constituent of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), a renewable resource. Epoxy resins containing 2.5—20 wt% of the above novolacs are prepared and tested for mechanical properties, water absorption, etc. Blends containing 5—10 wt% of novolacs show substantial improvement in properties. These properties show a declining trend with higher novolac loading. The stoichiometric ratio between phenolic material and formaldehyde in the novolacs is optimized (1:0.8) for maximum property enhancement. Among the novolacs studied, those prepared from cardanol—phenol mixtures of different molar ratios (CPNs) yield comparatively higher energy absorption at break and this property increases with increase in cardanol content in the modifier resin up to 40%. The property profiles of these epoxy—novolac blends imply a toughening action by novolac resins, especially phenol—cardanol—formaldehyde resins.
Military Service by Twentieth-century Generations of American Men
Authors: Carlson Elwood , Andress Joel
Published: July 2008

A cohort perspective contrasting four historical generations of American men reveals sharp differences in the extent to which each generation served on active military duty, in the share of that service that occurred during wartime and in the battlefield ages from seventeen to twenty-four, in the resulting rates of combat-related deaths, and in certain features of selectivity with respect to military service—chiefly education. Service data from Defense Department sources combined with population data from computerized census files produce these military profiles of the Hard Timers, Good Warriors, Lucky Few, and Baby Boomers.
Insurance, Risk, and Magical Thinking
Authors: Tykocinski Orit E.
Published: July 2008

The possession of an insurance policy may not only affect the severity of a potential loss but also its perceived probability. Intuitively, people may feel that if they are insured nothing bad is likely to happen, but if they do not have insurance they are at greater peril. In Experiment 1, respondents who were reminded of their medical insurance felt they were less likely to suffer health problems in the future compared to people who were not reminded of their medical insurance. In Experiment 2a, participants who were unable to purchase travel insurance judged the probability of travel-related calamities higher compared to those who were insured. These results were replicated in Experiment 3a in a simulation of car accident insurance. The findings are explained in terms of intuitive magical thinking, specifically, the negative affective consequences of “tempting fate” and the sense of safety afforded by the notion of “being covered.”
Contrasting portraits of war: Youths' varied experiences with political violence in Bosnia and Palestine
Authors: Barber Brian K.
Published: July 2008

This article illustrates some of the complexity of youths' experience with political violence as a means of cautioning researchers, applied professionals and policy makers against overly-simplistic conclusions and interventions when attempting to understand and serve the large populations of the world's youth who endure conflict. A variety of forms of data and their analyses from one research program are utilized to show how distinctly two cohorts of youth (Bosnian and Palestinian) experienced their respective conflicts, including: types and frequencies of political violence exposure; degree of involvement in political violence; perceptions of the meaning and efficacy of the conflict and their willingness to engage in it; its perceived impact on their psychological, social, and civic lives; as well as the implications of all of the above for their identity development.
Child development and family mental health in war and military violence: The Palestinian experience
Authors: Qouta Samir , Punamäki Raija-Leena , El Sarraj Eyad
Published: July 2008

The article reviews developmental research among Palestinians living in Gaza. The aims are, first, to analyze how exposure to traumatic events associates with children's mental health and their cognitive, emotional and social development. Second, we aimed to model familial and symbolic processes that can either harm or protect the mental health of children. Third, we wanted to learn who the resilient children are in conditions of war and military violence. The reviewed research has been conducted in the context of a Palestinian non-governmental organization, the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, during the political upheavals involving hopes for peace and intensive war and violence: the First Intifada (1987—1993), the Palestinian Authority rule (1994— ) and the Second Al Aqsa Intifada (2001— ). The results show that life threat, violence and losses form a risk for increased psychological distress. There are, however, a myriad of child, family and society related factors and psycho-socio-physiological processes that protect child development and mental health. They include, e.g. loving and wisely guiding parenting, children's flexible and high cognitive capacity, flexible and multiple coping strategies and narrative and symbolic nocturnal dreaming, as well as social support and good peer relations. Different models explain psychological distress and positive resources, including child resilience. Exposure to trauma is crucial in predicting distress, while familial and developmental issues are important in building resilience. Children's conscious and unconscious cognitive-emotional processes are crucial for underlying mental health and knowledge about them is important in tailoring evidence-based preventive interventions among war victims.
The well being of children living in chronic war zones: The Palestinian—Israeli case
Authors: Sagi-Schwartz Abraham
Published: July 2008

The paper presents a comprehensive review and integration of available studies on the effects of severe traumatic experiences on children, especially in the context of short and enduring exposure to harsh events and adversities, as they relate to children who live in violent war zones, in particular in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The review focuses on the role of risk and protective factors in determining the debilitating and damaging effects as well as resiliencies of short term and chronic catastrophic experiences on the future well being of children and emerging adults.