bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newtonian-based methodologies in multi-body dynamics
Authors: Nikravesh P E
Published: December 2008

Three commonly used methods of formulating the equations of motion for multi-body systems are reviewed in this paper. Two of these methods are Newtonian-based; i.e. the entire formulations can be derived simply based on the knowledge of Newton's laws of motion. These two methodologies result in formulations that contain many algebraic and differential equations suitable for computational procedures. The number of equations in these formulations increases as the number of moving bodies and the number of kinematic joints increase. The third reviewed methodology provides a systematic process to transform the large number of equations from any of the other two formulations to a smaller set, possibly to as many as the number of degrees of freedom in the system. This process preserves the simplicity of the original Newtonian-based formulation and, at the same time, provides significant improvement in the computational efficiency and numerical stability in any dynamic analyses.
Newtonian mechanics in scale of minutia
Authors: Teodorescu M , Rahnejat H
Published: December 2008

This article commemorates Newton's contributions to mechanics in small scale. In particular, it deals with Newtonian slow viscous action of fluids in narrow conjunctions leading to hydrodynamics. It is shown that the Newtonian continuum relies on some bulk properties of fluids as opposed to their molecular interactions. When the latter and surface energy effects become dominant, the interaction potentials deviate from the Newtonian continuum. A plethora of largely empirically based force laws are used to describe conjunctional behaviours in nanoscale, usually lightly loaded.

Some of these force laws are described, and their applicability to nanoconjunctions of very small devices and some biological systems is noted. In general, a thorough understanding of all the involved kinetics is required. Representative problems in soft nanoscale contacts in normal (humid) atmosphere are highlighted in the article. It is shown that contact load/adhesion depends on several key parameters including surface roughness, surface free energy, atmospheric moisture, and normal approach velocity.
Correlates and prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among Hijras (male transgenders) in Pakistan
Authors: Khan A A , Rehan N , Qayyum K , Khan A
Published: December 2008

This study explored the role of Hijras (male transgenders) as a core group in Pakistan's HIV epidemic. Four hundred and nine Hijras underwent detailed behavioural and biological assessment. Our subjects were young (median age: 24 years), debuted sex early and used alcohol and drugs. Sex with men, women and other Hijras along with co-habitation/marriage were reported. Most (84%) had sold sex. These reported a median of four times and at least one regular client weekly. Few used condoms. Most (94%) could identify a condom, but 42% reported never needing one. Over two-thirds had correct HIV and protective knowledge. Many reported experiencing physical abuse or forced sex (40%) and sexual orientation-related discrimination (45%). Most (58%) had sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and 38% had multiple infections. The commonest infections were syphilis (50%) and gonorrhoea (18%). Care-seeking was mainly (87%) from the private sector. High STI prevalence, commercial sex, bisexuality and infrequent protective behaviours are described. Their communal living and wider sexual networks suggest a more central role for Hijras in Pakistan's HIV epidemic. Effective HIV/STI control programmes must take the above factors into account to enrich their programme content.
Quality improvement: experience of a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Singapore
Authors: Tan H H , Soon T , Chan R K W
Published: December 2008

Over the past two years, the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infection Control Clinic (DSC) in Singapore has embarked on a programme to review and enhance its quality improvement programmes. A thorough review of its day-to-day operations was conducted, infection control processes and standard operating procedures. It capitalized on its use of computerized medical records to improve documentation and patient screening. DSC introduced risk-management protocols and revised patient, staff and workplace safety guidelines. These measures have resulted in benefits such as reduced prescription errors, fewer patient complaints and active clinical practice improvement programmes. In January 2008, DSC, along with its parent hospital the National Skin Centre, became the first ambulatory healthcare facility in Singapore, and also among the first few outside the United States to be accredited by the Joint Commission International.
A peculiar case of HIV transmission within a family in north India
Authors: Wal N , Venkatesh V , Jain P , Barua S , Tripathi A K , Agarwal S K
Published: December 2008

We describe an unusual case of heterosexual HIV transmission between two brothers within a family, due to a locally prevalent social custom of remarriage of the elder brother's widow, to the younger brother. This case of HIV secondary transmission, which could possibly have been stopped at certain points by better understanding and awareness about HIV transmission emphasizes the need for extensive post-test counselling of affected individuals and their family members.
Regulation of neural macroRNAs by the transcriptional repressor REST
Authors: Johnson Rory , Teh Christina Hui-Leng , Jia Hui , Vanisri Ravi Raj , Pandey Tridansh , Lu Zhong-Hao , Buckley Noel J. , Stanton Lawrence W. , Lipovich Leonard
Published: December 2008

The essential transcriptional repressor REST (repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor) plays central roles in development and human disease by regulating a large cohort of neural genes. These have conventionally fallen into the class of known, protein-coding genes; recently, however, several noncoding microRNA genes were identified as REST targets. Given the widespread transcription of messenger RNA-like, noncoding RNAs (“macroRNAs”), some of which are functional and implicated in disease in mammalian genomes, we sought to determine whether this class of noncoding RNAs can also be regulated by REST. By applying a new, unbiased target gene annotation pipeline to computationally discovered REST binding sites, we find that 23% of mammalian REST genomic binding sites are within 10 kb of a macroRNA gene. These putative target genes were overlooked by previous studies. Focusing on a set of 18 candidate macroRNA targets from mouse, we experimentally demonstrate that two are regulated by REST in neural stem cells. Flanking protein-coding genes are, at most, weakly repressed, suggesting specific targeting of the macroRNAs by REST. Similar to the majority of known REST target genes, both of these macroRNAs are induced during nervous system development and have neurally restricted expression profiles in adult mouse. We observe a similar phenomenon in human: the DiGeorge syndrome-associated noncoding RNA, DGCR5, is repressed by REST through a proximal upstream binding site. Therefore neural macroRNAs represent an additional component of the REST regulatory network. These macroRNAs are new candidates for understanding the role of REST in neuronal development, neurodegeneration, and cancer.
The teacher's role in promoting collaborative dialogue in the classroom
Authors: Webb Noreen M.
Published: December 2008

BackgroundResearch on student‐led small‐group learning in schools going back nearly four decades has documented many types of student participation that promote learning. Less is known about how the teacher can foster effective groupwork behaviours.

AimsThis paper reviews research that explores the role of the teacher in promoting learning in small groups. The focus is on how students can learn from their peers during small‐group work, how teachers can prepare students for collaborative group work, and the role of teacher discourse and classroom norms in small‐group dialogue.

MethodStudies selected for review focused on student‐led small‐group contexts for learning in which students were expected to collaborate, reported data from systematic observations of group work, and linked observational data to teacher practices and student learning outcomes.

Results and conclusionsThis review uncovered multiple dimensions of the teacher's role in fostering beneficial group dialogue, including preparing students for collaborative work, forming groups, structuring the group‐work task, and influencing student interaction through teachers' discourse with small groups and with the class. Common threads through the research are the importance of students explaining their thinking, and teacher strategies and practices that may promote student elaboration of ideas.
Understanding attributional biases, emotions and self‐esteem in poor me paranoia: Findings from an early psychosis sample
Authors: Fornells‐Ambrojo M. , Garety P. A.
Published: December 2008

Objectives

Trower and Chadwick's (1995) theory of two types of paranoia (‘poor me’ and ‘bad me’) provides a framework for understanding the seemingly contradictory evidence on persecutory delusions. Paranoia has been argued to defend against low self‐esteem, but people with persecutory delusions report high levels of emotional distress and, in some instances, low self‐worth. The current study investigates attributions and emotions in a sample of people with early psychosis who have persecutory delusions. ‘Poor me’ paranoia has been found to be more frequent than ‘bad me’ paranoia in the early stages of psychosis. Anger and a tendency to blame other people are hypothesized to characterize ‘poor me’ paranoia.

Design and methods

The study had a cross‐sectional design. Twenty individuals with early psychosis, 21 clinical controls with depression and 32 healthy volunteers completed a thorough assessment of emotions and attributions.

Results

The ‘poor me’ paranoia group showed higher levels of anger, anxiety and depression than the non‐clinical control group. Self‐esteem and guilt were however preserved. A tendency to blame others but not themselves was characteristic of the ‘poor me’ paranoia group whereas people in the clinical control group tended to self‐blame for failures. Anger, but not self‐esteem, was associated with an attributional bias characterized by blaming other people instead of oneself.

Conclusions

In conclusion, anger, a previously overlooked emotion in the study of persecutory delusions, warrants further attention. The other‐directed nature of this emotion highlights the potential role of interpersonal schemas in understanding paranoia.
A convenient method of obtaining percentile norms and accompanying interval estimates for self‐report mood scales (DASS, DASS‐21, HADS, PANAS, and sAD)
Authors: Crawford John R. , Garthwaite Paul H. , Lawrie Caroline J. , Henry Julie D. , MacDonald Marie A. , Sutherland Jane , Sinha Priyanka
Published: December 2008

Background

A series of recent papers have reported normative data from the general adult population for commonly used self‐report mood scales.

Aims

To bring together and supplement these data in order to provide a convenient means of obtaining percentile norms for the mood scales.

Method

A computer program was developed that provides point and interval estimates of the percentile rank corresponding to raw scores on the various self‐report scales.

Results

The program can be used to obtain point and interval estimates of the percentile rank of an individual's raw scores on the DASS, DASS–21, HADS, PANAS, and sAD mood scales, based on normative sample sizes ranging from 758 to 3822. The interval estimates can be obtained using either classical or Bayesian methods as preferred.

Conclusion

The computer program (which can be downloaded atwww.abdn.ac.uk~psy086deptMoodScore.htm) provides a convenient and reliable means of supplementing existing cut‐off scores for self‐report mood scales.
Positive change with Ménière's disease
Authors: Dibb B.
Published: December 2008

Objective The aims of this study were twofold: to determine in what way people with a non‐fatal chronic illness experience positive change after the onset of their illness, and to determine whether comparing with other people with Ménière's disease influenced perceiving this change.

Design Using a longitudinal method, questionnaires were administered at baseline and at ten‐month follow‐up.

Method At both time points 301 people with Ménière's disease completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and at baseline they also completed questionnaires measuring, demographic variables, disease severity, psychological variables (self‐esteem, perceived control, and optimism), and social comparison variables.

Results People with Ménière's disease in this study perceived positive change. Greater positive change was perceived on the domain of ‘appreciation of life,’ followed by ‘relating to others,’ ‘personal strength,’ ‘new possibilities,’ and ‘spiritual change’. In addition, more change was perceived at follow‐up than at baseline. Social comparison was associated with perceiving change at both time points.

Conclusions People with Ménière's disease do perceive positive change. Perceiving change is an on‐going process for people with Ménière's disease, as they perceived more change over time. Social comparison was related to the perception of change, in particular, to the perception of growth in personal strength.
Characterization of a Non-UBA Domain Missense Mutation of Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) in Paget's Disease of Bone
Authors: Najat Dereen , Garner Thomas , Hagen Thilo , Shaw Barry , Sheppard Paul W , Falchetti Alberto , Marini Francesca , Brandi Maria L , Long Jed E , Cavey James R , Searle Mark S , Layfield Robert
Published: December 2008

Mutations affecting the ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain of sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62) are commonly found in Paget's disease of bone (PDB) and impair SQSTM1's ability to bind ubiquitin, resulting in dysregulated NF-κB signaling. In contrast, non-UBA domain mutations are rarer, and little is known about how they manifest their effects. We present the first characterization at the molecular, cellular, and functional level of a non-UBA domain missense mutation (A381V) of SQSTM1. Direct sequencing of exon 7 of the SQSTM1 gene in an Italian PDB patient detected a heterozygous C to T transversion at position 1182, resulting in an alanine to valine substitution at codon 381. Pull-down assays showed the non-UBA region of SQSTM1 that contains A381 is important in mediating ubiquitin-binding affinity and that the A381V mutation exerts weak negative effects on ubiquitin binding. Structural and binding analyses of longer UBA constructs containing A381, using NMR spectroscopy and circular dichroism, showed this region of the protein to be largely unstructured and confirmed its contribution to increased ubiquitin-binding affinity. Co-transfections of U20S cells showed that the A381V mutant SQSTM1 co-localized with ubiquitin with a cellular phenotype indistinguishable from wildtype. Finally, effects of the wildtype and mutant SQSTM1 on NF-κB signaling were assessed in HEK293 cells co-transfected with an NF-κB luciferase reporter construct. A381V mutant SQSTM1 produced a level of activation of NF-κB signaling greater than wildtype and similar to that of UBA domain mutants, indicating that non-UBA and UBA domain mutations may exert their effects through a common mechanism involving dysregulated NF-κB signaling.
Vitamin D Status, Parathyroid Function, Bone Turnover, and BMD in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: Global Perspective
Authors: Kuchuk Natalia O , van Schoor Natasja M , Pluijm Saskia M , Chines Arkadi , Lips Paul
Published: December 2008

Poor vitamin D status is common in the elderly and is associated with bone loss and fractures. The aim was to assess worldwide vitamin D status in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis according to latitude and economic status, in relation to parathyroid function, bone turnover markers, and BMD. The study was performed in 7441 postmenopausal women from 29 countries participating in a clinical trial on bazedoxifene (selective estrogen receptor modulator), with BMD T-score at the femoral neck or lumbar spine ≤ −2.5 or one to five mild or moderate vertebral fractures. Serum 25(OH)D, PTH, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone turnover markers osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX), and BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter were measured. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 61.2 ± 22.4 nM. The prevalence of 25(OH)D <25, 25–50, 50–75, and >75 nM was 5.9%, 29.4%, 43.5%, and 21.2%, respectively, in winter and 3.0%, 22.2%, 47.2%, and 27.5% in summer. Worldwide, a negative correlation between 25(OH)D and latitude was observed. With increasing 25(OH)D categories of <25, 25–50, 50–75, and >75 nM, mean PTH, OC, and CTX were decreasing (p < 0.001), whereas BMD of all sites was increasing (p < 0.001). A threshold in the positive relationship between 25(OH)D and different BMD parameters was visible at a 25(OH)D level of 50 nM. Our study showed a high prevalence of low 25(OH)D in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis worldwide. Along with latitude, affluence seems to be an important factor for serum 25(OH)D level, especially in Europe, where it is strongly correlated with latitude.
Compound Heterozygous Mutations in the Vitamin D Receptor in a Patient With Hereditary 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-Resistant Rickets With Alopecia
Authors: Zhou Yulin , Wang Jining , Malloy Peter J , Dolezel Zdenek , Feldman David
Published: December 2008

Hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is a rare recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR). In this study, we examined the VDR in a young girl with clinical features of HVDRR including rickets, hypophosphatemia, and elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D. The girl also had total alopecia. Two mutations were found in the VDR gene: a nonsense mutation (R30X) in the DNA-binding domain and a unique 3-bp in-frame deletion in exon 6 that deleted the codon for lysine at amino acid 246 (ΔK246). The child and her mother were both heterozygous for the 3-bp deletion, whereas the child and her father were both heterozygous for the R30X mutation. Fibroblasts from the patient were unresponsive to 1,25(OH)2D3 as shown by their failure to induce CYP24A1 gene expression, a marker of 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness. [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 binding and immunoblot analysis showed that the patient's cells expressed the VDRΔK246 mutant protein; however, the amount of VDRΔK246 mutant protein was significantly reduced compared with wildtype controls. In transactivation assays, the recreated VDRΔK246 mutant was unresponsive to 1,25(OH)2D3. The ΔK246 mutation abolished heterodimerization of the mutant VDR with RXRα and binding to the coactivators DRIP205 and SRC-1. However, the ΔK246 mutation did not affect the interaction of the mutant VDR with the corepressor Hairless (HR). In summary, we describe a patient with compound heterozygous mutations in the VDR that results in HVDRR with alopecia. The R30X mutation truncates the VDR, whereas the ΔK246 mutation prevents heterodimerization with RXR and disrupts coactivator interactions.
Lack of Association of Soluble CD40 Ligand with the Presence of Acute Myocardial Infarction or Ischemic Stroke in the Emergency Department
Authors: Plaikner Michaela , Peer Andreas , Falkensammer Gerda , Schmidauer Christoph , Pechlaner Christoph , Griesmacher Andrea , Pachinger Otmar , Mair Johannes
Published: December 2008

Background: Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) has been proposed as a new risk marker for cardiovascular diseases; however, its possible role as a diagnostic marker in the emergency department (ED) has not yet been investigated.

Methods: We investigated sCD40L for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke in 1089 consecutive patients (525 males, 564 females; age, 17–98 years; median, 56 years) in an ED treating mainly adults with medical or neurologic emergencies. We used a research assay from Roche Diagnostics to measure sCD40L in heparinized plasma prepared from routinely drawn blood samples.

Results: Intraassay and interassay CVs in our laboratory ranged from 1.6%–4.2% and from 4.4%–4.9%, respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed sCD40L concentration to be significantly associated with C-reactive protein concentration (P = 0.012) and platelet count (P < 0.001). In addition, a subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between smoking and sCD40L concentration (P = 0.006). All other tested variables, including discharge diagnosis, age, sex, and other laboratory variables, showed no significant associations.

Conclusions: In adults presenting to the ED, sCD40L is not useful as a diagnostic marker for acute cardiac, cerebrovascular ischemic, or thromboembolic events.
Adapting to change: working with digital sound using open source software in a teaching and learning environment
Authors: Moore Adrian , Moore Dave
Published: December 2008

This article contributes towards knowledge and understanding of the creative use of software and hardware tools for computer music. It stems from a need to reassess strategic spending within an academic department on music IT, and an interest in the advantages of open source software
for managing musical and collaborative projects. The authors discuss the most practical way of assessing the use of Linux, a completely open source software platform with the aim of understanding how compositional paradigms migrate between computer operating systems, noting similarities between
systems, and highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the process.It is apparent that the Linux platform has much to offer, but remains limited in a number of areas of music IT that are used extensively in academia, industry and at home. However, as a platform for teaching and learning
computer music it is an ideal tool, though we conclude that some introduction at the outset is required for those who are uninitiated to a Linux-based system. The teaching and learning initiative expected students, by the end of a three-year undergraduate degree programme, to be creating their
own tools and to have a good understanding of related operating systems.
Music two-point-zero: music, technology and digital independence
Authors: Draper Paul
Published: December 2008

Internet technologies have enabled a participatory culture which is transforming value systems and opening new pathways for autonomous creativity and innovation. In this web 2.0 phenomenon, social networks continue to define the information society and, in turn, redefine music career
opportunities quite differently from traditional preconceptions. In parallel, higher education ideology is consumed by a preoccupation with branding, where universities control websites as information delivery tools, while classroom timetables and e-learning systems systematize pedagogical
models which limit students' professional potential. This paper examines this disconnect and frames a praxis intervention project to address the need for dynamic ontologies that can be maintained in a training environment reminiscent of social networking. The project details the outcomes of
a longitudinal action research project and makes the case for music 2.0 education, that is, for independent musical craft and technological expertise set in authentic learning contexts.
On student movements in the decay of the Estado Novo
Authors: Cardina Miguel
Published: December 2008

Throughout the period of nearly two decades nicknamed the long sixties, youth practices and speeches obtained their own autonomy and frequently reached the top of radical criticism regarding the socio-economic, cultural and political models that were in place. Mainly spreading from
universities, these dynamics articulated themselves at certain times quite significantly with specificities according to each country's own reality. This article intends to testify to the main characteristics of the student protests that took place in Portugal in the final years of the Estado
Novo (New State, 193274) and also to note the distances and approaches between these student movements and those that were developing during that time in the democratic western countries.
Damasio's error: homage to a source of inspiration
Authors: Dores Antnio Pedro
Published: December 2008

The 1980s developed the sociology of the body and the sociology of emotions. Both thematise embodiment and argue that traditional specialised social theories are not useful in understanding body or emotion as social study objects. My proposal is to consider a review of classic sociological
intuitions about embodiment, taking into account the new understanding of cerebral neurobiology of emotions and feelings, personal and social. The present article refers to a study of Damasio's theory applying to social emotions, developing it to look at sociological fields, as politics of
modernity. Human are mutable beings according to our special genetic ability to adapt. We adapt, as people and groups, by conquering nature, but also by transforming our bodies, our minds and our souls in manners we feel and know to be useful for each occasion. The social study of human feelings
(the key of human transformism out of reductionist rational choice theory) is not only a new subject: it is a proposal for a theoretical turn in social theory. To do that we can take the same path of neural biology proposed by Damasio.
Amination of pyrogallol nucleus of condensed tannins and related polyphenols by ammonia water treatment
Authors: Hashida Koh , Makino Rei , Ohara Seiji
Published: December 2008

The reaction behavior of condensed tannins and related polyphenols with ammonia (NH3) water was examined. NH3 water treatment of pyrogallol, gallic acid, and epigallocatechin, which have a pyrogallol nucleus, caused regioselective amination in the presence of molecular oxygen (O2) to form 2-aminoresorcinol, 4-amino-3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 4′-C-amino-epigallocatechin, respectively. In contrast, other polyphenols, such as catechol, protocatechuic acid, and epicatechin, which have a catechol nucleus, did not undergo amination even in the presence of O2. Under nitrogen atmosphere (in the absence of O2), epimerization at the C-2 position took place during NH3 treatment of epigallocatechin, in addition to amination. The same epimerization took place during NH3 treatment of epicatechin regardless of the presence or absence of O2. By NH3 treatment, pyrogallol-type B-rings of condensed tannin from Acacia mearnsii underwent regioselective amination to yield 4′-amino-3′,5′-dihydroxybenzene-type B-rings in the presence of O2, whereas catechol-type B-rings of condensed tannin from quebracho showed little amination regardless of the presence or absence of O2. From these results, it was concluded that amination of pyrogallol nucleus by NH3 treatment should proceed via oxidation and reduction, and therefore this reaction would be attributed to the oxidation property of condensed tannins and related polyphenols.
Characterizing Bond Breakages in Cemented Sands Using a MEMS Accelerometer
Authors: Wang Y. H. , Ma C. H. , Yan W. M.
Published: December 2008

In this study, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer, MEMSA (1–3 kHz), and a commercially available piezoelectric acoustic emission (AE) sensor, PZT (125–750 kHz), were used to capture AE responses in uncemented and cemented sands during triaxial compression tests. The AE rates measured in the cemented sands by both sensors demonstrated a similar trend and showed a strong resemblance to the stress-strain response. The bond breakages and the associated AE activities were mild at small strains and increased afterwards to initiate yielding. After the peak stress, shear banding gradually formed and the AE rate distinctly dropped. These observations suggest that a MEMS accelerometer can function as an effective AE sensor to detect the bond-breakage process in cemented sands. In addition, a PZT is more sensitive to the AE detection for cemented sands but a MEMSA starts earlier to capture AE and also continue to capture AE from the shear band at large strains while the PZT only measures a few or no AE activities.
An Alternative to the Cathead and Rope for the Standard Penetration Test
Authors: Kovacs WD , Griffith AH , Evans JC
Published: December 2008

Previous studies by the authors have found that a cathead and rope when used to perform standard penetration tests (SPT) have resulted in energies reaching the striker plate or anvil substantially less than those resulting from a complete or 100% free fall. In fact, depending on variables such as the number of turns of rope around the cathead, the rope age, cathead speed, and method of rope release, none of which have been standardized in the SPT, variations in the delivered energy have ranged from 25 to 70% of the theoretical free fall. In order to eliminate such variability in the delivered energy, a new hammer and lifting device have been investigated for potential use as an alternative to the cathead and rope for the performance of the SPT.

The new lifting device used is composed of a hydraulic motor-operated spool with a wire line which not only raises the 63.5-kg (140-lb) hammer 762 mm (30 in.), but reverses the spool direction to permit efficient “free fall.” The new hammer used is a sleeve-type, enclosed 63.5-kg (140-lb) hammer that falls on an internal anvil. The lifting device and the hammer combination may be used in both the manual and automatic modes. The variables tested for these devices include the fall height, mode of operation, and inclination of the drill stem.

It was found that the delivered energy is proportional to the fall height, independent of mode and independent of the drill stem inclination up to 3 deg from the vertical, and gives about the same delivered energy as the cathead and rope with one or two turns on the cathead.

Recommendations for possible future standardization of this equipment for use with the SPT are given.
A Hydraulic Tensile Test with Zero Transverse Strain for Geotechnical Fabrics
Authors: Raumann G
Published: December 2008

A novel tensile test method for geotextiles is described. The fabric is deformed in a tensile mode with zero transverse strain in the plane of the fabric. The force is supplied by hydraulic pressure to 200- by 800-mm (8- by 32-in.) test specimens. Stress-strain curves, cyclic behavior, and creep tests are reported and notable differences between different geotextiles are discussed. The test used was specifically developed to simulate fabric deformation under rutting conditions that occur in unpaved roads, but the test results are also relevant to many other field applications where the behavior involved is predominately tensile.
North American Experience in Sampling and Laboratory Dynamic Testing
Authors: Horn HM
Published: December 2008

There have been marked improvements during the past 20 years in overall soil exploration practices in North America. Much of the improvement is the result of the stringent requirements associated with subsurface investigations of nuclear power plant sites. The improved practice includes block sampling in both cohesive and noncohesive deposits, the use of rotary drilling with mud in conjunction with a fixed-piston sampler, and the freezing of undisturbed samples of granular soil after they have been drained to minimize sample disturbance during shipment or handling. In-situ freezing of granular deposits as a means of stabilizing the soil, before sampling is a promising new concept, and X-radiography has proven to be a powerful tool in studies of soil structure and sample disturbance.
New Method for the Calibration of the Inertia of Resonant Column Devices
Authors: Tatsuoka F , Silver ML
Published: December 2008

Resonant column devices are popularly used to evaluate the shear moduli and damping characteristics of soils at small strain amplitude. To use the resonant column technique it is necessary to accurately know the value of the rotational inertia of the top mass of the apparatus JA to evaluate shear modulus values derived from resonant frequency values. The paper describes a new and simple method for evaluating JA for a resonant column device using two calibration rods of known geometry. The advantage of this calibration method is that a value of JA may be determined without having to know the material properties of the calibration specimen. The paper describes the theory of the calibration technique and gives dimensions of typical calibration samples that can be used for resonant column studies. Typical measured calibration values are presented to show the accuracy of the calibration technique.
Influence of the Back Pressure Technique on the Shear Strength of Soils
Authors: Allam MM , Sridharan A
Published: December 2008

A series of consolidated-undrained triaxial tests with pore pressure measurement were carried out to study the influence of the back pressure technique on the shear strength of soils. Hand-remolded samples of normally consolidated and overconsolidated kaolinite, compacted samples of kaolinite, hand-remolded normally consolidated black cotton soil, and hand-remolded and undisturbed samples of red earth were tested with and without the back pressure technique. The results indicate that a back pressure can significantly influence the shear strength and pore pressure response of soils. Two mechanisms govern the influence of the back pressure; which one applies depends on whether the soils compress or dilate during shear. The effective stress parameters are essentially unaffected by the back pressure technique. A partial consolidation technique promises to be an effective time-saving method of determining the shear strength parameters.
The Point Load Test for the Tensile Strength of Rock
Authors: Wijk G
Published: December 2008

The theoretical background is presented for the point load test for determining the tensile strength of rock materials. Theoretical predictions of the dependence of fracture force on sample shape (in this case, spheres and cylinders) are shown to agree quite well with experimental data for Plexiglas® and rock materials. A modification of the test, the multiple point load test, is suggested to have considerable advantages from both the theoretical and the experimental points of view.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: China
Authors: Yang Zi , Lu Shannon , Nicoll Gregg A.
Published: December 2008

The Chinese economy has grown rapidly during the past two decades as a result of the open-door policy towards trade, investment, and intellectual exchange; this has brought China closer economically and culturally to the developed western world. Western culture and imported products have been gradually embraced to varying extents and in different ways. For example, the Chinese people have become more open to expressing their opinions-especially the younger generation. And consumption of consumer goods, including imported products, has dramatically increased during the past 5-10 years; the choice and type of products are increasing daily. Consequently, Chinese consumers have developed many similarities to other countries with regard to the type of product benefits desired. However, the uniqueness of the Chinese culture, the diversity of the people, influences of local traditions and history, economic regional differences, etc., still have a substantial influence on consumer desires and needs. Equally, this uniqueness also influences how consumer research is done within China.

Conducting consumer research in China is not an easy undertaking, especially when considering China has an area of 9 596 960 km2, greatly varying climates, and uneven economic development. Confounding this, China has an ethically diverse population of 1.3 billion people (www.china.org.cn∕english∕index.html) (2005), who speak Mandarin plus many other local dialects. The majority of consumer research has been conducted within large cities (e.g., Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Xian, and Sheyang) or the immediate surrounding areas. Conducting consumer research in rural areas-especially distant from the larger urban cites-is difficult and time consuming due to the lack of rapid transportation and consumer research facilities in these areas.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Cook Sheryl , Stanton Karen
Published: December 2008

Both New Zealand and Australia represent important markets in the Oceanic region, with a total population of approximately 24 million. New Zealand and Australia were both colonies of the British Empire and have many customs and traditions that originated in the UK.

Though New Zealanders and Australians are mainly of English decent, there are people from many parts of the world, primarily Pacific Islands, Asia, and Europe. Both countries have indigenous peoples: Maori in New Zealand and Aboriginal in Australia.

When conducting consumer testing in these countries, the test factors and setup are very similar to other western countries. It is most common for consumer testing to be conducted by market research companies or consultants in specialized booth facilities. Alternatively, tests can be conducted in halls or conference rooms and less commonly in shopping malls (assuming permission is granted). If you do not have the resources in these countries to conduct the consumer tests, there are a number of reputable market research companies that can be used to collect consumer data.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Philippines
Authors: Brannan Grace D. , Salle Maria Rita , Ward Cindy
Published: December 2008

The Philippines is bounded on the east by the South China Sea and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is composed of approximately 7100 islands. The total area is 300 000 sq. km (298 170 sq. km land and 1830 sq. km water). The three main islands are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon, the largest of the three islands, lies north and is home to Manila, the capital city, and the seat of government. The Visayan Islands are in the central region and are composed of Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Panay, Samar, and Leyte. The southern islands of Mindanao are the second largest and are composed of Camiguin, Basilan, and the Sulu Islands.

The Philippines has approximately 80 different dialects and languages. The national language is Pilipino based mainly on the Tagalog language. As such, the national language is referred to as Pilipino, Tagalog, or Filipino. English is widely spoken and is considered an official language. The eight major dialects or languages are: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

The climate from November to February is warm, balmy, and sunny with temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C (68 to 82°F). March to May are the hot and dry months with temperatures ranging from 27 to 35°C (81 to 95°F). June to October are the monsoon months. Floods during the rainy months can pose some testing difficulty.
Relating Consumer, Descriptive, and Laboratory Data to Better Understand Consumer Responses
Authors: Muñoz AM
Published: December 2008

Description

Relating Consumer, Descriptive, and Laboratory Data to Better Understand Consumer Responses (Manual 30) addresses one of the most important topics in the area of consumer testing: how to better understand consumer responses.

Eight chapters cover techniques used to interpret and further understand consumer responses through their relationship with other data, as well as the application of these techniques to practical industrial situations.

Readers will gain an understanding of the benefits, requirements and applications of this methodology; knowledge of the techniques used in the approach; and the required information and examples to be able to apply these techniques.

For sensory, product development and marketing/market research professionals who are involved in the interpretation of consumer data or in product formulation/reformulation work based on consumer responses.
The Basics of Testing Plastics: Mechanical Properties, Flame Exposure, and General Guidelines
Authors: Driscoll SB
Published: December 2008

Description

This manual is the first in a planned series of volumes addressing the challenges and problems associated with testing plastics. Future manuals will focus on electrical characteristics, optical and chemical properties, rheological behavior, as well as global concerns for international testing harmonization, recycling, and other important analytical techniques.

Provides basic information for persons who are not well-experienced in the testing of plastics: chemists, materials engineers, technicians, salesmen, purchasing personnel, newly-appointed laboratory supervisors, quality control personnel, shop foremen, order correspondents, and many others who may work with test data.

Chapter 1- Classification and Definitions, by Stephen Burke Driscoll -- Explains briefly some of the more important characteristics of plastics and how these relate to end-use performance. The various classification schemes illustrate the unique versatility of the polymer industry and how simple changes in the composition or structure of the polymer can significantly influence its processability and how it is used. This chapter also includes an abbreviated glossary of terms, definitions, and explanations of those important chemical additives used to modify the performance of many polymers.

Chapter 2- General Guidelines for Conducting Tests and Evaluating Data, by Alvin J. Flint, Jr.-- Avoid losing money through "false facts" from test data. Includes standard deviation, coefficient of variation, range, Least Significant Differences, and outliers. Discusses the most important aspects of ASTM test methods and specifications.

Chapter 3- Measuring Mechanical Properties of Plastics, by Alvin J. Flint, Jr. -- Three kinds of modulus, viscoelastic behavior. Important aspects of tensile, compressive, flexural, shear, impact, creep, fatigue, HDT, and weathering tests. Test equipment and how data is obtained (including computerization and automation).

Chapter 4- Responses to Flame Exposure, by Alvin J. Flint, Jr. -- Tests for ignition, flame spread, fuel contribution, smoke generation, and toxicity. Small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale tests and their usefulness, including case studies.
Radiation Curing of Coatings
Authors: Koleske JV
Published: December 2008

Description

Radiation curing technology can increase production, save money, improve working conditions, and decrease pollution. Manual 45, the only practical handbook of its kind, focuses on this growing technology and is specifically directed at those who are in the field of radiation curing of coatings, adhesives, inks, and sealants.

The manual's straightforward style makes it easily understood and allows readers to go directly from the book to their specific work area of radiation-curing technology. In general, the book relies on written explanations rather than numerous figures and tables. Because it impartially and objectively deals with these topics, the reader can decide which particular chemistry to pursue.

Industrial applications include: overprint varnishes, printing and graphic arts, automotive, plastics, electrical, electronic, optical, UV powders, and wood finishing.
Neurons in a Forebrain Nucleus Required for Vocal Plasticity Rapidly Switch between Precise Firing and Variable Bursting Depending on Social Context
Authors: Kao Mimi H. , Wright Brian D. , Doupe Allison J.
Published: December 2008

Song is a learned vocal behavior influenced by social interactions. Prior work has suggested that the anterior forebrain pathway (AFP), a specialized pallial–basal ganglia circuit critical for vocal plasticity, mediates the influence of social signals on song. Here, we investigate the signals the AFP sends to song motor areas and their dependence on social context by characterizing singing-related activity of single neurons in the AFP output nucleus LMAN (lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium). We show that interaction with females causes marked, real-time changes in firing properties of individual LMAN neurons. When males sing to females (“directed”), LMAN neurons exhibit reliable firing of single spikes precisely locked to song. In contrast, when males sing alone (“undirected”), the same LMAN neurons exhibit prominent burst firing and trial-by-trial variability. Burst structure and timing vary substantially across repeated undirected trials. Despite context-dependent differences in firing statistics, the average pattern of song-locked firing for an individual neuron is similar across behavioral contexts, suggesting a common underlying signal. Different LMAN neurons in the same bird, however, exhibit distinct firing patterns, suggesting that subsets of neurons jointly encode song features. Together, our findings demonstrate that behavioral interactions reversibly transform the signaling mode of LMAN neurons. Such changes may contribute to rapid switching of motor activity between variable and precise states. More generally, our results suggest that pallial–basal ganglia circuits contribute to motor learning and production through multiple mechanisms: patterned signals could guide changes in motor output while state-dependent variability could subserve motor exploration.
Shift in the Balance between Excitation and Inhibition during Sensory Adaptation of S1 Neurons
Authors: Heiss Jaime E. , Katz Yonatan , Ganmor Elad , Lampl Ilan
Published: December 2008

Sustained stimulation of sensory organs results in adaptation of the neuronal response along the sensory pathway. Whether or not cortical adaptation affects equally excitation and inhibition is poorly understood. We examined this question using patch recordings of neurons in the barrel cortex of anesthetized rats while repetitively stimulating the principal whisker. We found that inhibition adapts more than excitation, causing the balance between them to shift toward excitation. A comparison of the latency of thalamic firing and evoked excitation and inhibition in the cortex strongly suggests that adaptation of inhibition results mostly from depression of inhibitory synapses rather than adaptation in the firing of inhibitory cells. The differential adaptation of the evoked conductances that shifts the balance toward excitation may act as a gain mechanism which enhances the subthreshold response during sustained stimulation, despite a large reduction in excitation.