bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Surface Asperities Analysis to Investigate Wear of Bodies in Contact on Example of Brake Elements
Authors: Wieczorowski Michał , Mrozek Robert , Andrałojć Paweł
Published: November 2010

The Use of Surface Asperities Analysis to Investigate Wear of Bodies in Contact on Example of Brake Elements

The use of surface analysis to investigate brake elements shows how a pair in contact works and wears out during regular operation. The main purpose of this paper is to describe the asperities from initial state to a moment when further use of the drum and shoe is not possible. Between exchange of vital brake elements a truck with total mass exceeding 3.5 tons can cover as many as 300 000 kilometres. Use of brakes during the first 1000 kilometres after maintenance should be rather gentle with possibly intensive use of engine brake installed in the truck itself, because if this rule is not adhered to it may lead to a significant decrease of the braking force and on the surface of the pair in contact a layer will appear that is not possible to wear off and that will make it impossible to stop a truck using brakes. In that condition the shoe should be immediately replaced and the drum should be remachined (by turning) to a repair dimension. In the paper the condition and analysis of a surface after different course of exploitation was presented.
Broadband Microwave Correlator of Noise Signals
Authors: Susek Waldemar , Stec Bronisław
Published: November 2010

Broadband Microwave Correlator of Noise Signals

A real narrowband noise signal representation in the form of an analytical signal in the Hilbert space is presented in the paper. This analytical signal is illustrated in a variable complex plane as a mark with defined amplitude, phase, pulsation and instantaneous frequency. A block diagram of a broadband product detector in a quadrature system is presented. Measurement results of an autocorrelation function of a noise signal are shown and the application of such solution in a noise radar for precise determination of distance changes as well as velocities of these changes are also presented. Conclusions and future plans for applications of the presented detection technique in broadband noise radars bring the paper to an end.
Hidden diversity in Arctic crustaceans. How many roles can a species play?
Authors: Węsławski Jan , Opanowski Artur , Legeżyńska Joanna , Maciejewska Barbara , Włodarska-Kowalczuk Maria , Kędra Monika
Published: November 2010

Hidden diversity in Arctic crustaceans. How many roles can a species play?

The life modes and sizes of 98 species of higher crustaceans (Malacostraca) from Hornsund and Kongsfjorden (Svalbard fjords) were analyzed. The majority (90%) of the species were perennial, K strategists, with eight- to tenfold size differences between newborn and adult specimens. The largest species are carnivores and carrion feeders, while the smallest are sediment-dwelling suspension and deposit feeders. Compared with the crustacean fauna of northern Norway (over 500 species), the Svalbard fjord crustacean fauna is less diverse (below 150 species). The crustacean species populations from the Arctic fjord are more numerous (average number of ind./species/m2) compared to those of the northern Norway boreal fjords. Crustaceans with long life cycles and distinct size difference between juveniles and adults represent three to five ecologically different functional "species" each, since the smaller size groups of the same species differ with regard to their mobility, food and habitat use. Thus, crustaceans are ecologically and functionally more diverse than expected from simple species count.
Preventing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Are Drugs the Answer?
Authors: Fletcher Susan , Creamer Mark , Forbes David
Published: November 2010

In the field of traumatic stress, chemoprophylaxis is a term that is often used but rarely well understood. There has been no shortage of debate on the issue, but few rigorous studies to ground the discussion. The purpose of the current paper is to explore the issues surrounding this contentious area. Databases including PubMed, PsychArticles and Web of Knowledge were searched using the key words ‘chemo or pharmaco’, ‘prevention or prophylaxis’, and ‘PTSD or post-traumatic stress’. Relevant journals and reference lists of the papers obtained through this search were scanned for additional references. Studies that investigated the use of pharmacotherapy to prevent the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder were considered for this paper. Studies that examined the treatment of established PTSD were excluded. A total of 15 empirical studies were included in the review (including five randomized controlled trials), and twice as many non-data-driven papers. Evidence for the prophylactic use of alcohol, morphine, propranolol, and hydrocortisone is presented, followed by a discussion of the many challenges of using pharmacological interventions in this context. While attention to this issue has increased in recent times, the dearth of empirical data has done little to further the field. Larger studies are indicated following small trials with medications such as propranolol and hydrocortisone. There remain a number of ethical and practical questions to be answered before the widespread use of chemoprophylaxis can be recommended.
Association of Demographic Characteristics, Symptomatology, Retrospective and Prospective Memory, Executive Functioning and Intelligence with Social Functioning in Schizophrenia
Authors: Xiang Yu-Tao , Shum David , Chiu Helen F. K. , Tang Wai-Kwong , Ungvari Gabor S.
Published: November 2010

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the influence of socio-demographic and clinical factors and neurocognitive variables (i.e. prospective and retrospective memory, executive functioning, and intelligence) on social functioning in Chinese schizophrenia patients.

Methods: The study sample comprised 110 Chinese schizophrenia patients. Their clinical condition and social functioning were evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Functional Needs Assessment (FNA), respectively. Three prospective memory (PM) tasks (time-, event-, and activity-based), three tests of executive functioning (the Design Fluency Test [DFT], Tower of London [TOL], and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [WCST]), one test of intelligence (Raven's Progressive Matrices), and two retrospective memory (RM) tasks (the immediate and delayed recall conditions of the Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scales-Revised [WMS-R]) were administered to all patients.

Results: In correlation analyses higher education and better performance on the WCST (categories completed) and the Logical Memory subtests (delayed and immediate) of the WMS-R are significantly correlated with better social functioning, whereas a lower WCST score (perseverative errors) and more severe negative symptoms are associated with poorer social functioning. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher education and a lower WCST score (perseverative errors) independently contribute to better social functioning.

Conclusions: Unexpectedly, most socio-demographic and clinical factors do not seem to have a significant impact on social functioning of Chinese schizophrenia patients living in a Chinese society. Negative symptoms and certain cognitive deficits were the main predictors of social functioning and they should be the main targets for antipsychotic treatment and psychosocial interventions to improve social adjustment in Chinese schizophrenia patients.
Australian and Canadian Mental Health Acts Compared
Authors: Gray John Ellery , McSherry Bernadette Maree , O'Reilly Richard L. , Weller Penelope June
Published: November 2010

Objective: The main objective of this paper is to compare the mental health Acts of the eight Australian jurisdictions and the 13 Canadian jurisdictions on three major issues: involuntary admission criteria, treatment authorization/consent and compulsory treatment in the community, in the light of international trends towards patients’ rights.

Method: The legislation was examined against the background of rights instruments such as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Results: It was found that some Canadian involuntary admission criteria require the likelihood of bodily harm whereas all Australian Acts have broad harm and deterioration criteria. Unlike all Australian jurisdictions, some Canadian jurisdictions allow for the refusal of treatment that may be required for discharge. In addition, Canadian community treatment orders are much more restrictive than in Australia because they require a person to have considerable previous hospitalization despite meeting the committal criteria. Australian jurisdictions can use community treatment orders as a least restrictive alternative to inpatient status without prior hospitalization.

Conclusions: The paper concludes that there are significant philosophical differences regarding the purpose of involuntary admission between Australian and some Canadian jurisdictions where treatment refusal is possible. Australian mental health Acts have a relatively stronger ‘treatment’ focus than some Canadian Acts. The apparently stronger ‘rights’ focus of some Canadian laws (such as the permission of treatment refusal) can paradoxically result in a denial of liberty rights. The way in which the relevant legislation is shaped in both countries will increasingly be affected by international trends towards the rights of individuals with disabilities.
Is There Evidence of ‘Hardening’ Among Australian Smokers Between 1997 and 2007? Analyses of the Australian National Surveys of Mental Health and Well-Being
Authors: Mathews Rebecca , Hall Wayne D. , Gartner Coral E.
Published: November 2010

Objectives: To use data from the 1997 and 2007 National Surveys of Mental Health and Well-Being (NSMHWB) to assess whether Australian smokers in 2007 have higher rates of mental distress and social disadvantage than smokers in 1997.

Method: We compared symptoms of mental distress and social disadvantage in Australian smokers in the 1997 and 2007 National Surveys of Mental Health and Well-Being (N = 10 373 in 1997 and N = 8135 in 2007). Both surveys used multistage probability samples of Australians living in private dwellings.

Participants were classified into smokers and non-smokers (which included former and never smokers). We used the Kessler 10 (K10) symptom score to classify smokers into three levels of psychological distress (low, medium or high) and socioeconomic disadvantage was measured using an area-based index of relative disadvantage converted into quintiles.

We used logistic regressions to: (i) examine associations between smoking status (smoker/non-smoker) and psychological distress and socioeconomic disadvantage in 1997 and 2007 surveys; and (ii) to test whether the prevalence of psychological distress and social disadvantage among smokers increased between 1997 and 2007.

Results: Psychological distress and social disadvantage were more common among smokers than non-smokers in both surveys but there was no evidence that the prevalence of psychological distress or social disadvantage was more common among smokers in 2007 than in 1997.

Conclusion: We find no evidence that the declining smoking prevalence in Australia (over the last decade) has been accompanied by a ‘hardening’ of continuing smokers in terms of rates of mental disorders and socioeconomic disadvantage.
Reducing Impulsivity in Repeat Violent Offenders: An Open Label Trial of a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Authors: Butler Tony , Schofield Peter W. , Greenberg David , Allnutt Stephen H. , Indig Devon , Carr Vaughan , D'Este Catherine , Mitchell Philip B. , Knight Lee , Ellis Andrew
Published: November 2010

Background: The association between serotonergic dysfunction and aggression has prompted the use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a means of controlling impulsive violent behaviour. The aim of the current study was to examine the feasibility of using an SSRI to treat impulsivity in a group of repeat violent offenders.

Methods: Potential participants were recruited from three magistrates’ court complexes in the Sydney metropolitan area and all had histories of violent offending (at least one prior conviction for a violent offence). Those who scored highly on the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), passed medical and psychiatric evaluations and consented to treatment were prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) over a three month period.

Results: Thirty-four individuals commenced the trial, with 20 completing the three month intervention. Reductions were observed across a range of behavioural measures from baseline to 3 months: impulsivity (35%), irritability (45%), anger (63%), assault (51%), verbal-assault (40%), indirect-assault (63%), and depression (62%). All those who completed the three month trial requested to continue sertraline under the supervision of their own medical practitioner.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that treating impulsive violent individuals in the criminal justice system with an SSRI is a potential treatment opportunity for this population. An adequately powered randomized control trial of this intervention is warranted.
L'analyse comparative entre les sexes : la difficile mise en œuvre du droit à l'égalité. Analyse du Rapport de la vérificatrice générale du Canada
Authors: Langevin Louise
Published: November 2010

This article analyzes the first chapter of the 2009 spring Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the House of Commons concerning gender-based analysis, in which Sheila Fraser provides the first critical evaluation of the implementation of gender-based analysis in Canada. She finds that most of the ministries reviewed still do not make systematic use of gender-based analysis and concludes that Canada has failed to comply with its national and international obligations to implement women's substantive equality under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The author recommends that given the government's continued lack of leadership in this area, Parliament should move ahead with the adoption of legislation that requires the federal government to use gender-based analysis and to implement the auditor general's recommendations.
Bone Health and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gorman Erin , Chudyk Anna M. , Madden Kenneth M. , Ashe Maureen C.
Published: November 2010

Purpose: To systematically review the literature related to bone health in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature from January 2005 until February 2010, using keywords related to T2DM and bone-health imaging technology in older adults (aged ≥60 years) to search PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, Ageline, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO.

Results: We found a total of 13 studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review. The majority of the studies used dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and showed either higher or similar areal bone mineral density (aBMD) for older adults with T2DM relative to healthy controls. Studies using more advanced imaging suggested that there may be differences in bone geometry between older adults with and without T2DM.

Conclusions: Older adults with T2DM have similar or higher aBMD at the hip relative to older adults without T2DM, despite previous literature reporting an increased risk of low-trauma fractures. Recent studies with advanced imaging have suggested that there may be differences in bone geometry between older adults with T2DM and those without. Health professionals, especially physiotherapists, should be aware of the increased risk and include assessment of fall risk factors and exercise prescription for fall prevention for older adults with T2DM.
Evaluation of Time of Set for Concrete Mix in Cold Weather with HIPERPAV Wisconsin Model
Authors: Ruiz J. Mauricio , Xu Qinwu
Published: November 2010

The major objective of this research was to evaluate time of set (TOS) predictions with the HIPERPAV Wisconsin software for cold weather concrete paving when Class C fly ash is used. The effects of Class C fly ash on the hydration properties and TOS of paving concrete were investigated on State Highway 95 near Alma Center, Wisconsin. Researchers teamed with the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center of Iowa State University to select the highway project and to conduct field testing, isothermal, and semi-adiabatic calorimetry for that project. The project data and experimental information were used to compare measured TOS with that predicted by the HIPERPAV Wisconsin software. The TOS computed with the HIPERPAV model was compared with the TOS obtained by the ASTM C403 test method and the thermal TOS computed by the derivatives method from isothermal test data. It was concluded that the HIPERPAV model may overestimate TOS predictions for Class C fly ash and alternative solutions to solve this problem were recommended.
Fundamental Investigations into Performance of Carbon-Neutral Rice Husk Ash as Supplementary Cementitious Material
Authors: Harish K. V. , Rangaraju P. R. , Vempati R. K.
Published: November 2010

Although the benefits of rice husk ash (RHA) as a pozzolan have been known for a long time, its use in concrete has been limited. Past efforts to produce RHA have yielded ashes, some with high carbon content and others with some crystalline silica, neither of which is desirable for use of RHA as a pozzolan. Within the past decade, the production of off-white-colored RHA containing high levels of amorphous silica and very little carbon has become possible through innovations in incineration techniques. Results are presented from a study conducted to ascertain the properties of a low-carbon-content RHA and evaluate it as a supplementary cementing material. In addition, the as-obtained RHA was ground to a smaller particle size to study the effect of finer ash on properties of cementitious mixtures. Specific tests conducted include pozzolanic reactivity and microstructure of RHA and other properties of cementitious pastes and mortars. These include flow, initial and final setting time, compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength. In addition, other tests such as water absorption, effective porosity, and rapid chloride ion permeability were conducted to ascertain the improvements offered by RHA in enhancing durability of cementitious mixes. Comparative studies were conducted with silica fume mixes. Results from this study are very encouraging and suggest that RHA produced with a consistent quality (i.e., high amorphous silica content and low carbon content) can serve as an environmentally friendly and sustainable supplement for cementitious material needs in future; it can reduce the carbon footprint of concrete.
Development of End-Result Specifications for Concrete in Virginia
Authors: Ozyildirim Celik
Published: November 2010

A study described the development of the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) end-result specifications (ERSs) for hydraulic cement concrete. The work had two phases. In Phase 1, a special provision was developed and applied to two pilot projects. In Phase 2, the special provision was applied to more pilot projects from districts across Virginia. Pay adjustments were not applied for the pilot projects; VDOT's current specifications were applied for acceptance and rejection. The ERSs have three parts. The first part introduces process control measures. The contractor is responsible for the concrete design and is required to provide a quality control plan. The plan addresses all elements that affect quality, including mixture designs, aggregate sources, ingredients, tests and testing frequency, fresh and hardened concrete properties, and control charts. The second part covers the mixture design approval by VDOT. The third part covers project acceptance, which includes pay adjustments depending on test results. The pilot projects are continuing. However, some of the features of the ERS are already included in the supplemental specifications, such as using combined cementitious material and using curing boxes with continuously recording thermometers. Or they are permitted if requested by the contractor and approved by the project engineer, such as using combined aggregates, mixing gravel and crushed stone, combining retarding admixtures and water-reducing admixtures, and exceeding the 300 revolution limit or the time limit of 1.5 h from the addition of water.
Resistance of Portland Cement Pervious Concrete to Deicing Chemicals
Authors: Cutler Heath E. , Wang Kejin , Schaefer Vernon R. , Kevern John T.
Published: November 2010

The damaging impact of deicing chemicals on portland cement pervious concrete materials was investigated. Two concrete mixes (with and without latex modification) were subjected to three deicing chemicals (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and calcium-magnesium acetate) under a freezing–thawing or drying–wetting condition. Two deicing chemical application methods (saturated and drained) were employed. The impact of deicing chemicals on the concrete was evaluated based on concrete mass and strength losses. Of the deicing chemicals studied, the calcium chloride solution caused the most damage, while the calcium magnesium acetate caused the least. The saturated scaling test method, followed according to ASTM C672, provided much higher mass loss of tested concrete samples when compared with a modified, more realistic drained test method.
Cracking Tendency of Bridge Deck Concrete
Authors: Byard Benjamin E. , Schindler Anton K. , Barnes Robert W. , Rao Akash
Published: November 2010

Early-age cracking can adversely affect the behavior and durability of bridge deck concrete. Cracking of hardening concrete occurs when the induced tensile stress exceeds the tensile strength of the concrete. The development of in-place stresses is affected by the shrinkage, modulus of elasticity, coefficient of thermal expansion, setting characteristics, restraint conditions, stress relaxation, and temperature history of the hardening concrete. Tensile strength increases as the hydration of the cementitious system progresses. Rigid cracking frame (RCF) testing techniques capture the combined effects of modulus of elasticity, creep and relaxation, coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, autogenous shrinkage, and tensile strength on the cracking potential of a mixture in a specific application. This paper describes an experimental evaluation of the effect of supplementary cementing materials, water-to-cement ratio (w/c), and placement temperature conditions on the early-age cracking tendency of bridge deck concrete through the use of RCF testing techniques. Specimens were tested under temperature conditions that match those in an 8-in.-thick bridge deck to explore early-age cracking mechanisms. The laboratory testing program revealed that the placement temperature and curing temperature significantly affected the time to cracking of all the mixtures. Use of either fly ash or ground-granulated blast-furnace slag was effective in reducing the heat generation and rate of stiffness development in bridge deck concretes and thus in significantly reducing restraint stresses and delayed the occurrence of cracking at early ages. A decrease in w/c resulted in increased stresses, and it accelerated the occurrence of cracking at early ages.
Evaluating the Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Pervious Concrete Pavement
Authors: Rizvi Rabiah , Tighe Susan , Henderson Vimy , Norris Jodi
Published: November 2010

Pervious concrete with minimal fine aggregate and a high void content is a green alternative to conventional pavements. Pervious concrete allows water to infiltrate through the pavement and thereby reduces the requirement for storm water management systems. Virgin aggregate sources within Canada are limited, and other sources need to be evaluated for use. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is obtained from decommissioned curbs and gutters, sidewalks, and parking lots. Using RCA in new concrete offers several environmental advantages: reducing dumping at landfill sites, reducing gravel mining, and reducing hauling of virgin aggregate and therefore reducing emissions. The purpose of a research study was to incorporate RCA into pervious concrete to create a very sustainable concrete product for paving. The research methodology involved substituting the coarse aggregate in the pervious concrete with 15%, 30%, 50%, and 100% RCA. Cylinders were cast in the laboratory for each percentage of RCA and a control mix containing only virgin aggregate. Fresh concrete tests were done, and the cylinders were tested for compressive strength, permeability, and void content. Testing showed that pervious concrete containing 15% RCA had strength, permeability, and void content that were very similar to those of the control mix. Samples that contained 30% RCA or greater had a significant loss in strength and increase in permeability and void content. Based on the specific mix design and RCA quality used in this research, the recommendation is that the optimum percentage of RCA in pervious concrete be 15% direct replacement of virgin coarse aggregate.
System of Systems Approach to Maritime Transportation Governance
Authors: Mansouri Mo , Gorod Alex , Wakeman Thomas , Sauser Brian
Published: November 2010

A systems engineering approach is applied to redefine the maritime transportation system through a holistic perspective. The view presented in this paper allows the identification of constituents of the maritime transportation network along with external factors and constraints that affect the network's operation. The maritime network is considered at a system-of-systems level of abstraction, and a maritime transportation system of systems is defined. On the basis of characteristics of the system of systems and network management theory, a model for governing the maritime transportation system of systems is presented that addresses four key questions of effective governance: (a) What can be influenced? (b) Why is the influence needed? (c) How should the influence be exerted? (d) When is the purpose of influencing served? The model presented serves as a systems foundation for a new paradigm of maritime transportation governance.
Comparative Strategies for Developing Hinterland Transport by Container Barge
Authors: Konings Rob , van der Horst Martijn , Hutson Nathan , Kruse Jim
Published: November 2010

The development of intermodal barging has gained strategic importance in the hinterland transport systems of container seaports. This paper discusses strategies to develop container barge transport further as a hinterland system. This development is addressed in the context of U.S. ports, where container barge transport is still underdeveloped, and the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, which has the most extensive container barge hinterland system in Europe, but where continued development of container barge transport has been stagnating. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis is performed to define development strategies. Because of the different levels of container barge development in U.S. ports and the Port of Rotterdam, different strategies are needed. The main challenge for Rotterdam is to restructure the container barge hinterland system to restore its competitive strength in terms of cost and reliability, thereby enabling the port to handle much larger container volumes in an efficient way. The main causes of the problems are seaport related; that is, the inefficient handling of barges in the port, and hence the strategies used in Rotterdam should be focused on solving these problems. The causes of the underdevelopment of container barging in U.S. ports are much broader and, therefore, need a combination of general and context-specific strategies. A major conclusion is that in both cases multiple public- and private-sector actors have important roles to play to develop further the container barge hinterland system.
Optimization Model for Transportation of Container Cargoes considering Short Sea Shipping and External Cost
Authors: Chang Young-Tae , Lee Paul T.-W. , Kim Hwa-Joong , Shin Sung-Ho
Published: November 2010

To alleviate harm to the environment, short sea shipping (SSS) is gaining popularity in transportation policy formulation as an alternative transport mode for ecofriendly and cost-efficient transportation. There have been no studies of how to optimize intermodal container movement incorporating environmental aspects into SSS networks. This paper analyzes an intermodal transportation problem of international container cargoes while incorporating the external costs of the modes into an optimization model in South Korea. The objective of the problem is to minimize the total logistic costs, that is, shipping and land transportation costs, as well as external costs such as air pollutants (particulate matter, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds) and greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide). The results of the model show a strong foundation for encouraging more environmentally friendly modes, such as SSS and rail, and a well-balanced modal shift if transport policy is formulated in this direction.
Cost-Effectiveness of Five Emission Reduction Strategies for Inland River Tugs and Towboats
Authors: Papson Andrew , Hartley Seth , Browning Lou
Published: November 2010

Waterborne transit is one of the safest and most efficient forms of goods movement. The tug and tow industry transports more than 800 million tons of cargo each year and is a vital component of the U.S. intermodal freight transportation network. However, emissions from tugboat operations on the nation's inland river waterways and at ports affect air quality, public health, and welfare. Although ports and vessel operators can mitigate these environmental impacts with a variety of technological and operational strategies, the effectiveness and cost of each strategy vary greatly. This study analyzes the cost-effectiveness of five tugboat emission reduction strategies: (a) vessel engine repowering, (b) vessel speed reduction, (c) biodiesel, (d) diesel particulate filters, and (e) selective catalytic reduction. Each strategy is evaluated for its emissions benefits, total costs to involved parties (potentially including the tugboat industry, ports, and government agencies), and overall cost-effectiveness in reducing emissions of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide. Application to the Ports of St. Louis, Missouri, and Houston, Texas, show that the cost-effectiveness of each strategy varies by port and depends on characteristics of the local tugboat fleet. The results of this study can be applied by public agencies and private operators when considering investments in tugboat emission reduction measures.
The Dynasty Advantage: Family Ties in Congressional Elections
Authors: FEINSTEIN BRIAN D.
Published: November 2010

Political dynasties, families in which multiple members have held elected office, commonly feature in the U.S. Congress. I explored the electoral origins of this phenomenon and determined that members of political dynasties have a significant advantage over first‐generation politicians in open‐seat House elections. Using an original dataset containing candidate‐ and district‐level covariates for all candidates in open‐seat House contests between 1994 and 2006, I found that dynastic politicians enjoy “brand name advantages,” giving them a significant edge over comparable nondynastic opponents. In contrast, hypotheses concerning potential advantages stemming from past political experience and fundraising ability yield null results.
The Appointment of Rapporteurs in the European Parliament
Authors: YOSHINAKA ANTOINE , MCELROY GAIL , BOWLER SHAUN
Published: November 2010

Committee rapporteurs are central to decision making in many multiparty legislatures. It is not clear, however, whether these rapporteurs are best characterized as partisan animals or technical experts seeking consensus in nonmajoritarian institutions. We addressed this question by examining which members of the European Parliament become repeat rapporteurs. Using an original dataset comprising all committee reports from the 4th and 5th European Parliaments (1994–2004), we found that the report allocation process provides a way to pursue partisan policy goals within a multiparty, consensual institution that rewards both coalition building and expertise.
Familial Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lynch Henry T. , Lynch Jane F. , Lanspa Stephen J.
Published: November 2010

Pancreatic cancer’s high mortality rate equates closely with its incidence, thereby showing the need for development of biomarkers of its increased risk and a better understanding of its genetics, so that high-risk patients can be better targeted for screening and early potential lifesaving diagnosis. Its phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity is extensive and requires careful scrutiny of its pattern of cancer associations, such as malignant melanoma associated with pancreatic cancer, in the familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome, due to the CDKN2A germline mutation. This review is designed to depict several of the hereditary pancreatic cancer syndromes with particular attention given to the clinical application of this knowledge into improved control of pancreatic cancer.
A Review of Fusion and Tokamak Research Towards Steady-State Operation: A JAEA Contribution
Authors: Kikuchi Mitsuru
Published: November 2010

Providing a historical overview of 50 years of fusion research, a review of the fundamentals and concepts of fusion and research efforts towards the implementation of a steady state tokamak reactor is presented. In 1990, a steady-state tokamak reactor (SSTR) best utilizing the bootstrap current was developed. Since then, significant efforts have been made in major tokamaks, including JT-60U, exploring advanced regimes relevant to the steady state operation of tokamaks. In this paper, the fundamentals of fusion and plasma confinement, and the concepts and research on current drive and MHD stability of advanced tokamaks towards realization of a steady-state tokamak reactor are reviewed, with an emphasis on the contributions of the JAEA. Finally, a view of fusion energy utilization in the 21st century is introduced.
Bringing Modeling to the Masses: A Web Based System to Predict Potential Species Distributions
Authors: Graham Jim , Newman Greg , Kumar Sunil , Jarnevich Catherine , Young Nick , Crall Alycia , Stohlgren Thomas J. , Evangelista Paul
Published: November 2010

Predicting current and potential species distributions and abundance is critical for managing invasive species, preserving threatened and endangered species, and conserving native species and habitats. Accurate predictive models are needed at local, regional, and national scales to guide field surveys, improve monitoring, and set priorities for conservation and restoration. Modeling capabilities, however, are often limited by access to software and environmental data required for predictions. To address these needs, we built a comprehensive web-based system that: (1) maintains a large database of field data; (2) provides access to field data and a wealth of environmental data; (3) accesses values in rasters representing environmental characteristics; (4) runs statistical spatial models; and (5) creates maps that predict the potential species distribution. The system is available online at www.niiss.org, and provides web-based tools for stakeholders to create potential species distribution models and maps under current and future climate scenarios.
5,6-Didehydroginsenosides from the Roots of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Wan Jian-Bo , Zhang Qing-Wen , Hong Si-Jia , Guan Jia , Ye Wen-Cai , Li Shao-Ping , Lee Ming-Yuen Simon , Wang Yi-Tao
Published: November 2010

Two minor novel dammarane-type saponins—5,6-didehydroginsenoside Rd (1) and 5,6-didehydroginsenoside Rb1 (2)—were isolated from the dried roots of Panax notoginseng along with sixteen known saponins. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods.
Feasibility of Fiber Bragg Grating and Long-Period Fiber Grating Sensors under Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Wang Jian-Neng , Tang Jaw-Luen
Published: November 2010

This paper presents the feasibility of utilizing fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and long-period fiber grating (LPFG) sensors for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of infrastructures using Portland cement concretes and asphalt mixtures for temperature, strain, and liquid-level monitoring. The use of hybrid FBG and LPFG sensors is aimed at utilizing the advantages of two kinds of fiber grating to implement NDE for monitoring strains or displacements, temperatures, and water-levels of infrastructures such as bridges, pavements, or reservoirs for under different environmental conditions. Temperature fluctuation and stability tests were examined using FBG and LPFG sensors bonded on the surface of asphalt and concrete specimens. Random walk coefficient (RWC) and bias stability (BS) were used for the first time to indicate the stability performance of fiber grating sensors. The random walk coefficients of temperature variations between FBG (or LPFG) sensor and a thermocouple were found in the range of −0.7499 °C/ to −1.3548 °C/. In addition, the bias stability for temperature variations, during the fluctuation and stability tests with FBG (or LPFG) sensors were within the range of 0.01 °C/h with a 15–18 h time cluster to 0.09 °C/h with a 3–4 h time cluster. This shows that the performance of FBG or LPFG sensors is comparable with that of conventional high-resolution thermocouple sensors under rugged conditions. The strain measurement for infrastructure materials was conducted using a packaged FBG sensor bonded on the surface of an asphalt specimen under indirect tensile loading conditions. A finite element modeling (FEM) was applied to compare experimental results of indirect tensile FBG strain measurements. For a comparative analysis between experiment and simulation, the FEM numerical results agreed with those from FBG strain measurements. The results of the liquid-level sensing tests show the LPFG-based sensor could discriminate five stationary liquid-levels and exhibits at least 1,050-mm liquid-level measurement capacity. Thus, the hybrid FBG and LPFG sensors reported here could benefit the NDE development and applications for infrastructure health monitoring such as strain, temperature and liquid-level measurements.
Large Lateral Photovoltaic Effect in Metal-(Oxide-)Semiconductor Structures
Authors: Yu Chongqi , Wang Hui
Published: November 2010

The lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) can be used in position-sensitive detectors to detect very small displacements due to its output of lateral photovoltage changing linearly with light spot position. In this review, we will summarize some of our recent works regarding LPE in metal-semiconductor and metal-oxide-semiconductor structures, and give a theoretical model of LPE in these two structures.
Health effects of moniliformin: a poorly understood Fusarium mycotoxin
Authors: Peltonen K. , Jestoi M. , Eriksen G.
Published: November 2010

The contamination of the food and feed chain with mycotoxins and the subsequent threat to human health and animal
welfare is evident. Today mycotoxin research is still strongly focused on mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin
A and for Fusarium fungi mainly the trichothecenes deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 and HT-2 toxins. However,
fungi of the Fusarium genus are clearly capable of synthesising other mycotoxins as well, including moniliformin
(MON). The occurrence of MON is worldwide and the levels in grains vary from below the limit of quantification
to the highest detected value in maize intended for human consumption being close to 20 mg/kg. In Finland and
Norway, the reported levels are typically a few hundreds of micrograms per kilogram. The toxicology of MON is
not well understood. It is characterised by major species differences but typically MON evokes myocardiac damage.
For MON, No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) has not been established and a provisional Tolerable Daily
Intake (pTDI) value has not been proposed. In our risk assessment, we applied a NOAEL value of 10 mg/kg bw/day
which is based on our unpublished subchronic exposure experiments. By applying this value in the risk assessment
combined with the estimated intakes from food in Finland and Norway, it seems that MON per se does not pose a
clear threat to human health at current levels. On the other hand, one needs to bear in mind the concurrent exposure
to other mycotoxins and the fact that the risk assessment of mycotoxin mixtures are in their infancy.
T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in grain and grain-based commodities in Europe: occurrence, factors affecting occurrence, co-occurrence and toxicological effects
Authors: van der Fels-Klerx H. , Stratakou I.
Published: November 2010

This paper presents an overview of the occurrence of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in cereals in Europe and derived food products, factors influencing the occurrence, co-occurrence with other trichothecenes, and toxicological effects of T-2 and HT-2 in human. Of all cereals, oats showed to be most susceptible to T-2/HT-2 contamination. Particularly, oats grown in Scandinavia and UK in the period 2003-2007 were highly contaminated. This contamination has reduced in 2008 and 2009. In raw cereals, T-2 and HT-2 levels were highly correlated with each other in most instances, with the HT-2 level being two to seven times higher than the T-2 level. The toxin levels showed not to be correlated with levels of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. The occurrence of T-2 and HT-2 in the field varied between years, regions, cereal grain varieties, sowing time, and precrop. Organically produced cereals contained lower T-2 and HT-2 levels as compared to conventionally grown cereals. Little or no effects from using fungicides was seen. Processing cereals resulted in low T-2 and HT-2 levels in food products, although oat products contained some T-2 and HT-2. The by-products from food processing, often used for animal feeding, frequently were highly contaminated. T-2 and HT-2 showed to have high acute and subacute toxicity, as they caused haematotoxic, immunotoxic, cytotoxic, and dermal effects. Carcinogenicity of T-2 and HT-2 in human has not been proven. Outbreaks of human toxicosis caused by trichothecenes, including T-2 and HT-2, have been reported. The present overview is deemed to be valuable for risk assessments at the European level, planned to be held by EFSA. It also provides directions for further research, including the ecology of the fungi responsible for T-2 and HT-2, and agronomical practices to reduce the contamination in the field.
Deoxynivalenol and nivalenol occurrence and exposure assessment
Authors: Turner P.
Published: November 2010

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV) are common dietary contaminants in most temperate regions of the
world. The frequency and levels of exposure will vary by geographic location, annual variations in rainfall patterns,
national wealth and related agricultural and regulatory infrastructure, dietary diversity and food sufficiency. DON
contamination is more frequent and at higher levels than NIV, though chronic exposure to both is predicted to
occur in many parts of the world. In addition acute poisoning episodes are reported, particularly from China, and
it is important to have the tools to assess both chronic and acute exposure. This review describes both traditional
epidemiology and the development of biomarkers to assess exposure. The biomarker approaches are at an early stage,
and it will be important to assess the applicability of these approaches in different settings and at different exposure
levels. It is hoped that some of the developmental 'omics' technologies will support both 'exposure biomarker' and
'effect biomarker' development.
Zero‐offset profiling using frequency cross‐hole radar in a layered embankment test site: antenna design, simulation and experimental results
Authors: Rejiba Fayçal , Sagnard Florence , Schamper Cyril , Froumentin Michel , Guérin Roger
Published: November 2010

Road surface quality is very sensitive to the mechanical properties of an underground structure and particularly to its water content. Depth sounding using boreholes is generally used for geotechnical testing and particularly oven dried measurements. In parallel, electromagnetic measurements based on a cross‐hole radar to perform zero‐offset profiling are proposed in this paper. Thus, two specific large band dipole geometries, a 3D folded dipole and a planar blade dipole have been designed to work in the frequency band [0.5;1.5] GHz in order to estimate the vertical water content of a multi‐layered clay sand embankment test site. The design of both antenna geometries and their integration in a transmission link considering a cross‐hole radar with a separation distance less than 1 m, has been performed using the finite difference time‐domain (FDTD) commercial software EMPIRE®. The picking of the time arrivals has allowed to estimate the real permittivity and the volumetric moisture content using Malicki’s relation. The comparison of measurement and simulation results has allowed to highlight the contrasts of real permittivities induced by the volumetric water content and the embankment compaction level. Moreover, in this study the dissipative properties in the soil have been evaluated as they represent complementary depth properties closely linked to the accuracy of the first arrivals picking used for the permittivity estimation. The intrinsic attenuation evaluation is based on a straight analysis in the frequency domain of successive transmission coefficients using the centroid frequency downshift method. Afterwards the electrical conductivity profile has been recovered using a full‐wave FDTD analysis and a comparison between measurement and simulation data.
Research on Power Generation of Electroactive Acrylic Elastomer
Authors: Cao Jian Bo , E Shi Ju , Zhu Li Hui , Hui An Feng , Zhu Xi Lin , Gao Chun Fu
Published: November 2010

The power generation characteristics of electroactive acrylic elastomer (EAE) were studied by experiments based on theoretical analysis. The generator mode theory fundamentals of EAE were discussed and studied. A power conversion control system for EAE was designed. The experimental results show that energy generated as nearly incompressible elastomer layers increase in area and decrease in thickness when EAE stretched, and power generated when EAE relaxed. The voltage of generation increased with the bias voltage increasing. The experimental results accorded with analytical model and lay the foundation for generator of EAE.
Research on the Product Platform Life Cycle and its Management Strategies
Authors: Wang Hao Lun , Hou Liang , Li Miao , Wang Shuai Feng
Published: November 2010

As Mass Customization has become the main production mode of company, a growing number of companies begin to accept and implement product platform strategy. For the better understanding of product platform innovation and management, the Product Platform Life Cycle (PPLC) theory and its corresponding management strategies are proposed. Firstly, based on the theory of product platform, this paper proposes mathematical model for PPLC and the stages of Planning, Development, Application and Recession in PPLC are divided qualitatively. Then characteristics of the four stages of PPLC are pointed out. According to the characteristics of various stage and disturbance factors, the management strategies in various stages of PPLC are put forward.