bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of the Pteraspidiformes (Heterostraci), Silurian–Devonian jawless vertebrates
Authors: Pernègre Vincent N. , Elliott David K.
Published: June 2008

The Pteraspidiformes are an order of armoured agnathans of Silurian and Devonian age composed of five families: the Anchipteraspididae, Protopteraspididae, Pteraspididae, Protaspididae and Psammosteidae. Relationships within the order are poorly known and although past attempts have been made to represent the state of knowledge in this area none have attempted a rigorous computer‐based analysis. Here we present the results of the cladistic analysis on a matrix comprising 25(+1) taxa and 59 characters using Winclada. The first analysis was run without any representative of the Psammosteidae and supports the presence of five groups within the order although one, the ‘Protopteraspididae’, is paraphyletic and a second, the Gigantaspididae, is newly recognized. In a second analysis the addition of the psammosteidDrepanaspis gemuendenensisresults in a better resolved tree in which the basal family, the Anchipteraspididae, are clearly monophyletic and in which the Psammosteidae, as represented byDrepanaspis, is the next less inclusive. This is contrary to the previous view that the psammosteids were an advanced clade within the Pteraspidiformes.
The Role of Individual Characteristics in Predicting the Stability of Party Identification: A Cross‐Cultural Study
Authors: Farc Maria‐Magdalena , Sagarin Brad J.
Published: June 2008

The present study examined political partisanship stability in the context of transitional and consolidated democracies. We hypothesised that (a) in both democratic systems, personality differences as well as socialisation patterns and socioeconomic factors would be related to the stability of party identification directly, and that (b) the relationship between individual factors and party identification patterns would be moderated by democracy type and by socialisation strength. A total of 521 participants (293 American, 228 Romanian) completed surveys assessing partisanship stability, individual dispositions, socialisation strength, and socioeconomic status. In support of hypothesis (a), the stability of party identification was significantly predicted by socialisation, desire for control, and positive economic perceptions. In support of hypothesis (b), type of democracy moderated the relationship between economic perceptions and partisanship stability, and parental socialisation moderated the relationship between desire for control/self‐consciousness and the stability of party identification.

La présente étude examine la stabilité de la préférence politique dans un contexte de démocraties en transition ou consolidées. Nous faisons l’hypothèse que (a) dans les deux systèmes démocratiques, les différences de personnalité, comme les modèles de socialisation et les facteurs économiques sont directement liés à la stabilité d’identification à un parti et que (b) la relation entre les facteurs individuels et les modèles d’identification à un parti est affaibli par le type de démocratie et la force de la socialisation. Un total de 521 participants (293 Américains et 228 Roumains) ont répondu à une enquête évaluant la stabilité de la préférence, les dispositions individuelles, la force de la socialisation et le statut socio‐économique. En accord avec l’hypothèse (a), la stabilité d’identification à un parti est significativement prédictible par la socialisation, le désir de contrôle et la perception positive de l’économie. En accord avec l’hypothèse (b), d’une part, le type de démocratie affaiblit la relation entre les perceptions de l’économie et la stabilité de la préférence, d’autre part, la socialisation parentale affaiblit le lien entre le contrôle/la conscience de soi et la stabilité de l’identification à un parti.
Chronic pelvic pain in women: still a challenge
Authors: Dalpiaz Orietta , Kerschbaumer Andrea , Mitterberger Michael , Pinggera Germar , Bartsch Georg , Strasser Hannes
Published: June 2008

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), a common condition particularly in reproductive‐aged women, causes disability and distress, and significantly compromises quality of life and affects healthcare costs. The pathogenesis of CPP is still poorly understood and consequently poorly managed. Furthermore, the lack of a consensus on the definition of CPP greatly hinders epidemiological studies. Patients present with various associated problems, including bladder or bowel dysfunction, gynaecological pathologies or sexual dysfunction, and other systemic or constitutional symptoms. Other conditions, e.g. depression, anxiety and drug addiction, can also coexist. Effective management presupposes an integrated knowledge of all pelvic organs and other systems, including musculoskeletal, neurological and psychiatric systems. The key to treating CPP is to treat it as the complex disease it is. Treatment options range from conservative medical therapy to surgical intervention, and are primarily directed towards symptom relief. Unsatisfactory results of treatment render this condition a frustrating problem for both patients and physicians.
Clinical practice experience with testosterone treatment in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome
Authors: McLaren Drew , Siemens D. Robert , Izard Jason , Black Angela , Morales Alvaro
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE

To report on a clinical practice series of testosterone‐replacement therapy (TRT) in men with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS), examining clinical efficacy, biochemical parameters and effects on prostate health over a 2‐year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 85 patients with symptoms of TDS and at least a 3‐month trial of TRT was performed in this single‐centre, clinical practice setting. Three domains of symptomatology were evaluated: libido, erectile function and energy levels. Symptoms were assessed by a combination of patient reporting, physician’s assessment and validated symptom assessment scores. Total testosterone (TT), calculated bio‐available testosterone (BT) and prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels were continuously measured and effects on prostate health were examined.

RESULTS

Only 38 (45%) patients in this cohort remained on TRT for >2 years. The most common reason for discontinuing treatment was lack of clinical response but those remaining on TRT had continued improvement in libido, erectile function and energy levels. During treatment, the average TT and calculated BT values significantly increased compared with the baseline values at most of the evaluated time points, with no significant change in average PSA values. In all, 15% of this cohort had some degree of progression of lower urinary tract symptoms. Seven patients had eight ‘for‐cause’ prostate biopsies either during supplementation or at any date after completion, with an only three positive for cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Only 45% of men on TRT remained on treatment for >2 years in this clinical practice experience of men with TDS. Those remaining showed persistent improvement in their symptoms. The average TT and BT values increased significantly with no significant change in PSA levels.
CAN RATIONALIST ABDUCTIVISM SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF INDUCTION?
Authors: BEEBE JAMES R.
Published: June 2008

Abstract: According to Laurence BonJour, the problem of induction can be solved by recognizing the a priori necessity that inductive conclusions constitute the best explanations of inductive premises. I defend an interpretation of the key probability claims BonJour makes about inductive premises and show that they are not susceptible to many of the objections that have been lodged against them. I then argue that these purportedly necessary probability claims nevertheless remain deeply problematic and that, as a result, BonJour's proposal fails to provide a satisfactory resolution of the problem of induction.
Prediction of Attack Frequency in Migraine Treatment
Authors: Maas HJ , Snelder N , Danhof M , Della Pasqua O
Published: June 2008

Usually limited information about the frequency of migraine episodes is derived from acute migraine trials. However, the design of some studies is such that they also provide relevant information about the attack frequency without the bias associated with patient expectations of treatment effect between attacks during prophylaxis trials. Using clinical data from repeated migraine attacks treated with placebo, naratriptan 2.5 mg or sumatriptan 100 mg, we show that attack and interictal periods can be described by a random probability distribution. Based on a gamma distribution, the mean interval between attacks was estimated to be 24 (17-34) days for placebo, 23 (18-29) days for naratriptan 2.5 mg and 22 (17-28) for sumatriptan 100 mg. These findings suggest that the interictal interval is not affected by abortive treatment with triptans. Interpretation of these results may be limited by the study type, yet the method represents a new tool for the evaluation of disease dynamics and treatment effect in the prophylaxis of migraine.
Lessons From 8 Years' Experience of Hypothalamic Stimulation in Cluster Headache
Authors: Leone M , Cecchini A Proietti , Franzini A , Broggi G , Cortelli P , Montagna P , May A , Juergens T , Cordella R , Carella F , Bussone G
Published: June 2008

Neuroimaging studies in cluster headache (CH) patients have increased understanding of attack-associated events and provided clues to the pathophysiology of the condition. They have also suggested stimulation of the ipsilateral posterior inferior hypothalamus as a treatment for chronic intractable CH. After 8 years of experience, stimulation has proved successful in controlling the pain attacks in almost 60% of chronic CH patients implanted at various centres. Although hypothalamic implant is not without risks, it has generally been performed safely. Implantation affords an opportunity to perform microrecordings of individual posterior hypothalamic neurons. These studies are at an early stage, but suggest the possibility of identifying precisely the target site by its electrophysiological characteristics. Autonomic studies of patients undergoing posterior hypothalamic stimulation provide further evidence that long-term stimulation is safe, revealing that it can cause altered modulation of the mechanisms of orthostatic adaptation without affecting the baroreflex, cardiorespiratory interactions or efferent sympathetic and vagal functions. Chronically stimulated patients have an increased threshold for cold pain at the site of the first trigeminal branch ipsilateral to the stimulated side; when the stimulator is switched off, changes in sensory and pain thresholds do not occur immediately, suggesting that long-term stimulation is required to induce sensory and nociceptive changes. Posterior inferior hypothalamic stimulation is now established as a treatment for many chronic CH patients. The technique is shedding further light on the pathophysiology of the disease, and is also providing clues to functioning of the hypothalamus itself.
Deafened by silence or by the sound of footsteps? An investigation of the recruitment, induction and retention of special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) in England
Authors: Pearson Sue
Published: June 2008

The requirement for schools to appoint a special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) to coordinate provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) has existed since 1994. Since that time, the role has been subject to considerable research, debate and guidance. However, how the duty is being fulfilled in terms of the career pathways of the SENCOs is an under‐researched area.

NASEN commissioned a postal questionnaire survey with a sample of 500 English SENCOs. Although the reliance on untriangulated data is a limitation, the study did highlight some of the issues from the perspectives of the post holders. There is evidence of a high turnover amongst SENCOs for a variety of reasons only partly explained by the demographics. This situation gives rise to particular concerns about the recruitment of SENCOs, and the extent, nature and value of the initial support offered to them. The role of the SENCO needs to be seen as attractive enough to ensure recruitment and an appropriate level of retention. It needs to be regarded as important enough to merit adequate, supportive induction. At present, in England, the situation is patchy with the respondents describing very different systems and sets of experiences. If all schools are to move beyond simply complying with the duty to ensuring the engagement of individuals willing or prepared to develop the necessary skills, then the views of current SENCOs should be taken into account.
Smoking pattern during pregnancy in Hong Kong Chinese
Authors: KONG Grace W. S. , TAM Wing Hung , SAHOTA Daljit S. , NELSON Edmund A. S.
Published: June 2008

Background: While the prevalence of young female smokers is rising among the Hong Kong Chinese population, data on their smoking pattern during pregnancy are limited.

Aims: To investigate the smoking habit of Hong Kong Chinese women and their partners during pregnancy.

Methods: Postal questionnaires were sent to 479 couples to explore their smoking patterns during pregnancy at one to two years after the index delivery.

Results: Questionnaires were completed by 247 subjects. Among 117 women who were ever‐smokers, 26% had stopped smoking before the index pregnancy, while 60% stopped and 14% reduced smoking during the pregnancy. Most women stopped smoking in the first trimester (93%) and prior to the first antenatal visit (79%). Those who used to smoke fewer cigarettes before pregnancy were more likely to stop smoking during pregnancy but women with a history of recreational drug use were more likely to continue smoking during pregnancy. The post‐partum smoking relapse rate was 59% in women who had stopped smoking before or during their pregnancy. Only 2.6% of the partners who were ever‐smokers stopped smoking before the pregnancy while smoking habits remained unchanged in 52%.

Conclusions: Approximately one‐fifth of an unselected sample of Hong Kong mothers had a history of smoking prior to pregnancy. Pregnancy is an opportune time to implement smoking intervention programs for female smokers and their partners with an emphasis on the maintenance of post‐partum smoking abstinence.
Haemostasis after cold‐knife conisation: A randomised prospective trial comparing cerclage suture versus electro‐cauterisation
Authors: DANE Cem , DANE Banu , CETIN Ahmet , ERGINBAS Murat
Published: June 2008

Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare two different techniques of obtaining haemostasis after cold‐knife conisation.

Methods: Seventy‐eight women who required conisation for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were prospectively enrolled in a randomised clinical trial to receive either cerclage with cold‐knife conisation or cautery with cold‐knife conisation. Outcome measures evaluated include estimated blood loss, operative time, early late haemorrhage and dysmenorrhoea. The short‐ and long‐term morbidity was compared, and a six‐month follow up was completed.

Results: The procedure‐related complication rate was 16.7% in the cautery group, compared with 7.0% in the suture group (P < 0.05). The cerclage group had significantly shorter operative time and intraoperative blood loss than the cautery group (P < 0.05). Postoperative bleeding and dysmenorrhoea were observed in eight (10.2%), and 14 cases (17.9%), in cerclage and cautery group, respectively. Three cases (3.8%) had postoperative infections and were cured with oral antibiotics.

Conclusions: These results suggest that cerclage suturing technique provided excellent haemostasis and restoration of normal cervical anatomy. Cerclage suture of the cone bed is superior to only cauterisation as a method of achieving haemostasis, with significantly less blood loss and shorter operative time.
Factors affecting caesarean operative time and the effect of operative time on pregnancy outcomes
Authors: DOHERTY Dorota A. , MAGANN Everett F. , CHAUHAN Suneet P. , O’BOYLE Amy L. , BUSCH Jeanne M. , MORRISON John C.
Published: June 2008

Aim:  To determine the factors that influence caesarean operative time and operative time effects on pregnancy outcomes.

Methods:  Prospective observational study of women undergoing a caesarean delivery (CD). Multiple antepartum, intrapartum and neonatal outcomes were assessed for their influence on the time of the CD and the time effect of CD on pregnancy outcomes.

Results:  There were 386 (23%) caesarean deliveries performed ≤ 30 min, 1070 (65%) between 31 and 60 min, and 200 deliveries ≥ 60 min. Women younger than 18 years (P= 0.004) and who had caesarean for fetal labor intolerance were associated with shorter operation time (P < 0.001). Factors associated with an increased operation time were age > 35 years (P= 0.049), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 (P < 0.001), pre‐existing hypertension (P= 0.001), prior low segment transverse scar (P < 0.001), uterus incision other than transverse (P < 0.001), first‐year resident as primary surgeon (P < 0.001) and accompanying sterilisation procedure (P < 0.001). Operation time was significantly related to blood loss (P < 0.001), likelihood of umbilical artery cord gas pH < 7.1 (P < 0.001) and Apgar scores at five minutes < 7 (P= 0.009).

Conclusions:  Operative time is shortened by age < 18 and delivery for fetal labor intolerance, lengthened by age > 35, BMI > 30, prior caesarean, uterine incision, operating surgeon inexperience and accompanying sterilisation. Increased operative time was linked with an increased blood loss, low five‐minute Apgar scores and umbilical arterial pH < 7.1.
Increased libido during fluvoxamine treatment
Authors: SHOYAMA Masaru , YAMAMOTO Masahiro , IWATANI Jun , TSUJI Tomikimi , UKAI Satoshi , SHINOSAKI Kazuhiro
Published: June 2008

We treated an 80‐year‐old man with vascular dementia who developed increased libido induced by fluvoxamine. Sexual stimulation associated with fluvoxamine administration has been rarely reported and the present findings suggest that organic brain dysfunction could be a risk factor for the development of the condition.
Demented elderly people living at home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Evaluation of expenditure on care
Authors: VERAS Renato P , CALDAS Célia P , DANTAS Sérgio B , SANCHO Leyla G , SICSÚ Bernardo , MOTTA Luciana B
Published: June 2008

Background:  The present study investigates family expenditure relating to caring for elderly people with dementia. The study was exploratory, descriptive, and cross‐sectional.

Methods:  The expenditure of 41 families responsible for caring for elderly people with dementia was analyzed. The subjects of the study comprised the family unit of which the elderly demented patient was a part of. A questionnaire was applied to a group of 41 patients and their accompanying family members. These patients were being followed up at the Neurogeriatrics Outpatient Clinic of the Open University for the Third Age, State University of Rio de Janeiro.

Results:  The findings of the study suggest that caring for for elderly people with dementia has a considerable impact, with an average commitment of 66% of family income. Expenditure may reach 75% of family income for patients in the early stages of the disease, 62% in the advanced stages and approximately 80% when other chronic diseases are associated with the dementia.

Conclusions:  From a public health perspective, these findings reiterate the conclusions from previous studies indicating that the increased expenditure on care is a source of stress on the physical and mental health of caregivers. That is, the impact of the expenditure can be considered an indicator of the degree of stress and overload, particularly the emotional burden that so frequently accompanies caregivers' responsibilities.
GENDER COMPARISON OF BREATH‐ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS FOLLOWING BOLUS AND HOURLY ALCOHOL DOSING PROCEDURES USING MULTIPLE ALCOHOL DOSES
Authors: Marsh‐Richard Dawn M , Dougherty Donald M , Mathias Charles W , Dawes Michael A , Nouvion Sylvain O
Published: June 2008

Many studies using alcohol administration assess breath alcohol concentrations (BrACs) in both men and women. To account for physiological differences and equate BrACs between men and women, alcohol doses are often reduced by 8% for women. Despite the use of this dose adjustment, a comprehensive comparison of the time course of men's and women's BrAC measurements following multiple alcohol doses has not been conducted. Using both bolus and hourly dosing procedures, we examined whether an 8% dose reduction for women results in BrACs similar to men regardless of dose size, measurement time, or method of administration. Two groups of moderate drinkers from 21 through 45 years old were recruited for this study. In a repeated‐measures design, one group of 90 men and women (n = 45 each) each consumed bolus doses of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 g/kg 95% alcohol at 9:00 AM on separate days. Expired‐air samples were collected at 9:30, 10:15, and 11:15 AM. In the second group, 26 men and women (n = 13 each) consumed 0.35 g/kg 95% alcohol in three hourly doses at 9:15, 10:15, and 11:15 AM. Expired‐air samples were collected at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 AM and 12:30 and 1:30 PM. Results: Both bolus and hourly dosing procedures resulted in comparable BrAC measurements for men and women following all alcohol doses across all measurement time points. Following bolus dosing, peak BrACs reached .007%, .032%, .059%, and .087% for women, and .010%, .034%, .060%, and .086% for men (doses 0.2, .04, .06, 0.8 g/kg, respectively). Following hourly dosing (0.35 g/kg x 3), peak BrACs were .108% for women and .112% for men. This comprehensive comparison of a wide range of alcohol doses and measurement times using two administration procedures strongly supports the use of an 8% reduction of alcohol dose for women to equate BrAC with men.
ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO BRIEF INTERVENTION IN THE TRAUMA CARE SETTING
Authors: Field C. , Caetano R. , Harris T.R.
Published: June 2008

Background:  There is sufficient evidence to suggest that brief interventions in the trauma care setting reduce drinking, subsequent injury and DUI arrest (Gentilello, 1999, Schermer, 2006). The current study evaluates the relative efficacy of brief intervention among Whites, Blacks and Hispanics.

Methods:  A randomized controlled trial of brief intervention based on motivation interviewing in comparison to a semi‐structured assessment was conducted in an urban level I trauma center. The current study includes 1493 trauma patients including 668 Whites, 288 Blacks, and 537 Hispanics. hierarchical linear modeling was used to evaluate ethnic differences in drinking outcomes including volume per week, frequency of five or more per occasion, maximum amount consumed in one day, percent days abstinent and percent days heavy drinking at 6 and 12 month follow up. Analyses controlled for age, gender, employment status, marital status, prior alcohol treatment, type of injury and injury severity. Special emphasis was given to ethnicity and testing of a potential interaction effect between ethnicity and brief intervention efficacy.

Results:  Across ethnic groups,patients in both intervention and control groups reduced their drinking. Across drinking outcomes, there were significant interactions between treatment and ethnicity (p<.05). Among Hispanics, brief intervention in comparison to control significantly reduced average volume per week at 12 month follow up (β=‐.56, SE=.23, p<.05), maximum amount consumed in one day at 6 and 12 month follow up (β=‐.32, SE=.12, p=.01; β=.42, SE=.13, p<.01, respectively), frequency of five or more per occasion at 12 month follow up (β=‐.49, SE=.25, p<.05) and percent days heavy drinking at 12 months (β=‐.16, SE.06, p=.01).

Conclusions:  All three ethnic groups evidenced reductions in drinking at 6 and 12 month follow up independent of treatment. Among Hispanics, brief intervention significantly reduced drinking patterns typically associated with injury and other negative health consequences.
A DISMANTLING TRIAL OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING AND FEEDBACK AMONG HEAVY DRINKING COLLEGE STUDENTS
Authors: Walters ST , Vader AM , Harris TR
Published: June 2008

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a brief intervention that has been shown to reduce heavy drinking among college students. To date, all college studies of MI (and most adult studies) have used an intervention format that includes a feedback profile delivered in an MI style. This presentation will discuss the results of a dismantling trial of motivational interviewing, and feedback among heavy drinking college students. After an initial screen, 350 heavy drinking students were randomized to: (1) MI with feedback, (2) MI without feedback, (3) Web feedback only, (4) Assessment only, or (5) Delayed assessment only. At 6 months, only MI with feedback showed an effect over control in reducing drinks per week, peak BAC, and drinking related consequences. Neither MI nor feedback alone had an effect over assessment. Drinking severity moderated the effect of the interventions.
A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING OF ALCOHOL USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN THE U.S. MILITARY: COMPLEXITIES AMONG STRESS, DRINKING MOTIVES, IMPULSIVITIY, ALCOHOL USE AND JOB PERFORMANCE
Authors: Sohn Sunju
Published: June 2008

Aims:  Young male adults in the U. S. military drink at much higher rates than civilians and females of the same age. Drinking has been shown to be associated with stress and individuals’ ability to effectively cope with stressors. Despite numerous studies conducted on young adults’ drinking behaviors such as college drinking, current literature is limited in fully understanding alcohol use patterns of the young military population. The aim of the present study was to develop and test the hypothesized Structural Equation Model (SEM) of alcohol use to determine if stress coping styles moderate the relationship between stress, drinking motives, impulsivity, alcohol consumption and job performance.

Methods:  Structural equation models for multiple group comparisons were estimated based on a sample of 1,715 young (aged 18 to 25) male military personnel using the 2005 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among Military Personnel. Coping style was used as the grouping factor in the multi‐group analysis and this variable was developed through numerous steps to reflect positive and negative behaviors of coping. The equivalences of the structural relations between the study variables were then compared across two groups at a time, controlling for installation region, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, and pay grade, resulting in two model comparisons with four coping groups. If the structural weight showed differences across groups, each parameter was constrained and tested one at a time to see where the models are different.

Results:  The results showed that the hypothesized model applies across all groups. The structural weights revealed that a moderation effect exists between a group whose tendency is to mostly use positive coping strategies and a group whose tendency is to mostly use negative coping strategies (Δχ2(39)= 65.116, p<.05). More specifically, the models were different (with and without Bonferroni Type I error correction) in the paths between “motive and alcohol use” and “alcohol use and alcohol‐related consequences (job performance).”

Conclusions:  It seems plausible that coping style significantly factors into moderating alcohol use among young male military personnel who reportedly drink more excessively than civilians of the same age. The results indicate that it may be particularly important for the military to assess different stress coping styles ofyoung male military personnel so as to limit excessive drinking as well as to promote individual wellness and improve job performance.
Parental care in response to natural variation in nest predation pressure in six sunfish (Centrarchidae: Teleostei) species
Authors: Cooke S. J. , Weatherhead P. J. , Wahl D. H. , Philipp D. P.
Published: June 2008

Abstract –  Parental care is an important, energetically costly component of the life history of many fishes. Despite this importance, little is known about how different species of fish vary parental care in response to natural nest predator burdens. In this study, underwater videography was used to quantify parental care activity of six species of syntopic nesting male centrarchid fishes in Lake Opinicon, Ontario, in response to natural predators. This approach was used to test the hypothesis that as offspring develop from eggs to wrigglers, parental care activity should decrease or remain static for fish guarding nests with low predator burden and increase for those with high predator burden, reflecting different external risks. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to derive common aeration and nest defence variables. Aeration and predator defence activity of the fish varied extensively among species. Parental care behaviours indicative of defence and vigilance (e.g., turning, departures, time away from nest, displays) tended to be highest for species that had the most predation attempts, although this was not entirely consistent. There was also a positive relationship between the defence PCA metric and attempted predation. Defence did not vary with stage of offspring development, although interactions between defence and developmental stage were noted for several species. A trade‐off between aeration and defence was not observed. In fact, species that provide high levels of aeration also simultaneously provide high levels of defence. Stage‐specific patterns of defence in this study were less apparent than those documented by studies using responses to staged predator intrusions making it unclear as to the extent that fish were responding to the level of the risk to offspring than to the value of the brood. Therefore, combined use of observational and experimental assessments of parental care investment may be most appropriate for refining current theoretical paradigms.
The Prodomain of Toxoplasma gondii GPI‐Anchored Subtilase TgSUB1 Mediates its Targeting to Micronemes
Authors: Binder Emily M. , Lagal Vanessa , Kim Kami
Published: June 2008

Subtilisin‐like proteases have been proposed to play an important role for parasite survival in Toxoplasma gondii (Tg) and Plasmodium falciparum. The T. gondii subtilase TgSUB1 is located in the microneme, an apical secretory organelle whose contents mediate adhesion to the host during invasion. TgSUB1 is predicted to contain a glycosyl‐phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. This is unusual as Toxoplasma GPI‐anchored proteins are targeted to the parasite’s surface. In this study, we report that the subtilase TgSUB1 is indeed a GPI‐anchored protein but contains dominant microneme targeting signals. Accurate targeting of TgSUB1 to the micronemes is dependent upon several factors including promoter strength and timing, accurate processing and folding. We analyzed the targeting domains of TgSUB1 using TgSUB1 deletion constructs and chimeras made between TgSUB1 and reporter proteins. The TgSUB1 prodomain is responsible for trafficking to the micronemes and is sufficient for targeting a reporter protein to the micronemes. Trafficking is dependent upon correct folding or other context‐dependent conformation as the prodomain expressed alone is unable to reach the micromenes. Therefore, TgSUB1 is a novel example of a GPI‐anchored protein in T. gondii that bypasses the GPI‐dependent surface trafficking pathway to traffic to micronemes, specialized regulated secretory organelles.
A Simple Piercing Process Applicable to Brittle Materials
Authors: Kurosaki Y. , Mizukusa T. , Miyake Y.
Published: June 2008

Piercing of brittle sheets, which is difficult to achieve by conventional shearing or drilling, is achieved using a new manufacturing process utilizing the impact compression of a viscoplastic pressure medium, recently proposed by the authors. The impact pressure is analyzed with a linear viscoelastic model to determine optimum working conditions. Under a specific condition the process is shown to be successful in piercing a circular hole through various brittle materials; for example, inorganic glasses, glassy-carbon carbon composite and alumina ceramic sheets. The hole formation process in a glass sheet is examined experimentally and theoretically.
Noncircular Turning of Workpieces With Sharp Corners
Authors: Tsao Tsu-Chin , Chen Yung-Yaw , Tomizuka Masayoshi
Published: June 2008

This note deals with noncircular machining of workpieces with sharp corners. Tool positioning for directly tracking a profile with sharp corners requires large actuator inputs at the sharp corners, which may easily go beyond the actuator saturation limit and cause serious dimensional errors. To solve this problem, a method for generating the nonsmooth profiles from multiple smooth profiles, which are followed by the tool, is given. This method utilizes the following nature of turning operations: the cutting tool practically passes one point in the axial direction of a workpiece several times and the machined shape is attained when the depth of cut is maximum.
A High Power, Sealed, Lead-Acid Battery for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Edwards D. B. , Carter B.
Published: June 2008

A novel, lead-acid battery has been designed specifically for an electric van application. The design consists of horizontally oriented, dual lugged plates in a sealed configuration. Thin plates are used in the design to obtain improved energy performance. High specific power is achieved with dual lugs and a grid aspect ratio that shortens conductor paths. Axial pressure applied to the face of the cell stack allows the thin plates to be used in a deep cycle application. Fifteen cells representing the design concept were fabricated by a battery manufacturer. Twelve of these cells were cycled. The cells attained approximately 600 cycles (80 percent depth of discharge, DOD, at the 2 hour rate) and had not failed before the tests were stopped. The projected specific energy for these cells operated at 110°F (43°C) is about 35 w-hr/kg (2 hr rate). The specific power was calculated to be approximately 200 w/kg (80 percent DOD) when new and 140 w/kg (80 percent DOD) after 364 cycles. The power performance, while still high, did degrade more rapidly than the energy performance.
Improvement of Response Spectrum Specifications in Dynamic Testing
Authors: de Silva C. W. , Singh M. , Zaldonis J.
Published: June 2008

Required response spectra (RRS) are commonly used as dynamic-test specifications in product qualification. RRS specification for a product is normally developed by considering the operating environment of the product. This paper presents a technique to improve the RRS specification for a qualification test by employing available dynamic information on the test object. Specifically, a model of the test object subjected to support-motion inputs is employed. In practice, a model for the test object can be conveniently determined by experimental modal analysis or by the finite element method. The method presented in this paper may be viewed as a way to apportion the energy of test excitations among input locations of a test object in order to optimize a test objective. The underlying theory of the method of modifying a specified RRS is outlined and the computational steps of the method are given. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the use of the method.
Experimental Study of Flow Oscillation in a Rectangular Jet-Driven Tube
Authors: Iwamoto J.
Published: June 2008

Several papers, mainly of a theoretical nature, have been published on the oscillatory flow in a Hartmann-Sprenger tube. Quantitative exploration of the flow field has proved difficult and details are lacking. In the present work, using a rectangular tube, synchronous shadow-photography has been applied to visualize the flow field during stable oscillatory flow. The measurement of pressure has also been made for the case of steady flow when both ends of the tube are open. From these experimental results the necessary conditions for starting and maintaining a stable oscillatory flow in an H-S tube have been established.
Viscous Flow Analysis as a Design Tool for Hydraulic Turbine Components
Authors: Vu T. C. , Shyy W.
Published: June 2008

Viscous flow analysis based on the full Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations is being applied to successfully predict turbulent flow characteristics and energy losses in different hydraulic turbine components. It allows the designer to evaluate the hydraulic performance of alternative designs before proceeding with laboratory testing or to perform elaborate parametric study to optimize the hydraulic design. In this paper, the applications of three-dimensional viscous flow analysis as an analytical design tool for elbow draft tube and spiral casing are presented and their impact on engineering design assessed.
Effects of a Few Small Air Bubbles on the Performance of Circular Cylinder at Critical Flow Range in Water
Authors: Watanabe H. , Ihara A. , Onuma S.
Published: June 2008

In a horizontal flow channel an experimental study was made on the effects of a small amount of air bubbles on the performance of a circular cylinder at a critical flow range where the drag coefficient of the test model decreased as Reynolds number increased. The measurements of the pressure distribution and fluid forces on the cylinder, the longitudinal turbulence level in water phase and the bubble size distribution in a free stream were taken. The results indicated that a large reduction in the drag coefficient and a change of the pressure distribution around the test model were caused at the low critical flow range by introducing a very small quantity of air bubbles such as 0.05 percent, though the turbulence level in water phase did not increase.
The Three-Dimensional Jet-Jet Impingement Flow in a Closed-End Cylindrical Duct
Authors: Liou T.-M. , Hwang Y.-H. , Wu S.-M.
Published: June 2008

Experimental and theoretical studies are reported on the three-dimensional jet-jet impingement flow in a closed-end cylindrical duct with two 60-deg side inlets. The measurements were made using the laser-Doppler velocimeter. The Reynolds number based on the air density, duct diameter, and bulk velocity was 2.6 × 104. The governing partial differential equations were solved numerically with the k–ε turbulence model. The flow field was characterized in terms of the mean velocity and turbulence intensity components, the swirl intensity, the stagnation points, and the mass flow bifurcated into the head region and was found to be weakly dependent on the head height. Simple geometrical expressions were deduced and were found to effectively estimate the stagnation points and the optimal head height. Furthermore, the dependence of the mass flow into the head region on the head height was found to parallel the dependence of the combustion efficiency and flame stability on the head height.
An Analytical Study of the Standard k–ε Model
Authors: Takemitsu N.
Published: June 2008

An asymptotic solution of the standard k–ε model for two-dimensional turbulent channel flow is found. Using this solution, five model constants in the model are all determined reasonably with the aid of experimental data. If an asymptotic solution with the logarithmic law as the leading term is sought for, the standard k–ε model is shown to be ill-posed since the second-order solution has divergent terms.
Dynamics of an Elongated Bubble During Collapse
Authors: Crespo A. , Castro F. , Manuel F. , Herna´ndez J.
Published: June 2008

An analytical model is presented to describe the collapse of an elongated bubble, which appears in the core of a cavitating vortex. The flow field is assumed to be irrotational, due to a sink line. The kinematic and dynamic conditions are applied only at the tip and in the middle of the bubble surface. This simplified theory must retain losses of mechanical energy near the tips of the bubble, which are due to a microjet. In order to check the validity of this model, the irrotational flow equations have been solved numerically by using a panel method; the numerical results agree with the analytical ones and confirm the existence of the microjet at the tip. The agreement with experimental results is also good. For very slender bubbles the speed near the tips becomes very large, and this may be cause of cavitation damage. A simplified approach is proposed to explain the flow in the microjet.
A Low Cost Robotics Machine Tending System
Authors: Devaprasad Jim
Published: June 2008

Robotics is often viewed as a complex high-tech area that can be applied to improve productivity but only at a high cost to the organization. Contrary to this frame of mind, robotic applications can be implemented by average-sized organizations at a relatively low cost with low complexity. As part of the senior design project activities at Lake Superior State University, an automotive parts supplier submitted a project involving the redesign of a manual machine tending process. The company, which manufactures tie rods, has a process where an operator tediously loads and unloads tie rods to and from two machines in a dirty and dangerous environment. A flexible system to automate the machine loading process was considered and will be proposed. The flexible automated system will include a parts feeder for orienting the tie rods into a single position and a robot for picking and placing the tie rods into the machines. The end-of-arm tooling for the robot and the parts feeder will be designed to handle different varieties of tie rods. The automated system flexibility will allow the robot, which will be mounted on a track, to be conveniently re-positioned away from the machines when needed. By doing so, the machines can be run in the manual mode for unusual tie rod part varieties using an operator to tend the machines. In addition to presenting an uncomplicated robotics solution to the problem, this paper will show that by incorporating the proposed automation ideas, the hardware costs to implement the flexible robotics system will be under $100,000. This is a relatively low cost for an average-sized company, considering automation.
Vortex-Induced Waves Along Cables
Authors: Facchinetti Matteo L. , de Langre Emmanuel , Biolley Francis
Published: June 2008

A low-order model for transverse vortex-induced vibrations of cables in stationary uniform flow is analyzed. The near wake vortex street is modeled by a continuous distribution of nonlinear van der Pol oscillators, arranged along the spanwise extent of the structure and interacting by diffusion and stiffness. The structure, described as a classical tensioned cable, is forced by the fluid via a linear fluctuating lift model and reacts on the fluid through different linear actions. The model dynamics is investigated analytically and discussed with respect to the choice of the coupling terms, then verified by numerical simulations, in comparison with literature data. Discussion follows on the effectiveness of the linear inertial action of the structure on the fluid in describing, qualitatively and quantitatively, the main features of vortex-induced vibrations phenomenology, and standing versus traveling wave behavior.
Flow Induced Vibration Testing of Replacement Thermowell Designs
Authors: Haslinger Karl
Published: June 2008

Replacement RTDs/Thermowells/Nozzles were subjected to flow testing over a velocity range from 9.14 to 33.53 m/sec (30 to 110 ft/sec), and temperatures ranging from 121 to 316 °C (250 to 600 °F). The replacement nozzles are welded on the pipe OD, rather than on the pipe ID. A split, tapered ferrule is used to support the nozzle tip inside the pipe bore. This maintains high thermowell tip resonance frequencies with the objective of avoiding von Karman Vortex Shedding excitation that is believed to have caused failures in an earlier design during initial, pre-critical plant startup testing. The flow testing was complicated by the small size of the thermowell tips (5.08 mm or 0.2-in ID), which necessitated use of a complement of low temperature and high temperature instrumentation. Since the high temperature device had an internal resonance (750 Hz) within the frequency range of interest (0–2,500 Hz), adequate sensor correlations had to be derived from low temperature tests. The current nozzle/thermowell design was tested concurrently with two slight variations of the replacement design. The acceleration signals were acquired during incremental and continuous flow sweeps, nominally at 5 kHz sampling rates and for time domain processing as high as 25 kHz. Whereas vortex-shedding frequencies were predicted to prevail between 400 and 1,500 Hz, no such response was observed at these frequencies. Rather, the thermowell tips responded due to turbulent buffeting with a peak response that was related directly to flow velocity. Lift direction response was always larger than drag direction response. The thermowell tips also responded at their natural tip frequencies in a narrow band random fashion. At the higher flow rates, one replacement design experienced an instability mode leading to high tip stresses. Although this instability did not repeat, this particular design was eliminated from consideration. The second replacement design performed almost identically to the current in-plant design. The experimental data were used to extract forcing functions and thermowell responses that were used as input into the design calculations.
Effect of Mesquite Seed Gum on the Rheological Properties of Mixtures With Arabic and Gellan Gums
Authors: Ya´n˜ez-Ferna´ndez J. , Salazar-Montoya J. A. , Ramos-Rami´rez E. G.
Published: June 2008

The mesquite seed gum (Prosopis sp.) represents an alternative application in the food industry, due to its structural likeness with other galactomannans used at the moment. The information about the properties of mesquite seed gum is scarce, for this is important to known the rheological properties of this biopolymer and its interactions with other polymers for seeing future applications. The aim of this work was study the rheological behavior of mesquite seed gum and their effects in arabic and gellan gum mixtures. They were prepared aqueous dispersions according to a Simplex-Centroid design, being obtained gum combinations of total concentration of 1% from mesquite-arabic, mesquite-gellan, arabic-gellan and mesquite-arabic-gellan, the pH from the dispersions were adjusted to 4, 5 and 6. The mixtures as well as the individual biopolymers were dispersed to ambient temperature, and later heated during 20 minutes at 90 °C and cooling at 25 °C. The rheological studies were made using an Haake RV2 viscometer. The statistical analysis showed differences (α = 0.05) among the rheologic value for mixtures at different pH. The mixtures showed a non-Newtonian behavior, type pseudoplastic flow (shear thinning) and showed high viscosities to low shears rates (100 s−l) in all the cases. The tendency of mixtures with two or three components showed an antagonistic effect in the viscosity. Particularly the mesquite seed gum suffers an antagonistic effect in the viscosity when it was mixed with the arabic and gellan gums, being observed decreases from a 8 until 45%, below the control.