bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties and Mechanism Research on Polybutadiene Styrene Rubber (SBR) Composites Containing Nano-BaSO4
Authors: Wang Jincheng  , Zheng Xiaoyu  , Chen Yuehui  , Lu Zhijun  , Zhu Zengliang
Published: May 2009

Nano-BaSO4 was treated with surface modification agents and was mixed with different contents into the matrix of polybutadiene styrene rubber (SBR) to obtain composites. The cure characteristics, tensile and wear resistance properties of different nano-BaSO4 filled SBR composites were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the mechanism was analyzed. Experimental results demonstrated that the incorporation of 2 phr 2%-SA modified nano-BaSO4 powder into neat SBR system can decrease the abrasion loss from 0.160 cm3 to 0.115 cm3, a decrease of about 28%.
Rheology of PVC Plastisol at Instability Region and Beyond (Proposal for Super-High Shear-Rate Coating)
Authors: Nakajima N. , Harrell E.R.
Published: May 2009

The coating speed of plastisol is limited to a shear rate below the instability, because the instability results in nonuniform coating. However, there is an indication that beyond instability region the flow stabilizes again at the very high shear rates. If a plastisol is made to flow through the completely enclosed die-assembly with filled channel and let the instability taking place there, a super-high speed coating may be possible at the postinstability region. Although this work does not involve actual experiments, it explores possible mechanisms of flow at the instability and the stable flow beyond. The relation between the inter-particle interaction, (either attractive, repulsive, or neutral) and the flow type, (either clustering or nonclustering flow) is explored in order to aid designing a new device and developing formulations suitable for its use.
Conflict and Collaboration
Authors: Hopkins John L. , Monaghan Catherine H. , Hansman Catherine A.
Published: May 2009

This qualitative case study investigated the impact of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding on the providers and planners of programs for incumbent workers in one Midwest WIA region. It examines the collaboration and power conflicts that are part of planning and implementing this legislation for the stakeholders. The study applied Matland's ambiguity/conflict framework to WIA implementation. The analysis revealed four themes that are important to policy makers and planners alike. The themes, change agent conflict, power broker conflict, policy interpretation conflict, and ambiguity of means, address the impact of the WIA and related processes on programs for incumbent workers. Conflicts over participants' roles, the interpretation of the legislation, and ambiguity about the process of implementation emerged. This article suggests methods for stakeholders to collaborate and address the needs of incumbent worker development.
The Impact of Welfare State Regimes on Barriers to Participation in Adult Education
Authors: Rubenson Kjell , Desjardins Richard
Published: May 2009

Quantitative and qualitative findings on barriers to participation in adult education are reviewed and some of the defining parameters that may explain observed national differences are considered. A theoretical perspective based on bounded agency is put forth to take account of the interaction between structurally and individually based barriers to participation. The Bounded Agency Model is premised on the assumption that the nature of welfare state regimes can affect a person's capability to participate. In particular, the state can foster broad structural conditions relevant to participation and construct targeted policy measures that are aimed at overcoming both structurally and individually based barriers. Features of the Nordic model of adult education and empirical results from the 2003 Eurobarometer are discussed in relation to this theoretical perspective.
Identifying Competencies of Volunteer Board Members of Community Sports Clubs
Authors: Balduck Anne-Line , Van Rossem Annick , Buelens Marc
Published: May 2009

This study contributes to the emerging empirical studies on roles and responsibilities of boards in nonprofit organizations by identifying competencies of volunteer board members. We identified how two types of constituents—volunteer board members and sports members—perceived competencies of volunteer board members in community sports clubs. We used the repertory grid technique to draw cognitive maps and to reveal the perceived reality of these constituents. Our results suggest that constituents within a group share similar perceptions of competencies of outstanding performing board members, whereas they agree less on perceptions of poor performing board members. This study reveals that cognitive (e.g., having a long-term vision, having professionalism), emotional intelligence (e.g., being reliable, being honest), and social intelligence (e.g., listening to others, being jovial/nice to be with) competencies are necessary to be perceived as an outstanding performing board member.
Exploring the Key Roles for Nonprofit Boards
Authors: Brown William A. , Chao Guo
Published: May 2009

This research note explores roles for nonprofit boards as described by 121 community foundation executives. Through content analysis, a synthesized list of 13 different roles were identified. The study considered institutional and organizational attributes such as environmental uncertainty and organizational complexity to explore the contingencies under which certain board roles become more prevalent. The roles were also matched to existing governance theories. The list not only reflects activities recognized by different theoretical models but also suggests conflicts in the way strategy is conceptualized and articulated as a governance task.
Risk communication and non-linearity
Authors: Ropeik D
Published: May 2009

This article will consider non-linearity and hormesis from the perspectives of risk perception and risk communication. The observations that follow do not come from a scientist or researcher. (For a richer academic treatment of the issue of risk communication and nonlinearity, see BELLE, Vol. 11, Issue 1, 2002). I was for 25 years a journalist on television and in print, focusing on coverage of environmental issues. I then studied and taught risk perception and risk communication at the Harvard School of Public Health. I now independently consult in these areas. From the academic side, I have read a fair amount of the literature that helps explain what I call ‘The Perception Gap,’ the gap between our fears and the facts. And as a journalist and consultant I have witnessed in the real world, people’s relatively greater fear of lesser risks, and relatively lower fear of the risks the scientific data suggest they ought to worry about more. I offer the following perspectives based on those foundations.
Dose–response models: how might we think about linearity and nonlinearity?
Authors: Ricci PF
Published: May 2009

We add to the issues raised by Dr David Ropeik’s article Risk Communication and Non-Linearity (forthcoming, BELLE Newsletter, 2008) regarding the thinking about the acceptance of linear and nonlinear (hormetic) dose–response models. We summarize some of the perceptual aspects discussed by Ropeik (2008) and comment on decision-making by the single decision-maker. It seems that the heuristics discussed by Ropeik (2008) are related to those private decision-makers who may not benefit from extensive technical, scientific, and legal advice sufficiently to make well-informed decisions and, perhaps more importantly, may not have the funds for that advice. Dose–response models are intangible, abstract quantities: unlike private goods and services, they are not priced by the market. We suggest a duality between the private and the public decision-maker that in the end may loose its crispness, because it can occur in the same person. Nonetheless, this duality is evident at the analysis phase of decision-making, relative to the decision phase, and thus, provides a convenient way to address the issues addressed by Ropeik (2008). In particular, for at least legal and common sense reasons, the public decision-maker must follow a scientific-analytical causal process – as represented by models of dose–response – to select and justify her choice of one over the other. Whether the final decision as to which model is to be used in regulatory law is a matter that goes beyond the analytical aspects of the choice and is governed by political and other aspects of governance.
Socio-technical and organizational challenges to wider e-Health implementation
Authors: Vitacca M , Mazzù M , Scalvini S
Published: May 2009

Recent advances in information communication technology allow contact with patients at home through e-Health services (telemedicine, in particular). We provide insights on the state of the art of e-Health and telemedicine for possible wider future clinical use. Telemedicine opportunities are summarized as i) home telenursing, ii) electronic transfer to specialists and hospitals, iii) teleconsulting between general practitioners and specialists and iv) call centres activities and online health. At present, a priority action of the EU is the Initiative on TM for chronic disease management as home health monitoring and the future Vision for Europe 2020 is based on development of Integrated Telemedicine Services. There are pros and cons in e-Health and telemedicine. Benefits can be classified as benefits for i) citizens, patients and caregivers and ii) health care provider organizations. Institutions and individuals that play key roles in the future of e-Health are doctors, patients and hospitals, while the whole system should be improved at three crucial levels: 1) organizational, 2) regulatory and 3) technological. Quality, access and efficiency are the general key issues for the success of e-Health and telemedicine implementation. The real technology is the human resource available into the organizations. For e-Health and telemedicine to grow, it will be necessary to investigate their long-term efficacy, cost effectiveness, possible improvement in quality of life and impact on public health burden.
Representations of Change within Dyadic Relationships between Leader and Follower: Discourses of Pregnant Followers
Authors: Mäkelä Liisa
Published: May 2009

This study explores the different discourses of change within dyadic leader—follower relationships due to the followers' pregnancy. The research draws on qualitative interviews with 20 pregnant working women in Finland The discourses of change were produced in tal through the participants' subjective emotional experiences about the direction of development (both positive and negative). Therefore, each of the discourses is presented here using representations of emotions. In this study, three different discourses were identified that represent change within the leader—member exchange (LMX) relationship. These were `practical discourse', `future orientation discourse', and `individual attention discourse'. The contribution of the article is threefold. First, the discursive approach applied in this study is rarely used in conjunction with LMX studies or studies concerning pregnant working women. Second, considering the accounts about change within relationships between pregnant followers and their leaders deepens our understanding about working women. Third, the findings challenge the traditional view that leader—member exchange relationships are stable.
Leadership Development: Insights from a Careers Perspective
Authors: Parker Polly , Carroll Brigid
Published: May 2009

This article reports on an exploratory empirical investigation into the resonance between two developmental processes to see if any insights into leadership development could be gained from using a careers lens. Career and leadership development both share contemporary shifts in emphasis: leadership from hero to distributed models ,and career from objective to subjective explorations of progress and success. Twenty-two participants on a leadership development program used a career card sort which was then processed with a peer partner to support personal meaning making . A constructivist-orientated content analysis of the resultant peer dialogues revealed four themes: challenge, ownership, sponsorship and work—life balance, which showed different aspects of the nexus between leadership and career. This nexus is characterized by a resonance in thesense of echoing that suggests that a careers lens used by peer partners provides additional insight into leadership and leadership development.
Peri-epiphyseal and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Frush Todd J. , Lindenfeld Thomas N.
Published: May 2009

Context:

Overuse injuries of the musculoskeletal system in immature athletes are commonly seen in medical practice.

Evidence Acquisition:

An analysis of published clinical, outcome, and biomechanical studies of adolescent epiphyseal and overuse injuries was performed through 2008 to increase recognition and provide treatment recommendations.

Results:

Adolescent athletes can sustain physeal and bony stress injuries. Recovery and return to play occur more swiftly if such injuries are diagnosed early and immobilized until the patient is pain-free, typically about 4 weeks for apophyseal and epiphyseal overuse injuries. Certain epiphyseal injuries have prolonged symptoms with delayed treatment, including those involving the bones in the hand, elbow, and foot. If such injuries are missed, prolonged healing and significant restrictions in athletic pursuits may occur.

Conclusion:

Some of these injuries are common to all weightbearing sports and are therefore widely recognized. Several are common in gymnastics but are rarely seen in other athletes. Early recognition and treatment of these conditions lead to quicker recovery and so may prevent season-ending, even career-ending, events from occurring.
Strength Training in Children and Adolescents: Raising the Bar for Young Athletes?
Authors: Dahab Katherine Stabenow , McCambridge Teri Metcalf
Published: May 2009

Context:

Strength training in children, in combination with plyometric and/or agility training, has become an increasingly popular tactic for athletes to gain a competitive edge during the off-season. The present review clarifies some common myths associated with strength training in children, and it outlines the most current recommendations.

Evidence Acquisition:

Relevant studies on strength training in children and adolescents were reviewed (search results included studies indexed in PubMed and MEDLINE from 1980 through 2008). Also reviewed were recommendations from consensus guidelines and position statements applicable to strength training in youth.

Results:

Children can improve strength by 30% to 50% after just 8 to 12 weeks of a well-designed strength training program. Youth need to continue to train at least 2 times per week to maintain strength. The case reports of injuries related to strength training, including epiphyseal plate fractures and lower back injuries, are primarily attributed to the misuse of equipment, inappropriate weight, improper technique, or lack of qualified adult supervision.

Conclusion:

Youth—athletes and nonathletes alike—can successfully and safely improve their strength and overall health by participating in a well-supervised program. Trained fitness professionals play an essential role in ensuring proper technique, form, progression of exercises, and safety in this age group.
Risk Factors for Medical Withdrawals in United States Tennis Association Junior National Tennis Tournaments: A Descriptive Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Jayanthi Neeru A. , O’Boyle Jeff , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon A.
Published: May 2009

Background:

There have been no large-scale epidemiologic studies designed to determine the risk factors related to medical withdrawal in United States Tennis Association junior national tennis tournaments.

Hypothesis:

Risk of medical withdrawal will increase on the basis of cumulative match volume within a tournament.

Methods:

A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was performed of data collected for every match of all 4 United States Tennis Association supernational tournaments (spring, summer, fall, winter) for the boys and girls divisions and for all age divisions (12, 14, 16, 18) during a single year (2005). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine relative risk of all risk factors. Additional analysis was performed to determine the threshold (ie, match number) at which a player would substantially increase his or her risk of medical withdrawal.

Results:

A total of 28 336 match exposures were analyzed, with an even distribution with respect to sex and age. The total medical withdrawal rate was 15.6 per 1000 match exposures. Every factor of interest was highly significant in predicting a higher rate of medical withdrawal per 1000 match exposures. The medical withdrawal rate was significantly higher in the fifth match or greater (26.3/1000) versus the first 4 matches (12.7/1000; P < .0001), even when analyzing main draw and singles matches.

Conclusion:

In United States Tennis Association national junior tennis tournaments, there is a significant increase in risk of medical withdrawals directly related to older age divisions, boys, singles matches, and main draw matches. Specifically, there is a significant increase in medical withdrawal rate beyond the fourth match in the tournament regardless of whether it is a main draw, consolation, or singles match.

Clinical Relevance:

Recommendations can be made to exercise caution in tournaments that involve boys, older age divisions, and singles. In addition, there may be sufficient evidence to suggest intervention within a tournament when players play beyond their fourth match.
TGF-β induces degradation of TAL1/SCL by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway through AKT-mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Terme Jean-Michel , Lhermitte Ludovic , Asnafi Vahid , Jalinot Pierre
Published: May 2009

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia 1 (TAL1), also known as stem cell leukemia (SCL), plays important roles in differentiation of hematopoietic and endothelial cells and is deregulated in a high percentage of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). In this report we show that the intracellular concentration of TAL1 is regulated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), which triggers its polyubiquitylation and degradation by the proteasome. This effect is mediated by AKT1, which phosphorylates TAL1 at threonine 90. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that this event increases association of TAL1 with the E3 ubiquitin ligase CHIP. The E47 heterodimerization partner of TAL1 hinders this association. Our observations indicate that activation of the TGF-β and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathways might reverse overexpression of TAL1 in leukemic cells by inducing proteolysis of this important oncogene.
High-resolution genomic profiling of childhood T-ALL reveals frequent copy-number alterations affecting the TGF-β and PI3K-AKT pathways and deletions at 6q15-16.1 as a genomic marker for unfavorable early treatment response
Authors: Remke Marc , Pfister Stefan , Kox Corinne , Toedt Grischa , Becker Natalia , Benner Axel , Werft Wiebke , Breit Stephen , Liu Shuangyou , Engel Felix , Wittmann Andrea , Zimmermann Martin , Stanulla Martin , Schrappe Martin , Ludwig Wolf-Dieter , Bartram Claus R. , Radlwimmer Bernhard , Muckenthaler Martina U. , Lichter Peter , Kulozik Andreas E.
Published: May 2009

Precursor T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in children represents a clinical challenge, because relapses are usually fatal. It is thus necessary to identify high-risk patients as early as possible to effectively individualize treatment. We aimed to define novel molecular risk markers in T-ALL and performed array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) and expression analyses in 73 patients. We show that DNA copy-number changes are common in T-ALL and affect 70 of 73 (96%) patients. Notably, genomic imbalances predicted to down-regulate the TGF-β or up-regulate the PI3K-AKT pathways are identified in 25 of 73 (34%) and 21 of 73 (29%) patients, suggesting that these pathways play key roles in T-ALL leukemogenesis. Furthermore, we identified a deletion at 6q15-16.1 in 9 of 73 (12%) of the patients, which predicts poor early treatment response. This deletion includes the CASP8AP2 gene, whose expression is shown to be down-regulated. The interaction of CASP8AP2 with CASP8 plays a crucial role in apoptotic regulation, suggesting a functional link between the clinical effect of the deletion and the molecular mode of action. The data presented here implicate the TGF-β and PI3K-AKT pathways in T-ALL leukemogenesis and identify a subgroup of patients with CASP8AP2 deletions and poor early treatment response.
GM-CSF- and M-CSF-dependent macrophage phenotypes display differential dependence on Type I interferon signaling
Authors: Fleetwood Andrew J , Dinh Hang , Cook Andrew D , Hertzog Paul J , Hamilton John A
Published: May 2009

Type I IFN differentially regulates the phenotype, function and polarization of particular macrophage populations.

M-CSF and GM-CSF are mediators involved in regulating the numbers and function of macrophage lineage populations and have been shown to contribute to macrophage heterogeneity. Type I IFN is an important mediator produced by macrophages and can have profound regulatory effects on their properties. In this study, we compared bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) and GM-CSF-induced BMM (GM-BMM) from wild-type and IFNAR1−/− mice to assess the contribution of endogenous type I IFN to the phenotypic differences between BMM and GM-BMM. BMM were capable of higher constitutive IFN-β production, which contributed significantly to their basal transcriptome. Microarray analysis found that of the endogenous type I IFN-regulated genes specific to either BMM or GM-BMM, 488 of these gene alterations were unique to BMM, while only 50 were unique to GM-BMM. Moreover, BMM displayed enhanced basal mRNA levels, relative to GM-BMM, of a number of genes identified as being dependent on type I IFN signaling, including Stat1, Stat2, Irf7, Ccl5, Ccl12, and Cxcl10. As a result of prior type I IFN “priming,” upon LPS stimulation BMM displayed increased activation of the MyD88-independent IRF-3/STAT1 pathways compared with GM-BMM, which correlated with the distinct cytokine/chemokine profiles of the two macrophage subsets. Furthermore, the autocrine type I IFN signaling loop regulated the production of the M1 and M2 signature cytokines, IL-12p70 and IL-10. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that constitutive and LPS-induced type I IFN play significant roles in regulating the differences in phenotype and function between BMM and GM-BMM.
Caveolin-1 Loss of Function Accelerates Glucose Transporter 4 and Insulin Receptor Degradation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: González-Muñoz Elena , López-Iglesias Carmen , Calvo Maria , Palacín Manuel , Zorzano Antonio , Camps Marta
Published: May 2009

Caveolae are a specialized type of lipid rafts that are stabilized by oligomers of caveolin protein. Caveolae are particularly enriched in adipocytes. Here we analyzed the effects of caveolin-1 knockdown and caveolae ablation on adipocyte function. To this end, we obtained several multiclonal mouse 3T3-L1 cell lines with a reduced expression of caveolin-1 (95% reduction) by a small interfering RNA approach using lentiviral vectors. Control cell lines were obtained by lentiviral infection with lentiviral vectors encoding appropriate scrambled RNAs. Caveolin-1 knockdown adipocytes showed a drastic reduction in the number of caveolae (95% decrease) and cholera toxin labeling was reorganized in dynamic plasma membrane microdomains. Caveolin-1 depletion caused a specific decrease in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin receptor protein levels. This reduction was not the result of a generalized defect in adipocyte differentiation or altered gene expression but was explained by faster degradation of these proteins. Caveolin-1 knockdown adipocytes showed reductions in insulin-stimulated glucose transport, insulin-triggered GLUT4 recruitment to the cell surface, and insulin receptor activation. In all, our data indicate that caveolin-1 loss of function reduces maximal insulin response through lowered stability and diminished expression of insulin receptors and GLUT4. We propose that caveolin-1/caveolae control insulin action in adipose cells.
Thymocyte-Synthesized Glucocorticoids Play a Role in Thymocyte Homeostasis and Are Down-Regulated by Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
Authors: Qiao Shengjun , Okret Sam , Jondal Mikael
Published: May 2009

Thymocytes from adult mice synthesize glucocorticoids (GCs), and some data indicate a role for this hormone production in thymic homeostasis. Here we present further support for this view by showing that the dramatic increase in thymocyte number seen after adrenalectomy (ADX) does not correlate with the decrease in systemic GCs but rather with an ACTH-mediated down-regulation of GC synthesis in thymocytes. High ACTH concentrations caused by ADX in wild-type mice down-regulated CYP11B1 mRNA expression, encoding the last enzyme required for corticosterone synthesis and as a consequence reduced GC synthesis in thymocytes. This was not seen in IL-1β/IL-18 double-knockout mice unable to respond to ADX with high ACTH levels. However, if ADX IL-1β/IL-18 double-knockout mice were treated with ACTH, this led to a down-regulation of CYP11B1 and GC synthesis in thymocytes. In addition, in vivo treatment of mice with the CYP11B1 antagonist metyrapone, without affecting the systemic corticosterone level, increased thymocyte numbers and in vitro treatment of isolated thymocytes prevented thymocyte loss. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that both ACTH and its receptor-induced second-messenger molecule cAMP down-regulated mRNA expression of critical enzymes in GC steroidogenesis and GC synthesis in thymocytes. We conclude that thymocyte-produced GCs are important for the homeostasis of adult mouse thymocytes and that high ACTH level, in contrast to stimulating GC synthesis in the adrenal glands, has the opposite effect in thymocytes.
Eye movements of laterally eyed birds are not independent
Authors: Voss Joe , Bischof Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2009

Most birds have laterally placed eyes with two largely separated visual fields. According to studies in pigeons laterally eyed birds move their eyes independently in most situations, eye coordination just occurred during converging saccades towards frontal stimuli. Here we demonstrate for the first time that laterally eyed zebra finches show coordinated eye movements,regarding direction and amplitude. Spontaneous and visually elicited movements of the two eyes were recorded simultaneously, using a newly developed eye tracking system. We found that, if one eye moves in a certain direction, the other eye simultaneously performs a counter-movement in the opposite direction. Based on these data we developed a hypothesis of how laterally eyed birds cope with the situation in which the left and right eye simultaneously obtain images with different content. We suggest that the counter-movements maintain the spatial relationship of the two visual fields. `Oculospatial constancy', as we call it, facilitates the combination of the left and right visual percept on the level of peripheral or unattended viewing, and the localization of appearing stimuli within the whole visual field. As soon as two visual stimuli simultaneously appear in the left and right visual field,the birds decide on one stimulus and direct the fovea of the appropriate eye towards it for high resolution analysis, the other eye simultaneously performing a counter-saccade. This leads to the assumption that, in contrast to simultaneous peripheral perception with two eyes, the processing of foveal information is possible only for one eye at one time.
Sympathetic outflow activates the venom gland of the snakeBothrops jararacaby regulating the activation of transcription factors and the synthesis of venom gland proteins
Authors: Luna Milene S. A. , Hortencio Thiago M. A. , Ferreira Zulma S. , Yamanouye Norma
Published: May 2009

The venom gland of viperid snakes has a central lumen where the venom produced by secretory cells is stored. When the venom is lost from the gland,the secretory cells are activated and new venom is produced. The production of new venom is triggered by the action of noradrenaline on bothα 1- and β-adrenoceptors in the venom gland. In this study, we show that venom removal leads to the activation of transcription factors NFκB and AP-1 in the venom gland. In dispersed secretory cells,noradrenaline activated both NFκB and AP-1. Activation of NFκB and AP-1 depended on phospholipase C and protein kinase A. Activation of NFκB also depended on protein kinase C. Isoprenaline activated both NFκB and AP-1, and phenylephrine activated NFκB and later AP-1. We also show that the protein composition of the venom gland changes during the venom production cycle. Striking changes occurred 4 and 7 days after venom removal in female and male snakes, respectively. Reserpine blocks this change,and the administration of α1- and β-adrenoceptor agonists to reserpine-treated snakes largely restores the protein composition of the venom gland. However, the protein composition of the venom from reserpinized snakes treated with α1- or β-adrenoceptor agonists appears normal, judging from SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. A sexual dimorphism in activating transcription factors and activating venom gland was observed. Our data suggest that the release of noradrenaline after biting is necessary to activate the venom gland by regulating the activation of transcription factors and consequently regulating the synthesis of proteins in the venom gland for venom production.
Solving a multi-objective multi-depot stochastic location-routing problem by a hybrid simulated annealing algorithm
Authors: Hassan-Pour H A , Mosadegh-Khah M , Tavakkoli-Moghaddam R
Published: May 2009

This paper presents a novel mathematical model for a stochastic location-routing problem (SLRP) that minimizes the facilities establishing cost and transportation cost, and maximizes the probability of delivery to customers. In this proposed model, new aspects of a location-routing problem (LRP), such as stochastic availability of facilities and routes, are developed that are similar to real-word problems. The proposed model is solved in two stages: (i) solving the facility location problem (FLP) by a mathematical algorithm and (ii) solving the multi-objective multi-depot vehicle routing problem (MO-MDVRP) by a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm hybridized by genetic operators, namely mutation and crossover. The proposed SA can find good solutions in a reasonable time. It solves the proposed model in large-scale problems with acceptable results. Finally, a trade-off curve is used to depict and discuss a large-sized problem. The associated results are compared with the results obtained by the lower bound and Lingo 8.0 software.
An optimization study of a multiple-row pin-vented brake disc to promote brake cooling using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Palmer E , Mishra R , Fieldhouse J
Published: May 2009

Brake disc cooling is an important area of research for high-performance brake disc manufacturers, users as well as academia. In high-demand braking applications, vented discs are increasingly being used as these are considered to have high heat-dissipating characteristics. The cooling efficiency of ventilated brakes depends on three key characteristics: the mass flowrate through the disc, i.e. the pumping efficiency of the rotor, the average heat transfer coefficient on the surface of the disc, and the wetted area of the rotor. Recent research has shown that the pin-vented discs have high heat transfer rates because of an increase in turbulence which results in a higher heat transfer coefficient. The pin-vented discs also have a higher resistance to thermal deformation owing to the more even distribution of material, resulting in lower thermal stress build-up within the rotor. The pin-vented discs in general have multiple rows of pins. In this paper an optimal configuration of various rows has been found for the maximum heat transfer rate. It has also been found that the ratio of wetted area of the disc to the frontal area of pins defines the heat transfer rate from the disc uniquely and can be used as a design parameter for the optimal design of a brake disc.
Probabilistic approach to the condition monitoring of aerospace engines
Authors: King S , Bannister P R , Clifton D A , Tarassenko L
Published: May 2009

The provision of TotalCare® styled service offerings by original equipment manufacture (OEM) suppliers of high-integrity assets is intended to provide improved levels of system availability to the operator. A key element of such service offerings is the ability to minimize unplanned equipment downtime, and the utilization of advanced diagnostic and prognostic monitoring tools is a significant component in achieving this. Monitoring methods, founded on novelty detection technologies, are now a well-established condition monitoring technique. This approach is particularly appropriate for monitoring high-integrity plant where fault conditions arise with extremely low levels of probability. The approach described in this article is to establish empirically based models of normality that are guided by engineering knowledge and utilize key features normally used by expert engineers. However, rather than consider generic modelling approaches, it is proposed that application of models that adapt their sensitivity to the operation of individual assets offer greater prognostic efficiency. This article demonstrates how this can be achieved by considering asset-specific models that adapt the threshold of alerting in accordance with the observed normal running of the plant.
Haemodynamics and blood flow measured using ultrasound imaging
Authors: Hoskins P R
Published: May 2009

Visualization of, and measurements related to, haemodynamic phenomena in arteries may be made using ultrasound systems. Most ultrasound technology relies on simple measurements of blood velocity taken from a single site, such as the peak systolic velocity for assessment of the degree of lumen reduction caused by an arterial stenosis. Real-time two-dimensional (2D) flow field visualization is possible using several methods, such as colour flow, blood flow imaging, and echo particle image velocimetry; these have applications in the examination of the flow field in diseased arteries and in heart chambers. Three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional ultrasound systems have been described. These have been used to provide 2D velocity profile data for the estimation of volumetric flow. However, they are limited for haemodynamic evaluation in that they provide only one component of the velocity. The provision of all seven components (three space, three velocity, and one time) is possible using image-guided modelling, in which 3D ultrasound is combined with computational fluid dynamics. This method also allows estimation of turbulence data and of relevant quantities such as the wall shear stress.
The determination of the pressure—viscosity coefficient of a lubricant through an accurate film thickness formula and accurate film thickness measurements
Authors: van Leeuwen H
Published: May 2009

The pressure—viscosity coefficient is an indispensable property in the elastohydrodynamic (EHD) lubrication of hard contacts, but often not known. A guess will easily lead to enormous errors in the film thickness. This article describes a method to deduct this coefficient by adapting the value of the pressure—viscosity coefficient until the differences between accurate film thickness approxi-mation values and accurate film thickness measurements over a wide range of values are at a minimum. Eleven film thickness approximation formulas are compared in describing the film thickness of a test fluid with known value of the pressure—viscosity coefficient. The measurement method is based on spacer layer interferometry. It is concluded that for circular contacts the newer more versatile expressions are not better than some older approximations, which are limited to a smaller region of conditions, and that the older fits are as least as appropriate to find the pressure—viscosity coefficient of fluids, in spite of the limited data where they have been based on.
William Blake and the Future of Enthusiasm
Authors: Goldsmith Steven
Published: May 2009

In Blake we observe the transition from a theological concept of enthusiasm to a practice of literary-critical engagement as enthusiasm. Although this transition is often eclipsed by the current historicist tendency to locate Blake in the 1790s, with roots even earlier, Blake's enthusiasm performs a work that progressive critics will ask of emotion for the next two hundred years: to supply immediate, experiential evidence of a transformative agency whose effects cannot otherwise be measured. Historicist interest in attaching Blake to premodern affects is bound up with a modern desire to mobilize enthusiasm anew and catalyze a future beyond modernity. Sartre's The Emotions provides a useful framework for understanding the aspirations and anxieties that have led criticism to stake its claims to agency on the evidence of emotion. Describing a machine-world that points back to the constraints of Blake's Urizenic starry mill and forward to the ideological systems we associate with criticism after Foucault, Sartre helps identify a critical legacy that posits a "magical" agency of emotion within and against instrumental reason. He also raises key questions about the origin and efficacy of such affective transformation. When do critical emotions serve as a proxy for the agency we feel we lack? When, if ever, do they open onto a world indifferent to our desires for transformation? Is it possible to think of reading as something other than empowerment?
Blake's Living Form
Authors: Gigante Denise
Published: May 2009

This essay reads William Blake's illuminated work Jerusalem: The Emanation of The Giant Albion as a key instance of living (or organic) form conceived according to biological principles in the period of Romantic vitalism, 1760–1830. At this time, the Aristotelian theory of epigenesis was revived in the European scientific community as a way to comprehend embryogenesis as a process of self-generation motivated by internal, vital power. This theory, current in the science of generation, conflicted with another theory called "preformation," which was closer to a creationist view of organic life. A careful look at the kind of material organizations made possible by vital power (a concept that went by various names, from vis essentialis to Lebenskraft to Bildungstrieb) reveals these to be relevant to the aesthetic organization of Jerusalem. Organic form, despite received wisdom, did not always entail closure or the ideology of "reproduction." Instead, modeling the power of regeneration, Blake develops a unique brand of epigenesist poetics.
Blake Dead or Alive
Authors: Williams Nicholas M.
Published: May 2009

William Blake's interests in the living body and its aesthetic analogue, "Living Form," underlie his attempt at representing motion, a hallmark of animal life since at least the time of Aristotle's De Anima. In scenes such as Albion's climactic rise and subsequent falling back in Milton, motion emerges as a representational problem, however, in large part due to the unsatisfying dominance of a Newtonian mechanical account of motion. Phenomenological accounts of both self-motion and motion in the object world, such as Maurice Merleau-Ponty's, can nevertheless suggest how Blake points to the problem of perceiving motion, even if it finally resists full representation.
The Reality of Persecutory Beliefs: Base Rate Information for Clinicians
Authors: Brown Seth A.
Published: May 2009

When an individual describes persecution, how does one know whether this constitutes reality or a delusion? An erroneous clinical decision can lead to unnecessary treatment or lack of appropriate treatment. Knowledge of base rates of relevant events can inform the decision-making process and potentially increase the accuracy of clinical judgments. This article reviews base rates of events that could be perceived as delusions as well as the correlates associated with these events. Commonly occurring events include discrimination, mental illness stigma, criminal victimization, infidelity, conspiracy beliefs, and stalking. Surveillance and intentional poisoning are rare events. Clinicians who possess accurate base rates of events and their correlates will likely engage in more informed and accurate clinical judgments.
A Second Generation of the Competency-Based Approach to Nursing Education
Authors: Goudreau Johanne , Pepin Jacinthe , Dubois Sylvie , Boyer Louise , Larue Caroline , Legault Alain
Published: May 2009

This article describes the renewal of a baccalaureate program in nursing. This new program was developed to respond to new challenges presented to the profession. A completely new approach was adopted, the competency-based approach (CBA), with a constructivist, holistic foundation that we named 'second generation CBA.' The CBA theoretical underpinnings are presented, as well as the structure and the content of the program with a special focus on the teaching and learning strategies. A course on health illustrates the approach. Although no rigorous evaluation has been held, comments from students and teachers were collected during the implementation process. Assessment of students' competency levels remains an important issue.
Cardiopulmonary effects of diazepam-ketamine-isoflurane or xylazine-ketamine-isoflurane during abdominal surgery in foals
Authors: Kerr Carolyn L. , Bouré Ludovic P. , Pearce Simon G. , McDonell Wayne N.
Published: May 2009

Objective—To evaluate cardiopulmonary effects of anesthetic induction with diazepam and ketamine or xylazine and ketamine, with subsequent maintenance of anesthesia with isoflurane, in foals undergoing abdominal surgery.

Animals—17 pony foals.

Procedures—Foals underwent laparotomy at 7 to 15 days of age and laparoscopy 7 to 10 days later. Foals were randomly assigned to receive diazepam, ketamine, and isoflurane (D/K/Iso; n = 8) or xylazine, ketamine, and isoflurane (X/K/Iso; 9) for both procedures.

Results—During anesthesia for laparotomy, cardiac index, and mean arterial blood pressure ranged from 110 to 180 mL/kg/min and 57 to 81 mm Hg, respectively, in the D/K/Iso group and 98 to 171 mL/kg/min and 50 to 66 mm Hg, respectively, in the X/K/Iso group. Cardiac index, heart rate, and arterial blood pressures were significantly higher in the D/K/Iso group, compared with the X/K/Iso group. During anesthesia for laparoscopy, cardiac index and mean arterial blood pressure ranged from 85 to 165 mL/kg/min and 67 to 83 mm Hg, respectively, in the D/K/Iso group, and 98 to 171 mL/kg/min and 48 to 67 mm Hg, respectively, in the X/K/Iso group. Heart rates and arterial blood pressures were significantly higher in the D/K/Iso group, compared with the X/K/Iso group. There were no significant differences between groups during either experimental period for percentage end-tidal isoflurane, arterial blood gas partial pressures, or pH values.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Anesthesia of foals for abdominal surgery with D/K/Iso was associated with less hemodynamic depression than with X/K/Iso.
Influence of early conditioning exercise on the development of gross cartilage defects and swelling behavior of cartilage extracellular matrix in the equine midcarpal joint
Authors: Kim Woong , Kawcak Chris E. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Firth Elwyn C. , McArdle Brian H. , Broom Neil D.
Published: May 2009

Objective—To investigate the influence of early conditioning exercise on the development of gross cartilage defects and swelling behavior of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) in the midcarpal joint of horses.

Animals—12 Thoroughbreds.

Procedures—6 horses underwent early conditioning exercise from birth to 18 months of age (CONDEX group), and 6 horses were used as control animals (PASTEX group). The horses were euthanized at 18 months of age, and the midcarpal joints were harvested. Gross defects of the cartilage surface were classified and mapped. Opposing surfaces of the third and radial carpal bones were used to quantify swelling behavior of the cartilage ECM.

Results—A wide range of gross defects was detected in the cartilage on the opposing surfaces of the bones of the midcarpal joint; however, there was no significant difference between the CONDEX and PASTEX groups. Similarly, no significant difference in swelling behavior of the cartilage ECM was evident between the CONDEX and PASTEX groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In the study reported here, we did not detect negative influences of early conditioning exercise on the prevalence of gross defects in cartilage of the midcarpal joint or the quality of the cartilage ECM as defined by swelling behavior. These results suggested that early conditioning exercise may be used without negative consequences for the midcarpal joint and the cartilage ECM of the third and radial carpal bones.
Pancreatic response in healthy dogs fed diets of various fat compositions
Authors: James Fleur E. , Mansfield Caroline S. , Steiner Jörg M. , Williams David A. , Robertson Ian D.
Published: May 2009

Objective—To indirectly assess the pancreatic response in healthy dogs that were fed diets of different fat compositions with or without supplemental pancreatic enzymes and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

Animals—10 healthy adult dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were fed 4 diets once in random order at 1-week intervals; food was withheld from the dogs for ≥ 12 hours prior to the feeding of each diet. Diets A and B contained 16% and 5% crude fat, respectively; diet C was composed of diet A with pancreatic enzymes; and diet D was composed of diet B with pancreatic enzymes and MCTs. Serum canine trypsin–like immunoreactivity (cTLI) and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentrations were measured before (0 hours) and at 1 to 2 and 6 hours after feeding. Serum gastrin concentration was measured at 0 hours and at 5 to 10 minutes and 1 to 2 hours after feeding. A gastrin assay validation study was performed to confirm accuracy of test results in dogs. Data were analyzed by use of a repeated-measures general ANOVA.

Results—Serum cTLI, cPLI, or gastrin concentrations in the dogs did not differ among the different diets fed, among dogs, or over time. When multiple comparisons were analyzed, diet D caused the least amount of measurable pancreatic response, although this difference was not significant.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results did not indicate a significant effect of dietary fat content or addition of supplemental MCT oil or pancreatic enzymes in diets on serum cTLI, cPLI, or gastrin concentrations in healthy dogs.