bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application and Comparison of Robust Linear Regression Methods for Trend Estimation
Authors: Muhlbauer Andreas , Spichtinger Peter , Lohmann Ulrike
Published: June 2009

In this study, robust parametric regression methods are applied to temperature and precipitation time series in Switzerland and the trend results are compared with trends from classical least squares (LS) regression and nonparametric approaches. It is found that in individual time series statistically outlying observations are present that influence the LS trend estimate severely. In some cases, these outlying observations lead to an over-/underestimation of the trends or even to a trend masking. In comparison with the classical LS method and standard nonparametric techniques, the use of robust methods yields more reliable trend estimations and outlier detection.
Extratropical Rossby Waves in the Presence of Buoyancy Mixing
Authors: Marchal Olivier
Published: June 2009

The propagation of Rossby waves on a midlatitude β plane is investigated in the presence of density diffusion with the aid of linear hydrostatic theory. The search for wave solutions in a vertically bounded medium subject to horizontal (vertical) diffusion leads to an eigenvalue problem of second (fourth) order. Exact solutions of the problem are obtained for uniform background stratification (N), and approximate solutions are constructed for variable N using the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin method. Roots of the eigenvalue relations for free waves are found and discussed.

The barotropic wave of adiabatic theory is also a solution of the eigenvalue problem as this is augmented with density diffusion in the horizontal or vertical direction. The barotropic wave is undamped as fluid parcels in the wave move only horizontally and are therefore insensitive to the vortex stretching induced by mixing. On the other hand, density diffusion modifies the properties of baroclinic waves of adiabatic theory. In the presence of horizontal diffusion the baroclinic modes are damped but their vertical structure remains unaltered. The ability of horizontal diffusion to damp baroclinic waves stems from its tendency to counteract the deformation of isopycnal surfaces caused by the passage of these waves. The damping rate increases (i) linearly with horizontal diffusivity and (ii) nonlinearly with horizontal wavenumber and mode number. In the presence of vertical diffusion the baroclinic waves suffer both damping and a change in vertical structure. In the long-wave limit the damping is critical (wave decay rate numerically equal to wave frequency) and increases as the square roots of vertical diffusivity and zonal wavenumber. Density diffusion in the horizontal or vertical direction reduces the amplitude of the phase speed of westward-propagating waves. Observational estimates of eddy diffusivities suggest that horizontal and vertical mixing strongly attenuates baroclinic waves in the ocean but that vertical mixing is too weak to notably modify the vertical structure of the gravest modes.
Subsurface Jets in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Hamilton Peter , Badan Antoine
Published: June 2009

Subsurface jets, defined as having velocity maxima >40 cm s−1 at depths between 100 and 350 m, and being surrounded by much weaker near-surface currents, have been observed over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico continental slope. The observations were from an array of 14 moorings equipped with upward-looking 75-kHz ADCPs deployed at 450–500 m. A total of 10 jet events were observed in 18 ADCP years of velocity profile data, where these events were clearly not the result of downward-propagating inertial internal waves. The jets had durations from about 1 to 8 days and were usually associated with interactions between similarly sized cyclones and anticyclones over the slope or with the interaction of an eddy with upper-slope topography. The jets are associated with potential vorticity anomalies and their inferred length scales indicate that the dynamics depart from simple geostrophic balances. Observed anomalous density gradients present during the jets seem to involve the tilting of the vertical axis of the center of rotation of one or more of the interacting eddies.
Intercomparison of Spatial Forecast Verification Methods
Authors: Gilleland Eric , Ahijevych David , Brown Barbara G. , Casati Barbara , Ebert Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2009

Advancements in weather forecast models and their enhanced resolution have led to substantially improved and more realistic-appearing forecasts for some variables. However, traditional verification scores often indicate poor performance because of the increased small-scale variability so that the true quality of the forecasts is not always characterized well. As a result, numerous new methods for verifying these forecasts have been proposed. These new methods can mostly be classified into two overall categories: filtering methods and displacement methods. The filtering methods can be further delineated into neighborhood and scale separation, and the displacement methods can be divided into features based and field deformation. Each method gives considerably more information than the traditional scores, but it is not clear which method(s) should be used for which purpose.

A verification methods intercomparison project has been established in order to glean a better understanding of the proposed methods in terms of their various characteristics and to determine what verification questions each method addresses. The study is ongoing, and preliminary qualitative results for the different approaches applied to different situations are described here. In particular, the various methods and their basic characteristics, similarities, and differences are described. In addition, several questions are addressed regarding the application of the methods and the information that they provide. These questions include (i) how the method(s) inform performance at different scales; (ii) how the methods provide information on location errors; (iii) whether the methods provide information on intensity errors and distributions; (iv) whether the methods provide information on structure errors; (v) whether the approaches have the ability to provide information about hits, misses, and false alarms; (vi) whether the methods do anything that is counterintuitive; (vii) whether the methods have selectable parameters and how sensitive the results are to parameter selection; (viii) whether the results can be easily aggregated across multiple cases; (ix) whether the methods can identify timing errors; and (x) whether confidence intervals and hypothesis tests can be readily computed.
A Typology for Understanding the Connections Among Different Forms of Social Capital
Authors: Glanville Jennifer L. , Bienenstock Elisa Jayne
Published: June 2009

Critics have argued that the term social capital is too vague or general to be a useful concept. Recognizing the need for clarification, the authors distill the conceptual discussions about social capital to argue that there are three components_network structure, trust and reciprocity, and resources_that are associated with but vary in degree and salience for all forms of social capital. These three components should be considered continua along which the forms of social capital can vary. A fourth continuum is between micro and macro levels of social capital. Locating particular examples of social capital along these continua opens the possibility to compare different types of social capital and to develop and test theories about how they are related to each other. The authors also describe a simulation study to illustrate how simulation can facilitate understanding of the linkages among different forms of social capital.
Neighborhood Social Capital as Differential Social Organization
Authors: Sampson Robert J. , Graif Corina
Published: June 2009

This article treats social capital as a multidimensional phenomenon along which neighborhoods are differentially organized. The authors assess this notion by linking two original surveys carried out in Chicago based on community residents ( N = 8,782) and positional leaders ( N = 2,822) representing six organizational dimensions. These data are used to examine both the dimensionality and structural predictors of neighborhood social organization. Results show that the social capital of Chicago communities encapsulates four distinct dimensions at the residential level and two at the leadership level. Moreover, dimensions of leadership-based social capital are for the most part inversely related to resident-based social capital and differentially predicted by concentrated disadvantage, residential stability, and racial/ethnic diversity. Based on multidimensional scaling and clustering of the communities, the authors derive a conceptual typology highlighted by four distinct groups—Cosmopolitan Efficacy, Urban Villages, Institutional Alienation, and Conduct Norms. The authors discuss implications and suggest new directions for exploration of community differentiation.
Sex Differences During the Early Separation-Individuation Process: Implications for Gender Identity Formation
Authors: Olesker Wendy
Published: June 2009

Observations made in a nursery setting of 22 infants 9 to 12 months old suggest that girls become aware of psychological separateness earlier than do boys. The nature of the infant's means of coping, the relation to mother and to play objects, and maternal handling differences are also reported. Implications for gender identity formation are discussed.
The Role of Mother-Son Incest in The Pathogenesis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Authors: Gabbard Glen O. , Twemlow Stuart W.
Published: June 2009

Psychoanalytic case material is presented to illustrate how mother-son incest may be involved in the pathogenesis of a particular subtype of narcissistic personality disorder. Male patients with this disorder have a grandiose view of themselves as entitled to occupy a special position with others, combined with a paranoid tendency to anticipate imminent betrayal. The enormous guilt related to perceived oedipal transgressions leads these patients to fear retaliation from an enraged, vindictive, and castrating father at any moment. In addition, these men often feel that their special role vis-à-vis mother is a precarious one contingent on doing her bidding. Hence, they also live in dread of an impending disaster involving either abandonment or humiliation by their mothers.
Effect of Plasma Treatment on Structure, Wettability of Jute Fiber and Flexural Strength of its Composite
Authors: Sinha E. , Panigrahi S.
Published: June 2009

The aim of this article is to study the influence of physical treatment on morphology, wettability, fine structure of fibers and its impact on the interfacial adhesion of natural fiber-reinforced thermosets. For that purpose, jute fibers were treated with argon cold plasma for 5, 10, and 15 min and processed for composite with unsaturated polyester resin. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph had shown the rough surface morphology and degradation of fiber due to etching mechanism causes by plasma. Surface properties of fibers before and after treatment were determined by mean of contact angle determination and fine structural details by Fourier transform infrared-spectroscopy (FT-IR). Plasma treatment resulted in the development of hydrophobicity in fibers, that is contact angle were found increasing with water. This could be due to the decrease in phenolic and secondary alcoholic groups or oxidation of basic structural component, lignin and hemicelluloses after plasma treatment as studied by FTIR. Rough surface morphology and development of hydrophobicity of fiber after plasma treatment resulted in the better fiber/matrix adhesion as revealed from SEM micrograph of plasma treated fiber composite. However, among all treated fiber composite, flexural strength of composite prepared with 10 min plasma treated fiber only had shown improve mechanical strength of ~14% in compare to raw fiber composite.
Novel Glass Fiber-reinforced Cyanate Ester/Microcapsule Composites
Authors: Li Yuan  , Aijuan Gu  , Guozheng Liang  , Jianyuan Wu  , Wei Wang  , Zhouqiang Sun
Published: June 2009

Novel fiber-reinforced dicyanate of bisphenol A (BADCy)/poly (urea-formaldehyde) microcapsules filled with epoxy resins (MCEs) composites were prepared. The effects of MCEs with different content and diameter on the mechanical properties and the hot-wet resistance of the composites were discussed. The morphologies of composites were characterized using a scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The dynamic mechanical property (DMA) of the composites was also evaluated. The results indicate that the appropriate addition of MCEs with various diameters can significantly improve the mechanical properties and the hot-wet resistance of fiber-reinforced BADCy composites. The fiber-reinforced BADCy/MCEs composites have lower glass transition temperature (Tg), compared with the fiber-reinforced BADCy composites without MCEs.
Optimal Injection Design for Resin Transfer Molding with In Situ Permeability Measurement and Process Simulation
Authors: Jing Li  , Xiang Fu  , Zhang Chuck , Liang Richard , Wang Ben
Published: June 2009

Resin transfer molding (RTM) process has been gaining extensive attention because of its ability to produce complex structural composite parts. Researchers have made significant progress toward obtaining quality products. The preform permeability change during actual molding process brings up difficulty in achieving consistency in part quality. This article presents an adaptive RTM injection design approach in which process simulation and Hardware-In-the-Loop-Simulation (HILS) technique are used: the whole-field preform permeability profile is provided by an in situ gas-assisted permeability measurement system and then inputted to the process simulation right before each control step during molding; an open loop control method steering the resin flow is also proposed. It is found that the HILS can be used to realize optimal injection design and flow control with accurate online permeability estimation.
Quasi-Disk Type Microbond Pull-Out Test for Evaluating Fiber/Matrix Adhesion in Composites
Authors: Choi Nak-Sam , Park Joo-Eon , Kang Soo-Keun
Published: June 2009

Adhesion strength between epoxy resin and carbon fiber was analyzed using various microbond types adhered onto a single carbon fiber. Experimental pull-out tests were performed for a quasi-disk type, a hemispherical type and a droplet type microbond specimen. The quasi-disk type microbond specimen showed high regression coefficient and low standard deviation in the measurement of interfacial shear strength data as compared with the droplet and hemispherical ones. Average value of interfacial shear strength for quasi-disk type was about 55% as large as those for the other types. Finite element analysis showed that the stress distributions along the interface in the quasi-disk type specimen did not have such drastic stress concentrations susceptible to variations in the specimen geometry as revealed in the cases of droplet and hemispherical types. The experimental data were different according to the kinds of loading device such as the microvise-tip and the pin-holed plate. The use of a pin-holed steel section was useful for testing the quasi-disk type microbond specimens to give low scattering in the measurement of strength data.
High-Velocity Impact of Ice Particles on a Composite Material
Authors: Yun Ky Hong  , Chul Park  , Seug Wook Baek
Published: June 2009

The effect of an ice particle impact on composite materials was studied. An ice projectile was launched by a two-stage light gas gun to a Mach number of 2-3. A carbon/epoxy composite material was made from WSN3k preimpregnated carbon fiber fabric. First, the total mass removed from target specimen was measured. Threshold energy for material removal was found to be 5.15 J for the specimens tested. Second, momentum transferred to the target specimen was measured. The target was found to receive 1.18 times the momentum of the impacting projectile, implying that impact debris reflect 18% of the projectile’s momentum. Finally, ejecta behavior was studied using witness film and a high-speed camera. From these experimental data, an empirical model describing the impacting process was developed. Among others, the kinetic energy of the ejecta particle was found to be 26.4% of the original impact energy.
Beyond Skeptical Relativism: Evaluating the Social Constructions of Expert Risk Assessments
Authors: van Zwanenberg Patrick , Millstone Erik
Published: June 2009

Constructivist analyses of risk regulation are typically agnostic about what should count as robust or reliable knowledge. Indeed, constructivists usually portray competing accounts of risk as if they were always equally contingent or engaged with different and incommensurable issues and problem definitions. This article argues that assumptions about the equal reliability of competing accounts of risk deserve to be, and sometimes can be, examined empirically. A constructivist approach grounded in epistemological realism is outlined and applied empirically to a particular comparative U.S./U.K. case study of pesticide regulation. The article argues that while the scope for interpretative flexibility when addressing risk issues is clearly extensive, it is not unconstrained. By scrutinizing the structure and coherence of particular risk assessments and policy decisions by reference to both empirical evidence and commonly held robust standards of interpretation, the article argues that the U.K. evaluation was not only less precautionary than its U.S. equivalent, but it was also less well constructed and therefore less reliable. Several social and institutional characteristics of U.S. and U.K. policy making are highlighted that appear variously to facilitate or inhibit the production of reliable knowledge and the making of prudent policy decisions.
Ontologies for crisis contagion management in financial institutions
Authors: Ye Kang , Wang Shanshan , Yan Jiaqi , Wang Huaiqing , Miao Baiqi
Published: June 2009

What makes crisis management in financial institutions fairly unique and particularly complex is the accompanying crisis contagion or systemic risk. The subprime mortgage crisis currently happening in the USA is a typical example. In order to further deepen our understanding of how crisis contagion occurs and enhance information interchange and knowledge sharing among related entities, ontologies for crisis contagion management in financial institutions are proposed in this study. Three categories of ontologies, which include static ontology, dynamic ontology, and social ontology, are developed to deal with different perspectives in this domain. The three types of ontology are then united in the Ontology Web Language (OWL) and the Semantic Web Rules Languages (SWRL) framework, both of which are machine readable. Finally, the case of Long-Term Capital Management (LTCM) is offered to demonstrate how the proposed ontologies are used in financial institutions.
Automated document metadata extraction
Authors: Adefowoke Ojokoh Bolanle , Sunday Adewale Olumide , Oluwole Falaki Samuel
Published: June 2009

Web documents are available in various forms, most of which do not carry additional semantics. This paper presents a model for general document metadata extraction. The model, which combines segmentation by keywords and pattern matching techniques, was implemented using PHP, MySQL, JavaScript and HTML. The system was tested with 40 randomly selected PDF documents (mainly theses). An evaluation of the system was done using standard criteria measures namely precision, recall, accuracy and F-measure. The results show that the model is relatively effective for the task of metadata extraction, especially for theses and dissertations. A combination of machine learning with these rule-based methods will be explored in the future for better results.
Moderating effects of task characteristics on information source use: An individual-level analysis of R&D professionals in new product development
Authors: Bin Guo
Published: June 2009

Through an individual-level analysis of R&D professionals in technology-based firms, the current study examines the moderating effects of task characteristics on the relationships between source characteristics and information source use in terms of use frequency and source internality, in the context of new product development. The results show that task characteristics moderate the effects of source characteristics on information source use. Specifically, task uncertainty moderates the effect of source accessibility on use frequency for both internal and external sources. The positive relationship between source accessibility and use frequency of information sources is stronger when task uncertainty is low than when it is high. Furthermore, the results reveal that task characteristics moderate the effects of source characteristics on source internality. The present study provides strong evidence that the key to understanding how task characteristics affect information source use and reconciling the disagreements between the least effort principle and the quality-driven perspective is to examine the moderating effects of task characteristics on information seeking behaviour, and take into account the potential substitution effect between internal and external sources in information seeking.
Using Generalized Estimating Equations to Analyze Longitudinal Data in Nursing Research
Authors: Liu Shan , Dixon Jane , Qiu Guang , Tian Yu , McCorkle Ruth
Published: June 2009

Although use of GEE has become widespread for analyzing longitudinal data in many fields, much research in nursing still uses only the traditional statistical methods. This article illustrates use of GEE, using a data set describing symptoms of women with gynecological cancers, with eight data collection times across a period of 6 months. Three research questions are analyzed: (a) Did number of symptoms in women with gynecological cancer change within 6 months after surgery? (b) Did individual symptom (e.g., pain) in women with gynecological cancers change within 6 months after surgery? (c) Were psychosocial and disease variables (age, cancer site, new diagnosis or recurrence, treatment, emotional distress, and use of symptom management toolkit) associated with individual symptoms (e.g., fatigue) in women with gynecological cancers? For each research question, SAS code and explanation of SAS instructions are described in detail. Missing data and time intervals for longitudinal studies are also discussed.
Women in Substance Abuse Recovery
Authors: Sutherland Judith A. , Cook Linda , Stetina Pamela , Hernandez Carmen
Published: June 2009

The National Institute of Drug Abuse has promoted drug abuse research in the past two decades focusing on women and gender differences. One hundred twenty-eight Hispanic and White women have participated in this comparative descriptive study that has examined the differences between chemically dependent (CD) women in recovery and non—chemically dependent (non-CD) women in regard to resilience and self-differentiation—demographic variables associated with resilience and self-differentiation and recovery variables associated with resilience and self-differentiation in the CD women. Findings indicate that the CD women and Hispanic women have scored significantly lower on measures of resilience and self-differentiation. Among the recovery variables, resilience and self-differentiation are significant for children support but community support is not significant. The finding that Hispanic and White women in recovery score lower on resilience and self-differentiation is important for designing treatment strategies supportive of women in recovery.
The Use of Media in Constructing Identities in the Masculine Environment of Men's Prisons
Authors: Jewkes Yvonne
Published: June 2009

This article explores the importance of media forms and content within a unique context: the prison. Although — in common with other studies of media use among prisoners — it is inspired by the uses and gratifications tradition, this study refines and develops the approach, synthesizing it with Giddens's theory of structuration and Bourdieu's notion of habitus in order to understand not only patterns of media consumption in prisons, but also to gain insight into the relationship between media, identity and power. Structuration theory is viewed as an important counter to the prison deprivation literature, the central tenet of which is that imprisonment is an inherently painful and dehumanizing experience during which the prisoner suffers a series of deprivations that fundamentally weaken his or her sense of identity. While this study supports the view that prisons are essentially mortifying environments, it nevertheless endorses Giddens's belief that subordinates are never entirely powerless even in the most bounded of locales. Indeed, this article presents evidence to show that the mass media provide a key source of empowerment for the confined, offering a range of material from which they can create new identities or maintain pre-existing identities, explore their inner selves, form subgroups based on collective fanship, and find autonomy and self-respect in otherwise humiliating and disidentifying circumstances.
Profiling Property Criminals in Turkey
Authors: Içli Tülin Günşen , Seydioğullari İbrahim , Tatlidil Hüseyin , Çoban Sevgi , Sever Hanifi , Süeroğlu Ünal
Published: June 2009

The main aim of this research is to develop a profile of a thief. Through a comprehensive survey of property crime suspects arrested in the city of Ankara between 2004 and 2005, the authors have attempted to determine the socioeconomic qualities of those involved in these forms of property crimes. Results of the study show that property crimes are a consequence of low education, lack of occupational skills, and alcohol and drug addiction on the part of the offenders. Because of these factors, theft becomes a way of life for offenders after their first act of property crime.
Repair of Chronic Rupture of the Achilles Tendon using 2 Intratendinous Flaps from the Proximal Gastrocnemius-Soleus Complex
Authors: El Shewy Mohamed Taha , El Barbary Hassan Magdy , Abdel-Ghani Hisham
Published: June 2009

Background

Chronic rupture of the Achilles tendon is a surgical challenge, owing to the presence of a gap between the retracted ends, which renders direct repair almost impossible.

Purpose

In this study, 2 intratendinous distally based flaps fashioned from the proximal gastrocnemius-soleus complex are used to bridge the gap between the retracted edges of the ruptured Achilles tendon. The flaps are placed in the same line of pull of the ruptured tendon, in an effort to make the graft mimic the original biomechanics as much as possible.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Eleven patients (9 male and 2 female) with neglected ruptures of the Achilles tendon with retracted ends were included in this study. Two flaps fashioned from the proximal gastrocnemius-soleus complex were rotated over themselves, passed through the proximal stump, and then securely inserted into a previously prepared bed in the distal stump.

Results

The patients were followed up for a period of 6 to 9 years. At the final follow-up, all patients were able to return to their preinjury level of activity within a period of 6 to 9 months. The mean preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 42.27, whereas it was 98.91 at the final follow-up, with a range of 88 (in 1 patient) to 100 points (in 10 patients). All 11 patients showed statistically significant improvement according to the Holz rating system.

Conclusion

This technique allows for a bridging of the defect present in chronic ruptures of Achilles tendons, with a minimum of complications and a good final outcome.
Health Care Utilization Among Clients With Alzheimer's Disease: Public Policy Implications From the California Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center Program
Authors: Douglass Carolinda , Fox Patrick J.
Published: June 2009

This study examines health and social service utilization among Alzheimer's disease clients of the California Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADDTC) Program. This longitudinal study includes a nonrandom sample of program participants from 1988 to 1992 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (N = 737). Sample characteristics, service utilization rates, and recommendations for service use by ADDTC staff are described. Comparisons of service utilization at baseline assessment and first-annual assessment are made for 10 health and social services—physician services, senior center services, congregate or home-delivered meals, home health care, homemaker-chore services, adult day care, case management, transportation services, residential care, and nursing home care. The influence of ADDTC staff recommendations on subsequent service utilization is assessed and policy implications regarding the efficacy of these recommendations are discussed.
Particleboard made from waste paper treated with maleic anhydride
Authors: Nourbakhsh Amir , Ashori Alireza
Published: June 2009

This study evaluates the usage of waste newspaper as a supplement raw material for laboratory-made single-layer particle-boards. The boards were made of various ratios (75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100) of waste paper flakes to wood particles mixtures (wt/wt). The effects of press temperature and maleic anhydride on the properties of the boards were determined. Evaluated properties were modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bonding strength, and thickness swelling. Panels made from waste newspaper satisfied the modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding strength requirements of European Norms standards. Performing a statistical analysis of the results, press temperature and maleic anhydride content were found to be positively effective on the mechanical properties at a 95% confidence level. The results from this study indicated that technically waste paper could be a potential substitute material for particleboard manufacture.
A Renewed Emphasis on Hiring
Authors: Llorens Jared J.
Published: June 2009

This article overviews the federal government’s most recent initiative to improve its hiring processes, the End-to-End Hiring Roadmap. The Roadmap was developed through a joint partnership with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and the federal Chief Human Capital Officers Council, and it is intended to provide a detailed improvement plan for federal agencies to follow in the areas of workforce planning, recruitment, hiring, security and suitability, and orientation. This article overviews the specific components of the Roadmap and addresses its place within the context of existing strategic human capital management initiatives. Last, prospects for a successful adoption of the Roadmap are discussed.
Flammability and Thermal Properties of a Novel Intumescent Flame Retardant Polypropylene
Authors: Qingliang He  , Hongdian Lu  , Lei Song  , Yuan Hu  , Lijuan Chen
Published: June 2009

A novel intumescent flame retardant system (IFRs) combines Tri (1-oxo-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo [2. 2. 2] octane-methyl) phosphate (TPMP) with melamine pyrophosphate (MPOP) and its application in polypropylene (PP) has been investigated. The thermal stability, flammability, and water resistance were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UL-94 test, and cone calorimetry. TGA shows that pure PP degrades at about 4008C, while sample PP-6 degrades at about 270°C under nitrogen atmosphere. With 30wt% total loading of the IFRs, sample PP-6 passes the UL-94 V-0 test. It can still pass the UL-94 V-0 test after the water treatment. The introduction of TPMP and MPOP strongly decreases the peak heat release rate (PHRR) value of the flame retardant (FR) PP composite. The morphologies of the char residues obtained after cone calorimetry were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The char residue of sample PP-6 has better structure, which prevents the underlying materials from further decomposing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to further explore the char residues of the FR PP composites. The results show that sample PP-6 has the best char residue, which enhances the oxidation resistance of the char layer.
Synergistic Effects of Fe2O3 with Layered Double Hydroxides in EVA/LDH Composites
Authors: Jiao Chuanmei , Chen Xilei , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2009

The synergistic effects of Fe2O3 with layered double hydroxides (LDH) in ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/LDH (EVA/LDH) composites have been studied using limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 tests, and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The results from the LOI and UL-94 tests show that the Fe2O3 can also act as flame retardant synergistic agents in the EVA/LDH composites. The CCT data indicated that the addition of Fe2O3 in the EVA/LDH system can greatly reduce the heat release rate, total heat release, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Simulating a Building as a People Movement System
Authors: Gwynne S.M.V. , Kuligowski E.D.
Published: June 2009

Egress models are being used more frequently to simulate people movement; i.e., how people enter, use, and leave a building. However, little has been written on the different phases of people movement over the lifecycle of the building that can be examined and how these models may achieve this. In addition, little has been written on how these phases interact. This interaction may be due to these different phases occurring simultaneously or when an individual's experience in one phase (e.g., entering a building) influences another (e.g., route selection when leaving). This paper presents six modes in which an egress model can be applied: Naïve, Operational, Predictive, Engineered, Real-Time, and Interactive. The paper describes what is needed to enable these application modes, in terms of data, expertise, and model functionality and the benefits that these modes provide. These modes should appear in the same model enabling a comprehensive and integrated representation of people movement, and the factors that influence it, to be produced.
Design Fire Experiments for Commercial Premises
Authors: Zalok E. , Hadjisophocleous G.V. , Lougheed G.D.
Published: June 2009

Two series of experiments were conducted to determine the burning characteristics of different fuel packages, in both pre- and post-flashover fires, to develop data to characterize design fires for commercial premises. These fuel packages represented fuel loads determined from the survey of commercial buildings. Results suggest substantial differences in the burning characteristics of different stores. In this article, the description of the recommended design fires includes: (1) types of combustibles, (2) fire load density (MJ/m 2), (3) fire growth rate, and (4) yields of CO and CO2.
Flame Retardant Finishing of Cotton Fleece Fabric: Part IV-Bifunctional Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Wu Xialing , Yang Charles Q.
Published: June 2009

Most cotton fleece fabrics are not able to meet the federal flammability standard for general apparel (16 CFR 1610). In this research, we applied three carboxylic acids, i.e., succinic acid (SUA), malic acid (MLA), and tartaric acid (TTA), as flame retardant finishing systems for cotton fleece. We found that all three acids are able to esterify cotton in the presence of sodium hypophosphite as the catalyst, and SUA is the most reactive and the most hydrolysis-resistant when it is bound to cotton. The a-hydroxyl group with both MLA and TTA appears to hinder esterification and to facilitate hydrolysis for MLA and TTA bound to cotton. All three bifunctional carboxylic acids are effective in reducing the flammability of cotton fleece from ‘Class 3’ to ‘Class 1’. The micro-scale combustion calorimetry data reveal that SUA reduces cotton flammability by reducing its peak heat-release rate and heat-release capacity. The cotton fleece treated with SUA also has the highest bursting-strength retention and the least fabric yellowing.
Assessing the Impact of State Judicial Structures on Citizen Litigiousness
Authors: Yates Jeff , Tankersley Holley , Brace Paul
Published: June 2009

Some researchers argue over the existence of a “litigation explosion,” while others seek to understand the causes of variation in citizen legal mobilization and rates of litigation among states. Existing studies have provided important insight into citizens’ propensity to invoke the state courts to settle disputes; however, there remain unresolved questions concerning state litigation rates. The authors argue that the structural aspects of state judicial systems, specifically the professionalism of the courts and method of judicial selection, have important implications for litigiousness. They further suggest that the effects of these institutional structural characteristics are conditioned on the political environment of the state in which they operate. The authors consider tort litigation rates in ten states over twenty years to assess the proposition that these institutional structural characteristics of state court systems affect state citizen legal mobilization, expressed as litigation rates.
Patterns of Acquired Bleeding Disorders in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Asthana Bhushan , Sharma Prashant , Ranjan Ravi , Jain Prachi , Aravindan Ajisha , Chandra Mishra Pravas , Saxena Renu
Published: June 2009

Bleeding disorders constitute a large proportion of referrals to hematology departments. Worldwide, acquired causes of bleeding are commoner than inherited ones. To identify the spectrum of these disorders, we evaluated all referrals for bleeding encountered in this tertiary care centre over a one-year period. Of the total 1342 cases, 1040 (77.5%) had underlying exclusively acquired causes, whereas inherited causes constituted 302 cases (22.5%). Amongst acquired causes, disseminated intravascular coagulation was seen in 297 (28.6%), hepatic coagulopathy in 218 (20.9%), neurosurgical causes (intracranial bleeds) in 154 (14.8%), malignancy in 89 (8.6%), and miscellaneous multiple acquired causes including those due to anticoagulant drug overdose in 282 patients (27.1%). Referrals for isolated prolonged prothrombin time or thrombocytopenia were common, but were excluded from this study because not all presented with bleeding. Prompt laboratory work-up and precise identification of acquired causes of bleeding is the key to planning appropriate patient management including transfusion support.
Massive Pulmonary Embolism Associated With Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin, and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Mutations in a Young Patient on Oral Contraceptive Pills: A Case Report
Authors: Charafeddine Khalil M. , Mahfouz Rami A. , Ibrahim Georges Y. , Taher Ali T. , Hoballah Jamal J. , Taha Assad M.
Published: June 2009

Factor V Leiden (Factor V G1691A), prothrombin gene mutation G20210A, and homozygous C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene are known to predispose venous thromboembolism (VTE). We present herein a rare case of a young woman heterozygous for these mutations and taking oral contraceptive pills for less than 2 months, diagnosed to have massive deep venous thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolism. The patient was managed for 10 days in the hospital and discharged home on oral anticoagulants. This case suggests that screening for these factors in people with family history of thrombosis and in relatives of patients with these mutations is highly recommended to prevent fatal consequences. In addition, a new guideline for treatment and prophylaxis with anticoagulant for these patients and others who are at risk of developing VTE (American College of Chest Physicians [ACCP] guidelines-Chest 2008) has been published recently. Our recommendation is to promote for the internationally published algorithms through their application, where necessary, to prevent any future thrombotic morbidity or mortality incidents.
CT Venous Phase Venography With 64-Detector CT Angiography in the Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Stein Paul D. , Matta Fadi , Yaekoub Abdo Y. , Kazerooni Ella A. , Cahill Jennifer Ellis , Goodman Lawrence R. , Sostman H. Dirk , Hales Charles A. , Denier James E. , Weg John G. , Ghumman Dilraj , Chan Kevin M. , Woodard Pamela K. , Kwun Yoojin
Published: June 2009

The value of computed tomographic (CT) venography in combination with CT pulmonary angiography has been questioned because of the potential dangers of radiation. Accordingly, we retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic yield of 64-detector CT angiography with CT venography. Among patients who routinely underwent CT venography with CT angiography, the CT angiogram showed acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in 206 of 1903 patients (10.8%). A positive CT venogram in a patient with a negative CT angiogram was shown in 25 of 1903 patients (1.3%). Either the CT angiogram or the CT venogram showed venous thromboembolism in 231 of 1903 patients (12.1%). The proportion of patients with venous thromboembolism diagnosed only by a CT venogram was 25 of 231 (10.8%). In conclusion, the proportion of patients with venous thromboembolism diagnosed only by a CT venogram is sufficiently high to merit consideration of its use especially in those at high risk for DVT.
Thromboembolic Complications in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Dilated Cardiomyopathy Immediately After Initiation of Congestive Heart Failure Treatment: Just a Coincidence or Should We Pay More Attention?
Authors: Yetkin Ertan , Topal Ergun , Yanik Ahmet , Ozten Mahmut
Published: June 2009

Recently, we have experienced cerebrovascular embolic events in 2 consecutive patients in our outpatient clinic. Accordingly, we want to share our comments with literature on these 2 patients. Both patients had newly diagnosed left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, sinus rhythm, and cerebrovascular event within the first week after initiation of heart failure treatment. Although, our cases are not enough to make a general statement or conclusion, we can recommend that patients with newly diagnosed severe LV dysfunction with normal sinus rhythm and without echocardiographically visible thrombus should also be closely followed up for thromboembolic complications at least during the first weeks of congestive heart failure treatment.
Role of Thrombotic Risk Factors in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Tripathi Gaurav , Satya Narayan Sankhwar  , Raj Kumar Sharma  , Vinod Pandirikkal Baburaj  , Agrawal Suraksha
Published: June 2009

Introduction: Genetic polymorphisms that are found among factors of the coagulation cascade are factor V leiden mutation (FVL), prothrombin (PT), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), reported for thrombotic complications. We have investigated the associations of these gene polymorphisms in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: We genotyped 258 patients for FV G1691A, PT G20210A, and MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) gene by using polymerase chain reaction—restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis and were compared with 569 healthy controls. Serum folate, total homocysteine (tHcys), and vitamin B12 were measured in both patients with ESRD and controls. Results: No homozygous individuals for the mutant AA genotype of FVL G1691A were observed in this study. The frequency of the heterozygous genotypes was (11.2%), which was nearly 3 times higher than that observed in controls (3.2%), with a odds ratio of 3.87 (P = .0001, 95% CI = 2.11-7.11). PT G20210A mutation was missing in both patients and the controls. At MTHFR locus, TT genotype of C677T was present in 9.6% among ESRD, while CC genotype of A1298C was present in 11.7% of the ESRD. In control group, it was significantly low that is, 4.2% and 3.2%, respectively (P = .0034; OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.36-4.36 and P < .0001; OR = 4.03; 95% CI = 2.2-7.37). The combined analysis of the 2 genotypes showed further increased risk in ESRD ~15 folds. Further, the carrier of TT and CC genotypes of C677T and A1298C had significantly higher total homocysteine (tHcys) level than those with CC and AA genotypes (P < .001). Conclusion: The carrier of FVL, TT genotype of C677T, and CC genotype of A1298C polymorphisms may act as risk factors for ESRD.
Effect of eNOS and ET-1 Polymorphisms in Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Authors: Adigüzel Yekbun , Yilmaz Erkan , Akar Nejat
Published: June 2009

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), or Buerger disease, is a segmental occlusive inflammatory disorder of the arteries and veins, and etiopathogenesis is still obscure. It is strongly connected to the use of tobacco products, especially smoking. Smoking cessation is obligatory for success of the medical treatment. In the current study, we investigated the prevalence of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) 894 G→T and endothelin-1 (ET-1) 8000 T→C polymorphisms in association with TAO to reveal any possible involvement in the TAO pathophysiology. The T allele of the eNOS 894 G→T polymorphism was found to be associated with the prevention of TAO.
On the Inextensible Elastica Model for the Collapse of Nanotubes
Authors: Tang Tian , Glassmaker Nicholas J.
Published: June 2009

In this work, we study the collapse of nanotubes using an inextensible elastica model. Through phase plane analysis, we show that there exist collapsed configurations of different orders, each involving a different number of collapsed layers. Solutions corresponding to each order only exist if the equilibrium separation in the contact zone (a material property) is smaller than a certain value. Below the critical separation, there are two solutions for each order corresponding to each separation, a high energy solution and a low energy one. Some of the collapsed configurations are not physically accessible due to material interpenetration. This work puts a limitation on the applicability of the inextensible elastica model for the collapse of nanotubes.
Submacroscopically Stable Equilibria of Elastic Bodies Undergoing Disarrangements and Dissipation
Authors: Deseri Luca , Owen David R.
Published: June 2009

Elasticity is viewed here as a starting point in the description of inelastic behavior. Structured deformations and a field theory of elastic bodies undergoing disarrangements (non-smooth geometrical changes) and dissipation are used to formulate and illustrate a concept of “submacroscopically stable equilibrium configuration”. A body in a submacroscopically stable equilibrium configuration resists additional submacroscopic geometrical changes such as the occurrence of microslips, the formation of microvoids, and the appearance of localized distortions that, together, leave the macroscopic configuration of the body unchanged. Submacroscopically stable configurations represent energetically preferred phases for bodies in equilibrium, and a procedure is described here for determining the submacroscopically stable equilibria of a body. The procedure is carried out in detail here for two classes of bodies that may undergo disarrangements and experience internal dissipation. One class is characterized by its bi-quadratic free energy response function, and the requirement of submacroscopic stability reduces from five to one the number of phases available to a body that is in equilibrium under mixed boundary conditions. Boundary-value problems for the macroscopic deformation corresponding to a submacroscopically stable equilibrium configuration in a body of this class are formulated. A second class of bodies, the “near-sighted fluids”, has both a prolate and a spherical phase that may occur in equilibrium1 the submacroscopically stable equilibria of a near-sighted fluid must be stress-free, without regard to the particular phase that appears. In all considerations in this article, the term “equilibrium” is synonymous with satisfaction of balance of forces and moments in a given environment.