bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Imaging of Activated Matrix Metalloproteinases in Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Zhang Jiasheng , Nie Lei , Razavian Mahmoud , Ahmed Masood , Dobrucki Lawrence W. , Asadi Abolfazl , Edwards D. Scott , Azure Michael , Sinusas Albert J. , Sadeghi Mehran M.
Published: October 2008

Background—

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activation plays a key role in vascular remodeling. RP782 is a novel indium
111
In–labeled tracer with specificity for activated MMPs. We hypothesized that RP782 can detect injury-induced vascular remodeling in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Left common carotid artery injury was induced with a guidewire in apolipoprotein E
−/−
mice. Sham surgery was performed on the contralateral artery, which served as control for imaging experiments. Carotid wire injury led to significant hyperplasia and expansive remodeling over a period of 4 weeks. MMP activity, detected by in situ zymography, increased in response to injury and was maximal by 3 to 4 weeks after injury. RP782 (11.1 MBq) was injected intravenously into apolipoprotein E
−/−
mice at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after left carotid injury. MicroSPECT imaging was performed at 2 hours and was followed by CT angiography to localize the carotid arteries. In vivo images revealed focal uptake of RP782 in the injured carotid artery at 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Increased tracer uptake in the injured artery was confirmed by quantitative autoradiography. Pretreatment with 50-fold excess nonlabeled tracer significantly reduced RP782 uptake in injured carotids, thus demonstrating uptake specificity. Weekly changes in the vessel-wall area closely paralleled and correlated with RP782 uptake (Spearman
r
=0.95,
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

Injury-induced MMP activation in the vessel wall can be detected by RP782 microSPECT/CT imaging in vivo. RP782 uptake tracks the hyperplastic process in vascular remodeling and provides an opportunity to track the remodeling process in vivo.
Vitamin E Suppresses Enhancement of Factor VIII-Dependent Thrombin Generation by Systemic Hypoxia
Authors: Wang Jong-Shyan , Cheng Mei-Ling , Yen Hsiu-Chuan , Lou Bih-Show , Liu Huang-Chun
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose—

Increased thrombin activity is an essential component of hemostatic reactions. This study elucidates how various hypoxic interventions impact endogenous thrombin generation (TG) after treatment with/without lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E.

Methods—

Twenty-four healthy sedentary men were randomly assigned to vitamin E (n=12) and placebo (n=12) groups. These subjects were randomly exposed to 12% (severe hypoxia), 15% (moderate hypoxia), 18% (light hypoxia), and 21% (normoxia) O
2
for 2 hours in a normobaric hypoxia chamber. A novel calibrated, automated thrombinography approach was used to measure TG in plasma.

Results—

In the placebo group, severe hypoxia enhanced plasma FVIII level/activity and TG, which was accompanied by increased urinary 15-F2t-8-isoprostane level and decreased plasma total antioxidant content and superoxide dismutase activity. However, depletion of FVIII by incubation with anti-FVIII antibodies in plasma suppressed enhancement of TG by severe hypoxia. After administration of 1000 IU vitamin E, severe hypoxia did not significantly alter urinary 15-F
2t
-8-isoprostane level and plasma total antioxidant content, superoxide dismutase activity, FVIII level/activity, or TG. Moreover, redox status, FVIII level/activity, and TG were constant in response to moderate hypoxia, light hypoxia, and normoxia in the placebo and vitamin E groups.

Conclusion—

We conclude that severe hypoxia promotes FVIII-dependent TG, likely by elevating oxidative stress; this hypoxic effect was ameliorated by pretreatment with vitamin E.
Thermal Mass Correction for the Evaluation of Salinity
Authors: Mensah Vigan , Le Menn Marc , Morel Yves
Published: October 2008

This paper revisits the thermal mass inertia correction of Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc., (SBE4) conductivity probes for the calculation of salinity. In particular, it is shown that the standard parameters recommended for the correction method are not satisfactory for the data collected during recent campaigns at sea. A method, based on Morison et al., is proposed to determine optimal values for the correction parameters from selected datasets. Values valid for general cases are then proposed that yield significant improvements in the reduction of salinity errors that occur during the upcasts and downcasts of CTD profilers in areas with sharp thermoclines. The sources of the differences found between the recommended coefficient values and the ones proposed here are also discussed.
Versatile Harmonic Tidal Analysis: Improvements and Applications
Authors: Foreman M. G. G. , Cherniawsky J. Y. , Ballantyne V. A.
Published: October 2008

New computer software that permits more versatility in the harmonic analysis of tidal time series is described and tested. Specific improvements to traditional methods include the analysis of randomly sampled and/or multiyear data; more accurate nodal correction, inference, and astronomical argument adjustments through direct incorporation in the least squares matrix; multiconstituent inferences from a single reference constituent; correlation matrices and error estimates that facilitate decisions on the selection of constituents for the analysis; and a single program that analyzes one- or two-dimensional time series. This new methodology is evaluated through comparisons with results from old techniques and then applied to two problems that could not have been accurately solved with older software. They are (i) the analysis of ocean station temperature time series spanning 25 yr, and (ii) the analysis of satellite altimetry from a ground track whose proximity to land has led to significant data dropout. This new software is free as part of the Institute of Ocean Sciences (IOS) Tidal Package and can be downloaded, along with sample input data and an explanatory readme file.
Calibration of Probabilistic Forecasts of Binary Events
Authors: Primo Cristina , Ferro Christopher A. T. , Jolliffe Ian T. , Stephenson David B.
Published: October 2008

Probabilistic forecasts of atmospheric variables are often given as relative frequencies obtained from ensembles of deterministic forecasts. The detrimental effects of imperfect models and initial conditions on the quality of such forecasts can be mitigated by calibration. This paper shows that Bayesian methods currently used to incorporate prior information can be written as special cases of a beta-binomial model and correspond to a linear calibration of the relative frequencies. These methods are compared with a nonlinear calibration technique (i.e., logistic regression) using real precipitation forecasts. Calibration is found to be advantageous in all cases considered, and logistic regression is preferable to linear methods.
Bicycle-Related Injuries Among Children and Adolescents in the United States
Authors: Mehan Tracy J. , Gardner Ricky , Smith Gary A. , McKenzie Lara B.
Published: October 2008

The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiology of bicycle-related injuries among children and adolescents 18 years and younger on a national level. This is a retrospective analysis of data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for patients 18 years and younger who were seen in emergency departments (EDs) between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2005, for injuries received while operating a bicycle. During the 16-year study period, there were an estimated 6 228 700 individuals 18 years and younger treated in US EDs for bicycle-related injuries. Children with head injuries were more than 3 (relative risk, 3.63) times as likely to require hospitalization and were almost 6 (relative risk, 5.77) times more likely to have their injuries result in death. The large number of annual bicycle related—injuries is evidence that prevention of these injuries should remain an important area of bicycle safety research and practice.
Should Monetary Policy Respond To Asset Price Bubbles? Revisiting the Debate
Authors: Wadhwani Sushil
Published: October 2008

Recent events have highlighted the importance of asset prices to central bank decisions. We argue that, in response to asset price bubbles, central banks should ‘lean against the wind’ (LATW hereafter). Even if the bubbles themselves are not significantly affected by LATW, macroeconomic performance can be improved if monetary policy reacts to asset price misalignments over and above the reaction to fixed horizon inflation forecasts. In addition, it might reduce the probability of bubbles arising at all. This article restates the case for LATW, and reviews the debate. In particular I respond to various criticisms that have been made against LATW and briefly consider alternative policies designed to make the financial system less cyclical.
Could Early Warning Systems Have Helped To Predict the Sub-Prime Crisis?
Authors: Davis E. Philip , Karim Dilruba
Published: October 2008

One of the features of the sub-prime crisis, that began in August 2007, was its unexpected nature. It came as a surprise not only to most financial market participants but also in some degree to the policy community. In this context, we seek to assess whether early warning systems based on the logit and binomial tree approaches on the UK and US economies could have helped to warn about the crisis. We also consider a ‘check list approach’ of indicators based on history. Although not all of the complementary approaches are successful, we contend that our work suggests that a broadening of approaches to macroprudential analysis is appropriate.
The Boundary Problem in Financial Regulation
Authors: Goodhart Charles
Published: October 2008

The current financial crisis has raised queries about the adequacy of the present regulatory regime. Whilst the immediate priority may be to plug the obvious holes in the system, there are some long-term generic problems with almost any system of financial regulation. This paper explores one such concern, i.e. the boundary problem. This arises because effective regulation, one that actually bites, is likely to penalise those within the regulated sector, relative to those just outside, causing substitution flows towards the unregulated. This boundary problem impacts on many proposals, such as ‘narrow banking’ and my own, with Avinash Persaud, for state and time-varying capital adequacy requirements. The question of how and where to set the boundary is considered. Such boundaries will always be criticised as leading to disintermediation, competitive inequality (no level-playing-field), inefficiency and higher spreads and borrowing rates; and such criticisms will be valid up to a point. The paper ends by discussing how best to respond.
Financial Crises, Regulation and Growth
Authors: Barrell Ray , Hurst Ian , Kirby Simon
Published: October 2008

The paper discusses the effects on growth of a systemic banking crisis as a result of debt defaults. These effects will come from the impact of credit rationing on consumption and credit and from the impacts of a significant rise in the spread between lending and borrowing rates for both producers and consumers. The analysis uses the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium version of the National Institute global model. The paper also investigates the impact on output of a permanent, regulation induced, rise in margins in the financial sector, taking into account the impacts of regulation on equity market valuations.
Commentary: the Policy Framework
Authors: Weale Martin
Published: October 2008

The Government, when it came to power in 1997, adopted a monetary and fiscal policy framework which was intended to deliver low and stable inflation, high and stable economic growth and fiscal balance as a basis for fairness between generations. It is abundantly clear from the chaos of the past few weeks that the policy has failed. Given that the policy goals are unlikely to be criticised, the question addressed here is which parts of the policy need replacing or augmenting.
Exchange rate realignments and risks of deflation in North America
Authors: Holland Dawn , Barrell Ray , Fic Tatiana , Gottschalk Sylvia , Hurst Ian , Liadze Iana , Orazgani Ali
Published: October 2008

The US dollar has strengthened in recent months against most major currencies, with the exception of the yen. It has also gained strength against emerging market currencies, and the US effective exchange rate has appreciated by just over 7 per cent in the past three months. Emerging market declines have been exacerbated in recent weeks by the turbulence on financial markets that has forced stock markets to interrupt trading on several occasions. Figure 13 shows effective exchange rates for the US, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Central banks in Mexico and Brazil have intervened in currency markets in recent weeks to stem the decline of their currencies, which have dropped against the dollar by nearly 20 per cent in the case of Mexico and 40 per cent in Brazil since the beginning of September. If stock market trading stabilises, much of these losses should prove temporary. Our forecast assumes that a depreciation of 10 per cent in effective terms in the Brazilian real and 5 per cent in the Mexican peso is sustained. While this raises the inflationary outlook for these economies, gains in competitiveness will help moderate the impact of the global recession on Latin American economies. However, a more sustained depreciation will put the banking systems in these countries at risk as it becomes increasingly difficult to service debt in foreign currency.
Exchange rates and inflationary prospects in Asia
Authors: Holland Dawn , Barrell Ray , Fic Tatiana , Gottschalk Sylvia , Hurst Ian , Liadze Iana , Orazgani Ali
Published: October 2008

We are forecasting what might be called a global recession in 2009, since this is commonly defined as world growth (calculated at purchasing power parity weights) of less than 3 per cent per annum. However, relative to previous global downturns, a global expansion of 2.8 per cent in 2009 appears mild compared to growth of just 2.2 per cent in 2001, 1.5 per cent in 1991 and 0.9 per cent in 1982. The global figures are somewhat distorted by the increasing importance of the fast growing economies of China and India in the world aggregate. In 1982, these two economies accounted for just 4.6 per cent of world output, while this weight rose to 6.7 per cent in 1991, 11.4 per cent in 2001 and is expected to be about 17 per cent in 2009. Indeed, as we can see from figure 16, in our current forecast we expect China to become the world's largest economy in 2020, overtaking the US in size, measured in purchasing power parity terms. Excluding China and India, the world is expected to grow by just 1.7 per cent next year, as it did in the recession of 2001.
Prospects for the UK Economy
Authors: Kirby Simon , Barrell Ray , Fic Tatiana , Orazgani Ali
Published: October 2008

The production of this forecast is supported by the Institute's Corporate Members: Abbey plc, Bank of England, Barclays Bank plc, HM Treasury, Nomura Research Institute Europe Ltd, and the Office for National Statistics.
Model‐Based Development of a PPARγ Agonist, Rivoglitazone, to Aid Dose Selection and Optimize Clinical Trial Designs
Authors: Rohatagi Shashank , Carrothers Timothy J. , Jin JinYan , Jusko William J. , Khariton Tatiana , Walker Joseph , Truitt Kenneth , Salazar Daniel E.
Published: October 2008

A model‐based approach was implemented for the development of the proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist rivoglitazone. Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models were developed using data collected from 2 phase I and 2 phase II studies in healthy volunteers and participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination and an absorption time lag best described rivoglitazone pharmacokinetics. Modified indirect‐response models were used to characterize changes in fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and hemodilution as a function of rivoglitazone plasma concentrations. In addition, differences in hemodilution among participants correlated with the incidence of edema. Current use of oral antidiabetic medication was a significant covariate for the fasting plasma glucose‐HbA1c exposure‐response model. Using a learn‐and‐confirm process, models developed prior to the second phase II study were able to make valid predictions for exposures and response variables in that study. In future studies, seamless designs can be supported by models such as those developed here.
Perceptions of Consumer Racial Profiling and Negative Emotions
Authors: Higgins George E. , Gabbidon Shaun L.
Published: October 2008

Racial profiling has been an interest among society and scholars for several years. The main focus of racial profiling has been on law enforcement's use of the technique, with little investigation of it occurring in consumer environments, that is, consumer racial profiling (CRP). Moreover, even less research has focused on the negative emotions that occur as a result of perceptions of CRP. Using data from a telephone survey of citizens of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the present study indicates that perceptions of experiencing CRP do result in negative emotions. Furthermore, the present study identifies a profile of individuals who are likely to experience these negative emotions due to perceptions of CRP. The implications of these findings are discussed.
An Empirical Study of Bureaucratic and Post-Bureaucratic Characteristics in 90 Workplaces
Authors: Bolin Malin , Härenstam Annika
Published: October 2008

The aim of the study was to explore bureaucratic and post-bureaucratic characteristics of organizational structure. A further aim was to investigate whether differences were related to types of industries. Eight organizational characteristics were measured, based on interviews with local managers at 90 workplaces in a broad sample of industries in mid-Sweden. The study showed that post-bureaucratic as well as bureaucratic characteristics coexisted in most workplaces. The results are not in accordance with the rhetoric that considers bureaucracy obsolete in contemporary organizations. Significant differences were revealed between industries in seven of the eight characteristics.
Research on a principal components decision algorithm based on information entropy
Authors: Shifei Ding  , Yongping Zhang  , Xiaofeng Lei  , Xinzheng Xu  , Xin Wang  , Li Wang  , Qing He
Published: October 2008

A principal component decision algorithm based on information entropy is provided in this paper. First we summarize the information entropy theory, provide the concept of objective entropy weight (OEW) and provide a construction method of OEW; we determine a principal component decision rule by weighted normalization processing of a known dataset and in the process establish the principal component decision algorithm on the basis of information entropy and apply it in a comprehensive decision on land quality. The results show that the method provided in our paper is effective and reasonable.
Alain Badiou: the event of becoming a political subject
Authors: Calcagno Antonio
Published: October 2008

One of the more poignant claims Badiou makes is that the subject develops an understanding of itself as a political subject only by executing decisive political actions or making decisive political interventions. In this article I will argue that in order to have a fuller philosophical conception of political subjectivity, and therefore political agency, one must also hold that, first, political interventions do not necessarily lead to a definition or a further way of referring to and understanding the subject. In fact, political events and interventions may consciously aim at and result in the de-politicizing, de-subjectivating or dehumanizing of the subject. Second, political agency need not result in an event or an intervention in order to be political. In other words, failed or non-interventions may still be considered political. Third, despite Badiou's call for an ethics rooted in truth and fidelity, his political philosophy results in a relativism that can easily lapse into violence and injustice.
Information Communications Technology and Global Education: the challenges of the African Virtual University Learning Centres in Ghana
Authors: Kwabena Ayeh Julian
Published: October 2008

Information communication technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming a crucial strategic tool for facilitating global education. Africa's unique underdeveloped position makes her particularly suitable to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by ICT for global education. This same position Africa also presents challenges that threaten the sustainability of such projects. The African Virtual University (AVU) was originally launched in 1997 as a World Bank Project to facilitate the use of Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) methodologies in African tertiary institutions and to use modern ICT to increase access to educational resources throughout Africa. After 10 years in operation, the learning centres in Ghana are confronted with practical challenges that seem to jeopardise their continuous existence. Prominent among the challenges are accreditation, students' inability to complete payment of fees and inadequate computers and other relevant facilities. This paper discuses the challenges the centres are facing and the strategies being employed to ensure their survival.
Problems of Developing Library Collections: a study of colleges of education libraries in Botswana
Authors: Adekanmbi Arinola Rebecca , Boadi Benzies Y.
Published: October 2008

The paper examines the problems militating against the development of useful library collections for the Botswana colleges of education students and lecturers. Using questionnaires and interviews, information was obtained from the study population which comprised the senior librarians and Deputy Principals (Academic) of the colleges and the Chairperson of the Board of Affiliated Institutions of the University of Botswana, as the colleges are affiliated to the University. The study revealed the following as some of the major problems militating against collection development in the libraries: lack of constant training for the librarians, inadequate staff for the libraries, lack of administrative support, and unavailability and non-use of collection development policies. The study concludes that, among others, there is the need to train the college librarians on collection development, provide more staff for the libraries, and there is the need also for the librarians to produce and use adequate collection development policies.
Perianchor Radiolucency after Knotless Anchor Repair for Shoulder Instability
Authors: Park Jin-Young , Lhee Sang-Hoon , Park Hong-Keun , Jeon Suk Ha , Oh Jung Hwan
Published: October 2008

Background

Although there would seem to be a logical relationship between radiolucency around the suture anchor and clinical result in Bankart repair, the correlation has not been demonstrated so far.

Hypothesis

Knotless suture anchor is a viable alternative for arthroscopic Bankart repair, but postoperative radiologic findings of radiolucency around anchors are correlated with poor clinical results.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Sixty-nine consecutive patients with Bankart lesions were treated with arthroscopic reconstruction using knotless metal suture anchors. The mean follow-up was 40 months. Clinical and radiologic analysis was performed retrospectively. A new concept of perianchor radiolucency was introduced and, according to this radiologic finding, patients were divided into 2 subgroups: the perianchor radiolucency group and those who did not reveal perianchor radiolucency. The perianchor radiolucency group was further subdivided by shape and location. “Root type” was defined as a radiolucent halo at the root of the anchor, and perianchor radiolucency without any root halo was named “branch type.” Location of perianchor radiolucency was described as above or below the equator of the glenoid.

Results

After operation, the mean Rowe score increased to 93.8 from 43.1, and computed tomography arthrogram showed a 97% healing rate. Reoperations were performed due to 1 case of redislocation and 2 cases of anchor arthropathy. All these reoperated cases revealed perianchor radiolucency before reoperation. Other than reoperated cases, 2 patients showed apprehension at final evaluation. The perianchor radiolucency group had a significantly lower Rowe scores than the group that showed no perianchor radiolucency. Some of the patients in the perianchor radiolucency group had peculiar radiologic findings frequently associated with complications. The radiologic findings that consisted of root-type perianchor radiolucency located below the equator of the glenoid was termed the “ominous sign.” Osteophytes of the humeral head together with the ominous sign is considered a warning sign of forthcoming progression of anchor arthropathy, and the authors suggest early surgical intervention with these findings.

Conclusion

After Bankart repair using knotless suture anchor, the ominous sign might be an important warning sign for possible forthcoming complications including redislocation, anchor arthropathy, and residual instability.
Global Labor Solidarity Attempts and the Lessons Learned
Authors: Nissen Bruce
Published: October 2008

This review essay uses recent books by Kate Bronfenbrenner and Gay W. Seidman to examine what types of transnational labor activism are most effective in defending the interests of workers. A number of themes are explored, including cultural distrust between unionists and activists in the Global South and Global North, the tension between reliance on international pressure and the need to build local organization, problems with global enforcement of labor standards, and above all, the important role of the state in enforcing worker rights and standards. Some conclusions are drawn, and the need for additional research is noted.
The Public Turn
Authors: Burawoy Michael
Published: October 2008

The year 1974 marked a rupture in the study of labor. It was the year in which Harry Braverman's Labor and Monopoly Capital was published, making a break with a moribund industrial sociology. It was a rupture inspired by the resurgence of Marxism, critical of the euphoric sociology of the 1950s. Since 1974, labor studies have undergone a mutation, shifting their focus from the examination of the labor process to an engagement with the labor movement. What explains this in light of the continuing assault on labor and the decline of overall union density? The answer lies with the transformation of the labor movement itself—the demise of the old industrial, business unionism and the growing strength of New Labor with its orientation to the service sector, to immigrant and vulnerable workers, and its invention of novel organizing strategies. In New Labor, sociologists have found a new public.
Contingent Autonomy
Authors: Choi Seunghee , Leiter Jeffrey , Tomaskovic-Devey Donald
Published: October 2008

The authors argue that autonomy in the labor process results from the contingent interaction of worker power and organizational practices. Focusing on the “core jobs” (i.e., most central to the production process) in 618 randomly sampled workplaces in Australia, the authors find that the influences of technology and bureaucratization on autonomy are conditioned by the relative power (skill and unionization) of employees. As the relative power of workers increases, both the technical organization of work and bureaucratization are less likely to undermine job autonomy. The findings underline the importance of local power relations for understanding the impact of organizational structures on workers and help resolve deep ambiguities in the literature on autonomy and the labor process.
Preparation and Properties of Polypropylene/Clay Nanocomposites using an Organoclay Modified through Solid State Method
Authors: Mingliang Ge , Demin Jia
Published: October 2008

In this article, the organically modified clay (organoclay) was prepared by treating Na-montmorillonite with alkylammonium ions through a solid state method. Polypropylene (PP)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Election Microscopy (TEM) indicated that PP chains could intercalate into the gallery of organically modified clay to form the exfoliated PP/organoclay nanocomposites. The crystallization peak temperature of PP/organoclay nanocomposites was higher than that of neat PP by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). According to XRD, the addition of organoclay did not change the crystal structure of PP. Thermalgravimetric analysis showed that the thermal decomposition temperature of PP/organoclay nanocomposite was higher than that of PP. A mechanical properties test indicated that the impact strength of PP/organoclay nanocomposites were better than that of neat PP when the organoclay content was below 7wt%.
The Effect of Different Laminations on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Hybrid Composites
Authors: Aabdul Khalil H.P.S. , Kang C.W. , Khairul A. , Ridzuan R. , Adawi T.O.
Published: October 2008

The mechanical properties of the vinyl ester reinforced with oil palm of empty fruit bunch fibers (EFB) laminated at different layer arrangements with glass fiber (CSM) composites were investigated. The EFB and CSM fibers were laminated at different layer arrangements and then were impregnated with vinyl ester resin using resin transfer molding (RTM). Post-cure was carried out after cool press for about 24 h in an oven at 50°C. Six different layers of lamination with a ratio of 50/50 fiber composite (50% EFB and 50% CSM) were manufactured. Control fiber composites with 100% mechanical fibers, 100% chemical fibers and 100% glass fibers were investigated for comparison. The mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact test) and physical properties (water absorption, dimension stability, and density) were analyzed. The mechanical properties, water absorption, and density of hybrid composites exhibited higher properties than control composites (chemical and mechanical fibers). While comparing the layers of orientation of hybrid composites, the results of the tensile and flexural tests showed that composites with glass fiber at the outer layer showed higher tensile and flexural properties than the others.

The impact test and the composites with natural fibers in the outer layer showed the highest results as compared to other layer laminations. However, hybrid composites exhibited comparable properties as compared to glass fiber composites, alone.
National Case-Control Study of Homicide Offending and Methamphetamine Use
Authors: Stretesky Paul B.
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between methamphetamine use and homicide. To carry out this study, data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse and Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities were combined to create a case-control design. The main exposure measure is methamphetamine use and the main outcome measure is homicide. Results suggest that the odds of committing a homicide are nearly 9 times greater for an individual who uses methamphetamine. More importantly, the association between methamphetamine use and homicide persists even after adjusting for alternative drug use (i.e., alcohol, heroin, crack, cocaine, PCP, LSD), sex, race, income, age, marital status, previous arrests, military experience, and education level. Methamphetamine was the only drug use variable that was strongly correlated with homicide. These results support recent clinical studies that suggest methamphetamine use is different than other drug use in its effects on violence.
Success, Market, Ethics
Authors: Dasgupta Simanti
Published: October 2008

The global success of the Information Technology (IT) industry in India is narrated as an unprecedented episode. The rhetoric of success, however, is neither limited to economics nor the IT industry alone. In their collaboration with middle class non-governmental organizations (NGO) it has generated a parallel ethico-political narrative on the failure of the state to alleviate India from the disgrace of a developing country. Drawing on ethnographic work I conducted with IT professionals and their partner NGOs in Bangalore in this article I argue that the ethico-political narrative has initiated two emergent ways of recasting the state and citizenship: first, it has established the indispensable value of the market; second, the IT corporate governance model now offers a blueprint for reforming public governance and citizenship in contemporary India. This dual process, I contend, are crucial ways to understand how the amorphous ideas of neoliberalization are concretely shifting the notion of the nation state from a socialist redistributive model to one based on the market.
Authoring (in)Authenticity, Regulating Religious Tolerance
Authors: Coleman Jennifer
Published: October 2008

This article explores the politicization of `conversion' discourses in contemporary India, focusing on the rising popularity of anti-conversion legislation at the individual state level. While `Freedom of Religion' bills contend to represent the power of the Hindu nationalist cause, these pieces of legislation reflect both the political mobility of Hindutva as a symbolic discourse and the practical limits of its enforcement value within Indian law. This resurgence, however, highlights the enduring nature of questions regarding the quality of `conversion' as a `right' of individuals and communities, as well as reigniting the ongoing battle over the line between `conversion' and `propagation'. Ultimately, I argue that, while the politics of conversion continue to represent a decisive point of reference in debates over the quality and substance of religious freedom as a discernible right of Indian democracy and citizenship, the widespread negative consequences of this legislation's enforcement remain to be seen. Moreover, the role of gender in these debates cannot be ignored; indeed, the politics of gender play a decisive role in the manner in which the anti-conversion debates have unfolded. Consequently, the gulf between the unsecular nature of the legislation in theory and its questionable impact in practice indicates that the project of Indian secularism is negotiating religious intolerance rather than succumbing fully to the politics of Hindutva.
Language-Mixing in French Print Advertising
Authors: Martin Elizabeth
Published: October 2008

This article examines the use of English in French magazine advertisements from a linguistic and legal perspective. Following an overview of language policy planning in France, French–English mixing in recent advertising copy is described in terms of both bilingual creativity and strategies used to circumvent the 1994 Toubon Law restricting the use of English in the media. This study provides evidence that, despite this legislation, the French advertising industry is continuing to exploit English as both a lingua franca in international campaigns and a pair-language for mixing that has been specifically tailored to French audiences. This ‘Frenglish’ mix involves various linguistic strategies, including bilingual hybridization, orthographic modifications, functional conversion and ‘visual glossing’, among others. The impact of globalization on French advertising discourse is also explored with specific reference to information technology and business terminology. The data presented suggests that Paris agencies are supplying French translations for slogans in compliance with the law while continuing, at the same time, to insert non-translated English in various stages of assimilation in their advertising copy. Despite the government's effort to curb the spread and influence of English in the media, the French advertising landscape continues to reflect consumers’ ever-evolving linguistic behaviour and global trends.
Disseminating professionalism: the influence of Selden Hopkins on the USA accounting profession
Authors: Romeo George , Rigsby John T.
Published: October 2008

This article examines the contributions of Selden Hopkins in helping to establish and institutionalize the accounting profession in the USA during the two decades before the passage of the first Certified Public Accountant (CPA) law in 1896. He was the first editor of the first accounting journal in America, The Book-Keeper, and also instrumental in the development of the first professional association, the Institute of Accounts (originally called the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers of the City of New York). Through his involvement as the editor of a number of accounting journals and as a key player of the Institute of Accounts, Hopkins imparted professionalism to the book-keepers and accountants in the USA before the legal recognition of the accounting profession. Hopkins was also one of the contributors in the early establishment of the `science of accounts' where accounting came to be accepted by accountants and the public as worthy of the same recognition and respect as other fields of science.
Experiences of Pediatric Oncology Nurses: The First Year of Hire
Authors: Linder Lauri
Published: October 2008

As the number of specialty pediatric oncology units increases, many units are hiring increasing numbers of newly graduated registered nurses. Intense specialty training and an emotionally demanding work environment place new nurses at risk for job frustration and early job resignation. The purpose of this study is to investigate experiences of pediatric oncology nurses during their first year of hire using a phenomenological approach. Participants were 6 nurses employed on an inpatient pediatric oncology unit in a tertiary care center located in the Intermountain West. A purposive sampling approach was used. Data were collected via semistructured interviews, which were analyzed for specific statements and themes providing description and meaning to nurses' experiences. Eleven themes in the categories of professional role development, a unique practice, and personal reflection were identified. Practice implications include supporting new nurses beyond the acquisition of skills and knowledge and including opportunities for personal reflection as part of the orientation experience. Successful role development is essential to ensure the retention of new pediatric oncology nurses as well as their future achievements within the subspecialty.
An Emerging Role for Voltage-Gated Na+ Channels in Cellular Migration: Regulation of Central Nervous System Development and Potentiation of Invasive Cancers
Authors: Brackenbury William J. , Djamgoz Mustafa B.A. , Isom Lori L.
Published: October 2008

Voltage-gated Na+ channels (VGSCs) exist as macromolecular complexes containing a pore-forming α subunit and one or more β subunits. The VGSC α subunit gene family consists of 10 members, which have distinct tissue-specific and developmental expression profiles. So far, four β subunits (β1—β4) and one splice variant of β1 (β1A, also called β1B) have been identified. VGSC β subunits are multifunctional, serving as modulators of channel activity, regulators of channel cell surface expression, and as members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). β subunits are substrates of β-amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme (BACE1) and γ-secretase, yielding intracellular domains (ICDs) that may further modulate cellular activity via transcription. Recent evidence shows that β1 regulates migration and pathfinding in the developing postnatal CNS in vivo. The α and β subunits, together with other components of the VGSC signaling complex, may have dynamic interactive roles depending on cell/tissue type, developmental stage, and pathophysiology. In addition to excitable cells like nerve and muscle, VGSC α and β subunits are functionally expressed in cells that are traditionally considered nonexcitable, including glia, vascular endothelial cells, and cancer cells. In particular, the α subunits are up-regulated in line with metastatic potential and are proposed to enhance cellular migration and invasion. In contrast to the α subunits, β1 is more highly expressed in weakly metastatic cancer cells, and evidence suggests that its expression enhances cellular adhesion. Thus, novel roles are emerging for VGSC α and β subunits in regulating migration during normal postnatal development of the CNS as well as during cancer metastasis.
Dissecting the Components of Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Blundon Jay A. , Zakharenko Stanislav S.
Published: October 2008

The formation of memories relies in part on plastic changes at synapses between neurons. Although the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity have been studied extensively over several decades, many aspects of this process remain controversial. The cellular locus of expression of long-term potentiation (LTP), a major form of synaptic plasticity, is one of the most important unresolved phenomena. In this article, some recent advances in this area made possible by the development of new imaging tools are summarized. These studies have demonstrated that LTP is compound in nature and consists of both presynaptic and postsynaptic components. Some features of presynaptic and postsynaptic changes during compound LTP are also reviewed.
Anesthesia for Esophageal Surgery
Authors: Dupont Frank W
Published: October 2008

Esophageal surgery comprises a variety of procedures of differing complexity to treat functional and structural disorders of the esophagus. Local disease extension, surgical repair technique, and physical status of the patient primarily dictate anesthetic management of patients with esophageal pathology. Because the esophagus is in close proximity to vital organs and structures, a specific knowledge of the anatomy is essential to realize how esophageal pathology can compromise elemental physiological functions. A com prehensive anesthetic plan requires a detailed under standing of the surgical procedure in terms of approach, the extent of the operation, and associated complica tions. Consideration of comorbid conditions is equally important, as esophageal surgery is frequently per formed in debilitated and polytraumatized patients. The following article will review clinical manifestation, surgi cal therapy, and perioperative anesthetic management of the most commonly encountered esophageal disor ders. Specifically, anesthetic considerations in gastro esophageal reflux disease, esophageal carcinoma, esophageal perforation, and a variety of other esopha geal disorders will be discussed.
Anesthesia for Thoracoscopy
Authors: Stensrud Paul E.
Published: October 2008

Provision of anesthesia care to patients undergoing thoracoscopic procedures, especially video-assisted thoracoscopy, requires thorough knowledge of the sur gical procedure and the physiology of one-lung ventila tion, as well as meticulous attention to detail by the anesthesia personnel caring for these patients. Thoracos copy is used increasingly to perform almost the entire range of thoracic surgical procedures in a minimally invasive fashion. Excellent quality anesthetic care is necessary to assure the benefits of minimally invasive surgery to the maximum number of patients undergo ing thoracic surgery. This article will provide anesthesi ologists caring for patients undergoing thoracoscopy with the necessary working knowledge of the technical aspects of the procedure and understanding of the relevant anesthetic implications. Preoperative, intraop erative, and postoperative concerns will be addressed. The scope of this article will be limited to noncardiac uses of thoracoscopy.
Current Controversies in Surgical Therapy for Emphysema
Authors: de Castro Maria A.
Published: October 2008

Interest in surgical therapy for emphysema has grown phenomenally since the reintroduction of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). Although early results have shown promise, important controversies have also emerged. Some of the central issues include refining patient selection criteria, identifying optimal measure ments of improvement after LVRS, achieving a more complete understanding of the functional consequences after LVRS, and, most importantly, identifying the effect of LVRS, an admittedly palliative procedure, on disease progression and mortality in emphysema. Secondary issues surrounding LVRS include its role in combination with other procedures and its potentially large eco nomic impact. The National Emphysema Treatment Trial, a joint effort between the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Health Care Financing Administration, is designed to address and clarify these and other questions about LVRS.
Hypothermia After Vascular Surgery: Complications, Prevention, and Treatment
Authors: Frank Steven M.
Published: October 2008

Virtually all anesthetics render patients poikilothermic and body temperature invariably decreases during surgery. Dur ing vascular occlusion and resulting ischemia to the brain, kidneys, and spinal cord, hypothermia is often beneficial by decreasing metabolic demands and protecting from injury. Residual hypothermia, however, in the postoperative period is rarely desirable and hypothermia-related complications are well-known. Even mild hypothermia can exacerbate the stress response by activation of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in increased catecholamines, which can precipitate myocardial ischemia and cardiac morbidity. As little as 2°C of core hypothermia impairs coagulation and predisposes to postoperative bleeding, which is especially problematic in the presence of fresh vascular anastomoses. Hypothermia also slows emergence from general anesthesia by both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mecha nisms. In vascular surgery patients, body temperature should be carefully monitored and controlled with the same level of attention that is given to the other vital signs. By active cooling and warming at the appropriate perioperative timepoints, outcomes can be improved and morbidity re duced in patients undergoing vascular surgery. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Cost Containment in Vascular Surgery
Authors: Knudsen Nancy W. , Sebastian Mark W. , Lubarsky David A.
Published: October 2008

In the last decade, the delivery of health care and the role of the physician have undergone radical change. With the ad vent of managed care and the tightening of restrictions by Medicare and insurance companies, physicians have been required to review, re-engineer, and revitalize their role. Increasing financial pressures at the hospital level have caused administrators to cut costs at all levels. It is imper ative that physicians take an active role in cost containment so that the quality of care is not sacrificed. Cost containment in vascular surgery is an urgent priority in health care. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Perioperative Ventilation of the Vascular Surgery Patient
Authors: Tung Avery
Published: October 2008

Although cardiovascular disease represents the most com mon comorbidity in patients undergoing vascular surgery, perioperative ventilatory issues can also play a vital role in achieving good outcomes. Postoperative respiratory failure is uncommon after carotid endarterectomy or peripheral revascularization procedures, the risk of pulmonary compli cations following intra-abdominal or intrathoracic vascular surgery is high. In addition to primary lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, associated organ dysfunction syndromes such as stroke, renal failure, and congestive heart failure can also contribute to respiratory morbidity. An approach to minimizing respiratory complica tions begins with a careful preoperative search for ways to maximize pulmonary function and establishment of targets for postoperative weaning. Intraoperative attention should be paid to intraoperative management of bronchospasm, auto-positive end-expiratory pressure, and acid-base status. Postoperative management should strive for rapid extuba tion, continuation of pharmacologic conditioning programs begun preoperatively, and consideration of the use of post operative regional analgesia for patients with severe lung disease.