bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1/CCR2 Axis Promotes Vein Graft Neointimal Hyperplasia Through Its Signaling in Graft-Extrinsic Cell Populations
Authors: Fu Chunhua , Yu Peng , Tao Ming , Gupta Tushar , Moldawer Lyle L. , Berceli Scott A. , Jiang Zhihua
Published: August 2012

Objective—

To evaluate direct versus indirect monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1/CCR2 signaling and to identify the cellular producers and effectors for MCP-1 during neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) development in vein grafts.

Methods and Results—

Genomic analysis revealed an overrepresentation of 13 inflammatory pathways in wild-type vein grafts compared with CCR2 knockout vein grafts. Further investigation with various vein graft–host combinations of MCP-1- and CCR2-deficient mice was used to modify the genotype of cells both inside (graft-intrinsic group) and outside (graft-extrinsic group) the vein wall. CCR2 deficiency inhibited NIH only when present in cells extrinsic to the graft wall, and MCP-1 deficiency required its effectiveness in cells both intrinsic and extrinsic to the graft wall to suppress NIH. Deletion of either MCP-1 or CCR2 was equally effective in inhibiting NIH. CCR2 deficiency in the predominant neointimal cell population had no impact on NIH. Direct MCP-1 stimulation of primary neointimal smooth muscle cells had minimal influence on cell proliferation and matrix turnover, confirming an indirect mechanism of action.

Conclusion—

MCP-1/CCR2 axis accelerates NIH via its signaling in graft-extrinsic cells, particularly circulating inflam-matory cells, with cells both intrinsic and extrinsic to the graft wall being critical MCP-1 producers. These findings underscore the importance of systemic treatment for anti–MCP-1/CCR2 therapies.
Ventilatory Power
Authors: Forman Daniel E. , Guazzi Marco , Myers Jonathan , Chase Paul , Bensimhon Daniel , Cahalin Lawrence P. , Peberdy Mary Ann , Ashley Euan , West Erin , Daniels Karla M. , Arena Ross
Published: August 2012

Background—

Minute ventilation/CO
2
production (VE/V
co
2
) slope is an index determined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, which incorporates pertinent cardiac, pulmonary, and skeletal muscle physiology into a substantive composite assessment. The VE/V
co
2
slope has many applications, including utility as a well-validated prognostic gauge for patients with heart failure (HF). In this study, we combine VE/V
co
2
slope with systolic blood pressure, creating a novel index that we labeled ventilatory power. Ventilatory power links the combined physiology inherent in the VE/V
co
2
slope to peripheral pressure, adding an additional dimension pertinent to HF assessment. Whereas the related concept of circulatory power links peak oxygen consumption with peak systolic blood pressure as a prognostic index, we hypothesized that ventilatory power would provide greater prognostic discrimination than VE/Vco2 slope, peak oxygen consumption, and circulatory power for patients with systolic HF.

Methods and Results—

Patients with systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%) underwent symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing as part of routine management and were followed for up to 4 years for major cardiac events (mortality, left ventricular assist device implantation, and heart transplantation). Eight hundred seventy-five patients with HF (left ventricular ejection fraction, 26±9%; mean age, 55±14) were studied. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing indices peak oxygen consumption, VE/V
co
2
slope, circulatory power, and ventilatory power were all predictive of cardiac events (
P
<0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that ventilatory power was the strongest indicator of prognosis.

Conclusions—

Although circulatory power and traditional cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters can be used to predict prognosis among patients with HF, ventilatory power provides relatively greater prognostic discrimination and may constitute a relatively more useful composite tool.
Parental Electrocardiographic Screening Identifies a High Degree of Inheritance for Congenital and Childhood Nonimmune Isolated Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Baruteau Alban-Elouen , Behaghel Albin , Fouchard Swanny , Mabo Philippe , Schott Jean-Jacques , Dina Christian , Chatel Stéphanie , Villain Elisabeth , Thambo Jean-Benoit , Marçon François , Gournay Véronique , Rouault Francis , Chantepie Alain , Guillaumont Sophie , Godart François , Martins Raphaël P. , Delasalle Béatrice , Bonnet Caroline , Fraisse Alain , Schleich Jean-Marc , Lusson Jean-René , Dulac Yves , Daubert Jean-Claude , Le Marec Hervé , Probst Vincent
Published: August 2012

Background—

The origin of congenital or childhood nonimmune isolated atrioventricular (AV) block remains unknown. We hypothesized that this conduction abnormality in the young may be a heritable disease.

Methods and Results—

A multicenter retrospective study (13 French referral centers, from 1980–2009) included 141 children with AV block diagnosed in utero, at birth, or before 15 years of age without structural heart abnormalities and without maternal antibodies. Parents and matched control subjects were investigated for family history and for ECG screening. In parents, a family history of sudden death or progressive cardiac conduction defect was found in 1.4% and 11.1%, respectively. Screening ECGs from 130 parents (mean age 42.0±6.8 years, 57 couples) were compared with those of 130 matched healthy control subjects. All parents were asymptomatic and in sinus rhythm, except for 1 with undetected complete AV block. Conduction abnormalities were more frequent in parents than in control subjects, found in 50.8% versus 4.6%, respectively (
P
<0.001). A long PR interval was found in 18.5% of the parents but never in control subjects (
P
<0.0001). Complete or incomplete right bundle-branch block was observed in 39.2% of the parents and 1.5% of the control subjects (
P
<0.0001). Complete or incomplete left bundle-branch block was found in 15.4% of the parents and 3.1% of the control subjects (
P
<0.0006). Estimated heritability for isolated conduction disturbances was 91% (95% confidence interval, 80%–100%).
SCN5A
mutation screening identified 2 mutations in 2 patients among 97 children.

Conclusions—

ECG screening in parents of children affected by idiopathic AV block revealed a high prevalence of conduction abnormalities. These results support the hypothesis of an inheritable trait in congenital and childhood nonimmune isolated AV block.
Poor Long-Term Blood Pressure Control After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Zahuranec Darin B. , Wing Jeffrey J. , Edwards Dorothy F. , Menon Ravi S. , Fernandez Stephen J. , Burgess Richard E. , Sobotka Ian A. , German Laura , Trouth Anna J. , Shara Nawar M. , Gibbons M. Chris , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Kidwell Chelsea S.
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose—

Hypertension is the most important risk factor associated with intracerebral hemorrhage. We explored racial differences in blood pressure (BP) control after intracerebral hemorrhage and assessed predictors of BP control at presentation, 30 days, and 1 year in a prospective cohort study.

Methods—

Subjects with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage were identified from the DiffErenCes in the Imaging of Primary Hemorrhage based on Ethnicity or Race (DECIPHER) Project. BP was compared by race at each time point. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine predictors of presenting mean arterial pressure, and longitudinal linear regression was used to assess predictors of mean arterial pressure at follow-up.

Results—

A total of 162 patients were included (mean age, 59 years; 53% male; 77% black). Mean arterial pressure at presentation was 9.6 mm Hg higher in blacks than whites despite adjustment for confounders (
P
=0.065). Fewer than 20% of patients had normal BP (<120/80 mm Hg) at 30 days or 1 year. Although there was no difference at 30 days (
P
=0.331), blacks were more likely than whites to have Stage I/II hypertension at 1 year (
P
=0.036). Factors associated with lower mean arterial pressure at follow-up in multivariable analysis were being married at baseline (
P
=0.032) and living in a facility (versus personal residence) at the time of BP measurement (
P
=0.023).

Conclusions—

Long-term BP control is inadequate in patients after intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly in blacks. Further studies are needed to understand the role of social support and barriers to control to identify optimal approaches to improve BP in this high-risk population.
Evaluation of the Sensitivity of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to Parameterization Schemes for Regional Climates of Europe over the Period 1990–95
Authors: Mooney P. A. , Mulligan F. J. , Fealy R.
Published: August 2012

The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) is used to downscale interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data for the climate over Europe for the period 1990–95 with grid spacing of 0.44° for 12 combinations of physical parameterizations. Two longwave radiation schemes, two land surface models (LSMs), two microphysics schemes, and two planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes have been investigated while the remaining physics schemes were unchanged. WRF simulations are compared with Ensemble-Based Predictions of Climate Changes and their Impacts (ENSEMBLES) observations gridded dataset (E-OBS) for surface air temperatures (T2), precipitation, and mean sea level pressure (MSLP) in eight subregions within the model domain to assess the performance of the different parameterizations on widely varying regional climates. This work shows that T2 is modeled well by WRF with high correlation coefficients (0.8 < R < 0.95) and biases less than 4°C. T2 shows greatest sensitivity to land surface models, some sensitivity to longwave radiation schemes, and less sensitivity to microphysics and PBL schemes. Precipitation is not well modeled by WRF with low correlation coefficients (0.1 < R < 0.3) and high root-mean-square differences (RMSDs; 8–9 mm day−1). Precipitation shows sensitivity to LSMs in summer. No significant bias has been observed in the MSLP modeled by WRF. Correlation coefficients are typically in the range 0.7 < R < 0.8 while RMSDs are in the range 6–10 hPa. MSLP output is sensitive to longwave radiation scheme in summer but is relatively insensitive to either microphysics or the choice of LSM. The optimum combination of parameterizations for all three state variables examined is strongly dependent on subregion and demonstrates the need to carefully select parameterization combinations when attempting to use WRF as a regional climate model.
Impacts of the Bermuda High on Regional Climate and Ozone over the United States
Authors: Zhu Jinhong , Liang Xin-Zhong
Published: August 2012

Observations reveal that, in summer, westward extension of the Bermuda high enhances the Great Plains low-level jet (LLJ) that transports more moisture northward, causing precipitation increases in the Midwest and decreases in the Gulf States. Meanwhile, more warm air advection from the Gulf of Mexico to the southern Great Plains and stronger clear-sky radiative heating under high pressures over the Southeast result in warmer surface temperatures across the Gulf states. The enhanced LLJ transport of cleaner marine air from the Gulf reduces surface ozone across the southern Great Plains–Midwest. In contrast, larger transport of more polluted air from the Midwest to New England and more frequent air stagnation under high pressures in the Southeast increase ozone over most of the eastern coastal states. This Bermuda high–induced ozone change reversal between the southern Great Plains–Midwest and eastern coastal states, with a magnitude of 6 and 13.5 ppb, respectively, in summer-mean maximum daily 8-h average, exhibits strong decadal variations that should be considered in the U.S. air quality dynamic management.

The observed Bermuda high signatures over the Gulf states can be well captured by regional climate and air quality models. Notable model deficiencies exist over the northern Great Plains–Midwest that are more remote to the Bermuda high and LLJ control. The regional models largely reduce these deficiencies from general circulation models (GCMs). Only 7 out of 51 GCMs can represent all key regional signatures of the Bermuda high, while none can simulate its strong association with planetary sea surface temperature anomalies. The result indicates a great challenge for GCMs to predict Bermuda high variability and change.
The State and Labor in Transnational Activism: The Case of India
Authors: Agarwala Rina
Published: August 2012

This article examines the relationship between the state and informal workers’ transnational labor movements. Using the case of the Self-Employed Women’s Association, I illustrate how Indian informal workers are launching an alternative labor movement that addresses their unique conditions by simultaneously privileging the central role of the nation state and leveraging the power of the transnational arena. Indian informal workers use three types of transnational activism to generate new forms of integration with the Indian state. Doing so helps them increase informal workers’ visibility and integrate their issues into government agendas. To attract state attention, informal workers’ transnational efforts focus on local issues and a commitment to empowerment. These findings highlight the potential for Southern leadership in transnationalism and the role that democratic political structures play in shaping transnational labor efforts.
Getting Through the Hard Times Together? Chinese Workers and Unions Respond to the Economic Crisis
Authors: Friedman Eli
Published: August 2012

How do post-socialist unions respond to market crisis? And what are the implications of this response for labor representation? Drawing on literature on post-socialist labor and union democracy, I argue that economic crisis affects not just labor–capital and labor–state relations, but also the relationship between union representatives and workers. Such a dynamic is highlighted by an empirical account of the divergent activities of workers and All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) unions in China following the economic crisis of 2008. While the union responded to mass unemployment with an administrative and policy-oriented strategy, workers took to the streets in increasing numbers. This divergence led to several instances of conflict, and, by 2010, it was possible to detect small but significant shifts in the union’s approach to dealing with labor unrest.
Refining Varieties of Labour Movements: Perspectives from the Asia-Pacific Region
Authors: Lee Byoung-Hoon , Lansbury Russell D.
Published: August 2012

The papers in this volume seek to broaden the concept of ‘varieties of unionism’ by comparing the labour movements of six countries in the Asia-Pacific region: China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Australia. While there is a great diversity of economic, socio-cultural and ethnic factors which have influenced the nature of industrial relations and unionism in each country, all have experienced the impact of globalisation on their labour markets to varying degrees. The repertoire of revitalisation strategies used by unions in Asia are similar, in many ways, to those adopted in western market economies, but their specific forms differ. The authors of the studies in this volume examine the factors which have helped and/or hindered union revitalisation in each of the countries studied.
The Unionization of Part-time Workers in Japan
Authors: Oh Hak-Soo
Published: August 2012

This article examines the two differing types of union strategy to organize part-time workers in Japan. One is a homogeneous strategy; the other, a heterogeneous strategy. Based on in-depth interviews with five enterprise labour unions, it was found that if both management and the union support part-time workers’ up-skilling, active involvement and a sense of unity with regular workers for enhancing labour productivity, they tend to strategically choose the homogeneous strategy, which provides equal treatment to part-time workers in relation to human resource management practices and union participation. Under the homogeneous strategy, the company introduces a wage system that encourages part-time workers to work longer in order to obtain higher wages or to be promoted to a higher grade. Where management seeks to obtain a cost advantage from the use of part-time workers and the union puts priority on the protection of regular workers, they tend to choose the heterogeneous strategy, which discriminates against part-time workers in relation to both human resource management policy and union representation. The unionization of part-time workers, based on a homogeneous strategy, has positive effects, such as strengthening loyalty to the company and the union, part-time workers’ up-skilling, and active involvement in workplace innovations. The unionization of non-regular workers can contribute to the revitalization of labour movements and the resolution of segmented labour market problems, as well as assisting in the recovery of corporate business and the national economy.
Dancing Alone: The Australian Union Movement Over Three Decades
Authors: Peetz David , Bailey Janis
Published: August 2012

We investigate the challenges faced by the Australian union movement over the two decades since the early 1990s, the renewal strategies it employed and their success or otherwise. We locate the Australian union movement historically, outline core internal and external challenges faced by Australian unions, and consider their key responses. Australian unions utilized strategies focused on the external level (in the political arena, actions aimed at framing ideas and shaping values or ideologies, or at altering the embeddedness of unions within support networks) and at the internal level (actions influencing the extent to which power is held centrally or vested in membership, and whether policy is controlled, coordinated or dispersed; the mix between industry, occupational, general or enterprise-based structures; and the development and deployment of resources). We focus on the ‘Your Rights at Work’ campaign aimed at defeating the ‘WorkChoices’ legislation, and two other core strategies: amalgamationism and organizing. We show the relations between these strategies, each aimed at increasing the strength of unions. Achieving stronger workplace organizing on the one hand, and stronger regulation on the other, are currently the key aims of the movement.
Revitalizing the Malaysian Trade Union Movement: The Case of the Electronics Industry
Authors: Wad Peter
Published: August 2012

The article takes an historic perspective on contemporary issues of trade union revival in Malaysia, focusing on the challenge of raising union density and analysing the process of organizing employees in the strategically important electronics industry. It concludes that the political support for transnational corporations in the electronics industry is declining. This strategic shift enables union activists to bypass enterprise and state-based unions and to establish larger, regionally based unions. However, newly organized unions have not yet overcome resistance from global corporations, nor have trade unions been included in the larger politics of development strategies. Unions must be part of a larger socio-political movement and regime change in order to overcome the restrictive labour laws as well as the anti-union practices of transnational corporations. Yet the majority of the peak union organizations prefer non-partisan engagement. In order to revitalize themselves, the unions must demonstrate to the Malaysian public that they are both relevant and important for increased productivity and that they can play a significant role in enabling Malaysia to move beyond the middle-income ‘trap’ towards a more developed market economy.
Deepening disadvantages in housing markets for women
Authors: Vickery Lynn
Published: August 2012

Housing policy in England and Wales has undergone a major shift in emphasis since the Coalition Government in the UK determined to use housing markets to resolve housing needs. In many locations social housing has become a ‘safety net tenure’ which is part of the developing welfare reform rather than tenure offering stability and opportunity. Price sensitivity is beginning to exclude those on lower incomes from the private rented sector. These changes prompted by the diminishing availability of social housing, unregulated private sector rentals, low pay and welfare reform impact disproportionately on women and the accompanying insecurity undermine the conditions necessary for widening employment options. There is a need to expose the gendered nature of housing policy as a matter of women’s human rights.
Wonder-full geomorphology
Authors: Dixon Deborah P. , Hawkins Harriet , Straughan Elizabeth R.
Published: August 2012

Though not yet readily apparent in articles and book chapters, there is a burgeoning series of ‘in the field’ collaborations between geomorphologists and artists focused around the mutual exploration of ‘inspirational landscapes’, and the harnessing of the emotive dimensions of such body/world encounters in the production and communication of geomorphological knowledge. Seemingly at odds with the discipline’s emphasis upon the production of fieldwork data (as opposed to sensed phenomena), as well as its disavowal of the subjective, this work nevertheless resonates with a complex and fascinating aesthetic tradition within geomorphology. Here, we ‘place’ these contemporary collaborations via: reference to Humboldtian science, and the crucial link between sensibility and precision; a reading of the Kantian sublime in the work of G.K. Gilbert; a sketching out of the evisceration of both the aesthetic and art in the second half of the 20th century; and, finally, a review of the current scope of art/geomorphology collaborations, and possible futures.
Lack of SLC2A1 (Glucose Transporter 1) Mutations in 30 Italian Patients With Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood
Authors: De Grandis Elisa , Stagnaro Michela , Biancheri Roberta , Giannotta Melania , Gobbi Giuseppe , Traverso Monica , Veneselli Edvige , Zara Federico
Published: August 2012

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is a rare, predominantly sporadic disorder. Diagnosis is clinical, and little is known about genetics. Glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome shares with alternating hemiplegia of childhood paroxysmal and nonparoxysmal symptoms. The aim of the study was to investigate glucose transporter 1 mutations in 30 Italian patients. Genetic material was analyzed by DNA amplification and glucose transporter 1 region sequencing. Mutational analysis findings of the SLC2A1 gene were negative in all patients. The pattern of movement disorders was reviewed. Interictal dystonia and multiple paroxysmal events were typical of alternating hemiplegia of childhood. In conclusion, alternating hemiplegia of childhood is a heterogeneous clinical condition, and although glucose transporter 1 deficiency can represent an undiagnosed cause of this disorder, mutational analysis is not routinely recommended. Alternatively, a careful clinical analysis and the 3-O-methyl-D-glucose uptake test can allow prompt identification of a subgroup of patients with alternating hemiplegia of childhood treatable with a ketogenic diet.
Blood Transfusion in Sickle Cell Disease Leading to Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
Authors: Raj Shashi , Killinger James , Overby Philip
Published: August 2012

Children with sickle cell disease have a very high risk of lifelong neurologic morbidity and mortality. Cerebrovascular accidents are a known complication in children with sickle cell disease. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a constellation of acute neurologic findings increasingly recognized in pediatric critical care population with evidence of vasogenic edema on brain imaging possibly due to cerebral vascular endothelial cell dysfunction. This report, for the first time, describes a young adult with sickle cell disease who developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following blood transfusion.
Macroporous silicone biomaterials with modified surface chemistry: Production and characterization
Authors: Gencer Zeynep A , Odabas Sedat , Sasmazel Hilal T , Piskin Erhan
Published: August 2012

Porous and bioactive silicone biomaterials were developed for soft and cartilage tissue repair. A protocol, using compression molding, salt extraction, and supercritical carbon dioxide treatments, was used to obtain disk-shaped materials with specific pore sizes and morphologies by changing the process conditions. Highly open/interconnected macroporous silicone matrices, with an average pore size of 250–300 µm and porosities in the range of 60%–70%, were obtained by the extracting the NaCl particles. Subsequent treatment with supercritical carbon dioxide slightly decreased the average pore size but increased the porosity to 80%. The supercritical carbon dioxide treatment effectively removed the entrapped salt crystals from the silicone matrix that improved interconnectivity. The compression modulus decreased, while the compression strength was increased using this technique. The surfaces and pores of the silicone materials were modified by silanization to provide primary amine groups for cell attachment, proliferation, migration, and three-dimensional growth of model L929 fibroblast cells.
The friction and wear properties of nano-SiO2 and -TiO2 particle-reinforced PMMA composites
Authors: Li Zhenhua
Published: August 2012

In order to improve the tribological properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) frictional parts, nano-silica (SiO2) and -titanium dioxide (TiO2) particle-reinforced PMMA composites were prepared by hot press. The tribological behavior and wear mechanisms of the composite were investigated in dry friction condition. The results show that great strengthening effects are obtained using nano-SiO2 and -TiO2 particles to reinforce PMMA composite. The composite exhibits excellent tribological properties. The wear mechanisms change from microcutting wear, multiplastic deformation wear and adhesive wear into abrasive wear and brittle fracture wear.
New polyaniline/polypyrrole/polythiophene and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites
Authors: Hussain Syed Tajammul , Abbas Faisal , Kausar Ayesha , Khan Muhammad Riaz
Published: August 2012

In this endeavor, a new type of nanocomposites has been developed from conducting organic polymers (layer-by-layer in situ polymerization of various monomers) and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Initially, functionalization of MWCNTs was achieved by sulfuric acid (H2SO4):nitric acid (HNO3) and HNO3:hydrogen peroxide treatment. A comparative study regarding the synthetic, morphological, and electrical profiles of raw MWCNTs (R-MWCNTs), pure-MWCNTs (P-MWCNTs), functionalized MWCNTs (F-MWCNTs), and polyaniline/polypyrrole/polythiophene-F-MWCNTs (PANI/PPy/PTh/F-MWCNTs) nanocomposites was successfully carried out. Introduction of functional groups on the surface of MWCNTs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and Rutherford back scattering were employed for the elemental analyses. Morphology of the obtained hybrid material was studied via scanning electron microscopy and their thermal stability was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The dielectric constant and electrical conductivity were also measured. Result exploration revealed that F-MWCNTs were well functionalized ensuing interfacial entrapment between the carbon nanotubes and the matrix. In addition, the layer-by-layer deposition of PPy/PANI/PTh polymers enhanced the electrical conductivity of material relative to the neat ones. Besides, the improved thermal stability of composite was acquired when compared with the homopolymers.
Surface observations and material removal mechanisms in rotary ultrasonic machining of brittle material
Authors: Lv Dongxi , Wang Hongxiang , Tang Yongjian , Huang Yanhua , Zhang Haijun , Ren Wei
Published: August 2012

The numerous unique advantages afforded by rotary ultrasonic machining have led to its extensive utilization in machining hard–brittle materials. However, the material removal mechanisms are still not very clear, leaving many uncertainties of the machined components in practical application. In this research, machining/scratching tests had been undertaken on optical glass K9 with diamond tools under various process parameters. Surface morphologies were characterized using a measuring microscope, white-light interferometer and scanning electron microscope. On the basis of these examinations, the effects of ultrasonic vibration on the material removal mechanisms were investigated. As a result, another material removal mechanism, pulverization, was identified besides brittle fracture and plastic deformation. The pulverizable areas, which resulted from the force of the tortuous cracks propagation, were found to be prominent in the surrounding fracture areas. In addition, the influence of the pulverizable areas on the surface roughness was also investigated. The scratching results presented that the pulverization was induced by the impact effects of the abrasive at the vertex of its sinusoidal trajectory. The vertical inertia force of the abrasive and the inertial effects of the material, which were induced by the immense acceleration of single abrasive at the vertex of its sinusoidal trajectory, should be conducive to the nucleation of the first cracks.
Vehicle dynamics with brake hysteresis
Authors: Shyrokau Barys , Wang Danwei , Augsburg Klaus , Ivanov Valentin
Published: August 2012

This paper studies hysteresis of vehicle brakes and its influence on the vehicle dynamics. The experimental investigation clearly shows the non-linear and asymmetric characteristics of hysteresis of the disk brakes in passenger cars. A computational model of the brake mechanism with hysteretic elements, based on the Bouc–Wen method, is developed and verified with experimental data. Using the developed model, the influence of hysteresis on the vehicle dynamics during straight-line braking with an anti-lock braking system is analysed. It is also observed that the variations in the hysteresis parameters have important influences on the main vehicle brake characteristics such as the stopping (brake) distance, the time of braking and the average deceleration. A comparative analysis of the simulation results is also given for braking with zero hysteresis or with hysteresis represented as a signal delay and linear function.
Feelings Into Words
Authors: Kircanski Katharina , Lieberman Matthew D. , Craske Michelle G.
Published: August 2012

A growing body of research has revealed that labeling an emotion, or putting one’s feelings into words, can help to downregulate that affect, as occurs with intentional forms of emotion regulation, such as reappraisal and distraction. We translated this basic research to a real-world clinical context, in which spider-fearful individuals were repeatedly exposed to a live spider. Using a between-subjects design, we compared the effects of affect labeling, reappraisal, distraction from the feared stimulus, and exposure alone during this brief course of exposure therapy on subsequent fear responding. At a 1-week posttest involving a different spider in another context, the affect-labeling group exhibited reduced skin conductance response relative to the other groups and marginally greater approach behavior than the distraction group; however, the affect-labeling group did not differ from the other groups in self-reported fear. Additionally, greater use of anxiety and fear words during exposure was associated with greater reductions in fear responding. Thus, perhaps surprisingly, affect labeling may help to regulate aspects of emotion in a clinical context.
Organochlorine pesticide levels and risk of Alzheimer’s disease in north Indian population
Authors: Singh NK , Chhillar N , Banerjee BD , Bala K , Basu M , Mustafa Md
Published: August 2012

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could result from a multifactorial process involving both genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental factors like pesticides. A case control study of 70 patients of AD and 75 controls was done to examine the association between organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and risk of AD. OCPs (hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, pp′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene ( pp′-DDE), op′-DDE, pp′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane ( pp′-DDT), op′-DDT, pp′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ( pp′ -DDD) and op′-DDD) were extracted from blood and quantitatively estimated using gas chromatography. A Mann–Whitney U test revealed significant difference in β-HCH levels ( U = 1237.00, W = 4087.00, z = −6.296, p = 0.000, r = −0.71), dieldrin levels ( U = 1449.00, W = 4299.00, z = −5.809, p = 0.000, r = −0.68) and pp′-DDE levels ( U = 2062.00, W = 4912.00, z = −2.698, p = 0.007, r = −0.59) between AD patients and controls. In conclusion, this study supports epidemiological studies that associate exposure to pesticides with increased risk of AD, and we identified the specific pesticides β-HCH, dieldrin and pp′-DDE that are associated with the risk of AD in the north Indian population. However, further research is needed to establish the potential role of these OCPs as an etiologic agent for AD case.
Analysis of Poisson frequency data under a simple crossover trial
Authors: Lui Kung-Jong , Chang Kuang-Chao
Published: August 2012

When the frequency of occurrence for an event of interest follows a Poisson distribution, we develop asymptotic and exact procedures for testing non-equality, non-inferiority and equivalence, as well as asymptotic and exact interval estimators for the ratio of mean frequencies between two treatments under a simple crossover design. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we evaluate the performance of these test procedures and interval estimators in a variety of situations. We note that all asymptotic test procedures developed here can generally perform well with respect to Type I error and can be preferable to the exact test procedure with respect to power if the number of patients per group is moderate or large. We further find that in these cases the asymptotic interval estimator with the logarithmic transformation can be more precise than the exact interval estimator without sacrificing the accuracy with respect to the coverage probability. However, the exact test procedure and exact interval estimator can be of use when the number of patients per group is small. We use a double-blind randomized crossover trial comparing salmeterol with a placebo in exacerbations of asthma to illustrate the practical use of these estimators.
Accounting for a nation’s beginnings: Challenges arising from the formation of the Dominion of Canada
Authors: Baker Ron , Rennie Morina D
Published: August 2012

This article presents an historical study of the accounting issues and challenges arising from the creation of a new nation, the Dominion of Canada. We document the issues associated with combining the accounting of three separate pre-confederation political entities and describe how the first accounting system for Canada was put in place. The study identifies significant challenges resulting from a lack of formal accounting policies, the settling of accounts between the provinces and the new dominion, accounting for the division of responsibilities between the federal and provincial governments, and the poor quality of accounts from the former provinces. This study reveals that Canada’s first accounting system was not developed specifically for the new nation despite the creation of a new political entity, but was inherited from one of the former pre-confederation provinces.
Funding social services: An historical analysis of responsibility for citizens’ welfare in New Zealand
Authors: Cordery Carolyn J
Published: August 2012

Government funding and delivery of social services increasingly fails to meet citizens’ demands. One theory is that charities alleviate this pressure by delivering services to supplement those that governments provide (Weisbrod, 1988). When the government and market fail to meet social needs, these services are funded by donations and service charges. A second theory is that charities partner with government to fund and deliver complementary services (Salamon, 1987). This article analyses the historical choices made by New Zealand’s government and charities relating to social services funding and delivery. Charities have not responded solely to what Weisbrod (1988) calls government failure, nor have they entered into continuous partnerships with government as Salamon (1987) would suggest. Instead, funding choices appear to be mutable, placing charities and beneficiaries in precarious positions when social services funding reduces. This article encourages debate about how social services should be funded: by government, charities or the marketplace.
Accounting for killing: Accountability for death
Authors: Sargiacomo Massimo , Servalli Stefania , Carnegie Garry D
Published: August 2012

Accounting and the conscious secretive killing of humans are rarely concurrently examined in the contemporary and historical literature. Based on examinations of a rare and formerly highly secretive surviving written record found in the Venice State Archive, and other surviving primary records, as well as secondary sources, this novel study outlines evidence of “accounting for killing” of the enemies of the Venetian State during the sixteenth century as a means of rendering the individuals who made those decisions “accountable for death”. The rationale for this governmental approach to self-preservation, described as “Reason of State”, was widely adopted in Europe during this period. The available evidence illustrates the use of the police apparatus in the Venetian State, namely the Council of Ten, in order to reinforce, protect and defend the State, and illuminates the role of accounting information in this highly secretive and sinister process. The notion of “secretive collective internal horizontal accountability” is applied in explaining the accountability for death regime found to have been adopted, thus broadening the dimensions of accountability that are typically recognized within the accounting literature. Rarely has accounting and accountability within government been shown to be so secretive.
Accounting for the production of coins: The enactment and implementation of the Spanish Ordinances of the Mints, 1730
Authors: Sánchez-Matamoros Juan Baños , Hidalgo Fernando Gutiérrez
Published: August 2012

Critical accounting history literature has been scant on the role played by accounting in government coinage policy and its implications for governmental discourse. For this reason, we have examined the implementation of the Spanish Ordinances of the Mints enacted in 1730 and its accounting implications. This analysis allows us to observe the influence of accounting procedures over the government’s monetary policy. We aim to contribute to the literature a new perspective on the role of accounting in governmental and state policies, far beyond the improvement of state income, and concerned more with ensuring the value of the coins and thereby improving commercial activity and the economy in general.
Narrating history: New Zealand’s “Black Budget” of 1958
Authors: Vosslamber Rob
Published: August 2012

Government taxation measures are rarely recalled for long; yet the New Zealand Labour Government’s 1958 budget remains proverbial more than half a century after it was delivered. Commonly referred to as the “Black Budget”, this narrative is still used by politicians, advertisers, the media, and the general public. Although the Black Budget is grounded in historical events, the events themselves are largely forgotten by most New Zealanders. Rather, the story of the Black Budget may be theorised as a type of landmark narrative, where putative conditions are constructed as a problem, and the effectiveness of that narrative no longer depends on the factual base upon which it was constructed. This article revisits the Black Budget, and highlights the role of claimsmakers in perpetuating the narrative. The Black Budget illustrates the tension between historical events and how (and by whom) they are related.
The Impact of Victim-Focused Outreach on Criminal Legal System Outcomes Following Police-Reported Intimate Partner Abuse
Authors: DePrince Anne P. , Belknap Joanne , Labus Jennifer S. , Buckingham Susan E. , Gover Angela R.
Published: August 2012

Randomized control designs have been used in the public health and psychological literatures to examine the relationship between victim outreach following intimate partner abuse (IPA) and various outcomes. These studies have largely relied on samples drawn from health providers and shelters to examine outcomes outside the criminal legal system. Based on the positive findings from this body of research, we expected that a victim-focused, community-coordinated outreach intervention would improve criminal legal system outcomes. The current study used a randomized, longitudinal design to recruit 236 ethnically diverse women with police-reported IPA to compare treatment-as-usual with an innovative community-coordinated, victim-focused outreach program. Findings indicated that the outreach program was effective in increasing women’s engagement with prosecution tasks as well as likelihood of taking part in prosecution of their abusers. Results were particularly robust among women marginalized by ethnicity and class, and those still living with their abusers after the target incident.
Alcohol-related hospital admissions: Missed opportunities for follow up? A focus group study about general practitioners’ experiences
Authors: Lid Torgeir Gilje , Oppedal Kristian , Pedersen Bolette , Malterud Kirsti
Published: August 2012

Aims: To explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) follow-up experiences with patients discharged from hospital after admittance for alcohol-related somatic conditions. Design and participants: Two focus groups with GPs (four women and 10 men), calling for stories about whether the intervention given in the hospital had been recognised by the GP and how this knowledge affected their follow up of the patient’s alcohol problem. Systematic text condensation was applied for analysis. Findings: A majority of the GPs had experienced patients with already recognised alcohol problems being rediscovered by the hospital staff. Still, they presented examples of how seeing the patient in a different context might present new opportunities. Few participants had received adequate information from the hospital about their patient’s alcohol status, and they emphasised that a report about what had happened and what was planned was needed for follow up. Care pathways for patients with alcohol problems were seen as fragmented. Yet they described how alcohol-related hospital admissions might function as an eye-opener for the patient and a window of opportunity for lifestyle change. Conclusions: Hospital admittances provide important opportunities for change, but hospital care is seen as fragmented and poorly communicated to the GPs. For shared responsibility and follow up, all participating agents, including the patient, must be sufficiently informed about what has happened and what will follow. For the patient, hospital admittance is usually brief, while the relationship with their GP is long term, even lifelong. GPs are therefore key partners for programme development.
High-speed micro particle image velocimetry studies of boundary-layer flows in a direct-injection engine
Authors: Jainski Christopher , Lu Louise , Dreizler Andreas , Sick Volker
Published: August 2012

Mass and energy exchange processes near the in-cylinder walls have become increasingly important for internal combustion engine research and development. Heat-transfer and fuel-deposition processes are not well enough understood to fully predict their magnitude and temporal and spatial variation. To a large extent, improvements in modeling are limited because of a lack of experimental guidance on the dynamics of boundary-layer flows in engines. High-speed particle image velocimetry and micro particle image velocimetry were used to study the boundary-layer flow field at the cylinder head of a motored internal combustion engine for three different engine speeds (400, 800 and 1100 r/min). Velocity measurements were taken throughout the compression stroke and the beginning of the expansion stroke, and comparisons to the frequently used law-of-the-wall were made.

The low-resolution particle image velocimetry images showed that the average bulk flow maintained a tumble flow throughout the compression and expansion strokes and velocities scaled with engine speed. Adequate spatial resolution of the boundary-layer flow required the use of high-resolution (micro particle image velocimetry) measurements which showed that the log-law does not accurately describe the experimental boundary-layer structure in the outer layer ([Formula: see text]). Using the log-law, the velocity for earlier crank angles (180–260 crank angle degrees) was over predicted while the velocity for later crank angles (300–330 crank angle degrees) was under predicted, as engine speed increased. However, the experimental velocity profiles near the wall ([Formula: see text]) matched the description of the viscous sublayer ([Formula: see text]). Furthermore, it was observed that the thickness of the viscous sublayer decreased as the engine speed increased. The viscous sublayer could not be adequately resolved at 1100 r/min because of the limitations in adequate seeding density near the surface and the resulting loss of data points closest to the wall.

The capability of high-speed particle image velocimetry measurements is demonstrated by the ability to identify and track vortical structures that move through the outer and buffer layers. Future work must address the evolution of such flow structures, along with measurements of temperature, to enable development and validation of boundary-layer models that are not restricted by the assumptions necessary for the law-of-the-wall such as steady bulk flow conditions and properties.
Art and micro-cosmos: kinetic art and mid-20th-century cosmology
Authors: Rycroft Simon
Published: August 2012

Recent work by cultural geographers on visual art has emphasized performative and participatory aspects focusing upon the embodied and multi-sensory experience of encountering and being part of a work of art. Research on non-figurative art has much to offer in elucidating the relationships and distinctions between representation, non-representation and abstraction. Non figurative artists were representing or enacting a new kind of materiality, one that was putative, in process and ever changing. That materiality was based upon the adoption of a mid-20th-century cosmology and inspired by recent advances in the understanding of matter and the universe. Kinetic art, which is characterized by a set of abstract aesthetics that represent or reproduce real or illusory movement, was, especially in the post-war period, inspired by this new cosmology. Mid-century kinetic artists created non-figurative abstract models of the latest understandings to bring their associated energies, forces and motions to the senses of the viewer-participant. The models that kinetic artists produced in a variety of media were designed to be experienced in an embodied manner rather than simply viewed. These and other models of a mid-century cosmology signify a period in which the practices of representation were shifting significantly and consequently demand our attention.