bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precursor Signals and Processes Associated with MJO Initiation over the Tropical Indian Ocean*
Authors: Zhao Chongbo , Li Tim , Zhou Tianjun
Published: July 2012

The precursor signals of convection initiation associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in boreal winter were investigated through the diagnosis of the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data for the period 1982–2001. The western equatorial Indian Ocean (WIO) is a key region of the MJO initiation. A marked increase of specific humidity and temperature in the lower troposphere appears 5–10 days prior to the convection initiation. The increased moisture and temperature cause a convectively more unstable stratification, leading to the onset of convection.

A diagnosis of lower-tropospheric moisture (heat) budgets shows that the moisture (temperature) increase is caused primarily by the horizontal advection of the mean specific humidity (temperature) by the MJO flow. The anomalous flow is primarily determined by the downstream Rossby wave response to a preceding suppressed-phase MJO over the eastern Indian Ocean, whereas the upstream Kelvin wave response to the previous eastward-propagating convective-phase MJO is not critical. An idealized numerical experiment further supports this claim.

The Southern Hemisphere (SH) midlatitude Rossby wave train and associated wave activity flux prior to the MJO initiation were diagnosed. It is found that SH midlatitude Rossby waves may contribute to MJO initiation over the western Indian Ocean through wave energy accumulation. Idealized numerical experiments confirm that SH midlatitude perturbations play an important role in affecting the MJO variance in the tropics. A barotropic energy conversion diagnosis indicates that there is continuous energy transfer from the mean flow to intraseasonal disturbances over the initiation region, which may help trigger MJO development.
Revisiting GLACE: Understanding the Role of the Land Surface in Land–Atmosphere Coupling
Authors: Comer Ruth E. , Best Martin J.
Published: July 2012

The Global Land–Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE) established a method for quantifying and comparing the influence of soil moisture on the atmosphere in AGCMs. The models included in the GLACE intercomparison displayed a wide range in the strength of this influence, with the Met Office Hadley Centre (MOHC) Atmosphere Model, version 3 (HadAM3), being one of the weakest. Applying the GLACE method to a much developed version of the MOHC model, the atmospheric component of the Hadley Centre Global Environmental Model version 3 (HadGEM3-A), it is demonstrated that this new model has a stronger coupling signal than its predecessor. Although this increase in the coupling strength cannot be attributed to changes in the land surface representation, the existence of the stronger signal enables an investigation of the signal’s dependence on key land surface parameters. The GLACE method is applied to four HadGEM3-A experiment cases, with soil hydraulic parameters specified using two methods of calculation from two different underlying soil texture datasets. These cases show differences in their volumetric soil moisture and their level of moisture availability for transpiration. A change in moisture availability produces a change in evaporation variability in the same direction, which is a key factor affecting the overall land–atmosphere coupling strength. For HadGEM3-A the parameter changes therefore produce a clear change in the GLACE diagnostic.
Forecasting Reference Evapotranspiration Using Retrospective Forecast Analogs in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Tian Di , Martinez Christopher J.
Published: July 2012

Accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is needed for determining agricultural water demand and reservoir losses and driving hydrologic simulation models. This study was conducted to explore the application of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s (NCEP’s) Global Forecast System (GFS) retrospective forecast (reforecast) dataset combined with the NCEP–U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Reanalysis 2 dataset (R2) to forecast ET0 in the southeastern United States using a forecast analog approach. Seven approaches of estimating ET0 using the Penman–Monteith (PM) and Thornthwaite equations were evaluated by substitution of climatological mean values of variables or by bias correcting variables including solar radiation, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature using the R2 dataset. The skill of both terciles and extremes (10th and 90th percentiles) were evaluated. Overall, for the ET0 forecast approaches that combined R2 solar radiation with temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed from GFS, the reforecasts produced higher skill than methods that estimated parameters using GFS the reforecasts data only. The primary increase in skill was due to the use of relative humidity from the GFS reforecasts and long-term climatological mean values of solar radiation from the R2 dataset, indicating its importance in forecasting ET0 in the region. While the five categorical forecasts were skillful, the skill of upper and lower tercile forecasts was greater than that of lower and upper extreme forecasts and middle tercile forecasts. Most of the forecasts were skillful in the first 5 lead days.
Cloud Clusters and Tropical Cyclogenesis: Developing and Nondeveloping Systems and Their Large-Scale Environment
Authors: Kerns Brandon W. , Chen Shuyi S.
Published: July 2012

Tropical cyclone (TC) genesis occurs only when there is persistent, organized convection. The question of why some cloud clusters develop into a TC and others do not remains unresolved. This question cannot be addressed adequately without studying nondeveloping systems in a consistent manner together with developing systems. This study presents a systematic approach in classifying developing and nondeveloping cloud clusters based on their large-scale environments.

Eight years of hourly satellite IR data and global model analysis over the western North Pacific are used. A cloud cluster is defined as an area of ≤208-K cloud-top temperature, generally mesoscale in size. Based on the overlapping area between successive hourly images, they are then tracked in time as time clusters. The initial formations of nearly all TCs during July–October 2003–10 were associated with time clusters lasting at least 8 h (8-h clusters). The occurrence of an 8-h cluster is considered to indicate the minimum degree of convective organization needed for TC genesis. A nondeveloping system is defined as an 8-h cluster that is considered to be a viable candidate for TC genesis, but was not associated with the TC genesis.

The large-scale environmental conditions of cyclonic low-level vorticity, low vertical wind shear, low-level convergence, and elevated tropospheric water vapor are statistically more favorable for developing systems. Generally, the environment became more (less) favorable with time for the developing (nondeveloping) systems. Nevertheless, many developing (nondeveloping) systems formed (dissipated) in seemingly unfavorable (favorable) environments within a lead time of <24 h.
A Conservative Integration of the Pseudo-Incompressible Equations with Implicit Turbulence Parameterization
Authors: Rieper Felix , Hickel Stefan , Achatz Ulrich
Published: July 2012

Durran’s pseudo-incompressible equations are integrated in a mass and momentum conserving way with a new implicit turbulence model. This system is soundproof, which has two major advantages over fully compressible systems: the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition for stable time advancement is no longer dictated by the speed of sound and all waves in the model are clearly gravity waves (GW). Thus, the pseudo-incompressible equations are an ideal laboratory model for studying GW generation, propagation, and breaking. Gravity wave breaking creates turbulence that needs to be parameterized. For the first time the adaptive local deconvolution method (ALDM) for implicit large-eddy simulation (ILES) is applied to non-Boussinesq stratified flows. ALDM provides a turbulence model that is fully merged with the discretization of the flux function. In the context of non-Boussinesq stratified flows this poses some new numerical challenges—the solution of which is presented in this text. In numerical test cases the authors show the agreement of the results with the literature (Robert’s hot–cold bubble test case), they present the sensitivity to the model’s resolution and discretization, and they demonstrate qualitatively the behavior of the implicit turbulence model for a 2D breaking gravity wave packet.
Shelter Seeking Plans of Tuscaloosa Residents for a Future Tornado Event
Authors: Senkbeil Jason C. , Rockman Meganne S. , Mason John B.
Published: July 2012

The enhanced Fujita scale category 4 (EF4) Tuscaloosa, Alabama, tornado on 27 April 2011 produced 64 fatalities along its 130-km track. Hybrid survey/interviews were conducted with a sample of 211 Tuscaloosa-area residents to determine how the 27 April tornado might change future shelter-seeking plans. Despite a history of tornadoes in the area, only 47% of Tuscaloosa residents had shelter plans in place prior to 27 April, but 62% intend to change their shelter plans or have shelters plans for the future. Changes in shelter-seeking plans were divided into four groups and discussed according to commonalities. Logistic regression with demographic variables was then used to predict those likely to have shelter plans before 27 April and those likely to change their shelter plans in the future. Among these variables, residents over age 55 [odds ratio (OR) 8.9, 95%; confidence interval (CI): 2.167–36.352] and those having a bachelor's degree (OR 5.1, CI: 1.342–19.316) were more likely to have had shelter plans before 27 April. The most significant variable indicating a change in future shelter-seeking plans is being Hispanic/Latino (OR 5.2, CI: 1.753–15.465). These results may assist National Weather Service (NWS) personnel, broadcast meteorologists, emergency managers, and city planners with the development of targeted warning communication tactics and safety strategies for a future tornado event.
What are parents worried about? Health Problems and Health Concerns for Children
Authors: Garbutt Jane M. , Leege Erin , Sterkel Randall , Gentry Shannon , Wallendorf Michael , Strunk Robert C.
Published: July 2012

Patient-centered care requires pediatricians to address parents’ health concerns, but their willingness to solicit parental concerns may be limited by uncertainty about which topics will be raised. The authors conducted surveys of parents to identify current health-related issues of concern.

Methods

Participants rated 30 items as health problems for children in their community (large, medium, small, or no problem) and volunteered concerns for their own children.

Results

A total of 1119 parents completed the survey. Allergies (69%), lack of exercise (68%), asthma (65%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (65%), Internet safety (63%), obesity (59%), smoking (58%), and bullying (57%) were identified as important problems (large or medium) with variation among demographic subgroups. Concerns for their own children included healthy nutrition; obesity; lack of exercise, healthy growth and development; safety and injury prevention; and mental health issues.

Conclusion

Parents’ health concerns for children are varied and may differ from those routinely addressed during well-child care.
The effect of communication skills training by video feedback method on clinical skills of interns of Isfahan University of medical sciences compared to didactic methods
Authors: Managheb SE , Zamani A , Shams B , Farajzadegan Z
Published: July 2012

Background:

Effective communication is essential to the practice of high-quality medicine. There are methodological challenges in communication skills training. This study was performed in order to assess the educational benefits of communication skills training by video feedback method versus traditional formats such as lectures on clinical skills.

Methods:

This study was performed in 2005–2006 at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Forty medical students were involved in this study. We had 20 medical students in each group. Both groups first participated in communication skills classes and then their communication skills were evaluated with an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE1). Then group 1 participated in a video feedback workshop and their communication skills were evaluated by OSCE2 two months after the course. The communication skills of group 2 were re-evaluated by OSCE2 after two months. The score of OSCE1 and OSCE2 of both groups were compared. Results were analysed using SPSS 11.5.

Results:

The mean score of communication skills in OSCE1 of both groups were compared and the results showed that there was no significant difference between the both groups ( p = 0.53). Group 1 had significantly higher communication skills scores in OSCE2 after the video feedback workshop compared to the communication skill scores of the group without intervention ( p = 00). The mean score of history taking, physical exam and diagnosis and treatment in OSCE1 and OSCE2 in the case group were compared by paired t-test and the results showed that there was significant difference ( p = 0.00).

Conclusion:

Our training intervention was effective in producing significant changes in medical students’ clinical competence as well as the students’ skills in history taking, physical exam and diagnosis and treatment. Video feedback was more effective than traditional didactic methods such as lectures. Repetition of feedback using videotaped performance may be useful to improve communication skills for medical interviews. Despite the potential difficulties, video recording remains a most valuable tool for communication skills training.
Better Retention of Skill Operating a Simulated Hydraulic Excavator After Part-Task Than After Whole-Task Training
Authors: So Joey C. Y. , Proctor Robert W. , Dunston Phillip S. , Wang Xiangyu
Published: July 2012

Objective:

We examined whether part-task training produces better learning and retention than whole-task training of a trench-and-load task performed on a hydraulic excavator simulator.

Background:

For complex perceptual-motor tasks that involve several components and require spatial awareness of the environment, part-task training will be effective if the benefit of being able to focus attention on each component outweighs the cost of integrating the components. We predicted that such would be the case for learning to operate an excavator.

Method:

A part-task training group practiced separate Carrier Positioning, Trenching, and Truck Loading modules, whereas a whole-task training group practiced the Trench and Load module, which combines elements from the other modules. The latter module, involving different scenarios, was performed by both groups immediately after training and following a 2-week retention interval.

Results:

Production rate on the trench-and-load task was better overall on the retention test than on the immediate test. The part-task group showed improvement on the retention test compared with the immediate test, whereas the whole-task group did not. The part-task group showed higher productivity rates than did the whole-task group on the retention test.

Conclusion:

Part-task training on the excavator simulator results in better skill retention than does whole-task training. The benefit of part-task training is likely to be found for other tasks requiring control of implements in various environments.

Application:

Part-task training can result in better retention of complex perceptual-motor skills involving several components, even when immediate transfer to the whole task does not show better performance than whole-task training.
Fight or Flight?
Authors: Deck Cary , Sheremeta Roman M.
Published: July 2012

This article examines theory and behavior in a two-player game of siege, sequential attack and defense. The attacker’s objective is to successfully win at least one battle, while the defender’s objective is to win every battle. Theoretically, the defender either folds immediately or, if his valuation is sufficiently high and the number of battles is sufficiently small, then he has a constant incentive to fight in each battle. Attackers respond to defense with diminishing assaults over time. Consistent with theoretical predictions, the authors’ experimental results indicate that the probability of successful defense increases in the defenders valuation and it decreases in the overall number of battles in the contest. However, the defender engages in the contest significantly more often than predicted and the aggregate expenditures by both parties exceed predicted levels. Moreover, both defenders and attackers actually increase the intensity of the fight as they approach the end of the contest.
White-spot Lesions and Gingivitis Microbiotas in Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Tanner A.C.R. , Sonis A.L. , Lif Holgerson P. , Starr J.R. , Nunez Y. , Kressirer C.A. , Paster B.J. , Johansson I.
Published: July 2012

White-spot lesions (WSL) associated with orthodontic appliances are a cosmetic problem and increase risk for cavities. We characterized the microbiota of WSL, accounting for confounding due to gingivitis. Participants were 60 children with fixed appliances, aged between 10 and 19 yrs, half with WSL. Plaque samples were assayed by a 16S rRNA-based microarray (HOMIM) and by PCR. Mean gingival index was positively associated with WSL (p = 0.018). Taxa associated with WSL by microarray included Granulicatella elegans (p = 0.01), Veillonellaceae sp. HOT 155 (p < 0.01), and Bifidobacterium Cluster 1 (p = 0.11), and by qPCR, Streptococcus mutans (p = 0.008) and Scardovia wiggsiae (p = 0.04) Taxa associated with gingivitis by microarray included: Gemella sanguinis (p = 0.002), Actinomyces sp. HOT 448 (p = 0.003), Prevotella cluster IV (p = 0.021), and Streptococcus sp. HOT 071/070 (p = 0.023); and levels of S. mutans (p = 0.02) and Bifidobacteriaceae (p = 0.012) by qPCR. Species’ associations with WSL were minimally changed with adjustment for gingivitis level. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis yielded good discrimination between children with and those without WSL. Granulicatella, Veillonellaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, in addition to S. mutans and S. wiggsiae, were associated with the presence of WSL in adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment. Many taxa showed a stronger association with gingivitis than with WSL.
Socio-economic Inequalities and Oral Health in Canada and the United States
Authors: Elani H.W. , Harper S. , Allison P.J. , Bedos C. , Kaufman J.S.
Published: July 2012

This paper describes and compares the magnitude of socio-economic inequalities in oral health among adults in Canada and the US over the past 35 years. We analyzed data from nationally representative examination surveys in Canada and the US: Nutrition Canada National Survey (1970-1972, N = 11,546), Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007-2009, N = 3,508), The First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971-1974, N = 13,131), and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2008, N = 5,707). Oral health outcomes examined were prevalence of edentulism, proportion of individuals having at least 1 untreated decayed tooth, and proportion of individuals having at least 1 filled tooth. Sociodemographic indicators included in our analysis were place of birth, education, and income. Data were age-adjusted, and survey weights were used to account for the complex survey design in making population inferences. Our findings demonstrate that oral health outcomes have improved for adults in both countries. In the 1970s, Canada had a higher prevalence of edentulism and dental decay and lower prevalence of filled teeth. This was also combined with a more pronounced social inequality gradient among place of birth, education, and income groups. Over time, both countries demonstrated a decline in absolute socio-economic inequalities in oral health.
Prison Effects in the Era of Mass Incarceration
Authors: Haney Craig
Published: July 2012

This article summarizes some of the negative psychological effects of imprisonment. It examines the psychological stressors—dehumanization, deprivation, and danger—to which prisoners are exposed, and the process of prisonization by which they attempt to accommodate to their conditions of confinement. It also discusses the effects of two opposite prison extremes, overcrowding and solitary confinement, as well as the kind of vulnerabilities that many prisoners bring to prison that make the experience a form of retraumatization for them. The article ends with a set of brief, programmatic but psychologically informed proposals for change.
Measuring Community Corrections’ Officials Perceptions of Goals, Strategies, and Workload From a Systems Perspective
Authors: DeMichele Matthew , Payne Brian K.
Published: July 2012

The criminal justice system has experienced changes related to correctional population growth over the past 30years. This article applies general systems theory to assess differences between directors’ and nondirectors’ perceptions of community corrections goals of supervision, importance of officer tasks, and the time required to complete such tasks. Policy implications are drawn from the results of a web-based survey of the American Probation and Parole Association.
A new method of yarn hairiness reduction by air suction during carding
Authors: Mirzaei Majid , Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar , Zarrebini Mohammad
Published: July 2012

Yarn hairiness has remained an issue of enormous interest in the field of yarn spinning research, since it directly affects yarn quality. In this work, a new method for the reduction of yarn hairiness is presented by attaching a simple effective air suction system to the web detaching zone of a conventional carding machine immediately behind crushing rollers. The slivers produced were almost free from dust or short loose fibers. Yarn properties such as hairiness, tenacity, elongation at break and evenness were evaluated. The ring-spun yarn that was produced was called Vacuum Cleaned Carded yarn or VCC yarn, due to the removal of the short fibers by air suction. The properties of VCC yarns were compared with those of conventionally produced reference yarn sample. Comparison of the results showed that the hairiness of optimum VCC yarn decreases by approximately 20%, while its tenacity, elongation at break and evenness were significantly improved. It was also found that the VCC yarn exhibited better spinning stability and was more environmentally friendly than the reference yarn.
Microwave-assisted chemical-free hydrolysis of wool keratin
Authors: Zoccola Marina , Aluigi Annalisa , Patrucco Alessia , Vineis Claudia , Forlini Fabrizio , Locatelli Paolo , Sacchi Maria Carmela , Tonin Claudio
Published: July 2012

Wool fibers were submitted to “green hydrolysis” with superheated water in a microwave reactor, in view of the potential exploitation of keratin-based industrial and stock-farming wastes. The liquid fraction was separated by filtration from the solid fraction, which consists mainly of small fragments of wool fibers and other insoluble protein aggregates. The liquid fraction contains free amino acids, peptides and low molecular weight proteins, with a small amount of cystine and lanthionine, and has a different secondary structure when compared with keratins extracted from wool via reductive or oxidative methods. Cleavage of the cystine disulfide bonds without the use of harmful, often toxic, reductive or oxidative agents allows the extraction of protein material from keratin wastes, offering the possibility of larger exploitation and valorization.
Disperse ink-jet inks with active agents: properties and application to polyester and polyamide fibers
Authors: Karanikas V , Nikolaidis N , Tsatsaroni E
Published: July 2012

The preparation of water-based disperse inks was made using water and a mixture of 2-propanol/ethylene glycol as the water-miscible solvent. Ethylene glycol acted also as a wetting agent. The surface tension, pH, viscosity and conductivity of the above formulations were monitored over a period of 360 days. The same inks were prepared by adding solutions of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% w/v of fragrance microcapsules, as well as the same concentrations of an antimicrobial agent dispersion as active additives, and the properties were monitored over 360 days. The compatibility of the two additives with the ink ingredients, as well as the suitability of the final inks for ink-jet printing, was confirmed by these measurements. The inks were used (i) for dyeing polyester and polyamide samples and (ii) for ink-jet printing on paper, transfer printing on polyester and thermostabilization. Wash and light fastness were evaluated on the dyed and printed samples according to BS 1006:1990 CO2 and BO2, respectively, and they were found to be very good to excellent for polyester samples, and medium for polyamide samples. Color measurements of the dyed and printed polyamide and polyester samples were made and the results confirmed the high affinity of the two disperse dyes to the non-polar polyester fiber compared to the polyamide fiber. Qualitative and quantitative determination of the agents adsorbed on the dyed and printed polyester samples was made by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy or spectrophotometrically.
Optimization of the structural form of the carding machine main cylinder
Authors: Danielczyk Piotr , Stadnicki Jacek
Published: July 2012

The following paper presents the solution to the problem of searching the best shape – structural form of the bottoms and optimal dimensions of the main cylinder of the carding machine with consideration to the criterion of minimal deflection amplitude of its shell. The Finite Element Method has been applied for searching the optimal solution. As a result of the performed analyses, reduction of deflection amplitude at approximately 77% has been obtained. The determined optimal structural form and dimensions of the cylinder enable application of a new textile technology – microfibre carding as well as improvement in the quality of traditional carding technology of woolen and wool-like fibres performed on roller carding machine. The final stage of the work has been to determine the influence of manufacturing tolerances of the cylinder and metallic card wire on the amplitude of the main cylinder deflection.
On the role of tannins and iron in the Bogolan or mud cloth dyeing process
Authors: Limaye Mukta V , Bacsik Zoltán , Schütz Christina , Dembelé Aïssata , Pléa Mama , Andersson Linnéa , Salazar-Alvarez German , Bergström Lennart
Published: July 2012

We have investigated the chemistry of the Bogolan or mud cloth dyeing process, a traditional technique of coloring cotton cloths deeply rooted in Mali. Textiles produced by the traditional Bogolan process, using tannin-rich plant extract and iron-rich clay-based mud, were compared using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) with cotton fibers that were impregnated with tannin and iron salt solutions. IR spectroscopy in both reflective mode on the cloth and cotton and in transmission mode on single fibers, together with SEM, showed that gallic and tannic acid adsorb and precipitate onto the cotton fiber surface. IR spectroscopy and comparison with tannin and iron solution-impregnated cotton showed that the black color of the traditional Bogolan cloth is dominated by the formation of iron-tannin complexes. The presence of iron in the Bogolan cloth was confirmed using XANES data, supporting the notion that iron has been transferred from the iron-rich clay-based mud to the cloth. The chemistry of Bogolan cloth is not only historically and culturally significant and of importance in textile conservation, but may also inspire future research on sustainable dyeing and processing techniques based on natural products.
Acoustic absorption evaluation of high-modulus puncture resistance composites made by recycled selvages
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Wang Rui , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: July 2012

Glass fabric and Kevlar fabric reinforced recycled nonwovens were produced to form G-Ply and K-Ply high-modulus composites. Three types of composites — non-hot-pressed (N-), hot-pressed (H-) and laminated (L-) composites, were respectively combined by various plies, including non-treated G-Ply or K-Ply, hot-pressed G-Ply or K-Ply, and laminated-together G-Ply or K-Ply. Their acoustic absorption and puncture resistance were respectively discussed in terms of plies number, fabric interlayer, ply sequence and backed air thickness. It is found that the maximum acoustic absorption coefficient occurs at lower frequencies as increase of layers. The K-Ply N-composite shows higher porous acoustic absorption coefficient but lower puncture resistance as compared to G-Ply at more than three layers. The backed air improves acoustic absorption of N-composite almost at entire frequency and H-, L-composites at certain vibrating frequency. For combinations of one K-Ply and four G-Ply, the K-Ply sequence has a significant effect on acoustic absorption of N-composite and L-composite.
Effectiveness of laccase in the oxidation and recovery of sulfur dyes
Authors: Chakraborty J N , Dhiman G
Published: July 2012

Dyeing of cotton with sulfur dyes is preferred to develop deep shades at low cost with all-round good fastness, except to chlorine. Sulfur dye is water insoluble; dyeing of cotton with this dye necessitates reduction and solubilization of dye with sodium sulfide at boil followed by oxidation with acidic potassium dichromate. Application of dichromate develops stiffness on dyed cotton due to the precipitation of chromium compounds, causing occasional change in tone and increasing the solid content of the discharged waste water. In this work, the feasibility of laccase as a potential oxidizing catalyst was studied for the oxidation of sulfur-dyed cotton in an attempt to substitute toxic dichromate. Attempts were also made to precipitate unused sulfur dye from the exhausted dyebath using laccase and reuse of the precipitated dye for the fresh dyeing of cotton.
School Choice and Increasing Performance Difference: A Counterfactual Approach
Authors: Östh John , Andersson Eva , Malmberg Bo
Published: July 2012

In recent years, structural changes to the school system, including the introduction of independent schools, have increased school choice alternatives in Sweden. Consequently, a large share of today’s students attend a school other than the one closest to home. Since the compulsory school system is designed to be free of charge and to offer the same standard of education everywhere, increasing school choice– hypothetically—should not increase the between-school variation in grades. In reality, however, between-school variation in grades has increased in recent years. The aim of this paper is to test whether increasing between-school variance can be explained by changes in residential patterns, or if it must be attributed to structural change. Using a counterfactual approach, the students’ variations in grades are compared between observed schools of graduation and hypothetical schools of graduation. The multilevel results indicate that school choice seems to increase between-school variation of grades.
Contextual Influences on Gendered Racial Identity Development of African American Young Women
Authors: Thomas Anita Jones , Hoxha Denada , Hacker Jason Daniel
Published: July 2012

The aim of the study was to identify the contextual factors and socialization experiences most salient to the identity development of African American girls. Seventeen African American young women participated in dyadic focus groups. Themes that emerged included exposure to stereotypes, negative classroom environments, and parental and peer socialization that fostered self-determination and positive identity development. Implications for interventions and future research are included.
Peer Associations and Coping
Authors: Joyce Jeneka A. , O’Neil Maya E. , Stormshak Elizabeth A. , McWhirter Ellen H. , Dishion Thomas J.
Published: July 2012

This study sought to examine the relationship between coping strategies and prosocial and deviant peer associations for urban, African American adolescents. In addition, the study analyzed the mediating role of ethnic identity for coping strategies and peer associations. Results of the African American models were then compared with models for European American adolescents. Results indicated that African American and European American adolescents who reported using distraction coping strategies were more likely to associate with prosocial peers, and those who reported using self-destruction strategies were less likely to associate with prosocial peers. Adolescents who reported using distraction coping strategies were less likely to associate with deviant peers, and adolescents who reported using self-destruction strategies were more likely to associate with deviant peers. Ethnic identity mediated the relationship between coping and prosocial peer association for African American adolescents. Limitations of the study and future research directions are also presented.
The Securitization of Catastrophic Events
Authors: Aradau Claudia , van Munster Rens
Published: July 2012

Psychological knowledge has become incorporated into a range of security practices, discourses, and interventions in catastrophic events, including terrorism. By engaging the existing literature on the medicalization and psychologization of security, this article reads the enactment knowledge deployed in preparedness exercises from the perspective of psychodrama and sociodrama rather than that of psychoanalysis or psychosocial risk management. Enactment has become an important mode of knowledge for the governance of terrorism, as preparedness exercises deploy action methods, drama, enactment, and performance to prepare for unexpected, catastrophic events. Taking seriously the conceptualization of enactment, as deployed in psychodrama and sociodrama, can also challenge the securitization of catastrophic events. The article concludes that enactment, which foregrounds action rather than speech, and suggests that meaning follows action, can also offer critical insights into securitization theory.
Stories of Catastrophe, Traces of Trauma
Authors: Svensson Ted
Published: July 2012

The “act of terror” in Mumbai in November 2008 has been widely regarded as “India's 9-11.” This article proposes that the proper setting of the “Mumbai attacks” is neither provided by what occurred in New York in 2001 nor by accentuating how the event engaged an audience of “distant others.” It is, similarly, not made sufficiently comprehensible through representations of Mumbai as the most cosmopolitan space in India and of India as “shining.” It, rather, consists in the violent founding of the Indian Republic and the traumatizing and traumatic vision that was inscribed through and into it. Such an alternative rendering of the “Mumbai attacks” offers a critical purchase on the notion of “governing traumatic events.” It also situates the analysis in the tension between assumptions about an immanence of trauma and depictions of trauma as eruption and (dis)rupture. While the independence of India equals the traumatic in its function as a founding act or moment, the “Mumbai attacks” ought to be regarded as confirmation of reified and presently hegemonic forms of political life.
European Trauma
Authors: Kinnvall Catarina
Published: July 2012

This article examines the unfolding of traumas as structural and sociopsychological narratives focused on the bordering of identity and the governing of past present and future. Proceeding from a Lacanian conception of trauma and a Foucauldian understanding of governmentality, the analysis is centered on hegemonic counternarratives, even crises, involving the bordering of both Islam/Muslim identity and Europe/national identity. This “European trauma,” or psychological moment, is exemplified through events in London 2005 and Norway 2011. It is perceived in terms of Chosen Traumas and Chosen Glories, the mythologization of past events that are retold, reinvented, and awarded new meanings in the present. Such traumas and glories can create a foundation for governing practices in which hegemonic interpretations of identity turn into normalizing narratives that justify violence. However, the governing of narratives is a contested process and alternative narrative understandings in terms of everyday practices can stimulate social resistance and psychological resilience, eventually challenging the normalizing bordering processes encountered in Europe today.
Different trigemino-vascular responsiveness between adolescent and adult rats in a migraine model
Authors: Fan Pi-Chuan , Kuo Ping-Hung , Hu James W , Chang Shu-Hui , Hsieh Sung-Tsang , Chiou Lih-Chu
Published: July 2012

Background:

Pediatric migraine displays different clinical features from adult migraine. Because the trigemino-vascular system (TGVS) plays a pivotal role in migraine pathophysiology, this study compared TGVS responses in a migraine model induced by intracisternal ( i.c.) instillation of capsaicin in adolescent and adult rats.

Methods:

TGVS responses measured included c-Fos-protein-expressing neurons in the trigeminal cervical complex (TCC), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) and dura mater, and dural protein extravasation. The formulas for estimating total numbers of activated TCC neurons were established based on the c-Fos-positive neuronal numbers in three sample sections, +0.6, −1.2 and −9 mm and +0.6, −0.6 and −6 mm, from the obex in adult and adolescent rats, respectively.

Results:

After capsaicin instillation, adolescent rats had comparable TCC neurons activated as adult rats, but less TGVS peripheral responsiveness than adults, including CGRP immunoreactivity in the TG, and protein extravasation and CGRP depletion (inversely reflected by CGRP immunoreactivity) in the dura mater.

Conclusions:

Age-dependent differences in TGVS responsiveness in the i.c. capsaicin-induced migraine model of rats are reminiscent of less severe migraine in pediatric patients. This finding may provide new insight into the pathophysiology of migraine and guide the development of new anti-migraine drugs for children.
Tibial Plateau Geometry Influences Lower Extremity Biomechanics During Landing
Authors: Shultz Sandra J. , Schmitz Randy J.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Intersubject differences in lateral and medial posterior tibial plateau slope, coronal tibial slope (CTS), and medial tibial plateau depth (MTD) may influence one’s susceptibility for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Understanding how these structural characteristics influence hip and knee joint biomechanics during weightbearing activity may advance our understanding of how tibial plateau geometry influences one’s injury risk potential.

Purpose/Hypotheses:

To determine the extent to which tibial plateau geometry is associated with frontal and transverse plane hip and knee joint biomechanics during the initial landing phase of a double-legged drop landing. Greater lateral tibial slope combined with lower medial/lateral tibial slope ratio would predict greater tibial internal rotation motion and moments. Lower CTS would predict greater hip adduction and knee valgus motion and reduced internal peak varus moments. These associations would be stronger when combined with a shallower MTD.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance scans of the knee were obtained on 23 female participants who were also assessed for hip and knee joint biomechanics during the initial landing phase of double-legged drop jumps.

Results:

Once controlling for the respective initial hip flexion or initial knee flexion angle at ground contact, lower CTS consistently predicted greater initial and peak hip adduction and knee valgus angles ( R2 range, .212-.427, P < .027). Greater coronal and lateral tibial slope predicted greater hip internal rotation (femur relative to pelvis) at initial contact ( R2 = .504) and greater CTS and lower medial/lateral tibial slope ratio predicted greater knee internal rotation (tibia relative to femur) excursions ( R2 = .594, P = .001). Joint geometry was not associated with hip or knee peak joint moments.

Conclusion:

These data confirm substantial intersubject differences in tibial condylar geometry that are associated with intersubject differences in hip and knee motion patterns when landing from a jump.

Clinical Relevance:

The current findings may partially explain a female’s greater likelihood of demonstrating combined motion patterns of knee valgus and external rotation during landing. Although tibial geometry cannot be modified through training, these associations suggest that tibial geometry may have a substantial influence on tibiofemoral joint biomechanics when the knee is subjected to external loads and deserves further study in our understanding of ACL injury.
Epidemiology of United States High School Sports-Related Fractures, 2008-09 to 2010-11
Authors: Swenson David M. , Henke Natalie M. , Collins Christy L. , Fields Sarah K. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: July 2012

Background:

High school athletes sustain millions of injuries annually, many of which are fractures. Fractures can severely affect athletes physically, emotionally, and financially and should be targeted with focused prevention methods.

Hypothesis:

Patterns and primary mechanisms of fractures differ by sport and gender.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

High school sports-related injury data were collected from academic years 2008-09 to 2010-11 for 18 sports and from 2009-10 to 2010-11 for 2 additional sports. We used linear regression to describe annual fracture rate trends and calculated fractures rates, rate ratios (RRs), and injury proportion ratios (IPRs).

Results:

From 2008-09 to 2010-11, certified athletic trainers reported a total of 21,251 injuries during 11,544,455 athlete exposures (AEs), of which 2103 (9.9%) were fractures, with an overall rate of 1.82 fractures per 10,000 AEs. Fracture rates were highest in football (4.37 per 10,000 AE), boys’ ice hockey (3.08), and boys’ lacrosse (2.59). Boys sustained 79.1% of all fractures, and the overall rates of fractures were greater in boys’ sports than in girls’ sports for competition (RR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.45-3.24) and practice (RR, 2.43; 95% CI, 2.07-2.86). The most commonly fractured body sites were the hand/finger (32.1%), lower leg (10.1%), and wrist (9.5%). Overall, 17.2% of fractures required surgery, which was higher than for all other injuries combined (IPR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.81-3.52). The most common mechanism of fracture involved contact with another player (45.5%). Using linear regression, we found the proportion of all injuries that were fractures was inversely correlated with the athlete’s age ( P = .02) but was not correlated with the athletes’ age- and gender-adjusted body mass index.

Conclusion:

Fractures are a significant problem for high school athletes. Targeted preventive interventions should be implemented to reduce the burdens these injuries cause the athletes.
European Rewards in an Era of Austerity
Authors: Brown Duncan
Published: July 2012

The author’s contention is that just as our political leaders are realizing that, 4 years into economic depression, they need to combine their austerity approach with a new focus on investment and growth; so the balance of compensation and reward activities in our organizations needs to shift away from an extreme cost focus toward policies that more positively engage their employees and develop their talent. Using data from a comprehensive study of reward strategies and practices among 252 organizations based in 25 countries in Europe, he profiles a number of dimensions of this shifting balance: from low to added value pay, from fixed to variable rewards, and from a focus on technical design to paying more attention to reward delivery, emphasizing line manager involvement and more open employee communications. Making this shift will take courageous leadership in the current climate but will, he argues, of itself be a powerful force for reengaging employees and driving recovery in corporate and national economic performance.
Professional Reading Habits of Pharmacists Attending 2 Educational Seminars in New York City
Authors: Nathan Joseph P. , Grossman Sara
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

Data regarding the professional reading habits of pharmacists in the United States are lacking. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate whether pharmacists read professional publications and assess other aspects of their professional reading habits.

Methods:

In December 2010, surveys were distributed to pharmacists participating in 2 educational seminars in New York City. The main outcome measures were percentages of pharmacists who read regularly (at least monthly), specific publications read, and the perceived value and impact of reading.

Results:

A total of 184 pharmacists were surveyed. Of the 122 (66%) respondents, 112 (92%) reported reading professional publications regularly. Of these, 97 (87%) indicated the titles read, with the 4 publications reported most frequently being Drug Topics (n = 73; 75%), Pharmacy Times (n = 67; 69%), US Pharmacist (n = 60; 62%), and Pharmacist’s Letter (n = 48; 49%). All 122 respondents indicated that reading positively impacted their practice, and 121 (99%) reported that reading was important.

Conclusions:

The value of reading professional publications was recognized by surveyed pharmacists; this likely contributed to the high reading rate reported in this study.
Eosinophilic Meningitis Secondary to Intravenous Vancomycin
Authors: Kazi Ruchika , Kazi Haseeb A. , Ruggeri Cara , Ender Peter T.
Published: July 2012

Eosinophilic meningitis may be due to infectious or noninfectious etiologies. Parasitic infections cause this entity most frequently and of the noninfectious causes, medications play an important role. We describe a 32-year-old male who developed eosinophilic meningitis while receiving intravenous vancomycin. No other apparent cause of the eosinophilic meningitis was appreciated. This case represents the first description of eosinophilic meningitis due to systemic vancomycin.
Safety Implications of Standardized Continuous Quality Improvement Programs in Community Pharmacy
Authors: Boyle Todd A. , Ho Certina , MacKinnon Neil J. , Mahaffey Thomas , Taylor Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2012

Standardized continuous quality improvement (CQI) programs combine Web-based technologies and standardized improvement processes, tools, and expectations to enable quality-related events (QREs) occurring in individual pharmacies to be shared with pharmacies in other jurisdictions. Because standardized CQI programs are still new to community pharmacy, little is known about how they impact medication safety. This research identifies key aspects of medication safety that change as a result of implementing a standardized CQI program. Fifty-three community pharmacies in Nova Scotia, Canada, adopted the SafetyNET-Rx standardized CQI program in April 2010. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Canada’s Medication Safety Self-Assessment (MSSA) survey was administered to these pharmacies before and 1 year into their use of the SafetyNET-Rx program. The nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to explore where changes in patient safety occurred as a result of SafetyNETRx use. Significant improvements occurred with quality processes and risk management, staff competence, and education, and communication of drug orders and other information. Patient education, environmental factors, and the use of devices did not show statistically significant changes. As CQI programs are designed to share learning from QREs, it is reassuring to see that the largest improvements are related to quality processes, risk management, staff competence, and education.