bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silver Doped TiO2 Nanostructure Composite Photocatalyst Film Synthesized by Sol‐Gel Spin and Dip Coating Technique on Glass
Authors: Nasr-Esfahani Mojtaba , Habibi Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2008

New composite films (P25SGF‐MC‐Ag, MPC500SGF‐MC‐Ag, and ANPSGF‐MC‐Ag) have been synthesized by a modified sol‐gel method using different particle sizes of TiO2 powder and silver addition. Nanostructure TiO2/Ag composite thin films were prepared by a sol‐gel spin and dip coating technique. while, by introducing methyl cellulose (MC)
porous, TiO2/Ag films were obtained after calcining at a temperature of 500°C. The as‐prepared TiO2 and TiO2/Ag films were characterized by X‐ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy to reveal the structural and morphological differences. In addition, the photocatalytic properties of these films were investigated by degrading methyl orange (MO) under UV irradiation. After 500°C calcination, the microstructure of MC‐TiO2 film without Ag addition exhibited a microstructure, while significant sintering effect was noticed with Ag additions and the films exhibited a porous microstructure. Nanostructure anatase‐phase TiO2 can be observed with respect to the sharpening of XRD diffraction peaks. The photodegradation of porous TiO2 deposited with 5 × 10−4 mol Ag exhibited the best photocatalytic efficiency, where 69% methyl orange can be decomposed after UV exposure for 1 hour.
The Activation of Macrophage and Upregulation of CD40 Costimulatory Molecule in Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Dong Liang , Wang Shujuan , Chen Ming , Li Hongjia , Bi Wenxiang
Published: April 2008

To study the activation of macrophage and upregulation of costimulatory molecule of CD40 in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) induced acute lung injury (ALI) model, and to investigate the pathogenecy of ALI, mice were randomly divided into two groups. ALI model was created by injecting 0.2 mg/kg LPS in phosphate saline (PBS) in trachea. The pathologic changes of mice lungs were observed by HE staining at 24 and 48 hours after LPS treatment, then the alveolar septum damage, abnormal contraction, alveolar space hyperemia, and neutrophils or other inflammatory cells infiltration in the LPS group, but not in the control group, were observed. The expression of CD40 mRNA and CD40 protein molecules were higher in LPS group as compared to the control group by Northern blot and flow cytometry, respectively. Expression of Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) in activated macrophage (AMΦ) was higher in LPS group as compared to the control group by RT‐PCR. The activation of NF‐κB binding to NF‐κB consensus oligos increased in LPS group by EMSA in macrophage. The concentrations of TNF‐α, MIP‐2, and IL‐1β cytokines from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were increased significantly in LPS group as compared to the control group by ELISA. The activation of AM and upregulation of costimulatory molecule CD40 induced all kinds of inflammatory cytokines releasing, then led to ALI. Therefore, both of them played vital role in the process of development of ALI.
NLOS Mitigation for TOA Location Based on a Modified Deterministic Model
Authors: Tang Hong , Park Yongwan , Qiu Tianshuang
Published: April 2008

Wireless location becomes difficult due to contamination of measured time‐of‐arrival (TOA) caused by non‐line‐of‐sight. In this letter, TOA measurements seen at base stations are adjusted by scale factors, and a modified deterministic model is built. An effective numerical solution is proposed to resolve the scale factors and mobile position. A simulation comparison of four algorithms indicates that the proposed algorithm outperforms the other three algorithms.
Quantification of Minor Texture Components by Hard X‐Rays
Authors: Poulsen H. F. , Jensen D. Juul , Tschentscher T. , Wcislak L. , Lauridsen E. M. , Margulies L. , Schmidt S.
Published: April 2008

Non‐destructive methods to determine the volume fraction of minor texture components
with very low reflection intensities are presented. The methods are based on polycrystalline
diffraction of hard X‐rays from synchrotron sources. By focusing the X‐rays and
scanning the specimen, it is shown that volume fractions as low as 10-9 can be registered,
provided that the crystallographic orientations of such volume elements are far away
from any major texture component. Simultaneously, the spatial resolving power is of
the order 0.03 μm3. The relevance of such methods for nucleation studies and trace
analysis is outlined.
A History of Coeliac Disease
Authors: Losowsky M.S.
Published: April 2008

Coeliac disease may have an ancient history dating back to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The first clear description was given by Samuel Gee in 1888. He suggested that dietary treatment might be of benefit. In the early 20th century various diets were tried, with some success, but without clear recognition of the toxic components. The doctoral thesis of Wim Dicke of 1950 established that exclusion of wheat, rye and oats from the diet led to dramatic improvement. The toxicity was shown to be a protein component, referred to as gluten. Dicke’s colleagues, Weijers and Van de Kamer, showed that measurement of stool fat reflected the clinical condition. Early studies were in children but stool fat measurements documented that the condition could be recognised in adults. Histological abnormalities of the lining of the small intestine were demonstrated beyond doubt by Paulley in 1954 and techniques of per-oral biopsy described by Royer in 1955 and Shiner in 1956 afforded reliable diagnosis. Concurrence in monozygotic twins suggested a genetic component, confirmed by studies of HLA antigens. Additional, non-genetic factors seem likely. Circulating antibodies suggest an immunological mechanism of damage and provide non-invasive screening tests. Lymphoma, adenocarcinoma and ulceration of the small intestine and a range of immunological disorders are associated. A relationship with dermatitis herpetiformis was suggested by Samman in 1955 and established by Shuster and Marks in 1965 and 1968. The Coeliac Society (now Coeliac UK) was founded in 1968 and similar societies now exist across the world. They provide an extremely valuable service. Present problems include definition of the tolerated levels of gluten, whether oats are toxic for some or all coeliacs and the likelihood that the condition is relatively common and frequently without classical symptoms. Hope for the future is that more convenient methods of treatment will follow better understanding.
Affective and Psychiatric Disorders in Celiac Disease
Authors: Addolorato Giovanni , Leggio Lorenzo , D’Angelo Cristina , Mirijello Antonio , Ferrulli Anna , Cardone Silvia , Vonghia Luisa , Abenavoli Ludovico , Leso Veruscka , Nesci Antonio , Piano Salvatore , Capristo Esmeralda , Gasbarrini Giovanni
Published: April 2008

Several extraintestinal clinical manifestations have been reported in celiac disease (CD). Among them, growing evidence suggests the association between CD and affective and psychiatric disorders. In this review the most frequent affective and psychiatric disorders associated with CD and the possible mechanisms involved in these associations were analyzed. The available data suggest that screening for CD in patients with affective and/or psychiatric symptoms may be useful since these disorders could be the expression of an organic disease rather than primary psychiatric illnesses.
Probiotics: Which and When?
Authors: Scarpellini E. , Cazzato A. , Lauritano C. , Gabrielli M. , Lupascu A. , Gerardino L. , Abenavoli L. , Petruzzellis C. , Gasbarrini G. , Gasbarrini A.
Published: April 2008

There is a natural feeling between our intestinal flora and the gut. These microorganisms, living in the various tracts of human intestine, may affect the host homeostasis. Some of these bacteria can perhaps be a source of infection and sepsis when the bowel barrier is physically or functionally breached. The term ‘probiotic’ dates from the beginning of the last century and in the last years a market for probiotics worldwide, estimated to be worth billions of pounds, has developed. Although there is persuasive advertising for probiotics and there have been methodological advances in the study of the intestinal microbiota, much remains unproven, e.g. how probiotics work, which strains are effective, what can be expected to be achieved, and what dosage is required for effectiveness. This review of the literature is an evidence-based guide through the developing microbial universe affecting our life.
Measurement of the Kidney Function in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Plasma Cystatin C versus 51Cr-EDTA Clearance
Authors: Karstila Krista , Harmoinen Aimo P.T. , Lehtimäki Terho J. , Korpela Markku M. , Mustonen Jukka T. , Saha Heikki H.T.
Published: April 2008

Background/Aim: Knowledge of the usefulness of cystatin C measurement in the detection of chronic kidney disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is scant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of plasma cystatin C- and creatinine-based methods to predict glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and classify chronic kidney disease in RA patients. Methods: The study population consisted of 64 RA patients aged 41–86 years. Comparisons were made between measured plasma creatinine, cystatin C, creatinine clearance and GFR estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formulas. The plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA served as a reference. Results: The Pearson correlation coefficients between plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA and the markers of GFR were calculated. The correlation coefficients were 0.800 for plasma creatinine, 0.863 for cystatin C, 0.866 and 0.904 for GFR values estimated by MDRD and CG and 0.922 for plasma creatinine clearance. Statistically significant differences were detected between the correlation coefficients of plasma creatinine and GFR estimated by CG (p = 0.0412) and plasma creatinine and creatinine clearance (p = 0.0099). Creatinine clearance and the MDRD and CG formulas proved to be better at identifying GFR <90 ml/min than plasma creatinine or cystatin C. Conclusion: We recommend using the CG formula or creatinine clearance for the estimation of the GFR of RA patients instead of solely creatinine or cystatin C in clinical work.
Effect of Isocaloric Diets and Sibutramine on Food Intake, Body Mass Variation and Serum TNF-α Levels in Rats
Authors: Trapali M. , Liapi C. , Perelas A. , Perrea D. , Stroubini T. , Dontas I. , Couvari E. , Mavri M. , Galanopoulou P.
Published: April 2008

Background/Aim: The effect of isocaloric diets and sibutramine on dietary behaviour and TNF-α is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of isocaloric diets and sibutramine on food intake, body mass variation and serum TNF-α in free-feeding rats. Methods: Three groups of male Wistar rats (n = 63) were fed a high-fat diet, high-carbohydrate diet or high-protein diet for 13 weeks. In the last 3 weeks, each group was divided into 3 subgroups. Each subgroup received sibutramine 5 mg/kg, sibutramine 10 mg/kg or vehicle. Food intake was measured daily during the last week of the experiment; serum TNF-α was assayed and the body weight increasing rate was calculated. Results: The high-fat diet was associated with increased food intake, a greater weight gain ratio and increased TNF-α levels. Sibutramine treatment did not affect the dietary behaviour of high-protein- or high-carbohydrate-fed rats, while it significantly attenuated the daily food intake and body weight gain rate in the high-fat group, at the dose of 10 mg/kg. TNF-α levels were not affected by sibutramine. Conclusions: High-fat feeding was associated with an increase in daily food intake, TNF-α levels and body weight gain rate, as well as with enhanced responsiveness to the anorectic effects of sibutramine. However, sibutramine did not affect TNF-α.
Patterns of and Factors Potentially Influencing the Age at First Surgery for Women with Ovarian Endometriomas
Authors: Liu Xishi , Yuan Lei , Shen Fanghua , Guo Sun-Wei
Published: April 2008

Aim: To investigate patterns of and factors that may influence age at the first surgery (AATFS) for ovarian endometrioma. Methods: Five hundred and ninety-two consecutive patients with ovarian endometriomas who underwent surgery at the Shanghai OB/GYN Hospital from 2003 to 2004 were interviewed and their charts studied. Twelve variables were examined to assess their effect on AATFS using survival analysis methodology. All diagnoses were confirmed histologically. Twelve factors that potentially influence AATFS were recorded and subjected to univariate and multiple-variable statistical analyses. Results: A Weibull distribution fitted the AATFS data very well. In addition, age at menarche, body mass index, parity, number of previous induced abortions, rAFS stage (revised classification of the American Fertility Society), presence of adhesions, myomas/adenomyosis, and dysmenorrhea were identified to be associated with AATFS. Conclusion: The AATFS may be determined by a myriad of independent factors, including age at menarche, body mass index, parity, number of pregnancies, rAFS stage, and presence of adhesions, myomas/adenomyosis, and dysmenorrhea. The identification of these and other factors that influence AATFS and delineation of their roles in the pathogenesis of endometriosis may help us devise strategies for better patient care and better allocate health care resources in the future.
Heterogeneous Gene Expression and Functional Activity of Ryanodine Receptors in Resistance and Conduit Pulmonary as well as Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Zheng Yun-Min , Wang Qing-Song , Liu Qing-Hua , Rathore Rakesh , Yadav Vishal , Wang Yong-Xiao
Published: April 2008

Background: Hypoxia causes heterogeneous contractile responses in resistance and conduit pulmonary as well as systemic (mesenteric) artery smooth muscle cells (RPASMCs, CPASMCs and MASMCs), but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the gene expression and functional activity of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) would be different in these 3 cell types. Methods: RyR mRNA expression, Ca2+ sparks and [Ca2+]i were measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, laser scanning confocal microscopy and wide-field fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Results: All 3 RyR subtype (RyR1, RyR2 and RyR3) mRNAs are expressed in RPASMCs, CPASMCs and MASMCs, but their expression levels are different. Spontaneous Ca2+ sparks (functional events of RyRs) show distinct frequency, amplitude, duration, size and kinetics in these 3 cell types. Similarly, activation of RyRs by caffeine, 4-chloro-m-cresol or high K+ induces differential Ca2+ release. Moreover, hypoxia-induced increase in [Ca2+]i is largest in MASMCs relative to CPSAMCs and smallest in RPASMCs. Conclusion: This study provides comprehensive evidence that RyRs are heterogeneous in gene expression and functional activity in RPASMCs, CPASMCs and MASMCs, which may contribute to the diversity of excitation-contraction coupling and hypoxic Ca2+ responses in different vascular smooth muscle cells.
Cigarette Smoke Exposure Promotes Arterial Thrombosis and Vessel Remodeling after Vascular Injury in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Schroeter Marco R. , Sawalich Matthias , Humboldt Tim , Leifheit Maren , Meurrens Kris , Berges An , Xu Haiyan , Lebrun Stefan , Wallerath Thomas , Konstantinides Stavros , Schleef Raymond , Schaefer Katrin
Published: April 2008

Background: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. However, in terms of the vessel wall, the underlying pathomechanisms of cigarette smoking are incompletely understood, partly due to a lack of adequate in vivo models. Methods: Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were exposed to filtered air (sham) or to cigarette mainstream smoke at a total particulate matter (TPM) concentration of 600 µg/l for 1, 2, 3, or 4 h, for 5 days/week. After exposure for 10 ± 1 weeks, arterial thrombosis and neointima formation at the carotid artery were induced using 10% ferric chloride. Results: Mice exposed to mainstream smoke exhibited shortened time to thrombotic occlusion (p < 0.01) and lower vascular patency rates (p < 0.001). Morphometric and immunohistochemical analysis of neointimal lesions demonstrated that mainstream smoke exposure increased the amount of α-actin-positive smooth muscle cells (p < 0.05) and dose-dependently increased the intima-to-media ratio (p < 0.05). Additional analysis of smooth muscle cellsin vitro suggested that 10 µg TPM/ml increased cell proliferation without affecting viability or apoptosis, whereas higher concentrations (100 and 500 µg TPM/ml) appeared to be cytotoxic. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that cigarette smoking promotes arterial thrombosis and modulates the size and composition of neointimal lesions after arterial injury in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.
Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibition with Abciximab during Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Increases the Risk of Bleeding in Patients with Impaired Renal Function
Authors: Pinkau Tobias , Ndrepepa Gjin , Kastrati Adnan , Mann Johannes F.E. , Schulz Stefanie , Mehilli Julinda , Schömig Albert
Published: April 2008

Objective: Whether patients with renal insufficiency (RI) undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) benefit from abciximab added to clopidogrel plus aspirin is unknown. Methods: The study included 2,159 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing elective PCI. RI was assessed using glomerular filtration rate (GFR) cutoff values: moderate-to-severe RI (GFR ≤60 ml/min), mild RI (GFR >60 to ≤90 ml/min) and no RI (GFR >90 ml/min). The 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and bleeding were the primary outcome analyses. Results: In patients with moderate-to-severe RI, mild RI and no RI, MACE occurred in 5.2, 5 and 2.9%, respectively, in the abciximab group (p = 0.14) and in 4.2, 3.8 and 4.0%, respectively, in the placebo group (p = 0.96). In the abciximab group, bleeding complications occurred in 8.9% of patients with moderate-to-severe RI, in 2.0% with mild RI and in 2.1% with no RI (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified GFR as an independent correlate of MACE (p = 0.03) and bleeding (p = 0.001) with a trend for an interaction between GFR and abciximab regarding major bleeding (p = 0.22). Conclusions: In patients with RI undergoing PCI, adding abciximab to clopidogrel plus aspirin increases the risk of bleeding without benefit in reducing the risk of ischemic complications within the first 30 days.
Application of New Precipitation and Reconstructed Streamflow Products to Streamflow Trend Attribution in Northern Eurasia
Authors: Adam Jennifer C. , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: April 2008

River runoff to the Arctic Ocean has increased over the last century, primarily during the winter and spring and primarily from the major Eurasian rivers. Some recent studies have suggested that the additional runoff is due to increased northward transport of atmospheric moisture (and associated increased precipitation), but other studies show inconsistencies in long-term runoff and precipitation trends, perhaps partly due to biases in the observational datasets. Through trend analysis of precipitation, temperature, and streamflow data, the authors investigate the extent to which Eurasian Arctic river discharge changes are attributable to precipitation and temperature changes as well as to reservoir construction and operation between the years of 1936 and 2000. Two new datasets are applied: a gridded precipitation product, in which the low-frequency variability is constrained to match that of long-term bias-corrected precipitation station data, and a reconstructed streamflow product, in which the effects of reservoirs have been minimized using a physically based reservoir model. It is found that reservoir operations have primarily affected streamflow seasonality, increasing winter discharge and decreasing summer discharge. To understand the influences of climate on streamflow changes, the authors hypothesize three cases that would cause precipitation trends to be inconsistent with streamflow trends: first, for the coldest basins in northeastern Siberia, streamflow should be sensitive to warming primarily as a result of the melting of excess ground ice, and for these basins positive streamflow trends may exceed precipitation trends in magnitude; second, evapotranspiration (ET) in the warmer regions of western Siberia and European Russia is sensitive to warming and increased precipitation, therefore observed precipitation trends may exceed streamflow trends; and third, streamflow from the central Siberian basins should respond to both effects. It is found that, in general, these hypotheses hold true. In the coldest basins, streamflow trends diverged from precipitation trends starting in the 1950s to 1960s, and this divergence accelerated thereafter. In the warmest basins, precipitation trends consistently exceeded streamflow trends, suggesting that increased precipitation contributed to increases in both ET and streamflow. In the central basins, permafrost degradation and ET effects appear to be contributing to long-term streamflow trends in varying degrees for each basin. The results herein suggest that the extent and state of the permafrost underlying a basin is a complicating factor in understanding long-term changes in Eurasian Arctic river discharge.
Estimating Annual Global Upper-Ocean Heat Content Anomalies despite Irregular In Situ Ocean Sampling*
Authors: Lyman John M. , Johnson Gregory C.
Published: April 2008

The effects of irregular in situ ocean sampling on estimates of annual globally integrated upper ocean heat content anomalies (OHCA) are investigated for sampling patterns from 1955 to 2006. An analytical method is presented for computing the effective area covered by an objective map for any given in situ sampling distribution. To evaluate the method, appropriately scaled sea surface height (SSH) anomaly maps from Archiving, Validation, and Interpretation of Satellite Oceanographic data (AVISO) are used as a proxy for OHCA from 1993 to 2006. Use of these proxy data demonstrates that the simple area integral (SI) of such an objective map for sparse datasets does not agree as well with the actual integral as the weighted integral (WI), defined as the simple integral weighted by the ratio of the total area over the “observed” area. From 1955 to 1966, in situ ocean sampling is inadequate to estimate accurately annual global integrals of the proxy upper OHCA. During this period, the SI for the sampling pattern of any given year underestimates the 13-yr trend in proxy OHCA from 1993 to 2006 by around 70%, and confidence limits for the WI are often very large. From 1967 to 2003 there appear to be sufficient data to estimate annual global integrals. Limited by the constraints of this analysis, the SI for any given year’s sampling pattern still underestimates the 1993–2006 13-yr trend in the proxy by around 30%, but the WI matches the trend well with small confidence limits. For 2004 through 2006 in situ sampling, with near-global in situ Argo data coverage, the 1993–2006 13-yr trend in the proxy is equally well represented by the SI or WI.
The Role of Ekman Ocean Heat Transport in the Northern Hemisphere Response to ENSO
Authors: Alexander Michael A. , Scott James D.
Published: April 2008

The influence of oceanic Ekman heat transport (Qek) on air–sea variability associated with ENSO teleconnections is examined via a pair of atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) experiments. In the mixed layer model (MLM) experiment, observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for the years 1950–99 are specified over the tropical Pacific, while a grid of mixed layer models is coupled to the AGCM elsewhere over the global oceans. The same experimental design was used in the Ekman transport/mixed layer model (EKM) experiment with the addition of Qek in the mixed layer ocean temperature equation. The ENSO signal was evaluated using differences between composites of El Niño and La Niña events averaged over the 16 ensemble members in each experiment.

In both experiments the Aleutian low deepened and the resulting surface heat fluxes cooled the central North Pacific and warmed the northeast Pacific during boreal winter in El Niño relative to La Niña events. Including Qek amplified the ENSO-related SSTs by ∼⅓ in the central and northeast North Pacific, producing anomalies comparable to those in nature. Differences between the ENSO-induced atmospheric circulation anomalies in the EKM and MLM experiments were not significant over the North Pacific. The sea level pressure (SLP) and SST response to ENSO over the Atlantic strongly projects on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the SST tripole pattern in observations and both model experiments. The La Niña anomalies, which are stronger than during El Niño, include high pressure and positive SSTs in the central North Atlantic. Including Ekman transport enhanced the Atlantic SST anomalies, which in contrast to the Pacific, appeared to strengthen the overlying atmospheric circulation.
High-Resolution, Mobile Doppler Radar Observations of Cyclic Mesocyclogenesis in a Supercell
Authors: French Michael M. , Bluestein Howard B. , Dowell David C. , Wicker Louis J. , Kramar Matthew R. , Pazmany Andrew L.
Published: April 2008

On 15 May 2003, two ground-based, mobile, Doppler radars scanned a supercell that moved through the Texas Panhandle and cyclically produced mesocyclones. The two radars collected data from the storm during a rapid cyclic mesocyclogenesis stage and a more slowly evolving tornadic period. A 3-cm-wavelength radar scanned the supercell continuously for a short time after it was cyclic but close to the time of tornadogenesis. A 5-cm-wavelength radar scanned the supercell the entire time it exhibited cyclic behavior and for an additional 30 min after that. The volumetric data obtained with the 5-cm-wavelength radar allowed for the individual circulations to be analyzed at multiple levels in the supercell. Most of the circulations that eventually dissipated moved rearward with respect to storm motion and were located at distances progressively farther away from the region of rear-flank outflow. The circulations associated with a tornado did not move nearly as far rearward relative to the storm. The mean circulation diameters were approximately 1–4 km and had lifetimes of 10–30 min. Circulation dissipation often, but not always, occurred following decreases in circulation diameter, while changes in maximum radial wind shear were not reliable indicators of circulation dissipation. In one instance, a pair of circulations rotated cyclonically around, and moved toward, each other; the two circulations then combined to form one circulation. Single-Doppler radial velocities from both radars were used to assess the differences between the pretornadic circulations and the tornadic circulations. Storm outflow in the rear flank of the storm increased notably during the time cyclic mesocyclogenesis slowed and tornado formation commenced. Large storm-relative inflow likely advected the pretornadic circulations rearward in the absence of organized outflow. The development of strong outflow in the rear flank probably balanced the strong inflow, allowing the tornadic circulations to stay in areas rich in vertical vorticity generation.
Identifying and Predicting Classes of Response to Explicit Phonological Spelling Instruction During Independent Composing
Authors: Amtmann Dagmar , Abbott Robert D. , Berninger Virginia W.
Published: April 2008

After explicit spelling instruction, low achieving second grade spellers increased the number of correctly spelled words during composing but differed in response trajectories. Class 1 (low initial and slow growth) had the lowest initial performance and improved at a relatively slow rate. Class 2 (high initial and fast growth) started higher than Class 1 but below Class 3 and improved at the fastest rate. Class 3 (highest initial but slow growth) had the highest initial performance but improved at a rate similar to Class 1. Class 3 differed from Classes 1 and 2 on orthographic coding. Classes 1, 2, and 3 differed on rapid automatic naming (RAN letters). Spelling instruction plus supplementary activities to improve orthographic coding in working memory and rapid, automatic coordination of phonological and orthographic codes may facilitate transfer of spelling learned during instruction to applying that spelling knowledge during independent composing.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire—Brief Version for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Miller Susan M. , Chan Fong , Ferrin James M. , Lin Chen-Ping , Chan Jacob Y. C.
Published: April 2008

This study examined the factorial structure of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire—Brief Version in a community sample of Canadians with spinal cord injuries. A confirmatory factor analysis provides evidence that the instrument is a multidimensional measure of quality of life. Additionally, the questionnaire is correlated in the predicted directions with education, income, time since injury, self-esteem, and acceptance of disability. Implications of its use in rehabilitation counseling practice and research are discussed.
Relationship Between Uniaxial and Strip Biaxial Tensile Properties of Fabrics
Authors: Jiaming Zheng  , Komatsu Takuya , Takatera Masayuki , Inui Shigeru , Limin Bao  , Shimizu Yoshio
Published: April 2008

Based on two basic assumptions: the Poisson's ratios ν x, ν y are constants; and tensile rigidities Ex, Ey are nonlinear functions of the stress, a new nonlinear theoretical model to describe the tensile behavior of fabrics based on the orthotropic theory is presented here. This new model was used to predict the uniaxial tensile properties of fabrics from the strip biaxial test by the Poisson's ratios ν x, ν y calculated from the strip biaxial experimental results. The uniaxial tensile experiments for plain knitted fabrics and for plain woven fabrics were carried out and the experimental results showed good agreement with the results predicted by the new model. It is the first time the relationship between the uniaxial tensile test and the strip biaxial tensile test has been established. The paper provides a simple and effective method for comparing the results obtained by different experimental methods.
Applications of Multicriteria Analysis in Cotton Mill
Authors: Harpa Rodica
Published: April 2008

This paper presents original software called STAT-ADM (Statistical Analysis with Multicriteria Decision), developed to design and optimize the fiber mixtures in cotton mills. STAT-ADM has deep technological implications in raw material costs and facilitates the use of a flexible technological process adaptable to mixture recipe changes, reacting promptly to the yarns market demands.
The Effect of Microwave Drying on Warp Sizing
Authors: Katovic Drago , Vukusic Sandra Bischof , Grgac Sandra Flincec , Kovacevic Stana , Schwarz Ivana
Published: April 2008

The paper describes our research of microwave usage in drying the size pick-up. An analysis of three different drying processes in relation to physical-mechanical properties of sized yarn has been carried out. Under the same sizing conditions, but different drying methods, the following parameters were determined: breaking force, elongation at break, abrasion resistance and yarn hairiness. The application of microwave drying method for warp sizing showed to be equally good, or even better in some cases, compared to the conduct and convection drying methods.
Properties Evaluation of Tencel/Cotton Nonwoven Fabric Coated with Chitosan for Wound Dressing
Authors: Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Ching-Wen , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Yao Chun-Hsu , Lin Zen-Shoung , Chao Chieh-Yu , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: April 2008

In this study, different Tencel/cotton ratios and needle punching densities were used to make Tencel/cotton nonwoven, which was then coated with chitosan to fabricate a double-layer wound dressing. The nonwoven-chitosan dressing, prepared by using the immersion-precipitation phase-inversion method, had properties that could control the evaporation water loss, promote the fluid drainage, and inhibit the invasion of exogenous micro-organisms. These results indicated that the nonwoven-chitosan membrane could be a potential material for use as a wound dressing.
Effects of Blending Parameters on the Cross-section Fiber Migration of Silk/Cotton Blends
Authors: Chollakup Rungsima , Osselin Jean-François , Sinoimeri Artan , Drean Jean-Yves
Published: April 2008

Six types of 30 tex silk and cotton blended yarns at 50/50 blending ratio were spun in the cotton spinning system in order to study the effects of blending factors on the fiber distribution in the yarn cross-section. The blending factors studied here were the blending methods, intimate and drawframe blending, and the silk waste types, inferior knubbs, filature gum waste and pierced cocoon. A new method of zoning the yarn cross-section has been proposed in order to analyze the fiber migration. Three migration parameters, the Index of Blend Irregularity, the Migration Intensity and the Migration Index were studied in the present work. The intimate blending gave a more homogeneous fiber distribution, with no radial migration tendency. The coarser silk fibers and more irregular in length provided blends that presented non-random heterogeneity. Generally, the silk fibers slightly tended to migrate toward the yarn core.
Antimicrobial Properties of Acrylic Fabrics Dyed with Direct Dye and a Copper Salt
Authors: Abedi Daryoush , Mortazavi Sayed Majid , Mehrizi Mohammad Khajeh , Feiz Mahmoud
Published: April 2008

In this research work, acrylic fabric with an antimicrobial function was prepared by dyeing with C.I. Direct Blue 168 and copper sulfate as mordanting agent. The effects of various factors which may affect the antimicrobial property of the treated fabric, such as copper sulfate concentration and temperature in pre- and post-mordanting procedures, were studied. Antimicrobial properties of treated fabrics were evaluated against common pathogenous bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Untreated acrylic fabric showed no antimicrobial behavior, whilst dyed and copper mordanted fabrics possessed considerable antimicrobial properties. It was found that the treated fabric with 2 % copper sulfate in pre- and post-mordanting scenarios retained the highest antimicrobial property with good washing fastness. It was also shown that using higher temperature in the mordanting stage could lead to a higher antimicrobial functionality on mordanted dyed fabrics. Furthermore, K/S value, FTIR spectra, light and washing fastnesses of the treated fabrics were evaluated.
Confession of the Son of God in the Exordium of Hebrews
Authors: Mackie Scott D.
Published: April 2008

At the heart of Hebrews' exordium (1.3ab), Jesus is said to be `the radiance of God's glory, the express image of his being, and upholding all things by his powerful word'. These three predications have not as yet been meaningfully connected to the rest of the epistle. This article emphasizes the nuanced shifts from passive to active imagery in 1.3ab and argues that they forecast the reciprocal pronouncements of family relatedness that the Father and the Son exchange in the author's dramatization of Jesus' exaltation (1.5; 2.12-13). Furthermore, they locate within the very being of the Son an orientation towards family identification that will be paradigmatic for the author's hortatory agenda, as the recipients are called to respond to the Son's conferral of family membership (2.12-13) with reciprocative confessions of Jesus' sonship (4.14-16; 10.19-23).
Promotion of WHO Feeding Recommendations: A Model Evaluating the Effects on HIV-Free Survival in African Children
Authors: David Sandra , Abbas-Chorfa Fatima , Vanhems Philippe , Vallin Béatrice , Iwaz Jean , Ecochard René
Published: April 2008

In Africa, HIV and feeding practices deeply affect child mortality. To prevent mother-to-child transmission, the World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and replacement feeding when acceptable, feasible, affordable, and sustainable. Determining the proportion and number of children saved with exclusive breastfeeding and replacement feeding is essential to design and implement crucial nationwide policies. Using data on 31 sub-Saharan countries and a decision tree for risk assessment, the authors estimated the number of children's lives potentially saved according to 6 scenarios that combine exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or replacement feeding with 3 promotion strategies. Among all HIV-negative children born to HIV-positive mothers who die in sub-Saharan Africa per year, 52 315 (9.6%) would be saved yearly with exclusive breastfeeding versus 21 638 (4.0%) with replacement feeding. Promotion support would double these numbers (110 625 vs 45 330; ie, 20.3% vs 8.3%), and with additional prenatal group education, 132 633 versus 54 192 lives would be saved (24.3% vs 9.9%). Wherever replacement feeding is not possible, exclusive breastfeeding with promotion support and prenatal group education would save 1 of 4 exposed children. J Hum Lact . 24(2):140-149.
Early Interruption of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Associated Factors, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Venancio Sonia I. , Saldiva Silvia Regina D. M. , Mondini Lenise , Levy Renata B. , Escuder Maria Mercedes L.
Published: April 2008

Many reports about breastfeeding prevalence and factors associated with weaning have been published in the scientific literature. However, the influence of newborn feeding practices on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding has received less attention. This study provides information about the introduction of liquids, other than the mother's milk, to infants in the first 6 months and factors associated with this practice. J Hum Lact. 24(2):168-174.
Is Breastfeeding Fair? Tensions in Feminist Perspectives on Breastfeeding and the Family
Authors: McCarter-Spaulding Deborah
Published: April 2008

Breastfeeding is widely acknowledged to have health benefits for mothers and infants. Because it is sex-specific, it challenges the feminist principle of gender-neutral childbearing. Various feminist theories addressing breastfeeding from the perspective of gender ideology, cultural feminism, and history are reviewed and contrasted. Employment and race disparities are addressed within feminist contexts. Feminist health activism is suggested as a unifying perspective. J Hum Lact. 24(2):206-212.
A Case of Well-Established Breastfeeding for a 61-Year-Old Woman After Menopause
Authors: Emmersen Pernille Bagi , Kronborg Vivi Hald , Illeborg Laura , Mathiesen Elisabeth R.
Published: April 2008

During recent years, an increasing number of women who have become pregnant after fertility treatment, including oocyte transplantation, have presented at obstetric departments. A number of these women want to breastfeed their children even though they are postmenopausal. However, whether this is possible has remained doubtful, and any possible special needs in establishing their breastfeeding are not described. The experience of establishing breastfeeding in a postmenopausal woman aged 61 years is reported. J Hum Lact. 24(2):217-218.
Breastfeeding Promotion: A Rational and Achievable Target for a Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Intervention in Native American Communities
Authors: Murphy Suzan , Wilson Charlton
Published: April 2008

Type 2 diabetes is a serious, costly, and increasingly common disease among Native American communities. Increasing evidence suggests that early infant nutrition, particularly breastfeeding, may have a significant impact on the development of diabetes in later life. In this report, the authors describe the scientific basis and development of an innovative program that targets promotion of breastfeeding among Native women as a type 2 diabetes prevention intervention. The program materials, evaluation methods, and outcomes are presented. By developing and sharing strategies that effectively support breastfeeding, the impact of diabetes in Native American communities will be reduced. J Hum Lact. 24(2):193-198.
Re-Imagining the Divine in Sikhism
Authors: Kaur Singh Nikky-Guninder
Published: April 2008

In this article I focus on the `Mother' image in Sikh scripture, and explore her as the source of creation and wisdom. My re-imagining of the divine in Sikhism will offer a counter-balance to the prevailing androcentric attitudes and interpretations of malestream scholarship, and I also hope it will be a step towards counteracting the sexism festering within Sikh homes and the larger society.
`Remembering Who We Are,: Reflections on Latin American Ecofeminist Theology
Authors: Ress Mary Judith
Published: April 2008

Since 1990 I have been deeply involved in the development of Latin American ecofeminist thought and its theological, ethical and spiritual perspectives as a founding member of the Con-spirando Collective, a team of women working in the areas of ecofeminist theology, ethics and spirituality in Santiago, Chile. This article describes the results of a research project I conducted based on interviews with twelve faith-based activist women who had historically aligned themselves with liberation theology and its practice and who now describe themselves as ecofeminists. The aim was to document the shift that took place in their identities and their growing ecofeminist awareness. This is made visible through the ways that these women perceive themselves in relation to the rest of the Earth community and to the Universe as a whole; in the way they re-image/re-name Ultimate Mystery; in their beliefs about death and rebirth; and in their spiritual and ethical practice.
Eschatology and Development: Embodying Messianic Spaces of Hope
Authors: Sanderson Eleanor
Published: April 2008

Based on participatory research with two community groups with a Christian spirituality, which are a Melanesian settlement and parish in Fiji and a women's church-based group in Tanzania, this article hopes to express particular embodied spaces of hope. The articulation of these spaces is drawn from our exploration of the interconnection between community development and Christian spirituality; both of which implicitly seek to engender and realize hope. The hopes expressed and the expressions of hopes realized within the communities, require an understanding of eschatology and embodied subjectivity within Christian spirituality to appreciate the embodied spaces of hope here articulated. Combining this theological contextualization of hope with the “visceral philosophy” of Irigaray and Deleuze provides a richer vision of these embodied spaces of hope. In particular, insight is given into the messianic character of both embodiment and hope and consequentially the way this messianic spatiality informs the character of the hoped for community development.
Recent Scholarship on the Book of Jubilees
Authors: Vanderkam James C.
Published: April 2008

The essay provides a survey of recent studies on the book of Jubilees, a second-century BCE Hebrew work that retells the stories from Genesis 1 through Exodus 24 and whose teachings are closely related to those found in the sectarian Dead Sea Scrolls. The principal topics covered are the new textual evidence for the original Hebrew version of Jubilees and its implications, the literary nature of the work and its history of composition, and four major themes in the book: the author's views about purity/impurity, women, the annual calendar of 364 days, and eschatology. There is also a summary of academic textual resources for the study of the text of Jubilees.
Preparing for Pandemic Influenza: California Confronts the Legal Implications
Authors: Macario Everly , Heyden Leslie , Nakahara Natalie , Macias-Reynolds Violet
Published: April 2008

California Department of Health Services and California Distance Learning Health Network collaborated with the California Conference of Local Health Officers to produce the Pandemic Influenza and Public Health Law: What Public Health Departments Need to Know satellite broadcast and tabletop exercise training. Local health officers, county counsels, school superintendents, hospital administrators, and senior decision makers in California planned for ways stakeholders would make legal use of public health law in case of pandemic emergency. The training provided an opportunity for decision makers to become familiar with statutes and regulations in anticipation of such an event. Finding a legal balance between the need to mandate legal orders for the protection of the common good and the degree of infringement on individual rights was the thematic thread for the training. Although California specific, the instructional modalities and lessons learned from this training program serve as a guide for state and local governments.
A Review of the Relationship Between 100% Fruit Juice Consumption and Weight in Children and Adolescents
Authors: O'Neil Carol E. , Nicklas Theresa A.
Published: April 2008

Studies assessing a relationship between consumption of 100% fruit juice by children and adolescents and weight are contradictory. The purpose of this review was to assess the 9 cross-sectional and 12 longitudinal studies that have looked at this association. Of the 9 cross-sectional studies reviewed, only 3 reported any association. Those studies used small, local convenience samples of preschool children; furthermore, selection criteria were not well defined. One found that preschool children consuming ≥ 12 fluid oz/day of 100% fruit juice had a higher prevalence of overweight than those who consumed less than 12 oz/day (32% vs 9%). Later, a separate study showed that this relationship held only for apple juice. Another study demonstrated an association of overweight and energy from juice. These 3 studies were not nationally representative. Only 3 of the longitudinal studies showed an association between 100% fruit juice consumption and weight; 1 found an association only in adolescent girls, and 2 reported an association in children who were already overweight. None of the longitudinal studies was nationally representative, but 5 had sample sizes of at least 1000, 2 were ethnically diverse, and 3 had geographically separate sites, suggesting that the findings could be applicable to wider populations. Based on the currently available evidence, it can be concluded that there is no systematic association between consumption of 100% fruit juice and overweight in children or adolescents. Data do support consumption of 100% fruit juice in moderate amounts and suggest that consumption of 100% fruit juice may be an important strategy to help children meet the current recommendations for fruit.
Recognizing the Emotional Element in Service Excellence
Authors: Johanson Misty M. , Woods Robert H.
Published: April 2008

As the interaction between the service provider and guest is at the core of the service experience, this study emphasizes the important role of managing behavior and emotions in the delivery of quality service. This study attempts to identify strategies used by hotels as they assist their employees in dealing with the realities of emotional labor.