bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DECISION THEORY WITH IMPRECISE PROBABILITIES
Authors: ALIEV R. A. , PEDRYCZ W. , HUSEYNOV O. H.
Published: May 2012

There is an extensive literature on decision making under uncertainty. Unfortunately, up to date there are no valid decision principles. Experimental evidence has repeatedly shown that widely used principle of maximization of expected utility has serious shortcomings. Utility function and nonadditive measures used in nonexpected utility models are mainly considered as real-valued functions whereas in reality decision-relevant information is imprecise and therefore is described in natural language. This applies, in particular, to imprecise probabilities expressed by terms such as likely, unlikely, probable, etc. The principal objective of the paper is the development of computationally effective methods of decision making with imprecise probabilities. We present representation theorems for a nonexpected fuzzy utility function under imprecise probabilities. We develop an effective decision theory when the environment of fuzzy events, fuzzy states, fuzzy relations and fuzzy constraints are characterized by imprecise probabilities. The suggested methodology is applied for a real-life decision-making problem.
SCHOLARLY COMMUNITIES OF RESEARCH IN MULTIPLE CRITERIA DECISION MAKING: A BIBLIOMETRIC RESEARCH PROFILING STUDY
Authors: BRAGGE JOHANNA , KORHONEN PEKKA , WALLENIUS HANNELE , WALLENIUS JYRKI
Published: May 2012

Electronic journal databases allow efficient retrieval and processing of bibliometric data, making possible enhanced literature reviews called research profiling studies. We have conducted such a research profiling study of Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) using the ISI Web of Science. The ISI database covers close to 9000 publications, mainly journals. We report statistics regarding how the MCDM field has developed based on variations of a set of rather broad search words. We have also produced detailed correlation maps based on most cited authors for different decades, showing the birth and evolution of different schools of thought. We seek to provide the "big picture" of MCDM. Our study shows that the field has experienced exponential growth. At the same time it has penetrated other neighboring domains of knowledge, such as Information and Communication Technologies and engineering.
Resistance to TRAIL Is Mediated by DARPP-32 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Belkhiri Abbes , Zhu Shoumin , Chen Zheng , Soutto Mohammed , El-Rifai Wael
Published: May 2012

Purpose: Dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr 32,000 (DARPP-32), is overexpressed during the gastric carcinogenesis cascade. Here, we investigated the role of DARPP-32 in promoting resistance to treatment with TRAIL.

Experimental Design: In vitro cell models including stable expression and knockdown of DARPP-32 were used. The role of DARPP-32 in regulating TRAIL-dependent apoptosis was evaluated by clonogenic survival assay, Annexin V staining, immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, Western blot, and luciferase reporter assays.

Results: Stable expression of DARPP-32 in MKN-28 cells enhanced cell survival and suppressed TRAIL-induced cytochrome c release and activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3. Conversely, short hairpin RNA–mediated knockdown of endogenous DARPP-32 sensitized the resistant MKN-45 cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis and enhanced TRAIL-mediated activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3. DARPP-32 induced BCL-xL expression through activation of Src/STAT3 signaling, and treatment with the Src-specific inhibitor PP1 abrogated DARPP-32–dependent BCL-xL upregulation and cell survival in MKN-28 cells. The TRAIL treatment induced caspase-dependent cleavage of NF-κBp65 protein; this cleavage was prevented by DARPP-32, thus maintaining NF-κB activity and the expression of its target, FLIP(S) protein. This suggests that upregulation of BCL-xL could play a possible role in blocking the mitochondria intrinsic apoptosis pathway, whereas the DARPP-32 effect on the NF-κB/FLIP(S) axis could serve as an additional negative feedback loop that blocks TRAIL-induced activation of caspase-8.

Conclusion: Our findings uncover a novel mechanism of TRAIL resistance mediated by DARPP-32, whereby it inhibits the intrinsic apoptosis pathway through upregulation of BCL-xL, and the extrinsic apoptosis pathway through the NF-κB/FLIP(S) axis. Clin Cancer Res; 18(14); 3889–900. ©2012 AACR.
Most Important Outcomes Research Papers in Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly
Authors: Gupta Aakriti , Mody Purav , Bikdeli Behnood , Lampropulos Julianna F. , Dharmarajan Kumar ,   for the Editor
Published: May 2012

The following are highlights from the new series,
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes
Topic Review. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the Editor, that have published in the
Circulation
portfolio. The objective of this new series is to provide our readership with a timely, comprehensive selection of important papers that are relevant to the quality and outcomes and general cardiology audience. The studies included in this article represent the most significant research in the area of cardiovascular disease in the elderly.
Enhanced Angiogenic and Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Capacity of Epigenetically Reprogrammed Mouse and Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells Augments Their Efficacy for Ischemic Myocardial Repair
Authors: Thal Melissa A. , Krishnamurthy Prasanna , Mackie Alexander R. , Hoxha Eneda , Lambers Erin , Verma Suresh , Ramirez Veronica , Qin Gangjian , Losordo Douglas W. , Kishore Raj
Published: May 2012

Rationale:

Although bone marrow endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-based therapies improve the symptoms in patients with ischemic heart disease, their limited plasticity and decreased function in patients with existing heart disease limit the full benefit of EPC therapy for cardiac regenerative medicine.

Objective:

We hypothesized that reprogramming mouse or human EPCs, or both, using small molecules targeting key epigenetic repressive marks would lead to a global increase in active gene transcription, induce their cardiomyogenic potential, and enhance their inherent angiogenic potential.

Method and Results:

Mouse Lin-Sca1
+
CD31
+
EPCs and human CD34
+
cells were treated with inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (5-Azacytidine), histone deacetylases (valproic acid), and G9a histone dimethyltransferase. A 48-hour treatment led to global increase in active transcriptome, including the reactivation of pluripotency-associated and cardiomyocyte-specific mRNA expression, whereas endothelial cell–specific genes were significantly upregulated. When cultured under appropriate differentiation conditions, reprogrammed EPCs showed efficient differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Treatment with epigenetic-modifying agents show marked increase in histone acetylation on cardiomyocyte and pluripotent cell–specific gene promoters. Intramyocardial transplantation of reprogrammed mouse and human EPCs in an acute myocardial infarction mouse model showed significant improvement in ventricular functions, which was histologically supported by their de novo cardiomyocyte differentiation and increased capillary density and reduced fibrosis. Importantly, cell transplantation was safe and did not form teratomas.

Conclusions:

Taken together, our results suggest that epigenetically reprogrammed EPCs display a safe, more plastic phenotype and improve postinfarct cardiac repair by both neocardiomyogenesis and neovascularization.
Lack of Microsomal Prostaglandin E
2
Synthase-1 in Bone Marrow–Derived Myeloid Cells Impairs Left Ventricular Function and Increases Mortality After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Degousee Norbert , Simpson Jeremy , Fazel Shafie , Scholich Klaus , Angoulvant Denis , Angioni Carlo , Schmidt Helmut , Korotkova Marina , Stefanski Eva , Wang Xing-Hua , Lindsay Thomas F. , Ofek Efrat , Pierre Sandra , Butany Jagdish , Jakobsson Per-Johan , Keating Armand , Li Ren-Ke , Nahrendorf Matthias , Geisslinger Gerd , Backx Peter H. , Rubin Barry B.
Published: May 2012

Background—

Microsomal prostaglandin E
2
synthase-1 (mPGES-1), encoded by the
Ptges
gene, catalyzes prostaglandin E
2
biosynthesis and is expressed by leukocytes, cardiac myocytes, and cardiac fibroblasts.
Ptges
−/−
mice develop more left ventricle (LV) dilation, worse LV contractile function, and higher LV end-diastolic pressure than
Ptges
+/+
mice after myocardial infarction. In this study, we define the role of mPGES-1 in bone marrow–derived leukocytes in the recovery of LV function after coronary ligation.

Methods and Results—

Cardiac structure and function in
Ptges
+/+
mice with
Ptges
+/+
bone marrow (
BM
+/+
) and
Ptges
+/+
mice with
Ptges
−/−
BM (
BM
−/−
) were assessed by morphometric analysis, echocardiography, and invasive hemodynamics before and 7 and 28 days after myocardial infarction. Prostaglandin levels and prostaglandin biosynthetic enzyme gene expression were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. After myocardial infarction,
BM
−/−
mice had more LV dilation, worse LV systolic and diastolic function, higher LV end-diastolic pressure, more cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and higher mortality but similar infarct size and pulmonary edema compared with
BM
+/+
mice.
BM
−/−
mice also had higher levels of COX-1 protein and more leukocytes in the infarct, but not the viable LV, than
BM
+/+
mice. Levels of prostaglandin E
2
were higher in the infarct and viable myocardium of
BM
−/−
mice than in
BM
+/+
mice.

Conclusions—

Lack of mPGES-1 in bone marrow–derived leukocytes negatively regulates COX-1 expression, prostaglandin E
2
biosynthesis, and inflammation in the infarct and leads to impaired LV function, adverse LV remodeling, and decreased survival after acute myocardial infarction.
Statin Therapy and the Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: McKinney James S. , Kostis William J.
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

Statin therapy decreases the risk of ischemic stroke. An increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been observed in some studies. To investigate this issue, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials using statins that reported ICH.

Methods—

We performed a literature search of Medline, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library through January 25, 2012, and identified additional randomized controlled trials by reviewing reference lists of retrieved studies and prior meta-analyses. All randomized controlled trials of statin therapy that reported ICH or hemorrhagic stroke were included. The primary outcome variable was ICH. Thirty-one randomized controlled trials were included. All analyses used random effects models and heterogeneity was not observed in any of the analyses.

Results—

A total of 91 588 subjects were included in the active group and 91 215 in the control group. There was no significant difference in incidence of ICH observed in the active treatment group versus control (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.88–1.32;
P
=0.47). ICH risk was not related to the degree of low-density lipoprotein reduction or achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Total stroke (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.78–0.91;
P
<0.0001) and all-cause mortality (OR, 0.92; CI, 0.87–0.96;
P
=0.0007) were significantly reduced in the active therapy group. There was no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions—

Active statin therapy was not associated with significant increase in ICH in this meta-analysis of 31 randomized controlled trials of statin therapy. A significant reduction in all stroke and all-cause mortality was observed with statin therapy.
A study of spherical compression properties of knitted spacer fabrics Part I: Theoretical analysis
Authors: Du Zhaoqun , Hu Hong
Published: May 2012

Knitted spacer fabrics have been developed into a variety of special textile products for a wide range of applications. As a type of sandwich structure, their applications are largely dependent on their compression properties. Although several experimental and theoretical studies have been carried out on their plate compression properties, their spherical compression behaviors have not been deeply studied yet. This paper reports a study of the spherical compression behavior of knitted spacer fabrics. The paper includes two parts. The first part focuses on a theoretical analysis of a spacer fabric under spherical ball compression. A theoretical model is developed to predict the spherical ball compression properties of the fabric. The non-dimensional parameters are introduced to analyze the effects of the fabric thickness and ball radius based on the theoretical relationship established between the compression force and compression strain at the maximal compression point. The analysis results reveal that the spherical compression effects decrease with increasing ball radius, and increase with increasing the fabric thickness. It is expected that this study could help us better understand the behavior of knitted spacer fabrics under spherical compression.
The effect of physical parameters on sound absorption properties of natural fiber mixed nonwoven composites
Authors: Küçük Merve , Korkmaz Yasemin
Published: May 2012

In this study, the effects of physical parameters on sound absorption properties of nonwoven fabrics were investigated. Eight different nonwoven composites including different fiber types mixed with different ratios were tested. Along with sound absorption properties, thickness, weight per area, and air permeability parameters of the samples were measured. The increase in thickness and the decrease in air permeability results in an increase in sound absorption properties of the material. The samples including 70% cotton and 30% polyester resulted in the best sound absorption coefficient in the mid-to-high frequency ranges. The increase in the amount of fiber per unit area resulted in an increase in sound absorption of the material. Addition of acrylic and polypropylene into a cotton and polyester fiber mixture increased the sound absorption properties of the composite in the low and mid-frequency ranges also.
Measurement and evaluation methods for damage of fibers from dry sand erosion in a hot environment
Authors: Bao Limin , Li Dongling , Qian Danna , Kemmochi Kiyoshi , Yamanaka Atsuhiko
Published: May 2012

Bag filters composed of fibrous components are widely used to clean exhaust gas. It is reported that filter damage during dust collection involves erosion wear caused by particle collision. Thus, it is necessary to determine the life of bag filters in a hot environment and to clarify the erosion mechanism of fibrous materials. Experiments and evaluation methods were developed to investigate the erosion of fiber at high temperatures. The experiments involved reproducing the erosion of fibrous materials in various temperatures. Analysis of the relationship between the erosion damage rate of a specimen and the total kinetic energy of particles before colliding indicates the erosion resistance of fibrous materials at various temperatures. Using the suggested damage energy curve, we can evaluate the erosion wear characteristics of fiber under different experimental conditions.
Evaluation of the Impact of UGT Polymorphism on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of the Novel PPAR Agonist Sipoglitazar
Authors: Stringer Frances , Ploeger Bart A. , Jongh Joost De , Scott Graham , Urquhart Richard , Karim Aziz , Danhof Meindert
Published: May 2012

Sipoglitazar is a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α, δ, and γ agonist. During phase I, a wide distribution of clearance between individuals was observed. Hypothesized to result from a polymorphism in the uridine 5′‐diphospate‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)2B15 enzyme, pharmacogenetic samples were collected from each individual for genotyping UGT2B15 in a subsequent phase I trial in healthy subjects (n = 524) and in 2 phase II trials in type 2 diabetes subjects (n = 627), total genotype frequency was as follows: *1/*1 (22%), *1/*2 (51%), and *2/*2 (27%). The impact of genotype on exposure was assessed using a pharmacokinetic modeling approach; the influence of genotype on efficacy was evaluated using 12‐week HbA1c change from baseline. Model analysis demonstrated UGT2B15 genotype accounted significantly for the variability in sipoglitazar clearance; however, a small fraction of subjects had a clearance that could not be explained entirely by genotype. HbA1c drop increased with daily drug dose. When stratified by both dose and genotype, HbA1c drop was larger in the UGT2B15*2/*2 compared with UGT2B15*1/*1 and UGT2B15*1/*2 genotypes (P < .05). In summary, UGT2B15 genotype is a strong predictor for sipoglitazar clearance; a greater clinical response observed in the UGT2B15*2/*2 genotype appears to confirm this. However, overlap in individual rates of clearance across genotypes remains after accounting for genotype.
The Effects of Therapeutic Community on Recidivism up to Four Years After Release from Prison
Authors: Jensen Eric L. , Kane Stephanie L.
Published: May 2012

This research examined the effect of therapeutic community delivered in multiple sites on the likelihood of rearrest and reconviction for males up to 4 years after release from prison. With relevant covariates controlled in the analysis, completing therapeutic community had a significant effect on reducing the likelihood of rearrest for inmates with moderate probabilities of being classified as in need of therapeutic community programming. Therapeutic community did not have significant effects on reducing reconvictions. An explanation for the latter finding in sentencing policy and charging practices is provided.
“Daring to Be a Daniel”
Authors: Papadopoulos Yannis
Published: May 2012

Flinders provides a thought-provoking piece on possible pathologies of democratic accountability. This note, however, points out some weaknesses in this line of thinking. The assumptions about the etiology of democratic pathologies are not always robust, the symptoms are dramatized, and there is an inferential jump from anecdotal evidence to a general diagnosis about the health of democracy. This article mainly discusses two partly inaccurate descriptions and qualifies the conclusions based thereon: one on the deleterious role of the media and one on the penetration of “monitory democracy” in contemporary governance.
Sticking It Out
Authors: Patel Pankaj C. , Thatcher Sherry M. B.
Published: May 2012

There is evidence that individual attributes play an important role in self-employment entrance decisions. Drawing on the personality, psychological well-being, and goal attainment literature, the authors ask, What individual attributes are associated with persistence in self-employment? First, they theoretically develop the concept of self-employment persistence and then empirically assess the effects of individual attributes on self-employment persistence, while including the baseline effects of these individual attributes on self-employment entrance. They use a semiparametric, reduced-form, multiple-state transition model and control for demographic and social determinants. Using employment history data of a cohort of 2,839 individuals from 1957 to 2004, the authors find that openness to experience, autonomy, and tenacious goal pursuit increase persistence in self-employment, whereas neuroticism reduces persistence in self-employment. They discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
Atypical Croup
Authors: Cooper Timothy , Kuruvilla George , Persad Rabin , El‐Hakim Hamdy
Published: May 2012

Objective

To report on airway endoscopic findings and gastrointestinal and atopic conditions in a large consecutive series of atypical croup.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary pediatric referral center.

Subjects and Methods

A surgical database was searched for all children who underwent full airway endoscopy to investigate atypical croup. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of large airway lesions in patients with atypical croup undergoing endoscopy. Demographics, secondary diagnoses, and rate of positive findings were documented. Age and atopy were correlated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and multivariate analysis identified predictors of large airway lesions.

Results

Eighty patients were identified over a period of 8 years (58 boys; mean [SD] age 4.8 [3.8] years; range, 46 days to 13.7 years). Of the 80 children, 31 had positive airway findings, with 33 large airway lesions demonstrated, including 10 subglottic stenosis, 7 laryngeal clefts, 6 subglottic hemangiomas, 4 tracheomalacia, and 3 laryngomalacia. Esophagitis was diagnosed in 36 children, 5 of whom had eosinophilic esophagitis. Thirty‐five children had an atopic condition including asthma, allergic rhinitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and food allergies. Age correlated with associated atopy (coefficient 0.4, P <. 0001) and predicted the presence of any airway lesion (coefficient −0.0625, P <. 001) and subglottic stenosis in particular (coefficient −0.0362, P =. 001). Prior intubation predicted subglottic stenosis (coefficient 0.267, P =. 011).

Conclusion

Thirty‐nine percent of airway endoscopies demonstrated large airway lesions. When eosinophilic esophagitis was sought, it was confirmed in over 1:10 patients. The findings bolster the case for airway endoscopy coupled with allergy and gastrointestinal investigations.
Social relations and experiences of social isolation among socially marginalized people
Authors: Pedersen Pia Vivian , Andersen Pernille Tanggaard , Curtis Tine
Published: May 2012

We aimed to obtain a greater understanding of the characteristics of social relations and experiences of social isolation among homeless people, substance users and other socially marginalized users of shelters and drop-in centres in Denmark. Based on in-depth interviews with 46 shelter/centre users, we created a typology of five groups: the socially related and content, the satisfied loners, the socially related but lonely, the socially isolated and the in-betweens. The characteristics of the groups did not seem related to interviewees’ degree of social marginalization. Professionals played a pivotal role, providing social support and help to improve interviewees’ life circumstances. The findings provide insight into the social lives of shelter/centre users that is useful for developing initiatives to improve their social wellbeing.
Effects of methylphenidate on basic and higher-order oculomotor functions
Authors: Allman Ava-Ann , Ettinger Ulrich , Joober Ridha , O’Driscoll Gillian A
Published: May 2012

Eye movements are sensitive indicators of pharmacological effects on sensorimotor and cognitive processing. Methylphenidate (MPH) is one of the most prescribed medications in psychiatry. It is increasingly used as a cognitive enhancer by healthy individuals. However, little is known of its effect on healthy cognition. Here we used oculomotor tests to evaluate the effects of MPH on basic oculomotor and executive functions. Twenty-nine males were given 20mg of MPH orally in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design. Participants performed visually-guided saccades, sinusoidal smooth pursuit, predictive saccades and antisaccades one hour post-capsule administration. Heart rate and blood pressure were assessed prior to capsule administration, and again before and after task performance. Visually-guided saccade latency decreased with MPH ( p<0.004). Smooth pursuit gain increased on MPH ( p<0.001) and number of saccades during pursuit decreased ( p<0.001). Proportion of predictive saccades increased on MPH ( p<0.004), specifically in conditions with predictable timing. Peak velocity of predictive saccades increased with MPH ( p<0.01). Antisaccade errors and latency were unaffected. Physiological variables were also unaffected. The effects on visually-guided saccade latency and peak velocity are consistent with MPH effects on dopamine in basal ganglia. The improvements in predictive saccade conditions and smooth pursuit suggest effects on timing functions.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Commoditization
Authors: Manno Jack P.
Published: May 2012

The environmental consequences of the overconsumption of natural resources are increasingly recognized. This article introduces the theme of this special issue of Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society: commoditization as a mechanism driving societies to overdevelop the economy of market goods and services and the relations of economic exchange; and underdevelop the economy of care and connection and the relations of community and ecosystems. The origins of the author’s development of a theory commoditization are described and traced to questions arising from experience at the 1992 Earth Summit. The traits associated with commodities are contrasted with those nonmarket goods that are inherently difficult to commoditize. The presence or absence of these traits defines “commodity potential.” A Darwinian-like selection pressure is described that privileges those things with high commodity potential. In the competition for the resources of development—energy and material resources and, human attention, ingenuity, and labor—those things with high commodity potential will always outcompete those with low commodity potential. The effects of this commoditization mechanism are explored in the articles in this special issue.
Evaluating greenhouse gas impacts of organic waste management options using life cycle assessment
Authors: Kong Dung , Shan Jilei , Iacoboni Mario , Maguin Stephen R
Published: May 2012

Efforts to divert organics away from landfills are viewed by many as an important measure to significantly reduce the climate change impacts of municipal solid waste management. However, the actual greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of organics diversion from landfills have yet to be thoroughly evaluated and whether such a diversion provides significant environmental benefits in terms of GHG impacts must be answered. This study, using California-specific information, aimed to analyse the GHG impacts of organics diversion through a life-cycle assessment (LCA). This LCA considered all aspects of organics management including transportation, materials handling, GHG emissions, landfill gas capture/utilization, energy impacts, and carbon sequestration. The LCA study evaluated overall GHG impacts of landfilling, and alternative management options such as composting and anaerobic digestion for diverted organic waste. The LCA analysis resulted in net GHG reductions of 0.093, 0.048, 0.065 and 0.073 tonnes carbon equivalent per tonne organic waste for landfilling, windrow composting, aerated static pile composting, and anaerobic digestion, respectively. This study confirms that all three options for organics management result in net reductions of GHG emissions, but it also shows that organics landfilling, when well-managed, generates greater GHG reductions. The LCA provides scientific insight with regards to the environmental impacts of organics management options, which should be considered in decision and policy-making. The study also highlights the importance of how site and case-specific conditions influence project outcomes when considering organic waste management options.
Perceived health status and environmental quality in the assessment of external costs of waste disposal facilities. An empirical investigation
Authors: Giaccaria Sergio , Frontuto Vito
Published: May 2012

Taxation for urban waste management has been reformed in Italy by the introduction of an environmental law in 2006. In the planning phase of waste management, externalities generated by new facilities remain widely unaccounted, with a consequent distortion for prices, often raising local conflicts. The paper presents a survey based on the choice modelling methodology, aimed to evaluate on a monetary scale the disamenity effect perceived by incinerator and landfills in an Italian urban context: the city of Turin. In a random utility framework the behaviour of respondents, whose choices are found to be driven by the endowment of information about technological options, socio-economic characteristics as income, education, family composition, and also by their health status was modelled. Furthermore, empirical evidence that the behaviour in residential location choices is affected by different aspects of the respondent life and in particular by the health status was found. Distinct estimates of willingness to accept compensation for disamenity effects of incinerator (€2670) and landfill (€3816) are elicited. The effect of health status of the respondents, their level of information about the waste disposal infrastructure, the presence of a subjective strong aversion (NIMBY) and the actual endowment and concentration of infrastructures are demonstrated to be significant factors determining the choice behaviour, but differentiated and specific for incinerators and landfills.
Methanogenic potential of formate in thermophilic anaerobic digestion
Authors: Lins Philipp , Schwarzenauer Thomas , Reitschuler Christoph , Wagner Andreas O , Illmer Paul
Published: May 2012

In the present study the methanogenic potential of formate (HCOO−) during thermophilic anaerobic digestion was investigated. After appropriate conditions for methanogenesis (HCOO− and inoculum concentration, pH and duration of incubation) were assessed, an experiment with initial 31 replicates was run. Diluted fermenter sludge was used as inoculum, and process parameters including the pH, quality and quantity of the produced biogas and the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and HCO3− were determined. Remarkably, after 5 days of incubation the highest CH4 production was calculated for a HCOO− concentration of 200 mmol L−1, a concentration, however, which might not occur in situ. During the phase of high CH4 production HCOO− was degraded with a rate of 1.5 mmol L−1 h−1, and distinct changes of Gibbs free energy for several reactions were observed. Based on denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and additional subsequent sequencing approaches the hydrogenotrophic Methanothermobacter wolfeii was the dominant methanogen responsible for CH4 production. Further confirmation was achieved due to the detection of autofluorescing rods with a size of up to ~3 µm, which were often arranged in pairs and chains. It was shown that even high concentrations of HCOO− are readily degraded, which might lead to an underestimation of both, the concentration and thus, the importance of HCOO− in anaerobic digestion.
Hemodynamic Consequences of Auto-PEEP
Authors: Berlin David
Published: May 2012

Auto–positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a common but frequently unrecognized problem in critically ill patients. It has important physiologic consequences and can cause shock and cardiac arrest. Treatment consists of relieving expiratory airflow obstruction and reducing minute ventilation delivered by positive pressure ventilation. Sedation and fluid management are important adjunctive therapies. This analytic review discusses the prevalence, pathophysiology, and hemodynamic consequences of auto-PEEP and an approach to its treatment.
Addition-curable phthalonitrile-functionalized novolac resin
Authors: Zhang Boxing , Luo Zhenhua , Zhou Heng , Liu Feng , Yu Ruilian , Pan Yuexiu , Wang Yun , Zhao Tong
Published: May 2012

A novel addition-curable novolac resin with phthalonitrile groups (PN) was successfully synthesized by a simple nucleophilic substitution reaction between the novolac resin and 4-nitrophthalonitrile. The final product was characterized with gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Processing capability and cure behavior of PN resin was investigated by rheometer and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Rheometric studies showed PN resin possessed a broad processing window between 140 and 225°C with a low viscosity from 0.4 to 4 Pa.s. DSC results showed PN resin can be cured at about 220°C via thermal polymerization of phthalonitrile groups. An ultrahigh curing temperature (such as 375°C) that was typical for the other phthalonitrile functional prepolymers was not necessary for this resin and 250°C was used as a maximum post-cure temperature to achieve the desired properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed T5% (temperature of 5% weight loss) of the final cured products in nitrogen was 448.7°C, and the char yield was 70.29% at 900°C. Furthermore, T5% of cured PN resin in air was 455.2°C, and the char yield in air was 34.48% at 700°C,revealing that the cured resin possessed excellent thermo-oxidative stability. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed the inflection point of tan  δ was 371.9°C. The excellent processability and thermal stabilities proved PN resin as a promising candidate for advanced composite matrices.
Effects of muscle-equivalent forces on the biomechanical behavior of proximal femur fracture models: a pilot study on artificial bones
Authors: Konstantinidis Lukas , Papaioannou Christoforos , Hirschmüller Anja , Pavlidis Theodoros , Schröter Steffen , Südkamp Norbert P , Helwig Peter
Published: May 2012

Introduction:

There has been extensive analysis of the influence of muscle forces and their effects on the biomechanical behavior of the proximal femur. Nevertheless, these forces have only been taken into account in a handful of biomechanical studies in the field of traumatology. The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical behavior of two typical fracture models of the proximal femur based on muscle-equivalent forces.

Method:

Plate osteosynthesis was performed on two groups of artificial femora to stabilize either a trochanteric osteotomy ( n = 5) or a femur shaft osteotomy ( n = 5). After fixation axial loading was applied to the constructs first without muscle-equivalent forces and then with the addition of these forces (abductor groups and vastus lateralis). Displacement at the osteotomy site and the stiffness of the whole construct were measured during loading.

Results:

Comparison of the two loading modes revealed no significant differences for displacement or stiffness for the trochanteric fractures. For the femur shaft fractures, a significant difference was found for displacement ( p = 0.023) and stiffness ( p = 0.003) with or without muscle-equivalent forces.

Conclusion:

The loading protocol for implant testing on femur shaft fractures should include muscle-equivalent forces. For trochanteric fractures, consideration of muscle forces is not entirely necessary since they will have little effect on the results, for example, when comparing implants.
The European Employment Strategy and National Core Executives: Impacts on activation reforms in the Netherlands and Germany
Authors: Stiller Sabina , van Gerven Minna
Published: May 2012

The European Employment Strategy (EES) has opened up new dynamics of Europeanization in the area of social policy. This article proposes to pay more attention to national core executives and their strategic use of the EES when considering its impact. Through core executives, the EES may not only affect domestic policy agendas, but also decision-making on reform. A comparative case study of activating employment policy reforms in the Netherlands and Germany evaluates expectations about how these agents upload and download ideas to and from the EU level. The findings indicate that uploading is facilitated by holding the EU presidency and a good fit with EES prescriptions, while downloading does not seem to depend on prior uploading and degree of fit but on other domestic factors. True strategic use of the EES by core executives following a sequence of uploading and downloading appears to be contingent on several contextual factors.
Poverty, ethnic minorities among the poor, and preferences for redistribution in European regions
Authors: Finseraas Henning
Published: May 2012

In what social contexts are rich people more likely to support government redistribution of income? Motivated by the literature on inequality aversion and the literature on the relationship between ethnic fractionalization and redistribution, the paper examines whether the relationship between own income and redistributive preferences depends on the regional level of poverty and the ethnic composition of the poor. Using data from the European Social Survey, the paper demonstrates that support for redistribution among the rich is lower when the proportion of ethnic minorities among the poor is high. Several possible mechanisms to account for this relationship are examined. The paper finds no support for explanations based on more animosity towards the poor or towards ethnic minorities and no support for explanations based on lower social trust or social capital: instead, rich people are less concerned with downward income mobility when the proportion of minorities among the poor is high.
The effect of combination therapy on the plasma concentrations of traditional antiepileptics
Authors: Sirmagul B , Atli O , Ilgin S
Published: May 2012

The present study aimed at determining the differences in plasma concentrations of traditional antiepileptics such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid in patients receiving monotherapy and combination therapy. In addition, the effect of gender and age on plasma drug concentration was evaluated in these patients. For this purpose, plasma trough concentrations obtained during routine therapeutic monitoring of these drugs were assessed retrospectively. The average plasma concentrations reached the apparent therapeutic ranges, except for the average plasma concentration of phenytoin, which was below the therapeutic range in patients who received only phenytoin or in combination with the other agents. Phenytoin when combined with carbamazepine or valproic acid significantly decreased the average plasma concentrations of these drugs to subtherapeutic concentrations. The results showed that plasma carbamazepine concentrations were higher in men than in women, whereas plasma concentrations of valproic acid and phenytoin were higher in women than in men. The difference in this regard between men and women was found to be statistically significant for phenytoin. The difference between the average plasma concentrations of carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproic acid among age groups was not significant. In conclusion, our study measured the average plasma antiepileptic drug concentrations in patients with epilepsy who were receiving monotherapy and combination therapy and were routinely monitored, and has thus shown the importance of drug monitoring in the evaluation of the effectiveness of these drugs.
Sex Knowledge in Males and Females Recovering From a Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nilsson Ulrica G. , Svedberg Petra , Fridlund Bengt , Alm-Roijer Carin , Thylén Ingela ,   and the SAMMI-study group
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this article was to explore sexual knowledge in persons who had suffered from myocardial infarction (MI). Seventy-six Swedish persons completed the “Sex after MI Knowledge Test” questionnaire. Overall, 53% of the men and 45% of the women scored maximum in the test. In a comparison between sexes, the men scored significantly more often a correct answer compared to the women for two out of the 25 items. The levels of correct answers were less then 50% for 14 out of the 25 items in both sexes. In conclusion we found that people who had suffered MI had poor levels of knowledge about sex and that there were some differences concerning lesser knowledge among the females in comparison to males. In regard to application, using a validated instrument facilitates an interactive communication between the patient and health care professionals, and opens up for a tailored education in line with the patient’s and his or her partner’s needs.
Effects of an Enjoyable Nurse-Led Intervention to Promote Movement in Poststroke Inpatients
Authors: Kim Inja
Published: May 2012

It is important to have the stroke survivors move as soon as possible to improve disability as well as related problems such as fatigue, sleep, and depression. However, there were few reports on a movement intervention for the inpatients who were in the rehabilitation unit just after taking acute care. An enjoyable intervention was developed that promoted movement focusing on plegic limbs and looked more like a game or a play; the game was designed to be a group activity that could be led by nurses. Twenty participants participated in 30- to 40-min sessions, 3 times a week for 2 weeks. Functional status (cognitive, motor, and total), fatigue, sleep, and depression were measured. Except for the cognitive function, all outcomes were significantly improved in the experimental group as compared to those in the control group. Safe and enjoyable nursing interventions should be developed and implemented to improve disability and related problems for the poststroke inpatients.
The Victorious English Language
Authors: Tietze Susanne , Dick Penny
Published: May 2012

This study explores hegemonic linguistic processes, that is, the dominant and unreflective use of the English language in the production of textual knowledge accounts. The authors see the production of management knowledge as situated in central or peripheral locations, which they examine from an English language perspective. Their inquiry is based on an empirical study based on the perspectives of 33 management academics (not English language speakers) in (semi) peripheral locations, who have to generate and disseminate knowledge in and through the English language. Although the hegemony of the center in the knowledge production process has long been acknowledged, the specific contribution of this study is to explore how the English language operates as part of the “ideological complex” that produces and maintains this hegemony, as well as how this hegemony is manifested at the local level of publication practices in peripherally located business and management schools.
Nonlinearity identification using sensitivity of frequency response functions
Authors: Jalali Hassan , Bonab Behzad T
Published: May 2012

Nonlinearities in mechanical systems demand extensive efforts both in modeling their dynamics and identification of their parameters. In this paper an identification approach is proposed for nonlinear multi-degree-of-freedom systems when there is a single nonlinear element in the system and its location is known. The proposed method is an extension of the frequency response function (FRF) sensitivity method used in the linear systems. The method uses measured nonlinear FRFs and employs a reduced order model for sensitivity calculations. Numerical and experimental case studies are used to verify the accuracy of the proposed method.
Predicting Relapse for Catholic Clergy Sex Offenders
Authors: Montana Stephen , Thompson Gary , Ellsworth Peter , Lagan Hugh , Helmus Leslie , Rhoades Colin J.
Published: May 2012

The Static-99 is an instrument commonly used to measure the likelihood of recidivism among sex offenders. The current study explores whether the Static-99 is an effective predictor of relapse among Catholic clergy who have had sexual contact with minors. Static-99 scores were compiled for 337 treated clergy who had offended against minors, including 21 who were known to have relapsed after treatment. Clergy were followed up for 5 to 25 years posttreatment ( M = 16.05; SD = 5.12) after their completion of treatment. Post release, they were closely supervised, with explicit rules limiting their contacts with minors and church officials monitoring their compliance with posttreatment plans. Descriptive information on the victims of clergy sex offenders is provided. Although all clergy offenders had the same score on 4 of the 10 Static-99 items, Static-99 total scores still significantly predicted relapse with a moderate to large effect size (area under the curve [AUC] = .672; Cohen’s d = .808). Predictive accuracy of each item is also reported. Issues concerning the use of the Static-99 with this population are discussed.
A World of Homicides
Authors: Ouimet Marc
Published: May 2012

The current study contrasts and compares the role of socioeconomic factors that explain variations in the homicide rate for 165 countries in 2010. Regression analyses demonstrate that economic development (GNI), inequality (Gini), and poverty (excess infant mortality) are significant predictors of the homicide rate for all countries. However, subsample analyses shows that income inequality, not economic development or poverty, predicts homicide for countries with a medium level of human development. Also, the variations in homicide for developing countries are inadequately explained by our model. To conclude, an analysis of the countries that exhibited significant discrepancies between their predicted and observed homicide rate is discussed.
Cross-Cultural Tourist Research: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Mimi
Published: May 2012

It is widely recognized that tourism is becoming more and more international as a result of globalization, and since the 20th century, marketers have confronted increasingly multicultural marketplaces. This trend necessitates cross-cultural research in the hospitality and tourism area. The current study provides a state-of-art assessment of journal publications on cross-cultural tourist research. In this study, various aspects of cross-cultural tourist research are reviewed, addressing conceptual and methodological issues associated with the extant research. Existing studies are largely limited to English-speaking countries and data equivalence issues were not addressed properly, which may lead confounding explanations. It is suggested that future studies should be grounded in solid theoretical foundation and employ a more rigorous research design.
Social anxiety mediates the effect of autism spectrum disorder characteristics on hostility in young adults
Authors: White Susan Williams , Kreiser Nicole L. , Pugliese Cara , Scarpa Angela
Published: May 2012

Problems with social anxiety are frequently reported in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is possible that social anxiety, when present, exacerbates the experience of hostility and other forms of aggression in relation to ASD symptoms. This study sought to determine if social anxiety symptoms mediate the relationship between features of ASD and feelings of hostility in young adults. Self-report measures of social anxiety, ASD, and facets of aggression were collected in a non-clinical sample ( n = 618) of college students. Social anxiety was found to partially mediate the relationship between ASD features and self-reported hostility. There was also evidence for inconsistent mediation, such that social anxiety dampened the strength of the relationship between ASD symptoms and verbal and physical aggression. Findings highlight the potential influence of associated psychiatric symptoms in people with ASD. In addition, dimensional conceptualization of ASD symptoms, as opposed to a categorical approach solely, may be a useful approach to studying complex personality processes.
The experience of caring for a partner with young onset dementia: How younger carers cope
Authors: Lockeridge Shirley , Simpson Jane
Published: May 2012

A growing body of literature suggests that the social context of experiencing dementia at a younger age may influence carers’ and particularly partners’ subjective experience and coping strategies. The current paper aims to explore the coping strategies adopted by six carers in order to adapt to changes in their relationship with their partner with young onset dementia. All were recruited from the north west of England and interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyse the data. Four major themes were evident: (1) ‘this is not happening’: the use of denial as a coping strategy; (2) ‘let’s not have anymore of this demeaning [treatment]’: stigma in young onset dementia; (3) ‘I’ve had to fight every inch’: struggling to maintain control of events and emotions; (4) ‘what will become of me?’: carers’ adaptation to loss. Comparisons with existing literature are made and implications for clinical practice are considered.