bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictions of thermo-mechanical behavior of a Nicalon-CAS 0°-90° ceramic matrix composite from constituent materials properties
Authors: Tang C. , Hayhurst D.R.
Published: May 2011

A physics-based model, developed previously by the authors, for the thermo-mechanical behavior of ceramic matrix composite tows is used to study the performance of a Nicalon-CAS 0°/90° laminate. For this material, the room temperature uni-axial stress—strain curve and the transverse thermal conductivity—strain curves are available from a previous experimental investigation; these curves have been used as benchmarks to assess the fidelity of the model. For the stress—strain behavior, a dynamic fiber failure model is utilized which assumes that the local transverse stressing arising from the 0°/90° composite lay-up instantaneously deactivates fiber pullout and initiates dynamic fiber failure; and hence, triggers catastrophic failure of the axially stressed regions of the tow. The model is shown to accurately predict the experimentally measured stress—strain-failure behavior of the 0°/90° laminate. For the transverse thermal conductivity behavior, the predictions show good agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the effect of the degradation of transverse thermal conductivity is due to strain driven growth of wakedebonded cracks.
Two higher order Zig-Zag theories for the accurate analysis of bending, vibration and buckling response of laminated plates by radial basis functions collocation and a unified formulation
Authors: Ferreira A.J.M. , Roque C.M.C. , Carrera E. , Cinefra M. , Polit O.
Published: May 2011

In this article, we combine the Carrera's Unified Formulation, CUF (Carrera E. Theories and Finite elements for multilayered plates and shells: A unified compact formulation with numerical assessment and benchmarking. Arch. Comput. Methods Eng., 2003; 10: 215–297.) and a radial basis function collocation technique for predicting the static deformations, free vibrations and buckling behavior of thin and thick cross-ply laminated plates. We develop by the CUF two Zig-Zag theories according to Murakami's Zig-Zag function. Both theories account for through-the-thickness deformations, allowing the analysis of thick plates. The accuracy and efficiency of this collocation technique for static, vibration, and buckling problems are demonstrated through numerical examples.
Effects of scale and interface on the three-dimensional micromechanics of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Snipes J.S. , Robinson C.T. , Baxter S.C.
Published: May 2011

Nanocomposite materials hold the power to revitalize and revolutionize the field of composite materials. Nanoscaled, even common materials can exhibit strikingly different material properties from the bulk counterparts. If these properties can be accessed at the bulk scale, not only can materials be better tailored to suit various applications, but the possibility of designing multi-functional materials expands exponentially. In this study, the Generalized Method of Cells (GMC) micromechanics model is used to model 3D nanoscale composite architecture, including an interfacial region between the included and matrix phases, and predict the effective viscoelastic properties of a gold nanorod, polymer matrix, nanocomposite. Scale is introduced by referencing the dimensions of the interface to those of the nanorods. Comparisons are made of micromechanical response based on volume fraction and number density, highlighting the scale effects resulting from the high surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles. Effective composite viscoelastic properties were developed, for static creep, for varying interfacial elastic stiffnesses. These experiments suggest that an elastically stiff interface greatly increases the stiffness of the polymer in response to an ‘instantaneous’ step load, reduces the rapid creep response, and results in a rapid leveling off of the time-dependent strain curves. The response of the composite to increasing stiffness of the interface region eventually reaches a plateau or threshold value, where further increases in the stiffness of the interface produces negligible increases in stiffness, or further reduction in creep response.
An analytical model for the ballistic impact of three dimensional angle-interlock woven fabric penetrated by a rigid cylindro-spherical projectile
Authors: Yangqing Hou  , Baozhong Sun  , Bohong Gu
Published: May 2011

Ballistic penetration damage and energy absorptions of three-dimensional angle-interlock woven fabric (3DAWF) have been investigated from ballistic impact tests and analytical model approaches. From the ballistic tests, the strike velocities versus the residual velocities curve was obtained for characterizing the ballistic performance of the 3DAWF penetrated with a rigid cylindro-spherical projectile. The impact damage of the 3DAWF was observed. An analytical model based on the fabric microstructure has been developed to investigate the deformation and energy absorption. The energies absorbed by warp and weft yarns with different crimp coefficients both in transverse and longitudinal wave regions were calculated. The strain rate effect on the mechanical properties of the warp and weft yarns was employed in modeling to estimate the penetration time. In addition, the strain rate versus strike velocity of the projectile curve was fitted for verifying the penetration time. The theoretical strike velocities versus residual velocities curve was obtained and compared with that in experiments. The energy absorption distribution of the 3DAWF under ballistic impact was analyzed with the verified model. It was found that the yarn crimp coefficient and weave density were key factors influencing fabric ballistic behavior. Some principles on designing high ballistic performance fabrics were discussed.
Modelling of yarn flattening in woven fabrics
Authors: Ozgen Banu , Gong Hugh
Published: May 2011

The main aim of the study is to investigate how the yarn cross-section changes along the yarn path in woven fabrics and how these changes relate to the yarn and fabric parameters such as yarn linear density, twist factor, warp and weft cover factors. Based on the elliptical cross-section model, yarn flattening coefficients were calculated along the yarn path. A general equation of change in yarn flattening coefficient was developed in the form of e = a1 + a2cosN(x) and the equation coefficients were analysed to find out the effects of the control factors. Twist factor was found to be the primary factor that had effects on a1 and a2, whereas the yarn linear density caused the highest change in N value.
Dimensional change measurement and stain segmentation in printed fabrics
Authors: Hill Matthew , Kamalakannan Sridharan , Gururajan Arunkumar , Sari-Sarraf Hamed , Hequet Eric
Published: May 2011

Dimensional changes and soil release are important functional attributes of fabrics that impact their pricing in the marketplace. This paper presents the underlying principles of a machine vision system that creates a framework for making both measurements in a simultaneous and automatic fashion from digitized fabric images. In addition, the proposed approach is equipped to operate on solid color, as well as printed/patterned fabrics. This system, using image analysis, can (i) measure dimensional changes, which include shrinkage and skew, and (ii) localize stains on the fabric image, which can then be evaluated for soil release. Robust extraction of the above measurements on printed fabric images are made possible using a sequence of customized image registration and background-subtraction techniques. The system was validated using a set of 623 fabric images that involved the detection of 1868 shrinkage dots which were used to make 934 shrinkage measurements, 467 skew measurements, and detect 240 potential stains. The system produced excellent results with a successful shrinkage dot detection rate of 98.9% and an average stain segmentation accuracy of 0.87 using the dice metric.
Thorough QT/QTc Study of Ritonavir‐Boosted Saquinavir Following Multiple‐Dose Administration of Therapeutic and Supratherapeutic Doses in Healthy Participants
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Jordan Paul , Cristea Laura , Salgo Miklos , Farha Rana , Kolis Stanley , Lee Lois S.
Published: May 2011

The effect of saquinavir‐boosted ritonavir at therapeutic (1000/100 mg twice daily [bid]) and supratherapeutic (1500/100 mg bid) doses was evaluated in a double‐blind, placebo‐ and positive‐controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) 4‐way crossover thorough QT/QTc study. Least squares mean estimated study‐specific QTc (QTcS) change from dense predose baseline (ddQTcSdense) was the primary endpoint. Greatest mean increase in ddQTcSdense occurred 12 hours postdose for the 1000/100‐mg group (18.9 ms) and 20 hours for the 1500/10‐mg group (30.2 ms). The upper 1‐sided 95% confidence interval was >20 ms from 2 to 20 hours postdose in both groups. ddQTcBdense and ddQTcFdense were similar to ddQTcSdense. No QTcS, QTcF, or QTcB measurements were >500 ms. One participant receiving 1000/100 mg and 3 receiving 1500/100 mg had a maximum ddQTcSdense >60 ms. More participants with ≥1 adverse event received saquinavir/ritonavir. PubMed search and Roche postmarketing data did not reveal publications or reports directly presenting the effect of saquinavir on QT/QTc or causing torsade de pointes.
The Pharmacogenetics of NAT2 Enzyme Maturation in Perinatally HIV Exposed Infants Receiving Isoniazid
Authors: Zhu Rui , Kiser Jennifer J. , Seifart Heiner I. , Werely Cedric J. , Mitchell Charles D. , D'Argenio David Z. , Fletcher Courtney V.
Published: May 2011

The roles of the NAT2 genotype and enzyme maturation on isoniazid pharmacokinetics were investigated in South African infants with perinatal HIV exposure enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial of isoniazid for prevention of tuberculosis disease and latent infection. Plasma concentration‐time measurements of isoniazid from 151 infants (starting at 3–4 months of age) receiving isoniazid 10 to 20 mg/kg/d orally during the course of the 24‐month study were incorporated in a population analysis along with NAT2 genotype, body weight, age, and sex. The results showed a different NAT2 enzyme maturation profile for each of the 3 acetylation groups, with the 70‐kg body weight—normalized typical apparent clearance for the fast and intermediate acetylators increasing from 14.25 L/h and 10.88 L/h at 3 months of age to 22.84 L/h and 15.58 L/h at 24 months of age, respectively, with no significant change in the apparent clearance of the slow group during this period. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the genotype‐dependent enzyme maturation processes for the NAT2 enzyme.
Global Crises, American Public Administration, and the “New Interventionism” Revisited
Authors: Durant Robert F.
Published: May 2011

With global financial, climate, demographic, and terrorist threats challenging nations worldwide, many observers have argued that a return to activist or “neointerventionist” government in the United States and abroad is underway. Incorporating a neo-Weberian perspective on American political development (APD), this article argues that those who see the rise of a new Leviathan in the United States under the Obama administration falsely conflate the “ends” or “how much?” state intervention question with the “means” or “how implemented?” question. When one looks today and historically at the “how implemented” question in the face of domestic and global crises, one repeatedly finds interventionist state policies creating implementation structures which ensure that organized market (or “producer”) interests preserve power, access, and influence in the administration of programs. Thus, the perceived dominance of the state when “ends” shift to meet domestic and global crises is offset in the United States by the perdurability of market interests in the implementation (or “means”) phase because of the path-dependent, constitutive, and layering effects that drive APD. Consequently, the past is likely prologue to the future, regardless of continuing or future U.S. domestic and global crises. The article concludes by assessing the implications of this realpolitik for public administration as a field of practice, research, and administrative theory building.
When He Doesn’t Mean You: Gender-Exclusive Language as Ostracism
Authors: Stout Jane G. , Dasgupta Nilanjana
Published: May 2011

Three studies assessed whether a common cultural practice, namely, the use of gender-exclusive language (e.g., using he to indicate he or she), is experienced as ostracism at the group level by women. Women responded to the use of gender-exclusive language ( he) during a mock job interview with a lower sense of belonging, less motivation, and less expected identification with the job compared to others exposed to gender-inclusive ( he or she) or gender-neutral ( one) language (Studies 1 and 2). Moreover, the more emotionally disengaged women became over the course of a job interview upon hearing gender-exclusive language, the less motivation and job identification they subsequently reported (Study 3). Together, these studies show that subtle linguistic cues that may seem trivial at face value can signal group-based ostracism and lead members of the ostracized group to self-select out of important professional environments.
Baseline Serum Cardiac Troponin I Concentrations in Sprague-Dawley, Spontaneous Hypertensive, Wistar, Wistar-Kyoto, and Fisher Rats as Determined with an Ultrasensitive Immunoassay
Authors: Herman Eugene , Knapton Alan , Rosen Elliot , Zhang Jun , Estis Joel , Agee Sara J. , Lu Quynh-Anh , Todd John A. , Lipshultz Steven E.
Published: May 2011

Cardiac troponins have proved to be reliable blood biomarkers for identifying a variety of myocardial alterations in humans and animals. Recently, an ultrasensitive cTnI assay (Erenna IA) has been used to demonstrate increases in baseline cTnI resulting from drug-induced myocardial injury in rats, dogs, and monkeys, as well as to document baseline cTnI ranges in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The present study was initiated to use the Erenna cTnI assay to further document baseline cTnI concentrations in normal control animals from multiple strains, including SD, Spontaneous Hypertensive (SHR), Wistar, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY), and Fisher strains. Baseline cTnI concentrations were quantified in all rats tested, and males had higher mean cTnI concentrations than females of the same strain. SHR males had the highest mean cTnI concentrations and the largest cTnI variability. Interestingly, cTnI concentrations increased in castrated SHR compared with unaltered male SHR, whereas cTnI concentrations decreased in ovariectomized SHR compared with unaltered female SHR. These results show significant differences in cTnI concentrations between strains, sexes, and noncardiac surgical alterations in control animals, and identify these as potential contributing factors to cTnI baseline variability that should be taken into account when using ultrasensitive cTnI as a biomarker to assess preclinical cardiotoxicity.
Short-term Toxicity Study of ST-20 (NSC-741804) by Oral Gavage in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Terse Pramod S. , Johnson Jerry D. , Hawk Michael A. , Ritchie Glenn D. , Ryan Michael J. , Vasconcelos Daphne Y. , Contos Denise A. , Perrine Susan P. , Peggins James O. , Tomaszewski Joseph E.
Published: May 2011

ST-20 (sodium 2,2-dimethylbutyrate) is a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. A subchronic oral toxicity study was conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats (10/sex/dose) at gavage dosages of 0 (vehicle control), 200, 600, or 1,000 mg/kg, once daily for up to 15 days followed by a 14-day recovery. Ataxia (females), rough coat/thin appearance (males), and decreased body weights were observed at 1,000 mg/kg. Functional observational battery (FOB) deficits were observed more frequently in females and included decreased body tone, rectal temperature, emotional reactivity, neuromotor-neuromuscular activity (as exhibited by a deficit in visual/tactile placing accuracy, ataxia, hind limb dragging, and decreased grip strength), and rearing. ST-20 caused a decrease in WBC/RBC counts and RBC parameters; increase in reticulocytes and red cell inclusion bodies; decrease in total protein, globulin, and glucose; and increase in AG ratio. Micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes of the bone marrow increased significantly in males at 1,000 mg/kg. Mean liver and kidney weights increased, and hepatocellular hypertrophy was observed in males at 1,000 mg/kg. Toxicologic findings were fully recovered during the 14-day recovery period. In conclusion, the no-observed adverse effect level for FOB and general toxicity was 200 mg/kg following gavage administration of ST-20 for up to 15 consecutive days.
In Situ Phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 in Rat Mammary Gland, Colon, and Liver Following Treatment with Human Insulin and IGF-1
Authors: Hvid Henning , Fels Johannes J. , Kirk Rikke K. , Thorup Inger , Jensen Henrik E. , Hansen Bo F. , Oleksiewicz Martin B.
Published: May 2011

High doses of insulin and the insulin analog AspB10 have been reported to increase mammary tumor incidence in female rats likely via receptor-mediated mechanisms, possibly involving enhanced IGF-1 receptor activation. However, insulin and IGF-1 receptor functionality and intracellular signaling in the rat mammary gland in vivo is essentially unexplored. The authors investigated the effect of a single subcutaneous dose of 600 nmol/kg human insulin or IGF-1 on Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rat liver, colon, and mammary gland. Rat tissues were examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry by phosphorylation-specific antibodies. Insulin as well as IGF-1 caused Akt phosphorylation in mammary epithelial cells, with myoepithelial and basal epithelial cells being most sensitive. IGF-1 caused stronger Akt phosphorylation than insulin in mammary gland epithelial cells. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was not influenced by insulin or IGF-1. Rather, in liver and mammary gland P-ERK1/2 appeared to correlate with estrous cycling, supporting that ERK1/2 has important physiological roles in these two organs. In short, these findings supported that the rat mammary gland epithelium expresses functional insulin and IGF-1 receptors and that phosphorylation of Akt as well as ERK1/2 may be of value in understanding the effects of exogenous insulin in the rat mammary gland and colon.
Global activism and nationally driven recycling: The influence of world society and national contexts on public and private environmental behavior
Authors: Hadler Markus , Haller Max
Published: May 2011

This article analyses the relationship between an individual’s environmental behavior and the social context. Drawing upon social movement and world societal literature, the authors start from the assumption that environmental behavior has both a global and national dimension. They use the 2000/1 ISSP environment survey to test their hypotheses and distinguish two behaviors: public and private. Public behavior includes actions such as taking part in a demonstration; private behavior consists of acts such as waste separation. At the contextual level, the authors consider linkages to world society, national political opportunity structures and resources. A hierarchical regression model including 23 countries and about 24,000 respondents shows that public behavior is quite similar across countries, whereas private behavior is influenced more strongly by local contexts. As for the contextual factors, political opportunity structures have the strongest impact on both behaviors followed by resources. World societal factors offer additional insights.
Divorcing localization from the divergence paradigm: Localization of Chinese life insurance practice and its implications
Authors: Chan Cheris Shun-ching
Published: May 2011

This article challenges conventional assumptions associating localization with cultural divergence. Based on ethnographic research of the life insurance business in China, it explores how localization may intertwine with homogenization, and why it may not subvert cultural hegemony. The data illustrate how transnational life insurers disseminated new practices and new ideas to the Chinese population; how they localized their practices according to local conditions; and how the newly emerged domestic insurers imitated and deviated from the organizational practices of the transnational firms. Borrowing insights from institutional theories, the article analyses why an initial divergence of product lines and marketing strategies between transnational and domestic life insurers soon disappeared, and why homogenizing dynamics took place. The article argues that localization is by no means a guarantee, nor an indicator, of divergence, and the so-called ‘two-way street’ of cultural flows between the global and the local are far from balanced.
Effects of watershed topography, soils, land use, and climate on baseflow hydrology in humid regions: A review
Authors: Price Katie
Published: May 2011

Baseflow is the portion of streamflow that is sustained between precipitation events, fed to stream channels by delayed (usually subsurface) pathways. Understanding baseflow processes is critical to issues of water quality, supply, and habitat. This review synthesizes the body of global literature investigating relationships between baseflow and watershed characteristics of geomorphology, soil, and land use, as well as the potential effects of climate change, with an emphasis on humid, tropical and temperate (non-snowpackdominated) regions. Such factors are key controls on baseflow through their influence on infiltration, rates of water removal from the catchment, and subsurface storage properties. The literature shows that there is much that remains to be resolved in gaining a solid understanding of the influence of watershed characteristics on baseflow. While it is clear that watershed geomorphology influences baseflow, there is no consensus on which geomorphic parameters are most closely linked to subsurface storage and baseflow. Many studies associate higher watershed forest cover with lower baseflows, attributed to high evapotranspiration rates of forests, while other studies indicate increased baseflow with higher watershed forest cover due to higher infiltration and recharge of subsurface storage. The demonstrated effects of agriculture and urbanization are also inconsistent, due to varied additions of imported water and extremely variable background conditions. This review underscores the need for more research that addresses multiple aspects of the watershed system in explaining baseflows, and for methodological consistency to allow for more fruitful comparisons across case studies. These needs are of immediate demand, given scientific and management emphasis on environmental flows required for maintenance of key ecosystem services.
Evaluating the role of invasive aquatic species as drivers of fine sediment-related river management problems: The case of the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
Authors: Harvey Gemma L. , Moorhouse Tom P. , Clifford Nicholas J. , Henshaw Alexander J. , Johnson Matthew F. , Macdonald David W. , Reid Ian , Rice Stephen P.
Published: May 2011

Sediment quantity and quality are key considerations in the sustainable management of fluvial systems. Increasing attention is being paid to the role of aquatic biota as geomorphic agents, capable of altering the composition, mobilization and transport of fluvial sediments at various spatiotemporal scales. In this paper invasive species are presented as a special case since: (1) populations may not be constrained by factors characteristic of their native habitats; and (2) they represent a disturbance to which the system may not be resilient. Discussion is centred on the signal crayfish which has rapidly colonized catchments in Europe and Japan, but the hypotheses and models presented provide a framework applicable to other invasive species. This paper explores the mechanisms by which signal crayfish may influence sediment dynamics from the patch scale to the catchment scale. There is potential for signal crayfish to impact significantly on river sediments and morphology as a function of their interactions with river bed and bank material, and with other aquatic organisms, combined with their large body size and aggressive nature, their presence in very high densities, and the lack of effective mitigation strategies. Potential catchment-scale management issues arising from these factors include habitat degradation, mobilization of sediment-associated nutrients and contaminants, and sediment-related flood risks. Further interdisciplinary research is required at the interface between freshwater ecology, fluvial geomorphology and hydraulics, in order to quantify the significance and extent of these impacts. The paper points to the key research agendas that may now emerge.
Self-Objectification, Disordered Eating, and Depression
Authors: Peat Christine M. , Muehlenkamp Jennifer J.
Published: May 2011

Objectification theory asserts that poor interoceptive awareness and features of anxiety, such as social anxiety, may be two potential mechanisms that place women at risk for both eating disorders and depression. Existing research supports this theory; however, few studies have examined the extent to which these two constructs may serve as mediators in the relationship between self-objectification and eating disorder symptoms and/or depression. Therefore, the current study evaluated the potential mediational roles of interoceptive awareness and social anxiety using the nonparametric bootstrapping procedure for multiple mediation. College-aged women ( N = 214) completed self-report measures assessing self-objectification, disordered eating, depression, interoceptive awareness, and social anxiety. Results indicate that both interoceptive awareness and social anxiety are significant mediators in the relationship between self-objectification and eating disorder symptoms and depression. These findings lend further support to objectification theory and contribute to a greater understanding of the etiological underpinnings of eating disorders and depression in women. Practice implications of these results suggest that targeting both self-objectifying and socially anxious behaviors and cognitions may be an important component for reducing vulnerability to disordered eating.
Challenging Professional Self-Regulation
Authors: Chiarello Elizabeth
Published: May 2011

This study examines how professionals contend with threats to self-regulation from social movements outside the profession by providing an analysis of rule development by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. A case study method using interviews, observations, and content analysis examines how pharmacists and pro-choice groups affected a “pharmacists’ responsibility” rule dictating whether pharmacists can refuse to dispense medications they morally oppose. Findings suggest that movements can influence rulemaking by framing professional responsibilities and enlisting allies, thereby turning a relatively closed process of self-regulation into a contentious one, resulting in a settlement that favors the movement over the profession.
Evaluation on extrudate swell and melt fracture of polypropylene/kaolin composites at high shear stress
Authors: Ariffin A. , Ariff Z.M. , Jikan S.S.
Published: May 2011

Kaolin-filled PP composites were compounded using a heated two-roll mill prior to extrusion process in order to improve the rheological properties of the samples. The extrudate swell and flow instability (melt fracture) behavior of kaolin-filled PP composite melts were investigated using a constant rate type of capillary rheometer at high extrusion rates and test temperatures varied from 165°C to 220°C. The extrudate swell studies demonstrate that the die swell ratio decreases with an increase in the processing temperature and filler loading at fixed shear stress. Nonetheless, the study on the effect of shear stress and shear rate showed that the die swell ratio (B) of the melts decreases linearly with increasing apparent shear stresses and shear rates for both systems, unfilled and filled PP only up to one point above the critical shear rate (1.8 × 10 s-1). The B values remained almost constant when the shear rate is greater than 1.8 × 10 s -1 at a constant temperature. Kaolin-filled PP composites exhibit a characteristic of flow instability and extrudate distortions upon exiting from extrusion dies at low filler loading and at low processing temperature of 165°C. This type of defect is characterized by highly rough, fractured, and distorted extrudate surface. It was also found that decreasing the shear stress improved the surface appearance of all samples. Finally, the melt fracture tended to be suppressed when a capillary die with a high L/D ratio, which is 10 was used.
Police Integrity: Rankings of Scenarios on the Klockars Scale by ‘‘Management Cops’’
Authors: Vito Gennaro F. , Wolfe Scott , Higgins George E. , Walsh William F.
Published: May 2011

Policing is recognized as a morally dangerous profession. This study extends analyses of police corruption via a scale developed by Carl Klockars by surveying police managers attending the Administrative Officers’ Course at the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville. The findings indicate that these police managers acknowledge the existence of a questionable moral climate in police agencies and a tolerance for official misconduct that is troubling to consider.
Shape of the BMI-Mortality Association by Cause of Death, Using Generalized Additive Models
Authors: Zajacova Anna , Burgard Sarah A.
Published: May 2011

Objectives: Numerous studies have examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality. The precise shape of their association, however, has not been established. We use nonparametric methods to determine the relationship between BMI and mortality. Method: Data from the National Health Interview Survey-Linked Mortality Files 1986-2006 for adults aged 50 to 80 are analyzed using a Poisson approach to survival modeling within the generalized additive model (GAM) framework. Results: The BMI-mortality association is more V shaped than U shaped, with the odds of dying rising steeply from the lowest risk point at BMIs of 23 to 26. The association varies considerably by time since interview and cause of death. For instance, the association has an inverted J shape for respiratory causes but is monotonically increasing for diabetes deaths. Discussion: Our findings have implications for interpreting results from BMI-mortality studies and suggest caution in translating the findings into public health messages.
Influence of the type of chain extender and urethane group content on the mechanical properties of polyurethane elastomers with flexible hard segments
Authors: Prisacariu Cristina , Scortanu Elena
Published: May 2011

A study was made of how aspects of the mechanical response of polyurethane elastomers (PUs) based on poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA) vary with the number of CH2 methylene groups when using chain extenders of the type HO–(CH2)p–OH. The effect of varying the odd–even number of CH2 groups in regard to the chain extender was followed. The best mechanical behavior as elastomers was revealed for polyurethanes with CH2 even numbers on the chain extender, when the different parts of the PUs macromolecular chains can adopt extended linear forms. The effect of different concentrations of the hard segment content on a set of PUs based on PEA and 1,4-butanediol as chain extender was also studied. A hitherto overlooked isocyanate of variable geometry, 4,4′-dibenzyl diisocyanate was used in the PUs synthesis, based on a –CH2CH2– spacer group between the two aromatic rings.
Visual self-images of scientists and science in Greece
Authors: Christidou Vasilia , Kouvatas Apostolos
Published: May 2011

A popular and well-established image of scientists and science dominates in the public field, signifying a contradictory and multifaceted combination of stereotypes. This paper investigates crucial aspects of the visual self-image of Greek scientists and science as exposed in photographic material retrieved from relevant institutions’ websites. In total 971 photos were analysed along dimensions corresponding to the image of scientists and science. Analysis demonstrates ambivalence in Greek scientists’ self-images between traditional stereotypic characteristics and an intention to overcome them. Differences between the self-images of physics, chemistry and biology are determined, as well as between the “masculine” and “feminine” face of science. Implications concerning improvements in science and scientists’ self-images and further research are presented.
Denotation and connotation in public representation: Semantic network analysis of Hwang supporters’ internet dialogues
Authors: Kim Leo
Published: May 2011

This article analyzes the internet discourses of Korean people who supported Hwang Woo Suk despite the disclosure of his scientific misconduct. During the controversial period, those who supported Hwang constructed a narrative of a fallen hero trapped by jealous rivals and an “unjust” society. The supporters’ dramatized discourses compete with expert opinions of Seoul National University’s Audit Board and prosecutors that investigated the scientific fraud. By introducing and applying an innovative method of semantic network analysis, this study explores how the supporters represent their personal concerns in daily life and latent social problems in South Korea, as well as the failure of science communication. In short, the supporters’ internet representations connote concerns in daily life that motivated their sympathy and activism for Hwang.
“Knight in shining armour” or “Frankenstein’s creation”? The coverage of synthetic biology in German-language media
Authors: Gschmeidler Brigitte , Seiringer Alexandra
Published: May 2011

Although still a side issue in the German-language media, attention towards synthetic biology has risen clearly during the last years, in line with the first applications being presented. This paper presents findings from a content analysis of synthetic biology coverage in German-language media over the years 2004–2009. In the media, synthetic biology is not clearly separated from gene technology. News value is attributed to established categories such as persons and events. Many metaphors and analogies used in describing gene technology can also be found in the coverage of synthetic biology; however, engineering metaphors are more prominent. In addition, playfulness constitutes an aspect rarely found in genetic engineering coverage. Overall, the picture emerging is ambivalent, which leaves prospects for the further development of public debate ambiguous.
Recorder Composer
Authors: Stephenson Kimberly
Published: May 2011

The best moments happen when students begin to realize how much power they have and use that power to create. Composing as they master different instrumental stages helps students make composition and performance a natural step in learning. A step-by-step process (rhythm notation, add pitches, copy to a five-line staff, check work, and play) keeps the work attainable and eases frustration. Repeating the exercise often allows students to make simple steps into more complicated structures (scales, major to minor, etc.) Students play their pieces for and with each other, then for others outside the music room, making performance attainable and easy. When our students leave us, we want them to be fully fluent in our musical language. The children are empowered by what they create, what they perform, and by becoming composers.
Quantifying School Officials’ Exposure to Bacterial Pathogens at Graduation Ceremonies Using Repeated Observational Measures
Authors: Bishai David , Liu Liang , Shiau Stephanie , Wang Harrison , Tsai Cindy , Liao Margaret , Prakash Shivaani , Howard Tracy
Published: May 2011

The purpose of this study was to estimate the risk of acquiring pathogenic bacteria as a result of shaking hands at graduation ceremonies. School officials participating in graduation ceremonies at elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools were recruited. Specimens were collected before and immediately following graduation. Cultures identified any pathogenic bacteria in each specimen. Subjects shook a total of 5,209 hands. Staphylococcus aureus was separately detected on one pregraduation right hand, one postgraduation right hand, and one postgraduation left hand. Nonpathogenic bacteria were collected in 93% of specimens. Pregraduation and postgraduation specimens were of different strains. We measured a risk of one new bacterial acquisition in a sample exposed to 5,209 handshakes yielding an overall estimate of 0.019 pathogens acquired per handshake. We conclude that a single handshake at a graduation offers only a small risk of bacterial pathogen acquisition.
MicroRNAs and Glial Cell Development
Authors: Zheng Kang , Li Hong , Huang Hao , Qiu Mengsheng
Published: May 2011

Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the control of glial cell development in the central nervous system. Suppression of miRNA formation disrupts the initial generation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from the ventricular neuroprogenitor cells in the embryonic spinal cord. miRNAs also regulate the later events of oligodendrocyte development, including cell proliferation, maturation, and myelin formation. In addition, miRNAs are essential for the development of astrocytes, and inhibition of miRNA genesis completely blocks astrogliogenesis in the spinal cord.
Development of ultraprecise positioning X–Y stage composed of pneumatic servo bearing actuators
Authors: Sugimoto A , Danjo H , Kitagawa T , Hirayama T , Matsuoka T , Sasaki K
Published: May 2011

A prototype X–Y stage for ultraprecise positioning composed of six pneumatic servo bearing actuators was proposed and developed. First, the basic performance of the pneumatic servo bearing actuator with a spherical aerostatic bearing was investigated before assembling it to the X–Y stage. In the actuator, pressurized air controlled by a servo valve moves an actuated spool ultraprecisely. Even under open-loop control, the actuator provided accurate replication and positioning resolution on a nanometer order. Second, the specifications of the constructed X–Y stage were evaluated, especially focusing on its minimum resolution. The minimum positioning resolution of the X–Y stage was 3 nm under the best conditions, and the positioning resolution as a practical specification was approximately 10 nm for all conditions, even without feedback controls.
Grammatical collocations and verb-particle constructions in Brussels French: a corpus-linguistic approach to transfer
Authors: Treffers-Daller Jeanine
Published: May 2011

This article shows how a corpus-linguistic approach to transfer based on Jarvis (2000), Jarvis and Pavlenko (2008) and Mougeon, Nadasdi, and Rehner (2005) can help to disentangle internal and external explanations in language variation and change. The focus of the study is on grammatical collocations (Granger & Paquot, 2008) such as chercher après ‘to search for’ and verb-particle constructions (VPCs) such as recevoir dehors ‘to get out’ in Brussels French. The occurrence of such patterns in Romance varieties is often linked to contact with Germanic varieties, in which VPCs are common. This article discusses the syntactic and semantic properties of both types of constructions and argue they are to be considered as replications of grammatical use patterns (Heine & Kuteva, 2005) from the contact language, the regional variety of Dutch. Proof for covert transfer from Dutch is found through a detailed comparison of the frequency of the patterns in a range of spoken and written corpora.
Unemployment and pregnancy outcomes: A study within the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Morales-Suárez-Varela Maria , Kaerlev Linda , Jin Liang Zhu  , Bonde Jens P. , Nohr Ellen A. , Llopis-González Agustín , Gimeno-Clemente Natalia , Olsen Jørn
Published: May 2011

Aims: To explore the relation between employment status, type of unemployment and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: A cohort study of 7,282 pregnancies of unemployed women and 56,014 pregnancies among women in paid jobs was performed within the Danish National Birth Cohort. Pregnancy outcomes were ascertained and information about lifestyle, occupational, medical, and obstetric factors was obtained. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) for fetal loss, congenital anomalies, multiple births, sex ratio, preterm and very preterm birth and small for gestational age status, adjusting for lifestyle, medical and obstetric factors. Results: There were no differences in pregnancy outcomes between employed and unemployed women but women receiving unemployment benefit had an increased risk of preterm birth (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.16, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.03—1.31) and having a small for gestational age child (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00—1.19) compared with employed women. Women receiving sickness or maternity benefit had an increased risk of multiple birth (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.43—2.04), preterm (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.22—1.77) and very preterm birth (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.22—2.89), while those receiving an unreported type of support had an increased risk of preterm birth (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02—1.93). Conclusions: We found no indication that being unemployed during pregnancy benefits or endangers the health of the child. Within the subgroups of unemployed women, we observed that women receiving unemployment and sickness or maternity benefits were at higher risk for some adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The Feasible Alternatives Thesis
Authors: Barry Christian , Øverland Gerhard
Published: May 2011

Many assert that affluent countries have contributed in the past to poverty in developing countries through wars of aggression and conquest, colonialism and its legacies, the imposition of puppet leaders, and support for brutal dictators and venal elites. Thomas Pogge has recently argued that there is an additional and, arguably, even more consequential way in which the affluent continue to contribute to poverty in the developing world. He argues that when people cooperate in instituting and upholding institutional arrangements that foreseeably result in more severe or more widespread poverty or human rights deficits than would foreseeably result under feasible alternative arrangements, they are contributors to these harms. Because of this, he argues, they have stringent, contribution-based (or negative) duties to address this poverty. We will call this the ‘Feasible Alternatives Thesis' (FAT), and our aim in this article is to examine it critically.
Existential loss as a determinant to well-being in the dementia caregiving dyad: A conceptual model
Authors: Piiparinen Rich , Whitlatch Carol J.
Published: May 2011

The following describes a conceptual model for dementia caregiving. The interdisciplinary model proposes that a caregiver’s confrontation with existential loss plays a determining role in the well-being of the dementia care dyad. The paper describes how existential threats can affect a caregiver’s appraisal of the care situation, and thus how a caregiver copes. Still further, it is speculated that caregiver coping (as manifested primarily through avoidance or acceptance of loss) will influence behavioral interaction within the caregiving dyad, where communication and decision making between caregiver and the person with dementia is predominantly inequitable (e.g., authoritarian) or equitable (e.g., negotiated). Lastly, it is proposed that the type of dyadic behavior is an antecedent to dyadic well-being. In terms of intervention, as the model is centered on the intrapsychic threat posed by loss, particular emphasis is on both individual and social factors that negatively influence a caregiver’s ability to integrate the emotional costs related to dementia and its care.
The needs of people with learning disabilities who develop dementia: A literature review
Authors: Llewellyn Penny
Published: May 2011

People with learning disabilities are living longer and are increasingly developing age related conditions including dementia. If this occurs, their medical and social needs pose many challenges for services. A literature review was undertaken of articles published between 1996— 2006. Data was collected relating to the needs of people with learning disabilities and dementia, their carers and their peers. The primary medical need is for timely and accurate diagnosis. There is a multitude of diagnostic tools and advice is available as to which are most suitable for different client groups. The needs of carers are intertwined with those of people with learning disabilities and dementia and meeting their needs for education, training and increased staff numbers, has proved beneficial. Although multiple services will be responsible for the needs of this client group, there is a consensus that learning disability services should be at the heart of service provision.
Relationships among insulin resistance, obesity, diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome and cardio-metabolic risk
Authors: Salazar Martin R , Carbajal Horacio A , Espeche Walter G , Dulbecco Carlos A , Aizpurúa Marcelo , Marillet Alberto G , Echeverría Raúl F , Reaven Gerald M
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study is to test the hypotheses that: 1) diagnosing the metabolic syndrome does not effectively identify insulin-resistant (IR) individuals; and 2) waist circumference (WC) is no better than body mass index (BMI) in predicting insulin resistance or the components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Measurements of BMI, WC, blood pressure, and fasting plasma glucose, insulin (FPI), triglycerides (TG), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were made in 1,300 adults, without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) or drug treatment of hypertension or diabetes. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the ability of the MetS, and its components, to identify IR individuals. In addition, comparisons were made of CVD risk factors following division of the population into quartiles of FPI concentrations, and univariate and multiple regression analysis used to compare the ability of WC, BMI, and FPI as predictors of MetS components. The MetS was no more effective in identifying IR individuals than several individual components (sensitivity~40%), and IR individuals not identified were at significantly increased CVD risk. FPI concentration was the best predictor of an abnormal glucose, TG, and HDL-C, whereas the adiposity indices were better predictors of abnormal blood pressure. The relationship between BMI and WC with the MetS and its components seemed comparable.