bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coarticulation in Catalan Dark [/] and the Alveolar Trill: General Implications for Sound Change
Authors: Recasens Daniel
Published: June 2012

Coarticulation data for Catalan reveal that, while being less sensitive to vowel effects at the consonant period, the alveolar trill [r] exerts more prominent effects than [ɫ] on both adjacent [a] and [i]. This coarticulatory pattern may be related to strict manner demands on the production of the trill. Both consonants also differ regarding the relative prominence of the consonant-to-vowel anticipatory and carryover effects in VCV sequences: while [r] and [ɫ] exert much anticipatory coarticulation on the preceding vowel, carryover effects on the following vowel turn out to be more salient for [r] than for [ɫ]. These consonant-dependent differences in coarticulatory direction parallel the directionality patterns observed in related vowel assimilatory and glide insertion processes occurring in the Romance languages, in Early Germanic, in Old, Middle and Modern English, and in Arabic when the target consonant is not [ɫ] or [r] but a pharyngealized dentoalveolar.
Segmentation of Written Words in French
Authors: Chetail Fabienne , Content Alain
Published: June 2012

Syllabification of spoken words has been largely used to define syllabic properties of written words, such as the number of syllables or syllabic boundaries. By contrast, some authors proposed that the functional structure of written words stems from visuo-orthographic features rather than from the transposition of phonological structure into the written modality. Thus, the first aim of the study was to assess whether the explicit segmentation of written words in French was consistent with syllabification patterns for spoken words previously reported. Second, given that spelling does not map perfectly with phonology, we examined how readers segmented printed words with grapheme/phoneme misalignments. The examination of the whole patterns of written segmentation produced by participants showed that, though written segmentation followed spoken segmentation for words matched for phonological/orthographic forms, discrepancies were found in cases of mismatch, therefore suggesting that readers rely on orthographic cues to parse printed strings of letters. This conclusion was confirmed with an on-line letter detection task.
The Effects of Communication Interface Proximity on User Anxiety for Crime Alerts Received on Desktop, Laptop, and Hand-Held Devices
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Newhagen John E.
Published: June 2012

This experiment investigates effects of communication interface proximity, which was conceptualized as three different media platforms (desktop, laptop, and hand-held device), on college students’ anxiety when receiving emergency alerts about on-campus crimes via emails and text messages. It proposes a new dimension of proximity, interface proximity, and suggests a shift in the emphasis of proximity from audience to event to user to interface. Ninety seven students received alerts on one of the three devices for 2 days. User anxiety increased for news-like information such as crime alerts and varied according to the proximity of the media platform. A three-level model of anxiety, including trait anxiety, media exposure to negative compelling news, and a trigger event, all contributed to participants’ anxiety.
Role of vinyl thiethoxy silane grafted onto fluororubber in compatibilization of fluororubber and silicone rubber blends
Authors: Guo Jianhua , Zeng Xingrong , Li Hongqiang , Luo Quankun
Published: June 2012

The blends of fluororubber (FKM) and silicone rubber (MVQ) were prepared by the incorporation of fumed silica using vinyl thiethoxy silane (VTEO) grafted onto FKM (FKM- g-VTEO) as a compatibilizer. The effect of the compatibilizer loading on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties, heat aging properties and oil resistance was investigated. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicates that FKM- g-VTEO acts as a compatibilizer in the FKM/MVQ blends. The tensile properties and oil resistance of FKM/MVQ blends increase with the increasing loading of FKM- g-VTEO up to 9 phr and the heat aging properties increase with the addition of the compatibilizer up to 6 phr. The fracture surfaces of tensile samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM of the tensile fracture surface of the blends and rubber–filler interaction studies shows that the presence of FKM- g-VTEO enhances the interfacial interaction of fumed silica and rubber matrix.
The role of emotion regulation in the predictive association between social information processing and aggressive behavior in adolescents
Authors: Calvete Esther , Orue Izaskun
Published: June 2012

The primary aim of this study was to assess the moderating role of emotion regulation in the relationship between some components of social information processing (hostile interpretation and anger) and aggressive behavior. The secondary aim was to assess whether emotion regulation, hostile interpretation, and anger account for gender differences in aggressive behavior. A total of 1,125 adolescents (627 girls) filled out the social information processing questionnaire to assess hostile interpretation, anger, and emotion regulation. Reactive and proactive aggressive behaviors were assessed by self- and peer reports. The results showed that adaptive regulation negatively predicted aggressive behavior and moderated the relationship between anger and reactive aggressive behavior. Boys’ higher scores for aggressive behavior were accounted for by their higher scores for anger and lower scores for emotion regulation. However, the strength of the relationships among variables was similar for both boys and girls. Findings of this study indicate the importance of emotion regulation as a target for aggressive behavior interventions.
Histopathological Changes in the Livers of Rabbit Fish (Siganus canaliculatus) Following Exposure to Crude Oil and Dispersed Oil
Authors: Agamy Esam
Published: June 2012

The present study aimed to assess the impact of acute exposure to crude oil, dispersed oil, and dispersant alone on the liver of the rabbit fish ( Siganus canaliculatus). Histopathological effects in the liver were observed at different time points (3 to 21 days) and different concentrations (3–100% water accommodated fraction [WAF]) to simulate a range of possible oil pollution events. The main alterations observed in this study include lipid accumulation, necrosis, bile stagnation, megalocytosis, cholangitis, and spongiosis hepatis. The liver of fish exposed to WAF, dispersed oil, or dispersant showed significant histopathologic alterations compared with the control fish (Mann-Whitney U test; p < .01). Reaction pattern indices (circulatory, degenerative, proliferative, and inflammatory changes) of treated fish differed significantly from the control groups. There was a significant correlation between exposure time and the occurrence of most lesions (Spearman correlation; p > .05). The present study indicates that oil pollution can cause important alterations to livers of adult rabbit fish and that the dispersed oil is slightly more toxic than crude oil or dispersant.
Claudin-3 and Clara Cell 10 kDa Protein as Early Signals of Cigarette Smoke–Induced Epithelial Injury along Alveolar Ducts
Authors: Čužić Snježana , Bosnar Martina , Kramarić Miroslava Dominis , Ferenčić Željko , Marković Darko , Glojnarić Ines , Haber Vesna Eraković
Published: June 2012

Smoking-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by inflammation, changes affecting small airways, and development of emphysema. Various short- and long-term models have been introduced to investigate these processes. The aim of the present study was to identify markers of early epithelial injury/adaptation in a short-term animal model of cigarette smoke exposure. Initially, male BALB/c mice were exposed to smoke from one to five cigarettes and lung changes were assessed 4 and 24 hr after smoking cessation. Subsequently, animals were exposed to smoke from five cigarettes for 2 consecutive days and lungs investigated daily until the seventh postexposure day. Lung homogenates cytokines were determined, bronchioloalveolar fluid cells were counted, and lung tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Exposure to smoke from a single cigarette induced slight pulmonary neutrophilia. Smoke from two cigarettes additionally induced de novo expression of tight junction protein, claudin-3, by alveolar duct (AD) epithelial cells. Further increases in smoke exposure induced epithelial changes in airway progenitor regions. During the recovery period, the severity/frequency of epithelial reactions slowly decreased, coinciding with the switch from acute to a chronic inflammatory reaction. Claudin-3 and Clara cell 10 kDa protein were identified as possible markers of early tobacco smoke–induced epithelial injury along ADs.
Frontiers in Preclinical Safety Biomarkers
Authors: Mikaelian Igor , Scicchitano Marshall , Mendes Odete , Thomas Roberta A. , LeRoy Bruce E.
Published: June 2012

The measurement of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) is the most recent effort to identify novel biomarkers in preclinical safety. These genomic markers often display tissue-specific expression, may be released from the tissues into the plasma during toxic events, change early and with high magnitude in tissues and in the blood during specific organ toxicities, and can be measured using multiplex formats. Their validation as biomarkers has been challenged by the technical difficulties. In particular, the concentration of miRNAs in the plasma depends on contamination by miRNAs originating from blood cells and platelets, and the relative fraction of miRNAs in complexes with Argonaute 2, high-density lipoproteins, and in exosomes and microvesicles. In spite of these hurdles, considerable progress has recently been made in assessing the potential value of miRNAs in the clinic, especially in cancer patients and cardiovascular diseases. The future of miRNAs and mRNAs as biomarkers of disease and organ toxicity depends on our ability to characterize their kinetics and to establish robust collection and measurement methods. This review covers the basic biology of miRNAs and the published literature on the use of miRNAs and mRNAs as biomarkers of specific target organ toxicity.
Mouse Models of Otitis Media
Authors: Bhutta Mahmood Fazal
Published: June 2012

There has been a rapid rise in the use of the mouse to investigate pathobiology of otitis media. This is for good reason, including easy husbandry, but also capacity for genetic manipulation of the mouse. Insights into human disease have been gleaned from mouse models, but there are limitations of the mouse‐to‐man approach. First, important differences exist between mouse and man, particularly in immune function. Second, functional equivalence of genes in the 2 species is not ensured. Third, laboratory mice of a uniform genetic background and environment are an inadequate model of the plethora of factors affecting complex disease in humans. Finally, gene function in mouse models is often obliterated using gene knockout technology, but this is a poor mimic of normal gene variation in man. These drawbacks of the mouse may in the future limit its usefulness in otitis media research.
Current ultrafiltration techniques before, during and after pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass procedures
Authors: Wang S , Palanzo D , Ündar A
Published: June 2012

Ultrafiltration, which is currently considered as a standard method to remove excess water administered during pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), aims to minimize the adverse effects of hemodilution, such as tissue edema and blood transfusion. Three ultrafiltration techniques can be used before, during and after CPB procedures, including conventional ultrafiltration (CUF), modified ultrafiltration (MUF) and zero-balance ultrafiltration (Z-BUF). These methods are widely different, but they have common benefits on hemoconcentration, less requirement for blood products, and reduction of the systemic inflammatory responses (SIRS). The present review attempts to restate these ultrafiltration circuitries, application methods, end-points, and clinical impacts.
Payment by Results: Delivering high quality public services in straitened fiscal times
Authors: Pattison Vincent
Published: June 2012

Governments across Europe are looking for innovative ways to deliver employment programmes which deliver value for money for the taxpayer. The current UK Government has committed to the concept of Payment by Results (PbR). In the UK’s PbR model, the financial risks of delivering back-to-work services are transferred to lead contractors who are directly responsible for services and for managing the payment and performance of their supply chain. This article briefly highlights the economic and social need for exploring alternative mechanisms for public services delivery before moving on to describe the core elements of PbR, using the UK’s Work Programme as an illustration.
A new perspective on the success of public sector worklessness interventions in the UK’s most deprived areas
Authors: Holden John , Frankal Baron
Published: June 2012

No urban economic assessment is complete without an analysis of worklessness in the most deprived neighbourhoods. In Manchester, as in most other cities, there are many neighbourhoods where worklessness rates are persistently high. However, because the analysis usually done is an anonymous snapshot, it is never possible to know whether this is the result of individuals getting work and moving out to a ‘better’ area, only to be replaced by a new tranche of the jobless, or whether it is in fact the dynamics of the neighbourhood that militate against a higher rate of employment. This analysis breaks new ground in using real individuals’ data on employment transitions and geographical movements, taken from the Department for Work and Pensions’ and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs’ administrative records. By working through that population’s movement into employment and movement out of an area, it sheds new light on neighbourhood level population dynamics. With some caution, the work suggests that the movement out of an area of people who get a job does not seem to be a key factor in the persistence of high worklessness rates in the most deprived areas.
Continuous subcutaneous infusion of lidocaine for persistent hiccup in advanced cancer
Authors: Kaneishi Keisuke , Kawabata Masahiro
Published: June 2012

Persistent hiccup can cause anorexia, weight loss, disabling sleep deprivation, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, relief of persistent hiccup is important for advanced cancer patients and their family. Most reports on this condition are case series reports advocating the use of baclofen, haloperidol, gabapentin, and midazolam. However, these medications are occasionally ineffective or accompanied by intolerable side effects. The sodium channel blocker lidocaine has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of disorders thought to involve neuropathic mechanisms. Intravenous administration of lidocaine is common but efficacy has also been reported for subcutaneous infusion. In advanced cancer patients, subcutaneous infusion is easy, advantageous, and accompanied by less discomfort. We report a case of severe and sustained hiccup caused by gastric cancer that was successfully treated with a continuous subcutaneous infusion of lidocaine (480 mg (24 ml)/day) without severe side effects.
Effects of Training and Feedback on Teachers’ Use of Classroom Preventive Practices
Authors: Artman-Meeker Kathleen M. , Hemmeter Mary Louise
Published: June 2012

This study examined the effects of in-service training with performance feedback on preschool teachers’ use of classroom preventive practices. Three practices designed to prevent challenging behavior were selected: transition preparations, rule reminders, and social-emotional teaching strategies. Following a brief training on each practice, teaching teams received email feedback on their use of the practice and the effects on child behavior. A multiple baseline design across practices replicated across two teaching teams was used. There were increases in all three preventive practices following training and feedback for both teaching teams. The effects on child behavior were mixed.
Drawing a line: Setting guidelines for digital image processing in scientific journal articles
Authors: Frow Emma K.
Published: June 2012

The widespread use of digital image-processing software to prepare images for publication is a matter of growing unease among journal editors, particularly in the biosciences. Concerned not so much with intentional fraud, but rather with routine and ‘innocent’ yet inappropriate alteration of digital images, several high-profile science journals have recently introduced guidelines for authors regarding image manipulation, and are implementing in-house forensic procedures for screening submitted images. Such interventions can be seen as an attempt to ‘draw a line’ for the scientific community regarding acceptable and unacceptable practices in image production. However, in trying to define simple best-practice guidelines for digital image processing, these journals raise – perhaps inadvertently – a number of longstanding ambiguities concerning the role of images in the production and communication of scientific knowledge. This paper draws on recent image-processing guidelines and journal commentaries to analyse four key tensions relating to the production, circulation and interpretation of digital images in scientific publications. By examining where and how journal editors are drawing lines with respect to image-making practices, this case study explores how trust, the distribution of authority and accountability, and the nature of objectivity are being (re-)negotiated in the digital age.
The ‘sinew of development’: Cold War geopolitics, technical expertise, and water resource development in Southeast Asia, 1954–1975
Authors: Sneddon Chris
Published: June 2012

One of the most significant yet largely hidden outcomes of the Cold War was the proliferation of hundreds of large, multipurpose dams throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America under the auspices of programs of water resource development. These programs were the result of technical assistance programs created and guided by various organs of the US government. Carried out as an effort to convince newly independent states of America’s support and good intentions, this proliferation of water expertise was spearheaded by the US Bureau of Reclamation – an agency of the Department of Interior that became embroiled within efforts of the State Department to achieve specific geopolitical goals by containing the spread of global communism. This paper examines the evolution of a technopolitical network constructed around the Bureau’s most intensive engagement in supervising water resource development overseas, the promotion and design of the Pa Mong dam on the Mekong River during the 1960s. This case contributes to ongoing debates over the convergence between technical expertise and water by considering the complex intermingling – and co-production – of geopolitical practices and technological knowledge and expertise in efforts to transform rivers that were characteristic of the mid-20th century.
Water worlds: Introduction to the special issue of Social Studies of Science
Authors: Barnes Jessica , Alatout Samer
Published: June 2012

The use and management of the world’s freshwater has become a critical focus of scholarly engagement. In the introduction to this special issue on water worlds, we highlight two contributions that science and technology studies offers to recent conceptualizations of water relations. The first emphasizes the multiple ontologies of water, resulting from its varied enactments in different sociotechnical assemblages. The second underscores water as a substance that does not merely mediate relations between existing social groups, but constitutes a necessary material for the organization of life in late modernity.
Evaluation of a perceived organisational performance scale using Rasch model analysis
Authors: Shea Tracey , Cooper Brian K. , De Cieri Helen , Sheehan Cathy
Published: June 2012

Increasingly, researchers are using perceptual or subjective measures of organisational performance, but our review of the literature reveals that these measures are rarely validated. We introduce Rasch model analysis to the management field and apply it to a psychometric analysis of an organisational performance scale developed in 1996 by Delaney and Huselid. Although this scale has been widely used, the present work is the first substantial investigation of its psychometric properties. The results of Rasch model analysis reveal that the original hypothesised two-factor structure was not supported but a revised three-factor structure with good psychometric properties that reflect internal, external and market performance was supported. Evidence for construct validity was found for internal and market performance subscales but not for external performance. This paper presents an important methodological advance for management research by demonstrating the evaluation of the psychometric properties of this scale through Rasch model analysis. The findings expand our understanding of the underlying structure of organisational performance and have implications for a wider application of Rasch model analysis in the management field.
Successful entrepreneurs minimize risk
Authors: Murmann Johann Peter , Sardana Deepak
Published: June 2012

Many scholars see entrepreneurs as action-oriented individuals who use rules of thumb and other mental heuristics to make decisions, but who do little systematic planning and analysis. We argue that what distinguishes successful from unsuccessful entrepreneurs is precisely that the former vary their decision-making styles, sometimes relying on heuristics and sometimes relying on systematic analysis. In our proposed framework, successful entrepreneurs assess their level of expertise and the level of ambiguity in a particular decision context and then tailor their decision-making process to reduce risk.
Marx, Minsky, and the Great Recession
Authors: Ivanova Maria N.
Published: June 2012

This paper challenges prevailing accounts of the financial origins of the Great Recession by engaging two distinct theoretical perspectives originating in Karl Marx and Hyman Minsky. The paper argues that the domestic and global, financial and “real” origins of the crisis are deeply intertwined as the financialization of the U.S. economy and the globalization of production are inextricably linked. Thus, the merits of a Marxian interpretation of the crisis surpass those of the Minskyan for at least two reasons. First, the structural causes of the Great Recession lie not in the U.S. financial sector but in the system of globalized production which reflects the growing unevenness of capital accumulation on a planetary scale, manifested in the global imbalances. Second, the belief that social problems have monetary or financial origins, and could be resolved by tinkering with money and financial institutions, is fundamentally flawed, for the very recurrence of crises attests to the limits of fiscal and monetary policies as means to ensure “balanced” accumulation.

JEL Codes: E40, E50, E60, F30, F40, F50
Bioremoval of heavy metals from industrial effluent by fixed-bed column of red macroalgae
Authors: Ibrahim Wael M , Mutawie Hawazin H
Published: June 2012

Three different species of nonliving red algal biomass Laurancia obtusa, Geldiella acerosa and Hypnea sp. were used to build three types of fixed-bed column for the removal of toxic heavy metal ions such as Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+ from industrial effluent. In general, the highest efficiency of metal ion bioremoval was recorded for algal column of L. obtusa followed by G. acerosa and the lowest one was recorded for Hypnea sp., with mean removal values of 94%, 85% and 71%, respectively. The obtained results showed that biological treatments of industrial effluents with these algal columns, using standard algal biotest, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, were capable of reducing effluent toxicities from 75% to 15%, respectively. Red algal column may be considered as an inexpensive and efficient alternative treatment for conventional removal technology, for sequestering heavy metal ions from industrial effluents.
Interleukin-18, interleukin-8, and CXCR2 and the risk of silicosis
Authors: Mohebbi Iraj , Rad Isa Abdi , Bagheri Morteza
Published: June 2012

Molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of silicosis are not fully understood. Exposure to crystalline silica leads to the activation of signaling pathways controlling the production and secretion of inflammatory mediators. Inflammatory cytokines are noted as important candidate genes for fibrotic lung diseases. Cytokines, chemokines, and variations of their genes have been associated with upregulation or downregulation of chronic inflammatory mediators. Variations in the interleukin (IL)-18, IL-8 and chemokine receptor CXCR2 genes are believed to influence the risk of silicosis in stone-grinding factory workers in Iran. Allele-specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was carried out for IL-18 −137 and IL-18 −607, meanwhile touchdown PCR was performed for IL-8 −251 and CXCR2 +1208 genotyping. Variation in genotypic and allelic frequencies was not statistically different among cases versus controls ( p > 0.05). These findings indicated for the first time that IL-18 −137, IL-18 −607, IL-8 −251, and CXCR2 +1208 are suggested not to influence the risk of silicosis in tested occupational group.
The protective effects of carnosine in alcohol-induced hepatic injury in rats
Authors: Baykara B , Mıcılı S Cilaker , Tugyan K , Tekmen I , Bagriyanik HA , Sonmez U , Sonmez A , Oktay G , Yener N , Ozbal S
Published: June 2012

Consumption of alcohol leads to oxidative stress in liver by inducing lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of carnosine (CAR) in alcohol-induced liver injury by biochemical and histomorphological evaluations. The rats were divided into four groups, namely, control group, alcohol (AL) group, CAR group and AL + CAR group. Three doses of ethanol (5 g/kg, 25% (v/v) in distilled water) were given by nasogastric catheter for twice-a-day. CAR (100 mg/kg) was given 1 h before the administration of ethanol using the same method. Levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde were significantly increased in the AL group compared with control, CAR and AL + CAR groups. Glutathione level was significantly decreased in the AL group, while it was increased in the AL + CAR group. Immunoreactivity of caspase-3 and bax increased in the hepatocytes of AL group when compared with control and AL + CAR groups. Expression of bcl-2 was decreased in AL group than AL + CAR group. Under electron microscopy, dense mitochondria, accumulation of lipid, sinusoidal dilatation, vacuolization and decrease in the number of microvilli were observed in AL group, while these findings were markedly less in the AL + CAR group. In conclusion, pretreatment of CAR is effective for recovering biochemical alterations and morphologic damage in the liver of rats treated with ethanol.
Oxidative stress and tissue pathology caused by subacute exposure to ammonium acetate in rats and their response to treatments with alpha-ketoglutarate and N-acetyl cysteine
Authors: Satpute RM , Lomash Vinay , Hariharakrishnan J , Rao Pooja , Singh Poonam , Gujar NL , Bhattacharya Rahul
Published: June 2012

Ammonia is a widely used industrial chemical that is recognized as a potent neurotoxin and environmental pollutant. The present study addresses the oxidative stress and tissue pathology caused by 4 weeks of exposure to ammonium acetate (AMA; 100 mg/kg daily; orally) in rats, and their response to oral treatments with alpha-ketoglutarate (A-KG; 1.0 g/kg), a potential cyanide antidote, and/or N-acetyl cysteine (NAC; 10 mg/kg), an antioxidant. The organ–body weight index of brain and liver was significantly increased by AMA but kidney was unaffected. Also, plasma ammonia levels were significantly elevated without any concomitant change in blood gas status and hematology but levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the brain and liver were diminished, accompanied by elevated levels of malondialdehyde. Levels of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) were unaffected, but the ratio of GSH:GSSG was reduced. Plasma alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin were raised but urea, uric acid and creatinine levels were not altered. AMA also caused temporal, hepatic and renal pathology. However, the renal pathology was not supported by any biochemical alterations. A-KG or NAC alone afforded less protection against AMA as compared to both given together. The protective efficacy of A-KG can be ascribed to its ability to detoxify ammonia and additionally both A-KG and NAC have antioxidant properties as well. The study suggests a new therapeutic regimen for ammonia poisoning.
Role of aqueous Bryoria capillaris (Ach.) extract as a genoprotective agent on imazalil-induced genotoxicity in vitro
Authors: Turkez Hasan , Aydin Elanur , Aslan Ali
Published: June 2012

In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that lichens might be the easily accessible sources of natural drugs that could be used as a possible food supplement. Extensive research is being carried out to explore the importance of lichen species, which are known to contain a variety of pharmacological active compounds. On the other hand, imazalil (IMA), a commonly used fungicide in both agricultural and clinical domains, is suspected to produce very serious toxic effects in vertebrates. In this context, the antigenotoxic effect of aqueous Bryoria capillaris (Ach.) extract (BCE) was studied against the genotoxic damage induced by IMA on cultured human lymphocytes using chromosomal aberrations (CA) and micronucleus (MN) as cytogenetic parameters. Human peripheral lymphocytes were treated in vitro with varying concentrations of BCE (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL), tested in combination with IMA (336 µg/mL). BCE alone was not genotoxic, and when combined with IMA treatment, it reduced the frequency of CAs and the rates of MN. A clear dose-dependent decrease in the genotoxic damage of IMA was observed, suggesting a genoprotective role of BCE. The results of the present study suggest that this plant extract per se do not have genotoxic potential, but can modulate the genotoxicity of IMA on peripheral human lymphocytes in vitro. In conclusion, our findings may have an important application in the protection of cultured human lymphocyte from the genetic damage and side effects induced by agricultural and medical chemicals that are hazardous to people.
ω‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Does Not Influence Body Composition, Insulin Resistance, and Lipemia in Women With Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
Authors: Crochemore Izabella Candido Carvalho , Souza Aline F. P. , de Souza Andressa C. F. , Rosado Eliane Lopes
Published: June 2012

To evaluate the influence of ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω‐3 PUFA) supplementation on body composition, insulin resistance, and lipemia of women with type 2 diabetes, the authors evaluated 41 women (60.64 ± 7.82 years) with high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus in a randomized and single‐blind longitudinal intervention study. The women were divided into 3 groups: GA (2.5 g/d fish oil), GB (1.5 g/d fish oil), and GC (control). The capsules with the supplement contained 21.9% of eicosapentaenoic acid and 14.1% of docosapentaenoic acid. Biochemical (glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total and fractional cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin) and anthropometric (body mass, stature, waist circumference [WC], and body composition) evaluations were performed before and after the 30 days of intervention. Homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance and the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index were used to evaluate the insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity (IS), respectively. GB presented a greater loss of body mass and WC (P< .05), greater frequency of glycemic and total cholesterol reduction, and an increase of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with GA. Thus, a high dose of ω‐3 PUFA can reduce IS. A lower dose of ω‐3 PUFA positively influenced body composition and lipid metabolism.
Residence Restrictions and the Association With Registered Sex Offender Clustering
Authors: Socia Kelly M.
Published: June 2012

This study examined whether sex offender residence restriction policies were associated with the clustering of registered sex offender (RSO) residences in 3,056 upstate New York block groups. RSO clustering was measured as the average distance between an RSO and the five closest RSO neighbors, and was aggregated to the block group level. Controls were included for structural characteristics of block groups as well as regional differences within the study area. Results indicate that block groups with relatively newer residence restrictions had decreased RSO clustering (i.e., RSOs living farther apart from each other) compared to block groups without such policies. However, block groups that had residence restrictions for longer than about 2 years had similar RSO clustering levels to block groups without such policies. Results suggest a nonlinear relationship between how long a residence restriction is in place and RSO clustering levels. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Adolescents of the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study
Authors: Bos Henny , Goldberg Naomi , Van Gelderen Loes , Gartrell Nanette
Published: June 2012

This article focuses on the influence of male role models on the lives of adolescents (N = 78) in the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study. Half of the adolescents had male role models; those with and those without male role models had similar scores on the feminine and masculine scales of the Bem Sex Role Inventory, as well as on the trait subscales of the State-Trait Personality Inventory (anxiety, anger, depression, and curiosity) and the Child Behavior Checklist (internalizing, externalizing, and total problem behavior). A positive association was found between feminine gender role traits and curiosity, and a negative correlation between this trait and internalizing problem behavior; these associations were independent of the gender of the adolescents and the presence of male role models. In sum, the absence of male role models did not adversely affect the psychological adjustment of adolescents reared by lesbian mothers.
In-cylinder boosting of turbocharged spark-ignited engines. Part 1: Model-based design of the charge valve
Authors: Voser Christoph , Dönitz Christian , Ochsner Gregor , Onder Christopher , Guzzella Lino
Published: June 2012

Downsizing and turbocharging for retaining the maximal power is a widely used approach to decrease the fuel consumption of spark ignited engines. In general, the trade-off is a substantial driveability loss. In-cylinder boosting has proven to be an effective way to eliminate this problem. Thus far, expensive and complex fully variable valve-trains have been proposed for the air exchange between the air tank and the combustion chamber. This paper is the first of a two-part study that examines the use of a deactivatable camshaft-driven valve with respect to the achievable transient engine performance. The system characteristics and limitations are discussed by using a mean value engine model that is adapted for in-cylinder boosting. A model-based design framework is presented which links the valve system design to a desired engine performance. The companion paper covers control issues and provides experimental verifications.
Identification of combustion timing based on the vibration acceleration of diesel engines
Authors: Cheng Yong , Tang Juan , Ji Shaobo , Huang Minli
Published: June 2012

A method for identification of combustion timing for diesel engines, based on the cylinder head’s vibration acceleration, is presented in this paper. A finite element model of a 195 diesel engine is established to study the correlation between the cylinder head’s vibration acceleration and the second derivative of the in-cylinder pressure. Simulation results show that the vibration acceleration and the second derivative of the in-cylinder pressure have similar trends before the peak pressure, and the combustion timing therefore can be identified by the zero-crossing point before the peak vibration acceleration. Experiments are also conducted on 195 and 495 diesel engines, and the combustion timing is predicted by the cylinder head’s vibration acceleration. Results verify that the combustion timing can be determined by the cylinder head’s vibration acceleration with an average error of less than 1.2° crank angle.
Development of a new method to assess fuel saving using gear shift indicators
Authors: Vagg Christopher , Brace Christian J , Wijetunge Roshan , Akehurst Sam , Ash Lloyd
Published: June 2012

European regulations set the emissions requirements for new vehicles at 130 g CO2/km, with an additional 10 g CO2/km to be achieved by additional complementary measures, including gear shift indicators. However, there is presently little knowledge of how much fuel or CO2 could actually be saved by the introduction of gear shift indicators, and there is no consensus on how these savings should be quantified. This study presents a procedure which allows these savings to be quantified over a New European Driving Cycle, and explores the trade-off between fuel savings and drivability. A vehicle model was established and calibrated using data obtained from pedal ramp tests conducted at steady speed using a chassis dynamometer, significantly reducing the time required to generate a calibration data set when compared with a steady-state mapping approach. This model was used for the optimisation of gear shift points on the New European Driving Cycle for reduced fuel consumption subject to drivability constraints. During model validation the greatest fuel saving achieved experimentally for a warm engine was 3.6% over the New European Driving Cycle, within the constraints imposed using subjective driver appraisal of vehicle drivability. The same shift strategy for a cold start driving cycle showed a fuel saving of 4.3% over the baseline, with corresponding savings in CO2 of 4.5% or 6.4 g CO2/km. For both hot and cold tests the savings were made entirely in the urban phase of the New European Driving Cycle; there were no significant differences in fuel consumption in the extra-urban phase. These results suggest that the introduction of gear shift indicators could have a substantial impact, contributing significantly towards the 10 g CO2/km to be achieved by additional complementary measures when assessed in this way. It is not clear whether these savings would translate into real world driving conditions, but for legislative purposes an assessment procedure based on the New European Driving Cycle remains a logical choice for simplicity and continuity.
Model-free simulations for compressible mixing layer
Authors: Javed Afroz , Chakraborty Debasis , Paul PJ
Published: June 2012

Confined supersonic mixing layer is explored through model-free simulations. Both two- and three-dimensional spatio-temporal simulations were carried out employing higher order finite difference scheme as well as finite volume scheme based on open source software (OpenFOAM) to understand the effect of three-dimensionality on the development of mixing layer. It is observed that although the instantaneous structures exhibit three-dimensional features, the average pressure and velocities are predominantly two-dimensional. The computed wall pressures match well with experimental results fairly well, although three-dimensional simulation underpredicts the wall pressure in the downstream direction. The self-similarity of the velocity profiles is obtained within the duct length for all the simulations. Although the mixing layer thicknesses differ among different simulations, their growth rate is nearly the same. Significant differences are observed for species and temperature distribution between two- and three-dimensional calculations, and two-dimensional calculations do not match the experimental observation of smooth variations in species mass fraction profiles as reported in literature. Reynolds stress distribution for three-dimensional calculations show profiles with less peak values compared to two-dimensional calculations; while normal stress anisotropy is higher for three-dimensional case.
Efficient use of an allotted airport annual noise budget through minimax optimization of runway allocations
Authors: Kuiper Bryan R , Visser Hendrikus G , Heblij Sander
Published: June 2012

This article presents the development of a runway allocation planning tool that seeks to maximize the permissible number of flight operations into and out of an airport within a given annual noise budget. Although the model that underlies the planning tool is generic in nature, the tool has been customized for application to a specific airport, namely, Amsterdam airport Schiphol in the Netherlands. The noise budget regulations applicable at Schiphol stipulate limits on the annual cumulative noise loads at a large number of enforcement points arranged around the airport. To ensure an equitable distribution of the cumulative noise load at the enforcement points, an efficient allocation and distribution of the annual flight movements over available runways and routes is required that takes weather induced restrictions into account. To this end, a linear programming optimization formulation has been developed that implements a minimax performance criterion that aims to minimize the maximum cumulative noise load value occurring at any of the enforcement points. The numerical results obtained for the operational year 2005 clearly demonstrate the potential of the tool to maximize the yearly number of flight movements within the assigned noise budget.
A dynamical basis for slip in centrifugal impellers
Authors: Ntoko Nzumbe-Mesape
Published: June 2012

The polar angle of a variable point defining the trajectory of a fluid particle in a centrifugal impeller is obtained using mechanics of particles in a rotating coordinate system. The expression for the angle then yielded the impeller outlet relative flow angle, which was used to calculate slip factor. An attempt to explain the phenomenon of slip using an oblique coordinate system with axes in the direction of the tangent to a vane and in the tangential direction then enabled a new expression for slip factor to be obtained. The computed values of slip factor using available pump data compare reasonably well with reference values.
How the public engages with global warming: A social representations approach
Authors: Smith Nicholas , Joffe Helene
Published: June 2012

The present study utilises social representations theory to explore common sense conceptualisations of global warming risk using an in-depth, qualitative methodology. Fifty-six members of a British, London-based 2008 public were initially asked to draw or write four spontaneous “first thoughts or feelings” about global warming. These were then explored via an open-ended, exploratory interview. The analysis revealed that first thoughts, either drawn or written, often mirrored the images used by the British press to depict global warming visually. Thus in terms of media framings, it was their visual rather than their textual content that was spontaneously available for their audiences. Furthermore, an in-depth exploration of interview data revealed that global warming was structured around three themata: self/other, natural/unnatural and certainty/uncertainty, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of common sense thinking in relation to risk issues.
Progress, decline, and the public uptake of climate science
Authors: Rudiak-Gould Peter
Published: June 2012

Previous research has sought to explain public perception of climate change science in terms of individuals’ “prior commitment” to such ideological stances as just-world belief, system justification, and liberalism/conservatism. One type of prior commitment that has received little formal attention in the literature is narratives of the moral trajectory of society. A theory of climate science uptake based on beliefs in societal progress or decline is more easily portable to non-Western settings; in a case study of global warming attitudes in the Marshall Islands, trajectory narratives indeed account for public belief, concern, blame, and response more aptly than existing theories, and accord well with qualitative analysis of Marshallese climate change discourse. In Western settings, progress/decline narratives may explain much of the variation in climate change attitudes previously accounted for by other ideological variables, promising a more penetrating explanation for the divergence of climate change attitudes within and between societies.
Nondimensional characterization of flow-mode magnetorheological/electrorheological fluid dampers
Authors: Goldasz Janusz , Sapinski Bogdan
Published: June 2012

Magnetorheological/electrorheological dampers are complex devices and involve a large set of important material and geometric variable with mutual interactions between them. As such, reliable predictions of the damping force level in these devices are difficult to achieve. However, meaningful results can be obtained with significantly less effort through nondimensional parameters involving all key variables. Therefore, the goal of this study was to propose a robust set of nondimensional parameters for the purpose of modeling of magnetorheological/electrorheological dampers (and other flow-mode devices) as well as the characterization of data from experiments with magnetorheological/electrorheological devices. The proposed scheme employs five parameters characterizing the contribution of flow inertia, viscosity, and yield stress, as well as shear thinning/thickening effects to the damping force output of magnetorheological/electrorheological valves. It is the result of analysis of several constitutive models of non-Newtonian fluid models (Bingham plastic model, biviscous model, biplastic Bingham model, and Herschel–Bulkley model). Specifically, the goal was to derive analytical (exact) formulae for pressure gradient of all examined models excluding the Herschel–Bulkley model. In the Herschel–Bulkley model, the nondimensional relationship between pressure gradient and flow rate is given in a power-law form, and the analytical (exact) solution cannot be obtained. Prior art included analytical (exact) solutions for the Bingham plastic model only. In the most generic form, the expressions can be useful for designing magnetorheological/electrorheological flow-mode devices. Exemplary calculations of the damping force output are presented in this article for a custom single-gap magnetorheological piston. The piston contains a semi-bypass feature in the annulus to allow for low-breakaway forces at near-zero piston velocity inputs. The steady-state calculations are presented for two exemplary damper units, and the model is validated against experimental data. Finally, the expressions allow one to easily characterize flow data into separate regimes of damper operation by means of the proposed scheme.