bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Moisture on Mountain Waves during T-REX
Authors: Jiang Qingfang , Doyle James D.
Published: June 2009

The impact of moist processes on mountain waves over Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is investigated in this study. Aircraft measurements over Owens Valley obtained during the Terrain-induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX) indicate that mountain waves were generally weaker when the relative humidity maximum near the mountaintop level was above 70%. Four moist cases with a RH maximum near the mountaintop level greater than 90% have been further examined using a mesoscale model and a linear wave model. Two competing mechanisms governing the influence of moisture on mountain waves have been identified. The first mechanism involves low-level moisture that enhances flow–terrain interaction by reducing windward flow blocking. In the second mechanism, the moist airflow tends to damp mountain waves through destratifying the airflow and reducing the buoyancy frequency. The second mechanism dominates in the presence of a deep moist layer in the lower to middle troposphere, and the wave amplitude is significantly reduced associated with a smaller moist buoyancy frequency. With a shallow moist layer and strong low-level flow, the two mechanisms can become comparable in magnitude and largely offset each other.
Neighborhood Verification: A Strategy for Rewarding Close Forecasts
Authors: Ebert Elizabeth E.
Published: June 2009

High-resolution forecasts may be quite useful even when they do not match the observations exactly. Neighborhood verification is a strategy for evaluating the “closeness” of the forecast to the observations within space–time neighborhoods rather than at the grid scale. Various properties of the forecast within a neighborhood can be assessed for similarity to the observations, including the mean value, fractional coverage, occurrence of a forecast event sufficiently near an observed event, and so on. By varying the sizes of the neighborhoods, it is possible to determine the scales for which the forecast has sufficient skill for a particular application. Several neighborhood verification methods have been proposed in the literature in the last decade. This paper examines four such methods in detail for idealized and real high-resolution precipitation forecasts, highlighting what can be learned from each of the methods. When applied to idealized and real precipitation forecasts from the Spatial Verification Methods Intercomparison Project, all four methods showed improved forecast performance for neighborhood sizes larger than grid scale, with the optimal scale for each method varying as a function of rainfall intensity.
What Counseling Psychologists Can Do to Help Returning Veterans
Authors: Danish Steven J. , Antonides Bradley J.
Published: June 2009

The purpose of this article is to describe the needs of service members and their families who have fought or are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and who have sustained psychological and/or physical injuries and how counseling psychologists can help. The focus is twofold: (a) to help the reader better understand those who have served and how what counseling psychologists have to offer may be especially unique and valuable and (b) to describe several programs consistent with the traditions of counseling psychology that those at the Life Skills Center have developed. One program, F.R.E.E. 4 Vets, will be described in some detail.
Flame-retardant Polyamide 11 and 12 Nanocomposites: Thermal and Flammability Properties
Authors: Lao S.C. , Wu C. , Moon T.J. , Koo J.H. , Morgan A. , Pilato L. , Wissler G.
Published: June 2009

Polyamide (nylon) 11 (PA11) and 12 (PA12) were melt-blended, dispersing low concentrations of nanoparticles, namely nanoclays (NCs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and nanosilicas (NSs) via twin-screw extrusion. To enhance their thermal and flame-retardant (FR) properties, an intumescent FR additive was added to the mechanically superior NC and CNF PA11 formulations. For neat and nanoparticle-reinforced PA11 and PA12, as well as for PA11 reinforced by both intumescent FR and select nanoparticles (NC or CNF), decomposition and heat deflection temperatures were measured, as were the peak heat release rates while burning the composites. All PA11 polymer systems infused with both nanoparticles and FR additive had higher decomposition temperatures than those infused with solely FR additive. For the PA11/FR/NC polymer blends, only the 20 wt% FR and 7.5 wt% clay formulation passed the UL 94 V-0 requirement, while all PA11/FR/ CNF formulations passed UL 94 V-0 requirement.
Experimental Tests and Numerical Analyses of Fiber Metal Laminate Panels under Shear Load with Bonded Window Frame
Authors: Boni L. , Lanciotti A. , Lazzeri L.
Published: June 2009

Experimental and numerical activities have been developed to investigate the behavior of Fiber metal laminates (FML) shear loaded panels having a bonded window frame. Both static and fatigue tests have been carried out at the Department of Aerospace Engineering of Pisa on 10 panels manufactured by Alenia Aeronautica, in the context of the DIALFAST (Development of Innovative and Advanced Laminates for Future Aircraft Structures) project, co-funded by the European Commission within the Sixth Framework Programme. In addition to technological problems, the tested specimens represent very critical components, involving fundamental aspects of the structural design of fuselage panels; in particular, the primary interest to exploit the postbuckling behavior of FML components, as commonly applied in conventional aluminum alloy fuselage structures, is associated with the effort of making reinforced holes which do not alter significantly the stress distribution of the main body of the panel. Detailed finite element analyses, performed by means of the ABAQUS V 6.5 package, have been used to investigate the panel response during testing. The numerical results have shown a very good agreement with the experimental data, thus revealing an effective instrument to study the behavior of a postbuckled shear panel, in presence of the neutral hole issue.
Effect of Impact Directions, Fiber Orientation, and Temperature on Composite Material Strength
Authors: Mahmoudi N. , Hebbar A. , Zenasni R. , Lousdad A.
Published: June 2009

Composite materials posses better characteristics and properties and therefore have wider application in industry. However, their development relies on a better understanding of their mechanical behavior. The aim of this article is to investigate the behavior of a thermoplastic material matrix composite reinforced by glass fabric type RT270 to break under temperature variation. Resilience tests were applied on standard notched specimens (cuts made in two directions over the layers, and mutually perpendicular) precracked from notch depth, with fibers direction being 0°/90° and +45°/-45°. Different temperatures have been used for each type (-30°, 0°, 30°C). These tests were developed following a designed experience of type 23.3 1, requiring 24 experiments performed in triplicate. Through regression analysis, a mathematical model describing the tensile strength according to the influential parameters is obtained, and the results of the tests allow calculating the strength (energy). From the results obtained, it was observed that energy is also important in the case of an edge notch in the front side and that the fibers direction and temperature variation have a great influence on the impact resistance and sensitivity of composite material.
Mechanical Characterization of Carpet Waste Natural Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Onal L. , Karaduman Y.
Published: June 2009

This investigation deals with the property characterization of polymeric composites from abundantly available and renewable jute fibers. The aim of this article is to explore the possibility of using carpet waste jute yarn for value added fiber-reinforced composite materials and to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of these low-cost composites. Jute yarn was treated with 25 wt% NaOH solution to improve fiber—matrix interface. NaOH-treated jute yarn was crimpier, bulkier, more hairy, and flexible. The investigation of the mechanical properties of composites was performed as a function of yarn type, reinforcement form, matrix type, alkali treatment, and fiber content. For this purpose, the tensile, flexural and charpy impact tests were performed. It was found that composite samples from alkali treated reinforcement had better mechanical properties based on the investigated parameters. SEM analyses showed that alkali treatment improves bonding across the fiber—matrix interface. Jute—epoxy composites showed better tensile and flexural strength in comparison to jute—polyester composites, whereas impact strength of epoxy matrix composites were almost half that of polyester matrix composites. Composites from double ply jute yarns showed better flexural strength. Taking into account the reinforcement form, jute composites from random reinforcement form showed higher tensile strength and modulus. The study strongly suggests that the jute fiber waste-reinforced polymer composite materials are quite capable to serve as a potential cost effective, technologically viable, and attractive substitute to the conventional glass fiber composites.
Witness Factors and Their Influence on Jurors’ Perceptions and Verdicts
Authors: Pozzulo Joanna D. , Dempsey Julie L.
Published: June 2009

Mock jurors ( N = 363) read a mock trial transcript that examined the influence of age of witness (child vs. adult), the witness’s relationship to the crime (bystander vs. victim), and the type of eyewitness identification decision (positive vs. foil vs. nonidentification) on their perception of the witness’s accuracy for other crime details, credibility, and verdict. The offender’s physical description was perceived as more accurate with a positive versus foil identification. The perceived accuracy of the offender’s description did not vary with a positive identification versus nonidentification. Child victims were perceived as credible as adult victims, but a child as a bystander was perceived as less credible than an adult as a bystander. More guilty verdicts were rendered with a positive identification versus a foil identification or a nonidentification. Guilty verdicts were made at a comparable rate when the witness made a foil identification or a nonidentification.
On improving performance of aircraft engine gas path fault diagnosis
Authors: Yan W.Z. , Li J.C. , Goebel K.F.
Published: June 2009

Aircraft engine fault diagnosis plays a crucial role in cost-effective operations of aircraft engines. However, designing an engine fault diagnostic system with the desired performance is a challenging task, because of several characteristics associated with aircraft engines. Geared towards achieving the highest possible performance of fault diagnosis, this paper explores strategies on improving diagnosis performance. Specifically, we introduce flight regime mapping and a two-level multiple classifier system as means to improve classification performance. By designing a real-world aircraft fault diagnostic system, we demonstrate that the strategies adopted in this study are effective in improving the performance of aircraft engine fault diagnostic systems.
The Role of Pretreatment Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Facilitating Therapy of Head and Neck Cancer and Optimizing the Body Mass Index of the Obese Patient
Authors: Raykher Aleksandra , Correa Lilia , Russo Lianne , Brown Pat , Lee Nancy , Pfister David , Gerdes Hans , Shah Jatin , Kraus Dennis , Schattner Mark , Shike Moshe
Published: June 2009

Background: Chemoradiation of head and neck cancer induces severe dysphagia and malnutrition, which may lead to interruptions in therapy and reduction in its efficacy. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feedings bypass the oropharynx, allowing administration of nutrients and medications into the stomach, thus preventing malnutrition, dehydration, and treatment interruption. Methods: Medical records of 161 patients treated for head and neck cancer who had PEGs placed prior to chemoradiation and 2 PEGs placed during chemoradiation were reviewed from the date of PEG placement throughout treatment and utilization. The objective was to determine the contribution of pretreatment PEGs to the therapy of patients with head and neck cancer and to optimize their body mass index. Results: Severe chemoradiation‐induced dysphagia developed in 160 patients (98%), necessitating PEG utilization for feeding and hydration. PEGs were used for a mean 251 ± 317 days. Significant complications related to PEG placement and utilization were infrequent. PEG feeding allowed chemoradiation to continue without interruption in 93% of patients. Individualized feeding regimens optimized body mass index in obese and overweight patients with a decline from 33.0 ± 3.4 to 28.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2 (P < .001) and 27.3 ± 1.5 to 24.6 ± 2.7 kg/m2 (P < .001), respectively. Radiation‐induced strictures developed in 12% of patients, requiring endoscopic dilatation. Conclusions: Enteral feeding through prechemoradiation‐placed PEGs is an effective and safe method for nutrition and hydration of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation. PEGs allowed chemoradiation to proceed with minimal interruptions despite severe dysphagia, which excluded oral intake for prolonged periods.
Excavating the Millennial Teacher Mine
Authors: Walker Karen L.
Published: June 2009

The Millennials, born from 1980 to 2000, have begun entering the profession, and many will not stay longer than 5 years. They have a unique set of talents, skills, and work ethic, unlike those from previous generations. They are extremely eager to be successful. If strong supportive programs of mentoring, induction, career ladders, and ongoing staff development are provided, they can develop into outstanding educators, and the odds are good that they will stay in the profession.
The U.S. Supreme Court Speaks on Voluntary School Integration Plans
Authors: Gutierrez Kathrine J. , Rossow Lawrence F.
Published: June 2009

This article addresses important legal issues surrounding voluntary school integration plans and explores policy and practice implications of the Seattle and Louisville cases. School policy guidance for how school districts should create or change their voluntary integration policies is discussed. Further discussion reveals what some school districts around the nation are doing in light of the Seattle/Louisville decision. Additional discussion speaks of future policy possibilities for school districts and educational leaders to consider as a possible solution to creating voluntary school desegregation plans. Practical implications are addressed for middle and secondary school principals as school leaders who must deal with the outcomes produced by school district policies regarding integration plans.
Evaluating Shame Transformation in Group Treatment of Domestic Violence Offenders
Authors: Loeffler Christopher H. , Prelog Andrew J. , Prabha Unnithan N. , Pogrebin Mark R.
Published: June 2009

Offender rehabilitation, pitting the rational ability of criminal justice against the seeming irrationality of criminal behavior, remains controversial. Psychology highlights the importance of emotions in mediating individual behavior. Borrowing from restorative justice as a more emotionally intelligent form of justice, this article examines the role of shame and guilt in a domestic violence offender treatment program. The emotions are differentiated and then activated, similar to the use of reintegrative shaming in restorative justice, to promote greater offender accountability and empathy. Using a two-group comparison of male domestic violence offenders, measurements were taken on three sets of scales in assessing the outcome of the shame transformation process. Statistically significant effects were found for self-esteem and empathetic concern. Findings and future research are discussed.
Personality and Cognitive-Style Profile of Antisocial and Prosocial Adolescents
Authors: Lipperman-Kreda Sharon , Glicksohn Joseph
Published: June 2009

In this brief report, antisocial and prosocial adolescents are contrasted in terms of impulsivity and venturesomeness, and the cognitive style of field dependence— independence are assessed using the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT). The data have been collected from a total of 366 youths, ranging in age between 12 and 18 years. Antisocials are found to score below average, whereas the prosocials score above average on the GEFT.
Sediment characteristics at river confluences: a case study of the Mula-Kas confluence, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Unde Maya G. , Dhakal Subash
Published: June 2009

River bed and floodplain sediments are a direct reflection of river channel processes. This paper examines sediment transfer processes at river junctions, using as a case study the River Kas, a tributary of the River Mula, Godavari basin, Maharashtra, India. The study uses four cross-sections, two from upstream tributaries, one in the main confluence zone, and one downstream. Sediment samples are collected from each cross-section and adjacent banks. To understand the tributary impact on the main channel, variations in sand, silt and clay percentages and variations in the shape of sediment particles were recorded. Data suggest that the percentage of silt and clay increased away from the active channel towards banks along a cross-section, except for the mid-channel bar and the downstream segment of the confluence. The `a axis' and `c axis' lengths of particles increased for the samples on the confluence compared to upstream and downstream samples. Sediment characteristics between tributary and the main stream reflect both downstream distance from sediment source and the characteristics of the respective transport processes. The distribution of fine material at the tributary mouth suggests that there have been instances in the past where the mainstream flow has dominated the confluence and has led to slack water deposits on the tributary mouth. Construction of a weir for local flow regulation also affects the pattern and character of sediments. In this large, seasonal river, confluence sedimentology is a joint product of flow variation, confluence morphology and the additional effects of human activity. The study thus provides insights into confluence dynamics and characteristics which may not be revealed in the more intensively researched temperate confluences of smaller scale.
A review of Ts/VI remote sensing based methods for the retrieval of land surface energy fluxes and soil surface moisture
Authors: Petropoulos G. , Carlson T.N. , Wooster M.J. , Islam S.
Published: June 2009

Imagery from remote sensing systems, often combined with ancillary ground information, is able to provide repetitive, synoptic views of key parameters characterizing land surface interactions, including surface energy fluxes and surface soil moisture. Differing methodologies using a wide range of remote sensing data have been developed for this purpose. Approaches vary from purely empirical to more complex ones, including residual methods and those that have their basis in the biophysical properties characterizing a two-dimensional Ts/VI (surface temperature/ vegetation index) scatterplot domain derived from remote sensing observations. The present article aims to offer a comprehensive and systematic review of this latter group of methods, which differ in terms of the complexity and assumptions they entail as well as their requirement for field-based and other ancillary data. Prior to the review, the biophysical meanings and properties encapsulated in the Ts/VI feature space is elucidated, since these represent the building block upon which all the Ts/VI methods described herein are based. The overview of the Ts/VI methods is also very timely, as one such method is being scheduled in the operational retrieval of surface soil moisture content by the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS), in a series of satellite platforms due to be launched in the next 12 years starting from 2016.
Differences in Sonographic Characteristics of the Vastus Medialis Obliquus between Patients with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome and Healthy Adults
Authors: Jan Mei-Hwa , Lin Da-Hon , Lin Jiu-Jenq , Lin Chien-Ho Janice , Cheng Cheng-Kung , Lin Yeong-Fwu
Published: June 2009

Background

There is controversy regarding the relationship between patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) and insufficiency of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO). The conventional clinical practice of VMO strengthening for PFPS has been challenged for lack of evidence. The purpose of this study was to observe the difference in sonographic findings of the VMO between patients with PFPS and healthy adults.

Hypothesis

The morphological characteristics of the VMO are different between patients with PFPS and healthy adults.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Fifty-four patients with PFPS and 54 age-, gender-, body height—, and body weight—matched healthy adults as controls were enrolled in the study to measure by sonography the insertion level, fiber angle, and volume of the VMO at its insertional portion to detect differences between patients with PFPS and healthy controls.

Results

The insertion level, fiber angle, and VMO volume were all significantly smaller in the PFPS group than in the control group (P < .05). Multivariate analysis of variance has revealed a Wilks λ value of .845 and an F value of 5.640 (P = .001).

Conclusion

There was a significant difference in the 3 VMO measures between patients with PFPS and the healthy controls. Individuals might be predisposed to PFPS by different VMO characteristics, including insertion level and fiber angle. The current study cannot determine whether the observed morphological differences were the results of atrophy in response to pain or if they represent dysplasia that was predisposed to pain development. The clinical manifestations of VMO characteristics should be thoroughly investigated in other populations.

Clinical Relevance

The function of the VMO is important to consider in the rehabilitation of patients with PFPS.
Evaluation of Forest Fuel Flammability and Combustion Properties with an Adapted Mass Loss Calorimeter Device
Authors: Madrigal J. , Hernando C. , Guijarro M. , Díez C. , Marino E. , De Castro A.J.
Published: June 2009

An adapted bench-scale Mass Loss Calorimeter (MLC) device for evaluating forest fuel flammability and combustion properties is proposed. This fire test apparatus consists of an MLC fitted with a chimney containing a thermopile. After the thermopile output has been calibrated by use of a methane burner, these data are used to quantify heat release, as an alternative to the classical measurement of oxygen consumption due to combustion. The results showed good repeatability and reasonable approximation to HRR values obtained with a cone calorimeter, and also demonstrated that each variable analyzed was significantly affected by the species considered.
The Impact of Exit Route Designs on Evacuation Time for Crawling Occupants
Authors: Kady Rani A. , Davis Jerry
Published: June 2009

According to the Life Safety Code®, the distance between the exit access and the exit is a function of the occupants, type and number of obstructions, and the type of hazard. This study investigates the impact of route design on evacuation times for crawling movements. The study compares evacuation time for a straight route to an indirect route design, and the influence of occupant characteristics, in terms of gender and BMI, on evacuation time for occupants crawling an indirect route. Eighteen subjects (9 males and 9 females) in the 19—29 age stratum participated in the study (normal, overweight, and obese). The findings indicate a statistical difference between evacuation time for crawling in a straight route and an indirect one. Furthermore, the study reveals that both gender and BMI are major physical determinants of evacuation time of crawlers in an indirect route. The study is an attempt to provide data on occupant movement in unique circumstances (such as crawling an indirect route). Such data will contribute to enhance the ability of evacuation models to better represent occupant movement in different building enclosures.
Developing a Standpoint Practice Method With Cases
Authors: Sosulski Marya R.
Published: June 2009

Practitioners confront complex social problems along with clients, helping them find solutions to problems they face while living under oppressive economic and social circumstances. Clients require help with acute problems, yet have vital experience to draw on. Using feminist standpoint theories promotes consciousness-raising for practitioners about clients’ views on their situations, social structures, and power relationships, increasing clients’ self-determination and systems change. This article offers a rigorous, pragmatic method to analyze practice centering clients’ standpoints. This ‘‘feminist standpoint model’’ recognizes innovative interpretations and creative solutions from clients’ perspectives. Examples from a study of welfare reform illustrate the use of the model.
Psychological Abuse Perpetration in College Dating Relationships
Authors: Gormley Barbara , Lopez Frederick G.
Published: June 2009

This study investigated whether gender, stressful problems common among college students, and adult attachment orientations (anxiety and avoidance) contributed to self-reported perpetration of psychological abuse in dating relationships among 127 college students. College men’s stress levels were the strongest predictor of perpetration of emotional abuse against their female romantic partners. Attachment avoidance among college men and women was associated with higher levels of emotional abuse perpetration when self-reported stress levels were high. Recommendations for research and practice are provided.
Depression Among Couples in the United States in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Vaeth Patrice A. C. , Ramisetty-Mikler Suhasini , Caetano Raul
Published: June 2009

This paper examines the relationship between intimate partner violence and depression. A multicluster random household sample of U.S. couples was interviewed as part of a five-year national longitudinal study (response rate = 72%). Depression was assessed with the CES-D. The multivariate analyses for men showed that the odds of depression did not vary significantly by type of male-to-female (MF) or female-to-male (FM) aggression. Men who engaged in infrequent binge drinking, compared to those who never binged, were less likely to be depressed, as were men with greater collective efficacy. For women, the multivariate analysis, showed that FM aggression (psychological: minor and severe, and physical) was associated with a greater likelihood of depression. Exposure to parental violence was also associated with depression. Women may experience depression as the result of psychological and physical aggression even if they are the perpetrators of such aggression.
Hydration Status of Exclusively and Partially Breastfed Near-Term Newborns in the First Week of Life
Authors: Kusuma Sirisha , Sunil Kumar Agrawal  , Kumar Praveen , Narang Anil , Prasad Rajendra
Published: June 2009

Se hizo un estudio de cohorte prospectivo observacional intra-hospitalario para evaluar los efectos del tipo de alimentación (lactancia maternal exclusiva [LME] vs lactancia parcial [LP]) en el estado de hidratación de recién nacidos casi a termino en la primera semana de vida. Se reclutaron 205 bebes de 35 a 37 semanas de gestación (82 en el grupo de LME y 123 en el de LP). La incidencia general de perdida de peso significativa (≥ 10%) fue de 18% sin diferencia significativa entre los grupos de LME y LP (18.3% vs 17.9%, P = .94). La incidencia de hipernatremia (niveles de NA en el suero ≥ 150 meq/L) fue de 2.4% en LME y 5.7% en el grupo de LP ( P = .32). Los factores que se asociaron significativamente a la perdida de peso en el total del cohorte fueron: tener una madre que tuvo anteriormente una experiencia negativa con la lactancia materna (OR ajustado = 15.5, 95% CI = 2.1-115.7), exposición a fototerapia (OR ajustado = 9.0, 95% CI = 2.5-31.8) y parto por cesárea (OR ajustado = 6.7, 95% CI = 2.3-19.7).
The Financing and Programming of Advocacy in Complex Nonprofit Structures
Authors: Kerlin Janelle A. , Reid Elizabeth J.
Published: June 2009

This article examines nonprofit environmental groups to demonstrate the impact of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulation on nonprofit organizations interested in advocacy work. This regulation encourages nonprofits interested in extended advocacy to form additional, related tax-exempt entities, creating complex nonprofit structures. Although regulatory barriers to charitable lobbying have received some attention, little has been written on how regulatory policy shapes the organizational structures, finances, and programming of nonprofits involved in advocacy. This study analyzes the complex structures of five environmental nonprofit groups using information they file with the IRS and FEC and interviews with key officers and representatives. It finds that even with strict regulatory compliance, financial and programmatic relationships across these complex structures can vary creating different types of complex nonprofit structures. The article models the different complex nonprofit structures and provides an analysis of the historical and legal risk factors that underlie them.
Making Explicit the Contention in Hospice Care
Authors: Moon Paul J.
Published: June 2009

At the core of hospice remains the defining nature of mortals tending to other mortals facing diagnosed terminality. Such situations are pregnant with meanings. As mortals are subjective beings, social engagements become inundated with meaning differences. This alludes to the inescapable occurrence of collisions and conflicts in meaning. It would behoove us to make explicit the contention that exists in hospice care, given that death is the nonnegotiable outcome to be diversely faced by all involved persons whose lived approaches related to death issues may characteristically lack unanimity. Toward elucidating the inherently contentious nature of hospice care, the dynamical influence of external forces that overlie thanatological matters in society and the complex human dynamic in hospice care situations are discussed. Practice suggestions for hospice staff are offered.
Inherited Thrombophilia is Associated With Pregnancy Losses That Occur After 12th Gestational Week in Serbian Population
Authors: Mitic Gorana , Kovac Mirjana , Povazan Ljubica , Magic Zvonko , Djordjevic Valentina , Salatic Iva , Mitic Igor , Novakov-Mikic Aleksandra
Published: June 2009

Recurrent fetal loss (RFL) is a significant clinical problem, occurring in 1% to 5% of reproductive females. Inherited or acquired thrombophilia has been diagnosed in 50% to 65% of women with history of unexplained fetal loss. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of thrombophilia in women with unexplained RFL in Serbian population and to find out whether the presence of thrombophilia is associated with pregnancy losses that occur later than 12th gestational week. We have examined 147 women with unexplained RFL or intrauterine fetal death and 128 healthy women with at least 1 uncomplicated pregnancy. The antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC), protein S (PS), activated protein C (APC) resistance, factor V (FV) G1691A, factor II (FII) G20210A, and MTHFR C677T were determined. At least 1 inherited thrombophilic defect was found in 54 (36.7%) of 147 women with repeated fetal losses and in 11 (8.59%) of 128 controls (P < .001, OR 6.17, 95% CI 3.06-12.48). The most common thrombophilic abnormalities were homozygosity for MTHFR 677TT, FV Leiden, and FII G20210A. Deficiency of natural anticoagulants occurred in 10 patients, with protein S deficiency being the most frequent one. Thrombophilia was found in 46 of 94 women with RFL that occurred later than the 12th gestational week and in only 8 of 53 with RPL earlier than 12th week (P = .001). Our study has shown the association between the hereditary thrombophilia and RFL that occurred after the 12th gestational week in Serbian population.
Economic and Practical Aspects of Thromboprophylaxis With Unfractionated and Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins in Hospitalized Medical Patients
Authors: Pineo Graham F. , Hull Russell D.
Published: June 2009

Acutely ill medical patients are at significant risk of developing venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications during or after their hospitalization. Venous thromboembolic events, such as proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), place a high and unacceptable burden on health care resources, up to US$1.5 billion annually in the United States. However, the burden of VTE can be reduced by use of appropriate thromboprophylaxis. Prophylaxis of VTE with either a low-dose unfractionated heparin (UFH) or a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in medical inpatients is effective, well tolerated and cost-effective, compared with no prophylaxis. Low-molecular-weight heparins have a number of practical benefits over UFH, including once-daily subcutaneous injection and the potential to be used in the outpatient setting. These clinical advantages could translate to improved patient adherence to therapy and provide economic benefits, where LMWHs are more cost-effective compared with UFH.
Stability of Plasma Anti-Xa Activity in Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Monitoring
Authors: Rojnuckarin Ponlapat , Akkawat Benjaporn , Juntiang Jumlong
Published: June 2009

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is now the standard of care for prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Only cases with renal failure, morbid obesity or extreme age require anti-Xa monitoring to assure the therapeutic level achievement. Because of infrequent requests, the test is usually sent to the reference laboratories and specimen handling may be delayed. Because LMWHs can be kept at ambient temperature for several days, we proposed that anti-Xa levels in plasma samples are similarly steady. Patients’ plasma that was requested for anti-Xa activity was left at room temperature to repeat the test 24 hours later and compare with the result of immediate assay. The study included 86 fresh specimens from 56 participants. All patients received enoxaparin with anti-Xa levels ranging from 0.1 to 2.5 U/mL. Notably, anti-Xa activities significantly rose on the second occasions (P = 8.4 × 10—10). The mean change of anti-Xa was +0.15 ± 0.21 U/mL (+24.9% ± 37.4%). Children (age <15 years) showed more marked alterations than adults (+40.9% vs. +18.2%, P = .008). There was no statistical difference in the degrees of changes between sexes and diagnoses. The data suggest that specimens sent for anti-Xa require prompt handling to prevent falsely elevated values. This observation is new and future research is needed to find the mechanism of this alteration.
Tailored Medical and Interventional Therapy Against Recurrent Stent Thrombosis After Drug-Eluting Stenting
Authors: Campo Gianluca , Valgimigli Marco , Carrescia Chiara , Carletti Roberto , Ferrari Roberto
Published: June 2009

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a thienopyridine (ticlopidine or clopidogrel) has strikingly improved the results of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through a marked reduction in the rate of stent thrombosis (ST). Emerging data suggest that resistance to antiplatelet treatment may be a risk factor for ST. We report about a patient, aspirin and clopidogrel poor responder, who experienced 4 ST in 10 days. After the second ST, during antiplatelet therapy with aspirin (100 mg/die) and clopidogrel (75 mg/die), the patient’s platelet function was investigated with Platelet Function Analyzer 100, VerifyNow P2Y12 System and light transmission aggregometry (LTA). High platelet reactivity and combined resistance to aspirin and clopidogrel were found, and, as a consequence, treatment was switched to clopidogrel 150 mg and aspirin 300 mg/die. In spite of this adjustment, the third ST occurred. Poor responsiveness to aspirin and clopidogrel was still confirmed. Because of combined clopidogrel and aspirin resistance and to unsuccessful PCI treatment, a single coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) was planned. Awaiting surgery, 3 days later, the fourth ST occurred. It is angiographically confirmed and thus, CABG was performed. After CABG, in chronic treatment with aspirin (300 mg/die) and ticlopidine (500 mg/die), no bleeding complications occurred and the patient did not experience recurrent ischemia (2 years follow-up). A better platelet inhibition by ticlopidine than that obtained by clopidogrel was observed. Our case report remarks the importance to identify these poor responder patients as the treatment can be tailored with alternative therapeutic options (ticlopidine, prasugrel, warfarin) and/or different revascularization strategies (CABG).
Predisposing Preventable Factors in Patients With Bleeding due to Warfarin Usage: Evaluation of 114 Patients
Authors: Beyan Esin , Beyan Cengiz , Vaizoğlu Songül Acar
Published: June 2009

Warfarin is one of the commonly used oral anticoagulant. The aim of our study is to evaluate the predisposing preventable factors among patients with bleeding due to warfarin usage. This study was performed on 114 cases who were admitted to emergency service for bleeding and whose ages range between 27 and 89 years. The mean time between the onset of the bleeding and admission to the hospital was 2.9 ± 3.4 days. The mean dose of warfarin being used at the time of admission was 31.2 ± 10.8 mg weekly. Only 37 cases were being controlled regularly. The mean number of the drugs being used other than warfarin was 4.8 ± 2.5 drugs. Forty-eight cases were using aspirin, 28 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs other than aspirin and 18 cases were using various antibiotics. Forty eight patients knew that they had to use this drug under the regular follow-up of a physician and 43 knew that during monitoring a laboratory test had to be done while using the drug named as warfarin. Only 39 patients knew that this drug may cause bleeding. It was also surprising that only 9 patients knew that there may be drug interaction and 1 knew that this drug may be affected from the dietary factors. As a result, it may be concluded that most of the patients admitting to the emergency service had a lack of basic knowledge about this drug, which might invite bleeding.
Solutions to the Periodic Eshelby Inclusion Problem in Two Dimensions
Authors: Liu Liping
Published: June 2009

We solve the homogeneous Eshelby inclusion problem on a finite unit cell with periodic boundary conditions. The main result is a representation formula of the strain field which is reminiscent of the familiar Green’s representation formula. The formula is valid for any smooth inclusion and divergence-free eigenstress. More, it is shown that a Vigdergauz structure does not have the Eshelby uniformity property for symmetric non-dilatational eigenstress unless it degenerates to a laminate.
Modelling and Solvability of a Rigid-Plastic Rolling Problem
Authors: Angelov T.A.
Published: June 2009

A steady-state rolling problem with rigid—plastic, incompressible material model and with contact frictionless and friction boundary conditions is considered and studied. Existence and uniqueness of the solution of the corresponding penalty variational problem and its convergence to the solution of the primal variational problem is briefly presented. A regularization and the finite element approximation of the penalty problem are given and analysed. A convergent algorithm, combining the finite element method with the iterative secant-modulus method, is proposed and applied to solve an example problem and the obtained numerical results are illustrated.
Treatment of Food Selectivity in a Young Child With Autism
Authors: Wood Brenna K. , Wolery Mark , Kaiser Ann P.
Published: June 2009

Children who have autism have an increased risk for food selectivity. In this study, the effects of a therapeutic feeding intervention, implemented within the parameters of a gluten-free/casein-free diet, on the food consumption of a 5.5-year-old boy with autism were assessed. The treatment package used combined task direction, contingent reinforcement, physical prompts, and procedures to introduce food gradually based on the frequency with which the food was offered to the child and the percentage of times he accepted the food (e.g., from food consumed daily 100% of the time to new food items likely to be rejected). During intervention, number and variety of foods consumed increased from baseline. The child’s mother was highly satisfied with the intervention. Implications are discussed.
Immigration and Violent Crime
Authors: Polczynski Olson Christa , Laurikkala Minna K. , Huff-Corzine Lin , Corzine Jay
Published: June 2009

With few exceptions, recent investigations have found levels of criminal involvement to be lower among immigrants than among the native born. We extend this line of research by examining arrest data for native-born citizens, citizens born outside the United States, naturalized citizens, and noncitizens in Orange County (Orlando), Florida, for homicide, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault. Arrest rates for noncitizens are generally lower than those for the native born and similar to those of naturalized and foreign-born citizens, but their sexual assault rate is the highest of the four groups. The concentration of immigrants has no significant impact on arrest rates for native- and foreign-born citizens at the census-tract level. Additional research is necessary to more fully understand the linkage between immigration and crime, but mounting evidence that the new immigrants to not contribute to elevated crime levels in urban areas should be an important component of policy discussions.
A Two-Stage Approach To Efficiency Modeling: an Application To the Australian Hospital Food Production Industry
Authors: Assaf A. , Matawie K.M.
Published: June 2009

In this article, the authors have considered the use of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to calculate and analyze the level of technical, allocative, and cost efficiencies of Australian hospital foodservice operations. Based on the DEA outcomes, a Tobit regression model was then introduced to show the significance of some management characteristics on the level of each of the derived DEA efficiency. This two-stage method was tested on a sample of 89 hospital foodservice operations, representing all the states of Australia. The analysis showed that the average DEA indices of technical, allocative, and cost efficiencies were 65.3%, 81.5%, and 52.3%, respectively. This indicated that allocative efficiency is more significant than technical efficiency as a source of improvement in cost efficiency. The results from the statistical model highlighted the importance of managers' education and experience in improving the level of technical, allocative, and cost efficiencies in hospital foodservice operations.
Characterization of Ductile Core Materials
Authors: Battley Mark , Burman Magnus
Published: June 2009

This article describes an experimental investigation of characterization methods for ductile core materials. Full-field optical strain measurement methods are used to determine the strain distributions in standard testing methods such as block shear and four-point beam testing, particularly for highly ductile cores subjected to large deformations. The results show that the stress and strain fields in both block shear and sandwich beam tests are very different to those assumed by the testing standards. The test methods result in complex post yield states of stress in the core materials, meaning the core shear strength and ultimate shear strain should not be calculated by classical methods in the post yield region.
The classification and principles of management of wounds in trauma
Authors: Barnard AR , Allison K.
Published: June 2009

The correct assessment and early management of wounds is vital in achieving a good outcome in both the acute and chronic setting. A robust management plan for the trauma patient depends upon accurate and timely assessment of all injuries and evaluation of key features such as mechanism of injury, pre-hospital findings and intervention, zone of injury, patient characteristics and structures damaged. This article describes the general principles of wound assessment and management, discussing mechanism and zone of injury, debridement techniques, types of irrigation and the use of antibiotic prophylaxis. Particular attention is given to the management of open tibial fractures, fasciotomy wounds, pretibial lacerations and haematomas and bite wounds.
The anthropology of global flows
Authors: Heyman Josiah McC. , Campbell Howard
Published: June 2009

Arjun Appadurai's essay `Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Cultural Economy' popularized the idea of `global flows'. He argues that these flows are `disjunctive' and `chaotic' in character and that they supersede standard geographical thinking in social-cultural analysis. Appadurai's emphasis on disjuncture prioritizes ephemeral and shifting flows, thereby underestimating the relative power of capital and the interactions between different kinds of flows. Likewise, Appadurai's view of geography assumes that static units are the opposite of flows, whereas a processual geography understands how flows can create, reproduce, and transform geographic spaces. This alternative helps us understand global inequalities and boundaries better than Appadurai's does, and enables us to broach the topic of differentiated rights and treatments of mobile populations. The goal of a critical reading of this essay is not destructive; rather, we seek to construct a more powerful social-cultural anthropology of dynamic flows and mobilities.
What is context?
Authors: Huen Chi W.
Published: June 2009

This essay is an attempt to explore the ontology of context by elucidating its uses in the production of new knowledges out of the old. It is argued that some of the master concepts in anthropological discourse, to wit nature, culture, society and the individual, serve an important function of knowledge production by virtue of the ways they are deployed and emplotted as contexts to gather together, connect and reconstitute domains of data or phenomena. Drawing on the works of Marilyn Strathern and Roy Wagner, among others, two symbolic-metaphysical configurations of knowledge practices tentatively delineated as `Euro-American' and `Melanesian' are juxtaposed in order to make explicit particular modalities of contextualization. Some unexpected consequences, or predicaments, of our investment in making (explicit) partial connections as a privileged relational facility are then revealed; among them are the relativizing effects of a self-consciously universalizing epistemological strategy.
The effort of othering
Authors: López Caballero Paula
Published: June 2009

Starting from the local variations of the way Nahuatl people of Milpa Alta, Mexico City, have been identified, the first aim of this article is to explore the relations between the construction of autochthonous identities and the formation and transformation of a national identity, a process I call the effect of othering. The second aim is to suggest that attention to the local processes of identification offers a key to an anthropology of the nation and the state which decenters it from the categories of its own discourse.