bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pressure required to force liquid through breathing system filters*
Authors: Cann C. , Hampson M. A. , Wilkes A. R. , Hall J. E.
Published: April 2006

Liquid in the form of sputum and condensation may be forced through a breathing system filter if sufficient pressure is applied to the filter layer, with the potential for cross‐infection. Twenty‐three different breathing system filters (12 adult, 11 paediatric) were assessed to determine the pressure causing liquid penetration. Five samples of each were tested by connecting the ventilator end of a breathing system filter to a water‐filled U‐tube and reservoir. The reservoir was positioned so that the water surface was level with the filter layer and raised until liquid appeared through the filter layer on the patient side and the water‐column height recorded. There were substantial differences in performance between models. Liquid penetration occurred at lower pressures for adult electrostatic than adult pleated filters: median [IQR] 1.18 [1.08– 1.32] and 8.04 [4.27–12.80] kPa, respectively, p < 0.0001. Liquid penetration occurred at similar pressures in paediatric electrostatic filters (0.98 [0.74–1.32] kPa) compared to adult electrostatic filters.
Caring for older people in prehospital emergency care: can nurses make a difference?
Authors: Melby Vidar , Ryan Assumpta
Published: April 2006

Aims and objectives.  The aim of this paper is to explore older people's experiences in prehospital emergency care, and identify benefits and difficulties associated with developing a nurse‐led ambulance service. Data were collected at sites in Sweden and Norway. Focus group interviews were conducted to enable the collection of data from paramedics, ambulance nurses and nursing students, while individual interviews were utilized to gather data from older people.

Background.  There is little research on the quality of care older people over 65 years old receive in prehospital emergency care. Older people often present with multiple pathology and diverse needs that nurses are well equipped to deal with, but presently there is no clearly defined role for nurses in prehospital emergency care in the United Kingdom, although other countries such as Sweden and Norway are developing an ambulance nurse role.

Conclusions.  If the multiple needs of older people were addressed in the prehospital field, a reduction in readmissions and increased functional ability might be achieved. Comprehensive training is required for ambulance staff to enable them to meet such needs. While nurses have a great foundation for this care, additional specialist ambulance training is required alongside a need for education on older people's needs and attitudes to older people.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The introduction of ambulance nurses will result in role differentiation between paramedics and ambulance nurses, which has the potential for creating role conflict. To ensure a smooth transition appropriate training and education for nurses and paramedics should be provided. The end result is a potentially greatly enhanced ambulance care provision, enabling high quality care to all patients.
Cerebral blood flow velocity increases when propofol is changed to desflurane, but not when isoflurane is changed to desflurane in children
Authors: Smith J. H. , Karsli C. , Lagacé A. , Luginbuehl I. , Barlow R. , Bissonnette B.
Published: April 2006

Background: Children may exhibit delayed emergence following maintenance of anesthesia with propofol or isoflurane. Desflurane is often used towards the end of procedures to facilitate emergence. This study evaluated the effect on middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca) in anesthetized children when propofol or isoflurane was substituted with desflurane.

Methods: Forty‐two healthy children aged 1–6 years were enrolled. A standardized anesthetic induction was used. Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil (0.5 µg·kg−1bolus followed by an infusion of 0.2 µg·kg−1·min−1) and a randomly selected sequence of propofol/desflurane/propofol, desflurane/propofol/desflurane, isoflurane/desflurane/isoflurane or desflurane/isoflurane/desflurane. Propofol was administered to maintain a steady‐state serum concentration of 3 µg·ml−1. Desflurane and isoflurane were administered at age‐corrected 1 MAC. Hemodynamic stability was maintained. Transcranial Doppler sonography was used to measure Vmca. Hemodynamic variables as well as Vmca were measured 30 min after skin incision and repeated 30 min after each change in anesthetic maintenance agent.

Results: The mean age and weight was 2.3 ± 1.3 years and 13.0 ± 3.7 kg, respectively. The Vmca (mean) increased by 35% from 37.7 ± 10.5 cm s−1to 57.8 ± 14.6 cm s−1(P < 0.0001) when propofol was changed to desflurane but was unaffected when desflurane replaced isoflurane.

Conclusion: When propofol is changed to desflurane, cerebral blood flow velocity increases significantly in normal children. This cerebral vasodilatory effect may have important implications in the neurosurgical setting.
Continuous physostigmine combined with morphine‐based patient‐controlled analgesia in the postoperative period
Authors: Beilin B. , Bessler H. , Papismedov L. , Weinstock M. , Shavit Y.
Published: April 2006

Background:  Recently, new drugs and techniques for the treatment of postoperative pain were introduced, with the goal of enhancing opiates' analgesia while minimizing their side‐effects. Cholinergic agents play an antinociceptive role, but their clinical use is quite limited, due to side‐effects. Physostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which crosses the blood–brain barrier and elevates brain acetylcholine level. Physostigmine can produce analgesia by itself, and enhance opiate analgesia; but these effects are of short duration following bolus administration.

Methods:  We compared pain intensity and morphine consumption in two postoperative treatment groups: One group received continuous physostigmine infusion combined with morphine‐based patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA), and the other received PCA alone. Cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathways have recently been described. We therefore also compared changes in proinflammatory cytokine production in the two pain management groups.

Results:  Continuous infusion of physostigmine combined with morphine‐based PCA in the postoperative period significantly reduced opiate consumption, and enhanced the analgesic response. Patients in the physostigmine group also exhibited reduced ex‐vivo production of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β. At the same time, physostigmine increased nausea and vomiting, mostly in the first 2 h of the postoperative period.

Conclusions:  Physostigmine combined with morphine in the postoperative period reduced morphine consumption, enhanced analgesia, and attenuated production of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL‐1β. This latter finding may account for the decreased pain observed in this group; this cytokine is known to mediate basal pain sensitivity and induce hyperalgesia in inflammatory conditions. Taking into account the other potential beneficial effects of physostigmine, we suggest that a continuous infusion of physostigmine should be considered as a useful component in multimodal postoperative analgesia.
Spinal anesthesia for emergency abdominal surgery in uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
Authors: Varela A. , Yuste A. , Villazala R. , Garrido J. , Lorenzo A. , López E.
Published: April 2006

Patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism presenting as an emergency are at considerable risk. The anesthetic management of a thyrotoxic patient undergoing incidental emergency surgery is discussed. We focus on the intraoperative problems and, above all, postoperative pain management with regional anesthesia.
Metachronous colorectal cancer
Authors: Park I. J. , Yu C. S. , Kim H. C. , Jung Y. H. , Han K. R. , Kim J. C.
Published: April 2006

Objective  Although the diagnosis of metachronous colorectal cancer have increased, due primarily to improvements in diagnostic modalities, the potential risk factors for these tumours are not well known. We compared the characteristics of patients with metachronous and sporadic primary colorectal cancer to determine risk factors for its occurrence.

Patients and methods  We reviewed the records of 5447 patients with colorectal cancer, who had been treated at Asan Medical Centre between July 1989 and January 2004. A metachronous cancer was defined as a secondary colorectal cancer occurring more than 6 months after the index cancer.

Results  Metachronous colorectal cancer occurred in 39 (0.7%) patients. Their average age was 53 years, somewhat younger than the average age of sporadic colorectal cancer patients (58 years). In patients with metachronous cancer, the cancer was more likely to be located in the right colon (P < 0.03), and the incidence of synchronous polyps or cancer was significantly higher (P < 0.001). The relative distributions of histological grades and clinicopathological characteristics were similar in index and metachronous cancers. Metachronous cancers were diagnosed more frequently at an early stage. The time interval between index and metachronous cancer ranged from 6 to 215 months (mean 39 months), with 13 (33.3%) patients diagnosed with metachronous cancer after 5 years.

Conclusion  We found that in patients aged < 50 years, existence of synchronous polyps or cancer influence on the development of metachronous colorectal cancer. Regular follow‐up is necessary for early detection, even after 5 years, for these patients.
Revisiting the Association Between Reading Achievement and Antisocial Behavior: New Evidence of an Environmental Explanation From a Twin Study
Authors: Trzesniewski Kali H. , Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Taylor Alan , Maughan Barbara
Published: April 2006

Previous studies have reported, but not explained, the reason for a robust association between reading achievement and antisocial behavior. This association was investigated using the Environmental Risk (E‐Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study, a nationally representative 1994–1995 birth cohort of 5‐ and 7‐year‐olds. Results showed that the association resulted primarily from environmental factors common to both reading and antisocial behavior and was stronger in boys. Environmental factors also explained the relation between reading disability and conduct disorder. Leading candidate environmental risk factors weakly mediated the association. For boys the best explanation was a reciprocal causation model: poor reading led to antisocial behavior, and vice versa. In contrast, the relation between reading achievement and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was best explained by common genetic influences.
When Things Don't Add Up
Authors: DeKay Michael L. , Kim Tai Gyu
Published: April 2006

Previous research on repeated-play decisions has focused on choices with fungible outcomes. We investigated the perceived fungibility of outcomes over repeated plays of risky prospects in several situations, as well as the relationship between perceived fungibility and preferences for taking risks in those situations. Perceived fungibility varied substantially across participants and situations, with outcomes experienced by different people (e.g., medical outcomes for different patients) receiving lower scores than outcomes experienced by a single person. Higher perceived fungibility was associated with more favorable evaluations of repeated plays of risky prospects with positive expectations. Additionally, perceived fungibility moderated the effect of repetition, such that the increased attractiveness of repeated plays relative to a single play was diminished when perceived fungibility was low. Although evaluating the overall distribution of outcomes is arguably rational when monetary outcomes accrue to one person, treating each play as a separate event may be more appropriate when outcomes are not viewed as fungible.
Preference for Human Body Odors Is Influenced by Gender and Sexual Orientation
Authors: Martins Yolanda , Preti George , Crabtree Christina R. , Runyan Tamar , Vainius Aldona A. , Wysocki Charles J.
Published: April 2006

Human body odor may contribute to selection of partners. If so, sexual orientation may influence preference for and perhaps production of human body odors. In a test of these hypotheses, heterosexual and homosexual males and females made two-alternative forced-choice preference judgments for body odors obtained from other heterosexual and homosexual males and females. Subjects chose between odors from (a) heterosexual males and gay males, (b) heterosexual males and heterosexual females, (c) heterosexual females and lesbians, and (d) gay males and lesbians. Results indicate that differences in body odor are detected and responded to on the basis of, in part, an individual's gender and sexual orientation. Possible mechanisms underlying these findings are discussed.
Violence and Sex in Television Programs Do Not Sell Products in Advertisements
Authors: Bushman Brad J.
Published: April 2006

Adults (N = 336) 18 to 54 years old watched a television program containing violence, sex, both violence and sex, or no violence and sex. Programs were shown in a comfortable room containing padded chairs and tasty snacks. Each program contained the same 12 ads. Embedding an ad in a program containing violence or sex reduced (a) viewers' likelihood of remembering the advertised brand, (b) their interest in buying that brand, and (c) their likelihood of selecting a coupon for that brand. These effects occurred for males and females of all ages, regardless of whether they liked programs containing violence and sex. These results show that violence and sex in television programs do not sell products in advertisements.
What can studying musicians tell us about motor control of the hand?
Authors: Watson Alan H. D.
Published: April 2006

Most standard accounts of human anatomy and physiology are designed to meet the requirements of medical education and therefore consider their subject matter from the standpoint of typical rather than outstanding levels of performance. To understand how high levels of skill are developed and maintained, it is necessary to study elite groups such as professional athletes or musicians. This can lead to the rediscovery of arcane knowledge that has fallen into neglect through a lack of appreciation of its significance. For example, although variability in the muscles and tendons of the hand was well known in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, it is through recent studies of musicians that its practical significance has become better appreciated. From even a cursory acquaintance with the training methods of sportsmen and women, dancers and musicians, it is clear that sophisticated motor skills are developed only at the cost of a great deal of time and effort. Over a lifetime of performance, musicians arguably spend more time in skill acquisition than almost any other group and offer a number of unique advantages for the study of motor control. Such intensive training not only modifies cortical maps but may even affect the gross morphology of the central nervous system. There is also evidence that in certain individuals this process can become maladaptive. Recent studies of musicians suggest that intensive training can lead to the appearance of ambiguities in the cortical somatosensory representation of the hand that may be associated with the development of focal dystonia; a condition to which musicians are particularly prone. The realization that changes in cortical maps may underlie dystonia has led to the development of new approaches to its treatment, which may ultimately benefit musicians and non‐musicians alike.
Early effects of embryonic movement: ‘a shot out of the dark’
Authors: Pitsillides Andrew A.
Published: April 2006

It has long been appreciated that studying the embryonic chick in ovo provides a variety of advantages, including the potential to control the embryo's environment and its movement independently of maternal influences. This allowed early workers to identify movement as a pivotal factor in the development of the locomotor apparatus. With an increasing focus on the earliest detectable movements, we have exploited this system by developing novel models and schemes to examine the influence of defined periods of movement during musculoskeletal development. Utilizing drugs with known neuromuscular actions to provoke hyperactivity (4‐aminopyridine, AP) and either rigid (decamethonium bromide, DMB) or flaccid (pancuronium bromide, PB) paralysis, we have examined the role of movement in joint, osteochondral and muscle development. Our initial studies focusing on the joint showed that AP‐induced hyperactivity had little, if any, effect on the timing or scope of joint cavity elaboration, suggesting that endogenous activity levels provide sufficient stimulus, and additional mobilization is without effect. By contrast, imposition of either rigid or flaccid paralysis prior to cavity formation completely blocked this process and, with time, produced fusion of cartilaginous elements and formation of continuous single cartilaginous rods across locations where joints would ordinarily form. The effect of these distinct forms of paralysis differed, however, when treatment was initiated after formation of an overt cavity; rigid, but not flaccid, paralysis partly conserved precavitated joints. This observation suggests that ‘static’ loading derived from ‘spastic’ rigidity can act to preserve joint cavities. Another facet of these studies was the observation that DMB‐induced rigid paralysis produces a uniform and specific pattern of limb deformity whereas PB generated a diverse range of fixed positional deformities. Both also reduced limb growth, with different developmental periods preferentially modifying specific osteochondral components. Changes in cartilage and bone growth induced by 3‐day periods of flaccid immobilization, imposed at distinct developmental phases, provides support for a diminution in cartilage elaboration at an early phase and for a relatively delayed influence of movement on osteogenesis, invoking critical periods during which the developing skeleton becomes receptive to the impact of movement. Immobilization also exerts differential impact along the proximo‐distal axis of the limb. Finally, our preliminary results support the possibility that embryonic hyperactivity influences the potential for postnatal muscle growth.
Sensitivity caused by internal exposure to nickel, chrome and cobalt*
Authors: Tisley D. A. , Rotstein H.
Published: April 2006

Five cases of sensitivity arising from metals within the body are described. The different ways in which these presented and the time taken to develop sensitivity are emphasized.
Potassium Permanganate by XPS
Authors: Oku Masaoki , Shishido Toetsu , Kohiki Shigemi
Published: April 2006

Potassium permanganate, KMnO4, is a d0 compound as TiO2. It has been shown that TiO2 has satellite peaks in the core level spectra due to many body effects in the photoemission process. It is interesting whether manganese compounds of d0 have the satellite peaks or not. This submission provides information that may be useful for the discussion of the photoemission process. The intrinsic satellite peaks are distinct from the inelastic scattering energy loss peaks. In this study, XPS core- and valence band-level spectra including the energy loss parts were taken for the in situ fractured surfaces KMnO4 crystals. The crystals grown from the aqueous solution were used because the sample is light sensitive.
Staphylococcus aureus
Escapes More Efficiently from the Phagosome of a Cystic Fibrosis Bronchial Epithelial Cell Line than from Its Normal Counterpart
Authors: Jarry Todd M. , Cheung Ambrose L.
Published: April 2006

Staphylococcus aureus
is frequently the initial bacterium isolated from young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, and yet its role in CF disease progression has not been determined. Recent data from our lab demonstrates that
S. aureus
can invade and replicate within the CF tracheal epithelial cell line (CFT-1). Here we describe the finding that the fate of internalized
S. aureus
in CFT-1 cells differs from its complemented counterpart (LCFSN).
S. aureus
strain RN6390 was able to replicate within the mutant CFT-1 cells after invasion but not in the complemented LCFSN cells. At 1 h postinvasion,
S. aureus
containing vesicles within both cell lines acquired vacuolar-ATPase, lysosomal markers LAMP 1 and 2, and the lysomotrophic dye LysoTracker to a similar degree. However, at 4 h postinvasion, the percentage of
S. aureus
within CFT-1 cells associated with these markers decreased significantly compared to LCFSN, where the association approached 100%. Transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed that the majority of bacteria within CFT-1 cells were free in the cytosol at 4 h after invasion, whereas most
S. aureus
bacteria internalized by LCFSN cells remained within vesicles. These results demonstrate a fundamental difference in the fate of live
S. aureus
after invasion of CFT-1 versus LCFSN cell lines and may explain the propensity of
S. aureus
to cause chronic lung infection in CF patients.
LrhA RegulatesrpoSTranslation in Response to the Rcs Phosphorelay System inEscherichia coli
Authors: Peterson Celeste N. , Carabetta Valerie J. , Chowdhury Tahmeena , Silhavy Thomas J.
Published: April 2006

Regulation of theEscherichia colistationary-phase sigma factor RpoS is complex and occurs at multiple levels in response to different environmental stresses. One protein that reduces RpoS levels is the transcription factor LrhA, a global regulator of flagellar synthesis. Here we clarify the mechanism of this repression and provide insight into the signaling pathways that feed into this regulation. We show that LrhA represses RpoS at the level of translation in a manner that is dependent on the small RNA (sRNA) chaperone Hfq. Although LrhA also represses the transcription of the sRNA RprA, its regulation of RpoS mainly occurs independently of RprA. To better understand the physiological signals affecting this pathway, a transposon mutagenesis screen was carried out to find factors affecting LrhA activity levels. The RcsCDB phosphorelay system, a cell envelope stress-sensing pathway, was found to represslrhAsynthesis. In addition, mutations in the gene encoding the DNA motor protein FtsK inducelrhAsynthesis, which may explain why such strains fail to accumulate RpoS in stationary phase.
Subjective symptoms, sleeping problems, and cognitive performance in subjects living near mobile phone base stations
Authors: Hutter H-P , Moshammer H , Wallner P , Kundi M
Published: April 2006

Background:The erection of mobile telephone base stations in inhabited areas has raised concerns about possible health effects caused by emitted microwaves.

Methods:In a cross-sectional study of randomly selected inhabitants living in urban and rural areas for more than one year near to 10 selected base stations, 365 subjects were investigated. Several cognitive tests were performed, and wellbeing and sleep quality were assessed. Field strength of high-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF) was measured in the bedrooms of 336 households.

Results:Total HF-EMF and exposure related to mobile telecommunication were far below recommended levels (max. 4.1 mW/m2). Distance from antennae was 24–600 m in the rural area and 20–250 m in the urban area. Average power density was slightly higher in the rural area (0.05 mW/m2) than in the urban area (0.02 mW/m2). Despite the influence of confounding variables, including fear of adverse effects from exposure to HF-EMF from the base station, there was a significant relation of some symptoms to measured power density; this was highest for headaches. Perceptual speed increased, while accuracy decreased insignificantly with increasing exposure levels. There was no significant effect on sleep quality.

Conclusion:Despite very low exposure to HF-EMF, effects on wellbeing and performance cannot be ruled out, as shown by recently obtained experimental results; however, mechanisms of action at these low levels are unknown.
ENTROPIC FORCE IN A CLOSED IDEAL GAS
Authors: XIAO CHANGMING , HUANG LIXIN
Published: April 2006

For a closed thermodynamic system of ideal gas, the entropic force is studied in this paper. The results show that the entropic force arises when the entropy is deviated from its equilibrium maximum value by an external force. This entropic force resists the entropy deviation enlarging, and will drive the entropy back to its maximum value if the external forces disappear.
Surgical Menopause Increases Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure
Authors: Schulman Ivonne Hernandez , Aranda Pedro , Raij Leopoldo , Veronesi Maddalena , Aranda Francisco J. , Martin Remedios
Published: April 2006

Salt sensitivity of blood pressure is associated with an elevated risk of developing hypertension (HTN) and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of HTN increases after menopause. The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively whether the loss of ovarian hormones increases the occurrence of salt sensitivity among healthy premenopausal women. We enrolled 40 normotensive, nondiabetic women (age 47.2±3.5), undergoing hysterectomy–oophorectomy for nonneoplastic processes and not on hormone replacement, to determine the effect of changes in sodium intake on blood pressure the day before and subsequently 4 months after surgical menopause. Salt loading was achieved using a 2-L normal saline infusion and salt depletion produced by 40 mg of intravenous furosemide. A decrease >10 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure between salt loading and salt depletion was used to define salt sensitivity. Before and after menopause, salt-sensitive women exhibited higher waist/hip and waist/thigh ratios (
P
<0.01). Although all of the women remained normotensive, the prevalence of salt sensitivity was significantly higher after surgical menopause (21 women; 52.5%) than before (9 women; 22.5%;
P
=0.01), because 12 (38.7%) salt-resistant women developed salt sensitivity after menopause. In summary, we demonstrated that the prevalence of salt sensitivity doubled as early as 4 months after surgical menopause, without an associated increase in blood pressure. Epidemiological studies indicate that development of HTN may not occur until 5 to 10 years after menopause. The loss of ovarian hormones may unmask a population of women prone to salt sensitivity who, with aging, would be at higher risk for the subsequent development of HTN and cardiovascular disease.
Interfacial Strain Distribution of a Unidirectional Composite with Randomly Distributed Fibers under Transverse Loading
Authors: Oh Je Hoon , Jin Kyo Kook , Ha Sung Kyu
Published: April 2006

The micromechanical approach was used to investigate the interfacial strain distributions of a unidirectional composite under transverse loading in which fibers were usually found to be randomly packed. Representative volume elements (RVEs) for the analysis were composed of both periodic fiber arrays, such as a square array and a hexagonal array, and a random fiber array. The finite element analysis was performed to analyze the normal, tangential, and shear strains at the interface. In order to verify the RVE for describing a random fiber array, the generated RVE was statistically compared with the one constructed from typical images of a transverse cross-section of a unidirectional composite. Since the strain distributions at the interface experienced periodic characteristics along with its circumference, the Fourier series approximation with proper coefficients was utilized to evaluate the strain distributions at the interface for the periodic and random fiber arrays with respect to fiber volume fractions. From the analysis, it was found that the random arrangement of fibers had a significant influence on the strain distribution at the interface, and the strain distribution in the periodic arrays was one of special cases of that in the random array.
The Influence of Thread Twist on Alterations in Fibers' Mechanical Properties
Authors: Rudolf Andreja , Geršak Jelka
Published: April 2006

In order to design high-quality threads, it is necessary to know the properties of threads and fibers, as well as the loadings and deformations which may occur during the sewing process. Thread properties depend on the mechanical properties of the fiber and the constructional parameters of the thread and its surface treatment, which directly influence sewing performance. The mechanical properties of a thread primarily depend on the fiber mechanical properties and the amount of twist. Knowledge of the thread dynamic loadings during the sewing process, depending on the number of turns and the lubrication method, is important for planning the required processing properties of the thread. This paper presents research into the influence of thread twist and the lubrication method on the mechanical properties and dynamic load of PES core-spun thread and its fibers. Research into the mechanical properties of the different twisted and surface treated threads, and separated fibers was carried out for this purpose. The influence of thread dynamic load during a sewing process was also researched regarding any alterations in the mechanical properties of the threads and separated fibers. Analyses of the results show that the amount of twist depends on the mechanical properties of the thread and its constituent fibers, whilst the method of surface treatment is based on the specific mechanical properties of the thread. A dynamic load causes greater or smaller thread deformations, which is reflected in changes in the thread and fiber mechanical properties. The occurred changes depend on dynamic load, amount of twist, and the lubrication method, which is confirmed with statistical analysis of the measured results.
Nonlinear Buckling of Woven Fabrics Part I: Elastic and Nonelastic Cases
Authors: Anandjiwala R. D. , Gonsalves J. W.
Published: April 2006

The fabric buckling model proposed by Grosberg and Swani has been modified by incorporating Huang’s bilinear bending rule. The proposed model is an extension of the present model and also covers the special cases. The numerical results appear realistic and conform to the trend observed by other researchers. The effects of fabric bending parameters on the buckling behavior of woven fabrics were explored by numerical computations. The second part of this paper includes the recovery from large-scale buckling of woven fabric.
Visibility-based Pursuit-evasion with Limited Field of View
Authors: Gerkey Brian P. , Thrun Sebastian , Gordon Geoff
Published: April 2006

We study the visibility-based pursuit-evasion problem, in which one or more searchers must move through a given environment so as to guarantee detection of any and all evaders, which can move arbitrarily fast. Our goal is to develop techniques for coordinating teams of robots to execute this task in application domains such as clearing a building, for reasons of security or safety. To this end, we introduce a new class of searcher, the φ-searcher, which can be readily instantiated as a physical mobile robot. We present a detailed analysis of the pursuit-evasion problem using φ-searchers. We present the first complete search algorithm for a single φ-searcher, show how this algorithm can be extended to handle multiple searchers, and give examples of computed trajectories.
Study on the Mechanical Properties of Jute/Glass Fiber-reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Hybrid Composites: Effect of Surface Modification by Ultraviolet Radiation
Authors: Abdullah-Al-Kafi  , Abedin M. Z. , Beg M. D. H. , Pickering K. L. , Khan Mubarak A.
Published: April 2006

Jute fiber (Hessian cloth) and E-glass fiber (mat)-reinforced, unsaturated polyester (USP) resin along with additives and initiator, composites are prepared by the hand layup technique at room temperature (25°C). Jute fiber content in the composites is optimized with the extent of mechanical properties, and composites with 25% jute show higher mechanical properties. The mechanical properties are found to increase with the incorporation of dissimilar portions of glass fiber into the jute fiber-reinforced composite. Among all the resulting hybrid composites, the composite with a jute to glass ratio of 1: 3 demonstrates improved mechanical properties, such as tensile strength (TS) 125%, tensile modulus (TM) 49%, bending strength (BS) 162%, and bending modulus (BM) 235% over untreated jute composite. To further improve the properties, the surface of jute and glass fiber is irradiated under UV radiation of different intensities. UV pretreated jute and glass fibers (1: 3) at optimum intensities show the highest mechanical properties, such as TS 70%, TM 33%, BS 40%, and BM 43% compared to untreated jute-and glass-based hybrid composites. UV-modified jute/glass-reinforced hybrid composites also show the best of Charpy impact strength (40 kJ/m2). The interfacial adhesion between jute/glass and USP is monitored by a scanning electronic microscope (SEM).
In-mold Coating of Composites Manufactured by the Resin Infusion between Double Flexible Tooling Process by Means of Co-infusion
Authors: Chiu Posen , Okoli Okenwa I.
Published: April 2006

As composite materials gain wider acceptance within the transportation industry, it is pertinent to investigate the available coating processes with a view to reducing emissions and associated costs. This work aims to develop a methodology for in-mold coating components manufactured using the resin infusion between double flexible tooling (RIDFT) process. RIDFT is a neoteric two-stage manufacturing process that involves (1) infusion of resin between two flexible silicone membranes until thorough wetting of the fibers is achieved and (2) vacuum forming, where the membranes are pulled over a one-sided mold. The viability of in-mold coating RIDFTed components is investigated. This work-in-process reports on successes and challenges presented during the co-infusion of a polyurethane enamel paint (DuPont Imron 5000) and a vinyl ester resin (Derakane 470-45). Methodologies for achieving co-infusion are investigated. It has been found that co-infusion is achievable with the use of an appropriate separation layer.
Police Murders
Authors: Batton Candice , Wilson Steve
Published: April 2006

This study uses multivariate econometric and time series analysis techniques to examine historical trends in the felonious killing of law enforcement officers in the United States from 1947 to 1998. Of particular interest is the extent to which the correlates of police murder rates are characterized by historical specificity. We also focus on the ability of economic deprivation, deterrence, and social disorganization theories to explain trends in police murder rates across time. The findings of this study indicate (a) that police murder rates in the United States are characterized by distinct historical periods (1947 to 1971, 1972 to 1998) in which the structural correlates of police murder vary and (b) that both economic deprivation and deterrence theories are relevant for understanding trends in police murder although the effects of the latter are historically specific.
The Interaction Between Victim Race and Gender on Sentencing Outcomes in Capital Murder Trials
Authors: Stauffer Amy R. , Smith M. Dwayne , Cochran John K. , Fogel Sondra J. , Bjerregaard Beth
Published: April 2006

This study extends previous research on the interactive effects of victim race and gender on death sentence outcomes reported by Williams and Holcomb (2004). They report an interactive effect between victim race and victim gender on Ohio death sentencing outcomes, such that killers of White women are especially at risk of receiving death sentences. The study here seeks to determine if the Williams and Holcomb finding holds for a sample of murder cases in North Carolina for which the state sought the death penalty. Initial results of a descriptive analysis suggest a White female victim effect, but the introduction of control variables via logistic regression equations yields no gender or race interactions as predictors of sentencing outcomes. Reasons for the different outcomes are explored, and topics requiring further exploration are discussed.
Phase II Study of Clofarabine in Pediatric Patients With Refractory or Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Jeha Sima , Gaynon Paul S. , Razzouk Bassem I. , Franklin Janet , Kadota Richard , Shen Violet , Luchtman-Jones Lori , Rytting Michael , Bomgaars Lisa R. , Rheingold Susan , Ritchey Kim , Albano Edythe , Arceci Robert J. , Goldman Stewart , Griffin Timothy , Altman Arnold , Gordon Bruce , Steinherz Laurel , Weitman Steven , Steinherz Peter
Published: April 2006

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of clofarabine, a novel deoxyadenosine analog, in pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Patients and Methods

In a phase II, open-label, multicenter study, 61 pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed ALL received clofarabine 52 mg/m2intravenously over 2 hours daily for 5 days, every 2 to 6 weeks. The median age was 12 years (range, 1 to 20 years), and the median number of prior regimens was three (range, two to six regimens).

Results

The response rate was 30%, consisting of seven complete remissions (CR), five CRs without platelet recovery (CRp), and six partial remissions. Remissions were durable enough to allow patients to proceed to hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) after clofarabine. Median CR duration in patients who did not receive HSCT was 6 weeks, with four patients maintaining CR or CRp for 8 weeks or more (8+, 12, 37+, and 48 weeks) on clofarabine therapy alone. The most common adverse events of grade ≥ 3 were febrile neutropenia, anorexia, hypotension, and nausea.

Conclusion

Clofarabine is active as a single agent in pediatric patients with multiple relapsed or refractory ALL. The toxicity profile is as expected in this heavily pretreated patient population. Studies exploring rational combinations of clofarabine with other agents are ongoing in an effort to maximize clinical benefit.
Metabolic scaling associated with unusual size changes during larval development of the frog,Pseudis paradoxus
Authors: de Souza Silvia Cristina R. , Kuribara Claudia M.
Published: April 2006

The early larvae of P. paradoxus grow large but metamorphose into relatively small frogs, the diminished post-metamorphic growth producing a marked contrast between maximum larval size and adult. Thus, O2uptake does not appear to limit the energy expenditure on growth processes,and unlike in other anuran larvae, may not be a surface area-related function in P. paradoxus larvae. The resting rates of metabolism(ṀO2) and partitioning between aquatic(ṀwO2) and aerial O2 uptake(ṀaO2) were measured on tadpoles and froglets by closed system respirometry, using water of PO2 ranging from 145 to 40 mmHg. Correlative changes in body glycogen and lactate were examined by standard enzyme assays. Scaling patterns in the growth and degrowth stages were analysed on whole-body, log-transformed data using linear regressions. In normoxia, ṀO2 was 2.1–2.5 μmol g–1 h–1 in the early larvae, increasing more than twofold on forelimb emergence and decreasing sharply in the froglets; ṀO2 varies in strict proportion to body mass (Mb), both in the growth(b=1.02) and degrowth (b=0.97) phases, according to the equation ṀO2=aMbb,where b is the scaling coefficient. ṀwO2 constitutes>90% of total uptake in the growth stages, increasing with b=1.02 while ṀaO2increases with b=1.13; during degrowth there is a change in the pattern related to intensification of metamorphosis. Hypoxic water did not affect ṀO2;however, in all larval stages ṀwO2 and ṀaO2 changed with a decrease in PO2. At 60 mmHg, rates are more severely affected in the largest tadpoles, causing the b values for ṀwO2 and ṀaO2 to change to 0.11 and 1.44, respectively, in the growth phase. Glycogen and lactate levels increase out of proportion with body mass increase (b=2.05 and 1.47,respectively) in the growth stages, and increase anaerobic capacity in late metamorphosis. In hypoxic water, glycogen levels decrease in the growth stages and the largest tadpoles accumulate surplus lactate, possibly related to surfacing activity. Our results may reveal the consequences of size on energy demand at the tissue level in P. paradoxus larvae, indicating that air breathing must subsidise energy expenditure during larval development.
The role of branchial and orobranchial O2 chemoreceptors in the control of aquatic surface respiration in the neotropical fish tambaqui(Colossoma macropomum): progressive responses to prolonged hypoxia
Authors: Florindo Luiz H. , Leite Cléo A. C. , Kalinin Ana L. , Reid Stephen G. , Milsom William K. , Rantin F. Tadeu
Published: April 2006

The present study examined the role of branchial and orobranchial O2 chemoreceptors in the cardiorespiratory responses, aquatic surface respiration (ASR), and the development of inferior lip swelling in tambaqui during prolonged (6 h) exposure to hypoxia. Intact fish (control) and three groups of denervated fish (bilateral denervation of cranial nerves IX+X(to the gills), of cranial nerves V+VII (to the orobranchial cavity) or of cranial nerves V alone), were exposed to severe hypoxia(PwO2=10 mmHg) for 360 min. Respiratory frequency(fr) and heart rate (fh) were recorded simultaneously with ASR. Intact (control) fish increased fr, ventilation amplitude (VAMP) and developed hypoxic bradycardia in the first 60 min of hypoxia. The bradycardia,however, abated progressively and had returned to normoxic levels by the last hour of exposure to hypoxia. The changes in respiratory frequency and the hypoxic bradycardia were eliminated by denervation of cranial nerves IX and X but were not affected by denervation of cranial nerves V or V+VII. The VAMP was not abolished by the various denervation protocols. The fh in fish with denervation of cranial nerves V or V+VII, however, did not recover to control values as in intact fish. After 360 min of exposure to hypoxia only the intact and IX+X denervated fish performed ASR. Denervation of cranial nerve V abolished the ASR behavior. However, all (control and denervated (IX+X, V and V+VII) fish developed inferior lip swelling. These results indicate that ASR is triggered by O2 chemoreceptors innervated by cranial nerve V but that other mechanisms, such as a direct effect of hypoxia on the lip tissue, trigger lip swelling.
Flocks of topological circle planes
Authors: Rosehr Nils
Published: April 2006

We prove that every flock of a finite-dimensional
locally compact connected circle plane is homeomorphic to ℝ or

1 and that every flock of a real Miquelian circle plane
defines a compact 4-dimensional translation plane. Furthermore we investigate
(topological) properties of regulizations. These properties are used to relate
the automorphism group of a flock to the automorphism group of the corresponding
translation plane.
Importance of the detection method for intact dimeric human chorionic gonadotropin without interference with the free human chorionic gonadotropin β subunit for pregnancy exclusion before liver transplantation in a woman with cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Massart Catherine , Lucas Catherine , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , Fergelot Patricia , Pouvreau-Quillien Véronique , Volatron Anne-Claire
Published: April 2006

Assay of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is mainly used for the detection and monitoring of pregnancy, and for the follow-up of trophoblastic tumors. The serum free β-hCG subunit (hCGβ) is also a tumor marker in many non-trophoblastic tumors, including gastrointestinal cancers. In this work, we compared the performance of several immunoassays for pregnancy exclusion before liver transplantation and in the follow-up of a woman with cholangiocarcinoma. Serum hCG was detected with the Abbott Testpack plus hCG-Combo and measured with four automated sandwich immunoassays: ADVIA-Centaur, ACS:180, AxSYM and Dimension. hCGβ was determined by an automated fluorescence sandwich immunoassay (Kryptor-Free β hCG) and with a specific immunoradiometric assay (ELSA-F β hCG, Schering). The expression of hCG was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry on sections of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells and on peritoneal metastases. Before transplantation, discordant results were observed for pregnancy exclusion. Qualitative Testpack and Dimension tests detected no hCG-like immunoreactivity, whereas the ADVIA-Centaur, ACS:180 and AxSYM tests revealed positive levels. The same discrepancy was obtained in follow-up of the patient after liver transplantation. hCGβ assay and immunohistochemical staining revealed tumor cell secretion of hCGβ. In conclusion, a specific serum immunoassay for intact dimeric hCG without cross-reaction with hCGβ should be adopted as routine policy for pregnancy exclusion before liver transplantation.
Verbal humor without switching scripts and without non-bona fide communication
Authors: Morreall John
Published: April 2006

According to Raskin's script-theory, five factors are necessary for verbal humor: 1) a switch from the bona fide mode of communication to the non-bona fide mode of joke-telling; 2) the text of an intended joke; 3) two (partially) overlapping scripts compatible with the text; 4) an oppositeness relation between the two scripts; and 5) a trigger, obvious or implied, realizing the oppositeness relation. I argue that although this theory works well with prepared fictional jokes, it does not explain all verbal humor. The reason is that prepared fictional jokes are a sophisticated kind of verbal humor with features which are not shared by other kinds of verbal humor. I illustrate with examples of semantic, phonetic, and pragmatic techniques for creating verbal humor without switching scripts and/or without switching to non-bona fide communication.
The perception of subtitled humor in Italy
Authors: Antonini Rachele
Published: April 2006

Despite the central place occupied by language transfer of audiovisual products, particularly in the European cinema and television sector, audience perception of both dubbing and subtitling is a largely neglected field of study and research. When, however, we start looking into the available research on the perception of translated humor and, more specifically, of the perception of humor as rendered into another language by subtitles, we realize that this is an even more neglected and unexplored field of study. This paper will attempt to address the effectiveness of subtitles in the appreciation and perception of humor, and, more specifically, will present an overview of the scant literature and research published on this subject.
Regulation on Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms in Australia
Authors: Ludlow Karinne
Published: April 2006

Introduction

Until recently there were no specific regulatory controls on the development and release of agricultural genetically modified organisms (‘GMOs’) or their products in Australia. A voluntary and self-regulatory system had existed since the mid-seventies but there were no direct legal repercussions where those ‘regulations’ were not adhered to. Commercialisation of GMOs’ end products was also not specifically regulated. Some end products were subject to general regulation which applied regardless of whether genetic modification (‘GM’) was used in their production. Other GM end products were not regulated at all. This Article concerns the regulatory background against which agricultural GMO commercialisers must act in Australia. It does not concern cloning of human beings and associated techniques, which are prohibited in Australia pursuant to the
Property in a Human Body: A Common Law Approach
Authors: Hilmer Sarah E.
Published: April 2006

Introduction

Whether any property right in a human body exists remains a highly debatable and delicate topic worldwide. This sensitive issue raises more and more attention since technology develops enormously fast so that the law-makers can hardly follow, not only because of the constantly increasing development of the growing fields and research areas of medicine, but also because it seems to be a great burden on their shoulders to make proper law, which should neither be too narrow nor too broad. Thus, it remains the question where to draw the line whereby policy, moral and ethical considerations and implications needs to be taken into account.