bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-D Stimulates VEGF-A, Stanniocalcin-1, and Neuropilin-2 and Has Potent Angiogenic Effects
Authors: Jauhiainen Suvi , Häkkinen Sanna-Kaisa , Toivanen Pyry I. , Heinonen Suvi E. , Jyrkkänen Henna-Kaisa , Kansanen Emilia , Leinonen Hanna , Levonen Anna-Liisa , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: April 2011

Objective—

The mature form of human vascular endothelial growth factor-D (hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
) is an efficient angiogenic factor, but its full mechanism of action has remained unclear. We studied the effects of hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
in endothelial cells using gene array, signaling, cell culture, and in vivo gene transfer techniques.

Methods and Results—

Concomitant with the angiogenic and proliferative responses, hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
enhanced the phosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Gene arrays, quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot revealed increases in VEGF-A, stanniocalcin-1 (STC1), and neuropilin (NRP) 2 expression by hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
stimulation, whereas induction with hVEGF-A
165
altered the expression of STC1 and NRP1, another coreceptor for VEGFs. The effects of hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
were seen only under high-serum conditions, whereas for hVEGF-A
165
, the strongest response was observed under low-serum conditions. The hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
-induced upregulation of STC1 and NRP2 was also evident in vivo in mouse skeletal muscle treated with hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
by adenoviral gene delivery. The importance of NRP2 in hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
signaling was further studied with NRP2 small interfering RNA and NRP antagonist, which were able to block hVEGF-D
ΔNΔC
-induced survival of endothelial cells.

Conclusion—

In this study, the importance of serum and upregulation of NRP2 and STC1 for VEGF-D
ΔNΔC
effects were demonstrated. Better knowledge of VEGF-D
ΔNΔC
signaling and regulation is valuable for the development of efficient and safe VEGF-D
ΔNΔC
-based therapeutic applications for cardiovascular diseases.
Neutrophil Activation Is Attenuated by High-Density Lipoprotein and Apolipoprotein A-I in In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Inflammation
Authors: Murphy Andrew J. , Woollard Kevin J. , Suhartoyo Andreas , Stirzaker Roslynn A. , Shaw James , Sviridov Dmitri , Chin-Dusting Jaye P.F.
Published: April 2011

Objective—

Neutrophils play a key role in the immune response but can undesirably exacerbate inflammation. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are antiinflammatory particles, exerting beneficial cardiovascular influences. We determined whether HDL exerts antiinflammatory effects on neutrophils and explored the mechanisms by which these occur.

Methods and Results—

CD11b on activated human neutrophils was significantly attenuated by apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) and HDL. The effects of apoA-I were mediated via ABCA1, whereas the effects of HDL were via scavenger receptor BI. Both were associated with a reduction in the abundance of lipid rafts, and a strong correlation between raft abundance and CD11b activation was observed. ApoA-I and HDL reduced neutrophil adhesion to a platelet monolayer under shear flow, as well as neutrophil spreading and migration. ApoA-I also inhibited leukocyte recruitment to the endothelium in an acute in vivo model of inflammation. Finally, infusion of reconstituted HDL in patients with peripheral vascular disease was demonstrated to significantly attenuate neutrophil activation.

Conclusion—

We describe here a novel role for HDL and apoA-I in regulating neutrophil activation using in vitro, in vivo, and clinical approaches. We also show that these effects of HDL and apoA-I involve a mechanism requiring changes in membrane domain content rather than in cholesterol efflux per se.
Stroke Unit Care Combined With Early Supported Discharge Improves 5-Year Outcome
Authors: Fjærtoft Hild , Rohweder Gitta , Indredavik Bent
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose—

Early supported discharge (ESD) seems to be a promising alternative to conventional follow-up care after acute stroke. We have previously shown that stroke unit care combined with ESD has beneficial effects on functional outcome and the use of resources for up to 1 year. The aim of this trial was to evaluate outcome after 5 years.

Methods—

We performed a randomized controlled trial with 320 acute stroke patients allocated to ordinary stroke unit care (160 patients) or stroke unit care with ESD (160 patients). The ESD service consisted of a mobile team that co-coordinated hospital discharge and further rehabilitation during 1 month of follow-up in cooperation with the primary health care. Mortality, residence, and functional outcome including modified Rankin scale were registered after 5 years. All assessments were blinded.

Results—

There was no difference between the groups with modified Rankin scale score ≤2 (
P
=0.213), but there was a trend toward greater improvement in modified Rankin scale score in the ESD group from onset of stroke (38% versus 30%;
P
=0.106). More patients were dead or institutionalized in the ordinary stroke unit care group (
P
=0.032); 158 patients were alive, 84 were in ESD, and 74 were in ordinary stroke unit care. Of the 158 patients alive, a greater proportion were living at home in ESD (86%/70%;
P
=0.019).

Conclusions—

Stroke unit care combined with ESD seems to reduce death and institutional care and to improve patients' chances of living at home 5 years after stroke compared to traditional stroke care. There is a trend toward improved functional outcome in the ESD group.
Five-Year Rehospitalization Outcomes in a Cohort of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lakshminarayan Kamakshi , Schissel Candace , Anderson David C. , Vazquez Gabriela , Jacobs David R. , Ezzeddine Mustapha , Luepker Russell V. , Virnig Beth A.
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose—

The purposes of this study were to track mortality and rehospitalizations over 5 years poststroke in a stroke cohort (SC) and compare long-term risks of complications to a matched nonstroke cohort (NSC).

Methods—

A cohort design with a matched NSC comparison was used. The SC constituted a validated database of acute ischemic stroke patients, ≥65 years, hospitalized across 19 Minnesota hospitals in the year 2000. The NSC was constructed from the year 2000 General Medicare Population by matching SC members on age, race, and sex. Both cohorts were tracked across 5 years of Medicare claims data to identify dates and causes of rehospitalization and death dates. Kaplan–Meier survival curves estimated cumulative incidence rates. Cox models calculated adjusted hazard ratios.

Results—

Event rates and adjusted hazard ratios were: mortality: 1 year SC=24%, NSC=4%; 5 years SC=49%, NSC=24% (hazard ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 3.6 to 5.5). Overall rehospitalization rates were: 1 year SC=49%, NSC=20%; 5 years SC=83%; NSC=63% (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.2 to 3.0). Cause-specific 5-year rehospitalization rates were significantly higher in SC versus NSC for recurrent ischemic stroke, heart failure, cardiac events, any vascular events, pneumonia, and hip fractures. The excess risk of mortality and rehospitalizations in the SC persisted beyond the initial aftermath of the acute stroke (ie, beyond 30 days poststroke) and persisted even after 1 year poststroke. Average acute care Medicare charges in SC were more than doubled those in NSC.

Conclusions—

The high rates of acute care poststroke readmissions indicate a need for trials to prevent long-term complications in stroke survivors.
A Note on the Ocean Surface Roughness Spectrum*
Authors: Hwang Paul A.
Published: April 2011

In a recent study, the dimensionless surface roughness spectrum has been empirically parameterized as a power-law function of the dimensionless wind speed expressed as the ratio of wind friction velocity and phase speed of the surface roughness wave component. The wave-number-dependent proportionality coefficient, A, and exponent, a, of the power-law function are derived from field measurements of the short-wave spectrum. To extend the roughness spectrum model beyond the wavenumber range of field data, analytical functions are formulated such that A and a approach their asymptotic limits: A0 and a0 toward the lowest wavenumber, and A∞ and a∞ toward the highest wavenumber. Of the four asymptotic values, A∞ is considered most questionable for the lack of reference information. When applied to the normalized radar cross-section (NRCS) computation, the results are in good agreement (within about 2 dB) with field data or geophysical model functions (GMFs) for incidence angles between 20° and 40° but significant underestimation occurs for higher incidence angles. The comparison study of NRCS computation offers helpful guidelines for adjusting the asymptotic factors, especially the numerical value of A∞. Improved agreement between the computed NRCS (vertical polarization) using the new roughness spectrum with GMF is expanded to incidence angles between 20° and 60°. The wind speed range of good agreement between calculation and GMF is below about 15 m s−1 for Ku band and about 30 m s−1 for C band.
Vibrotactile “On-Thigh” Alerting System in the Cockpit
Authors: Salzer Yael , Oron-Gilad Tal , Ronen Adi , Parmet Yisrael
Published: April 2011

Background: Alerts in the cockpit must be robust, difficult to ignore, and easily recognized. Tactile alerts can provide means to direct the pilot’s attention in the already visual-auditory overloaded cockpit environment.

Objective: This research examined the thigh as a placement for vibrotactile display in the cockpit. The authors (a) report initial findings concerning the loci and properties of the display, (b) evaluate the added value of tactile cuing with respect to the existing audio-visual alerting system, and (c) address the issue of tactile orienting—whether the cue should display “flight” or “fight” orienting. The tactor display prototype was developed by a joint venture of Israel Aerospace Industries, Lahav Division, and the Ben Gurion University of the Negev (patent pending 11/968,405).

Method: A vibrotactile display mounted on the thigh provided directional cues in the vertical plane. Two vibrotactile display modes (eight and four tactors) and two response modes (compatible, i.e., fight [toward vibrotactile cue], and inverse, i.e., flight [away from vibrotactile cue]) were evaluated.

Results: Vertical directional orienting can be achieved by a vibrotactile display assembled on the thigh. The four-tactor display mode and the compatible response mode produced more accurate results.

Conclusion: Tactile cues can provide directional orienting in the vertical plane. The benefit of adding compatible tactile cues compared with visual and auditory cues alone has yet to be reinforced. Nevertheless, fight mode, that is, directing the way to escape from hazardous situations, was preferred.

Application: Potential applications include providing directional collision alerts within the vertical plane, assisting pilot’s elevation control, or navigation.
Effect of Infancy-onset Dietary Intervention on Salivary Cholesterol of Children: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Karjalainen S. , Söderling E. , Saarinen M. , Larsson B. , Johansson I. , Simell O. , Niinikoski H.
Published: April 2011

This study investigated salivary cholesterol of children from 6 to 16 years of age in response to dietary intervention. One thousand sixty-two infants started in the prospective, randomized project. At 3 years of age, every fifth child was invited into the study (n = 178). Of these, 148 enrolled, and 86 completed the oral sub-study at 16 years of age. The intervention aimed at restricting the child’s saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Control children received no special recommendations. Every third year, paraffin-stimulated saliva samples (10.0 mL) were collected for cholesterol assays. Nutrient intakes and serum total cholesterol concentrations were regularly followed up by means of 4-day food records and blood samples. Intake of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) was lower in the intervention than in the control group (p < 0.001). Salivary cholesterol concentration increased from 1.9 (± 1.1) µmol/L at 6 years of age to 16.0 (± 9.0) µmol/L at 16 years of age. The increase was smaller in the intervention than in the control group (p < 0.001). The ratios of salivary to serum cholesterol concentrations tended to be higher in boys than in girls (p = 0.07). Thus, dietary intervention was reflected in children’s salivary cholesterol values more sensitively than in serum cholesterol values. (clinicaltrials.gov NCT00223600).
Learning from the Past for Present Counterinsurgency Conflicts
Authors: Tovy Tal
Published: April 2011

The aim of this article is to analyze the advantages that the Americans have derived from the Chieu Hoi program operated during the Vietnam War. By this to indicate the relevance of military history research on present-day realities, especially in Afghanistan and Iraq. According to this claim, the Vietnam War should be considered as one of the most important formative periods in the field of warfare against revolutionary forces in general and in American military history in particular. Through a discussion of the Chieu Hoi program, the article will attempt to achieve two aims. The first aim is to analyze the historical significance of the program within the general framework of the American COIN programs during the course of the Vietnam War. It should be noted that there is still no comprehensive research on this program, and a secondary aim of this historical analysis will be to try and fill in this gap. The second aim of the article will be to find the relevant operative implications that can suggest the feasible utilization of this type of program in contemporary conflicts.
Challenges of Applying a Comprehensive Model of Intervention Fidelity
Authors: Bosak Kelly A. , Pozehl Bunny , Yates Bernice
Published: April 2011

Applying a comprehensive model of fidelity to interventions delivered by information and communication technologies (ICTs) has multiple challenges. Fidelity must be considered in the design, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of the intervention. The fidelity strategies must address the unique aspects of the technology, including training providers to instruct participants to use the technology and provide standardized feedback, rather than delivering the intervention in person. Other challenges include the nonspecific effects resulting from participants accessing unintended content in interventions using the Internet. ICT allows participant receipt and enactment of intervention skills to be assessed by electronic evidence, rather than in-person observation. Interventions delivered by ICT are unique, and there is less control of participant interaction with various electronic components. Monitoring participant use and providing standardized feedback for receipt and enactment of intervention skills are key to ensuring fidelity. The final challenges involve evaluating and reporting fidelity of the intervention.
Teenagers’ and parents’ views on a short-break service for children with life-limiting conditions: A qualitative study
Authors: Swallow Veronica , Forrester Tracey , Macfadyen Ann
Published: April 2011

Few opportunities exist outside the home for children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions to have a break in a setting specifically designed and adequately staffed and resourced to meet their complex clinical, practical and emotional needs; until recently provision focused primarily on providing respite for parents/carers. Based on policy recommendations, a short-break service was established with the aim of working in partnership with families and voluntary and statutory agencies to provide a fun break for children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions and complement the range of services available. This qualitative study used interviews and focus groups to determine teenagers’ and parents’ views of the service. Three themes emerged: accessibility and communication; needs and boundaries; and shaping the service. Teenagers enjoyed regular planned residential breaks, access to skilled staff and bespoke facilities to support their needs, opportunities to meet others with life-limiting conditions and fun time away from home, thereby giving parents peace of mind, a regular planned break from care-giving, opportunities to meet other parents and to spend exclusive time with their other children. If specialist short-break services become part of the national range of services available, children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions and their parents and siblings could all benefit.
Meta-analysis of cultural differences in Western and Asian patient-perceived barriers to managing cancer pain
Authors: Chen Chen Hsiu , Tang Siew Tzuh , Chen Chien Hao
Published: April 2011

Purpose: barriers to managing cancer pain contribute to cancer patients’ reluctance to report pain and use prescribed analgesics, resulting in inadequate pain control. Patients’ perceived barriers to managing cancer pain may be influenced by culture. This meta-analysis compared differences in Western and Asian patient-perceived barriers to managing cancer pain.

Methods: the literature was systematically reviewed to compare pain barriers in Western and Asian cancer patients in 22 studies that used Ward’s Barrier Questionnaire. Differences in weighted barrier scores were compared by meta-regression analysis.

Results: Asian cancer patients had higher barrier scores than Western patients, except for barriers of ‘good patient’, ‘side effects’, ‘distract physician’, ‘fear of injections’, and ‘addiction’. Meta-regression analysis indicated that Asian patients’ perceived pain barriers differed significantly from those of Western patients for disease progression (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80, 1.84, p < 0.0001), tolerance (WMD = 1.63; 95% CI 0.91, 2.36, p < 0.0001), fatalism (WMD = 0.89; 95% CI 0.28, 1.52, p = 0.004), and total score (WMD = 0.82; 95% CI 0.36, 1.28, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Asian patients’ perceived barriers to managing cancer pain were significantly higher than those for Western patients (especially for concerns about disease progression, tolerance, and fatalism). Asian cancer patients need to be assessed and carefully treated for perceived barriers to optimize cancer pain management.
Wettability characteristics of polyethylene modified with CO2, Nd:YAG, excimer and high-power diode lasers
Authors: Lawrence J , Li L
Published: April 2011

Interaction of CO2, Nd:YAG, excimer and high-power diode laser (HPDL) radiation with the surface of the biomaterial polyethylene (PE), was found to effect varying degrees of change to the wettability characteristics of the material depending upon the laser used. It was observed that interaction with CO2, Nd:YAG and HPDL effected very little change to the wettability characteristics of the PE. In contrast, interaction of the PE with excimer laser radiation resulted in a marked improvement in the wettability characteristics. After excimer laser treatment, the surface O2 content was found to have increased and the material was seen to be more polar in nature, resulting in a significant increase in the wettability characteristics. The work has shown that the wettability characteristics of the PE could be controlled and/or modified with laser surface treatment. However, a wavelength dependence of the change in the wetting properties could not be deduced from the findings of this work.
A modified offset cutter path strategy for high-speed rough milling hardened steel
Authors: Toh C K
Published: April 2011

Previous work has shown that the use of an offset cutter path strategy when high-speed rough milling hardened steel using an axial depth of 15 mm resulted in the lowest tool life as compared to the use of raster and single-direction raster strategies [1]. The paper describes a novel approach on improving the offset cutter path strategy by selecting the proper entrance and exit conditions in order to improve the volume of metal removed and tool life. The effects of an offset strategy and a modified offset strategy are investigated in terms of the tool life, tool wear and cutting force signatures generated. It was found that the modified offset strategy showed a near four-fold increase in tool life. This was mainly attributed to the avoidance of cutter in-feed that occurred in the middle of the workpiece.
Laser shock processing of Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: Yilbas B S , Gondal M A , Arif A M F , Shuja S Z
Published: April 2011

Laser shock processing of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is considered. A mathematical model governing the laser non-conduction-limited heating is introduced and a numerical solution for the temperature distribution is presented. The pressure (recoil pressure) generated across the solid-vapour interface is determined and it is considered as an impact load for the elastic-plastic wave generation in the surface region of the substrate material. The depth of the plastic region is predicted from the elastic-plastic wave propagation analysis. An experiment is carried out to ablate the surface using a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser with 8 ns pulse length and 0.5 J energy content. Scanning electron microscopy is carried out to examine the surface morphology of the irradiated region. It is found that microhardness increases by 1.5 times the base hardness of the substrate material. The depth of the plastic region predicted extends 0.195 mm from the surface, which agrees well with the experimental findings. In addition, some localized microcracks are observed at the surface of the workpiece.
Rapid metal tooling by applying plasma spraying and rapid prototyping/rapid tooling technology for metal sheet forming
Authors: Gu Z , Dai X , Zhang R , Yan Y
Published: April 2011

To manufacture the metal mould for high-quality metal sheet parts forming at low cost with a short production cycle, an innovative method of mould manufacturing, based on rapid prototyping (RP)/rapid tooling (RT) technology by plasma spraying is proposed in this paper. First, the technological process of the rapid metal mould manufacturing is introduced, and the key technologies of the process such as RP fabrication technology, unbaked ceramic transition mould process, plasma spraying and back-up process are also introduced. Then, experimental moulds for the metal sheet parts forming are successfully made via this process, and examination and analysis of a mould is carried out. It proves that the method of manufacturing a rapid mould for metal sheet parts forming by plasma spraying and RP/RT technology is a successful technique.
A precision design for computer numerical control machining models of involute-generator revolving cutters
Authors: Chen W-F
Published: April 2011

The paper presents a two-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machining model that can be used to produce the involute end-milling (IEM) cutter. By defining the constant helical angle as the angle between the cutting edge and revolving axis of the cutter, the shapes of cutting edge curves and flute surfaces of the IEM cutter are systematically designed and manufactured by using a proposed procedure using the method of differential geometry and inverse envelope theory. The flute section and feeding speed of grinding wheel are calculated according to the maximal section radius of the cutter. Under the condition of a given angular speed, the speeds of grinding wheel along the radial and axial directions are derived respectively. The use of two supplementary curve cutting edges to resolve the problems of over-cutting and non-existence of the cutting edge at the upper part of end-mill cutters is also considered, together with the smooth conjunction of this supplementary curve with the original helical cutting edge on the shank. According to the results of simulation on the actual obtained flute, the remedial grinding for eliminating the remaining revolving surface is also presented. This paper provides valuable reference for the design and CNC machining of this kind of involute end-milling cutter.
Ecodesign: The search for new strategies in product development
Authors: Bhamra T A
Published: April 2011

Many industries are now facing pressure from different directions to improve their environmental performance. Although some improvements can be achieved through the ‘clean-up’ of manufacturing processes, more proactive companies recognize that to make significant improvements they must consider the design of their products. This paper considers the subject of ecodesign, an emerging field for both research and practice, which aims to help organizations improve their environmental performance. It outlines the range of literature available in the field and describes some of the models currently in use. Ecodesign practice has not yet been widely explored and this is discussed, drawing on four short case studies to highlight the different approaches taken.
Design and performance of gear pumps with a non-involute tooth profile
Authors: Nagamura K , Ikejo K , Tutulan F G
Published: April 2011

This paper describes the design and performance of external gear pumps with a tooth profile based on the cycloid tooth profile. A method has been developed to calculate accurately the displacement volume of external gear pumps having a non-involute tooth profile and an involute tooth profile. Using this method, the displacement volumes of external gear pumps with an involute tooth profile, a cycloid tooth profile, an involute-cycloid composite tooth profile and a modified cycloid tooth profile are calculated. Then, the merits and the demerits of these tooth profiles are discussed with respect to the displacement volume. In addition, a gear pump with an involute-cycloid composite tooth profile was designed and manufactured, and the displacement volume of the pump was measured. Consequently, it was confirmed from both the calculated and the experimental results that the displacement volume of the gear pump with an involute-cycloid composite tooth profile is about 20 per cent larger than that of the conventional gear pump with an involute tooth profile.
Material removal by fixed abrasives following curved paths
Authors: Tam H-Y , Zhang L , Hua M
Published: April 2011

This paper proposes a method for computing the removal of material as the abrasive tool follows a path on a three-dimensional surface. The method assumes that the pressure distribution is Hertzian at the contact between the tool and the surface and that the abrading rate follows the Archard wear law. The focus is on the effect of the path curvature on the profile of material removal. Simulation examples are included to illustrate the proposed method. Results indicate that the material removal profile is affected by the geodesic radius of curvature of the tool path. When the radius is large, the profile is almost parabolic. As the radius is reduced, the location of maximum material removal is shifted towards the centre of the geodesic curvature. Moreover, the location can be at the bound of the profile for very small values of the radius.
Sensing weld pool geometrical appearance in gas—metal arc welding
Authors: Wu C S , Gao J Q , Zhang M
Published: April 2011

Sensing and correlating the surface geometrical appearance of weld pool to the weld penetration are prerequisites for gas-metal arc welding (GMAW) process control. This paper focuses on vision-based sensing and determination of the weld pool geometrical appearance during the GMAW process. An experimental system has been developed to measure the weld pool geometry under different GMAW conditions. A special camera system, assisted by laser pulsation and a filter, was integrated with the developed image-processing algorithm to overcome the strong disturbances in GMAW. The shielding gas of 80% Ar + 20% CO2 was used to make bead-on-plate welds on low-carbon steel Q235 workpieces. The weld pool boundary with real dimensions was obtained for different GMAW conditions. The results provide a good foundation for describing the correlation of the weld pool surface geometry to the penetration.
Real-time estimation of the temperature distribution and expansion of a ball screw system using an observer
Authors: Ahn J-Y , Chung S-C
Published: April 2011

Thermal deformations of ball screws directly affect the positioning errors of machine tools. In order to calibrate the thermal deformations of ball screws, an accurate estimation of the whole temperature field of the screws is required. However, it is extremely inefficient and almost impossible to acquire the whole temperature distribution by measuring the temperatures of every point. Therefore, a temperature estimator, which can estimate the whole temperature field from temperatures of just a few points, is required. In this paper, one-dimensional heat transfer problems are formulated under concepts of modal analysis and state-space design. Then an observer is designed to estimate the intensity of a heat source and the whole temperature field in real time. The reliability of the estimator is confirmed through comparisons between solutions from the proposed method and those of exact solutions. The proposed method is applied to the estimation of the intensity of the heat source and the temperature distribution of a ball screw system. It is confirmed that the proposed method estimates the whole temperature distribution of a ball screw system well without noise and time delay.
Optimization of the volumetric accuracy of high-speed computer numerical control milling with dynamic quality characteristics
Authors: Chen F-C , Tzeng Y-F
Published: April 2011

This paper used the Taguchi robust method to develop an optimized high-speed computer numerical control (CNC) milling technique that can be used for multi-geometrical shapes. The designed shapes studied included the three basic geometries of rectangle, circle and triangle as the distinct characteristics of the workpiece. To increase the robustness of the manufacturing process, the experiment was designed to consider also the effect of manufacturing noises and to compound them as two extreme conditions for assessing the quality characteristics of the workpiece.

The experimental results revealed that, under the ideal function model of volume versus volume, the optimum set of design parameters for the high-speed CNC milling process can reduce the manufacturing variation by 81.97 per cent. In other words, the manufacturing accuracy was improved 5.55 times, a substantial improvement to the robustness of the process. Further, by analysing the variance, it was shown that experimental errors accounted for only 0.0204 per cent. The experiment showed that a good selection and combination of control and noise factors could result in high robustness of the experimental results.
Simulation of machined surface topography in end-milling processes using a shear-plane-based cutting force model
Authors: Chiou C-H , Hong M-S , Ehmann K F
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this paper is to extend the theoretical understanding of the dynamic milling process and to derive a computational model to predict machined surface topography using, as the foundation, a newly developed shear-plane-based rather than the customary chip-thickness-based cutting force model. The machined surface is synthesized by concatenating two-parameter bicubic surface patches generated by discretized cutting edge segments as they follow their respective trajectories. To maintain positional and tangential continuity, both the coordinates of nodal points on the cutting edges and the associated instantaneous velocities are used to construct the surface patches. A computer simulation program that incorporates the shear-plane-based cutting force model and geometric, kinematic and surface topography prediction models is developed. Computer simulations and cutting tests confirm the validity of the computational models.
Principle and applications of multi-point matched-die forming for sheet metal
Authors: Li M-Z , Cai Z-Y , Sui Z , Li X-J
Published: April 2011

To reduce the cost and cycle time in fabrication of the conventional stamping die, a new forming technology, so-called multi-point matched-die forming (MPMDF), has been developed based on the discretization of the die. In MPMDF, the fixed shape matched-dies of conventional stamping are replaced by a pair of opposed matrices of movable punch elements. Using multi-point matched-dies generated by punch matrices, a variety of three-dimensional sheet parts of different shapes can be produced. Taking advantage of the flexibility of the multi-point die, new sheet forming techniques have been developed, which realize the formation of parts of large size and with large deformation. In this paper, the principle of MPMDF and the new forming techniques are described, new MPMDF equipment is introduced, and typical application examples are presented.
Special issue on freight: Part 2
Authors: Schmid Felix
Published: April 2011

Most railways in the world (at least in terms of route km) are concerned primarily with the carriage of freight. Freight railways can make a substantial contribution to the welfare of society by allowing the efficient and effective movement of goods over long distances with minimal impact on the environment. This role of the rail mode should not be neglected even though passenger services dominate main line railway operations in some European countries (e.g. Britain) and in parts of Asia (e.g. Japan), especially in urban areas.

In the Editorial to Part 1 of the Special Issue on Freight ( Proceedings Part F, 1999, 213(F4)) the author dwelt briefly on the problems facing the operators of rail-based transport in freight markets world-wide. The market share of the rail mode has been declining world-wide since the 1960s, perhaps with the exception of long-haul freight in the United States and China, and to some extent in Russia. Poor reliability, punctuality and extended transit times are some of the reasons for this decline. There are encouraging signs of a recovery in some areas, largely, however, because of reduced performance of rail's main competitors.

Railways must re-establish themselves as the carrier of choice by the adoption of better technologies and the development of new operational approaches. The present issue of the Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit is therefore focused on solutions for the challenges facing freight railways. A brief overview of the current state of railways in Europe and an assessment of the most important drivers for change and conditions for success may serve as an introduction to Part 2 of the Special Issue on Freight.
What drives clean fuel technology?
Authors: Skea J
Published: April 2011

This paper assesses the forces that drive the development of clean fuel technology. The focus is principally on policies and regulatory measures affecting combustion emissions. However, the paper also covers more briefly discharges to other media and the control of greenhouse gas emissions. The broader forces shaping UK policy are assessed. It is concluded that international obligations continue to be an important driver, though the United Kingdom is influencing international developments to a greater extent than was the case 10 years ago. The paper covers both European Union initiatives, such as integrated pollution prevention and control and a revised large combustion plants Directive, and wider international agreements on long-range pollution and climate change. The paper also examines how the UK Integrated Pollution Control regime is being implemented and considers emerging UK policy initiatives, including a draft sulphur strategy and local air quality management. The paper ends with a review of longer term trends, including the possible adoption of market-based instruments and a more aggressive climate policy.
Simulation of power plant transients with artificial neural networks: Application to an existing combined cycle
Authors: Fantozzi F , Desideri U
Published: April 2011

To maintain the high performance of gas-turbine-based combined cycles, transients must be properly taken into account in the design phase and efficiently monitored in the operational phase, because they are not negligible time intervals. The use of artificial intelligence techniques such as expert systems, fuzzy sets and neural networks (NNs), coupled with advanced measurement and monitoring devices, can provide a reliable and efficient monitoring system.

An existing two-pressure-level combined cycle has been simulated by dividing its simplified model into blocks representative of the main elements. An NN is associated with each of these blocks. Once the training and testing of the NN are complete, using data from a simulator, the blocks are put either in a cascade arrangement or in a parallel arrangement, providing reliable systems that can predict the load-change transient behaviour of the entire plant. The parallel approach was then tested on data from the real plant. The excessive simplification introduced with the simulator required the addition of selected real cases to the training set that are able to fit the NN response to reality. The results obtained are encouraging for use in an on-line monitoring system which evaluates the difference between the measured data and the predicted data.
Neutrality, gender stereotypes, and analytical voids: The ideals and practices of Swedish child psychologists
Authors: Skoger Ulrika Eskner , Lindberg Lene , Magnusson Eva
Published: April 2011

This article reports a study of the meanings of gender that are active in Swedish child psychologists’ narratives about their practice. The analysis is informed by constructionist and discourse-psychological approaches. We identify and describe four different interpretative repertoires: a repertoire of neutrality and equal treatment, based on a liberal political vision of equality in combination with a neutral knowledge ideal; an individualizing repertoire that focuses on individual differences and symptoms, and reduces the impact of context for children’s problems; a repertoire of gender-specific characteristics, in which notions of fundamental internal differences between girls and boys are central when assessing what is normal; and a repertoire of gender-specific expectations, focusing on how girls and boys are raised differently. The repertoires were often used unreflectingly, and narratives tended to slide between the different meanings of gender, often ending in accounts of individualizing and symptom-focused treatments. In the analysis, these patterns are brought into a more general discussion of the limited, and limiting, analytical tools that these psychologists relied on in their work. Since their analytical tools stop short of the societal level, gendered patterns of power are left outside of their understanding of ‘the psychological’. As a consequence, it would appear that these psychologists adopt treatment strategies focused on gender-stereo-typical adjustment to socially expected behaviors.
Changing the terms of the debate: Quantitative methods in explicitly interpretive research
Authors: Westerman Michael A. , Yanchar Stephen C.
Published: April 2011

We introduce this special issue by arguing that quantitative and qualitative research methods do not line up neatly with the guiding philosophical commitments of the two sides of the schism in the field between the mainstream, natural science approach, and the minority, human science position. This leads to the motivating idea for the issue, the view that quantitative methods, when used appropriately, can contribute to interpretive inquiry in psychology. We discuss the issue’s two main objectives—(1) presenting lines of actual research that illustrate how quantitative approaches can be used in ways that are consistent with a human science approach to the field, and (2) providing critical examination of the motivating idea—and introduce the articles in the issue that address each of these objectives. In the final section of this introductory article, we offer our thoughts about what the full set of papers accomplishes and suggest that the issue’s many-sided exploration goes some distance toward changing the terms of the quantitative—qualitative debate.
Small amplitude radial oscillations of an incompressible, isotropic elastic spherical shell
Authors: Beatty Millard F
Published: April 2011

The small amplitude radial oscillation and infinitesimal stability about an equilibrium configuration of an arbitrary incompressible, isotropic and homogeneous elastic spherical shell under constant inflation pressure loading is studied for both thick- and thin-walled shells and for a spherical cavity within an unbounded continuum. The classical criterion of infinitesimal stability yields a general stability theorem relating the frequency and the pressure response. It follows that points at which the pressure is stationary are unstable or neutrally stable. All results are expressed in terms of the shear response function for a general incompressible, isotropic elastic material, and specific results are illustrated for the Mooney—Rivlin and Gent material models, the latter having limited extensibility. The classical neo-Hookean material exhibits results that are lower bounds for both models. A criterion obtained by others to characterize the possible bifurcation from a spherical to an aspherical shape is cast in terms of the general shear response function, and the physical nature of all elastic materials for which a shape bifurcation may occur is characterized. The result is illustrated in several examples.
Moving regions in Euclidean space and Reynolds’ transport theorem
Authors: Lidström P.
Published: April 2011

This paper gives new demonstrations of Reynolds’ transport theorems for moving regions in Euclidean space. For moving volume regions the proof is based on differential forms and Stokes’ formula. Moving curves and surface regions are defined and the intrinsic normal time derivative is introduced. The corresponding surface transport theorem is derived using the partition of unity and the surface divergence theorem. A proof of the surface divergence theorem is also given.
The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy for Behaviors That Promote Healthy Weight and Clinical Indicators of Adiposity in a Sample of Early Adolescents
Authors: Steele Michael M. , Daratha Kenn B. , Bindler Ruth C. , Power Thomas G.
Published: April 2011

Objective: Examine the relationship between self-efficacy and various measures of adiposity in a sample of teens. Methods: A total of 132 teens were selected from schools participating in an existing research study titled Teen Eating and Activity Mentoring in Schools (TEAMS). Teens completed demographic questionnaires and healthy eating–specific and physical activity–specific measures of self-efficacy. Waist circumference (WC), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), and body mass index (BMI) percentile scores were also obtained. Results: Regression analyses indicated that healthy eating–specific and physical activity–specific measures of self-efficacy predicted WC and TSF. ANOVA revealed significant differences in healthy eating–specific self-efficacy levels between students of recommended weight and overweight/obese status. Supplemental analyses showed significant negative relationships between a student’s ideal BMI ratio and self-efficacy. Conclusions: Because self-efficacy may be amenable to change, these findings could inform future efforts aimed at increasing behaviors that promote healthy weight status among early adolescents.
Corporate accountability and the politics of visibility in ‘late modernity’
Authors: Zyglidopoulos Stelios , Fleming Peter
Published: April 2011

It is generally held that because of developments associated with late modernity large corporations are now much more visible and therefore more accountable. In this article, we challenge this idea and propose contrary and position: that precisely because of late modernity global corporations have become less accountable to their stakeholders. In particular, we argue that because of globalization, the explosion of scientific knowledge and the nature of risk in late modernity, it has in some respects become easier for corporations to conceal their unethical practices (making them less accountable). Drawing on sociological theory concerning late modernity, we seek is to demonstrate how the fashionable ‘ideology of visibility’ habors an insidious anti-democratic tendency apropos wider accountability. In light of this position, the article concludes by discussing the political implications and possibilities for rendering business corporations more democratically accountable.
Autoethnography and academic identity: glimpsing business school doppelgängers
Authors: Learmonth Mark , Humphreys Michael
Published: April 2011

Throughout our adult lives we have both been haunted by a certain sense of doubleness—a feeling of dislocation, of being in the wrong place, of playing a role. Inspired by Stevenson’s novel Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde we explore this doubleness through evocative, dual, autoethnographic accounts of academic conferences. By analysing our stories in an iterative process of writing, reading, rewriting and rereading, we seek to extend the reach of much recent autoethnographic research. Presenting ourselves as objects of research, we show how, for us, contemporary academic identity is problematic in that it necessarily involves being (at least) ‘both’ Jekyll and Hyde. In providing readings of our stories, we show how autoethnography can make two contributions to the study of identity in organizations. The first is that autoethnographic accounts may provide scholars with new forms of empirical material—case studies in identity work. The second contribution highlights the value of experimenting with unorthodox approaches—such as explicitly using novels and other literary sources to study identity.
The logic of evaluation professionalism
Authors: Picciotto Robert
Published: April 2011

This article draws on the sociological literature to (i) explore the intersection between evaluation and professionalism; (ii) identify the extent to which evaluation fulfills the main attributes of professionalism; (iii) apply logical models of professionalism to the practice of independent and self-evaluation; and (iv) speculate about the future of the discipline. It rests the case for evaluation professionalism on the imperative of occupational self-management without which specialized evaluation knowledge is highly vulnerable to capture by vested interests.
Using social norms to reduce bullying
Authors: Perkins H. Wesley , Craig David W. , Perkins Jessica M.
Published: April 2011

Bullying attitudes and behaviors and perceptions of peers were assessed in a case study experiment employing a social norms intervention in five diverse public middle schools in the State of New Jersey (Grades 6 to 8). Data were collected using an anonymous online survey (baseline n = 2,589; postintervention n = 3,024). In the baseline survey, students substantially misperceived peer norms regarding bullying perpetration and support for probullying attitudes. As predicted by social norms theory, they thought bullying perpetration, victimization, and probullying attitudes were far more frequent than was the case. Also as predicted, variation in perceptions of the peer norm for bullying was significantly associated with personal bullying perpetration and attitudes. Using print media posters as the primary communication strategy, an intervention displaying accurate norms from survey results was conducted at each of the five school sites. A pre-/postintervention comparison of results revealed significant reductions overall in perceptions of peer bullying and probullying attitudes while personal bullying of others and victimization were also reduced and support for reporting bullying to adults at school and in one’s family increased. The extent of reductions across school sites was associated with the prevalence and extent of recall of seeing poster messages reporting actual peer norms drawn from the initial survey data. Rates of change in bullying measures were highest (from around 17% to 35%) for the school with the highest message recall by students after a one-and-a-half-year intervention. Results suggest that a social norms intervention may be a promising strategy to help reduce bullying in secondary school populations.