bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical analysis on the development of opaque fibers based on Mie scattering
Authors: Wang Ni , Pan Wenyan , Shi Meiwu , Yu Jianyong
Published: July 2012

Mie scattering theory has been widely used to solve the problem of light scattering by single spherical particles in many fields. In this article, it was applied for the development of opaque fiber for the first time. Firstly, the spheroid particles were simplified as equivalent spherical particles. Then, the extinction coefficient was calculated using the Matlab program and the influences of the size parameter, refractive index and the wavelength of the incident light on the extinction coefficient were discussed in detail. Finally, the results indicated that the extinction coefficient depended greatly on the dimension and the refractive index of the particles, and also the wavelength of the incident light. For the development of the opaque fiber, it would be better to choose particles that had the higher refractive index and a certain diameter distribution to achieve the most effective light scattering.
Assessing the Writing Process
Authors: Kolb Kenneth H. , Longest Kyle C. , Jensen Mollie J.
Published: July 2012

Sociologists and scholars of composition have long argued that in order to get students to improve the quality of what they write, they need to change how they write. Here, the authors assess whether students’ participation in writing-intensive first-year seminars leads to changes in their writing process. Data collected via pretest and posttest interviews of 34 students show that writing-intensive seminars help first-year students become better planners and revisers yet have little effect on the ways that they prewrite and draft. Additionally, students in their first semester of college demonstrate higher order writing processes at the beginning of their seminar than their second-semester counterparts and show more improvement over the course of the semester as well. We analyze the conditions that foster these patterns and suggest that increasing quantitative course requirements (i.e., page counts) may hamper students’ ability to adopt qualitatively better writing strategies.
Processability of polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites via direct melt compounding
Authors: Razak Jeefferie Abd , Mohamad Noraiham , Maulod Hairul Effendy Ab
Published: July 2012

This article presents the effect of filler loading on compounding torques as well as mechanical properties of polypropylene/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PP/MWCNTs) nanocomposites. Samples were prepared via melt compounding method using a Haake internal mixer at rotor speed of 80 r/min. The torque values in a 10-min compounding period for the incorporation of MWCNTs fillers into PP matrix were analyzed and thoroughly evaluated. The data was further confirmed by morphological analysis via transmission electron microscopy. The efficiency of direct melt-compounding method using internal mixer was evident from the homogeneity of MWCNTs dispersed within the PP matrix observed in produced nanocomposites at filler loading up to 0.75 wt%. MWCNTs showed significant compatibility with PP matrix and proved the needlessness of chemical pretreatment and complicated compounding process to produce PP/MWCNTs nanocomposites. The mechanical properties and morphological characteristics were in good correlation with the processing behavior of the nanocomposites.
The effect of pendant tertiary butyl group on the shape recovery of polyurethane copolymer under freezing
Authors: Chung Yong-Chan , Choi Jae Won , Kim Ha Youn , Chun Byoung Chul
Published: July 2012

The effect of the pendant tertiary butyl group on the shape recovery and tensile properties of a polyurethane (PU) block copolymer was investigated. The pendant tertiary butyl group was designed to interrupt molecular interactions and to disturb the close contact between PU chains through its bulky structure and, thus, to improve the shape recovery at subzero temperatures, while maintaining high and reproducible tensile properties and the shape recovery at ambient temperature. The attachment of the tertiary butyl group did make a difference in the phase separation of the hard and soft segments in the PU structure, as determined from the results of infrared and differential scanning calorimetry. The crosslink density and the intrinsic viscosity experienced an unusual increase with the tertiary butyl content due to partial crosslinking by the grafting reagent. Shape recovery and retention were reproducible after performing repeated shape memory tests. Finally, the effect of the tertiary butyl group on the shape recovery at −10°C was compared with that of linear PU, and the reason for the remarkable flexibility is discussed.
“Are You a Veteran?” Understanding of the Term “Veteran” among UK Ex-Service Personnel
Authors: Burdett Howard , Woodhead Charlotte , Iversen Amy C. , Wessely Simon , Dandeker Christopher , Fear Nicola T.
Published: July 2012

Different countries have varying definitions of the word “veteran,” which in turn influence the benefits that ex-Service personnel receive. However, public opinion does not necessarily reflect official definitions. This article seeks to identify whether characteristics by which UK ex-Service personnel self-identify as veterans are aligned with official policy/public opinion, and which factors are associated with self-identification as a veteran. This article utilizes data from a structured telephone interview survey of UK Armed Forces personnel. All those who had left the military by the time of interview ( n = 202) were asked whether they considered themselves to be a veteran. Their responses were recorded and analyzed. Only half of the sample considered themselves to be veterans. Definitions used by UK ex-Service personnel do not align with the official UK government definition or public perceptions of “veterans,” which tend to focus on older veterans and/or those who served in both World Wars.
Transfiguring Modern Temporality
Authors: Murthy Viren
Published: July 2012

Although Zhang Taiyan is famous for being a late Qing nationalist and revolutionary, scholars have yet to explore fully the significance of his Buddhist writings, especially as they relate to time and history. This article closely examines Zhang’s writings about time and history and points out that Zhang made two interrelated but potentially conflicting arguments. On the one hand, he invoked Yogācāra Buddhism and Zhuang Zi to expound a relativistic vision of time and history. From this perspective, each nation has its historical particularity and cannot be judged from an external standard. However, on the other hand, in a context where intellectuals were uncritically adopting a framework of history as progress, Zhang grounded the theory of evolution in a theory of karmic seeds to develop an interpretation of history as a double movement in which the good gets better and the bad gets worse. The article delves into the significance of Zhang’s arguments by highlighting the symmetries between Zhang’s exposition of history and the logic of capitalism. Such structural similarities suggest that Zhang could think about time and history in this way precisely because he inhabited a world mediated by the dynamic of capitalism. His writings on Zhuang Zi and Buddhism should be seen as an example of a resistance to capitalism that is not based on a narrative of progress. In the context of twentieth-century Chinese intellectual history, where narratives of progress and evolution are a dominant chord, Zhang’s counterpunctual critique of evolution is especially inspiring.
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Revised Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA-R) in a Sample of Continuation High School Students
Authors: Lisha Nadra E. , Grana Rachel , Sun Ping , Rohrbach Louise , Spruijt-Metz Donna , Reifman Alan , Sussman Steve
Published: July 2012

It is now presumed that youth do not move directly from adolescence to adulthood, but rather pass through a transitional period, “emerging adulthood.” The Revised Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA-R) is a self-report instrument developed to examine the attributes of this period. “At-risk” youth appear to enter emerging adulthood developmental tasks at a slightly earlier age than general population youth. In the present study, a 21-item version of the IDEA was administered to a sample of 1676 “at-risk” continuation (alternative) high school students in Southern California. Principal component factor analysis with orthogonal rotation revealed three factors the authors labeled “Identity Exploration,” “Experimentation/Possibilities,” and “Independence.” Overall, the measure demonstrated high internal consistency. Construct validity analyses indicated that the measure was correlated with demographics, risk behaviors, and psychological measures. The authors conclude that the IDEA-R is a useful instrument for measuring emerging adulthood in at-risk populations.
Audiovisual vowel monitoring and the word superiority effect in children
Authors: Fort Mathilde , Spinelli Elsa , Savariaux Christophe , Kandel Sonia
Published: July 2012

The goal of this study was to explore whether viewing the speaker’s articulatory gestures contributes to lexical access in children (ages 5–10) and in adults. We conducted a vowel monitoring task with words and pseudo-words in audio-only (AO) and audiovisual (AV) contexts with white noise masking the acoustic signal. The results indicated that children clearly benefited from visual speech from age 6–7 onwards. However, unlike adults, the word superiority effect was not greater in the AV than the AO condition in children, suggesting that visual speech mostly contributes to phonemic—rather than lexical—processing during childhood, at least until the age of 10.
Raising Teenagers in Hostile Environments
Authors: Elliott Sinikka , Aseltine Elyshia
Published: July 2012

In contemporary discourse, children are imagined with “surplus risk,” and parents often feel pressure to protect their children from danger. Drawing on interviews with 40 Latina, White, and Black mothers of teenagers, the authors examine the factors that shape these mothers’ concerns for their teens’ safety, how they articulate these concerns, and the strategies they employ to try to keep teens safe: individual responsibility, monitoring, and organized activities. Drawing on insights from Black feminism and critical race theory, the authors demonstrate how the intersections of race, class, and gender shape mothers’ perceptions of the dangers their children face and their efforts to help their children navigate these “hostile environments.” Findings reveal intersecting axes of inequality in mothers’ protective carework as well as how inequalities are resisted, but may also be reproduced, through mothers’ understandings and strategies. The benefits and challenges of an intersectional analysis are discussed in the conclusion.
Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp in the Duodenum of a Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Yokouchi Yusuke , Imaoka Masako , Sayama Ayako , Jindo Toshimasa , Sanbuissho Atsushi
Published: July 2012

A 32-month-old male common marmoset had a firm and white-colored mass in the duodenal wall. The cut surface was smooth and grayish white in color. Histologically, the mass consisted of a proliferation of spindle cells with an oval to spindle-shaped nucleus and scant eosinophilic cytoplasm in a loose myxoid or fibrotic background. Most of the lesion displayed no specific growth pattern whereas some of the cells concentrated around the vessels and created an onion-bulb structure. Additionally, marked inflammatory cellular infiltration, mainly eosinophils, was observed throughout the lesion. Immunohistochemically, the spindle cells were positive for vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, fascin, and cyclin D1, and negative for S-100, factor VIII–related antigen, and c-kit. These histological and immunohistochemical features did not meet any differential diagnoses such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma, smooth muscle tumor, schwannoma, and hemangiosarcoma. Collectively, the authors diagnosed the mass as a lesion that corresponded to an inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) in humans. IFP is defined as a mesenchymal proliferation composed of spindle stromal cells, small blood vessels, and inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils, and is currently classified as a nonneoplastic lesion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of spontaneous IFP in nonhuman primates.
Head and Neck Lymphatic Malformation Treatment
Authors: Adams Mary Theresa , Saltzman Babette , Perkins Jonathan A.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To systematically review literature pertaining to head and neck lymphatic malformation treatment and to use individual‐level data presented in qualifying case series to describe the reported efficacy, complications, and functional impact of surgery and sclerotherapy. The authors evaluated whether treatment modalities differ by lymphatic malformation stage.

Data Sources

The terms lymphangioendothelioma, lymphangioma, cystic hygroma, and malformation were used to perform an Ovid literature search yielding 6292 references. The authors excluded references that did not involve head and neck lymphatic malformation treatment, include at least 5 patients, follow patients 1 year, define treatment modality, and state complications.

Review Methods

The authors summarized data from 1205 patients reported in 41 articles. Individual‐level data, in the 29 articles reporting these data, were pooled and tabulated.

Results

The absence of within‐study comparisons of treatment success, as well as the range of reporting methods, precluded a formal meta‐analysis. Most reports were case series (37; 90%). The primary treatment modality was sclerotherapy in 17 (41%), surgery in 16 (39%), or surgery combined with other modalities in 9 (20%). Individual‐level data were captured for 283 patients. No treatment modality clearly resulted in superior treatment outcome. Complications were more frequent in surgical series but were reported inconsistently in sclerotherapy studies.

Conclusion

There is evidence that lymphatic malformation treatment can be done effectively with surgery or sclerotherapy, but further study is necessary to determine which is superior. Standardized guidelines for reporting lymphatic malformation case series do not currently exist, making comparison of treatment outcomes of differing treatment modalities difficult.
Etiologic Diagnosis of Nonsyndromic Genetic Hearing Loss in Adult vs Pediatric Populations
Authors: King Peter J. , Ouyang Xiaomei , Du Lilin , Yan Denise , Angeli Simon I. , Liu Xue Zhong
Published: July 2012

Objectives

Determine the diagnostic yield of a shared genetic testing algorithm in adult and pediatric populations with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and recommend effective testing strategies to evaluate for genetic causes of deafness in patients presenting with idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss.

Study Design

Hospital‐based cohort study.

Setting

University of Miami outpatient otology clinics between 2001 and 2010.

Subjects

Two hundred twenty‐one adult and 163 pediatric patients with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were screened for mutations in GJB2 and GJB6 and mitochondrial DNA mutations 1555A>G, 7444G>A, and 3243A>G. Audiometric data and family history were also collected.

Results

GJB2/GJB6‐related deafness was diagnosed in 23 of 163 pediatric patients (14%) compared with only 3 of 221 adults (1%). All adults had a family history of hearing loss, and 2 patients noted deafness onset at birth. Nineteen GJB2 mutations were identified with 35delG the most common mutation. The 35delG homozygous state was the most common pathogenic genotype (54%). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations were found in 6 adult probands (3%). No mtDNA mutations were found in pediatric patients.

Conclusion

Testing for common GJB2/GJB6 mutations in pediatric patients has considerable value in establishing an etiologic diagnosis for SNHL. Similar testing in adults is of very low yield except perhaps in cases of early‐onset SNHL or strong family history. Mitochondrial DNA testing should be considered in adults with idiopathic SNHL.
Cannabinoid-induced enhanced interaction and protein levels of serotonin 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 receptors in rat prefrontal cortex
Authors: Franklin Jade M , Carrasco Gonzalo A
Published: July 2012

Recent evidence suggests that non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonists may regulate serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor neurotransmission in brain. The molecular mechanisms of this regulation are unknown, but could involve cannabinoid-induced enhanced interaction between 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 (D2) receptors. Here, we present experimental evidence that Sprague-Dawley rats treated with a non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonist (CP55,940, 50 µg/kg, 7 days, i.p.) showed enhanced co-immunoprecipitation of 5-HT2A and D2 receptors and enhanced membrane-associated expression of D2 and 5-HT2A receptors in prefrontal cortex (PFCx). Furthermore, 5-HT2A receptor mRNA levels were increased in PFCx, suggesting a cannabinoid-induced upregulation of 5-HT2A receptors. To date, two cannabinoids receptors have been found in brain, CB1 and CB2 receptors. We used selective cannabinoid agonists in a neuronal cell line to study mechanisms that could mediate this 5-HT2A receptor upregulation. We found that selective CB2 receptor agonists upregulate 5-HT2A receptors by a mechanism that seems to involve activation of Gai G-proteins, ERK1/2, and AP-1 transcription factor. We hypothesize that the enhanced cannabinoid-induced interaction between 5-HT2A and D2 receptors and in 5-HT2A and D2 receptors protein levels in the PFCx might provide a molecular mechanism by which activation of cannabinoid receptors might be contribute to the pathophysiology of some cognitive and mood disorders.
The Spread of TCP/IP: How the Internet Became the Internet
Authors: Townes Miles
Published: July 2012

This study describes the spread of TCP/IP and therefore the diffusion of the Internet, beginning in the 1960s until the early 1990s. Understanding how TCP/IP emerged and spread provides insight into the changes and challenges brought by the Internet into world politics. Against arguments that the Internet reflects primarily economic or military concerns, I argue that notions of academic freedom are embedded in the fundamental technology of the Internet, TCP/IP, and that this embedded norm is essential to the Internet’s consequences for modern political life.
‘Hell Is the Other’: Conceptualising Hegemony and Identity through Discourse Theory
Authors: Herschinger Eva
Published: July 2012

The concept of hegemony has regained attention from various theoretical perspectives in International Relations. This article argues that IR-poststructuralism can offer an independent perspective on the production of hegemonies in international politics. Based on IR-poststructuralism and poststructuralist discourse theory, it develops a conceptual framework and an associated methodological approach for the analysis of international hegemonies in concrete discourses. Thereby, the article conceptualises international hegemonies as the creation of a specific type of collective identity while arguing that for hegemonies to emerge, both the creation of an antagonistic Other and a vision of the opposed Self are necessary. The workings of the conceptual framework are illustrated with a comparative reconstruction of United Nations discourses on international terrorism and drug prohibition from 1961 to 2011.
Provincialising IR? Deadlocks and Prospects in Post-Western IR Theory
Authors: Vasilaki Rosa
Published: July 2012

In recent years, IR has been increasingly influenced by the critics of Eurocentric assumptions of the epistemologies of social science. The awareness of the perspectival nature of knowledge and the emphasis on aspects of colonialism previously unaccounted for, such as epistemological imperialism, led to the flourishing of approaches which, despite their differences, are connected by their common interest in subaltern voices and suppressed knowledges, their anti-hegemonic inclination, and their emphasis on the emancipation of the Other.

Post-Western IR theory is largely the offspring of such theoretical investigations and shares the ethical concerns of this critical tradition. The article identifies three strands of post-Western engagement: pluralism, particularism and postcolonialism. It focuses on postcolonialism because of the radical promise it represents on the one hand, and of the disconcerting implications of its epistemology on the other. Through the engagement with one of the most significant post-Western epistemological projects, Chakrabarty’s Provincializing Europe, the article demonstrates why the ‘post-Western’ question as dealt with by postcolonialism is a compelling conundrum for critical thinking. This is because the ultimately postsecular stance and singularising ethics adopted by such approaches are paralysing for the practice of social science and for a relational consideration of alterity, which can be served more efficiently by reference to a genuine universalism.
Field Manual 3-24 and the Heritage of Counterinsurgency Theory
Authors: Cromartie Alan
Published: July 2012

The Counterinsurgency Field Manual 3-24 has been accused of being over-dependent on the counterinsurgency ‘classics’ Galula and Thompson. But comparison reveals that it is different in spirit. Galula and Thompson seek practical control; the Manual seeks to build ‘legitimacy’. Its concept of legitimacy is superficially Weberian, but owes more to the writings of the American Max Manwaring. The Manual presupposes that a rights-based legal order can (other things being equal) be made to be cross-culturally attractive; ‘effective governance’ by itself can build legitimacy. The fusion of its methods with an ideology creates unrealistic criteria for success. Its weaknesses suggest a level of incapacity to think politically that will, in time, result in further failures.
Psychosocial Influences on Bisexual Women’s Body Image
Authors: Chmielewski Jennifer F. , Yost Megan R.
Published: July 2012

Research on body image has focused almost exclusively on heterosexual women and lesbians, leaving bisexual women’s experiences largely ignored. The present study sought to gain an understanding of psychosocial factors (including sexual prejudice, romantic relationship history, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] communities, and feminist identity) that may contribute to bisexual women’s experiences of body image. The authors conducted semistructured interviews with six bisexual women and used interpretative phenomenological analysis to analyze the results. This analysis resulted in four themes: bisexual women’s desire to accept their bodies in a context of societal objectification; the influence of dominant sexuality and gender binaries that leave bisexual women feeling invisible; the protective role of LGBT communities and feminist identification in helping them resist the thin ideal; and the positive and the negative influences of romantic relationships with men and women. Results highlight the importance of validating sexual identity and promoting feminist identification and inclusion within an LGBT community for bisexual women. Future research might further explore the role of feminist communities and romantic relationships in bisexual women’s body satisfaction and should include the experiences of bisexual women from diverse backgrounds. Editor's Note: Findings for the present study must be considered along with the discussion across the accompanying set of three reflection papers: Yost and Chmielewski (2013); Wilkinson and Kitzinger (2013); and Crawford (2013).
Characterized Chondrocyte Implantation in the Patellofemoral Joint
Authors: Vanlauwe Johan J.E. , Claes Tom , Van Assche Dieter , Bellemans Johan , Luyten Frank P.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is an accepted treatment option for selected condylar cartilage defects in the knee. Results for patellofemoral chondral defects have been less favorable.

Hypothesis:

Autologous chondrocyte implantation with characterized chondrocytes will result in clinically relevant improvement in patellofemoral lesions.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients with symptomatic patellofemoral full-thickness cartilage lesions were treated with ACI using characterized chondrocytes (ChondroCelect) covered with a collagen type I membrane. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Responders were defined using 5 categories (≥10 points and ≥20%, 30%, 50%, 70%) based on the KOOS and VAS. Treatment failure was defined as partial loosening of more than 20% of the graft with subsequent procedures to the subchondral bone.

Results:

Thirty-eight patients, with a mean defect size of 4.89 cm2 (range, 1.5-11 cm2), were treated for a patellar defect (n = 28), trochlear defect (n = 7), or a kissing lesion (trochlea and patella; n = 3). The minimum follow-up period was 24 months (mean, 37 months; range, 24-72 months). Treated patients showed statistically significant improvements in the KOOS (at 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months) and VAS (at the same time points) compared with pretreatment for each time point. Responder analysis identified approximately 84% of patients with a clinically relevant improvement greater than 10 points at 3 years. Treatment failure was observed in 5 patients. The most commonly reported adverse events were joint crepitation (n = 18) and arthrofibrosis (n = 7). No relationship could be found between clinical outcome and anatomic characteristics of the patellofemoral joint, lesion size and site, time since onset, or age. Nine patients required additional surgery: 6 because of persistent symptoms and 3 for hardware removal.

Conclusion:

Characterized chondrocyte implantation resulted in statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement over time. These results add to the evidence demonstrating that ACI is a valuable cartilage repair technique for patellofemoral lesions.
Effects of Serial Sectioning and Repair of Radial Tears in the Lateral Meniscus
Authors: Ode Gabriella E. , Van Thiel Geoffrey S. , McArthur Samuel A. , Dishkin-Paset Justin , Leurgans Sue E. , Shewman Elizabeth F. , Wang Vincent M. , Cole Brian J.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Radial transection of the peripheral fibers of the meniscus could render it nonfunctional; however, the biomechanical consequences of a complete lateral meniscal radial tear and repair in human specimens have not been elucidated.

Hypothesis:

A complete radial tear will exhibit knee contact mechanics approaching those of total meniscectomy. Repair of complete radial tears will re-create normal load transmission across the joint.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Five matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were tested in axial compression (800 N) at 2 knee flexion angles (0° and 60°). Six meniscal conditions were sequentially tested: (1) intact lateral meniscus; radial width tears of (2) 50%, (3) 75%, and (4) 100%; (5) meniscal repair; and (6) total meniscectomy. Repairs were pair matched and used either an inside-out or all-inside technique. Tekscan sensors measured tibiofemoral contact pressure, peak contact force, and contact area in the lateral meniscus and medial meniscus.

Results:

Complete radial tears of the lateral meniscus produced significant increases in mean contact pressure ( P = .0001) and decreased contact area ( P < .0001) compared with the intact state. This effect was significantly less than that of total meniscectomy ( P < .0023). Lesser degrees of radial tears were not significantly different from the intact state ( P > .3619). Mean contact pressure after either repair technique was not significantly different from the intact state ( P = .2595) or from each other ( P = .4000). Meniscal repair produced an increase in contact area compared with a complete tear but was still significantly less than that of the intact meniscus ( P < .0001). The medial compartment showed no significant difference between all testing conditions for 0° and 60° of flexion ( P ≥ .0650).

Conclusion:

A complete radial meniscal tear of the lateral meniscus has a detrimental effect on load transmission. Repair improved contact area and pressure. Contact pressures for repaired menisci were not significantly different from the intact state, but contact area was significantly different. Biomechanical performance of repair constructs was equivalent.

Clinical Relevance:

Repair of complete radial tears improves joint mechanics, potentially decreasing the likelihood of cartilage degeneration.
Group-as-a-Whole and Complexity Theories: Areas of Convergence. Part I: Background and Literature Review
Authors: Schermer Victor L.
Published: July 2012

Complexity theory is a scientific paradigm concerned with the ways in which order and disorder (unpredictability, turbulence, chaos) combine to produce emergent higher levels of organization in living systems. The group-as-a-whole is an instance where interactions among individuals, often at ‘the edge of chaos’, lead to group-qua-group dynamics. The paradigms underlying group psychology and complexity theory are considered. Group theory developed along the lines of Enlightenment science, with its emphasis on order and linear causation, while complexity theory reflects the newer sciences of quantum physics and chaos theory, which are based on uncertainty and disorder, respectively. Some basic concepts of complexity theory are discussed, and recent literature on complexity theory and group psychotherapy is reviewed, to provide a background for exploring the potential implications of complexity theory for three dominant theoretical frameworks for dynamic group psychotherapy: Bion’s basic assumptions, Foulkes’ group analysis, and Agazarian’s systems-centered therapy. These will be taken up in Part II, to be published in a subsequent edition of Group Analysis.
Understanding the Relationships Between Decentralized Organizational Decision Structure, Job Context, and Job Satisfaction—A Survey of Danish Public Managers
Authors: Hansen Jesper Rosenberg , Høst Viggo
Published: July 2012

Job satisfaction is frequent studied, yet few studies are concerned with how the organizational decision structure influences job satisfaction. This is despite the major trend of employing more decentralized organizational decision structures, for example, because of New Public Management (NPM). We investigate how the organizational decision structure influences the job context (role clarity and job complexity) and which influence this then has on job satisfaction. We propose a hypothesized theoretical model which we investigate by estimating a structural equation model (using LISREL) on questionnaire data from 400 Danish managers. Based on the results, we had to modify our model. The results indicate that decentralized organizational decision structures influence role clarity which in turn influences job satisfaction positively, although an alternative model indicates a direct relationship from decentralized organizational decision structure to job satisfaction. Moreover, an important factor is work pressure which influences the relationship from job complexity to job satisfaction negatively.
Diastolic Heart Failure
Authors: Karrowni Wassef , Chatterjee Kanu
Published: July 2012

Multiple recent epidemiologic studies have highlighted the importance of diastolic heart failure (DHF) as a public health problem. Approximately half of patients presenting with symptomatic heart failure (HF) have DHF and they suffer from morbidity and mortality comparable to those with systolic HF. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of DHF has evolved rapidly over the last decade, and the associated echo-Doppler findings that assist with its diagnosis are greatly refined. Recently, there has been increased recognition of the role of diastolic dysfunction and DHF in the care of critically ill patients, including those admitted to noncardiac units. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the concepts of the pathophysiology of DHF. In addition, we provide an overview of the diagnostic approaches, prognostic identifiers, and associated comorbidities that make DHF more resistant to manage with a focus of the patients admitted to the intensive care unit. The current approach to managing patients with DHF is also reviewed.
African American Women’s Perceptions of Depression and Suicide Risk and Protection
Authors: Borum Valerie
Published: July 2012

This article reports the findings of a qualitative study that examined the perceptions of depression and suicide risk and protection among 40 African American women. Seven focus groups were conducted. The thematic findings of the focus group discussions included perceptions of depression as a sense of “spiritual forsakenness” and a healthy alternative to suicide. Living in spirit as well as in community with others was viewed as protection against suicide. Having a strong sense of African American heritage, history, and identity was perceived as protection against suicide and depression. Womanist implications for social work research, practice, and education are discussed.
Domestic Violence, Culture, and Relationship Dynamics Among Immigrant Mexican Women
Authors: Fuchsel Catherine L. Marrs , Murphy Sharon B. , Dufresne Rebecca
Published: July 2012

Immigrant Mexican women experience domestic violence, yet little is known about the cultural dynamics of their living with domestic violence. The authors conducted qualitative exploratory, in-depth interviews using grounded theory to examine domestic violence among nine immigrant Mexican women who were residing in a southwestern city. Dating patterns; parental influence; cultural concepts, such as familism and machismo; and trying to keep the family together were subcategories that emerged in the data that led to three socially and culturally relevant hypotheses for preventing domestic violence for immigrant Mexican women. Social workers can use the findings to gain a better understanding of how to serve immigrant Mexican women who experience domestic violence.
An Empowerment Model on Reconstituting the Meanings of Divorce
Authors: Hung Suet Lin
Published: July 2012

This article presents an empowerment model for working with Chinese divorced women through the reconstitution of meaning. Informed by feminist poststructuralism, the social worker facilitates the reconstitution of personal meanings of divorce held by Chinese divorced women by revealing the discursive roots of meanings and by interrogating with the women the meanings constituted by historical and social discourses on divorce in Hong Kong. The intervention process involves exploring positive meanings of divorce, challenging cultural oppression, exposing the discursive roots, and choosing alternative identities.
American Indian Women and Sexual Assault
Authors: Gebhardt Angela R. , Woody Jane D.
Published: July 2012

This article informs social workers about sexual violence against American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) women and the policy reforms in the 2010 Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA). It describes the unmet needs of AI/AN survivors, reviews the TLOA reforms on sexual assault in relation to social work and public health principles, discusses the complementary roles for social workers and public health practitioners in reform efforts, and offers guidance for professional participation that emphasizes tribal sovereignty, indigenous capacity, and cultural competence.
Maidens Fair, Matrons Plump, Fat Cats, and Sugar Daddies
Authors: Netting F. Ellen , O’Connor Mary Katherine
Published: July 2012

This article discusses the emergence and development of women’s fund-raising for charitable centenarian agencies in a southern city. These activities set the stage for the diversification of strategies that still have gender and racial overtones in the contemporary fund-raising activities of the city. The findings reveal that women did whatever they could legally do to raise funds and in-kind contributions. Women were active, visible agents, “pounding the pavement” to solicit or beg for funds. Gendered and racial roots of philanthropic activities in these centenary organizations still influence both the intentions and actions of these organizations today and have implications for women in fund-raising positions.
Elastic foundation effect on nonlinear thermo-vibration of embedded double-layered orthotropic graphene sheets using differential quadrature method
Authors: Arani Ali Ghorbanpour , Kolahchi Reza , Barzoki Ali Akbar Mosallaie , Mozdianfard Mohammad Reza , Farahani S Mosatafa Noudeh
Published: July 2012

In this article, transverse nonlinear vibration of orthotropic double-layered graphene sheets embedded in an elastic medium (spring and shear constants of the Winkler and Pasternak models) under thermal gradient is studied using nonlocal elasticity orthotropic plate theory. The equations of motion are derived based on application of Hamilton’s principles. These are coupled, two-dimensional and time-dependent equations, which cannot be solved analytically due to their nonlinear terms. Hence, differential quadrature method is employed to solve the governing differential equations for the two boundary conditions of simply and clamped support in all four sides. The plots for the ratio of nonlinear to linear frequencies versus maximum transverse amplitude for armchair and zigzag graphene sheet structures are presented to investigate the effects of nonlocal parameters, Winkler and Pasternak effects, temperature, and various aspect ratios. The study also indicates that the nonlinear effect represented by nonlinear frequency ratio is considerable at lower Winkler and Pasternak constants, length aspect ratio and thickness aspect ratio while it might be neglected for higher values of these parameters. Regarding the influence of temperature difference on support type, with increased temperature difference, nonlinear frequency ratio increases when the graphene sheet is simply supported, but for clamped one, no specific change in nonlinear frequency ratio is observed.
Theoretical flowrate characteristics of the conjugated involute internal gear pump
Authors: Zhou Hua , Song Wei
Published: July 2012

The aim of this article is to study the theoretical flowrate characteristics of the conjugated involute internal gear pump. The conjugated involute internal gear pump has a different internal gear, the profile of which is completely conjugated to that of pinion, from the conventional involute internal gear pump. To describe briefly, the former pump is called ‘conjugated pump’ while the latter pump ‘conventional pump’. This structure makes the conjugated pump have smaller volumes of trapped fluid than the conventional pump, which indicates the conjugated pump has a better flowrate performance. Although there have been numerous investigations into gear pumps, none of them have dealt with the conjugated pumps yet. This article presents a systematic study on the theoretical flowrate characteristics of the conjugated pumps. It is expected to obtain some generalized conclusions to guide the design of internal gear pumps. Firstly, a double envelope concept is applied to derive the mathematical models of the conjugated involute internal gear couple. Next, mesh characteristics of the gear couple, which mainly decide the fluid delivery performance of the pumps, are analyzed. Finally, using a control volume approach, the theoretical flowrate characteristics of the pump under different design parameters of gears are investigated. Results show the conjugated pump has a better performance than the conventional one. To design a conjugated pump with good flowrate characteristics, it’s feasible to choose a proper shifting coefficient, a larger tooth number of the pinion, a smaller tooth number of the internal gear, a larger pressure angle and a larger fillet radius, under the condition that no tooth interference occurs.
Development of a cardiopulmonary mathematical model incorporating a baro–chemoreceptor reflex control system
Authors: Lin Jinhuai , Ngwompo Roger F , Tilley Derek G
Published: July 2012

This article describes the development of a comprehensive mathematical model of the human cardiopulmonary system that combines the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and their associated autonomous nervous control actions. The model is structured to allow the complex interactions between the two systems and the responses of the combined system to be predicted under different physiological conditions.

The cardiovascular system model contains 13 compartments, including the heart chambers operating as a pump and the blood vessels represented as distensible tubes configured in a serial and parallel arrangement. The accurate representation of the hemodynamics in the system and the good fit to published pressure and flow waveforms gave confidence in the modelling approach adopted for the cardiovascular system prior to the incorporation of the baroreflex control and the respiratory models.

An improved baroreceptor reflex model is developed in this research, incorporating afferent, central and efferent compartments. A sigmoid function is included in the efferent compartment to produce sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve outflow to the effector sites. The baroreflex action is modelled using physiological data, its interaction with the chemoreflex control is explained and the simulation results presented show the ability of the model to predict the static and dynamic hemodynamic responses to environmental disturbances.

A previously published respiratory model that includes the mechanics of breathing, gas exchange process and the regulation of the system is then combined with the cardiovascular model to form the cardiopulmonary model. Through comparison with published data, the cardiopulmonary model with the baro–chemoreflex control is validated during hypoxia and hypercapnia. The percentage difference between the predicted and measured changes in the heart rates and the mean arterial pressures are within 3% in both cases. The total peripheral resistance correlates well for hypoxia but is less good for hypercapnia, where the predicted change from normal condition is around 7% compared with a measured change of 23%. An example showing the application of the proposed model in sport science is also included.
On-line analysis of cracking in cortical bone under wedge penetration
Authors: Alam Khurshid , Kerckhofs Greet , Mitrofanov Alexander V , Lomov Stepan , Wevers Martin , Silberschmidt Vadim V
Published: July 2012

Understanding the mechanism of crack propagation during bone cutting is necessary for the development of realistic bone cutting models. This article studies the on-line fractural behaviour of cortical bone caused by penetration with a sharp metallic wedge mounted on an on-line loading stage within an X-ray microfocus computed tomography system. The experimental results demonstrated anisotropy in crack propagation depending on the penetration direction with regard to the longitudinal bone axis and relate the crack growth to the extent of penetration. Scanning electron microscopy is performed to analyse the mechanism of cracking in the two phase microstructure of compact bone.
Multicenter longitudinal study of B-lymphocyte depletion in refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: the LESIMAB study
Authors: Fernández-Nebro A , de la Fuente JL Marenco , Carreño L , Izquierdo M Galindo , Tomero E , Rúa-Figueroa I , Hernández-Cruz BE , Narváez J , Úcar E , Olivé A , Zea A , Fernández-Castro M , Raya-Álvarez E , Pego-Reigosa JM , Freire M , Martínez-Taboada VM , Pérez-Venegas J , Sánchez-Atrio AI , Villa-Blanco I , Manrique-Arija S , López-Longo FJ , Carreira PE , Martínez-Pérez R , García-Vicuña R
Published: July 2012

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of single and repeated courses of rituximab in patients with refractory lupus. Methods: LESIMAB is a multicenter, retrospective, longitudinal study of lupus patients who have not responded to standard therapy and have been treated with rituximab. Response rates at six months and at follow-up were defined as efficacy outcomes. Complete response was defined as a SELENA-SLEDAI score ≤ two and a SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index of zero. Partial response was defined as a reduction in the SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≥four points with no new or worsening of symptoms. Adverse events were collected. Results: Seventy-three (62.9%) of 116 patients achieved a response at six months (complete in 22 and partial in 51). Ninety-seven (77.6%) of 128 patients achieved a response after a mean follow-up of 20.0 ± 15.2 months (complete in 50 and partial in 47). High baseline SLEDAI score, previous treatment with ≥100 mg/day prednisone, and no history of severe hematologic flare were associated with response after the first treatment course. The median time to response was 6.5 months (95% CI, 5.0–8.0). Thirty-seven patients (38.1%) relapsed after the first infusion. The flare was severe in seven cases and mild to moderate in 29 cases. Serious infection rate was 12.6/100 patient-years. A schedule of four weekly doses was associated with more serious infections. Six patients died: two of infection and four of lupus complications. Conclusion: Rituximab can be an effective treatment option for patients who have refractory lupus with severe or life-threatening disease with an acceptable tolerance profile.
Fukushima Nuclear Incident
Authors: Robertson Andrew G. , Pengilley Andrew
Published: July 2012

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred off the Sanriku coast of Japan, which resulted in multiple tsunamis. The earthquake and tsunami damaged several nuclear power stations, with the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant being the worst affected, which led Japan to declare a State of Nuclear Emergency. As of November 9, 2011, the National Police Agency of Japan reported a death toll of 15 836 people, with 3664 people still reported missing, following the earthquake and tsunami. Australian radiation health advisers were deployed to Tokyo early in the nuclear emergency to assist the Australian Embassy in assessing the radiological threat, to provide risk advice to Embassy staff and Australian citizens in Japan, and to plan for any further deterioration in the nuclear situation. This article explores the challenges of risk assessment, risk communication, and contingency planning for expatriate staff in the worst nuclear incident since Chernobyl, outlines what measures were successful in addressing heightened perceived risks, and identifies areas where further research is required, particularly in a radiological context.