bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Health Status Affect Susceptibility and Mapping of Genetic Loci for Atherosclerosis (Fatty Streak) in Inbred Mice
Authors: Srivastava Ujala , Paigen Beverly J. , Korstanje Ron
Published: July 2012

Objective—

We observed differences in atherosclerosis susceptibility in mouse inbred strains over the years as the health status of our animal rooms increased. Therefore, we investigated the effect of animal room health status on atherosclerosis susceptibility in different strains. As these data can also be used for genome-wide association mapping, we performed a mapping study and compared our results with previously found quantitative trait loci for atherosclerosis in mouse and humans.

Methods and Results—

Males and females from 48 inbred strains were housed in 2 animal rooms with different health status and given an atherogenic diet. We compared atherosclerosis susceptibility between animal rooms and between sexes and found that susceptibility is dependent on both health status and sex. Subsequently, the data were used for associations with loci on the mouse genome using 63 222 single nucleotide polymorphism. Three loci in males and 4 loci in females were identified using the data from the low-health status room. No significant associations were identified using the data from the high-health status room.

Conclusion—

Health status influences susceptibility to atherosclerosis and suggests that microbiological pressure plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis in many strains. As we were only able to map susceptibility loci using the data from the lower health status room, we argue that susceptibility under these conditions is determined by a few key loci, whereas in the higher health status room different mechanisms might play a role in the differences in atherosclerosis susceptibility between strains and we did not have enough power to map the loci that are involved.
Cardiac Dysfunction and Prolonged Hemodynamic Deterioration After Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shock in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Toh Norihisa , Nishii Nobuhiro , Nakamura Kazufumi , Tada Takeshi , Oe Hiroki , Nagase Satoshi , Kohno Kunihisa , Morita Hiroshi , Kusano Kengo F. , Ito Hiroshi
Published: July 2012

Background—

We investigated the acute effects of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock on myocardium, cardiac function, and hemodynamics in relation to left ventricular systolic function.

Methods and Results—

We studied 50 patients who underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing: 25 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥45% and 25 patients with LVEF <45%. We measured cardiac biomarkers (creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, myoglobin, cardiac troponin T and I, and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide). Left ventricular relaxation was assessed by global longitudinal strain rate during the isovolumetric relaxation period using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Blood sampling and echocardiography were performed before, immediately after, and 5 minutes and 4 hours after DFT testing. Mean arterial pressure was measured directly during DFT testing. Cardiac biomarkers showed no significant changes in either group. LVEF was decreased until 5 minutes after DFT testing and had recovered to the baseline at 4 hours in the group with reduced LVEF (
P
<0.001), whereas LVEF reduction was not observed in the group with preserved LVEF (
P
=0.637). Global isovolumetric relaxation period was decreased until 5 minutes after DFT testing and had recovered to the baseline at 4 hours in both groups (preserved LVEF: 0.39±0.14 versus 0.23±0.13* versus 0.23±0.13* versus 0.40±0.13 s
−1
, *
P
<0.001 versus baseline; reduced LVEF: 0.15±0.05 versus 0.08±0.04† versus 0.09±0.04† versus 0.15±0.05 s
−1
, †
P
<0.001 versus baseline, repeated-measures ANOVA). Time to recovery of mean arterial pressure to the baseline was prolonged in the group with reduced LVEF (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock transiently impairs cardiac function and hemodynamics especially in patients with systolic dysfunction, although significant tissue injury is not observed.
RTEF-1 Attenuates Blood Glucose Levels by Regulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 in the Endothelium
Authors: Messmer-Blust Angela F. , Philbrick Melissa J. , Guo Shuzhen , Wu Jiaping , He Ping , Guo Shaodong , Li Jian
Published: July 2012

Rationale:

Related transcriptional enhancer factor-1 (RTEF-1) plays an important role in endothelial cell function by regulating angiogenesis; however, the mechanism underlying the role of RTEF-1 in the endothelium in vivo is not well defined.

Objective:

We investigated the biological functions of RTEF-1 by disrupting the gene that encodes it in mice endothelium -specific RTEF-1–deficient transgenic mice (RTEF-1
–/–
).

Methods and Results:

RTEF-1
−/−
mice showed significantly increased blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, accompanied by decreased levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) mRNA in the endothelium and decreased serum IGFBP-1 levels. Additionally, the RTEF-1
−/−
phenotype was exacerbated when the mice were fed a high-fat diet, which correlated with decreased IGFBP-1 levels. In contrast, vascular endothelial cadherin/RTEF-1–overexpressing

1

transgenic mice (VE-Cad/RTEF1) demonstrated improved glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity in response to a high-fat diet. Furthermore, we demonstrated that RTEF-1 upregulates IGFBP-1 through selective binding and promotion of transcription from the insulin response element site. Insulin prevented RTEF-1 expression and significantly inhibited IGFBP-1 transcription in endothelial cells in a dose-dependent fashion.

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that RTEF-1 stimulates promoter activity through an insulin response element and also mediates the effects of insulin on gene expression. These results show that RTEF-1–stimulated IGFBP-1 expression may be central to the mechanism by which RTEF-1 attenuates blood glucose levels. These findings provide the basis for novel insights into the transcriptional regulation of IGFBP-1 and contribute to our understanding of the role of vascular endothelial cells in metabolism.
Community Care in England
Authors: Hawkins Nathaniel M. , Scholes Shaun , Bajekal Madhavi , Love Hande , O'Flaherty Martin , Raine Rosalind , Capewell Simon
Published: July 2012

Background—

Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with increased heart failure (HF) incidence, hospitalization rates, and mortality. However, whether the delivery of survival-enhancing medical therapy is equitable remains uncertain. We examined secular trends in the uptake of key medical therapies (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, spironolactone) stratified by socioeconomic circumstances in patients with HF. Secondary analyses examined trends in HF incidence, prevalence, and survival.

Methods and Results—

This study was a cross-sectional observational analysis of nationally representative primary care data from England. Treatments for patients with HF in 1999 and 2007 (n=13 330) were extracted from the General Practice Research Database. Socioeconomic circumstances were defined with the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007, a weighted composite of 7 area-level deprivation domains. Treatment uptake estimates were age standardized. The incidence and prevalence of HF decreased year to year. Although clear socioeconomic gradients in both the incidence and prevalence of HF were apparent, the absolute difference between most and least deprived reduced over time. Uptake of therapies improved over time in both men and women. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker uptake increased from 46% to 64%, β-blocker uptake from 12% to 41%, and spironolactone uptake from 3% to 20%. Modest age and sex inequalities were apparent. However, no consistent socioeconomic gradients were observed in either treatment or case fatality.

Conclusions—

Socioeconomic gradients in the incidence and prevalence of HF are reducing. Treatment is generally equitable and independent of socioeconomic circumstances. Most important, no significant inequality in outcomes was apparent. Future strategies should continue to address inequalities in the underlying causes of HF and to increase overall treatment levels further.
Cerecyte Coil Trial
Authors: Molyneux Andrew J. , Clarke Alison , Sneade Mary , Mehta Ziyah , Coley Stuart , Roy Daniel , Kallmes David F. , Fox Allan J.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

We report the primary outcome of the Cerecyte Coil Trial, a randomized trial to determine whether polymer-loaded Cerecyte coils compared with Micrus bare platinum coils improved the proportion of patients with angiographic occlusion of the aneurysm at 6 months when assessed by a core laboratory. The secondary objectives were to compare the clinical outcomes and retreatment rates in the 2 groups.

Methods—

Five hundred patients between 18 and 70 years of age with a ruptured or unruptured target aneurysm were randomized to be treated with either Cerecyte or bare platinum coils in 23 centers worldwide. Two hundred forty-nine patients were assigned to Cerecyte coils and 251 to bare platinum coils. Analysis was by intention to treat.

Results—

Four hundred ninety-four patients were eligible for analysis. Four hundred eighty-one patients underwent coil treatment of their aneurysm, 227 patients with recently ruptured aneurysms and 254 with unruptured aneurysms. Four hundred thirty-three follow-up angiograms were assessed by the core laboratory; 127 of 215 (59%) and 118 of 218 (54%) in the Cerecyte and bare platinum groups, respectively, fulfilled the trial prespecified definition of success, namely that the treated aneurysm showed complete angiographic occlusion, had stable neck remnant, or improved in angiographic appearance compared with the end-of-treatment angiogram (
P
=0.17). Late retreatment was performed in 25 of 452 (5.5%) patients, 17 (7.7%) Cerecyte versus 8 (3.5%) bare platinum (
P
=0.064; range, 4–34 months). The clinical outcomes did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion—

There was no significant difference at 6 months in the angiographic outcomes between Cerecyte coils and bare platinum coils when assessed by the core laboratory.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL:
www.controlled-trials.com
. Unique Identifier: ISRCTN82461286.
Poststroke Balance Improves With Yoga
Authors: Schmid Arlene A. , Van Puymbroeck Marieke , Altenburger Peter A. , Schalk Nancy L. , Dierks Tracy A. , Miller Kristine K. , Damush Teresa M. , Bravata Dawn M. , Williams Linda S.
Published: July 2012

Background and Purpose—

Balance impairment is common after stroke; modified yoga may be able to improve balance and other important poststroke variables. Scientific-evidence is needed to support such treatment interventions. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a yoga-based rehabilitation intervention on balance, balance self-efficacy, fear of falling (FoF), and quality of life after stroke.

Methods—

This was a prospective, randomized, pilot study of yoga-based rehabilitation for people with chronic stroke. All yoga sessions were taught by a registered yoga therapist, occurred twice per week for 8 weeks and included seated, standing, and floor postures with relaxation and meditation. Balance was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale, balance self-efficacy with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, FoF with a dichotomous yes/no question, and quality of life with the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale.

Results—

There were no significant differences between wait-list control (n=10) and yoga (n=37) groups in baseline or follow-up scores. However, using within-group comparisons, yoga group data demonstrated significant improvement in balance (Berg Balance Scale, 41.3±11.7 vs 46.3±9.1;
P
<0.001) and FoF (51% vs 46% with FoF;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

A group yoga-based rehabilitation intervention for people with chronic stroke has potential in improving multiple poststroke variables. Group yoga may be complementary to rehabilitation, may be possible in medical-based and community-based settings, and may be cost-effective. Further testing of group yoga-based rehabilitation interventions is warranted.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT01109602.
Damage of Land Biosphere due to Intense Warming by 1000-Fold Rapid Increase in Atmospheric Methane: Estimation with a Climate–Carbon Cycle Model
Authors: Obata Atsushi , Shibata Kiyotaka
Published: July 2012

Decadal-time-scale responses of climate and the global carbon cycle to warming associated with rapid increases in atmospheric methane from a massive methane release from marine sedimentary methane hydrates are investigated with a coupled climate–carbon cycle model. A 1000-fold methane increase (from <1 to 1000 ppmv) causes surface air temperatures to increase with a global warming of >6°C within 80 yr. The amount of carbon stored in the land biosphere decreases by >25%. This is mostly due to a large decrease in tropical net primary production during the first few years (~−40%), which is caused by a decrease in photosynthesis and an increase in plant maintenance respiration with the early warming of ~3°C, leading to tropical forest dieback (>20%) and the largest decrease in vegetation carbon of >50% (~80% of the decrease in global vegetation carbon). The decrease in global land carbon is also partly due to forest diebacks (mainly boreal forest dieback by heat stress) at northern middle latitudes. In contrast, vegetation increases by >50% at northern high latitudes because of the amelioration to warm and wet conditions. Sensitivity experiments show that the warming of >6°C consists mainly of >5°C by the 1000-fold atmospheric methane and an additional increase of 1°C by the atmospheric CO2 increase due to the land CO2 release and that the CO2 fertilization of land plants prevents further warming of 1°C by limiting the atmospheric CO2 increase. The large decrease in land biomass estimated in this study suggests a critical situation for the land ecosystem or agricultural production, especially in the tropics. Because global methane content of marine methane hydrates is estimated at ~10 000 Gt, more intense warming leading to greater damage to the land biomass than the authors’ experiment (~2000 Gt) is possible in the future methane release event that would be caused by the ongoing anthropogenic warming.
Reply to “Comments on ‘Changes to the North Atlantic Subtropical High and Its Role in the Intensification of Summer Rainfall Variability in the Southeastern United States’”
Authors: Li Wenhong , Li Laifang , Fu Rong , Deng Yi , Wang Hui
Published: July 2012

Recently Diem questioned the western ridge movement of the North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH) reported in a 2011 paper of Li et al. This reply shows more analysis that further strengthens the conclusions originally put forth by Li et al. Diem’’s analysis of the trend in the western ridge of the NASH was based on the data over a 30-yr period (1978–2007), whereas the main conclusions in Li et al. were drawn according to the data over a 60-yr period (1948–2007). Over the last 60 years, the NASH has shown a significant trend of westward movement, the meridional movement of the western ridge of the NASH has enhanced in the recent three decades, and the potential impact of global warming cannot be ruled out in an attempt to explain these changes of the NASH.
Roles of ENSO and PDO in the Link of the East Asian Winter Monsoon to the following Summer Monsoon
Authors: Chen Wen , Feng Juan , Wu Renguang
Published: July 2012

The present study investigates the roles of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) in the relationship between the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and the following East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). The variability of the EAWM is divided into an ENSO-related part named EAWMEN and an ENSO-unrelated part named EAWMres. Corresponding to a weak EAWMEN, an anomalous low-level anticyclone forms over the western North Pacific (WNP) and persists from winter to the following summer. This anticyclone enhances southerlies over the coast of East Asia in summer. Hence, a weak EAWMEN tends to be followed by a strong EASM and vice versa. As such, a link is established between the EAWMEN and the EASM. The persistence of this WNP anticyclone may be mainly attributed to the sea surface temperature anomalies associated with the ENSO-related EAWM part in the tropical Indian Ocean and the extratropical North Pacific. In contrast, corresponding to a weak EAWMres, the anomalous WNP anticyclone is only seen in winter, and there is no obvious relationship between the EAWMres and the following EASM. Therefore, the observed EAWM–EASM relationship is dominated by the winter monsoon variability associated with ENSO. It is found that the EAWMEN–EASM relationship is modulated by the PDO. There tends to be a much stronger EASM after a weak EAWMEN during the positive PDO phases than during the negative PDO phases.
Hadley Circulation Response to Orbital Precession. Part II: Subtropical Continent
Authors: Merlis Timothy M. , Schneider Tapio , Bordoni Simona , Eisenman Ian
Published: July 2012

The response of the monsoonal and annual-mean Hadley circulation to orbital precession is examined in an idealized atmospheric general circulation model with a simplified representation of land surface processes in subtropical latitudes. When perihelion occurs in the summer of a hemisphere with a subtropical continent, changes in the top-of-atmosphere energy balance, together with a poleward shift of the monsoonal circulation boundary, lead to a strengthening of the monsoonal circulation. Spatial variations in surface heat capacity determine whether radiative perturbations are balanced by energy storage or by atmospheric energy fluxes. Although orbital precession does not affect annual-mean insolation, the annual-mean Hadley circulation does respond to orbital precession because its sensitivity to radiative changes varies over the course of the year: the monsoonal circulation in summer is near the angular momentum-conserving limit and responds directly to radiative changes; whereas in winter, the circulation is affected by the momentum fluxes of extratropical eddies and is less sensitive to radiative changes.
Impact from a Volumetric Radar-Sampling Operator for Radial Velocity Observations within EnKF Supercell Assimilation
Authors: Thompson Therese E. , Wicker Louis J. , Wang Xuguang
Published: July 2012

Maximizing the accuracy of ensemble Kalman filtering (EnKF) radar data assimilation requires that the observation operator sample the model state in the same manner that the radar sampled the atmosphere. It may therefore be desirable to include volume averaging and power weighting in the observation operator. This study examines the impact of including radar-sampling effects in the Doppler velocity observation operator on EnKF analyses and forecasts. Locally substantial differences are found between a simple point operator and a realistic radar-sampling operator when they are applied to the model state at a single time. However, assimilation results indicate that the radar-sampling operator does not substantially improve the EnKF analyses or forecasts, and it greatly increases the computational cost of the data assimilation.
Observations of Polarimetric Signatures in Supercells by an X-Band Mobile Doppler Radar
Authors: Snyder Jeffrey C. , Bluestein Howard B. , Venkatesh Vijay , Frasier Stephen J.
Published: July 2012

Polarimetric weather radars significantly enhance the capability to infer the properties of scatterers within a resolution volume. Previous studies have identified several consistently seen polarimetric signatures in supercells observed in the central United States. Nearly all of these studies used data collected by fixed-site S- and C-band radars. Because there are few polarimetric mobile radars, relatively little has been documented in high-resolution polarimetric data from mobile radars. Compared to S and C bands, there has been very limited examination of polarimetric signatures at X band.

The primary focus of this paper is on one signature that has not been documented previously and one that has had little documentation at X band. The first signature, seen in at least seven supercell datasets collected by a mobile, X-band, polarimetric radar, consists of a narrow band of locally reduced reflectivity factor ZH and differential reflectivity, typically near the location where the hook echo “attaches” to the main body of the storm echo. No consistent pattern is seen in radial velocity VR or copolar cross correlation ρHV. The small size of this feature suggests a significant heterogeneity in precipitation microphysics, the cause and impact of which are unknown. The greater resolution and the scattering differences at X band compared to other frequencies may make this feature more apparent. The second signature consists of anomalously low ρHV in areas of high ZH along the left section (relative to storm motion) of the bounded weak-echo region. Examples of other polarimetric signatures at X band are provided.
Correlation between injection moulding processing parameters and mechanical properties of microcellular polycarbonate
Authors: Bledzki Andrzej Kornelius , Kirschling Hendrik , Rohleder Martin , Chate Andris
Published: July 2012

Since many decades, microcellular foamed materials have been produced basically to reduce the density of the materials in order to get lightweight parts. Meanwhile, it is well known that microcellular foaming by injection moulding offers many more advantages compared to compact injection moulding. Those are, e.g. lower shrinkage and warpage, shorter cycle times, lower clamp forces, reduced viscosity but improved properties of the foamed material in contrast to the compact material. These arguments are all known, but to improve the properties of the material, it is necessary to understand the interrelationship between the morphology and the mechanical properties. Furthermore, it is important to know how the processing parameters influence the morphology and the properties of the produced part. By understanding the relation between processing parameters and the consequential properties, it has become possible to create microcellular foamed parts with exactly defined properties. Through the variation of different processing parameters such as blowing agent concentration, injection velocity, mass temperature, mould temperature, weight reduction and different moulding processes like gas counter pressure injection moulded test, samples were produced to characterise the morphology and the mechanical properties. The experiments were performed with a polycarbonate type from Bayer MaterialScience. The cell size, thickness of the skin layer and distance between the cells were correlated to the processing parameters by means of nonlinear regression equations. Based on these equation, 3D graphs were created by variation of two parameters by fixing the remaining parameters to illustrate the relationships. Furthermore, the relation between the morphology and the mechanical properties was correlated, which makes it possible to produce parts through injection moulding with a well-defined Young’s modulus or flexural strength.
Mechanical behavior of solid and foamed polyester/expanded graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Sorrentino Luigi , Aurilia Marco , Cafiero Livia , Cioffi Salvatore , Iannace Salvatore
Published: July 2012

Poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate)- PEN is a thermoplastic polyester characterized by a high glass transition temperature (125°C), comparable to that of polyetheretherketone (143°C), but with a significantly lower melting temperature (265°C). Its physical and chemical properties are very promising for applications in transport industry and aeronautics. Nanocomposite matrices based on PEN and expanded graphite were developed to be used as matrix for foams. Expanded graphite was melt blended with the polymer by means of extrusion process and its effects on the foaming properties were investigated through solid state foaming process. Graphite nanoparticles increased the crystallization kinetics of the polymer, inducing the formation of small crystals but lowering the total amount of crystalline phase. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed a good dispersion of the nanofiller but some aggregates were still present, as also confirmed by graphite peak in the X-ray diffraction patterns of all nanocomposites. The elastic modulus of nanocomposites with amorphous matrix increased with respect to the neat amorphous PEN, while the modulus of crystallized nanocomposites decreased. Nanocomposite foams were successfully prepared, and an higher cell density was obtained when compared to the neat PEN. In the latter case, a strong increase in both yield and strain at break was measured. Furthermore, the elastic modulus and compressive yield stress of foamed PEN nanocomposites increased with the expanded graphite.
Extreme Bounds of Democracy
Authors: Gassebner Martin , Lamla Michael J. , Vreeland James Raymond
Published: July 2012

What determines the emergence and survival of democracy? The authors apply extreme bounds analysis to test the robustness of fifty-nine factors proposed in the literature, evaluating over three million regressions with data from 165 countries from 1976 to 2002. The most robust determinants of the transition to democracy are gross domestic product (GDP) growth (a negative effect), past transitions (a positive effect), and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development membership (a positive effect). There is some evidence that fuel exporters and Muslim countries are less likely to see democracy emerge, although the latter finding is driven entirely by oil-producing Muslim countries. Regarding the survival of democracy, the most robust determinants are GDP per capita (a positive effect) and past transitions (a negative effect). There is some evidence that having a former military leader as the chief executive has a negative effect, while having other democracies as neighbors has a reinforcing effect.
Comparison of Spanish broom (Spartium junceum L.) and flax (Linum usitatissimum) fibre
Authors: Kovačević Zorana , Vukušić Sandra Bischof , Zimniewska Malgorzata
Published: July 2012

After a long break, Spanish broom gained interest as a natural, sustainable and renewable fibre for textile and technical applications. This paper describes the characterization of Spanish broom fibres ( Spartium junceum L.) in comparison to the flax fibres ( Linum usitatissimum). Spanish broom fibres were obtained by two different methods of maceration and some of the most significant chemical and physical properties of tested fibres are reported. Scanning electron microscopy has proven to be a useful tool for the determination of morphological characteristics of elementary and technical fibres. Other physical-chemical properties of fibres were determined by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fineness and tensile strength methods.
Characterization of regenerated cellulose fibers antimicrobial functionalized by chitosan
Authors: Zemljic Lidija Fras , Sauperl Olivera , Kreze Tatjana , Strnad Simona
Published: July 2012

Despite numerous investigations during recent decades in the field of antimicrobially treating textile fibers using chitosan, many obscurities remain regarding the adsorption/desorption behavior of chitosan and the influences of the accessible amino group content on the antimicrobial effectiveness of chitosan-treated fibers. Accordingly, the principal aim of the presented research was to evaluate different regenerated cellulose fibers regarding their abilities to provide highest antimicrobial effectiveness after chitosan treatments. Regenerated cellulose fibers such as viscose, modal and lyocell were antimicrobial functionalized by chitosan from solutions. The adsorption and desorption of the chitosan were analyzed using potentiometric titration, the spectrophotometric method with C.I. Acid orange VII, the Kjeldahl technique and polyelectrolyte titration. Mechanical properties of functionalized fibers were also checked. The antimicrobial activities of chitosan-functionalized cellulose fibers were examined, with regard to pathogen bacteria and fungi. The highest amino group content as a consequence of more intensive chitosan adsorption was found in viscose followed by modal and, finally, by lyocell. It was confirmed that those fibers with higher content of amino groups demonstrated a better reduction in pathogenic bacteria as well as pathogenic fungi. The functionalized cellulose fibers displayed potential utility in different fields of application, as exemplified by medical textiles for single use.
Three-dimensional braiding for composites: A review
Authors: Bilisik Kadir
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study is to review three-dimensional (3D) braided fabrics and, in particular, to provide a critical review of the development of 3D braided preform structures and techniques.

3D braided preforms are classified based on various parameters depending on the yarn sets, yarn orientation and intertwining, micro-meso unit cells and macro geometry. Biaxial and triaxial two-dimensional (2D) braided fabrics have been widely used as simple- and complex-shaped structural composite parts in various technical areas. However, 2D braided fabric has size and thickness limitations. 3D braided fabrics have multiple layers and no delamination due to intertwine-type out-of-plane interlacement. However, the 3D braided fabrics have low transverse properties and they also have size and thickness limitations. On the other hand, various unit cell base models on 3D braiding were developed to analyze the properties of 3D braided structures. Most of the unit cell base models include micromechanics and numerical techniques.

Multiaxis 3D braided fabrics have multiple layers and no delamination. The in-plane properties of multiaxis 3D braided fabrics may be enhanced due to the ±bias yarn layers. However, the multiaxis 3D braiding technique is at an early stage of development and needs to be fully automated.
The use of wet-laid techniques to obtain flax nonwovens with different thermoplastic binding fibers for technical insulation applications
Authors: Fages E , Cano MA , Gironés S , Boronat T , Fenollar O , Balart R
Published: July 2012

In this work, the wet-laid technique has been used to obtain flax nonwovens thermally bonded with different contents of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and bicomponent polyamide 6/copolyamide (PA6/CoPA) fibers in the 10–30 wt.% range. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to evaluate the formation of interlock points through melted polymer and flax fibers. Volume porosity has been estimated through determination of thickness and surface mass. Tensile strength and elongation at break have been determined on longitudinal (preferential) and transversal directions to evaluate anisotropy. The sound absorption properties of stacked sheets of flax: PVA and flax: PA6/CoPA nonwovens have been evaluated. In addition, the thermal insulating properties of individual nonwovens have been obtained. Mechanical characterization shows slight anisotropy. The absorption coefficient is interesting in the medium frequencies range, and relatively low thermal conductivity and thermal resistance values are obtained with these nonwovens (in the 0.020–0.025 W m−1 K−1 range for flax: PVA nonwovens and in the 0.09–0.10 W m−1 K−1 range for flax: PA6/CoPA nonwovens). By taking into account these features, these nonwoven substrates could find interesting applications as sound absorbers and/or thermal insulation materials in technical applications.
Fibrous mat of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/containing cerium(III) for the removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Ge Mingqiao
Published: July 2012

In the present study, the fibrous mat of chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol) containing (CS/PVOH/Ce) is prepared by electrospinning technique. The chemical, structural and morphology characteristics of the fibrous mat are determined by Fourier infrared spectrum (FTIR) and transmission electron microscope (SEM) method. The functional groups and porous structure of the CS/PVOH/Ce fibrous mat shown in the FTIR and SEM results imply its potential ability in the adsorption of Cr(VI). To verify the analysis above, the fibrous mat is experimentally used for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution in the optimized conditions. The adsorption data from the experiment can be fit well by Langmuir isotherm. Based on Langmuir model, is calculated to be 52.88 mg/g. In addition, adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) ions is found to conform to pseudo-second order kinetics. The mechanism of adsorption can be interpreted as a combination of electrostatic adsorption coupled with reduction reaction between CS/PVA/Ce fibrous mat and Cr(VI) ions.
Toward an African Definition of Resilience
Authors: Theron Linda C. , Theron Adam M. C. , Malindi Macalane J.
Published: July 2012

Resilience, or adaptive behavior in the face of adversity, has recently come to be understood as a phenomenon that should not be uniformly conceptualized across contexts and cultures. This emerging understanding has urged exploration of what resilience might mean in specific cultural contexts. As in other majority nation contexts, there is scant documentation of what resilience might mean in an African context. In this article, the authors report on an exploratory qualitative study, rooted in a constructivist grounded theory approach, in which 11 South African adults from an impoverished rural area were invited to provide a description of resilient Basotho youth. In contrast to Eurocentric perspectives, their descriptions, verbal, written, and hand-drawn, offer an Africentric understanding of resilience. This emerging African conceptualization of resilience advocates for deeper exploration of collectivist philosophies underpinning Black youth resilience and continued research into the process of African resilience.
Diamonds in the Rough
Authors: Bimper Albert Y. , Harrison Louis , Clark Langston
Published: July 2012

Ailing academic performances of Black male student athletes have been an impetus for a search of recourse by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Amid the volume of these academic underperformances, particularly in revenue-generating sports, there are Black male student athletes who achieve a level of success in the classroom that rivals their athletic prowess. The present case study investigated the self-perceptions and behaviors contributing to seven Black male student athletes’ success in managing their dual roles as students and athletes while navigating their college experience. The theoretical framework of Critical Race Theory was used to ground this research. Findings from this study are represented by the following themes: Complex Identities, Community, and Liberation. The implications of this study support fostering meaningful opportunities to develop healthy Black male student athlete identities and academic achievement.
Relations Among Teasing, Body Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, and Depression in Treatment-Seeking Obese African American Adolescents
Authors: Porter Jerlym S. , Stern Marilyn , Mazzeo Suzanne E. , Evans Ronald K. , Laver Joseph
Published: July 2012

The objective of this study was to examine correlates of weight-based teasing, self-esteem, and depression among 119 treatment-seeking obese African American adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. Body satisfaction was examined as a potential mediator of the association between teasing and self-esteem and teasing and depression. Study participants (mean age = 13.9 years; 72% female) completed measures evaluating teasing, self-esteem, depression, and body satisfaction. Body satisfaction was measured using a multiethnic figure rating scale and a measure of overall satisfaction with appearance. The results indicated an association between teasing and decreased self-esteem and increased depression. Males exhibited higher body satisfaction than females. Body satisfaction partially mediated the association between teasing and self-esteem and teasing and depression. These data suggest that body satisfaction is relevant to well-being among obese African American adolescents seeking weight loss treatment.
Person-Group Fit
Authors: Seong Jee Young , Kristof-Brown Amy L. , Park Won-Woo , Hong Doo-Seung , Shin Yuhyung
Published: July 2012

This article explores antecedents and outcomes of group-level person-group (PG) fit perceptions. Based on the categorization-elaboration model (CEM), the authors explain how social category (gender and age) and informational diversity (education and work experience) in work teams may elicit supplementary and complementary fit perceptions among team members. The authors then examine two mechanisms through which perceived fit might influence leader-rated group performance. Supplementary fit (similarity on values) is hypothesized to work through a relationship-oriented mechanism by influencing social cohesion. Complementary fit (abilities meet job demands) is expected to work through a task-oriented mechanism by influencing the teams’ transactive memory systems. Participants include employees (N = 1,101) and leaders (N = 116) from 116 work teams in two private firms located in Seoul, Korea. Results generally support the hypothesized relationships, with the task-oriented mechanism being more influential of group performance. Post hoc analyses also suggest that a superordinate perception of PG fit may underlie the assessments of the more specific types of fit. The authors conclude that diversity within groups influences an emergent perception of group-level fit, having related supplementary and complementary components, which in turn are associated with group-level outcomes.
Self-Reported Limitations and Future Directions in Scholarly Reports
Authors: Brutus Stéphane , Aguinis Herman , Wassmer Ulrich
Published: July 2012

The authors content analyzed self-reported limitations and directions for future research in 1,276 articles published between 1982 and 2007 in the Academy of Management Journal, Administrative Science Quarterly, the Journal of Applied Psychology, the Journal of Management, and the Strategic Management Journal. In order of frequency, the majority of self-reported limitations, as well as directions for future research, pertains to threats to internal, external, and construct validity issues, and there is a significant increase in the reporting of these elements over time. Longitudinal analyses revealed that some of these increases varied across management subfields (i.e., business policy and strategy, organizational behavior, organizational theory, and human resource management), indicating unique research contexts within some research domains. Based on the analyses of self-reported limitations and future research directions, the authors offer eight guidelines for authors, reviewers, and editors. These guidelines refer to the need for authors to report limitations and to use a separate section for them and the need for reviewers to list limitations in their evaluations of manuscripts; authors and reviewers should prioritize limitations, and authors should report them in a way that describes their consequences for the interpretation of results. The guidelines for directions for future research focus on positioning them as a starting point for future research endeavors and for the advancement of theoretical issues. The authors also offer recommendations on how to use limitations and future research directions for the training of researchers. It is hoped that the adoption of these proposed guidelines and recommendations will maximize their value so that they can serve as true catalysts for further scientific progress in the field of management.
Placing Engineering and Other Professions Under Public Oversight
Authors: Vanderburg Willem H.
Published: July 2012

The strengths and weaknesses of the discipline-based organization of our professions can help us understand both the enormous successes of our civilization and its equally spectacular failures. Placing engineering and other professions under greater public scrutiny is recommended as a first step toward addressing our deep structural economic, social, and environmental crises. Doing so can facilitate university reforms to adjust the discipline-based approaches to scientific knowing and technical doing, to permit future graduates to make decisions with better ratios of desired to undesired effects. In the meantime, our war on ourselves rages on.
The Demise of PTSD
Authors: Howell Alison
Published: July 2012

This article raises questions about the possible waning of the authority of the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While avoiding predictions, it points to signs that the authority of PTSD is now being challenged by both the rise of resilience-based models and the increasing authority of biomedical and neurological approaches in the governance of trauma. It explores these challenges in various empirical sites, including humanitarian interventions, Western military settings (especially involving the US Army and North Atlantic Treaty Organization [NATO]), as well as civilian contexts, including national health services, emergency preparedness, schools, universities, and other sectors. The article concludes by stressing some of the troubling politics that surround these new developments, which, like the diagnosis of PTSD, may individualize and govern the experience of traumatic events, including war, in a broad context of social and economic austerity.
The Folding of Trauma
Authors: Lundborg Tom
Published: July 2012

This article examines the government of trauma by examining the rebuilding of Ground Zero as a practice of folding the traumatic event, of capturing the traumatic event by containing it within the forms of what can be said and what can be seen. Something always goes missing in this process: the ungraspable and inexpressible dimension of trauma, which ultimately resists capture. On this basis, it considers different architectural designs and proposals as expressions of different strategies of folding the traumatic event. One strategy seeks to capture and contain the traumatic event through the production of specific forms of seeing and speaking in the social field. A second strategy points to our inability to capture the traumatic event through folding. The conclusion considers how these two strategies can be used to analyze the political significance of architecture in the discourses of the war on terror.
Changes in the Length of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament
Authors: Yoo Yon-Sik , Chang Ho Geun , Seo Young-Jin , Byun Jae Chul , Lee Gyung Kyu , Im Hyoungjune , Song Si Young
Published: July 2012

Background:

The ideal points for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction have not been precisely defined.

Purpose:

To determine at which flexion angles the grafts should be fixed to best restore patellar stability as well as to compare the length change of various femoral and patellar fixation sites for current MPFL reconstruction during knee flexion in vivo.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

The right knees of 10 living patients were scanned with a high-resolution computed tomography scanner at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of knee flexion, and 3-dimensional knee models were constructed using customized software. Based on recent anatomic studies and current surgical techniques, 4 femoral points (A: adductor tubercle; B: midpoint between the medial epicondyle and the adductor tubercle; C: medial epicondyle; and D: 10 mm inferior to the adductor tubercle) and 2 patellar points (30% [point 1] and 45% [point 2] from the proximal pole of the patella) were marked. The lengths of the 8 ligaments were digitally measured, and the length changes of these ligaments at the 5 different knee flexion angles were calculated.

Results:

Two ligaments including the adductor tubercle (A1, A2) showed an increase while the knee was flexed over 60°. Four ligaments (B1, B2, D1, D2) showed a slight increase as the knee flexed from 0° to 30° and a decrease as the flexion angle exceeded 30°. Length changes in these 6 ligaments were not significantly different. There was no significant difference between 2 patellar points in the length changes of these 6 ligaments. Two ligaments including the medial epicondyle (C1, C2) showed an excessive decrease during knee flexion and showed greatest length changes.

Conclusion:

The femoral fixation sites should be located at point B or point D. Point A and point C are not ideal femoral fixation sites. The best angle for graft fixation would be near 30° of knee flexion.

Clinical Relevance:

The data obtained for length and length change pattern in each virtual ligament will serve as a useful basis for improved MPFL reconstruction.
Application of GIS/AHP in siting sanitary landfill: a case study in Northern Cyprus
Authors: Kara Can , Doratli Naciye
Published: July 2012

The present study utilized a multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) method in a geographical information systems (GIS) environment to evaluate the suitability of potential landfill sites in Northern Cyprus. To determine the most suitable landfill site, one of the MCE techniques, called analytical hierarchy process (AHP), was combined with a GIS to examine 12 criteria: distance from waste generation centres; distance from roads; slope; distance from surface waters; distance from groundwater areas; distance from environmentally sensitive areas; vegetation types; soil productivity; soil permeability; distance from settlements; distance from cultural sites; distance from stone quarries. The relative importance weights of these criteria were estimated using AHP and criteria maps were developed by using GIS spatial analysis. At the final stage two different suitability maps were produced using two different groups of weights. The first group suitability map had 11 052 (ha) with high suitability class, whereas the high suitability areas decreased to 5982 (ha) in the second group. Moreover, the seven potential sites identified within the first group decreased to four in the second suitability map. However, potential sites such as Gungor, Degirmenlik, Kirklar and Cayonu had similarities with higher suitability values and these same locations were regarded as suitable according to the both first and second suitability map results.
Evaluation of Pharmacist Utilization of a Poison Center as a Resource for Patient Care
Authors: Armahizer Michael J. , Johnson David , Deusenberry Christina M. , Foley John J. , Krenzelok Edward P. , Pummer Tara L.
Published: July 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate pharmacist use of a Regional Poison Information Center (RPIC), identify potential barriers to utilization, and provide strategies to overcome these barriers. All calls placed to a RPIC by a pharmacist, physician, or nurse over a 5-year period were retrieved. These data were analyzed to assess the pharmacist utilization of the RPIC and the variation of call types. Additionally, a survey, designed to assess the past and future use of the RPIC by pharmacists, was distributed to pharmacists in the region. Of the 37 799 calls made to the RPIC, 26 367 (69.8%) were from nurses, 8096 (21.4%) were from physicians, and 3336 (8.8%) were from pharmacists. Among calls initiated by pharmacists, the majority involved medication identification (n = 2391, 71.7%). The survey had a 38.9% response rate (n = 715) and revealed a trend toward less RPIC utilization by pharmacists with more formal training but less practice experience. The utilization of the RPIC was lowest among pharmacists as compared to other health care professionals. This may be due to pharmacists’ unfamiliarity with the poison center’s scope of services and resources. Therefore, it is important that pharmacists are educated on the benefit of utilizing poison centers in clinical situations.