bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of Corticospinal Tract Injury at Midbrain in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Yeo Sang Seok , Choi Byung Yeon , Chang Chul Hoon , Kim Seong Ho , Jung Young-Jin , Jang Sung Ho
Published: June 2012

Background and Purpose—

Clear elucidation of the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of motor weakness in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage has not yet been achieved. We attempted to investigate injury to the corticospinal tract in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage using diffusion tensor imaging.

Methods—

Twenty-two patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 24 control subjects were recruited for this study. DTI-Studio software was used for reconstruction of the corticospinal tract. We measured fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient values at 5 regions of interest along the corticospinal tract pathway including: the corona radiata, the posterior limb of the internal capsule, the upper midbrain, the midpons, and the upper medulla.

Results—

Fractional anisotropy value for the midbrain region of interest was lower in the patient group compared with the control group without change of apparent diffusion coefficient value (
P
<0.05). By contrast, fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient values of the other 4 regions of interest were not different between the patient and control groups.

Conclusions—

Injury of the corticospinal tract at the midbrain was observed in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Injury of the corticospinal tract at the midbrain appears to be one of the various pathophysiological mechanisms for motor weakness after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
French sociology and the state
Authors: Masson Philippe
Published: June 2012

This paper examines the role of the state in the development of French Sociology after 1945. This role was important in the institutionalization of the discipline. It favoured the creation of research teams, resarch centres or laboratories. The State favoured the funding of french sociology too. This funding, in the form of research contracts with various public bodies, has contributed to the emergence of the figure of the expert and, more broadly, to the involvement of sociologists in sectoral policies.
Emotional labour in service work: Psychological flexibility and emotion regulation
Authors: Biron Michal , van Veldhoven Marc
Published: June 2012

Drawing from job demands–resources theory (Demerouti et al., 2001), this article investigates the effect of psychological flexibility, relative to surface and deep acting, in the relationship between day-level emotional demands and exhaustion. A total of 170 not-for-profit service workers first filled in a questionnaire and then completed a diary survey over three consecutive workdays. The results of multilevel analyses suggest that person-level psychological flexibility was associated with lower levels of daily emotional exhaustion (measured at bedtime). Moreover, person-level psychological flexibility was found to attenuate, whereas person-level surface acting was found to strengthen, the association between day-level emotional demands and day-level exhaustion. Person-level deep acting had no significant effect on daily exhaustion. These findings extend previous research by demonstrating the role of psychological flexibility in encouraging employees to handle their emotions primarily by accepting them rather than actively regulating (i.e. suppressing or changing) them.
Mechanical properties of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/epoxy composites cured by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Lu Yanyan , Li Hua , Lin Mingjiang , Ng Weihua , Liu Hezhou
Published: June 2012

Electron beam (EB) curing is a high rate manufacturing technique for preparing of the epoxy composites. In this study, EB radiation was used to prepare carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/epoxy composites and the effects of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on the mechanical properties of EB cured MWNTs/epoxy composites were studied given the important effects on the composites performance of interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and epoxy. The results showed that a substantial increase of the Vicker’s hardness appeared at MWNTs content of 0.1 wt%, but further filler content increase led to insignificant changes. Also the tensile modulus of the 0.25 wt% GPTMS functionalized MWNTs (GPTMS-MWNTs)/epoxy composites was enhanced by 34.9%. Dynamic mechanical analysis studies revealed that filling the 0.25 wt% GPTMS-MWNTs into epoxy can produce an 18.4℃ (from 121.1℃ to 139.5℃) increase in Tg as well. It was concluded that GPTMS functionalization has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of MWNTs/epoxy composites.
Manufacturing, characterization and thermal conductivity of epoxy and benzoxazine multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper composites
Authors: Chapartegui M , Barcena J , Irastorza X , Elizetxea C , Fiamegkou E , Kostopoulos V , Santamaria A
Published: June 2012

The preparation procedure of epoxy and benzoxazine multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper composites is described. The morphology of the buckypaper is characterized by scanning electron microscopy and porosimetry, revealing a non-uniform porous structure. The wetting behavior of epoxy and benzoxazine resins in the buckypaper surface is studied by contact angle measurements. Scanning electron microscopy photographs of the composites obtained by infiltration of the buckypaper with epoxy and benzoxazine resins and subsequent curing reveal that a good impregnation is achieved. Thermal conductivity results reveal higher values for pristine buckypaper than for the composites, which is explained by the extremely small thermal conductance of the nanotube–polymer interface. The thicker resin layer surrounding the nanotubes observed in the buckypaper/epoxy composite justifies its lower conductivity, as compared with the buckypaper/benzoxazine composite.
Smad2 Decelerates Re-epithelialization during Gingival Wound Healing
Authors: Tomikawa K. , Yamamoto T. , Shiomi N. , Shimoe M. , Hongo S. , Yamashiro K. , Yamaguchi T. , Maeda H. , Takashiba S.
Published: June 2012

During periodontal regeneration, inhibition of gingival downgrowth is necessary to promote migration of mesenchymal cells into the defects. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a pleiotropic cytokine that has numerous cell functions, including regulation of epithelial growth. Recent studies have shown that Smad2, a downstream transcription factor of TGF-β, plays crucial roles in wound healing in the epithelia. Therefore, we investigated the effects of Smad2 overexpression on re-epithelialization of gingival wounds. Transgenic mice overexpressing smad2 driven by the keratin 14 promoter ( k14-smad2) were confirmed to have significant Smad2 phosphorylation in gingival basal epithelia. Punch wounds were made in the palatal gingiva, and wound healing was assessed histologically for 7 days. Re-epithelialization was significantly retarded on day 2, while collagen deposition was enhanced on day 7 in k14-smad2 compared with wild-type mice. Moreover, expression of keratin 16 (K16), an indicator of keratinocyte migration, was significantly inhibited in wound-edge keratinocytes in k14-smad2. The inhibition of K16 coincided with the induction of Smad2 in the corresponding epithelia, while BrdU incorporation was unaffected. These results indicated that Smad2 has inhibitory effects in regulating keratinocyte migration during gingival wound healing. TGF-β/Smad2 signaling mediating alteration of K16 expression must be tightly regulated during periodontal regeneration.
Ascetics, Warriors, and a Gandhian Ecological Citizenship
Authors: Godrej Farah
Published: June 2012

I argue here that a clearer conception of Gandhi’s nonviolence is required in order to understand his resonance for contemporary environmentalism. Gandhi’s nonviolence incorporates elements of both the brahmin or ascetic, as well as the ksatriya or warrior. Contemporary environmental movements by and large over-emphasize the self-abnegating, self-denying and self-scrutinizing ascetic components of Gandhi’s thought, to the neglect of the confrontational and warrior-like ones. In so doing, they often also over-emphasize the ethical dimension of Gandhi’s thought, missing the discursive political dimension with which this Gandhian ethics is interwoven. I will argue here that the warrior-like and confrontational political aspect of Gandhi’s nonviolence must be brought to the fore in discussions of environmentalism. In so doing, Gandhi can be read as an advocate of a certain form of “ecological” citizenship, requiring both the scrutiny of one’s bodily consumptive behaviours, as well as the placement of one’s body on the frontlines of aggressive political contestation.
The Mediating Role of Cognitive Reattribution and Reappraisal in the Esteem Support Process
Authors: Holmstrom Amanda J. , Kim Sang-Yeon
Published: June 2012

The recently proposed cognitive-emotional theory of esteem support messages (CETESM) posits that sophisticated esteem support messages enhance state self-esteem by promoting cognitive reattribution and reappraisal of esteem-threatening situations and their effects on the self. To test this hypothesis, participants ( N = 234) read a hypothetical situation in which they imagined they had experienced one of two esteem-threatening situations. They then read a conversation in which a helper offered high- or low-quality esteem support messages. Finally, participants completed measures of cognitive reattribution and reappraisal and state self-esteem. Results mostly supported the predicted mediational model, though one message feature failed to predict message ratings, and issues arose in assessing cognitive reattribution.
Holding a Mirror Up to the Self
Authors: Toma Claudia , Corneille Olivier , Yzerbyt Vincent
Published: June 2012

Similarity between partners entails positive consequences for cooperative interactions. But do people rely on this assumption to construe egocentric judgments about others? Five experiments examined the possibility that people project onto their partners because they believe that similarity to the self leads to success in cooperation. Studies 1a and 1b show that people hold an egocentric similarity belief in cooperation. Studies 2a and 2b test the existence of this belief in more indirect ways. The next three studies manipulate the applicability of the similarity belief and investigate its impact on projection. Study 3 finds that cooperation no longer leads to projection when participants expect a low probability of success. Study 4 replicates this effect in a real cooperative setting. Finally, Study 5 shows that projection occurs only when participants expect their characteristics to be responsible for the success of cooperation. The negative consequences of overestimating similarities in cooperation are discussed.
Perspective Taking and Opinions About Forms of Reparation for Victims of Historical Harm
Authors: Berndsen Mariëtte , McGarty Craig
Published: June 2012

The authors investigated the effects of perspective taking on opinions about reparations for victims of historical harm. In two studies, they showed that when non-Indigenous Australians took an Indigenous Australian perspective, this increased perceived entitlement to, and decreased anger toward, monetary compensation. Moreover, perceived entitlement mediated the relationship between anger about monetary compensation and perspective taking. Study 2 demonstrated the mutual influence of emotions and perceived entitlement. In particular, self-image shame rather than group-based guilt or anger predicted support for reparation when an Indigenous Australian perspective was adopted. The results suggest that taking the perspective of people who have experienced harm from one’s own group can bolster a commitment to positive social change in relation to a pressing social issue.
When You Don’t Quite Get What You Want
Authors: de Waal-Andrews Wendy , van Beest Ilja
Published: June 2012

People’s success or failure to gain inclusion in groups may result from their own actions or the actions of others. Two studies compared the personal and interpersonal consequences of inclusion and exclusion when they resulted from these two processes. People’s own failure to “claim” inclusion in a computerized ballgame was equally detrimental for fundamental needs and made people equally unlikely to behave prosocially to group members, as being denied inclusion by others. In contrast, the beneficial effects of inclusion depended on the process with which it was obtained, and meta-perceptions of warmth mediated these differences; people who succeeded to claim inclusion thought their interaction partners liked them less than people who were granted inclusion, and as a result, their fundamental needs were satisfied less, and they behaved less prosocially.
Interruptions to Cultural Life Scripts
Authors: Pecchioni Loretta L.
Published: June 2012

Age serves as a basis for assigning status and regulating social interaction across all societies. Members of the cultural group socialize new members into the rules and roles that are associated with different chronological ages and age categories. These socially constructed age norms result in cultural life scripts. The events expected to occur reflect a positive bias, resulting in an idealized life script. Serious illnesses serve as an interruption to the idealized life script creating a tension between this ideal and the real of the lived experience. This study explores the nature of interrupted life narratives by analyzing comments related to aging made by people diagnosed with cancer and their spousal caregivers. Their comments reveal the ways in which aging expectations, chronological age, and health are intertwined. Because a serious illness is typically expected in very old age, when it occurs at a younger age both the individual with cancer and his or her caregiver struggle to make sense of this interruption to their anticipated life narratives. Poor health status leads to age relativism; that is, perceptions that the individual is not acting his or her chronological age. For married couples, adapting to illness as a couple operates in similar ways as it does for the individual. Their identity as a couple is challenged by the illness, and they struggle to redefine their relationship to each other and to their social world.
Communicating (St)ageism
Authors: Dixon Jenny
Published: June 2012

Older adults are often plagued with the stereotype that they have outgrown any semblance of sexual identity. This stereotype is prominent in the workplace, as older coworkers are assumed to be past the stage in their lives where sexuality is an aspect of one’s identity. The present study explored how age was a central factor in describing sexuality in the workplace. More specifically, active interviews unearthed age of organization members as a prominent rationale for why sexual discussion is prohibited in the workplace. Results indicated a discursive divide separating older workers from their younger counterparts, reifying the notion that older coworkers are largely asexual. Implications are provided and include an opportunity to see age at the intersection of sexuality as a discursive dividing line in the workplace.
Antibiotic-Associated Eosinophilic and Occlusive Arteritis in Calves Complicating Preclinical Studies of Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Cooper Timothy K. , Griffith James W. , Reibson John , Peterson Rebecca , Roush Evan P. , Zhong Qing , Weiss William J. , Rosenberg Gerson
Published: June 2012

Repeated bolus intravenous (IV) administration of large doses of beta-lactams and aminoglycosides has previously been associated with the development of eosinophilic and occlusive arterial lesions limited to the lungs in calves. Reviewing 13 years worth of records from left ventricular assist device implantation studies, morphologically identical segmental arterial lesions were present in 32 of the 56 calves receiving IV antibiotics, affecting lungs (6/50), kidneys (12/56), or lungs and kidneys (14/50). In 16 of these calves, renal arterial lesions spatially colocalized with renal cortical infarctions. Lesions were noted in additional abdominal organs in 4 of the 50 calves and were exclusively present in the liver in a single calf. Similar arterial lesions were also noted in the lungs (3/4), kidneys (1/4), liver (1/4), and spleen (1/4) of unimplanted calves receiving similar IV antibiotic regimens for bacterial infections. Lesions were observed with therapeutic IV doses of cephalosporins with or without aminoglycosides over shorter intervals than previously implicated. Lesions were significantly associated with increased peripheral eosinophil counts and mildly elevated, not reduced, arterial pulse pressures. This report documents the features of an idiosyncratic drug reaction with features strongly suggestive of an acute type-I hypersensitivity in this species.
Individual work support for employed patients with low back pain: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Coole Carol , Drummond Avril , Watson Paul J
Published: June 2012

Objective:

To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of individual work support for employed patients with low back pain.

Design:

Pilot randomized controlled trial of a 16-week vocational intervention with six-month follow-up.

Setting:

Community/outpatient.

Participants:

Fifty-one employed participants concerned about their ability to work due to low back pain. Outcome data was obtained for 38 participants at six-month follow-up.

Interventions:

The intervention group received up to eight individually targeted vocational sessions in conjunction with group rehabilitation for low back pain. The control group received group rehabilitation.

Outcome measures:

The feasibility of the intervention was assessed by the recruitment rate, drop-out and loss to follow-up of the participants and the content and delivery of the intervention as recorded by the researcher. The primary outcome measure was perceived work ability.

Results:

Seventy-three participants were referred to the study over six months. Eighty-seven individual work support sessions were delivered. Thirty-one participants (61% of those retained in the study) attended more than half of the group rehabilitation sessions. The intervention was influenced by the uptake of group rehabilitation, the willingness of the participants to involve their workplace and of their workplace to involve the research therapist. The effect of the intervention on work ability was equivocal.

Conclusions:

Although it was possible to recruit participants and to deliver the intervention, considerable methodological problems were identified. However, even if these were addressed, the impact of such interventions is likely to be limited unless there is an integrated approach between healthcare, employers and employees. Further research is required to evaluate work-focused interventions with this client group.
History of Chronic Toxicity and Animal Carcinogenicity Studies for Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Jacobs A. C. , Hatfield K. P.
Published: June 2012

During the 20th century, as drug products were being developed to treat both known and emerging human diseases and conditions, determining the safety of these new chemicals became of increasing importance and necessity. For a time, the safety of use in human populations was of question, let alone whether the drug product was truly effective. As such, US and international regulatory agencies have played a major role in establishing standardized testing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drug products. Pharmacologic and toxicologic evaluation of a new drug in animals is an important part of the pharmaceutical development process prior to its first-time use in humans, as well as its potential chronic use in affected populations. Just as both science and technology have evolved over the past century and further, so have the guidelines that have been put forth to adequately and efficiently evaluate the toxicity of new drugs and their subsequent safety in humans. This review summarizes the historical highlights of the conduct of drug safety evaluations in animals, particularly with regard to chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity assessments, and how we have progressed to our current standards and protocols to ensure safe use of drug products in human populations.
Two Hundred Three Cases of Equine Lymphoma Classified According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification Criteria
Authors: Durham A. C. , Pillitteri C. A. , Myint M. San , Valli V. E.
Published: June 2012

Lymphoma is the most common malignant neoplasm in the horse. Single case reports and small retrospective studies of equine lymphomas are reported infrequently in the literature. A wide range of clinical presentations, tumor subtypes, and outcomes have been described, and the diversity of the results demonstrates the need to better define lymphomas in horses. As part of an initiative of the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group, 203 cases of equine lymphoma have been gathered from 8 institutions. Hematoxylin and eosin slides from each case were reviewed and 187 cases were immunophenotyped and categorized according to the World Health Organization classification system. Data regarding signalment, clinical presentation, and tumor topography were also examined. Ages ranged from 2 months to 31 years (mean, 10.7 years). Twenty-four breeds were represented; Quarterhorses were the most common breed ( n = 55), followed by Thoroughbreds ( n = 33) and Standardbreds ( n = 30). Lymphomas were categorized into 13 anatomic sites. Multicentric lymphomas were common ( n = 83), as were skin ( n = 38) and gastrointestinal tract ( n = 24). A total of 14 lymphoma subtypes were identified. T-cell–rich large B-cell lymphomas were the most common subtype, diagnosed in 87 horses. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas ( n = 45) and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas ( n = 26) were also frequently diagnosed.
Otitis Interna Induced by Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii in a Cat
Authors: Paulin J. , Morshed M. , Armién A. G.
Published: June 2012

Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii was identified at necropsy in a case of bilateral otitis interna in a 7-year-old, female, domestic shorthair cat with a 9-day history of acute onset of vestibular disease. Gross examination, including that of the middle and inner ears, was unremarkable. Histologically, the auricular vestibuli, cochleae, and semicircular canals were bilaterally affected by granulomatous inflammation with extracellular and intrahistiocytic yeasts. The yeasts and associated inflammation obstructed and disrupted perilymphatic and endolymphatic spaces of the inner ears. Disruption of the saccular and utricular maculae, cristae ampularis, and organ of Corti, as well as changes in the endolymphatic and perilymphatic fluids, probably impaired the vestibular and auditory functions of this cat. The route of infection was most likely hematogenous.
Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumor With Epitheliotropism in 3 Dogs
Authors: Oliveira F. N. , Elliott J. W. , Lewis B. C. , Mathews G. G. , Brown R. M. , Treadway C. M. , Langohr I. M.
Published: June 2012

Epitheliotropism is an important diagnostic feature of cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma and canine cutaneous histiocytoma; however, although noted in certain feline mastocytic diseases, it has not been considered a feature of canine cutaneous mast cell tumor. In this study, 3 canine cutaneous mast cell tumors had epitheliotropic invasion of neoplastic mast cells into the epidermis and follicular epithelium. This unusual histologic finding was characterized by infiltrates of individual and clusters of neoplastic mast cells in the stratum basale and stratum spinosum. The mast cell origin of these cells was documented by demonstration of metachromasia with Giemsa stain and positive immunoreactivity to KIT protein. On the basis of these findings, mast cell tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis for canine cutaneous round cell neoplasms that infiltrate the epidermis.
“Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared”
Authors: Neocleous Mark
Published: June 2012

Rather than concerning ourselves with “governing trauma” we should instead be concerned with how trauma has come to govern us. Trauma talk now comes naturally, and the article explores what all this trauma talk might be doing, ideologically and politically, especially in the context of the relationship between security and anxiety. The management of trauma and anxiety has become a way of mediating the demands of an endless security war: a war of security, a war for security, a war through security. The article therefore seeks to understand the concept of trauma and the proliferation of discourses of anxiety as ideological mechanisms deployed for the security crisis of endless war; deployed, that is, as a training in resilience. Trauma is less an issue of memory or the past and more a question of building resilience for the future. The language of trauma and anxiety, and the training in resilience that is associated with these terms, weds us to a deeply conservative mode of thinking.
Two decades of anarchy? Emerging themes and outstanding challenges for neural network river forecasting
Authors: Abrahart Robert J. , Anctil François , Coulibaly Paulin , Dawson Christian W. , Mount Nick J. , See Linda M. , Shamseldin Asaad Y. , Solomatine Dimitri P. , Toth Elena , Wilby Robert L.
Published: June 2012

This paper traces two decades of neural network rainfall-runoff and streamflow modelling, collectively termed ‘river forecasting’. The field is now firmly established and the research community involved has much to offer hydrological science. First, however, it will be necessary to converge on more objective and consistent protocols for: selecting and treating inputs prior to model development; extracting physically meaningful insights from each proposed solution; and improving transparency in the benchmarking and reporting of experimental case studies. It is also clear that neural network river forecasting solutions will have limited appeal for operational purposes until confidence intervals can be attached to forecasts. Modular design, ensemble experiments, and hybridization with conventional hydrological models are yielding new tools for decision-making. The full potential for modelling complex hydrological systems, and for characterizing uncertainty, has yet to be realized. Further gains could also emerge from the provision of an agreed set of benchmark data sets and associated development of superior diagnostics for more rigorous intermodel evaluation. To achieve these goals will require a paradigm shift, such that the mass of individual isolated activities, focused on incremental technical refinement, is replaced by a more coordinated, problem-solving international research body.
A comparative study on determination of forming limit diagrams for industrial aluminium sheet alloys considering combined effect of strain path, anisotropy and yield locus
Authors: Janbakhsh Milad , Djavanroodi Faramarz , Riahi Mohammad
Published: June 2012

Suitability of AA2024-T3 and AA5083-H111 aluminium sheet alloys for forming operations in room temperature were examined by using forming limit diagrams with different strain paths. In the experimental part, circular bulge, non-grooved tensile as well as grooved tensile specimens were used. This was done to simulate the following: (a) biaxial stretching region (positive range of minor strain), (b) uni-axial strain path and (c) strain path from uni-axial tension to plane strain region of the forming limit diagram, respectively. The effects of combined strain paths coupled with material anisotropy were taken into account in each stage. Tensile properties as well as formability parameters were correlated in accordance with the attained forming limit diagrams. Average plastic strain ratio and planar anisotropy, in addition to work hardening exponents of the samples, were calculated from the test data and the effects on the forming limit diagrams were discussed. Moreover, comparisons were made between experimental and theoretical forming limit diagrams. It is shown that experimental forming limit diagrams are in very good agreement with the theoretical predictions, particularly when BBC2000 yield criteria are used for the M–K model. In addition, theoretical prediction by using the Hill93–Swift model showed small deviation with the experimental forming limit diagrams. Finally, finite element simulations were carried out to investigate the numerical forming limit diagrams through an industrial sheet metal forming simulation software. It was consequently shown that, due to frictional effects resulting from hemispherical-shaped punch, the finite element results depicted small deviation compared to the experimental data.
Effect of recycling activities on the heating value of solid waste: case study of the Greater Vancouver Regional District (Metro Vancouver)
Authors: Abedini Ali R , Atwater James W , Fu George Yuzhu
Published: June 2012

Two main goals of the integrated solid waste management system (ISWMS) of Metro Vancouver (MV) include further recycling of waste and energy recovery via incineration of waste. These two very common goals, however, are not always compatible enough to fit in an ISWMS depending on waste characteristics and details of recycling programs. This study showed that recent recycling activities in MV have negatively affected the net heating value (NHV) of municipal solid waste (MSW) in this regional district. Results show that meeting MV’s goal for additional recycling of MSW by 2015 will further reduce the NHV of waste, if additional recycling activities are solely focused on more extensive recycling of packaging materials (e.g. paper and plastic). It is concluded that 50% additional recycling of paper and plastic in MV will increase the overall recycling rate to 70% (as targeted by the MV for 2015) and result in more than 8% reduction in NHV of MSW. This reduction translates to up to 2.3 million Canadian dollar (CAD$) less revenue at a potential waste-to-energy (WTE) plant with 500 000 tonnes year−1 capacity. Properly designed recycling programmes, however, can make this functional element of ISWMS compatible with green goals of energy recovery from waste. Herein an explanation of how communities can increase their recycling activities without affecting the feasibility of potential WTE projects is presented.
Colloidal stability and “in vitro” antitumor targeting ability of lipid nanocapsules coated by folate–chitosan conjugates
Authors: Rata-Aguilar Azahara , Sánchez-Moreno Paola , Jódar-Reyes Ana B , Martín-Rodríguez Antonio , Boulaiz Houria , Marchal-Corrales Juan A , Peula-García José M , Ortega-Vinuesa Juan L
Published: June 2012

In this study, the synthesis and characterization of lipid nanocapsules coated with folate–chitosan conjugates at varying folate concentrations are reported; these nanocapsules have a potential application as anticancer drug carriers. The main goal of this study was to evaluate (a) the colloidal stability of the particles and (b) their cell targeting. A classical colloidal characterization of the nanocapsules was carried out by analyzing size, electrokinetic charge, and stability in different saline solutions, including cell culture media. At neutral pH, the stability was improved by the presence of folate due to electrical interactions. In addition, folate modulated the hydrophilic/phobic nature of the surface, which became critical to keep the systems stable (or not) under physiological saline conditions due to the action of short-range repulsive hydration forces. The cellular uptake of our nanocapsules was evaluated by working with four tumor cell lines. Both fluorescent analyses with particles colored by Nile Red, and antitumor activity of our systems loaded with docetaxel, demonstrated that the folate-mediated internalization of the particles in the cancer cells was improved when the nanocapsules were coated by folate–chitosan conjugates.
Density and compressive strength properties of polyester composites reinforced with spiral geometry woven fiber
Authors: Ateş Ergun , Aztekin Kadir
Published: June 2012

Composites can be produced by combining different materials according to different targets. In this study, woven-type E-glass fiber with a 500 g/m2 unit-area weight has been used as a reinforcement material. Resin, hardener and accelerator have been used as the matrix materials. The dimensions of compression test sample molds were Ø50 mm × 100 mm. Starting from the center toward the outer diameter, spirally wound fibers have been placed into molds with intervals ranging from 1 mm to 9 mm. Composite materials have been prepared at room temperature by applying vibration to the casting method. Compression tests have been carried out on a total of 27 samples, as 3 samples per dimension. It has been determined that the compressive strengths of the polyester resin composites reinforced with spirally wound fiberglass changes per the spiral geometry. The highest compressive strength and density value have been obtained from the samples prepared with intervals of 1 mm. Compressive strength and density value curves have exhibited similar tendencies.
Effects of hygrothermal cycling on the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of 862/W epoxy resin
Authors: Miller Sandi G. , Roberts Gary D. , Bail Justin L. , Kohlman Lee W. , Binienda Wieslaw K.
Published: June 2012

The hygrothermal aging characteristics of an epoxy resin were characterized over a one-year period, which included 908 temperature and humidity cycles. The epoxy resin quickly displayed evidence of aging through color change and increased brittleness. The influence of aging on the material’s glass transition temperature ( Tg) was evaluated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. The Tg remained relatively constant throughout the year-long cyclic aging profile. Chemical composition was monitored by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, where evidence of chemical aging and advancement of cure was noted. The tensile strength of the resin was tested as it aged and this property was severely affected by the aging process in the form of reduced ductility and embrittlement. Detailed chemical evaluation suggests many aging mechanisms are taking place during exposure to hygrothermal conditions.
A Choice Mind-Set Increases the Acceptance and Maintenance of Wealth Inequality
Authors: Savani Krishna , Rattan Aneeta
Published: June 2012

Wealth inequality has significant psychological, physiological, societal, and economic costs. In six experiments, we investigated how seemingly innocuous, culturally pervasive ideas can help maintain and further wealth inequality. Specifically, we tested whether the concept of choice, which is deeply valued in American society, leads Americans to act in ways that perpetuate wealth inequality. Thinking in terms of choice, we argue, activates the belief that life outcomes stem from personal agency, not societal factors, and thereby leads people to justify wealth inequality. The results showed that highlighting the concept of choice makes people less disturbed by facts about existing wealth inequality in the United States, more likely to underestimate the role of societal factors in individuals’ successes, less likely to support the redistribution of educational resources, and less likely to support raising taxes on the rich—even if doing so would help resolve a budget deficit crisis. These findings indicate that the culturally valued concept of choice contributes to the maintenance of wealth inequality.
Early Predictors of High School Mathematics Achievement
Authors: Siegler Robert S. , Duncan Greg J. , Davis-Kean Pamela E. , Duckworth Kathryn , Claessens Amy , Engel Mimi , Susperreguy Maria Ines , Chen Meichu
Published: June 2012

Identifying the types of mathematics content knowledge that are most predictive of students’ long-term learning is essential for improving both theories of mathematical development and mathematics education. To identify these types of knowledge, we examined long-term predictors of high school students’ knowledge of algebra and overall mathematics achievement. Analyses of large, nationally representative, longitudinal data sets from the United States and the United Kingdom revealed that elementary school students’ knowledge of fractions and of division uniquely predicts those students’ knowledge of algebra and overall mathematics achievement in high school, 5 or 6 years later, even after statistically controlling for other types of mathematical knowledge, general intellectual ability, working memory, and family income and education. Implications of these findings for understanding and improving mathematics learning are discussed.
Estimation of Financial Burden Due to Oversupply of Medications for Chronic Diseases
Authors: Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Thanarungroj Aekdisak , Cheewasithirungrueng Nonglak , Srisupha-olarn Warunee , Nimpitakpong Piyarat , Dilokthornsakul Piyameth , Jeanpeerapong Napawan
Published: June 2012

Given the potential of financial burden due to oversupply of medications for chronic diseases, this study aims to determine the prevalence of oversupply and to estimate the magnitude of financial loss in Thailand. Electronic patient database in a university-affiliated hospital in Thailand was used. Based on the utilization of top 5 high drug expenditure in 2005, the prevalence and the financial loss of oversupply (medication possession ratio [MPR] >1.00) were estimated. In total, 1893 patients were included in this study. The average age was 65.2 years and the majority were female (56%). The prevalence of oversupply ranged from 23.2% to 62.8%, whereas the annual financial loss ranged from US $4108 to US $10 517. The total amount of loss was US $32 903 or 3.77% of total medication costs. In summary, because of the high prevalence and associated high financial loss, oversupply of medication is a significant financial burden on hospitals and society.
Interspousal Communication on Family Planning and Its Effect on Contraceptive Adoption in Bangladesh
Authors: Kamal S. M. Mostafa , Islam Md. Aynul
Published: June 2012

This article explores the hypothesis that interspousal communication on family planning significantly influences the use of contraceptive method in Bangladesh using the nationally representative 2007 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data. Both bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were employed in the study. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis. Both cross-sectional and fixed-effect binary logistic regression models yielded quantitatively important and statistically reliable estimates of the positive effect of husband–wife discussion on family planning on the current use of contraceptive method. Son preference, current residence, region, and visitations by family planning workers are also important determinants of contraceptive use. Programs should be undertaken on behalf of the government to involve men in family planning to increase the contraceptive prevalence rate at the point that needs to achieve the replacement level of fertility in Bangladesh.
India at the Crossroads of Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5
Authors: Hazarika Indrajit
Published: June 2012

The current year marks the completion of two thirds of the period between the adoption of the millennium development goals (MDGs) and the target date of 2015. Although there has been some progress, it is incontestable that much more needs to be done. India contributes to 20% of births worldwide and has the highest proportion of children younger than 5 years. Global progress toward MDG 4 and 5 depends significantly on improvements in maternal and child health indicators in India. Although it has been reported that the country has made substantial progress, the pace has been slow and marred by vast regional variability. Certain states continue to have unacceptably high mortality and morbidity rates. This article provides a context to the current status of maternal and child health in India, highlights the achievements, and uses the available data effectively to emphasize the progress. The authors acknowledge the new initiatives and make recommendations for reinforcing the continuum of care.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Risk Factors Among Korean Adolescents
Authors: You Mi-Ae , Son Youn-Jung
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and to identify the associated risk factors of MS among Korean adolescents. A total of 606 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years from the third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) in 2005 participated in a community-based and cross-sectional survey through face-to-face interviews. The authors defined pediatric MS using the modified National Cholesterol Educational Program–Adult Treatment Panel III. The overall weighted prevalence of MS in Korean adolescents was 13.0% (15.4% boys, 10.0% girls). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, boys, adolescents with body mass index (BMI) greater than the 85th percentile, and adolescents who watched TV for more than 2 hours per day were significantly more likely to have MS. These findings suggest that lifestyle modification focusing on weight control by increasing physical activity is important for the prevention of MS in adolescents.
Development of hydrogenated amorphous carbon thin film with high electrical resistance for use in embedded sensors in abrasive environment
Authors: Decho Helge , Stock Heinz-Rolf , Winkelmann Cord , Lang Walter
Published: June 2012

In this study, a hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) film with a high electrical resistance is developed for use in embedded sensors in an abrasive environment. The a-C:H and a-C:H:Si films were deposited by magnetron sputtering. Graphite targets were sputtered by means of bipolar pulsed-direct current power supply and addition of acetylene, argon, and krypton. The a-C:H:Si films were deposited using graphite targets with small silicon inserts. To optimize the adhesion, a chromium nitride interlayer was deposited prior to the carbon layer. The influence of bias voltage, acetylene flow, deposition pressure, and silicon doping on the electric resistance was investigated. Hardness, hydrogen content, and bonding status of the coating were also determined. It was found that the resistance of the film increases with decreasing negative bias voltage and increasing acetylene flow and deposition pressure. With increasing resistivity of the film, the hardness decreases. This was attributed to higher hydrogen contents in these films. The silicon doping of the films has no significant effect on the electrical resistance.
Vibration analysis and design optimization of sandwich cylindrical panels fully and partially treated with electrorheological fluid materials
Authors: Mohammadi Farough , Sedaghati Ramin
Published: June 2012

Compared with viscoelastic materials, electrorheological fluids can be effectively used to suppress the vibration over a broad frequency and temperature range. In this study, vibration analysis and damping characteristics of sandwich cylindrical panel structures using semiactive electrorheological fluid treatments have been investigated for different boundary conditions. Unconstrained viscoelastic material has been used at boundary and untreated locations to seal electrorheological fluids. First, an efficient finite element method has been formulated to investigate the effect of electric field intensity and thickness of top constrained elastic layer on the vibration and damping performance of the viscoelastic- and electrorheological-based sandwich cylindrical panel. Then, a design optimization methodology has been developed to simultaneously optimize the number of unconstrained viscoelastic and constrained electrorheological fluid patches and their distributions, thickness ratios of the electrorheological core and constrained elastic layers to base layers, and the external electric field intensity. The methodology integrates the finite element model of the sandwich panel with the combined genetic algorithm and sequential quadratic programming to effectively identify the global optimal solutions. The results show that for some boundary conditions, the sandwich panel partially treated with electrorheological fluids provides better damping performance compared with that of fully treated.
A Cost-Savings Analysis of a Statewide Parenting Education Program in Child Welfare
Authors: Maher Erin J. , Corwin Tyler W. , Hodnett Rhenda , Faulk Karen
Published: June 2012

Objectives: This article presents a cost-savings analysis of the statewide implementation of an evidence-informed parenting education program. Methods: Between the years 2005 and 2008, the state of Louisiana used the Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP) to impart parenting skills to child welfare-involved families. Following these families’ outcomes through August 2010, increased program attendance was associated with significant reductions in substantiated incidences and re-reports of child maltreatment. Program costs and benefits (cost savings) were calculated using program, workforce, and administrative data. Results: The benefit-cost ratio of 0.87 demonstrates that the NPP approaches cost neutrality in a short time period, without the consideration of long-term benefits or benefits to other systems. Conclusion: Louisiana’s child welfare department should be able to absorb all costs of statewide delivery of the NPP through observed reductions in repeat maltreatment. Targeted program delivery could potentially yield even greater savings.
Subjectivized Knowledge and Grassroots Advocacy
Authors: Lindeman Neil
Published: June 2012

In 2008, a grassroots opposition movement succeeded in stopping California’s aerial spray program for eradicating the light brown apple moth. The movement included a small core of citizen experts who focused on refuting the technical assessments that the state used to justify the aerial spray program. This article analyzes the rhetoric of the opposition movement, especially its written technical discourse, to find out how the movement established expert authority and why the movement’s rhetorical success represents a cautionary tale for public deliberation in an era of democratized expertise.
The Experience of Delirium Care and Clinical Feasibility of the CAM-ICU in a Korean ICU
Authors: Jung Joo-Hee , Lim Jung-Hye , Kim Eun-Jung , An Hyo-Chan , Kang Min-Kyung , Lee Jin , Min Yu-Kyung , Park Eun-Zoo , Song Xiang-Hwa , Kim Hye-Ryoung , Lee Sun-Mi
Published: June 2012

This study aimed to assess intensive care unit (ICU) nurses’ experiences caring for delirious patients and the empirical evaluation of the clinical feasibility of the confusion assessment method (CAM) for ICU (CAM-ICU). In Korea, neither regular assessment of early-stage delirium nor preventive interventions are carried out properly in the ICU. This study was conducted using a qualitative research design with focus group interviews. Nurses received training about the CAM-ICU, and used it to assess surgical ICU patients for the presence of delirium during a 5-month period. None of the nurses had heard of the CAM-ICU before the study, and many complained that it was very challenging to use. One positive outcome of the CAM-ICU trial was that the clinical interest in delirium increased. The CAM-ICU could be used to facilitate communication once the instrument becomes well-known among health care professionals.