bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Functional Impairment, Depression, and Extrapyramidal Signs in Neuroleptic-Free Patients With Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Choi Junbae , Myung Woojae , Chung Jae Won , Kang Hyo Shin , Na Duk L. , Kim Seong Yoon , Lee Jae-Hong , Han Seol-Heui , Choi Seong Hye , Kim SangYun , Kim Seonwoo , Carroll Bernard J. , Kim Doh Kwan
Published: June 2013

Background:

Extrapyramidal signs (EPSs) are commonly observed in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). We report here the base rate of EPS in a large cohort of patients with AD who were not receiving neuroleptic drugs, and the associations of EPS with functional outcomes and depressive symptoms.

Methods:

In a consortium involving 56 clinics, we recruited 2614 patients with AD. We estimated basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL by the Barthel index and the Seoul-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (S-IADL) scales, respectively. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). The EPS group was defined by the presence of at least 1 EPS based on a focused neurologic examination.

Results:

The prevalence of EPS-positive patients was 12%. These had lower Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) scores than the EPS-negative cases ( P < .001). After controlling for demographic, medical, radiological, genetic, and cognitive (K-MMSE) factors, the proportion of patients with impaired ADL was significantly higher in the EPS group than in the non-EPS group ( P < .001, odds ratio = 1.90, 95% confidence interval, 1.45–2.48, and logistic regression). The S-IADL scores were significantly higher in the EPS group than this in the non-EPS group ( P < .001, regression coefficient = 3.19, and median regression). The GDS-15 scores were higher in the EPS group ( P = .04, regression coefficient = 0.89, and median regression).

Conclusion:

The presence of EPS in patients with AD who were not receiving neuroleptic drugs was associated with more impaired basic and instrumental ADL functioning and with greater depression symptoms.
Thermal, morphological, and conductivity profile of pyridine/thiophene-based polyesters and their miscible blends
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Hussain Syed Tajammul
Published: June 2013

New Schiff-base polyesters were prepared from a dihydroxy monomer ( E) -1-(5-(4-hydroxy-3-chlorobenzylidene)thiocarbamoylaminonaphthyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-chlorobenzylidene)thiourea. The processable pyridine or thiophene-based poly(azomethine–ester)s (PAEs) possess high molar mass of 111 × 103–127 × 103 g mol−1. The 10% weight loss (521–527°C) and glass transition temperature (287–291°C) depicted high thermal stability. Polyaniline (PAN) doped with dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (PAN/DBSA), prepared by in situ doping polymerization, was blended in solution/melt with PAEs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy of melt blended PAEs/PAN/DBSA showed nanolevel homogeneity of microstructure accountable for superior electrical conductivity (1.9–2.8 S cm−1). The miscible nanoblends also exhibited high heat stability ( T10; 500–507°C) and mechanical strength (45.51–48.17 MPa) relative to reported azomethine/PAN-based structures.
Social Science Research and the Courts
Authors: Garces Liliana M.
Published: June 2013

During its 2013-2014 term, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of Proposal 2, a ballot measure that amended Michigan’s state constitution to ban the consideration of race in admissions at public postsecondary institutions. This article outlines the legal questions that have emerged in the case—Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action et al.—and identifies areas where social science research can inform answers to these questions. This analysis should help enhance the relevance of research to legal determinations in cases that have broad implications for educators.
Optimal guidance of spacecraft rendezvous via free initial velocity vector
Authors: Saghamanesh MR , Novinzadeh AB
Published: June 2013

In this research, we focus on an optimal trajectory of a spacecraft rendezvous operation. This optimal trajectory, which is studied in rendezvous problem consists of a controlling distribution, parametric and permitted forms of performance index of minimum fuel-time free; this method will guide the chaser spacecraft toward the target spacecraft in optimal trajectory by using multiple-subarc sequential gradient–restoration algorithm. During trajectory analysis, we will define two problems, P1 and P2. In P1, initial position vector and initial velocity vector are given and fixed and in P2, initial position vector is given and fixed, while initial velocity vector varies and will be free. Previous studies show that the condition of optimal fuel in a solution will be obtained with four subarcs and it shows that for distribution of optimal thrust, the amount of maximum thrust or zero during each subarc will be needed. The main result is that, the new method proposed by this study leads to reduction in performance index and also fuel consumption will be in an appropriate amount. This event takes place in proportion of initial free velocity (problem P2) to initial fixed velocity (problem P1). Another result is that the reduction in fuel consumption and performance index is associated with a remarkable reduction in central processing unit time up to 1650 order. The result of this investigation for rendezvous mission between target spacecraft and chaser spacecraft named OCAT1.1 was extracted and examined on SuperCluster computer.
Tolerance optimization by modification of Taguchi’s robust design approach and considering performance levels: Application to the design of a cold-expanded bushing
Authors: Paredes Manuel , Canivenc Romain , Sartor Marc
Published: June 2013

This paper defines a method for the optimization of design parameter tolerances. The general architecture of the proposed method is identical to that of the robust design reference method proposed by Taguchi but its content is different as the tolerances are considered as functions to be maximized here, while Taguchi’s method rather considers these tolerances as fixed data. Instead of looking for design parameters that minimize the sensitivity of some performance criteria, the design parameters are calculated so as to obtain maximal tolerance intervals, thus minimizing manufacturing costs. Performance criteria are then considered in terms of optimization constraints: each criterion gives rise to an inequality constraint that specifies the minimum level of performance that the designer wants to achieve. The possibilities offered by this method are illustrated through its use in the preliminary design of a cold-expanded bushing. In this case, tolerance optimization enables the allowable tolerances on the design diameters to be increased and performance levels are defined on the residual radial stress at the bushing/part contact radius and on the residual orthoradial (hoop) stress at the part inner radius.
Consistency of plant-specific n-alkane patterns in plaggen ecosystems: A review
Authors: Kirkels Frederique MSA , Jansen Boris , Kalbitz Karsten
Published: June 2013

Plaggen soils, formed by various vegetational inputs during century-long plaggen (i.e. sod) application, comprise remarkably stable organic matter. Source identification could contribute to a better understanding of carbon stabilization mechanisms in soils and reconstruction of Holocene vegetation and land-use history. Cuticular-derived n-alkane distribution patterns as present in current vegetation are recognized as valuable tools to discriminate input sources, but an assessment of their consistency and variability is lacking to date. Therefore, this review synthesizes information on published n-alkane patterns of vegetation species and their various parts that contributed to plaggen soil formation (i.e. Calluna vulgaris, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Pinus sylvestris, Lolium perenne, Deschampsia flexuosa, Molinia caerulea and Poa annua). This provided in addition valuable information on potential sources of systematic variation (e.g. geography/climate, environmental conditions, ontogeny and seasonality). Method of extraction/analysis showed no evident effects on n-alkanes. n-Alkanes showed predominantly distinct patterns for different plaggen vegetation species and parts in the range C17–36. Prominent n-alkanes C27, C29, C31 and C33 allowed clear distinction between input by shrubs, trees and grasses to plaggen soils. Nevertheless, systematic variability was indicated among n-alkane patterns. Unfortunately, the current limited data set of n-alkane patterns did not allow for exact quantification of the controls of variation. The need for more systematic studies and the setup of a reference data base for vegetation species is highlighted to (1) advance application of n-alkane patterns in source identification, (2) gain more insight into controls on, magnitude and timing of variations and (3) improve our knowledge concerning input sources, carbon dynamics and stabilization mechanisms in (plaggen) soils.
Holocene climatic reconstructions from the fossil pollen record at Qigai Nuur in the southern Mongolian Plateau
Authors: Sun Aizhi , Feng Zhaodong
Published: June 2013

This study focuses on the reconstructions of vegetation and climate changes during the past ~11,000 years on the basis of 222 fossil pollen samples from Qigai Nuur (core QGN-2004) in the southern part of the Mongolian Plateau. Plant Functional Type – Modern Analogue Technique was used for quantitative climatic reconstructions from fossil pollen data. Our results showed that regional vegetation experienced dramatic shifts between steppe forest and dry steppe before 9200 cal. yr BP in the Qigai Nuur region. The reconstructed mean annual temperature and especially mean annual precipitation also showed fluctuations at that time. From ~9200 to ~2800 cal. yr BP, the vegetation was dominated by steppe forests, and the reconstructed climate was generally warm and wet, but with two cold and dry intervals at ~7400 to ~6000 cal. yr BP and at ~4000 to ~2800 cal. yr BP. From ~2800 to ~850 cal. yr BP, dry steppe vegetation dominated the landscape under slightly cooler and much drier climate conditions. During the past ~850 years, the vegetation was characterized by abundant herbs and the climate showed rising temperature and fluctuating precipitation. The comparison of the reconstructed precipitation from the Qigai Nuur core with monsoon-strength records from southern China shows that the first-order variation in the precipitation was most likely controlled by the summer insolation-dictated Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone movements (i.e. N–S shifts). The comparison of the reconstructed precipitation from Qigai Nuur core with surface sea temperature in the Western Tropical Pacific Ocean suggests that the second-order variation in the precipitation was most likely modulated by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation dynamics (i.e. E–W shifts).
Spatializing Religious Freedom
Authors: Bocarejo Diana
Published: June 2013

This article addresses the complex legal endeavour to shape the frontiers between two of the most fundamental liberal rights in multicultural nation states: the right to cultural difference and the right to religious freedom in Colombia. I follow one dispute, between members of the indigenous Arhuaco group who are Evangelical Christians and their indigenous local authorities. This example illuminates longstanding debates surrounding the relationship between religion and politics within legally plural states. I put together different scales of analysis for understanding: (i) the legal definition of the right to religious freedom and the right to ethnic cultural difference as private or public and individual or collective; (ii) the debate about the political meaning of religious practice by studying, for example, how it relates to claims over inequality and land access; and (iii) the importance of understanding the meaning of conversion for addressing the legal difficulty of creating a sustainable boundary between these two rights.
Using Communication Choices as a Boundary-Management Strategy
Authors: Ruppel Cynthia P. , Gong Baiyun , Tworoger Leslie C.
Published: June 2013

This study examines how members of a global virtual team chose communication media while managing multiple boundaries. The study is unique in that it considers the perspectives of U.S. managers who teleworked from domestic workplaces and virtual team members located in offices in India. It describes the complex dynamics of the decision-making processes that team members used in attempting to allocate their individual resources in order to meet the demands of a high-performance organizational culture. The findings suggest that managers chose media that met task requirements and maintained the boundaries between their work and personal lives rather than media that would provide the most satisfactory experience.
Here, We are Never Here
Authors: Tillett Wade
Published: June 2013

This article examines how user action and subjectivity interacts with the imperatives (program, curricula) of architecture. Embedded within designed space are assumptions, directives, possibilities and limits that affect the bodies/subjectivities inhabited by a user. Both by making explicit (de-constructing) the unspoken implications of architectonic language and by describing the embodied experience of daily usage, I depict the inherent paradox of waiting in a place designed for passing on.
Recovery-Oriented Practices of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Staff in an Acute Hospital Setting
Authors: McLoughlin Kris A. , Du Wick Amanda , Collazzi Charlene M. , Puntil Cheryl
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: There is a national initiative to integrate recovery-oriented practices into the delivery of mental health services. Few empirical studies have been conducted to measure these practices in psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing, particularly in short-term acute hospital settings. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the reliability of the Recovery Self Assessment–Registered Nurse Version (RSA-RN) and explored recovery practices of PMH nurses and nursing staff in an acute treatment setting. DESIGN: A descriptive one-group design with convenience sampling was employed. One hundred and five participants completed the RSA-RN and the demographic data form. RESULTS: The RSA-RN full-scale instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency, and the five subscales demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. Significant, favorable relationships were found between RSA-RN scores and nursing staff who (a) had formal education in mental health recovery, (b) considered themselves knowledgeable about recovery, and (c) considered their place of work to be “recovery-oriented.” CONCLUSION: The RSA-RN is a useful tool in measuring recovery-oriented practice. Formal education should be considered as an intervention to increase recovery-oriented practices in PMH nursing.
Effect of different post mortem temperatures on carcass quality of suckling lamb
Authors: Rubio Begoña , Vieira Ceferina , Martínez Beatriz , Fernández Ana M
Published: June 2013

The effect of post mortem treatment on microbiological lamb carcass quality was studied. Suckling lambs carcasses were assigned to three different post mortem treatments: conventional (2 ℃ for 24 h), ultra-rapid (−20 ℃ for 3.5 h then 2 ℃ until 24 h post mortem) and slow (12  ℃ for 7 h then 2 ℃ until 24 h post mortem). Carcass pH and temperature were measured at 0, 3.5, 7 and 24 h post slaughter. Lamb carcasses were sampled for total aerobic viable and Enterobacteriaceae counts just after dressing and 24 h post mortem. A significant effect ( p < 0.05) of post mortem treatment on carcasses temperature and pH was found corresponding the faster pH fall to slowly chilled muscles. However, no differences were found at 24 h post mortem among treatments in both parameters. Regarding microbiological results, carcasses of ultra-rapid treatment had the lowest total aerobic viable and Enterobacteriaceae counts and those belonging to conventional treatment had the highest total aerobic viable counts. From 0 to 24 h post mortem, an increase of total aerobic viable was observed in conventional and slow treatments whilst Enterobacteriaceae counts remained constant in all cases. From a microbiological point of view, the ultra-rapid treatment was the only one allowed to maintain the hygienic carcasses quality. However, according to pH and temperature results the carcasses subjected to this treatment may be susceptible to cold shortening.
Effect of flaxseed flour incorporation on the physical properties and consumer acceptability of cereal bars
Authors: Khouryieh H , Aramouni F
Published: June 2013

Extensive research has revealed numerous nutritional and health benefits of flaxseed due primarily to its nutrients content. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of flaxseed flour addition on the physical and sensory characteristics of cereal bars. Four formulations of the flaxseed cereal bars were prepared by partially replacing oats with flaxseed flour added at levels of 0 (control), 6%, 12% and 18%. There were no significant differences ( p > 0.05) in water activity, moisture and firmness values between the flaxseed bars and control. Flaxseed addition significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased lightness and increased redness of the bars. There were no significant differences ( p > 0.05) between the 12% flax cereal bars and the control with respect to sensory attributes and overall acceptability. The overall acceptability for both 12% flax bars and the control was in between ‘like moderately’ and ‘like slightly’ on the 9-point hedonic scale. The overall acceptability was most highly correlated with flavor acceptability for both control ( r = 0.80) and 12% flax ( r = 0.82) cereal bars. Flaxseed bars provided 12% dietary fiber of the daily recommended value. These results indicated that flaxseed flour incorporation up to 12% substantially enhanced the nutritional qualities of the cereal bars without affecting their sensory and quality properties.
Free radical scavenging activity of peptide fractions from defatted soybean meal hydrolysates evaluated by electron spin resonance
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhao Qingshan , Qu Yanyan , Ye Fei
Published: June 2013

Defatted soybean meal, a by-product of soybean oil extraction, was pretreated by ultrasonic and hydrolyzed with neutrase. The DSMH pretreated at 400 W of ultrasonic power, identified to possess the strongest antioxidant activity, was fractionated according to molecular weight into three fractions of DSMH-I (>10 kDa), DSMH-II (5–10 kDa), and DSMH-III (<5 kDa) using ultrafiltration. The fraction, DSMH-III (<5 kDa), exhibited the highest antioxidative activity and was further purified using ion-exchange chromatography. The DSMH-III was separated into five fractions (A, B, C, D, and E). Fraction C with molecular weight of 2434 Da exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging, which was evidenced by the electron spin resonance of 1,1-diphenyl-2-pycryl hydrazyl and hydroxyl radicals. Fraction C was subjected to reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and the sequences of the highest activity peptide were determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The strongest antioxidant activity peptide had the amino acid sequence of Glu–Glu–Gln–Glu–Trp–Pro–Arg–Lys–Glu–Glu–Lys. In conclusion, ultrasonic treatment and ultrafiltration could enhanced antioxidant activity of DSMH.
Effect of gamma irradiation and storage time on microbial growth and physicochemical characteristics of pumpkin (Cucurbita Moschata Duchesne ex Poiret) puree
Authors: Gliemmo María F , Latorre María E , Narvaiz Patricia , Campos Carmen A , Gerschenson Lía N
Published: June 2013

The effect of gamma irradiation (0–2 kGy) and storage time (0–28 days) on microbial growth and physicochemical characteristics of a packed pumpkin puree was studied. For that purpose, a factorial design was applied. The puree contained potassium sorbate, glucose and vanillin was stored at 25 ℃. Gamma irradiation diminished and storage time increased microbial growth. A synergistic effect between both variables on microbial growth was observed. Storage time decreased pH and color of purees. Sorbate content decreased with storage time and gamma irradiation. Mathematical models of microbial growth generated by the factorial design allowed estimating that a puree absorbing 1.63 kGy would have a shelf-life of 4 days. In order to improve this time, some changes in the applied hurdles were assayed. These included a thermal treatment before irradiation, a reduction of irradiation dose to 0.75 kGy and a decrease in storage temperature at 20 ℃. As a result, the shelf-life of purees increased to 28 days.
Methods to obtain protein concentrates from jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) and evaluation of their functionality
Authors: Galvez-Rongel A , Ezquerra-Brauer JM , Ocano-Higuera VM , Ramirez-Wong B , Torres-Arreola W , Rouzaud-Sandez O , Marquez-Rios E
Published: June 2013

Jumbo squid is an important fishery resource in Mexico, and its muscle is lean and white and it has a very low price in the market. It is abundant, but with little or nothing added value, therefore is necessary to search alternatives of processing. Due to muscle characteristics, the aim of this study was to obtain protein concentrates using different methods. They were obtained by means of acidic (acid protein concentrates) and alkaline (alkaline protein concentrates) dissolution. Moreover, a protein concentrate was obtained by direct isoelectric precipitation and by the traditional method (neutral protein concentrates). The yield with better results was alkaline protein concentrates (63.58 ± 1.8%). The gel hardness was significantly different ( p < 0.05), especially for the alkaline protein concentrates. The acid protein concentrates, isoelectric precipitation and alkaline protein concentrates were better with regard to the neutral protein concentrates, concerning the emulsifying and foaming properties. The protein concentrates by means of alkaline dissolution gave a better gelling property, but all the processes had the potential to obtain protein with emulsifying and foaming properties.
Effect of amaranth flour (Amaranthus mantegazzianus) on the technological and sensory quality of bread wheat pasta
Authors: Martinez Cristina S , Ribotta Pablo D , Añón María Cristina , León Alberto E
Published: June 2013

The technological and sensory quality of pasta made from bread wheat flour substituted with wholemeal amaranth flour ( Amaranthus mantegazzianus) at four levels, 15, 30, 40 and 50% w/w was investigated. The quality of the resulted pasta was compared to that of control pasta made from bread wheat flour. The flours were analyzed for chemical composition and pasting properties. Cooking behavior, color, raw and cooked pasta texture, scanning electron microscopy and sensory evaluation were determined on samples. The pasta obtained from amaranth flour showed some detriment of the technological and sensory quality. So, a maximum substitution level of 30% w/w was defined. This is an equilibrium point between an acceptable pasta quality and the improved nutritional and functional properties from the incorporation of amaranth flour.
Physicochemical and microbial quality of stored green slender pepper treated with different washing solutions and packaging films
Authors: Chandra Dulal , Kim Ji Gang , Kim Yong Phil
Published: June 2013

The effects of different washing solutions and packaging films on textural, biochemical and microbial quality of green slender peppers ( Capsicum annuum L.) were evaluated. Fresh pepper samples were packaged either in 35 µm polypropylene or polyethylene bag without washing or after washing in tap water (TW), 100-ppm chlorine solution, 0.5% calcinated calcium solution followed by 25% ethanol rinsing (CC+E) and 1% citric acid solution followed by 50% ethanol spray (CA+E) and then stored at 10 ℃ for 4 weeks. Significant differences were found in gas composition between the two packaging films. Changes in skin puncture force, hue angle, soluble solid content, titratable acidity and pH were statistically insignificant. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content declined significantly ( P < 0.05) in all treatments during storage. Significant reduction ( P < 0.05) in aerobic plate count was found in all washing treatments compared to unwashed sample except in TW. Yeast and mold count of chlorine and CC+E-treated samples were lower than other treatments. Samples of these two treatments also received marketable limit of visual quality scores until 4 weeks of storage in polypropylene film. Results suggest that CC+E could be a potential sanitizer and alternative to chlorine washing and polypropylene film would provide a little better advantage than polyethylene for green slender pepper.
Influence of fruit maturity in the susceptibility of Navelina oranges to develop postharvest non-chilling peel pitting
Authors: Alferez Fernando , Zacarías Lorenzo
Published: June 2013

Peel pitting is a disorder occurring mostly during postharvest storage at non-chilling temperatures in different varieties of citrus fruit and consists in collapse of flavedo and albedo tissues that may affect oil glands. It has been demonstrated that during postharvest, sharp variations in water potential of cells from flavedo and albedo are sufficient to provoke fractures in cell walls from external albedo resulting in tissue collapse. However, morphology and composition of cells and cell walls in flavedo and albedo varies during fruit maturation and this may affect water flow through the different fruit peel layers and susceptibility of fruit to develop peel pitting. In this paper, we have studied the influence of the stage of maturation in the susceptibility of Navelina orange to develop peel pitting. Except in mature-green fruit, peel pitting increased with maturation after transferring fruit from 45% to 95% relative humidity and was also more severe as more dehydrated was the tissue before transference. Also, differences in water potential of fruit maintained at 45 or 95% relative humidity increased as fruit matured, suggesting that tissue reduces the ability of water adjustment during maturation. In this sense, only mature-green fruit flavedo was able to recover water potential when transferred from 45 to 95% relative humidity. Ethylene production upon transfer from low to high relative humidity increased only in mature tissue and was rapid and transient, and before initial symptoms of peel pitting. Flavedo and albedo water potential (ψw) was substantially reduced during fruit maturation. As lower was the ψw of freshly harvested fruit, minor variations were observed by changes in the storage relative humidity and higher the induced damage. Therefore, the increasing susceptibility of Navelina fruits to develop peel pitting with fruit maturation may be related to a reduced ability to regulate peel evapotranspiration and osmotic adjustment during postharvest storage.
Experimental study of novel clutch utilizing self-locking property of belt
Authors: Imado Keiji , Nakata Hironori
Published: June 2013

By utilizing the self-locking property of belt, a novel one-way clutch was developed. This device uses a steel belt. It can transmit torque even under off-centered conditions. Some experiments were carried out under several off-centered conditions. The relation between the angular velocities ratio [Formula: see text] and the magnitude of off-centered distance δ was investigated. Here, the subscripts i and P denote the inner shaft and the power ring, respectively. The angular velocities obtained from the experiments were compared with the theoretical values. The experimental results almost corresponded to the theoretical calculations. When there is a parallel misalignment between input and output shafts, the belt is automatically coiled or uncoiled around the shaft with rotation. Some endurance tests on the clutch were also carried out by changing the magnitude of off-centered distance δ under a constant brake torque. The fatigue life of the belt was shortened by an increment of the off-centered distance.
Temperature-dependent changes of physicochemical and tribological properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber elastomer upon ageing in hexadecane and diethylene glycol dibutyl ether
Authors: Wang Zhou , Grahn Mattias , Antzutkin Oleg , Prakash Braham
Published: June 2013

Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber elastomers are widely used in seal and tire industries. Physiochemical, surface and tribological properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber exposed to a lubricant in a sealed mechanical contact may gradually change, in particular, at elevated temperatures. In this study, industrial-grade acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber elastomers were aged in two model non-additivated base oils, namely non-polar hexadecane and polar diethylene glycol dibutyl ether at both ambient (298 K) and elevated (398 K) temperatures from 1 to 168 h. Mass changes of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber before and after ageing indicated that acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber had distinct ageing dynamics in different model base oils and at different temperatures. For acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber aged in nonpolar hexadecane, the rate of weight loss of the rubber was larger at 398 K compared to that at 298 K. On the contrary, distinct weight-gaining (swelling) dynamics were observed for acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber aged in polar diethylene glycol dibutyl ether at 298 and 398 K. Based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses, it was found that aldehydes and sulfur- and zinc-containing compounds were leached out from acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber aged in both hexadecane and diethylene glycol dibutyl ether. The results of tribological studies showed that the non-aged acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber has a good wear-resistance. Acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber samples had a very similar surface topography before and after tribo-tests. However, the worn surfaces of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber samples were characterized by fine scoring (abrasion) marks after ageing in both model base oils. This has been attributed to changes in the steel–rubber contact environment during the sliding process and degradation of mechanical properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber after ageing. For one acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber sample (after ageing in hexadecane at 398 K), very stable friction in the steel–rubber contact was observed.
A genealogy of neoliberal communitarianism
Authors: van Houdt Friso , Schinkel Willem
Published: June 2013

This article investigates the power/knowledge relations between contemporary penal government and criminological theory. Based on an analysis of the strategic case of the Netherlands, the emergence of what can be called neoliberal communitarianism is discussed. In relation to the ‘penal welfarism’ it succeeds, neoliberal communitarianism provides a rationale of governing that allows a greater amount of complexity precisely because it consists of a paradoxical set of doctrines, discourses and techniques. This involves an emphasis on both ‘individual responsibility’ and ‘community’, protecting market and community by tightening social control, law and order and the production of rational self-controlling individuals while excluding the cultural and biological ‘risk citizen’. The article illustrates the incorporation of criminological theories as policy underpinnings, and it explicates how criminological theories can be placed in the discursive space of neoliberal communitarianism.
Celebrity journalism – An oxymoron? Forms and functions of a genre
Authors: Conboy Martin
Published: June 2013

Debate about the ideal content or purpose of journalism is as old as print itself. The messy characteristics of popular culture have always intruded into the high principles and purposes of the communication of politics and journalism’s intentions to provide information of importance for the public. In the intensity of the contemporary media era it is necessary to reconsider the interplay between celebrity news and journalism: beyond oxymoron and towards the appreciation of a paradox. This contribution seeks to explore some of the forms and functions of celebrity news in contemporary British culture and speculates on the increasing relevance of celebrity to the future of journalism.
A bridge over troubled water? Celebrities in journalism connecting implicit and institutional politics
Authors: Ahva Laura , Heikkilä Heikki , Siljamäki Jaana , Valtonen Sanna
Published: June 2013

This article looks empirically into how audience members evaluate celebrities in journalism; whether and how celebrities help them to envisage their relationship to politics and media and consequently regard themselves as citizens. The analysis generates a broad and audience-based understanding of celebrities in nine focus group discussions, wherein more than 50 citizens in Finland discussed their favourite celebrities. The discussions revealed three interpretative frames explaining what the celebrities represent to the participants: normative, critical and alternative. In the first two, the groups impose a critical view on celebrities, whereas only the latter one comes close to the optimistic view on democratizing the potential of celebrities. Empirically, however, it emerges ‘behind’ the normative and critical frames and proves to be the weakest. This suggests that celebrities’ potential as a means to address alternative or implicit politics is recognized but not actively utilized by citizens.
‘This is not how cancer looks’: Celebrity diagnosis and death in the tabloid media
Authors: Ashton Daniel , Feasey Rebecca
Published: June 2013

Jade Goody was publicly diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008, and prior to her death in 2009 she remained a permanent presence in the celebrity and tabloid press. And although popular commentary refers to the ‘Jade Effect’ whereby young women, who otherwise would not have gone for testing, are seeking out cervical screening programs after the death of Jade Goody, it is important that we understand the ways in which tabloid readers engage with celebrity news stories. With this in mind this article draws on focus group discussions with young female OK! readers to explore the ways in which they make use of, find comfort in, or take umbrage at the news coverage of celebrity illness, concluding that readers were at best frustrated and at worst angered by a lack of authenticity and candid imagery, which is surprising given the ‘airbrushed’ and ‘orchestrated’ nature of their chosen publication.
Optimization-based material parameter identification for the numerical simulation of sea ice in four-point bending
Authors: Ehlers Sören , Kujala Pentti
Published: June 2013

The bending strength of the sea ice cover is crucial in the design of ice-going vessels. Therefore, a series of in situ four-point bending tests have been performed earlier, which are now utilized to present a particle swarm optimization–based procedure to identify the material parameters needed for numerical simulations. The resulting numerical simulations are found to comply well with the experimental results in terms of force, failure time, and displacement. Therefore, it can be concluded that the presented optimization-based material parameter identification procedure can also be used in the future if similar material parameters are to be found.
Social responses to collective crime: Assessing the relationship between crime-related fears and collective sentiments
Authors: Hawdon James , Rasanen Pekka , Oksanen Atte , Vuori Miika
Published: June 2013

The literature on the effects of fear of crime has investigated a number of the nuances of this phenomenon; however, how the fear of different types of crime influences communities has yet to be investigated. We hypothesize that the fear–decline model, which argues fear leads to a decrease in solidarity, applies to ‘routine’ street crimes; however, fearing crimes that attack the collective, such as school shootings, will increase community solidarity. Using two datasets collected in Finnish communities after they experienced tragic school shootings, our results indicate that the fear–decline model receives strong support but the fear–solidarity model does not.
Changes in Political Astuteness Following Nurse Legislative Day
Authors: Primomo Janet , Björling Elin A.
Published: June 2013

Political astuteness, including awareness, knowledge, and involvement, is necessary if nurses are to engage in policy advocacy—a vital aspect of the nursing profession. However, little is known about the effects of learning activities, such as legislative days, on political astuteness. The purpose of this research was to determine if political astuteness changed after participants attended a state nurse legislative day. Pre and post data were collected from participants in two studies ( N = 80 and N = 34) using the Political Astuteness Inventory (PAI). Political astuteness scores were significantly higher after participants attended legislative day as compared to before. Age and educational rank were positively correlated with political astuteness. Experiential activities such as attending nurse legislative days that offer opportunities to learn policy advocacy skills can enhance knowledge of and participation in the policy process.
International Patterns in Principal Preparation: Commonalities and Variations in Pre-service Programmes
Authors: Walker Allan , Bryant Darren , Lee Moosung
Published: June 2013

This article illuminates major features of high-quality leadership programmes across different education systems. We do so by focusing on capturing commonalities and variations in high-quality pre-service programmes from five differing societies, all of which are high-performing education systems. To this end, we first delineate key profiles of each programme. Based on that, we discuss commonalities and variations in leadership programmes in terms of framework, content and operational features. Finally, we flesh out important implications for policy and practice.
Examining Health Care Costs Among MANNA Clients and a Comparison Group
Authors: Gurvey Jill , Rand Kelly , Daugherty Susan , Dinger Cyndi , Schmeling Joan , Laverty Nicole
Published: June 2013

Chronically ill populations have a strong need for quality public health nutrition services to aid in disease management and improve health outcomes. Evidence suggests that neglecting the importance of adequate nutrition in chronically ill patients has far-reaching implications on the health status of the individual and the health care costs. Research is currently lacking a focus on this topic. This pilot study done through the nonprofit organization MANNA (Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance), which serves the greater Philadelphia area, explored the health care expenditures of 65 MANNA clients over time in comparison with a similar group of Medicaid patients who did not receive MANNA services. Health care expenditures were examined before and after clients began receiving services. The study found that the mean monthly health care costs decreased for three consecutive months after initiation of MANNA services. Other health care cost–related factors, such as inpatient costs, length of stay, and number of hospital admissions also displayed a downward trend. These results help show the significance of medical nutrition therapy and home-delivered meal services on overall health care.
Integration of Depression and Primary Care
Authors: Grazier Kyle L. , Smith Judith E. , Song Jean , Smiley Mary L.
Published: June 2013

Objective: Despite the prevailing consensus as to its value, the adoption of integrated care models is not widespread. Thus, the objective of this article it to examine the barriers to the adoption of depression and primary care models in the United States. Methods: A literature search focused on peer-reviewed journal literature in Medline and PsycInfo. The search strategy focused on barriers to integrated mental health care services in primary care, and was based on previously existing searches. The search included: MeSH terms combined with targeted keywords; iterative citation searches in Scopus; searches for grey literature (literature not traditionally indexed by commercial publishers) in Google and organization websites, examination of reference lists, and discussions with researchers. Findings: Integration of depression care and primary care faces multiple barriers. Patients and families face numerous barriers, linked inextricably to create challenges not easily remedied by any one party, including the following: vulnerable populations with special needs, patient and family factors, medical and mental health comorbidities, provider supply and culture, financing and costs, and organizational issues. Conclusions: An analysis of barriers impeding integration of depression and primary care presents information for future implementation of services.
High temperature oxidation and corrosion of gas turbine materials in burner rig exposures
Authors: Sumner J , Encinas-Oropesa A , Simms N J , Oakey J E
Published: June 2013

With the introduction of novel fuels, which may contain high levels of trace impurities including sulphur and alkali metals, industrial gas turbines are operating with increasingly corrosive combustion environments. To investigate the effect that this, coupled with the higher combustion gas temperatures needed to increase power plant efficiency, has on current state-of-the-art gas turbine component materials, three burner rig exposure tests have been run. The tests evaluated the effects of fly ash, gas moisture and gas temperatures on the alkali sulphate induced hot corrosion of CM247LC, Haynes 230, IN939 and IN728LC. Type I (sulphidation and internal damage), type II (pitting) and mixed mode hot corrosion were observed under different test conditions; however, the presence of fly ash appeared to reduce the levels of hot corrosion. CM247LC, with its high Al content improving oxidation resistance, showed less resistance to hot corrosion than the other, higher Cr content, alloys.
σ-phase precipitation in 347HFG stainless steel
Authors: West D , Hulance J , Higginson R L , Wilcox G D
Published: June 2013

The microstructural evolution of an 18Cr–12Ni stainless steel (347HFG), with a fine grain size (ASTM 7–10) has been investigated. In particular, σ-phase precipitation and growth have been evaluated. Results show that σ-phase is precipitated after as little as 1000 h aging at 750°C and M23C6 is present in all aged samples. The mean area fractions of σ-phase have been found to be 2·7 and 3·4 at 700 and 750°C respectively after 15 000 h aging. This is a higher area fraction of σ-phase than has been previously observed in standard 347H under these conditions. It is thought that the reduced grain size has provided an increase in nucleation sites and diffusion paths, therefore enhancing the precipitation of σ-phase. The results from this study are discussed with regards to the effect of precipitation on the service life of a 347HFG stainless steel tube operating in advanced supercritical boilers.
Morphology of oxide and interface structure in AZ31B magnesium alloy prepared by solid state recycling
Authors: Ji Z S , Wu S Y , Li H B , Hu M L , Wu M Z
Published: June 2013

Ultrathin AZ31B magnesium alloy chips were recycled by solid state recycling process at different extrusion ratios. The morphology and distribution of the oxide in recycled magnesium alloy were characterised, and the interface structure between the oxide and magnesium alloy matrix was investigated by means of high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the oxide film introduced from the surface of the chip was broken up in the process of extrusion. MgO shows a nanoscale spherical particle and homogeneously distributes in some tiny areas in the magnesium alloy matrix. In the investigated extrusion ratio range, the diameter of the MgO particle differs little. However, the oxide film was not broken up completely in the recycled alloy with low extrusion ratio. The oxide particle exhibits good bonding with the magnesium matrix. The dispersion strengthening of MgO particle will contribute to the higher strength of recycled magnesium alloy, whereas the good bonding of MgO and magnesium matrix is the prerequisite.
Solid state diffusion bonding of Ti–6Al–4V and Co–28Cr–5Mo–0·3C alloys
Authors: Bahrami R , Omidvar H , Zangeneh Sh , Ketabchi M
Published: June 2013

An attempt to investigate solid state diffusion bonding of Ti–6Al–4V and Co–28Cr–5Mo–0·3C alloys has been made. The results showed that the joint could not be successfully bonded at 800°C, even though longer period of holding times (>1 h) was used. However, at 850°C, successful joining was achieved at holding time of 1 h. It was found that increasing temperature up to 900°C gave rise to intermetallic component formation, mainly Co3Ti, at the joining interface, which contributed to weak bonding strength. This technique provides a reliable method of bonding of Ti–6Al–4V to Co–28Cr–5Mo–0·3C alloys, which is very helpful in the development of biomaterial industry.
Comparison of fatigue crack propagation behaviour in two gas turbine disc alloys under creep–fatigue conditions: Evaluating microstructure, environment and temperature effects
Authors: Everitt S , Jiang R , Gao N , Starink M J , Brooks J W , Reed P A S
Published: June 2013

Gas turbine disc materials should possess excellent fatigue and creep performance due to the severe in service conditions experienced. In this study, a comparison of fatigue crack propagation behaviour in two turbine disc alloys, i.e. N18 and low solvus high refractory (LSHR) superalloy, has been made in terms of the propagation rate and fractography observed under equivalent testing conditions. Temperatures of 650 and 725°C are compared for a trapezoidal dwell fatigue cycle (1–20–1–1) in both air and vacuum at an R ratio of 0·1. It is found that coarse grained LSHR superalloy has better fatigue crack propagation resistance than fine grained N18 in vacuum, which is ascribed to its better creep performance. Oxidation causes significant degradation of fatigue performance of these two alloys, especially in the LSHR superalloy at higher temperature (725°C), resulting in its inferior fatigue performance compared with N18. In the LSHR superalloy, it seems that oxidation is the principal contributor to the deterioration of fatigue resistance. This is supported by observations of transgranular fracture in vacuum and intergranular fracture in air. In contrast, creep is a greater contributor to the deterioration in fatigue performance of N18 (as indicated by the intergranular failure modes observed in vacuum). An apparent activation energy analysis is able to provide further insight into the underlying mechanisms of fatigue crack propagation under creep–oxidation–fatigue conditions in these two alloys.
Effects of shot peening on short crack growth rate and resulting low cycle fatigue behaviour in low pressure turbine blade material
Authors: He B Y , Soady K A , Mellor B G , Morris A , Reed P A S
Published: June 2013

The effect of shot peening on subsequent low cycle fatigue behaviour of a representative low pressure steam turbine blade material has been investigated in bend test samples. An analysis of the short fatigue crack growth behaviour has been conducted. For samples with no stress concentration feature, shot peening was found to have a more evident beneficial effect at lower strain levels than at higher strain levels, whereas for samples with a stress concentration feature, the beneficial effect was retained even at higher strain levels. Preexisting cracks were observed on the shot peened surface, which started to grow at 10–25 of fatigue life in the low cycle fatigue regime. The crack propagation rate was slower than that observed in the ground sample, suggesting that the shot peening process delayed crack propagation. This improvement in fatigue life has been attributed to the significant slowing of small cracks while growing through surface regions of significant compressive residual stresses and local workhardening developed by the shot peening process. Once cracks in the notch root have penetrated this region in the depth direction, faster crack growth rates, similar to those observed in the ground case, were seen.