bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistics of Storm Updraft Velocities from TWP-ICE Including Verification with Profiling Measurements
Authors: Collis Scott , Protat Alain , May Peter T. , Williams Christopher
Published: May 2013

Comparisons between direct measurements and modeled values of vertical air motions in precipitating systems are complicated by differences in temporal and spatial scales. On one hand, vertically profiling radars more directly measure the vertical air motion but do not adequately capture full storm dynamics. On the other hand, vertical air motions retrieved from two or more scanning Doppler radars capture the full storm dynamics but require model constraints that may not capture all updraft features because of inadequate sampling, resolution, numerical constraints, and the fact that the storm is evolving as it is scanned by the radars. To investigate the veracity of radar-based retrievals, which can be used to verify numerically modeled vertical air motions, this article presents several case studies from storm events around Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, in which measurements from a dual-frequency radar profiler system and volumetric radar-based wind retrievals are compared. While a direct comparison was not possible because of instrumentation location, an indirect comparison shows promising results, with volume retrievals comparing well to those obtained from the profiling system. This prompted a statistical analysis of an extended period of an active monsoon period during the Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE). Results show less vigorous deep convective cores with maximum updraft velocities occurring at lower heights than some cloud-resolving modeling studies suggest.
Formation and Maintenance of Nocturnal Low-Level Stratus over the Southern West African Monsoon Region during AMMA 2006
Authors: Schuster Robert , Fink Andreas H. , Knippertz Peter
Published: May 2013

The southern parts of West Africa are frequently covered by an extensive deck of shallow, low (200–400 m AGL) stratus or stratocumulus clouds during the summer monsoon. These clouds usually form at night in association with a nocturnal low-level jet (NLLJ) and can persist into the early afternoon hours. Recent work suggests that the stratus deck is unsatisfactorily represented in standard satellite retrievals and state-of-the-art climate models. Here the authors use high-resolution regional simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) and observations from the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) 2006 campaign to investigate (i) the spatiotemporal distribution, (ii) the influence on the shortwave radiation balance, and (iii) the detailed formation and maintenance mechanisms of the stratiform clouds. At least some configurations of WRF satisfactorily reproduce the diurnal cycle of the low-cloud evolution, yielding the following main conclusions: (i) The simulated stratus deck forms after sunset along the coast, spreads inland during the course of the night, and dissipates in the early afternoon. (ii) The average surface net shortwave radiation balance in stratus-dominated regions is about 35 W m−2 lower than in those with fewer clouds. (iii) The cloud formation is related to a subtle balance between “stratogenic” upward (downward) fluxes of latent (sensible) heat caused by shear-driven turbulence below the NLLJ, cold advection, orographic lifting, and radiative cooling on one hand, and “stratolytic” dry advection and latent heating on the other hand.
Impacts of the Madden–Julian Oscillation on the Summer South China Sea Ocean Circulation and Temperature
Authors: Wang Guihua , Ling Zheng , Wu Renguang , Chen Changlin
Published: May 2013

The present study investigates the impact of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on the South China Sea (SCS) in summer with three types of models: a theoretical Sverdrup model, a 1.5-layer reduced gravity model, and a regional ocean model [Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)]. Results show that the ocean circulation in the SCS has an intraseasonal oscillation responding to the MJO. During its westerly phase, the MJO produces positive (negative) wind stress curl over the northern (southern) SCS and thus induces an enhanced cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation in the northern (southern) SCS. This not only cools sea surface temperature (SST) but also decreases (increases) subsurface temperature in the northern (southern) SCS. During its easterly phase, the MJO basically produces a reversed but weaker influence on SCS ocean circulation and temperature. Thus, the MJO can have an imprint on the summer climatology of SCS circulation and temperature. The authors' analysis further indicates that the MJO's dynamic effect associated with wind is generally more important than its thermodynamic effect in modulating the regional ocean circulation and temperature. The present study suggests that the MJO is important for summer ocean circulation and temperature in the SCS.
The Possible Influence of a Nonconventional El Niño on the Severe Autumn Drought of 2009 in Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Jin Fei-Fei , Zhao Jing-Xia , Qi Li , Ren Hong-Li
Published: May 2013

A severe drought struck southwest China during autumn 2009, which had a huge impact on productivity and the lives of the affected population. A nonconventional El Niño, the so-called warm pool (WP) El Niño, was supposed to be a principal factor of this strong autumn drought. In sharp contrast to a conventional El Niño, in the 2009 WP El Niño year the maximum sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are confined to the central equatorial Pacific Ocean. Moreover, this WP El Niño was characterized by the relatively farther westward location and the strongest intensity among the WP El Niño events in the past 60 years. Observations and modeling studies both indicate that the rainfall deficits over southwest China are significantly influenced by the combined effects of the location and intensity of the WP El Niño. That is, the drought over southwest China tends to be more severe when the warming SST anomalies associated with the WP El Niño are located farther westward and are stronger. Therefore, the strong autumn drought over southwest China in 2009 can be largely attributed to the concurrent distinctive WP El Niño, which generates a strongly anomalous cyclone over the west North Pacific and leads to a serious reduction in rainfall over southwest China. The influence of the Indian Ocean warming on autumn rainfall over southwest China was also examined but seems to have little contribution to this drought.
The socio-economic determinants of social capital and the mediating effect of history: Making Democracy Work revisited
Authors: Ferragina Emanuele
Published: May 2013

Putnam argued that the different levels of social capital between the North and the South of Italy originated in the Middle Ages. In the North of Italy, the existence of a dense network of medieval towns gave rise to horizontal ties and collective action. Conversely, in the South of Italy, the authoritarian Norman rule generated hierarchical relationships and the absence of collective action. This article proposes an alternative explanation for the lack of social capital in the South of Italy using a comparative perspective. The analysis is undertaken in two steps: 1) testing the socio-economic determinants of social capital in 85 European regions; 2) performing a comparative historical analysis between deviant – that is, South of Italy and Wallonia – and regular – that is, North East of Italy and Flanders – cases. These cases are selected by looking at the residual of the regression model. The results suggest that medieval history does not explain the lack of social capital in the South of Italy. On the contrary, the historical legacy mitigates the negative effect of inequitable income distribution, low labour market participation and weak national cohesion on social capital.
The criminal law and public health context of drug policy support among young people in the European Union
Authors: Vuolo Mike
Published: May 2013

This article addresses whether state-level policy differences in the European Union (EU) are associated with young people’s support for policies toward drug users, namely criminalization of drug use and availability of syringe exchanges. While historical institutionalism provides reason to expect such an association, more proximal individual-level influences, as well as the EU supranational agenda encouraging a unified approach to drug policy, may render the state-level unimportant. Using multilevel modeling of a 2002 Eurobarometer cross-national survey of young people, the results show a close alignment of individual-level support and state-level policies of decriminalization and harm reduction, net of individual characteristics. The findings suggest that any EU-level effort to unify countries’ policies concerning drug users will encounter difficulty because attitudes – even among young people – are aligned with and supportive of existing state policies.
Investigation of extensional rheological behaviors of polypropylene for foaming
Authors: Xu Zhixin , Zhang Zhuang , Guan Yong , Wei Dafu , Zheng Anna
Published: May 2013

This study investigated the relationship between the extensional rheological behaviors and the foamability of polypropylenes (PPs). Both the shear and extensional rheological properties of four types of PPs with different molecular structures (linear PP, linear PP with high-molecular component, long-chain-branched PP, and cross-linked PP) were tested by rheometers and the PPs were foamed by batch process with supercritical carbon dioxide as foam agent. It was found that when the PP showed strain-hardening behavior at certain strain rates (on the order of 1 s−1), the obtained foams had high expansion ratio and fine cell structures. Otherwise, the strain-hardening behavior of PP had limited effects on the foamability. In addition, a theoretical analysis suggested that the strain-hardening behavior provided higher melt strength and simultaneously changed the rupture behavior of the melt, thus the gas bubble could be stable during expansion step and the cellular structure was generated. The foamability of PPs can be predicted from the extensional properties without considering their molecular structures.
The Influence of Music Teacher Beliefs and Practices on the Expression of Musical Identity in an Elementary General Music Classroom
Authors: Kelly-McHale Jacqueline
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to examine the ways an elementary general music teacher’s curricular beliefs and practices influence the expression of music in identity and identity in music for second-generation students. In addition to the music teacher, participants were 4 students whose families had immigrated to the United States from Mexico and who were attending the midwestern suburban school within the United States where the study took place. This research was designed to provide an understanding of the interactions between the roles of music instruction, cultural responsiveness, and musical identity. Within-case and cross-case analysis generated specific and broad themes that addressed the purpose of the study. The findings revealed that the role of the teacher’s view of the self as musician and educator, combined with the choice of instructional approach, created a music classroom environment that successfully met the teacher-directed goals for sequence-centered instruction. Nonetheless, the data revealed that the choice of instructional approach resulted in an isolated musical experience that did not support the integration of cultural, linguistic, and popular music experiences and largely ignored issues of cultural responsiveness.
The Current State of Assessment Education
Authors: DeLuca Christopher , Bellara Aarti
Published: May 2013

In response to the existing accountability movement in the United States, a plethora of educational policies and standards have emerged at various levels to promote teacher assessment competency, with a focus on preservice assessment education. However, despite these policies and standards, research has shown that beginning teachers continue to maintain low competency levels in assessment. Limited assessment education that is potentially misaligned to assessment standards and classroom practices has been identified as one factor contributing to a lack of assessment competency. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to analyze the alignment between teacher education accreditation policies, professional standards for teacher assessment practice, and preservice assessment course curriculum. Through a curriculum alignment methodology involving two policy documents, two professional standards documents, and syllabi from 10 Florida-based, Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education–certified teacher education programs, the results of this study serve to identify points of alignment and misalignment across policies, standards, and curricula. The study concludes with a discussion on the current state of assessment education with implications for enhancing teacher preparation in this area and future research on assessment education.
Population Management of Diabetes in a High-Need Urban Community in the Bronx
Authors: Farrell Patricia , Barnaby Sandra , Galarza Tahnee , Simonson Julie K. , Zonszein Joel , Meara Anne , Chung Henry , Figueira Rhonda , Felleman Sheila
Published: May 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a Care Management Organization (CMO) Diabetes Disease Management Program (DDMP) in improving diabetes outcomes among high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the Bronx, New York.

Methods

An interventional, nonrandomized study design was used to assess the effectiveness of the DDMP. Patients older than 18 years who had T2DM and an A1C persistently 8% or greater or with a cardiovascular comorbidity were characterized as high risk and received intensive disease management. Patients served as their own controls, with data collection and analysis occurring 12 months prior to and 12 months after enrollment in DDMP. Data collection included screening rates for A1C, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, depression, smoking status, and annual influenza vaccine administration. Changes in A1C and LDL cholesterol were also analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Minitab. McNemar’s chi-square and paired t tests were used to assess within-group changes from baseline to final outcomes.

Results

Significant improvements in screening rates for A1C, LDL, depression, smoking status, and annual influenza vaccine administration were found among high-risk/intensively managed patients in the DDMP. Improvements in clinical measures were also achieved in this group. Provider and patient satisfaction surveys were positive, with 92% of patients believing that the program helped them better understand their disease.

Conclusions

A DDMP among high-risk patients has shown promise in improving the quality of care for patients with diabetes. This program has relevance for other integrated delivery systems that are developing accountable care approaches.
High Hematocrit Resulting from Administration of Erythropoiesis-stimulating Agents Is Not Fully Predictive of Mortality or Toxicities in Preclinical Species
Authors: Andrews Dina A. , Pyrah Ian T. G. , Boren Babette M. , Tannehill-Gregg Sarah H. , Lightfoot-Dunn Ruth M.
Published: May 2013

We conducted a retrospective analysis of publicly available preclinical toxicology studies with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) to examine common adverse events in rats, Beagle dogs, and cynomolgus monkeys. Mortality and/or thrombotic events were reported sporadically in a subset of studies and attributed to the high hematocrit (HCT) achieved in the animals. However, similarly high HCT was achieved in both high-dose and low-dose groups, but there were no reported adverse events in the low-dose group suggesting HCT was not the sole contributing factor leading to toxicity. Our analysis indicated that increased dose, dose frequency, and dosing duration in addition to high HCT contributed to mortality and thrombosis. To further evaluate this relationship, the incidence of toxicities was compared in rats administered an experimental hyperglycosylated analog of recombinant human erythropoietin (AMG 114) at varying dosing schedules in 1-month toxicity studies. The incidence of mortality and thrombotic events increased in higher dose groups and when dosed more frequently, despite a similarly high HCT in all animals. The results from the investigative study and retrospective analysis demonstrate that ESA-related toxicities in preclinical species are associated with dose level, dose frequency, and dosing duration, and not solely dependent upon a high HCT.
Cytokines Associated with Increased Erythropoiesis in Sprague-Dawley Rats Administered a Novel Hyperglycosylated Analog of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin
Authors: Andrews Dina A. , Hamadeh Hisham K. , He Yudong D. , Boren Babette M. , Turk James R. , Boyce Rogely W. , Mytych Daniel T. , Barger Troy E. , Salimi-Moosavi Hossein , Sloey Bethlyn , Elliott Steve , McElroy Patricia , Sinclair Angus M. , Shimamoto Grant , Pyrah Ian T. G. , Lightfoot-Dunn Ruth M.
Published: May 2013

We previously reported an increased incidence of thrombotic toxicities in Sprague-Dawley rats administered the highest dose level of a hyperglycosylated analog of recombinant human erythropoietin (AMG 114) for 1 month as not solely dependent on high hematocrit (HCT). Thereafter, we identified increased erythropoiesis as a prothrombotic risk factor increased in the AMG 114 high-dose group with thrombotic toxicities, compared to a low-dose group with no toxicities but similar HCT. Here, we identified pleiotropic cytokines as prothrombotic factors associated with AMG 114 dose level. Before a high HCT was achieved, rats in the AMG 114 high, but not the low-dose group, had imbalanced hemostasis (increased von Willebrand factor and prothrombin time, decreased antithrombin III) coexistent with cytokines implicated in thrombosis: monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), MCP-3, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1, macrophage inhibitory protein-2, oncostatin M, T-cell-specific protein, stem cell factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin-11. While no unique pathway to erythropoiesis stimulating agent-related thrombosis was identified, cytokines associated with increased erythropoiesis contributed to a prothrombotic intravascular environment in the AMG 114 high-dose group, but not in lower dose groups with a similar high HCT.
An Indicator of Probable Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials to High Frequencies
Authors: Manzari Leonardo , Burgess Ann M. , McGarvie Leigh A. , Curthoys Ian S.
Published: May 2013

The n10 component of the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) to sound and vibration stimuli is a crossed response that has enhanced amplitude and decreased threshold in patients with CT‐verified superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). However, demonstrating enhanced VEMP amplitude and reduced VEMP thresholds requires multiple trials and can be very time consuming and tiring for patients, so a specific indicator of probable SCD that is fast and not tiring would be preferred. Here we report a 1‐trial indicator: that the oVEMP n10 in response to a very high frequency stimulus (4000 Hz), either air‐conducted sound (ACS) or bone conducted vibration (BCV), is such a fast indicator of probable SCD. In 22 healthy subjects, oVEMP n10 at 4000 Hz was not detectable; however, in all 22 CT‐verified SSCD patients tested, oVEMP n10 responses were clearly present to 4000 Hz to either ACS or BCV stimuli.
Tympanoplasty with Intact Canal Wall Mastoidectomy for Cholesteatoma: Long‐Term Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Wilson Kevin F. , Hoggan Ryan N. , Shelton Clough
Published: May 2013

Objective

With different mastoidectomy approaches available to the surgeon for treatment of cholesteatoma, we review long‐term outcomes of intact canal wall (ICW) mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

All cases of cholesteatoma treated with ICW mastoidectomy by the senior author over a period of 9 years for which at least 2 years of follow‐up data exist. Patient and disease information was collected retrospectively and analyzed.

Results

One hundred forty‐eight patients with 156 affected ears were treated and followed for a median of 5.3 years (range, 2.1‐14.8). The majority of the operations (144/156, 92%) were staged. Of those that were staged, 51/144 (35%) had residual cholesteatoma at the second stage. Thirteen patients (8%) had recurrence of their cholesteatoma, of which 6 required a subsequent canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy.

Conclusions

ICW mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty continues to be a successful treatment for cholesteatoma. We found a substantial residual rate at the second stage, justifying the necessity of staging in most cases. Recurrence rate of cholesteatoma using this technique is low, as is the progression to CWD mastoidectomy.
Down to the bone
Authors: Eriksson Gillian
Published: May 2013

Eminent individuals have made significant contributions to their fields that have impacted on fundamental knowledge and practices around the world, a description that aptly describes the world-known South African paleoanthropologist and scientist, Professor Phillip Tobias. This article presents evidence from his early childhood and schooling that demonstrated his creative writing, extensive independent study, advanced achievement, autonomous research and leadership positions that characterized his range of gifted abilities. It also describes characteristics typical of the family backgrounds of research on eminent individuals and core aspects of his personality, including his humor and humility. As a core scientist who sought to uncover fossil evidence for human evolution, he was instrumental in early studies of Khoisan and Tonga ethnic communities, investigations and documentation of Australopithecus africanus and early hominids. His academic and cultural legacies are depicted in his wide interests: his love of creative writing, teaching, and research and the search for truth and social justice.
The genetics of entrepreneurial performance
Authors: Shane Scott , Nicolaou Nicos
Published: May 2013

Behavioral genetics techniques were applied to a sample of self-employed monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins from the USA to examine whether genetic factors influence entrepreneurial performance. The study found that genetics affects the amount of income earned by self-employed people. In addition, the study found that common genes influenced the phenotypic correlations between three of the ‘big five’ personality characteristics – agreeableness, openness to experience and extraversion – and self-employment income, but due to the small sample size, the confidence intervals were high. The implications of a genetic component to self-employment income for research on entrepreneurship are discussed.
Environmental certification as a buffer against the liabilities of newness and smallness: Firm performance benefits
Authors: Djupdal Kari , Westhead Paul
Published: May 2013

Sustainable entrepreneurship encourages a focus on innovation, efficiency and environmentally-friendly actions. Certification enables firms to accumulate legitimacy that enables stakeholders to know of, and understand, a firm’s activities: it is a mechanism to buffer against the liabilities of newness and smallness. Building on insights from the resource-based view of the firm, institutional theory and signalling theory, this article conceptualises environmental certification as an observable high-quality resource investment signal. This resource fosters innovation and encourages certified firms to accumulate and mobilise legitimacy. Regression analysis detected that very young and micro firms who cited the compounded signal of certification reported significantly higher levels of effectiveness. Micro firms that cited the compounded signal of certification reported weakly significantly higher levels profitability. Certification enables very young, rather than young firms, to address the liabilities of newness, and enables micro, rather than small firms, to address the liabilities of smallness.
Association of oestrogen-receptor gene (ESR1) polymorphisms with migraine in the large Norfolk Island pedigree
Authors: Rodriguez-Acevedo Astrid J , Maher Bridget H , Lea Rodney A , Benton Miles , Griffiths Lyn R
Published: May 2013

Background

Oestrogen receptor 1 ( ESR1) is located in region 6q25.1 and encodes a ligand-activated transcription factor composed of several domains important for hormone binding and transcription activation. Progesterone receptor ( PGR) is located in 11q22-23 and mediates the role of progesterone interacting with different transcriptional co-regulators. ESR1 and PGR have previously been implicated in migraine susceptibility. Here, we report the results of an association study of these genes in a migraine pedigree from the genetic isolate of Norfolk Island, a population descended from a small number of Isle of Man “Bounty Mutineer” and Tahitian founders.

Methods

A significant number of molecular markers in the ESR1 (143) and PGR (43) genes were evaluated in a sample of 285 related individuals (135 males; 150 females). A pedigree-based analysis in the GenABEL package was used to analyse the results.

Results and conclusions

A total of 10 markers in the ESR1 gene showed association with migraine ( p < 0.05) in the Norfolk Island population. No association was detected with PGR. Three haplotypes in ESR1 were found to be associated with migraine ( p = 0.004, 0.03, 0.005). Future genetic studies in larger populations and expression analysis are required to clarify the role of ESR1 in migraine susceptibility.
Rocking dizziness and headache: A two-way street
Authors: Cha Yoon-Hee , Cui Yongyan
Published: May 2013

Background

Chronic rocking dizziness, often described as the feeling of being on a boat, is classically triggered by prolonged exposure to passive motion. Patients with this motion-triggered sensation of rocking, which is also known as mal de debarquement syndrome, often develop new onset headaches along with the dizziness. Chronic rocking dizziness has also been noted in vestibular migraine, occurring without a motion trigger. We sought to clarify the association between both motion-triggered (MT) and non-motion-triggered (non-MT) chronic rocking dizziness and headache history.

Methods

Our methods included questionnaire and interview study of subjects with either MT or non-MT chronic rocking dizziness.

Results

Onset of headaches was earlier in patients with non-MT rocking dizziness (median 26 years: MT; 16 years: non-MT). In MT subjects, there was a bimodal peak of age of onset of headache (20–29 years and 40–49 years). Most headache met criteria for migraine in both groups. By the time that chronic dizziness occurred, both groups had a comparable prevalence of migraine headache (41%: MT; 46%: non-MT). Pre-existing headache usually worsened after the onset of dizziness.

Discussion

Though rocking dizziness does not meet current criteria for vestibular migraine, migraine physiology may predispose to, develop in, or worsen with the onset of chronic rocking dizziness.
Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel enhances neuronal survival in spinal cord slice cultures from postnatal mice
Authors: Schizas Nikos , Rojas Ramiro , Kootala Sujit , Andersson Brittmarie , Pettersson Jennie , Hilborn Jons , Hailer Nils P
Published: May 2013

Numerous biomaterials based on extracellular matrix-components have been developed. It was our aim to investigate whether a hyaluronic acid–based hydrogel improves neuronal survival and tissue preservation in organotypic spinal cord slice cultures. Organotypic spinal cord slice cultures were cultured for 4 days in vitro (div), either on hyaluronic acid–based hydrogel (hyaluronic acid–gel group), collagen gel (collagen group), directly on polyethylene terephthalate membrane inserts (control group), or in the presence of soluble hyaluronic acid (soluble hyaluronic acid group). Cultures were immunohistochemically stained against neuronal antigen NeuN and analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Histochemistry for choline acetyltransferance, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin B4 followed by quantitative analysis was performed to assess motorneurons and different glial populations. Confocal microscopic analysis showed a 4-fold increase in the number of NeuN-positive neurons in the hyaluronic acid–gel group compared to both collagen ( p < 0.001) and control groups ( p < 0.001). Compared to controls, organotypic spinal cord slice cultures maintained on hyaluronic acid–based hydrogel showed 5.9-fold increased survival of choline acetyltransferance-positive motorneurons ( p = 0.008), 2-fold more numerous resting microglial cells in the white matter ( p = 0.031), and a 61.4% reduction in the number of activated microglial cells within the grey matter ( p = 0.05). Hyaluronic acid–based hydrogel had a shear modulus (G′) of ≈1200 Pascals (Pa), which was considerably higher than the ≈25 Pa measured for collagen gel. Soluble hyaluronic acid failed to improve tissue preservation. In conclusion, hyaluronic acid–based hydrogel improves neuronal and – most notably – motorneuron survival in organotypic spinal cord slice cultures and microglial activation is limited. The positive effects of hyaluronic acid–based hydrogel may at least in part be due to its mechanical properties.
Gender Differences in Preferred Drug Resistance Strategies of Rural Native Hawaiian Youths
Authors: Okamoto Scott K. , Helm Susana , McClain Latoya L. , Pel Suzanne , Hayashida Janai K. P. , Hill Amber P.
Published: May 2013

The study presented here examined the gender differences in preferred strategies used by rural Native Hawaiian youths to resist drugs and alcohol. Seventy-four youths (60% of whom were female) in eight middle/intermediate or high schools participated in 15 different focus groups as part of a pilot-feasibility drug prevention study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Consistent with relational–cultural theory, the qualitative findings indicated that the girls favored drug resistance strategies that maintained relational connectedness with the drug offerer and considered the long-term relational consequences of different drug resistance strategies. Implications of these findings for the indigenous- and gender-specific prevention of drug abuse are discussed.
Melt flow properties and morphology of polypropylene composites filled with microencapsulated red phosphorus
Authors: Liang Ji-Zhao , Feng Jin-Qing , Tsui Chi-Pong , Tang Chak-Yin
Published: May 2013

Microencapsulated red phosphorus (MRP)-filled polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared using a twin-screw extruder. The effects of load and temperature as well as the dispersion or distribution of the filler particles in the matrix on the melt volume flow rate (MVR) and melt density ( ρm) of the PP/MRP composites were investigated using a melt flow indexer and a scanning electron microscope. The temperatures and loads were varied from 180 to 205°C and from 2.16 to 12.5 kg, respectively. The results showed that the MVR of the composites increased nonlinearly with increase in temperature and load. The sensitivity of MVR of the composite melts to temperature was significant. The MVR of the composites also decreased slightly with an increase in the MRP weight fraction. However, the values of ρm of the composites varied slightly with increase in load, temperature, and MRP weight fraction. The findings can provide useful information for optimum processing of these composites.
Preparation and properties of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) powder/halloysite nanotubes hybrid-filled natural rubber composites
Authors: Nabil H , Ismail H
Published: May 2013

Recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (R-PET) was partially replaced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as fillers in natural rubber (NR) composites. The composites were prepared by incorporating hybrid filler into NR using a laboratory size two-roll mill. The total amount of hybrid filler in each formulation was kept constant at 20 phr. Results revealed that scorch time, cure time, maximum torque, cross-link density and thermal stability increased with the replacement of R-PET by HNTs. Due to its reinforcing effect and ductility of the HNTs, the moduli, tensile strength, elongation at break and fatigue life were found to increase consecutively with increasing HNTs content. Morphological study of the tensile fracture surfaces of the composites exhibited that HNTs has better adhesion and is well-dispersed in NR matrix as compared to R-PET particles. However, R-PET exhibited positive effect by reducing the curing time of the hybrid NR composites.
Dynamic finite element simulation and transient temperature field analysis in thermoplastic composite tape lay-up process
Authors: Li Zhimeng , Yang Tao , Du Yu
Published: May 2013

In the lay-up process of thermoplastic composite tape, the thermal conditions have great influence on the end quality and performance of composites. In the lay-up process of thermoplastic matrix composites, a semi-infinite solid model is used to analyse the heat transfer by simulating the heating of hot gas torch. Temperature of the control volume is calculated based on the model. A dynamic finite element model is developed to obtain the transient temperature field. The birth–death element strategy in ANSYS was used to simulate the movement of lay-up head during dynamic loading and laying-up prepreg onto the composite substrate. The simulation results of using the transient heat transfer model and the finite element model were compared well. The bonding temperature increases linearly with the heater temperature and is closely related to the moving speed of the roller. The bonding temperature changed slowly when the roller moved faster.
The Effect of a Preoperative Spiritual/Religious Intervention on Anxiety in Shia Muslim Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Hosseini Mohammadali , Salehi Alireza , Fallahi Khoshknab Masoud , Rokofian Asghar , Davidson Patricia Mary
Published: May 2013

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with anxiety. Preoperative anxiety is considered a predictor for a range of suboptimal postsurgical outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a spiritual/religious training intervention on anxiety in Shia Muslim individuals scheduled for CABG. Methods: A randomized controlled trial of a preoperative spiritual/religious training intervention, congruent with Islamic supplication ( Zikr), was administered in five sessions of 45 minutes duration to test the impact on anxiety in comparison with standard care. Seventy participants were selected based on inclusion criteria and randomly allocated to treatment and control groups. Baseline levels of anxiety and the impact of the intervention were assessed using the Persian version of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the intervention and control groups. Following the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference in anxiety mean scores between intervention (19.48 ± 2.03) and control groups (43.27 ± 5.49), p < .001. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that preoperative spiritual/religious training can reduce anxiety in Muslim patients undergoing CABG. Further evaluation of this intervention in other population groups is warranted and the study underscores the importance of culturally appropriate and interventions.
That train has already left the station! Improving the fidelity of a railway safety research simulator at post-deployment
Authors: Naweed Anjum , Balakrishnan Ganesh
Published: May 2013

Fidelity evaluations are an important part of simulation design. They identify any gaps in fidelity, help establish the simulator’s overall validity, and their outcomes may significantly enhance the correspondence between the simulated environment and the real world. However, fidelity evaluations are easily overwhelmed by the technical focus in the simulator commissioning and acceptance processes, and too often, are overlooked or undermined in favour of remaining within the scope of the original specification. This article presents a fidelity evaluation that was applied to a railway safety research simulator after it was deployed for operational use. The evaluation was stratified according to the physical, functional and task-based strands of fidelity, and undertaken in a collaborative research approach that integrated the relative domain, task, simulation and human factors-based expertise of a team of evaluators. Furthermore, the evaluation also examined the simulator’s tractability in terms of its intended users (researchers), and investigated the scope for scenario development. The findings revealed several opportunities for improving the fidelity of the simulator for research (and training) applications, but also identified a number of critical deficiencies in its underlying architecture. This paper discusses the outcomes of the evaluation in terms of the fidelity expectations of the developer and user, and the tension encountered when trying to adjust these post-deployment. Lastly, it provides some clarification between what to improve and what can be improved, when the proverbial train has, for all intents and purposes, left the station.
Full-scale measurement and analysis of train slipstreams and wakes. Part 2 Gust analysis
Authors: Baker Chris J , Quinn Andrew , Sima Mikael , Hoefener Lars , Licciardello Ricardo
Published: May 2013

Part 1 of this paper reports results from the extensive full-scale slipstream measurements carried out as part of the AeroTRAIN project, and in particular concentrates on the ensemble analysis of this data. This paper concentrates on the analysis of maximum gusts, in order to make suggestions for modifications to the current technical specifications for interoperability (TSI) methodology. The very large data set obtained for one particular high-speed train type (the S-103) enabled the variation of slipstream gusts with vehicle speed and wind speed to be determined. It was also possible to carry out a statistical analysis of the gusts that enabled the standard uncertainty of the TSI gust parameter to be determined. It was shown that for most trains the maximum gusts occurred in the near wake of the train, but for double-unit trains the maximum gusts could occur around the gap between the units and for locomotive/coach combinations the maxima could occur around the nose of the locomotive or at the discontinuity between the train and the locomotive. Perhaps the most significant result, which could allow a considerable simplification of the TSI methodology, was that if both trackside and platform measurements for a particular train were plotted against height above the rail, then, with very few exceptions, they fell onto one curve, which implies that a trackside measurement could replace the current required platform measurement.
Prediction of the maximum air velocities created by metro trains using an artificial neural network approach
Authors: Koc Gencer , Sert Cuneyt , Albayrak Kahraman
Published: May 2013

The maximum air velocity created by a moving train inside a tunnel is obtained using an artificial neural network approach. A neural network model is developed to represent a single train travelling in a single tunnel. A set of non-dimensional groups, which are known to influence the induced flow characteristics, is used for the training of the neural network. Various test runs are compared with the results of the authoritative software, Subway Environmental Simulation. The presence of ventilation shafts within a tunnel is included in the model by defining an aerodynamically equivalent single tunnel using major head loss characteristics of different parts of the system. This approach eliminated the requirement to train the neural network for a large number of possible tunnel/shaft configurations.
The aerodynamics of freight: approaches to save fuel by optimising the utilisation of container trains
Authors: Beagles Adam E , Fletcher David I
Published: May 2013

Aerodynamic drag is approximately proportional to speed squared so the drag of slower moving freight trains has received less attention than that of higher-speed passenger trains. Key results of wind tunnel tests of European container trains were published in 1989 and are the basis for most assessments of drag of European container trains (American container trains usually have far higher drag due to double-stacking containers or transporting complete semi-trailers and were studied in research programmes at a similar time). The research reported here concerns a reappraisal of the European results and of more recent results obtained from the application of computational fluid dynamics modelling and the results of real-world and wind tunnel testing of the aerodynamics of container wagons. The paper presents empirical equations that can be used to predict the energy savings associated with different container loading scenarios within a fixed length train and the energy required for carrying aerodynamic features such as baffles or fairings. Illustrative examples are provided using data measured during freight operations. The effect on drag of side winds and their speed distributions are included as are representative vehicle speed profiles. Most previous authors have ignored both side winds and end effects; it is shown that the effects of these are opposite but of similar magnitudes so the results of these authors remain valid.
An integrated framework for solid rocket motor grain design optimization
Authors: Dong-Hui Wang , Yang Fei , Fan Hu , Wei-Hua Zhang
Published: May 2013

Traditional grain designs, which identify the best combination of geometrical parameters to improve the grain performance and meet the flight-mission requirements, are often performed manually. In this article, an integrated framework is presented to perform the design optimization of solid rocket motor propellant grains. In the proposed framework, the level set method is adapted to solid propellant burnback analysis and this technique does not have any restriction on the grain configuration and is capable of handling grains of multi-stage and various burning forms. Along with the level set method, a dedicated algorithm is developed using application programming interfaces of commercial computer-aided design software to transform the initial grain shape into a special data file that can be fed to the level set codes to activate the burnback analysis. Moreover, a hybrid optimization method incorporating genetic algorithm and sequential quadratic programming is exploited to improve the grain design efficiency. Finally, two case studies have been performed to verify the feasibility and general-purpose characteristics of the proposed grain design optimization environment. The results obtained show that the proposed design framework facilitates the grain optimization process and various grain design requirements can be met. The design cycle has been remarkably reduced because of the introduction of hybrid optimization method.
The effect of multiple conical shock waves at the engine intake on the performance of a single-mode ramjet
Authors: Ebaid MSY , Al-Khishali KJM
Published: May 2013

Supersonic single-mode ramjet performance was analyzed using a prescribed two-dimensional conical shock wave in axisymmetric supersonic flow. The ramjet under consideration for the analysis consists of a mixed compression intake, a cylindrical combustion chamber and a supersonic constant convergent–divergent nozzle. A computer program was developed to carry out the analysis based on the formation of multiple conical shock waves at the engine intake at different flight Mach numbers and different altitudes in the range of 1.5–4 Mach and 9000–18,000 m, respectively. Accordingly, a supersonic convergent–divergent nozzle was designed and consequently, the area ratios along the ramjet were calculated to find the correct dimensions for the thrust required. The analysis of the multi-shock system showed that for a given number of conical shocks and Mach numbers, the thrust decreases as the altitude increases. Also, the thrust increases at higher Mach numbers and higher number of conical shocks regardless of the altitude. Furthermore, for [Formula: see text], and at number of conical shocks greater than 2, thrust stays constant. The flow rate and the pressure after combustion showed similar trends as the thrust. The multi-shock system of the intake system proposed showed that a limit of a three conical shocks were sufficient for a reasonable pressure recovery for a [Formula: see text], while for a [Formula: see text], a single normal shock wave could be sufficient for different altitudes. Also, pressure recovery is unaffected by the altitude for the same Mach number and increases with lower Mach numbers. Moreover, the increase of number of conical shocks is limited to 3 where no further increase in pressure recovery could be indicated.
Coming to Grips With the Past
Authors: De Brigard Felipe , Szpunar Karl K. , Schacter Daniel L.
Published: May 2013

When people revisit previous experiences, they often engage in episodic counterfactual thinking: mental simulations of alternative ways in which personal past events could have occurred. The present study employed a novel experimental paradigm to examine the influence of repeated simulation on the perceived plausibility of upward, downward, and neutral episodic counterfactual thoughts. Participants were asked to remember negative, positive, and neutral autobiographical memories. One week later, they self-generated upward, downward, and neutral counterfactual alternatives to those memories. The following day, they resimulated each of those counterfactuals either once or four times. The results indicate that repeated simulation of upward, downward, and neutral episodic counterfactual events decreases their perceived plausibility while increasing ratings of the ease, detail, and valence of the simulations. This finding suggests a difference between episodic counterfactual thoughts and other kinds of self-referential simulations. Possible implications of this finding for pathological and nonpathological anxiety are discussed.
The Current Situation of Voluntary Vaccination and the Factors Influencing Its Coverage Among Children in Takatsuki, Japan
Authors: Tsuda Yuko , Watanabe Misuzu , Tanimoto Yoshimi , Hayashida Itsushi , Kusabiraki Toshiyuki , Komiyama Maki , Kono Koichi
Published: May 2013

This study aimed to understand the current scenario of voluntary vaccination and the factors influencing its coverage among 18-month-old children of Takatsuki City, Japan. Based on 1167 parents responses, we found that voluntary vaccination coverage rates were low when compared with routine vaccination rates. The children who were not the first born of the family and who had young and poorly educated parents were less likely to receive voluntary vaccination. Japanese government-supported vaccines, such as Haemophilus influenzae type b and pneumococcal vaccine, had a higher coverage than the vaccines for which parents had to bear the entire vaccination cost. Furthermore, it was found that mass communication media and family pediatricians were effective means to disseminate voluntary vaccination-related information. We envisage that an active participation of medical professionals, easy access to vaccinations, and mass awareness programs will increase voluntary vaccination coverage in Takatsuki.