bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shapeable Stretch Textiles via Simple Weaves for Seamless Woven Fashion
Authors: Wang Xueqin , Ng F.M.C. , Hu Jinlian , Seto Yu-cheung
Published: July 2009

This paper proposes approaches to create shaped woven textiles (SWTs) for seamless woven fashion by designing diverse simple weaves and applying their dimensional changes. A widespread stretch material (spandex) was selected as the main fillings for shape changes. The research introduces the four design parameters of simple weaves for stretch fabrics. Twenty types of specimens in two different configurations of the stretch fillings were then produced. Correlations between the four parameters and dimensional changes of simple weaves were investigated. With respect to dimensional and textural changes, experimental results indicated corresponding divergences of specimens made by the different simple weaves and two types of configurations of fillings. By integrating these shape changeable weaves via jacquard designs, several practical creations illustrated the sculptural capabilities of shaped textiles and aesthetical attributes. This research contributes to the integrated design and manufacture of future woven textiles and fashion.
Effects of Spinning Conditions on Shape Changes of Trilobal-shaped Fibers
Authors: Jung Il , Sang Yong Kim  , Tae Hwan Oh
Published: July 2009

The effects of spinning conditions on shape changes in the trilobal-shaped fiber spinning of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polypropylene (PP) fibers were studied with a focus on spinning parameters such as mass flow rate, spinning temperature and take-up. Extrudate at the die-swell points along the spinline was obtained to investigate shape change. Extrudate shape at the die-swell points affected the shape factor of as-spun PP fibers. Surface tension affected the fiber cross-section of the PET trilobal fibers, whereas die swell was more important in the PP trilobal fibers. The shape factor of the PP trilobal fibers decreased with increasing mass flow rate, spinning temperature and take-up speed, whereas that of the PET trilobal fibers increased with increasing mass flow rate and take-up speed.
Manufacturing Process and Characterization of Tencel/Gelatin Composite Dressing
Authors: Huang Chao-Chiung , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: July 2009

This study used nonwoven fabrics as the matrix of a composite dressing and coating with different gelatin-anthocyanin ratios (10/0 wt%, 10/5 wt%, and 10/10 wt%). The anthocyanin reduced gelatin degradation rate, epithelialization rates increased, and deposition of collagen in the wound dermis was well organized by the composite wound dressing. This composite containing gelatin and anthocyanin can be employed as a wound dressing.
Influence of Internal Lipid on Dyeing of Wool Fibers
Authors: Marti Meritxell , Ramirez Raquel , Barba Clara , Coderch Luisa , Parra José
Published: July 2009

Wool is a natural fiber that is mainly composed of protein. It has an external lipid content widely used in cosmetics (lanoline) and minor internal lipid content (1.5%), which could be of added value given its high content of ceramides. Internal wool lipids (IWL) were mostly extracted at laboratory level and the lipid composition was quantitatively analyzed. The hydrophobic character of both extracted and non-extracted fibers was evaluated. These wool fibers were dyed with two acid dyes with a different degree of hydrophilic character. Dyeing behavior and washing fastness tests were assessed to study whether the lipid extraction could affect fiber dyeing. The results obtained showed the different behaviors of extracted and non-extracted wool fibers when dyes with different hydrophilic character were used. Given the absence of surface hydrophobic differences between the two fibers, the different dyeing behavior may be attributed to the interaction between IWL and the dyestuff, highlighting the importance of dye penetration through the cell membrane complex. A lipid extraction could therefore modify wool dyeing strategies and reduce the final dyeing temperature without impairing the washing fastness of the fibers.
Studies on Anti-wrinkle Properties of Silk Fabrics Dyed with Reactive and Crosslinking Dyes
Authors: Nan Yan Dang  , Wei Ma  , Shu Fen Zhang  , Bing Tao Tang  , Jin Zong Yang
Published: July 2009

The anti-wrinkle properties of silk fabrics dyed with four reactive dyes and three crosslinking dyes were investigated. Compared with the undyed silk fabrics, the wrinkle recovery angle (WRA) of silk fabrics dyed with C.I. Reactive Red 195 and C.I. Reactive Red 141 was increased by 14.9—15.3% when the dye concentration was 0.67 g/L. With the same concentration of synthesized crosslinking dyes PAD1, PAD2 and PAD3, the WRA of dyed silk fabrics was increased by 17.9— 21.3% with high dye reactivity. The anti-wrinkle properties of silk fabrics dyed with the crosslinking dyes were as good as those finished with 1,2,3,4-butaneteracarboxylic acid. Moreover, the anti-wrinkle properties of silk fabrics were improved with the increase of the crosslinking dyes and crosslinker XLC concentration, and the handle of these silk fabrics was still satisfactory. The increment ratio of the WRA of the silk fabrics dyed with crosslinking dyes was about the same as those finished with glyoxal or epoxide EPSIB. It may be concluded that these crosslinking dyes could lead to not only high dye fixation, but also excellent wrinkle-resistant properties of silk fabrics; in addition, it is feasible to dye and finish silk fabrics with crosslinking dyes simultaneously as demonstrated in this study.
Trajectories of Delinquency From Adolescence to Adulthood
Authors: Powell Darci , Perreira Krista M. , Mullan Harris Kathleen
Published: July 2009

Rising immigration rates to the United States have been associated with increased public sentiment against immigrant populations and fears that immigration will lead to escalations in crime and delinquency. However, surprisingly few researchers have studied delinquency among immigrant youth overall or in comparison with U.S.-born youth. Guided by a life-course perspective, this article uses three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to describe longitudinal variations in delinquency by gender, race/ethnicity, immigrant generation, coethnic community concentration, and their interactions. The article finds that first-generation Asian females and second-generation Hispanic females have the highest risk of delinquency during early adolescence. During late adolescence, Asian and Hispanic third-plus generation youth have the highest risk of delinquency. However, as youth transition to adulthood, the rates of delinquency for all population groups converge.
Exploring the Association Between News Use and Social Capital
Authors: Beaudoin Christopher E.
Published: July 2009

The current study assesses the association between news use and social capital—and whether this association varies by ethnicity and medium. Ordinary least square regression analysis indicates that social capital is predicted by newspaper exposure, but not TV national news exposure or TV local news exposure. In addition, there are two significant interaction terms between the news exposure measures and ethnicity in predicting social capital. First, the association between newspaper exposure and social capital is more positive for Whites than Latinos. Second, the association between TV national news exposure and social capital is less positive for Whites than Blacks. Of four potential contributory factors, the most viable factor is communication culture. Specifically, the relative oral and literate traditions of American ethnic groups are most suitable for explaining how the association between news use and social capital varies by ethnicity and medium.
Intervention of Eating Disorder Symptomatology Using Educational Communication Messages
Authors: Park Sung-Yeon , McSweeney Jacqueline Hitchon , Yun Gi Woong
Published: July 2009

This study explored an intervention of body image disturbance by employing short educational messages. A public service announcement (PSA) comprised of a realistic body image photo and a text emphasizing genetic diversity of body types improved young women’s body satisfaction, although it did not affect the size of ideal female-body norm. A variation of the PSA, an alignment ad, generated a similarly positive effect on body satisfaction. The alignment ad, in comparison to a control, also increased the size of ideal female-body norm. At the same time, these positive main effects were mostly due to the gains in body satisfaction and the size of ideal female-body norm by women whose body satisfaction was relatively undamaged to begin with. For women who were already suffering from low body satisfaction, the educational messages interacted with the predisposition to further deteriorate body satisfaction and the norm of ideal female body. Theoretical implications of these effects were discussed and practical suggestions were made for healthy body image advocates.
Why is Organizational Change Related to Workplace Bullying? Role Conflict and Job Insecurity as Mediators
Authors: Baillien Elfi , De Witte Hans
Published: July 2009

Although organizational change has often been cited as an important cause of workplace bullying, only few studies have investigated this relationship. The current article aims to address this issue by exploring a direct as well as indirect relationship (i.e. mediation by various job and team-related stressors) between organizational change and bullying. Data were collected in 10 private organizations in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium ( N = 1260). Results show a significant relationship between organizational change and bullying. Role conflict, job insecurity, workload, role ambiguity, frequency of conflict, social support from colleagues and social leadership are all related to bullying. Regression analyses reveal a relationship between change and role conflict as well as job insecurity. The other stressors were not associated with organizational change and, hence, do not mediate. Finally, regression analysis shows that the relationship between organizational change and bullying is fully mediated by role conflict and job insecurity.
The Incidence of High-Performance Work Systems: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Employee Survey
Authors: Kauhanen Antti
Published: July 2009

This article uses representative employee survey data for Finland from 2003 to study the incidence of adaptive teams, incentive pay and employer-provided training. A combination of these practices would be termed a high-performance work system (HPWS). Influential theories suggest that we should view these practices as `bundled' together. However, these `bundles' are quite rare and thus HPWS is a rare phenomenon. The article finds that the probability of participation in HPWS is higher for (1) employees with higher socioeconomic status, (2) employees using communication technology for internal communication in the workplace, (3) younger employees, (4) full-time and permanent employees, (5) employees in larger firms and (6) employees in foreign-owned firms.
The Diversity and Politics of Trade Unions' Responses to Minority Ethnic and Migrant Workers: The Context of the UK
Authors: Lucio Miguel Martínez , Perrett Robert
Published: July 2009

The article first argues that there is a range of approaches and models developed in relation to the question of representing ethnic minorities and migrants when it comes to trade union strategies. There is no single model. Instead, there is a variety of approaches and politics, just as there are with a `traditionally established workforce'. Second, this study finds that the understanding of ethnic minority needs varies and the politics of this must be central to any discussion, as one cannot read off assumptions about the issue from formal union strategies, traditional practices and established customs in relation to regulation. In effect, there is a politics of trade union responses and there is diversity in the way the `problem' is read and understood. Third, the article argues that the issue of minority ethnic workers raises questions of trade union identity and purpose. This points to much deeper issues related to the role of regulation and strategies of inclusion — and the extent to which they cohere. It also raises the issue of the configuration of strategies of social inclusion and on occasions how strategies ignore the broader issue of participation of those they seek to represent. To this extent the article is not exclusively about inclusion and exclusion — but about the politics and contradictory dynamics of inclusion.
The Effects of Different Types of Works Councils on Bargaining Outcomes: Results of an Empirical Study
Authors: Nienhueser Werner
Published: July 2009

This article looks at the effects that different types of works councils have on the results of bargaining between a works council and management. It investigates, in particular, how the works council type has an influence on the use of company or works agreements and the assessment of such agreements by 1000 interviewed human resource managers. The typology combines two dimensions: power and willingness to cooperate. The resulting four types of works councils show different effects, controlling for other variables: overall, works agreements are widespread and highly valued by the majority of human resource managers. However, firms with a works council that the management perceives as being more powerful and less willing to cooperate have a higher number of works agreements. In this constellation, one also finds the worst assessments of works agreements by the human resource managers — they perceive such agreements as reducing flexibility and having fewer advantages. A more detailed analysis shows two more results: first, it is the power or strength of a works council, rather than the willingness to cooperate, that influences the frequency of works agreements. Second, the perceived willingness to cooperate has an effect on the assessment of works agreements, but not on their frequency.
No Longer So Strange? (Dis)Trust in Municipality—Small Business Relationships
Authors: Tillmar Malin
Published: July 2009

In this article, a trust perspective is applied to the relationship between local government and their alternative service providers in the era of new public management. The importance of category-based (dis)trust is highlighted, as well as the complications occurring when service providers belong to several categories, all of which are in some respect distrusted. More specifically, the article illustrates how gender and professional hierarchies influence municipal trust in service providers. The complexities of trust in public sector outsourcing relationships are highlighted, as the trust that citizens' show in the service providers also affects the trust of the municipality.
Enhancing Classic Coverage Location Models
Authors: Murray Alan T. , Tong Daoqin , Kim Kamyoung
Published: July 2009

An important area of regional science has long been location analysis and modeling. Its significance continues, now more formally known as location science, and has evolved because of the need to address complex facility siting problems and issues. This article focuses on classic coverage location problems, and how advances along theoretical and methodological fronts have enabled such problems to be viewed in new ways. Specifically, notions of implicit and explicit coverage, along with geographic information systems (GIS), provide the capacity to reconceptualize as well as better model intended planning goals and objectives. This article reviews covering problems and presents a comparative framework for both linkage and assessment. This research is significant because evolving models enable issues of frame independence, and the modifiable area unit problem, to be addressed, making planning and analysis more reliable and valuable.
An examination of emerging adulthood in Romanian college students
Authors: Nelson Larry J.
Published: July 2009

Little work has been done to examine emerging adulthood in Eastern European countries such as Romania that are making the transition out of communism into the broader free-market economy of Western Europe. The purpose of this study was to (a) examine the criteria that college students in Romania have for adulthood, and (b) explore whether differences in adulthood criteria, achievement of those criteria, and identity development are related to variations in adult status (i.e., perceptions of being an adult coupled with taking on adult responsibilities). Participants included 230 Romanian young people (136 women, 94 men) aged 18—27 attending a university in Romania’s second largest city. Results found that (a) the majority of Romanian young people did not consider themselves to be adults; (b) issues related to relational maturity, financial independence, and norm compliance ranked as the most important criteria for adulthood; (c) there was pervasive optimism about the future, including careers, relationships, finances, and overall quality of life; and (d) findings regarding identity development differed according to the extent that young people perceived themselves to be adults and whether or not they had taken on adult roles.
Parenting values and parenting stress among impoverished village and middle-class small city mothers in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Foucault Darlene C. , Schneider Barry H.
Published: July 2009

Poverty is known to influence parenting values, parenting stress, psychological adjustment, and social support according to North American research. The purpose of this study was to determine whether poverty might work in similar ways in a collectivistic Latin culture. The participants were primary caregivers in two distinct communities in the Dominican Republic: the Campos (extremely poor villages) and the middle-class areas of San Cristobal, a small city. As predicted, Campos mothers endorsed conformity and obedience as parenting goals, whereas San Cristobal mothers valued exploration and self-direction in their children. Unlike poor mothers in the US, and contrary to our expectations, Campos mothers reported relatively good social support and less parenting stress than did San Cristobal mothers. Furthermore, Campos mothers were not more depressed than San Cristobal caregivers, although the Campos mothers did report more somatic symptoms. In our Dominican sample, being better educated and being less well adjusted are linked to the experience of greater parenting stress, whereas social support is predictive of less parenting stress. These findings suggest that not all prevailing theories with regard to maternal poverty and parenting can be adapted uncritically to cultures like that of the Dominican Republic, where poverty is the situation of the majority.
Testing Self-Determination Theory via Nigerian and Indian adolescents
Authors: Sheldon Kennon M. , Abad Neetu , Omoile Jessica
Published: July 2009

We tested the generalizability of five propositions derived from Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000) using school-aged adolescents living in India ( N = 926) and Nigeria ( N = 363). Consistent with past U.S. research, perceived teacher autonomy-support predicted students’ basic need-satisfaction in the classroom and also predicted positive class evaluations. The three basic needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness also predicted positive class evaluations, and furthermore predicted students’ general life-satisfaction. Also, balance among the three needs had positive associations with life-satisfaction independent of the amount of need-satisfaction. Finally, perceived maternal and paternal autonomy-support both predicted life-satisfaction. Support was also found for two demographic hypotheses: older students perceived less autonomy-support from parents and teachers, and Indian students reported greater life-satisfaction than Nigerian students.
A Comparison of Web-Based and Paper-Based Survey Methods
Authors: Greenlaw Corey , Brown-Welty Sharon
Published: July 2009

Web-based surveys have become more prevalent in areas such as evaluation, research, and marketing research to name a few. The proliferation of these online surveys raises the question, how do response rates compare with traditional surveys and at what cost? This research explored response rates and costs for Web-based surveys, paper surveys, and mixed-mode surveys. The participants included evaluators from the American Evaluation Association (AEA). Results included that mixed-mode, while more expensive, had higher response rates.
Does the Conservation of Resources Motivate Middle-Aged Women to Perform Physical Activity?
Authors: Rotem Mina , Epstein Leon , Ehrenfeld Mally
Published: July 2009

This article aims to examine the factors that motivate middle-aged women to engage in leisure physical activity (LPA) and to explore the relationship between resources loss and gains and engaging in LPA. It is a cross-sectional study based on a self-reported questionnaire ( n = 949), using variables of the conservation of resources theory and the theory of planned behavior. Results show that women who engage in physical activity experience lower resources loss than inactive women. The longer they engage in physical activity, the less they experience losses such as youth, attractiveness, optimism, health, and beauty. Conservation of resources, perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and normative beliefs predict 41% ( p < .0001) of the variance in the engagement in leisure physical activity. Findings suggest that constructing effective strategies to promote LPA requires also addressing these factors, which are valued by middle-aged women.
Prioritising drugs for single patient (n-of-1) trials in palliative care
Authors: Nikles J. , Mitchell G. , Walters J. , Hardy J. , Good P. , Rowett D. , Shelby-James T. , Currow D.
Published: July 2009

Many of the drugs prescribed commonly to palliative care patients have potentially significant side-effects and are of unproven benefit. The acquisition of evidence to support the prescribing of these drugs has been very slow. Single patient trials (SPTs) (also known as n-of-1 trials) offer a potential means of obtaining the evidence necessary to support or refute the use of several of the drugs and interventions whose use is currently based on physician experience or anecdote alone. A list of SPTs considered “most urgent”, for commonly employed treatments and for the most common and most troublesome symptoms in palliative care is presented. These are drugs for which the gap between evidence and practice is greatest, where the evidence of efficacy is most lacking, where significant side effects potentially lead to the greatest morbidity, or where cost is a major patient burden. Although not all the drugs used in palliative care are suitable, SPTs provide a potential alternative method of gathering evidence in palliative care.
Nurses’ attitudes towards end-of-life decisions in medical practice: a nationwide study in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Inghelbrecht E. , Bilsen J. , Mortier F. , Deliens L.
Published: July 2009

We investigated on a nationwide level the attitudes of nurses towards end-of-life decisions (ELDs) that may hasten death and towards their role in those decisions. We took a representative random sample of 6000 nurses in Flanders, Belgium. Response rate was 62.5%. Most nurses agreed with the practice of withholding/withdrawing potentially life-prolonging treatments (93%), with decisions to alleviate symptoms with possible life-shortening side effects (96%) and with the practice of euthanasia (92%). Their support for the different decisions existed regardless of whether they had cared for terminally ill patients or not. Most nurses also thought that they have an important role to play especially in the ELD-making process. Nurses’ views on their proper role in the administration of drugs in euthanasia and continuous deep sedation showed a large dispersal. Overall, nurses’ work setting determines their opinions on nurses’ role in ELDs. In conclusion, nurses accept a wide variety of ELDs being practiced with terminally ill patients.
Incorporating Herd Immunity Effects into Cohort Models of Vaccine Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Bauch Chris T. , Anonychuk Andrea M. , Van Effelterre Thierry , Pham Ba' Z. , Merid Maraki Fikre
Published: July 2009

Background. Cohort models are often used in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of vaccination. However, because they cannot capture herd immunity effects, cohort models underestimate the reduction in incidence caused by vaccination. Dynamic models capture herd immunity effects but are often not adopted in vaccine CEA. Objective. The objective was to develop a pseudo-dynamic approximation that can be incorporated into an existing cohort model to capture herd immunity effects. Methods. The authors approximated changing force of infection due to universal vaccination for a pediatric infectious disease. The projected lifetime cases in a cohort were compared under 1) a cohort model, 2) a cohort model with pseudo-dynamic approximation, and 3) an age-structured susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered compartmental (dynamic) model. The authors extended the methodology to sexually transmitted infections. Results. For average to high values of vaccine coverage (P > 60%) and small to average values of the basic reproduction number (R 0 < 10), which describes school-based vaccination programs for many common infections, the pseudo-dynamic approximation significantly improved projected lifetime cases and was close to projections of the full dynamic model. For large values of R0 (R0 > 15), projected lifetime cases were similar under the dynamic model and the cohort model, both with and without pseudo-dynamic approximation. The approximation captures changes in the mean age at infection in the 1st vaccinated cohort. Conclusions. This methodology allows for preliminary assessment of herd immunity effects on CEA of universal vaccination for pediatric infectious diseases. The method requires simple adjustments to an existing cohort model and less data than a full dynamic model.
A Maximum Likelihood Estimator of a Markov Model for Disease Activity in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis for Annually Aggregated Partial Observations
Authors: Borg Sixten , Persson Ulf , Jess Tine , Thomsen Ole Østergaard , Ljung Tryggve , Riis Lene , Munkholm Pia
Published: July 2009

Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases that have a remitting, relapsing nature. During relapse, they are treated with drugs and surgery. The present study was based on individual data from patients diagnosed with CD or UC at Herlev University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, during 1991 to 1993. The data were aggregated over calendar years; for each year, the number of relapses and the number of surgical operations were recorded. Our aim was to estimate Markov models for disease activity in CD and UC, in terms of relapse and remission, with a cycle length of 1 month. The purpose of these models was to enable evaluation of interventions that would shorten relapses or postpone future relapses. An exact maximum likelihood estimator was developed that disaggregates the yearly observations into monthly transition probabilities between remission and relapse. These probabilities were allowed to be dependent on the time since start of relapse and on the time since start of remission, respectively. The estimator, initially slow, was successfully optimized to shorten the execution time. The estimated disease activity model for CD fits well to observed data and has good face validity. The disease activity model is less suitable for UC due to its transient nature through the presence of curative surgery.
Dimensions of Design Space: A Decision-Theoretic Approach to Optimal Research Design
Authors: Conti Stefano , Claxton Karl
Published: July 2009

Bayesian decision theory can be used not only to establish the optimal sample size and its allocation in a single clinical study but also to identify an optimal portfolio of research combining different types of study design. Within a single study, the highest societal payoff to proposed research is achieved when its sample sizes and allocation between available treatment options are chosen to maximize the expected net benefit of sampling (ENBS). Where a number of different types of study informing different parameters in the decision problem could be conducted, the simultaneous estimation of ENBS across all dimensions of the design space is required to identify the optimal sample sizes and allocations within such a research portfolio. This is illustrated through a simple example of a decision model of zanamivir for the treatment of influenza. The possible study designs include: 1) a single trial of all the parameters, 2) a clinical trial providing evidence only on clinical endpoints, 3) an epidemiological study of natural history of disease, and 4) a survey of quality of life. The possible combinations, samples sizes, and allocation between trial arms are evaluated over a range of cost-effectiveness thresholds. The computational challenges are addressed by implementing optimization algorithms to search the ENBS surface more efficiently over such large dimensions.
Proposals for a Phased Evaluation of Medical Tests
Authors: Lijmer Jeroen G. , Leeflang Mariska , Bossuyt Patrick M. M.
Published: July 2009

Background. In drug development, a 4-phase hierarchical model for the clinical evaluation of new pharmaceuticals is well known. Several comparable phased evaluation schemes have been proposed for medical tests. Purpose. To perform a systematic search of the literature, a synthesis, and a critical review of phased evaluation schemes for medical tests. Data Sources. Literature databases of Medline, Web of Science, and Embase. Study Selection and Data Extraction. Two authors separately evaluated potentially eligible papers and independently extracted data. Results. We identified 19 schemes, published between 1978 and 2007. Despite their variability, these models show substantial similarity. Common phases are evaluations of technical efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, diagnostic thinking efficacy, therapeutic efficacy, patient outcome, and societal aspects. Conclusions. The evaluation frameworks can be useful to distinguish between study types, but they cannot be seen as a necessary sequence of evaluations. The evaluation of tests is most likely not a linear but a cyclic and repetitive process.
Recommendations for Modeling Disaster Responses in Public Health and Medicine: A Position Paper of the Society for Medical Decision Making
Authors: Brandeau Margaret L. , McCoy Jessica H. , Hupert Nathaniel , Holty Jon-Erik , Bravata Dena M.
Published: July 2009

Purpose. Mathematical and simulation models are increasingly used to plan for and evaluate health sector responses to disasters, yet no clear consensus exists regarding best practices for the design, conduct, and reporting of such models. The authors examined a large selection of published health sector disaster response models to generate a set of best practice guidelines for such models. Methods . The authors reviewed a spectrum of published disaster response models addressing public health or health care delivery, focusing in particular on the type of disaster and response decisions considered, decision makers targeted, choice of outcomes evaluated, modeling methodology, and reporting format. They developed initial recommendations for best practices for creating and reporting such models and refined these guidelines after soliciting feedback from response modeling experts and from members of the Society for Medical Decision Making. Results . The authors propose 6 recommendations for model construction and reporting, inspired by the most exemplary models: health sector disaster response models should address real-world problems, be designed for maximum usability by response planners, strike the appropriate balance between simplicity and complexity, include appropriate outcomes that extend beyond those considered in traditional cost-effectiveness analyses, and be designed to evaluate the many uncertainties inherent in disaster response. Finally, good model reporting is particularly critical for disaster response models. Conclusions . Quantitative models are critical tools for planning effective health sector responses to disasters. The proposed recommendations can increase the applicability and interpretability of future models, thereby improving strategic, tactical, and operational aspects of preparedness planning and response.
Evaluation of Imputation Methods in Ovarian Tumor Diagnostic Models Using Generalized Linear Models and Support Vector Machines
Authors: Dimou Ioannis , Van Calster Ben , Van Huffel Sabine , Timmerman Dirk , Zervakis Michalis
Published: July 2009

Neglecting missing values in diagnostic models can result in unreliable and suboptimal performance on new data. In this study, the authors imputed missing values for the CA-125 tumor marker in a large data set of ovarian tumors that was used to develop models for predicting malignancy. Four imputation techniques were applied: regression imputation, expectation-maximization, data augmentation, and hotdeck. Models using the imputed data sets were compared with models without CA-125 to investigate the important clinical issue concerning the necessity of CA-125 information for diagnostic models and with models using only complete cases to investigate differences between imputation and complete case strategies for missing values. The models are based on Bayesian generalized linear models (GLMs) and Bayesian least squares support vector machines. Results indicate that the use of CA-125 resulted in small, clinically nonsignificant increases in the AUC of diagnostic models. Minor differences between imputation methods were observed, and imputing CA-125 resulted in minor differences in the AUC compared with complete case analysis (CCA). However, GLM parameter estimates of predictor variables often differed between CCA and models based on imputation. The authors conclude that CA-125 is not indispensable in diagnostic models for ovarian tumors and that missing value imputation is preferred over CCA.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Multidirectional Shoulder Instability in Athletes
Authors: Baker Champ L. , Mascarenhas Randy , Kline Alex J. , Chhabra Anikar , Pombo Mathew W. , Bradley James P.
Published: July 2009

Background

There are few reports in the literature detailing the arthroscopic treatment of multidirectional instability of the shoulder.

Hypothesis

Arthroscopic management of symptomatic multidirectional instability in an athletic population can successfully return athletes to sports with a high rate of success as determined by patient-reported outcome measures.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Forty patients (43 shoulders) with multidirectional instability of the shoulder were treated via arthroscopic means and were evaluated at a mean of 33.5 months postoperatively. The mean patient age was 19.1 years (range, 14-39). There were 24 male patients and 16 female patients. Patients were evaluated with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability scoring systems. Stability, strength, and range of motion were also evaluated with patient-reported scales.

Results

The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score postoperatively was 91.4 of 100 (range, 59.9-100). The mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability postoperative percentage score was 91.1 of 100 (range, 72.9-100). Ninety-one percent of patients had full or satisfactory range of motion, 98% had normal or slightly decreased strength, and 86% were able to return to their sport with little or no limitation.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic methods can provide an effective treatment for symptomatic multidirectional instability in an athletic population.
Wood-Polyvinyl Chloride Composite for Insulation of Electrical Wires: Fabrication and Investigation of Properties
Authors: Moeini Mohammad Hasan , Heidary S. Hamid , Amiri Iraj , Payami Arash
Published: July 2009

In this study, five series of wood—polyvinyl chloride composite samples were prepared by granules production followed by extrusion process for insulation of cuprous wires. The effects of wood flour content and its size on thermal stability, physical, mechanical, and electrical properties of these composites were investigated. The obtained results show that the density as well as the mechanical properties decreases, as the wood flour content increases. Also, wood flour composites with smaller particles have better mechanical properties and lower density. Thermal decomposition of these composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In general, thermal decomposition of polyvinyl chloride is inhibited by the addition of wood flour to the polyvinyl chloride compound. Moreover, electrical tests showed high amounts of wood flour can’t be used when high volume resistivity is necessary.
Tensile Properties of Polycarbonate-coated Natural Fabric Grewia tilifolia
Authors: Jayaramudu J. , Varada Rajulu A. , Guduri B.R.
Published: July 2009

The natural fabric from the tree of Grewia tilifolia was coated with polycarbonate. The tensile properties of both the uncoated and polycarbonate coated fabrics were studied. The tensile parameters such as maximum stress, Young’s modulus and percentage elongation at break were determined using a Universal Testing Machine. The effect of alkali treatment and the polycarbonate coating on tensile properties was studied. The improvement in the tensile properties on polycarbonate coating was attributed to the filling up of the void regions of the uniaxial fabrics with polycarbonate facilitating continuity.
Failure Mechanism in Rigid PUF Sandwich Structures with Varied Skin Materials under Bending Load
Authors: Arun K.V. , Yadav S. Manjunath , Chandradharappa  , Basavarajappa S. , Krishna M.
Published: July 2009

The results of the experimental analysis carried out on sandwich structures with rigid PUF core and different skin materials have been reported. The flammability tests have been carried out on core as well as the skin materials. From 3-point bending test FBS, CSS have been evaluated for the sandwich structures. These tests have been conducted on 4 different compositions of the core materials and 6 varieties of hybridized skin materials. Comparisons of results have been between the hybridized and non-hybridized sandwich structures. A macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the fractured surfaces have been made to identify the nature of failure under bending loads. It has been demonstrated that the debond strength of the core—face and core plays an important role in enhancing the flexural property and controlling of the failure mechanisms. It has been observed that with increasing the debonding strength of the core—face interface, the failure mode changes from debonding of the core—face interface to the failure of the face.
Psychological Coping and Well-Being of Male Latino Undergraduates
Authors: Gloria Alberta M. , Castellanos Jeanett , Scull Nicholas C. , Villegas Francisco J.
Published: July 2009

This study examined 100 male Latino undergraduates' cultural self-esteem, perceived educational barriers, cultural fit, coping responses (CRs), and subsequent well-being within higher education. The most commonly reported CR for Latino males was to actively find out more about the situation and take a positive planned action. Assessing group mean differences, a class standing by generation interaction revealed that first-generation lower division and first-generation upper division students reported higher perceptions of barriers to staying in school than second-generation lower division and second-generation upper division students, respectively. Similarly, examining differences of coefficients, the strength of the relationship of perceptions of barriers to staying in school and psychological well-being was significantly stronger for the first-generation than second-generation male students Cultural congruity and emotion-focused coping were most predictive of psychological well-being; however, perception of barriers to staying in school was consistently evident in understanding male Latino undergraduates' educational experiences.
Association of Y Chromosome Haplotypes With Autism
Authors: Serajee Fatema J. , Mahbubul Huq A.H.M.
Published: July 2009

There is significant male excess in autism. In this study, we investigated a possible Y chromosome effect by haplotype analysis. We investigated 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in Y-linked neuroligin 4, transducin β-like 1, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1a genes in 146 autistic participants and 102 control participants of European American origin. The set of 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms defined 9 Y chromosome haplotypes in autistic and control participants. Although the 2 most frequent haplotypes were equally distributed in the autistic and control participants, some haplotypes were overrepresented or underrepresented in autistic participants. The distribution of haplotypes between the autistic and control groups, as determined by Monte Carlo tests with Clump software, was significantly different (P = .0001 with 100 000 simulations). Our results are suggestive of a Y chromosome effect in autism.
Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Injury to the Preterm Brain
Authors: Kaindl Angela M. , Favrais Geraldine , Gressens Pierre
Published: July 2009

Injury to the premature brain is a major contributor to infant mortality and morbidity, often leading to mental retardation and sensory-motor impairment. The disease process is believed to be caused, sustained, and aggravated by multiple perinatal factors that team up in a multi-hit fashion. Clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have revealed that key factors such as inflammation, excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress contribute considerably to white- and gray-matter injury in premature infants, whose brains are particularly susceptible to damage. Depending on the timing, lesions of the immature brain may influence developmental events in their natural sequence and redirect subsequent development. We review current concepts on molecular mechanisms underlying injury to the premature brain.
Fetal Inflammatory Response and Brain Injury in the Preterm Newborn
Authors: Malaeb Shadi , Dammann Olaf
Published: July 2009

Preterm birth can be caused by intrauterine infection and maternal/fetal inflammatory responses. Maternal inflammation (chorioamnionitis) is often followed by a systemic fetal inflammatory response characterized by elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the fetal circulation. The inflammation signal is likely transmitted across the blood-brain barrier and initiates a neuroinflammatory response. Microglial activation has a central role in this process and triggers excitotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidative damage in the developing brain. Neuroinflammation can persist over a period of time and sensitize the brain to subinjurious insults in early and chronic phases but may offer relative tolerance in the intermediate period through activation of endogenous anti-inflammatory, protective, and repair mechanisms. Neuroinflammatory injury not only destroys what exists but also changes what develops.
Peroxisomal Dysfunction in Inflammatory Childhood White Matter Disorders: An Unexpected Contributor to Neuropathology
Authors: Singh Inderjit , Singh Avtar K. , Contreras Miguel A.
Published: July 2009

The peroxisome, an ubiquitous subcellular organelle, plays an important function in cellular metabolism, and its importance for human health is underscored by the identification of fatal disorders caused by genetic abnormalities. Recent findings indicate that peroxisomal dysfunction is not only restricted to inherited peroxisomal diseases but also to disease processes associated with generation of inflammatory mediators that downregulate cellular peroxisomal homeostasis. Evidence indicates that leukodystrophies (i.e. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, globoid cell leukodystrophy, and periventricular leukomalacia) may share common denominators in the development and progression of the inflammatory process and thus in the dysfunctions of peroxisomes. Dysfunctions of peroxisomes may therefore contribute in part to white matter disease and to the mental and physical disabilities that develop in patients affected by these diseases.
History of Pediatric Neurology in Poland
Authors: Steinborn Barbara , Jóźwiak Sergiusz
Published: July 2009

This review presents the past and the present of pediatric neurology in Poland. Pediatric neurology has its roots in Polish general neurology represented by many outstanding scientists. The founder of Polish school of neurology at the end of 19th century was Edward Flatau, known as the author of Flatau’s law. The most famous Polish neurologist was Joseph Babiński, recognized for the first description of pathological plantar reflex. First Polish publication related to child neurology was Brudziński’s report on a new meningeal symptom (the flexion of lower limbs during passive neck flexion with pain in neck). Contemporary child neurology in Poland was created by Professor Zofia Majewska after the Second World War. Now 10 academic centers of child neurology exist in Poland fulfilling educational, scientific, and therapeutic roles. Polish Society of Child Neurology was established in 1991 and now there are about 580 members, including 300 child neurologists.
Social Security and the Public Sector: The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: July 2009

The application of social security to most of the public sector has generated measures to address the resulting inequities and a campaign to repeal or modify those measures.
“Now Why do you Want to Know about That?”
Authors: García Lorena
Published: July 2009

Research has revealed that sex education policies are informed by national and local struggles over the meanings and consequences of gender, race, sexuality, and class categories. However, few studies have considered how policies are enacted in the classroom production of sex education to support or challenge gender, racial, sexual, and class hierarchies. This article draws on data obtained through semistructured in-depth interviews with 40 Latina youth (20 Mexican origin, 20 Puerto Rican) to explore how heteronormativity, sexism, and racism operate together to structure the content and delivery of school-based sex education. Findings suggest that some Latina youth encounter racialized heterogendered constructions and experiences that limit their access to sex-education-related information and reinforce existing inequalities.
School Culture and the Well-Being of Same-Sex-Attracted Youth
Authors: Wilkinson Lindsey , Pearson Jennifer
Published: July 2009

This study assesses how variations in heteronormative culture in high schools affect the well-being of same-sex-attracted youth. The authors focus on the stigmatization of same-sex attraction (rather than identity or behavior) to better understand how heteronormativity may marginalize a wide range of youth. Specifically, the authors use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine how variation across schools in football participation, religious attendance, and urban locale affects same-sex-attracted adolescents' depressive symptoms, self-esteem, fighting, and academic failure. The results suggest that though same-sex-attracted youth are at greater risk for decreased well-being, these youth are at higher risk in nonurban schools and in schools where football and religion have a larger presence. Results vary for boys and girls: The urban locale of a school has a larger impact for boys, while school religiosity has a greater impact for girls.