bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of nursery culture on growth, cold hardiness, and drought resistance of yellow cypress
Authors: Arnott J.T. , Grossnickle S.C. , Puttonen P. , Mitchell A.K. , Folk R.S.
Published: July 2007

The influence of short-day (9 h) and long-day photoperiods (18 h), and three levels of plant moisture stress (none and dried to predawn shoot water potentials of −1.0 or −1.8 MPa), applied for 7 weeks beginning in mid-July 1990, were studied on greenhouse-grown stecklings (rooted cuttings) of yellow cypress (Chamaecyparisnootkatensis (D. Don) Spach). A series of morphological and physiological measurements were made on the stecklings during and after the treatment period. Moisture stress significantly reduced steckling shoot growth and shoot dry weight by lowering net photosynthesis rates, while short-day photoperiods did not. The most pronounced growth reductions occurred when the treatments were combined, but effects were short-lived, with shoot growth resuming soon after the treatments ended. The short-day and moisture-stress treatment had no significant effect on root dry weight, shoot/root ratio, or water balance ratio. The risk of using moisture stress to control shoot growth in the nursery was low; mortality did not occur until the stecklings had been without water for at least 9 days. Moisture-stress treatments increased steckling root growth potential but had little effect on osmotic adjustment, cell elasticity, dry weight or symplastic fractions, cuticular transpiration, resistance to plant water movement, and relative water content of the shoots; short-day treatments had no influence on any of these parameters. Short days and moisture stress, singly or combined, had little effect on steckling cold hardiness. Steckling gas exchange rates were reduced significantly by low root temperature. In a 6-week controlled-environment simulation of planting-site moisture conditions, no significant differences in steckling net photosynthesis, transpiration, or stomatal conductance were found among nursery treatments; those that had been subjected to moisture stress in the nursery had small growth increases after planting in both wet and dry soil moisture regimes. We conclude that shoot growth of yellow cypress stecklings was controlled in the nursery using 9-h photoperiods and −1.8 MPa predawn shoot water potentials. Improved cold hardiness of the stecklings was not achieved using these nursery cultural methods, but moisture stress did confer some measure of drought resistance immediately after treatment, with higher root growth potential and lower shoot mass.
GRANULAR GAS COOLING AND RELAXATION TO THE STEADY STATE IN REGARD TO THE OVERPOPULATED TAIL OF THE VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION
Authors: PÖSCHEL THORSTEN , BRILLIANTOV NIKOLAI V. , FORMELLA ARNO
Published: July 2007

We present a universal description of the velocity distribution function of granular gases, f(v), valid for both, small and intermediate velocities where v is close to the thermal velocity and also for large v where the distribution function reveals an exponentially decaying tail. By means of large-scale Monte Carlo simulations and by kinetic theory we show that the deviation from the Maxwell distribution in the high-energy tail leads to small but detectable variation of the cooling coefficient and to extraordinary large relaxation time.
MODELING OF IRRIGATION CHANNELS — A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: MARCOU OLIVIER , CHOPARD BASTIEN , EL YACOUBI SAMIRA
Published: July 2007

A free surface Lattice Boltzmann (LB) model – based on a two-fluid system – is considered to simulate the flow of water in an irrigation canal. We compare the behavior of our numerical simulations with simple experiments and theoretical results obtained from the Saint-Venant equation, the partial differential equation commonly used to describe water flow in irrigation canals. The case study we consider are (1) the height of water along the canal in a stationary regime and (2) a draining experiment. The comparisons show that the two-fluid LB approach captures correctly the draining speed and the qualitative water profile.
MESOSCOPIC MODELLING OF FLUID FLOWS IN MICRO AND NANO CHANNEL
Authors: BENZI ROBERTO , BIFERALE LUCA , SBRAGAGLIA MAURO , SUCCI SAURO , TOSCHI FEDERICO
Published: July 2007

We review some recent results in the theory of Lattice Boltzmann Equation applied in micro and nano channel flows. With a suitable generalization of the Shan-Chan model, we are able to relate in a systematic and self consistent way, the model parameters with the contact angle. Comparison with Molecular Dynamics simulations show remarkable agreement.
Fasting induces basolateral uptake transporters of the SLC family in the liver via HNF4α and PGC1α
Authors: Dietrich Christoph G. , Martin Ina V. , Porn Anne C. , Voigt Sebastian , Gartung Carsten , Trautwein Christian , Geier Andreas
Published: July 2007

Fasting induces numerous adaptive changes in metabolism by several central signaling pathways, the most important represented by the HNF4α/PGC-1α-pathway. Because HNF4α has been identified as central regulator of basolateral bile acid transporters and a previous study reports increased basolateral bile acid uptake into the liver during fasting, we hypothesized that HNF4α is involved in fasting-induced bile acid uptake via upregulation of basolateral bile acid transporters. In rats, mRNA of Ntcp, Oatp1, and Oatp2 were significantly increased after 48 h of fasting. Protein expression as determined by Western blot showed significant increases for all three transporters 72 h after the onset of fasting. Whereas binding activity of HNF1α in electrophoretic mobility shift assays remained unchanged, HNF4α binding activity to the Ntcp promoter was increased significantly. In line with this result, we found significantly increased mRNA expression of HNF4α and PGC-1α. Functional studies in HepG2 cells revealed an increased endogenous NTCP mRNA expression upon cotransfection with either HNF4α, PGC-1α, or a combination of both. We conclude that upregulation of the basolateral bile acid transporters Ntcp, Oatp1, and Oatp2 in fasted rats is mediated via the HNF4α/PGC-1α pathway.
Selective inactivation of NF-κB in the liver using NF-κB decoy suppresses CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis
Authors: Son Gakuhei , Iimuro Yuji , Seki Ekihiro , Hirano Tadamichi , Kaneda Yasufumi , Fujimoto Jiro
Published: July 2007

Sustained hepatic inflammation induced by various causes can lead to liver fibrosis. Transcription factor NF-κB is important in regulating inflammatory responses, especially in macrophages. We presently investigated whether an NF-κB decoy, a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) imitating the NF-κB binding site, inhibited the inflammatory response after CCl4 intoxication to prevent CCl4-induced hepatic injury and fibrosis. The NF-κB decoy was introduced into livers by injecting the spleens of mice, using a hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)-liposome method. ODN was transferred mainly to macrophages in normal or fibrotic livers. Increases in serum transaminases and production of inflammatory cytokines after a single challenge with CCl4 were inhibited by the NF-κB decoy, which suppressed nuclear translocation of NF-κB in liver macrophages. Liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 administration for 8 wk was suppressed by the NF-κB decoy, accompanied by diminished mRNA expression for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, procollagen type 1 α1, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). In vitro, isolated liver macrophages showed increased DNA binding activity of NF-κB and inflammatory cytokine production after hydrogen peroxide treatment; both increases were inhibited significantly by the NF-κB decoy. In contrast, NF-κB decoy transferred to isolated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) had no effect on their morphological activation or α-SMA expression, although the decoy accelerated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced apoptosis in activated HSC. The effect of NF-κB decoy suppressing fibrosis probably results mainly from anti-inflammatory effects on liver macrophages, with a possible minor contribution from its direct proapoptotic effect on activated HSC.
Role of nitric oxide in the coupling of myocardial oxygen consumption and coronary vascular dynamics during pregnancy in the dog
Authors: Williams Jeffrey G. , Rincon-Skinner Tibisay , Sun Dong , Wang Zipping , Zhang Suhua , Zhang Xiaoping , Hintze Thomas H.
Published: July 2007

We examined the ability of cardiac endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to couple myocardial oxygen consumption (MV̇o2) and oxygen delivery during pregnancy. Awake dogs were studied using echocardiography before and at 40 days, 50 days, and 60 days (60D) of pregnancy and at ∼14 days postpartum. Left ventricular eNOS, phosphorylated eNOS, and copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD or SOD-1) were determined by immunoblotting. MV̇o2 of left ventricular tissue samples was measured in vitro in response to increasing doses of bradykinin, enalapril maleate, and amlodipine. We examined the changes in passive diameter and flow-dependant arteriolar dilation of coronary arterioles. Echocardiography indicated increases in cardiac output (∼60%) during pregnancy. Myocardial eNOS (21 ± 4%), phosphorylated eNOS (19 ± 3%), and SOD-1 (61 ± 2.7%) protein levels were significantly increased at 60D. Bradykinin, enalapril maleate, and amlodipine (10−4 mol/l) decreased MV̇o2 in a nitric oxide-dependant manner (by 24 ± 1.3% in controls and 34 ± 2.2% at 60D; by 21 ± 1.1% in controls and 29 ± 1.1 at 60D; and by 22 ± 2.5% in controls and 26 ± 1.0% at 60D, respectively). Arterioles from pregnant dogs showed increased flow-dependant dilation in response to increased shear stress and larger passive diameter. Nitrite production was stimulated by bradykinin and carbachol in microvessels in vitro; pregnancy enhanced nitrite release. Myocardial eNOS, phosphorylated eNOS, and SOD-1 protein expression are increased during pregnancy, and this increase is associated with enhanced nitric oxide-dependant control of MV̇o2. Thus increases in eNOS and SOD-1 promote the coupling of oxygen delivery and efficiency in the heart during pregnancy.
Acute changes in cardiovascular function during the onset period of daytime sleep: comparison to lying awake and standing
Authors: Zaregarizi Mohammad , Edwards Ben , George Keith , Harrison Yvonne , Jones Helen , Atkinson Greg
Published: July 2007

The siesta habit is associated with a 37% reduction in coronary mortality, possibly because of reduced cardiovascular stress associated with daytime sleep. Whether the most important behavior is the daytime nap itself, a supine posture, or the expectancy of a nap is unknown. We present the first detailed description on healthy individuals of the acute changes in cardiovascular function during defined phases of the daytime sleep-onset period. These responses were compared with lying awake and standing. Following a night of restricted (4 h) sleep, nine healthy participants (aged 34 ± 5 yr) were allowed to sleep at 1400 for up to 1 h. Polysomnography was used to calculate three phases of daytime sleep onset: phase 1, a baseline period of relaxed wakefulness before lights out; phase 2, the period between lights out and onset of stage 1 sleep; and phase 3, the period between onsets of stages 1 and 2 sleep. Differences (means ± SD) in blood pressure, heart rate, and forearm cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) between phases were analyzed. During the 9.7 ± 13.8 min of phase 2, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 4.7 ± 4.5 and 3.6 ± 2.8 mmHg lower than baseline, whereas CVC was 9.5 ± 4.3% higher than baseline ( P < 0.05). Subsequent changes in cardiovascular function during the sleep itself were trivial ( P > 0.05). The above changes were not observed when subjects stood or laid supine in relaxed wakefulness for 1 h ( P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that the period between lights out and sleep onset is associated with the largest acute reduction in blood pressure during one afternoon siesta.
Frontal cortical oxygenation changes during gravity-induced loss of consciousness in humans: a near-infrared spatially resolved spectroscopic study
Authors: Kurihara Koichi , Kikukawa Azusa , Kobayashi Asao , Nakadate Toshio
Published: July 2007

Gravity (G)-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC), which is presumably caused by a reduction of cerebral blood flow resulting in a decreased oxygen supply to the brain, is a major threat to pilots of high-performance fighter aircraft. The application of cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to monitor gravity-induced cerebral oxygenation debt has generated concern over potential sources of extracranial contamination. The recently developed NIR spatially resolved spectroscopy (SRS-NIRS) has been confirmed to provide frontal cortical tissue hemoglobin saturation [tissue oxygenation index (TOI)]. In this study, we monitored the TOI and the standard NIRS measured chromophore concentration changes of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin in 141 healthy male pilots during various levels of +Gz (head-to-foot inertial forces) exposure to identify the differences between subjects who lose consciousness and those who do not during high +Gz exposure. Subjects were exposed to seven centrifuge profiles, with +Gz levels from 4 to 8 Gz and an onset rate from 0.1 to 6.0 Gz/s. The SRS-NIRS revealed an ∼15% decrease in the TOI in G-LOC. The present study also demonstrated the TOI to be a useful variable to evaluate the effect of the anti-G protection system. However, there was no significant difference found between conditions with and without G-LOC in subjects with terminated G exposure. Further studies that elucidate the mechanism(s) behind the wide variety of individual differences may be needed for a method of G-LOC prediction to be effectively realized.
Influence of adenosine A1-receptor blockade and vagotomy on the gasping and heart rate response to hypoxia in rats during early postnatal maturation
Authors: Fewell James E. , Zhang Chunfen , Gillis Anne M.
Published: July 2007

Failure to autoresuscitate from apnea has been suggested to play a role in sudden infant death. Little is known, however, about factors that influence the gasping and heart rate response to severe hypoxia that are fundamental to successful autoresuscitation in the newborn. The present experiments were carried out on 184 rat pups to investigate the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system, as well as adenosine, in mediating the profound bradycardia that occurs with the onset of hypoxic-induced primary apnea and in modulating hypoxic gasping. On days 1 to 2, days 5 to 6, and days 10 to 11 postpartum and following bilateral cervical vagotomy (VAG) or administration of a selective adenosine A1receptor antagonist (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine; DPCPX), each pup was exposed to a single period of severe hypoxia produced by breathing an anoxic gas mixture (97% N2-3% CO2). Exposure to severe hypoxia resulted in an age-dependent decrease in heart rate ( P < 0.001), accentuated with increasing postnatal age, that was attenuated in all age groups by DPCPX but not by VAG. Furthermore, DPCPX but not VAG decreased the time to last gasp but increased the total number of gasps in the 1- to 2-day-old and 5- to 6-day-old pups but not in the 10- to 11-day-old pups during exposure to severe hypoxia. Thus our data provide evidence that adenosine acting via adenosine A1receptors plays a role in modulating hypoxic gasping and in mediating the profound bradycardia that occurs coincident with hypoxic-induced primary apnea in rats during early postnatal life.
Identification of Pathways for Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Wang Susanna S. , Schadt Eric E. , Wang Hui , Wang Xuping , Ingram-Drake Leslie , Shi Weibin , Drake Thomas A. , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: July 2007

We report a combined genetic and genomic analysis of atherosclerosis in a cross between the strains C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J on a hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E–null background. We incorporated sex and sex-by-genotype interactions into our model selection procedure to identify 10 quantitative trait loci for lesion size, revealing a level of complexity greater than previously thought. Of the known risk factors for atherosclerosis, plasma triglyceride levels and plasma glucose to insulin ratios were particularly strongly, but negatively, associated with lesion size. We performed expression array analysis for 23 574 transcripts of the livers and adipose tissues of all 334 F2 mice and identified more than 10 000 expression quantitative trait loci that either mapped to the gene encoding the transcript, implying
cis
regulation, or to a separate locus, implying
trans
-regulation. The gene expression data allowed us to identify candidate genes that mapped to the atherosclerosis quantitative trait loci and for which the expression was regulated in
cis
. Genes highly correlated with lesions were enriched in certain known pathways involved in lesion development, including cholesterol metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and inflammation. Thus, global gene expression in peripheral tissues can reflect the systemic perturbations that contribute to atherosclerosis.
Differential Roles of Cardiac Myosin-Binding Protein C and Cardiac Troponin I in the Myofibrillar Force Responses to Protein Kinase A Phosphorylation
Authors: Stelzer Julian E. , Patel Jitandrakumar R. , Walker Jeffery W. , Moss Richard L.
Published: July 2007

The heart is remarkably adaptable in its ability to vary its function to meet the changing demands of the circulatory system. During times of physiological stress, cardiac output increases in response to increased sympathetic activity, which results in protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylations of the myofilament proteins cardiac troponin (cTn)I and cardiac myosin-binding protein (cMyBP)-C. Despite the importance of this mechanism, little is known about the relative contributions of cTnI and cMyBP-C phosphorylation to increased cardiac contractility. Using engineered mouse lines either lacking cMyBP-C (cMyBP-C
−/−
) or expressing a non-PKA phosphorylatable cTnI (cTnI
ala2
), or both (cMyBP-C
−/−
/cTnI
ala2
), we investigated the roles of cTnI and cMyBP-C phosphorylation in the regulation of the stretch-activation response. PKA treatment of wild-type and cTnI
ala2
skinned ventricular myocardium accelerated stretch activation such that the response was indistinguishable from stretch activation of cMyBP-C
−/−
or cMyBP-C
−/−
/cTnI
ala2
myocardium; however, PKA had no effect on stretch activation in cMyBP-C
−/−
or cMyBP-C
−/−
/cTnI
ala2
myocardium. These results indicate that the acceleration of stretch activation in wild-type and cTnI
ala2
myocardium is caused by phosphorylation of cMyBP-C and not cTnI. We conclude that the primary effect of PKA phosphorylation of cTnI is reduced Ca
2+
sensitivity of force, whereas phosphorylation of cMyBP-C accelerates the kinetics of force development. These results predict that PKA phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins in living myocardium contributes to accelerated relaxation in diastole and increased rates of force development in systole.
Hemorrhage After Thrombolytic Therapy for Stroke
Authors: Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2007

Background and Purpose—

A clinically relevant number needed to harm for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-related symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) would greatly assist therapeutic decision-making.

Methods—

A 15-variable prognostic model was derived from a placebo group enrolled in National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke tPA Trials 1 and 2 and used to predict final global disability outcome for patients with tPA-related SICH had they been treated with placebo, rather than tPA, and not experienced SICH.

Results—

Among 312 tPA-treated patients, 20 experienced SICH. Compared with placebo patients, patients treated with tPA who experienced SICH were older, had more severe stroke deficits, had higher serum glucose levels, and more often displayed mass effect on pretreatment imaging. Observed 3-month modified Rankin Scale outcomes among the patients experiencing SICH after tPA were: 0–5%, 1–5%, 4–10%, 5–5%, and 6–75%. Predicted outcomes had they been treated with placebo were: 0–2%, 1–5%, 2–7%, 3–14%, 4–28%, 5–12%, and 6–32%. The number needed to harm for one more patient to have a final disabled or dead outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥3) attributable to tPA-related SICH was 707. Number needed to harm for severely disabled or dead outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥4) was 126; for fatal outcome 36.5, and for worsened outcome by any degree (≥1 modified Rankin Scale grade) between 29.7 and 40.1.

Conclusions—

Most patients who experience SICH have severe baseline infarcts and already are destined for poor outcomes. For every 100 patients treated with tPA, approximately 1 will experience a severely disabled or fatal final outcome as a result of tPA-related SICH.
Healthy and Fit for Prevention: The Influence of Clinician Health and Fitness on Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles During Health Supervision Visits
Authors: Binns Helen J. , Mueller Margaret M. , Ariza Adolfo J.
Published: July 2007

To understand the relationship between pediatricians' personal health and the delivery of pediatric preventive care, Illinois pediatricians were surveyed by mail. Responses from 387 pediatricians (55% response rate) regarding personal characteristics, their practice, and perceptions about preventive care patterns for children aged 2 through 10 years and management of overweight children were analyzed. Overall, 28% of pediatricians were healthy and fit (excellent/very good health and extremely/ very fit), 40% were either healthy or fit, and 33% were neither healthy nor fit. In logistic regression models controlling for personal and practice characteristics, healthy and fit pediatricians (vs neither healthy nor fit pediatricians) more routinely provided recommended care on child diet (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-6.2) and physical activity (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.6-6.3) and assessed television time (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 2.0-10.1). Pediatricians who were either healthy or fit (vs pediatricians who were neither healthy nor fit) more often assessed television time. Therefore, clinician health influenced application of preventive care.
Mercury Intoxication: Lack of Correlation Between Symptoms and Levels
Authors: Gattineni Jyothsna , Weiser Susan , Becker Amy M. , Baum Michel
Published: July 2007

The incidence of mercury intoxication has decreased considerably because of stricter public health regulations. However, it has not been completely eliminated and should be considered in a child with unexplained tachycardia, hypertension, mood changes, weight loss, and acrodynia. Mercury intoxication can be difficult to differentiate from pheochromocytoma and Kawasaki's disease. Here, the authors report the case of an 8-year-old boy with history of mercury exposure, signs and symptoms suggestive of mercury intoxication, and good response to chelation therapy, but with only mild increase in urinary mercury levels. This case highlights the fact that urinary mercury levels do not necessarily correlate with the severity of clinical signs and symptoms of mercury intoxication.
Can a Broadband Developmental-Behavioral Screening Test Identify Children Likely to Have Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Authors: Glascoe Frances Page , Macias Michelle M. , Wegner Lynn M. , Robertshaw Nicholas S.
Published: July 2007

Because services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are scarce, when children fail a broadband screening measure, providers need to carefully discern which children need ASD evaluations and which do not. This research considers how well a broadband screening test sorts those with and without probable ASD. The subjects were 427 children between 18 and 59 months of age with elevated risk scores on broadband screening, ie, Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), a 10-item measure eliciting parents' concerns. Parents also completed the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), an autism specific screen. The results showed that of the 427 children at risk on PEDS, 34% (N = 144) passed the M-CHAT. To determine whether these potential overreferrals could be reduced, parents' concerns on PEDS were used to predict M-CHAT results. Three or more discrete types of concerns, varying by age, characterized children who failed the M-CHAT while fewer than 3 were associated with passing. This reduced overreferrals by 70% while maintaining high levels of sensitivity (81%). Although compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for both broadband and autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months is still recommended, viewing performance patterns on a broadband screening test can substantially reduce overreferrals to autism specialty services.
Correlation Between Hospitalization for Pharmaceutical Ingestion and Attention Deficit Disorder in Children Aged 5 to 9 Years Old
Authors: Hariharan Selena , Pomerantz Wendy
Published: July 2007

To determine if attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a risk factor for pharmaceutical ingestions leading to hospital admission in children between ages 5 and 9, a retrospective, case-controlled chart review was conducted at a children's hospital. Cases were children aged 5 to 9 admitted for oral ingestion of pharmaceuticals. Controls were children admitted during the same time period with abdominal pain, appendicitis, or gastroenteritis. Controls were matched to cases 3:1 by age and gender. An odds ratio was calculated to determine if attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a statistically significant risk factor for hospitalization after pharmaceutical ingestion. A total of 36% of 31 identified cases had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder compared with 7% of controls. The odds ratio for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children hospitalized after pharmaceutical ingestion was 7.97 (95% confidence interval, 2.35-28.01; P < .01). Children hospitalized for pharmaceutical ingestion are nearly 8 times more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder than children hospitalized for an unrelated disorder.
Ability versus Personality
Authors: Tracey J. Bruce , Sturman Michael C. , Tews Michael J.
Published: July 2007

All hospitality operators want employees who can learn their jobs quickly and have personality traits that allow them to maintain their performance over time. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to find individuals who possess all of the desirable attributes, and thus, some degree of compromise is generally required. The prevailing view is to select those with great personalities and then train them for the technical job requirements. However, strict adherence to this perspective is not advisable. The study presented in this article found that both general mental ability and conscientiousness are important for predicting the performance of restaurant employees on the front line. Moreover, it appears that these two individual characteristics are important at different stages of an employee's job tenure. Using data from 241 line-level restaurant employees, the study found that general mental ability was a better predictor of performance for new employees, whereas conscientiousness was a better predictor of performance for experienced employees. These findings have direct implications for staffing decisions, as well as new employee training and development and performance management.
“Know before You Serve”
Authors: Abbot Jaclyn Maurer , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol , Grasso Darlene
Published: July 2007

Given the potential severity of allergic reactions to certain foods, restaurant operators and staff need to know how to prevent guests from eating what could be fatal food. When the state of New Jersey enacted a law to create a fact sheet to explain safe handling of food allergens, a research team examined the information and communication challenges regarding food allergens— including knowing what foods cause the most trouble and how to avoid cross-contamination. The team then created a fact sheet that depicts the suspect foods and explains specifically how to avoid triggering food allergies in guests. This fact sheet will be displayed in all restaurants in the state.
Driving Demand for the Quarterdeck
Authors: Toh Rex S.
Published: July 2007

The situation of steeply seasonal resorts, such as Nova Scotia's Quarterdeck Beachside Villas and Grill, requires innovative thinking. For the Quarterdeck, this would include finding ways to shift demand from high-season to off-season times, or perhaps even a more radical approach, including selling the villa units as condominiums.
Using New Brain Science to Address the Quarterdeck Dilemma
Authors: LaTour Michael S.
Published: July 2007

Marketing the Quarterdeck may be a matter of touching on the emotions of current and potential customers.
Leadership and Writing: How Principals' Knowledge, Beliefs, and Interventions Affect Writing Instruction in Elementary and Secondary Schools
Authors: McGhee Marla W. , Lew Chulsub
Published: July 2007

Purpose: This study explored the perceptions of teachers regarding principal support for and understanding of effective writing instruction and whether certain areas of knowledge influence principals' actions and interventions.

Research Design: Researchers surveyed teacher participants using the Principal's Support for Writing Instrument and also asked whether their principal was trained in writing as a process. The sample (N = 169) included elementary and secondary rural, urban, and suburban teachers.

Findings: An exploratory principle-axis factor analysis with a promax rotation was conducted to determine the underlying structure of the 13 survey items. Results of the factor analysis yielded a two-factor correlated solution. The first factor accounted for 55.79% of the variance and the second for 6.94%. The two-factor correlated structure was confirmed using structural equation modeling. Most fit statistics were observed to be good. Using the subscales as observed variables, a path analysis was conducted using the theoretical latent variables generated in the confirmatory factor analysis to explore the potential causal relationship. The effect of Belief on Intervention was .72. Knowledge explained approximately 57% of the variance of Intervention.

Conclusions: There is clear indication that principals who have strong knowledge of and belief in effective writing practices act in ways that help teachers do their best work. Those high in knowledge and belief were likewise high in quality actions and interventions. These results hold promise for school leaders and those shaping preservice and professional development opportunities for current and future practitioners.
Advanced Grid Stiffened Fiber Reinforced Plastic Tube Encased Concrete Cylinders
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Maricherla Dinesh
Published: July 2007

In this study, a new confinement device — an advanced grid stiffened (AGS) composite tube, which was made of a lattice of interlaced fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) ribs that was wrapped by a FRP skin — was used to encase concrete cylinders. Two types of cylinders were prepared. One was a circular cylinder and the other was a square cylinder. For the circular cylinders, a uniaxial compression test was conducted; for the square cylinders, both uniaxial compression test and four-point bending test were conducted. A finite element analysis was implemented by considering the concrete within the cell or bay area as a Winkler foundation. The test results showed that the AGS tube confined concrete cylinders displayed a considerable positive or constructive composite action due to the mechanical interlocking. The AGS tube provided an `active' confinement to the concrete core. The elastic range, the specific axial strength, and the specific axial strain of the circular AGS cylinders, and the specific bending strength and deflection of the square AGS beams were higher than those encased by solid FRP tubes, solid steel tubes, or steel grid tubes. The square AGS tubes were not as effective as the circular AGS tubes in confining concrete. The finite element analysis showed that increasing the thickness and stiffness of the rib would be effective in further increasing the load carrying capacity of the circular AGS tube encased concrete cylinders.
Synthesis and Characterization of Soy-based Nanocomposites
Authors: Shabeer A. , Chandrashekhara K. , Schuman T.
Published: July 2007

Soy-based nanocomposites were synthesized using soy resin and montmorillonite clay. Two types of dispersion techniques, pneumatic and sonication, were carried out to disperse the nanoclay into the soy-based epoxy resin. Tensile testing of the nanocomposites showed that the nanoclay improved the modulus and the strength by 625% and 340%, respectively. Exfoliation of the nanoclay was investigated by X-ray diffraction. The curing mechanism of soy epoxy resin with different amounts of montmorillonite was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Rheological measurements were also conducted to find the suitability of using the soy-based epoxy clay nanocomposites toward composite manufacturing applications. The dielectric constant and the loss factor were also investigated. These soy-based nanocomposites hold great promise as environmentally friendly and low cost materials for structural applications.
Injection Gate Definition for Improving the Accuracy of Liquid Composite Molding Process Simulation
Authors: Dong Chensong
Published: July 2007

Computer simulation has become an efficient and cost-effective tool for the liquid composite molding (LCM) processes, including the RTM, VARTM, and resin infusion, compared to trial-and-error. The purpose of simulation is to accurately reflect the real situation. Since the simulation is predominantly based on the control volume finite element method (CVFEM), the boundary conditions such as gate and vent definition need to be properly defined. In this paper, the errors of the CVFEM based mold filling simulation were analyzed. The error sources were identified as the mesh near gates and vents, and gate definition. By conducting 3-D and 2-D simulation case studies, the influence of the gate definition on the simulation result was studied. Because many composite parts are shells and can be regarded as surfaces, 2-D simulation is favorable because of the better efficiency and simpler pre-processing. For this purpose, a method for mold filling simulation incorporating the gate size effect — the effective gate method (EGM) — was developed. This method was validated through case studies. It shows that the EGM provides an effective and efficient approach to the CVFEM mold filling simulation incorporating the effect of injection gate size.
Studies on the Water Absorption Properties of Short Hemp—Glass Fiber Hybrid Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Panthapulakkal Suhara , Sain Mohini
Published: July 2007

Hemp fiber is one of the inexpensive and readily available bast natural fibers and hemp-fiber reinforced polymer composite products have gained considerable attraction for automotive interior products. Though extensive research has been made on the performance evaluation of these composite materials, not much data is available on the moisture absorption of the composites, which restricts their use in exterior applications. This study aims to investigate the moisture absorption of short hemp fiber and hemp-glass hybrid reinforced thermoplastic composites to study their suitability in outdoor applications. The water absorption properties and its effect on the tensile properties of hemp and hemp/glass fiber hybrid polypropylene (PP) composites prepared by an injection molding process were investigated. Effect of hybridization on the water uptake and the kinetics of moisture absorption of the hemp fiber composites were evaluated by immersing the hybrid composite samples in distilled water at different temperatures, of 40, 60 and 80°C. The composites showed a Fickian mode of diffusion; however, a deviation was observed at higher temperature and may be attributed to the microcraks developed at the interface and dissolution of the lower molecular weight substances from the natural fibers. Equilibrium moisture content (Mm) showed that water up take of 40 wt% hemp fiber reinforced PP composites was highest and incorporation of glass fiber decreased the water uptake significantly (40%). Equilibrium moisture content was found to be independent of temperature, while diffusion coefficient (D) was increased with temperature. Effect of water absorption on the tensile properties of the composites showed that there is a significant reduction in strength and stiffness. It was observed that hybridization with glass fibers did not have any significant effect on the strength properties of the aged samples. The tensile properties of the re-dried aged samples showed an increased retention of strength properties after drying; however a complete recovery of the properties has not been achieved. This indicated that water absorption is not a physical process and permanent damage occurred to the composite after aging.
Intentions for Advice and Help Seeking Among Jewish and Arab Youth in Israel
Authors: Sherer Moshe , Karnieli-Miller Orit
Published: July 2007

This study dealt with advice and help-seeking intentions of Jewish and Arab youth in Israel toward family, friends, and professionals in relation to their interpersonal relationships with family and friends. The random sample consisted of 865 participants: 653 Jewish and 212 Arab youths. Four original instruments were used. The first consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the second explored help-seeking intentions, and two other questionnaires dealt with interpersonal relationships with family and friends. The two ethnic groups preferred using different sources for advice and help. Arab youth preferred formal help systems, whereas Jewish youth were more inclined to turn to parents and friends. Significant gender differences were also indicated. Explanations highlight the differences in the influence of the relationships with friends and family on help-seeking intentions. The potential implications of the findings for the development of appropriate services for different cultural groups are discussed.
Directional Processing of Ultrasonic Arc Maps and its Comparison with Existing Techniques
Authors: Barshan Billur
Published: July 2007

A new technique for processing ultrasonic arc maps is proposed and compared to six existing techniques for map-building purposes. These techniques are simple point marking along the line-of-sight, voting and thresholding, morphological processing, Bayesian update scheme for occupancy grids, arc-transversal median algorithm, and triangulation-based fusion. The directional maximum technique, newly proposed in this paper, employs directional processing to extract the map of the environment from ultrasonic arc maps. It aims at overcoming the intrinsic angular uncertainty of ultrasonic sensors in map building, as well as eliminating noise and cross-talk related misreadings. The compared techniques are implemented with a wall-following motion-planning scheme for ground coverage. The comparison is based on experimental data and three complementary error criteria: mean absolute error, correct detection rate for full and empty regions, and computational cost in terms of CPU time. The directional maximum technique offers a very good compromise between mean absolute error and correct detection rate, with a processing time less than one-tenth of a second. Compared to the existing techniques, the directional maximum method is also superior in range accuracy and in eliminating artifacts, resulting in the best overall performance. The results indicate several trade-offs in the choice of ultrasonic arc-map processing techniques.
Learning from Observation Paradigm: Leg Task Models for Enabling a Biped Humanoid Robot to Imitate Human Dances
Authors: Nakaoka Shin'ichiro , Nakazawa Atsushi , Kanehiro Fumio , Kaneko Kenji , Morisawa Mitsuharu , Hirukawa Hirohisa , Ikeuchi Katsushi
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes a framework that achieves the Learning from Observation paradigm for learning dance motions. The framework enables a humanoid robot to imitate dance motions captured from human demonstrations. This study especially focuses on leg motions to achieve a novel attempt in which a biped-type robot imitates not only upper body motions but also leg motions including steps. Body differences between the robot and the original dancer make the problem difficult because the differences prevent the robot from straightforwardly following the original motions and they also change dynamic body balance. We propose leg task models, which play a key role in solving the problem. Low-level tasks in leg motion are modelled so that they clearly provide essential information required for keeping dynamic stability and important motion characteristics. The models divide the problem of adapting motions into the problem of recognizing a sequence of the tasks and the problem of executing the task sequence. We have developed a method for recognizing the tasks from captured motion data and a method for generating the motions of the tasks that can be executed by existing robots including HRP-2. HRP-2 successfully performed the generated motions, which imitated a traditional folk dance performed by human dancers.
Contact Detection in Microrobotic Manipulation
Authors: Wang W.H. , Liu X.Y. , Sun Y.
Published: July 2007

This paper presents a computer vision-based method for visually detecting the contact between an end-effector and a target surface under an optical microscope during microrobotic manipulation. Without using proximity or force/touch sensors, this method provides a submicrometer detection accuracy and possesses robustness. Fundamentally, after the establishment of contact in the world frame, further vertical motion of the end-effector (flexible or stiff) induces horizontal motion in the image plane. Contact between a micropipette tip and a glass slide in the scenario of microrobotic cell manipulation is used as an example to elaborate on the detection method. Experimental results demonstrate that the computer vision-based method is capable of achieving contact detection between the micropipette and the glass slide surface with an accuracy of 0.2 μm. Furthermore, 1000 experimental trials reveal that the presented method is robust to variations in illumination intensity, microscopy magnification, and microrobot motion speed.
The Biomechanical Effects of Dynamic External Rotation on Rotator Cuff Repair Compared to Testing with the Humerus Fixed
Authors: Park Maxwell C. , Jun Bong J. , Park Chong J. , Ahmad Christopher S. , ElAttrache Neal S. , Lee Thay Q.
Published: July 2007

Background

Biomechanical testing without humeral motion is a standard method for evaluating rotator cuff repair constructs. This cannot elucidate the effects of dynamic external rotation on the repair, which is a common postoperative motion.

Hypothesis

Biomechanical properties and gap formation of rotator cuff repairs will be different when dynamic external rotation is allowed to occur during loading.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

In 6 matched pairs of human cadaveric shoulders, a commonly used single-row rotator cuff repair was performed. In 6 shoulders, a materials testing machine and a custom testing apparatus that permits cyclic rotation (0°-30°) were employed (group 1). In contralateral shoulders, the apparatus was fixed to prevent humeral rotation (group 2). All repairs were cyclically loaded from 0 to 60 N at a displacement rate of 1 mm/s for 30 cycles. The constructs were then loaded to failure. Repair strength, gap formation, and strain were compared between groups.

Results

Cyclic loading revealed no difference in linear stiffness between testing conditions. Hysteresis was significantly greater when dynamic external rotation was allowed to occur. With load to failure, there were no differences in yield or ultimate load. Anterior tendon gap formation was greater at end rotation (30° of humeral external rotation) and at yield load, and strain on the posterior tendon was less with dynamic external rotation. With dynamic external rotation, gap formation and tendon strain were significantly greater in the anterior region of the supraspinatus tendon compared with the posterior region.

Discussion

External rotation using postoperative physiologic loads affects gap formation and tendon strain between anterior and posterior supraspinatus tendon regions. Previous testing models without humeral rotation may underestimate gap formation and anterior tendon strain and overestimate posterior tendon strain.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding regional differences with respect to these variables, depending on quality of repair, may provide the surgeon a framework from which to prescribe guidelines for postoperative rehabilitation.
Referred Students' Performance on the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children−Fourth Edition
Authors: Edwards Oliver W. , Paulin Rachel V.
Published: July 2007

This study investigates the convergent relations of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children−Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Data from counterbalanced administrations of each instrument to 48 elementary school students referred for psychoeducational testing were examined. Analysis of the 96 protocols reveals significant positive correlations between conceptually similar RIAS and WISC-IV sub-tests. However, overall mean scores were significantly higher for the RIAS.
The Skin as a Neurotrophic Organ
Authors: Albers Kathryn M. , Davis Brian M.
Published: July 2007

The ability of the skin to serve as a protective shield against environmental challenges and as a sensitive detector and responder to thermal, chemical, and mechanical stimuli speaks to its exquisite design. A central feature of this design is the diverse array of neuronal afferents that convey and respond to sensory stimuli that the skin encounters. Cutaneous neuron development, form, and function are highly dependent on communication with the skin through its production of multiple growth factor proteins that modulate afferent development, maturation, and function. Production by the skin of neurotrophin growth factors and members of the glial cell line—derived neurotrophic factor family are particularly important for support of specific subsets of sensory neurons with unique phenotypic and functional properties. Although these proteins have central roles in afferent development and function, challenges remain in identifying specific molecular mechanisms of growth factor communication and understanding how activation of signaling pathways direct neuron differentiation and function under normal and pathological conditions. NEUROSCIENTIST 13(4):371—382, 2007. DOI: 10.1177/1073858407299425
Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nurse Consulting
Authors: Maydick Youngberg Diane R.
Published: July 2007

Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) Nurses provide healthcare organizations with a wealth of experience and expertise across the care continuum. The WOC nurse improves care processes by aligning best practice for patients with wounds. ostomies and incontinence. WOC nursing lowers the cost of poor quality, reduces the risk of litigation and improves staff, patient and caregiver satisfaction.