bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of CMIP5 Model Simulations of the North American Monsoon System
Authors: Geil Kerrie L. , Serra Yolande L. , Zeng Xubin
Published: July 2013

Precipitation, geopotential height, and wind fields from 21 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) are examined to determine how well this generation of general circulation models represents the North American monsoon system (NAMS). Results show no improvement since CMIP3 in the magnitude (root-mean-square error and bias) of the mean annual cycle of monthly precipitation over a core monsoon domain, but improvement in the phasing of the seasonal cycle in precipitation is notable. Monsoon onset is early for most models but is clearly visible in daily climatological precipitation, whereas monsoon retreat is highly variable and unclear in daily climatological precipitation. Models that best capture large-scale circulation patterns at a low level usually have realistic representations of the NAMS, but even the best models poorly represent monsoon retreat. Difficulty in reproducing monsoon retreat results from an inaccurate representation of gradients in low-level geopotential height across the larger region, which causes an unrealistic flux of low-level moisture from the tropics into the NAMS region that extends well into the postmonsoon season. Composites of the models with the best and worst representations of the NAMS indicate that adequate representation of the monsoon during the early to midseason can be achieved even with a large-scale circulation pattern bias, as long as the bias is spatially consistent over the larger region influencing monsoon development; in other words, as with monsoon retreat, it is the inaccuracy of the spatial gradients in geopotential height across the larger region that prevents some models from realistic representation of the early and midseason monsoon system.
A Variational Approach to Retrieve Rain Rate by Combining Information from Rain Gauges, Radars, and Microwave Links
Authors: Bianchi Blandine , Jan van Leeuwen Peter , Hogan Robin J. , Berne Alexis
Published: July 2013

Accurate and reliable rain rate estimates are important for various hydrometeorological applications. Consequently, rain sensors of different types have been deployed in many regions. In this work, measurements from different instruments, namely, rain gauge, weather radar, and microwave link, are combined for the first time to estimate with greater accuracy the spatial distribution and intensity of rainfall. The objective is to retrieve the rain rate that is consistent with all these measurements while incorporating the uncertainty associated with the different sources of information. Assuming the problem is not strongly nonlinear, a variational approach is implemented and the Gauss–Newton method is used to minimize the cost function containing proper error estimates from all sensors. Furthermore, the method can be flexibly adapted to additional data sources. The proposed approach is tested using data from 14 rain gauges and 14 operational microwave links located in the Zürich area (Switzerland) to correct the prior rain rate provided by the operational radar rain product from the Swiss meteorological service (MeteoSwiss). A cross-validation approach demonstrates the improvement of rain rate estimates when assimilating rain gauge and microwave link information.
Exploration and Validation of Wave-Height Measurement Using Multifrequency HF Radar
Authors: Chen Zhao , Zezong Chen , Yanni Jiang , Lingang Fan , Gengfei Zeng
Published: July 2013

For operations across a wide range of oceanographic conditions, a radar system able to operate at more than one frequency is theoretically and experimentally recommended for robust wave measurement in recent years. To obtain more sea-state information by HF radar, a multifrequency HF (MHF) radar system, which can simultaneously operate at four frequencies at most in the band of 7.5–25 MHz, was developed by the Radio Wave Propagation Laboratory of Wuhan University in 2007. This paper mostly focuses on detailing the data process method of MHF radar wave-height estimation. According to different bands of operating frequencies, a least-mean-square (LMS) linear fitting method is adopted to calibrate wave-height estimation formulation, which is introduced by Barrick to extract significant wave height from backscatter Doppler spectra. Both the wave-height measurements of the initial and modified methods are compared with wave buoy measurements. Afterward, a data fusion algorithm of multifrequency estimates based on relevant factors quantification is discussed step by step. Three comparisons between radar-derived and buoy-measured estimates are presented to illustrate the performance of the MHF radar wave-height measurement. The statistics of the MHF radar wave-height measurements are listed and analyzed. The results show that the wave-height measurements of the MHF radar are in reasonable agreement with the measurements of the wave buoy.
Nonlinear Characteristics of Ensemble Perturbation Evolution and Their Application to Forecasting High-Impact Events
Authors: Ancell Brian C.
Published: July 2013

Ensemble forecasting is becoming an increasingly important aspect of numerical weather prediction. As ensemble perturbation evolution becomes more nonlinear as a forecast evolves, the ensemble mean can diverge from the model attractor on which ensemble members are constrained. In turn, the ensemble mean can become increasingly unrealistic, and although statistically best on average, it can provide poor forecast guidance for specific high-impact events. This study uses an ensemble Kalman filter to investigate this behavior at the synoptic scale for landfalling midlatitude cyclones. This work also aims to understand the best way to select “best members” closest to the mean that both behave realistically and possess the statistically beneficial qualities of the mean. It is found that substantial nonlinearity emerges within forecast times of a day, which roughly agrees with previous research addressing synoptic-scale nonlinearity more generally. The evolving nonlinearity results in unrealistic behavior of the ensemble mean that significantly underestimates precipitation and wind speeds associated with the cyclones. Choosing a single ensemble member closest to the ensemble mean over the entire forecast window provides forecasts that are unable to produce the relatively small errors of the ensemble mean. However, since different ensemble members are closest to the ensemble mean at different forecast times, the best forecast is composed of different ensemble members throughout the forecast window. The benefits and limitations of applying this methodology to improve forecasts of synoptic-scale high-impact weather events are discussed.
The impact of local guidelines on the tumour marker requesting patterns of a General Surgery Department
Authors: Schulenburg-Brand Danja , Kumar Nagappan , Zouwail Soha
Published: July 2013

Background

The inappropriate use of tumour markers (TMs) is a common problem. The aim of this audit was to evaluate the impact of local guidelines on the TM requesting patterns of a General Surgery Department.

Methods

CA 125, CA 19-9, CA15-3, CEA, AFP and HCG requests from all hospital surgical locations were audited over two periods of eight months before and after the implementation of local requesting guidelines.

Results

Postintervention, total TM requests decreased by 32% while patient requests decreased by 9.8%. Single TM requesting increased and requests for panels containing four or more TMs decreased from 279 to 60 requests (78% reduction).

Conclusion

Interdepartmental collaboration and the implementation of local guidelines have resulted in a change in requesting behaviour, most notably a reduction in multiple TM panel requests.
Fibre steering for shear-loaded composite panels with cutouts
Authors: Gomes Vanessa S , Lopes Cláudio S , Pires Francisco FM Andrade , Gürdal Zafer , Camanho Pedro P
Published: July 2013

The traditional approach to mitigate problems resulting from stress concentrations around cutouts for windows and doors in aeronautical structures, either made of metallic or of composite materials, is to locally thicken the structure increasing its weight as well. A more effective solution, without weight penalties, is to reduce the peak stress by redistributing loads to supported regions of the panels such as frames and stiffeners. This can be achieved by means of fibre-steered laminates with variable in-plane stiffness. In this work, the potential of these novel designs for the purpose of stress alleviation around cutouts in composite panels is explored. The optimal configurations in terms of shear buckling and postbuckling failure responses are identified by means of parametric numerical studies. It is predicted that there are steered-fibre configurations that outperform the optimal straight-fibre ones for hole sizes up to two-thirds of the panel width.
Effect of extrusion conditions and post-extrusion techniques on the morphology and thermal/mechanical properties of polycaprolactone/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Ludueña LN , Kenny JM , Vázquez A , Alvarez VA
Published: July 2013

The effect of extrusion conditions on the performance of polycaprolactone /organo-modified clay nanocomposites was studied. It was demonstrated that the extrusion parameters have negligible effect on the molecular weight of polycaprolactone, on the morphology of the nanocomposites and on the final thermal/mechanical properties of the materials. This result was a consequence of the previous optimization of both polymer/clay compatibility and clay processing stability. Finally, the molten–polycaprolactone/clay mixtures were post-processed by different techniques submitting the mixtures to extensional flow. Clay platelets alignment was observed as a function of the extensional flow intensity which further improved the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.
Experimental characterization of multistitched two-dimensional (2D) woven E-glass/polyester composites under low-velocity impact load
Authors: Bilisik Kadir , Yolacan Gaye
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to understand the low-velocity impact energy absorption mechanism of the developed two-dimensional multistitched multilayer E-glass/polyester-woven composites. It was found that the specific front and back face damaged areas of the two-dimensional multistitched E-glass/polyester-woven composites were smaller than those of the two-dimensional unstitched structures. When the stitching density increases, the front and back face damaged areas generally decrease. In addition, when the number of stitching directions increased, the front and back face damaged areas decreased. Therefore, stitching density, stitching directions, stitching yarn, and stitching type on the composite structures were considered as important parameters. Impact load caused a small indentation in the center of front face and resulted in fiber splitting and fiber breakages in the center of the back face of the structure. On the surrounding area of the front and back face damaged zones of the structures, fiber-matrix debonding and matrix breakages were observed. These results indicated that multistitching suppressed the impact energy to a small area of the composite structure. Thus, the two-dimensional Kevlar®129 or E-glass-multistitched E-glass/polyester-woven composite structures showed better damage tolerance performance compared to the unstitched composite structures.
Carbon dioxide, but not isoflurane, elicits ultrasonic vocalizations in female rats
Authors: Chisholm J , De Rantere D , Fernandez NJ , Krajacic A , Pang DSJ
Published: July 2013

Gradual filling of a chamber with carbon dioxide is currently listed by the Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines as a conditionally acceptable method of euthanasia for rats. Behavioural evidence suggests, however, that exposure to carbon dioxide gas is aversive. Isoflurane is less aversive than carbon dioxide and may be a viable alternative, though objective data are lacking for the period leading up to loss of consciousness. It has been shown that during negative states, such as pain and distress, rats produce ultrasonic vocalizations. The objective of this study was to detect ultrasonic vocalizations during exposure to carbon dioxide gas or isoflurane as an indicator of a negative state. Specialized recording equipment, with a frequency detection range of 10 to 200 kHz, was used to register these calls during administration of each agent. Nine female Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to either carbon dioxide or isoflurane on two different occasions. All rats vocalized in the ultrasonic range (30 to 70 kHz) during exposure to carbon dioxide. When exposed to isoflurane, no calls were detected from any of the animals. The frequent occurrence of ultrasonic vocalizations during carbon dioxide exposure suggests that the common practice of carbon dioxide euthanasia is aversive to rats and that isoflurane may be a preferable alternative.
Institutional Work as Logics Shift: The Case of Intel’s Transformation to Platform Leader
Authors: Gawer Annabelle , Phillips Nelson
Published: July 2013

In this article, we explore some of the forms of institutional work that organizations perform as they participate externally in the processes that drive change in the institutional logic that characterizes their field, and as they respond internally to the shift as it occurs. More specifically, we present the results of an in-depth case study of Intel Corporation, a firm that was implicated in a fundamental shift in the institutional logic of its field in the late 1980s and 1990s as the field moved from a traditional supply chain logic dominated by computer assemblers to a new platform logic following very different organizing principles. Through the qualitative analysis of 72 interviews with Intel employees, complemented by extensive archival data from 1980 to 2000, we identify two forms of institutional work that Intel performed externally – external practice work and legitimacy work – and two forms of work that they carried out internally – internal practice work and identity work – as the organization worked to simultaneously influence the shift in logic that was occurring and to deal with the ramifications of the shift.
Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece*
Authors: Dölemeyer Arno , Mudry Maria Cristina De Vera , Kohler Manfred , Schorsch Frederic
Published: July 2013

Electronic images of histopathological changes are commonly and increasingly used in toxicologic pathology for morphological evaluation, illustration, peer review, or reporting. Toxicity studies in which cell proliferation is an end point are also pivotal in determining the carcinogenic potential of new molecules. In this article, we describe the approach of the European Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis working group (CEPA) for performing cell proliferation studies and morphometry using electronic images. The Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) has published a position statement on handling of pathology image data in compliance with 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 58 and 11. CEPA supports the STP position and shares the issues involved in the use of electronic images in pathology. However, considering the experience and current know-how of members, particularly in conducting cell proliferation studies, CEPA would like to recommend in this article that electronic images acquired using state-of-the-art slide imaging techniques, including whole slide scanning, need not be considered as raw data, and therefore are not subject to 21 CFR Parts 58 and 11 regulations for archiving. In this article, we detail the reasons why we come to this proposal and we describe the measures that are taken to ensure Good Laboratory Practice–compliant execution of cell proliferation studies that include acquisition and validation of imaging and image analysis systems, development and validation of methods for their intended use, formulation, and use of standard operating procedures.
Proliferation of educational credentials, changing economic returns, and rising occupational education requirements: Evidence in urban China from 2003 to 2008
Authors: Hu Anning
Published: July 2013

A remarkable expansion of secondary and tertiary education has been witnessed in mainland China in the past decades, resulting in changing returns to educational credentials. Using data from the 2003 and 2008 Chinese General Social Survey, this article examines (1) the changing returns to secondary and tertiary credentials in urban China from 2003 and 2008; and (2) the changing education requirements of employers across the same period. This research highlights a significant decline in economic returns to college credentials, but no significant changes in the economic returns to secondary educational credentials are detected. The percentage of job positions requiring secondary education on the labor market is stagnant while there is a significant increase in the job positions which require tertiary education credentials. This research highlights the potential effects of employers’ responses to educational expansion on the returns to educational credentials.
Neo-fascist or revolutionary leftist: Family politics and social movement choice in postwar Italy
Authors: Veugelers John W.P.
Published: July 2013

This article examines the relations between parental politics and the choice of activists entering radical movements of the communist left or neo-fascist right between the late 1960s and early 1980s in Italy. Analysis reveals a dominant pattern of parent–child continuity that reproduced the main sociopolitical cleavage but also some discontinuity (with activists from non-partisan households over-represented). Overall the findings confirm the importance of primary social networks while also suggesting claims about generational revolt in the postwar West neglect the patterned complexity of intra-family political relations; overstate the importance of discontinuity; and underestimate the resilience of established cleavages.
Korean Public Administration Research 1999-2009
Authors: Moon M. Jae , Kim Gongrok , Lee M. Jin
Published: July 2013

This article examines three major characteristics—themes, research methods, and authorship—of Korean public administration research written in the Korean language during 1999 to 2009. It suggests that this research has evolved and advanced both quantitatively and qualitatively. Recent Korean scholarship can be characterized as consisting of more reform-oriented topics, more quantitative methods, and more diversified authorship. These characteristics were partially caused by increasing social demand for government reform and growing emphasis on methodological rigor in public administration research, as well as increased government research funding for graduate programs. This also concludes that the Korean public administration research has advanced greatly in past decades but needs a better thematic and methodological balance as well as balance between theoretical and prescriptive studies.
Characterization of incidental cardiac masses in oncological patients using a new CT-based tumor volume perfusion technique
Authors: Schulze M , Spira D , Claussen CD , Sauter A , Mayer F , Horger M
Published: July 2013

Cardiac masses are challenging for non-invasive diagnostic procedures and therapy, respectively. In tumor patients differentiation between primary or secondary cardiac neoplasm and thrombus is a frequent and knowingly difficult task to manage. To avoid complex and unnecessary surgical diagnostic procedures non-invasive methods are in favor. For initiation of adequate therapy and evaluation of prognosis, however, early and reliable diagnosis is mandatory.

So far, echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging represent the mainstay for cardiac imaging diagnosis. Recently, the new technique of CT-based tumor volume perfusion (VPCT) measurement has advanced to a potent, reliable, and easy to perform alternative for cardiac imaging. The purpose of this study was to review the existing spectrum of diagnostic modalities for characterization of cardiac masses in an oncologic patient cohort with emphasis on their strengths and limitations and to present the benefit from using the novel technique called VPCT for this purpose.
Psychopathology in children and adolescents with primary headaches: Categorical and dimensional approaches
Authors: Margari Francesco , Lucarelli Elisabetta , Craig Francesco , Petruzzelli Maria G , Lecce Paola A , Margari Lucia
Published: July 2013

Background

Recurrent headache is common in childhood, but there is not a great amount of data on the associations between headaches and psychopathology in children.

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between primary headaches and psychopathology in children, using both the categorical and dimensional assessment.

Methods

The sample consisted of 70 patients with primary headache compared to a matched sample of 50 healthy children. Psychiatric comorbidity was defined according to the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders. Child psychopathology outcomes were assessed using child- and parent-reported standardized instruments.

Results

Internalizing and externalizing problems were significantly represented among children with headaches compared to the control group, respectively 63% and 27%, without significant differences between migraine and tension-type headache children. Moreover, a total of 26% of the children with a headache reported psychiatric comorbidity such as anxiety and mood disorders.

Conclusion

The dimensional approach improves accuracy in the recognition of emotional and behavioral problems compared to the categorical approach; however, the use of both of these approaches could be useful for clinical practice, treatment and research.
Acute pulmonary embolism being the first presentation of undetected HIV infection: report of two cases
Authors: Patra S , Nagesh CM , Reddy B , Srinivas BC , Manjunath CN , Hegde M
Published: July 2013

Summary

Though HIV infection is considered as a hypercoagulable state, but occurrence of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is rare and usually seen in the advanced stage of the disease. PE as a presentation in a case where there is no previous history of having HIV infection is very rare; a Medline search revealed only one case reported previously. We describe two cases who presented with acute PE and were treated; they were subsequently diagnosed as having HIV infection.
Arthur Rainsford Mowlem (1902–1986), plastic surgeon
Authors: Griffiths Richard W
Published: July 2013

Arthur Rainsford Mowlem, the junior of the ‘big four’ plastic surgeons, with Harold Delf Gillies, Thomas Pomfret Kilner and Archibald Hector McIndoe, came to prominence managing casualties of the Second World War. Rainsford Mowlem’s ancestor was John Mowlem, the creator of the construction firm. Rainsford worked his passage to the United Kingdom from New Zealand in 1927 and did not return to New Zealand but retired at the age of 60 to enjoy 23 more years in Spain. He was the driving force between 1934 and 1939 at the Plastic Surgery Unit at St James’s Hospital, Balham, and instigated the North London Plastic Surgery Unit at Hill End, St Albans, from 1939 to 1953 and subsequently developed the Unit after moving to Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex. After successfully hosting the International Meeting of Plastic Surgeons in London in 1959, he received recognition and honours in America but soon afterwards he surprised colleagues by retiring in 1962. Despite his significant contributions, he did not receive national honours but his life outside surgery was active including Trusteeship of the Mowlem Estate at Swanage in Dorset for 40 years.
A retrospective diagnosis of epilepsy in three historical figures: St Paul, Joan of Arc and Socrates
Authors: Muhammed Louwai
Published: July 2013

It has been suggested that undiagnosed epilepsy profoundly influenced the lives of several key figures in history. Historical sources recounting strange voices and visions may in fact have been describing manifestations of epileptic seizures rather than more supernatural phenomena. Well-documented accounts of such experiences exist for three individuals in particular: Socrates, St Paul and Joan of Arc. The great philosopher Socrates described a ‘daimonion’ that would visit him throughout his life. This daimonion may have represented recurrent simple partial seizures, while the peculiar periods of motionlessness for which Socrates was well known may have been the result of co-existing complex partial seizures. St Paul’s religious conversion on the Road to Damascus may have followed a temporal lobe seizure which would account for the lights, voices, blindness and even the religious ecstasy he described. Finally, Joan of Arc gave a detailed narrative on the voices she heard from childhood during her Trial of Condemnation. Her auditory hallucinations appear to follow sudden acoustic stimuli in a way reminiscent of idiopathic partial epilepsy with auditory features. By analysing passages from historical texts, it is possible to argue that Socrates, St Paul and Joan of Arc each had epilepsy.
The continuing influence of William Smellie (1697–1763) in Japan during the early Meiji Period (1868–1880s)
Authors: van der Weiden RMF , D’Orlando A , Uhlenbeck GC
Published: July 2013

From the second half of the 18th century, Japanese obstetricians incorporated William Smellie’s Anatomical Tables in their publications. The translation and explanation of an obstetrical print from 1880 indicates that Smellie’s influence continued during the early Meiji period, a transition period characterized by a combination of western knowledge and traditional medical thoughts from the Edo period (1603–1868).
syNErgy
Authors: Killingsworth John , Grosskopf Kevin R.
Published: July 2013

With high unemployment and structural changes to industry, workforce development in the United States is a growing concern. Many semiskilled workers lack knowledge, skills, and abilities to be competitive for reemployment to green jobs. Nebraska’s syNErgy research grant was introduced to address the training needs of unemployed and underemployed construction and related industry workers in the state. This study presents methods for determining the needs and developing the curricula for workforce development. Methodology is examined for its effectiveness in addressing an ongoing societal need. A series of curricula was developed for the purpose of retraining the State’s workforce in new and emerging green construction jobs. Research limitations and conclusions are discussed.
Using a Sociocultural Perspective to Establish Teaching and Social Presences Within a Hybrid Community of Mentor Teachers
Authors: Caudle Lori A.
Published: July 2013

Within the last decade, the Community of Inquiry framework (Garrison, Anderson, & Archer, 2000) has received increased attention in the field of online learning, yet little is known about applying key tenets of Community of Inquiry while leading a hybrid professional development initiative. This study describes how I established teaching and social presences within a 3-month community of practice comprising four educators and mentor teachers. I utilized a sociocultural perspective as I adapted concepts of teaching presence (Garrison et al., 2000) to continually reposition myself as a facilitator and caretaker. Challenges emerged as I negotiated decision making within virtual and physical learning domains. Evidence of these challenges and their relation to social presence are identified through qualitative analysis of written blogs, meeting transcripts, and journal entries. Implications for future research and practice include providing more defined roles and responsibilities for school–university liaisons that design and facilitate similar hybrid communities.
The Use of Learning Contracts in an Italian University Setting
Authors: Fedeli Monica , Giampaolo Mario , Coryell Joellen E.
Published: July 2013

This mixed-methods study illustrates the implementation of Malcolm Knowles’s 1986 model of learning contracts in a current Italian University context. The study attempted to improve and adapt the tool to a master’s degree course at the University of Padua. Three professors conducted the integrated course, making extensive efforts to share the aims of their programs and involve the students in this research. The findings helped us reflect on how to improve the contract and better involve the students. Finally, the technology must be improved to be more user-friendly for use in blended courses.
Integrated Curricular Approaches in Reaching Adult Students
Authors: Emerick-Brown Dylan
Published: July 2013

In the field of adult basic education, there are two strategies that have been found to be of particular value to student learning: multiple intelligences and purpose-based learning. However, putting these learning theories into practice is not always as easy as an educator might at first believe. Adult basic education teacher Dylan Emerick-Brown reflects on his own teaching philosophies and learning strategies to share what has worked effectively in his classroom to improve student enthusiasm and retention of knowledge. It is the combination of utilizing the multiple intelligences naturally preferred by students, individual to individual, and connecting the lessons to the students’ everyday lives—fostering purpose in the curricula—that turns a classroom into an effective, open learning environment.
Learning for Transformation in a Changing Landscape
Authors: Sun Qi
Published: July 2013

This article argues that transformative learning becomes increasingly essential for educators in the changing landscape of the adult and higher education institutions of the United States that has continuously hosted highest numbers of international students among other countries. First, it presents a context discussing learning for transformation. Then, it talks about Confucian core values and their influences of teaching and learning, and uses international students from this tradition as an example to illustrate different ways of teaching and learning, and life in general. Finally, it shares some experience, observations, and recommendations toward future development of adult and higher education educators, who will learn while teaching and interacting with international students, through possible transformative learning.
Effects of architecture on ballistic resistance of textile fabrics: Numerical study
Authors: Tran P , Ngo T , Yang EC , Mendis P , Humphries W
Published: July 2013

Composite textiles composed of materials such as Kevlar, Dyneema and Zylon are extensively used in many force/impact protection applications, such as body armor, and automobile and airplane engine fragment resistant containment. Significant effort has been devoted to ballistic testing of composite fabrics made from various manufacturing processes and designs. Performing comprehensive ballistic and impact tests for these composite textiles is a very time-consuming and costly task. Numerical models are presented in this research, thereby providing predictive capability for the manufacturer and designer to minimize field testing, as well as shedding light on to the damage mechanisms of composite fabrics subjected to ballistic impact. Several representative composite fabric architectures (such as plain weave, basket weave and knitted fabrics) are generated for finite element analysis. Numerical investigation is conducted on these fabric structures of the same mass per unit area subjected to projectile impacts. Failure patterns of woven and knitted fabrics obtained from numerical simulations are compared with those observed experimentally. Performances of the representative textile structures are evaluated based on the resultant velocity of the projectile, as well as various energy components. The influences of yarn–yarn and yarn–projectile friction properties on the ballistic performance of various textile structures are presented. To highlight the effects of projectile geometry and angular rotation on the fracture of woven and knitted fabrics, a series of simulations are also performed with three distinctive projectiles of the same mass and impact energy.
Notes towards a typology of the DIY institution: Identifying do-it-yourself places of popular music preservation
Authors: Baker Sarah , Huber Alison
Published: July 2013

This article presents some notes towards identifying what we have come to call ‘DIY institutions’: places of popular music preservation, archiving and display that exist outside the bounds of ‘official’ or ‘national’ projects of collection and heritage management. These projects emerge instead from within communities of music consumption, where groups of interested people have, to some degree, undertaken to do it themselves, creating places (physical and/or online) to store – and, in some cases, display publicly – the material history of music culture. In these places people, largely volunteers, who are not expert in tasks associated with archiving, records management, preservation or other elements involved in cultural heritage management, learn skills along the way as they work to collect, preserve and make public artefacts related to popular music culture. The article argues that these places are suggestive of broader desires from within communities of popular music consumption to preserve popular music heritage.
The impact of peer-produced criticism on cultural evaluation: A multilevel analysis of discourse employment in online and offline film reviews
Authors: Verboord Marc
Published: July 2013

Traditionally, media critics play a central role in the attribution of symbolic value to cultural products. This article studies empirically how the process of cultural evaluation is affected by the rise of peer-produced criticism online. More specifically, I examine how the discourse that critics employ to substantiate their aesthetic evaluations differs across media platforms and is affected by the institutionalization of critics, the symbolic dimensions of the reviewed film and the overall media attention paid to that film. Empirically, this study involves a multi-level analysis of 624 film reviews, which attends to media-level and film-level characteristics. The results reveal that the ascendance of peer-produced content not only challenges the hierarchical model of cultural evaluation, which remains in use, but adds a further dimension. At the same time, differences across media platforms (print, webzines, film blogs, amateur postings) reveal continuous rather than dichotomous patterns, thus emphasizing the blurring of media boundaries.
Romance and sexuality in Japanese Latin dance clubs
Authors: Gagné Nana Okura
Published: July 2013

In urban Japan, it is not just public expressions of affection or touch between adult men and women that are uncommon, but opportunities for dancing among adults are very limited in Japanese daily life. This article explores the choreography of ‘parasexuality’ – delimited yet intensified sensuality – that is created through sensual touching among salsa dancers. While public expression of intimacy is highly charged and best avoided in Tokyo, I argue that the bracketed ‘pleasure zone’ of Latin dance legitimates and intensifies sensual interactions in the form of explicitly tactile ‘parasexuality’ for both men and women. What marks salsa as a romantic fantasy space is the disembeddeness of sensuality and sexuality from everyday routines, on the one hand, and participants’ individual expression of aesthetic pursuits that liberates them from the responsibilities of everyday gender ideology, on the other hand.
Epigenetic vulnerability and the environmental influence on health
Authors: Gomes Marcus Vinicius de Matos , Pelosi Gislaine Garcia
Published: July 2013

A growing body of evidence has drawn the attention of the scientific community by indicating the potential vulnerability to environmental changes of epigenetic mechanisms that control gene expression. Being critical components of normal development, the importance of epigenetic mechanisms for normal biology is illustrated by the fact that abnormal epigenetic patterns have increasingly been linked to the aetiology of various diseases including cancer, paediatric syndromes, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders and even the molecular process of ageing. It is estimated that the degree of vulnerability to changes in epigenetic patterns is high during early embryonic development, a period of life in which epigenetic patterns are established and cell differentiation is intense. Moreover, increasing amounts of relevant data and information reveal that the environment might potentially impact on epigenetic patterns at every period of life. Within this context, in this study we will review the principles of epigenetic vulnerability to environmental changes, the impacts on development, the association with the origin of common diseases and also speculate about the potential of lifestyle changes to modulate epigenetic patterns and contribute to preventing common diseases.
Calorie restriction delays the progression of lesions to pancreatic cancer in the LSL-KrasG12D; Pdx-1/Cre mouse model of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lanza-Jacoby Susan , Yan Guang , Radice Glenn , LePhong Christopher , Baliff Jeffrey , Hess Rachael
Published: July 2013

Since pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease, developing prevention strategies is an important goal. We determined whether calorie restriction would prevent the development and delay progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) in LSL-KrasG12D/+; Pdx-1/Cre mice that develop all the precursor lesions that progress to PDA. Eight-week-old LSL-KrasG12D; Pdx-1/Cre mice were assigned to three groups: (1) ad libitum (AL) fed the AIN93M diet or (2) intermittently calorie restricted (ICR) a modified AIN93M at 50% of AL intake followed by one week intervals at 100% of AL intake, or (3) chronically calorie restricted (CCR) an AIN93M diet at 75% of AL intake. AL fed mice had a greater percentage of pancreatic ducts with PanIN-2 (13.6%) than did the ICR (1.0%) and CCR groups (1.6%), P < 0.0001. Calorie restriction (ICR [0%] and CCR [0.7%]) reduced the percentage of ducts with PanIN-3 lesions compared to the AL group (7.0%), P < 0.0001. The incidence of PanIN-2 or more lesions was significantly reduced in both ICR (27%; n = 16) and CCR (40%) mice ( n = 15; P < 0.001) compared to AL (70%) fed mice ( n = 11). The delayed progression of lesions in ICR and CCR mice was associated with reduced proliferation measured by proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining, reduced protein expression of Glut1, increased protein expression of Sirt1, increased serum adiponectin, and decreased serum leptin. CCR resulted in decreased phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin and decreased serum insulin-like growth factor-1. In summary, this is the first study to show in LSL-KrasG12D; Pdx-1/Cre mice that ICR and CCR delay the progression of lesions to PDA.
High-Stakes Testing and Latina/o Students
Authors: Ruecker Todd
Published: July 2013

This article examines how high-stakes testing policies can constrain the way teachers at predominately Latina/o high schools teach literacy and subsequently influence the success of Latina/o students at college. It is based on a year and a half study of seven Latina/o students making transition from a high school to a community college or university on the U.S.–Mexico border.
Is there agreement on what makes a good ultrasound image?
Authors: Keeble C , Wolstenhulme S , Davies AG , Evans JA
Published: July 2013

With the introduction of national guidelines for ultrasound screening it might be assumed that there is agreement in the key features required in assessing image quality. The aim of this study was to determine whether it is possible that personal preferences may influence what is regarded as an acceptable image. Two image sets, one vascular and one obstetric, were taken to the British Medical Ultrasound Society ‘Ultrasound 2012’ conference for delegates to rate whether images were acceptable or not. Data collection took place on days one and two, with the results presented on day three of the conference. Images from a variety of ultrasound machines were used and ranked in order of the odds of producing an acceptable image using logistic regression. Agreement between observers was investigated and three images per person were repeated to look at agreement within observers. Audience feedback was used to record the reasons why images were regarded as acceptable or not. Eighty-two participants reviewed each of the two image sets. The machine rankings revealed that some machines were up to 12 times more likely to produce an acceptable image than other machines. Agreement amongst experts or non-experts was found, but disagreement between the subgroups of experts and non-experts. Agreement within observers was around 80% and similar results were found in each of the image sets. Despite image quality assessment, personal preferences and expertise may still affect judgement, and guidelines may not ensure agreement.
Addressing inequalities in health – what is the contribution of health trainers?
Authors: White Judy , Woodward Jenny , South Jane
Published: July 2013

Aims:

The role that members of the public (non-professional lay people) can play in improving health is being increasingly recognised in research and policy. This paper explores what contribution lay people employed as health trainers are making to addressing health inequalities in England.

Methods:

Data from eight local evaluations of health trainer services were synthesised using a data-extraction framework to find out about client populations, any lifestyle changes made, health trainers’ background and community engagement activities. These data were compared with national data to assess how findings relating to addressing inequalities compared with the national picture.

Results:

Local data largely matched national data and showed that health trainers are reaching people living with disadvantage and enabling them to make lifestyle changes. The data suggest that they do this by engaging with communities and taking a person-centred approach. Being non-clinical peers is also important. However, no evidence was found that health trainers were impacting on health inequalities at a population level.

Conclusion:

Health trainers are contributing to addressing health inequalities but the services evaluated were small and had been operating for a limited time, so to expect reductions in inequalities at a population level within districts would be unrealistic. The findings of this synthesis present a challenge to primary care and public health to employ health trainers in order to engage marginalised communities as one element of plans to address health inequalities.
Falling bladder cancer incidence from 1990 to 2009 is not producing universal mortality improvements
Authors: Eylert MF , Hounsome LS , Persad RA , Bahl A , Jefferies ER , Verne J , Mostafid H
Published: July 2013

Objective

The objective of this article is to obtain up-to-date epidemiological statistics of bladder cancer in England.

Methods

We collected incidence from the National Cancer Data Repository (NCDR), survival from the national Cancer Information System (CIS), ethnicity information from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), mortality and smoking rates from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Results

Incidence of bladder cancer has fallen continuously. Mortality has reduced less, leading to worsening survival. Bladder cancer mainly affects men, the most deprived, and the elderly. The gender gap is decreasing, and the deprivation gap is unchanged. Mortality is unchanged in the youngest, oldest and least deprived females. Mortality has recently increased in the oldest males. The highest incidence and mortality is found in industrial areas. This study is limited by i) its retrospective design using existing databases, allowing identification of associations and statistical differences, but not causation; and ii) very restricted ethnicity data.

onclusion

Reductions in bladder cancer incidence and mortality in England coincide with a decrease in high-risk occupations and public health measures to reduce smoking. Some risk factors in modern living may as yet be unidentified. It remains paramount to ensure equity of access and treatment regardless of gender, age, region and social deprivation to further improve mortality.
Neurovascular abnormalities in brain disorders: highlights with angiogenesis and magnetic resonance imaging studies
Authors: Chen Chiao-Chi V , Chen Yu-Chen , Hsiao Han-Yun , Chang Chen , Chern Yijuang
Published: July 2013

The coupling between neuronal activity and vascular responses is controlled by the neurovascular unit (NVU), which comprises multiple cell types. Many different types of dysfunction in these cells may impair the proper control of vascular responses by the NVU. Magnetic resonance imaging, which is the most powerful tool available to investigate neurovascular structures or functions, will be discussed in the present article in relation to its applications and discoveries. Because aberrant angiogenesis and vascular remodeling have been increasingly reported as being implicated in brain pathogenesis, this review article will refer to this hallmark event when suitable.
A phylogenetic analysis of the grape genus (Vitis L.) reveals broad reticulation and concurrent diversification during neogene and quaternary climate change
Authors: Wan Yizhen , Schwaninger Heidi R , Baldo Angela M , Labate Joanne A , Zhong Gan-Yuan , Simon Charles J
Published: July 2013

Background

Grapes are one of the most economically important fruit crops. There are about 60 species in the genusVitis. The phylogenetic relationships among these species are of keen interest for the conservation and use of this germplasm. We selected 309 accessions from 48Vitisspecies,varieties, and outgroups, examined ~11 kb (~3.4 Mb total) of aligned nuclear DNA sequences from 27 unlinked genes in a phylogenetic context, and estimated divergence times based on fossil calibrations.

Results

Vitisformed a strongly supported clade. There was substantial support for species and less for the higher-level groupings (series). As estimated from extant taxa, the crown age ofVitiswas 28 Ma and the divergence of subgenera (VitisandMuscadinia)occurred at ~18 Ma. Higher clades in subgenusVitisdiverged 16 – 5 Ma with overlapping confidence intervals, and ongoing divergence formed extant species at 12 – 1.3 Ma. Several species had species-specific SNPs. NeighborNet analysis showed extensive reticulation at the core of subgenusVitisrepresenting the deeper nodes, with extensive reticulation radiating outward. Fitch Parsimony identified North America as the origin of the most recent common ancestor of extantVitisspecies.

Conclusions

Phylogenetic patterns suggested origination of the genus in North America, fragmentation of an ancestral range during the Miocene, formation of extant species in the late Miocene-Pleistocene, and differentiation of species in the context of Pliocene-Quaternary tectonic and climatic change. Nuclear SNPs effectively resolved relationships at and below the species level in grapes and rectified several misclassifications of accessions in the repositories. Our results challenge current higher-level classifications, reveal the abundance of genetic diversity in the genus that is potentially available for crop improvement, and provide a valuable resource for species delineation, germplasm conservation and use.