bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coccidioidomycosis Causing Osteomyelitis of the Hand in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Berli Jens U. , Campbell Wayne N. , Katz Ryan D.
Published: November 2014

Coccidioidomycosis osteomyelitis is a rare entity considered even more rare when identified in the immunocompetent patient. In non-endemic areas, the diagnosis of a fungus-causing osteomyelitis is often delayed or overlooked. This results in delayed or inappropriate treatment. We present the case of a 35-year-old immunocompetent male immigrant from India who was ultimately diagnosed as having Coccidioidomycosis immitis osteomyelitis of his ring finger metacarpal. His initial surgery included drainage and bacterial cultures only. When he failed to improve, he presented for a second opinion. The patient's origin and travel history coupled with the appearance of rapid bone destruction on plain radiographs prompted a second operation for tissue biopsy and culture for bacteria, fungus, and mycobacteria cultures. This case highlights the importance of a thorough clinical history in deriving an appropriate differential diagnosis prior to surgical intervention.
Pyrocarbon Interposition Arthroplasty for Proximal Capitate Avascular Necrosis
Authors: Jagodzinski Nikolas A. , Taylor Clare F. , Al-Shawi Anmar K.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Avascular necrosis of the capitate head is a rare condition commonly treated with partial wrist fusion. Although good functional results are usually reported, a degree of stiffness is to be expected. We report a pyrocarbon interposition arthroplasty technique in a young sportsman with 3.5 years of follow-up.

Methods

A 15-year-old rugby player presented with a 6-month history of wrist pain and stiffness with no preceding injury. The necrotic bone was replaced with interposition of a pyrocarbon interposition implant (PI2) (Tournier, Grenoble, France), originally designed to replace the trapezium. A concave socket was created in the distal fragment to accommodate the implant and prevent dislocation. Regular follow-up included subjective and objective measures.

Results

He was pain free by 6 weeks and regained good functional range of motion and grip strength by 3 months. He returned to playing rugby at the 1-year follow-up. At 2 years, he remained asymptomatic. After 3.5 years, he had no limitations in his heavy manual work as a plant mechanic and retained a good functional range of motion including the dart-thrower's motion.

Conclusions

Medium-term results appear to offer the benefits of being able to return to heavy manual labour as well as retaining a functional range of motion. It is difficult to predict long-term survival, but the outcome so far is encouraging, and conversion to midcarpal fusion remains a salvage option.
Vitamin E Conditionally Inhibits Atherosclerosis in ApoE Knockout Mice by Anti‐oxidation and Regulation of Vasculature Gene Expressions
Authors: Tang Futian , Lu Meili , Zhang Suping , Mei Meng , Wang Tieqiao , Liu Peiqing , Wang Hongxin
Published: November 2014

Lipid deposition in artery walls is implied in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and imbalance between uptake and efflux of cholesterol favors the deposition. We investigated the effect of vitamin E with the same dose and duration on the different stages of atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice and explored the potential mechanisms. The results showed that the ApoE KO mouse spontaneously develops atherosclerosis in an age‐dependent manner from 14 to 46 weeks on the regular chow. Vitamin E (100 mg/kg) supplementation to ApoE KO mice at 6, 14, and 22 weeks for 8 weeks significantly reduced the atherosclerotic lesion area by 41, 29 and 19 % respectively compared to the age‐matched control mice; however had no significant effect on the lesion when given at 30 and 38 weeks. In addition, vitamin E supplemented at the ages from 6 to 30 weeks decreased the contents of serum oxLDL and TBARS without affecting the TC and TAG contents in serum and liver. Furthermore, vitamin E supplemented at 6, 14 and 22 weeks down‐regulated vasculature mRNA expressions of scavenger receptor CD36 and up‐regulated mRNA expressions of PPARγ, LXRα and ABCA1 which are involved in reverse cholesterol transportation; however had no significant effects on these genes when given at 30 and 38 weeks. In conclusion, vitamin E with same dose and duration inhibits the early but not advanced atherosclerotic lesion in ApoE KO mice by anti‐oxidation and regulation of mRNA expression of genes involved in cholesterol uptake and efflux, which favors the improvement of atherosclerosis.
Outcomes of androgen replacement therapy in adult male hypogonadism: recommendations from the Italian society of endocrinology
Authors: Isidori A. M. , Balercia G. , Calogero A. E. , Corona G. , Ferlin A. , Francavilla S. , Santi D. , Maggi M.
Published: November 2014

Objective

We developed clinical practice guidelines to assess the individual risk–benefit profile of androgen replacement therapy in adult male hypogonadism (HG), defined by the presence of specific signs and symptoms and serum testosterone (T) below 12 nmol/L.

Participants

The task force consisted of eight clinicians experienced in treating HG, selected by the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE). The authors received no corporate funding or remuneration.

Consensus process

Consensus was guided by a systematic review of controlled trials conducted on men with a mean T < 12 nmol/L and by interactive discussions. The guidelines were reviewed and sequentially approved by the SIE Guidelines Commission and Executive Committee.

Conclusions

We recommend T supplementation (TS) for adult men with severely reduced T levels (T < 8 nmol/L) to improve body composition and sexual function. We suggest that TS be offered to subjects with T < 12 nmol/L to improve glycaemic control, lipid profile, sexual function, bone mineral density, muscle mass and depressive symptoms, once major contraindications have been ruled out. We suggest that lifestyle changes and other available interventions (e.g. for erectile dysfunction) be suggested prior to TS. We suggest that TS should be combined with currently available treatments for individuals at high risk for complications, such as those with osteoporosis and/or metabolic disorders. We recommend against using TS to improve cardiac outcome and limited mobility. We recommend against using TS in men with prostate cancer, unstable cardiovascular conditions or elevated haematocrit. The task force places a high value on the timely treatment of younger and middle-aged subjects to prevent the long-term consequences of hypoandrogenism.
The injured worker's role in the recovery process
Authors: Harrison John
Published: November 2014

The injured worker himself is provides the most powerful of all healing and recovery forces, and yet is the most ignored in contemporary disability management practice. The well-meaning attempts to assist the worker return to work by health professionals may actually be prolonging his disability. It's very difficult for most health professionals to step outside the heath professional paradigm and remember that the injured worker is the entity most capable of recovery, and most responsible for it. If the health professional is “ working harder than the injured worker”, the chances of a successful outcome are minimised. Associating with other professionals by way of referrals, team management practices make it even harder to step outside the health professional paradigm of “we know what's best for you.” The advantage of “encouraging”, “allowing”, “permitting” the injured worker to take the lead role in his own recovery is that the worker can resume the central place in his own life and not become beholden to others. Self-determination in recovery is the principal method whereby an injured worker offsets the psycho-social elements of the cause of, and the recovery from, any workplace injury. Psycho-social reasons are the principal reasons why a person becomes injured in the first place and takes longer to recover than he might otherwise do. Without placing the psycho-social element in a place of prominence, much input by Rehabilitation Providers, Physiotherapists, Physicians and other health professionals is not only ineffective, but contributing to the very psycho-social elements which caused the problem in the first place. Allowing the injured worker to take responsibility for his own recovery is vital to this recovery and preventing injury in the future. Health professionals need to be constantly vigilant that their input is contributing to the injured worker helping himself, and not usurping that role.
Australia's National Injury Insurance Scheme - design, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Fronsko Andrew
Published: November 2014

This presentation will focus on history and economic theory perspectives, using benchmark comparisons across Australian jurisdictions and leveraging materials in the public domain. The aim is to assist practitioners refine and manage their NIIS schemes for long term viability and customer/participant outcomes. The presentation will look at the Genesis of National Injury Insurance Schemes in Australia – a brief history of thinking that has shaped NIIS design, scheme Design model and rationale for a NIIS including Rationale for separating the NIIS and NDIS, What the “I” in NDIS really means, the Benchmark comparison of NDIS versus NIIS design feature and the staged approach to migrate to universal accident compensation. Moving on to exploring. NIIS Implementation Update - Motor Accident Compensation including a benchmark comparison - design models in 5 Australian CTP Jurisdiction. And finally a look at Insurance Claims Management vs Disability Management before speaking about the Next steps for NIIS and integration or possible alignment opportunities with the NDIS.
Psychiatric rehabilitation: a model to enhance return to work outcomes
Authors: Tugman Kristin
Published: November 2014

Background: According to the world health organization by 2030 depression will rank first in economic burden in all high-income countries. As behavioural health disabilities continue to increase, disability managers will continue to be challenged to find ways to assist these workers in their effort to return to productivity.

Objectives: The objective of the discussion is to share a specific intervention strategy that disability managers can practically apply to effectively manage those individuals out of work on a behavioural/mental health claim. The process begins through using motivational interviewing to build a relationship so that the claims professional has the opportunity to recognize key intervention points throughout the absence from work. There are three components the disability manager should assess throughout the life of the event. The first is where the person is on the path to the disability mindset. This will help gain an understanding of current motivation for productivity. Disability is often experienced through specific consequence and those consequences can be both negative and positive. They evolve throughout the life of the leave. Recognition of the current consequence can help direct intervention. Finally specific cognitive barriers tend to emerge in the life of the disability such as faulty thinking, fear, or inactivity. If these barriers are not addressed the individual will not return to work.

Methods: A 20-person disability management team with associated clinical and vocational resources is using these techniques among an active block of over 1000 disability claimants. The work started in November of 2013 and there are currently very preliminary findings.

Findings: The results are positive with a reduction n closed duration days month over month. The technique will have been in place 1 year at the time of the conference and as a result more comprehensive data and outcomes will be shared.
Social policy and law regarding education and equal social integration of persons with disabilities: model and lessons learned
Authors: Cheausuwantavee Tavee
Published: November 2014

Background: Little is known about the overview of legal essences and their enforcement regarding educational provisions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Thailand.

Objectives: It aims to 1) comprehensively review, establish and launch model regarding reformation of policy and law, 2) identify results of law enforcement as a past decade, present as a lesson learned on educational provisions for PWDs through consciousness raising of stakeholders.

Methods: This research is participation action research (PAR) and content analysis. As PAR, the two research sites with 13 and 15 participants as private and public education centres for PWDs respectively were voluntarily and purposively selected. Those participants included teachers, administrators, parents of PWDs. As content analysis, the results of two previous research projects were collected. Those data were analyzed by interpretation and analytic induction.

Findings: Even the rights of PWDs were more concerned by society than the past decade, but educational provisions for PWDs have still challenged and should be mainly promoted on 1) positive attitudes toward PWDs, 2) particular skills and knowledge of teachers as IEP, inclusive education and transition services 3) reasonable accommodation and assistive technologies, 4) human resource development. As PAR, inclusive education was mainly concerned by participants. It reflected what participants coped with and how they solved comprehensively.

Discussion: Problems and ineffective law enforcement on educational provisions for PWDs in Thailand existing like previous studies in other developed and developing countries. Positive attitudes of society toward PWDs, collaboration, consciousness raising and patience among stakeholders are the key success of educational provisions for PWDs in which can be enhanced through PAR.

Conclusion: The majority of law enforcement and educational equality of PWDs were still ineffective and discriminated. Thus, role of parents and private centers as well as positive attitudes and collaboration among stakeholders need to be systematically promoted.
International standards on return to work for social security institutions
Authors: Mehrhoff Friedrich
Published: November 2014

The Guidelines on Return to Work and Reintegration of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) in Geneva published 2013 provides key-elements for successful disability management programs worldwide: Early intervention, personal-centred, work-place orientated, holistic-driven and multi-disciplined approach. Lots of tools and good practice from various countries and stakeholders in prevention and rehabilitation support the efforts of retaining and restore the employability of persons with disabilities within societies. The lecture offers an overview of the ISSA Guidelines and how they could be used as standard in social security institutions.
Establishing the DM profession in Germany
Authors: Pruss Gustav
Published: November 2014

We seek to

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Found an organisation which represents the interests of the disability manager and disability management (VDIMA e. V.).

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Advertise campaigns to inform about the general objectives of professional disability management.

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Build relationships to all the stakeholders especially to decision-makers in politics.

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Offer further vocational training to the disability manager.
Return to work journey: an injured worker perspective
Authors: Odgers Peta
Published: November 2014

Background: Returning to work following a workplace injury or illness is a complex, multi-faceted and continuously evolving issue that involves a range of challenges and complexities. Very little, however, is known about the stages individual injured worker's progress through, from their personal perspective, in returning to work.

Objectives: The objectives of this research were to provide Comcare with greater insights and a better understanding about how to positively engage with injured/unwell workers in the federal jurisdiction, and to encourage more positive return to work (RTW) and recovery outcomes.

Methods: A total of 47 in-depth interviews were conducted with injured workers from both premium paying and self-insured organisations in four Australian States and Territories. An independent research company conducted the interviews on behalf of Comcare between December 2012 and February 2013. A purposeful sampling approach was employed, however, this was influenced by the willingness of people to participate. Principle Findings:- Six stages were identified in the RTW journey, with each stage representing a distinct dynamic. The mind-set and needs of an individual were found to shift through each of these stages, thereby influencing the likelihood of them achieving a successful RTW outcome.

Discussion: The RTW experience of injured and unwell workers was found to be a very personal journey that encompasses a range of experiences which can be completed in a few weeks, or continue for years. It is very emotionally charged, challenging, and tends to result in changes to personal and professional identity, life and work expectations.

Conclusion: The insights gained by Comcare into an individual's RTW journey have reaffirmed our commitment to having the injured/unwell worker at the centre of what we do, and to continuing to tailor our claims management strategies to meet their individual needs. le: Key factors influencing an organisation's approach to return to work.
Work disability trajectories under three workers’ compensation programs
Authors: Tompa Emile
Published: November 2014

Objective: We investigate labour-market earnings of workers’ compensation claimants from three distinctly different workers’ compensation insurance support programs for claimants with permanent impairments. These three programs, which existed in Ontario, Canada in different periods over the last 25 years, are the Permanent Disability (PD) program, the Future Economic Loss (FEL) program, and the Loss of Earnings (LOE) program. The nature of benefit determination and the return to work supports provided by three programs are very different. The focus of the study is on evidence of programmatic impact on labour-market earnings recovery trajectories over nine years post injury.

Methods: The study included claimants sampled from each of the three programs who sustained a permanent impairment from a work injury. Claimants were identified in a Revenue Canada tax file database known as the Longitudinal Administrative Databank (LAD), which is a longitudinal 20% simple random sample of all Canadian tax filers. Each claimant was matched with similar uninjured controls that were also in the LAD, based on sex, age, labour-market earnings amounts and trajectories in the four years prior to injury, and a propensity score. Statistical modeling analysis was undertaken to compare the labour-market earnings trajectories of claimants relative to their matched controls using data on earnings over the nine years post injury. Analyses focused on sub-strata defined by program, sex, age, permanent impairment level, and pre-injury earnings. A key issue of interest was to determine which program of supports resulted in the best labour-market earnings recovery.

Results: Five distinct earnings recovery trajectories were identified. Claimants in various demographic and pre-injury earnings sub-strata from the LOE program cohort had a statistically significant lower probability of the lowest earnings recovery trajectory, and higher probability of the second highest trajectory compared to the PD cohort. Results for the LOE program were similar to the FEL program.

Conclusions: Injured workers from the LOE program appear to fare better than claimants from the PD program and similarly to those from the FEL program in terms of labour-market earnings recovery over the nine years post injury. Across all programs, older claimants fare more poorly, and women fare worse than men in terms of labour-market earnings recovery.
Implementing a return-to-work strategy in the Belgian Disability Benefits Insurance Scheme
Authors: Perl François
Published: November 2014

Background: Belgium has more than 300.000 disabled people excluding work injuries or professional diseases. Until 2009, there was no return to work or disability management programs in the Belgian disability benefits public insurance.

Objectives: Facing a huge increase of disability pension claims since 2007, the Belgian Government charged the NIHDI (public social security agency) to implement a national “return to work” program. This program aims to offer options and stimulate part time job recovery or vocational training initiatives.

Methods: Since Belgium is a Federal State, the need for cooperation between NIHDI and the regional public employment services (PES) was essential. NIHDI implemented various contracts with the PES and with the Mutual Benefits Societies (semi private bodies in charge of the claim processing and the medical assessment). These contracts include objectives, financing and evaluation criteria. The NIHDI uses the expertise of international experts in return to work strategies and disability management.

Findings: The interaction between PES and physicians from NIHDI and Mutual Benefits Societies is essential. There is a strong need for medical, disability management and social guidelines in order to prevent any risk of differential results. The traditional claim processing is outdated. It is essential to integrate from the beginning of the claim processing, strong objectives for helping the social insured to return to work as soon as possible.
Benchmarking as an ideal method for optimising rehabilitation
Authors: Fuhrlaender Bernd
Published: November 2014

Objective: To show that benchmarking, through internal and/or external structured comparisons, is the ideal method to conduct more efficient and more effective processes.

The presentation illustrates that benchmarking, especially in the rehabilitation of accident victims, is the appropriate method to use to focus on the various interests, backgrounds and individual needs of accident victims during therapy management.

The objective of the project, Benchmarking the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Case Management, was to identify usable examples and methods for optimizing therapy management based on structured comparisons.

The project, in which fourteen insurance carriers took part, was initiated by the German association of accident insurance carriers, Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung (DGUV).

The Benchmarking focused on how the insurance carriers handled the rehabilitation process, from the time of the accident to the end of the treatment period or the occupational reintegration.

The entire rehabilitation process, including the case work as well as the active planning, cooperation and monitoring of the medical, professional and social rehabilitation was divided into several segments. In this way, regardless of differences in the various procedures of the participants, fair and speedy comparisons of the segments could be established. For example:

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Analysis of all the processes and structures of therapy management

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Parameters for accident severity and frequency

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Resources used (overhead, personnel cost, time)

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Assessment of existing management tools

Results: None of the participating carriers had the “ideal organization” of his therapy management program. Nevertheless, clear “Best Practice” examples were identified within the respective sub processes. From this, several recommendations were made. The presentation points out the most significant ones.

Conclusion: The Benchmarking project was successful. The participating carriers followed the recommendations and thereby increased the efficiency and effectiveness of their therapy management program.
Linear stability of boundary layers under solitary waves
Authors: Verschaeve Joris C. G. , Pedersen Geir K.
Published: November 2014

In the present treatise, the stability of the boundary layer under solitary waves is analysed by means of the parabolized stability equation. We investigate both surface solitary waves and internal solitary waves. The main result is that the stability of the flow is not of parametric nature as has been assumed in the literature so far. Not only does linear stability analysis highlight this misunderstanding, it also gives an explanation why Sumer et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 646, 2010, pp. 207–231), Vittori & Blondeaux (Coastal Engng, vol. 58, 2011, pp. 206–213) and Ozdemir et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 731, 2013, pp. 545–578) each obtained different critical Reynolds numbers in their experiments and simulations. We find that linear instability is possible in the acceleration region of the flow, leading to the question of how this relates to the observation of transition in the acceleration region in the experiments by Sumer et al. or to the conjecture of a nonlinear instability mechanism in this region by Ozdemir et al. The key concept for assessment of instabilities is the integrated amplification which has not been employed for this kind of flow before. In addition, the present analysis is not based on a uniformization of the flow but instead uses a fully nonlinear description including non-parallel effects, weakly or fully. This allows for an analysis of the sensitivity with respect to these effects. Thanks to this thorough analysis, quantitative agreement between model results and direct numerical simulation has been obtained for the problem in question. The use of a high-order accurate Navier–Stokes solver is primordial in order to obtain agreement for the accumulated amplifications of the Tollmien–Schlichting waves as revealed in this analysis. An elaborate discussion on the effects of amplitudes and water depths on the stability of the flow is presented.
Greensand mosasaurs of New Jersey and the Cretaceous–Paleogene transition of marine vertebrates
Authors: Gallagher W.B.
Published: November 2014

Historical records of mosasaur discoveries in the Hornerstown Formation of the Atlantic Coastal Plain of New Jersey (USA) are reviewed in the light of recent geochemical and biostratigraphic investigations. The highest (i.e. youngest) mosasaur remains are from the basal Hornerstown Formation fossil assemblage, a widespread concentration of vertebrate and invertebrate remains that coincides with an iridium excursion and the micropalaeontological K/Pg boundary. Most of the mosasaur specimens from this horizon are single elements, but at least one specimen from the Hornerstown Formation, YPM 773, is a multi-element specimen, a skull with vertebrae. This specimen is a very large individual of Mosasaurus hoffmanni from the West Jersey Marl Company works at Barnsboro, New Jersey. It represents the stratigraphically highest multi-element articulated specimen in the K/Pg section here. In and above the basal Hornerstown, the fauna is dominated by crocodylians, lamnid sharks and chelonians. The extinction of mosasaurs created a vacant ecological niche at the top of the marine food web, and a trophic cascade of smaller predators ensued. Later in the Neogene the appearance of Elvis taxa archaeocetes such as Basilosaurus converged on mosasaur body shape.
Tyrosinase gene mutations in the Chinese Han population with OCA1
Authors: LIU NING , KONG XIANG DONG , SHI HUI RONG , WU QING HUA , JIANG MIAO
Published: November 2014

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a heterogeneous autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects melanin synthesis. OCA results in reduced or absent pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes. Type 1 OCA (OCA1) is the result of tyrosinase (TYR) gene mutations and is a severe disease type. This study investigated TYR mutations in a Chinese cohort with OCA1. This study included two parts: patient genetic study and prenatal genetic diagnosis. A total of 30 OCA1 patients were subjected to TYR gene mutation analysis. Ten pedigrees were included for prenatal genetic diagnosis. A total of 100 unrelated healthy Chinese individuals were genotyped for controls. The coding sequence and the intron/exon junctions of TYR were analysed by bidirectional DNA sequencing. In this study, 20 mutations were identified, four of which were novel. Of these 30 OCA1 patients, 25 patients were TYR compound heterozygous; two patients carried homozygous TYR mutations; and three were heterozygous. Among the ten prenatally genotyped fetuses, three fetuses carried compound heterozygous mutations and seven carried no mutation or only one mutant allele of TYR and appeared normal at birth. In conclusion, we identified four novel TYR mutations and showed that molecular-based prenatal screening to detect TYR mutations in a fetus at risk for OCA1 provided essential information for genetic counselling of couples at risk.
Building up of a nested granite intrusion: magnetic fabric, gravity modelling and fluid inclusion planes studies in Santa Eulália Plutonic Complex (Ossa Morena Zone, Portugal)
Authors: SANT’OVAIA H. , NOGUEIRA P. , LOPES J. CARRILHO , GOMES C. , RIBEIRO M.A. , MARTINS H.C.B. , DÓRIA A. , CRUZ C. , LOPES L. , SARDINHA R. , ROCHA A. , NORONHA F.
Published: November 2014

The Santa Eulália Plutonic Complex (SEPC), located in the Ossa Morena Zone (south Portugal), is composed of a medium- to coarse-grained pink granite (G0-type) and a central grey medium-grained biotite granite (G1-type). Available Rb–Sr data indicates an age of 290 Ma. An emplacement model for the SEPC is proposed, taking into account magnetic fabric, 2D gravity modelling and fluid inclusion planes studies. The G0 and G1 types demonstrate different magnetic behaviour: G0 is considered a magnetite-type granite and G1 is an ilmenite-type granite. The formation of G0 required oxidized conditions related to the interaction of mafic rocks with a felsic magma. The 2D gravity modelling and subvertical magnetic lineations show that the feeder zone of the SEPC is located in the eastern part of the pluton, confirming the role of the Assumar and Messejana Variscan faults in the process of ascent and emplacement. The magma emplacement was controlled by ENE–WSW planar anisotropies related to the final brittle stages of the Variscan Orogeny. The emplacement of the two granites was almost synchronous as shown by their gradational contacts in the field. The magnetic fabric however suggests emplacement of the G0-type first, closely followed by emplacement of the G1-type, pushing the G0 laterally which becomes more anisotropic towards the margin. The G1-type became flattened, acquiring a dome-like structure. The SEPC is a nested pluton with G0-type granite assuming a tabular flat shape and G1-type forming a rooted dome-like structure. After emplacement, SEPC recorded increments of the late Variscan stress field documented by fluid inclusion planes in quartz.
Facial Emotion Recognition Deficits following Moderate–Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Re-examining the Valence Effect and the Role of Emotion Intensity
Authors: Rosenberg Hannah , McDonald Skye , Dethier Marie , Kessels Roy P.C. , Westbrook R. Frederick
Published: November 2014

Many individuals who sustain moderate–severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are poor at recognizing emotional expressions, with a greater impairment in recognizing negative (e.g., fear, disgust, sadness, and anger) than positive emotions (e.g., happiness and surprise). It has been questioned whether this “valence effect” might be an artifact of the wide use of static facial emotion stimuli (usually full-blown expressions) which differ in difficulty rather than a real consequence of brain impairment. This study aimed to investigate the valence effect in TBI, while examining emotion recognition across different intensities (low, medium, and high).

Method: Twenty-seven individuals with TBI and 28 matched control participants were tested on the Emotion Recognition Task (ERT). The TBI group was more impaired in overall emotion recognition, and less accurate recognizing negative emotions. However, examining the performance across the different intensities indicated that this difference was driven by some emotions (e.g., happiness) being much easier to recognize than others (e.g., fear and surprise). Our findings indicate that individuals with TBI have an overall deficit in facial emotion recognition, and that both people with TBI and control participants found some emotions more difficult than others. These results suggest that conventional measures of facial affect recognition that do not examine variance in the difficulty of emotions may produce erroneous conclusions about differential impairment. They also cast doubt on the notion that dissociable neural pathways underlie the recognition of positive and negative emotions, which are differentially affected by TBI and potentially other neurological or psychiatric disorders. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–10)
The role of maternal-specific H3K9me3 modification in establishing imprinted X-chromosome inactivation and embryogenesis in mice
Authors: Fukuda Atsushi , Tomikawa Junko , Miura Takumi , Hata Kenichiro , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Eggan Kevin , Akutsu Hidenori , Umezawa Akihiro
Published: November 2014

Maintaining a single active X-chromosome by repressing Xist is crucial for embryonic development in mice. Although the Xist activator RNF12/RLIM is present as a maternal factor, maternal Xist (Xm-Xist) is repressed during preimplantation phases to establish imprinted X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). Here we show, using a highly reproducible chromatin immunoprecipitation method that facilitates chromatin analysis of preimplantation embryos, that H3K9me3 is enriched at the Xist promoter region, preventing Xm-Xist activation by RNF12. The high levels of H3K9me3 at the Xist promoter region are lost in embryonic stem (ES) cells, and ES-cloned embryos show RNF12-dependent Xist expression. Moreover, lack of Xm-XCI in the trophectoderm, rather than loss of paternally expressed imprinted genes, is the primary cause of embryonic lethality in 70–80% of parthenogenotes immediately after implantation. This study reveals that H3K9me3 is involved in the imprinting that silences Xm-Xist. Our findings highlight the role of maternal-specific H3K9me3 modification in embryo development.
Knowledge and Skills for Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Physiology for Speech
Authors: Watterson Thomas , Grames Lynn Marty
Published: November 2014

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has developed Knowledge and Skills (KAS) recommendations for evaluation of the larynx and swallowing function but the evaluation of velopharyngeal (VP) function has never been addressed. This article will review previous documents that have addressed general endoscopic knowledge and skills and develop a case for a new KAS that specifically addresses visualization and evaluation of the VP mechanism. The new KAS document will delineate and explain the relationship between speech evaluation and visual evaluation of VP physiology. The unique skills required of the speech-language pathologist for this kind of evaluation will be discussed.
Turbulent-laminar patterns in plane Poiseuille flow
Authors: Tuckerman Laurette S. , Kreilos Tobias , Schrobsdorff Hecke , Schneider Tobias M. , Gibson John F.
Published: November 2014

Turbulent-laminar banded patterns in plane Poiseuille flow are studied via direct numerical simulations in a tilted and translating computational domain using a parallel version of the pseudospectral code Channelflow. 3D visualizations via the streamwise vorticity of an instantaneous and a time-averaged pattern are presented, as well as 2D visualizations of the average velocity field and the turbulent kinetic energy. Simulations for 2300 ⩾ Reb ⩾ 700 show the gradual development from uniform turbulence to a pattern with wavelength 20 half-gaps at Reb ≈ 1900, to a pattern with wavelength 40 at Reb ≈ 1300 and finally to laminar flow at Reb ≈ 800. These transitions are tracked quantitatively via diagnostics using the amplitude and phase of the Fourier transform and its probability distribution. The propagation velocity of the pattern is approximately that of the mean flux and is a decreasing function of Reynolds number. Examination of the time-averaged flow shows that a turbulent band is associated with two counter-rotating cells stacked in the cross-channel direction and that the turbulence is highly concentrated near the walls. Near the wall, the Reynolds stress force accelerates the fluid through a turbulent band while viscosity decelerates it; advection by the laminar profile acts in both directions. In the center, the Reynolds stress force decelerates the fluid through a turbulent band while advection by the laminar profile accelerates it. These characteristics are compared with those of turbulent-laminar banded patterns in plane Couette flow.
Classification of constraints and degrees of freedom for quadratic discrete actions
Authors: Höhn Philipp A.
Published: November 2014

We provide a comprehensive classification of constraints and degrees of freedom for variational discrete systems governed by quadratic actions. This classification is based on the different types of null vectors of the Lagrangian two-form and employs the canonical formalism developed in Dittrich and Höhn [“Constraint analysis for variational discrete systems,” J. Math. Phys. 54, 093505 (2013); e-print arXiv:1303.4294 [math-ph]] and Höhn [“Quantization of systems with temporally varying discretization I: Evolving Hilbert spaces,” J. Math. Phys. 55, 083508 (2014); e-print arXiv:1401.6062 [gr-qc]]. The analysis is carried out in both the classical and quantum theory and applies to systems with both temporally varying or constant discretization. In particular, it is shown explicitly how changes in the discretization, e.g., resulting from canonical coarse graining or refining operations or an evolving background geometry, change the dynamical content of the system. It is demonstrated how, on a temporally varying discretization, constraints, Dirac observables, symmetries, reduced phase spaces, and physical Hilbert spaces become spacetime region dependent. These results are relevant for free field theory on an evolving lattice and linearized discrete gravity models.
Impedance spectroscopy models for the complete characterization of thermoelectric materials
Authors: García-Cañadas Jorge , Min Gao
Published: November 2014

This paper analyses the use of impedance spectroscopy as a characterization tool applied to thermoelectric materials. The impedance function of the thermoelectric system under adiabatic conditions and Peltier mode operation is calculated by solving the heat equation in the frequency domain. The analysis, focused on the complex plane, provides the required equivalent circuit elements to interpret the impedance measurements. Using this approach, all the relevant thermoelectric parameters and thermal properties can be potentially extracted at a given temperature from the impedance spectra, i.e., the Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, figure of merit (zT), specific heat, and thermal diffusivity. This can be done without the need of measuring temperature differences. To validate the models described, impedance measurements have been carried out in single thermoelectric elements and modules, showing an excellent agreement with the theory. The simple nature of the measurements in conjunction with the advantage of obtaining all the important thermoelectric parameters opens up the possibility of establishing impedance spectroscopy as a very useful characterization method for the thermoelectric field.
Darboux transformation with dihedral reduction group
Authors: Mikhailov Alexander V. , Papamikos Georgios , Wang Jing Ping
Published: November 2014

We construct the Darboux transformation with Dihedral reduction group for the 2-dimensional generalisation of the periodic Volterra lattice. The resulting Bäcklund transformation can be viewed as a nonevolutionary integrable differential difference equation. We also find its generalised symmetry and the Lax representation for this symmetry. Using formal diagonalisation of the Darboux matrix, we obtain local conservation laws of the system.
Extraction of the Schottky parameters in metal-semiconductor-metal diodes from a single current-voltage measurement
Authors: Nouchi Ryo
Published: November 2014

In order to develop a method to extract the parameters of the two inherent Schottky contacts from a single current-voltage (I-V) characteristic curve, the I-V characteristics of metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) diodes with asymmetric Schottky barrier heights are theoretically investigated using the thermionic emission model. The MSM diode structure is commonly used because an additional MS interface is required for the electrical characterization of MS diodes. A finite charge-injection barrier is generally formed at the additional interface. When a local maximum was detected in the first-order derivative of the measured I-V characteristics for a MSM diode, the parameters for the Schottky contacts, the zero-bias barrier heights of both MS interfaces, the series resistance of the MSM diode, and the effective ideality factor for the MS diode with a higher barrier could be extracted using this method.
A study of the dispersion of vinyl chloride from a renewable energy facility located in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Obaid Juwairia , Abdul-Wahab Sabah A. , Elkamel Ali
Published: November 2014

This study compared the results of modelling vinyl chloride emissions from a renewable energy generation plant, located in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada, using American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) and California Puff (CALPUFF). The plant utilizes landfill gas emissions from the existing Lindsay/Ops landfill to fuel an on-site generator, and thus generate electricity. The modelling was performed for July 20, 2013 and November 17, 2013, from 00h00 local standard time (LST) to 23h00 LST for both days. The results showed that modelling contaminant dispersion using CALPUFF resulted in significantly higher concentrations than when modelling with AERMOD. This may be due to the several limitations of AERMOD, including its assumptions of straight line trajectory, steady-state and a uniform atmosphere, its inaccuracy when determining long-range transport, and its inability to retain the memory of the previous hours' emissions. The CALPUFF modelling results also showed that the contaminant concentration may, in some instances, be higher farther away from the source than closer to it. The results also show that the concentration of vinyl chloride on July 20, 2013, as modelled by CALPUFF, exceeds the applicable regulatory limit. Thus, it is recommended to use CALPUFF instead of AERMOD to assess the dispersion of emissions from a facility more conservatively. Using CALPUFF will also ensure that the dispersion is assessed further away from the emissions sources as well as nearer to them. The appropriate selection of dispersion models is especially important when the results of one of the models may deem the facility's emissions non-compliant with the applicable regulatory limits.
The roles of the dielectric constant and the relative level of conduction band of high-k composite with Si in improving the memory performance of charge-trapping memory devices
Authors: Lu Jianxin , Gong Changjie , Ou Xin , Lu Wei , Yin Jiang , Xu Bo , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo , Li Aidong
Published: November 2014

The memory structures Pt/Al2O3/(TiO2)x(Al2O3)1−x/Al2O3/p-Si(nominal composition x = 0.05, 0.50 and 0.70) were fabricated by using rf-magnetron sputtering and atomic layer deposition techniques, in which the dielectric constant and the bottom of the conduction band of the high-k composite (TiO2)x(Al2O3)1−x were adjusted by controlling the partial composition of Al2O3. With the largest dielectric constant and the lowest deviation from the bottom of the conduction band of Si, (TiO2)0.7(Al2O3)0.3 memory devices show the largest memory window of 7.54 V, the fast programming/erasing speed and excellent endurance and retention characteristics, which were ascribed to the special structural design, proper combination of dielectric constant and band alignment in the high-k composite (TiO2)0.7(Al2O3)0.3.
Single line particle focusing using a vibrating bubble
Authors: Phan Hoang V. , Şeşen Muhsincan , Alan Tuncay , Neild Adrian
Published: November 2014

In this study, we present a method for fine focusing of microparticles using a vibrating air bubble. Fluorescent polystyrene particles of 2.01 and 6.60 μm are shown to be focused along the edge of a 50-μm-wide channel. The mechanism is determined to be shear stresses caused by the boundary layer on the vibrating gas/liquid meniscus. Experiments show that the focussing region width reduces with higher excitation amplitude, focusing is not as sensitive towards the flow rate as the excitation frequency, and there is an optimal bubble radius. Finally, we show that red blood cells and 6.60 μm particles can be focused into what is effectively a single line.
Enhanced low field magnetoresistance in germanium and silicon-diode combined device at room temperature
Authors: Chen Jiaojiao , Zhang Xiaozhong , Piao Hong-Guang , Wang Jimin , Luo Zhaochu
Published: November 2014

We report on a large (∼200%), room-temperature, small field (20 mT) magnetoresistance effect in germanium and silicon-diode combined device. This enhanced magnetoresistance is attributed to geometry of germanium and nonlinear electro-transport characteristic of silicon-diode. A two-dimensional finite element model is built to simulate the experimental results. Our work may pave a way to develop low field magnetoresistance devices from germanium and silicon.
Properties of shallow donors in ZnMgO epilayers grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhao Q. X. , Liu X. J. , Holtz P. O.
Published: November 2014

High quality Zn1−xMgxO epilayers have been grown by means of metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique on top of ZnO templates. The grown samples were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence. The magnesium (Mg) concentration was varied between 0% and 3% in order to study the properties of shallow donors. The free and donor bound excitons could be observed simultaneously in our high quality Zn1−xMgxO epilayers in the photoluminescence spectra. The results indicate that both built-in strain and Mg-concentration influence the donor exciton binding energy. It clearly shows that the donor exciton binding energy decreases with increasing Mg-concentration and with increasing built-in strain. Furthermore, the results indicate that the donor bound exciton transition energy increases with decreasing strength of the built-in strain if the Mg-concentration is kept the same in the Zn1−xMgxO epilayers.
Enhanced cavitation by using two consecutive ultrasound waves at different frequencies
Authors: Yang Xinmai , Jo Janggun
Published: November 2014

Efficient and noninvasive generation of cavitation bubbles in soft tissue is a challenging task due to the lack of cavitation nuclei (i.e., pre-existing gas bubbles). In this study, we present a method to generate and enhance cavitation activity based on the utilization of two consecutive ultrasound waves at different frequencies. First, a high frequency (5 MHz) high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) wave was applied to a tissue-mimicking phantom to induce a rapid temperature rise in the ultrasound focal region. Immediately following the high frequency HIFU wave, a low frequency (1 MHz) HIFU wave was applied to the same focal region to induce acoustic cavitation. We found that cavitation activity was enhanced when the temperature in the tissue-mimicking phantom was first elevated by the high frequency HIFU wave. The enhancement was greater when a higher intensity of high frequency HIFU wave was applied. This result may be due to the temporary super-saturation of air in the initially air-saturated test samples and the reduction of surface tension at an elevated temperature.