bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the genetic architectonics of complex CNS traits: Lost by the association, but found in the interaction?
Authors: Stewart Adam Michael , Nguyen Michael , Song Cai , Kalueff Allan V
Published: July 2015

Recent evidence supports the value of endophenotypes and genome-wide association studies in psychiatric genetics, and their importance for dissecting the neural pathways and molecular mechanisms of complex neuropsychiatric disorders. Continuing this important discussion, here we outline three new mechanisms by which novel classes of genes may facilitate CNS pathogenesis without directly worsening its individual ‘established’ endophenotypes. These putative genetic mechanisms can apply to other human disorders in general, and may also be used for designing novel effective CNS drug treatments.
Community Knowledge and Perceived Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Malaria
Authors: Tarimo Donath S.
Published: July 2015

Insecticides treated-nets (ITNs) and artemether-lumefantrine (ALu), crucial for malaria elimination, depend on perceived effectiveness in reducing malarial fevers. We examined community knowledge and perceived effectiveness of ITNs and ALu for reducing malaria in Rufiji district. Heads of households were interviewed on causes of fever in underfives, fever history, and antimalarial use during the last 2 weeks, perceived effectiveness of, and willingness to continue using ALu and ITNs. A total of 1,885 respondents were interviewed, a majority (88.2%) females. Illnesses with fever (malaria—76.1% and respiratory conditions—58.9%) were major health problems. There was a very high recognition of fever as malaria symptom (95.1%). There were mixed perceptions on effectiveness of ALu and ITNs: ALu (52.8%) and on ITNs as highly effective (48.1%). Both ALu and ITNs were judged partially effective. Reorientation of social marketing to increase demand for ALu and ITNs for malaria control consolidation is crucial.
Control of robotic mobility-on-demand systems: A queueing-theoretical perspective
Authors: Zhang Rick , Pavone Marco
Published: July 2015

In this paper we present queueing-theoretical methods for the modeling, analysis, and control of autonomous mobility-on-demand (MOD) systems wherein robotic, self-driving vehicles transport customers within an urban environment and rebalance themselves to ensure acceptable quality of service throughout the network. We first cast an autonomous MOD system within a closed Jackson network model with passenger loss. It is shown that an optimal rebalancing algorithm minimizing the number of (autonomously) rebalancing vehicles while keeping vehicle availabilities balanced throughout the network can be found by solving a linear program. The theoretical insights are used to design a robust, real-time rebalancing algorithm, which is applied to a case study of New York City and implemented on an eight-vehicle mobile robot testbed. The case study of New York shows that the current taxi demand in Manhattan can be met with about 8,000 robotic vehicles (roughly 70% of the size of the current taxi fleet operating in Manhattan). Finally, we extend our queueing-theoretical setup to include congestion effects, and study the impact of autonomously rebalancing vehicles on overall congestion. Using a simple heuristic algorithm, we show that additional congestion due to autonomous rebalancing can be effectively avoided on a road network. Collectively, this paper provides a rigorous approach to the problem of system-wide coordination of autonomously driving vehicles, and provides one of the first characterizations of the sustainability benefits of robotic transportation networks.
To Punish or Not to Punish—That Is the Question
Authors: Chen Gila , Einat Tomer
Published: July 2015

Attitudes toward punishment have long been of interest to policymakers, researchers, and criminal justice practitioners. The current study examined the relationship between academic education in criminology and attitudes toward punishment among 477 undergraduate students in three subgroups: police officers, correctional officers, and criminology students who were not employed by the criminal justice system (CJS). Our main findings concluded that (a) punitive attitudes of the correctional officers and police officers at the beginning of their academic studies were harsher than those of the criminology and criminal justice students who were not employed by the CJS, (b) punitive attitudes of the correctional officers at the end of their academic studies were less severe than their first-year counterparts, (c) fear of crime was higher among women than among men, and (d) the strongest predictor of punitive attitudes was a firm belief in the principles of the classical and labeling theories (beyond group). Implications of these results are discussed.
Migraine aura symptoms: Duration, succession and temporal relationship to headache
Authors: Viana Michele , Linde Mattias , Sances Grazia , Ghiotto Natascia , Guaschino Elena , Allena Marta , Terrazzino Salvatore , Nappi Giuseppe , Goadsby Peter J , Tassorelli Cristina
Published: July 2015

Background

As there are no biological markers, a detailed description of symptoms, particularly temporal characteristics, is crucial when diagnosing migraine aura. Hitherto these temporal aspects have not been studied in detail.

Methods

We conducted a prospective diary-aided study of the duration and the succession of aura symptoms and their temporal relationship with headache.

Results

Fifty-four patients completed the study recording in a diary the characteristics of three consecutive auras ( n = 162 auras). The median duration of visual, sensory and dysphasic symptoms were 30, 20 and 20 minutes, respectively. Visual symptoms lasted for more than one hour in 14% of auras ( n = 158), sensory symptoms in 21% of auras ( n = 52), and dysphasic symptoms in 17% of auras ( n = 18). Twenty-six percent of patients had at least one aura out of three with one symptom lasting for more than one hour. In aura with multiple symptoms the subsequent symptom, second versus first one or third versus second, might either start simultaneously (34 and 18%), during (37 and 55%), with the end (5 and 9%), or after (24 and 18%) the previous aura symptom. The headache phase started before the aura (9%), simultaneously with the onset of aura (14%), during the aura (26%), simultaneously with the end of aura (15%) or after the end of aura (36%).

Conclusion

We provide data to suggest that symptoms may last longer than one hour in a relevant proportion of auras or migraine with aura patients, and that there is a high variability of scenarios in terms of time relationship among aura symptoms and between aura and headache.
Away from Grass-roots? The Irony of the Chinese Rural Legal Service
Authors: Fu Hualing
Published: July 2015

The paper examines three factors that are driving and constraining the development of rural legal services delivery in China: geographic limitation, professional interest and political intervention. Firstly, regarding geographic limitation: geography matters, and rurality creates natural barriers for rural residents in limiting the access to legal services. There is an inherent spatial inequality for rural population when it comes to the distribution of legal services, and geographic isolation and remoteness nurture a particular type of legal culture among rural residents. Secondly, regarding professional interest: professionalism matters. There are strong ideological and economic forces which pull the rural legal service providers away from their grass-roots. The calling of an emerging legal professionalism (and the related financial incentives) demands a certain degree of legal knowledge and qualification, rules of procedures, code of conduct and regularity in legal practice. In order to survive in an increasingly competitive legal market, rural legal service providers have to run legal practices as a business, considering the ‘bottom line’ and following the logic of a legal market. Finally, regarding political intervention: politics matters. To overcome geographic barriers and correct market failure, the government would need to step in to provide or supplement legal services in rural areas by introducing a public dimension of legal services. Politics may ameliorate where the legal service market fails.
Skin prick test results to artesunate in children sensitized to Artemisia vulgaris L
Authors: Mori F , Pantano S , Rossi ME , Montagnani C , Chiappini E , Novembre E , Galli L , de Martino M
Published: July 2015

Artemisia vulgaris L and Artemisia annua L (Chinese: qinghao) are similar plants of the Asterbaceae family. Artesunate, a semi-synthetic derivate of artemisin which is the active principle extract of the plant qinghao, has antimalarial properties. Some cases of severe allergic reactions to artesunate have been described.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between positive skin tests to Artemisia vulgaris L allergen and a preparation of injectable artesunate.

A total of 531 children were skin prick tested with inhalants (including Artemisia vulgaris L), foods, and artesunate.

Among the 59 patients positive to Artemisia vulgaris L only one child was also positive to artesunate. No child was positive to artesunate in those negative to Artemisia vulgaris L.

We conclude that Artemisia vulgaris L sensitization is not associated with sensitization to artesunate; consequently, skin test to artesunate should not be carried out before using the drug considering the rare allergic reactions.
The effect of stereocomplex polylactide particles on the mechanical properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer
Authors: Ye Kwangnam , Purnama Purba , Jung Youngmee , Kim Daeheum , Kim Soo Hyun
Published: July 2015

The effect of the addition of stereocomplex polylactide with different contents and particle sizes to a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) matrix was investigated. The organic filler stereocomplex polylactide affects the mechanical properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) as an organic nucleating agent without any surface modification. A low content of organic stereocomplex polylactide particles in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) blends enhanced their mechanical properties. A smaller stereocomplex polylactide particle size improves the mechanical properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) blends more effectively. The improvement in the mechanical properties of the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) blends stemmed from the nucleating effects of the stereocomplex polylactide particles in the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) matrix. The optimum content and homogeneous distribution of stereocomplex polylactide particles increased Young’s modulus and tensile strength by approximately 15% and 30%, respectively. The presence of stereocomplex polylactide particles also accelerated the hydrolytic degradation, as represented by a decrease in the molecular weight. The improvements in the mechanical properties and hydrolytic degradation acceleration match the requirements of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) applications as bone fracture fixation materials.
Poly(ether–imide)s with flexible linkages and kinks
Authors: Thiruvasagam P , Saritha B , Hari N
Published: July 2015

Four new aromatic diimide–diol monomers were synthesized from bisphenol A dianhydride and hydroxyamines. The poly(ether–imide)s (PEI-1 to PEI-4) were synthesized from these diols and 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone-IV via carbonyl-activated aromatic nucleophilic fluoro displacement reaction. The chemical structures of the monomers and PEIs were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The PEIs synthesized here were amorphous and soluble in polar aprotic solvents and low-boiling organic solvents. The PEIs had good thermal stability, 10% weight loss occurred in the temperatures range of 400–448°C, and char yields at 800°C under nitrogen atmosphere was in the range of 14–22%. The limiting oxygen index values of PEIs were in the range of 23.1–26.3, and such PEIs can be used as self-extinguishing polymers. The dielectric constants of the PEIs were in the range of 3.30–4.00, and such PEIs can be used as electrical insulation materials for systems operating at high temperature for long time.
Genetic algorithm- and finite element-based design and analysis of nonprismatic piezolaminated beam for optimal vibration energy harvesting
Authors: Biswal Alok Ranjan , Roy Tarapada , Behera Rabindra Kumar
Published: July 2015

The current article deals with finite element (FE)- and genetic algorithm (GA)-based vibration energy harvesting from a tapered piezolaminated cantilever beam. Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is used for modeling the various cross sections of the beam. The governing equation of motion is derived by using the Hamilton's principle. Two noded beam elements with two degrees of freedom at each node have been considered in order to solve the governing equation. The effect of structural damping has also been incorporated in the FE model. An electric interface is assumed to be connected to measure the voltage and output power in piezoelectric patch due to charge accumulation caused by vibration. The effects of taper (both in the width and height directions) on output power for three cases of shape variation (such as linear, parabolic and cubic) along with frequency and voltage are analyzed. A real-coded genetic algorithm-based constrained (such as ultimate stress and breakdown voltage) optimization technique has been formulated to determine the best possible design variables for optimal harvesting power. A comparative study is also carried out for output power by varying the cross section of the beam, and genetic algorithm-based optimization scheme shows the better results than that of available conventional trial and error methods.
Disturbance observer-based sliding manifold predictive control for reentry hypersonic vehicles with multi-constraint
Authors: Zhang Jun , Sun Tairen
Published: July 2015

The presence of system strong constraints and large uncertainties in reentry hypersonic vehicles deteriorate the system performance. This paper considers disturbance observer-based sliding manifold predictive control design for a reentry hypersonic vehicle. In the outer loop, a new sliding manifold-based predictive control is proposed to realize reference command tracking. In the inner loop, a nonlinear disturbance observer is adopted to estimate lumped disturbances and a sliding manifold-based predictive control is designed to track the expected signal obtained from the outer loop. The use of sliding manifolds and disturbance observer enhance the control system’s robustness to uncertainties. The mode predictive control approach guarantees the satisfaction of the system constraints. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by theoretical analysis and simulations.
Genes Unite Executive Functions in Childhood
Authors: Engelhardt Laura E. , Briley Daniel A. , Mann Frank D. , Harden K. Paige , Tucker-Drob Elliot M.
Published: July 2015

Individual differences in children’s executive functions (EFs) are relevant for a wide range of normal and atypical psychological outcomes across the life span, but the origins of variation in children’s EFs are not well understood. We used data from a racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of 505 third- through eighth-grade twins and triplets from the Texas Twin Project to estimate genetic and environmental influences on a Common EF factor and on variance unique to four core EF domains: inhibition, switching, working memory, and updating. As has been previously demonstrated in young adults, the Common EF factor was 100% heritable, which indicates that correlations among the four EF domains are entirely attributable to shared genetic etiology. Nonshared environmental influences were evident for variance unique to individual domains. General EF may thus serve as an early life marker of genetic propensity for a range of functions and pathologies later in life.
Intra- Versus Intersex Aggression
Authors: Wölfer Ralf , Hewstone Miles
Published: July 2015

Two theories offer competing explanations of sex differences in aggressive behavior: sexual-selection theory and social-role theory. While each theory has specific strengths and limitations depending on the victim’s sex, research hardly differentiates between intrasex and intersex aggression. In the present study, 11,307 students (mean age = 14.96 years; 50% girls, 50% boys) from 597 school classes provided social-network data (aggression and friendship networks) as well as physical (body mass index) and psychosocial (gender and masculinity norms) information. Aggression networks were used to disentangle intra- and intersex aggression, whereas their class-aggregated sex differences were analyzed using contextual predictors derived from sexual-selection and social-role theories. As expected, results revealed that sexual-selection theory predicted male-biased sex differences in intrasex aggression, whereas social-role theory predicted male-biased sex differences in intersex aggression. Findings suggest the value of explaining sex differences separately for intra- and intersex aggression with a dual-theory framework covering both evolutionary and normative components.
Flow simulation in radial pump impellers and evaluation of slip factor
Authors: Khalafallah Mohamed G , Elsheshtawy Hassan A , Ahmed Abdel-Naby M , Abd El-Rahman Ahmed I
Published: July 2015

This work is concerned with the study of the slip phenomenon in centrifugal pumps and the evaluation of its dependence on the flow rate for a four-bladed pump. The finite volume method is used, and the impeller domain is represented by a structured grid topology. The calculations assume a rotationally periodic boundary condition, while the frozen rotor technique is used to model the interaction between the pump impeller and its surrounding volute casing. The simulation uses an implicit time integration of the dynamic equations and is carried out using the commercial ANSYS CFX-solver. Results from the simulation are found in reasonable agreement with the pump performance curve with a maximum relative error of 4% in the range of flow coefficient from 0.8 to 1.2. The calculated values of the slip factor, as a function of the flow rate, show good agreement with the Qiu’s mathematical model while retaining the default value of the defined shape factor F = 0.52. In this particular study, the results show that although the slip factor improves with the increase of either the number of blades or splitter length, the corresponding predicted hydraulic efficiency decreases due to the increasing friction loss.
Development of a cylindrical burner comprising multiple pairs of opposing partially premixed or inverse diffusion flames
Authors: Kamal MM
Published: July 2015

A cylindrical burner was developed to combine extensive firing limits, high combustion efficiencies, and low NOx emissions from partially premixed or inverse diffusion flames by setting multiple pairs of circumferentially opposing jets (of concentric fuel and air streams). Normal strain rates as high as 1600 s−1 in addition to transverse strain rates of 640 s−1 were combined with a cross-flow impact and elliptical jet dispersion such that a turbulent kinetic energy peak of 15.4 m2/s2 was produced. The fuel/air mixing was enhanced and the peak temperature was reduced due to the stimulation of cross-flow wake zones and the axis switching of the elliptical jets. Partially premixed methane/air combustion of 12 opposing mixtures at Φ=1.5 led to NOx reduction to 0.36 g/kg fuel via controlling the flow residence time and adjusting the separation between the premixing and diffusion zones of each flame. As elliptical ports are used, the NOx concentrations decreased to 4 ppm with an aspect ratio of 3.0. Increasing the ratio between the diameter of the jets and their axial separation decreased the CO and HC emissions respectively to 489 ppm and 0.019%. Upon having opposing inverse diffusion flames, the blowout stability limit reached a maximum value of 53.2 m/s. With a separation of 4.0 cm, the NOx emissions reached a minimum level of 25 ppm by increasing the momentum flux ratio between the cross-flow air jet and the opposing jets to 1.5. By optimizing the cross-flow/primary air velocity ratio and the primary air/fuel jet diameter ratio, the CO and HC emissions were respectively minimized to 721 ppm and 0.039%. The velocity fluctuations indicated that increasing the opposing jets increases the turbulent kinetic energy and decreases the smallest scales of turbulence.
Public libraries in Turkey: A retrospective look and the present state
Authors: Al Umut , Akıllı Sinan
Published: July 2015

The present study offers an overview of the public library system in Turkey and evaluates the libraries from various aspects in the context of the past decade. Public libraries in Turkey are governed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. As of the end of 2013, there are 1118 public libraries in Turkey with more than one million registered users which is only 1.3% of the total population of the country. The total number of staff in the 1118 public libraries is approximately 3400, of which only 15% are graduates of librarianship programs. As regards collection size, it is observed that there has been a consistent increase in the number of books in public library collections. When considered together with the rate of increase in the total number of registered public library users, however, there has been a major decrease in the number of books per registered public library user in the past decade. The budget allocated for public libraries in Turkey has been consistently greater each year. The public libraries in Turkey offer their services in buildings that vary significantly in terms of architectural design. In general, public libraries in Turkey have been on a developing trend in recent years. On the other hand, the comparisons made in this study with other European countries suggest that there are a number of issues related to public libraries in Turkey that need to be improved.
From goalscorer to politician: The case of Romário and football politics in Brazil
Authors: Doidge Mark , de Almeida Bárbara Schausteck
Published: July 2015

During his playing days, the Brazilian striker Romário was one of the most famous footballers in the world. He played for three of Brazil’s top clubs in Rio de Janeiro, as well as Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven. He won the World Cup and scored over one-thousand goals throughout his career. After this successful career, Romário entered politics, first as a deputy in the city of Rio and later as a senator in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Romário’s electoral success is not simply down to his footballing ability, nor the popularity of the sport in Brazil. Sports stardom, celebrity and celebrity politicians are also engaging with complex cultural processes. He has traded on his footballing stardom, but he also connects with his electorate through specific policy campaigns that resonate particularly well with his Brazilian voters. More importantly, he uses football and his footballer career as a metaphor for the wider problems facing Brazilian society. Drawing on literature from Sports Stardom, Celebrity and Celebrity Politicians, this paper charts the political career of Romário within the socio-political context of Brazil and argues that celebrity politicians still need to engage with their audiences regardless of their previous careers.
Nontraditional Black Male Undergraduates: A Call to Action
Authors: Goings Ramon B.
Published: July 2015

Institutions of higher education have witnessed an influx of nontraditional Black college students generally, and males specifically. However, there is limited research that investigates the academic and social experiences of nontraditional Black males. As universities seek to improve the academic retention and graduation rates of Black males, nontraditional Black male undergraduates must be included in the discussion. This article provides a call to action for researchers and practitioners not only to begin researching nontraditional aged Black male collegians but also to focus on those men who are academically successful to inform the academic and social supports on college campuses implemented for nontraditional Black men.
Mechanical behaviour of magnetic Silly Putty: Viscoelastic and magnetorheological properties
Authors: Golinelli Nicola , Spaggiari Andrea , Dragoni Eugenio
Published: July 2015

In this work the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of magnetic Silly Putty are investigated. Silly Putty is a non-Newtonian material whose response depends on the rate at which it is deformed. For a rapid deformation, it behaves as an elastic solid, while over a relatively long time scale, the polymer molecules can be untangled and it flows as a fluid. The purpose of this article is to study the behaviour of this material firstly under a quasi-static compression and shear loading, and secondly under dynamic shear loading. The Silly Putty under study has a volume fraction of ferromagnetic particles. Hence, both quasi-static and dynamic stress are coupled with several strengths of magnetic field in order to assess the influence of the magnetisation on the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the material. The approach adopted in this work followed the Design of Experiment method so that evaluating the influence of the variables and their interactions on the system response is possible. The results highlight a strong dependence on the deformation rate, while the influence of the magnetic field is weak, especially under dynamic shear tests in which the viscous components are predominant.
Modeling and simulation on engraving process of projectile rotating band under different charge cases
Authors: Sun Quanzhao , Yang Guolai , Ge Jianli
Published: July 2015

Dynamic engraving processes upon a projectile under five charge cases were studied using numerical simulations. A finite element model of the rotating band engraving into the forcing cone of the barrel was constructed, and the deformation process of the rotating band, the projectile motions, the dynamic engraving resistance, the average work pressure and the engraving pressure were obtained. The simulation results show that the interior ballistic parameters, including the engraving speed, the projectile motion, the maximum engraving resistance and the engraving pressure are different for different charge cases. This work provides an approach to investigating the interior ballistics processes considering the dynamic engraving of rotating bands.
Analyzing Determinants of Hospitals’ Accountable Care Organizations Participation
Authors: Yeager Valerie A. , Zhang Yongkang , Diana Mark L.
Published: July 2015

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) are rapidly being implemented across the United States, but little is known about what environmental and organizational factors are associated with hospital participation in ACOs. Using resource dependency theory, this study examines external environmental characteristics and organizational characteristics that relate to hospital participation in Medicare ACOs. Results indicate hospitals operating in more munificent environments (as measured by income per capita: β = 0.00002, p < .05) and more competitive environments (as measured by Health Maintenance Organization penetration: β = 1.86, p < .01) are more likely to participate in ACOs. Organizational characteristics including hospital ownership, health care system membership, electronic health records implementation, hospital type, percentage of Medicaid inpatient discharge, and number of nursing home beds per 1,000 population over 65 are also related to ACO participation. Should the anticipated benefits of ACOs be realized, findings from this study can guide strategies to encourage hospitals that have not gotten involved in ACOs.
Loading, release and stability of epirubicin-loaded drug-eluting beads
Authors: Spindeldreier Kirsten C , Thiesen Judith , Krämer Irene
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the loading efficiency, physico-chemical stability and release of epirubicin-loaded DC Bead™ (Biocompatibles UK Ltd, a BTG International group company) (bead size 70–150 µm (=DC Bead M1™) and 100–300 µm) after loading with epirubicin solution (2 mg/ml) or reconstituted powder formulation (25 mg/ml) and controlled storage.

Methods

DC Bead™ were loaded with 76 mg epirubicin solution (Epimedac™, Medac GmbH) or 75 mg epirubicin powder formulation (Farmorubicin™, Pharmacia Pfizer GmbH) per 2 ml of beads. Drug loading efficiency and stability were determined by measuring the epirubicin concentration in the excess solution after predetermined intervals (maximum 24 h) and different agitation conditions. Syringes with loaded beads were stored protected from light at room temperature. At predetermined intervals the beads were transferred into 200 ml phosphate buffered solution (pH 7.2) as elution medium and stirred automatically for 2 h not followed or followed by addition of 200 ml of 20% sodium chloride (=NaCl) solution and stirred for another 2 h to analyse the drug release and integrity of the epirubicin-loaded beads. Elution experiments were performed and samples taken periodically over a four-week period (day 0, 7, 14 and 28). A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography assay with ultraviolet detection was utilized to analyse the concentration and purity of epirubicin.

Results

The loading procedure for DC Bead™ with epirubicin drug solutions resulted in a loading percentage of 95–99% within 6 h dependent on the bead size, epirubicin concentration in the loading solution and loading conditions. Loading levels remained stable and no epirubicin degradation products were observed over the period of 28 days, while the loaded beads were stored light protected at room temperature. Release of epirubicin into 200 ml phosphate buffered solution elution medium and additionally followed by release into the admixture with 200 ml 20% NaCl solution amounted to 5% and about 20% of the loaded epirubicin, respectively. Integrity of loaded epirubicin was proven over 28 days.

Conclusions

Epirubicin can be loaded into DC Bead™ of different sizes using the epirubicin powder formulation (25 mg/ml) or epirubicin injection concentrate (2 mg/ml). Physico-chemical stability is maintained over a period of at least 28 days when stored light protected at room temperature. Elution of epirubicin is dependent on the volume and cation exchange capacity of the elution medium.
Effectiveness of a Pregnancy Smoking Intervention
Authors: Bailey Beth A.
Published: July 2015

Despite the known dangers of pregnancy smoking, rates remain high, especially in the rural, Southern United States. Interventions are effective, but few have been developed and tested in regions with high rates of pregnancy smoking, a culture that normalizes smoking, and a hard-to-reach prenatal population. The goals were to describe a smoking cessation intervention, the Tennessee Intervention for Pregnant Smokers program, and examine the impact on quit rates compared to usual care. Additionally we sought to examine reduction in smoking levels and number of quit attempts related to the intervention and finally to examine the impact of the intervention on birth outcomes. Intervention and historical control group participants, all smokers at entry to prenatal care, were recruited from five medical practices providing prenatal care in rural, South-Central Appalachia. The intervention, an expanded 5A’s (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) model, was delivered by trained health educators. Over 28% of intervention group women quit smoking, compared to 9.8% in the control group. Two thirds of intervention group women significantly reduced smoking by delivery, with 40%+ attempting to quit at least once. Compared to controls, intervention group women saw significantly better birth outcomes, including newborns weighing 270g more and 50% less likely to have a neonatal intensive care unit admission. Among intervention group participants, those who quit smoking had significantly better birth outcomes than those who did not quit smoking. Findings point to the potential for appropriately tailored pregnancy smoking interventions to produce substantial improvements in birth outcomes within populations with health disparities.
A Process Evaluation of the Alaska Native Colorectal Cancer Family Outreach Program
Authors: Redwood Diana , Provost Ellen , Lopez Ellen D. S. , Skewes Monica , Johnson Rhonda , Christensen Claudia , Sacco Frank , Haverkamp Donald
Published: July 2015

This article presents the results of a process evaluation of the Alaska Native (AN) Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Family Outreach Program, which encourages CRC screening among AN first-degree relatives (i.e., parents, siblings, adult children; hereafter referred to as relatives) of CRC patients. Among AN people incidence and death rates from CRC are the highest of any ethnic/racial group in the United States. Relatives of CRC patients are at increased risk; however, CRC can be prevented and detected early through screening. The evaluation included key informant interviews (August to November 2012) with AN and non-AN stakeholders and program document review. Five key process evaluation components were identified: program formation, evolution, outreach responses, strengths, and barriers and challenges. Key themes included an incremental approach that led to a fully formed program and the need for dedicated, culturally competent patient navigation. Challenges included differing relatives’ responses to screening outreach, health system data access and coordination, and the program impact of reliance on grant funding. This program evaluation indicated a need for more research into motivating patient screening behaviors, electronic medical records systems quality improvement projects, improved data-sharing protocols, and program sustainability planning to continue the dedicated efforts to promote screening in this increased risk population.
What happens when GPs engage in commissioning? Two decades of experience in the English NHS
Authors: Miller Rosalind , Peckham Stephen , Coleman Anna , McDermott Imelda , Harrison Stephen , Checkland Kath
Published: July 2015

Objective

To review the evidence on commissioning schemes involving clinicians in the United Kingdom National Health Service, between 1991 and 2010; report on the extent and impact of clinical engagement; and distil lessons for the development of such schemes both in the UK and elsewhere.

Methods

A review of published evidence. Five hundred and fourteen abstracts were obtained from structured searches and screened. Full-text papers were retrieved for UK empirical studies exploring the relationship between commissioners and providers with clinician involvement. Two hundred and eighteen published materials were reviewed.

Results

The extent of clinical engagement varied between the various schemes. Schemes allowing clinicians to act autonomously were more likely to generate significant engagement, with ‘virtuous cycles’ (experience of being able to make changes feeding back to encourage greater engagement) and ‘vicious cycles’ (failure to influence services generating disengagement) observed. Engagement of the wider general practitioner (GP) membership was an important determinant of success. Most impact was seen in GP prescribing and the establishment of services in general practices. There was little evidence of GPs engaging more widely with public health issues.

Conclusion

Evidence for a significant impact of clinical engagement on commissioning outcomes is limited. Initial changes are likely to be small scale and to focus on services in primary care. Engagement of GP members of primary care commissioning organizations is an important determinant of progress, but generates significant transaction costs.
The attachment of prematurely born children at school age: A pilot study
Authors: Nuccini Francesca , Paterlini Marcella , Gargano Giancarlo , Landini Andrea
Published: July 2015

This prospective longitudinal study compared the psychological development and patterns of attachment of 20 prematurely born children and 20 full-term children at 7 years of age. The School-age Assessment of Attachment (SAA) was used, and hypotheses and interpretation of the findings were drawn from the Dynamic-Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation (DMM). Significant differences between prematurely born and full-term children were found: 10% versus 0% at “high” risk, 55% versus 25% at “moderate” risk, and 35% versus 75% at “low” risk. There were no differences in the percentage of psychological trauma between samples, but there was a difference in the types of experiences leading to trauma. For prematurely born children, it was most often illness, whereas for full-term children, it was family problems. We discuss the implications for clinicians.
Validity of the School-age Assessment of Attachment for moderate-risk, rural early adolescents
Authors: Kidwell Shari L , Sizemore Kayla M , Qu Jin , Fugate Katelyn M , Deaton Michelle S , Blevins Morgan D
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

This study provides evidence of validity of the School-age Assessment of Attachment (SAA) through longitudinal comparison with the Preschool Assessment of Attachment (PAA) and with concurrent attachment assessments and measures of risk and parenting. Determining which assessment had the greatest validity with this moderate-risk sample would be of benefit to those working with troubled young people and their families.

Hypotheses:

Children’s SAA classifications were expected to correspond to their PAA, a behavioral attachment assessment, parenting, and risk. An attachment questionnaire was predicted to not accurately indicate children’s risk status.

Design:

The design was an 8-year longitudinal follow-up of rural Appalachian American preschoolers.

Method:

The participants were 21 children and their caregivers. The PAA was completed at age 4. The SAA, a self-report questionnaire, and a parent–child conflict resolution task were completed at age 12. Parents completed assessments of depression, trauma, stress, and perceptions of helplessness.

Results:

The PAA was related to the SAA and the dyadic behavioral task. The SAA was consistently associated with measures of parenting and family risk. The attachment questionnaire performed poorly for children with higher risk status, suggesting more (not less) sensitive and responsive parenting.
Physical exercise at the workplace reduces perceived physical exertion during healthcare work: cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jakobsen Markus Due , Sundstrup Emil , Brandt Mikkel , Jay Kenneth , Aagaard Per , Andersen Lars L.
Published: July 2015

Background: High physical exertion during work is a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain and long-term sickness absence. Physical exertion (RPE) reflects the balance between physical work demands and physical capacity of the individual. Thus, increasing the physical capacity through physical exercise may decrease physical exertion during work. This study investigates the effect of workplace-based versus home-based physical exercise on physical exertion during work (WRPE) among healthcare workers. Methods: 200 female healthcare workers (age: 42.0, body mass index: 24.1, average pain intensity: 3.1 on a scale of 0 to 10, average WRPE: 3.6 on a scale of 0 to 10) from 18 departments at three participating hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated at the cluster level to 10 weeks of: (1) workplace physical exercise (WORK) performed in groups during working hours for 5×10 minutes per week and up to five group-based coaching sessions on motivation for regular physical exercise, or (2) home-based physical exercise (HOME) performed during leisure time for 5×10 minutes per week. Physical exertion was assessed at baseline and at 10-week follow-up. Results: 2.2 (SD: 1.1) and 1.0 (SD: 1.2) training sessions were performed per week in WORK and HOME, respectively. Physical exertion was reduced more in WORK than HOME ( p<0.01). Between-group differences in physical exertion at follow-up (WORK vs. HOME) was −0.5 points (95% CI −0.8 to −0.2). Within-group effect size (Cohen’s d) in WORK and HOME was 0.43 and 0.13, respectively. Conclusions: Physical exercise performed at the workplace appears more effective than home-based exercise in reducing physical exertion during daily work tasks in healthcare workers.
Autism and new media: Disability between technology and society
Authors: Pinchevski Amit , Peters John Durham
Published: July 2015

This article explores the elective affinities between autism and new media. Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) provides a uniquely apt case for considering the conceptual link between mental disability and media technology. Tracing the history of the disorder through its various media connections and connotations, we propose a narrative of the transition from impaired sociability in person to fluent social media by network. New media introduce new affordances for people with ASD: The Internet provides habitat free of the burdens of face-to-face encounters, high-tech industry fares well with the purported special abilities of those with Asperger’s syndrome, and digital technology offers a rich metaphorical depository for the condition as a whole. Running throughout is a gender bias that brings communication and technology into the fray of biology versus culture. Autism invites us to rethink our assumptions about communication in the digital age, accounting for both the pains and possibilities it entails.
Registering and repair-initiating repeats in French talk-in-interaction
Authors: Persson Rasmus
Published: July 2015

This article examines the prosody and sequential organisation of repeats in French talk-in-interaction. Repeats in French are used for initiating repair, as well as for registering receipt. I show for two sequential contexts – after first pair parts and after second pair parts – that the action import of the repeat depends on its prosodic design; prosody allows participants to differentiate between repair-initiating (i.e. questioning) and receipt-registering repeats. While questioning repeats make a response conditionally relevant, registering repeats do not – however, they do not preclude a response either. Registering repeats are sometimes responded to with confirmation tokens, and sometimes not; when produced, such responses are a contingent possibility rather than an expectable second pair part. In the selection and design of confirmation tokens, participants distinguish between solicited and volunteered confirmations. The article relates these findings to prior research on repetition and sequence organisation in French and also in English, Russian and Finnish.
Ballistic limit velocity of empty rectangular metal columns under a blunt projectile penetration
Authors: Niknejad Abbas , Zareei Amin
Published: July 2015

This paper studies the ballistic limit velocity of empty rectangular columns under a blunt projectile penetration, theoretically and numerically. The deformation mechanism of the empty column is considered as plugging. The projectile is assumed to be a flat-ended cylinder without deformation. A new theoretical model of deformation is introduced, and based on the energy method, a theoretical formula is derived to estimate the ballistic limit velocity of the process. Numerical simulations of the penetration process of a blunt solid cylinder into the empty metal columns are performed using the LS-DYNA explicit solver. Different empty columns are used as the targets, and these columns are made from Weldox 460E steel and have different wall thicknesses (6, 7, 8 and 9 mm) and internal column edge lengths (60, 70, 80 and 90 mm). To validate the derived relation for the ballistic limit velocity, the results of the numerical simulations are compared with the corresponding theoretical predictions. Finally, the effects of some geometrical characteristics such as projectile diameter and mass on the perforation process and the ballistic limit velocity are discussed.
Near-lethal acute kidney injury due to Goodpasture’s syndrome: A case report
Authors: Sinha Vivek K , Hibbert Caroline
Published: July 2015

We report a case of a 75-year-old patient who presented with severe acute kidney injury due to Goodpasture’s syndrome. It is an uncommon autoimmune condition, requiring treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and plasma exchange. Prognosis depends largely on early diagnosis, so it is important to be aware of these rarer causes whenever anyone presents with acute kidney injury. She had two cardiac arrests in the emergency department, had a long stay in the intensive care unit and went on to develop pulmonary haemorrhage which improved with treatment. However, she developed end-stage renal failure for which she is on life-long dialysis.
Advancing the health-promoting prison: a call for global action
Authors: Woodall James , Dixey Rachael
Published: July 2015

The global prison population has grown exponentially in all five continents and consistent analysis shows that many diseases, illnesses and long-term conditions are over-represented in the prison population. Despite the myriad of health challenges in the population, the concept and practice of health promotion is both contested and underdeveloped with significant variation in its application in prison systems globally. The purpose of this commentary paper is twofold. The first is to provide a short overview of the health-promoting prison concept which we argue, at present, is a largely Eurocentric idea which has not been adopted on a global scale. Second, the paper makes a case for more global action on prison health promotion and invites further dialogue and discussion amongst the health promotion community.
Comparing current fitness center members’ perceptions of the motivational climate with non-members
Authors: Brown Theresa C. , Volberding Jennifer , Baghurst Timothy , Sellers John
Published: July 2015

Researchers using an achievement goal theory and caring climate framework have highlighted the connection between fitness center members’ climate perceptions and their exercise motivation. However, much of what is known comes from current members, with little known about former and non-members’ perceptions. The purpose of this study was to compare current, former, and non-members’ perceptions of the motivational climate of a university campus fitness facility. Faculty and staff ( N = 657) at a large American university completed a one-time mixed-methods survey about their perceptions of the motivational climate (i.e. caring climate; preference for caring, task-, ego-involving climate), staff behaviors (i.e. caring, task involving), and usage of their campus fitness facility. Despite usage, quantitative analyses indicated that all participants reported valuing a caring, task-involving climate over a non-caring, ego-involving climate when choosing a fitness center. When asked about the particular fitness center for this study, current members were more likely than former and never users to perceive a caring climate where staff engaged in task-involving behaviors. Content analysis of the qualitative comments revealed that three main themes emerged with regard to perceptions and fell into positive, negative, and neutral categories. Overall, current users were more likely to perceive caring behaviors among the staff such as taking measures to welcome members and supporting their individualized goals. Former and never users were more likely to perceive staff as unhelpful, unwelcoming, and unfriendly. In an effort to remove barriers to physical activity, fitness professionals should consider how their behaviors, interactions, and promotional materials impact individuals’ decision of whether to exercise at their fitness facility. The findings include a discussion for fitness staff to consider when creating advertisement and outreach efforts as well as how to foster the most effective climate to attract and retain exercisers.