bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulated XPA promotes carcinogenesis of bladder cancer via impairment of DNA repair
Authors: Zhi Yi , Ji Huixiang , Pan Jinhong , He Peng , Zhou Xiaozhou , Zhang Heng , Zhou Zhansong , Chen Zhiwen
Published: February 2017

Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor of urinary system, largely resulting from failure of repair of DNA damage to the environmental insults. The function of XPA in nucleotide excision repair pathway has been well documented. However, participation of XPA in the repair of DNA double-strand break remains unknown. Here, we reported that bladder cancer expressed low XPA levels compared to adjacent non-tumor bladder tissue, and this phenotype was closely associated with chromosomal aberrations. Moreover, downregulated XPA appeared to increase incidence of chromosome aberration. XPA reduction increased cell viability of a bladder cancer cell line RT4, while XPA re-expression decreased the cell viability of RT4 cells. Since high mutation frequency is the basis of mutations of oncogenes and anti-oncogenes, and may be the essence of bladder cancer susceptibility, our study suggests that downregulated XPA may promote carcinogenesis of bladder cancer via impairment of DNA repair.
Dynamic tracing for epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in urinary circulating DNA in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Shi Xiu-Qin , Xue Wen-Hua , Zhao Song-Feng , Zhang Xiao-Jian , Sun Wukong
Published: February 2017

The mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor are detected in gastric cancer, indicating its suitability as a target for receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as a marker for clinical outcome of chemotherapeutic treatments. However, extraction of quality tumor tissue for molecular processes remains challenging. Here, we aimed to examine the clinical relevance of urinary cell–free DNA as an alternative tumor material source used specifically for monitoring epidermal growth factor receptor mutations. Therefore, 120 gastric cancer patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and 100 healthy controls were recruited for the study. The gastric patients also received epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor treatment for a serial monitoring study. Paired primary tumor specimens were obtained with blood and urine samples, which were taken at a 1-month interval for a duration of 12 months. We found that urinary cell–free DNA yielded a close agreement of 92% on epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status when compared to primary tissue at baseline, and of 99% epidermal growth factor receptor mutation status when compared to plasma samples at different time points. Thus, our data suggest that urinary cell–free DNA may be a reliable source for screening and monitoring epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in the primary gastric cancer.
FOXF2 promoter methylation is associated with prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Hu Haochang , Liu Jing , Yang Yong , Liu Guili , Ying Xiuru , Chen Yingmin , Li Bin , Ye Cong , Wu Dongping , Duan Shiwei
Published: February 2017

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a commonly malignant tumor of digestive tract with poor prognosis. Previous studies suggested that forkhead box F2 ( FOXF2) could be a candidate gene for assessing and predicting the prognosis of human cancers. However, the relationship between FOXF2 promoter methylation and the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remained unclear. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues of 135 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients were detected for FOXF2 promoter methylation status by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction approach. DNA methylation results were evaluated with regard to clinicopathological features and overall survival. Our study confirmed that FOXF2 promoter hypermethylation could independently predict a poorer overall survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients ( p = 0.002), which was consistent with the data mining results of the data from 82 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets ( p = 0.036). In addition, no correlation was found between FOXF2 promoter methylation and other clinic pathological parameters (age, gender, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, stage, cutting edge, vascular invasion, smoking behavior, and drinking history). In conclusion, FOXF2 methylation might be a useful prognostic biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.
miR-29a suppresses MCF-7 cell growth by downregulating tumor necrosis factor receptor 1
Authors: Zhao Yiling , Yang Fenghua , Li Wenyuan , Xu Chunyan , Li Li , Chen Lifei , Liu Yancui , Sun Ping
Published: February 2017

Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 is the main receptor mediating many tumor necrosis factor-alpha–induced cellular events. Some studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 promotes tumorigenesis by activating nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway, while other studies have confirmed that tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 plays an inhibitory role in tumors growth by inducing apoptosis in breast cancer. Therefore, the function of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 in breast cancer requires clarification. In this study, we first found that tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 was significantly increased in human breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and knockdown of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 by small interfering RNA inhibited cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. In addition, miR-29a was predicted as a regulator of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 by TargetScan and was shown to be inversely correlated with tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 expression in human breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay further confirmed that miR-29a negatively regulated tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 expression by binding to the 3′ untranslated region. In our functional study, miR-29a overexpression remarkably suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation, arrested the cell cycle, and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cell. Furthermore, in combination with tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 transfection, miR-29a significantly reversed the oncogenic role caused by tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 in MCF-7 cell. In addition, we demonstrated that miR-29a suppressed MCF-7 cell growth by inactivating the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway and by decreasing cyclinD1 and Bcl-2/Bax protein levels. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-29a is an important regulator of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 expression in breast cancer and functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 to influence the growth of MCF-7 cell.
Big Data, Technical Communication, and the Smart City
Authors: Frith Jordan
Published: February 2017

Big data is one of the most hyped buzzwords in both academia and industry. This article makes an early contribution to research on big data by situating data theoretically as a historical object and arguing that much of the discourse about the supposed transparency and objectivity of big data ignores the crucial roles of interpretation and communication. To set forth that analysis, this article engages with recent discussion of big data and “smart” cities to show the communicative practices operating behind the scenes of large data projects and relate those practices to the profession of technical communication.
Using a Digital Pen to Support Secondary Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Ok Min Wook , Rao Kavita
Published: February 2017

Secondary students with learning disabilities (LD) can benefit from using assistive and instructional technologies to support content and skill acquisition. Digital pens have features that can be beneficial for students who struggle with comprehension, note taking, and organization. Livescribe pens, in particular, provide a variety features that teachers and students can use as a support for note taking, content review and test preparation, formative assessment, and testing accommodations and as a math calculator for secondary students with LD. This article describes several ways that teachers can integrate digital pens to support secondary students with LD and discusses potential benefits and challenges regarding the use of these pens.
A consistent and efficient localized damage model for concrete
Authors: Li Wen-Sheng , Wu Jian-Ying
Published: February 2017

Damage induced localized failure is of vital importance to evaluate residual safety and to prevent catastrophic collapse of concrete structures. Aiming for the efficient and robust modeling of localized failure in quasi-brittle solids and structures, this paper addresses a thermodynamically consistent and numerically efficient localized damage model for concrete. The thermodynamic framework is presented in such a way that not only the continuum model for the bulk material, but also the localized model for the discontinuity, can be established in a consistent approach. For the latter, a localized Helmholtz free energy potential is postulated, mimicking the classical continuum damage model. Specifically, a localized damage variable is introduced to characterize degradation of the initially-rigid discontinuity with a well-defined reference stiffness. Consistent evolution law for the localized damage variable is derived from an appropriate traction-based failure criterion and its equivalent separation-based counterpart, e.g. the novel hyperbolic damage criterion introduced in this work. The proposed model can be regularized and in particular, upon the assumption of continuous stress field, an orthotropic damage model in the context of smeared crack methods is recovered. This coincidence not only justifies the proposed model, but also sheds new lights on other classical methods. Numerically, the proposed localized damage model is incorporated into the improved stable eXtended FEM. Compared to those plasticity-based localized models, an explicit numerical algorithm can be used to update the cohesive tractions transferred across the discontinuity with no iteration on the constitutive level. This feature, together with the well-conditioned system matrix ensured by the improved stable eXtended FEM, guarantees noticeable efficiency and robustness of the overall numerical performances. The proposed model is verified against several classical benchmark tests of concrete in both mode-I and mixed-mode failure. The numerical predictions agree well with experimental test data and those reported in the literature. Remarkably, all the numerical results are mesh-size and mesh-alignment independent, and no spurious stress locking is observed, showing validity of the proposed model in the modeling of localized failure in concrete.
A multiresolution investigation on fatigue damage of aluminum alloys at micrometer level
Authors: Chen H , Shi X , He Q , Mao JH , Liu Y , Kang H , Shen J
Published: February 2017

Fatigue damage is a form of material degradation under repeated mechanical and/or thermal loading. A new multiresolution fatigue damage analysis is formulated and used to estimate low-cycle fatigue damage. The progressive fatigue damage is measured based on the X-ray computed tomography. Then, the measured microcracks and microvoids are transformed to mesoscale and macro-scale damage variables. The entire transformation process is achieved analytically by means of 3D finite element analysis and specially formulated super representative volume elements. The estimated macro-scale damage variables in terms of effective Young’s moduli are compared with those measured experimentally and found to be in agreement. Some lessons learned in this study are provided for the direction of future research.
Traditional and Nontraditional High-Achieving Black Males’ Strategies for Interacting With Faculty at a Historically Black College and University
Authors: Goings Ramon B.
Published: February 2017

This study explored the academic and social experiences of high-achieving Black males attending a historically Black university and their interactions with faculty. In particular, this study investigated the strategies traditional (ages 18–24) and nontraditional (ages 25 and over) high achievers used to foster positive classroom interactions with professors. Findings indicate that traditional participants used a strategy they described as “standing out” in order to foster faculty relationships and distinguish themselves from other Black males on campus. The nontraditional participants mastered what they described as “never outshine the master,” a tactical and political strategy used with professors to avoid being offensive, being seen as a know-it-all, or negatively impacting their grades. These strategies are described and the article concludes with implications for historically Black college and university faculty and future research.
From skin to spontaneous lysis: A case of spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Durham Charis G , Herrington Jon , Seago Susan , Williams Chelsea , Holguin Mark H
Published: February 2017

Tumor lysis syndrome is a life-threatening complication that often occurs after administration of cytotoxic therapy, but rarely occurs spontaneously without chemotherapy. This vignette describes a 59-year-old male with known extensive metastatic melanoma who presented to the hospital with spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome. Most spontaneous tumor lysis cases occur in patients with acute leukemias and aggressive lymphomas; however, this rare case depicts a patient with melanoma developing tumor lysis before the administration of chemotherapy.
The Umbrella Movement: Ethnographic explorations of communal re-spatialization
Authors: Yew-Foong Hui
Published: February 2017

This article is an ethnographic exploration of the Umbrella Movement that occupied and re-spatialized the arterial streets of Hong Kong in late 2014. It examines how communities made up of hamlets of tent-dwelling demonstrators evolved, in particular, out of the Admiralty occupied area. Through a sense of communitas exercised among these communities, occupied areas were infused with ‘pure potentiality’ and transformed into liminoid spaces. As a result, the previously undifferentiated space of roads took on new meanings and was redefined to facilitate the discursive needs of these communities. Such transformation of space also reveals the tonality of life among the communities, and how they relate to each other through the moral idiom of care. While short-lived, the communal re-spatialization of the Umbrella Movement articulated images of a utopian Hong Kong as well as a critique of Hong Kong’s political plight, often through irony and humor.
Are older fallers different? Comparing older fallers and non-fallers in a developing country
Authors: Yogi Rachna Rebeka , Sammy Ian , Paul Joanne F , Nunes Paula , Robertson Paula , Ramcharitar Maharaj Vidya
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Falls are common in older people, causing significant mortality and morbidity, but little is known about this phenomenon in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate falls in older people in the developing world, comparing fallers with other trauma patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study of older trauma patients in Trinidad over a four-month period, comparing falls victims with other trauma patients, in relation to their demographic, pre-morbid and injury characteristics.

Results

A total of 439 older trauma patients (aged ≥65 years) were included. Fallers were older (median age 75 years (interquartile range 65–89 years) vs. 70 years (interquartile range 65–79 years) in non-fallers). Overall, 65.2% of fallers were female, compared to 43.7% of non-fallers. Fallers were more likely to suffer from multiple pre-existing diseases, with 29.8% having ≥3 comordibities, compared to 9.7% of non-fallers. Fallers were also more likely to be on multiple medications: 7.1% were on five medications, compared to no non-fallers. Fallers also sustained more severe injuries and presented with higher acuity than non-fallers. Admission and referral rates were higher among fallers compared to other trauma patients (59.9% vs. 30.4%).

Conclusions

Older patients who fall are a distinct group from other older trauma patients, with unique demographic, clinical and injury-related characteristics. This information is useful in planning preventive and management strategies for these patients.
The long and the short of policy pantomime in Afghanistan
Authors: Blunt Peter , Mamundzay Farid , Nasary Muqtader
Published: February 2017

What roles do policies and policymaking play in the governance of the Afghan state? And what determines policy approval by cabinet? Based on the analysis of two subnational governance policies, this article concludes, first, that policy approval depends on the strength of political sponsorship, particularly personal relations with the president, and presidential political control, rather than the intrinsic merits of policy; and second, that policies and policymaking constitute pantomime-like behaviour designed to create an impression of developmental governance that conceals the realization of demand- and supply-side vested interests. Nevertheless, establishing the necessary (technical) conditions for good policy that can be utilized when sufficient (political) conditions are present is deemed worthwhile. And, although time is running out for constructive change in Afghanistan, to the extent that exposure of the incompetence, opportunism, hubris and mendacity of power makes policy pantomime and its tragic consequences less likely, so too are critiques like this.
Evaluating the reactivity controlled compression ignition operating range limits in a high-compression ratio medium-duty diesel engine fueled with biodiesel and ethanol
Authors: Benajes Jesús , García Antonio , Monsalve-Serrano Javier , Balloul Iyad , Pradel Gérard
Published: February 2017

This work investigates the load limits of reactivity controlled compression ignition combustion, a dual-fuel concept which combines port fuel injection of low-reactivity fuels with direct injection of diesel fuel, in a medium-duty diesel engine. The experiments were conducted in a single-cylinder diesel engine derived from the multi-cylinder production engine. In this sense, the stock turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation systems were replaced by an external compressor and dedicated low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation loop, respectively. Additionally, a port fuel injector was installed in the intake manifold to allow gasoline injection. First, this article presents some results highlighting the effect of the exhaust gas recirculation rate, gasoline fraction, diesel start of injection, diesel injection strategy and intake temperature on the emissions, performance and combustion development in a representative operating condition: 1200 r/min and 6.5 bar indicated mean effective pressure (25% load). Later, with the aim of showing the reactivity controlled compression ignition potential, the best results in terms of performance and emissions at 25% load are compared against the multi-cylinder diesel engine from 950 to 2200 r/min. Reactivity controlled compression ignition engine tests were developed taking into account limitations in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and soot emissions, in-cylinder pressure and maximum pressure rise rate. Finally, keeping the same constraints for testing, the load limits of reactivity controlled compression ignition concept are evaluated for all the engine speeds. Results suggest that reactivity controlled compression ignition allows fulfilling EURO VI limits for NOx and soot emissions without using selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filter aftertreatment systems at 25% load at all the engines speeds, providing better indicated efficiency than conventional diesel operation in most operating points. In addition, the maximum engine load that ensured the aforementioned constraints was around 35% for all the engine speeds, with a maximum indicated mean effective pressure of 8.8 bar at 2200 r/min. In this case, a strong reduction in carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions compared to the cases of 25% load was achieved at all the engine speeds.
An assessment of thermodynamic merits for current and potential future engine operating strategies
Authors: Wissink Martin L , Splitter Derek A , Dempsey Adam B , Curran Scott J , Kaul Brian C , Szybist Jim P
Published: February 2017

This work compares the fundamental thermodynamic underpinnings (i.e. working fluid properties and heat release profile) of various combustion strategies with engine measurements. The approach employs a model that separately tracks the impacts on efficiency due to differences in rate of heat addition, volume change, mass addition, and molecular weight change for a given combination of working fluid, heat release profile, and engine geometry. Comparative analysis between the measured and modeled efficiencies illustrates fundamental sources of efficiency reductions or opportunities inherent to various combustion regimes. Engine operating regimes chosen for analysis include stoichiometric spark-ignited combustion and lean compression-ignited combustion including homogeneous charge compression ignition, spark-assisted homogeneous charge compression ignition, and conventional diesel combustion. Within each combustion regime, the effects of engine load, combustion duration, combustion phasing, compression ratio, and charge dilution are explored. Model findings illustrate that even in the absence of losses such as heat transfer or incomplete combustion, the maximum possible thermal efficiency inherent to each operating strategy varies to a significant degree. Additionally, the experimentally measured losses are observed to be unique within a given operating strategy. The findings highlight the fact that to create a roadmap for future directions in internal combustion engine technologies, it is important to not only compare the absolute real-world efficiency of a given combustion strategy but also to examine the measured efficiency in context of what is thermodynamically possible with the working fluid and boundary conditions prescribed by a strategy.
Optimization of the compressed natural gas direct injection in a small research spark ignition engine
Authors: Catapano Francesco , Iorio Silvana Di , Sementa Paolo , Vaglieco Bianca Maria
Published: February 2017

The permanent aim of the automotive industry is the further improvement of the engine efficiency and the simultaneous pollutant emissions reduction. In order to optimize the small internal combustion engines, it is necessary to further improve the basic knowledge of the thermo-fluid dynamic phenomena occurring during the combustion process. In this context, the application of optical diagnostic techniques permits a deep insight into the fundamental processes such as flow development, fuel injection, and combustion process. The aim of this study was the optimization of the compressed natural gas direct injection by means of the analysis of the injection phase and combustion process. This analysis allowed the improvement of the engine efficiency in lean-burn operation condition too. The investigation was carried out in an optically accessible small direct injection spark ignition single-cylinder engine. Two different injectors were tested. The first one was the injector designed according to the results of model simulation, and the second one was a modified prototype obtained using the findings of the optical analysis carried out in the combustion chamber. The characteristic parameters of the gaseous fuel jet were evaluated through an image processing procedure. The fuel rail was modified in order to allow the injection of seeding particles into the gaseous fuel. The gas jet was analyzed using a white light source coupled with a high spatial and temporal resolution fast camera. The combustion process development was investigated for same engine operative condition performing a cycle-resolved visualization of the flame. Moreover, this methodology permitted the evaluation of motion field and turbulence during the injection process directly into the combustion chamber. The results of investigation evidenced that the modification of the injector, designed according to the optical analysis made in the optically accessible engine, allowed an optimization of compressed natural gas direct injection resulting in improved combustion and emissions reduction.
Effect of in-cylinder swirl on engine efficiency and heat rejection in a light-duty diesel engine
Authors: Olmeda P , Martín J , Blanco-Cavero D , Warey A , Domenech V
Published: February 2017

During the last years, the growing awareness about the impacts of climate change lead to an increase in the importance of the efficiency over other criteria in the design of internal combustion engines. In this framework, the heat transfer to the combustion chamber walls can be considered as one of the main sources of indicated efficiency diminution. Hence, the main objective of this research is to thoroughly assess the effect of the swirl ratio on the heat rejection to the chamber walls, and thus on the efficiency, of a fully instrumented four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine with variable swirl ratio (covering the range from 1.4 to 3). The analysis, based on the engine global energy balance, includes a combination of theoretical and experimental tools such as thermal flow measurement and dedicated thermocouples in the cylinder head and liner. Considering the results, it is shown that an increase in swirl ratio leads to a heat transfer enhancement, along with important changes on the combustion development. As a result of the combination of these two effects, it is shown that intermediate swirl ratios can slightly improve engine efficiency at low load, while increasing swirl worsens the combustion process and efficiency at high load. However, convective heat transfer increases about 3% of the fuel energy in the chamber when swirl ratio increases from 1.4 to 3. The heat rejection characterization is completed with the analysis of the wall temperatures. Despite the observed trends, heat transfer does not seem to be the only key issue for explaining the indicated and brake efficiencies, thus the pumping work plays an important role due to the effect of reducing the intake section to generate the swirl motion.
Knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease among Vietnamese Americans and correlates of their knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lee Sang E , Casado Banghwa Lee
Published: February 2017

The present study examined the knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and correlates of the disease knowledge among Vietnamese Americans. Cross-sectional survey interviews were conducted with 95 middle-aged and older Vietnamese Americans. Vietnamese Americans showed limited knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease. Normalization of Alzheimer’s disease in old age was prevalent. They lacked knowledge about treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s disease. Those who reside longer in the U.S. and are more exposed to Alzheimer’s disease are likely to have higher levels of Alzheimer’s disease knowledge. Our study identified current Alzheimer’s disease knowledge level and status, and areas of misconceptions and knowledge gaps among Vietnamese Americans, calling for urgent needs for educational outreach to improve knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease among Vietnamese Americans. Information about who can be more or less knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s disease can be used to strategize and tailor outreach efforts for different segments of the Vietnamese American population.
The Complexity of Adaptation to Childhood Polyvictimization in Youth and Young Adults: Recommendations for Multidisciplinary Responders
Authors: Musicaro Regina Marie , Spinazzola Joseph , Arvidson Joshua , Swaroop Sujata Regina , Goldblatt Grace Lisa , Yarrow Aliza , Suvak Michael K. , Ford Julian D.
Published: February 2017

Exposure to violence is pervasive in our society. An abundance of research has demonstrated that individuals who experience polyvictimization (PV)—prolonged or multiple forms of traumatic victimizations—are at heightened risk for continuing to experience repeated victimizations throughout their lifetimes. The current article reviews several overlapping constructs of traumatic victimizations with the ultimate goal of providing a unifying framework for conceptualizing prolonged and multiple victimization (defined in this article as PV) as a precursor to complex post-traumatic biopsychosocial adaptations, revictimization, and in some instances reenactment as a perpetrator (defined as complex trauma [CT]). This model is then applied to three socially disadvantaged victim populations—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning; commercially sexually exploited individuals; and urban communities of color—who are at heightened risk for PV and for exhibiting complex clinical presentations to demonstrate how the PV-CT framework can destigmatize, reframe, and ultimately reduce health disparities experienced by these populations. Trauma-informed recommendations are provided to aid researchers and multidisciplinary providers working to reduce harm and improve the quality of life for polyvictims.
Conceptual Review of Underrepresentation of Women in Senior Leadership Positions From a Perspective of Gendered Social Status in the Workplace
Authors: Seo Gaeun , Huang Wenhao , Han Seung-Hyun Caleb
Published: February 2017

An increasing number of studies report more similarities than differences in leadership styles between women and men. However, the evident vertical gender segregation at top management levels still remains a common phenomenon for various organizations. This consistent disparity needs to be addressed by identifying the underlying mechanism embedded in organizational structures that portrays women as less suitable for senior leadership positions than their male counterparts, although evidence suggests that there is no substantial gender difference in leadership styles or behaviors. This conceptual review articulates the deeply rooted gendered social status of organizations by delineating conceptual constructs and relationships regarding women’s delayed advancement to senior leadership positions. The resulting model further implies that the gendered social status associated with women could compromise the effectiveness of human resources development (HRD) interventions initially developed to help women. This understanding prompts reexamination of existing HRD interventions to support women’s career advancement to senior leadership positions in organizations.
Pragmatism and Human Resource Development
Authors: Korte Russell , Mercurio Zachary A.
Published: February 2017

This article explores a perspective of Human Resource Development grounded in Pragmatist philosophy and emerging theories of Practice. Pragmatism focuses on the practical outcomes of what we think and do. Thus, a core focus of Pragmatism is on practice. Practice theories frame and explain activities that are continually performed, produced, and reproduced through a dynamic entanglement of action, politics, communities, discourse, materials, tools, and agents. Pragmatism and practice theories are complementary perspectives focused on the consequences of our ideas and the results of our actions. Both perspectives provide us with valuable insights about our world. Pragmatism is a perspective that can bridge current divides between scientific paradigms, the theory–practice gap, and academic–practitioner interests. We review the general tenets of Pragmatism related to the research, theory, and practice of Human Resource Development. Key topics include pragmatic ideas of inquiry and objectivity; epistemology, truth, and fallibilism; and practice and experience.
An Integrative Framework for Problem-Based Learning and Action Learning
Authors: Scott Kimberly S.
Published: February 2017

Experiential learning methods for leadership development have grown in popularity, but empirical research to support design, implementation, and ongoing evaluation has not kept pace with the demand for these programs. Problem-based learning (PBL) and action learning (AL) are two examples of these interventions used for developing agile practitioners while solving challenges found in the workplace. Addressing the complexity of these approaches, this article presents a framework that integrates PBL and AL design features to facilitate research into these similar interventions for management and leadership development. The PBL and AL literatures are compared to reveal analogous characteristics and to highlight gaps in research. The integrative framework is applied to make recommendations for human resource development practitioners conducting program evaluations.
Long-Term Outcomes of Fistula First Initiative in an Urban University Hospital—Is It Still Relevant?
Authors: Greenberg Jacques , Jayarajan Senthil , Reddy Sridhar , Schmieder Frank A. , Roberts Andrew B. , van Bemmelen Paul S. , Lee Jean , Choi Eric T.
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

Dialysis access failure is a major cause of morbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease. The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (FFBI) dictates arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) should be preferred over arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) as first line for surgically placed accesses. The purpose of this study was to compare patency rates of surgical dialysis accesses in our mature, urban population after the FFBI.

Methods:

Current dialysis patients with accesses placed between 2006 and 2011 were included. Patient characteristics, access outcomes, interventions, and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

We report outcomes of 220 patients undergoing dialysis access. Of those 220, 75 received numerous accesses. All outcomes are evaluated as per access itself, that is, a patient may have numerous access types, each individually analyzed. Of the accesses, 138 were AVF and 190 were AVG. The average age of patients was 59.8 years. The groups were evenly matched in distribution of race and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). Average number of complications requiring intervention per access were fewer with AVF than AVG (1.21 vs 1.72, P = .02). The AVF had greater rates of stenosis (51.4% vs 40.6%, P = .0182), whereas AVG had greater thrombosis rates (14.6% vs 31.9%, P < .001). Both AVF and AVG had similar primary patency (median: 186 vs 142 days, P = .1774) and 3-year secondary patency (59.2% vs 49.2%, P = .0945). Arteriovenous fistula in patients aged <60 years was found to have the greatest primary ( P = .0078) and secondary patency ( P = .0400). Outcomes did not differ between AVF and AVG in those aged >60 years.

Conclusions:

Although complications requiring intervention are greater with AVG, primary and secondary patency rates are similar between AVF and AVG, except when considering AVF in patients aged <60 years.
The Uses of Qualitative Research
Authors: Kozleski Elizabeth B.
Published: February 2017

This article offers a rationale for the contributions of qualitative research to evidence-based practice in special education. In it, I make the argument that qualitative research encompasses the ability to study significant problems of practice, engage with practitioners in the conduct of research studies, learn and change processes during a study, and provide expansive data sets that help clarify both independent and dependent variables. Qualitative methodologies can shape and advance important questions of educational practice and policy. The concern with the degree to which qualitative research can contribute to the research base may be a reflection of the degree to which our field as a whole adequately prepares its researchers to understand and engage in high-quality qualitative research that adheres to benchmarks for internal and external validity from inception through dissemination of results.
Contributing Meaning to Research in Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Powers Laurie E.
Published: February 2017

Action research approaches reflecting power sharing by academic and community researchers, full engagement of community partners across all study phases, and ongoing commitment to partnership and capacity building have been increasingly embraced, particularly in research affecting marginalized populations. Findings suggest action research approaches have value in promoting the relevance, effectiveness, and translation of research, including experimental and other rigorous quantitative study. A relatively small proportion of action research has focused on individuals with developmental disabilities, and most studies have been qualitative. Strategies to address four major challenges in quantitatively focused action research in developmental disabilities are discussed: establishing connections between academic and community researchers, building understanding and trust, involving community researchers in technical aspects of research, and providing accommodations for community researchers and research participants. Implications and future research needs are discussed.
The Assessment of Motor Fatigability in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Severijns Deborah , Zijdewind Inge , Dalgas Ulrik , Lamers Ilse , Lismont Caroline , Feys Peter
Published: February 2017

Background. Persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are often characterized by increased motor fatigability, which is a performance change on an objectively measured criterion after any type of voluntary muscle contractions. This review summarizes the existing literature to determine which protocols and outcome measures are best to detect or study motor fatigability and the underlying mechanisms in MS. Methods. Two electronic databases, PubMed and Web of Science, were searched for relevant articles published until August 2016 with a combination of multiple sclerosis, fatigability, muscle fatigue, and motor fatigue. Results. A total of 48 articles were retained for data extraction. A variety of fatigability protocols were reported; protocols showed differences in type (isometric vs concentric), duration (15 to 180 s), and number of contractions (fixed or until exhaustion). Also, 12 articles reported motor fatigability during functional movements, predominantly assessed by changes in walking speed; 11 studies evaluated the mechanisms underlying motor fatigability, using additional electrical nerve or transcranial magnetic stimulation. Three articles reported psychometrics of the outcomes. Conclusions. The disparity of protocols and outcome measures to study different aspects of motor fatigability in PwMS impedes direct comparison between data. Most protocols use maximal single-joint isometric contractions, with the advantage of high standardization. Because there is no head-to-head comparison of the different protocols and only limited information on psychometric properties of outcomes, there is currently no gold standard to assess motor fatigability. The disability level, disease phenotype, and studied limb may influence the assessment of motor fatigability in PwMS.
A fast network coding scheme for mobile wireless sensor networks
Authors: Han Chen , Yang Yuwang , Han Xu
Published: February 2017

In mobile wireless sensor networks, linear network coding has been shown to improve the performance of network throughput and reduce delay. However, the linear dependence of coded packets caused by linear network coding will result in significant instability of the entire network during data transmission. Moreover, current linear network coding schemes do not distinguish between the real-time requirements of different packets. To solve the above problems, a weighted Vandermonde echelon fast coding scheme is proposed based on an analysis of various coding schemes such as random and linear network coding. Weighted Vandermonde echelon fast coding scheme can reduce the dependence problem of the network coding matrix and distinguish between different packet priorities. The accuracy of the proposed weighted Vandermonde echelon fast coding method is investigated through a theoretical analysis and then its outstanding delivery performance is verified through discrete event simulation experiments.
A lightweight authentication and key agreement scheme for smart grid
Authors: Yan Lili , Chang Yan , Zhang Shibin
Published: February 2017

Smart grid is a modernized electrical grid. It is used to collect information about behaviors of suppliers and consumers and improve the efficiency, reliability, and economics of electricity. Recently, advanced metering infrastructure is proposed as a critical part of the smart grid. The security of advanced metering infrastructure is special importance for smart grid. In order to achieve data confidentiality, privacy, and authentication in advanced metering infrastructure, a lightweight authentication and key agreement scheme is proposed in this article. The scheme provides mutual authentication, key agreement, key refreshment, and multicast mechanism which can prevent various attacks. Furthermore, we analyze the security and performance of the scheme. The analysis shows that the proposed scheme is suitable for smart grid.
The Priorities of Iranian Male Adolescents Health Needs
Authors: Zare Elham , Simbar Masoumeh , Shahhosseini Zohreh , Alavi Majd Hamid
Published: February 2017

Health in the adolescence period guarantees the next generation’s health. The assessment of health needs is the first stage for the implementation of health promotion interventions. This study aimed to assess the priorities of male adolescent’s health needs in Tehran, Iran, in year 2015. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with 1,200 male adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years. Single male adolescents studying in public guidance and high schools in Tehran, Iran, in year 2015 were chosen using a random multistage sampling method. Data were collected using the male adolescent health need assessment scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was found that while the lowest score was for the domain of sexual health, other domains had average or higher than average scores. More attention should be paid to the sexual health needs of male adolescents. Policy makers need to design strategies that help meet the health needs of male adolescents.
Adaptive fuzzy tracking control for non-affine nonlinear yaw channel of unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter
Authors: Yan Wenxu , Huang Jie , Xu Dezhi
Published: February 2017

The article deals with the problem of the yaw control of the unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter which is non-affine nonlinear by use of a novel projection-based adaptive fuzzy control approach. First, principle model and control design model of the yaw channel of the unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter are described. Then, a dynamic approximation technique is introduced to approach the non-affine model of the unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter into an affine model with variable parameters, which is applied to facilitate the design of nonlinear control scheme. Next, in the proposed controller, fuzzy controller is designed to deal with the unknown uncertainties and disturbances. Meanwhile, the projection-based adaptive law applied in fuzzy controller bounds the parameter estimation function and can also guarantee the robustness of the designed control scheme against uncertain disturbances. Moreover, the convergence and stability of the designed controller are proved by Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the simulation results of the yaw channel of an unmanned aerial vehicle helicopter are performed to illustrate that the designed controller has good tracking performance, stability, and robustness under the condition of the time-vary uncertain disturbances.
Capturing intruders based on Voronoi diagrams assisted by information networks
Authors: Kim Jonghoek
Published: February 2017

We consider a scenario of deploying multiple robots to capture all intruders in a cluttered workspace with many obstacles. Here, we say that a robot captures an intruder in the case where the intruder is within the maximum range of a weapon on the robot. All robots use the Voronoi diagram as the topological map of the workspace. Due to obstacles, intruders are confined to move along a passage between obstacles. Suppose the weapons on every robot are powerful enough to cover a passage in the workspace. Then, we can consider a simplified scenario such that robots and intruders are restricted to stay on the Voronoi diagram. We assume that a robot can detect the position of any intruder using the information network. This article presents an intruder capturing strategy that is robust to time delay in data transfer using the network. Our strategy does not require the localization of a node or a robot. Based on this strategy, we provide an upper bound for the minimum number of robots required to capture all intruders on a general graph, which leads to a result of the Voronoi diagram. Lastly, we provide MATLAB (version 7.10.0 R2010a) simulations to verify the effectiveness of our capturing strategy.
A novel image zooming method based on sparse representation of Weber’s law descriptor
Authors: Wang Liping , Zhou Shangbo , Awudu Karim , Qi Ying , Lin Xiaoran
Published: February 2017

A novel image zooming algorithm based on sparse representation of Weber’s law descriptor is proposed in this article. It is known that features of low resolution can be extracted using four one-dimensional filters convoluting with low resolution patches. Weber’s law descriptor can well deal with local feature, so we extract low-resolution image feature replacing one-dimensional with Weber’s law descriptor in the four filters. In addition, fractional calculus can deal with nonlocal information such as texture. For avoiding small complex component when the size of image is not an odd integer, we modify the extending image method used by Bai, so it can save lots of calculation. The proposed approach combining the Weber’s law descriptor with fractional calculus achieves a very good performance. Experimental results show that our method can well eliminate jagged effect when up-sampling an image and is robustness to noise.
Effects of upper body parameters on biped walking efficiency studied by dynamic optimization
Authors: An Kang , Li Chuanjiang , Fang Zuhua , Liu Chengju
Published: February 2017

Walking efficiency is one of the considerations for designing biped robots. This article uses the dynamic optimization method to study the effects of upper body parameters, including upper body length and mass, on walking efficiency. Two minimal actuations, hip joint torque and push-off impulse, are used in the walking model, and minimal constraints are set in a free search using the dynamic optimization. Results show that there is an optimal solution of upper body length for the efficient walking within a range of walking speed and step length. For short step length, walking with a lighter upper body mass is found to be more efficient and vice versa. It is also found that for higher speed locomotion, the increase of the upper body length and mass can make the walking gait optimal rather than other kind of gaits. In addition, the typical strategy of an optimal walking gait is that just actuating the swing leg at the beginning of the step.