bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Partners, More Kids
Authors: Guzzo Karen Benjamin
Published: June 2014

Declining rates of marriage and overall increases in union instability, combined with high levels of unintended and nonmarital fertility, create the possibility for parents to have children with more than one partner, called multiple-partner fertility, or MPF. The unique characteristics of families with MPF present data and other logistical challenges to researchers studying the phenomenon. Drawing from recent studies and updated data, I present new estimates of MPF that show that about 13 percent of men aged 40 to 44 and 19 percent of women aged 41 to 49 have children with more than one partner, with a higher prevalence among the disadvantaged. Compared to parents with two or more children by only one partner, people with MPF become parents at younger ages, largely with unintended first births, and often do so outside of marriage. This article touches on the implications of MPF for families and concludes by discussing the theoretical difficulties in studying MPF and the challenges it presents to public policy.
U.S. Social Policy and Family Complexity
Authors: Lopoo Leonard M. , Raissian Kerri M.
Published: June 2014

The United States has a number of social policies that were designed explicitly to provide options and supports for individuals related to their family formation decisions, such as the Title X National Family Planning Program and the Healthy Marriage Initiative. At the same time, because social policies can have considerable implications for the populations they target, we have long known that government policy can impact family structure and individuals’ fertility decisions even when such an impact was not the policy’s stated objective. This article reviews both theoretical and empirical literature asking to what extent United States’ social policy affects the complexity of families. Specifically, we review the literature on divorce and custody laws, means-tested transfer programs, and policies designed to provide information and services related to family formation. We report findings, and discuss common themes across the literature and identify important gaps in knowledge.
Seeking Romance in the Crosshairs of Multiple-Partner Fertility
Authors: Burton Linda M.
Published: June 2014

Using longitudinal ethnographic data on low-income rural and urban mostly single mothers, I explore the romance-seeking behaviors of women whose intimate relationships are characterized by multiple-partner fertility (MPF). MPF involves mothers and/or their love interests having biological children with other partners, frequently in nonmarital, transient unions. Romance comprises mothers’ feelings and social interactions related to being chosen, erotic love, and adulation of the other. Findings indicate most mothers selectively engaged in one of four types of romance-seeking behaviors: casual, illusionist, pragmatic, or strategic. Mothers’ romantic actions are associated with their desires to have loving experiences outside the challenges of daily life in poverty and its corollary uncertainty. Moreover, mothers involved in the most complex forms of MPF openly compete with other women for “first wife” status in a stratified partnering system called rostering—a term coined by respondents in the ethnographies reported here. Implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
Transforming Trauma
Authors: Steinberger Claire Beth
Published: June 2014

Therapeutic action with a traumatized paraplegic patient highlights the evocative—and transformative—influence of the relational unconscious. The patient’s triumphant resolution suggests that formative bipersonal dynamics (including transference, countertransference, and mutual projective identifications) create an ongoing intersubjective enactment and relational chemistry pivotal to psychic shift. A broad systems perspective highlights contextual communication and the interweaving of the analyst’s etiological contributions and subjective experience of trauma. Ultimately, an unconscious, co-created dynamic challenges traumatic fixations, supporting a reintegration of narcissistic, gender, and erotic representations and ego capacities. An eclectic perspective that illuminates the analyst’s role-receptivity encompasses classical, object relations, relational, systems, and self psychological paradigms.
Resource Partitioning and the Organizational Dynamics of “Fringe Banking”
Authors: Negro Giacomo , Visentin Fabiana , Swaminathan Anand
Published: June 2014

We examine the emergence and proliferation of payday lenders, fringe businesses that provide small short-term, but high-cost loans. We link the organizational dynamics of these businesses to two trends in consumer lending in the United States: the continuing consolidation of mainstream financial institutions; and the expansion of such institutions in the provision of financial services regarded as similar to payday loans. We explain the coexistence in mature industries of large-scale organizations in the market center and smaller specialists in the periphery by testing and extending the organizational model of resource partitioning. Our focus is on two under-examined aspects of the model: the dynamic underlying the partitioning process, and the conditions under which the market remains partitioned. The empirical analysis covers payday lenders, banks, and credit unions operating in Wisconsin between 1994 and 2008.
Telephonic Analysis of the Snoring Sound Spectrum
Authors: Seren Erdal , İlhanlı İlker , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Cingi Cemal , Hanci Deniz
Published: June 2014

Objective:

Snoring is a sound caused by vibration of collapsed and/or unsteady airway walls of the pharynx and soft palate. We compared stored spectra of snoring sounds recorded via cell phone (CP) and a microphone placed over the head (head phone [HP]).

Methods:

Thirty-four snoring patients were included in this prospective study. Groups were identified by reference to body mass index (BMI) values: group 1, BMI < 25 kg/m2 (n = 8); group 2, BMI 25 to 29 kg/m2 (n = 10); and group 3, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (n = 16). Snoring sounds were recorded using CPs and HPs and digitally analyzed. We identified the frequencies with the highest snoring powers (Fmax values) and snoring sound intensity levels (SSILs).

Results:

Fmax ranged from 520 to 985 Hz in HP recordings and from 845 to 1645 Hz in CP recordings. Snoring sound intensity level values increased in proportion to BMI and were 6 to 24 dB in HP recordings and 19 to 52 dB in CP recordings. Thus, the CP values of Fmax and SSIL were higher than the HP values. In obese patients of group 3, almost all Fmax and SSIL values were higher than those of groups 1 and 2. In particular, the CP Fmax values were elevated in such patients. The advanced technologies used in modern CPs may allow some snoring sounds in susceptible individuals to be defined as oronasal.

Conclusion:

Cell phone technology allows snoring to be evaluated in patients located in areas remote from a hospital. To explore the intensity of snoring and to postoperatively monitor the efficacy of surgery used to treat snoring, telephonic sound analysis is both new and effective and reduces the need for patient attendance at a hospital. Those experiencing severe snoring and/or who are obese should be told of what can be done to solve such problems.
Reliability and validity of a shorter Chinese version for Ryff’s psychological well-being scale
Authors: Li Ren-Hau
Published: June 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop a new and shorter Chinese version of Ryff’s psychological well-being scale.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

In recent years there have been several versions of this scale, including 84-item, 54-item and 18-item versions. Researchers in different countries have built on Ryff’s version to create their own versions in various languages. However, most versions have not yielded improved confirmatory factor analysis results. Shorter versions of the scale in the past were also less reliable in terms of internal consistency.

Method:

This study used a sample of 820 middle-aged and older people from Taiwan with an average age of 59.8 years. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to select items for inclusion.

Results:

After item selection, a new version of 18 items based on Ryff’s 84-item version was established with improved confirmatory factor analysis validity and reliability. The results for this 18-item version indicated that factor loadings were at least .60, and the reliability alpha coefficients were 0.92 and 0.60–0.75 for its six subscales. Additionally, a significant correlation with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)-15 and quality of life criteria indicate very acceptable criterion-related validities.

Conclusion:

The 18-item Chinese version does not include any reversely worded items after the item selection processes, thus reducing method artefacts. It also exhibited very acceptable confirmatory factor analysis results.
The physically active lifestyle of Flemish secondary school teachers: A mixed-methods approach towards developing a physical activity intervention
Authors: Bogaert Inge , De Martelaer Kristine , Deforche Benedicte , Clarys Peter , Zinzen Evert
Published: June 2014

Objective:

The primary aim of this study was to describe and analyse the physical activity and sedentary levels of secondary school teachers in Flanders. A secondary aim was to collect information regarding a possible worksite intervention of special relevance to secondary school teachers.

Design:

Mixed-methods quantitative and qualitative enquiry.

Setting:

Secondary school teachers in Flanders.

Method:

An online survey was conducted consisting of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, demographic information and teaching aspects. Additionally, four focus groups ( n = 27) took place.

Results:

Respondents reported an average of 137.2 ± 96.8 minutes/day of physical activity and an average sitting time of 4.6 ± 4.2 hours/day. Overall, 66% of Flemish teachers met the physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity a week. Lower levels of activity were more prevalent among female teachers, teachers working in technical and general education and those teaching theoretical courses. In focus group discussions, two types of barriers were identified influencing teachers’ physical activity at school: organisational barriers such as planning and lack of accommodation, and individual barriers such as having other responsibilities.

Conclusions:

Interventions can be developed to target less active teachers. However, a classic worksite physical activity intervention during working hours is not suitable for most teachers. Promoting leisure-time activity and active commuting are more fitting components of an intervention for this target group. Actions at school should be achievable and unforced, supporting teachers’ development of physical literacy.
Mental health stigma and attitudes to psychiatry among Bangladeshi medical students
Authors: Giasuddin Noor Ahmed , Levav Itzhak , Gal Gilad
Published: June 2014

Background:

The shortage of specialized human resources in mental health in Bangladesh requires active recruitment of psychiatric residents. In addition, the involvement of positively inclined health personnel, for example, medical doctors, emerges as an immediate priority.

Aim:

To explore stigma among medical students toward persons with mental disorders (PMDs) and their attitudes toward psychiatry.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Faridpur Medical College in Bangladesh before (First year) and following psychiatric rotation (Fifth year). Students ( N = 200) filled anonymous questionnaires measuring stigma toward PMDs and attitudes to psychiatry.

Results:

Upper medical school year ( p = .028), older age ( p = .005), mother’s lower academic level ( p = .043), upper and lower socioeconomic level affiliation ( p = .008) and self-consultation for mental or neurological complaints ( p = .032) were associated with increased stigma toward PMDs. More favorable attitudes toward psychiatry were found in upper medical school year ( p = .073) and were significantly associated with female gender ( p = .018) and middle socioeconomic level affiliation ( p = .013).

Conclusion:

The relative improvement in attitudes toward psychiatry in the upper medical school year is overshadowed by the increased stigma toward PMDs. Specific anti-stigma program in the curriculum and strategies to improve the attitudes are required.
Application of the combined neuro-computing, fuzzy logic and swarm intelligence for optimization of compocast nanocomposites
Authors: Tofigh Ali Asghar , Rahimipour Mohammad Reza , Shabani Mohsen Ostad , Davami Parviz
Published: June 2014

In the last few years, an increasing attention has been paid to the issues of saving energy and reducing the manufacturing costs in the transport industry which necessitates further efforts to replace traditional materials like steel with lightweight materials such as plastics, aluminum, magnesium, and composites. Metal matrix nanocomposites have turned into an established material in today’s industry with an ongoing expansion in their field of applications. In this study, the formation of nanoparticle–aluminum metal matrix composites is described by compocast processing from nanoparticle Al2O3 and the A356 aluminum alloy. In order to optimize the processing parameters, a novel approach is implemented which relies on combination of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system and particle swarm optimization method.
Synthesis, characterization and application of anionic metal complex azo dyes as potential substitutes for Cr-complex dyes
Authors: Maria Zarkogianni , Ioannis Eleftheriadis , Nikolaos Nikolaidis , Eforia Tsasaroni
Published: June 2014

The synthesis and characterization of Cu-, Al-, Zn-, Ni-, Mn- complexes as substitutes for the Cr- and Co-complex acid azo dyes with lower toxicity was carried out and the subsequent use of ultra-filtration was studied with the aim of purifying the metal complex dyes and thus increasing dye strength and solubility and additionally reducing the free metal present in the final dye. A drastic reduction in the content of inorganic additives and free metal was achieved by the ultra-filtration process. The ultra-filtrated and non-ultra-filtrated dyes were used to dye wool and nylon fabrics. Color measurements and fastness properties were performed on the dyeings produced on wool and polyamide and compared with the Cr-complex dyeing, thus examining the possibility of using successfully these complex dyes as possible replacement of the Cr- and Co-complex dyes.
Waterborne polyurethane elastomer using renewable polyols
Authors: Bae So Young , Jeong Si Hyun , Kim Byung Kyu
Published: June 2014

A series of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) elastomers were synthesized from isophorone diisocyanate, polycaprolactone diol (PCL), 1,3-propanediol produced from a glucose fermentation process (Bio-PDO), 1,4-butanediol, and dimethylolbutanoic acid as a function of Bio-PDO/PCL composition. With the addition and increasing amount of Bio-PDO, particle size of dispersion, hardness, water swelling, initial modulus, and stress at break decreased, while contact angle with the water drop of the dispersion cast film increased. The PCL WPU showed a single-step thermal degradation at about 370°C, while those of Bio-PDO-containing WPUs showed two step degradations at about 350 and 400°C suggesting the soft segment–hard segment phase separation.
Remind Me Who I Am
Authors: Slotter Erica B. , Gardner Wendi L.
Published: June 2014

After failure, individuals frequently turn to others for support. The current research examined the process through which individuals utilize interpersonal relationships to stabilize threatened self-views. We may seek support to reassure us with warmth and acceptance after a self-threat, or to provide support for threatened self-knowledge. We proposed that although both types of support are likely to repair the affective consequences of a self-threat, only interacting with others who can provide evidence from the individuals’ past that reconfirms a threatened self-aspect would help stabilize the self-concept. Two studies demonstrated that, for individuals who have suffered a self-threat, receiving specific evidentiary support for the threatened self-aspect was more effective at restoring confidence in both the specific self-aspect and at recovering self-concept clarity than was receiving emotional support, whether the interaction was imagined (Study 1), or offered in person (Study 2) after the threat.
Start making sense: a three-tier approach to citizen journalism
Authors: Sienkiewicz Matt
Published: June 2014

This commentary considers citizen journalism emerging from the Syrian Civil War and argues that its usefulness is dependent on an “interpreter tier” of user-generated media analysts. In contrast to discourse celebrating more direct forms of citizen journalism, the piece emphasizes the importance of intermediary layers of meaning-making as the means by which complex fields of amateur information can be made intelligible. This “interpreter tier,” although often ignored in popular and scholarly discourse, takes on an increasingly important function as mainstream sources must increasingly rely on citizen materials produced in far off places.
Broadcasting and the public sphere: problematising citizens, consumers and neoliberalism
Authors: Dawes Simon
Published: June 2014

Literature on broadcasting regulation in the UK often presents a narrative of decline, from an ethos of public service and citizenship to a neoliberal faith in market logic and the sovereign consumer that undermines the public sphere. Much of this discussion is weakened, however, by a lack of engagement with citizenship and consumption, and the reduction to unitary oppositions of what are actually protean distinctions. This weakness in the literature is particularly problematic when it comes to analysing contemporary changes unreflexively as ‘neoliberal’, because neoliberalism cannot be reduced to the passing of power from the state to the market, or to a simple process of privatisation or individualisation. Rather, neoliberalism involves the changing governmental relation between state and market, and between citizens and consumers. Consequently, engagement with theoretical debates on citizenship, consumption and neoliberalism will be recommended to provide a more sophisticated reading of broadcasting and the public sphere.
Radical reflexivity and hermeneutic pre-normativity
Authors: Ginev Dimitri
Published: June 2014

This article develops the thesis that normative social orders are always fore-structured by horizons of possibilities. The thesis is spelled out against the background of a criticism of ethnomethodology for its hermeneutic deficiency in coping with radical reflexivity. The article contributes to the debates concerning the status of normativity problematic in the cultural disciplines. The concept of hermeneutic pre-normativity is introduced to connote the interpretative fore-structuring of normative inter-subjectivity. Radical reflexivity is reformulated in terms of hermeneutic phenomenology.
Whistleblowing as civil disobedience
Authors: Scheuerman William E.
Published: June 2014

The media hoop-la about Edward Snowden has obscured a less flashy yet more vital – and philosophically relevant – part of the story, namely the moral and political seriousness with which he acted to make the hitherto covert scope and scale of NSA surveillance public knowledge. Here I argue that we should interpret Snowden’s actions as meeting most of the demanding tests outlined in sophisticated political thinking about civil disobedience. Like Thoreau, Gandhi, King and countless other (forgotten) grass-roots activists, Snowden has in fact articulated a powerful defense of why he was morally obligated to engage in politically motivated law-breaking. He has also undertaken impressive efforts to explain how his actions are distinguishable from ordinary criminality, and why they need not culminate in reckless lawlessness. In fact, his example can perhaps help us advance liberal and democratic ideas about civil disobedience. First, it highlights sound reasons why, pace the orthodox view, the acceptance of punishment by those engaging in civil disobedience should not be seen as a precondition of its legitimacy. Second, Snowden reminds us that ours is an era in which intensified globalization processes directly shape every feature of political existence. Defenders of civil disobedience need to update their reflections accordingly.
Computed tomographic versus catheterization angiography in tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Garg Naveen , Walia Rohit , Neyaz Zafar , Kumar Sunil
Published: June 2014

Aim

To compare multidetector computed tomographic angiography with the gold standard cardiac catheterization and angiography in tetralogy of Fallot.

Methods

In 40 consecutive patients over 5 years of age with tetralogy of Fallot, multidetector computed tomographic angiography and catheterization angiography studies were compared for intracardiac anatomy, pulmonary anatomy and indices, coronaries and collaterals. Safety parameters, relative advantages and limitations were also analyzed.

Results

All catheterization studies required hospitalization whereas all tomographic studies were performed as outpatient procedures. The need for sedation and amount of contrast used were significantly greater in catheterization than in tomographic studies. Complications noted during catheterization were access site complications in 4 patients, cyanotic spells in 2, transient complete heart block requiring temporary pacing in 2, and air embolism in one. No complication was observed during tomographic studies. All tomographic studies were adequate, but 2 catheterization studies were inadequate. Ventricular septal defects, aortic override, level of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and pulmonary artery anatomy were equally assessed by both imaging modalities. However, tomographic studies missed additional small muscular ventricular septal defects. There was a linear correlation between tomographic and catheterization studies for pulmonary annulus size, artery sizes, Z-score, and Nakata index. There was complete concordance with respect to side of aortic arch and detection of collaterals. Coronary anatomy was better delineated in tomographic studies.

Conclusions

For preoperative evaluation of tetralogy of Fallot patients, multidetector computed tomographic angiography can be used as a reliable noninvasive alternative to cardiac catheterization angiography.
Late cardiac metastasis from colorectal carcinoma 15 years after surgery
Authors: Kasama Keiichiro , Ichikawa Yasushi , Suwa Yusuke , Okudera Koji , Suzuki Shinichi , Masuda Munetaka
Published: June 2014

Late recurrence of malignant tumors in the heart more than 10 years after surgery is quite rare, especially for colorectal carcinoma. Here, we report a case of late cardiac metastasis from a primary colorectal carcinoma, which occurred more than 15 years after the initial surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first such reported case.
‘What’s needed as part of probation practice when working with personality disordered offenders? The importance of avoiding errors of logic’ – A practitioner response
Authors: Fellowes Eleanor
Published: June 2014

This article is a response to Ramsden and Lowton’s article ‘What’s needed as part of probation practice when working with personality disordered offenders? The importance of avoiding errors of logic’. Ramsden and Lowton offer a useful model, and practical guidance, that can assist practitioners to work in a psychologically informed way. The potential benefits of such frameworks are discussed, before consideration is given to what else is needed to support probation’s work with service users who meet the diagnostic criteria for personality disorder.
A study to evaluate patterns of superficial venous reflux in patients with primary chronic venous disease
Authors: Qureshi Mahim I , Gohel Manj , Wing Louise , MacDonald Andrew , Lim Chung S , Ellis Mary , Franklin Ian J , Davies Alun H
Published: June 2014

Objective

This study assessed patterns of superficial reflux in patients with primary chronic venous disease.

Methods

Retrospective review of all patient venous duplex ultrasonography reports at one institution between 2000 and 2009. Legs with secondary, deep or no superficial reflux were excluded.

Results

In total, 8654 limbs were scanned; 2559 legs from 2053 patients (mean age 52.3 years) were included for analysis. Great saphenous vein reflux predominated (68%), followed by combined great saphenous vein/small saphenous vein reflux (20%) and small saphenous vein reflux (7%). The majority of legs with competent saphenofemoral junction had below-knee great saphenous vein reflux (53%); incompetent saphenofemoral junction was associated with combined above and below-knee great saphenous vein reflux (72%). Isolated small saphenous vein reflux was associated with saphenopopliteal junction incompetence (61%), although the majority of all small saphenous vein reflux limbs had a competent saphenopopliteal junction (57%).

Conclusion

Superficial venous reflux does not necessarily originate from a saphenous junction. Large prospective studies with interval duplex ultrasonography are required to unravel the natural history of primary chronic venous disease.
A pilot study investigating the effect of a patient-held pain assessment tool in palliative care outpatients attending a rural Kenyan hospital
Authors: Besley Charlie , Kariuki Hellen , Fallon Marie
Published: June 2014

Background:

Pain is a frequent and distressing symptom in palliative care patients worldwide. Careful assessment is the first vital step to relieve this suffering. Assessment tools form a useful adjunct to pain management, but whether they make a difference to the patient is not known.

Aim:

The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of a patient-held pain assessment tool can make a difference in patient’s pain control.

Setting and Participants:

AIC Kijabe Hospital, Kenya, has had a nurse-led Palliative Care Service since 2002, with an annual case-load of around 600 patients. Study participants were recruited from among adult palliative care patients attending the Outpatient Department.

Design:

A quantitative experimental study methodology was employed. In the pre-intervention phase, pain was assessed at study entry and at 2 weeks, following ‘standard’ care at home; 49 patients were recruited for this phase. In the intervention phase, pain assessments were made at entry, with follow-up assessment after introduction to a patient-held pain assessment tool taken home by each patient; 50 patients were recruited for this phase. Analysis involved a comparison of baseline and 2-week pain scores between the two groups.

Results:

The results demonstrated that the use of a patient-held pain assessment tool led to an increase in the number of patients reaching satisfactory pain relief, from 30% in the pre-intervention group, to 69% in the intervention group.

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated that a simple pain assessment tool, when linked to some action, may help achieve better analgesia.
Polyculturalism and Sexist Attitudes
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa , Levy Sheri R. , Militano Maria
Published: June 2014

In cultural contexts in which sexist beliefs are considered traditional, shifts toward gender equality represent an example of cultural change. Polyculturalism is defined as the belief that cultures change constantly through different racial and ethnic groups’ interactions, influences, and exchanges with each other and, therefore, are dynamic and socially constructed rather than static. Thus, polyculturalism may involve openness to cultural change and, thereby, would be expected to be associated with lower sexist attitudes. Four studies (both cross-sectional and longitudinal) with undergraduate and community samples in the Northeastern United States tested whether endorsement of polyculturalism is inversely associated with sexism, above and beyond potentially confounding belief systems. Across studies, for both women and men, endorsement of polyculturalism was associated with lower sexist attitudes for two classes of sexism measures: (a) attitudes toward the rights and roles of women and (b) ambivalent sexist attitudes toward women. Associations remained significant while controlling for potentially confounding variables (colorblindness, conservatism, egalitarianism, gender and ethnic identity, gender and race essentialism, multiculturalism, right-wing authoritarianism, and social dominance orientation). Greater openness to criticizing one’s culture mediated polyculturalism’s association with attitudes toward the rights and roles of women but not with ambivalent sexist attitudes toward women. Studying polyculturalism may provide unique insights into sexism, and more work is needed to understand the mechanisms involved.
Return to Play After Partial Lateral Meniscectomy in National Football League Athletes
Authors: Aune Kyle T. , Andrews James R. , Dugas Jeffrey R. , Cain E. Lyle
Published: June 2014

Background:

Lateral meniscal injury is a common and possibly career-threatening injury among players in the National Football League (NFL). The rate of return to play (RTP) and factors that affect RTP after lateral meniscal injury in NFL players are currently not defined.

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to determine the rate of RTP to regular-season NFL game play of NFL players after arthroscopic partial lateral meniscectomy and to identify factors that can predict the ability to return to play.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Seventy-two patients undergoing 77 arthroscopic lateral partial meniscectomies were followed to determine the rate of RTP (defined as successful RTP in at least 1 regular-season NFL game after meniscectomy) and factors predicting players’ ability to return to play. Perioperative variables were recorded using retrospective chart review. Players’ heights and weights, dates of return, draft rounds, and counts of games, starts, and seasons both before and after meniscectomy were all collected from statistical databases maintained by the NFL. Chi-square and Student t tests were performed to assess differences among covariates with respect to an athlete’s ability to return to play, and odds ratios were calculated as appropriate. All percentages were calculated as percent of total procedures performed (n = 77).

Results:

Of the 77 partial lateral meniscectomies performed, 61% (n = 47) resulted in the athlete returning to play at his previous level of competition with an average length of time to RTP of 8.5 months; 19 (40%) of those who returned were still active in the NFL at the time of follow-up. Age at time of surgery, games and seasons played before surgery, and individual position were not significantly different between those who did and did not return to play. Undergoing a concomitant procedure did not affect an athlete’s ability to return to play, nor did concurrent arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction affect a player’s likelihood to return to play. Players drafted in the first 4 rounds of the NFL draft were 3.7 times more likely to return to play than players drafted after the fourth round, and players who started more than 46.2% of their games played (the mean value for this population) were 2.8 times more likely to return to play. Speed-position players (running backs, receivers, linebackers, and defensive backs) were 4.0 times less likely to return to play than non–speed position players (linemen and tight ends).

Conclusion:

The majority of NFL players undergoing arthroscopic lateral meniscectomy are able to return to play. Players selected earlier in the NFL draft and who are listed as starters in more of their games are more likely to return to play, as are linemen and tight ends. It is significantly more difficult for running backs, receivers, linebackers, and defensive backs to return to play.
La question de la durabilité de la récup’ à travers le prisme d’internet ?
Authors: Mani Zied , Cova Véronique
Published: June 2014

Cet article tente, à partir d’une étude netnographique, d’analyser la durabilité des pratiques domestiques de récupération d’objets. Nos résultats identifient deux profils de récupérateurs en fonction de leurs discours et réalisations : les maîtres et les courtisans. Cette catégorisation permet à la fois d’interroger la récup’ comme une forme de recyclage informel et d’en distinguer différents niveaux de durabilité. De plus, elle met en évidence le rôle joué par internet dans sa capacité à générer une récupération idéologique des récupérations matérielles.
Le tri des déchets ménagers : une caractérisation des logistiques déployées par les consommateurs
Authors: Monnot Elisa , Reniou Fanny , Rouquet Aurélien
Published: June 2014

Cette recherche caractérise les logistiques déployées par les consommateurs pour trier leurs déchets ménagers. A travers l’analyse de vingt cas de trieurs, trois types de logistiques sont identifiés en fonction des caractéristiques du contexte de tri et du rapport souhaité aux déchets : la massification, le juste-à-temps et la mutualisation. Contribuant au courant de la consumer logistics, notre recherche montre que le tri n’est pas pour le consommateur qu’une question de motivation et de contexte mais également de logistique.
A new magnetic nanocapsule containing 5-fluorouracil: In vivo drug release, anti-tumor, and pro-apoptotic effects on CT26 cells allograft model
Authors: Shakeri-Zadeh Ali , Shiran Mohammad-Bagher , Khoee Sepideh , Sharifi Ali Mohammad , Ghaznavi Habib , Khoei Samideh
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to create an optimized method for preparation of 5-fluorouracil-loaded magnetic poly lactic- co-glycolic acid nanocapsules and to investigate its potential as multifunctional carriers to deliver therapeutic agents for tumor-targeted therapies. The in vitro release of the newly synthesized 5-fluorouracil-loaded poly lactic- co-glycolic acid magnetic nanocapsules was investigated in phosphate-buffered saline medium using the dialysis method. In vivo release studies of the magnetic nanocapsules were performed in rabbits. Finally, the targeting properties, anti-tumor, and pro-apoptotic effects of this new magnetic nanocapsule on CT26 cells allograft model were studied. The effective diameter of nanocapsules was 67.2 nm. In vivo release investigations showed that 5-fluorouracil has a sustained release profile, prolonged lifetime in the rabbit plasma, and increased tissue appetency when loaded into the magnetic nanocapsule. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed that the magnetic nanocapsules were successfully targeted to the tumor. Additionally, the anti-tumor studies revealed that the targeted therapy with magnetic nanocapsules containing 5-fluorouracil effectively inhibits the growth of tumors compared with 5-fluorouracil alone (P < 0.01). The present study demonstrates that this new magnetic nanocapsule can be considered a new nanotechnology-based cancer chemotherapy agent in vivo.
Critical Volume Fraction of Multiple Cracks for Fracture in Piezoelectric Media
Authors: Wu Tsung-Lin , Huang Jin H.
Published: June 2014

This paper concerns an infinite piezoelectric solid containing multiple penny-shaped cracks subjected to a set of uniform electromechanical loads. Based on the eigenstrain formulation, the crack is treated as an inclusion by taking the electroelastic moduli of the inclusion as zero. The Mori-Tanaka theory is employed to account for the effects of crack interaction at finite concentration through the use of electroelastic Eshelby tensors. By using this theory, the averaging electroelastic field and the effective electroelastic moduli of the piezoelectric cracked body are expressed explicitly. Furthermore, an interaction energy density function is introduced to take the interaction between electromechanical loads and cracks into account. With this interaction energy density function, the critical volume fraction of multiple cracks for fracture is obtained for a simple tension, a pure shear, and a normal electric displacement, separately.The resulting critical volume fraction is a function of the geometrical dimension of the crack length, electromechanical loading, and the piezoelectric properties of the surrounding matrix.
A Unified Micromechanical Model for the Mechanical Properties of Two Constituent Composite Materials. Part IV: Rubber-Elastic Behavior
Authors: Huang Zheng Ming
Published: June 2014

This series of papers reports a new, general, and unified micromechanical model for estimating the three-dimensional mechanical properties of a composite made from two constituent materials, i.e., continuous fiber and matrix. The present paper addresses the application of the model to rubber-based composites, with a focus on prediction of the entire stress-strain response characteristic of a composite having an elastomer matrix constituent material. For this purpose, an accurate constitutive theory has been developed for any incompressible rubber-like material. Its incremental stress-strain relationship at any given level is simply correlated by a load-dependent compliance matrix, similar to Hooke's law. The theory is consistent in that when the involved material parameters, i.e., the load-dependent Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, are determined using a single type of test data such as uniaxial tension data, it is then able to predict precisely the material responses to other types of deformation conditions. Combining the incremental theory with the unified model developed in Parts I and II, an analysis procedure for the overall properties of elastomer-based composites follows. As an application, an interlock weft-knitted polyester-fiber fabric-reinforced polyurethane elastomer composite is investigated. Favorable correlation has been found between the theoretical and experimental results.
Effects of Moisture on the Durability of a Wood/Thermoplastic Composite
Authors: Rangaraj Sudarshan V. , Smith Lloyd V.
Published: June 2014

The effects of simulated marine environments on the performance of wood/thermoplastic composites under quasi-static and fatigue loading is investigated. The material under consideration consists of wood flour embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. The effects of additives and processing methods were included in the durability study. Moisture sorption studies are presented for these formulations and are found to compare favorably with a linear Fickian diffusion model. Qualitative and quantitative evidence of hygrothermal damage was nevertheless consistently observed. The combination of Fickian diffusion and damage is explained from moisture-induced swelling considerations of the constituents. The influence of marine environments on fatigue response was examined by immersing the coupons in seawater during the fatigue test. The synergistic effects of moisture and fatigue are discussed.
Composite to Metal Joints for the ARPA Man-Rated Demonstration Article
Authors: Camponeschi E. T. , Bohlmann R. E. , Fogarty J. H.
Published: June 2014

The design, analysis and testing of composite-to-metal joints for the ARPA Man-Rated Demonstration Article are discussed. The first is a composite-to-titanium sphere joint designed to react sphere membrane stress with block compression loading. A series of uniaxial compression tests to simulate this joint assembly was conducted. Test results successfully demonstrated the ability of the joint to withstand block compression loading even in the presence of assembly fitup gaps. A polymer shimming material (Hysol EA9394) was also evaluated as a means to fill potential fitup gaps and was found to effectively reduce stress concentrations resulting from the gaps. The second joint discussed is one between 120-degree segments that make up a stiffener ring for a ringstiffened composite cylinder. Joint design includes Hysol EA9394, boltedon titanium splice plates, and bondedon thermoset flange straps. 2D joint tests, single stiffener tests, and sub-scale ring-stiffened cylinder hydrostatic tests to validate the joint design are described.
The Effects and Non-Destructive Evaluation of Defects in Thermoplastic Compression-Loaded Composite Cylinders
Authors: Olson Barry D. , Lamontia Mark A. , Gillespie John W. , Bogetti Travis A.
Published: June 2014

Measurements and predictions of the effects of voids and ply waviness on compression and interlaminar shear properties of thermoplasticmatrix composites are presented. Correlations between ultrasonic Cscan loss to voids and to compression strain-to-failure are described. The data are drawn from a database of seventy-six cylinders and cylinder sections fabricated by Du Pont Advanced Material Systems since 1988 using an insitu consolidation filament winding and tape laydown process. Composites with graphite (AS-4 and IM-7) or S-2 glass fibers in polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyetherketone ketone (PEKK) thermoplastic matrices are included. Property measurements are from various mechanical and external hydrostatic compression pressure tests on cylindrical shells intended for marine submersible applications and on autoclave or compressionmolded flat panels. Performance data show the negative impact of voids and ply waviness on mechanical properties and cylinder performance. NDE data show a correlation between ultrasonic loss and void content only over a broad void content range; over the important 0% to 2.0% range, no correlation is observable. Data directly relating C-scan loss with compression strain-to-failure show a continuous loss of performance with increasing void content.
A Model for the Consolidation of Aligned Thermoplastic Powder Impregnated Composites
Authors: Connor M. , Toll S. , Månson J. -A. E. , Gibson A. G.
Published: June 2014

This paper describes the role of surface energy effects, externally applied pressure, resin flow and fiber bed elasticity on the consolidation of thermoplastic-matrix composites manufactured by the powder impregnation route. Surface energy effects in the spreading of polymer droplets on fiber surfaces are discussed; then a model for the consolidation process is developed, relating the variables mentioned above. Consolidation experiments on powder-impregnated composites of the FIT type (Fibres Impregnees de Thermoplastique) were carried out using a mold attached to a servo-hydraulic testing machine. The model accurately predicts variations in void content during consolidation of carbon fiber/PEEK (CF/PEEK) and carbon fiber/PEI (CF/PEI) laminates. It was found that, at the pressures needed to achieve rapid consolidation, surface energy has a negligible influence on impregnation rate, but its effects on the void topology can be considerable. It was also shown that, when laminates of low void content are required, a minimum pressure is needed to overcome the effect of fiber bed elasticity.
Structural Optimization of Thermomechanical Properties for Short-Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Xu S. W. , Stouffer D. C.
Published: June 2014

Composite materials are heterogeneous materials on the microscopic level. For short-fiber reinforced composites, the fiber-matrix and fiber-fiber interactions play a significant role in the strength and global stiffness of the material. A unit cell model is developed to study the influence of fiber clustering patterns on the local stress distribution and global composite properties. Design variables are established to account for the variations in fiber clustering patterns, aspect ratio, volume fraction, and fiber packing. Design constraints are used to represent composite moduli, thermal coefficients of expansion, maximum interfacial stress and thermal residual stress. The model is analyzed by the p-version finite element method. The study is limited to elastic analysis. The p-version finite element method offers rapid convergence on localized stress fields using only coarse mesh and allows geometric shape variations without remeshing. Solution accuracy can be checked systematically using a series of solutions with increasing numerical complexity that is generated from a given mesh. A parametric study of the effect of fiber cluster patterns, fiber packing, and fiber aspect ratio is conducted. The study shows that the fiber cluster pattern and fiber packing has a significant impact on all of the composite properties studied.
Dynamic Theory of Open Cross Section Thin-Walled Beams Composed of Advanced Composite Materials
Authors: Song O. , Librescu L.
Published: June 2014

A dynamic theory of open cross section composite thin-walled beams is presented. The theory is quite general in the sense that it is valid for any laminate stacking sequence and boundary conditions. Moreover, a number of non-classical effects such as the transverse shear flexibility and warping restraint are incorporated. As a special case, the eigenvibration problem of composite I-beams is analyzed. In this context, a powerful analytical methodology enabling one to solve the problem for a variety of boundary conditions is devised. Pertinent conclusions on the implications of the various effects are emphasized.
Optimal Design and Sensitivity Analysis of Flexible Robotic Manipulators Fabricated from Advanced Composite Materials
Authors: Chao Lu-Ping
Published: June 2014

The strategy for optimization design of flexible robotic manipulators fabricated from fibrous polymeric composite materials is presented. The formulation of the optimization design problem is accomplished by integrating design variables such as lamina thickness, fiber orientations, and fiber volume fractions, which characterize the mass, damping, and stiffness properties of the robotic manipulators. The formulation of the optimal problem is also accomplished by defining the objective function and the domains corresponding to the constraints. The optimal numerical simulation is based on the viscoelastodynamic finite element analysis. The generalized reduced gradient method is adopted for optimal algorithm. A sensitivity analysis of the dynamic response of robotic manipulators is discussed herein as post-optimal analysis to determine which design variables of the analysis model are the most sensitive parameters in determining the solutions. This strategy is illustrated by considering the design of a single-link flexible robotic arm fabricated from laminated composites. Tip deflection of the link of the robot arm was selected as the objective function, whereby the mass, damping, and stiffness characteristics of the structures are automatically introduced into the design procedures. It is shown in an example that the optimal solutions have significant improvement in performance relative to an arbitrary initial design. The sensitivity analysis also identified the most important design parameters to be considered when redesigning the robot manipulator.
Literature Review-Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on the Mechanical Behavior of Composite Materials
Authors: Hoppel Christopher P. R. , Bogetti Travis A. , Gillespie John W.
Published: June 2014

Hydrostatic pressure can cause significant changes in the mechanical properties of composite materials. A thorough understanding of these effects is essential for the effective design of composite structures for high-pressure applications. In this report, the literature on the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the mechanical behavior of composite materials is reviewed. This includes a general description of the effects of hydrostatic pressure on unreinforced polymers and a detailed critique of the experimental work that has been done on composite materials. The section on composites is divided into three sections: compressive, tensile, and shear testing. For each type of testing, the test materials and techniques and the physical and quantitative results are discussed.