bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and computational investigation of double serpentine nozzle
Authors: Sun Xiao-lin , Wang Zhan-xue , Zhou Li , Shi Jing-wei , Liu Zeng-wen
Published: December 2014

Infrared radiation signatures of gas turbine engine exhaust are suppressed markedly when equipped with a serpentine nozzle compared to an axisymmetric nozzle. The aim of this paper is to research more detailed flow characteristics of the serpentine nozzle, and to this end a double serpentine nozzle cold fluid test was conducted in this paper, static pressures on the nozzle walls surface were measured, and schlieren flow visualizations downstream of the nozzle exit were observed. Then numerical simulations of the experimental model were carried out using CFD software with k-ɛ turbulence model adopted. And the effects of geometric design parameters (the length ratio of first S length to second S length and the centerline distributions) on serpentine nozzle performance were investigated numerically. Detailed flow characteristics were presented including the distributions of static pressure, Ma number (streamlines), wall shear stress (limited streamlines), and the total pressure. Results show good agreement between the experimental data and computation. Static pressure distributions on the upper and down walls surface of double serpentine nozzle are completely different compared to the traditional axisymmetric nozzle. The rapid turning and steep passage slope of the serpentine nozzle would result in high friction loss and strong secondary flow loss, hence the value of the length ratio of first S passage to second S passage is recommended to be chosen from 2:5 to 2:3. The centerline distributions are crucial to the nozzle design for its influence on air acceleration inside the nozzle. The centerlines with a rapid turning at the exit would result in a high Ma number, which brings on high friction loss and secondary loss at the turnings. For maximum efficiency of centerline distributions, it is recommended that curves with a gentle turning at each serpentine passage exit should be chosen.
Evolutionary theory in letters to the editor
Authors: Silva Eric Orion , Lowe Clayton Cory
Published: December 2014

This research note presents the results of a content analysis of 234 letters to the editors that discuss evolutionary theory and were published in American newspapers. We find that letters to the editor both support and hinder the cause of teaching evolutionary theory in American secondary schools. On the one hand, anti-evolutionary theory messages are marginalized in the letters section. This marginalization signals a low level of legitimacy for creationism. It might also contribute to the sense of tension that sustains creationist identities. On the other hand, relatively few letters explicitly note the fact that scientists or the scientific community accept evolution. Interestingly, the obscuration of the scientific community’s support for evolutionary theory occurs both in letters supporting and opposing evolutionary theory.
Crucial resources to strengthen the desire to live
Authors: Vatne May , Nåden Dagfinn
Published: December 2014

Background:

Suicidality is a life-and-death struggle in deep loneliness and psychological pain. There is a lack of knowledge about what could help the suicidal patients’ struggle for continued life. The aim of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of suicidal patients in the aftermath of suicidal attempts. The research question was ‘What resources in the person himself or herself and his or her surroundings are crucial in a suicidal crisis to maintaining the will to live and hope for life’?

Methodology:

The study has a hermeneutic approach and an explorative design. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 10 participants: men and women 21–52 years of age. The context was two emergency psychiatric units and one crisis resolution team.

Ethical considerations:

The participants signed an informed consent before the interviews were conducted.

Findings:

This article presents three themes: (a) becoming aware of the desire to live, (b) an experience of connectedness and (c) someone who cares.

Discussion:

The suicidal person’s awareness of wishes, dreams, hopes and will, but also of their feelings in the aftermath of the suicide attempt, seemed to play a crucial role in a suicidal crisis. Experiences of connectedness remind the person of the responsibility in his or her own life and in the lives of others and seemed to strengthen the urge to go on. Private and professional relationships seem to be crucial in stimulating the desire and hope to go on living.

Conclusion:

Becoming aware of the desire to live, being connected to others and experiencing someone who cares is necessary for life. Both private and professional networks seemed to be important resources that could remind the suicidal person of his or her own dignity as part of being human.
The Pregnancy Experience of Gay Couples Expecting a Child Through Overseas Surrogacy
Authors: Ziv Ido , Freund-Eschar Yael
Published: December 2014

This study aims to analyze the emotional experience of pregnancy for gay couples who turn to overseas surrogacy and face a geographical distance from the pregnancy. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 gay intended fathers, mean age 35.5 years, most of whom expected a child through surrogacy in India. The unborn children’s gestational age ranged from 10 weeks to 32 weeks. A qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews shows that the interviewees felt frustration and anxiety due to their distance from the physical pregnancy and, specifically, their inability to experience the physical presence of the fetus. The resulting emotional disconnect from the developing fetus impacted the development of their parental sense during the pregnancy. The results highlight the importance for the intended parents of establishing a close relationship with the surrogate mother, as is customary in the United States but generally not in countries such as India. The findings support the value of establishing international guidelines for cross-border reproductive services.
Minor Changes in Core Temperature Prior to Cardiac Arrest Influence Outcomes
Authors: Cour Martin , Jahandiez Vincent , Loufouat Joseph , Ovize Michel , Argaud Laurent
Published: December 2014

Aim:

To investigate whether slight variations in core temperature prior to cardiac arrest (CA) influence short-term outcomes and mitochondrial functions.

Methods and Materials:

Three groups of New Zealand White rabbits (n = 12/group) were submitted to 15 minutes of CA at 38°C (T-38 group), 39°C (T-39), or 40°C (T 40) and 120 minutes of reperfusion. A Sham-operated group (n = 6) underwent only surgery. Restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival, hemodynamics, and pupillary reactivity were recorded. Animals surviving to the end of the observation period were euthanized to assess fresh brain and heart mitochondrial functions (permeability transition and oxidative phosphorylation). Markers of brain and heart damages were also measured.

Results:

The duration of asphyxia required to induce CA was significantly lower in the T-40 group when compared to the T-38 group ( P < .05). The rate of ROSC was >80% in all groups ( P = nonsignificant [ns]). Survival significantly differed among the T-38, T-39, and T-40 groups: 10 (83%) of 12, 7 (58%) of 12, and 4 (33%) of 12, respectively (log-rank test, P = .027). At the end of the protocol, none of the animals in the T-40 group had pupillary reflexes compared to 8 (67%) of 12 in the T-38 group ( P < .05). Troponin and protein S100B were significantly higher in the T-40 versus T-38 group ( P < .05). Cardiac arrest significantly impaired both inner mitochondrial membrane integrity and oxidative phosphorylation in all groups. Brain mitochondria disorders were significantly more severe in the T-40 group compared to the T-38 group ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Small changes in body temperature prior to asphyxial CA significantly influence brain mitochondrial functions and short-term outcomes in rabbits.
Atorvastatin Reduces the Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Statin-Naive Patients Undergoing Isolated Heart Valve Surgery
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Reza , Kasianzadeh Majid , Rezaei Yousef , Sepehrvand Nariman
Published: December 2014

Background:

Atorvastatin has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but its effect on isolated heart valve surgery is unknown.

Methods:

In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, 58 patients who underwent isolated heart valve surgery supported by on-pump cardiopulmonary bypass were randomly assigned to receive either placebo (n = 29) or 40 mg of atorvastatin once daily starting 3 days preoperatively and continuing within 5 days postoperatively (n = 29). A continuous monitoring tool and an electrocardiographic Holter monitoring were used for detecting the POAF (Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique Identifier: NTC02084069).

Results:

The patients’ median age was 49 years, and 67% were female. In all, 6 (21%) and 13 (45%) cases of POAF were observed in the atorvastatin and placebo groups, respectively ( P = .050). The duration of AF before re-establishment of sinus rhythm was significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the placebo group (median of 70 vs 132 minutes, P = .026). The lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stay were comparable between the groups. The increase in postoperative white blood cell count was significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than in the placebo group (median of 1.5 vs 2.3 × 103/µL, respectively, P = .019). After adjustment, the atorvastatin treatment was associated with a decrease in the risk of developing POAF (odds ratio 0.122, 95% confidence interval 0.027-0.548, P = .006).

Conclusion:

Perioperative treatment with 40 mg of atorvastatin is useful to decrease the incidence of POAF in the statin-naive patients undergoing isolated heart valve surgery.
Cost-Sharing, Physician Utilization, and Adverse Selection Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Hoffman Geoffrey
Published: December 2014

Pooled data from the 2007, 2009, and 2011/2012 California Health Interview Surveys were used to compare the number of self-reported annual physician visits among 36,808 Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 in insurance groups with differential cost-sharing. Adjusted for adverse selection and a set of health covariates, Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) only beneficiaries had similar physician utilization compared with HMO enrollees but fewer visits compared with those with supplemental (1.04, p = .001) and Medicaid (1.55, p = .003) coverage. FFS only beneficiaries in very good or excellent health had fewer visits compared with those of similar health status with supplemental (1.30, p = .001) or Medicaid coverage (2.15, p = .002). For subpopulations with several chronic conditions, FFS only beneficiaries also had fewer visits compared with beneficiaries with supplemental or Medicaid coverage. Observed differences in utilization may reflect efficient and necessary physician utilization among those with chronic health needs.
What Counts? A Mixed-Methods Study to Inform Evaluation of Shelters for Abused Women
Authors: Wathen C. Nadine , Harris Roma M. , Ford-Gilboe Marilyn , Hansen Michele
Published: December 2014

Shelters for abused women have expanded from “safe havens” to providing a range of residential and outreach services, and face increasing pressure to demonstrate “value for money” by providing evaluation metrics that may or may not reflect what they actually do. We conducted interviews and surveys with 68 shelter directors in Ontario, Canada, and found that differences in service philosophy and how abuse is defined influence decisions about who receives services and the shelter’s role in the broader community; these in turn affect how the work of shelters is positioned. Implications for shelter service evaluation are discussed.
When Women Tell
Authors: Novisky Meghan A. , Peralta Robert L.
Published: December 2014

We analyze how victim perceptions of mandatory arrest policies, perpetrator substance use, and presence of children are related to decisions to invoke law enforcement assistance. Logistic regression was used on survey responses from women receiving care in domestic violence shelters. Results suggest that as victim support for mandatory arrest increases, the odds of law enforcement notification of the abuse also increase. Accordingly, mandatory arrest may simply be reducing the probability of reporting intimate partner violence (IPV) among those who do not support the policy, instead of reducing IPV. Results also suggest that perpetrator substance use plays a significant role in law enforcement notification.
Abused Women With Children Who Are First-Time Users of a Shelter or Applicants for a Protection Order
Authors: McFarlane Judith , Maddoux John , Nava Angeles , Gilroy Heidi
Published: December 2014

Worldwide, two models of care are offered most often to abused women—safe shelter and justice services. No evidence exists on the differential effectiveness of the services. To provide evidence, 300 abused women, 150 first-time users of a shelter and 150 first-time applicants for a protection order, signed informed consent to participate in a 7-year study. Safety, abuse, and functioning of the women and their children were measured. Compared with women seeking justice services, women in shelters reported more abuse and depression and less support. The baseline characteristics of these 300 women are presented with implications for practice and policy.
Changing Attitudes About Being a Bystander to Violence
Authors: Cares Alison C. , Banyard Victoria L. , Moynihan Mary M. , Williams Linda M. , Potter Sharyn J. , Stapleton Jane G.
Published: December 2014

Bystander approaches to reducing sexual violence train community members in prosocial roles to interrupt situations with risk of sexual violence and be supportive community allies after an assault. This study employs a true experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of Bringing in the Bystander™ through 1-year post-implementation with first-year students from two universities (one rural, primarily residential; one urban, heavily commuter). We found significant change in bystander attitudes for male and female student program participants compared with the control group on both campuses, although the pattern of change depended on the combination of gender and campus.
The Role of Economic Factors on Women’s Risk for Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Kaukinen Catherine Elizabeth , Powers Ráchael A.
Published: December 2014

National data from Canada and the United States are used to examine the connection between women’s economic contributions to the family and their risk for physical and emotional abuse. Analyses show that American women are at a twofold greater risk; however, the relationship between economic variables and the risk of both physical violence and coercive control are more complex. Income serves to reduce the risk of both violence and coercive control for both Canadian and American women, whereas education serves as a clear protective factor for American women, but does not provide the same benefit for Canadian women.
Intimate Partner Homicide
Authors: Sheehan Brynn E. , Murphy Sharon B. , Moynihan Mary M. , Dudley-Fennessey Erin , Stapleton Jane G.
Published: December 2014

Research on covictims, family members, and close friends who have lost loved ones to intimate partner homicide (IPH) is a neglected area of study. We conducted phenomenological interviews with covictims to gain insights into risk and lethality, examined affidavits from criminal case files, and reviewed news releases. The data uncovered acute risk factors prior to the homicide, identified changes in the perpetrators’ behavior and the perpetrators’ perceived loss of control over the victim, and described barriers that victims faced when attempting to gain safety. Findings suggest that recognizing acute risk factors is an important area for future IPH research.
Exploring the Potential for Changing Gender Norms Among Cricket Coaches and Athletes in India
Authors: Miller Elizabeth , Das Madhumita , Verma Ravi , O’Connor Brian , Ghosh Sancheeta , Jaime Maria Catrina D. , McCauley Heather L.
Published: December 2014

This study explored gender norms with cricket coaches and athletes in India to adapt a coach-delivered gender violence prevention program from the United States for the urban Indian context. Interviews and focus groups conducted among coaches and adolescent cricketers highlight the extent to which coaches and athletes articulate prevailing inequitable notions about gender and recognition of the power coaches wield. Adapting a violence prevention program that emphasizes gender norms change may be feasible with Indian cricket coaches but is likely to require attention to defining gender equity and challenging cultural assumptions with coaches prior to implementing the program with athletes.
Blended Learning Among Elderly Care Managers Inspires Projects That Take Older People’s Perspectives Into Account
Authors: Umb Carlsson Õie , Källberg Niklas , Wadensten Barbro
Published: December 2014

When the national core value system was introduced in Sweden, care professionals were challenged to be part of a paradigm shift by changing their perspective, from regarding older people like passive recipients of societal efforts to treating them as active subjects and taking their preferences and wishes into consideration as well. To realize this shift in attitudes and behavior, an interprofessional blended education course was offered. The present study explored the utility of the blended educational approach in the local implementation of the national policy in elderly care. We argue that the course has contributed to enhanced competence in terms of how professionals relate theories and targeted discussions to specific and concrete improvement in their professions and workplaces.
Marker Variable Choice, Reporting, and Interpretation in the Detection of Common Method Variance
Authors: Simmering Marcia J. , Fuller Christie M. , Richardson Hettie A. , Ocal Yasemin , Atinc Guclu M.
Published: December 2014

This article investigates in two ways the use and reporting of marker variables to detect common method variance (CMV) in organizational research. First, a review of 398 empirical articles and 41 unpublished dissertations that employ marker variables indicates that authors are not reporting adequate information regarding marker variable choice and use, are choosing inappropriate marker variables, and are possibly making errors in their assessment of CMV effects. Second, two data sets are presented that investigate the properties of six prospective markers to assess the degree to which they capture specific, measurable causes of CMV and the conclusions these markers produce when applied to substantive relationships. Results from the review and empirical investigation are used to expand the set of conditions scholars should consider when determining whether to employ a marker technique over other alternatives for detecting and controlling CMV and how best to do so.
“Just Look at her!”
Authors: Miller Shane Aaron
Published: December 2014

Using the American sport media’s treatment of South African runner Caster Semenya, this article explores how in the course of defending Caster Semenya the American sport media presented a rigorous challenge to traditional conceptions of sex and gender. Yet these rhetorical efforts to deconstruct sex and gender binaries were undermined by the specific ways in which Semenya’s dual performances—athletic and gender—were visually depicted. A close reading and analysis of US sports media coverage of Caster Semenya provide an opportunity to explore the ways in which the norms of sport may foster progressive treatment of athletes whose genders do not fit comfortably within the existing, traditional expectations of what men and women should be like. At the same time, however, I wish to suggest that both discursive and visual rhetoric are limited in how much they can use such sports norms when ontological questions about the normal, the natural, and the body are at stake. By paying particular attention to the interplay between the linguistic, the visual, and the performative, I hope to show that even the most sincere efforts to complicate sex and gender within the framework of sport have significant limitations.
C-Reactive Protein Levels Among U.S. Adults Exposed to Parental Incarceration
Authors: Boch Samantha J. , Ford Jodi L.
Published: December 2014

Previous studies have linked childhood adversity to low-grade inflammation via C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. This study analyzed the association between low-grade inflammation and prior biological parental incarceration. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1994–2008) were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models. Measures included high-sensitivity (hs)-CRP (<3 mg/L = reference, 3–10 mg/L = low-grade inflammation, and >10 mg/L = acute inflammation), parent incarceration occurring in the child’s lifetime, and frequency and timing of incarceration with respect to child’s age (0–18 years or >18 years vs. never) of incarceration. Analyses were stratified by child’s gender. Final sample sizes were n = 5,396 males and n = 6,447 females for maternal incarceration and n = 4,956 males and n = 5,860 females for paternal incarceration. In models with and without potential mediators, females whose fathers were ever incarcerated were more likely to have hs-CRP levels of 3–10 mg/L than females whose fathers were never incarcerated (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.09, 1.91]). Additionally, daughter’s age (<18 years; AOR: 1.48, 95% CI: [1.11, 1.97]) and frequency of father’s incarceration were significant (AOR: 1.24, 95% CI: [1.04, 1.49]). No mediating effects were observed. Males whose fathers were incarcerated when they were ≥18 years were less likely to have hs-CRP levels of 3–10 mg/L than those whose father was never incarcerated; the association was nonsignificant in the mediated model. Further investigation is needed on the physiological effects of exposure to parental incarceration and interventions to support children.
The framing of value
Authors: Lahey Michael
Published: December 2014

This article investigates the relationship between the television industry and participatory audiences through a rhetoric of empowerment that frames audience engagement in particular ways. I focus on how contests based on the creation of user-generated content are utilized in the industry–audience relationship; here my primary case studies are the use of user-generated video contests for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and The Office. I explore how these shows try to produce and harness the activity of participatory audiences. Further, I argue that an emphasis on understanding the regimes of value for participants is key to understanding these experiments in digital audience retention.
Pin-ups, strippers and centerfolds: Gendered mediation and post-socialist political culture
Authors: Kaneva Nadia , Ibroscheva Elza
Published: December 2014

This article focuses on a ‘new generation’ of female politicians in Central and Eastern Europe who have emerged in the post-socialist context. These women are found in various countries and their political affiliations and agendas are diverse. However, they share a peculiar penchant for using the mass media to offer provocatively packaged public displays of their bodies in ways that relate to their political careers. These strategies of mediated self-exposure include posing for erotic magazines or using sexualized messages in various other video and print formats. In addition to drawing attention at home and abroad, these sensationalized and sexualized displays of female politicians’ bodies highlight the changing tastes and manners of post-socialist political culture. This article examines emblematic examples of female politicians’ mediated self-exposure and uses them to raise critical questions about the gendered nature of post-socialist political culture as it intersects with commercial media culture.
Labour and passion: Introduction to themed section
Authors: Hermes Joke
Published: December 2014

In this introduction to the themed section on ‘Labour and passion’, it is argued that work has bled into all areas of life. Political economists and media production researchers have shown how both paid and unpaid labour are singularly important and build upon one another. The set of articles presented here is the precursor to a general issue on Media and Passion (to be published later). It is the result of the same invitation. The articles can be seen to show how neo-liberalism may have convinced us that work is the ultimate definer of individual identity but that this invitation is meaningless without the energy of passion, emotion and affect. The articles in the themed section address creative work generally, song-writing and self-help guides for those seeking work. The link between cultural studies and political economy is re-established. Wrestling last but not least proves the ultimate example that paid labour and free labour can both be a labour of love. Without the passionate involvement of sportsmen, organizers and audience members, it would not exist.
Housing cultural studies: A memoir of Stuart Hall, Richard Hoggart and Terence Hawkes
Authors: Hartley John
Published: December 2014

Three globally significant figures in cultural studies died in 2014. They were Terence Hawkes (13 May 1932–16 January 2014), Stuart Hall (3 February 1932–10 February 2014) and Richard Hoggart (24 September 1918–10 April 2014). I miss them all. That personal feeling motivates what follows. But there’s a public aspect to it too. Not only did I watch and admire these three people building cultural studies; I know the buildings they built it in. Suddenly those buildings feel empty, not facing the future but confined to their times, ceasing to ‘speak’ as they silently await sufficient neglect and dilapidation to justify the new-generation wrecking ball of ‘creative destruction’ to open up the space for something new that has already forgotten them.
The combination of rolling-and-T6-treatments with Al2O3-reinforcing-particles effect on A6061 metal-matrix composites
Authors: Leu Jyh-Shyan , Chu Chun-Lin , Fuh Yiin-Kuen , Huang E-Wen , Lin Kin-Fu , Lee Shyong
Published: December 2014

Al–Si alloys, with excellent properties such as low weight, low thermal expansion coefficient, and high wear-resistance, are ideal materials for the automobile and aerospace industries. However, their applications have been hampered by the coarsening of the primary-Si particles in Al–Si alloys. In this study, the rolling-and-T6-treatments effect on A6061/Al2O3 metal-matrix composites is investigated. The A6061/Al2O3 metal-matrix composites with different amounts of reinforcing Al2O3 particles are examined in the aspects of wear resistance and hardness. Upon the T6 treatment, the hardness is enhanced in all cases and is summarized. The results suggest that the increase of Al2O3 particles reduce the wear rate. The possible reinforce mechanisms and the environmental temperature effects are discussed. This improvement in wear resistance is due to the particle size refinement of silicon at a high percentage-roll-reduction.
Migrant associations' dynamics in Luxembourg
Authors: Gerstnerova Andrea
Published: December 2014

Migrant associations are generally presented as platforms for meetings, information exchange and social networking. But they are also cultural identity holders and centres for altruistic help and solidarity. This article offers a broad insight into the intra-community dynamics of the two most numerous non-EU communities residing in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It analyses basic functions and levels of efficiency of Cape-Verdean and ex-Yugoslav associations during the integration process of immigrants in the Luxembourgish labour market as well as into the society. The research results are based on 81 semi-structured interviews carried out in the period between 31 December 2011 and 30 June 2013 with representatives of associations, non-governmental organizations, academicians and migrants themselves.
Classification of acoustic emission data from buckling test of carbon fibre panel using unsupervised clustering techniques
Authors: Al-Jumaili Safaa Kh , Holford Karen M , Eaton Mark J , McCrory John P , Pearson Matthew R , Pullin Rhys
Published: December 2014

Acoustic emission is widely used for mechanical diagnostics and to characterise damage in composite materials. Distinction between different damage mechanisms is still one of the major challenges and remains an unresolved issue. The objective of cluster analysis is to separate an acoustic emission data set into multiple classes that reflect different acoustic emission sources. This article is concerned with the implementation of unsupervised clustering techniques to classify acoustic emission transients from a carbon fibre laminate buckling test. A new approach to signal feature extraction was utilised, whereby principal components provide signal features that represent the greatest data variance while remaining linearly uncorrelated with each other; feature selection was undertaken using a hierarchical clustering method and finally a cluster analysis was performed using k-means and Fuzzy C-means techniques. The aim of the work is to reduce the data required in the classification process, thereby reducing the processing time and computational power required, without significantly affecting the classification result. Thus, an approach which is more suited to online processing, allowing fast and efficient processing and storage of data is provided. The proposed unsupervised clustering analysis was able to separate acoustic emission signals into two different clusters that were correlated to the damage mechanisms observed. The results show that the clustering groups have a good fit with ultrasonic C-scan and digital image correlation strain data. The application of a clustering process that uses the most effective acoustic emission features as input data is an objective method, and this investigation shows that it may be a useful complement in the field of non-destructive evaluation.
Leadership and Employee Engagement
Authors: Carasco-Saul Marie , Kim Woocheol , Kim Taesung
Published: December 2014

Leadership is one of the most studied topics in the organization sciences, and employee engagement one of the more recent. However, the relationship between leadership and employee engagement has not been widely investigated. As many organizations invest significant resources in retaining, developing, and engaging employees, human resource development (HRD) professionals are tasked to develop and partner with leaders to deliver those strategies effectively. Thus, a comprehensive understanding on the relationship and mechanism between leadership and engagement is essential to HRD professionals informing leaders on how best to cultivate positive results in followers. In this vein, this research conducted an extensive review of empirical and conceptual studies that examined the relationship between leadership and employee engagement, analyzed/synthesized the studies into integrated frameworks for the leadership–engagement relationship, and proposed future research agendas.
Making Meaning of Experience
Authors: Coke Pamela K. , Benson Sheila , Hayes Monie
Published: December 2014

This article is about three adult authors who are making meaning of their experiences as early career, tenure-track professors. All former secondary English language arts instructors who are responsible for preparing future secondary English teachers, the authors use Mezirow’s transformative learning theory lens to examine their trajectories from doctoral students to early career professors, focusing on how they navigate the alignment—or lack thereof—between their expectations and their realities, with attention to disorientation and guilt, culminating in critical examination. They have learned to create new spaces for themselves and to redefine their roles according to new knowledge, highlighting the importance of developing a mentoring framework that can help make others’ progress through these phases less difficult. The authors offer suggestions for how to use transformative learning theory to create conditions in which they and their mentees can experience a professional lifetime of satisfaction.
A Single Session of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Patients With Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome
Authors: Naro Antonino , Russo Margherita , Leo Antonino , Bramanti Placido , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: December 2014

Background. The level of consciousness is regulated by the activation of the frontal parietal network since a disruption within this interregional cortical connectivity is associated with a consciousness breakdown. Objective. The primary aim of the present study was to examine the feasibility and the safety of a single session of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), delivered over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), in patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS). As a secondary aim, we investigated the efficacy of rTMS over DLPFC on cortico-cortical connectivity as tested with paired-pulse and dual-coil TMS techniques. Methods. We enrolled 10 healthy and 10 postanoxic UWS subjects. After clinical assessment, subjects underwent a single/paired pulse TMS paradigm evaluating the inhibitory and facilitatory intracortical circuits. In addition, several interregional interactions between primary motor, dorsal and ventral premotor, supplementary motor, and posterior parietal cortex areas were investigated by means of dual-coil TMS technique. These parameters were evaluated at baseline, immediately after, and 60 minutes after a protocol of 10-Hz rTMS delivered at the level of the DLPFC. Results. rTMS over DLPFC did not cause any adverse events. We showed that rTMS over DLPFC did not induce, at group level, any clinical improvement or intra-/intercortical connectivity changes. Interestingly, in 3 patients rTMS induced a significant, although transient, clinical improvement associated with a short-lasting reshaping of brain connectivity. Conclusions. We demonstrated that a single session of 10-Hz rTMS over the right DLPFC may transiently improve consciousness and partially restore the connectivity within several cortical areas in some patients with UWS.
Monophosphoryl lipid A inhibits the cytokine response of endothelial cells challenged with LPS
Authors: Stark Ryan , Choi Hyehun , Koch Stephen , Lamb Fred , Sherwood Edward
Published: December 2014

Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) is a TLR4 agonist that is used as an immunomodulator in human vaccines; additionally, it has been shown to be protective in models of sepsis. As endothelial cells regulate inflammation, we hypothesized that MPLA would decrease activation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to LPS. We studied HUVECs challenged with LPS (100 ng/ml), MPLA (0.001–100 µg/ml) or a combination. Secretion of IL-6, RANTES (CCL5) and IP-10 (CXCL10) were assessed by ELISA. Activation of MAPK phosphorylation and cytokine transcription were assessed by Western blot analysis and PCR, respectively. MPLA alone was a weak stimulator of myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88-dependent IL-6 and did not induce TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF)-dependent chemokine responses. MPLA significantly reduced LPS-mediated IL-6 production. This inhibitory effect was also conferred for the TRIF-dependent chemokines RANTES and IP-10. Inhibition of LPS-mediated activation by MPLA was associated with reduced p38 phosphorylation and mRNAs encoding inflammatory cytokines. MPLA inhibition of LPS signaling appeared to be at the level of the TLR4 receptor, acting as a receptor antagonist with weak agonistic properties. This study provides evidence of a novel mechanism for the inhibitory effect of MPLA on LPS-induced endothelial activation.
Novel Approach to Inpatient Glucometric Monitoring and Variability in a Community Hospital Setting
Authors: Koziol James , Johnson Keith , Brenner Kathy , Fortmann Addie , Morrisey Robin , Philis-Tsimikas Athena
Published: December 2014

Background:

Hyperglycemia and glucose variability in the hospital environment are associated with higher rates of complications, longer lengths of stay, and mortality. Standardized metrics are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of glucose management interventions.

Methods:

Glucometric data were collected from 2024 inpatients in a San Diego hospital between 2009 and 2011. As a complementary measure of glucose control, individual patient excursion rates were calculated using counts of distinct excursions from normal to critical glucose ranges >180 or <70 mg/dL. Prediction models for excursion rates were devised, based on patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:

Patients were predominantly male (51.2%), Caucasian (86.0%), and elderly (median age 72 years). Obesity was prevalent: 32% were overweight and 33% were obese. Median length of hospitalization was 5.0 days (range, 0.8-139.4 days). Unadjusted rate of excursions >180 mg/dL was 0.456 per 24 hours. The proportion of zero excursions decreased as severity of illness decreased, but was unrelated to age. Excursion rates were slightly smaller for major and extreme severity of illness compared to mild or moderate illness severity. Excursion rates did not vary in a monotone fashion with age, although the general pattern reflected a reduction in excursion rates from the first age quartile (19 to 59) through the last age quartile (83 to 100). Using the Akaike information criterion, zero-inflated negative binomial models were identified as appropriate for analyzing glucose excursion rates.

Conclusions:

Systematic approaches to glucose reporting and management in the hospital environment offer “windows of opportunity” to improve diabetes care.
Accuracy of Intra-arterial and Subcutaneous Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Patients in the ICU
Authors: Sechterberger Marjolein K. , van der Voort Peter H. J. , Strasma Paul J. , DeVries J. Hans
Published: December 2014

Background: The GluCath® intra-arterial continuous glucose monitoring (IA-CGM) system uses a novel quenched chemical fluorescence sensing mechanism to optically measure blood glucose when deployed in the radial artery. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the IA-CGM and the FreeStyle Navigator® subcutaneous continuous glucose monitoring (SC-CGM) system with standard care. Methods: After admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), the IA-CGM was inserted via a 20 gauge radial arterial study catheter and the SC-CGM was placed at the abdominal wall of postoperative cardiac surgery patients with an expected ICU length of stay > 24 hours. Each device was calibrated according to manufacturer instructions. Glucose values of both CGM systems were blinded for the clinical staff. Reference blood glucose samples were collected from the study catheter every 1-2 hours for at least 24 hours and analyzed on a Radiometer ABL blood gas analyzer. Results: The IA-CGM and SC-CGM sensors were successfully inserted in 8 subjects. Accuracy assessment was performed with 183 paired points: 85.8% of the IA-CGM measurements and 84.2% of the SC-CGM measurements met ISO 15197:2003 glucometer criteria (within 20%) across a 79-248 mg/dl (4.4-13.8 mmol/L) glucose range. Overall ± SD mean absolute relative difference was 12.3 ± 11.3% for IA-CGM and 11.1 ± 8.3% for SC-CGM (difference −1.2%, 95% CI −3.3 to 0.8; P = .24). Conclusions: The IA-CGM system directly measured arterial blood glucose and did not interfere with clinical care. However, accuracy was similar to that of the less invasive SC-CGM device.
The Posterior Medial Blind Spot of the Distal Tibia
Authors: Wusu Timilehin O. , Toussaint Rull James , Ellington J. Kent , Kwon John Y.
Published: December 2014

The distal tibial blind spot represents an area where improperly measured long screws may pose a risk to surrounding anatomic structures and is not well visualized on AP, mortise, and lateral radiographs. Awareness of this area as well as the use of a 45° external rotation oblique view when placing fixation in this area may prevent iatrogenic injury.

Levels of Evidence: Level V, Expert Opinion
The Effect of Breast Milk Odor on Transition Time From Gavage to Oral Feeding and Hospital Stay in Premature Infants
Authors: Iranmanesh Sedigheh , Shamsi Atefeh , pour Aboli Batool , Movahedi Zeinab
Published: December 2014

We examined the effects of breast milk smell on transition time from gavage to oral feeding and hospital stay in premature infants. There were 92 premature infants younger than 33 weeks who were randomly selected and sequentially allocated to the following groups: control (n = 46) and intervention (n = 46). This experimental study was undertaken in 2 neonatal intensive care units located in Vali Asr and Jamee Zanan educational hospitals in Tehran, Iran. We collected data from April 6 until September 6, 2013, over 4.5 months. Participants’ demographic data were extracted from their medical records. The findings of the study indicated that the use of an impregnated pad with breast milk, which was used for olfactory stimulation, reduced premature infants’ transition feeding time by 10 days in the intervention group compared with the control group. The length of hospitalization was also reduced by 12 days in the intervention group compared with the control group. The study results suggested that neonatal intensive care unit nurses should train mothers in the performance of this simple, inexpensive method to improve the quality of care provided to premature infants and reduce feeding transition time from gavage to oral feeding.
A biobehavioral model of weight loss associated with meditative movement practice among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Larkey Linda K , Vega-López Sonia , Keller Colleen , McClain Darya , Ainsworth Barbara , Ohri-Vachaspati Punam , Smith Lisa , Jeong Mihyun
Published: December 2014

Women with breast cancer often experience weight gain during and after treatment, significantly increasing risk for recurrence as well as all-cause mortality. Based on a growing body of evidence, meditative movement practices may be effective for weight management. First, we describe the effects of stress on factors associated with weight gain for breast cancer survivors. Then, a model is proposed that utilizes existing evidence to suggest how meditative movement supports behavioral, psychological, and neurohormonal changes that may explain weight loss. Application of the model suggests how a novel “mindful-body-wisdom” approach may work to help reduce weight for this at-risk group.
Residual stress profiles in riveted joints of steel sheets
Authors: Haque R. , Wong Y. C. , Paradowska A. , Durandet Y.
Published: December 2014

The residual stress profiles in two different self-piercing riveted (SPR) joints were characterised using the neutron diffraction technique. The joints were produced using semi-tubular steel rivets and carbon steel sheets of different thicknesses and hardnesses. The residual stress in the sheet material inside the bore of the rivet was compressive at the centre and the stress became tensile away from the centre. The stresses found in the semi-tubular rivet were compressive, with a lower magnitude in the rivet head compared with those in the rivet leg. For the SPR joints examined, the compressive residual stress in the rivet leg was greater for the thin joint than the thick joint, and this was due to the higher force gradient encountered during the rivet flaring stage. The originality of this work was to relate the residual stress profile to the physical event that occurred during the SPR process.
Innovative thrombolytic strategy using a heterodimer diabody against TAFI and PAI-1 in mouse models of thrombosis and stroke
Authors: Wyseure Tine , Rubio Marina , Denorme Frederik , Martinez de Lizarrondo Sara , Peeters Miet , Gils Ann , De Meyer Simon F. , Vivien Denis , Declerck Paul J.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Early thrombolytic treatment with a bispecific inhibitor against TAFI and PAI-1 is effective without exogenous tPA. Even at the highest dose tested, the bispecific inhibitor against TAFI and PAI-1 does not prolong bleeding time.
Inflammatory signaling regulates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell emergence in vertebrates
Authors: He Qiuping , Zhang Chunxia , Wang Lu , Zhang Panpan , Ma Dongyuan , Lv Junhua , Liu Feng
Published: December 2014

Key Points

TLR4–MyD88–NF-κB is required for HSPC emergence in zebrafish and mouse embryos. Notch functions downstream of inflammatory signaling to regulate HSPC emergence.
Existence and multiplicity of solutions for equations involving nonhomogeneous operators of "Equation missing" -Laplace type in "Equation missing"
Authors: Lee Seung Dae , Park Kisoeb , Kim Yun-Ho
Published: December 2014

We are concerned with the following elliptic equations with variable exponents:

−
div
(
φ
(
x
,
∇
u
)
)
+

|
u
|

p
(
x
)
−
2

u
=
λ
f
(
x
,
u
)

in

R
N

, where the function

φ
(
x
,
v
)

is of type

|
v
|

p
(
x
)
−
2

v

with continuous function

p
:

R
N

→
(
1
,
∞
)

and

f
:

R
N

×
R
→
R

satisfies a Carathéodory condition. The purpose of this paper is to show the existence of at least one solution, and under suitable assumptions, infinitely many solutions for the problem above by using mountain pass theorem and fountain theorem.

MSC: 35D30, 35J60, 35J90, 35P30, 46E35.
Wavefield tomography using reverse time migration backscattering
Authors: Díaz Esteban , Sava Paul
Published: December 2014

Reverse time migration backscattering contains kinematic information that can be used to constrain velocity models. The backscattering results from the correlation between forward scattered and backscattered wavefields from sharp interfaces, i.e., sediment-salt interfaces. The synchronization between these wavefields depends on the velocity of the sediment section and the correct interpretation of the sharp boundary. We have developed an optimization workflow in which the sediment velocity and the sharp boundary are updated iteratively. The presence of sharp boundaries in the model lead to high- and low-wavenumber components in the objective function gradient; the high-wavenumber components correspond to the correlation of wavefields traveling in opposite directions, whereas the low-wavenumber components correspond to the correlation of wavefields traveling in the same direction. This behavior is similar to reverse time migration in which the high-wavenumber components represent the reflectors (the signal) and the low-wavenumber components represent backscattering (noise). The opposite is true in tomography: The low wavenumber components represent changes to the velocity model, and the high-wavenumber components are noise that needs to be filtered out. We use a directional filter based on Poynting vectors during the gradient computation to preserve the smooth components of the gradient, thus spreading information away from the sharp boundary. Our tests indicated that velocity models are better constrained when we include the sharp boundaries (and the associated backscattering) in wavefield tomography.