bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study into the characteristics of gomuti (Arenga pinnata) fibre for usage as natural fibre composites
Authors: Ticoalu Adriana , Aravinthan Thiru , Cardona Francisco
Published: October 2013

Gomuti is a natural fibre obtained from Arenga pinnata tree. In its native countries, the fibre has been used as roof, rope, insulation and water filter. This paper presents a study into the physical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of gomuti fibre to observe its viability as natural fibre composite material. The study includes observations of fibre morphology, diameter, density, single fibre tensile testing and observation of fibre thermal stability. It was found that diameter of the studied gomuti fibre was in a range of 81–313 µm, with an average of 168 µm. Density of gomuti was ∼1.40 g/cm3. The average strength of single gomuti fibre was 173.9 MPa and the average modulus of elasticity was 3847 MPa. Alkali treatment with sodium hydroxide was conducted to evaluate modifications in the fibre’s characteristics. The treated gomuti fibres show altered diameter range, density, single fibre tensile properties and different thermogravimetric plots. Based on the results, gomuti fibre can be considered viable to be developed into natural fibre composites.
The drilling-induced failure mechanisms in T800/924C toughened carbon-epoxy composite materials
Authors: Khan Zaffar M , Mahmood Ali Hasan , Mills Ben , Khan Laraib A
Published: October 2013

The process of drilling of toughened carbon fiber composite materials presents numerous problems during structural assembly. The extremely abrasive nature of carbon fibers along with the softer resin quickly dull sharp tools, split, tear, pullout, and push-in the fibers on the hole boundaries. The presence and growth of such flaws seriously impairs the structural stability, durability, and reliability particularly under fatigue loading. This research aims to investigate the failure modes, pattern, and sequence of damage mechanisms in toughened carbon-epoxy composite in relation to the drilling dynamics. The surface morphology of the damaged fibers in the sectioned holes was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The drill forces were determined by drill dynamometer to investigate the drilling thrust and torque. The photoelastic stress analysis was used to determine the strains around hole of the lowest ply. The most critical failure mode was found to be shear crimping of −45° fibers due to microbuckling. This resulted in formation of damage pits that were spaced apart periodically at an angle of 45° on hole boundaries. The through-the-thickness drilling forces caused delamination in the resin rich region of −45°/90° interlayer. The SEM, dynamometer, and photoelastic strain results were correlated to predict the onset of failure modes. The results have been explained in the light of analytical models based on fracture mechanics. Measures have been suggested for minimizing the damage on carbon-epoxy composite hole boundaries.
Monocrotophos induced oxidative stress and alterations in brain dopamine and serotonin receptors in young rats
Authors: Sankhwar Madhu L , Yadav Rajesh S , Shukla Rajendra K , Singh Dhirendra , Ansari Reyaz W , Pant Aditya B , Parmar Devendra , Khanna Vinay K
Published: October 2013

Human exposure to monocrotophos, an organophosphate pesticide, could occur due to its high use in agriculture to protect crops. Recently, we found that postlactational exposure to monocrotophos impaired cholinergic mechanisms in young rats and such changes persisted even after withdrawal of monocrotophos exposure. In continuation to this, the effect of monocrotophos on noncholinergic targets and role of oxidative stress in its neurotoxicity has been studied. Exposure of rats from postnatal day (PD)22 to PD49 to monocrotophos (0.50 or 1.0 mg kg−1 body weight, perorally) significantly impaired motor activity and motor coordination on PD50 as compared to controls. A significant decrease in the binding of 3H-spiperone to striatal membrane (26%, p < 0.01; 30%, p < 0.05) in rats exposed to monocrotophos at both the doses and increase in the binding of 3H-ketanserin to frontocortical membrane (14%, p > 0.05; 37%, p < 0.05) in those exposed at a higher dose, respectively, was observed on PD50 compared with the controls. Alterations in the binding persisted even after withdrawal of monocrotophos exposure on PD65. Increased oxidative stress in brain regions following exposure of rats to monocrotophos was also observed on PD50 that persisted 15 days after withdrawal of exposure on PD65. The results suggest that monocrotophos exerts its neurobehavioral toxicity by affecting noncholinergic functions involving dopaminergic and serotonergic systems associated with enhanced oxidative stress. The results also exhibit vulnerability of developing brain to monocrotophos as most of the changes persisted even after withdrawal of its exposure.
Heavy metal bioaccumulation in sediment, common reed, algae, and blood worm from the Shoor river, Iran
Authors: Hamidian Amir Hossein , Zareh Maryam , Poorbagher Hadi , Vaziri Leila , Ashrafi Sohrab
Published: October 2013

Concentrations of 11 metals (cadmium, zinc, copper (Cu), vanadium (V), lead, magnesium (Mg), manganese, aluminum, iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and nickel), and one metalloid (arsenic (As)) were measured in sediment, common reed ( Phragmites australis), algae ( Spirogyra sp.), and blood worm ( Chironomus sp.) tissues of samples collected from the Shoor river. Samples were dried, acid digested, and the concentrations of metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer. A higher concentration of heavy metals was accumulated in Spirogyra and Chironomids than sediment and common reed. The highest rate of accumulation was found for Mg, V, Fe, As, Cu, and Cr. Spirogyra and Chironomids are capable of accumulating and thereby removing metals from polluted water bodies and are suitable for biomonitoring purposes.
Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas in Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex:
Authors: Wheless James W. , Klimo Paul
Published: October 2013

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene that can result in the growth of hamartomas in multiple organ systems. Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas are slow-growing brain tumors associated primarily with tuberous sclerosis complex. They are usually located in the ventricles, often near the foramen of Monro, where they can cause an obstruction if they grow too large, leading to increased intracranial pressure. Surgery to remove a tumor has been the mainstay of treatment but can be associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Not all tumors and/or patients are suitable for surgery. The recent development of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors that target the pathway affected by TSC1/TSC2 mutations offers a novel pharmacotherapeutic option for these patients. We review the timing and use of surgery versus pharmacotherapy for the treatment of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.
Gelatin powders accelerate the resorption of calcium phosphate cement and improve healing in the alveolar ridge
Authors: Matsumoto Goichi , Sugita Yoshihiko , Kubo Katsutoshi , Yoshida Waka , Ikada Yoshito , Sobajima Satoshi , Neo Masashi , Maeda Hatsuhiko , Kinoshita Yukihiko
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to show the effectiveness of combining calcium phosphate cement and gelatin powders to promote bone regeneration in the canine mandible. We mixed gelatin powders with calcium phosphate cement to create a macroporous composite. In four beagle dogs, two saddle-type bone defects were created on each side of the mandible, and calcium phosphate cement alone or calcium phosphate cement containing composite gelatin powders was implanted in each of the defects. After a healing period of six months, mandibles were removed for µCT and histological analyses. The µCT and histological analyses showed that at experimental sites at which calcium phosphate cement alone had been placed new bone had formed only around the periphery of the residual calcium phosphate cement and that there had been little or no ingrowth into the calcium phosphate cement. On the other hand, at experimental sites at which calcium phosphate cement containing composite gelatin powders had been placed, we observed regenerated new bone in the interior of the residual calcium phosphate cement as well as around its periphery. The amount of resorption of calcium phosphate cement and bone regeneration depended on the mixing ratio of gelatin powders to calcium phosphate cement. New bone replacement was significantly better in the sites treated with calcium phosphate cement containing composite gelatin powders than in those treated with calcium phosphate cement alone.
Quantifying Discipline Practices Using Absolute Versus Relative Frequencies
Authors: Lindhiem Oliver , Shaffer Anne , Kolko David J.
Published: October 2013

In the parent intervention outcome literatures, discipline practices are generally quantified as absolute frequencies or, less commonly, as relative frequencies. These differences in methodology warrant direct comparison as they have critical implications for study results and conclusions among treatments targeted at reducing parental aggression and harsh discipline. In this study, we directly compared the absolute frequency method and the relative frequency method for quantifying physically aggressive, psychologically aggressive, and nonaggressive discipline practices. Longitudinal data over a 3-year period came from an existing data set of a clinical trial examining the effectiveness of a psychosocial treatment in reducing parental physical and psychological aggression and improving child behavior ( N = 139). Discipline practices (aggressive and nonaggressive) were assessed using the Conflict Tactics Scale. The two methods yielded different patterns of results, particularly for nonaggressive discipline strategies. We suggest that each method makes its own unique contribution to a more complete understanding of the association between parental aggression and intervention effects.
Sex-Role Identification and Violent Victimization
Authors: Daigle Leah E. , Mummert Sadie J.
Published: October 2013

Although sex-role identification has been found to be associated with crime and delinquency, the link between sex-role identification and violent victimization has remained largely unexplored. Using the Add Health data, this study examines sex-role identification and its relationship to violent victimization. The findings suggest that masculinity increases the risk of violent victimization for males, but does not for females. Other differences in risk factors across gender were also found. These findings indicate that masculinity is an important construct in understanding the complexity of why some persons are violently victimized and others are not.
Understanding the Relationship Between Proactive and Reactive Aggression, and Cyberbullying Across United States and Singapore Adolescent Samples
Authors: Ang Rebecca P. , Huan Vivien S. , Florell Dan
Published: October 2013

This study examined cyberbullying among adolescents across United States and Singapore samples. Specifically, the purpose of the investigation was to study the differential associations between proactive and reactive aggression, and cyberbullying across two cultures. A total of 425 adolescents from the United States ( M age = 13 years) and a total of 332 adolescents from Singapore ( M age = 14.2 years) participated in the study. Results of the moderator analyses suggested that nationality was not a moderator of the relationship between proactive aggression and cyberbullying, and between reactive aggression and cyberbullying. As expected, findings showed proactive aggression to be positively associated with cyberbullying, after controlling for reactive aggression, across both samples. Likewise, as hypothesized, reactive aggression and cyberbullying was not found to be significant after controlling for proactive aggression across both samples. Implications of these findings were discussed: (a) Proactive aggression is a possible risk factor for both bullying and cyberbullying; (b) proactive and reactive aggression could be argued to be distinct as they have different correlates—only proactive aggression contributed to cyberbullying after controlling for reactive aggression; (c) this research extends previous work and contributes toward cross-cultural work using similar and comparable measures across different samples; and (d) prevention and intervention programs targeted at proactive aggressive adolescents could adopt a two-pronged approach by changing mind sets, and by understanding and adopting a set of rules for Internet etiquette.
Comparison of Smartphone and Online Computer Survey Administration
Authors: Wells Tom , Bailey Justin T. , Link Michael W.
Published: October 2013

The dramatic rise of smartphones has profound implications for survey research. Namely, can smartphones become a viable and comparable device for self-administered surveys? The current study is based on approximately 1,500 online U.S. panelists who were smartphone users and who were randomly assigned to the mobile app or online computer mode of a survey. Within the survey, we embedded several experiments that had been previously tested in other modes (mail, PC web, mobile web). First, we test whether responses in the mobile app survey are sensitive to particular experimental manipulations as they are in other modes. Second, we test whether responses collected in the mobile app survey are similar to those collected in the online computer survey. Our mobile survey experiments show that mobile survey responses are sensitive to the presentation of frequency scales and the size of open-ended text boxes, as are responses in other survey modes. Examining responses across modes, we find very limited evidence for mode effects between mobile app and PC web survey administrations. This may open the possibility for multimode (mobile and online computer) surveys, assuming that certain survey design recommendations for mobile surveys are used consistently in both modes.
Perceptions of a Continuing Professional Development Portfolio Model to Enhance the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Tofade Toyin , Abate Marie , Fu Yunting
Published: October 2013

Objective:

To obtain feedback about the potential usefulness of a continuing professional development (CPD) portfolio for enhancing a faculty or practitioner’s scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL).

Method:

A CPD portfolio approach to the SoTL was distributed in advance to registrants of the 2011 Annual AACP Teacher’s Seminar. In an interactive workshop, faculty facilitators described a model for a CPD process applied to the development of an individual’s SoTL. During the workshop, participants were asked to complete the initial sections of the portfolio to develop a personal plan for success in the SoTL. Post workshop, an evaluation form was distributed to the participants to obtain feedback about the CPD approach. Completed evaluation forms were collected, collated, and summarized.

Results:

A total of 53 (14.1%) workshop participants completed the evaluation form of the 375 attendees. In all, 25 assistant professors, 14 associate professors, 4 full professors, 10 residents/students, 22 clinical, and 2 research faculty submitted evaluations. The proposed uses for the portfolio model selected most often by the responders were for personal development, faculty evaluation, increasing the SoTL, new faculty development, preceptor development, and residency training.

Implications:

A structured CPD portfolio model might be useful for the professional development of the SoTL.
A prediction model for the lost wax process through fuzzy-based artificial neural network
Authors: Pattnaik Sarojrani , Karunakar D Benny , Jha PK
Published: October 2013

The application of investment casting process is rapidly increasing, specifically for near net shape manufacturing of complex and small engineering components. The process begins with making of wax patterns, thereafter employing a precision mould, dewaxing, pouring molten alloy and knocking the shell, followed by minor finishing operations. This study is about predicting the quality of responses of the wax patterns namely linear shrinkage and surface roughness using fuzzy-based artificial neural network. The process parameters considered are injection temperature, injection pressure and holding time, and experiments have been performed as per Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal array. As optimum parameter levels were different for both the responses, fuzzy logic reasoning has been used to combine all the objectives and transform the experimental results into single performance index known as multi-response performance index. Later, modelling of the process has been done using artificial neural network with experimental process parameters as inputs and multi-response performance index as output obtained from fuzzy modelling. Further, experiments have been conducted at random combination of parameter levels to validate the developed model, and it has been found that the actual results agreed well with that of the predicted value on the basis of mean absolute percentage error and correlation plots.
Explicit dynamic formulation to demonstrate compliance against quasi-static aircraft seat certification loads (CS25.561) – Part II: Influence of body blocks
Authors: Hughes Kevin , Gulavani Omkar , Vuyst Tom De , Vignjevic Rade
Published: October 2013

Loading an aerospace and automotive seat statically through lap or body blocks is a complex and highly non-linear problem, as the key numerical challenge is to replicate the contact and slipping kinematics between seat, lap block and belt. In addition, severe element distortions and unexpected contact between parts can occur due to the large deformations involved, which result in implicit solvers struggling to find a converged solution. This paper focuses on the use of an explicit Finite Element Analysis (FEA) solver (LS-DYNA3D) for an aircraft seat subject to Certification Specifications CS25.561, although the ideas presented are equally applicable to automotive seat designers. Explicit codes are better able to overcome contact convergence issues and are often used with appropriate damping to achieve a quasi-static solution. This paper reviews the methodology presented in Part I, whereby issues relating to damping, mass and time scaling are outlined in order to overcome the high computational time step costs (Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) condition), together with the procedural and error checks required to ensure a quasi-static response. This paper extends the methodology by considering load cases that use lap blocks, such as ‘forward 9g’ and ‘upward 3g’ certification requirements. Alternative modelling approaches to represent the loading mechanism and effect of lap block mass on solution accuracy are discussed. This paper concludes with a verification framework that outlines the quality checks on various model energies and their ratios, where the numerical results are validated against test in terms of displacements and seat kinematics. Thus, ‘Part I’ and ‘Part II’ cover all elements related with the application of an explicit dynamic integration scheme to demonstrate static seat compliance, and together, form a clear framework to assist a Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analyst involved in applying an explicit integration scheme to solve non-linear quasi-static analyses.
Haemoglobin recovery among HIV-1 infected patients on zidovudine-based antiretroviral therapy and other regimens in north-central Nigeria
Authors: Parrish Deidra D , Blevins Meridith , Megazzini Karen M , Shepherd Bryan E , Mohammed Mukhtar Y , Wester C William , Vermund Sten H , Aliyu Muktar H
Published: October 2013

We conducted a study to assess trends in haemoglobin recovery among HIV-infected patients initiated on zidovudine-based combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) stratified by baseline haemoglobin level. Haemoglobin data from non-pregnant adult patients initiating cART in rural north-central Nigeria between June 2009 and May 2011 were analysed using a linear mixed effects model to assess the interaction between time, zidovudine-containing regimen and baseline haemoglobin level on the outcome of subsequent haemoglobin level. Best-fit curves were created for baseline haemoglobin in the 10th, 25th, 75th and 90th percentiles. We included 313 patients with 736 measures of haemoglobin in the analysis (239 on zidovudine and 74 on non-zidovudine-containing regimens). Median haemoglobin increased over time in both groups, with differences in haemoglobin response over time related to baseline haemoglobin levels and zidovudine use ( p = 0.003). The groups of patients on zidovudine at the 10th and 90th percentiles had downward sloping curves while all other groups had upward trending haemoglobin levels. Although haemoglobin levels increased overall for patients on zidovudine-containing regimens, for those in the 10th and 90th percentiles haemoglobin levels trended downward over time. These results have implications for decisions regarding when to initiate, switch from or avoid the use of zidovudine.
Angiokeratomas – When is a few too many?
Authors: O’Mahony Colm , Franks Andrea , Llewellyn Rhiannon
Published: October 2013

Many patients have a few scattered angiokeratoma and we reassure them that this it is normal; however, if they are numerous, Fabry disease should be considered and the family history should be checked.
On the Nature and Nurture of Intelligence and Specific Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Kan Kees-Jan , Wicherts Jelte M. , Dolan Conor V. , van der Maas Han L. J.
Published: October 2013

To further knowledge concerning the nature and nurture of intelligence, we scrutinized how heritability coefficients vary across specific cognitive abilities both theoretically and empirically. Data from 23 twin studies (combined N = 7,852) showed that (a) in adult samples, culture-loaded subtests tend to demonstrate greater heritability coefficients than do culture-reduced subtests; and (b) in samples of both adults and children, a subtest’s proportion of variance shared with general intelligence is a function of its cultural load. These findings require an explanation because they do not follow from mainstream theories of intelligence. The findings are consistent with our hypothesis that heritability coefficients differ across cognitive abilities as a result of differences in the contribution of genotype-environment covariance. The counterintuitive finding that the most heritable abilities are the most culture-dependent abilities sheds a new light on the long-standing nature-nurture debate of intelligence.
Influence of the bucket geometry on the Pelton performance
Authors: Rossetti Antonio , Pavesi Giorgio , Cavazzini Giovanna , Santolin Alberto , Ardizzon Guido
Published: October 2013

The increasing share of hydropower in world electricity production requires the development of standardized and optimized design procedures leading to increasingly higher efficiency values.

To date, despite a certain amount of support from computational fluid dynamics, Pelton turbines are still characterized by semiempirical design criteria that do not make it possible to optimize the jet–bucket interaction in order to maximize turbine performance. Based on an analysis of particle flow tracks, this paper presents a hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian method to investigate the influence of bucket geometry on the Pelton efficiency at two different operating conditions. Jet–bucket interaction was numerically analyzed by means of a traditional mesh-based numerical approach, using a transient multi-phase homogeneous model. Subsequently, the numerical results were integrated using a predictor–corrector algorithm, combining a fourth order Adams-Bashforth method as predictor and a fourth order Adams-Moulton method as corrector, in order to determine the fluid particle trajectories on the rotating buckets. The particle flow tracks were analyzed in detail to evaluate the single-particle performance in terms of discharged kinetic energy, momentum variation, and total energy variation during the jet–bucket interaction. Moreover, on the basis of the particle discharging position, the contribution of the different bucket areas to the total torque of the turbine was investigated to determine the time-depending influence of the bucket geometry on the turbine energy exchange and to suggest possible design solutions for improving bucket performance.
Holocene climate variations retrieved from Gun Nuur lake-sediment core in the northern Mongolian Plateau
Authors: Feng Z-D , Ma YZ , Zhang HC , Narantsetsega Ts , Zhang XS
Published: October 2013

Our pollen-based climate reconstruction shows that both temperature and moisture were low during the early Holocene from ~10,000 to ~8000 cal. a BP and gradually climbed from ~8000 to ~6000 cal. a BP. The last ~6000 years have been generally warm and wet with high-amplitude fluctuations. The high-moisture conditions for the past ~6000 years are not only corroborated by high arboreal pollen/non-arboreal (AP/NAP; trees and shrubs over herbs) pollen ratio and high pollen concentration but also by high organic matter content and diatom data. We suggest that lower winter insolation and remaining ice covers in the early Holocene might have slowed down temperature rise in the continental interiors and that the resulted low temperature might have suppressed regional evaporation that was a major water vapor source for precipitation. At the same time, icemelt-water injection into the North Atlantic Ocean might have also suppressed water vapor supplies to the downwind areas, including the northern Mongolian Plateau. The increase in winter insolation and the final melting of ice sheets, together with the increased atmospheric CO2 concentration and the associated increase in atmospheric water vapor, could be responsible for the higher temperature during the past ~6000 years. The icemelting and the associated rise of sea level during the past ~6000 years might be responsible for the weakening of the winter monsoon in the interior of Asian continent, thus alluring farther eastward penetration of the relatively warm and wet Atlantic air masses and consequently bringing more precipitation to the northern Mongolian Plateau.
Geological evidence for a drought episode in the western Pampas (Argentina, South America) during the early–mid 20th century
Authors: Tripaldi Alfonsina , Zárate Marcelo A , Forman Steven L , Badger Timothy , Doyle Moira E , Ciccioli Patricia
Published: October 2013

Drought episodes during the early–mid 20th century were recognized and described in several places around the world, with extreme dry conditions and widespread landscape denudation, like during the famous ‘Dust Bowl’ in North America. However, there is scant documentation of droughts in southern South America, particularly from the Pampas, and none based on the geological record. In this article, we provide clear evidence of aeolian reactivation and sand deposition in some areas of La Pampa and San Luis provinces, western Pampas (Argentina), during early–mid 20th century in response to drier conditions, probably amplified, like historic droughts in North America, by anthropogenic factors (e.g. significant population increase and agriculture expansion into a fragile environment). Evidence includes widespread bare sand blowouts, extensive surfaces with active sand migration, steep dune lee slopes, and sharp crests covered by weak soil development (A/C profile), accompanied by historical documents. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages on aeolian beds confirm mobilization and sedimentation by wind processes c. 95–60 yr BP. Considering the dominant (over 70%) austral spring–summer precipitation, it is possible the rainfall deficit in western Pampas was linked to positive sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the western subtropical South Atlantic Ocean (20–30°S and 30–50° W), according to significant canonical correlation between the precipitation field in subtropical South America and the Atlantic Ocean SST anomalies.
Dr Amos G Babcock – Fact or fiction?
Authors: Smith Douglas
Published: October 2013

The War of 1812–14 between the United States of America and Great Britain gave rise to several journals relating the sufferings of prisoners of war confined in prison ships and gaols in England. One of these is A Journal of a Young Man from Massachusetts, said to have been written by Dr Amos G Babcock, an American ship’s surgeon, and first published in 1816. This article sets out arguments for and against the truth of this assertion.
Maria Polydouri (1902–1930): The Greek poète maudit who died of tuberculosis
Authors: Kousoulis Antonis A
Published: October 2013

Maria Polydouri was a notable Greek poet. Often likened to the French poètes maudits, her poetry reflected a lyrical charisma and her unsettled life an untimely ending. The passing of both her parents within less than two months when she was aged 18 and her incomplete, desperate affair with the syphilitic poet Kostas Karyotakis, defined her existence. She took up many uncompleted occupations and remained socially committed. It seems that in 1923 she caught tuberculosis that was diagnosed ultimately in 1927 and led to her hospitalization at first in Paris and later in Athens. A progressive and restless spirit until the end, she wrote her best poems while in hospital. Polydouri’s final years and death received national attention and marked her out as a Greek literary legend.
W Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) and St Thomas’s Hospital: Medical School and the making of a writer
Authors: O’Mahony Seamus
Published: October 2013

William Somerset Maugham was one of the most successful and prolific authors of the twentieth century. He excelled in several genres, writing novels, plays, short stories, travel-books, memoir and criticism. His prose style was simple, witty; his world view weary and cynical. His childhood was marred by bereavement, losing both parents before the age of ten years. He spent a lonely adolescence under the guardianship of his uncle, an emotionally distant clergyman. He enrolled as a medical student at St Thomas’s Hospital mainly to escape from his uncle and also to live in London. From his teens his sole ambition was to be a writer: medicine did not interest him. Despite his lack of vocation, his five years at medical school proved to be the key experience in his artistic development. He observed and learned about people; he saw poverty, squalor and death. His experience as an Obstetric Clerk in the slums of London inspired his first novel, Liza of Lambeth. He qualified but never practised. In old age he wrote ‘I learned pretty well everything I know about human nature in the 5 years I spent at St Thomas’s Hospital'. The example of Maugham suggests that medical education may have value other than the training of doctors-to-be.
Healthcare professionals' perspectives on environmental sustainability
Authors: Dunphy Jillian L
Published: October 2013

Background:

Human health is dependent upon environmental sustainability. Many have argued that environmental sustainability advocacy and environmentally responsible healthcare practice are imperative healthcare actions.

Research questions:

What are the key obstacles to healthcare professionals supporting environmental sustainability? How may these obstacles be overcome?

Research design:

Data-driven thematic qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews identified common and pertinent themes, and differences between specific healthcare disciplines.

Participants:

A total of 64 healthcare professionals and academics from all states and territories of Australia, and multiple healthcare disciplines were recruited.

Ethical considerations:

Institutional ethics approval was obtained for data collection. Participants gave informed consent. All data were de-identified to protect participant anonymity.

Findings:

Qualitative analysis indicated that Australian healthcare professionals often take more action in their personal than professional lives to protect the environment, particularly those with strong professional identities. The healthcare sector’s focus on economic rationalism was a substantial barrier to environmentally responsible behaviour. Professionals also feared conflict and professional ostracism, and often did not feel qualified to take action. This led to healthcare professionals making inconsistent moral judgements, and feeling silenced and powerless. Constraints on non-clinical employees within and beyond the sector exacerbated these difficulties.

Discussion:

The findings are consistent with the literature reporting that organisational constraints, and strong social identification, can inhibit actions that align with personal values. This disparity can cause moral distress and residue, leading to feelings of powerlessness, resulting in less ethical behaviour.

Conclusion:

The data highlight a disparity between personal and professional actions to address environmental sustainability. Given the constraints Australian healthcare professionals encounter, they are unlikely to shift to environmentally responsible practice without support from institutions and professional associations. Professional development is required to support this endeavour. The poor transference of pro-ecological behaviour from one setting to another is likely to have international implications for healthcare practice.
Determination of methomyl in the stomach contents of baited wildlife by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Buchweitz John P. , Bokhart Mark , Johnson Margaret , Lehner Andreas
Published: October 2013

The poisoning of wildlife with fly-bait containing the active ingredient methomyl is an intentional and illegal act in many jurisdictions. A case of 2 animals poisoned by methomyl through consumption of tainted bait at multiple stations is described. Although thermally and ultraviolet-labile, methomyl can be identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and is detected in abundance in bait samples; however, it is not readily observed in tissues, owing to its rapid metabolism and elimination. The application of derivatizing functionalities, such as trimethylsilyl groups, stabilizes the methomyl-oxime metabolite to facilitate its detectability during exposure to the relatively harsh conditions of gas chromatography. This brief communication reports on the analytical detection of methomyl in baits and biological samples from poisoned wildlife. Essential to the case were the added determination of a fly-bait coactive ingredient, ( Z)-9-tricosene, and identification of a chemical indicator, caffeine, to confirm both the type of pesticide product involved in the poisoning incident and the vehicle used to perpetrate its delivery.
A Transdiagnostic Perspective on Cognitive, Affective, and Neurobiological Processes Underlying Human Suffering
Authors: Garland Eric L. , Howard Matthew O.
Published: October 2013

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and International Classification of Diseases classify mental health disorders on the basis of their putatively distinct symptom profiles. Although these nosologies are highly influential, they also have been derided as mere “field guides” because they focus solely on the superficial symptomatic expression of psychiatric syndromes rather than on the commonalities underlying psychiatric disorders. Recently, an alternative transdiagnostic perspective has emerged. This review addresses transdiagnostic processes that underlie a wide range of psychosocial problems commonly addressed by social work practitioners. First, we describe how the transdiagnostic perspective differs from categorical views of psychopathology and accords more closely with scientific evidence. Next, we review current experimental psychopathology and neuroscience research to detail the cognitive, affective, and neurobiological features of five transdiagnostic processes. Finally, we discuss how the transdiagnostic perspective may improve therapeutic outcomes and guide the implementation of targeted social work interventions.
A Critique of the Diagnostic Construct Schizophrenia
Authors: Wong Stephen E.
Published: October 2013

This article examines problems in the clinical utility of the diagnosis of schizophrenia including reliance on questionable data, arbitrary criteria and categorization, inadequate precision for assessment and treatment evaluation, and omission of information on causal current and historical environmental factors. Some alternatives to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition ( DSM-5) are briefly considered including continuous recording of individual client’s specific problems and goals, and functional assessments and functional analyses. The article discusses how biomedical assumptions implicit in the DSM-5 diverts mental health workers’ attention from social adversity factors contributing to the development of psychotic behavior and available psychosocial interventions for this disorder, thereby perpetuating biomedical dominance of mental health services.
Experimental and numerical analyses of the mechanical behaviors of three-dimensional orthogonal woven composites under compressive loadings with different strain rates
Authors: Zhang Fa , Liu Kun , Wan Yumin , Jin Limin , Gu Bohong , Sun Baozhong
Published: October 2013

Quasi-static and high strain rate compressive behaviors of basalt/vinyl ester 3D orthogonal woven composites along three perpendicular yarn directions were investigated experimentally and numerically. An elastic–plastic numerical model based on the 3D fabric architecture of the 3D orthogonal woven composites was developed to analyze the compressive deformation and failure mode under different strain rate loading conditions. The stress–strain curves obtained from experimental along three directions were used to validate the finite element model. The agreement between the experimental and finite element model results proves the validity of the finite element model. From the experimental results, the strain rate sensitive and anisotropy of the compressive behaviors was found. The finite element results were employed to analyze the locations of stress propagation, the 3D stress state, and the progressive failure behavior. It was also found that this model has a similar failure shape of “broom” at one end of the composite along both of weft and warp compressive directions, while an inclined shear band was formed in through-thickness compression. This result indicates that Z-yarn contributed significantly to the in-plane responses. Additionally, the absorbed energies that induce the complete damage of the composite coupons at various strain rates were also calculated and discussed.
IA Channels
Authors: Carrasquillo Yarimar , Nerbonne Jeanne M.
Published: October 2013

In many peripheral and central neurons, A-type K+ currents, IA, have been identified and shown to be key determinants in shaping action potential waveforms and repetitive firing properties, as well as in the regulation of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. The functional properties and physiological roles of native neuronal IA, however, have been shown to be quite diverse in different types of neurons. Accumulating evidence suggests that this functional diversity is generated by multiple mechanisms, including the expression and subcellular distributions of IA channels encoded by different voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel pore-forming (α) subunits, interactions of Kv α subunits with cytosolic and/or transmembrane accessory subunits and regulatory proteins and post-translational modifications of channel subunits. Several recent reports further suggest that local protein translation in the dendrites of neurons and interactions between IA channels with other types of voltage-gated ion channels further expands the functional diversity of native neuronal IA channels. Here, we review the diverse molecular mechanisms that have been shown or proposed to underlie the functional diversity of native neuronal IA channels.
Multiple Roles for Astrocytes as Effectors of Cytokines and Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Sofroniew Michael V.
Published: October 2013

Astrocytes are increasingly recognized as exerting complex functions essential for normal neural activity in the healthy central nervous system (CNS). Because astrocytes also respond to all forms of CNS injury or disease, there is growing interest in how reactive astrogliosis might alter astrocyte functions and thereby affect neural functions. Reactive astrogliosis is heterogeneous and regulated in a context specific manner by different molecular signals. Prominent among astrocyte signaling mechanisms is the ability to respond to, as well as to produce, many different cytokines and inflammatory mediators. These signaling mechanisms enable astrocytes to interact with diverse cell types in ways that may contribute to crosstalk between immune/inflammatory and neural systems. Consistent with this notion is the increasing evidence that cytokines and inflammatory mediators modulate astrocyte signaling not only to influence immune and inflammatory activities in the CNS, but also to influence synaptic and neural functions in ways that may affect complex behaviors such as sickness behavior, pain, appetite, sleep, and mood.
Are community pharmacists equipped to ensure the safe use of oral anticancer therapy in the community setting? Results of a cross-country survey of community pharmacists in Canada
Authors: Abbott Rick , Edwards Scott , Whelan Maria , Edwards Jonathan , Dranitsaris George
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Oral anticancer agents offer significant benefits over parenteral anticancer therapy in terms of patient convenience and reduced intrusiveness. Oral anticancer agents give many cancer patients freedom from numerous hospital visits, allowing them to obtain their medications from their local community pharmacy. However, a major concern with increased use of oral anticancer agents is shift of responsibility in ensuring the proper use of anticancer agents from the hospital/clinical oncology team to the patient/caregiver and other healthcare providers such as the community pharmacists who may not be appropriately trained for this. This study assessed the readiness of community pharmacists across Canada to play this increased role with respect to oral anticancer agents.

Methods

Using a structured electronic mailing strategy, a standardized survey was mailed to practicing pharmacists in five provinces where community pharmacists were dispensing the majority of oral anticancer agents. In addition to collecting basic demographic and their practice setting, the survey assessed the pharmacists’ knowledge regarding cancer therapy and oral anticancer agents in particular, their education needs and access to resources on oral anticancer agents, the quality of prescriptions for oral anticancer agents received by them in terms of the required elements, their role in patient education, and steps to enhance patient and personal safety.

Results

There were 352 responses to the survey. Only 13.6% of respondents felt that they had received adequate oncology education at the undergraduate level and approximately 19% had attended a continuing education event related to oncology in the past 2 years. Only 24% of the pharmacists who responded were familiar with the common doses of oral anticancer agents and only 9% felt comfortable educating patients on these medications.

Conclusions

A substantial portion of community pharmacists in Canada lack a solid understanding of oral anticancer agents and thus are poorly equipped to play a major role in ensuring their appropriate use. More education and training on oral anticancer agents are urgently required.
A curious case of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity: Recurrent, self-limiting dysarthria
Authors: Joseph Ranjit , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: October 2013

This report presents a unique case of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity featuring acute, recurrent, self-limiting dysarthria following multiple subsequent infusions of oxaliplatin. A 65-year-old man started chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma with oxaliplatin–irinotecan–leucovorin–5-fluorouracil (FOLFIRINOX). During the first and subsequent infusions of oxaliplatin, the patient developed episodes of dysarthria that lasted between 2 and 4 h after oxaliplatin infusions, followed by their complete and uneventful resolution. A thorough neurological examination showed no new neurologic deficits except for very fine tongue fasciculations. Recognizing this self-limiting toxic effect of oxaliplatin is important in order to avoid dose reductions that may affect clinical outcomes.
Squaring Literacy Assessment With Multimodal Design
Authors: Towndrow Phillip A. , Nelson Mark Evan , Yusuf Wan Fareed Bin Mohamed
Published: October 2013

Over the past few decades, there has been a marked shift away from conceptualizing literacy as a functional skill set toward its recognition, particularly for children and youth, as a social achievement that is buttressed, in part, by access to digital tools and new media. Yet, beyond the mere consumption of multimedia and the mundane assemblage of words, images, and other resources, we ask, “What does a successful multimedia literacy performance look like and how might ‘designful’ multimedia thinking and composition be taught, learned, and assessed?” In addressing these issues, we present a fine-grained description and analysis of the work of a 13-year-old Singaporean named “Jeremy,” who produced a personal digital story of considerable theoretical and practical interest to us as researchers and new literacy scholars. Building on prior research in the field of multiliteracies, we argue that educators (and students) must cultivate their own senses of “semiotic awareness” before meaningful assessment of children’s multimodal design work can be conceived or implemented. We also sketch a preliminary approach to assessing multimodal literacies and explicate a range of interconnected representational possibilities that we expect will prompt a timely and urgent reconsideration of multimodal meaning design in school settings.
Pilot clinical application of an adaptive robotic system for young children with autism
Authors: Bekele Esubalew , Crittendon Julie A , Swanson Amy , Sarkar Nilanjan , Warren Zachary E
Published: October 2013

It has been argued that clinical applications of advanced technology may hold promise for addressing impairments associated with autism spectrum disorders. This pilot feasibility study evaluated the application of a novel adaptive robot-mediated system capable of both administering and automatically adjusting joint attention prompts to a small group of preschool children with autism spectrum disorders (n = 6) and a control group (n = 6). Children in both groups spent more time looking at the humanoid robot and were able to achieve a high level of accuracy across trials. However, across groups, children required higher levels of prompting to successfully orient within robot-administered trials. The results highlight both the potential benefits of closed-loop adaptive robotic systems as well as current limitations of existing humanoid-robotic platforms.