bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Error Model for Uncertainty Quantification in High-Time-Resolution Precipitation Products
Authors: Maggioni Viviana , Sapiano Mathew R. P. , Adler Robert F. , Tian Yudong , Huffman George J.
Published: March 2014

This study proposes a new framework, Precipitation Uncertainties for Satellite Hydrology (PUSH), to provide time-varying, global estimates of errors for high-time-resolution, multisatellite precipitation products using a technique calibrated with high-quality validation data. Errors are estimated for the widely used Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42 product at daily/0.25° resolution, using the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Unified gauge dataset as the benchmark. PUSH estimates the probability distribution of reference precipitation given the satellite observation, from which the error can be computed as the difference (or ratio) between the satellite product and the estimated reference. The framework proposes different modeling approaches for each combination of rain and no-rain cases: correct no-precipitation detection (both satellite and gauges measure no precipitation), missed precipitation (satellite records a zero, but the gauges detect precipitation), false alarm (satellite detects precipitation, but the reference is zero), and hit (both satellite and gauges detect precipitation). Each case is explored and explicitly modeled to create a unified approach that combines all four scenarios. Results show that the estimated probability distributions are able to reproduce the probability density functions of the benchmark precipitation, in terms of both expected values and quantiles of the distribution. The spatial pattern of the error is also adequately reproduced by PUSH, and good agreement between observed and estimated errors is observed. The model is also able to capture missed precipitation and false detection uncertainties, whose contribution to the total error can be significant. The resulting error estimates could be attached to the corresponding high-resolution satellite precipitation products.
A New Sea Surface Height–Based Code for Oceanic Mesoscale Eddy Tracking
Authors: Mason Evan , Pascual Ananda , McWilliams James C.
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a software tool that enables the identification and automated tracking of oceanic eddies observed with satellite altimetry in user-specified regions throughout the global ocean. As input, the code requires sequential maps of sea level anomalies such as those provided by Archiving, Validation, and Interpretation of Satellite Oceanographic (AVISO) data. Outputs take the form of (i) data files containing eddy properties, including position, radius, amplitude, and azimuthal (geostrophic) speed; and (ii) sequential image maps showing sea surface height maps with active eddy centers and tracks overlaid. The results given are from a demonstration in the Canary Basin region of the northeast Atlantic and are comparable with a published global eddy track database. Some discrepancies between the two datasets include eddy radius magnitude, and the distributions of eddy births and deaths. The discrepancies may be related to differences in the eddy identification methods, and also possibly to differences in the smoothing of the sea surface height maps. The code is written in Python and is made freely available under a GNU license (http://www.imedea.uib.es/users/emason/py-eddy-tracker/).
Reference intervals for parathyroid hormone for 70-year-old males and females: exclusion of individuals from the reference interval based on sex, calcium, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or reduced kidney function has limited effects on the interval
Authors: Larsson Anders , Ridefelt Peter , Melhus Håkan , Lind Lars
Published: March 2014

Background

A problem when producing reference intervals for elderly individuals is that they often suffer from a number of diseases and they are most often on medication. If all such persons are excluded, there is a risk that the residual subgroup may not be representative of the population, we therefore wanted to compare the effects different exclusion criteria has on the reference intervals.

Methods

We measured parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, albumin and cystatin C in a cohort of 70-year-old males and females ( n = 1003). Reference intervals for PTH for males and females were calculated for the entire population and after exclusion of persons with calcium >2.60 mmol/L, calcium >2.51 mmol/L, diabetes, reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and cardiovascular diseases.

Results

The calculated PTH reference interval 16 (CI 14–17) to 94 (CI 87–101) ng/L. Exclusion of study subjects resulted in smaller reference sample groups, but the reference limits remained within the 90% confidence intervals of the original reference limits. The selections thus had a very limited effect on the calculated reference interval for PTH.

Conclusions

Exclusion of elderly individuals with high calcium concentrations, diabetes, reduced GFR or cardiovascular disease has little effect on the reference interval for PTH. It is better not to exclude these individuals, as it will provide a broader base for the reference interval.
Love thy neighbor: Explaining asylum seeking and hosting, 1982–2008
Authors: Yoo Eunhye , Koo Jeong-Woo
Published: March 2014

Using a Tobit analysis, this article examines factors influencing asylum seekers’ filing of asylum applications and host countries’ recognition of convention refugees. From the views that stress socio-politico-economic conditions, we find that welfare-provisional and geographically close countries often become targets of asylum seekers, whereas politically secured and geographically remote countries have higher propensity to recognize legal status of asylum seekers. From a world polity perspective, we note that asylum seekers prefer the countries that have national refugee legislation, ratify more human rights treaties, and have greater international nongovernmental organizations membership, yet host countries – despite their linkage to the world polity – abstain from granting legal protection to asylum seekers, suggesting the possibility of a decoupling. This study contributes to both a more systematic understanding of global refugee movements and the ongoing debate on whether individuals and countries act strategically or are influenced by world cultural principles.
Polyurethane foams with purine ring and boron
Authors: Łukasiewicz Beata , Lubczak Jacek
Published: March 2014

The method of synthesis of oligoetherols with purine ring and boron was presented based on reaction of hydroxyethyl derivative of uric acid with boric acid and alkylene carbonates. Their physical properties and structure were established. The obtained oligoetherols were suitable reactants to obtain polyurethane foams. The foams were further obtained and characterized by measuring their apparent density, water uptake, linear dimension changes, and heat conductance. It has been found that polyurethane foams have enhanced thermal resistance, diminished flammability, and better mechanical properties than polyurethane foams obtained from oligoetherols synthesized from uric acid and alkylene carbonates. The flaming rate of polyurethane foams with purine ring and boron was lower in comparison with foams with purine ring only (6.2–6.5 mm/s) and in case of the best compositions, i.e. those with high thermal resistance and appropriate compression strength it was as low as 0.86–1.25 mm/s.
Influence of particle size and temperature on the wear properties of rutile-reinforced aluminium metal matrix composite
Authors: Arora Rama , Kumar Suresh , Singh Gurmel , Pandey OP
Published: March 2014

In the present investigations, LM13 aluminium alloy reinforced with 15 and 20wt.% rutile mineral of fine (50–75 µm) and coarse (106–125 µm) size range was prepared through stir casting technique. The microhardness on different phase of the composite was measured to check the interfacial bonding of particles with the base material. The wear properties of the samples were studied using pin-on-disc tribometer at high load (49 N) with variation in temperatures from 50℃ to 300℃. Wear results indicated that the composites containing fine size reinforced particles showed around two times higher wear resistance over a wide range of temperature than the composite-containing coarse particles. A transition in wear mode from mild to severe was observed above 200℃. Wear track and wear debris were analysed to understand the nature of wear.
Low-velocity impact behavior of Al 6061/SiC particulate metal matrix composites
Authors: Ekici Recep , Kaburcuk Musa
Published: March 2014

This study addresses the effects of impact velocity (impact energy) and particle volume fraction and particle size on the impact behavior of particle-reinforced metal matrix composites (Al 6061/SiC). Their effects on the contact force and plastic dissipation histories, the residual stress, and plastic strain distributions were also analyzed. The impact velocity and particle volume fraction and particle size were found to have a significant effect. The contact forces and durations increased significantly with increasing impact velocity. The predicted peak contact forces were in minimal errors for lower impact velocities, whereas the predicted impact durations were slightly longer. The composite structures become stiffer when the particle volume fraction is increased. Consequently, the contact force was increased, whereas the impact durations were shortened. However, a larger particle size resulted in lower contact forces, but longer impact durations. Particle reinforced composites can dissipate more kinetic energy in case the particle volume fraction decreases and the particle size increases. Increasing impact velocity and particle volume fraction increased residual stress levels and the plastic strain. Increasing the particle size resulted in the residual stress distributions to become non-uniform but increases in the plastic deformations.
Durability of basalt fibers and composites in corrosive environments
Authors: Wu Gang , Wang Xin , Wu Zhishen , Dong Zhiqiang , Zhang Guangchao
Published: March 2014

This study describes an experimental investigation of the degradation of the tensile properties of basalt fibers and epoxy-based composites in various corrosive environments, including alkaline, acid, salt and water solutions, and clarifies the corresponding degradation mechanisms. Carbon and glass fibers and their composites are adopted as references. Accelerated experiments were conducted at temperatures of 25℃ and 55℃ and the variation in tensile properties was studied by means of tension testing, mass loss weighing, scanning electron microscope imaging and energy spectrum analysis. The experimental results show that basalt fibers posses relatively strong resistance to water and salt corrosion, moderate resistance to acid corrosion and severe degradation in an alkaline solution. The tensile properties of basalt FRP composites are much better than those of basalt fibers. The degradation mechanism of basalt fibers involves damage by etching in salt, water and alkaline solutions and by change in the chemical composites in an acid solution. The fracture properties of basalt FRP composites are controlled by the failure of corroded interfaces between the fibers and the resin, making the interface the critical factor, rather than the fiber itself.
Democracy and Inequality in Nigeria
Authors: Umukoro Nathaniel
Published: March 2014

Increasing inequality in Nigeria has been of growing interest to scholars, international political observers, and the Nigerian public since the creation of the country in 1914 by the British colonial masters. The focus of this article is on the extent to which the practice of democracy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic has contributed to the reduction of inequality. The article begins with the dimensions of inequality in Nigeria. The study shows that democratic governance has not adequately bridged the inequality gap in country. The article further identifies reasons for the failure of democratic governance to address the problem of inequality successfully. It also discusses reactions of Nigerians to widespread inequality.
An Individual Level Test of the “Feminization of Poverty” Hypothesis
Authors: Owusu-Afriyie John , Nketiah-Amponsah Edward
Published: March 2014

Feminization of poverty is a hypothesis that postulates that women experience poverty at higher rates than men. Over the years, empirical examination of this hypothesis has relied on the comparison between poverty status of female-headed and male-headed households due to lack of gender disaggregated data in many household surveys. However, the use of poverty among female-headed households as a representative measure of women’s poverty masks the extent of poverty among women. Hence, this study uses individual gender disaggregated data from the Ghana Living Standards Surveys IV and V (GLSS IV and V) and the Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) classes of poverty measure to empirically test the “feminization of poverty” hypothesis in Ghana. The study also finds out whether this hypothesis is affected by the education level of the individual.

The article finds that “feminization of poverty” is prevalent at all three levels of FGT poverty measures. The result further indicates that when education is taken into consideration, “feminization of poverty” is found to be prevalent only amongst the no education and primary education cohorts while masculinization of poverty is rather found among the secondary and tertiary education cohorts. Generally, in terms of the dynamic changes in “feminization of poverty,” the study finds that over the last two sets of surveys (GLSS IV and V), the phenomenon has reduced. Based on the results, we recommend that measures that target education as a tool for combating poverty should be strengthened amongst females whilst non-educational tools for combating poverty should target males.
New Social Formations, Livelihood Transition, and Food Insecurity in Worker–Peasant Communities
Authors: Thebe Vusilizwe
Published: March 2014

In the immediate aftermath of Zimbabwe’s Economic Structural Adjustment Program (ESAP) experiment, radical changes that completely redefined life in rural areas appear to have taken place. The demise of the worker–peasantry was finally achieved. Using an extended case of worker–peasant communities in north-western Zimbabwe’s Lupane District, the article examines the changing dynamics in rural areas. It argues that the world on which the worker–peasantry was premised had crumbled – the relationship between the rural and urban changed while complex processes that had long assured the survival of rural households had completely broken down. This was a new space and time where the fact that certain livelihood practices and relationships no longer applied led to the destruction of old social formations and the creation of new ones, and was certainly not at odds with Tomlinson’s proposal for social engineering on the basis of “separate development” through the “betterment” of peasant farming and industry in rural areas, albeit with some modifications.
Repositioning Trademark Laws as Tools for Socioeconomic Development
Authors: Oyewunmi Adejoke Omolola
Published: March 2014

This article examines the provisions of Nigerian trademark laws on comparative advertising. It criticizes the dichotomy between registrations under parts A and B of the register in this regard, and makes the case that the blanket prohibition of comparative advertising in respect of marks registered under part A is unnecessary and unjustified by requirements under international trademark standards. Such prohibition is further inimical to socioeconomic development, including the areas of consumer information, development of local businesses, and the general alignment of the country’s intellectual property laws and practices with the underlying philosophy behind the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Development Agenda. It concludes by making a case for law reform.
Prevention of Cisplatin‐Induced Hearing Loss by Intratympanic Dexamethasone: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Marshak Tal , Steiner Mariana , Kaminer Margalith , Levy Levana , Shupak Avi
Published: March 2014

Objective

To examine the role of intratympanic Dexamethasone (ITD) in the prevention of Cisplatin‐induced hearing loss.

Study Design

Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty‐six patients suffering from a neoplastic disease for which the treatment protocol included Cisplatin were recruited. Prior to each Cisplatin treatment session ITD was injected to the baseline randomly assigned ear while the other ear of the same patient served as the control. Audiometry and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs) test results of the baseline and follow‐up examinations were compared within and between the study and control ears.

Results

The cumulative dose of Cisplatin was greater than 400 mg for the 15 subjects who completed the study. The pure tone threshold at 8000 Hz and pure tone average threshold at 4000 to 8000 Hz significantly increased in both the study (P <. 005, P <. 03, respectively) and control ears (P <. 01, P <. 005, respectively). Significant increase in the pure tone threshold for 6000 Hz was observed in the control (P <. 02) but not in the study group. Within the groups comparison also revealed significant decrease in the DPOAE average signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for the f2 frequencies 7031 (P <. 04) and 8391 Hz (P <. 04) and SNR average for 4000 to 8000 Hz in the control (P <. 04) but not in the study ears.

Conclusions

ITD significantly attenuated hearing loss at 6000 Hz and decreased the outer hair dysfunction in the DPOAE f2 range of 4000 to 8000 Hz. ITD might have potential in the reduction of Cisplatin‐induced hearing loss.
Transoral Robotic Surgery: A Population‐Level Analysis
Authors: Chen Michelle M. , Roman Sanziana A. , Kraus Dennis H. , Sosa Julie A. , Judson Benjamin L.
Published: March 2014

Objective

(1) To determine baseline demographic, geographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics of patients who had transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal cancer. (2) To analyze margin status and unplanned readmission after TORS versus nonrobotic surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Setting

National Cancer Database (2010‐2011).

Subjects and Methods

Searching the National Cancer Database for adults with oropharyngeal cancer, we identified 877 patients who had TORS and 4269 patients who had nonrobotic surgery. Outcomes of interest included likelihood of adjuvant therapy, margin status, and unplanned readmission. Statistical analysis included chi‐square, t tests, and multivariate regression.

Results

From 2010 to 2011, there was a 67% increase in the use of TORS for oropharyngeal cancer. Compared with patients who had nonrobotic surgery, TORS patients were more likely to be at academic centers (80.8% vs 49.1%, P <. 001), to have private insurance (62.2% vs 57.4%, P <. 001), and to have human papilloma virus (HPV)–positive tumors (48.3% vs 27.1%, P <. 001). TORS (odds ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.39‐0.63) and HPV positivity (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53‐0.99) were independently associated with decreased likelihood of adjuvant chemoradiation versus radiation therapy. TORS patients were less likely to have positive margins than were patients who had nonrobotic surgery (20.2% vs 31.0%, P <. 001). High‐volume TORS centers had lower rates of positive margins (15.8% vs 26.1%, P <. 001) and unplanned readmissions (3.1% vs 6.1%, P <. 03) than did low‐volume centers.

Conclusions

TORS is being rapidly adopted by academic and community cancer centers. TORS is associated with a lower rate of positive margins than nonrobotic surgery, and high‐volume centers have the lowest rates of positive margins and unplanned readmissions.
Involving Stakeholders in the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Shin Jennifer J.
Published: March 2014

Clinical practice guidelines make recommendations that are relevant to large populations of practitioners, patients, and administrators. Although not all individuals with interest can physically sit on each development panel, there are numerous opportunities for stakeholder involvement in the guideline development process. Such involvement is encouraged, particularly at the time of topic selection, panel development, scope determination, and prerelease critique. Interface with the guidelines development process may occur either via representation through stakeholder organizations or at the individual level.
Diet and cancer and heart disease
Authors: Crawford Michael A
Published: March 2014

The modern Western diet bears little resemblance to the diet which forged the human genome over many million years. The change in basic food structure is operating to distort biology even before conception and into late years, with the epidemic of obesity and diabetes likely to lead to stroke, heart disease, and now dementia, being flagged as a consequence. In addition, mental ill health is overtaking all other burdens of ill health, and almost certainly has its roots in early disturbance of brain development. Whilst lifestyle will be playing its part, there can be little doubt that the common denominator is the aberrations in food development, predominantly in the last century. It seems it is time to reassess food policy. The principle of food production should be nutrition and human health. The globalisation of a food structure linked to such disorders and their appearance globally in response asks that steps be taken to protect other countries from making the same mistakes.
The ecology of relationships
Authors: Sassler Sharon , Miller Amanda Jayne
Published: March 2014

Locations where individuals meet romantic partners may influence the composition and perceived extent of network social support for relationships. In this article, we use in-depth qualitative interviews to examine how 62 cohabiting couples (124 individuals) met their romantic partners, whether this differentiates respondents’ perceptions of support for their relationships, and how this varies by social class. Many of the cohabiting couples in our sample met through friends and family members who can be considered strong ties. Couples also frequently reported meeting in the community, often while pursuing hobbies. Shared network ties and common interests are often attributed to facilitating the progression of relationships. Couples who met through more anomic settings—at a bar or via the Internet—less often viewed their ways of meeting as socially acceptable; many of these couples devised cover stories to tell others about how they met. Our results suggest that those who meet via weak ties perceive lower levels of support for their unions. Working-class couples meet in more anomic settings or through weaker ties more frequently than their middle-class counterparts. Results are interpreted in light of their implications for the diverging family outcomes of working-class and middle-class young adults.
Increasing mean arterial pressure during cardiac surgery does not reduce the rate of postoperative acute kidney injury
Authors: Azau A , Markowicz P , Corbeau JJ , Cottineau C , Moreau X , Baufreton C , Beydon L
Published: March 2014

Introduction:

We hypothesized that the optimization of renal haemodynamics by maintaining a high level of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) could reduce the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) in high-risk patients.

Methods:

In this randomized, controlled study, we enrolled 300 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. All had known risk factors of AKI: serum creatinine clearance between 30 and 60 ml/min for 1.73m2 or two factors among the following: age >60 years, diabetes mellitus, diffuse atherosclerosis. After a standardized fluid loading, the MAP was maintained between 75-85 mmHg during CPB with norepinephrine (High Pressure, n=147) versus 50-60 mmHg in the Control (n=145). AKI was defined by a 30% increased of serum creatinine (sCr). We further tested others definitions for AKI: RIFLE classification, 50% rise of sCr and the need for haemodialysis.

Results:

The pressure endpoints were achieved in both the High Pressure (79 ± 6 mmHg) and the Control groups (60 ± 6 mmHg; p<0.001). The rate of AKI did not differ by group (17% vs. 17%; p=1), whatever the criteria used for AKI. The length of stay in hospital (9.5 days [7.9-11.2] vs. 8.2 [7.1-9.4]) and the rate of death at day 28 (2.1% vs. 3.4%) and at six months (3.4% vs. 4.8%) did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion:

Maintaining a high level of MAP (on average) during normothermic CPB does not reduce the risk of postoperative AKI. It does not alter the length of hospital stay or the mortality rate.
The putaminal abnormalities on 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging: can they separate parkinsonism-predominant multiple system atrophy from Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Feng Jie-ying , Huang Biao , Yang Wan-Qun , Zhang Yu-hu , Wang Li-min , Wang Li-juan , Zhong Xiao-ling
Published: March 2014

Background

The putaminal abnormalities detected on 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), such as putaminal atrophy, slit-like hyperintense rim, and hypointensity in the putamen on T2-weighted (T2W) imaging are important signs on differentiating multiple system atrophy with parkinsonism (MSA-P) from Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the putaminal abnormalities may have different manifestations on 3.0 T from those on 1.5 T.

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic value of putaminal abnormalities on 3.0 T MRI for differentiating MSA-P from PD.

Material and Methods

The study included a MSA-P group (9 men, 9 women), a PD group (12 men, 14 women), and a control group (11 men, 13 women). All subjects were examined with 3.0 T MRI using the conventional protocol. Putaminal atrophy, T2-hypointensity in the dorsolateral putamenat, and a slit-like hyperintense rim on the lateral putamen were evaluated in each subject.

Results

There were no significant differences in the slit-like hyperintense rim ( P = 0.782) or T2-hypointensity in the dorsolateral putamen ( P = 0.338) among the three groups. Bilateral putaminal atrophy was found in 44.4% (8 of 18) of the MSA-P patients, in only 7.7% (2 of 26) of the PD patients, and in none of the controls. The proportion of subjects with putaminal atrophy was significantly higher in the MAS-P group ( P = 0.008) and control group ( P < 0.001). The specificity and sensitivity of putaminal atrophy for distinguishing MSA-P from PD was 92.3% and 44.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

The signal changes in the putamen on T2W imaging on 3.0 T MRI, including slit-like hyperintense rim and putaminal hypointensity, are not specific signs for MSA-P. Putaminal atrophy is highly specific for differentiating MSA-P from PD and healthy controls, but its insufficient sensitivity limits its diagnostic value.
Anti-NMDAR encephalitis mimicking HaNDL syndrome
Authors: Finke Carsten , Mengel Annerose , Prüss Harald , Stöcker Winfried , Meisel Andreas , Ruprecht Klemens
Published: March 2014

Background

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis typically manifests as severe multistage neuropsychiatric syndrome. However, milder or incomplete forms of the disorder have been recognised. Here, we report on a patient with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis with a clinical phenotype mimicking the syndrome of headache with neurological deficits and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytosis (HaNDL).

Case

A 67-year-old man presented with recurrent stereotyped episodes of hemianopia, aphasia and right hemiparesis accompanied by throbbing headaches as well as confusion and agitation. CSF analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis. Additional analysis revealed NMDA receptor IgG antibodies in the patient’s CSF. Following immunotherapy, no further episodes occurred and NMDAR antibodies became undetectable. No NMDAR or other neuronal antibodies were detected in archived serum and CSF samples of 12 HaNDL patients fulfilling the current diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions

While anti-NMDAR encephalitis can manifest with a HaNDL-like clinical picture, HaNDL syndrome itself does not appear to be mediated by anti-NMDAR antibodies.
Reliability and Validity of the IKDC, KOOS, and WOMAC for Patients With Meniscal Injuries
Authors: van de Graaf Victor A. , Wolterbeek Nienke , Scholtes Vanessa A.B. , Mutsaerts Eduard L.A.R. , Poolman Rudolf W.
Published: March 2014

Background:

Several patient-reported outcome measurements are used to measure functional outcome after treatment of meniscal injuries. However, for comparison of study results, there is a need for a uniform and standardized approach of measuring functional outcome. Selection of the instrument should be based on the quality of its measurement properties, and only the best instrument can be justified to be used.

Purpose:

This study aimed to determine and compare the measurement properties of the Dutch-language versions of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) in a homogeneous group of patients with meniscal tears.

Study Design:

Cohort study (design); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients on the waiting list for meniscal surgery and patients between 6 weeks and 6 months after meniscal surgery were included (n = 75). Patients were excluded if they received an arthroplasty or had surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament. Internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]), measurement error (SEM), smallest detectable difference (SDD), content validity, construct validity (factor analysis and hypothesis testing), and floor and ceiling effects were determined.

Results:

Results for the IKDC, KOOS dimensions, and WOMAC dimensions, respectively, were as follows: Cronbach alpha = .90, .72-.95, and .84-.95; ICC = 0.93, 0.84-0.89, and 0.77-0.89; SEM = 5.3, 7.0-12.6, and 7.3-12.2; SDD = 14.6, 19.4-35.0, and 20.2-33.9; hypotheses testing confirmation = 100%, 86%, and 85%. Floor effects within the SDD from the minimum score were found for the KOOS Sports/Recreation and Quality of Life dimensions. Ceiling effects within the SDD from the maximum score were found for the KOOS Activities of Daily Living and for all WOMAC dimensions.

Conclusion:

The IKDC showed the best performance on all measurement properties, implying that the IKDC, rather than the KOOS or WOMAC, should be used to assess functional outcome in patients with meniscal tears.
Free-riding in alliances: Testing an old theory with a new method
Authors: Plümper Thomas , Neumayer Eric
Published: March 2014

We revisit the old and well-established theory of free-riding in military alliances. Existing empirical evidence infers free-riding from the larger military expenditures per gross domestic product (GDP) of countries of larger GDP. Yet, larger countries have broader military and geostrategic interests that result in larger defense burdens, thus creating an identification problem for existing tests of free-riding behavior. We therefore develop alternative predictions that ignore differences in the level of military spending and instead relate to growth in spending over time. The safety level of smaller members of an alliance is affected, simultaneously, by changes to military spending of the largest alliance member as well as by spending changes of the main enemy. Using the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as test case, we estimate country-specific response functions of the smaller alliance members to growth in US military spending on the one hand and to growth of Soviet spending (if in excess of US growth) on the other, covering the period 1956–1988. Results from our quasi-spatial approach corroborate one part of the theory in that we find the vast majority of the smaller NATO allies to be free-riders. However, our empirical evidence flatly contradicts the other part of the free-riding theory: the extent of free-riding is not a function of country size. Smaller allies free-ride, but the relatively larger of the smaller allies do not free-ride any less than the relatively even smaller alliance partners.
TGF-β1 Genotype in Pediatric Migraine Patients
Authors: Saygi Semra , Alehan Füsun , Erol İlknur , Yalçın Yaprak Yılmaz , Ataç Fatma Belgin , Kubat Gözde
Published: March 2014

There is no information about the role of transforming growth factor–beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the pathogenesis of pediatric migraine. This study included 100 consecutive children and adolescents in whom migraine was diagnosed and 88 healthy children and adolescents. The isolated genomic DNA was used as a template for TGFβ-1 (–800G/A, –509C/T, 869T/C [codon 10] and 915G/C [codon 25]) genotyping. The allelic frequency of 509C/T was significantly different between control and migraine without aura patients ( P = .04). Codon 10 C/T genotypic and C10 C allelic frequency of TGF-β1 polymorphisms were significantly higher in migraine and migraine without aura patients versus healthy controls ( P = .00; P = .00). To our knowledge, this is the first report dealing with the relationship between TGF-β1 genotype and migraine in the pediatric age group. Further studies related to this subject are needed, along with a search for new therapeutic agents with anti-inflammatory properties.
Colorimetric Study on Polyamides Dyeing With Weld and Pomegranate Peel Natural Dyes
Authors: Shams-Nateri Ali , Hajipour Abbas , Dehnavi Ehsan , Ekrami Ehsan
Published: March 2014

In this research, yellow color on nylon was produced by dyeing with weld (Reseda luteola) and pomegranate peel as natural dyes. The aluminum potassium sulphate salt was used as mordanting agent and four different methods of dyeing as non-mordanting, pre-mordanting, meta-mordanting, and after-mordanting were applied. The dyeing behavior of dyes was assessed by colorimetric evaluations and fastness properties. The spectrophotometric properties of dyed samples were also studied by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Based on colorimetric evaluations, weld in comparison with pomegranate peel resulted in lighter and yellower colors. The rubbing fastness in all dyed samples was excellent, while samples dyed with pomegranate peel showed better washing fastness properties. Also, the best light fastness was obtained by the after-mordanting dyeing method. Overall, the best results of fastness properties were obtained by using after-mordanting method.
Correctional Mission Statements as Indicators of the Criminal Justice Policy Environment
Authors: Graves Shannon M.
Published: March 2014

Shifts in public opinion and public policy in the early 21st century point to a changing criminal justice environment, which is decreasing the use of incarceration and increasing the role of rehabilitation and reintegration in the development of justice solutions. This study provides the original results of a content analysis of 49 state correctional department mission statements as a means of exploring the present day focus of correctional institutions. Findings indicate that concern for public safety is the dominant goal of state departments of corrections, but that over half of departments also emphasize the rehabilitation of offenders as part of their public mission. Suggestions for future research and implications for criminal justice administrators and policy makers are discussed.
An Outcome Evaluation of a Prison Work Release Program
Authors: Duwe Grant
Published: March 2014

This study adds to the relatively limited and mostly outdated work release literature by evaluating the effectiveness of a Minnesota prison work release program. A retrospective quasi-experimental design was used to assess the impact of work release on recidivism, employment, and cost avoidance among 3,570 offenders released from Minnesota prisons between 2007 and 2010. Propensity score matching was used to minimize observable selection bias. Work release significantly increased the hazard of returning to prison for a technical violation, although it significantly reduced, albeit modestly, the risk of reoffending with a new crime. It did not have an impact on hourly wage, but it significantly increased the odds that participants found a job, the total hours they worked, and the total wages they earned. Work release produced an estimated cost avoidance benefit of $1.25 million overall, which amounts to nearly $700 per participant.
Religious Involvement, Practical Wisdom, and Self-Rated Health
Authors: Krause Neal , Hayward R. David
Published: March 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to see if the social life in religious institutions is associated with practical wisdom and if practical wisdom is, in turn, associated with better health. Method: Interviews were conducted with a nationwide sample of people aged 50 and older ( N = 1,154). A new measure of practical wisdom was developed. Results: Support is found for the following relationships: (1) people who go to church more often will receive more spiritual support from fellow church members, (2) individuals who get more spiritual support at church will have greater wisdom, (3) greater wisdom is associated with a stronger sense of hope, and (4) hopeful people have better self-rated health. Discussion: The findings suggest that practical wisdom may have social roots and practical wisdom may be associated with self-rated health in middle and late-life.
Marketing war and the military to children and youth in China: Little Red Soldiers in the digital age
Authors: Naftali Orna
Published: March 2014

Since the early 2000s, the Chinese military has been engaged in the production of military- and war-themed cultural products which increasingly employ new media and new technologies. Many of these products specifically target children and youth, and many are also a result of collaborations between the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and commercial forces. This article offers a preliminary exploration of how such PLA–civilian productions attempt to package and market war and the military to contemporary Chinese children and youth. It compares these current endeavours to previous depictions of war and the military in the youth culture of the Maoist period, and reflects on what this comparison can tell us about recent changes in official as well as popular conceptualizations of childhood, youth, and violence in the People’s Republic of China. The analysis demonstrates that contemporary PLA products for children and youth display positive attitudes toward the military and toward officially sanctioned military violence. However, these products also subscribe to new public sensitivities about children and their involvement in acts of brutality, thereby reflecting the changing needs and interests of the PLA and of the Chinese Communist Party in the post-Cold War, post-Tiananmen era.
Discourses and practices of child-rearing in China: The bio-power of parenting in Beijing
Authors: Binah-Pollak Avital
Published: March 2014

Based on 13 months of fieldwork which was conducted among middle-class families in Beijing, this article explores young children’s daily bodily practices and juxtaposes these practices with discourses on child-rearing which have gained prominence in post-Mao China. The article aims to demonstrate that the new discourse on childhood, education, and child-rearing, which has been promoted by the Chinese government since the 1980s, does not always correspond to, and sometimes even contradicts, actual practices in Chinese families. The argument here is that this gap stems in large part from the dominant role of grandparents during the early stages of child-rearing, who tend to perpetuate values and practices, such as obedience and dependence, and to maintain a firm grip on the child’s body.
Equal channel angular pressing of copper wire
Authors: Djavanroodi F , Sedighi M , Hashemi P , Ebrahimi M
Published: March 2014

A new development of equal channel angular pressing method to fabricate wire-formed samples has been proposed and experimented. In this approach, wire-formed specimen, which is inserted inside a polyurethane rubber pad material, has been pressed using conventional equal channel angular pressing die. Commercial pure copper samples in the shape of wire have been equal channel angular pressed up to 12 passes by route BC, and then hardness behavior, electrical conductivity and microstructure observation of deformed samples have been examined. The results indicate that about 77% and 66% enhancements at the hardness value (HV) magnitudes have been obtained after 8th and 12th passes, respectively, as compared to the unequal channel angular pressed state. Reductions of about 92% and 95% at the grain size of pure copper have been observed after 8th and 12th passes, respectively, in comparison with the annealed condition. Also, the first pass of equal channel angular pressed wire has both the worst hardness distribution homogeneity and the lowest electrical resistivity. On the other hand, the final pass of pressed wire has both the best hardness dispersal uniformity and the highest electrical resistivity.
An investigation on the suitability of micro-computed tomography as a non-destructive technique to assess the morphology of laser sintered nylon 12 parts
Authors: Rouholamin Davood , Hopkinson Neil
Published: March 2014

This research study investigates the suitability of micro-computed tomography as a non-destructive technique to assess the morphology of nylon 12 parts manufactured using laser sintering. Density measurements and morphological and mechanical characterisations were performed on sintered nylon 12 parts to measure density and morphological and mechanical properties of the parts. The effects of various levels of laser power on the density, morphological parameters and mechanical properties were investigated and compared. The results show that micro-computed tomography can be used to measure the porosity and pore size of the sintered parts. Micro-computed tomography images provide an understanding of the changes in the three-dimensional structure of the parts. There is no evident change in the porosity or pore size of the laser sintered parts with the increase in laser power. The results of the tensile tests show that the changes applied in laser power had no apparent effect on the ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the laser sintered parts. However, the elongation at break for the parts generally increases as the level of laser power increases. A relationship between non-destructive micro-computed tomography and destructive tensile test results is shown.
Improvement of performance of bolt-nut connections, Part I: Simulations
Authors: Majzoobi GH , Dabbagh M Agh-Mohammad , Asgari P , Pipelzadeh MK , Hardy SJ
Published: March 2014

The performance of bolt-nut connections can be improved by enhancing fatigue life of the connections. This can be accomplished by reducing the stress concentration in the threads of the connection. This investigation consists of two parts. In this part (part I), load distribution in threads of some ISO bolts is computed by three-dimensional numerical simulation and Stockley-proposed relations. The results show a close agreement between Stockley relations and the simulations for nearly all bolt sizes. The results indicate that stress concentration is nearly constant regardless of the bolt size. It is also found that the load percentage carried by the first thread varies from 35% for M6 and reaches to 58% for M20 and M30 ISO bolts. The results suggest that the rate of load distribution changes at a point of inflection, i.e. the rate after the inflection point diminishes as the bolt size decreases, whereas before this point, the trend of the rate is reversed. In part II (to be submitted separately), various techniques are employed for the reduction of stress concentration and enhancement of fatigue life of the connections. The techniques are evaluated by numerical simulations and fatigue tests.
A numerical method for static analysis of pseudo-rigid-body model of compliant mechanisms
Authors: Jin Mohui , Zhang Xianmin , Zhu Benliang
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a numerical method for analyzing the pseudo-rigid-body model of compliant mechanisms based on finite elements and the principle of minimum potential energy. The proposed method represents the links of pseudo-rigid-body model with truss elements. As a result, the pseudo-rigid-body model is modeled into a compliant system that consists of finite elements and springs. The static equilibrium position of the pseudo-rigid-body model can be obtained by minimizing the potential energy function of this compliant system. A comparison between the proposed method and the MinPE method is presented. Lastly, a case study is provided to demonstrate the application of this method in the automated analysis of pseudo-rigid-body models. This numerical method paves the way for introducing the topology optimization techniques into the synthesis of flexure-based compliant mechanisms.
Study on the torsional vibration of a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain with compound planetary power-split electronic continuous variable transmission
Authors: Tang Xiaolin , Zhang Jianwu , Zou Liang , Yu Haisheng , Zhang Dejiu
Published: March 2014

A torsional vibration dynamic model is established with the commercial software ADAMS to predict the torsional vibration characteristics of a compound planetary power-split hybrid electric vehicle. By calculating and simulating the built model in ADAMS, the natural frequencies and corresponding modes are obtained. The results agree well with previous work, which derives the conclusions by solution of the system dynamics equations of hybrid driveline. Moreover, the main factors that influence the torsional vibration of the powertrain under the excitation of engine and electric motors are analyzed by the forced vibration analysis. The calculated results show that the low frequencies occur mainly in the torsional vibration of wheels and vehicle, while the high orders are related to the torsional vibration of differential, sun gears and planets. The results also show that the amplitude of torsional vibration of driveline is the lowest when the damping and stiffness of torsional damper are 15 Nms/rad and 618 Nm/rad respectively, the halfshaft stiffness is 2760 Nm/rad and the rotational inertial of engine is 0.42 kgm2. The research can be used to support the further development of the power-split hybrid electric vehicle.
Blade damage prognosis based on kernel principal component analysis and grey model using subsampled tip-timing signals
Authors: Zhongsheng Chen , Yongmin Yang , Bin Guo , Zheng Hu
Published: March 2014

Damage prognosis of high-speed blades is very important for industrial turbomachinery. Nowadays, vibration monitoring using blade tip-timing methods is becoming promising. However, its main drawback is blade tip-timing signals are subsampled. Very few works have been done on damage prognosis using subsampled blade tip-timing signals. This paper investigates a novel method of blade damage prognosis based on kernel principal component analysis and grey model. Firstly, a nonaliasing reconstruction algorithm of subsampled blade tip-timing signals is proposed based on the Shannon theorem and wavelet packet transform. Secondly, kernel principal component analysis is done on the damage feature space and a damage index is defined by Mahalanobis distance. Then a grey model (1) model is proposed for damage prognosis. In the end, an experimental setup is built and a long time testing is done for collecting samples. The experimental results validate the superiority of the proposed method.