bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buckling behavior of adhesively patch-repaired composite plates
Authors: Turan Kadir
Published: November 2013

In this study, buckling behavior of adhesively patch repaired composite plates was investigated experimentally and numerically. Unidirectional carbon/epoxy composite plates with circular cutout were repaired with an adhesively bonded patch. Critical buckling loads of composite plates were researched without cutout, circular cutout, single patch-repaired, and double patch-repaired conditions. In addition to circular hole dimensions, patch length and adhesive thickness were used as geometrical parameters. Numerical study was performed in ANSYS finite element software three dimensionally. As a result, the critical buckling loads of single and double patch-repaired composite plates were increased from 96 and 263 ratios higher than circular-cutout composite plates. The percentile errors between experimental and numerical studies were determined from 2 to 11.5.
Enhanced hardness and electrical properties of copper nanocomposites reinforced by functionalized MWCNTs
Authors: Sahraei Abolfazl Alizadeh , Fathi Alireza , Givi Mohammad Kazem Besharati , Boroun Shahab , Pashaei Mohammad Hadi
Published: November 2013

Functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-reinforced copper (Cu) nanocomposites have been fabricated by the combination of ball milling and hot-press sintering methods. The functionalization was carried out in two levels under reflux condition. Characterization of the fabricated nanocomposites revealed that the functionalization plays an important role in enhancing the hardness and electrical properties of nanocomposites. Enhancements of up to ∼116% and ∼58% in microhardness compared to pure un-milled and milled Cu were observed by adding 1 wt.% functionalized MWCNTs. On the other hand, the electrical resistivity of nanocomposites increased by increasing MWCNT contents. It was found that improved control of the Cu and MWCNT interface also leads to enhance electrical properties. Based on the experiments, the results indicated that the amount of chemically bonded oxygen atoms affects the electrical resistivity of nanocomposites. Accordingly, the nanocomposite containing 1 wt.% MWCNTs with lower amount of functional groups has lower electrical resistivity.
Shared Burdens, Personal Costs on the Emotional and Social Consequences of Family Honor
Authors: Rodriguez Mosquera Patricia M. , Tan Leslie X. , Saleem Faisal
Published: November 2013

We present two studies on the consequences of threats to family honor. In Study 1, 99 Pakistanis (67 females, 30 males, 2 undisclosed) and 134 European-Americans (65 females, 69 males) reported a recent insult to their family where the offender was either a family or a non-family member. The insults targeted the family as collective or individual family members other than parents. Across targets, insults to one’s family had more negative emotional (e.g., more intense anger, shame) and social (greater relationship strain) consequences for Pakistanis than for European-Americans. Study 2 examined whether these effects extend to insults to parents. Fifty-one Pakistanis (29 females, 22 males) and 58 European-Americans (30 females, 28 males) responded to an insult-to-parents or an insult-to-self scenario. Insults-to-parents and insults-to-self elicited similar emotional responses among Pakistanis. By contrast, European-Americans responded more negatively (e.g., more intense anger) to an insult-to-self than to an insult-to-parents.
Improvement of orthotopic lung cancer mouse model via thoracotomy and orotracheal intubation enabling in vivo imaging studies
Authors: Im Geun Ho , Jang Moon-Sun , Chung Julius Juhyun , Kim Kyoung-Nam , Kim Jae-Hun , Kim Sun I , Lee Jung Hee
Published: November 2013

Investigation of molecular mechanisms and the efficiency of novel therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of a disease require accurate and accessible preclinical models. Recent developments in personalized medicine employing molecular medicine concepts have favored mice because their genetic make-up is well known and easy to manipulate. For lung cancer, however, orthotopic models in mice are difficult to create due to their narrow glottis openings which act as obstacles to intubation. In the present study, we develop an orotracheal intubation device which gives a clearer view of the narrow mouse glottis and increases the success rate of intubation. We achieved anesthetization via orotracheal intubation using this novel device and then performed a thoracotomy by making an incision between the fourth and fifth intercostal ribs on the right side of the chest. Lung tumor cells were then inoculated at this site. Tumor formation was monitored through bioluminescence optical and magnetic resonance (MR) imagings, which was confirmed by histological analysis. Temperature drop (<35℃) and/or loss of body weight (>30% of the initial body weight) observed during any procedure were used as interruption criteria. This method exhibited high tumorigenicity (100%) and a low mortality rate (8%) at specific sites making it ideal for creating orthotopic lung tumor models and making it particularly useful for sequential follow-up studies using in vivo image analysis.
Happiness and job satisfaction in urban China: A comparative study of two generations of migrants and urban locals
Authors: Cheng Zhiming , Wang Haining , Smyth Russell
Published: November 2013

This study investigates determinants of happiness and job satisfaction of urban locals, first-generation migrants and new-generation migrants in China’s urban workforce. We present evidence to suggest that new-generation migrants are less satisfied with their jobs and lives than first-generation migrants, despite having higher income. This finding is consistent with aspirations rising faster than income in China’s fast-growing urban economy.
Location-demand-based residential floor area ratio distribution method
Authors: Tsai Yu-Hsin
Published: November 2013

Urban density policy, usually implemented through a floor area ratio (FAR) plan, may become increasingly important in achieving such goals as environmental sustainability or acting as an incentive to promote transit-orientated development. Nonetheless there seems a lack of guidance on FAR distribution. In order to provide FAR distribution guidelines, in particular with the goal of incorporating sustainability and market demand, this paper develops a step-by-step, quantitative residential FAR distribution alternative based on both the advantages of the location and the market demand for the locations. It consists of two major steps: floor area generation and FAR distribution; the latter being the focus of this paper. The methods applied involve the measurement of accessibility within geographic information systems and the hedonic price model. A simulation analysis of this FAR distribution method is conducted to develop a FAR plan for a plan area, and is then applied to demonstrate how the FAR plan can be modified if mass rapid transit stations are introduced.
When schooling experiences are respectful of children’s rights: A pathway to resilience
Authors: Theron Linda , Liebenberg Linda , Malindi Macalane
Published: November 2013

This article reports findings from the Pathways to Resilience study, South Africa. Rooted in a social ecological understanding of resilience, this mixed-methods study investigated resilience processes of black South African youths from poverty-stricken, rural contexts. School-attending youths ( n  =  951) completed the Pathways to Resilience Youth Measure (PRYM), which included one resilience measure and two school experience measures. Independent sample t-tests showed that youth reporting agency-supportive school environments ( n  =  137) had significantly higher resilience scores than youth with opposite experiences ( n  =  330; t(465)  =  −15.379, p  =  0.000). Likewise, youths reporting school staff respect ( n  =  171) recorded significantly higher resilience scores than youth who experienced disrespect ( n  =  277; t(446)  =  −14.518, p  =  0.000). Subsequently, 130 resilient youths participated in focus groups and/or visual participatory activities to further explore their pathways to resilience. An inductive content analysis of these data illustrated that teacher-facilitated youth agency, aspirations for higher education and employment, and coping with neglect and cruelty, supported resilience processes. Overall, findings suggest that when schooling experiences are supportive of child rights, resilience processes are promoted. This conclusion urges school psychologists and school communities toward transactional practices that support positive youth development in child rights-centred ways.
Patient-Provider Relationships Across the Transition From Pediatric to Adult Diabetes Care
Authors: Ritholz Marilyn D. , Wolpert Howard , Beste Meg , Atakov-Castillo Astrid , Luff Donna , Garvey Katharine C.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions that emerging adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have of their patient-provider relationships across the transition from pediatric to adult care.

Methods

Twenty-six emerging adults with T1D (mean age 26.2 ± 2.5 years) participated in 5 focus groups stratified by current level of glycemic control (A1C). Coded audio-recorded data were analyzed using thematic analysis and aided by NVivo software.

Results

Three major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) loss and gain in provider relationships across the transition—patients expressed 3 key responses to leaving pediatric providers that differed by A1C levels: sad reluctance and “natural progression” (mean A1C ± SD 7.4% ± 0.6%) and wanting to go (mean A1C ± SD 9.8% ± 1.0%); (2) partners in care versus on one’s own—patients valued how adult providers’ collaborative conversations promoted their involvement and accountability compared to “parent-centric” interactions with pediatric providers, but they also expressed ambivalence over increased independence in adult care; (3) improving provider approaches to transition—patients recommended that pediatric providers actively promote emerging adults’ autonomy while maintaining parental support, communication with adult providers, and follow-up with transitioning patients.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the importance of enhanced provider awareness of T1D emerging adults’ complex feelings about the transition in care. Improved integration of individual- and family-centered approaches to developmentally tailored diabetes care is needed to augment patient and provider relationships.
A rare case of biventricular outflow obstruction with intact ventricular septum
Authors: Yokoyama Shinya , Nagasaka Shigeo , Kaneda Kozo , Nishiwaki Noboru
Published: November 2013

We report a case of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and aortic valve stenosis in a neonate. This combination is extremely rare. Cardiac catheterization was performed at 2 days of age, which confirmed the prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis and identified associated moderate aortic valve stenosis. Soon after the examination, an urgent surgical intervention was required due to uncontrollable circulatory instability. The baby underwent a successful Fontan-type repair achieved by surgical management only.
Does human presynaptic striatal dopamine function predict social conformity?
Authors: Stokes Paul RA , Benecke Aaf , Puraite Julita , Bloomfield Michael AP , Shotbolt Paul , Reeves Suzanne J , Lingford-Hughes Anne R , Howes Oliver , Egerton Alice
Published: November 2013

Socially desirable responding (SDR) is a personality trait which reflects either a tendency to present oneself in an overly positive manner to others, consistent with social conformity (impression management (IM)), or the tendency to view one’s own behaviour in an overly positive light (self-deceptive enhancement (SDE)). Neurochemical imaging studies report an inverse relationship between SDR and dorsal striatal dopamine D2/3 receptor availability. This may reflect an association between SDR and D2/3 receptor expression, synaptic dopamine levels or a combination of the two. In this study, we used a [18F]-DOPA positron emission tomography (PET) image database to investigate whether SDR is associated with presynaptic dopamine function. Striatal [18F]-DOPA uptake, ([Formula: see text], min-1), was determined in two independent healthy participant cohorts ( n=27 and 19), by Patlak analysis using a cerebellar reference region. SDR was assessed using the revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R) Lie scale, and IM and SDE were measured using the Paulhus Deception Scales. No significant associations were detected between Lie, SDE or IM scores and striatal [18F]-DOPA [Formula: see text]. These results indicate that presynaptic striatal dopamine function is not associated with social conformity and suggests that social conformity may be associated with striatal D2/3 receptor expression rather than with synaptic dopamine levels.
Quarter regular dose non-enhanced CT for urinary stone: added value of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction
Authors: Kim Seung Ho , Baek Soo Heui , Yoon Jung-Hee , Lim Yun-Jung , Baek Hye Jin , Kim Seon-Jeong , Eun Choong Ki
Published: November 2013

Background

As urinary stone diseases are common in young adults and have a high recurrence rate, repetitive computed tomography (CT) scans would increase the radiation hazard. Therefore, CT radiation dose reduction is needed in the diagnosis of urinary stones.

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate the added value of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) applied to half-dose (HDCT) and quarter regular dose non-enhanced CT (QDCT) for the detection of urinary stones.

Material and Methods

One hundred and twelve consecutive patients who presented with acute flank pain and had clinically suspected urinary stones were initially eligible. All patients underwent non-enhanced CT that consisted of HDCT (120 kVp, 100 mAs) and QDCT (120 kVp, 40 mAs). The images were reconstructed separately with a 50% ASIR blending ratio. Two radiologists independently performed a 2-week interval reading to detect urinary stones on a per stone basis (size ≥1 mm) from the QDCT images to the ASIR applied images. Two weeks later, the HDCT images were analyzed in the same manner. The CT image noise was measured for each image set. The sensitivity for urinary stone detection for each set was compared using the McNemar test.

Results

A total of 114 urinary stones were found in 48 patients (37 men, 11 women; mean age, 46 years; range, 19–71 years). After applying ASIR to the QDCT images, the sensitivity increased from 70% to 80% for reader 1 and from 69% to 82% for reader 2 ( P = 0.001, respectively). However, in the HDCT images, the sensitivity was unchanged for both readers (reader 1, 87%; reader 2, 89%). The measured noise significantly decreased from 40.2 to 27.7 after applying ASIR to the QDCT images and from 25.1 to 17.6 after applying ASIR to the HDCT images ( P = 0.001 for both).

Conclusion

Although ASIR showed no added diagnostic value for HDCT images, it improved the sensitivity for the detection of urinary stones based on QDCT images.
Angiomyolipoma with minimal fat and non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma: differentiation on MDCT using classification and regression tree analysis-based algorithm
Authors: Woo Sungmin , Cho Jeong Yeon , Kim Seung Hyup , Kim Sang Youn
Published: November 2013

Background

Differentiation between angiomyolipoma with minimal fat (AMLmf) and non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) may be difficult owing to lack of macroscopic fat in AMLmf. However, the differential points between AMLmf and nccRCC has not been well established in the literature.

Purpose

To evaluate quantitative triphasic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) features that differentiate between small AMLmf and nccRCC, and to integrate them to develop a simple and easy diagnostic algorithm.

Material and Methods

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board; informed consent was waived. Triphasic MDCT images of pathologically-proven AMLmfs ( n = 24) and nccRCCs ( n = 55) of 79 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Age, sex, size, long-to-short axis ratio (LSR), attenuation and enhancement degree in all phases, unenhanced tumor-kidney attenuation difference (UTKAD) in Hounsfield units (HU) were compared with Chi-square analysis, independent-samples t-test, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A criterion was formulated with classification and regression tree analysis (CART). Thereafter, CART-based algorithm was tested with additional interpretations from two radiologists. Intra- and inter-observer variability was analyzed with Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

LSR was greater in AMLmf than nccRCC ( P < 0.001). AMLmf showed higher attenuation (all phases), CMP enhancement, and wash-out than nccRCC ( P ≤ 0.001). UTKAD was greater in AMLmf than nccRCC ( P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis yielded area under the curves of 0.936, 0.888, and 0.853 using UTKAD, unenhanced attenuation, and LSR. CART-based algorithm (UTKAD >7.5 HU, LSR > 1.23) predicted AMLmf with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 87.5%, 96.4%, 91.3%, and 94.6%. Mean intra- and inter-observer difference was –0.1/0.03 HU and −1.0/0.09 HU for UTKAD/LSR, respectively. These interpretations changed the final diagnosis in 1.3% (1/79) and 5.1% (4/79) patients for radiologists 1 and 2.

Conclusion

Triphasic MDCT was useful for differentiating AMLmf and nccRCC. CART-based algorithm using UTKAD > 7.5 and LSR > 1.23 was simple and accurate in predicting AMLmf.
Baseline Neurocognitive Testing in Sports-Related Concussions
Authors: McClure D. Jake , Zuckerman Scott L. , Kutscher Scott J. , Gregory Andrew J. , Solomon Gary S.
Published: November 2013

Background:

The management of sports-related concussions (SRCs) utilizes serial neurocognitive assessments and self-reported symptom inventories to assess recovery and safety for return to play (RTP). Because postconcussive RTP goals include symptom resolution and a return to neurocognitive baseline levels, clinical decisions rest in part on understanding modifiers of this baseline. Several studies have reported age and sex to influence baseline neurocognitive performance, but few have assessed the potential effect of sleep. We chose to investigate the effect of reported sleep duration on baseline Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) performance and the number of patient-reported symptoms.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that athletes receiving less sleep before baseline testing would perform worse on neurocognitive metrics and report more symptoms.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 3686 nonconcussed athletes (2371 male, 1315 female; 3305 high school, 381 college) with baseline symptom and ImPACT neurocognitive scores. Patients were stratified into 3 groups based on self-reported sleep duration the night before testing: (1) short, <7 hours; (2) intermediate, 7-9 hours; and (3) long, ≥9 hours. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with an α level of .05 was used to assess the influence of sleep duration on baseline ImPACT performance. A univariate ANCOVA was performed to investigate the influence of sleep on total self-reported symptoms.

Results:

When controlling for age and sex as covariates, the MANCOVA revealed significant group differences on ImPACT reaction time, verbal memory, and visual memory scores but not visual-motor (processing) speed scores. An ANCOVA also revealed significant group differences in total reported symptoms. For baseline symptoms and ImPACT scores, subsequent pairwise comparisons revealed these associations to be most significant when comparing the short and intermediate sleep groups.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that athletes sleeping fewer than 7 hours before baseline testing perform worse on 3 of 4 ImPACT scores and report more symptoms. Because SRC management and RTP decisions hinge on the comparison with a reliable baseline evaluation, clinicians should consider sleep duration before baseline neurocognitive testing as a potential factor in the assessment of athletes’ recovery.
A Situated Analysis of Special Education Disproportionality for Systemic Transformation in an Urban School District
Authors: Bal Aydin , Sullivan Amanda L. , Harper John
Published: November 2013

The disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in special education programs is a complex issue that has long troubled practitioners, educational leaders, and researchers. This article reports on a mixed-method collaborative case analysis that examined local patterns of disproportionality in an urban school district and the district’s systemic transformation effort to address disproportionality. In a close collaboration with the district’s special education leadership team, we utilized student-level quantitative data from 2006 through 2010 to examine temporal patterns of disproportionality along with qualitative data on the leadership team’s perceptions and actions. Our analyses showed that risk of overidentification was greatest for African American, American Indian, low-income, and male students. The study illustrates a method of collaborative analysis and the importance of such analyses for understanding and addressing variously localized patterns of disproportionality. The findings contribute to the literature on disproportionality and inform systemic change efforts in diverse sociocultural contexts of urban school districts.
Broad Phenotypic Heterogeneity due to a Novel SCN1A Mutation in a Family With Genetic Epilepsy With Febrile Seizures Plus
Authors: Goldberg-Stern Hadassa , Aharoni Sharon , Afawi Zaid , Bennett Odeya , Appenzeller Silke , Pendziwiat Manuela , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Basel-Vanagaite Lina , Shuper Avinoam , Korczyn Amos D. , Helbig Ingo
Published: November 2013

Genetic (generalized) epilepsy with febrile seizures plus is a familial epilepsy syndrome with marked phenotypic heterogeneity ranging from simple febrile seizure to severe phenotypes. Here we report on a large Israeli family with genetic (generalized) epilepsy with febrile seizures plus and 14 affected individuals. A novel SCN1A missense mutation in exon 21 (p.K1372E) was identified in all affected individuals and 3 unaffected carriers. The proband had Dravet syndrome, whereas febrile seizure plus phenotypes were present in all other affected family members. Simple febrile seizures were not observed. Phenotypes were found at both extremes of the genetic (generalized) epilepsy with febrile seizures plus spectrum and distribution of phenotypes suggested modifying familial, possibly genetic factors. We suggest that families with extreme phenotype distributions can represent prime candidates for the identification of genetic or environmental modifiers.
Betrayal Trauma Among Homeless Adults
Authors: Mackelprang Jessica L. , Klest Bridget , Najmabadi Shadae J. , Valley-Gray Sarah , Gonzalez Efrain A. , Cash Ralph E. (Gene)
Published: November 2013

Betrayal trauma theory postulates that traumas perpetrated by a caregiver or close other are more detrimental to mental health functioning than are traumatic experiences in which the victim is not affiliated closely with the perpetrator. This study is the first to examine the concept of betrayal among a sample of individuals with a history of homelessness. A total of 95 homeless or formerly homeless adults completed the Brief Betrayal Trauma Survey, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Civilian Version, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale the Perceived Stress Scale, and a demographics questionnaire assessing participants’ histories of homelessness, health, and relationships with their families. Regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between high betrayal (HB) and low betrayal (LB) trauma exposure, relationship with family, and physical and mental health symptoms. Exposure to HB traumas in childhood and poor family relationships predicted earlier age at first episode of homelessness, and participants who had been exposed to a greater number of traumas during childhood were more likely to be revictimized during adulthood. Trauma exposure as an adult and earlier age of first homeless episode predicted symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, while trauma exposure alone predicted symptoms of depression and perceived stress. Number of medical diagnoses was associated with trauma exposure and becoming homeless at an older age. These findings emphasize that even among the most marginalized and multiply victimized individuals in our society, traumas that are characterized by a higher degree of betrayal are associated with more adverse outcomes.
Creative labour and collective interaction: the working lives of young jazz musicians in London
Authors: Umney Charles , Kretsos Lefteris
Published: November 2013

This article explores the types of work undertaken by jazz musicians in London, categorizing their activities using two axes derived from debates over ‘creative labour’. Firstly, the extent to which different jobs offer scope for creative autonomy and, secondly, the extent to which they involve collective as opposed to individualized working relationships. It focuses on the process of becoming established on the London ‘scene’, presenting qualitative interview data primarily with young workers seeking to build their careers. Musicians may make conscious decisions to pursue types of work which enable greater creative autonomy, but in doing so they may exacerbate fatalism about poor working conditions and undermine professional solidarity. The article also explores how pressures towards ‘entrepreneurialism’ in other forms of music work constitute further barriers to collective contestation of working conditions. Finally, it points towards types of music work where notions of professional economic interest have more traction.
High heat-resistant linear propargyl ether-terminated polymers containing Si–H group: synthesis, characterization, and properties
Authors: Yang Guang , Li Bo , Zhang Maning , Yang Zhiyong
Published: November 2013

Two kinds of novel linear propargyl ether-terminated polymers containing Si–H group, poly[(phenylsilylene)propargyl-bisphenol A] and poly[(phenylsilylene)propargyl-bisphenol S], were synthesized successfully by the dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction of dipropargyl ethers of different bisphenols and phenylsilane. The structures of the resulting polymers were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. The molecular weights of the polymers were estimated by gel permeation chromatography. The polymers had excellent solubility and outstanding processability. Thermal curing behavior of the polymers was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FT-IR spectra. Thermal stability of the cured polymers was also investigated by DSC and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the values of glass transition temperature of the cured polymers are above 380°C.
Carboxyl-tailed ionic liquid promoted aqueous dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Gunasekaran S. G. , Dharmendirakumar M.
Published: November 2013

The present work reports the dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water using a short chain carboxyl-tailed ionic liquid (IL), 1-carboxymethyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([cmmim][BF4]), as an IL-based hydrophilic surfactant, instead of long-chain hydrophobic ILs. MWCNTs can be dispersed effectively in the aqueous solution of [cmmim][BF4] due to their molecular structure, including one imidazolium ring head group and one carboxyl group with fewer hydrophobic chains. The resulting MWCNT suspensions are stable for more than a month, and no precipitation is observed. The transmission electron microscopy results showed that the structural integrity of MWCNTs did not deteriorate because of their dispersal in water. Ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectral studies confirm the presence of IL molecules onto the surface of the MWCNTs. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform Raman studies confirmed the cation–π or π–π interactions between the MWCNTs and IL molecules, which makes the suspension of MWCNTs more stable.
Summary and highlights of the scientific tracks at the STI & AIDS World Congress 2013, Vienna
Authors: Whale J , Banks J , Foley E , Patel R
Published: November 2013

The joint meeting of International Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research (ISSTDR) and International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) was held in July 2013 in Vienna, Austria. The conference had attracted over 1300 submissions and was divided into six tracks. The track chairs reviewed all presentations and identified key themes and data that delegates should be aware of. In a conference summary session, each track chair presented these highlights. This conference report details and expands on this summary.
Optimal feedforward control with a parametric structure applied to a wafer stage
Authors: Jiang Yi , Yang Kaiming , Zhu Yu , Li Xin , Yu Dongdong
Published: November 2013

To meet the ever-increasing requirements for accurate manufacturing equipment, feedforward control has been widely regarded as an effective method. A nominal feedforward controller equals to the inverse model, which conventional model-based approaches could not acquire accurately due to the inevitable model error, the stability of the inverse model and so on. Therefore, a data-based feedforward control based on a parametric structure is proposed. The structure takes acceleration and snap set-points as signal inputs and both paths equip finite impulse response filters. Each finite impulse response filter is parameterized by a series of coefficients, assuming that the difference between the actual output and nominal output is an affine function of these coefficients. The coefficients are obtained from a gradient and Hessian approximation–based algorithm and optimized by minimizing a quadratic objective function. Two methods are proposed to approximate the gradient: the direct approach and the Toeplitz matrix approach. Finally, the proposed algorithm is assessed on a developed wafer stage. The results show that the proposed parametric structure improves the scanning tracking performance and provides a more desirable way to deal with the model with several resonances in low frequency.
Former Child Soldiers’ Problems and Needs
Authors: Johannessen Steinar , Holgersen Helge
Published: November 2013

With this article, we explore how staff working at transit centers and vocational training centers in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced the problems and needs of former child soldiers. We argued that the staff’s experience of the children’s daily lives and their understanding of the sociocultural context of the conflict make their perspective a valuable source of information when trying to understand the phenomenon of child soldiering. Additionally, we reasoned that how the staff frame these children’s problems influences how they attempt to aid the children. We conducted 11 semistructured interviews and analyzed these using a hermeneutical-phenomenological approach. We clustered our findings around six themes: unfavorable contextual factors, acting as if still in the army, addiction, symptoms of psychopathology, social rejection, and reintegration needs. The overarching message we observed was that the informants experienced that former child soldiers require help to be transformed into civilians who participate proactively in their society.
Implementing Thrombolytic Guidelines in Stroke Care
Authors: Stecksén Anna , Lundman Berit , Eriksson Marie , Glader Eva-Lotta , Asplund Kjell
Published: November 2013

We performed a qualitative study to identify facilitators of and barriers to the implementation of national guidelines on thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. We interviewed physicians and nurses at nine Swedish hospitals using 16 explorative, semistructured interviews, and selected hospitals based on their implementation rate of new stroke care methods according to data from the Swedish Stroke Register, Riks-Stroke. Through content analysis, we identified facilitators and barriers to implementation, which we classified into three categories: (a) individuals, (b) social interactions and context, and (c) organizational and resource issues. Insights obtained from this study can be used to identify target areas for improving the implementation of thrombolytic therapy and other new methods in stroke care.
Spiritual Experiences of Transcendence in Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Renz M. , Mao M. Schuett , Omlin A. , Bueche D. , Cerny T. , Strasser F.
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

Spirituality encompasses a wide range of meanings between holistic wellbeing and mysticism. We explored advanced cancer patients' spiritual experiences of transcendence.

Methods:

A total of 251 patients with advanced cancer were included and observed (participant observation) over 12 months by a psycho-oncologist/music-therapist. She recorded and documented patients' spontaneously expressed spiritual experiences during hospitalisation. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was applied.

Results:

135 patients communicated a spiritual experience, as expressed by altered body-awareness, less pain, less anxiety, higher acceptance of illness/death, new spiritual identity. Spiritual experiences were communicated by patients across different religious affiliations/attitudes. We identified types of spiritual experiences.

Conclusion:

The occurrence of spiritual experiences seems to be frequent and associated with profound, powerful reactions. Our results indicate that experienced-based spiritual care may complement current needs-based approaches.
International and ethnic variability of falls in older men
Authors: Karlsson Magnus K , Ribom Eva L , Nilsson J-Å , Karlsson Caroline , Cöster Maria , Vonschewelov Thord , Mallmin Hans , Ljunggren Östen , Ohlsson Claes , Mellström Dan , Lorentzon Mattias , Leung PC , Lau Edith , Cauley Jane A , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Stefanick Marcia L , Orwoll Eric , Rosengren Björn E ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOs) Research Group
Published: November 2013

Aims: Fallers and especially recurrent fallers are at high risk for injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate fall epidemiology in older men with special attention to the influence of age, ethnicity and country of residence. Methods: 10,998 men aged 65 years or above recruited in Hong Kong, the United States (US) and Sweden were evaluated in a cross-sectional retrospective study design. Self-reported falls and fractures for the preceding 12 months were registered through questionnaires. Group comparisons were done by chi-square test or logistic regression. Results: The proportion of fallers among the total population was 16.5% in ages 65–69, 24.8% in ages 80–84 and 43.2% in ages above 90 ( P <0.001). The corresponding proportions of recurrent fallers in the same age groups were 6.3%, 10.1% and 18.2%, respectively ( P <0.001), and fallers with fractures 1.0%, 2.3% and 9.1%, respectively ( P <0.001). The proportion of fallers was highest in the US, intermediate in Sweden and lowest in Hong Kong (in most age groups P <0.05). The proportion of fallers among white men in the US was higher than in white men in Sweden (all comparable age groups P <0.01) but there were no differences in the proportion of fallers in US men with different ethnicity. Conclusions: The proportion of fallers in older men is different in different countries, and data in this study corroborate with the view that society of residence influences fall prevalence more than ethnicity.
Demand-controlled ventilation in new residential buildings: Consequences on indoor air quality and energy savings
Authors: Hesaraki Arefeh , Holmberg Sture
Published: November 2013

The consequences on indoor air quality (IAQ) and potential of energy savings when using a variable air volume (VAV) ventilation system were studied in a newly built Swedish building. Computer simulations with IDA Indoor Climate and Energy 4 (ICE) and analytical models were used to study the IAQ and energy savings when switching the ventilation flow from 0.375 l·s−1·m−2 to 0.100 l·s−1·m−2 during unoccupancy. To investigate whether decreasing the ventilation rate to 0.1 l·s−1·m−2 during unoccupancy, based on Swedish building regulations, BBR, is acceptable and how long the reduction can last for an acceptable IAQ, four strategies with different VAV durations were proposed. This study revealed that decreasing the flow rate to 0.1 l·s−1·m−2 for more than 4 h in an unoccupied newly built building creates unacceptable IAQ in terms of volatile organic compounds concentration. Hence, if the duration of unoccupancy in the building is more than 4 h, it is recommended to increase the ventilation rate from 0.100 l·s−1·m−2 to 0.375 l·s−1·m−2 before the home is occupied. The study showed that when the investigated building was vacant for 10 h during weekdays, increasing the ventilation rate 2 h before occupants arrive home (low ventilation rate for 8 h) creates acceptable IAQ conditions. In this system, the heating requirements for ventilation air and electricity consumption for the ventilation fan were decreased by 20% and 30%, respectively.
Endovascular treatment of postpartum deep venous thrombosis: report of three cases
Authors: Dumantepe Mert , Arif Tarhan Ibrahım , Ilhan Yurdakul , Ozdemir Arzu , Azmi Ozler
Published: November 2013

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are generally considered as contraindications for thrombolysis. We evaluate in this report the safety and effectiveness of using ultrasound-accelerated catheter-directed thrombolysis (UACDT) in treating three symptomatic postpartum deep vein thrombosis (DVT). UACDT was performed using a recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) which was delivered using the EKOS EkoSonic® system. Postprocedure venography was repeated after treatment which include stenting if stenosis was present. The treatment was successful in all three cases of iliofemoral DVT and symptom relief was achieved in all cases. Minor bleeding at the catheter insertion site in one patient was observed but none of the patients suffered from major bleeding or symptomatic pulmonary embolism. UACDT is a safe and effective treatment for restoration of the venous flow in patients with postpartum iliofemoral DVT. Residual venous obstruction should be treated by angioplasty and stent insertion to avoid early re-thrombosis.
Combined use of heparin and anisodamine reduces the risk of early thrombosis in native arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Chen Lan , Ling Yi-Sheng , Lin Chun-Hua , Guan Tian-Jun
Published: November 2013

The greatest threat of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is early thrombosis. There remains limited evidence for the use of agents for the prevention of AVF thrombosis. A total of 180 patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease were enrolled in the present study. They were expected to have hemodialysis (HD) within the next six months and a planned lower arm AVF is expected to be the primary HD access. They were randomly divided into a control group with 60 patients, a heparin (H) treatment group with 60 patients and a heparin/anisodamine (H/A)-treatment group with 60 patients. The H/A-treatment group was given 50 IU/kg of heparin and 10 mg of anisodamine for seven days after the AVF was generated. The H-treatment group was given 50 IU/kg of heparin for seven days whereas the control group was given no treatment. The diameter and blood flow rate of the AVF were evaluated by color Doppler ultrasound at the fourth week after the operation. Patency rates of AVF were 96.7% in the H/A-treatment group, 86.7% in the H-treatment group ( P < 0.05) and 83.3% in the control group ( P < 0.05). The present research indicates that combined application of heparin and anisodamine can effectively relieve the vessel spasm that often occurs after establishment of an AVF and reduce the risk of early thrombosis. However, further evidence is required to validate the maintenance of long-term patency of AVF.
Implications of the Sociology of Emotions for the Restoration of Social Order
Authors: Srbljinović Armano , Božić Jasmina
Published: November 2013

This article offers a conceptual analysis of the implications of the sociology of emotions for the restoration of social order in failing states. The authors mainly draw on ritual theories of emotions, but also use insights from dramaturgical, power and status, and exchange theories. It is argued that social order emerges from interactions among human individuals developing and internalizing emotional beliefs about their place within a wider social environment in the form of a social contract. Examples from states such as Afghanistan and Somalia illustrate the authors’ thesis that macro-level restoration of order is possible through change agents’ efforts at restoration of emotion-generating interaction ritual chains.
Harvesting kinetic energy to supply autonomous lighting on Nordic Walking poles
Authors: Kränzler Christopher , Nagel Jörg , Pylatiuk Christian
Published: November 2013

With humans becoming increasingly dependent on portable electronic devices, the increased amount of batteries to carry around becomes a serious problem. Energy harvesting provides a green, cost-friendly and maintenance-free alternative, which has so far virtually exclusively been considered for low-power applications. This study shows a first approach of the incorporation of energy harvesting systems into everyday applications. With Nordic Walking becoming more and more popular and lighting devices being inevitable for the walker to be visible to others, an autonomous lighting device mounted on Nordic Walking poles is a great example to show the capabilities of energy harvesting. To set the framework for the design of such a system, first, the acceleration levels occurring during Nordic Walking are measured. On this basis, two linear electromagnetic generators are designed, implemented and evaluated. The presented generators exhibit maximum power outputs of up to 6.6 mW and are able to light up an ultra-bright light-emitting diode.
Crohn's disease
Authors: Pal Anirban
Published: November 2013

Crohn's disease is a relapsing, chronic and inflammatory bowel condition that can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. It was first described in 1932 by Burrill Bernhard Cohen and together with ulcerative colitis it is termed as ‘inflammatory bowel disease’. It is characteristically associated with various extra-intestinal manifestations and increases the lifetime risk of colorectal cancer. The primary care team is important in identifying new cases and in the effective community management of established disease.
Total Hip and Knee Replacement in the Mature Athlete
Authors: Bloomfield Michael R. , Hozack William J.
Published: November 2013

Context:

Total hip replacement and total knee replacement are among the most successful and common surgical procedures in orthopaedics. These operations were traditionally reserved for older, sedentary patients. However, these are now being increasingly performed in patients expecting to return to athletic activities.

Evidence Acquisition:

The peer-reviewed medical literature was searched via PubMed from the years 2000 to 2013. Those studies pertinent to modern hip and knee replacement in an athletic population were selected for inclusion.

Study Design:

Literature review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

There is a lack of high-quality evidence in the peer-reviewed literature relating to the replacement of hips and knees in younger athletic patients. Although many patients undergoing joint replacement are active in recreational activities, a minority engage in high-impact sports. Following surgery, overall activities tend to increase, but high-demand athletic activities may be limited by pain, functional outcome, or activity restrictions imposed by health care providers.

Conclusion:

Patients receiving hip and knee replacements should be counseled in that returning to high-impact and repetitive-loading athletic activities after surgery may shorten the life span of their implant.

Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT):

C.
SMARTS (Systematic Monitoring of Adverse events Related to TreatmentS): The development of a pragmatic patient-completed checklist to assess antipsychotic drug side effects
Authors: Haddad Peter M , Fleischhacker W Wolfgang , Peuskens Joseph , Cavallaro Roberto , Lean Michael EJ , Morozova Margarita , Reynolds Gavin , Azorin Jean-Michel , Thomas Pierre , Möller Hans-Jürgen
Published: November 2013

Objectives:

Antipsychotic drug side effects are common and can cause stigmatisation, decreased quality of life, poor adherence, and secondary morbidity and mortality. Systematic assessment of anticipated side effects is recommended as part of good clinical care, but is uncommon in practice and patients may not spontaneously report side effects. We aimed to develop a simple patient-completed checklist to screen systematically for potential antipsychotic side effects.

Methods:

The SMARTS checklist was developed over a series of group meetings by an international faculty of 12 experts (including psychiatrists, a general physician and a psychopharmacologist) based on their clinical experience and knowledge of the literature. The emphasis is on tolerability (i.e. assessment of side effects that ‘trouble’ the patient) as subjective impact of side effects is most relevant to medication adherence. The development took account of feedback from practising psychiatrists in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, a process that contributed to face validity.

Results:

The SMARTS checklist assesses whether patients are currently ‘troubled’ by 11 well-established potential antipsychotic side effects. Patients provide their responses to these questions by circling relevant side effects. An additional open question enquires about any other possible side effects. The checklist has been translated into Italian and Turkish.

Conclusions:

The SMARTS checklist aims to strike a balance between brevity and capturing the most common and important antipsychotic side effects. It is appropriate for completion by patients prior to a clinical consultation, for example, in the waiting room. It can then form the focus for a more detailed clinical discussion about side effects. It can be used alone or form part of a more comprehensive assessment of antipsychotic side effects including blood tests and a physical examination when appropriate. The checklist assesses current problems and can be used longitudinally to assess change.
MetSizeR: selecting the optimal sample size for metabolomic studies using an analysis based approach
Authors: Nyamundanda Gift , Gormley Isobel Claire , Fan Yue , Gallagher William M , Brennan Lorraine
Published: November 2013

Background

Determining sample sizes for metabolomic experiments is important but due to the complexity of these experiments, there are currently no standard methods for sample size estimation in metabolomics. Since pilot studies are rarely done in metabolomics, currently existing sample size estimation approaches which rely on pilot data can not be applied.

Results

In this article, an analysis based approach called MetSizeR is developed to estimate sample size for metabolomic experiments even when experimental pilot data are not available. The key motivation for MetSizeR is that it considers the type of analysis the researcher intends to use for data analysis when estimating sample size. MetSizeR uses information about the data analysis technique and prior expert knowledge of the metabolomic experiment to simulate pilot data from a statistical model. Permutation based techniques are then applied to the simulated pilot data to estimate the required sample size.

Conclusions

The MetSizeR methodology, and a publicly available software package which implements the approach, are illustrated through real metabolomic applications. Sample size estimates, informed by the intended statistical analysis technique, and the associated uncertainty are provided.