bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An integrated approach to energy recovery from biomass and waste: Anaerobic digestion–gasification–water treatment
Authors: Milani M , Montorsi L , Stefani M
Published: June 2014

The article investigates the performance of an integrated system for the energy recovery from biomass and waste based on anaerobic digestion, gasification and water treatment. In the proposed system, the organic fraction of waste of the digestible biomass is fed into an anaerobic digester, while a part of the combustible fraction of the municipal solid waste is gasified. Thus, the obtained biogas and syngas are used as a fuel for running a cogeneration system based on an internal combustion engine to produce electric and thermal power. The waste water produced by the integrated plant is recovered by means of both forward and inverse osmosis. The different processes, as well as the main components of the system, are modelled by means of a lumped and distributed parameter approach and the main outputs of the integrated plant such as the electric and thermal power and the amount of purified water are calculated. Finally, the implementation of the proposed system is evaluated for urban areas with a different number of inhabitants and the relating performance is estimated in terms of the main outputs of the system.
L'avant, l'apprêt et l'après du questionnaire – Le cas de l'enquête COI-TIC 2006
Authors: Siracusa Jacques
Published: June 2014

The Before, During and After of a Questionnaire – The Case of the COI-TIC 2006 Survey: This study focuses on the elaboration of a questionnaire for a large-scale survey on organizational changes and communication technologies. Preparatory meetings were observed, and then studies using the gathered data were consulted. It is a question of reporting the main considerations at the origin of the construction of the questionnaire. These considerations are above all pragmatic, dependent on the experiences and knowledge of the designers. Strategies are negotiated, but the resulting agreements are precarious. Collective work to collect responses is structured by the instrument and guided by some objectives, all of which allows the possibility of multiple redefinitions of the data, with little concern for what was done during the preparatory work.
Sir Joseph Banks as patron of the Investigator expedition: natural history, geographical knowledge and Australian exploration
Authors: Morgan Kenneth
Published: June 2014

This paper analyses the ways in which Sir Joseph Banks served as an informed and energetic patron for the preparations for the Investigator’s expedition, and for the dissemination of its scientific and geographical knowledge. This was the first voyage to circumnavigate Australia, under the command of Matthew Flinders. Banks was an essential facilitator for Flinders’ ambitions: he drew up plans to promote the voyage and mustered the support of relevant officials in the Admiralty, Navy Board, East India Company and Board of Longitude. With his knowledge of sailing on Cook’s Endeavour voyage and his understanding of the expedition’s scientific requirements, Banks took a leading role in recruiting personnel. Banks recognised in Flinders someone who had the ambition and the nautical skill to carry out the Investigator’s expedition with full commitment. Banks and Flinders combined a passion for improving geographical, nautical and scientific knowledge of the last inhabitable continent discovered by explorers. Banks played a crucial role in ensuring that the achievements of the Investigator’s voyage were not lost. He made repeated attempts to have Flinders released from his confinement in the Ile de France. He was updated from time to time on Flinders’ situation through letters received from that island. He corresponded with Flinders and his scientific associates to ensure that the achievements of the expedition—the charts and the natural history specimens—were not abandoned. After Flinders and his ship’s company returned to England, Banks ensured their findings from the voyage were prepared for public dissemination by persuading the Admiralty to pay their salaries and by personally overseeing their work during the several years necessary to complete the tasks required. Banks was closely involved with the production of Flinders’ voyage account and atlas, published in A Voyage to Terra Australis, and with the dissemination of the scientific and artistic achievements of the Investigator expedition.
Traditional boat forms of Konkan
Authors: Pendse Sachin S
Published: June 2014

Konkan occupies a narrow strip of land adjoining the Arabian Sea along the west coast of the state of Maharashtra in India. Mentioned in Greco–Roman sea voyage accounts, such as the Periplus of the Erythrean Sea, and in the works of Ptolemy and Strabo, it is a place of great antiquity. By virtue of its coastal location, Konkan has a distinct attachment to the sea, with its estuaries influencing the pattern of life in the region, and its shipping forming a crucial link between the Deccan hinterland and ports across the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf and Red Sea, as well as the east coast of Africa. For centuries, local communities in Konkan constructed vessels that were designed for deployment in the coastal and overseas trades. Depending on the need and objectives of local inhabitants, a variety of boat forms evolved along this coast, ranging from primitive, shallow-draught coasting craft to large sea-going vessels. During the seventeenth century, vessels with specific political and military purposes were built to form the Maratha Navy. In describing these Konkan boats, this research note considers three types of vessel: coasting craft, merchant vessels and warships.
Traditional or Translational Research for Nursing
Authors: Florczak Kristine L. , Poradzisz Michele , Kostovich Carol
Published: June 2014

In this column, the authors focus on the need for more PhD-prepared nurses as opposed to nurses receiving the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This would help to to facilitate an understanding between traditional research and translational research. The idea of a need for collaboration between these two terminal degrees is highlighted. To that end, the history and intent of the research doctorate and the practice doctorate are entertained along with a brief description of the traditional and translational research processes.
Witnessing
Authors: Bunkers Sandra Schmidt
Published: June 2014

The author in this article explores thinking on witnessing or bearing witness from the theoretical perspectives of nursing, philosophy, Christian theology, and journalism. Although there are nuances in the meanings of witnessing and the actions involved in witnessing, all of the identified disciplines discussed the responsibility they have for bearing witness to the other.
Imagination
Authors: Condon Barbara Backer
Published: June 2014

Teaching-learning environments in nursing education encourage students to think and recall hordes of factual information while checking off a skills list too numerous to mention. In efforts to impart all of this information to students, has the use of imagination been ignored? The author in this column presents a discussion on imagination. First, there is a discussion of the literature, followed by a discussion of imagination in light of the humanbecoming school of thought. A glimpse at the presence of imagination in qualitative research methodologies is also highlighted. The author also presents the limits of imagination, and perhaps, its fading existence in current teaching-learning practices. The column concludes with encouragement toward a greater utilization of imaginative thought in nursing pedagogies.
Life as a Mentor
Authors: Clarke Pamela N. , Fawcett Jacqueline
Published: June 2014

The concept of mentorship is personalized in this discussion of Dr. Fawcett’s life as she experienced and thrived as a mentor. The authors describe different types of mentorship and how they were experienced by this leader.
Straight Thinking and Ethics in Nursing
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: June 2014

A desired outcome for members of healthcare disciplines is to have straight thinking regarding human health and quality of life issues. Difficult situations, embedded with a demand for quick, value-laden healthcare decisions, abound in an ever-changing, complex healthcare arena. The author begins a discussion about potential implications for future disciplinary nurse practice as nurse leaders contemplate what it means to have a straight thinking ethos as providers of vital human health services. Reflections and recommendations for future dialogue with interdisciplinary professionals on the topic of nursing ethics is offered.
Slide design and manufacturing issues in prototype tooling
Authors: Volpato Neri , Gaebler Wilson G , Pereira Fernando C , Kliemczak Lucas AK
Published: June 2014

When a prototype tool for injection molding has to deal with undercut features, the difficulty involved in manufacturing the tooling increases considerably as slides must be used. However, the use of slides in prototype tooling has not been extensively explored. Various design and manufacturing issues, mainly related to the geometry, accuracy and extraction of slides, may prevent these working satisfactorily in a multi-piece mold. In this work, the main types of undercuts are analyzed and some issues related to the design and manufacture of slides for prototype tooling are discussed. A study is carried out to understand a specific issue related to peripheral milling accuracy, and a fit procedure is proposed to overcome this. Polymeric inserts for a test part were manufactured following the proposed design and manufacturing recommendations and fit procedure. The mold was used to produce polypropylene prototypes in an industrial injection molding machine. The results showed that similar design and manufacturing concepts can be applied to different types of undercuts. Extraction of the slide worked satisfactorily, and ejector pins were not required. Finally, the proposed solution to ensure computer numerical control machining produced an adequate slide fit proved successful and significantly reduced post-processing time.
Estimating the density of femoral head trabecular bone from hip fracture patients using computed tomography scan data
Authors: Vivanco Juan F , Burgers Travis A , García-Rodríguez Sylvana , Crookshank Meghan , Kunz Manuela , MacIntyre Norma J , Harrison Mark M , Bryant J Tim , Sellens Rick W , Ploeg Heidi-Lynn
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare computed tomography density ( ρCT) obtained using typical clinical computed tomography scan parameters to ash density ( ρash), for the prediction of densities of femoral head trabecular bone from hip fracture patients. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the relationships between ρash and ρCT and between each of these densities and ρbulk and ρdry. Seven human femoral heads from hip fracture patients were computed tomography–scanned ex vivo, and 76 cylindrical trabecular bone specimens were collected. Computed tomography density was computed from computed tomography images by using a calibration Hounsfield units–based equation, whereas ρbulk, ρdry and ρash were determined experimentally. A large variation was found in the mean Hounsfield units of the bone cores (HUcore) with a constant bias from ρCT to ρash of 42.5 mg/cm3. Computed tomography and ash densities were linearly correlated ( R2 = 0.55, p < 0.001). It was demonstrated that ρash provided a good estimate of ρbulk ( R2 = 0.78, p < 0.001) and is a strong predictor of ρdry ( R2 = 0.99, p < 0.001). In addition, the ρCT was linearly related to ρbulk ( R2 = 0.43, p < 0.001) and ρdry ( R2 = 0.56, p < 0.001). In conclusion, mineral density was an appropriate predictor of ρbulk and ρdry, and ρCT was not a surrogate for ρash. There were linear relationships between ρCT and physical densities; however, following the experimental protocols of this study to determine ρCT, considerable scatter was present in the ρCT relationships.
Carbon accumulation in peat deposits from northern Sweden to northern Germany during the last millennium
Authors: van der Linden Marjolein , Heijmans Monique MPD , van Geel Bas
Published: June 2014

Historic carbon accumulation rates in four bogs on a north to south transect from Sweden to Germany were calculated by using the bulk densities and carbon concentrations of 1-cm peat layers and a fine-resolution radiocarbon chronology. Carbon accumulation rates were compared to environmental data to explore the effects of climatic factors. Carbon accumulation rates in a period without clear human impact on the bog ecosystems ( c.ad 1700–ad 1800) ranged from 25 g C/m2/yr in the most northern site to 50 g C/m2/yr in the southernmost site, which coincided with increasing annual temperatures from north to south. This suggests that temperature or growing season length is a major factor influencing carbon accumulation rates at different geographical sites. The temporal variations in carbon accumulation rates within the sites tentatively suggest that carbon accumulation rates may still increase with further warming in northern peat bogs, but decrease in southern peat bogs.
Tribological investigation of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene against advanced ceramic surfaces in total hip joint replacement
Authors: Choudhury Dipankar , Roy Taposh , Krupka Ivan , Hartl Martin , Mootanah Rajshree
Published: June 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a modified ceramic head surface could reduce the friction and wear rate of simulated ceramic-on-polyethylene hip joints. To address this aim, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was made to slide on aluminium oxide (Al2O3), dimpled Al2O3, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated and DLC-coated dimpled substrates. The experiment condition was replicated to simulate artificial hip joints in terms of contact pressure, speed and temperature. UHMWPE on non-dimpled Al2O3 showed lower friction coefficient and wear rate compared to other advanced surfaces. Lower wettability, and higher hardness and surface adhesion of DLC resulted in increased friction and wear. The high difference in modulus of elasticity and hardness between UHMWPE and both, Al2O3 and DLC, reduced the effectiveness of textured surface techniques in friction and wear reduction. Therefore, no tribological benefit was found by fabricating either DLC coating or surface texturing on hard surface when rubbed against softer UHMWPE.
Being-in-dialysis: The experience of the machine–body for home dialysis users
Authors: Shaw Rhonda
Published: June 2014

New Zealand leads the world in rates of home dialysis use, yet little is known about the experience of home dialysis from the patient’s perspective. This article contributes to the literature on the self-care of dialysis patients by examining the relevance of the concept of the machine–body and cyborg embodiment for the lived experience of people with end-stage renal failure. The article, which presents a discussion of 24 in-depth interviews undertaken between 2009 and 2012, shows that although dialysis therapy is disruptive of being and time, study participants experience home dialysis in terms of flexibility, control and independence. While they do not use the term machine–body as a descriptor, the concept resonates with felt experience. Data also indicate that positive experience of home dialysis is relative to socio-economic positioning and the lived relation of patients to others, necessitating further research to examine these factors.
Do “they” threaten “us” or do “we” disrespect “them”: Majority perceptions of intergroup relations and everyday contacts with immigrant minorities
Authors: Van Acker Kaat , Phalet Karen , Deleersnyder Jozefien , Mesquita Batja
Published: June 2014

The present study examined how majority perceptions of intergroup relations afford different contact experiences with immigrant minorities. Majority students attending culturally diverse high schools first completed a survey that measured the extent to which they perceived immigrant minorities as either threatening to the majority or discriminated by the majority. Two weeks later, the same majority students kept a 1-week diary of their contacts with immigrant minorities. As expected, perceived threat at premeasurement was positively associated with situated threat-related appraisals and emotions (e.g., fear) during everyday contacts with immigrant minorities 2–3 weeks later. In contrast, acknowledgment of discrimination at premeasurement was positively associated with perspective taking and enrichment-related appraisals and emotions (e.g., admiration). These findings suggest that generalized threat perceptions can become self-enforcing through repeated threatening contact experiences; but also that an alternative perception of minorities as disrespected by the majority may underlie more positive contact experiences.
The dark side of inclusion: Undesired acceptance increases aggression
Authors: Greenaway Katharine H. , Jetten Jolanda , Ellemers Naomi , van Bunderen Lisanne
Published: June 2014

It is generally assumed that being accepted by others should have universally positive effects. The present research questions this assumption and shows that acceptance can sometimes arouse aggressive thoughts and feelings when people have a low desire to belong to the accepting group. In Study 1 ( N = 61), international students who had low, compared to high, desire for inclusion in a host society behaved more aggressively when informed that the host society accepted them. Study 2 ( N = 57) replicated this finding on attributions of aggression to members of the host society. In Study 3 ( N = 76) individuals accepted into a workgroup showed more implicit aggressive cognitions when they did not desire inclusion compared to individuals who desired inclusion. The findings reveal a potential limit to the positive effects of acceptance and highlight the importance of considering group members’ motives for inclusion when investigating the effects of group acceptance.
Denying humanness to victims: How gang members justify violent behavior
Authors: Alleyne Emma , Fernandes Isabel , Pritchard Elizabeth
Published: June 2014

The high prevalence of violent offending amongst gang-involved youth has been established in the literature. Yet the underlying psychological mechanisms that enable youth to engage in such acts of violence remain unclear. One hundred eighty-nine young people were recruited from areas in London, UK, known for their gang activity. We found that gang members, in comparison to nongang youth, described the groups they belong to as having recognized leaders, specific rules and codes, initiation rituals, and special clothing. Gang members were also more likely than nongang youth to engage in violent behavior and endorse moral disengagement strategies (i.e., moral justification, euphemistic language, advantageous comparison, displacement of responsibility, attribution of blame, and dehumanization). Finally, we found that dehumanizing victims partially mediated the relationship between gang membership and violent behavior. These findings highlight the effects of groups at the individual level and an underlying psychological mechanism that explains, in part, how gang members engage in violence.
Dementia and well-being: A conceptual framework based on Tom Kitwood’s model of needs
Authors: Kaufmann Elke G , Engel Sabine A
Published: June 2014

The topic of well-being is becoming increasingly significant as a key outcome measure in dementia care. Previous work on personhood of individuals with dementia suggests that their subjective well-being can be described in terms of comfort, inclusion, identity, occupation and attachment. The study aimed to examine Tom Kitwood’s model of psychological needs and well-being in dementia based on the self-report of individuals with moderate or severe dementia and to differentiate and elaborate this model in the light of the empirical qualitative data. Nineteen inhabitants of a special long-term care unit were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using content analysis. Thirty components within Kitwood’s model have been identified. A conceptual framework of subjective well-being in dementia was developed based on a theoretical background. The study was able to find indications that Kitwood’s model has empirical relevance. Nevertheless, it requires to be extended by the domain agency. Furthermore, the study suggests that individuals with dementia are important informants of their subjective well-being.
The challenges of innovation for sustainable agriculture and rural development: Integrating local actions into European policies with the Reflective Learning Methodology
Authors: Moschitz Heidrun , Home Robert
Published: June 2014

The linear view of innovation in agricultural contexts is being replaced by systems approaches. Agricultural producers are seen as important actors rather than merely consumers of the technologies that are generated by agricultural research and transferred by education and extension services for subsequent adoption. This new understanding of innovation for sustainable agriculture is however not reflected within the European policy framework, so learning and innovation networks for sustainable agriculture (LINSA) have formed in response. The support needs of these innovation networks are poorly understood which hampers their integration into policy. A participatory action research approach – the Reflective Learning Methodology was developed and applied to address the challenge of up-scaling from local learning and innovation networks to a regional, in this case European, support framework for innovation in sustainable agriculture. We examine the Reflective Learning Methodology by describing and analysing its application in a European level action research project. This approach involves identifying some of the challenges of transdisciplinary research and finding ways of addressing them and critically reflecting on the role of the researcher in participatory action research. With the Reflective Learning Methodology, we have developed a tool, which has the potential to be adapted to research projects in other contexts.
Uncertainty and Campaigns
Authors: Peterson David A. M.
Published: June 2014

Campaigns change how some people vote. How campaigns have this effect is less well understood. The prevailing view is that these effects occur by changing the content of voters’ attitudes such as partisanship or issue positions (persuasion) and by changing the weights voters applied to these determinants of vote choice (priming). Recent research has challenged this view and suggests that the support for these priming and persuasion effects is overstated. Unfortunately, no research directly specifies and tests the specific psychological mechanism responsible for campaign priming. In this article, I draw on the differences in the forms of attitude strength and demonstrate that changes in citizens’ uncertainty are responsible for these effects. The results suggest that persuasion and changes in uncertainty (but not ambivalence or importance) are responsible for the changes in voters’ decisions during the campaign. Substantively, the largest effects occur because of changes in the uncertainty voters have about the nature of the candidates’ character traits.
Bearing fault diagnosis of wind turbine based on intrinsic time-scale decomposition frequency spectrum
Authors: An Xueli , Jiang Dongxiang
Published: June 2014

In order to better identify the complex running conditions of wind turbine main bearings, we developed a bearing fault diagnosis method based on intrinsic time-scale decomposition frequency spectrum. The main bearing acceleration vibration signal from wind turbine is captured under four conditions—good bearing, outer race fault, inner race fault and roller fault. The proposed method consists of the following steps. First, the main bearing acceleration vibration signal is decomposed into several proper rotation components by using the intrinsic time-scale decomposition method. Second, the frequency spectrum of the first few proper rotation components (containing dominant fault features) is analyzed. The dominant resonant frequency range of each analyzed rotation component is derived, and then, the sum of frequency amplitude in said frequency range can be obtained. This sum is regarded as the fault feature vectors. Finally, the fault feature vectors are input to the least square support vectors machine, and the faults of wind turbine main bearing then can be diagnosed. The experiment results show that the proposed method can diagnose failures of wind turbine bearings quickly and more accurately.
Differential recovery of touch thresholds and discriminative touch following nerve repair with focus on time dynamics
Authors: Rosén Birgitta , Björkman A , Boeckstyns Michel
Published: June 2014

Introduction

The purpose of this secondary analysis of pooled data from two randomised controlled trials was to explore the differential rate of recovery of sensory and motor functions over time following repair of median or ulnar nerve.

Methods

Recovery over two years following median or ulnar nerve repair at wrist level using the Rosen score was analysed in 67 patients.

Results

Within the sensory domain of the Rosen score, a substantial gap was observed between recovery of touch thresholds and discriminative touch. Within the motor domain, manual muscle strength and grip strength showed a closer and more parallel recovery rate.

Conclusion

The differential recovery rates in touch thresholds and discriminative touch after a peripheral nerve injury are likely due to neurobiological factors that cannot be influenced by surgical interventions. However, new knowledge about brain plasticity opens up the possibility that this differential recovery may diminish through the use of revised rehabilitation programs focused on the use of guided plasticity, and the timing of onset of sensory re-learning.
New ecological wood–plastic composite materials for scaphoid-type casting: Material properties and clinical evaluation
Authors: Lindfors NC , Salo J
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Immobilisation of limbs using splints and casts is a common procedure in both conservative and operative treatments. The most common splint materials are plaster-of-Paris, fibreglass and polyester cast materials. Despite the advantages of increased strength and comfort using fibreglass and polyester cast materials, disadvantages due to toxic and harmful components, such as cyanites, resulting in asthmatic responses have also been reported.

Methods

A new ecologically friendly, wood–plastic composite casting material was evaluated in a prospective study of 67 operatively treated patients needing a post-operative scaphoid-type cast. Thirty-seven patients (26 females and 11 males, mean age 53 years) were treated with a cast made of WOODCAST® 2 mm and WOODCAST® Ribbon, and another 30 patients (19 females and 11 males, mean age 53 years) were treated with a cast made of WOODCAST® Soft and WOODCAST® Ribbon. The casts were either removable or non-removable. Mechanical stiffness properties of cylindrical WOODCAST® materials were also tested using a testing machine (LLOYD LR30K, Lloyd Instruments, Southampton, UK).

Results

The cast material was easy to handle without gloves. The pre-heated self-adhesive materials became completely three-dimensional-mouldable and could easily be cut with scissors. The median time in the cast was 4 weeks. Fifty-six patients responded to a questionnaire: Out of 56 patients, 36 considered the cast to be very comfortable or comfortable, 11 were neutral and four did not answer the question. The mechanical testing showed that the novel WOODCAST® materials can be used in different kinds of casting.

Conclusion

The ecological wood–plastic composite materials represent sustainable development in the field of casting materials.
Surface Electromyographic Analysis of Core Trunk and Hip Muscles During Selected Rehabilitation Exercises in the Side-Bridge to Neutral Spine Position
Authors: Youdas James W. , Boor Mallory M.P. , Darfler Arynn L. , Koenig Margaret K. , Mills Katherine M. , Hollman John H.
Published: June 2014

Background:

Strengthening of core hip, trunk, and abdominal muscles has been utilized with injury prevention and low back pain and has the potential to improve athletic performance.

Hypothesis:

During a side-bridge, trunk and thigh muscles on the ipsilateral weightbearing side would produce greater activation than their counterparts on the contralateral nonweightbearing side.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve females and 13 males participated. Electromyography (EMG) signals were gathered for 5 right-sided muscles (rectus abdominis [RA], external oblique [EO], longissimus thoracis [LT], lumbar multifidus [LM], and gluteus medius [GM]) during 3 repetitions of 4 side-bridging exercises (trunk-elevated side support [TESS], foot-elevated side support [FESS], clamshell, and rotational side-bridge [RSB]) performed bilaterally in random order using surface electrodes. EMG signals were normalized to peak activity in maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) trials and expressed as a percentage. Descriptive EMG data were calculated for EMG recruitment (% MVIC) and compared between right side up and right side down conditions and between exercises with 2-way repeated-measures analyses of variance at α = 0.05.

Results:

RSB created the most muscle activation in 3 of 4 recorded trunk muscles (RA, 43.9% MVIC; EO, 62.8 % MVIC; and LT, 41.3% MVIC). Activation of the GM exceeded 69% MVIC for TESS, FESS, and RSB. With the exception of the RA in RSB and LT in TESS, recruitment within muscles of the ipsilateral weightbearing trunk and thigh (% MVIC) was significantly greater than their counterparts on the nonweightbearing trunk and thigh for all muscles during the side-bridge exercise conditions.

Conclusion:

Muscle recruitment was greater within muscles of the ipsilateral weightbearing trunk and thigh for all examined muscles except RA during RSB and LT during TESS. Activation at or above 50% MVIC is needed for strengthening. Activation of the GM and EO meets these requirements.

Clinical Relevance:

Side-bridge exercises appear to provide strengthening benefits to core hip, trunk, and abdominal muscles on the ipsilateral weightbearing side.
Age Differences in Romantic Attachment Around the World
Authors: Chopik William J. , Edelstein Robin S.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential universality of age differences in romantic attachment. Relatively few studies have investigated attachment processes beyond young adulthood and very little is known about age differences in romantic attachment orientations in geographic regions outside North America. We examined attachment anxiety and avoidance among 90,904 Internet respondents in 81 countries. Attachment anxiety was highest among younger adults and lowest in middle-aged and older adults. Attachment avoidance was lowest among younger adults and highest in middle age and older adults. Further, the patterns of age differences were universal across individualistic and collectivistic regions. Findings are discussed in the context of normative social roles and the universality of their influence on life span personality development.
Protected By Your Self-Control
Authors: Gomillion Sarah , Lamarche Veronica M. , Murray Sandra L. , Harris Brianna
Published: June 2014

Self-control allows people to curb destructive behavior and behave more pro-socially in relationships. Thus, individuals generally trust partners with high dispositional self-control more. However, it is not clear whether partner self-control influences individuals’ responses to acutely risky situations, such as when partners are rejecting. A daily diary study of married and cohabiting couples examined whether actors with high self-control partners behave less self-protectively in risky situations. On days partners were highly rejecting, actors were less likely to retaliate against and more likely to value high self-control partners. On days after partners had been rejecting, actors also reported that high self-control partners behaved more responsively. Actors also trusted partners with high self-control more regardless of risk. Taken together, our findings suggest that partners’ greater self-control may help foster more positive interaction cycles in romantic relationships.
Socioeconomic status does not predict cocaine use among ischemic stroke patients: A nested case-control study
Authors: Fehnel Corey R , Ayres Alison M , Rost Natalia S
Published: June 2014

Previous studies of cocaine use and stroke have focused on acute effects of cocaine in perceived high-risk populations. We characterized mechanisms and risk factors for cocaine use among ischemic stroke patients from a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds to inform medical management decisions and prevention efforts. We studied consecutive adults admitted with acute ischemic stroke to our institution between January 2007 and December 2010 with a history or laboratory confirmation of cocaine use. Age, sex, and race-matched cocaine-negative controls were derived from the same study population. Demographics, risk factors, clinical and imaging data were compared between groups. Among 4073 acute ischemic stroke patients, 91 (2.2%) had a history of cocaine use and/or a positive toxicology screen (cases). Cocaine abusers did not differ from controls by occupation, income, or educational level ( P > 0.5). Active tobacco use independently increased the odds of cocaine use among stroke patients (odds ratio 3.9, 95% confidence interval 2.0–7.5), as did the history of migraine (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1–5.9). Stroke subtype also predicted cocaine use among stroke patients (odds ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.93). Stroke patients with current or past cocaine use could not be distinguished from non-users by socioeconomic factors. Liberal use of toxicology screening among a much broader population of patients is needed for proper identification and management. Further study of causal mechanisms for cardioembolism in cocaine-associated stroke is warranted.
The Rationalization of Agriculture in Kerala: Implications for the Natural Environment, Agro-ecosystems and Livelihoods
Authors: Viswanathan P.K.
Published: June 2014

This article addresses an older debate which held that the agricultural transformation in the regional economy of Kerala has been mainly driven by ‘peasant rationality’. It is argued in this article that the agrarian transformation driven by peasant rationality has created a dichotomous agrarian society in the state, with a genre of rich farmers who have significantly benefited by the ‘rational’ switch over to commercial agriculture and another segment of subsistence farmers who have been marginalized by the agricultural development process. The article argues that the agricultural development process driven by ‘peasant rationality’ has several ramifications for the sustainable future of Kerala’s agricultural economy. To substantiate this, the article critically examines the agricultural development experience of the state over the past six decades and brings out the impasse affecting the agricultural sector in the emerging context of growing market uncertainties and other challenges confronting the agro-ecosystems and natural environments.
Systemic Allergic Reaction to the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Exenatide
Authors: Steveling Esther H. , Winzeler Bettina , Bircher Andreas J.
Published: June 2014

Objective: To report a case of systemic hypersensitivity to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist exenatide used in diabetes care to provide significant information within the context of postmarketing safety surveillance of this new drug class. Case Summary: We report on a 52-year-old male with insufficiently controlled diabetes. GLP-1 agonist treatment was indicated and the patient was started on 5 to 10 µg exenatide (Byetta) twice daily, which had to be stopped after 1 month due to intolerable nausea. One year later, an attempt with 0.6 to 1.8 mg liraglutide (Victoza) once daily was well tolerated but lacked efficacy after a few months. Finally, the patient was started on 2 mg exenatide (Bydureon) once weekly. Concomitant treatment included metformine 1000 mg twice daily and candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Blopress Plus) 16/12.5 mg once daily. A few hours after the second injection, local urticaria and disseminated pruritus evolved and after the third injection pruritus, urticaria, and shortness of breath developed, which resolved to antihistamines and corticosteroids. Intradermal tests were positive for Byetta (1:1000) and Bydureon (1:100) (both exenatide), while Victoza (liraglutide) was negative (1:10). Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) to the drugs was not available for testing. Discussion: An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse effect to exenatide (Bydureon) was probable (Naranjo probability scale: score of 8). Consistency was established through positive skin tests and the biological explanation that the administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists has been associated with antibody formation. Conclusion: Considering emerging use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, systemic hypersensitivity should be recognized as a risk in clinical practice.
Deep molecular responses achieved in patients with CML-CP who are switched to nilotinib after long-term imatinib
Authors: Hughes Timothy P. , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Spector Nelson , Cervantes Francisco , Pasquini Ricardo , Clementino Nelma Cristina D. , Dorlhiac Llacer Pedro Enrique , Schwarer Anthony P. , Mahon Francois-Xavier , Rea Delphine , Branford Susan , Purkayastha Das , Collins LaTonya , Szczudlo Tomasz , Leber Brian
Published: June 2014

Key Points

Nilotinib induced deeper molecular responses than continued imatinib in patients with minimal residual disease on long-term imatinib. These deeper responses may enable more patients to benefit from treatment-free remission trials.
QoS-aware dynamic resource allocation for wireless broadband access networks
Authors: Nguyen Tri M , Yim Taihyung , Jeon Youchan , Kyung Yeunwoong , Park Jinwoo
Published: June 2014

The development of the advanced wireless access technologies is focusing on the enhancement of mobile user satisfaction in terms of quality of service (QoS). As the number of mobile users increases, the amount of traffic passing through base station (BS) significantly increases so that the preplanned capacity of downlink or uplink can be exceeded from time to time resulting in the degradation of users’ QoS satisfaction. A way to utilize the downlink (DL) and the uplink (UL) of an orthogonal frequency division multiple access frame efficiently is therefore needed subject to users’ bandwidth demand which changes continuously over the time. In this paper, we propose a QoS-aware dynamic resource allocation (QDRA) scheme which dynamically adjusts the DL/UL ratio to allocate bandwidth for QoS support to users based on the usage statistics. The performance of the proposed QDRA scheme was examined by applying to the WiMAX standard specifications, to show its superiority of maintaining a higher QoS support for various classes of services compared to the pre-reported adaptive method.
Indicating spinal joint mobilisations or manipulations in patients with neck or low-back pain: protocol of an inter-examiner reliability study among manual therapists
Authors: van Trijffel Emiel , Lindeboom Robert , Bossuyt Patrick MM , Schmitt Maarten A , Lucas Cees , Koes Bart W , Oostendorp Rob AB
Published: June 2014

Background

Manual spinal joint mobilisations and manipulations are widely used treatments in patients with neck and low-back pain. Inter-examiner reliability of passive intervertebral motion assessment of the cervical and lumbar spine, perceived as important for indicating these interventions, is poor within a univariable approach. The diagnostic process as a whole in daily practice in manual therapy has a multivariable character, however, in which the use and interpretation of passive intervertebral motion assessment depend on earlier results from the diagnostic process. To date, the inter-examiner reliability among manual therapists of a multivariable diagnostic decision-making process in patients with neck or low-back pain is unknown.

Methods

This study will be conducted as a repeated-measures design in which 14 pairs of manual therapists independently examine a consecutive series of a planned total of 165 patients with neck or low-back pain presenting in primary care physiotherapy. Primary outcome measure is therapists’ decision about whether or not manual spinal joint mobilisations or manipulations, or both, are indicated in each patient, alone or as part of a multimodal treatment. Therapists will largely be free to conduct the full diagnostic process based on their formulated examination objectives. For each pair of therapists, 2×2 tables will be constructed and reliability for the dichotomous decision will be expressed using Cohen’s kappa. In addition, observed agreement, prevalence of positive decisions, prevalence index, bias index, and specific agreement in positive and negative decisions will be calculated. Univariable logistic regression analysis of concordant decisions will be performed to explore which demographic, professional, or clinical factors contributed to reliability.

Discussion

This study will provide an estimate of the inter-examiner reliability among manual therapists of indicating spinal joint mobilisations or manipulations in patients with neck or low-back pain based on a multivariable diagnostic reasoning and decision-making process, as opposed to reliability of individual tests. As such, it is proposed as an initial step toward the development of an alternative approach to current classification systems and prediction rules for identifying those patients with spinal disorders that may show a better response to manual therapy which can be incorporated in randomised clinical trials. Potential methodological limitations of this study are discussed.
Surfactant protein A genetic variants associate with severe respiratory insufficiency in pandemic influenza A virus infection
Authors: Herrera-Ramos Estefanía , López-Rodríguez Marta , Ruíz-Hernández José Juan , Horcajada Juan Pablo , Borderías Luis , Lerma Elisabeth , Blanquer José , Pérez-González María Carmen , García-Laorden María Isabel , Florido Yanira , Mas-Bosch Virginia , Montero Milagro , Ferrer José María , Sorlí Luisa , Vilaplana Carlos , Rajas Olga , Briones Marisa , Aspa Javier , López-Granados Eduardo , Solé-Violán Jordi , de Castro Felipe Rodríguez , Rodríguez-Gallego Carlos
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Inherited variability in host immune responses influences susceptibility and outcome of Influenza A virus (IAV) infection, but these factors remain largely unknown. Components of the innate immune response may be crucial in the first days of the infection. The collectins surfactant protein (SP)-A1, -A2, and -D and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) neutralize IAV infectivity, although only SP-A2 can establish an efficient neutralization of poorly glycosylated pandemic IAV strains.

Methods

We studied the role of polymorphic variants at the genes of MBL (MBL2), SP-A1 (SFTPA1), SP-A2 (SFTPA2), and SP-D (SFTPD) in 93 patients with H1N1 pandemic 2009 (H1N1pdm) infection.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that two frequent SFTPA2 missense alleles (rs1965708-C and rs1059046-A) and the SFTPA2 haplotype 1A
0
were associated with a need for mechanical ventilation, acute respiratory failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The SFTPA2 haplotype 1A
1
was a protective variant. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression also showed that diplotypes not containing the 1A
1
haplotype were associated with a significantly shorter time to ICU admission in hospitalized patients. In addition, rs1965708-C (P = 0.0007), rs1059046-A (P = 0.0007), and haplotype 1A
0
(P = 0.0004) were associated, in a dose-dependent fashion, with lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio, whereas haplotype 1A
1
was associated with a higher PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data suggest an effect of genetic variants of SFTPA2 on the severity of H1N1pdm infection and could pave the way for a potential treatment with haplotype-specific (1A
1
) SP-A2 for future IAV pandemics.
Liraglutide Enhances Insulin Sensitivity by Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Yamazaki Satoru , Satoh Hiroaki , Watanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2014

We investigated the effects of liraglutide on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in male Wistar rats. The rats were fed a normal chow diet (NCD) or a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) for a total of 4 weeks. After 3 weeks of feeding, they were injected with liraglutide once a day for 7 days. Subsequently, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies were performed after fasting the animals for 8 hours. During the clamp studies on the NCD-fed rats, the glucose infusion rate required for euglycemia was significantly higher in the liraglutide group than in the control group. The clamp hepatic glucose output was significantly lower in the liraglutide group than in the control group, but the insulin-stimulated glucose disposal rate did not change significantly in the liraglutide groups. The clamp studies on the HFD-fed rats revealed that the glucose infusion rate required to achieve euglycemia was significantly higher in the liraglutide group than in the control HFD group, and the insulin-stimulated glucose disposal rate increased significantly in the liraglutide groups. The clamp hepatic glucose output decreased significantly in the liraglutide groups. Consistent with the clamp data, the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase was enhanced in the livers of the NCD- and HFD-fed rats and in the skeletal muscles of the HFD-fed rats. Oil red O staining indicated that liraglutide also improved hepatic steatosis. In summary, our studies suggest that in normal glucose tolerance states, liraglutide enhances insulin sensitivity in the liver but not in skeletal muscles. However, in insulin-resistant states, liraglutide improves insulin resistance in the liver and muscles and improves fatty liver.
The Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Is Expressed in Skeletal Muscle of Male Mice and Modulates 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) Uptake in Myofibers
Authors: Girgis Christian M. , Mokbel Nancy , Cha Kuan Minn , Houweling Peter J. , Abboud Myriam , Fraser David R. , Mason Rebecca S. , Clifton-Bligh Roderick J. , Gunton Jenny E.
Published: June 2014

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a range of muscle disorders, including myalgia, muscle weakness, and falls. In humans, polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are associated with variations in muscle strength, and in mice, genetic ablation of VDR results in muscle fiber atrophy and motor deficits. However, mechanisms by which VDR regulates muscle function and morphology remain unclear. A crucial question is whether VDR is expressed in skeletal muscle and directly alters muscle physiology. Using PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (VDR-D6 antibody), we detected VDR in murine quadriceps muscle. Detection by Western blotting was dependent on the use of hyperosmolar lysis buffer. Levels of VDR in muscle were low compared with duodenum and dropped progressively with age. Two in vitro models, C2C12 and primary myotubes, displayed dose- and time-dependent increases in expression of both VDR and its target gene CYP24A1 after 1,25(OH)2D (1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D) treatment. Primary myotubes also expressed functional CYP27B1 as demonstrated by luciferase reporter studies, supporting an autoregulatory vitamin D-endocrine system in muscle. Myofibers isolated from mice retained tritiated 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and this increased after 3 hours of pretreatment with 1,25(OH)2D (0.1nM). No such response was seen in myofibers from VDR knockout mice. In summary, VDR is expressed in skeletal muscle, and vitamin D regulates gene expression and modulates ligand-dependent uptake of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in primary myofibers.