bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexibility with a Purpose: Constructing the Legitimacy of Spatial Governance Partnerships
Authors: Lau Mandy
Published: August 2013

This paper explores the relationship between flexibility in spatial governance partnerships and their legitimacy. While partnerships have become increasingly prevalent, questions have been raised about their accountability or ‘input’ legitimacy. However, recent research highlights how multiple norms of legitimacy exist and how flexible delivery of aspired outcomes may confer ‘output’ legitimacy to governance processes. This paper explores these issues through examining the delivery of a major urban extension at the edge of Cambridge City, in the East of England. It makes the case that a particular dimension of flexibility, namely flexibility in resource deployment, has been crucial to delivering outcomes underpinned by the shared vision of sustainable communities. This suggests that future research on partnerships could benefit from a more refined analysis of the different ways in which flexibility is exercised and how these may enhance or detract from the legitimacy of partnership arrangements.
Maternal mortality in a rural Tanzanian hospital: fatal Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in a case of relapsing fever in pregnancy
Authors: Rustenhoven-Spaan Ilona , Melkert Peter , Nelissen Ellen , van Roosmalen Jos , Stekelenburg Jelle
Published: August 2013

Relapsing fever is a disease caused by one of the species of Borrelia. It is often misdiagnosed as malaria and can have fatal complications such as the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) after the commencement of treatment with antibiotics. A 19-year-old Tanzanian woman was admitted after a term home delivery that day. She presented with a 2 day history of fever, headache, general body malaise and vomiting. She was misdiagnosed as having severe malaria and was treated with quinine. The blood slide showed Borrelia duttoni. The patient continued treatment with procaine penicillin fortified for relapsing fever. Several hours later the woman died, probably due to JHR. This case of a patient with relapsing fever who died from a JHR stresses the importance of adequate diagnosis and treatment which should include careful monitoring, especially for the first hours after starting antibiotics.
The Struggle of Giving Up Personal Goals
Authors: Brandstätter Veronika , Herrmann Marcel , Schüler Julia
Published: August 2013

A critical phase in goal striving occurs when setbacks accumulate and goal disengagement becomes an issue. This critical phase is conceptualized as an action crisis and assumed to be characterized by an intrapsychic conflict in which the individual becomes torn between further goal pursuit and goal disengagement. Our theorizing converges with Klinger’s conceptualization of goal disengagement as a process, rather than a discrete event. Two longitudinal field studies tested and found support for the hypothesis that an action crisis not only compromises an individual’s psychological and physiological well-being, but also dampens the cognitive evaluation of the respective goal. In Study 3, marathon runners experiencing an action crisis in their goal of running marathons showed a stronger cortisol secretion and a lower performance in the race 2 weeks later. Results are interpreted in terms of action-phase–specific mindsets with a focus on self-regulatory processes in goal disengagement.
A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Choban Patricia , Dickerson Roland , Malone Ainsley , Worthington Patricia , Compher Charlene ,   and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Published: August 2013

Background: Due to the high prevalence of obesity in adults, nutrition support clinicians are encountering greater numbers of obese patients who require nutrition support during hospitalization. The purpose of this clinical guideline is to serve as a framework for the nutrition support care of adult patients with obesity. Method: A systematic review of the best available evidence to answer a series of questions regarding management of nutrition support in patients with obesity was undertaken and evaluated using concepts adopted from the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group. A consensus process, that includes consideration of the strength of the evidence together with the risks and benefits to the patient, was used to develop the clinical guideline recommendations prior to multiple levels of external and internal review and approval by the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors. Questions: (1) Do clinical outcomes vary across levels of obesity in critically ill or hospitalized non−intensive care unit (ICU) patients? (2) How should energy requirements be determined in obese critically ill or hospitalized non‐ICU patients? (3) Are clinical outcomes improved with hypocaloric, high protein diets in hospitalized patients? (4) In obese patients who have had a malabsorptive or restrictive surgical procedure, what micronutrients should be evaluated?
Serum Transthyretin Level Is Associated With Clinical Severity Rather Than Nutrition Status in Massively Burned Patients
Authors: Yang Hyeong Tae , Yim Haejun , Cho Yong Suk , Kim Dohern , Hur Jun , Kim Jong Hyun , Lee Jong Wook , Lee Yoon Kyung , Lee Jeonghwan , Han Seong Woo , Chun Wook
Published: August 2013

Background: The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical significance of serum transthyretin (TTR) in massively burned patients in nutrition support and clinical severity. Methods: A retrospective study was performed with 204 patients admitted to Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital's Burn Center September 2010‐September 2012 with burn wounds > 20% of total body surface area (TBSA) burned. Serum TTR, C‐reactive protein (CRP), lactic acid, and an NST index (calculated by dividing real caloric intake by estimated caloric need for 7 days) were analyzed on a weekly basis for 5 weeks after admission. Results: When we classified patients with severity according to mortality, percentage of TBSA burned, serum lactic acid, and CRP, mean serum TTR level was significantly higher in the less severe patient group than in the severe patient group in each week for every severity index. And the serum TTR level did not show significant differences by NST index in both the severe patient group and the less severe patient group. In a multivariate logistic regression, percentage TBSA burned, TTR, and lactic acid had an independent association with mortality. Conclusion: Serum TTR did not show a significant difference by nutrition support in massively burned patients with >20% of TBSA burned. But serum TTR was significantly different by the severity of the patient and independently associated with mortality. Hence, serum TTR level can be 1 of the useful biomarkers for comprehending the severity of the illness in massively burned patients.
Assessment of the Physicochemical Stability of All‐in‐One Parenteral Emulsions for Neonates According to USP Specifications
Authors: Athanasiou Christos , Hatziantoniou Sophia , Skouroliakou Maria , Markantonis‐Kyroudis Sophia
Published: August 2013

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe the methodology to assess the stability of all‐in‐one (AIO) parenteral nutrition admixtures, containing glucose, proteins, and lipids, to the standards of U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP <729>). The influence of calcium and commercially available lipid emulsions and amino acid solutions were also examined. Methods: Four batches of 5 AIO admixtures containing calcium were compounded with commercially available lipid emulsions and amino acid solutions. Two of them contained calcium. Their stability was tested under conditions simulating clinical use. All the admixtures were assessed for criteria set by the USP <729>: (1) mean droplet diameter (MDD) and (2) percentage of volume weighted particles with diameter > 5 μm (PFAT5). Results: All admixtures were within the specifications set by the USP with respect to the MDD at 0, 24, and 48 hours, but only those batches lacking calcium met the benchmarks set by the pharmacopoeia, with respect to PFAT5, on the day of preparation. Conclusions: The presence of calcium destabilized the admixtures, while the use of different commercial ingredients altered the admixtures’ characteristics. Only 1 batch of the AIO admixtures studied was found to be compliant with USP <729> standards.
Exploitation of Diagnostic Computed Tomography Scans to Assess the Impact of Nutrition Support on Body Composition Changes in Respiratory Failure Patients
Authors: Braunschweig Carol A. , Sheean Patricia M. , Peterson Sarah J. , Gomez Perez Sandra , Freels Sally , Troy Karen L. , Ajanaku Folabomi C. , Patel Ankur , Sclamberg Joy S. , Wang Zebin
Published: August 2013

Background: Assessment of nutritional status in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is limited. Computed tomography (CT) scans that include the first to fifth lumbar region completed for diagnostic purposes measures fat and lean body mass (LBM) depots and are frequently done in ICU populations and can be used to quantify fat and LBM depots. The purpose of this study was to assess if these scans could measure change in skeletal muscle (SKT), visceral adipose (VAT), and intermuscular adipose (IMAT) tissue and to examine the association between the amount of energy and protein received and changes in these depots. Methods: Cross‐sectional area of SKT, VAT, and IMAT from CT scans at the third lumbar region was quantified at 2 time points (CT1 and CT2). Change scores between CT1 and CT2 for each of these depots and the percentage of estimated energy/protein needs received were determined in 33 adults that with acute respiratory failure. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression was used to evaluate the influence of baseline characteristics and the percentage energy/protein needs received between CT1 and CT2 on percentage change/day between CT1 and CT2 on SKM, IMAT, and VAT. Results: Participants were on average (SD) 59.7 (16) years old, received 41% of energy and 57% of protein needs. The average time between CT1 and CT2 was 10 (5) days. SKM declined 0.49%/day (men P = .07, women P = .09) and percentage of energy needs received reduced loss (β = 0.024, P = .03). No change in VAT or IMAT occurred. Conclusions: CT scans can be exploited to assess change in body composition in ICU patients and may assist in detecting the causal link between nutritional support and outcomes in future clinical trials.
Decreased Bone Turnover Markers in Children on Long‐Term Parenteral Nutrition (PN) for Intestinal Failure (IF)
Authors: Derepas Charlène , Kosar Christina , Avitzur Yaron , Wales Paul W. , Courtney‐Martin Glenda
Published: August 2013

Background: Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a well‐recognized but poorly understood complication of long‐term parenteral nutrition (PN). Bone histomorphometry in adults has provided useful information but does not provide quantitative measures of bone resorption and is to invasive for children. Measurement of bone turnover markers provides an alternative less invasive approach. We therefore aimed to measure bone turnover markers in children on long‐term PN for intestinal failure (IF), and to compare them to age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Methods: Serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC), bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), and c‐telopeptide (CTx) were measured in IF patients treated at a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation and home PN program at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. Age‐ and gender‐matched control participants were recruited for comparison. Results: A total of 13 IF patients and 20 control participants were recruited. IF patients had lower serum OC and CTx concentrations when compared with controls: 42.43 ± 11.54 vs 68.39 ± 20.95 µg/L (P < .01) and 7.454 ± 2.17 vs 9.246 ± 1.92 (P < .05; mean ± SD) µg/L for OC and CTx, respectively. In a subgroup of 9 IF patients for whom BMD was available, OC and CTx concentration were negatively correlated to BMD (g/cm2) and BMD z score. Conclusion: Bone turnover markers may be useful indicators for identifying children on long‐term PN at risk of MBD. Further studies are needed to validate the current results and determine the factors that influence the occurrence and evolution of MBD in children on PN.
Complex Dietary Protein Improves Growth Through a Complex Mechanism of Intestinal Peptide Absorption and Protein Digestion
Authors: Hansen Stephanie A. , Ashley Aaron , Chung Brian M.
Published: August 2013

Background: The small intestinal epithelium has an impressive ability to adapt to changes resulting from loss of length or alteration in dietary load. We sought to determine the potential influence of dietary protein absorption on growth and development. We hypothesized that a complex protein diet would improve growth over that of an elemental diet. Methods: Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a transparent worm with a rudimentary intestinal tube lined by enterocytes that function remarkably similar to humans, we measured daily growth, intestinal peptide, and amino acid transporter expression and intestinal proteolysis to compare the effects of a complex protein diet to a diet containing only amino acids. Results: Nematodes raised on a complex protein diet grew to adulthood faster than those raised solely on amino acids, which did not require an overall change in intestinal peptide or amino acid transporter expression. Despite no overall change in transporter expression, a shift in location of peptide transporter expression was noted between diets that corresponded to decreased rate of intestinal proteolysis seen in the complex protein‐fed group. Conclusions: A complex protein diet stimulates in an altered pattern of intestinal peptide transporter expression and intestinal proteolytic activity that results in improved growth compared with a diet of elemental amino acids. This improved growth appears to be the result of increased efficiency of a smaller number of enterocytes. These data might be useful in targeting intestinal rehabilitation therapies for short bowel syndrome and other risk factors for intestinal failure.
Vision meets robotics: The KITTI dataset
Authors: Geiger A , Lenz P , Stiller C , Urtasun R
Published: August 2013

We present a novel dataset captured from a VW station wagon for use in mobile robotics and autonomous driving research. In total, we recorded 6 hours of traffic scenarios at 10–100 Hz using a variety of sensor modalities such as high-resolution color and grayscale stereo cameras, a Velodyne 3D laser scanner and a high-precision GPS/IMU inertial navigation system. The scenarios are diverse, capturing real-world traffic situations, and range from freeways over rural areas to inner-city scenes with many static and dynamic objects. Our data is calibrated, synchronized and timestamped, and we provide the rectified and raw image sequences. Our dataset also contains object labels in the form of 3D tracklets, and we provide online benchmarks for stereo, optical flow, object detection and other tasks. This paper describes our recording platform, the data format and the utilities that we provide.
Reinforcement learning in robotics: A survey
Authors: Kober Jens , Bagnell J. Andrew , Peters Jan
Published: August 2013

Reinforcement learning offers to robotics a framework and set of tools for the design of sophisticated and hard-to-engineer behaviors. Conversely, the challenges of robotic problems provide both inspiration, impact, and validation for developments in reinforcement learning. The relationship between disciplines has sufficient promise to be likened to that between physics and mathematics. In this article, we attempt to strengthen the links between the two research communities by providing a survey of work in reinforcement learning for behavior generation in robots. We highlight both key challenges in robot reinforcement learning as well as notable successes. We discuss how contributions tamed the complexity of the domain and study the role of algorithms, representations, and prior knowledge in achieving these successes. As a result, a particular focus of our paper lies on the choice between model-based and model-free as well as between value-function-based and policy-search methods. By analyzing a simple problem in some detail we demonstrate how reinforcement learning approaches may be profitably applied, and we note throughout open questions and the tremendous potential for future research.
Single-center experience in the endovascular management of isolated iliac artery aneurysm
Authors: Kim Man Deuk , Lee Do Yun , Lee Myungsu , Won Jong Yun , Lee Shin Jae , Kim Il Jung , Park Sung Il , Choi Donghoon , Ko Young-Guk
Published: August 2013

Background

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IAA) are relatively uncommon and represent 2–7% of all intra-abdominal aneurysms. Surgery is the gold standard treatment for IAA. However, endovascular stent-graft placement is gaining acceptance as an alternative to surgery especially in patients with high surgical risk.

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endovascular management of isolated IAA having various anatomic and pathologic bases.

Material and Methods

Between 2008 and 2011, 31 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for isolated IAA were retrospectively analyzed. The mean aneurysm size was 43 mm (range, 30–71 mm). The age ranged from 37 to 87 years (mean, 70.0 years). Isolated IAAs were treated in one of three different ways: (i) infrarenal aortic stent-graft placement with limb extension; (ii) stent-graft placement for isolated iliac artery coverage; and (iii) embolization with a coil and a vascular plug combined with femoral-femoral bypass grafting. All patients were assessed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The mean follow-up period was 25.1 months (range, 1–60 months).

Results

Common iliac artery involvement was seen in 28 patients. Ten (35.7%) of those patients also had an internal IAA. Three patients had an isolated internal IAA. Infrarenal stent-graft placement was performed in 25 patients. Stent-graft placement for coverage of the only iliac artery was performed in five patients. One patient, who had a mycotic aneurysm of the right common iliac artery underwent coil embolization of the ipsilateral common iliac artery with concurrent femoral-femoral bypass graft. Five of the 31 patients (16.1%) with stent grafts had type II endoleaks at the time of the last imaging study, one of those patients underwent percutaneous embolization with glue. None of the patients showed major procedure-related complications.

Conclusion

Percutaneous management of IAA is effective and safe with various techniques depending on the anatomical and pathologic features of the isolated IAA.
Short-term effects of radiofrequency shrinkage treatment for anterior cruciate ligament relaxation on proprioception
Authors: Wei Min , Liu Yujie , Li Zhongli , Wang Zhigang
Published: August 2013

Objective

Radiofrequency (RF) shrinkage is used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of RF on ACL relaxation and the probable influencing factors.

Methods

Patients with ACL relaxation were included. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: a treatment group, in which patients were treated with RF shrinkage (RF group); a control group, in which patients received conventional surgical treatment. Thermal shrinkage was performed on ACL using an ArthroCare® CAPSure® wand. Lysholm scores, proprioceptive testing and Tegner activity scores were evaluated before and after treatment (at 6 and 12 months).

Results

A total of 38 patients were included. The mean ± SD Lysholm score of those in the RF group at 12 months’ post-treatment was significantly higher than in controls. The angle of deviation of the knee joint in RF group was significantly larger than in the control group at 6 months’ post-treatment.

Conclusions

RF shrinkage treatment for ACL laxity could improve knee scores, and may affect proprioception and recovery of activity after surgery.
The relationship between KRAS gene mutations and HLA class I antigen downregulation in the metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: He Xiao-Peng , Song Fu-Jie , Liu Xiang-Yan , Wang Zhou , Li Xiang-Xin , Liu Fan-Ying , Chen Gang , Jiang Wen-Peng
Published: August 2013

Objective

To investigate the association between v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue ( KRAS) gene mutations and levels of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen in primary lung tumours and metastatic lymph nodes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Patients with NSCLC undergoing tumour resection were enrolled. KRAS codon 12 mutations were analysed in normal lung and lymph node tissue, primary lung tumours and metastatic lymph nodes using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. HLA class I antigen immunostaining was examined using flow cytometry.

Results

A total of 65 patients participated in the study. All normal lung tissues had positive HLA class I antigen immunostaining. The majority of primary lung tumours (56/65) and all of the metastatic lymph nodes (31/31) had downregulated HLA class I antigen immunostaining. There was a positive correlation between downregulated HLA class I antigen in primary tumours and metastatic lymph nodes. There was a negative correlation between KRAS codon 12 mutations and the level of HLA class I antigen in primary and metastatic tumours.

Conclusions

KRAS codon 12 mutations appear to be important in the downregulation of HLA class I antigen in NSCLC. Abnormal activation of the oncogenic KRAS pathway might provide a new treatment target for NSCLC.
Disease-modifying effect of etanercept versus sulphasalazine on spinal mobility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Hendrix Suzanne , Koenig Andrew , Li Wenzhi , Singh Amitabh
Published: August 2013

Objective:

To model the estimated disease-modifying effect of etanercept over sulphasalazine in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Methods:

A post hoc analysis of data from the Ankylosing Spondylitis Study Comparing ENbrel and Sulfasalazine Dosed Weekly (ASCEND) study was performed using the Natural History Staggered Start (NHSS) method. A mixed model with a linear effect over time was fitted to the ASCEND data and resampling was performed to generate confidence intervals.

Results:

At week 16, the total additional improvement in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index of the etanercept arm over the sulphasalazine arm was 0.62 points, of which 31% (0.19 points) was estimated to be due to disease-modifying effect.

Conclusions:

The analysis of ASCEND data suggests that etanercept may have a larger disease-modifying effect than sulphasalazine. Further research is needed with more objective measures such as magnetic resonance imaging or X-radiography to confirm these results.
Investigating bearing strength of pin-loaded composite plates in different environmental conditions
Authors: Esendemir Ümran , Cabiog̅lu Ayşe Mücessem
Published: August 2013

Composites are subjected to different working environments when they are employed. In this study, the bearing strength and failure modes of composite-pinned joints subjected to various types of environments for different exposure times are investigated, experimentally. The specimens were divided into five categories which include cold environment, hot environment, humid environment, seawater environment, and room temperature. The test results were carried out after 1 and 2 months of exposure to different environmental conditions. A total of 540 test specimens with 20 different geometries were fabricated for the pin-bearing experiments. Two different geometrical parameters were investigated during analysis. The ratio of edge-distance-to-hole diameter and the ratio of the specimen width-to-hole-diameter were systematically varied and corresponding failure modes and loads were defined. The performance of the joints is closely related to changing in geometrical parameters. It was observed that different environment conditions did not change failure modes consisting of net tension, shear-out, bearing, and mixed, generally. Also, the experimental results show that the bearing strength of composite-pinned joints is affected at different levels when subjected to environmental conditions for various exposure times.
Modeling of debonding and fracture process of FRP-strengthened concrete beams via fracture mechanics approach
Authors: Wu Zhi-Min , Fan Xing-Lang , Zheng Jian-Jun , Wu Xi
Published: August 2013

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have been widely used in the field of retrofitting. To estimate their service reliability, it is necessary to conduct a theoretical analysis of FRP-strengthened concrete beams. In this paper, a fracture mechanics approach is presented to model the cracking behavior of and interfacial debonding process in FRP-strengthened concrete beams. The K-superposition method is adopted to calculate the net stress intensity factor at the crack tip. After the validity of the proposed approach is verified with experimental results obtained from the literature, the effects of various factors on the load-bearing capacity and crack growth resistance of FRP-reinforced concrete beams are quantitatively evaluated. It is found that the first peak load increases as the beam height and compressive strength of concrete increase or the ratio of the initial crack length to beam height decreases, whereas the second peak load is an increasing function of the FRP sheet thickness and width. It is also found that the crack growth resistance increases with an increase in ratio of the initial crack length to beam height and FRP sheet thickness and width but is seldom influenced by the beam height and compressive strength of concrete.
Fabrication process optimization of hemp fibre-reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Yan ZL , Zhang JC , Lin G , Zhang H , Ding Y , Wang H
Published: August 2013

Natural fibre-reinforced composites have attracted great research and economic interests because of their outstanding ‘green’ characteristics compared with glass fibre-reinforced composites. It is very important to understand the processing effect on the natural fibre-reinforced composites mechanical properties because of the natural fibre degradation characteristics. Optimizing the fabrication process, especially the compounding process, is effective to achieve the optimal properties of the composites. In this research a natural fibre, noil hemp fibre, was applied to reinforce polypropylene with internal mixing process. The influence of compounding parameters, such as mixing temperature, mixing time and rotor speed, on the mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength) of the noil hemp fibre/polypropylene composites was investigated using orthogonal method and the evidence of thermogravimetric analysis test of fibre and the observation of fibre dispersion in resin. The range analysis and variance of analysis demonstrated that the mixing temperature has significant effect on the three mechanical properties, mixing time has minor influence on the tensile and flexural strengths, and rotor speed mainly affects the impact strength. The thermogravimetric analysis test of noil hemp fibre and the fibre dispersion in resin show that a combination of low mixing temperature, short mixing time and high rotor speed of compounding process is helpful to achieve certain fibre dispersion without serious thermal degradation of fibre. Noil hemp fibre/polypropylene composites with the best comprehensive mechanical properties could be obtained at 165℃ for 12 min with rotor speed 50 r/min.
Preparation for Inclusion in Teacher Education Pre-Service Curricula
Authors: Allday R. Allan , Neilsen-Gatti Shelley , Hudson Tina M.
Published: August 2013

Inclusion of students with disabilities has been practiced and advocated for more than two decades in the United States. This practice involves the placement of students with disabilities in a general education classroom for part or all of the day, and the primary instructor is a general education teacher in collaboration with a special education teacher. The authors reviewed coursework related to inclusion provided to pre-service elementary teachers during their teacher preparation programs. A total of 109 elementary education bachelor’s degree programs were examined to determine the number of course hours devoted to inclusion, instruction, and management of students with disabilities. Results suggest that many teacher preparation programs provide instruction related to characteristics of disabilities and some form of classroom management; however, few programs offer courses specifically related to differentiation of instruction for students with disabilities or collaboration between general and special education teachers.
Through a Glass, Darkly
Authors: Jungherr Andreas , Jürgens Pascal
Published: August 2013

Political actors increasingly use the microblogging service, Twitter, for the organization, coordination, and documentation of collective action. These interactions with Twitter leave digital artifacts that can be analyzed. In this article, we look at Twitter messages commenting on one of the most contentious protests in Germany’s recent history, the protests against the infrastructure project Stuttgart 21. We analyze all messages containing the hashtag #s21 that were posted between May 25, 2010, and November 14, 2010, by the 80,000 most followed Twitter users in Germany. We do this to answer three questions: First, what distinguishes events that resulted in high activity on Twitter from events that did not? Second, during times of high activity, does the behavior of Twitter users vary from their usual behavior patterns? Third, were the artifacts (retweets, links) that dominated conversations during times of high activity indicative of tactical support of the protests or of symbolic association with it?
Triple-layer sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/sulfonated polyimide membranes for fuel cell applications
Authors: Li Xiaobai , Song Yang , Liu Zhuang , Feng Pengju , Liu Siyuan , Yu Yunwu , Jiang Zhenhua , Liu Baijun
Published: August 2013

A series of triple-layer membranes were prepared based on a sulfonated polyimide (SPI) and a traditional sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) polymer matrix. Compared with the single-component membranes (pure SPI and SPEEK), the multicomponent membranes exhibited better comprehensive performance. Interestingly, the triple-layer membranes possessed improved mechanical properties, lower water uptake, and swelling ratio than those of the corresponding blend membranes. When the contents of SPI were 30 and 40%, the triple-layer membranes even had lower methanol permeability (3.42 and 2.61 × 10−7 cm2 s−1, respectively) than that of the pure SPI membrane (3.51 × 10−7 cm2 s−1). The proton conductivity of the triple-layer membranes was in the range of 0.117–0.149 S cm−1 at 100°C. All the results suggest that the triple-layer membranes have sufficiently excellent performance to be applied in fuel cells.
Characterization of knock intensity distributions: Part 2: parametric models
Authors: Spelina Jill M. , Peyton Jones James C. , Frey Jesse
Published: August 2013

Knock intensity behaves as a random process which may be characterized using simple scalar metrics such as the mean and variance, or (more commonly) by the probability of knock events. However, such measures discard much of the information present in the signal. Several researchers have therefore sought to obtain a more complete characterization of the process by fitting parametric log-normal or gamma distribution models to knock intensity distributions. The present study extends this work both in terms of the range of engine operating conditions considered and in terms of the evaluation of the goodness of fit between two different models and the experimental data. In particular, new and arguably more application-appropriate measures of the goodness of fit provide a clearer assessment of the performance of the models, and a like-for-like comparison of log-normal and gamma distribution model forms demonstrates that the log-normal model better characterizes the experimental data used in this study.
Lightweight design of an in-wheel motor using the hybrid optimization method
Authors: Luo Yutao , Tan Di
Published: August 2013

An increase in the unsprung mass is a critical issue for an electric vehicle driven by an in-wheel motor. The mass increase will cause the ride quality and comfort to deteriorate. To decrease the unsprung mass, a hybrid lightweight design method including size optimization and topology optimization is employed for the in-wheel motor. The two optimizations are carried out in sequence. First, the finite element method, the response surface method and the particle swarm optimization algorithm are employed in the size optimization design of the in-wheel motor. After this step, the mass of the in-wheel motor is reduced to 2.7448 kg, while its rated torque and losses are almost unchanged. Second, according to the above optimization results, topology optimization using the method of variable density is employed for the supporting frame of the stator of the in-wheel motor, which is the non-magnetic area. The material which is grade 45 steel is analysed. The optimization results show that, after optimization and treatment, the mass of the supporting frame is reduced to 1.069 kg, i.e. 63.11% lighter than before. Then, structural strength verification is carried out. Considering the above two optimization steps synthetically, the total mass of the in-wheel motor with a grade 45 steel supporting frame is reduced by 3.5547 kg, which means that it is 13.623% lighter than the original structure. Calculation of the transient torque and losses show that, after optimization, the total loss is reduced by 1.87%, and the torque by only 1.8%. Therefore, the hybrid optimization method studied in this paper works well for the lightweight design of an in-wheel motor.
Investigation of the combustion characteristics and the emissions characteristics with diesel low-temperature combustion
Authors: Zhang Quanchang , Chen Hao , Zheng Zunqing
Published: August 2013

Diesel low-temperature combustion is one of the new combustion technologies. Exhaust gas recirculation is an important measure required to realize low-temperature combustion. The paper mainly investigated the combustion characteristics and the emissions characteristics with diesel low-temperature combustion. Experiments were carried out on a modified single-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine. The results showed that, with increasing exhaust gas recirculation rate, the peak pressure decreases while the combustion rate initially increases and then decreases. A high boost pressure will increase the mechanical load of the engine. With increasing exhaust gas recirculation rate, the nitric oxide proportion initially decreased and then increased. The nitrogen dioxide proportion had the opposite trend. The nitrous oxide proportion was very low at different boost pressures. Low-temperature combustion faces two new problems. One is that the proportion of small-molecule hydrocarbons increased, such as methane and formaldehyde. The other is that the small-diameter particulate matter concentration increased. Both small-molecule hydrocarbons and small-diameter particulate matter cause great harm to human health. At different exhaust gas recirculation rates, the mechanisms of reducing the soot emissions with a higher injection pressure were different.
A model for project communication medium evaluation and selection
Authors: Chen Qing-Lan , Wei Chiou-Shuei , Huang Mei-Yao , Wei Chiu-Chi
Published: August 2013

Operations management within an enterprise requires teamwork from its members, as the efficacy developed by teamwork often far exceeds the sum of individual contributions. Project management is the most effective management method for the development of teamwork. A majority of previous researches in project management are focused on the managerial techniques, while neglecting the communications issues discovered in the aspect of member behaviors; however, the communication performance of the project members is one of the key factors contributing to the success or failure of the project. This study intends to focus on the communications among members in the project team, explore the leading influencing factors, and then develop a quantitative communication model for project management to evaluate the performance of project communication. Finally, this study uses the LINGO software to solve the mathematical programming model, and further obtain the best communication performance value based on two conditions, including communication in normal time and urgent time, thereby assisting the top management in selecting the most appropriate approach in project communications.
Malignant Renal Angiomyolipoma With Metastases in a Child
Authors: Xi Shaoyan , Chen Huadong , Wu Xingping , Jiang Hong , Liu Juncheng , Wu Qiuliang , Zeng Jing
Published: August 2013

The biological character of epithelioid angiomyolipoma (EAML) remains controversial and little is known about EAML in children. We present a case of a 7-year-old boy with abdominal distention, diagnosed as EAML. Under microscopy, epithelioid cells were observed, with eosinophilic or slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclear pleomorphism, thick-walled blood vessels, and some cells that were differentiated to smooth muscle cells or fat cells were easily observed. Immunochemical staining showed that Melan-A and HMB45 were positive. The tumor presented highly aggressive biobehavior. Furthermore, we reviewed and analyzed cases of diagnosed EAML in our hospital and those reported in the literature. Renal EAML (10/17) was most common, and the EAML of 3 of 17 patients metastasized to other organs.
The conflict between high definition and low definition in contemporary cinema
Authors: Casetti Francesco , Somaini Antonio
Published: August 2013

This article discusses the theoretical and historical implications of three dimensions (3D) by revisiting Marshall McLuhan’s famous distinction between ‘hot’ and ‘cool’ media. McLuhan’s characterization of cinema as a ‘hot’ medium relies on its capacity to produce ‘high-definition’ imagery, and the pursuit of 3D in cinema in the 20th century had to do with approximating the total vision that only cinema was expected to offer in comparison with television as a ‘cool’ medium marked by a ‘low-definition’ image. By contrast, today’s resurgence of 3D in its digital form signals that high definition, hitherto regarded as specific to cinema, now involves other screens and interfaces that operate under the logic of media convergence and invite their users’ multisensory behaviors. In this context, we argue that this pervasiveness of 3D across different platforms, including mainstream digital 3D cinema, is symptomatic of the broader tendency of contemporary culture to become ‘hotter’ (i.e. to intensify human senses) and that certain experimental films provide an antidote to the tendency by incorporating low-definition images and offering the viewer a perceptual distance from which to reflect on their status.
Use of the national quality registry to monitor health-related quality of life of children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Petersson Christina , Huus Karina , Samuelsson Ulf , Hanberger Lena , Akesson Karin
Published: August 2013

The management of diabetes is complicated, as treatment affects the everyday life of both children and their families. To enable optimal care for children with type 1 diabetes, it is important to highlight health-related quality of life (HrQoL) as well as medical outcomes to detect psychological problems that otherwise could be missed. The aim was to study HrQoL in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes dependent on gender, age and co-morbidity and to study the consistency between children’s self-reporting and parents’ proxy reporting. The cross-sectional data were collected using the questionnaire DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Measure and the DISABKIDS diabetes module. Parents in the proxy report perceived their children’s HrQoL to be lower than children themselves. Boys reported their HrQoL to be better than girls. Results show that living with an additional disease has an impact on the HrQoL, which is an important factor to consider in the quality registry. Assessing HrQoL on a routine basis may facilitate detection and discussion of HrQoL-related questions in the national quality registry.
Normative perspectives on journalism studies: Stock-taking and future directions
Authors: Blumler Jay G , Cushion Stephen
Published: August 2013

Journalism has advanced greatly as a field in its own right in recent decades. As well as a cause for celebration, however, this may give rise to concerns – in particular that scholars may pay increasing attention to the inner workings of journalistic institutions at the expense of their external ties, impact and significance, including their normative ones. It is true that important normative analyses have appeared in the literature, six of which the article defines and exemplifies. So far, however, these ideas have had relatively little influence on the thought or practice of journalists. The article concludes by suggesting a way in which a closer and more constructive dialogue could be achieved between journalism scholars and practitioners, centring on the normative challenges faced by both sides.
Increase of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and peripheral sympathetic dysfunction could contribute to hypertension development in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Musial Diego C , da Silva Júnior Edilson D , da Silva Regiane M , Miranda-Ferreira Regiane , Lima-Landman M Teresa R , Jurkiewicz Aron , García Antonio G , Jurkiewicz Neide H
Published: August 2013

Diabetes augments the risk of hypertension. Although several factors have been implicated in the development of such hypertensive state, we designed this study to investigate blood pressure development, the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in blood as well as sympathetic neurotransmission in the vas deferens of diabetic rats. We used streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (60 mg/kg) in order to evaluate the systolic blood pressure (SBP), ACE activity and peripheral sympathetic neurotransmission. We observed the following changes of parameters: increase of SBP, decrease of heart rate, augmentation of plasma ACE activity, enhancement of phasic and tonic vas deferens contractions elicited by electrical stimulation at 5 Hz, increase of maximal response to noradrenaline (NA) and decrease of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-elicited contraction of vasa deferentia. The results reveal that in the development of hypertension in diabetic rats, augmentation of circulating ACE activity precedes the sympathetic dysfunction. Additionally, it seems that the purinergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission is compromised.
Trends in control of cardiovascular risk factors among US adults with type 2 diabetes from 1999 to 2010: Comparison by prevalent cardiovascular disease status
Authors: Wong Nathan D , Patao Christopher , Wong Kalina , Malik Shaista , Franklin Stanley S , Iloeje Uchenna
Published: August 2013

Background:

Most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) suffer from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether CVD risk factors have improved in those with DM with and without CVD is not established. We compared risk factor levels and goal attainment in US adults with diabetes with and without CVD.

Methods:

We examined 2403 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) in the United States with T2DM ( n = 654, 27% with CVD) across 1999–2010 using the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and evaluated control of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and body mass index (BMI) in those with DM with versus without CVD.

Results:

The proportions controlled for HbA1c, BP and LDL-C have improved ( p < 0.001) overall between 1999 and 2010, but only 24% were at goal for all three factors in 2009–2010. There were improvements in BP, triglycerides and LDL-C in those with CVD, and in those without CVD, there were also improvements in control of all parameters, although changes in mean levels of risk factors were less impressive.

Conclusion:

Despite modest improvement over time, in most CVD risk factors, only one-fourth of those with T2DM are at goal for HbA1c, BP and LDL-C, with improvements seen in those without CVD more often than those with CVD.
Leaning in and Leaning Back at the Same Time
Authors: Dirkx John M.
Published: August 2013

The Problem

The spirituality of work movement placed emphasis on the importance of meaning and purpose in work and the workplace. However, the spiritual dimensions of work-related learning remained largely undeveloped. Given recent economic developments that threaten to undo any gains achieved by this movement, it is important that human resource development (HRD) help individuals and organizations learn to engage in the inner learning that creates deep meaning and purpose in our work.

The Solution

This article locates work-related learning within the spirituality of work context. Using Jungian and post-Jungian psychology, the article provides a theoretical perspective for thinking about meaning and purpose in work-related learning and the key features of educational and organizational environments that foster such learning and development.

The Stakeholders

The perspective developed in this article will be helpful to teachers, trainers, and HRD practitioners involved in formal work-related learning programs, as well as coaches and developmental managers who seek to foster learning and development among their workers.
Human Agency and HRD
Authors: Kuchinke K. Peter
Published: August 2013

The Problem

Human resource development (HRD) research and theories often do not adequately capture the holistic and self-directed nature of human beings at work. Likewise, HRD practice can fall short when applying an instrumental stance toward individuals as resources instead of building on the innate strengths and intrinsic areas of interest.

The Solution

The concept of human agency is explored in this article in contrast to narrow and instrumental understandings of the person to propose an ethically and pragmatically more adequate notion for HRD research and practice. Exploring essential elements of human and moral agency affords a view of how individuals might understand themselves in the context of work and opens up the opportunity to build HRD theory and practice based on a holistic understanding of persons.

The Stakeholders

This article has relevance for future practitioners and researchers in university-based HRD programs, for HRD scholars seeking to advance the art and science of the field, and for HRD managers and professionals responsible for the learning and education system and processes in organizations and other work settings.
Leading Individual Development and Organizational Change Around Learning, Meaning, and Nurturing Environment
Authors: Boverie Patricia , Grassberger Robert , Law Victor
Published: August 2013

The Problem

Today’s organizations compete for top talent in a global marketplace. Employees seek work that is interesting and meaningful, where they can be engaged and continuously learning. While much is written about employee engagement, leaders need a model for structuring workplaces where employees can be passionate about their work and where there are opportunities for employees to learn and grow.

The Solution

This article contends that the time is right for developing workplaces that are humane, positive, and challenging. Drawing on the Organizational Intimacy (OI) framework and incorporating ideas from positive psychology, leaders can create positive environments by promoting a nurturing workplace, encouraging meaningful work, and fostering environments where employees love their work.

The Stakeholders

The primary stakeholders for this article are senior leaders and Human Resource and Organizational Development practitioners seeking to build humane and positive workplaces. In addition, HRD scholars studying frameworks that incorporate ideas from positive psychology will also find this article of interest.