bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Study on Salivary Evening Melatonin and Sleep before and after Pinealectomy in Humans
Authors: Slawik Helen , Stoffel Michael , Riedl Lina , Veselý Zdenko , Behr Michael , Lehmberg Jens , Pohl Corina , Meyer Bernhard , Wiegand Michael , Krieg Sandro M.
Published: December 2015

Melatonin is secreted systemically from the pineal gland maximally at night but is also produced locally in many tissues. Its chronobiological function is mainly exerted by pineal melatonin. It is a feedback regulator of the main circadian pacemaker in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei and of many peripheral oscillators. Although exogenous melatonin is approved for circadian rhythm sleep disorders and old-age insomnia, research on endogenous melatonin in humans is hindered by the great interindividual variability of its amount and circadian rhythm. Single case studies on pinealectomized patients report on disrupted but also hypersomnic sleep. This is the first systematic prospective report on sleep with respect to pinealectomy due to pinealocytoma World Health Organization grade I without chemo- or radiotherapy. Before and after pinealectomy, 8 patients completed questionnaires on sleep quality and circadian rhythm (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire), 2 nights of polysomnography, salivary evening melatonin profiles, and qualitative assessment of 2 weeks of actigraphy and sleep logs. Six patients were assessed retrospectively up to 4 years after pinealectomy. Before pinealectomy, all but 1 patient showed an evening melatonin rise typical for indifferent chronotypes. After pinealectomy, evening saliva melatonin was markedly diminished, mostly below the detection limit of the assay (0.09 pg/mL). No systematic change in subjective sleep quality or standard measures of polysomnography was found. Mean pre- and postoperative sleep efficiency was 94% and 95%, and mean sleep-onset latency was 21 and 17 min, respectively. Sleep-wake rhythm during normal daily life did not change. Retrospective patients had a reduced sleep efficiency (90%) and more stage changes, although this was not significantly different from prospective patients. In conclusion, melatonin does seem to have a modulatory, not a regulatory, effect on standard measures of sleep. Study output is limited by small sample size and because only evening melatonin profiles were assessed.
Critical Care Management of Cerebral Edema in Brain Tumors
Authors: Esquenazi Yoshua , Lo Victor P. , Lee Kiwon
Published: December 2015

Cerebral edema associated with brain tumors is extremely common and can occur in both primary and metastatic tumors. The edema surrounding brain tumors results from leakage of plasma across the vessel wall into the parenchyma secondary to disruption of the blood–brain barrier. The clinical signs of brain tumor edema depend on the location of the tumor as well as the extent of the edema, which often exceeds the mass effect induced by the tumor itself. Uncontrolled cerebral edema may result in increased intracranial pressure and acute herniation syndromes that can result in permanent neurological dysfunction and potentially fatal herniation. Treatment strategies for elevated intracranial pressure consist of general measures, medical interventions, and surgery. Alhough the definitive treatment for the edema may ultimately be surgical resection of the tumor, the impact of the critical care management cannot be underestimated and thus patients must be vigilantly monitored in the intensive care unit. In this review, we discuss the pathology, pathophysiology, and clinical features of patients presenting with cerebral edema. Imaging findings and treatment modalities used in the intensive care unit are also discussed.
Characteristics of Homicide-Suicide in Australia: A Comparison With Homicide-Only and Suicide-Only Cases
Authors: McPhedran Samara , Eriksson Li , Mazerolle Paul , De Leo Diego , Johnson Holly , Wortley Richard
Published: December 2015

Homicide-suicide represents one of the rarest forms of lethal violence but often precipitates calls to revise social, health, and justice policies. However, there is little empirical information about this type of violence. The current study uses two unique data sets to examine a wide range of individual and situational characteristics of homicide-suicide, with particular emphasis on establishing whether and how homicide-suicide differs from homicide-only and suicide-only. Findings suggest homicide-suicide may have unique characteristics that set it apart from both homicide-only and suicide-only, as well as sharing certain other characteristics with those two types of events.
Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation for the Management of Engorgement, Plugged Ducts, and Mastitis
Authors: Witt Ann M. , Bolman Maya , Kredit Sheila , Vanic Anne
Published: December 2015

Background:

Many women in developed countries do not meet their breastfeeding goals and wean early because of breast pain.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe clinical response to therapeutic breast massage in lactation (TBML) in the management of engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis.

Methods:

Breastfeeding women presenting with engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis who received TBML as part of their treatment were enrolled (n = 42). Data collected at the initial visit included demographic, history, and exam data pre-TBML and post-TBML. Email surveys sent 2 days, 2 weeks, and 12 weeks following the initial visit assessed pain and breastfeeding complications. A nested case control of engorged mothers (n = 73) was separately enrolled to compare engorgement severity.

Results:

Reasons for the visit included engorgement (36%), plugged ducts (67%), and mastitis (29%). Cases, compared to controls, were significantly more likely to have severe engorgement (47% vs 7%, P < .001). Initial mean breast pain level among those receiving TBML was 6.4 out of 10. Following TBML, there was significant improvement in both breast (6.4 vs 2.8, P < .001) and nipple pain (4.6 vs 2.8, P = .013). All women reported immediate improvement in their pain level. At the 12-week survey, 65% found the massage treatment very helpful. The majority of the women with a new episode of mastitis or plugged duct during the study follow-up found the techniques learned during the office visit very helpful for home management of these episodes.

Conclusion:

In office, TBML is helpful for the reduction of acute breast pain associated with milk stasis. Mothers find TBML helpful both immediately in-office and for home management of future episodes.
Development and Quality of Life in Cities
Authors: Peach Nathanael D. , Petach Luke A.
Published: December 2015

Articulating the goals of economic development and defining quality of life has drawn the attention of influential thinkers from Socrates to Sen. Attempts to quantify and compare economies as they pertain to these concepts have largely focused on the macroeconomy. In this study, the Metropolitan Development Index is created to measure development and quality of life in large, urban areas in the United States. The researchers then test the sensitivity of city rankings to the data used in constructing the index. These tests indicate that the index is a substantive conception of development and quality of life. Additionally, the index is positively correlated with both economic prosperity and an individual’s desire to reside in areas that offer higher levels of development and quality of life.
Inside regulatory bureaucracy: When Europe hits home in pharmaceuticals and chemicals
Authors: Ruffing Eva
Published: December 2015

Research on the impact of European integration focuses on the external relations of national agencies. This has neglected the impact that Europeanization has on the internal operations of agencies and the way in which coordination is practiced. This article researches the impact of European integration on national agencies with regard to three dimensions: their recruitment schemes, their internal organization, and their external coordination arrangements. The paper presents a 20-year historical review of highly Europeanised agencies – the German pharmaceutical and chemical regulators. This allows us to explore whether different roles in the policy process mediate the effects of Europeanisation. As a result, the article shows that Europeanisation has impacted comprehensively on the recruitment schemes, organizational structure, and coordination arrangements of the two agencies. Both agencies have gained highly qualified personnel for their tasks related to European decision-making and have reorganized their structure to adapt to the requirements of this decision-making.
Thermal–mechanical coupled finite element analysis of aluminum alloy grid sheet in high-speed milling
Authors: Liu Zhao , Peng Weiping , Guo Lijie , Dong Fengbo , Ma Jiangwei
Published: December 2015

Because of notable distortion in high-speed milling of grid sheet, it is difficult to choose a feasible processing scheme for this kind of workpiece. This article attempts to present a method to analyze the stress and deformation of grid sheet under different processing schemes based on a coupled mechanical–thermal finite element model, which provides a convenient and flexible platform to evaluate the performance of processing scheme in high-speed milling and optimize the cutting conditions. After a thorough analysis of the whole milling process of grid sheet, the tool path was discretized to make it convenient for the modeling of material removal process. An analytical thermal load calculation method and an experimental mechanical load calculation method were adopted to determine the loads exerted on the grid sheet. The constraint of the fixture was also considered, and finally, an ANSYS Parametric Design Language–based finite element method model was established. Based on this model, stresses and deformations under a given processing scheme with or without considering heat effect were compared, and it shows that cutting heat has great effect on the magnitude and distribution of deformation and stress. In addition, effects of some parameters on machining quality were investigated, and it was found that radial depth of cut has more impact than other parameters.
Analytical synthesis and computer-aided kinematic analysis of a continuously variable valve lift mechanism
Authors: Clenci Adrian C , Hara Vasile , Stănescu Nicolae-Doru , Bîzîiac Adrian , Niculescu Rodica
Published: December 2015

This paper presents an original continuously variable intake valve lift mechanism designed for the automotive spark ignition engines. The paper first presents the analytical kinematic synthesis of the variable intake valve lift mechanism, which consists in finding out the required intake cam profile starting from an imposed intake valve lift law. Then, by using the obtained cam profile, a computer-aided kinematic analysis of the variable intake valve lift mechanism is performed using commercial CAD software. The accuracy of the motion conversion performed with CAD software is validated by checking the degree of correlation between the resulted intake valve lift law and the imposed law used when performing the analytical synthesis. The goals of the kinematic analysis are first to find the partial laws of the intake valve lift, corresponding to the engine part loads and second, to find the transfer functions of the elements used to command the mechanism, i.e. the dependency between these elements and the intake valve lift law. The designed variable intake valve lift mechanism is successfully operated on an engine prototype and proved its energetic improvement potential.
Model-based evaluation of an integrated autothermal biomass gasification and solid oxide fuel cell combined heat and power system
Authors: Borji Mehdi , Atashkari Kazem , Ghorbani Saba , Nariman-Zadeh Nader
Published: December 2015

Numerical analysis of combined heat and power plant consisting of a solid oxide fuel cell and autothermal gasification system has been made for several cases of different composition of fuel relevant to air and steam blown biomass gasification process. Wet wood is fed to the fixed-bed downdraft gasifier and gaseous fuel is produced then after gas cleaning and conditioning can be used in solid oxide fuel cells. The integrated plant is investigated by thermodynamic modeling combining a one-dimensional model of direct internal intermediate planar type solid oxide fuel cell which allows monitoring the temperature gradients along the cell length in different operating conditions and a zero-dimensional autothermal gasifier. The solid oxide fuel cell mathematical model is developed based on gas species mass balances, energy balance, and an electrochemical model beside the kinetics describing internal reforming and water-gas shift reactions. Such a model can be integrated with adiabatic gasification modeling which includes atom balance conservation for assumed gas species and a modified thermodynamic equilibrium analysis. Both gasifier and solid oxide fuel cell models are verified against experimental and previous numerical data available in the literature. Two main parameters, namely modified equivalence ratio and air-to-steam ratio are investigated and the most important cycle parameters such as power, electric and combined heat and power efficiencies, temperature gradients along the cell length, and mole fractions of gaseous species of the produced fuel are analyzed. It has been revealed that any increase in air-to-steam ratio at fixed modified equivalence ratio leads to penalty on cold gas efficiency of the gasifier and both solid oxide fuel cell and combined heat and power plant electric efficiencies. Increased air-to-steam ratio at constant modified equivalence ratio produces a mixture with lower low heating value, higher steam-to-carbon ratio, rich in CO and lower in CH4 content. Under this condition the operating temperature of the cycle and solid oxide fuel cell increases and consequently improves the operating voltage of the cell and combined heat and power efficiency of the plant. On the other hand, results show that gasification with increased modified equivalence ratio at constant air-to-steam ratio produces mixtures richer in CH4 and CO, poorer in H2 with higher low heating value and cold gas efficiency, and lower steam-to-carbon ratio. Such condition improves the electric efficiency of the solid oxide fuel cell and the integrated plant, but the combined heat and power efficiency of the cycle decreases due to decreased operating temperature of the solid oxide fuel cell and the cycle.
The 20,000-years-long sedimentary record of the Lesina coastal system (southern Italy): From alluvial, to tidal, to wave process regime change
Authors: Longhitano Sergio G , Della Luna Rossella , Milone Alessia L , Cilumbriello Antonietta , Caffau Mauro , Spilotro Giuseppe
Published: December 2015

The present-day Lesina area (Adriatic coast of southern Italy) preserves in the subsurface the stratigraphic signature of a recent sedimentary process regime change, which was responsible for the conversion of a former alluvial plain into a back-barrier tidal flat and, finally, into the modern barrier island. Facies-based analyses of the first 55 m of the upper Pleistocene–Holocene stratigraphic record, integrated with biostratigraphic sampling, radiocarbon data, and aerial observations of some diagnostic relict morphologies, allowed us to reconstruct the history of the last 20,000 years of this area. The succession investigated is adjacent to a salt dome, which uplifted in recent times, forming the easternmost boundary of the present-day Lesina lagoon. Three main stratigraphic intervals were detected in the subsurface: the lowermost unit is made up of conglomerates, sandstones, and mudstones of terrestrial origin, belonging to a complex system of alluvial plain filling a pre-existing Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) topography. The second interval consists of sands and muds, with subordinate conglomerates of brackish and marine origin, and lies on the previous one through a wide ravinement. Its composing lithofacies exhibit a strong tidal signature preserved in tidal rhythmites belonging to a net of tidal channels, associated with marshes, mud flat, and lagoonal deposits. These sediments record the emplacement of a back-barrier tidal flat, which developed under the strong influence of a tidal influx enhanced by the late post-LGM transgression. The third uppermost interval resulted from the deposition of coastal-marine sands and gravels accumulated during the ensuing modern normal regression, under the dominance of a wave-dominated coastal dynamics, which was responsible for the progradation of the present-day beach barrier and the closure of the Lesina lagoon. The paleogeography of the back-barrier tidal flat preceding the onset of the modern barrier island is thus reconstructed based on the results of our facies analysis, biostratigraphy, and AMS dating. Many of the elements composing this mid-Holocene tide-influenced system were also interpreted from the aerial-photograph observation of several relict morphologies, which are still preserved in many parts of the modern Lesina barrier island. We propose some new interpretation on the origin some of these elements, which possibly developed under sedimentary process regimes different from the modern ones, including some flood-tidal deltas, previously interpreted as tsunami-derived washover fans.
A science confidence gap: Education, trust in scientific methods, and trust in scientific institutions in the United States, 2014
Authors: Achterberg Peter , de Koster Willem , van der Waal Jeroen
Published: December 2015

Following up on suggestions that attitudes toward science are multi-dimensional, we analyze nationally representative survey data collected in the United States in 2014 ( N = 2006), and demonstrate the existence of a science confidence gap: some people place great trust in scientific methods and principles, but simultaneously distrust scientific institutions. This science confidence gap is strongly associated with level of education: it is larger among the less educated than among the more educated. We investigate explanations for these educational differences. Whereas hypotheses deduced from reflexive-modernization theory do not pass the test, those derived from theorizing on the role of anomie are corroborated. The less educated are more anomic (they have more modernity-induced cultural discontents), which not only underlies their distrust in scientific institutions, but also fuels their trust in scientific methods and principles. This explains why this science confidence gap is most pronounced among the less educated.
Drugs down the drain: When nurses object
Authors: King Camille , McCue Ann
Published: December 2015

The authors examine the nursing practice of disposing unaltered controlled substances into public water systems as an issue for nurses concerned with the environmental harm it can cause. A summary of the history of controlled substance management reveals inconsistencies in the interpretation of current regulations that have led to disposal policies that vary by institution, according to a benchmarking survey of regional hospitals. Much attention has been given to the phenomenon of conscientious objection in the context of patient care that conflicts with a nurse’s moral integrity. Nurses who are compelled to dispose narcotics down drains may also face this struggle. The authors submit that this disposal method is based on a type of double effect logic where preventing diversion is viewed as a good effect of flushing unused controlled substances that outweighs any harm it may cause, though there is little evidence to support this conclusion. Consequently, the topic deserves further study so that nurse managers and administrators can support and offer alternatives to nurses who object to flushing drugs down the drain.
Fault Tree Analysis
Authors: McElroy Lisa M. , Khorzad Rebeca , Rowe Theresa A. , Abecassis Zachary A. , Apley Daniel W. , Barnard Cynthia , Holl Jane L.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to use fault tree analysis to evaluate the adequacy of quality reporting programs in identifying root causes of postoperative bloodstream infection (BSI). A systematic review of the literature was used to construct a fault tree to evaluate 3 postoperative BSI reporting programs: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and The Joint Commission (JC). The literature review revealed 699 eligible publications, 90 of which were used to create the fault tree containing 105 faults. A total of 14 identified faults are currently mandated for reporting to NSQIP, 5 to CMS, and 3 to JC; 2 or more programs require 4 identified faults. The fault tree identifies numerous contributing faults to postoperative BSI and reveals substantial variation in the requirements and ability of national quality data reporting programs to capture these potential faults. Efforts to prevent postoperative BSI require more comprehensive data collection to identify the root causes and develop high-reliability improvement strategies.
Physicochemical properties of cookies enriched with xylooligosaccharides
Authors: Ayyappan P , Abirami A , Anbuvahini NA , Tamil Kumaran PS , Naresh M , Malathi D , Antony Usha
Published: December 2015

The growing commercial importance of xylooligosaccharides is based on their beneficial health properties, particularly their ability to stimulate the growth and activity of intestinal bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species. Xylooligosaccharides are less sweet, acid, and heat stable, with low recommended levels of intake compared to other oligosaccharides. In view of the consumer demand for foods with low sugar, low fat, and high fiber contents, they are suitable for incorporation into bakery products. In this study, we have developed wheat-based cookies incorporated with xylooligosaccharides at 5%, 10%, and 15% levels. The nutritive value and physicochemical properties of the cookies changed with xylooligosaccharides incorporation; both crude fiber and dietary fiber contents increased by 14% and 35%, respectively, in the enriched cookies. The moisture levels increased with increase in the percentage of xylooligosaccharides incorporated. Cookies with 5% xylooligosaccharides were found most acceptable, although the color was slightly darker compared to the control, while cookies with 10% and 15% xylooligosaccharides were softer and darker and therefore less acceptable. Enrichment with xylooligosaccharides at 5% provided a product stable for 21 days at room temperature (25 ± 2℃). The storage stability of cookies with higher levels of xylooligosaccharides was less than the 5% xylooligosaccharides cookies and control. The retention of the prebiotic xylooligosaccharides in the products was relatively high (74%).
Cognitive Dysfunction, Delirium, and Stroke in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Cropsey Christopher , Kennedy Jason , Han Jin , Pandharipande Pratik
Published: December 2015

Neurologic injury in the form of cognitive decline, delirium, and stroke are common phenomena in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and continues to be one of the most common complication after cardiac surgery, in spite of improvements in mortality and and improved surgical and anesthetic techniques. These complications lead to a significant increase in length of stay in the intensive care unit, increased length of hospital admission, and functional impairment, resulting in not only profound negative effects on patients who experience these complications, but also to increased costs of medical care and delivery. We discuss each of these complications in regard to their risks factors, incidence, potential therapeutic modalities, and relevant intraoperative and postoperative considerations.
Risks of Anemia in Cardiac Surgery Patients
Authors: Lobel Gregg P. , Javidroozi Mazyar , Shander Aryeh
Published: December 2015

Anemia is an common condition in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and it is often present in one quarter to half of patients at admission. Several studies have indicated that anemia is a major risk factor for worse outcomes, including increased risk of mortality and major morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Anemia is a leading reason for use of allogeneic blood transfusions. Harmful effects of anemia are often attributed to the reduced oxygen carrying capacity of blood, reduced viscosity and the resulting impaired rheologic characteristics of blood, underlying comorbidities, and the side effects of treatments given for anemia, namely, allogeneic blood transfusions. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery may be at increased risk of anemia given the often-existing cardiac comorbidities and the negative impacts of cardiopulmonary bypass. However, whether less restrictive transfusion practices are justified in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is still a matter of debate. The prevalence of anemia often increases during hospital stay, and it can persist for a long time beyond hospital discharge. Given the associated risks and available management strategies, clinicians should remain vigilant to detect and treat anemia throughout the course of care for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Blood Conservation in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Varghese Robin , Jhang Jeffrey
Published: December 2015

Blood transfusion is the most common procedure in cardiac surgery. Increasing evidence exists that excess transfusions are harmful to patients. Transfusion reactions and complications, including infection, immune modulation, and lung injury, are known complications but underreported; hence, their significance is often disregarded. Furthermore, a number of randomized trials have shown that a restrictive transfusion strategy is equal to if not better than a liberal transfusion strategy. Despite the evidence for the use of restrictive transfusion triggers, its dissemination in the cardiac surgical community has met with resistance. In this review, we outline the risks of transfusion, compare restrictive and liberal transfusion strategies in cardiac surgery, and finally outline perioperative interventions to minimize transfusion in the cardiac surgical patient.
New waves for old rights? Women’s mobilization and bodily rights in Turkey and Norway
Authors: Sümer Sevil , Eslen-Ziya Hande
Published: December 2015

This article focuses on the resurgence of women’s movements in Turkey and Norway against the backdrop of their historical trajectories and wider gender policies. Throughout the 2010s, both countries witnessed a similar set of conservative and neoliberal policies that intervened in women’s bodily rights. In both countries, women’s movements responded with mass mobilizations and influenced the political agenda. The proposed restrictions on abortion were interpreted as a restriction on women’s basic bodily rights in both countries. This article argues that a feminist, multidimensional reconceptualization of the concept of citizenship and a definition of abortion as an element of women’s bodily citizenship rights are useful to promote a strong and encompassing argument for mobilization. The comparative analysis shows that the right to control one’s own body has been a unifying issue for women’s movements in Turkey and Norway which are gradually becoming more inclusive.
Imagining a sustainable future: Eschatology, Bateson’s ecology of mind and arts-based practice
Authors: Gayá Patricia , Phillips Mary
Published: December 2015

In the face of multiple ecological crises, critical management studies scholars have focused on exposing how mainstream organizational discourses refute the need for fundamental shifts in society to bring about a sustainable future, emphasizing instead incremental improvement underpinned by a business case approach based on eco-efficiency. While some critical management studies researchers go on to stress the necessity of fundamental paradigm shifts, even this more radical discourse by and large fails to provide an imaginative, hopeful vision for organizational practice and theorizing in the service of ecological sustainability. We propose that an ‘eschatological imagination’ would add a much-needed action- and future-oriented dimension to the critical management studies research agenda on sustainability. Eschatology focuses on the coming of a new era through a concern with the creative overcoming of hegemonic stories through the enactment of counter-stories. We present three framebreaking qualities of eschatology: first, a ‘rhetoric of hope’; second, the ‘aesthetic harmonization of contrasts’; and third, ‘possibilities for flexible imitation’. Drawing on the work of Gregory Bateson as an illustrative counter-story, we explain how an eschatological framework enables a critical yet imaginative and future-oriented engagement with ecological challenges. Finally, we offer a tentative example of such experimentation: the work of an activist eco-poet which begins to show how defamiliarizing narratives demonstrating these qualities can inform research practice.
Evaluation of an AlSi-polyester abradable seal coating performance using high-temperature and high-velocity abrasion tests
Authors: Zhang Na , Shen Jie , Xuan Haijun , Hu Yanqi , Hong Weirong
Published: December 2015

The application of abradable seal coating is an effective method to improve the efficiency of turbine engines. The AlSi-polyester is a typical one, which has been widely used in mediate and low pressure compressors. To evaluate abradable performance and investigate wear mechanisms of these seal coatings, a high-temperature and high-velocity tester was constructed, with 520 m/s maximum blade tip speed and 5–2000 μm/s incursion speed and 1200℃ maximum heating temperature. Abrasion tests with blade tip velocities between 150 and 300 m/s and incursion rates between 13 and 500 μm/s have been conducted under 350℃ to investigate the wear behavior between Ti6Al4V blade and an AlSi-polyester coating sample. The coating abradability was evaluated after abrasion tests through analyzing the mass losses, wear morphology, and interaction force of the coating and blade. It is found that the AlSi-polyester seal coating used in our research has good abradability to protect the Ti6Al4V blade tip, and abrasion wear is its predominant wear mechanism with furrow surface morphology. Incursion per pass has significant impact on the variation tendency of interaction force, with tests at low incursion per pass showing stable tendency and lower force, whereas tests at high incursion per pass showing gradual rise before relatively stable trend and higher force. This work provides a new basic data for the preliminary study of the interaction between blade tips and abradable coatings in aero-engine applications.
New voices in cultural psychologies – The world’s first cultural psychologists
Authors: Mai Eckerdal Rebekka
Published: December 2015

In this article, I overview the research of the newly hatched graduates from The Niels Bohr Professorship Centre for Cultural Psychology (NBPCCP) at Aalborg University. These students are the world's first graduates to obtain a master's degree in “Cultural Psychology and Social Practice”, completed in the first research centre in the world specifically dedicated to investigations into cultural psychologies. I describe seven of the students' self-created paths and point to where cultural psychology and the education in this field could possibly take us.
Personal life space: Learning from Martha Muchow’s classic study
Authors: Joerchel Amrei C
Published: December 2015

In her study on the life space of the urban child, Martha Muchow extensively analyzed the personal life space of children growing up in Hamburg between two World Wars. Resorting to theoretical person<>environment conceptions as proposed by mentors and colleagues such as William Stern, Jakob von Uexkuell, and Heinz Werner, Muchow’s study represents a fine example of empirically investigating the emergence of the world not only as it is experienced by the child (subjectively) or in a purely physical and concrete relational manner (objectively), but also as the child lives his world (from a developmental and cultural psychological perspective). The aim of this paper is to briefly review Mey and Günther’s translation of Muchow’s original study and to expand on Muchow’s threefold differentiation of the personal life world. With the example of Gugging—a place for Art Brut—Muchow’s person<>environment conception is discussed in relation to the developmental aspect of time and socio-cultural processes.
Investigating wintertime pedestrian wind environment and user perception in dense residential neighbourhood in a city of hot-summer and cold-winter climate zone, China
Authors: Yang Feng
Published: December 2015

Urban wind environment could have an impact on pedestrian’s comfort and safety, as well as pollution dispersion and building energy consumption. For cities in the hot-summer and cold-winter climate zone of China, a proper design residential neighbourhoods is important to facilitate urban ventilation in hot and transient seasons and to protect users from strong winds in cold season. This paper reports the results of field measurements and a questionnaire survey in a large residential development with three different types of housings. Micrometeorology measurement was carried out at the pedestrian height level as well as at a rooftop reference station. Pedestrians’ subjective perception on wind and thermal comfort was recorded through a guided interview and questionnaire survey during the measurement. The measured wind velocity ratio is highest in the long-linear high-rise building layout, and is the lowest in the mid-rise linear building layout. Eight-seven per cent of respondents felt fairly comfortable living in the long-linear high-rise building layout, only 7% less than the mid-rise building layout. For similar housing forms in Shanghai, the wintertime wind shelter may not be critical compared with summertime ventilation requirement, and that the site planning and housing design should focus mainly on summertime wind channelling.
A sustainability assessment of quality of life in a traditional settlement pattern: The case of Kemaliye, Turkey
Authors: Taçoral Ezgi , Atik Atilla , Yilmaz Bülent , Aslan Fürüzan , Altunkasa M. Faruk
Published: December 2015

Worldwide, especially in societies with higher education levels, traditional settlements are important components of cultural heritage in terms of sustainability. However, the recent wave of urbanisation that has been experienced in Turkey has placed significant pressure on traditional structures. The District of Kemaliye, which has largely preserved its traditional texture for various reasons, is a small town in the Erzincan Province of Turkey. The aim of this study is to determine the quality of life of the traditional settlement pattern of Kemaliye to contribute to its ecological, spatial and socio-cultural sustainability. A public opinion survey was carried out with the aim of identifying the public’s needs and demands and its socio-cultural characteristics. The survey also aimed to determine the quality of urban life in Kemaliye. Multidimensional statistical techniques were used to identify the most important environmental, socio-cultural, infrastructural and regional factors that affected the public’s views of quality of urban life in Kemaliye. Based on these findings, suggestions were formulated for the efficient use of resources in urban redevelopment efforts and to provide a basis for the new settlement plans that are projected to be carried out for the city centre of Kemaliye and its vicinity.
Investigation on material removal rate, surface and subsurface characteristics in wire electro discharge machining of Ti50Ni50-xCux shape memory alloy
Authors: Manjaiah M , Narendranath S , Basavarajappa S , Gaitonde VN
Published: December 2015

TiNiCu shape memory alloys have superior properties as compared with NITINOL due to their greater ductility, reduced hysteresis temperature range, and quick actuation response. The present article investigates the surface and subsurface modifications occurring due to wire electro discharge machining of Ti50Ni50-xCux shape memory alloy. The machining experiments were performed considering the pulse on time, pulse off time, and servo voltage as the process parameters. The influence of these parameters was studied on the material removal rate, surface roughness, recast layer thickness, microhardness, and phase changes in the machined surface. Longer pulse on time causes greater discharge energy, hence leading to higher material removal rate, surface roughness, and recast layer thickness. The machined surface hardness increased up to 900 Hv, which is about 59% increase with respect to the base material for longer pulse on time due to the recast layer thickness and the formation of oxides. A phase change on the machined surface was observed to cause the shape recoverability of the alloy. The microstructure, composition through EDAX, and the phase changes of the machined surface are also discussed in the article.
Measuring cultural intelligence (CQ)
Authors: Bücker Joost , Furrer Olivier , Lin Yanyan
Published: December 2015

Despite an increasing number of publications on cultural intelligence (CQ), the operationalization and conceptualization of this construct demand further attention. In this replication study among 308 experienced overseas Chinese respondents, a two-dimensional structure seems to better represent the data than the original four-dimensional CQ scale. The results of the analysis identify two new dimensions: internalized cultural knowledge and effective cultural flexibility, both of which exhibit satisfactory levels of reliability and validity. A series of regression analyses also provide assessments of the nomological validity of the new CQ dimensions in relation to their antecedents and consequences.
In our voices: A collaborative reflection on teaching and being taught
Authors: Probst B , Harris D , Pehm J , Lindquist R , Mora O , Hallas V , Sandoval S
Published: December 2015

Much of the literature on teaching qualitative research consists of instructional philosophies or descriptions of classroom activities. Little has been written about the actual experience of a qualitative research course, especially from the students’ perspective. Writing about a course without the voices of those being taught would be like critiquing a meal only by speaking with those who cooked it: we might know what was intended but not what was experienced. Thus, this collaborative paper, written from the perspectives of both instructor and students, offers a unique multilensed view of a course on qualitative social work research. Doctoral students from diverse backgrounds describe their struggles, frustrations, and moments of illumination as they engaged with this new paradigm of knowledge. Because no teaching module will affect all students in the same way, their reflections also explore the role of culture and individual history in shaping response to qualitative methods. Theories of adult learning are suggested as a way to assist the process of adjustment to what are, for many, unsettling new concepts. Students’ experiences are then compared with the existing literature. The paper concludes with applications of qualitative research for social justice and human rights.
Microstructure analysis and solid unit cell modeling of three dimensionally six-directional braided composites
Authors: Xu Kun , Qian Xiaomei , Xu Liming
Published: December 2015

A new solid unit cell model is developed based on the microstructure analysis of three-dimensional (3D) six-directional braided composite (6DBC) produced by four-step 1 × 1 procedures in this research. First, the volume control method is applied to analyze the spatial movement traces of yarns. Then the microstructure configuration and squeezing condition of yarns is analyzed in detail by the mathematical modeling. The relationships between the microstructure parameters of unit cell and the braiding process parameters are derived. The parametrical solid unit cell model for modeling the microstructure of 6DBC is established. Finally, the main microstructure parameters of specimens are calculated to validate the effectiveness of the model. The predicted results agree well with the available experimental data. In addition, the squeezing conditions of the braiding yarns and the axial yarns are analyzed in detail, respectively. The variations of the key microstructure parameters with the braiding angle are discussed. Results indicate that the parametrical unit cell model has provided a better understanding of the relationship between the microstructure and the braiding process parameters for 3D 6DBC.
Rapidly Versus Slowly Progressing Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Seidl Jennifer N. Travis , Massman Paul J.
Published: December 2015

Rate of progression of cognitive deficits is variable among patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The purpose of the current study was to compare demographic characteristics and performance on neuropsychological measures at baseline evaluation between rapidly and slowly progressing patients. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on change in Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale score from baseline to 2-year follow-up, and baseline performance was compared between the groups. Participants were 55 rapidly progressing and 55 slowly progressing patients with probable AD who had a follow-up evaluation 21 to 27 months after the baseline evaluation. The groups differed in age and initial Clinical Dementia Rating. Performance differed significantly between the groups on Verbal Series Attention Test time, Logical Memory I, Visual Reproduction I, Block Design, and Controlled Oral Word Association Test. Differences were found between rapidly and slowly progressing patients on baseline neuropsychological testing.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors for Delirium in Older Adults
Authors: Tampi Rajesh R. , Tampi Deena J. , Ghori Ambreen K.
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

The aim of this systematic review is to identify published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for delirium in older adults (≥60 years).

Methods:

A literature search was conducted of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane collaboration databases for RCTs in any language that evaluated the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for delirium in older adults (≥60 years). Also, bibliographic databases of the published articles were searched for additional studies.

Results:

A total of 7 RCTs that evaluated the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for delirium in older adults (≥60 years) were identified. In 5 of the 7 studies, there was no benefit for the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in either the prevention or the management of delirium. In one study, there was a trend toward benefit for the active drug group on the incidence of delirium and the length of hospital stay, but both outcomes did not attain statistical significance. One study found a longer duration of delirium and a longer length of hospital stay in the active drug group when compared to the placebo group. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were well tolerated in 4 of the 7 studies. In 1 study, the mortality rate was found to be almost 3 times higher in the group receiving haloperidol and rivastigmine when compared to the group receiving haloperidol and placebo.

Conclusion:

Current evidence does not suggest efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the prevention or management of delirium in older adults.
Knowledge and Attitudes in Alzheimer’s Disease in a Cohort of Older African Americans and Caucasians
Authors: Howell J. Christina , Soyinka Oretunlewa , Parker Monica , Jarrett Thomas L. , Roberts David L. , Dorbin Cornelya D. , Hu William T.
Published: December 2015

African American participation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research studies has been historically low. To determine whether older African Americans and Caucasians had different knowledge or attitudes related to AD, we administered the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) to 67 older African Americans and 140 older caucasians in the greater Atlanta area as well as questions targeting locus of control over general health and AD risks. Older African Americans scored slightly lower on ADKS than older caucasians, with race only accounting for 1.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-2.61, P < .001) points of difference in a multivariate model. Attitudes toward AD were also similar between the 2 groups but 1 (35.7%) in 3 adults reported control over general health but not AD risks. In addition to enhancing education content in outreach efforts, there is an urgent need to address the perception that future AD risks are beyond one’s own internal control.
HDAC6 activity is not required for basal autophagic flux in metastatic prostate cancer cells
Authors: Watson Gregory W , Wickramasekara Samanthi , Fang Yufeng , Maier Claudia S , Williams David E , Dashwood Roderick H , Perez Viviana I , Ho Emily
Published: December 2015

Histone deacetylase 6 is a multifunctional lysine deacetylase that is recently emerging as a central facilitator of response to stress and may play an important role in cancer cell proliferation. The histone deacetylase 6-inhibitor tubacin has been shown to slow the growth of metastatic prostate cancer cells and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. However, the proteins histone deacetylase 6 interacts with, and thus its role in cancer cells, remains poorly characterized. Histone deacetylase 6 deacetylase activity has recently been shown to be required for efficient basal autophagic flux. Autophagy is often dysregulated in cancer cells and may confer stress resistance and allow for cell maintenance and a high proliferation rate. Tubacin may therefore slow cancer cell proliferation by decreasing autophagic flux. We characterized the histone deacetylase 6-interacting proteins in LNCaP metastatic prostate cancer cells and found that histone deacetylase 6 interacts with proteins involved in several cellular processes, including autophagy. Based on our interaction screen, we assessed the impact of the histone deacetylase 6-inhibitor tubacin on autophagic flux in two metastatic prostate cancer cell lines and found that tubacin does not influence autophagic flux. Histone deacetylase 6 therefore influences cell proliferation through an autophagy-independent mechanism.