bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Iranian Dendrothripinae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) with description of a new genus and species
Authors: ALAVI JALIL , MINAEI KAMBIZ , FEKRAT LIDA
Published: September 2014

Iranodendrothrips kamalii gen. et sp. n. is described from northeast of Iran and the morphological relationships among the closely related genera, Dendrothrips and Filicopsothrips, are discussed. Pseudodendrothrips bhattii is reported for the first time from Iran. Illustrated keys are provided to the genera and species of Dendrothripinae from Iran.
Review of species of the genus Nicotikis Marseul, 1883 (Coleoptera: Histeridae) from Southeast Asia
Authors: ZINCHENKO VADIM
Published: September 2014

A study of specimens of family Histeridae from Southeast Asia yielded two species of the genus Nicotikis, which are here described: Nicotikis kabakovi sp. n. (Thailand and Vietnam) and N. korshunovi sp. n. (Thailand). Both species are illustrated and a key to species of Nicotikis from Southeast Asia is provided.
Educating Undergraduate Students to Work With Children of Abused Women
Authors: O’Brien Karen M. , Risco Cristina M. , Castro Janice E. , Goodman Lisa A.
Published: September 2014

Student learning was assessed in an innovative university–community partnership in which undergraduate students enrolled, first, in a didactic course on intimate partner violence and, subsequently, in a service-learning course where they worked with children living in a shelter for survivors of intimate partner violence. Data were collected at the start and end of the first semester, and at the end of the second semester. Quantitative and qualitative methods indicated that students gained knowledge regarding intimate partner violence, resources available to survivors, and how to respond to a friend in an abusive relationship. The students’ perspectives on how they changed as well as the strengths and limitations of this study are discussed.
Sexual Activity of the Youth Population in Malawi: The Emerging Health Care Scenario
Authors: Ningpuanyeh W. Chialepeh , Susuman A. Sathiya
Published: September 2014

The sexual behaviour of youths in Malawi is believed to play an important role in the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Relevant data from the Malawi Demographic and Health Survey 2010 and a sample of 16,217 youths aged 15–24 have been studied and subjected to bivariate and logistic regression analysis. The results show that married youths were not interested in using condoms (94.2%, p < 0.05) and that those who were living together were 69 times (OR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.26–2.26) more likely to be involved in early sexual activity than those who were not living together. It is argued that the results should help other researchers, policy makers and planners to create strategies to encourage these youths make use of contraception.
The Fortress Shop: Consumer Culture, Violence, and Security in Weimar Berlin
Authors: Loberg Molly
Published: September 2014

Antisemitic attacks on shops are a well-known facet of the history of National Socialism. But patterns of violence against commercial targets during the Weimar Republic are less familiar. Widespread theft and vandalism initially corresponded with periods of emergency, such as the Spartacist Revolt or Hyperinflation. By the early 1930s, looting became a regular rather than an exceptional part of urban commercial life. Shopkeepers and police officials struggled to comprehend and categorize these crimes and to implement effective responses. By 1931, in the context of a general breakdown in public security, the police promoted a fortified shop as the best means for crime prevention. In contrast to ‘invisible’ security measures invented by department stores to deter crime without inhibiting consumption, these measures made explicit a defensive posture of the shop toward the street. Violence against shops shaped commercial practices and policing tactics not only during the Weimar Republic but also during the National Socialist era. As evidenced by the April 1933 Boycott, Nazi officials strategically unleashed and contained public violence. In response, shopkeepers struggled to comprehend and adapt old protections to new threats. More broadly, I argue that attacks on shops reveal the precariousness of modern consumer culture and how easily domestic unrest can destabilize its fundamental assumptions and practices.
From Blackface to Beulah: Subtle Subversion in Early Black Sitcoms
Authors: Scott Mack
Published: September 2014

In 1965 the actor/comedian Bill Cosby made television history as the first African American to star in a dramatic series produced by a major network. No doubt inspired by the successes of the Civil Rights Movement, NBC’s decision to air I Spy had broken with a decade old tradition to severely curtail and/or altogether omit black actors from television. This exclusionary practice had been precipitated by the economic pressures applied by both blacks and whites as they boycotted the sponsors of what they deemed to be objectionable depictions of black life. While black leaders and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) pleaded for more ‘positive’ depictions of African Americans, Southern white supremacists rejected anything but the most stereotypical and retrogressive interpretation of blacks. Television’s early black actresses operated within this context and were challenged with the seemingly impossible task of imparting negatively stereotyped roles – the only ones available to African Americans between 1951 and 1954 – with dignity. Through their interpretations Ethel Waters, Hattie McDaniel, Ernestine Wade, and Amanda Randolph were able to create layered characters that appealed to both whites and blacks. These talented actresses utilized nuance and body language to create a subtext that helped to alleviate the racist content of period programs, and thus communicated more to their diverse audiences than a cursory evaluation of their lines might suggest. Although the major television networks responded to the complaints by simply refusing to cast African American leads, the subtle acts of subversion employed by the female characters on Beulah and Amos ‘n’ Andy helped to humanize the black experience and challenged racial dogma, in turn making the comedic careers of subsequent African American pioneers possible.
Unpacking Cultural Variations in Social Anxiety and the Offensive-Type of Taijin Kyofusho Through the Indirect Effects of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Self-Construals
Authors: Zhou Biru , Lacroix Franca , Sasaki Jun , Peng Yunshi , Wang Xia , Ryder Andrew G.
Published: September 2014

This article presents two studies that aim to unpack cultural variations in general social anxiety (SA) and the offensive-type of Taijin Kyofusho (OTKS)—a type of SA characterized by the extreme fear of offending others. Cultural variations in the expression and manifestation of SA are well established; however, the mechanisms underpinning this relation are unclear. The present studies use the Parallel Multiple Mediation Model to study how SA and OTKS are jointly shaped by self-construal and intolerance of uncertainty (IU). Study 1 compared Euro-Canadians and Chinese migrants in Canada. Results showed a mean group difference in OTKS, but not SA, with the difference mediated by IU. Study 2 tested this pattern of multiple mediations in Japanese, Chinese, and Euro-Canadian cultural contexts. Results showed significant differences among these three cultural groups on both SA and OTKS via multiple mediators (e.g., independent vs. interdependent self-construals and IU). Findings in both studies revealed that OTKS seems to be a psychopathology that is not specific to Japanese participants. The underlying mechanisms and processes of OTKS are also significantly different from SA. Significant cultural variations in SA and OTKS between Chinese versus Japanese cultural contexts were observed in Study 2. These studies demonstrate the conceptual and empirical advantages of using more complex models to unpack the psychological mechanisms shaping cultural variations in SA and OTKS.
US foreign aid, interstate rivalry, and incentives for counterterrorism cooperation
Authors: Boutton Andrew
Published: September 2014

A common strategy pursued by states targeted by international terrorism is to provide economic and military assistance to the states that host this activity. This is thought to increase their willingness and capacity to crack down on terrorism, but very little work to date has looked at whether this strategy actually leads to desirable outcomes. This article offers an explanation for why a strategy of foreign aid-for-counterterrorism can be successful in some contexts, but counterproductive in situations in which recipients have more pressing strategic priorities. Specifically, I argue that host states receiving US foreign aid that are involved in an ongoing interstate rivalry will use the aid to arm against their rival, rather than to undertake counterterrorism. These states thus have an incentive not to disarm terrorist groups, but rather to play-up the threat from terrorism in order to continue receiving aid concessions. Using data on US foreign aid and terrorist activity in recipient countries, I employ a series of duration and count models to demonstrate that, while US foreign aid can help to decrease terrorist activity in non-rivalrous states, the opposite is true in states with at least one rival.
Polymyalgia rheumatica: 125 years of epidemiological progress?
Authors: Rooney Patrick J , Rooney Jennifer , Balint Geza , Balint Peter
Published: September 2014

Objectives

On the 125th anniversary of the first recognised publication on polymyalgia rheumatica, a review of the literature was undertaken to assess what progress has been made from the point of view of the epidemiology of this disease and whether such studies have advanced our knowledge of its aetiopathogenesis and management.

Methods

The authors searched Medline and PubMed using the search terms ‘polymyalgia rheumatica’, ‘giant cell arteritis’ and ‘temporal arteritis’. As much as possible, efforts were made to focus on studies where polymyalgia and giant cell arteritis were treated as separate entities. The selection of articles was influenced by the authors’ bias that polymyalgia rheumatica is a separate clinical condition from giant cell arteritis and that, as yet, the diagnosis is a clinical one.

Results

This review has shown that, following the recognition of polymyalgia as a distinct clinical problem of the elderly, the results of a considerable amount of research efforts investigating the populations susceptible, the geographic distribution of these affected populations and the associated sociological and genetic elements that might contribute to its occurrence, polymyalgia rheumatica remains a difficult problem for the public health services of the developed world.

Conclusions

Polymyalgia rheumatica remains a clinical enigma and its relationship to giant cell arteritis is no clearer now than it has been for the past 125 years. Diagnosing this disease is still almost exclusively dependent on the clinical acumen of a patient’s medical attendant. Until an objective method of identifying it clearly in the clinical setting is available, uncovering the aetiology is still unlikely. Until then, clear guidelines on the future incidence and prevalence of polymyalgia rheumatica and the public health problems of the disease and its management, especially in relation to the use of long term corticosteroids, will be difficult to provide.
Pedestrian route choice model based on friction forces
Authors: Werberich Bruno Rocha , Pretto Carlos Oliva , Cybis Helena Beatriz Bettella
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a pedestrian route choice model devised to represent the influence of the impedance generated by other pedestrians on the route choice process. This model is inspired by friction force equations, and considers that pedestrians avoid passing near other pedestrians with high relative velocity. The route choice process is based on a weighting of the impedance generated by pedestrians and the path length. A social force model was used to model pedestrian walking behavior. The model is able to reproduce emergent behavior among agents, allowing the assumption that the friction equations may provide a suitable approach to route choice behavior and can also be used as an indirect measure of pedestrian delay.
Latino Immigrant Youth Living in a Nontraditional Migration City
Authors: DeJonckheere Melissa J. , Vaughn Lisa M. , Jacquez Farrah
Published: September 2014

Latino immigrant children represent the fastest-growing population in the United States and families are frequently residing outside of the traditional migration destinations. These cities lack the infrastructure and resources to provide culturally relevant services and bilingual education that supports these youth. Following a social-ecological approach that attends to the multiple contextual and cultural factors that influence individuals, this study identifies the risk and protective factors experienced by Latino immigrant youth living within a nontraditional destination area. Youth described relationship, immigration, academic, language, and familial stressors as significant risk factors. Protective factors included family networks, peer relationships, and school supports.
Typologizing School–Community Partnerships
Authors: Valli Linda , Stefanski Amanda , Jacobson Reuben
Published: September 2014

School–community partnerships are currently in the forefront of place-based urban reform efforts. But the literature on these partnerships indicates a variety of models that require different commitments and resources. Through a close review of the literature, we developed a typology of four partnership categories organized from the least to the most comprehensive in purpose and design. This typology reveals different theories of action as well as the conditions that facilitate or obstruct various models of partnership implementation. We argue that such a typology is a useful tool in guiding systemic educational reform, research, and evaluation.
Jesus in Jerusalem: Armed and Not Dangerous
Authors: Martin Dale B.
Published: September 2014

In debating the meaning of Jesus’ arrest and death at Jerusalem, scholars have paid too little attention to normal Roman practices of dealing with persons found armed in public in Rome or other cities under their control. Moreover, the idea that only one or two of Jesus’ disciples were armed has been accepted uncritically in spite of the probability that more or all of them were armed. This article highlights the signiﬁcance of Jesus’ disciples being armed when he was arrested just outside the walls of Jerusalem, linking that fact with other details from the sources, such as Jesus’ opposition to the temple, the presence of Samaritans among his early followers, the absence of lamb at the last supper, and the fact that he was executed by the Romans as a ‘social rebel’. Jesus led his followers, armed, to Jerusalem to participate in a heavenly-earthly battle to overthrow the Romans and their high-priestly client rulers of Judea.
Challenging new governance: Evaluating new approaches to employment standards enforcement in common law jurisdictions
Authors: Vosko Leah F , Grundy John , Thomas Mark P
Published: September 2014

A mounting crisis in employment standards (ES) enforcement is prompting the adoption of new instruments and mechanisms among governments in common law jurisdictions aiming to improve workplace regulation. This shift, evident across all stages of the enforcement process, indicates the increasing influence of regulatory new governance. Using reforms in four jurisdictions as illustrative examples, this article raises serious cautions around the emergence of regulatory new governance in employment standards enforcement. The central argument of the article is that new modes of regulation that fail to account adequately for the power dynamics of the employment relationship risk entrenching processes of regulatory degradation. In light of this potential, the article outlines four principles for more effective ES regulation that aim to balance aspects of traditional regulatory models with a selective application of more promising elements of regulatory new governance, in particular participatory arrangements that involve workers in enforcement processes.
New Product Development Strategy Implementation Duration and New Venture Performance
Authors: Kiss Andreea N. , Barr Pamela S.
Published: September 2014

We adopt an information acquisition and learning perspective to explore the relationship between new product development (NPD) strategy implementation duration and new venture performance. We suggest that the relationship between NPD strategy implementation duration and new venture performance is contingent on the level of environmental turbulence as reflected in an industry’s growth level and firm information-processing capabilities as reflected in the level of centralization of top management team (TMT) mental models. Longer NPD strategy implementation durations are appropriate in stable, low-growth industry environments or when firms are run by TMTs who exhibit high mental model centralization. Meanwhile, shorter NPD strategy implementation durations are called for in turbulent, high-growth industry environments or when firms are run by TMTs who exhibit low levels of mental model centralization. We also suggest that level of industry growth and TMT mental model centralization jointly influence the relationship between NPD strategy implementation duration and new venture performance and that this relationship is strongest for low-growth industries and high levels of TMT mental model centralization. Tests performed on a sample of 94 new ventures founded between 1996 and 2006 and competing in technology intensive industries confirm our hypotheses. We offer theoretical implications for research on new venture performance and on firm competitive strategy implementation.
Correlation of Pelvic Incidence With Cam and Pincer Lesions
Authors: Gebhart Jeremy J. , Streit Jonathan J. , Bedi Asheesh , Bush-Joseph Charles A. , Nho Shane J. , Salata Michael J.
Published: September 2014

Background:

The sacropelvic parameter of pelvic incidence (PI) is a position-independent anatomic parameter that regulates lumbar lordosis and pelvic orientation. While it has been extensively studied in relation to spine pathology, only a single study has correlated PI with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Hypothesis:

Decreased PI would be associated with an increased prevalence of cam and pincer lesions.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Measurements of the acetabulum, proximal femur, and sacropelvis were made bilaterally on 40 cadaveric specimens, for a total of 80 hips. Twenty specimens had the presence of bilateral cam deformities (alpha angle >55°), and 20 age- and sex-matched specimens had bilateral normal hips. Pincer lesions were defined as an anteversion <15°. Pelvic incidence and acetabular version were measured using standardized lateral photographs and a goniometer, respectively. Independent-samples t tests were performed to evaluate for differences in measured parameters between groups.

Results:

The mean PI was 43.1° ± 8.6° for hips with a cam lesion and 47.7° ± 9.3° for normal hips, demonstrating a significant association between decreased PI and the presence of a cam lesion ( P = .02). The mean version of acetabula with pincer lesions (n = 28) was 11.4° ± 2.5°, and the mean version of normal acetabula (n = 52) was 20.1° ± 3.8°. The mean PI of hips with pincer lesions was 42.5° ± 8.5°, significantly less than that of normal hips, 47.0° ± 9.2° ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

This study supports a recent study that suggested patients with pincer impingement have a smaller PI than the healthy population, and it is the first to demonstrate a significant association between decreased PI and cam-type femoral deformity. Based on results of this study, further clinical study of the effects of pelvic geometry on FAI is warranted.

Clinical Relevance:

While the study results do not prove a causal relationship, it is theorized that the restriction of range of motion and biomechanical adaptations of the pelvis around the hip joints resulting from a smaller PI may affect hip development and FAI. The influence of mechanical factors beyond the hip joint in the development of FAI should be considered by clinicians.
The institution of critique and the critique of institutions
Authors: Browne Craig
Published: September 2014

My paper argues that Luc Boltanski’s pragmatic sociology makes an important contribution to two central concerns of critical theory: the empirical analysis of the contradictions and conflicts of capitalist societies and the reflexive clarification of the epistemological and normative grounds of critique. I show how Boltanski’s assessment of the limitations of Bourdieu’s critical sociology significantly influenced his pragmatic sociology of critique and explication of the political philosophies present in actors’ practices of dispute and justification. Although pragmatism has revealed how social life involves considerable uncertainty, Boltanski contends that critique needs to take into account how institutions generate semantic security, as well as symbolic violence. Boltanski’s endeavour to reformulate critique is compared with influential alternative conceptions, notably those of Habermas, Castoriadis, and Honneth. Despite its potential deficiencies and weaknesses, Boltanski’s reformulation of critique is found to be of considerable theoretical significance. In particular, Boltanski’s analysis of the role critique has played in the reorganization of capitalism can be extended, and his work is suggestive of how some of the intentions of critical theory can be pursued in new ways.
The Psychological Mechanisms of Public Service Motivation
Authors: Liu Bangcheng , Perry James L.
Published: September 2014

To explore the psychological mechanism of public service motivation (PSM), we used a time-lagged design to examine the mediating effects of organizational identification on the relationship between PSM and work attitudes (i.e., job satisfaction) and behavior (i.e., community citizenship behavior). A two-wave study of 241 public servants from District A of a large metropolitan city in Eastern China was conducted. Controlling job security and demographic variables, results from a structural equation modeling showed the relationship between public service motivation and job satisfaction and the relationship between public service motivation and community citizenship behavior were partially mediated by organizational identification. Results also demonstrated that in comparison with job security, public service motivation contributed more to community citizenship behavior than job satisfaction. The study contributes to our understanding of public service motivation by illuminating a mechanism through which public service motivation influences work attitudes and behavior.
Laser surface modification of AZ31B Mg alloy for bio-wettability
Authors: Ho Yee-Hsien , Vora Hitesh D , Dahotre Narendra B
Published: September 2014

Magnesium alloys are the potential degradable materials for load-bearing implant application due to their comparable mechanical properties to human bone, excellent bioactivity, and in vivo non-toxicity. However, for a successful load-bearing implant, the surface of bio-implant must allow protein absorption and layer formation under physiological environment that can assist the cell/osteoblast growth. In this regard, surface wettability of bio-implant plays a key role to dictate the quantity of protein absorption. In light of this, the main objective of the present study was to produce favorable bio-wettability condition of AZ31B Mg alloy bio-implant surface via laser surface modification technique under various laser processing conditions. In the present efforts, the influence of laser surface modification on AZ31B Mg alloy surface on resultant bio-wettability was investigated via contact-angle measurements and the co-relationships among microstructure (grain size), surface roughness, surface energy, and surface chemical composition were established. In addition, the laser surface modification technique was simulated by computational (thermal) model to facilitate the prediction of temperature and its resultant cooling/solidification rates under various laser processing conditions for correlating with their corresponding composition and phase evolution. These predicted thermal properties were later used to correlate with the corresponding microstructure, chemical composition, and phase evolution via experimental analyses (X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive spectroscopy).
Aminoglycoside-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Wargo Kurt A. , Edwards Jonathan D.
Published: September 2014

Aminoglycosides are among the oldest antibiotics available to treat serious infections caused by primarily, Gram-negative bacteria. The most commonly utilized parenteral agents in this class include gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin. Aminoglycosides are concentration-dependent, bactericidal agents that undergo active transport into the cell where they inhibit protein synthesis on the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. As the use of aminoglycosides became more widespread, the toxic effects of these agents, most notably ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, became more apparent. When other, safer, antimicrobial agents became available, the use of aminoglycosides sharply declined. The development of multi-drug resistance among bacteria has now lead clinicians to reexamine the role of the aminoglycosides in the treatment of serious infections. This review will revisit the mechanism and risk factors for the development of aminoglycoside-induced nephrotoxicity, as well as strategies to prevent patients from developing nephrotoxicity.
Minimizing social distance: Participatory research with children
Authors: Raffety Erin L
Published: September 2014

This article reviews and critiques an ethical strategy of minimizing social difference between researcher and child in participatory research with children, and drawing on fieldwork, presents an alternative strategy of minimizing social distance. The author argues that an ethical strategy of minimizing social distance between researcher and research subject(s) (1) enables the constitution of difference in relationship, (2) lends research subjects autonomy to contribute to the research relationship, design, and process, and (3) makes ethics central to the project’s implementation, not merely its design. The author advocates for increased methodological conversations across disciplines toward furthering ethical participatory research with children.
Intersectionality: are we taking enough notice in the field of work and employment relations?
Authors: McBride Anne , Hebson Gail , Holgate Jane
Published: September 2014

Intersectional analysis has been developing since its emergence from critical race feminism in the 1980s when it was used to conceptualize the inter-relationship of race and gender and, particularly, the experiences of discrimination and marginalization of black women in employment. While its contribution has been much debated within sociological and gender specific journals, its use still remains relatively limited within studies of work and employment relations. It is argued here that this field of study would benefit from greater engagement with and understanding of an intersectional approach to both the design and interpretation of research. Two lines of reasoning are put forward for this contention: firstly, that the intersectional approach contains an important caution against over-generalization that has been obscured; secondly, that separating the challenge for all academics to be more intersectionally sensitive from the methodological challenges of taking an intersectional approach brings the significance of intersectionality into sharper relief.
Alone in the back office: the isolation of those who care to support public services
Authors: Butler Clare , Doherty Anne Marie , Finniear Jocelyn , Hill Stephen
Published: September 2014

Prior research suggests that it is through providing direct support to citizens that public servants gain a source of meaning in their work; and affirm their public service identities. This article explores how employees who work in a public service support function and receive little, if any, direct feedback from citizens may maintain their public service identity during their back office work. The study finds, against much previous empirical research, that these back office employees achieve positive identity affirmation through bureaucratic work. The findings also show that they affirm their caring and community focused public service identity by noting their superiority in this regard when compared with colleagues. However, this augmented self-narrative results in many experiencing feelings of isolation. The article discusses how these findings extend the understanding of identity affirmation among back office public servants and may improve our ability to effectively support these workers.
Energy harvesting for powering wireless sensor networks in low-frequency and large-force environments
Authors: Jiang Xuezheng , Wang Jiong , Li Yancheng , Li Jianchun , Yao Jin
Published: September 2014

Over the past few decades, wireless sensor networks have been widely used in the field of structure health monitoring of civil, mechanical, and aerospace systems. Currently, most wireless sensor networks are battery powered and it is costly and unsustainable for maintenance because of the requirement for frequent battery replacements. As an attempt to address such issue, this paper theoretically and experimentally studies a compression-based piezoelectric energy harvester, which is suitable for the low-frequency and large-force working environments, such as in civil and transportation infrastructure applications. The proposed energy harvester employs the piezoelectric structure constructed in multilayer stack configuration to convert ambient vibrations into electrical energy. Based on the linear theory of piezoelectricity, the two-degree-of-freedom electromechanical models of the proposed energy harvester were developed to characterize its performance in generating electrical energy under external excitations. Exact closed-form expressions of the electromechanical models have been derived to analyze the maximum harvested power and the optimal resistance. The theoretical analyses were validated through several experiments for a test prototype under harmonic excitations. The test results exhibit very good agreement with the analytical analyses and numerical simulations for a range of resistive loads and input excitation levels.
The narwhal (Monodon monoceros) cementum–dentin junction: A functionally graded biointerphase
Authors: Grandfield Kathryn , Chattah Netta Lev-Tov , Djomehri Sabra , Eidelmann Naomi , Eichmiller Frederick C , Webb Samuel , Schuck P James , Nweeia Martin , Ho Sunita P
Published: September 2014

In nature, an interface between dissimilar tissues is often bridged by a graded zone, and provides functional properties at a whole organ level. A perfect example is a “biological interphase” between stratified cementum and dentin of a narwhal tooth. This study highlights the graded structural, mechanical, and chemical natural characteristics of a biological interphase known as the cementum–dentin junction layer and their effect in resisting mechanical loads. From a structural perspective, light and electron microscopy techniques illustrated the layer as a wide 1000–2000 μm graded zone consisting of higher density continuous collagen fiber bundles from the surface of cementum to dentin, that parallels hygroscopic 50–100 μm wide collagenous region in human teeth. The role of collagen fibers was evident under compression testing during which the layer deformed more compared to cementum and dentin. This behavior is reflected through site-specific nanoindentation indicating a lower elastic modulus of 2.2 ± 0.5 GPa for collagen fiber bundle compared to 3 ± 0.4 GPa for mineralized regions in the layer. Similarly, microindentation technique illustrated lower hardness values of 0.36 ± 0.05 GPa, 0.33 ± 0.03 GPa, and 0.3 ± 0.07 GPa for cementum, dentin, and cementum–dentin layer, respectively. Biochemical analyses including Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron-source microprobe X-ray fluorescence demonstrated a graded composition across the interface, including a decrease in mineral-to-matrix and phosphate-to-carbonate ratios, as well as the presence of tidemark-like bands with Zn. Understanding the structure–function relationships of wider tissue interfaces can provide insights into natural tissue and organ function.
The effect of feet position on standing balance in patients with diabetes
Authors: Mehdikhani Mahboobeh , Khalaj Nafiseh , Chung Tze Y , Mazlan Mazlina
Published: September 2014

Feet displacement is recognized to be an important element in standing and is also linked to postural instability in elderly people with diabetes. This study investigates standing balance in diabetic patients in four asymmetric feet displacements. Quiet standing balance was investigated using the Biodex Balance System in 18 diabetic patients and compared with 18 control elderly subjects. The four standing conditions, namely, comfortable feet position, preferred feet position with a stance width of 17 cm and 15° angle between the medial borders, feet side by side, and heel side by side with a 30° angle between medial edges of feet were evaluated (i.e. eyes opened, eyes closed). The overall stability was calculated by measuring anterior–posterior and medial–lateral indices in standing conditions. Differences among feet positions were compared using an analysis of variance and the independent t-test. The diabetic patients were unstable in the medial–lateral direction when standing with feet side by side versus heel side by side with a 30° angle between medial edges of feet ( p = 0.012 and 0.011, respectively), while in controls the anterior–posterior stability scores between standing in preferred foot position with stance width of 17 cm and 15° angle between the medial borders versus feet side by side, and heel side by side with a 30° angle between medial edges of feet versus preferred foot position with stance width of 17 cm and 15° angle between the medial borders had significant difference ( p < 0.05). The anterior–posterior stability scores of diabetic subjects with feet side by side versus comfortable foot position ( p = 0.047) and heel side by side with a 30° angle between medial edges of feet versus comfortable foot position ( p = 0.016) when they closed their eyes during the test had significant difference. Results confirmed that diabetic patients have greater instability in the medial–lateral direction when the base of support reduces and visual clue has an important role in standing balance.
Theoretical and experimental studies of a switched inertance hydraulic system including switching transition dynamics, non-linearity and leakage
Authors: Pan Min , Johnston Nigel , Plummer Andrew , Kudzma Sylwester , Hillis Andrew
Published: September 2014

This article reports on theoretical and experimental investigations of a switched inertance device, which is designed to control the flow and pressure of a hydraulic supply. The device basically consists of a switching element, an inductance and a capacitance. It is able to boost the pressure or flow with a corresponding drop in flow or pressure, respectively, analogous to a hydraulic transformer. In this article, an enhanced analytical distributed parameter model in the frequency domain, which includes the effect of switching transition, non-linearity and leakage of the valve, is proposed and validated by simulation and experiments. A flow booster test rig is studied as a typical system. Simulated and experimental results show good performance, and accurate estimation of system pressure and dynamic flowrate can be obtained using the enhanced analytical model. The model is very effective for understanding, analysing and optimising the characteristics and performance of a switched inertance device. It can also be used to aid in the design of a switched inertance hydraulic system.
Social capital: a novel platform for understanding social determinants of health in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kim S S , Mancuso C A , Huang W-T , Erkan D
Published: September 2014

Objective

The objective of this paper is to introduce the concept of social capital as a unique and distinct entity from the traditional psychosocial factors of social support, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and to evaluate how social capital varies in an SLE sample according to demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, SLE patients completed the Adapted Social Capital Assessment Tool (A-SCAT), which measures cognitive and structural social capital. Patients also completed measures of social support, depressive symptoms, and SLE self-efficacy. Correlations were evaluated between social capital scores and demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables.

Results

We recruited 89 patients (mean age: 39 ± 15 years old, 83 (93): female; mean SLEDAI: 4; mean SLICC 1). The mean A-SCAT score was 34 ± 15 (normal: 0–71); higher scores were associated with female sex, older age, higher education, Caucasian race, and non-Medicaid insurance ( p ≤ 0.03 for all); associations were attributable to structural social capital. Social capital was not associated with depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, or affectionate and interaction social support, but was associated with informational and tangible social support ( r = 0.39, r = 0.26, respectively, p≤ 0.02). There were no associations between SLEDAI and SLICC and social capital, social support, and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Social capital is a novel construct that, like other traditional psychosocial measures, addresses aspects of SLE not reflected by markers of disease activity. Social capital, however, is distinct from traditional psychosocial measures and offers a new platform on which ideas of social connectedness can broaden our understanding of health and chronic illness.
Predictive role of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in lupus nephritis
Authors: Elewa E A , El Tokhy M A , Fathy S E , Talaat A M
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the role of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), or lipocalin-2, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients as a biomarker of renal activity and flares.

Methods

Fifty subjects were divided into three groups: the first group comprised 14 SLE patients with no renal disease, the second group 16 SLE patients with active renal disease, the third group 20 apparently normal volunteers. At the beginning of the study clinical and laboratory data including uNGAL were collected. All patients were followed up serially in visits. At each visit, urine samples were collected for measurement of uNGAL as well as for standard urinalysis and a urine protein/creatinine ratio.

Results

A highly significant difference was seen in uNGAL in all studied groups. Correlation was noticed between uNGAL and laboratory parameters of renal disease activity. There was significant positive correlation between renal SLEDAI and uNGAL levels. uNGAL is a significant predictor for renal disease activity and renal flare.

Conclusion

The more active the renal disease, the higher the measured levels of uNGAL, suggesting that it is a potential biomarker of active renal disease. uNGAL can be a predictive biomarker that could be followed serially to forecast renal disease activity and lupus nephritis flare.
Active sound radiation control of a submerged piezocomposite hollow sphere
Authors: Hasheminejad Seyyed M , Gudarzi Mohammad
Published: September 2014

A spatial state-space approach based on the linear three-dimensional exact piezoelasticity theory along with the Helmholtz equations for the internal/external acoustic domains are employed to describe the coupled vibroacoustic response of an arbitrarily thick, spherically isotropic, functionally graded, radially polarized piezolaminated hollow sphere, immersed in and filled with ideal compressible fluids, and under the actions of arbitrary (non-axisymmetric) distributed time-harmonic transverse mechanical excitations at its inner and/or outer boundaries. A frequency domain subspace–based identification technique is applied to estimate the coupled fluid-structure dynamics of the system in the controller design stage. Subsequently, a standard linear quadratic Gaussian optimal controller is synthesized and simulated based on the identified model, and the optimal control input voltages for suppressing the sensor output voltage (total radiated power) of the submerged sphere are calculated for selected weighting parameters associated with the system response and control input. Numerical simulations establish the effectiveness of the selected (partial/full) sensor/actuator configuration in conjunction with the adopted control strategy for attenuating the predicted sound radiation response of an air-filled, water-submerged, sandwich piezocomposite (PZT4/steel/PZT4) sphere, in both frequency and time domains. Also, the trade-off between dynamic performance and control effort penalty is examined for impulsive and Gaussian random external mechanical disturbances. Furthermore, the effect of piezoelectric material gradient variation on sound radiation control performance of the smart piezocomposite structure is briefly discussed. The validity of the acousto-elastic model is demonstrated by use of a commercial finite element package as well as by comparison with the data available in the literature.
Prediction of attenuated guided waves propagation in carbon fiber composites using Rayleigh damping model
Authors: Gresil Matthieu , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: September 2014

In this work, a predictive model of attenuated guided wave propagation in carbon fiber–reinforced polymer using Rayleigh damping is developed. After a brief introduction, this article reviews the theory of guided waves in anisotropic composite materials. It follows with a discussion of the piezoelectric wafer active sensors, which are lightweight and inexpensive transducers for structural health monitoring applications. Experiments were performed on a carbon fiber–reinforced polymer panel to measure the dispersion curves and the piezoelectric wafer active sensors tuning curves. Lamb wave damping coefficient was modeled using the multi-physics finite element method and compared with experimental results. A discussion about the capability to simulate, with multi-physics finite element method commercial software, guided wave in composite material using the Rayleigh damping is developed. This article ends with conclusion, and suggestions for further work are also presented.
It’s a Sentence, Not a Word
Authors: Taylor Kimberly , Thorne Sally , Oliffe John L.
Published: September 2014

Keyword analysis has been championed as a methodological option for expanding the insights that can be extracted from qualitative datasets using various properties available in qualitative software. Intrigued by the pioneering applications of Clive Seale and his colleagues in this regard, we conducted keyword analyses for word frequency and “keyness” on a qualitative database of interview transcripts from a study on cancer communication. We then subjected the results from these operations to an in-depth contextual inquiry by resituating word instances within their original speech contexts, finding that most of what had initially appeared as group variations broke down under close analysis. In this article, we illustrate the various threads of analysis, and explain how they unraveled under closer scrutiny. On the basis of this tentative exercise, we conclude that a healthy skepticism for the benefits of keyword analysis within a qualitative investigative process seems warranted.
Singaporeans’ Perceptions of and Attitudes Toward Long-Term Care Services
Authors: Wee Shiou-Liang , Hu Athel J. , Yong Joel , Chong Wayne F. , Raman Prassanna , Chan Angelique
Published: September 2014

Use of long-term care (LTC) services among older adults in Asia has emerged as an important issue in light of rapidly aging countries and changing family structures. Simply building more LTC facilities will not result in higher usage rates, and more insight is needed on the usage of existing services. Few studies have been conducted among Asian populations outside Western settings on this topic. The multi-ethnic population in Singapore is useful for understanding the factors influencing the use of long-term care services in Asia. We present our qualitative findings on long-term care service usage in the older population (50+ years) over time. We highlight caregivers’ needs as an important determinant of LTC use. Although preferences of the care recipients were considered, caregiver needs, the availability of formal and informal care support, attitudes, perceived control, and social norms surrounding family caregiving governed the use of formal LTC services in Singapore.
Palliative Care Issues in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Karam Chafic Y. , Paganoni Sabrina , Joyce Nanette , Carter Gregory T. , Bedlack Richard
Published: September 2014

As palliative care physicians become increasingly involved in the care of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), they will be asked to provide guidance regarding the use of supplements, diet, exercise, and other common preventive medicine interventions. Moreover, palliative care physicians have a crucial role assisting patients with ALS in addressing health care decisions to maximize quality of life and cope with a rapidly disabling disease. It is therefore important for palliative care physicians to be familiar with commonly encountered palliative care issues in ALS. This article provides an evidenced-based review of palliative care options not usually addressed in national and international ALS guidelines.
Measurement and Interpretation of Body Mass Index During Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Malone Susan Kohl , Zemel Babette S.
Published: September 2014

The landscape of childhood health and disease has changed over the past century, and school nurses are now in a unique position to address the conditions that lead to chronic disease, such as obesity. Measuring body mass index (BMI) during childhood and adolescence is the recommended method for screening and/or monitoring obesity in school communities. Yet changes in the size, proportion, and distribution of fat mass and fat-free mass during growth and development introduce challenges to interpreting BMI measurements. Understanding these challenges and ensuring accurate measurement techniques are the foundation for implementing school-based BMI measurement programs. This article will provide an overview of body composition during childhood and adolescence, introduce strategies to improve the accuracy of BMI measurements, and explore the school nurse’s role in BMI surveillance and/or screening activities.