bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible and transparent strain sensor made with silver nanowire–coated cellulose
Authors: Mun Seongcheol , Zhai Lindong , Min Seung-Ki , Yun Youngmin , Kim Jaehwan
Published: March 2015

Simple and versatile method of layer-by-layer deposition is used to coat silver nanowire on a cellulose film to fabricate a flexible and transparent strain sensor. Strain-sensing behaviors of such a simply fabricated cellulose film are analyzed in both stretching and bending modes. When 0.01 wt% silver nanowire is coated on the cellulose film, 70% transmittance is maintained with 2.4 kΩ/sq of sheet resistance, which is applicable for transparent electrode of the strain sensor. Conductivity of the transparent electrode is maintained after mechanical stretching, which demonstrates that the silver nanowire coating is securely adhered on the surface of cellulose film. The strain sensor shows high strain sensitivity and good gauge factor maintaining good transparency at low silver nanowire concentration, which might be associated with the tunneling resistance change in the silver nanowire. The morphology of the silver nanowire–coated cellulose strain sensor is investigated using an atomic force microscopy with an increase in silver nanowire concentration.
Cooperative-Based Learning and the Zone of Proximal Development
Authors: Clapper Timothy C.
Published: March 2015

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to introduce cooperative-based learning and Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development (ZPD) to the simulation literature as two important mutually supportive learning theories that may enhance the effectiveness of simulation-based instruction.

Design/Methodology/Approach. A brief literature review of cooperative-based learning and Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development (ZPD) is presented, along with a description of how these two important learning theories may be applied to improve simulation-based instruction.

Findings. When learning new material or skills, learners sometimes need to be assisted with moving through the disequilibrium process that can occur when the new information contrasts with their existing frames of reference or ways of knowing. Cooperative-based learning and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) can be used to assist the learner with working through the disequilibrium process, including accommodating and assimilating the new skills and information into their own practice.

Limitations/Implications. Gaps in the simulation literature, including ways to implement both theories into practice, can lead to incomplete or ineffective simulation-based instruction practices.

Originality/Value. Many organizations have implemented simulation into their patient safety program, but have not considered how the zone of proximal development (ZPD) and cooperative-based learning can be used to improve educational outcomes.
Computer Simulation Training in Health Care Education
Authors: Söderström Tor , Häll Lars , Nilsson Tore , Ahlqvist Jan
Published: March 2015

Background

Drawing on Donald Schön’s concepts, this article investigates the links between computer simulation training and the concepts of reflection-on-action and reflection-in-action while participating in dental and nursing training

Aim

This article explores how collaborative simulation training and collaborative conventional training affect students’ reflection processes when learning to interpret radiographic images.

Method

This qualitative study uses interviews from 11 nursing and 18 dental students to compare the experiences of conventional training (CON-dental students) with intra-oral radiography simulation (SIM-dental students) and cervical spine simulation training (nursing students).

Results

The analysis showed that the simulation and conventional training influenced reflective thought processes in different ways. The SIM students concentrated on the visual information before and after they made their choices, whereas the CON students, in the absence of three-dimensional characters and reference points, focused on discussions and mutual agreements within the group to achieve a solution. The visual feedback and opportunities for manipulation provided by the simulation training encouraged the SIM-students to examine their assumptions and actions (to reflect-in-action) while solving the task. Prior knowledge served as a theoretical and methodological scheme guiding the learners’ actions and directed their reflection on their existing anatomical knowledge.

Conclusions

SIM and CON training provide different conditions for students’ reflective thought processes, and these differences influence how well the groups learn radiological principles.
Medical Residents’ Experiences With Medically Unexplained Illness and Medically Unexplained Symptoms
Authors: Harsh Jennifer , Hodgson Jennifer , White Mark B. , Lamson Angela L. , Irons Thomas G.
Published: March 2015

Patients who present with medically unexplained illnesses or medically unexplained symptoms (MUI/S) tend to be higher utilizers of health care services and have significantly greater health care costs than other patients, which add stress and strain for both the patient and provider. Although MUI/S are commonly seen in primary care, there is not sufficient information available regarding how providers can increase their level of confidence and decrease their level of frustration when working with patients who present with MUI/S. The goal of this article is to present findings from a qualitative phenomenology study, which highlights medical residents’ experiences of caring for patients with MUI/S and the personal and professional factors that contributed to their clinical approaches. Results from these studies indicate that residents often experience a lack of confidence in their ability to effectively treat patients with MUI/S, as well as frustration surrounding their encounters with this group of patients.
An Effective Model for Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kousar Rizwana , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Stojanovska Lily , Mayhew Margaret , Totikidis Vicky , Skaria Alex , Lewandowaski Paul
Published: March 2015

We developed and tested a cost-effective model for health promotion capacity building among community health volunteers (CHVs) within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Twenty multilingual CHVs, from CALD communities in Melbourne, underwent 3 days of education and training to deliver face-to-face education programs in their own language. Participants were instructed how to collect anthropometric data, make qualitative observations, and conduct diabetes knowledge questionnaires, before conducting mini education sessions with three members of their own community. Knowledge about diabetes among CHVs increased. CHVs were able to collect anthropomorphic data and knowledge surveys from community participants with greater participation than from outreach programs. Evidence-based data collected by CHVs could be incorporated into health education and promotion programs run by CHVs. Here we confirm that CHVs represent an effective tool for health promotion within CALD communities and have the capacity to incorporate evidence-based collection as part of their health education.
Wikileaks and The News of the World
Authors: Logue Danielle M. , Clegg Stewart R.
Published: March 2015

Labels are important when organizations seek membership in an existing category, as are the agreed upon labeling practices of audiences that are already members of that category. The origins of labeling theory emerge from sociological examinations of deviant behavior and of deviant individuals. We return to this earlier emphasis and extend the analysis to organizations to demonstrate the contribution of a more politicized conception of labeling and categorizing for organization studies’ literature. In drawing upon two empirical illustrations, that of Wikileaks and News Corp’s The News of the World, we apply a “circuits of power” framework to analyze the politics of labeling. We suggest that a more politicized conception than offered in current literature highlights the moral reasoning, disciplining, and symbolic violence that may be invoked by labels and labeling practices and also the circuits of power by which they may be maintained and disrupted.
The Past, Present, and Future of Organizational Learning Research
Authors: Lee Sunkee , Rittiner Florian , Szulanski Gabriel
Published: March 2015

We share an interview on the past, present, and future of organizational learning research from the perspective of one of the field’s foundational contributors—Professor Linda Argote (Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University). This interview was held at the 2013 Strategic Management Society (SMS) annual conference in Atlanta, continuing the emerging tradition of bringing the SMS Knowledge and Innovation Group closer to the people who wrote important, foundational papers at the intersection of strategy, knowledge, and innovation.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tran Linda , Zielinski Angela , Roach Arpi H. , Jende Jennifer A. , Householder Ann Marie , Cole Emily E. , Atway Shuruq A. , Amornyard Melinda , Accursi Mallory L. , Shieh Suzanna W. , Thompson Erin E.
Published: March 2015

Objective: To review the oral and injectable pharmacologic treatment options for type 2 diabetes. Data Sources: A literature search was conducted using PubMed electronic database for studies published in English between 1993 and September 2014. Search terms included diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes, and the individual name for each antidiabetic medication reviewed. In addition, manual searches were performed for cross-references from publications. Package inserts, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Web site, Institute for Safe Medication Practices Web site, American Diabetes Association Web site and scientific session poster presentations, and individual drug company Web pages were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: This review focused on information elucidated over the past 10 years to assist prescribers in choosing optimal therapy based on individual patient characteristics. Studies leading to the approval of or raising safety concerns for the antidiabetic medications reviewed in this article were included. Data Synthesis: In the past 10 years, there have been 4 novel oral antidiabetic medication classes and 10 new injectable agents and insulin products approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as well as new information regarding the safety and use of several older antidiabetic medication classes. The distinctions were reviewed for each individual agent, and a comparison was completed if there was more than one agent in a particular therapeutic class. Using current information available, select investigational agents in phase III trials or with a pending new drug application were highlighted. Conclusion: There are now 9 distinct oral pharmacologic classes and a variety of insulin and noninsulin injectable medications available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Metformin remains the first-line treatment option for most patients. When considering options for alternative or additional treatment, prescribers must weigh the benefits and risks using individual patient characteristics.
Case Fatality Rates of Recurrent Thromboembolism and Bleeding in Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants for the Initial and Extended Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Gómez-Outes Antonio , Lecumberri Ramón , Suárez-Gea M. Luisa , Terleira-Fernández Ana-Isabel , Monreal Manuel , Vargas-Castrillón Emilio
Published: March 2015

Background:

In patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE), the study of the case fatality rate (CFR) of VTE recurrences and bleeding complications may be of help to balance the risks and benefits of anticoagulant therapy.

Objective:

To investigate the CFR with the direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs; dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban) in patients with VTE.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials testing the DOACs versus standard initial treatment of VTE (parenteral anticoagulant for ≥5 days plus vitamin K antagonists [VKAs] for ≥3 months) and DOACs versus placebo or VKA for extended treatment. Two investigators independently extracted the data. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted using StatsDirect software.

Results:

Overall, 10 trials in 35 029 patients were included. During initial treatment, the rate of recurrent VTE per 100 patient-years (%/yr) and CFR (%) was similar in patients receiving DOACs or standard therapy (4.1%/yr vs 4.4%/yr; P = .21 and 16% vs 13%; P = .61, respectively). However, major bleeding (1.8%/yr vs 3.1%/yr; P = .003), fatal bleeding (0.1%/yr vs 0.3%/yr; P = .02), and CFR (6% vs 10%; P = .18) were lower with DOACs than with standard therapy. During extended treatment, both all-cause mortality and recurrent VTE per 100 patient-years were lower with DOACs than with placebo (0.6%/yr vs 1.1%/yr; P = .01 and 1.9%/yr vs 10.9%/yr; P < .0001, respectively), but there were no statistical differences between treatments on CFR of VTE recurrences ( P = .17). No fatal bleeding events were reported during extended treatment.

Conclusion:

The use of DOACs was associated with fewer major and fatal bleedings and corresponding CFR than standard initial treatment of VTE, and fewer recurrent VTEs and mortality than placebo during extended therapy, although the CFR of recurrent VTE was not reduced.
Local coordinate systems-based method to analyze high-order modes of n-step Timoshenko beam
Authors: Cao MS , Xu W , Su Z , Ostachowicz W , Xia N
Published: March 2015

High-frequency transverse vibration of stepped beams has attracted increasing attention in various industrial areas. For an n-step Timoshenko beam, the governing differential equations of transverse vibration have been well established in the literature on the basis of assembling classic Timoshenko beam equations for uniform beam segments. However, solving the governing differential equation has not been resolved well to date, manifested by a computational bottleneck: only the first k modes ( k ≤ 12) are solvable for i-step ( i ≥ 0) Timoshenko beams. This bottleneck diminishes the completeness of stepped Timoshenko beam theory. To address this problem, this study first reveals the root cause of the bottleneck in solving the governing differential equations for high-order modes, and then creates a sophisticated method, based on local coordinate systems, that can overcome the bottleneck to accomplish high-order mode shapes of an n-step Timoshenko beam. The proposed method uses a set of local coordinate systems in place of the conventional global coordinate system to characterize the transverse vibration of an n-step Timoshenko beam. With the method, the local coordinate systems can simplify the frequency equation for the vibration of an n-step Timoshenko beam, making it possible to obtain high-order modes of the beam. The accuracy, capacity, and efficiency of the method based on local coordinate systems in acquiring high-order modes are corroborated using the well-known exact dynamic stiffness method underpinned by the Wittrick-Williams algorithm as a reference. Removal of the bottlenecks in solving the governing differential equations for high-order modes contributes usefully to the completeness of stepped Timoshenko beam theory.
Combination pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and taxane for metastatic breast cancer after first progression: a single institution’s experience
Authors: Dao Bao D , Ho Hansen , Quintal Laura N
Published: March 2015

Background

The addition of pertuzumab to trastuzumab and taxane therapy was shown to be an effective first-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Objective

Describe the progression-free survival of pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and taxane therapy for previously treated HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

This case-series reviews 19 patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving treatment with pertuzumab, trastuzumab, taxane after progression and exposure to previous lines of HER2-directed therapy. Progression-free survival and adverse effects such as changes in ejection fraction and episodes of neutropenic fever were assessed.

Results

The median progression-free survival of pertuzumab, trastuzumab, taxane therapy for previously treated metastatic breast cancer was 4.1 months. The mean baseline left ventricular ejection fraction change experienced by patients was –1%. Neutropenic fever events were not encountered.

Conclusions

Pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and taxane therapy seems to confer progression-free survival benefit for previously treated metastatic breast cancer. The use of the dual anti-HER2 antibodies, pertuzumab and trastuzumab, in addition to cytotoxic chemotherapy agents for previously treated metastatic breast cancer should be further evaluated.
Recent Trends in Diabetes Knowledge, Perceptions, and Behaviors
Authors: Piccinino Linda , Griffey Susan , Gallivan Joanne , Lotenberg Lynne Doner , Tuncer Diane
Published: March 2015

Objectives. Examine trends in diabetes-related knowledge, perceptions, and behavior among U.S. adults with and without a diagnosis of diabetes and among subpopulations at risk. Discuss implications for national diabetes education and for the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) in particular. Methods. Three population-based NDEP National Diabetes Surveys (2006, 2008, and 2011) collected information on diabetes knowledge, education, and self-management; perceived and actual risk of diabetes; and lifestyle changes. Results. Since 2006, U.S. adults significantly advanced their knowledge and awareness of diabetes and prediabetes. Perceived personal risk did not increase among people with prediabetes (PWP) or people at risk. Family history as a risk factor dropped in reported importance, especially among PWP and Hispanics. Diabetes self-management rose modestly, although checking blood sugar significantly declined. Trends in understanding the diabetes and cardiovascular disease link, A1C testing, and adjusted logistic regression results for perceived risk are discussed. Discussion and Implications. Although diabetes-related knowledge has reached high levels, stagnant perceived risk suggests people at risk are not applying this knowledge to themselves. Future surveys are planned to include additional, specific questions to capture people’s movement toward behavior change and to identify where strategic efforts and educational interventions can help promote improved behaviors.
Assessment of the ABC/2 Method of Epidural Hematoma Volume Measurement as Compared to Computer-Assisted Planimetric Analysis
Authors: Hu Ting-Ting , Yan Ling , Yan Peng-Fei , Wang Xuan , Yue Ge-Fen
Published: March 2015

Background and Objective:

Epidural hematoma volume (EDHV) is an independent predictor of prognosis in patients with epidural hematoma (EDH) and plays a central role in treatment decision making. This study’s objective was to determine the accuracy and reliability of the widely used volume measurement method ABC/2 in estimating EDHV by comparing it to the computer-assisted planimetric method.

Methods:

A data set of computerized tomography (CT) scans of 35 patients with EDH was evaluated to determine the accuracy of ABC/2 method, using computer-assisted planimetric technique to establish the reference criterion of EDHV for each patient. Another data set was constructed by randomly selecting 5 patients then replicating each case twice to yield 15 patients. Intra- and interobserver reliability were evaluated by asking four observers to independently estimate EDHV for the latter data set using the ABC/2 method.

Results:

Estimation of EDHV using the ABC/2 method showed high intra- and interobserver reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient = .99). These estimates were closely correlated with planimetric measures ( r = .99). But the ABC/2 method generally overestimated EDHV, especially in the nonellipsoid-like group. The difference between the ABC/2 measures and planimetric measures was statistically significant ( p < .05).

Conclusions:

The ABC/2 method could be used for EDHV measurement, which would contribute to treatment decision making as well as clinical outcome prediction. However, clinicians should be aware that the ABC/2 method results in a general volume overestimation. Future studies focusing on justification of the technique to improve its accuracy would be of practical value.
Why we keep separating the ‘inseparable’: Dialecticizing intersectionality
Authors: Gunnarsson Lena
Published: March 2015

Disputes about how to understand intersectional relations often pivot around the tension between separateness and inseparability, where some scholars emphasize the need to separate between different intersectional categories while others claim they are inseparable. In this article the author takes issue with the either/or thinking that underpins an unnecessary and unproductive polarization in the debate over the in/separability of intersectional categories. Drawing on Roy Bhaskar’s dialectical critical realist philosophy, the author argues that we can think of intersectional categories as well as different ontological levels as both distinct and unified and elaborates on the issue of how significance of the dialectical notion of unity-in-difference for intersectional studies. As part of the argument the author addresses the issue of what it actually means for something to be distinct or separate as opposed to inseparable or unified with something else, demonstrating that lack of clarity about this is at the heart of polarized arguments about separateness versus inseparability in intersectionality theory.
Philosophy in practice? Doctoral struggles with ontology and subjectivity in qualitative interviewing
Authors: McLachlan Christopher J , Garcia Reece J
Published: March 2015

This article presents an auto-ethnographic, narrative account of the struggles we – as doctoral students working in a business school – experienced navigating the link between research philosophy and methodology. We focus on a popular philosophical perspective among doctoral students: critical realism. In particular, we use an illustrative example of how we sought to apply this seemingly abstract philosophical perspective in practice in our qualitative interviews, using what we term the ontological whats and epistemological hows. Our initial critical realist approach proved inadequate, however, prompting us to understand qualitative interviewing in more social constructionist terms. Given this, we suggest that doctoral students (and researchers) are reflexive and provocative in their use of applying research philosophy to methodology. In sharing our experiences, we offer a pedagogical contribution for fellow doctoral students and qualitative researchers alike.
Cartelization versus representation? On a misconception in contemporary party theory
Authors: Enroth Henrik
Published: March 2015

According to a popular but controversial view in contemporary party research, political parties increasingly put a premium on governing within the institutions of the state rather than on representation of interests and identities in society. This critique has been phrased most uncompromisingly in Richard Katz and Peter Mair’s theory of the cartel party, according to which the cartel party governs but does not represent, and thus fails to do what we expect of parties in a modern democracy. This article is an analysis and critique of this presupposition, which has largely escaped the attention of commentators. The idea that the cartel party governs but does not represent rests on an untenable view of political representation. As I argue, the normative problem with the cartel party is not so much that this type of party does not represent, as to decide when and how it does or does not represent.
Advice-implicative actions: Using interrogatives and assessments to deliver advice in mundane conversation
Authors: Shaw Chloe , Potter Jonathan , Hepburn Alexa
Published: March 2015

Work on advice has concentrated on institutional settings where there are restrictions on roles, actions and their organisation. This article focuses on advice giving in mundane settings: interactions between mothers and their young-adult daughters in a corpus of 51 telephone calls. Analysis reveals a range of designs that can be ‘advice implicative’ including advice-implicative interrogatives and advice-implicative assessments. Recipients orient to the characteristic features these implicit forms share with more explicit advice: normative pressure on the recipient’s conduct and epistemic asymmetry between advisor and advisee. Advice-implicative actions orient to contingencies on the recipient’s ability or willingness to perform the target action. They also display varying degrees of entitlement over the recipient’s performance of the target action. Manipulating contingency and entitlement can soften or heighten both the normative thrust and the knowledge asymmetry of the advice giving. This analysis further discusses the distinction between the practices of advising, directing and requesting, and allows consideration of how action design connects to relationality between parties.
Multibody simulation with body coordinates using a novel quaternion-based relative revolution constraint
Authors: Arenbeck Henry , Hu Danying , Abel Dirk
Published: March 2015

Multibody simulation has evolved significantly over the last decades but simultaneously has become a field of specialists and commercial software products. Body coordinates avoid complex simulation algorithms even for arbitrary system topology and simulation scenario, while exhibiting lower but in most practical cases still satisfactory computational efficiency. Currently, when body coordinates are used, special measures are required to robustly constrain the angle of relative revolution between two bodies to a predefined value. This constraint is required, e.g. for inverse dynamic simulation of a mechanism with rotational actuators. This paper presents a new formulation of this constraint, which is efficiently evaluated and makes special measures as mentioned above obsolete, thus increasing straightforwardness and simplicity of consequent multibody simulation. A multibody simulation program which is based on the new constraint formulation and provides a plain, universal, and adaptable simulation platform is presented in addition. The program is defined in Matlab and Octave, open source, freely accessible and was validated against the Matlab toolbox SimMechanics revealing similar simulation accuracy.
Can pay, should pay? Exploring employer and student perceptions of paid and unpaid placements
Authors: Smith Sally , Smith Colin , Caddell Martha
Published: March 2015

Students can benefit from applying their emerging skillsets through a work placement, both in terms of consolidating their learning and in gaining a better appreciation of their subject area. However, the main motivation for students in completing a work placement is in their increased employability skills. The aim of this study is to identify the core issues underpinning the ‘paid versus unpaid’ student work debate through a unique opportunity to access student and employer experiences. The study explores motivations, experiences and outcomes from different placement models – both paid and unpaid – for students and employers. Using separate surveys for students and employers, drivers, motivations and experiences were explored. Employers from large multi-nationals to small- and medium-sized enterprises, from profit-making organisations to the third sector, took part in the study. Overall, the data support the argument that placements should be paid, highlighting the benefits accruing both to students and to employers from payment being a component of the placement experience. This is particularly the case when a placement is for an extended period of time and the work being undertaken is equivalent to that of a regular employee. However, the value of work experience to students, paid or unpaid, emerges strongly from the study, and so, finally, the article highlights issues and questions arising for the higher education sector.
The use of a group blog to actively support learning activities
Authors: Duarte Paulo
Published: March 2015

Despite the widespread use of blogs in higher education, there remains a lack of knowledge and consensus about the use and value of blogging in higher education, particularly when used for long periods. This article investigates the use of a group blog to assist traditional teaching activities and foster collaborative learning through the development of a sense of community. It describes how the blog project was implemented and the experiences of administrators and students in using the blog providing insights to educators. To assess students’ experience, a survey was administered to a sample of 135 undergraduate and graduate students. The results show that students find blogging a useful learning tool and that blogs can effectively be used to support learning activities for longer than one semester based on the blog visitors’ statistics and feedback. However, its capacity to build and sustain a sense of community was not as strong as expected. Students were more positive about the use of the blog as an information and promotional tool to share marketing news and information and publicize the degree, rather than for community building. Findings suggest that although the majority of students thought the system was helpful for sharing discipline-related knowledge and information, they are reluctant to participate in a regular and active way by posting – a resistance that applies also to teachers. Nevertheless, the findings also indicate that students’ participation levels can be successfully increased by means of the grading system.
Policy, practice and practical reason: Understanding teaching in times of outcome regulation
Authors: Strandler Ola
Published: March 2015

Although there are reasons to believe that policies emphasising testing, accountability, assessments, evaluation and inspections have unintended and undesirable consequences for teaching practice, such reforms continue to be widely used in many countries in order to meet challenges in their educational systems. However, it is difficult to critically discuss how these types of policies relate to teaching practice without either losing societal, critical perspectives, or circumscribing teachers' agency in analysis. This article addresses that challenge by setting out a conceptual framework, aimed at contributing to an understanding of how these types of policies relate to teaching practice. Inspired by French philosopher Paul Ricœur, a critical hermeneutical approach is suggested. It is argued that his discussion of the concept of practical reason can be used to depict teaching as existing in a field of tension between the regulatory and reflective dimensions of the practice. Further, it is argued that critical hermeneutics can frame a study of teaching, understood as practical reasoning, and provide a critique that is grounded in a discussion on how the mechanisms and assumptions behind (for example neoliberal) policy are mirrored in practice, without losing sight of either the agency of teachers or a societal perspective on teaching.
Enzymatic coating of jute fabrics for enhancing anti-ultraviolent properties via in-situ polymerization of polyhydric phenols
Authors: Dong Aixue , Yu Yuanyuan , Fan Xuerong , Wang Qiang , Cavaco-Paulo Artur
Published: March 2015

To enhance the anti-ultraviolent properties of technical jute fabrics, the enzymatic surface coating with the in-situ produced phenolic polymers of polyhydric phenols was investigated in this study. Firstly, the laccase-mediated polymerization of the five polyhydric phenols (catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, pyrogallol and phloroglucinol) was analyzed by FT-IR. Catechol and pyrogallol were polymerized together by laccase with ether bonds linked. On the contrary, the units of resorcinol, hydroquinone and phloroglucinol in their enzymatically formed polymers concatenated to each other by C-C bonds. Then, the coated jute fabrics were characterized in terms of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The increasing of the C/O ratio on the jute fabric surface after the coating treatments supported the achievement of the enzymatic coating on jute fabrics via the in-situ polymerization of phenolic compounds and the grafting reaction of polyphenols with lignins on the surface. The sequence of the coating extent by using various polyhydric phenols was proved to be catechol, pyrogallol, resorcinol, phloroglucinol and hydroquinone in order from rich to poor according to the O-C-O component of cellulose in the C1s spectra of jute fabrics and the scanning electron microscopy photographs of jute surfaces. Lastly, the ultraviolent protection factor and the ultraviolent resistance of the coated jute fabrics were measured. The ultraviolent protective performance of jute fabrics after the coating treatments depended both on the coating amount and the chemical structure of the coated polymers. Among the tested polyhydric phenols, the polymerization of catechol obtained the best coating for ultraviolent protection. Different polyhydric phenols employed for the enzymatic coating showed different trends in ultraviolent protection factor of jute fabrics with the increasing of incubation time. The jute fabrics coated with in-situ-generated polycatechols or polyresorcinols had excellent ultraviolent resistances.
Divided Government and Delay in the Legislative Process
Authors: Hughes Tyler , Carlson Deven
Published: March 2015

Despite a robust history of studies examining legislative outputs, little is known about how divided government affects the policymaking process. This article examines these dynamics by analyzing the relationship between divided government and delay in the consideration of important legislation. We also introduce a more nuanced measure of divided government—the strength of the president’s party in Congress—that measures both the presence and magnitude of inter-branch conflict. Using a Cox proportional hazards model to analyze delay of important legislation from 1949 to 2010, the results indicate both divided government and the strength of the president’s party in Congress are significantly related to legislative delay. Moreover, presidential party strength significantly interacts with partisan polarization. When the parties are moderately or highly polarized, there is a significant relationship between the strength of the president’s party and legislative delay; this relationship is insignificant at lower levels of polarization. Taken together, these findings enhance our understanding of how inter-branch conflict affects the policymaking process in Congress.
Underarousal in Adult ADHD
Authors: Mayer Kerstin , Wyckoff Sarah Nicole , Strehl Ute
Published: March 2015

In children and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a general slowing of spontaneous electroencephalographic (EEG) brain activity and a decrease of event-related potential amplitudes such as the contingent negative variation (CNV) are observed. Additionally, some studies have reported decreased skin conductance level (SCL) in this clinical population leading to the hypothesis of a peripheral hypoarousal, which may be a target of biofeedback treatment in addition to or instead of neurofeedback. To our knowledge, the relationship between SCL and CNV has not been simultaneously investigated in one experiment. Using the theoretical background of the hypoarousal model, this article aims to gain more insight into the differences and correlations of cortical (CNV) and peripheral (SCL) arousal in adults with ADHD. A sample of 23 adults with ADHD and 22 healthy controls underwent an auditory Go-NoGo task with simultaneous 22-channel EEG and SCL recordings. Reaction time (RT) and reaction time variability (RTV) were also measured to assess task performance. Significantly decreased CNV amplitude and significantly higher RTV were observed in the ADHD group, reflecting cortical underarousal and problems with sustained attention. No significant correlation between peripheral underarousal and cortical underarousal was observed in the ADHD group or the control group. The observed cortical underarousal reflected in the decreased CNV supports the notion of a reduced CNV amplitude as a possible biomarker for ADHD. However, the connection between cortical and peripheral arousal is not as clear as is suggested in previous research investigating both separately. Implications of these results for new treatment options for ADHD such as biofeedback are discussed.
The Physical Workload of Surgeons
Authors: Alleblas Chantal C. J. , Velthuis Simone , Nieboer Theodoor E. , Sietses Colin , Stegeman Dick F.
Published: March 2015

Background. As extensively reported in the literature, laparoscopic surgery has many advantages for the patient. Surgeons, however, experience increased physical burden when laparoscopic surgery is compared with open surgery. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has been said to further enhance the patient’s benefits of endoscopic surgery. Because in this surgical technique only 1 incision is made instead of the 3 to 5, as in conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS), it is claimed to further reduce discomfort and pain in patients. Yet little is known about its impact on surgeons. This study aims to contribute by indicating the possible differences in physical workload between single-incision laparoscopy and CLS. Methods. A laparoscopic box trainer was used to simulate a surgical setting. Participants performed 2 series of 3 different tasks in the box: one in the conventional way, the other through SILS. Surface electromyography was recorded from 8 muscles bilaterally. Furthermore, questionnaires on perceived workload were completed. Results. Differences were found in the back, neck, and shoulder muscles, with significantly higher muscle activity in the musculus (M) longissimus, M trapezius pars descendens, and the M deltoideus pars clavicularis. Questionnaires did not indicate any significant differences in perceived workload. Conclusion. Performing SILS versus CLS increases the objectively measured physical workload of surgeons particularly in the back, neck, and shoulder muscles.
The Crafting of Law and the Coining of Culture: Legal Semiotic of the American Quarter
Authors: Marusek Sarah
Published: March 2015

As emblematic productions of folk legality, coins are significant in viewing the constitutive relationship between law and politics. Additionally, images on coined money legally manipulate our American cultural historical recollection. The harsh historical reality of the United States in terms of racial violence, imperialist conquest, and the elimination of native peoples is dim against picturesque images of palm trees, Magnolia blossoms, and sailboats. Because these historical controversies legally and socially shape who we culturally are today, that which is valued and semiotically crafted by law should reflect these important and defining struggles in American history. Legal images that appear on coins are visual connections to an American legacy of confronting injustice that is omitted by the bucolic and innocently trivial legal depictions of American history that these coinage programs promote. In this article, I consider the ways in which coined images represent a visual crafting of law through which political memory is selectively depicted. Through a legal semiotics framework of symbolic articulation and analysis, I assert that the coinage issued under the United States Department of the Treasury’s Coinage Programs since 1999 depicts the politicization of folk art as a type of legal currency that illustrates and memorializes a nationalistic cultural identity. Here, coins literally become specialized portrayals of American history in which discrimination, conquest, and injustice are intentionally visually unrepresented in favor of pictures of trees, animals, mountains, and even fruit. Through such legislation as The 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act of 1997 [Public Law 105-124], The Native American $1 Coin Act of 2007 [Public Law 110-82], and The District of Columbia and United States Territories Quarters Program under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 [H.R. 2764], coins are being issued as legal statements of who we as Americans are and where we have come from.
Time for a change in the understanding of what constitutes text plagiarism?
Authors: Helgesson Gert
Published: March 2015

Plagiarism is plaguing research publications in many fields. It is problematic by being misleading about who deserves credit for scientific results, images, text or ideas, by involving scientific fraud (when results are plagiarized) and by distorting meta-analyses. However, different research traditions put different emphasis on the originality of text. Traditional rules regarding correct quotation seem to fit the humanities and many social sciences better than the natural and engineering sciences. This article suggests that we should stop applying a common standard regarding plagiarism to all research fields and instead openly acknowledge that there are differences in what aspects of a paper are important to scientific development in different research areas. More specifically, the article discusses, as a thought experiment, whether the introduction of software supporting text production for research publications in the natural and engineering sciences – thereby further reducing the importance of who created what sentences – would be unacceptable or, quite the reverse, a means to further promote scientific progress. It is concluded that there are no valid principled arguments against introducing such software support for text production in scientific papers, while there are several advantages. Correctly handled, using such software would not involve plagiarism, because it would not be misleading about who deserves credit.
Limiting volume with modern ventilators
Authors: Wing Thomas J. , Haan Lutana , Ashworth Lonny J. , Anderson Jeff
Published: March 2015

Background:

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) network low tidal-volume study comparing tidal volumes of 12 ml/kg versus 6 ml/kg was published in 2000. The study was stopped early as data revealed a 22% relative reduction in mortality rate when using 6 ml/kg tidal volume. The current generation of critical care ventilators allows the tidal volume to be set during volume-targeted, assist/control (volume A/C); however, some ventilators include options that may prevent the tidal volume from being controlled. The purpose of this bench study was to evaluate the delivered tidal volume, when these options are active, in a spontaneously breathing lung model using an electronic breathing simulator.

Methods:

Four ventilators were evaluated: CareFusion AVEA (AVEA), Dräger Evita® XL (Evita XL), Covidien Puritan Bennett® 840TM (PB 840), and Maquet SERVO-i (SERVO-i). Each ventilator was connected to the Hans Rudolph Electronic Breathing Simulator at an amplitude of 0 cm H2O and then 10 cm H2O. All four ventilators were set to deliver volume A/C, tidal volume 400 ml, respiratory rate 20 bpm, positive end-expiratory pressure 5 cm H2O, peak flowrate 60 L/min. The displayed tidal volume was recorded for each ventilator at the above settings with additional options OFF and then ON.

Results:

The AVEA has two options in volume A/C: demand breaths and V-sync. When activated, these options allow the patient to exceed the set tidal volume. When using the Evita XL, the option AutoFlow can be turned ON or OFF, and when this option is ON, the tidal volume may vary. The PB 840 does not have any additional options that affect volume delivery, and it maintains the set tidal volume regardless of patient effort. The SERVO-i’s demand valve allows additional flow if the patient’s inspiratory flowrate exceeds the set flowrate, increasing the delivered tidal volume; this option can be turned OFF with the latest software upgrade.

Conclusions:

Modern ventilators have an increasing number of optional settings. These settings may increase the delivered tidal volume and disrupt a low tidal-volume strategy. Recognizing how each setting within a mode affects the type of breath delivered is critical when caring for ventilator-dependent patients.
Long-acting muscarinic antagonists for the prevention of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Jones Paul W.
Published: March 2015

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have important consequences for lung function, health status and mortality. Furthermore, they are associated with high economic costs, predominantly related to hospitalization. They are managed acutely with short-acting bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids or antibiotics; however, a large proportion of COPD exacerbations are unreported and therefore untreated or self-managed. There is evidence to suggest that these unreported exacerbations also have important consequences for health status; therefore, reducing exacerbation risk is an important goal in the management of COPD.

Current guidelines recommend long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) as first-line bronchodilator therapy in patients with stable COPD who have a high risk of exacerbation or increased symptoms. To date, three LAMAs, tiotropium bromide, aclidinium bromide and glycopyrronium bromide, have been approved as maintenance bronchodilator treatments for stable COPD. These all provide clinically significant improvements in lung function, reduce symptoms and improve health status compared with placebo in patients with COPD. This paper reviews evidence from randomized, controlled clinical trials demonstrating that tiotropium, aclidinium and glycopyrronium reduce exacerbation risk in patients with COPD. Reductions were seen irrespective of the exacerbation measure used, whether time to first event or annualized exacerbation rate. Furthermore, studies with aclidinium suggest LAMAs can reduce exacerbation risk irrespective of whether exacerbation events are assessed, using an event-based approach or a symptom-based method which includes unreported events. Together these results demonstrate that LAMAs have the potential to provide clinical benefit in the management of exacerbations in patients with stable COPD.
The efficacy of crizotinib in patients with ALK-positive nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Pender Alexandra , Popat Sanjay
Published: March 2015

Molecular profiling of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) contributes to better understanding the different molecular subtypes of this heterogeneous group of diseases. The discovery of oncogenic ALK rearrangements in NSCLC and the subsequent success in their therapeutic targeting with crizotinib reinforces the benefits of a precision approach to systemic anticancer therapy. In addition, the rapid development of crizotinib from first discovery thorough accelerated US Food and Drug Administration approval, and late stage confirmatory clinical trials, exemplifies the success of the drug development strategy of close collaboration between clinicians, industry and regulatory authorities. In this review we describe the identification of ALK rearranged NSCLC, clinical characteristics of such patients, and clinical outcomes when treated with crizotinib.