bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motion-Cuing Algorithms
Authors: Casas Sergio , Coma Inmaculada , Riera José Vicente , Fernández Marcos
Published: June 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to characterize the human response to motion-cuing algorithms (MCAs) by comparing users’ perception to several proposed objective indicators.

Background:

Other researchers have proposed several MCAs, but few improvements have been achieved lately. One of the reasons for this lack of progress is that fair comparisons between different algorithms are hard to achieve, for their evaluation needs to be performed with humans and the tuning process is slow.

Method:

This characterization is performed by means of a comparison of the subjective perception of vehicle simulation users (90 participants) against several proposed objective indicators that try to measure MCA performance. Two motion platforms (3 and 6 degrees of freedom [DoF]) and two vehicle simulators (a driving simulator and a speedboat simulator) were tested using the classical washout algorithm, considered to be the main reference in MCA literature.

Results:

Results show that users are more sensitive to correlation and delay with respect to the expected motion rather than its magnitude and that specific force is more of a factor than angular speed in the driving simulator. The opposite happens in the speedboat simulator.

Conclusions:

Human drivers’ reaction to MCA is mainly characterized by the normalized Pearson correlation between output and input signals of the algorithm. This finding validates the main MCA strategy that consists of downscaling the signals and slightly distorting their frequency spectrum. The 6-DoF simulator is perceived as a modest improvement of the 3-DoF platform.

Applications:

These results set the basis for future automatic tuning, evaluation, and comparison of MCA in motion platforms.
Internal and external equity in compensation systems, organizational absenteeism and the role of explained inequalities
Authors: Torre Edoardo Della , Pelagatti Matteo , Solari Luca
Published: June 2014

We investigate how the design of compensation systems influences workers’ behaviours at the organizational level by building upon the consequences of equity theory at the individual level. We identify four main gaps to fill in the existing equity-in-compensation research: i) the simultaneous analysis of internal and external inequity; ii) the distinction between inequitable and unequal compensation systems; iii) the organizational-level (rather than individual) effects of inequitable systems; and iv) the inclusion of absenteeism among the negative organizational outcomes of inequitable systems. The analysis of a sample of about 1500 Italian manufacturing firms shows that both internal and external equity are relevant factors in explaining the level of absenteeism. On the one hand, external pay equity is associated with a lower level of absenteeism, and the relationship becomes stronger when high pay levels are explained by past employees’ performances. On the other hand, internal pay equity showed a more complex relationship, where blue-collar employees seem to react more in terms of absence to internal inequity than white-collars; moreover, performance-based pay policies (i.e. explained inequalities) further enhance the extent blue-collar employees react to internal pay equity. These results have important theoretical and practical implications, and confirm that the organizational consequences of workers’ behaviours are not a mere reflection of individual-level decisions.
Education Is the Key to Prosperity
Authors: Taylor Christopher Stuart
Published: June 2014

The following article will discuss the history of formal education in Barbados and will situate how this emphasis on the equal access to education between the sexes facilitated the emigration of Black Barbadian educators, most notably Black women, in the mid-20th century. This article argues that the emphasis on education was a deliberate and calculated initiative by the Barbadian Government to assist in the socio-economic advancement of its Black population up to the mid-20th century. The author has chosen this period to reflect the mass emigration of Black Barbadians to Canada prior to liberalization of the latter’s immigration policies in the late 1960s and beyond. The article highlights that female and male Black Barbadian migrants capitalized on their educational background to circumvent and challenge racist international migration barriers. Moreover, the following will situate Black Barbadian educators in Canada in the 1950s and 1960s.
On Social Class, Anno 2014
Authors: Savage Mike , Devine Fiona , Cunningham Niall , Friedman Sam , Laurison Daniel , Miles Andrew , Snee Helene , Taylor Mark
Published: June 2014

This article responds to the critical reception of the arguments made about social class in Savage et al. (2013). It emphasises the need to disentangle different strands of debate so as not to conflate four separate issues: (a) the value of the seven class model proposed; (b) the potential of the large web survey – the Great British Class Survey (GBCS) for future research; (c) the value of Bourdieusian perspectives for re-energising class analysis; and (d) the academic and public reception to the GBCS itself. We argue that, in order to do justice to the full potential of the GBCS, we need a concept of class which does not reduce it to a technical measure of a single variable and which recognises how multiple axes of inequality can crystallise as social classes. Whilst recognising the limitations of what we are able to claim on the basis of the GBCS, we argue that the seven classes defined in Savage et al. (2013) have sociological resonance in pointing to the need to move away from a focus on class boundaries at the middle reaches of the class structure towards an analysis of the power of elite formation.
A new control chart for exponential distributed life using EWMA
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Azam Muhammad , Jun Chi-Hyuck
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we present a new control chart for exponentially distributed quality characteristics using variable transformation and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA). The in-control and out-of-control average run lengths (ARLs) are derived using the normal approximation. The parameters of the proposed control chart are determined by considering the target in-control ARL. The efficiency of the proposed control chart is discussed in terms of ARLs over the existing control chart without using EWMA. The application of the proposed control chart is discussed with the help of a real example.
Detecting loose particle signals in multichannel recordings with transductive confidence predictor
Authors: Guofu Zhai , Jinbao Chen , Qiuyang Li
Published: June 2014

Loose particles left inside sealed electronic devices are one of the main factors affecting the reliability of the entire military and aerospace system. The main purpose of loose particle detection is to discriminate between the particle signals and inherent mechanical noise (component signals). To address this problem, a multichannel system for loose particle detection is presented in this paper. A synchronization-based method is proposed, which makes good use of multichannel information. The synchronization method takes variance of correlation coefficients of multichannel synchronized pulses as a detection feature and then employs a transductive confidence predictor to produce confidence measures. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Comparison of heating and cooling energy simulation using multi-years and typical weather data in South Korea
Authors: Yoo Hochun , Lee Kwanho , Levermore Geoffrey J
Published: June 2014

Typical weather data (TWD) consists of 8760 values of various selected meteorological parameters such as ambient temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity and wind velocity, and are originally derived from long-term data. In this paper, TWDs have been generated, using three different methodologies, from hourly meteorological data measured in Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Busan. The aims of this study were to compare the simulation results from the three methodologies (ISO Test Reference Year, CIBSE Test Reference Year, and Typical Meteorological Year) with those from individual years and their long-term means to assess the important five components of the building envelope (wall-to-window ratio, window overhang, window transmissivity, window U-value, and wall U-value) for the influence on the heating and cooling load and to study the influence of the different weather parameters (temperature and solar radiation). Results of the comparison show that predicted monthly load and energy consumption profiles from the TWD tended to follow the long-term mean quite closely. The load calculations vary almost linearly as the building envelope components varied apart from the window U-value. The yearly average values of mean bias error and root mean squared error for the heating and cooling loads were evaluated for the three TWDs and long-term measured meteorological data.

Practical application: This paper will enable engineers and building designers of buildings in South Korea to assess the heating and cooling loads with more confidence. The paper will enable designers to use the appropriate weather data when using computer simulation for the design. The designer will also be able to assess the energy efficiency better.
Racism and Capitalism—Crisis and Resistance
Authors: Spector Alan
Published: June 2014

Understanding and opposing racist oppression in the world today requires analysis and clarification of the following: First, what is distinctive about racist oppression in all its forms, in contrast to other types of oppression; second, what are the dynamics and processes of economic exploitation underlying racist oppression in the world today; third, understanding who benefits and who is harmed by the perpetuation of racist oppression in society; and finally, understanding and resisting the traps that antiracists sometimes fall into by not taking the class relationships and class processes into account—sometimes falling into a kind of psychological determinism and leading to conclusions that erroneously locate less oppressed/somewhat advantaged groups as being fundamentally on the side of the oppressors. One strategy to overcome racist oppression in society necessitates an understanding of how antiracists sometimes fall into the trap of failing to understand how class relationships, class stratification processes, and capitalism in particular are today, basically, inseparable from racist oppression, and strategies to eliminate racist oppression must include the personal but must confront the structural power and class relationships that reinforce racist oppression.
Effectuation and home-based online business entrepreneurs
Authors: Daniel Elizabeth M , Domenico MariaLaura Di , Sharma Seema
Published: June 2014

This article explores effectual processes within home-based, online businesses. Our empirical evidence provides a number of refinements to the concept of effectuation in this specific domain. First, the ubiquity of non-proprietary online trading platforms encourages the adoption of effectual approaches and removes the importance of forming proprietary strategic alliances and pre-commitments. Second, the notion of affordable loss – a central tenet of effectuation – should be extended beyond the notion of economic to social affordable loss, including loss of status and reputation, and finally, home-based online businesses allow effectuation to be associated with low levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and experience.
Centrifugal pump performance during low-flow extracorporeal CO2 removal; safety considerations
Authors: Simons AP , Martens EGHJ , Ganushchak YM , Weerwind PW
Published: June 2014

Aim:

The aim of this study was to examine the hydrodynamic performance and gaseous microemboli (GME) activity of two centrifugal pumps for possible use in low-flow extracorporeal CO2 removal.

Materials & Methods:

The performance of a Rotassist 2.8 and a Rotaflow 32 centrifugal pump (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG, Hirrlingen, Germany) was evaluated in a water-glycerine mixture-filled in vitro circuit that enabled measurement of pressures and GME at the pump inlet and pump outlet. Pressure-flow curves were acquired in a 1,000 to 5,000 rpm range while increasing drainage resistance in one series and outlet resistance in another.

Results:

Respective minimum pump inlet and maximum pump outlet pressures were −539 mmHg and 754 mmHg for the Rotassist 2.8 and −606 mmHg and 806 mmHg for the Rotaflow 32. Maximum standard deviations on pump pressures and flow amounted to 3.0 mmHg and 0.03 L/min, respectively, regardless of pump type and drainage or outlet resistance. The GME at the pump outlet were detectable at pump inlet pressures below −156 mmHg at 0.2 L/min and 2,500 rpm for the Rotassist 2.8 and below −224 mmHg at 0.9 L/min and 3,000 rpm for the Rotaflow 32.

Conclusion:

Both the Rotassist 2.8 and Rotaflow 32 centrifugal pumps show a comparably high hydrodynamic stability, but potential GME formation with decreasing pump inlet pressures should be taken into account to ensure safe centrifugal pump-based low-flow extracorporeal CO2 removal.
Motion planning with sequential convex optimization and convex collision checking
Authors: Schulman John , Duan Yan , Ho Jonathan , Lee Alex , Awwal Ibrahim , Bradlow Henry , Pan Jia , Patil Sachin , Goldberg Ken , Abbeel Pieter
Published: June 2014

We present a new optimization-based approach for robotic motion planning among obstacles. Like CHOMP (Covariant Hamiltonian Optimization for Motion Planning), our algorithm can be used to find collision-free trajectories from naïve, straight-line initializations that might be in collision. At the core of our approach are (a) a sequential convex optimization procedure, which penalizes collisions with a hinge loss and increases the penalty coefficients in an outer loop as necessary, and (b) an efficient formulation of the no-collisions constraint that directly considers continuous-time safety Our algorithm is implemented in a software package called TrajOpt.

We report results from a series of experiments comparing TrajOpt with CHOMP and randomized planners from OMPL, with regard to planning time and path quality. We consider motion planning for 7 DOF robot arms, 18 DOF full-body robots, statically stable walking motion for the 34 DOF Atlas humanoid robot, and physical experiments with the 18 DOF PR2. We also apply TrajOpt to plan curvature-constrained steerable needle trajectories in the SE(3) configuration space and multiple non-intersecting curved channels within 3D-printed implants for intracavitary brachytherapy. Details, videos, and source code are freely available at: http://rll.berkeley.edu/trajopt/ijrr .
Sustained release of antibiotics from uniform poly (ε-caprolactone) microspheres prepared by a simple fluidic device with a tapered glass capillary
Authors: Ryu Tae-Kyung , Jun Dae-Ryoung , Kim Sung Eun , Choi Sung-Wook
Published: June 2014

Uniform poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres containing a variety of water-soluble antibiotics, such as tobramycin, vancomycin, and gentamicin, were prepared by a simple fluidic device with a pristine or tapered glass capillary. Each type of antibiotic was dispersed in an organic solvent by ball-milling prior to microsphere preparation. The poly(ε-caprolactone) organic solution containing the powder of each antibiotic was introduced as the discontinuous phase into the fluidic device, where an aqueous phase containing surfactant served as the continuous phase. The poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres were obtained after solvent evaporation. A tapered glass capillary was tested to produce poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres, leading to the size reduction of the microspheres from 47.46 ± 0.72 to 25.49 ± 1.05 µm without destroying size uniformity. This size range should be suitable for parenteral injection into the human body. The release analysis revealed that gentamicin and vancomycin were released from the poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres up to approximately 2 months in a more sustained manner than tobramycin, which is due to the solubility difference in the antibiotics in water. The antimicrobial activities of each type of antibiotic released from the poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres were evaluated using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
A Typology of Community Violence Perpetration and Victimization Among Adults With Mental Illnesses
Authors: Johnson Kiersten L. , Desmarais Sarah L. , Van Dorn Richard A. , Grimm Kevin J.
Published: June 2014

The primary objective of this article was to evaluate the overlap between community violence perpetration and victimization in a large, heterogeneous sample of adults with mental illnesses ( N = 4,474). We also explored participant characteristics differentiating four categories of perpetration and victimization: non-victim/non-perpetrators, victims only, perpetrators only, and victim–perpetrators. Results indicated that adults with mental illnesses were unlikely to report violent outcomes but, when they did, were more likely to report perpetration and victimization, rather than perpetration alone. In addition, bivariate and multivariable analyses showed that sex, age, race/ethnicity, and primary diagnosis differed across categories. Victim–perpetrators, for example, were more likely to be young, Black, and have a primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, or “other.” Altogether, our findings provide evidence for a victim–perpetrator overlap in this population and suggest that preventive measures targeting violence and victimization may be more effective than those with separate strategies for each.
Breastfeeding Knowledge, Confidence, Beliefs, and Attitudes of Canadian Physicians
Authors: Pound Catherine M. , Williams Kathryn , Grenon Renee , Aglipay Mary , Plint Amy C.
Published: June 2014

Background:

Physicians’ attitudes and recommendations directly affect breastfeeding duration. Yet, studies in many nations have shown that physicians lack the skills to offer proper guidance to breastfeeding mothers.

Objective:

This study aims to assess breastfeeding knowledge, confidence, beliefs, and attitudes of Canadian physicians.

Methods:

A breastfeeding questionnaire was developed and piloted prior to study enrollment. These questionnaires were sent to 1429 pediatricians (PED), 1329 family physicians (FP), and final-year pediatric and final-year family medicine residents (PR and FMR).

Results:

The analysis included 397 PED, 322 FP, 17 PR, and 44 FMR who completed the questionnaire. Mean overall correct knowledge score was 67.8% for PED, 64.3% for FP, 72.7% for PR, and 66.8% for FMR. Two hundred eighty-five PED (74.2%), 228 FP (73.1%), 7 PR (41.2%), and 21 FMR (53.8%) felt confident with their breastfeeding counseling skills. Less than half (49.6% of PED and 45.4% of FP) believed that evaluating breastfeeding was a primary care physician’s responsibility, and few PED or FP (5.1% and 11.3%) routinely observed breastfeeding in mother-infant pairs.

Conclusion:

Several areas of potential deficits were identified in Canadian physicians’ breastfeeding knowledge. Physicians would benefit from greater education and support, to optimize care of infants and their mothers.
Quantitative imaging biomarkers: A review of statistical methods for technical performance assessment
Authors: Raunig David L , McShane Lisa M , Pennello Gene , Gatsonis Constantine , Carson Paul L , Voyvodic James T , Wahl Richard L , Kurland Brenda F , Schwarz Adam J , Gönen Mithat , Zahlmann Gudrun , Kondratovich Marina V , O’Donnell Kevin , Petrick Nicholas , Cole Patricia E , Garra Brian , Sullivan Daniel C ,   QIBA Technical Performance Working Group
Published: June 2014

Technological developments and greater rigor in the quantitative measurement of biological features in medical images have given rise to an increased interest in using quantitative imaging biomarkers to measure changes in these features. Critical to the performance of a quantitative imaging biomarker in preclinical or clinical settings are three primary metrology areas of interest: measurement linearity and bias, repeatability, and the ability to consistently reproduce equivalent results when conditions change, as would be expected in any clinical trial. Unfortunately, performance studies to date differ greatly in designs, analysis method, and metrics used to assess a quantitative imaging biomarker for clinical use. It is therefore difficult or not possible to integrate results from different studies or to use reported results to design studies. The Radiological Society of North America and the Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance with technical, radiological, and statistical experts developed a set of technical performance analysis methods, metrics, and study designs that provide terminology, metrics, and methods consistent with widely accepted metrological standards. This document provides a consistent framework for the conduct and evaluation of quantitative imaging biomarker performance studies so that results from multiple studies can be compared, contrasted, or combined.
The potential for increased power from combining P-values testing the same hypothesis
Authors: Ganju Jitendra , (Julie) Ma Guoguang
Published: June 2014

The conventional approach to hypothesis testing for formal inference is to prespecify a single test statistic thought to be optimal. However, we usually have more than one test statistic in mind for testing the null hypothesis of no treatment effect but we do not know which one is the most powerful. Rather than relying on a single p-value, combining p-values from prespecified multiple test statistics can be used for inference. Combining functions include Fisher’s combination test and the minimum p-value. Using randomization-based tests, the increase in power can be remarkable when compared with a single test and Simes’s method. The versatility of the method is that it also applies when the number of covariates exceeds the number of observations. The increase in power is large enough to prefer combined p-values over a single p-value. The limitation is that the method does not provide an unbiased estimator of the treatment effect and does not apply to situations when the model includes treatment by covariate interaction.
Citizenship and governance at a time of territorialization: The Italian local welfare between innovation and fragmentation
Authors: Bifulco Lavinia
Published: June 2014

The paper investigates the territorialization process with a twofold aim: to focus on the territory as the medium of the current relation between citizenship and governance; and to analyse the problems and opportunities created by governance and territorialization. After outlining an interpretative frame for territorialization in Europe, the paper concentrates on the Italian case and on two policy instruments: Area Social Plans and Neighbourhood Contracts. Light will be shed on how moves towards innovations intertwine with dynamics of fragmentation, thereby creating the complexity of territorialization in Italy.
Safe life in the suburbs? Crime and perceptions of safety in new residential developments in Prague’s hinterland, Czech Republic1
Authors: Temelová Jana , Novák Jakub , Jíchová Jana
Published: June 2014

Despite a rich body of literature dealing with suburbanization across Central and East Europe, the issues of crime and safety in residential suburbs have not been addressed. At the same time it is obvious that the existing knowledge on suburban crime derived mainly from Western experience cannot be simply transferred to the post-socialist transition context. This research investigates the issues of crime and safety in new residential neighbourhoods in the hinterland of Prague, the Czech Republic. Suburbanites’ fear of crime and feeling of safety are discussed in the context of registered crime patterns in the Prague metropolitan region. The research draws on data gathered in a questionnaire survey of newcomers to suburban housing. The findings confirm the generally high feelings of safety in low-crime suburban districts. Our analysis further showed that age, previous victimization and length of residency are the main determinants of fear of crime in Prague’s suburban communities.
Book Review: H. Sadhak, Pension Reform in India: The Unfinished Agenda
Authors: Iyer S. Veena
Published: June 2014

H. Sadhak, Pension Reform in India: The Unfinished Agenda. New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2013, 507 pp., ₹1250.00. ISBN: 978-81-321-0979-2.
Book Review: Viktor Mayer-Schonberger and Kenneth Cukier, Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work and Think
Authors: Jacob Wallace
Published: June 2014

Viktor Mayer-Schonberger and Kenneth Cukier, Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work and Think. New Delhi: John Murray (Publishers), An Hachette UK Company, 2013, 242 pp. , ₹499. ISBN: 9781848547902 (Hardback).
Multiple informal imperial connections and the transfer of accountancy to Ethiopia (1905 to 2011)
Authors: Mihret Dessalegn G , Bobe Belete J
Published: June 2014

The accounting history literature expounds the role of imperial connection on the transfer of Western accountancy concepts and practices to developing countries. An emerging theme within this literature is the shift in imperial power from Britain to USA over the last century and the ramifications of this shift on accountancy globally. Using a framework developed by prior research for investigating the transfer of accountancy across countries, this study examines historical developments of accounting practice, education and professional training in Ethiopia (from 1905 to 2011) in the light of the country’s interactions with Britain and the USA. These interactions facilitated Ethiopia’s continued importation of British accountancy practice and professional training contemporaneously with importation of accounting education from the USA. Over the past two decades, Ethiopia has been undertaking accounting reforms as part of economic policy reforms in pursuit of neo-liberal economic ideals. In response to shifting priorities of transnational actors, Ethiopia continued trialling policy initiatives that are yet to yield a stable equilibrium with coherent links of accounting education, practice and professional training.
We need to talk about depot: effect of Community Treatment Order on depot antipsychotic medication compliance
Authors: Suetani Shuichi , Foo Edward , Wilson Douglas
Published: June 2014

Objective:

The current study compares the compliance rates of patients on depot who were on Community Treatment Orders with those who were not on such Order with a view to objectively quantify the effect of Community Treatment Orders on depot antipsychotics medication compliance.

Methods:

“Day difference” measurements between the scheduled depot data and the administered date were collected for both voluntary and involuntary patients receiving depot medication at the same community clinic over a 6-month period.

Results:

The results demonstrated a trend for greater compliance to depot medications by those not on a Community Treatment Order compared with those who were, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The current study highlighted that while Community Treatment Order may be a reasonable short-term tool to encourage patients’ compliance at an early treatment stage, ongoing effort should be put into improving patients’ attitude towards depot medications to ensure a better long-term outcome for individuals with schizophrenia.
Characterization of Plantaris Tendon Constructs for Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Jackson J. Benjamin , Philippi Matthew T. , Kolz Christopher W. , Suter Thomas , Henninger Heath B.
Published: June 2014

Background:

Many techniques have been described for lateral ligament reconstruction. One frequently overlooked autograft option is the plantaris tendon, potentially due to the paucity of data on its mechanical characteristics. This study examined the structural properties of double and quadruple plantaris tendon constructs.

Methods:

Plantaris tendons were harvested from 35 fresh-frozen human cadaver specimens (mean age, 66 years [range, 43-89 years]; 17 female, 13 male). The tendon ends were sutured in a running locking technique and then woven onto a template board to create double or quadruple graft constructs with a 20-mm functional length. If additional tendon length remained, a single 40-mm specimen was isolated to provide tissue material properties. Structural properties were calculated from the results of cyclic and failure uniaxial tensile tests.

Results:

Quadruple-strand constructs had a tensile strength of 205.8 ± 68.2 N and a stiffness of 133.1 ± 46.3 N/mm. Single strands had a tensile strength of 66.9 ± 26.3 N and a stiffness of 43.8 ± 14.7 N/mm. Material properties were similar to a prior study.

Conclusions:

The average maximum tensile strength for the quadrupled plantaris grafts exceeded the strength of the intact anterior talofibular ligament of 139 to 161 N; therefore, the quadruple plantaris construct may be a viable autograft for foot and ankle ligament reconstruction.

Clinical Relevance:

The tensile strength of the plantaris tendon is comparable to, or stronger than, other grafts already in use and offers a donor site that may result in negligible loss of strength.
Mental Health Outcomes in Emerging Adults Exposed to Childhood Maltreatment
Authors: Hagan Melissa J. , Roubinov Danielle S. , Mistler Amy Kraft , Luecken Linda J.
Published: June 2014

Childhood maltreatment is an established risk factor for varying configurations of psychological problems in emerging adulthood. The current study tested associations between childhood maltreatment, cortisol reactivity, and current mental health symptoms in emerging adulthood. Eighty-eight participants (aged 18–22) completed measures of childhood maltreatment and current internalizing and externalizing symptoms and participated in a 10-min conflict role-play task. Salivary cortisol was sampled throughout the task, and a residualized change score between baseline and peak time points was computed to capture reactivity. Results from robust regression analyses indicated that cortisol reactivity moderated the association between childhood maltreatment and mental health symptoms as hypothesized. Childhood maltreatment was related to greater internalizing problems among participants with higher cortisol reactivity, whereas maltreatment was associated with greater externalizing problems among participants who exhibited lower cortisol reactivity. Results suggest that patterns of cortisol reactivity in emerging adulthood may help elucidate mental health outcomes associated with childhood maltreatment.
A 1D higher gradient model derived from Koiter’s shell theory
Authors: Gabriele Stefano , Rizzi Nicola , Varano Valerio
Published: June 2014

A thin rectangular plate is modelled as an (initially flat) shell. Following Koiter, the two fundamental forms of the deformed middle surface are then used to define the strain measures of the body. On the middle surface of the plate two local coordinates are introduced: we will call them longitudinal and transversal, respectively. It is assumed that the components of the displacement field which characterize the middle surface kinematics can be expressed as a product of two functions: one defined along the longitudinal coordinate and one defined along the transversal coordinate. Given an explicit expression of the latter functions, the 2D plate fields are reduced to 1D ones. The functions of the transversal coordinate are chosen so that the stretch along it together with the membrane shear vanish. It is worth noting that the linearization of these constraints leads to the well-known Vlasov’s assumptions. It is shown that by modelling each side of a thin walled beam as a 1D continuum, the entire assembly can be reduced to a 1D model as well. This procedure gives rise to an hyperelastic 1D beam model in which at least the warping effect is taken into account. The main features of the model are shown by means of some simple applications.
Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting adapted to Autism (VIPP-AUTI): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Poslawsky Irina E , Naber Fabiënne BA , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J , van Daalen Emma , van Engeland Herman , van IJzendoorn Marinus H
Published: June 2014

In a randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the early intervention program Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting adapted to Autism (VIPP-AUTI) with 78 primary caregivers and their child (16–61 months) with Autism Spectrum Disorder. VIPP-AUTI is a brief attachment-based intervention program, focusing on improving parent–child interaction and reducing the child’s individual Autism Spectrum Disorder–related symptomatology in five home visits. VIPP-AUTI, as compared with usual care, demonstrated efficacy in reducing parental intrusiveness. Moreover, parents who received VIPP-AUTI showed increased feelings of self-efficacy in child rearing. No significant group differences were found on other aspects of parent–child interaction or on child play behavior. At 3-months follow-up, intervention effects were found on child-initiated joint attention skills, not mediated by intervention effects on parenting. Implementation of VIPP-AUTI in clinical practice is facilitated by the use of a detailed manual and a relatively brief training of interveners.
Ultrasonic degassing of aluminium alloys: Basic studies and practical implementation
Authors: Eskin D. , Alba-Baena N. , Pabel T. , da Silva M.
Published: June 2014

Ultrasonic processing is known to be an efficient means of aluminium melt degassing and structure modification with additional benefits of being economical and environment friendly. The present paper reports on the kinetics of ultrasonic degassing and regassing of foundry aluminium alloys and on pilot scale degassing trials. Efficiency of ultrasonic degassing is compared with conventional Ar rotary degassing. Direct measurements of hydrogen concentration in the melt by Foseco Alspek-H probe are used along with reduced pressure test. The effects of ultrasonic processing on porosity are studied using three-dimensional X-ray tomography.
Phase 1 study of twice-weekly ixazomib, an oral proteasome inhibitor, in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Richardson Paul G. , Baz Rachid , Wang Michael , Jakubowiak Andrzej J. , Laubach Jacob P. , Harvey R. Donald , Talpaz Moshe , Berg Deborah , Liu Guohui , Yu Jiang , Gupta Neeraj , Di Bacco Alessandra , Hui Ai-Min , Lonial Sagar
Published: June 2014

Key Points

Twice-weekly oral ixazomib appears tolerable, with no severe neuropathy seen to date, in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients. These phase 1 data suggest clinical activity including 76% stable disease or better, with durable responses and sustained disease control.
LFM-based waveform design for cognitive MIMO radar with constrained bandwidth
Authors: Wang Shuangling , He Qian , He Zishu
Published: June 2014

Waveform design is studied for a cognitive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar system faced with a combination of additive Gaussian noise and signal dependent clutter. The linear frequency modulation (LFM) signals are employed as transmitted waveforms. Based on the sensed statistics of the target and clutter-plus-noise, assuming the LFM waveforms transmitted at different transmitters can have different starting frequencies and bandwidths, these waveform parameters are designed to maximize the signal-to-clutter-plus-noise ratio at the receiver of the cognitive MIMO radar system. The constraints of the allowable range of operating frequency and total transmit energy are considered. We show that in the tested examples, the designed waveforms are nonorthogonal which leads to superior performance compared with that of the frequency spread LFM waveforms commonly used in the traditional MIMO radar systems.
Methods and protocol of a mixed method quasi-experiment to evaluate the effects of a structural economic and food security intervention on HIV vulnerability in rural Malawi: The SAGE4Health Study
Authors: Weinhardt Lance S , Galvao Loren W , Mwenyekonde Thokozani , Grande Katarina M , Stevens Patricia , Yan Alice F , Mkandawire-Valhmu Lucy , Masanjala Winford , Kibicho Jennifer , Ngui Emmanuel , Emer Lindsay , Watkins Susan C
Published: June 2014

Background

Poverty and lack of a predictable, stable source of food are two fundamental determinants of ill health, including HIV/AIDS. Conversely, episodes of poor health and death from HIV can disrupt the ability to maintain economic stability in affected households, especially those that rely on subsistence farming. However, little empirical research has examined if, and how, improvements in people’s economic status and food security translate into changes in HIV vulnerability.

Methods

In this paper, we describe in detail the methods and protocol of an academic-NGO collaboration on a quasi-experimental, longitudinal study of the mechanisms and magnitude of the impact of a multilevel economic and food security program (Support to Able-Bodied Vulnerable Groups to Achieve Food Security; SAFE), as implemented by CARE. Primary outcomes include HIV vulnerability (i.e., HIV risk behaviors, HIV infection), economic status (i.e., income, household assets) and food security (including anthropometric measures). We recruited participants from two types of areas of rural central Malawi: traditional authorities (TA) selected by CARE to receive the SAFE program (intervention group) and TAs receiving other unrelated CARE programming (controls). In the intervention TAs, we recruited 598 program participants (398 women, 200 men) and interviewed them at baseline and 18- and 36-month follow-ups; we interviewed 301 control households. In addition, we conducted random surveys (n = 1002) in the intervention and control areas with a 36-month assessment interval, prior to and after implementation of SAFE. Thus, we are examining intervention outcomes both in direct SAFE program participants and their larger communities. We are using multilevel modeling to examine mediators and moderators of the effects of SAFE on HIV outcomes at the individual and community levels and determine the ways in which changes in HIV outcomes feed back into economic outcomes and food security at later interviews. Finally, we are conducting a qualitative end-of-program evaluation consisting of in-depth interviews with 90 SAFE participants.

Discussion

In addition to examining pathways linking structural factors to HIV vulnerability, this research will yield important information for understanding the impact of a multilevel environmental/structural intervention on HIV, with the potential for other sustainable long-term public health benefits.
Acid-sensing ion channel 3 decreases phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and induces synoviocyte cell death by increasing intracellular calcium
Authors: Gong Weiyi , Kolker Sandra J , Usachev Yuriy , Walder Roxanne Y , Boyle David L , Firestein Gary S , Sluka Kathleen A
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) is expressed in synoviocytes, activated by decreases in pH, and reduces inflammation in animal models of inflammatory arthritis. The purpose of the current study was to characterize potential mechanisms underlying the control of inflammation by ASIC3 in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS).

Methods

Experiments were performed in cultured FLS from wild-type (WT) and ASIC3-/- mice, ASIC1-/- mice, and people with rheumatoid arthritis. We assessed the effects of acidic pH with and without interleukin-1β on FLS and the role of ASICs in modulating intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, mitogen activated kinase (MAP kinase) expression, and cell death. [Ca2+]i was assessed by fluorescent calcium imaging, MAP kinases were measured by Western Blots; ASIC, cytokine and protease mRNA expression were measured by quantitative PCR and cell death was measured with a LIVE/DEAD assay.

Results

Acidic pH increased [Ca2+]i and decreased p-ERK expression in WT FLS; these effects were significantly smaller in ASIC3-/- FLS and were prevented by blockade of [Ca2+]i. Blockade of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) prevented the pH-induced decreases in p-ERK. In WT FLS, IL-1β increases ASIC3 mRNA, and when combined with acidic pH enhances [Ca2+]i, p-ERK, IL-6 and metalloprotienase mRNA, and cell death. Inhibitors of [Ca2+]i and ERK prevented cell death induced by pH 6.0 in combination with IL-1β in WT FLS.

Conclusions

Decreased pH activates ASIC3 resulting in increased [Ca2+]i, and decreased p-ERK. Under inflammatory conditions, acidic pH results in enhanced [Ca2+]i and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase that leads to cell death. Thus, activation of ASIC3 on FLS by acidic pH from an inflamed joint could limit synovial proliferation resulting in reduced accumulation of inflammatory mediators and subsequent joint damage.
The effects of near-source heterogeneity on shear-wave evolution
Authors: Sherman Christopher S. , Rector James , Glaser Steven
Published: June 2014

The Born and Rytov approximation, radiative transfer theory, and other related techniques are commonly used to model features of wave propagation through heterogeneous geologic media such as scattering, attenuation, and pulse-broadening. However, due to the underlying assumptions about the scattering direction and the reference Green’s function, these methods overlook important features of the wavefield such as mode conversion and near-field term coupling. These effects are particularly important within the predicted S-wave nodes of a seismic source, so we analyzed the problem of wave propagation beneath a vertical-point force on the surface of a heterogeneous, elastic half space. To do this, we generated a suite of 3D synthetic heterogeneous geologic models using fractal statistics and simulated the wave propagation using the finite-difference method. We derived an estimate for the effective source radiation patterns, and we used these to compare the results of the models. Our numerical results showed that, due to a combination of mode conversion and near-source coupling effects, S-wave energy on the order of 10% of the P-wave energy is generated within the shear-radiation node. In some cases, this S-wave energy may occur as a coherent pulse and may be used to enhance seismic imaging.
Cooperative constrained inversion of multiple electromagnetic data sets
Authors: McMillan Michael S. , Oldenburg Douglas W.
Published: June 2014

We evaluated a method for cooperatively inverting multiple electromagnetic (EM) data sets with bound constraints to produce a consistent 3D resistivity model with improved resolution. Field data from the Antonio gold deposit in Peru and synthetic data were used to demonstrate this technique. We first separately inverted field airborne time-domain EM (AEM), controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT), and direct current resistivity measurements. Each individual inversion recovered a resistor related to gold-hosted silica alteration within a relatively conductive background. The outline of the resistor in each inversion was in reasonable agreement with the mapped extent of known near-surface silica alteration. Variations between resistor recoveries in each 3D inversion model motivated a subsequent cooperative method, in which AEM data were inverted sequentially with a combined CSAMT and DC data set. This cooperative approach was first applied to a synthetic inversion over an Antonio-like simulated resistivity model, and the inversion result was both qualitatively and quantitatively closer to the true synthetic model compared to individual inversions. Using the same cooperative method, field data were inverted to produce a model that defined the target resistor while agreeing with all data sets. To test the benefit of borehole constraints, synthetic boreholes were added to the inversion as upper and lower bounds at locations of existing boreholes. The ensuing cooperative constrained synthetic inversion model had the closest match to the true simulated resistivity distribution. Bound constraints from field boreholes were then calculated by a regression relationship among the total sulfur content, alteration type, and resistivity measurements from rock samples and incorporated into the inversion. The resulting cooperative constrained field inversion model clearly imaged the resistive silica zone, extended the area of interpreted alteration, and also highlighted conductive zones within the resistive region potentially linked to sulfide and gold mineralization.
Exact Simulation for Diffusion Bridges: An Adaptive Approach
Authors: Dai Hongsheng
Published: June 2014

Exact simulation approaches for a class of diffusion bridges have recently been proposed based on rejection sampling techniques. The existing rejection sampling methods may not be practical owing to small acceptance probabilities. In this paper we propose an adaptive approach that improves the existing methods significantly under certain scenarios. The idea of the new method is based on a layered process, which can be simulated from a layered Brownian motion with reweighted layer probabilities. We will show that the new exact simulation method is more efficient than existing methods theoretically and via simulation.
Simulation Analysis of System Life when Component Lives are Determined by a Marked Point Process
Authors: Ross Sheldon M.
Published: June 2014

We consider an r component system having an arbitrary binary monotone structure function. We suppose that shocks occur according to a point process and that, independent of what has already occurred, each new shock is one of r different types, with respective probabilities p1, …, pr. We further suppose that there are given integers n1, …, nr such that component i fails (and remains failed) when there have been a total of ni type-i shocks. Letting L be the time at which the system fails, we are interested in using simulation to estimate E[L], E[L2], and P(L > t). We show how to efficiently accomplish this when the point process is (i) a Poisson, (ii) a renewal, and (iii) a Hawkes process.
Stochastic Modeling for Environmental Stress Screening
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: June 2014

Environmental stress screening (ESS) of manufactured items is used to reduce the occurrence of future failures that are caused by latent defects by eliminating the items with these defects. Some practical descriptions of the relevant ESS procedures can be found in the literature; however, the appropriate stochastic modeling and the corresponding thorough analysis have not been reported. In this paper we develop a stochastic model for the ESS, analyze the effect of this operation on the population characteristics of the screened items, and also consider the relevant optimization issues.
Dirichlet and Quasi-Bernoulli Laws for Perpetuities
Authors: Hitczenko Paweł , Letac Gérard
Published: June 2014

LetX,B, andYbe the Dirichlet, Bernoulli, and beta-independent random variables such thatX~D(a0, …,ad), Pr(B= (0, …, 0, 1, 0, …, 0)) =ai/awitha= ∑i=0dai, andY~ β(1,a). Then, as proved by Sethuraman (1994),X~X(1 -Y) +BY. This gives the stationary distribution of a simple Markov chain on a tetrahedron. In this paper we introduce a new distribution on the tetrahedron called a quasi-Bernoulli distributionBk(a0, …,ad) withkan integer such that the above result holds whenBfollowsBk(a0, …,ad) and whenY~ β(k,a). We extend it even more generally to the case whereXandBare random probabilities such thatXis Dirichlet andBis quasi-Bernoulli. Finally, the case where the integerkis replaced by a positive numbercis considered whena0= · · · =ad= 1.