bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentary
Authors: Mullally Sinead L.
Published: May 2015

Both episodic memory and the key neural structure believed to support it, namely the hippocampus, are believed to undergo protracted periods of postnatal developmental. Critically however, the hippocampus is comprised of distinct subfields and circuits, and these circuits appear to mature at different rates (Lavenex and Banta Lavenex, 2013). Utilising what is currently understood about the functional significance of these circuits, Jabès and Nelson (2015) proposed an elegant neurocognitive model of the ontogeny of human memory that links the emergence of increasingly complex mnemonic processes with the protracted maturation of these discrete circuits. Whilst this approach has the potential to simultaneously drive forward our understanding of the ontogeny of early memory and our understanding of the functional significance of these hippocampal circuits, there is little direct evidence to support these links. In this commentary I discuss how utilising advanced neuroimaging techniques, which are now commonplace in the adult memory literature, could enable the numerous hypotheses presented in this model to be empirically tested.
Memory for complex visual objects but not for allocentric locations during the first year of life
Authors: Dupierrix Eve , Hillairet de Boisferon Anne , Barbeau Emmanuel , Pascalis Olivier
Published: May 2015

Although human infants demonstrate early competence to retain visual information, memory capacities during infancy remain largely undocumented. In three experiments, we used a Visual Paired Comparison (VPC) task to examine abilities to encode identity (Experiment 1) and spatial properties (Experiments 2a and 2b) of unfamiliar complex visual patterns during the first year of life. In the first experiment, 6- and 9-month-old infants were familiarized with visual arrays composed of four abstract patterns arranged in a square configuration. Recognition memory was evaluated by presenting infants with the familiarized array paired with a novel array composed of four new patterns. The second couple of experiments aimed to examine infant ability to encode the spatial relationships between each pattern of the array (e.g., where is A in the square configuration). The 6-, 9- and 12-month-old infants were tested on a spatial version of the VPC task, in which the novel array was composed of the same patterns than the familiarized array but arranged differently within the square configuration. Results indicated that infants retained the identity of the patterns but not their specific spatial relationships within the square configuration (i.e., allocentric location of the patterns), suggesting either an immaturity of the processes involved in object-to-location binding, or the inappropriateness of unfamiliar complex objects to reveal such early allocentric abilities.
Improvement of allocentric spatial memory resolution in children from 2 to 4 years of age
Authors: Lambert Farfalla Ribordy , Lavenex Pierre , Lavenex Pamela Banta
Published: May 2015

Allocentric spatial memory, the memory for locations coded in relation to objects comprising our environment, is a fundamental component of episodic memory and is dependent on the integrity of the hippocampal formation in adulthood. Previous research from different laboratories reported that basic allocentric spatial memory abilities are reliably observed in children after 2 years of age. Based on work performed in monkeys and rats, we had proposed that the functional maturation of direct entorhinal cortex projections to the CA1 field of the hippocampus might underlie the emergence of basic allocentric spatial memory. We also proposed that the protracted development of the dentate gyrus and its projections to the CA3 field of the hippocampus might underlie the development of high-resolution allocentric spatial memory capacities, based on the essential contribution of these structures to the process known as pattern separation. Here, we present an experiment designed to assess the development of spatial pattern separation capacities and its impact on allocentric spatial memory performance in children from 18 to 48 months of age. We found that: (1) allocentric spatial memory performance improved with age, (2) as compared to younger children, a greater number of children older than 36 months advanced to the final stage requiring the highest degree of spatial resolution, and (3) children that failed at different stages exhibited difficulties in discriminating locations that required higher spatial resolution abilities. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that improvements in human spatial memory performance might be linked to improvements in pattern separation capacities.
Raymond Geuss’ radicalization of realism in political theory
Authors: Prinz Janosch
Published: May 2015

Raymond Geuss has been viewed as one of the figureheads of the recent debates about realism in political theory. This interpretation, however, depends on a truncated understanding of his work of the past 30 years. I will offer the first sustained engagement with this work (in English and German) which allows understanding his realism as a project for reorienting political theory, particularly the relationship between political theory and politics. I interpret this reorientation as a radicalization of realism in political theory through the combination of the emphasis on the critical purpose of political theory and the provision of practical, contextual orientation. Their compatibility depends on Geuss’ understanding of criticism as negative, of power as ‘detoxified’ and of the critical purchase of political theory as based on the diagnostic engagement with its context. This radicalization particularly challenges the understanding of how political theory relates to its political context.
Can Personality Explain the Educational Gradient in Divorce? Evidence From a Nationally Representative Panel Survey
Authors: Boertien Diederik , von Scheve Christian , Park Mona
Published: May 2015

The social demographic literature on divorce suggests that the lower educated are more likely to have personality traits that reduce relationship stability. However, few empirical verifications of this proposition exist. To fill this void, we look at the distribution of personality traits across educational groups of married individuals in Britain. Using data from the British Household Panel Survey ( N = 2,665), we first estimated the effects of the “Big Five” personality traits agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience on divorce and subsequently examine their distribution across educational groups. We find that in particular women’s personality traits differ by education. We also observe that personality traits affecting divorce risk are distributed unevenly over educational groups, but they do not favor the higher educated in general. In sum, the data do not support the hypothesis that the lower educated in Britain have personality traits that reduce relationship stability.
A Home-Based Diaphragmatic Breathing Retraining in Rural Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Seo Yaewon , Yates Bernice , LaFramboise Louise , Pozehl Bunny , Norman Joseph F. , Hertzog Melody
Published: May 2015

Dyspnea limits physical activity and functional status in heart failure patients. This feasibility study examined effects of a diaphragmatic breathing retraining (DBR) intervention delivered over 8 weeks with follow-up at 5 months. The intervention group ( n = 18) was trained at baseline and received four telephone calls. An attention control group ( n = 18) received four telephone calls with general health information. Results from linear mixed model analysis with effect sizes (η2) showed dyspnea improved in both groups, with little difference between groups. Compared with attention alone, the intervention increased physical activity (calories expended; η2 = .015) and functional status (η2 = .013) across the 5-month follow-up and increased activity counts at 8 weeks (η2 = .070). This intervention was feasible and demonstrated promising effects on activity and function but not by reducing dyspnea. Patients may have increased physical activity because of instructions to use DBR during activities of daily living. Further exploration of the intervention’s underlying physiological effect is needed.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery for pulmonary sequestration
Authors: Aydoğdu Koray , Sayılır Ebru , İncekara Funda , Fındık Göktürk , Kaya Sadi
Published: May 2015

Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a rare developmental abnormality. Most cases are asymptomatic and found incidentally. The definitive treatment for bronchopulmonary sequestration is surgical excision. An 18-year-old man was admitted to our clinic with longstanding cough, fever, and dense sputum. Chest computed tomography identified cystic bronchiectasis in common areas of the left lower lobe, and parenchymal destruction with air-fluid levels. A left lower lobectomy was performed via a video-thoracoscopic approach.
Supravalvular aortic stenosis after arterial switch operation
Authors: Maeda Takuya , Koide Masaaki , Kunii Yoshifumi , Watanabe Kazumasa , Kanzaki Tomohito , Ohashi Yuko
Published: May 2015

Supravalvular aortic stenosis as a late complication of transposition of the great arteries is very rare, and only a few cases have been reported. We describe the case of a 14-year-old girl who developed supravalvular aortic stenosis as a late complication of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. The narrowed ascending aorta was replaced with a graft. The right pulmonary artery was transected to approach the ascending aorta which adhered severely to the main pulmonary trunk, and we obtained a good operative field.
Spontaneous rib fractures
Authors: Katrancioglu Ozgur , Akkas Yucel , Arslan Sulhattin , Sahin Ekber
Published: May 2015

Background

Other than trauma, rib fracture can occur spontaneously due to a severe cough or sneeze. In this study, patients with spontaneous rib fractures were analyzed according to age, sex, underlying pathology, treatment, and complications.

Methods

Twelve patients who presented between February 2009 and February 2011 with spontaneous rib fracture were reviewed retrospectively. The patients’ data were evaluated according to anamnesis, physical examination, and chest radiographs.

Results

The ages of the patients ranged from 34 to 77 years (mean 55.91 ± 12.20 years), and 7 (58.4%) were male. All patients had severe cough and chest pain. The fractures were most frequently between 4th and 9th ribs; multiple rib fractures were detected in 5 (41.7%) patients. Eight (66.7%) patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 2 (16.7%) had bronchial asthma, and 2 (16.7%) had osteoporosis. Bone densitometry revealed a high risk of bone fracture in all patients. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchial asthma had been treated with high-dose steroids for over a year.

Conclusions

Spontaneous rib fracture due to severe cough may occur in patients with osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or bronchial asthma, receiving long-term steroid therapy. If these patients have severe chest pain, chest radiography should be performed to check for bone lesions.
Producing and Responding to -isms in Interaction
Authors: Whitehead Kevin A. , Stokoe Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

We provide an introduction to some of the conceptual and methodological debates with respect to the focus of this special issue on -isms (a term used to refer to phenomena, e.g., racism, sexism, and heterosexism), focusing on the definition and identification of these phenomena. We offer an overview of the different approaches to research in this regard and conclude by summarizing the contributions to this special issue.
Euroscepticism the Czech way: An analysis of Václav Klaus’ speeches
Authors: Gregor Miloš , Macková Alena
Published: May 2015

Research on political speeches is commonly undertaken in countries where the president has a powerful position, typically in the United States. In the Czech Republic, too, political speeches are an important instrument for influencing public opinion. Meanwhile, few politicians are so known for their fiercely held opinions on the European Union as former President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus; his speeches about the European Union are the subject of this article. Our research is based on quantitative and qualitative content analyses of the speeches posted on the former president’s website ( http://www.klaus.cz ) from 1995 until the end of his presidency in March 2013. Our goal was to identify the changes over time in how he spoke about the European Union, and whether and in what way his positions and vocabulary on the subject evolved.
Confluence of the right internal iliac vein into a compressed left common iliac vein
Authors: Caggiati Alberto , Amore Miguel , Sedati Pietro
Published: May 2015

The authors describe the abnormal confluence of the right internal iliac vein into a left common iliac vein compressed by the overlying right common iliac artery. The prevalence of this combination of abnormalities, evaluated in cadavers and in living subjects by CT, was 0.9%. The possible obstacle to venous pelvic return by these anomalies is pointed out.
Validation of the Lymphoedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (LYMQOL) in Dutch Patients Diagnosed with Lymphoedema of the Lower Limbs
Authors: van de Pas CB , Biemans AAM , Boonen RSM , Viehoff PB , Neumann HAM
Published: May 2015

Background

The Lymphoedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire is a validated disease-specific instrument to measure the impact of lymphoedema on patients’ lives. In this study, we tested its psychometric properties and validated the use of the questionnaire in its Dutch translation.

Methods

We obtained the answers to a standardised questionnaire, including Lymphoedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire and Short-Form (36) Health Survey, twice at an interval of 2 weeks in 60 patients with lower limb lymphoedema. Feasibility was tested on the basis of missing responses and response distribution. Structure was studied using factor analysis. The reliability of the Lymphoedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire was assessed using Crohnbach’s α and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was tested by correlating Lymphoedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire scores with the Short-Form (36) Health Survey scores.

Results

The response rate was 88.2%. One of the 22 items missed >10% of responses; another showed a borderline ceiling effect. Internal consistency was good and test-retest reliability was excellent. The Lymphoedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire correlated well with the physical component of the Short-Form (36) Health Survey and moderately with the mental component, suggesting that its construct validity was good.

Conclusion

The Dutch Lymphoedema Quality-of-Life Questionnaire can be used for health-related quality-of-life research in lower limb lymphoedema patients.
Extraordinary politics of ordinary people: Explaining the microdynamics of popular committees in revolutionary Cairo
Authors: Hassan Hatem M
Published: May 2015

On 28 January 2011 – as police abandoned the streets and reports of theft spread – Egyptians went down to the streets to protect their families and property, closing down intersections and setting up checkpoints. These neighborhood groups – known as popular committees (PCs) – filled the security vacuum and were one of the deciding factors of Mubarak’s downfall. This article explores how ordinary Egyptians collectively acted in order to restore stability during the regime’s moment of crisis. The author briefly introduces Egyptian PCs by discussing other instances of community organizing that occurred under extraordinary circumstances. Next, the author focuses on the microdynamics of PCs during the 2011 revolution by describing their mobilization, social networks, practices, communication methods, and dissolution. The PC narrative reminds us that, even during a revolution, the actions of ordinary individuals are often ignored by scholars and observers. Only after moving our attention away from the main squares do we begin to understand the full complexity of such exceptional moments.
The local economic development processes in low-income countries: The case of the metropolis of Chegutu in Zimbabwe
Authors: Simba Amon , Nyandoro Zivanayi Francis , Munyoro Gerald , Chimhande Douglas
Published: May 2015

Local authorities are widely regarded as catalysts accelerating localised processes of economic development in industrialised countries but in low-income countries they are perceived as dysfunctional, inefficient and ineffective in meeting and addressing societal demands. This perception is not, however, grounded in empirical reality. As such, utilising the case of the metropolis of Chegutu a survey was designed to empirically explicate the economic processes supporting its economic development. The findings are useful to policy-makers, local government authorities and management scholars. The study's unique contribution lies in its examination of the processes of local economic development in a low-income country.
An evaluation of the Umbumbulu Agri-Hub as a model to support small-scale farmers
Authors: Gilmore Peter , Chasomeris Mihalis
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to critically evaluate the Umbumbulu Agri-Hub in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal as a successful model for supporting rural small-scale farmers. The Umbumbulu Agri-Hub, a Rural Agricultural Services and Marketing Hub, was implemented by the eThekwini Municipality on a pilot basis, for three years, with the intention of rolling it out to other parts of the municipality. Data were collected from 49 farmers, from five selected representatives from the hub, from the eThekwini and iLembe Municipalities and from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture. The findings show extensive support for the agricultural extension services offered by the hub, and that the hub has had a positive impact on the farmers as a conduit through which extension services can be provided to small-scale farmers in the rural area of Umbumbulu.
Sub-post offices and high street revitalisation: Lessons from the experience of grant assistance to sub-post offices in deprived urban areas of the UK
Authors: Baldock Robert , North David , Vickers Ian
Published: May 2015

Post offices are essential service providers within deprived urban areas. This paper explores some lessons from the impact of grant assistance to sub-post offices in deprived urban areas of England and Scotland which are relevant to contemporary policy initiatives to revive high streets. Utilising longitudinal data to explore whether government grant assistance has made a difference in enabling the survival and development of assisted sub-post offices, it also considers their role in maintaining and developing shops and services in deprived urban neighbourhoods. The inter-relationship of sub-post offices with their local economies and communities is explored, including external influences such as competition and complementarity and internal influences relating to the evolving role of sub-post offices in the early 21st century. A central theme is the apparent paradox between the UK Government’s desire to maintain sub-post offices as essential service providers and catalysts for other ‘high street’ services within deprived urban areas, whilst opening their core services up to increasing levels of competition.
Creating a Professional Blog
Authors: Fowler Kendra , Thomas Veronica L.
Published: May 2015

This article provides marketing educators with a blogging activity that allows students to add to their marketing expertise as well as enhance their communication skills. Specifically, we propose an activity that incorporates the necessary steps for experiential learning to be achieved. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this activity is examined by individuals who participated in the blog activity as well as individuals who analyzed the blog contributions. The results suggest that participants perceived that this activity was effective in aiding their learning, but differences in learning effectiveness were detected based on participants’ learning style and gender.
Human milk fortifier with high versus standard protein content for promoting growth of preterm infants: A meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Tian-Tian , Dang Dan , Lv Xiao-Ming , Wang Teng-Fei , Du Jin-Feng , Wu Hui
Published: May 2015

Objective

To compare the growth of preterm infants fed standard protein-fortified human milk with that containing human milk fortifier (HMF) with a higher-than-standard protein content.

Methods

Published articles reporting randomized controlled trials and prospective observational intervention studies listed on the PubMed®, Embase®, CINAHL and Cochrane Library databases were searched using the keywords ‘fortifier’, ‘human milk’, ‘breastfeeding’, ‘breast milk’ and ‘human milk fortifier’. The mean difference with 95% confidence intervals was used to compare the effect of HMF with a higher-than-standard protein content on infant growth characteristics.

Results

Five studies with 352 infants with birth weight ≤1750 g and a gestational age ≤34 weeks who were fed human milk were included in this meta-analysis. Infants in the experimental groups given human milk with higher-than-standard protein fortifier achieved significantly greater weight and length at the end of the study, and greater weight gain, length gain, and head circumference gain, compared with control groups fed human milk with the standard HMF.

Conclusions

HMF with a higher-than-standard protein content can improve preterm infant growth compared with standard HMF.
World Small Animal Veterinary Association Renal Pathology Initiative
Authors: Cianciolo R. E. , Mohr F. C. , Aresu L. , Brown C. A. , James C. , Jansen J. H. , Spangler W. L. , van der Lugt J. J. , Kass P. H. , Brovida C. , Cowgill L. D. , Heiene R. , Polzin D. J. , Syme H. , Vaden S. L. , van Dongen A. M. , Lees G. E.
Published: May 2015

Evaluation of canine renal biopsy tissue has generally relied on light microscopic (LM) evaluation of hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections ranging in thickness from 3 to 5 µm. Advanced modalities, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunofluorescence (IF), have been used sporadically or retrospectively. Diagnostic algorithms of glomerular diseases have been extrapolated from the World Health Organization classification scheme for human glomerular disease. With the recent establishment of 2 veterinary nephropathology services that evaluate 3-µm sections with a panel of histochemical stains and routinely perform TEM and IF, a standardized objective species-specific approach for the diagnosis of canine glomerular disease was needed. Eight veterinary pathologists evaluated 114 parameters (lesions) in renal biopsy specimens from 89 dogs. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the data revealed 2 large categories of glomerular disease based on the presence or absence of immune complex deposition: The immune complex–mediated glomerulonephritis (ICGN) category included cases with histologic lesions of membranoproliferative or membranous patterns. The second category included control dogs and dogs with non-ICGN (glomerular amyloidosis or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). Cluster analysis performed on only the LM parameters led to misdiagnosis of 22 of the 89 cases—that is, ICGN cases moved to the non-ICGN branch of the dendrogram or vice versa, thereby emphasizing the importance of advanced diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of canine glomerular disease. Salient LM, TEM, and IF features for each pattern of disease were identified, and a preliminary investigation of related clinicopathologic data was performed.
Benign and Malignant Proliferative Fibro-osseous and Osseous Lesions of the Oral Cavity of Dogs
Authors: Soltero-Rivera M. , Engiles J. B. , Reiter A. M. , Reetz J. , Lewis J. R. , Sánchez M. D.
Published: May 2015

Ossifying fibroma (OF) and fibrous dysplasia (FD) are benign, intraosseous, proliferative fibro-osseous lesions (PFOLs) characterized by replacement of normal bone by a fibrous matrix with various degrees of mineralization and ossification. Osteomas are benign tumors composed of mature, well-differentiated bone. Clinical, imaging, and histologic features of 15 initially diagnosed benign PFOLs and osteomas of the canine oral cavity were evaluated. Final diagnoses after reevaluation were as follows: OF (3 cases), FD (4 cases), low-grade osteosarcoma (LG-OSA) (3 cases), and osteoma (5 cases). Histology alone often did not result in a definitive diagnosis for PFOL. OF appeared as a well-circumscribed, radiopaque mass with some degree of bone lysis on imaging. Most lesions of FD showed soft tissue opacity with bone lysis and ill-defined margins. Low-grade OSA appeared as a lytic lesion with a mixed opacity and ill-defined margins. Osteomas were characterized by a mineralized, expansile, well-circumscribed lesion. Although histologic features of PFOLs were typically bland, the lesions diagnosed as LG-OSA had some features of malignancy (eg, bone invasion or a higher mitotic index). Treatment varied widely. Of the 10 dogs with benign PFOL or osteoma with known outcome (10/12), 9 showed either complete response (6/10) or stable disease (3/10) after treatment. Of the 2 dogs with LG-OSA with known outcome, 1 showed complete response after curative intent surgery, but 1 patient had recurrence after partial maxillectomy. Definitive diagnosis of mandibular/maxillary PFOL is challenging via histopathologic examination alone, and accurate diagnosis is best achieved through assimilation of clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features.
A pilot project of the learning experience of undergraduate occupational therapy students in a three-dimensional virtual environment in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hook Angela D , Bodell Sarah J , Griffiths Lee
Published: May 2015

Introduction

This pilot study explored the learning experience of four undergraduate occupational therapy students within the online virtual environment, Second Life. The study aimed to explore the feasibility of learning how to facilitate occupational performance in a home environment via a virtual platform.

Method

A house was developed within Second Life that simulated simple barriers to occupational performance that may be experienced by a wheelchair user. By means of a virtual human representation of themselves (or ‘avatar’), students were asked to navigate through the house and attempt to remedy any barriers they found. They were observed doing this and substantive notes including descriptions, recorded quotes and summaries of the experience were taken by the first educator/researcher. This was followed by a one-to-one semi-structured interview conducted by the second educator/researcher. All data were transcribed as appropriate, coded and analysed thematically.

Findings

Themes identified include the relationship between the student and the avatar, the student experience of the task, interaction with the Second Life environment and development of new knowledge and understanding. There is potential for learning about barriers to occupational performance in the home via Second Life.

Conclusion

Further research is recommended to evaluate the potential value of teaching and learning about environmental adaptation in a three-dimensional world.
The presence of brain white matter lesions in relation to preeclampsia and migraine
Authors: Postma IR , van Oosterhout WPJ , de Groot JC , Terwindt GM , Zeeman GG
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Identifying female-specific risk markers for cerebrovascular disease is becoming increasingly important. Both migraine and preeclampsia have been associated with higher incidence of brain white matter lesions (WML) and stroke. We assessed the association between WML and migraine among formerly (pre)eclamptic women.

Methods

A total of 118 women (76 formerly (pre)eclamptic and 42 control women) were screened for migraine and WML presence. Independent effects of migraine and (pre)eclampsia on WML were assessed.

Results

Migraine prevalence did not differ between the (pre)eclamptic (26/76; 34%); and control group (10/42; 24%), p = 0.17. Age-adjusted regression analysis failed to show a significant independent effect of migraine (OR 1.14; 95% CI 0.47–2.76; p = 0.77) on WML presence, and showed a non-significant effect of (pre)eclampsia (OR 2.30; 95% CI 0.90–5.83; p = 0.08).

Conclusion

Migraine prevalence was not found to be an independent risk factor for WML prevalence in formerly (pre)eclamptic women. Since this study had a small sample size, larger prospective studies are needed to examine female-specific risk factors for WML and its consequences.
Effect of hygrothermal condition on buckling and post-buckling performance of CCF300/5228A aero composite stiffened panel under axial compression
Authors: Feng Yu , He Yuting , An Tao , Cui Ronghong , Shao Qing , Fan Chaohua
Published: May 2015

CCF300/5228A aero composite stiffened panels achieved absorbing saturation in hygrothermal condition (70℃ distilled water), whose absorbing process followed the Fick law. Many debonding and gaps of matrix to fibers could be observed after hygrothermal exposure by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Compressive experiments were conducted on unaged and aged composite stiffened panels. Failure modes of the two types of specimens are quite similar with several major ways, including the debonding and fracture of stiffeners together with the splitting and ripping of panel. Buckling patterns for both types of specimens are similar and characterized by buckling of panels between stiffeners and buckling of the middle two stiffeners. However, the bending direction of buckling mid-panel for aged specimens is opposite to that of the unaged at same position panel, which shows that hygrothermal condition influences the bending direction of buckling mid-panels seriously. There still exists a post-buckling process for aged specimens under axial compression, whose average buckling load and failure load decrease by 3.1% and 22.2% respectively, comparing to that of unaged specimens.
Mechanical properties of CNT–Bisphenol E cyanate ester-based CFRP nanocomposite developed through VARTM process
Authors: Subba Rao P , Renji K , Bhat MR , Mahapatra D Roy , Narayana Naik G
Published: May 2015

This paper reports on the effect of multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) without and with chemical functionalization on the mechanical properties of Bisphenol E cyanate ester resin (BECy) based carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminated composites. BECy with its low viscosity, low moisture uptake and superior mechanical properties is selected for its application in CFRP laminates through the cost-effective Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM) process. However, unlike CNT–epoxy–CFRP composites, processing and performance issues such as dispersion of CNTs, chemical bonding with resin, functionalization effects, effects on mechanical properties, etc. for BECy–CNT–CFRP composite system are not well reported. The objective of this study is to improve the mechanical properties of BECy resin with small additions of CNTs and functionalized CNTs in CFRP laminates. CNTs and fCNTs are infused into BECy using ultrasonication and standard mixing methods. Improvements in Young’s modulus and strength in tension, compression, shear, flexure and interlaminar shear strength are analysed. It is observed that addition of 0.5 wt% CNTs effected for maximum mechanical properties of the resin and 1 wt% CNTs for the mechanical properties of CNT–CFRP nanocomposite. Further, improvements obtained with fCNTs are marginal. Dispersion behaviour and effect of CNTs/fCNTs in load transfer corroborated with SEM pictures are presented. The enhanced mechanical properties realized in VARTM processing of BECy-CFRP laminate indicate clear advantage of CNT based modification of the process.
Clinician Perspectives on Challenges to Patient Centered Care at the End of Life
Authors: Bardach Shoshana H. , Dunn Edward J. , Stein J. Christopher
Published: May 2015

Discussions regarding patient preferences for resuscitation are often delayed and preferences may be neglected, leading to the receipt of unwanted medical care. To better understand barriers to the expression and realization of patients’ end of life wishes, a preventive ethics team in one Veterans Affairs Medical Center conducted a survey of physicians, nurses, social workers, and respiratory therapists. Surveys were analyzed through qualitative analysis, using sorting methodologies to identify themes. Analysis revealed barriers to patient wishes being identified and followed, including discomfort conducting end-of-life discussions, difficulty locating patients’ preferences in medical records, challenges with expiring do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, and confusion over terminology. Based on these findings, the preventive ethics team proposed new terminology for code status preferences, elimination of the local policy for expiration of DNR orders, and enhanced systems for storing and retrieving patients’ end-of-life preferences. Educational efforts were initiated to facilitate implementation of the proposed changes.
Determinants of Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intent in Home Health Workers
Authors: Jang Yuri , Lee Ahyoung A. , Zadrozny Michelle , Bae Sung-Heui , Kim Miyong T. , Marti Nathan C.
Published: May 2015

Based on the job demands–resources (JD-R) model, this study explored the impact of job demands (physical injury and racial/ethnic discrimination) and resources (self-confidence in job performance and recognition by supervisor/organization/society) on home health workers’ employee outcomes (job satisfaction and turnover intent). Using data from the National Home Health Aide Survey ( N = 3,354), multivariate models of job satisfaction and turnover intent were explored. In both models, the negative impact of demands (physical injury and racial/ethnic discrimination) and the positive impact of resources (self-confidence in job performance and recognition by supervisor and organization) were observed. The overall findings suggest that physical injury and discrimination should be prioritized in prevention and intervention efforts to improve home health workers’ safety and well-being. Attention also needs to be paid to ways to bolster work-related efficacy and to promote an organizational culture of appreciation and respect.
Biocompatibility assessment of spark plasma-sintered alumina-titanium cermets
Authors: Guzman Rodrigo , Fernandez-García Elisa , Gutierrez-Gonzalez Carlos F , Fernandez Adolfo , Lopez-Lacomba Jose Luis , Lopez-Esteban Sonia
Published: May 2015

Alumina-titanium materials (cermets) of enhanced mechanical properties have been lately developed. In this work, physical properties such as electrical conductivity and the crystalline phases in the bulk material are evaluated. As these new cermets manufactured by spark plasma sintering may have potential application for hard tissue replacements, their biocompatibility needs to be evaluated. Thus, this research aims to study the cytocompatibility of a novel alumina-titanium (25 vol. % Ti) cermet compared to its pure counterpart, the spark plasma sintered alumina. The influence of the particular surface properties (chemical composition, roughness and wettability) on the pre-osteoblastic cell response is also analyzed. The material electrical resistance revealed that this cermet may be machined to any shape by electroerosion. The investigated specimens had a slightly undulated topography, with a roughness pattern that had similar morphology in all orientations (isotropic roughness) and a sub-micrometric average roughness. Differences in skewness that implied valley-like structures in the cermet and predominance of peaks in alumina were found. The cermet presented a higher surface hydrophilicity than alumina. Any cytotoxicity risk associated with the new materials or with the innovative manufacturing methodology was rejected. Proliferation and early-differentiation stages of osteoblasts were statistically improved on the composite. Thus, our results suggest that this new multifunctional cermet could improve current alumina-based biomedical devices for applications such as hip joint replacements.
Perspectives on the Etiology of Violence in Later Life
Authors: Mysyuk Yuliya , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Lindenberg Jolanda
Published: May 2015

This article focuses on the development of a conceptual framework for explaining the etiology of violence in later life by various groups involved in the field of elder abuse. In this study, we explore this through eight focus groups with different professionals involved in the field of elder abuse and older persons themselves and in interviews with 35 experts in the field. Our findings show that dependency, vulnerability, power and control, social isolation, stress, and care burden play a central role in their explanations for the occurrence of violence in later life. The role of a history of violence in violence in later life is equivocal. The complexity and ambiguity of dependency and vulnerability, the notion of mutual dependency, and diverse attitudes and expectations toward them that arise with the aging process are distinct features of violence in later life that were found.
Contested Discourses in Multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs)
Authors: Moylan Carrie A. , Lindhorst Taryn , Tajima Emiko A.
Published: May 2015

This qualitative study explored how law enforcement officers, forensic nurses, and rape crisis advocates who are members of coordinated service delivery models such as Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) describe their process of engaging with one another and managing their differences in professional orientation, statutory obligations, and power. Using semi-structured interviews with 24 SART responders including rape crisis center advocates, law enforcement, and medical personnel, we examined the ways that SART members discursively construct one another’s role in the team and how this process points to unresolved tensions that can manifest in conflict. The findings in this study indicate that interdisciplinary power was negotiated through discursive processes of establishing and questioning the relative authority of team members to dictate the work of the team, expertise in terms of knowledge and experience working in the field of rape response, and the credibility of one another as qualified experts who reliably act in victims’ and society’s best interests. Implications of these findings for understanding and preventing the emergence of conflict in SARTs are discussed.
Altered Eating Behaviors in Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Wong Susan P. Y. , Chang Judy C.
Published: May 2015

Little is known about altered eating behaviors that are associated with the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Our aim was to explore the experiences and perspectives of IPV victims regarding their eating behaviors and their attitudes toward and use of food. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 25 IPV victims identified at a domestic violence agency and asked them about their eating behaviors and how, if at all, these behaviors related to their experience of IPV. Qualitative analysis of the transcribed encounters identified themes explicating the relationship between their eating behaviors and experiences of IPV. All women described altered eating behaviors related to IPV that were categorized into several major themes: (a) somatization (victims experience significant somatic symptoms as a result of abuse); (b) avoiding abuse (victims modify their eating behaviors to avoid abuse); (c) coping (victims use food to handle the psychological effects of abuse); (d) self-harm (victims use food to hurt themselves as a reaction to the abuse); and (e) challenging abusive partners (victims use their eating behaviors to retaliate against their abusers). IPV can provoke altered eating behaviors in victims that may be harmful, comforting, or a source of strength in their abusive relationships. Understanding the complex relationship between IPV and victims’ altered eating behaviors is important in promoting healthy eating among victims.
Gender Norms in Portuguese College Students’ Judgments in Familial Homicides
Authors: Saavedra Luísa , Cameira Miguel , Rebelo Ana Sofia , Sebastião Cátia
Published: May 2015

The gender of the offender has been proved to be an important factor in judicial sentencing. In this study, we analyze the judgments of College students regarding perpetrators of familial homicides to evaluate the presence of these gender norms and biases in the larger society. The sample included 303 college students (54.8% female) enrolled in several social sciences and engineering courses. Participants were asked to read 12 vignettes based on real crimes taken from Portuguese newspapers. Half were related to infanticide, and half were related to intimate partner homicide. The sex of the offender was orthogonally manipulated to the type of crime. The results show that gender had an important impact on sentences, with males being more harshly penalized by reasons of perversity and women less penalized by reason of mental disorders. In addition, filicide was more heavily penalized than was intimate partner homicide. The results also revealed a tendency toward a retributive conception of punishment. We discuss how gender norms in justice seem to be embedded in society as well as the need for intervention against the punitive tendency of this population.
The Disproportionate Minority Contact Mandate
Authors: Donnelly Ellen A.
Published: May 2015

The Disproportionate Minority Confinement, and later Contact (DMC), mandate was developed by Congress to reduce minority overrepresention in the U.S. juvenile justice system. Presently, this federal provision compels states to decrease the disproportionate number of minorities handled at all of their juvenile processing stages. The DMC mandate has recently captured political attention due to its compulsory status and system-wide focus, but its impacts on the treatment of minority youth are less clear. This study uses original juvenile processing data from Pennsylvania to evaluate whether the DMC mandate has diminished the size of processed minority youth populations. Empirical assessments demonstrate the DMC mandate has successfully generated substantial declines in minority processing throughout the state’s juvenile justice system. The results highlight the potential of a national reform to remedy racial inequalities in juvenile justice.
Breastfeeding Patterns in Preterm Infants Born at 28-33 Gestational Weeks
Authors: Oras Paola , Blomqvist Ylva Thernström , Nyqvist Kerstin Hedberg , Gradin Maria , Rubertsson Christine , Hellström-Westas Lena , Funkquist Eva-Lotta
Published: May 2015

Background:

Studies of breastfeeding patterns during preterm infants’ first year of life are scarce but are important for providing breastfeeding mothers of preterm infants with optimal support.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe breastfeeding patterns in preterm infants up to 1 year of corrected age.

Methods:

As part of a larger study on kangaroo mother care in Sweden, a 24-hour breastfeeding diary was sent home after discharge from hospital, and at 2, 6, and 12 months of the infant’s corrected age. Eighty-three mothers responded to the follow-up questionnaires, and the number of respondents to the breastfeeding diary was 48 at discharge, 43 at 2 months, 22 at 6 months, and 8 at 12 months. Infants were born at a median (range) gestational age of 32 (28-33) weeks. Breastfeeding patterns were analyzed according to durations, frequencies per 24 hours, and intervals between sessions.

Results:

In exclusively breastfed infants, the median (range) breastfeeding session frequency was 14 (8-26) times per 24 hours including 4 (1-9) times per night after discharge (n = 24) and 10 (6-25) times per 24 hours including 2 (0-5) times per night at 2 months (n = 23). In partially breastfed infants, the median (range) frequency was 5 (1-14) times per 24 hours including 2 (0-4) times per night at 6 months (n = 20) and 5.5 (1-12) times per 24 hours including 2 (0-3) times per night at 12 months (n = 8).

Conclusion:

Mothers reported large variations in breastfeeding patterns, with higher median breastfeeding session frequencies than previously described in term infants in affluent settings.
State failure, governance failure and policy failure: Exploring the linkages
Authors: Peters B Guy
Published: May 2015

There is some tendency to lump together policy failures arising from different sources and having different fundamental characteristics. This is a problem conceptually, as well as for building effective theory about policy failure, but it can also be a practical difficulty for policymakers if they fail to differentiate these various possible roots of failure. This paper explores the linkages among these types of failure within the public sector.
The evolution of structure and properties for copolyamide fibers–containing benzimidazole units during the decomplexation of hydrogen chloride
Authors: Li Ke , Luo Longbo , Huang Jieyang , Ma Xuhui , Wang Huina , Feng Yan , Liu Xiangyang
Published: May 2015

A diamine monomer 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-aminobenzimidazole (PABZ) was introduced to modify poly( p-phenylene terephthalamide) by copolymerization, and corresponding aromatic copolyamide fibers were prepared by wet spinning. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the benzimidazole units of the as-spun copolyamide fibers can complex with hydrogen chloride (HCl) to form protonated benzimidazole units, and the decomplexation takes place above 280°C. It is interesting that the crystal orientation, crystallite size, and tensile strength increase significantly during the decomplexation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved that the decomplexation leads to the release of the electron donor C=N, which can form hydrogen bonding with NH in the PABZ unit. After removing HCl, the copolyamide fibers exhibit better planarity and stronger π–π conjugation between benzimidazole and benzene rings, which is conducive to the formation of π–π stacking. Thus, we suggest that the newly formed hydrogen bonding and the enhanced π–π stacking induce the closely packing and spontaneous orientation of the macromolecular chains, which lead to the sharp improvement of the tensile strength.
Enhanced high-open circuit voltage in fluorinated benzoselenadiazole-based polymer solar cells
Authors: Wang She-Yu , Liu Zhi-Yang , Ai Ling , Islam Amjad , Peng Rui-Xiang , Zhang Jian-Feng , Ge Zi-Yi
Published: May 2015

Three new donor–acceptor copolymers (PCDTBSe, PCDTFBSe, and PCDTDFBSe) were designed and synthesized with 2,7-carbazole as the donor (D) unit and benzoselenadiazole (BSe), monofluoro-benzoselenadiazole, and difluoro-benzoselenadiazole as the acceptor (A) units, respectively. The structure–property relationship of these polymers was elucidated in bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells. All the polymers were fully characterized and exhibited good thermal stability and broad absorption. The highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) of the PCDTBSe (−5.29 eV), PCDTFBSe (−5.32 eV), and PCDTDFBSe (−5.35 eV) were decreased by incorporating fluorine atoms on the polymer backbone. The low-lying HOMO energy level suggested that the polymers would exhibit high open circuit voltage ( VOC) when blended with fullerene as the electron acceptor. Solar cell based on PCDTFBSe displayed a power conversion efficiency of 1.09% with a short-circuit current density ( JSC) of 4.29 mA cm−2, a VOC of 0.78 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 32.51%, under the illumination of AM1.5G, 100 mW cm−2.