bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyranometer Thermal Offset: Measurement and Analysis
Authors: Sanchez G. , Serrano A. , Cancillo M. L. , Garcia J. A.
Published: October 2014

The reliable estimation of the radiative forcing and trends in radiation requires very accurate measurements of global and diffuse solar irradiance at the earth’s surface. To improve measurement accuracy, error sources such as the pyranometer thermal offset should be thoroughly evaluated. This study focuses on the measurement and analysis of this effect in a widely used type of pyranometer. For this aim, a methodology based on capping the pyranometer has been used and different criteria for determining the thermal offset have been applied and compared. The thermal offset of unventilated pyranometers for global and diffuse irradiance has been measured under a wide range of cloud, ambient temperature, wind speed, and radiation conditions. Significant differences in absolute values and variability have been observed between daytime and nighttime, advising against correcting the thermal offset effect based only on nighttime values. Notable differences in the thermal offset between cloudy and cloud-free conditions have been also observed. The main results show that the ambient temperature, the radiation, and its direct/diffuse partitioning are the variables more related to the daytime thermal offset.
Multiscale Interactions in an Idealized Walker Cell: Simulations with Sparse Space–Time Superparameterization
Authors: Slawinska Joanna , Pauluis Olivier , Majda Andrew J. , Grabowski Wojciech W.
Published: October 2014

This paper discusses the sparse space–time superparameterization (SSTSP) algorithm and evaluates its ability to represent interactions between moist convection and the large-scale circulation in the context of a Walker cell flow over a planetary scale two-dimensional domain. The SSTSP represents convective motions in each column of the large-scale model by embedding a cloud-resolving model, and relies on a sparse sampling in both space and time to reduce computational cost of explicit simulation of convective processes. Simulations are performed varying the spatial compression and/or temporal acceleration, and results are compared to the cloud-resolving simulation reported previously. The algorithm is able to reproduce a broad range of circulation features for all temporal accelerations and spatial compressions, but significant biases are identified. Precipitation tends to be too intense and too localized over warm waters when compared to the cloud-resolving simulations. It is argued that this is because coherent propagation of organized convective systems from one large-scale model column to another is difficult when superparameterization is used, as noted in previous studies. The Walker cell in all simulations exhibits low-frequency variability on a time scale of about 20 days, characterized by four distinctive stages: suppressed, intensification, active, and weakening. The SSTSP algorithm captures spatial structure and temporal evolution of the variability. This reinforces the confidence that SSTSP preserves fundamental interactions between convection and the large-scale flow, and offers a computationally efficient alternative to traditional convective parameterizations.
Extreme Convection of the Near-Equatorial Americas, Africa, and Adjoining Oceans as seen by TRMM
Authors: Zuluaga Manuel D. , Houze Robert A.
Published: October 2014

This study documents the preferred location and diurnal cycle of extreme convective storms that occur in the tropical band containing the east Pacific Ocean, Central and South America, the Atlantic Ocean, and northern Africa. Data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar show three types of convective-stratiform structures that constitute extreme convective events: deep convective cores (DCCs), wide convective cores (WCCs), and broad stratiform regions (BSRs). Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data show the associated synoptic environmental factors associated with the occurrence of extreme convective features. The DCC, WCC, and BSR echoes are associated with early, middle, and late stages of convective system development, respectively, and the statistics and timing of their occurrence are related to topography and life cycle behavior of the convection. Storms containing DCC occur primarily over the Sudanian savannas of Africa and near the mountains in northern South America, being diurnally controlled. Storms with WCC manifest over land, in the same regions as the DCC, but also over oceanic regions. They appear around the clock but with maximum frequency at night. They are favored in regions of midlevel synoptic-scale low pressure systems, which over the sub-Sahara are the troughs of easterly waves. Storms containing BSR maximize over oceanic regions west of Africa and South America, where they exhibit a weak diurnal cycle with a slight midmorning maximum. Off the west coast of South America, the storms with WCC and BSR have longer lifetimes enhanced by orographic lifting over the Andes. The storms with BSR in the east Pacific Ocean often develop into tropical cyclones.
Medical Adaptation to Academic Pressure
Authors: King Marissa D. , Jennings Jennifer , Fletcher Jason M.
Published: October 2014

Despite the rise of medical interventions to address behavioral issues in childhood, the social determinants of their use remain poorly understood. By analyzing a dataset that includes the majority of prescriptions written for stimulants in the United States, we find a substantial effect of schooling on stimulant use. In middle and high school, adolescents are roughly 30 percent more likely to have a stimulant prescription filled during the school year than during the summer. Socioeconomically advantaged children are more likely than their less advantaged peers to selectively use stimulants only during the academic year. These differences persist when we compare higher and lower socioeconomic status children seeing the same doctors. We link these responses to academic pressure by exploiting variation between states in educational accountability system stringency. We find the largest differences in school year versus summer stimulant use in states with more accountability pressure. School-based selective stimulant use is most common among economically advantaged children living in states with strict accountability policies. Our study uncovers a new pathway through which medical interventions may act as a resource for higher socioeconomic status families to transmit educational advantages to their children, either intentionally or unwittingly.
A Comparative Study of Cricotracheal Resection and Staged Laryngotracheoplasty for Adult Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Ching Harry H. , Mendelsohn Abie H. , Liu Isabelle Y. , Long Jennifer , Chhetri Dinesh K. , Berke Gerald S.
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Cricotracheal resection (CTR) and laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) are open surgical treatments for severe subglottic stenosis. This study aims to compare the applications and outcomes of these techniques.

Method:

Patients with subglottic stenosis at a tertiary academic institution from 2000 to 2012 were identified by diagnosis codes. Patients who underwent LTP or CTR were included. Records were reviewed for treatment data and outcomes. Patients with a history of head and neck malignancy or stenosis without cricoid involvement were excluded.

Result:

Sixty-one and 20 patients underwent LTP and CTR, respectively. When comparing patients receiving LTP and CTR, there was a significant difference in stenosis etiology ( P = .014). The groups were similar in Cotton-Myer grade ( P = .102). At last follow-up, 80.3% of LTP patients and 90.0% of CTR patients were decannulated. On multivariate analysis, there was a significant association between stenosis grade and decannulation in the LTP group ( P = .01). Decannulation was not associated with stenosis grade in the CTR group. In both groups, there was no significant association between decannulation and sex, stenosis etiology, or stenosis length.

Conclusion:

Cricotracheal resection and LTP have both shown excellent long-term decannulation rates. Etiology and stenosis grade are likely to be determining factors when recommending specific surgical interventions for subglottic stenosis.
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 Production and Eosinophil Infiltration in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
Authors: Perić Aleksandar , Baletić Nenad , Sotirović Jelena , Špadijer-Mirković Cveta
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Eosinophil recruitment to the nasal mucosa involves a number of chemokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate nasal secretion levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) and MIP-1β and to correlate these levels with clinical characteristics and degree of eosinophilia in nonallergic and allergic patients with nasal polyposis (NP).

Methods:

Fourteen nonatopic and 14 atopic patients with NP were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Fourteen healthy subjects were included as controls. The concentrations of MIP-1α and MIP-1β in nasal secretions were measured by flow cytometry. Eosinophil counts were performed by cytological examination of the scraped nasal mucosa. We scored each of the 28 patients according to the nasal symptom score, endoscopic score, and computed tomography (CT) score.

Results:

We found significantly higher concentrations of MIP-1α in nasal fluid of nonallergic and allergic NP patients compared to control subjects. In nonallergic patients, we found positive correlations between MIP-1α levels and endoscopic score, CT score, and the percentage of eosinophils.

Conclusion:

MIP-1α may play a role in eosinophil recruitment in NP. Our results suggest that the measurement of MIP-1α in nasal secretions could be useful in evaluating the degree of eosinophil inflammation and severity of disease in nonallergic patients.
Societal Change and Values in Arab Communities in Israel
Authors: Weinstock Michael , Ganayiem Maysam , Igbaryia Rana , Manago Adriana M. , Greenfield Patricia M.
Published: October 2014

This study tested and extended Greenfield’s theory of social change and human development to adolescent development in Arab communities in Israel undergoing rapid social change. The theory views sociodemographic changes—such as contact with an ethnically diverse urban setting and spread of technology—as driving changes in cultural values. In one research design, we compared three generations, high school girls, their mothers, and their grandmothers, in their responses to value-assessment scenarios. In a second research design, we compared girls going to high school in an ethnically diverse city with girls going to school in a village. As predicted by the theory, a t test and ANOVA revealed that both urban life and membership in the youngest generation were significantly related to more individualistic and gender-egalitarian values. Regression analysis and a bootstrapping mediation analysis showed that the mechanism of change in both cases was possession of mobile technologies.
An Urban School Leader’s Approach to School Improvement
Authors: Reed Latish C. , Swaminathan Raji
Published: October 2014

This case study examines the leadership practices and actions of an urban high school principal who faced many challenges, but worked diligently to improve student achievement and school climate over a 3-year period. Significant improvements were made by using elements of Distributed Leadership, Professional Learning Communities, and Social Justice Leadership. The authors suggest that contextually responsive leadership practices rather than one best practice present better solutions to the complexity in urban school leadership.
Explaining Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Use of High-Volume Hospitals
Authors: Kronebusch Karl , Gray Bradford H. , Schlesinger Mark
Published: October 2014

Racial/ethnic minorities are less likely to use higher-quality hospitals than whites. We propose that a higher level of information-related complexity in their local hospital environments compounds the effects of discrimination and more limited access to services, contributing to racial/ethnic disparities in hospital use. While minorities live closer than whites to high-volume hospitals, minorities also face greater choice complexity and live in neighborhoods with lower levels of medical experience. Our empirical results reveal that it is generally the overall context associated with proximity, choice complexity, and local experience, rather than differential sensitivity to these factors, that provides a partial explanation of the disparity gap in high-volume hospital use.
Complications of ERCP for choledocholithiasis in a sickle cell cohort
Authors: Cawich Shamir O , Arthurs Milton , Murphy Trevor , Bonadie Kimon O , Roberts Hugh A , Naraynsingh Vijay
Published: October 2014

Background

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) demand special attention during clinical interventions because they are predisposed to acute chest syndrome (ACS), vaso-occlusive crises, intra-vascular haemolysis and immune paresis. Although SCD is endemic in the Caribbean, there has been no report on endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) outcomes in these patients from this region.

Study

The records of patients with SCD who underwent ERCP between 1 January 2005 and 1 June 2010 were analysed retrospectively. Parameters assessed included patient demographics, procedural details, ERCP-related and SCD-related morbidity. Data were analysed using SPSS version 12.0.

Results

Fifty-four patients with SCD were subjected to ERCP during the study period. There were 37 women and 17 men at a mean age of 28 years (SD +/−12.05). There was 29% (16) overall morbidity, with 10 (18.5%) SCD-related complications and six (11.1%) ERCP-specific complications. More common complications were: pancreatitis (9.3%); cholangitis (1.9%); ACS (9.3%); pneumonia (3.7%); and painful crises (5.6%). There was one death (1.9%) due to multiple organ failure secondary to severe pancreatitis.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the SCD cohort requires special perioperative attention to minimise the inordinately high morbidity, many of which are SCD-related. We propose a perioperative management protocol that may minimise morbidity in these patients.
Managerial Discretion
Authors: Wangrow David B. , Schepker Donald J. , Barker Vincent L.
Published: October 2014

Scholars have long been interested in when and to what degree managers are able to exert control over their organizations. In this review, we examine managerial discretion, or the latitude of action available to managers. Since its introduction, scholars have attempted to explain when managers will have discretion, what discretion means for organizational outcomes, and how discretion may differentially influence organizational outcomes when it enables or constrains leaders. Our review indicates that while a significant number of studies have examined discretion, few have attempted to validate the prescriptions of the managerial discretion construct. Furthermore, studies to date have primarily focused on the industry task environment as a measure of discretion, with less attention focused on the manager’s characteristics and the internal organization. We then assess construct validity and the measurement of managerial discretion, offering recommendations to future researchers for improving the operationalization of this construct. Finally, we consider how discretion forces may interact as either complements or substitutes and how such interactions may have both organizational- and individual-level consequences.
Cataractogenic potential of quetiapine versus risperidone in the long-term treatment of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: A randomized, open-label, ophthalmologist-masked, flexible-dose, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Laties Alan M , Flach Allan J , Baldycheva Irina , Rak Ihor , Earley Willie , Pathak Sanjeev
Published: October 2014

Clinical observations indicate no cataractogenic potential for quetiapine, in contrast to studies in laboratory animals. This randomized, non-inferiority study compared changes in lens opacity during long-term treatment with quetiapine versus risperidone. Patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participated in the 2-year, randomized, multicentre, open-label, ophthalmologist-masked, flexible-dose, parallel-group study. Two ophthalmologists examined each patient 6-monthly for presence of nuclear opalescence (N) and cortical (C) or posterior subcapsular opacification (P), according to the lens opacities classification system II. 1098 patients were randomized to treatment. Mean doses were 386.3 mg/day quetiapine and 3.2 mg/day risperidone. Estimated absolute risk differences in cataractogenic events for quetiapine versus risperidone over 2 years were −0.035 (C), −0.012 (N) and −0.017 (P), with upper margins of confidence intervals within the non-inferiority margin of 10%. In post hoc analysis, risk of any lens opacification event was significantly lower for quetiapine than risperidone (6 and 16 events, respectively; risk difference: −0.058; P = 0.035). Efficacy and other safety assessments were in agreement with known profiles of these medications. Quetiapine was non-inferior to risperidone for changes in lens opacity grade in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, indicating that quetiapine does not have clinically significant cataractogenic potential during long-term treatment.
Recent genetic findings in schizophrenia and their therapeutic relevance
Authors: Harrison Paul J
Published: October 2014

Over 100 loci are now associated with schizophrenia risk as identified by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genome-wide association studies. These findings mean that ‘genes for schizophrenia’ have unquestionably been found. However, many questions remain unanswered, including several which affect their therapeutic significance. The SNPs individually have minor effects, and even cumulatively explain only a modest fraction of the genetic predisposition. The remainder likely results from many more loci, from rare variants, and from gene–gene and gene–environment interactions. The risk SNPs are almost all non-coding, meaning that their biological significance is unclear; probably their effects are mediated via an influence on gene regulation, and emerging evidence suggests that some key molecular events occur during early brain development. The loci include novel genes of unknown function as well as genes and pathways previously implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, e.g. NMDA receptor signalling. Genes in the latter category have the clearer therapeutic potential, although even this will be a challenging process because of the many complexities concerning the genetic architecture and mediating mechanisms. This review summarises recent schizophrenia genetic findings and some key issues they raise, particularly with regard to their implications for identifying and validating novel drug targets.
Interaction between μ-opioid and 5-HT1A receptors in the regulation of panic-related defensive responses in the rat dorsal periaqueductal grey
Authors: Rangel Marcel P , Zangrossi Hélio , Roncon Camila M , Graeff Frederico G , Audi Elisabeth A
Published: October 2014

A wealth of evidence indicates that the activation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in the dorsal periaqueductal grey matter (dPAG) inhibits escape, a panic-related defensive behaviour. Results that were previously obtained with the elevated T-maze test of anxiety/panic suggest that 5-HT1A and μ-opioid receptors in this midbrain area work together to regulate this response. To investigate the generality of this finding, we assessed whether the same cooperative mechanism is engaged when escape is evoked by a different aversive stimulus electrical stimulation of the dPAG. Administration of the μ-receptor blocker CTOP into the dPAG did not change the escape threshold, but microinjection of the μ-receptor agonist DAMGO (0.3 and 0.5 nmol) or the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OHDPAT (1.6 nmol) increased this index, indicating a panicolytic-like effect. Pretreatment with CTOP antagonised the anti-escape effect of 8-OHDPAT. Additionally, combined administration of subeffective doses of DAMGO and 8-OHDPAT increased the escape threshold, indicating drug synergism. Therefore, regardless of the aversive nature of the stimulus, μ-opioid and 5-HT1A receptors cooperatively act to regulate escape behaviour. A better comprehension of this mechanism might allow for new therapeutic strategies for panic disorder.
Effects of Knee Flexion Angle and Loading Conditions on the End-to-End Distance of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Wang Joon Ho , Kato Yuki , Ingham Sheila J.M. , Maeyama Akira , Linde-Rosen Monica , Smolinski Patrick , Fu Freddie H. , Harner Christopher
Published: October 2014

Background:

It is commonly accepted that the anterolateral (AL) bundle of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is tight in flexion and that the posteromedial (PM) bundle is tight in extension. However, a recent in vivo study showed that both bundles were tight in extension.

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of knee flexion angle, rotational torque, and anterior/posterior translational force on the end-to-end distance between the femoral and tibial insertion sites of each bundle of the PCL.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Cadaveric knees (10 specimens) were mounted on a robotic system, and the relative positional data between the femur and tibia were acquired during passive flexion/extension, with an applied 5-N·m rotational torque and an applied 89-N translational force. The bony surface and PCL insertion data were acquired with a 3-dimensional scanner after gross dissection and were superimposed onto the positional data. The end-to-end distance between the 2 PCL insertion sites of the femur and tibia was measured.

Results:

The end-to-end distance increased from full extension to 90° for both the AL (9.2 ± 1.8 mm; from 30.0 to 39.2 mm) and PM bundles (5.8 ± 2.2 mm; from 32.0 to 37.7 mm). With an internal rotational torque, the end-to-end distance of the PM bundle increased significantly ( P < .05) at 0°, 30°, and 60° of knee flexion. Under a posterior translational force at 90° of knee flexion, the length of both bundles increased to their longest measurements (AM bundle: 40.6 ± 4.2 mm; PM bundle: 38.4 ± 3.8 mm).

Conclusion:

The end-to-end distance of the AL and PM bundles of the PCL increased in flexion, and this pattern was maintained during tests with posterior translational force. The PM bundle was more affected by the rotational torque than was the AL bundle.

Clinical Relevance:

Both bundles of the PCL may serve a greater functional role in flexion than in extension. The PM bundle might be more important for the control of rotation than the AL bundle. Posterior translation at 90° of knee flexion could be the most stressful condition for both bundles of the PCL, which may have implications for an injury mechanism.
How Does Supervisor Support and Diversity Management Affect Employee Participation in Work/Family Policies?
Authors: Kim Taehee , Mullins Lauren Bock
Published: October 2014

The federal government, among other employers, has been providing various work/family programs and numerous studies have tried to uncover whether those programs are effective in terms of job-related attitudes and also their disparate effect on various demographic groups. However, when it comes to the actual effectiveness of those programs, empirical results are mixed, and some studies have found that those programs remain less utilized or underutilized. The availability of work/family policies does not necessarily result in perceived accessibility or even actual use by employees. Why is there a gap between work/family benefits availability and actual use by employees? This article investigates this question by studying organizational factors using perceived organizational support theory as a framework. Using the 2011 Federal Human Capital Survey, this article examines the effects of supervisor’s support for employees’ work–life balance and diversity management on employees’ use of work/family programs. This article suggests that supervisors’ support for employees’ work–life balance and diversity management are often overlooked factors that may provide possible reasons for those variances. This study finds preliminary evidence to support the hypotheses that public employees are more likely to participate in work/family programs when there is supervisor’s support for employees’ work–life balance and especially when effective diversity management is interacted with supervisor’s support. The findings of this study can contribute to public managers’ understanding about the necessary organizational antecedents to accommodate the work–life balance of a diverse workforce.
Abusive Head Trauma
Authors: Narang Sandeep , Clarke Jennifer
Published: October 2014

Abusive head trauma has a robust and interesting scientific history. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed a change in terminology to a term that is more general in describing the vast array of abusive mechanisms that can result in pediatric head injury. Simply defined, abusive head trauma is “child physical abuse that results in injury to the head or brain.” Abusive head trauma is a relatively common cause of childhood neurotrauma, with an estimated incidence of 16 to 33 cases per 100 000 children per year in the first 2 years of life. Clinical findings are variable; AHT should be considered in all children with neurologic signs and symptoms, especially if no or only mild trauma is described. Subdural and retinal hemorrhages are the most common findings. The current best evidence-based literature has identified some features—apnea and severe retinal hemorrhages—that reliably discriminate abusive from accidental injury. Longitudinal studies of outcomes in abusive head trauma patients demonstrate that approximately one-third of the children are severely disabled, one third of them are moderately disabled, and one third have no or only mild symptoms. Abusive head trauma cases are complex cases that require a rigorous, multidisciplinary team approach. The clinician can establish this diagnosis with confidence if he/she maintains a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis, has knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of abusive head trauma, and reasonably excludes other etiologies on the differential diagnosis.
Endovascular Treatment for Fusiform Dilation of Internal Carotid Artery Following Craniopharyngioma Resection
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Chaohua , Xu Jianguo , You Chao
Published: October 2014

Fusiform dilation of the internal carotid artery complicates aggressive craniopharyngioma resection and occurs mainly in children. We report a case to describe the availability of endovascular treatment for this rare entity. A 13-year-old boy presented with headache for 2 years after resection of craniopharyngioma. A fusiform dilation of the right carotid artery was found and was coiled using stent-assisted technique. Follow-up showed satisfactory outcome and disappearance of headache. To our knowledge, this is the first report regarding endovascular treatment for fusiform dilation of the internal carotid artery after craniopharyngioma resection. Stent-assisted coiling is a useful approach for fusiform dilation of the internal carotid artery following craniopharyngioma surgery.
Neuronal differentiation of human placenta–derived multi-potent stem cells enhanced by cell body oscillation on gelatin hydrogel
Authors: Li Chuan , Liu Isaac K-K , Tsao CY , Chan Vincent
Published: October 2014

Gelatin is a biocompatible material commonly employed in biomaterial design and tissue engineering. However, there is currently a lack of research into the development of gelatin hydrogels for facilitating specific lineage development of stem cells. In this study, the neuronal differentiation of human placenta–derived multi-potent (stem) cells was systematically optimized through the engineering of the gelatin hydrogel properties. The swelling ratio of Type A or Type B gelatin hydrogel changes during hydrogel formation in the gelatin concentration ranges from 16 to 6 wt%. In general, placenta-derived multi-potent (stem) cells effectively adhere on both, acidic and basic gelatin hydrogels with different swelling ratios as shown by the high attachment ratio of around 80%. Interestingly, adhered placenta-derived multi-potent (stem) cells had significant cell body oscillations on either 6 or 10 wt% gelatin hydrogels during the first 3 h of cell seeding. For placenta-derived multi-potent (stem) cells pre-cultured on 6 and 10 wt% gelatin hydrogel for either 2 or 12 h and subjected to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine to induce neuronal differentiation, the periodic contraction and extension of placenta-derived multi-potent (stem) cells pre-cultured for 2 h successfully directed the cells into neuron-like lineages. In contrast, the lack of cell body oscillation restrained the placenta-derived multi-potent (stem) cells pre-cultured for 12 h from differentiating into neuronal cells on the same gelatin hydrogels in response to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine stimulation. Overall, the possibility of engineering the properties of gelatin hydrogel to trigger stem cell development into a neuronal lineage through cell body oscillations was clearly demonstrated.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 released from polycaprolactone/chitosan hybrid membrane to promote angiogenesis in vivo
Authors: Zhang Ju , Li Guoping , Gao Shan , Yao Yao , Pang Liyun , Li Yuejie , Wang Weiwei , Zhao Qiang , Kong Deling , Li Chen
Published: October 2014

We have fabricated a hybrid membrane composed of polycaprolactone and a natural polysaccharide, chitosan. The incorporation of chitosan enabled heparinization of the material via electrostatic interaction between heparin and chitosan. More importantly, since multiple cytokines have exhibited binding affinity towards heparin, heparinization of the polycaprolactone/chitosan compound also facilitated immobilization of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, which is a well-reported pro-angiogenic chemokine. Results demonstrated that the heparinized polycaprolactone/chitosan membrane with monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 immobilization was able to release monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in a controlled and sustained manner. Bioactivity of the released monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was uncompromised as shown by a chemotaxis chamber assay using isolated rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Enhanced local angiogenesis was subsequently observed in vivo after subcutaneous implantation of the heparinized polycaprolactone/chitosan membrane with monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-releasing property and the mechanisms underlying the angiogenic role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were also investigated. We propose that the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-induced local capillary formation is attributable to increased recruitment of macrophages, particularly the alternatively activated M2 macrophages, which have been implicated in wound healing. Moreover, a direct effect of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 on angiogenesis was also observed, mainly via monocyte chemoattractant protein-1-stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression and activity. In summary, we report here a feasible way to fabricate a polycaprolactone/chitosan hybrid material that could be functionalized with angiogenic signalling agents, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Implantation of this material promoted angiogenesis and may therefore be developed into scaffold or dressing materials in treating local ischemia injuries or cutaneous wound.
Comparison of Abuse Experiences of Rural and Urban African American Women During Perinatal Period
Authors: Bhandari Shreya , Bullock Linda F. C. , Richardson Jeanita W. , Kimeto Pamela , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Sharps Phyllis W.
Published: October 2014

A subsample of 12 African American women (6 urban and 6 rural) were selected from a larger longitudinal, randomized control trial, Domestic Violence Enhanced Home Visitation (DOVE-R01 900903 National Institute of Nursing Research [NINR]/National Institutes of Health [NIH]). All African American women were chosen to control for any racial- and/or race-related cultural differences that may exist among women across geographical areas. The experiences of abuse during the perinatal period are drawn from in-depth interviews conducted at five points in time during pregnancy and the post-partum period. The analysis describes three major themes that highlight the similarities and differences among rural and urban women. The main themes found were (1) types of abuse, (2) location of abuse, and (3) response to abuse. In addition, two sub-themes (a) defiance and compliance and (b) role of children were also identified. Implications for universal screening for women of reproductive age, safer gun laws, and the need for further research are discussed.
Sanctions as a Tactic Used in Partner Conflicts
Authors: Winstok Zeev , Smadar-Dror Ronit
Published: October 2014

Partner sanction in this study is a form/tactic of violence, much like verbal and physical violence, which partners use toward each other during their conflicts. The partner sanction embodies a temporary deprivation of a mutually agreed-on right. The purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical and operational framework of sanctions partners use. The study sampled 74 heterosexual couples from the general population (148 male and female participants). The findings support the validity and reliability of the sanction measurement. Furthermore, findings indicate that the use of sanctions between partners is highly prevalent among men and women in the general population; that the more one partner uses sanctions, the more the other partner uses it; and that sanctions are strongly associated with other violent tactics partners use in their conflict (i.e., verbal and physical). Theoretical and empirical implications of the theoretical framework and the findings are discussed, including the role of sanctions in partner conflicts that escalate to severe forms of violence.
Longitudinal Associations Among Bullying, Homophobic Teasing, and Sexual Violence Perpetration Among Middle School Students
Authors: Espelage Dorothy L. , Basile Kathleen C. , De La Rue Lisa , Hamburger Merle E.
Published: October 2014

Bullying perpetration and sexual harassment perpetration among adolescents are major public health issues. However, few studies have addressed the empirical link between being a perpetrator of bullying and subsequent sexual harassment perpetration among early adolescents in the literature. Homophobic teasing has been shown to be common among middle school youth and was tested as a moderator of the link between bullying and sexual harassment perpetration in this 2-year longitudinal study. More specifically, the present study tests the Bully–Sexual Violence Pathway theory, which posits that adolescent bullies who also participate in homophobic name-calling toward peers are more likely to perpetrate sexual harassment over time. Findings from logistical regression analyses ( n = 979, 5th-7th graders) reveal an association between bullying in early middle school and sexual harassment in later middle school, and results support the Bully–Sexual Violence Pathway model, with homophobic teasing as a moderator, for boys only. Results suggest that to prevent bully perpetration and its later association with sexual harassment perpetration, prevention programs should address the use of homophobic epithets.
Assessing the Danger
Authors: Wang Pei-ling
Published: October 2014

The Taiwan Intimate Partner Violence Danger Assessment (TIPVDA) is an IPV risk assessment instrument developed to assist front-line professionals with assessing victim’s likelihood of experiencing lethal danger, and is also used to identify intervention strategies. The validation of TIPVDA with an independent sample of 543 female IPV victims in a program was examined in this study. The analysis results revealed the discriminant power of the TIPVDA. In addition, the area under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was strongly supportive of predictive effects of the TIPVDA. And the findings suggest that the TIPVDA had stronger predictive power for high dangerousness. Implications for future research and utilization of the TIPVDA are discussed.
Coordinated Community Efforts to Respond to Sexual Assault
Authors: Greeson Megan R. , Campbell Rebecca
Published: October 2014

Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) bring together sexual assault responders (e.g., police, prosecutors, medical/forensic examiners, rape victim advocates) to coordinate and improve the response to sexual assault. Ultimately, SARTs seek to improve sexual assault victims’ experiences of seeking help and sexual assault case outcomes in the criminal justice system. To date, there are hundreds of SARTs across the United States and yet, there has been no nationally representative study of how SARTs are implemented. Therefore, the current study used a multistep process to create the first sampling frame of SARTs and then studied how SARTs are structured and function within a random sample of SARTs. Findings reveal commonalities as well as variation across SARTs. Most SARTs rated improving legal outcomes, improving victims’ help-seeking experiences, and prevention/education as important goals, yet most prioritized their time and energy toward victims’ experiences. SARTs’ membership varied, with an average of 12 organizations involved in the SART, and 75% of SARTs having active membership from police, prosecutors, rape victim advocates, and medical/forensic examiners. SARTs were moderately formalized and most SARTs engaged in most collaborative processes (e.g., multidisciplinary cross-training, case review, policy/protocol development, and review) on an as needed basis. Finally, results revealed that some types of cross-system coordination in responding to victims/cases were quite frequent, whereas other types of coordination were quite infrequent. Implications for future research and supporting the development and sustainability of SARTs are discussed.
Analysis of Landmine Fatalities and Injuries in the Kurdistan Region
Authors: Heshmati Almas , Khayyat Nabaz T.
Published: October 2014

This study analyzes landmine victim data in the Kurdistan Region during the period 1960 to 2005. A regression analysis is used to identify the determinants and impact of the probability of getting killed by mines and unexploded ordnances. The rates of killed/injured victims are explained using a set of socioeconomic variables. As the data are a repeated cross-section in which the individuals are observed when they are subjected to landmine incidents, and to account for the dynamic aspect of the process and heterogeneity by location as well as to control for unobserved location and time effects, a pseudo panel data are created where districts are observed over the entire time period forming a panel data. The results show that (a) males, children, and the elderly are more susceptible to a higher level of landmine risks; (b) landmine training and awareness programs do not reduce the rate of landmine mortality; and (c) the rate of incidents are declining over time. This result can be used in the planning, monitoring, and resource allocation for mine action, as well as labor market programs and rehabilitation activities.
Desistance From Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Walker Kate , Bowen Erica , Brown Sarah , Sleath Emma
Published: October 2014

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an international issue that social and criminal justice workers will encounter regularly. It has been identified that men can, and do stop using, or desist from, IPV although it is unclear how this process of change develops. This article introduces a conceptual model to outline how the process of desistance evolves and what it encompasses. Using thematic analysis of interview data from partner-violent men, survivors, and treatment facilitators, the resulting model demonstrates that the process of change is a dynamic one where men’s use of, and cessation from, violence needs to be understood within the context of each individual’s life. Three global themes were developed: (a) lifestyle behaviors (violent): what is happening in the men’s lives when they use violence; (b) catalysts for change: the triggers and transitions required to initiate the process of change; and (c) lifestyle behaviors (non-violent): what is different in the men’s lives when they have desisted from IPV. The purpose of this model is to offer a framework for service providers to assist them to manage the process of change in partner-violent men.
Why Is Assent Willing? Culture, Character and Consciousness
Authors: Langman Lauren
Published: October 2014

Throughout history, people have accepted ideologies that ‘legitimate’ certain hierarchical social arrangements and subsequently valorize the ‘desirability’ of consent to the system and its leadership cadres. While rules, norms and regulations, as well as leadership, are essential for social life in any complex society, all too often certain political economic systems, their dominant values and leadership cadres tend to move beyond maintaining social order if not harmony, and instead become systems of domination, subjugation and exploitation of subalterns. For the most part people have ‘willingly consented’ to class and ideological domination. But why do people consent to systems/leaders that act contrary to their self-interests whether economic, political or personal (self-direction/realization)? This has often been understood as ‘false consciousness’, a term first used by Engels and Lenin. But this concept raises a number of questions about culture, mediation, desire, agency and the limited capacity of people to understand social reality without a strong party. For Gramsci, hegemony, the ideological control of culture, fostered ‘willing assent’ rather than simply compliance to power. His insights are especially valuable given how millions of Americans vehemently support economic policies that benefit only the elites, while their own economic situations become more precarious. They oppose unionization, universal healthcare and deny global warming .We must ask why so many people ‘willingly assent’ to policies that benefit only the wealthy and thus act contrary to their own economic political self-interest and actively engage in denial of the consequences of their actions.
Influences of organic montmorillonite on the combustion behaviors and thermal stability of polyamide 6/polystyrene blends
Authors: Guo Jianbin , Xu Yang , Chen Xiaolang , Hu Shijun , He Min , Qin Shuhao
Published: October 2014

The nanocomposites of polyamide 6/polystyrene (PA6/PS) with different contents of organic montmorillonite (OMMT) have been obtained by melt blending. The combustion behaviors, morphology of char residues, and thermal stability of nanocomposites have been characterized by cone calorimeter tests (CCT), electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The CCT results indicated that the OMMT was an efficient flame retardant (FR) in the FR-PA6/PS blends. The heat release rates, the total heat release, and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide production of the FR nanocomposites decreased in comparison with PA6/PS blends. The SEM photographs showed that the “spongy” structure on the surface of char residues increased. In addition, the thickness and strength of char residues enhanced with the increase of OMMT content. The tight multilayer carbon silicate layer structure was formed which was conducive to FR. The TGA data indicated that OMMT greatly enhanced the thermal stability, and char residues of PA6/PS/OMMT nanocomposites gradually increased with increasing the OMMT content.
Synthesis of polyether ether ketone membrane with pendent phosphonic acid group and determination of proton conductivity and thermal stability
Authors: Banerjee Soma , Kar Kamal K. , Ghorai Manas K. , Das Subhomoy
Published: October 2014

Incorporation of phosphonic acid groups in the polymer backbone by direct phosphonation or by polymerization of prefunctionalized monomers requires harsh reaction conditions. The present research work reported an easy synthesis strategy of phosphonic acid-containing diphosphonated polyether ether ketone (P-PEEK) by polycondensation of difluoro benzophenone and phosphonated bisphenol A (BPA). Phosphonation of BPA was carried out by monophosphoazylation followed by rearrangement in the presence of organolithium compound at −78°C. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, Fourier transform infrared, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry were performed to acquire complete structural information about the synthesized monomer and polymer. Degree of phosphonation of the synthesized polymer calculated from proton NMR spectra was as high as 70%. Thermal properties of the P-PEEK were checked using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a thermogravimetric analyzer. Moderate increase in melting point and glass transition temperature ( Tg) were observed from the DSC analysis. Solubility of the polymer was improved significantly in the common organic solvents that permitted the polymer to be solution casted. Solid electrolyte membrane exhibited through plane proton conductivity of 7.5 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 25°C under fully hydrated conditions.
Evaluation of on–off semi-active vehicle suspension systems by using the hardware-in-the-loop approach and the software-in-the-loop approach
Authors: Lozoya-Santos Jorge de-J , Morales-Menendez Ruben , Ramirez-Mendoza Ricardo A
Published: October 2014

Three controllers, namely the skyhook controller, the mixed-single-sensor controller and the groundhook controller, are compared using two validation approaches, namely the hardware-in-the-loop approach and the software-in-the-loop approach. The software-in-the-loop approach considers the dynamics (e.g. the body heave, the yaw, the roll, the pitch and the force) and the geometric parameters (the motion ratio of the suspension) without the real-time constraints. This allows an easier debugging and design procedure to be carried out for the control systems. The hardware-in-the-loop approach includes a commercial magnetorheological damper for testing the dynamic and transient responses in a control system. It is of interest to compare the conclusions generated under both approaches. The hardware-in-the-loop approach considers an on–off magnetorheological damper, and a quarter-vehicle model in a real-time embedded system. Two types of test were applied: chirp surface road tests and type F surface tests (ISO 8606:1995). For the software-in-the-loop approach the non-linearities and dynamics due to the geometric and physical component characteristics of a vehicle model were simulated by CarSim® software, while the non-linear magnetorheological damper model and the controller were running in MATLAB®/Simulink®. The classical tests for the vehicle, namely the dynamics bounce sine sweep test, the double-lane-change test and the fishhook test, were applied. In the hardware-in-the-loop approach, the best controller was the skyhook controller for comfort and the groundhook controller for road holding. In the software-in-the-loop approach, the mixed-single-sensor controller is the best for comfort, and the groundhook controller can be used in emergency driving conditions since it improves the stability, the road holding and the wheel tramp. The best controller in the hardware-in-the-loop approach and the best controller in the software-in-the-loop approach are not the same since the motion ratio of the automotive suspensions influences the performance of the semiactive control systems; the inclusion of this geometric parameter in further analysis and synthesis of semiactive suspension systems is recommended.