bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaos control of pulse-disturbed permanent magnet synchronous motor with uncertain parameters
Authors: Wang Juping , Zhou Wuneng , Zhou Xianghui
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the problem of chaos control of the parameter-uncertain permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), with both fixed and uncertain pulse disturbance, is discussed. In the operation of the motor, disturbance is widespread which leads to the emergence of chaotic behaviours, which threatens the security of the drive system. To control the undesirable chaos in the PMSM, a new control scheme which depends on the external torque is designed. Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem and matrix theory, several sufficient conditions have been derived to ensure the global asymptotical stability and the exponential stability for the pulse disturbed and parameter-uncertain PMSM. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Experimental evaluations of voltage regulators for a saturated boost DC-to-DC power converter
Authors: Moreno-Valenzuela Javier , Guzman-Guemez Jorge
Published: July 2015

One of the most common nonlinearities in physical systems is input saturation. Input saturation is rarely considered in the analysis and design of controllers for boost power converters. In addition, the lack of inductor-current measurements and exact knowledge of the supply voltage complicates the problem of voltage regulation even more. In this paper, a new controller is introduced and real-time experiments on output-voltage regulation of a saturated DC-to-DC boost power converter are presented. Specifically, we compare a known scheme with a new control strategy. Both schemes rely on an observer, so knowledge of the supply voltage and the inductor-current measurements is not required. The experimental results indicate that the proposed controller presents the best performance.
Disturbance attenuation by output feedback for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Wei Chunling , Wang Qiangde
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates the problem of disturbance attenuation by output feedback for a class of minimum-phase nonlinear uncertain systems with unknown control direction. In order to deal with the difficulties brought by the unknown direction, we first transform the original system into a new form by a linear state transformation. Then, based on a state observer, a constructive output feedback design procedure is proposed to solve the disturbance attenuation problem in the sense of L2-gain. The efficiency of the control method is demonstrated by a simulation example.
How Corporate Governance Affects Investment Decisions of Major Shareholders in UK Listed Companies
Authors: Hawas Amira , Tse Chin-Bun
Published: July 2015

We develop a corporate governance (CG) index based on the requirements of the combined code to examine the effect of CG on major shareholdings of listed non-financial firms in the United Kingdom from 2005 to 2009. We also investigate whether this relationship has changed during the recent financial crisis. In particular, we test the effect of both the level and changes in CG on both the level and changes in total and alternative types of major shareholdings. The results from panel data regressions show that, for the whole studied period, there is a significant positive relationship between CG and total major shareholdings. However, there is no evidence to suggest that changes in CG affect changes in major shareholdings. We also find that “board composition and independence” is the only CG sub-index that affects total major shareholdings. Interestingly, we find that different sub-indices of CG appear to affect different types of major shareholdings. Our results also provide evidence that the relationship between CG and major shareholdings changes from insignificant before the financial crisis to significant during the financial crisis, suggesting that major shareholders believe that CG was particularly important during times of financial trouble.
Glucagon‐Like Peptide‐2 Alters Bile Acid Metabolism in Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Lim David W. , Wales Paul W. , Mi Si , Yap Jason Y. K. , Curtis Jonathan M. , Mager Diana R. , Mazurak Vera C. , Wizzard Pamela R. , Sigalet David L. , Turner Justine M.
Published: July 2015

Background: We aim to study the mechanisms underlying our previous finding that exogenous glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) treatment in a preclinical model of neonatal parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease (PNALD) improves cholestasis. Methods: Neonatal piglets received 17 days of parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy and either saline control (PN/Saline n = 8) or GLP‐2 treatment at 11 nmol/kg/d (PN/GLP‐2, n = 7). At terminal laparotomy, bile and liver samples were collected. The relative gene expression of enzymes involved in bile acid synthesis, regulation, and transport was measured in liver by reverse‐transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Bile acid composition in bile was determined using tandem mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed using 1‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVA. Results: GLP‐2 increased the expression of bile acid export genes: multidrug resistance–associated proteins 2 (MRP2) (P = .002) and 3 (MRP3) (P = .037) over saline control. GLP‐2 increased expression of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) (P < .001) and CYP7A1 (cytochrome P450, family 7, subfamily A, polypeptide 1) (P = .03). GLP‐2 treatment was associated with decreased concentrations of taurohyocholic acid and conjugates of toxic lithocholic acid (P < .01). GLP‐2 treatment increased the liver bile acid content. Conclusions: GLP‐2 treatment was associated with alterations in the hepatic expression of genes involved in bile acid metabolism. The transcriptomic results indicate the mechanisms at the transcriptional level acting to regulate bile acid synthesis and increase bile acid export. Differences in bile acid profiles further support a beneficial role for GLP‐2 therapy in PNALD.
Juvenile Toxicology
Authors: Remick Amera K. , Catlin Natasha R. , Quist Erin M. , Steinbach Thomas J. , Dixon Darlene
Published: July 2015

The Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) Education Committee and the STP Reproductive Special Interest Group held a North Carolina regional meeting entitled, “Juvenile Toxicology: Relevance and Challenges for Toxicologists and Pathologists” on March 13, 2015, at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Toxicology Program in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The purpose of this regional meeting was to familiarize attendees with the topic of juvenile toxicity testing and discuss its relevance to clinical pediatric medicine, regulatory perspectives, challenges of appropriate study design confronted by toxicologists, and challenges of histopathologic examination and interpretation of juvenile tissues faced by pathologists. The 1-day meeting was a success with over 60 attendees representing industry, government, research organizations, and academia.
Paleoindian archaeology of the Upper Gunnison Basin, Colorado Rocky Mountains
Authors: Pitblado Bonnie L.
Published: July 2015

The past two decades have seen a fluorescence of work at Paleoindian sites in Colorado’s Upper Gunnison Basin (UGB). This article presents and synthesizes the results of that work in two parts, the first, a landscape-scale analysis of 82 UGB Paleoindian components as reported in Colorado state site files; the second, a higher-resolution analysis of Paleoindian sites excavated in recent years. Conclusions include that starting as early as Folsom time, Paleoindian groups occupied the UGB year-round, and that UGB Paleoindian settlement strategies varied significantly both synchronically and diachronically. Both findings relate in large part to the enormously diverse resource base of the Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene Rocky Mountains in general and UGB in particular.
Measuring the impact of rater negotiation in writing performance assessment
Authors: Trace Jonathan , Janssen Gerriet , Meier Valerie
Published: July 2015

Previous research in second language writing has shown that when scoring performance assessments even trained raters can exhibit significant differences in severity. When raters disagree, using discussion to try to reach a consensus is one popular form of score resolution, particularly in contexts with limited resources, as it does not require adjudication by at third rater. However, from an assessment validation standpoint, questions remain about the impact of negotiation on the scoring inference of a validation argument (Kane, 2006, 2012). Thus, this mixed-methods study evaluates the impact of score negotiation on scoring consistency in second language writing assessment, as well as negotiation’s potential contributions to raters’ understanding of test constructs and the local curriculum. Many-faceted Rasch measurement (MFRM) was used to analyze scores ( n = 524) from the writing section an EAP placement exam and to quantify how negotiation affected rater severity, self-consistency, and bias toward individual categories and test takers. Semi-structured interviews with raters ( n = 3) documented their perspectives about how negotiation affects scoring and teaching. In this study, negotiation did not change rater severity, though it greatly reduced measures of rater bias. Furthermore, rater comments indicated that negotiation supports a nuanced understanding of the rubric categories and increases positive washback on teaching practices.
Birds of a feather flock together? Party leaders on Twitter during the 2013 Norwegian elections
Authors: Larsson Anders Olof , Ihlen Øyvind
Published: July 2015

The advent of social media has spurred democratic optimism and been seen as something that help political public relations establish and maintain good relationships with key publics. Still, research has shown how, for instance, political candidates in the United States by large did not respond to messages on their Facebook walls. Another popular social media platform, Twitter, has often been deemed as an elite medium, thus reducing its democratic potential. The findings in this study show a different picture. Most of the politicians in the sample do use Twitter and its @message functionality. Furthermore, the extent to which they communicate with ordinary citizens is larger than expected. Still, it is a clear tendency that the exchanges are found in user clusters with little overlap between them. The researched party leaders mostly approach other Twitter users in unique clusters. Thus, Twitter probably functions to maintain good relationships with, literarily, followers. As Norwegian party leaders use the @message functionality more frequently than before – especially to engage in communication with citizens – maybe we are seeing a shift in how political actors engage in online interactivity.
Bilateral subclavian vein sheaths for superior vena cava drainage during thoracoscopic repair of atrial septal defects: cosmetic outcomes, safety and effectiveness
Authors: Lei Qian , Zeng Qing-Shi , Zhang Xiao-Shen , Xie Bin , Huang Huan-Lei , Wang Sheng , Guo Hui-Ming , Chen Ji-Mei , Zhuang Jian
Published: July 2015

Objective:

To investigate the cosmetic outcomes, safety and effectiveness of using bilateral subclavian vein sheaths for superior vena cava drainage during thoracoscopic repair of atrial septal defects.

Methods:

Sixty-one consecutive adults scheduled for thoracoscopic repair of atrial septal defects between July 2012 and June 2013 were randomized into two groups: one group underwent placement of a 16 Fr percutaneous superior vena cava cannula (n = 30) and the other group underwent placement of bilateral 8 Fr subclavian vein sheaths (n = 31) for superior vena cava drainage during peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass. The perioperative data, central venous pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass, complications and the patient satisfaction scale scores for the incisions were compared between the two groups.

Results:

The theoretical cardiopulmonary bypass flow rate was reached without complications in all patients. The average central venous pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass was not significantly different between the two groups [(6.9 ± 3.1) mmHg vs. (7.0 ± 3.5) mmHg, p=0.92]. The patient satisfaction scale scores for the incisions were significantly higher in the patients who underwent placement of bilateral subclavian vein sheaths than in the patients who underwent placement of a percutaneous superior vena cava cannula [(2.81 ± 0.75) vs. (2.07 ± 0.74), p<0.001].

Conclusions:

Placement of bilateral subclavian vein sheaths is a safe and effective alternative to placement of a percutaneous superior vena cava cannula for superior vena cava drainage during thoracoscopic repair of atrial septal defects and results in greater patient satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome.
Comparing the effects of whole-body vibration to standard exercise in ambulatory people with Multiple Sclerosis: a randomised controlled feasibility study
Authors: Uszynski Marcin Kacper , Purtill Helen , Donnelly Alan , Coote Susan
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

This study aimed firstly to investigate the feasibility of the study protocol and outcome measures, secondly to obtain data in order to inform the power calculations for a larger randomised controlled trial, and finally to investigate if whole-body vibration (WBV) is more effective than the same duration and intensity of standard exercises (EXE) in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).

Design:

Randomised controlled feasibility study.

Setting:

Outpatient MS centre.

Subjects:

Twenty seven PwMS (age mean (SD) 48.1 (11.2)) with minimal gait impairments.

Interventions:

Twelve weeks of WBV or standard EXE, three times weekly.

Main measures:

Participants were measured with isokinetic muscle strength, vibration threshold, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Mini-BESTest (MBT), 6 Minute Walk test (6MWT), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (MSIS 29), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and Verbal Analogue scale for sensation (VAS) pre and post 12 week intervention.

Results:

WBV intervention was found feasible with low drop-out rate (11.1%) and high compliance (90%). Data suggest that a sample of 52 in each group would be sufficient to detect a moderate effect size, with 80% power and 5% significance for 6 minute walk test. Large effect sizes in favour of standard exercise were found for vibration threshold at 5th metatarsophalangeal joint and heel ( P=0.014, r= 0.5 and P=0.005, r=0.56 respectively). No between group differences were found for muscle strength, balance or gait ( P>0.05).

Conclusions:

Data suggest that the protocol is feasible, there were no adverse effects. A trial including 120 people would be needed to detect an effect on walking endurance.
Low dose CT of the lumbar spine compared with radiography: a study on image quality with implications for clinical practice
Authors: Alshamari Muhammed , Geijer Mats , Norrman Eva , Lidén Mats , Krauss Wolfgang , Wilamowski Franciszek , Geijer Håkan
Published: July 2015

Background

Lumbar spine radiography is often performed instead of CT for radiation dose concerns.

Purpose

To compare image quality and diagnostic information from low dose lumbar spine CT at an effective dose of about 1 mSv with lumbar spine radiography.

Material and Methods

Fifty-one patients were examined by both methods. Five reviewers scored all examinations on eight image quality criteria using a five-graded scale and also assessed three common pathologic changes.

Results

Low dose CT scored better than radiography on the following: sharp reproduction of disc profile and vertebral end-plates (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–2.5), intervertebral foramina and pedicles (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 3.1–5.9), intervertebral joints (OR, 139; 95% CI, 59–326), spinous and transverse processes (OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 4.3–11.2), sacro-iliac joints (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 3.2–5.7), reproduction of the adjacent soft tissues (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 2.1–4.0), and absence of any obscuring superimposed gastrointestinal gas and contents (OR, 188; 95% CI, 66–539). Radiography scored better on sharp reproduction of cortical and trabecular bone (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2–0.4). The reviewers visualized disk degeneration, spondylosis/diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and intervertebral joint osteoarthritis more clearly and were more certain with low dose CT. Mean time to review low dose CT was 204 s (95% CI, 194–214 s.), radiography 152 s (95% CI, 146–158 s.). The effective dose for low dose CT was 1.0–1.1 mSv, for radiography 0.7 mSv.

Conclusion

Low dose lumbar spine CT at about 1 mSv has superior image quality to lumbar spine radiography with more anatomical and diagnostic information.
The Microbiome
Authors: Hoffmann A. Rodrigues , Proctor L. M. , Surette M. G. , Suchodolski J. S.
Published: July 2015

The microbiome is the complex collection of microorganisms, their genes, and their metabolites, colonizing the human and animal mucosal surfaces, digestive tract, and skin. It is now well known that the microbiome interacts with its host, assisting in digestion and detoxification, supporting immunity, protecting against pathogens, and maintaining health. Studies published to date have demonstrated that healthy individuals are often colonized with different microbiomes than those with disease involving various organ systems. This review covers a brief history of the development of the microbiome field, the main objectives of the Human Microbiome Project, and the most common microbiomes inhabiting the human respiratory tract, companion animal digestive tract, and skin in humans and companion animals. The main changes in the microbiomes in patients with pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous lesions are described.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the treatment of music performance anxiety: A single subject design with a university student
Authors: Juncos David G. , Markman Emily J.
Published: July 2015

This study marks the first application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to the treatment of a university student with music performance anxiety (MPA). ACT is a newer, “third-wave” therapy that differs from previous MPA treatments, because its goal is not to reduce symptoms of MPA. Rather, ACT aims to enhance psychological flexibility in the presence of unwanted symptoms through the promotion of six core processes collectively known as the ACT “hexaflex.” For this study, an undergraduate violinist with debilitating MPA received a 10-session ACT treatment using a single-subject design. Treatment consisted of an orientation to ACT, identification of experientially avoidant behaviors, facilitation of hexaflex processes, in-session performances in which valued behaviors were practiced, meditations, homework, and regular completion of ACT-based and symptom-based measures. Clinically significant improvements were observed in her ability to accept and defuse from her anxious thoughts and feelings at post-treatment and at a 1-month follow-up. Her performance quality also improved at post-treatment. Although symptom reduction was not a goal, her MPA and overall distress were significantly reduced, and her perceived control over MPA significantly improved at post-treatment and follow-up. These results suggest ACT may be an effective treatment option for MPA and should be studied further.
Assessment of occupational safety risks in Floridian solid waste systems using Bayesian analysis
Authors: Bastani Mehrad , Celik Nurcin
Published: July 2015

Safety risks embedded within solid waste management systems continue to be a significant issue and are prevalent at every step in the solid waste management process. To recognise and address these occupational hazards, it is necessary to discover the potential safety concerns that cause them, as well as their direct and/or indirect impacts on the different types of solid waste workers. In this research, our goal is to statistically assess occupational safety risks to solid waste workers in the state of Florida. Here, we first review the related standard industrial codes to major solid waste management methods including recycling, incineration, landfilling, and composting. Then, a quantitative assessment of major risks is conducted based on the data collected using a Bayesian data analysis and predictive methods. The risks estimated in this study for the period of 2005–2012 are then compared with historical statistics (1993–1997) from previous assessment studies. The results have shown that the injury rates among refuse collectors in both musculoskeletal and dermal injuries have decreased from 88 and 15 to 16 and three injuries per 1000 workers, respectively. However, a contrasting trend is observed for the injury rates among recycling workers, for whom musculoskeletal and dermal injuries have increased from 13 and four injuries to 14 and six injuries per 1000 workers, respectively. Lastly, a linear regression model has been proposed to identify major elements of the high number of musculoskeletal and dermal injuries.
How Important Is Having Amenities Within Walking Distance to Middle-Aged and Older Adults, and Does the Perceived Importance Relate to Walking?
Authors: Menec Verena H. , Brown Cara L. , Newall Nancy E. G. , Nowicki Scott
Published: July 2015

Objective: This study examined how important walking to amenities (e.g., food store, park) is to middle-aged and older adults and whether this relates to walking. The relationship between walking to amenities and overall activity level was also explored. Method: The study was based on interviews conducted with 778 individuals aged 45 to 94 years. Overall activity level was measured objectively using pedometers. Results: A large proportion of participants did not think it was very important to have amenities within walking distance, and the majority of participants drove to get there, even among individuals who reported it was very important to have the amenities within walking distance. Self-reported walking to certain amenities (e.g., park) was associated with overall activity. Discussion: The study underscores the impact of a car culture where the tendency to drive is paramount. It suggests the need to promote the importance of walking as part of an active, healthy lifestyle.
Synthesis and characterization of phenylethynyl-terminated polyimide/carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube composite film
Authors: Du Jing , Zhou Meng-Meng , Ma Ling-Ling , Cao Fei , Xiao Ji Jun
Published: July 2015

Phenylethynyl-terminated polyimide (PI)/carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite films were synthesized from 4,4′-oxydianiline, carboxylated MWCNTs, and 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride and capped by 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride through in situ polymerization under sonication. The results of scanning electron microscopy indicated that the carboxylated MWCNTs were uniformly dispersed in the phenylethynyl-terminated PI matrix. Thermal gravimetric analysis indicated that the initial thermal decomposition temperatures of the films were up to 500°C, and the addition of carboxylic MWCNT have advantage of thermal properties of the phenylethynyl-terminated PI. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis results clearly indicated that the glass transition temperature increases with increasing carboxylated MWCNT content. In addition, the mechanical properties of the composite films were improved by the carboxylated MWCNTs. The electrical properties were greatly enhanced due to the good conductivity of the carboxylated MWCNTs.
Influence of terminating triamine by phthalic anhydride on polyimides’ properties
Authors: Zhuo Longhai , Kou Kaichang , Bai Yang , Chao Min , Wang Yiqun
Published: July 2015

In this study, hyperbranched polyimides were prepared from 2,6-bis(4-aminophenyl)-4-(4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl)pyridine (BAAP) and commercial dianhydrides by strictly controlling the reaction conditions. Polyimides with phthalimide pendants were also prepared to study the influence mechanisms of terminating BAAP by phthalic anhydride (PA) on polyimides’ properties. Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies were utilized to observe the chemical structures of the hyperbranched polyimides. The influence of terminating BAAP by PA on polyimides’ properties was studied by comparing the two series of polyimides. All the polyimide samples held completely amorphous structures and possessed excellent solubility and thermal stability. Terminating BAAP by PA decreased the d-spacing values of the obtained polyimides and slightly weakened their solubility and thermal stability.
Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/poly(vinylidene fluoride)/tungstophosphoric acid membrane for vanadium redox flow battery application
Authors: Zhang Yu , Chen Jinwei , Zhang Jie , Wang Gang , Zhang Jichuan , Zhu Xuejing , Wang Ruilin
Published: July 2015

A blend membrane consisting of sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone), poly(vinylidene fluoride), and tungstophosphoric acid (denoted as SPEEK/PVDF/TPA membrane) has been fabricated and firstly used as ion exchange membrane for vanadium (V) redox flow battery (VRB) application. This composite membrane is characterized by physical and electrochemical methods. The results show that the SPEEK/PVDF/TPA membrane possesses significantly high ion selectivity and low permeability of V(IV) compared with the Nafion 117 membrane. Also VRB single cells with SPEEK/PVDF/TPA membrane show significantly lower capacity loss, higher coulombic efficiency (CE > 93%) and higher energy efficiency (EE > 80%) than that with Nafion 117 membrane. In the self-discharge test, the cells with the SPEEK/PVDF/TPA membrane show better durability. With all the good properties and low cost, the SPEEK/PVDF/TPA membrane shows promising prospects for application in VRB.
Model-based vehicle stability control with tyre force and instantaneous cornering stiffness estimation
Authors: Lu Hui , Shi Yue , He Dengbo , Yu Fan
Published: July 2015

A model-based vehicle stability controller is proposed in this paper. Since a model-based controller highly depends on the model accuracy, the lateral forces of the tyres and the instantaneous cornering stiffnesses of the predictive vehicle model are estimated online in order to deal with the model mismatch. The model-based controller calculates a desired yaw moment according to the prevailing errors in the the yaw rate and the side-slip angles of the vehicle. Then, by using linearization, an optimal braking force allocation algorithm is proposed to allocate the yaw moments to the target slip ratios of each wheel. Simulations are carried out with a full-vehicle model in CarSim software. The effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed control algorithm are evaluated through simulation cases of open-loop and closed-loop manoeuvres.
Coupled optimization in MagOpt
Authors: Silber Siegfried , Bramerdorfer Gerd , Dorninger Alexander , Fohler Armin , Gerstmayr Johannes , Koppelstätter Werner , Reischl Daniel , Weidenholzer Günther , Weitzhofer Simon
Published: July 2015

Optimizing mechatronic components is of increasing importance, e.g. for minimizing energy consumption and the use of rare materials. MagOpt is a modular software tool for the simulation and optimization of mechatronic components. Parametric design optimization can be carried out with various different optimization strategies like gradient-based methods or multi-objective evolutionary or genetic algorithms. MagOpt features a flexible structure for the storage of complex data and an open and modular interface to existing third-party programs. One such third-party program which can be used by MagOpt for the optimization of mechanic components is the multi-body software HOTINT. This article describes MagOpt and how it was coupled with HOTINT to optimize a rotor geometry.
Optimization and realization of a multi-pole permanent magnetic bearing with rotating magnetization
Authors: Marth Edmund , Jungmayr Gerald , Panholzer Martin , Amrhein Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

The focus of this paper is on optimizing the stiffness of a permanent magnetic single-ring bearing solely by changing the magnetization pattern. More precisely, using rotating magnetization with two magnetic poles rather than homogeneous magnetization results in a 3.7-fold improvement in stiffness. Usually, rotating magnetization is realized by Halbach stacking, that is, stacking several homogeneously magnetized rings with different directions of magnetization. The approach followed in this work realizes a continuously rotating magnetization pattern using only one ring. Optimization of the magnetization process, as presented in this paper, is crucial to achieving the maximum possible stiffness for the specified bearing dimensions. Furthermore, an analytical stiffness calculation method for bearings with arbitrary magnetization pattern is introduced, and the results are compared with finite-element calculations and measurements.
Bayesian accelerated failure time model for space-time dependency in a geographically augmented survival model
Authors: Onicescu Georgiana , Lawson Andrew , Zhang Jiajia , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Wallace Kristin , Eberth Jan M
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we extend the spatially explicit survival model for small area cancer data by allowing dependency between space and time and using accelerated failure time models. Spatial dependency is modeled directly in the definition of the survival, density, and hazard functions. The models are developed in the context of county level aggregated data. Two cases are considered: the first assumes that the spatial and temporal distributions are independent; the second allows for dependency between the spatial and temporal components. We apply the models to prostate cancer data from the Louisiana SEER cancer registry.
Health-Related Quality of Life, Gender, and Culture of Older People Users of Health Services in the Multicultural Landscape of the City of Ceuta (Spain)
Authors: Olmedo-Alguacil Maria Milagrosa , Ramírez-Rodrigo Jesús , Villaverde-Gutiérrez Carmen , Sánchez-Caravaca Maria Angeles , Aguilar Ferrándiz Encarnación , Ruiz-Villaverde Alberto
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Perceptions of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are influenced by sociodemographic variables and by cultural-religious concepts of health, disease, and old age, among others. Purpose: To assess the HRQOL of older people in a population with a long history of multiculturalism, the city of Ceuta (Spain), and to compare the results with Spanish reference values. Method: A total of 372 individuals (55.4% females) were interviewed using the Spanish version of the Short Form-36 questionnaire. The subjects’ mean age was 70.9 ( SD = 5) years: 253 were Christians, 93 Muslims, and 26 Jews, representing the proportions in the overall population of these cultural-religious groups. Results: HRQOL differs according to the cultural-religious affiliation, which specifically affects social and psychological dimensions. Discussion and Conclusions: All groups obtained lower social function scores than the reference values, especially the Muslim and Jewish groups. Implications for Practice: Health care providers may consider integrating culturally sensitive interventions to improve HRQOL.
Autoinflammation Around AES Total Ankle Replacement Implants
Authors: Koivu Helka , Takakubo Yuya , Mackiewicz Zygmunt , Al-Samadi Ahmed , Soininen Antti , Peled Nitai , Kukis Modestas , Trokovic Nina , Konttinen Yrjö T.
Published: July 2015

Background

Failure of total ankle replacement (TAR) can be characterized by early peri-implant osteolysis even in the presence of very modest numbers of wear particles. The hypothesis of the study was that this reaction is in part mediated by autoinflammatory responses mediated via damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs, danger signals) and pattern-recognizing danger signal receptors (PRRs).

Methods:

Peri-implant tissue and control samples from 10 patients with AES implants were immunostained for hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), activated caspase-3, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE), and toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4. Results were evaluated on a 0 to 4 scale (from 0% to >50% stained area).

Results:

Peri-implant tissue around failed TAR implants had a relatively high mean HIF-1α score of 3 on a scale, which however was similar in control samples. HMGB1 (a DAMP) was seen to be mobilized from nuclei to cellular cytoplasm, and the active caspase-3+ cells were increased. All PRRs were increased in revision samples.

Conclusions:

Increased expression of HMGB1 and other danger signals together with increased PRR-dependent responsiveness could contribute to autoinflammatory peri-implantitis, multilocular cyst formation, and osteolysis in failed TAR implants.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Patterns in Advocacy Group Portrayal
Authors: Wouters Ruud
Published: July 2015

This article compares features of protest and non-protest news items across three types of advocacy groups. More specifically, it tests differences in news item duration (length), prominence (lead item), standing (direct quotation), and source selection (balance). Analyzing 2,845 news items of 17 Belgian advocacy groups, this study shows that across all advocacy groups, protest items are less frequently balanced and significantly shorter than non-protest items. Differences between protest and non-protest items are small for unions, detrimental for environmental groups, and beneficial for peace organizations. Discussion centers on the (un)conditionality of the protest paradigm and its implications for advocacy groups seeking social change.
Does Disagreement Mitigate Polarization? How Selective Exposure and Disagreement Affect Political Polarization
Authors: Kim Yonghwan
Published: July 2015

This study examines how selective exposure and interpersonal political disagreement influence political polarization. Using data sets from two countries, the United States and South Korea, this study investigates the association between individuals’ selective exposure and attitude polarization and proposes that disagreement in political discussion networks can be a potential moderating variable attenuating the association between selective exposure and polarization. Results across the two nations confirm that individuals’ selective likeminded media use is associated with greater polarized attitudes. Findings further show that encountering dissimilar opinions through interpersonal discussion networks generally weakens the association between selective exposure and political polarization, despite some evidence indicating that disagreement leads to more polarized attitudes rather than attenuating polarization. The implications of the findings are discussed.
The Formation of Business Improvement Districts in Low-Income Immigrant Neighborhoods of Los Angeles
Authors: Lee Wonhyung
Published: July 2015

Business improvement districts (BIDs) are local organizations that have been revitalizing commercial areas for the last two decades in the United States. However, not every commercial district has succeeded in establishing BIDs despite some initial efforts. This research presents a comparative examination of two neighborhoods in Los Angeles—MacArthur Park and the Byzantine Latino Quarter (BLQ)—to examine the BID formation process in poor immigrant neighborhoods and to identify how community characteristics differ between the neighborhood that succeeded in BID formation and the other that did not. The BLQ displayed distinguishable factors that may have contributed to successful BID formation, including invested community stakeholders, organizational resources, residents’ activism, and efforts to embrace multiethnic groups. This research demonstrates that community organizing capacity and characteristics can change the course and outcome of BID formation. This study also offers insights for multicultural community organizing and equitable distribution of public services to the areas with inconclusive or ineffective efforts of BID formation.
The Effects of Different Types of Environmental Noise on Academic Performance and Perceived Task Difficulty in Adolescents With ADHD
Authors: Batho Lauren P. , Martinussen Rhonda , Wiener Judith
Published: July 2015

Objective: To examine the effects of environmental noises (speech and white noise) relative to a no noise control condition on the performance and difficulty ratings of youth with ADHD ( N = 52) on academic tasks. Method: Reading performance was measured by an oral retell (reading accuracy) and the time spent reading. Writing performance was measured through the proportion of correct writing sequences (writing accuracy) and the total words written on an essay. Results: Participants in the white noise condition took less time to read the passage and wrote more words on the essay compared with participants in the other conditions, though white noise did not improve academic accuracy. The participants in the babble condition rated the tasks as most difficult. Conclusion: Although white noise appears to improve reading time and writing fluency, the findings suggest that white noise does not improve performance accuracy. Educational implications are discussed.
A Familial Risk Analysis of Emotional Dysregulation: A Controlled Study
Authors: Biederman Joseph , Chan James , Faraone Stephen V. , Woodworth K. Yvonne , Spencer Thomas J. , Wozniak Janet R.
Published: July 2015

Objective: Children with deficits in emotional regulation operationalized by scores on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Attention Problems, Aggressive Behavior, and Anxious-Depressed subscales are more likely than others to manifest adverse outcomes. However, the transmission of this profile has not been well studied. The main aim of this study was to investigate the familiality of this profile. Method: Participants were youth probands with bipolar I (BP-I) disorder ( N = 140), ADHD ( N = 83), and controls ( N = 117) and their siblings. Based on the CBCL emotional dysregulation profile, we classified children with severe emotional dysregulation (aggregate cut-off score ≥210) and emotional dysregulation (aggregate cut-off score ≥ 180 and <210). Results: Emotional dysregulation profile scores correlated positively between probands and siblings. Conclusion: Youth with emotional dysregulation are at increased risk to have siblings with similar deficits, suggesting that emotional dysregulation runs in families.
Application performance analysis and efficient execution on systems with multi-core CPUs, GPUs and MICs: a case study with microscopy image analysis
Authors: Teodoro George , Kurc Tahsin , Andrade Guilherme , Kong Jun , Ferreira Renato , Saltz Joel
Published: July 2015

We carry out a comparative performance study of multi-core CPUs, GPUs and Intel Xeon Phi (Many Integrated Core (MIC)) with a microscopy image analysis application. We experimentally evaluate the performance of computing devices on core operations of the application. We correlate the observed performance with the characteristics of computing devices and data access patterns, computation complexities, and parallelization forms of the operations. The results show a significant variability in the performance of operations with respect to the device used. The performances of operations with regular data access are comparable or sometimes better on a MIC than that on a GPU. GPUs are more efficient than MICs for operations that access data irregularly, because of the lower bandwidth of the MIC for random data accesses. We propose new performance-aware scheduling strategies that consider variabilities in operation speedups. Our scheduling strategies significantly improve application performance compared with classic strategies in hybrid configurations.
Efficient checkpoint/verification patterns
Authors: Benoit Anne , Raina Saurabh K , Robert Yves
Published: July 2015

Errors have become a critical problem for high-performance computing. Checkpointing protocols are often used for error recovery after fail-stop failures. However, silent errors cannot be ignored, and their peculiarity is that such errors are identified only when the corrupted data is activated. To cope with silent errors, we need a verification mechanism to check whether the application state is correct. Checkpoints should be supplemented with verifications to detect silent errors. When a verification is successful, only the last checkpoint needs to be kept in memory because it is known to be correct. In this paper, we analytically determine the best balance of verifications and checkpoints so as to optimize platform throughput. We introduce a balanced algorithm using a pattern with p checkpoints and q verifications, which regularly interleaves both checkpoints and verifications across same-size computational chunks. We show how to compute the waste of an arbitrary pattern, and we prove that the balanced algorithm is optimal when the platform MTBF (mean time between failures) is large in front of the other parameters (checkpointing, verification and recovery costs). We conduct several simulations to show the gain achieved by this balanced algorithm for well-chosen values of p and q, compared with the base algorithm that always perform a verification just before taking a checkpoint ( p =  q = 1), and we exhibit gains of up to 19%.
Suicidal tendencies as correlates of disability measures
Authors: Båtstad Helge S , Rudmin Floyd W
Published: July 2015

Disabilities and handicaps affect health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) and dysphoria symptoms (helpless, hopeless, worthless, dissatisfied with life, depressed, suicidal). Archived 2009 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) data (N=124,188) replicated 49 positive correlations (p<.001) of seven kinds of disability measured by the Health Utilities Index (HUI) with seven measures of dysphoria. Cognition and pain disabilities appeared most dysphoric. Individuals (N=724) in the 2009 CCHS data with HUI total scores less than 0.00 are defined by HUI protocols as “worse than dead.” This HUI categorization has doubtful validity based on 17 measures of disability, suicidality, self-perceived health, and social engagement.
Coping strategies and health-related quality of life after stroke
Authors: Lo Buono Viviana , Corallo Francesco , Bramanti Placido , Marino Silvia
Published: July 2015

Cerebral stroke causes a significant worsening of health-related quality of life. This review was conducted on studies investigating whether the levels of quality of life were influenced by the coping strategies used by stroke patients. We searched on PubMed and Web of Science databases and screening references of included studies and review articles for additional citations. From initial 389 publications, we included only 6 studies that met search criteria and described the association between coping and quality of life. Results showed that patients who prefer accommodative or active coping strategies had a better quality of life after stroke when compared with patients who adopted assimilative coping.
When healthcare professionals cannot do the right thing: A systematic review of moral distress and its correlates
Authors: Lamiani Giulia , Borghi Lidia , Argentero Piergiorgio
Published: July 2015

Moral distress occurs when professionals cannot carry out what they believe to be ethically appropriate actions. This review describes the publication trend on moral distress and explores its relationships with other constructs. A bibliometric analysis revealed that since 1984, 239 articles were published, with an increase after 2011. Most of them (71%) focused on nursing. Of the 239 articles, 17 empirical studies were systematically analyzed. Moral distress correlated with organizational environment (poor ethical climate and collaboration), professional attitudes (low work satisfaction and engagement), and psychological characteristics (low psychological empowerment and autonomy). Findings revealed that moral distress negatively affects clinicians’ wellbeing and job retention. Further studies should investigate protective psychological factors to develop preventive interventions.
New Age in Israel: Formative ethos, identity blindness, and implications for healthcare
Authors: Simchai Dalit , Keshet Yael
Published: July 2015

This article presents a critical analysis of New Age culture. We draw on two empirical studies conducted in Israel and show that the lofty notions about freedom from the shackles of socially structured identities and the unifying potential this holds, as well as the claim regarding the basic equality of human beings, are utopian. Blindness toward ethno-national identity reinforces identification with a self-evident hegemonic perception, thereby leading to the exclusion of peripheral groups such as indigenous populations. This exclusion is manifested in the discourse symbolically as well as in the praxis of complementary and alternative medicine, which is one of the main fields in which New Age culture is involved. Thus, the unifying ethos in the New Age culture becomes an illusionary paradise. This article contributes to the study of power relationships between New Age culture in diverse Western countries and the native and peripheral populations of these countries, and to the sociological study of complementary and alternative medicine incorporated into health organizations.
News selection criteria in the digital age: Professional norms versus online audience metrics
Authors: Welbers Kasper , van Atteveldt Wouter , Kleinnijenhuis Jan , Ruigrok Nel , Schaper Joep
Published: July 2015

On newspaper websites, journalists can observe the preferences of the audience in unprecedented detail and for low costs, based on the audience clicks (i.e. page views) for specific news articles. This article addresses whether journalists use this information to cater to audience preferences in their news selection choices. We analyzed the print and online editions of five national newspapers from the Netherlands with a mixed-method approach. Using a cross-lagged analysis covering 6 months, we found that storylines of the most-viewed articles were more likely to receive attention in subsequent reporting, which indicates that audience clicks affect news selection. However, based on interviews with editors we found that they consider the use of this information for news selection to conflict with professional norms. We elaborate on the implications of this discrepancy in the norms and behaviors of journalists, and project directions for future studies.
Perspectives From the Field
Authors: Pierre Ste-Rose Suzie , Medina Rosalinda , Leal Monica , Garcia Sarai , Mata Holly J.
Published: July 2015

In this commentary, four Certified Health Education Specialists (CHESs) share their reasons for obtaining national certification as health education specialists, the value of national credentialing to their employers, and the career development benefits of National Commission for Health Education Credentialing certification. CHESs play a vital role in diverse research and practice settings and increasingly contribute to changes in practice and policy that promote health equity. National Commission for Health Education Credentialing certification enhances our individual capacity as public health educators and also enhances our profession through systematic verification of responsibilities, competencies, and subcompetencies. This commentary is particularly timely in light of the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis 2015, which updated, refined, and validated the model of health education practice.