bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying parameters of foreign policy change: An eclectic approach
Authors: Blavoukos Spyros , Bourantonis Dimitris
Published: January 2014

This paper examines foreign policy change, identifying structural parameters of domestic and international origins that bring about major foreign policy shifts. Domestic structural parameters comprise the politico-institutional setting and advocacy groups in support of alternative foreign policy options. International structural parameters refer on the one hand to systemic changes that may bring about foreign policy realignment and, on the other hand, to the country’s role in the international system and its interactions with other countries that may activate foreign policy changes. We posit that this eclectic approach is necessary to account for major, multi-dimensional and complex, foreign policy decisions. We use this analytical framework to examine the Israeli re-orientation that enabled the signing of the Oslo Peace Agreement in the early 1990s.
Becoming black in Belgium: The social construction of blackness in Chika Unigwe’s authorial self-representation and On Black Sisters’ Street
Authors: De Mul Sarah
Published: January 2014

In the satirical column entitled “Zwart worden in zeven lessen” ( Becoming Black in Seven Lessons), the Nigerian-Belgian writer Chika Unigwe considers black identity as a social construction and coming to Europe as an entry to a social imaginary, a discursive space where subjects are already imagined, constructed and treated as “black” by hegemonic discourses. Using Becoming Black in Seven Lessons as a starting point, in this essay I explore the social construction of black identity in relation to, on the one hand, Unigwe’s authorial self-representation as an ethnic minority writer in Flanders (the Dutch language region of Belgium) and, on the other hand, the identity negotiations of the African immigrant women in the Flemish city of Antwerp in Unigwe’s second novel On Black Sisters’ Street. Central to this inquiry will be the question of how the author Unigwe on the one hand and the African sex workers in On Black Sisters’ Street become black in Belgium and how they negotiate a sense of self vis-à-vis the already pronounced social order. I argue more specifically that their self-representations reveal the mediation of dominant historical images and Western symbolic meanings and their attempts to wrest control of the construction of their bodies away from the distorted visions of dominant culture. Without conflating Unigwe’s situation as a black middle-class author in the Flemish literary field with the position of the four Nigerian women working in the sex industry described in the book, parallels can be drawn between them, as I wish to contend, in the ways in which their agency is established in the performance of cultural configurations of black identity which have seized hegemonic hold.
Raster angle mechanics in fused deposition modelling
Authors: Huang Bin , Singamneni Sarat
Published: January 2014

Fused deposition modelling is one of the additive manufacturing processes in which a semi-solid polymer material is deposited line-by-line to construct 3D objects direct from computer aided design (CAD) models. Benefits inherent with additively manufacturing allowed effective competition with other traditional methods in specific applications and the process drew sufficient research attention. The nature of material deposition and the mechanics of solid state sintering lead to varying levels of inter-road and inter-layer bonding resulting in a composite structure of voids interspersed in the base material matrix. While there are other parameters also, the raster angle in particular has a direct bearing on the resulting meso-structure and together with the rate of inter-road coalescence plays a significant role in influencing the mechanical characteristics of parts produced. Experimental and analytical attempts were made in the past to evaluate the role of raster angle orientation, but the resulting material properties were taken to be those of the base material. The hypothesis for the current research is that the mechanical properties resulting from fused deposition modelling are structure-sensitive. Experimental and analytical models are developed to test this hypothesis and the results indicate the hypothesis to be true.
Size and Shape Variability in Human Molars during Odontogenesis
Authors: Morita W. , Yano W. , Nagaoka T. , Abe M. , Nakatsukasa M.
Published: January 2014

Under the patterning cascade model (PCM) of cusp development inspired by developmental genetic studies, it is predicted that the location and the size of later-forming cusps are more variable than those of earlier-forming ones. Here we assessed whether differences in the variability among cusps in total and each particular crown component (enamel-dentin junction [EDJ], outer enamel surface [OES], and cement-enamel junction [CEJ]) could be explained by the PCM, using human maxillary permanent first molars (UM1) and second deciduous molars (um2). Specimens were µCT-scanned, and 3D models of EDJ and OES were reconstructed. Based on these models, landmark-based 3D geometric morphometric analyses were conducted. Size variability in both tooth types was generally consistent with the above prediction, and the differences in size variation among cusps were smaller for the crown components completed in later stages of odontogenesis. With a few exceptions, however, the prediction was unsupported regarding shape variability, and UM1 and um2 showed different patterns. Our findings suggested that the pattern of size variability would be caused by temporal factors such as the order of cusp initiation and the duration from the beginning of mineralization to the completion of crown formation, whereas shape variability may be affected by both topographic and temporal factors.
Travel as Qualitative Method
Authors: Desai Miraj U.
Published: January 2014

This article details the history, possibility, limits, and ethics of cross-cultural travel as a qualitative method in psychology. The article provides a brief overview of the ambiguous relationship between psychology and culture and develops an account of the history of travel methods in psychology. It then analyzes an exemplary case of travel research involving Medard Boss’ sojourn to India and his encounters with Indian sages. This article argues that the history of psychology is, in many ways, a history of the exiled, the dispossessed, and the traveler (e.g., Freud, Fromm, Fanon, Jahoda, Rogers, Jung, and others). The article concludes with reflections on using travel methods in an increasingly globalized world and in an ecologically sensitive way.
Confronting the employment standards enforcement gap: Exploring the potential for union engagement with employment law in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vosko Leah F , Thomas Mark
Published: January 2014

Employment standards (ES) are legislated standards that set minimum terms and conditions of employment in areas such as wages, working time, vacations and leaves, and termination and severance. In Canada, the majority of workers rely on ES for basic regulatory protection; however, a significant ‘enforcement gap’ exists. In the province of Ontario, this enforcement gap has been exacerbated in recent years due to the deregulation of ES through inadequate funding, workplace restructuring, legislative reforms that place greater emphasis on individualized complaints processes and voluntary compliance, and a formal separation of unions from ES enforcement. The implications of these developments are that, increasingly, those in precarious jobs, many of whom lack union representation, are left with insufficient regulatory protection from employer non-compliance, further heightening their insecurity. Taking the province of Ontario as our focus, in this article we critically examine alternative proposals for ES enforcement, placing our attention on those that enhance the involvement of unions in addressing ES violations. Through this analysis, we suggest that augmenting unions’ supportive roles in ES enforcement holds the potential to enhance unions’ regulatory function and offers a possible means to support the ongoing efforts of other workers’ organizations to improve employer compliance with ES.
Pharmacological management of pain in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Paisley P , Kinsella J
Published: January 2014

Introduction:

Chronic pancreatitis is a condition that is rising in incidence in the Western World. It is predominated by severe intractable abdominal pain that presents a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and physical functioning. The pain is persistent in many patients, requiring admission to hospital for the majority at some stage in their illness. There is no current NICE or SIGN guideline with associated grading for the pharmacological management of this symptom. This paper aims to investigate and summarise the current pharmacological therapies for pain control in an attempt to formulate the levels of evidence supporting their use.

Methods:

The online digital archives PubMed, Science Direct, Medscape and the Cochrane Library were searched for the keywords pain and chronic pancreatitis. Hand searches of relevant journals and citations were used to complete the investigation of current literature on the topic. Relevant articles and studies were critically analysed in a standard format with relation to study type, population, number, end point and outcomes. Publications not relevant to the management of pain in chronic pancreatitis were excluded.

Results:

Medical therapies, including oral analgesics and enzyme preparations, were included in the analysis of current modalities for treating pain in chronic pancreatitis.

Conclusions:

A summary of the evidence base for different pharmacological treatments in the context of chronic pancreatitis has shown that large number trials evaluating their efficacy in managing pain are lacking and offer scope for future research on this topic. The use of ‘alternative’ treatments such as antioxidant preparations and enzyme antagonists has shown promise. With regard to opioids, tramadol is as effective as morphine with less neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal side effects. Oxycodone may derive more benefit than morphine due to an additional Κ-agonist effect.
Hereditary multiple exostoses: anatomical distribution and burden of exostoses is dependent upon genotype and gender
Authors: Clement ND , Porter DE
Published: January 2014

Background and aims

We describe the novel anatomical distribution of exostoses in patients with hereditary multiple exostoses according to their gender and genotype.

Methods and results

A prospective database of 143 patients from 65 families with hereditary multiple exostoses was compiled. Patient demographics, genotype and number of exostoses according to anatomical site were recorded. The hand was affected by the greatest proportion of exostoses for both EXT1 (19%) and EXT2 (14%) genotypes and was the most prevalent site for exostoses in patients with an EXT1 genotype (92%). Patients with an EXT1 genotype had a significantly greater number of exostoses compared to those with an EXT2 genotype (2680 vs. 1828, p = 0.006); however, this was only significantly different for 10 of the 19 anatomical regions examined. Male patients with an EXT1 genotype had a significantly ( p < 0.05) greater number of exostoses affecting their hands, distal radius, proximal humerus, scapular and ribs compared to female patients with the same genotype and males with an EXT2 genotype.

Conclusion

The anatomical distribution of exostoses varies according to genotype and gender; however, the reason for this difference is not clear and may relate to different biochemical pathways.
Caseload of a land-based trauma team
Authors: Maddock A , Donald M
Published: January 2014

Background and aims

Pre-hospital care is provided by a variety of models worldwide. The Tayside Trauma Team responds from Ninewells Hospital in Dundee to provide a physician-led pre-hospital care service targeted primarily at trauma patients. We present a description of the functions of the team, and data detailing the clinical work of the Team over a six-month period.

Methods and results

The Team was called out 35 times in six months and attended 22 incidents, some involving multiple casualties. 34 patients received treatment at the scene of an incident. Most incidents were road traffic collisions, although the team also attended falls from height, an assault and a vascular injury. Eight patients (24%) met Injury Severity Score criteria for major trauma (ISS>15). Mean time from 999 calls to Team activation was 20 (range 4–79) min; and mean time from Team dispatch to ‘Team mobile’ was 4.6 (2–21) min.

Conclusion

The Tayside Trauma Team provides a physician-led pre-hospital care response on demand from the Scottish Ambulance Service. It provides critical care interventions at the scene of various incidents (primarily traumatic) to attempt to improve patient outcome. Response times are favourable.
The prevalence of risk for mental health problems among high school students in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Plüddemann Andreas , Morojele Neo , Myers Bronwyn , Townsend Loraine , Lombard Carl J , Petersen Williams Petal , Carney Tara , Nel Elmarie
Published: January 2014

The aim of this article is to describe the prevalence of risk for developing mental health problems in a large survey of high school students in the Western Cape Province in South Africa. The study population comprised students in Grades 8, 9, and 10 attending public schools in the Western Cape Province. Schools were randomly sampled proportional to total school size (all grades). A total of 227 schools and a total of 20,855 students completed the survey. Overall, 14.9% of students were categorised as ‘high risk’ for mental health problems. A significantly higher proportion of female participants were in the ‘high-risk’ category (18.5%; confidence interval = [17.2, 19.8]) than male participants (10.1%; confidence interval = [9.3, 10.8]). Female students who reported more days absent from school in the previous school quarter were more likely to be in the ‘high-risk’ category for mental health problems. Findings highlight the need for screening for mental health problems among adolescents attending high school in South Africa, and the need to develop intervention programmes for students at risk of mental health problems.
Honey I Love You, but … Investigating the Causes of the Earnings Penalty of Being a Tied-migrant Military Spouse
Authors: Hisnanick John J. , Little Roger D.
Published: January 2014

Prior empirical research on the earnings penalty of being a tied-migrant has focused primarily on the working wives of servicemen. Over the last couple of decades the increased number of women in the armed forces makes it feasible to study the earnings of another group of tied-migrants, the husbands of servicewomen. Using data from the 2000 U.S. Census, Sample Edited Detail File (SEDF), we show that there is a consistently lower age-earnings pattern for military husbands as well as wives. These annual earnings patterns capture the essence of, but do not provide an explanation for, the observed annual earnings differences. These differences are evaluated using multivariate analysis accounting for sample selectivity. Moreover, decomposition analysis strongly suggests that demand-side factors account for a greater portion of the differences in annual earnings than has been previously acknowledged and, therefore, that retention might respond favorably to job matching assistance and/or employer hiring incentives offered military spouses.
Health Literacy Among Insulin-Taking African Americans
Authors: Piatt Gretchen A. , Valerio Melissa A. , Nwankwo Robin , Lucas Stephanie M. , Funnell Martha M.
Published: January 2014

Aims

To determine the levels of functional health literacy (FHL) among insulin-taking African Americans with diabetes from an urban medical practice and to determine if associations exist between FHL levels and glycemic control.

Methods

Seventy insulin-taking African Americans seen for diabetes management comprised the analysis cohort. Patients were 18 years or older, African American, had diabetes, and currently using insulin via syringe, pen, or insulin pump. All participants completed a one-time assessment of FHL levels, using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS). Scores ranged from 0 to 6 (0-1 = high likelihood of limited FHL; 2-3 = possibility of limited FHL; 4-6 = adequate FHL). A combination of t tests, Pearson’s chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine associations between glycemic control and FHL.

Results

Average age was 58.7, 59.1% were female, 90.8% with type 2 diabetes, and 15.1% using an insulin pump. Glycemic control was: A1C < 7%: 22.9%, A1C < 8%: 47.1%. Of participants, 47.1% had adequate FHL, 31.4% had possible limited FHL, and 21.4% had a high likelihood of limited FHL. Also, 67.7% of participants with A1C ≥ 8% had a high likelihood of limited FHL. After adjusting for age and gender, participants with a high likelihood of limited FHL were 6.2 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-28.3) more likely to have A1C ≥ 8%.

Conclusions

Insulin-taking African Americans with a high likelihood of limited FHL are approximately 6 times more likely to have an A1C ≥ 8% compared to patients with a possibility of limited FHL, or adequate FHL, demonstrating the need for focused interventions tailored to FHL needs.
Kanamycin‐Furosemide Ototoxicity in the Mouse Cochlea: A 3‐Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Schmitz Heather M. , Johnson Shane B. , Santi Peter A.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Administration of an aminoglycoside antibiotic and loop diuretic causes damage to hair cells in the organ of Corti, resulting in their death and the death of their corresponding spiral ganglion neurons. While this phenomenon has been studied previously, analysis of its effects in the whole cochlea has not been reported. The authors sought to evaluate the effects of a combination dose of kanamycin and furosemide in mice cochlea using an imaging system and computer analysis that allowed for nondestructive, whole‐cochlea visualization.

Study Design

Study using an animal model.

Setting

Cochlear analysis laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Five mice received kanamycin and furosemide and 3 mice received saline. Cochleas were harvested and imaged with scanning thin‐sheet laser imaging microscopy (sTSLIM) to analyze sensory cells and cochlea structures.

Results

The drug‐treated animals showed substantial loss of inner hair cells and complete outer hair cell loss. All treated mice showed spiral ganglion neuron loss with fewer neurons than control animals and decreased cell density in the middle turn of the cochlea. The spiral ligament and spiral limbus in the treated animals also showed a decrease in fibrocyte cell density in the middle to apical portion of the cochlea. The stria vascularis appeared normal in all animals.

Conclusion

Imaging methods that allow for whole‐cochlea analysis provide insight into changes that occur in the cochlea after ototoxic insult. Trends that may not be apparent in cross‐section samples of the cochlea can be observed. Computer analysis of these trends allows them to be assessed accurately.
Friendship intimacy, close friend drug use, and self-medication in adolescence
Authors: Shadur Julia M. , Hussong Andrea M.
Published: January 2014

The current study tested between-person hypotheses that global negative affect, friendship intimacy, and close friend drug use predict increased substance use, and the within-person hypothesis that friendship intimacy and close friend substance use moderate the temporal relationship between daily negative affect and subsequent substance use (i.e., self-medication). Experience sampling methodology captured daily variations in mood and substance use, and multilevel modeling techniques were used to parse between- versus within-person effects. Findings supported between-person hypotheses that greater negative affect and lower friendship intimacy predicted greater substance use, and a consistent trend indicated that friendship intimacy and close friend drug use interact to predict substance use overall (though not for self-medication). Risk and protective mechanisms indicate that the effect of friendship intimacy on adolescent use depends on close friend drug use.
The influence of compassionate love on strategies used to end a relationship
Authors: Sprecher Susan , Zimmerman Corinne , Fehr Beverley
Published: January 2014

Past research has identified several communication strategies that are used to end relationships (e.g., Baxter, 1982). The present study extends this research by considering how young adults’ propensity to experience compassionate love for a romantic partner is associated with their reported use of breakup strategies. A sample of US university students ( n = 343) who had initiated the breakup of a past relationship completed a survey about the disengagement strategies they used. Participants’ compassionate love for their partner (recalled when the relationship existed) was associated with the use of more compassionate strategies to end the relationship. Compassionate love for humanity also was associated with the use of compassionate strategies, albeit to a lesser extent. The present findings suggest that compassionate love not only is beneficial for a relationship while it is intact, but may also play an important role in the process of relationship dissolution.
A Prospective Examination of Emotional Clarity, Stress Responses, and Depressive Symptoms During Early Adolescence
Authors: Flynn Megan , Rudolph Karen D.
Published: January 2014

This study examined the proposal that difficulty understanding one’s emotional experiences (i.e., deficits in emotional clarity) would interfere with the formulation of adaptive responses to interpersonal stress, which would then predict depressive symptoms. This process was examined across 3 years (fourth to sixth grade) during early adolescence. Participants included 636 youth (338 girls, 298 boys; [Formula: see text] age in fourth grade = 9.95, SD = .37) who completed measures assessing emotional clarity, stress responses, and depressive symptoms. Consistent with the hypothesized model, path analyses revealed that maladaptive interpersonal stress responses partially mediated the prospective contribution of deficits in emotional clarity to depressive symptoms. These findings implicate impairment in emotional understanding as a precursor to emerging interpersonal and psychological difficulties during a developmental stage of heightened vulnerability to depression, the transition to adolescence.
Endovascular transcatheter embolization of recurrent postsurgical varicocele: anatomic reasons for surgical failure
Authors: Jargiello Tomasz , Drelich-Zbroja Anna , Falkowski Aleksander , Sojka Michal , Pyra Krzysztof , Szczerbo-Trojanowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2014

Background

Formation or pre-existence of collateral gonadal veins in varicocele patients has been reported as the main cause of surgical treatment failure.

Purpose

To describe venographic findings in patients with postsurgical recurrent varicoceles and to assess the efficacy of the following minimally invasive endovascular treatment.

Material and Methods

Thirty-three men with failed surgical treatment of left-sided varicocele were examined between 2006 and 2013, using retrograde venography to assess the anatomy of varicocele draining veins before the attempted transcatheter embolization. Anatomic variants of gonadal veins were categorized according to the classification modified for the purpose of the present study. 3% polidocanol was used as an embolic agent together with pushable fibered coils.

Results

In 31 (93%) out of 33 patients venography demonstrated incompetence of the gonadal vein or veins draining varicoceles after failed surgical treatment. The most frequent venographic finding was gonadal vein duplication – 66% of cases (39% in its mid-portion). Technical success of embolization was achieved in all 31 patients. No major complications were observed.

Conclusion

Retrograde varicocele embolization may be superior to surgery because of its ability to detect gonadal vein variants. In our study group, transcatheter embolization with 3% polidocanol and fibered coils allowed successful, minimally invasive treatment of postsurgical varicoceles.
MR image texture in Parkinson’s disease: a longitudinal study
Authors: Sikiö Minna , Holli-Helenius Kirsi K , Harrison Lara CV , Ryymin Pertti , Ruottinen Hanna , Saunamäki Tiia , Eskola Hannu J , Elovaara Irina , Dastidar Prasun
Published: January 2014

Background

Few of the structural changes caused by Parkinson’s disease (PD) are visible in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with visual inspection but there is a need for a method capable of observing the changes beyond the human eye. Texture analysis offers a technique that enables the quantification of the image gray-level patterns.

Purpose

To investigate the value of quantitative image texture analysis method in diagnosis and follow-up of PD patients.

Material and Methods

Twenty-six PD patients underwent MRI at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. Four co-occurrence matrix-based texture parameters, describing the image homogeneity and complexity, were calculated within clinically interesting areas of the brain. In addition, correlations with clinical characteristics (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Ranking Scales I–III and Mini-Mental State Examination score) along with a comparison to healthy controls were evaluated.

Results

Patients at baseline and healthy volunteers differed in their brain MR image textures mostly in the areas of substantia nigra pars compacta, dentate nucleus, and basilar pons. During the 2-year follow-up of the patients, textural differences appeared mainly in thalamus and corona radiata. Texture parameters in all the above mentioned areas were also found to be significantly related to clinical scores describing the severity of PD.

Conclusion

Texture analysis offers a quantitative method for detecting structural changes in brain MR images. However, the protocol and repeatability of the method must be enhanced before possible clinical use.
‘We [for]got him’: Remembering and Forgetting in the Narration of bin Laden’s Death
Authors: Jarvis Lee , Holland Jack
Published: January 2014

This article explores how the death of Osama bin Laden was narrated by the Obama administration between the night of his killing and the 2012 State of the Union address. Three aspects of this unfolding story, in particular, are explored: i) descriptions of the operation itself; ii) constructions of bin Laden’s life and character; iii) accounts of the significance and likely consequences of his killing. The article argues that the narration of these events was characterised, first, by considerable discursive continuity with the war on terrorism discourse of George W. Bush, and, second, by a gradual removal or ‘forgetting’ of bin Laden and the circumstances of his death. Each of these dynamics, we argue, contributed to the legitimisation of his killing, demonstrating the importance of narrative remembrance and forgetting alike for the conduct and justification of liberal violence.
Usefulness of phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis and treatment evaluation in patients with SIH
Authors: Tung Hsin , Liao Yi-Chu , Wu Chih-Ceng , Chang Ming-Hong , Chen Clayton Chi-Chang , Chen Po-Lin , Chen Hung-Chieh
Published: January 2014

Background

Most diagnostic tools for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) are either invasive or occasionally inconsistent with the clinical condition. In this study, we examined the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in SIH using phase-contrast magnetic resonance (PC-MR) imaging.

Materials and method

Seventeen SIH patients and 32 healthy individuals, matched by sex and age, were recruited. Each person underwent brain and PC-MR imaging using 3-Tesla MRI. We evaluated the differences in image parameters among patients during the initial and recovery stages against the status of the control group.

Results

SIH patients had lower CSF flow-volume, flux, peak velocity, and higher systolic-to-diastolic time ratio, as well as systolic-to-diastolic volume ratio compared to the control group and the conditions when they recovered. The flow time and volume of the diastolic phase markedly increased after treatment. The discriminating power of PC-MR for SIH was good. Diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement and venous engorgement were present when their PC-MR values were lower than the cut-off values for SIH diagnosis. The headache scores correlated with the peak velocity and pituitary volume.

Conclusion

Noninvasive PC-MR could provide valid parameters for diagnosis and treatment follow-up in SIH patients. It may be more sensitive than conventional brain MRI.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population
Authors: Murphy Ryan T. , Pennock Andrew T. , Bugbee William D.
Published: January 2014

Background:

Multiple studies in adults have shown that osteochondral allograft transplantation is an effective treatment option for large chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee. Limited outcome data are available on osteochondral allografts in the pediatric and adolescent patient populations.

Purpose:

To describe a 28-year experience with osteochondral allograft transplantation in patients younger than 18 years with a focus on subjective outcome measures, return to activities, and allograft survivorship.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 39 patients (43 knees) underwent fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation for treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions. Twenty-six male and 17 female knees with a mean age of 16.4 years (range, 11.0-17.9 years) at index surgery were followed-up at a mean of 8.4 years (range, 1.7-27.1 years). Thirty-four knees (79%) had at least 1 previous surgery. The most common underlying causes of the lesions were osteochondritis dissecans (61%), avascular necrosis (16%), and traumatic chondral injury (14%). Mean allograft size was 8.4 cm2. The most common allograft location was the medial femoral condyle (41.9%), followed by the lateral femoral condyle (35%). Each patient was evaluated with the International Knee Documentation Committee pain, function, and total scores; a modified Merle d’Aubigné-Postel (18-point) scale; and Knee Society function score. Failure was defined as revision osteochondral allograft or conversion to arthroplasty.

Results:

Five knees experienced clinical failure at a median of 2.7 years (range, 1.0-14.7 years). Four failures were salvaged successfully with another osteochondral allograft transplant. One patient underwent prosthetic arthroplasty 8.6 years after revision allograft. Graft survivorship was 90% at 10 years. Of the knees whose grafts were in situ at latest follow-up, 88% were rated good/excellent (18-point scale). The mean International Knee Documentation Committee scores improved from 42 preoperatively to 75 postoperatively, and the Knee Society function score improved from 69 to 89 (both P < .05). Eighty-nine percent of patients reported “extremely satisfied” or “satisfied.”

Conclusion:

With 88% good/excellent results and 80% salvage rate of clinical failures with an additional allograft, osteochondral allograft transplantation is a useful treatment option in pediatric and adolescent patients.
Neurometabolic Disorder With Microcephaly, Dystonia, and Central Cyanosis Masquerading as Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Devadathan Kalpana , Sreedharan Mini , Sarasam Sanuja , Colah Roshan B. , Kunju P. A. Mohammed
Published: January 2014

Many neurodegenerative diseases can be misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy. The correct diagnosis is reached when the condition recurs in families or when there are specific clinical signs. The clinical and imaging features of 3 children, from 2 unrelated families, presenting with global developmental delay and dystonia are described, in whom the presence of cyanosis and methemoglobinemia confirmed the diagnosis of recessive hereditary methemoglobinemia type 2. Magnetic resonance imaging showed significant cerebellar atrophy in 2 of the 3 babies. In dark-skinned children, this condition is underdiagnosed, as mild cyanosis is difficult to detect. Screening for methemoglobinemia in children with dystonia, microcephaly, and progressive cerebellar atrophy can be helpful in identifying more cases. As there is no curative treatment for this autosomal recessive condition, the exact diagnosis offers the best chance for prenatal screening, by detecting deficient NADH - cytochrome b5 reductase enzyme activity or by identifying the specific mutation in cultured amniotic fluid cells.
Reduced Short Interval Cortical Inhibition Correlates With Atomoxetine Response in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Chen Tina H , Wu Steve W , Welge Jeffrey A , Dixon Stephan G , Shahana Nasrin , Huddleston David A , Sarvis Adam R , Sallee Floyd R , Gilbert Donald L
Published: January 2014

Clinical trials in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show variability in behavioral responses to the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor atomoxetine. The objective of this study was to determine whether transcranial magnetic stimulation–evoked short interval cortical inhibition might be a biomarker predicting, or correlating with, clinical atomoxetine response. At baseline and after 4 weeks of atomoxetine treatment in 7- to 12-year-old children with ADHD, transcranial magnetic stimulation short interval cortical inhibition was measured, blinded to clinical improvement. Primary analysis was by multivariate analysis of covariance. Baseline short interval cortical inhibition did not predict clinical responses. However, paradoxically, after 4 weeks of atomoxetine, mean short interval cortical inhibition was reduced 31.9% in responders and increased 6.1% in nonresponders (analysis of covariance t41 = 2.88; P = .0063). Percentage reductions in short interval cortical inhibition correlated with reductions in the ADHD Rating Scale ( r = 0.50; P = .0005). In children ages 7 to 12 years with ADHD treated with atomoxetine, improvements in clinical symptoms are correlated with reductions in motor cortex short interval cortical inhibition.
Selenium and Antioxidant Levels Decreased in Blood of Children With Breath-Holding Spells
Authors: Saad Khaled , Farghaly Hikma S. , Badry Reda , Othman Hisham A. K.
Published: January 2014

We hypothesize that the imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant systems might be involved in the pathophysiology of breath-holding spells. The aim of this study is to evaluate the oxidant-antioxidant status in children with breath-holding spells compared to healthy children. In a case control study, 67 children with breath-holding spells were compared with 60 healthy children. Malondialdehyde values of the patients were significantly higher than those in control. Levels of selenium, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase of the patient group are significantly lower than those in control. The present study gives helpful data about oxidant-antioxidant systems alterations in breath-holding spells in such a large patient group. These data give support to the hypothesis of the imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant systems, and selenium deficiency might be involved in the pathophysiology of breath-holding spells, suggesting the role of this system dysregulation in breath-holding spells.
Assessing the repair of critical size bone defects performed in a goat tibia model using tissue-engineered constructs cultured in a bidirectional flow perfusion bioreactor
Authors: Gardel LS , Afonso M , Frias C , Gomes ME , Reis RL
Published: January 2014

This work evaluated in vivo performance of a tissue-engineered bone-like matrix obtained by culturing cell-scaffold constructs in a flow perfusion bioreactor, designed to enable culture of large constructs, envisioning the regeneration of critical-sized defects. A blend of starch with polycaprolactone scaffolds was seeded with goat bone marrow stromal cells (GBMSCs) cultured in the perfusion bioreactor for 14 days using osteogenic medium. Cell seeded scaffolds cultured in static conditions acted as controls. After 14 days, constructs (42 mm length and 16 mm in diameter) were implanted in critical size defects performed in the tibial bone of six adult goats from which the bone marrow had been collected previously. Explants were retrieved after six and 12 weeks of implantation and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, micro-computed tomography and radiographic analysis to assess tissue morphology and calcification. Explants were histologically analyzed, using Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson Trichrome staining. Results provided relevant information about the performance and functionality of starch with polycaprolactone–goat bone marrow stromal cell constructs in a critical size orthotopic defect performed in a large animal model and demonstrated that culture of the starch with polycaprolactone scaffolds with the autologous cells in perfusion culture provide a good therapy for the healing and regenerative process of bone defects.
Nursing Students’ Feedback to a Spiritual Health Reflection
Authors: Briggs Crista L. , Lovan Sherry R.
Published: January 2014

It is common for young students to enter nursing school with untested or immature spiritual belief systems. This exploratory study elicited feedback from nursing students in response to a guided reflection about spiritual health. As a precursor to classroom teaching, participants wrote a short, nongraded anonymous response to a series of 10 broad questions, with no single answer considered right or wrong. At the conclusion of this classroom activity, students completed a survey indicating the extent to which they believed it was beneficial. The majority of the participants (97%) considered it important to identify their own beliefs about spiritual matters prior to entering the clinical setting. As a result of the classroom reflection activity, most of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that the exercise (a) heightened their awareness about spiritual issues, (b) encouraged them to consider spiritual matters they had never thought about before, (c) caused them to feel more confident discussing spiritual matters with patients, and (d) inspired them to learn more and/or seek clarity regarding the questions presented. Based on the findings, nursing faculty should consider adding a similar classroom reflection activity prior to entering the clinical setting where patients and/or family members ask questions about spiritual matters.
Thermal expansion behavior of polyimide films containing benzoxazole unit
Authors: Song Guangliang , Wang Daming , Dang Guodong , Zhou Hongwei , Chen Chunhai , Zhao Xiaogang
Published: January 2014

Thermal expansion behavior of polyimide (PI) films based on benzoxazole containing diamine, 5,4′-diamino-2-phenyl benzoxazole (DAPBO), was investigated systematically. Effects of preparation parameters on the values of in-plane coefficient of thermal expansion (in-plane CTE) were studied from the viewpoint of film thicknesses, curing rates, and substrates. It was found that the in-plane CTE values increased as a function of film thicknesses and curing rates, this pattern was also applicable to PI based on DAPBO and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), which showed negative in-plane CTE value. The influence of preparation parameters on in-plane CTEs was interpreted by the effect of residual solvent. Thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical analyses were used to study the curing process of poly(amic) acid films with various amounts of residual solvent and further to illustrate the effect of residual solvent on in-plane CTE values. In-plane and out-of-plane CTE of PI film based on DAPBO and 3,3′,4,4′-oxydiphthalic dianhydride (ODPA) were directly measured using thermomechanical analysis instrument, and the values were 22.5 and 62.3 ppm K-1, respectively, indicating the orientation character of PI chains along the film plane direction.
Mathematical modeling and simulation of high-speed cam mechanisms to minimize residual vibrations
Authors: Kaplan Halit
Published: January 2014

Mathematical modeling, simulation, and optimum design of equivalent one degree-of-freedom high-speed cam mechanisms used for internal combustion engines are investigated in this study. The dynamic equation governing the dynamic behavior of a typical high-speed cam–follower system of an internal combustion engine has been simplified using dimensionless analysis method. The resulting model is then used to find the optimum cam shape to reduce the residual vibrations in the follower part of the system. The Lagrange multipliers method is utilized to minimize the sum of squared error (deviation from the cam profile) over one period under continuity and smoothness constraints.
Online estimation of workpiece height by least squares support vector machines in wire electrical discharge machining
Authors: Xi Xue-Cheng , Dou Shang-Cheng , Zhao Wan-Sheng
Published: January 2014

When machining workpieces with complicated and intricate shapes by wire electrical discharge machining, the workpiece height usually varies along a machining path. To ensure a stable and efficient machining, the machining parameters must be appropriately tuned based on the estimated workpiece height. Though an offline workpiece height estimation model can be established by traditional support vector regression with a satisfactory accuracy, the offline model is unable to cover all possible machining conditions. In this paper, least squares support vector machine is proposed to build up online a workpiece height estimation model. Due to the use of equality constraints in the formulation of least squares support vector machine, all data points are treated as support vectors, thus sparsity is lost as compared with traditional support vector machine. For online applications, a low computational load as well as a limited memory storage are required for an online algorithm. To meet the requirements of online workpiece height estimation, two measures are thus adopted. One is the use of a projection method which measures the relevance of a new data point with existing basic vectors by calculating its residue. The residue is used as criteria for admission of the new data point as a new member of the basic vector set. The other is the restriction on the size of the basic vector set. Removal of an insignificant basic vector is determined by its contribution to the model, which is measured by its coefficient in the model (or support value). Experimental results show that, by online learning, the estimation model can achieve an estimation error less than 2 mm at smooth parts of a workpiece. Based on the estimated workpiece height, proper machining parameters can be set and a stable machining can be achieved.
An approach to evaluating product assembly precision considering the effect of joint surface deformation
Authors: Lu Cong , Wang Song-Ling
Published: January 2014

This paper proposes an approach to evaluating the product assembly precision in different assembly sequences, considering the effect of joint surface deformation. Three assembly variation sources, including manufacturing variation, assembly clearance and joint surface deformation, which have effect on the final assembly precision are analyzed. Based on finite element analysis, a hybrid genetic algorithm and back-propagation neural network model is built to predict the assembly variations, which are caused by the joint surface deformation under different assembly conditions and different parameters of the joint surface. An assembly variation propagation model is built, and a product assembly precision evaluation approach is proposed to identify the feasible assembly sequences, and the optimal assembly sequence considering the effect of the joint surface deformation. Finally, a case study is given to verify the proposed approach.
Free vibration analysis of functionally graded beams using an exact plane elasticity approach
Authors: Celebi K , Tutuncu N
Published: January 2014

Exact natural frequencies of functionally graded beams are determined using plane elasticity theory. The analysis yields infinitely many frequencies. For verification purposes, a comparison with the existing beam theory results is performed and a close agreement is observed for slender members. The elasticity solutions are general in the sense that they are valid for slender members as well as short and thick structural elements. Both flexural and axial free vibration mode shapes are presented for top and bottom surfaces and the effect of the beam thickness is discussed. The exact results presented herein can be used as benchmarks for future research of free vibration behavior of short and thick functionally graded material beams.
The ‘Sprawl Divide’: Comparing models of urban dispersion in mono-centric and polycentric Mediterranean cities
Authors: Salvati Luca
Published: January 2014

While recent studies have illustrated how European cities are shifting towards exurban development, the influence of urban form on sprawl models has been poorly investigated at both the regional and local scales. The present study introduces an original sprawl index and analyses its spatio-temporal dynamics between 1960 and 2010 in two Mediterranean regions (Athens and Rome) characterized by contrasting urban morphology. Different models of urban dispersion have been identified during the investigated period by correlating variables such as population density, land-use and territorial characteristics to the sprawl index. This index significantly diverged in the two regions, suggesting that recent urbanization patterns are influenced by the city’s form. The results contribute to the debate on sustainable urban form for expanding cities in Europe.
The politics of PAO’s new football stadium
Authors: Lekakis Nikos
Published: January 2014

This paper examines local initiatives for a sports stadium-centered economic development project in Athens, Greece within the framework of urban political theories. This project was not successful for the proponents, which in itself makes a crucial issue as most stadium projects are successful in the US, where most stadium research has been conducted. The local growth coalition (LGC) concept is used as a template for understanding this Athenian project. In this case, the coalition was strong yet ineffective. In any LGC, ineffectiveness may result from various structural factors that are unrelated to the coalition’s internal organizational or institutional composition. In this case, the key structural factor was a judicial decision by the Supreme Administrative Court of Greece that severely impeded the LGC’s ultimate goals. This paper also briefly compares judicial decisions in the US and Greece regarding new private sports stadia as projects for the “public good.”