bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Stereotypic Behavior and Peer Social Interaction for Children with Severe Disabilities
Authors: Lee SoHyun , Odom Samuel L.
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the collateral relationship between engagement in social interaction with peers and the occurrence of stereotypic behavior for two children with severe disabilities. Peers without disabilities were taught to make social initiations to two children with autism and other severe disabilities who engaged in high rates of stereotypic behavior. When the peers made social initiations and the children with disabilities increased their engagement in social interaction, collateral decreases occurred in their stereotypic behavior. Within an ABAB design, the functional relationship between these variables was demonstrated. Implications of these findings for designing interventions for promoting social integration and their possible effects on stereotypic behavior are noted.
Natural Supports in the Workplace: Defining an Agenda for Research and Practice
Authors: Butterworth John , Hagner David , Kiernan William E. , Schalock Robert L.
Published: June 2014

Although there is a growing consensus that including natural supports in the employment process is an important goal, there is considerable debate about the definition and appropriate role of these supports. This manuscript clarifies and extends current definitions of natural supports and proposes a working model to guide future research and practice. Primary emphasis is placed on natural supports as a desired outcome of successful employment rather than a distinct model for support and as a contributing factor to higher level outcomes such as quality of life. From both a researcher's and a practitioner's perspective there is a need to shift emphasis from competing models of employment support to developing a better understanding of the relationship between specific job coach interventions and the desired outcome of effective natural support.
Interventions with Challenging Behavior of Persons with Developmental Disabilities: A Review of Current Research Practices
Authors: Scotti Joseph R. , Ujcich Kimberly J. , Weigle Karen L. , Holland Christa M. , Kirk Karen S.
Published: June 2014

The published intervention research on the remediation of challenging behavior of persons with developmental disabilities was reviewed. A total of 179 studies over a recent 5-year period (1988 through 1992) were reviewed for adherence to certain standards of practice, including the use of functional assessment, function-treatment matching, level of intervention intrusiveness, monitoring of collateral behaviors, follow-up, and generalization. Results are presented with regard to each standard of practice and the relations among practices. The results largely support meaningful improvements in the state of the intervention literature since the time of several previous reviews. Areas of progress are noted and continuing deficits are discussed.
Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury is Still Out
Authors: Test David W. , Wood Wendy M.
Published: June 2014

The concept of natural supports was formally introduced to the field of supported employment in 1988. Since then, natural supports have been incorporated into supported employment policy as an extended service in the 1992 Rehabilitation Act Amendments. At the same time, numerous definitions of natural supports, as well as, strategies based on the concept of natural supports have been suggested. Considering the potential impact of natural supports on both supported employment policy and practice, we conducted a review of the research literature to document the contributions of strategies based on the concept of natural supports to supported employment. Although findings indicated a number of promising strategies, research is still needed. Results are discussed in terms of separating the concept of natural supports from strategies based on the concept of natural supports, future research areas, and the potential problems of having natural supports as policy without empirical support for practice.
From Enrollment to Membership: “Belonging” in Middle and High School Classes
Authors: Schnorr Roberta F.
Published: June 2014

This study examined the meaning of “belonging” or membership in four secondary level general education classes. One or two students with moderate or severe disabilities were enrolled in each of these classes. Participant observations and interviews were used to gain an understanding of participation and membership from the perspectives of students without disabilities who attended these classes. Findings indicated that student membership depends on affiliation with a subgroup of peers within the class. General class participation and interactions influenced an individual's status within the group, but were not enough to create member status. General education students also reported taking active steps when they joined a class to get connected with a subgroup. In these classes, only two students with disabilities connected with subgroups and were, therefore, viewed as members. Considerations are offered for promoting classroom membership for students with moderate or severe disabilities.
A Comparison of Instructional Context, Teacher Behavior, and Engaged Behavior for Students with Severe Disabilities in General Education and Self-Contained Elementary Classrooms
Authors: Logan Kent R. , Keefe Elizabeth B.
Published: June 2014

This article presents results from an observational study comparing instructional context, teacher behavior, and engaged behavior for 15 students with severe disabilities in general education classrooms and 15 students with severe disabilities in self-contained classrooms. The observational data system was the Code for Instruction and Student Academic Response–Mainstream Version. The major significant differences were that students in general education classrooms received a greater proportion of their instruction through academic rather than functional activities and received more one-to-one instruction and teacher attention than did students in self-contained classrooms. No significant differences were found between the settings for student response. The most interesting finding may be that so few differences were found between general education and self-contained classrooms.
Reducing Stereotypic Behavior by Teaching Orienting Responses to Environmental Stimuli
Authors: Frea William D.
Published: June 2014

This study investigated the feasibility of decreasing the stereotypic behavior of two adolescents with autism by teaching them to increase orienting responses to their environment using an external prompt. Both participants exhibited high rates of stereotypic behaviors, one in the form of physical rigidity and stereotyped eye movements, the other in the form of perseverative speech and repeated gesturing. They were taught to increase the amount of appropriate orienting to natural stimuli in community settings. Within a multiple baseline design across settings, both demonstrated decreases in stereotypic behavior as appropriate orienting increased.
Inclusive Education as Perceived by Prospective Special Education Teachers in Estonia, Finland, and the United States
Authors: Moberg Sakari , Zumberg Marshall , Reinmaa Ants
Published: June 2014

A survey of 125 prospective undergraduate special education teachers assessed perceptions and beliefs about inclusive education in Estonia, Finland, and the United States. The attitudes toward inclusion were rather critical. The Estonians were the most critical group; the Finns, the least critical. The findings suggest that prospective special educators' perceptions about inclusion are related to the prevailing implementation of inclusive education. The results support also the idea that perceptions about a person with a disability are connected with possible actions toward this person.
Promoting Interactive Partnerships in Inclusive Educational Settings
Authors: Hunt Pam , Farron-Davis Felicia , Wrenn Mary , Hirose-Hatae Anne , Goetz Lori
Published: June 2014

An analysis was conducted of the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention designed to increase the social inclusion of three elementary-aged students with disabilities who were full-time members of general education classrooms. The intervention package included: (a) provision of information to classmates about the communication system and adapted curriculum and materials of the student with disabilities during natural opportunities, and regularly scheduled class meetings; (b) identification and utilization of various media (including “conversation books”) that could serve as the basis for interactive exchanges between the focus students and others; and (c) facilitation by educational staff of social exchanges between students and their classmates through the establishment of “partner systems,” arrangement of interactive activities across the day, and prompting and interpreting communicative exchanges when necessary. All aspects of the intervention, with the exception of the weekly class meetings, were implemented by educational staff including the general education teachers, inclusion support teachers, and instructional assistants. Analyses of the interaction patterns between the focus students and others suggsted that implementation of the social support package facilitated increased exchanges with peers that were more “balanced,” with the focus students more often initiating the interactions and providing information, rather than receiving communication or assistance. In addition comparisons of the interactions between the focus students and their peers with those of selected classmates revealed closer approximations to typical student-student exchanges during the intervention versus baseline condition. Finally, the social validity of changes in interaction patterns between the focus students and their classmates was evaluated.
The Effect of Mentoring versus Job Coach Instruction on Integration in Supported Employment Settings
Authors: Lee Mellanie , Storey Keith , Anderson Jacki L. , Goetz Lori , Zivolich Steve
Published: June 2014

Thirty employees at Pizza Hut were observed to examine the effects of three training strategies on social integration. These training strategies represented: (a) the traditional job coach model, (b) a mentoring model, and (c) the use of management and coworkers to train new employees without disabilities. This research found that employees with severe disabilities trained using the mentor model had more interactions with nondisabled coworkers than those trained using the job coach model. The data also indicate that the nondisabled comparison group had more interactions than either the job coach or mentoring groups, and that the types of interactions did not vary among the three groups.
How Teachers Include Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities in Elementary Classes: The Means and Meaning of Inclusion
Authors: Janney Rachel E. , Snell Martha E.
Published: June 2014

This ethnographic study investigated the ways general and special educators went about including students with moderate and severe developmental disabilities in five elementary classrooms. Interpretations suggest that all teachers shared a common goal of including the focus students as members of their classroom groups, and had devised an unwritten agreement specifying the modifications that would and would not be made. The modifications made to teachers' roles, classroom routines, and instructional activities are described. Discussion focuses on the assimilationist approach to diversity evidenced by these modifications, and on the implications for facilitating full social and instructional inclusion through teacher collaboration and instructional modifications.
Integrating Choice into the Leisure Routines of Older Adults with Severe Disabilities
Authors: Parsons Marsha B. , Harper Vicki N. , Jensen Joyce M. , Reid Dennis H.
Published: June 2014

This investigation examined a means of evaluating and increasing leisure choices within a senior program for older adults with severe disabilities. An observation system was developed to measure the frequency and content of leisure choice opportunities as well as the manner in which each of 3 participants made choices. A process including both staff training and management components was implemented with direct support staff from the senior program. The process initially involved training staff to provide choice opportunities in accordance with participants' choice-making skills. Following training, staff received spoken and written feedback regarding the number and type of choice opportunities provided by staff as well as the number of choices made by participants. The choice provision program was accompanied by an increase in the number, and to a lessor degree the diversity, of choice opportunities provided by staff as well as an increase in the number of choices made by each participant. Results suggested that the increase in choices made by 2 participants was not only due to an increase in choice opportunity but also potentially to an improvement in choice-making skill. Results are discussed regarding the continued need to evaluate procedures for extending research advances pertaining to quality of life into routine practice in agencies providing supports for older adults with severe disabilities.
Parent-Professional Partnership in Behavioral Support: A Qualitative Analysis of One Family's Experience
Authors: Fox Lise , Vaughn Bobbie J. , Dunlap Glen , Bucy Millie
Published: June 2014

Behavioral support with families is a multifaceted endeavor that should be studied from the various perspectives that affect its feasibility, efficacy, and potential to produce outcomes that are durable and meaningful to people's lives. This study describes a qualitative analysis of one family's experience during a 10-month process of assessment and intervention for the behavioral challenges of a boy with multiple and severe disabilities. Data collection included an audiojournal recorded by the boy's mother and a series of semistructured interviews with both parents and the boy's older brother. The data were synthesized to chronicle the impressions of the family relating to the phases of the positive behavioral support process. The data yielded two pervasive themes that describe the impact of the problem behavior on the family and the effects of the behavioral support process on the child and his family. Together, with a companion article that presents the procedures and quantitative analyses (Vaughn et al., 1997), the methods and findings from this study offer a broader view of behavioral support than has been evident in the literature thus far. The findings are presented as a heuristic for researchers to engage in participatory investigations that can illuminate important features of support processes with the intention of increasing responsiveness to consumers (e.g., families) and enhancing the benefits of community-based support efforts.
Adolescents with Severe Disabilities: Family, School, and Community Integration
Authors: Kraemer Bonnie R. , Blacher Jan , Marshal Michael P.
Published: June 2014

Results of a study focusing on family, school, and community integration are provided herein. The study was comprised of 151 parents of adolescents with severe disabilities who completed written measures and responded to interview questions about their children and families. Results indicated that the adolescents primarily participated in family and home activities, with less frequent participation in school and community functions. Families were concerned with planning for future vocational and independent living experiences for their adolescent children, although more than half of the parents reported that obtaining a job and living outside the home in the future would be unlikely. The results of regression analyses indicated that both child characteristics and family variables play a predominant role in predicting an adolescent's level of integration in home and community, with only child characteristics predicting school integration.
Varied Meanings and Practice: Teachers' Perspectives regarding High School Inclusion
Authors: Smith Robin M.
Published: June 2014

This study examines teachers perspectives in a ninth grade class that included students with disabilities in regular classes. Observations and interviews yielded data on how the teachers thought about inclusion of students with disabilities in their classes, and how they thought about a student with Down syndrome who was also in their class at the time of the study. Data collected over 7 months of a school year included variability in the interpretations and practice of inclusion and varied expectations for some students with disabilities. Teachers who supported inclusion of the student with Down syndrome differed in their expectations of him and the other students with and without disabilities. Variable standards for classroom attendance was a primary example. Findings suggest the importance of further research into the meanings and practices of inclusion as they relate to perceived purposes of schooling, the application of structures supporting inclusion in high schools, and the merging of social and academic goals for high school students with severe disabilities.
An avulsed radial artery with a high take-off
Authors: Rojas-Marte Geurys , Chen On , Verma Shivani , Rao Atul , Shani Jacob , Ayzenberg Sergey
Published: June 2014

A 63-year-old female was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, who underwent a diagnostic coronary angiography via transradial approach prior an aortic-valve replacement. After imaging the left coronary system, entrapment of the diagnostic catheter was encountered as a result of spasm of the radial artery. An arteriogram of the arm revealed an anatomical variation in the radial artery (high take-off). Several attempts to remove the entrapped catheter resulted in avulsion of the artery, which was managed successfully with coil embolization. To our knowledge, no such complication has been reported.
Canadian vascular surgery residents' perceptions regarding future job opportunities
Authors: Cooper Joel A , Dubois Luc , Power Adam H , DeRose Guy , MacKenzie Kent S , Forbes Thomas L
Published: June 2014

The objective was to determine the employment environment for graduates of Canadian vascular surgery training programs. A cross-sectional survey of residents and graduates (2011–2012) was used. Thirty-seven residents were invited with a response rate of 57%, and 14 graduates with a response rate of 71%; 70% of graduates felt the job market played an important role in their decision to pursue vascular surgery as a career compared to 43% of trainees. The top three concerns were the lack of surgeons retiring, the overproduction of trainees, and saturation of the job market. The majority (62%) of trainees see themselves extending their training due to lack of employment. All of the graduates obtained employment, with 50% during their second year (of two years) of training and 30% after training was completed. Graduates spent an average of 12 ± 10.6 months seeking a position and applied to 3.3 ± 1.5 positions, with a mean of 1.9 ± 1.3 interviews and 2 ± 1.2 offers. There was a discrepancy between the favorable employment climate experienced by graduates and the pessimistic outlook of trainees. We must be progressive in balancing the employment opportunities with the number of graduates. Number and timing of job offers is a possible future metric of the optimal number of residents.
Ectopic decidual reaction mimicking inguinal lymphoma on ultrasound
Authors: Lorentzen C , Prangsgaard T , Lorentzen T
Published: June 2014

Ectopic decidual reaction has been described in various intraperitoneal locations. We present a case of unusual ectopic decidual reaction in the groin mimicking inguinal lymphoma on ultrasound in a pregnant woman. This case contributes evidence illustrating the variability of the clinical presentation of ectopic decidual reaction.
Shifting institutional orders and responses to technological disruption among local journalists in Russia and the U.S.
Authors: Lowrey Wilson , Erzikova Elina
Published: June 2014

This study compares U.S. and Russian news organizations’ responses to today’s disruptive environment intensified by the development of digital online technologies and global economic crisis. Findings show U.S. journalists attempt to maintain legitimacy within ‘professional’ and ‘digital network’ orders by either decoupling their digital network efforts from traditional, core operations or by assimilating digital practices within traditional journalistic practices. For Russian journalists, the dominant conflicting orders are the ‘state’ institutional order and a weak ‘professional’ order; and accord with a ‘digital network’ order is most evident outside of traditional news organizations. Overall, in both countries, a lack of response to online audiences by media outlets is common, but differing institutional environments help explain differing reasons for these responses.
Managing the Human-Milk-Fed, Preterm, VLBW Infant at NICU Discharge
Authors: Groh-Wargo Sharon , Thompson Melody
Published: June 2014

Preterm, very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants are at high nutritional risk because of poor nutrient stores at birth, digestive and neurodevelopmental immaturity, and increased risk of medical and surgical complications. Human milk (HM) is the preferred feeding for nearly all newborns. It is easily digested, well absorbed, and decreases the risk of infection. To meet the nutritional needs of small babies, however, HM requires fortification. HM fortification is the accepted norm during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. This article reviews how to manage the human-milk-fed preterm VLBW infant at NICU discharge. Recent evidence suggests that HM alone after discharge may not replenish nutrient deficits accumulated during the hospital stay or sustain growth in the immediate follow-up period. Practitioners are challenged with devising nutritionally adequate diets that are practical and sustainable while preserving the HM supply and protecting the breastfeeding experience. We will review the available science; reveal pitfalls in common practices, including “the sprinkles dilemma”; and present several options for regimens that meet nutritional goals.
Family history of Alzheimer’s disease limits improvement in cognitive function after bariatric surgery
Authors: Alosco Michael L , Spitznagel Mary Beth , Strain Gladys , Devlin Michael , Crosby Ross D , Mitchell James E , Gunstad John
Published: June 2014

Background/Objective:

Bariatric surgery can reverse cognitive impairments associated with obesity. However, such benefits may be attenuated in individuals with a predisposing risk for cognitive impairment such as family history of Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods:

In all, 94 bariatric surgery participants completed a computerized cognitive test battery before and 12 weeks after surgery. Family history of Alzheimer’s disease was obtained through self-report.

Results:

In the overall sample, cognitive function improved in memory and attention/executive function 12 weeks post-surgery. Repeated measures showed similar rates of improvements in attention/executive function between patients with and without a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, only individuals without a family history of Alzheimer’s disease exhibited post-operative improvements in memory. A family history of Alzheimer’s disease was associated with greater post-surgery rates of cognitive impairment.

Conclusions:

Family history of Alzheimer’s disease may limit post-surgery cognitive benefits. Future studies should examine whether weight loss can modify the course of cognitive decline in patients at-risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Predictors of Nonadherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV-Infected Adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Muya Aisa N. , Geldsetzer Pascal , Hertzmark Ellen , Ezeamama Amara E. , Kawawa Hawa , Hawkins Claudia , Sando David , Chalamilla Guerino , Fawzi Wafaie , Spiegelman Donna
Published: June 2014

Background:

Adherence rates of ≥95% to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are necessary to maintain viral suppression in HIV-infected individuals. We identified predictors of nonadherence to scheduled antiretroviral drug pickup appointments in a large HIV care and treatment program in Tanzania.

Methods:

We performed a prospective cohort study of 44, 204 HIV-infected adults on ART between November 2004 and September 2012. Multivariate generalized estimating equation for repeated binary data was used to estimate the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals of nonadherence.

Results:

Nonadherence was significantly greater among patients with high CD4 counts, high body mass indices, males, younger patients, patients with longer durations on ART, and those with perceived low social support.

Conclusions:

Targeted interventions should be developed to improve ART adherence among healthier, younger, and more experienced patients who are on ART for longer durations within HIV care and treatment programs. Social support for patients on ART should be emphasized.
Tribological improvement of titanium alloy surfaces through texturing and TiAlN coating
Authors: Prem Ananth M. , Ramesh R.
Published: June 2014

Titanium alloys are characterised by poor wear resistance properties and its utilisation has been excessive in non-tribological applications. Surface texturing is a renowned and effective means of surface modification technique to improve the tribological properties of sliding surfaces. In the present work, modification of titanium alloy surfaces was done by lapping and laser surface texturing. The modified surfaces were coated by titanium aluminium nitride (TiAlN) nanocomposite coating with chromium as interlayer by cathodic arc physical vapour deposition system. The adhesion characteristics of the coatings were evaluated using a scratch tester and recognised that coating adherence has been improved by 8% through texturing. The effect of normal load on friction and wear characteristics were examined and discussed. The present work is aimed for investigating the bonding strength, friction coefficient and wear behaviour of bilayer composite coating over modified titanium alloy substrates under dry sliding contact condition.
Multiphoton imaging to identify grana, stroma thylakoid, and starch inside an intact leaf
Authors: Chen Mei-Yu , Zhuo Guan-Yu , Chen Kuan-Chieh , Wu Pei-Chun , Hsieh Tsung-Yuan , Liu Tzu-Ming , Chu Shi-Wei
Published: June 2014

Background

Grana and starch are major functional structures for photosynthesis and energy storage of plant, respectively. Both exhibit highly ordered molecular structures and appear as micrometer-sized granules inside chloroplasts. In order to distinguish grana and starch, we used multiphoton microscopy, with simultaneous acquisition of two-photon fluorescence (2PF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) signals. SHG is sensitive to crystallized structures while 2PF selectively reveals the distribution of chlorophyll.

Result

Three distinct microstructures with different contrasts were observed, i.e. “SHG dominates”, “2PF dominates”, and “SHG collocated with 2PF”. It is known that starch and grana both emit SHG due to their highly crystallized structures, and no autofluorescence is emitted from starch, so the “SHG dominates” contrast should correspond to starch. The contrast of “SHG collocated with 2PF” is assigned to be grana, which exhibit crystallized structure with autofluorescent chlorophyll. The “2PF dominates” contrast should correspond to stroma thylakoid, which is a non-packed membrane structure with chrolophyll. The contrast assignment is further supported by fluorescence lifetime measurement.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated a straightforward and noninvasive method to identify the distribution of grana and starch within an intact leaf. By merging the 2PF and SHG images, grana, starch and stroma thylakoid can be visually distinguished. This approach can be extended to the observation of 3D grana distribution and their dynamics in living plants.
Association of MRC-1 and IL-28Bwith the treatment outcome of hepatitis C: a case control study
Authors: Peng Cheng-Yuan , Chen Ter-Hsin , Lim Yun-Ping , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Lin Wei-Yong , Liao Wen-Ling , Wan Lei
Published: June 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms of the mannose receptor C type 1 (MRC-1) and interleukin 28B (IL-28B) genes are associated with the treatment outcome of patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotypes 1 and 2 (HCV-1 and HCV-2, respectively) who are treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin (PEG-IFNα-RBV).

Methods

We analyzed the association of the patients’ sustained viral responses (SVRs) to PEG-IFNα-RBV therapy with 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MRC-1 and 3 SNPs in IL-28B. We selected patients infected with either HCV-1 (n = 265) or HCV-2 (n = 195) with or without SVR.

Results

Among the MRC-1 SNPs, rs691005 was found to be associated with SVR in HCV-1-infected patients (P < 0.0001). The IL-28B rs8099917 SNP was found to be associated with SVR in HCV-1- and HCV-2-infected patients (HCV-1, P < 0.0001; HCV-2, P = 0.002), while IL-28B rs955155 and rs10853728 SNPs were found to be associated with SVR in HCV-1-infected patients (P = 0.003) and HCV-2-infected patients (P = 0.02), respectively. We also identified an interaction between MRC-1 rs691005 and IL-28B rs8099917 (P = 0.001). The C-T haplotype was shown to have a positive effect on SVR in HCV-1-infected patients (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.2, 2.62), whereas the T-G haplotype was shown to have a negative effect on SVR in HCV-1-infected patients (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.58).

Conclusions

These results suggest that SNPs of IL-28B and MRC-1 can be used as genetic markers for predicting the outcome of PEG-IFNα-RBV treatment of HCV infections.
Is concomitant splenectomy beneficial for the long-term survival of patients with gastric cancer undergoing curative gastrectomy? A single-institution study
Authors: Zhang Hao , Pang Deyan , Xu Huanming , Ren Yuan , Liu Caigang
Published: June 2014

Background

Curative resection is the treatment of choice for gastric cancer, but it is unclear whether gastrectomy should also include splenectomy. We retrospectively analyzed long-term survival in patients in our hospital who underwent gastrectomy plus splenectomy (G + S) or gastrectomy alone (G-A) for gastric cancer.

Methods

We identified 214 patients who underwent surgery with curative intent between 1980 and 2003. Of these, 100 underwent G + S, and 114 underwent G-A. The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival (OS).

Results

Median follow-up was 18 months in patients who underwent G + S, and 26.5 months in patients who underwent G-A. The 5-year OS rate was significantly higher in patients who underwent G-A (33.8%; 95% CI 24.2 to 43.4%) than in those who underwent G + S (28.8%; 95% CI 19.6 to 38.0%) (log-rank test, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Splenectomy does not benefit patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Routine splenectomy should be abandoned in patients undergoing radical resections for gastric cancer.
Design of local roadway infrastructure to service sustainable energy facilities
Authors: AbdelWarith Karim A , Anastasopoulos Panagiotis Ch , Richardson Wayne , Fricker Jon D , Haddock John E
Published: June 2014

Background

This paper aims to identify specific local roadway infrastructure design guidelines associated with the construction and operation of sustainable energy source facilities, such as ethanol plants, biomass plants, and wind farm facilities.

Methods

Data associated with sustainable energy facility traffic in Indiana were collected to develop Excel-based tools (worksheets) and assist local agencies in the design of pavements in the proximity of ethanol plants, biomass plants, and wind farms.

Results

To that end, a simple procedure is presented, which provides a design capable of withstanding heavy traffic loads, while, at the same time, quantifies the effects that new sustainable energy source facilities may have on local road networks. The procedure is accompanied by two MS Excel-based software tools that can be used in the design of local roads adjacent to such sustainable energy facilities.

Conclusions

The developed worksheets can serve as a hands-on tool to assist local government engineers in evaluating and in quantifying the probable effects of the construction and operation of a sustainable energy facility in their jurisdiction.
The epigenome of synovial fibroblasts: an underestimated therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Frank-Bertoncelj Mojca , Gay Steffen
Published: June 2014

Perturbed epigenetic landscape and deregulated microRNA networks are central to the permanent activation and aggressiveness of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis. Current anti-cytokine therapies, although effectively halting synovitis, cannot reverse the stably activated destructive phenotype of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts, offering rather limited protection against ongoing joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Targeting the deregulated epigenome of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts is key to developing joint-protective strategies in rheumatoid arthritis. To date, different pathogenic mechanisms have been identified that can profoundly impact the epigenetic derangements in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts, including increased consumption of S-adenosylmethionine, a principal methyl donor in DNA methylation reactions, together with deregulation of crucial DNA- and histone-modifying enzymes. Re-establishing globally disturbed DNA methylation patterns in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by supplementing S-adenosylmethionine while preventing its leakage into polyamine cycles may be a promising therapeutic strategy in rheumatoid arthritis and the first epigenetic treatment to target rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts at the scene of the crime. Given the dynamic nature and reversibility of epigenetic modifications, their involvement in human diseases and recent perspectives on epigenetic therapies in cancer, epigenetic targeting of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts should be within future reach.
Application of different fertilizers on morphological traits of dill (Anethum graveolens L.)
Authors: Nejatzadeh-Barandozi Fatemeh , Gholami-Borujeni Fathollah
Published: June 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nitroxin biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer on the growth, yield, and essential oil composition of dill. The experiment was conducted under field condition in randomized complete block design with three replications and two factors.

Results

The first factor was the concentrations of nitroxin biofertilizer (0%, 50%, and 100%) of the recommended amount (1 l of biological fertilizer for 30 kg of seed). The second factor was the following chemical fertilizer treatments: no fertilizer (control) and 50 and 100 kg ha−1 urea along with 300 kg ha−1 ammonium phosphate. Different characteristics such as plant height, number of umbel per plant, number of umbellet per umbel, number of grain per umbellet, 1,000 seed weight, grain yield, biological yield, and oil percentage were recorded. According to the results, the highest height, biological yield, and grain yield components (except harvest index) were obtained on biological fertilizer. The results showed the highest essential oil content detected in biological fertilizer and chemical fertilizer. Identification of essential oil composition showed that the content of carvone increased with the application of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers. The results indicated that the application of biofertilizers enhanced yield and other plant criteria in this plant.

Conclusions

Generally, it seems that the use of biofertilizers or combinations of biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer could improve dill performance in addition to reduction of environmental pollution.
Studies on Microscopic Structure of Diesel Sprays under Atmospheric and High Gas Pressures
Authors: Deshmukh D. , Ravikrishna R.V.
Published: June 2014

In the present work, the spray structure of diesel from a 200-μm, single-hole solenoid injector is studied using microscopic imaging at injection pressures of 700, 1000 and 1400 bar for various gas pressures. A long-distance microscope with a high resolution camera is used for spray visualization with a direct imaging technique. This study shows that even at very high injection pressures, the spray structure in an ambient environment of atmospheric pressure reveals presence of entangled ligaments and non-spherical droplets during the injection period. With increase in the injection pressure, the ligaments tend to get smaller and spread radially. The spray structure studies are also conducted at high gas pressures in a specially designed high pressure chamber with optical access. The near nozzle spray structure at the end of the injection shows that the liquid jet breakup is improved with increase in gas density. The droplet size measurement is possible only late in the injection duration when the breakup appears to be complete and mostly spherical droplets are observed. Hence, droplet size measurements are performed after 1.3 ms from start of the injection pulse. Spatial and temporal variation in Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) is observed and reported for the case corresponding to an injection pressure of 700 bar. Overall, this study has highlighted the importance of verifying the extentof atomization and droplet shape even in dense sprays before using conventional dropsizing methods such as PDPA.
Maintaining Consistent Customer Experience in Service System Networks
Authors: Kwan Stephen K. , Hottum Peter
Published: June 2014

Traditional business-to-business and business-to-consumer value propositions for service offerings are premised on the service provider convincing the business or consumer customers that they will receive superior value at certain cost in a competitive environment. As the business environment becomes more global and complex, the service provider often has to construct a network of partners/contractors to fulfill the service obligations as promised by its value propositions. The success of such service system networks depends on the alignment of value propositions between the service provider and its partners so that the entitled services are delivered to the customers as promised. Often times this linkage is broken, and the customers are dissatisfied with the level and quality of service provided within these trilateral constellations. In this research, we look at various scenarios in service system networks and propose value proposition formulations for multiple-level engagements denoted as B2X2Y. We also consider “lossless” derivations of value propositions as a way of aligning value systems and expectations among the participants so as to maintain a consistent experience for the customer at different levels and forms of engagement in the service system network. We propose an integration quality gap to account for the difference between customer service quality expectation and perceived service quality in a service system network.
Ábyrgð, stofnanir og íslensk stjórnsýsla. Lærdómar af bankahruni
Authors: Nordal Salvör
Published: June 2014

Ábyrgð er það siðferðilega hugtak sem hefur verið í hvað einna mestri umræðu hér á landi frá bankahruninu. Einkum hefur sjónum verið beint að því hverjir beri ábyrgð á hruni bankanna og hvað í þeirri ábyrgð felist. Í þessari grein verður fjallað um ábyrgð út frá einu tilteknu dæmi úr íslenskri stjórnsýslu. Í fyrsta hluta greinarinnar verður fjallað um greinarmun á tvenns konar ábyrgð og lögð sérstök áhersla á ábyrgð sem dygð. Þá er einnig fjallað um mikilvægi stofnana með tilliti til þess hvernig við greinum ábyrgð einstaklinga og jafnframt um það hvernig auka megi vægi ábyrgðar innan stjórnkerfis, fyrirtækja og í samfélaginu almennt. Í öðrum hluta greinarinnar er fjallað ítarlega um dæmi sem finna má um vinnubrögð úr íslenskri stjórnsýslu eins og henni er lýst í rannsóknarskýrslu Alþingis um samráðshóp um fjármálastöðugleika. Dæmið verður greint út frá hugmyndum um fagmennsku og ábyrgð en það sýnir ljóslega hvernig hið flókna samspil innan stofnana, og ekki síður milli stofnana, undirstrika mikilvægi virkrar ábyrgðar. Í þriðja hluta greinarinnar verður fjallað um þau álitaefni sem koma fram í dæminu út frá fagmennsku og stofnunum og þeirri greiningu sem sett er fram í fyrsta hluta. Rætt verður um hvernig auka megi vægi ábyrgðar innan stjórnkerfis, fyrirtækja og í samfélaginu almennt.
On the Impact of Misclassification in an Ordinal Exposure Variable
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Gustafson Paul
Published: June 2014

Say that interest focuses on the relationship between an exposure variable and an outcome variable; however, the exposure variable is subject to measurement error. While exceptions have been identified, in almost all circumstances nondifferential measurement error leads to attenuated regression coefficients and lost power to detect associations. In the case of an ordinal exposure variable subject to nondifferential misclassification, we confirm that power is always lost in a general test for association between the exposure and outcome variables. Surprisingly, however, we find that for a linear test of trend, a gain in power is possible.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Using Evidence of Effectiveness in Terms of Progression Free Survival in Making Reimbursement Decisions on New Cancer Therapies
Authors: Stevens Warren , Philipson Tomas , Wu Yanyu , Chen Connie , Lakdawalla Darius
Published: June 2014

Payers increasingly require evidence of a statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) for reimbursement of new cancer therapies. At the same time, it becomes increasingly costly to design clinical trials that measure OS endpoints instead of progression-free survival (PFS) endpoints. While PFS is often an imperfect proxy for OS effects, it is also faster and cheaper to measure accurately. This study develops a general cost-benefit framework that quantifies the competing trade-offs of the use of PFS versus that of OS in oncology reimbursement. We then apply this general framework to the illustrative case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). In the particular case of mRCC, the framework demonstrates that the net benefit to society from basing reimbursement decisions on PFS endpoints could be between $271 and $1271 million in the United States, or between €171 and €1128 million in Europe. In longevity terms, waiting for OS data in this case would result in a net loss of 3549–14,557 life-years among US patients, or 6785–27,993 life-years for European patients. While more stringent standards for medical evidence improve accuracy, they also impose countervailing costs on patients in terms of foregone health gains. These costs must be weighed against the benefits of greater accuracy. The magnitudes of the costs and benefits may vary across tumor types and need to be quantified systematically.
Ordered vacancies in the commensurately modulated structure of SrPt1.833☐0.167Sn2
Authors: Schwickert Christian , Hoffmann Rolf-Dieter , Winter Florian , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: June 2014

The stannide SrPt1.833☐0.167Sn2 was synthesized from the elements in a sealed niobium tube in a high-frequency furnace. Its structure was determined by and refined on the basis of single crystal X-ray diffraction data at 300 and 90 K. The refinement of 1177/1169 F
2 values with 34/37 variables leads to residuals [I≥3σ(I)] R
M=0.026 (375) and R
S=0.075 (53)/R
M=0.0211 (408) and R
S=0.0503 (128) for the 300/90 K data sets, respectively. SrPt1.833☐0.167Sn2 crystallizes with an orthorhombic (3+1)D structure with the supercentered superspace group C

c

mme(0β0)s00 [β=1/3 b
*, a=655.25(15), b=656.7(4), c=2062.3(5) pm]. It is related to the tetragonal CaBe2Ge2 type structure. The crystal chemistry is described and the structure solution is discussed based on (3+2)D–(3+1)D–3D group-subgroup relations in the Bärnighausen formalism. 119Sn Mössbauer spectra at ambient temperature and 78 K revealed a single signal with isomer shifts of δ=1.78(1) and δ=1.83(1) mm s–1 with quadropole splitting of ΔEQ=0.71(1) and 0.86(1) mm s–1, respectively reflecting the low-symmetric site symmetry of the tin atoms. SrPt1.833☐0.167Sn2 was classified as a Pauli-paramagnet by magnetic susceptibility measurements. Its specific heat capacity is C

pm
=121.4(1) J mol–1K–1 at 300 K.
Application of Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics to Determine the Locational Variation in Fracture Properties of Cortical Bone
Authors: Sharma N. K. , Pal Ruchita , Sehgal D. K. , Pandey R. K.
Published: June 2014

The complex nature of bone material results in a locational variation of fracture and mechanical properties. The heterogeneity associated with bone material and complex hierarchical assembly results in several toughening mechanisms, such as plasticity, micro-cracking, viscoplasticity, etc. These toughening mechanisms and presence of water in bone material makes the linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) inapplicable in such materials. The present work is focused on the elastic-plastic fracture mechanics (EPFM) approach to estimate the locational variation in fracture properties of buffalo cortical bone for longitudinal, as well as transverse orientation of cracking. Samples from upper, middle, and lower locations of bone diaphysis were tested using compact tension and single-edge notch-bending testing methods for longitudinal and transverse orientation of cracking, respectively. The crack-tip opening displacement (CTOD) approach was applied to determine fracture properties, such as CTOD toughness (δc), J integral (Jcδ), and equivalent fracture toughness (Kδc) at different locations of bone diaphysis. The effect of orientation and location on mechanical properties of cortical bone, such as elastic modulus (E) and yield strength (σys), was also analyzed with the help of tensile testing. The equivalent fracture toughness values (Kδc) obtained in the present work were found to be three times higher than the corresponding values reported in the previous reports where the LEFM approach was applied favoring the application of EPFM for bone materials. The mechanical properties, as well as the fracture properties, were found to be maximum at middle location and minimum at lower location of bone diaphysis. The locational variation in fracture and mechanical properties observed in the present work are considered to be because of locational distribution of collagen fibrils, minerals, porosity, and density at different locations of bone diaphysis.
Novel Technique for Normalizing Load–Displacement Curves in Fracture Testing
Authors: Mourad A-H. I. , Abu-Assi Aladdin , Haggag Fahmy M. , Chao Yuh J.
Published: June 2014

Fracture experiments conducted as part of research on stable crack behavior in low alloy steel (EN 34NiCrMo6) are analyzed and presented. CT specimens of low constraint (section slenderness ratio, b0/B ∼ 6), with various crack depth and different loading angles, ϕ, were investigated. Analysis of the load displacement curves revealed that the initiation load is found to be the same when normalized to the maximum load, Pmax. The load-line displacement ΔLL at Pmax (ΔPmax) was also found to have a single value. Hence the load displacement curves were presented as a unique normalized P–ΔLL curve. These normalized curves demonstrate having a single “representative/trend” curve that characterises the stable crack growth behavior. The proposed normalization technique was also applied to additional literature data on different materials with various specimen configurations and loading modes with success. This technique could also be useful in studying the fracture of low constraint specimens and contributing to the transferability issue for structural application.