bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate DOA Estimations Using Microstrip Adaptive Arrays in the Presence of Mutual Coupling Effect
Authors: Huang Qiulin , Zhou Hongxing , Bao Jianhui , Shi Xiaowei
Published: November 2013

A new mutual coupling calibration method is proposed for adaptive antenna arrays and is employed in the DOA estimations to calibrate the received signals. The new method is developed via the transformation between the embedded element patterns and the isolated element patterns. The new method is characterized by the wide adaptability of element structures such as dipole arrays and microstrip arrays. Additionally, the new method is suitable not only for the linear polarization but also for the circular polarization. It is shown that accurate calibration of the mutual coupling can be obtained for the incident signals in the 3 dB beam width and the wider angle range, and, consequently, accurate [1D] and [2D] DOA estimations can be obtained. Effectiveness of the new calibration method is verified by a linearly polarized microstrip ULA, a circularly polarized microstrip ULA, and a circularly polarized microstrip UCA.
Evaluation of Treatment in the Smart Home IRIS in terms of Functional Independence and Occupational Performance and Satisfaction
Authors: Ocepek Julija , Roberts Anne E. K. , Vidmar Gaj
Published: November 2013

The development of assistive technologies, home modifications, and smart homes has rapidly advanced in the last two decades. Health professionals have recognised the benefits of these technologies in improving individual’s quality of life. The Smart Home IRIS was established in 2008 within the University Rehabilitation Institute in Ljubljana with the aim to enable persons with disabilities and elderly people to test various assistive technologies and technical solutions for their independent living. We investigated the effect of treatments in the Smart Home IRIS. A convenience sample of 59 persons with disabilities and elderly people (aged 24–81 years) who were treated in the Smart Home IRIS from April to December 2011 participated. Standardised instruments—the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)—were administered at the first assessment in the Smart Home IRIS and at a second assessment at the participant’s home after 6–12 months. All the outcomes statistically significantly improved from the first to the second assessment. The treatments in the Smart Home IRIS appeared to contribute to higher occupational performance and satisfaction with performance and higher functional independence of persons with disabilities and elderly people.
Global Finite-Time Output Feedback Stabilization for a Class of Uncertain Nonholonomic Systems
Authors: Du Baojian , Gao Fangzheng , Yuan Fushun
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the problem of global finite-time stabilization by output feedback for a class of nonholonomic systems in chained form with uncertainties. By using backstepping recursive technique and the homogeneous domination approach, a constructive design procedure for output feedback control is given. Together with a novel switching control strategy, the designed controller renders that the states of closed-loop system are regulated to zero in a finite time. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Feature-Parameter-Criterion for Predicting Lean Blowout Limit of Gas Turbine Combustor and Bluff Body Burner
Authors: Zheng Hongtao , Zhang Zhibo , Li Yajun , Li Zhiming
Published: November 2013

Lean blowout (LBO) limit is one of the most important combustor parameters. A new method named Feature-Parameter-Criterion (FPC) for predicting LBO limit has been put forward in the present work. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software FLUENT has been used to simulate the process of LBO of gas turbine combustor and bluff body burner. And “M” flame has been proposed as the portent for predicting lean blowout of gas turbine combustor. Effects of flow velocity, air temperature, droplet averaged-diameter, and flow distribution between swirlers and primary holes on the LBO limit of gas turbine combustor have been researched by use of Feature-Parameter-Criterion in this paper. The effects of fuel air mixture velocity and different structures on bluff body LBO limit have also been analyzed in the present work by use of FPC. The results show that the simulation of LBO limit based on FPC is in good agreement with the experiment data (the errors are about 5%) and this method is reliable for engineering applications.
Optimal Ordering Policy of a Risk-Averse Retailer Subject to Inventory Inaccuracy
Authors: Zhu Lijing , Hong Ki-Sung , Lee Chulung
Published: November 2013

Inventory inaccuracy refers to the discrepancy between the actual inventory and the recorded inventory information. Inventory inaccuracy is prevalent in retail stores. It may result in a higher inventory level or poor customer service. Earlier studies of inventory inaccuracy have traditionally assumed risk-neutral retailers whose objective is to maximize expected profits. We investigate a risk-averse retailer within a newsvendor framework. The risk aversion attitude is measured by conditional-value-at-risk (CVaR). We consider inventory inaccuracy stemming both from permanent shrinkage and temporary shrinkage. Two scenarios of reducing inventory shrinkage are presented. In the first scenario, the retailer conducts physical inventory audits to identify the discrepancy. In the second scenario, the retailer deploys an automatic tracking technology, radiofrequency identification (RFID), to reduce inventory shrinkage. With the CVaR criterion, we propose optimal policies for the two scenarios. We show monotonicity between the retailer’s ordering policy and his risk aversion degree. A numerical analysis provides managerial insights for risk-averse retailers considering investing in RFID technology.
Enhanced Visible Light Absorption by 3C‐SiC Nanoparticles Embedded in Si Solar Cells by Plasma‐Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Parida Bhaskar , Choi Jaeho , Lim Gyoungho , Kim Kiseok , Kim Keunjoo
Published: November 2013

Solar cells with 3C‐SiC nanoparticles embedded in the Si were investigated by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Several sizes of SiC nanoparticles were used as the intermediate layer for the solar cell. The Si thin films showed the formation of micro‐ and nanocrystallites on the SiC nanoparticle sites, which play an important role of heating block as a nanosubstrate. The Raman spectra revealed that the SiC nanoparticles were embedded in mixed phases of amorphous and nanocrystalline Si. Compared to the conventional solar cell sample, the photoreflectance was significantly reduced in the UV/visible spectral region due to the presence of the embedded 3C‐SiC nanoparticles. The Si nanocrystals formed by the thin film deposition played an important role in reducing the photoreflectance within the visible to infrared spectral zones. Furthermore, the SiC nanoparticles contributed less in the photoabsorption at a longer infrared spectral zone wavelength of 1200 nm.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of 2‐(Dichloromethyl)‐2‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1,3‐dioxane
Authors: Ye Fei , Sun Chang-Ying , Fu Ying
Published: November 2013

A new compound, 2‐dichloromethyl‐2‐p‐nitrophenyl‐1,3‐dioxane, was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of the title compound (C11H11Cl2NO4, Mr = 292.11) has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal is of monoclinic, space group P21/c with a = 11.013(2) Å, b = 14.653(3) Å, c = 7.8693(16) Å, α = 90°, β = 97.06(3)°, γ = 90°, V = 1260.3(4) Å3, Z = 4, F(000) = 600, Dc = 1.540 mg/cm3, the final R1 = 0.0508, and ωR2 = 0.1072 for observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). A total of 12162 reflections were collected, of which 2867 were unique (Rint = 0.06999).
Effect of Weather, School Transport, and Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics on Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Levels of Adolescents From Two European Cities
Authors: Aibar Alberto , Bois Julien E. , Generelo Eduardo , Bengoechea Enrique García , Paillard Thierry , Zaragoza Javier
Published: November 2013

The main goal of this study is to analyze the influence of several environmental factors (temperature, precipitation, mode and duration of school transport, perception of physical activity [PA] opportunities, and perceived neighborhood walkability) on adolescent’s daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels of two European mid-sized cities. Data were collected from a sample of 829 adolescents (49.7% Spanish; 55.2% females; 14.33 ± 0.73 years). Daily meteorological data were collected for the valid days for each subject and MVPA levels were assessed with Actigraph GT3X accelerometer during seven consecutive days. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Warmer weather ( p < .01), lower levels of precipitation ( p < .05), and use of active school transport ( p < .05) were significantly associated with higher MVPA levels. Environmental neighborhood perception did not show significant influence. Further efforts should be carried out to increase PA opportunities during colder periods, rainy days, and to promote the use of active transport
The International Crime Victims Surveys
Authors: Kesteren John van , Dijk Jan van , Mayhew Pat
Published: November 2013

The International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS) has been carried out six times over the period 1989–2010. Although national and city samples are relatively small, the ICVS is a unique survey of the experience of being victimized in that it is standardized and far-reaching: it has been conducted in more than 80 countries in different regions of the world, with many countries having taken part more than once. This paper focuses not on the methodology of the survey but on four important areas of analysis that capitalize on the comparative nature of the ICVS, and its ability to look at victimization experience at the level of both individuals and countries. Firstly, it looks at the level of crime in different countries according to the ICVS, compared to the picture from police figures. It shows some distinct differences. Also taken up is how far the correlates of victimization risk are similar across countries, and whether the phenomenon of repeat victimization holds constantly. A special focus is on results from a multi-level analysis of the relationships between firearm ownership as measured by the ICVS and rates of serious violent crime victimization at the individual and national levels. The second focus of the paper concerns what ICVS measures of trends in crime show relative to trends in police figures. It looks here, too, at the relationships between the level of household security in different countries as shown by the ICVS and trends in property crime. The third focus is on victims reporting crime to the police and their level of satisfaction with the police response, as well as the provision of and need for specialized victim assistance, underlining the importance of the ICVS as an instrument to monitor the implementation of international standards on victims’ rights, and to benchmark national victim policies. The fourth focus of the paper is on attitudes towards crime and criminal justice, looking in particular at similarities and differences across country populations. One feature is a multi-level analysis of the social correlates of public attitudes towards punishment, in particular differentiating between victims and non-victims. The paper ends with some comment on the prospects for the ICVS in the future.
The use of fear and anger to alter crisis initiation
Authors: Carlson Lisa J. , Dacey Raymond
Published: November 2013

This paper provides a formal assessment of the effectiveness of the use of fear and anger on the decision to initiate a crisis. The formalization employs the finding that fearful decision-makers are risk-averting across frames and make pessimistic risk assessments, and that angry decision-makers are risk-seeking across frames and make optimistic risk assessments. The work presented here employs a sequential decision analysis based on the two-sided incomplete information version of the Traditional Deterrence Game. The analysis shows when the use of the emotions of fear and anger is effective, ineffective, and counterproductive in altering the decision to initiate or not initiate a crisis.
Religiosity and Violence Among Adolescents in the United States
Authors: Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Vaughn Michael G. , Maynard Brandy R.
Published: November 2013

There is a pressing need to develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between particular expressions of religiosity and the various manifestations of violence among youth. This study examines these relationships among adolescents in the general population as well as across racial/ethnic, gender, and family income differences. Using a nationally representative sample of adolescents ( N = 90,202) from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2006-2010), logistic regression is used to examine the relationships between religiosity and violence. Results indicate that multiple components of adolescent religiosity are associated with the decreased likelihood of fighting, group fighting, and, to a lesser extent, violent attacks. A number of noteworthy differences were identified across race/ethnicity, gender, and family income. Findings from this investigation shed light on the relationship between particular facets of religiosity and violence that may be useful for violence prevention organizations seeking to integrate religious components into intervention efforts.
To Tell or Not to Tell? Factors Influencing Young People’s Informal Disclosures of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: McElvaney Rosaleen , Greene Sheila , Hogan Diane
Published: November 2013

The aim was to understand the factors influencing informal disclosure of child sexual abuse experiences, taking account of dynamics operating prior to, during, and following disclosure. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 young people who experienced child sexual abuse and 14 parents. Grounded theory methodology informed the study. The key factors identified as influencing the disclosure process included being believed, being asked, shame/self-blame, concern for self and others, and peer influence. Many young people both wanted to tell and did not want to tell. Fear of not being believed; being asked questions about their well-being; feeling ashamed of what happened and blaming themselves for the abuse, for not telling, and for the consequences of disclosure; concern for how both disclosure and nondisclosure would impact on themselves and others; and being supported by and yet pressurized by peers to tell an adult, all illustrate the complex intrapersonal and interpersonal dynamics reflecting the conflict inherent in the disclosure process. These findings build on previous studies that emphasize the dialogic and interpersonal dynamics in the disclosure process. Both intrapersonal and interpersonal influencing factors need to be taken account of in designing interventions aimed at helping children tell. The importance of asking young people about their psychological well-being and the role of peer relationships are highlighted as key to how we can help young people tell.
The Relationship Between Assault and Physical Health Complaints in a Sample of Female Drinkers
Authors: Bedard-Gilligan Michele , Cronce Jessica M. , Lehavot Keren , Blayney Jessica A. , Kaysen Debra
Published: November 2013

Trauma exposure and PTSD are associated with poorer physical health. Psychological and behavioral mechanisms may help account for this relationship. In this study, we tested avoidant coping and alcohol use as mediators of the relationship between trauma exposure, PTSD, and self-reported physical health complaints in female drinkers. In 827 college women, we compared three groups: women with no trauma history, women with a sexual assault but no PTSD, and women with a sexual assault and PTSD, on avoidant coping, alcohol use, and physical health complaints. We found that PTSD was positively associated with alcohol use and that PTSD and trauma exposure were associated with increased avoidant coping. We also found that avoidant coping mediated the relationship between trauma, PTSD, and physical health complaints. Alcohol use did not predict physical health but was associated with PTSD. These results suggest that in female college students, coping may be more critical in the PTSD/physical health relationship than alcohol and have implications for targeting coping in young trauma-exposed women to improve physical health.
The Impact of Social Media on the Political Interests of the Youth in Lebanon at the Wake of the Arab Spring
Authors: Maamari Bassem E. , Zein Hala El
Published: November 2013

Across the world, youth are embracing the concepts of freedom of speech, right to opinion, and modern information technology in all its aspects and are trying to find use for it. The Arab Spring revolutions that began in 2011 and which are still ablaze reflect this fact. Lebanon is the most democratic country in the Middle East and North Africa region. The youth of Lebanon are adept users of web-based communication tools but are they eager to use this technology to connect with their political leaders? The results of this study show significant interest of youth in electronic-based communication with politicians. However, this interest may not be translated into material voting at the polls.
Calculation of the machining time of cutting tools from captured images of machined parts using image texture features
Authors: Gadelmawla Elamir S , Al-Mufadi Fahad A , Al-Aboodi Abdualaziz S
Published: November 2013

Quality of machined surfaces and its integrity are strongly dependent on tool wear, which consequently depends on the tool life or machining time. Therefore, prediction of the machining time of the cutting tool during machining processes is very important in order to obtain high precision parts and to reduce manual fit operations and production cost. In this work, the relationship between texture features of the gray-level co-occurrence matrix and the machining time of the cutting tool in turning operations has been investigated, and the results show that four texture features are highly correlated with machining time. These highly correlated texture features were utilized to calculate machining time of the cutting tool from captured images of machined parts. The verification results showed that the maximum percentage of error between the actual and calculated machining time ranged between −4.65% and 7.79%.
Elastomer-assisted compression beading of tubes
Authors: Alves Luis M , Leitão Pedro MF , Martins Paulo AF
Published: November 2013

This article proposes a new tube forming process designated as ‘elastomer-assisted compression beading’ that is made from a combination of tube bulging produced by elastomer forming and conventional pressworking compression beading. The presentation includes independent determination of the mechanical properties of the tubes, analytical modelling, finite element simulation and experimentation under laboratory conditions with the aims and objectives of identifying the key operating parameters, understanding plastic flow and failure and establishing the formability limits of the elastomer-assisted compression beading process. Results and observations show that the elastomer-assisted compression beading process is capable of producing sound, large-width, compression beads in a broader range of operating parameters than those currently being achieved by means of conventional compression beading. Applications of the proposed elastomer-assisted compression beading process span a wide range of industrial uses involving attachment of tubes to sheets and damping vibrations in air-pressure lines, liquid systems or exhaust tubes.
Non-equilibrium wet-steam calculations of unsteady low-pressure turbine flows
Authors: Chandler Kane , White Alex , Young John
Published: November 2013

Accurate prediction of the droplet size distribution in steam turbines is crucial for the correct analysis of wetness losses and other two-phase effects. Measurements taken in the later stages of low-pressure turbines have shown broader size distributions with larger average sizes than those predicted by numerical methods. One hypothesis is that the broad distributions stem from the unsteady interaction between blade rows. Wake segmentation in successive rows means that fluid particles passing through the machine have different dissipation histories which in turn cause a wider range of nucleation and droplet growth rates. In the present paper, a method for modelling 3D unsteady multistage condensing flows is described and applied to a five-stage model turbine. One-tenth of the annulus of the turbine is modelled, and an integer blade number ratio between rows is achieved by scaling the blade profiles, keeping the pitch-chord ratio and stagger angle constant. The results are compared with pressure measurements and droplet Sauter-mean radii obtained from experimental optical data. Generally, the level of agreement is reasonable, but with some discrepancies in the detailed streamwise and spanwise trends. Calculations of this type are at an early stage of development and improvements in mesh quality and boundary and interface treatments will be required before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Antecedents of Customer Satisfaction In Internet Banking: Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Redefined
Authors: George Ajimon , Kumar G.S. Gireesh
Published: November 2013

In the banking sector, various electronic delivery channels are increasingly used for delivering products and services for the convenience of customers at low cost. Internet banking (IB) is one among them. IB is a product of e-commerce in the field of banking and financial services. The present study has been carried out to use the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) from the Information Technology (IT) literature to investigate the effect of TAM variables on customer satisfaction in the internet-banking context. The model was constructed by incorporating Perceived Risk (PR) to the twin traditional TAM constructs, Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and Perceived Usefulness (PU). The model has been empirically validated using 406 IB users selected from the state of Kerala, India. It is found that the constructs PEOU and PU have positive effect on customer satisfaction and PR has negative effect on customer satisfaction. A profile analysis of the respondents revealed that young males, well-educated employees with a moderately high level of monthly income are the major users of IB in Kerala.
Dynamics of Trade Potentials in ‘Emerging Asia’ in the Post Financial Crisis Era
Authors: Roy Samrat , Chatterjee Chanchal
Published: November 2013

The onset of financial crises in US and European Union system has its lingering impact on the economies of ‘Emerging Asia’. It is very crucial to examine its impact on the trade potentials. This article uses gravity model framework to capture the impact of global financial crisis on the trade potentials of Asian economies, namely China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and South Korea with India in the post-crisis era. The selected Asian economies have been defined by IMF (International Monetary Fund) as ‘Emerging Asia’, which justifies their inclusion as a group despite heterogeneity in their growth patterns. The present study covers the period from 1995 to 2009 and deals with the annual data for bilateral trade flows and economic sizes of the countries taken in pairs. The gravity model equation is constructed on the basis of the mentioned variables and is further estimated within panel structure considering the presence of panel cointegration. The bilateral trade potentials of the selected Asian economies are computed empirically to examine their expansion and contraction patterns of their trade participation with India in the post-crisis era. This study points out serious concerns relating to protectionism, transport cost and liberalization policy. Among the economies in Emerging Asia, China and Philippines have reflected expansion in trade potentials amid the financial crises as far as its participation in global trade with India is concerned. This calls for India to adopt a selective and cautious approach in choosing trade partners within Emerging Asia.
Study of imperfections in the cubic mesh of the truss-like discrete element method
Authors: Riera Jorge Daniel , Miguel Letícia Fleck Fadel , Iturrioz Ignacio
Published: November 2013

In the truss-like discrete element method (DEM), masses are lumped at nodal points and interconnected by means of one-dimensional elements with arbitrary constitutive relations. In previous studies of nonhomogeneous concrete cubic samples subjected to nominally uniaxial tension, it was verified that numerical predictions of fracture using discrete element method models are feasible and yield results that present good correlation with the experimental evidence so far available, including the prediction of size and strain rate effects. In the discrete element method approach, material failure under compression is assumed to occur by indirect tension. In previous simulations of samples subjected to uniaxial compression, it was verified that the response is satisfactorily modeled up to the peak load, when a sudden collapse usually occurs, characteristic of fragile behavior. On the other hand, experimental stress versus displacement curves observed in small specimens subjected to compression typically present a softening branch, in part due to sliding with friction of the fractured parts of the specimens. A second deficiency of discrete element method models with a perfectly cubic mesh is that the best correlations with experimental results are obtained with material parameters that differ in tension and compression. This paper examines another cause of the fragile behavior of discrete element method predictions of the response of concrete elements subjected to nominally uniaxial compression, namely the regularity of the perfect cubic mesh, which is unable to capture nonlinear stability effects in the material at a microscale. It is shown herein that the introduction of small perturbations of the discrete element method regular mesh significantly improves the predicting capability of the model and in addition allows adopting a unique set of material properties, which are independent of the applied loading.
Reduction of Early Reperfusion Injury With the Mitochondria-Targeting Peptide Bendavia
Authors: Brown David A. , Hale Sharon L. , Baines Christopher P. , Rio Carlos L. del , Hamlin Robert L. , Yueyama Yukie , Kijtawornrat Anusak , Yeh Steve T. , Frasier Chad R. , Stewart Luke M. , Moukdar Fatiha , Shaikh Saame Raza , Fisher-Wellman Kelsey H. , Neufer P. Darrell , Kloner Robert A.
Published: November 2013

We recently showed that Bendavia, a novel mitochondria-targeting peptide, reduced infarction and no-reflow across several experimental models. The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic timing and mechanism of action that underlie Bendavia’s cytoprotective property. In rabbits exposed to in vivo ischemia/reperfusion (30/180 min), Bendavia administered 20 minutes prior to reperfusion (0.05 mg/kg/h, intravenously) reduced myocardial infarct size by ∼50% when administered for either 1 or 3 hours of reperfusion. However, when Bendavia perfusion began just 10 minutes after the onset of reperfusion, the protection against infarction and no-reflow was completely lost, indicating that the mechanism of protection is occurring early in reperfusion. Experiments in isolated mouse liver mitochondria found no discernible effect of Bendavia on blocking the permeability transition pore, and studies in isolated heart mitochondria showed no effect of Bendavia on respiratory rates. As Bendavia significantly lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in isolated heart mitochondria, the ROS-scavenging capacity of Bendavia was compared to well-known ROS scavengers using in vitro (cell-free) systems that enzymatically generate ROS. Across doses ranging from 1 nmol/L to 1 mmol/L, Bendavia showed no discernible ROS-scavenging properties, clearly differentiating itself from prototypical scavengers. In conclusion, Bendavia is a promising candidate to reduce cardiac injury when present at the onset of reperfusion but not after reperfusion has already commenced. Given that both infarction and no-reflow are related to increased cellular ROS, Bendavia’s protective mechanism of action likely involves reduced ROS generation (as opposed to augmented scavenging) by endothelial and myocyte mitochondria.
Party membership and closeness and the development of trust in political institutions
Authors: Hooghe Marc , Kern Anna
Published: November 2013

Political parties are essential linkage mechanisms between citizens and the political system. We know less, however, about the question how this mechanism operates. While some authors assume it is sufficient that parties offer citizens ideological options about the way society should be governed, others indicate that parties provide strong ties to the political system by offering stable identities like party membership. In this analysis of the European Social Survey cumulative file (five waves, 2002–2010), we investigate the relation between party membership, closeness to a political party and trust in political institutions. While party membership is declining, its relation with political trust is limited. We do not find any indication that the decline of party membership could have a substantial effect on levels of political trust. Feeling close to a political party is more strongly related to political trust, even controlling for political interest. Results indicate that in most European societies levels of party closeness are stable. We conclude that political parties function as a linkage mechanism between citizens and the state, but that there is no reason to attribute a privileged role to formal party membership, as feeling close to a political party has a stronger linkage effect.
Anti-normative lifestyles in cardiac rehabilitation: Underprivileged men’s post-heart incident lives
Authors: Dumas Alex , Savage Mathieu , Stuart Stephen
Published: November 2013

Cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of premature mortality and disability. Although health institutions have developed and promoted cardiac rehabilitation programs, they have not attained their desired outcomes, especially among the most vulnerable groups of the population. This study qualitatively examines socially and materially deprived men’s (n = 20) noncompliance with cardiovascular health guidelines following a medical intervention to the heart. By drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s sociocultural theory of practice, results indicate that precarious living conditions obstruct long-term physical recovery and illness prevention by underemphasizing the value of “health capital” and reducing the capacity to sustain lifestyle change. This study calls into question health policies that have little to no consideration of embodied practical knowledge and lived experiences.
Pyrocarbon metacarpophalangeal joint replacement in primary osteoarthritis
Authors: Simpson-White R. W. , Chojnowski A. J.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the outcomes of 18 primary pyrocarbon metacarpophalangeal joint replacements in 10 patients, performed for primary osteoarthritis. The mean age at operation was 66 years and mean follow-up was 58.6 months. The arc of motion improved from a mean of 30° to 40° and the mean QuickDASH score improved from 35 to 17. All except one patient were satisfied with their outcomes. Radiographically, there has been no evidence of dislocation or overt loosening, although there has been subsidence of some components up to 5 mm. One index finger implant was revised to a silastic implant for perceived alteration of precision pinch. Other complications included one intra-operative fracture that united and an asymptomatic stem fracture of one proximal phalangeal component. We continue to use the implant and aim to review our experience in a further 5 years.
Developmental trajectories of schizotypal personality disorder-like behavioural manifestations: a two-year longitudinal prospective study of college students
Authors: Geng Fu-lei , Xu Ting , Wang Yi , Shi Hai-song , Yan Chao , Neumann David L , Shum David HK , Lui Simon SY , Cheung Eric FC , Chan Raymond CK
Published: November 2013

Background

Previous evidence has shown that schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is part of the schizophrenia spectrum. Few studies have examined latent classes in the developmental trajectories of SPD features over time in individuals with SPD features.

Methods

We adopted a longitudinal prospective study design to follow up a cohort of 660 college students during a two-year period. Participants’ SPD-like symptoms and psychosocial function were measured by a comprehensive set of questionnaires that covered SPD features and cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial functions. Latent class growth analysis was used to examine the trajectory classes.

Results

Three trajectory classes were identified: a low, a medium, and a high SPD features group. Participants in the low group reported few SPD features and their symptoms declined over time. The medium group students had more SPD features than the low group and these symptoms stabilized during the follow up period. Participants in the high group reported the most SPD features and their symptoms increased over time. The three groups differed in paranoid thoughts, psychological distress, neurocognition function, and emotional expression over time. Results of multivariate regression analysis suggested that paranoid thoughts, emotional experience and prospective memory were predictors of social functioning in the high SPD feature group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that individuals with SPD features may be delineated into different developmental subgroups and these subgroups differ significantly in psychosocial function. Delusions, emotion, and prospective memory may be important features to consider in early diagnosis and interventions for individuals predisposed to SPD and schizophrenia.
Optimal dosing of antibiotics in critically ill patients by using continuous/extended infusions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chant Clarence , Leung Ann , Friedrich Jan O
Published: November 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine whether using pharmacodynamic-based dosing of antimicrobials, such as extended/continuous infusions, in critically ill patients is associated with improved outcomes as compared with traditional dosing methods.

Methods

We searched Medline, HealthStar, EMBASE, Cochrane Clinical Trial Registry, and CINAHL from inception to September 2013 without language restrictions for studies comparing the use of extended/continuous infusions with traditional dosing. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data on methodology and outcomes, and performed quality assessment. Meta-analyses were performed by using random-effects models.

Results

Of 1,319 citations, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n=782 patients) and 13 cohort studies (n=2,117 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with traditional non-pharmacodynamic-based dosing, RCTs of continuous/extended infusions significantly reduced clinical failure rates (relative risk (RR) 0.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49 to 0.94, P = 0.02) and intensive care unit length of stay (mean difference, −1.5; 95% CI, −2.8 to −0.2 days, P=0.02), but not mortality (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.19; P=0.38). No significant between-trial heterogeneity was found for these analyses (I
2
=0). Reduced mortality rates almost achieved statistical significance when the results of all included studies (RCTs and cohort studies) were pooled (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1.00; P=0.054).

Conclusions

Pooled results from small RCTs suggest reduced clinical failure rates and intensive care unit length-of-stay when using continuous/extended infusions of antibiotics in critically ill patients. Reduced mortality rates almost achieved statistical significance when the results of RCTs were combined with cohort studies. These results support the conduct of adequately powered RCTs to define better the utility of continuous/extended infusions in the era of antibiotic resistance.
Hypoxia promotes liver stage malaria infection in primary human hepatocytes in vitro
Authors: Ng Shengyong , March Sandra , Galstian Ani , Hanson Kirsten , Carvalho Tania , Mota Maria M. , Bhatia Sangeeta N.
Published: November 2013

Homeostasis of mammalian cell function strictly depends on balancing oxygen exposure to maintain energy metabolism without producing excessive reactive oxygen species. In vivo, cells in different tissues are exposed to a wide range of oxygen concentrations, and yet in vitro models almost exclusively expose cultured cells to higher, atmospheric oxygen levels. Existing models of liver stage malaria that utilize primary human hepatocytes typically exhibit low in vitro infection efficiencies, possibly due to missing microenvironmental support signals. One cue that may influence the infection capacity of cultured human hepatocytes is the dissolved oxygen concentration. We developed a microscale human liver platform comprised of precisely patterned primary human hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells (MPCC) to model liver stage malaria, but the oxygen concentrations are typically higher in the in vitro liver platform than anywhere along the hepatic sinusoid. Indeed, we observed that liver stage Plasmodium parasite development in vivo correlates with hepatic sinusoidal oxygen gradients. Therefore, we hypothesized that in vitro liver stage malaria infection efficiencies may improve under hypoxia. Using the infection of MPCCs with P. berghei or P. yoelii as a model, we observed that ambient hypoxia resulted in increased survival of exo-erythrocytic forms (EEFs) in hepatocytes, and improved parasite development in a subset of surviving EEFs, based on EEF size. Further, the effective cell surface oxygen tensions (pO2) experienced by the hepatocytes, as predicted by a mathematical model, were systematically perturbed by varying culture parameters like hepatocyte density and media height, uncovering an optimal cell surface pO2 to maximize the number of mature EEFs. Initial mechanistic experiments reveal that treatment of primary human hepatocytes with the hypoxia mimetic, cobalt (II) chloride, as well as a HIF-1α activator, dimethyloxalylglycine, also enhance P. berghei infection, suggesting that the effect of hypoxia on infection is mediated in part by host-dependent HIF-1α mechanisms.
Crystal Structures of Ln(III) (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) Complexes with N,N,N′,N′-Tetraethyldiglycolamide Associated with Homoleptic [Ln(NO3)6)]3−
Authors: Kawasaki Takeshi , Okumura Shin , Sasaki Yuji , Ikeda Yasuhisa
Published: November 2013

Novel lanthanoid(III) (Ln(III)) complexes with N,N,N′,N′-tetraethyldiglycolamide (TEDGA), [Ln(TEDGA)3][Ln(NO3)6] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd), have been synthesized and characterized crystallographically. The crystal structures of these complexes are constructed by the packing of [Ln(TEDGA)3]3+ cations and [Ln(NO3)6]3− anions. The [Ln(TEDGA)3]3+ cations exhibit distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry, in which Ln(III) ions are coordinated by nine oxygen atoms from three tridentate TEDGA ligands. The [Ln(NO3)6]3− anions have distorted icosahedral geometry, where Ln(III) ions are coordinated by twelve oxygen atoms from the six bidentate nitrate ligands. The Ln–O bond lengths tend to increase in the following order, Ln–Onitrate > Ln–Oether > Ln–Ocarbo. Each Ln–O bond length becomes gradually short according to the lanthanoid contraction.
Vibration Surveillance during Milling Flexible Details with the Use of Active Optimal Control
Authors: Chodnicki Marek , Kaliński Krzysztof J. , Galewski Marek A.
Published: November 2013

The main goal of modern machining operations is to achieve increasingly better performance. High Speed Machining and/or High Performance Cutting, despite a lot of advantages, have also some drawbacks, for example, a possibility of losing stability and development of self-excited chatter vibration. This paper presents an approach of vibration surveillance during high speed milling with a use of active optimal control. Non-stationary model of the milling process is described with the use of convention of the discrete hybrid system, and the problem of optimal control at energy performance index is defined and resolved. Numerous computer simulations disclosed efficiency of the surveillance by the active optimal control of flexible workpiece vibration. The performed real experiments of the milling process support the meaning of the method of vibration surveillance.
Optimal Control of Slow-Active Vehicle Suspension — Results of Experimental Data
Authors: Sibielak Marek , Konieczny Jaroslaw , Kowal Janusz , Raczka Waldemar , Marszalik Dorota
Published: November 2013

Laboratory investigations of an active vehicle suspension of an in-series structure of the slow-active type are presented in this paper. The multidimensional model is reduced to a case representing quarter car suspension. Control laws for active vibration reduction systems are usually determined based upon linear models of objects. Active suspensions are characterised by nonlinearity, connected most often with actuating systems and their energetic restrictions. This causes divergences between theoretical quality factors and those determined experimentally. The second essential problem is finding a compromise between opposed quality factors (for example, minimum power requirement and high efficiency of vibration reduction).

Thanks to the use of the proper control law in the active vibration reduction system of vehicle suspension, the goal of ensuring a high level of ride comfort, good vehicle handling and incessant contact of the wheels with the road surface with a minimum power requirement may be attained. The authors, in seeking a compromise, determined classical LQR controllers for the proposed quality indicators realising the aims mentioned above. These controllers are determined for a linearised suspension model obtained from identification. Experimental characteristics are determined for all of the suspension control systems.
Comparing the Performance of KOH with NaOH-Activated Anthracites in Terms of Methane Storage
Authors: Ahmadpour Ali , Rashidi Hamed , Mahboub Mohammad Jaber Darabi , Farmad Mahsa Razavi
Published: November 2013

Anthracite activated carbons are proper adsorbents for methane storage. In this study, Iranian local anthracite was activated using two commonly used chemicals (sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide) at similar conditions and their products are compared with regard to various properties in order to find the optimal operating parameters such as temperature, chemical ratio and pyrolysis time for producing ACs with high surface area. Three activation temperatures (670, 730 and 790 °C), three chemical-to-coal ratios (2, 2.5 and 3) and two pyrolysis times (1 and 2 hours) were studied in each carbon series (NaOH and KOH). Accordingly, the pore structures of Activated carbon (ACs) were investigated accurately based on adsorption isotherms of nitrogen as well as density functional theory. In addition, their methane storage capacities were also measured and discussed. Specific volumes (microporosity and mesoporosity) of products were also calculated. The KOH ACs had higher micropore volumes, whereas NaOH ACs had relatively higher densities. The highest methane storage was obtained by a KOH AC sample with 3:1 chemical-to-coal ratio (R), activated at 730 °C for 1 hour (AK37301). The stored and delivered methane for this sample were 176 and 158 vol/vol, respectively.
Analysis of Bio-Sorption of Cr(VI) onto Raw Rice Husk by a Hybrid Theoretical Model Using Results of Batch Experiments
Authors: Sarkar Debasish , Das Sudip K , Bandyopadhyay Amitava
Published: November 2013

In this study, batch adsorption experiments are conducted for removing Cr(VI) from its aqueous solution using raw rice husk after its characterization by scanning electron microscopy, BET and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The effects of different operating parameters are investigated and optimized. The maximum percentage of removal observed was 99% under optimal operating conditions. Experimental results follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm reasonably well. A hybrid mathematical model that takes into account the shrinking core approach coupled with the well-known progressive conversion model has been proposed to simulate the dynamic behaviour of the present system using the results obtained from the batch adsorption experiments. The proposed model can also be potentially applicable to any similar other solid–liquid adsorption–diffusion system. Based on the experimental findings and theoretical analyses carried out in this study, several recommendations are holistically put forward for developing the understanding of the adsorptive removal of heavy metals including Cr(VI) and other pollutants.
A Constraint Matrix Approach for Structural Ultimate Resistance to Access the Importance Coefficient Values of Rigid Joints
Authors: Chen Q. , Kou X.J.
Published: November 2013

This paper focuses on the importance coefficients of component ends and rigid joints in structural robustness evaluation. The importance coefficient relies on the change of structural bearing capacity after a certain component end or rigid joint changes to a hinge. From conception, the components stiffness, strength and connection type, the structural topological relation, and the conventional load effects are all synthetically considered. From algorithm, based on the constraint matrix which describes the rotation constraint moments of the component ends to the whole structure, a simplified method for calculating the structure ultimate resistance is put forward. The new method avoids the rearrangement and inversion of the structural stiffness matrix and it is especially suitable to complex rigid frame structures. Some comparisons between the new method and the matrix displacement method are given, and the results show that the proposed method is effective and reliable. In addition, the importance coefficients of component ends and rigid joints show that they can play a crucial role in structural robustness estimation.
Investigation on the Accuracy of Pushover Procedures for SDOF
Authors: Cheng Ling , Gong Jin-Xin , Zhang Qin
Published: November 2013

The pushover analysis technique is mostly used in the performance-based design of structures and it is favored over nonlinear time-history analysis because of its lower computational cost. However, the accuracy of pushover is not well understood. With this problem in mind, the statistical relationship between the maximum displacement of nonlinear time-history analysis and that of pushover analysis is studied. It is indicated that the ratio of maximum displacement of nonlinear time-history analysis and that of pushover analysis follows lognormal probability distribution. For the structure with shorter period, the maximum displacement of pushover analysis is greater than the mean of maximum displacement of nonlinear time-history analysis; for the structure with longer period, the maximum displacement of pushover analysis tends to the same with the mean of maximum displacement of nonlinear time-history analysis. An expression for estimating the maximum displacement of structures under given peak ground acceleration with different excessive probabilities based on pushover result is proposed. Finally, an example is provided for demonstrating the application of the proposed expression.