bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features of Rossby Wave Propagation Associated with the Evolution of Summertime Blocking Highs with Different Configurations over Northeast Asia
Authors: Shi Ning , Wang Xiaoqiong , Zhang Leying , Xu Haiming
Published: March 2016

This study categorized blocking high (BH) episodes during the boreal summer in northeast Asia (40°–70°N, 100°–150°E) into four types according to their wave-breaking features at the dynamic tropopause on the initial day: anticyclonic warm, cyclonic warm, anticyclonic cold, and cyclonic cold. Based on the results of a statistical analysis, it was shown that 1) the anticyclonic-warm type tended to occur in eastern Russia (55°–70°N, 127.5°–142.5°E), whereas the other three types preferentially occurred in the vicinity of Lake Baikal; 2) the two cold types generally were more common than the two warm types; and 3) the average life spans of the two anticyclonic types were longer than those of the two cyclonic types. According to a composite analysis, the four BH types were preceded by different wave train–like anomalies over the Eurasian continent over approximately one week. Correspondingly, each BH type was characterized by distinct Rossby wave propagation features. Interestingly, a northeastward propagation of the Rossby waves around the BHs was evident in the two cyclonic types. This feature differs from the quasi-meridional propagation of Rossby waves originating from suppressed convection activity over subtropical regions documented in previous studies. This study also found that every BH type was accompanied by distinct precipitation anomaly patterns over East Asia, highlighting the necessity of classifying BHs.
Rapid-Update Radar Observations of Downbursts Occurring within an Intense Multicell Thunderstorm on 14 June 2011
Authors: Kuster Charles M. , Heinselman Pamela L. , Schuur Terry J.
Published: March 2016

On 14 June 2011, an intense multicell thunderstorm produced one nonsevere and three severe downbursts within 35 km of the rapid-update, S-band phased array radar (PAR) at the National Weather Radar Testbed in Norman, Oklahoma, and the nearby polarimetric research Weather Surveillance Radar 1988-Doppler (KOUN). Data collected from these radars provided the opportunity to conduct a quantitative analysis of downburst precursor signature evolution depicted by 1-min PAR data and the associated evolution of differential reflectivity ZDR depicted by 5-min KOUN data. Precursors analyzed included descent of the reflectivity core, evolution of the magnitude and size of midlevel convergence (i.e., number of bins), and descending “troughs” of ZDR. The four downbursts exhibited midlevel convergence that rapidly increased to peak magnitude as the reflectivity core (65-dBZ isosurface) bottom and top descended. The ZDR troughs seen in the 5-min KOUN data appeared to descend along with the core bottom. Midlevel convergence size increased to a peak value and decreased as the reflectivity core descended in the three severe downbursts. In contrast, midlevel convergence size exhibited little change in the nonsevere downburst. The time scale of trends seen in the PAR data was 11 min or less and happened several minutes prior to each downburst’s maximum intensity. These results point to the importance of 1-min volumetric data in effectively resolving the evolution of downburst precursors, which could be beneficial to forecast operations.
The Effect of the Physical Parameterizations and the Land Surface on Rainfall in Poland
Authors: Hodur Richard M. , Jakubiak Bogumil
Published: March 2016

High-resolution numerical experiments were conducted over two separate months to study the effect of different physical parameterizations and different representations of the land surface on the prediction of rainfall events in Poland. The Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) was used with 2-km grid spacing. Four sets of forecast experiments were performed. The control experiment used a slab model for the surface energy budget, a Lin-based moist physics parameterization, and a Mellor and Yamada (MY) based turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) parameterization; the Louis experiment used a version of the Louis TKE parameterization in place of MY; the LSM experiment used the Noah land surface model (LSM) in place of the slab model; and the Thompson experiment used the Thompson microphysics parameterization instead of the Lin-based microphysics. The forecasts were validated against surface and upper-air observations, as well as radar reflectivity. The Louis parameterization yielded improvements to the total rainfall and small improvements to the near-surface temperature and moisture. The Noah LSM yielded the largest improvements to the prediction of near-surface temperature and moisture, and while it led to correctly forecasting an increase in precipitation in one month, it erroneously predicted a decrease in precipitation in the other month. The Thompson microphysics produced the most skillful precipitation forecasts for late spring, but produced precipitation forecasts that were less skillful than the control experiment for early fall. The use of higher horizontal resolution (0.5 km) for two rain events led to the overprediction of rainfall, but suggested a better distribution of the rainfall.
Does Target Object Processing Affect Reaction Times in Simple Detection Spatial Cueing Tasks?
Authors: Collings Raymond D. , Eaton Leslie G.
Published: March 2016

The current study tested the effect of varying target type and target set size during simple detection versions of Posner's exogenous spatial cueing task. The four target conditions consisted of a single letter, a single number, one of four possible letters, or one of four possible numbers. Responses were faster for numbers than for letters, but only when the cue-target lag was short, the target set included more than one potential number, and the cue and target appeared in different locations. These findings suggest that even during detection tasks, responses are influenced by the object features of the target. Methodological implications for spatial cueing studies and other types of visual perception research were discussed.
Effects of Background Lighting Color and Movement Distance on Reaching Times Among Participants With Low Vision, Myopia, and Normal Vision
Authors: Chen Chun-Fu , Huang Kuo-Chen
Published: March 2016

This study investigated the effects of target distance (30, 35, and 40 cm) and the color of background lighting (red, green, blue, and yellow) on the duration of movements made by participants with low vision, myopia, and normal vision while performing a reaching task; 48 students (21 women, 27 men; M age = 21.8 year, SD = 2.4) participated in the study. Participants reached for a target (a white LED light) whose vertical position varied randomly across trials, ranging in distance from 30 to 40 cm. Movement time was analyzed using a 3 (participant group) × [4 (color of background lighting) × 3 (movement distance)] mixed-design ANOVA model. Results indicated longer times for completing a reaching movement when: participants belonged to the low vision group; the target distance between the starting position and the target position was longer (40 cm); and the reaching movement occurred in the red-background lighting condition. These results are particularly relevant for situations in which a user is required to respond to a signal by reaching toward a button or an icon.
The Influence of Purchasing Context and Reversibility of Choice on Consumer Responses Toward Personalized Products and Standardized Products
Authors: Choi Jieun , LEE Doo-Hee , Taylor Charles R.
Published: March 2016

Existing research on personalization has found that consumers generally prefer personalized products over standardized ones. This study argued that consumer preference for personalized products is dependent on purchasing context and reversibility of choice. Results of an experiment conducted in this study found that consumers preferred personalized products when purchasing an item for personal use but preferred standardized products when purchasing an item as a gift. However, the effects of purchasing context were negated when consumers were given the assurance that personalized products could be returned (reversibility of choice); when presented with reversibility of choice, consumers preferred personalized products over standardized products regardless of purchasing context. Theoretical and managerial implications of these results were discussed.
The Legacy of Liberation Theology in Colombia
Authors: Celis Leila
Published: March 2016

Liberation theology was very important in Latin America between 1970 and 1980. While it is less significant today, it has not disappeared. If we look at Colombia, we can see the pastoral and political commitment of the religious and the laity in various regions as they accompany marginalized communities, victims of government and parastatal violence, in conformity with their preferential option for the poor. Motivated by the crucified Christ, the heirs of liberation theology have developed a theology of life or of human rights. As human rights advocates, they identify among the causes of violence the policies of capitalist development, denounced as imperialist and responsible for the poverty of the majority of the population. This development has its origin in the parallel dynamics of social and international relations and the associated adaptation of the social movement.

La teología de la liberación tuvo mucha importancia en América Latina entre los años 1970 y 1980. Bien que hoy ella sea menos relevante, no ha desaparecido. Si tomamos el caso de Colombia podemos ver el compromiso pastoral y político de laicos y religiosos presentes en diferentes regiones del país, quienes consecuentes ante su opción preferencial por los pobres están acompañando comunidades marginalizadas, víctimas de la violencia estatal y paraestatal. Inspirados en Jesús crucificado, los herederos de la teología de la liberación han hilado una teología de los derechos humanos o de la vida. Como defensores de derechos humanos, ellos identifican dentro de las causas de la violencia las políticas de desarrollo capitalista, denunciadas como imperialistas y como responsables de la miseria de las grandes mayorías. Esta trasformación se origina en la dinámica paralela de las relaciones sociales e internacionales y la adaptación consecuente del movimiento social.
Educational interventions for children with ASD: A systematic literature review 2008–2013
Authors: Bond Caroline , Symes Wendy , Hebron Judith , Humphrey Neil , Morewood Gareth , Woods Kevin
Published: March 2016

Systematic literature reviews can play a key role in underpinning evidence-based practice. To date, large-scale reviews of interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have focused primarily on research quality. To assist practitioners, the current review adopted a broader framework which allowed for greater consideration of educational utility. Between July and August 2013, 20 databases were searched, alongside web searches and hand searches, to identify ASD intervention studies published between 2008 and 2013. This search yielded 6,232 articles and the subsequent screening and evaluation process identified 85 best evidence studies. Studies were grouped into categories and individual interventions were assessed and classified as providing most; moderate; some; or a small amount of evidence. Interventions with most evidence tended to focus on younger children and core difficulties associated with ASD. Emerging trends, such as increasing evidence for technology-based interventions and peer-mediated interventions, were identified. An encouraging finding for practitioners is that in 59% of the studies, interventions were undertaken with or by school staff. Implications for school psychology practice as well as factors to consider when selecting educational interventions are discussed.
Effect of ejection fraction on left ventricular remodeling in aortic insufficiency
Authors: Gunay Deniz , Ozen Yucel , Cekmecelioglu Davut , Sarikaya Sabit , Aksoy Eray , Rabus Murat Bulent , Kirali Kaan
Published: March 2016

Background

Due to ventricular compensatory mechanisms, patients with severe aortic regurgitation are generally asymptomatic. Severe left ventricular dysfunction develops annually in 20% of non-operated cases, and the prognosis in those cases is poor. Although surgery is recommend in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, surgeons are wary. We investigated the changes in ventricular and effort capacity after surgery in patients with normal and abnormal left ventricular function.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the data of patients with aortic regurgitation who underwent aortic valve replacement in our clinic between 1993 and 2013. Those who had previous cardiac surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, or preoperative arrhythmias were excluded. The 113 patients were divided into 2 groups according to ejection fraction.

Results

In patients with ejection fraction <50%, interventricular septal thickness, posterior wall thickness, and left ventricular mass were significantly greater than in the ejection fraction ≥50% group ( p < 0.01). No significant differences in intensive care unit stay and hospitalization were determined. No mortality was observed. Ejection fraction and effort capacity increased significantly after aortic valve replacement in both groups, and interventricular septal thickness, posterior wall thickness, and left ventricular mass decreased in both groups.

Conclusions

Significant left ventricular functional improvements can be achieved after aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic regurgitation who develop left ventricular dysfunction. Despite the reported higher surgical mortality in this patient group, surgical treatment offers a survival benefit. We recommend surgical treatment in patients with severe aortic regurgitation who develop left ventricular dysfunction.
Mid-term outcome of endovascular treatment for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Jiang Kun , Li Xiao-Qiang , Sang Hong-Fei , Qian Ai-Min , Rong Jian-Jie , Li Cheng-Long
Published: March 2016

Purposes of the study

To evaluate the benefit of stenting the iliac vein in patients with residual iliac vein stenosis treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis.

Procedures

In this randomized prospective study, patients with a first-time acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis that had persisted <14 days were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. After catheter-directed thrombolysis, patients with >50% residual iliac vein stenosis were randomly divided into two groups: catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group and catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. Patients received urokinase thrombolysis and low-molecular-weight heparin/oral warfarin during the hospitalization period and were administrated oral warfarin after discharge. Cumulative deep vein patency, the Clinical Etiology Anatomic Pathophysiologic classification system, the Venous Clinical Severity Score and the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire score were evaluated.

Findings

The cumulative deep vein patency rate was 74.07% in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group and 46.59% in the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. The mean postoperative Clinical Etiology Anatomic Pathophysiologic classification and Venous Clinical Severity Score was significantly lower in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group than in the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group. The mean postoperative Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire score was significantly higher in the catheter-directed thrombolysis + Stent Group than the catheter-directed thrombolysis Alone Group.

Conclusions

Placement of an iliac vein stent in patients with residual iliac vein stenosis after catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis increases iliac vein patency and improves clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life at mid-term follow-up compared to patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis alone.
Serial Changes of the Cartilage in Recipient Sites and Their Mirror Sites on Second-Look Imaging After Mosaicplasty
Authors: Nakagawa Yasuaki , Mukai Shogo , Yabumoto Hiromitsu , Tarumi Eri , Nakamura Takashi
Published: March 2016

Background:

It has been reported that the short-term results of mosaicplasty are good, but there have been no reports of the serial cartilage changes in the recipient sites and their mirror sites for mosaicplasty.

Purpose:

To examine the serial changes in cartilage in the recipient sites and their mirror sites using second-look imaging.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 33 patients (37 knees, 40 sites) underwent mosaicplasty and second-look arthroscopy at a single institution over a 7-year period. There were 14 men and 19 women (12 right knees and 25 left knees). The recipient sites were the patella (n = 3), trochlea (n = 7), medial femoral condyle (n = 21), and lateral femoral condyle (n = 9). The mean patient age at surgery was 38.3 years; the mean period from mosaicplasty to second-look arthroscopy was 15.4 months; and the mean follow-up period was 34.9 months (range, 24-65 months). The results of second-look arthroscopy at the recipient site were categorized as cartilage with a smooth surface (group S) and fibrillation or an irregular surface (group I), and results of second-look arthroscopy at the mirror site were categorized as worse (group W), improved (group E), and unchanged (group U).

Results:

There were 30 sites in group S, 10 sites in group I, 3 sites in group W, 4 sites in group E, and 33 sites in group U. The age at operation was significantly greater in group S than in group I. There was a significant correlation between group S and groups E and U. The clinical outcome was significantly worse in group W when compared with groups E and U.

Conclusion:

If a smooth surface was seen in the recipient site during second-look arthroscopy, the cartilage degeneration in its mirror site did not become worse after mosaicplasty.
Precollegiate Knee Surgery Predicts Subsequent Injury Requiring Surgery in NCAA Athletes
Authors: Wang Dean , Rugg Caitlin M. , Mayer Erik , Lai Wilson C. , Sulzicki Pamela , Vail Jeremy , Hame Sharon L.
Published: March 2016

Background:

The effect of precollegiate orthopaedic surgery on injury risk in the elite collegiate athlete is unknown.

Purpose:

To (1) assess the relationship between precollegiate surgery and subsequent injury requiring surgery in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes at a single institution and (2) compare the risk of subsequent surgery in the ipsilateral versus contralateral extremity in those with a history of precollegiate surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed of all athletes who began participation from 2003 to 2009 until completion of eligibility. Athletes who received orthopaedic surgery in college were identified through the Sports Injury Monitoring System and were cross-referenced with medical records. The risk of orthopaedic surgery was evaluated using multivariate Cox and Poisson regression models, with sex and sport as additional covariates. Risk of subsequent surgery in the ipsilateral versus contralateral extremity was compared using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards regression. Hazard ratios (HRs) and rate ratios (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to compare groups.

Results:

In total, 1141 athletes were identified for analysis. Of these, 186 athletes (16.3%) had a history of precollegiate orthopaedic surgery. There were 261 documented intracollegiate orthopaedic surgeries in 181 athletes (15.9%). Precollegiate knee surgery was an independent predictor of orthopaedic surgery (HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.16-2.83) in college. When examining only surgeries resulting from acute or primary injuries, precollegiate knee surgery was an independent predictor of primary knee injury requiring surgery in college (HR, 4.45; 95% CI, 2.51-7.59). Athletes with a history of precollegiate surgery were more susceptible to subsequent surgery in their ipsilateral extremity compared with their other extremities (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.03-3.53). In contrast, there was no additional risk of receiving subsequent surgery in the contralateral extremity ( P = .54).

Conclusion:

Precollegiate knee surgery in the Division I athlete is associated with subsequent injury requiring surgery in college. Athletes with a history of precollegiate surgery are at higher risk of subsequent surgery in their ipsilateral extremity compared with other extremities.
Concussion Incidence and Return-to-Play Time in National Basketball Association Players
Authors: Padaki Ajay S. , Cole Brian J. , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Various research efforts have studied concussions in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League. However, no study has investigated the incidence and return-to-play trends in the National Basketball Association (NBA), which this study aims to do.

Hypothesis:

Increased media scrutiny and public awareness, in addition to the institution of a league-wide concussion protocol, may have resulted in more conservative return-to-play practices.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

All concussions to NBA players that were publicly reported in the media from the beginning of the 2006 NBA season to the end of the 2014 season were included. The incidence and return-to-play statistics were generated by synthesizing information from publicly available records.

Results:

There were 134 publicly reported concussions to NBA players from the beginning of the 2006 season to the conclusion of the 2014 season, resulting in an average of 14.9 concussions per season. The incidence has not changed significantly during this time span. The average games missed after a concussion from 2006 to 2010 was 1.6, significantly less than the 5.0 games missed from 2011 to 2014, following the institution of the NBA concussion protocol ( P = .023).

Conclusion:

Although the incidence of publicly reported concussions in the NBA has not changed appreciably over the past 9 seasons, the time missed after a concussion has. While players often returned in the same game in the 2006 season, the combination of implemented policy, national coverage, medical staff awareness, and player education may have contributed to players now missing an average of 4 to 6 games after a concussion. A multitude of factors has resulted in more conservative return-to-play practices for NBA players after concussions.
Rethinking the Political History of Northeast India
Authors: Lunminthang Michael
Published: March 2016

When historiography on the Northeast started during the eighteenth century, there was silence and uncooperativeness from the ‘Brahminical/Hindu elites’ leading to confusion among the British ethnographers and historians. The resultant effect saw the original settlers rot in the realm of literature. This article explores the academic world of literature in the Northeast and acknowledges binary postulants of original as well as migratory existence, per se the Northeast inhabitants. This article attempts to bring back some of the historical accounts to understand the political world of marginal tribes in present Northeast by tracing ‘Kuki’ ‘Chin’ in the Hindu mythology. It is true, the idea of ‘welfare state’, ‘development’ and ‘democracy’ after 67 years of independence is still a dream for some of the tribes, however, to negotiate that the present political turmoil in Northeast India is a fight for a morsel of development is utter disrespect of the settlers who aspire for the hitherto ‘political space’ which their forefathers had enjoyed. The situation brings an interesting study of the Kuki tribes and their country which has slipped into oblivion due to various reasons.
Use of a Virtual-Technological Sailing Program to Prepare Children With Disabilities for a Real Sailing Course
Authors: Aprile Irene , Iacovelli Chiara , Iuvone Laura , Imbimbo Isabella , Cruciani Arianna , Pecchioli Cristiano , Manozzi Francesco Maria , Padua Luca
Published: March 2016

Sailing might produce a positive effect on a patient’s general health and become an integrated part of rehabilitation. Our hypothesis was that a specific technological rehabilitation program might be used to prepare a group of disabled subjects for sailing. Seventeen patients (age range: 9-20) with impairments in motor coordination and balance and 15 healthy subjects participated in the study. The study was divided into the virtual-technological sailing phase, theory-practice phase, and sports phase. Proprioceptive platforms were used to evaluate balance, and the Child Health Questionnaire–PF50 was used to evaluate quality of life. Trunk displacement and the center of pressure velocity improved significantly after the virtual-technological sailing program. As regards quality of life, the physical and psychosocial score significantly improved at the end of the program. A technological rehabilitation training improved balance in disabled subjects and may be used to prepare them for a real sailing course. Sailing improves the quality of life of disabled subjects and could be used in the rehabilitation.
Impact of Violence and Relationship Abuse on Grades of American Indian/Alaska Native Undergraduate College Students
Authors: Patterson Silver Wolf David A. , Perkins Jacob , Van Zile-Tamsen Carol , Butler-Barnes Sheretta
Published: March 2016

Violence and relationship abuse are pervasive public health problems that have a range of negative effects, with exceptionally high prevalence among ethno–racial minority youth. This study assesses the prevalence of these types of violence among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students and examines the impact of victimization on academic performance of AI/AN and non-AI/AN student populations using self-reported college health survey data. Results show that students who identified fully or partially as AI/AN reported markedly higher rates of all types of violence/abuse than did other students, and students who had experienced violence/abuse had lower grade point averages (GPAs) compared with those who had not. Recommendations for future research and direct practice with AI/AN students are discussed.
Lessons Learned: Conducting Research With Victims Portrayed in Sexual Abuse Images and Their Parents
Authors: Walsh Wendy A. , Wolak Janis , Lounsbury Kaitlin , Howley Susan , Lippert Tonya , Thompson Lawrence
Published: March 2016

Victims portrayed in sexual abuse images may be resistant to participate in research because of embarrassment or shame due to the sensitive nature and potential permanency of images. No studies we are aware of explore reactions to participating in research after this type of crime. Telephone interviews were conducted with convenience samples of parents ( n = 46) and adolescents who were victims of child sexual abuse ( n = 11; some of whom were portrayed in sexual abuse images), and online surveys were completed by adult survivors depicted in abuse images ( N = 133). The first lesson was that few agencies tracked this type of crime. This lack of tracking raises the question as to what types of data should be collected and tracked as part of an investigation. The second lesson was that few victims at the two participating agencies had been portrayed in sexual abuse images (4%-5%). The third lesson was that once possible cases were identified, we found relatively high percentages of consent to contact and interview completions. This implies that researchers and service providers should not be hesitant about conducting research after an investigation of child sexual abuse. The fourth lesson was that the vast majority of participants reported not being upset by the questions. We hope that the data presented here will encourage agencies to reconsider the types of data being tracked and will encourage researchers to conduct in-depth research with populations that are often difficult to reach to continue improving the professional response to child victimization.
Environmental Unpredictability in Childhood Is Associated With Anxious Romantic Attachment and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration
Authors: Barbaro Nicole , Shackelford Todd K.
Published: March 2016

Human life history theory describes how resources are allocated among conflicting life tasks, including trade-offs concerning reproduction. The current research investigates the unique importance of environmental unpredictability in childhood in association with romantic attachment, and explores whether objective or subjective measures of environmental risk are more informative for testing life history hypotheses. We hypothesize that (1) unpredictability in childhood will be associated with greater anxious attachment, (2) anxious attachment will be associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, and (3) anxious attachment will mediate the relationship between unpredictability in childhood and IPV perpetration. In two studies (total n = 391), participants in a heterosexual, romantic relationship completed self-report measures of childhood experiences, romantic attachment, and IPV perpetration. Study 1 provides support for Hypothesis 1. Hypothesis 1 is replicated only for men, but not women, in Study 2. Results of Study 2 provide support for Hypothesis 2 for men and women, and Hypothesis 3 was supported for men but not women. The findings contribute to the literature addressing the association of environmental risk in childhood on adult romantic relationship outcomes.
Mood Disorders in Middle-Aged and Older Veterans With Multimorbidity
Authors: DiNapoli Elizabeth A. , Bramoweth Adam D. , Whiteman Karen L. , Hanusa Barbara H. , Kasckow John
Published: March 2016

Objective: This study identified the prevalence of and relationship between mood disorders and multimorbidity in middle-aged and older veterans. Method: Cross-sectional data were obtained from veterans who received primary care services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System from January 2007 to December 2011 ( n = 34,786). Results: Most veterans had three or more organ systems with chronic disease (95.3%), of which 4.1% had a depressive disorder, 2.5% had an anxiety disorder, and 0.7% had co-occurring depression and anxiety. The odds of having a mood disorder increased with each additional organ system with chronic disease, with odds being the greatest in those with 10 to 13 organ systems with chronic disease. Younger age, female gender, non-married marital status, and having a service connected disability were also significant predictors of having a mood disorder. Discussion: These findings suggest a need to integrate mental health assessment and treatment in chronic health care management for veterans.
A revision of the flutter margin method to predict in real-time the limit cycle oscillations onset speed with structural freeplay present in the plunge axis
Authors: Casado Corpas JL , Sanz-Lobera A , González-Requena I , Sevilla L
Published: March 2016

Computational fluid dynamic and order reducing methods have been extensively applied to predict the flutter onset speed of several types of aircrafts. However, the accuracy required by certification standards still ascribes flight testing as the only method available that safely validates the flight envelope of an aircraft. In particular, free-flutter conditions must be demonstrated in the target flight envelope, and several methods have been developed to determine the flutter onset speed in real-time when expanding the envelope during flight testing. Among the methods, the damping versus velocity technique combined with a flutter margin implementation remains the most common technique used for envelope expansion. Even with the popularity and “easy to implement” characteristics of this method, several shortcomings can adversely affect the identification of non-stable conditions during envelope expansion. Notably, the limit cycle oscillations conditions, distinct from flutter, cannot be accurately identified. This study proposes to apply a similar methodology to the flutter margin to anticipate limit cycle oscillations associated with freeplay in the plunge axis of a bi-dimensional airfoil that is aeroelastically representative of the tested aircraft. Analytical considerations are conducted to support this new approach, and a computer model is used to validate the proposed methodology.
Study on aerodynamic optimal super/transonic turbine cascade and its geometry characteristics
Authors: Ji Lucheng , Yu Jia , Li Weiwei , Yi Weilin
Published: March 2016

The shock waves are important phenomena in transonic turbines, which cause lots of negative effects on the aerodynamic performance. Much of attention had been paid on reducing the strength of the shock waves via modifying turbine cascade geometry, and it is highly preferred to build experiences on the relationship between the cascade aerodynamic performance and the geometric parameters. The paper presents a numerical study on the aerodynamic optimal transonic turbine cascade and its geometry characteristics. Three typical Russia transonic turbine cascades with different design conditions are selected and optimized using adjoint method at three different back pressures, respectively. Thus, the best geometry parameters for optimum aerodynamic performance can be found. Then the key geometry parameters of optimized cascades are extracted and compared with the original ones. Results show that even the best designs by hands could be less efficient than ones by computer-aided optimizations. Some experiences on how to set the key geometry parameters for a best performance are obtained. The reduced shock profiling is applied to the thermal turbomachinery and machine dynamics transonic turbine by using the adjoint method. The performance of the thermal turbomachinery and machine dynamics transonic turbine was increased significantly.
Reactive arthritis following a Microsporidia infection
Authors: Mason E , Foster R , Wray L , McNulty A , Donovan B
Published: March 2016

Reactive arthritis may be caused by both sexually transmissible and enteric organisms, though Microsporidia is not currently recognised as a causative agent. This case report describes the development of reactive arthritis following Microsporidia infection in an immunocompetent man.
HIV testing practices and the potential role of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men in Mexico
Authors: Oldenburg Catherine E , Biello Katie B , Perez-Brumer Amaya G , Rosenberger Joshua , Novak David S , Mayer Kenneth H , Mimiaga Matthew J
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study was to characterize HIV testing practices among men who have sex with men in Mexico and intention to use HIV self-testing. In 2012, members of one of the largest social/sexual networking websites for men who have sex with men in Latin America completed an anonymous online survey. This analysis was restricted to HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men residing in Mexico. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to assess factors associated with HIV testing and intention to use a HIV self-test. Of 4537 respondents, 70.9% reported ever having a HIV test, of whom 75.5% reported testing at least yearly. The majority (94.3%) indicated that they would use a HIV home self-test if it were available. Participants identifying as bisexual less often reported ever HIV testing compared to those identifying as gay/homosexual (adjusted odds ratio = 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.44–0.62). Having a physical exam in the past year was associated with increased ever HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 4.35, 95% confidence interval: 3.73–5.07), but associated with decreased interest in HIV self-testing (adjusted odds ratio = 0.66, 95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.89). The high intention to use HIV home self-testing supports the use of this method as an acceptable alternative to clinic- or hospital-based HIV testing.
Exposure to triptolide affects follicle development in NIH mice
Authors: Zeng Y , Sun H , Li Y , Shao M , Han P , Yu X , He L , Xu Y , Li S
Published: March 2016

Triptolide (TPL) is a main active compound isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. Despite its positive therapeutic effect, the female reproductive toxicity of TPL is still the bottleneck of clinical application. The study was designed to investigate the adverse effects on mice ovary and underlying mechanism of TPL. Adult female NIH mice were treated with two therapeutic doses of TPL (25 and 50 μg/kg/d) for 50 days, respectively. Mice estrous cycle was detected by vaginal cytology method. Half mice from each group were selected randomly to perform superovulation. Quality and quantity of ovulated eggs were evaluated. Other mice from each group were executed for morphological study. Ovarian histological sections were stained by H&E staining for ovarian pathologic detection and follicular counts. Apoptotic granulosa cell (GC) was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related proteins and antiapoptotic X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) were detected by immunohistochemical method. Two doses of TPL resulted in estrous cycle disorder and follicles in development reservoir impairment. Quality and quantity of mice ovulated eggs significantly decreased after TPL treatment. Ovarian pathologic examination revealed TPL-induced TUNEL-positive GCs increase and ER stress–related proteins (78-kDa glucose-regulated protein, p-protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase, p-eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein) expression upregulation. Meanwhile, the expression of antiapoptosis protein XIAP in mice ovary was obviously inhibited by TPL. Our results may demonstrate that therapeutic doses of TPL can injure ovary function, but there is no difference between high-dose and low-dose groups. GCs apoptosis by ER stress pathway and antiapoptotic function impairment may partly mediate TPL-induced ovary toxicity.
Quantitative determination of methamphetamine in oral fluid by liquid–liquid extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Bahmanabadi L , Akhgari M , Jokar F , Sadeghi HB
Published: March 2016

Methamphetamine abuse is one of the most medical and social problems many countries face. In spite of the ban on the use of methamphetamine, it is widely available in Iran’s drug black market. There are many analytical methods for the detection of methamphetamine in biological specimen. Oral fluid has become a popular specimen to test for the presence of methamphetamine. The purpose of the present study was to develop a method for the extraction and detection of methamphetamine in oral fluid samples using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods. An analytical study was designed in that blank and 50 authentic oral fluid samples were collected to be first extracted by LLE and subsequently analysed by GC/MS. The method was fully validated and showed an excellent intra- and inter-assay precision (reflex sympathetic dystrophy ˂ 10%) for external quality control samples. Recovery with LLE methods was 96%. Limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 5 and 15 ng/mL, respectively. The method showed high selectivity, no additional peak due to interfering substances in samples was observed. The introduced method was sensitive, accurate and precise enough for the extraction of methamphetamine from oral fluid samples in forensic toxicology laboratories.
Book Review: Paul Roberts, The Impulse Society: What’s Wrong with Getting What We Want
Authors: Lele Abhijeet
Published: March 2016

Paul Roberts, The Impulse Society: What’s Wrong with Getting What We Want, 2014, London: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 320 pp., £12.99 (paperback edition). ISBN 978-1-4088-5160-9
Book Review: Robert I. Sutton & Huggy Rao, Scaling Up Excellence: Getting to More without Settling for Less, Crown Business
Authors: Aggarwal Pranati
Published: March 2016

Robert I. Sutton & Huggy Rao, Scaling Up Excellence: Getting to More without Settling for Less, Crown Business, 2014, 368 pp., $26.00. ISBN 0385347022
Effectiveness of Local Government and Community Participation in Health Service Delivery in Rural Haryana
Authors: Hooda Shailender Kumar
Published: March 2016

The recent health sector reform initiatives argue that health service delivery mechanism can be made effective through the participation of local governments and community in policy making, planning and services delivery. We believe that the gain from such initiatives to the large extent depends on how these initiatives are implemented at the ground level. In order to evaluate their effectiveness, this study first captures the degree of local agent’s participation and extent of decentralization in health, and then measures their impact on health service access and health-seeking behaviour of rural households, controlling for socio-economic, demographic and political factors, such as reservation of women/minority groups in politics. This exercise is largely based on field survey data collected from 12 villages of Haryana. The results show that the degree of community participation and women/minority groups’ reservation in politics hardly matters for promoting the equity in access to health care. This may be because dominant class/caste/male captures most of the decentralization powers in Haryana. A properly designed and implemented decentralized policy however turns effective in promoting the health care use from public facilities. The study argues that the gains from decentralization can be enhanced by devolving more health-related functions, funds, management, regulation and policy making powers to local Panchayat and community. The magnitude of Panchayat support and priorities to health and coordination between local agents and health functionaries is a value addition for materializing the greater gains from such decentralized initiatives.
Students’ Affective Learning in a Technologically Mediated Writing and Speaking Course
Authors: Gaffney Amy L. Housley , Kercsmar Sarah E.
Published: March 2016

Situated learning theory postulates that the environment in which learning occurs is foundational to understanding the outcomes of that learning. Taking classes in a nontraditional classroom, therefore, might have a noticeable effect on learning outcomes. This study examines three structures of the same general education course to understand the potential impact of mediated learning on students’ public speaking and writing apprehension and self-efficacy. Although situated learning theory suggests that the three structures (face-to-face, partially face-to-face, and fully online) should demonstrate differences, the results of this study are mixed, suggesting a complicated picture for situated learning’s ability to speak to differences based on technology use while highlighting the differences in how such technology might affect oral skills versus written skills. The application of situated learning principles to technologically mediated courses demonstrates the need to consider the interplay between environment and content.
Immunohistochemical Expression of GLUT-1 and HIF-1α in Tooth Germ, Ameloblastoma, and Ameloblastic Carcinoma
Authors: Sánchez-Romero Celeste , Bologna-Molina Ronell , Mosqueda-Taylor Adalberto , Paes de Almeida Oslei
Published: March 2016

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) promotes proteins that enable cell survival during hypoxia, such as glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1). Their coexpression has been associated with aggressiveness in malignancies and has not been studied in odontogenic tumors. Immunohistochemical expression of HIF-1α and GLUT-1 was analyzed in 13 tooth germs (TGs), 55 ameloblastomas (AMs), and 3 ameloblastic carcinomas (ACs). HIF-1α was negative in all TGs, and just 1 case of AM and 1 of AC had nuclear positivity. GLUT-1 expressed in ameloblastic cells of all TGs, AMs, and ACs, with an increasing intensity, respectively, and was significantly higher in solid AM than in unicystic AM ( P = .041). Absence of nuclear HIF-1α in TGs and most AMs suggest that GLUT-1 may be induced by alternative pathways to hypoxia. However, in ACs, HIF-1α may be activated; however, to confirm this, additional cases are needed. GLUT-1 overexpression could be related to aggressiveness in AMs and ACs and must represent a normal metabolite in TGs.
Divorce and Childhood Chronic Illness
Authors: Russell Luke T. , Coleman Marilyn , Ganong Lawrence H. , Gayer Debra
Published: March 2016

Divorced parents face distinct challenges in providing care for chronically ill children. Children’s residence in two households necessitates the development of family-specific strategies to ensure coparents’ supervision of regimen adherence and the management of children’s health care. Utilizing a risk and resilience perspective, a grounded theory study was conducted with 14 divorced parents of children with chronic illnesses. The importance of trust, gender, and relationships with third-party care providers emerged as key themes related to the development of effective coparenting relationships for maintaining children’s health. Divorced parents were best able to support the management of their children’s chronic conditions when care providers operated as neutral third parties and intermediaries. Collaborative family care may require health care practitioners to avoid being drawn into contentious inter-parental conflicts.
The Rudd Labor government and the limitations of spin
Authors: McKnight David
Published: March 2016

This article explores the news management practices of the first Rudd government (2007–2010) and the extent to which they were responsible for both the government’s initial success and its later decline and the subsequent replacement as Prime Minister of Kevin Rudd. Based on confidential interviews with 15 media advisers who worked for ministers in the first Rudd government, the article draws conclusions about the nature of the ‘permanent campaign’ and the double-edged nature of spin.
Association between felt ambivalence and the desire to quit waterpipe use among college students
Authors: Lipkus Isaac M , Noonan Devon
Published: March 2016

College waterpipe tobacco smokers who feel more ambivalence, that is, conflicted about its use, may have a stronger desire to quit. Using baseline survey data of 315 college waterpipe smokers, we examined this relationship. While frequency of feeling ambivalence was low, greater ambivalence was related with desire to quit ( r = .46, p < .001). This relationship remained significant after accounting for several correlates of desire to quit (e.g. perceived risk and worries about harm and addiction). Findings suggest that ambivalence may be an important independent variable linked with desire to quit and should be explored further as a factor influencing waterpipe tobacco use.