bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesothelial/monocytic incidental cardiac excrescence mimicking cardiac tumor
Authors: Mallick Saumyaranjan , Arava Sudheer , Muthukumaran Subramanian , Sharma Bhavna , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Ray Ruma
Published: May 2014

Mesothelial incidental cardiac excrescence is a non-neoplastic tumor-like lesion commonly occurring in the intracardiac region. The exact etiology is unclear. A 32-year-old woman presented with respiratory distress on exertion. Echocardiography showed severe aortic, mitral, and tricuspid regurgitation, for which triple-valve replacement was performed. A small cardiac excrescence was found over the aortic valve, measuring 0.6 × 0.3 × 0.3-cm, which on microscopy showed features of mesothelial/monocytic incidental cardiac excrescence. This condition is very rare but it must be recognized because it mimics a metastatic malignancy.
Extraction of mediastinal teratoma contents for complete thoracoscopic resection
Authors: Tsubochi Hiroyoshi , Endo Shunsuke , Nakano Tomoyuki , Minegishi Kentaro , Tetsuka Kenji , Hasegawa Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Video-assisted thoracic surgery is widely applied for resection of mediastinal tumors. The mediastinal mature teratoma, however, is usually operated on via an open approach because it is generally large, making it difficult to dissect under a thoracoscopic view and remove it from the thoracic cavity. We attempted to extract intracystic material during video-assisted thoracic surgery to facilitate dissection and removal of the tumor from the thoracic cavity.

Methods

From January 1998 to April 2013, 13 patients (9 women, 4 men; mean age 33 years, range 17–54 years) with mediastinal mature teratomas were operated on via video-assisted thoracic surgery. Intracystic contents of the tumor were aspirated before dissection or after the teratoma was dissected and placed in the retrieval pouch.

Results

None of the patients required conversion to an open procedure. Operating time was 95–184 min (mean 132 min). Blood loss during the operation amounted to 10–300 mL (mean 78 mL). The tumor size ranged from 5 to 12 cm (mean 8 cm). In all cases, the tumors were confirmed pathologically to be mature cystic teratomas with no malignant components. During and after follow-up, all patients continue to do well without recurrence.

Conclusion

Extraction of intracystic contents enabled thoracoscopic resection of large mature mediastinal teratomas.
Parenting ‘gifted and talented’ children in urban areas
Authors: Koshy Valsa , Smith Carole Portman , Brown Joanna
Published: May 2014

International evidence demonstrates the importance of engaging parents in the education of their ‘high-potential’ children, yet limited research has focused on the involvement of parents from differing economic strata/backgrounds. The current study explored the dilemmas of parenting academically high-ability children from economically deprived urban areas in the UK. Data were gathered from a sample of parents whose children attended a university-based sustained intervention programme for designated ‘gifted’ pupils aged 12–16. Parental perceptions were sought in relation to (a) the usefulness/impact of the intervention programme, (b) parents’ aspirations for their children growing up in economically deprived urban areas and (c) parents’ views on the support provided by the extended family, peer groups and the wider community. The findings have significant implications for both policy and practice and, more specifically, for engaging parents in intervention programmes offered by universities and schools to children in order to increase their access to higher education and for enhancing their life chances.
‘Of course we are on Facebook’: Use and non-use of social media among Swedish and Norwegian politicians
Authors: Larsson Anders O , Kalsnes Bente
Published: May 2014

While plenty of research has provided important insights into the uses of the Internet by politicians during elections, a relatively scarce amount of work has looked into these uses outside of such parliamentary events. This article seeks to remedy this lack of research by presenting a study on the ‘routine’ uses of two of the currently most popular social media services – Facebook and Twitter. Focusing on politicians elected to the national parliaments of Norway and Sweden, the article employs novel methodologies for data collection and statistical analyses in order to provide an overarching, structural view of the day-to-day social media practices of Scandinavian politicians. Findings indicate that use levels are rather low for both services – the median amount of tweets sent and messages posted on Facebook is close to one per day. Further analyses reveal that the most active politicians could be labelled as ‘underdogs’, as they are more likely to be younger, in opposition and out of the political limelight.
The post-thrombotic syndrome and compression therapy
Authors: van der Velden SK , Neumann HAM
Published: May 2014

Compression therapy is still the cornerstone in the treatment of PTS. The therapy is primarily focused on the decrease of the AVP, enhancement of the microcirculation and reduction of the edema. In our practice, most patients are initially treated with short stretch bandage to reduce the edema. Medical Elastic Compression Stockings (MECS) class II (CEN 23–32 mm Hg)or class III (CEN 34–46 mm Hg) with a high stiffness index are prescribed after the edema is disappeared. The prescription will be for a lifelong usage of stockings. Correction of saphenous reflux, deobstructing and stenting might be considered in certain patients with PTS.
Indications, contraindications and performance: European Guidelines for Sclerotherapy in Chronic Venous Disorders
Authors: Rabe E , Pannier F ,   for the Guideline Group
Published: May 2014

Aim

Sclerotherapy is the targeted chemical ablation of varicose veins by intravenous injection of a liquid or foamed sclerosing drug. The treated veins may be intradermal, subcutaneous, and/or transfascial as well as superficial and deep in venous malformations. The aim of this guideline is to give evidence-based recommendations for liquid and foam sclerotherapy.

Methods

This guideline was drafted on behalf of 23 European Phlebological Societies during a Guideline Conference on 7th – 10th May 2012 in Mainz. The conference was organized by the German Society of Phlebology.

Results

This guideline focuses on the two sclerosing drugs which are licensed in the majority of the European countries, Polidocanol (POL) and Sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS). Other sclerosants are not discussed in detail. In this paper the recommendations concerning indications, contraindications, concentrations, volumes and technique of liquid and foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins and venous malformations are reviewed.
The Role of Leg Compression in the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Partsch Hugo
Published: May 2014

Up until today mobile outpatients are put into bed as soon as the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is made. Fear of pulmonary embolism (PE) is the main rationale for bed-rest; additional arguments are pain and swelling which are expected to resolve faster during leg elevation. Based on previous work it is demonstrated that keeping mobile patients with acute DVT walking under exact anticoagulation does not increase the risk for symptomatic PE in comparison with bed-rest and that there is an immediate reduction of pain and swelling when good compression is applied and the patient is encouraged to walk. Immediate compression and walking seems also to reduce the incidence of a postthrombotic syndrome. One presumed mechanism of action of this adjunct treatment modality is the increase of shear stress in the microcirculation of the vein wall releasing anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulatory mediators.
Compression for the management of venous leg ulcers: which material do we have?
Authors: Partsch Hugo
Published: May 2014

Compression therapy is the most important basic treatment modality in venous leg ulcers. The review focusses on the materials which are used: 1. Compression bandages, 2. Compression stockings, 3. Self-adjustable Velcro-devices, 4. Compression pumps, 5. Hybrid devices. Compression bandages, usually applied by trained staff, provide a wide spectrum of materials with different elastic properties. To make bandaging easier, safer and more effective, most modern bandages combine different material components. Self-management of venous ulcers has become feasible by introducing double compression stockings (“ulcer kits”) and self-adjustable Velcro devices. Compression pumps can be used as adjunctive measures, especially for patients with restricted mobility. The combination of sustained and intermittent compression (“hybrid device”) is a promising new tool.

The interface pressure corresponding to the dosage of compression therapy determines the hemodynamic efficacy of each device. In order to reduce ambulatory venous hypertension compression pressures of more than 50 mm Hg in the upright position are desirable. At the same time pressure should be lower in the resting position in order to be tolerated. This prerequisite may be fulfilled by using inelastic, short stretch material including multicomponent bandages and cohesive surfaces, all characterized by high stiffness. Such materials do not give way when calf muscles contract during walking which leads to high peaks of interface pressure (“massaging effect”).
Timing and duration of compression therapy after deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Bouman AC , Cate-Hoek AJ ten
Published: May 2014

After deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 20-50%, of patients develop post thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Up till now, there is no effective treatment for PTS and prevention is therefore of major importance. Compression therapy after DVT, with elastic compression stockings (ECS), is the only available preventive measure for PTS. However, the usefulness, timing, and duration of compression therapy are matters of debate. The effect of early compression on the long-term development of PTS is still unclear as studies performed so far have conflicting outcomes.16–19 The effectiveness of ECS therapy initiated in the sub-acute phase was assessed in three large randomized controlled trials. Kahn et al could not reproduce the large risk reduction found in the trials by Brandjes and Prandoni et al.20–22 Also for the optimal duration of ECS therapy, a certain conclusion has yet to be drawn. Therefore identification of patients who most likely will benefit from ECS therapy as well as the optimal ECS treatment strategy remain subjects for further study.
Influence of the competence of the sapheno-femoral junction on the mode of treatment of varicose veins by surgery
Authors: Chastanet S , Pittaluga P
Published: May 2014

Background

It is usually agreed that incompetence of the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) is the main indication for stripping or ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in the treatment of varicose veins (VVs). We wanted to test this assumption in our surgical treatment of varicose veins.

Methods

Study design: retrospective study of the surgical procedures for VVs in our centre between January and October 2012 in patients with reflux in the GSV. The SFJ was considered to be incompetent when both terminal and pre-terminal valves were assessed as incompetent by duplex ultrasound duplex imaging. We compared the preoperative clinical and haemodynamic data according to the surgical procedure performed.

Results

We reviewed a total of 389 LLs operated on for VVs in which reflux was present in the GSV. The SFJ was incompetent preoperatively in 189 LLs (48.6%). The GSV was treated in 78 cases (20.1%) stripping in 24 cases and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in 54 cases, while phlebectomy with preservation of the GSV (ASVAL = Ambulatory Selective Varices Ablation under Local Anaesthesia) was done in the 311 remaining cases (79.9%). Incompetence of the SFJ led to stripping or RFA of the GSV in 38.1% of the cases only. Treatment by stripping or RFA was associated with male gender (50% vs 18.9% P < 0.01 χ2), an older age (62.5 vs 53.1 yrs P < 0.01 t-test), a greater body mass index (BMI) (26.1 vs 23.8 P < 0.01 t-test), a higher frequency of CEAP Class C4 to C6 (33.3% vs 4.8% P < 0.01 χ2), a higher frequency of symptoms (94.4% vs 73.6% P < 0.01 χ2) and a greater diameter of the GSV at the thigh (8.1 vs 5.2 mm P < 0.01 t-test). At last the presence of a focal dilatation of the GSV and an extension of the reflux below the lower half of the calf were also more frequent in case of stripping or RFA (respectively 55.6% vs 10.3% and 84.6% vs 18.3% P < 0.01 χ2).

Conclusion

An incompetent SFJ was not the only clinical feature which determined the choice for preservation or ablation of the GSV in patients with varicose veins. In our experience a greater age, a higher BMI, the presence of trophic skin changes, extension of the reflux below the knee and a more damaged GSV trunk were also taken into account in order to decide whether to ablate or to preserve the GSV.
Compression to prevent the postthrombotic syndrome
Authors: Jeanneret Christina , Aschwanden Markus , Staub Daniel
Published: May 2014

Summary

We give an overview on the current literature concerning compression in the prevention of postthrombotic syndrome, including our own investigations of the hemodynamic changes over time in female and male patients. We also describe the evaluation of a combined reflux-occlusion score to predict occurrence of new pigmentation (C4).
Which dressings reduce inflammation and improve venous leg ulcer healing
Authors: Raffetto Joseph D
Published: May 2014

Chronic venous leg ulcers (VLU) affect around 1% of the adult population in the Western world. The impact of VLU is both social and economic, with significant expenditures on active venous ulcers to provide medical treatment and eventual healing. At the core of VLU is venous hypertension which affects the venous macrocirculation. The changes incurred in venous hemodynamics leads to microcirculatory changes affecting the postcapillary venule and surrounding tissues. Inflammation by leukocytes affecting the venous endothelium, promotes a complex cascade and activation of adhesion molecules expression, chemokines and cytokines released, altered growth factor responses, and activation of protease (e.g. tPA) and proteinase (e.g. MMPs) activity that causes dysregulation and compromise of tissue integrity with eventual dermal damage and ulcer development. A critical component to treating VLU is correcting the abnormal venous hemodynamics and compression therapy. Unfortunately, VLU recurrence ranges between 30–70%, and other modalities in therapy along with compression are required. The goal for adjuvant products is to restore the balance from an inflammatory chronic wound to that of a reparative wound that will promote provisional matrix and epithelialization. There are many products on the market that can be used as adjuvant to compression therapy, but it must be recognized that there is a paucity of clinical trials that have evaluated the clinical effectiveness of specific products with clearly defined end points, and most importantly a healed VLU with a low recurrence rate. This review will discuss the fundamentals of VLU inflammation, and evaluate the available literature that may have benefit in reducing inflammation and lead to effective VLU healing.
Dutch Venous Ulcer guideline update
Authors: Maessen-Visch M Birgitte , de Roos Kees-Peter
Published: May 2014

The revised guideline of 2013 is an update of the 2005 guideline “venous leg ulcer”. In this special project four separate guidelines (venous leg ulcer, varicose veins, compression therapy and deep venous disorders) were revised and developed simultaneously. A meeting was held including representatives of any organisation involved in venous disease management including patient organizations and health insurance companies. Eighteen clinical questions where defined, and a new strategy was used to accelerate the process. This resulted in two new and two revised guidelines within one year. The guideline committee advises use of the C of the CEAP classification as well as the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and a Quality of life (QoL) score in the assessment of clinical signs. These can provide insight into the burden of disease and the effects of treatment as experienced by the patient. A duplex ultrasound should be performed in every patient to establish the underlying aetiology and to evaluate the need for treatment (which is discussed in a separate guideline).

The use of the TIME model for describing venous ulcers is recommended. There is no evidence for antiseptic or antibiotic wound care products except for a Cochrane review in which some evidence is presented for cadexomer iodine. Signs of infection are the main reason for the use of oral antibiotics. When the ulcer fails to heal the use of oral aspirin and pentoxifylline can be considered as an adjunct. For the individual patient, the following aspects should be considered: the appearance of the ulcer (amount of exudate) according to the TIME model, the influence of wound care products on moisturising the wound, frequency of changing compression bandages, pain and allergies. The cost of the dressings should also be considered. Education and training of patients t improves compliance with compression therapy but does not influence wound healing rates.
Venous ulcer care: which dressings are cost effective?
Authors: Meissner Mark H
Published: May 2014

Healed or open venous ulcers may be present in up to 1% of Western populations and consume a large amount of healthcare resources. These ulcers are characterized by a chronic inflammatory environment with impaired healing and often require months for closure. The average monthly cost of care for an open ulcer has been estimated to be $4095. The fundamental tenets of ulcer care include adequate compression and maintaining a moist wound environment with an appropriate primary dressing. A number of specialized products including semi-occlusive/occlusive, antimicrobial, and advanced wound matrix dressings are now available. However, there is little data from appropriate clinical studies to suggest significantly improved outcomes with any of these dressings. Data regarding their cost-effectiveness is also limited, often conflicting, and subject to bias. At present, there is little solid evidence to guide the choice of primary dressings and a patient-centered approach focusing on characteristics of both the patient and their ulcer, while paying attention to costs, may be most appropriate.
Fainting as an unusual presentation of a large inferior vena cava leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Luca Giuseppe Massimiliano De , Gurrado Angela , Marzullo Andrea , Piccinni Giuseppe , Memeo Riccardo , Vacca Angelo , Testini Mario
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Primary tumors of the inferior vena cava are rare, with leiomyosarcoma representing the vast majority.

Method

A 60-year-old man was admitted in emergency for fainting and mild anemia. A whole-body computed tomography revealed a retroperitoneal mass of approximately 8 cm in diameter, invading the lumen of the inferior vena cava, extending to the renal vein confluence. An en bloc resection of the solid mass was performed. Macroscopically the tumor did not seem to insist on the resection margin.

Results

Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged after eight days, starting adjuvant chemotherapy. During the follow-up, the patient did not show other fainting episode, and at 24 months he is disease free. Conclusions: Unusually, fainting could even be the isolated sign of a large leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava, also when it affects its middle portion.
Natural history of deep vein thrombosis in children
Authors: Spentzouris G , Gasparis A , Scriven RJ , Lee TK , Labropoulos N
Published: May 2014

Objective

To determine the natural history of deep vein thrombosis in children presented with a first episode in the lower extremity veins.

Methods

Children with objective diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis were followed up with ultrasound and clinical examination. Risk factors and clinical presentation were prospectively collected. The prevalence of recurrent deep vein thrombosis and the development of signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease were recorded.

Results

There were 27 children, 15 males and 12 females, with acute deep vein thrombosis, with a mean age of 4 years, range 0.1–16 years. The median follow-up was 23 months, range 8–62 months. The location of thrombosis involved the iliac and common femoral vein in 18 patients and the femoral and popliteal veins in 9. Only one vein was affected in 7 children, two veins in 14 and more than two veins in 6. Recurrent deep vein thrombosis occurred in two patients, while no patient had a clinically significant pulmonary embolism. Signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease were present at last follow-up in 11 patients. There were nine patients with vein collaterals, but no patient developed varicose veins. Reflux was found in 18 veins of 11 patients. Failure of recanalization was seen in 7 patients and partial recanalization in 11. Iliofemoral thrombosis ( p = 0.012) and failure to recanalize ( p = 0.036) increased significantly the risk for developing signs and symptoms.

Conclusions

Children with acute proximal deep vein thrombosis develop mild chronic venous disease signs and symptoms at mid-term follow-up and are closely related with iliofemoral thrombosis and failure to recanalization.
Self-organisation and retail-led regeneration: A new territorial governance within the Italian context
Authors: Brunetta Grazia , Caldarice Ombretta
Published: May 2014

Retail activities and cities are closely related. The practices of retail-led regeneration can thus bring real benefits to the quality of urban life and play a key role in the construction of self-organised and bottom-up initiatives. It seems essential, therefore, that there be the involvement of all the actors working within various capacities in urban areas and who have a legitimate interest in the construction of integrated and efficient urban policies. For example, the Business Improvement Districts – widely used in the US and the UK – are forms of voluntary management for the development of competitive strategies in view of the revitalisation of urban retail developments authorised by the government but promoted and managed by private operators. On the basis of international experience, Italy has also begun to introduce the idea of new instruments for territorial governance within regional trade legislation. These are promoted by the government and managed by non-state actors for the integrated management of business in relation to urban revitalisation. From this perspective, the paper describes the Italian model for the voluntary management of retail activities by outlining the importance of self-organisation and private sector for the promotion of territories and the real contribution that retail can make to local development and urban regeneration.
You Can’t Pick Your Family
Authors: Shoham Hizky
Published: May 2014

Familism is a model of a social organization that assigns the family an important role in individual and collective identity. This article proposes a historical analysis and interpretation of the Seder celebrations of Jewish Israelis, in order to explore what is unique about Israeli familism—that it imagines the entire nation as an extended family. This ritual continues to be widely practiced today by Jews of every sector—secular, traditional, and religious. As a result, it has a significant presence in Israeli popular culture. The focus is on two questions: (1) who celebrates? That is, what forum convenes around the table? (2) How is it celebrated? That is, what ritual is conducted during the festive gathering? The historical and ethnographic analysis shows that over the course of the twentieth century, the extended family became the preferred forum for celebration, and that the conformist reading of the Haggadah and the other parts of the ceremony continue on the whole to follow the Orthodox rules, even in secular families. This mode of celebration is analyzed here as an expression of the political image of the entire Jewish people as one large extended family and as a demonstration of the extensive use of Jewish familism in the construction of Jewish identity in Israel today.
Radical Routes and Alternative Avenues
Authors: Gradin Sofa
Published: May 2014

In tumultuous times of financial crisis, capitalism is increasingly challenged as a desirable economic system. But are there any realistic alternatives to capitalism? Using theory and empirical research, this article offers one model of alternative business organization, focusing on not-for-profit cooperatives. If capitalism’s distinctive features are private property, profit, and (intra-market) competition, cooperatives can, if designed intelligently, function without these features.
Global Value Chains in Global Political Networks
Authors: Fernández Victor Ramiro
Published: May 2014

The global value chain (GVC) approach has become an increasingly relevant tool not only for the analysis of the current strategies of firms in global economic networks, but also for the economic development policies promoted by supranational institutions. The paper argues that this supranational institutionalization of such an approach has been contributing to legitimate a subordinated and exclusive pattern of integration to networks governed by the transnational fraction of capital rather than constituting a tool for enabling the strategies of developing countries and their actors. This is made possible through the transformation of the GVC into a neoliberal device for strategies implemented by global political networks as well as through the uncritical assimilation of a group of limitations in the GVC theoretical and methodological corpus, when those global political networks incorporate that theoretical approach. The paper concludes by suggesting the necessity of a new approach capable of overcoming the limitations of the GVC inspired policy prescriptions as a condition for forging global alternatives to neoliberal fast policies dominating the Global South.
Examinations, Inequality, and Curriculum Reform
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: May 2014

All educational reforms have particular histories. And all of them are driven not only by technical considerations but also profoundly by cultural, political, and economic projects and by ideological visions of what schools should do. In this contribution to my Reviewing Policy section of Educational Policy, I discuss a significant contribution to our understanding of these projects. “Academic Success and Social Power” focuses on the growth of crucial aspects of a number of these visions, on the conflicts that they often entail, and on who continues to benefit the most from them over time. Richard Teese directs most of his attention to the reform of curriculum and to the social field of power that determines or at least sets limits on what is considered important knowledge. In the process, what he has produced can serve as a model for how critical education studies of culture and power should go on.
Study on the working state of the five hundred-meter aperture spherical telescope using step-wise assignment method
Authors: Liu Yu , Gao Feng
Published: May 2014

The working state of the five hundred-meter aperture spherical telescope (FAST) is solved using the step-wise assignment method. In this paper, the mathematical model of the cable-net support structure of the FAST is set up by the catenary equation. There are a large number of nonlinear equations and unknown parameters of the model. The nonlinear equations are solved by using the step-wise assignment method. The method is using the analytical solutions of the cable-net equations of one working state as the initial value for the next working state, from which the analytical solutions of the nonlinear equations of the cable-net for each working state of the FAST and the tension and length of each driving cable can be obtained. The suggested algorithm is quite practically well suited to study the working state of the cable-net structures of the FAST. Also, the working state analysis result of the cable-net support structure of a reduced model of the cable-net structure reflector for the FAST is given to verify the reliability of the method. In order to show the validity of the method, comparisons with another algorithm to set the initial value are presented. This method has an important guiding significance to the further study on the control of the new type of flexible cable driving mechanism, especially the FAST.
Modeling for performance degradation induced by wear of a hydraulic actuator of a hydraulic excavator
Authors: Cao Yuanguo , Dai Xudong
Published: May 2014

As an index of maintaining low fuel consumption, the digging force of an excavator is affected fully by the performance of the hydraulic actuators including boom cylinder, stick cylinder, and bucket cylinder. The seals are used widely in a fluid power system to prevent fluid leakage. However, wear induces changes in the diameter of the seal's cross-section area, having an effect on the sealing capability of seals. This article proposes a model for performance degradation induced by wear of a hydraulic actuator of an excavator. The model in this article describes the physical process of performance degradation of a hydraulic actuator by analyzing piston response when wear occurs. The model includes a dynamic model of a hydraulic actuator, a model of squeezing stress and deformation of a compressed elastomeric O-ring seal, a wear model of a seal, and a leak rate model. These models can be used for deducing the laws of performance degradation of a hydraulic actuator of an excavator and for predicting the useful life of a key component such as the seal. Finally, based on the established model, simulation results of a hydraulic actuator’s response are provided.
Validation of discrete numerical model for thermoelectric generator used in a concentration solar system
Authors: Cai Lanlan , Li Peng , Luo Qi , Huang Weidi , Zhai Pengcheng , Zhang Qingjie
Published: May 2014

In a concentration solar system, large temperature differences occur between the hot- and cold-junction of thermoelectric module due to concentration technology. Therefore, the nonlinear temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient, the electric conductivity, and the thermal conductivity of thermoelectric materials should not be neglected in performance evaluation of thermoelectric generator. Herein, a discrete numerical model, with advantage of low-computational expense, high accuracy, and broad application scope, is built to design the thermoelectric generator in a concentration solar system. Temperature-dependent material properties and contact resistance are both incorporated in the discrete numerical model. Besides, an experiment is carried out to measure the performance of Bi2Te3 thermoelectric generator operating under various temperature differences (Δ T). Finally, the discrete numerical model-calculated results are compared to the experimental data and the theoretical results computed by the commonly used constant properties model. Results show that the variation between the constant properties model-calculated output power and the measured one is less than 4% with Δ T lower than 59 K and rises to 12.6% with Δ T up to 251 K, while the error between the discrete numerical model-calculated output power and experiment remains lower than 2% even when Δ T is above 251 K.
Insanity, philanthropy and emigration: dealing with insane children in late-nineteenth-century north-west England
Authors: Taylor Steven J
Published: May 2014

The historiography of asylums and insanity is dense, and some topics have received much scholarly attention but others, such as insanity among children, have been largely neglected. Children by no means formed the majority of asylum populations, but they still suffered from mental impairment and were admitted to these institutions in significant numbers. Identifying the various experiences of insane children is the central goal of this research, but the asylum will not be the sole emphasis. The focus is to place child mental deficiency within a broader context of extramural care. By examining workhouses, the role of family, and philanthropic attempts to deal with insane children, this article will move beyond current historical thinking on the topic; traditional views of childhood, insanity and charity will be challenged, and will show that a much wider world than the locality was accessible to the insane child.
Benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide induced p53-independent necrosis via the mitochondria-associated pathway involving Bax and Bak activation
Authors: Zhang W , Liu N , Wang X , Jin X , Du H , Peng G , Xue J
Published: May 2014

Benzo(a)pyrene-7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) is a highly reactive DNA damage agent and can induce cell death through both p53-independent and -dependent pathways. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of p53-independent pathways in BPDE-induced cell death. To understand the p53-independent mechanisms, we have now examined BPDE-induced cytotoxicity in p53-deficient baby mouse kidney (BMK) cells. The results showed that BPDE could induce Bax and Bak activation, cytochrome c release, caspases activation, and necrotic cell death in the BMK cells. Bax and Bak, two key molecules of mitochondrial permeability transition pore, were interdependently activated by BPDE, with Bax and Bak translocation to and Bax/Bak homo-oligomerization in mitochondria, release of cytochrome c was induced. Importantly, cytochrome c release and necrotic cell death were diminished in BMK cells (Bax−/−), BMK cells (Bak−/−), and BMK cells (Bax−/−/Bak−/−). Furthermore, overexpression of Bcl-2 could ameliorate BPDE-induced cytochrome c release and necrosis. Together the findings suggested that BPDE-induced necrosis was modulated by the p53-independent pathway, which was related to the translocation of Bax and Bak to mitochondria, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspases.
Clinical characteristics and therapy exploration of active human cytomegalovirus infection in 105 lupus patients
Authors: Zhang J , Dou Y , Zhong Z , Su J , Xu D , Tang F , Zhang X , Zhao Y , Zeng X , Zhang F , You X
Published: May 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has protean clinical manifestations of varying severity over the course of its onset, exacerbation, remission and flare that could often pose significant challenges for clinicians in their decision making as to whether to treat aggressively or to look for concurrent conditions such as infection with opportunistic pathogens. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of those pathogens and is frequently encountered in our daily management of lupus patients. To investigate the clinical characteristics and therapeutic options of active HCMV infection in patients with SLE, we retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 105 inpatients in our department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) diagnosed with both SLE and active HCMV infection from January 2006 to January 2012. Three groups were designated that included 42 cases of HCMV triggering SLE, 31 cases of HCMV exacerbating SLE, and 32 cases of HCMV mimicking SLE flare based on the relationship of HCMV infection and SLE. 1) Hematocytopenia (81%), fever (73.3%) and liver dysfunction (54.3%) were the most common clinical manifestations. The differences among the three groups with regard to butterfly erythema, cutaneous vasculitis, arthritis, serositis, central nervous system involvement and renal involvement were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). 2) Positive rate of HCMV-pp65, compared with HCMV-IgM and HCMV-DNA, was the highest (84.9%) in patients with SLE and active HCMV infection. 3) Following 14–21 days of inductive treatment with ganciclovir, a total of 26 out of 56 patients were still positive with HCMV-IgM (nine of 19, 47.6%) and pp65 (17/37, 45.9%). Among them, seven cases suffered HCMV relapses in three months with six cases of sustained HCMV-pp65 antigenemia. In conclusion, hematocytopenia, fever and liver dysfunction should remind us to consider HCMV infection. Butterfly erythema, cutaneous vasculitis, arthritis, serositis, central nervous system involvement and renal lesion were relatively characteristic symptoms of lupus activity. HCMV-pp65 is a sensitive indicator to guide antiviral therapy. Induction therapy using ganciclovir with a duration of 14∼21 days is not sufficient, and continued HCMV-pp65 positivity may require prolonged antiviral treatment in lupus patients.
Antibody against chromatin assembly factor-1 is a novel autoantibody specifically recognized in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Doe K , Nozawa K , Hiruma K , Yamada Y , Matsuki Y , Nakano S , Ogasawara M , Nakano H , Ikeda T , Ikegami T , Fujishiro M , Kawasaki M , Ikeda K , Amano H , Morimoto S , Ogawa H , Takamori K , Sekigawa I , Takasaki Y
Published: May 2014

Autoantibodies to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) are specifically, if rarely, present in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patient sera. Even SLE patients lacking PCNA reactivity often show reaction to PCNA-binding protein. Here, immunoreactivity to chromatin assembly factor-1 (CAF-1), an essential molecule for DNA replication and a PCNA-binding protein, was compared for the sera of SLE patients, normal healthy controls (NHCs) and other disease controls, and in autoimmune sera reactive to standard autoantigens, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting. CAF1 and IRF1 expression in SLE and NHC peripheral mononuclear cells were compared by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum interferon-γ-inducing protein-10 and anti-double-stranded (ds)DNA antibody levels were measured by ELISA. Increased CAF-1 autoimmune reactivity was recognized in SLE or serum anti-dsDNA antibody-positive patients. Significantly greater central nervous system (CNS) involvement (aseptic meningitis) and serum anti-dsDNA antibody titers were present more often in anti-CAF-1 antibody-positive than antibody-negative SLE patients. IFN-γ positively regulated CAF-1 expression in vitro and was associated with anti-CAF-1 antibody production in SLE. Thus, a novel anti-CAF-1 autoantibody is frequently found in patients with SLE and is a useful biomarker for diagnosis, especially in cases with CNS involvement. Aberrant IFN-γ regulation appears to play an important role in anti-CAF-1 antibody production in SLE.
Perceived Racial and Ethnic Prejudice and Discrimination Experiences of Minority Migrant Nurses
Authors: Tuttas Carol A.
Published: May 2014

Every day minority migrant nurses (MMNs) work shoulder to shoulder with domestic nurses in health care settings worldwide. Published studies offer reports of research where work–life experiences of MMNs have been explored. The following literature review focuses on experiences of perceived prejudice and discrimination as described by MMNs. Background and significance of the topic are described and the purpose of the review is presented, followed by definitions of relevant terms, search strategy, and theoretical considerations. Feagin and Eckberg’s discrimination typology is the framework used to organize MMNs’ reported experiences of perceived prejudice and discrimination. A theory-linked summary, including policy, practice, and research implications, concludes the article.
Conflict and Creativity in Interdisciplinary Teams
Authors: Yong Kevyn , Sauer Stephen J. , Mannix Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2014

We examine the effects of conflict and conflict asymmetry on creativity in interdisciplinary teams. Testing our hypotheses on teams working on graduate-level nanobiotechnology projects, we found task conflict to have a positive relationship with creativity whereas relationship conflict had a negative relationship with creativity. Our results also revealed that relationship conflict asymmetry had a positive effect on creativity. Examining the two components of creativity separately, we found that relationship conflict asymmetry explained variance in the novelty component, whereas task conflict, team size, and functional diversity explained variance in the usefulness component.
Positive Group Affect and Team Creativity
Authors: Shin Yuhyung
Published: May 2014

The study explores group-level mechanisms linking positive group affective tone (PGAT) and team creativity. Drawing on Paulus and Dzindolet’s group creativity model and the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, the mediating roles of team reflexivity and team promotion focus were examined. Survey data were collected from the leaders and members of 98 work teams in South Korea. Structural equation modeling results showed that when controlling for negative group affective tone, PGAT was significantly associated with team creativity. Furthermore, team reflexivity and team promotion focus fully mediated the relationship between PGAT and team creativity, and this effect held when team prevention focus was controlled for. The findings provide meaningful insights into the roles of team reflexivity and team promotion focus as critical social-cognitive and social-motivational processes in the group affect–creativity relationship.
A probability approach to the estimation of the process of accumulation of the high-cycle fatigue damage considering the natural aging of a material
Authors: Larin Oleksiy , Vodka Oleksii
Published: May 2014

This work deals with the development of a new approach to a high-cycle fatigue lifetime prediction, which is made in the stochastic framework and allows taking into account the natural degradation (aging) of material properties. Degradation of properties has been modeled as a process of the reduction of fatigue (endurance) limit. Kinetics of damage accumulation is introduced in the context of the effective stress concept. Mathematical expectation, correlation function and the continuum damage parameter variance have been obtained as functions of time. Analysis of the influence of natural aging process on statistical parameters of damage accumulation as well as on the lifetime has been carried out.
Factors of Successful Self-Employment Through Vocational Rehabilitation for Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Yamamoto Scott H. , Alverson Charlotte Y.
Published: May 2014

A review of empirical research on self-employment of individuals with disabilities in the United States found that success appears to be influenced most by three factors: accountability systems, level of supports, and individual characteristics. In the present study, a conceptual framework based on that review was tested on federal data on individuals with disabilities who had become successfully self-employed through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. Data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The initial model did not converge to an admissible solution; therefore, it was respecified. The subsequent model converged to an admissible solution, however, model fit varied across location and time. A number of factors yet remain to be uncovered and tested to explain these variations. The study concludes with a discussion of limitations, recommendations for further research, and implications for researchers, VR agencies, and policy makers.
Multidimensional Assessment of Beliefs About Emotion
Authors: Veilleux Jennifer C. , Salomaa Anna C. , Shaver Jennifer A. , Zielinski Melissa J. , Pollert Garrett A.
Published: May 2014

Recent work has extended the idea of implicit self-theories to the realm of emotion to assess beliefs in the malleability of emotions. The current article expanded on prior measurement of emotion beliefs in a scale development project. Items were tested and revised over rounds of data collection with both students and nonstudent adult online participants. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a three-factor structure. The resulting scale, the Emotion and Regulation Beliefs Scale, assesses beliefs that emotions can hijack self-control, beliefs that emotion regulation is a worthwhile pursuit, and beliefs that emotions can constrain behavior. Preliminary findings suggest that the Emotion and Regulation Beliefs Scale has good internal consistency, is conceptually distinct from measures assessing individuals’ beliefs in their management of emotions and facets of emotional intelligence, and predicts clinically relevant outcomes even after controlling for an existing short measure of beliefs in emotion controllability.
England’s Experience Incorporating “Anecdotal” Reports From Consumers into Their National Reporting System
Authors: Greaves Felix , Millett Christopher , Nuki Paul
Published: May 2014

The English National Health Service’s public reporting website—known as NHS Choices—has been incorporating anecdotal comments from patients about primary and hospital care since 2007. Publicly reporting patients’ narrative comments along with numerical ratings of their experience and clinical quality metrics presents opportunities as well as challenges for reporting systems. This article reviews the lessons learned in England that could be useful to other health systems that are considering a similar approach. We explore five key design considerations for publicly reporting anecdotal comments—including how to collect, moderate, and display comments and how to encourage the public and the health care providers use them. While anecdotal comments might represent an untapped seam of valuable information about service quality and a potential hook for engaging patients to use comparative performance data, the jury is still out on where narrative comments fit in the complex landscape of quality measurement and reporting.
Re-Experiencing Motherhood
Authors: Goldblatt Hadass , Buchbinder Eli , Cohen Rachel
Published: May 2014

Little knowledge exists on abused women’s experience of motherhood following divorce. This qualitative study examined perspectives of 12 formerly abused Israeli women, using in-depth interviews. Findings revealed how women managed an ongoing dialogue between former motherhood in violence and significant changes in mother–children relationships after years of victimization and emotional concealment. All women were determined to repair the impact of violence on the mother–children bond. Some succeeded, whereas others could not reconcile painful relationships. The study findings suggest that understanding the familial dynamics is essential: mothers’ new roles and children’s potential reactions in this context. Implications for practice are discussed.
Rheological, thermo-mechanical, and baking properties of wheat-millet flour blends
Authors: Aprodu Iuliana , Banu Iuliana
Published: May 2014

Millet has long been known as a good source of fiber and antioxidants, but only lately started to be exploited by food scientists and food industry as a consequence of increased consumer awareness. In this study, doughs and breads were produced using millet flour in different ratios (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%) to white, dark, and whole wheat flour. The flour blends were evaluated in terms of rheological and thermo-mechanical properties. Fundamental rheological measurements revealed that the viscosity of the flour formulations increases with wheat flour-extraction rate and decreases with the addition of millet flour. Doughs behavior during mixing, overmixing, pasting, and gelling was established using the Mixolab device. The results of this bread-making process simulation indicate that dough properties become critical for the flour blends with millet levels higher than 30%. The breads were evaluated for volume, texture, and crumb-grain characteristics. The baking test and sensory evaluation results indicated that substitution levels of up to 30% millet flour could be used in composite bread flour. High levels of millet flour (40 and 50%) negatively influenced the loaf volume, crumb texture, and taste.