bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the quality of video consultations performed using fourth generation (4G) mobile telecommunications
Authors: Caffery Liam J , Smith Anthony C
Published: March 2015

The use of fourth-generation (4G) mobile telecommunications to provide real-time video consultations were investigated in this study with the aims of determining if 4G is a suitable telecommunications technology; and secondly, to identify if variation in perceived audio and video quality were due to underlying network performance. Three patient end-points that used 4G Internet connections were evaluated. Consulting clinicians recorded their perception of audio and video quality using the International Telecommunications Union scales during clinics with these patient end-points. These scores were used to calculate a mean opinion score (MOS). The network performance metrics were obtained for each session and the relationships between these metrics and the session's quality scores were tested. Clinicians scored the quality of 50 hours of video consultations, involving 36 clinic sessions. The MOS for audio was 4.1 ± 0.62 and the MOS for video was 4.4 ± 0.22. Image impairment and effort to listen were also rated favourably. There was no correlation between audio or video quality and the network metrics of packet loss or jitter. These findings suggest that 4G networks are an appropriate telecommunication technology to deliver real-time video consultations. Variations in quality scores observed during this study were not explained by the packet loss and jitter in the underlying network. Before establishing a telemedicine service, the performance of the 4G network should be assessed at the location of the proposed service. This is due to known variability in performance of 4G networks.
Beliefs and practices of Brazilian EFL teachers regarding pronunciation
Authors: Buss Larissa
Published: March 2015

Interest in pronunciation learning and teaching has increased significantly in the past few years. Studies and resources in the area have proliferated, but it is important to know whether they have influenced teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the beliefs and practices of Brazilian EFL teachers. Convenience and snowball sampling were employed to recruit 60 participants, who completed an online survey on pronunciation teaching and learning. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse trends, while qualitative responses were coded for common topics. The findings suggest that the instructors had generally informed views about pronunciation and positive attitudes toward its teaching. Their teaching practices tended to be traditional: the predominant approach was to deal with word-level features, especially problematic sounds, through repetition as the need arose. Although most of the respondents claimed to be comfortable teaching pronunciation, they reported a wish for more pronunciation training, as have other instructors in prior studies (e.g. Burgess & Spencer, 2000; Foote, Holtby, & Derwing, 2011).
Introduction: At home in Asia? Place-making, belonging and citizenship in the Asian Century
Authors: Chow Yiu Fai , van Wichelen Sonja , de Kloet Jeroen
Published: March 2015

For the authors of this introduction, home is not always or only sweet home. For us, it is constructed with contradictions, ruptures and anxieties. Indeed, the world never fails to present us with ‘real’ people with ‘real’ issues of home. After ‘rescuing’ the idea of home from its two assumed arch-enemies ‘mobility’ and ‘urbanization’, we will proceed to formulate our appeal to reconceptualize ‘home’ and explicate why and how to do so. We have cited instances from Hong Kong, Beijing and Asia at large, not only because the empirical core of this special issue is on Asia, but, more fundamentally, also because we want to take issue with the Eurocentric bias in the debates on home hitherto. We conclude by making a modest plea – or more accurately, to configure various trajectories of thinking on ‘home’ into a plea – to bracket home as (making) place, (not) belonging and (flexible) citizenship.
‘An Apotheosis of Well-Being’: Durkheim on austerity and double-dip recessions
Authors: Dawson Matt
Published: March 2015

This article is an attempt to contribute a view on the economic crisis from classical sociology, a voice often missing from the sociological response to the crisis. The work of Émile Durkheim provides a unique perspective here centred on morality and inequality produced in a historical context akin to our neoliberal times. It is argued there are four key points to take from Durkheim’s work. First, that the initial credit crunch can be more fully understood with reference to the economic anomie which Durkheim sees as ‘chronic’ in a time of marketisation. Second, that this creates an antagonistic relationship between a supposedly self-dependent rich and lazy poor. Third, this conception of self-dependency and individual initiative makes any attempt to regulate the economy akin to sacrilege. Finally, the state is unwilling to intervene due to the emergence of ‘pseudo-democracies’. Therefore, Durkheim’s theory accounts for the initial crisis, austerity and double-dip recessions in a sociological framework. The article concludes by returning to the centrality of morality to the crisis for Durkheim and highlighting the omission of this in contemporary debates.
Race, inequality of opportunity, and school choice
Authors: Darby Derrick , Saatcioglu Argun
Published: March 2015

Both neoliberals and liberals call for mitigating inequality of educational opportunity stemming from circumstances beyond an individual’s control. In this article, we challenge the wisdom of making equality of opportunity hinge on emphasizing the distinction rather than the relationship between choices and circumstances. We utilize an empirical analysis focusing on the extent to which certain circumstances beyond the control of low-income urban Black adults (e.g. poverty and community instability) limit their eventual chances for maintaining traditional two-parent households, which in turn limits their capacity to make effective choices instrumental in improving the educational prospects of their children. We conclude from this that collectively bearing the burden of attending to differences in the quality of circumstances – in which these voluntary choices are made by poor urban Black parents – is something that we owe to each other whether we are neoliberals or liberals if we share a common normative commitment to equality of opportunity.
Taiwan teacher preparation program evaluation: Some critical perspectives
Authors: Liu Tze-Chang
Published: March 2015

This paper focuses on the influences and changes of recent Taiwan teacher preparation program evaluation (TTPPE) as one of the national evaluation projects conducted by the Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan. The main concerns are what kind of ideology is transformed through the policy by means of evaluation, and what influence TTPPE has as well as its usage. The first section provides a brief introduction of the development of TTPPE. The second section illustrates how market ideology (mainly neo-liberalism) influences and transforms into policy agenda. The third section critiques original usage of TTPPE outcomes. The last section shows the visions and challenges for TTPPE. The research methods include policy analysis of official documents and interviewing four stakeholders and faculty members to understand their experience and reflection. The paper is expected to provide critical insights for future teacher preparation program evaluation projects as well as for other teacher programs evaluation.
Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in hyperglycaemia-induced coronary microvascular dysfunction: Protective role of resveratrol
Authors: Joshi Mandar S , Williams David , Horlock Duncan , Samarasinghe Thilini , Andrews Karen L , Jefferis Ann-Maree , Berger Philip J , Chin-Dusting Jaye P , Kaye David M
Published: March 2015

Microvascular complications are now recognized to play a major role in diabetic complications, and understanding the mechanisms is critical. Endothelial dysfunction occurs early in the course of the development of complications; the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction may occur in a diabetic rat heart and may act as a source of the oxidative stress. However, the role of endothelial cell-specific mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic vascular complications is poorly studied. Here, we studied the role of diabetes-induced abnormal endothelial mitochondrial function and the resultant endothelial dysfunction. Understanding the role of endothelial mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic vasculature is critical in order to develop new therapies. We demonstrate that hyperglycaemia leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in microvascular endothelial cells, and that mitochondrial inhibition induces endothelial dysfunction. Additionally, we show that resveratrol acts as a protective agent; resveratrol-mediated mitochondrial protection may be used to prevent long-term diabetic cardiovascular complications.
Effect of nano zinc oxide on the structural characteristic, tensile thermal properties of textile fabrics
Authors: El-Hameed El-Ebissy Amal Abd , Michael Monira Nessem , Eldin Abdelhameed Shady Kamal
Published: March 2015

Nanotechnology provides the ability to engineer the properties of materials. Nano zinc oxide having particle size ∼50 nm was used with different concentrations to coat the following textiles fabrics: cotton, polyester and blend cotton/ polyester (65/35) using the pad-dry-cure method. The main advantages of these treated samples were their light weight, increasing surface area per unit volume with increasing treatment concentration. The treated samples were characterized through the following measurements: wide angle X-ray diffraction, mechanical tests (tensile strength and elongation percentage) and thermal properties, i.e. diffraction scanning calorimeter. The results indicated that the behavior of the change in crystal parameters for treated cotton samples greatly differed as compared for polyester. The highest intensity and d-spacing in case of treated cotton were observed at zinc oxide concentration 0.25% followed by a decrease. The polyester samples showed gradual increase in intensity by increasing the zinc oxide concentration, while the hybrid structure blend samples followed the mixture behavior rule. The order of improvement in crystalline parameters for the three treated samples was cotton > blend > polyester. Also, the order of improvement in mechanical properties was cotton > polyester > blend; these results may be due to the uniform distribution of ZnO nano-particles on the fabric surface thus the elasticity of the coated fabric increases.
Optimal Analysis to Discriminate Males’ Osteoporosis With Simple Physiological Indicators
Authors: Chang Shu-Fang , Yang Rong-Sen
Published: March 2015

Males account for one third of global hip fracture patients, and their hip fracture-related mortality rate is higher than that of females. Scholars have primarily investigated self-evaluation indicators for elderly Caucasians and other ethnicities, and have rarely conducted large-scale cutoff point studies on Asian males. In this study, a large-scale database on bone mineral density (BMD) examinations was used to conduct a cutoff point study on males with osteoporosis. This study involved a retrospective research design. Males who accepted BMD examinations from 2009 to 2012 at a large teaching hospital in Taiwan were sampled in this study. This study used the database for analyzing effects with using osteoporosis self-assessment indicator, age, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) to discriminate osteoporosis in males, specifically focusing on accuracy, cutoff point, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. Overall, receiver operating characteristic curve for the samples reached 70%. These cutoff points included: a body weight is less than 58.8 kg, BMI is 23 kg/m2, and the osteoporosis self-assessment score is −1.86, to identify osteoporosis. Involving body weight and BMI as optimal assessing indicators for assessing osteoporosis among males younger than 65 years, and the osteoporosis self-assessment tool was ideal for measuring males older than 65 years. Professional health staff should apply convenient, low-cost, and accurate evaluation tools that can assist Asian males in planning preventive osteoporosis strategies to avoid osteoporotic fractures and death.
Characterization of diastolic dysfunction heart failure following an acute hospitalization for heart failure in an urban, underserved population
Authors: Wobeter Brooke R. , Anderson Sarah L. , Marrs Joel C.
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with diastolic dysfunction heart failure (DHF) in a safety-net institution.

Methods:

Descriptive statistics were used to summarize characteristics for adults with DHF hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) between 1 January 2009 and 30 June 2010.

Results:

Of 483 patients with an ADHF-related admission, only 83 (17.2%) had pure DHF. Mean age was 59.6 ± 13.1 years old, with nearly equal proportions of male and female patients. Hypertension (89.2%), coronary artery disease (74.7%), and diabetes (63.9%) comorbidities were most common. Diuretics (91.6%), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (69.9%), and β blockers (60.3%) were most frequently prescribed on discharge.

Conclusion:

In our population, DHF is more prevalent in younger patients of any ethnicity, especially Hispanic/Latino and black ethnicities, compared with nationwide estimates. Our patients with DHF had higher ejection fractions and were prescribed higher rates of traditional heart failure medications.
Consulting through interpreters
Authors: Bansal Aarti , Moore David , Singh Davinder
Published: March 2015

We live in a diverse and multicultural society, thus in many parts of the UK GPs will come into regular contact with patients with a limited proficiency in English. Equal access to services is needed to reduce the risk of introducing health inequality for these individuals when compared with native English speakers. This article provides a practical guide for GPs about how to consult through interpreters.
Urological problems in neonates and children
Authors: Subramanian Geeta , Shirsalkar Anand , Pitts James
Published: March 2015

Urological problems are common causes of disease in children, with a number of conditions having long-term implications for the patient. Many are treatable, and there is a duty of care to intervene early and appropriately to avoid preventable morbidity. The aim of this article is to help GPs understand, evaluate, manage and refer appropriately.
The AMPA receptor antagonist perampanel in the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures: clinical trial evidence and experience
Authors: Steinhoff Bernhard J.
Published: March 2015

More than 20 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are currently available for the medical treatment of epilepsies. However, still about 30% of all epilepsies have a drug-resistant course. Even worse, in the case of some epilepsy syndromes, freedom from seizures is almost never achieved. Therefore, new treatment options are still necessary, especially if theoretical concepts such as a new mode of action offer new horizons. Perampanel is the first-in-class orally active, selective, noncompetitive antagonist of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. The pharmacokinetic profile offers once-daily dosing in the evening as the best route of administration.

According to the results of three pivotal placebo-controlled, double-blind phase III trials that investigated perampanel as an adjunctive AED in adult and adolescent patients from age 12 years who had ongoing focal epileptic seizures despite receiving one to three AEDs, perampanel has been widely licensed and introduced. Phase III trials showed superiority of adjunctive perampanel over placebo consistently in the range between 4 and 12 mg. Dizziness and somnolence were by far the leading adverse events. This review covers the clinical trial evidence but also clinical experience with perampanel after launch according to observational studies.
Longstanding insulin dependent diabetics may not require insulin after the introduction of GLP-1 analogues
Authors: Raja Umar Y , Eastaugh Alison E , Younas Mohammed S , Hanif Wasim
Published: March 2015

Glucagon like peptide (GLP-1) analogues are a relatively novel medication developed primarily for the treatment of type 2 diabetes since 2005. Although GLP-1 analogues have been shown to be more effective in the first few years of diagnosis in type 2 diabetes, we report a case of a patient with longstanding insulin-dependent diabetes started on a GLP-1 analogue, liraglutide, who now has controlled blood sugars without the need of insulin.
Inequities in Chinese Health Services
Authors: Mullins-Owens Heather
Published: March 2015

The Chinese health system was once held up as a model for providing universal health care in the developing world in the 1970s, only to have what is now considered one of the least equitable systems in the world according to the World Health Organization. This article begins with a brief look at what equity in health services entails, and considers the inequities in access to health services in China among different segments of the population. This article will consider challenges the current inequities may present to China in the near future if reforms are not implemented. Finally, it will take a look at reforms made by China’s neighbors, Singapore and Thailand, which made their health care more equitable, affordable, and sustainable.
“Facebook Fired”
Authors: O’Connor Kimberly W. , Schmidt Gordon B.
Published: March 2015

The increased use of social media sites like Facebook has had an impact on employees when their behavior on such sites is deemed to be inappropriate by employers. This has led to a phenomenon that the popular press calls “Facebook Fired,” where an employee is fired for personal social media use. Such terminations have significant potential legal consequences. This article examines the current case law related to social media–based terminations within the job type of K-12 public school teachers. We give legal and practical recommendations to teachers who might potentially face such situations. We suggest legislation and give social media policy language recommendations for school corporations. Finally, we call for research examining the perceptions of fairness of such terminations by workers as well as the public at large.
Self-Distancing From Trauma Memories Reduces Physiological but Not Subjective Emotional Reactivity Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Wisco Blair E. , Marx Brian P. , Sloan Denise M. , Gorman Kaitlyn R. , Kulish Andrea L. , Pineles Suzanne L.
Published: March 2015

Self-distancing, or viewing oneself from a third-person perspective, reduces reactivity when analyzing one’s feelings. Self-distancing may have important effects among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), who have heightened emotional and physiological reactivity to trauma memories, but the effects of self-distancing in this group are unclear. We randomly assigned 48 veterans diagnosed with PTSD to analyze their trauma-related feelings from an immersed (first-person) or distanced (third-person) perspective, and measured physiological and subjective emotional reactivity. Self-distancing during trauma analysis protected against increases in physiological reactivity, such that participants in the immersed condition showed a significant increase in heart rate and skin conductance responses not seen in the distanced condition. However, self-distancing had no effect on self-reported emotional reactivity. Our findings suggest that the effects of self-distancing on subjective emotions may not extend to trauma memories. However, self-distancing during trauma analysis did change physiological reactivity, suggesting at least a short-term benefit for individuals with PTSD.
Indoor air quality, ventilation and respiratory health in elderly residents living in nursing homes in Europe
Authors: Bentayeb Malek , Norback Dan , Bednarek Micha , Bernard Alfred , Cai Guihong , Cerrai Sonia , Eleftheriou Konstantinos Kostas , Gratziou Christina , Holst Gitte Juel , Lavaud François , Nasilowski Jacek , Sestini Piersante , Sarno Giuseppe , Sigsgaard Torben , Wieslander Gunilla , Zielinski Jan , Viegi Giovanni , Annesi-Maesano Isabella
Published: March 2015

Few data exist on respiratory effects of indoor air quality and comfort parameters in the elderly. In the context of the GERIE study, we investigated for the first time the relationships of these factors to respiratory morbidity among elderly people permanently living in nursing homes in seven European countries.

600 elderly people from 50 nursing homes underwent a medical examination and completed a standardised questionnaire. Air quality and comfort parameters were objectively assessedin situin the nursing home. Mean concentrations of air pollutants did not exceed the existing standards.

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio was highly significantly related to elevated levels of particles with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of <0.1 µm (PM0.1) (adjusted OR 8.16, 95% CI 2.24–29.3) and nitrogen dioxide (aOR 3.74, 95% CI 1.06–13.1). Excess risks for usual breathlessness and cough were found with elevated PM10(aOR 1.53 (95% CI 1.15–2.07) and aOR 1.73 (95% CI 1.17–10.3), respectively) and nitrogen dioxide (aOR 1.58 (95% CI 1.15–2.20) and aOR 1.56 (95% CI 1.03–2.41), respectively). Excess risks for wheeze in the past year were found with PM0.1(aOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.15–7.02) and for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exhaled carbon monoxide with formaldehyde (aOR 3.49 (95% CI 1.17–10.3) and aOR 1.25 (95% CI 1.02–1.55), respectively). Breathlessness and cough were associated with higher carbon dioxide. Relative humidity was inversely related to wheeze in the past year and usual cough. Elderly subjects aged ≥80 years were at higher risk. Pollutant effects were more pronounced in the case of poor ventilation.

Even at low levels, indoor air quality affected respiratory health in elderly people permanently living in nursing homes, with frailty increasing with age. The effects were modulated by ventilation.
A flexible transparent gas barrier film employing the method of mixing ALD/MLD-grown Al2O3 and alucone layers
Authors: Xiao Wang , Hui Duan Ya , Zheng Chen , Yu Duan , Qiang Yang Yong , Ping Chen , Xiang Chen Li , Yi Zhao
Published: March 2015

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been widely reported as a novel method for thin film encapsulation (TFE) of organic light-emitting diodes and organic photovoltaic cells. Both organic and inorganic thin films can be deposited by ALD with a variety of precursors. In this work, the performances of Al2O3 thin films and Al2O3/alucone hybrid films have been investigated. The samples with a 50 nm Al2O3 inorganic layer deposited by ALD at a low temperature of 80°C showed higher surface roughness (0.503 ± 0.011 nm), higher water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) values (3.77 × 10−4 g/m2/day), and lower transmittance values (61%) when compared with the Al2O3 (inorganic)/alucone (organic) hybrid structure under same conditions. Furthermore, a bending test upon single Al2O3 layers showed an increased WVTR of 1.59 × 10−3 g/m2/day. However, the film with a 4 nm alucone organic layer inserted into the center displayed improved surface roughness, barrier performance, and transmittance. After the bending test, the hybrid film with 4 nm equally distributed alucone maintained better surface roughness (0.339 ± 0.014 nm) and barrier properties (9.94 × 10−5 g/m2/day). This interesting phenomenon reveals that multilayer thin films consisting of inorganic layers and decentralized alucone organic components have the potential to be useful in TFE applications on flexible optical electronics.
Highly cadmium tolerant fungi: their tolerance and removal potential
Authors: Mohammadian Fazli Mehran , Soleimani Negin , Mehrasbi Mohammadreza , Darabian Sima , Mohammadi Jamshid , Ramazani Ali
Published: March 2015

Background

Soil and effluent of lead and zinc industries contain high concentration of cadmium. The present study was conducted to isolate tolerant fungal strains from cadmium -polluted sites in Zanjan province, Iran.

Methods

Cadmium tolerance and bioremediation capacity of seven isolates including Aspergilus versicolor, Aspergillus fumigatus, Paecilomyces sp.9, Paecilomyces sp.G, Terichoderma sp, Microsporum sp,Cladosporium sp were determined.

Results

Minimum inhibitory concentration values among 1,000-4,000 mg lˉ1proved great ability of isolated strains to survive in cadmium polluted environments. The most tolerant fungi, Aspergilus versicolor, showed tolerance index of 0.8 in 100 mg lˉ1 cadmium agar media. Fungal resistance against cadmium is depended directly on strain’s biological function.

A. versicolor was found to bioaccumulate over7 mg of cadmium per 1 g of mycelium, followed by 5.878, 5.243, and 5.075, 4.557 by Paecilomyces sp, Aspergilus fumigatus, Microsporum sp and Terichoderma sp, respectively.

Conclusion

It can be noted that tolerance of the strains appears to be independent from bioaccumulation capacity. Finally, the results indicated that A. versicolor could be a prospective candidate for bioremediation processes.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Copeptin in the Differential Diagnosis of the Polyuria-polydipsia Syndrome: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Timper Katharina , Fenske Wiebke , Kühn Felix , Frech Nica , Arici Birsen , Rutishauser Jonas , Kopp Peter , Allolio Bruno , Stettler Christoph , Müller Beat , Katan Mira , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: March 2015

Context:

The polyuria-polydipsia syndrome comprises primary polydipsia (PP) and central and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI). Correctly discriminating these entities is mandatory, given that inadequate treatment causes serious complications. The diagnostic “gold standard” is the water deprivation test with assessment of arginine vasopressin (AVP) activity. However, test interpretation and AVP measurement are challenging.

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of copeptin, a stable peptide stoichiometrically cosecreted with AVP, in the differential diagnosis of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome.

Design, Setting, and Patients:

This was a prospective multicenter observational cohort study from four Swiss or German tertiary referral centers of adults >18 years old with the history of polyuria and polydipsia.

Measurements:

A standardized combined water deprivation/3% saline infusion test was performed and terminated when serum sodium exceeded 147 mmol/L. Circulating copeptin and AVP levels were measured regularly throughout the test. Final diagnosis was based on the water deprivation/saline infusion test results, clinical information, and the treatment response.

Results:

Fifty-five patients were enrolled (11 with complete central DI, 16 with partial central DI, 18 with PP, and 10 with nephrogenic DI). Without prior thirsting, a single baseline copeptin level >21.4 pmol/L differentiated nephrogenic DI from other etiologies with a 100% sensitivity and specificity, rendering a water deprivation testing unnecessary in such cases. A stimulated copeptin >4.9 pmol/L (at sodium levels >147 mmol/L) differentiated between patients with PP and patients with partial central DI with a 94.0% specificity and a 94.4% sensitivity. A stimulated AVP >1.8 pg/mL differentiated between the same categories with a 93.0% specificity and a 83.0% sensitivity.

Limitation:

This study was limited by incorporation bias from including AVP levels as a diagnostic criterion.

Conclusion:

Copeptin is a promising new tool in the differential diagnosis of the polyuria-polydipsia syndrome, and a valid surrogate marker for AVP.

Primary Funding Sources:

Swiss National Science Foundation, University of Basel.
Effects of acceleration on gait measures in three horse gaits
Authors: Nauwelaerts Sandra , Zarski Lila , Aerts Peter , Clayton Hilary
Published: March 2015

Animals switch gaits according to locomotor speed. In terrestrial locomotion, gaits have been defined according to footfall patterns or differences in center of mass (COM) motion which characterizes mechanisms that are more general and more predictive than footfall patterns. This has generated different variables designed primarily to evaluate steady-speed locomotion, which is easier to standardize in laboratory conditions. However, in the ecology of an animal, steady-state conditions are rare and the ability to accelerate, decelerate and turn is essential. Currently there are no data available that have tested whether COM variables can be used in accelerative or decelerative conditions. This study uses a data set of kinematics and kinetics of horses using three gaits (walk, trot, canter) to evaluate the effects of acceleration (both positive and negative) on commonly used gait descriptors. The goal is to identify variables that distinguish between gaits both at steady state and during acceleration/deceleration. These variables will either be unaffected by acceleration or affected by it in a predictable way. Congruity, phase shift, and COM velocity angle did not distinguish between gaits when the dataset included trials in unsteady conditions. Work (positive and negative) and energy recovery distinguished between gaits and showed a clear relationship with acceleration. Hodographs are interesting graphical representations to study COM mechanics, but they are descriptive rather than quantitative. Force angle, collision angle and collision fraction showed a U-shaped relationship with acceleration and seem promising tools for future research in unsteady conditions.
Aromatic C–H Borylation by Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Hua , Hagihara Shinya , Itami Kenichiro
Published: March 2015

The first nickel-catalyzed aromatic C–H borylation is described. In the presence of catalytic amounts of [Ni(cod)2], tricyclopentylphosphine, and CsF, benzene and indole derivatives can be borylated with B2pin2. The N-heterocyclic carbene IPr was also found to be an effective ligand. Kinetic isotope effect experiments showed that C–H cleavage is likely involved in the rate-determining step.
Biomedical publications on Ebola and the 2014 outbreak
Authors: Ballabeni Andrea , Boggio Andrea
Published: March 2015

In this research note we examine the biomedical publication output about Ebola in 2014. We show that the volume of publications has dramatically increased in the past year. The rise reflects an impressive growth starting in the month of August, concomitant with or following the surge in infections, deaths and coverage in news and social media. Though non-research articles have been the major contributors to this growth, there has been a substantial increase in original research articles too, including many papers of basic science. The United States has been the country with the highest number of research articles, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom. We present a comprehensive set of charts and facts that, by describing the volumes and nature of publications in 2014, show how the scientific community has responded to the Ebola outbreak and how it might respond to future similar global threats and media events. This information will assist scholars and policymakers in their efforts to improve scientific research policies with the goal of maximizing both public health and knowledge advancement.
Optimal Joint Replenishment and Transshipment Policies in a Multi-Period Inventory System with Lost Sales
Authors: Abouee-Mehrizi Hossein , Berman Oded , Sharma Shrutivandana
Published: March 2015

Mismatch between supply and demand when the uncertainty of the demand is high and the supply lead time is relatively long, such as seasonal good markets, can result in high overstocking and understocking costs. In this paper we propose transshipment as a powerful mechanism to mitigate the mismatch between the supply and demand. We consider a finite horizon multi-period inventory system where in each period two retailers have the option to replenish their inventory from a supplier (if there is any supply) or via transshipment from the other retailer. Each retailer observes nonnegative stochastic demand with general distribution in each period and incurs overstocking/understocking costs as well as costs for replenishment and transshipment that may be time dependent. We study a stochastic control problem where the objective is to determine the optimal joint replenishment and transshipment policies so as to minimize the total expected cost over the season. We characterize the structure of the optimal policy and show that unlike the known order-up-to level inventory policy, the optimal ordering policy in each period is determined based on two switching curves. Similarly, the optimal transshipment policy is also identified by two switching curves. These four curves together partition the optimal joint ordering and transshipment polices to eight regions where in each region the optimal policy is an order-up-to-curve policy. We demonstrate that the structure of the optimal policy holds for any known sequence and combination of ordering and transshipment over time.
Resource Pooling and Cost Allocation Among Independent Service Providers
Authors: Karsten Frank , Slikker Marco , van Houtum Geert-Jan
Published: March 2015

We study a situation where several independent service providers collaborate by complete pooling of their resources and customer streams into a joint service system. These service providers may represent such diverse organizations as hospitals that pool beds or maintenance firms that pool repairmen. We model the service systems as Erlang delay systems (M/M/s queues) that face a fixed cost rate per server and homogeneous delay costs for waiting customers. We examine rules to fairly allocate the collective costs of the pooled system amongst the participants by applying concepts from cooperative game theory. We consider both the case where players’ numbers of servers are exogenously given and the scenario where any coalition picks an optimal number of servers. By exploiting new analytical properties of the continuous extension of the classic Erlang delay function, we provide sufficient conditions for the games under consideration to possess a core allocation (i.e., an allocation that gives no group of players an incentive to split off and form a separate pool) and to admit a population monotonic allocation scheme (whereby adding extra players does not make anyone worse off). This is not guaranteed in general, as illustrated via examples.
The art and science of delegation
Authors: Stonehouse David
Published: March 2015

This article focuses on delegation and what this means for the support worker in their everyday practice. Support workers are now performing roles and tasks which even just a few years ago would have been unheard of. They are working in a wide range of clinical environments and liaising and working alongside professionals from different fields of expertise. Having work and tasks delegated to you, as well as delegating to others, is a major part of the support worker's role; understanding how and when this should be done is key to successful delivery of quality care.
Dehydrated human amnion/chorion tissue in difficult–to-heal DFUs: a case series
Authors: Penny H. , Rifkah M. , Weaver A. , Zaki P. , Young A. , Meloy G. , Flores R.
Published: March 2015

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) occur as a result of multifactorial complications and are commonly found in the diabetic community. Underlying disease states such as neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease can slow healing rates, potentially leading to recurrence, amputation, and increased mortality. As with many other disease processes, DFUs have several treatment options, such as debriding agents, alginate seaweed extract, hydrocolloid gels, and amniotic membrane allografts. The presented cases all used a dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane allograft (dHACM; EpiFix) to aid the healing process. Human amniotic epithelial membranes have seen increased usage due to their ability to enhance the healing process and accelerate cellular regeneration. The DFUs healed in all of the five patients treated, and patients saw a full recovery in 2.5–11 weeks. In addition, the healing time decreased in spite of the non-adherence seen in three of the patients. These results suggest another possible use for dHACM; however, further studies are required to confirm these data.

Declaration of interest:

This project was self-funded and had no influences outside the fact that Dr Penny is a speaker for MiMedx.
Representations of violence in the first-person documentary: Archival footage and documentary consciousness
Authors: Hariharan Veena
Published: March 2015

In this article, I argue that archival footage of the historical real constitutes the documentary’s unique truth claim and examine three instances of films (Amar Kanwar’s A Season Outside (1998), Mani Rathnam’s fictional Bombay (1995) and Rakesh Sharma’s testimonial documentary Final Solution (2004)) that use such archival footage in different visual economies of the indexical, iconic and symbolic, or in tension between them. As examples of films that represent communal violence in India, I compare their differing modes of invoking this footage aimed at activating a documentary consciousness that in turn addresses and creates a particular kind of embodied, ethical citizen/spectator.
Healthy Choice: The Effect of Simplified Point-of-Sale Nutritional Information on Consumer Food Choice Behavior
Authors: Nikolova Hristina Dzhogleva , Inman J. Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

Grocery retailers are joining the fray against obesity by offering a wide range of health and wellness programs at the point of sale. However, the success of such programs in promoting healthy choices remains an open question. The authors examine the effectiveness of a growing health and wellness initiative: a simplified nutrition scoring system. They present a conceptual framework that predicts the effect of such a scoring system on shoppers’ food decisions and their sensitivity to price and promotion, as well as the moderating influence of category-level factors. Using a large-scale quasi experiment and panel data across eight product categories for more than 535,000 members of a grocery chain's frequent shopper program, the authors demonstrate that the point-of-sale nutrition scoring system helped consumers make healthier food choices, such that they switched to higher-scoring products in the postrollout period. The results also reveal that shoppers became less price sensitive and more promotion sensitive following the introduction of the food scoring system. The authors discuss implications for research and practice.
Bei einem Glas guten Wein(es): Der Abbau des partitiven Genitivs und seine Reflexe im Gegenwartsdeutschen
Authors: Zimmer Christian
Published: March 2015

This paper is concerned with the loss of the partitive genitive (e. g.ein Glas Weines>ein Glas Wein) in German, focusing on the early stage of the decline, i. e. the ENHG period, and on variation in present-day German (e. g.einem Glas gutem Weinvs.einem Glas guten Wein). On the basis of data collected in a questionnaire study and in corpora (both contemporary and historic) it is proposed that formal properties of the inflectional suffixes involved are highly relevant for this language change phenomenon: Several observations concerning the diachronic and synchronic variation caused by the (incomplete) loss of the partitive genitive seem to be explicable by so-called ›signal strength‹, a concept which goes back to Köpcke (1993).
Adhesive strength of total knee endoprostheses to bone cement – analysis of metallic and ceramic femoral components under worst-case conditions
Authors: Bergschmidt Philipp , Dammer Rebecca , Zietz Carmen , Finze Susanne , Mittelmeier Wolfram , Bader Rainer
Published: March 2015

Evaluation of the adhesive strength of femoral components to the bone cement is a relevant parameter for predicting implant safety. In the present experimental study, three types of cemented femoral components (metallic, ceramic and silica/silane-layered ceramic) of the bicondylar Multigen Plus knee system, implanted on composite femora were analysed. A pull-off test with the femoral components was performed after different load and several cementing conditions (four groups and n=3 components of each metallic, ceramic and silica/silane-layered ceramic in each group). Pull-off forces were comparable for the metallic and the silica/silane-layered ceramic femoral components (mean 4769 N and 4298 N) under standard test condition, whereas uncoated ceramic femoral components showed reduced pull-off forces (mean 2322 N). Loading under worst-case conditions led to decreased adhesive strength by loosening of the interface implant and bone cement using uncoated metallic and ceramic femoral components, respectively. Silica/silane-coated ceramic components were stably fixed even under worst-case conditions. Loading under high flexion angles can induce interfacial tensile stress, which could promote early implant loosening. In conclusion, a silica/silane-coating layer on the femoral component increased their adhesive strength to bone cement. Thicker cement mantles (>2 mm) reduce adhesive strength of the femoral component and can increase the risk of cement break-off.
Differential osteogenicity of multiple donor-derived human mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts in monolayer, scaffold-based 3D culture and in vivo
Authors: Quent Verena M.C. , Theodoropoulos Christina , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Reichert Johannes C.
Published: March 2015

We set out to compare the osteogenicity of human mesenchymal stem (hMSCs) and osteoblasts (hOBs). Upon osteogenic induction in monolayer, hMSCs showed superior matrix mineralization expressing characteristic bone-related genes. For scaffold cultures, both cell types presented spindle-shaped, osteoblast-like morphologies forming a dense, interconnected network of high viability. On the scaffolds, hOBs proliferated faster. A general upregulation of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), osteoprotegrin (OPG), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), sclerostin (SOST), and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) was observed for both cell types. Simultaneously, PTHrP, RANKL and DMP-1 expression decreased under osteogenic stimulation, while OPG and SOST increased significantly. Following transplantation into NOD/SCID mice, μCT and histology showed increased bone deposition with hOBs. The bone was vascularized, and amounts further increased for both cell types after recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 7 (rhBMP-7) addition also stimulating osteoclastogenesis. Complete bone organogenesis was evidenced by the presence of osteocytes and hematopoietic precursors. Our study results support the asking to develop 3D cellular models closely mimicking the functions of living tissues suitable for in vivo translation.
Opening the Market for Impact Investments: The Need for Adapted Portfolio Tools
Authors: Brandstetter Lisa , Lehner Othmar M.
Published: March 2015

Social and environmental impact investing as an activity as well as a concept has grown in recognition on a truly global scale. Yet, apart from anecdotal success stories of some specialized forms such as social-impact bonds, little is known about the field and the complex interplay between agents, instruments and regulations. Neither the rationales of the various participants in the field, nor the evaluation criteria for some of its instruments have been scrutinized in-depth so far. Especially the important constructs of risk and returns from a financial as well as a social impact perspective have so far been used in differing fashions, thus rendering the applied logic constructs incompatible to each other. Compatibility, however, is a pre-requisite for the inclusion of impact investments into the portfolios of traditional institutional investors. Much can be gained from this, not only would a huge inflow of capital improve the social and environmental sector, but early evidence shows that the overall performance of mixed portfolios might profit because the experienced low correlation of impact investments to traditional markets reduces portfolio risk and increases sustainability. In addition, more and more investors demand ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria to be considered when it comes to building portfolios because of the great opportunities provided.
Secure Spectrum Data Fusion with Presence of Massive Malicious Users
Authors: Yao Junnan , Zhu Hongbo , Liu Yan , Zhu Benyu
Published: March 2015

Malicious users are critical threats to the collaborative spectrum sensing (CSS) in cognitive radio networks. Especially with increasing number of malicious users, the performance of conventional malicious user detection (MUD) algorithms degrades fiercely. In this paper, we consider the secure CSS issue in the scenario that large number of malicious users exist in CSS system. We propose a new MUD algorithm, which detects the malicious users in a binary hypothesis test fashion. Based on the MUD, we provide a secure CSS approach. It is proved that the proposed secure CSS approach is insensitive with the number of malicious users, and it achieves a favorable performance even when a large number of malicious users are present.
Planar UWB Filter with Multiple Notched Band and Stopband with Improved Rejection Level
Authors: Ghazali Abu Nasar , Pal Srikanta
Published: March 2015

Analysis and realization of a microstrip-based planar ultra-wideband (UWB) filter with integrated multiple notch elimination property and simultaneously extended upper stopband is proposed. Initially, a UWB filter based on back-to-back microstrip-to-CPW technology is designed. Later, multiple spiral defected ground structures (DGS) are embedded to obtain multiple passband notches. Further, double equilateral U (DEU)-type DGS are used to improve upon the rejection level in upper stopband. The multiple passband notches are results of embedded spiral-shaped DGS (SDGS), while extended upper stopband is the outcome of suppressed higher-order spurious harmonics. The flexible dual-attenuation poles of DEU-shaped DGS suppress the stopband harmonics and widen the stopband. An approximate lumped equivalent circuit model of the proposed filter is modelled. The filter is compact and its layout measures 25.26 mm × 11.01 mm. The measured result is in good agreement with the full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation and circuit simulation.
Sphingolipids in liver injury, repair and regeneration
Authors: Nojima Hiroyuki , Freeman Christopher M. , Gulbins Erich , Lentsch Alex B.
Published: March 2015

Sphingolipids are not only essential components of cellular membranes but also function as intracellular and extracellular mediators that regulate important physiological cellular processes including cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, migration and immune responses. The liver possesses the unique ability to regenerate after injury in a complex manner that involves numerous mediators, including sphingolipids such as ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate. Here we present the current understanding of the involvement of the sphingolipid pathway and the role this pathway plays in regulating liver injury, repair and regeneration. The regulation of sphingolipids and their enzymes may have a great impact in the development of novel therapeutic modalities for a variety of liver injuries and diseases.