bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Self-Report of Heart Failure in a Population-Based Survey of Older Adults
Authors: Gure Tanya R. , McCammon Ryan J. , Cigolle Christine T. , Koelling Todd M. , Blaum Caroline S. , Langa Kenneth M.
Published: May 2012

Background—

Little research has been conducted on the predictors of self-report or patient awareness of heart failure (HF) in a population-based survey. The objective of this study was to (1) test the agreement between Medicare administrative and Health and Retirement Study (HRS) survey data and (2) determine predictors associated with self-report of HF, using a validated Medicare claims algorithm as the reference standard. We hypothesized that those who self-reported HF were more likely to have a higher number of HF-related claims.

Methods and Results—

Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2004 wave of the HRS linked to 2002 to 2004 Medicare claims (n=5573 respondents aged ≥67 years). Concordance between self-report of HF in the HRS and Medicare claims was calculated. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors associated with self-report HF. HF prevalence by self-report was 4.6%. Self-report of HF and claims agreement was 87% (κ=0.34). The presence of >1 HF inpatient claims was associated with greater odds of self-report (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% CI, 1.23–3.00). Greater odds of self-reporting HF was also associated with ≥4 HF claims (OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.36–5.52). Blacks (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.14–0.55) and Hispanics (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11–0.83) were less likely to self-report HF compared with whites in the final model.

Conclusions—

Self-report of HF is an insensitive method for accurately identifying HF cases, especially in those with less-severe disease and who are nonwhite. There may be limited awareness of HF among older minority patients despite having clinical encounters during which HF is coded as a diagnosis.
Transfer Times and Outcomes in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Interhospital Transfer for Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: van Diepen Sean , Widimský Petr , Lopes Renato D. , White Kyle R. , Weaver W. Douglas , Van de Werf Frans , Ardissino Diego , van’t Hof Arnoud W.J. , Armstrong Paul W. , Granger Christopher B.
Published: May 2012

Background—

Transfer delays for primary percutaneous coronary intervention may increase mortality in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. We examined the association between door 1-to–door 2 (D1D2) time, a measure capturing the entire transfer process, and outcomes in patients undergoing interhospital transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the relationship between D1D2 time and the 90-day incidence of death, shock, and heart failure in the subset of 2075 (36.1%) of 5745 patients who underwent interhospital transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the Assessment of Pexelizumab in Acute Myocardial Infarction trial. There was no significant difference in the 90-day incidence of death, shock, and heart failure between the transferred and the nontransferred groups (10.3% versus 10.2%;
P
= 0.89). The median difference in symptom-to–balloon time between the 2 groups was 45 minutes (229 versus 184;
P
<0.001). The primary outcome per 30-minute delay was higher for patients with a D1D2 time ≤150 minutes (hazard ratio, 1.19: 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.33;
P
= 0.004) but not for D1D2 times >150 minutes (hazard ratio, 0.99: 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.02;
P
= 0.496). The association between longer D1D2 time and worsening outcome was no longer statistically significant after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions—

Longer transfer times were associated with higher rate of death, shock, and heart failure among patients undergoing interhospital transfer from primary percutaneous coronary intervention, although this difference did not persist after adjusting for baseline characteristics.
Planimetric Hematoma Measurement in Patients With Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Authors: Dowlatshahi Dar , Kosior Jayme C. , Idris Sherif , Eesa Muneer , Dickhoff Peter , Joshi Manish , Subramaniam Suresh , Tymchuk Sarah , Hill Michael D. , Aviv Richard I. , Frayne Richard , Demchuk Andrew M.
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

Reliable quantification of both intracerebral hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) volume is important for hemostatic trials. We evaluated the reliability of computer-assisted planimetric volume measurements of IVH.

Methods—

Computer-assisted planimetry was used to quantify IVH volume. Five raters measured IVH volumes, total (intracerebral hemorrhage+IVH) volumes, and Graeb scores from 20 randomly selected computed tomography scans twice. Estimates of interrater and intrarater reliability were calculated and expressed as an intrarater correlation coefficient and an absolute minimum detectable difference.

Results—

Planimetric IVH volume analysis had excellent intra- and interrater agreement (intrarater correlation coefficient, 0.96 and 0.92, respectively), which was superior to the Graeb score (intrarater correlation coefficient, 0.88 and 0.83). Minimum detectable differences for intra- and interrater volumes were 12.1 mL and 17.3 mL, and were dependent on the total size of the hematoma; hematomas smaller than the median 43.8 mL had lower minimum detectable differences, whereas those larger than the median had higher minimum detectable differences. Planimetric total hemorrhage volume analysis had the best intra- and interrater agreement (intrarater correlation coefficient, 0.99 and 0.97, respectively).

Conclusions—

Computer-assisted planimetric techniques provide a reliable measurement of ventricular hematoma volume, but are susceptible to higher absolute error when assessing larger hematomas.
Simulating the Regional Impacts of Urbanization and Anthropogenic Heat Release on Climate across China
Authors: Feng Jin-Ming , Wang Yong-Li , Ma Zhu-Guo , Liu Yong-He
Published: May 2012

Together with economic development and accelerated urbanization, the urban population in China has been increasing rapidly, and anthropogenic heat released by large-scale energy consumption in cities is expected to be a vital factor affecting the climate. In this paper, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the Urban Canopy Model (UCM) is employed to simulate the regional impacts on climate under the two scenarios: the underlying surface changes due to urbanization (USCU) and anthropogenic heat release (AHR). Three experiments were performed from December 2006 to December 2008. With respect to the USCU, the surface albedo and the available surface soil water decrease markedly. With the inclusion of AHR, the two scenarios give rise to increased surface temperatures over most areas of China. Especially in the urban agglomeration area of the Yangtze River delta, the combination of USCU and AHR could result in an increase of 2°C in the surface air temperature. The influence of AHR on surface air temperature in winter is greater than the influence of USCU without considering any extra sources of heat, but the opposite is found in summer. The combination of USCU and AHR leads to changes in the surface energy budget. They both increase sensible heat flux, but USCU decreases latent heat flux significantly, and AHR increases latent heat flux slightly. Nevertheless, under the influence of these two scenarios, the precipitation increases in some areas, especially in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, while it decreases in other areas, most notably the Yangtze River delta.
Recent Changes in Explosively Developing Extratropical Cyclones over the Winter Northwestern Pacific
Authors: Iwao Koki , Inatsu Masaru , Kimoto Masahide
Published: May 2012

This study investigated recent changes in the characteristics of explosively developing extratropical cyclones over the northwestern Pacific region in winter from 1979/80 to 2010/11 by using reanalysis data from the Japanese 25-yr Reanalysis/Japan Meteorological Agency Climate Data Assimilation System (JRA-25/JCDAS). The results showed that the frequency of explosive cyclones increased in the northwestern Pacific region east of Japan. This increase was accompanied by a decrease in the number of slowly developing cyclones, indicating an increase in the cyclone growth rate. Moreover, most of the increased explosive cyclones east of Japan originated southwest of Japan. A comparison of the dynamical features and energy budgets of two composite cyclones in the earlier and later halves of the study period suggested that the increase was due to an enhancement of the low-level baroclinicity to the east of Japan and an increase in humidity associated with sea surface temperature warming and enhanced evaporation along the eastern shore of the Asian continent.
Decadal–Interdecadal Climate Variability over Antarctica and Linkages to the Tropics: Analysis of Ice Core, Instrumental, and Tropical Proxy Data
Authors: Okumura Yuko M. , Schneider David , Deser Clara , Wilson Rob
Published: May 2012

The Antarctic continent contains the majority of the global ice volume and plays an important role in a changing climate. The nature and causes of Antarctic climate variability are, however, poorly understood beyond interannual time scales due to the paucity of long, reliable meteorological observations. This study analyzes decadal–interdecadal climate variability over Antarctica using a network of annually resolved ice core records and various instrumental and tropical proxy data for the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. During the twentieth century, Antarctic ice core records indicate strong linkages to sea surface temperature (SST) variations in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic on decadal–interdecadal time scales. Antarctic surface temperature anomalies inferred from the ice cores are consistent with the associated changes in atmospheric circulation and thermal advection. A set of atmospheric general circulation model experiments supports the idea that decadal SST variations in the tropics force atmospheric teleconnections that affect Antarctic surface temperatures. When coral and other proxies for tropical climate are used to extend the analysis back to 1799, a similar Antarctic–tropical Pacific linkage is found, although the relationship is weaker during the first half of the nineteenth century. Over the past 50 years, a change in the phase of Pacific and Atlantic interdecadal variability may have contributed to the rapid warming of the Antarctic Peninsula and West Antarctica and related changes in ice sheet dynamics.
Indian Ocean Feedback to the ENSO Transition in a Multimodel Ensemble
Authors: Kug Jong-Seong , Ham Yoo-Geun
Published: May 2012

Observational studies hypothesized that Indian Ocean (IO) feedback plays a role in leading to a fast transition of El Niño. When El Niño accompanies IO warming, IO warming induces the equatorial easterlies over the western Pacific (WP), leading to a rapid termination of El Niño via an oceanic adjust process. In this study, this IO feedback is reinvestigated using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3) coupled GCM simulations. It is found that most of the climate models mimic this IO feedback reasonably, supporting the observational hypothesis. However, most climate models tend to underestimate the strength of the IO feedback, which means the phase transition of ENSO due to the IO feedback is less effective than the observed one. Furthermore, there is great intermodel diversity in simulating the strength of the IO feedback. It is shown that the strength of the IO feedback is related to the precipitation responses to El Niño and IO SST forcings over the warm-pool regions. Moreover, the authors suggest that the distribution of climatological precipitation is one important component in controlling the strength of the IO feedback.
Impact of Assimilating AMSU-A Radiances on Forecasts of 2008 Atlantic Tropical Cyclones Initialized with a Limited-Area Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Liu Zhiquan , Schwartz Craig S. , Snyder Chris , Ha So-Young
Published: May 2012

The impact of assimilating radiance observations from the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) on forecasts of several tropical cyclones (TCs) was studied using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) and a limited-area ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF). Analysis/forecast cycling experiments with and without AMSU-A radiance assimilation were performed over the Atlantic Ocean for the period 11 August–13 September 2008, when five named storms formed. For convenience, the radiance forward operators and bias-correction coefficients, along with the majority of quality-control decisions, were computed by a separate, preexisting variational assimilation system. The bias-correction coefficients were obtained from 3-month offline statistics and fixed during the EnKF analysis cycles. The vertical location of each radiance observation, which is required for covariance localization in the EnKF, was taken to be the level at which the AMSU-A channels’ weighting functions peaked.

Deterministic 72-h WRF forecasts initialized from the ensemble-mean analyses were evaluated with a focus on TC prediction. Assimilating AMSU-A radiances produced better depictions of the environmental fields when compared to reanalyses and dropwindsonde observations. Radiance assimilation also resulted in substantial improvement of TC track and intensity forecasts with track-error reduction up to 16% for forecasts beyond 36 h. Additionally, assimilating both radiances and satellite winds gave markedly more benefit for TC track forecasts than solely assimilating radiances.
Multiple Forms of Perceived Discrimination and Health among Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Denise Eric Joy
Published: May 2012

Research on perceived discrimination has overwhelmingly focused on one form of discrimination, especially race discrimination, in isolation from other forms. The present article uses data from the Black Youth Culture Survey, a nationally representative, racially and ethnically diverse sample of 1,052 adolescents and young adults to investigate the prevalence, distribution, and mental and physical health consequences of multiple forms of perceived discrimination. The findings suggest that disadvantaged groups, especially multiply disadvantaged youth, face greater exposure to multiple forms of discrimination than their more privileged counterparts. The experience of multiple forms of discrimination is associated with worse mental and physical health above the effect of only one form and contributes to the relationship between multiple disadvantaged statuses and health. These findings suggest that past research may misspecify the discrimination-health relationship and fails to account for the disproportionate exposure to discrimination faced by multiply disadvantaged individuals.
Automated geometric modelling of textile structures
Authors: Lin Hua , Zeng Xiesheng , Sherburn Martin , Long Andrew C , Clifford Mike J
Published: May 2012

An automated approach (TexGen) for modeling the geometry of textile structures is presented. This model provides a generic approach to the description of yarn geometry and yarn interlacement for all types of weaving. One feature of this model is that the shape and size of the cross sections may change locally; this is exploited in the functions for interference correction, which modify the textile according to geometric considerations to avoid penetration of yarns. Another feature of this model is that it acts as a pre-processor for finite element simulations by generating a mesh, definition of contact, materials orientation and boundary conditions, thus providing an automatic procedure. This paper describes the modeling techniques, algorithms and concepts implemented in TexGen and examines the functionality of their implementation for a range of two-dimensional/three-dimensional commercial fabrics. Comparisons between the images of real fabrics and modeled fabric structures confirm that the software is capable of modeling sophisticated fabric architectures, including twisted yarns with varied yarn cross sections. Accurate input measurements of fabric geometry are critical for successful results. The paper also discusses directions for further development of the approach to overcome current limitations.
A study on the morphology of thin copper films on para-aramid yarns and their influence on the yarn’s electro-conductive and mechanical properties
Authors: Schwarz Anne , Hakuzimana Jean , Westbroek Philippe , Mey Gilbert De , Priniotakis Georgios , Nyokong Tebello , Langenhove Lieva Van
Published: May 2012

The latest technological advances in new materials and devices enabled wearable systems to be created by utilizing textile solutions. These solutions require electro-conductive yarns as a basic component. Although the production of electro-conductive yarn is widely reported, research is still necessary to characterize them to advance their electro-conductive and mechanical properties. Hence, we served this need and characterized copper-coated para-aramid yarns produced by an in-house developed electroless deposition method. In this paper we present our investigation on the yarn’s copper layer characteristics after deposition. Furthermore, we looked, in depth, at the yarn’s electro-conductive properties before and after washing as well as their mechanical properties before and after copper deposition.

We found a dependency of the copper layer morphology on its deposition time. This is directly correlated to the resulting layer thickness and hence to the yarn’s electro-conductive properties, demonstrating the autocatalytic nature of the coating process.

Above that, the electro-conductive properties of the coated yarn linearly decrease with washing cycles. Furthermore, the copper coating impairs the yarn’s mechanical properties decreasing its specific stress at break by 30%.
Anisotropy in tensile properties of plain weave fabric – Part I: The meso-scale model
Authors: Dolatabadi Mehdi Kamali , Kovar Radko
Published: May 2012

Tensile properties and geometrical behavior of a plain weave fabric under arbitrary direction are addressed in this study. A geometrical–mechanical model is established on the basis of the deflection curve and flattening of tensioned yarn. For this purpose, a differential equation to assess the curvature of tensioned yarn under a certain bending moment is proposed. Different conditions of a fabric, namely relaxed fabric, stretched in principal directions and arbitrary directions are discussed. Ordinary data of a fabric and constituted yarns are input data of this model. The tensile-force curve and geometry of a strip fabric under stress in the arbitrary direction can be estimated by the proposed model simultaneously.
Modeling the mechanics of a medical compression stocking through its components behavior: Part 1 – modeling at the yarn scale
Authors: Bruniaux Pascal , Crepin David , Lun Bertrand
Published: May 2012

The goal of this article is to propose practical and scientific explanations about the mechanics of compression by the medical compression stocking (MCS) to the phlebologist and angiologist societies. The first part presents the principle of pressure generated by the MCS. We explain how the surface of MCS fabric is structured from the yarn scale and how each component of the yarn contributes to generate the desired compression. The second part is dedicated to the mechanical behavior modeling of the covered yarn, which is the main yarn component of the elastic knitted fabric of the MCS. The structure analysis shows that the properties of the inlaid yarns reflect significantly the global behavior of the fabric. Therefore, by characterizing the elastic properties of the inlaid yarn, it is possible to predict the mechanical behavior of the entire MCS fabric. We suggest a few approaches to model the covered elastic yarns used in different types of products. The third part describes an identification procedure aiming to calculate the unknown parameters of the mathematical models with the yarn elongation curves. The principle is to divide the general model into several sub-models in order to avoid considering simultaneously a great number of parameters in the identification procedure. The last part presents a set of identification results that compare measured values with simulated data. With a reliable model of the elastic yarns, an efficient strategy can be conducted to define the proper inlaid yarn (for the MCS construction), aiming to treat efficiently vein diseases at different stages according to medical prescription and the patient’s need.
Antibacterial functionalization of cotton and polyester fabrics with a finishing agent based on silver-doped calcium phosphate powders
Authors: Üreyen Mustafa E , Doğan Aydın , Koparal A Savaş
Published: May 2012

Textiles are suitable materials for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, various antibacterial finishes have already been developed for textile products. In this work an antibacterial finishing agent containing calcium phosphate-based silver-doped powder was developed for the functionalization of textiles and applied to 100% cotton and 100% polyester knitted fabric samples. Firstly, silver-doped antibacterial powder was synthesized by using a wet chemical method. A size reduction process was applied for reducing the particle size of the powder from micron size to submicron scale. The aqueous dispersion was stabilized by coating the powder surfaces with polyethylene glycol. In order to obtain laundering durability, an aqueous emulsion of an acrylic copolymer was added to the antibacterial solution. The resultant product was applied to all fabric samples by a conventional pad-dry-cure method. The treated fabrics were washed 20 times and the antibacterial efficiency was evaluated after each 10 laundry cycles according to the JIS-L 1902:2002 method against Gram (-) E. coli bacteria. To see the effect of antibacterial finishing on the physical properties of fabrics, the bursting strength, air permeability and color efficiency of the treated and untreated samples were measured and compared. It was found that the antibacterial solution did not affect significantly the bursting strength and color efficiency values of the fabrics, while air permeability was decreased. On the other hand, treated fabric samples preserved their strong antibacterial activities against E. coli after 20 laundry cycles.
Body Talk and Body Ideals Among Adolescent Boys and Girls
Authors: Strandbu Åse , Kvalem Ingela Lundin
Published: May 2012

This study explores how body ideals are discussed among adolescent boys and girls in 5 mixed-gender focus groups ( n = 37). The ways in which boys and girls talk about bodies differed clearly within the focus group conversations as well as in the everyday situations described in the interviews. The boys were more concrete in their description of ideal bodies in the focus groups but reported less engagement in everyday body talk. The study demonstrates that self-derogating “fat talk” is normative in the meaning “easy to fall into” but not normative in the meaning “approved of”: Fat talk is more or less required in some situations but not really appreciated. Both girls and boys agreed on this description of fat talk among girls. They also agreed that fat talk rarely occurred among boys. It was a general consensus that body issues are more sensitive and problematic for girls than for boys.
Thermoplastic natural rubber based on polyamide-12 blended with various types of natural rubber
Authors: Nakason Charoen , Narathichat Maswanee , Kummerlöwe Claudia , Vennemann Norbert
Published: May 2012

Thermoplastic natural rubber (NR) of dynamically cured 60/40 NR/polyamide (PA) blends has been prepared by using three types of NR: unmodified air dried sheet NR, epoxidized NR (ENR) with 25 and 50 mol% epoxides. Plasticizer (i.e. dioctyl phthalate (DOP)) and processing oils (i.e. treated distillate aromatic extract and paraffinic oils) were incorporated in the blends. Stress relaxation, rheological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the blends were investigated. It was found that mixing torque, shear viscosity, tensile strength, and hardness of the oil-extended blends exhibited lower values compared with the blends without oil. But higher elongation was observed due to the distribution of oil into PA-12 and rubber phases. Furthermore, an increasing trend of stress relaxation behavior and rubber index was observed in the blends with DOP, which revealed an improvement in elastic properties. It was also found that the incorporation of DOP caused an enhancement in thermal behavior in terms of T10, T50, T90, and integral values, but a reduction in the glass transition temperature ( Tg) of NR phase and crystallization temperature ( Tc) of PA-12 matrix was also observed. This is attributed to the similar solubility parameter of DOP compared with the blend components. It was also found that the dynamically cured blends showed smaller rubber domains dispersed in PA-12 matrix. However, the addition of DOP resulted in an increase in the size of vulcanized rubber particles.
Effect of gamma irradiation on some properties of reclaimed rubber/nitrile–butadiene rubber blend and its swelling in motor and brake oils
Authors: Hassan Medhat M , Aly Raouf O , El-Ghandour AH , Abdelnaby Heba A
Published: May 2012

Reclaimed rubber powder (RRP) was treated by the addition of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) to impart desired properties suitable for oil resistance applications. The produced GMA-RRP was mixed with nitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) in various compositions. The blends were irradiated with gamma radiation doses of 50–250 kGy. The compounding of the blend factors has been elaborated using Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Different properties of the synthesized unirradiated and irradiated blends such as tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness, swelling behavior in motor and brake oils and thermal stability were investigated with respect to the RRP content. Results show that the tensile strength, hardness and swelling resistance increase with increasing NBR content in the blend. It has been shown that the tensile strength increased with dose. Similarly, hardness values, reported for the same composition, apparently increased with dose within the range of 50–250 kGy. The residual mass percentage of blends obviously increased upon the incorporation of incremental RRP. The swelling percentage steadily decreases with increasing radiation dose due to the radiation-induced cross-linking.
Effect of zinc oxide concentration and testing rate on shear properties of Standard Malaysian Rubber (SMR) L-based pressure-sensitive adhesives
Authors: Poh BT , Ng WC
Published: May 2012

The effect of zinc oxide and testing rate on shear strength of natural rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesives was studied using coumarone-indene resin and toluene as the tackifier resin and solvent, respectively. The range of zinc oxide concentration varied from 0 to 60 parts per hundred parts (phr) of rubber, whereas the testing rate was from 10 to 50 cm/min. Viscosity and shear strength of adhesive were determined using a Brookfield viscometer and a Lloyd Adhesion Tester, respectively. Results show that the viscosity of adhesive increases gradually with the increase in zinc oxide concentration. For a fixed coating thickness, shear strength increases with zinc oxide loading up to 20 phr, after which it drops with further addition of zinc oxide, an observation that is attributed to varying degree of cohesive strength of adhesive. Shear strength increases with coating thickness and testing rate, suggesting that the shear strength is both thickness- and rate-dependent.
Application properties of TCP/OMMT flame-retardant system in NR composites
Authors: Wang Jincheng , Xingyu Dong , Wenli Hao , Yi Zhao , Xi Guo , Ding Wu
Published: May 2012

Due to high flammability setback of most natural and synthetic rubbers, a novel organic/inorganic hybrid flame-retardant additive by the combination of tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and organomontmorillonite (OMMT) was prepared and used in the preparation of flame-retardant rubber composites. Different types of natural rubber (NR)/TCP/OMMT composites were prepared with different amounts of this novel additive. Then, the main properties were researched and compared with the composites directly incorporated with TCP or OMMT. The tensile strength and elongation at break of NR/TCP-10/OMMT-5 were 15.5 MPa and 673%, respectively, which increased about 10% and 16% compared with that of NR/TCP-10 composite. Meanwhile, the abrasion loss of NR/TCP-10/OMMT-5 was 0.49 cm3, decreased by 26% in comparison with that of NR/OMMT-5 composite, that is, to 0.62 cm3. Moreover, the limiting oxygen index value was increased to about 34.0% and the thermal stability of which was also improved with the addition of 10 parts per hundreds of rubber of TCP and OMMT into NR systems. In addition, the plausible mechanism for the improvement of reinforcing, wear resistant, and flame-retardant properties were put forward.
Improving IEC flickermeter for implementation by an ARM microcontroller-based digital system
Authors: Moallem Payman , Zargari Abalfazl , Kiyoumarsi Arash
Published: May 2012

The IEC 61000-4-15 flickermeter has been widely accepted as an international standard for flicker severity measurement. In this paper, the implementation of an improved IEC flickermeter by an ARM microcontroller-based digital system with low cost and simple proposed prototype hardware is presented. The improvements include replacing a band-pass filter with a more appropriate filter and considering the model of various lamps. The operation of the improved flickermeter is evaluated in a simulated power system in Simulink of MATLAB software with its flicker source an arc furnace. Finally, a manipulated hardware for implementation of the improved flickermeter is proposed based on ARM microcontroller, and its performance is evaluated with some real-time experimental measurements.
Human Inferior Turbinate
Authors: Hwang Se Hwan , Kim Su Young , Park Sun Hwa , Choi Mi Young , Kang Hyun Wook , Seol Young‐Joon , Park Jeong Hun , Cho Dong‐Woo , Hong Oak Kee , Rha Jong Gu , Kim Sung Won
Published: May 2012

Objective

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells in adult tissues. Current challenges for the clinical application of MSCs include donor site morbidity, which underscores the need to identify alternative sources of MSCs. This study aimed to explore potential new sources of multipotent MSCs for use in tissue regeneration and the functional restoration of organs.

Study Design

Mixed methods research.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

The authors isolated MSCs from human inferior turbinate tissues discarded during turbinate surgery of 10 patients for nasal obstruction. The expression of surface markers for MSCs was assessed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. The differentiation potential of human turbinate mesenchymal stromal cells (hTMSCs) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis.

Results

Surface epitope analysis revealed that hTMSCs were negative for CD14, CD19, CD34, and HLA‐DR and positive for CD29, CD73, and CD90, representing a characteristic phenotype of MSCs. Extracellular matrices with characteristics of cartilage, bone, and adipose tissue were produced by inducing the chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of hTMSCs, respectively. The expression of neuron‐specific markers in hTMSCs was confirmed immunocytochemically.

Conclusion

The hTMSCs represent a new source of multipotent MSCs that are potentially applicable to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The availability of differentiated adult cells will allow the development of an effective tissue regeneration method.
Evidence‐Based Medicine in Otolaryngology, Part 3: Everyday Probabilities
Authors: Shin Jennifer J. , Stinnett Sandra , Page John , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: May 2012

Recent studies have demonstrated that the majority of physicians cannot accurately determine the predictive values of diagnostic tests. Physicians must understand the predictive probabilities associated with diagnostic testing in order to convey accurate information to patients, a key aspect of evidence‐based practice. While sensitivity and specificity are widely understood, predictive values require a further understanding of conditional probabilities, pretest probabilities, and the prevalence of disease. Therefore, this third installment of the series “Evidence‐Based Medicine in Otolaryngology” focuses on understanding the probabilities needed to accurately convey the results of dichotomous diagnostic tests in everyday practice.
Three‐Dimensional Segmented Volumetric Analysis of Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas
Authors: Walz Patrick C. , Bush Matthew L. , Robinett Zachary , Kirsch Claudia F. E. , Welling D. Bradley
Published: May 2012

Objective

To compare 3‐D segmented volumetric analysis of vestibular schwannomas (VS) with traditional linear tumor measurement on serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies to assess volume and growth rates.

Study Design

Case series with retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care medical center.

Methods

This analysis identified 24 VS patients clinically followed with serial gadolinium enhanced images. Maximum linear dimensions (MLD) were obtained from gadolinium‐contrasted T1 sequences from 3 serial MRI scans per RECIST guidelines. MLD was cubed (MLD3) and orthogonal analysis (OA) was carried out to provide volumetric estimates for comparison with segmented data. Segmented volumetric analysis (SVA) was performed with semi‐automated 3‐D conformal procedure. Tumor volume, percentage change in volume, and interval percentage change were compared using paired 2‐tailed t tests.

Results

The average interval between MRIs was 2.6 years. Volume estimates differed significantly between SVA and OA and MLD3 at all intervals. Linear growth measurements averaged 0.5 mm/y (5.4%). Volumetric growth was 50 mm3/y (22.8%) with SVA, 110 mm3/y (19.6%) with OA, and 210 mm3/y (14.4%) with MLD3 estimates. Differences between MLD and both MLD3 and SVA were significant, but significance between MLD3 and SVA was only identified in interval analysis. Progression was identified in 75% more patients with SVA than OA, MLD3, or MLD.

Conclusions

VS assume complex configurations. Linear measurements inaccurately estimate tumor volume and growth compared with segmented analysis. SVA is a useful clinical tool that accurately assesses tumor volume. Use of outcomes such as tumor volume and percentage of volume change may be more sensitive in assessing tumor progression compared with linear measurements.
Exploring the Farther Reaches of Commoditization
Authors: Kidner David W.
Published: May 2012

The structures and processes that provide a context favorable to commoditization are sedimented into our lives so that they become taken-for-granted and apparently unproblematic aspects of the cultural scenery. Language, economic “realities,” our styles of thought and categorization, education, the infrastructure we inhabit, and subjectivity itself have all been shaped in ways that make commoditization seem inevitable and even natural. Consequently, the more noticeable excesses of commoditization are the symptoms of a much more pervasive colonization of the world and our own lives. This article explores some of the historical and contemporary factors involved in a system of commoditizing pressures that is deeply woven into the fabric of industrial society.
Antisocial Behavior in Adolescence
Authors: Sobotková Veronika , Blatný Marek , Jelínek Martin , Hrdlička Michal
Published: May 2012

The study deals with the relationship between antisocial behavior in early adolescence and family environment. Sample consisted of 2,856 adolescents (53% girls, mean age 13.5 years, SD = 1.1) from urban areas in the Czech Republic. The Social and Health Assessment (SAHA), a school survey, was used to measure sociodemographic characteristics of the family, parent-child interactions, and antisocial behavior. K-means cluster analysis on the items of Antisocial Behavior Scale was used to identify types of adolescents differentiated on the basis of antisocial behavior. Four major clusters of adolescents were identified. Subsequently, adolescents from different clusters were compared on sociodemographic variables (Pearson’s chi-square) and aspects of upbringing (analysis of variance [ANOVA]). While there were no substantial differences between adolescents from the different clusters in sociodemographic characteristics of their family (parental education, parents employment, family structure), there were significant differences in aspects of upbringing (consistence, involvement, control, warmth) between adolescents from clusters differentiated by antisocial behavior.
Latino Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers and Depression
Authors: Sun Fei , Hodge David R.
Published: May 2012

This study used stress coping theory to examine the effects of spirituality and religion on depression among a sample of Latino family members caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the United States. Participants consisted of 209 Latino caregivers (CGs) drawn from baseline data from the Resource for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregivers Health (REACH) II clinical trial. The findings indicate that church attendance moderates the relationship between subjective forms of stress and depression in tandem with exhibiting direct effects on depression. Consistent with the central role religion plays in Latino culture, the results imply that religious involvement may play an important role in mitigating depression through indirect and direct pathways.
Respiratory Perioperative Management of Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Porhomayon Jahan , Nader Nader D. , Leissner Kay B. , El-Solh Ali A.
Published: May 2012

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has become a major public health problem in the United State and Europe. However, perioperative strategies regarding diagnostic options and management of untreated OSA remain inadequate. Preoperative screening and identification of patients with undiagnosed OSA may lead to early perioperative interventions that may alter cardiopulmonary events associated with surgery and anesthesia.1 Hence, clinicians need to become familiar with the preoperative screening and diagnosis of OSA. Perioperative management of a patient with OSA should be modified and may include regional anesthesia and alternative analgesic techniques such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that may reduce the need for systemic opioids. Additionally, supplemental oxygen and continuous pulse oximetry monitoring should be utilized to maintain baseline oxygen saturation. Postoperatively patients should remain in a semi-upright position and positive pressure therapy should be used in patients with high-risk OSA.
Sexual Harassment of Girls in Elementary School
Authors: Gådin Katja Gillander
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to enhance the understanding of young girls’ experiences of peer sexual harassment in elementary school and of normalizing processes of school-related sexualized violence. Six focus group interviews with girls in Grade 1 through 6 were carried out in an elementary school in the northern part of Sweden. A content analyses showed that young girls experienced verbal, nonverbal, and sexual assault behaviors at school. Sexual harassment as a concealed phenomenon and manifest within a romantic discourse were themes found in the analysis. A conclusion is that schools have to acknowledge behaviors related to sexual harassment as a potential problem even in young ages and develop methods to approach the subject also for this age group.
Polypropylene/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Zaman Haydar U , Hun Park Deuk , Khan Ruhul A , Yoon Keun-Byoung
Published: May 2012

In this study, polypropylene (PP)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt-compounding PP with three levels of clay loading (3, 5 and 7 wt%), using two different compatibilizers with various contents (5, 10 and 15 wt %), maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PPMA) and hexamethylenediamine-modified maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PPHMA). Effects of structure, mechanical properties and crystallization behaviors of the compatibilizers on the clay dispersion and the amount of clay on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The PPHMA compatibilized system conferred higher mechanical properties than the PPMA compatibilized case. It was found that the PPHMA yielded better clay dispersion and more exfoliated structure compared with the PPMA. Microstructural characterization of the samples was also characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicate that the addition of compatibilizer increased the crystallization temperature as a result of heterogeneous nucleation effect of clay on PP.
Synthesis and chemical properties of polyphenols with oligoaniline pendant groups
Authors: Yamaguchi Isao , Suyama Ami , Goto Kazuyuki , Sato Moriyuki
Published: May 2012

Horseradish peroxidaze (HRP)- or N, N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamineiron(III)-catalyzed polymerizations of 4-(4-phenylaminophenylamino)phenol (monomer-1) and 4-[4-(4-phenylaminophenylamino)phenylamino]phenol (monomer-2) caused oxidative coupling at the hydroxyphenyl group to yield polyphenols (PPs) with pendant oligoaniline (OAN) groups. UV-vis measurements suggested that the OAN pendant groups of the polymers were oxidized in air, resulting in the formation of quinoid structures, which were converted into benzonoid structures by treatment with hydrazine monohydrate. The polymers were electrochemically oxidized in solution.
Doppler ultrasound-based measurement of tendon velocity and displacement for application toward detecting user-intended motion
Authors: Stegman Kelly J , Park Edward J , Dechev Nikolai
Published: May 2012

The motivation of this research is to non-invasively monitor the wrist tendon’s displacement and velocity, for purposes of controlling a prosthetic device. This feasibility study aims to determine if the proposed technique using Doppler ultrasound is able to accurately estimate the tendon’s instantaneous velocity and displacement. This study is conducted with a tendon mimicking experiment consisting of two different materials: a commercial ultrasound scanner, and a reference linear motion stage set-up. Audio-based output signals are acquired from the ultrasound scanner, and are processed with our proposed Fourier technique to obtain the tendon’s velocity and displacement estimates. We then compare our estimates to an external reference system, and also to the ultrasound scanner’s own estimates based on its proprietary software. The proposed tendon motion estimation method has been shown to be repeatable, effective and accurate in comparison to the external reference system, and is generally more accurate than the scanner’s own estimates. After establishing this feasibility study, future testing will include cadaver-based studies to test the technique on the human arm tendon anatomy, and later on live human test subjects in order to further refine the proposed method for the novel purpose of detecting user-intended tendon motion for controlling wearable prosthetic devices.
Popular perceptions of welfare state consequences: A multilevel, cross-national analysis of 25 European countries
Authors: van Oorschot Wim , Reeskens Tim , Meuleman Bart
Published: May 2012

The societal effects of the welfare state are a perennial issue in the public debate. Critics accuse the welfare state of having unintended economic and moral consequences rather than producing its intended social goals. Popular perceptions of possible consequences of the welfare state are a crucial component of welfare state legitimacy, but have received hardly any scholarly attention. Using the 2008 wave of the European Social Survey, we analyse how European citizens perceive the consequences of the welfare state, whether perceived positive consequences outweigh the negative consequences, and to what extent consequence perceptions are determined by individual and country-level factors. The conclusion is that the European public has a clearer eye for the positive social than for negative economic and moral consequences. Moreover, at the individual level these perceptions are mainly influenced by ideational factors, while they are affected by welfare state generosity at the country level. Interestingly, in more developed welfare states the public perceives the negative, as well as the positive consequences more strongly.
Varieties of migrant care work: Comparing patterns of migrant labour in social care
Authors: van Hooren Franca J.
Published: May 2012

Throughout Europe migrant workers are increasingly employed to provide elderly care services. This article presents a comparative analysis of the role of migrant workers in elderly care in Italy, the Netherlands and England. It incorporates both private and agency-based employment. Based on the analysis of survey data and expert interviews it is found that in all cases migrant workers work longer hours and do more night shifts than their native peers. Between-country differences in the importance of migrant workers in social care can be explained primarily by differences in social care policies and care regimes, while the impact of immigration policies is more ambiguous. It is argued that a familialistic care regime induces a ‘migrant in the family’ model of care, while a liberal care regime leads to a ‘migrant in the market’ model of employment and a social democratic care regime creates no particular demand for migrant workers.
Three worlds of educational welfare states? A comparative study of higher education systems across welfare states
Authors: Willemse Nienke , de Beer Paul
Published: May 2012

Although education is generally considered to be an important part of the welfare state, it is largely absent in the comparative welfare state literature. This article tries to fill this void by applying the central concepts of welfare state analysis of decommodification and stratification, as proposed by Esping-Andersen, to the field of higher education. The article tests whether there are systematic differences in higher education policies across 19 developed western countries that are usually categorized in a social democratic, a liberal or a conservative welfare regime. Based on a secondary analysis of the available literature and cross-country statistics, we construct indices for decommodification and for stratification in higher education. The countries studied cluster in three groups that correspond roughly with the classical categorization. The countries in these clusters do not, however, meet all expectations regarding the level of decommodification and stratification. We conclude that countries belonging to the social democratic regime follow the principles of the prototypical social-democratic welfare regime well with respect to higher education. However, the higher education systems in liberal and conservative countries only share some of the characteristics of a prototypical conservative or liberal welfare state. We conclude that including higher education in comparative welfare states analysis might result in a less clear-cut categorization of welfare regimes than when the analysis is restricted to social protection and labour market policies.