bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Resource Mapping Algorithm of Wireless Virtualized Networks for Saving Energy in Ultradense Small Cells
Authors: Zou Sai , Yang Fan , Tang Yulian , Xiao Lei
Published: December 2015

As the current network is designed for peak loads, it results in insufficient resource utilization and energy waste. Virtualized technology makes it possible that intelligent energy perception network could be deployed and resource sharing could become an effective energy saving technology. How to make more small cells into sleeping state for energy saving in ultradense small cell system has become a research hot spot. Based on the mapping feature of virtualized network, a new wireless resource mapping algorithm for saving energy in ultradense small cells has been put forward when wireless resource amount is satisfied in every small cell. First of all, the method divides the virtual cells. Again through the alternate updating between small cell mapping and wireless resource allocation, least amount of small cells is used and other small cells turn into sleeping state on the premise of guaranteeing users’ QoS. Next, the energy consumption of the wireless access system, wireless resource utilization, and the convergence of the proposed algorithm are analyzed in theory. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm can effectively reduce the system energy consumption and required wireless resource amount under the condition of satisfying users’ QoS.
An Improved NMS-Based Adaptive Edge Detection Method and Its FPGA Implementation
Authors: Dong Enzeng , Zhao Yao , Yu Xiao , Zhu Junchao , Chen Chao
Published: December 2015

For improving the processing speed and accuracy of edge detection, an adaptive edge detection method based on improved NMS (nonmaximum suppression) was proposed in this paper. In the method, the gradient image was computed by four directional Sobel operators. Then, the gradient image was processed by using NMS method. By defining a power map function, the elements values of gradient image histogram were mapped into a wider value range. By calculating the maximal between-class variance according to the mapped histogram, the corresponding threshold was obtained as adaptive threshold value in edge detection. Finally, to be convenient for engineering application, the proposed method was realized in FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The experiment results demonstrated that the proposed method was effective in edge detection and suitable for real-time application.
Are They Really Stem Cells? Scrutinizing the Identity of Cells and the Quality of Reporting in the Use of Adipose Tissue‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Balolong Ernesto , Lee Soojung , Nemeno Judee Grace , Lee Jeong Ik
Published: December 2015

There is an increasing concern that the term adipose tissue‐derived stem cell (ASC) is inappropriately used to refer to the adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF). To evaluate the accuracy and quality of reporting, 116 manuscripts on the application of ASC in humans and animals were examined based on the 2013 published International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS)/ International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) joint statement and in reference to current guidelines for clinical trials and preclinical studies. It is disconcerting that 4 among the 47 papers or 8.51% (CI 2.37–20.38) surveyed after publication of IFATS/ISCT statement reported using ASCs but in fact they used unexpanded cells. 28/47 or 59.57% (CI 44.27–73.63) explicitly reported that adherent cells were used, 35/47 or 74.47% (CI 59.65–86.06) identified expression of surface markers, and 25/47 or 53.19% (CI 14.72–30.65) verified the multilineage potential of the cells. While there are a number of papers examined in this survey that were not able to provide adequate information on the characteristics of ASCs used with some erroneously referring to the SVF as stem cells, there are more room for improvement in the quality of reporting in the application of ASCs in humans and animals.
Spectrophotometric Analysis of Phosphoric Acid Leakage in High-Temperature Phosphoric Acid-Doped Polybenzimidazole Membrane Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Han Seungyoon , Jeong Yeon Hun , Jung Ju Hae , Begley Alina , Choi Euiji , Yoo Sung Jong , Jang Jong Hyun , Kim Hyoung-Juhn , Nam Suk Woo , Kim Jin Young
Published: December 2015

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) utilize a phosphoric acid- (PA-) doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane as a polymer electrolyte. The PA concentration in the membrane can affect fuel cell performance, as a significant amount of PA can leak from the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) by dissolution in discharged water, which is a byproduct of cell operation. Spectrophotometric analysis of PA leakage in PA-doped polybenzimidazole membrane fuel cells is described here. This spectrophotometric analysis is based on measurement of absorption of an ion pair formed by phosphomolybdic anions and the cationoid color reagent. Different color reagents were tested based on PA detection sensitivity, stability of the formed color, and accuracy with respect to the amount of PA measured. This method allows for nondestructive analysis and monitoring of PA leakage during HT-PEMFCs operation.
Antihypertensive Drugs and Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lin Jen-Chieh , Lai Mei-Shu
Published: December 2015

Objective: To evaluate the association between the development of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) and antihypertensive drugs (AHDs) use among type 2 diabetic patients with concomitant hypertension. Methods: Type 2 diabetic patients aged 20-100 years who had at least one prescription for AHDs between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) 2005. The incidence rates of STDR were followed and Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the risk associated with AHDs. Results: Users of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were associated with a significantly higher risk than users of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), independent of baseline characteristics. After adjusting for time-varying use of concomitant medications for propensity score-matched or -unmatched cohorts, the results showed that patients receiving ACEIs/ARBs and CCBs were associated with a significantly greater risk compared with β-blocker users. Conclusions: Our study did not support a superiority of ACEIs/ARBs and CCBs over β-blockers for lowering the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Complement and Cardiovascular Disease - The Missing Link in Haemodialysis Patients?
Authors: Lines Simon W. , Richardson Victoria R. , Thomas Bryn , Dunn Emma J. , Wright Mark J. , Carter Angela M.
Published: December 2015

Background: Patients on haemodialysis (HD) have high rates of cardiovascular (CV) disease and activation of the complement system. Despite evidence in non-renal patients that these may be linked, this association has received little attention in HD patients to date. In the setting of a randomised controlled trial we evaluated the relationships between baseline complement levels and subsequent CV events and mortality, in addition to the effects of HD with a vitamin E (VE)-coated dialysis membrane on circulating complement levels. Methods: A total of 260 HD patients were randomised to dialysis with a VE-coated dialysis membrane or non-VE coated equivalent for 12 months. Blood samples were taken at baseline, 6 and 12 months for measurement of C3, factor D, factor H and SC5b-9 levels. Data were collected prospectively on deaths and CV events. Results: Higher C3 levels at baseline were associated with subsequent CV events (hazard ratio 1.20 (1.01-1.42) per 0.1 mg/ml). Patients with intermediate SC5b-9 levels had significantly lower CV event rates and mortality than those with either high or low levels (p < 0.01). There were no effects of the VE-membranes on the complement components measured nor the clinical endpoints considered. Conclusions: The levels of C3 and SC5b-9 may have prognostic utility for predicting future CV events and/or mortality in HD patients - a relationship that requires further investigation. Dialysing prevalent HD patients with VE-bonded polysulfone membranes for a period of 12 months did not alter the circulating levels of the alternative complement pathway components considered here.
Reconstruction of the Urethral Sphincter with Dynamic Graciloplasty in a Male Rabbit Model
Authors: Uchikawa-Tani Yumiko , Yazawa Masaki , Sakuma Hisashi , Hikosaka Makoto , Takayama Masayoshi , Kishi Kazuo
Published: December 2015

Introduction: The use of artificial urinary sphincters can improve urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomies; however, complications can arise. We hypothesized that dynamic graciloplasty improves urethral sphincter reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Models of urethral sphincter muscle reconstruction were developed in 5 adult rabbits by wrapping the gracilis muscle flap around the urethra. Intra-urethral pressure was measured in each of the models before reconstruction (control), after reconstruction, and after electrical stimulation of the flap in reconstructed models (stimulated models). Results: The mean maximum urethral closure pressure was significantly greater in the reconstruction model (69.7 (66.5-115.8) mm Hg) than in the control model (39.2 (33.7-49.6) mm Hg). The mean integral of the urethral pressure and urethral length was also significantly greater in the reconstruction model than in the control model. Furthermore, sphincter tightening was enhanced by the electrical stimulation of the flap. Conclusions: Our results support our hypothesis that the functional reconstruction of urethral sphincters using muscle flaps is promising for the treatment of urinary incontinence.
Hair Follicle Nevus with Sebaceous Hyperplasia: A Dermoscopic Observation
Authors: Harada Kazutoshi , Kato Yuichiro , Kato Yukihiko , Tsuboi Ryoji
Published: December 2015

We herein report a case of hair follicle nevus, a rare hamartoma found on the face and showing follicular differentiation, which was associated with sebaceous hyperplasia. Dermoscopy of the lesion showed yellow globules surrounded by crown vessels/telangiectasias and scattered tiny hairs. Histopathological investigation revealed hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands and proliferation of well-differentiated vellus hair follicles. These pathological findings were thought to correspond to the yellowish globules and tiny hairs observed under dermoscopy. Hair follicle nevus associated with sebaceous hyperplasia is extremely rare; however, dermoscopic examination can suggest an appropriate diagnosis. The present case proved the diagnostic usefulness of dermoscopy for cutaneous tumors with hair follicular and sebaceous glandular differentiation.
Salient, Irrelevant Sounds Reflexively Induce Alpha Rhythm Desynchronization in Parallel with Slow Potential Shifts in Visual Cortex
Authors: Störmer Viola S. , Feng Wenfeng , Martinez Antigona , McDonald John J. , Hillyard Steven A.
Published: December 2015

Recent findings suggest that a salient, irrelevant sound attracts attention to its location involuntarily and facilitates processing of a colocalized visual event [McDonald, J. J., Störmer, V. S., Martinez, A., Feng, W. F., & Hillyard, S. A. Salient sounds activate human visual cortex automatically. Journal of Neuroscience, 33, 9194–9201, 2013]. Associated with this cross-modal facilitation is a sound-evoked slow potential over the contralateral visual cortex termed the auditory-evoked contralateral occipital positivity (ACOP). Here, we further tested the hypothesis that a salient sound captures visual attention involuntarily by examining sound-evoked modulations of the occipital alpha rhythm, which has been strongly associated with visual attention. In two purely auditory experiments, lateralized irrelevant sounds triggered a bilateral desynchronization of occipital alpha-band activity (10–14 Hz) that was more pronounced in the hemisphere contralateral to the sound's location. The timing of the contralateral alpha-band desynchronization overlapped with that of the ACOP (∼240–400 msec), and both measures of neural activity were estimated to arise from neural generators in the ventral-occipital cortex. The magnitude of the lateralized alpha desynchronization was correlated with ACOP amplitude on a trial-by-trial basis and between participants, suggesting that they arise from or are dependent on a common neural mechanism. These results support the hypothesis that the sound-induced alpha desynchronization and ACOP both reflect the involuntary cross-modal orienting of spatial attention to the sound's location.
A Note on Support Vector Machines with Polynomial Kernels
Authors: Tong Hongzhi
Published: December 2015

We present a better theoretical foundation of support vector machines with polynomial kernels. The sample error is estimated under Tsybakov’s noise assumption. In bounding the approximation error, we take advantage of a geometric noise assumption that was introduced to analyze gaussian kernels. Compared with the previous literature, the error analysis in this note does not require any regularity of the marginal distribution or smoothness of Bayes’ rule. We thus establish the learning rates for polynomial kernels for a wide class of distributions.
Mark’s Paratactic καί as a Secondary Syntactic Semitism
Authors: Baum Armin D.
Published: December 2015

In recent research, a number of scholars have questioned the classification of paratactic καί in the nt Gospels as a syntactic Semitism. As a review of all available evidence demonstrates, however, the strong dominance of paratactic καί in the Gospel of Mark has close analogies in the lxx but is unparalleled in ancient original Greek literature. This conclusion can be supplemented by additional evidence which has so far not been taken into account: The very high frequency of paragraph introducing καί in the Second Gospel has many parallels in the Greek ot but is without analogy in original Greek texts. Because of its exceptional frequency on sentence and pericope level, it is still correct to classify paratactic καί in Mark’s Gospel as a syntactic Semitism, albeit a secondary one.
Child Welfare’s Decision-making Process in Cases of Disciplinary Violence
Authors: Heinonen Anna
Published: December 2015

Disciplinary violence against children is banned by law in Finland. According to the Finnish Criminal Code, acts of disciplinary violence are judged as assault. However, previous research has shown that authorities often find it difficult to identify cases of disciplinary violence and to intervene in them. The objective of this article is to examine the decision-making process in child welfare in suspected cases of disciplinary violence. The reasoning and arguments of social workers on which they based their decisions were analysed. Also, the measures taken were analysed, specifically whether a request for criminal investigation had been made to the police. The analysis was based on child welfare documents of one Finnish municipality from the year 2011. It was found that the decision-making process of social workers followed three pathways, resulting in two-thirds of the cases not leading to a request for criminal investigation to the police.
Rozovia, a replacement name for Nordia Rozova, 1968 (Trilobita) non Jairajpuri and Siddiqi, 1964 (Nematoda), preoccupied
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: December 2015

The generic name Nordia (N. lepida Rozova, 1968, by original designation) was proposed by Rozova (1968: 108) for a new trilobite genus from the Upper Cambrian of the Tajmyr peninsula (NW Siberia, Krasnojarsk territory, Russian Federation). However, this name was preoccupied by Nordia Jairajpuri and Siddiqi (1964: 2) which is served as a type for a family Nordiidae Jairajpuri & Siddiqi and subfamily Nordiinae Jairajpuri & Siddiqi (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) (Vinciguerra, 2006). To resolve homonymy, in accordance with the article 60 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Rozovia nom. nov. (type species Nordia lepida Rozova, 1968; Rozovia lepida (Rozova) comb. nov.) is here proposed as a replacement name for Nordia Rozova non Jairajpuri and Siddiqi to honor Antonina Viktorovna Rozova, eminent Russian palaeontologist (Trilobita) and stratigrapher of Siberia.
Review of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) 1. Introduction and Promalactis species list of the world
Authors: WANG SHUXIA , HU SHA , LI HOUHUN
Published: December 2015

The current research status of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 is introduced, and a list of 243 species of this genus are provided based on a worldwide study. Two new synonyms are proposed: P. albipars Kim et Park, 2012 syn. nov. (= P. longiuncata Wang, Kendrick et Sterling, 2009), and P. akaganea Fujisawa, 2002 syn. nov. (= P. albipunctata Park et Park, 1998); four new combinations are established: P. procerella (Denis et Schiffermüller, 1775) comb. nov., P. helminthias (Meyrick, 1918) comb. nov., P. pedicata (Meyrick, 1918) comb. nov., and P. pyrotechina (Meyrick, 1935) comb. nov.; three species are transferred from Epicallima back to Promalactis: P. atrofasciella Lvovsky, 1988 comb. rev., P. subsuzukiella Lvovsky, 1985 comb. rev. and P. nadezhdae Lvovsky, 1985 comb. rev. The original citation and the synonyms are referenced. The type locality and the depository of each species are indicated in the list.
Linnaemya bergstroemi n. sp. (Diptera: Tachinidae)—a new parasitoid fly from the Finnish Lapland
Authors: POHJOISMÄKI JAAKKO , HAARTO ANTTI
Published: December 2015

A new tachinid species, Linnaemya bergstroemi n. sp., is described from the Finnish Lapland. The new species closely resembles the Nearctic species Linnaemya anthracina Thompson, but can be readily distinguished from it by the characters described in this paper. The taxonomic placement of the two species is discussed in the light of morphological and CoI sequence similarities with Linnaemya Robineau-Desvoidy species in the subgenera Ophina Robineau-Desvoidy and Bonellimyia Townsend. Known aspects of the new species’ biology and distribution are reviewed.
Northwest Flow Snow Aspects of Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Keighton Steve , Miller Douglas K. , Hotz David , Moore Patrick D. , Baker Perry L. , Lee Laurence G. , Martin Daniel T.
Published: December 2015

In late October 2012, Hurricane Sandy tracked along the eastern U.S. coastline and made landfall over New Jersey after turning sharply northwest and becoming posttropical while interacting with a complex upper-level low pressure system that had brought cold air into the Appalachian region. The cold air, intensified by the extreme low pressure tracking just north of the region, combined with deep moisture and topographically enhanced ascent to produce an unusual and high-impact early season northwest flow snow (NWFS) that has no analog in recent history. This paper investigates the importance of the synoptic-scale pattern, forcing mechanisms, moisture characteristics (content, depth, and likely sources), and low-level winds, as well as the evolution of some of these features compared to more typical NWFS events in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Several other aspects of the Sandy snowfall event are investigated, including low-level stability and mountain wave formation as manifested in vertical profiles and radar observations. The importance to operational forecasters of recognizing and understanding these factors and differences from more common NWFS events is also discussed.
Physical Activity in Clinical Pediatric Weight Management Programs
Authors: Kist Christopher , Gier Amanda , Tucker Jared , Barbieri Teresa F. , Johnson-Branch Sonya , Moore Lindy , Picard Sarah , Lukasiewicz Gloria , Coleman Nailah
Published: December 2015

Physical activity (PA) is essential for youth weight management. FOCUS on a Fitter Future (FFF), a group of health care professionals from 25 children’s hospitals, sponsored by the Children’s Hospital Association, examined current care practices for overweight and obese youth with the goal of building consensus on outcome measurements and quality improvement for pediatric weight management programs (WMPs). WMPs completed a survey regarding PA practices, including testing, assessment and intervention. Consistency in general treatment practices was noted with variability in implementation. All programs included PA assessment and counseling. A majority of programs measured aerobic fitness, and more than half evaluated muscular fitness. Most offered group exercise sessions. Programs differed in availability of resources, assessment tools, interventions and outcome measures. Based on current practice and research, the FFF PA subgroup recommends key components for inclusion in a pediatric WMP: exercise testing, body composition assessment, PA and sedentary behaviors measures, individual exercise counseling, and group exercise programming.
An Examination of the Benefits, Limitations, and Challenges of Conducting Randomized Experiments With Principals
Authors: Camburn Eric M. , Goldring Ellen , Sebastian James , May Henry , Huff Jason
Published: December 2015

Purpose: The past decade has seen considerable debate about how to best evaluate the efficacy of educational improvement initiatives, and members of the educational leadership research community have entered the debate with great energy. Throughout this debate, the use of randomized experiments has been a particularly contentious subject. This study examines the potential benefits, limitations, and challenges involved in using experiments to evaluate professional development for principals. Approach: We present a case study of an experimental evaluation of a professional development program for principals. The case study is grounded in key themes in recent debates about the use of experiments in educational research, scholarship on challenges in conducting experiments, and experimental studies involving principals. Setting and Sample: The case study was conducted in an urban school district with 48 principals. Implications for Research: The experimental component of the study allowed us to form a trustworthy summary inference about whether or not a professional development program had an overall effect on principals. However, the experiment did not illuminate why or how the program failed to influence principal practice. Using descriptions of the intended curriculum for principals, professional development attendance records, and interview data, we developed an understanding of why the program failed to achieve its intended goals. Based on our experiences, we support continued advocacy of research designs that bring rich evidence to bear about causal mechanisms, implementation conditions, potential measures of delivery of and adherence to treatment protocols, and measures of participants’ exposure to treatment.
Japanese Youth Marginalization Decreases Interdependent Orientation
Authors: Ishii Keiko , Uchida Yukiko
Published: December 2015

Under the influences of globalization and a long recession, there is an increasing population of marginalized Japanese youth referred to as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). Past studies have suggested that the social withdrawal of these individuals is a manifestation of a denial of the dominant cultural value of interdependence and a lack of motivation to adhere to it. To present additional evidence, this study addressed the cognitive and emotional consequences of NEET tendencies by examining interdependent orientation measured by one’s desire to engage in social activities (Study 1) and spontaneous attention to vocal tone (Study 2). As expected, an increase of NEET tendencies was associated with a lower desire to engage in social activities and a reduced attention to vocal tone. These results suggest that NEET tendencies decrease interdependent orientation in the Japanese cultural context.
Olfaction variation in mouse husbandry and its implications for refinement and standardization: UK survey of animal scents
Authors: López-Salesansky Noelia , Mazlan Nur H , Whitfield Lucy E , Wells Dominic J , Burn Charlotte C
Published: December 2015

Olfaction plays a crucial role in mouse communication, providing information about genetic identity, physiological status of conspecifics and alerting mice to potential predators. Scents of animal origin can trigger physiological and behavioural responses that could affect experimental responses and impact positively or negatively on mouse welfare. Additionally, differing olfactory profiles could help explain variation in results between laboratories. A survey was sent to animal research units in the UK to investigate potential transfer of scents of animal origin during routine husbandry procedures, and responses were obtained from animal care workers and researchers using mice in 51 institutions. The results reveal great diversity between animal units regarding the relevant husbandry routines covered. Most [71%] reported housing non-breeding male and female mice in the same room, with 76% reporting that hands were not washed and gloves not changed between handling male and female mice. The most commonly reported species housed in the same facility as mice was the rat (91%), and 41% of respondents were aware that scents from rats could affect mice. Changing of gloves between handling mice and other species was reported by 79% of respondents. Depending on the aspect considered, between 18 and 33% of respondents believed human and non-human animal odours would strongly affect mouse physiology, behaviour or standardization, while approximately 32–54% believed these effects would be weak. This indicates uncertainty regarding the significance of these factors. Understanding and controlling these practices could reduce unwanted variability in experimental results and maximize welfare.
Is Experience the Best Teacher? Extensive Clinical Practice and Mentor Teachers’ Perspectives on Effective Teaching
Authors: Goodwin A. Lin , Roegman Rachel , Reagan Emilie M.
Published: December 2015

This article presents a study of mentor teachers who work with residents in an urban teacher residency program in New York City. Forty-six mentor teachers (i.e., cooperating teachers) were asked to describe moments of effective mentoring, as well as their own strengths, weaknesses, and goals as mentors. Implicit in mentor teachers’ descriptions of effective mentoring were their perspectives on effective teaching. These perspectives offer much insight into the challenges of clinically rich teacher preparation for a particular urban context, raising several dilemmas that should be considered amid the calls for teacher preparation that is deeply rooted in field practice.
Physical Discipline and Verbal Punishment
Authors: Liu Ruth X.
Published: December 2015

This study assesses the effects of physical and verbal discipline on delinquency among Chinese adolescents and whether parent–adolescent influences are domain and gender-specific. Data drawn from more than 2,700 middle school students from Fuzhou City, China yield results as follows: Parental use of physical and verbal discipline each increases the risk of delinquency in three domains after controlling for common correlates. Physical discipline exerts generally stronger effects than verbal punishment except for substance use, where verbal discipline is slightly stronger. The effects of physical and verbal discipline are domain- and gender-specific. While father’s physical discipline predicts son’s delinquency in three domains, mother’s physical discipline is associated with aggression and substance use among daughter. Contrarily, for verbal discipline, maternal punishment is associated with son’s delinquency, whereas paternal verbal discipline predicts daughter’s aggression. These results along with others are discussed in light of theoretical importance and policy implications.
Local economic development agencies – Pushing boundaries and addressing change: The case of South Africa’s Aspire (Amathole District Economic Development Agency) during its maturation phase
Authors: Lawrence Faith
Published: December 2015

The operations of local economic development agencies (LEDAs) are of growing concern for local and regional development. This article reflects on the evolution and changes occurring in one LEDA operating in the global South. Although the activities and experiences of a range of LEDAs functioning the global North have been documented, knowledge about the operations of LEDAs in other parts of the world is limited. The case of the Amathole District Economic Development Agency (Aspire) in South Africa is analysed with regard to contextual changes and organisational shifts taking place and impacting upon the unlocking of the region’s economic development potential. This incorporates issues relating to sustainability of both the agency as well as projects it helped to establish. Two distinct chapters in the evolution of the agency are differentiated, namely an establishment and then a maturation phase.
Time and the NGOther: Development and temporalities in an Ecuadorian coastal village
Authors: Davidov Veronica
Published: December 2015

This article looks at divergent and competing understandings of temporalities in Estero de Platano, a fishing village in the Esmeraldas province of Ecuador. Through a discussion of how time can structure experience and exist as cultural capital, I explore issues of temporalities through an ethnographic lens. Specifically, I show how way how differences between NGO temporalities and local temporalities come to bear on the kind of knowledge that NGOs produce and disseminate about communities. I argue that the management of time in the village by development actors was part of a wider project of creating new imaginaries of the future. I show how mutually engaged, yet often incompatible bids for temporal projections around the future of Estero do Platano shape social and financial relationships in the village. I argue that development interventions have attempted to bridge heterogeneous temporalities through standardizing practices, and conclude that anthropology of NGOs can explore time as a site of not just production of “the other” (as per Fabian)—but as a site where subjectivities are negotiated in the present through different visions of the future.
Professional Development of New Higher Education Teachers With Information and Communication Technology in Shanghai
Authors: Wu Bian , Hu Yiling , Gu Xiaoqing , Lim Cher Ping
Published: December 2015

As information and communication technology (ICT) continues to develop, it is essential for teachers to acquire ability for teaching with ICT. In China, new higher education (HE) teachers often lack teaching experience because there are limited teaching opportunities during their postgraduate studies. This status quo may compromise the quality of teaching and learning in higher education institutions. In 2013, Shanghai Municipal Education Commission initiated a professional development program for new teachers from all local higher education institutions. This article examines their ICT professional development through the lens of Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model. Data were collected from online surveys both immediately after an ICT module and 6 months later. The results showed that participants intended to integrate ICT in teaching and had an above-average level of Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK). Participants and their department heads also confirmed distinctive teaching performance of these new teachers and better learning behavior of their students. The study revealed that demographic variables of new HE teachers may also affect their perception of ICT and TPACK. This study suggests that ICT professional development can have positive impacts on new HE teachers’ perception of ICT, their TPACK competence, and ICT-related teaching practice and student learning.
Health-Sector Responses to Intimate Partner Violence: Fitting the Response Into the Biomedical Health System or Adapting the System to Meet the Response?
Authors: Briones-Vozmediano Erica , Maquibar Amaia , Vives-Cases Carmen , Öhman Ann , Hurtig Anna-Karin , Goicolea Isabel
Published: December 2015

This study aims to analyze how middle-level health systems’ managers understand the integration of a health care response to intimate partner violence (IPV) within the Spanish health system. Data were obtained through 26 individual interviews with professionals in charge of coordinating the health care response to IPV within the 17 regional health systems in Spain. The transcripts were analyzed following grounded theory in accordance with the constructivist approach described by Charmaz. Three categories emerged, showing the efforts and challenges to integrate a health care response to IPV within the Spanish health system: “IPV is a complex issue that generates activism and/or resistance,” “The mandate to integrate a health sector response to IPV: a priority not always prioritized,” and “The Spanish health system: respectful with professionals’ autonomy and firmly biomedical.” The core category, “Developing diverse responses to IPV integration,” crosscut the three categories and encompassed the range of different responses that emerge when a strong mandate to integrate a health care response to IPV is enacted. Such responses ranged from refraining to deal with the issue to offering a women-centered response. Attempting to integrate a response to nonbiomedical health problems as IPV into health systems that remain strongly biomedicalized is challenging and strongly dependent both on the motivation of professionals and on organizational factors. Implementing and sustaining changes in the structure and culture of the health care system are needed if a health care response to IPV that fulfills the World Health Organization guidelines is to be ensured.
Impacts of Owner Race and Geographic Context on Access to Small-Business Financing
Authors: Bates Timothy , Robb Alicia
Published: December 2015

Multiple studies document both the scarcity of small-business financing in inner-city minority communities and the higher loan application rejection rates among minority business enterprises (MBEs), compared with equally creditworthy White-owned firms. When MBEs do receive bank financing, they get smaller loans than Whites. Two aspects of these findings are troublesome. First, urban MBEs are heavily concentrated geographically in minority communities, raising the issue of whether difficulties accessing financing reflect firm location, minority ownership, or both. Second, applicable studies rest on weak theoretical foundations. The authors’ findings suggest that banks engage in discriminatory practices limiting credit availability to MBEs. Controlling for risk factors, however, firm location in a minority or inner-city neighborhood has no apparent impact on loan availability or size. Owner race/ethnicity, in contrast, is important. Subtle processes discourage MBEs from seeking bank loans. Owner race and wealth both powerfully shape loan access: high wealth opens doors, minority ownership closes them.
Associations of Educational Attainment With Disability and Life Expectancy by Race and Gender in the United States
Authors: Laditka James N. , Laditka Sarah B.
Published: December 2015

Objective: This study provides estimates of associations of education with life expectancy and the percentage of remaining life from age 40 with disability. Method: We used the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, 1999-2011 ( n = 8,763; 94,246 person-years), measuring five education levels. We estimated probabilities of disability and death with multinomial logistic Markov models, and used microsimulations beginning at age 40, controlling for gender, race/ethnicity, age, and disability. Results: With college education, African American and White women, and African American and White men, respectively, lived 46.6%, 44.0%, 55.2%, and 50.4% more years from age 40 than those educated at less than the ninth grade ( p < .001). Corresponding percentages of life with disability were lower with high education, by 37.9%, 38.9%, 41.0%, and 39.9% ( p < .001). There was little evidence of outcome differences between African Americans and Whites within education levels. Discussion: Low education is associated with shorter lives with much more disability.
Cyclophosphamide in combination with glucocorticoids for severe neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective, observational two-centre study
Authors: Fanouriakis A , Pamfil C , Sidiropoulos P , Damian L , Flestea A , Gusetu G , Rednic S , Bertsias G , Boumpas D T
Published: December 2015

Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is used in severe neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE), but long-term data regarding its efficacy and safety are lacking. We identified NPSLE cases who received CYC from two centres during the period 1999–2013 and had regular follow-up. General and neuropsychiatric outcome at last follow-up visit were determined, and major complications were documented. CYC was administered in 50 neuropsychiatric events. Median age was 45.0 years and 46% of patients were positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Most frequent indications were psychosis (11 cases), polyneuropathy (six cases), and cerebrovascular disease, seizure disorder and cranial neuropathy (five cases). CYC was mainly administered as monthly pulses (median number: 8.0 (range 3–26), median cumulative dose: 7.2 g (range 2.4–33.8)). Cases were followed for a median of 46.5 months (range 5–408). At last follow-up, partial or complete response of NPSLE was observed in 84% of events; 10% had stable disease, whereas the remaining 6% failed to improve or worsened and were rescued with rituximab. In events that responded to CYC, maintenance therapy consisted of azathioprine in 31 events (65.9%), bimonthly or quarterly pulses of intravenous CYC in nine (19.1%), and mycophenolate mofetil in five (10.6%). Relapses were observed in six events (12%) at median eight months after initial response. No malignancies were observed, yet there were three cases of severe infections. Amenorrhea was recorded in three patients, who had not received gonadal protection. In conclusion, cyclophosphamide was efficacious and led to sustained response of severe NPSLE in a cohort with long follow-up.
Model validation and feedback controller design for a dielectric elastomer actuator
Authors: Jones Richard W , Sarban Rahimullah
Published: December 2015

Tubular dielectric elastomer actuators have been utilized for a number applications where bi-directional positioning is required, for example, positioning of loads and haptic interfaces. Previous model validation and control design research carried out by the authors on extendable metal electrode–based actuators (which need no internal stressing) has concentrated on the design of open-loop type model-based controllers to reject both measurable and unmeasurable vibration disturbances on a prototype tubular actuator developed by Danfoss A/S. A developed electromechanical model and its linearized form were important components in the control design work carried out previously. This work examines the design and implementation of a closed-loop controller on a second-generation extendable metal electrode dielectric elastomer tubular actuator. This actuator has the same strain characteristics as the original prototype but contains more rolled material leading to greater push–pull force capability. Electromechanical model validation of the larger actuator is initially carried out for a range of different operating conditions both with and without loading. Additionally, the increased capacitance of this actuator, due to a greater amount of dielectric elastomer material, could have implications for the accuracy of the gain scheduling term (which is used to linearize the model), when there is dynamic input voltage stimuli. The overall popularity of the proportional, integral and derivative controller, due to its transparency and simple structure, made it the obvious choice for the feedback controller to be considered here. Model-based design of the proportional, integral and derivative controller, via the internal model control design procedure, is then achieved using a reduced-order linear representation of the linearized electromechanical model. The real-time performance of the designed controller is examined to changes in desired position of the payload (servo performance) and its ability to reject periodic vibratory base disturbances to try and maintain the payload in a fixed position.
School-Based Education Programs for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Walsh Kerryann , Zwi Karen , Woolfenden Susan , Shlonsky Aron
Published: December 2015

Objective:

To assess evidence of the effectiveness of school-based education programs for the prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA). The programs deliver information about CSA and strategies to help children avoid it and encourage help seeking.

Methods:

Systematic review including meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, and quasi-RCTs.

Results:

Twenty-four studies with 5,802 participants were included. Child self-protective skills, odds ratio = 5.71, confidence interval = [1.98, 16.51]; factual, standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.61 [0.45, 0.78]; and applied knowledge, SMD = 0.45 [0.24, 0.65], increased in the intervention group, and knowledge gains were retained at 6 months, SMD = 0.69 [0.51, 0.87]. There were no differences in anxiety or fear, SMD = −0.08 [0.22, 0.07], and findings regarding disclosure of abuse were inconclusive.

Conclusion:

Children’s self-protective skills and knowledge can be increased by participation in school-based sexual abuse prevention programs. However, it is unknown whether gains in skills and knowledge actually decrease the likelihood of CSA.
New Inhaled Antimicrobial Formulations for Use in the Cystic Fibrosis Patient Population
Authors: Campbell Christopher T. , McCaleb Rachael , Manasco Kalen B.
Published: December 2015

Objective: To review the current literature on inhaled antibiotic therapies currently in clinical trials for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Data Sources: A literature search was performed using PubMed (1975 to September 2015), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 to September 2015), and MEDLINE (1946 to September 2015) to identify studies for inclusion. The following search terms were used: cystic fibrosis, inhaled amikacin, inhaled liposomal amikacin, inhaled vancomycin, and/or inhaled levofloxacin. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language phase II to III studies evaluating efficacy and/or safety, case reports, and retrospective studies of inhaled amikacin, inhaled vancomycin, and inhaled levofloxacin in CF patients were included. Data Synthesis: Currently available inhaled antibiotics, tobramycin and aztreonam, have demonstrated improvement in respiratory function of CF patients. Newer agents have shown potentially similar efficacy, with improvement in ease of use. Limited data suggest that inhaled liposomal amikacin and levofloxacin are both noninferior to tobramycin in terms of improvements in respiratory function. Inhaled levofloxacin has a lower rate of hospitalizations secondary to respiratory exacerbations and a reduction in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa sputum density compared with inhaled tobramycin. Inhaled vancomycin use has been documented in case reports and 2 small retrospective eradication trials, although data are limited to support its use. Conclusions: The horizon of inhaled antibiotic choices for CF patients is promising. The introduction of different drug classes and formulations to treat resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms increases the number of options for patients for both eradication and treatment of chronic colonization.
Mesothelial Cells Within Vascular Transformation of Mediastinal Lymph Node Sinuses
Authors: Jabbour Mark N. , Tawil Ayman N. , Boulos Fouad I.
Published: December 2015

Vascular transformation of lymph node sinuses represents a rare benign entity mimicking malignant counterparts such as nodal Kaposi sarcoma. The presence of mildly atypical benign mesothelial cells within nodal sinuses raises the possibility of metastatic malignancy. Herein, a rare case of vascular transformation of lymph node sinuses with reactive sinusoidal mesothelial cells is outlined as a unique benign pathology and a potential mimicker of a malignant collision tumor.
Gender-Role Attitudes Mediate the Effects of Adult ADHD on Marriage and Relationships
Authors: Ersoy Mehmet A. , Topçu Ersoy Hatice
Published: December 2015

Objective: Adult ADHD has dramatic impacts on various aspects of life and relationships. This study investigates how “gender roles” mediate the effects of ADHD on marriage. Method: Sixty-two heterosexual couples were included in the study. The Marital Impact Checklist is used to assess the effects of ADHD on marriage. The Gender Roles Attitude Scale is used to measure gender roles in both the patient and the spouse. Results: The Turkish version of the Marital Impact Checklist is found to have good internal consistency and utility in research and clinical work with ADHD couples. The female non-ADHD partners reported feeling of “Unloved” and “Negative Impact” more than their male counterparts. Some subdomains of the gender roles of both the patient and their non-ADHD spouse seem to mediate the effect of adult ADHD’s impact on marriage. Conclusion: Sex and gender roles diversify how ADHD affects marriage.
Service user engagement in health service reconfiguration: a rapid evidence synthesis
Authors: Dalton Jane , Chambers Duncan , Harden Melissa , Street Andrew , Parker Gillian , Eastwood Alison
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess what is known about effective patient and public engagement in health service reconfiguration processes and identify implications for further research and health care practice.

Methods

Rapid systematic review of published and grey literature to identify methods or approaches to engagement in decisions about health service reconfiguration; and to examine how engagement has worked or not worked in specific examples of system change. Following a search for literature published in English from 2000 to March 2014, eight systematic reviews, seven primary studies and 24 case studies (of which 6 were exemplars) were included. We undertook a narrative synthesis to consider five aspects of engagement with health service reconfiguration.

Results

Engagement varied in nature and intensity, and efforts generally involved multiple methods. There was no evidence on the isolated impact of any particular engagement method or collection of methods. In general, engagement was most likely to be successful when started early, when led and supported by clinicians, and when it offered opportunities for genuine interaction. The impact of engagement was variably measured and demonstrated, and frequently defined as process measures rather than the outcomes of proposals for service reconfiguration. Little was reported on the potential negative impact of service user engagement.

Conclusions

Patients and the public can be engaged through various methods. Problems often arise because decision-makers paid insufficient attention to issues considered important by patients and the public. Guidance setting out the stages of reconfiguration and opportunities for service user input could be a helpful practical framework for future engagement activity. Future evaluation and explicit reporting of engagement and impact is needed.