bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Changes in Pelvic Tilt on Range of Motion to Impingement and Radiographic Parameters of Acetabular Morphologic Characteristics
Authors: Ross James R. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Philippon Marc J. , Kelly Bryan T. , Larson Christopher M. , Bedi Asheesh
Published: July 2014

Background:

The current understanding of the effect of dynamic changes in pelvic tilt on the functional acetabular orientation and occurrence of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is limited.

Purpose:

To determine the effect of changes in pelvic tilt on (1) terminal hip range of motion and (2) measurements of acetabular version as assessed on 2- and 3-dimensional imaging.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Preoperative pelvic computed tomographic scans of 48 patients (50 hips) who underwent arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of FAI were analyzed. The mean age of the study population was 25.7 years (range, 14-56 years), and 56% were male. Three-dimensional models of the hips were created, allowing manipulation of the pelvic tilt and simulation of hip range of motion to osseous contact. Acetabular version was measured and the presence of the crossover sign, prominent ischial spine sign, and posterior wall sign was recorded on simulated plain radiographs. Measurements of range of motion to bony impingement during (1) hip flexion, (2) internal rotation in 90° of flexion, and (3) internal rotation in 90° of flexion and 15° adduction were performed, and the location of bony contact between the proximal femur and acetabular rim was defined. These measurements were calculated for −10° (posterior), 0° (native), and +10° (anterior) pelvic orientations.

Results:

In native tilt, mean cranial acetabular version was 3.3°, while central version averaged 16.2°. Anterior pelvic tilt (10° change) resulted in significant retroversion, with mean decreases in cranial and central version of 5.9° and 5.8°, respectively ( P < .0001 for both). Additionally, this resulted in a significantly increased proportion of positive crossover, posterior wall, and prominent ischial spine signs ( P < .001 for all). Anterior pelvic tilt (10° change) resulted in a decrease in internal rotation in 90° of flexion of 5.9° ( P < .0001) and internal rotation in 90° of flexion and 15° adduction of 8.5° ( P < .0001), with a shift in the location of osseous impingement more anteriorly. Posterior pelvic tilt (10° change) resulted in an increase in internal rotation in 90° of flexion of 5.1° ( P < .0001) and internal rotation in 90° of flexion and 15° adduction of 7.4° ( P < .0001), with a superolateral shift in the location of osseous impingement.

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance:

Dynamic changes in pelvic tilt significantly influence the functional orientation of the acetabulum and must be considered. Dynamic anterior pelvic tilt is predicted to result in earlier occurrence of FAI in the arc of motion, whereas dynamic posterior pelvic tilt results in later occurrence of FAI, which may have implications regarding nonsurgical treatments for FAI.
Interactions between poppet vibration and cavitation in relief valve
Authors: Yi Dayun , Lu Liang , Zou Jun , Fu Xin
Published: July 2014

Poppet vibration and cavitation, two representative phenomena in relief valves, are considered as the roots of the violent noise, erosion, and structure damage. In this paper, the interactions between the poppet vibration characteristics and cavitation property in relief valves with the unconfined poppet are investigated experimentally. Tests have been performed in stable and unstable valves under cavitation and noncavitation conditions. The valve housing is fabricated by Perspex for flow visualization. As for the influence of cavitation on vibration characteristics, it is found that the generated cavitation bubbles in the downstream circuit decrease the flow coefficient and fluid viscosity, and decrease the hydrodynamic spring in turn. The location of cavitating flow, characterized by the low local pressure, changes the thrust on poppet and poppet lift, affecting the radial stiffnesses of mechanical spring and hydrodynamic spring, respectively. On the other hand, as for the influence of vibration on cavitation property, it is found that the poppet vibration leads to a dramatic increase of the noise comparing to the fixed poppet conditions. Spectrum analysis shows that augmented noise in unstable valves mainly comes from the intensification of cavitation noise. A reason for this is that the vibration of poppet leads to a quick and violent collapse of large amount of cavities developed from the throttling region, which should be performed as attached cavities and avoided from collapse in the stable poppet conditions.
Mechanical reinforcement and shape memory effect of graphite nanoplatelet–reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Zhao Li-min , Feng Xue , Mi Xu-jun , Li Yan-feng , Xie Hao-feng , Yin Xiang-qian
Published: July 2014

The homogeneous dispersion of fine graphite nanoplatelets throughout the epoxy matrix with different mass fraction is prepared. Influence of graphite nanoplatelets of varied mass fraction in the mechanical reinforcement and shape memory effect of graphite nanoplatelets/epoxy composite is investigated. The morphology and crystal structure of graphite nanoplatelets are confirmed with the scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The shape memory effects and thermo-mechanical properties of graphite nanoplatelets/epoxy composite are studied using dynamic mechanical analysis. It is found that the storage elastic modulus increases with the mass fraction increase in graphite nanoplatelets in the graphite nanoplatelets/epoxy composite, which is the indication of greater recovery stress of graphite nanoplatelets/epoxy composite compared to that of the primitive epoxy material without graphite nanoplatelets. We had showed that the graphite nanoplatelets/epoxy composite is superior to primitive epoxy in shape memory effect and recovery speed.
A finite deformation constitutive model for thermally activated amorphous shape memory polymers
Authors: Gu Jianping , Sun Huiyu , Fang Changqing
Published: July 2014

A thermoviscoelastic–thermoviscoplastic finite deformation constitutive model incorporating structural and stress relaxation is developed for thermally activated amorphous shape memory polymers. In this study, the nonlinear Adam–Gibbs model is used to describe the structural relaxation. Furthermore, a modified Argon scalar equation is proposed for the viscous flow as the temperature crosses Tg. In addition, as the Arruda–Boyce eight-chain model captures the hyperelastic behavior of the material up to large stretches, it is used here to represent the partial material behavior of shape memory polymers. To further feature the macroscopic post-yield strain softening behavior, the phenomenological evolution rule is also implemented. Comparisons of numerical simulations and the thermomechanical experiments conducted on an ether-based polyurethane shape memory polymer show acceptable agreement.
People in the Paleolithic could access the whole spectrum of consciousness: response to Helvenston
Authors: Froese Tom , Woodward Alexander , Ikegami Takashi
Published: July 2014

Three kinds of hallucinations have repeatedly been identified in the literature on altered states of consciousness (ASCs): visions of (1) geometric forms, (2) figures and objects, and (3) complete scenes. Lewis-Williams’ neuropsychological model draws on these reports to gain insights into the minds of Paleolithic people, on the basis of shared neurobiology and given comparative ethnographic data on ritualized ASCs. Helvenston has long rejected this model because in many ASCs hallucinations do not always adhere to a strict 1-2-3 sequence, because they do not always feature animals, and because people do not always lose their critical faculties. She is right, but she is attacking a straw man because these criteria are her own. Helvenston’s claims about the effects of psychoactive compounds and sensory deprivation are also questionable. It remains an open question how our Turing pattern model relates to more figurative forms of hallucinations.
Variation and Persistence in Latin American Beliefs About Evil Eye
Authors: Weller Susan C. , Baer Roberta D. , de Alba Garcia Javier Garcia , Glazer Mark , Trotter Robert , Salcedo Rocha Ana L. , Klein Robert E. , Pachter Lee M.
Published: July 2014

In a comparative study of evil eye ( mal de ojo), we demonstrate a methodology appropriate for the study of cultural transmission of beliefs. We studied four diverse populations with historical links to Spain: Puerto Ricans in Connecticut, Mexican Americans in south Texas, Mexicans in Guadalajara, and rural Guatemalans. Using agreement on ideas or themes about evil eye within and across sites, we identify specific ideas that may have persisted through time. The relevance of specific themes was estimated with a cultural consensus analysis. Mal de ojo was widely recognized in each community and higher community prevalence was associated with higher agreement on reported causes, symptoms, and treatments. Each community exhibited a distinct model for ojo, although models were highly similar between sites. Agreement among individuals and across communities suggests a pan-regional description for mal de ojo and possible content of older versions of these beliefs in Latin America.
Routine Activities Preceding Adolescent Sexual Abuse of Younger Children
Authors: Leclerc Benoit , Felson Marcus
Published: July 2014

Adolescent abuse of younger children has long been recognized, but empirical research on the circumstances of this phenomenon is rare. This article examines how adolescent offenders find and gain access to victims, work out time alone with them, and set up or exploit settings for sexual contact. Prior researchers learned that adult sex offenders use certain routine activities to perform these tasks. The current research inquires whether adolescent offenders are similar. We administered Kaufman’s Modus Operandi Questionnaire to a sample of 116 Canadian adolescent males undergoing treatment for a sexual offense against a child. Adolescent offenders follow routines similar to adults but are better able to use games and activities as a prelude to sexual abuse. We discuss how routine legal activities set the stage for activities and should be considered when devising situational prevention strategies.
Nordic exceptionalism and gendered peacekeeping: The case of Iceland
Authors: Loftsdóttir Kristín , Björnsdóttir Helga
Published: July 2014

The Nordic countries have been major contributors to peacekeeping, often seen as particularly well suited due to their lack of ties to colonialism and supposedly peaceful nature. The article critically addresses this idea in relation to how gender equality has been conceptualized in peacekeeping taking as an example Icelandic peacekeeping. Iceland’s recent engagement in peacekeeping has strongly emphasized gender issues but has lacked an engagement with issues of power and domination and thus reflects a particular idea of ‘Nordic exceptionalism’. The authors emphasize in their discussion the need to maintain critical feminist perspectives that take diverse relations of power into account.
Understanding supply- and demand-side destination image relationships
Authors: Ji Shaojun , Wall Geoffrey
Published: July 2014

Image promotion has been a primary focus of destination marketing. Marketers are eager to learn whether their projected images have been transmitted to potential consumers and are incorporated into their images of the destination. This research compares the images projected by Qingdao (China) government agencies and those perceived by current visitors. The projected and perceived images of Qingdao were investigated by analyzing publicity materials and a questionnaire survey of visitors, respectively. Their relationships were explored using both a qualitative evaluation and statistical tests. The results show that the two types of images incorporated certain common image themes. However, the emphasis of the projected images did not relate significantly to what visitors considered to affect the quality of their experience. Therefore, Qingdao’s projected image was only partially delivered to and embraced by current visitors.
Urban trees as sunlight control elements of vertical openings in front façades in sunny climates. Case Study: Morus alba on north façade
Authors: Villalba Ayelén María , Pattini Andrea Elvira , Córica María Lorena
Published: July 2014

Benefits of urban trees are evident from the energy and environmental perspective, likewise they reduce glare and control light intensity. Given the hypothesis that trees reduce visible radiation significantly reaching lower level façades, this study is an approach to the analysis of urban forestation as a solar control element. The methodology employed involves measurement of: illuminance – transmittance variation, permeability variation and luminance contrast, by levels along the vertical development of the tree. Vertical illuminance values that exceed 25,000 lx were detected from 5.5 m onwards and values inferior to 3500 lx under that height. Based on the daily analysis of mulberry trees permeability variation in the visible spectrum, it is noted that incident radiation decreases by 90%, with 15% of variability. Natural light analysis must be differentiated by height since daylight scenarios vary accordingly.
‘Doing intimacy’ in a public market: how the gendered experience of ethnography reveals situated social dynamics
Authors: Orrico Laura A
Published: July 2014

This article considers the way in which gender gains significance during ethnographic research to reveal situated social dynamics. As a female ethnographer in a male-dominated setting, I map my own movement and interaction through the field setting over time to show how my ‘practice of ethnography’ becomes, as it also reveals, a ‘practice of intimacy’. I pay critical attention to the physical realities of the field setting as they structure patterns of interaction, such that three seemingly simple actions, ‘hollering’, ‘kicking it’, and ‘walking’, emerge as highly consequential practices through which people construct, experience, and protect intimacy in public space. Following the ‘ethnography’ into the ‘discovery’, this article pushes the potential of reflexivity to illuminate the way in which multiple gendering processes unfold and become interrelated.
Safe storage and thefts of firearms in Sweden: An empirical study
Authors: Lakomaa Erik
Published: July 2014

Strict safe storage regulations are a cornerstone of the Swedish gun control legislation. The rationale is that, by limiting the number of guns a licensed gun owner may own and requiring them to have their guns locked up in gun safes when not in use, legal guns may be prevented from ending up in the hands of criminals through theft. This study, the first full population data study of gun thefts in Sweden, investigated all reported gun thefts in Sweden from 2003 and 2010 and in the county of Stockholm from 1995 to 2010. The analysis revealed that actual thefts from legal gun owners are very rare both in absolute terms and when compared with the number of gun owners, with legal guns and with burglaries. Most firearms that were stolen were properly stored in gun safes, a proportion that also increased to almost 100 percent during the period. The most common method of theft is to steal the entire gun safe. Further, the analysis revealed that official reports on gun thefts have serious errors; 16 percent of police reports on gun thefts referred to cases in which no modern firearm requiring a licence had been stolen.
Relationship of Paternity Status, Welfare Reform Period, and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Infant Mortality
Authors: Ngui Emmanuel M. , Cortright Alicia L. , Michalski Karen
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of paternity status, welfare reform period, and racial/ethnic disparities in infant mortality. The study used retrospective analysis of birth outcomes data from singleton birth/infant death data in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 1993 to 2009. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between paternity status, welfare reform period, and infant mortality, adjusting for maternal and infant characteristics. Data consisted of almost 185,000 singleton live births and 1,739 infant deaths. Although unmarried women with no father on record made up about 32% of the live births, they accounted for over two thirds of the infant deaths compared with married women with established paternity who made up 39% of live births but had about a quarter of infant deaths. After adjustments, any form of paternity establishment was protective against infant mortality across all racial/ethnic groups. Unmarried women with no father on record had twice to triple the odds of infant mortality among all racial/ethnic groups. The likelihood of infant mortality was only significantly greater for African American women in the postwelfare (1999-2004; odds ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval = 1.10-1.46) period compared with the 1993 to 1998 period. Study findings suggest that any form of paternity establishment may have protective effect against infant mortality. Welfare reform changes may have reduced some of the protection against infant mortality among unmarried African American women that was present before the welfare legislation. Policies and programs that promote or support increased paternal involvement and establishment of paternity may improve birth outcomes and help reduce infant mortality.
Observing the use of tactile schedules
Authors: Aasen Gro , Nærland Terje
Published: July 2014

This article explores the use of tactile schedules in a heterogeneous sample of children with congenital blindness and varying degrees of additional disabilities. Basic conditions for the use of tactile schedules are proposed and discussed. Child behaviour indicative of some particular functions that can be attained with the use of tactile schedules, such as sense of agency and increased predictability and communication, is described and discussed. The role of the teacher is emphasized throughout the article.
It just happens: Colorblind ideology and undergraduate explanations of racial interaction on campus
Authors: Jackson Regine , Sweeney Kathryn , Welcher Adria
Published: July 2014

This article examines student perceptions of racial segregation on campus in terms of interaction across racial groups. Theories of colorblind racial ideology are used to interpret data from 14 group interviews focusing on 1.) the degree to which cross-group interaction is desired, 2.) perceptions of racial separation among students at a predominantly White elite university, and 3.) the rationale for lack of contact. In part because we are not limited to one race or to comparing only Black and White students and because we highlight student’s stories and explanations, our findings provide better explanations of how students perceive and experience lack of racial interaction. We discuss implications including continued and possibly increased racial hostility towards underrepresented groups, social isolation of groups with less representation, effects on academic success, and the perpetuation of racial/ethnic stereotypes.
The Septuagint Text of Ezra 9.2
Authors: Louy Stephen D.
Published: July 2014

In the book of Ezra, the scribe is depicted as lamenting the news that the “holy seed” of Israel has “mixed itself with the peoples of the lands” through marriage. Such a mixing with outsiders is, apparently, to be avoided. But by the time of the LXX translation, Ezra laments that the “holy seed” has “disappeared into the peoples of the land.” This study explores the possible reasons for this change between the Hebrew and Greek texts, and proposes that an intentional change by the Greek translator is likely in order to address the cultural situation of his audience.
The Fifth Edition of the UBS Greek New Testament
Authors: Voss Florian
Published: July 2014

The fifth edition of The Greek New Testament is intended to enable its readers to read, understand, and translate the New Testament in its original language in as competent and skilled a manner as possible. To meet this aim the edition was revised in two ways. First, several improvements have been introduced that concern the entire New Testament. Second, in the Catholic Epistles, the edition has been made consistent with the Editio Critica Maior of the Greek New Testament, including textual changes in the base text.
Empowering Women—A Series of Articles About the Surge in and Fragmentation of Mid-20th-Century American Feminist Theory
Authors: Whetmore Elizabeth Ann Wilson
Published: July 2014

This article series examines the initial surge and ultimate fragmentation of second-wave feminist theory. The analysis reveals that, apparently unbeknownst to the theorists themselves, two primary types of “empowerment” appeared in their writings: empowerment of the autonomous self and empowerment of the relational self. Within these primary types, there are diverse understandings of “empowerment” that are based on varied but adamant notions of what it should accomplish. This first article, “Radical Notions,” discusses the implications of arguments within radical feminist theory. Rather than attempting to understand the reasons for their differences, at least some of them engaged in arguments about what constituted being a “real” radical feminist and attempted to ostracize those who did not fit the proscribed mold.
Microstructures and mechanical properties of friction spot welded Alclad 7B04-T74 aluminium alloy
Authors: Zhao Y. Q. , Liu H. J. , Lin Z. , Chen S. X. , Hou J. C.
Published: July 2014

Two millimetre thick Alclad 7B04-T74 aluminium alloy was friction spot welded at different tool rotation speeds. The weld formation, Alclad redistribution, microstructures and mechanical properties of the joints were investigated. The results indicate that inappropriate tool rotation speeds can give rise to weld defects, such as annular groove, void and surface concavity. After welding, the original surface Alclad is redistributed as a U shaped Alclad layer in the weld. When the tool rotation speed is relatively high, eutectic films can be observed in the stir zone, and the Alclad layer in the weld is a preferred crack propagation path during tensile shear testing. The optimised joint with a tensile shear failure load of 11 921 N can be obtained at a tool rotation speed of 1500 rev min−1.
Microstructural and X-ray tomographic analysis of damage in extruded aluminium weld seams
Authors: den Bakker A. J. , Wu X. , Katgerman L. , van der Zwaag S.
Published: July 2014

In the present study, X-ray computer tomography is used to determine damage evolution in extrusion weld seams loaded close to failure for two comparable AlSiMg alloys with distinctively different grain structures. In the dispersoid free alloy, recrystallisation occurs upon extrusion and the weld seam has no effect on mechanical properties. No preferential void formation in the weld seam region was detected. In the non-recrystallising dispersoid rich alloy, the weld seam leads to a reduced ductility. There are no signs of internal void formation, and damage initiation was found to be close to the surface. It is argued that for the non-recrystallising alloy, the effect of the weld seam on the ductility is related to a sharp texture gradient across the weld seam.
Formation and evolution of shear bands in Zr40Ti60 alloy impacted by Hopkinson bar
Authors: Wang X. Y. , Yu P. F. , Tan C. L. , Zhang B. , Ma M. Z. , Liu R. P.
Published: July 2014

Shear band formation and evolution in Zr40Ti60 alloy impacted by split Hopkinson pressure bar at different strain rates were investigated. The critical compression strain for the initiation of the shear band was about 15%, and almost no changes were observed with increasing strain rate. The microstructure of the shear band with a width of 13 μm was characterised with elongated and broken grains. Moreover, nanosized dynamic recrystallisation grains (50–100 nm) were observed at the centre of the shear band with widths of 41 and 68 μm. In addition, the microhardness at the centre of the shear band decreased from 560 to 410 HV when the shear band width increased from 13 to 68 μm.
Structural, spectroscopic and computational studies on the monoclinic polymorph (form I) of potassium hydrogen disilicate (KHSi2O5)
Authors: Schmidmair D. , Kahlenberg V. , Perfler L. , Többens D. M.
Published: July 2014

Hydrothermal treatment of quartz with 2 M K2CO3solutions at 623 K and 1 kbar resulted in the formation of single crystals of the monoclinic polymorph of potassium hydrogen disilicate (KHSi2O5or KSi2O4(OH)). Basic crystallographic data of this so-called phase I at room conditions are as follows: space groupC2/m,a= 14.5895(10) Å,b= 8.2992(3) Å,c= 9.6866(7) Å, β = 122.756(10)°,V= 986.36(10) Å3,Z= 8. The structure was determined by direct methods and refined to a residual of R(|F|) = 0.0224 for 892 independent observed reflections withI> 2σ(I). The compound belongs to the group of chain silicates. It is based on crankshaft-likeviererdouble-chains running parallel to [010]. The H atoms are associated with silanol groups. Hydrogen bonding between neighbouring double-chains results in the formation of ∼5 Å wide slabs. The three crystallographically independent K cations with six to eight O ligands provide linkage (1) between the chains of a single slab or (2) between adjacent slabs. Structural investigations have been supplemented by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The interpretation of the spectroscopic data including the allocation of the bands to certain vibrational species has been aided by DFT calculations.
First accurate location of two proton sites in tourmaline: A
single-crystal neutron diffraction study of oxy-dravite
Authors: Gatta G. D. , Bosi F. , McIntyre G. J. , Skogby H.
Published: July 2014

A single-crystal neutron diffraction study of oxy-dravite from Osarara
(Narok district, Kenya) was performed. Intensity data were collected in Laue
geometry at 10 K and anisotropic-structure refinement was undertaken. For
the first time, two independent H sites were refined unambiguously for a
mineral belonging to the tourmaline supergroup and located at 0.26, 0.13,
0.38 (labelled as H3, site occupancy ∼98%) and at 0, 0, 0.9 (labelled as H1,
site occupancy ∼25%). The H-bonding scheme can thus be defined as follows:
(1) the O at the O3 site acts as a ‘donor’ and the O at the O5 site as
‘acceptor’, the refined O3–H3 bond distance is 0.972(2) Å (and 0.9946 Å
corrected for “riding motion”), H3⋯O5 = 2.263(2) Å, O3⋯O5 = 3.179(1) Å and
O3–H3⋯O5 = 156.6(1)°; (2) the oxygen at the O1 site acts as a ‘donor’ and
the O atoms at O4 and O5 as ‘acceptors’, the refined O1–H1 bond distance is
0.958(8) Å (and 0.9833 Å corrected for “riding motion”), H1⋯O4 = 2.858(6) Å,
O1⋯O4 = 3.378(1) Å and O1–H1⋯O4 = 115.12(1)°, whereas H1⋯O5 = 2.886(6) Å,
O1⋯O5 = 3.444(1) Å and O1–H1⋯O5 = 118.23(1)°. A further test refinement was
performed with the H1 site out of the three-fold axis (at 0.02, 0.01, 0.90);
this leads to O1–H1 = 0.995(8) Å (and 1.0112 Å corrected for “riding
motion”), H1⋯O4 = 2.747(6) Å and O1–H1⋯O4 = 121.7(4)°, whereas H1⋯O5 =
2.654(9) Å and O1–H1⋯O5 = 136.5(6)°. Bond-valence analysis shows that the
H-bonding strength involving O3 is stronger than that involving O1: ∼0.11
and <0.05 valence units, respectively.

The refined angle between the O3–H3 vector and [0001] is 3.40(9)°. Such a
small angle is in line with a pleochroic scheme for the OH-stretching
absorption bands measured by infrared spectroscopy.
‘At the right time, in the right way, with the right resources’: perceptions of the quality of care provided during childbirth in Malawi
Authors: O’Donnell Elizabeth , Utz Bettina , Khonje Diana , van den Broek Nynke
Published: July 2014

Background

Improving the quality of care women receive during childbirth is as important as ensuring increased availability of care and numbers of healthcare providers. To be able to improve quality of care, it is important to understand what quality means for mothers as well as providers of care.

Methods

33 postnatal mothers and 10 healthcare providers from all 4 major hospitals in one district in Malawi were interviewed via 27 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions. Data was transcribed and analysed using the thematic framework approach.

Results

Perceptions of quality of care differed substantially between care providers and postnatal mothers. For caregivers, characteristics of good quality care included availability of resources while for postnatal mothers positive relationships with their caregiver were important. Lack of autonomy and decision making power is a barrier to quality of care and it exists both at the level of the patient (mother) and at the level of her caregiver with healthcare providers unable to influence decisions made by more senior staff or management. Lack of autonomy was linked with the emerging themes of staff de-motivation, frustration, lack of empowerment to make change and resulting in a poor quality of care provided.

Conclusions

Creating a reciprocal understanding of what good quality care comprises and the barriers as well as promoters of this should be the starting point for improving the quality of maternity care. A renewed focus is needed on improving communication, strengthening patient rights and autonomy whilst simultaneously motivating and enabling healthcare workers to provide comprehensive and inclusive quality of care.
Identification of prognostic inflammatory factors in colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Hamilton Trevor D , Leugner Derek , Kopciuk Karen , Dixon Elijah , Sutherland Francis R , Bathe Oliver F
Published: July 2014

Background

The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) has been reported to be an important prognostic indicator in a number of tumor types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The features of the inflammatory state thought to accompany elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), a key feature of mGPS, were characterized in patients with colorectal liver metastases. Additional inflammatory mediators that contribute to prognosis were explored.

Methods

In sera from 69 patients with colorectal liver metastases, a panel of 42 inflammatory mediators were quantified as a function of CRP levels, and as a function of disease-free survival. Multivariate statistical methods were used to determine association of each mediator with elevated CRP and truncated disease-free survival.

Results

Elevated CRP was confirmed to be a strong predictor of survival (HR 4.00, p = 0.001) and recurrence (HR 3.30, p = 0.002). The inflammatory state associated with elevated CRP was comprised of raised IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-15. In addition, elevated IL-8 and PDGF-AB/BB and decreased eotaxin and IP-10 were associated with worse disease-free and overall survival.

Conclusions

Elevated CRP is associated with a proinflammatory state. The inflammatory state is an important prognostic indicator in CRC liver metastases. The individual contributions of tumor biology and the host to this inflammatory response will require further investigation.
Coregulation of FANCA and BRCA1 in human cells
Authors: Haitjema Anneke , Mol Berber M , Kooi Irsan E , Massink Maarten PG , Jørgensen Jens AL , Rockx Davy AP , Rooimans Martin A , de Winter Johan P , Meijers-Heijboer Hanne , Joenje Hans , Dorsman Josephine C
Published: July 2014

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetically heterogeneous syndrome associated with increased cancer predisposition. The underlying genes govern the FA pathway which functions to protect the genome during the S-phase of the cell cycle. While upregulation of FA genes has been linked to chemotherapy resistance, little is known about their regulation in response to proliferative stimuli. The purpose of this study was to examine how FA genes are regulated, especially in relation to the cell cycle, in order to reveal their possible participation in biochemical networks. Expression of 14 FA genes was monitored in two human cell-cycle models and in two RB1/E2F pathway-associated primary cancers, retinoblastoma and basal breast cancer.In silicostudies were performed to further evaluate coregulation and identify connected networks and diseases. OnlyFANCAwas consistently induced over 2-fold;FANCFfailed to exhibit any regulatory fluctuations. Two tools exploiting public data sets indicated coregulation ofFANCAwithBRCA1. Upregulation ofFANCAandBRCA1correlated with upregulation ofE2F3. Genes coregulated with bothFANCAandBRCA1were enriched for MeSH-Term id(s) genomic instability, microcephaly, and Bloom syndrome, and enriched for the cellular component centrosome. The regulation of FA genes appears highly divergent. In RB1-linked tumors, upregulation of FA network genes was associated with reduced expression ofFANCF. FANCA and BRCA1 may jointly act in a subnetwork - supporting vital function(s) at the subcellular level (centrosome) as well as at the level of embryonic development (mechanisms controlling head circumference).
A dynamic attention assessment and enhancement tool using computer graphics
Authors: Navalyal Geeta U , Gavas Rahul D
Published: July 2014

Training Programs to enhance Math Solving Skills, Memory, Visualization, etc in children are gaining popularity worldwide. Any skill is better acquired, when attention, the basic cognitive ability of the trainee is improved. This study makes an attempt to devise a technique in the form of a Brain Computer Interface (BCI) Game, to assist the trainers in monitoring and evaluating the attention levels of the trainees, at regular intervals during the training period.

The gaming environment is designed using Open Source Graphics Library (OpenGL) package and the game control is through the player’s brain waves using the BCI technology. The players control the movement of an object from a source to a destination location on the screen by focussing their thought processes. The time taken to complete one game can be recorded. More the time taken, lesser would be the attention sustaining capacity of the player.

Thirteen subjects under different levels of the ABACUS Math Solving training program controlled the ball movement while solving math problems mentally, the time taken reduced for most of the subjects as they reached higher levels of their training course, indicating the benefit of such training programmes. The game was also played by eight non-abacus literates. The evaluation procedure was found to be very easy and fast.
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (DE-71) Interferes With Thyroid Hormone Action Independent of Effects on Circulating Levels of Thyroid Hormone in Male Rats
Authors: Bansal Ruby , Tighe Daniel , Danai Amin , Rawn Dorothea F. K. , Gaertner Dean W. , Arnold Doug L. , Gilbert Mary E. , Zoeller R. Thomas
Published: July 2014

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are routinely found in human tissues including cord blood and breast milk. PBDEs may interfere with thyroid hormone (TH) during development, which could produce neurobehavioral deficits. An assumption in experimental and epidemiological studies is that PBDE effects on serum TH levels will reflect PBDE effects on TH action in tissues. To test whether this assumption is correct, we performed the following experiments. First, five concentrations of diphenyl ether (0–30 mg/kg) were fed daily to pregnant rats to postnatal day 21. PBDEs were measured in dam liver and heart to estimate internal dose. The results were compared with a separate study in which four concentrations of propylthiouracil (PTU; 0, 1, 2, and 3 ppm) was provided to pregnant rats in drinking water for the same duration as for diphenyl ether. PBDE exposure reduced serum T4 similar in magnitude to PTU, but serum TSH was not elevated by PBDE. PBDE treatment did not affect the expression of TH response genes in the liver or heart as did PTU treatment. PTU treatment reduced T4 in liver and heart, but PBDE treatment reduced T4 only in the heart. Tissue PBDEs were in the micrograms per gram lipid range, only slightly higher than observed in human fetal tissues. Thus, PBDE exposure reduces serum T4 but does not produce effects on tissues typical of low TH produced by PTU, demonstrating that the effects of chemical exposure on serum T4 levels may not always be a faithful proxy measure of chemical effects on the ability of thyroid hormone to regulate development and adult physiology.
Heterozygous Deletion of Ventral Anterior Homeobox (Vax1) Causes Subfertility in Mice
Authors: Hoffmann Hanne M. , Tamrazian Anika , Xie Huimin , Pérez-Millán María Inés , Kauffman Alexander S. , Mellon Pamela L.
Published: July 2014

The known genetic causes of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) are often associated with the loss of GnRH neurons, leading to the disruption of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis and subfertility. The majority of IHH cases have unknown origins and likely arise from compound mutations in more than one gene. Here we identify the homeodomain transcription factor ventral anterior homeobox1 (Vax1) as a potential genetic contributor to polygenic IHH. Although otherwise healthy, male and female Vax1 heterozygous (HET) mice are subfertile, indicating dosage sensitivity for the Vax1 allele. Although Vax1 mRNA is expressed in the pituitary, hypothalamus, and testis, we did not detect Vax1 mRNA in the sperm, ovary, or isolated pituitary gonadotropes. Whereas Vax1 HET females produced normal numbers of superovulated oocytes, corpora lutea numbers were reduced along with a slight increase in circulating basal LH and estrogen. The subfertility originated in the hypothalamus in which kisspeptin and GnRH transcripts were altered along with a substantial reduction of GnRH neuron number. Although the pituitary responded normally to a GnRH challenge, diestrus females had reduced LHβ and FSHβ in diestrus. Furthermore, Vax1 HET males had reduced GnRH mRNA and neuron numbers, whereas the pituitary had normal transcript levels and response to GnRH. Interestingly, the Vax1 HET males had an 88% reduction of motile sperm. Taken together, our data suggest that Vax1 HET subfertility originates in the hypothalamus by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition, male subfertility may also be due to an unknown effect of Vax1 in the testis.
Legal Relations in the Field of Employment and Labor Relations
Authors: Orlova Elena
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this article is to describe the legal relations in the field of employment and labor law relations. It is of immediate interest, because it is one of the important legal relations issues in jurisprudence. The article deals with the legal relations in the field of employment, which is of great scientific and practical importance, as it is implemented in legal relations subjective rights and duties of citizens in the field of employment. The analysis of the different viewpoints of scientists who studied the legal relations in the field of employment provides an opportunity to research the legal relations issues in the field of employment. The analysis of relations in the field of employment as “derivative from labor”, “related to labor”, “closely related to labor”, “indissolubly related to labor”, “adjoining to labor”, “elective satellites of labor” allows to research co-relation issues of the legal relations in the field of employment and labor law relation. The author defines a special group of the legal relations in the field of employment with certain characteristics and features. As a result of research all legal relations types of employment are presented and the classification of legal relations types by subject matter is carried out.
Impact of Tradition on Law of Modern China
Authors: Troshchinskiy Pavel
Published: July 2014

The article discusses some features of the modern legal system in China , formed under the direct influence of Chinese traditional concepts about the role of the Right and the Law in the society. The attention is focused on moral teachings of Confucius and the views of legalists, that had had a decisive influence on legal culture and legal consciousness of a Chinese citizen. Explores the attitude of Chinee to liability and punishment, the death penalty, specificity of the legal regulation of social relations in the Chinese state. Provides examples from the law enforcement practices and legislative activity, confirming the close relationship between the modern and the traditional law in China. The special place in researching is occupied by issues of crackdown legal liability against violators of legal regulations. Analyzes the most resonance criminal cases in relation of those people, who sentenced to death , have committed crimes in the field of illicit drug trafficking , driving while intoxicated, resulted the death of two or more persons, verdicts to the supreme penalty of persons involved in the addition of melanin in infant formulas. The influence of tradition, customs and moral principles on modern legislative activities of Chinese legislator is confirmed by other examples through the prism of the modern and the traditional law in China. The author calls for to pay more attention to tradition while analyzing the current legislation of China. The modern law of China is closely connected with traditional Chinese concepts about place and role of the Law in society.
A Data Set of Brands and Their Characteristics
Authors: Lovett Mitchell , Peres Renana , Shachar Ron
Published: July 2014

Brands stand at the core of marketing. They are central to positioning, marketing communications, word of mouth, customer relationships, and firm profits. Brands have been studied from multiple perspectives using a variety of measures and scales. We offer a data set that contains 136 different measures of the brand characteristics for almost 700 of the top U.S. national brands across 16 categories measured by 2010. These measures cover a broad range of characteristics including brand personality, satisfaction, age, attributes related to Rogers' innovation scheme such as complexity, and the four brand equity pillars of Young and Rubicam's BrandAsset Valuator. The data were collected from a combination of sources including an original survey on 4,769 subjects. In addition, we provide quarterly data on the variables available from the BrandAsset Valuator for two and a half years between 2008 and 2010. These data can be used as a building block in research that aims to explore the antecedents of brand perceptions or connect brand characteristics with market and financial outcomes. This paper describes the data and some relevant research questions.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2014.0861 .
From Single Commodity to Multiattribute Models for Locomotive Optimization: A Comparison of Optimal Integer Programming and Approximate Dynamic Programming
Authors: Bouzaiene-Ayari Belgacem , Cheng Clark , Das Sourav , Fiorillo Ricardo , Powell Warren B.
Published: July 2014

We present a general optimization framework for locomotive models that captures different levels of detail, ranging from single and multicommodity flow models that can be solved using commercial integer programming solvers, to a much more detailed multiattribute model that we solve using approximate dynamic programming (ADP). Both models have been successfully implemented at Norfolk Southern for different planning applications. We use these models, presented using a common notational framework, to demonstrate the scope of different modeling and algorithmic strategies, all of which add value to the locomotive planning problem. We demonstrate how ADP can be used for both deterministic and stochastic models that capture locomotives and trains at a very high level of detail.
Mental capacity and mental health Acts part 1: advance decisions
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: July 2014

The Department of Health is undertaking a review of the Mental Health Act 1983 code of practice and as part of that review has opened a consultation on what changes should be made. One key area for change is a chapter that provides clearer information about the interface between the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Both the House of Commons Health Select Committee and the House of Lords Mental Capacity Act Committee have argued that poor understanding of the interface has led to flawed decision making by doctors and nurses. In the first of a short series of articles, Richard Griffith considers the interface between these two important statutes, beginning with advance decisions to refuse treatment (ADRT).
End-of-life care: replacing the Liverpool Care Pathway
Authors: Tingle John
Published: July 2014

John Tingle discusses two recent publications on care at the end of life from the Leadership Alliance for the Care of Dying People (LACDP) and the Council of Europe.
Infusion device standardisation and dose error reduction software
Authors: Iacovides Ioanna , Blandford Ann , Cox Anna , Franklin Bryony Dean , Lee Paul , Vincent Christopher J
Published: July 2014

In 2004, the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) released a safety alert relating to the management and use of infusion devices in England and Wales. The alert called for the standardisation of infusion devices and a consideration of using centralised equipment systems to manage device storage. There has also been growing interest in smart-pump technology, such as dose error reduction software (DERS) as a way to reduce IV medication errors. However, questions remain about the progress that has been made towards infusion device standardisation and the adoption of DERS. In this article, the authors report the results of a survey investigating the extent to which the standardisation of infusion devices has occurred in the last 10 years and centralised equipment libraries are being used in practice, as well as the prevalence of DERS use within the UK. Findings indicate that while reported standardisation levels are high, use of centralised equipment libraries remains low, as does DERS usage.
‘Cancer changes everything!’ Exploring the lived experiences of women with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Krigel Susan , Myers Jamie , Befort Christie , Krebill Hope , Klemp Jennifer
Published: July 2014

Study purpose:

The aim of this study was to further explore the lived experiences of women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), to inform the development of interventions to enhance survivorship care for women with advanced disease.

Methodology:

Four semi-structured focus groups were conducted with women with MBC. The data was analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results:

Participants described the challenges of living with uncertainty, as a result of a lack of information regarding treatment options and symptom management, and a sense of the unknown related to prognosis and survival. Of major concern were changes in role functioning, altered relationships, and self-image.

Conclusion:

Women with metastatic breast cancer must cope with dramatic changes in all aspects of their lives. Clinicians should tailor survivorship care and evidence-based interventions to individuals’ concerns with changes in role functioning, fatigue, relationships, and self-image. A multidisciplinary approach should be used to address practical and existential concerns focused on improving quality of life.