bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction After Fasciotomy for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Packer Jonathan D. , Day Michael S. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Hobart Sarah J. , Hannafin Jo A. , Metzl Jordan D.
Published: January 2013

Background:

Patients with chronic exertional compartment syndrome who have failed nonoperative treatment are evaluated with pre-exertion and postexertion compartment pressure testing and may be treated with fasciotomy. Failure rates of up to 20% have been reported and may be related to factors such as age, sex, postexertion compartment pressures, compartment(s) released, and duration of symptoms.

Hypothesis:

Higher preoperative postexertion compartment pressures are correlated with higher success and patient satisfaction rates after fasciotomy.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

From 1999 to 2008, patients with clinical symptoms of chronic exertional compartment syndrome with failed nonoperative management underwent standardized pre-exertion and postexertion compartment pressure measurements. Patients were then offered continued nonoperative treatment or referral to an orthopaedic surgeon for compartment release. Patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up were given a telephone questionnaire describing their pretreatment and posttreatment conditions including quality and duration of symptoms, analog pain scale, symptomatic and functional responses to treatment, and satisfaction with treatment. Medical records and operative reports were reviewed.

Results:

The mean follow-up period for the nonoperative treatment group (n = 27) was 5.6 years (range, 2.1-10.6) and for the operative group (n = 73) was 5.2 years (range, 2.0-11.3). The operative group had a higher success rate (81%) compared with the nonoperative group (41%) ( P < .001), and the operative group had a higher patient satisfaction rate (81%) compared with the nonoperative group (56%) ( P = .011). There was no significant correlation between compartment pressures and patient outcomes. Patients with combined anterior and lateral compartment releases had an increased failure rate compared with isolated anterior release (31% vs 0%, respectively; P = .035). Surgical patients who were post-college had a lower satisfaction rate (66%) compared with high school (89%) and college patients (94%) ( P = .017).

Conclusion:

High school and college patients (age <23 years) and isolated anterior compartment release (compared with anterior/lateral release) were factors associated with improved subjective function and satisfaction after fasciotomy. We recommend the avoidance of lateral release unless symptoms or postexertion compartment pressures are clearly indicative of lateral compartment involvement.
Physical experiments and Fire Dynamics Simulator simulations on gasoline pool fires
Authors: Sudheer S. , Saumil D. , Prabhu S.V.
Published: January 2013

Radiative properties such as temperature and emissive power distributions are very essential for fire safety measurements. The objective of this study is to characterize these distributions for a gasoline pool fire both experimentally and numerically. Infrared thermal camera is employed for the measurement of temperature distributions of gasoline open pool fires for pool diameters of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1.0 m. Incident heat flux upon a target is computed using the measured apparent temperature distribution and is validated with Schmidt–Boelter heat flux gauge measurements. Numerical studies are conducted using Fire Dynamics Simulator 5.5.3 version. Heat flux measured of target area is used to validate the numerical simulations with the experimental results. Centerline temperature distribution of numerical simulation and the temperature distribution from the experimental results are compared. It is observed that Fire Dynamics Simulator is capable of simulating the open pool fires even for complex fuels such as gasoline.
Responses of Portulaca oleracea Linn. to selenium exposure
Authors: Prabha D , Sivakumar S , Subbhuraam CV , Son HK
Published: January 2013

The present study was investigated to evaluate the uptake and accumulation of selenium (Se) by the stem cuttings of Portulaca oleracea L. grown in alfisol amended with various concentrations of Se. P. oleracea accumulated a maximum of 63.4 µg g−1 dry weight in a short growth period of 42 days. The order of accumulation of Se among the plant parts was leaves (31.5 μg g−1) > stems (16.4 μg g−1) > roots (15.5 μg g−1). The accumulation potential was fourfold higher than the plant available concentration of 15.2 μg g−1 of Se g−1 of soil (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid extracted). Although the plant was able to accumulate Se in their tissues, increase in Se concentrations in soil caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the growth rate of plants (regeneration of leaves, number of leaves, number of roots, root length, stem length and biomass).
Childhood Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Authors: Ware Tyson L. , Kornberg Andrew J. , Rodriguez-Casero M. Victoria , Ryan Monique M.
Published: January 2013

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is a rare condition in children. In this article, we report our experience in the management of 10 cases of childhood chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in a single center, in the era of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), genetic microarray, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy disease activity status. Robust neurophysiologic abnormalities were present in all cases and both MRI and lumbar puncture were useful adjuncts in diagnosis. Genetic microarray is a simple technique useful in excluding the most common hereditary demyelinating neuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulin was an effective first-line therapy in most cases, with refractory cases responding to corticosteroids and rituximab. We found the chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy disease activity status useful for assessing outcome at final follow-up, whereas the modified Rankin score was better for assessing peak motor disability.
Pediatric Pseudotumor Cerebri Associated With Low Serum Levels of Vitamin A
Authors: Dotan Gad , Goldstein Michaella , Stolovitch Chaim , Kesler Anat
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to describe the association between pediatric pseudotumor cerebri and low serum vitamin A levels. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 6 children (5 boys, 1 girl; mean age 8 years) with increased intracranial pressure and low serum vitamin A levels (mean 16.0 ± 8.8 µg/dL). The etiology of the vitamin A deficiency was a restricted diet (2 children), intestinal malabsorption caused by celiac disease (2 children), and undetermined cause (2 children). Only 1 child had ocular signs of xerosis. Poor visual acuity at presentation and lower serum vitamin A levels were associated with a poor visual outcome and development of optic atrophy. In conclusion, pseudotumor cerebri in children can be associated with vitamin A deficiency even when other manifestations of xerophthalmia do not exist. Early recognition of this condition and appropriate therapy can prevent blindness.
SMART Syndrome (Stroke-Like Migraine Attacks After Radiation Therapy) in Adult and Pediatric Patients
Authors: Armstrong Amy E. , Gillan Eileen , DiMario Francis Joseph
Published: January 2013

SMART syndrome (stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy) is a rare condition that involves complex migraines with focal neurologic findings in patients following cranial irradiation for central nervous system malignancies. Little is known about the mechanisms behind the disorder, making successful treatment challenging. We report 2 new cases of SMART syndrome in pediatric patients as well as review all documented cases of the syndrome. Each of our 2 pediatric patients suffered multiple episodes. Attacks were characterized by severe headache, visual disturbance, aphasia, and weakness. Recovery occurred over several days to weeks. The data from all documented reports of SMART syndrome indicate a greater prevalence for male gender. An age-dependent pattern of onset was also observed, with a greater variability of syndrome onset in patients who received cranial irradiation at a younger age. SMART appears to be a reversible, recurrent long-term complication of radiation therapy with possible age- and gender-related influences.
Multiorgan System Dysfunction in the Chylomicronemia Syndrome
Authors: Argula Rahul G. , Strange Charlie , Budisavljevic Milos N.
Published: January 2013

Objective:

To describe an extreme presentation of the chylomicronemia syndrome resulting in multiorgan system dysfunction.

Patient:

A 40-year-old African American male with no past medical history presented with multiorgan system dysfunction manifested by acute respiratory failure and acute kidney injury. He was noted to have very-high triglyceride levels (>5000 mg/dL) at admission.

Interventions:

An echocardiogram showed normal cardiac function. Amylase and lipase were normal. We confirmed the chylomicronemia syndrome with a triglyceride assay. The associated hyperviscosity was treated with plasmapheresis to reduce the plasma triglyceride level.

Results:

After 3 sessions of plasmapheresis, his triglyceride levels were significantly reduced, his oxygenation improved, and his acute kidney injury resolved. He was successfully extubated on day 7 of the intensive care unit stay. His diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia were newly diagnosed and drug therapy was instituted with home discharge on day 14.

Conclusions:

Severe chylomicronemia can cause multiorgan system dysfunction related to hyperviscosity. Early institution of plasmapheresis to reduce the triglyceride-rich lipoproteins can improve tissue perfusion and prevent further organ damage.
Preparation and properties of quartz cloth–reinforced Xylok composites fabricated by vacuum bag only process
Authors: Yang Guang , Gao Longfei , Cheng Kai
Published: January 2013

Xylok resin was synthesized from 1,4-bis(methoxymethyl)-benzene and phenol through a condensation reaction catalyzed by p-toluenesulfonic acid. The effects of molar ratio of phenol to 1,4-bis(methoxymethyl)-benzene, reaction time and washing process on the properties of Xylok resin were investigated. Xylok composite laminates reinforced by quartz cloth were fabricated by vacuum bag only (VBO) process. Softening point of Xylok resin and volatile content of prepreg and voids in composites were also studied to better control process defects in composite laminates. Void content was measured by image analysis and calculating parameters. Experimental results showed that the Xylok composite laminates manufactured by VBO process had good thermal and dielectric properties. The flexural strength and flexural modulus of laminates could be 733 MPa and 23 GPa, respectively.
Investigation on flux design for submerged arc welding of high-strength low-alloy steel
Authors: Jindal Sandeep , Chhibber Rahul , Mehta N P
Published: January 2013

Fluxes in submerged arc welding of high-strength low-alloy steels are not readily available, flux compositions are not clear and compositions are patented. This study aims at the design, development and optimization of flux for submerged arc welding of high-strength low-alloy steel. Extreme vertices design suggested by McLean and Anderson is used to formulate twenty-one fluxes to study the effect of flux constituents on tensile strength, percentage elongation, impact strength, diffusible hydrogen content and microstructure of the weld metal. Mathematical models for ultimate tensile strength, percentage elongation, impact strength and diffusible hydrogen content for welded specimens versus flux constituents have been developed. From the experiments, it is found that tensile strength and elongation are affected the most with Al2O3 content, whereas CaO and CaF2 contents have significant effect on impact strength. Synergic binary effect of CaO·CaF2, CaO·MgO and Al2O3·CaF2 mixtures is more than other binary mixtures on the mechanical properties. Developed regression models have been checked for adequacy using t-test for regression coefficients and analysis of variance (F-test) for whole regression equation. Finally, optimum flux composition giving optimum mechanical and microstructural characteristics is suggested.
Optimization of the design of ducted-fan hovering micro air vehicles using finite element simulation and orthogonal design
Authors: Yu Yanan , Yang Qingping , Wang Xiangjun , Wang Jian
Published: January 2013

The structural design and flight stability characteristics of micro air vehicles have received much attention due to its low Reynolds number. Compared with fixed-wing aircraft, hovering ducted-fan micro air vehicles with vertical takeoff and landing and hovering capabilities have promising prospect. In this article, a flexible membrane and inflatable structure has been used as the aerodynamic shape of an aircraft model. Its advantages have been analyzed and verified by fluid–structure interaction based on finite element method. The flight stability of hovering micro air vehicles has also been investigated based on the theory of motion of structure. In order to improve the flight stability of the designed hovering micro air vehicle model, the effects of geometrical parameters and materials have been analyzed through an orthogonal experimental design. Based on the optimized results, the aircraft prototype has been manufactured for experimental test. The elastic deformation produced on its flexible membrane structure is obtained by stroboscopic stereo imaging method and a purpose-built experimental environment. The numerical simulation results indicated that the thickness of membrane and material of vertical duct have significant effects on the micro air vehicle flight stability and disturbance resistance ability. The results have confirmed that the flexible aerodynamic mechanisms produced by the aeroelastic deformation of spherical membrane can enhance the micro air vehicle stability.
Holocene climate variability reflected in diatom-derived sea surface temperature records from the subpolar North Atlantic
Authors: Miller Katie R , Chapman Mark R
Published: January 2013

A detailed investigation of two deep-sea sediment cores from the Gardar Drift in the subpolar North Atlantic, cores MD99-2251 and MD99-2252, has been undertaken to determine the extent of Holocene climate variability reflected by changes in diatom floral abundances. Core MD99-2251 extends through the Holocene, while core MD99-2252 spans the last 7200 years. A new regional-based sea surface temperature (SST) calibration is derived using the weighted averaging partial least squares (WA-PLS) method based on 28 taxonomic categories within 53 coretops. WA-PLS-derived SST estimates indicate relatively small long-term SST changes of only 1–2°C during the Holocene. Notably, a well-defined thermal maximum is absent in the early Holocene record and the 8200-year event is not recognized as a discrete temperature minimum. However, lower SSTs between 8800 and 7800 years ago associated with the presence of sea ice and cold water species indicate an increased incursion of the subarctic water mass. A significant warming of ~2°C around 7000 years ago is the most unambiguous change in the SST records and is replicated in both cores. A brief interval of warmer sea surface conditions ~6000 years ago, associated with a Holocene maximum in North Atlantic Current indicator species, ended by 5300 years ago. Relatively muted SST variability is evident through the remainder of the Holocene.
Reconstructing High Arctic growing season intensity from shoot length growth of a dwarf shrub
Authors: Weijers Stef , Wagner-Cremer Friederike , Sass-Klaassen Ute , Broekman Rob , Rozema Jelte
Published: January 2013

Annual shoot length of the circumarctic dwarf shrub Cassiope tetragona has proved to be a reliable proxy for past and ongoing climate change in the Arctic. This is based on its strong linear relationship with monthly climate parameters. Monthly means are, however, coarse units for prediction of growth in marginal regions with short growing seasons. An alternative to monthly averages are parameters that quantify the growing season length (GSL) and its intensity (growing degree-days; GDD5). GDD5 is defined as the cumulative daily mean temperature above 5°C. GSL is defined as the number of days on which the average temperature exceeds 5°C. The aims of this study were to test whether these parameters are a better predictor of growth than monthly means and to reconstruct past High Arctic growing season climate. Correlative analysis shows that GDD5 is a better predictor of annual shoot length growth than mean monthly temperatures and GSL, both at C. tetragona’s European northern and southern distribution limit, as well as at its assumed climatic optimum. Svalbard Airport GDD5 was reconstructed back to 1857. The reconstruction shares 61% of variance with the instrumental record. This opens the possibility to obtain an Arctic network of climate reconstructions with high temporal and spatial resolution through construction of C. tetragona shoot length chronologies.
Understanding Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: O’Shea Eileen R. , Bennett Kanarek Robin
Published: January 2013

Advancing pediatric palliative care is desperately needed to support the physical, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of children and families who live with life-threatening illnesses. Although educational resources and standards of practice related to this topic have been developed, dissemination and implementation of programs have been slow to progress. The purpose of this case study is to present the lived experiences of an adolescent with leukemia and his family to illustrate how health care providers may benefit from receiving enhanced palliative and end-of-life care education.
The MBA Capstone Course
Authors: Inamdar Syeda Noorein , Roldan Malu
Published: January 2013

The capstone strategy course is used in many management education programs to provide practical business relevance as a means for students to transition to the business world. We conducted an empirical study to determine to what extent capstone strategy courses are teaching the following four skills that prepare students to meet business job demands: theoretical, practical, applied, and reflective. We found that professors teach applied skills the most, whereas they teach reflective skills the least. However, there was considerable variation in professors’ assessments of the extent to which each skill is taught in their capstone strategy classes. This finding suggests that there is a wide variety of course configurations taught across business schools. We also found that students were learning these skills differentially based on whether they had a business undergraduate background and business work experience. However, all students were learning reflective skills the least. We conclude that providing students with the four skills will go a long way toward ensuring that future managerial decisions are grounded on thoughtful iterative analyses that take into account ambiguities, multiple perspectives, and long-term, systemic implications.
Narrative Intervention
Authors: Kamali Khosrow , Yoosefi Looyeh Majid
Published: January 2013

This article describes a group narrative intervention for improving the behavior of 8- to 11-year-old children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder at home and school.
Multifocal Capillary Hemangioma-Like Vascular Proliferation of the Kidney Associated With Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fellegara Giovanni , Rosai Juan
Published: January 2013

We report the case of a 69-year-old man who underwent a radical left nephrectomy for a renal mass. Microscopically, the features were those of a clear cell–type renal cell carcinoma associated with 2 foci of capillary hemangioma-like vascular proliferation in the adjacent renal parenchyma. The main differential diagnosis and the possible pathogenesis of this vascular lesion are discussed.
Extreme Signet Ring Cell Change in a Large B-Cell Lymphoma of Follicular Origin
Authors: Bogusz Agata Monika , Tierno Bethany , Brown Daniel , Pihan German
Published: January 2013

We report a large B-cell lymphoma of follicular origin with extreme signet ring cell differentiation. Initially classified as follicular lymphoma on a fine needle core biopsy, the presence of cohesive sheets of extrafollicular signet ring cells triggered an excisional biopsy for further characterization. The excised lymph node revealed focal follicular hyperplasia, follicular lymphoma, and a neoplasm composed of vague nodules and sheets of large atypical cells, all of which virtually exhibited large clear intracytoplasmic vacuoles with peripheral displacement of nuclei. The tumor cells were negative for mucin and lacked immunoreactivity with pancytokeratin, but were strongly immunoreactive with CD20, BCL-2, BCL-6, and CD10 antibodies. Electron microscopy studies revealed electron-lucent vacuoles with no particular internal structure. This case is unique in that extreme signet ring cell differentiation somewhat obscured the true cytological identity of the interfollicular lymphoma and suggested alternative diagnoses.
Hallux Valgus in Males—Part 2
Authors: Nery Caio , Coughlin Michael J. , Baumfeld Daniel , Ballerini Flávio José , Kobata Silvia
Published: January 2013

Background:

In an early report on this patient cohort, we concluded that a hallux valgus deformity in males is frequently hereditary in nature. An increase in the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) was observed to be the major defining characteristic of hallux valgus in males. In this follow-up study, our goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment for this cohort of male patients.

Methods:

Data from 50 feet of male patients with hallux valgus who were surgically treated by the same surgeon between 1985 and 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. The technique was algorithmically chosen according to the severity and complexity of the deformity. Thus, 10 chevron osteotomies, 9 biplanar chevron osteotomies, 12 Mitchell osteotomies, 9 scarf osteotomies, and 10 basilar first metatarsal osteotomies were performed. The average follow-up was 10 years (range, 2-20).

Results:

After analyzing the angular radiological parameters, sesamoid subluxation, and the articular congruency, most procedures proved to have achieved adequate correction of the angular deformities. When examining each of the procedures separately, 4 of the 5 procedures had similar corrective capacities; the scarf osteotomy however had decidedly inferior results. The improvement in the postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score demonstrated the clinical and functional improvement.

Conclusions:

The algorithm was based mainly upon the presence of increased DMAA and increased severity of angular deformities. We conclude that hallux valgus deformities in males were adequately corrected with the selected techniques. Greater difficulty or resistance to surgical treatment could not be detected when we contrasted our results to females. The scarf osteotomy proved to have an inferior corrective capacity compared to the other techniques used in this series.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Portal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Handa Pankaj , Crowther Mark , Douketis James D.
Published: January 2013

With advances in modern imaging techniques, portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is being increasingly diagnosed. It has a wide ranging clinical spectrum from being an asymptomatic state to a potentially life-threatening situation. It is not unusual to find it as an incidental finding in the abdominal imagings done for other reasons. It is commonly associated with cirrhosis and abdominal malignancies and also has a strong association with prothrombotic disorders. It is often difficult for the clinicians to decide whether PVT is acute or chronic. This poses great challenges to its management strategies that include anticoagulants, thrombolysis, and surgical options. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management have great bearings on its outcomes of morbidity and mortality. In this clinician-oriented review, we have provided a concise review of clinical aspects of PVT and discussed various management strategies while addressing the common questions that come to a physician’s mind dealing with such a patient.
The Risk Factors for Thrombosis in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Sivaslioglu Selda , Gursel Turkiz , Kocak Ulker , Kaya Zuhre
Published: January 2013

We aimed to scrutinize the risk factors for thrombosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with the Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster 95 protocol. The study population was 82 children younger than 16 years of age. The children were followed up for 10 years until January 2007. Thrombosis occurred in 10 (12%) of 82 patients during the treatment course, mainly after the M protocol. The most common risk factor was factor V Leiden (FVL; 15.6%). This was followed by methyleneterahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; 9.3%), elevated lipoprotein (1.5%), and prothrombin (PT) 20210A (1.5%) in descending order. The risk of thrombosis was found to be significantly high in patients with FVL mutation (odds ratio = 7.1, 95% confidence interval = 1.6-30.5). The risk of thrombosis was not significant in patients with MTHFR and PT20210A mutation ( P = .2). Age, catheter usage, FVL mutation, and prednisolone treatment are significant risk factors for thromboemboli occurrence.
High risk of cardiovascular diseases after diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jadidi Elham , Mohammadi Mohammad , Moradi Tahereh
Published: January 2013

Background:

Studies of the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have the potential to improve our understanding of the etiology of and the heterogeneity of prognosis and outcomes.

Objectives:

To investigate the risk of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF) or Flutter in MS patients with different ethnicity, both female and male.

Methods:

Using Poisson regression, we performed a nationwide study in Sweden to investigate the association between the diagnosis of MS and the risk of MI, stroke, HF, or AF/Flutter in 8281 patients who were hospitalized due to MS from 1987 through 2009, plus 76,640 matched control individuals. We performed stratified analyses by sex, age at follow-up and country of birth.

Results:

Among MS patients, the incidence rate ratio for MI was 1.85 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59 to 2.15), for stroke was 1.71 (95% CI 1.46 to 2.00), for HF was 1.97 (95% CI 1.52 to 2.56) and for AF/Flutter was 0.63 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.87), as compared with individuals without MS. The increased risks were particularly prominent for women. These associations remained after stratification by sex, age and country of birth.

Conclusion:

We recommend careful surveillance and preventive CVDs measures among MS patients, particularly among the women.
Party change, social media and the rise of ‘citizen-initiated’ campaigning
Authors: Gibson Rachel K
Published: January 2013

This article argues that digital media are introducing a new grassroots-based mode of ‘citizen-initiated campaigning’ (CIC) that challenges the dominant professionalized model of campaign management by devolving power over core tasks to the grassroots. After defining the practice through reference to the 2008 campaign of Barack Obama and online parties literature, we devise a measure of CIC that is applied to UK parties in the 2010 election. Our findings show that CIC is emerging outside the U.S. and adoption is associated with major party status, although it may be of particular appeal to political actors facing a resource deficit. The conclusions focus on the implications of CIC for new forms of party membership, indirect voter mobilization and the contextual factors influencing this new model of campaigning.
‘Steal me if you can!’ The impact of campaign messages on associative issue ownership
Authors: Tresch Anke , Lefevere Jonas , Walgrave Stefaan
Published: January 2013

Whereas extant work on issue ownership treats voters’ issue ownership perceptions as independent variables to explain electoral choice or party behaviour, this article examines whether parties can, by communicating on an issue, turn voters' perceptions of issue ownership to their advantage. In contrast to most previous studies that have focused on competence ownership – measured as a party's capacity to handle an issue – this article analyses the short-term and long-term impact of campaign messages on voters' perceptions of associative ownership, which refers to the voters’ spontaneous party–issue association, regardless of whether or not voters consider the party as the most competent at dealing with the issue at hand. Based on an online experimental design in Belgium, we show that parties are unable to steal issues that are associated with another party. However, by communicating on their own issues, parties can reinforce their reputation as an associative owner – but only in the short run and only if their previous ownership reputation is not overly strong.
Using MP statements to explain voting behaviour in the German Bundestag
Authors: Sieberer Ulrich
Published: January 2013

Why do members of parliament (MPs) vote against the party line? Recent explanations of party unity focus on MPs cross-pressured between the demands of competing principals such as their party and local constituencies. This article tests key claims of the Competing Principals Theory on the level of individual deputies. It relies on public statements in which MPs explain their voting behaviour. This new data source allows more direct insights into MPs’ decision-making calculus than roll-call data. The article develops a theoretical model for the usage of such statements and the position MPs take vis-à-vis the party line. Empirically, it studies Explanations of Votes on all roll-call votes in the 16th German Bundestag (2005–2009) statistically controlling for sample selection. The analyses show among others things that district MPs take more critical stances, party leaders dissent less and government MPs are more likely to voice reservations without defecting in voting.
Preference for radical right-wing populist parties among exclusive-nationalists and authoritarians
Authors: Dunn Kris
Published: January 2013

The literature on authoritarianism and exclusive forms of nationalism often implies that authoritarian and exclusive-nationalist individuals will prefer radical right-wing populist parties such as Austria's FPÖ. The theoretical case for such implications appears sound as party programmes for radical right-wing populist parties invoke rhetoric that should appeal to individuals with either of these characteristics. To date, these implications have not been examined. This article examines quantitative survey data from five Western European countries with electorally viable radical right-wing populist parties to determine whether radical right-wing populist parties are preferred by authoritarians and/or exclusive-nationalists. Analyses indicate that the radical right-wing populist parties studied here are consistently preferred by exclusive-nationalist individuals, though not necessarily to all other parties, but only inconsistently preferred by authoritarian individuals. While more nuanced investigation is still needed, it is clear that, contrary to the assumptions in the authoritarianism literature, radical right-wing populist parties cannot always rely on authoritarian individuals for support.
Sidestepping questions of legitimacy: How community representatives manoeuvre to effect change in a health service
Authors: Nathan Sally , Stephenson Niamh , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: January 2013

Empirical studies of community participation in health services commonly tie effectiveness to the perceived legitimacy of community representatives among health staff. This article examines the underlying assumption that legitimacy is the major pathway to influence for community representatives. It takes a different vantage point from previous research in its examination of data (primarily through 34 in-depth interviews, observation and recording of 26 meetings and other interactions documented in field notes) from a 3-year study of community representatives’ action in a large health region in Australia. The analysis primarily deploys Michel de Certeau’s ideas of Strategy and Tactic to understand the action and effects of the generally ‘weaker players’ in the spaces and places dominated by powerful institutions. Through this lens, we can see the points where community representatives are active participants following their own agenda, tactically capitalising on cracks in the armour of the health service to seize opportunities that present themselves in time to effect change. Being able to see community representatives as active producers of change, not simply passengers following the path of the health service, challenges how we view the success of community participation in health.
Mitigation of urban heat island effect and greenroofs
Authors: Lee Jong Soo , Kim Jeong Tai , Lee Myung Gi
Published: January 2013

The anthropogenic developments have been causing a warming phenomenon of city centres called urban heat islands (UHI). The effect is made worse by the urban canopy characteristics of concrete, façade glazing and asphalt surfaces of building and road structures. Buildings would absorb shortwave radiation and store heat during daytime, and release heat into atmosphere at night, thus increasing the ambient temperature. The wide spread use of HVAC air-conditioners in the densely urbanised areas, as well as increasing commercial developments and massive rise in automobile traffics are also important contributing factors, which can lead to formation of ozone and smog. Urban temperatures can be up to 5–12℃ warmer than the surrounding countryside under extreme meteorological conditions of calm and clear anticyclonic weather. High temperatures in cities can exacerbate energy demand for building air conditioning, therefore higher emission of CO2 contributing further to green house warming. There are a number of UHI mitigation strategies including increasing the surface reflectivity and vegetation density in urban areas. This can be achieved by greening the urban environment by planting trees and vegetation; incorporating better roof designs such as cool roofs, greenroofs, reflective roofs and cool pavements. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of UHI effects in city centres and examine the mitigation strategies and the thermal benefits of greenroofs.
Patients’ and providers’ perceptions of the impact of health literacy on communication in pulmonary rehabilitation
Authors: Sadeghi Shiva , Brooks Dina , Goldstein Roger S
Published: January 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent form of chronic respiratory diseases worldwide. Pulmonary rehabilitation, including self-management education, highlights the importance of good patient–provider communication in establishing optimal care. There is a growing awareness of the potential impact of health literacy (HL) on the patients’ access to and understanding of medical information. This study was designed to explore the patients’ and health care professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions of the role of HL in health communication.

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 12 patients and 20 HCPs at a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center in Metropolitan Toronto.

Although the term health literacy was not familiar to many patients, the contribution of knowledge to patient well-being was consistently identified by patients and HCPs. Barriers to communication included provider time constraints and the use of medical jargon. For providers they also included patient characteristics, language, culture and awareness of health resources. Approaches that might improve communication incorporated family support, peer support, better print and visual teaching material and a trusting empathic patient–provider relationship.

The findings provide an increased understanding of patients’ and providers’ perceptions of HL as a barrier to effective communication of medical information to patients with COPD as well as approaches that might improve this communication.
A Report Card on Latina/o Leadership in California’s Public Universities
Authors: Santos José L. , Acevedo-Gil Nancy
Published: January 2013

The article examines the status of leadership in two California public higher education systems: California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC) from 2001 to 2009. Findings reveal that the representation of Latina/o faculty and administrators does not reflect the density in the Latina/o undergraduate student and general population. The level of success in hiring faculty and administrators within the two California public higher education systems is analyzed.
Executive Decision Making
Authors: Beck Joseph B. , Wiersema Margarethe F.
Published: January 2013

To more completely understand the basis for firm performance differences, we need greater clarity on the drivers of differentiation in managerial strategic decision making, as well as on the impact these decisions have on the composition and configuration of the firm’s resource portfolio. In this article, we provide an integrative framework that illustrates how strategic leaders influence firm strategy and performance. Our model clarifies the role that dynamic managerial capabilities play in fashioning a unique bundle of resources for the firm, thus leading to differences in firm strategies and performance outcomes. The process is illustrated by examples drawn from industry.
A wireless sensor system for monitoring the performance of a swimmer’s tumble turn
Authors: Le Sage Tanya , Conway Paul , Cossor Jodi , Slawson Sian , West Andrew
Published: January 2013

A wireless sensor system has been used to calculate measurable performance parameters throughout a swimmer’s tumble turn. The parameters to be measured have been specified by the users (coaches, biomechanists and swimmers) of the system. The findings suggest that the wireless sensor network can be used to determine the approach time, contact time, glide time, kick time and stroke time to within 0.07 ± 0.16 s of the results obtained using manual digitisation of video images obtained from an underwater camera. It is concluded that it is possible to determine the swimmer’s time, orientation and velocity throughout the turn using the implemented inertial navigation system.
Durability of potential plutonium wasteforms under repository conditions
Authors: Deissmann G. , Neumeier S. , Modolo G. , Bosbach D.
Published: January 2013

Separated stocks of UK civil plutonium are currently held as a zero value asset in storage, as there is no final decision about whether they should be treated as a resource for future use as nuclear fuel or as waste. Irrespective of future UK government strategies regarding plutonium, at least a portion of the UK civil plutonium inventory will be designated for geological disposal. In this context, we performed a high-level review of the performance of potential wasteforms for the disposal of separated civil plutonium. The key issues considered were the durability and chemical reactivity of the wasteforms in aqueous environments and the long-term radionuclide release under conditions relevant to geological disposal. The major findings of the review, relevant not only to the situation in the UK but to plutonium disposal in general, are summarized in this paper. The review showed that, in the event of a decision being taken to declare plutonium as a waste for disposal, more systematic studies would be required to constrain the wasteform performance under repository conditions in order to derive realistic source terms for a safety case.
Development of nuclear criticality safety controls on intermediate-level waste packages
Authors: Hicks T. W. , Wood P. , Putley D. , Baldwin T. D.
Published: January 2013

Intermediate-level wastes (ILW) include substantial quantities of fissile material and controls are required to ensure that its storage, transport and disposal does not present a nuclear criticality hazard. This paper describes the Radioactive Waste Management Directorate's research to develop package fissile material limits (in the form of screening levels) for four different categories of ILW, defined according to uranium or plutonium composition: (1) irradiated natural and slightly enriched uranium (uranium containing up to 1.9 wt.% 235U); (2) low-enriched uranium (uranium containing up to 4 wt.% 235U); (3) high-enriched uranium (uranium containing up to 100 wt.% 235U); and (4) separated plutonium (plutonium containing up to 100 wt.% 239Pu).

The derivation of package screening levels was supported by neutron transport calculations that addressed conditions during waste package transport to a geological disposal facility (GDF), during the GDF operational phase and after GDF closure. The analysis included consideration of combinations of events and processes that could result in fissile material accumulation and concentration after GDF closure, when waste packages have deteriorated sufficiently for fissile material to be mobilized. The results of the calculations have provided input to Radioactive Waste Management Directorate's decision making on setting waste package screening levels.
Experimental study to evaluate the effect of polymeric encapsulants on the corrosion resistance of intermediate-level radioactive waste packages
Authors: Winsley R. J. , Smart N. R. , Padovani C.
Published: January 2013

Intermediate-level radioactive waste is normally encapsulated in cementitious grout. However, for some wastes, grout may not be suitable and polymeric encapsulants are being considered as an alternative. One concern with such encapsulants is their long-term chemical stability and the possibility that release of aggressive degradation products could cause corrosion.

This paper evaluates the potential for three polymeric encapsulants: two epoxy resins (the APS polymer system, (APS) and Alchemix 4760 (ALC)) and a vinyl-ester styrene (VES); to cause internal corrosion of stainless steel waste containers. The corrosion behaviour of stainless steel 316L in contact with each encapsulant was studied in saturated Ca(OH)2 solutions and deionized (DI) water, at 80°C, under non-irradiated and γ-irradiated conditions.

In aerated, alkaline conditions, 316L was resistant to corrosion in all the conditions tested. However, in DI water, the pH fell to values as low as three due to release of acidic species from the polymers. The two epoxy materials (particularly APS) also released significant levels of chloride; VES did not. Chloride release appeared to be increased by γ-irradiation. As a result of the low pH chloride-containing environment created by the APS encapsulant, 316L experienced localized corrosion, whereas coupons in Alchemix 4760 and VES did not. Weight loss measurements correlated with visual observations. γ-irradiation appeared to increase the degree of corrosion.
Deep borehole disposal of higher burn up spent nuclear fuels
Authors: Gibb F. G. F. , Travis K. P. , Hesketh K. W.
Published: January 2013

The heat outputs of higher burn up spent fuels (SF) create problems for disposal in mined repositories, including needs for reduced container loadings and extended pre-disposal cooling. An alternative that is less temperature sensitive is deep borehole disposal (DBD) which offers safety, cost, security and other potential benefits and could be implemented relatively quickly using currently available deep-drilling technology. We have modified our previously proposed version of DBD to be more appropriate for higher burn-up fuels by using smaller (0.36 m diameter) stainless steel containers, a smaller (0.56 m diameter) borehole, and different support matrices. We present the results of new heat-flow modelling for DBD of UO2 and MOX SF with burn ups of 55 and 65 GWd/t showing how temperatures evolve, especially on the outer surface of the containers. Consequences for the performance of the support matrices and the disposal concept are discussed. The thermal modelling indicates DBD is a viable option for higher burn-up SF and could be a practical disposal route for many combinations of fuel types, burn ups, ages and container loadings. Further, the results suggest that DBD of complete fuel assemblies, a desirable option, would be feasible and require much shorter pre-disposal cooling than necessary for disposal in mined repositories.
The role of stress history on the flow of fluids through fractures
Authors: Sathar S. , Reeves H. J. , Cuss R. J. , Harrington J. F.
Published: January 2013

Understanding flow along fractures and faults is of importance to the performance assessment (PA) of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste. Flow can occur along pre-existing fractures in the host-rock or along fractures created during the construction of the GDF within the excavation damage zone (EDZ). The complex fracture network will have a range of orientations and will exist within a complex stress regime. Critical stress theory suggests that fractures close to localized shear failure are critically stressed and therefore most conductive to fluid flow. Analysis of fault geometry and stress conditions at Sellafield has revealed that no features were found to be, or even close to being, classified as critically stressed, despite some being conductive. In order to understand the underlying reasons why non-critically stressed fractures were conductive a series of laboratory experiments were performed. A bespoke angled shear rig (ASR) was built in order to study the relationship between fluid flow (water and gas) through a fracture surface as a function of normal load. Fluid flow reduced with an increase in normal load, as expected. During unloading considerable hysteresis was seen in flow and shear stress. Fracture flow was only partially recovered for water injection, whereas gas flow increased remarkably during unloading. The ratio of shear stress to normal stress seems to control the fluid flow properties during the unloading stage of the experiment demonstrating its significance in fracture flow. The exhumation of the Sellafield area during the Palaeogene–Neogene resulted in considerable stress relaxation and in fractures becoming non-critically stressed. The hysteresis in shear stress during uplift has resulted in faults remaining, or becoming, conductive. The field and laboratory observations illustrate that understanding the stress-history of a fractured rock mass is essential, and a mere understanding of the current stress regime is insufficient to estimate the flow characteristics of present-day fractures.