bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External methods to address limitations of using global information on the narrow-down approach for hierarchical text classification
Authors: Oh Heung-Seon , Jung Yuchul
Published: August 2014

Classifying documents to a large-scale web taxonomy is a challenging research problem because of a large number of categories and associated documents in the taxonomy. The state-of-the-art solution known as the narrow-down approach utilizes a search engine to reduce an entire category hierarchy to most relevant categories and selects the best one among them using a classifier. In a recent language modelling approach, top-level category information (or global information) was used in judging the appropriateness of a local category, which led to performance improvements. However, we observe that using global information has a limited influence on the final category selection under some conditions. First, global information may be inaccurate even though it is generated by a top-level category classifier using an entire hierarchy. Second, it has little influence when two competing categories share the same top-level category or when the local category information has too strong an influence on the final category selection. To resolve the limitations, in this paper, we propose two external methods: (1) a meta-classifier with novel dependency features among top-level categories based on an ensemble learning framework; and (2) a query modification model based on a statistical feedback method to improve the query document representation instead of just juggling with information in the hierarchy. Our methods were evaluated using the Open Directory Project test collection.
Principals’ Challenges to Adverse Employment Actions
Authors: Mayger Linda K. , Zirkel Perry A.
Published: August 2014

This article provides a tabular analysis of court rulings where public school principals challenged the adverse employment actions of involuntary transfer, suspension, demotion, nonrenewal, constructive termination, and termination during the period 1998-2012. The primary findings were that (a) the judicial outcomes were markedly in favor of the defendant school districts and (b) although the number of claims had increased during this 15-year period, the outcomes trend did not correspondingly shift in favor of the plaintiff-principals.
Reducing the Preoperative Ecological Footprint in Otolaryngology
Authors: Lui Justin T. , Rudmik Luke , Randall Derrick R.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To (1) evaluate the potential for recycling uncontaminated preoperative waste and (2) identify recycling differences within otolaryngology–head and neck surgery subspecialties.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Three university‐affiliated tertiary level hospitals.

Subjects

Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery operative procedures.

Methods

A total of 97 operative procedures were evaluated. Preoperative waste products were sorted into recyclable and nonrecyclable materials; intraoperative waste was weighed for volume but not sorted. The preoperative period was defined as the opening of the surgical supply cart for operating room preparation until procedure initiation. Mass and volume of each type of waste were recorded upon the conclusion of the case.

Results

Approximately 23.1% of total operative waste mass (36.7% by volume) was derived from the preoperative set‐up, of which 89.7% was recyclable. Pediatric procedures produced the least recyclable material per operation as a proportion of total waste, which was statistically different than the 2 highest recyclable subspecialties, general and rhinology (P =. 006); the remaining subspecialties did not statistically differ in proportion of recyclable material produced.

Conclusion

This study identified a source of clean recyclable materials that could eliminate 21% of operating room waste mass.
The Object of Desire
Authors: Ramsey Laura R. , Hoyt Tiffany
Published: August 2014

Although the objectification of women is widespread, there is relatively little research on objectification in romantic relationships. The purpose of our research was to explore how partner-objectification might be related to sexual pressure and coercion in heterosexual relationships. Two studies were conducted, one with heterosexual men and one with heterosexual women as participants. An online survey of 119 heterosexual men in the United States demonstrated that men who frequently survey their partners’ bodies are more likely to sexually pressure and coerce their partners—primarily because partner-surveillance is related to feelings of shame regarding one’s partner’s body, which in turn is related to increased sexual pressure and coercion. An online survey of 162 heterosexual women in the United States demonstrated feeling objectified by a partner is related to several (but not all) measures of sexual pressure and coercion. Furthermore, women who felt that their partners frequently surveyed their bodies were more likely to experience self-surveillance, which in turn predicted increased body shame and lowered sexual agency. Our research can inform interventions aimed at reducing sexual coercion and spark future research on the distinction between physical attraction and objectification in the context of romantic relationships.
Lost in Translation? Reading Foulkes Today
Authors: Nitzgen Dieter
Published: August 2014

The article focuses on the discrepancy between the success of Foulkes as an author and the predicament of his work today. Introduced by some preliminary remarks on the notion of intersubjectivity, his change of name from Siegmund Heinrich Fuchs to S.H. Foulkes is discussed as formative for the development of his professional creativity. It is argued that talking about Foulkes as an author, the particular circumstances of his writing cannot be ignored as they influenced the predicament of his written work and continue to do so. With regard to these, it is maintained that although Foulkes as a person never got lost in translation, as an author he is in danger of being so today. As a conclusion, a plea is made if not for the Collective Works of S.H. Foulkes but at least for a commented (re-) edition of them.
Effect of head wear and lateral forces on underhead radius crack propagation
Authors: Ranjha Sagheer Abbas , Mutton Peter , Kapoor Ajay
Published: August 2014

This paper investigated the effect of rail head wear (HW) and lateral forces on underhead radius stress conditions and resulting stress intensity factors (SIFs) of a long transverse crack. The occurrence of tension spikes at the underhead radius of the rail as a result of localised vertical and lateral bending of the head-on-web was significantly exacerbated with increasing rail HW. The extended finite element method (X-FEM) modelling, which had previously been validated by comparison with in-track measurements to verify the prediction of tension spikes, was used to model a single rail on discrete elastic foundations. SIFs along the crack front were parametrically evaluated in terms of changes in the contact patch offset (CPO), the ( L/ V) ratio of lateral ( L) to vertical ( V) loads, the rail HW, and crack size and shape. The X-FEM results revealed that for a long transverse crack, extending the crack length to the underhead radius position results in higher SIFs across the underhead radius as a result of tensile bending stresses. These higher SIFs can contribute to a massively higher crack growth rate at this location, as was evidenced by the crack growth morphology at the underhead radius.
Narration and translation
Authors: Bernaerts Lars , De Bleeker Liesbeth , De Wilde July
Published: August 2014

This opening essay of the special issue on ‘Narration and Translation’ discusses the overlaps between the fields of narratology and translation studies. The fact that translation scholars have merely skimmed the surface of narratological issues relevant for the study of translation can be understood within the context of early developments in translation studies. The first explicit use of narratological models in this discipline has grown out of unease with the extant focus on the macrostructural level of translations. In recent decades, translation scholars have begun to include narrative approaches in their research. Some conceptualize the translator’s discursive presence by referring to a model of narrative communication, or borrow concepts from narratology in order to analyse observed shifts in literary translations. Outside the domain of literary translation studies, scholars have looked into the way translation can refashion narratives in the real world. Conversely, narrative theories have rarely dealt with translational issues, even though they often rely on translations of literary texts. The issue as a whole wants to enhance the dialogue between narratology and translation studies. Each essay explores aspects of the relation between narration and translation.
The translation pact
Authors: Alvstad Cecilia
Published: August 2014

In this article I argue that translated texts and translational paratexts invite readers to read translated texts as if they were the originals, a hitherto widely ignored premise of translations. Although translations are produced by many agents in collaboration (authors, publishers, copy-editors and translators), they are generally presented as texts produced predominantly by one agent, the author. I therefore claim that there is a ‘translation pact’ at work in translated literature, a rhetorical construction through which readers are invited to read translated texts as if they were the originals. A narratological implication of the pact is that individual readers who accept the pact will reconstruct only an ‘implied author’ and not an ‘implied translator’. This view differs from earlier works on the implied translator (e.g. Munday, 2008: 11; O’Sullivan, 2003; Schiavi, 1996). The translation pact is most often constructed implicitly, but sometimes translators draw attention to themselves and manifest their agency, for example by discussing translational decisions in prefaces and notes. Against what one would assume from previous claims on the translator’s ‘visibility’ (Venuti, 1995), I demonstrate that the translator’s presence does not necessarily work against the pact but can rather strengthen it. The translation pact explains why readers, including critics, literary scholars and other professional readers, often talk and write about translations as if they were originals composed solely by the author.
Can a “Psychosocial Model” Help Explain Violence Perpetrated by Female Batterers?
Authors: Ferreira Regardt J. , Buttell Frederick P.
Published: August 2014

Objective:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the psychosocial predictors of propensity for abusiveness among a large sample of women ordered into a 26-week batterer intervention program (BIP).

Method:

The study employed a nonequivalent, control group design (comparing program completers to dropouts) in a secondary analysis of 485 women.

Results:

Analysis indicated that (1) there were no significant differences between program completers and dropouts on their propensity for abusiveness. (2) There are specific family of origin indicators associated with higher levels of propensity for abusiveness among women batterers. (3) Family of origin indicators leading to increased propensity for abusiveness were significantly different among racial groups.

Conclusion:

These findings reveal characteristics of women batterers, as they relate to the propensity for abusiveness and provide preliminary evidence suggesting exposure to various forms of violence in family of origin helps explain the use of violence by adult women against their intimate partners.
Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine
Authors: Corrigan Patricia A. , Cicci Teresa A. , Auten Jessica Johnston , Lowe Denise K.
Published: August 2014

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, adverse effects, drug-drug interactions, dosage and administration, and formulary considerations for ado-trastuzumab emtansine. Data Sources: Sources of information were identified through a PubMed search (1966 to June 2014) using the key terms ado-trastuzumab emtansine, trastuzumab-DM1, trastuzumab-MCC-DM1, and T-DM1. Other information was obtained from clinicaltrials.gov, product labeling, and press releases. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language clinical trials and abstracts evaluating ado-trastuzumab emtansine in humans were reviewed for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Overexpression or amplification of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) occurs in approximately 20% of breast cancers and is associated with more aggressive tumors and poorer prognosis in the absence of treatment. Although effective therapies for the initial management of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) exist, many patients will experience disease progression. Most second-line therapies are associated with either significant toxicities or limited improvements in overall survival (OS). Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is a HER2-positive directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) approved in February 2013. In phase III clinical trials comparing the efficacy and safety of ado-trastuzumab emtansine with lapatinib-capecitabine or physician’s choice, ado-trastuzumab emtansine had a better tolerability profile and improved progression-free survival compared with lapatinib-capecitabine or physician’s choice and increased OS compared with lapatinib-capecitabine. Conclusion: Ado-trastuzumab emtansine is a novel ADC effective for HER2-positive MBC in patients previously treated with trastuzumab, lapatinib, and a taxane. Further studies will determine its use in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant setting and in combination with pertuzumab.
Graft Shape Affects Midfoot Correction and Forefoot Loading Mechanics in Lateral Column Lengthening Osteotomies
Authors: Baxter Josh R. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Prado Marcelo Pires , Gilbert Susannah L. , Tharmviboonsri Theerawoot , Deland Jonathan T.
Published: August 2014

Background:

Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is characterized by midfoot abduction and collapse of the medial longitudinal arch. Lateral column lengthening osteotomies primarily correct the abduction deformity, but the effects of graft shape on deformity correction and forefoot loading are unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effect of graft shape and taper on deformity correction and forefoot loading mechanics in a cadaveric flatfoot model.

Methods:

Flatfoot deformity was simulated in 18 cadaveric specimens. A lateral column lengthening osteotomy was performed using a triangular, trapezoidal, and rectangular graft for each specimen. During each testing condition, talonavicular joint angles and forefoot plantar pressures were measured.

Results:

Each graft shape corrected abduction and dorsiflexion deformity at the talonavicular joint. Coronal plane correction was affected by graft shape, and the less tapered trapezoidal and rectangular grafts overloaded the lateral forefoot compared to the intact condition. The more tapered triangular graft did not cause a lateral shift in forefoot pressures. Forefoot plantar pressures were strongly correlated with talonavicular abduction correction ( R2 = .473, P < .001).

Conclusion:

Graft shape had no effect on the correction of talonavicular abduction or dorsiflexion but did influence coronal plane motion and forefoot loading mechanics. Also, overcorrecting the abduction deformity was predictive of increased lateral plantar pressures.

Clinical Relevance:

Although overcorrection of the abduction deformity at the midfoot remains the primary determinant of lateral forefoot overload, utilizing a graft with a larger taper may lower the incidence of lateralized forefoot pressure following correction.
The changes of complexity in the performance degradation process of rolling element bearing
Authors: Pan Yuna , Chen Jin
Published: August 2014

Rolling element bearing is not only the most important failure unit in rotary machinery, but it is also the most common, and its performance degradation assessment has been proposed to realize equipment’s near-zero downtime and maximum productivity. Therefore, exploring effective indices is crucial. Rolling element bearing’s vibration signals often contain complex, non-stationary and nonlinear characteristics. In this work, the changes of complexity, which are measured by two nonlinear methods: correlation dimension and approximate entropy, in the performance degradation process of rolling element bearing based on simulation and bearing accelerated life test data have been studied. Results show that the complexity decreases with the development of obvious defects, and that correlation dimension and approximate entropy have different sensitivities to different performance degradation stages, with the different ability of reflecting the first degradation stage being explained by their different computation processes.
Impact of liquid crystal additives on a canola oil-based bio-lubricant
Authors: Elemsimit Hamid A , Grecov Dana
Published: August 2014

Vegetable oils can offer important environmental advantages with respect to biodegradability and renewability, as well as good performances in different applications. In this work, the rheological and tribological properties of an industrial canola oil-based bio-lubricant were investigated. They were compared with the properties of a mineral hydraulic lubricant used for similar applications. The tribological performance of the lubricants was investigated using a four-ball test and a pin-on-disk setup, and the rheological behavior was studied using oscillatory rheometry. The tested bio-hydraulic oil exhibited excellent lubricity. Liquid crystal additives affected the viscoelasticity differently. Moreover, the added ionic liquid crystal improved the wear resistance of the bio-hydraulic oil, but the original lubricant preserved the lowest coefficient of friction.
Route planning for air missions in hostile environments
Authors: Erlandsson Tina
Published: August 2014

Air mission planning in hostile environments requires that multiple dependent objectives are taken into account. For example, the aircraft must be unharmed in order to perform reconnaissance in an area of interest. Moreover, the risk that the aircraft gets hit depends on the probability that the enemy’s sensors are tracking the aircraft. This paper suggests and analyses an expected cost model for mission routes. It is shown that only a few parameters need to be adjusted for combining different objectives, such as maximizing the survivability, maximizing the probability of performing mission task(s) and minimizing the time in air. The route planning problem is formulated as the optimization problem of finding the route with minimum expected cost. An implemented route planner utilizing particle swarm optimization is used for demonstrating the method with simulations. It is shown that the route planner is able to take dependencies between objectives into account. The conclusion is that the method is useful for planning air missions in hostile environments with multiple objectives.
Identifying gaps in knowledge: A map of the qualitative literature concerning life with a neurological condition
Authors: Audulv Åsa , Packer Tanya , Versnel Joan
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To describe patterns in the qualitative literature regarding the everyday experience of living with a neurological condition; to identify areas of depth as well as gaps in the existing knowledge base.

Methods

An extensive search of the literature yielded 474 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Data extraction, based on scrutiny of both abstract and full text article included country of origin, diagnosis, stated aim, methodological framework/design, participants, and data collection method(s). Studies were categorized into 27 topics within four broad foci.

Results

Four broad foci describe the field: impact and management, daily activities and occupations, impact on family, and the healthcare experience. Overall the research is unevenly distributed by diagnosis; some are well represented while others are the subject of little research. Even diagnoses well represented in quantity can be limited in breadth.

Discussion

Possible explanations for the patterns of emphasis include: a focus on issues and problems, highlighted points of contact between patients and healthcare providers, and ability of participants to voice their views. The literature is also characterized by limited across diagnoses research or that comparing the experience of people with different diagnoses. There is a need for more research in particular diagnoses; more varied data collection methods and acknowledgement of ethnicity, gender, discrimination, and social inequalities.
Delamination of Ançã limestone due to sodium sulfate under different environmental conditions as studied by nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Brito Vânia , Saidov Tamerlan A , Gonçalves Teresa Diaz , Pel Leo
Published: August 2014

Sodium sulfate is one of the most damaging and complex salts typically involved in the deterioration of our architectural heritage. One of the main difficulties is to determine which of its crystalline phases, that is, thenardite, mirabilite, or the metastable heptahydrate, will precipitate under certain conditions. Indeed, there is a significant range of temperature and relative humidity in which these phases can crystallize. Furthermore, one precipitated crystalline phase may under certain conditions transform to another one. Here, we show that nuclear magnetic resonance can be successfully used to non-destructively define the phase being precipitated. We investigate delamination of Ançã limestone due to sodium sulfate crystallization, a type of decay which is representative of those occurring in real constructions. The decay was achieved during isothermal drying of stone specimens under different environmental conditions. The work allowed concluding that both mirabilite and heptahydrate can be responsible for this type of decay in different conditions. The heptahydrate tends to crystallize when there is no previous presence of mirabilite crystals in the porous material.
Management of acute eye injuries in primary care
Authors: Pidduck Helen Rebecca , Dillon Megan Jane
Published: August 2014

Eye injuries are common, with trauma accounting for nearly half of all presentations to eye casualties in the UK and overseas. Although most are minor and do not cause lasting visual impairment, serious injuries can have significant morbidity. It is therefore important to differentiate between the two cases. Many minor eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions, lid lacerations and some foreign bodies can be managed in the community, whereas others require prompt specialist assessment. This article covers common injuries, with emphasis on the red flag signs of serious trauma, and their initial management.
Detection of asymptomatic renal Leptospira infection in abattoir slaughtered cattle in southeastern Georgia, United States
Authors: Rajeev Sreekumari , Ilha Marcia , Woldemeskel Moges , Berghaus Roy D , Pence Mel E
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonotic infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. Several animal species, including cattle, can act as potential asymptomatic carriers facilitating zoonotic transmission of Leptospira. This study was conducted to assess the occurrence of asymptomatic renal Leptospira carriers among cattle slaughtered in southeastern Georgia, United States.

Methods:

A battery of diagnostic tests, including dark field microscopy, direct fluorescent antibody staining, polymerase chain reaction, and culture, were performed on a set of bovine kidneys (n = 37) collected from an abattoir in southeastern Georgia, United States. Virulence of a field isolate obtained from this study was tested in a hamster experimental model.

Results:

Motile spirochete-like structures were observed by dark field microscopy in 23 (59%) out of 37 kidney samples tested. In all, 29 samples (78%) were positive by direct fluorescent antibody staining. Only 11 (29.7%) samples by polymerase chain reaction and 3 (8.1%) by culture were positive for Leptospira sp. The isolates obtained by culture were confirmed as Leptospira borgpetersenii. Hamsters experimentally infected with one of the Leptospira field isolates obtained from this study did not show clinical signs but developed renal infection with interstitial nephritis and tubular necrosis.

Conclusions:

This study confirms that asymptomatic Leptospira renal infection is present among cattle in the region. Our findings underscore the need for future studies to assess the potential environmental contamination and transmission to humans in contact with infected cattle.
Depression and heart rate variability in firefighters
Authors: Liao Li-Mei , Al-Zaiti Salah S , Carey Mary G
Published: August 2014

Introduction:

Depression has been found to increase the risk of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease through a mechanism of changing cardiac autonomic tone which is reflected by alteration of heart rate variability indices. This study investigated whether such mechanism existed in firefighters who were at high risk of depression and sudden cardiac death.

Methods and results:

In total, 107 firefighters were recruited. All completed Beck Depression Inventory and underwent 24-h ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. The root-mean-square of successive differences, standard deviation of all normal-to-normal intervals index, and the percentage of differences between adjacent normal-to-normal intervals >50 ms were significantly lower in depressed than in non-depressed firefighters after controlling for hypertension, age, and body mass index (40.1 ± 18.8 vs 62.5 ± 77.4, p < 0.01; 63.0 ± 19.2 vs 72.1 ± 34.8, p < 0.01; 8.4 ± 7.2 vs 12.7 ± 10.9, p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion:

Decreased vagal tone is a possible mechanism linking depression and sudden cardiac death in firefighters.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia among patients of a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Wu Weixin , Merriman Kelly , Nabaah Amr , Seval Nikhil , Afshar-Kharghan Vahid , Yeung Sai-Ching J
Published: August 2014

Most clinical studies of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia have not included cancer patients who have high risk of thromboembolism, frequent exposure to heparin, and many potential causes of thrombocytopenia other than heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. To estimate the incidence and prevalence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in cancer patients, we identified cases based on diagnostic codes, anti-heparin antibody testing, and clinical characteristics (4T score) at a comprehensive cancer center between 1 October 2008 and 31 December 2011. We estimated that the prevalence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia to be 0.02% among all cancer patients and 0.24% among cancer patients exposed to heparin. The annual incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was 0.57 cases per 1000 cancer patients exposed to heparin. Of the 40 cancer patients with the International Classification of Diseases (Ninth Revision; ICD-9) code for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, positive anti-heparin antibody, and 4T score ≥4, 5 (12.5%) died of related thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications. In a multivariate logistic regression model, male gender was a significant ( p = 0.035) factor, and non-hematological malignancy was a significant ( p = 0.017) factor associated with anti-heparin antibody positivity. Future studies may further examine the risk factors associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in larger cohorts.
Is more always better? Counter-intuitive effects in consumer assessment of environmental product attributes
Authors: Jongmans Éline , Jolibert Alain , Irwin Julie
Published: August 2014

The objective of this article is to study the influence of the number of environmental attributes of a product on the weight given to these attributes. The results of two experiments show that certified or uncertified environmental attributes on the same product are weighted less (more) by consumers when they are presented jointly (separately). This non-rational effect, called the embedding effect, is stronger for individuals deeply concerned with the environment and involved towards eco labels. The outcome of this study challenges the value of accumulating attributes when dealing with consumers of environmentally friendly products.
Socio-environmental multi-labelling and consumer willingness to pay
Authors: Dufeu Ivan , Ferrandi Jean-Marc , Gabriel Patrick , Le Gall-Ely Marine
Published: August 2014

The objective of this article is to assess the impact of a gradual increase in the number of labels appearing on some food products on consumer valuation of the given product. Three empirical studies were designed to measure the effects of using labels to differentiate food products (Organic Farming, Fairtrade, and Label Rouge (a French label that concerns organoleptic quality)) on the willingness of 519 French consumers of honey to pay a premium. These three studies shed light on a complementarity effect, often dominating the effects of redundancy and information overload. This effect differed depending on the features and the number of associated labels, and was influenced by consumer trust in the labels. These findings should encourage producers to associate their products with labels on packaging when they are consistent in terms of reputation but complementary in terms of attributes.
Community and Individuality
Authors: Andrew Martin
Published: August 2014

How should lecturers teaching postgraduate creative writing in an online master of arts build and maintain e-community to support and socialize learners? The study proposes that such programs need to attend to writers’ investments in developing identities while promoting socialization and sense of belonging. Grounded in literature on communities of practice, imagined community, and identity, the study draws on social constructivist and poststructuralist insights and contributes to the relatively unexplored area of pedagogy for teaching writing online. The study uses qualitative descriptive analysis to narrate themes from two datasets in the form of a métissage. Data from lecturer-e-moderators and students indicate that strategic e-moderation encourages collaboration and maximizes pedagogical potential in forums. Strategic e-moderation builds a sense of community by fostering critical friendships. The study emphasizes the need for e-moderators to develop participants’ investments in working in communities. The study reveals that although postgraduate writing students come to value learning via critical friendships and communities, they also demand particularized feedback from e-moderators and peers. Findings suggest that students need to develop writing identities and voices can be met by a pedagogical approach that harnesses the potential of community while offering response to individual development. The study concludes that pedagogies of community in teaching writing online need to benefit both collectively and individually. This works when writers apply discipline-specific literacies and professional skills in critiquing peer texts, while responding to feedback from their community of practice, facilitated by e-moderators.
Investigation of creep damage in advanced martensitic chromium steel weldments using synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography and EBSD
Authors: Schlacher C. , Pelzmann T. , Béal C. , Sommitsch C. , Gupta C. , Toda H. , Mayr P.
Published: August 2014

In recent years, a design concept for the stabilisation of the microstructure by addition of boron and nitrogen was developed. This so called martensitic boron–nitrogen strengthened steel (MARBN) combines boron strengthening by solid solution with precipitation strengthening by finely dispersed nitrides. Welded joints of MARBN steels showed no formation of a uniform fine grained region in the heat affected zone (HAZ) which is in general highly susceptible to Type IV cracking. In this work, the crossweld creep strength of a newly developed MARBN steel was analysed and the evolution of damage was investigated using synchrotron microtomography supported by electron microscopy. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the tested samples together with electron backscatter diffraction investigations revealed an intense void formation in a restricted area along small grains at prior austenite grain boundaries in the HAZ as the main reason for premature creep failures in the HAZ of welded joints.
Preparation of titanium carbide–titanium boride coatings on Ti6Al4V by PIRAC
Authors: Wu S. J. , Li H. , Wu S. Y. , Guo Q. , Guo B.
Published: August 2014

In the present work, titanium carbide–titanium boride coatings are prepared on Ti6Al4V by powder immersion reaction assisted coating (PIRAC). Microstructure and phase composition of the gained surface layers are characterised by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer. Results show that homogeneous titanium carbide–titanium boride coatings can be formed on the substrate. Phases of the prepared coatings are co-existed TiC, TiB and TiB2 and their content varies with PIRAC treatments. Hardness of the titanium carbide–titanium borides coating prepared at 900°C is about 24·5 GPa, while that of prepared at 1000°C is about 22·5 GPa and shows a larger scatter.
Effect of zwitterionic surfactant on tribological behaviour of electroless plating
Authors: Muraliraja R. , Elansezhian R.
Published: August 2014

Zwitterionic surfactant consisting of positive and negative charges on its head is introduced in electroless alkaline bath to reduce the cost of electroless plating in industrial applications. The concentration of surfactant varied from 0 to 0·030 g L−1 insteps of 0·006 g L−1. The surfactant exhibits attractive and repulsive forces in the electrolyte used, and their corresponding influence on coating thickness, surface structure, adhesion, specific wear rate and microhardness was studied. The results indicated that there was an improvement in the properties of coated substrate. Scanning electron microscope image showed a unique blackberry shaped surface structure after adding the surfactant. Without zwitterionic surfactant, the coating thickness was 44·31 μm, and with surfactant at 0·018 g L−1, it was increased to 98·03 μm. The wear resistance of coated substrate was improved to 54% when compared with the substrate coated without surfactant. Without addition of surfactant, the microhardness was 432 HV, and with zwitterionic surfactant at critical micelle concentration, it was improved to 680 HV.
Downregulation of Prdm16 mRNA is a specific antileukemic mechanism during HOXB4-mediated HSC expansion in vivo
Authors: Yu Hui , Neale Geoffrey , Zhang Hui , Lee Han M. , Ma Zhijun , Zhou Sheng , Forget Bernard G. , Sorrentino Brian P.
Published: August 2014

Key Points

HOXB4 induces stable gene expression changes in transplanted HSCs that drive balanced self-renewal and differentiation divisions. Marked downregulation of Prdm16 occurs concurrently with HOXB4-mediated HSC expansion and functions to prevent leukemia in vivo.
Platelets release mitochondria serving as substrate for bactericidal group IIA-secreted phospholipase A2 to promote inflammation
Authors: Boudreau Luc H. , Duchez Anne-Claire , Cloutier Nathalie , Soulet Denis , Martin Nicolas , Bollinger James , Paré Alexandre , Rousseau Matthieu , Naika Gajendra S. , Lévesque Tania , Laflamme Cynthia , Marcoux Geneviève , Lambeau Gérard , Farndale Richard W. , Pouliot Marc , Hamzeh-Cognasse Hind , Cognasse Fabrice , Garraud Olivier , Nigrovic Peter A. , Guderley Helga , Lacroix Steve , Thibault Louis , Semple John W. , Gelb Michael H. , Boilard Eric
Published: August 2014

Key Points

When activated and in platelet storage bags, platelets release respiratory-competent mitochondria, a recognized damage-associated molecular pattern. Mitochondria, descendant of Rickettsia prowazekii, serve as substrate for bactericidal sPLA2-IIA to promote inflammation.
Perspectives of South American physicians hosting foreign rotators in emergency medicine
Authors: O’Donnell Steve , Adler David H , Inboriboon Pholaphat Charles , Alvarado Hermenegildo , Acosta Raul , Godoy-Monzon Daniel
Published: August 2014

Background

Emergency Medicine (EM) is increasingly becoming an international field. The number of fellowships in International EM in the USA is growing along with opportunities to complete international health electives (IHEs) during residency training. The impact on host institutions, however, has not been adequately investigated. The objective of this study is to assess the experience of several South American hospitals hosting foreign EM residents completing IHEs.

Methods

Anonymous, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with physicians working in Emergency Departments in three hospitals in Lima, Peru and one hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. All participants reported previously working with EM foreign rotators. Interviews were analyzed qualitatively and coded for common themes.

Results

Three department chairs, six residents, and 15 attending physicians were interviewed (total = 24). After qualitative analysis of interviews, two broad theme categories emerged: Benefits and Challenges. Most commonly reported benefits were knowledge sharing about emergency medical systems (78%), medical knowledge transfer (58%), and long-term relationship formation (42%). Top challenges included rotator Spanish language proficiency (70%) lack of reciprocity (58%), and level of training and rotation length (25%). Spanish proficiency related directly to how involved rotators became in patient care (e.g., taking a history, participating in rounds) but was not completely prohibitive, as a majority of physicians interviewed felt comfortable speaking in English. Lack of reciprocity refers to the difficulty of sending host physicians abroad as well as failed attempts at building long-lasting relationships with foreign institutions. Lastly, 25% preferred rotators to stay for at least 1 month and rotate in the last year of EM residency. This latter preference increased knowledge transfer from rotator to host.

Conclusions

Our research identified benefits and challenges of IHEs in Emergency Medicine from the perspective of physician hosts in several hospitals in South America. Our results suggest that IHEs function best when EM residents rotate later in residency training and when relationships are maintained and deepened among those involved including host physicians, rotators, and institutions. This leads to future rotators, project collaboration, research, and publications which not only benefit individuals involved but also the wider field of Emergency Medicine.
Experimental investigation of copper-grooved micro heat pipes (MHPs)
Authors: Wang Xiao-Dong , Zou Liang-Liang , Liu Ji-Guang , Luo Yi , Liu Gang , Yu Bei-Ke
Published: August 2014

With the excellent thermal conductivity and the compatibility to micro electromechanical systems technology, silicon is widely used in micro heat pipes (MHPs). Copper shows higher heat transfer capability and capillary traction than silicon. Copper microgrooves were fabricated on the silicon wafer using electroforming technique in this paper. Water contact angle measurements and thermal behavior tests demonstrated that copper-grooved MHPs showed better performance than silicon ones. Under the input power of 5.99 W, the equivalent thermal conductivities of copper-grooved and silicon-grooved MHPs were 228.98 W/K · m and 196.26 W/K · m. This work showed the feasibility of copper grooved silicon based MHPs in heat transfer for high-power light emitting diode (HP LED).
A river runs through it: how autophagy, senescence, and phagocytosis could be linked to phospholipase D by Wnt signaling
Authors: Gomez-Cambronero Julian , Kantonen Samuel
Published: August 2014

Neutrophils and macrophages are professional phagocytic cells, extremely efficient at the process of engulfing and killing bacteria. Autophagy is a similar process, by which phagosomes recycle internal cell structures during nutrient shortages. Some pathogens are able to subvert the autophagy process, funneling nutrients for their own use and for the host's detriment. Additionally, a failure to mount an efficient autophagy is a deviation on the cell's part from normal cellular function into cell senescence and cessation of the cell cycle. In spite of these reasons, the mechanism of autophagy and senescence in leukocytes has been under studied. We advance here the concept of a common thread underlying both autophagy and senescence, which implicates PLD. Such a PLD-based autophagy mechanism would involve two positive inputs: the generation of PA to help the initiation of the autophagosome and a protein–protein interaction between PLD and PKC that leads to enhanced PA. One negative input is also involved in this process: down-regulation of PLD gene expression by mTOR. Additionally, a dual positive/negative input plays a role in PLD-mediated autophagy, β-catenin increase of autophagy through PLD up-regulation, and a subsequent feedback termination by Dvl degradation in case of excessive autophagy. An abnormal PLD-mTOR-PKC-β-catenin/Wnt network function could lead to faulty autophagy and a means for opportunistic pathogens to survive inside of the cell.
Living with uncertainty: antidepressants and pregnancy
Authors: Jones Ian , McDonald Liz
Published: August 2014

There have been a large number of studies in recent years reporting on the reproductive safety of antidepressant medication. Some studies, but not all, have reported an association of antidepressant exposure in pregnancy and the subsequent development of autism spectrum disorders. It remains difficult to know whether the modest increase in risk is due to the medication, to the mood disorder itself, or to other confounding factors. For any individual woman the decision to commence or continue antidepressant medication in pregnancy must be made after a full consideration of the potential risks and benefits of all options, including non-pharmacological treatments. In making these difficult decisions it is important to recognise that episodes of severe psychiatric illness may have very serious negative consequences for the woman, her baby and her family, and these must be weighed against what is known about the risks of taking medication.
Competitive Framing
Authors: Spiegler Ran
Published: August 2014

I present a simple framework for modeling two-firm market competition when consumer choice is “frame-dependent,” and firms use costless “marketing messages” to influence the consumer’s frame. This framework embeds several recent models in the “behavioral industrial organization” literature. I identify a property that consumer choice may satisfy, which extends the concept of Weighted Regularity due to Piccione and Spiegler (2012), and provide a characterization of Nash equilibria under this property. I use this result to analyze the equilibrium interplay between competition and framing in a variety of applications. (JEL D43, D82, M31)
Taxation of Couples under Assortative Mating
Authors: Frankel Alexander
Published: August 2014

I present a simple and tractable model of the optimal taxation of married couples, working off of the multidimensional screening framework of Armstrong and Rochet (1999). In particular, I study how the tax code varies with the degree of assortative mating. One result is that the “negative jointness” of marginal tax rates found in Kleven, Kreiner, and Saez (2007, 2009) for couples with uncorrelated earnings should be attenuated in the presence of assortative mating. When mating is sufficiently assortative, the optimal tax schedule is separable: an individual's taxes do not depend on his or her spouse's income. (JEL D82, H21, H24, J12)
Does Abolishing User Fees Lead to Improved Health Status? Evidence from Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Tanaka Shinsuke
Published: August 2014

Whether user fees for health services should be charged or abolished for the poor has recently been debated. This study examines the impact on child health status of removing user fees in South Africa. Our main innovation is to exploit plausibly exogenous variation in access to free health care, due to the fact that black Africans under apartheid could exercise little political power and residential choice. We find substantial improvements in weight-for-age z-scores among ex ante similar children. Falsification exercises confirm no preexisting trend in the pre-reform period or no treatment effect among noneligible children in the post-reform period. (JEL H51, I12, I18, I38, J13, O15, O17)
Friends in High Places
Authors: Cohen Lauren , Malloy Christopher J.
Published: August 2014

We demonstrate that personal connections amongst US politicians have a significant impact on Senate voting behavior. Networks based on alumni connections between politicians are consistent predictors of voting behavior. We estimate sharp measures that control for common characteristics of the network, as well as heterogeneous impacts of a common network characteristic across votes. We find that the effect of alumni networks is close to 60 percent as large as the effect of state-level considerations. We show that politicians use school ties as a mechanism to engage in vote trading (“logrolling”), and that alumni networks help facilitate the procurement of discretionary earmarks. (JEL D72, D85, Z13)
Computing the Distribution for the Number of Renewals with Bulk Arrivals
Authors: Fisher Brent , Chaudhry Mohan
Published: August 2014

The distribution of the number of renewals for bulk arrivals in continuous time is calculated using an algorithm employed through MAPLE software. These numerical results are acquired by considering rational as well as nonrational Laplace transforms and Padé-approximated Laplace transforms for the distributions of interrenewal times. Further, through the use of Laplace transforms an elegant solution to determine the asymptotic results for the first and second moments of the number of bulk renewals is presented. These derivations help validate the numerical results and are an extension of previous work by the authors regarding single-arrival renewal theory in discrete time.
Do Relationships Matter? Evidence from Loan Officer Turnover
Authors: Drexler Alejandro , Schoar Antoinette
Published: August 2014

We show that the cost of employee turnover in firms that rely on decentralized knowledge and personal relationships depends on the firms' planning horizons and the departing employees' incentives to transfer information. Using exogenous shocks to the relationship between borrowers and loan officers, we document that borrowers whose loan officers are on leave are less likely to receive new loans from the bank, are more likely to apply for credit from other banks, and are more likely to miss payments or go into default. These costs are smaller when turnover is expected, as in the case of maternity leave, or when loan officers have incentives to transfer information, as in the case of voluntary resignations.

This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Adherence, hypertension
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: August 2014

JOURNALS WATCH

In-depth analysis of the latest research. Compiled by Mark Greener
Managing gestational diabetes
Authors: Webb Jackie
Published: August 2014

OBSTETRICS

The diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes has a number of challenges, explains Jackie Webb