bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blocking of α4 Integrin Does Not Protect From Acute Ischemic Stroke in Mice
Authors: Langhauser Friederike , Kraft Peter , Göb Eva , Leinweber Jonas , Schuhmann Michael K. , Lorenz Kristina , Gelderblom Mathias , Bittner Stefan , Meuth Sven G. , Wiendl Heinz , Magnus Tim , Kleinschnitz Christoph
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—

T lymphocytes have recently been identified as key mediators of tissue damage in ischemic stroke. The interaction between very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) and vascular adhesion molecule-1 is crucial for the transvascular egress of T lymphocytes, and inhibition of this interaction by specific antibodies is a powerful strategy to combat autoimmune neuroinflammation. However, whether pharmacological blocking of T-lymphocyte trafficking is also protective during brain ischemia is still unclear. We investigated the efficacy of a monoclonal antibody directed against VLA-4 in mouse models of ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Transient and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in male C57Bl/6 mice. Animals treated with a monoclonal anti-CD49d antibody (300 μg) 24 hours before or 3 hours after the onset of cerebral ischemia and stroke outcome, including infarct size, functional status, and mortality, were assessed between day 1 and day 7. The numbers of immune cells invading the ischemic brain were determined by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results—

Blocking of VLA-4 significantly reduced the invasion of T lymphocytes and neutrophils on day 5 after middle cerebral artery occlusion and inhibited the upregulation of vascular adhesion molecule-1. However, the anti-CD49d antibody failed to influence stroke outcome positively irrespective of the model or the time point investigated.

Conclusions—

Pharmacological inhibition of the VLA-4/vascular adhesion molecule-1 axis in experimental stroke was ineffective in our hands. Our results cast doubt on the effectiveness of anti-CD49d as a stroke treatment. Further translational studies should be performed before testing anti–VLA-4 antibodies in patients with stroke.
Sleep Duration and Risk of Stroke Mortality Among Chinese Adults
Authors: Pan An , De Silva Deidre Anne , Yuan Jian-Min , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—

Prospective relation between sleep duration and stroke risk is less studied, particularly in Asians. We examined the association between sleep duration and stroke mortality among Chinese adults.

Methods—

The Singapore Chinese Health Study is a population-based cohort of 63 257 Chinese adults aged 45 to 74 years enrolled during 1993 through 1998. Sleep duration at baseline was assessed via in-person interview, and death information during follow-up was ascertained via record linkage with the death registry up to December 31, 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios with adjustment for other comorbidities and lifestyle risk factors of stroke mortality.

Results—

During 926 752 person-years of follow-up, we documented 1381 stroke deaths (322 from hemorrhagic and 1059 from ischemic or nonspecified strokes). Compared with individuals with 7 hours per day of sleep, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of total stroke mortality was 1.25 (1.05–1.50) for ≤5 hours per day (short duration), 1.01 (0.87–1.18) for 6 hours per day, 1.09 (0.95–1.26) for 8 hours per day, and 1.54 (1.28–1.85) for ≥9 hours per day (long duration). The increased risk of stroke death with short (1.54; 1.16–2.03) and long durations of sleep (1.95; 1.48–2.57) was seen among subjects with a history of hypertension, but not in those without hypertension. These findings were limited to risk of death from ischemic or nonspecified stroke, but not observed for hemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusions—

Both short and long sleep durations are associated with increased risk of stroke mortality in a Chinese population, particularly among those with a history of hypertension.
How Labor Management Relations and Human Resource Policies Affect the Process of Teacher Assignment in Urban School Districts
Authors: Youngs Peter , Pogodzinski Ben , Galey Sarah
Published: April 2014

Purpose: This study examined how labor–management relations between school districts and teacher associations seem to affect teacher contract provisions regarding the role of seniority in teacher assignment and how contract provisions and teacher assignment policies seem to affect beginning teachers’ perceptions about their work environments. Research Method/Approach: The study took place in five urban districts in a Midwestern state. In each district, we interviewed the human resource director and teacher association president, surveyed novice teachers in Grades 1 to 8, and examined the district’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA). We used district case reports to identify linkages between labor–management relations and contract provisions regarding teacher assignment. We drew on survey data to examine how these factors affected beginning teachers’ perceptions of their work environments. Findings: In four districts, the CBAs featured flexible language regarding the role of seniority in teacher transfer decisions. Principals had significant autonomy over teacher assignment, and assignment practices in these districts seemed fairly effective. In contrast, the CBA in the fifth district had rigid language pertaining to the role of seniority in transfer decisions and principals felt extremely constrained in making hiring decisions. Furthermore, analyses of the survey data suggested that beginning teachers in District D were less satisfied with their working conditions than novices in the other districts. Implications for Research and Practice: When districts and teacher associations engage in collaborative bargaining and adopt CBAs that provide principals with flexibility with regard to teacher assignment decisions, effective teacher assignment practices are likely to result.
On the Relationship Between Character Strengths and Sustainable Behavior
Authors: Corral-Verdugo Victor , Tapia-Fonllem Cesar , Ortiz-Valdez Anais
Published: April 2014

This article addresses the link existing between sustainable behavior (SB) and the character strengths that constitute universal virtues. Research was conducted to confirm the idea that SB comprises actions of virtuous nature. SB is defined as a positive behavior aimed at the protection of the socio-physical environment, including pro-ecological, altruistic, frugal, and equitable behaviors as its constituting facets. Four hundred eighty Mexican participants responded to the Values in Action Survey—measuring character strengths—and a questionnaire assessing SB. A structural equation model was specified and tested. The results confirmed the presence of six first-order factors (character strengths) so highly interrelated as to produce a higher order factor of “common virtues.” A SB factor was also formed from the interrelations between pro-ecological, altruistic, frugal, and equitable behaviors. The common virtues factor was strongly related to SB ( R2 = .54), supporting the hypothesized virtuous nature of SB.
The Meta Indigenous Politico-Administrative System, Good Governance, and the Modern Republican State in Cameroon
Authors: Njoh Ambe J
Published: April 2014

Traditional or indigenous politico-administrative institutions, as opposed to those of western origin, appear to be regaining their once lost allure in Africa. Yet, it is not enough to simply extol or advocate a return to tradition. There is a need to examine the implicit hypothesis of such advocacy. Are traditional institutions truly capable of making a positive contribution to ongoing efforts to promote good governance and, ultimately, development in Africa? The present study attempts to address this question by analysing the traditional system of Meta, an acephalous polity with a tradition of autonomous chiefdoms and village-centric orientation, in the Northwest Region, Cameroon. A sample of village-level initiatives undertaken within the polity’s decentralized indigenous politico-administrative framework, and region-wide development projects under the auspices of centralized modern institutional bodies, are compared. Results show the indigenous systems markedly outperforming their modern counterparts, particularly based on outcome measures of good governance. This provides some empirical justification for recommending the incorporation of traditional institutions in the modern governance process in Cameroon in particular and Africa in general.
Obesity-associated Gingival Vascular Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Mizutani K. , Park K. , Mima A. , Katagiri S. , King G.L.
Published: April 2014

Obesity is a risk factor for periodontitis, but the pathogenic mechanism involved is unclear. We studied the effects of insulin in periodontal tissues during the state of obesity-induced insulin resistance. Gingival samples were collected from fatty (ZF) and lean (ZL, control) Zucker rats. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was decreased, and activities of protein kinase C (PKC) α, ß2, δ, and ϵ isoforms were significantly increased in the gingiva from ZF rats compared with those from ZL rats. Expression of oxidative stress markers (mRNA) and the p65 subunit of NF-κB was significantly increased in ZF rats. Immunohistochemistry revealed that NF-κB activation was also increased in the gingival endothelial cells from transgenic mice overexpressing NF-κB-dependent enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) and on a high-fat vs. normal chow diet. Analysis of the gingiva showed that insulin-induced phosphorylation of IRS-1, Akt, and eNOS was significantly decreased in ZF rats, but Erk1/2 activation was not affected. General PKC inhibitor and an anti-oxidant normalized the action of insulin on Akt and eNOS activation in the gingiva from ZF rats. This provided the first documentation of obesity-induced insulin resistance in the gingiva. Analysis of our data suggested that PKC activation and oxidative stress may selectively inhibit insulin-induced Akt and eNOS activation, causing endothelial dysfunction and inflammation.
On “how to start a fire”, or transverse forced-convection, hyperbaric laser chemical vapor deposition of fibers and textiles
Authors: Maxwell James L , Webb Nicholas , Bradshaw Douglas , Black Marcie R , Maskaly Karlene , Chavez Craig A , Espinoza Miguel , Vessard Stuart , Art Blair , Johnson Scot , Boman Mats , Gananavelu S
Published: April 2014

This work explores the transverse forced flow of precursor gases during hyperbaric pressure laser chemical vapor deposition (HP-LCVD). Axial and mass growth rates of carbon fibers are measured experimentally, and a numerical model is developed that provides fiber growth rates in both the mass-transport-limited (MTL) and kinetically limited (KL) regimes. It is found that the fiber’s transport-limited rate increases as the square root of the flow velocity, while simultaneously, the temperature drops with the inverse square root of the flow velocity. Growth is enhanced by forced flow so long as the reaction zone remains within the MTL regime; upon reaching a critical temperature and flow rate, however, fibers enter the KL regime, and the growth rate declines with rising flow rate. Molecular properties of the precursors employed and gas concentrations ultimately determine the range of the MTL and the locations of the critical temperature and flow rate. The growth rates of fibers can indeed be enhanced by transverse forced convection—to at least three times the zero-flow steady-state rate, provided an MTL regime exists. Complex three-dimensional structures may be grown from these fibers in a freeform manner, and the more rapidly such microstructures can be fabricated, the more practical HP-LCVD becomes for industrial use, including the fabrication of novel textiles.
A dynamic and robust image processing based method for measuring the yarn diameter and its variation
Authors: Eldessouki Mohamed , Ibrahim Sayed , Militky Jiři
Published: April 2014

The yarn diameter is an effective property in determining fabric structure and processing settings. There are different systems of measuring the yarn diameter; among them is the image analysis of the yarn’s microscopic images. This method is considered to be more precise than other methods, but it is “static” in nature as it measures the property at scattered intervals and does not reflect the continuous variation of the yarn diameter. The goal of the current work is to measure the yarn diameter and its variation over a long length of yarn at fixed intervals to consider the “dynamic” change in the property. To achieve this goal, a high-speed camera (HSC) with a proper magnification was used to capture the images of the yarn and a new robust algorithm was developed to analyze the massive amount of yarn pictures in a reasonable time. The collected data for the yarn diameter were analyzed and compared to the results of the commercial Uster Evenness Tester IV. The results of the HSC were very comparable to the results of Uster and they were able to detect the short-term, the long-term, and the periodic variation of the yarn diameter.
How I learned to stop worrying and love the Bombe: Machine Research and Development and Bletchley Park
Authors: Smith Christopher
Published: April 2014

The Bombe machine was a key device in the cryptanalysis of the ciphers created by the machine system widely employed by the Axis powers during the Second World War – Enigma. The Bombe machine was initially designed in Britain by scientists in primary cryptanalysis agency, the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park. The machines were then mass produced by the British Tabulating Machine Company in Britain, and by the National Cash Register Company in the United States of America. The design, development and mass production of the machine was a fraught process dependent on support from scientists and bureaucrats within the agency, but more importantly the agency was only moved to mechanise, and subsequently professionalise, this key function in its operations when met with a series of major crises. The result was an unplanned ad hoc process of designing, building and operating the machines. This was representative of the wider process of mechanisation within Bletchley Park, one of the most important and renowned technological centres to emerge in Britain during the Second World War.
A Comparison of In-person, Telephone, and Secure Messaging for Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management Support
Authors: Greenwood Deborah A. , Hankins Andrea I. , Parise Carol A. , Spier Valerie , Olveda Joan , Buss Kimberly A.
Published: April 2014

Ongoing interaction between diabetes educators and patients is necessary for making and sustaining behavior changes essential for glycemic control and subsequently reducing the complications of diabetes.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of diabetes self-management support (DSMS) delivered via telephone or secure message and to compare clinical outcomes (A1C, LDL), behavioral goal achievement, and health maintenance task completion.

Methods

In sum, 150 persons with type 2 diabetes who completed diabetes self-management education self-selected DSMS methods: 1 in-person visit (n = 47), 3 brief visits by phone (n = 44), or 3 by secure message (n = 59) through electronic health record. DSMS included evaluation of goal achievement, barriers and facilitators, problem solving, and review of health maintenance exams. Self-reported data were collected at 9 months.

Results

There were no significant differences among groups in main outcomes between baseline and 9-month follow-up. Behavioral goals were achieved by 59% of in-person participants, 73% phone, and 77% secure message. Sixty-two completed the intervention per protocol: fewer online than in-person or phone groups. Mean attempts to contact participants was significantly greater in the secure message group. Phone contact was significantly longer than secure message.

Conclusions

Telephone and secure message was feasible for providing DSMS. Three brief contacts by phone or secure message resulted in similar outcomes when compared to an in-person visit. Secure messaging required less staff time, but increased patient engagement is needed.
Self-Interest Bias in Moral Judgments of Others’ Actions
Authors: Bocian Konrad , Wojciszke Bogdan
Published: April 2014

The automatic and affective nature of moral judgments leads to the expectation that these judgments are biased by an observer’s own interests. Although the idea of self-interest bias is old, it has never been directly tested with respect to the moral judgments of other individuals’ behaviors. The participants of three experiments observed other individuals’ counternormative behavior (breaking a rule or cheating for gain), which was judged as immoral. However, this judgment became much more lenient when the observers gained from the observed behavior. All three studies showed that the influence of self-interest on moral judgments was completely mediated by the observer’s increased liking for the perpetrator of the immoral acts but not by changes in mood. When the participants were induced to dislike the perpetrator (in a moderation-of-process design), the self-interest bias disappeared. Implications for the intuitionist approach to moral judgment are discussed.
Technologies of Belonging
Authors: M’charek Amade , Schramm Katharina , Skinner David
Published: April 2014

In many European countries, the explicit discussion of race as a biological phenomenon has long been avoided. This has not meant that race has become obsolete or irrelevant all together. Rather, it is a slippery object that keeps shifting and changing. To understand its slippery nature, we suggest that race in Europe is best viewed as an absent presence, something that oscillates between reality and nonreality, which appears on the surface and then hides underground. In this special issue, we explore how race has been configured in different practices and how race-based identities and technologies are entwined in various European settings.
‘You say rich, I say job creator’: how Fox News framed the Great Recession through the moral discourse of producerism
Authors: Peck Reece
Published: April 2014

In this article, I conduct a textual analysis of Fox News’s leading opinion programs during the Great Recession. I deconstruct the rhetorical strategies these programs deployed to advance the network’s free market interpretation of the economic crisis. Key to Fox’s interpretive strategy was a claim to represent ‘the Forgotten man’ of the downturn. However, in my analysis I show how this claim was established less by advocating policies that directly support working-class material interests and more by presenting Fox News pundits as the protectors and advocates of traditional moral-economic principles. Fox News pundits drew these principles from a long-standing strain of the American populist tradition called ‘producerism.’ My analysis illustrates how – in framing the wealthy and the business class as ‘job creators’ – Fox News programs reworked this tradition in order to include corporate managers in the moral community of producers, alongside members of the working class. This strategy was successful, I argue, because this earlier American political discourse still informs, often in unrecognized ways, the underlying normative assumptions that are expressed in modern debates about class, work, and wealth distribution.
Optimal assignment methods in three-form planned missing data designs for longitudinal panel studies
Authors: Jorgensen Terrence D. , Rhemtulla Mijke , Schoemann Alexander , McPherson Brent , Wu Wei , Little Todd D.
Published: April 2014

Planned missing designs are becoming increasingly popular, but because there is no consensus on how to implement them in longitudinal research, we simulated longitudinal data to distinguish between strategies of assigning items to forms and of assigning forms to participants across measurement occasions. Using relative efficiency as the criterion, results indicate that balanced item assignment coupled with assigning different forms over time most often yields the optimal assignment method, but only if variables are reliable. We also address how practice effects can bias latent means. A second simulation demonstrates that (a) assigning different forms over time diminishes practice effects and (b) using planned-missing-data patterns as predictors of practice can remove bias altogether.
Older driver and passenger collaboration for wayfinding in unfamiliar areas
Authors: Bryden Kelly Jane , Charlton Judith , Oxley Jennifer , Lowndes Georgia
Published: April 2014

Passenger collaboration offers a potential compensatory strategy to assist older drivers who have difficulty driving in unfamiliar areas (wayfinding). This article describes a survey of 194 healthy, community-dwelling older drivers and their regular passengers to investigate how passengers assist drivers, and to identify the characteristics of drivers and passengers who regularly collaborate to assist with wayfinding. Three aspects of passenger assistance were investigated: Pre-trip planning, directional guidance and searching for visual cues. Results revealed a high incidence of collaboration amongst drivers and passengers who regularly drive together. Collaboration was dependent on the perceived wayfinding abilities of the driver by both passenger and driver, suggesting that passengers are more likely to help if they think they will be of assistance. This information provides baseline information on which future research can examine the safety benefits of passenger assistance in wayfinding.
The rise of the cosmopolitan traditionalists: From the Arab Spring to a global countermovement?
Authors: Webb Adam K.
Published: April 2014

The revolutions of the Arab Spring, in contrast to the liberal third wave of the 1970s to 1990s, rest on a more popular and traditionalist base. Critics often depict these currents as insular and even xenophobic in outlook. This article engages the literature on democratisation, framing, and social movement globalisation, and challenges that assumption. It draws on in-depth interviews conducted with Islamists and other activists in Cairo during April and May 2012. It argues that the pressures of globalisation and the opportunities of democratic transition are forcing traditionalists on to more cosmopolitan terrain. These cosmopolitan traditionalist activists draw on inspiration from other parts of the world and express solidarity with revolutionary movements elsewhere. Unlike liberal cosmopolitans, however, they ground their mode of tolerance and cooperation on substantive traditional values. While the pressures of globalisation may limit the ability of post-revolutionary regimes to deliver on social aspirations, this shift of ideological framing may pave the way for new traditionalist networks that cut across borders. As global political opportunity structures emerge and frustrations build up within nation-states, this cosmopolitan traditionalist bloc is likely to have the numbers and influence to reshape world order.
It Takes a Family
Authors: Pastrana Antonio (Jay)
Published: April 2014

Black family structures, dynamics, and processes in the United States have had a long history of investigation in the social sciences. And recently, research on sexual orientation disclosure has become an important feature of the scholarship on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations. The various ways in which the family affects a person’s decision to be an out LGBT person, or outness, are less known. Using a national sample of Black LGBT people ( N = 2,166), this article assesses the relative importance of a variety of characteristics in understanding outness levels. Regression modeling reveals that having family support is the strongest predictor of outness for Black LGBTs. Two other predictors include the belief that one’s sexual orientation is an important part of one’s identity and having a connection to the LGBT community. The significance of these findings is discussed regarding future research with Black LGBT populations.
Development of a Set of Indicators to Evaluate Injury Control Research Centers
Authors: Runyan Carol , Garrettson Mariana , Yee Sue Lin
Published: April 2014

Background:

Few methods have been defined for evaluating the individual and collective impacts of academic research centers. In this project, with input from injury center directors, we systematically defined indicators to assess the progress and contributions of individual Injury Control Research Centers (ICRCs) and, ultimately, to monitor progress of the overall injury center program.

Method:

We used several methods of deriving a list of recommended priority and supplemental indicators. This included published literature review, telephone interviews with selected federal agency staff, an e-mail survey of injury center directors, an e-mail survey of staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a two-stage Delphi process (e-mailed), and an in-person focus group with injury center directors. We derived the final indicators from an analysis of ratings of potential indicators by center directors and CDC staff. We also examined qualitative responses to open-ended items that address conceptual and implementation issues.

Results:

All currently funded ICRCs participated in at least one part of the process, resulting in a list of 27 primary indicators (some with subcomponents), 31 supplemental indicators, and multiple suggestions for using the indicators.

Conclusion:

Our results support an approach that combines standardized definitions and quantifiable indicators with qualitative reporting, which allows consideration of center distinctions and priorities. The center directors urged caution in using the indicators, given funding constraints and recognition of unique institutional environments. While focused on injury research centers, we suggest these indicators also may be useful to academic research centers of other types.
Grief, Anger, and Relationality
Authors: Kontos Pia , Miller Karen-Lee , Colantonio Angela , Cott Cheryl
Published: April 2014

Background:

Therapeutic emotion work is performed by health care providers as they manage their own feelings as well as those of colleagues and patients as part of efforts to improve the physical and psychosocial health outcomes of patients. It has yet to be examined within the context of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of a research-based theater intervention on emotion work practices of neurorehabilitation staff.

Research Design:

Data were collected at baseline and at 3 and 12 months postintervention in the inpatient neurorehabilitation units of two rehabilitation hospitals in central urban Canada.

Subjects:

Participants ( N = 33) were recruited from nursing, psychology, allied health, recreational therapy, and chaplaincy.

Measures:

Naturalistic observations ( N = 204.5 hr) of a range of structured and unstructured activities in public and private areas, and semistructured interviews ( N = 87) were conducted.

Results:

Preintervention analysis indicated emotion work practices were characterized by stringent self-management of empathy, suppression of client grief, adeptness with client anger, and discomfort with reactions of family and spouses. Postintervention analysis indicated significant staff changes in a relationality orientation, specifically improvements in outreach to homosexual and heterosexual family care partners, and support for sexual orientation and intimacy expression. No improvements were demonstrated in grief support.

Conclusion:

Emotion work has yet to be the focus of initiatives to improve neurorehabilitative care. Our findings suggest the dramatic arts are well positioned to improve therapeutic emotion work and effect cultures of best practice. Recommendations are made for interprofessional educational initiatives to improve responses to client grief and potential intimate partner violence.
A qualitative insight into key determinants of knowledge sharing in a public sector institution in Ghana
Authors: Boateng Henry , Agyemang Franklin Gyamfi
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing knowledge sharing in a public sector institution in Ghana. A case study of the factors influencing knowledge sharing among employees at Afigya Kwabre District Assembly in the Ashanti Region of Ghana was used as the research design. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. A semi-structured interview guide was used for data collection. The data was analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. The study found mutual trust, respect and care for one another, the quest for organizational success, education and experience level of employees as the significant factors influencing knowledge sharing in the Afigya Kwabre District Assembly.
Low expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 associated with poor prognosis in human glioma
Authors: Tian Xiangyang , Zhang Ling , Sun Laiguang , Xue Yihong , Xie Shuang
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To investigate insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) mRNA levels in human glioma and normal brain tissue, and to determine their clinical significance.

Methods

In this retrospective study, IGFBP7 mRNA was quantified by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in brain tissue samples from patients with glioma and normal control subjects. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to determine any clinical and prognostic associations.

Results

IGFBP7 mRNA levels were significantly lower in glioma tissue ( n = 120) than in normal brain tissue ( n = 20). Low (i.e. below the median, 5.9) IGFBP7 mRNA levels were significantly associated with larger tumour size (≥5 cm, compared with <5 cm, diameter). Patients with high (above median) IGFBP7 had longer overall survival than those with low IGFBP7. Tumour grade and IGFBP7 mRNA level were independent predictors of overall survival.

Conclusions

IGFBP7 downregulation is associated with poor prognosis in glioma, and this molecule may represent both a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target.
Research on mechanical properties of epoxy/glass fiber composites cured by microwave radiation
Authors: Chen Yunlei , Li Yong , You Yanyu , Xiao Jun , Song Qinghua
Published: April 2014

Microwave curing of epoxy/glass fiber composites was investigated in this paper. By studying the reaction characteristics of the resin matrix, detailed curing processes were established. With the use of a self-designed pressure-exerting device, the resin weight fraction of the composites was controllable. The glass transition temperature was measured by differential scanning calorimetry, and the mechanical properties were determined by three-point-bend and uniaxial tensile tests at room temperature. The tensile failure surfaces of both microwave and thermally cured composites were observed with scanning electron microscope. A comparison of the microwave and thermal processes was conducted to evaluate the advantage of microwave curing process. The microwave process (a) and thermal process (b) were regarded as the optimized process for each curing method. It was concluded that the epoxy/glass composites cured by microwave radiation had slightly higher Tg, comparable flexural strength and better tensile properties. Furthermore, the microwave process had a great advantage in saving the cycle time.
Exploring the Relative Contributions of the Strength and Distress Components of Dual-Factor Complete Mental Health Screening
Authors: Kim Eui Kyung , Furlong Michael J. , Dowdy Erin , Felix Erika D.
Published: April 2014

Early school-based mental health screeners were informed by a deficit paradigm that aimed to identify psychological distress symptoms. In comparison, following a whole-child perspective, a dual-factor approach has been proposed that assesses complete mental health using both positive dispositions and distress symptoms. Applying the dual-factor approach, the current study involved 118 students from 10th grade and examined how strongly subjective well-being (SWB) was associated with measures of positive psychological dispositions (Social Emotional Health Survey [SEHS]) and psychological distress (Behavioral and Emotional Screening System [BESS]). Results indicated that the strength-based SEHS explained 32% of the variance in the students’ global SWB with the deficit-based BESS adding an additional 8% of explained variance. Implications for school-based mental health screening are discussed.
A Novel Phosphorus Repletion Strategy in a Patient With Duodenal Perforation
Authors: Kemmerly Thomas , Vuong Carolyn , Kaunitz Jonathan D.
Published: April 2014

We describe a case in which a patient receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) developed hypophosphatemia. Due to lack of availability of parenteral phosphate supplements, we chose to restore phosphate using diluted hypertonic sodium phosphate enemas. Due to the recent shortages of parenteral minerals and vitamins, such an alternate means of repletion is of increasing importance. Diluted hypertonic sodium phosphate enemas are inexpensive, easy to administer, and effective since phosphate is readily absorbed across the rectal mucosa. We hope that through this type of repletion, life‐threatening hypophosphatemia among patients receiving PN can be avoided.
Co-Teaching Versus Apprentice Teaching
Authors: Friend Marilyn , Embury Dusty Columbia , Clarke Laura
Published: April 2014

Although the term co-teaching has for many years described a service delivery option for students with disabilities or other special needs, recently, it has been used as a label for an alternative approach to student teaching. In this article, the authors describe the essential characteristics of co-teaching and what is appropriately called apprentice teaching and outline the similarities and differences between these two collaborative practices, including overall program structure, the contributing characteristics of the participating individuals, and the nature of the professional relationships. The authors provide conclusions regarding the risks for teacher candidates and faculty members of using the same term for significantly different models.
Preparation and characterization of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) membrane
Authors: He Fuan , Fan Jintu , Chan Laiwa Hellen
Published: April 2014

In this work, nanofibrous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) membranes with different PMMA contents from 10 wt% to 20 wt% were prepared by electrospinning. The morphology of resultant membranes was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the morphology of PVDF/PMMA electrospun nanofibers in the membrane was highly dependent on the solvent used during the electrospinning process. PVDF/PMMA nanofibers with beads were formed in the electrospun membrane when N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent was used due to its low evaporation rate. Uniform PVDF/PMMA nanofibers without beads in the electrospun membranes were obtained by DMF–acetone mixed solvent. The crystallization behavior of PVDF in the electrospun PVDF/PMMA membranes was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The β form crystalline structure was the major crystalline phase of PVDF in electrospun PVDF/PMMA membranes, and PMMA may suppress the formation of α crystalline phase of PVDF. The crystallinity degree of PVDF in the electrospun PVDF/PMMA membranes was lower than that of the electrospun PVDF membrane, and the annealing could effectively improve the crystallinity degree of PVDF in electrospun membranes. Moreover, it was found that the annealing has no adverse effect on the low density, high porosity, and water vapor permeability of electrospun membranes.
Development of multi-phase dynamic equations for a seven-link biped robot with improved foot rotation in the double support phase
Authors: Farzadpour Farsam , Danesh Mohammad , TorkLarki Seyed M
Published: April 2014

Gait generation plays a significant role in the quality of locomotion of legged robots. This paper presents the development of multi-phase dynamic equations and optimal trajectory generation for a seven-link planar-biped robot walking on the ground level with consideration of feet rotation in the double support phase. The main contribution of this paper is to increase the stability margin at the phase transition time for simultaneous feet rotation in double support phase by introducing a new style of feet rotation. First, the derivation of the dynamics equations, which is a challenging problem due to the existence of the holonomic constraints, is performed using the Lagrangian formulation. Then, an analytical solution to inverse kinematics is proposed to determine the angles of each joint. A multi-objective genetic algorithm-based optimization technique is proposed to obtain the key parameters in trajectory generation so that the zero moment point tracks a predefined stable trajectory and additionally minimizes the power consumption, which is subjected to actuators’ powers limitations. The effect of the hip height on the total power consumption is also investigated. The numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Components interaction effect evaluation of a small-capacity five-component internal balance system
Authors: Liu Zhen , Dong Longlei , Zhao Jianping , Yan Guirong
Published: April 2014

With the development of small unmanned air vehicles, the urge for building the experimental facilities has emerged for the research on the low Reynolds number aerodynamics. In this paper, a five-component internal sting balance with the capacity of 10 N for forces and of 0.5 N·m for moments, which is to be installed in a close-circuit low Reynolds number wind tunnel for small unmanned air vehicle tests, was verified to investigate the interaction effect of its different components. Experimental setups and a sequence of evaluated procedures were designed to implement the application of different range of loads with pitch and roll angle coupled so as to investigate the interaction effect of different components by covering the full load range of sting balance. The sting balance was successfully verified with the designed experimental setups and procedures. Evaluation results showed that the interaction effect between balance components enhanced the measurement error and deteriorated the measurement precision. Moreover, it was also found that both precision and error depended on the loads. Relative error analysis revealed that the average relative error of all components was less than 2.1%. Hysteresis test showed that all balance component exhibited little hysteresis property except that side force component exhibited a mild hysteresis at lower load range.
Virtual design of a motor-toggle servomechanism with sliding mode-combined PID control
Authors: Cho Seung Ho , Fung Rong-Fong
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the issue of virtual design of a motor-toggle servomechanism for injection-molding machines. Based on the 3D CAD of multi-body system, a five-point-type toggle mechanism has been developed with clamping force build-up. Prior to controller design, open-loop responses are obtained to derive a transfer function. In order to accommodate mismatches between the real plant and the linear model used, a discrete-time sliding function is defined and combined with PID control. The uncertainty in the mass of moving platen and the Coulomb friction at pin joints are considered for robust motion control applications. Through the use of proposed control scheme, not only significant reduction in position error at moving platen but also clamping force build-up is achieved appropriately.
Prototype design and size optimization of a hybrid lower extremity exoskeleton with a scissor mechanism for load-carrying augmentation
Authors: Miao Yunjie , Gao Feng , Pan Dalei
Published: April 2014

A hybrid lower extremity exoskeleton SJTU-EX which adopts a scissor mechanism as the hip and knee flexion/extension joint is proposed in Shanghai Jiao Tong University to augment load carrying for walking. The load supporting capabilities of a traditional serially connected mechanism and the scissor mechanism are compared in detail. The kinematic influence coefficient method of the kinematic and dynamic analysis is applied in the length optimization of the scissor sides to minimize the transmitting errors between the input and output motions in walking and the load capacities of different scissor mechanisms are illustrated. The optimization results are then verified by the walking simulations. Finally, the prototype of SJTU-EX is implemented with several improvements to enhance the working performances.
A Structured End-of-Life Curriculum for Neonatal–Perinatal Postdoctoral Fellows
Authors: Harris Leslie L. , Placencia Frank X. , Arnold Jennifer L. , Minard Charles G. , Harris Toi B. , Haidet Paul M.
Published: April 2014

Death in tertiary care neonatal intensive care units is a common occurrence. Despite recent advances in pediatric palliative education, evidence indicates that physicians are poorly prepared to care for dying infants and their families. Numerous organizations recommend increased training in palliative and end-of-life care for pediatric physicians. The purpose of this study is to develop a structured end-of-life curriculum for neonatal–perinatal postdoctoral fellows based on previously established principles and curricular guidelines on end-of-life care in the pediatric setting. Results demonstrate statistically significant curriculum effectiveness in increasing fellow knowledge regarding patient qualification for comfort care and withdrawal of support ( P = .03). Although not statistically significant, results suggest the curriculum may have improved fellows’ knowledge of appropriate end-of-life medical management, comfort with addressing the family, and patient pain assessment and control.
Reaction to Caregiving by Hospice Caregivers Upon Enrollment
Authors: Albright David L. , Oliver Debra Parker , Demiris George
Published: April 2014

Significant research exists demonstrating the challenges faced by informal family caregivers as they care for their loved ones. How caregivers react to this experience, especially in the case of a terminal illness, is less understood. This study explores the reactions of hospice caregivers to their caregiving experience prior to enrollment in hospice and identifies potential stressors associated with those reactions. Results found anxiety to be a significant predictor in the reaction of caregivers to their caregiving experience upon hospice enrollment.
Glucarpidase Intervention for Delayed Methotrexate Clearance
Authors: Cavone Jennifer L. , Yang Daisy , Wang Alice
Published: April 2014

Objective: To review and evaluate the current published literature on the effectiveness and safety of glucarpidase and to determine its potential role in clinical practice. Data Sources: A PubMed literature search from 1946 to January 2014 was performed using the search terms carboxypeptidase G2, glucarpidase, high-dose methotrexate, and leucovorin rescue. Additional references were identified by reviewing the references from the PubMed search articles. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language clinical trials and retrospective studies assessing the safety and effectiveness of glucarpidase were included. Case reports were excluded. Data Synthesis: A total of 5 non-randomized, prospective studies and 1 retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of glucarpidase in patients receiving high-dose methotrexate. In these studies, glucarpidase conferred a >87% reduction in serum methotrexate concentrations (sMTX) and was well tolerated. Although a substantial reduction in sMTX was observed, clinically significant outcomes such as the need for dialysis, time to administration of next chemotherapy cycle, and methotrexate toxicity-related mortality were not consistently evaluated. Conclusions: Glucarpidase is effective in lowering sMTX in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance and renal dysfunction. Considering the relatively high cost of glucarpidase, it should be reserved for specific patients who have not responded to standard supportive care measures.
Symbolic Racism and Emotional Responses to the 2012 Presidential Candidates
Authors: Redlawsk David P. , Tolbert Caroline J. , McNeely Natasha Altema
Published: April 2014

Racial attitudes toward African American candidates are partially explained by symbolic racism, which has replaced overt racism in responses to these candidates. However, as typically operationalized, symbolic racism as applied to candidate assessments fails to account for the emotions generated by a political campaign. Symbolic racism’s effects are moderated when emotional responses to Barack Obama are included in a candidate evaluation model, while emotions remain an important predictor. While symbolic racism and negative emotions lower evaluations, the presence of the positive emotions generated by the 2012 campaign counteracted both. Inclusion of both symbolic racism and emotion is necessary to understand perceptions of Obama as a black presidential candidate.
A Novel Amiodarone-Eluting Biological Glue for Reducing Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Beckerman Ziv , Azran Adi , Cohen Oved , Nir Rony-Reuven , Maessen Jos G. , Bianco-Peled Havazelet , Bolotin Gil
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication after cardiac surgery, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate a novel drug delivery system for local release of amiodarone.

Methods:

In the current prospective study, 9 goats underwent attachment of right atrial (RA) epicardial electrodes. Alginate-based glue with amiodarone was applied to the RA of the treatment groups. Rapid atrial response (RAR) to burst pacing was assessed before application and in the third postoperative day (POD3). Average RAR frequency was defined as the average percentage of inductions resulting in RAR per animal. Myocardial and extracardiac tissue amiodarone concentrations were analyzed.

Results:

Differences in RAR proportions between baseline and POD3 were greater in the treatment group versus the control group ( P = .034). Average RAR frequency was reduced by 34% in the treatment group (baseline: 65%; POD3: 31%), while it was increased by 11.3% in the control (baseline:43.8%; POD3: 55%). The treatment group demonstrated a greater proportion of animals meeting the success criterion of net percentage reduction in RAR frequency greater than 25% ( P = .047). The average amount of total amiodarone detected in the RA was 104.4 ± 28.9 µg; the transmural concentration was linearly distributed ( P < .0001). Extracardiac tissue concentrations were below the detection level.

Conclusions:

Local alginate-based amiodarone delivery demonstrated an RAR frequency reduction of clinical importance in response to burst pacing. The electrophysiological response was achieved while maintaining below-detection systemic drug levels. Current findings may point to the system’s future applicability in reducing POAF risk in humans.