bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Modeling of Sealing Primary Molars Using a “Value of Information” Approach
Authors: Ney J.P. , van der Goes D.N. , Chi D.L.
Published: July 2014

The objective was to evaluate 2 primary molar sealant strategies for publicly insured children using an “expected value of perfect information” (EVPI) approach. We converted a 10,000-observation tooth-level cost-effectiveness simulation model comparing 2 primary molar sealant strategies – always seal (AS) and standard care (SC) – with a 1,250-observation child-level model. Costs per child per restoration or extraction averted were estimated. Opportunity losses under the AS strategy were determined for children for whom SC was the optimal choice. We determined the EVPI by multiplying mean opportunity losses by the projected incident population of publicly insured 3-year-olds in the US over 10 years with costs discounted at 2%. All analyses were conducted under assumptions of high and low intrachild correlations between at-risk teeth. The AS strategy cost $43.68 over SC (95% CI: −$5.50, $92.86) per child per restoration or extraction averted under the high intrachild correlation assumption and $15.54 (95% CI $7.86, $23.20) under the low intrachild correlation. Under high intrachild correlation, mean opportunity losses were $80.28 (95% CI: $76.39, $84.17) per child, and AS was the optimal strategy in 31% of children. Under low correlation, mean opportunity losses were $14.61 (95% CI: $12.20, $17.68) and AS was the optimal strategy in 87% of children. The EVPI was calculated at $530,813,740 and $96,578,389 (for high and low intrachild correlation, respectively), for a projected total incident population of 8,059,712 children. On average, always sealing primary molars is more effective than standard care, but widespread implementation of this preventive approach among publicly insured children would result in large opportunity losses. Additional research is needed to identify the subgroups of publicly insured children who would benefit the most from this effective and potentially cost-saving public health intervention.
Safe removal of long-term venous catheters in the neck
Authors: Light Duncan , Subramonia Sriram , Krishna Arun
Published: July 2014

Aims

Tunnelled venous catheters are a well-established method of long-term venous access for total parental nutrition, chemotherapy and antimicrobial treatment. Removal of these catheters is a simple procedure; however, there are some significant risks.

Methods

We report a case in which a serious complication occurred. A simple technique for the safe removal of long-term venous catheters is described.

Conclusion

A direct surgical removal is now generally favoured for safe line removal. However, this still carries the same complications and care must be taken in the technique.
High-precision, real-world modeling of a semi-automatic powertrain
Authors: Pasdar Amir Hossein , Azadi Shahram , Kazemi Reza
Published: July 2014

In a mechatronical approach, the design of a highly detailed, physically based model of a semi-automatic powertrain suitable for supervision has been explicated. In each part of the powertrain system, ultimately developed dynamical models have been exploited to make sure the whole model is up-to-date and is close to a real system. Advanced dynamical equations of an engine, a clutch, a gearbox and a driveline as well as a tire and a vehicle dynamic model for analyzing longitudinal performance have been considered. A well-suited automated manual transmission (AMT) along with a mean value transient spark-ignition (SI) engine model has been inserted to complete the solution. In order to simulate a real vehicle, the nonlinearities of the powertrain system mainly generated in the engine and clutch have drawn attention. Transient behavior of the system is a key parameter for design; hence, both steady-state and transient modeling such as of the gear shift procedure were considered. All parts of the model have been verified against experimental data. Finally, an overall simulation of the powertrain and vehicle in an in-city Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) cycle and a complete involved simulation of a gear shift process using Simulink have been performed to examine the level of the modeled dynamics. Lastly, it will be clear that use of nonlinear and real-world models can enhance the modeling and make it comparable to a real system.
Simulation-based optimization for generating the dimensions of a dredged coastal entrance channel
Authors: Tang Guolei , Wang Wenyuan , Guo Zijian , Yu Xuhui , Wang Bingchang
Published: July 2014

An entrance channel is dredged when its natural dimensions are not adequate to accumulate more and larger ships. Considering the reconciliation among costs, safety and efficiency and the complex relationship among channel type, navigable water level and sailing speed, a simulation-based optimization framework is proposed to optimize channel dimensions with limited dredging budget constraints in an integrated way. In this framework, the optimization program generates channel dimensions acceptable for safe navigation with budget constraints, and seeks an optimal balance between the dredging costs and navigation efficiency, including vessel waiting time and berth utilization. The simulation model evaluates the values of navigation efficiency measures considering the randomness and dynamics in ship operation. Finally, an application is given and the results show that the proposed framework is effective and helpful for optimizing the dimensions of the entrance channel. Moreover, the proposed modeling and solution methods are general and can be applied to the port basin, anchorage area as well.
Acquisition of Chinese quadra-syllabic idiomatic expressions: Effects of semantic opacity and structural symmetry
Authors: Li Liu , Hin Tat Cheung
Published: July 2014

Idiomatic expressions pose substantial learning difficulties for learners across languages and tend to be acquired later in the course of language development both in L1 and L2. A number of factors have been identified as contributing to this difficulty. However, cross-linguistic studies on figurative language acquisition are still rare. The present study investigated the effect of semantic opacity and syntactic symmetry during the learning of Chinese four-character idioms (or QIEs: quadra-syllabic idiomatic expressions) with 11-year-olds and adult native speakers. Participants first completed a sentence production task and then a multiple choice comprehension test. Results showed that the degree of semantic opacity consistently influenced participants’ performance in both tasks; syntactic symmetry played a significant role in the comprehension but not in the sentence production task. Participants were better at understanding than producing sentences with QIEs. But few could form correct sentences with the QIEs that they did not comprehend correctly. The results are discussed in light of Nippold’s metasemantic hypothesis and the salient linguistic feature of QIEs.
Mealtime Disruption and Caregiver Stress in Referrals to an Outpatient Feeding Clinic
Authors: Fishbein Mark , Benton Kathryn , Struthers William
Published: July 2014

Background: This investigation explores the feeding behaviors, comorbidities, and parenting stress in young children referred to an outpatient feeding clinic. Materials and Methods: Eligible participants (n =72) were primary caretakers of children ages 2–6 years referred to an interdisciplinary outpatient feeding disorder clinic, subcategorized according to the absence (n = 18) or presence (n = 54) of caretaker‐reported medical or developmental comorbidities. This group was compared with an equivalent control sample of caretakers of age‐matched children (n = 72). Measures included the Children's Eating Behavior Inventory (CEBI) and the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form (PSI‐SF). Results: The CEBI and PSI scores were higher in the feeding disorder group than in the control group. PSI total was incrementally increased for control vs feeding disorder without comorbidity vs feeding disorder with comorbidity. Conclusion: Increased maladaptive behaviors and parenting stress were evident in children with feeding disorder regardless of the presence of comorbidity. Parenting stress was exacerbated by the presence of comorbidity.
The Cost and Inpatient Burden of Treating Mandible Fractures: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database Analysis
Authors: Pena Israel , Roberts Laura Evelyn , Guy W. Marshall , Zevallos Jose P.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To discuss patient demographics, hospitalization characteristics, and costs associated with the treatment of mandible fractures.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

The 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

Subjects/Methods

Patient demographics, hospital characteristics, fracture locations, and common comorbidities for patients with isolated mandible fractures were analyzed, and variables associated with increased cost and length of hospitalization stay were ascertained.

Results

A total of 1481 patients were identified with isolated mandible fractures. The average age was 32, 85.4% were male, 39% were Caucasian, and 25% African American. Forty percent were from the lowest median household income quartile, and 77% were uninsured or government funded. The average length of stay (LOS) was 2.65 days, and average hospitalization cost was $35,804. A statistically significant increased LOS was associated with alcohol abuse, drug abuse, mental illness, diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular disease, HIV, and age over 40. There was a statistically significant increased total cost associated with drug abuse, alcohol abuse, mental illness, cardiovascular disease, and age over 40.

Conclusion

The average cost for treatment of mandible fractures was $35,804 per person with increased expenditures for older patients and those with a history of mental illness, cardiovascular disease, or substance abuse. To improve outcomes and reduce hospital charges, outpatient resources and inpatient protocols should be implemented to address the factors we identified as contributing to higher costs and increased hospital stay.
Cost Analysis of Mandibular Distraction versus Tracheostomy in Neonates with Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Runyan Christopher M. , Uribe‐Rivera Armando , Karlea Audrey , Meinzen‐Derr Jareen , Rothchild Dawn , Saal Howard , Hopkin Robert J. , Gordon Christopher B.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To evaluate costs associated with surgical treatment for neonates with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Subjects and Methods

With Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively studied neonates with PRS treated from 2001 to 2009 with either tracheostomy (Trach), mandibular distraction (MD), or Trach with subsequent MD (Trach+MD). Actual charges over a 3‐year period associated with operative costs, hospital stay, imaging and sleep studies, clinic visits, and related emergency room visits were collected. Home tracheostomy care charges were estimated individually for each patient. Charges were compared using regression and appropriate statistical analyses.

Results

Forty‐seven neonates were included in the study (MD, n = 26; Trach, n = 12; Trach+MD, n = 9). Trach group patients had 2.6‐fold higher charges than the MD group despite no difference in length of hospital stay. This difference increased to 7.3‐fold when including home trach care‐related costs. Trach+MD group patients had longer hospital lengths of stay and higher operation room (OR) fees, but no increased total charges compared with the Trach only group.

Conclusions

For patients with severe PRS, mandibular distraction provides significant cost savings over tracheostomy ($300,000 per patient over 3 years). Increased costs with tracheostomy come from greater hospital‐related charges, more frequent airway procedures, a higher incidence of gastrostomy tube feeds, and home trach care costs. A careful examination of long‐term outcomes will be critical as mandibular distraction continues to gain acceptance for treatment of PRS.
Bronchial artery embolization for massive hemoptysis: Long-term follow-up
Authors: Fruchter Oren , Schneer Sonia , Rusanov Victoria , Belenky Alexander , Kramer Mordechai R
Published: July 2014

Aim

Bronchial artery angiography with embolization has become a mainstay in the treatment of massive hemoptysis. Whereas the immediate success rate is high, the reported long-term success rate varies widely among different groups. We aimed to explore the long-term outcome and clinical predictors associated with recurrent bleeding following bronchial artery embolization.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical characteristics, underlying etiologies, procedure details, and outcome of bronchial artery embolization performed for massive hemoptysis between 1999 and 2012.

Results

All 52 consecutive patients treated by bronchial artery embolization during the study period were included. The major etiologies of massive hemoptysis were bronchiectasis (mostly post-infectious) in 53.8%, and primary and metastatic lung cancer in 30.8%. The immediate success rate was high (48/52; 92%). Of 45 patients who survived more than 24 hours following bronchial artery embolization, recurrent bleeding did not occur in 19 (42.2%) during a median follow-up period of 60 months (range 6–130 months). Bleeding recurred in 26 (57.7%); within 30 days in 15 (33.3%) and after 1 month in the other 11 (24.4%). The average time to onset of early and late repeat bleeding was 2 and 506 days, respectively. Idiopathic bronchiectasis and lung cancer were associated with a high likelihood of late bleeding recurrence.

Conclusions

Bronchial artery embolization is an effective immediate treatment for massive hemoptysis. Because the bleeding recurrence rate is high in patients with lung cancer or idiopathic bronchiectasis, surgery should be considered in these patients following initial stabilization by bronchial artery embolization. For other underlying etiologies, the long-term outcome is excellent.
Metabolic syndrome, adiponectin and proinflammatory status in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Timar Romulus , Timar Bogdan , Degeratu Diana , Serafinceanu Cristian , Oancea Cristian
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and evaluate proinflammatory status in patients with type 1 diabetes, and to analyse the relationship between inflammation, metabolic control and insulin resistance in these patients.

Methods

Patients with type 1 diabetes were stratified according to the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. Serum adiponectin, leptin, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were quantified.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 28.6% (22/77). Patients with metabolic syndrome had lower adiponectin concentrations and higher leptin, TNF-α, IL-6 and hsCRP concentrations compared with patients without metabolic syndrome. In addition, metabolic syndrome was associated with higher glycosylated haemoglobin and insulin dose, and increased insulin resistance.

Conclusions

The proinflammatory state associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with type 1 diabetes leads to deterioration of glycaemic control and an increase in the required daily dose of insulin. Early and proactive diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in these patients will allow medication and lifestyle optimization, in order to prevent the occurrence of diabetes complications and improve health-related quality-of-life.
Zapatista corn: A case study in biocultural innovation
Authors: Brandt Marisa
Published: July 2014

In November 2001, Nature published a letter in which University of California Berkeley’s biologists claimed to have found evidence of genetically modified (GM) DNA in regional varieties of maize in Oaxaca, even though the Mexican government had banned transgenic corn agriculture in 1998. While urban protesters marched against the genetic ‘contamination’ of Mexican corn by US-based agricultural biotech firms, rural indigenous communities needed a framework for understanding concepts such as GM before they could take action. This article analyzes how the indigenous organization, the Zapatistas, mobilized a program to address this novel entity. Their anti-GM project entailed educating local farmers about genetics, importing genetic testing kits, seed-banking landrace corn and sending seeds to ‘solidarity growers’ around the world. This article explores material-semiotic translations to explain one of the central aspects of this project, the definition and circulation of Zapatista corn – an entity defined not only through cultural geography, but also technological means. Through its circulation, Zapatista corn serves to perform a biocultural engagement with Zapatista’s political project of resistance to neoliberalism. While much has been written about both regulatory policy and consumer activism against GM in the Global North, Zapatista corn also provides a case study in indigenous, anti-GM activism founded on biocultural innovation and the creation of alternative networks for circulating corn.
Lacrosse Injuries Among High School Boys and Girls in the United States
Authors: Xiang Joe , Collins Christy L. , Liu Daniel , McKenzie Lara B. , Comstock R. Dawn
Published: July 2014

Background:

Lacrosse is a fast growing youth sport in the United States. Although there have been published studies examining injuries associated with lacrosse, significantly less research has been conducted in high school lacrosse players than in older lacrosse players. The objective of this study was to compare high school lacrosse injury rates and patterns by type of athletic activity (ie, competition vs practice) and sex.

Hypothesis:

Lacrosse injury rates and patterns differ by type of athletic activity and sex.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Using the High School RIO (Reporting Information Online) database, lacrosse exposure and injury data were collected during 4 academic years, 2008-2012, from a large sample of high schools in the United States. Schools’ certified athletic trainers submitted exposure and injury information weekly.

Results:

During the study period, 1406 injuries occurred during 716,812 athlete exposures, for an injury rate of 1.96 per 1000 athlete exposures (AEs). Injury rates were higher in competition than in practice (3.61 vs 1.23 per 1000 AEs, respectively; rate ratio [RR], 2.94; 95% CI, 2.65-3.27). Boys had a higher injury rate than girls (2.26 vs 1.54 per 1000 AEs, respectively; RR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.32-1.64). The most common injury diagnoses among both boys and girls were sprains/strains (boys: 35.6%; girls: 43.9%) and concussions (boys: 21.9%; girls: 22.7%). The most commonly injured body sites in competition were the head/face (32.0%), lower leg/ankle/foot (17.8%), and knee (12.2%), while in practice, the most commonly injured body sites were the lower leg/ankle/foot (34.9%), head/face (16.4%), and knee (12.7%). Among boys, the most common mechanisms of injury were contact with another person (40.9%) and no contact (21.1%). Among girls, the most common mechanisms of injury were no contact (26.2%), contact with a playing apparatus (24.0%), and overuse/chronic (17.7%). Most injured athletes (71.8%) returned to activity in ≤21 days, but 6.9% of all injuries required surgery.

Conclusion:

Lacrosse injury rates and patterns among high school athletes in the United States differ by type of athletic activity and sex. Future studies should continue to compare differences in injury rates and patterns in high school lacrosse, with particular emphasis placed on high-risk plays in competition and the prevention and management of concussions in both boys and girls.
Public Ideology, Minority Threat, and Felony Collateral Sanctions
Authors: Whittle Tanya N. , Parker Karen F.
Published: July 2014

Federal and state felony collateral sanctions directly impact the opportunities and resources available to ex-felons and in turn their ability to successfully reenter society after conviction and possible incarceration. Because felony collateral sanctions vary greatly from state to state, we offer a state-level analysis of factors that produce differences in collateral sanctions levels adopted by U.S. states. Religion, political climate, and minority threat explanations have been linked to criminal penalty severity; however, no one to date has applied these explanations to felony collateral sanctions besides felony disenfranchisement at the macro level. With zero-truncated Poisson (ZTP) procedures, this study examines whether religion, political climate, and minority threat explanations result in states’ adopting greater collateral sanctions against convicted felons. Our research reveals that conservative climate, religiosity, and racial threat, but not ethnic threat or punitiveness, significantly affect state-level collateral sanctions. States with large minority and conservative populations are more likely to have more stigmatizing collateral sanction that can affect recidivism. We find that race rather than ethnicity is an important predictor of the collateral sanctions levels that states adopt; however, public ideology in the form of conservatism and religiosity has a greater effect on collateral sanctions. Policy implications are discussed.
Developing a monitoring and evaluation framework to integrate and formalize the informal waste and recycling sector: The case of the Philippine National Framework Plan
Authors: Serrona Kevin Roy B , Yu Jeongsoo , Aguinaldo Emelita , Florece Leonardo M
Published: July 2014

The Philippines has been making inroads in solid waste management with the enactment and implementation of the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000. Said legislation has had tremendous influence in terms of how the national and local government units confront the challenges of waste management in urban and rural areas using the reduce, reuse, recycle and recovery framework or 4Rs. One of the sectors needing assistance is the informal waste sector whose aspiration is legal recognition of their rank and integration of their waste recovery activities in mainstream waste management. To realize this, the Philippine National Solid Waste Management Commission initiated the formulation of the National Framework Plan for the Informal Waste Sector, which stipulates approaches, strategies and methodologies to concretely involve the said sector in different spheres of local waste management, such as collection, recycling and disposal. What needs to be fleshed out is the monitoring and evaluation component in order to gauge qualitative and quantitative achievements vis-a-vis the Framework Plan. In the process of providing an enabling environment for the informal waste sector, progress has to be monitored and verified qualitatively and quantitatively and measured against activities, outputs, objectives and goals. Using the Framework Plan as the reference, this article developed monitoring and evaluation indicators using the logical framework approach in project management. The primary objective is to institutionalize monitoring and evaluation, not just in informal waste sector plans, but in any waste management initiatives to ensure that envisaged goals are achieved.
Examining Disproportionality in School Discipline for Aboriginal Students in Schools Implementing PBIS
Authors: Greflund Sara , McIntosh Kent , Mercer Sterett H. , May Seth L.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the extent to which students with Aboriginal status receive disproportionate rates of office discipline referrals (ODRs) and more severe administrative consequences relative to students without Aboriginal status. The participants were 1,750 students in five rural British Columbia and Alberta elementary and middle schools implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Binary multilevel logistic regression was used to determine to what extent disproportionality was present. Contrary to hypotheses, students with Aboriginal status were no more likely to receive ODRs than students without Aboriginal status. Students with Aboriginal status were not statistically significantly more likely to receive suspensions and harsh administrative consequences from ODRs. Potential factors for these encouraging findings include the small sample, the Canadian context, and implementation of PBIS with culturally responsive adaptations for students from Aboriginal cultures. Results are discussed with respect to reducing disproportionate outcomes for Aboriginal students in schools.
Targeting of poly(l-lysine) to organs that propagate prions
Authors: Lee Hye-Mi , Ryou Chongsuk
Published: July 2014

Poly(l-lysine) was recently discovered to inhibit prion propagation. To develop poly(l-lysine) as a potential therapeutic for prion diseases, the understanding of in vivo poly(l-lysine) behavior is pivotal. Therefore, to determine the poly(l-lysine) distribution in mouse spleen and brain, the primary and ultimate target organs for prions, we performed non-invasive longitudinal in vivo imaging and time course on live mice and ex vivo imaging on mouse organs to confirmed poly(l-lysine) was distributed, including the brain and spleen. By studying the in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence images, characteristic patterns of poly(l-lysine) accumulation and elimination depending on different administration routes were also found. Although only a portion of the administered poly(l-lysine) appears to target the brain and spleen, the specific poly(l-lysine) level in these organs was higher than that previously reported. Furthermore, the poly(l-lysine) retention in the brain and spleen was greater than that found in other organs. These results provide valuable information about poly(l-lysine) behavior in vivo, which will be an aid in designing optimal regimens for potential application of poly(l-lysine) in anti-prion therapeutics.
Israeli Nurses’ Attitudes to the Holistic Approach to Health and Their Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Authors: Orkaby Brurya , Greenberger Chaya
Published: July 2014

Purpose: To examine nurses’ attitudes to holistic and biomedical approaches to health care and the correlation between the two and to explore the extent of recommending and using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by nurses and its correlation with attitudes toward the holistic approach to care. Design and Methods: In this cross-sectional correlational study, a structured questionnaire was completed anonymously by 213 Israeli hospital-based nurses from various departments. Findings: Nurses perceived both approaches as critical to optimal health care: a positive correlation emerged of attitudes to the two approaches. Nurses recommended and used CAM extensively; most therapies were recommended and/or used by 70% or more of the respondents. Nurses with more positive attitudes toward holistic care tended to recommend and use CAM to a greater extent. Conclusions: Biomedical and holistic approaches are perceived by nurses to coexist within nursing professional boundaries and form a broad basis for optimal health care. Nurses’ attitudes to the holistic approach appear to promote recommendation and/or use of CAM in practice. More training in CAM should be offered in nursing educational frameworks and research should continue to establish evidence for CAM’s effectiveness.
A study on the spray and engine combustion characteristics of diesel–dimethyl ether fuel blends
Authors: Lim Ock Taeck , Iida Norimasa
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare the spray characteristics, the combustion characteristics and the emissions (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and smoke) of typical fuels (100% diesel and 100% dimethyl ether) and diesel–dimethyl ether fuel blends in a constant-volume chamber and a single-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine. The spray characteristics were investigated by varying the ambient pressure and the fuel injection pressure using a common-rail fuel injection system with various fuel mixture ratios. The spray characteristic research parameters were the spray shape, the penetration length and the spray angle at the seven-hole injector. Common types of injector were used (Bosch). Two types of fuel blended by mass fraction were employed. Typical fuels (100% diesel and 100% dimethyl ether) and fuel blends with diesel:dimethyl ether mixture ratios of 95:5 and 90:10 were used. The injection pressure was fixed at 70 MPa while the ambient pressure was varied (0 MPa, 2.5 MPa and 5 MPa). The combustion experiments were conducted in a single-cylinder engine equipped with a common rail. The injection pressure was 700 bar at 1200 r/min. The amount of injected fuel was adjusted to obtain a fixed input calorific value of 972.2 J/cycle in order to make a comparison between the fuel types. The results showed that the injection quantity was greater with diesel fuel but not for dimethyl ether fuel and for the fuel blend with the higher mixing ratio. The spray penetration length increased with increasing ambient pressure for diesel but decreased for dimethyl ether with a larger spray angle. The ignition delay and the heat release rate decreased with increasing dimethyl ether which led to a higher indicated mean effective pressure and higher thermal efficiency because there was less negative work in the expansion. The total hydrocarbon emissions and the carbon monoxide emissions decreased with increasing dimethyl ether, but the nitrogen oxide emissions generated were greater owing to the increased combustion temperature.
Vehicles with cooperative redundant multiple steering systems: alternative driver interfaces
Authors: Spark Ian James , Percy Andrew
Published: July 2014

This paper presents the results of calculations of the wheel angles and the drive wheel speeds to ensure that the steering effect of the wheel angles and the steering effect of the speeds of the drive wheels are identical. These calculations are general insofar as the centre of curvature of the path of the centre of the vehicle can lie anywhere in the ‘horizontal’ plane, including within the plan view of the vehicle. These minimal turning circles at times require large wheel angles and large differences in the drive wheel speeds. When the driver selects a centre of curvature inside the rectangle defined by the wheelbase and the track, problems arise owing to the multiple solutions of the arctan function. This problem is solved so that flipping of the wheels through 180° is avoided. Similar problems can arise in the calculation of the correct wheel speed because of the ambiguity of the square root function, which has both positive and negative roots. This problem is also solved. Alternative driver interfaces are described in detail. Vehicles with cooperative redundant multiple steering systems promise safety benefits relative to vehicles with a single non-redundant steering system and environmental benefits relative to vehicles with conflicting redundant multiple steering systems. The safety benefits result from increased traction, stability and manoeuvrability (especially on hills). The environmental benefits include reduced ground damage, tyre wear and fuel wastage on turning. These vehicles would be used to best advantage as extreme off-road vehicles. The general case of vehicles described is capable of both pure rotation and pure translation in any direction, and all motion in between. This maximized manoeuvrability also makes the system ideal for vehicles operating in confined spaces, such as forklift trucks.
Characterising heavy-duty fuel systems: a critique of industry practice and challenges
Authors: Lillington Richard , Chetwynd Derek G , Jones R Peter
Published: July 2014

Fuel system components must perform optimally to ensure the maximum fuel economy and the minimum emissions. The key to optimised performance is effective characterisation of the system in the factory. This paper describes methods for discerning the features of a fuel injection system’s performance during built-unit testing. First, a background is given, highlighting the impact of environmental legislation. Next, specifications for a modern fuel system and key functionality characteristics are identified, and a brief overview of the alternative system configurations offered. The injector function is then discussed, with the importance of the key subcomponents being explained. Methods of testing and characterising the fuel injector performance in use are then described. Finally, there is discussion on the future of fuel system testing, and how developing challenges such as measuring the injection timing and the fuelling quantity in high-pressure, high-temperature and high-vibration environments might be overcome with better instruments and novel testing strategies including a paradigm shift away from steady-state testing to fully dynamic system testing.
When You Think About It, Your Past Is in Front of You
Authors: de la Fuente Juanma , Santiago Julio , Román Antonio , Dumitrache Cristina , Casasanto Daniel
Published: July 2014

In Arabic, as in many languages, the future is “ahead” and the past is “behind.” Yet in the research reported here, we showed that Arabic speakers tend to conceptualize the future as behind and the past as ahead of them, despite using spoken metaphors that suggest the opposite. We propose a new account of how space-time mappings become activated in individuals’ minds and entrenched in their cultures, the temporal-focus hypothesis: People should conceptualize either the future or the past as in front of them to the extent that their culture (or subculture) is future oriented or past oriented. Results support the temporal-focus hypothesis, demonstrating that the space-time mappings in people’s minds are conditioned by their cultural attitudes toward time, that they depend on attentional focus, and that they can vary independently of the space-time mappings enshrined in language.
Radiocarbon dating of glacial dust layers and soils at Kilimanjaro’s Northern Ice Field
Authors: Noell Aaron C , Abbey William J , Anderson Robert C , Ponce Adrian
Published: July 2014

As the African climate history recorded in Kilimanjaro’s Northern Ice Field (NIF) is rapidly lost, the age of the glacier remains disputed. Current age estimates from ice core data and glacial dynamics modeling disagree by an order of magnitude (11,700 vs ~1000 years old). We present radiocarbon dates of glacial dust and proximal soil samples collected from in and around the edge of the NIF that support the hypothesis that the peripheral portions of the NIF glacier are younger and more dynamic than the center. Samples of a dust-rich ice layer, 1.5 m above the base at the edge of the ~40 m high glacier ice cliff were found to be 1600–790 years old. These dates agree with the prediction of significant growth and shrinkage in glacial coverage over the last millennium. The variation in radiocarbon ages likely arises from heterogeneity in the summit volcanic soils, the main source of the dust recovered from the glacier, and cryoconite microbial activity. Sediment samples of a supraglacial pond had modern radiocarbon ages, further demonstrating the impact of cryoconite microbial communities on radiocarbon measurements of glacial samples. After accounting for the variability in the sample ages and the effects of microbial activity, we contend that the lower (i.e. younger) limit of the radiocarbon age range is the most reliable assessment of the age of the ice in which it was trapped.
Mortality and causes of death among incident cases of systemic lupus erythematosus in Finland 2000–2008
Authors: Elfving P , Puolakka K , Kautiainen H , Virta L J , Pohjolainen T , Kaipiainen-Seppänen O
Published: July 2014

The objectives of the study were to investigate mortality and causes of death in patients with recent-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Finland. Data for patients with SLE for the study were collected (2000–2007) from the nationwide register on decisions of special reimbursements for drugs, maintained by the Social Insurance Institution (SII) in Finland. Data on deaths of the patients were obtained from the official death certificate statistics of Statistics Finland until the end of 2008. Of the 566 incident SLE patients, median follow-up time was 5.4 (IQR 3.3, 7.1) years, and 30 patients (23 females, seven males) died in the years 2000 through 2008. Mean age at death was 67.8 ± 17.2 years for females and 62.3 ± 15.2 years for males. The 5-year survival rates were 94.8% (95%CI 92.0–96.6%) and 88.2% (95%CI 76.5–94.3%), respectively. The age- and sex-adjusted standardized mortality ratio was 1.48 (95%CI 1.01–2.12). Primary causes of death were cardiovascular diseases, malignancy and SLE itself. In conclusion, survival of the patients with SLE was inferior to that of the general population. Cardiovascular diseases were responsible for 37% of deaths.
Production of a monoclonal antibody against serum immunoglobulin M of South American camelids and assessment of its suitability in two immunoassays
Authors: Friedrich Adrián , Ledesma Martín , Landone Ignacio , Ferrari Alejandro , Leoni Juliana
Published: July 2014

A monoclonal antibody (mAb) was produced against immunoglobulin M (IgM) of South American camelids. A single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay and a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were developed to measure IgM in serum samples. Isotype and specificity of the mAb were assessed. The performance of the SRID assay was preliminarily evaluated in terms of working range, plate stability over a 4-week period, and initial intra- and interassay variation. The concentration of IgM was determined in 55 samples by SRID assay and ELISA, and results were not significantly different by t-test (0.64 ± 0.19 mg/ml for the SRID assay, and 0.58 ± 0.24 mg/ml for ELISA; P = 0.1489). The mAb was shown to be stable over the 4-week evaluation period, and the SRID assay was reproducible when tested in triplicate for intra-assay variability and in quadruplicate for interassay variability, with a percentage coefficient of variation of less than or equal to 5%. Also, the SRID assay proved to be sensitive enough to measure IgM levels in undiluted serum samples, and had a good correlation with ELISA. The current study is intended to submit a preliminary report of a mAb against IgM of South American camelids, and suggest the future potential of the mAb developed for diagnostic application, including use in the SRID assay.
Frequency response analysis of a delaminated smart composite plate
Authors: Huang Bin , Kim Heung Soo
Published: July 2014

A frequency analysis of smart composite plate with delamination at ply interface was investigated in this article. The modeling was based on an electro-mechanical coupled improved layerwise theory, with implementing finite element method. Four-node plate elements with Lagrange and Hermite cubic interpolation functions were used for in-plane structural unknowns, electric unknowns, and out-of-plane structural unknowns. The general modal reduction method was applied to solve the second-order differential equation. Numerical results showed significant shift of natural frequencies in the frequency response of tip displacement and three sensor outputs due to the presence of delamination. It is found that the delamination locations also influence the natural frequencies of smart composite structure. Thus, the proposed methodology could be a useful tool to develop system identification and structural health monitoring techniques of smart composite structure.
Evidence-Based Practice Empowers Practitioners
Authors: Rubin Allen
Published: July 2014

Epstein makes a strong argument for the value of clinical data mining (CDM), although he minimizes some of the potential limitations in that methodology, such as attrition. Epstein’s portrayal of evidence-based practice (EBP) as practitioner-bashing and treasuring intervention manuals overlooks the emphasis in the EBP process on the need for practitioners to use their clinical expertise and judgment in deciding whether and how to implement research supported interventions. His portrayal of EBP as cherishing randomized clinical trials to the point of demeaning all other forms of research also is a misrepresentation of the EBP process and a straw man argument. Although CDM is one way to try to bridge the research–practice gap, arguing that it is perhaps the only or best way to do so overstates the case. Instead of bashing practitioners, as Epstein implies, EBP empowers them.
The Advocacy of the Previously Inconceivable: A Discourse Analysis of the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth at Rio+20
Authors: Espinosa Cristina
Published: July 2014

The proposal to adopt the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth (UDRME) sought to challenge the hegemony of green economy at Rio+20. The essence of this proposal is the recognition of nature as a subject holding rights. Adopting a discourse analytical perspective, this article analyzes the advocacy activities for the UDRME at Rio+20 and critically reconstructs the arguments in favor of the Rights of Nature, which condense deliberations about value, humans’ role on Earth, the planet’s physical characteristics, indigenous and traditional people’s wisdom, and the evolution of legal systems. The most prominent aspects of this argumentative endeavor are discussed to assess how a previously unthinkable international environmental normative framework became conceivable. The article contends that connections with long-standing environmental discourses and the enactment of the indigenous speaker position by UDRME advocates are central for understanding how this proposal has become part of contemporary environmental politics.
Reproducibility of Computed Tomography to Evaluate Ankle and Hindfoot Fusions
Authors: Cerrato Rebecca Amy , Aiyer Amiethab A. , Campbell John , Jeng Clifford L. , Myerson Mark S.
Published: July 2014

Background:

Although plain radiographs have been historically used to evaluate the status of arthrodesis in the foot and ankle, computed tomography (CT) has gained popularity for evaluation of fusion status. The degree of fusion identified on CT scan has been correlated with functional outcome, with an arthrodesis area of 25-50% necessary for clinical success. In the clinical setting, orthopaedic surgeons often evaluate CT scans independently. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interrater reliability of CT scans to assess the status of hindfoot or ankle fusions among orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons.

Methods:

Forty-one CT scans were identified retrospectively from the tertiary referral practices of 4 fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons. Inclusion criteria were patients with ankle, subtalar, or tibiotalocalcaneal fusions. Fusions with bulk allograft were excluded. All CT scans were completed at the investigating institution. The primary author (RAC) reviewed all CT scans to ensure the adequacy and completeness of the films. Images were blinded of any patient identifiers. All 4 surgeons individually reviewed the blinded scans and determined whether the arthrodesis site was greater than or less than 50% fused. Interrater reliability was completed via kappa analysis.

Results:

Based on kappa analysis, there was high interrater reliability in the assessment of subtalar arthrodesis. This was not statistically significant for the evaluation of ankle arthrodesis.

Conclusion:

The CT scan has become instrumental in determining the adequacy of arthrodesis in the foot and ankle. The present study demonstrates the reliability of orthopaedic surgeons to ascertain the status of subtalar arthrodesis via CT scan.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Not Without Them
Authors: Redondo-Sama Gisela , Pulido-Rodríguez Miguel A. , Larena Rosa , de Botton Lena
Published: July 2014

Cyber harassment is considered one of the most important risks of our children and teenagers’ online daily interactions. Most existing preventive programs are designed by and for adults, not accounting for the experiences and views of the potential victims. The approach of preventive socialization emphasizes the need for the participation of minors as well as the importance of acknowledging their voices to develop successful preventive actions in this field. By the means of communicative content analysis, in this article, authors contrast the research state of the art with the voice of the very minors. From this analysis, a series of ground rules are defined to be considered in the design of actions aimed at preventing cyber harassment.
New Guidelines for Hypertension Raises the Bar on Treatment
Authors: Alpert Patricia T.
Published: July 2014

Recently, the new hypertension guidelines were revealed. It raised much conversation and controversy about what might happen to older individuals who fall into the “gray zone” and should treatment be held for older adults aged 60 years and older until a blood pressure reading of 150/90 mmHg is reached? Arguments supporting this change point to the strong evidence that supports this new change. In fact, flexing the old guidelines may improve quality of life through the reduction of hypertensive medication side effects. Those adamantly against this change fear that relaxing the guidelines may undo the progress made in lowering cardiovascular disease, particularly strokes. This article discusses these viewpoints after discovering the new hypertension guidelines.
Anesthetic Drugs in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Friesen Robert H.
Published: July 2014

The structural defects associated with the various forms of congenital heart disease lead to pathological and functional changes that place patients at risk for adverse events, and in fact the perioperative incidence of morbidity and mortality has been documented to be increased in children with congenital heart disease. Patients with congenital heart disease can present to the anesthesiologist in a relatively precarious state of balance of several hemodynamic factors, including preload, ventricular contractility, systemic vascular resistance, pulmonary vascular resistance, heart rate, and cardiac rhythm. Anesthetic drugs can affect each of these, and an ideal anesthetic drug for such patients does not exist. The purpose of this article is to review the hemodynamic effects of anesthetic drugs and how they may contribute to the occurrence of adverse events in children with congenital heart disease.
The Fiscal Performance of Overlapping Local Governments
Authors: Jimenez Benedict S.
Published: July 2014

Research on the fiscal consequences of multilevel governance has largely focused on the interaction between federal and state governments. Yet, the federal system in the United States is considerably more complex and includes the vertical layering of governments at the local level. This research examines the relationship between the overlapping system of local governments and fiscal discipline in the public sector. It focuses on both the static and dynamic aspects of fiscal performance, specifically own-source revenues and debt. Using different measures of the vertical structure of the local governance system, and controlling for the effects of other factors including measures of horizontal competition, the empirical analysis finds that the overlaying of local governments creates a bias for a bigger public sector, but much of the bias can be traced to a specific type of government.