bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One of the last unresolved species in Cochlearia sens. trad., West Himalayan C. minutissima, is Eutrema (Brassicaceae)
Authors: GERMAN DMITRY A. , AL-SHEHBAZ IHSAN A.
Published: February 2018

Identity of the hitherto incertae sedis Cochlearia minutissima O.E. Schulz is clarified and its close relationship up to possible conspecificity with Eutrema hookeri Al-Shehbaz & Warwick is established. The combination E. minutissimum is validated.
Justicia segoviaensis, a new name for Justicia micrantha (Oerst.) V.A.W.Graham (Acanthaceae)
Authors: SOUMYA PULIYAKODE , SUNOJKUMAR PURAYIDATHKANDY
Published: February 2018

Justicia micrantha (Oerst.) Graham (1988: 603) is a Central American species originally described by Oersted as Chaetothylopsis micrantha Oersterd (1855: 163). However, it is illegitimate name under Art. 53.1 of the ICN (McNeill et al., 2012) because an earlier homonym Justicia micrantha Wall. ex Clarke (1885: 536) already exist for another Indian plant. Therefore, a new name, Justicia segoviaensis, is proposed here for the later homonym, J. micrantha (Oerst.) V.A.W. Graham.
A New Research Approach for Observing and Characterizing Land–Atmosphere Feedback
Authors: Wulfmeyer Volker , Turner David D. , Baker B. , Banta R. , Behrendt A. , Bonin T. , Brewer W. A. , Buban M. , Choukulkar A. , Dumas E. , Hardesty R. M. , Heus T. , Ingwersen J. , Lange D. , Lee T. R. , Metzendorf S. , Muppa S. K. , Meyers T. , Newsom R. , Osman M. , Raasch S. , Santanello J. , Senff C. , Späth F. , Wagner T. , Weckwerth T.
Published: February 2018

Forecast errors with respect to wind, temperature, moisture, clouds, and precipitation largely correspond to the limited capability of current Earth system models to capture and simulate land–atmosphere feedback. To facilitate its realistic simulation in next-generation models, an improved process understanding of the related complex interactions is essential. To this end, accurate 3D observations of key variables in the land–atmosphere (L–A) system with high vertical and temporal resolution from the surface to the free troposphere are indispensable.

Recently, we developed a synergy of innovative ground-based, scanning active remote sensing systems for 2D to 3D measurements of wind, temperature, and water vapor from the surface to the lower troposphere that is able to provide comprehensive datasets for characterizing L–A feedback independently of any model input. Several new applications are introduced, such as the mapping of surface momentum, sensible heat, and latent heat fluxes in heterogeneous terrain; the testing of Monin–Obukhov similarity theory and turbulence parameterizations; the direct measurement of entrainment fluxes; and the development of new flux-gradient relationships. An experimental design taking advantage of the sensors’ synergy and advanced capabilities was realized for the first time during the Land Atmosphere Feedback Experiment (LAFE), conducted at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Southern Great Plains site in August 2017. The scientific goals and the strategy of achieving them with the LAFE dataset are introduced. We envision the initiation of innovative L–A feedback studies in different climate regions to improve weather forecast, climate, and Earth system models worldwide.
ENSO Transition from La Niña to El Niño Drives Prolonged Spring–Summer Drought over North China
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Wu Peili , Zhou Tianjun , Xiao Chan
Published: February 2018

Persistent drought is a major meteorological disaster causing vast agricultural damage and long-term regional water crises. Over north China, this type of drought tends to begin in spring and to persist until summer with severe societal impacts. This paper aims to identify the large-scale dynamic drivers of the prolonged spring–summer drought (PSSD) over north China. This analysis has shown that the north China PSSD is associated with a persistent anomalous low-level cyclonic circulation spanning the midlatitude North Pacific from spring to summer with reduced moisture transport to north China, in combination with a tropospheric cooling along the East Asian upper-level westerly jet with dynamically forced anomalous descent above. Seven of the selected eight north China PSSD events occurred when La Niña transitioned to El Niño with a negative North Pacific Oscillation (NPO) phase in the preceding winter. The two key circulation anomalies in spring are set directly by a negative NPO phase generated in the preceding winter. The NPO, in turn, forces an El Niño onset in summer through the so-called seasonal footprinting mechanism. Consequently, sea surface temperature anomalies of El Niño in summer suppress Indian monsoon rainfall, triggering the tropospheric temperature cooling over East Asia through a circumglobal teleconnection along the East Asian upper-level westerly jet. Modeling analysis of the long preindustrial control simulation confirms the above findings. This study demonstrates that ENSO phase transition from La Niña to El Niño is one of the important precursors of north China PSSD.
On the Use of Ocean Dynamic Temperature for Hurricane Intensity Forecasting
Authors: Balaguru Karthik , Foltz Gregory R. , Leung L. Ruby , Hagos Samson M. , Judi David R.
Published: February 2018

Sea surface temperature (SST) and tropical cyclone heat potential (TCHP) are metrics used to incorporate the ocean’s influence on hurricane intensification into the National Hurricane Center’s Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS). While both SST and TCHP serve as useful measures of the upper-ocean heat content, they do not accurately represent ocean stratification effects. Here, it is shown that replacing SST within the SHIPS framework with a dynamic temperature Tdy, which accounts for the oceanic negative feedback to the hurricane’s intensity arising from storm-induced vertical mixing and sea surface cooling, improves the model performance. While the model with SST and TCHP explains about 41% of the variance in 36-h intensity changes, replacing SST with Tdy increases the variance explained to nearly 44%. These results suggest that representation of the oceanic feedback, even through relatively simple formulations such as Tdy, may improve the performance of statistical hurricane intensity prediction models such as SHIPS.
Competition Policy at the Intersection of Equity and Efficiency
Authors: Fox Eleanor M.
Published: February 2018

The author tells the tale of her journey to discover the synergy between equity and efficiency.
Accessing drug treatment courts do age, race or gender matter?
Authors: Weinrath Michael , Gorkoff Kelly , Watts Joshua , Smee Calum , Allard Zachary , Bellan Michael , Lumsden Sarah , Cattini Melissa
Published: February 2018

To ensure equitable access to diversion from custody, Canadian drug treatment courts should accept referrals whose age, gender, and Indigenous race proportions are similar to probation or custody admissions. Of particular concern are Indigenous offenders, who are over-represented in Canada’s community and institutional corrections systems. To examine the influence of these extra-legal factors, we assessed referrals to the Winnipeg, Manitoba drug treatment court ( N = 288). Provincial corrections data from Statistics Canada’s adult key indicator report, eight years of official records drug court data (2006–2014), and local male sentenced inmate admission data were analyzed. Age, gender, and Indigenous status did not influence referral. Indigenous male referrals to the drug treatment courts were generally higher risk than females or other males. Correctional institutions data showed that Indigenous male inmates had more convictions for violence and higher street gang membership rates, thus attempting to increase drug court referral poses significant challenges. In Manitoba, substantial custody reductions of offenders overall and Indigenous male offenders in particular will require more radical solutions than the drug court.
Training peers to treat Ebola centre workers with anxiety and depression in Sierra Leone
Authors: Waterman Samantha , Hunter Elaine Catherine Margaret , Cole Charles L , Evans Lauren Jayne , Greenberg Neil , Rubin G James , Beck Alison
Published: February 2018

Background:

Following the 2014 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa, the UK Department for International Development funded South London and Maudsley National Health Service (NHS) to develop a psychological intervention that ex-Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC) staff could be trained to deliver to their peers to improve mental health in Sierra Leone.

Aim:

The two key aims were to assess the feasibility of training a national team to deliver a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)–based group intervention, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the overall intervention within this population.

Methods:

UK clinicians travelled to Sierra Leone to train a small team of ex-ETC staff in a three-phased CBT-based intervention. Standardised clinical measures, as well as bespoke measures, were applied with participants through the intervention to assess changes in mental health symptomology, and the effectiveness of the intervention.

Results:

The results found improvements across all factors of mental health in the bespoke measure from phase 1 to phase 3. Additionally, the majority of standardised clinical measures showed improvements between phase 2 and the start of phase 3, and pre- and post-phase 3.

Conclusion:

Overall, the findings suggest that it is possible to train staff from ETCs to deliver effective CBT interventions to peers. The implications of these results are discussed, including suggestions for future research and clinical intervention implementation within this population. The limitations of this research are also addressed.
Resistance is mobile
Authors: Sullivan Christopher M , Davenport Christian
Published: February 2018

An emerging consensus holds that achieving successful counter-movement outcomes requires combining overt repression (e.g. raids, arrests, and targeted assassination) with covert repression (e.g. monitoring, agents provocateurs, and wiretapping). Research in this article disputes the presumed complementarity between overt and covert repressive tactics. When overt repression signals new information about the state’s covert intelligence collection program, challengers respond in ways that frustrate efforts to accumulate new intelligence. These propositions are investigated using original, weekly panel data on a black nationalist insurgent organization, the Republic of New Africa (RNA), and US Red Squad counter-movement activities directed against this group (between 1968 and 1971). Using archived materials generated by various policing agencies and their rivals in the RNA, the analyses provide new understanding of dynamics rarely observed or analyzed systematically. Findings reveal that the two methods of political repression can work at cross purposes. Overt repression motivates challenger adaption towards less readily observable tactics and organizational forms; covert repression subsequently fails to identify challengers’ actions or identities. These findings hold even while controlling for challenger mobilization and government investment in covert repression. In addition to advancing our understanding of what happens to behavioral challengers when governments repress, the results help to shed light on some of the factors that make defeating domestic challengers so difficult. Each ‘step forward’ taken by counter-movement forces potentially makes the next one more difficult.
Migrants, borders and the criminalisation of solidarity in the EU
Authors: Fekete Liz
Published: February 2018

Europe’s response in 2015 to the arrival of the largest forced displacement of peoples since the second world war, was not to attend to their needs but to securitise its borders and use laws aimed at people traffickers and smugglers, against those giving aid to the destitute new arrivals. This article focuses on a discussion at the launch of Humanitarianism: the unacceptable face of solidarity, between the Institute of Race Relations, NGOs, solidarity campaigns, academics and students concerned about the EU’s attitude and policies to search and rescue in the Mediterranean Sea, the harassment and criminalising of those trying to give support to refugees and the ways to organise to preserve humanitarian principles in Europe. Discussion covers the secret deals being made by the EU with countries around the Mediterranean, in Libya and in central Africa to act as gatekeepers to prevent migration to Europe, the difficulty of challenging the Facilitation Directive which allows humanitarians to be prosecuted as people smugglers, within a European Parliament which has increasing numbers of members from the extreme Right, and the importance of independent research to counter the myths and misinformation from the EU and member states on migration and asylum.
Preliminary design of the internal geometry in a minimally invasive left ventricular assist device under pulsatile-flow conditions
Authors: Smith P Alex , Wang Yaxin , Metcalfe Ralph W , Sampaio Luiz C , Timms Daniel L , Cohn William E , Frazier OH
Published: February 2018

Purpose:

A minimally invasive, partial-assist, intra-atrial blood pump has been proposed, which would unload the left ventricle with a flow path from the left atrium to the arterial system. Flow modulation is a common strategy for ensuring washout in the pump, but it can increase power consumption because it is typically achieved through motor-speed variation. However, if a pump’s performance curve had the proper gradient, flow modulation could be realized passively. To achieve this goal, we propose a pump performance operating curve as an alternative to the more standard operating point.

Methods and results:

Mean-line theory was employed to generate an initial set of geometries that were then tested on a hydraulic test rig at ~20,000 r/min. Experimental results show that the intra-atrial blood pump performed below the operating region; however, it was determined that smaller hub diameter and longer chord length bring the performance of the intra-atrial blood pump device closer to the operating curve.

Conclusion:

We found that it is possible to shape the pump performance curve for specifically targeted gradients over the operating region through geometric variations inside the pump.
Intermediate Care Units: A Survey of Organization Practices Across the United States
Authors: Wendlandt Blair , Bice Thomas , Carson Shannon , Chang Lydia
Published: February 2018

Purpose:

Intermediate care units (IMCUs) represent an alternative care setting with nurse staffing levels between those of the general ward and the intensive care unit (ICU). Despite rising prevalence, little is known about IMCU practices across US hospitals. The purpose of this study is to characterize utilization patterns and assess for variation.

Materials and Methods:

A 14-item survey was distributed to a random nationwide sample of pulmonary and critical care physicians between January and April 2017.

Results:

A total of 51 physicians from 24 different states completed the survey. Each response represented a unique institution, the majority of which were public (59%), academic (73%), and contained at least 1 IMCU (65%). Of the IMCUs surveyed, 58% operated as 1 mixed unit that admitted medical, cardiac, and surgical patients as opposed to having separate subspecialty units. Ninety-one percent of units admitted step-down patients from the ICU, but 39% of units accepted a mix of step-up patients, step-down patients, postoperative patients, and patients from the emergency department. Intensivists managed care in 21% of units whereas 36% had no intensivist involvement.

Conclusion:

Organization practices vary considerably between IMCUs across institutions. The impact of different organization practices on patient outcomes should be assessed.
Mechanical properties of inter-ply hybrid composites reinforced with glass and polyamide fibers
Authors: Selmy AI , Abd El-baky MA , Hegazy DA
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of using polyamide (PA) as a reinforcement with glass (G) fiber to form new hybrid composites with improved physical and mechanical properties. PA-G–reinforced epoxy hybrid composites were designed, fabricated using the hand layup technique in inter-ply configuration and their mechanical properties were investigated. Results are presented regarding the tensile, flexural, and in-plane shear behaviors of the fabricated composites with a particular consideration of the effects of the stacking sequence and PA-fiber relative volume fraction, ( vPA/ vtot). The experimental results reveal that the existence of G-fiber at the composite external layers and PA-fiber in the core improves the tensile and flexural properties but worsens the shear properties. Also, increasing ( vPA/ vtot) upgrades the tensile properties but deteriorates the flexural and shear properties. The merits of the hybridization in the current study are lesser cost compared to pure PA-composite and lightweight and better ductility compared to pure G-composite with improved mechanical properties. As a result, these hybrid composites are suitable for medium load applications.
Disability rights in the Inter-American System of Human Rights
Authors: Guarnizo-Peralta1 Diana
Published: February 2018

In recent years the Inter-American Human Rights System has moved in the direction of increasingly protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Although the Inter-American singular instrument dealing with disability rights (CIADDIS) does not provide a strong tool for the analysis of individual claims in cases of violations of these rights, both the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights have relied on an expansive interpretation of the Inter-American treaties, particularly the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), in order to protect them. The purpose of this article is to trace the evolution of Inter-American jurisprudence and practice with regard to the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. In its first decisions on persons with disabilities, the Inter-American System took a general approach by simply recognising that persons with disabilities are entitled to the same rights as all persons; in its more recent decisions the Inter-American System has taken a proactive approach by interpreting those rights from a particular disability rights perspective. This article will argue that in doing so, the Inter-American System has, in some aspects, progressively caught up with international standards of protection regarding disability rights, while in others, it has developed a particular standard of interpretation that is in conflict with the CRPD’s standards. Inter-American jurisprudence is thus slowly becoming an internationally relevant actor for the interpretation of disability rights, one that should be taken into account.
Cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in K562 leukemia cells induced by an active compound from pyrano-pyridine derivatives
Authors: Mahdavi M , Asghari S , Rahnamay M , Dehghan G , Feizi MAH , Balalaie S
Published: February 2018

Recent studies have reported the potential of pyrano-pyridine compounds in inhibiting cell growth and apoptosis induction in cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of new pyrano-pyridine derivatives on proliferation, oxidative damages, and apoptosis in K562 leukemia cells. Among different tested compounds, we found 8-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-6-phenethyl-4H-pyrano-[3,2-c]pyridine-3-carbonitrile (4-CP.P) as the most effective compound with IC50 value of 20 μM. Gel electrophoresis, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry analyses indicated the apoptosis induction ability of 4-CP.P in K562 cells. Further analyses revealed that 4-CP.P induces significant increase in cellular reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and total thiol depletion. Interestingly, while 4-CP.P significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, it reduced the catalase activity in a time-dependent manner. These data propose that 4-CP.P treatment causes free radicals accumulation that ultimately leads to oxidative stress condition and apoptosis induction. Therefore, we report the 4-CP.P as a novel, potent compound as a chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment.
Book Review: Desh Deshpande, On Entrepreneurship and Impact
Authors: Mendonca Valerie , Sharma Supriya
Published: February 2018

Desh Deshpande, On Entrepreneurship and Impact, Melbourne and New Delhi: Prolibris Publishing India Pvt Ltd, 2016, 105 pp.
Book Review: Husain Haqqani, Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military
Authors: Mir Nazir Ahmad
Published: February 2018

Husain Haqqani, Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military. India: Penguin/Viking, 2016, pp. xv + 462, ₹699, ISBN: 9780670088560, hardback.
Book Review: Sumita Kanojia, Women and Refugee Law: Perspectives from India
Authors: Gupta Sonika
Published: February 2018

Sumita Kanojia, Women and Refugee Law: Perspectives from India. Valsad, Gujarat: Fidelity International Publishers, 2016, pp. 345, ₹750.
Governance Mechanisms and Family Firms
Authors: Chrisman James J. , Chua Jess H. , Le Breton-Miller Isabelle , Miller Danny , Steier Lloyd P.
Published: February 2018

Governance, along with goals and resources, is a key determinant of the distinctiveness and heterogeneity of family firms. Our introduction discusses formal and informal governance mechanisms that emanate from inside and outside the firm and then reviews, integrates, and extends the contributions to this topic of the six articles and four commentaries in this special issue. Building and reflecting on these contributions, we suggest that although formal governance mechanisms inside family firms have unique characteristics, informal governance mechanisms may be equally important, and external mechanisms, both formal and informal, can also profoundly influence the behavior and performance of family firms.
We Are Friends but Are We Family? Organizational Identification and Nonfamily Employee Turnover
Authors: Vardaman James M. , Allen David G. , Rogers Bryan L.
Published: February 2018

The family-centric priorities of family firms often disadvantage nonfamily employees and make retaining them problematic. Our study posits organizational identification, or internalizing the firm's identity as one's own, as a key factor in overcoming this challenge. We adopt a social network perspective to examine the differential impact of friendships with family and nonfamily members on nonfamily employees' organizational identification and turnover. Results from a study of the nonfamily employees of a family-owned service company show that centrality in both family and nonfamily friendship networks reduces turnover, but that friendships with family members have a stronger effect. Results also show that various forms of centrality in social networks have indirect effects on turnover through organizational identification, highlighting identification's importance for retaining nonfamily employees.
Looking in the Other Direction: An Ethnographic Analysis of How Family Businesses Can Be Operated to Enhance Familial Well-Being
Authors: Nordstrom Onnolee , Jennings Jennifer E.
Published: February 2018

While much family business research has examined how family ownership affects businesses, this paper raises a question consistent with enquiries in the latter direction: How can family firms be operated to enhance the well-being of owning families and their members? We address this question by analyzing ethnographic data collected from an “extreme case” of both family enterprising and familial well-being: Hutterite colonies in Western Canada. Our findings suggest three enterprise-level strategies and three task-level practices that strengthen family member satisfaction and family system effectiveness.
Endogeneity in Strategy-Performance Analysis: An Application to Initial Human Capital Strategy and New Venture Performance
Authors: Rocha Vera , van Praag Mirjam , Folta Timothy B. , Carneiro Anabela
Published: February 2018

Managers engage in a variety of strategies, not randomly, but having in mind their performance implications. Therefore, strategic choices are endogenous in performance equations. Despite increasing efforts by various scholars in solving endogeneity bias, prior attempts have almost exclusively focused on single, one-sided, and discrete (binary) organizational decisions. Yet, in reality, managers often face multiple, simultaneous, and interdependent decisions, possibly including a continuous choice set. These choices may further entail a two-sided process between managers and others, such as employees, strategic partners, customers, or investors, whose choices and preferences also affect the final decision. We discuss how endogeneity can plague the measurement of the performance effects of these two-sided strategic decisions—which are more complex, but more realistic, than prior representations of organizational decision making. We provide an empirical demonstration of possible methods to deal with three different sources of bias, by analyzing the performance effects of two human capital choices made by founders at startup: the size and average quality of the initial workforce.
Improving Multitiered Systems of Support for Students With “Internalizing” Emotional/Behavioral Problems
Authors: Weist Mark D. , Eber Lucille , Horner Robert , Splett Joni , Putnam Robert , Barrett Susan , Perales Kelly , Fairchild Amanda J. , Hoover Sharon
Published: February 2018

A recently defined interconnected systems framework (ISF) provides explicit guidance on steps to align positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and expanded school mental health (SMH) within the multitiered system of support (MTSS). As PBIS and SMH strategies align, there are opportunities to expand and improve effective programs and services for students at all tiers of the MTSS. A prominent need is to improve programs and services for students presenting “internalizing” disorders such as those related to trauma, depression, and anxiety. In this article, we discuss relevant issues involved in improving multitiered systems/interventions for students presenting internalizing problems and provide guidance for this work in dimensions of cross-system collaboration (with major emphasis on effective teams), implementing evidence-based practices, and data-based decision making/quality improvement. The article concludes with recommendations for practice, research, and policy to improve MTSS for students presenting internalizing problems.
How the EU member states’ press represented the Euro Crisis
Authors: Barbieri Giovanni , Campus Donatella , Mazzoni Marco
Published: February 2018

The article analyzes how the press in 10 European countries portrayed the Euro crisis. It aims at identifying the main interpretations given to the crisis and at evaluating to what extent such interpretations were influenced by variables such as the national belonging, the newspapers’ typology, and ideological orientation. By applying the technique of the multiple correspondence analysis, we highlighted that the interpretations of the Euro crisis were organized along four major dimensions: (1) accuracy, (2) magnitude and accountability mechanism, (3) attitude and expectations, and (4) characterization. Results suggest that facing common problems did not encourage the press of different states to cover the Euro crisis in a similar way. Rather, the most interesting finding appears to be the prevalent intra-country homogeneity that reveals similarities among different newspapers’ types.
Protective Effect of D-Methionine on Body Weight Loss, Anorexia, and Nephrotoxicity in Cisplatin-Induced Chronic Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Lin Ming-Tai , Ko Jiunn-Liang , Liu Te-Chung , Chao Pei-Tsen , Ou Chu-Chyn
Published: February 2018

D-methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that can act as a potent antioxidant. Anorexia and nephrotoxicity are side effects of cisplatin. The protective effects of D-methionine on cisplatin-induced anorexia and renal injury were investigated. The model of chronic cisplatin administration (5 mg/kg body weight) involved intraperitoneal injection on days 1, 8, and 15 and oral D-methionine (300 mg/kg body weight) coadministration daily for 20 days. On the 21st day of treatment, food intake and body weight in the cisplatin-treated group significantly decreased by 52% and 31%, respectively, when compared with a control group. D-methionine coadministration with cisplatin decreased food intake and body weight by 29% and 8%, respectively. In cisplatin-treated rats, white blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, and platelet values significantly decreased, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration significantly increased by 8.6% when compared with control rats. Cisplatin administration resulted in significantly decreased feeding efficiency, elevated renal oxidative stress, and reduced antioxidative activity. Leukocyte infiltration, tubule vacuolization, tubular expansion, and swelling were observed in the kidneys of cisplatin-treated rats. Oral D-methionine exhibited an antianorexic effect, with improvement in food intake, feeding efficiency, and hematological toxicities, as well as a protective effect against nephrotoxicity by elevated antioxidative activity. D-methionine may serve as a chemoprotectant in patients receiving cisplatin as part of a chemotherapy regimen.
Investigation on the microstructure and tensile behavior of a Ni-based IN792 superalloy
Authors: Du Beining , Sheng Liyuan , Hu Ziyang , Cui Chuanyong , Yang Jinxia , Sun Xiaofeng
Published: February 2018

The Ni-based IN792 superalloy is widely used in aeroengine components because of its low manufacturing cost and good mid-temperature (600°C–900°C) properties. However, its mechanical properties exhibit fluctuation with temperature, so a comprehensive understanding on the tensile behavior of IN792 superalloy at different temperatures is necessary. In this article, IN792 superalloy was fabricated and heat treated with the standard heat treatment of 1120°C/2 h air cooling + 1080°C/4 h air cooling + 845°C/24 h air cooling, and its tensile behavior at 550°C, 600°C, 650°C, 700°C, 760°C, 850°C, and 900°C was investigated. The results showed that IN792 superalloy exhibited obvious anomalous yield and intermediate temperature brittleness behaviors. The yield strength and ultimate strength of IN792 superalloy changed little below 760°C, but decreased significantly as the temperature increases to above 760°C. The ductility of IN792 superalloy had a little increase between 550°C and 600°C and then decreased significantly at 650°C and 700°C. As the tensile temperature increases from 700°C to 850°C, the ductility of IN792 superalloy increased again. However, when the temperature continues to rise to 900°C, the ductility dropped greatly. Such a tensile behavior of IN792 superalloy should be ascribed to the microstructure, such as the MC carbide, γ/γ′ eutectic structure, and γ′ phase.
Opportunity to participate in planning and evaluation of support for children with disabilities: Parents’ and professionals’ perspectives
Authors: Nowak Herawati I , Broberg Malin , Starke Mikaela
Published: February 2018

A random sample of parents of children with disabilities ( n = 144) from three Swedish municipalities participated in a structured telephone interview including seven questions on child participation and 156 professionals from the same municipalities completed a web-based survey including six questions on child participation. The aim of the study was to explore parents’ and professionals’ (1) ratings of the opportunities available to children with disabilities to participate in planning, decision-making and evaluation of support and (2) satisfaction with the children’s current level of such participation. The results indicated that opportunities for children with disability to participate directly in decision-making processes were limited. Parents and professionals rated older children’s opportunities to participate as better compared to younger. Most professionals relied more on parents’ descriptions of the child’s needs and opinions of support services than on direct communication with the child.
Patency of the arterial pedal–plantar arch in patients with chronic kidney disease or diabetes mellitus
Authors: Haine Axel , Haynes Alan G. , Limacher Andreas , Sebastian Tim , Saengprakai Wuttichai , Fuss Torsten , Baumgartner Iris
Published: February 2018

Background:

Patency of the pedal-plantar arch limits risk of amputation in peripheral artery disease (PAD). We examined patients without chronic kidney disease (CKD)/diabetes mellits (DM) [PAD-control], those with DM without CKD, and those with CKD without DM.

Method:

Uni- and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess association of CKD with loss of patency of the pedal–plantar arch and presence of tibial or peroneal vessel occlusion. Multivariate models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking.

Results:

A total of 419 patients were included [age 75.2 ± 10.3 years, 288 (69%) male]. CKD nearly doubled the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for loss of patency of the pedal–plantar arch. After adjustment, association remained significant for severe CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤ 29 ml/min compared with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min, adjusted (adj.) OR 8.24 (95% confidence interval {CI} 0.99–68.36, p = 0.05)]. CKD was not related to risk of tibial or peroneal artery occlusion [PAD-control versus CKD, adj. OR 1.09 (95% CI 0.49–2.44, p = 0.83)] in contrast to DM [PAD–control versus DM, adj. OR 2.41 (95% CI 1.23–4.72, p = 0.01), CKD versus DM, adj. OR 2.21 (95% CI 0.93–5.22); p = 0.07)].

Conclusions:

Below the knee (BTK) vascular pattern differs in patients with either DM or CKD alone. Severe CKD is a risk factor for loss of patency of the pedal–plantar arch.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid: A Systematic Review
Authors: Altman Roy , Bedi Asheesh , Manjoo Ajay , Niazi Faizan , Shaw Peter , Mease Philip
Published: February 2018

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability in the adult population. Common nonoperative treatment options include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intra-articular corticosteroids, and intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is found intrinsically within the knee joint providing viscoelastic properties to the synovial fluid. HA therapy provides anti-inflammatory relief through a number of different pathways, including the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to summarize the published literature on the anti-inflammatory properties of hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritis. Included articles were categorized based on the primary anti-inflammatory responses described within them, by the immediate cell surface receptor protein assessed within the article, or based on the primary theme of the article. Key findings aimed to describe the macromolecules and inflammatory-mediated responses associated with the cell transmembrane receptors.

Results

Forty-eight articles were included in this systematic review that focused on the general anti-inflammatory effects of HA in knee OA, mediated through receptor-binding relationships with cluster determinant 44 (CD44), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) and 4 (TLR-4), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and layilin (LAYN) cell surface receptors. Higher molecular weight HA (HMWHA) promotes anti-inflammatory responses, whereas short HA oligosaccharides produce inflammatory reactions.

Conclusions

Intra-articular HA is a viable therapeutic option in treating knee OA and suppressing inflammatory responses. HMWHA is effective in suppressing the key macromolecules that elicit the inflammatory response by short HA oligosaccharides.
Pharyngeal dysphagia due to Varicella zoster virus meningoradiculitis and full recovery: Case report and endoscopic findings
Authors: Muhle Paul , Suntrup-Krueger Sonja , Dziewas Rainer , Warnecke Tobias
Published: February 2018

Varicella zoster virus reactivation is a rare cause of pharyngeal dysphagia with long-term sequelae persisting in most cases. A 76-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with a 4-week history of dysphagia and dysphonia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging displayed a negative finding. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing showed a severe dysphagia leading to a percutaneous gastrostomy eventually. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a lymphocytic pleocytosis and polymerase chain reaction amplified Varicella zoster virus DNA. Eight months after Acyclovir treatment and despite a persisting impairment of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, regular swallowing function was regained and percutaneous gastrostomy could be removed.
Surgical Technical Evidence Review for Elective Total Joint Replacement Conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery
Authors: Childers Christopher P. , Siletz Anaar E. , Singer Emily S. , Faltermeier Claire , Hu Q. Lina , Ko Clifford Y. , Golladay Gregory J. , Kates Stephen L. , Wick Elizabeth C. , Maggard-Gibbons Melinda
Published: February 2018

Background:

Use of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) can improve patient outcomes, yet national implementation of these pathways remains low. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ; funder), the American College of Surgeons, and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute for Patent Safety and Quality have developed the Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery—a national effort to catalyze implementation of practices to improve perioperative care and enhance recovery of surgical patients. This review synthesizes evidence that can be used to develop a protocol for elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Study Design:

This review focuses on potential components of the protocol relevant to surgeons; anesthesia components are reported separately. Components were identified through review of existing pathways and from consultation with technical experts. For each, a structured review of MEDLINE identified systematic reviews, randomized trials, and observational studies that reported on these components in patients undergoing elective TKA/THA. This primary evidence review was combined with existing clinical guidelines in a narrative format.

Results:

Sixteen components were reviewed. Of the 10 preoperative components, most were focused on risk factor assessment including anemia, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, obesity, nutrition, immune-modulating therapy, and opiates. Preoperative education, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, and bathing/ Staphylococcus aureus decolonization were also included. The routine use of drains was the only intraoperative component evaluated. The 5 postoperative components included early mobilization, continuous passive motion, extended duration VTE prophylaxis, early oral alimentation, and discharge planning.

Conclusion:

This review synthesizes the evidence supporting potential surgical components of an ERP for elective TKA/THA. The AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery aims to guide hospitals and surgeons in identifying the best practices to implement in the surgical care of TKA and THA patients.
Student Philanthropy: Experiencing Grant Proposals From the Funder’s Perspective
Authors: Bloch Janel
Published: February 2018

Student philanthropy projects empower students to become grant givers. Through learning by giving, students get hands-on practice making decisions with real monetary impact. This article explains the steps in a student philanthropy project in a grant-writing course, illustrating how business and professional communication courses can be a natural partner for this approach. Results of a qualitative survey show how student philanthropy enhances learning by turning the tables, enabling learners to become decision makers with the important responsibility of writing, evaluating, and responding to communication in ways that will have positive effects on nonprofits in their community.
Professional Aspirations and Cultural Expectations: A Qualitative Study of Saudi Females in Dentistry
Authors: Sembawa S. , Sabbah W. , Gallagher J.E.
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of Saudi female dentists and dental students on their motivation for and expectations of a career in dentistry. Twenty-one semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of Saudi female dentists (postgraduate students, generalists, specialists, academics, and unemployed), along with final-year female dental students from public and private dental schools. A topic guide, informed by the literature and piloted on a representative group of Saudi dentists, was used to guide the discourse. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed using framework analysis. We found that highly academic achieving females are interested in a prestigious, financially rewarding career in health care that fulfills their family and community expectations of balancing family life with work. Features of the job that facilitate this balance such as regular hours and no on-call were commonly important. A range of professional interests, most importantly specialization and holding academic positions, often involving studying abroad, emerged. Females’ movement between sectors, location of work, and practice patterns in this study were shaped by their domestic circumstances. The findings suggest that Saudi females in dentistry aspire to fulfill their interest in a successful, professional, highly prestigious, progressive career while recognizing cultural expectations and maintaining a family-work balance and perceive this is possible through a career in dentistry.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: This study makes an important contribution to the knowledge on this topic. The findings can inform decisions made by policy makers on dental education and workforce planning, as well as future dentists who plan to join the dental workforce. It gives insight into the motivation and career expectations of Saudi females in dentistry in light of the current economic and cultural changes, as well as their implication for the dental workforce.
Supporting patients self-managing respiratory health: a qualitative study on the impact of the Breathe Easy voluntary group network
Authors: Hashem Ferhana , Merritt Rowena
Published: February 2018

Self-management strategies are designed to improve lung and respiratory health through structured self-management plans with regular practitioner reviews. Strategies have not, however, focused upon how patient support groups and advocacy networks can help with the management of these conditions; therefore, it is unknown what impact they may have on patient self-management. A qualitative study was designed to help understand what impact the British Lung Foundation's Breathe Easy (BE) groups have on patients managing their lung and respiratory conditions.

A semistructured telephone interview schedule was developed to study the network. Topics covered included: perceptions about the BE groups; current referrals systems and integration pathways; benefits of attending the BE groups; and integration of the BE groups into the respiratory pathway.

Key themes explored included: shared patient experience and peer support; patient self-management and self-education; attendance of healthcare professionals; and the impact of integrating BE groups into the respiratory pathway.

BE networks were shown to support self-care initiatives for people attending the groups, and members expressed a social and educational benefit. BE networks were working with the local National Health Service to become an integral part of the respiratory pathway, yet there was evidence of resistance from the health service in incorporating the networks.
A histogram specification technique for dark image enhancement using a local transformation method
Authors: Hussain Khalid , Rahman Shanto , Rahman Md. Mostafijur , Khaled Shah Mostafa , Abdullah-Al Wadud M. , Hossain Khan Muhammad Asif , Shoyaib Mohammad
Published: February 2018

Traditional image enhancement techniques produce different types of noise such as unnatural effects, over-enhancement, and artifacts, and these drawbacks become more prominent in enhancing dark images. To overcome these drawbacks, we propose a dark image enhancement technique where local transformation of the pixels have been performed. Here, we apply a transformation method of different parts of the histogram of an input image to get a desired histogram. Afterwards, histogram specification technique has been done on the input image using this transformed histogram. The performance of the proposed technique has been evaluated in both qualitative and quantitative manner, which shows that the proposed method improves the quality of the image with minimal unexpected artifacts as compared to the other techniques.
Least-squares reverse time migration with an angle-dependent weighting factor
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Jianfeng
Published: February 2018

Least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) produces higher quality images than conventional RTM. However, directly using the standard gradient formula, the inverted images suffer from low-wavenumber noise. Using a simple high-pass filter on the gradient can alleviate the effect of the low-wavenumber noise. But, owing to the illumination issue, the amplitudes are not balanced and in the deep part they are often weak. These two issues can be mitigated by the iterative approach, but it needs more iterations. We introduced an angle-dependent weighting factor to weight the gradient of LSRTM to suppress the low-wavenumber noise and also to emphasize the gradient in the deep part. An optimal step length for the L2-norm objective function is also presented to scale the gradient to the right order. Two numerical examples performed with the data synthesized on the Sigsbee2A and Marmousi models indicate that when using this weighted gradient combined with the preconditioned [Formula: see text]-BFGS algorithm with the optimal step length, only a few iterations can achieve satisfying results.