bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arthrodesis After Failed Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Deleu Paul-André , Devos Bevernage Bernhard , Maldague Pierre , Gombault Vincent , Leemrijse Thibaut
Published: May 2014

Background:

The literature on salvage procedures for failed total ankle replacement (TAR) is sparse. We report a series of 17 patients who had a failed TAR converted to a tibiotalar or a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis.

Methods:

Between 2003 and 2012, a total of 17 patients with a failed TAR underwent an arthrodesis. All patients were followed on a regular basis through chart review, clinical examination and radiological evaluation. The following variables were analyzed: pre- and postoperative Meary angle, cause of failure, method of fixation, type of graft, time to union, complications, and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The average follow-up was 30.1 months. The average period from the original arthroplasty to the arthrodesis was 49.8 months.

Results:

Thirteen of the 17 ankles were considered radiographically healed after the first attempt in an average time of 3.7 months and 3 after repeat arthrodesis. Bone grafts were used in 16 patients. The median postoperative AOFAS score was 74.5. The mean Meary angle of the hindfoot was 5 degrees of valgus.

Conclusion:

Tibiotalar and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodeses were effective salvage procedures for failed TAR. Massive cancellous allografts were a good alternative to compensate for the large bone defect after removal of the prosthesis and to preserve the leg length.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Longitudinal wave propagation in a multi-step rod with variable cross-section
Authors: Gan Chunbiao , Wei Yimin , Yang Shixi
Published: May 2014

Vibration signals collected after propagation are usually different from the real ones of some vibration source due to the corresponding stop band of a particular propagation media. Here, the propagation characteristics of longitudinal wave are investigated when the signals pass through a multi-step rod with variable cross-section. Firstly, the transfer matrices for a single rod are derived based on the three wave theories, i.e. the elementary wave theory, the Love wave theory and the Mindlin-Herrmann wave theory, respectively. Next, the matching conditions for any two adjacent segments are analyzed, from which the transfer matrix for any step-rod with two or more segments are presented. Moreover, possible elastic constraint is also taken into consideration. Finally, several numerical examples for a step-rod with three segments are given by the present theoretical predictions and the finite element analysis, from which the performance of the three wave theories are compared with each other. The results show that the influences of the Poisson’s effect and shear deformation cannot be neglected, and the propagation characteristics of longitudinal wave in this multi-step rod may also be affected by the magnitude and location of the elastic constraint as well as the discontinuity of the cross-sections of adjacent segments.
Competition between geometric dispersion and viscous dissipation in wave propagation of KdV-Burgers equation
Authors: Hu Weipeng , Deng Zichen
Published: May 2014

In this paper the competitive relationship between the geometric dispersion and the viscous dissipation in the wave propagation of the KdV-Burgers equation is investigated by the generalized multi-symplectic method. Firstly, the generalized multi-symplectic formulations for the KdV-Burgers equation are presented in Hamiltonian space. Then, focusing on the inherent geometric properties of the generalized multi-symplectic formulations, a 12-point difference scheme is constructed. Finally, numerical experiments are performed with fixed step-sizes to obtain the maximum damping coefficient that insures that the scheme constructed is generalized multi-symplectic, and to study the competition between the geometric dispersion and the viscous dissipation in the wave propagation of the KdV-Burgers equation. The competition phenomena are comprehensively illustrated in the wave forms as well as in the phase diagrams: for the KdV equation (a particular case of the KdV-Burgers equation without dissipation), there is a closed orbit in the phase diagram; and the closed orbit is substituted by a heteroclinic one with the appearance of the viscous dissipation; moreover, the heteroclinic orbit changes from the saddle-node type to the saddle-focus type with an increase of the damping coefficient.
Vibration analysis of a partially treated laminated composite magnetorheological fluid sandwich plate
Authors: Ramamoorthy Manoharan , Rajamohan Vasudevan , AK Jeevanantham
Published: May 2014

In this study, the vibration responses of a partially treated laminated composite magnetorheological (MR) fluid sandwich plate have been investigated. The governing differential equations of motion for a partially treated laminated sandwich plate embedding MR fluid and rubber as the core layer and the laminated composite plate as the face layers are presented in finite element formulation. The validity of the developed finite element formulation is demonstrated by comparing the results in terms of natural frequencies derived from the present finite element formulation with the experimental measurements. Various configurations of a partially treated laminated composite MR fluid sandwich plate are considered to study the effect of location and size of the MR fluid segment under various boundary conditions. The effect of magnetic field on the variation of natural frequencies and loss factor of the partially treated laminated composite MR fluid sandwich plate are also analyzed for various configurations at different boundary conditions. The free vibration mode shapes of various configurations of a partially treated laminated composite MR fluid sandwich plate are also presented. The forced vibration responses of the various configuration of a partially treated laminated composite MR fluid sandwich plate are also analyzed under harmonic force excitations. This analysis suggests that the natural frequency, loss factor and transverse displacements of the partially treated laminated composite MR fluid sandwich plate are strongly influenced by the location and size of the MR fluid segment apart from the intensities of the applied magnetic field. The application of the partial treatment alters the deflection pattern of the sandwich plate, particularly the location of peak deflection, which shows that it can be applied to critical components of a large structure to realize a more efficient and compact vibration control mechanism with variable damping.
Robust optimization of base isolation devices under uncertain parameters
Authors: Greco Rita , Marano Giuseppe C
Published: May 2014

Base isolator devices are widely used for mitigation of vibrations induced in structures by seismic actions. In order to achieve high performances in the mitigation of seismic effects, base isolator mechanical properties should be designed by an optimum criterion. In common approaches, the nature of dynamic loads is assumed as the only source of uncertainty. In the present paper a robust optimization criterion for base isolator devices design is proposed, considering the unavoidable effects of uncertainty in structural properties and seismic action. Uncertain parameters are modeled as random variables and are represented by bounded independent probability density function, with uniform law. The structure is described by a single-degree-of-freedom model and is protected by a linear base isolator in order to reduce vibration levels induced by base acceleration, here modeled by the stationary Kanai-Tajimi stochastic process. The optimal design is formulated as a constrained minimization problem, assuming as an objective function a suitable measure of the isolator efficiency and imposing a constraint on the maximum isolator displacement. A sensitivity analysis is carried out on the robust solution in order to assess characteristics and differences with respect to the conventional deterministic solution.
Modeling and active vibration control of a coupling system of structure and actuators
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Zhang Xingwu , Chen Xuefeng
Published: May 2014

A model is extremely important to the controller designing and system analysis of an active vibration control system. However, the influence of actuators is always ignored by considering them as proportion links when modeling the control system. In this work, a joint model of a clamped-free shell structure and electrodynamic actuators was constructed. The shell was modeled using the finite element method while the actuators were simplified as lumped parameter models. It was found that the connections of actuators diminish the natural frequencies and smooth the resonance peaks of the structure. The optimal configuration of actuators and sensors was studied by harmonic response analysis and modal analysis. It was suggested to avoid the central line and give priority to the free end or the edges of the clamped-free shell when mounting actuators and sensors. The active control was carried out using the FXLMS algorithm, which effectively suppressed the disturbance of the vibration source. The control was conducted point by point on the transient response model of the structure and can easily be extended to a real life system.
Dynamical simulation and load control of a Jeffcott rotor system in Herbst maneuvering flight
Authors: Lei Hou , Yushu Chen
Published: May 2014

In this paper, the dynamical simulation of a nonlinear aircraft rotor system in Herbst maneuvering flight is carried out, though which the load control is discussed for safety purposes. The equations of motion of the system are set up by using Lagrange’s equation, in which, the effects of maneuvering flight are formulated by the flight parameters of the aircraft. By employing the method of closest unstable equilibrium point, the stability of periodic solutions for the primary resonance of the system in steady flight is analyzed to demonstrate the existence of double steady solutions in some rotation speed region near the critical speed and the possibility of the switch of them due to the effect of maneuvering flight. By introducing the Herbst flight parameters from the results of a relative control simulation, the dynamical simulation of the system is carried out, from which the switch of the smaller solution of amplitude to the larger solution is observed. Furthermore, the load control is designed by adding a gain λ to the Herbst flight parameters to avoid the switch. Through numerical experiments, it is found that λ = 0.679 is the critical condition of the switch. The results in this paper will provide a better understanding for the effect of aircraft maneuvering flight on the dynamics of the rotor system.
A unified method for free vibration analysis of circular, annular and sector plates with arbitrary boundary conditions
Authors: Shi Xianjie , Shi Dongyan , Li Wen L , Wang Qingshan
Published: May 2014

The vibrations of circular, annular, and sector plates are traditionally considered as different boundary value problems and often treated using different solution algorithms and procedures. This problem is further compounded by the fact that the solution for each type of plate typically needs to be adapted to different boundary conditions. In this paper, a simple solution method is proposed for a unified vibration analysis of annular, circular and sector plates with arbitrary boundary conditions. Regardless of the shapes of the plates and the types of boundary conditions, the displacement solutions are invariably expressed as a new and simple form of trigonometric series expansion with an accelerated convergence rate. The unification of seemingly different boundary value problems for the circular and annular plates and their sector counterparts is physically accomplished by applying a set of coupling springs to ensure appropriate continuity conditions along the radial edges. The accuracy, reliability and versatility of the current method are fully demonstrated and verified through numerical examples involving plates with various shapes and boundary conditions. It should be noted that the current method can be easily applied to sector plates with an arbitrary inclusion angle up to 2 π.
Delayed digital position control of a single-DoF system and the nonlinear behavior of the act-and-wait controller
Authors: Habib Giuseppe , Rega Giuseppe , Stepan Gabor
Published: May 2014

The act-and-wait concept is a recently developed type of controller, which is receiving growing interest because of its promising features with respect to the control of systems with feedback delay. Although most of its advantages have been widely discussed and verified experimentally, a detailed analysis of the nonlinear behavior of this type of controller is still missing. In this paper, we apply the act-and-wait controller to the digital position control of a single-degree-of-freedom system. The analysis shows both the linear stability and the post-bifurcation behavior of the system, comparing the system with a regular proportional-differential controller and with the act-and-wait controller. The performed investigation confirms most of the advantages of the act-and-wait controller, already known in the literature, regarding the enlargement of the stable region and the possibility of achieving deadbeat control, also in the presence of delay. On the other hand it shows some drawbacks of this controller, related to the post-bifurcation behavior, which presents unbounded motions, and to the robustness of the stability, which appears to be limited.
Perioperative Management of the Patient With Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Fox Daniel L. , Stream Amanda R. , Bull Todd
Published: May 2014

Patients with pulmonary hypertension are at increased risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality. Elective surgery is generally discouraged in this patient population; however, there are times when surgery is deemed necessary. Currently, there are no guidelines for the preoperative risk assessment or perioperative management of subjects with pulmonary hypertension. The majority of the literature evaluating perioperative risk factors and mortality rates is observational and includes subjects with multiple etiologies of pulmonary hypertension. Subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension, also referred to as World Health Organization group I pulmonary hypertension, and particularly those receiving pulmonary arterial hypertension–specific therapy may be at increased risk. Perioperative management of these patients requires a solid understanding and careful consideration of the hemodynamic effects of anesthetic agents, positive pressure ventilation and volume shifts associated with surgery in order to prevent acute right ventricular failure. We reviewed the most recent data regarding perioperative morbidity and mortality for subjects with pulmonary hypertension in an effort to better guide preoperative risk assessment and perioperative management by a multidisciplinary team.
Soldiering on: Exploring the role of humour as a disciplinary technology in the military
Authors: Godfrey Richard
Published: May 2014

This article considers the role of humour as a disciplinary technology. Using the British military as an organizational context, and drawing on data from the published memoirs of recently serving military personnel, the article makes three arguments in this regard. First, it is argued that the disciplinary apparatus of the military, as an example of a rule-bound and hierarchical organizational structure, creates the conditions that allow for a controlled form of resistance (through humour) to be enacted by organizational subjects; but ultimately, such acts work to serve the requirements of the organization. Second, it is argued that humour contributes to the establishing of social cohesion through disciplinary practices of inclusion and exclusion and the drawing of lines of normalization, both at the local level and at a wider institutional level. Third, it is argued that humour permeates the power relations that structure organizational life: both those governed by rank and position and those that arise through the modes of self-regulation through which much organizational disciplining is enacted. This article concludes by drawing attention to the dialectic and dynamic nature of humour while also offering suggestions for the wider applicability of the disciplinary role of workplace humour.
Magnetic resonance imaging in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Tackley George , Kuker Wilhelm , Palace Jacqueline
Published: May 2014

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), or Devic’s disease, is a rare demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that has a predilection for the optic nerve and spinal cord. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required to diagnose NMO. Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis is NMO’s imaging hallmark and the presence of a brain MRI that is not diagnostic of multiple sclerosis (MS) also remains part of the diagnostic criteria. It is increasingly recognised that MS and NMO brain imaging can, however, have similar appearances but differences do exist: hypothalamic, periaqueductal grey and area postrema lesions implicate NMO whilst cortical, U-fibre or Dawson’s finger lesions are suggestive of MS. The timing of image acquisition, age, ethnicity and aquaporin-4 antibody status are all likely to alter the findings at MRI. This review therefore aims to overview and update the reader on NMO imaging, to provide clinically relevant guidance for diagnosing NMO and differentiating it from MS in order to guide management, and to highlight recent research insights.
Brands and sociality
Authors: Carah Nicholas , Brodmerkel Sven , Hernandez Lorena
Published: May 2014

Critical accounts of Facebook as a channel for marketing communication have predominantly focused on the social network's ability to provide marketers with free user-generated content and with detailed consumer data that allow them to target advertising to specific audiences. Although this article includes such activities, it extends the discussion to concentrate on the under-researched topic of how Facebook creates value for marketers by exploiting sociality in general. Taking the practices of Australian alcohol brands as an instructive case, this article critically examines how these brands strategically employ Facebook to manage their connections with consumers' identity making practices and engage with the mediation of everyday life. We argue that Facebook works not just as a platform to harvest data but also as a platform to manage the circulation of affect and creation of social connections around brands. This is particularly important in the case of alcohol brands since some social media engagement practices allow for circumventing regulatory regimes by prompting connections between mediations of drinking culture and the brand that would not be possible in other media channels.
Early text page alarms sent to cardiologists reduce door-to-balloon times in ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Park Jin-Kyu , Kim Seok Hwan , Shin Jeong Hun , Shin Jinho , Kim Kyung-Soo , Lim Young-Hyo
Published: May 2014

We assessed an early notification system using smartphones to reduce door-to-balloon times (DTBT) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Text page alarms were sent to cardiologists for all patients presenting with chest pain or an equivalent in the emergency department before acquisition of an electrocardiogram (ECG). A total of 210 patients (with mean age of 59 years) were investigated (109 in the intervention group and 101 in a control group from the previous two-year period). The primary outcome, the DTBT, was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (55.0 and 92.5 min, respectively, P < 0.001). In a secondary analysis, the length of hospital stay was also significantly less. However, there was no significant improvement in all-cause one-year mortality. Early text page alarms using smartphones were effective in reducing the DTBT, but had a limited effect on clinical outcome.
Effect of an IT-supported home-based exercise programme on metabolic syndrome in India
Authors: Radhakrishnan Jeyasundar , Swaminathan Narasimman , Pereira Natasha , Henderson Keiran , Brodie David
Published: May 2014

Summary

We studied the effectiveness of a home-based exercise programme with information technology (IT) support in people with metabolic syndrome in India. Ninety-four participants with metabolic syndrome (mean age 50 years) were randomized into two groups. Both groups received a 12-week home exercise programme and Group 2 received additional IT support for health education. Before and after the exercise programme, participants were measured for arterial stiffness using applanation tonometry, exercise capacity using an incremental shuttle walk test and quality of life (QoL) using the SF-36 questionnaire. Sixty-one participants completed the post intervention tests. There was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, mean pressure and aortic systolic pressure in both groups. Pulse wave velocity, aortic pulse pressure and aortic diastolic pressure showed significant reductions only in Group 2. There were no significant changes in QoL measures, except vitality in Group 2. There was significant improvement in fasting blood glucose in Group 2, cholesterol in Group 1 and triglycerides in both groups. The participants’ exercise capacity did not change significantly, although the mean duration of regular exercise was 7.2 weeks for Group 1 and 10.0 weeks for Group 2 ( P = 0.019). Metabolic syndrome was reversed in 16% of the participants in both groups. IT support, through mobile text messages and phone calls, may be helpful in metabolic syndrome. Longer-term studies are now required.
Technologies of memory: Practices of remembering in analogue and digital photography
Authors: Keightley Emily , Pickering Michael
Published: May 2014

This article demonstrates the need always to consider change against continuity and continuity against change in the analysis of mnemonic technologies. It does so by exploring what has happened in the move from analogue to digital photography, looking, in particular, at how this has affected the meanings of personal photographs and the practices of remembering associated with them. In contrast with technologically determinist perspectives which have been, however latently, manifest in writing on new media, the value of exploring vernacular photography as a specifically mnemonic practice is that it turns our attention to the ways in which photographic practices are bound up with longer term social uses and cultural values. Our analysis focuses on changes in four key categories of photographic practice that relate to the analogue/digital shift: photo-taking, photo-storing, photo-viewing, photo-sharing – all of which have consequences for the uses of photography as a mnemonic resource. They have all been altered in varying degrees by the advent of digital technologies, but with people continually making comparative evaluations of old and new, drawing on the former as a key aspect of learning how to use the latter.
The role of deliberation in attitude change: An empirical assessment of three theoretical mechanisms
Authors: Smets Kaat , Isernia Pierangelo
Published: May 2014

Though the impact of deliberative polling on attitude change has received ample attention in the literature, micro models of attitude change before, during, and after deliberation are understudied. The relative strength of three competing views of the way attitudes change—the heuristics, systematic, and deliberative models—is assessed, using the quasi-experimental data of the EuroPolis deliberative project and comparing a group of people who participated in the deliberative poll with a control group. The results are: (1) in line with the systematic model, predispositions play a larger role than in the heuristics or deliberative models; (2) predispositions play a different role for participants and nonparticipants; (3) predispositions shape attitude formation in different ways depending on the issue at hand. On some issues the beliefs of participants change as a consequence of deliberation and become more complex and nuanced than before. This is, however, not the case for immigration issues where deliberation seems to strengthen predispositions.
On the other side of “agonism”: “The enemy,” the “outside,” and the role of antagonism
Authors: Roskamm Nikolai
Published: May 2014

This article takes issue with Chantal Mouffe’s concept of “agonistic pluralism.” With this concept, Mouffe brings political theory to the field of “real politics.” In planning theory, the concept of agonism has recently been used as an alternative to the consensual communicative deliberative approach: The notion of agonism seems to be fit for replacing communicative theory as the theoretical framework of planning theory. My point is that Mouffe’s proposed “agonistic pluralism” has an internal and fundamental flaw and that the advocated “taming of antagonism into agonism” is neither possible nor necessary. To clarify my hypothesis, I consider in a first step the roots of Mouffe’s theory: Carl Schmitt’s notion of the political and his (in)famous friend/enemy concept. Schmitt’s model is not only a main reference of Mouffe’s work but the very reason of her calling for pluralistic agonism. In a second step, I turn to Ernesto Laclau’s political theory where another version of antagonism model appears: the conceptualization of the “constitutive outside” as irreducible reason of an endless hegemonic play of antagonistic forces. I show the difference between Schmitt’s and Laclau’s models and argue that the rationale for a conceptualization of agonism disappears with the latter. In my conclusion, I discuss whether and how antagonism theory can be linked with planning theory without importing Mouffe’s short circuit.
Tracing how arts and humanities research translates, circulates and consolidates in society.. How have scholars been reacting to diverse impact and public value agendas?
Authors: Benneworth Paul
Published: May 2014

Arts and humanities research appears to have a problem when it comes to making an argument that it matters to society. Despite widespread efforts within and beyond the field to document how arts and humanities research creates social value, these arguments have had little traction within public policy debates. The paper argues that other disciplines have been able to mobilise an ‘investment logic’, based on a more nuanced model of how knowledge creates value, showing how investing in small research projects drives economic growth, highlighting, for instance, the direct links between universities, spin-offs, the biotech sector and large pharmaceutical firms. If one looks at arts and humanities research through this lens, it is possible to find examples of how individual pieces of arts and humanities research are translated upwards through first-order users, through networks, to create societal improvements: it is therefore possible to meaningfully argue for arts and humanities research driving societal value creation. The paper concludes by reflecting on how arts and humanities research might apply this wider model of research valorisation to better convey its societal benefits in contemporary science policy discussions.
Integrated experimental and numerical investigation for fatigue damage diagnosis in composite plates
Authors: Peng Tishun , Saxena Abhinav , Goebel Kai , Xiang Yibing , Liu Yongming
Published: May 2014

An integrated experimental and numerical investigation of fatigue damage diagnosis in composite plates is presented in this study. First, the fatigue testing setup for carbon–carbon composite coupons is described with corresponding health monitoring approach through Lamb wave–based diagnostic data collection. In order to study the effects of degradation evolution, a finite element model is used to simulate the effect on Lamb wave propagation due to fatigue-induced delamination and matrix cracking. Simulation results are compared with the experimental testing to first validate the model and then develop several features as potential damage indicators. A parametric study is conducted on the effects of varying degrees of delamination and matrix cracking on these features. Results from the model simulations are presented along with the data analysis and discussions on the capability and limitations of the approach. Finally, some conclusions are drawn and future work is proposed based on the results obtained so far.
Correlational Analysis of 5 Commonly Used Measures of Cognitive Functioning and Mental Status
Authors: Solomon Todd M. , deBros Guy B. , Budson Andrew E. , Mirkovic Nikola , Murphy Cynthia A. , Solomon Paul R.
Published: May 2014

There are numerous measures for detecting the presence of dementia and quantifying its severity and progression. We analyzed the relations between scores on 5 commonly used measures (Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Global Deterioration Scale) of 101 successive admissions to a memory clinic. Patients were included in the analysis only if they received a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiological process or probable AD and if they received all measures. Regression analysis yielded 20 linear equations that allow for conversion between test scores on any 2 measures. Further, participants were grouped by MMSE scores with regard to level of disease severity, allowing for the creation of a quick reference table for estimating an approximate score range between measures. Results from this study provide a useful tool for clinicians when comparing between multiple different instruments that measure the mental status and functional ability of individuals with AD and MCI due to AD pathology.
Unequally Safe
Authors: Lacoe Johanna R.
Published: May 2014

School safety is a critical issue for school staff, policy makers, and parents. Efforts to promote safety often focus on reducing school violence and disorder, including zero-tolerance disciplinary policies, metal detectors, and police officers in schools. Yet little is known about how safe students feel at school and how safety varies within schools. Using survey data for the population of middle school students in a large urban school district, this article identifies gaps in feelings of safety between Black students, Hispanic students, and their White and Asian peers. Key characteristics of schools and neighborhoods that relate to safety gaps are identified.
Longitudinal Changes in Poststroke Spatiotemporal Gait Asymmetry Over Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Patterson Kara K. , Mansfield Avril , Biasin Louis , Brunton Karen , Inness Elizabeth L. , McIlroy William E.
Published: May 2014

Background. Little information exists about longitudinal changes in spatiotemporal gait asymmetry during rehabilitation, despite it being a common goal. Objectives. To describe longitudinal changes in spatiotemporal gait asymmetry over rehabilitation and examine relationships with changes in other poststroke impairments. Methods. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted for 71 stroke rehabilitation inpatients. Admission and discharge measures of spatiotemporal symmetry, velocity, motor impairment, mobility and balance were extracted and change scores were calculated. Relationships between changes in spatiotemporal symmetry and other change scores were investigated with Spearman correlations. Individuals were divided into four groups (worse, no change-symmetric, no change-asymmetric, improved) based on (1) symmetry/asymmetry at admission and (2) symmetry change scores >minimal detectable change. Differences in change scores between groups were investigated with analyses of covariance using the admission value as a covariate. Results. At admission, 59% and 49% of individuals were asymmetric in swing time and step length, respectively. Of these individuals, 21% and 14% improved swing symmetry or step symmetry, respectively. In contrast, 30% improved gait velocity, 62% improved functional balance and 73% improved functional mobility. Associations between change in swing symmetry and change in paretic limb weight bearing in standing and change in step symmetry and change in velocity were significant. There were no significant differences in change scores between the symmetry groups. Conclusions. The majority of asymmetric stroke patients did not improve spatiotemporal asymmetry during rehabilitation despite the fact that velocity, balance and functional mobility improved. Future work should investigate other factors associated with improved spatiotemporal symmetry and interventions to specifically improve it.
Miniature Surgical Robots in the Era of NOTES and LESS
Authors: Zygomalas Apollon , Kehagias Ioannis , Giokas Konstantinos , Koutsouris Dimitrios
Published: May 2014

Laparoscopy is an established method for the treatment of numerous surgical conditions. Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a novel surgical technique that uses the natural orifices of the human body as entrances to the abdominal cavity. An alternative concept of minimally invasive approach to the abdominal cavity is to insert all the laparoscopic instruments through ports using a single small incision on the abdominal wall. A suggested name for this technique is laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). Considering the technical difficulties in NOTES and LESS and the progress in informatics and robotics, the use of robots seems ideal. The aim of this study is to investigate if there is at present, a realistic possibility of using miniature robots in NOTES or LESS in daily clinical practice. An up-to-date review on in vivo surgical miniature robots is made. A Web-based research of the English literature up to March 2013 using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar as search engines was performed. The development of in vivo miniature robots for use in NOTES or LESS is a reality with great advancements, potential advantages, and possible application in minimally invasive surgery in the future. However, true totally NOTES or LESS procedures on humans using miniature robots either solely or as assistance, remain a dream at present.
Mis-specification analysis of linear Wiener process–based degradation models for the remaining useful life estimation
Authors: Tang Shengjin , Guo Xiaosong , Zhou Zhijie
Published: May 2014

The linear Wiener process–based degradation model is commonly used for the lifetime assessment and remaining useful life estimation. This article addresses the effects of model mis-specification of the linear Wiener process for the remaining useful life estimation. First, we study the model mis-specification effects on the parameters’ estimation and the lifetime distribution. Then, the effects of model mis-specification on the remaining useful life estimation and the predictive maintenance decision-making are analysed through some numerical examples and a case study. The results show that mis-specifying the linear Wiener process without measurement error as that with measurement error is negligible. However, under the inverse condition, the mis-specification could result in premature maintenances or failure maintenances, which increases the maintenance costs.
A Social Worker’s Role in Drug Court
Authors: Roberts Melinda R. , Phillips Iris , Bordelon Thomas D. , Seif Lisa
Published: May 2014

Drug Courts offer alternative sentencing for individuals with drug-related criminal charges, and although there is no mandate requiring a social worker to be a member of the team, this case study concludes that social workers have a unique purpose on the professional team resulting from their generalist and specialist knowledge and skills. The use of this knowledge and skill is illustrated in this descriptive account of the role of a social worker in a midwestern county in the United States. The implication of this case study suggests social workers should be included on drug court teams.
The Impact of Political Conviction on the Relation Between Winning or Losing and Political Dissatisfaction
Authors: Abdelzadeh Ali
Published: May 2014

Election outcomes, or more specifically belonging to a political minority or majority, have a significant impact on citizens’ attitudes toward the political system and political involvement. This study aims to broaden our understanding in these regards by taking into account the effects of people’s political convictions on the relation between belonging to a political minority or majority and their dissatisfaction with the performance of the political system. Using a person-oriented approach, four groups of citizens were identified on the basis of their attachment to political parties. The group of people who were not politically attached to any of the political parties were the most dissatisfied, whereas supporters of parties in government were the least dissatisfied. Moreover, supporters of opposition parties who had high levels of political conviction were more dissatisfied than supporters of opposition parties who had lower levels of political conviction. Overall, the findings of this study show that it is crucial to take into account the individual characteristics of citizens when studying the relations between election outcomes and political attitudes.
Aberrant Neural Connectivity During Emotional Processing Associated With Posttraumatic Stress
Authors: Sadeh Naomi , Spielberg Jeffrey M. , Warren Stacie L. , Miller Gregory A. , Heller Wendy
Published: May 2014

Given the complexity of the brain, characterizing relations among distributed brain regions is likely essential to describing the neural instantiation of posttraumatic stress symptoms. This study examined patterns of functional connectivity among key brain regions implicated in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 35 trauma-exposed adults using an emotion-word Stroop task. PTSD symptom severity (particularly hyperarousal symptoms) moderated amygdala-mPFC coupling during the processing of unpleasant words, and this moderation correlated positively with reported real-world impairment and amygdala reactivity. Reexperiencing severity moderated hippocampus-insula coupling during pleasant and unpleasant words. Results provide evidence that PTSD symptoms differentially moderate functional coupling during emotional interference and underscore the importance of examining network connectivity in research on PTSD. They suggest that hyperarousal is associated with negative mPFC-amygdala coupling and that reexperiencing is associated with altered insula-hippocampus function, patterns of connectivity that may represent separable indicators of dysfunctional inhibitory control during affective processing.
Emotional and Behavioral Effects of Participating in an Online Study of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Authors: Muehlenkamp Jennifer J. , Swenson Lance P. , Batejan Kristen L. , Jarvi Stephanie M.
Published: May 2014

In this study, we experimentally assessed whether participating in online research about nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) may produce iatrogenic effects. A sample of 847 college students was randomly assigned to either an experimental condition ( n = 439), in which they were exposed to questionnaires assessing NSSI, or a control condition ( n = 408) that did not include NSSI questions. Immediate effects were evaluated with pre- and postmeasures, and 3 weeks later, 472 participants (68%) participated in a follow-up assessment of reactions, NSSI behavior, and urge to self-injure. Overall, results indicated that responding to detailed questions about NSSI did not produce iatrogenic effects immediately or over the follow-up period and may have contributed to positive outcomes. The positive findings largely held true for participants who reported engaging in different severities of NSSI behavior. There do not appear to be significant short-term adverse or iatrogenic effects of participating in detailed, online NSSI research. Implications for researchers and ethics review boards are discussed.
From Research Settings to Parents
Authors: Pickard Katherine E. , Ingersoll Brooke R.
Published: May 2014

Despite research that has documented the types of services that are being used by parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), researchers have yet to determine how intervention-related knowledge spreads to parents. In the current study, we sought to clarify the impact of parent social networks on intervention use in 244 parents of a child with ASD by examining the following: (a) Do social-network variables predict the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) or non-EBPs? (b) Do social-network variables predict parent satisfaction with service use? and (c) Who are the referral sources of EBPs and non-EBPs? Results indicated that social-network variables predict parents’ EBP use and non-EBP use beyond income, education, and child ASD symptom severity. In addition, recommendations to EBPs and non-EBPs came from distinct referral sources. The results have implications for both the active provision of basic social-network support and psychoeducation at the onset of ASD diagnosis and the use of social networks to more effectively disseminate best-practice information on a larger scale.
Ausforming of medium carbon steel
Authors: Seo S.-W. , Jung G.-S. , Lee J. S. , Bae C. M. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H. , Suh D.-W.
Published: May 2014

The prospect of enhancing the hardness of low alloy steel for the manufacture of fasteners is examined using ausforming, in which the austenite is deformed rapidly at a low temperature to increase its dislocation density before quenching in order to obtain the harder martensite. Surprisingly, small deformations accomplish large gains in hardness and the dislocation density of martensite, with diminishing returns at larger deformations. The main contribution to the hardness has been identified as the extra dislocations inherited by the martensite from the deformed austenite, rather than the refinement of microstructure by the ausforming process. Clear evidence is reported for the mechanical stabilisation of the austenite due to ausforming. Tempering heat treatments tend to diminish the advantages of ausforming.
Trisomy 12 chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells exhibit upregulation of integrin signaling that is modulated by NOTCH1 mutations
Authors: Riches John C. , O’Donovan Conor J. , Kingdon Sarah J. , McClanahan Fabienne , Clear Andrew J. , Neuberg Donna S. , Werner Lillian , Croce Carlo M. , Ramsay Alan G. , Rassenti Laura Z. , Kipps Thomas J. , Gribben John G.
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Trisomy 12 CLL cells exhibit upregulated integrin signaling and enhanced VLA-4-directed adhesion and motility. The increased expression of β2-integrins on trisomy 12 CLL cells is modulated by intercurrent NOTCH1 mutations.
Friday and weekend hospital stays: effects on mortality
Authors: Suissa Samy , Dell’Aniello Sophie , Suissa Daniel , Ernst Pierre
Published: May 2014

While weekend hospital admissions are associated with higher mortality, the effects of weekend hospital stays are not known. We assessed whether patients hospitalised for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pneumonia have higher mortality during weekend and Friday stays.

Our cohort consisted of all hospitalisations for COPD or pneumonia during 1990–2007 from the healthcare databases of the province of Quebec, Canada. The hazard ratio (HR) of in-patient death associated with Friday and weekend stay was estimated by the Cox model with time-dependent covariates, adjusted for age, sex and comorbidity.

The cohort included 323 895 hospitalisations for COPD or pneumonia during which 32 414 deaths occurred (rate of death 8.06 per 1000 per day). Mortality was higher for weekend (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09) but not Friday admissions (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–1.00), relative to Monday–Thursday admissions. Independently of the admission day, mortality was higher during weekend stays (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.09) and Friday stays (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08), relative to Monday–Thursday stays.

Patients hospitalised for COPD or pneumonia are at increased risk of death when staying over on a Friday or a weekend. The additional 40–56 deaths per 100 000 patients staying in hospital on those days are most likely due to reduced access to healthcare at that time.
Challenges in software applications for the cognitive evaluation and stimulation of the elderly
Authors: Rute-Pérez Sandra , Santiago-Ramajo Sandra , Hurtado María Visitación , Rodríguez-Fórtiz María José , Caracuel Alfonso
Published: May 2014

Background

Computer-based cognitive stimulation applications can help the elderly maintain and improve their cognitive skills. In this research paper, our objectives are to verify the usability of PESCO (an open-software application for cognitive evaluation and stimulation) and to determine the concurrent validity of cognitive assessment tests and the effectiveness of PESCO’s cognitive stimulation exercises.

Methods

Two studies were conducted in various community computer centers in the province of Granada. The first study tested tool usability by observing 43 elderly people and considering their responses to a questionnaire. In the second study, 36 elderly people completed pen-and-paper and PESCO tests followed by nine cognitive stimulation sessions. Meanwhile, a control group with 34 participants used computers for nine non-structured sessions.

Results

Analysis of the first study revealed that although PESCO had been developed by taking usability guidelines into account, there was room for improvement. Results from the second study indicated moderate concurrent validity between PESCO and standardized tests (Pearson’s r from .501 to .702) and highlighted the effectiveness of training exercises for improving attention (F = -4.111, p < .001) and planning (F = 5.791, p < .001) functions.

Conclusions

PESCO can be used by the elderly. The PESCO cognitive test module demonstrated its concurrent validity with traditional cognitive evaluation tests. The stimulation module is effective for improving attention and planning skills.
The association of angiotensin-converting enzyme with biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jochemsen Hadassa M , Teunissen Charlotte E , Ashby Emma L , van der Flier Wiesje M , Jones Ruth E , Geerlings Mirjam I , Scheltens Philip , Kehoe Patrick G , Muller Majon
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Lower angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as ACE functions to degrade amyloid-β (Aβ). Therefore, we investigated whether ACE protein and activity levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were associated with CSF Aβ, total tau (tau) and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (ptau).

Methods

We included 118 subjects from our memory clinic-based Amsterdam Dementia Cohort (mean age 66 ± 8 years) with subjective memory complaints (n = 40) or AD (n = 78), who did not use antihypertensive drugs. We measured ACE protein levels (ng/ml) and activity (RFU) in CSF and serum, and amyloid β1–42, tau and ptau (pg/ml) in CSF.

Results

Cross-sectional regression analyses showed that ACE protein level and activity in CSF and serum were lower in patients with AD compared to controls. Lower CSF ACE protein level, and to a lesser extent serum ACE protein level and CSF ACE activity, were associated with lower CSF Aβ, indicating more brain Aβ pathology; adjusted regression coefficients (B) (95% CI) per SD increase were 0.09 (0.04; 0.15), 0.06 (0.00; 0.12) and 0.05 (0.00; 0.11), respectively. Further, lower CSF ACE protein level was associated with lower CSF tau and ptau levels; adjusted B’s (95% CI) per SD increase were 0.15 (0.06; 0.25) and 0.17 (0.10; 0.25), respectively.

Conclusions

These results strengthen the hypothesis that ACE degrades Aβ. This could suggest that lowering ACE levels by for example ACE-inhibitors might have adverse consequences for patients with, or at risk for AD.