bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study Using Machine Learning and Domain Knowledge to Facilitate Comparative Effectiveness Review Updating
Authors: Dalal Siddhartha R. , Shekelle Paul G. , Hempel Susanne , Newberry Sydne J. , Motala Aneesa , Shetty Kanaka D.
Published: September 2012

Background. Comparative effectiveness and systematic reviews require frequent and time-consuming updating. Results of earlier screening should be useful in reducing the effort needed to screen relevant articles. Methods. We collected 16,707 PubMed citation classification decisions from 2 comparative effectiveness reviews: interventions to prevent fractures in low bone density (LBD) and off-label uses of atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAP). We used previously written search strategies to guide extraction of a limited number of explanatory variables pertaining to the intervention, outcome, and study design. We empirically derived statistical models (based on a sparse generalized linear model with convex penalties [GLMnet] and a gradient boosting machine [GBM]) that predicted article relevance. We evaluated model sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and screening workload reductions using 11,003 PubMed citations retrieved for the LBD and AAP updates. Results. GLMnet-based models performed slightly better than GBM-based models. When attempting to maximize sensitivity for all relevant articles, GLMnet-based models achieved high sensitivities (0.99 and 1.0 for AAP and LBD, respectively) while reducing projected screening by 55.4% and 63.2%. The GLMnet-based model yielded sensitivities of 0.921 and 0.905 and PPVs of 0.185 and 0.102 when predicting articles relevant to the AAP and LBD efficacy/effectiveness analyses, respectively (using a threshold of P ≥ 0.02). GLMnet performed better when identifying adverse effect relevant articles for the AAP review (sensitivity = 0.981) than for the LBD review (0.685). The system currently requires MEDLINE-indexed articles. Conclusions. We evaluated statistical classifiers that used previous classification decisions and explanatory variables derived from MEDLINE indexing terms to predict inclusion decisions. This pilot system reduced workload associated with screening 2 simulated comparative effectiveness review updates by more than 50% with minimal loss of relevant articles.
Brunner’s Gland Hyperplasia in the Sand Rat (Psammomys obesus)
Authors: Steinbach T. J. , Kane J. D.
Published: September 2012

Brunner’s glands are submucosal glands located in the proximal duodenum. Hyperplasia of the Brunner’s gland has been reported rarely in humans and animals. We examined sections of the Brunner’s gland from 63 sand rats submitted for necropsy over 2 years. Of the 63 animals necropsied, 45 (71%) had evidence of hyperplasia defined as nodular expansion, dilated ducts, or intraductal papillary proliferation. The hyperplasia was graded as mild in 22 (49%) of the cases, moderate in 15 (33%), and marked in 8 (18%). We found an association with both increased age and evidence of gastric ulceration and hyperplasia of the Brunner’s gland. In sand rats with marked hyperplasia, 8 of 8 (100%) had evidence of gastric ulceration, compared to 13 of 18 (72%) in animals with no hyperplasia. Animals with marked hyperplasia were, on average, 8.4 months older than animals with no hyperplasia. There was no association with gender. The lesion in sand rats is histologically similar to that in humans.
Quantifying Clinically Significant Change
Authors: Mann Barton J. , Gosens Taco , Lyman Stephen
Published: September 2012

Treatment outcome researchers in orthopaedics frequently report only tests of statistical significance between group means to evaluate the effectiveness of a given intervention. Although important in establishing that mean differences are not caused by chance, these methods do not reflect the extent to which an intervention produces improvements that are meaningful and represent a return to health. This is an issue that is often of great interest to patients and clinicians. Other methods use a percentage change in an outcome measure (eg, 25% reduction in pain score) to classify treatment responders but often do not indicate whether the treatment restored a patient to normal. Researchers have developed several indices that provide a metric for statistically defining the amount of change that patients consider to be important. In this article, we focus on the concept of “clinical significance” and the different methods that have been developed to define clinically significant change using statistics. We then present a hybrid method that can classify whether a patient has returned to normal function. We apply this method to real patient data to illustrate its use with different outcome instruments commonly used in orthopaedic sports medicine. We advocate that the addition of these methods to reports from clinical outcome studies can deepen our understanding of the impact of interventions on patients’ lives.
The Swedish National Anterior Cruciate Ligament Register
Authors: Ahldén Mattias , Samuelsson Kristian , Sernert Ninni , Forssblad Magnus , Karlsson Jón , Kartus Jüri
Published: September 2012

Background:

The Swedish National Anterior Cruciate Ligament Register provides an opportunity for quality surveillance and research.

Purpose:

The primary objective was to recognize factors associated with a poorer outcome at an early stage.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Registrations are made using a web-based protocol with 2 parts: a patient-based section with self-reported outcome scores and a surgeon-based section, where factors such as cause of injury, previous surgery, time between injury and reconstruction, graft selection, fixation technique, and concomitant injuries are reported. The self-reported outcome scores are registered preoperatively and at 1, 2, and 5 years.

Results:

Approximately 90% of all anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions performed annually in Sweden are reported in the register. Registrations during the period 2005-2010 were included (n = 17,794). After excluding multiligament reconstructions and reoperations, the male:female ratio was 57.5:42.5 for both primary (n = 15,387) and revision (n = 964) surgery. The cause of injury was soccer in approximately half the male patients and in one third of the female patients. All subscales of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were significantly improved 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively in patients undergoing primary reconstructions. In terms of the KOOS, revisions did significantly less well than primary reconstructions on all follow-up occasions, and smokers fared significantly less well than nonsmokers both preoperatively and at 2 years. Patients who had concomitant meniscal or chondral injuries at reconstruction did significantly less well preoperatively and at 1 year in terms of most KOOS subscales compared with patients with no such injuries. At 5 years, a significant difference was only found in terms of the sport/recreation subscale. Double-bundle reconstructions revealed no significant differences in terms of all the KOOS subscales at 2 years compared with single-bundle reconstructions (114 double-bundle vs 5109 single-bundle). During a 5-year period, 9.1% (contralateral, 5.0%; revision, 4.1%) of the patients underwent a contralateral ACL reconstruction or revision reconstruction of the index knee. The corresponding figure for 15- to 18-year-old female soccer players was 22.0%.

Conclusion:

Primary ACL reconstruction significantly improves all the subscales of the KOOS. Young female soccer players run a major risk of reinjuring their ACL or injuring the contralateral ACL; revision ACL reconstructions do less well than primary reconstructions, and smokers do less well than nonsmokers.
Repair of Meniscal Tears Associated With Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Ruiz-Ibán Miguel Ángel , Diaz-Heredia Jorge , Elías-Martín Elena , Moros-Marco Santos , Cebreiro Martinez del Val Ignacio
Published: September 2012

Background:

Tibial plateau fractures are frequently associated with meniscal tears. Little is known about the results of meniscal repair in this group of patients.

Purpose:

To determine the results of repair of meniscal tears found during arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) of tibial plateau fractures.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

In a cohort of 51 tibial plateau fractures treated with ARIF, 15 associated meniscal tears (15 knees) in 14 patients were repaired. There were 12 peripheral longitudinal tears of the lateral meniscus, 1 longitudinal peripheral tear of the medial meniscus, 1 full-thickness radial tear of the lateral meniscus, and 1 bird-beak tear of the lateral meniscus. Repairs were performed using an outside-in technique for the anterior horn and all-inside repair for the body and posterior horn lesions. Mean (SD) age at operation was 47.3 (14.0) years. Patients were followed for a mean (SD) of 4.83 (1.01) years and evaluated using the Rasmussen, Honkonen, Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. A second-look arthroscopy was performed in 13 knees a mean (SD) of 14.2 (10.1) months after the initial surgery.

Results:

The mean (SD) Rasmussen score was 29.1 (0.96). Thirteen of 15 patients scored good or excellent results in all Honkonen sections. The mean (SD) Lysholm score was 88.6 (12.4). The mean (SD) IKDC score was 79.3 (19.3). There was a small decrease of the activity level according to the Tegner score when compared with the preoperative situation (1.20 [1.82], P = .022). There were not any meniscal symptoms in any case. Of the 13 menisci evaluated with second-look arthroscopy, 12 had healed completely and a radial tear had healed partially in the vascular zone. In one of the cases that healed, a new tear was found in a different location.

Conclusion:

Meniscal repair of tears associated with tibial plateau fractures has good results. All patients had good or excellent clinical results. Second-look arthroscopy confirmed complete healing in 92% of meniscal tears when performed.
Age-Related Differences in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Injury Patterns in Traumatic Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Felus Jarosław , Kowalczyk Bartłomiej
Published: September 2012

Background:

Complete rupture of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) during traumatic patellar dislocation may contribute to further patellar instability. As there is still no consensus regarding indications for treatment of such injuries, data on exact localization and extent of tear may influence the treatment decisions.

Purpose:

Analysis of the patterns and the age-related differences in the distribution of medial patellofemoral ligament injury during traumatic patellar dislocation in children and adolescents.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Fifty consecutive patients aged 10.5 to 17.5 years were operated on for injuries after a first episode of traumatic patellar dislocation. The indications for surgery were osteochondral fracture and/or complete MPFL tear. Medial patellofemoral ligament injuries were assessed preoperatively by sonography and then verified at surgery. To assess the influence of skeletal maturity on the injury pattern, the cohort was subdivided into 2 subgroups: skeletally immature and skeletally mature. Distribution of MPFL injuries in both groups was compared.

Results:

Medial patellofemoral ligament injury was present at surgery in 94% of cases, most commonly at the patellar attachment (66%), followed by mid-fibers (50%) and femoral attachment (32%). In 46%, it occurred in more than 1 localization. Based on functional status of the ligament during dynamic ultrasound examination, 2 types of injury were distinguished: complete and partial rupture. Eighteen of 21 complete ruptures were localized at the patellar attachment, and all but 1 case had a form of the avulsion fracture. Age-related analysis revealed these differences in the incidence of MPFL injury in all 3 localizations comparing skeletally immature with skeletally mature patients: 79% vs 54% at the patellar attachment, 46% vs 54% at the mid-fiber region, and 33% vs 31% at the femoral attachment. Nevertheless, the only statistically significant difference was the higher incidence of patellar attachment injury in the skeletally immature group ( P = .029). Sonography demonstrated more than 90% accuracy and predictive value in assessing pathoanatomy as well as the functional status of the medial patellofemoral ligament.

Conclusion:

Medial patellofemoral ligament injury patterns vary in skeletally immature patients compared with skeletally mature patients. Sonography proved high reliability as a diagnostic tool in traumatic patellar dislocation.
Qualitative and Quantitative Anatomic Analysis of the Posterior Root Attachments of the Medial and Lateral Menisci
Authors: Johannsen Adam M. , Civitarese David M. , Padalecki Jeffrey R. , Goldsmith Mary T. , Wijdicks Coen A. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: September 2012

Background:

The clinical importance of the meniscal posterior root attachments has been recently reported by both biomechanical and clinical studies. Although several studies have been performed to evaluate surgical techniques, there have been few studies on the quantitative arthroscopically pertinent anatomy of the posterior meniscal root attachments.

Hypothesis:

The posterior root attachments of the medial and lateral menisci are consistent among specimens, and repeatable quantitative measurements using arthroscopically pertinent landmarks are achievable.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve nonpaired, fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were used. The positions of the posterior root attachments of the medial and lateral menisci were identified, and 3-dimensional measurements to arthroscopically pertinent landmarks were performed using a coordinate measuring system.

Results:

The direct distance (±standard error of the mean) between the medial tibial eminence apex and the medial meniscus posterior root attachment center was 11.5 (±0.9) mm. When split into directional components along the knee’s main axes, the medial meniscus posterior root attachment center was 9.6 (±0.8) mm posterior and 0.7 (±0.4) mm lateral along the bony surface from the medial tibial eminence apex. It was located 3.5 (±0.4) mm lateral from the medial articular cartilage inflection point and directly 8.2 (±0.7) mm from the nearest tibial attachment margin of the posterior cruciate ligament. The direct distance between the lateral tibial eminence apex and the lateral meniscus posterior root attachment center was 5.3 (±0.3) mm. When it was split into directional components using the knee’s main axes, the lateral meniscus posterior root attachment center was 4.2 (±0.4) mm medial and 1.5 (±0.7) mm posterior from the lateral tibial eminence apex. The lateral meniscus posterior root attachment center was located 4.3 (±0.5) mm medial from the nearest articular cartilage margin and directly 12.7 (±1.1) mm from the nearest margin of the tibial attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament.

Conclusion:

This quantitative study reproducibly identified the posterior root attachment centers of the medial and lateral menisci in relation to arthroscopically pertinent landmarks and guidelines.

Clinical Relevance:

These data can be directly applied to assist in anatomic meniscal root repairs.
Investigation of the Preservation of the Fluid Seal Effect in the Repaired, Partially Resected, and Reconstructed Acetabular Labrum in a Cadaveric Hip Model
Authors: Cadet Edwin R. , Chan Andrew K. , Vorys George C. , Gardner Thomas , Yin Bob
Published: September 2012

Background:

Debate exists on whether hip labral tears should be surgically repaired, partially resected, or reconstructed. Furthermore, limited data exist regarding the fluid seal properties of hip labrum repair and/or reconstruction with iliotibial band autograft when compared with the labrum-intact condition.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the fluid seal properties of hip labral repair and reconstruction techniques. We hypothesized that hip labral repair preserves the acetabular labral fluid seal greater than labral tear, partial-resection, and reconstruction conditions.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Six human cadaveric hemipelvises were dissected of all soft tissue, leaving the hip capsule intact. Fluid efflux was measured under 5 conditions using a custom fluid infusion device: (1) hip labrum intact, (2) labral tear, (3) labral repair with suture anchors, (4) partial labral resection, and (5) labral reconstruction using ipsilateral iliotibial band autograft. Joint fluid expression was measured as flow rate under 3 different pressure settings (2, 3, and 4 psi). Statistical differences between conditions were assessed using 2-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance. The Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) multiple comparison test was used to determine differences between levels.

Results:

There was a significant increase in fluid efflux with a simulated labral tear (0.54 ± 0.3 mL/sec) when compared with the intact hip labrum condition (0.006 ± 0.008 mL/sec, P < .05). The labrum-repaired condition (0.21 ± 0.2 mL/sec) demonstrated significantly less fluid efflux when compared with the labral-tear condition. Hip labral repair significantly prevented greater fluid efflux when compared with partial labral resection (0.60 ± 0.4 mL/sec) and reconstruction with iliotibial band autograft (0.54 ± 0.3 mL/sec; P < .05). Labral repair did not preserve fluid efflux as effectively as in the labrum-intact condition (0.21 ± 0.2 > 0.006 ± 0.008 mL/sec; P < .05). There was no difference observed in fluid efflux between the labral reconstruction, tear, or resection conditions ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

In this human cadaveric model, hip labral repair outperforms partial labral resection and reconstruction in preserving the joint fluid seal; however labral repair does not restore fluid seal characteristics as effectively as in the labrum-intact condition.

Clinical Relevance:

Further prospective studies are needed to determine whether hip labral repair outperforms partial labral resection and/or reconstruction in clinical practice.
Anatomic Suture Anchor Versus the Broström Technique for Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair
Authors: Waldrop Norman E. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Jansson Kyle S. , LaPrade Robert F. , Clanton Thomas O.
Published: September 2012

Background:

Despite the popularity of the Broström procedure for secondary repair of chronic lateral ankle instability, there have been no biomechanical studies reporting on the strength of this secondary repair method, whether using suture fixation or suture anchors.

Hypothesis:

The purpose of our study was to perform a biomechanical comparison of the ultimate load to failure and stiffness of the traditional Broström technique using only a suture repair compared with a suture anchor repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) at time zero. We believed that fixation strength of the suture anchor repair would be closer to the strength of the native ligament and allow more aggressive rehabilitation.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-four fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 specimens. One group was an intact control group, and the other groups consisted of the traditional Broström and 2 suture anchor modifications (suture anchors in talus or fibula) of the Broström procedure. The specimens were loaded to failure to determine the strength and stiffness of each construct.

Results:

In load-to-failure testing, ultimate failure loads of the Broström (68.2 ± 27.8 N; P = .013), suture anchor fibula (79.2 ± 34.3 N; P = .037), and suture anchor talus (75.3 ± 45.6 N; P = .027) repairs were significantly lower than that of the intact (160.9 ± 72.2 N) ATFL group. Stiffness of the Broström (6.0 ± 2.5 N/mm; P = .02), suture anchor fibula (6.8 N/mm ± 2.7; P = .05), and suture anchor talus (6.6 N/mm ± 4.0; P = .04) repairs were significantly lower than that of the intact (12.4 N/mm ± 4.1 N/mm) ATFL group. The 3 repair groups were not significantly different from each other, but all 3 were substantially lower in strength and stiffness when compared to the intact ATFL.

Conclusion:

The use of suture anchors to repair the ATFL produces a repair that can withstand loads to failure similar to the suture-only Broström repair. However, all 3 repair groups were much weaker than the intact, uninjured ATFL.

Clinical Relevance:

Biomechanically, the results show that both suture anchor and direct suture repair of the ATFL provide similar strength and stiffness. Unfortunately, these methods provide less than half the strength and stiffness of the native ATFL at time zero. As a result, regardless of the repair method, it is necessary to sufficiently protect the repair to avoid premature failure.
Comparison of bismuth trioxide and antimony trioxide as synergists with decabromodiphenyl ether in flame retardancy of high-impact polystyrene
Authors: Felix Taís , Pinto Orlando P , Peres Augusto , Costa João M , Sayer Claudia , Morgan Alexander B , Araújo Pedro HH
Published: September 2012

Flame-retardant additives used in plastics are based on halogen, phosphorus, inorganic compounds, and minerals. In this study, the use of bismuth trioxide as synergistic agent with brominated flame retardant is investigated and compared to formulations with antimony trioxide. Decabromodiphenyl ether and metal trioxide were incorporated in a polymer matrix via single-screw extrusion. The samples were classified with the UL 94 vertical burning protocol and studied with thermogravimetric analysis. The general combustion and heat release behaviors were studied via cone calorimeter. Results showed that 4% (wt) Bi2O3 displayed a synergistic effect with 12% (wt) of the halogen compound to achieve V-0.
Predictors of Relationship Adjustment in Female Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Fairweather Angela , Kinder Bill
Published: September 2012

The current study investigated: (1) the relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and four relationship adjustment variables (consensus, cohesion, affection, and satisfaction); (2) whether finding meaning in CSA and using mature defenses would predict relationship adjustment; and (3) whether meaning and mature defenses would moderate the association between CSA severity and relationship adjustment. The sample consisted of 287 undergraduate women, 95 of whom reported a history of CSA. All participants were involved in a romantic relationship at the time of the study. Results indicated a significant relationship between CSA history and dyadic consensus, whereby abused women reported less agreement with their partners than nonabused women. In the abused sample, CSA severity significantly predicted affection and mature defenses significantly predicted both affection and consensus in relationships. Furthermore, mature defenses moderated the relationship between CSA severity and dyadic cohesion (i.e., joint activities with one’s partner). Contrary to hypotheses, meaning was not related to relationship adjustment and did not moderate the association between CSA severity and relationship adjustment. These findings advance the CSA literature by elucidating factors that predict healthy adjustment to CSA.
A Longitudinal Examination of Offending and Specialization Among a Sample of Massachusetts Domestic Violence Offenders
Authors: Richards Tara N. , Jennings Wesley G. , Tomsich Elizabeth A. , Gover Angela R.
Published: September 2012

A paucity of existing research focuses on longitudinal examinations of criminal trajectories among reoffenses committed by domestic violence offenders. Specifically, few studies have longitudinally assessed whether domestic violence offenders specialize, recidivating in domestic violence assault, or generalize, committing a range of personal and property crimes. Acknowledging these research deficiencies, the current study uses longitudinal data from a cohort of 317 batterers who were processed in a domestic violence court to investigate the trajectories of domestic violence arrests and nondomestic violence arrests over a 10-year period. The degree of overlap between domestic and nondomestic violence arrest trajectory groups is examined through a cross-tabulation and chi-square analysis. Logistic and multinomial regression models are applied to identify risk factors that distinguish trajectory groups. A PROC TRAJ procedure identifies two trajectory groups for domestic violence arrests (low and high rate) and three trajectory groups for nondomestic violence arrests (very low, low, and high rate). Results indicate that specialization among domestic violence offenders is rare—prior alcohol and drug crimes predict membership in the high-rate domestic violence arrest trajectory group and prior domestic violence arrests predict membership in both the low-rate and high-rate nondomestic violence arrest trajectories. Implications for future research and policy are discussed in this article.
The effect of dispersant on toughening mechanism and structure behaviors of Polypropylene Nanocomposites reinforced with nano α-alumina particles
Authors: Mirjalili F , Chuah L , Danafar F , Soltani M , Chen P
Published: September 2012

This article presents a comparative study on the effects of using nano α-alumina (Al2O3) on toughening mechanisms and structural behaviors of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites. The role of using dispersant in nanocomposite preparation was also investigated. For nanocomposite preparation, mixing of the elements was performed using a Haake Poly Drive blending machine at 175°C and the rotor speed of 50 rpm. The notched Izod impact energy obtained for PP was about 27 J/m and by the addition of nano α-Al2O3 (4 wt%) to PP, the notched Izod impact energy increases up to ∼43 J/m. However, higher concentration of nano α-Al2O3 in the nanocomposite resulted in the reduction of Izod impact property due to nano α-Al2O3 agglomeration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of pure PP and PP/nano α-Al2O3 composites demonstrated Al–O bond at 568 cm−1 for nanocomposite spectrum that indicates the creation of nano α-Al2O3 particles. The x-ray diffraction patterns and FTIR spectra of PP/nano α-Al2O3 composites showed that the intensity of the peaks when dispersant was used slightly increased and the arrangement of the peaks are normalized. This observation is attributed to homogeneous dispersion of nano α-Al2O3 filler in the matrix when dispersant was used. Scanning electron micrograph of impact fractured surface showed that the fracture surface of PP/nano α-Al2O3 composite becomes rougher with increasing the content of filler.
On the prospects of conducting polyaniline/natural rubber composites for electromagnetic shielding effectiveness applications
Authors: Al-Ghamdi AA , Al-Hartomy Omar A , Al-Solamy F , Al-Hazmi Faten , Al-Ghamdi Attieh A , El-Mossalamy EH , El-Tantawy Farid
Published: September 2012

Conductive polymer composites are at the forefront of composites science research because of the huge number of applications that have been developed around their interesting and unique properties. The present article is focused on the fabrication of natural rubber/polyaniline (NR/PANI) compounds for electromagnetic wave shielding applications at microwave frequency. Their microstructures were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. The as-fabricated NR/PANI composite was mechanically characterized to investigate the effect of dispersion of PANI on NR matrix composite. The dielectric spectroscopy, absorption loss, and reflection loss of NR/PANI composite in the frequency range from 1 to 12 GHz have been performed. The total electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness by absorption and reflection loss depends on PANI content in the composite. Results show that the NR/PANI composite represents a new class of conducting lightweight material that makes the NR/PANI with good electromagnetic shielding effectiveness that is suitable for use in industrial application such as electronic conducting composite in polymer package and for radar absorbing materials.
How Do Lotteries and Study Results Influence Response Behavior in Online Panels?
Authors: Göritz Anja S. , Luthe Susanne C.
Published: September 2012

Two incentive experiments on response behavior were conducted in a nonprofit online panel. Experiment 1 examined effects of a lottery and of the lottery’s splitting into multiple prizes. Two cash lotteries and a no-incentive control group were compared. One lottery was announced to be paid out in one lump sum, whereas the other lottery was split into multiple smaller prizes. Dependent variables were two facets of response quantity, namely response and retention, and two facets of response quality, namely nondifferentiation and item nonresponse. Moreover, panelists’ characteristics were tested whether they moderated the lottery effects. The lottery and its splitting did not significantly affect response behavior; however, in terms of effect sizes, splitting the lottery mildly decreased response quantity. Experiment 2 was in part aimed at replication. In addition, it examined the effect of offering study results. Dependent variables were response, retention, and nondifferentiation. The cash lottery mildly enhanced response quantity and quality, whereas splitting the lottery tended to decrease response quantity. Offering study results had no impact on response behavior, both as a stand-alone incentive and in combination with a lottery. The two experiments revealed moderating effects, but these were not stable across both studies. A share of invitees in Experiment 1 was reinvited in Experiment 2, thus enabling analysis of whether their lottery condition in Experiment 1 influenced their response behavior 5 months later in Experiment 2. No such longitudinal effects were found.
A simple and efficient mild air hybrid engine concept and its performance analysis
Authors: Lee Cho-Yu , Zhao Hua , Ma Tom
Published: September 2012

In this paper, a simplified and more effective approach to achieve mild air hybrid operation in an engine with split intake ports is presented and its performance is analysed. The regenerative engine braking is achieved by operating the engine as a compressor during vehicle deceleration through the application of a cam profile switching device to one of the intake valves. Compared to the previous concepts, the new approach simplifies the control and allows more compressed air to be captured during the compressor mode operation.

A four-cylinder 2.0 l diesel engine has been modelled in Ricardo’s WAVE to operate in an air hybrid engine configuration so that the valve timing optimization during the compressor mode and the expander mode operations could be studied. An air hybrid operation map during the compressor mode is then created, in which the amount of air mass charged (g/cycle) during a deceleration is given as a function of engine braking torque and tank pressure. The other air hybrid operation map for the expander mode operation is generated using a program in MATLAB, which allows the compressed air consumption during each cranking to be determined for a given tank pressure and the number of cylinders.

In order to evaluate the potential fuel savings of the mild air hybrid engine technology and the availability of the compressed air for additional usages, a driving cycle simulation program has been developed and applied to a light duty vehicle. The vehicle simulation shows that standard vehicle operation during the New European Driving Cycle consumes 677 g of fuel and the mild air hybrid vehicle uses 631.2 g of fuel, which represents a 6.8% reduction in fuel consumption as a result of the regenerative stop–start operations. In addition, the free compressed air is available to provide instant boost so that a highly downsized engine can be used for further improvement in fuel economy without the loss in performance and greater emissions associated with turbo-lag.
GPS data conditioning for enhancing reliability of automated off-road vehicles
Authors: Rovira-Más Francisco , Banerjee Ratul
Published: September 2012

The practical implementation of precision agriculture at a large scale has not occurred yet for several reasons. Among them, the lack of uniformity and reliability in global positioning has discouraged many producers from adopting advanced solutions which, while considered to add a significant value to their production systems, cannot be incorporated without guarantees of minimum levels of long-term consistency. Although substantial improvements are constantly being introduced by receiver manufacturers, positioning errors can appear at the final stages of the localization process, resulting in inaccuracies and anomalies normally undetected by embedded quality filters. This article proposes an actuation protocol to enhance the robustness of GPS information for practical agricultural applications. The algorithm embodying this strategy merges partially-acquired raw strings into complete US National Marine Electronics Association messages whose information fields are checked for consistency. Once data qualifies as stable, other logic filters are applied to reinforce the likelihood of obtaining proper locations. Extensive field tests demonstrated that the algorithm was able to discard most erroneous positions due to typical GPS errors and poor signal reception in complex agricultural environments. However, the phenomena of coordinate quantization and random outliers were still present, which indicates that further redundancy is necessary to avoid unreliable outcomes. In this regard, positive results for supplementary consistency from GPS-based vehicle heading and speed are anticipated.
A Time-Based Account of the Perception of Odor Objects and Valences
Authors: Olofsson Jonas K. , Bowman Nicholas E. , Khatibi Katherine , Gottfried Jay A.
Published: September 2012

Is human odor perception guided by memory or emotion? Object-centered accounts predict that recognition of unique odor qualities precedes valence decoding. Valence-centered accounts predict the opposite: that stimulus-driven valence responses precede and guide identification. In a speeded response time study, participants smelled paired odors, presented sequentially, and indicated whether the second odor in each pair belonged to the same category as the first (object evaluation task) or whether the second odor was more pleasant than the first (valence evaluation task). Object evaluation was faster and more accurate than valence evaluation. In a complementary experiment, participants performed an identification task, in which they indicated whether an odor matched the previously presented word label. Responses were quicker for odors preceded by semantically matching, rather than nonmatching, word labels, but results showed no evidence of interference from valence on nonmatching trials. These results are in accordance with object-centered accounts of odor perception.
Maternal and Offspring Dopamine D4 Receptor Genotypes Interact to Influence Juvenile Impulsivity in Vervet Monkeys
Authors: Fairbanks Lynn A. , Way Baldwin M. , Breidenthal Sherry E. , Bailey Julia N. , Jorgensen Matthew J.
Published: September 2012

The merging of psychological and genetic methodologies has led to an increasing appreciation of environmental moderators of the relationships between genotype and phenotype. Here we used a nonhuman-primate model to study the moderating effect of the mother’s genotype on the association of a dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene polymorphism with juvenile impulsivity, assessed in a standardized social-challenge test. The results showed that juvenile carriers of the rare 5-repeat variant of the exon III 48-base-pair repeat polymorphism scored significantly higher in social impulsivity than juveniles homozygous for the common 6-repeat allele. In addition, juvenile genotype interacted with maternal genotype to influence impulsivity, with the highest rates of impulsivity found in variant offspring with variant mothers. These results highlight the importance of considering the genotype of the parents in studies of early experience and vulnerability genes for impulsivity-related traits.
Field test with Stirling engine micro-combined heat and power units in residential buildings
Authors: Lipp Josef
Published: September 2012

The Institute for Energy Economy and Application Technology (IfE), together with the Energie Südbayern (ESB), the local gas supplier in southern Bavaria, are responsible for a field measurement campaign of four gas fired Stirling engine micro-combined heat and power units. These units and the measurement equipment were installed in four different single family houses at the end of 2009. After monitoring over 1 year, it can be said that the Stirling engine micro-combined heat and power units are capable in supplying small residential buildings with thermal and electric power. The data evaluation shows the micro-combined heat and power-units work with a steady-state efficiency above 90%. The main goals of this field test, besides the verification of the Stirling engine’s efficiency, are an analysis of the complete system’s overall energy performance. Therefore, a detailed examination of not only the heat-consuming devices, space heating and the domestic hot water system, but also the examination of heat-generating devices, the Stirling engine and the auxiliary burner were made. The implementation of heat demand curves helps to assess not only the steady state, but also the yearly performances of each micro-combined heat and power units. For a future integration of micro-combined heat and power units into a smart grid, they have to be predictable. Hence, a detailed analysis was taken onto the electricity generation curves at different ambient temperatures and its hourly behaviour. Lastly, for the economic evaluation, the onsite consumption characteristics were considered in depth.
Bond graph modelling and simulation of fault scenarios in switched power electronic systems
Authors: Borutzky Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

A bond graph representation of switching devices known for a long time has been a modulated transformer with a modulus [Formula: see text] in conjunction with a resistor [Formula: see text] accounting for the ON-resistance of a switch considered non-ideal. Besides other representations, this simple model has been used in bond graphs for simulation of the dynamic behaviour of hybrid systems. A previous article of the author has proposed to use the transformer–resistor pair in bond graphs for fault diagnosis in hybrid systems. Advantages are a unique bond graph for all system modes, the application of the unmodified standard Sequential Causality Assignment Procedure, fixed computational causalities and the derivation of analytical redundancy relations incorporating ‘Boolean’ transformer moduli so that they hold for all system modes. Switches temporarily connect and disconnect model parts. As a result, some independent storage elements may temporarily become dependent, so that the number of state variables is not time-invariant. This article addresses this problem in the context of modelling and simulation of fault scenarios in hybrid systems. In order to keep time-invariant preferred integral causality at storage ports, residual sinks previously introduced by the author are used. When two storage elements become dependent at a switching time instance [Formula: see text], a residual sink is activated. It enforces that the outputs of two dependent storage elements become immediately equal by imposing the conjugate3 power variable of appropriate value on their inputs. The approach is illustrated by the bond graph modelling and simulation of some fault scenarios in a standard three-phase switched power inverter supplying power into an RL-load in a delta configuration. A well-developed approach to model-based fault detection and isolation is to evaluate the residual of analytical redundancy relations. In this article, analytical redundancy relation residuals have been computed numerically by coupling a bond graph of the faulty system to one of the non-faulty systems by means of residual sinks. The presented approach is not confined to power electronic systems but can be used for hybrid systems in other domains as well. In further work, the RL-load may be replaced by a bond graph model of an alternating current motor in order to study the effect of switch failures in the power inverter on to the dynamic behaviour of the motor.
A fuzzy logic controller for the positioning control of an electro-pneumatic servo-drive
Authors: Takosoglu Jakub E , Laski Pawel A , Blasiak Slawomir
Published: September 2012

The main objective of our research project was to design an electro-pneumatic servo-drive positioning control system, which involved applying a fuzzy logic controller. A proportional–derivative fuzzy logic controller was selected to perform position changeover, follow-up, and teach/playback control. These methods of control are essential in automation equipment, such as pick-and-place machines, manipulators, and robots. Compared to the smart positioning controller SPC200, the proportional–derivative fuzzy logic controller demonstrated superior accuracy required for industrial pneumatic manipulators.
Music Education Majors’ Confidence in Teaching Improvisation
Authors: Bernhard H. Christian
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this study was to describe undergraduate music education majors’ confidence in teaching improvisation, according to the NAfME (National Association for Music Education) K–12 Achievement Standards. Subjects were 196 undergraduate music education majors at a public university school of music. Combined subjects reported “moderate confidence” for teaching Grade K–4 standards of improvisation, “slight” to “moderate confidence” for Grades 5 to 8 standards, and “slight confidence” for teaching improvisation standards at the Grades 9 to 12 levels, and significant differences were found among the means for all three grade levels. Confidence increased by year in school (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) and by primary instrument area (woodwind, brass, voice, piano, string, percussion). Subjects reported “slight” to “moderate confidence” in their own ability to improvise but “moderate” to “great interest” in learning more about how to teach improvisation. Implications for music teacher education are discussed.
Loss of Cardioprotection With Ischemic Preconditioning in Aging Hearts: Role of Sirtuin 1?
Authors: Adam Tasneem , Sharp Stephanie , Opie Lionel H. , Lecour Sandrine
Published: September 2012

The effectiveness of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) to protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) declines with age. The deacetylase protein sirtuin 1 ( Sirt 1) confers myriad functions including longevity and cardioprotection against IRI. As such, Sirt 1 may be a potential candidate to explain the protective effect of IPC. We aim to explore the role of Sirt 1 in the loss of the cardioprotective effect of IPC with age. Isolated hearts from young (9 weeks) and older (12-18 months) Long-Evans rats were subjected to 30 minutes of global ischemia and 60 minutes of reperfusion. Preconditioning stimuli were applied with either 2 cycles of 5-minute ischemia/reperfusion or with the potent Sirt 1 agonist resveratrol (RSV, 10 µmol/L) for 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute washout before the sustained ischemia. Both IPC and RSV significantly enhanced the functional recovery of young hearts by 168% ( P < .001 vs control) and 65% ( P < .01 vs control), respectively, and concomitantly reduced the infarct size by 65% and 45%, but the effect was blunted in older hearts. Administration of the selective Sirt 1 inhibitor III to young hearts did not alter the protective effect of IPC. Following ischemia/reperfusion, higher Sirt 1 deacetylase activity was detected in older hearts compared to young hearts (0.48 ± 0.13 arbitrary units [AU] vs 0.17 ± 0.03 AU, P < .01) and IPC did not alter Sirt 1 deacetylase activity. In conclusion, although Sirt 1 deacetylase activity is increased with age during ischemia/reperfusion, our data suggest that the loss of the cardioprotective effect of IPC in older animals is likely to be independent of Sirt 1.
News Framing of Autism
Authors: McKeever Brooke Weberling
Published: September 2012

This study explores agenda setting, framing, and the concepts of media advocacy and mobilizing information through content analysis of The New York Times and The Washington Post news coverage of autism from 1996 to 2006, the year the Combating Autism Act was passed. Findings revealed that science frames decreased over time, while policy frames increased. Medical, government, family, and nonprofit sources were most common in news coverage. Solutions were mentioned more frequently than causes; however, mobilizing information was limited. Theoretical implications and practical applications are discussed.
Reflexive Engagement? Actors, Learning, and Reflexivity in Public Dialogue on Science and Technology
Authors: Chilvers Jason
Published: September 2012

This article contributes to a more reflexive mode of research on public engagement with science-related issues through presenting an in-depth qualitative study of the actors that mediate science-society interactions, their roles and relationships, and the nature of learning and reflexivity in relation to public dialogue. A mapping framework is developed to describe the roles and relations of actors mediating public dialogue on science and technology in Britain. Learning within public dialogue networks is shown to be instrumental only, crowding out potentials for reflexive and relational learning. This calls for renewed critical social science research alongside more deliberately reflexive learning relating to participatory governance of science and technology that is situated, interactive, public, and anticipatory.
The Trappings of Science
Authors: Brewer Paul R.
Published: September 2012

This study examines the influence of media messages about paranormal investigators on perceptions of how scientific and credible such investigators are, as well as on beliefs about paranormal phenomena such as ghosts and haunted houses. The analyses use experimental data to test the effects of three different versions of a news story about paranormal investigators: one version presenting them with “trappings of science” such as technology and jargon, another presenting them in terms of traditional supernaturalism, and yet another debunking them as unscientific. The analyses also test whether various forms of media use predict perceptions regarding paranormal investigators and phenomena.
On the Shoulders of YouTube
Authors: Allgaier Joachim
Published: September 2012

Music videos are about many topics, and some are about science and technology. In this commentary, the author explores what kinds of music videos about science are available and how they could be categorized. It is argued that music videos could be helpful tools for science communication and science education. However, people who reject scientific information and results are also using music videos to publicize their views. Research on the subject is still very sparse. The science communication community needs a better understanding of the practices of online video sharing and the effects of music videos about science.
Insulin Therapy in Home Health
Authors: Hess Rick , Odle Brian
Published: September 2012

Diabetes mellitus, whether type 1 or type 2, offers special challenges to home health care providers. Treatment of diabetes can become increasing complex. While insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), the utilization of insulin to safely control blood glucose is also necessary for many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Many different insulin products are available, with each product possessing different characteristics and adverse effect potential. Balancing glycemic control with patient safety is paramount. The individualization of insulin therapy can be challenging for both patients and health care professionals. Regular evaluation of blood glucose monitoring is vital for patient assessment. This article provides a review of insulin for providers caring for patients in the home health care setting.