bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viscoelastic properties of transversely isotropic micro-cracked materials
Authors: Nguyen ST , Dormieux L
Published: March 2015

The aim of this paper is to model the viscoelastic properties of micro-cracked materials based on the homogenization micro-macro approach. The isotropic case with random orientation distribution of micro-crack in Burgers non-ageing linear viscoelastic solid was previously modeled. However, in many cases, micro-cracks appear to be parallel and the macroscopic behavior is transversely isotropic. An alternative effective transversely isotropic Burgers model is developed to model the behavior of such materials for the cases of open cracks. For this anisotropic case, the Burgers model for the macroscopic viscoelastic behavior of the micro-cracked materials depends on 20 viscoelastic parameters which are functions of the damage parameter and of the viscoelastic properties of the solid phase. In this study, the evolution of all 20 damage viscoelastic parameters as functions of the crack density is detailed based on a dilute-stress homogenization approach. The use of the same Burgers viscoelastic model as non-cracked material to model the viscoelastic behavior of micro-cracked material is an approximation. This approximation is carried out in short- and long-term behaviors. However, the comparison of this approximation with the exact solution in the case of 1D traction loading showed an excellent validation of this approach in transient situation.
Thymic Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Authors: Prieto-Granada Carlos N. , Inagaki Hiroshi , Mueller James
Published: March 2015

Thymic mucoepidermoid carcinoma (TMEC) is a vanishingly rare entity that usually presents as low to intermediate grade MEC and carries a better prognosis when compared with other poorly differentiated thymic carcinomas. The recently described fusions, t(11;19)(q21;p13) CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein)-regulated transcription coactivator 1 and MAML2, mastermind-like gene 2 (CRTC1-MAML2) and t(11:15)(q21;q26) CRTC3-MAML2 characterize a considerable proportion of MEC examples arising from a variety of anatomical sites. Recent data point out that the aberrant proteins produced by this fusion drive oncogenesis by disrupting the cAMP/CREB and NOTCH1 pathways. To date, only 2 TMEC cases have been reported to have MAML2 rearrangements, a feature that was found to be absent in TMEC mimics. These findings led the authors to recommend this test as a diagnostic tool in the differential diagnosis for thymic carcinoma. Herein, we present a case of TMEC arising in a 58-year-old woman, which was predominantly cystic with intracystic papillary formations composed of a mixture of mucinous cells and intermediate/epidermoid eosinophilic cells. This case was negative for CTCR1-MAML2 and CTCR3-MAML2 fusion transcripts by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and lacked a MAML2 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization. We report a CTCR1/3-MAML2 fusion and MAML2 rearrangement–negative TMEC, indicating that a different molecular pathway must be involved in the generation of these tumors. The possibility of fusion-negative TMEC should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of a thymic carcinoma.
Local impact analysis for deck slabs of prestressed concrete box-girder bridges subject to vehicle loading
Authors: Yu Yang , Deng Lu , Wang Wei , Cai CS
Published: March 2015

In bridge design codes, the dynamic impact factor (IM) is a well-accepted measure of the impact effect of vehicular loads on bridges. Many previous studies focused on the evaluation of IMs based on the global responses of the main girders while little attention was paid to the local impact effect on bridge decks. As a result, the IMs specified in many design codes, which were traditionally derived from the global responses of bridges, may not be necessarily reasonable for the design of deck slabs. This study was intended to investigate the local impact effect of vehicular loads on the deck slabs of prestressed concrete box-girder bridges. A bridge-vehicle coupled model was adopted to calculate both the local and global IMs. The obtained local and global IMs were compared and the relationship between the IM and three important parameters, including the road surface condition, vehicle speed, and bridge span length, was studied. The results showed that there was no strong correlation between the global and local IMs; however, the local IMs were well correlated with the road surface condition and bridge span length. A discussion on the impact provisions in different bridge codes was also presented.
Analyzing in the Present
Authors: Revsbæk Line , Tanggaard Lene
Published: March 2015

The article presents a notion of “analyzing in the present” as a source of inspiration in analyzing qualitative research materials. The term emerged from extensive listening to interview recordings during everyday commuting to university campus. Paying attention to the way different parts of various interviews conveyed diverse significance to the listening researcher at different times became a method of continuously opening up the empirical material in a reflexive, breakdown-oriented process of analysis. We argue that situating analysis in the present of analyzing emphasizes and acknowledges the interdependency between researcher and researched. On this basis, we advocate an explicit “open-state-of mind” listening as a key aspect of analyzing qualitative material, often described only as a matter of reading transcribed empirical materials, reading theory, and writing. The article contributes to an ongoing methodological conversation problematizing the notion of “data” and the use of “data-reliant” methods of analysis.
The Impact of Advocacy Organizations on Low-Income Housing Policy in U.S. Cities
Authors: Yerena Anaid
Published: March 2015

Financial support for affordable housing competes with many other municipal priorities. This work seeks to explain the variation in support for affordable housing among U.S. cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Using multivariate statistical analysis, this research investigates political explanations for the level of city expenditures on housing and community with a particular interest in the influence of housing advocacy organizations (AOs). Data for the model were gathered from secondary sources, including the U.S. Census and the National Center for Charitable Statistics. Among other results, the analysis indicates that, on average, the political maturity of AOs has a statistically significant, positive effect on local housing and community development expenditures.
Deficiency of Sustained Attention in ADHD and Its Potential Genetic Contributor MAOA
Authors: Liu Lu , Cheng Jia , Su Yi , Ji Ning , Gao Qian , Li Haimei , Yang Li , Sun Li , Qian Qiujin , Wang Yufeng
Published: March 2015

Objective: To investigate the genetic contributors to ADHD sustained attention deficit among noradrenergic genes responsible for the synthesis (dopamine-β-hydroxylase gene, DBH), transport (norepinephrine transporter gene, NET1), reception (alpha-2A adrenergic receptor gene, ADRA2A), and metabolism (monoamine oxidase A gene, MAOA) of noradrenalin (NE). Method: A total of 456 children with ADHD and 108 normal controls were included in a digit cancellation test (DCT). DNA was collected from 242 participants and genotyped for 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of noradrenergic genes. Results: Compared with normal controls, children with ADHD showed a lower total score and higher mean error rate in the DCT, indicating poorer sustained attention function. Analysis of covariance showed an association between MAOA genotypes and ADHD performance in DCT, with poorer performance in risk allele carriers. No association was found for other noradrenergic genes. Conclusion: Children with ADHD presented with a sustained attention deficit compared with normal controls. The sustained attention deficit of children with ADHD may be associated with genetic variant of MAOA.
The Fiscal Impact of Legalized Casino Gambling
Authors: Nichols Mark W. , Tosun Mehmet Serkan , Yang Jingjing
Published: March 2015

We examine the fiscal impact of legalized casino gambling, including Indian casinos. Our study examines the impact this legalization had on counties where casinos were located. Using county-level data between 1987 and 2007 and difference-in-differences estimation, we examine the impact of casino openings on county area government revenues, expenditures, sales tax revenues, and education expenditures. Our results indicate that casinos did not have a statistically significant impact on per capita government expenditures and revenues. However, this was due to differential impacts between commercial and Indian casinos and revenue-sharing legislation between states and counties. There is minimal evidence of a net impact on sales tax revenues in the counties where new casinos opened and some evidence, albeit weak, that Indian casinos are associated with lower county education expenditures. The results are robust when using propensity score matching results accounting for the endogeneity of casino location and spatial lag and error regressions.
The dysfunctional consequences of a performance measurement system: the case of the Iranian national hospital grading programme
Authors: Aryankhesal Aidin , Sheldon Trevor A , Mannion Russell , Mahdipour Saeade
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Performance measurement systems are increasingly used to reward and improve provider performance. However, such initiatives may also inadvertently induce a range of unintended and dysfunctional side-effects. This study explores the unintended and adverse consequences induced by the Iranian national hospital grading programme, which incorporates financial incentives for meeting nationally defined standards.

Methods

We interviewed key informants across four key groups with a legitimate interest in healthcare performance: four purposively selected hospitals; four health insurance organizations; the Iranian hospital accreditation body; and one grading agency. The transcribed interviews and field notes were analysed thematically, and subsequently, member checking was conducted.

Results

Seven dysfunctional consequences were identified: misrepresentation of data by hospitals; increased anxiety and stress among hospital employees; tunnel vision; financial pressures on poorly graded hospitals; incentives to purchase unnecessary equipment; erosion of public trust; and restricting access to hospital services by patients. These were caused by the way the grading system was implemented: poor standards of audit; the way in which the audit process was conducted; and the timing of audits. The pay for performance element of the grading system and the focus on structural aspects in the standards made improvement in grading particularly difficult for those hospitals that had been assessed as under-performing.

Conclusion

Although the Iranian hospital grading system has resulted in a significant increase in the adoption of national standards, it has nevertheless induced a range of perverse outcomes. To mitigate these requires further refinement and recalibration of the system.
The psychological and linguistic profiles of self-reported code-switchers
Authors: Dewaele Jean-Marc , Zeckel Inga
Published: March 2015

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

The study considers the relationships between multilinguals’ linguistic history, current linguistic practices, personality dimensions and self-reported frequency of code-switching (CS) in interactions with four types of interlocutors. It looks at variation in CS according to interlocutor type and the link with all the independent variables.

Design/methodology/approach:

Data was collected through an online questionnaire with closed questions on use of CS with friends, family members, colleagues and strangers.

Data and analysis:

A total of 298 adult multilingual participants of various nationalities provided scores on Likert scales. Statistical analyses were carried out to establish relationships between independent variables and CS.

Findings/conclusions:

The amount of self-reported CS differs significantly according to the type of interlocutor. A high level of multilingualism and early onset of bilingualism were linked with significantly more CS. High levels of Openmindedness and low levels of Flexibility were linked with significantly more frequent self-reported CS with certain types of interlocutors. Sex, age and education had no – or very little – effect on self-reported frequency of CS.

Originality:

The study confirms earlier research that considerable intra-individual variation exists in self-reported CS with various interlocutors. It shows that not just the linguistic but also the psychological profiles of participants determine the amount of self-reported CS.

Significance/implications:

Both linguistic and psychological variables need to be taken into account in the study of sociolinguistic phenomena.

Limitations:

Reporting frequency of CS with different categories of interlocutors requires a certain degree of metalinguistic awareness and some standard error cannot be excluded in self-reports.
A requiem for hybridity? The problem with Frankensteins, purées, and mules
Authors: Silliman Stephen W
Published: March 2015

Hybridity as an interpretive construct in the archaeology of colonialism has encountered many pitfalls, due largely to the way it has been set adrift from clear theoretical anchors and has been applied inconsistently to things, practices, processes, and even people. One of the telltale signs of its problematic nature is the ease with which archaeologists claim to identify the origin and existence of hybridity but the difficulty faced if asked when and how such hybridity actually ends, if it does. In that context, this paper offers a potential requiem for hybridity. If we need not go that far, archaeologists at least need to rein in the “Frankenstein” version of hybridity that permeates archaeology and occludes its variable and problematic origins, acknowledge the dangers of accentuating or even celebrating “purées,” and beware of the creation of cultural “mules” in analytical classifications and interpretations.
Assessment of the relationship between ACE I/D gene polymorphism and renal allograft survival
Authors: Yang Chun-Hua , Lu Yi , Chen Xue-Xia , Xian Wen-Feng , Tu Wei-Feng , Li Hong-Yan
Published: March 2015

Background and objective:

The relationship between the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism and renal allograft survival after renal transplantation from the published reports are still debatable. This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between the ACE I/D gene polymorphism and renal allograft survival after renal transplantation using meta-analysis.

Method:

Eligible studies were identified from PubMed and Cochrane Library on 1 November 2014, and eligible studies were recruited and synthesized using a meta-analysis methodology.

Results:

Twelve investigations were included in this meta-analysis for the assessment of the relationship between the ACE I/D gene polymorphism and renal allograft survival. In this meta-analysis, the ACE I/D gene polymorphism was not associated with renal allograft survival after renal transplantation for overall populations, Caucasians, Brazilians and Africans. Interestingly, the ACE D allele and DD genotype were associated with renal allograft survival after renal transplantation in the Asian population.

Conclusions:

ACE D allele and DD genotype were associated with renal allograft survival after renal transplantation in the Asian population. However, more studies should be performed to confirm this association.
Cardiovascular actions of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Ng Khai P , Arnold Julia , Sharif Adnan , Gill Paramjit , Townend Jonathan N , Ferro Charles J
Published: March 2015

Introduction:

The safety and actions of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists on surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease as well as major patient level cardiovascular end-points in patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear.

Methods:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Trip Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Renal Group specialized register, Current Controlled Trials and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for relevant trials.

Results:

Twenty-nine trials (1581 patients) were included. Overall, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (–5.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) –8.65, −1.82 mmHg; p=0.003 and −1.96, 95% CI −3.22, –0.69 mmHg; p=0.002 respectively). There were insufficient data to perform a meta-analysis of other cardiovascular effects. However, a systematic review of the studies included suggested a consistent improvement in surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease. Overall, the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists was associated with an increased serum potassium (0.23, 95% CI 0.13, 0.33 mmol/l; p<0.0001) and higher risk ratio (1.76, 95% CI 1.20, 2.57; p=0.001) of hyperkalemia. Data on long-term cardiovascular outcomes and mortality were not available in any of the trials.

Conclusions:

The long-term effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists on cardiovascular events, mortality and safety need to be established.
Stories on the Skin: Tattoo Culture at a South Florida university
Authors: Leader Karen J
Published: March 2015

This paper describes a multidisciplinary creative and research project at a South Florida public university. “Stories on the Skin: Tattoo Culture at FAU” has explored and presented tattoos as a shared cultural experience, rather than as a symptom, or a fad. Considering relevant scholarship in various disciplines, tattoo emerges as a repository of memories and a site of affirmations, but also a significant form of creative self-expression beyond temporary fashion. Proposing a positive value to connecting mind and body, story and skin, the project offers a model for other universities to engage a diverse student body in the complexities of living an embodied self in a virtual world. It also offers a way to open the minds of those who would discriminate. It is not about promoting, but about understanding, this moment of ink, deploying the arts and humanities for the sake of self-knowledge and tolerance.
Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Unacknowledged Rape
Authors: Wilson Laura C. , Miller Katherine E.
Published: March 2015

Many sexual violence survivors do not label their experiences as rape but instead use more benign labels, such as “bad sex” or “miscommunication.” A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the mean prevalence of unacknowledged rape and to inform our understanding of methodological factors that influence the detection of this phenomenon. Studies were identified using PsycINFO, PubMED, and PILOTS and were required to report the percentage of unacknowledged rape that had occurred since the age of 14 among female survivors. Moderator variables included mean participant age, recruitment source, rape definition, and unacknowledged rape definition. Twenty-eight studies (30 independent samples) containing 5,917 female rape survivors met the inclusion criteria. Based on a random effects model, the overall weighted mean percentage of unacknowledged rape was 60.4% (95% confidence interval [55.0%, 65.6%]). There was a large amount of heterogeneity, Q(29) = 445.11, p < .001, and inconsistency ( I2 = 93.5%) among included studies. The prevalence was significantly higher among college student participants compared to noncollege participants. The findings supported that over half of all female rape survivors do not acknowledge that they have been raped. The results suggest that screening tools should use behaviorally descriptive items about sexual contact, rather than using terms such as “rape.”
The HAAPI (Home Arm Assistance Progression Initiative) Trial
Authors: Wolf Steven L. , Sahu Komal , Bay R. Curtis , Buchanan Sharon , Reiss Aimee , Linder Susan , Rosenfeldt Anson , Alberts Jay
Published: March 2015

Background. Geographical location, socioeconomic status, and logistics surrounding transportation impede access of poststroke individuals to comprehensive rehabilitative services. Robotic therapy may enhance telerehabilitation by delivering consistent and state-of-the art therapy while allowing remote monitoring and adjusting therapy for underserved populations. The Hand Mentor Pro (HMP) was incorporated within a home exercise program (HEP) to improve upper-extremity (UE) functional capabilities poststroke. Objective. To determine the efficacy of a home-based telemonitored robotic-assisted therapy as part of a HEP compared with a dose-matched HEP-only intervention among individuals less than 6 months poststroke and characterized as underserved. Methods. In this prospective, single-blinded, multisite, randomized controlled trial, 99 hemiparetic participants with limited access to UE rehabilitation were randomized to either (1) the experimental group, which received combined HEP and HMP for 3 h/d ×5 days ×8 weeks, or (2) the control group, which received HEP only at an identical dosage. Weekly communication between the supervising therapist and participant promoted compliance and progression of the HEP and HMP prescription. The Action Research Arm Test and Wolf Motor Function Test along with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE) were primary and secondary outcome measures, respectively, undertaken before and after the interventions. Results. Both groups demonstrated improvement across all UE outcomes. Conclusions. Robotic + HEP and HEP only were both effectively delivered remotely. There was no difference between groups in change in motor function over time. Additional research is necessary to determine the appropriate dosage of HMP and HEP.
Three-dimensional transient mathematical model to predict the heat transfer rate of a heat pipe
Authors: Boothaisong S , Rittidech S , Chompookham T , Thongmoon M , Ding Y , Li Y
Published: March 2015

A three-dimensional model was developed to simulate the heat transfer rate on a heat pipe in a transient condition. This article presents the details of a calculation domain consisting of a wall, a wick, and a vapor core. The governing equation based on the shape of the pipe was numerically simulated using the finite element method. The developed three-dimensional model attempted to predict the transient temperature, the velocity, and the heat transfer rate profiles at any domain. The values obtained from the model calculation were then compared with the actual results from the experiments. The experiment showed that the time required to attain a steady state (where transient temperature is constant) was reasonably consistent with the model. The working fluid r134a (tetrafluoroethane) was the quickest to reach the steady state and transferred the greatest amount of heat.
Screw-type actuator driven by piezoelectric transducers
Authors: Hua Shunming , Meng Yuming , Lou Yinghou , Li Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaojun
Published: March 2015

The significant features of screw transmission are effort-saving and self-locking. Based on this, a screw-rod-type actuator is proposed, which is driven by a nut swung spirally together with piezoelectric transducers. The actuator consists of three parts: a nut fastened to a hollow cylinder, a precise screw rod, and two orthogonal piezoelectric vibrators worked on d33 mode. The screw rod is forced to rotate and translate by traveling wave within the helical surface of nut, which is generated by two vibrators. First, the actuator’s running mechanism is preliminarily illustrated. Second, modal analysis and optimal design of the stator are performed through finite element method. Finally, the prototype actuator is manufactured and tested. The experimental results have proven that this driving manner is feasible, and the main characteristics are as follows: the stable working frequency is about at 9.5 kHz, and the maximum no-load speed and output force are approximately 61 r/min and 2.1 N, respectively, under 300  Vpp.
Thermal conductivity prediction of closed-cell aluminum alloy considering micropore effect
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Wang Jun
Published: March 2015

Large quantities of micro-scale pores are observed in the matrix of closed-cell aluminum alloy by scanning electron microscope, which indicates the dual-scale pore characteristics. Corresponding to this kind of special structural morphology, a new kind of dual-scale method is proposed to estimate its effective thermal conductivity. Comparing with the experimental results, the article puts forward the view that the prediction accuracy can be improved by the dual-scale method greatly. Different empirical formulas are also investigated in detail. It provides a new method for thermal properties estimation and makes preparation for more suitable empirical formula for closed-cell aluminum alloy.
Forming mechanism of radial V-shaped microgrooves on plate using step punching method
Authors: Jian-hua Xiang , Ji-an Duan , Chun-liang Zhang , Gui-yun Liu , Chao Zhou , Cong-gui Chen
Published: March 2015

The finned surface can increase the specific surface area, which could enhance the boiling efficiency of the working medium to realize the enhancement of heat transfer performance. This research adopted a step punching method to form a radial microgroove structure on the surface of a copper plate. The scanning electron microscopy analysis indicates that when the pressed metal is in the deformation range, it will flow under extrusion and is subject to the reaction force from the metal outside the deformation range, so a micro-finned structure nearby the punching tool is formed. And the deformation area of the formed microgroove is higher than the workpiece’s primitive surface. The relationships of the punching interference length Li with θc, ac, and αpt are analyzed; and the influence of forming parameters on the groove surface morphology as well as the relationships among these parameters are discussed. When the punching depth ac is 0.3 mm and the punching feeding angle θc is 2°–4°, the finned surface of the radial V-shaped microgrooves can be obtained.
The influence of longitudinal vibrations on the heat transfer performance of inclined heat pipes
Authors: Chen Rong-Horng , Kuo LW , Lai Chi-Ming
Published: March 2015

This study focused on investigating the influence of longitudinal vibrations, the condensation section temperature, and the inclination angles on the heat transfer performance of grooved cylindrical copper heat pipes with lengths of 600 and 150 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm. The inclination angles of the tested heat pipes were 0°, ±45°, and ±90°. Longitudinal vibrations with frequencies of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 9 Hz and amplitudes of 2.8, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm, which resulted in accelerations between 0.1 and 1.01 g, were experimentally tested. The condensation section temperatures were set at 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C. A heating jacket and a cooling sleeve were installed at the evaporation and condensation sections of the test cell to simulate a constant heat flux and a constant temperature boundary, respectively. The results showed that with the heat pipe placed with the condensation section on top and the evaporation section on bottom, a fairly low and constant thermal resistance (approximately 0.25 K/W for the 600-mm heat pipe and 0.75–1.2 K/W for the 150-mm heat pipe) was obtained, both with and without heat pipe vibration and regardless of the condensation section temperature.
Experimental investigation of graphite nanolubricant used in a domestic refrigerator
Authors: Lou Jiang-feng , Zhang Hua , Wang Ruixiang
Published: March 2015

In this article, the performance of a domestic refrigerator employing isobutane and graphite nanolubricants as working fluids is investigated experimentally. The character of graphite nanoparticles and the nanolubricant was observed through scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, and dynamic light scattering. It is confirmed that the surface-modified graphite nanoparticles steadily suspend in the form of clusters for a long period of time. The application of the graphite nanolubricants with mass fractions of 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5% to domestic refrigerator was examined by a refrigerator test system according to the National Standard of China (GB/T 8059.1-4). The results showed that graphite nanolubricants work normally and safely in the refrigerator. There were certain reductions on pull-down time, discharge pressure, discharge temperature, suction pressure, and shell compressor temperature. In addition, power consumption of the refrigerator decreased 4.55% using graphite nanolubricant with a mass fraction of 0.1%, while the on-time rate also decreased as well as the pressure rate. Each test lasts for 15 days; the energy saving effect is stable.
Experimental and numerical investigation of fully developed forced convection of water-based Fe3O4 nanofluid passing through a tube in the presence of an alternating magnetic field
Authors: Dibaei Bonab Mohammad Hosein , Shafii Mohammad Behshad , Nobakhti Mohammad Hasan
Published: March 2015

The effect of a magnetic field on the fully developed forced convection of Fe3O4 flow inside a copper tube is experimentally and numerically investigated. The flow is assumed to be under uniform heat flux. This study aims to examine the effects of the nanoparticle volume fraction, as well as alternating magnetic field strength and frequency, on the convective heat transfer for different Reynolds numbers. To ensure accuracy, the numerical results are validated by empirical results with similar geometry and boundary conditions. A satisfying agreement was achieved. The results show that the heat transfer increases with increase in alternating magnetic field frequency but decreases with increase in volume fraction. At a fixed Reynolds number, increased frequency of the alternating magnetic field leads to an increase in the local heat transfer coefficient; however, this increase is unproportional to that of frequency. In high frequencies, increase in frequency leads to a slight increase in the heat transfer coefficient.
Finite element analysis of vibration-driven electro-active paper energy harvester with experimental verification
Authors: Abas Zafar , Kim Heung Soo , Zhai Lindong , Kim Jaehwan
Published: March 2015

In this research work, a coupled-field finite element model of electro-active paper energy harvester is presented, and the results are verified experimentally. Electro-active paper is a smart form of cellulose coated with electrodes on both sides. A finite element model was developed, and harmonic and transient analyses were performed using a commercial finite element analysis package. Two 80 mm × 50 mm and 100 mm × 50 mm aluminum cantilever benders bonded with electro-active paper were tested to validate the finite element model results. Displacement and voltage generated by the energy harvester at the electrode surfaces were measured. The electro-active paper energy harvesters were excited at their fundamental resonance frequencies by a sinusoidal force located 18 mm from the free end. The voltage obtained from the 80 mm × 50 mm and 100 mm × 50 mm electro-active paper energy harvester finite element model was 3.7 and 7 mV, respectively. Experimental results have shown good agreement with the finite element model. The direct piezoelectric effect of electro-active paper shows potential for a cellulose-based eco-friendly energy harvester.
School autonomy as ‘the way of the future’
Authors: Keddie Amanda
Published: March 2015

This paper presents interview data from research conducted in two public high schools in the state of Queensland, Australia. The research was concerned with exploring issues of equity and diversity. Both schools had recently converted to ‘independent’ status within a new state policy reform – the Independent Public Schools initiative. This reform was seen as having a significant effect on matters of equity and diversity and so became an important focus of the research. Within current accountability parameters, there were concerns expressed by key personnel at the schools about how converting to an Independent Public Schools was both enabling and constraining student equity in terms of resource distribution and school access, and undermining schools’ focus on their public purpose in relation to imposing an excessive focus on narrow external accountability measures. These concerns bring to light the significance of moral leadership within autonomous schooling environments – shaped as they are by regimes of accountability and competition that can clearly compromise student equity and delimit schooling purposes.
The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Rose Jim N. , Crook Juanita M.
Published: March 2015

In the setting of castrate-resistant prostate cancer, patients present with a variety of symptoms, including bone metastases, spinal cord compression and advanced pelvic disease. Fortunately, a variety of radiotherapeutic options exist for palliation. This article focuses on these options, including both external beam radiotherapy and radiopharmaceuticals.
How the Armenian Genocide Forced a Loyal Ottoman Officer to Espouse the Arab Revolt
Authors: Kéchichian Joseph A.
Published: March 2015

Sarkis Torossian, an Armenian soldier in the Ottoman army who had been decorated for his military skills and achievements, decided to fight with the Arabs after he discovered indescribable sufferings imposed on his family and ethnic nation by the Empire. The transformation, which saw the devoted Ottoman officer turn into a rebel element, sheds light on some of the reasons why an Armenian participated in the Arab revolt.
State-led Change in Qatar in the Wake of Arab Spring: Monarchical Country, Democratic Stance?
Authors: Yetim Mustafa
Published: March 2015

This article attempts to analyze the impact of current international and regional dynamics on Qatar’s foreign policy during Arab Spring with a special focus on the period from 2011 to 2013 coincided with former Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani’s leadership. Firstly, this study intends to comprehend Qatar’s inconsistencies and contradictions both in domestic and foreign policy by giving importance to the leading concern of Qatar, namely, the regime survival, and its visible reflections on Qatar’s regional and domestic stance. Subsequently, the article focuses on explaining the shifting position of Qatar toward Arab Spring in a different way, that is, through the concept of state-led change and the reasons behind how a tiny and monarchic country could adopt seemingly active role along with democratic discourse, albeit selective and conditional, toward the people’s uprisings between 2011 and 2013.
Stability of Y–Ti–O precipitates in friction stir welded nanostructured ferritic alloys
Authors: Yu X. , Mazumder B. , Miller M. K. , David S. A. , Feng Z.
Published: March 2015

Nanostructured ferritic alloys, which have complex microstructures consisting of ultrafine ferritic grains with a dispersion of stable oxide particles and nanoclusters, are promising materials for fuel cladding and structural applications in the next generation nuclear reactor. This study evaluates microstructure of friction stir welded nanostructured ferritic alloys using electron microscopy and atom probe tomography techniques. Atom probe tomography results revealed that nanoclusters are coarsened and inhomogeneously distributed in the stir zone and thermomechanically affected zone. Three hypotheses on coarsening of nanoclusters are presented. The hardness difference in different regions of friction stir weld has been explained.
How I treat refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Sayani Farzana A. , Abrams Charles S.
Published: March 2015

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) without an obvious cause, and may include fever, mild renal failure, and neurologic deficits. It is characterized by a deficiency of the von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving enzyme, ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase, with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13), resulting in formation of microthrombi in the high sheer environment of the microvasculature. This causes microvascular occlusion, MAHA, and organ ischemia. Diagnosis is based on the presence of clinical symptoms, laboratory aberrations consistent with MAHA, decreased ADAMTS13 activity, and possibly presence of anti-ADAMTS13 autoantibodies. Upfront treatment of acute TTP includes plasma exchange and corticosteroids. A significant number of patients are refractory to this treatment and will require further interventions. There are limited data and consensus on the management of the refractory TTP patient. Management involves simultaneously ruling out other causes of thrombocytopenia and MAHA, while also considering other treatments. In this article, we describe our management of the patient with refractory TTP, and discuss use of rituximab, increased plasma exchange, splenectomy, and immunosuppressive options, including cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and cyclosporine. We also review recent evidence for the potential roles of bortezomib and N-acetylcysteine, and explore new therapeutic approaches, including recombinant ADAMTS13 and anti-VWF therapy.
The national review of asthma deaths: what did we learn and what needs to change?
Authors: Levy Mark L.
Published: March 2015

Key points

The 2014 UK National Review of Asthma Deaths identified potentially preventable factors in two-thirds of the medical records of cases scrutinised

45% of people who died from asthma did not call for or receive medical assistance in their final fatal attack

Overall asthma management, acute and chronic, in primary and secondary care was judged to be good in less than one-fifth of those who died

There was a failure by doctors and nurses to identify and act on risk factors for asthma attacks and asthma death

The rationale for diagnosing asthma was not evident in a considerable number of cases, and there were inaccuracies related to the completion of medical certificates of the cause of death in over half of the cases considered for the UK National Review of Asthma Deaths

Educational aims

To increase awareness of some of the findings of the recent UK National Review of Asthma Deaths and previous similar studies

To emphasise the need for accurate diagnosis of asthma, and of the requirements for completion of medical certificates of the cause of death

To consider areas for improving asthma care and prevention of attacks and avoidable deaths

Despite the development and publication of evidence-based asthma guidelines nearly three decades ago, potentially preventable factors are repeatedly identified in studies of the care provided for patients who die from asthma. The UK National Review of Asthma Deaths (NRAD), a confidential enquiry, was no exception: major preventable factors were identified in two-thirds of asthma deaths. Most of these factors, such as inappropriate prescription and failure to provide patients with personal asthma action plans (PAAPs), could possibly have been prevented had asthma guidelines been implemented.

NRAD involved in-depth scrutiny by clinicians of the asthma care for 276 people who were classified with asthma as the underlying cause of death in real-life. A striking finding was that a third of these patients did not actually die from asthma, and many had no recorded rationale for an asthma diagnosis.

The apparent complacency with respect to asthma care, highlighted in NRAD, serves as a wake-up call for health professionals, patients and their carers to take asthma more seriously. Based on the NRAD evidence, the report made 19 recommendations for change. The author has selected six areas related to the NRAD findings for discussion and provides suggestions for change in the provision of asthma care. The six areas are: systems for provision and optimisation of asthma care, diagnosis, identifying risk, implementation of guidelines, improved patient education and self-management, and improved quality of completion of medical certificates of the cause of death.
Nanostructurization and thermal properties of polyethylenes’ welds
Authors: Galchun Anatoliy , Korab Nikolay , Kondratenko Volodymyr , Demchenko Valeriy , Shadrin Andriy , Anistratenko Vitaliy , Iurzhenko Maksym
Published: March 2015

As it is known, polyethylene (PE) is one of the common materials in the modern world, and PE products take the major share on industrial and trade markets. For example, various types of technical PE like PE-63, PE-80, and PE-100 have wide industrial applications, i.e., in construction, for pipeline systems etc. A rapid development of plastics industry outstrips detailed investigation of welding processes and welds’ formation mechanism, so they remain unexplored. There is still no final answer to the question how weld’s microstructure forms. Such conditions limit our way to the understanding of the problem and, respectively, prevent scientific approaches to the welding of more complicated (from chemical point of view) types of polymers than PE. Taking into account state-of-the-art, the article presents results of complex studies of PE weld, its structure, thermophysical and operational characteristics, analysis of these results, and basing on that some hypotheses of welded joint and weld structure formation. It is shown that welding of dissimilar types of polyethylene, like PE-80 and PE-100, leads to the formation of better-ordered crystallites, restructuring the crystalline phase, and amorphous areas with internal stresses in the welding zone.
Silicon diffusion control in atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3/La2O3/Al2O3 gate stacks using an Al2O3 barrier layer
Authors: Wang Xing , Liu Hong-Xia , Fei Chen-Xi , Yin Shu-Ying , Fan Xiao-Jiao
Published: March 2015

In this study, the physical and electrical characteristics of Al2O3/La2O3/Al2O3/Si stack structures affected by the thickness of an Al2O3barrier layer between Si substrate and La2O3layer are investigated after a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests indicate that an Al2O3barrier layer (15 atomic layer deposition (ALD) cycles, approximately 1.5 nm) plays an important role in suppressing the diffusion of silicon atoms from Si substrate into the La2O3layer during the annealing process. As a result, some properties of La2O3dielectric degenerated by the diffusion of Si atoms are improved. Electrical measurements (C-V,J-V) show that the thickness of Al2O3barrier layer can affect the shift of flat band voltage (VFB) and the magnitude of gate leakage current density.
Protamine nanoparticles for improving shRNA-mediated anti-cancer effects
Authors: Liu Ming , Feng Bo , Shi Yijie , Su Chang , Song Huijuan , Cheng Wei , Zhao Liang
Published: March 2015

Protamine nanoparticles were designed by encapsulating small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-expressing plasmid DNA targeting the Bcl-2 gene (shBcl-2) to silence apoptosis-related Bcl-2 protein for improving the transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity in cancer therapy. Our findings demonstrated that the obtained protamine nanoparticles possessed excellent characterizations of small particle size, homogenous distribution, positive charge, and high encapsulation efficiency of gene. shBcl-2 loaded in nanoparticles (NPs) was protected effectively from the degradation of DNase I and serum. More importantly, it significantly improved the efficiency of transfection of shRNA in vitro in A549 cells and increased its cytotoxicity and induced more cell apoptosis by silencing Bcl-2.
Results of a proof of concept, double-blind, randomized trial of a second generation antisense oligonucleotide targeting high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Warren Marshelle S , Hughes Steven G , Singleton Walter , Yamashita Mason , Genovese Mark C
Published: March 2015

Introduction

This randomized, double-blind, phase II study evaluated the pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of ISIS 329993 (ISIS-CRPRx), an antisense oligonucleotide, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Patients with active RA of at least six months duration were randomized into three cohorts to receive ISIS-CRPRx (100 mg, 200 mg or 400 mg) or placebo (3 active:1 placebo within each cohort) via subcutaneous (SC) injection on Days 1, 3, 5 and 8 and then once weekly for the next 11 weeks. The effects of study treatment on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level were evaluated. An exploratory analysis on disease activity was assessed via the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (ACR20). Safety was evaluated via adverse events and laboratory measures.

Results

Fifty-one patients received one of the following treatments: ISIS-CRPRx 100 mg, n = 12; 200 mg, n = 13, 400 mg, n = 14; placebo n = 12. In the ISIS-CRPRx treatment groups there were dose-dependent reductions in hs-CRP. At Day 36 the mean percent change from baseline was: placebo: −14.4%; ISIS-CRPRx 100 mg: −19.5%; 200 mg: −56.6% and 400 mg: −76.7%, (P = 0.0015 placebo compared to 400 mg). There were no differences between treatment groups and placebo in the ACR20 at Day 36 or Day 92. There were no serious infections and no elevations in liver function tests, lipids, creatinine or other lab abnormalities related to ISIS-CRPRx.

Conclusions

In this study, ISIS-CRPRx selectively reduced hs-CRP in a dose-dependent manner, and was well-tolerated in patients with RA. Its utility as a therapy in RA remains unclear.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01414101. Registered 21 July 2011.
Fate determination in mesenchymal stem cells: a perspective from histone-modifying enzymes
Authors: Huang Biao , Li Gang , Jiang Xiao Hua
Published: March 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise for therapeutic use in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. A detailed understanding of the molecular processes governing MSC fate determination will be instrumental in the application of MSCs. Much progress has been made in recent years in defining the epigenetic events that control the differentiation of MSCs into different lineages. A complex network of transcription factors and histone modifiers, in concert with specific transcriptional co-activators and co-repressors, activates or represses MSC differentiation. In this review, we summarize recent progress in determining the effects of histone-modifying enzymes on the multilineage differentiation of MSCs. In addition, we propose that the manipulation of histone signatures associated with lineage-specific differentiation by small molecules has immense potential for the advancement of MSC-based regenerative medicine.