bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Composition of Publicly Traded Firms: Implications for the Dividend-Price Ratio and Return Predictability
Authors: Jank Stephan
Published: May 2014

This paper documents how the changing composition of U.S. publicly traded firms has prompted a decline in the long-run mean of the aggregate dividend-price ratio, most notably since the 1970s. Adjusting the dividend-price ratio for such changes resolves several issues with respect to the predictability of stock market returns: the adjusted dividend-price ratio is less persistent, in-sample evidence for predictability is more pronounced, there is greater parameter stability in the predictive regression (particularly during the 1990s), and there is evidence of out-of-sample predictability.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1883 .

This paper was accepted by Itay Goldstein, finance.
Potential Games Are Necessary to Ensure Pure Nash Equilibria in Cost Sharing Games
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Ragavendran , Marden Jason R. , Wierman Adam
Published: May 2014

We consider the problem of designing distribution rules to share “welfare” (cost or revenue) among individually strategic agents. There are many known distribution rules that guarantee the existence of a (pure) Nash equilibrium in this setting, e.g., the Shapley value and its weighted variants; however, a characterization of the space of distribution rules that guarantees the existence of a Nash equilibrium is unknown. Our work provides an exact characterization of this space for a specific class of scalable and separable games that includes a variety of applications such as facility location, routing, network formation, and coverage games. Given arbitrary local welfare functions 𝕨, we prove that a distribution rule guarantees equilibrium existence for all games (i.e., all possible sets of resources, agent action sets, etc.) if and only if it is equivalent to a generalized weighted Shapley value on some “ground” welfare functions 𝕨′, which can be distinct from 𝕨. However, if budget-balance is required in addition to the existence of a Nash equilibrium, then 𝕨′ must be the same as 𝕨. We also provide an alternate characterization of this space in terms of “generalized” marginal contributions, which is more appealing from the point of view of computational tractability. A possibly surprising consequence of our result is that, in order to guarantee equilibrium existence in all games with any fixed local welfare functions, it is necessary to work within the class of potential games.
Optimizing Colonoscopy Screening for Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Surveillance
Authors: Erenay Fatih Safa , Alagoz Oguzhan , Said Adnan
Published: May 2014

Millions of Americans undergo colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and surveillance every year. The efficiency of colonoscopy operations depends on how often patients are screened, which is a complex and controversial decision, as reflected by the discrepancy between clinical practice and guidelines. We develop a partially observable Markov decision process to optimize colonoscopy screening policies for the objective of maximizing total quality-adjusted life years. Our model incorporates age, gender, and risk of having CRC into the screening decisions and therefore provides a novel framework for personalized CRC screening. In addition to deriving the maximum attainable benefit from colonoscopy screening, which reflects the opportunity cost of following current guidelines, our results have several policy implications. Using clinical data, we show that the optimal colonoscopy screening policies may be more aggressive than the guidelines under some conditions. Optimal screening policies recommend that females with CRC history undergo colonoscopy more frequently than males. In contrast, females without CRC history should be screened less frequently than males. This result, which was not recognized before, signifies the role of gender in optimal CRC screening decisions.
Containment = Safety with Action Methods
Authors: Hudgins Kate , Toscani Francesca
Published: May 2014

The containing double (CD) is a clinically modified psychodrama intervention that provides holding, grounding, and safety when used with individual, couples, families, or groups. The latest neurobiological research shows that the classical double can, at times, be retraumatizing, but the CD creates a balance of thinking and feeling for safe progression through a drama. This article presents the theoretical foundations for the clinical modifications and a clinical example for its use.
Conducting Substance-Abuse Groups Utilizing Improvisational Action Methods
Authors: Wiener Daniel J. , Ramseur Charlotte A.
Published: May 2014

This article is based on work conducted over a two-year period with several open-ended substance-abuse groups as part of a voluntary acute treatment program treating recently detoxified clients in an outpatient homelike setting. Rehearsals for Growth, an application of improvisational theater techniques to psychotherapy (D. J. Wiener, 1994), was used successfully to teach group trust and cohesion, foster interdependence, and enhance group members' confidence in using their spontaneity and creativity to maintain a sober lifestyle. This article first presents the rationale for using action methods in the treatment of clients with substance-abuse problems; next, it describes the core concepts of Rehearsals for Growth; then it briefly describes some distinctive techniques used in conducting these groups; and it presents information that is useful to therapists for the conduct of these groups. In a final section, comparisons are made between Rehearsals for Growth and psychodrama groups.
Teamwork and Trauma Recovery
Authors: Alexander Nancy , Ciotola Linda
Published: May 2014

This article developed from the collaboration between an experienced psychodynamic therapist and a psychodramatist trained in the Therapeutic Spiral Model of psychodrama, who worked together with a number of clients diagnosed across the trauma spectrum. The authors describe three distinct treatment models integrating the concepts and methodologies of several therapeutic approaches. In addition, the authors note that the professional collaboration of clinicians, including trained auxiliaries, provided attachment repair to the protagonists while minimizing vicarious traumatization and burnout of the clinicians. A review of the literature is interwoven with several case histories as interventions and outcomes are described.
Delayed aorto-right atrial fistula following percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect
Authors: Bashir M , Abudhaise H , Mustafa H , Fok M , Bashir A , Hammoud I , Mascaro J
Published: May 2014

We present the case of a 27-year-old man who underwent percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) repair using the Amplatzer® (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, US) septal occluder (ASO). Six weeks later, he presented with heart failure and was found to have an aorto-right atrial fistulation. He required urgent surgical device explantation and repair of the existing ASD using a pericardial patch repair technique. This is the first case to be reported from the UK describing a delayed aorto-right atrial fistula following percutaneous closure using ASO.
Reaction and pre-emption
Authors: Williams Norman
Published: May 2014

As you will all know by now Clare Marx, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon from Ipswich, has been elected President to take over from me in July 2014. This is a historic event as Clare is the first woman to be elected to this role since our College was established in 1800. She is an excellent choice who I have no doubt will carry out her duties with great panache and aplomb and will be a tremendous leader for the profession during her term of office.
Material and technology trends in fiber optics
Authors: Schuster Kay , Unger Sonja , Aichele Claudia , Lindner Florian , Grimm Stephan , Litzkendorf Doris , Kobelke Jens , Bierlich Jörg , Wondraczek Katrin , Bartelt Hartmut
Published: May 2014

The increasing fields of applications for modern optical fibers present great challenges to the material properties and the processing technology of fiber optics. This paper gives an overview of the capabilities and limitations of established vapor deposition fiber preform technologies, and discusses new techniques for improved and extended doping properties in fiber preparation. In addition, alternative fabrication technologies are discussed, such as a powder-based process (REPUSIL) and an optimized glass melting method to overcome the limits of conventional vapor deposition methods concerning the volume fabrication of rare earth (RE)-doped quartz and high silica glasses. The new preform technologies are complementary with respect to enhanced RE solubility, the adjustment of nonlinear fiber properties, and the possibility of hybrid fiber fabrication. The drawing technology is described based on the requirements of specialty fibers such as adjusted preform and fiber diameters, varying coating properties, and the microstructuring of fiber configurations as low as in the nanometer range.
Effect of annealed titania on dielectric and mechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer-titania nanocomposites
Authors: Manna Rakesh , Nayak Suryakanta , Rahaman Mostafizur , Khastgir Dipak
Published: May 2014

Flexible ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)-titania nanocomposites of different compositions were prepared by room temperature mixing using both neat and annealed titania. All these composites showed composition-dependent dielectric and mechanical properties, and composites with controlled dielectric properties could be made through judicial adjustment of the composition. The effect of moisture/filler heat treatment was also studied and found that composites with annealed titania showed lower dielectric constant than composites with normal titania. There was a significant improvement in mechanical properties, where composites with 60 parts per hundred parts of titania gave the optimum tensile strength. The particle size of titania particles was analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and a dynamic light scattering technique. The morphology and dispersion of titania particles in the EPDM matrix were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy and HRTEM. Finally, different dielectric models were compared with experimental data, and the best match was achieved by the Lichtenecker model, which can be used as a predictive rule for different volume contents of titania filler in the EPDM matrix.
Managing a RESTful SOA: Providing guidance for service designers and orientation for service consumers
Authors: Wilde Erik
Published: May 2014

Managing a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) requires a well-defined model
of what a service actually is, and a structure within which services can be
published, documented, and consumed. Without such a definition and
organizational structure, it is hard to reap the benefits of a SOA. This paper
presents a case study that is closely aligned with how the Web is organized as
a SOA, but adds some structure so that service producers and service consumers
can be supported in their goals. Using this approach, it is possible to
realize the architectural benefits of a RESTful architecture, but can still
make sure that the published services follow a set of guidelines and
constraints that the SOA is based on.
The evolution of identity management using the example of web-based applications
Authors: Hühnlein Detlef , Wich Tobias , Schmölz Johannes , Haase Hans-Martin
Published: May 2014

The typical identity management (IdM) techniques used in web-based applications are about to change from
application-specific means for identification, authentication and authorization towards the support of standardized, secure and
privacy friendly mechanisms for Single Sign-On (SSO). In this paper we outline the different phases of this evolution,
which started with the introduction of standardized interfaces for authentication and authorization and allowed
to shift these sensitive tasks from the application towards the web application server. In a second phase the interfaces
were extended to support authentication and authorization in distributed systems and feature SSO-techniques. The third
phase adds identification and aims at providing more security for distributed authentication infrastructures and finally
there is a trend towards providing more privacy friendly mechanisms for identity management in the future.
Hardware security and test: Friends or enemies?
Authors: Polian Ilia
Published: May 2014

Hardware security is a relatively new scientific discipline
which focuses on adversarial threats to hardware components of complex
systems and infrastructures, including manipulation, unauthorized access to
confidential data, and intellectual property theft. State-of-the-art test
methods can contribute to detection and elimination of security threats but
also may introduce new vulnerabilities. This article will explain this
dichotomy and outline current research challenges.
An effective fault ordering heuristic for SAT-based dynamic test compaction techniques
Authors: Eggersglüß Stephan , Drechsler Rolf
Published: May 2014

Each chip is subjected to a post-production test after
fabrication. A set of test patterns is applied to filter out
defective devices. The size of this test set is an important
issue. Generally, large test sets increase the test
costs. Therefore, test compaction techniques are applied to obtain
a compact test set. The effectiveness of these technique is
significantly influenced by fault ordering. This paper describes how
information about hard-to-detect faults can be extracted from an
untestable identification phase and be used to develop a fault
ordering technique which is able to reduce the pattern counts of
highly compacted test sets generated by a SAT-based dynamic test
compaction approach.
Behavior of stochastic circuits under severe error conditions
Authors: Chen Te-Hsuan , Alaghi Armin , Hayes John P.
Published: May 2014

Stochastic computing is an old and
unconventional computing technique that is finding promising new
applications in image processing and the handling of complex
error-correcting codes. Stochastic
circuits offer an alternative to conventional digital circuits because of
their extremely small size and inherent noise tolerance.
They are also well-suited to meeting the requirements
of emerging nanoscale technologies where
non-deterministic behavior due to manufacturing defects
and soft errors cannot be ignored. Error analysis of
stochastic circuits, however, has
received little attention and remains a largely open
problem, especially when multiple errors affecting both
the data sources and the stochastic circuits can occur in the course of
a computation. This paper attempts to analyze stochastic
circuits under various error conditions, and to compare
their behavior to that of conventional circuits under similar error
conditions. We use probabilistic transfer matrices for
this analysis, complemented by circuit
simulation. Our results indicate that stochastic
circuits provide significantly better error tolerance under severe error
conditions.
Organometallic macrocycles and cages based on bis(amidinate) ligands
Authors: Zhang Ying-Ying , Lin Yue-Jian , Shi Xiao-Chao , Jin Guo-Xin
Published: May 2014

A series of half-sandwich iridium-based complexes bearing 1,4-benzenebis (N,N′-dicyclohexylamidine) (H2
L
1) or 4,4′-bisphenylbis(N,N′-dicyclohexylamidine) (H2
L
2) has been synthesized and characterized. Treatment of [Cp*IrCl2]2 (Cp* = η5
-pentamethyl-cyclo pentadienyl) with deprotonated H2
L
1 or H2
L
2 at low temperature resulted in formation of binuclear complexes [Cp*IrCl]2 (L
1) and [Cp*IrCl]2(L
2). They were chosen as precursors to construct macrocycles and cages. Tetranuclear metallamacrocycles [(Cp*Ir)4(L
1)2 (pyrazine)2][OTf]4 and [(Cp*Ir)4(L
2)2(pyrazine)2][OTf]4 were assembled by the reaction of complex [Cp*IrCl]2 (L
1) or [Cp*IrCl]2(L
2) with pyrazine after the removal of chloride from the iridium centers with silver salt AgOTf (OTf = O2SCF3). When 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (tpt) is used instead of pyrazine under the same conditions, hexanuclear metallacages [(Cp*Ir)6(L1
)3(tpt)2][OTf]6 and [(Cp*Ir)6(L
2)3(tpt)2][OTf]6 were formed. Single-crystal X-ray analysis indicated that the cation of complex [(Cp*Ir)4(L
1)2 (pyrazine)2][OTf]4 is a rectangular structure, while the cation of complex [(Cp*Ir)4(L
2)2(pyrazine)2][OTf]4 is seriously distorted, nearly to a tetrahedral state. Moreover, complexes [(Cp*Ir)6(L1
)3(tpt)2][OTf]6 and [(Cp*Ir)6(L
2)3(tpt)2][OTf]6 are prism-like cages with large cavity size, which can be prepared in very high yield in the absence of templates. Surprisingly, solutions of multinuclear complexes are very sensitive to carbon monoxide, in which the frameworks were destroyed, giving the binuclear complexes [(Cp*Ir)2(CO)2(L
1)][OTf]2 and [(Cp*Ir)2(CO)2(L
2)][OTf]2.
Relational similarity: An introduction and an application to military alliances
Authors: Li Peter M.
Published: May 2014

The ability of military alliances to deter depends on their credibility: the degree to which others believe that allies will fulfill their commitments. One way to measure credibility is to compare nations' lists of allies. The more similar those lists are, the more similar are those nations' security interests. This increases the credibility and the deterrent capability of resulting alliances and, consequently, decreases the amount of militarized conflict. In order to measure the similarity of alliance lists, one needs to account for the possibilities that countries can have multiple allies, can be indirectly linked to one another by their allies, and can be part of mutually exclusive groups of directly and indirectly related allies. Using a new measure called relational similarity, this article finds support for the credibility argument and also finds that relational similarity better explains observed patterns of conflict than existing measures.
Preferences for privacy and security: An experimental investigation
Authors: Stowe Jill C. , Krause Kate , Chermak Janie M.
Published: May 2014

The article experimentally investigates individuals' choice behavior between privacy and security. In a convenience sample of undergraduate and graduate students, we find that most individuals choose to sacrifice a moderate amount of privacy in exchange for a moderate increase in security. A nontrivial fraction of participants made more extreme choices, opting for either high security or high privacy positions. Identifiable factors influenced these choices. For example, while the high security individuals responded to losses they personally experienced in the experiment, high privacy subjects responded to losses experienced by others in the experiment.
Lundin Petroleum AB's experience in East Africa: The role of the private sector in conflictprone countries
Authors: Batruch Christine
Published: May 2014

Lundin Petroleum spent over twelve years exploring for oil in Sudan, Ethiopia, and in Kenya. During this period it was faced with an armed conflict in Sudan, the risk of rebel activity in Ethiopia, and tribal clashes in Kenya. This meant the company had to consider operations in remote countries not only from a geological and commercial perspective, but also to take into account ongoing conflicts. This required considering political issues and developing mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of its operations. To this end it developed a corporate responsibility framework which emphasized stakeholder engagement, seeing oil revenues as potentially acting as a catalyst for peace and development.
Intra-organizational conflict: Origin and cost
Authors: Zetland David
Published: May 2014

This article explores the origin and cost of conflict within the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MET), a cooperative of 26 member agencies delivering water to nearly 20 million people. Conflict within MET has existed for over 30 years, but increasing population and decreasing water supplies mean that this conflict is becoming more costly in terms of direct conflict, policies that misallocate water, and expenditure on unnecessary infrastructure. Although conflict exists within most businesses and bureaucracies, it is often difficult to identify the positions and actions of parties to the conflict and to observe the effects of conflict. This case study is useful for its clear illustration of how diverging objectives among participants (autonomous member agencies) result in conflict and the different costs that result from conflict.
Youth Ice Hockey Injuries Over 16 Years at a Pediatric Trauma Center
Authors: Polites Stephanie F. , Sebastian Arjun S. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Iqbal Corey W. , Stuart Michael J. , Ishitani Michael B.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND:

Youth ice hockey is an exciting sport with growing participation in the United States. Updated assessment of injury patterns is needed to determine risk factors for severe injury and develop preventive efforts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience as a level 1 pediatric trauma center in Minnesota treating injured youth ice hockey players.

METHODS:

Children ≤18 years old who presented to our institution from July 1997 to July 2013 with an injury sustained while participating in ice hockey were identified. Patient demographic information, injury characteristics, and outcomes including use of computed tomography, hospital admission, and procedures were obtained. Age- and gender-specific patterns were determined for injuries and outcomes.

RESULTS:

Over 16 years, 168 injuries in 155 children occurred, including 26 (15.5%) injuries in girls. Extremity injuries were most common, followed by traumatic brain injury. Injuries to the spine, face, and trunk were less common. Traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spine were most common in younger children (≤14 years old) and girls, whereas injuries to the face were most common in older players (≥15 years old). Most injuries resulted from intentional contact. Admission to the hospital was needed in 65 patients, including 14 (8.3%) who needed intensive care. A major procedure was needed by 23.2% of patients because of their injuries.

CONCLUSIONS:

Youth ice hockey trauma can be severe, necessitating a thorough evaluation of injured children. Injury patterns are influenced by age and gender, providing an opportunity for targeted preventive efforts.
Reducing Injury Risk From Body Checking in Boys’ Youth Ice Hockey
Authors:   COUNCIL ON SPORTS MEDICINE AND FITNESS, Brenner Joel S. , Brooks Alison , Demorest Rebecca A. , Halstead Mark E. , Kelly Amanda K. Weiss , Koutures Chris G. , LaBella Cynthia R. , LaBotz Michele , Martin Stephanie S. , Moffatt Kody
Published: May 2014

This Policy Statement was reaffirmed November 2024.

Ice hockey is an increasingly popular sport that allows intentional collision in the form of body checking for males but not for females. There is a two- to threefold increased risk of all injury, severe injury, and concussion related to body checking at all levels of boys’ youth ice hockey. The American Academy of Pediatrics reinforces the importance of stringent enforcement of rules to protect player safety as well as educational interventions to decrease unsafe tactics. To promote ice hockey as a lifelong recreational pursuit for boys, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the expansion of nonchecking programs and the restriction of body checking to elite levels of boys’ youth ice hockey, starting no earlier than 15 years of age.
Application of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale System to Pediatrics
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON CODING AND NOMENCLATURE, Andreae Margie C. , Bradley Joel F. , Brewer Eileen D. , Calabrese Jamie , Krug Steven E. , Liechty Edward A. , Linzer Jeffrey F. , Pillsbury Julia M. , Tuli Sanjeev Y.
Published: May 2014

The majority of public and private payers in the United States currently use the Medicare Resource-Based Relative Value Scale as the basis for physician payment. Many large group and academic practices have adopted this objective system of physician work to benchmark physician productivity, including using it, wholly or in part, to determine compensation. The Resource-Based Relative Value Scale survey instrument, used to value physician services, was designed primarily for procedural services, leading to current concerns that American Medical Association/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) surveys may undervalue nonprocedural evaluation and management services. The American Academy of Pediatrics is represented on the RUC, the committee charged with maintaining accurate physician work values across specialties and age groups. The Academy, working closely with other primary care and subspecialty societies, actively pursues a balanced RUC membership and a survey instrument that will ensure appropriate work relative value unit assignments, thereby allowing pediatricians to receive appropriate payment for their services relative to other services.
Hypothermia and Neonatal Encephalopathy
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN
Published: May 2014

This Clinical Report was reaffirmed September 2021.

Data from large randomized clinical trials indicate that therapeutic hypothermia, using either selective head cooling or systemic cooling, is an effective therapy for neonatal encephalopathy. Infants selected for cooling must meet the criteria outlined in published clinical trials. The implementation of cooling needs to be performed at centers that have the capability to manage medically complex infants. Because the majority of infants who have neonatal encephalopathy are born at community hospitals, centers that perform cooling should work with their referring hospitals to implement education programs focused on increasing the awareness and identification of infants at risk for encephalopathy, and the initial clinical management of affected infants.
Reduced wind strengthens top‐down control of an insect herbivore
Authors: Barton Brandon T.
Published: May 2014

Global wind speeds have decreased 5–15% over the last 30 years and are expected to continue decreasing in the future. However, little is known about how wind affects species and their interactions within communities. I experimentally tested the effects of wind on predator–prey interactions using soybean aphids and predatory multicolored Asian ladybeetles. First, I examined the direct effect of wind on aphids in a greenhouse without predators under three treatments: no wind, wind (oscillating fan), or simulated wind movement. Aphid abundances did not differ among treatments. Next, I conducted a field experiment in soybean plots assigned to either control or wind‐block treatments. Predators were more abundant in wind‐block treatments and reduced aphid abundance by 40% compared to control plots. To elucidate why wind indirectly increased aphid density in open plots, I conducted a feeding trial with ladybeetles foraging for aphids on plants that were assigned to either control or simulated wind movement treatments. Plant movement doubled the amount of time it took predators to begin consuming aphids and decreased predation rate by two‐thirds. These experiments illustrate how wind can have indirect effects on prey by altering predator behavior and show the importance of this under‐studied effect of global change.
Applying Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Community Settings: Retention, Outcome, and Clinical Considerations
Authors: Heatherington Laurie , Harrington Nicole T. , Harrington John , Niemeyer Kathryn F. , Weinberg Susan C. , Friedlander Myrna L.
Published: May 2014

The efficacy, and to a lesser extent, effectiveness, of individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders has been demonstrated, but whether manualized treatments work in a group format in community settings is less established. We investigated the predictors of retention and outcome in 26 groups (11 Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 11 Panic, 4 Social Phobia groups), conducted for more than 10 years in a semirural community mental health center by 19 therapists. Members of the Anxiety Disorders Treatment Team delivered manualized group CBT treatments. Analysis of standard symptom measures at pre- and posttreatment and archival data revealed significant pre–post decreases in anxiety, retention rates comparable to past findings on group retention, and several significant predictors of retention and outcome. Manualized group CBT for anxiety appears to be a viable treatment in community settings. Limitations of the study as well as related practice–research implications of the findings are discussed.
Water and Dissolved Carbon Fluxes in an Eroding Soil Landscape Depending on Terrain Position
Authors: Rieckh Helene , Gerke Horst H. , Siemens Jan , Sommer Michael
Published: May 2014

Leaching of dissolved C in arable hummocky ground moraine soil landscapes is characterized by a spatial continuum of more or less erosion‐affected Luvisols, Calcaric Regosols at exposed positions, and Colluvic Regosols in depressions. Our objective was to estimate the fluxes of dissolved C in four differently eroded soils as affected by erosion‐induced pedological and soil structural alterations. In this model study, we considered landscape position effects by adapting the water table as the bottom boundary condition and erosion effects by using pedon‐specific soil hydraulic properties. The one‐dimensional vertical water movement was described with the Richards equation using HYDRUS‐1D. Solute fluxes were obtained by combining calculated water fluxes with concentrations of dissolved organic and inorganic C (DOC and DIC, respectively) measured from soil solution extracted by suction cups at biweekly intervals. In the 3‐yr period (2010–2012), DOC fluxes in the 2‐m soil depth were similar at the three non‐colluvic locations with −0.8 ± 0.1 g m−2 yr−1 (i.e., outflow) but were 0.4 g m−2 yr−1 (i.e., input) in the depression. The DIC fluxes ranged from −10.2 g m−2 yr−1 for the eroded Luvisol, −9.2 g m−2 yr−1 for the Luvisol, and −6.1 g m−2 yr−1 for the Calcaric Regosol to 3.2 g m−2 yr−1 for the Colluvic Regosol. The temporal variations in DOC and DIC fluxes were controlled by water fluxes. The spatially distributed leaching results corroborate the hypothesis that the effects of soil erosion influence fluxes through modified hydraulic and transport properties and terrain‐dependent boundary conditions.
Numerical Assessment of Factors Affecting Waveform Based on Low Strain Testing of Piles
Authors: Wang Zegen , Wu Yifeng , Xiao Zuocheng
Published: May 2014

In this paper dynamic testing of piles using the low strain method is performed by means of numerical analyses based on solid finite element model. To this end, velocity-time curves are presented investigating the influence of various parameters such as mesh density, impulse width, receiving point, and soil modulus on the waveform characteristics. Then, find regularity of waveform affected by different parameters to provide reference of the real project detection.
Aile hekimlerinin sigara bağımlılığı tedavisi konusundaki bilgi, tutum ve uygulamaları
Authors: Üçer Hüseyin , Ersoy Özgür , Kahraman Hasan
Published: May 2014

Amaç: Çalışmamızın amacı aile hekimlerinin sigara bırakma tedavi ve teknikleri konusunda bilgi, tutum ve uygulamalarını belirlemektir. Gereç ve yöntem: Kahramanmaraş il merkezinde görev yapan 154 aile hekiminden 123’üne ulaşıldı. Katılımcılara aydınlatılmış onamları alınarak, sosyodemografik özellikleri, sigara bırakma konusundaki bilgi, tutum ve uygulamalarını sorgulayan standart anket uygulandı. Aile hekimlerine sigara bırakma teknik ve tedavilerine yönelik sorulan 14 soru için her bir soruya bir puan verilerek bilgi puanı elde edildi.Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılan hekimlerin 92’si (%74,8) erkek, 31’i (%25,2) kadın ve yaş ortalaması ise 39,9± 6,5 (22-66) idi. Hekimlerin görev yaptığı süre ortalaması 14,5±6,4 (2-39) yıl olarak bulundu. Katılımcıların 30’u (%24,4) sigara kullandığını, 67’si (%54,5) sigarayı bıraktığını belirtti. Sigara bıraktırma yöntemleri hakkında katılımcıların 104’ünün (%85,2) hiçbir eğitim almadıkları belirlendi. Hekimlerin 65’i (%53,3) sigara bıraktırma teknikleri hakkında eğitim almak istediklerini, 95’i (%79,8) ise hekimlerin sigara bağımlılığı ile mücadelede aktif rol oynaması gerektiğini belirtti. Hekimlerin sigara bıraktırma tedavi ve teknikleri konusunda bilgi düzeyi skoru ortalaması 8,9± 3,0 (0-14) puan olarak tespit edildi.Sonuç: Aile hekimleri sigara ile mücadelede gerektiği gibi yer almamaktadırlar. Aile hekimlerinin sigara bırakma tedavisi konusunda bilgi düzeyleri yetersizdir. Sigaranın zararları ve bırakma konusunda özel bir eğitim almamışlardır.
Doğum öncesi bakım hizmetlerinin sahada izlemi ve değerlendirilmesi: Bursa örneği
Authors: Çatak Binali , Öner Can
Published: May 2014

Giriş ve amaç: Doğum öncesi bakım (DÖB) anne ve fetüsün sağlığı açısından önemli bir koruyucu sağlık hizmetidir. Araştırmanın amacı Bursa ilinde aile hekimi ve kadın hastalıkları ve doğum uzmanlarının verdiği doğum öncesi bakımı nicelik ve kalite açısından değerlendirmektir.Gereç ve yöntem: Kesitsel tipte yapılan araştırmanın evrenini Bursa ilinde 4 Şubat 2013 tarihi itibariyle gebe olan 18.817 kadın oluşturmuştur. Örnekleme alınacak gebe sayısı 744 olarak hesaplanmış ve aile hekimlerine kayıtlı gebeler arasından randomizasyonla belirlenmiştir. Veriler araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan veri toplama formu ile toplanmıştır. Veri toplama formu kadının sosyodemografik, biyodemografik özellikleri ile doğum öncesi yapılması gereken ölçüm, test, bilgilendirme ve danışmanlık hizmetlerini içeren sorulardan oluşturulmuştur. Veriler ebe/ hemşireler tarafından toplanmıştır. Toplanan veriler SPSS paket programında analiz edilmiştir. Analizlerde tanımlayıcı ölçütler ile merkezi yığılım ve merkezi yaygınlık ölçütleri kullanılmıştır.Bulgular: Araştırmada 33 hafta ve üzeri gebeler ile doğum yapmış annelerin %96,3’ü aile hekiminden, tamamı ise kadın hastalıkları ve doğum uzmanından doğum öncesi bakım almıştı. Bu gruptaki gebelerin %81,1’i aile hekiminden, %94,3’ü kadın doğum uzmanından ilk doğum öncesi bakımı ilk 14 hafta içinde almıştı. Aile hekiminden DÖB alan 33 hafta üzeri gebeler ve doğum yapmış annelerin %97,0’sinin kan basıncı ölçülmüş, %20,7’sinin kalbi dinlenmiş, %86,4’ünün kan tetkiki yapılmış, %51,5’ine emzirme konusunda eğitim verilmişti. Kadın hastalıkları ve doğum uzmanından DÖB alan aynı gruptaki gebelerin %90,9’unun kan basıncı ölçülmüş, %30,3’ünün kalbi dinlenmiş, tamamının ultrasonografisi ve %97,1’inin kan tetkiki yapılmış, %40,6’sına emzirme konusunda bilgi verilmişti.Sonuç: Bursa’da gebelere yeterli sayıda ancak düşük kalitede DÖB verilmektedir. Bu bağlamda DÖB veren sağlık personeline düzenli aralıklarla hizmet içi eğitimler verilmeli ve DÖB Yönetim Rehberinin aktif kullanımı sağlanmalıdır.
Türkiye’de birinci basamağın gücü
Authors: Akman Mehmet
Published: May 2014

Güçlü bir birinci basamak (BB) sağlık hizmet sunumuna sahip ülkelerde toplumun sağlık ihtiyaçlarına daha iyi yanıt verilebileceği, sağlıkta daha eşitlikçi bir hizmet sunumu sağlanacağı ve sağlık harcamalarının daha maliyet etkin olacağı ön görülmektedir. Türkiye’de son 10 yılda sağlık alanında önemli değişikliklere yol açan ve Sağlıkta Dönüşüm Programı (SDP) olarak adlandırılan bir sağlık reform programı kademeli olarak uygulanmıştır. Bu programın önemli bileşenlerinden birisi aile hekimliği uygulamasıdır. Bu yazının amacı, birinci basamağın ülkemizdeki gücünü literatürde yer alan kanıtlar ışığında yapısal ve uygulama özellikleri açısından ayrıntılarıyla ele almak, 2014 itibarı ile ulaştığı çıktılar göz önüne alındığında SDP’nin birinci basamağı ne oranda önceleyen ve güçlendirmeyi hedefleyen bir reform olduğunu tartışmaya açmaktır. SDP ile gerçekleştirilen yapısal ve uygulamaya dönük reformlara rağmen, Türkiye’nin birinci basamak sağlık hizmeti diğer Avrupa ülkeleri ile karşılaştırıldığında yapısal özellikler ve uygulama özellikleri bakımından yeterli düzeyde değildir. Türkiye’de birinci basamağın temel sorunları sayıca ve nitelik olarak yetersiz insangücü, aile hekimi başına düşen hasta sayısının yüksekliği, mutlidisipliner ve ekip çalışmasını destekleyecek uygulamaların azlığı, sivil toplum kuruluşları (STK) başta olmak üzere paydaşlarca dile getirilen BB politikalarının geliştirilmesine yönelik önermelerin dikkate alınmamasıdır. Ek olarak sağlık hizmetinin asıl koordinatörü işlevini gerçekleştirebileceği ortamın aile hekimine sağlanmaması, ilk temas noktası olarak alternatifsiz bir BB’ın var edilememiş olması, BB sağlık hizmetlerinin kapsamında önemli genişlemelere ihtiyaç duyulması, mesai dışı aile hekimliği hizmet ihtiyacının yönetilememesi diğer önemli sorunlardır. Sonuç olarak, SDP reformları birinci basamak odaklı değil, uzmanlaşma ve teknolojiyi destekler görünmektedir. Bu durum birinci basamağın sağlık sisteminin adeta “sosu” haline dönüşerek işlevsizleşmesi ve sağlık maliyetlerinin artması riskini içinde taşımaktadır.
A Simple and Effective Removal Procedure of Synthetic Resins to Obtain Accurate Radiocarbon Dates of Restored Artworks
Authors: Fedi M E , Caforio L , Liccioli L , Mandò P A , Salvini A , Taccetti F
Published: May 2014

The issue of contamination in radiocarbon dating is well known and can affect not only archaeological findings but also artworks. In the latter case, a possible source of contamination is represented by the products used during the restoration, e.g. resins of synthetic origin like the well-known Paraloid, applied to wood artifacts as a strengthening and preserving agent. In the case of incomplete removal prior to dating, the resins produce an apparent aging of the samples. Mechanical cleaning using traditional tools and the standard pretreatment acid-base-acid (ABA) protocol are not sufficient to remove such contaminants, while the use of organic solvents, in particular petroleum solvents and chlorine-based products, can be effective. However, the most widely used protocol, based on the Soxhlet extraction system, is very time consuming. Here, in the presence of chloroform-soluble applied products, like the widespread Paraloid B-72, this study proposes the use of a new easily operated pretreatment procedure, developed at INFN-LABEC in Florence, based on the use of chloroform (CHCl3) as solvent and on a simple extraction. First, the effectiveness of this procedure was checked by applying it to remove the resin from wood samples of known age, which had been previously intentionally contaminated by applying large quantities of Paraloid. 14C AMS measurements performed on the test samples before and after contamination and application of the proposed procedure proved its effectiveness for removal, while this was not the case when applying standard ABA protocols. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses also were used to check the removal of contaminants. The new procedure was applied in two case studies: the wood frame of an altar piece from the Renaissance and a painting on canvas from the early 20th century. For both artworks, the use of synthetic resins was documented in restorations performed a relatively long time ago: the wood frame was restored using just Paraloid, the canvas using a thermoplastic polymer soluble in chloroform. Enough time elapsed for the resins to create cross-linking bonds with the original material. Despite this, the results obtained by 14C AMS dating confirm the reliability of the new chloroform-based pretreatment in removing the contaminations. Also in these cases, spectroscopic techniques were used to compare the effectiveness of the ABA and the new treatments in removing the contaminants.
AMS 14C Chronology and Ceramic Sequences of Early Farmers in the Eastern Adriatic
Authors: McClure Sarah B , Podrug Emil , Moore Andrew M T , Culleton Brendan J , Kennett Douglas J
Published: May 2014

The eastern Adriatic is a key area for understanding the mechanisms and effects of the spread of agriculture. This article presents an accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon chronology for the introduction and subsequent development of farming villages on the eastern shore of the Adriatic (∼6000–1700 cal BC) and evaluates this in comparison with the established pottery chronology based on stylistic data from Pokrovnik (Drniš) on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Models for the spread of agriculture rely heavily on changing pottery styles to define cultural groups and trace geographic relationships. Based on AMS 14C dates presented here, Impressed Wares first appear in central Dalmatia by 6000 cal BC and persist until 5300 cal BC, well into what is generally termed the Middle Neolithic. Similarly, a typical Middle Neolithic ware, figulina, appeared earlier than anticipated. These findings stand in contrast to cave and rockshelter assemblages in the eastern Adriatic, but mirror assemblages from farming villages on the Italian Adriatic coast. This study argues that the similarities in ceramic assemblage composition and change through time may have less to do with direct contacts between areas, but more with the nature of ceramic production and consumption at village sites in general. These data shed light on the limitations of regional ceramic chronologies in the eastern Adriatic and highlight the necessity for systematic expansion of 14C chronologies to address the social, economic, and ecological relevance of early farming in the Adriatic for the spread of agriculture in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Effects of sevoflurane anesthesia on righting reflex and hemolymph gas analysis variables for Chilean rose tarantulas (Grammostola rosea)
Authors: Zachariah Trevor T. , Mitchell Mark A. , Watson Megan K. , Clark-Price Stuart C. , McMichael Maureen A.
Published: May 2014

Objective—To determine the safety, efficacy, and effects on hemolymph gas analysis variables of sevoflurane anesthesia in Chilean rose tarantulas (Grammostola rosea).

Animals—12 subadult Chilean rose tarantulas of unknown sex.

Procedures—Spiders were anesthetized in a custom chamber with sevoflurane (5% in oxygen [1.0 L/min]), then allowed to recover in 100% oxygen. Righting reflex was evaluated every 3 minutes during anesthesia to determine time to anesthetic induction and recovery. Hemolymph samples were collected from an intracardiac location prior to and after induction of anesthesia and evaluated to determine various gas analysis variables.

Results—Mean ± SD induction and recovery times were 16 ± 5.91 minutes and 29 ± 21.34 minutes, respectively. Significant differences were detected for Po2, base excess, and glucose and ionized magnesium concentrations between hemolymph samples obtained before anesthesia and those obtained after induction of anesthesia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study suggested that the use of sevoflurane as an anesthetic agent for Chilean rose tarantulas was safe and effective. Various hemolymph sample gas analysis values changed during anesthesia.
Use of an inverse dynamics method to describe the motion of the canine pelvic limb in three dimensions
Authors: Headrick Jason F. , Zhang Songning , Millard Ralph P. , Rohrbach Barton W. , Weigel Joseph P. , Millis Darryl L.
Published: May 2014

Objective—To use an inverse dynamics method to describe the motion of the canine pelvic limb in 3 dimensions.

Animals—6 healthy adult dogs.

Procedures—For each dog, 16 anatomic and tracking markers were used to define the center of rotation for the pelvic limb joints and a kinematic model was created to describe the motion of the pelvic limb. Kinetic, kinematic, and morphometric data were combined so that an inverse dynamics method could be used to define angular displacement, joint moment, and power of the hip, stifle, and tibiotarsal (hock) joints in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes.

Results—Movement and energy patterns were described for the hip, stifle, and hock joints in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Knowledge of the 3-D movement of the pelvic limb can be used to better understand its motion, moment, and energy patterns in healthy dogs and provide a referent with which gaits of dogs with pelvic limb injuries before and after surgical repair or rehabilitation can be compared and characterized. This information can then be used to guide decisions regarding treatment options for dogs with pelvic limb injuries.
Effects of physiologic concentrations of l-lysine on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus 1
Authors: Cave Nicholas J. , Dennis Kathryn , Gopakumar Gaya , Dunowska Magda
Published: May 2014

Objective—To evaluate the effects of various concentrations of l-lysine on in vitro replication of feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1).

Sample—Cultures of Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells.

Procedures—CRFK cells were inoculated with FHV-1 and maintained in media with 20 combinations of l-arginine and l-lysine concentrations. Changes in cell viability were monitored by continuous measurement of electrical impedance of cultured cells and by observation of viral cytopathic effects. Viral load was determined by use of quantitative PCR assay in supernatants obtained from infected cultures at specified time points.

Results—Increases in l-lysine concentration had no effect on the kinetics of cell death in FHV-1-infected cultures. There was also no significant effect (r2 < 0.1) on viral DNA load for l-arginine concentrations ≥ 12 μg/mL There was a significant effect of increases in l-lysine concentration on viral DNA load in media supplemented with 6 μg of l-arginine/mL (mean ± SD slope, −4,641 ± 1,626 units; adjusted r2 = 0.45). However, the difference between the lowest (1 × 106.28 copies/μL) and highest (1 × 106.86 copies/μL) FHV-1 DNA load in these media was < 1 logarithm.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The difference in FHV-1 DNA load was unlikely to be biologically important. Various l-lysine concentrations did not inhibit in vitro replication of FHV-1 at l-arginine concentrations sufficient to maintain cell growth. This conclusion was consistent with results of other studies in which investigators have not detected a consistently beneficial effect when l-lysine is administered to FHV-1-infected cats.
Results of conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery in Lumbini Eye Instititue, Nepal
Authors: Dhakhwa K , Patel S , Sharma MK , Rai SKC , Bhari AM
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND: A pterygium is a wedge shaped fibrovascular growth of conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea. Various surgical techniques are used to treat this condition. Conjunctival graft over the bare sclera is one of the techniques used. The present study was done to evaluate the efficacy of autologous conjunctival graft in surgical management of primary and recurrent pterygium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the patients who underwent conjunctival autograft surgery for primary and recurrentpterygium from 1st Jan. 2010 to 30th June 2010 were enrolled prospectively. Follow up was done for six months after the surgery. RESULTS: A total of240 patients operated for primary and recurrent pterygium were enrolled in this study. There were 107 (44.6%) male and 133 (55.4%) female with male to female ratio 1: 1.3. Patients' age ranged from 15 to 80 years. Recurrences occurred in 3 ( 1.25%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Free conjunctival autograft is a safe and effective procedure for prevention of recurrence in pterygium surgery. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i1.10482   Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(1): 2-6