bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Afro-Colombians and the Cosmopolitan City
Authors: Williams Castro Fatimah
Published: December 2012

Since 2005, Colombian tourism and economic development sectors have spearheaded an intensive image-building campaign called “Colombia Is Passion.” This campaign brands and markets Bogotá as a cosmopolitan city “as diverse as the country.” However, urban practices of racial exclusion contradict this image. The experience of six black young people who were barred from entering nightclubs in Bogotá’s Zona Rosa serves as an example of the limited access of racialized people to the cosmopolitan city and, by extension, to the state’s multicultural ideals. It also highlights the reinforcement of racial hierarchies by white elites’ locating racism outside their immediate social worlds.

Desde el 2005, el turismo colombiano y sectores de desarrollo económico han encabezado una campaña de construcción de imagen intensiva llamada “Colombia es pasión.” Esta campaña marca y comercializa a la ciudad de Bogotá como una ciudad cosmopolita “tan diversa como el país.” Sin embargo las practicas urbanas de exclusión racial contradicen esta imagen. La experiencia de seis jóvenes negros a quienes se les negó entrada en los clubes nocturnos de la Zona Rosa de Bogotá sirve como ejemplo del acceso limitado que se les otorga a la gente racializada en la ciudad cosmopolita, y, por extensión, a los ideales multiculturales del estado. También sale en relieve el refuerzo de jerarquías raciales localizadas fuera de su mundo social inmediato de parte de las elites blancas.
Using Market Basket Analysis in Management Research
Authors: Aguinis Herman , Forcum Lura E. , Joo Harry
Published: December 2012

Market basket analysis (MBA), also known as association rule mining or affinity analysis, is a data-mining technique that originated in the field of marketing and more recently has been used effectively in other fields, such as bioinformatics, nuclear science, pharmacoepidemiology, immunology, and geophysics. The goal of MBA is to identify relationships (i.e., association rules) between groups of products, items, or categories. We describe MBA and explain that it allows for inductive theorizing; can address contingency (i.e., moderated) relationships; does not rely on assumptions such as linearity, normality, and residual equal variance, which are often violated when using general linear model–based techniques; allows for the use of data often considered “unusable” and “messy” in management research (e.g., data not collected specifically for research purposes); can help build dynamic theories (i.e., theories that consider the role of time explicitly); is suited to examine relationships across levels of analysis; and is practitioner friendly. We explain how the adoption of MBA is likely to help bridge the much-lamented micro–macro and science–practice divides. We also illustrate that use of MBA can lead to insights in substantive management domains, such as human resource management (e.g., employee benefits), organizational behavior (e.g., dysfunctional employee behavior), entrepreneurship (e.g., entrepreneurs’ identities), and strategic management (e.g., corporate social responsibility). We hope our article will serve as a catalyst for the adoption of MBA as a novel methodological approach in management research.
In vitro clearance of intravenous acetaminophen in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Gillogly A , Kilbourn C , Waldvogel J , Martin J , Annich G , Wagner D
Published: December 2012

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a life support system used as a bridge to transplantation in critically ill patients who suffer from acute respiratory or cardiac failure with resultant hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia. This is not amendable to conventional support intervention. Previous studies have shown significant drug losses in the components of an ECMO circuit, leading to decreased plasma drug levels. An in vitro study was conducted to determine: (1) changes in intravenous acetaminophen levels over time and (2) changes in concentration observed between different sites of the ECMO circuit.

A single bolus dose of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen was injected into a standard blood-primed ECMO circuit. Plasma drug concentrations in the circuit were then measured at specific time points at three different locations to determine concentrations of the drug at time 0, 15, 30, 60, 240 and 360 minutes. The three samples were drawn pre- and post-membrane oxygenator and the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. A second bolus dose was administered 24 hours after the first in order to compare “new” and “old” circuits. This entire process was repeated a total of three times.

The results show that acetaminophen concentrations do not change significantly over time, with consistent levels seen in both new and old circuits (N=9). Average old circuit concentrations were approximately two times greater than the average new circuit concentrations after the circuit was re-dosed at 24 hours. Drug sequestration in the circuit was not significant in any of the three sites measured.

It appears that, while acetaminophen levels remain relatively constant over a six hour period, dosing adjustments may be required for use in a circuit beyond the initial 24 hour period, depending on physiologic clearance of the drug. Assuming a six-hour dosing interval, levels should remain constant.
A new phosphorylcholine-coated polymethylpentene oxygenator for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a preliminary experience
Authors: Pieri M , Turla OG , Calabrò MG , Ruggeri L , Agracheva N , Zangrillo A , Pappalardo F
Published: December 2012

Phosphorylcholine coating has a major role in the improvement of biocompatibility, durability and antihrombogenicity of the circuit for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Moreover, if heparin-induced thrombocytopenia ensues, removal of all the sources of heparin is challenging if the circuit is coated with heparin.

We report our preliminary experience with the new EUROSETS A.L.ONE ECMO oxygenator (Eurosets, Medolla, MO, Italy), which is aimed at providing better biocompatibility thanks to its full coating with phosphorylcholine. We retrospectively collected data on the 16 patients supported with ECMO and with the EUROSETS A.L.ONE ECMO oxygenator at San Raffaele Hospital. Mean ECMO duration was 6 ± 4 days, and 37.5% of the patients died on ECMO. Four episodes of major bleeding and three episodes of minor bleeding were recorded. The oxygenator had an excellent performance in gas exchange and the median pressure drop was 57 (26-85) mmHg at full blood flow (2.5 L/m2/min).

The EUROSETS A.L.ONE ECMO oxygenator was an excellent device in our preliminary experience. Further evaluation on a larger sample is encouraged.
Zebrafish Models for Human Cancer
Authors: Shive H. R.
Published: December 2012

For decades, the advancement of cancer research has relied on in vivo models for examining key processes in cancer pathogenesis, including neoplastic transformation, progression, and response to therapy. These studies, which have traditionally relied on rodent models, have engendered a vast body of scientific literature. Recently, experimental cancer researchers have embraced many new and alternative model systems, including the zebrafish ( Danio rerio). The general benefits of the zebrafish model for laboratory investigation, such as cost, size, fecundity, and generation time, were quickly superseded by the discovery that zebrafish are amenable to a wide range of investigative techniques, many of which are difficult or impossible to perform in mammalian models. These advantages, coupled with the finding that many aspects of carcinogenesis are conserved in zebrafish as compared with humans, have firmly established a unique niche for the zebrafish model in comparative cancer research. This article introduces methods for generating cancer models in zebrafish and reviews a range of models that have been developed for specific cancer types.
Comparisons of disability, quality of life, and resource use between chronic and episodic migraineurs: A clinic-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Shuu-Jiun , Wang Po-Jen , Fuh Jong-Ling , Peng Kuan-Po , Ng Kwong
Published: December 2012

Background

The International Burden of Migraine Study (IBMS) showed chronic migraine (CM) was associated with a higher disease burden than episodic migraine (EM). However, in this study Asians with CM were underrepresented.

Objectives

We investigated if CM and EM differed in headache-related disability, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health care resource utilization in Taiwan.

Methods

This study recruited patients with EM and CM from two headache clinics in Taiwan. Diagnosis was made by physicians based on Silberstein-Lipton criteria. Participants completed a questionnaire including sociodemographics, Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), EuroQol five-dimensions (EQ-5D), Migraine-Specific Quality of Life v2.1 (MSQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), productivity and health care resource utilization.

Results

A total of 331 patients (EM, n = 164 (49.5%); CM, n = 167 (50.5%)) completed the study. CM patients reported a significantly higher MIDAS score, lower generic (EQ-5D visual analogue scale score and EQ-5D index score) and migraine-specific (all three domains of MSQ) HRQoL, higher levels of anxiety and depression (PHQ-4 ≥ 6) and greater health care resource utilization and productivity loss than those with EM. Positive correlations were found between these instruments and levels of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Compared to EM, CM was significantly associated with higher disability, lower HRQoL and greater health care resource utilization and productivity loss.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix in the Management of Arthroscopic Repair of the Rotator Cuff
Authors: Weber Stephen C. , Kauffman Jeffrey I. , Parise Carol , Weber Sophia J. , Katz Stephen D.
Published: December 2012

Background:

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has a high rate of patient satisfaction. However, multiple studies have shown significant rates of anatomic failure. Biological augmentation would seem to be a reasonable technique to improve clinical outcomes and healing rates.

Purpose:

To represent a prospective, double-blinded, randomized study to assess the use of platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) in rotator cuff surgery.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

Prestudy power analysis demonstrated that a sample size of 30 patients in each group (PRFM vs control) would allow recognition of a 20% difference in perioperative pain scores. Sixty consecutive patients were randomized to either receive a commercially available PRFM product or not. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores were recorded. Surgery was performed using an arthroscopic single-row technique. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were obtained upon arrival to the recovery room and 1 hour postoperatively, and narcotic consumption was recorded and converted to standard narcotic equivalents. The SST and ROM measurements were taken at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks postoperatively, and final (1 year) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder and UCLA shoulder scores were assessed.

Results:

There were no complications. Randomization created comparable groups except that the PRFM group was younger than the control group (mean ± SD, 59.67 ± 8.16 y vs 64.50 ± 8.59 y, respectively; P < .05). Mean surgery time was longer for the PRFM group than for the control group (83.28 ± 17.13 min vs 73.28 ± 17.18 min, respectively; P < .02). There was no significant difference in VAS scores or narcotic use between groups and no statistically significant differences in recovery of motion, SST, or ASES scores. Mean ASES scores were 82.48 ± 8.77 (PRFM group) and 82.52 ± 12.45 (controls) (F1,56 = 0.00, P > .98). Mean UCLA shoulder scores were 27.94 ± 4.98 for the PRFM group versus 29.59 ± 1.68 for the controls ( P < .046). Structural results correlated with age and size of the tear and did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion:

Platelet-rich fibrin matrix was not shown to significantly improve perioperative morbidity, clinical outcomes, or structural integrity. While longer term follow-up or different platelet-rich plasma formulations may show differences, early follow-up does not show significant improvement in perioperative morbidity, structural integrity, or clinical outcome.
Insurgent Planning and Its Interlocutors
Authors: Sletto Bjørn
Published: December 2012

International service learning is shaped by complex and shifting relationships between different actors with different, sometimes conflicting interests. Especially in Latin America, practice, pedagogy, and politics are intimately entangled, which means that field-oriented pedagogy cannot be neatly separated from its professional and political context. This makes it particularly important to consider the role of students and educators in reinforcing or altering hegemonic relations of power. Service learning projects are often incorporated into existing structures of engagement, but by developing new relationships and ways of speaking in invented spaces, such pedagogy may serve to further insurgent planning practices.
Modelling and compensation of datum errors in five-axis machining
Authors: Fallah Meghdad , Arezoo Behrooz
Published: December 2012

Positioning of workpieces in machining operations has a direct influence on the machined features. Workpiece datum errors are one of the error sources that affect the workpiece positioning in the fixture. In this article, a systematic method is presented for eliminating the effect of datum errors on the workpiece machined features in five-axis machining. In this method, the effect of datum errors on the machined features is mathematically modelled using homogenous transformation matrix, and the error vector on the workpiece machining surface is obtained. The error vector consists of position and orientation errors of the tool in workpiece coordinate system. In this work, a compensation module is developed, which is applied to the machining codes of the workpiece. The input to this module is the datum errors and initial NC-codes. The output of the module is the modified NC-codes. For verifying the method, two cases are studied, which are related to five-axis drilling and five-axis free-form milling. Using the compensation method, the position, orientation and form errors are decreased considerably. The results confirm that this method can be used for compensating the datum errors effectively.
Fixture layout design based on two-stage method for sheet metal components
Authors: Xing Yanfeng , Wang Yansong
Published: December 2012

The optimal fixture scheme can effectively reduce the deformation of sheet metal parts in the normal direction of their main plane. The fixture layout design requires a great deal of finite element analysis, which limits efficiency and quality of fixture design. This article proposes a two-stage method to decrease the number of finite element analyses for fixture layout design. First, three locating points are generated by using particle swarm optimization based on the rigid model. Second, the other points are optimized by establishing a response surface modeling based on radial basis function. Finally, through the case of rear bracket plate, this work elaborates two-stage fixture locating scheme design process. The results show that the two-stage method has good simulation effect and higher prediction accuracy.
A novel method for layered tool path generation in the fast tool servo diamond turning of noncircular microstructural surfaces
Authors: Keong Neo W , Kumar A Senthil , Rahman Mustafizur
Published: December 2012

Fast tool servo technology plays important roles in manufacturing complex free-form surfaces for the modern optics industry. However, its stroke length is restricted to few tenths of microns due to the limited expansion of piezoelectric actuator. A long-stroke fast tool servo may be one of the possible ways to increase the stroke length for fulfilling the surface height requirement. This article proposes a novel approach to increase the stroke length. This article describes a novel fast tool servo diamond turning method with layered tool trajectories to extend the limited stroke length without modifying an existing fast tool servo system. The proposed method has successfully extended the effective fast tool servo stroke length to about fivefold of its maximum possible stroke length.
Particle image velocimetry studies on the swirling flow structure in the vortex gripper
Authors: Wu Qiong , Ye Qian , Meng GuoXiang
Published: December 2012

In this article, particle image velocimetry was used to measure the two-dimensional flow field for vortex gripper. The vortex gripper was divided into two parts for respective research, including vortex cup and the gas film gap. In the part of vortex cup, the tangential velocity increases gradually, and the velocity decreases intensely in the vicinity of the vortex cup’s wall after it reaches maximum. In addition, the velocity decreases gradually with the increase of the gas film gap. In the part of gas film gap, the tangential velocity increases to maximum along the radial direction first; after the air flows into the gas film gap due to the viscous impedance, it decreases gradually. When the gas film gap’s thickness is smaller, the velocity almost decreases to zero at the external edge of the skirt. However, when the gas film gap increases to a certain thickness, the velocity does not decrease to zero, and the flow air still keeps a certain speed out of it. The velocity decreases gradually with the increase of the gas film gap. The radial velocity in the vortex cup and the gas film gap is of very small order of magnitude comparing with the average velocity and tangential velocity. The analysis of the Reynolds number shows that the flow in the vortex cup is the turbulent flow, and at the part of the gas film gap, the Reynolds number increases with the increase of the gas film gap, and the flow changes from the laminar flow to the turbulent flow. Through the particle image velocimetry experiment, the vortex gripper’s internal flow structure is studied. It is the theory support of the computational fluid dynamics simulation study for vortex gripper and the structure optimization in the future work.
In Defense of Parenthood
Authors: Nelson S. Katherine , Kushlev Kostadin , English Tammy , Dunn Elizabeth W. , Lyubomirsky Sonja
Published: December 2012

Recent scholarly and media accounts paint a portrait of unhappy parents who find remarkably little joy in taking care of their children, but the scientific basis for these claims remains inconclusive. In the three studies reported here, we used a strategy of converging evidence to test whether parents evaluate their lives more positively than do nonparents (Study 1), feel relatively better than do nonparents on a day-to-day basis (Study 2), and derive more positive feelings from caring for their children than from other daily activities (Study 3). The results indicate that, contrary to previous reports, parents (and especially fathers) report relatively higher levels of happiness, positive emotion, and meaning in life than do nonparents.
Damage detection of unidirectional carbon fiber–reinforced laminates with embedded magnetostrictive particulates: A preliminary study
Authors: Myers Oliver J , Currie George , Rudd Jonathan , Spayde Dustin , Bolden Nydeia Wright
Published: December 2012

Defects in composite laminates are difficult to detect because of the conductive and paramagnetic properties of composite materials. Timely detection of defects in composite laminates can improve reliability. This research illustrates the preliminary analysis and detection of delaminations in carbon fiber laminate beams using a single layer of magnetostrictive particles and noncontacting concentric magnetic excitation and sensing coils. The baseline analytical models also begin to address the intrusive nature of the magnetostrictive particles as well as relate the applied excitation field with the stress and magnetic flux densities induced in the magnetostrictive layer. Numerical methods are used to begin to characterize the presence of magnetostrictive particles in the laminate and the behavior of the magnetostrictive particles in relationship to the magnetic field used during sensing. Unidirectional laminates with embedded delaminations are used for simulations and experimentations. A novel, yet simplified fabrication method is discussed to ensure consistent scanning and sensing capabilities. The nondestructive evaluation scanning experiments were conducted with various shapes and sizes of damages introduced into carbon fiber–reinforced polymeric composite structures. The results demonstrate high potential for magnetostrictive particles as a low-cost, noncontacting, and reliable sensor for nondestructive evaluation of composite materials.
Coupled piezo-elastodynamic modeling of guided wave excitation and propagation in plates with applied prestresses
Authors: Song F. , Huang G. L. , Hu G. K.
Published: December 2012

Plate-like aerospace engineering structures are prone to mechanical/residual preloads during flight operation. This article focuses on the quantitative characterization of applied prestress effects on the piezoelectrically-induced guided wave propagation, which has been widely used in structural health monitoring systems. An analytical model considering coupled piezo-elastodynamics is developed to study dynamic load transfer between a surface-bonded thin piezoelectric actuator and a prestressed plate. The accuracy of the analytical prediction is evaluated by the comparison with the finite element analysis. Based on the developed model, the load-dependent guided wave signal variation in both time-of-flight and amplitude is determined, and its dependence on loading frequency and host material properties is also discussed. It is found that the guided wave signal variation due to the prestress could be significant under some circumstances. A signal difference coefficient is finally proposed to quantitatively assess the signal variation caused by different prestresses. This study can serve as a theoretical foundation for the development of the real-time piezo-guided wave–based structural health monitoring system in a realistic loading environment.
A miniature hydro-energy generator based on pressure fluctuation in Kármán vortex street
Authors: Wang Dung-An , Chao Chia-Wei , Chen Jyun-Hua
Published: December 2012

A new miniature hydro-energy generator for harnessing energy from Kármán vortex street behind a bluff body in a water flow is developed. The flow energy is converted into electrical energy by an assembly of a cantilevered piezoelectric beam and a flexible diaphragm. An analytical model for the energy harvester is developed. Prototypes of the energy generator are fabricated and tested. Experimental results show that an open-circuit output voltage of 120 mVpp and an instantaneous output power of 0.7 nW are generated when the pressure oscillates with an amplitude of nearly 0.3 kPa and a frequency of about 52 Hz.
Barriers to Prostate Cancer Care
Authors: Oduro Charlotte , Connor Sarah E. , Litwin Mark S. , Maliski Sally L.
Published: December 2012

Low-income, uninsured Latino men face a myriad of barriers when accessing health care to detect, diagnose, treat, and manage their prostate cancer. In this study, we utilized grounded theory techniques to analyze transcripts of semistructured interviews with 60 Latino men enrolled in a state-funded public assistance program. We developed a descriptive framework to understand barriers to health care access among these men. Findings demonstrate that societal, systemic, and individual barriers function independently and together to bar access to prostate cancer care for Latino men. Participant perceptions illustrate the individual, interpersonal, and macro-level structures that impede access, stressing the need for expanded medical coverage coupled with measures to improve quality care. The health care system needs a multifaceted approach, including alleviation of financial burdens for underserved prostate cancer patients, empowerment of patients with navigational skills, access to culturally competent providers, and consistent monitoring of access to quality health care.
Healing a Vulnerable Self
Authors: Nielsen Maj Britt D. , Rugulies Reiner , Hjortkjaer Charlotte , Bültmann Ute , Christensen Ulla
Published: December 2012

Mental health problems (MHPs) such as stress and depression are among the leading causes of work disability. In this article we explore how women with MHPs experience sickness absence and subsequent return to work. We conducted 16 semistructured interviews and employed constructivist grounded theory for the analysis. We found that whereas sickness absence constituted a major threat to positive self-images, the experience had potential as a personal growth experience: Although some women felt handicapped, others became stronger and more self-confident. The core of the experience was not the return to work but a process of healing a vulnerable self—the ability both to refocus attention from symptoms to other life goals and to maintain or reconstruct a positive self-image. Supportive health care and acknowledgment from others facilitated the healing process.
Embodying Racism
Authors: Gulbas Lauren E.
Published: December 2012

In this article, I examine how race motivates women’s decisions to undergo aesthetic rhinoplasty in Caracas, Venezuela. Through a combination of cultural domain analysis and thematic analysis of qualitative interviews, I explore how the preference for whiteness and associated facial features dovetail with the aesthetic ideals promoted by cosmetic surgeons. Rhinoplasty is offered by physicians and interpreted by patients as a resolution to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. The clinical ethos of objectivity established by cosmetic surgeons fails to acknowledge how perceptions of the self and body are strongly tied to racial marginalization: patients’ efforts to alter the nose reveal attempts to change not only how the body looks, but how it is lived. As a result, cosmetic surgery only acts as a stop-gap measure to heighten one’s self-esteem and body image.
Evaluation of Biomarkers in Multifocal/Multicentric Invasive Breast Carcinomas
Authors: Pekmezci Melike , Szpaderska Anna , Osipo Clodia , Erşahin Çağatay
Published: December 2012

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether breast carcinoma biomarkers vary among separate tumor foci of multifocal/multicentric (MF/MC) breast carcinomas and whether this variation correlates with morphological features and tumor grade. Design. We reviewed the biomarker profiles of MF/MC invasive breast carcinomas diagnosed between January 2001 and June 2010 at our institution. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal receptor protein (HER2) results were classified as positive or negative. Results. Out of the 51 patients included in the study, 6 cases had 2 tumor foci with different morphologies, 7 cases had 2 foci with similar morphology but different grades, and 38 cases had 2 tumor foci with similar morphologies and grades. Out of the 38 patients who had MF/MC tumors with the same morphology and grade, only 1 patient had a difference in ER and PR status between foci. Out of the 7 patients who had morphologically similar tumors with different grades, 4 had similar results in both tumor foci, 3 had different results for ER and PR, and another had differing results for HER2 between the foci. All 6 patients who had MF/MC foci with different morphologies exhibited similar ER, PR, and HER2 results between the foci. Conclusion. Regardless of the similarity in tumor morphology or grade, a small number of cases included foci that exhibited different tumor marker expression, which might affect the treatment strategy. Therefore, our results suggest that the evaluation of tumor markers in different foci should be considered in MF/MC tumors for accurate treatment strategies.
You Want Me to Do What? Evaluators and the Pressure to Misrepresent Findings
Authors: Morris Michael , Clark Brittany
Published: December 2012

Evaluators' experiences with being pressured by a key stakeholder to misrepresent findings were investigated in an anonymous survey of a random sample of over 2500 American Evaluation Association members; a response rate of 37% was obtained. Overall, 42% of the respondents had encountered misrepresentation pressure, with 70% of this subgroup having faced it on more than one occasion. Misrepresentation pressure usually focused on making evaluation results look more positive or less negative than the evaluator thought was warranted. In nearly 40% of all pressuring episodes, respondents believed that the stakeholder in question knew that he/she was requesting misrepresentation. Respondents' ethical satisfaction with how pressuring episodes were resolved varied widely, with satisfaction lowest when changes were made to a report without the respondent's consent. In the opinion of respondents, stakeholder pressure led to actual misrepresentation in 16% of all episodes, a finding that, in conjunction with the study's other results, suggests that most pressuring incidents are handled in a fashion that produces reasonably satisfactory, if not ideal, outcomes when viewed from the perspective of professional ethics. Just under one-third of all pressured respondents believed that something could have been done to prevent the influence attempt they encountered, and offered a variety of suggestions for preventive action. Viewed as a whole, these recommendations provide the foundation for a comprehensive approach to preventing and responding to misrepresentation pressure and related ethical challenges in evaluation.
A new theory on pure pre-rolling resistance through pendulum oscillations
Authors: Gilavdary Igor , Mekid Samir , Riznookaya Natalia
Published: December 2012

Theoretical and experimental investigations of pre-rolling resistance of a ball on a flat surface were carried out. The cycling displacements of the ball were considered within a range much smaller than the radius of a contact patch. The method of free oscillations of a pendulum supported with two balls on a substrate is proposed for experimental investigations. It is proved that this method allows measurement of a set of parameters of pre-rolling resistance with high sensitivity and precision. The proposed setup has secured pure rolling measurement conditions.
Mobile voice communication and loneliness: Cell phone use and the social skills deficit hypothesis
Authors: Jin Borae , Park Namkee
Published: December 2012

This study developed a research model of mobile voice communication on the basis of the social skills deficit hypothesis. In the model, poor social skills were related to less face-to-face and mobile voice communication, which was linked to greater loneliness. Structural equation modeling analyses of survey responses from 374 adults supported the social skills deficit hypothesis in that poor social skills were related to less involvement in face-to-face communication and greater loneliness. Also, as expected, more face-to-face interactions were associated with lower levels of loneliness; however, more cell phone calling was associated with greater loneliness. Additional regression analyses revealed that the positive relationship between mobile voice communication and loneliness was more pronounced for those who have more friends than those who have fewer friends.
Having belief(s) in social virtual worlds: A decomposed approach
Authors: Merikivi Jani , Verhagen Tibert , Feldberg Frans
Published: December 2012

The interest in social virtual worlds with multiple functions has mushroomed during the past few years. The key challenge social virtual worlds face while attempting to anchor and serve the masses is to reflect the core beliefs of their users. As existing research lacks insight into these core beliefs, this study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge base by proposing and testing a model grounded on the decomposed theory of planned behavior. Predicated on the multipurpose nature of social virtual worlds, the model proposes medium-specific attitudinal, normative and control beliefs as determinants of continual use intention. The model is tested with a sample of 2175 users who inhabit Habbo Hotel – one of the largest social virtual worlds in the industry. The results indicate significant though different influences of attitudinal and control beliefs. The most fundamental finding is the irrelevance of normative beliefs, which puts the social character of social virtual worlds into perspective.
Influences of bearing housing deflection on vibration performance of cylinder roller bearing–rotor system
Authors: Gao Yuan , Li Zhengmei , Wang Jianwen , Li Xinglin , An Qi
Published: December 2012

For the rolling element bearing–rotor system, the bearing stiffness and eventual system vibration performance are influenced by the shape and position errors of the bearing housing. In this article, a rotor supported by two cylindrical roller bearings is investigated. The load and deformation between the roller and the raceways of the bearing and the bending deformation of the rotor are analysed. An analytical model is established for calculating the radial and angular stiffnesses of the bearing considering the bearing housing deflections. Consequently, a vibration model which can consider the influences of the bearing housing deflections is developed for the bearing–rotor system. With a calculation example, the influences of the housing deflection angles on the vibration performance of the bearing–rotor system are studied numerically and a series of conclusions are obtained and explained.
Iatrogenic Migration of VenaTech LP IVC Filter to Superior Vena Cava Secondary to Guidewire Entrapment
Authors: Almestady Rajaa , Spain James , Bayona-Molano Maria Del Pilar , Wang Weiping
Published: December 2012

Modern inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are generally safe devices for preventing pulmonary embolus, with fewer complications compared to earlier techniques of caval interruption. Despite continuing improvement in filter designs and insertion methods, complications still occur. The IVC filter complications resulting from iatrogenic causes are rare and include but are not limited to misplacement, filter tilting, incomplete deployment, and filter migration. We recently experienced a problem in which the Vena Tech LP filter (B. Braun, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) migrated to the superior vena cava (SVC) immediately after successful deployment of the filter in the infrarenal venacava. The root cause analysis of this case revealed that the complication was related to blind pullout of the J-tipped guidewire following deployment of the filter in the IVC. This report highlights the potential risks of using a wire while an IVC filter is in place.
Conflict management styles used by nurses in Jordan
Authors: Al-Hamdan Zaid , Norrie Peter , Anthony Denis
Published: December 2012

Aim:

This paper is a report of a study of conflict management styles used by nurses in Jordan.

Background:

There are five main styles used to deal with conflict. At present research into their utilisation is dominated by reports from Western countries. This research is the second to investigate their use by nurses in an Arab country and it illustrates similarities with the earlier work, allowing an initial profile to be constructed which may be applicable to the larger Arab world of healthcare.

Methods:

Cross-sectional quantitative survey of nurses in Jordan using the Rahim Organisation Conflict Inventory (ROCI II) questionnaire.

Results/Findings:

The nurses were most likely to prefer an integrating style of conflict management, followed in rank order by compromising, obliging, dominating and avoiding.

Conclusion:

A tentative model of the styles which nurses in Arab countries prefer to manage conflict is proposed, which suggests that they are likely to provide stable workplaces.
Cost analysis and related factors in patients with traumatic hand injury
Authors: Şahin F. , Akca H. , Akkaya N. , Zincir Ö. D. , Işık A.
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to measure the direct and indirect costs and factors influencing these costs in patients presenting following traumatic hand injury. We assessed patients aged 18–65 years who were in work. Hand injury severity and functional status were assessed. Direct costs, including medical care expenses, and indirect costs, including lost productivity, were calculated. Seventy-nine patients of a mean age of 32 years were included. The mean direct cost for each patient was $1772 (47% of total cost), and the indirect cost was $1891 (53% of total cost). Injury severity, time to return to work, and hospitalization time were the main parameters of increased total cost in a linear regression analysis.
A comparison of diaphyseal and metaphyseal techniques of ulna shortening
Authors: Sennwald G. , Della Santa D. , Beaulieu J.-Y.
Published: December 2012

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare two techniques of ulna shortening for ulnocarpal abutment. The technique performed initially was diaphyseal osteotomy. Subsequently, a metaphyseal osteotomy was performed to avoid the drawbacks related to the plate. The study group consisted of 29 patients: 13 with diaphyseal and 16 with metaphyseal osteotomies. The pre-operative diagnosis was ulnocarpal abutment in all cases. The results were graded according to the scoring system of Chun and Palmer and patients’ self-assessment. Both rankings were related to indications, age, gender, occupation, and surgery. Final follow-up occurred at a median of 54 (range 15–144) months after surgery. There was no delayed union or non-union, necrosis of the ulnar head, or infection. Pain relief was the main benefit. Both techniques gave similar outcomes for pain relief, satisfaction, and objective results. The shortening was significantly greater in the metaphyseal group without any apparent consequence on function or pain. No screw removal was needed after metaphyseal osteotomy; in contrast, plate removal was required in all patients. We conclude that both techniques are valuable alternatives for treating ulnocarpal abutment.
Advantages of enteral nutrition over parenteral nutrition
Authors: Seres David S. , Valcarcel Monika , Guillaume Alexandra
Published: December 2012

It is a strong and commonly held belief among nutrition clinicians that enteral nutrition is preferable to parenteral nutrition. We provide a narrative review of more recent studies and technical reviews comparing enteral nutrition with parenteral nutrition. Despite significant weaknesses in the existing data, current literature continues to support the use of enteral nutrition in patients requiring nutrition support, over parenteral nutrition.
Responding to Online Reviews
Authors: Park Sun-Young , Allen Jonathan P.
Published: December 2012

Using online reviews in the co-creation of the service experience remains an attractive but elusive goal, based on case studies of how four high-end hotels in the western United States respond to customers’ reviews posted on TripAdvisor. Chosen specifically because they represent two divergent approaches for responding to reviews, the two sets of hotels provide a springboard for further study of how hotels can interact with customers through social media. Two of the hotels regularly responded publicly to guest comments, whereas the other two almost never posted answers to guest complaints—even though they monitored and reacted to those complaints. A comparison of management styles from the two sets of hotels was disparate in the following three areas: perceived accuracy of online reviews, internal communications style, and the approach to using online reviews for management purposes. First, hotels that responded frequently considered posted reviews to be an honest gauge of consumer sentiment, whereas nonresponders believed that reviews represented only extremely positive or negative views. Second, frequent responders had a collaborative communication style that involved regular meetings and consultations, whereas the infrequent responders (IRs) met only as needed. Some of the IRs also typically relied on an external corporate manager to handle social media, whereas the frequent responders commonly used internal staff. Finally, while all the hotels viewed posted comments as one mechanism to identify and solve customer problems, only one hotel went beyond that to make customer reviews a part of a strategic approach to an ongoing relationship.
Recombinant CD95-Fc (APG101) prevents graft-versus-host disease in mice without disabling antitumor cytotoxicity and T-cell functions
Authors: Hartmann Natalie , Messmann Joanna J. , Leithäuser Frank , Weiswange Maxi , Kluge Michael , Fricke Harald , Debatin Klaus-Michael , Strauss Gudrun
Published: December 2012

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) induced by transplant-derived T cells represents a major complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). However, these T cells support engraftment, early T-cell immunity, and mediate the graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect. Cytotoxic effector functions by transplanted T cells are predominantly mediated by the perforin/granzyme and the CD95/CD95L system. APG101, a novel recombinant human fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of CD95 and the Fc domain of an IgG1 antibody inhibited CD95L-induced apoptosis without interfering with T-cell function in vitro and was therefore tested for its ability to prevent GVHD in murine BMT models across minor or major histocompatibility barriers. Starting APG101 treatment either 1 day before or 6 days after transplantation effectively reduced clinical GVHD and rescued survival between 60% and 100% if GVHD was CD95L mediated. APG101 did not interfere with the GVT effect, because P815 mastocytoma and most importantly primary Bcr-Abl–transformed B-cell leukemias were completely eradicated by the alloantigen-specific T cells. Phenotype and homing of alloantigen-specific T cells or their perforin/granzyme-mediated cytotoxicity and proliferative capacity were not affected by APG101 treatment suggesting that APG101 therapy might be useful in GVHD prophylaxis without impairing T-cell function and most importantly preserving GVT activity.
Incidence and prevalence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: review of the literature
Authors: Nalysnyk Luba , Cid-Ruzafa Javier , Rotella Philip , Esser Dirk
Published: December 2012

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown aetiology. It is a rare disease, and its incidence and prevalence are not clear. Therefore, we sought to review the published evidence on the global epidemiology of IPF.

A comprehensive review of English language literature was performed by searching Medline and EMBASE for studies on IPF epidemiology published between January 1990 and August 2011. Studies providing quantitative data on IPF incidence and/or prevalence were identified and key data collected.

15 studies reporting on the incidence and/or prevalence of IPF were identified and summarised. IPF prevalence estimates in the USA varied between 14 and 27.9 cases per 100,000 population using narrow case definitions, and 42.7 and 63 per 100,000 population using broad case definitions. In Europe, IPF prevalence ranged from 1.25 to 23.4 cases per 100,000 population. The annual incidence of IPF in the USA was estimated at 6.8–8.8 per 100,000 population using narrow case definitions and 16.3–17.4 per 100,000 population using broad case definitions. In Europe, the annual incidence ranged between 0.22 and 7.4 per 100,000 population. IPF prevalence and incidence increase with age, are higher among males and appear to be on the increase in recent years.

IPF is an orphan disease that affects a potentially increasing number of people in Europe and the USA. The observed variability in IPF incidence and prevalence may be explained by the differences in diagnostic criteria used, case definition, study population and study design.
Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Vachiéry Jean-Luc , Gaine Sean
Published: December 2012

Advances in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have resulted in significant improvements in outcomes for patients with this devastating and progressive disease. However, because of the non-specific nature of its symptoms, and the low level of suspicion among clinicians, prompt and accurate diagnosis of PAH as a rare disease remains a challenge. This article explains some of the issues that need to be addressed when faced with a patient with suspected PAH and describes how noninvasive and invasive techniques can be used effectively to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

The availability of PAH-specific therapy means that once diagnosed, patients have a much greater chance of survival than they would have had in the past. However, despite improved survival, mortality is still high and, therefore, there is still room for improvement. It is currently recommended that patients with an inadequate clinical response to treatment receive sequential combination therapy; however, supportive data are still scarce. Although there is no clear explanation, these findings may be explained by the design and end-points chosen in clinical trials, the changing population of PAH and a need to improve the management strategy in this disease. Indeed, there is a clear need for randomised controlled studies that investigate whether adopting individualised treatment strategies, including upfront combination therapy, could help to optimise long-term management of patients with PAH.
Multiple-platform data integration method with application to combined analysis of microarray and proteomic data
Authors: Wu Shicheng , Xu Yawen , Feng Zeny , Yang Xiaojian , Wang Xiaogang , Gao Xin
Published: December 2012

Background

It is desirable in genomic studies to select biomarkers that differentiate between normal and diseased populations based on related data sets from different platforms, including microarray expression and proteomic data. Most recently developed integration methods focus on correlation analyses between gene and protein expression profiles. The correlation methods select biomarkers with concordant behavior across two platforms but do not directly select differentially expressed biomarkers. Other integration methods have been proposed to combine statistical evidence in terms of ranks and p-values, but they do not account for the dependency relationships among the data across platforms.

Results

In this paper, we propose an integration method to perform hypothesis testing and biomarkers selection based on multi-platform data sets observed from normal and diseased populations. The types of test statistics can vary across the platforms and their marginal distributions can be different. The observed test statistics are aggregated across different data platforms in a weighted scheme, where the weights take into account different variabilities possessed by test statistics. The overall decision is based on the empirical distribution of the aggregated statistic obtained through random permutations.

Conclusion

In both simulation studies and real biological data analyses, our proposed method of multi-platform integration has better control over false discovery rates and higher positive selection rates than the uncombined method. The proposed method is also shown to be more powerful than rank aggregation method.