bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Disney Movie Content - A Case Study Analysis of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Authors: Nevatia Kanika
Published: September 2015

Animated fantasy films, also called fairy tales have ruled the hearts of children from the very beginning. Be it Cinderella, Snow White, Belle or Rapunzel every little girl, irrespective of her country of origin is familiar with all these characters among many more. When we talk about these characters or stories the first name to appear in our minds is Walt Disney. Walt Disney has from its inception presented children, especially girls with fairy tales attached with many dreams and aspiration. This research paper was an attempt at looking into the meanings that can be derived from the content of Walt Disney movies, with the analysis of one Disney Princess story, Beauty and the Beast.
Social Media - A study to explore its Role and Contribution in Promoting Peace
Authors: Martolia Mukta
Published: September 2015

In today’s world, the internet technology has grown widely, and social media have become a new platform to connect people. We see the use of social media to bridge the divides between different ethnic and religious groups and fostering inter-ethnic dialogues. Recently we have witnessed the Arab Spring, the Jan Lokpal Bill of Anna Hazare, and many such cases that have proved the power of social media. Thus, we can say that this was just the beginning of a wave, an era in the use of social networks to bring people together to fight and protest against violence. The power of social media cannot be ignored today. It has become essential and easy medium to reach a large number of audiences and has become a vital element of today’s life. The social media has proved itself to be a powerful tool for the promotion of peace and has provided not only national but international platform, which allows people to make a positive difference. Social media can be a powerful tool to mobilize people to build peace. With an estimation of around 200 million-plus blogs, more than 120 million YouTube videos and over 500 million Facebook users worldwide, we know that online social networking is a form of human interaction with enormous impact. It is a well-known fact that media affects the minds and behaviors of young people. If media and technology combined together, it can save lives. Thus, the main objective of the study was to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of social media as a tool in facilitating peace in Conflict Situation. The study also tried to analyze and figure out the contribution of social media in promoting peace and preventing violence. For the study various blogs were considered, who were working to bind the people of Northeast India together. Many social networking sites were studied as well to explore many facts.
Polarizing Indian political Discourse and Rising role of New Media: A study on Web Sites Content of Indian News Media
Authors: Srivastava Anjani Kumar
Published: September 2015

Internet based New Media have been changing paradigms of News-Media and News-concept itself in the recent past. Now, with the combination of streaming video and faster 3G internet connections in India, the internet based New Media has become the fastest way to find news stories. The internet based New Media appears to differ from other mass media from the point of degree of niche targeting of political information-oriented Web-sites. India has been witnessing the increasing role of Internet media over a decade into political awareness among masses. During elections (Pre & Post) period, all major parties utilize the new media in campaigns and publicity as they use blog sites, emails and a lot of news writings through public relations firms streamed via internet based websites of all major print and electronic media. A small political update gets streamed instantly on web pages of newspapers and television channels and public get to know it within seconds. Our this research study focuses upon the increasing role of new media into political dialogues or political communication between political leaders and public who use the new media or masses. Indian media has witnessed a sea-change in media scenario since 2000 year. Be it newspaper, magazine or television news channels or radio channels, every news media now have their own news websites on internet or live video streaming or live channels on internet or e-papers or websites i.e. dot.com and audience members now find it easy to watch or read those newspapers or magazines or television channels on internet and their laptop or computer systems because all media form is now being converged at one point- technology i.e. internet. So, in the period of convergent media, political groups, parties or political communities have to be one step ahead to connect public or voters.
HIV Testing and HIV Service Delivery to Populations at High Risk Attending Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics in the United States, 2011–2013
Authors: Seth Puja , Wang Guoshen , Sizemore Erin , Hogben Matthew
Published: September 2015

Objectives. We evaluated HIV testing and service delivery in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–funded sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics.

Methods. We assessed HIV testing, HIV positivity, receipt of HIV test results, linkage to medical care, and referral services from 61 health department jurisdictions from 2011 to 2013.

Results. In 2013, 18.6% (621 010) of all CDC-funded HIV-testing events were conducted in STD clinics, and 0.8% were newly identified as HIV-positive. In addition, 27.3% of all newly identified HIV-positive persons and 30.1% of all newly identified HIV-positive men who have sex with men were identified in STD clinics. Linkage to care within any time frame was 63.8%, and linkage within 90 days was 55.3%. Although there was a decrease in first-time HIV testers in STD clinics from 2011 to 2013, identification of new positives increased.

Conclusions. Although linkage to care and referral to partner services could be improved, STD clinics appear successful at serving populations disproportionately affected by HIV. These clinics may reach persons who may not otherwise seek HIV testing or medical services and provide an avenue for service provision to these populations.
The Rikers Island Hot Spotters: Defining the Needs of the Most Frequently Incarcerated
Authors: MacDonald Ross , Kaba Fatos , Rosner Zachary , Vise Allison , Weiss David , Brittner Mindy , Skerker Molly , Dickey Nathaniel , Venters Homer
Published: September 2015

Objectives. We used “hot spotting” to characterize the persons most frequently admitted to the New York City jail system in 2013.

Methods. We used our Correctional Health Services electronic health record to identify 800 patients admitted in 2013 who returned most since November 2008. We compared them to a randomly selected control group of 800 others admitted in 2013, by using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations, including data through December 2014.

Results. The frequently incarcerated individuals had a median of 21 incarcerations (median duration 11 days), representing 18 713 admissions and $129 million in custody and health costs versus $38 million for the controls. The frequently incarcerated were significantly older (42 vs 35 years), and more likely to have serious mental illness (19% vs 8.5%) and homelessness (51.5% vs 14.7%) in their record. Significant substance use was highly prevalent (96.9% vs 55.6%). Most top criminal charges (88.7%) for the frequently incarcerated were misdemeanors; assault charges were less common (2.8% vs 10.4%).

Conclusions. Frequently incarcerated persons have chronic mental health and substance use problems, their charges are generally minor, and incarceration is costly. Tailored supportive housing is likely to be less costly and improve outcomes.
Multi-base representations of integers: Asymptotic enumeration and central limit theorems
Authors: Krenn Daniel , Ralaivaosaona Dimbinaina , Wagner Stephan
Published: September 2015

In a multi-base representation, in contrast to the common b-ary
representation, the base is replaced by products of powers of single bases.
The resulting numeral system has desirable properties for fast arithmetic. It
is usually redundant, meaning that each integer can have multiple different
digit expansions. We provide a general asymptotic formula for the number of
multi-base representations of a positive integer. Moreover, we prove central
limit theorems for different statistics associated to a multi-base
representation.
Comments of the Standards Committee of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association on the SEC's Concept Release No. 33-9862; 34-75344 File No. S7-13-15, Possible Revisions to Audit Committee Disclosures
Authors: Abernathy John , Felix Robert , Jamal Karim , Krishnamoorthy Ganesh , Pevzner Mikhail
Published: September 2015

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) solicited public comments on its Concept Release No. 33-9862; 34-75344 File No. S7-13-15, Possible Revisions to Audit Committee Disclosures. This commentary summarizes the contributors' views on the various questions asked in the SEC's Release. The invitation to comment (which invited comments through September 8, 2015) is available at: https://www.sec.gov/rules/concept/2015/33-9862.pdf. Our comments submitted to the SEC appear below.
Effects of different rapid maxillary expansion appliances on facial soft tissues using three-dimensional imaging
Authors: Altındiş Sedat , Toy Ebubekir , Başçiftçi Faruk Ayhan
Published: September 2015

Objective: 

To determine three-dimensional (3D) effects of three different rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliances on facial soft tissues.

Materials and Methods: 

Forty-two children (18 boys, 24 girls) who required RME treatment were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into three equal groups: banded RME, acrylic splint RME, and modified acrylic splint RME. For each patient, 3D images were obtained before treatment (T1) and at the end of the 3-month retention (T2) with the 3dMD system.

Results: 

When three RME appliances were compared in terms of the effects on the facial soft tissues, there were no significant differences among them. The mouth and nasal width showed a significant increase in all groups. Although the effect of the acrylic splint RME appliances on total face height was less than that of the banded RME, there was no significant difference between the appliances. The effect of the modified acrylic splint appliance on the upper lip was significant according to the volumetric measurements (P < .01).

Conclusions: 

There were no significant differences among three RME appliances on the facial soft tissues. The modified acrylic splint RME produced a more protrusive effect on the upper lip.
Knowledge on practice of weaning among the mothers with infant below six months of age in Salem, Tamilnadu
Authors: Dhanasekaran N
Published: September 2015

Background & Objectives: Weaning is essential to child nutrition, which reduce infant mortality rate and related malnutrition with healthy feeding practice. Hence the mothers are expected to be knowledgeable on weaning.Objectives: To assess the knowledge on practice of weaning, to compare the knowledge on practice and to find out association between the knowledge scores of mothers with infant below 6 months with selected demographic variables.Materials and Methods: A descriptive design with cross sectional survey approach was undertaken to assess the knowledge on practice of weaning mothers with infant below 6 months of age in selected hospital, Salem, Tamil Nadu. Fifty mothers were selected by purposive sampling technique and data was collected by using structured interview schedule from 06/11/14 to 20/11/14.Results: Demographic characteristics reveal that highest percentage (84 %) of them belongs to the Hindu religion and had one child below the 6 months of the age. Comparisons of the knowledge score with demography highest mean and SD in relation to family income Rs 4001 - 6000 shows that (14.7 ± 1.16). The Overall Mean knowledge score was (11.5 ± 3.26)and (50 %) revealing average knowledge. However there was significant association between knowledge score and education & type of family (P = 0.0151 & P = 0.0091) revealing that maximum demographic variables do not affected the level of knowledge.Conclusion: The overall knowledge is average. However lowest percentage in the areas of “principles of feeding and storage” and “age of introducing on weaning” were attention seeking, implying the necessity to improve the knowledge in regard to prevent malnutrition.JCMS Nepal. 2015;11(1): 12-16
Evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology of cervical lymphadenopathy in Bir Hospital
Authors: Khadka Subash , Shrestha Deependra
Published: September 2015

Background & Objectives: To correlate FNAC of cervical lymphadenopathy with the histopathology.Materials and Methods: Prospective study on 67 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy at the ENT Department, Bir Hospital, from January 2013 to July 2014. Patients were subjected to both FNAC and histopathology.Results: Thirty cases (44.8%) were females and 37 cases (55.2%) were males. Tuberculosis was most common disease in 30(44.80%) patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC to diagnose tubercular lymphadenopathies were 83.0%, 100.0%, and 92.54% respectively. Overall correlation of FNAC to histopathology was 86.57%.Conclusion: FNAC is very simple and accurate technique for diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy.JCMS Nepal. 2015;11(1): 22-25
Systemic association of newly diagnosed proliferative diabetic retinopathy among type 2 diabetes patients presented at a tertiary eye hospital of Nepal
Authors: Thapa R , Bajimaya S , Sharma S , Rai B B , Paudyal G
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the leading cause of blindness among the diabetics. Objective: to study the systemic association of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Materials and methods: A prospective, case-series study was conducted among the newly diagnosed proliferative diabetic retinopathy cases presenting at the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) from January 2012 to January 2013. Diabetic retinopathy was classi¿ed using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria. Blood pressure, fasting and postprandial blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid pro¿le, urine for microalbumin, urea, and creatinine were evaluated at the time of diagnosis.Results: A total of 104 type 2 diabetic patients with newly diagnosed PDR presented during the study period. Concurrent macular edema was present in 93 cases (89.42 %). The mean age was 56.96 ± 9.394 (range 32 - 78) years. Males and females comprised of 75.7 % and 24.3 % respectively. The majority (37.5 %) were involved in business, followed by government service (17.30 %), and housewives (16.34 %). Mean duration of diabetes was 11.42 ± 5.356 years (range 1 month - 26 years). Concurrent hypertension was found in 55.76 %, uncontrolled fasting and or postprandial blood sugar in 72.54 %, poor glycemic control (HbA1C > 7 %) in 73.97 %, abnormal lipid profile in 52.56 %, microalbuminuria in 67.85 %, and positive urine albumin in 50 % of the cases.Conclusion: Despite the short duration of diabetes, the concurrent hypertension, poor glycemic control, proteinuria and dyslipidemia were the main systemic associations for PDR at our clinical set-up. Awareness, identification and management of these systemic problems could reduce the rapid progression to PDR.
Element-Level Performance Measures for Bridge Preservation
Authors: Hearn George
Published: September 2015

Measures of performance of highway bridges with element-level data are proposed. Element-level measures focus on the preservation of deck, superstructure, and substructure elements. Element-level measures recognize relationships between bridge elements. Bridge elements (e.g., joints, wearing surfaces, coatings) affect the exposure of deck, superstructure, and substructure. Poor conditions of these elements put decks, superstructures, and substructures at risk. Risk also is increased when actions for preservation are delayed or limited. Three levels of performance were measured: good, at risk, and poor. Bridges that perform well were candidates for bridge preservation programs. Bridges at risk were candidates that needed prompt attention to preserve their current condition. Bridges that performed poorly required rehabilitation or replacement. Risk from exposure and risk from delayed preservation were recognized in element-level performance measures. The following are presented in this study: (a) examples of element-level performance measures for a population of state-owned bridges, (b) comparisons with present-day performance measures of bridges, and (c) extended use of element-level performance measures to estimate annual work quantities and funding for preservation.
Laboratory Evaluation of Partial Depth Patching Materials for Use in Winter Climates
Authors: Dailey Jay , Dave Eshan V. , Musselman Eric , Kostick Robert
Published: September 2015

Over the course of their service life, concrete pavements undergo significant traffic and climatic loads, which lead to a gradual accumulation of damage. This accumulation of damage and distress comes from the effects of changing weather conditions (e.g., temperature, moisture) and continuous vehicular traffic. Repeated environmental and traffic loading leads to cracking and spalling of the concrete at the joint edges. States in the northern portion of the United States and the provinces of Canada have climates that fluctuate greatly in temperature throughout the seasons. Greater temperature differentials cause greater deflections in rigid pavements; these deflections lead to more prevalent spalling and a greater need for partial depth repair. Many U.S. state departments of transportation (DOTs) use partial depth repair as routine practice to maintain concrete pavements (e.g., the DOTs of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wisconsin). Enhanced acceptance criteria of rapid set cementitious materials for use in partial depth repair are needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate laboratory tests, recommended by ASTM C928 and others, for inclusion in the acceptance specifications for patching materials.
Failure Probability of Resurfaced Preventive Maintenance Treatments
Authors: Dong Qiao , Huang Baoshan
Published: September 2015

This study evaluated the effectiveness of various pavement preventive maintenance treatments through investigation of the failure probability of different performance indicators, including roughness, alligator cracking, longitudinal cracking, transverse cracking, rutting, and friction. For the study, 354 resurfacing pavement preventive maintenance projects were collected from the Long-Term Pavement Performance program database, including ones that used thin asphalt overlay, chip seal, slurry seal, and fog seal. Survival models were employed to conduct the analyses because of their capability to capture unobserved failure events and to systematically incorporate influencing factors (e.g., traffic, climate, pavement structural capacity, and pretreatment pavement performance). The statistical analysis showed that poor pretreatment performance was a significant factor in treatment failure and that preventive treatments would not be effective on pavement in poor condition. Stronger structural capacity of pavement greatly reduced fatigue cracking on the treatment surface: the bending of asphalt layer was alleviated through stronger base and subgrade support. Climate factors had a significant influence on the failure of transverse cracking and rutting and on friction loss. A warmer climate tended to cause permanent deformation and friction loss, probably as the result of asphalt softening. In general, chip seal was the most effective overall, followed by thin asphalt overlay, slurry seal, and fog seal. However, chip seal was vulnerable to friction loss: the aggregates could be pulled out as a result of the loss of asphalt adhesion.
Bearing Assessment with Periodic Temperature-Based Measurements
Authors: Yarnold Matthew , Dubbs Nathaniel C.
Published: September 2015

Bearing performance is closely tied to overall structural performance and serviceability issues and, as a result, demands considerable attention to condition assessment. That the life cycle of bearing systems is far less than that of bridges has been well documented. Eventually, the bearings break down, with resultant undesirable forces and deformations. Currently, visual inspection is the most common method used to assess bearings and other movement systems. The correlation is limited, however, between visual appearance and the functionality of movement systems. Thus visual inspection falls significantly short in such assessments; this situation necessitates the application of sensing technology for in-depth evaluations. This paper discusses a method, termed periodic temperature-based assessment (PTBA), which aimed to supplement visual inspection through measured input–output temperature responses without the use of a finite element model. A framework was developed for a general approach to PTBA. Strategies also were researched for the measurement of the input–output temperature relationship for bridge structures related to movement systems. In addition, the PTBA method was demonstrated on a long-span, steel, tied-arch bridge to evaluate its expansion bearings.
Experimental Evaluation of Repair Options for Timber Piles
Authors: Gull Jawad H. , Mohammadi Alireza , Taghinezhad Ramin , Azizinamini Atorod
Published: September 2015

An experimental investigation compared repair methods that could be used to repair timber piles in timber pile bridges. Five full-scale timber pile specimens with different levels of damages were prepared. The damage in each specimen was repaired with fiberglass-reinforced plastic wrap to encapsulate the damaged region, which was filled either with resin or grout or with resin and gravel. Ultimate load tests were carried out on the specimens to evaluate the effectiveness of the repair methods. Test results showed that grout was more effective than resin in repairing large cavity-type damage. Resin appeared to be more effective in repairing cracks and small cavities in timber piles. The failure load of the repaired pile specimens was at least five times greater than the design load capacity of the timber piles and indicated that the repair methods effectively restored the capacity of the damaged timber piles.
Vehicle Load Effect of Long-Span Bridges
Authors: Wu Jun , Yang Fei , Han Wanshui , Wu Liujie , Xiao Qiang , Li Yanwei
Published: September 2015

Vehicle load is one of the primary live loads for long-span bridges. However, load distribution and composition are complicated on long-span bridges and vary significantly. In general, bridge codes do not include specifications for bridges with long spans. In this study, the microscale traffic model, cellular automaton (CA) model, was adopted to establish a long-span vehicle load model through a merger with real-monitored traffic data. The differences in the current design vehicle loads used in China, the United States, Great Britain, and Europe are discussed. The effects of the CA load with different vehicle density and vehicle composition were estimated for loaded lengths from 100 to 1,000 m with the influence line. The largest moment of a bridge from a CA load was compared with that of the design vehicle load statistically. The results showed that vehicle density, loaded length, and the heavy truck percentage were the main features of the vehicle loading effects. An increase in vehicle density led to higher average and extreme values for the loading effect. When the loaded length was more than 600 m, the impact of the loaded lengths vanished. When the vehicle density was the same, a heavy percentage of truck traffic had a significant impact on the loading effect. Moreover, when the percentage of heavy trucks was high, the design load for relatively shorter loaded lengths needed to be adjusted because the current design load safety margin for a loaded length of not more than 300 m was small.
Therapeutic temperature modulation in severe or moderate traumatic brain injury: a propensity score analysis of data from the Nationwide Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank
Authors: Miyata Kei , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Maekawa Kunihiko , Mikami Takeshi , Akiyama Yukinori , Iihoshi Satoshi , Wanibuchi Masahiko , Mikuni Nobuhiro , Uemura Shuji , Tanno Katsutoshi , Narimatsu Eichi , Asai Yasufumi
Published: September 2015

OBJECT

In patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), a randomized controlled trial revealed that outcomes did not significantly improve after therapeutic hypothermia (TH) or normothermia (TN). However, avoiding pyrexia, which is often associated with intracranial disorders, might improve clinical outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare neurological outcomes among patients with moderate and severe TBI after therapeutic temperature modulation (TTM) in the absence of other interventions.

METHODS

Data from 1091 patients were obtained from the Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank Project 2009, a cohort observational study. Patients with cardiac arrest, those with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3 and dilated fixed pupils, and those whose cause of death was injury to another area of the body were excluded, leaving 687 patients aged 16 years or older in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the TTM group underwent TN (213 patients) or TH (82 patients), and the control group (392 patients) did not receive TTM. The primary end point for this study was the rate of poor outcome at hospital discharge, and the secondary end point was in-hospital death. Out of the 208 total items in the database, 29 variables that could potentially affect outcome were matched using the propensity score (PS) method in order to reduce selection bias and balance the baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

From each group, 141 patients were extracted using the PS-matching process. Among the patients in the TTM group, 29 had undergone TH and 112 had undergone TN. In a log-rank test using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, no significant differences in patient outcome or death were observed between the 2 groups (poor outcome, p = 0.83; death, p = 0.18). A Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis established the HR for poor outcome and mortality at 1.03 (95% CI 0.78–1.36, p = 0.83) and 1.34 (95% CI 0.87–2.07, p = 0.18), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no clear improvement in neurological outcomes after TTM in patients with moderate or severe TBI. To elucidate the role of TTM in patients with these injuries, a prospective study is needed with long-term follow-up using specific target temperatures.
Microembolism after endovascular coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysms: incidence and risk factors
Authors: Park Jung Cheol , Lee Deok Hee , Kim Jae Kyun , Ahn Jae Sung , Kwun Byung Duk , Kim Dae Yoon , Choi Choong Gon
Published: September 2015

OBJECT

The incidence and risk factors of microembolic lesions on MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were analyzed after the endovascular coiling of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs).

METHODS

Data obtained from 271 consecutive patients (70 men and 201 women; median age 57 years; range 23–79 years) who presented with UIA for coil embolization between July 2011 and June 2013 were analyzed. Two independent reviewers examined the DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient maps obtained the following day for the presence of restrictive diffusion spots and counted the number of spots. Multivariate analysis was then performed to identify independent risk factors for developing microembolism following the coiling of an aneurysm.

RESULTS

Microembolic lesions were noted in 101 of 271 patients (37.3%). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that the following factors significantly influenced the risk for microembolism: age, diabetes, previous history of ischemic stroke, high-signal FLAIR lesions in the white matter, multiple aneurysms, and the insertion of an Enterprise stent (all ORs > 1.0 and all p values < 0.05). Previously known risk factors such as prolonged procedure duration, aneurysm size, and decreased antiplatelet function did not show any significant influence.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of microembolism after endovascular coiling of UIA was not low. Lesions occurred more frequently in patients with vascular status associated with old age, diabetes, and previous stroke. Aneurysm multiplicity and the type of stent used for treatment also influenced lesion occurrence.
Biomechanical analysis of an expandable lateral cage and a static transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion cage with posterior instrumentation in an in vitro spondylolisthesis model
Authors: Mantell Matthew , Cyriac Mathew , Haines Colin M. , Gudipally Manasa , O’Brien Joseph R.
Published: September 2015

OBJECT

Insufficient biomechanical data exist from comparisons of the stability of expandable lateral cages with that of static transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) cages. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to compare the relative rigidity of L4–5 expandable lateral interbody constructs with or without additive pedicle screw fixation with that of L4–5 static TLIF cages in a novel cadaveric spondylolisthesis model.

METHODS

Eight human cadaver spines were used in this study. A spondylolisthesis model was created at the L4–5 level by creating 2 injuries. First, in each cadaver, a nucleotomy from 2 channels through the anterior side was created. Second, the cartilage of the facet joint was burred down to create a gap of 4 mm. Light-emitting-diode tracking markers were placed at L-3, L-4, L-5, and S-1. Specimens were tested in the following scenarios: intact model, bilateral pedicle screws, expandable lateral 18-mm-wide cage (alone, with unilateral pedicle screws [UPSs], and with bilateral pedicle screws [BPSs]), expandable lateral 22-mm-wide cage (alone, with UPSs, and with BPSs), and TLIF (alone, with UPSs, and with BPSs). Four of the spines were tested with the expandable lateral cages (18-mm cage followed by the 22-mm cage), and 4 of the spines were tested with the TLIF construct. All these constructs were tested in flexion-extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending.

RESULTS

The TLIF-alone construct was significantly less stable than the 18- and 22-mm-wide lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) constructs and the TLIF constructs with either UPSs or BPSs. The LLIF constructs alone were significantly less stable than the TLIF construct with BPSs. However, there was no significant difference between the 18-mm LLIF construct with UPSs and the TLIF construct with BPSs in any of the loading modes.

CONCLUSIONS

Expandable lateral cages with UPSs provide stability equivalent to that of a TLIF construct with BPSs in a degenerative spondylolisthesis model.
Linking Learning to Employment: A Possible Answer to The Global Search for Education Relevance?
Authors:   RTI International, Johnson Eric , Joyce Peter
Published: September 2015

Current approaches to secondary school are producing high numbers of dropouts and low numbers of students well prepared for college and careers. Given global demand for better education quality and relevance, a reform movement in the US that blends rigorous academic learning and applied technical study may be of interest to other countries. Yet the transport of a successful approach from one country to another must be carefully considered and implemented, with attention paid to local political economy and education system variables. This policy brief discusses the successful US approach—called Linked Learning—and RTI International's approach to adapting it for other country contexts.
Effect of Temperature and Loading Frequency on the Fatigue Behavior of Ti-17
Authors: Li Jiu Kai , Liu Yong Jie , Wang Qing Yuan , Hou Fang
Published: September 2015

A high-temperature ultrasonic fatigue testing system was developed to evaluate the gigacycle fatigue properties of Ti-17. Ultrasonic (20 kHz) fatigue tests were performed at room temperature, 200°C and 350°C, respectively. The dynamic Young’s modulus and fatigue endurance limit decrease with increasing temperature linearly. Rotating bending (50 Hz) tests were performed to evaluate the influence of loading frequency at room temperature, 200°C and 350°C, respectively. There is an obviously loading frequency effect at elevated temperature, although no loading frequency effect at room temperature.
Essential Characteristics and Frequency Effect for Very High Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Steels
Authors: Lv Zong Min , He Bo Lin
Published: September 2015

With the increase of design fatigue life of many critical mechanical components and engineering structures, research on very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) has become a new topic for engineering components failure. This paper summarizes works of VHCF of high strength steel, such as the observations on fish-eye, which is one of the typical characteristics in VHCF regime; Characteristics of crack initiation and crack propagation are analyzed based on fracture surface; The present work also analyzes the fatigue mechanism and related models. Loading frequency effect on the VHCF behavior is also discussed. Some prospective aspects of future researches are proposed.
A Study on Very High Cycle Fatigue Property of High Strength Steel for Particular Use as Medical Tablets Compressing Punches
Authors: Sakai Tatsuo , Kokubu Akio , Kikuchi Shoichi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Ikai Fumiharu , Okumoto Kazutaka
Published: September 2015

In the fabrication process of medicine tablets, working speed of the tablet compressing is an important factor to realize the high fabricating efficiency together with the low cost. Thus, a number of loadings would be applied with very high frequency to tips of a couple of compressing punches. Sometimes, the tablet compressing speed exceeds 150 tablets per second. Due to such a circumstance, the very high cycle loadings are applied to the tips of the compressing punches making medicine tablets. The high strength steel of KNS-ES was specially designed and fabricated for the particular use as the compressing punches. In this study, very high cycle fatigue tests were performed in the loading type of rotating bending in order to obtain the fundamental S-N property of this steel. Based on experimental results, the S-N property in giga-cycle regime was discussed including the effect of the residual stress on the S-N properties. Consequently, the duplex S-N curves were clearly found, but the surface-induced fractures were often found in the fatigue data belonging to the second S-N curve in the longer life region.
Energy Dissipation in Very High Cycle Fatigue for Polycrystalline Pure Copper and Armco Iron
Authors: Blanche Antoine , Wang Chong , Phung Ngoc Lam , Ranc Nicolas , Favier Véronique , Wagner Danièle , Bathias Claude , Chrysochoos André
Published: September 2015

This paper aims at a deeper understanding of microplastic mechanisms leading to crack initiation in ductile metals in Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF). Fatigue tests were conducted using an ultrasonic technique at loading frequency of 20 kHz. The microplastic mechanisms are revealed via observations of slip markings at the specimen surface and self-heating measurements due to intrinsic dissipation. Pure copper and Armco iron (which contains a very low amount of carbon) were investigated. Both are single-phase ductile materials but the crystallographic structure of copper is face-centered cubic while it is body centered cubic for Armco iron. A good correlation was found between slip markings initiation and dissipation for both materials. The dissipation for both materials is of the same order of magnitude but the location, the morphology and the evolution over cycles of slip markings were found different.
Very High Cycle Fatigue and Damage Behavior of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Heinz Stefan , Eifler Dietmar
Published: September 2015

High frequency fatigue tests were carried out with a 20 kHz ultrasonic testing facility to investigate the cyclic deformation behavior of Ti6Al4V in the Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF) regime in detail. The S,Nf -curve at the stress ratio R = -1 shows a significant decrease of the stress amplitude and a change from surface to subsurface failures in the VHCF regime for more than 107 cycles. Microscopic investigations of the distribution of the α-and β-phase of Ti6Al4V indicate that inhomogeneities in the phase distribution are reasons for the internal crack initiation. Scanning electron microscopy as well as light microscopy were used to investigate the internal crack initiation phenomenon in the VHCF-regime. Beside the primary fatigue crack additional defects like micro cracks and crack clusters were observed in the fatigued specimens. SEM-investigations of specimens which were loaded up to 1010 cycles without failure show irreversible microstructural changes inside the specimens. Two step tests were performed to evaluate the influence of internal fatigue induced defects observed in specimens which did not fail within 1010 cycles.
Ultra-High Cycle Fatigue Behavior of DZ125 Superalloy Used in Turbine Blades
Authors: Gu Yu Li , Tao Chun Hu
Published: September 2015

The high temperature ultra-high cycle fatigue (UHCF) behaviors of DZ125 superalloy used in aero-engine turbine blades were systematically studied. The results show that the fatigue fracture still occurs above 108 at the frequency of 20kHz, R=-1 and 700°C. There is a negligible frequency effect for the DZ125 superalloy, therefore, it is proposed that the ultrasonic fatigue testing could be expected as an accelerated fatigue testing method. Fatigue cracks originate from the subsurface of the specimens, where have no metallurgy defects or “fish eye” character. The crystal orientation change of the alloy is very little after fatigue.The maximum value changed for the elastic modulus of the alloy is about 30GPa after fatigue compared with that before fatigue.
On being a discontinuous person: Ontological insecurity, the wounded storyteller and time in Daniel Keyes’s Flowers for Algernon
Authors: Ullyatt Tony
Published: September 2015

This article explores ontological security and insecurity in Daniel Keyes’s novel, Flowers for Algernon. It opens with a very brief overview of the 1960s counter-culture to contextualise not only Keyes’s novel but also Laing’s theories of ontological (in)security. After a discussion of Laing’s concept of ontological security and insecurity, the focus shifts to Arthur W. Frank’s notions of the wounded storyteller and how Charlie Gordon’s entry into the medical world constitutes a colonisation of the body that brings with it a deepening sense of ontological insecurity. In entering the world of medical research, Charlie becomes the wounded storyteller, offering a first-person account of his experiences during the experiment and its aftermath. As the initial success of the surgery deteriorates steadily into failure, with the protagonist’s intelligence returning steadily to its pre-operation level, the question of time and how he can make the best use of it to record the experiment becomes paramount. The final section of the article centres on the growing link between the surgery’s failure and how it increases the protagonist’s ontological insecurity. He uses the diminishing amount of time available to him in search of understanding the fuller implications of the experiment. Eventually, he reverts to his initial rudimentary ontological security when he finds himself with the same intellectual level, as prior to the experiment.
The validation of a human resource management professional competence model for the South African context
Authors: Schutte Nico , Barkhuizen Nicolene , Van der Sluis Lidewey
Published: September 2015

Orientation: The last two decades have seen a great interest in the development of human resource management (HRM) professional competence models to advance the value-add of HR practitioners in organisations. However, empirical research on competency requirements for HR practitioners in the South African context has not been forthcoming.Research purpose: The main objective of the present research was to validate a HRM competence measure for the assessment of professional HRM competencies in the workplace. Motivation for the study: Competency models can assist HR professionals in supporting their organisations to achieve success and sustainability.Research approach, design and method: A cross-sectional research approach was followed. The proposed HRM Professional Competence Model was administered to a diverse population of HR managers and practitioners (N = 483). Data were analysed using SPSS 22.0 for Windows. Main findings: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in three distinguishable competency dimensions for HR professionals: Professional behaviour and leadership (consisting of the factors Leadership and personal credibility, Solution creation, Interpersonal communication and Innovation), Service orientation and execution (consisting of the factors Talent management, HR risk, HR metrics and HR service delivery) and Business intelligence (consisting of the factors Strategic contribution, HR business knowledge, HR business acumen and HR technology). All factors showed acceptable construct equivalence for the English and indigenous language groups. Practical/managerial implications: Managers can utilise the validated competence measure to measure the performance of HR practitioners in the organisation. Contribution/value-add: This research adds to the limited HR professional competence measures that currently exist.
Ultrasound diagnosis of ulnar nerve entrapment by confirming baseline cross-sectional area measurement for normal and abnormal nerves
Authors: Roodt Tania , Van Dyk Barbara , Jacobs Sylvia
Published: September 2015

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging is most commonly employed, alongside electrodiagnostic studies, in the diagnosis of ulnar nerve entrapment. It is expensive, time consuming, not readily available to the general public, and limits imaging to a segment of the nerve at any given time. In contrast, high-frequency ultrasound is an inexpensive imaging modality with a flexible field of view through which the nerve can be traced. An ultrasound cross-sectional area (CSA) >0.075 cm² has previously been suggested as indicative of nerve entrapment. Objectives: To confirm the suggested CSA measurement of 0.075 cm² and discuss the difference in CSA measurement between abnormal nerves, nerves in the contra-lateral elbow of the same participant, and those of asymptomatic participants. Methods: Ultrasonography was performed on both elbows of 25 patients with confirmed unilateral ulnar nerve entrapment and on 25 healthy controls for comparison. Three CSA measurements were taken of the ulnar nerve along its course, and the mean measurement was recorded.Results: CSA measurements were significantly different between patients with ulnar nerve entrapment and healthy controls (p < 0.05). In our study, a CSA >0.070 cm² defined ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow. Conclusion: Ultrasound CSA measurement of the ulnar nerve is accurate in the diagnosis of ulnar nerve entrapment. The range of values and varied criteria previously reported call for standardisation of the procedure and CSA measurement. We suggest that a measurement of 0.070 cm² be considered as a new baseline for the optimal diagnosis of ulnar nerve entrapment.[PDF to follow]
Blast phase transformation of chronic myelogenous leukemia presenting with central nervous system manifestation
Authors: Chikkannaiah Panduranga , Chandranaik Deepak , Erappa Nagaraj , Reddy Bharat , Venkataramappa Srinivasamurthy
Published: September 2015

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is the most common of all leukemia constituting 15–20% of all leukemia. The clinical course of the diseases runs in two to three phases, initial chronic phase followed by accelerated phase or blast phase. Blast phase most commonly presents clinically as fever, splenomegaly, and bone pain. Here, we present a case of CML in blast phase presenting with central nervous system manifestation in a 55-year-old patient with a brief review of the literature.
Lymphoma relapse presenting as neurolymphomatosis
Authors: Pham My , Awad Mohammed
Published: September 2015

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare neurological manifestation of lymphoma characterized by malignant lymphoma cells infiltrating cranial or peripheral nerve, or their roots. We present the first reported Australian case of a patient whose initial presentation of relapsed mantle cell lymphoma was NL. Our case highlights that clinical and imaging findings of NL often mimic other neuropathies, and hence presents unique challenges that may lead to delayed diagnosis and management. We emphasize the importance of considering NL in the differential diagnosis and combining imaging with other diagnostic modalities such as lumbar puncture (LP) to aid in the diagnosis of NL particularly where there is acute neurological deterioration.
The benefits of navigated neuroendoscopy in children with multiloculated hydrocephalus
Authors: Kim Sergei , Letyagin German , Danilin Vasiliy , Sysoeva Anna , Rzaev Jamil , Moisak Galina
Published: September 2015

Context: Multiloculated hydrocephalus remains one of the most challenging neurosurgical problems. In this study, we use frameless navigation during endoscopic interventions to improve the efficiency of operations.
Subjects and Methods: Nine navigated endoscopic procedures were performed in 8 children with various forms of multiloculated hydrocephalus from March 2013 to June 2014. Preoperatively, the optimal entry point for fenestration of several cysts was determined on the basis of magnetic resonance data. During surgery, rigid endoscope was registered in neuronavigation system for making the connection between separated ventricles and cysts. The final stage of the operation was to conduct a stent through the working channel of the endoscope for implantation of a shunt. Results: Number of compartments interconnected by an operation ranged from 3 to 5. Seven interventions were performed simultaneously with the shunt implantation. The follow-up period ranged from 9 to 15 months. The clinical improvement as a result of the operation was achieved in all children. The follow-up included clinical examination and evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging. Additional surgery was necessary in two patients: The first 5 months later, the second 1-year after endoscopic intervention. Conclusion: Application of frameless navigated neuroendoscopy makes this kind of operations the most efficient and safe for the patient.
Transdural retrieval of a retropulsed lumbar interbody cage: Technical case report
Authors: Zaidi Hasan , Shah Ashish , Kakarla Udaya
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this case report was to describe a novel method to retrieve a herniated lumbar interbody cage. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is an increasingly popular method of spinal fixation and fusion. Unexpected retropulsion of an interbody is a rare event that can result in intractable pain or motor compromise necessitating surgical retrieval of the interbody. Both anterior and posterior approaches to removing migrated cages may be associated with significant surgical morbidity and mortality. A 60-year-old woman underwent an L4-S1 TLIF coupled with pedicle screw fixation at a previous hospital 5 years prior to admission. She noted sudden-onset bilateral lower extremity weakness and right-sided foot drop. Magnetic resonance imaging and radiographs were notable for purely centrally herniated interbody. A posterior, midline transdural approach was used to retrieve the interbody. Situated in between nerve rootlets to the ventral canal, this virgin corridor allowed us to easily visualize and protect neurological structures while safely retrieving the interbody. The patient experienced an immediate improvement in symptoms and was discharged on postoperative day 3. At 12-month follow-up, she had no evidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and had returned to normal activities of daily living. While the risk of CSF leak may be higher with a transdural approach, we maintain that avoiding unnecessary retraction of the nerve roots may outweigh this risk. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a transdural approach for the retrieval of a retropulsed lumbar interbody cage.