bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Returns to Education in Palestine and Turkey: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Tansel Aysit , Daoud Yousef
Published: April 2014

Abstract

This study exposes a comparative treatment of the private returns to education in Palestine and Turkey over the period 2004-2008. Comparable data, similar definitions and same methodology are used in the estimations. The results suggest that returns to schooling are higher for Turkey at the various levels of education for females and males and for both years 2004 and 2008. In 2008, returns are lower than 2004 levels for all stages of education. Returns to education are higher for women than men in both countries. The median ratio of male to female return is 0.55 (university) in 2004 and decreased to 0.17 (high school) in 2008 in Palestine. The corresponding figures for Turkey are 0.79 and .082 (both for high school). Finally, it was found that the selectivity corrected return estimates are lower than theolsestimates in Palestine while they are higher than theolsestimates in Turkey.
Le programme pédagogique d’un arabisant du Collège royal, François Pétis de La Croix (1653-1713)
Authors: Ageron Pierre , Jaouhari Mustapha
Published: April 2014

Résumé

François Pétis de La Croix enseigna l’arabe au Collège royal de Paris de 1692 à 1713. À ses élèves, en très petit nombre, il dictait une grammaire de l’arabe littéral en français, réduite à l’essentiel. Tout en restant tributaire des paradigmes gréco-latins, il formulait des remarques utiles aux débutants et recourait à des activités didactiques variées, allant de l’autodictée jusqu’au thème. Il donnait ensuite quantité d’expressions et de propos de contenu léger, issus des méthodes pour étrangers en usage en Orient, avec transcription et traduction, conformément à un projet pédagogique conçu dès sa jeunesse : ces matériaux ressortissaient au moyen arabe. Après l’initiation à l’emploi du dictionnaire arabe-latin qu’il avait lui-même composé, il passait à la traduction de livres choisis dans la bibliographie disponible à l’époque. Ses leçons évoluèrent par petites touches, rapprochant progressivement la variété de langue utilisée de l’arabe littéral.
Planting Good Roots and Creating Affinities: Engaged Buddhism in the Chinese-Filipino Context
Authors: Dy Aristotle C.
Published: April 2014

Abstract

After Chinese Buddhist temples were set up in the Philippines in the 20th century, temple communities proceeded to establish schools, charity clinics, and fund other socio-cultural projects. This paper traces the basis of such works to the concept of Engaged Buddhism in its Chinese manifestation, as well as to Chinese Buddhist history, teachings and contemporary trends in Chinese voluntary organizations. The author also presents fieldwork data that explores the motivations behind socio-cultural projects, using the concepts ofplanting good roots and creating affinities; these Buddhist concepts are then linked to the Chinese idea ofguanxi. Rather than religious conversion or social integration, Chinese Buddhist social projects were aimed at cultural preservation and the practice of Buddhist compassion.
A review of Microdontinae (Diptera: Syrphidae) of Surinam, with a key to the Neotropical genera
Authors: Reemer Menno
Published: April 2014

The fauna of Microdontinae (Diptera: Syrphidae) of Surinam is reviewed, based on a recent field survey by the author and a re-evaluation of previously collected material, mostly deposited in the RMNH collection (Leiden). A key to all 28 Neotropical genera of the subfamily is given. A total number of 42 species belonging to 13 genera are recorded from Surinam. Habitus photographs of all species are given. Compared with the checklist of Van Doesburg (1966), 24 species are added and five are removed. The following new species are described: Domodon peperpotensis sp. n., Microdon (Microdon) colakriki sp. n., Peradon satyricus sp. n. and Peradon sciarus sp. n. Five possibly new species are left unnamed, pending revisionary work of the species groups they belong to. A neotype is designated for Aphritis angustus Macquart, 1846. The following new synonymies are proposed: Microdon instabilis Wiedemann, 1830 = Microdon aurifex Wiedemann, 1830 jun. syn. n., Microdon batesi Shannon, 1927 = Microdon beebei Curran, 1936 syn. n.
Arming Merchant Vessels: Enhancing or Imperilling Maritime Safety and Security?
Authors: Schofield Clive
Published: April 2014

Abstract

The substantial rise in the threat of attacks against shipping off the coast of Somalia from 2008 prompted a range of counter-piracy efforts. Among these measures the embarkation of privately contracted armed security personnel (pcasp) has been credited as having played an important role in the recent reduction in ‘pirate’ attacks. Despite considerable reluctance on the part of the shipping industry, the use of pcasp has become increasingly prevalent giving rise to practical and legal concerns over this practice. The advent of the use of pcasp is set in context, efforts towards their regulation outlined and problematic issues highlighted.
Mining Junior, Major Political Risks
Authors: Conway J. Edward
Published: April 2014

Within the discipline of international business, institution-based theories on strategic management concentrate on how foreign firms conform to their local operating environment. One of the leading theories extending from such research is the idea that a foreign firm’s success in a given country rests on the firm’s ability to “bridge” the institutional (or structural) distance between the firm’s home country and host country, whether that distance be cultural, regulatory, political, cognitive or any given number of possible structural measures. The greater the gap between home and host country, proponents of institutional distance claim, the more challenging it will be for the firm to be successful in the host environment. In this article, we develop the concept of institutional distance through a single qualitative case study of a junior mining firm, Frontier Mining, initially headquartered in the United States and listed on the London Stock Exchange, but with the vast majority of its operations located in Kazakhstan. We approach Frontier and the concept of institutional distance less through the lens of international business and more through the interdisciplinary lens typical of regional studies: how Frontier conforms to the local Kazakh environment is equally telling for those interested in strategic management as it is for those concerned with the intersection of the international political economy and the domestic political economy of a post-Soviet state in transition.
A taxonomic survey of the genus Vitis L. (Vitaceae) in Italy, with special reference to Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago)
Authors: ARDENGHI NICOLA M.G. , GALASSO GABRIELE , BANFI ENRICO , ZOCCOLA ANTONIO , FOGGI BRUNO , LASTRUCCI LORENZO
Published: April 2014

As resulted from recent floristic investigations conducted in southern and central Europe, the genus Vitis proved to be, in these areas, an intricate critical group, whose interpretation, often influenced by ampelographic approaches, needed to be clarified in a strict taxonomic sense. The current paper analyzes the taxonomy and the distribution of seven taxa recorded in Italy and assigns new names to three nothospecies, naturalized and/or invasive in additional European countries: V. ×instabilis (= V. riparia × V. rupestris), V. ×koberi (= V. berlandieri × V. riparia), V. ×ruggerii (= V. berlandieri × V. rupestris). Nomenclatural and systematic aspects regarding V. vinifera are also discussed. Original and detailed descriptions, identification keys, illustrations and information on distribution and ecology are provided.
Social Distance in the United States
Authors: Smith Jeffrey A. , McPherson Miller , Smith-Lovin Lynn
Published: April 2014

Homophily, the tendency for similar actors to be connected at a higher rate than dissimilar actors, is a pervasive social fact. In this article, we examine changes over a 20-year period in two types of homophily—the actual level of contact between people in different social categories and the level of contact relative to chance. We use data from the 1985 and 2004 General Social Surveys to ask whether the strengths of five social distinctions—sex, race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, age, and education—changed over the past two decades in core discussion networks. Changes in the actual level of homophily are driven by the demographic composition of the United States. As the nation has become more diverse, cross-category contacts in race/ethnicity and religion have increased. After describing the raw homophily rates, we develop a case-control model to assess homophily relative to chance mixing. We find decreasing rates of homophily for gender but stability for race and age, although the young are increasingly isolated from older cohorts outside of the family. We also find some weak evidence for increasing educational and religious homophily. These relational trends may be explained by changes in demographic heterogeneity, institutional segregation, economic inequality, and symbolic boundaries.
Middle Fossa Vestibular Neurectomy for Refractory Vertigo
Authors: Angeli Simon I. , Telischi Fred F. , Eshraghi Adrien A.
Published: April 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of the middle fossa (MF) superior vestibular neurectomy in unilateral Ménière’s disease.

Patients and Methods:

Case series with preoperative and postoperative analysis of the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology hearing stage and vertigo class, gait instability, and results of vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP).

Results:

Four out of the 5 patients had total vertigo control (class A) and 1 had near total control (class B) by the last visit (mean follow-up, 23.6 months). There were no changes in hearing thresholds and hearing stage. Four patients had resolution of their gait instability by 2 months after surgery. Postoperative VEMP responses were preserved in all 3 patients with positive VEMP preoperatively.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of the anatomical and functional preservation of the inferior vestibular nerve in vestibular neurectomy for the treatment of refractory vertigo in unilateral Ménière’s disease, with VEMP testing before and after vestibular neurectomy. The modified technique limits the surgical dissection and may help avoid complications such as postoperative hearing loss and persistent gait instability. This approach is indicated when other more conservative measures have failed, and patient selection is paramount to avoid long-term complications.
Amounts of Artificial Food Dyes and Added Sugars in Foods and Sweets Commonly Consumed by Children
Authors: Stevens Laura J. , Burgess John R. , Stochelski Mateusz A. , Kuczek Thomas
Published: April 2014

Artificial food colors (AFCs) are used to color many beverages, foods, and sweets in the United States and throughout the world. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits the AFCs allowed in the diet to 9 different colors. The FDA certifies each batch of manufactured AFCs to guarantee purity and safety. The amount certified has risen from 12 mg/capita/d in 1950 to 62 mg/capita/d in 2010. Previously, we reported the amounts of AFCs in commonly consumed beverages. In this article, the amounts of AFCs in commonly consumed foods and sweets are reported. In addition, the amount of sugars in each product is included. Amounts of AFCs reported here along with the beverage data show that many children could be consuming far more dyes than previously thought. Clinical guidance is given to help caregivers avoid AFCs and reduce the amount of sugars in children’s diets.
Differentiation of Illusory and True Halo in Writing Scores
Authors: Lai Emily R. , Wolfe Edward W. , Vickers Daisy
Published: April 2014

This report summarizes an empirical study that addresses two related topics within the context of writing assessment—illusory halo and how much unique information is provided by multiple analytic scores. Specifically, we address the issue of whether unique information is provided by analytic scores assigned to student writing, beyond what is depicted by holistic scores, and to what degree multiple analytic scores assigned by a single rater display evidence of illusory halo. To that end, we analyze student responses to an expository writing prompt that were scored by six groups of raters—four groups assigned single analytic scores, one group assigned multiple analytic scores, and one group assigned holistic scores—using structural equation modeling. Our results suggest that there is evidence of illusory halo when raters assign multiple analytic scores to a single student response and that, at best, only two factors seem to be distinguishable in analytic writing scores assigned to expository essays.
‘Fellow-citizens in science and brothers in humanity’: Anglo-French rivalry and the discursive practices of the Critical Review, 1756–1763
Authors: Wainwright Valerie
Published: April 2014

This essay examines the discursive practices of the Critical Review during the period of the Seven Years War, when Tobias Smollett – reputedly a fervent anti-Gallican – was editor-in-chief and one of the journalists to whom a substantial number of articles have now been attributed. Reading the Critical Review from the perspective of Anglo-French relations, throws into relief the critics’ animated engagement with French culture, thought and literature, and discloses the review’s multifaceted reformist agenda. This means modifying previous characterizations of the journal’s aims and ethos. The Critical Review’s journalists endorsed the philosophes’ conception of an ‘Enlightenment Republic of Letters’ whose ultimate goal was personal and social amelioration, and acclaimed the efforts of all writers, whatever their nationality, who wrote like ‘true’ patriots or ‘citizens of the world’ or ‘friends of mankind’. Reviewers poured scorn on the ‘ridiculous national prejudices of the vulgar’ and condemned the manifestations of xenophobia that historians have argued were expressions of a distinctive sense of British or English identity. Anti-French slurs do appear on occasions, and some French works were downgraded, but many were generously praised, and different markers signalling affinity and alignment with French writers abound.
Psychometric Properties of the Hebrew Short Version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory
Authors: Orkibi Hod
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to develop a short Hebrew version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory that can be easily administered by health professionals in research, therapy, and counseling. First, the empirical links of time perspective (TP) to subjective well-being and health protective and health risk behaviors are reviewed. Then, a brief account of the instrument’s previous modifications is provided. Results of confirmatory factor analysis ( N = 572) verified the five-factor structure of the short version and yielded acceptable internal consistency reliability for each factor. The correlation coefficients between the five subscales of the short (20 items) and the original (56 items) instruments were all above .79, indicating the suitability of the short version for assessing the five TP factors. Support for the discriminant and concurrent validity was also achieved, largely in agreement with previous findings. Finally, limitations and future directions are addressed, and potential applications in therapy and counseling are offered.
Women’s descriptive representation in developed and developing countries
Authors: Stockemer Daniel
Published: April 2014

Today there is a wealth of research on women’s legislative representation and the factors contributing to it. For example, proportional representation in large multi-member districts and an egalitarian political culture are commonly associated with high rates of women’s representation. However, in the developing world findings are less solid and there is little consensus on the salience of various explanatory variables (for example, political culture or electoral system type) on women’s descriptive representation. In this article, I explore the possibility that the divergent findings that characterise the discipline stem from the different dynamics at work in developed and developing countries. My results indicate that development by itself has a positive and significant impact on the percentage of female representatives. Development also interacts with other variables (for example, women’s participation in the workforce and quotas) in determining the level of women’s representation.
Race, Place, and Biography at Play
Authors: Jacobs Michelle R.
Published: April 2014

Critical to the Indian mascot debate is the question of whether American Indians support their use. My research describes the diverse viewpoints of Northeast (NE) Ohio Natives, who live in a region with a prominent Indian mascot. I also explore a biographical pattern that maps onto respondents’ perspectives. Natives who lived in the urban setting exclusively ( urban only) are less likely to resist romantic portrayals of Indianness, such as those conveyed by Indian mascots. Natives who lived on or near a reservation prior to moving to NE Ohio ( reservation & city), however, are more likely to participate in protest against the region’s Indian imagery. I suggest that Natives with experiences in both environmental spheres have a heightened sensitivity to the harmful consequences of all Indian stereotypes.
Acquired coronary-to-bronchial artery fistula after two valve surgeries
Authors: Moon Mi Hyoung , Kang Joon Kyu , Song Hyun
Published: April 2014

A 62-year-old woman with Takayasu arteritis and 2 prior aortic valve replacements, was admitted with unstable angina. Computed tomographic angiography showed a newly developed right coronary artery-to-right bronchial artery fistula. Because of dense aortic calcification, catheter embolization was undertaken, which was successful. We believe the acquired coronary artery fistula developed after her uneventful second aortic valve surgery, due to inevitable trauma to the mediastinum and ascending aorta, and partly due to her underlying Takayasu arteritis.
Clinical outcomes of Carbomedics Top Hat valve with a robust follow-up system
Authors: Senanayake Eshan L , Howell Neil J , Pagano Domenico , Ray Daniel , Mascaro Jorge , Rooney Stephen J , Wilson Ian C , Graham Tim R
Published: April 2014

Aim

Late failure of bioprosthetic valves may limit their use in patients < 60 years. The superior hemodynamic performance offered by the Carbomedics Top Hat supraannular valve enables greater effective orifice areas to be achieved. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes of this valve, using a robust follow-up system.

Methods

Patients who underwent aortic valve replacement with or without coronary artery bypass grafting between July 1997 and January 2010 with Carbomedics supraannular Top Hat valves were identified. Details of readmissions and late deaths were obtained from the National Hospital Episodes Statistics data and the Office of National Statistics, tracked by the Quality and Outcomes Research Unit. Late complications associated with this prosthesis were evaluated.

Results

Of 253 patients identified, 181 underwent isolated aortic valve replacement and 72 had aortic valve replacement with coronary artery bypass grafting. The 30-day mortality was 1.6%, and 5- and 10-year survival rates were 91.4% and 80.5%, respectively. Detailed readmission data were available after 2001 ( n = 170). Two (1.2%) patients required reoperation for endocarditis and pannus formation. Of the 17 late deaths in this subset, 4 were attributable to cardiac causes. One patient was treated for heart failure, and 2 developed bleeding complications.

Conclusions

Implantation of the Carbomedics Top Hat supraannular valve in our unit resulted in satisfactory in-hospital and midterm survival with low incidences of endocarditis and late heart failure.
Systematic review of power mobility outcomes for infants, children and adolescents with mobility limitations
Authors: Livingstone Roslyn , Field Debra
Published: April 2014

Objective:

To summarize and critically appraise the evidence related to power mobility use in children (18 years or younger) with mobility limitations.

Data sources:

Searches were performed in 12 electronic databases along with hand searching for articles published in English to September 2012 and updated February 2014.

Review methods:

The search was restricted to quantitative studies including at least one child with a mobility limitation and measuring an outcome related to power mobility device use. Articles were appraised using American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) criteria for group and single-subject designs. The PRISMA statement was followed with inclusion criteria set a priori. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles. AACPDM quality ratings were completed for levels I-III studies.

Results:

Of 259 titles, 29 articles met inclusion criteria, describing 28 primary research studies. One study, rated as strong level II evidence, supported positive impact of power mobility on overall development as well as independent mobility. Another study, rated as moderate level III evidence, supported positive impact on self-initiated movement. Remaining studies, rated evidence levels IV and V, provided support for a positive impact on a broad range of outcomes from to International Classification of Functioning (ICF) components of body structure and function, activity and participation. Some studies suggest that environmental factors may be influential in successful power mobility use and skill development.

Conclusion:

The body of evidence supporting outcomes for children using power mobility is primarily descriptive rather than experimental in nature, suggesting research in this area is in its infancy.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158-Met polymorphism and a response of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms to methylphenidate: A replication study from South Korea
Authors: Park Subin , Kim Jae-Won , Kim Bung-Nyun , Shin Min-Sup , Yoo Hee-Jeong , Cho Soo-Churl
Published: April 2014

We investigated the association between the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158-Met (rs4680) genotype and both subjective and objective treatment responses to methylphenidate in Korean children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We enrolled 120 medication-naïve children with ADHD in an open-label, 8-week trial of methylphenidate. The participants were genotyped and evaluated using the Clinical Global Impression Scale and the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS), and completed the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) before and after treatment. We found a significant association between the COMT Val/Val genotype and a good response, in terms of hyperactive-impulsive scores on the ADHD-RS (odds ratio (OR) = 2.61; p = 0.044) and response-time variability on the CPT (OR = 2.66; p = 0.028). The association of the COMT Val/Val genotype with a good response, in terms of response time variability, was significant in both the sub-sample of combined-type (OR = 3.45; p = 0.026) and sub-sample of inattentive-type (OR = 5.52; p = 0.029); but the association with a good response in terms of hyperactive-impulsive scores was not significant in sub-sample analyses. Although the reported nominally significant associations did not stay significant after correcting for multiple testing, our results support previous findings about the possible involvement of the COMT ( Val158-Met) polymorphism in the treatment response to methylphenidate in children with ADHD.
The Advanced Course in Professional Selling
Authors: Loe Terry , Inks Scott
Published: April 2014

More universities are incorporating sales content into their curriculums, and although the introductory courses in professional sales have much common ground and guidance from numerous professional selling texts, instructors teaching the advanced selling course lack the guidance provided by common academic tools and materials. The resulting potential variance in content and pedagogy in advanced selling courses makes comparing programs or assessing the relative preparedness of students coming from different universities challenging for recruiters, faculty, and students. A review of the syllabi of the instructors currently teaching the advanced selling course reveals common themes, content, and pedagogy that are helpful to instructors desiring to develop an advanced selling course or those currently teaching the course. A review of the common content of the advanced selling course and an argument for the need of the advanced selling course are provided, along with suggestions for developing the course with examples of various projects and pedagogy.
Brand Narratives, Sustainability, and Gender
Authors: Ourahmoune Nacima , Binninger Anne-Sophie , Robert Isabelle
Published: April 2014

This research, based on the French macro-context, explains sustainable discourses in advertising from 2007 to 2012, during which time the concept of sustainability developed significantly and became institutionalized at a national level. This article defines sustainability broadly and explains the issue of inequality, particularly gender inequality, as originating in various forms of ascendancy over nature. Next, using a socio-semiotic reading, it identifies and deciphers five types of brand narratives on sustainability – Prometheus, Gaia, the Labyrinth, an automated world, and a sublimated nature – and their corresponding gender ideologies. Finally, the article discusses how feminist thought helps interpret major issues within sustainable communication, which reproduces both the dominant sustainable paradigm and conservative gender representations despite the national institutionalization of sustainability and a rich tradition of French feminist thought.
Small-worldness and gender differences of large scale brain metabolic covariance networks in young adults: a FDG PET study of 400 subjects
Authors: Hu Yuxiao , Xu Qiang , Shen Junkang , Li Kai , Zhu Hong , Zhang Zhiqiang , Lu Guangming
Published: April 2014

Background

Many studies have demonstrated the small-worldness of the human brain, and have revealed a sexual dimorphism in brain network properties. However, little is known about the gender effects on the topological organization of the brain metabolic covariance networks.

Purpose

To investigate the small-worldness and the gender differences in the topological architectures of human brain metabolic networks.

Material and Methods

FDG-PET data of 400 healthy right-handed subjects (200 women and 200 age-matched men) were involved in the present study. Metabolic networks of each gender were constructed by calculating the covariance of regional cerebral glucose metabolism (rCMglc) across subjects on the basis of AAL parcellation. Gender differences of network and nodal properties were investigated by using the graph theoretical approaches. Moreover, the gender-related difference of rCMglc in each brain region was tested for investigating the relationships between the hub regions and the brain regions showing significant gender-related differences in rCMglc.

Results

We found prominent small-world properties in the domain of metabolic networks in each gender. No significant gender difference in the global characteristics was found. Gender differences of nodal characteristic were observed in a few brain regions. We also found bilateral and lateralized distributions of network hubs in the females and males. Furthermore, we first reported that some hubs of a gender located in the brain regions showing weaker rCMglc in this gender than the other gender.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that small-worldness was existed in metabolic networks, and revealed gender differences of organizational patterns in metabolic network. These results maybe provided insights into the understanding of the metabolic substrates underlying individual differences in cognition and behaviors.
The impact of leucoaraiosis on neurological function recovery in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction: Clinical study involving 279 Chinese patients
Authors: Huang Yong-hua , Xia Zhen-xi , Wei Wei , Gao Guan-ran , Gong Jing-jing , Li Ying , Zhang Wei-wei
Published: April 2014

Objective

To explore the link between leucoaraiosis and recovery of neurological function in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction.

Methods

The study included elderly patients, hospitalized with acute cerebral infarction. Magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed before or within 5 days after admission; T1-weighted, T2-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging sequence data were collected. Using the Fazekas scale, leucoaraiosis (white matter hyperintensity [WMH]) was graded as 0 (absent), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate) or 3 (severe) for all participants.

Results

The study included 279 patients. WMH grades of 0, 1, 2 and 3 were seen in 27 (9.67%), 90 (32.26%), 104 (37.28%) and 58 cases (20.79%) respectively. Improvement on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for neurological impairment was negatively associated with WMH grade. Patients with severe leucoaraiosis at hospital admission had worse neurological functional recovery and a higher rate of self-care incapability compared with those with mild or no leucoaraiosis.

Conclusions

The results suggest that severe leucoaraiosis in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction is associated with poor prognosis and poor recovery of neurological function.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Suppresses Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage in Newborn Rats
Authors: Zhu Min , Lu Mengru , Li Qing-jie , Zhang Zhuo , Wu Zheng-zheng , Li Jie , Qian Lai , Xu Yun , Wang Zhong-yuan
Published: April 2014

The optimal therapeutic time-window and protective mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the neuroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen. Following hypoxic-ischemic brain damage modeling in neonatal rats, hyperbaric oxygen was administered at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours and 1 week after hypoxia, respectively, once daily for 1 week. Fourteen days after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, cell density and apoptosis rate, number of Fas-L+, caspase-8+, and caspase-3+ neuronal cells, levels of nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase in hippocampus were examined. Morris water maze test was conducted 28 days after insult. Significant improvements were found in cell density, rate of apoptosis, oxidative stress markers, FasL, and caspases in rats treated with hyperbaric oxygen within 72 hours compared to hypoxic-ischemic injury. Similarly, time-dependent behavioral amelioration was observed in pups treated with hyperbaric oxygen. Our findings suggest that hyperbaric oxygen protects against hypoxic-ischemic brain damage by inhibiting oxidative stress and FasL-induced apoptosis, and optimal therapeutic time window is within 72 hours after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.
Clival Encephalocele and 5q15 Deletion:
Authors: Puvabanditsin Surasak , Malik Imran , Garrow Eugene , Francois Lissa , Mehta Rajeev
Published: April 2014

A preterm neonate presenting with respiratory distress after birth was found to have a clival encephalocele, which is a variant of a basal encephalocele, and hypoplasia of the cerebellum. Genetic studies revealed a small deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5: 5q15 deletion. We report a rare variant of a basal encephalocele with a cerebellar malformation and 5q15 deletion.
Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure Is Negatively Correlated with Trait Anxiety in Girls but not with Trait Anxiety in Boys or Anxiety-Like Behavior in Male Mice
Authors: Park Subin , Cheong Jae Hoon , Cho Soo-Churl , Kim Jae-Won , Shin Min-Sup , Yoo Hee Jeong , Han Doug Hyun , Kim Bung-Nyun
Published: April 2014

The authors aimed to study the effects of postnatal exposure to phthalate on anxiety-like behavior in mice and anxiety proneness in children. Male Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice aged 4 weeks were administered 20 to 540 mg/kg of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) or vehicle and assessed in the Open Field Test. A group of 277 children aged 8-11 years (150 males) was recruited from South Korea. A cross-sectional examination of urinary DEHP and dibutylphthalate metabolite concentrations was conducted, and the children were scored on the Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (TAIC). DEHP metabolite concentrations in the urine were significantly and negatively correlated with TAIC scores in the female population but not in the male population. There were no significant group differences in the percentage of distance moved or time spent in the central area in male mice treated with DEHP or vehicle. Our results suggest a sex-dependent effect of DEHP on anxiety proneness in childhood.
Role of P-Glycoprotein in Refractoriness of Seizures to Antiepileptic Drugs in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Authors: Kumar Achal , Tripathi Deepak , Paliwal Vimal Kumar , Neyaz Zafar , Agarwal Vikas
Published: April 2014

Mechanism of seizure refractoriness to antiepileptic drugs in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is not known. Efflux of antiepileptic drugs due to increased expression/function of P-glycoprotein, a multidrug efflux transporter protein on the cell surface is a proposed mechanism. The authors studied the expression/function of P-glycoprotein on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 29 children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, 23 children with other epilepsies, and 19 healthy children. The authors found a higher P-glycoprotein expression/function in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a higher percent positive cells as compared to children with other epilepsy ( P < 0.001) and to healthy controls ( P = 0.012), higher P-glycoprotein expression as compared to healthy controls ( P = 0.003), a higher total P-glycoprotein expression (relative florescence intensity × percent positive cells) as compared to children with other epilepsies ( P < 0.001) and healthy controls ( P < 0.001), and a higher P-glycoprotein function as compared to children with other epilepsies ( P = 0.001) and healthy controls ( P = 0.002). These findings may explain seizure refractoriness to anti-epileptic drugs in Lennox-Gastaut syndome.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Extubations
Authors: Tischenkel Bryan R. , Gong Michelle N. , Shiloh Ariel L. , Pittignano Vincent C. , Keschner Yonatan G. , Glueck Jesse A. , Cohen Hillel W. , Eisen Lewis A.
Published: April 2014

Purpose:

Despite studies regarding outcomes of day versus night medical care, consequences of nighttime extubations are unknown. It may be favorable to extubate patients off-hours, as soon as weaning parameters are met, since this could decrease complications and shorten length of stay (LOS). Conversely, nighttime extubation could be deleterious, as staffing varies during this time. We hypothesized that patients have similar reintubation rates, irrespective of extubation time.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study performed at 2 hospitals within a tertiary academic medical center included all adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients extubated between July 01, 2009 and May 31, 2011. Those extubated due to withdrawal of support were excluded. The nighttime group included patients extubated between 7:00 pm and 6:59 am and the daytime group included patients extubated between 7:00 am and 6:59 pm.

Results:

Of 2240 extubated patients, 1555 were extubated during the day and 685 were extubated at night. Of these, 119 (7.7%) and 26 (3.8%), respectively, were reintubated in 24 hours with likelihood of reintubation significantly lower for nighttime than daytime after multivariable adjustment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-0.9, P = .01), with a similar trend for reintubation within 72 hours (OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5-1.0, P = .07). There was a trend toward decreased mortality for patients extubated at night (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.3-1.0, P = .06). There was also a significantly lower LOS for patients extubated at night ( P = .002). In a confirmatory frequency-matched analysis, there was no significant difference in reintubation proportion or mortality, but LOS was significantly less in those extubated at night.

Conclusions:

Intensive care unit extubations at night did not have higher likelihood of reintubation, LOS, or mortality compared to those during the day. Since patients should be extubated as soon as they meet parameters in order to potentially decrease complications of mechanical ventilation, these data provide no support for delaying extubation until daytime.
Functional Disability in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Tozlu Mukaddes , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Yavuz Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Eylem Sahin , Kutluer İbrahim , Erkek Burcu Manisalı , Halil Meltem , Ulger Zekeriya , Cosgun Erdal , Ariogul Servet
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD) scale in the Turkish elderly population with Alzheimer disease (AD). The DAD scale was administered to the primary caregivers of 157 patients (age 77.7 ± 6.8 years) with AD. The Turkish version of the DAD scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach α = .942), excellent test–retest, and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.996 and ICC = 0.994, respectively). The DAD scale was significantly correlated with activities of daily living (ADL; Modified Older Americans Research Survey ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL; Lawton and Brody IADL) scales ( r = .89, P < .001 and r = .90, P < .001). Disability Assessment for Dementia had a high negative correlation with the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS; r = −.880, P < .001). Post hoc comparisons with Tukey test showed significant differences in the mean DAD scores in different GDS stages. Construct validity was estimated using total score correlation analyses between the standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the DAD scale. Results revealed high and significant correlation between MMSE score and DAD scale ( r = .812, P < .001). The results of multivariate analysis showed that DAD score was not correlated with gender, education, and age. The DAD total score was affected mostly by GDS, MMSE, and duration of the disease. Turkish version of the DAD scale was found to be a reliable and valid instrument to assess functional disability in Turkish elderly patients with AD. This scale assists caregivers and physicians to decide for proper interventions.
Optimization of low-pressure die casting process parameters for reduction of shrinkage porosity in ZL205A alloy casting using Taguchi method
Authors: Ye Wang , Shiping Wu , Lianjie Niu , Xiang Xue , Jianbing Zhang , Wenfeng Xiao
Published: April 2014

In order to reduce serious tendency of the shrinkage porosity in ZL205A alloy, the design of experiment technique, Taguchi method is introduced to optimize the process parameters of cylindrical shell ZL205A alloy parts produced by low-pressure die casting in this article. The effect of pouring temperature, filling time and packing pressure on the shrinkage porosity in ZL205A castings is investigated using the orthogonal array and Advanced Porosity Model in ProCAST to calculate the volume of shrinkage porosity. The effectiveness of selected casting parameters in reducing the shrinkage porosity in cylindrical shell ZL205A casting is verified through analysis of signal-to-noise ratio and analysis of variance. Numerical results indicate that the optimized process parameters, including a pouring temperature of 725 °C, filling time of 20 s and packing pressure of 175 kPa, can be used to reduce the formation of shrinkage porosity in ZL205A castings.
Mathematical modeling for turning on AISI 420 stainless steel using surface response methodology
Authors: Bouzid Lakhdar , Yallese Mohamed Athmane , Chaoui Kamel , Mabrouki Tarek , Boulanouar Lakhdar
Published: April 2014

In this study, an attempt has been made to statistically model the relationship between cutting parameters (speed, feed rate and depth of cut), cutting force components ( Fx, Fy and Fz) and workpiece absolute surface roughness ( Ra). The machining case of a martensitic stainless steel (AISI 420) is considered in a common turning process by means of a chemical vapor deposition–coated carbide tool. A full-factorial design (43) is adopted in order to analyze obtained experimental results via both analysis of variance and response surface methodology techniques. The optimum cutting conditions are achieved using mutually response surface methodology and desirability function approaches while the model adequacy is checked from residual values. The results indicated that the depth of cut is the dominant factor affecting ( Fx: 86%, Fy: 58% and Fz: 81%), whereas feed rate is found to be the utmost factor influencing surface roughness behavior ( Ra: 81%). In addition, a good agreement between the predicted and measured cutting force components and surface roughness was observed. The results are also validated experimentally by determining errors ( Fx: 6.51%, Fy: 4.36%, Fz: 3.59% and Ra: 5.12%). Finally, the ranges for optimal cutting conditions are projected for serial industrial production.
Influence of process and tool parameters on springback of high-strength steels
Authors: Lajarin Sérgio F , Marcondes Paulo VP
Published: April 2014

The advanced high-strength steels have become an interesting alternative in automotive industry to reduce vehicle weight and therefore reduce fuel consumption. However, its wide application in the automotive industry is still limited due to challenges in formability, tool life and springback. The springback is pointed out in literature as the main problem that involves the mass production of structural components, and the aspects that show influence are still not fully understood. This work aims to statistically analyze the influence of process and tool parameters on the magnitude of the springback on five high-strength steels. In order to do so, the U-bending test was used and two process parameters and two tool parameters that are mentioned in the literature as the most influential were chosen. The results of the analysis of variance pointed out the influence of the blank holder force as the parameter of greatest influence on springback, followed by the tool radius and friction condition.
Configuration Management maturation: An empirical investigation
Authors: Ali Usman , Kidd Callum
Published: April 2014

Process capabilities, which are the outcomes of both Critical Success Factors and Barriers, could play an essential part in the implementation and continuous development of a process. This article explores the Configuration Management process capabilities extracted on the basis of semi-structured interviews with Configuration Management professionals and analysis of two highly significant studies in the development of Configuration Management as a researchable topic. The first study investigated the Critical Success Factors for successful Configuration Management development, while the other study looked at the identification of barriers to effective Configuration Management deployment. It is evident that the majority of research studies on process maturity concepts have focused on process capability itself, not the success or failure of Configuration Management. A list of 10 process capabilities and 35 constructs (C1–C35) are established which would provide necessary foundation for the effective implementation of CM practices.
Parametric vibration of split gears induced by time-varying mesh stiffness
Authors: Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Shiyu
Published: April 2014

Time-varying mesh stiffness is a significant excitation source within gear systems. Split gear (or laminated gear, phase gear) is an interesting design using equally phased gear-slices, which can remarkably reduce the mesh stiffness fluctuation like helical gears but completely avoid the axial force. This work examines a split gear pair to address the suppression of the mesh stiffness fluctuation and rotational vibration thereof, especially the relationship between the key design parameters including the number of slice, contact ratio, and damping, and the parametric vibration. For these aims, this work develops a purely rotational model, based on which the multi-scale method is employed to determine stability boundaries. The results imply that the unstable zones are related to the mesh phase determined by the number of slices and contact ratio, and these zones can be diminished by the damping. The analytical predictions are numerically verified by Floquet theory.
Stability analysis of bidirectional adaptive cruise control with asymmetric information flow
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Kazemi Reza , Azadi Shahram
Published: April 2014

Stability and the string stability of a platoon of adaptive cruise control (ACC) vehicles using a constant spacing are investigated. Due to realistic design and execution, negative effect of tracking lag parameter on the stability is examined. An efficient analytical approach is presented in order to obtain a sufficient stability condition in the domain of the control parameters. The stability criterion is examined using a partial differential equation (PDE) approximation using large number of vehicles subjected to the time lags in vehicle dynamics and heterogeneity in the control laws, which allows asymmetry in the use of front and back information. The string stability analysis is performed to evaluate the disturbance attenuation. Finally, an example of multiple vehicle platoon control is presented, which demonstrates the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed method.
Haiti and the Earthquake
Authors: Risler Ed , Kintzle Sara , Nackerud Larry
Published: April 2014

For approximately 35 seconds on January 10, 2010, an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck the small Caribbean nation of Haiti. This research used a preexperimental one-shot posttest to examine the incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated trauma symptomatology from the earthquake experienced by a sample of adult Haitians who were living in temporary shelters located in “tent cities” in Port-au-Prince and a comparative group of displaced individuals who left the capital city and took up residence in the northern rural town of Terrier Rouge. Sixty-five ( N-65) participants completed the Impact of Events Scale–Revised (IES-R) to assess the severity of trauma symptomology in the study groups. Data presented are comparisons between the groups on total IES-R scores and the measure subscales for intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal. Based on the scores on the measure for the comparison groups 4 months after the earthquake, the findings suggests that all participants in the study exceeded the threshold of an acute stress disorder and most likely experienced PTSD. Implications of using the data in future longitudinal studies on trauma in Haiti are also discussed.
Toward a Watershed- and System of Systems–Oriented Perspective of Stormwater Management Enterprise Performance
Authors: Meyers Thomas J. , Hester Patrick T. , Pyne James C.
Published: April 2014

Public works decision and policy makers daily face myriad management problems. The problem of stormwater runoff management, for one, has for several decades received a great deal of attention, with much of that focused on reconciling the needs of natural watershed systems with those of the man-made physical and non-physicalsocietal systems that watersheds overlap. In other words, stormwater management has effectively been cast as a system of systems problem requiring a delicate balance among multiple natural and man-made systems. The authors propose a methodology with which stakeholders can first set and then realize expectations for stormwater management problems by using watershed- and system of systems–oriented perspectives. The methodology, Enterprise AID (assessment, improvement, and design) is particularly well suited to such a pairing of perspectives, and this article, therefore, shows how stakeholders in multiple and commonly disparate interests might best balance the stormwater management needs of watersheds and related societal constructs.