bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrativizing Nursing Students’ Experiences With Medical Errors During Clinicals
Authors: Noland Carey M. , Carmack Heather J.
Published: December 2014

The ways providers story their mistake experiences help to explain how providers understand medical errors and how they communicate about those errors. Communication scholars have slowly begun to explore the communicative nature of medical error experiences, with communication research becoming more abundant over the past few years. Missing from this discussion is how students in health professions, in this case nursing students, tell medical errors narratives and how the stories help them determine how to respond to mistakes. In this article, we explore how nursing students narrativize their medical errors experiences during clinicals. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 68 nursing students. The interviews were transcribed and resulted in a total of 1,261 single-spaced pages of data. We found that nursing students told three different narratives: (a) the “save the day” narrative, (b) the “silence” narrative, and (c) the “not always right” narrative. Finally, we discuss the implications of these narratives and their impact on nursing education.
Sponsorship, Disclosure, and Donors
Authors: Ridout Travis N. , Franz Michael M. , Fowler Erika Franklin
Published: December 2014

This research examines how an attack ad’s sponsorship conditions its effectiveness. We use data from a survey experiment that exposed participants to a fictional campaign ad. Treatments varied the ad’s sponsor (candidate vs. group), the group’s donor base (small donor vs. large donors), and the format of the donor disclosure (news reports vs. disclaimers in the ads). We find that ads sponsored by unknown groups are more effective than candidate-sponsored ads, but disclosure of donors reduces the influence of group advertising, leveling the playing field such that candidate- and group-sponsored attacks become equally effective. Increased disclosure does not, however, advantage small-donor groups over large-donor groups.
Women and Contentious Politics
Authors: Murdie Amanda , Peksen Dursun
Published: December 2014

Under what circumstances are women more likely to protest? Despite significant cross-national research on contentious politics in general and women’s collective mobilization in particular, no study to date has offered a systematic global analysis of mass mobilization among women. Using newly gathered data on women’s nonviolent protest for the years from 1991 to 2009, this article offers a cross-national analysis of the socioeconomic and political correlates of women’s protest. Drawing insight from the major theoretical approaches on contentious politics, the results from the data analysis indicate that higher levels of gendered economic and political discrimination, strong presence of women’s organizations, and higher female population rates in the general population significantly increase the likelihood of women’s protest events. The findings also indicate that collective mobilization among women is more likely in wealthier countries. Furthermore, mass mobilization among women appears to be more common in mixed political regimes rather than in consolidated democracies or autocratic polities. This manuscript complements and adds to the contentious politics literature by focusing on the factors that mobilize a specific segment of the society: women. The findings also speak to the gender and politics literature that lacks comprehensive cross-national studies exploring the determinants of women’s mobilization.
Incorporating Health into Studies of Political Behavior
Authors: Pacheco Julianna , Fletcher Jason
Published: December 2014

We argue that research on political behavior, including political participation, public opinion, policy responsiveness, and political inequality will be strengthened by studying the role of health. We then provide evidence that self-rated health status (SRHS) is associated with voter turnout and partisanship. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) and General Social Survey (GSS), we find that people who report excellent health are more likely to vote and more likely to identify with the Republican Party. Moreover, the effects of health on voter turnout and partisanship appear to have both developmental and contemporaneous components. Taken together, our findings suggest that health inequalities may have significant political consequences.
Perceived Impact of Police Work on Marital Relationships
Authors: Karaffa Kerry , Openshaw Linda , Koch Julie , Clark Hugh , Harr Cynthia , Stewart Chris
Published: December 2014

Police work creates unique marital difficulties. There are many factors that add stress to police officers’ marriages, including shift work, long hours and unconventional schedules, divided commitment between work and family roles, and perceived personality changes among officers. When police officers carry work-related stress and behaviors into the home, they may experience difficulties in their family relationships. Unfortunately, relatively few researchers have investigated the impact of police work on spouses. In this study, we administered a needs assessment to police officers and their spouses to determine the types of difficulties evident in their marriages. Results indicated that officers and spouses generally agreed on stressors and sources of support. Although spouses reported feeling pride about being married to an officer, they also noted financial concerns, work–family conflict, and law enforcement-specific stressors, such as negative public attitudes toward police. Officers and spouses reported relying on friends and family for support more than on professional sources. Implications for prevention and intervention when working with police officers and their spouses are discussed.
Does Neighborhood Environment Differentiate Intimate Partner Femicides From Other Femicides?
Authors: Beyer Kirsten M. M. , Layde Peter M. , Hamberger L. Kevin , Laud Purushottam W.
Published: December 2014

We examined the association between neighborhood-level factors and intimate partner femicide (IPF) using Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System (WVDRS) data and Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) reports, in concert with neighborhood-level information. After controlling for individual characteristics, neighborhood-level disadvantage was associated with a decreased likelihood of IPF status, as compared with other femicides, whereas neighborhood-level residential instability was associated with an increased likelihood of IPF status. Neighborhood plays a role in differentiating IPFs from other femicides in our study area. Our findings demonstrate the importance of multilevel strategies for understanding and reducing the burden of intimate partner violence.
World Assumptions, Religiosity, and PTSD in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Lilly Michelle M. , Howell Kathryn H. , Graham-Bermann Sandra
Published: December 2014

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is among the most frequent types of violence annually affecting women. One frequent outcome of violence exposure is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The theory of shattered world assumptions represents one possible explanation for adverse mental health outcomes following trauma, contending that trauma disintegrates individuals’ core assumptions that the world is safe and meaningful, and that the self is worthy. Research that explores world assumptions in relationship to survivors of IPV has remained absent. A more consistent finding in research on IPV suggests that religiosity is strongly associated with survivors’ reactions to, and recovery from, IPV. The present study found that world assumptions was a significant mediator of the relationship between IPV exposure and PTSD symptoms. Religiosity was also significantly, positively related to PTSD symptoms, but was not significantly related to amount of IPV exposure. Though African American women reported more IPV exposure and greater religiosity than European American women in the sample, there were no interethnic differences in PTSD symptom endorsement. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Relation Between Alcohol Use and Psychological, Physical, and Sexual Dating Violence Perpetration Among Male College Students
Authors: Shorey Ryan C. , Brasfield Hope , Zapor Heather (Zucosky) , Febres Jeniimarie , Stuart Gregory L.
Published: December 2014

The prevalence of alcohol use and dating violence are shockingly high among male college students, making this a particularly high-risk group for alcohol-related aggression. Expanding upon previous research, the current study examined the relations between three indicators of alcohol use and three types of dating violence among 204 male college students. We also examined whether hazardous drinkers reported more violence perpetration than non-hazardous drinkers. Results demonstrated that alcohol use was related to all types of aggression, and hazardous drinkers are at greater risk of violence perpetration than non-hazardous drinkers. Implications for dating violence prevention programs and future research are discussed.
Outcomes Associated With Common and Immigrant-Group-Specific Responses to Intimate Terrorism
Authors: Yingling Julie , Morash Merry , Song Juyoung
Published: December 2014

The research for this article used available qualitative data from separate studies of South Asian-, Vietnamese-, and Hispanic-origin women victimized by intimate terrorism. Regardless of country of origin, period, or U.S. community, women used similar ways to cope. Consistent with perpetrators’ misogynistic attitudes and aim of enforcing patriarchal expectations, many women responded to abuse from positions of powerlessness and fear. Instrumental help from family and friends and, depending on the group, advocacy agencies or counseling services assisted women in leaving men or stopping the abuse. Women used multiple coping strategies, often adding new approaches when those used initially failed.
Use of a Data Management System to Provide Glycemic Control Instructions to Diabetic Patients Based on Patient Self-Measured Blood Glucose
Authors: Kusunoki Masataka , Sato Daisuke , Nakamura Takao , Oshida Yoshiharu , Tsutsui Hideyo , Tsutsumi Kazuhiko , Morishita Munehiko
Published: December 2014

To make the treatment for diabetes more effective, we assessed the effects of a data management system for glycemic control. This system enables physicians at distant medical institutions to obtain the fluctuations in blood glucose (BG) measured daily by patients themselves at home and then to give instruction for treatment based on the BG. Use of the system for 2 months resulted in decreases in the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (from 6.8% ± 0.9% to 6.6% ± 0.8% [ M ± SD], p < .05) and the incidences of preprandial hypoglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. These effects can be concluded to have resulted from the fact that physicians become able to give patients appropriate instructions quickly. Also, these effects are considered to have resulted from patient awareness of the importance of self-management of BG.
Fathers on Child’s Play
Authors: Creighton Genevieve , Brussoni Mariana , Oliffe John , Olsen Lise
Published: December 2014

Social trends show that contemporary fathers are spending increased time with their children and that active play and outdoor recreation are important features of their relationships. Dominant ideals of masculinity can differ by settings, which in turn guide men’s understandings and practices of fathering regarding the functions of and opportunities afforded by active play. This article draws on individual interview data from a study of fathers residing in three Canadian settings—large urban, small urban, and rural—to elucidate father masculinities and highlight similarities and differences in how men describe connections between fathering and active play with their children. Findings suggest that for large urban, small urban, and rural fathers, respectively, play functions as a means of emotional engagement, development of capacity for outdoor activities, and teaching children survival skills. We propose that the sociostructural and cultural dynamics of place shape masculine identities and influence men’s understandings of fathering.
Law Enforcement Suicide
Authors: Rouse L. M. , Frey R. A. , López M. , Wohlers H. , Xiong I. , Llewellyn K. , Lucci S. P. , Wester S. R.
Published: December 2014

The issue of suicide among law enforcement personnel has garnered increasing attention. Unfortunately, little is known about the etiology of suicide for this group, and whether its rates warrant unique consideration as an at-risk population. This project used the psychological autopsy technique to examine the etiology of eight law enforcement suicides. Findings indicated that all employees in the sample demonstrated risk factors for suicide congruent with those of the general population. Prehire risk factors were elemental to most employee completions, including those related to family-of-origin context and substance abuse. Exposure to traumatic on-duty critical incidents was not a primary theme. The findings challenge the dominant theoretical perspective that law enforcement training, vocational culture, and exposure to traumatic on-duty events generate cognitive restriction and then patterns of substance abuse for those who complete suicide within this vocation. Suggestions for prehire screening are made, with a focus on the assessment for preexisting polarized cognitive styles.
The type and linguistic foci of oral corrective feedback in the L2 classroom: A meta-analysis
Authors: Brown Dan
Published: December 2014

Research on corrective feedback (CF), a central focus of second language acquisition (SLA), has increasingly examined how teachers employ CF in second language classrooms. Lyster and Ranta’s (1997) seminal study identified six types of CF that teachers use in response to students’ errors (recast, explicit correction, elicitation, clarification request, metalinguistic cue, and repetition) as well as target linguistic foci (lexical, phonological, and grammatical errors). These taxonomies have remained dominant in observational studies conducted in a growing range of second language teaching contexts. Several studies have acknowledged that contextual factors may influence how teachers provide CF (e.g. Mori, 2002; Sheen, 2004) with few generalizable conclusions. The present study brings together research in this area in the first comprehensive synthesis of classroom CF research seeking to aggregate proportions of CF types teachers provide, as well as their target linguistic foci. Findings reveal that recasts account for 57% of all CF while prompts comprise 30%, and grammar errors received the greatest proportion of CF (43%). The study further identifies a range of contextual and methodological factors (i.e. moderators) that may influence CF choices across teaching contexts, such as student proficiency, teacher experience, and second/foreign language context. A clearer picture of the patterns of CF that teachers provide and the variables that influence these choices serves to complement the growing body of research investigating the efficacy of CF in second language pedagogy.
Music and more than music: The approach to difference and identity in the Portuguese punk
Authors: Guerra Paula , Silva Augusto Santos
Published: December 2014

In Western societies, punk represented a benchmark for rupture towards the existing social structure while providing a soundtrack for it. So, it is in this context that we will approach the Portuguese punk considering its importance in a society engaged in relatively recent processes of democratization and modernization. Thus, we propose here to take a look at the punk from its protagonists’ discourses and the text that they form. We will consider the words used by the bands in two ways: when they name themselves and their lyrics. In each case, we will deal with the self-representation issues in the light of the polarity between identity and difference: who we are, how we position ourselves, how we distinguish ourselves, what we have to say about ourselves, our time and our world; what are our values and what we have to say regarding the dominant social values; which causes move us, how we want to act, how we want the world to be. As in any other discursive self-representation, the content is not independent of the forms of expression. Therefore, the identification and dialogue questions (who is speaking, who is he or she speaking to) and the language questions (how does the speaker express, with which codes, in which forms) are also examined. Our analysis suggests that the punk discourse on identity tends to be structured by three main axes: a) cosmopolitanism, b) the radical assumption of an irreducible difference regarding social order and c) an ambivalent attitude towards politics and the political action.
Transforming ideology into heritage: A return of nation and identity in late socialist Cuba?
Authors: González Pablo Alonso
Published: December 2014

This article explores the role of cultural heritage and museums in the materialization and spread of the new ideological and symbolic order in post-1990 late socialist Cuba. It suggests that the Cuban government has developed a new way of articulating ideology, identity and history that reflects a transition from real to symbolic wars against real and perceived external enemies. In the process of transforming ideology into heritage, the Cuban regime draws on the meta-cultural discourse of heritage in an attempt to generate a sense of historic depth and local identification with the new ideological campaigns of the regime, including the Battle of Ideas or the liberation of the Cuban Five. Drawing on ethnographic and original archive material, the article illustrates this process through the study of changes in monument and museum practices in Havana.
When the hands do not go home: A micro-study of the role of gesture phases in sequence suspension and closure
Authors: Cibulka Paul
Published: December 2014

This study is concerned with the organisation of gestural phases of non-movement, in particular the prolonged hold and provisional home position, as accountably and in situ produced segments of behaviour. Through fine-grained transcriptions and multimodal analysis of videotaped conversation in natural and everyday settings, it is found that movement phases may be exploited by participants in order to indicate that a pursued trajectory or line of action is maintained, suspended or abandoned. Also, through constant monitoring, participants may adjust the location of non-movement as the interaction unfolds in time. It is argued that various possible locations of non-movement are arranged along a continuum ranging from the space of gesticulation to a relaxed rest position and that these locations reflect various degrees of involvement or claim of speakership in the gesturer.
Comparison of optimized settings for cryogenic-treated and normal D-3 steel on WEDM using grey relational theory
Authors: Khanna Rajesh , Singh Hari
Published: December 2014

Cryo process is the process of treating work-pieces to cryogenic temperatures (i.e. −184 ℃) to remove residual stresses and improve wear resistance of steels. It improves the surface properties of the materials. Aerospace and tool industries use this treatment to enhance the dimensional stability and wear resistance. In this research paper, a comparison has been presented for normal and cryogenic-treated high carbon high chromium cold alloy tool (D-3) steel. The response variables namely cutting rate, metal removal rate, and surface roughness are considered for experimentations and six input process parameters like pulse width, time between two pulses, servo reference mean voltage, short pulse time, maximum feed rate, and wire mechanical tension were used for optimization on wire electric discharge machine. Grey relational analysis has been applied to calculate the grey relational coefficients and grey relational grade. ANOVA is also performed to know the significant factors for multi-response optimization.
Liberal cosmopolitan norms and the border: Local actors’ critique of the governance of global processes
Authors: Roos Christof , Laube Lena
Published: December 2014

Liberal cosmopolitanism provides a set of norms that calls for the openness of borders. Freedom of movement, equality in opportunity and hospitality define a liberal framework for a state’s ruling over the access of foreigners to the territory. However, in states’ execution of border and immigration control these normative ideals seem not to apply. Accounts of border and immigration policy and discourse document a bias towards exclusion, restriction and securitization. It looks as if this normative political theory has no bearing on the real world. This is the starting point for an exploration into the public discourse on liberal cosmopolitan norms and the border. The study finds that most collective actors consider the application of the norms to be utopian. Still, they heavily draw on these norms as a means to critique domestic policies that attempt to regulate global mobility. These are considered to be morally wrong or insufficient for providing equality in opportunities, solidarity, or protection. Actors’ interpretation of key norms such as equality, hospitality and social justice varies significantly which calls for empirical as well theoretical work on the often Janus-faced implications of putting cosmopolitan norms into practice.
Counting better? An examination of the impact of quantitative method teaching on statistical anxiety and confidence
Authors: Martyn Chamberlain John , Hillier John , Signoretta Paola
Published: December 2014

This article reports the results of research concerned with students’ statistical anxiety and confidence to both complete and learn to complete statistical tasks. Data were collected at the beginning and end of a quantitative method statistics module. Students recognised the value of numeracy skills but felt they were not necessarily relevant for graduate employability and preferred to study with words rather than numbers. A significant reduction in anxiety and increase in confidence to complete statistical tasks were found. Students seemed to feel more confident about doing and learning less complex procedures. Results reinforce the need to provide students with additional mathematical and statistical support outside of quantitative method courses as well as that numeric learning materials and study tasks need to be embedded across the curriculum within substantive disciplinary modules. The design of numeric study tasks needs to be carefully considered to ease the transition for students from simple to more complex statistical procedures while simultaneously reinforcing the importance of numeracy skills for examining substantive disciplinary topics and promoting graduate employability.
Changes in prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma in the US population and associated risk factors
Authors: Halldin Cara N , Doney Brent C , Hnizdo Eva
Published: December 2014

Chronic lower airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are currently the third leading cause of death in the United States. We aimed to evaluate changes in prevalence of and risk factors for COPD and asthma among the US adult population. We evaluated changes in prevalence of self-reported doctor-diagnosed COPD (i.e. chronic bronchitis and emphysema) and asthma and self-reported respiratory symptoms comparing data from the 1988–1994 and 2007–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. To investigate changes in the severity of each outcome over the two periods, we calculated changes in the proportions of spirometry-based airflow obstruction for each outcome. Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed chronic bronchitis and emphysema decreased significantly mainly among males, while asthma increased only among females. The self-reported disease and the respiratory symptoms were associated with increased prevalence of airflow obstruction for both periods. However, the prevalence of airflow obstruction decreased significantly in the second period among those with shortness of breath and doctor-diagnosed respiratory conditions (chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma). COPD outcomes and asthma were associated with lower education, smoking, underweight and obesity, and occupational dusts and fumes exposure. Chronic lower airway diseases continue to be major public health problems. However, decreased prevalence of doctor-diagnosed chronic bronchitis and emphysema (in males) and decreased prevalence of airflow obstruction in those with respiratory symptoms and doctor-diagnosed respiratory diseases may indicate a declining trend and decrease in disease severity between the two periods. Continued focus on prevention of these diseases through public health interventions is prudent.
Virtual Reality–Based Training to Improve Obstacle-Crossing Performance and Dynamic Balance in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Liao Ying-Yi , Yang Yea-Ru , Cheng Shih-Jung , Wu Yih-Ru , Fuh Jong-Ling , Wang Ray-Yau
Published: December 2014

Background. Obstacle crossing is a balance-challenging task and can cause falls in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, programs for people with PD that effectively target obstacle crossing and dynamic balance have not been established. Objective. To examine the effects of virtual reality–based exercise on obstacle crossing performance and dynamic balance in participants with PD. Methods. Thirty-six participants with a diagnosis of PD (Hoehn and Yahr score ranging 1 to 3) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the exercise groups, participants received virtual reality–based Wii Fit exercise (VRWii group) or traditional exercise (TE group) for 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of treadmill training in each session for a total of 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Participants in the control group received no structured exercise program. Primary outcomes included obstacle crossing performance (crossing velocity, stride length, and vertical toe obstacle clearance) and dynamic balance (maximal excursion, movement velocity, and directional control measured by the limits-of-stability test). Secondary outcomes included sensory organization test (SOT), Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ39), fall efficacy scale (FES-I), and timed up and go test (TUG). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, after training, and at 1-month follow-up. Results. The VRWii group showed greater improvement in obstacle crossing velocity, crossing stride length, dynamic balance, SOT, TUG, FES-I, and PDQ39 than the control group. VRWii training also resulted in greater improvement in movement velocity of limits-of-stability test than TE training. Conclusions. VRWii training significantly improved obstacle crossing performance and dynamic balance, supporting implementation of VRWii training in participants with PD.
Effect of the visco-elastic properties of thermoplastic polymers on the flexural and rebound behaviours of ski boots for alpine skiing
Authors: Nicotra Marco , Moncalero Matteo , Colonna Martino
Published: December 2014

The flexural behaviour and elastic rebound are the main parameters that determine the global performance of a ski boot during skiing. These two parameters are related to the visco-elastic properties of the polymeric materials used. For this reason, the visco-elastic properties of the materials most utilized for the production of ski boots (polyurethanes and polyolefins) have been studied using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis in a temperature range between −30 °C and +50 °C. Also, the flexural and rebound behaviours of the boot have also been tested using specially designed test benches. The dynamic mechanical thermal analysis results and the flexural and rebound tests results were compared, and a significant effect of the visco-elastic properties on the flexural and rebound behaviour of ski boots was seen. Therefore, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis can be used in a knowledge-based design process of new ski boots in order to improve on-snow performances.
Update on long-term efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liakos Aris , Karagiannis Thomas , Bekiari Eleni , Boura Panagiota , Tsapas Apostolos
Published: December 2014

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of antihyperglycaemic agents with an insulin-independent mode of action. Dapagliflozin is a member of the SGLT2 inhibitors class that has received marketing authorization in Europe and the US for use in patients with type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes current evidence from clinical trials assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin, and presents data regarding its cost-effectiveness. Treatment with dapagliflozin results in similar reduction in haemoglobin A1c with other oral antihyperglycaemic drugs, which is preserved over 4 years of treatment. However, compared with most antidiabetic agents, dapagliflozin provides additional clinical benefits including body weight loss and blood pressure reduction. Moreover, treatment with dapagliflozin does not increase risk for hypoglycaemia, but is associated with increased incidence of mild to moderate urinary and genital tract infections. A pivotal outcomes trial of dapagliflozin is expected to clarify its effect on cardiovascular endpoints, whilst a causative relationship between dapagliflozin and select malignancies is unlikely. Finally, based on recent economic evaluations dapagliflozin seems to be a cost-effective option for type 2 diabetes in some settings.
Group Differences in Delinquency
Authors: Felson Richard B. , Kreager Derek A.
Published: December 2014

Race and ethnic difference in delinquency are examined using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. We argue that crime theories that attempt to explain race and ethnic differences imply consistent effects for different offenses and common mediating processes. Analyses suggest some degree of group consistency in delinquent behaviors for Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Native Americans, and some Asian groups, but not for African Americans. Black youth have higher rates of violent offenses than White youth, lower rates of substance use, and similar rates of property offending. Some variables are consistent mediators while others are not. Crime theories can account for the low rates of delinquency among Asian Americans while theories of violence and substance use are needed to understand differences between Black and White youth. The findings are inconsistent with the idea that group differences among youth are due to the socioeconomic status of their families or neighborhoods. The race patterns are also inconsistent with the stereotype of high crime rates in Black communities.
Integrating Yoga Therapy in the Management of Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Vinchurkar Suhas Ashok , Arankalle Dhananjay Vijay
Published: December 2014

A 63-year-old overweight female prediagnosed of stress urinary incontinence presented with exacerbated events of urine leakage. She was advised a residential lifestyle and behavioral program, primarily consisting of a monitored yoga therapy module, apart from her ongoing anticholinergic medicine, for 21 days. Assessments were based on a frequency volume chart, a bladder diary for the entire duration of treatment, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form questionnaire on the days of admission and discharge. A total of 1.9 kg of weight loss was observed during her stay. Usage of pad, as reported in her diary, reduced from 3 to 1 per day. Her International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form score reduced from 16 to 9, indicating better continence. She expressed subjective well-being and confidence in her social interactions. This is probably the first case report demonstrating feasibility of integration of yoga therapy in the management of urinary incontinence.
Welding enabling light weight design of heavy vehicle chassis
Authors: Svensson L-E. , Karlsson L. , Söder R.
Published: December 2014

Development of lightweight cars for saving fuel and reducing emission has been a priority for more than a decade. A similar trend is now seen for heavy vehicles. Here, however, the chassis rather than the cab is in focus, since this is by far the heaviest part of the vehicle. Using welding fabrication has many advantages like larger freedom in choice of material and more compact design. However, there are also factors like fatigue strength, residual stresses and geometric distortion, which must be addressed. There are large potentials to save weight in heavy vehicles by utilising high strength steels or aluminium alloys. In general, existing joining methods can be used, but new filler materials or recently developed post-weld treatments may be necessary to fulfil the demands on the components. In this paper, two examples are given, showing possible weight reduction solutions. In both cases, welding plays a central role.
In situ strain and temperature measurement and modelling during arc welding
Authors: Chen J. , Yu X. , Miller R. G. , Feng Z.
Published: December 2014

Experiments and numerical models were applied to investigate the thermal and mechanical behaviours of materials adjacent to the weld pool during arc welding. In the experiment, a new high temperature strain measurement technique based on digital image correlation (DIC) was developed and applied to measure the in situ strain evolution. In contrast to the conventional DIC method that is vulnerable to the high temperature and intense arc light involved in fusion welding processes, the new technique utilised a special surface preparation method to produce high temperature sustaining speckle patterns required by the DIC algorithm as well as a unique optical illumination and filtering system to suppress the influence of the intense arc light. These efforts made it possible for the first time to measure in situ the strain field 1 mm away from the fusion line. The temperature evolution in the weld and the adjacent regions was simultaneously monitored by an infrared camera. Additionally, a thermal–mechanical finite element model was applied to substantiate the experimental measurement.
Control of mass and heat transfer for steel/aluminium joining using Cold Metal Transfer process
Authors: Mezrag B. , Deschaux-Beaume F. , Benachour M.
Published: December 2014

The Cold Metal Transfer process is investigated to join zinc coated steel with aluminium alloy by braze-welding. A 4043 filler metal is deposited on the surface of the coated steel, and the effect of the current waveform on the metal transfer and the heat transferred to the base metal is investigated. The reduction in the ‘boost phase’ duration of the current waveform decreases the volume of liquid drops at the wire tip and allows to increase the short-circuit frequency, inducing a similar or higher deposit rate. Regular deposits are obtained when the linear energy remains below ∼500 J mm−1. The heat transferred to the base metal, and thus the thickness of the intermetallic layer formed at the Al/steel interface, is lower for an equivalent deposit rate when the short-circuit frequency is high.
Structure and properties of TiCuN coatings by HCD assisted AIP
Authors: Zhang X. , Sun S. , Su D. , Wu H.
Published: December 2014

TiCuN films were deposited onto M2 high speed steel substrates by arc ion plating. The effects of Cu content on the film structure and mechanical properties were evaluated. The influence of hollow cathode (HCD) current was examined with regard to elemental composition, structure, morphology and mechanical properties of the films. The microstructures of TiCuN films were characterised by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and conventional mechanical probes. Hardness and adhesion forces of the film/substrate were determined using a nanoindenter (Agilent G200) and a multispecimen test system (CETR UNMT-1). The results showed that high hardness of the TiCuN films can be obtained only if the content of Cu did not exceed the value of 2–3%. With increased HCD current, the hardness of the films increased, reaching a maximum of 33 GPa at 100 A. The further increase in HCD current leads to an obvious decrease in the film thickness.
Protective compound coating on AZ91D Mg alloy fabricated by combination of cold spraying with die casting
Authors: Liu B-S. , Wei Y-H. , Chen W-Y. , Hou L-F. , Guo C-L.
Published: December 2014

A novel processing that leads to the formation of a protective compound coating upon the AZ91D Mg alloy by the combination of cold spraying of Al–Mg alloy on a die cavity surface with subsequent die casting was discussed. The microstructure and phase composition of the coating were investigated using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results revealed that the coating consisted mainly of β phase (Mg17Al12) plus some Al and integrated with the substrate by mechanical interlocking and slender metallurgical bonding formed during the die casting process. A high bond strength of 82±5 MPa for the coating was achieved. The hardness and wear resistance of the AZ91D Mg alloy were greatly improved due to the compound coating. Simultaneously, the results of immersion tests and electrochemical corrosion tests indicated that the coated AZ91D Mg alloy specimens had better corrosion resistance compared with the bare AZ91D alloy specimen.
Physiological changes after fluid bolus therapy in sepsis: a systematic review of contemporary data
Authors: Glassford Neil J , Eastwood Glenn M , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: December 2014

Fluid bolus therapy (FBT) is a standard of care in the management of the septic, hypotensive, tachycardic and/or oliguric patient. However, contemporary evidence for FBT improving patient-centred outcomes is scant. Moreover, its physiological effects in contemporary ICU environments and populations are poorly understood. Using three electronic databases, we identified all studies describing FBT between January 2010 and December 2013. We found 33 studies describing 41 boluses. No randomised controlled trials compared FBT with alternative interventions, such as vasopressors. The median fluid bolus was 500 ml (range 100 to 1,000 ml) administered over 30 minutes (range 10 to 60 minutes) and the most commonly administered fluid was 0.9% sodium chloride solution. In 19 studies, a predetermined physiological trigger initiated FBT. Although 17 studies describe the temporal course of physiological changes after FBT in 31 patient groups, only three studies describe the physiological changes at 60 minutes, and only one study beyond this point. No studies related the physiological changes after FBT with clinically relevant outcomes. There is a clear need for at least obtaining randomised controlled evidence for the physiological effects of FBT in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock beyond the period immediately after its administration.

‘Just as water retains no shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions’

Sun Tzu (‘The Art of War’)
Novel heteroaryl phosphonicdiamides PTPs inhibitors as anti-hyperglycemic agents
Authors: Sekhar Kuruva Chandra , Syed Rasheed , Golla Madhava , MV Jyothi Kumar , Yellapu Nanda Kumar , Chippada Appa Rao , Chamarthi Naga Raju
Published: December 2014

Background

Chronic and oral administration of benzylamine improves glucose tolerance. Picolylamine is a selective functional antagonist of the human adenosine A2B receptor. Phosphonic diamide derivatives enhance the cellular permeability and in turn their biological activities.

Methods

A series of heteroaryl phosphonicdiamide derivatives were designed as therapeutics to control and manage type2 diabetes. Initially defined Lipinski parameters encouraged them as safer drugs. Molecular docking of these compounds against Protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), the potential therapeutic target of type 2 diabetes, revealed their potential binding ability explaining their anti-diabetic activity in terms of PTP inhibition. Human intestinal absorption, Caco-2 cell permeability, MDCK cell permeability, BBB penetration, skin permeability and plasma protein binding abilities of the title compounds were calculated by PreADMET server. A convenient method has been developed for the synthesis of title compounds through the formation of 1-ethoxy-N,N’-bis(4-fluorobenzyl/pyridin-3-ylmethyl)phosphinediamine by the reaction of 4-fluorobenzylamine/ 3-picolylamine with ethyldichlorophosphite, subsequently reacted with heteroaryl halides using lanthanum(III) chloride as a catalyst.

Results

All the compounds exhibited significant in vitro anti-oxidant activity and in vivo evaluation in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat models revealed that the normal glycemic levels were observed on 12th day by 9a and 20th day by 5b, 5c, 9e and 9f. The remaining compounds also exhibited normal glycemic levels by 25th day.

Conclusion

The results from molecular modeling, in vitro and in vivo studies are suggesting them as safer and effective therapeutic agents against type2 diabetes.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Estimation of flood environmental effects using flood zone mapping techniques in Halilrood Kerman, Iran
Authors: Boudaghpour Siamak , Bagheri Majid , Bagheri Zahra
Published: December 2014

High flood occurrences with large environmental damages have a growing trend in Iran. Dynamic movements of water during a flood cause different environmental damages in geographical areas with different characteristics such as topographic conditions. In general, environmental effects and damages caused by a flood in an area can be investigated from different points of view. The current essay is aiming at detecting environmental effects of flood occurrences in Halilrood catchment area of Kerman province in Iran using flood zone mapping techniques. The intended flood zone map was introduced in four steps. Steps 1 to 3 pave the way to calculate and estimate flood zone map in the understudy area while step 4 determines the estimation of environmental effects of flood occurrence. Based on our studies, wide range of accuracy for estimating the environmental effects of flood occurrence was introduced by using of flood zone mapping techniques. Moreover, it was identified that the existence of Jiroft dam in the study area can decrease flood zone from 260 hectares to 225 hectares and also it can decrease 20% of flood peak intensity. As a result, 14% of flood zone in the study area can be saved environmentally.
Acute upregulation of hedgehog signaling in mice causes differential effects on cranial morphology
Authors: Singh Nandini , Dutka Tara , Devenney Benjamin M. , Kawasaki Kazuhiko , Reeves Roger H. , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: December 2014

Hedgehog (HH) signaling, and particularly signaling by sonic hedgehog (SHH), is implicated in several essential activities during morphogenesis, and its misexpression causes a number of developmental disorders in humans. In particular, a reduced mitogenic response of cerebellar granule cell precursors to SHH signaling in a mouse model for Down syndrome (DS), Ts65Dn, is substantially responsible for reduced cerebellar size. A single treatment of newborn trisomic mice with an agonist of the SHH pathway (SAG) normalizes cerebellar morphology and restores some cognitive deficits, suggesting a possible therapeutic application of SAG for treating the cognitive impairments of DS. Although the beneficial effects on the cerebellum are compelling, inappropriate activation of the HH pathway causes anomalies elsewhere in the head, particularly in the formation and patterning of the craniofacial skeleton. To determine whether an acute treatment of SAG has an effect on craniofacial morphology, we quantitatively analyzed the cranial form of adult euploid and Ts65Dn mice that were injected with either SAG or vehicle at birth. We found significant deformation of adult craniofacial shape in some animals that had received SAG at birth. The most pronounced differences between the treated and untreated mice were in the midline structures of the facial skeleton. The SAG-driven craniofacial dysmorphogenesis was dose-dependent and possibly incompletely penetrant at lower concentrations. Our findings illustrate that activation of HH signaling, even with an acute postnatal stimulation, can lead to localized dysmorphology of the skull by generating modular shape changes in the facial skeleton. These observations have important implications for translating HH-agonist-based treatments for DS.
In vitro treatment of HepG2 cells with saturated fatty acids reproduces mitochondrial dysfunction found in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: García-Ruiz Inmaculada , Solís-Muñoz Pablo , Fernández-Moreira Daniel , Muñoz-Yagüe Teresa , Solís-Herruzo José A
Published: December 2014

Activity of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is decreased in patients and mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Nitro-oxidative stress seems to be involved in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine whether fatty acids are implicated in the pathogenesis of this mitochondrial defect. In HepG2 cells, we analyzed the effect of saturated (palmitic and stearic acids) and monounsaturated (oleic acid) fatty acids on the OXPHOS activity, OXPHOS complexes and their subunits, gene expression and half-life of OXPHOS complexes, nitro-oxidative stress, NADPH oxidase gene expression and activity. We also studied the effects of inhibiting or silencing NADPH oxidase on the palmitic acid-induced nitro-oxidative stress and OXPHOS inhibition. Exposure of cultured HepG2 to saturated fatty acids resulted in a significant decrease in the OXPHOS activity. This effect was prevented in the presence of a mimic of manganese superoxide dismutase. Palmitic acid reduced fully assembled OXPHOS complexes and the amount of complex subunits. This reduction was due mainly to an accelerated degradation of these subunits, which was associated with a 3-tyrosine nitration of mitochondrial proteins. Pretreatment of cells with uric acid, an antiperoxynitrite agent, prevented protein degradation induced by palmitic acid. A reduced gene expression also contributed to decrease mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded subunits. Saturated fatty acids induced oxidative stress and caused mtDNA oxidative damage. This effect was prevented by inhibiting NADPH oxidase. These acids activated NADPH oxidase gene expression and increased NADPH oxidase activity. Silencing this oxidase abrogated totally the inhibitory effect of palmitic acid on OXPHOS complex activity. We conclude that saturated fatty acids caused nitro-oxidative stress, reduced OXPHOS complex half-life and activity, and decreased gene expression of mtDNA-encoded subunits. These effects were mediated by activation of NADPH oxidase. That is, these acids reproduced mitochondrial dysfunction found in human and animal with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Intramolecular Stabilization of the Phosphine Radical Cation by the Second Phosphorus Atom during the Photooxidation of Diphosphines: 31P NMR Spectroscopic Analysis
Authors: Yasui Shinro , Yamazaki Shoko
Published: December 2014

Diphosphines, Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2  1 (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6), were photolyzed by a xenon lamp in air. The 31P NMR spectroscopic analysis of the reaction showed that 1 is oxidized, according to first-order kinetics, to the monoxide, which is further oxidized to the dioxide. The dependence of the rate constants for the first oxidation on the chain-length n in 1 is interpreted in terms of the orientation of the p-orbitals on the two phosphorus atoms in the intermediate, the diphosphine radical cation.