bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Comparison of High-Reliable Radiation-Hardened Flip-Flops Under SMIC 40nm Process
Authors: Xia Bingbing , Wu Jun , Liu Hongjin , Zhou Kai , Miao Zhifu
Published: August 2016

With the need for fast and low-power radiation-hardened processors, advanced technology process is applied to obtain both high performance as well as high reliability. However, scaling down of the size of the transistor makes the transistor sensitive to outside disturbances, such as soft error introduced by the strikes of the cosmic neutron beams. Besides aerospace applications, such reliability should also be taken into consideration for the sub-100[Formula: see text]nm CMOS designs to ensure the robustness of the circuit. In such circumstances, several radiation-hardened flip-flops are designed and simulated under SMIC 40[Formula: see text]nm process. Simulation results show that with five aspects (performance, power, area, PVT variation and reliability) taken into consideration, TSPC-based DICE and TMR combined architecture has the best soft-error robustness in comparison with other radiation-hardened flip-flops, and the critical charge of such architecture is 490[Formula: see text]fC, which is 12.5X higher than the traditional unhardened flip-flop.
Influence of the geometric isomers on the radical scavenging properties of 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid: A DFT studyin vacuoand in solution
Authors: Makola Mpho M. , Madala Ntakadzeni E. , Dubery Ian A. , Steenkamp Paul A. , Kabanda Mwadham. M.
Published: August 2016

3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid (diCQA) is a part of the chlorogenic acid group of compounds, largely isolated from food sources and possessing potent antioxidant activity. Only the trans–trans isomer exists in nature, however, abiotic stresses, such as UV-radiation, give rise to cis isomers. There have been no reports on the antioxidant activity of the cis isomers. The current study, performed using the B3LYP/6-311[Formula: see text]G(d,p) method, is aimed at investigating and comparing the antioxidant properties of the geometrical isomers of 3,5-diCQA. The study is conducted by checking the molecules’ ability for two main radical scavenging mechanisms, hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and electron transfer (ET). A separate DPPH assay experimental study performed in this study shows that all the geometrical isomers are potent radical scavengers. The lowest O[Formula: see text]H bond dissociation enthalpy value (70.599 kcal/mol) corresponds to the trans–trans isomer and is comparable to that of gallic acid, a commercially available antioxidant. The lowest ionization potential value corresponds to the cis–cis isomer (149.54[Formula: see text]kcal/mol), indicating that it is best antioxidant, in terms of ET mechanism.
Efficient and exact simulation of the Gaussian affine interest rate models
Authors: Ostrovski Vladimir
Published: August 2016

The Gaussian affine interest rate models are widely used in the financial industry for pricing, hedging and also risk management purposes. We consider the multifactor models with time dependent parameters. Usually the models are simulated using some appropriate discretization schema because the joint distribution of the stochastic and discounting factors is not known. We derive the exact joint conditional distribution of the stochastic and discounting factors. Additionally we show how an efficient and exact Monte Carlo simulation of the Gaussian affine interest rate models could be performed.
How Important Is the Etiology in the Treatment of Epiphora?
Authors: Ulusoy Mahmut Oğuz , Kıvanç Sertaç Argun , Atakan Mehmet , Akova-Budak Berna
Published: August 2016

Purpose.There are several etiological factors that cause epiphora, and treatment differs according to the cause. We aimed to evaluate the etiology of epiphora and the treatment modalities of the affected patients.Materials and Methods.Data of patients who were referred to ophthalmology clinics for epiphora were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were evaluated for epiphora etiology, treatment modalities, and duration of complaints, after complete ophthalmologic examination.Results.This study consisted of 163 patients with a mean age of 64.61 ± 16.52 years (range 1–92 years). Lacrimal system disease (48.4% [79/163]) was the most common cause, followed by ocular surface disease (dry eye/blepharitis) (38.7% [63/163]). Among the patients included in this study, 69% (113/163) did not receive any treatment, whereas only 1.8% (3/163) were treated surgically. About 4.3% of the patients (7/163) had a complaint for more than 5 years (p=0.012) and six of these had chronic dacryocystitis and one had ectropion.Conclusion.Epiphora not only has a negative impact on patients’ comfort, but also puts them at risk for probable intraocular operations in the future. Therefore, the wide range of its etiology must be taken into consideration and adequate etiology-specific treatment options must be applied.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Development in the Ophthalmologic Field
Authors: Wu Nan , Doorenbos Marianne , Chen Dong Feng
Published: August 2016

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a type of stem cells that can be derived from human somatic cells by introducing certain transcription factors. Induced pluripotent stem cells can divide indefinitely and are able to differentiate into every cell type, which make them viable for transplantation and individual disease modeling. Recently, various ocular cells, including corneal epithelial‐like cells, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells displaying functions similar to native RPE, photoreceptors, and retinal ganglion cells, have all been successfully derived from iPSCs. Transplantation of these cells in animal models showed great promise for reversing blindness, and the first clinical trial on humans started in 2013. Despite these promising results, more research is in demand for preventing inadvertent tumor growth, developing precise functionality of the cells, and promoting integration into the host tissue.
Acute Pectoralis Major Rupture Captured on Video
Authors: Ordas Bayon Alejandro , Sandoval Enrique , Valencia Mora María
Published: August 2016

Pectoralis major (PM) ruptures are uncommon injuries, although they are becoming more frequent. We report a case of a PM rupture in a young male who presented with axillar pain and absence of the anterior axillary fold after he perceived a snap while lifting 200 kg in the bench press. Diagnosis of PM rupture was suspected clinically and confirmed with imaging studies. The patient was treated surgically, reinserting the tendon to the humerus with suture anchors. One-year follow-up showed excellent results. The patient was recording his training on video, so we can observe in detail the most common mechanism of injury of PM rupture.
Association of eNOS Gene Polymorphisms G894T and T-786C with Risk of Hepatorenal Syndrome
Authors: Seckin Yuksel , Yigit Ali , Yesilada Elif , Gulbay Gonca , Cagin Yasir Furkan , Gozukara Harika , Bılgıc Yılmaz , Yildirim Oguzhan , Turkoz Yusuf , Aksungur Zeynep
Published: August 2016

Background. There are no studies investigating the relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms and hepatorenal syndrome (HRS).Aim.The purpose of this study is to elucidate whether eNOS gene polymorphisms (G894T and T-786C) play a role in the development of type-2 HRS.Methods. This study was carried out in a group of 92 patients with cirrhosis (44 patients with type-2 HRS and 48 without HRS) and 50 healthy controls. Polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and melting curve analysis.Results. We did not find any significant difference in allele and genotype distributions of the eNOS -T-786C polymorphism among the groups (p=0.440). However, the frequency of GT (40.9%) and TT (13.6%) genotypes and mutant allele T (34.1%) for the eNOS G894T polymorphism were significantly higher (p<0.001andp<0.001, resp.) in the HRS group than in both the stable cirrhosis (14.6%, 4.2%, and 11.5%, resp.) and the control (22.0%, 2.0%, and 13.0%, resp.) groups.Conclusion. The occurrence of mutant genotypes (GT/TT) and mutant allele T in eNOS -G894T polymorphisms should be considered as a potential risk factor in cirrhotic patients with HRS.
Energy-Saving Management Mechanism Based on Hybrid Energy Supplies for LTE Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Yu Peng , Feng Lei , Li Wenjing , Qiu Xuesong
Published: August 2016

Aiming at the lack of integrated energy-saving (ES) methods based on hybrid energy supplies in LTE heterogeneous networks, a novel ES management mechanism considering hybrid energy supplies and self-organized network (SON) is proposed. The mechanism firstly constructs ES optimization model with hybrid energy supplies. And then a SON framework is proposed to resolve the model under practical networks. According to the framework, we divide the ES problem into four stages, which are traffic variation prediction, regional Base Station (BS) mode determination, BS-user association, and power supply. And four corresponding low-complexity algorithms are proposed to resolve them. Simulations are taken on under LTE underlay heterogeneous networks. Compared with other algorithms, results show that our mechanism can save 47.4% energy consumption of the network, while keeping coverage, interference, and service quality above acceptable levels, which takes on great green-economy significance.
A Symmetric Algorithm for Golden Ratio in Hyper-Horadam Numbers
Authors: Bahşi Mustafa , Solak Süleyman
Published: August 2016

We study some ratios related to hyper-Horadam numbers such as Wnr/Wn-1r while n→∞ by using a symmetric algorithm obtained by the recurrence relation ank=ank-1+an-1k, where Wnr is the nth hyper-Horadam number. Also, we give some special cases of these ratios such as the golden ratio and silver ratio.
Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates Postharvest Senescence of Grape by Modulating the Antioxidant Defenses
Authors: Ni Zhi-Jing , Hu Kang-Di , Song Chang-Bing , Ma Run-Hui , Li Zhi-Rong , Zheng Ji-Lian , Fu Liu-Hui , Wei Zhao-Jun , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2016

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been identified as an important gaseous signal in plants. Here, we investigated the mechanism of H2S in alleviating postharvest senescence and rotting of Kyoho grape. Exogenous application of H2S released from 1.0 mM NaHS remarkably decreased the rotting and threshing rate of grape berries. H2S application also prevented the weight loss in grape clusters and inhibited the decreases in firmness, soluble solids, and titratable acidity in grape pulp during postharvest storage. The data of chlorophyll and carotenoid content suggested the role of H2S in preventing chlorophyll breakdown and carotenoid accumulation in both grape rachis and pulp. In comparison to water control, exogenous H2S application maintained significantly higher levels of ascorbic acid and flavonoid and total phenolics and reducing sugar and soluble protein in grape pulp. Meanwhile, H2S significantly reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide anion () in grape pulp. Further investigations showed that H2S enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) and decreased those of lipoxygenase (LOX) in both grape peels and pulp. In all, we provided strong evidence that H2S effectively alleviated postharvest senescence and rotting of Kyoho grape by modulating antioxidant enzymes and attenuating lipid peroxidation.
Ulipristal Acetate in Myomectomy Optimization in an Infertile Patient with Giant Myomas
Authors: de la Fuente Elena , Borrás María Dolores , Rubio Miriam , Abril Nuria
Published: August 2016

The use of ulipristal acetate (UPA) has been recently introduced in the treatment of uterine leiomyomas. This drug has proven useful to control menometrorrhagia and to reduce myoma size. In the case presented here, we show the benefits of UPA treatment in facilitating surgical removal of giant myomas in an infertile patient. In addition to myoma reduction and a better control of preoperative bleeding, the treatment with UPA reduced the duration and complexity of the surgery, as well as the area of uterine wall involved and the resulting scar. No side effects were observed and the patient became pregnant 6 months after the surgery and had a normal pregnancy and delivery. This case report shows the beneficial effects of UPA in the preoperative treatment of myomas which affect uterus function.
Strain Rockbursts Simulated by Low-Strength Brittle Equivalent Materials
Authors: Li Lang , Wang Mingyang , Fan Pengxian , Jiang Haiming , Cheng Yihao , Wang Derong
Published: August 2016

This paper presents experimental study on rockbursts that occur in deep underground excavations. To begin with, the boundary conditions for excavation in deep underground engineering were analysed and elastic adaptive boundary is an effective way to minimize the boundary effect of geomechanical model test. Then, in order to simulate an elastic adaptive loading boundary, Belleville springs were used to establish this loading boundary. With the aforementioned experimental set-ups and fabrication of similarity models for test, the phenomena of strain mode rockbursts were satisfactorily reproduced in laboratory. The internal stress, strain, and convergences of the openings of the model were instrumented by subtly preembedded sensors and transducers. Test results showed that, with an initial state of high stress from both upper layers’ gravitational effects and in situ stress due to tectonic movements, the excavation brings a dramatic rise in the hoop stress and sharp drop in radial stress, which leads to the splitting failure of rock mass. Finally a rockburst occurred associated with the release of strain energy stored in highly stressed rock mass. In addition, the failure of the surrounding rock demonstrated an obvious hysteresis effect which supplies valuable guide and reference for tunnel support. Not only do these results provide a basis for further comprehensive experiments, but also the data can offer assisting aids for further theoretical study of rockbursts.
Bioinspired Design of Building Materials for Blast and Ballistic Protection
Authors: Sun Yu-Yan , Yu Zhi-Wu , Wang Zi-Guo
Published: August 2016

Nacre in abalone shell exhibits high toughness despite the brittle nature of its major constituent (i.e., aragonite). Its specific structure is a major contributor to the energy absorption capacity of nacre. This paper reviews the mechanisms behind the performance of nacre under shear, uniaxial tension, compression, and bending conditions. The remarkable combination of stiffness and toughness on nacre can motivate the development of bioinspired building materials for impact resistance applications, and the possible toughness designs of cement-based and clay-based composite materials with a layered and staggered structure were discussed.
Calculation of Radioactivity and Dose Rate of Activated Corrosion Products in Water-Cooled Fusion Reactor
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Li Lu , He Shuxiang , Chen Yixue
Published: August 2016

In water-cooled reactor, the dominant radioactive source term under normal operation is activated corrosion products (ACPs), which have an important impact on reactor inspection and maintenance. A three-node transport model of ACPs was introduced into the new version of ACPs source term code CATE in this paper, which makes CATE capable of theoretically simulating the variation and the distribution of ACPs in a water-cooled reactor and suitable for more operating conditions. For code testing, MIT PWR coolant chemistry loop was simulated, and the calculation results from CATE are close to the experimental results from MIT, which means CATE is available and credible on ACPs analysis of water-cooled reactor. Then ACPs in the blanket cooling loop of water-cooled fusion reactor ITER under construction were analyzed using CATE and the results showed that the major contributors are the short-life nuclides, especially Mn-56. At last a point kernel integration code ARShield was coupled with CATE, and the dose rate around ITER blanket cooling loop was calculated. Results showed that after shutting down the reactor only for 8 days, the dose rate decreased nearly one order of magnitude, which was caused by the rapid decay of the short-life ACPs.
Influence of Inertia and Low Active Mineral Admixture on Strength and Microstructure of Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Rao Meijuan , Tang Wan , Zhou Wei , Kong Yaning , Liu Shuhua
Published: August 2016

Cement-based materials were investigated by comparing the strength and microstructure of pastes and mortar containing limestone powder or low quality fly ash. The compressive strength of the mortar at 28 and 90 d was examined whose microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The results indicated that the strength of mortar decreased with increasing mineral admixtures. The limestone powder mainly acted as inert filler and hardly took part in the chemical reaction. Low quality fly ash may accelerate the formation of hydration products in samples with more chemically bonded water. This further resulted in a higher degree of cement hydration and denser microstructure, while the overall heat of hydration was reduced. At the early stage of hydration, low quality fly ash can be considered as an inert material whereas its reactivity at the later stage became high, especially for ground low quality fly ash.
Underwater Object Tracking Using Sonar and USBL Measurements
Authors: Mandić Filip , Rendulić Ivor , Mišković Nikola , Nađ Đula
Published: August 2016

In the scenario where an underwater vehicle tracks an underwater target, reliable estimation of the target position is required. While USBL measurements provide target position measurements at low but regular update rate, multibeam sonar imagery gives high precision measurements but in a limited field of view. This paper describes the development of the tracking filter that fuses USBL and processed sonar image measurements for tracking underwater targets for the purpose of obtaining reliable tracking estimates at steady rate, even in cases when either sonar or USBL measurements are not available or are faulty. The proposed algorithms significantly increase safety in scenarios where underwater vehicle has to maneuver in close vicinity to human diver who emits air bubbles that can deteriorate tracking performance. In addition to the tracking filter development, special attention is devoted to adaptation of the region of interest within the sonar image by using tracking filter covariance transformation for the purpose of improving detection and avoiding false sonar measurements. Developed algorithms are tested on real experimental data obtained in field conditions. Statistical analysis shows superior performance of the proposed filter compared to conventional tracking using pure USBL or sonar measurements.
Genomic Landscape of Malignant Mesotheliomas
Authors: Kato Shumei , Tomson Brett N. , Buys Timon P.H. , Elkin Sheryl K. , Carter Jennifer L. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: August 2016

Understanding the genomic landscape of malignant mesothelioma may identify novel molecular drivers of this ultra-rare disease, which can lead to an expanded roster of targeted therapies and clinical trial options for patients with mesothelioma. We examined the molecular profiles of 42 patients with malignant mesothelioma (including pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial) that were referred by clinicians to be tested in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) laboratory using next-generation sequencing (NGS; 182 or 236 genes). Among 42 patients, there were 116 alterations, with 92 being distinct. The number of genomic alterations per patient ranged from 1 to 5 (median = 3). No two patients had identical molecular portfolios. The most common aberrations were in BAP1 (BRCA1-associated protein 1; 47.6% [20/42]), NF2 (38.1% [16/42]), and CDKN2A/B (loss) (35.7% [15/42]). BAP1 alterations and CDKN2A/B loss were associated with pleural mesothelioma (OR 3.4, P = 0.059 [BAP1] [trend]; OR 5.8, P = 0.01 [CDKN2A/B]). All 42 patients had a molecular abnormality that was potentially actionable (median = three actionable alterations per patient; range, 1 to 5), and, in 40 patients (95.2%), a drug approved by the FDA was applicable. In conclusion, each individual with malignant mesothelioma harbored a unique set of genomic aberrations, suggesting that NGS-based profiling of patients will be needed if patients are to be optimally matched to cognate treatments. All 42 patients had at least one alteration that was, in theory, pharmacologically tractable. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2498–507. ©2016 AACR.
Twelve-Month and Lifetime Prevalence of Mental Disorders in Cancer Patients
Authors: Kuhnt Susanne , Brähler Elmar , Faller Hermann , Härter Martin , Keller Monika , Schulz Holger , Wegscheider Karl , Weis Joachim , Boehncke Anna , Hund Bianca , Reuter Katrin , Richard Matthias , Sehner Susanne , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Koch Uwe , Mehnert Anja
Published: August 2016

Background: Psychological problems are common in cancer patients. For the purpose of planning psycho-oncological interventions and services tailored to the specific needs of different cancer patient populations, it is necessary to know to what extent psychological problems meet the criteria of mental disorders. The purpose of this study was to estimate the 12-month and lifetime prevalence rates of mental disorders in cancer patients. Methods: A representative sample of patients with different tumour entities and tumour stages (n = 2,141) in outpatient, inpatient and rehabilitation settings underwent the standardized computer-assisted Composite International Diagnostic Interview for mental disorders adapted for cancer patients (CIDI-O). Results: The overall 12-month prevalence for any mental disorder was 39.4% (95% CI: 37.3-41.5), that for anxiety disorders was 15.8% (95% CI: 14.4-17.4), 12.5% (95% CI: 11.3-14.0) for mood disorders, 9.5% (95% CI: 8.3-10.9) for somatoform disorders, 7.3% (95% CI: 6.2-8.5) for nicotine dependence, 3.7% (95% CI: 3.0-4.6) for disorders due to general medical condition, and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.7-1.6) for alcohol abuse or dependence. Lifetime prevalence for any mental disorder was 56.3% (95% CI 54.1-58.6), that for anxiety disorders was 24.1% (95% CI: 22.3-25.9), 20.5% (95% CI: 18.9-22.3) for mood disorders, 19.9% (95% CI: 18.3-21.7) for somatoform disorders, 18.2% (95% CI: 16.6-20.0) for nicotine dependence, 6.4% (95% CI: 5.4-7.6) for alcohol abuse or dependence, 4.6% (95% CI: 3.8-5.6) for disorders due to general medical condition, and 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1-0.6) for eating disorders. Conclusions: Mental disorders are highly prevalent in cancer patients, indicating the need for provision of continuous psycho-oncological support from inpatient to outpatient care, leading to an appropriate allocation of direct personnel and other resources.
Breast Nodular Fasciitis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Cossu Antonio , Palmieri Giuseppe , Scognamillo Fabrizio , Pala Carlo , Nonnis Rita , Sotgiu Giovanni , Fois Alessandro , Palomba Grazia , Attene Federico
Published: August 2016

Background: This article describes the demographic, clinical, pathological and prognostic features of breast nodular fasciitis through a comprehensive review of the cases reported in modern literature. Material and Methods: English-language articles published from January 1970 to October 2015 and related to breast nodular fasciitis were non-systematically retrieved using the PubMed database. Titles, abstracts and references were evaluated in order to include the most relevant studies. The demographic characteristics of the patients and the signs and symptoms of the disease were reviewed, as well as the results of the radiological and diagnostic procedures employed and of the treatments adopted. Results: 26 papers reporting on 28 cases were enrolled; however, manuscripts published before 1990 were excluded because of old methodologies, technologies and clinical approaches. Thus, 22 cases included in 20 papers were analyzed in detail. Conclusion: The rarity and the unspecific clinical and radiological characteristics of breast nodular fasciitis make the differential diagnosis and management challenging. Knowledge of the clinical, pathological and prognostic aspects of this condition is crucial for breast care specialists in order to improve their diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Multicenter Experience With Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia in Lamin A/C Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Androulakis Alexander F.A. , Sellal Jean-Marc , Maury Philippe , Gandjbakhch Estelle , Waintraub Xavier , Rollin Anne , Richard Pascale , Charron Philippe , Baldinger Samuel H. , Macintyre Ciorsti J. , Koplan Bruce A. , John Roy M. , Michaud Gregory F. , Zeppenfeld Katja , Sacher Frederic , Lakdawala Neal K. , Stevenson William G. , Tedrow Usha B.
Published: August 2016

Background—

Lamin A/C (
LMNA
) cardiomyopathy is a genetic disease with a proclivity for ventricular arrhythmias. We describe the multicenter experience with percutaneous catheter ablation of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) in
LMNA
cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-five consecutive
LMNA
mutation patients from 4 centers were included (mean age, 55±9 years; ejection fraction, 34±12%; VT storm in 36%). Complete atrioventricular block was present in 11 patients; 3 patients were on mechanical circulatory support for severe heart failure. A median of 3 VTs were inducible per patient; in 82%, mapping was consistent with origin from scar in the basal left ventricle, particularly the septum, but also basal inferior wall and subaortic mitral continuity. After multiple procedures (median 2/patient; transcoronary alcohol in 6 and surgical cryoablation in 2 patients), acute success (noninducibility of any VT) was achieved in only 25% of patients. Partial success (inducibility of a nonclinical VT only: 50%) and failure (persistent inducibility of clinical VT: 12.5%) was attributed to intramural septal substrate in 13 of 18 patients (72%). Complications occurred in 25% of patients. After a median follow-up of 7 months after the last procedure, 91% experienced ≥1 VT recurrence, 44% received or were awaiting mechanical circulatory support or transplant for end-stage heart failure, and 26% died.

Conclusions—

Catheter ablation of VT associated with
LMNA
cardiomyopathy is associated with poor outcomes including high rate of arrhythmia recurrence, progression to end-stage heart failure, and high mortality. Basal septal scar and intramural VT origin makes VT ablation challenging in this population.
Return to the Workforce After First Hospitalization for Heart Failure
Authors: Rørth Rasmus , Wong Chih , Kragholm Kristian , Fosbøl Emil L. , Mogensen Ulrik M. , Lamberts Morten , Petrie Mark C. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Gerds Thomas A. , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar H. , McMurray John J.V. , Køber Lars , Kristensen Søren L.
Published: August 2016

Background:

Return to work is important financially, as a marker of functional status and for self-esteem in patients developing chronic illness. We examined return to work after first heart failure (HF) hospitalization.

Methods:

By individual-level linkage of nationwide Danish registries, we identified 21 455 patients of working age (18–60 years) with a first HF hospitalization in the period from 1997 to 2012. Of these patients, 11 880 (55%) were in the workforce before HF hospitalization and comprised the study population. We applied logistic regression to estimate odds ratios for associations between age, sex, length of hospital stay, level of education, income, comorbidity, and return to work.

Results:

One year after first HF hospitalization, 8040 (67.7%) returned to the workforce, 2981 (25.1%) did not, 805 (6.7%) died, and 54 (0.5%) emigrated. Predictors of return to work included younger age (18–30 versus 51–60 years; odds ratio [OR], 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.42–4.03), male sex (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12–1.34), and level of education (long-higher versus basic school; OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.63–2.60). Conversely, hospital stay >7 days (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.51–0.62) and comorbidity including history of stroke (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45–0.69), chronic kidney disease (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.36–0.59), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52–0.75), diabetes mellitus (OR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68–0.85), and cancer (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.40–0.61) were all significantly associated with lower chance of return to work.

Conclusions:

Patients in the workforce before HF hospitalization had low mortality but high risk of detachment from the workforce 1 year later. Young age, male sex, and a higher level of education were predictors of return to work.
CERES S’COOL Project Update: The Evolution and Value of a Long-Running Education Project with a Foundation in NASA Earth Science Missions
Authors: Chambers Lin H. , McKeown Megan A. , McCrea Sarah A. , Martin Ann M. , Rogerson Tina M. , Bedka Kristopher M.
Published: August 2016

In January 1997, the Students’ Cloud Observations Online (S’COOL; http://scool.larc.nasa.gov) project began with NASA scientists visiting rural Gloucester, Virginia, to observe clouds with middle school students. In the nearly 20 years since, this educational outreach component of NASA’s Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) mission has collected ∼144,500 observations from every continent and ocean basin around the world. Thousands of students, educators, and cloud-watching enthusiasts have participated in S’COOL.

More than half of S’COOL observation reports correspond to one or more CERES overpasses. A thorough analysis of collocated S’COOL and satellite data were conducted during summer 2015. Results showed that the S’COOL community reports high-quality observations providing useful insights on the strengths and shortcomings of passive cloud remote sensing from space. This reconfirms the utility of S’COOL observations to the scientific community and enables deeper insight into challenges associated with validation of space-based cloud property retrievals.

To maintain long-term participation, S’COOL has added components that involve participants directly with science data analysis, strengthening ties to CERES research and deepening engagement. Whenever possible, the S’COOL team sends corresponding subsets of CERES data for the participant to compare to their report. Observations can now be matched to images and cloud retrievals from multiple satellites and instruments. Recent connections to geostationary data make cloud observations at almost any time of day over nonpolar regions useful for validation. This attention to inviting participants into an authentic science experience is key to the long-term success of the project.
A New Convective Velocity Scale for Studying Diurnal Urban Heat Island Circulation
Authors: Fan Yifan , Li Yuguo , Wang Xiaoxue , Catalano Franco
Published: August 2016

Urban heat island circulation establishes an urban dome under stable stratification and no background wind conditions. Small-scale water models have been a very useful tool in the exploration of the mechanisms by which urban domes and their associated wind flows are formed. Data are available from a number of water-tank heat island models. Data from field measurements, computational fluid dynamics, and small-scale water-tank experiments are compared in this paper. The small-scale water-tank experiments were found to produce relatively low radial velocities, such as the radial horizontal velocity. Different relevant velocity scales developed in the literature were reviewed. The influence of the Prandtl number on convective flows was analyzed. The analysis resulted in a new convective velocity scale that is a function of the Prandtl number, and the new scale was found to work well. This new development is expected to render small-scale models more useful in urban wind studies. The new convective velocity scale may be extended to water-modeling studies of other buoyancy-driven airflows.
Care-Seeking Behavior After Notification Among Young Women With Recurrent Sexually Transmitted Infections After Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Butz Arlene M. , Gaydos Charlotte , Chung Shang-En , Johnson Betty H. , Huettner Steven , Trent Maria
Published: August 2016

Objective. To determine the level of nurse case management and outreach required to notify young women with sexually transmitted infection (STI) positive test results after pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and percent seeking treatment. Methods. Participants (N = 153) were enrolled in a clinical trial of young women diagnosed with PID and followed for 3 months for recurrent STIs. Vaginal swabs were obtained at 1 and 3 months. All participants were notified of positive STIs at 1 and 3 months and treatment arranged. Data were analyzed with logistic regression for comparison of treatment status by number of nurse contacts. Results. Over the 3-month period, 59 participants (38.6%) tested positive for one or more STIs and all received notification. Only 50% (19/38) of participants with STI at 1 month and 43% (16/37) at 3 months received treatment. Conclusions. Despite the high notification rate of positive test results for young adults with recurrent STIs, many failed to seek treatment.
Reaction Times to Consecutive Automation Failures
Authors: Jipp Meike
Published: August 2016

Objective:

This study explored whether working memory and sustained attention influence cognitive lock-up, which is a delay in the response to consecutive automation failures.

Background:

Previous research has demonstrated that the information that automation provides about failures and the time pressure that is associated with a task influence cognitive lock-up. Previous research has also demonstrated considerable variability in cognitive lock-up between participants. This is why individual differences might influence cognitive lock-up. The present study tested whether working memory—including flexibility in executive functioning—and sustained attention might be crucial in this regard.

Method:

Eighty-five participants were asked to monitor automated aircraft functions. The experimental manipulation consisted of whether or not an initial automation failure was followed by a consecutive failure. Reaction times to the failures were recorded. Participants’ working-memory and sustained-attention abilities were assessed with standardized tests.

Results:

As expected, participants’ reactions to consecutive failures were slower than their reactions to initial failures. In addition, working-memory and sustained-attention abilities enhanced the speed with which participants reacted to failures, more so with regard to consecutive than to initial failures.

Conclusion:

The findings highlight that operators with better working memory and sustained attention have small advantages when initial failures occur, but their advantages increase across consecutive failures.

Application:

The results stress the need to consider personnel selection strategies to mitigate cognitive lock-up in general and training procedures to enhance the performance of low ability operators.
The rise of jihādic sentiments and the writing of history in sixteenth-century Kerala
Authors: Amer Ayal
Published: August 2016

This article discusses the variation in response to the advent of the Portuguese on the Malabar Coast by different Muslim literary and intellectual figures. It is argued that certain Arabic sources dealing with the history of Islam in Malabar and with jihād against the encroaching Portuguese in fact reveal cleavages and antagonisms within learned Muslim opinion. Both the content of these Arabic texts and the choice of genre by their authors are indicative of this internal conflict within the Malabar Muslim community. Thus, any view positing a monolithic or essentialist view of Malabar Muslims as such becomes untenable. One well-known and previously translated work, Tuḥfat al-Mujāhidīn, by the well-known Malabari scholar Zain al-Din al-Ma‘bari has been misunderstood as entirely representative of the totality of opinion within the Malabari Muslim community. However, it will be argued that a second and hitherto understudied set of texts reveal another, and, startlingly different viewpoint. All these works are clearly products of the conceptual world of jihādi discourse but present sharply opposed prescriptions for collective Muslim actions within Kerala. These divergent prescriptions are rooted in differing historical narratives and imaginaries capable of addressing a perceived profound crisis confronting Malabar Muslims.
Enhancing the social dimension of development: Interconnecting the Capability Approach and applied knowledge of social workers
Authors: Veal Danielle , King Julie , Marston Gregory
Published: August 2016

The current interest in sustainability within international development presents an important opportunity for social work to further promote the often-overlooked social pillar of sustainable development. The dominant paradigm regarding economic systems of development and organisation has influenced not only the scope of sustainable development, but also an increasingly depoliticised vision of social work knowledge and practice. Inattention to structural determinants of social inequalities limits the scope for radical, sustained change. The Capability Approach’s recognition of poverty and development as complex, multidimensional phenomena aligns with social work values, while social work’s well-established and reflexive direct-level practice may provide the applied knowledge needed in the theory.
Mental health care in Kuwait: Toward a community-based decentralized approach
Authors: Kaladchibachi Sevag , Al-Dhafiri Abdulwahab M
Published: August 2016

A number of international studies have highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders, and the combined lifetime incidence of mental illnesses has been estimated to be as high as 30 percent worldwide. Due to geopolitical, economic, cultural, and religious factors, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been recognized as being particularly susceptible to the socioeconomic impact of mental health disorders, and our report examines the current state of mental healthcare policies in the Arab world and discusses the administrative/infrastructural and social/cultural challenges faced in the provision of adequate mental health care in Kuwait.
Factors Affecting ROK–US Relations, 1990–2011: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Kim Dohee , Heo Uk
Published: August 2016

This study investigates what factors affect Republic of Korea (South Korea)–United States (ROK–US) relations based on a theoretical framework, using event data created by content analysis from 1990 to 2011. South Korea’s economic development led to democratization, which resulted in elite changes. New progressive elites interpreted national interests differently and demanded changes in ROK–US relations. Accordingly, the ROK–US relationship was tense during the progressive administrations. ROK’s economic development attracted more trade with the US, which enhanced the bilateral relationship due to heightened interdependence. By contrast, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)–US relationship and the trade between ROK and China did not significantly affect ROK– relations, meaning ROK’s relationship with other countries does not affect ROK–US relations.
A Mixed-Method Analysis of Reports on 100 Cases of Improper Prescribing of Controlled Substances
Authors: DuBois James M. , Chibnall John T. , Anderson Emily E. , Eggers Michelle , Baldwin Kari , Vasher Meghan
Published: August 2016

Improper prescribing of controlled substances (IPCS) contributes to opioid addictions and deaths by overdose. Studies conducted to date have largely lacked a theoretical framework and ignored the interaction of individual with environmental factors. We conducted a mixed-method analysis of published reports on 100 cases that occurred in the United States. An average of 17 reports (e.g., from medical boards) per case were coded for 38 dichotomous variables describing the physician, setting, patients, and investigation. A theory on how the case occurred was developed for each case. Explanatory typologies were developed and then validated through hierarchical cluster analysis. Most cases involved physicians who were male (88%), >40 years old (90%), non-board certified (63%), and in small private practices (97%); 54% of cases reported facts about the physician indicative of self-centered personality traits. Three explanatory typologies were validated. Increasing oversight provided by peers and trainees may help prevent improper prescribing of controlled substances.
Fraction Sense: Foundational Understandings
Authors: Fennell Francis (Skip) , Karp Karen
Published: August 2016

The intent of this commentary is to identify elements of fraction sense and note how the research studies provided in this special issue, in related but somewhat different ways, validate the importance of such understandings. Proficiency with fractions serves as a prerequisite for student success in higher level mathematics, as well as serving as a gateway to many occupations and varied contexts beyond the mathematics classroom. Fraction sense is developed through instructional opportunities involving fraction equivalence and magnitude, comparing and ordering fractions, using fraction benchmarks, and computational estimation. Such foundations are then extended to operations involving fractions and decimals and applications involving proportional reasoning. These components of fraction sense are all addressed in the studies provided in this issue, with particular consideration devoted to the significant importance of the use of the number line as a central representational tool for conceptually understanding fraction magnitude.
What is an Insurrection? Destituent Power and Ontological Anarchy in Agamben and Stirner
Authors: Newman Saul
Published: August 2016

The aim of this article is to develop a theoretical understanding of the insurrection as a central concept in radical politics in order to account for contemporary movements and forms of mobilisation that seek to withdraw from governing institutions and affirm autonomous practices and forms of life. I will develop a theory of insurrection by investigating the parallel thinking of Giorgio Agamben and Max Stirner. Starting with Stirner’s central distinction between revolution and insurrection, and linking this with Agamben’s theory of destituent power, I show how both thinkers develop an ontologically anarchic approach to ethics, subjectivity and life that is designed to destitute and profane governing institutions and established categories of politics. However, I will argue that Stirner’s ‘egoistic’ and voluntarist approach to insurrection provides a more tangible and positive way of thinking about political action and agency than Agamben’s at times vague, albeit suggestive, notion of inoperativity.
An extensible modeling methodology for embedded and cyber-physical system design
Authors: Attarzadeh-Niaki Seyed-Hosein , Sander Ingo
Published: August 2016

Abstract models are important tools to manage the increasing complexity of system design. The choice of a modeling language for constructing models governs what types of systems can be modeled, and which subsequent design activities can be performed. This is especially true for the area of embedded electronic and cyber-physical system design, which poses several challenging requirements of modeling and design methodologies. This article argues that the Formal System Design (ForSyDe) methodology with the necessary presented extensions fulfills these requirements, and thus qualifies for the design of tomorrow’s systems. Based on the theory of models of computation and the concept of process constructors, heterogeneous models are captured in ForSyDe with formal semantics. A refined layer of the formalism is introduced to make its denotational-style semantics easy to implement on top of commonly used imperative languages, and an open-source realization on top of the IEEE standard language SystemC is presented. The introspection mechanism is introduced to automatically export an intermediate representation of the constructed models for further analysis/synthesis by external tools. Flexibility and extensibility of ForSyDe is emphasized by integrating a new timed model of computation without central synchronization, and by providing mechanisms for integrating foreign models, parallel and distributed simulation, modeling adaptive, data-parallel, and non-deterministic systems. A set of ForSyDe features is demonstrated in practice, and compared with similar approaches using a running example and two relevant case studies.
Sensationalism in News Coverage: A Comparative Study in 14 Television Systems
Authors: Arbaoui Bouchra , De Swert Knut , van der Brug Wouter
Published: August 2016

Using a sample of 14 television systems and 29 television stations, we investigate the effect of two media systems dimensions on sensational news coverage: the television system dependency on commercial revenues and audience fragmentation. At the aggregate level, both audience fragmentation and the dependence on commercial revenue yield significant effects on three forms of sensationalism. In more fragmented/competitive markets, sensationalism (1) in topics—for commercial channels—and (2) in formal features—for both channel types—is higher. However, the analysis reveals that (3) not fragmentation but rather dependency on commercial revenues stimulates the use of vivid storytelling. While the use of sensational formal features does not (significantly) depend on channel type, both topics and storytelling are clearly more sensational on commercial channels. The results shed light on the behavior of public broadcasters in various media systems contexts, pointing out their increased role and importance as counterbalance in highly fragmented systems.
The Hague Abduction Convention and its implications for multicultural families in Korea
Authors: Nah Yoonkyeong , Lee Seokwoo , Baek Buhm-Suk
Published: August 2016

Based on the 2010 case of a Vietnamese marriage migrant woman who was accused of abducting her child, this paper explores the implementation of The Hague Convention to which South Korea is a state party. The case highlights the role of women in the care of children and how international law treats family care in the raising of children. This paper concludes that Korea should take legislative and administrative measures to tackle the problem of international child abduction. It also highlights the need to work with the home countries of the foreign spouses of Korean nationals to resolve international child abduction cases. Furthermore, it maintains that The Hague Convention needs to reflect on the reproductive rights of women and how such rights can be duly considered in the Convention.