bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Children: Race and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Smith David F. , Ishman Stacey L. , Tunkel David E. , Boss Emily F.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Although chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common in children, the influence of race and socioeconomic status (SES) on the diagnosis/treatment of CRS has not been evaluated. We describe the epidemiology of children with CRS in a pediatric otolaryngology clinic and evaluate demographic differences when compared to a group of children referred for a general pediatric otolaryngology evaluation.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary academic care center.

Subjects and Methods

All new/consult patients (March 1, 2008–July 1, 2011) in a tertiary pediatric otolaryngology clinic with primary diagnosis of CRS were compared to a control group that consisted of all new/consult patients seen in the same clinic over 3 months. Records were evaluated for variables including age, sex, race, and insurance. Characteristics were compared between groups using Mann‐Whitney and Fisher's exact tests.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐four children with CRS were compared to 430 controls. When compared to the general pediatric otolaryngology population, children with CRS were older (8.2 ± 4.4 years vs 5.9 ± 4.8 years; P <. 0001) and more commonly male (63% vs 52%; P =. 018). When compared to controls, children with CRS were more likely to be white (CRS 77% white, 10% black, 13% other vs control 47% white, 33% black, 20% other; P <. 0001, risk ratio [RR] = 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0‐3.7). Likewise, children with CRS were less commonly insured with medical assistance (CRS 14% vs control 44%; P <. 0001; RR = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.21‐0.45).

Conclusions

When compared to the general population of children seen in this academic urban pediatric otolaryngology setting, children with CRS were more likely to be white and privately insured. This study is the first to evaluate race and SES in relationship to pediatric CRS. Future research should employ nationally representative data to assess the true demographic variation in children with CRS.
PET/CT imaging of skeletal muscle metastases
Authors: Surov Alexey , Pawelka Maria Kerstin , Wienke Andreas , Schramm Dominik
Published: July 2013

Background

Skeletal muscle metastases (SMM) are very rare because of complex resistance of the musculature to metastatic invasion. Previously, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of SMM has been reported only in few reports. A systematic analysis of SMM features in PET/CT has not been performed before.

Purpose

To study PET/CT findings of SMM in a larger group of patients with known malignancies and to determine PET/CT patterns of SMM in different primary tumors.

Material and Methods

Between January 2009 and December 2011 581 patients with lung cancer were investigated by PET with 18 F-fluordeoxyglucose (FDG PET) and computed tomography (CT) at the Center of Fusion Imaging, Halle. In five patients SMM were identified. Furthermore, PubMed database was screened for muscle metastases. Only articles containing SUV of SMM were considered in the study. Twenty-one articles with 33 patients could be included in this meta-analysis from the literature.

Results

At our center the prevalence of SMM was 0.9%. Our analysis comprised 38 patients with 67 muscle metastases. All identified SMM presented as intramuscular focal abnormal activity with SUV ranging from 2.4 to 25.9, median SUV 7.8. The median size of the muscle metastases was 2.5 cm (range, 0.6–6.5 cm). There were no significant differences between SUV and size of SMM arising from lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and esophageal cancer. Also, there was no correlation between SUV and size of SMM (r = 0.101, P = 0.558) and between SUV of SMM and primary tumors (r = 0.138, P = 0.686). In nine (23.7%) of the 38 patients, the identified SMM were isolated distant metastases or isolated tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

SMM manifested on PET/CT as focal hypermetabolic intramuscular areas with different SUV. There were no significant differences between SUV or size of the identified SMM in esophageal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and lung cancer.
Effect of Excessive Contralateral Trunk Tilt on Pitching Biomechanics and Performance in High School Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Oyama Sakiko , Yu Bing , Blackburn J. Troy , Padua Darin A. , Li Li , Myers Joseph B.
Published: July 2013

Background:

There is a growing number of pitching-related upper extremity injuries among young baseball pitchers; however, there is a lack of data on the identification of injury prevention strategies, particularly the prevention of injuries through the instruction/modification of technique. The identification of technical parameters that are associated with increased joint loading is needed.

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of excessive contralateral trunk tilt, a common technique identifiable by video observation, on pitching biomechanics and performance in high school baseball pitchers. The hypothesis was that this strategy is associated with greater joint loading and poor pitching performance.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The 3-dimensional pitching biomechanics, ball speed, and frontal view of the pitching technique from 72 high school baseball pitchers were captured on video and analyzed. The videos were reviewed to determine if the pitcher’s trunk was excessively contralaterally tilted at the instant of maximal shoulder external rotation by examining whether the side of the pitcher’s head ipsilateral to the throwing limb deviated by more than a head width from a vertical line passing through the pitcher’s stride foot ankle. Upper extremity kinetics and upper extremity/trunk kinematics between pitchers with and without excessive contralateral trunk tilt were compared using independent t tests.

Results:

Compared with pitchers who did not demonstrate excessive contralateral trunk tilt, those with excessive contralateral trunk tilt pitched at a higher ball speed (mean, 32.6 ± 2.2 vs 31.1 ± 2.9 m/s, respectively; P = .019) and experienced a greater elbow proximal force (mean, 103.9 ± 12.7 vs 93.2 ± 13.9 %weight, respectively; P = .001), shoulder proximal force (mean, 104.8 ± 14.1 vs 94.3 ± 15.5 %weight, respectively; P = .004), elbow varus moment (mean, 4.29 ± 0.73 vs 3.84 ± 0.8 %height*weight, respectively; P = .017), and shoulder internal rotation moment (mean, 4.21 ± 0.71 vs 3.75 ± 0.78 %height*weight, respectively; P = .011). Pitchers with excessive contralateral trunk tilt demonstrated less upper torso flexion at stride foot contact, less upper torso rotation, and greater upper torso contralateral flexion at maximal shoulder external rotation and ball release ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Excessive contralateral trunk tilt is a strategy that is associated with higher ball speeds and increased joint loading.

Clinical Relevance:

Pitching with excessive contralateral trunk tilt, which can be identified through screening of the pitching technique, is associated with a benefit in performance and increased joint loading. Future study is warranted to determine if this strategy should be encouraged or discouraged by baseball coaches.
Degradation of renovation layers deposited on continuous steel casting rollers by submerged arc welding
Authors: Viňáš Ján , Brezinová Janette , Guzanová Anna , Svetlík Jozef
Published: July 2013

The factors that affect the life of continuous steel casting rollers were investigated. Rollers that were removed from a manufacturing line because they had failed were renovated by submerged arc welding and subjected to working conditions until they again failed. The welding parameters (welding current, welding voltage, welding speed, current polarity, preheating temperature, interpass, postheating, and cooling conditions of clad) and chemical reactions and compositions had important effects on roller lifetime. Chromium has a dominant influence on the abrasion resistance of hard martensitic structures of the roller. Cr produces several types of precipitates (M3C, M23C6, M7C3, and M3C2). Alloying elements Mo and V in welding wire form fine carbides Mo2C and VC in weld layers. In low-carbon welding wires, precipitation hardening by N2 is used, by formation of chromium nitrides CrN and Cr2N. This article analyzes the process of failure of the functional surfaces of the repaired roller, in order to identify the origin and propagation of the cracks and share of corrosive environment on the tribo-degradation processes.
Risk assessment by quantifying and prioritizing 5S activities for semiconductor manufacturing
Authors: Chang Yung-Chia , Chang Kuei-Hu , Chen Chuan-Yung
Published: July 2013

5S practice follows structured 5S activities from structurize, systematize, sanitize, standardize, and self-discipline to deal with scene management in shop floor control, and it is regarded as the most troublesome aspect with respect to environmental safety and health for a semiconductor manufacturing fabrication. The improved action items for 5S activities can amount to thousands from messy paper filing to untightened chemical piping. However, there is no clear key performance indicator to evaluate how good (safe) the fab is and how to be good (safe) for 5S practice. Failure modes and effects analysis is an effective and efficient way to deal with risk assessment for 5S activities and to prioritize the action requests from the improved result of continuous improvement. However, when failure modes and effects analysis is applied to the risk assessment of 5S audit, the conventional risk priority number lacks of all comprehensive information and misleads to a bias for not considering weights of severity ( S), occurrence ( O), and detectability ( D). In order to improve the method of risk priority number evaluation, this article combining 2-tuple fuzzy linguistic representation model and weighted geometric averaging operators to quantify 5S audit findings is proposed to eliminate the bias from different 5S auditors. This is the first approach for the numerous 5S action items to be quantified and prioritized with resource constraints to sustain 5S practice robust. A case study in a fab was demonstrated to show how the model was implemented to approve its validity.
Multi objective optimization in drilling of Al6063/10% SiC metal matrix composite based on grey relational analysis
Authors: Singh Sarbjit , Singh Inderdeep , Dvivedi Akshay
Published: July 2013

A grey relational analysis is a novel technique for forecast, developing relational analysis and in decision-making in numerous areas of manufacturing or production processes in industry. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to optimize input process parameters considering assigned weight fraction of output quality characteristics using grey relational analysis. The output quality characteristics considered are thrust force, torque and surface roughness under the experimental domain of cutting speed, feed, step diameter and point angle. The drilling experiments were designed as per Taguchi design of experiments using L9 orthogonal array. The combined methodology of orthogonal array design of experiments and grey relational analysis was implemented to establish the best possible input process parameters that give minimum thrust force, torque and surface roughness. The results reveal that with the help of grey relational analysis, output quality characteristics can be enhanced efficiently.
Engine fault detection using angle domain signal envelope algorithm
Authors: Shao Yimin , Ding Yan , Mechefske Chris K
Published: July 2013

Vibration signals from internal combustion engines contain strong noise and nonstationary characteristics in the time domain, which cause difficulties when attempting to detect and diagnose incipient faults in engines using signal features. In order to improve the success rate and broaden the applicability of engine incipient fault detection, a new concept of angle domain signal envelope analysis is proposed. The new method uses an encoder to acquire an engine rotational vibration signal using equal angle sampling. Angle domain synchronous averaging is used to denoise the original signal, and engine incipient fault features are extracted by the angle domain signal envelope algorithm. Experimental results using signals recorded from an engine with a connecting rod bearing with improper fit clearance have shown that the angle domain signal envelope algorithm can extract useful features from the vibration signal. The effectiveness of the new detection algorithm was verified. The engine fault detection method based on an angle domain signal envelope algorithm provides a new way to detect and diagnose engine incipient faults.
Nutrient cycling in the palaeorecord: Fluxes from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems
Authors: McLauchlan Kendra K , Williams Joseph J , Engstrom Daniel R
Published: July 2013

Transfer of nutrients from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems is a natural process with climatic, biotic, and geologic controls. Recently, increasing concern about human manipulation of global nutrient cycles has required a long-term approach to assessing the nutrient status of aquatic systems. Data available in palaeorecords can assess current trophic status, baseline conditions, and long-term processes controlling nutrient fluxes on decadal to millennial timescales. Here, we review three palaeolimnological methods used to reconstruct nutrient cycling: (1) chemical compounds preserved in lacustrine sediment, (2) aquatic biotic indicators (often using a quantitative transfer function), and (3) quantitative empirical sediment flux estimates. The millennial-scale regulation of nutrient cycling by climate and catchment geochemistry leads to a gradual trajectory of dystrophication over the Holocene in many temperate lakes. In many systems, the magnitude of recent anthropogenic changes to nutrient cycling is large compared with natural fluctuations, but this perspective could also be due to the selection of study sites that are currently experiencing eutrophication. Increased nutrient loading to aquatic systems is not always accompanied by decreased ecosystem function. The powerful temporal perspective from palaeolimnology can be complemented with modern mechanistic approaches to lead to increased understanding of the rates, patterns, and mechanisms of nutrient fluxes.
Quantitative reconstruction of mid- to late-Holocene climate in NE China from peat cellulose stable oxygen and carbon isotope records and mechanistic models
Authors: Yu Shi-Yong
Published: July 2013

There has been an increasing need to reconstruct past climate from proxy records quantitatively and mechanistically. The inverse proxy modeling method stands out as a novel approach to quantitative palaeoclimate reconstructions through integrating process-based models and proxy records, representing a major progress in quantitative palaeoclimatology. It has been proposed to incorporate multiple proxy records to produce a more robust constraint on the climate parameters sought for estimation, and most of the work has been conducted using pollen records in conjunction with vegetation models. Here, I show a worked example of using paired stable oxygen and carbon isotope records of peat cellulose from one single core to infer the climate history in NE China for the last 6000 years through solving a well-posed inverse problem using Bayesian statistics. The quantitative palaeoclimate data obtained in this study may deepen our insight into the dynamics of the East Asian summer monsoon. Mean growing season temperature and relative humidity show millennial-scale fluctuations prior to c. 4000 cal. yr BP; thereafter, centennial-scale fluctuations prevailed, revealing the relative importance of solar activity over tropical ocean–atmosphere interactions in regulating the variability of regional climate during the late Holocene. It appears that there was a prominent out-of-phase relationship between temperature and relative humidity, due probably to the different response of these climate elements to orbital forcing and land cover. This worked example demonstrates the potential of using model–data fusion techniques to produce physically meaningful, mathematically optimal, and geologically sound results.
Glucocorticoid downregulates expression of IL-12 family cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Qiu F , Song L , Yang N , Li X
Published: July 2013

Objective

This study aims to investigate expression of interleukin 12 (IL-12) family cytokines IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and the effect of glucocorticoid (GC) treatment on their expression.

Methods

Plasma concentration of IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, IL-35, IL-6 and anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies in 30 newly diagnosed severe SLE patients and 30 matched healthy subjects was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlation between the levels of IL-12 family cytokines and the levels of IL-6 or anti-dsDNA antibodies was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation.

Results

Significantly higher levels of plasma IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, IL-35, IL-6 and anti-dsDNA antibodies were observed in SLE patients compared with healthy controls ( p<0.05), and after prednisone treatment, the serum levels of IL-12 family cytokines decreased significantly. Moreover, serum levels of IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35 were correlated with serum levels of IL-6 and anti-dsDNA antibodies in pre-treatment as well as post-treatment SLE patients.

Conclusions

SLE patients have increased plasma levels of IL-12 family cytokines and GCs can downregulate the expression of them in SLE patients. Therefore, members of the IL-12 family may be involved in the pathophysiological process of SLE.
Multiple autoimmune syndrome revealed by nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and hypokalaemic paralysis
Authors: Zhang J , Lin H , Yu C , Peng H , Bai R
Published: July 2013

A presentation of postpartum polydipsia and polyuria followed by periodic weakness led to the diagnosis of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and hypokalaemic paralysis, both of which are complications of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). The clinically dominant pSS was taken to coexist with long-latent systemic lupus erythematosus and asymptomatic autoimmune thyroid disease. This case of multiple autoimmune syndrome is a distinctive subgroup of autoimmune disorders that is increasingly recognized. Female hormone levels appeared to play a role in disease pathogenesis in this case. The patient was predicted to have a favourable prognosis due to the absence of major organ involvement. This case revealed an uncommon form of complex polyautoimmune phenomena and should prompt physicians to extend immunological screening, particularly for females with multiple illnesses.
“Too good to be true?”: US and Chinese media coverage of Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen in the 2012 Olympic Games
Authors: Bie Bijie , Billings Andrew C
Published: July 2013

This study examined Chinese and US newspaper coverage of the controversial performance of female Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen during 2012 London Summer Olympics. While Ye won two gold medals, the ease in which she did so led to doping suspicions in Western media. Analysis of 222 articles from the US and China revealed sharp differences between the two countries’ amount of coverage about Ye, highlighting the valence and usage pattern of information sources as well. US coverage of Ye Shiwen was not as extensive as in China, and gender and nationality-based dialogues were present in newspaper reports. US coverage showed more skepticism on the doping issue; meanwhile, Chinese coverage exhibited a strong desire to protect its national image and national identity through defending Ye as unquestionably innocent. From a theoretical perspective, a framed “us versus them” dichotomy suggests that both countries’ coverages were still strongly influenced by the hostile ideologies beyond mere Olympic performances.
Granulomatous rhinitis due to Candida parapsilosis in a cat
Authors: Lamm Catherine G. , Grune Sterrett C. , Estrada Marko M. , McIlwain Mary B. , Leutenegger Christian M.
Published: July 2013

A 9-year-old female spayed Domestic Medium Hair cat presented to the referring veterinarian with a 2-week history of sneezing, which progressed to swelling over the nasal planum. The cat had been under veterinary care for inflammatory bowel disease and had been treated with 1.25 mg/kg prednisolone once a day for approximately 1 year. On physical examination, an approximately 2–3 mm diameter, round polypoid pink soft-tissue mass was protruding slightly from the right nostril. Through histologic examination of representative sections from the mass, there was a severe diffuse infiltrate of epithelioid macrophages and neutrophils that surrounded frequent 15–20 µm yeast organisms. A Grocott methenamine silver stain revealed the presence of pseudohyphae in addition to the previously noted yeast forms. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Cryptococcus neoformans, Ajellomyces dermatitidis (syn. Blastomyces dermatitidis), Coccidioides immitis, Ajellomyces capsulatus (syn. Histoplasma capsulatum), Malassezia spp., and Candida spp. was performed on the paraffin-embedded sample. The PCR for Candida spp. was positive; the product was then sequenced and was determined to be consistent with Candida parapsilosis. Following the PCR diagnosis and prior to treatment of the infection, C. parapsilosis was cultured from a nasal swab. The infection in the cat in the current report was considered opportunistic and secondary to immunosuppression, following treatment for the inflammatory bowel disease.
Vesicular stomatitis outbreak in the southwestern United States, 2012
Authors: McCluskey Brian J. , Pelzel-McCluskey Angela M. , Creekmore Lynn , Schiltz John
Published: July 2013

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease primarily affecting horses and cattle when it occurs in the United States. Outbreaks in the southwestern United States occur sporadically, with initial cases typically occurring in Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona and subsequent cases occurring in a northward progression. The viruses causing vesicular stomatitis can be transmitted by direct contact of lesioned animals with other susceptible animals, but transmission is primarily through arthropod vectors. In 2012, an outbreak of vesicular stomatitis in the United States occurred that was caused by Vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus serotype. Overall, 51 horses on 36 premises in 2 states were confirmed positive. Phylogenetic analysis of the virus indicated that it was most closely related to viruses detected in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, in 2000.
The Diversity of African Musics
Authors: Mason Nicola F.
Published: July 2013

Multicultural curricula that explore African musics often focus on the commonalities among its musical traditions. Exploring the diversity of individual African musical traditions provides a pathway to the multiplicity of sounds, cultures, beliefs, and uses inherent within African and all multicultural musics. Deeper insights into the diversity of African musics are explored through the rich tapestry of South African musics. South African Xhosa and Zulu traditions are discussed and explored using three rhythm lesson plans that include songs, techniques, and movements adaptable for any grade level and ideal for teachers who wish to expand their idea of diverse African musics. A culturally-expanded curriculum, that includes the diversity of sounds within various cultures, provides opportunities for students to experience some of the rich variety inherent in African musics.
Together Through Transitions
Authors: Bond Vanessa L. , Koops Lisa Huisman
Published: July 2013

In the field of music teacher preparation, the transition from teacher to teacher educator can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Knowing the potential for struggle during formation of a teacher educator identity, we investigated our personal development as music educators at two points: (a) preparing to enter academia and (b) mentoring a future teacher educator. The purpose of this narrative inquiry study was to document the emergent identity of Vanessa, a graduate student transitioning to music teacher educator, working alongside Lisa, a professor transitioning to mentor and advisor. Through storying, we have identified several milestones in Vanessa’s emergent identity as a teacher educator, concerns encountered by Vanessa in teaching her first major music education methods course, and types of interactions that were catalysts to Vanessa’s development as a music teacher educator and Lisa’s development as a mentor.
Evidence of unconscious motor adaptation to cognitive and auditory distraction
Authors: Berg William P , Dessecker Dirk J
Published: July 2013

Using a simulated driving station, 36 participants applied the brake as quickly as possible following the activation of a red light under each of six conditions including (1) the control (braking only), (2) 72 dBA music stimulus, (3) 86 dBA music stimulus, (4) cell phone conversation, (5) cell phone conversation and 72dBA music, and (6) cell phone conversation and 86dBA music. Participants were distracted by the cell phone conversation, as demonstrated by slower response time and reaction time (RT). The addition of the music stimulus, even at 86 dBA, did not exacerbate the deficits. Braking movement time was faster, and peak braking force greater when the cell phone conversation was present than when it was absent. Participants appear to have anticipated impaired RT and adapted unconsciously by executing a more rapid movement to the brake pedal. Also, participants appear to have compensated for slower RT by applying greater braking force. The adaptive behavior observed in the experiment is discussed in the context of unconscious goal pursuit and neuromotor noise theory.
Feedforward compensation in vibration isolation system subject to base disturbance
Authors: Zhou Zhenhua , Chen Xuedong , Zhou Bo
Published: July 2013

Skyhook technology is widely used in vibration control. However, it only attenuates vibration near the resonant frequency. To enhance the control performance of an isolation system, a new feedforward compensation control strategy, achieved by measuring base velocity with a geophone, is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the mathematical model of single degree-of-freedom pneumatic spring is derived in detail. Secondly, the feedback controller is designed experimentally, and an anti-windup proportion-integral controller is used. Thirdly, the feedforward compensation controller is designed using a finite impulse response filter, whose coefficients are updated on-line using the filtered-x least-mean-square algorithm with improved gradient estimate. At last, a series of experiments were conducted, and the velocity attenuation rate is calculated. The results of these experiments prove that the proposed method can greatly reduce base disturbance, and keep a high vibration velocity attenuation rate at all frequency points.
An active control strategy for vibration control of an axially translating beam
Authors: Dai Liming , Chen Changping , Sun Lin
Published: July 2013

Axially translating beams are widely seen in engineering applications. An active vibration control strategy based on a modified fuzzy sliding mode control is developed for controlling and stabilizing the motion of the beam. Geometric nonlinearity of the beam is considered. In the development of the control strategy, the governing equation of the beam is transformed into a multi-dimensional dynamic system with the Galerkin method of 6th order. An active control strategy is developed corresponding to the dynamic system, such that the control strategy can be used for multi-dimensional systems. Numerical simulations are performed with application of the control strategy developed. The effectiveness of the active control strategy is demonstrated in controlling and stabilizing the chaotic motion of the translating beam.
Propagation of Stoneley waves in magneto-thermoelastic materials with voids and two relaxation times
Authors: Abo-Dahab SM
Published: July 2013

In this paper, an estimation is made to study the propagation of Stoneley waves in magneto-thermoelastic materials with voids and two thermal relaxation times in the context of a Green–Lindsay model. The basic governing equations have been formulated in the xz-plane and the magnetic field is considered in the y-axis, which acts perpendicular to the wave propagation. We applied Lame’s potentials method to solve the problem. The boundary conditions that the continuity of forces stresses, Maxwell’s stresses components, displacement components, heat flux, temperature and volume fraction field are illustrated at the interfaces between two dissimilar half-spaces to obtain the frequency equation of the Stoneley waves in the media. Some special cases neglecting: (i) the magnetic field, and (ii) the thermal relaxation times’ parameters are deduced as special cases from this study and the numerical results are displayed graphically.
Analytical formulas for the energy, velocity and displacement decays of purely nonlinear damped oscillators
Authors: Al-Shudeifat Mohammad A
Published: July 2013

Accurate formulas for obtaining the energy, velocity and displacement decay envelopes in purely nonlinear damped oscillators are presented here. These purely nonlinear oscillators have no linear stiffness components, and the new formulas derived in this paper are found to be highly accurate in determining the decay envelopes, regardless of the system’s physical parameters and its initial condition. The mechanism of these new formulas for obtaining the decay envelopes of the nonlinear oscillators is found to be exactly the same as the mechanism of the well-known amplitude decay formulas used for the linear oscillator. Finding such formulas is significant to many scientific applications of these nonlinear oscillators, such as the passive targeted energy transfer through the stiffness-based nonlinear energy sinks (NESs). In these types of NESs, these formulas can be easily applied for system identification and dynamic analysis. In addition, they are expected to have a significant application in different scientific fields for such oscillators.
The European Union and Kant’s idea of cosmopolitan right: Why the EU is not cosmopolitan
Authors: Brown Garrett Wallace
Published: July 2013

When surveying the literature on cosmopolitan thought, it is common to see cosmopolitans allude to theoretical, historical and practical links between Immanuel Kant’s idea for a cosmopolitan federation and the formulation of the European Union. However, this relationship between Kant and ‘Kant’s Europe’ remains a rather underdeveloped assumption and there is compelling exegetical and practical evidence to suggest that this relationship is not as robust as is generally assumed. In response, this article explores the link between Kant’s vision for a cosmopolitan federation and its consanguinity with the formation and practice of the European Union. By doing so, it will be argued that a link between Kant and the European Union can only be reasonably claimed to exist at the level of Kant’s first two Definitive Articles and that the European Union remains rather impoverished with regard to Kant’s more radical concept of cosmopolitan right.
Calories and portion sizes in recipes throughout 100 years: An overlooked factor in the development of overweight and obesity?
Authors: Bloch Eidner Maj , Qvistgaard Lund Anne-Sofie , Harboe Bodil Schroll , Clemmensen Inge Haunstrup
Published: July 2013

Background: Large portion sizes have been associated with large energy intake, which can contribute to the development of overweight and obesity. Portion sizes of non-home cooked food have increased in the past 20 years, however, less is known about portion sizes of home-cooked food. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess if the portion sizes measured in calories in Danish cookbook recipes have changed throughout the past 100 years. Methods: Portion size measured in calories was determined by content-analysis of 21 classic Danish recipes in 13 editions of the famous Danish cookbook “Food” from 1909 to 2009. Calorie content of the recipes was determined in standard nutritional software, and the changes in calories were examined by simple linear regression analyses. Results: Mean portion size in calories increased significantly by 21% (β = 0.63; p < 0.01) over the past 100 years in the analyzed recipes. The mean portion size in calories from a composed homemade meal increased by 77% (β = 2.88; p < 0.01). The mean portion size in calories from meat increased by 27% (β = 0.85; p = 0.03), starchy products increased by 148% (β = 1.28; p < 0.01), vegetables increased by 37% (β = 0.21; p = 0.13) and sauce increased by 47% (β = 0.56; p = 0.02) throughout the years. Conclusions: Portion sizes measured in calories in classical Danish recipes have increased significantly in the past 100 years and can be an important factor in increased energy intake and the risk of developing overweight and obesity.
The effects of injection pressure and swirl on in-cylinder flow pattern and combustion in a compression–ignition engine
Authors: Dembinski Henrik WR
Published: July 2013

In-cylinder swirl flow is well known to influence emissions behaviour in diesel engine combustion. The post-oxidation part of the combustion stands for typically 25 - 45 % of total Heat Release and is of paramount importance for engine out particulate matter (PM) emissions, especially during an engine transient, at low λ. To investigate the link between in-cylinder flow and engine out emissions, single-cylinder and optical engine measurements were performed. Injection pressure, swirl and tumble were varied, and emission data, together with high speed photography of in-cylinder flow field during the injection- and the post-oxidation events, were measured. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) software was used to evaluate the flame luminescence images and to calculate the flow field in the cylinder, crank angle resolved during combustion. The glowing soot structures from the combustion were used as tracers. Single cylinder tests with an active valve train were used, which gave a controlled variation in swirl number, 0.4 to 6.7, and tumble number, 0.5 to 4.0. The main findings is that the injection pressure strongly affects the flow field in the cylinder, both before and during the post-oxidation period. Correlations between measured engine out soot emissions and changes in in-cylinder flow has been found and was coupled to the changes in swirl and injection pressure. The observed swirl vortex in the post-oxidation period deviates strongly from solid body rotation. The unsymmetrical rotation was found to be a function of injection pressure. This deviation is concluded to affect the soot oxidation in form of increased turbulence during the post-oxidation period.
Delayed Presentation and Management of Blunt Traumatic Inferior Gluteal Artery Pseudoaneurysm With Associated Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Mouawad Nicolas J. , Haurani Mounir J. , Mason Thomas , Satiani Bhagwan
Published: July 2013

Disruption of arterial wall integrity as a result of trauma, iatrogeny, inflammation, or infection may result in pseudoaneurysm formation. Gluteal artery aneurysms are rare and represent less than 1% of all arterial aneurysms. Pseudoaneurysms of the inferior gluteal artery (IGA) following blunt trauma are exceptionally rare with only 6 reported cases in the English literature. We describe an 82-year-old female with a remote history of a fall presenting with an enlarging buttock mass. Imaging confirmed an IGA pseudoaneurysm with associated arteriovenous fistula that was successfully treated with endovascular embolization.
Use of Intrathecal Baclofen for Treatment of Severe Spasticity in Selected Patients With Motor Neuron Disease
Authors: Bethoux Francois , Boulis Nicholas , McClelland Shearwood , Willis Mary Alissa , Hussain Mariam , Machado Andre , Mychkovsky Lydia , Stough Darlene , Sutliff Matt , Pioro Erik P.
Published: July 2013

Objective. To assess the safety and efficacy of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy for severe spasticity in patients with upper–motor neuron predominant motor neuron disease (U-MND). Methods. A total of 44 patients with U-MND were referred for discussion of ITB therapy. Baseline and outcomes data were extracted on 35 patients from a clinical spasticity registry at a tertiary referral center. Patients choosing to initiate ITB (n = 20) were compared with those choosing conservative therapy (n = 15). Results. At baseline, lower average pain score in the non-ITB group was the only significant difference between the 2 groups. A significant reduction in pain scores, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Spasm Frequency Scale, and requirement for oral spasticity medications was observed within the ITB group at early and late follow-up. Within the non-ITB group, there was a significant increase in MAS scores between baseline and late follow-up. A statistically significant difference favoring the ITB group was observed for change in MAS score ( P < .0001), Numerical Rating Scale pain score ( P = .04), dose of oral baclofen ( P = .002) and tizanidine ( P = .003), and number of oral medications for spasticity ( P = .002). There was no difference between the 2 groups in the progression of hip flexor weakness or in the proportion of patients who became nonambulatory. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that ITB can effectively reduce spasticity and related symptoms without compromising function in selected patients with U-MND.
Understanding Adaptive Motor Control of the Paretic Upper Limb Early Poststroke
Authors: van Kordelaar Joost , van Wegen Erwin E. H. , Nijland Rinske H. M. , Daffertshofer Andreas , Kwakkel Gert
Published: July 2013

Background. During upper limb motor recovery after stroke, the greatest improvements occur typically in the first 5 weeks poststroke. It is unclear what patients learn during this early phase of recovery. Objective. To investigate the hypothesis that, early poststroke, patients learn to master the degrees of freedom in the paretic upper limb as reflected by dissociated shoulder and elbow movements during reach-to-grasp. Methods. Thirty-one patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke were included. Repeated 3-dimensional kinematic measurements were conducted at 14, 25, 38, 57, 92, and 189 days poststroke. Trunk, shoulder, elbow, and wrist rotations were measured during a reach-to-grasp task. Using principal component analysis the longitudinal changes in dissociated upper limb movements during reach-to-grasp were investigated. Twelve healthy subjects were included for comparison. Results. The main coordination pattern during reach-to-grasp in patients with stroke and healthy subjects consisted mostly of horizontal shoulder adduction and elbow extension. The standard deviation of this main pattern increased over time, with the largest increase in the first 5 weeks poststroke ( F = 5.5, P < .001), but remained smaller than in healthy individuals. The standard deviation increased by 0.46° per day between 14 and 38 days and tapered off to 0.05° per day between 38 and 189 days poststroke. Conclusions. Our results suggest that restitution of motor control by dissociation of shoulder and elbow movements occurs mainly early poststroke. However, compared with healthy adults, most patients did not achieve fully dissociated upper limb movements at 26 weeks poststroke, suggesting that upper limb motor control after stroke remains adaptive.
Men’s Perceptions and Attitudes Toward the Partner With Premenstrual Syndrome
Authors: Reberte Luciana Magnoni , de Andrade José Henrique Cogo , Hoga Luiza Akiko Komura , Rudge Trudy , Rodolpho Juliana Reale Caçapava
Published: July 2013

This study focused on the young adult men’s perceptions and behavior toward their women partners who they acknowledged as experiencing the effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A qualitative study was conducted, framed by social constructivism, where individual interviews with 20 young Brazilian men aged 21 to 29 years were analyzed thematically. Four descriptive categories to express the men’s experiences: (a) men’s observations on partner’s behavior changes, (b) early in the relationship: apprehension and confusion, (c) knowledge about PMS led men to better understanding about changes, and (d) need for support from a health care provider and medication. The men’s perceptions and behavior toward their partners were strongly influenced by biomedical conceptions of PMS. Participants believed that their partners’ emotions and behaviors were determined by PMS during some days of the month, consequently PMS had affected the couple’s relationship. Another consequence of such medicalization was that women’s complaints about PMS were rendered invisible except when viewed as a serious medical problem requiring cure, rather than a part of women’s cyclical patterns. It is the case that the systematic description of men’s perceptions about their partner’s PMS provides an approach to this topic in educational and health care activities, with the potential to improve gender relations.
Probabilistic modelling of mould growth in buildings
Authors: Sadovský Zoltán , Koronthályová Ol’ga , Matiašovský Peter , Mikulová Katarína
Published: July 2013

A new probabilistic model for the assessment of mould growth in buildings has been elaborated within interdisciplinary – building physics/structural engineering – cooperation. Both the occurrences of favourable conditions for the growth of mould fungi and their durations are taken into account. The probabilistic approach can be characterised as time dependent based on the theory of stochastic processes. The resulting probability of occurrence of mould growth cycles having deteriorating potential suggests itself as a measure of the mould growth hazard. By the measure, the management of building performance with respect to mould growth hazard may be conceived. The calculations of an illustrative example show that the variability of the outdoor climate conditions can substantially influence the occurrences and durations of favourable conditions for mould growth.
Boosting innate immunity: Development and validation of a cell-based screening assay to identify LL-37 inducers
Authors: Nylén Frank , Miraglia Erica , Cederlund Andreas , Ottosson Håkan , Strömberg Roger , Gudmundsson Gudmundur H , Agerberth Birgitta
Published: July 2013

Innate immunity, the front line of our defence against pathogens, relies, to a great extent, on the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These peptides exhibit antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. In humans, AMPs include the defensins (α- and β-families) and the cathelicidin, LL-37. Bacterial resistance against antibiotics is a growing concern, and novel antimicrobial strategies are needed urgently. Hence, the concept of strengthening immune defences against infectious microbes by inducing AMP expression may represent novel or complementary pharmaceutical interventions in the treatment or prevention of infections. We have developed and validated a robust cell-based reporter assay for LL-37 expression, which serves as a marker for a healthy epithelial barrier. This reporter assay can be a powerful tool for high-throughput screenings. We first employed our assay to screen a panel of histone deacetylase inhibitors and derivatives, and then the Prestwick Chemical Library of Food and Drug Administration-approved compounds. After hit confirmation and independent validation in the parental cell line we identified five novel inducers of LL-37. This reporter assay will help to identify novel drug candidates for the treatment and prevention of infections. Importantly, the pattern of hits obtained may suggest cellular pathways and key mediators involved in the regulation of AMP expression.
Interventions for Hip Pain in the Maturing Athlete
Authors: Gomberawalla M. Mustafa , Kelly Bryan T. , Bedi Asheesh
Published: July 2013

Context:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) alters hip mechanics, results in hip pain, and may lead to secondary osteoarthritis (OA) in the maturing athlete. Hip impingement can be caused by osseous abnormalities in the proximal femur or acetabulum. These impingement lesions may cause altered loads within the hip joint, which result in repetitive collision damage or sheer forces to the chondral surfaces and acetabular labrum. These anatomic lesions and resultant abnormal mechanics may lead to early osteoarthritic changes.

Evidence Acquisition:

Relevant articles from the years 1995 to 2013 were identified using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the bibliographies of reviewed publications.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Improvements in hip arthroscopy have allowed FAI to be addressed utilizing the arthroscope. Adequately resecting the underlying osseous abnormalities is essential to improving hip symptomatology and preventing further chondral damage. Additionally, preserving the labrum by repairing the damaged tissue and restoring the suction seal may theoretically help normalize hip mechanics and prevent further arthritic changes. The outcomes of joint-preserving treatment options may be varied in the maturing athlete due to the degree of underlying OA. Irreversible damage to the hip joint may have already occurred in patients with moderate to advanced OA. In the presence of preexisting arthritis, these patients may only experience fair or even poor results after hip arthroscopy, with early conversion to hip replacement. For patients with advanced hip arthritis, total hip arthroplasty remains a treatment option to reliably improve symptoms with good to excellent outcomes and return to low-impact activities.

Conclusion:

Advances in the knowledge base and treatment techniques of intra-articular hip pain have allowed surgeons to address this complex clinical problem with promising outcomes. Traditionally, open surgical dislocations for hip preservation surgery have shown good long-term results. Improvements in hip arthroscopy have led to outcomes equivalent to open surgery while utilizing significantly less invasive techniques. However, outcomes may ultimately depend on the degree of underlying OA. When counseling the mature athlete with hip pain, an understanding of the underlying anatomy, degree of arthritis, and expectations will help guide the treating surgeon in offering appropriate treatment options.
Blood-Induced Joint Damage
Authors: van Meegeren Monique E.R. , Roosendaal Goris , Jansen Nathalie W.D. , Lafeber Floris P.J.G. , Mastbergen Simon C.
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Four days of blood exposure leads to irreversible cartilage damage in vitro. In contrast, intermittent intra-articular blood injections twice a week during 4 weeks (mimicking micro-bleeds) in a canine model resulted in transient damage only. In this study, it was evaluated whether acute joint bleeds are more harmful than micro-bleeds in a canine model of knee arthropathy.

Design:

Seven dogs received 4 sequential daily intra-articular blood injections twice in 2 weeks (mimicking 2 acute 4-day joint bleeds). Seven other dogs received the same blood load but in a total of 8 injections intermittently over the 4-week period with at least 1 day in between (mimicking micro-bleeds over the same timespan). Contralateral knees served as controls. Ten weeks after the last injection cartilage matrix turnover and synovial inflammation were evaluated.

Results:

Only after the acute joint bleeds the release of newly formed and total (resident) cartilage matrix glycosaminoglycans were increased ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, in animals with the acute joint bleeds cartilage glycosaminoglycan content was decreased ( P = 0.01) and not in animals with micro-bleeds. Mild synovial inflammation was observed in both groups (both P < 0.0001) but was not different between groups.

Conclusions:

In contrast to micro-bleeds, 2 acute joint bleeds lead to prolonged cartilage damage independent of the level of synovial inflammation. This model suggests that micro-bleeds are less devastating than acute joint bleeds with respect to joint damage, which might be of relevance to treatment of joint bleeds in clinical practice.