bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Juvenile (age 13–18) smoking incidence determinants in Greece
Authors: Vasilopoulos Aristidis , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Hatzoglou Chryssi , Roupa Zoe
Published: March 2014

Smoking is a form of medical addiction, usually adopted during adolescence. The aim was to determine the prevalence of smoking in adolescents, aged 13–18 years old, to investigate their attitudes towards smoking and determine the contribution of social influences to onset and continuation of smoking. An anonymous self‐report questionnaire was filled in by 873 high school students of Central Greece. Smoking incidence was 19.2%, with a 13.7% of regular smokers. The presence of a smoker in the family and a smoker friend were correlated with increased smoking rates. School grades were correlated negatively with smoking attitude and positively with allowance. Age was correlated negatively with social influence. Social influence appears stronger on younger ages and is a main determinant of smoking behavior. A more susceptible attitude towards smoking is formed during late adolescence. Certain social predictive factors for attitude towards smoking are proposed.
Using bibliotherapy to assist people to recover from depression in Thailand: Relationship between resilience, depression and psychological distress
Authors: Songprakun Wallapa , McCann Terence V
Published: March 2014

Thailand is experiencing a marked increase in the prevalence of depression. Self‐help has an important role in helping people with depression. The aim of this study was to assess if a favourable relationship existed between resilience, depression and psychological distress in participants with depression who receive bibliotherapy in comparison with a control group. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 56 participants with moderate depression. The intervention group received the self‐help manual, whereas the control group received standard care. The findings showed a positive relationship between higher levels of resilience and lower levels of depression and psychological distress in the intervention group only, between baseline and posttest. The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the use of bibliotherapy for individuals with depression in Thailand. Bibliotherapy can be incorporated easily into mental health nurses and other clinicians' work in promoting recovery in people with depression in the community.
HIV/AIDS stigma among older PLWHA in south rural China
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Jing , Fan Yin‐Guang , Dai Se‐Ying , Li Bao‐Zhu , Xu Wang‐Dong , Hu Lin‐Feng , Liu Juan , Su Hong , Ye Dong‐Qing
Published: March 2014

Stigma is a common problem among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, little is known about HIV/AIDS‐related stigma in older PLWHA over the age of 50. This study described the stigma of HIV/AIDS and its factors based on 120 PLWHA aged 50 or older in an area of high HIV prevalence in south rural China. Each participant completed a face‐to‐face questionnaire that collected information on demographic characteristics, AIDS‐related events and experience of HIV/AIDS‐related stigma. Finally, only 18.1% reported experiencing external stigma compared with 64.3% feeling internal stigma. Regression analysis indicated that social support and health status were the two variables that were significantly predictive of both external and internal stigma. Whatever, the more support were received from family members by PLWHA, the less external stigma was perceived. Negative marital situation was also related to external stigma. Reducing HIV/AIDS stigma requires a supportive environment, positive attitude and correct knowledge of AIDS. Health workers and policy makers should take practical approaches to reduce prejudice.
The Evolution of Stroke Rehabilitation Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: McIntyre Amanda , Richardson Marina , Janzen Shannon , Hussein Norhayati , Teasell Robert
Published: March 2014

Background

In the interest of prioritizing resources and providing future direction for researchers, a complete overview of the landscape of stroke rehabilitation literature was conducted.

Aim

We aimed to examine the evolution of stroke rehabilitation randomized controlled trials, with respect to number, sample size, and methodological quality between 1970 and September 2012.

Methods

Using the Evidence-Based Review of Stroke Rehabilitation ( http://www.ebrsr.com ), all randomized controlled trials related to stroke rehabilitation interventions were eligible for inclusion and were divided into five groups based on the primary outcome (i.e., motor, cognitive, medical complications, psychosocial, and ‘other’).

Results

One thousand sixty-three randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria, with motor studies accounting for 58·8% of the total. The total number of randomized controlled trials grew between 1970 and 2012, with 35·2% of all the studies published in the last five-years. Motor randomized controlled trials had the smallest median sample size compared with cognitive ( P < 0·018), medical complications ( P < 0·001), psychosocial ( P < 0·001), and ‘other’ ( P < 0·001) randomized controlled trials. Between 1973 and 1977 and 2008 and 2012, there was no statistically significant increase in median sample sizes ( P = 0·845). Psychosocial randomized controlled trials had higher median Physiotherapy Evidence Database scores when compared with motor ( P = 0·002), cognitive ( P = 0·035), and ‘other’ randomized controlled trials ( P = 0·036), but not medical complication randomized controlled trials ( P = 0·591). Over time, median Physiotherapy Evidence Database scores for all randomized controlled trials significantly increased from 5 (interquartile range 0·5) in 1973–1977 to 7 (interquartile range 3) in 2008–2012 ( P = 0·008).

Conclusions

Randomized controlled trials in stroke rehabilitation have increased over the past four decades, with an associated increase in methodological quality, but not sample size.
Method for improving the quality of discharge summaries written by a general medical team
Authors: Russell P. , Hewage U. , Thompson C.
Published: March 2014

We developed a writing rubric that assessed the quality of four common errors found in the synopsis of a discharge summary: relevance, accuracy, clarity and presentation (R‐A‐C‐P). We assessed the effect of an intervention that taught the essentials of discharge summary preparation. The intervention reduced the number of inadequate discharge summaries written by medical staff on a busy medical service. Writing the clinical synopsis of a discharge summary is a skill that can be taught quickly.
Hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma, immunosuppressive agents and biologicals: what are the risks?
Authors: Subramaniam K. , Yeung D. , Grimpen F. , Joseph J. , Fay K. , Buckland M. , Talaulikar D. , Elijah J. , Clarke A. C. , Pavli P. , Moore J.
Published: March 2014

We present three cases of the rare hepatosplenic T‐cell lymphoma (HSTCL); two patients suffering from Crohn disease who developed HSTCL on azathioprine without exposure to biologicals, and a third patient who had psoriasis treated using etanercept, cyclosporine and methotrexate. The evidence for an association between HSTCL and immunosuppressive drugs and biologicals is reviewed. We argue for improved pharmacovigilance processes to help determine the benefit to risk ratios for the use of these and other new agents.
Clinical potential of gene therapy: towards meeting the demand
Authors: Macpherson J. L. , Rasko J. E. J.
Published: March 2014

Since the discovery that new genetic material could be transferred into human cells resulting in induced expression of genes and proteins, clinicians and scientists have been working to harness the technology for clinical outcomes. This article provides a summary of the current status of developments within the broad discipline of clinical gene therapy. In pursuing the treatment of diverse clinical conditions, a wide variety of therapeutics, each tailor‐made, may be required. Gene therapy offers the possibility of accurately and specifically targeting particular genetic abnormalities through gene correction, addition or replacement. It represents a compelling idea that adds a new dimension to our portfolio of credible therapeutic choices.
A hybrid path‐relinking method for solving two‐stage stochastic integer problems
Authors: Amorim P. , Costa A. M. , Almada‐Lobo B.
Published: March 2014

Path relinking has been used for solving deterministic problems by exploring the neighborhood of elite solutions in an intelligent way. We present an algorithm that combines a mixed‐integer linear solver with a truncated path‐relinking method in order to solve two‐stage stochastic integer problems with complete recourse and first‐stage integer variables. This method takes advantage of a possible scenario‐based decomposition in an innovative way. Therefore, path relinking is used to combine optimized solutions from different scenarios in order to pursue good stochastic solutions. To assess the computational performance of this method, we use the stochastic lot sizing and scheduling problem dealing with perishable products. In this problem, first‐stage decision variables are linked to production sequences and production quantities. After the uncertain demand is unveiled, the second‐stage variables decide on the inventory usage. Computational results show a clear advantage of the proposed method when compared to a state‐of‐the‐art mixed‐integer linear solver.
A concept analysis of abductive reasoning
Authors: Mirza Noeman A. , Akhtar‐Danesh Noori , Noesgaard Charlotte , Martin Lynn , Staples Eric
Published: March 2014

Aim

To describe an analysis of the concept of abductive reasoning.

Background

In the discipline of nursing, abductive reasoning has received only philosophical attention and remains a vague concept. In addition to deductive and inductive reasoning, abductive reasoning is not recognized even in prominent nursing knowledge development literature. Therefore, what abductive reasoning is and how it can inform nursing practice and education was explored.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data sources

Combinations of specific keywords were searched in Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed, Medline and EMBASE. The analysis was conducted in June 2012 and only literature before this period was included. No time limits were set.

Methods

Rodger's evolutionary method for conducting concept analysis was used.

Results

Twelve records were included in the analysis. The most common surrogate term was retroduction, whereas related terms included intuition and pattern and similarity recognition. Antecedents consisted of a complex, puzzling situation and a clinician with creativity, experience and knowledge. Consequences included the formation of broad hypotheses that enhance understanding of care situations. Overall, abductive reasoning was described as the process of hypothesis or theory generation and evaluation. It was also viewed as inference to the best explanation.

Conclusion

As a new approach, abductive reasoning could enhance reasoning abilities of novice clinicians. It can not only incorporate various ways of knowing but also its holistic approach to learning appears to be promising in problem‐based learning. As nursing literature on abductive reasoning is predominantly philosophical, practical consequences of abductive reasoning warrant further research.
A Prospective and Randomized Comparison of Limited Versus Extensive Atrial Substrate Modification After Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , LO LI‐WEI , HU YU‐FENG , CHONG ERIC , CHAO TZE‐FAN , CHUNG FA‐PO , LIAO JONAN , LI CHENG‐HUNG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , KAO TSAIR , CHEN YUN‐YU , HUANG JIN‐LONG , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: March 2014

Substrate Modification in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction

The optimal substrate ablation approach in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (Per AF) remains unclear. This was a prospective randomized study comparing the efficacy of limited (continuous complex fractionated atrial electrogram, CFAE: <60 milliseconds) versus extensive (continuous CFAE plus variable CFAE: <120 milliseconds) atrial substrate modification in Per AF patients.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 120 Per AF patients in the study, and 30 patients with AF termination after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were excluded. In the remaining 90 patients, 45 were treated with limited approach (Group 1) and 45 with an extensive approach (Group 2). The end point of the study was the incidence of an atrial arrhythmia recurrence postblanking period. The patients were followed up for 15 months with 3‐month clinical reviews, electrograms (ECGs), Holter recordings, and echocardiographic monitoring. Procedural AF termination and the single procedural efficacy were statistically comparable between the 2 groups (48.9% vs. 63.4% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, P = 0.289). During the follow‐up, patients who received limited ablation had a lower incidence of recurrent AFL (P = 0.04), and better reverse remodeling of the left atrium (LA, P = 0.04). After 2 procedures, the freedom from any atrial arrhythmia was better in Group 2 (62.2% vs. 87.8%, P = 0.009). Those with longstanding AF and a larger baseline LA size responded better to the extensive ablation.

Conclusions

In the Per AF patients who failed to achieve AF termination after PVI alone, a specific atrial substrate modification approach targeting only continuous CFAEs could be considered as an initial ablation strategy.
Trends in Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control Among US Adults 80 Years and Older, 1988–2010
Authors: Bromfield Samantha G. , Bowling C. Barrett , Tanner Rikki M. , Peralta Carmen A. , Odden Michelle C. , Oparil Suzanne , Muntner Paul
Published: March 2014

The authors examined trends in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in 1988–1994 (n=1164), 1999–2004 (n=1,026), and 2005–2010 (n=1048) among US adults 80 years and older in serial National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg, DBP ≥90 mm Hg, or use of antihypertensive medication. Awareness and treatment were defined by self‐report and control as SBP/DBP<140/90 mm Hg. Mean SBP decreased from 147.3 mm Hg to 140.1 mm Hg and mean DBP from 70.2 mm Hg to 59.4 mm Hg between 1988–1994 and 2005–2010. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension each increased over time. Controlled hypertension increased from 30.4% in 1988–1994 to 53.1% in 2005–2010. The proportion of patients taking 3 classes of antihypertensive medication increased from 7.0% to 30.9% between 1988–1994 and 2005–2010. Increases in awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and antihypertensive polypharmacy have been observed among very old US adults.
THE MONETARY ENVIRONMENT AND LONG‐RUN REVERSALS IN STOCK RETURNS
Authors: Garcia‐Feijoo Luis , Jensen Gerald R.
Published: March 2014

Previous research attributes long‐run reversals to investor overreaction or tax‐motivated trading; we offer an alternative explanation based on the monetary environment. Prices rebound for stocks that have performed poorly over the past several years (losers); however, the rebound occurs only during expansive monetary conditions. Winners only reverse course when monetary conditions are restrictive. Past research shows that the three‐factor model explains long‐run stock reversals; we show that the monetary environment plays an instrumental role in the observation. Finally, we show that reversal patterns are closely linked to both the monetary environment and a firm's level of financial constraints.
THE MARKET RESPONSE TO INSIDER SALES OF RESTRICTED STOCK VERSUS UNRESTRICTED STOCK
Authors: Franzen Laurel , Li Xu , Urcan Oktay , Vargus Mark E.
Published: March 2014

Insiders holding both restricted and unrestricted stock must decide which type of equity to trade. We investigate the relation between this choice and the market response to insider sales. If insiders choose restricted stock, the sale must be preannounced, but if they choose unrestricted stock, the sale is disclosed after the sale occurs. Preannounced trades are less likely to reflect informed trades. Consistent with this, in the pre‐Sarbanes–Oxley (SOX) period, we find a more negative market response to unrestricted stock sales than preannounced restricted stock sales. The result does not hold for our post‐SOX period when reporting times were accelerated. Our results suggest researchers who examine data over the pre‐SOX period should consider the effect of restricted stock sales in tests of informed insider trading.
Validation of a short food frequency questionnaire specific for iodine in UK females of childbearing age
Authors: Combet E. , Lean M. E. J.
Published: March 2014

Background

Widespread subclinical iodine insufficiency has recently been reported in Europe, based on urinary iodine using World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization criteria, in particular among young women. Although urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is a useful measurement of the iodine status in a population, it does not provide an insight into the habitual iodine intake of this population. This is compounded by the fact that very few iodine‐specific food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) have been validated so far. The present study aimed to develop and validate a new, simple, rapid survey tool to assess dietary iodine exposure in females of childbearing age.

Methods

Iodine was measured in a duplicate 24‐h urine collection. Iodine intake was measured with duplicate 4‐day semi‐quantitative food diaries and the FFQ. Correlation, cross‐classification and Bland–Altman analyses were used to estimate agreement, bias and the reliability of the method. The triangular (triad) method was used to calculate validity coefficients.

Results

Forty‐three women, aged 19–49 years, took part in the validation of the 17‐items FFQ. Median (interquartile range) UIC was 74 (47–92) μg L−1, which is indicative of mild iodine insufficiency. The FFQ showed good agreement with food diaries with respect to classifying iodine intake (82% of subjects were classified in the same or adjacent quartile). The FFQ was moderately correlated with the food diaries (rs = 0.45, P = 0.002) and urinary excretion in μg L−1 (rs = 0.34, P = 0.025) but not in μg day−1 (P = 0.316). The validity coefficients were 0.69, 0.66 and 0.52 for the food diaries, FFQ and urinary iodine excretion, respectively.

Conclusions

The FFQ provides a rapid and reliable estimate of dietary iodine exposure to identify those population subgroups at risk of iodine deficiency.
Ovarian development and related changes in steroid hormones in female wild common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio), from the south‐eastern Caspian Sea
Authors: Vazirzadeh A. , Mojazi Amiri B. , Fostier A.
Published: March 2014

Wild common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) is a native valuable but threatened species from the south‐eastern Caspian Sea in which the endocrine control of its reproduction has not been studied. The objectives of this research were to study the reproductive strategy and changes in steroid hormones during ovarian development. From October 2009 to June 2010, 65 adult females were caught from the Golestan coast (Iran) and the ovarian histology, and gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices (GSI and HSI) were studied. Also, the plasma profiles of steroid hormones including testosterone (T), 17β‐estradiol (E2) and 17α‐, 20β‐dihydroxyprogesterone (DHP) were measured by radioimmunoassay. The GSI increased gradually during sampling times and reached maximum value at the peak of reproduction season, but the HSI decreased during spawning season. All stages of ovarian development, except the stage of Balbiani bodies, were recorded macro‐ and microscopically. Spent fish were caught at six of nine sampling times. The peaks of spawning were at late winter and early spring. The results of this study showed that the majority of wild carp collected during the sampling period displayed asynchronous oocyte development. Plasma T showed no significant differences during sampling times or at different stages of ovarian development. The level of E2 decreased gradually during sampling times reached minimum value at the spawning season, and highest value was recorded at tertiary vitellogenesis stage. The plasma levels of DHP during late winter and early spring were significantly higher than those of other sampling periods and its maximum level associated with oocyte maturation stage.
Serum Uric Acid as a Risk Predictor for Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Salem Sepehr , Mehrsai Abdolrasoul , Heydari Reza , Pourmand Gholamreza
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Serum uric acid (UA) is now beginning to be considered a risk predictor for cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the effect of hyperuricemia on the risk of developing other systemic vascular disorders, especially erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To evaluate whether serum UA is a predicting factor for ED while adjusting for other common risk factors.

Methods

Two hundred fifty-one patients aged 45.2 ± 10.1 years with newly diagnosed and documented ED and 252 age-matched participants without ED (aged 45.1 ± 8.4 years) were enrolled in this case–control study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to assess the effect of serum UA on ED; odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Adjustments were made for potential confounding factors, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, serum triglyceride, and smoking.

Main Outcome Measurement

Serum UA concentration and the distribution of potential ED risk factors (age, smoking, lipid profile, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus) were evaluated. Serum UA levels were organized into tertiles. The five-item International Index of Erectile Function was used to evaluate the presence and the severity of ED.

Results

The mean serum UA levels in ED-positive and ED-negative groups were 6.12 ± 1.55 mg/dL and 4.97 ± 1.09 mg/dL, respectively (P< 0.001). On analysis of unadjusted variables, statistically significant differences were found for all variables, including serum UA, between ED-positive and ED-negative groups. After adjustment for major risk factors, a significant trend of increasing risk was found for serum UA concentration (OR 5.95, 95% CI 2.96–11.97;P< 0.001, comparing the highest with the lowest tertile). An increase of 1 mg/dL in serum UA level was associated with an approximately twofold increase in risk of ED (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.63–2.64).

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that serum UA can be considered a risk predictor for ED. Furthermore, hyperuricemia can be regarded as an independent risk factor in addition to the established ones.
Safety and immunogenicity of therapeutic DNA vaccine with antiviral drug in chronic HBV patients and its immunogenicity in mice
Authors: Yoon Seung Kew , Seo Yong Bok , Im Se Jin , Bae Si Hyun , Song Myeong Jun , You Chan Ran , Jang Jung Won , Yang Se Hwan , Suh You Suk , Song Ji Soo , Kim Byong Moon , Kim Chae Young , Jeong Sook Hyang , Sung Young Chul
Published: March 2014

Background & Aims

Here, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA vaccine, HB‐110, in mice and Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) undergoing adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment.

Methods

For animal study, mice (BALB/c or HBV transgenic) were immunized with mHB‐110, and T‐cell and antibody responses were evaluated. For clinical study, 27 patients randomly received either ADV alone or ADV in combination with HB‐110. Liver function tests, serum HBV DNA levels and the presence of HBeAg/anti‐HBe were analysed. T‐cell responses were estimated by ELISPOT and FACS analysis.

Results

mHB‐110 induced higher T‐cell and antibody responses than mHB‐100 in mice. No adverse effects were observed by HB‐110 cotreated with ADV. HBV‐specific T‐cell responses were induced in a portion of patients in medium to high dose of HB‐110. Interestingly, HB‐110 exhibited positive effects on ALT normalization and maintenance of HBeAg seroconversion. One patient, who received high dose of HB‐110 exhibited HBeAg seroconversion during vaccination, which correlated with vaccine‐induced T‐cell responses without ALT elevation.

Conclusions

HB‐110 was safe and tolerable in CHB patients. In contrast to results in animal models, HB‐110 in Korean patients exhibited weaker capability of inducing HBV‐specific T‐cell responses and HBeAg seroconversion than HB‐100 in Caucasian patients. As Asian patients, who are generally infected via vertical transmission, appeared to have higher level of immune tolerance than Caucasian, novel approaches for breaking immune tolerance rather than enhancing immunogenicity may be more urgently demanded to develop effective therapeutic HBV DNA vaccines.
Luliconazole: a review of a new antifungal agent for the topical treatment of onychomycosis
Authors: Scher Richard K. , Nakamura Norifumi , Tavakkol Amir
Published: March 2014

Luliconazole is a novel, broad‐spectrum, imidazole antifungal under development in the USA as a treatment for dermatophytic skin and nail infections. In vitro, luliconazole is one of the most potent antifungal agents against filamentous fungi including dermatophytes. Luliconazole has been formulated in a 10% solution with unique molecular properties, which allow it to penetrate the nail plate and rapidly achieve fungicidal levels in the nail unit. These properties make luliconazole a potent compound in the treatment of onychomycosis. This article reviews the development of luliconazole solution, 10% its molecular properties, preclinical and clinical data and its future perspectives for the treatment of fungal infections.
Omeprazole‐induced acute interstitial nephritis: A possible Th1–Th17‐mediated injury?
Authors: Berney‐Meyer Linda , Hung Noelyn , Slatter Tania , Schollum John BW , Kitching A Richard , Walker Robert J
Published: March 2014

Background

Omeprazole is an important cause of drug‐induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). How omeprazole induces injury is unknown.

Methods and Results

Detailed clinical assessment of 25 biopsy‐proven cases of omeprazole‐induced AIN showed that all patients presented with impaired renal function, sterile pyuria with varying amounts of proteinuria but no eosinophiluria and no systemic symptoms to suggest a vasculitis. Histological analyses were characteristic of an acute tubulitis with an inflammatory cellular infiltrate. Using modified Banff scheme criteria, mild tubulitis (t1) was present in 56% of cases, a moderate tubulitis (t2) in 24% of cases, and a severe tubulitis in 20% of cases. Most (78%) of cases had mononuclear cell infiltrates, no significant eosinophilic infiltrates were found, and glomeruli were not involved. Immunostaining for CD4, CD8, IL‐17A, IL‐17F, Foxp3 and T‐bet (T cell subsets), CD20 and CD163 defined the cellular infiltrates. The predominant inflammatory cells were CD4+ lymphocytic aggregates (77% of cases), combined with co‐staining of CD4 IL and 17A/F in 44–48% of all cases, suggesting a Th17‐mediated inflammatory process. T‐bet+ cell infiltrates were present to a lesser degree, suggesting additional Th1 involvement. How omeprazole induces this inflammatory response is unclear, but may include direct effects by IL‐17 expressing CD4+ cells on renal tubular cells.

Conclusion

This large biopsy series of omeprazole‐induced AIN demonstrates the features of acute tubulitis, with significant interstitial infiltrates consistent with immunopathological Th17 and Th1 processes.
New Historicism, Historical Criticism, and Reading the Pentateuch
Authors: Erisman Angela Roskop
Published: March 2014

This article surveys the development of Pentateuchal scholarship, from the emergence of historical criticism in the 19th century as a tool for understanding how the Pentateuch might be used to reconstruct the religious and social history of ancient Israel, to its abandonment in favor of literary criticism in the late 20th century by scholars concerned to establish an aesthetics of biblical literature that can help modern readers engage meaningfully with the Pentateuch. Historical criticism and literary criticism are now practiced largely in isolation, which is problematic because residue of the Pentateuch's composition history and the historical references it contains are part of the experience of reading the Pentateuch. Other disciplines have gone through the same turn from historicism to formalism that biblical studies has, and this article explores what students of the Pentateuch might gain from a critical orientation callednew historicism. New historicism has been tapped in synchronic studies of biblical literature but never applied to questions of composition history. This article outlines the assumptions, strategies, and techniques that characterize new historicism and articulates its potential for providing 21st century answers to the classic questions of historical criticism.
Identification of a novel allele, HLA‐DPB1*168:01, in a Chinese individual
Authors: He Y.‐M. , He J. , Zhu F.‐M. , Lv H.‐J.
Published: March 2014

HLA‐DPB1*168:01 was different from HLA-DPB1*17:01 at nucleotide position 517 from A to T.
Education and informed consent about increased risk donor kidneys: a national survey of non‐physician transplant providers
Authors: Gordon E.J. , Mullee J. , Beauvais N. , Warren E. , Theodoropoulos N. , McNatt G. , Rassiwala J. , Ison M.G. ,   the Increased Risk Organ and Informed Consent (IROIC) Workgroup
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Transplant providers must understand the definition of increased risk donor (IRD) organs to effectively educate transplant candidates and obtain informed consent. This study surveyed non‐physician providers from 20 transplant centers about their educational and informed consent practices of IRD kidneys.

Methods

An anonymous, web‐based survey about the content and timing of education and informed consent for potential recipients of IRD kidneys, providers' knowledge of IRD kidneys, and provider and center characteristics was completed by most (67%; 90 of 135) of those invited to participate; 87 responses were included in analysis.

Results

Most (80%) reported understanding the concept of IRD kidneys. However, few reported sufficient knowledge of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network definition of IRDs, risk factors, screening tests, window periods, and infection transmission rates. Most (56%) felt uncomfortable with obtaining specific informed consent for IRD kidneys. Most respondents received informal education about IRD kidneys (78%), and recognized the need for (98%) and were interested in receiving (99%) further education on this topic.

Conclusion

Non‐physician transplant providers need and are interested in better education about IRD kidneys to effectively educate patients and obtain patients' informed consent.
UL54 foscarnet mutation in an hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient with cytomegalovirus disease
Authors: Gregg K. , Hakki M. , Kaul D.R.
Published: March 2014

We present a case of foscarnet (FOS) resistance arising from a UL54 mutation after a short duration of FOS exposure, which has not been previously described in a stem cell transplant recipient, to our knowledge. We discuss the use of FOS to treat other viral infections and the implications this may have for the development of resistance mutations and treatment of cytomegalovirus disease.
Comparing Energy and Cost Optimization in Distributed Energy Systems Management
Authors: Facci Andrea Luigi , Andreassi Luca , Martini Fabrizio , Ubertini Stefano
Published: March 2014

Distributed generation, despite not being a new concept, is assuming a leading role in the field of energy conversion, as it should contribute to the enhancement of efficiency, flexibility, and reliability of national energy systems. However, it also noted that the effective performances of small and flexible power plants is critically influenced by their actual control strategy. Moreover, it is not trivial to identify a univocal parameter to evaluate the plant performance. For instance, cost evaluation clearly responds to an industrial view of the energy supply problem, while energy consumption or polluting emissions comply with a socio economic approach. In this scenario, the optimization of the plant management is a valuable instrument to gain insight on their behavior as the control strategy is varied, as well as to promote the distributed generation development, by maximizing the plants performances. In this paper, we further develop a graph based optimization methodology to optimize the set-point of an internal combustion engine based plant used to satisfy a hospital energy load, under different seasonal load conditions (winter, summer, and transitional seasons) and energy prices. Specifically, in order to dissect the effects of the objective function selection, two different optimization criteria are considered, namely economical optimization and primary energy consumption minimization. In particular, we focus on the features of the prime mover (i.e., the internal combustion engine) control strategy and on its drivers, as a function of the prescribed objective function. Results demonstrate that in the actual Italian energy market, cost minimization does not match primary energy consumption minimization, because the latter is only influenced by energy demand time series, and equipments performance, while the former is fundamentally driven by the electricity prices time series.
Analytical Model to Characterize “Smear Effect” Observed While Drilling With Casing1
Authors: Kumar Aniket , Samuel Robello
Published: March 2014

The “Smear Effect” observed during a casing-while-drilling operation helps reduce lost circulation, provides wellbore strengthening, and improves the fracture gradient so we can drill more effectively through depleted reservoirs. Several case studies have been reported confirming the formation of a smear zone around the wellbore wall, due to the plastering of cuttings and added lost circulation materials. However, even after successful application in a number of cases, a thorough understanding of the parameters affecting the formation of the smear zone and the subsequent increase in the fracture gradient is not available. This study analyses the theory behind the phenomenon of the smear effect mechanism using case studies and existing literature, and then applies analytical models to estimate the improvement in the fracture gradient based on the drilling parameters and reservoir properties. The formation of the smear zone has been investigated by modeling the mechanism of initiation of micro-fractures around the wellbore wall due to high equivalent circulating densities (ECDs) occurring during casing while drilling. The effect of plugging of these generated micro-fractures by the drilled cuttings and additional lost circulation material added has then been modelled, to estimate the resultant improvement in fracture gradients expected along the wellbore open hole section. In addition, the appropriate particle size distribution required to successfully plug the micro-fractures has also been presented. These analytical models have then been applied to a simulated field case study and the results have been analysed in the context of recorded field observations to simulate the smear effect using the proposed models. The contribution of the casing size and length, formation properties, and operating parameters on the initiation of micro-fractures and the increase in fracture gradient has also been presented to better demonstrate the mechanism of the formation of the smear zone. This analysis is one of the first of its kind of theoretical study to understand the fundamentals of the smear effect mechanism and can be suitably applied to enhance our understanding of the smear effect to use it better to our advantage.
Two Degree of Freedom Control Synthesis With Applications to Agricultural Systems
Authors: Xie Yangmin , Alleyne Andrew
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a two degree of freedom (DOF) controller for combine harvester header height control (HHC). Fundamental limitations to the tracking and disturbance rejection bandwidth for feedback control designs exist in the HHC system due to the considerable actuator delay and underactuated and noncollocated mechanical design. In this work, we utilize H∞ optimal control design to ensure closed-loop stability and robust performance, and augment the feedback loop with a feedforward control structure based on readily available global positioning system (GPS) information. The GPS provides anticipatory information of the field map elevation; albeit with noise, resolution limits, and latency. The elevation changes result in disturbances to the header height control problem and the feedforward controller uses the knowledge of the field to increase the overall disturbance rejection bandwidth. Simulation and experimental results illustrate the performance improvements resulting from the 2-DOF design over the stand alone feedback controller, which removes a long standing obstacle in increasing the harvesting productivity. Additionally, an error analysis examines the effect of uncertainties from system modeling and field map measurements on the system performance.
Time-Dependent Reliability of Dynamic Systems Using Subset Simulation With Splitting Over a Series of Correlated Time Intervals
Authors: Wang Zhonglai , Mourelatos Zissimos P. , Li Jing , Baseski Igor , Singh Amandeep
Published: March 2014

Time-dependent reliability is the probability that a system will perform its intended function successfully for a specified time. Unless many and often unrealistic assumptions are made, the accuracy and efficiency of time-dependent reliability estimation are major issues which may limit its practicality. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is accurate and easy to use, but it is computationally prohibitive for high dimensional, long duration, time-dependent (dynamic) systems with a low failure probability. This work is relevant to systems with random parameters excited by stochastic processes. Their response is calculated by time integrating a set of differential equations at discrete times. The limit state functions are, therefore, explicit in time and depend on time-invariant random variables and time-dependent stochastic processes. We present an improved subset simulation with splitting approach by partitioning the original high dimensional random process into a series of correlated, short duration, low dimensional random processes. Subset simulation reduces the computational cost by introducing appropriate intermediate failure sub-domains to express the low failure probability as a product of larger conditional failure probabilities. Splitting is an efficient sampling method to estimate the conditional probabilities. The proposed subset simulation with splitting not only estimates the time-dependent probability of failure at a given time but also estimates the cumulative distribution function up to that time with approximately the same cost. A vibration example involving a vehicle on a stochastic road demonstrates the advantages of the proposed approach.
An Adjustable Model Reference Adaptive Control for a Time Delay System
Authors: Khoshnood A. M.
Published: March 2014

Current developments in signal processing tools for hardware and software applications have led to employment of these approaches for vibration control in flexible structures. The main challenge of this method is the delay directly generated from the processing in the closed-loop of the vibration control system. This delay causes considerable degradation of the stability of the dynamic system. This study uses the Smith predictor (SP) of common time delay systems to propose an adjustable model reference, where the delay generated from the signal processing block is compensated for vibration control. The vibration control system based on signal processing is applied on a flexible launch vehicle in which the bending vibration modes are modeled as undesirable sinusoidal signals. The results of a numerical simulation of a linear model of the vehicle with the adjustable model reference adaptive system show that the delay in the closed-loop control system is adequately compensated. This approach allows the use of the signal processing tools for vibration analysis and control without substantial delay.
Study on the Anti-Twist Helical Gear Tooth Flank With Longitudinal Tooth Crowning
Authors: Tran Van-The , Hsu Ruei-Hung , Tsay Chung-Biau
Published: March 2014

To attain an anti-twist helical gear tooth flank with longitudinal tooth crowning, a novel additional rotation angle is proposed for the work gear during its hobbing process. A congruous nonlinear function with two variables is proposed and supplemented to this additional rotation angle of work gear. Two numeral examples are presented to illustrate the effects of coefficients of the proposed nonlinear function on the twist and evenness of generated helical gear tooth flanks. The twist of the crowned helical tooth flank is reduced significantly by applying the proposed longitudinal crowning gear method.
A Systematic Approach for Dynamic Analysis of Vehicles With Eight or More Speed Automatic Transmission
Authors: Lee Sangchul , Zhang Yi , Jung Dohoy , Lee Byungchan
Published: March 2014

In this study, a dynamic model of a vehicle with eight or more speed automatic transmission (A/T) has been developed for the analysis of shift quality and dynamic behavior of the vehicle during shift events. Subsystem models for engine, torque converter, automatic transmission, drivetrain, transmission control unit (TCU), and vehicle are developed and integrated with signal information interface. The subsystems included in the model were carefully selected to improve the accuracy of the model by comparing the simulation results with the test data. The systematic modeling approach based on matrix operation proposed in the study enables calibrating and fine-tuning the transmission control unit for shift quality in a virtual vehicle environment. The model presented in the study is validated with the vehicle test data and the comparison shows very good agreement. This paper presents a generalized modeling methodology for multiratio automatic transmissions that require both direct and indirect shifts. The model developed in the study provides a valuable analytical tool for the calibration and tuning of the transmission control unit by allowing quantitative analysis on the dynamic behavior and the performance metrics of an automatic transmission.
The Effects of Pipe Geometry on Fluid Flow in a Muon Collider Particle Production System
Authors: Zhan Yan , Ladeinde Foluso , Kirk Harold G. , McDonald Kirk T.
Published: March 2014

Liquid mercury has been investigated as a potential high-Z target for the production of muon particles for the Muon Collider project. This paper investigates the dynamics of mercury flow in a design of the target delivery system, with the objective of determining pipe configurations that yield weak turbulence intensities at the exit of the pipe. Eight curved pipe geometries with various half-bend angles and with/without nozzles in the exit region are studied. A theoretical analysis is carried out for steady laminar incompressible flow, whereby the terms representing the curvature effects are examined. Subsequent simulations of the turbulent flow regime in the pipes are based on a realizable k-ɛ Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations approach. The effects of half-bend angles and the presence of a nozzle on the momentum thickness and turbulence intensity at the exit plane of the curved pipe are discussed, as are the implications for the target delivery pipe designs.
Biomechanical Effect of Macroscopic Degeneration in a Lumbar Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Natarajan Raghu N. , Lundberg Hannah , An Howard , Andersson Gunnar B.
Published: March 2014

Structural alterations of the disc are accompanied by changes in disc tissue structure and composition during degeneration processes. Fissures and cracks appear in the disc some times extending from the outer annulus to the nucleus. Animal studies have shown that when a rim lesion was introduced in the annulus, progressive failure on the inner annulus was observed (1). From a macroscopic study on lumbar motion segments originating from regular autopsies it was shown (2) that nuclear clefts precede annular tears. Within the annular tears, rim lesions follow the radial and concentric tears. These age-related changes in disc tissue decrease the structural integrity of the disc contributing to the progression of degeneration. The effect of existing cracks and fissures in the lumbar discs on the biomechanics of the disc is an area where there is very little information currently in the literature.
The Effects of Glia on the Tensile Properties of the Spinal Cord
Authors: Shreiber David I. , Hao Hailing , Elias Ragi A. I.
Published: March 2014

Glia, the primary non-neuronal cells of the central nervous system, were initially believed to bind or glue neurons together and/or provide a supporting scaffold [1, 2]. It is now recognized that these cells provide specialized and essential biological and regulatory functions. Still, their contributions to the overall mechanical properties would also strongly influence the tissue’s tolerance to loading conditions experienced during trauma and potentially regulate of function and growth in neurons and glia [3, 4]. White matter represents an intriguing tissue to appreciate the role of glia in tissue and cellular mechanics. White matter consists of bundles of axons aligned in parallel, which are myelinated by oligodendrocytes, and a network of astrocytes, which interconnect axons and the vascular supply. In this study, we selectively interfered with the glial network during chick embryo development and evaluated the tensile properties of the spinal cord. Myelination was suppressed by injecting ethidium bromide (EB), which is cytotoxic to dividing cells and kills oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, or an antibody against galactocerebroside (αGalC) with serum complement, which interferes with oligodendrocytes during the myelination process without affecting astrocytes.
Protease Expression Colocalizes to Regions of Abdominal Aortic Expansion and Stiffening in a Murine Aneurysm Model
Authors: Goergen Craig J. , Kallop Dara Y. , Taylor Charles A. , Weimer Robby M. , Greve Joan M.
Published: March 2014

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex disease defined as a pathological dilation of the vessel wall to larger than 150% of normal. Although the poor clinical outcomes associated with this disease are well known, a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms that lead to AAA development and expansion remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to determine if areas of increased protease expression correspond to locations of aortic stiffening and enlargement in a commonly used mouse model [1].
Sufficiency of Stationary Occupant Surrogates for Evaluating Torso Side Airbag Out-of-Position Injury
Authors: Hallman Jason J. , Yoganandan Narayan , Pintar Frank A.
Published: March 2014

Because over 50% of belted occupants sustain injury to the thorax in nearside motor vehicle crashes [1], torso side airbags are relevant to reducing injury risk in lateral impact. Although airbags are designed to mitigate injury, out-of-position (OOP) scenarios can result if occupant location deviates from that anticipated in airbag design specifications. This is particularly important to side airbags (SABs), which must inflate considerably faster than frontal airbags to offset minimal crush space without causing harm in OOP conditions.