bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Corporate Abandonment
Authors: Highsmith Andrew R.
Published: October 2013

Following World War II, executives from the General Motors Corporation (GM) implemented a sweeping corporate growth plan that centered on the suburbanization of manufacturing. As part of this agenda of metropolitan capitalism, company officials shifted resources and jobs away from the city of Flint, Michigan—GM’s international manufacturing headquarters. However, these capital migrations were not examples of corporate abandonment. Rather, the company’s investment decisions were part of a larger effort to expand Flint’s boundaries and create a regional government. Although suburban opponents ultimately defeated the proposal for a “New Flint,” GM’s support for metropolitan government belies the notion of capital flight at the heart of most literature on the “urban crisis.” Emphasizing the local struggles that unfolded over GM’s postwar investment strategy, this case study posits metropolitan capitalism as a new framework for explaining urban deindustrialization and, more broadly, the processes of suburban development.
Space of Power and Power of Space
Authors: Onwuzuruigbo Ifeanyi
Published: October 2013

Spatial struggles can shed light on sociopolitical processes in the evolution of African cities. Pressures on urban amenities apart, there are hassles over space orchestrated by the drift of large population of Africans to the cities. As a result, conflicts over space exist among the living as well as the “dead,” given the shrinking interment spaces in most cemeteries of urban Africa. This paper identifies the more recent controversy over burial space between Hausa Muslims and government, in the 1980s, as a continuation of an earlier struggle in the colonial era. Cemeteries are not just spaces for burying the dead; for Hausa Muslims in colonial Ibadan, the struggle for cemetery space presented a mode of agitation against colonialism. The struggle also sought to reassert Muslim Hausa identity and autonomy, which lost their potency under the weight of profound social changes activated by nationalist aspirations in colonial Nigeria.
Accurate image capturing control of bottle caps based on iterative learning control and Kalman filtering
Authors: Zhou Wenju , Fei Minrui , Li Kang , Wang Haikuan , Bai Haoliang
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates camera control for capturing bottle cap target images in the fault-detection system of an industrial production line. The main purpose is to identify the targeted bottle caps accurately in real time from the images. This is achieved by combining iterative learning control and Kalman filtering to reduce the effect of various disturbances introduced into the detection system. A mathematical model, together with a physical simulation platform is established based on the actual production requirements, and the convergence properties of the model are analyzed. It is shown that the proposed method enables accurate real-time control of the camera, and further, the gain range of the learning rule is also obtained. The numerical simulation and experimental results confirm that the proposed method can not only reduce the effect of repeatable disturbances but also non-repeatable ones.
Assessment of a Short Diabetes Knowledge Instrument for Older and Minority Adults
Authors: Quandt Sara A. , Ip Edward H. , Kirk Julienne K. , Saldana Santiago , Chen Shyh-Huei , Nguyen Ha , Bell Ronny A. , Arcury Thomas A.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the performance of a Short Diabetes Knowledge Instrument (SDKI) in a large multi-ethnic sample of older adults with diabetes and to identify possible modifications to improve its ability to document diabetes knowledge.

Research Design and Methods

A sample of 593 African American, American Indian, and white female and male adults 60 years and older, with diabetes diagnosed at least 2 years prior, was recruited from 8 North Carolina counties. All completed an interview that included a 16-item questionnaire to assess diabetes knowledge. A subsample of 46 completed the questionnaire a second time at a subsequent interview. Item-response analysis was used to refine the instrument to well-performing items. The instrument consisting of the remaining items was subjected to analyses to assess validity and test-retest reliability.

Results

Three items were removed after item-response analysis. Scores for the resulting instrument were lower among minority and older participants, as well as those with lower educational attainment and income. Scores for test-retest were highly correlated.

Conclusions

The SDKI (13-item questionnaire) appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate knowledge about diabetes. Assessment in a multi-ethnic sample of older adults suggests that this instrument can be used to measure diabetes knowledge in diverse populations. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether or not this instrument can detect changes in knowledge resulting from diabetes education or other interventions.
Total anomalous systemic and pulmonary venous connection
Authors: Mishra Amit , Sharma Pranav , Shah Ritesh , Oswal Nilesh , Rana Yashpal
Published: October 2013

Total anomalous systemic and pulmonary venous connection is an extremely rare congenital cardiac anomaly. We present our unique experience of managing this complex partially diagnosed cardiac anomaly in a 16-month-old boy. The systemic venous anomaly was not detected during the initial preoperative evaluation. He was doing well on follow-up, with normal pulmonary artery pressure.
Chest wall reconstruction in Marfan syndrome following aortic root replacement
Authors: Bezuska Laurynas , Mussa Shaffi , Muthialu Nagarajan
Published: October 2013

Chest wall and spine deformities are common in Marfan syndrome, and often coexist with cardiac defects. Surgery is often needed to both the aortic root and the anterior chest wall, and early spinal surgery is not uncommon. We describe a case of severe thoracic cage deformity with aortic root dilatation, which was managed by a staged approach, with a very good final result.
A case of extreme upper limb surgical revascularization in Buerger’s disease
Authors: Massara Mafalda , De Caridi Giovanni , Spinelli Francesco
Published: October 2013

Thromboangiitis obliterans or Buerger’s disease is a rare nonatherosclerotic segmental inflammatory vasculitis that most commonly involves small and medium-sized arteries, veins, and nerves of the extremities, and generally affects young tobacco smokers. A 51-year-old man was found to have critical ischemia of his left hand, with necrosis of 3 fingers. He underwent extremely distal surgical revascularization using a cephalic vein bypass graft.
A novel modified Robicsek technique for sternal closure: “Double-check”
Authors: Lafci Gokhan , Yasar Emre , Cicek Omer Faruk , Irdem Ahmet , Uzun Alper , Yalcinkaya Adnan
Published: October 2013

A median sternotomy is the most common approach for cardiac and great vessel surgery. After a median sternotomy, healing complications such as instability, nonunion, and infection, are rare but devastating. Predisposing factors for sternal complications are old age, diabetes, steroid treatment, postmenopause state, obesity, reoperation, and the use of bilateral internal mammary arteries. Patients with sternal dehiscence frequently require reoperation to maintain optimum sternal stability. The technique chosen for sternal closure must provide excellent sternal approximation. We describe a modified Robicsek procedure reinforced with figure-of-8 sternal wires. We named this technique “double-check”.
Aortic valve replacement in over 70- and over 80-year olds: 5-year cohort study
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Sathananthan Janarthanan , Chieng Nicholas , Gamble Greg D , Haydock David A , Ruygrok Peter N
Published: October 2013

Background

Demand for aortic valve intervention remains high, and together with the recent introduction of transcatheter aortic valve implantation, this motivates a review of surgical aortic valve replacement in elderly recipients.

Methods

Consecutive patients over 70 years of age having isolated aortic valve replacement during 2007–11 were retrospectively identified and divided into 70–79 and ≥ 80 years age groups for analyses.

Results

62 octogenarians and 121 septuagenarians were eligible. Among octogenarians, a lower proportion were in Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class 3–4 (3.2% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.022) and fewer had diabetes (11.3% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.034), but a higher proportion had infective endocarditis (6.5% vs. 0%, p = 0.012), and EuroSCORE II was higher (4.9% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001). Despite this, operative mortality was lower in octogenarians (0% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.029), although hospital stay (11.7 vs. 8.9 days, p = 0.026) was longer. One-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 95.2%, 90.1%, and 75.3% for octogenarians and 89.2%, 81.7%, and 70.2% for septuagenarians ( p = 0.398). Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class 3–4 and the presence of other valvular stenosis or regurgitation were independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Octogenarians had lower operative mortality despite a higher predicted risk preoperatively. Other factors beyond age and EuroSCORE, such as frailty, may be important in deciding whether elderly patients should undergo aortic valve replacement.
Heart transplant survival rate in Iran: a single-center registry report
Authors: Salehi Mehrdad , Bakhshandeh Ali Reza , Latifi Sahar , Rahmanian Mehrzad
Published: October 2013

Aim

to determine 1-month and 1-year survival rate in recipients of heart transplants in Imam Khomeini Medical Center.

Methods

we analyzed the outcomes of 69 patients who underwent heart transplantation between 2007 and 2010. The 1-month and 1-year survival rates were calculated, and we assessed prognostic factors such as donor and recipient age and sex, graft ischemic time during surgery, and liver and kidney function tests.

Results

increased donor age had a significant negative effect on survival rate ( p = 0.005). Sex differences between donor and recipient had no association with transplant outcome and survival rate. The overall 1-month and 1-year survival was 82.6% ( n = 54) and 70% ( n = 48), respectively.

Conclusion

heart transplantation is a lifesaving procedure for end-stage heart disorders. Mortality after heart transplantation depends on numerous factors, and thus survival rates differ among centers. The 1-month and 1-year survival rates after heart transplant in our center currently stand at 82.6% and 70%, respectively.
Devised loop-in-loop technique in mitral valve repair
Authors: Tokunaga Shigehiko , Yasuda Shota , Masuda Munetaka
Published: October 2013

The loop technique is useful for multiple chordal reconstructions in mitral valve repair. Although it is easy to anchor the loop to the tip of the prolapsed leaflet, take-down of the anchored loop is not easy. The devised loop-in-loop technique makes intraoperative adjustment of the neochordae quick and easy. This article describes a straightforward and reproducible method for secure anchoring and, if necessary, take-down of neochordae using the loop-in-loop technique for mitral valve repair.
Preoperative levosimendan in ischemic mitral valve repair
Authors: Sharma Pranav , Malhotra Amber , Gandhi Sanjay , Garg Pankaj , Bishnoi Arvind , Gandhi Hemang
Published: October 2013

Background

Levosimendan is a new calcium sensitizing drug with vasodilatory and inotropic properties, which is used for the treatment of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome and difficult weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective

To evaluate the hemodynamic effects of levosimendan during and after coronary artery bypass grafting on cardiopulmonary bypass and mitral valve repair in patients with low left ventricular ejection fractions (<30%).

Methods

40 patients were enrolled in this double-blind prospective randomized controlled trial. They received either levosimendan or a placebo preoperatively ( n = 20) for 24 h. Clinical parameters were measured before and after administration. Any adverse events during and after drug administration and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Results

Patients treated with levosimendan exhibited a higher cardiac index and mean arterial pressure intraoperative and in the early postoperative period, compared to the control group. Patients treated with levosimendan required less ventilatory support ( p < 0.0001) and had shorter intensive care unit ( p < 0.0001) and hospital stay ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Preoperative treatment with levosimendan in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair resulted in improved hemodynamics and a stable postoperative course.
Aortic root replacement with absent left-main coronary artery: How to do it
Authors: Saha Kamales Kumar , Parate Bhupesh , Jagiasi Bharat
Published: October 2013

Aortic root replacement in patient with a coronary artery anomaly can be challenging. We describe aortic root replacement in a patient with annuloaortic ectasia and coarctation, who had an absent left main coronary artery. There were separate origins of the left anterior descending and left circumflex coronary arteries from the aorta. The technical modification employed in this case is discussed.
Identifying gifted students in Puerto Rico
Authors: Rosado Javier I , Pfeiffer Steven , Petscher Yaacov
Published: October 2013

The challenge of correctly identifying gifted students is a critical issue. Gifted education in Puerto Rico is marked by insufficient support and a lack of appropriate identification methods. This study examined the reliability and validity of a Spanish translation of the Gifted Rating Scales-School Form (GRS) with a sample of 618 island-residing Puerto Rican students. Alpha values for the Spanish-translated version ranged from 0.98 to 0.99, comparable to those reported for the USA standardization sample. Scores on the Spanish-translated GRS correlated positively and significantly with classroom grades, Naglieri Non-verbal Test of Intelligence (NNAT) scores and with the island’s local norm-referenced achievement test. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the six-factor model. Overall, findings provide evidence supporting the use of a Spanish-translated GRS for Puerto Rican island students.
Sexual violence against women
Authors: Walklate Sandra
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this article is to offer a critical analysis of the strengths and limitations embedded within the victimological embrace of the criminal victimization survey as a mode of measuring the nature and extent of sexual violence against women. Over the last 25 years great strides have been made in recognizing sexual violence as a problem that has global dimensions. Such recognition notwithstanding, concerns remain about who, what and under what conditions such violence is included in this recognition. This article deploys Latour’s (1987) concept of the ‘black box’ to examine what is measured, how it is measured, and who is included and excluded in the measurement of sexual violence as articulated by the criminal victimization survey method. In unravelling these questions it becomes evident that what is to be done about sexual violence, and whose knowledge counts in relation to what is to be done, remain problematic issues for the victimological engagement with this agenda.
Environmental harm and environmental victims
Authors: Hall Matthew
Published: October 2013

The study of environmental victimization has been notably absent from the vast majority of academic and policy discussions surrounding victims of crime, despite the growing prevalence of ‘green’ issues and ‘environmental harms’ in the 21st century. This article presents a forward-looking examination of the possibilities for a ‘green victimology’ to complement the developing field of ‘green criminology’ − mapping out possibilities for its theoretical context, likely scope and key research questions. In sum, the article presents the case for a critical, interdisciplinary approach to the question of environmental victims that takes careful note of developments in the field of human and environmental rights. The article also examines the scope of ‘environmental harm’ and ‘environmental victimization’, concluding that, like other victim groups, environmental victims are far from homogeneous. In particular, the article calls for empirical work to ascertain the views and needs of environmental victims themselves.
Role of serotonin 1A receptors in the median raphe nucleus on the behavioral consequences of forced swim stress
Authors: Almeida PVG , Trovo MC , Tokumoto AM , Pereira AC , Padovan CM
Published: October 2013

Despite the intense research on the neurobiology of stress, the role of serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors still remains to be elucidated. In the hippocampus, post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors activation induces anxiolytic effects in animals previously exposed to stressful situations. However, little is known about somatodendritic 5-HT1A receptors in the median raphe nucleus (MRN). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of 5-HT1A receptors located in the MRN in rats exposed to forced swim stress. After recovering from surgery, rats were forced to swim for 15 min in a cylinder. Intra-MRN injections of saline, 8-OH-DPAT (3 nmol/0.2 µL) and/or WAY-100635 (0.3 nmol/0.2 µL) were performed immediately before or after pre-exposure or 24 h later (immediately before test). Non-stressed rats received the same treatment 24 h or 10 min before test. Our data showed that 8-OH-DPAT increased latency to display immobility while decreasing time spent immobile in almost all experimental conditions. These effects were not prevented by previous treatment with WAY-100635. No effects of different treatments were described in non-stressed animals. Taken together, our data suggest that in addition to activation of 5-HT1A, 5-HT7 receptors may also be involved in the behavioural consequences of exposure to swim stress.
The role of US in the evaluation of clinically suspected ulnar collateral ligament injuries of the thumb: spectrum of findings and differential diagnosis
Authors: Arend Carlos F , da Silva Tiago R
Published: October 2013

Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) complex of the thumb is a common traumatic lesion that requires prompt imaging evaluation for adequate treatment. In this article, we review the role of ultrasound in diagnosis and illustrate the spectrum of both static and dynamic findings related to the UCL injuries. We also describe a number of alternative diagnoses in the vicinity of the first metacarpophalangeal joint that may present clinically as pseudoligamentous lesions in a trauma setting.
Oral sumatriptan for migraine in children and adolescents: A randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel group study
Authors: Fujita Mitsue , Sato Katsuaki , Nishioka Hiroshi , Sakai Fumihiko
Published: October 2013

Objective

The objective of this article is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of two doses of oral sumatriptan vs placebo in the acute treatment of migraine in children and adolescents.

Background

Currently, there is no approved prescription medication in Japan for the treatment of migraine in children and adolescents.

Methods

This was a multicenter, outpatient, single-attack, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Eligible patients were children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years diagnosed with migraine with or without aura (ICHD-II criteria 1.1 or 1.2) from 17 centers. They were randomized to receive sumatriptan 25 mg, 50 mg or placebo (1:1:2). The primary efficacy endpoint was headache relief by two grades on a five-grade scale at two hours post-dose.

Results

A total of 178 patients from 17 centers in Japan were enrolled and randomized to an investigational product in double-blind fashion. Of these, 144 patients self-treated a single migraine attack, and all provided a post-dose efficacy assessment and completed the study. The percentage of patients in the full analysis set (FAS) population who report pain relief at two hours post-treatment for the primary endpoint was higher in the placebo group than in the pooled sumatriptan group (38.6% vs 31.1%, 95% CI: −23.02 to 8.04, p = 0.345). The percentage of patients in the FAS population who reported pain relief at four hours post-dose was higher in the pooled sumatriptan group (63.5%) than in the placebo group (51.4%) but failed to achieve statistical significance ( p = 0.142). At four hours post-dose, percentages of patients who were pain free or had complete relief of photophobia or phonophobia were numerically higher in the sumatriptan pooled group compared to placebo. Both doses of oral sumatriptan were well tolerated. No adverse events (AEs) were serious or led to study withdrawal. The most common AEs were somnolence in 6% (two patients) in the sumatriptan 25 mg treatment group and chest discomfort in 7% (three patients) in the sumatriptan 50 mg treatment group.

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant improvement between the sumatriptan pooled group and the placebo group for pain relief at two hours. Oral sumatriptan was well tolerated.
Waste management and contaminated site remediation practices after oil spill: A case study
Authors: Oliveira Fernando Jorge Santos , da Rocha Calixto Renata Oliveira , Felippe Carlos Eduardo Cunha , de Franca Francisca Pessoa
Published: October 2013

A case study is presented on waste management practices implemented after a residual fuel oil spill from a steam-generating boiler in an industrial area, and on the technical feasibility of monitored natural attenuation as a treatment option for a recently contaminated tropical soil. One day after contamination, surface soil total petroleum hydrocarbons and phenanthrene concentrations varied from 3.1 to 7.9 g kg−1 and 149 to 287 µg kg−1, respectively. Petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations decayed along the monitored time and after 90 days of processes the soil was considered rehabilitated for future industrial use.
A framework for a decision support system for municipal solid waste landfill design
Authors: Verge Ashley , Rowe R Kerry
Published: October 2013

A decision support system (Landfill Advisor or LFAdvisor) was developed to integrate current knowledge of barrier systems into a computer application to assist in landfill design. The program was developed in Visual Basic and includes an integrated database to store information. LFAdvisor presents the choices available for each liner component (e.g. leachate collection system, geomembrane liner, clay liners) and provides advice on their suitability for different situations related to municipal solid waste landfills (e.g. final cover, base liner, lagoon liner). Unique to LFAdvisor, the service life of each engineered component is estimated based on results from the latest research. LFAdvisor considers the interactions between liner components, operating conditions, and the existing site environment. LFAdvisor can be used in the initial stage of design to give designers a good idea of what liner components will likely be required, while alerting them to issues that are likely to arise. A systems approach is taken to landfill design with the ultimate goal of maximising long-term performance and service life.
Comparison of municipal solid waste treatment technologies from a life cycle perspective in China
Authors: Dong Jun , Chi Yong , Zou Daoan , Fu Chao , Huang Qunxing , Ni Mingjiang
Published: October 2013

China has endured the increasing generation of municipal solid waste; hence, environmental analysis of current waste management systems is of crucial importance. This article presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment of three waste treatment technologies practiced in Hangzhou, China: landfill with and without energy recovery, and incineration with waste-to-energy. Adopting region-specific data, the study covers various environmental impacts, such as global warming, acidification, nutrient enrichment, photochemical ozone formation, human toxicity and ecotoxicity. The results show that energy recovery poses a positive effect in environmental savings. Environmental impacts decrease significantly in landfill with the utilization of biogas owing to combined effects by emission reduction and electricity generation. Incineration is preferable to landfill, but toxicity-related impacts also need to be improved. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis shows that the benefit of carbon sequestration will noticeably decrease global warming potential of both landfill scenarios. Gas collection efficiency is also a key parameter influencing the performance of landfill. Based on the results, improvement methods are proposed. Energy recovery is recommended both in landfill and incineration. For landfill, gas collection systems should be upgraded effectively; for incineration, great efforts should be made to reduce heavy metals and dioxin emissions.
Study of thermal pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse waste by TGA-MS and FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Rodríguez-Abalde Ángela , Gómez Xiomar , Blanco Daniel , Cuetos María José , Fernández Belén , Flotats Xavier
Published: October 2013

Thermogravimetric analysis coupled to mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to describe the effect of pasteurization as a hygienic pre-treatment of animal by-products over biogas production. Piggery and poultry meat wastes were used as substrates for assessing the anaerobic digestion under batch conditions at mesophilic range. Poultry waste was characterized by high protein and carbohydrate content, while piggery waste presented a major fraction of fat and lower carbohydrate content. Results from anaerobic digestion tests showed a lower methane yield for the pre-treated poultry sample. TGA-MS and FTIR spectroscopy allowed the qualitative identification of recalcitrant nitrogen-containing compounds in the pre-treated poultry sample, produced by Maillard reactions. In the case of piggery waste, the recalcitrant compounds were not detected and its biodegradability test reported higher methane yield and production rates. TGA-MS and FTIR spectroscopy were demonstrated to be useful tools for explaining results obtained by anaerobic biodegradability test and in describing the presence of inhibitory problems.
Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure
Authors: Lo Warren , Gordon Anne L. , Hajek Christine , Gomes Alison , Greenham Mardee , Anderson Vicki , Yeates Keith O. , Mackay Mark T.
Published: October 2013

The ability to anticipate deficits would help with implementation of interventions for children affected by stroke. The Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (Measure) measures neurological impairment after stroke, but there has been little research examining the relationship between the Measure and functional outcomes. We hypothesized the Measure correlates with cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Thirty-six children with stroke were assessed with the Measure, and tested for cognitive ability, problem behavior, adaptive behavior, and social participation. We examined the correlation between the total Measure and outcomes and determined how subscale scores associated with outcomes. Higher total Measure scores correlated with poorer outcomes in cognitive ability, problem behaviors, adaptive behaviors, and social participation. Specific subscale scores correlated with poorer outcomes in multiple domains. The total Measure can be used to anticipate poor outcomes in multiple domains after stroke and can help the clinician in the treatment of children as they recover.
Reliability and Validity of Outcome Measures of In-Hospital and At-Home Visits in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Chen Tai-Heng , Yang Yi-Hsin , Mai Hui-Hsia , Liang Wen-Chen , Wu Yi-Ching , Wang Hui-Yi , Jong Yuh-Jyh
Published: October 2013

We used at-home assessments in a clinical trial to relieve the visit burden for participants. A total of 57 patients with type II or III spinal muscular atrophy were enrolled and 10 of them (7 type II and 3 type III) received at-home assessments. The primary end points were Gross Motor Function Measure, Manual Muscle Test, and serum biomarker. The secondary endpoints were Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale and forced vital capacity. The correlation coefficients and analysis of covariance showed good reliability and validity of all outcome measures. Except for Gross Motor Function Measure and Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale, there were no significant differences in measures between in-hospital and at-home groups (intersubject) or among 3 patients who received both at-home and in-hospital visits (intrasubject). We concluded that at-home assessments could provide sufficient reliability in a controlled trial. This modification could help design a successful clinical trial for spinal muscular atrophy.
Nutrition Management for the Promotion of Growth in Very Low Birth Weight Premature Infants
Authors: Prince Allison , Groh‐Wargo Sharon
Published: October 2013

Premature infants are highly susceptible to extrauterine growth restriction. Without early and adequate nutrition support, nutrition deficits of energy and protein can quickly accrue. Growth failure has been implicated in poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and long‐term morbidity, creating a major focus on neonatal nutrition alongside medical management. Optimal nutrition is paramount for optimal growth outcomes. The purpose of this article is to review the implications and long‐term effects of growth failure in premature infants, specifically, those with very low birth weights. In addition, nutrition interventions and treatments will be presented to manage and improve growth outcomes of the neonate.
Nutrient Deficiencies Associated With Nutrition‐Focused Physical Findings of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Radler Diane Rigassio , Lister Tracy
Published: October 2013

Conducting nutrition‐focused physical examinations and reporting the findings from the perspective of nutrition status strengthen the practitioner's assessments, interventions, and monitoring. The nutrition‐focused physical examination of the oral cavity is particularly useful to identify nutrient deficiencies early and with accuracy as the tissues in the oral mucosa have a turnover rate of <1 week. As biomarkers may not always be reliable for identifying micronutrient deficiencies, these physical examinations are important for providing comprehensive nutrition care. The purpose of this article is to discuss the methods of conducting a nutrition‐focused oral screening examination and compile and document the evidence regarding the effects of micronutrient deficiencies on the oral mucosa. The information is formatted into a table that can be used as a tool when conducting an oral screening by identifying possible deficiencies based on the observations and other relevant findings. The tool will also guide the practitioner in confirming the physical findings, suggesting interventions to treat the deficiency and how to monitor the outcomes.
Inadvertent Exaggerated Anticoagulation Following Use of Bismuth Subsalicylate in an Enterally Fed Patient Receiving Warfarin Therapy
Authors: Bingham Angela L. , Brown Rex O. , Dickerson Roland N.
Published: October 2013

We report a case of an inadvertent increase in the international normalized ratio (INR) after the addition of bismuth subsalicylate for the treatment of diarrhea in an enterally fed patient receiving warfarin therapy. A 56‐year‐old Caucasian female presented to the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) with multiple lower extremity fractures. Warfarin was initiated for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis due to the patient's inability to ambulate. The target INR was 2‐3. Continuous intragastric enteral feeding was withheld 1 hour before and 1 hour after intragastric administration of warfarin. Bismuth subsalicylate 30 mL every 4 hours was prescribed for diarrhea. Within 3 days after starting bismuth subsalicylate therapy, the patient's INR increased from 2.56 to 3.54 and minor bleeding was noted from the patient's tracheostomy site. No significant change in warfarin dosage, variability in vitamin K intake, or medications that potentially alter warfarin metabolism were present during the unexpected rise in INR. When the bismuth subsalicylate was discontinued, the patient's INR stabilized into the target range on the same warfarin dose given at the time of the supratherapeutic INR. Salicylate displaces warfarin from plasma protein binding sites and may result in a significant increase in INR secondary to redistribution of warfarin to the free active form. Evaluation of this case report using the Drug Interaction Probability Scale and Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale yielded scores consistent with a probable adverse drug interaction. Bismuth subsalicylate exaggerates warfarin's anticoagulant response and its concurrent use during warfarin therapy should be avoided.
Development of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/alginate copolymer hydrogel-grafted fabrics embedding of berberine nanosuspension for the infected wound treatment
Authors: Xu He , Yuan Xu-Dong , Shen Bao-De , Han Jin , Lv Qing-Yuan , Dai Ling , Lin Ming-Gui , Yu Chao , Bai Jin-Xia , Yuan Hai-Long
Published: October 2013

In the present study, a novel hydrogel-grafted fabrics embedding of berberine nanosuspension was developed for the treatment of infected wound. Hydrogel-grafted fabric was prepared by graft copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and alginate using ceric ammonium nitrate as initiator. Berberine nanosuspension was prepared and embedded in the hydrogel-grafted fabrics to achieve sustained drug release. The prepared hydrogel-grafted fabrics embedding of berberine nanosuspension was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and swelling degree studies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that berberine was embedded into the matrix of hydrogel-grafted fabrics, rather than on the surface. Scanning electron microscopy showed that a thin hydrogel layer was formed on the surface of nonwoven fibers. The swelling study showed that hydrogel-grafted fabric had water absorbing characteristic with reversible temperature sensitivity. The drug release study demonstrated that hydrogel-grafted fabrics can be used as a sustained drug delivery system of hydrophobic compounds. The berberine nanosuspension embedded hydrogel-grafted fabric was further investigated in an animal infected wound model and was found to be a very promising wound healing dressing for the treatment and healing of infected wounds.
Human mesenchymal stem cells response to multi-doped silicon-strontium calcium phosphate coatings
Authors: Rodríguez-Valencia Cosme , Pereiro Iago , Pirraco Rogelio P , López-Álvarez Miriam , Serra Julia , González Pío , Marques Alexandra P , Reis Rui L
Published: October 2013

The search for apatitic calcium phosphate coatings to improve implants osteointegration is, nowadays, preferentially focused in the obtaining of compositions closer to that of the inorganic phase of bone. Silicon and strontium are both present in trace concentrations in natural bone and have been demonstrated, by separate, to significantly improve osteoblastic response on calcium phosphate bioceramics. This work aims the controlled and simultaneous multi-doping of carbonated calcium phosphate coatings with both elements, Si and Sr, by pulsed laser deposition technique and the biological response of human mesenchymal stem cells to them. A complete physicochemical characterization has been also performed to analyze the coatings and significant positive effect was obtained at the osteogenic differentiation of cells, confirming the enormous potential of this multi-doping coating approach.
A slow-release fibrin matrix increases adeno-associated virus transduction of wound repair cells in vivo
Authors: Schmidt Christian , Bezuidenhout Deon , Zilla Peter , Davies Neil H
Published: October 2013

Virus-mediated gene therapy is a promising strategy for numerous tissue engineering applications. Fibrin-based scaffolds have been previously used as vehicles for localised delivery of adenovirus to wound sites. However, their utility in the delivery of adeno-associated viruses to wound repair cells has not yet been determined. The influence of fibrin concentration on efficacy of delivery of AAV-2 to wound tissue was assessed in this study. Fibrin scaffolds containing recombinant AAV-2 encoding for β-galactosidase were polymerised in porous polyurethane discs and implanted subcutaneously in rats. A fibrin scaffold with a concentration of 50 mg/ml showed significantly elevated levels of β-galactosidase activity within explanted discs at 10 days compared to 10 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml fibrin. These findings inform efforts to optimise biodegradable scaffolds for the localised delivery of AAV in tissue engineering.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Violent Disciplinary Practices at Home in Viet Nam
Authors: Cappa Claudia , Dam Hang
Published: October 2013

Data on parenting practices and the use of violence in child rearing remain scarce worldwide, hindering prevention efforts. This study examines disciplinary methods used on children at home in Viet Nam. It is based on data collected from 2010 to 2011 through the fourth round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS4)—a household survey program supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) that focuses on women and children in low- and middle-income countries. Respondents in the survey were asked 11 questions relating to disciplinary measures used in the preceding month on one randomly selected child (2-14 years old) in each household. A final question about attitudes probed adults’ views on the need for physical punishment in child rearing. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to estimate the prevalence of violent and nonviolent forms of discipline, and to identify risk factors associated with violent punishment. Results showed that three in four children in Viet Nam are disciplined through violent means. The exposure of Vietnamese children to violent forms of discipline was significantly associated with varied characteristics of both children and their caregivers. Moreover, the use of violent disciplinary practices on children was strongly associated with positive attitudes toward corporal punishment. Risk factors for violent child discipline identified in this study can inform future interventions to promote positive practices and to protect Vietnamese children against violence in the home.
G.R.I.T.S.
Authors: Doucet Jessica M. , D’Antonio-Del Rio Julia M. , Chauvin Chantel D.
Published: October 2013

The southern subculture of violence is a theoretical perspective that has been examined by numerous scholars in an attempt to explain the high rates of violence in the Southern United States. Research over the past several decades has converged on a few explanations for this violence, including a culture of honor, a frontier mentality, and a presence of evangelical Protestantism. The primary focus of this research has been on either male offending or race disaggregated offending. The influence of the southern subculture of violence on female offending has only recently come to the forefront and has concentrated on relatively recent time periods (1990s to present). The present study examines the effect of southern culture on female-perpetrated homicides in the 1970s, a time when female offending was on the rise. Utilizing a southern subculture of violence index, our county-level negative binomial regression analysis finds that in counties with more Southern-born residents and a higher presence of evangelical Protestantism, female homicide offending is higher. Implications of these results and avenues for future research are discussed.
Residential PTSD Treatment for Female Veterans With Military Sexual Trauma
Authors: Walter Kristen H. , Buckley Amy , Simpson Jennifer M. , Chard Kathleen M.
Published: October 2013

This study examined whether a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) influenced treatment outcome among female veterans with an index trauma of military sexual trauma (MST) receiving residential treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One hundred and ten female veterans, 61 with a history of CSA and 49 without, were compared on pre-treatment demographic and symptom measures, as well as treatment outcome, which were assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), PTSD Checklist–Stressor Specific Version (PCL-S), and Depression Inventory–Second edition (BDI-II). Veterans received cognitive processing therapy (CPT) as the primary trauma-focused treatment. Study findings showed that these two groups did not significantly differ on pre-treatment variables or treatment outcome. Results suggest that CPT delivered in a residential treatment program was effective for female veterans with PTSD related to MST, with and without a history of CSA.
Portrayals of the Poor on the Cusp of Capitalism
Authors: Clair Robin Patric , Anderson Lindsey B.
Published: October 2013

An entrepreneurial image of the poor is becoming quite popular among nonprofit organizations, especially with the growing use of micro-finance models. The present study explores the promotional materials of a religious, charitable, nonprofit organization—Heifer International—whose mission is to eradicate poverty. The findings suggest that the organization’s portrayal of the poor “pasteurizes” the image of the poor and positions them as happy, healthy workers who exist as “enterprising” people on the cusp of capitalism. In addition, the nonprofit positions itself on the cusp of capitalism by way of three strategies: perspective by incongruity, dissoi logoi/kairos, and the art of illusion.
Show Them a Good Time
Authors: Harris Kate Lockwood
Published: October 2013

Engaging with calls from organization scholars, I analyze the communicative mechanisms through which individuals, rather than organizations, become the focus in discussions of violence. Reading a legal decision regarding rape at the University of Colorado, I argue that organizational conceptualizations of sexual violence are marginalized as (a) noncommunicative, container models of organization are prioritized and (b) violence is understood as an action rather than one element in a system of meaning. On the basis of this analysis, I offer a feminist rereading of the case that identifies the organization as a participant in sexual violence. To recognize not only individual, but also organizational sexual violence, I suggest that scholars problematize the racialized gendering of organization. Further, I show that a communicative approach that articulates complex relationships between meaning and action is central for highlighting the intersectionality of sexual violence and for unmooring sexually violent agency from individuated physicality.
Work and Family Plans Among At-Risk Israeli Adolescents
Authors: Cinamon Rachel Gali , Rich Yisrael
Published: October 2013

Quantitative methods were used to investigate attributions of importance to work and family roles and anticipated work–family conflict and facilitation among 353 at-risk Israeli male and female adolescents. Qualitative interviews conducted with 26 of the at-risk youth explored future work and family perceptions. Findings indicated that both sexes anticipated greater facilitation than conflict and demonstrated little exploration and unsophisticated understanding of the work domain. However, perceptions of family were very salient. Females' exploration of family roles was widespread. Both genders understood work as a means to financially support the family. At-risk adolescents' work–family thinking differed meaningfully from descriptions of mainstream youngsters. Implications for career interventions and research with at-risk adolescents are considered.
Development of an asymmetric axial piston pump for displacement-controlled system
Authors: Huang Jiahai , Zhao Hu , Quan Long , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: October 2013

Pump-controlled systems can eliminate throttling losses and improve the work efficiency of mobile hydraulic system. But one difficult problem for that is the differential volumetric flow through a single rod cylinder which is widely used in mobile hydraulic system. Several solutions have been presented to deal with it so far, but there still has not been a cost-effective solution to it. In recent years, an asymmetric pump-controlled asymmetric cylinder strategy has been presented to deal with this problem. In order to achieve this goal, an asymmetric axial piston pump with three ports was developed in this research. The flow rate ratio of the three ports of asymmetric axial piston pump was designed as 1: γ:(1 −  γ), in which γ was the area ratio of a single rod cylinder. An important task in the development of asymmetric axial piston pump was the design of the valve plate. There were three intake/discharge slots (slots A, B, and T) in the valve plate. The pumping dynamics of a fixed displacement asymmetric axial piston pump were investigated using software package ITI-SimulationX® and the performances of its prototype were tested. Simulation and experimental results show that with careful design, a V-shaped cross-section groove at the leading side of slot T can effectively improve the performance of asymmetric axial piston pump, and delivery pressure performance of port B is better than that of port T. Therefore, port T should be linked with low-pressure sources such as accumulator, and port B can be connected to high pressure sources. This work lays a theoretical foundation for a new exploration to pump-controlled system.
Backstepping quasi-continuous high-order sliding mode control for a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system with an application for a two-link robot control
Authors: Van Mien , Kang Hee-Jun , Shin Kyoo-Sik
Published: October 2013

A new control scheme is proposed for motion tracking of a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system using the backstepping quasi-continuous high-order sliding mode (HOSM) control technique. First, a Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model is used to represent the original second-order nonlinear system; most of the parameters for this model can be computed offline. Next, a conventional backstepping sliding mode control (BSMC) is designed to stabilize and guarantee the exact motion tracking for the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system. However, use of the conventional sliding mode control generates significant chattering. Therefore, a quasi-continuous second-order sliding mode (QC2S) control is employed to reduce chattering and obtain higher tracking precision, resulting in a backstepping quasi-continuous second-order sliding mode (BQC2S) control law. Combining the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model with the BQC2S controller results in a controller scheme that preserves the advantages of both techniques, such as the low online computational burden of the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model, and the low chattering, robustness, and fast transient response of the BQC2S controller. Finally, the proposed controller is used to control a two-link robot manipulator and is compared with the existing approaches. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
The identification of external forces for a nonlinear vibration system in frequency domain
Authors: Chao M , Hongxing H , Feng X
Published: October 2013

Based on the perspective of nonlinearities as internal feedback forces, the external force identification model for the nonlinear vibration system is established in the frequency domain. In general, the accuracy of proposed technique is often limited by the noise in the measured structural responses and the inversion of the ill-conditioned linear frequency response functions matrix. Hence, the force identification problem always changes to be an ill-posed problem, and in order to obtain the stable solution, the ordinary least square method, combining with a regularization technique, is used in this paper. Finally, in order to verify the practicality and accuracy of the proposed method, a numerical example and experimental application are used. The results show that it is feasible to apply the proposed method to identify the external force for a nonlinear vibration system.