bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PIN1 Inhibition Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation and Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Cho Y.-A. , Jue S.-S. , Bae W.-J. , Heo S.-H. , Shin S.-I. , Kwon I.-K. , Lee S.-C. , Kim E.-C.
Published: December 2014

Inflammatory responses and osteoclast differentiation play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of osteolytic bone diseases such as periodontitis. Although overexpression or inhibition of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1) offers a possible therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases, the role of PIN1 in periodontal disease is unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate PIN1 expression in periodontitis patients as well as the effects of PIN1 inhibition by juglone or PIN1 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and of PIN1 overexpression using a recombinant adenovirus encoding PIN1 (Ad-PIN1) on the inflammatory response and osteoclastic differentiation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and nicotine-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). PIN1 was up-regulated in chronically inflamed PDLCs from periodontitis patients and in LPS- and nicotine-exposed PDLCs. Inhibition of PIN1 by juglone or knockdown of PIN1 gene expression by siRNA markedly attenuated LPS- and nicotine-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) production, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, whereas PIN1 overexpression by Ad-PIN1 increased it. LPS- and nicotine-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation was blocked by juglone and PIN1 siRNA but increased by Ad-PIN1. Conditioned medium prepared from LPS- and nicotine-treated PDLCs increased the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–stained osteoclasts and osteoclast-specific gene expression. These responses were blocked by PIN1 inhibition and silencing but stimulated by Ad-PIN1. Furthermore, juglone and PIN1 siRNA inhibited LPS- and nicotine-induced osteoclastogenic cytokine expression in PDLCs. This study is the first to demonstrate that PIN1 inhibition exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and blocks osteoclastic differentiation in LPS- and nicotine-treated PDLCs. PIN1 inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory osteolysis in periodontal disease.
Recasting industrial relations: Productivity, place and the Queensland coal industry, 2001–2013
Authors: Bowden Bradley , Barry Michael
Published: December 2014

The link between industrial relations and productivity is contentious. It is often argued that particular industrial relations models are more or less conducive to greater productivity. However, this article, in exploring this issue through an examination of the Queensland coal industry since 2001, finds no evidence of such a link. Instead, it finds that the more employer-friendly industrial relations system that has prevailed in Queensland coal mining since 1996 has been associated with both rising (1996–2000 and 2011–2013) and falling (2001–2011) productivity. Instead, the only correlation that seems to hold true is that between the productivity and the state of the labour market. Since 1996, on every occasion that productivity rose (1996–2000 and 2011–2013), employment was falling. Conversely, when employment rose (2001–2011), productivity fell. Suggestively, rising employment was always associated with rising coal prices, while falling employment was always correlated with declining price. If there is no evidence of a link between industrial relations settings and productivity, this study nevertheless finds that a profound recasting of industrial relations has occurred in this sector. This has involved systematic attempts to circumvent not only the unionized workforce, but also, more recently, the Central Queensland coal communities themselves.
Strategic Development for Middle School Students Struggling With Fractions
Authors: Zhang Dake , Stecker Pamela , Huckabee Sloan , Miller Rhonda
Published: December 2014

Research has suggested that different strategies used when solving fraction problems are highly correlated with students’ problem-solving accuracy. This study (a) utilized latent profile modeling to classify students into three different strategic developmental levels in solving fraction comparison problems and (b) accordingly provided differentiated strategic training for students starting from two different strategic developmental levels. In Study 1 we assessed 49 middle school students’ performance on fraction comparison problems and categorized students into three clusters of strategic developmental clusters: a cross-multiplication cluster with the highest accuracy, a representation strategy cluster with medium accuracy, and a whole-number strategy cluster with the lowest accuracy. Based on the strategic developmental levels identified in Study 1, in Study 2 we selected three students from the whole-number strategy cluster and another three students from the representation strategy cluster and implemented a differentiated strategic training intervention within a multiple-baseline design. Results showed that both groups of students transitioned from less advanced to more advanced strategies and improved their problem-solving accuracy during the posttest, the maintenance test, and the generalization test.
Functional Status and Search for Meaning After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Skaggs Brenda G. , Yates Bernice C.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the search for meaning and functional status (psychological and physical) between persons who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention and have recurrent angina symptoms and those who do not have recurrent symptoms. Participants (224; 147 male, 77 female) who underwent PCI completed the following study materials: Meaning in Heart Disease instrument, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and SF36v2™. Persons with recurrent angina symptoms (40% of the sample) were more likely to have higher disrupted meaning, greater anxiety, greater depression, lower physical functioning, and greater use of meaning-based coping (searching for answers and refocusing global meaning) compared with individuals without recurrent symptoms. Interventions are needed to identify the risk of recurrent symptoms after percutaneous coronary intervention and provide coping and cognitive behavioral interventions focused on managing the psychological and physical disruptions.
Early versus Late Tracheostomy
Authors: Liu C. Carrie , Livingstone Devon , Dixon Elijah , Dort Joseph C.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To investigate whether early tracheostomy leads to improved outcomes compared with late tracheostomy.

Data Sources

Ovid MEDLINE (including PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Review Methods

A systematic search was performed of the above‐mentioned databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were collected on the following outcomes of interest: hospital mortality, intensive care unit length of stay, length of mechanical ventilation, incidence of pneumonia, laryngotracheal injury, and sedation use. Analysis was performed using the RevMan 5 software (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, England).

Results

Eleven studies were included for analysis. There was a significant decrease in the intensive care unit length of stay in the early tracheostomy group (weighted mean difference, −9.13 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], −17.55 to −0.70; P =. 03). There was no significant difference in hospital mortality (relative risk, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.04; P =. 11). A pooled analysis was not performed for the incidence of pneumonia or length of mechanical ventilation, secondary to considerable heterogeneity among the studies. None of the studies reporting laryngotracheal outcomes found a significant difference between the early and late tracheostomy groups, whereas all 3 studies reporting sedation use found a significant decrease in the early tracheostomy group.

Conclusion

Early tracheostomy performed within 7 days of intubation was associated with a decrease in intensive care unit length of stay. No difference was found in hospital mortality. Insufficient data currently exist to make conclusions about the effect of early tracheostomy on the incidence of pneumonia, length of mechanical ventilation, laryngotracheal injury, or sedation use.
Learning performance and business performance of knowledge management organizations
Authors: Noh Mijin , Kim Hoyal , Jang Hyeongyu
Published: December 2014

Both knowledge-based culture and knowledge management have emerged as prominent themes in business studies. Research on knowledge-based culture in knowledge management organizations is still in its infancy. This paper aims to identify the critical factors in knowledge-based culture, the knowledge process, and the relationship between the two by analyzing the relevant literature and the process of knowledge management implementation. The paper starts by describing knowledge-based culture and knowledge management and then systematically reviews the relevant research on knowledge, culture, and performance. We then present a model that integrates knowledge-based culture, knowledge process, and performance, synthesizing the relationships among their components through a structural equation model based on the AMOS statistical tool. We propose this model as an instrument for facilitating the development of strategic intent in implementing knowledge processes with a focus on cultural context in order to maximize learning and business performance.
Students’ and teachers’ orientation to learning and performing in music conservatoire lesson interactions
Authors: Ivaldi Antonia
Published: December 2014

Research on interactions between teachers and students in music lessons has documented a complex interplay of talk, vocalizations and visual demonstrations. This study employed conversation analysis to explore these multimodal features in order to identify some of the pedagogical practices evident within lesson interaction. Specifically, the aim was to examine how conservatoire students and teachers orientate to both learning and performing within the lesson. Video recordings of 18 one-to-one lessons lasting between 50 mins and 2 hours were analysed. Findings suggest that students demonstrate when they are doing learning versus doing performing through the use of restarts, pauses and apologies in their talk and playing, thus indicating to the teacher which version they would like the teacher to hear for assessment and feedback, and which to ignore. The study highlights how conversation analysis, firstly, enables educators to understand how music performance itself is played out like conversation, mapping key speech devices found in talk onto the multimodal features that are evident in playing. Secondly, how talk and embodied actions inform the study of pedagogical music interaction, demonstrating that, in order to understand and interpret the instruction meaningfully, each component must be studied in context with each other, rather than in isolation.
Biomechanical Analysis of Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear and Repair
Authors: Mihata Teruhisa , McGarry Michelle H. , Ishihara Yoko , Bui Christopher N.H. , Alavekios Damon , Neo Masashi , Lee Thay Q.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears are common injuries in throwing athletes. The superior shoulder capsule beneath the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons works as a stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint.

Purpose:

To assess the effect of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tear and repair on shoulder biomechanics. The hypothesis was that shoulder laxity might be changed because of superior capsular plication in transtendon repair of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested by using a custom shoulder-testing system at the simulated late-cocking phase and acceleration phase of throwing motion. Maximum glenohumeral external rotation angle, anterior translation, position of the humeral head apex with respect to the glenoid, internal impingement area, and glenohumeral and subacromial contact pressures were measured. Each specimen underwent 3 stages of testing: stage 1, with the intact shoulder; stage 2, after creation of articular-sided partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons; and stage 3, after transtendon repair of the torn tendons by using 2 suture anchors.

Results:

Articular-sided partial-thickness tears did not significantly change any of the shoulder biomechanical measurements. In the simulated late-cocking phase, transtendon rotator cuff repair resulted in decreased maximum external rotation angle by 4.2° ( P = .03), posterior shift of the humeral head (1.1-mm shift; P = .02), decreased glenohumeral contact pressure by 1.7 MPa (56%; P = .004), and decreased internal impingement area by 26.4 mm2 (65%; P < .001) compared with values in the torn shoulder. In the acceleration phase, the humeral head shifted inferiorly (1.2-mm shift; P = .03 vs torn shoulder), and glenohumeral anterior translation (1.5-mm decrease; P = .03 vs torn shoulder) and subacromial contact pressure (32% decrease; P = .004 vs intact shoulder) decreased significantly after transtendon repair.

Conclusion:

Transtendon repair of articular-sided partial-thickness supraspinatus and infraspinatus tears decreased glenohumeral and subacromial contact pressures at time zero; these changes might lead to reduced secondary subacromial and internal impingements and consequently progression to full-thickness rotator cuff tear. However, repair of the tendons decreased anterior translation and external rotation and changed the positional relationship between the humeral head and the glenoid.

Clinical Relevance:

Careful attention should be paid to shoulder laxity and range of motion when transtendon repair is chosen to treat articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, specifically in throwing athletes.
Training Activities and Injuries in English Youth Academy and Schools Rugby Union
Authors: Palmer-Green Deborah S. , Stokes Keith A. , Fuller Colin W. , England Michael , Kemp Simon P.T. , Trewartha Grant
Published: December 2014

Background:

All rugby training activities carry an injury risk, but in the training environment these injury risks should be more controllable than during matches.

Purpose:

To (1) describe the incidence, severity, anatomic location, and type of youth rugby training injuries; (2) determine the injury events and type of training activities associated with injuries; and (3) compare 2 levels of play (professional academy vs school) within English youth rugby union.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A 2-season (2006-2007 and 2007-2008) study recorded exposure to training activities and time-loss injuries in male youth rugby union players (age range, 16-18 years) from 12 English Premiership academies (250 player-seasons) and 7 schools (222 player-seasons). Players from the Premiership academies, associated with the top-level professional clubs in England, represented the elite level of youth rugby; the school players were from established rugby-playing schools but were overall considered at a lower level of play.

Results:

There was a trend for training injury incidence to be lower for the academy group (1.4/1000 player-hours; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7) compared with the school group (2.1/1000 player-hours; 95% CI, 1.4-2.9) ( P = .06). Injuries to the ankle/heel and thigh were most common in academy players and injuries to the lumbar spine and ankle/heel region most common in school players. The training activities responsible for injury differed between the 2 groups: technical skills (scrummaging) for school players and contact skills (defense and ruck/maul drills) for academy players.

Conclusion:

For injury risk management in youth rugby, coaches of school players should focus on the development of the correct technique during practice of technical skills such as scrummaging, weight training, and skills training, and coaches of academy players should consider the extent to which contact drills are necessary during training.
Ballistic impact behavior of the aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene composites
Authors: Karahan Mehmet , Jabbar Abdul , Karahan Nevin
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the experimental study of fiber type, fabric structure, orientation of fabric plies and thickness on the ballistic impact behavior of aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composite laminates. Aramid composite laminates are reinforced by three kinds of fabric structures and UHMWPE composite laminates are reinforced by two kinds of fabric structures. The laminates are fabricated via autoclave curing process. The ballistic behavior of composite laminates is evaluated by ballistic limit velocity, and energy absorbed at ballistic limit. Through a series of ballistic tests, it is demonstrated that unidirectional composite laminates exhibit higher ballistic limit velocity and energy absorption on unit weight basis compared to other laminates. Interesting results are shown by UD-UHMWPE-H62® and UD-UHMWPE-Endumax® fabric-reinforced laminates. Orientation of fabric plies is found to have insignificant effect on ballistic behavior irrespective of material type. A bi-linear relationship is found between the ballistic limit velocity, energy absorption and specimen thickness.
Micromechanical modelling and simulation of unidirectional fibre-reinforced composite under shear loading
Authors: Yang Lei , Wu Zhanjun , Cao Yu , Yan Ying
Published: December 2014

In this paper, micromechanical modelling and simulation were performed for unidirectional fibre reinforced composites subjected to transverse and in-plane shear by finite element method. Representative volume element consisting of fibre, matrix and interface was established for the simulation, considering random fibre distribution. The two dominant damage mechanisms of fibre reinforced composites, matrix plastic deformation and interfacial debonding were taken into account in the simulation. Periodic boundary conditions were applied to the representative volume elements. The simulation results indicate that the failure behaviour of the composites under transverse shear is dominated by matrix plastic damage, while the in-plane shear damage is initiated by interfacial debonding and then ultimate failure is caused by matrix damage. Fibre distribution is found to have a more significant effect on the failure behaviour of the composites under transverse shear than in-plane shear. The predicted in-plane shear strength and failure strain show reasonable agreement with the experimental results.
Finding Purpose in Planning
Authors: Lennon Mick
Published: December 2014

This article presents a novel interpretive approach to advancing knowledge of how practitioners locate purpose in their practice and how this in turn influences their practice. The approach is formulated by drawing upon and integrating the moral philosophy of Alasdair MacIntyre with the hermeneutical philosophy of Paul Ricouer. The article argues that this approach offers insight into the important role of narrative in producing self-understanding, rationalizing judgment, and justifying action. Original empirical material regarding a practitioner’s account of promoting a new planning concept is used to illustrate the elucidatory potential of the approach.
Were Home Prices in New Urbanist Neighborhoods More Resilient in the Recent Housing Downturn?
Authors: Dong Hongwei
Published: December 2014

This study develops spatial lag models to evaluate the performance of neighborhoods with new urbanist features in the recent housing recession in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. It found that single-family homes that are closer to the central city held their value better in the recent recession, which might be a sign of recentralization. The effects of new urbanist features on home appreciation rate, however, were moderate and many of them were neutral or even negative. The study revealed that there existed synergistic effects between some dimensions of new urbanist development on appreciation rates of single-family homes in the recession.
Characteristic Neuroradiologic Features in Hemorrhagic Shock and Encephalopathy Syndrome
Authors: Kuki Ichiro , Shiomi Masashi , Okazaki Shin , Kawawaki Hisashi , Tomiwa Kiyotaka , Amo Kiyoko , Togawa Masao , Ishikawa Junichi , Rinka Hiroshi
Published: December 2014

Hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome is a devastating disease, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of neuroimaging in establishing a diagnosis and elucidating the pathogenesis. We analyzed the neuroradiologic features of 22 patients who fulfilled the Levin criteria. All patients underwent brain computed tomography (CT), and 14 patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion-weighted imaging in 10 patients. Initial CT showed normal findings in 14 of 18 (78%) patients, but subsequently hypodensities appeared in bilateral watershed zones and progressed to whole brain edema. MRI revealed cytotoxic edema, showing hyperintensities in bilateral watershed zones on diffusion-weighted imaging with a low apparent diffusion coefficient. Serial neuroimaging showed characteristic features of a widespread brain ischemic event mainly in watershed zones in hemorrhagic shock and encephalopathy syndrome.
Pathophysiology and Management of Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Children
Authors: Guilliams Kristin , Wainwright Mark S.
Published: December 2014

Traumatic brain injury remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Key pathophysiologic processes of traumatic brain injury are initiated by mechanical forces at the time of trauma, followed by complex excitotoxic cascades associated with compromised cerebral autoregulation and progressive edema. Acute care focuses on avoiding secondary insults, including hypoxia, hypotension, and hyperthermia. Children with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury often require intensive monitoring and treatment of multiple parameters, including intracranial pressure, blood pressure, metabolism, and seizures, to minimize secondary brain injury. Child neurologists can play an important role in acute and long-term care. Acutely, as members of a multidisciplinary team in the intensive care unit, child neurologists monitor for early signs of neurological change, guide neuroprotective therapies, and transition patients to long-term recovery. In the longer term, neurologists are uniquely positioned to treat complications of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury, including epilepsy and cognitive and behavioral issues.
Flammability, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of bamboo–glass hybrid composites
Authors: Zuhudi Nurul Zuhairah Mahmud , Lin Richard JT , Jayaraman Krishnan
Published: December 2014

This study evaluates the influence of hybridization on the flammability, thermal, dynamic mechanical and impact properties of bamboo–glass hybrid polypropylene composites. Flammability tests using cone calorimetry show that the hybrid composites performed better than the glass–polypropylene (GPP) composites, exhibiting a minimum reduction of 19% on the heat release rate (HRR) and smoke release as well as taking longer to ignite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals that the hybrid composites are thermally more stable before starting to degrade at 275°C and fully degraded at 400°C. The dynamic mechanical analysis shows an increase in the storage modulus indicating higher stiffness and lower damping ratio in the case of hybrid composites. The charpy impact strength of the hybrid composites was increased to 1129.2 J m−1 compared to 530.9 J m−1 of bamboo–polypropylene composites. These results indicate that, by replacing several layers of glass with bamboo fabric in GPP composites, a hybrid concept is feasible for developing an excellent and economical lightweight composite.
Microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of LDPE/UHMWPE blend foams
Authors: Mohammadian Zahra , Rezaei Mostafa , Azdast Taher
Published: December 2014

An investigation was reported on the effect of foaming parameters on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foams containing various amount of ultrahigh-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a reducer of chemical cross-linking. Azodicarbonamide (ADCA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) were used as foaming agent and cross-linking agent, respectively. The LDPE/UHMWPE blends were prepared in an internal mixer and foamed using a single-stage compression molding technique. Considering various parameters and their levels, optimization of Taguchi experimental design was carried out, an L9 orthogonal standard array was selected and the efficient levels for different variables were calculated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the results. Also due to different objective functions investigated in this process, optimization of overall evaluation criteria (OEC) method was used. The results revealed that addition of UHMWPE leads to a significant increase in the storage modulus and complex viscosity of melt as well as a considerable decrease in gel content of blend foams compared to neat LDPE foam containing the same amount of DCP was observed. Also in presence of UHMWPE, the foam cell size was decreased compared to previous studies in the same condition. A linear relationship between relative density and thermal conductivity as well as cell size and thermal conductivity was observed. ANOVA results revealed that foaming temperature is the most effective parameter on foam properties and OEC results suggested 10 phr ADCA, 0.6 phr DCP, foaming temperature of 180°C, and 4 min soak time at foaming temperature are the optimum levels of parameters.
Effect of drilling parameters on specific cutting energy and delamination of a composite made of unsaturated polyester resin and chopped glass fibres
Authors: Marathe Anant B , Javali Anil M
Published: December 2014

Composites have gained wide acceptance because of their unique properties. Drilling is a prerequisite operation for composite materials to form assemblies. Poor hole quality can affect tensile strength, structural integrity in long-term usages. The parameters to predict machinability of a good-quality hole are lower specific cutting energy, minimum drilling-induced damages like peel up at entrance and push out delamination. In this article, effect of different tool geometries, speeds and feeds are investigated during drilling on a composite plate having different chemical composition for specific cutting energy, peel up at entrance and push out delamination. A series of experiments was established based on the techniques of Taguchi. Statistical tools like signal-to-noise ratio, the analysis of variance and regression analysis are used to investigate effect on specific cutting energy and delamination. Conclusions show that proper selection of tool and cutting parameters influence specific cutting energy and delamination.
Does cam osteochondroplasty compromise proximal femur strength?
Authors: Nigam Chandni , Masjedi Milad , Houston James , Marquardt Charles , Aqil Adeel , Cobb Justin
Published: December 2014

Little is known about the effect on load bearing ability of cam-type femurs following osteochondroplasty. The aim of this study was to compare the change in deformation undergone by cam-type femoral acetabular impingement femur models after resection of different volumes. Dry-bone replicas (N = 10) of two cam-type femurs (cam A and B) underwent resections of increasing volume (Surgery I, II and III) representing conservative, adequate and radical resections. Deformation under cyclic loading of 700 N for five cycles after each surgery was compared. The 360° alpha angle and the change in head to neck ratio at four equidistant points along the femoral neck were used as measures of surgical efficacy and volume resected. Intact cam A and B replicas had a maximum alpha angle of 88° and 90°, respectively, which were reduced to 55° and 54° post Surgery I. Cam A replicas showed a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in mean axial displacement after Surgery I (up to 10% reduction in neck volume) and an increase after Surgery III (~20%–40% reduction in neck volume) compared to unresected controls (p < 0.01). Surgery II (~10%–15% reduction in neck volume) produced no significant change in mean displacement (p > 0.05). Cam B models exhibited lower mean displacement after Surgery I, II and III (p < 0.01) compared to unresected controls. Conservative surgery appears to improve the axial load bearing ability of dry-bone models. Radical resections may significantly decrease the fracture-resistant properties of bone following osteochondroplasty which should be noted when planning such a procedure.
Automatic and accurate reconstruction of distal humerus contours through B-Spline fitting based on control polygon deformation
Authors: Mostafavi Kamal , Tutunea-Fatan O Remus , Bordatchev Evgueni V , Johnson James A
Published: December 2014

The strong advent of computer-assisted technologies experienced by the modern orthopedic surgery prompts for the expansion of computationally efficient techniques to be built on the broad base of computer-aided engineering tools that are readily available. However, one of the common challenges faced during the current developmental phase continues to remain the lack of reliable frameworks to allow a fast and precise conversion of the anatomical information acquired through computer tomography to a format that is acceptable to computer-aided engineering software. To address this, this study proposes an integrated and automatic framework capable to extract and then postprocess the original imaging data to a common planar and closed B-Spline representation. The core of the developed platform relies on the approximation of the discrete computer tomography data by means of an original two-step B-Spline fitting technique based on successive deformations of the control polygon. In addition to its rapidity and robustness, the developed fitting technique was validated to produce accurate representations that do not deviate by more than 0.2 mm with respect to alternate representations of the bone geometry that were obtained through different—contact-based—data acquisition or data processing methods.
The impact of proximal femoral morphology on failure strength with a mid-head resection short-stem hip arthroplasty
Authors: Olsen Michael , Al Saied Mohamed , Morison Zachary , Sellan Michael , Waddell James P , Schemitsch Emil H
Published: December 2014

Mid-head resection short-stem hip arthroplasty is a conservative alternative to conventional total hip replacement and addresses proximal fixation challenges in patients not suitable for hip resurfacing. It is unclear whether proximal femoral morphology impacts the ultimate failure load of mid-head resection implanted femurs, thus the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of native neck-shaft angle (NSA) and coronal implant alignment on proximal femoral strength. In total, 36 synthetic femurs with two different proximal femoral morphologies were utilized in this study. Of them, 18 femurs with a varus NSA of 120° and 18 femurs with a valgus NSA of 135° were each implanted with a mid-head resection prosthesis. Femurs within the two different femoral morphology groups were divided into three equal coronal implant alignment groups: 10° valgus, 10° varus or neutral alignment. Prepared femurs were tested for stiffness and to failure in axial compression. There was no significant difference in stiffness nor failure load between femurs implanted with valgus-, varus- or neutrally aligned implants in femurs with a NSA of 120° (p = 0.396, p = 0.111, respectively). Femurs implanted in valgus orientation were significantly stiffer and failed at significantly higher loads than those implanted in varus alignment in femurs with a NSA of 135° (p = 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively). A mid-head resection short-stem hip arthroplasty seems less sensitive to clinically relevant variations of coronal implant alignment and may be more forgiving upon implantation in some femoral morphologies, however, a relative valgus component alignment is recommended.
What Is Typical Is Good
Authors: Sofer Carmel , Dotsch Ron , Wigboldus Daniel H. J. , Todorov Alexander
Published: December 2014

The role of face typicality in face recognition is well established, but it is unclear whether face typicality is important for face evaluation. Prior studies have focused mainly on typicality’s influence on attractiveness, although recent studies have cast doubt on its importance for attractiveness judgments. Here, we argue that face typicality is an important factor for social perception because it affects trustworthiness judgments, which approximate the basic evaluation of faces. This effect has been overlooked because trustworthiness and attractiveness judgments have a high level of shared variance for most face samples. We show that for a continuum of faces that vary on a typicality-attractiveness dimension, trustworthiness judgments peak around the typical face. In contrast, perceived attractiveness increases monotonically past the typical face, as faces become more like the most attractive face. These findings suggest that face typicality is an important determinant of face evaluation.
A correction on the Bradley and Brand method of estimating effect sizes from published literature
Authors: Bradley Michael T. , Brand Andrew
Published: December 2014

Kühberger, Scherndl, and Fritz commented on an attempt by Bradley and Brand to adjust sets of exaggerated effect sizes reported in literatures associated with underpowered Null Hypothesis Statistical Tests (NHST). Their comment highlighted two important issues: (a) the senior author, Bradley, made an error in presenting the correction formula, and (b) there is an inherent incompatibility between inferential statistics and accurate measurement. The proper formula is presented here with evidence that the formula is relatively accurate in appropriately estimating effect sizes that have been exaggerated through NHST. The term relatively accurate is used since power cannot be 100%, and thus any attempt to estimate a true effect size will be out by some relationship between the alpha level, power, and of course statistical variability of the estimates.
A composite likelihood method for bivariate meta-analysis in diagnostic systematic reviews
Authors: Chen Yong , Liu Yulun , Ning Jing , Nie Lei , Zhu Hongjian , Chu Haitao
Published: December 2014

Diagnostic systematic review is a vital step in the evaluation of diagnostic technologies. In many applications, it involves pooling pairs of sensitivity and specificity of a dichotomized diagnostic test from multiple studies. We propose a composite likelihood (CL) method for bivariate meta-analysis in diagnostic systematic reviews. This method provides an alternative way to make inference on diagnostic measures such as sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio. Its main advantages over the standard likelihood method are the avoidance of the nonconvergence problem, which is nontrivial when the number of studies is relatively small, the computational simplicity, and some robustness to model misspecifications. Simulation studies show that the CL method maintains high relative efficiency compared to that of the standard likelihood method. We illustrate our method in a diagnostic review of the performance of contemporary diagnostic imaging technologies for detecting metastases in patients with melanoma.
The Pleasure Culture of War in Independent Ireland, 1922–1945
Authors: O’Connor Steven
Published: December 2014

Most studies of Irish recruitment to the British forces during the Second World War have identified a desire for adventure as one of the principal motives. While this motive has existed throughout history, this article argues that its prominence among Irish recruits was due to the image of war that was diffused in independent Ireland. The interwar market for children’s literature and cinema was dominated by British boys’ weeklies and war films, which portrayed British soldiers as glamorous heroes participating in wars that were exciting and just. For some Irish youths this influenced their perception of British military service.
Studies on Mounted Warfare in Asia II: The Iranian Tradition – The Armoured Horse Archer in the Middle East, c. ce 550–1350
Authors: Alofs Eduard
Published: December 2014

In this article the author models the Iranian military tradition of west Asia on the basis of the Roman literature of the early Byzantine period and the Arabic and Persian literature of the Muslim period.
How to survive in research: advice for the novice investigator
Authors: Siskind Dan , Parker Stephen , Loi Samantha , Looi Jeffrey C , Macfarlane Matthew D , Merry Sally , Smith Geoff , Kisely Steve
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

This paper, written by the RANZCP Committee for Research, provides an outline for how to survive in research, considering the ingredients likely to contribute to success, the role of supportive structures and the expected challenges. Learning how to survive in research is relevant for both trainees and for Fellows undertaking research at any stage of their career.

Conclusions:

Intellectual curiosity, perseverance, frustration tolerance, patience and humility are key for success as a researcher. Selection of the right supervisor is important, as is development and maintenance of a good working supervisor/supervisee relationship. The personal benefits of undertaking research include flexibility in work hours, and improved skills in writing, oral presentations, objectivity, critical thinking, problem solving and project management.
A scholarly endeavour: some practical tips on completing the scholarly project
Authors: Suetani Shuichi , Gill Shane , Galletly Cherrie
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

The current article aims to assist trainees to complete the scholarly project component of the 2012 Competency Based Fellowship Program. Practical tips on how to achieve competency in the scholarly project are outlined and discussed.

Conclusion:

The scholarly project provides trainees with a good opportunity to experience and enjoy academic psychiatry. It is important to set up a clear plan so that the project can be completed in a timely manner.
Teaching psychological processes and psychotherapy to medical students
Authors: Selzer Rob , Ellen Steven , Adler Robert
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Psychiatrists are in a key position to teach medical students about psychotherapy. Whilst at first it may appear a formidable task, it need not be so. It should however, have applicability to the bulk of students, who will not go on to psychiatry training.

Conclusions:

We outline some potentially useful strategies to help clinicians teach aspects of psychotherapy to students: making it easy and relevant, illustrating the broad applications of psychological concepts, introducing cultural references, as well as appreciating that assessment can drive learning.
Medical professionalism education for psychiatry trainees: does it meet standards?
Authors: Joiner Adam B , Husain Nusrat , Duddu Venu , Chaudhry Imran B
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Developing professionalism is an important part of a doctor’s training. Developing professional attributes is an expected part of postgraduate psychiatry training, as indicated by the curriculum. It is unknown whether this requirement is being met. Our aim was to explore whether psychiatry trainees are meeting current standards of professionalism education.

Methods:

This audit and evaluation was investigated using an online survey, inviting trainees from three National Health Service Trusts in North West England. Invitations were sent by email with a link to an online survey.

Results:

The results suggest that current standards are not being met. Trainees value professionalism education and feel it is important. However, there is a lack of formal teaching and a lack of adequate educational opportunities: 25% of trainees get any formal teaching and 78% feel this teaching is not adequate. There is also a concern that 20% of supervisors are not considered good role models.

Conclusions:

Recommendations to address this educational gap are presented. Recommendations include making time in trainees’ academic programmes for formal educational activities for professionalism development, and further exploration of why some supervisors are not considered good role models for professionalism.
Diagramming Word Problems
Authors: van Garderen Delinda , Scheuermann Amy M.
Published: December 2014

While often recommended as a strategy to use in order to solve word problems, drawing a diagram is a complex process that requires a good depth of understanding. Many middle school students with learning disabilities (LD) often struggle to use diagrams in an effective and efficient manner. This article presents information for teaching middle school students with LD about diagrams and how to use them to solve word problems.
An Analysis of 2 Fusion Methods for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis Following Fractures About the Ankle
Authors: Moore Jeffrey , Berberian Wayne S. , Lee Manuel
Published: December 2014

Background:

In the setting of chronic osteomyelitis following fractures about the ankle, reconstruction through bony arthrodesis may be used as a reconstructive alternative to amputation. During these cases, surgeons often avoid using internal fixation in an attempt to avoid reinfection or premature hardware failure. In this retrospective review, we analyzed the outcomes of chronic osteomyelitic patients who had an arthrodesis of the ankle using either internal or external fixation, focusing on salvage rates, infection clearance, union rates, and functional outcomes. No device was implanted into a known active infection.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective chart review of adult patients undergoing arthrodesis in the setting of a previously septic ankle following a traumatic injury. In each case, multiple irrigation and debridement procedures and local and systemic antibiotics were used. Infection status was determined by clinical exam, MRI, nuclear medicine studies, and ultimately bone biopsies. No fixation device was implanted in ankles with known active infections. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: those fused with internal devices and those fused with external fixators. Thirty patients underwent a total of 32 arthrodesis procedures. Mean follow up time was 27 months (range, 6 to 144).

Results:

Nineteen fusions were performed using internal fixation; only 2 required amputations, therefore limb salvage was 90%. Fifteen were able to ambulate with or without the assistance of an orthosis (79%). Four patients experienced recurrent infection (21%) and 5 developed nonunion (26%). Of the 13 fusions performed with external fixators, only 1 required an amputation, putting limb salvage at 92%. Ten patients were able to walk with or without the assistance of an orthosis as their final functional status (77%). Two patients experienced recurrent infection (15%), and 4 went on to nonunion (31%).

Conclusion:

When analyzing these 2 fusion methods in posttraumatic patients with previously septic ankles, with the numbers available both methods achieved similar rates of limb salvage and final functional status in these patients, as well as similar rates of infection clearance and bony union. As internal fixation is often less labor-intensive for the surgeon and more palatable for the patient postoperatively, we encourage surgeons to consider arthrodesis with internal fixation once the infection is successfully eradicated, especially in a noncompliant patient population.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Submarine structural and acoustic attenuation
Authors: Gangemi Peter J , Kanapathipillai Sangarapillai
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the low frequency vibro-acoustic responses from a submerged hull are attenuated using passive, active, and hybrid control strategies. An analytical model representing a simplified physical model of a submarine hull is developed, including the effects of ring-stiffeners, bulkheads, and external fluid loading. At low frequencies, rotation of the propeller results in discrete tones at the blade passing frequency and its harmonics. The fluctuating forces at the propeller are transmitted through the propulsion system, resulting in excitation of the low frequency hull vibrational modes, which in turn results in a high level of structure-borne radiated noise. In this work tuned vibration absorbers, active vibration control, and hybrid vibration absorbers are used to attenuate the breathing and bending modes of the submerged hull. The control performance of a hybrid vibration absorber is compared to the attenuation achieved using a passive absorber and the control performance of a fully active system. Results show that implementation of the hybrid vibration absorber results in significant attenuation of the structural and acoustic responses of the hull. The hybrid vibration absorber also requires a control force of lower magnitude compared with a fully active control system.
An automated approach for bearing damage detection
Authors: Yaqub MF , Loparo Kenneth A
Published: December 2014

Bearings are an essential component in all types of rotary equipment. Erosion in the bearing is unavoidable due to radial and axial forces permanently acting on the bearing during the course of rotation. In order to avoid catastrophic breakdown of the equipment, it is a fundamental requirement to monitor the bearings. The scope of the existing bearing fault diagnosis techniques in the literature is limited to only pre-known bearing and machinery. On the contrary, this research develops a generalized protocol for detecting ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ race bearing faults for any unknown rolling element bearing. This automated bearing failure detection model tunes itself adaptively to any type of rotary equipment and the bearing. Automated bearing failure detection is based upon using wavelet transform to scan the spectral contents and applies envelop detection. The raised asynchronous energy in the envelop spectrum is a potential indication for the bearing faults.
Adaptive random control of a two-axis redundantly actuated electro-hydraulic shaking table
Authors: Guan Guang-Feng , Xiong Wei , Wang Hai-Tao
Published: December 2014

An adaptive random control method is presented for a two-axis redundantly actuated electro-hydraulic shaking table system to replicate the reference acceleration power spectral density (PSD). The redundant force controller is developed to reduce the cross-coupling among the actuators. The offline iterations are implemented in conventional random control to compensate for the changes in the frequency response function of the system. Stability and responsiveness of control are determined by operator-selected parameters. In adaptive random control, the reference PSD is transformed into time domain histories by filtering white noise. The adaptive finite impulse response (FIR) filters are used to model and track the inverse system online. The weights of the FIR filters are updated by the forgetting factor recursive least-squares algorithm. The time histories are corrected by the copy of the inverse model. Experimental results obtained in step response and PSD replication demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.