bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T-S Fuzzy Model-Based Approximation and Filter Design for Stochastic Time-Delay Systems with Hankel Norm Criterion
Authors: Li Yanhui , Zhou Xiujie
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the Hankel norm filter design problem for stochastic time-delay systems, which are represented by Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model. Motivated by the parallel distributed compensation (PDC) technique, a novel filtering error system is established. The objective is to design a suitable filter that guarantees the corresponding filtering error system to be mean-square asymptotically stable and to have a specified Hankel norm performance levelγ. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory and the Itô differential rule, the Hankel norm criterion is first established by adopting the integral inequality method, which can make some useful efforts in reducing conservativeness. The Hankel norm filtering problem is casted into a convex optimization problem with a convex linearization approach, which expresses all the conditions for the existence of admissible Hankel norm filter as standard linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated via a numerical example.
A Hybrid Monkey Search Algorithm for Clustering Analysis
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhou Yongquan , Luo Qifang
Published: March 2014

Clustering is a popular data analysis and data mining technique. Thek-means clustering algorithm is one of the most commonly used methods. However, it highly depends on the initial solution and is easy to fall into local optimum solution. In view of the disadvantages of thek-means method, this paper proposed a hybrid monkey algorithm based on search operator of artificial bee colony algorithm for clustering analysis and experiment on synthetic and real life datasets to show that the algorithm has a good performance than that of the basic monkey algorithm for clustering analysis.
Synovial Cyst Mimicking an Intraspinal Sacral Mass
Authors: Hoover Jason , Pirris Stephen
Published: March 2014

A 68-year-old female had a three-week history of severe low back pain radiating down the posterior left buttocks and left leg exacerbated by standing and walking. Lumbar spine MRI revealed cystic mass with similar intensity to cerebrospinal fluid located on dorsolateral left side of the sacral spinal canal inferior to the S1 pedicle. There was compression of left exiting S1 and traversing S2 nerve roots. Neurosurgery consult was requested to evaluate the cystic mass in the sacral spinal canal. After clinical evaluation, an unusually located synovial cyst was thought possible. Cyst contents were heterogeneous, suggestive of small hemorrhage and acute clinical history seemed reasonable. Left S1 and partial left S2 hemilaminectomy was performed and an epidural, partially hemorrhagic cyst was removed. There was no obvious connection to the ipsilateral L5-S1 facet joint. Pathology revealed synovial cyst, and the patient’s leg pain was improved postoperatively. This synovial cyst was unusual as it had no connection with the facet joint intraoperatively and its location in the sacral canal was uncommon.
Therapeutic Effects of Acetone Extract of Saraca asoca Seeds on Rats with Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis via Attenuating Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Gupta Mradu , Sasmal Saumyakanti , Mukherjee Arup
Published: March 2014

Saraca asoca has been traditionally used in Indian system for treatment of uterine, genital, and other reproductive disorders in women, fever, pain, and inflammation. The hypothesis of this study is that acetone extract of Saraca asoca seeds is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis in animal experiments. The antiarthritic effect of its oral administration on Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis has been studied in Wistar albino rats after acute and subacute toxicities. Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of high concentrations of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, while no mortality or morbidity was observed up to 1000 mg/kg dose during acute and subacute toxicity assessments. Regular treatment up to 21 days of adjuvant-induced arthritic rats with Saraca asoca acetone extract (at 300 and 500 mg/kg doses) increases RBC and Hb, decreases WBC, ESR, and prostaglandin levels in blood, and restores body weight when compared with control (normal saline) and standard (Indomethacin) groups. Significant (P<0.05) inhibitory effect was observed especially at higher dose on paw edema, ankle joint inflammation, and hydroxyproline and glucosamine concentrations in urine. Normal radiological images of joint and histopathological analysis of joint, liver, stomach, and kidney also confirmed its significant nontoxic, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory effect.
Sticking to Sugars at the Metastatic Site: Sialyltransferase ST6GalNAc2 Acts as a Breast Cancer Metastasis Suppressor
Authors: Ferrer Christina M. , Reginato Mauricio J.
Published: March 2014

Summary: O-linked glycans on plasma membrane proteins are altered in cancer cells, leading to changes in cell adhesive properties and contributing to metastasis. Mechanisms of how these carbohydrates alter tumor spread remain vague. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Murugaesu and colleagues, using an in vivo functional RNA interference metastasis screen, identified sialyltransferase ST6GalNAc2 as a novel metastasis suppressor gene. Aggressive estrogen receptor–negative breast cancers with reduced ST6GalNAc2 expression alter O-linked glycans on tumor cell surface, increasing soluble lectin galectin-3 binding and tumor cell clustering at metastatic sites. Cancer Discov; 4(3); 275–7. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Murugaesu et al., p. 304
Bodily Selves: Identity and Shared Realities among Humans and Spirits in Zanzibar
Authors: Larsen Kjersti
Published: March 2014

Abstract

The paper explores the ways in which spirits calledmasheitaniormajinni(singl.sheitaniorjinni)engage in people’s daily lives in Zanzibar Town, Zanzibar. It is argued that the phenomenon of spirits and other forms of ‘spectral’ beings may offer clues to an improved understanding of society and a more precise perception of the various concerns and paradoxes people cope with in their everyday lives. Reflecting on matters of identity, the concept of the person, and the human condition, it is suggested that to most people the human world appears to be rather unpredictable and chaotic while the world of spirits, in contrast, is seen as stable and predictable. The spirits’ involvement in people’s everyday lives and, moreover, the extent to which peoples’ relationships with different kinds of spirits affect negotiations of identity and social positioning are discussed with reference to the ethnographic material.
The Kiev Academy Spoofs the Uniate Church
Authors: Skinner Barbara
Published: March 2014

The partitions of Poland brought some three million Ukrainian and Belarusian Uniates, or Greek-rite Catholics, into the Russian empire by 1795. In 1794 Catherine II launched a massive campaign to convert her new Uniate subjects to Russian Orthodoxy, which succeeded in cutting the number of Uniates in her empire in half within two years. Ukrainian Orthodox clergymen trained at the Kiev Academy were instrumental in this conversion effort, and their arguments against the Uniate Church represented standard pro-Orthodox propaganda used by the Russian church and state to degrade the Uniates and to justify the efforts to abolish this church within the Russian empire. This paper introduces a previously unstudied source that illuminates the work of the Kiev Academy in continuing to promote a pro-Orthodox and anti-Uniate stance within the lighter medium of school theater. At the close of the eighteenth century, a professor at the Kiev Academy composed a humorous play that poked fun at the Uniates and promoted the Orthodox faith. This virtually unknown manuscript provides keen insights into the stereotyping of and prejudices against the new Uniate subjects of the Russian empire, which reinforced troubled religious relations in Russia’s western borderlands throughout the following century.
A new Andean lizard of the genus Potamites (Sauria, Gymnophthalmidae) from Manu National Park, southeastern Peru
Authors: CHÁVEZ GERMÁN , CATENAZZI ALESSANDRO
Published: March 2014

We describe a new lizard of the genus Potamites from elevations of 1000–2100 m in the montane forests of the Cordillera de Paucartambo and the upper Kosñipata valley, Region of Cusco, Peru. The new species differs from other species of Potamites by having scattered keeled scales on dorsum, an undivided frontonasal and absence of femoral pores in females.
From Classroom to Class Struggle: Radical Academics and the Rebirth of Trade Unionism in the 1970s
Authors: Friedman Steven
Published: March 2014

In the early 1970s in South Africa two developments coincided. Workers in the port city of Durban struck, triggering a union movement which was crucial in defeating apartheid and which remains the society’s largest organized force. And radical scholars began to analyse apartheid as a system of class domination. The two were related, for the scholarship helped convince middle-class radicals to join the union movement. It also made democracy and a critique of private economic power key themes for the movement. The relationship between the ideas and the movement show the limits and possibilities of academic influence on social movements.
Racemization of aspartic acid in root dentin as a tool for age estimation in a Kuwaiti population
Authors: Elfawal Mohamed Amin , Alqattan Sahib Issa , Ghallab Noha Ayman
Published: March 2014

Estimation of age is one of the most significant tasks in forensic practice. Amino acid racemization is considered one of the most reliable and accurate methods of age estimation and aspartic acid shows a high racemization reaction rate. The present study has investigated the application of aspartic acid racemization in age estimation in a Kuwaiti population using root dentin from a total of 89 upper first premolar teeth. The D/L ratio of aspartic acid was obtained by HPLC technique in a test group of 50 subjects and a linear regression line was established between aspartic acid racemization and age. The correlation coefficient (r) was 0.97, and the standard error of estimation was ±1.26 years. The racemization age “ t” of each subject was calculated by applying the following formula: ln [(1 + D/L)/(1 − D/L)] = 0.003181 t + (−0.01591). When the proposed formula “estimated age t = ln [(1 + D/L)/(1 − D/L)] + 0.01591/0.003181” was applied to a validation group of 39 subjects, the range of error was less than one year in 82.1% of the cases and the standard error of estimation was ±1.12. The current work has established a reasonably significant correlation of the D-/L-aspartic acid ratio with age, and proposed an apparently reliable formula for calculating the age in Kuwaiti populations through aspartic acid racemization. Further research is required to find out whether similar findings are applicable to other ethnic populations.
Dielectric and morphological studies of nanostructured polypyrrole-coated cotton fabrics
Authors: Cetiner Suat
Published: March 2014

In this study, nanostructured polypyrrole (PPy)-coated cotton textiles were produced by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization and dielectric/electrical properties of PPy-coated cotton fabrics were presented in the low- and high-frequency regions. The conductive cotton fabrics showed a relatively high dielectric constant in the low- and radio-frequency region. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss for all fabrics presented relatively high values at low frequency and were found to decrease with the frequency. The influence of the PPy content and the type of dopant and oxidant on the morphological, dielectric/electrical and thermal properties of the cotton fabrics was investigated. It was found that the type of dopants and oxidants had a noticeable effect on the electrical/dielectric and morphological properties. The frequency dependence of AC conductivity, dielectric constant, dielectric loss and electric modulus were analyzed in the frequency range from 0.1 kHz to 10 MHz. The nanofiber network morphology of coated fabrics produced by dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt improved the electrical/dielectric and thermal properties of cotton composites.
The preparation of UV-cured superhydrophobic cotton fabric surfaces by electrospinning method
Authors: Cakir Mustafa , Kartal Ilyas , Yildiz Zehra
Published: March 2014

Electrospinning was used for the coating of the polyurethane/silica hybrid solutions on the cotton fabric surface. An ultraviolet curing process was performed on the collector by an ultraviolet lamp positioned inside the electrospinning cabin. In order to investigate the effect of fluorinated, silane-functionalized urethane (inorganic part) content on the water-repellency; five different fluorinated concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by weight) were used. The disappearance of isocyanate peaks during the silane-functionalized urethane synthesis was observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface morphology and elemental analysis of the coated cotton fabric surfaces was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis respectively. Water-repellency was evaluated by contact angle measurements. A sample that contained 50% inorganic part showed a contact angle of 154.5°. Samples were thermally characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. Glass transition temperature of the synthesized hybrid polymer increased with increasing inorganic part ratio. Additionally, abrasion resistance and crease recovery angle tests were performed to evaluate the effect of fluorinated part percentage on the mechanical and comfort properties of fabrics.
Multilingual query expansion in the SveMed+ bibliographic database: A case study
Authors: Gavel Ylva , Andersson Per-Olov
Published: March 2014

SveMed+ is a bibliographic database covering Scandinavian medical journals. It is produced by the University Library of Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The bibliographic references are indexed with terms from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. The MeSH has been translated into several languages, including Swedish, making it suitable as the basis for multilingual tools in the medical field. The data structure of SveMed+ closely mimics that of PubMed/MEDLINE. Users of PubMed/MEDLINE and similar databases typically expect retrieval features that are not readily available off-the-shelf. The SveMed+ interface is based on a free text search engine (Solr) and a relational database management system (Microsoft SQL Server) containing the bibliographic database and a multilingual thesaurus database. The thesaurus database contains medical terms in three different languages and information about relationships between the terms. A combined approach involving the Solr free text index, the bibliographic database and the thesaurus database allowed the implementation of functionality such as automatic multilingual query expansion, faceting and hierarchical explode searches. The present paper describes how this was done in practice.
Suicide and Shame in Southern Sri Lanka
Authors: Said Maurice
Published: March 2014

This article shows how successful youth suicides and attempted suicides in the south of Sri Lanka are utilised as tools against an oppressive and limiting kinship structure. The majority of youth suicides in southern Sri Lanka appear to be aimed at disempowering close kin and publicly challenge the moral authority of the kin network, resulting in cleavages in the local distribution of power and status. The forms of suicide imbue the victim’s family with shame, thus questioning and challenging the ‘boundedness’ of the family unit. Using three contrasting case studies involving a domestic argument between a young man and his spouse, a young couple from rival families, and a young woman in a post-tsunami camp, this fieldwork-based research illustrates how youth suicides bring to the fore internal tensions in the family.
Tobacco Marketing in South India and Global Impact on Local Labour Relations
Authors: Chikkala Kranthi Kumar
Published: March 2014

This article outlines macro-structures of tobacco production and marketing, mainly in Andhra Pradesh, taking a historical perspective. It discusses the emergence of a depot and auction system and other strategies to create more effective marketing conditions for this attractive but highly perishable agricultural produce. Identifying numerous management problems in tobacco leaf marketing, and responding to some indications of crisis, the article also highlights the potential for the emergence of an upper stratum of tobacco growers and their agents, as well as satisfactory employment conditions and more equitable participation of many stakeholders in the tobacco industry, including Dalits and women.
In their own words: What bothers children online?
Authors: Livingstone Sonia , Kirwil Lucyna , Ponte Cristina , Staksrud Elisabeth
Published: March 2014

In an open-ended survey question to European 9- to 16-year-olds, some 10,000 children reported a range of risks that concern them on the internet. Pornography (named by 22% of children who mentioned risks), conduct risk such as cyber-bullying (19%) and violent content (18%) were at the top of children’s concerns. The priority given to violent content is noteworthy insofar as this receives less attention than sexual content or bullying in awareness-raising initiatives. Many children express shock and disgust on witnessing violent, aggressive or gory online content, especially that which graphically depicts realistic violence against vulnerable victims, including from the news. Video-sharing websites such as YouTube were primary sources of violent and pornographic content. The findings discussed in relation to children’s fear responses to screen media and the implications for the public policy agenda on internet safety are identified.
Usefulness of oblique coronal and sagittal MR images of the knee after double-bundle and selective anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions
Authors: Kim Sol Ip , Park Hee Jin , Lee So Yeon , Chung Eun Chul , Kwon Heon Ju , Cha Jang Gyu , Kim Sungjun
Published: March 2014

Background:

The use of double-bundle and selective-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is increasing. Few studies have been conducted to determine the diagnostic efficacy of additional oblique views of knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for grading ACL graft injury for double-bundle and selective-bundle ACL reconstructions.

Purpose:

To evaluate the diagnostic value of combining oblique coronal and sagittal imaging with orthogonal views for diagnosis of ACL graft failure after double-bundle or selective-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Material and Methods:

This retrospective study included 64 patients who underwent double-bundle or selective-bundle ACL reconstruction surgery and received oblique coronal and oblique sagittal MRI of the knee. Subjective scoring of the images was performed by two radiologists who assessed the possibility of ACL graft failure based on full length view, full width view, and margin sharpness according to a 4-point scale. Diagnostic performance for ACL graft failure based on orthogonal views alone, ACL views alone, and orthogonal views with additional ACL views was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results:

The full length scores and total scores on ACL views were significantly higher than those of orthogonal views. The specificities and accuracies of diagnoses were highest for a combination of orthogonal, ACL sagittal, and ACL coronal views.

Conclusion:

After double-bundle or selective-bundle ACL reconstruction, oblique sagittal and coronal images of the ACL provide better anatomic evaluation of the ACL than orthogonal views and specificity and accuracy of diagnoses were improved when oblique views were combined.
Comparison of Landing Biomechanics Between Male and Female Dancers and Athletes, Part 1
Authors: Orishimo Karl F. , Liederbach Marijeanne , Kremenic Ian J. , Hagins Marshall , Pappas Evangelos
Published: March 2014

Background:

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among dancers is much lower than among team sport athletes, and no clear disparity between sexes has been reported in the dance population. Although numerous studies have observed differences in landing biomechanics of the lower extremity between male and female team sport athletes, there is currently little research examining the landing biomechanics of male and female dancers and none comparing athletes to dancers. Comparing the landing biomechanics within these populations may help explain the lower overall ACL injury rates and lack of sex disparity.

Hypothesis:

The purpose was to compare the effects of sex and group (dancer vs team sport athlete) on single-legged drop-landing biomechanics. The primary hypothesis was that female dancers would perform a drop-landing task without demonstrating typical sex-related risk factors associated with ACL injuries. A secondary hypothesis was that female team sport athletes would display typical ACL risk factors during the same task.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Kinematics and kinetics were recorded as 40 elite modern and ballet dancers (20 men and 20 women) and 40 team sport athletes (20 men and 20 women) performed single-legged drop landings from a 30-cm platform. Joint kinematics and kinetics were compared between groups and sexes with a group-by-sex multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) followed by pairwise t tests.

Results:

Dancers of both sexes and male team sport athletes landed similarly in terms of frontal-plane knee alignment, whereas female team sport athletes landed with a significantly greater peak knee valgus ( P = .007). Female dancers were found to have a lower hip adduction torque than those of the other 3 groups ( P = .003). Dancers (male and female) exhibited a lower trunk side flexion ( P = .002) and lower trunk forward flexion ( P = .032) compared with team sport athletes.

Conclusion:

In executing a 30-cm drop landing, female team sport athletes displayed a greater knee valgus than did the other 3 groups. Dancers exhibited better trunk stability than did athletes.

Clinical Relevance:

These biomechanical findings may provide insight into the cause of the epidemiological differences in ACL injuries between dancers and athletes and the lack of a sex disparity within dancers.
Toward semiotic sociology: A synthesis of semiology, semiotics and phenomenological sociology
Authors: Heiskala Risto
Published: March 2014

Departing from the common view according to which structuralist semiology (the Saussurean tradition), pragmatist semiotics (the Peircean tradition) and phenomenological sociology (Husserl, Schutz, Berger and Luckmann, Garfinkel) are seen as mutually exclusive alternatives, the article attempts to outline their synthesis. The net result of the synthesis is that a conception emerges wherein action theories (rational choice, Weber, etc.) are based on phenomenological sociology, and phenomenological sociology is based on neo-structuralist semiotics, which is a synthesis of the Saussurean and the Peircian traditions of understanding habits of interpretation and interaction. This provides us with a research programme for semiotic sociology.
Sociological dimensions in classical/neoclassical economics: Conceptions of social economics and economic sociology
Authors: Zafirovski Milan
Published: March 2014

This article posits that traditional economics contains relevant sociological dimensions and that these consist primarily of conceptions and elements of social economics or economic sociology. On this premise, it explores these sociological dimensions in the form of conceptions and elements of social economics and/or economic sociology in classical political economy and neoclassical economics. The article identifies explicit conceptions of social economics such as the proposal for social economy and the idea of economic sociology as well as its implicit versions, including its implications in ‘purest’ economic theory. Alternatively, the article finds no important sociological dimensions in the form of rational choice theory, i.e. the ‘economics of society’, in classical and neoclassical economic science. The article reconsiders economics and sociology in their shared elements or complementary relations as ‘sister’ social sciences.
The centrality of politeia for Aristotle’s Politics: Aristotle’s continuing significance for social and political science
Authors: Bates Clifford Angell
Published: March 2014

Political theorists today are addressing issues of global concern confronting state systems and in so doing are often forced to confront the concept of Homo sapiens as a ‘political animal’. Thus theorists considering Aristotle’s Politics attempt to transcend his polis-centric focus and make the case that Aristotle offers ways to address these global concerns by focusing on Empire. This article, contra Dietz et al., argues that Aristotle’s political science is first and foremost a science of politeia and that this approach to the operation and working of political systems is far superior to recent attempts at regime analysis in comparative politics. Thus Aristotle’s mode of examining political systems offers much fruit for those interested in approaching political phenomena with precision and depth as diverse manifestations of the political communities formed by the species Aristotle called the ‘political animal’. From this perspective, focusing on the politeia constituting each political community permits an analysis of contemporary transformations of political life without distorting what is being analyzed.
Analysis on the process of stress transferring in single fiber composite and Monte-Carlo simulation on the process of single-fiber fragmentation
Authors: Liu Changxi , Wang Xiaohong , Wang Yunlong
Published: March 2014

In this study, the shear-lag model considering the micro-structure “interphase” and the two separate micro-damages, “interphase” debonding and matrix damage, in single fiber composite is developed firstly. So the more actual stress distribution on the fiber fragmentations during the process of stress transferring in single fiber composite is obtained. Then based on the present shear-lag model, the Monte-Carlo simulation for the process of the single-fiber fragmentation is established to predict the number of fiber fragmentation during the process of the test. The predicted result of the simulation is in accordance with the result of the single-fiber fragmentation test. At last, the factors including the statistical parameter of fiber strength distribution, the properties of the matrix and the state of the “interphase” in the single fiber composite, which affect the process of single-fiber fragmentation are analyzed.
Dynamically vulcanized high impact polystyrene/high vinyl polybutadiene rubber composites compatibilized by styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wei Dongya , Hua Jing , Wang Zhaobo
Published: March 2014

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on high impact polystyrene (HIPS)/high vinyl polybutadiene rubber (HVPBR) composites were prepared by dynamic vulcanization, and then compatibilized by styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) block copolymer. The effects of SBS compatibilizer on mechanical properties, Mullins effect, morphological and dynamic mechanical properties of the TPVs were investigated systematically. Experimental results indicated that SBS had an excellent compatibilization effect on the dynamically vulcanized HIPS/HVPBR composites. Compared with those of HIPS/HVPBR composite, the tensile strength, elongation at break and tearing strength of HIPS/HVPBR composite with 12 phr SBS incorporation were improved by about 163%, 312% and 67%, respectively. Mullins effect results showed that the compatibilized HIPS/HVPBR TPVs had relatively lower residual deformation and internal friction loss than those of HIPS/HVPBR composites, indicating the improvement of elastic reversibility. Morphology studies showed that the interface interaction of the TPVs was enhanced and the particle sizes of the dispersed phase were decreased with the incorporation of SBS compatibilizer. Dynamic mechanical analysis studies showed that the Tg s of HIPS and HVPBR phases were slightly shifted toward low temperature with the incorporation of SBS, which indicates the significant improvement of the compatibility.
Addressing the Academic Needs of Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Secondary Education
Authors: Fleury Veronica P. , Hedges Susan , Hume Kara , Browder Diane M. , Thompson Julie L. , Fallin Kathy , El Zein Farah , Reutebuch Colleen Klein , Vaughn Sharon
Published: March 2014

The number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who enter secondary school settings and access the general education curriculum continues to grow. Many educators may find they are not prepared to adapt their instruction to meet both state standards and the diverse needs of the full spectrum individuals with ASD, which has implications for postsecondary success. In this article, we present an overview of current knowledge around academic instruction for this population, specifically (a) how characteristics associated with ASD can impact academic performance, (b) academic profiles of individuals with ASD across content areas, and (c) interventions that have been successful in improving academic outcomes for this population, including special considerations for those individuals who take alternate assessments based on alternate achievement standards. We conclude by offering suggestions for future research and considerations for professional development.
Applying an Implementation Science Framework for Adoption of a Comprehensive Program for High School Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Odom Samuel L. , Duda Michelle A. , Kucharczyk Suzanne , Cox Ann W. , Stabel Aaron
Published: March 2014

Post-school outcomes for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are exceedingly poor. The convergence of adolescence as a development period, the expression of ASD during adolescence, and the complicated logistic nature of high schools create a perfect storm of complexity that may pose challenges and establish barriers to providing an effective secondary education program. Given this complexity, addressing learning needs for adolescents with ASD and improving post-school outcomes requires a comprehensive approach. In this article, the authors describe a set of implementation science principles and practices that could be employed in supporting the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive program for high school students with ASD. The program developed by the Center on Secondary Education for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (CSESA) serves as a case example of how such principles and practices may be employed in program planning and implementation.
International Nonprofit Collaboration
Authors: Atouba Yannick C. , Shumate Michelle
Published: March 2014

The importance and popularity of interorganizational collaboration among nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have grown considerably in recent years. Despite these growths, however, not much is known about why NGOs network the way they do or why NGO networks are structured the way they are. Using homophily theory and exponential random graph modeling, this study examines the patterns of interorganizational collaborative ties among infectious diseases international NGOs (INGOs) in 2007 ( n = 94). The results suggest that these NGOs are more likely to collaborate when they have the same status, when they have similar (closer) founding dates, when they are headquartered in the same global hemisphere (north/south), when they have common funding partners, and when they are headquartered in the same geographic regions. Overall, the findings from this study suggest that various sources of homophily inform partner selection among infectious disease INGOs.
Study of polymeric nanocomposite membrane made from sulfonated polysulfone and nanoclay for fuel cell applications
Authors: Prasad M. , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: March 2014

In the present study, sulfonated polysulfone (SPSU (T)) was prepared from PSU using trimethyl silyl chlorosulfonate as a sulfonating agent. Volumetric analytic studies revealed 58% degree of sulfonation and 1.15 meq g−1 ion-exchange capacity of SPSU (T). Fourier transform infrared spectra also confirmed the occurrence of sulfonation reaction in SPSU (T). Subsequently, nanocomposite membranes were prepared by incorporating variable quantities of Cloisite 30B (C30B) within the SPSU (T) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone employing solution casting method. All the membranes were characterized for thermal analysis, liquid uptake, swelling behavior, and proton conductivity measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that incorporation of C30B increased the thermal stability of the membranes. Morphological study of the nanocomposite membranes was also evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The x-ray diffraction patterns of nanocomposite membranes confirmed exfoliation of C30B clay galleries within the SPSU (T) matrix.
Study of solid particle impact effects and coating thickness on the erosion damage
Authors: Anaraki A Pourkamali , Kadkhodapour J , Farahani N Kangarani
Published: March 2014

The development of high performance coatings for the protection against erosion requires understanding of their complex failure mechanisms occurring during solid particle impact. In the present work, a numerical analysis is carried out to study the effect of particle diameter, particle velocity, and coating thickness on erosion damage of gas turbine blade coating caused by solid particle erosion. For this purpose, the performance assessment of turbine blade coating is done using scanning electron microscopic testing. Furthermore, simulation of the impact of a solid particle on a plate is performed by finite element method using the commercially available software ABAQUS. In particular, the following values of the particle diameter ( dP), the particle velocity ( VP), and coating thickness ( tC) have been analyzed: 20 µm ≤ dP ≤80 µm, 80 m/s ≤ VP ≤120 m/s and 5 µm ≤ tC ≤12 µm. The results demonstrate that in erosion of gas turbine blade coating the particle velocity is 1.6 times more effective than the particle diameter and 7.3 times more effective than the coating thickness.
Combined steering–direct tilt control for the enhancement of narrow tilting vehicle stability
Authors: Robertson James W , Darling Jos , Plummer Andrew R
Published: March 2014

Narrow tilting vehicles offer an opportunity to reduce both traffic congestion and carbon emissions by having a small road footprint, a low weight and a small frontal area. Their narrow track requires that they tilt into corners to maintain stability; this may be achieved by means of an automated tilt control system. Automated tilt control systems can be classed as steering tilt control in which active control of the front-wheel steering angle is used to maintain stability, direct tilt control in which some form of actuator is used to exert a moment between the tilting part(s) of the vehicle and non-tilting part(s), or a combination of the two, namely steering–direct tilt control. Combined steering–direct tilt control systems have the potential to offer improved performance as, unlike steering tilt control systems, they are effective at low speeds while offering superior transient roll stability to direct tilt control systems. This paper details the implementation of a steering direct tilt control system on a prototype narrow tilting vehicle and presents experimental results which demonstrate a 36% reduction in load transfer from the inside wheel to the outside wheel during a ramp-steering manoeuvre when compared with a direct tilt control system.
Karl Jaspers’ phenomenology in the light of histological and X-ray metaphors
Authors: Vlasova Olga Alexandrovna , Beveridge Allan
Published: March 2014

The study considers the origins of Karl Jaspers’ phenomenology. What did phenomenology mean to Jaspers and what was his personal perspective? What metaphors did he associate with it? This paper describes his phenomenological method by using the metaphors of histology and the X-ray. This perspective enables a better understanding, not only of the origins and essence of his phenomenology but also of its value for Jaspers himself. In Jaspers’ daily life, he would have been familiar with microscopes and X-ray machines.
Therapeutic Fascism: re-educating Communists in Nazi-occupied Serbia, 1942–44
Authors: Antic Ana
Published: March 2014

This article probes the relationship between psychoanalysis and right-wing authoritarianism, and analyses a unique psychotherapeutic institution established by Serbia’s World War II collaborationist regime. The extraordinary Institute for compulsory re-education of high-school and university students affiliated with the Communist resistance movement emerged in the context of a brutal civil war and violent retaliations against Communist activists, but its openly psychoanalytic orientation was even more astonishing. In order to stem the rapid spread of Communism, the collaborationist state, led by its most extreme fascistic elements, officially embraced psychotherapy, the ‘talking cure’ and Freudianism, and conjured up its own theory of mental pathology and trauma – one that directly contradicted the Nazi concepts of society and the individual. In the course of the experiment, Serbia’s collaborationists moved away from the hitherto prevailing organicist, biomedical model of mental illness, and critiqued traditional psychiatry’s therapeutic pessimism.
Coastal wetlands reveal a non-synchronous island response to sea-level change and a palaeostorm record from 5.5 kyr to present
Authors: Martin Len , Mooney Scott , Goff James
Published: March 2014

Here, we describe environmental change on Lord Howe Island (LHI; 31°30′S, 159°05′E) over the last 5500 cal. BP, derived from the analysis of the accumulating sediments in four coastal wetlands. Grain-size analyses, loss on ignition (LOI) and micrometre-resolution x-ray fluorescence (XRF) geochemical data were combined with 10 accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dates to determine a chronology of environmental change. Sedimentary coastal features were initiated on the drowned LHI basalt coastline after ~4500 cal. BP, which was followed by gradual development of wetland environments from 4200 cal. BP to present. Within this period, a series of high-intensity storm events are recorded, perhaps related to low-pressure systems, including cyclones and East Coast Low (ECL) events. A lack of synchronicity between the studied sites resulted from their position in the landscape relative to the coast, features within the lagoon and greater sediment availability after 2800 cal. BP as sediment filled sinks in the lagoon floor. Increasing westerly wind strength from 600 cal. BP also combined with late-Holocene falling sea levels and lagoon infilling to facilitate the rapid growth of the coastal plain at ~500 cal. BP. The coastal wetlands of LHI preserve a record of rapid changes superimposed over more gradual environmental change since the mid-Holocene. The findings of this study further the understanding of the development of this ‘World Heritage Area’ as well as provide an increased understanding of how small oceanic islands respond to rising sea levels.
Nathaniel Hodges (1629–1688): Plague doctor
Authors: Duffin Christopher J
Published: March 2014

Nathaniel Hodges was the son of Thomas Hodges (1605–1672), an influential Anglican preacher and reformer with strong connections in the political life of Carolingian London. Educated at Westminster School, Trinity College Cambridge and Christ Church College, Oxford, Nathaniel established himself as a physician in Walbrook Ward in the City of London. Prominent as one of a handful of medical men who remained in London during the time of the Great Plague of 1665, he wrote the definitive work on the outbreak. His daily precautions against contracting the disease included fortifying himself with Théodore de Mayerne’s antipestilential electuary and the liberal consumption of Sack. Hodges’ approach to the treatment of plague victims was empathetic and based on the traditional Galenic method rather than Paracelsianism although he was pragmatic in the rejection of formulae and simples which he judged from experience to be ineffective. Besieged by financial problems in later life, his practice began to fail in the 1680s and he eventually died in a debtor’s prison.
Grooved Pegboard Predicates More of Cognitive Than Motor Involvement in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bezdicek Ondrej , Nikolai Tomáš , Hoskovcová Martina , Štochl Jan , Brožová Hana , Dušek Petr , Zárubová Kateřina , Jech Robert , Růžička Evžen
Published: March 2014

The Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) was conceived as a test of manual dexterity, upper-limb motor speed, and hand–eye coordination. The aim of our study was to test the componential structure of the GPT on an archetypal model of motor impairment, Parkinson’s disease (PD). A total of 45 PD patients (33 males, 12 females; age M = 67, range = 49-81; PD duration M = 10, range = 6-20 years; H/Y stage 2, range = 2-3) and 20 age- and education-matched controls (14 males, 6 females; age M = 66, range = 48-80) were included. All participants were investigated using the GPT, Short Falls Efficacy Scale–International, Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Non-Motor Symptom Scale. Patients were followed for 6 months, using fall diaries and monthly phone calls to define PD fallers (falls ≥ 1; n = 27) and PD nonfallers (falls = 0; n = 18). Using structural equation modeling, the GPT predicted performance on the MoCA ( p < .001), but not on the FAB ( p = .29). In conclusion, analysis of the structure of the GPT provided evidence about important cognitive features, in addition to the motor component of this test in PD.
Fear of Past Abusive Partner(s) Impacts Current Posttraumatic Stress Among Women Experiencing Partner Violence
Authors: Jaquier Véronique , Sullivan Tami P.
Published: March 2014

This study examines the impact of fear of past abusive partner(s) on posttraumatic stress among 212 community-recruited women currently exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). The path analysis model tested explained 60% of the variation in IPV-related posttraumatic stress. Findings revealed that fear of past abusive partner(s) was uniquely associated with the severity of current posttraumatic stress symptoms over and above the impact of current IPV or childhood abuse and neglect. Future research should continue examining women’s subjective emotional experience of past and current victimization so as to further inform both clinical practice and intervention planning.
Behavioral Consequences of Customer-Initiated Channel Migration
Authors: Ackermann Sebastian , von Wangenheim Florian
Published: March 2014

When customers deliberately change the channel through which they do business with a firm, is that an indication of behavior change, and thus, future revenue? This research investigates the causal effects of customer channel migration to direct, company-managed or indirect, independent agent-managed online and offline channels using data from a leading international airline. In a quasi-experimental design via Mahalanobis-metric matching and conditional difference-in-differences estimation, the authors show that channel migration affects customer relationship breadth and depth: (1) Customers migrating from indirect to direct channels exhibit lower levels of relationship depth (revenue), (2) customers migrating from offline to online channels exhibit higher levels of relationship breadth (cross-buying), and (3) customers migrating from indirect offline to direct online channels exhibit higher levels of relationship depth (sales) and breadth (cross-buying). These findings expand our understanding of customer channel migration in service industries and suggest reconsidering and evaluating service firms’ strategies for direct channels as a lever for short-term revenue increase. Improving service firm’s direct channel relationship depth and breadth, pricing structure in direct channels must be adapted to compensate for lower sales figures per customer. In addition, direct channels services should be optimized to achieve higher conversion rates.
Optical coherence tomography and visual evoked potentials: which is more sensitive in multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Di Maggio Giovanni , Santangelo Roberto , Guerrieri Simone , Bianco Mariangela , Ferrari Laura , Medaglini Stefania , Rodegher Mariaemma , Colombo Bruno , Moiola Lucia , Chieffo Raffaella , Del Carro Ubaldo , Martinelli Vittorio , Comi Giancarlo , Leocani Letizia
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To assess the sensitivity of optic coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to visual pathway abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

A total of 40 MS subjects, 28 with optic neuritis (ON) at least 3 months before (bilateral in 5), underwent assessment of visual acuity, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), OCT and VEPs, the latter quantified with a 0–4 conventional score.

Results:

OCT and VEPs were abnormal in 36% and 56% respectively in all eyes ( p=0.11), 68% and 86% in eyes with previous ON ( p=0.12), and in 19% versus 40% in eyes without ON history ( p=0.007). Combining VEP and OCT increased sensitivity to 89% in ON and 44% in non-ON eyes. Considering all eyes, global retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and VEP score were significantly correlated between them (ρ=−0.63, p<0.001) and with EDSS (RNFL: ρ=0.40, p<0.001; VEP score: ρ=0.47, p<0.001). Disease duration correlated with VEP score (ρ=0.25, p=0.025) and RNFL thickness (ρ=−0.71, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

In eyes without ON, VEPs were more frequently abnormal than OCT, while the two techniques showed similar sensitivity in eyes previously affected by ON. The correlation of VEPs and OCT measures with disability prompts further exploration of the two techniques as potential markers of disease burden.
Variables associated with patient activation in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Goodworth Marie-Christine R , Stepleman Lara , Hibbard Judith , Johns Lisa , Wright Dustin , Hughes Mary D , Williams Mitzi J
Published: March 2014

Identifying variables associated with patient activation in the multiple sclerosis population could serve to facilitate better multiple sclerosis self-management behaviors. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 199 participants were recruited from a multiple sclerosis center in the Southeastern United States. Depression, multiple sclerosis quality of life, and multiple Sclerosis self-efficacy were all significantly correlated with patient activation. Results of a hierarchical regression indicated that patient activation was significantly related to educational attainment, depression, and self-efficacy but not to quality of life. The results suggest several possible targets for intervention to increase patient activation, including health literacy, depression symptoms, and self-efficacy for multiple sclerosis disease management.