bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A heterogeneous fault diagnosis method for bearings in gearbox
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Xiao Lei , Zhang Xinghui , Liu Zhenxiang
Published: July 2014

Bearing failure is one of the most important causes of breakdown of rotating machinery. These failures can lead to catastrophic disasters or result in costly downtime. One of the key problems in bearing fault diagnosis is to detect the bearing fault as early as possible. This capability enables the operator to have enough time to do some preventive maintenance. Most papers investigate the bearing faults under rational assumption that bearings work individually. However, bearings are usually working as a part of complex systems like a gearbox. The fault signal of bearings can be easily masked by other vibration generated from gears and shafts. The proposed method separates bearing signals from other signals, and then the optimum frequency band which the bearing fault signal is prominent is determined by mean envelope Kurtosis. Subsequently, the envelope analysis is used to detect the bearing faults. Finally, two bearing fault experiments are used to validate the proposed method. Each experiment contains two bearing fault modes, inner race fault and outer race fault. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can detect the bearing fault easier than spectral Kurtosis and envelope Kurtosis.
An adaptive fading Kalman filter based on Mahalanobis distance
Authors: Chang Guobin , Liu Ming
Published: July 2014

An adaptive Kalman filter with fading factor is derived to address the modeling errors. In any recursion of the proposed filter, a judging index is defined as the square of the Mahalanobis distance of the innovation vector, which is found to be chi-square distributed. Modeling errors can be detected through doing hypothesis test of the index, and then the prior covariance matrix can be artificially inflated by introducing a fading factor which is calculated iteratively using Newton’s method. The proposed method has a stronger tracking ability to the true state than the standard Kalman filter in the presence of modeling errors. Furthermore, by selecting a relatively small significance level, the efficiency of the proposed filter almost does not decrease while the adaptivity is achieved. A simple and illustrative case of kinematic positioning, which is assumed with a constant velocity model is simulated, and an unknown constant acceleration or perturbing Gaussian distribution is artificially introduced to represent the functional and stochastic modeling errors respectively. Simulation results validate the better performance of the proposed method compared to the standard Kalman filter.
The design of a coated composite corrugated skin for the camber morphing airfoil
Authors: Dayyani Iman , Khodaparast Hamed Haddad , Woods Benjamin KS , Friswell Michael I
Published: July 2014

One of the critical components of a morphing wing is the anisotropic skin, which has to be stiff to withstand the aerodynamic loads and flexible to enable the morphing deformations. This work presents the design of an elastomer coated composite corrugated skin for the camber morphing airfoil. The good in-plane strain capability and highly anisotropic behaviour of composite corrugated panels make them very effective in morphing wing applications. The behaviour of these corrugated skins must be investigated comprehensively and optimized in terms of aero-elastic effects and the boundary conditions arising from the internal wing structure. In this article, the geometric parameters of the coated composite corrugated panels are optimized to minimize the in-plane stiffness and the weight of the skin and to maximize the flexural out-of-plane stiffness of the corrugated skin. A finite element code for thin beam elements is used with the aggregate Newton’s method to optimize the geometric parameters of the coated corrugated panel. The advantages of the corrugated skin over the elastomer skin for the camber morphing structure are discussed. Moreover, a finite element simulation of the internal structure with the corrugated skin is performed under typical aerodynamic and structural loadings to check the design approach.
Association of Statins and Risk of Fractures in a Military Health System
Authors: Ward Ian M. , Mortensen Eric M. , Battafarano Daniel F. , Frei Christopher R. , Mansi Ishak
Published: July 2014

Background: Contradictory evidence exists regarding statin use and risk of osteoporotic fractures. Objective: The study objective was to examine the effect of statins on fracture risk in a Military Healthcare System (MHS) with similar access and standard of health care for its beneficiaries. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients enrolled in an MHS encompassing the period from October 1, 2003, to March 1, 2010. Statin users were defined as those receiving a statin for ≥90 days in Fiscal Year 2005, whereas nonusers were defined as individuals not receiving a statin throughout the study period. A propensity score–matched cohort of statin users and nonusers was created using 42 variables. The outcomes were identified using ICD-9-CM codes in the follow-up period (October 1, 2006, to March 1, 2010). In all, 4 outcomes were examined: all fractures, femoral neck fractures, upper-extremity fractures, and lower-extremity fractures. Results: Of 46 249 patients, 6967 pairs of statin users and nonusers were matched. Statin users had a lower risk of femoral neck fracture in comparison to nonusers (odds ratio = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36-0.94) but similar risk of all fractures, lower-extremity fractures, and upper-extremity fractures. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients managed in an MHS, statin use was associated with a lower risk of femoral neck fractures, but not all fractures, upper-extremity fractures, or lower-extremity fractures.
Global population aging: Unequal distribution of risks in later life between developed and developing countries
Authors: Higo Masa , Khan Hafiz TA
Published: July 2014

Much of the existing research on population aging has focused on its impact, including both opportunities and challenges, on developed countries, particularly those in Europe and North America. This article discusses how unequally population aging will distribute risks in securing socio-economic resources for the wellbeing of individuals in later life between developed and developing countries around the world. Based on a documentary analysis of relevant literature and findings from the survey data drawn from Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), United Nations (UN), and World Health Organization (WHO), this article discusses four main areas of the unequal distribution of risks in later life: (1) burden of disease in epidemiological transition, (2) financial security in retirement, (3) familial resources for elderly care, and (4) care workforce for elderly care. While population aging is a global trend, its impact is not equal; over the next decades, today’s developing countries will likely contend with double challenges at least in these areas.
Emerging Adulthood, Evolving Worldviews
Authors: Gutierrez Ian A. , Park Crystal L.
Published: July 2014

Worldviews—a person’s fundamental perspectives on social and metaphysical reality—relate to multiple aspects of psychological functioning and well-being. Theory on emerging adulthood contends that individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 explore and change their worldviews as they strive to develop a coherent identity. Simultaneously, emerging adults experience many significant life events. The relationship between life events and worldview development in emerging adulthood has yet to be investigated. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of changes in emerging adult college students’ ( N = 168) worldviews over the course of a semester and explored how positive and negatives life events were associated with belief change. Findings revealed that 76.8% of emerging adults in our sample experienced a reliable change in at least one worldview. Additionally, the positive impact of life events was found to mitigate decreases in self-worth beliefs. We conclude by highlighting implications for theory and suggesting future lines of research.
Astragalin inhibits airway eotaxin-1 induction and epithelial apoptosis through modulating oxidative stress-responsive MAPK signaling
Authors: Cho In-Hee , Gong Ju-Hyun , Kang Min-Kyung , Lee Eun-Jung , Park Jung Han Yoon , Park Sang-Jae , Kang Young-Hee
Published: July 2014

Background

Eotaxin proteins are a potential therapeutic target in treating the peribronchial eosinophilia associated with allergic airway diseases. Since inflammation is often associated with an increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress is a mechanistically imperative factor in asthma. Astragalin (kaempferol-3-O-glucoside) is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory activity and newly found in persimmon leaves and green tea seeds. This study elucidated that astragalin inhibited endotoxin-induced oxidative stress leading to eosinophilia and epithelial apoptosis in airways.

Methods

Airway epithelial BEAS-2B cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence and presence of 1–20 μM astragalin. Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to determine induction of target proteins. Cell and nuclear staining was also performed for ROS production and epithelial apoptosis.

Results

When airway epithelial cells were exposed to 2 μg/ml LPS, astragalin nontoxic at ≤20 μM suppressed cellular induction of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and ROS production enhanced by LPS. Both LPS and H2O2 induced epithelial eotaxin-1 expression, which was blocked by astragalin. LPS activated and induced PLCγ1, PKCβ2, and NADPH oxidase subunits of p22phox and p47phox in epithelial cells and such activation and induction were demoted by astragalin or TLR4 inhibition antagonizing eotaxin-1 induction. H2O2-upregulated phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK was dampened by adding astragalin to epithelial cells, while this compound enhanced epithelial activation of Akt and ERK. H2O2 and LPS promoted epithelial apoptosis concomitant with nuclear condensation or caspase-3 activation, which was blunted by astragalin.

Conclusions

Astragalin ameliorated oxidative stress-associated epithelial eosinophilia and apoptosis through disturbing TLR4-PKCβ2-NADPH oxidase-responsive signaling. Therefore, astragalin may be a potent agent antagonizing endotoxin-induced oxidative stress leading to airway dysfunction and inflammation.
Assessment of the effect of Schistosoma haematobium co infection on malaria parasites and immune responses in rural populations in Gabon: study protocol
Authors: Ateba Ngoa Ulysse , Zinsou Jeannot Fréjus , Kassa Roland Fabrice Kassa , Ngoune Feugap Eliane , Honkpehedji Yabo Josiane , Massinga-Loembe Marguerite , Kenguele Moundounga Hilaire , Nkoma Mouima Anne Marie , Mbenkep Lima Honorine , Wammes Linda Judith , Mbow Moustapha , Kruize Yvonne , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain , Bouyoukou Hounkpatin Aurore Larissa , Dejon Agobe Jean Claude , Saadou Issifou , Lell Bertrand , Smits Hermelijn , Kremsner Peter Gottfried , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Adegnika Ayola Akim
Published: July 2014

Background

Malaria and helminth co infection are common in tropical and subtropical areas where they affect the life of millions of people. While both helminth and malaria parasites have immunomodulatory activities, little is known about the consequence of co-infections on malaria antigen specific immune responses.

Method/Design

This study will be conducted in two rural areas of the Moyen Ogooué province in Gabon, endemic for both Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium infections. Participants, 5 to 50 years old, will be enrolled and grouped according to their infection status. S. haematobium and malaria parasites will be detected, demographic and clinical data will be recorded and blood will be collected for hematological as well as for immunological assays. The level of antibody specific to Plasmodium falciparum blood stage and gametocyte antigens will be measured using ELISA. PBMC will be isolated for phenotyping of different T cell subsets ex vivo by flow cytometry and for culture and cytokine response assessment.

Discussion

We will provide a comprehensive picture of the interaction between schistosomes and malaria parasites which co-localize in peripheral blood. We will test the hypothesis that schistosome infection has an impact on specific humoral as well as on cellular immune responses to malaria antigens.
Lipid rafts couple class A scavenger receptors to phospholipase A2 activation during macrophage adhesion
Authors: Vadali Shanthi , Post Steven R
Published: July 2014

SR-A mediated macrophage adhesion to modified ECM proteins in a process that involves physical attachment of SR-A to modified ECM and activation of Lyn-PI3K and PLA2-12/15-lipoxygenase signaling pathways. Structurally, SR-A-mediated cell adhesion requires a 6-aa membrane-proximal cytoplasmic motif. However, the mechanism that couples SR-A-mediated adhesion to activation of these distinct signaling pathways is not known. For other adhesion receptors, including integrins, localization in cholesterol-rich LRs is an important mechanism for coupling the receptor with the activation of specific signaling pathways. We hypothesized that SR-A-mediated macrophage adhesion might also involve LRs. Our results demonstrate that SR-A is enriched in LRs in HEK cells that heterologously express SR-A and in macrophages that endogenously expressed the receptor. We further show that a truncated SR-A construct (SR-AΔ1–49), which mediates cell adhesion but not ligand internalization, is also enriched in LRs, suggesting an association between LRs and SR-A-dependent cell adhesion. To examine this association more directly, we used the cholesterol chelator MβCD to deplete cholesterol and disrupt LR function. We found that cholesterol depletion significantly decreased SR-A-mediated macrophage adhesion. We further show that decreased SR-A-dependent macrophage adhesion following cholesterol depletion results from the inhibition of PLA2 but not PI3K activation. Overall, our results demonstrate an important role for LRs in selectively coupling SR-A with PLA2 activation during macrophage adhesion.
Microresistivity borehole image inpainting
Authors: Assous Said , Elkington Peter , Whetton James
Published: July 2014

Images rendered from measurements made by wireline microresistivity imaging tools include longitudinal gaps whenever the well circumference exceeds the total width of the pad-mounted electrode arrays. The fraction of an image containing null data depends on tool design, and it is commonly approximately 30% for 261 mm (8.5 in.)-bit size wells increasing to approximately 50% in 311 mm (12.25 in.) wells. We use cues from the measured parts to infer information missing from the gaps; a method has been developed that simulates the process by decomposing the measured parts into their morphological components using sparse representations of multiscale multiorientation transforms, then recomposing the full-bore image assuming it to be efficiently represented by the transform’s elemental bases. The approach was evaluated using real data sets with a variety of geologic features, including full-coverage images from small diameter wells artificially obscured to simulate images from larger diameter wells. For borehole images dominated by curvilinear features, reconstructions from artificially obscured images were visually indistinguishable from the original unobscured images for a broad range of coverage loss and for all apparent dip angles below near-vertical, regardless of degree of parallelism (or lack thereof). Successful reconstruction of near-vertical features (including those with complex boundaries such as breakouts) was more dependent on coverage loss, but in these cases, the results were consistent with judgments made by interpreters. Therefore, we found that inpainting provides a consistent starting point for reproducible quantitative geologic analysis, and it is an enabler for automated feature recognition.
Pemetrexed and Cisplatin for the Treatment of Advanced, Persistent, or Recurrent Carcinoma of the Cervix: A Limited Access Phase II Trial of the Gynecologic Oncology Group
Authors: Miller David Scott , Blessing John A. , Ramondetta Lois M. , Pham Huyen Q. , Tewari Krishnansu S. , Landrum Lisa M. , Brown Jubilee , Mannel Robert S.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

To estimate the antitumor activity of pemetrexed and cisplatin with objective tumor response (partial and complete) in patients with advanced, persistent, or recurrent carcinoma of the cervix and to determine the nature and degree of toxicity of this regimen. Secondarily, this study will determine the effects of this regimen on progression-free survival and overall survival.

Patients and Methods

Eligible, consenting patients received pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 and cisplatin 50 mg/m2 intravenously repeated every 21 days until disease progression or adverse events prohibited further therapy. Patients received no prior therapeutic chemotherapy, except when administered concurrently with primary radiation therapy. Subsequent doses were adjusted according to observed toxicity and protocol guidelines. Adverse events were assessed with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v 3.0. The primary measure of efficacy was tumor response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. The study was stratified by prior radiation therapy.

Results

From September 2008 to November 2011, 55 patients were enrolled by five Gynecologic Oncology Group member institutions; of those, 54 patients were eligible and assessable. The regimen was well tolerated with 26% receiving more than nine cycles. The most common greater than grade 2 toxicities were neutropenia 35%, leukopenia 28%, and metabolic 28%. The overall response rate was 31% (one complete and 16 partial). The median progression-free survival was 5.7 months, and overall survival was 12.3 months.

Conclusion

Pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin demonstrates activity in the treatment of advanced, persistent, or recurrent carcinoma of the cervix.
Multiple Myeloma in the Older Adult: Better Prospects, More Challenges
Authors: Wildes Tanya M. , Rosko Ashley , Tuchman Sascha A.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Multiple myeloma (MM) is disproportionately diagnosed in older adults; with the aging of the population, the number of older adults diagnosed with MM will increase by nearly 80% in the next two decades. Duration of survival has improved dramatically over the last 20 years, but the improvements in older adults have not been as great as those in younger adults with MM.

Methods

In this article, we address treatment approaches in older adults who are eligible for and those ineligible for high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation as well as supportive care considerations and the potential role for geriatric assessment in facilitating decision making for older adults with MM.

Results

The evidence from recent studies demonstrates that combinations of novel and conventional antimyeloma agents result in improved response rates and, in some cases, improved progression-free and overall survival. However, some older adults are particularly vulnerable to toxicities of therapy and discontinuation of therapy and, consequently, they have poorer survival. In addition, older adults may prioritize other outcomes of therapy, such as quality of life, over more conventional end points such as disease response and duration of survival. Geriatric assessment can facilitate risk-stratification of older adults at greater risk for adverse events from therapy and aid in personalizing therapy for vulnerable or frail older adults.

Conclusion

Survival in older adults with MM is improving with novel therapeutics, but efficacy must be balanced with risk of toxicity of therapy and maintenance of quality of life. Novel instruments such as geriatric assessment tools may facilitate these aims.
Radiation Treatment in Older Patients: A Framework for Clinical Decision Making
Authors: Smith Grace L. , Smith Benjamin D.
Published: July 2014

In older patients, radiation treatment plays a vital role in curative and palliative cancer therapy. Radiation treatment recommendations should be informed by a comprehensive, personalized risk-benefit assessment that evaluates treatment efficacy and toxicity. We review several clinical factors that distinctly affect efficacy and toxicity of radiation treatment in older patients. First, locoregional tumor behavior may be more indolent in older patients for some disease sites but more aggressive for other sites. Assessment of expected locoregional relapse risk informs the magnitude and timeframe of expected radiation treatment benefits. Second, assessment of the competing cancer versus noncancer mortality and morbidity risks contextualizes cancer treatment priorities holistically within patients' entire spectrum and time course of health needs. Third, assessment of functional reserve helps predict patients' acute treatment tolerance, differentiating those patients who are unlikely to benefit from treatment or who are at high risk for treatment complications. Potential radiation treatment options include immediate curative treatment, delayed curative treatment, and no treatment, with additional consideration given to altered radiation target, dose, or sequencing with chemotherapy and/or surgery. Finally, when cure is not feasible, palliative radiation therapy remains valuable for managing symptoms and achieving meaningful quality-of-life improvements. Our proposed decision-making framework integrates these factors to help radiation oncologists formulate strategic treatment recommendations within a multidisciplinary context. Future research is still needed to identify how advanced technologies can be judiciously applied in curative and palliative settings to enhance risk-benefit profiles of radiation treatment in older patients and more accurately quantify treatment efficacy in this group.
Targeted Therapy in Older Patients With Solid Tumors
Authors: Kelly Ciara M. , Power Derek G. , Lichtman Stuart M.
Published: July 2014

The introduction of targeted therapy has ushered in the era of personalized medicine in cancer therapy. The increased understanding of tumor heterogeneity has led to the determination of specific targets that can be exploited in treatment. This review highlights approved drugs in different therapeutic classes, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, drugs targeted to the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, BRAF-mutation targeted drugs, anti–epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. There have not been elderly patient–specific trials of these therapies. Most of the data are extrapolated from larger trials in which older patients generally were a fraction of the participants. Therapeutic recommendations are made on the basis of this analysis with the recognition that the older clinical trial participants may not be representative of patients seen in daily practice. Patient selection and geriatric evaluation are critical for appropriate drug selection, dosing, and monitoring. With care, these therapies are a major step forward in the safe and effective treatment of older patients with cancer.
Activated FoxM1 Attenuates Streptozotocin-Mediated β-Cell Death
Authors: Golson Maria L. , Maulis Matthew F. , Dunn Jennifer C. , Poffenberger Greg , Schug Jonathan , Kaestner Klaus H. , Gannon Maureen A.
Published: July 2014

The forkhead box transcription factor FoxM1, a positive regulator of the cell cycle, is required for β-cell mass expansion postnatally, during pregnancy, and after partial pancreatectomy. Up-regulation of full-length FoxM1, however, is unable to stimulate increases in β-cell mass in unstressed mice or after partial pancreatectomy, probably due to the lack of posttranslational activation. We hypothesized that expression of an activated form of FoxM1 could aid in recovery after β-cell injury. We therefore derived transgenic mice that inducibly express an activated version of FoxM1 in β-cells (RIP-rtTA;TetO-hemagglutinin (HA)-Foxm1ΔNRD mice). This N-terminally truncated form of FoxM1 bypasses 2 posttranslational controls: exposure of the forkhead DNA binding domain and targeted proteasomal degradation. Transgenic mice were subjected to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced β-cell ablation to test whether activated FoxM1 can promote β-cell regeneration. Mice expressing HA-FoxM1ΔNRD displayed decreased ad libitum–fed blood glucose and increased β-cell mass. β-Cell proliferation was actually decreased in RIP-rtTA:TetO-HA-Foxm1NRD mice compared with that in RIP-rtTA mice 7 days after STZ treatment. Unexpectedly, β-cell death was decreased 2 days after STZ treatment. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that activated FoxM1 alters the expression of extracellular matrix and immune cell gene profiles, which may protect against STZ-mediated death. These studies highlight a previously underappreciated role for FoxM1 in promoting β-cell survival.
Increase of Economic Efficiency of Nuclear Power Plant Unit Operation with Consideration of Safety Assurance
Authors: Ершов  , Ershov G. , Антонов  , Antonov Aleksandr , Морозова  , Morozova O.
Published: July 2014

High requirements are imposed on economic efficiency of nuclear power plant units operation. Obvious way of increasing

economic benefit of nuclear power plant units operation is increasing the amount of generated electricity. The article

describes a method of increasing economic benefit of nuclear power plant units by shortening its downtime due to

scheduled maintenance and repair. As safety assurance is the top priority during nuclear power plant units operation,

increase of economic viability of nuclear power plant units should be carried out with this consideration, which is the

distinctive feature of the proposed method.
Who I Am and How I Contract: The Effect of Contractors’ Roles on the Evolution of Contract Structure in University–Industry Research Agreements
Authors: Bercovitz Janet E. L. , Tyler Beverly B.
Published: July 2014

In this exploratory study of university–industry sponsored research agreements, we investigate how organizational roles direct the relational learning of contracting personnel, which subsequently influences contract evolution. Integrating theory with comments from field interviews, we posit that as scientists gain contracting experience with an exchange partner their focus of attention on knowledge creation supports the establishment of a relationship based on technical competence, behavioral experience, and operational routines that cause the enforcement terms of subsequent contracts to become less detailed. We also submit that contract administrators, because of their focus on knowledge protection (mitigating opportunism and enforcement), primarily accumulate joint governance experience and establish administrative routines that cause the enforcement terms of subsequent contracts to become more detailed. Rich content analysis of monitoring and intellectual property terms of sponsored research agreements supports our theoretically grounded hypotheses.
Challenges in acute care of people with co-morbid mental illness
Authors: Giandinoto Jo-Ann , Edward Karen-leigh
Published: July 2014

Acute secondary care settings are complex environments that offer a range of challenges for healthcare staff. These challenges can be exacerbated when patients present with a co-morbid mental illness. This article is a systematic review of the literature that has investigated the challenges imposed on health professionals working in acute secondary care settings where they care for patients who experience co-morbid physical and mental illnesses. A systematic search of the bibliographic databases was conducted and a total of 25 articles were included in this review. A number of challenges were identified including experience of fear, negative attitudes, poor mental health literacy, being positive and optimistic in providing care as a profession and environmental factors. Health professionals working in acute secondary care settings require organisational support and training in mental health care. Acute secondary care environments conducive to providing holistic care to patients experiencing mental illness co-morbidity are required.
Quality assurance for dental radiography
Authors: Luker Jane
Published: July 2014

Quality assurance programmes for dental radiography are needed to ensure that images are consistently of a high standard. All aspects of the imaging process must be monitored to reduce the number of repeat radiographs needed, and to ensure radiography is carried out efficiently
Technology for patient education and practice management
Authors: Lowe Ali
Published: July 2014

Digital media – websites, DVDs and social media – can be used to improve communication with patients, and support education, monitoring and preventive measures. Technology can also help in practices in other ways, such as recording keeping
Ulcerative colitis and patient self-management
Authors: Stansfield Catherine
Published: July 2014

Catherine Stansfield provides an overview of the investigations and treatment options for ulcerative colitis and the role of practice nurses in encouraging self-management
The Online Museum: A "Placeless" Space of the "Civic Laboratory"
Authors: Grincheva Natalia
Published: July 2014

Building on Tony Bennett’s (1995) understanding of a museum as a “civic laboratory,” this study advances this framework by researching a museum space in a virtual world. It shows that an online museum can be understood as a “placeless” space of a “civic laboratory” by analyzing visitor research methodologies that are utilized online. Through comparison of traditional museum-visitor research tools and methods with the ones that online museum spaces employ, this article seeks to demonstrate that the online museum environment is equipped with a plethora of tools that make it a laboratory-type research setting where visitor studies are conducted. The analysis reveals that the historical development of online museum-audience research has gone through methodological stages similar to those of traditional visitor research.
Les musées d’ethnologie: culture, politique et changement institutionnel (Mazé, Poulard, and Ventura, eds.)
Authors: Price Sally
Published: July 2014

This work is a book review considering the title Les musées d’ethnologie: culture, politique et changement institutionnel edited by Camille Mazé, Frédéric Poulard, and Christelle Ventura.
An Instrumented Flume to Characterize the Initiation Features of Flow Landslides
Authors: Ooi Ghee Leng , Wang Yu-Hsing , Tan Pin Siang , So Chun Fung , Leung Mei Ling , Li Xiaoya , Lok Ka Hou
Published: July 2014

Rainfall-induced landslides are on the rise due to global warming but the associated initiation mechanisms remain unclear. To observe the local initiation features of flow landslides under different rates of water supply, a well-instrumented flume capable of tightly controlling the inflow from the groundwater supply pipes and upstream discharge was built. Basal porewater pressure transducers (PPT) were installed to monitor the water pressure evolution, and a simple method to retrofit pressure transducers into PPTs was introduced. Internal movement behaviors of the slope body prior to the onset of and during a full failure were monitored with low-cost and small-size MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) accelerometers. A MEMS sensing package, termed the Smart Soil Particle (SSP, first generation), was also developed in conjunction with the laboratory testing program for field implementation in the future. In a set of experiments designed to investigate the initiation mechanism of a loose soil sample under a small and slow constant groundwater inflow, the MEMS accelerometers and basal PPTs successfully captured the intricate internal movement features and porewater pressure patterns. This warrants more systematic studies of the flow landslide initiation mechanism using the newly developed flume instrumentation.
Feasibility of 3D4D echocardiography for the detection of colour-coded flow in the left anterior descending artery
Authors: Stoebe Stephan , Pfeiffer Dietrich , Hagendorff Andreas
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of the visualisation of 3D4D coronary flow in detectable segments of coronary arteries. Regarding the feasibility of this new approach, the hypothesis was proposed that the flow signals of the course of detectable coronary arteries can be better visualised by 3D4D echocardiography than by the conventional 2D approach. A total of 30 consecutive patients with sinus rhythm, in whom the distal left anterior descending artery (LAD) was visualised by 2D colour-coded Doppler echocardiography, were selected for 3D4D scanning procedures. All measurements were performed using a Vivid 7 or E9. All segments visualised by 2D colour-coded Doppler echocardiography were also examined by 3D4D echocardiography. Using defined settings, the width of the colour-coded flow signal differs significantly between 2D- and 3D4D echocardiography. The length of larger segments of the visualised colour-coded flow signal of the coronary flow could be better detected with 2D imaging. Small segments of coronary artery flow (<11 mm), however, could be significantly better visualised by 3D4D echocardiography. The main advantage of 3D4D echocardiography of the coronary artery flow is the visualisation of the proportions of vessels with complex morphology. 3D4D echocardiography of LAD flow by colour-coded Doppler echocardiography raises new possibilities for the direct flow visualisation of the detectable segments of coronaries. With its sufficiently high spatial and temporal resolution, this new method has the potential to be implemented in clinical scenarios. The possible application to the quantification of stenoses by the flow visualisation has to be evaluated in further studies.
Clinician referrals for stress echocardiography: are we compliant with the NICE guidelines?
Authors: Patel P A , Ravi K A , Ripley D P , Kane J , Wass E , Carr A , Wilson D , Watchorn N , Hobman R K , Gill D , Brooksby W P , Kilcullen N , Artis N
Published: July 2014

Accurate diagnosis of stable angina is of paramount importance, and where possible, this should be based on clinical history. In cases of uncertainty, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides a framework for assisting diagnosis based on pre-test likelihood (PTL) of coronary artery disease. Functional testing such as stress echocardiography (SE) is recommended as a first-line investigation in patients with PTL of 30–60%. This study evaluated hospital clinicians' adherence to this recommendation. A prospective analysis of patients referred for SE at a district general hospital between March and May 2013 was performed. Data were extracted from an electronic database of SE reports and medical notes. A total of 193 patients were assessed. The most common PTL was 61–90%, accounting for 40% of the cohort. Of them, 14% had a PTL of 30–60%. Of these, 15% had positive SE; 57% described non-anginal pain, as defined by NICE, of whom only nine cases had SE positivity. None of these patients required revascularisation. Findings suggest that SE is being used in a much broader selection group than advocated by NICE. This may often be for its exclusion value rather than to stratify risk. Although utility may be justified in high-risk patients to avoid proceeding directly to invasive angiography, SE appears to add little in those with non-anginal pain and with low PTL. Greater focus should be directed towards characterisation of symptoms, which may negate the need for subsequent investigation.
The Effects of European Union Border Security Policies on Cyprus Conflict
Authors: Yılmaz Mesut , Ogun Mehmet Nesip , Kirazoluğu Oktay
Published: July 2014

One of the common policies of the European Union is the removal of internal border controls. When the Schengen system has put into practice, Member State expectations regarding external borders has become a common interest. Thus, the EU countries not only improved the security of the outer borders on common standards, but also the use of common elements of information sharing, liaison, education projects and joint operations in terms of border security. In the enlargement process, European Union has implemented different criteria to candidates of separate profiles. However she couldn’t develop policies towards different structured union countries on border security. During the enlargement process, Cyprus case constituted an example. With accepting the existing dispute does not constitute an obstacle to the process on membership of Greek Cypriot Administration to the EU as the sole representative of Cyprus, it has created contradictory situation within the designed criteria. In accordance with the enlargement principles, the conditions for resolution of border disputes required from other members have not been met by Greek Cypriot Administration. Within this regard, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate European Union Border Security Policies in the frame of Cyprus Conflict. It intends to provide a projection on harmonization of legal regulations within border security for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Presence of United Nations Force in Cyprus in the region would make this debate more comprehensive. In this study literature survey and recent official reports has been used. In conclusion, after EU’s enlargement, the establishment of “Integrated Europe Border Management Model” was a solution regarding exterior borders for the members apart from Cyprus. It is considered that the reason for decrease in trade between both parties is due to the atmosphere of insecurity besides latest crisis in economy of Cyprus. According to the recent reports of the UN Secretary-General on the UNFICYP, there is a significant decline in the number of illegal border crossings and violations of the military forces compared to previous years, which has the effect on improving mutual confidence.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Medical Emergency Team in a Children’s Hospital
Authors: Bonafide Christopher P. , Localio A. Russell , Song Lihai , Roberts Kathryn E. , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Priestley Margaret , Paine Christine W. , Zander Miriam , Lutts Meaghan , Brady Patrick W. , Keren Ron
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVES:

Medical emergency teams (METs) can reduce adverse events in hospitalized children. We aimed to model the financial costs and benefits of operating an MET and determine the annual reduction in critical deterioration (CD) events required to offset MET costs.

METHODS:

We performed a single-center cohort study between July 1, 2007 and March 31, 2012 to determine the cost of CD events (unplanned transfers to the ICU with mechanical ventilation or vasopressors in the 12 hours after transfer) as compared with transfers to the ICU without CD. We then performed a cost-benefit analysis evaluating varying MET compositions and staffing models (freestanding or concurrent responsibilities) on the annual reduction in CD events needed to offset MET costs.

RESULTS:

Patients who had CD cost $99 773 (95% confidence interval, $69 431 to $130 116; P < .001) more during their post-event hospital stay than transfers to the ICU that did not meet CD criteria. Annual MET operating costs ranged from $287 145 for a nurse and respiratory therapist team with concurrent responsibilities to $2 358 112 for a nurse, respiratory therapist, and ICU attending physician freestanding team. In base-case analysis, a nurse, respiratory therapist, and ICU fellow team with concurrent responsibilities cost $350 698 per year, equivalent to a reduction of 3.5 CD events.

CONCLUSIONS:

CD is expensive. The costs of operating a MET can plausibly be recouped with a modest reduction in CD events. Hospitals reimbursed with bundled payments could achieve real financial savings by reducing CD with an MET.
Updated Recommendations on the Use of Meningococcal Vaccines
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES, Brady Michael T. , Byington Carrie L. , Davies H. Dele , Edwards Kathryn M. , Jackson Mary Anne , Maldonado Yvonne A. , Murray Dennis L. , Orenstein Walter A. , Rathore Mobeen H. , Sawyer Mark H. , Schutze Gordon E. , Willoughby Rodney E. , Zaoutis Theoklis E.
Published: July 2014

This Policy Statement was retired February 2018.

Since the last policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) concerning meningococcal vaccine was published in 2011, 2 meningococcal conjugate vaccines have been licensed for use in infants (Hib-MenCY-TT and MenACWY-CRM). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published new recommendations, “Prevention and Control of Meningococcal Disease: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,” which have been endorsed by the AAP. However, the CDC recommendations were published before licensure of MenACWY-CRM for infant use. This policy statement updates the AAP recommendations for use of meningococcal vaccines in children and adolescents. A more comprehensive review of background and technical information can be found in the CDC publication.
Crecimiento y producción de metabolitos de la cianobacteria marina Synechococcus sp. (Chroococcales) en función de la irradiancia
Authors: Rosales Loaiza Néstor , Guevara Miguel , Lodeiros César , Morales Ever
Published: July 2014

Las cianobacterias de ambientes salinos presentan una versatilidad metabólica inducida por los cambios de salinidad, temperatura e irradiancia, durante los períodos de sequía y lluvias. Por ello es importante la búsqueda en estos ambientes de cianobacterias con potencial biotecnológico para la producción de metabolitos de interés farmacéutico e industrial. Se reporta el crecimiento, masa seca y producción de metabolitos de la cianobacteria Synechococcus sp. MOF-03 en función de la irradiancia (78, 156 y 234 µmol q m-2 s-1). Los cultivos discontinuos por triplicado, fueron mantenidos con aireación constante, fotoperiodo 12:12 h, 30 ±2°C y a 35?. Los máximos valores de proteínas, carbohidratos y lípidos de 530.19 ±11.16, 408.94 ±4.27 y 56.20 ±1.17 µg ml-1 respectivamente, fueron obtenidos a 78 µmol q m-2 s-1. Los pigmentos, analizados por HPLC, mostraron los máximos a 78 µmol q m-2 s-1 para clorofila con 7.72 ±0.16 µg ml-1; y a 234 µmol q m-2 s-1 para β-caroteno y zeaxantina con 0.70 ±0.01 y 0.67 ±0.05 µg ml-1. La relación clorofila a:β-caroteno disminuyó de 17.15 hasta 6.91 a 78 y 234 µmol q m-2 s-1; mientras que la relación β-caroteno:zeaxantina se mantuvo sin cambios entre 78 y 156 µmol q m-2 s-1, con cerca de 1.21 y disminuyó a 234 µmol q m-2 s-1 a 1.04. La cianobacteria produjo la mayor densidad celular y masa seca a 156 µmol q m-2 s-1, con 406.13 ±21.74 x106 cel ml-1 y 1.49 ±0.11 mg ml-1 respectivamente. La producción de exopolisacáridos se mantuvo alrededor de 110 µg ml-1 entre 156 y 234 µmol qm-2 s-1. Así, esta cepa de Synechococcus muestra un gran potencial para la producción de biomasa enriquecida con metabolitos de alto valor comercial.
Anatomía micrográfica del folíolo de la palma neotropical Bactris gasipaes (Arecaceae)
Authors: Chaimsohn Francisco Paulo , Montiel Mayra , Villalobos Enrique , Mora Urpí Jorge
Published: July 2014

Se estudiaron hojas de plantas jóvenes cultivadas para producción de palmito de la variedad Diamantes 10 de ascendencia del Alto Amazonas. Se estudió la anatomía micrográfica foliar y la frecuencia de estomas en la superficie adaxial y abaxial de los foliolos de Bactris gasipaes provenientes de una plantación experimental en un régimen de fertilización química y una densidad de población de 5000 plantas por hectárea, en Guápiles, Costa Rica. Se confirmó la presencia de rafidios y células buliformes en la superficie abaxial de las láminas foliares y del tejido hipodermico en ambos lados. Confirmamos la ausencia de la anatomía Krantz en esta especie, reafirmando la fotosíntesis C3 como mecanismo metabólico en la familia Palmaceae. La densidad promedio de estomas en la superficie abaxial fue de 96,87±16,31 estomas.mm-2 y en la superficie adaxial fue de 14,20±4,05 estomas.mm-2.
In vivo enrichment of magnesium ions modifies sea urchin spicule properties
Authors: Kanold Julia Maxi , Lemloh Marie-Louise , Schwendt Peggy , Burghard Zaklina , Baier Johannes , Herbst Frédéric , Bill Joachim , Marin Frédéric , Brümmer Franz
Published: July 2014

Sea urchin embryos produce an endoskeleton composed of two symmetric spicules that consist of calcite, containing approximately 5% magnesium. The function of magnesium ions in mineral formation in vivo and the consequence of their incorporation into the mineral on mechanical properties are largely unknown. The authors investigated the in vivo effects of excess magnesium ion concentrations in the medium on skeletal development of Arbacia lixula. Morphological deformations of pluteus larval spicules were observed after cultivation in Mg2+-enriched sea water. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that magnesium ions were homogeneously distributed for complete larvae and spicule cross-sections. Magnesium ion content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, which revealed a considerable increased incorporation of magnesium ions into spicules of larvae from Mg2+-enriched sea water. However, no change in crystal polymorph formation was observed by X-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties of spicule cross-sections were analysed by nanoindentation and revealed significantly higher stiffness values for spicules from Mg2+-enriched sea water compared to the control, whereas no significant change in hardness values was obtained. This in vivo study shows that increased magnesium ion incorporation into sea urchin larval spicules modifies the mineral properties and supports this model to investigate the effect of minor ions on biomineralisation.
Preserving Ireland's iconic railway viaducts
Authors: McCarron Pádraig , McAdam Aidan
Published: July 2014

Ireland's national railway system operator Iarnród Éireann has developed innovative repair and strengthening techniques to retain, preserve and extend the longevity of several of its aging bridges. Of those, three nineteenth-century structures rehabilitated in the past decade stand out as iconic structures in their own setting and will now continue to provide service into the foreseeable future. Innovative bespoke engineering, three-dimensional finite-element modelling techniques and laboratory research and testing were used to confirm the theoretical hypothesis. This achieved a significant increase in the lifespan of these structures that would otherwise have been deemed life-expired. This paper gives an overview of each of the projects, describing the existing structure and the challenges overcome in their design, repair and rehabilitation.
Structural development and testing of a prototype house using timber and straw bales
Authors: Maskell Daniel , Gross Chris , Thomson Andrew , Wall Katharine , Walker Peter , Mander Tim
Published: July 2014

One approach to reducing embodied carbon dioxide of buildings is the increased use of plant-based construction materials such as prefabricated straw bale panels. This paper presents findings from the development and structural testing of an innovative load-bearing prefabricated straw bale building. Work on panel development is summarised ahead of presenting two numerical computer-based models that support the building design. The computer models are validated using data from a full-scale simulated static wind load test on a two-storey building. The prefabricated straw bale structural system is shown to be suitable for two- and three-storey domestic structures in a range of locations.