bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New and little known Coptotriche and Tischeria species (Lepidoptera: Tischeriidae) from Primorskiy Kray, Russian Far East
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , DIŠKUS ARŪNAS , ROCIENĖ AGNĖ , SRUOGA VIRGINIJUS , DAVIS DONALD R.
Published: November 2014

The paper provides data on two new and two little known Coptotriche Walsingham and Tischeria Zeller species from Primorskiy Kray (=Primorskiy Territory), Russian Far East: Coptotriche minuta Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., Tischeria unca Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov. are described, T. decidua siorkionla Kozlov and T. sichotensis Ermolaev are redescribed. Currently, together with the described new species, the fauna of Tischeridae of Far Eastern Russia comprises three Coptotriche species and seven Tischeria species. A neotype, replacing the missing type series of T. sichotensis, is designated here. For the first time all four species treated from Russian Far East are illustrated with photographs of the adults and genitalia (T. sichotensis also with photographs of the leaf-mines).
Tribology of composites produced with recycled GFRP waste
Authors: Souza Juliana R , Silva Ruthilene CL , Silva Laís V , Medeiros João TN , Amico Sandro C , Brostow Witold
Published: November 2014

Nowadays, is expected that for most materials to be environmentally friendly. Besides, waste from end-of-life products may be considered a secondary source of materials with an energetic advantage due to its high energy content. This paper deals with the study of friction and wear characteristics of Glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites with polyester/glass fiber (P/GF) waste as filler, replacing the widely used calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Polyester composites based on two or three components, using a combination of polyester, CaCO3, GF, and GF waste, were produced. Pin-on-disc sliding wear test was performed using a polished stainless steel counterface. Roughness, surface energy, and hardness of the composites were characterized before the tests. The GF content (15, 25, 35, and 50 wt.%), the sliding velocity (0.021 and 0.042 m/s), and the normal load (1, 5, and 10 N) were varied. Based on the experimental results, it was observed that the friction coefficient and wear rate were influenced by material composition, surface roughness and energy, adhesive, and abrasive contact mechanisms. P/GF composites having P/GF waste presented enhanced performance considering friction and wear in relation to those with CaCO3 in their composition.
An efficient computer simulation–based approach for optimization of complex polling systems with general arrival distributions
Authors: Azadeh A , Sheikhalishahi M , Yousefi N
Published: November 2014

This study proposes an efficient computer simulation approach for estimation and optimization of performance measures in a polling system. A single server polling system operating under exhaustive, gated, and mixed service disciplines is developed. In this system, the arrival process is a Poisson process and service and setup times are exponentially distributed. The polling model is solved through two different methods: an exact method that requires the complete characterization of the system, and a computer simulation-based solution that reduces the solving time and the complexity of the model. A set of numerical experiments are presented in which it is shown that the computer simulation model outperforms the exact method in terms of estimating a system’s performance measures. Moreover, it is shown that the optimizer simulation model is capable of handling general distributions and several queuing systems, whereas the exact method requires the complete characterization of the system through a Markov chain, which is a time-consuming and inefficient approach. In addition, the efficient computer simulation-based solution could be easily applied to polling systems with different numbers of queues and service disciplines.
Application of a truncated distribution for tsumugi yarn width
Authors: Sakaguchi Akio , Yasuhara Koji , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: November 2014

Hand-spun, silk yarn made from floss silk is referred to as tsumugi yarn. It gives a unique appearance on the products, also called tsumugi, which are considered to be an important type of fabric for their aesthetics. The essential factor of this visual effect is originated by the thickness variation of tsumugi yarn; however, the detail of the variation is unknown. In this paper, as a fundamental study of tsumugi yarn, its width distribution is discussed. To model the width distribution, the Polya–Eggenberger distribution is introduced. Moreover some modifications are applied for the distribution to describe the yarn's situation. That is to say, it is impossible to be thinner than a level of thickness for the yarn to maintain a shape of a thread; on the other hand, tsumugi yarn is not limited to only containing thicker parts. Additionally, it is unavoidable to involve errors and fluctuations in the actual data. Hence, the distribution is truncated and convoluted. By using an image scanner, the width of tsumugi yarn is measured. With the measured data, the parameters of the width distribution are estimated using the maximum likelihood method. The results show that the width distribution of tsumugi yarn is asymmetric and well summarized by the distribution.
The effects of L-histidine on the light and perspiration stability of 4,4’-diamino-stilbene-2,2’-disulfonic acid-based fluorescent whiteness agents on cotton fabrics
Authors: He Hui , Chen Ruoyang , He Jinxin , Wang Jianping
Published: November 2014

The influence of L-histidine on the light and perspiration stability of 4,4’-diamino-stilbene-2,2’-disulfonic acid-based fluorescent whiteness agents (DSD-based FWAs) for cotton fabrics was investigated in this paper. The results indicated that the single component L-histidine accelerated the photo-discoloration of DSD-based FWAs. In the absence of L-histidine, DSD-based FWAs tended to have poor light stability in the strongly acidic condition (pH < 4), whereas they had relatively high and consistent stability under the opposite circumstance (pH > 4). However, in the presence of L-histidine solution, the light stability of DSD-based FWAs was poorer than their counterparts without L-histidine, and was enhanced linearly with the growth of pH value. Therefore, absorption actions caused by L-histidine, oxidization-related promotion for FWAs and photo-decomposition of L-histidine in the acidic condition have been proposed to analyze the comprehensive effects of L-histidine in perspiration on the light stability of DSD-based FWAs on cotton fabrics.
Sound absorption model of kapok-based fiber nonwoven fabrics
Authors: Liu Xueting , Yan Xiong , Zhang Huiping
Published: November 2014

A sound absorption model of kapok-based fiber nonwoven fabrics, based on the Biot–Allard model, has been developed by considering the heat conduction performance of the materials and the limpness of the fiber frame. Comparisons of sound absorption coefficients and specific surface impedance calculated by the Biot–Allard model and the new model with the measured values for four different kinds of kapok-based fiber nonwoven fabrics have been made. It is shown that the new model provides better predictions than the Biot–Allard model. The new model may be the theoretical foundation for the design of industrial products for kapok materials.
Athletics and Students With Disabilities
Authors: Losinski Mickey , Katsiyannis Antonis , Yell Mitchell L.
Published: November 2014

Public concern over the general health of children in the United States has risen during recent years due to dramatic decreases in physical activity levels and increases in obesity and other health-related issues. This article examines the participation of students with disabilities in extracurricular activities, particularly athletic activities, in light of recent federal guidance and examination of recent case law. Implications for practice are provided.
Culture or Communicative Conflict? The Analysis of Equivocation in Broadcast Japanese Political Interviews
Authors: Feldman Ofer , Kinoshita Ken , Bull Peter
Published: November 2014

The focus of this article is on equivocation in Japanese televised interviews, broadcast over a 14-month period in 2012-2013 (before and after the general election of December 16, 2012). An analysis was conducted of responses to questions by three different groups (national politicians, local politicians, and nonpoliticians). Results showed a striking level of equivocation by both national and local politicians, who together equivocated significantly more than nonpoliticians. Furthermore, national-level Diet members equivocated significantly more than local politicians, and both coalition groupings when in power were significantly more likely to equivocate than when in opposition. The results were interpreted in terms of the situational theory of communicative conflict and also in terms of cultural norms characteristic of Japanese politics and society. The failure to consider the role of such norms, it is proposed, represents an important omission in the original theory of equivocation.
Multi-agent plan reconfiguration under local LTL specifications
Authors: Guo Meng , Dimarogonas Dimos V.
Published: November 2014

We propose a cooperative motion and task planning scheme for multi-agent systems where the agents have independently assigned local tasks, specified as linear temporal logic formulas. These tasks contain hard and soft sub-specifications. A least-violating initial plan is synthesized first for the potentially infeasible task and the partially-known workspace. This discrete plan is then implemented by the potential-field-based navigation controllers. While the system runs, each agent updates its knowledge about the workspace via its sensing capability and shares this knowledge with its neighbouring agents. Based on the knowledge update, each agent verifies and revises its motion plan in real time. It is ensured that the hard specification is always fulfilled for safety and the satisfaction for the soft specification is improved gradually. The design is distributed as only local interactions are assumed. The overall framework is demonstrated by a case study and an experiment.
A dissolved oxygen dressing: A pilot study in an ischemic skin flap model
Authors: Zellner Susan , Manabat Rowena , Roe David F
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To determine if skin flap failure rates could be improved with the use of a dissolved oxygen wound dressing in a porcine model.

Methods

Full-thickness skin flaps (4 × 16 cm) were raised on pigs. Flaps were randomly assigned after surgery to experimental treatment with a dissolved oxygen dressing (treatment group) or a hydrogel dressing (control group). Flaps were evaluated daily for 14 days. Skin flaps that failed any one of four key clinical outcomes were considered failures. Histological parameters (including skin and subcutaneous necrosis, inflammation, ischemia, fibrosis, and bacterial load) were compared by a blinded histopathologist.

Results

Sixteen full-thickness skin flaps were raised on four pigs. All animals survived surgery and all incisions were evaluable. Clinical flap failure was observed in six (75%) control-treated wounds and in two (25%) dissolved oxygen-treated wounds. Histological evaluation demonstrated no significant differences in the proximal 75% of the flaps. There were significant differences in a number of histological parameters in the distal 25% in favor of the dissolved oxygen dressing.

Conclusions

Flaps treated with a dissolved oxygen dressing had fewer clinical failures and improved histological profiles compared with control-treated flaps, suggesting that increasing local oxygen supply may improve the local wound healing environment.
Music and communication in music psychology
Authors: Cross Ian
Published: November 2014

There is a general consensus that music is both universal and communicative, and musical dialogue is a key element in much music-therapeutic practice. However, the idea that music is a communicative medium has, to date, received little attention within the cognitive sciences, and the limited amount of research that addresses how and what music communicates has resulted in findings that appear to be of limited relevance to music therapy. This article will draw on ethnomusicological evidence and an understanding of communication derived from the study of speech to sketch a framework within which to situate and understand music as communicative practice. It will outline some key features of music as an interactive participatory medium – including entrainment and floating intentionality – that can help underpin an understanding of music as communicative, and that may help guide experimental approaches in the cognitive science of music to shed light on the processes involved in musical communication and on the consequences of engagement in communication through music for interacting individuals. It will suggest that the development of such approaches may enable the cognitive sciences to provide a more comprehensive, predictive understanding of music in interaction that could be of direct benefit to music therapy.
Can you hear me? Effects of hearing impairments on verbal and non-verbal communication during collaborative musical performance
Authors: Fulford Robert , Ginsborg Jane
Published: November 2014

This article reports an observational study exploring the effects of naturally-occurring hearing impairments on musicians’ behaviour and communication with each other while rehearsing and performing. Two groups of three pianists and three flautists, one in each group with normal hearing, and the others moderately or profoundly deaf, formed duos working on two pieces of music: a movement from a Bach flute sonata and a new composition. The profoundly deaf musicians spent significantly more time looking at and talking to their co-performers than moderately deaf and hearing players. In response, hearing players looked at and talked more to their profoundly deaf partners. Profoundly deaf players also spent significantly less time on complete runs of the pieces from start to finish, without stops. While these findings have implications for the teaching and practice of musicians with and without hearing impairments, we suggest that social factors are as, if not more, important to the success of collaborative musical performance.
The conversational organization of musical contributions
Authors: Duffy Sam , Healey Patrick G. T.
Published: November 2014

There are many ways that people come together for the purpose of making music, each offering different opportunities for interaction and exhibiting different communicative characteristics. Through the study of one-to-one instrumental music lessons featuring the clarinet, we find that student and tutor musical contributions are organized using aspects of conversational turn-taking. Short fragments of music, which are characteristic of lesson activity, can also function as turns in themselves as student-tutor dialogue unfolds. When the medium for communication is changed and we analyse video mediated music lessons, these mechanisms are less effective, revealing the importance of this organization to lesson flow, and to musical interaction more generally.
Music therapy trios with child, parent and therapist: A preliminary qualitative single case study
Authors: Flower Claire
Published: November 2014

There is an increasing body of literature within music therapy that describes the possible benefits of parental involvement in music therapy sessions with a child. This article describes a preliminary study into existing music therapy practice in this area within an NHS Child Development Service. The qualitative study, using video elicitation interviews, investigates a single music therapy trio of child, parent and therapist, exploring the ways in which the parent and therapist describe their experiences of music therapy. A thematic analysis of the interview data demonstrates that the music therapy trio of child, parent, and therapist, is experienced by the parent and therapist as a fluid, dynamic web of musical and interpersonal relationships, rather than a fixed entity. Within this emergent network, individuals, pairs and the triad itself assume greater or lesser significance at different points.
Music therapy and children with a language impairment: Some examples of musical communication in action
Authors: Wetherick Donald
Published: November 2014

Children with a Language Impairment frequently experience additional difficulties with social interaction, emotional regulation and self-esteem. This article illustrates some ways in which music therapy addresses these secondary effects of language impairment, using examples from small group music therapy with two boys aged 5 years with Mixed Expressive-Receptive Language Disorder. Improvised drum games (non-verbal interaction), kazoo-vocalization (quasi-verbal interaction) and the therapist’s musical/verbal narration of the children’s play were used to offer musical alternatives to normal verbal interaction with the aim of increasing fluency, decreasing aggressive/frustrated behaviours and raising self-esteem. Video analysis of sessions indicates that competitive/aggressive play decreased during the course of music therapy, as did episodes of high-pitched screaming (indication of frustration). Cooperative play increased as did the frequency of attempts at verbal interaction. This suggests that in terms of social communication, positive changes in relationship patterns and increased spontaneous speech and cooperative play occurred during music therapy for these children with a language impairment.
Affect-matching music improves cognitive performance in adults and young children for both positive and negative emotions
Authors: Franco Fabia , Swaine Joel S. , Israni Shweta , Zaborowska Katarzyna A. , Kaloko Fatmata , Kesavarajan Indu , Majek Joseph A.
Published: November 2014

Three experiments assessed the hypothesis that cognitive benefits associated with exposure to music only occur when the perceived emotion expression of the music and the participant’s affective state match. Experiment 1 revealed an affect-matching pattern modulated by gender when assessing high-arousal states of opposite valence (happy/angry) in an adult sample ( n = 94) in which mood classification was based on self-report, and affective valence in music was differentiated by mode and other expressive cues whilst keeping tempo constant (139 BPM). The affect-matching hypothesis was then tested in two experiments with children using a mood-induction procedure: Experiment 2 tested happy/angry emotions with, respectively, 3–5-year-old ( n = 40) and 6–9-year-old ( n = 40) children, and Experiment 3 compared happy/sad emotions (i.e., states differing both for valence and arousal profiles) with 3–5-year-old children ( n = 40), using music pieces differentiated also by fast vs. slow tempo. While young children failed to discriminate systematically between fast tempo music conveying different emotions, they did display cognitive benefits from exposure to affect-matching music when both valence (e.g., mode) and arousal level (e.g. tempo) differentiated the musical excerpts, with no gender effects.
Music, communication, relationship: A dual practitioner perspective from music therapy/speech and language therapy
Authors: North Felicity
Published: November 2014

In this text, I present examples of music therapy case material from my two professional perspectives as a practising music therapist and speech and language therapist. With a focus on communication, I highlight some of the similarities and differences in my thought processes from these two separate perspectives and reflect more generally on aspects of the work I found of interest as a dual practitioner.
Evaluating the progress of the UK’s Material Recycling Facilities: A mini review
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Courtenay Peter
Published: November 2014

Over the last 15 years, the UK has made great strides in reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfill while also increasing the amount of waste being recycled. The key drivers for this change are the European Union Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) and the UK Landfill Tax. However, also playing their part are the growing numbers of Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs), which process recyclables.

This mini review evaluates the current state of MRFs in the UK, through extensive secondary research, and detailed primary data analysis focussing on MRFs located in South-East England, UK. This study also explores technologies that aim to generate energy from waste, including Waste-to-Energy (WtE) and Refuse-derived Fuel (RDF) facilities. These facilities can have a huge appetite for waste, which can be detrimental to recycling efforts as some of the waste being sent there should be recycled.

It was found that the waste sent to a typical UK MRF would recycle around 92% of materials while 6% was sent to energy recovery and the remaining 2% ended up in landfill. Therefore, the total estimated rejected or non-compliance materials from MRFs are around 8%.

A key recommendation from this study is to adopt a strategy to combine MRFs with a form of energy generation, such as WtE or RDF. This integrated approach would ensure any residual waste arising from the recycling process can be used as a sustainable fuel, while also increasing the recycling rates.
Hitting Back
Authors: Fanslow Janet L. , Gulliver Pauline , Dixon Robyn , Ayallo Irene
Published: November 2014

This article explores women’s use of physical violence in the context of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Data were drawn from the New Zealand Violence Against Women Study, a cross-sectional household survey conducted using a population-based cluster-sampling scheme. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with women’s use of physical violence against their partners when they were being physically hurt. Of the 843 women who had experienced physical violence perpetrated by an intimate partner, 64% reported fighting back at least once or twice whereas 36% never fought back. Analyses showed that women’s use of violence more than once or twice was associated with experience of severe IPV, IPV that had “a lot of effect” on their mental health, and with children being present when the woman was being physically abused. Women’s use of physical violence only once or twice was associated with both partners having alcohol problems and both having been exposed to violence as a child. Of the women who fought back, 66% reported that this did not result in the violence stopping.
The Feto-Maternal Health Cost of Intimate Partner Violence Among Delivery-Related Discharges in the United States, 2002-2009
Authors: Mogos Mulubrhan F. , Araya Winta N. , Masho Saba W. , Salemi Jason L. , Shieh Carol , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: November 2014

Our purpose was to estimate the national prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among delivery-related discharges and to investigate its association with adverse feto-maternal birth outcomes and delivery-related cost. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of delivery-related hospital discharges from 2002 to 2009 was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). We used ICD-9-CM codes to identify IPV, covariates, and outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between IPV and each outcome. Joinpoint regression was used for trend analysis. During the study period, 3,649 delivery-related discharges were diagnosed with IPV (11.2 per 100,000; 95% CI = [10.0, 12.4]). IPV diagnosis during delivery is associated with stillbirth (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI = [2.75, 6.17]), preterm birth (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = [1.59, 2.44]), fetal death (AOR = 3.34, 95% CI = [1.99, 5.61]), infant with poor intrauterine growth (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI = [1.01, 2.40]), and increased inpatient hospital care cost (US$5,438.2 vs. US$4,080.1) per each discharge, incurring an additional cost of US$4,955,707 during the study period. IPV occurring during pregnancy has a significant health burden to both the mother and infant. Education about IPV; screening at periodic intervals, including during obstetric visits; and ongoing clinical care could help to reduce or eliminate adverse effects of pregnancy-related IPV. Preventing the lifelong consequences associated with IPV can have a positive effect on the overall health of all women and delivery-related health care cost.
An inner-enterprise wiki system integrated with semantic search for reuse of lesson-learned knowledge in product design
Authors: Huang Yongwen , Jiang Zuhua , He Chengneng , Song Bo , Liu Lijun
Published: November 2014

In the process of product design, it is usually difficult for engineers to find and reuse others’ lesson-learned knowledge, which is usually not well collected by an enterprise. This study proposes a model of an inner-enterprise wiki system integrated with a semantic search framework to support the accumulation and reuse of lesson-learned knowledge in product design. The accumulated wiki web pages in inner-enterprise wiki system can be viewed as a large lesson-learned knowledge repository, which stores engineers’ wisdom of product design and is the basis of semantic search for knowledge reuse. The semantic-based knowledge search mechanism of inner-enterprise wiki system is presented, which can overcome limitations of traditional keyword-based search in existing wiki systems. To validate our approach, an inner-enterprise wiki system implementation is introduced and some experiments are done. Effectiveness of semantic search mechanism in inner-enterprise wiki system is verified from several viewpoints such as comparison of precision and recall between proposed method and a keyword-based one. The performance of utilizing inner-enterprise wiki system for knowledge reuse is evaluated and the results show that inner-enterprise wiki system can improve the performance of learning. The promising results confirm the feasibility of our approach in helping engineers to better reuse needed lesson-learned knowledge.
Numerical and experimental investigation on the development of cavitation in a centrifugal pump
Authors: Lu Jiaxing , Yuan Shouqi , Luo Yin , Yuan Jianping , Zhou Banglun , Sun Hui
Published: November 2014

Concerning the development of cavitation in a centrifugal pump, numerical simulations and experimental investigations have been carried out in a closed hydraulic test rig. The internal flow characteristics and pressure pulsation at pump inlet and outlet have been analyzed during the process of cavitation development. The results of the research reveal the occurrence and development of cavitation in the centrifugal pump which has been confirmed through experiments and numerical simulation. The degree of pump cavitation could be monitored through pump inlet and outlet pressure pulsation. Compared with pump outlet pressure pulsation, pump inlet pressure pulsation is more sensitive to the change of cavitation. According to the results of the investigation, the typical frequency of pump inlet pressure pulsation could be regarded as around 30 Hz in the severe cavitation conditions. Meanwhile, the pump head dropped by 0.77% from noncavitation conditions which could be regarded as a symbol of incipient cavitation.
Oil flow at discharge valve in a scroll compressor
Authors: Zimmermann Augusto JP , Hrnjak Predrag S
Published: November 2014

This work focuses on high-speed visualization of the three reed valves in a scroll compressor. The visualization was performed to obtain qualitative description of the oil flow in terms of morphology and breakup and to quantify the droplet size and velocity distribution functions both for startup and cyclic operation conditions. It was observed that at startup, part of the oil film between the valve and its seat is first pushed out before the valve can start moving, after that the valve starts opening and the film is stretched so that liquid columns in organized spacing appear and are blown out by the gas originating the droplets that form a mist. During steady operation of the compressor, no oil film breakup was clearly observed at the valve–seat interface, suggesting that the oil droplets might be generated from vapor shear through the orifice since there is a recess that can hold up oil inside the orifice.
Psychiatric ‘diseases’ in history
Authors: Healy David
Published: November 2014

A history of psychiatry cannot step back from the question of psychiatric diseases, but the field has in general viewed psychiatric entities as manifestations of the human state rather than medical diseases. There is little acknowledgement that a true disease is likely to rise and fall in incidence. In outlining the North Wales History of Mental Illness project, this paper seeks to provide some evidence that psychiatric diseases do rise and fall in incidence, along with evidence as to how such ideas are received by other historians of psychiatry and by biological psychiatrists.
Tailored balance exercises on people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot randomized, controlled study
Authors: Brichetto Giampaolo , Piccardo Elisa , Pedullà Ludovico , Battaglia Mario Alberto , Tacchino Andrea
Published: November 2014

Background:

Altered integration of signals from visual (VIS), somatosensory (PROP) and vestibular system (VEST) lead to balance control impairments affecting the daily living activities of patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). As a consequence, tailored interventions could be crucial in improving efficacy of balance rehabilitation treatments.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to assess the efficacy of tailored rehabilitation treatments for balance disorders based on visual, somatosensory and vestibular deficits versus traditional rehabilitation exercises.

Methods:

Thirty-two PwMS were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the composite score (CS) obtained by computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) test and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Based on CDP analysis, prevalent VIS, PROP or VEST deficits were identified and patients randomly allocated to a personalized (PRG) or traditional (TRG) rehabilitation group.

Results:

BBS score showed a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment scores of 6.3 and 2.0 points respectively for PRG and TRG. CS showed a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment scores of 16.6 and 7.6 points respectively for PRG and TRG. No interaction effect was found for MFIS score.

Conclusions:

BBS and CS showed changes in the PRG group that met clinical relevant difference, underlining that tailored rehabilitation interventions based on patient-specific sensory system impairment could improve balance and postural control in PwMS.
Statistical classification of drug incidents due to look-alike sound-alike mix-ups
Authors: Wong Zoie Shui Yee
Published: November 2014

It has been recognised that medication names that look or sound similar are a cause of medication errors. This study builds statistical classifiers for identifying medication incidents due to look-alike sound-alike mix-ups. A total of 227 patient safety incident advisories related to medication were obtained from the Canadian Patient Safety Institute’s Global Patient Safety Alerts system. Eight feature selection strategies based on frequent terms, frequent drug terms and constituent terms were performed. Statistical text classifiers based on logistic regression, support vector machines with linear, polynomial, radial-basis and sigmoid kernels and decision tree were trained and tested. The models developed achieved an average accuracy of above 0.8 across all the model settings. The receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the classifiers performed reasonably well. The results obtained in this study suggest that statistical text classification can be a feasible method for identifying medication incidents due to look-alike sound-alike mix-ups based on a database of advisories from Global Patient Safety Alerts.
An Apparently Classical Case Report of Sturge–Weber Syndrome
Authors: Giannantoni Nadia Mariagrazia , Della Marca Giacomo , Vollono Catello
Published: November 2014

Sturge–Weber syndrome is a rare, sporadic, congenital neurocutaneous syndrome, likely due to abnormal development of the cephalic microvasculature. Symptoms and signs depend on the extent and location of the venous dysplasia. We describe a case of a 33-year-old woman presenting with drug-resistant epilepsy, chronic headache, and recurring nonepileptic seizures. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans showed severe frontoparietal right hemisphere atrophy, prevalent right frontoparietal leptomeningeal enhancement, circumscribed angioma of the left rolandic sulcus, and prominent deep venous system. We report an apparently classical Sturge–Weber syndrome and hypothesize a shared pathophysiologic mechanism for clinical symptoms. We speculate that all the main symptoms observed in our patient could be the expression of a functional imbalance between the atrophic right hemisphere and the hyperexcitable left cortex.
Cognitive Task Analysis
Authors: Wingfield Laura R. , Kulendran Myutan , Chow Andre , Nehme Jean , Purkayastha Sanjay
Published: November 2014

Background. Surgical training is changing and evolving as time, pressure, and legislative demands continue to mount on trainee surgeons. A paradigm change in the focus of training has resulted in experts examining the cognitive steps needed to perform complex and often highly pressurized surgical procedures. Objective. To provide an overview of the collective evidence on cognitive task analysis (CTA) as a surgical training method, and determine if CTA improves a surgeon’s performance as measured by technical and nontechnical skills assessment, including precision, accuracy, and operative errors. Methods. A systematic literature review was performed. PubMed, Cochrane, and reference lists were analyzed for appropriate inclusion. Results. A total of 595 surgical participants were identified through the literature review and a total of 13 articles were included. Of these articles, 6 studies focused on general surgery, 2 focused on practical procedures relevant to surgery (central venous catheterization placement), 2 studies focused on head and neck surgical procedures (cricothyroidotomy and percutaneous tracheostomy placement), 2 studies highlighted vascular procedures (endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and carotid artery stenting), and 1 detailed endovascular repair (abdominal aorta and thoracic aorta). Overall, 92.3% of studies showed that CTA improves surgical outcome parameters, including time, precision, accuracy, and error reduction in both simulated and real-world environments. Conclusion. CTA has been shown to be a more effective training tool when compared with traditional methods of surgical training. There is a need for the introduction of CTA into surgical curriculums as this can improve surgical skill and ultimately create better patient outcomes.
Self-Enhancement 2.0
Authors: Rentzsch Katrin , Schröder-Abé Michela
Published: November 2014

The present research integrates and extends existing approaches to measuring self-enhancement in interpersonal relationships. We composed a dyadic self-enhancement index by contrasting self-perceptions with the academic achievements of both dyad members and disentangled the effects of the perceivers, the targets, and the relationships by using social relations analyses. At two different levels, we examined the interpersonal consequences of self-enhancement in 330 eighth-grade students. Results revealed that, at a habitual level, the more students tended to feel unrealistically superior to other students, the more they tended to dislike others, yet this did not affect how much others disliked them. However, at a relationship level, we found different effects in specific relationships between individuals: The more a student felt unrealistically superior to a specific other student, the less he or she liked the other student, and the less he or she was liked by that student.
Acting and Reacting
Authors: Bochantin Jaime E. , Cowan Renee L.
Published: November 2014

The authors examined blue-collar employees’ experiences with work/life. More specifically, the strategies used by skilled and unskilled employees when making work/life accommodation requests are uncovered and detailed. Using qualitative methods, the authors found that blue-collar employees use both proactive (circumvention, relating, factual appeals, and honesty) and reactive (ultimatums and other-focused appeals) strategies when seeking work/life accommodations. These strategies are discussed as well as practical and theoretical implications.
Reduction of membrane fouling by innovative method (injection of air jet)
Authors: Amiraftabi Maryam-Sadat , Mostoufi Navid , Hosseinzadeh Mostafa , Mehrnia Mohammad-Reza
Published: November 2014

Background

One of the most important challenges about the Membrane Bio Reactors is membrane fouling. Fouling has been at the centre of a globe debate for more recent years. It leads to high operational and maintenance costs such as membrane damage and replacement of membrane. Membrane fouling is attributed to the physicochemical interactions between the bio fluid and membrane. In order to decrease the fouling in bioreactors there are common anti fouling strategies such as operation at low flux, Optimization of aeration flow-rate and Physical and chemical cleanings. However, often they are not effective.

Methodology

This work deal with fouling crisis by a new and innovative method in order to reduce of fouling on membrane surface by injection of parallel air jet on membrane bio reactor. This is a new idea and fundamental study about the influence of wall jet on fouling of membrane surface. This study is included both experimental and numerical investigations. In order to polarize the stream path on the surface of the membrane, four symmetric nozzles were implemented at the bottom of the membrane surface upon the sparger. The changes in the fouling resistance were experimentally measured at five various jet velocities and all of them recorded by a computer system. In addition the effect of air jet velocity and shear stress on fouling resistances was also investigated by computational fluid dynamics at the similar conditions.

Results

It was revealed that the permeate flux and resistance of fouling can be related to shear stress of air flow at the membrane surface. When the velocity of air jets increase, the permeate flux increase too. Also, results illustrate that jet injection can partially remove the cake which was formed on the surface of the membrane.

Conclusions

Correlations were developed for estimating each resistance of the membrane surface via the shear stress. The resistances of the cake are removed by the jet velocity changes, from 20% in lower jet velocity up to 40% in higher jet velocity.
Spatial distribution of heavy metals in soil, water, and vegetables of farms in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran
Authors: Maleki Afshin , Amini Hassan , Nazmara Shahrokh , Zandi Shiva , Mahvi Amir Hossein
Published: November 2014

Background

Heavy metals are ubiquitous elsewhere in nature and their measurement in environment is necessary to develop health management strategies. In this study, we aimed to find out concentrations and spatial patterns of heavy metals in main farms of Sanandaj in Kurdistan, Iran.

Methods

Over May to October 2012, six farms were selected to analyze concentrations and spatial patterns of several heavy metals, namely aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in their soil, irrigation water, and edible vegetables. Overall, 36 samples of soil and water and 72 samples of vegetables including coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), radish (Raphanus sativus) root and radish leaf were collected. The concentrations of metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The spatial surfaces of heavy metals were created using geospatial information system.

Results

The order of metals in soil was Al > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > As > Cd while in water it was Cr > Co > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Al = As = Cd. The order of heavy metals in vegetables was Al > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > As > Cd. Totally, the minimum concentrations of Al, Cu, Pb, and Zn were found in radish root while the maximum of Al, Co, Cr, and Ni were found in radish leaf. The minimum concentrations of Cd and Cr and maximum concentrations of Cu and Zn were also deciphered in dill. Noteworthy, coriander had the minimum concentrations of Co and Ni. The concentrations of Cr and Pb in vegetables were more than maximum allowable limits of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Conclusion

In summary, albeit the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and water samples were below FAO and the WHO standards, vegetables were contaminated by chromium and lead.
Involvement of MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt Pathways in the Refractory Behavior of GH3B6 Pituitary Tumor Cells to the Inhibitory Effect of TGFβ1
Authors: Petiti Juan Pablo , Sosa Liliana del Valle , Sabatino María Eugenia , Vaca Alicia Maldré , Gutiérrez Silvina , De Paul Ana Lucía , Torres Alicia Inés
Published: November 2014

Pituitary tumor cells have a poor response to the growth inhibitory effect of TGFβ1, possibly resulting from the cross talk of TGFβ/Smads signal with other signaling pathways, an undescribed mechanism in these tumoral cells. To address this hypothesis, we investigated whether the mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)/ERK1/2 and phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathways were able to regulate the antimitogenic effect of TGFβ1 on GH3B6 cells. TGFβ1 treatment decreased the cell proliferation and induced an activation of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (Smad2/3), effects that were potentiated by MEK and PI3K inhibitors, thus indicating the existence of a cross talk between TGFβ1/Smad with the MEK/ERK1/2 or PI3K/Akt pathways. In addition, through immunoprecipitation assays, a direct interaction was observed between Smad2/3-ERK1/2 and Smad2/3-Akt, which decreased when the GH3B6 cells were incubated with TGFβ1 in the presence of MEK or PI3K inhibitors, thereby suggesting that the ERK1/2- and Akt-activated states were involved. These Smad2/3-ERK1/2 and Smad2/3-Akt associations were also confirmed by confocal and transmission electron microscopy. These findings indicate that the TGFβ1-antimitogenic effect in GH3B6 cells was attenuated by the MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt pathways via modulating Smad2/3 phosphorylation. This molecular mechanism could explain in part the refractory behavior of pituitary tumor cells to the inhibitory effect of TGFβ1.
11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity in the Brain Does Not Contribute to Systemic Interconversion of Cortisol and Cortisone in Healthy Men
Authors: Kilgour Alixe H.M. , Semple Scott , Marshall Ian , Andrews Peter , Andrew Ruth , Walker Brian R.
Published: November 2014

Context and Objective:

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) catalyses regeneration of cortisol in liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle, making a substantial contribution to circulating cortisol as demonstrated in humans by combining stable isotope tracer infusion with arteriovenous sampling. In the brain, 11βHSD1 is a potential therapeutic target implicated in age-associated cognitive dysfunction. We aimed to quantify brain 11βHSD1 activity, both to assess its contribution to systemic cortisol/cortisone turnover and to develop a tool for measuring 11βHSD1 in dementia and following administration of 11βHSD1 inhibitors.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

With ethical approval and informed consent, 8 healthy men aged 38.1 years (sd 16.5) underwent an ECG-gated phase-contrast magnetic resonance scan to quantify internal jugular vein blood flow and were infused with 1,2 [2H]2-cortisone and 9,11,12,12 [2H]4-cortisol for 3 h before samples were obtained from the internal jugular vein and an arterialized hand vein. Steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Main Outcome Measures and Results:

Steady state tracer enrichments were achieved and systemic indices of cortisol/cortisone interconversion were consistent with previous studies in healthy men. However, there was no measurable release or production of cortisol, 9,12,12 [2H]3-cortisol or cortisone into the internal jugular vein.

Conclusions:

Although cerebral 11βHSD1 reductase activity may be greater in cognitively impaired patients, in healthy men any contribution of 11βHSD1 in the brain to systemic cortisol/cortisone turnover is negligible. The influence of 11βHSD1 in the brain is likely confined to subregions, notably the hippocampus. Alternative approaches are required to quantify pharmacodynamics effects of 11βHSD1 inhibitors in the human brain.
Cosmopolitan Cordelia: Jane Addams’s Industrial Parables
Authors: Wilson Sarah
Published: November 2014

This essay traces the ideas underlying Jane Addams’s theory of cosmopolitanism from a variety of her early works. In these works Addams meditates on the generosity of industrial-era laborers to imagine relations of social responsibility that extend beyond familiar ties; she appreciates the precariousness of these workers and their outlook. Her theory has a distinctly literary quality. Across a range of social contexts she uses the figure of Cordelia to trope the idea of answering to the world rather than to local authority. Parable, evident throughout her work, especially in Twenty Years at Hull-House, is one of her favored modes of expression because it so capably conveys the blended generosity and vulnerability of her cosmopolitan outlook.
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Claire , Regan Martin
Published: November 2014

Claire Regan and Martin Regan present an ECG for you to analyse
Fighting for my family's health
Authors: Kear Katharine
Published: November 2014

High cholesterol and a family history of cardiovascular disease led to Katharine Kear's diagnosis with familial hypercholesterolaemia. She shares her experiences of the struggle to have her children tested
Oscar got the Blame
Authors: Gado Maria Rodrigues del
Published: November 2014

Maria Rodrigues del Gado, Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Lymington, Hampshire explores how to use this mischievous story of a boy with an invisible friend with a year I class.
The Welsh experience in abolishing key stage I SATs
Authors: Freeguard Sharon
Published: November 2014

Sharon Freeguard, deputy head teacher of Pennard Primary, Swansea, Wales, looks at how the abolition of key stage I SATs has affected the Welsh schools.
Go overboard with pirate play
Authors: Glover Jane
Published: November 2014

A pirate role-play is an excellent theme for extended writing. By Jane Glover, a year 1 teacher and key stage 1 co-ordinator at Kingfisher Primary in Wheatley, Doncaster.
Square the circle by poetic licence
Authors: Mosley Jenny , Boardman Ann
Published: November 2014

How to add a creative ‘zing’ to your circle time meetings (or how to stop circle time from being boring!). By Jenny Mosley and Ann Boardman, from Jenny Mosley Consultancies, Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
The top six Pupil Premium problems
Authors: Stevens Catherine
Published: November 2014

What are the main Pupil Premium challenges faced by primary schools? Catherine Stevens from the Challenge the Gap initiative outlines six key challenges to effective Pupil Premium strategies and offers some solutions
Baseline assessment
Authors: Kirkup Catherine
Published: November 2014

In March 2014, the Department for Education announced plans to introduce a baseline assessment for all children at the start of reception. Catherine Kirkup, from NFER's Centre for Assessment, answers some of the big questions that schools have been asking about the plans
A focus on assessment
Authors: Nelson Amelia
Published: November 2014

Faced with an inconsistent approach to assessment strategies, tests and tracking methods across the school, deputy headteacher Amelia Nelson set out to turn things around. She explains how