bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New species and records of Apseudomorpha (Crustacea: Tanaidacea) from Taiwan
Authors: TZENG YOU-WEI , HSUEH PAN-WEN
Published: October 2014

The present study reports the first record of Apseudomorpha from Taiwan and includes descriptions of three new species and one new species record. Paradoxapseudes pangcahi sp. nov. differs from the most similar congener, Paradoxapseudes littoralis, by having one segment less in the antennal flagellum and fewer segments in the uropod endopod. Pseudoapseudomorpha tagopilosus sp. nov. is distinguished from its most similar congener, Pseudoapseudomorpha ornata, by having one long lateral seta on pleonite 4, a four-segmented antennular outer flagellum, and a male with smaller and thinner ‘small’ cheliped than that of the female and with vestigial pleopods on pleonite 3. Indoapseudes multituberculata sp. nov. stands out from its congeners by having pleopods only on the last two pleonites in females, many small tubercles terminally on the pleotelson, and mandibular palp article 1 with noticeable distal teeth. The Synapseudes species recorded in the present study morphologically agrees with Synapseudes hansmuelleri that was originally described from the Tioman Archipelago, Malaysia, South China Sea. Morphological comparisons between each of the three newly described species and its congeners are tabulated.
Vortex Encounter Rates with Fixed Barometer Stations: Comparison with Visual Dust Devil Counts and Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Lorenz Ralph D.
Published: October 2014

A phenomenological model is developed wherein vortices are introduced at random into a virtual arena with specified distributions of diameter, core pressure drop, longevity, and translation speed, and the pressure history at a fixed station is generated using an analytic model of vortex structure. Only a subset of the vortices present are detected as temporary pressure drops, and the observed peak pressure-drop distribution has a shallower slope than the vortex-core pressure drops. Field studies indicate a detection rate of about two vortex events per day under favorable conditions for a threshold of 0.2 mb (1 mb = 1 hPa): this encounter rate and the observed falloff of events with increasing pressure drop can be reproduced in the model with approximately 300 vortices per square kilometer per day—rather more than the highest visual dust devil counts of approximately 100 devils per square kilometer per day. This difference can be reconciled if dust lifting typically only occurs in the field above a threshold core pressure drop of about 0.3 mb, consistent with observed laboratory pressure thresholds. The vortex population modeled to reproduce field results is concordant with recent high-resolution large-eddy simulations, which produce some thousands of 0.04–0.1-mb vortices per square kilometer per day, suggesting that these accurately reproduce the character of the strongly heated desert boundary layer. The amplitude and duration statistics of observed pressure drops suggest large dust devils may preferentially be associated with low winds.
Citizenship and Punishment
Authors: Light Michael T. , Massoglia Michael , King Ryan D.
Published: October 2014

When compared to research on the association between immigration and crime, far less attention has been given to the relationship between immigration, citizenship, and criminal punishment. As such, several fundamental questions about how noncitizens are sanctioned and whether citizenship is a marker of stratification in U.S. courts remain unanswered. Are citizens treated differently than noncitizens—both legal and undocumented—in U.S. federal criminal courts? Is the well-documented Hispanic-white sentencing disparity confounded by citizenship status? Has the association between citizenship and sentencing remained stable over time? And are punishment disparities contingent on the demographic context of the court? Analysis of several years of data from U.S. federal courts indicates that citizenship status is a salient predictor of sentencing outcomes—more powerful than race or ethnicity. Other notable findings include the following: accounting for citizenship substantially attenuates disparities between whites and Hispanics; the citizenship effect on sentencing has grown stronger over time; and the effect is most pronounced in districts with growing noncitizen populations. These findings suggest that as international migration increases, citizenship may be an emerging and powerful axis of sociolegal inequality.
Varieties of Capitalism and Job Quality
Authors: Frege Carola , Godard John
Published: October 2014

This article explores how institutional differences matter to the quality of a nation’s jobs; job quality is conceived as a dimension of a national economy’s social performance and thus defined in accordance with civic principles. Focus is on the two archetypical varieties of capitalism, the United States and Germany. Using data from a 2009 telephone survey of U.S. and German workers, we find that the overall attainment of civic principles, as perceived by workers, is no different in Germany than in the United States, even though the German institutional environment should be more conducive to them. This is due to higher worker expectations in Germany and a tendency for employer practices to compensate for the weaker (liberal) institutional environment in the United States. Once these are controlled, German workers report substantially more positive outcomes. We find that institutional differences also matter in how various employer practices are adopted and hence have indirect as well as direct implications.
Collateral Vessel Formation Causes Clinical Recovery From Limb Ischemia in a Mouse Model
Authors: Mulkern Edward M. , Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Chan Philip
Published: October 2014

Experimental models of recovery from limb ischemia are required for evaluating novel means of treating ischemia. We describe a mouse model to assess gait after inducing limb ischemia. Gait analysis was performed using a Plexiglass tube, the floor of which contained load cells. Gait was measured in 20 mice; 10 underwent ligation of the right hind limb artery and the other 10 underwent a sham operation. The gait of the animals was measured at 1, 2, and 4 weeks following the procedure. In sham-operated animals, the gait showed no measurable change. In the ligated animals, the ratio of the right fore-to-hind limb changed from 1.07 at baseline to 1.4 at day 0 ( P = .001), 1.16 ( P = .012 compared with control), and 1.04 ( P = .37 compared with control) at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. Gait returned to normal within 4 weeks of induction of ischemia. This model may be helpful in testing potential novel therapies.
Comparison of Pediatric and General Emergency Medicine Practice Patterns in Infants With Fever
Authors: Vanguru Leelasri , Redfern Roberta E. , Wanjiku Stephen , Sunallah Rami , Mukundan Deepa , Vemuru Lakshmi
Published: October 2014

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the management approaches of pediatric and general emergency medicine physicians in infants presenting to the emergency department (ED) with complaint of fever. Methods: Infants 90 days of age or younger with a chief complaint of fever were included for review. Vital signs, laboratory workup, disposition, and final diagnosis were collected. Compliance with guidelines was assessed and compared between EDs. Results: Compliance with admission guidelines was not significantly different in any of the 3 age groups evaluated between the pediatric and general ED (PED and GED). Compliance with guideline recommendations for laboratory workup was not significantly different between the 2 EDs, nor was overall compliance with guideline recommendations. Conclusions: No significant variations in the management of febrile infants or compliance with published guidelines between PED and GED physicians were observed. Young infants can be safely treated for fever in the PED or GED.
White Racial Attitudes and White Empathy
Authors: Chao Ruth Chu-Lien , Wei Meifen , Spanierman Lisa , Longo Joseph , Northart Dayna
Published: October 2014

A key step toward the actualization of social justice is understanding under what circumstances (i.e., high vs. low openness to diversity [OTD]) non-Latino Whites in each White racial identity attitude status show empathy toward targets of racism. Among a sample of 252 self-identified non-Latino White students, we found moderating effects of OTD. Specifically, for White undergraduates in the two least sophisticated racial identity statuses (i.e., Contact and Disintegration), those who were more open to diversity remained high on White Empathy regardless of their levels of Contact/Disintegration; conversely, those who were less open to diversity demonstrated less White Empathy. In addition, Whites in the last two statuses (i.e., Pseudo-Independence and Autonomy) showed that those who were more open to diversity still remained high on White Empathy regardless of their levels of Pseudo-Independence/Autonomy. However, for those who were less open to diversity, higher levels of Pseudo-Independence/Autonomy were associated with higher levels of empathy toward racism. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Care and Repair and the Politics of Urban Kindness
Authors: Hall Tom , Smith Robin James
Published: October 2014

This article considers the possibility that small acts of urban care, maintenance and cleaning might make for a good city. This might seem a slim possibility, given the vast sociology of hopelessness to which the contemporary city is home. But it can also be argued that a politics, and a sociology, of hope are best looked for not in big picture or utopian thinking but in the practical instances of everyday care and kindness that are as much a part of the urban everyday as anxiety, insecurity and damage. We explore this possibility through a critical assessment of Nigel Thrift’s recent writings on urban repair, drawing (but not reporting) on our own research with street cleaners and outreach workers tasked to look out for the rough sleeping homeless.
On Illegitimacy, Suffering and Recognition: A Diary Study of Women Living with Chronic Pain
Authors: Broom Alex F , Kirby Emma R , Adams Jon , Refshauge Kathryn M
Published: October 2014

Chronic back pain affects a significant proportion of older women, often with severe implications for their social lives, relationships and families. It is often characterized by intractability and causative ambiguity, challenging a range of medical and moral boundaries around sickness and wellness. In this study, we utilize solicited diaries with women to capture the day-to-day undulations of living with chronic back pain. These diaries provide rich insight into issues around: disrupted roles and social lives; experiences of perpetuality and isolation; acts of pretense and withdrawal; and, its perceived illegitimacy as an illness experience. Situated within gendered and life-stage cultural scripts, these women’s diaries illustrate how ideas about legitimacy and worthiness circulate within and around the social milieu of chronic back pain. We posit that individualized shame and dynamics of recognition are central to women’s suffering, reflecting persistent and disruptive social hierarchies of illness.
Description of photochromic textile properties in selected color spaces
Authors: Viková Martina , Vik Michal
Published: October 2014

Research in color science includes studies on the spectral properties of light and the perception of color by the human eye and the brain. Color spaces allow the description of the position of a color by using three basic attributes, namely lightness, chroma and hue. Photochromic pigments used as a component of ultraviolet sensors can help to define color changes in time through the measurement of color differences in exposition and decay phases. The change of color can be evaluated in terms of the light source employed, reversion and the kinetics of photochromic effects.

Commercial spectrometers are not suitable for this type of measurement. These instruments cannot measure the kinetics of exposure and the decay phase of photochromic materials. A unique spectrophotometer and a methodology for measuring colorimetric and spectral data of photochromic pigments in selected color spaces are presented. This work is the first step towards standardization of the measurement of color-changing materials containing functional dyestuffs, such as photochromic pigments.
Recidivism and the “Worst of Both Worlds” Hypothesis
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: October 2014

Interactive and additive terms for substance misuse and crime were used to predict recidivism in 1,435 male inmates. Negative binomial regression revealed that although the additive term consistently predicted general recidivism and the presence of new charges, the interaction term consistently failed to predict these same two outcomes. The additive model continued to predict general recidivism and new charges when age and prior convictions were both controlled and when prior substance misuse and crime were entered separately. Both the substance misuse and crime components predicted income (property and drug) offenses, but only the crime component predicted person offenses. These results have implications for assessing and treating substance-involved offenders and suggest that the two components of the “worst of both worlds” hypothesis accumulate rather than interact in their effect on future recidivism. Although the effect depends on both components, one component may be stronger than the other in predicting certain outcomes.
Effects of Antecedent Exercise on Academic Engagement and Stereotypy During Instruction
Authors: Neely Leslie , Rispoli Mandy , Gerow Stephanie , Ninci Jennifer
Published: October 2014

Antecedent physical exercise has emerged as a potentially promising treatment for reducing challenging behavior and increasing academic behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical exercise conducted prior to instructional sessions (antecedent physical exercise) on academic engagement and stereotypy during instructional sessions for two children diagnosed with ASD. Functional analysis results suggested stereotypy was maintained by automatic reinforcement for both participants. A multielement design was employed to evaluate academic engagement and stereotypy during instructional sessions following randomly sequenced conditions involving either (a) no antecedent exercise, (b) brief durations of antecedent exercise, or (c) antecedent exercise that continued until the participant engaged in a systematically determined behavioral indicator of satiation. Both participants demonstrated higher levels of academic engagement and reduced levels of stereotypy during the instructional sessions which followed antecedent physical exercise that continued until behavioral indicators of satiation occurred. This study replicates previous research suggesting that individuals with ASD may benefit from physical exercise prior to academic instruction and further suggests that the duration of antecedent exercise may be optimally individualized based on behavioral indicators of satiation.
The Benefits of Compression Methods in Acoustic Coherence Tomography
Authors: Rouyer Julien , Mensah Serge , Vasseur Clément , Lasaygues Philippe
Published: October 2014

Pulse compression methods improve the quality of ultrasonic medical images. In comparison with standard broadband pulse techniques, these methods enhance the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and increase the probing depth without any perceptible loss of spatial resolution. The Golay compression technique is analyzed here in the context of ultrasonic computed tomography, first on a one-dimensional target and second on a very low-contrast phantom probed using a half-ring array tomograph. The imaging performances were assessed based on the image CNR. The improvement obtained (up to 40%) depends, however, on the number of coherently associated diffraction projections. Beyond a certain number, few advantages were observed. Advances in ultrasound computed tomography suggest that pulse compression methods should provide a useful means of optimizing the trade-off between the image quality and the probing sampling density.
The Clinical Outcome of Dental Implants Placed through Skin Flaps
Authors: Li Bo‐Han , Byun Soo‐Hwan , Kim Soung‐Min , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: October 2014

Objective and Study Design

The incidence of peri‐implantitis, marginal bone loss, implant success, and survival rates of 52 dental implants placed through the skin paddle and 23 implants through the neighboring gingiva were investigated. Mixed linear model was adopted to analyze the influence of radiation and skin paddle on marginal bone loss and peri‐implantitis.

Results

The incidence of peri‐implantitis in implants placed through the skin flaps was higher (32.7%) than that of implants placed through the oral mucosa (8.7%). According to the mixed linear analysis, no significant difference in the amount of marginal bone loss was observed between the 2 groups: implants placed through the skin graft had marginal bone loss of 0.39 ± 0.14 mm at 1 year and 0.50 ± 0.23 mm at 5 years, and implants placed through the oral mucosa had marginal bone loss of 0.32 ± 0.12 mm and 0.52 ± 0.21 mm at the same time intervals. The 1‐year and 2‐ to 5‐year cumulative survival rates of the implants placed through the skin were 100% and 98%, respectively, and those of implants placed through the oral mucosa were both 95.65%. The 1‐year and 2‐ to 5‐year cumulative success rates of the implants placed through the skin were 92.30% and 79.38%, respectively, and those of implants placed through the oral mucosa were 91.30% and 82.59%, respectively.

Conclusion

Implants can be successfully placed and maintained in lining defects covered with a skin paddle; hence, this treatment modality may be considered reasonable and reliable for the functional and aesthetic rehabilitation of patients with oromaxillofacial reconstructions.
The effects of the CORE programme on pain at rest, movement-induced and secondary pain, active range of motion, and proprioception in female office workers with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Eun-Hye , Cho Hwi-young
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To investigate the effects of the CORE programme on pain at rest, movement-induced pain, secondary pain, active range of motion, and proprioception deficits in female office workers with chronic low back pain.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Rehabilitation clinics.

Subjects:

A total of 53 participants with chronic low back pain were randomized into the CORE group and the control group.

Intervention:

CORE group participants underwent the 30-minute CORE programme, five times per week, for eight weeks, with additional use of hot-packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, while the control group used only hot-packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Main measures:

Participants were evaluated pretest, posttest, and two months after the intervention period to measure resting and movement-induced pain, pressure pain as secondary pain, active range of pain-free motion, and trunk proprioception.

Results:

Pain intensity at rest (35.6 ±5.9 mm) and during movement (39.4 ±9.1 mm) was significantly decreased in the CORE group following intervention compared with the control group. There were significant improvements in pressure pain thresholds (quadratus lumborum: 2.2 ±0.7 kg/cm2; sacroiliac joint: 2.0 ±0.7 kg/cm2), active range of motion (flexion: 30.8 ±14.3°; extension: 6.6 ±2.5°), and proprioception (20° flexion: 4.3 ±2.4°; 10° extension: 3.1 ±2.0°) in the CORE group following intervention (all p < 0.05). These improvements were maintained at the two-month follow-up. The control group did not show significant improvements in any measured parameter.

Conclusion:

The CORE programme is an effective intervention for reducing pain at rest and movement-induced pain, and for improving the active range of motion and trunk proprioception in female office workers with chronic low back pain.
Acute phase plasma proteins are altered by electroconvulsive stimulation
Authors: Glaviano Antonino , O’Donovan Sinead M , Ryan Karen , O’Mara Shane , Dunn Michael J , McLoughlin Declan M
Published: October 2014

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective antidepressant treatment, but its molecular mechanisms of action remain to be fully elucidated. To better understand the effects of ECT, we conducted a proteomic study to characterize global changes in plasma protein abundance induced by electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) in the animal model equivalent of ECT. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a single or repeat (10 sessions) course of ECS, and compared with sham-ECS administered animals. Quantitative differential protein expression analysis was performed, using 2-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (2D DiGE), on immunodepleted plasma. Proteins were selected for identification by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): 150 protein spots were significantly altered following a single ECS and 178, following repeated ECS. In total, 18 proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS. Many of these were acute-phase response proteins, previously reported to be increased in depressed patients. Changes in the abundance of two proteins of interest were confirmed by other measures. Repeat ECS was found to significantly reduce plasma levels of haptoglobin and apolipoprotein A-IV, although these changes were no longer evident 4 weeks after the repeated ECS. Our results implicate the immune system-induced acute phase protein response in ECS action while identifying potential plasma biomarkers for ECS.
Excited, Proud, and Accomplished
Authors: Raska David
Published: October 2014

This research explores and tests the effect of an innovative performance feedback practice—feedback supplemented with web-based peer benchmarking—through a lens of social cognitive framework for self-regulated learning. The results suggest that providing performance feedback with references to exemplary peer output is positively associated with task mastery orientation, perceived autonomy, and perceived competence which in turn improve students’ intrinsic motivation and self-regulated learning strategies. The results also suggest that these effects were not observed in a similar course in which performance feedback was not supplemented with web-based peer benchmarking.
Spatial distribution of malignant tissue in gliomas: correlations of 11C-L-methionine positron emission tomography and perfusion- and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tietze Anna , Boldsen Jens K , Mouridsen Kim , Ribe Lars , Dyve Suzan , Cortnum Søren , Østergaard Leif , Borghammer Per
Published: October 2014

Background

The prognosis of glioma patients is contingent on precise target selection for stereotactic biopsies and the extent of tumor resection. 11C-L-methionine (MET) positron emission tomography (PET) demonstrates tumor heterogeneity and invasion with high diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose

To compare the spatial tumor distribution delineated by MET PET with that by perfusion- and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to understand the diagnostic value of these MRI methods, when PET is not available.

Material and Methods

Presurgical MET PET and MRI, including perfusion- and diffusion-weighted MRI, were acquired in 13 patients (7 high-grade gliomas, 6 low-grade gliomas). A quantitative volume of interest analysis was performed to compare the modalities objectively, supplemented by a qualitative evaluation that assessed the clinical applicability.

Results

The inaccuracy of conventional MRI was confirmed (area under the curve for predicting voxels with high MET uptake = 0.657), whereas cerebral blood volume (CBV) maps calculated from perfusion data improved accuracy (area under the curve = 0.760). We considered CBV maps diagnostically comparable to MET PET in 5/7 cases of high-grade gliomas, but insufficient in all cases of low-grade gliomas when evaluated subjectively. Cerebral blood flow and apparent diffusion coefficient maps did not contribute to further accuracy.

Conclusion

Adding perfusion-weighted MRI to the presurgical protocol can increase the diagnostic accuracy of conventional MRI and is a simple and well-established method compared to MET PET. However, the definition of low-grade gliomas with subtle or no alterations on cerebral blood volume maps remains a diagnostic challenge for stand-alone MRI.
Pregnant Women at Work
Authors: Fox Annie B. , Quinn Diane M.
Published: October 2014

Research suggests that pregnant women are discriminated against in the workplace and that a significant percentage of new mothers leave the workforce. Few researchers have examined the link between women’s discriminatory experiences and workforce attrition, instead of focusing on either individual-level factors (e.g., income) or workplace factors (e.g., workplace support) that predict turnover. We integrate previous findings on individual and workplace factors within a stigma framework that takes into account pregnant women’s anticipated and experienced stigma. We hypothesized that pregnant women’s anticipated and experienced stigma would mediate the relationships between individual (e.g., gender role attitudes) and workplace factors (e.g., workplace support) and job satisfaction, psychological well-being, and turnover intentions. Using a three-wave longitudinal design, we surveyed 142 pregnant women during and after their pregnancies, and we used path analysis to test mediational models. Results indicated that anticipated stigma partially mediated the relationship between workplace factors and psychological well-being, whereas experienced stigma partially mediated the relationships between workplace factors and job satisfaction, psychological well-being, and turnover intentions. Overall, our study demonstrates both the utility of a stigma framework and the importance of workplace experiences in understanding why women leave their jobs.
Biomechanical Comparison of Krackow Locking Stitch Versus Nonlocking Loop Stitch With Varying Number of Throws
Authors: Hahn Joseph Minsoo , İnceoğlu Serkan , Wongworawat Montri Daniel
Published: October 2014

Background:

Common suture configuration techniques used for ligament and tendon grafts and repair are the Krackow locking stitch and a nonlocking loop stitch, such as a whipstitch. Clinically, the preferences of orthopaedic surgeons vary.

Hypothesis:

The Krackow locking stitch and the nonlocking whipstitch, with varying suture loops, produce different biomechanical and physical effects on the tendon end.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 52 fresh-frozen porcine flexor digitorum tendons were used and assigned into 10 groups. Two stitch configurations (Krackow stitch [K] and whipstitch [W]) with varying number of loops (2 throws, n = 6; 4 throws, n = 5; 6 throws, n = 5; 8 throws, n = 5; 10 throws, n = 5) were tested. No. 2 FiberWire was used. Each sample was preloaded to 5 N and then cyclically loaded for 200 cycles to 200 N at 1 Hz, and then the tendon-suture construct was analyzed for gap formation, tendon elongation, and tendon end width. Next, each tendon was loaded to failure, and ultimate strength and mode of failure were recorded. Data were evaluated with 2-way analysis of variance.

Results:

For gap formation, the Krackow stitch produced less gap compared with the whipstitch (15.2 ± 4.0 mm [K] vs 18.9 ± 6.8 mm [W]; P = .012). Gap formation was larger when the number of loops increased from 2 to ≥6 ( P = .015). For elongation, the Krackow technique increased the tendon length after cyclic loading. In contrast, the whipstitch was noted to shorten the length of the tendon (1.17 ± 0.97 mm [K] vs −0.14 ± 1.13 mm [W]; P < .001). For tendon end width, the Krackow better preserved the transverse width (–0.64 ± 0.81 mm [K] vs −1.39 ± 0.64 mm [W]; P = .001). Both stitch types had similar ultimate strength (322.1 ± 20.3 N [K] vs 319.7 ± 20.4 N [W]; P = .676) and modes of failure (all by suture breakage; therefore, no statistical calculation was performed). There was no statistical difference in tendon elongation, width, failure load, or mode regardless of the number of throws.

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance:

Given the finding that the Krackow suture had less gap formation and better preservation of tendon architecture (length and width) compared with the whipstitch, coupled with the finding that ultimate strength is similar with both types of sutures, the Krackow stitch is recommended for tendon reconstruction when these parameters are important.
Modified Transtibial Versus Anteromedial Portal Technique in Anatomic Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Youm Yoon-Seok , Cho Sung-Do , Lee Seon-Ho , Youn Chang-Hyun
Published: October 2014

Background:

Although several studies have compared a conventional transtibial technique with an anteromedial (AM) portal technique for single-bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, no study to date has investigated whether the modified transtibial technique results in the femoral tunnel being in a similar anatomic position and produces similar clinical outcomes with those of the AM portal technique.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical outcomes and femoral tunnel position of SB ACL reconstruction using a modified transtibial technique (creating a femoral tunnel with varus and internal rotation of the tibia as well as modification of the tibial tunnel orientation) with those of SB ACL reconstruction using an AM portal technique.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 40 patients (40 knees) who underwent arthroscopic SB ACL reconstruction were included in this study. Patients were randomized using a computer-generated sequence into 2 groups: 20 patients by the modified transtibial technique (group 1) and 20 patients by the AM portal technique (group 2). Clinical evaluations included the 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, 2000 IKDC knee examination, and KT-1000 arthrometer measurement. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were analyzed according to the quadrant method, and the obliquity of the femoral tunnels in the coronal and sagittal planes and the size of the tunnel orifice were measured.

Results:

All clinical parameters improved significantly after SB ACL reconstruction, with no between-group differences. The mean distance of the femoral tunnel center location from the posterior condylar surface (0.8% difference; P = .167) and from the Blumensaat line (2.1% difference; P = .067) was similar in groups 1 and 2. The mean coronal obliquity of the femoral tunnel was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (42.5° ± 6.1° vs 49.3° ± 7.2°, respectively; P = .001), but the mean sagittal obliquity was similar between the 2 groups (41.9° ± 6.1° vs 43.3° ± 5.4°, respectively; P = .303). The mean area of the tunnel orifice was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (11.6 ± 1.4 × 9.2 ± 1.6 mm vs 10.3 ± 1.1 × 9.1 ± 1.4 mm, respectively; P = .013).

Conclusion:

The modified transtibial technique for SB ACL reconstruction showed good clinical results and anatomic placement of the femoral tunnel, similar with those of the AM portal technique.
Mechanical and biodegradable properties of l-lactide-grafted sisal fiber reinforced polylactide composites
Authors: Fu Wuchang , Xu Xiaoqiang , Wu Hongwu
Published: October 2014

Sisal fiber (SF) was grafted with low polymerization degree polylactide (PLA) according to the principle of coordinative ring-opening polymerization of lactide, and then the lactide-grafted sisal fiber (SF-g-LA) was mixed with PLA to make PLA/SF-g-LA composites. The mechanical properties, morphology, and biodegradability of PLA/SF-g-LA composites were systematically investigated, comparing with untreated SF reinforced PLA (PLA/USF) and alkali-treated SF reinforced PLA (PLA/ASF) composites. Results showed that the interfacial properties between SF-g-LA and PLA matrix showed dramatic improvement. The PLA/SF-g-LA composites exhibited noticeably superior tensile and flexural properties; however, their impact strength decreased slightly compared with pure PLA. All of the composites were buried in soil and different degrees of degradation were achieved. Because of better interfacial adhesion between SF-g-LA and PLA matrix, the degradation rate of PLA/SF-g-LA composite was lower than those of PLA/USF and PLA/ASF composites, although still higher than that of pure PLA. The biodegradation of PLA/SF-g-LA composites was marked by appearance of cavities, the exfoliation of fragmental materials, and the degradation of cellulose fibrils.
In situ measurement of vacuum consolidation of commingled thermoplastic composites using a non-contact displacement sensor
Authors: Chiasson Matthew , Laliberté Jeremy
Published: October 2014

A vacuum consolidation process has been investigated for use with commingled thermoplastic composites. In particular, the vacuum consolidation behavior of commingled polypropylene/glass and commingled nylon/carbon precursors were studied. Laminates were consolidated in a convection oven under vacuum pressure and the thickness change of the laminates was measured by the use of a novel in situ non-contact eddy current displacement sensing technique. An empirical consolidation model was then fit to the measured experimental results to be used to predict future process cycles. The overall quality of the resulting laminates was assessed using cross-sectional analysis and mechanical strength and stiffness testing. Dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were also used to measure the physical properties of laminates produced using differing consolidation cycles to further assess the quality of the resulting laminates. The use of a non-contact in situ consolidation measurement technique was shown to be a useful tool for assessing the consolidation behavior of commingled thermoplastic laminates.
Dielectric and thermal properties of flame retardant fillers in polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer composites
Authors: Hamzah MS , Hidayah IN , Mariatti M , Kamarol M
Published: October 2014

The incorporation of zinc hydroxystannate, calcium borate, and a phosphorus-based nonhalogenated flame retardant fillers (with trade name of NP-100) in 50% polypropylene and 50% ethylene propylene diene monomer blends was investigated. The composites were prepared using an internal mixer and were molded using a compression mold to form test samples. Studies on the effect of filler loading (15, 30, 45, and 60 vol%) on dielectric breakdown strength, dielectric properties, and thermal conductivity were determined. The flow properties analyzed using the melt flow index revealed that the addition of zinc hydroxystannate increased the melt flow index of the polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer blends, whereas the addition of calcium borate and NP-100 decreased the melt flow index values. A study on the dielectric properties of zinc hydroxystannate, calcium borate, and NP-100-filled polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer composites found that polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/NP-100 has higher breakdown strength compared with polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/zinc hydroxystannate and polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/calcium borate. The dielectric constant of the polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/calcium borate system is the highest, followed by polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/NP-100, and the least value of the dielectric constant is exhibited by polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/zinc hydroxystannate. For the dielectric loss of the composite, the polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/zinc hydroxystannate, polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/calcium borate, and polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/NP-100 blends recorded the lowest, medium, and highest values, respectively. The thermal conductivity of NP-100 is the highest, followed by calcium borate, and then zinc hydroxystannate. The polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer filled with 15 vol% of NP-100 is found to be the most suitable composition for electrical insulation compared with other volume composition percentages on account of low thermal conductivity, good flow ability, high breakdown strength, high dielectric constant, and low dielectric loss.
Rythmes sociaux et interférences temporelles - Exploration de séquences biographiques de calendriers et de récits
Authors: Bidart Claire , Gosselin Catherine
Published: October 2014

Social Rhythms and Temporal Interference – Exploring Biographical Sequences of Calendars and Stories: The life course and transitions are structured by institutional and cultural frames that contribute to regulate the trajectories. From three similar longitudinal survey panels which were conducted in France, Quebec and Argentina, we can articulate different kinds of temporal data concerning the paths young people follow as they are entering adulthood. Their careers were noted month by month on calendars, and in-depth interviews were used to record their stories. A quantitative exploration of the sequences allows to compare the situations, the events but also their temporal coincidences, while a qualitative analysis of the stories allow to understand their precise arrangements and to compare the conceptions of change in these three countries. We explore the heuristic potential of such mixed-methods design for both international comparison and precise interactions between events and decisions.
L’indice d’intensité des temps forts - Une méthode mixte en analyse biographique
Authors: Bourdon Sylvain , Longo María Eugenia , Supeno Eddy , Deleo Camila
Published: October 2014

An Intensity Index for Important Moments - A Mixed Method Biographical Analysis: Given the scale and complexity of data collected in large biographical qualitative surveys, the challenge is to develop the meaning that events take as seen by those who live them, without resorting to anecdotes. This paper proposes an articulation of qualitative and quantitative approaches based on intensity index of important moments ( indice d’intensité des temps forts or IITF) that translates methodologically and statistically the event density variations that dot youth life course trajectories. An emergent categorization of important moments is presented and the association between areas of high event density and changes in the sphere of employment is examined using the IITF. A brief return to youth biographical narratives concerning these turbulent zones identified by index permits us to deepen understanding of these high intensity moments.
Violently Reactive Women and Their Relationship With an Abusive Mother
Authors: Bailey Benjamin , Eisikovits Zvi
Published: October 2014

This article sheds light on the abuse of mothers toward their daughters and its potential influence on the violent behavior of the latter as adults. It contributes to the scarce knowledge on the effects of abuse of each parent on their children by gender. The article is part of a larger study describing the experience of 30 women in Israel who were abusive or violent toward their male partners. It presents the stories of 14 women from the sample who, when sharing their memories of childhood and family-of-origin, spoke of an abusive relationship with their mothers. The various types of these relationships are presented along a continuum based on the severity of violence and emotional detachment of the mothers toward the interviewees, ranging from physical and emotional distancing, through chronic expressions of bitterness and criticism, and ending with severe physical violence. The findings are analyzed through the prism of social construction, relating to the interviewees’ use of the psychodynamic discourse when accounting for their past and present abusive relationships. Some limitations and clinical implementations of the study, and needs for further research, are addressed.
Racism and the Experiences of Latina/o College Students at a PWI (Predominantly White Institution)
Authors: Von Robertson Ray , Bravo Alma , Chaney Cassandra
Published: October 2014

This study explored Latina/o American college students at a predominantly white university in the South. The authors assessed how 12 Latina/o American college students understood racism and racial microaggressions, and developed counter-spaces to navigate the white college milieu. Qualitative analysis revealed instances of racism were dealt with through assimilation and working hard to excel. Additional responses involved aligning themselves with same-race groups and maintaining a high grade point average. Our findings demonstrated that Latina/o students often utilized counter-spaces and determination to excel in college. Finally, a major contribution of our research was that it provided an example of a small case study of Latinas/os, primarily consisting of males, a group that has traditionally been underrepresented in higher education, who performed very well academically at a PWI.
Nonprofit Collaboration With Luxury Brands
Authors: Boenigk Silke , Schuchardt Viktoria
Published: October 2014

Luxury brands and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) increasingly engage in cause-related marketing (CRM) relationships. However, most previous studies analyzed CRM effects from a corporate, rather than a nonprofit, perspective. This study reverses the viewpoint to determine if luxury brand partners are beneficial for NPOs. Using a fictitious CRM cooperation between Plan International Germany and the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, two experimental studies obtained responses from 791 customers and 259 nonprofit employees/volunteers. The results show that partnering with a luxury brand can be beneficial because it enables the NPO to raise additional donations, enhances attitudes toward the nonprofit brand, and increases the chances of acquiring wealthy customers as future donors. Yet negative effects also arise, such as identification conflicts, especially among nonprofit employees and volunteers. Overall, this study reveals that nonprofit managers can pursue cooperation strategies with luxury brands—as long as they consider some important precautions.
The buckling of truncated conical sandwich panels under axial compression and external pressure
Authors: Fard Keramat M , Livani Mostafa
Published: October 2014

Based on a new improved higher-order sandwich panel theory, the buckling analysis of a truncated conical composite sandwich panel with simply supported and fully clamped boundary conditions was performed for the first time. This panel was subjected to axial compression and external pressures. The governing equations were derived by using the principle of minimum potential energy. The first-order shear deformation theory was used for the composite face sheets, and for the core, a polynomial description of the displacement fields was assumed. Geometry was used for the consideration of different radii curvatures of the face sheets and the core was unique. The effects of types of boundary conditions, conical angles, length to smaller radius of core ratio, core to panel thickness ratio, and smaller radius of core to panel thickness ratio on the buckling response of truncated conical composite sandwich panels were also studied. The results were validated by the results published in the literature and the presented FE results were obtained by ABAQUS software.
Validation of a fixed-base automotive simulator for run-off-road safety and recovery training
Authors: Freeman Paul , Rodriguez Julio , Wagner John , Switzer Fred , Alexander Kim , Pidgeon Philip
Published: October 2014

Traffic fatalities and injuries continue to demand the attention of researchers and governments across the world as they remain significant factors in public health and safety. Enhanced legislature, together with vehicle and roadway technology, has helped to reduce the impact of traffic crashes in many scenarios. However, one specifically troublesome area of traffic safety which persists is the run-off-road crash where a vehicle’s wheels leave the paved portion of the roadway and begin to travel on the shoulder or side of the road. Large percentages of fatal and injury traffic crashes are attributed to run-off-road events. One of the most critical reasons why run-off-road scenarios quickly evolve into serious crashes is poor driver performance. Drivers are unprepared to handle the situation safely and often execute dangerous maneuvers, such as overcorrection, which can lead to devastating results. One countermeasure which directly addresses the driver performance is driver education and training. In this article, a simulator-based driving environment is proposed specifically for run-off-road recovery training. A human subject study is used to validate the simulator as an effective tool for replicating the run-off-road experience with the additional benefit of receiving insight into driver reactions to run-off-road events. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results of subjective questionnaire data and objective performance evaluation parameters show strong correlations to run-off-road crash data and previous run-off-road study conclusions. In particular, higher vehicle velocities, curved roads, and larger differences between the friction coefficient of the road and the friction coefficient of the shoulder all negatively impacted drivers’ recoveries from run-off-road scenarios. The only non-significant impact found was that of the roadway edge, indicating a possible limitation of the simulator system with respect to that particular environment variable. The validation study provides a foundation for further evaluation and development of a simulator-based run-off-road recovery training program to help to equip drivers with the skills to recognize and recover safely from this dangerous and often deadly scenario.
Optimal torque control of an integrated starter–generator using genetic algorithms
Authors: McGehee Jeffery , Yoon Hwan-Sik
Published: October 2014

A mild hybrid electric vehicle is a type of hybrid electric vehicle with a simplified hybrid drivetrain mechanism. These mild hybrid electric vehicles use an integrated starter–generator to assist the internal-combustion engine simply rather than to drive the vehicle independently of the internal-combustion engine. In a previous study, a lookup- table-based control scheme was proposed for optimal control of the integrated starter–generator and the internal-combustion engine on a mild hybrid vehicle. In order to investigate further the optimality of the integrated starter–generator control lookup table, a widely used global optimization technique called a genetic algorithm is utilized in this study. The constructed optimal lookup tables are implemented in MATLAB/Simulink together with a mild hybrid vehicle model, which is based on an US Environmental Protection Agency light-duty vehicle model. The simulation results show that the genetic algorithm can construct an optimal lookup table with better performance characteristics than the weighted cost function method.