bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Atmospheric Precipitable Water Characteristics and Trends in Mainland China from 1995 to 2012
Authors: Wang Rui , Fu Yunfei , Xian Tao , Chen Fengjiao , Yuan Renmin , Li Rui , Liu Guosheng
Published: July 2017

Variations and trends of atmospheric precipitable water (APW) are examined using radiosonde data from Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA) and China Meteorological Administration (CMA) from 1995 to 2012 in mainland China. The spatial distribution of the climatological mean APW shows that APW gradually decreases from the southern to the northern regions of mainland China. The seasonal mean pattern of APW shows clear regional difference, except for higher APW in summer (June–August) and lower APW in winter (December–February). Four regions show significantly downward trends in APW. Moreover, the trends of APW calculated using reanalysis datasets are consistent with the results of radiosonde data. Furthermore, the relationship between APW and the general circulation is investigated. The summer East Asian monsoon intensity and El Niño events show positive correlations with APW, whereas the North Atlantic Oscillation shows negative correlation with APW. The downward trend of APW is in accordance with the downward trend of mean column temperature (1000–300 hPa) at most stations, which suggests that decreasing mean column temperature results in decreasing APW in mainland China. Additionally, statistical analysis has revealed the regional trends in APW are not consistent with the regional trends in precipitation, implying that not all the variation of precipitation can be explained by APW.
Endovascular Treatment for Steno-Occlusive Iliac Artery Disease: Safety and Long-Term Outcome
Authors: Müller Arne M. , Langwieser Nicolas , Bradaric Christian , Haller Bernhard , Fusaro Massimiliano , Ott Ilka , von Beckerath Nicolas , Kastrati Adnan , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Ibrahim Tareq
Published: July 2017

We evaluated safety and long-term outcome of endovascular therapy for steno-occlusive iliac artery disease. All endovascular procedures of iliac artery lesions performed at our institution between 2001 and 2014 (n = 676) were retrospectively analyzed. The overall technical success rate was 99% and yielded 100% for stenoses (n = 596) and 95% for chronic total occlusions (n = 80). Lesion complexity defined by the Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II classification had no impact on success rates (TASC A + B vs C + D; 99.5% vs 98.6%, P = .359). During a median follow-up of 11 months, the overall rate of restenosis was 9.4%. After 1 and 3 years, the primary patency rates were 94% and 86% and the secondary patency rate was 100%, respectively. The TASC II classification had no impact on long-term patency rates (TASC A + B vs C + D; 86% vs 81%). In a multivariable analysis, stent diameter remained the only significant predictor for restenosis (hazard ratio: 0.58; 95% confidence interval: 0.41%-0.81%; P = .002). In this single-center retrospective study, endovascular therapy for steno-occlusive iliac artery disease was associated with high technical and clinical success rates as well as an excellent long-term patency rate irrespective of lesion complexity.
Histology of Isshiki Thyroplasty Type I
Authors: Isaacson Glenn , Kirchner J. Cameron , Kim Jung H. , Kirchner John A.
Published: July 2017

Isshiki thyroplasty type I, an open surgical procedure to medialize the true vocal cord, has been proposed as an alternative to Teflon injection in selected cases of recurrent nerve paralysis or vocalis muscle atrophy. This operation was performed in a man with a mediastinal tumor and a paralyzed vocal cord in an intermediate position. He died 1 month later, and his larynx and recurrent nerve were studied histologically. The gross and microscopic changes in the larynx caused by this operation are discussed, and the pathologic changes in the recurrent nerve leading to the paralysis are examined.
Evaluation of Amino-Oxyacetic Acid as a Palliative in Tinnitus
Authors: Guth Paul S. , Blair Paul , Norris Charles , Risey John , Reed Hollis T. , Housley Gary , Briner Wayne , Bryant Georgia , Miller Robert
Published: July 2017

Amino-oxyacetic acid (AOAA) was evaluated as a palliative in tinnitus. Sixty-six patients with tinnitus presumed to be of cochlear origin were given either a placebo or 75 mg of AOAA four times a day for 1 week. Response was evaluated by both audiometric measurement of tinnitus loudness and subjective rating by patients of change or no change in tinnitus severity. Because loudness measurements and self-rating have not been shown to be independent, and since the aim of clinical treatment of tinnitus is the alleviation of subjective distress, greater weight was given to the patient's self-rating. A total of 21 % of all patients reported a subjective decrease in tinnitus severity, usually within 3 to 4 days after the start of AOAA use. Patients with tinnitus caused by presbycusis or Meniere's disease were the most likely to respond to AOAA treatment with a reduction in tinnitus severity, whereas those with drug-induced tinnitus were the least likely to respond. Nausea and dysequilibrium were the most common side effects of AOAA use. Of the 21 % of patients who responded to AOAA, 71 % developed some type of side effect. Amino-oxyacetic acid produces a reduction in the severity of tinnitus in about 20% of patients; however, the incidence of side effects makes the drug unacceptable for clinical use.
Microvascular Decompression by Retrosigmoid Approach for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Experience in 200 Patients
Authors: Zhang Kai Wen , Zhao Yong Hong , Shun Zi Ting , Li Ping
Published: July 2017

Trigeminal neuralgia is often seen in elderly persons. Two hundred patients with trigeminal neuralgia were submitted to microvascular decompression by a retrosigmoid approach. The surgical procedure is described. Vascular compression of the nerves was noticed in all these patients at operation. One hundred ninety-seven had relief of symptoms postoperatively, for a 98.5 % cure rate. In addition, we suggest that another important cause is arteriosclerosis.
Indium 111–Labeled Leukocyte Scintigraphy in Evaluating Head and Neck Infections
Authors: Epstein Jeffrey S. , Grobman Lawrence , Ganz William I. , Goodwin W. Jarrard , Lizak Mark , Dewanjee Mrinal K.
Published: July 2017

This retrospective study looked at the role of indium 111-labeled white blood cell (111In WBC) scintigraphy in head and neck infections. The efficacy of 111In WBCs was compared to gallium 67 citrate (67Ga) and technetium Tc99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc MDP) scintigraphy in detecting and monitoring the resolution of infection. For 22 active infections, the sensitivities for 111In WBC, 67Ga, and 99mTc MDP scintigraphy were 94%, 56%, and 86%, respectively, and the specificities for 111In WBC, 67Ga, and 99mTc MDP scintigraphy were 100%, 43%, and 0%, respectively. For 8 successfully treated infections, all seven 111In WBC studies became negative after therapy, in as short an interval as 1 month. In contrast, all seven 99mTc MDP images remained positive for as long as 6 months after therapy. The seven 67Ga studies had variable results, with four (57%) remaining positive, including two (28%) positive at 6 months after therapy. These results suggest that 111In WBC scintigraphy should be the initial radionuclide imaging tool in detecting active head and neck infections because of its greater accuracy, and its ability to revert to normal much sooner than 67Ga or 99mTc MDP scintigraphs when applied to a subset of patients with resolved infections.
Larsen's Syndrome
Authors: Robertson F.W. , Kozlowski K. , Middleton R. W.
Published: July 2017

Three cases of Larsen's syndrome with retrospective diagnoses have been described. All of them had both the clinical and radiographic signs characteristic for the syndrome, namely flat, hyperteloric facies, multiple dislocations of the joints, club foot deformity, and long cylindrical fingers. The radiographic findings were generalized and diagnostic in all of the cases. Our patients had additional ossification centers for the body of calcaneus.
Teaching American Sign Language to a Normally Hearing Infant with Tracheostenosis
Authors: English Susan T. , Prutting Carol A.
Published: July 2017

This remedial program of teaching infants with tracheostenosis to use American Sign Language appears to be a successful procedure for eliciting not only expressive language but also in aiding psychosocial-cognitive development.
Hepatitis-Associated (Australia) Antigen and Down's Syndrome
Authors: Shiono Hiroshi , Kadowaki Junichi , Fujiwara Takeki , Nakao Tooru
Published: July 2017

Hepatitis-Associated (Australia) Antigen (HAA) was detected in 13 (5.8%) of 223 patients with Down's syndrome and in 14 (3.7%) of 378 patients with other forms of mental retardation. The frequency of HAA was 2.4 per cent in 127 noninstitutionalized patients with Down's syndrome, and 10.4 per cent in 96 institutionalized patients. The frequency of HAA with Down's syndrome was lower on the average in Japan than in the United States or Germany.

HAA was detected in one (1.3%) of 78 mothers of infants with Down's syndrome. Our study suggests that maternal exposure to HAA, as reflected by the presence of either HAA or anti-HAA, was not associated with the subsequent birth of an infant with Down's syndrome.
The Case Law on Aversive Interventions for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Lohrmann-O'rourke Sharon , Zirkel Perry A.
Published: July 2017

Parents and professionals have increasingly rejected aversive intervention strategies that rely on their punishing effect to decrease occurrences of challenging behavior. As a result, positive behavioral intervention strategies have emerged as a viable alternative. Students with disabilities, however, continue to be at risk for exposure to aversive interventions. This article identifies legal boundaries and protections for students through a review of the case law on aversive interventions in five categories: electric shock, noxious substances, corporal punishment, restraints, and timeout. Despite the emergence of positive interventions, qualified support for the use of aversive interventions continues to exist. The article discusses IDEA amendment language supporting positive behavioral interventions and makes recommendations for continued advocacy on behalf of students with disabilities.
Influence of different clays on the mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties of recycled high-density polyethylene/wood flour hybrid composites
Authors: Abd El-Fattah Ahmed , Abd ElKader Eman
Published: July 2017

Wood plastic composites based on recycled high-density polyethylene (r-HDPE)/wood flour with the addition of organically modified clays were prepared by melt mixing and compression molding. The effect of two different types and contents of clays, bentonite and layered double hydroxide – on the mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties of the wood plastic composites – was examined to identify the most effective clay type for wood plastic composites. It was found that incorporation of 2 wt% modified bentonite (mBNT) clay was the most effective in the composite formulation; it has significantly enhanced the properties of the wood plastic composites. The scanning electron micrographs of the fractured surfaces showed improved interfacial adhesion of the composite components. The tensile strength of wood plastic composites was increased by 9.7% when 2 wt% mBNT clay was incorporated in the composite formulation; however, the tensile strength slightly decreased as the clay content was further increased. The izod impact strength was lowered about 10.5% by 2 wt% mBNT clay. Moreover, the addition of 2 wt% mBNT clay enhanced the water resistance of the wood plastic composites by 27.5% after immersion in water for five days. On the other hand, the modified layered double hydroxide (mLDH) clay did not cause any remarkable improvement in the properties of the wood plastic composites. The tensile strength showed a decreasing trend with an increase in mLDH content. However, both clays did not improve the thermal stability of wood plastic composites. In addition, there are no noticeable changes in the values of melting temperature by increasing the content of clays. The experimental results indicated that the properties of the wood plastic composites were significantly improved when combined with the appropriate clay type and content. However, the interaction between wood flour and the intercalated clay particles as well as the processing conditions will need further study.
Exploring the Threshold between Conflict Management and Joining in Biased Interventions
Authors: Corbetta Renato , Melin Molly M.
Published: July 2017

Recent research emphasizes the effectiveness of biased third parties and their use of leverage in resolving conflicts. However, scholars fail to explore systematically the conditions under which conflict management strategies straddle the confines between mediatory techniques and approaches more commonly associated with joining behavior. This article examines the threshold between neutral conflict management and overt joining by offering a model of third-party intervention based on the notion of international social proximity and situated within the familiar opportunity–willingness framework. Our arguments are tested with a novel combination of data on biased joining from Corbetta and Dixon and data on neutral mediatory efforts from Frazier and Dixon. Our findings reveal that the application of biased leverage and mediation is rare but salient, and asymmetrical ties between third parties and combatants explain their occurrence.
The efficacy of electrospun polyurethane fibers with TiO2 in a real time weathering condition
Authors: Zdraveva Emilija , Mijovic Budimir , Govorcin Bajsic Emi , Grozdanic Vedrana
Published: July 2017

This study focuses on the behavior of electrospun polyurethane fibers filled with nano, micro spheres and nanotube TiO2, thus nTiO2, mTiO2 or TiNT, under real time ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Analyses were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Significant changes of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) + 0.5% nTiO2 and TPU + 0.5% mTiO2 fibers morphology, that is, agglomerated TiO2 particles, were observed on material surfaces due to TPU fiber degradation, also supported by FTIR spectra given as reduction in the peaks intensities after UV radiation, especially in the case of TPU + 0.5% nTiO2. Further, after UV radiation, the initial degradation temperature reduction of the hard segment for all materials was up to 40℃. A significant reduction in the final degradation temperature (from 397.8℃ to 274.1℃) was noticed for the mTiO2 filled fibers, suggesting their photocatalytic activity, while Tg was increased up to 20℃ for almost all fillers added to TPU, thus indicating lower molecular chain mobility upon UV radiation.
Aggregation of state variables in an RC model
Authors: Długosz Marek
Published: July 2017

The paper presents a method for reducing the order of the thermal dynamics model of a building or room, obtained by application of a lumped parameter method. The reduced model has the same dynamic characteristics as the primary model, while additionally it is an observable one. The described model order reduction method involves the identification and aggregation of non-distinguishable state variables. The paper presents a sample calculation confirming the validity of the deliberations. The proposed reduction method of state variables can be used with other dynamic systems provided that the assumptions concerning the structures of the system matrices are fulfilled.

Practical application: The use of simplified but accurate mathematical models of the dynamics of heat in buildings enables the efficient design of high-performance control systems, e.g. the stabilisation of air temperature in the building. Simplified mathematical models also require less computing power and can be implemented in embedded control systems. This gives the ability to design, for example, distributed systems of predictive control, which requires mathematical models of controlled processes.
The value and importance of mindfulness for the highly to profoundly gifted child
Authors: Tolan Stephanie S
Published: July 2017

This article discusses giftedness from the inside out, focusing on what the differences mean to the gifted child’s experience of life—the effects both their intensity and their cognitive abilities have on their inner experience and awareness. Mindfulness is especially valuable and important for the profoundly gifted child. Two programs that use mindfulness techniques (Yunasa, a summer camp for highly gifted children, and the Holistic Life program in a public elementary school in Baltimore) are discussed. Mindfulness helps to bring all the pieces of gifted children into contact and congruity with each other and helps to make them more whole.
Association between US features of primary tumor and axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical T1–T2N0 breast cancer
Authors: Bae Min Sun , Shin Sung Ui , Song Sung Eun , Ryu Han Suk , Han Wonshik , Moon Woo Kyung
Published: July 2017

Background

Most patients with early-stage breast cancer have clinically negative lymph nodes (LNs). However, 15–20% of patients have axillary nodal metastasis based on the sentinel LN biopsy.

Purpose

To assess whether ultrasound (US) features of a primary tumor are associated with axillary LN metastasis in patients with clinical T1–T2N0 breast cancer.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included 138 consecutive patients (median age = 51 years; age range = 27–78 years) who underwent breast surgery with axillary LN evaluation for clinically node-negative T1–T2 breast cancer. Three radiologists blinded to the axillary surgery results independently reviewed the US images. Tumor distance from the skin and distance from the nipple were determined based on the US report. Association between US features of a breast tumor and axillary LN metastasis was assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model after controlling for clinicopathologic variables.

Results

Of the 138 patients, 28 (20.3%) had nodal metastasis. At univariate analysis, tumor distance from the skin ( P = 0.019), tumor size on US ( P = 0.023), calcifications ( P = 0.036), architectural distortion ( P = 0.001), and lymphovascular invasion ( P = 0.049) were associated with axillary LN metastasis. At multivariate analysis, shorter skin-to-tumor distance (odds ratio [OR] = 4.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–16.19; P = 0.040) and masses with associated architectural distortion (OR = 3.80; 95% CI = 1.57–9.19; P = 0.003) were independent predictors of axillary LN metastasis.

Conclusion

US features of breast cancer can be promising factors associated with axillary LN metastasis in patients with clinically node-negative early-stage breast cancer.
Differentiation between papillary renal cell carcinoma and fat-poor angiomyolipoma: a preliminary study assessing detection of intratumoral hemorrhage with chemical shift MRI and T2*-weighted gradient echo
Authors: Woo Sungmin , Kim Sang Youn , Cho Jeong Yeon , Kim Seung Hyup
Published: July 2017

Background

Recent literature suggests that intratumoral hemorrhage detection may be helpful in differentiating papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) from fat-poor angiomyolipoma (fpAML).

Purpose

To determine whether intratumoral hemorrhage detected using chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and T2*-weighted (T2*W) gradient echo (GRE) can be used to differentiate pRCC from fpAML.

Material and Methods

This retrospective study included 42 patients with pRCC (n = 28) and fpAML (n = 14) who underwent MRI followed by surgery. Two blinded radiologists independently assessed the presence of intratumoral hemorrhage using chemical shift MRI (decrease in signal intensity from opposed- to in-phase) and T2*W GRE (“blooming”). Consensus reading was determined for discrepant cases. MRI findings were compared using Chi-square test. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using kappa statistics.

Results

Inter-observer agreement was substantial for both sequences ( k = 0.622 and 0.793, P < 0.001). For chemical shift MRI, the prevalence of intratumoral hemorrhage was significantly greater in pRCC than in fpAML (71.4% versus 28.6%, P = 0.019 for reader 1; 64.3% versus 14.3%, P = 0.003 for reader 2; and 75% versus 21.4%, P = 0.002 for the consensus). T2*W GRE showed a similar tendency (46.4% versus 14.3%, P = 0.049 for both readers; and 50% versus 14.3%, P = 0.042 for the consensus). Using the consensus reading, sensitivity and specificity of determining pRCC were 75% and 78.6% for chemical shift MRI and 50% and 85.7% for T2*W GRE.

Conclusion

The prevalence of intratumoral hemorrhage identified from chemical shift MRI or T2*W GRE was significantly different between pRCC and fpAML. These hemorrhage-sensitive MRI sequences may be used as an adjunctive tool for discriminating between the two entities.
Quantifying and visualizing language diversity of Hong Kong using Twitter
Authors: Zhao Naizhuo , Cao Guofeng
Published: July 2017

The wide penetration of location-aware mobile devices and location-based services renders the location-based social media as a reliable proxy to study the real-world geographic space. Language diversity is an important indicator of a city's internationalization level. People communicate using different languages in the cyberspace of social media as they do in the geographic space. The location-based social media therefore provides an innovative set of lens to map the language diversity and study the internationalization of cities. In the enclosed graphics, based on a collection of geo-tagged Twitter posts, we generated a fine resolution map of language diversity index in the area of Hong Kong to illustrate the potential of location-based social media in city research.
The Imminent Fall: Cultural Politics and the Downfall of Nizam's Dominions
Authors: Thirumali I.
Published: July 2017

This article contests the argument that the rise of sub-regionalism, and hoisting linguistic nationalism by the dominant communities—religious, linguistic—was the primary reason for dissolution of the Nizam's Dominions as often claimed. However, such perceptive developments instead fashioned the communitarian and communal blocs fitting against each other and pushed the region to a threshold of communal frenzy. It was for this reason that the nationalist agenda of independence for princely states did not develop sufficiently to challenge the Asafia State of Nizams. On the other hand, the movements that developed in rural areas by the lower class militancy engaged the state in armed clashes, shaking its foundations and paving the way for its fall. The militant masses seized control of the villages in certain districts, driving out the landlord supporters of the regime but did not politically manoeuvre the events in their favour, and their leadership was slowly drawn into the linguistic agenda that primarily caused a smooth transition for the reorganization of the region on linguistic basis. Since we do not have serious academic works on the subject—and to view things from a perspective that is different from the ready-made political frames that have been in currency till today—this work therefore intends to unravel the actual limitations of the regional, religious and caste combines that threw hammer in the process for a political gain.
Multicentric Study of Seroprevalence of Borrelia Burgdorferi and Anaplasma Phagocytophila in High-Risk Groups in Regions of Central and Southern Italy
Authors: Santino I. , Cammarata E. , Franco S. , Galdiero F. , Oliva B. , Sessa R. , Cipriani P. , Tempera G. , Del Piano M.
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophila in populations of workers from 4 Italian regions, known to be exposed to tick bites. A total of 712 serum samples collected were divided as follows: 387 samples were obtained from workers at risk for tick bites and 325 from individuals that were not considered to be at risk of ticks bites and served as the control group. Antibodies against B. burgdorferi were found in 29 (7.5%) of the 387 risk workers and in 4 (1.2%) of the 325 control group. Antibodies reactive with the HGE agent were found in 22 (5.7%) of the 387 risk workers and in 3 (0.9%) of the 325 control group. Antibodies to both B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophila were found in 1.6% of the forestry workers confirming the possibility of coinfection or concurrent infection. The present finding show significant differences between seroprevalence of the risk workers and that of the people with no risk for tick exposure.
Current concepts on the neurobiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Biederman J. , Faraone S. V.
Published: July 2017

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an early onset, clinically heterogeneous disorder of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In contrast to the widespread acceptance of ADHD as a childhood diagnosis, its prevalence in adults and its implications for clinical practice remain a source of controversy. Throughout the lifecycle, a key clinical feature observed in ADHD patients is comorbidity with Conduct, Depressive, Bipolar, and Anxiety disorders. Family studies consistently support the assertion that ADHD runs in families. Heritabillty data from twin studies of ADHD attribute about 80 percent of the etiology of ADHD to genetic factors. Adoption studies of ADHD also implicate genes in its etiology. Molecular genetic data are bolstered by considerations suggesting that DRD4 and DAT genes may be relevant for ADHD. Independently of genes, prenatal exposure to nicotine and psychosocial adversity have also been identified as risk factors for ADHD. Structural and functional Imaging studies consistently implicate catecholamine-rich fronto-subcortical systems in the pathophysiology of ADHD.

The effectiveness of stimulants, along with animal models of hyperactivity, point to catecholamine disruption as at least one source of ADHD brain dysfunction. Although not entirely sufficient, changes in dopaminergic and noradrenergic function appear necessary for the clinical efficacy of pharmacological treatments for ADHD, providing support for the hypothesis that alteration of monoaminergic transmission in critical brain regions may be the basis for therapeutic action in ADHD.
Mechanism of action of methylphenidate: Insights from PET imaging studies
Authors: Volkow N. D. , Fowler J. S. , Wang G. , Ding Y. , Gatley S. J.
Published: July 2017

Methylphenidate (MPH) is the most commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We have used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to investigate the mechanism of action of MPH in the human brain. We have shown (a) that oral MPH reaches peak concentration in the brain 60–90 minutes after its administration, (b) that therapeutic doses of MPH block more than 50% of the dopamine transporters (DAT), and (c) that of the two enantiomers that compose MPH, it is d-threo-methylphenidate (d-MPH) and not l-threo-methylphenidate (l-MPH) that binds to the DAT. We have also shown that therapeutic doses of MPH significantly enhance extracellular dopamine (DA) in the basal ganglia, which is an effect that appears to be modulated by the rate of DA release and that is affected by age (older subjects show less effect).

Thus, we postulate (a) that MPH's therapeutic effects are in part due to amplification of DA signals, (b) that variability in responses is in part due to differences in DA tone between subjects, and (c) that MPH's effects are context dependent. Because DA enhances task specific neuronal signaling and decreases noise, we also postulate that MPH-induced increases In DA could improve attention and decrease distractibility; and that since DA modulates motivation, the increases in DA would also enhance the saliency of the task facilitating the “interest it elicits” and thus improving performance.
Methylphenidate and substance abuse: A review of pharmacology, animal, and clinical studies
Authors: Huss M. , Lehmkuhl U.
Published: July 2017

This article reviews pharmacological, animal, and human evidence regarding the abuse liability of methylphenidate (MPH). Findings are not always consistent, but evidence converges to suggest that although intravenous methylphenidate has some abuse potential, there is very little potential for oral MPH abuse. Furthermore, the available data suggests that children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who are treated with MPH are at lower risk for substance use disorder later in life. More longitudinal, prospective studies are needed to assess the long term effects of MPH treatment in ADHD.
On the assessment of the load-bearing capacity of Z-pinned composite T-joint under out-of-plane tension
Authors: Huan Dajun , Li Yong , Tan Yan , Zhang Xiangyang , Xiao Jun
Published: July 2017

Z-pin technology, as a promising through-thickness reinforcement, offers an efficient solution for the weak composite parts joints, especially for large integrated composite structures. This paper presents a two-dimensional finite element model to analyze the enhancing efficiency of Z-pins for composite T-joints. The modeling used a new parameter definition method for delamination growth simulation in Z-pinned joining interface via a regional cohesive zone model. The finite element model was validated by experiments for unpinned and Z-pinned T-joints under web pullout tension. The parametric analysis on the structural configuration shows that shear stress ratio in Z-pins declines with the span ratio increasing and the skin thickness ratio decreasing, which leads to the failure mode change of a single pin from pull-out to shear fracture so that the improvement on the out-of-plane tension declines gradually. Within 1.7–2.1 span ratio (the constant 4 mm skin thickness) or 1.8–2.5 thickness ratio (the 200 mm constant span), the ultimate tension is improved by at least 15%, where Z-pins exhibit the best efficiency. When span ratio is above 2.4 or thickness ratio below 1.2 within the range studied herein, Z-pinned T-joints fail by skin fracture rather than the bonding interface in which cases further increasing of Z-pin reinforcements becomes unfavorable.
The Role of the Perceptions of School Climate and Teacher Victimization by Students
Authors: Huang Francis L. , Eddy Colleen Lloyd , Camp Emily
Published: July 2017

Violence directed toward teachers in schools is relatively understudied in comparison with other school-based forms of peer aggression (e.g., school bullying). Based on the nationally representative Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) 2011-2012, approximately 10% of K-12 public school teachers in the United States, received a threat in the past 12 months and 6% reported being physically attacked. The effects of teacher-directed violence are far reaching and affect not just the victimized teacher, but the larger community itself. In the current study, we used multilevel logistic regression models with state fixed effects to analyze the SASS data set. The analytic sample consisted of 24,070 K-12 teachers in 4,610 public schools and specifically excluded special education teachers and teachers in alternative settings (i.e., online schools, special education centers, juvenile correction facilities). Guided by authoritative school climate theory, we tested for the beneficial associations of disciplinary structure and administrative support with the reduced likelihood of a teacher being threatened or physically attacked by a student, while controlling for teacher (e.g., gender, years of experience, race/ethnicity), school (e.g., school size, percent minority enrollment), and state-level factors. Results indicated that teachers who felt supported by the administration and worked with others (i.e., the principal and other teachers) who enforced the rules consistently were less likely to be victims of threats of injury or physical attacks. Although school climate has been shown to have a positive effect on student outcomes, the current study also suggests that school climate, characterized by consistent rule enforcement and supportive administrators and teachers, may play a role in reducing the likelihood of teacher victimization.
Stability analysis of two coupled pre-shaped beams in parallel
Authors: Zhou Wu , Yu Huiju , Chen Lili , Chen Yu , Peng Bei , Peng Peng
Published: July 2017

Parallel bistable mechanism rather than single bistable beam is preferred in micro devices like relays and resonators due to its higher stability in insensitive axis and higher robustness to fabrication errors. Its stability characteristics including nonlinearity and bistability or snap-through, however, rarely appear in current publications. The coupled mechanism constructed by two pre-shaped beams in parallel is investigated analytically and numerically in this paper. Based on the quasi-linearization of the problem and analytical equation of force and displacement, the dimension combinations of coupled beams are categorized into three types according to the apex amplitudes of cosine-shaped beams. It is concluded that the appearance of snap-through behaviors in parallel coupled mechanism is sustained by both arranging two bistable beams and making the apex difference meet condition of Fmin < 0. The smallest values of minimum force only appears when the apexes are equal to each other, and any efforts to increase or decrease the apex of single beam will lead the nonlinear phenomenon from snap-through to constrained-snap-through and further to no snap-through. The numerical method is also introduced to observe the stability of coupled mechanism and shows a good agreement with analytical methods proposed by this paper.
The mid-Holocene decline of the East Asian summer monsoon indicated by a lake-to-wetland transition in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Zhenqing , Liu Kam-Biu , Bianchette Thomas A , Wang Guoping
Published: July 2017

A comprehensive and integrative view of East Asian monsoon evolution during the Holocene is still under debate, and additional high-resolution proxy records from climatically sensitive locations are requisite to solve this complex issue. In this paper, we present three well-dated mud/peat cores from a paleo-pingo depression in the Sanjiang Plain, a climatically sensitive region to monsoon variation, to reveal the paleoenvironmental history of the wetland and discuss the regional impacts from monsoon evolution. A paleolake developed in the study area before 5.5 ka BP, and a peatland initiated thereafter consequent upon the gradual shrinking of the paleolake. This transition lasted until 4.5 ka BP, when the paleolake changed entirely to a wetland. Considering the prevalent monsoon climate in the Sanjiang Plain, we suggest that the lake-to-wetland transition from 5.5 to 4.5 ka BP indicates a rapid decline of the East Asian summer monsoon in addition to autogenic basin infilling processes. Such a remarkable monsoon weakening event has been documented across northern China, and we associate this with ocean–atmosphere interactions throughout low-latitude regions.
Glass microspheres as a potential indicator of the Anthropocene: A first study in an urban environment
Authors: Gałuszka Agnieszka , Migaszewski Zdzisław M
Published: July 2017

Glass microspheres are spherical glass particles that have many applications including composite polymer material technology, medicine, analytical chemistry, abrasive blasting, paints, and coatings. They are widely used in the production of road and pavement marking materials, such as traffic paints, thermoplastics, and preformed markings. The abundance of glass microspheres in terrestrial deposits and possibly in marine sediments, as well as their physical and chemical stability, would make them a good indicator of the Anthropocene in geologic records. The Anthropocene as an epoch of the geologic timescale should be identified by the presence of specific signals in strata formed during this interval. An ideal geologic indicator of the Anthropocene should be ubiquitous in different environmental settings and should have a strong preservation potential in future strata. In this study, road dust and river sediment samples were collected in the city of Kielce (south-central Poland) and examined for the presence of glass microspheres. A large number of microspheres in the road dust samples (800–2700 microspheres/kg) suggests that the microspheres released by degradation of traffic paints may be effectively transported from the road dust to river sediments. This is evidenced by the highest number of glass microspheres found in a river sediment sample collected near street stormwater discharge (1500–9600 microspheres/kg). The occurrence of glass microspheres in the river sediments collected at about 500 m from the road where reflective traffic paints are used (200–500 microspheres/kg) suggests that these are likely to be subjected to fluvial transport.
Use of mental-health services by Australian medical students: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ryan Geoffrey , Marley Ian , Still Melanie , Lyons Zaza , Hood Sean
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Medical students have higher rates of mental illness compared to the general population. Little is known about services accessed by medical students for mental-health problems. This study aimed to assess the use of mental-health services by Australian medical students and to identify barriers that may prevent students from using mental-health services.

Method:

A cross-sectional online survey was designed and administered to medical students at the University of Western Australia. Questions focused on self-reported psychological well-being, use of mental-health services, the perceived usefulness of services and barriers to the use of services.

Results:

The response rate was 41% ( n=286). Sixty-two per cent self-reported experiencing mental-health problems, and of these, 75% had used at least one service. General practitioners and psychiatrists were rated as the most effective service type. The main barriers to seeking help were not enough time, affordability and concerns regarding stigma, including disclosure and peer judgement.

Conclusion:

A high proportion of students with self-reported mental-health problems had accessed services. However, barriers were also identified. Access to mental-health services needs to be improved, and strategies aimed at reducing stigma and raising awareness of mental-health issues should be encouraged by medical faculties.
A perspective on the contribution of animal models to the pharmacological treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Bertaina-Anglade Valerie , O’Connor Susan M , Andriambeloson Emile
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, chronic, disabling disorder that may develop following exposure to a traumatic event. This review summarizes currently used animal models of PTSD and their potential role in the development of better therapeutics. Heterogeneity is one of the main characteristics of PTSD with the consequence that many pharmacological approaches are used to relieve symptoms of PTSD. To address the translational properties of the animal models, we discuss the types of stressors used, the rodent correlates of human PTSD (DSM-5) symptoms, and the efficacy of approved, recommended and off-label drugs used to treat PTSD in ‘PTSD-animals’.

Conclusions:

Currently available animal models reproduce most PTSD symptoms and are validated by existing therapeutics. However, novel therapeutics are needed for this disorder as not one drug alleviates all symptoms and many have side effects that lead to non-compliance among PTSD patients. The true translational power of animal models of PTSD will only be demonstrated when new therapeutics acting through novel mechanisms become available for clinical practice.
A Proposal of the Modification of Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (JSTH) Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Diagnostic Criteria for Sepsis-Associated DIC
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Di Nisio Marcello , Thachil Jecko , Wada Hideo , Asakura Hidesaku , Sato Koichi , Saitoh Daizoh
Published: July 2017

Sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) carries a high risk of death. Thus, a simple tool to quickly establish DIC diagnosis is required. The purpose of this study was to introduce the simple and reliable tool for the prediction of outcome in patients with sepsis complicated by coagulopathy. We investigated the performance of simplified Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (JSTH) DIC diagnostic criteria. In this study, we conducted a retrospective, multicenter survey in 107 general emergency and critical care centers in secondary and tertiary care hospitals. A total of 918 patients with sepsis-associated coagulopathy who underwent antithrombin supplementation were examined. The relationships between patient mortality and each of the baseline (ie, before treatment) JSTH-DIC diagnostic criteria were examined. A reduced platelet count, increased prothrombin time (PT) ratio, and lower antithrombin activity were correlated with 28-day mortality, while fibrinogen and fibrin degradation product (FDP) level were not. Thus, the number of points assigned to FDP levels was reduced from 3 to 1 (above 20 μg/mL). The simplified JSTH diagnostic criteria combining platelet count, PT ratio, antithrombin activity, and FDP level (reduction in the maximum score) strongly predicted 28-day mortality and allowed us to diagnose a larger/similar number of patients with DIC as compared to the original JSTH-DIC. The simplified JSTH-DIC diagnostic criteria show a similar performance to JSTH-DIC criteria in patients with septic coagulopathy. The lower number of laboratory markers used in the simplified JSTH-DIC score may increase its applicability and routine use in emergency and critical care setting.
Health Services Research at United HealthCare Corporation: The Role of the Center for Health Care Policy and Evaluation
Authors: Peterson Eileen , Shatin Deborah , Mccarthy Douglas
Published: July 2017

This article describes collaborative health services research and performance evaluation activities at United HealthCare Corporation, a national health care management services company. We outline the development of a research capacity within our company, the principal data sources used, and the types of research conducted. The importance of health services research within a managed care system is illustrated using two projects as examples. finally, we discuss issues faced by organizations such as ours in defining appropriate research priorities, ensuring health plan participation, and disseminating research findings. Lessons learned should be of interest to health services researchers working in or collaborating with managed care organizations as well as others seeking to understand the dynamics of research in private-sector health care companies.
Digital Convergence in the Newsroom: Experimenting With Modular Production of Television News in Grady Newsource
Authors: Pjesivac Ivanka , Cantrell-Bickley Yvonne , Hazinski David
Published: July 2017

In this essay, we describe modular production of television news, established at the University of Georgia, one of the leading journalism programs in the United States, in the scope of its experience-based learning efforts. The new method of producing television news assumes the innovative way of combining live and prerecorded segments of traditionally “all live” television newscasts to encourage proficient dissemination of the news content on multiple platforms and focus journalistic work more fully on the editorial process of news production. The findings are discussed in light of situational learning theories and Parkinson’s Law of time management, as well as benefits for student learning.
A Multilevel Examination of Local Newspaper Credibility
Authors: Yamamoto Masahiro , Nah Seungahn
Published: July 2017

This study adopts a multilevel framework to test whether perceived credibility of local newspapers is explained by individual- and community-level factors. Data from a community survey in the United States show that structural pluralism is negatively related to local newspaper credibility. Data also reveal that conservative ideology, newspaper use, social trust, and political trust are significantly related to local newspaper credibility.
Exploring Threshold Effects in the Impact of Housing Abandonment on Nearby Property Values
Authors: Han Hye-Sung
Published: July 2017

Most research examining the impact of distressed properties on nearby property values has assumed that each additional distressed property has the same marginal effect on nearby property values as the prior distressed property had. Scholars have suggested that there could be threshold effects in the impact of distressed properties, yet no research has explored this issue. Therefore, this research explores the presence of threshold effects in the impact of housing abandonment on nearby property values in Baltimore, Maryland, from 1991 to 2010. This research finds that the magnitude of the impact of housing abandonment does not increase proportionally to the number of nearby abandoned properties. Specifically, it finds that the marginal impact on nearby property values increases significantly when the number of abandoned properties within 250 ft. increases by more than two. The research also finds that the marginal impact drops significantly when the number of abandoned properties within 250 ft. increases by more than 14.
Recent Trends in the Prescribing of ADHD Medications in Canadian Primary Care
Authors: Morkem Rachael , Patten Scott , Queenan John , Barber David
Published: July 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and incidence of ADHD medication prescribing, by age and gender, from 2005 to 2015 in Canadian primary care. Method: A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the prescribing of ADHD medications between 2005 and 2015 using electronic medical record data. Yearly prevalence and incidence of ADHD medication prescribing were calculated for preschoolers (up to 5 years old), school-aged children (6-17 years old), and adults (18-65 years old) along with a description of the types of ADHD medications prescribed between 2005 and 2015. Results: Between 2005 and 2015, there was a 2.6-fold increase in the prevalence of ADHD medication prescribing to preschoolers, a 2.5-fold increase in school-aged children, and a fourfold increase in adults. There was a corresponding rise in incidence of prescribing although this rise was moderate and estimates were much lower compared with prevalence. The most commonly prescribed medication was Methylphenidate (65.0% of all ADHD medications prescribed). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of ADHD has remained stable over time, this study found an increase in the prescribing of ADHD medications in all age groups between 2005 and 2015. Incidence of new prescriptions was small relative to prevalence, suggesting that longer term treatments are being adopted.