bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Protects Against Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Rats via Activation of Silent Information Regulator 1
Authors: Yu Lei , Tu Yingfeng , Jia Xueling , Fang Kun , Liu Li , Wan Lin , Xiang Chuanying , Wang Yanan , Sun Xiangju , Liu Tianyou , Yu Dejun , Cao Weiwei , Song Yinli , Fan Yuhua
Published: May 2017

Background/Objectives: The polyphenol resveratrol (Rev) has been found to exhibit various beneficial effects including prevention of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The present study was designed to investigate the action and potential mechanism of Rev on PAH, focusing on the role of SIRT1 (Silent Information Regulator 1) in apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Methods: PAH rats were established by exposure to hypoxia for 21 days. Rev and SRT1720 (a selective SIRT1 activator) were used to reverse PAH by gavaging rats. PASMCs were confronted with hypoxia for 24 h or 48 h and were then treated with Rev or SRT1720 in vitro. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of SIRT1. CCK-8 and scratch wound experiments were carried out to verify cell proliferation. In addition, the TUNEL positive assay and flow cytometry assay were used to measure PASMC apoptosis. Mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) was identified by confocal microscopy. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was determined with a Gould pressure transducer, and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) was determined by weighing the cardiac muscle. Results: We demonstrated that Rev could reverse the remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature, thus contributing to alleviating the severity of PAH. Down-regulation of SIRT1 was observed in PAH, but administration of Rev had no obvious effect on the protein expression of SIRT1. In addition, Rev could induce mitochondrial swelling and nuclear pyknosis, leading to small, dense, and dysmorphic mitochondria in rats exposed to hypoxia alone. Rev treatment inhibited PASMC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Incubation with SRT1720, a specific activator of SIRT1, significantly retarded PASMC proliferation and promoted PASMC apoptosis in vitro. The mechanism could be associated with inducing mPT damage in PASMCs. Rev and SRT1720 treatment mitigated RVSP and reduced RVH. Conclusion: Rev produced a beneficial effect partially by enhancing the activation of SIRT1, thus improving RVSP and reducing RVH. SIRT1 activation increased PASMC apoptosis by inducing mPT dysfunction, which might be a novel future strategy for the treatment of PAH.
Developing a Blended Type Course of Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles
Authors: Zhu Na
Published: May 2017

An innovative course of introduction to hybrid vehicles is developed for both associate and bachelor degree programs for engineering technology with automotive/mechanical concentration. The hybrid vehicle course content includes several topics, such as the rational of pure electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle, hybrid vehicle propulsion systems, fundamentals of motor/generator systems, fundamentals of battery and energy management system, and introduction to various configurations of hybrid vehicle systems available in market and under development. Hybrid vehicle technology is a new area and developed rapidly in the field of automotive and mechanical engineering. Students need not only the fundamentals and concepts from college, but also the ability to keep up with the latest technology after their graduation. Therefore, a blended course type is employed to help students have a better understanding of the fundamentals of hybrid vehicle and developing their self-studying ability. Topics in the course have three steps of learning. Firstly, on-ground lecture is given in class, where the instructor explains basic knowledge, such as principles, equations, and design rules.  In this way, the students will have enough background knowledge and be able to conduct further self-reading and research work. Secondly, students are required to go to university’s desire to learn (D2L) online system and finish the online part of the topic. In the D2L system, students will find a quiz and its supporting materials. Thirdly, students come back to the on-ground lecture and discuss the quiz in groups with instructor. After the discussion, the instructor gives students a conclusion of the topic and moves forward to the next topic. A computer simulation class is also given to help student better understand the operation strategies of the hybrid vehicle systems and have a trial of design of hybrid vehicle.
Developing ICT Competency for Thai Teachers through Blended Training
Authors: Akarawang Chaiya , Kidrakran Pachoen , Nungchalerm Prasart
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study aims to enhance teachers’ ICT competency. Three hundred and thirty seven teachers are surveyed through a questionnaire to identify training problems and training needs. Then the blended training model is implemented with teachers. The result showed that it can increase score in cognitive and attitude tests. The posttest score is higher than those pretest score at .01 level of statistical significance. Also, teachers’ ICT competency is in good level.
Importance of intrapreneurial practices prevalent among secondary school teachers in Kalungu District (Uganda)
Authors: Gyaviira Genza Musoke
Published: May 2017

The study examines teachers' business initiatives within school (intrapreneurial ventures) and highlights the economic and educational importance of these initiatives. It first unveils the prevalence of different intrapreneurial ventures among teachers, before going on to state the meaning of these practices for both the economic and professional welfare of teachers in particular, and schools in general. The study concludes with several conclusions for the development of education on the African continent.
The Development of an Earthquake Mind Mapping
Authors: Sari Sri Adelila , Husna Nurul
Published: May 2017

The students were difficult to understand about earthquake caused the teaching methods used by teachers were still using the classic method. The teachers only used a textbook to teach the students without any other supporting equipments. Learning process by using the discourse method makes students thinking monotonically, so that only concentrated on the students' understanding of the matter presented by the teacher. Therefore, this study was aimed to develop an earthquake mind mapping to help students in the process of remembering and recording the material being taught by the teacher. The type of this study was Research and Development (R D). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The samples in this study were class of I-3Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) Darul Ulum Banda Aceh totaling 30 students. The results showed that mind mapping was developed by 5 stages in ADDIE models: analysis (analyzing the problem and find a solution), design (determine the learning strategies), development (producing an earthquake mind mapping to be used in the learning process), implementation (implementing learning activities using the media) and evaluation (evaluating the learning activities). When students instructed to create their mind mapping, it was found that the products of mind mapping categorized in skilled and quite skilled were amounted to 73.33 and 26.66% respectively. As recommendation an earthquake mind mapping could be applied and useful as an effective learning.
Factors of Students Participating in Online Examination
Authors: Sugilar Sugilar
Published: May 2017

The purpose of the study is to discover determinant factors of students' participation in online examination based on expectancy-value theory. The method used was group comparison between the groups of participating and nonparticipating students. The results showed that the following factors differentiated the two groups, i.e.: (1) self efficacy in using computers (t=12.81, p0.01), (2) perceived of easiness in operating an online examination (t=9.51, p0.01), (3) perceived of the importance of online examination (t=5.58, t0.01), (4) intrinsic value of online examination (t=10.58, p001), and (5) cost of online examination (t=-2.05, p=0.029). In addition, the following students' personal factors were also compared and the results were (1) age (t=-2.01, p=0.46), (2) grade point average (t=-5.546, 00.01), (3) sex (x2=28.51, p0.01), and (4) marital status (x2=6.50, p=0.011). The results concluded that the expectancy and value theory was useful for explaining and predicting students' participation in online examinations.
Implementation of Hierarchical Task Analysis for User Interface Design in Drawing Application for Early Childhood Education
Authors: Sabariah Mira Kania , Effendy Veronikha , Ichsan Muhamad Fachmi
Published: May 2017

Draw learning in early childhood is an important lesson and full of stimulation of the process of growth and development of children which could help to train the fine motor skills. We have had a lot of applications that can be used to perform learning, including interactive learning applications. Referring to the observations that have been conducted showed that the experiences given by the applications that exist today are very diverse and have not been able to represent the model of learning and characteristics of early childhood (4-6 years). Based on the results, Hierarchical Task Analysis method generated a list of tasks that must be done in designing an user interface that represents the user experience in draw learning. Then by using the Heuristic Evaluation method the usability of the model has fulfilled a very good level of understanding and also it can be enhanced and produce a better model.
Examining EFL Pre-service Teachers’ TPACK trough Self-report, Lesson Plans and Actual Practice
Authors: Kwangsawad Thooptong
Published: May 2017

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) has been proposed as a conceptual framework to describe the knowledge base teachers need for effective technology integration. The present study aimed to determine EFL pre-service teachers’ TPACK trough self-report, lesson plans and actual practice. This study used a wide range of approaches (self-report, lesson plan assessment and classroom observations) to measure TPACK of EFL pre-service teachers in order to examine EFL pre-service teachers’ ability to apply and foster the interplay between content, pedagogy and technology in their classrooms. The results of self-reported data (as measured by TPACK survey), lesson plan assessment and classroom observations showed high scores for all domains. The EFL pre-service teachers’ actual practice aligned with their self-reported and their lesson plans.
The Influence of Self-Regard on Response of Belief in God and Awareness of Prophetic Teaching
Authors: Tekke Mustafa , Ismail Nik Ahmad Hisham , Othman Nooraini , Hassan Sharifah Sariah
Published: May 2017

Personality and religion relationship has long been studied by Western and Muslim researchers in order to find any association between religious factors anda person's behavior and thought. The present study sought to expand research by investigating the differences in the latent factors, namely Tawhid (Belief in God), Nubuwwa(Awareness of Prophetic Teaching), Self-striving, and Self-regard, in a newly developed scale of Integrative Islamic Personality Inventory (IIPI). The sample of this study was a group of undergraduate students (n= 1235) in ten universities in Turkey. Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling. The main goal of this study was to investigate the statistical properties of this scale and examine if it could be applied across university students. It is apparent that Belief in God and Awareness of Prophetic Teaching, Self-regard and Self-striving represent psychological and social implications for individuals.  Thus, the model of this research makes an important contribution to understanding and predicting how Muslims think, act, and experience Islam.
An Interview with Marcia Tate: Formative Assessment and Brain Based Learning
Authors: Shaughnessy Michael
Published: May 2017

In this interview, Dr. Marcia Tate discusses her work and focuses on critical issues in brain based learning, and the need for both formative and summative assessment. Tangential issues such as grade retention, and response to intervention are also discussed. It is hope that this interview will assist teachers in the instructional and learning process and aid in both formative and summative assessment.
Relationships between Self-Efficacy and the Academic Procrastination Behaviour among University Students in Malaysia: A General Perspective
Authors: Abu Bakar Zainudin , Umar Khan Muhammad
Published: May 2017

Procrastination behaviour is a common phenomenon among people. In educational setting it always related to the student academic performance. Past studies have shown that the tendency of student to procrastinate could affect their academic life. For example, studying in the last minute is a procrastination behaviour committed by the students. This study is conducted to explore the association between academic procrastination, self-efficacy and academic performance among university students in Malaysia. The finding showed that most students are prone to procrastinate in their academic life. However in most cases it appears that the procrastination behaviour does not affect the student’s academic performance. A similar situation also recorded where the self-efficacy does not affect the tendency for student to procrastinate in their academic activities. It is suggested that in improving the student performance at the university the direct and indirect factors should be addressed including the academic procrastination behaviours. It was concluded that the student’s academic performance is influenced not directly by procrastination behaviour but by other factors. Several suggestions and recommendations are also presented.
The Practice of Lesson Study Model in Teaching Writing Report Text
Authors: Djumingin Sulastri
Published: May 2017

This study aimed at testing the effective use of the lesson study model to write report text from the observation performed by students at Junior High School level. This research was an experimental study with the posttest only control group design. The sampling technique was purposive sampling. The data were collected through test and observation. The results showed that the lesson study model is sufficient to be applied to write report text of observation for the Junior High School students. It is proven by the data that the value of tcalc= 16.087 value of t table = 1.67 on α 0.05 and degree of freedom= 58.
Personality, Social Support, and Quality of Life as Determinants of Coping Behavior among Visually Impaired Individuals
Authors: Imhonde Henry O. , A. U. Olubuogu , Handayani Lina
Published: May 2017

This study examined personality, social support, and quality of life as determinant of coping behaviour among the visually impaired individuals. Fifty (50) visually impaired individuals drawn from Benin City participated in the study. Four hypotheses were stated and tested using independent t. test and regression analysis. The results confirmed three out of the four hypotheses stated.  High social support was found to significantly determine high coping behaviour (t = 3.261, df 48, P 0.05), high quality of life significantly determine high coping behaviour (t = 5.136, df 48, P 0.05), and that personality, social support, and quality of life jointly predict coping behaviour among visually impaired individuals (R =0.647, R2 = 42%, F(34.626) =; P 0.001). Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that parents/guardians, teachers/counselors of visually impaired individuals should not relent in supporting them. Also relevant authorities should facilitate programmes that will enhance quality of life of individuals with visual impairment to enable them cope better.
Low plasma FVII:C and activated FVII as predictive markers for overt disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Lertthammakiat Surapong , Anantasit Nattachai , Anurathapan Usanarat , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Kadegasem Praguywan , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan
Published: May 2017

In sepsis, binding of factor VII (FVII:C) and activated factor VII (FVIIa) with tissue factor is the key step of coagulation resulting in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). We conducted a prospective cohort study among 47 septic patients, aged 8 months to 18.8 years. They were initially divided into three groups of no DIC (n=27), non-overt DIC (n=14) and overt DIC (n=6). Blood samples were collected at 0, 24 and 48 hours (h) after the onset of sepsis. At the onset of sepsis, FVII:C tended to be lower in the non-overt DIC [median 57% (interquartile range [IQR] 41–80)] and overt DIC groups [33% (23–52)] than that in the no DIC group [65% (44–87)]. Whereas FVIIa tended to be lower in the overt DIC group [1.29% (0.50–4.19)] than those in the non-overt DIC [3.01% (1.01–5.24)] and no DIC groups [2.49% (1.14–3.13)]. At 24 h, FVII:C was significantly lower in the non-overt DIC [57% (41–101)] and overt DIC groups [31% (28–49)] than that in the no DIC group [83% (70–102)]. While FVIIa was significantly lower in the overt DIC group [2.15% (0.86–3.96)] than that in the no DIC group [3.83% (2.90–5.46)]. Using FVII:C <65% or FVIIa <3% at 24 h among patients without hepatic dysfunction to determine overt DIC at 24 h, the sensitivity was 83.9% and 77.4%, respectively, and the specificity was both 83.3%. Patients with low FVII:C and low FVIIa at 24 h after the onset of sepsis had a 20.8-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0–213.0, p=0.010) and 14.4-fold (95%CI, 1.5–142.4, p=0.023) chance of overt DIC.
Complex recombination with deletion in the F8 and duplication in the TMLHE mediated by int22h copies during early embryogenesis
Authors: Chen Changming , Xie Xiaoling , Wu Xi , Lu Yeling , Wang Xuefeng , Wu Wenman , Hu Yiqun , Ding Qiulan
Published: May 2017

Haemophilia A (HA) is a common X-linked recessive bleeding disorder and almost one half of patients with severe HA are caused by intron 22 inversion (Inv22) in the F8. Inv22 is considered to be almost exclusively of meiotic origin in germ cells during spermatogenesis and only one mosaic Inv22 female carrier with the mutation possibly occurring during mitosis of the embryo has been reported so far. Previously we have identified a novel complex recombination mediated by int22h copies in a sporadic severe HA pedigree and herein we have localised the sequences flanking the breakpoint region using genome walking technique, AccuCopy technique, gene chip and real-time PCR. The disease causing genetic variant registered an 18.1 kb deletion including part of int22h-1 through the intron 23 of F8 and a 113.3 kb duplication of part of int22h-2 through the intron 1 of TMLHE inserted in the religated region of the F8. Two intrinsically linked mechanisms of recombination-dependent DNA replication: microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (MMBIR) followed by break-induced replication (BIR) might be responsible for the incident of the complex recombination during early embryogenesis of the proband’s mother.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Patrimonio y Turismo
Authors: Fernandez Anna María
Published: May 2017

Este trabajo presenta una reflexión general en torno a la relación actual entre turismo y patrimonio. Se centra en las diferentes miradas y utilidades del patrimonio, una de las cuales tiene que ver con el consumo y, dentro de este, el turismo cultural. Turismo cultural que crece día a día, tanto en México en el espacio local, como en el ámbito internacional.
Buildings, Beauty, and the Brain: A Neuroscience of Architectural Experience
Authors: Coburn Alex , Vartanian Oshin , Chatterjee Anjan
Published: May 2017

A burgeoning interest in the intersection of neuroscience and architecture promises to offer biologically inspired insights into the design of spaces. The goal of such interdisciplinary approaches to architecture is to motivate construction of environments that would contribute to peoples' flourishing in behavior, health, and well-being. We suggest that this nascent field of neuroarchitecture is at a pivotal point in which neuroscience and architecture are poised to extend to a neuroscience of architecture. In such a research program, architectural experiences themselves are the target of neuroscientific inquiry. Here, we draw lessons from recent developments in neuroaesthetics to suggest how neuroarchitecture might mature into an experimental science. We review the extant literature and offer an initial framework from which to contextualize such research. Finally, we outline theoretical and technical challenges that lie ahead.
Morphology-based phylogeny of the suckermouth armored catfishes, with emphasis on the Neoplecostominae (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: PEREIRA EDSON H. L. , REIS ROBERTO E.
Published: May 2017

A phylogenetic study of the Loricariidae with emphasis on the Neoplecostominae is presented based on a maximum parsimony analysis of 268 phenotypic characters encompassing osteology, arthrology, and external morphology. Results support previous hypotheses of the monophyly of the Neoplecostominae and each of the included genera: Hirtella, Isbrueckerichthys, Kronichthys, Neoplecostomus, Pareiorhaphis, and Pareiorhina. In addition, previously undiscovered diversity was revealed within the subfamily as an additional genus-level taxon, herein described as Euryochus. Relationships among neoplecostomine genera are: (Kronichthys (Euryochus ((Hirtella + Pareiorhaphis) (Pareiorhina (Isbrueckerichthys + Neoplecostomus))))). Additional undescribed diversity was also detected among most neoplecostomine genera and the Hypoptopomatinae. In addition, recently discovered genera Nannoplecostomus and Microplecostomus were included in the analysis, and were identified as sequential sister-taxa to Neoplecostominae + Hypoptopomatinae, which are currently not included in any subfamily and regarded as incertae sedis in Loricariidae. The three species of Lithogenes were included in an encompassing phylogenetic analysis for the first time, and were identified as a monophyletic unit and sister group to all remaining loricariids. The other loricariid subfamilies were also corroborated as monophyletic, and presented the following interrelationships (Lithogeninae (Delturinae (Loricariinae (Hypostominae (Nannoplecostomus (Microplecostomus (Hypoptopomatinae + Neoplecostominae). The Neoplecostominae and its genera are phylogenetically diagnosed, and hypothesized relationships are compared to those of previous morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies.
A Phylogeny and Classification of the Amphipoda with the establishment of the new order Ingolfiellida (Crustacea: Peracarida)
Authors: LOWRY J.K. , MYERS A.A.
Published: May 2017

A classification is proposed for the order Amphipoda. The Amphipoda includes six suborders, the Pseudingolfiellidea, Hyperiidea, Colomastigidea, Hyperiopsidea, Senticaudata (described in a previous contribution (Lowry & Myers 2013)) and Amphilochidea. The suborder Ingolfiellidea is raised to order status. A cladistic tree, based on morphology, is presented illustrating the relationships of the Amphipoda at parvorder level. A tree for the families of the Physomatidira and Physocephalatidira, a tree for the Maxillipiidira, Oedicerotidira, Eusiridira and Amphilochidira and a tree for the Synopiidira, Haustoriidira and Lysianassidira, are provided. Families are listed together with their included genera. New families are diagnosed.
Reuse and upcycling of thermoset prepreg scrap: Case study with out-of-autoclave carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg
Authors: Nilakantan Gaurav , Nutt Steven
Published: May 2017

A large amount of uncured thermoset prepreg scrap is generated during manufacturing, including both ply cutter trim waste and out-of-spec material. While techniques to recycle end-of-life cured composite waste and reclaim carbon fiber are well established and commercialized, there is little effort made presently towards reusing uncured scrap prepreg. Here, we present a viable and scalable technique to process scrap prepreg into intermediate forms that can be readily manufactured into commercial end-products. Using out-of-autoclave carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg as an example, we report the mechanical properties, microstructure, and performance of composite laminates fabricated with scrap prepreg under various processing conditions. Demonstrator parts manufactured with scrap prepreg are also presented.
Further results on output-feedback stabilization of stochastic upper-triangular systems with state and input time-delays
Authors: Liu Liang , Xu Shengyuan , Xie Xuejun , Xiao Bing
Published: May 2017

Based on stochastic time-delay system stability criterion and a homogeneous domination approach, the output-feedback stabilization problem for a class of more general stochastic upper-triangular systems with state and input time-delays has been solved in this paper. Firstly, the initial system is changed into an equivalent one with a designed scalar by introducing a set of coordinate transformations. After that, by designing an implementable homogeneous reduced-order observer, and tactfully selecting a suitable Lyapunov–Krasoviskii functional and a low gain scale, a delay-independent output-feedback controller is explicitly constructed. Finally, the globally asymptotically stability in probability of the closed-loop system is ensured by rigorous proof. The simulation results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed design scheme.
Traffic analysis of a three-dimensional elevator system
Authors: So Albert , Al-Sharif Lutfi , Hammoudeh Ahmad
Published: May 2017

This article presents an overview of the concept of a hypothetical three-dimensional elevator system in extra-large buildings. The term three dimensional is used in this context in order to contrast the system with current conventional one-dimensional elevator systems that move bi-directionally in a dedicated vertical shaft; or two-dimensional elevator system that moves in a plane (e.g. in x-horizontal direction and z-vertical direction). The hypothetical three-dimensional elevator system presented in this article assumes that the elevator car can travel in all three directions (but obviously not at the same time). The proposed system comprises a vertical main shaft that allows elevator cars to travel to the required floor, and then to travel in two dimensions in a horizontal plane at the level of the required floor along a network of horizontal shafts in both x- and y- directions. Each elevator car is dispatched to one floor only in each round trip. This is more efficient as it removes the need to visit more than one floor in each journey, but relies heavily on the use of destination group control systems (in order to allow the allocation of the passengers destined to the same floor to the same elevator car). The article presents the general overview of the suggested system using sketches and then derives equations for calculating the round trip time for the elevator car. The Monte Carlo Simulation method is then used to verify the correctness of the derived equations.

Practical application: This manuscript provides a high level overview of the possible arrangement of a three-dimensional elevator traffic systems in a very large building. It can be used by architects to explore the possibility of employing a three-dimensional elevator system in a large building and checking its feasibility.
Amplatzer vascular plug in occlusion of a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Tang Serene Ee Ling , Akbar Fazuludeen Ali , Tan Bien Peng , Gummalla Krishna , Ahmed Aneez DB
Published: May 2017

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is a rare condition with abnormal communication of the pulmonary artery with the pulmonary vein. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality when patients develop complications. Patients with symptomatic pulmonary arteriovenous malformation should be considered for intervention. We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman with a large right pulmonary arteriovenous malformation who presented with right chest pain due to hemothorax. She underwent successful embolotherapy with an Amplatzer plug.
Validation of a Cardiovascular Disease Policy Microsimulation Model Using Both Survival and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves
Authors: Pandya Ankur , Sy Stephen , Cho Sylvia , Alam Sartaj , Weinstein Milton C. , Gaziano Thomas A.
Published: May 2017

Background. Despite some advances, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death and healthcare costs in the United States. We therefore developed a comprehensive CVD policy simulation model that identifies cost-effective approaches for reducing CVD burden. This paper aims to: 1) describe our model in detail; and 2) perform model validation analyses. Methods. The model simulates 1,000,000 adults (ages 35 to 80 years) using a variety of CVD-related epidemiological data, including previously calibrated Framingham-based risk scores for coronary heart disease and stroke. We validated our microsimulation model using recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, with baseline values collected in 1999-2000 and cause-specific mortality follow-up through 2011. Model-based (simulated) results were compared to observed all-cause and CVD-specific mortality data (from NHANES) for the same starting population using survival curves and, in a method not typically used for disease model validation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results. Observed 10-year all-cause mortality in NHANES v. the simulation model was 11.2% (95% CI, 10.3% to 12.2%) v. 10.9%; corresponding results for CVD mortality were 2.2% (1.8% to 2.7%) v. 2.6%. Areas under the ROC curves for model-predicted 10-year all-cause and CVD mortality risks were 0.83 (0.81 to 0.85) and 0.84 (0.81 to 0.88), respectively; corresponding results for 5-year risks were 0.80 (0.77 to 0.83) and 0.81 (0.75 to 0.87), respectively. Limitations. The model is limited by the uncertainties in the data used to estimate its input parameters. Additionally, our validation analyses did not include non-fatal CVD outcomes due to NHANES data limitations. Conclusions. The simulation model performed well in matching to observed nationally representative longitudinal mortality data. ROC curve analysis, which has been traditionally used for risk prediction models, can also be used to assess discrimination for disease simulation models.
An upper-body rehabilitation exoskeleton Harmony with an anatomical shoulder mechanism: Design, modeling, control, and performance evaluation
Authors: Kim Bongsu , Deshpande Ashish D
Published: May 2017

We present an upper-body exoskeleton for rehabilitation, called Harmony, that provides natural coordinated motions on the shoulder with a wide range of motion, and force and impedance controllability. The exoskeleton consists of an anatomical shoulder mechanism with five active degrees of freedom, and one degree of freedom elbow and wrist mechanisms powered by series elastic actuators. The dynamic model of the exoskeleton is formulated using a recursive Newton–Euler algorithm with spatial dynamics representation. A baseline control algorithm is developed to achieve dynamic transparency and scapulohumeral rhythm assistance, and the coupled stability of the robot–human system at the baseline control is investigated. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the exoskeleton. The results show that the exoskeleton exhibits good kinematic compatibility to the human body with a wide range of motion and performs task-space force and impedance control behaviors reliably.
Perceived Sources of Value in a Poorly Performing Business
Authors: Visser Rolf , Williams Roger
Published: May 2017

The curtain of secrecy is lifted on what different types of investors value in businesses which are struggling for survival.
Professionalizing Change
Authors: Humphreys Paul , Mchugh Marie
Published: May 2017

Lessons from successful change in professional firms can be usefully applied in manufacturing and engineering businesses.
Top Managers’ Strategic Cognitions of the Strategy Making Process: Differences between High and Low Performing Firms
Authors: Wright Robert P.
Published: May 2017

Why do some firms outperform others? At the heart of any successful company is a well crafted strategy. Yet we don't know enough about how strategists ‘think’ when they strategize. 34 executives on Boards and Top Management Teams in 28 high and low performing firms were interviewed to elicit the strategic cognitions of how they make sense of their strategy making experiences. Results showed that executives in high performing firms compared to low performing firms, used different core perceptual dimensions and language when describing what constitutes successful strategy making. Results provide new insights in helping top managers craft better strategies.
The Dilemmas of Transfer Pricing
Authors: Farmer David H. , Herbert Peter J. A.
Published: May 2017

“Transfer pricing problems take up more executive time in this organisation than we spend in considering our competitors.”
Deployment-Related Traumatic Events and Suicidal Behaviours in a Nationally Representative Sample of Canadian Armed Forces Personnel
Authors: Sareen Jitender , Afifi Tracie O. , Taillieu Tamara , Cheung Kristene , Turner Sarah , Stein Murray B. , Zamorski Mark A.
Published: May 2017

Objective:

Worldwide, there has been substantial controversy with respect to whether military deployment is a risk factor for suicidal behaviour. The present study examined the relationship between lifetime exposure to deployment and deployment-related traumatic events (DRTEs) and past-year suicidal ideation (SI), suicidal plans (SP), and suicidal attempts (SA).

Method:

Data were analysed from the 2013 Canadian Forces Mental Health Survey (8161 respondents; response rate, 79.8%; aged 18-60 years). A total of 12 individual items assessed exposure to DRTEs (e.g., combat, witnessing human atrocities, feeling responsible for the death of Canadian or ally personnel, knowing someone who was injured or killed). We examined each individual DRTE type as well as the number of types of DRTEs in relation to suicidal behaviour.

Results:

Lifetime deployment was not significantly associated with suicidal behaviour. In models adjusted for sociodemographic variables, most of the individual DRTE items and the DRTE count variable were significantly associated with suicidal behaviours (adjusted odds ratio ranged between 1.10 and 5.32). When further adjusting for child abuse exposure, these associations were minimally attenuated, and some became nonsignificant. In models adjusting for mental disorders and child abuse, most DRTEs and number of types of DRTEs became nonsignificant in relation to SI, SP, and SA.

Conclusions:

Active military personnel exposed to increasing number of DRTEs are at increased risk for SI, SP, and SA. However, most of the association between DRTEs and suicidal behaviour is accounted for by child abuse exposure and mental disorders.
Psychodynamic Aspects of Reserpine: Its Uses and Effects in Open Psychiatric Settings
Authors: Sarwer-Foner G. J. , Ogle W.
Published: May 2017

1) Reserpine is a remarkable and useful drug. It has a definite place in psychiatry for the alleviation of selected symptoms. It is not in any sense a psychic “specific”.

2) The physiologic effects of this drug are relatively constant. The principal ones are a fall in blood pressure, a relative bradycardia, and in adequate dosage, a slowing of the patient's spontaneous activity; feelings of weakness, tiredness and of being held down.

3) There are other effects, which are predominantly psychological and it is felt that they have nothing to do with the physiological effects per se. They are the result of the way in which the physiological action fits into the patient's way of handling and expressing his conflict (i.e. defenses). When a patient does badly it is due to the way in which the physiological effects psychologically threaten the patient. A patient does well or badly depending on this, and we have seen enhanced anxiety as well as psychoses produced by both reserpine and chlorpromazine (8).

4) Because of the above, psychotherapeutic efforts are of the greatest importance, and when used, usually overshadow the effects of the drug. We feel that no patient is treated in a vacuum. Milieu and relationship is what counts most. The other factors, though important, are adjuvants.

5) A level of 10 to 40 mg./day will control most motor over-activity. Anxiety and most panics can be handled at between 2 and 10 mg./day. The average daily dose was 7 mg./day. The average length of treatment was 26 days.

6) Side effects are frequent, but are rapidly reversible. There were no serious or irreversible toxic effects. The drug is remarkably safe.

7) Reserpine is of about the same usefulness as chlorpromazine in psychiatry. Chlorpromazine is quicker acting. Reserpine is safer. When the G.I. tract is irritated or the site of symptoms, chlorpromazine is preferable. Cardiac or cardiovascular symptomatology might indicate a preference for reserpine, especially when bradycardia is desirable. Neither is a “specific” curative agent. Both are useful for the symptomatic relief of selected symptoms. Both have their contra indications. Neither is an effective substitute for intimate human contact with the patient. Both should be used along with psychotherapy.
Desipramine: A Possible Treatment for Depersonalization Disorder*
Authors: Noyes Russell , Kuperman Samuel , Olson Stephen B.
Published: May 2017

Primary depersonalization disorder is believed to be resistant to treatment. However, we report the successful treatment of a case with desipramine and suggest that, because there is a link between depersonalization and anxiety disorders, tricyclic antidepressants may prove effective for depersonalization.
Effects of Shared Story Reading in Mathematics for Students With Academic Difficulty and Challenging Behaviors
Authors: Whitney Todd , Lingo Amy S. , Cooper Justin , Karp Karen
Published: May 2017

The primary focus of this study was to examine the effects of Shared Story Reading (SSR) during mathematics instruction on the behavioral outcomes of four elementary students with academic difficulty and challenging behaviors. In addition, the study examined the effect of implementing SSR during mathematics instruction on the teacher’s use of opportunities to respond (OTR). A multiple baseline design across participants was implemented to examine the effects of this curricular approach on increasing the teacher’s OTR, increasing student engagement, and reducing disruptive behavior. Results indicated there was an increase in OTR during the SSR lessons and suggest implementing SSR during mathematics instruction was effective for increasing engagement for students with academic difficulty and challenging behaviors. Results were not definitive regarding the effects of SSR decreasing disruptive behavior.
Identity politics in state-sponsored youth camps for Chinese overseas
Authors: Qu Xiao-Lei
Published: May 2017

China’s relations with communities of Chinese overseas and its attempts to improve these relations are challenged by the weakening ties between younger generations of Chinese overseas and China. This article examines Chinese government-sponsored camps which were developed to counteract the estrangement of Chinese overseas youth through exposure to Chinese culture, language, history and society. Drawing on a historical account of the programme and fieldwork performed among Chinese-Filipino youth in Xiamen, it argues that China’s youth camps programme is more than a top–down, transnational initiative aimed at influencing the ethnic and cultural identities of these youths. Instead, these camps embody a convergence of national, institutional and personal agendas (e.g. the long-standing Beijing–Taipei rivalry, the self-defined agendas of Chinese overseas, and local officials’ desires to garner political credit from upper-level authorities). This study also argues that the programme has made substantial contributions to Chinese language learning and to a relatively positive image of China among Chinese-Filipino participants and that its influence on the cultural and ethnic orientations of Chinese-Filipino youth has been stronger than its impact on their political identity.
Analytic study of the conditions required for longitudinal stability of dual-wing aircraft
Authors: Andrews SA , Perez RE
Published: May 2017

Recent studies of new, fuel-efficient transport aircraft have considered designs, which make use of two principal lifting surfaces to provide the required lift as well as trim and static stability. Such designs include open tandem-wings as well as closed joined and box-wings. As a group, these aircraft can be termed dual-wing designs. This study developed a new analytic model, which takes into account the downwash from the two main wings and is sensitive to three important design variables: the relative areas of each wing, the streamwise separation of the wings, and the center of gravity position. This model was used to better understand trends in the dual-wing geometry on the stability, maneuverability, and lift-to-drag ratio of the aircraft. Dual-wing aircraft have been shown to have reduced the induced drag compared to the conventional designs. In addition, further drag reductions can be realized as the horizontal tail can be removed if the dual-wings have sufficient streamwise stagger to provide the moments necessary for trim and longitudinal stability. As both wings in a dual-wing system carry a significant fraction of the total lift, trends in such designs that led to longitudinal stability can differ from those of the conventional aircraft and have not been the subject of detailed investigation. Results from the analytic model showed that the longitudinal stability required either a reduction of the fore wing area or shifting the center of gravity forward from the midpoint of both wings' aerodynamic centers. In addition, for wing configurations of approximately equal fore and aft wing areas, increasing the separation between the two wings decreased the stability of the aircraft. The source of this unusual behavior was the asymmetric distribution of downwash upstream and downstream of the wing. These relationships between dual-wing geometry and stability will provide initial guidance on the conceptual design of dual-wing aircraft and aid in the understanding of the results of more complex studies of such designs, furthering the development of future transport aircraft.
Laplace wavelet transform theory and applications
Authors: Abuhamdia Tariq , Taheri Saied , Burns John
Published: May 2017

This study introduces the theory of the Laplace wavelet transform (LWT). The Laplace wavelets are a generalization of the second-order under damped linear time-invariant (SOULTI) wavelets to the complex domain. This generalization produces the mother wavelet function that has been used as the Laplace pseudo wavelet or the Laplace wavelet dictionary. The study shows that the Laplace wavelet can be used to transform signals to the time-scale or time-frequency domain and can be retrieved back. The properties of the new generalization are outlined, and the characteristics of the companion wavelet transform are defined. Moreover, some similarities between the Laplace wavelet transform and the Laplace transform arise, where a relation between the Laplace wavelet transform and the Laplace transform is derived. This relation can be beneficial in evaluating the wavelet transform. The new wavelet transform has phase and magnitude, and can also be evaluated for most elementary signals. The Laplace wavelets inherit many properties from the SOULTI wavelets, and the Laplace wavelet transform inherits many properties from both the SOULTI wavelet transform and the Laplace transform. In addition, the investigation shows that both the LWT and the SOULTI wavelet transform give the particular solutions of specific related differential equations, and the particular solution of these linear time-invariant differential equations can in general be written in terms of a wavelet transform. Finally, the properties of the Laplace wavelet are verified by applications to frequency varying signals and to vibrations of mechanical systems for modes decoupling, and the results are compared with the generalized Morse and Morlet wavelets in addition to the short time Fourier transform’s results.
Effects of ADHD on Writing Composition Product and Process in School-Age Students
Authors: Rodríguez Celestino , Torrance Mark , Betts Lucy , Cerezo Rebeca , García Trinidad
Published: May 2017

Objective: This study examined the relationship between ADHD and writing performance. Method: Students in Grades 3 to 7, 84 with ADHD and 135 age- and gender-matched controls completed a writing task (including process logs), and measures of working memory and attention. Results: Students with ADHD wrote texts of similar length but with poorer structure, coherence, and ideation. In all, 6.7% of the variance in writing quality was explained by whether or not the student had an ADHD diagnosis, after control for IQ and age-within-year, with ADHD students producing text that was less coherent, well structured, and ideationally rich, and spending less time thinking about and reviewing their text. Half of the effect on text quality could be attributed to working memory and sustained attention effects. Conclusion: ADHD has some effect on writing performance, which can, in part, be explained by working memory and attentional deficits.
Glass Architecture as a Site for Encountering the Surface Aesthetics of Urban Photography
Authors: Nordström Paulina
Published: May 2017

This article brings glass architecture and geophilosophy into a relationship with one another with the further aim of studying surface aesthetics of urban photography. First I present a selected history of glass architecture and its previous methodological applications. Then, I focus on the characteristics of glass architecture—its permeability/reflectivity and capacity to act with light—in relation to the geophilosophies of Nietzsche and Deleuze. I aim to formulate surface aesthetics through which I contemplate the materialities and the fabulative landscape of urban photography. Urban photography is valued for its characteristic of combining the practices of art and research. In this article, urban photography is also understood as an affectual encounter. However, for urban photography to be seen as a creative medium, it has to be acknowledged as not merely making aesthetic representations of the world but also opening a landscape in order to see it differently and ask new questions.