bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the Added Value of the Absolute Calibration of GPS Radio Occultation Data for Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Aparicio Josep M. , Laroche Stéphane
Published: October 2014

An analysis of the impact of GPS radio occultation observations on Environment Canada’s global deterministic weather prediction system is presented. Radio occultation data, as any other source of weather observations, have a direct impact on the analyses. Since they are assimilated assuming that they are well calibrated, they also impact the bias correction scheme employed for other data, such as satellite radiances. The authors estimate the relative impact of occultation data obtained from, first, their assimilation as atmospheric measurements and, second, their influence on the bias correction for radiance data. This assessment is performed using several implementations of the thermodynamic relationships involved, and also allowing or blocking this influence to the radiance bias correction scheme.

The current implementation of occultation operators at Environment Canada is presented, collecting upgrades that have been detailed elsewhere, such as the equation of state of air and the expression of refractivity. The performance of the system with and without assimilation of occultations is reviewed under conditions representative of current operations. Several denial runs are prepared, withdrawing only the occultation data from the assimilation, but keeping their influence on the radiance bias correction, or assimilating occultations but denying their impact on the bias correction procedure, and a complete denial.

It is shown that the impact of occultations on the analysis is significant through both paths—assimilation and radiance bias correction—albeit the first is larger. The authors conclude that the traceability link of the ensemble of occultations has an added value, beyond the value of each datum as an atmospheric measurement.
Use of Imaging to Evaluate Course of the Carotid Artery in Surgery for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Raol Nikhila , Caruso Paul , Hartnick Christopher J.
Published: October 2014

Objective:

This study aimed to describe syndromes where preoperative imaging may be essential in determining the course of the carotid arteries before velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) surgery and therefore affect surgical planning.

Methods:

Records of children who underwent surgery for VPI between May 1, 2012, and October 30, 2013, at a tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology center were reviewed. Data collected included age at operation, preoperative and postoperative nasometry values, presence of underlying genetic disorders, and imaging findings.

Results:

Twenty-five patients underwent 33 surgeries for VPI, with 1 posterior pharyngeal wall augmentation, 6 Furlow palatoplasties, 11 sphincter pharyngoplasties, and 15 pharyngeal flaps. Medialized carotid vasculature was identified in 5 of 25 patients (20%). Seven syndromic patients were identified, with 3 patients having 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. All patients (100%) with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome had medialized carotid arteries. Of the 4 additional syndromic children, 2 (50%) had medial internal carotid arteries, with 1 patient diagnosed with neurofibromatosis 1 and another with Prader-Willi syndrome. Both patients underwent Furlow palatoplasty.

Conclusion:

Whereas 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is recognized as an entity where a medial carotid is often present, other syndromic children may also demonstrate vascular variability. Although a larger study is needed to confirm an increased prevalence in these patients, clinicians may need a higher degree of suspicion while performing the physical examination. If examination findings are suggestive or the disease process may lend itself to this abnormality, vascular imaging can be considered as part of presurgical planning to help guide surgical technique and prevent complications.
Relational Perspectives on Leaders’ Influence Behavior
Authors: Chong Melody P. M. , Peng Tai-kuang , Fu Ping Ping , Richards Malika , Muethel Miriam , Caldas Miguel P. , Shang Yu Fan
Published: October 2014

To understand leader influence behavior in organizations, it is essential to understand how subordinates interpret the different influence strategies used by their superiors. In this study, we examine the effect of influence behavior on organizational commitment from two relational perspectives with employees from Chinese and Western societies. Drawing on relational attribution theory, we develop a multiple mediation model to determine whether the relationships between influence behavior and organizational commitment are meditated by leader–member exchange (LMX) and/or guanxi. We also examine whether the effects vary across the two broad cultural samples. Results indicate the mediating effect is contributed mainly by LMX, not guanxi. Results show no significant cross-cultural differences, suggesting the theoretical framework we propose may be generalizable across cultures. Implications and ideas for future research are provided.
Relationships between wearer assessment and the instrumental measurement of the handle and prickle of knitted wool fabrics
Authors: McGregor Bruce A , Naebe Maryam , Wang Henry , Tester David , Rowe James
Published: October 2014

The relationships between wearer-assessed comfort and objectively measured comfort and handle parameters were investigated using 19 pure wool single jersey garments made of single ply yarns. Wearer trials were used to determine prickle discomfort, and whether wearers “liked” the garments. Fabrics then were objectively evaluated using the Wool HandleMeter, which measures seven primary handle attributes; and the Wool ComfortMeter (WCM), to predict a wearer's perception of fabric-evoked prickle. Wearer responses and the relationships within and between objective measurements and the effect of fibre, yarn and fabrics attributes were analysed by general linear modelling. Mean fibre diameter, fibre diameter coefficient of variation, yarn count, fabric thickness, fabric density, fabric mass per unit area and decatising affected one or more handle parameters. The best model for predicting wearer prickle discomfort accounted for 90.9% of the variance and included only terms for the WCM and WCM2. The WCM was a good predictor whereas mean fibre diameter was a poor predictor of whether wearers “liked” garments. Wearer assessment of prickle and whether or not wearers “liked” fabrics were independent of fabric handle assessment. The results indicate that the handle and comfort properties of lightweight, wool jersey fabrics can be quantified accurately using the Wool HandleMeter and the Wool ComfortMeter. For fabric handle, fibre and yarn characteristics were less important than changes in the properties of the fabric.
The effect of plasma treatment and loop length on the handle of lightweight jersey fabrics as assessed by the Wool HandleMeter
Authors: Naebe Maryam , Tester David , McGregor Bruce A
Published: October 2014

The handle properties of knitted wool fabrics were investigated using the Wool HandleMeter. The fabrics were single jersey knitted with three different loop lengths, where the yarn linear density was kept constant. The effect of a treatment using a continuous plasma treatment device was compared with untreated fabrics. The results confirm that the Wool HandleMeter is capable of differentiating between knitted single jersey fabrics with different surface treatments and loop lengths. With all seven primary handle attributes affected, plasma-treated fabrics were significantly different from untreated fabrics. Plasma treated fabrics were assessed as being rougher, harder, and heavier with a warmer and drier feeling compared with untreated fabrics. Regardless of treatment used, the effect of loop length was significant. It was shown that a shorter loop length is associated with fabrics that feel rougher, heavier and warmer.
Feature matching of fancy weft knitted stitch based on modified SURF algorithm
Authors: Lv Tang-jun , Long Hai-ru
Published: October 2014

In this paper, based on Hessian invariant moments, a new approach for classification of fancy weft knitted stitch was proposed. The speeded up robust features (SURF) algorithm was used to identify fancy weft knitted samples including cable stitch and tuck stitch. Weft knitted stitch images generally contain many repeated features, wrong matches are easily encountered when the SURF algorithm is applied to match images. To resolve this problem, the inflection point of misjudgment was found out. The general regularity of faults and the key threshold were concluded by analyzing a number of classification experiments. The results show that wrong matches can be removed by locking the inflection point and feature matching of fancy weft knitted stitch is proved to be feasible for assigning an unknown image to one of a set of known texture classes.
Synthesis process control and property evaluation of a low-viscosity urethane acrylate oligomer for blue light curable ink of textile digital printing
Authors: Huang Yi , Cao Botao , Xu Chenying , Fan Qinguo , Shao Jianzhong
Published: October 2014

A low-viscosity urethane acrylate oligomer was synthesized under optimized conditions using a specially selected low molecular weight polyether diol. The synthesis process and the reaction endpoint were monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The rheological properties of the synthesized urethane acrylate oligomer were evaluated by rheology measurements in both steady and dynamic modes, and the blue light induced photopolymerization behavior of the oligomer with camphorquinone and ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate as photoinitiators was examined with photo-differential scanning calorimetry analysis. A blue light curable pigment ink based on the low-viscosity urethane acrylate oligomer was prepared, and jet printed on cotton fabrics using a simulating digital printing device, then photo-cured under blue light irradiation. The printed fabric samples showed fine patterns with soft fabric handle.
Formulas to determine fabric bending rigidity from simple tests
Authors: Plaut Raymond H
Published: October 2014

Formulas are derived for effective bending rigidity and bending length, based on the deformation of fabric strips in simple tests. The nine types of tests (including some new ones) involve a cantilever, heart loop, hanging pear loop, hanging ring, free fold, clamped fold, standing wrinkle (buckle), hanging wrinkle, and standing ring. No loads are applied and no special equipment is needed. Only the height of the deformed strip needs to be measured, along with the strip’s length, width, and weight. The results can be applied with different lengths of strips and different orientations (e.g., weft, warp, and bias directions). In the analysis, the fabric strip is modeled as an inextensible elastica. Polynomial approximations are developed that give the value of a nondimensional weight parameter (involving the weight, length, width, and bending rigidity) as a function of the height-to-length ratio. The bending rigidity and bending length can then be directly computed.
Comovement in Euro area housing prices: A fractional cointegration approach
Authors: Gupta Rangan , André Christophe , Gil-Alana Luis
Published: October 2014

This paper analyses comovement in housing prices across the Euro area. We use techniques based on the concepts of fractional integration and cointegration. Our results indicate that all the individual log-real price indices display orders of integration which are above one, implying long memory in their corresponding growth rates. Further, looking at the cointegration relationships, we observe that the series for the Euro area is cointegrated with those of Belgium, Germany and France. Focusing on the individual countries, we find cointegration relationships between Belgium and Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands, Germany and Spain, Germany and Ireland, France and Spain, and Ireland and the Netherlands. Other bilateral cointegration relationships can either clearly be rejected or the results are ambiguous. Finally, prices in Germany seem to move in the opposite direction from other countries, which may be related to capital flows associated with current account imbalances.
A Tale of Two Hatchet Men
Authors: Kasdan David Oliver
Published: October 2014

Fiscal stress in local governments has reached catastrophic levels in Michigan, which has implemented emergency management legislation in an attempt to keep apace of the problems it faces, including Detroit’s bankruptcy. It is time to consider what kind of public administrator is needed to address the problems of modern fiscal distress. Whereas the political approaches and policies for emergency financial management across the country may differ, the emergency manager can still bring successful generalized approaches and practices to many problems. This research studies two such bureaucrats in Michigan, one who has been instrumental in the development of emergency management policy for decades and one who is bringing his skills in corporate bankruptcy counsel to task.
Chemical recycling of fiber-reinforced epoxy resin using a polyethylene glycol/NaOH system
Authors: Yang Peng , Zhou Qian , Li Xiao-Yang , Yang Ke-Ke , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: October 2014

A polyethylene glycol/ NaOH system has been used for chemical recycling of fiber/epoxy resin composites. Solvolysis of the composites based on different fibers, i.e. two PAN-based carbon fibers (Torry T300, T700S) and two glass fibers (non-alkali glass fiber and medium-alkali glass fiber), have been compared. The solubilization degree increases with rising reaction temperature, reaction time, as well as NaOH amount. After reacting at atmospheric pressure for 4 h at 200℃ with 0.1 g NaOH/g composite, a high decomposition efficiency of 84.1–93.0% has been obtained. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that the two recovered carbon fibers and the non-alkali glass fiber have a texture similar to the as-received fibers, except that some residual resin adheres to the surface, while the medium-alkali glass fiber is damaged during recycling. Accordingly, the recycled carbon fibers and the non-alkali glass fiber retain 94–96% of their original strength, while the tensile strength of the recycled medium-alkali glass fiber decreases to below 90% of this value. The two carbon fibers were further characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The carbon structure is slightly oxidized and the degree of graphitization of the recovered carbon fibers slightly decreases.
Exploratory Study of Informal Strategies for Equal Sharing Problems of Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Hunt Jessica H. , Empson Susan B.
Published: October 2014

Little to no information exists explaining the nature of conceptual gaps in understanding fractions for students with learning disabilities (LD); such information is vital to practitioners seeking to develop instruction or interventions. Many researchers argue such knowledge can be revealed through student’s problem-solving strategies. Despite qualitative differences in thinking and representation use in students with LD that may exist, existing frameworks of student’s strategies for solving fraction problems are not inclusive of students with LD. This exploratory study extends existing literature by documenting the strategies students with LD use when solving fraction problems. Clinical interviews were conducted with 10 students across the third, fourth, and fifth grades ( N = 10). Results indicate students with LD used similar strategies as previously reported in research involving non-LD students, although the dominant strategy utilized was less advanced and the range of strategy use was relatively compact. Researchers suggest the nature of conceptual gaps students with LD display in their understanding of fractions originates from a malleable source. Implications for instruction and assessment are presented.
Biomarkers in Hepatic Disease
Authors: Kubilay Nejla Zeynep , Sengel Buket Erturk , Wood Kenneth E. , Layon A. Joseph
Published: October 2014

The ability to make a diagnosis early and appropriately is paramount for the survival of the critically ill ICU patient. Along with the myriad physical examination and imaging modalities available, biomarkers provide a window on the disease process. Herein we review hepatic biomarkers in the context of the critical care patient.
Investigation into the potential use of poly(vinyl alcohol)/methylglyoxal fibres as antibacterial wound dressing components
Authors: Bulman Sophie EL , Goswami Parikshit , Tronci Giuseppe , Russell Stephen J , Carr Chris
Published: October 2014

As problems of antibiotic resistance increase, a continuing need for effective bioactive wound dressings is anticipated for the treatment of infected chronic wounds. Naturally derived antibacterial agents, such as Manuka honey, consist of a mixture of compounds, more than one of which can influence antimicrobial potency. The non-peroxide bacteriostatic properties of Manuka honey have been previously linked to the presence of methylglyoxal. The incorporation of methylglyoxal as a functional antibacterial additive during fibre production was explored as a potential route for manufacturing wound dressing components. Synthetic methylglyoxal and poly(vinyl alcohol) were fabricated into webs of sub-micron fibres by means of electrostatic spinning of an aqueous spinning solution. Composite fabrics were also produced by direct deposition of the poly(vinyl alcohol)–methylglyoxal fibres onto a preformed spunbonded nonwoven substrate. Attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies confirmed the presence of methylglyoxal within the resulting fibre structure. The antibacterial activity of the fibres was studied using strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Strong antibacterial activity, as well as diffusion of methylglyoxal from the fibres was observed at a concentration of 1.55 mg/cm2.
Correlations Between Sexual Abuse Histories, Perceived Danger, and PTSD Among Intimate Partner Violence Victims
Authors: Brown Jackie , Burnette Mandi L. , Cerulli Catherine
Published: October 2014

Intimate partner violence (IPV), childhood abuse, and sexual assault in adulthood are profound public health concerns, particularly for women. Exposure to trauma can contribute to long-standing health problems and escalated medical costs. Unfortunately, these experiences are often intertwined. Sexual assault often occurs in intimate relationships in which there is concurrent IPV; likewise, many victims of IPV have experienced childhood abuse. The prevalent intersections of these struggles can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This article examines the contributions of childhood abuse histories and sexual assault to PTSD symptoms among women experiencing IPV. Findings suggest childhood abuse experiences account for more variance in PTSD symptoms than adult sexual assault. Clinical implications are discussed.
Prioritization of Resources for Participants in a Peer Counseling Breastfeeding Support Program
Authors: Rozga Mary R. , Kerver Jean M. , Olson Beth H.
Published: October 2014

Background:

Peer counseling (PC) breastfeeding support programs have proven effective in increasing breastfeeding duration in low-income women.

Objectives:

This study aimed to describe program participants and breastfeeding duration in a PC program according to (1) timing of enrollment (prenatal vs postnatal) and (2) breastfeeding status at program exit (discontinued breastfeeding, exited program while breastfeeding, and completed 1 year program) to improve understanding of how these groups differ and how services might be optimized when resources are limited.

Methods:

This study is a secondary analysis of data from low-income women enrolled in a PC breastfeeding support program. Participant characteristics and breastfeeding duration were described using chi-square tests, analyses of variance, and logistic regression.

Results:

Postnatal enrollees had longer breastfeeding duration than prenatal enrollees ( F < .001) and were more likely to be older, to be married, to be more educated, and to have prior breastfeeding experience (each variable P < .01). Women who withdrew from the program while breastfeeding were more demographically similar to those who discontinued breastfeeding prior to 1 year than to those who continued in the program breastfeeding for 1 year, although they breastfed for significantly longer at exit (mean ± SD = 27.8 ± 14.8 weeks) compared to women who discontinued breastfeeding while in the program (15.7 ± 13.3 weeks) ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

It may be advantageous for peer counselors to direct fewer resources to later postnatal enrollees and more to prenatal or early postnatal enrollees. It may also be advantageous to focus on supporting women at high risk of discontinuation rather than on retaining women who choose to withdraw from the program while breastfeeding.
Down the (White) Rabbit Hole: The Extreme Right and Online Recommender Systems
Authors: O’Callaghan Derek , Greene Derek , Conway Maura , Carthy Joe , Cunningham Pádraig
Published: October 2014

In addition to hosting user-generated video content, YouTube provides recommendation services, where sets of related and recommended videos are presented to users, based on factors such as co-visitation count and prior viewing history. This article is specifically concerned with extreme right (ER) video content, portions of which contravene hate laws and are thus illegal in certain countries, which are recommended by YouTube to some users. We develop a categorization of this content based on various schema found in a selection of academic literature on the ER, which is then used to demonstrate the political articulations of YouTube’s recommender system, particularly the narrowing of the range of content to which users are exposed and the potential impacts of this. For this purpose, we use two data sets of English and German language ER YouTube channels, along with channels suggested by YouTube’s related video service. A process is observable whereby users accessing an ER YouTube video are likely to be recommended further ER content, leading to immersion in an ideological bubble in just a few short clicks. The evidence presented in this article supports a shift of the almost exclusive focus on users as content creators and protagonists in extremist cyberspaces to also consider online platform providers as important actors in these same spaces.
Applicability of an orthogonal cutting slip-line field model for the microscale
Authors: Rebaioli Lara , Biella Gabriele , Annoni Massimiliano , Mayor J Rhett , Semeraro Quirico
Published: October 2014

Mechanical micromachining is a very flexible and widely exploited process, but its knowledge should still be improved since several incompletely explained phenomena affect the microscale chip removal. Several models have been developed to describe the machining process, but only some of them consider a rounded edge tool, which is a typical condition in micromachining. Among these models, the Waldorf's slip-line field model for the macroscale allows to separately evaluate shearing and ploughing force components in orthogonal cutting conditions; therefore, it is suitable to predict cutting forces when a large ploughing action occurs, as in micromachining. This study aims at demonstrating how this model is suitable also for micromachining conditions. To achieve this goal, a clear and repeatable procedure has been developed for objectively validating its force prediction performance at low uncut chip thickness (less than 50 μm) and relatively higher cutting edge radius. The proposed procedure makes the model generally applicable after a suitable and non-extensive calibration campaign. This article shows how calibration experiments can be selected among the available cutting trial database based on the model force prediction capability. Final validation experiments have been used to show how the model is robust to a cutting speed variation even if the cutting speed is not among the model quantities. A suitable set-up, especially designed for microturning conditions, has been used to measure forces and chip thickness. Tests have been performed on 6082-T6 Aluminum alloy with different cutting speeds and different ratios between uncut chip thickness and cutting edge radius.
Comparative study on cutting behavior of vitrified cubic boron nitride wheel and electroplated cubic boron nitride wheel in high-speed grinding of (TiCp + TiBw)/Ti-6Al-4V composites
Authors: Zhao Biao , Ding Wen-Feng , Xu Jiu-Hua , Su Hong-Hua
Published: October 2014

High-speed grinding experiments of particle reinforcing titanium matrix composites ((TiCp + TiBw)/Ti-6Al-4V) were carried out with vitrified cubic boron nitride wheel and electroplated cubic boron nitride wheel, at the wheel speed ranged from 80 to 140 m/s. The cutting behavior, that is, grinding force, grinding temperature, specific grinding energy, and ground surface morphology, and grinding chips are analyzed. The results indicate that compared to the workpiece speed and the depth of cut, the wheel speed has a more significant influence on the grinding forces. The grinding temperature and specific grinding energy obtained with the vitrified cubic boron nitride wheel are always larger than those with the electroplated cubic boron nitride wheel. Based on the comprehensive consideration in terms of grinding force, grinding temperature, and specific grinding energy, the electroplated cubic boron nitride wheel is more suitable than vitrified cubic boron nitride wheel for high-speed grinding particle reinforcing titanium matrix composites. The removal of the reinforcements of particle reinforcing titanium matrix composites is mainly by means of pullout, fracture or crushing, micro-cracks, voids, and smearing. The segment chips containing the reinforcements are formed during high-speed grinding of particle reinforcing titanium matrix composites.
Design of an airbag system of a mid-sized automobile for pedestrian protection
Authors: Lim Joon-Hong , Park Jong-Sun , Yun Yong-Won , Jeong Seong-Beom , Park Gyung-Jin
Published: October 2014

The rate of fatalities in vehicle-to-pedestrian crashes is high with respect to the frequency of occurrence. In recent years, a pedestrian safety system, which consists of a pop-up hood and a pedestrian airbag, was developed to reduce pedestrian injuries. However, the effects of the system and a reasonable design direction were not clearly established. In this research, the protection performance of the pedestrian safety system was investigated using actual impact tests. The pedestrian safety system was installed in a mid-size vehicle and tested according to the headform test of the New Car Assessment Program. The necessity and usefulness of the safety system using the test results are discussed. These results are incorporated into the simulation modelling process. The airbag system is designed to reduce head injuries by using computational impact analysis. Two categories are considered when designing the system: the design of the airbag housing and the design of the airbag itself. The airbag housing is designed by selecting appropriate materials. The design flow for the pedestrian airbag employs the orthogonal array and the response surface method. The newly designed airbag system reduces the severity of head injuries.
Indication of Adequate Transdermal Fentanyl Dose in Opioid Switching From Oral Oxycodone in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Matsumura Chikako , Yamada Masami , Fujihara Saki , Chisaki Yugo , Takahashi Kazushige , Yano Yoshitaka
Published: October 2014

Objective:

The present study aimed to examine affecting factors for conversion ratio and to predict adequate fentanyl dose for patients with cancer pain in opioid switching from oral oxycodone.

Methods:

Patient characteristics, biochemical parameters, daily oxycodone dose, and reasons for opioid switching were retrospectively collected. The effect of variables on the conversion ratio was analyzed by multiple regression analysis.

Results:

Regression analysis for the data from 122 patients suggested that the typical conversion ratio was 95:1; however, this ratio was significantly reduced in patients taking a daily oral morphine-equivalent dose of <45 mg/d and in patients with poor pain control to 52:1 and 64:1, respectively.

Conclusion:

We should carefully and rapidly control pain in opioid switching based on the adequate dose indicated in this study.
A multi-dimensional space method for dynamic cracks problems using implicit time scheme in the framework of the extended finite element method
Authors: Cheng Hao , Zhou Xiaoping
Published: October 2014

The extended finite element method (XFEM) has been widely used to investigate the moving cracks without any remeshing. The degrees of freedom (DOFs) of nodes around crack surfaces and crack tips are added to represent the discontinuous fields and asymptotic fields. However, the XFEM encounters some challenges in dynamic problems because the total number of DOFs increases with the crack growth, which leads to difficulty in iteration algorithm of time integration. In this paper, based on the XFEM, a multi-dimensional space method is developed to simulate the crack growth under dynamic loads. Every node, not limited to the nodes around crack tips and crack surfaces, has 12 DOFs in the domain containing one crack (12n DOFs in the domain containing n cracks). The generalized boundary condition is proposed to modify the matrices of stiffness, mass and damping. The modified matrices of stiffness, mass and damping are highly sparse, the additional central processing unit time is little and the use of internal memory does not increase compared with the traditional XFEM. Moreover, the implicit Newmark time integration scheme is introduced to solve the dynamic problems of XFEM. Compared with the other time integration schemes, the time step of the present method is much longer. The convergence property of the present method is demonstrated in theoretical and numerical studies. In order to verify the robustness and the precision of the present method, three numerical cases are presented.
Evaluation of Adjunctive Ketamine to Benzodiazepines for Management of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: Wong Adrian , Benedict Neal J. , Armahizer Michael J. , Kane-Gill Sandra L.
Published: October 2014

Background: Adjunctive medications to manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in patients not adequately responding to escalating doses of benzodiazepines (BZDs) are limited. The use of the N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist ketamine, may serve as an effective adjunct agent; however, no published data currently exist for this practice. Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of adjunct ketamine for management of AWS. Methods: The study was a retrospective review of adult patients from April 2011 to March 2014 who were administered ketamine specifically for management of AWS. Outcomes included changes in BZD requirements and ketamine-related adverse reactions. Results: Of 235 patients screened, 23 patients met study eligibility. Ketamine was initiated primarily with toxicology consultation for significant BZD requirements or delirium tremens. The mean time to initiation of ketamine from first treatment of AWS, and total duration of therapy were 33.6 and 55.8 hours, respectively. Mean initial infusion dose and median total infusion rate during therapy were 0.21 and 0.20 mg/kg/h, respectively. There was no change in sedation or alcohol withdrawal scores in patients within 6 hours of ketamine initiation. The median change in BZD requirements at 12 and 24 hours post–ketamine initiation were −40.0 and −13.3 mg, respectively. The mean time to AWS resolution was 5.6 days. There was one documented adverse reaction of oversedation, requiring dose reduction. Conclusions: Ketamine appears to reduce BZD requirements and is well tolerated at low doses. Prospective dose range evaluations in the management of AWS would be helpful in determining its place as an adjunctive agent.
Brief Retirement Self-Efficacy-11 Scale (BRSE-11)
Authors: Valero Encarna , Topa Gabriela
Published: October 2014

Retirement self-efficacy includes perceptions of the extent to which one will be capable of dealing with the tasks involved in the new retiree situation. This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Brief Retirement Self-Efficacy-11 Scale (BRSE-11) with Spanish workers aged below 62 ( N = 694) and tested these properties with Spanish workers aged over 62 ( N = 593). Method: We conducted descriptive analysis for the items and exploratory factor analysis with Sample 1 and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with Sample 2. Cronbach’s α and CFA were used to assess the internal consistency in both samples, and convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity of the RSE-11 were tested through relationships with general self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Results: Reliability values were adequate, and criterion and discriminant validity for the three factors of the BRSE-11 were supported. BRSE had a significant correlation with general self-efficacy. The three BRSE-11 factors increased the explained variance in life satisfaction after the introduction of general self-efficacy in the hierarchical regression analyses.
Activism and radical politics in the digital age
Authors: Neumayer Christina , Svensson Jakob
Published: October 2014

This article aims to develop a typology for evaluating different types of activism in the digital age, based on the ideal of radical democracy. Departing from this ideal, activism is approached in terms of processes of identification by establishing conflictual frontiers to outside others as either adversaries or enemies. On the basis of these discussions, we outline a typology of four kinds of activists, namely the salon activist, the contentious activist, the law-abiding activist and the Gandhian activist. The typology’s first axis, between antagonism and agonism, is derived from normative discussions in radical democracy concerning developing frontiers. The second axis, about readiness to engage in civil disobedience, is derived from a review of studies of different forms of online activism. The article concludes by suggesting that the different forms of political engagement online have to be taken into account when studying how online activism can contribute to social change.
The accuracy of mobile teleradiology in the evaluation of chest X-rays
Authors: Schwartz Adam B , Siddiqui Gina , Barbieri John S , Akhtar Amana L , Kim Woojin , Littman-Quinn Ryan , Conant Emily F , Gupta Narainder K , Pukenas Bryan A , Ramchandani Parvati , Lev-Toaff Anna S , Tobey Jennifer D , Torigian Drew A , Praestgaard Amy H , Kovarik Carrie L
Published: October 2014

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of digital photographs of plain film chest X-rays (CXRs) obtained using a mobile phone. The study was a randomized, non-inferiority trial, in which physical plain film CXRs viewed on a light box were compared with digital photographs of plain film CXRs. CXRs were selected from a database of radiology studies to show common pathologies found in Botswana associated with pneumonia, lung carcinoma, tuberculosis, pneumothorax and interstitial disease, as well as normal findings. The pre-selected diagnoses were subsequently verified by a second radiologist. Seven radiologists were randomized to review 75 plain film CXRs on light boxes before viewing 75 digital photographs, or vice versa. Their responses were considered correct if they matched the pre-defined diagnosis. For both modalities, the correct diagnosis was provided in 79% of cases; for plain film CXRs, the correct diagnosis was provided in 82% of cases and for digital photographs the correct diagnosis was provided in 76% of cases. The difference in diagnostic accuracy was −5.7% (95% CI: −10.8% to −0.5%), which confirmed non-inferiority ( P < 0.001) for the primary outcome of diagnostic accuracy. A subgroup analysis demonstrated non-inferiority for lung carcinoma and pneumonia images, although non-inferiority was not achieved for pneumothorax, tuberculosis, interstitial disease or normal images. The study demonstrates that digital photographs of CXRs obtained via a mobile phone equipped with a digital camera are non-inferior to plain film CXRs.
Thermo-oxidative ageing and stability studies of different magnesium hydroxide/glass fiber/nitrile butadiene rubber nano-composites
Authors: Wang Qilei
Published: October 2014

After preparing the nano-magnesium hydroxide/glass fiber/nitrile butadiene rubber composite via the melt blending method by using nitrile butadiene rubber, glass fiber, and nano-magnesium hydroxide, we have studied its physical-mechanical properties and thermo-oxidative ageing capability, as well as its thermo gravimetric and combustion performances. Our results suggested that the addition of nano-magnesium hydroxide and glass fiber could improve the tensile strength, maximum elongation, hardness and compression set of composite. With expanded ageing time during the tests, the internal structure of composite was gradually labile and the number of protuberant glass fiber was increased. We have also found that both nano-magnesium hydroxide and GF could efficiently enhance the anti-ageing characteristic, thermostability and flame retardancy of composite. The comparison showed that nano-magnesium hydroxide possesses better heat and flame resistance while glass fiber presents better anti-ageing characteristic, so the coordinated usage of both two filling materials could significantly expand the working life of target composite.
Automating prosumption: The decline of the prosumer and the rise of the prosuming machines
Authors: Ritzer George
Published: October 2014

This essay builds on and expands the domain of the burgeoning literature on the human prosumer and the process of prosumption. Just as the prosumer and prosumption are finally getting the attention they have always deserved, a dramatic technological change – the rise of smart prosuming machines – is taking place that is reducing the importance of the human prosumer. While the impact of these machines on producers (here conceived of as prosumers-as-producers) has long been obvious, what has changed the most is the explosion, and the growing impact, of these machines on consumers (or prosumers-as-consumers). A number of examples are offered of smart prosuming machines for humans. The latter are often unaware of the prosumption being done by smart machines, especially on the Internet. While smart prosuming machines offer many advantages, the danger lies in the replacement of human by non-human technologies and the control exercised by them. This is especially the case on the Internet of Things where many smart prosuming machines function, interrelate, and operate as autonomous, self-organizing devices.
Autophagy modulates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death in podocytes: A protective role
Authors: Cheng Yu-Chi , Chang Jer-Ming , Chen Chien-An , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: October 2014

Endoplasmic reticulum stress occurs in a variety of patho-physiological mechanisms and there has been great interest in managing this pathway for the treatment of clinical diseases. Autophagy is closely interconnected with endoplasmic reticulum stress to counteract the possible injurious effects related with the impairment of protein folding. Studies have shown that glomerular podocytes exhibit high rate of autophagy to maintain as terminally differentiated cells. In this study, podocytes were exposed to tunicamycin and thapsigargin to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. Thapsigargin/tunicamycin treatment induced a significant increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress and of cell death, represented by higher GADD153 and GRP78 expression and propidium iodide flow cytometry, respectively. However, thapsigargin/tunicamycin stimulation also enhanced autophagy development, demonstrated by monodansylcadaverine assay and LC3 conversion. To evaluate the regulatory effects of autophagy on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death, rapamycin (Rap) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was added to enhance or inhibit autophagosome formation. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death was decreased at 6 h, but was not reduced at 24 h after Rap+TG or Rap+TM treatment. In contrast, endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell death increased at 6 and 24 h after 3-MA+TG or 3-MA+TM treatment. Our study demonstrated that thapsigargin/tunicamycin treatment induced endoplasmic reticulum stress which resulted in podocytes death. Autophagy, which counteracted the induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, was simultaneously enhanced. The salvational role of autophagy was supported by adding Rap/3-MA to mechanistically regulate the expression of autophagy and autophagosome formation. In summary, autophagy helps the podocytes from cell death and may contribute to sustain the longevity as a highly differentiated cell lineage.
Dosage Matters
Authors: Haerle Darin R.
Published: October 2014

This study estimates the dose–response relationship between the time spent in an intensive, therapeutic treatment program during juvenile incarceration and violent juvenile offenders’ odds of recidivism. A propensity score matching approach is used to determine the treatment effect of a strong and weak dose of this program on recidivism. Analyses reveal that program participants who receive any dose of this program exhibit lower odds of recidivism than nonparticipants. Those who received a stronger dose of treatment are significantly less likely to recidivate during the three years following release than those who received no treatment. This effect grows in magnitude when compared with those who receive a weak dose. The efficacy of this program’s treatment model provides the evidence that, compared to a weak dose, rehabilitation of capital and violent juvenile offenders is more feasible within the venue of juvenile incarceration when treatment is provided to a high-risk population via an intensive dose.
Electrical Stimulation of Abdominal Muscles to Produce Cough in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: McBain Rachel A. , Boswell-Ruys Claire L. , Lee Bonsan B. , Gandevia Simon C. , Butler Jane E.
Published: October 2014

Background. Surface electrical stimulation of the abdominal muscles, with electrodes placed in the posterolateral position, combined with a voluntary cough can assist clearance of airway secretions in individuals with high-level spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective. To determine whether an increase in stimulus intensity of the trains of electrical stimuli delivered to the expiratory muscles has an increasing effect on a stimulated voluntary cough and to determine at which stimulus intensity a plateau of cough peak expiratory flow occurs. Methods. In 7 healthy individuals with a SCI at and above C7, gastric pressure ( Pga), esophageal pressure ( Pes), peak expiratory cough flow (PEFcough), and expiratory volume were measured as participants coughed voluntarily with simultaneous trains of electrical stimuli delivered over the abdominal muscles (50 Hz, 1-s duration). The intensity of the stimulation was increased incrementally. Results: A plateau in PEFcough occurred in all 7 individuals at a mean of 211 ± 29 mA (range 120-360 mA). Peak values reached for Pga, Pes, and PEFcough were 83.0 ± 8.0 cm H2O, 66.1 ± 5.6 cm H2O, and 4.0 ± 0.4 l/s respectively. Conclusions. The plateau in expiratory cough flow that was associated with increasing expiratory pressures is indicative of dynamic airway compression. This suggests that the evoked cough will be effective in creating more turbulent airflow to further assist in dislodging mucus and secretions.
Suicide Prevention
Authors: Stone Deborah M. , Crosby Alex E.
Published: October 2014

Suicide is a public health problem affecting people across the lifespan. It is currently the 10th leading cause of death, with rates having remained relatively flat for the past century. This article summarizes the problem of suicide and suicidal behavior along with suicide prevention efforts in the United States. Part 1 provides an overview of the epidemiology of suicide, including groups most at risk of suicide and suicidal behavior. Part 2 provides a review of common risk factors, organized by developmental life stage. A brief discussion of the lesser well-researched area of protective factors follows. Part 3 provides an overview of suicide prevention today, including the major types of prevention strategies, their successes, including means restriction, quality improvement in behavioral services, and comprehensive programs; and limitations to date, such as a lack of evidence for impact on actual deaths or behavior, small sample sizes, and low base rates. Finally, part 4 discusses challenges and future directions with an eye toward the great many opportunities that exist for prevention.
Gendered trends in student teachers’ professional aspirations
Authors: Smith Joan
Published: October 2014

The paper reports on a small-scale, exploratory study investigating the professional aspirations of a cohort of student teachers at a UK university. Questionnaires and interviews sought insights into the students’ perceptions of leadership, future aspirations and self-perceptions as potential leaders. Whilst there was commonality in male and female students’ interest in subject leadership and teaching- and learning-oriented roles such as Advanced Skills Teacher, gendered trends emerged in patterns of aspiration towards certain other posts. Women were more likely than men to aspire to the post of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, and men were more likely than women to aspire to the most senior posts, especially headship. Whilst men and women showed awareness of the negative and more challenging aspects of senior school leadership, there were indications that male students were more likely than their female colleagues to perceive the affordances offered by headship and to envisage themselves as potential headteachers. There were indications of difference also in the ways in which men and women constructed teaching and leadership, and a stronger tendency for men to transfer agentic self-perceptions as teachers to a view of their future selves as leaders.
Delayed pneumothorax after laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy in a patient without underlying lung disease
Authors: Huynh Richie K , Ross Andrew S
Published: October 2014

We present an unusual case of a delayed pneumothorax occurring approximately 72 h post-operatively in a patient without any underlying lung disease who had undergone laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection. The patient was in her mid-40s with a body mass index of 28.0 and had no history of smoking. Her spontaneous pneumothorax manifested without any precipitating events or complications during recovery. There was no evidence of any infectious process. There were no central line attempts and all ports were placed intra-peritoneally, and there was no evidence of any subcutaneous emphysema. One possible mechanism of injury that we propose is barotrauma from an extended period of time in Trendelenburg position. Notably, the only abnormal finding throughout the entire post-operative period preceding the delayed pneumothorax was a PO2 desaturation the day before. This case highlights the necessity to examine and investigate any desaturation post-operatively and deliberate its possible significance. Furthermore, it demonstrates that, even during a normal recovery period for a patient without any underlying lung disease or risk factors, spontaneous pneumothorax could still develop in a delayed fashion multiple days post-operatively from a laparoscopic procedure.