bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Pericyte Coverage Mediated by Endothelial-Derived Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Interleukin-6 Is a Source of Smooth Muscle–Like Cells in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Ricard Nicolas , Tu Ly , Le Hiress Morane , Huertas Alice , Phan Carole , Thuillet Raphaël , Sattler Caroline , Fadel Elie , Seferian Andrei , Montani David , Dorfmüller Peter , Humbert Marc , Guignabert Christophe
Published: January 2014

Background—

Pericytes and their crosstalk with endothelial cells are critical for the development of a functional microvasculature and vascular remodeling. It is also known that pulmonary endothelial dysfunction is intertwined with the initiation and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We hypothesized that pulmonary endothelial dysfunction, characterized by abnormal fibroblast growth factor-2 and interleukin-6 signaling, leads to abnormal microvascular pericyte coverage causing pulmonary arterial medial thickening.

Methods and Results—

In human lung tissues, numbers of pericytes are substantially increased (up to 2-fold) in distal PAH pulmonary arteries compared with controls. Interestingly, human pulmonary pericytes exhibit, in vitro, an accentuated proliferative and migratory response to conditioned media from human idiopathic PAH endothelial cells compared with conditioned media from control cells. Importantly, by using an anti–fibroblast growth factor-2 neutralizing antibody, we attenuated these proliferative and migratory responses, whereas by using an anti–interleukin-6 neutralizing antibody, we decreased the migratory response without affecting the proliferative response. Furthermore, in our murine retinal angiogenesis model, both fibroblast growth factor-2 and interleukin-6 administration increased pericyte coverage. Finally, using idiopathic PAH human and NG2DsRedBAC mouse lung tissues, we demonstrated that this increased pericyte coverage contributes to pulmonary vascular remodeling as a source of smooth muscle–like cells. Furthermore, we found that transforming growth factor-β, in contrast to fibroblast growth factor-2 and interleukin-6, promotes human pulmonary pericyte differentiation into contractile smooth muscle–like cells.

Conclusions—

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of excessive pericyte coverage in distal pulmonary arteries in human PAH. We also show that this phenomenon is directly linked with pulmonary endothelial dysfunction.
Endocarditis Is a Common Stroke Mechanism in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ishida Koto , Brown Mesha Gay , Weiner Mark , Kobrin Sidney , Kasner Scott E. , Messé Steven R.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for ischemic stroke, and previous studies have noted a high rate of cardioembolism in this population. The aim of this study was to determine ischemic stroke causes among hemodialysis patients and elucidate specific cardioembolic stroke mechanisms.

Methods—

This study is a retrospective cross-sectional study of hemodialysis patients admitted with acute stroke to the University of Pennsylvania Health System between 2003 and 2010. Strokes were classified using modified Trial of Org 10 172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria as large vessel, cardioembolism, small vessel, atypical, multiple causes, or cryptogenic. Cardioembolic strokes were further characterized for specific mechanism.

Results—

We identified 52 patients hospitalized with acute stroke while receiving hemodialysis. Mean age was 64±13 years, 56% were female, and 67% were black. Stroke subtypes included 3 (6%) large vessel, 20 (38%) cardioembolism, 6 (11%) small vessel, 3 (6%) other, 4 (8%) with multiple causes, and 16 (31%) were unknown. Among patients who had an echocardiogram performed, 5 of 52 (10%; 95% confidence interval, 1%–18%) had a patent foramen ovale. Cardioembolic stroke mechanisms included 6 with infective endocarditis (accounting for 12% of all strokes).

Conclusions—

Cardioembolism and cryptogenic stroke are the predominant stroke mechanisms among hemodialysis patients. Infective endocarditis was identified frequently relative to other stroke cohorts, and a raised index of suspicion is warranted in the hemodialysis population.
The Indian Ocean Sea Surface Temperature Warming Simulated by CMIP5 Models during the Twentieth Century: Competing Forcing Roles of GHGs and Anthropogenic Aerosols
Authors: Dong Lu , Zhou Tianjun
Published: January 2014

The Indian Ocean exhibits a robust basinwide sea surface temperature (SST) warming during the twentieth century that has affected the hydrological cycle, atmospheric circulation, and global climate change. The competing roles of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and anthropogenic aerosols (AAs) with regard to the Indian Ocean warming are investigated by using 17 models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The increasing GHGs are considered to be one reason for the warming. Here model evidence is provided that the emission of AAs has slowed down the warming rate. With AAs, the warming trend has been slowed down by 0.34 K century−1. However, the cooling effect is weakened when only the direct aerosol effect is considered. GHGs and AAs have competed with each other in forming the basinwide warming pattern as well as the equatorial east–west dipole warming pattern. Both the basinwide warming effect of GHGs and the cooling effect of AAs, mainly through indirect aerosol effect, are established through atmospheric processes via radiative and turbulent fluxes. The positive contributions of surface latent heat flux from atmosphere and surface longwave radiation due to GHGs forcing dominate the basinwide warming, while the reductions of surface shortwave radiation, surface longwave radiation, and latent heat flux from atmosphere associated with AAs induce the basinwide cooling. The positive Indian Ocean dipole warming pattern is seen in association with the surface easterly wind anomaly during 1870–2005 along the equator, which is produced by the increase of GHGs but weakened by AAs via direct aerosol effects.
Development and Evaluation of an Autonomous Sensor for the Observation of Sediment Motion*
Authors: Frank Donya , Foster Diane , Chou Pai , Kao Yu-Min , Sou In Mei , Calantoni Joseph
Published: January 2014

Measurements within the mobile bed layer have been limited by previous Eulerian-based technologies. A microelectromechanical system device, called a smart sediment grain (SSG), that can measure and record Lagrangian observations of coastal sediments at incipient motion has been developed. These sensors have the potential to resolve fundamental hypotheses regarding the incipient motion of coastal sediments. Angle of repose experiments verified that the sensor enclosure has mobility characteristics similar to coarse gravel. Experiments conducted in a small oscillating flow tunnel verified that the sensors detect incipient motion under various hydrodynamic conditions. Evidence suggests the influence of pressure-gradient-induced sediment motion, contrary to the more commonly assumed bed shear stress criterion. Lagrangian measurements of rotation measured with the newly developed SSG agreed to within 5% of the rotation estimates made simultaneously with high-speed video cameras.
Delay and Refusal of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for Girls, National Immunization Survey–Teen, 2010
Authors: Dorell Christina , Yankey David , Jeyarajah Jenny , Stokley Shannon , Fisher Allison , Markowitz Lauri , Smith Philip J.
Published: January 2014

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage among girls is low. We used data reported by parents of 4103 girls, 13 to 17 years old, to assess associations with, and reasons for, delaying or refusing HPV vaccination. Sixty-nine percent of parents neither delayed nor refused vaccination, 11% delayed only, 17% refused only, and 3% both delayed and refused. Eighty-three percent of girls who delayed only, 19% who refused only, and 46% who both delayed and refused went on to initiate the vaccine series or intended to initiate it within the next 12 months. A significantly higher proportion of parents of girls who were non-Hispanic white, lived in households with higher incomes, and had mothers with higher education levels, delayed and/or refused vaccination. The most common reasons for nonvaccination were concerns about lasting health problems from the vaccine, wondering about the vaccine’s effectiveness, and believing the vaccine is not needed.
Changing meanings of family in personal relationships
Authors: Wall Karin , Gouveia Rita
Published: January 2014

Personal relationships are today less dependent on marriage and blood ties, with commitments going far beyond the nuclear co-resident family to include kin, non-kin and ex-kin. The aim of this article is to examine the meanings of family bonds by exploring the changing boundaries between kinship ties and a wider array of affinities, in a Southern European country with a specific pathway (Portugal). The authors begin by analysing the ties which individuals consider as ‘family’ within their personal networks and describe the main types of family configurations. They then examine the determinants of including non-kin as ‘family’ and excluding kin from the family network. Findings reveal the salience of kinship ties, as well as greater fluidity in the social construction of family bonds, in particular through friendship. Structural, life stage and family variables are shaping factors, but relational effects, linked to the quality of the tie, are of particular importance.
Boundaries crossing and blurring: The case of Tali Fahima
Authors: Sion Liora
Published: January 2014

This article applies the case of Tali Fahima, an Israeli woman who was convicted of aiding the enemy during wartime, in order to analyse how the ethno-national community is threatened by members it fails to control and fit into existing categories. The author argues that what makes an assumingly bright boundary so sensitive and problematic to cross is not its impenetrability but its actual vulnerability. The state tries to police uncertain citizens and if necessary to expunge them from the collective in order to imagine the boundaries as bright again. The author examines how Fahima used her privileged body to protect a Palestinian insurgent and the ways in which her body is invested with the meanings of national, ethnic and sexual boundaries and analyses how the Israeli security services, courts, media and public define proper citizenship and belonging.
Weighing without Touching: Applying Electrical Capacitance Tomography to Mass Flowrate Measurement in Multiphase Flows
Authors: Hunt Andrew
Published: January 2014

Electrical capacitance tomography has a well-established reputation as a research tool and has been used in a number of industrial applications including dry solids flows, gas–liquid flows, and wet gas flows. Electrical capacitance tomography can give detailed flow structure information that has been experimentally validated against other techniques. Here, we focus on its use for measuring the detailed flow structure and overall mass flowrate of dispersed dry solids in gravity-drop flows. Electrical capacitance tomography–based flowmeters capable of being mass-produced and deployed into the commercial industrial environment are being developed, and prototypes are available, but none are yet in full-scale manufacture. Sensors of this type are being designed for applications in milling, power generation, and pneumatic transport. The same sensor technology may also be applied to measurements of gas–liquid flows in oilfield applications.
Reclaiming Instinct
Authors: Malkemus Samuel Arthur
Published: January 2014

Is instinct a viable concept for contemporary psychology? At the turn of the 20th century the concept of human instinct was the focus of extensive discussion. Today instinct has been all but forgotten. This article explores the historical circumstances that led to the rejection of the concept of human instinct. It then turns a critical eye to a number of presuppositions that continue to equate instinct with preprogrammed genetic mechanisms. An expanded and holistic understanding of instinctual life that includes the subjective reality of the organism is then explored. It is suggested that such an expanded account may be a valuable and necessary theoretical tool for broadening our understanding of human psychology as intimately connected to its evolutionary past.
Explaining High-Risk Concentrations of Crime in the City
Authors: Braga Anthony A. , Clarke Ronald V.
Published: January 2014

The empirical observation that a small number of micro places generate the bulk of urban crime problems has become a criminological axiom. Explanations for the persistence of high-crime places have traditionally drawn upon opportunity theories of crime. In a new book, Weisburd, Groff, and Yang suggest that social disorganization could also be a powerful explanation for the uneven distribution of crime within neighborhoods. In this article, we explain briefly why their empirical work considerably sharpens knowledge about crime concentrations in the city. We then offer a critique of their conclusions concerning the relative contributions of social and situational variables in explaining crime hot spots and the preventive implications they draw from these findings. Finally, we suggest new research that could invigorate the debate on the formation and persistence of high-crime places and could support interventions that seek to change the situational precipitators and facilitators of crime.
Simulation optimization of a multi-stage multi-product paint shop line with Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Dengiz Berna , Belgin Onder
Published: January 2014

Recently, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has attracted a growing interest, along with other simulation optimization (SO) techniques, for non-parametric modeling and robust optimization of systems. In the optimization stage of this study, the authors use RSM to find optimum working conditions of a system. The authors also use discrete event simulation modeling, optimization stage integration, design of experiment (DOE) and sensitivity analysis (a) to investigate the behavior of a real paint shop production line via construction of response surface plots and (b) to reveal the influence of input variables, as well as to determine interaction effects between them. The proposed approach presents an approximation model management structure for the computation-intensive optimization problem of an automotive factory with reduced variance, computational cost and amount of effort.
Development of heat-generating polyester fiber harnessing catalytic ceramic powder combined with heat-generating super microorganisms
Authors: Bahng Gun-Woong , Lee Jong Doo
Published: January 2014

One of the major purposes of fiber is to protect the body from hazardous environments and keep the body temperature at its normal level. To enhance thermal insulation, specially processed fibers have been produced to form air pockets, or various types of heat storage materials are mixed with polymer fiber filament yarns. In addition to thermal insulation, heat-generating fibers have recently been developed. In terms of heat-generating mechanism, there are two methods: the chemical method in which heat is generated through reaction with sweat, and physical method, which converts kinetic energy into thermal energy through the continuous expansion and contraction of fibers. Unlike these heat-generating methods, a brand-new fiber that generates heat using microorganisms was developed. Heat-generating polyester yarn was successfully produced by combining heat-generating microorganisms and ceramic powder together. New fabrics made with this yarn showed superior thermal properties compared to other specially developed fabrics for good thermal insulation. In addition to this, since ceramic powder is embedded in yarns, the heat-generating function of fiber was found to operate normally despite tens of washing. This process may open up a new possibility for the development of functional textiles.
Study on shrinkage of cashmere sweater knitted with high-count worsted yarns
Authors: Li Mei-Zhen , Ma Wen-Xiao , Chen Xiang-Yun
Published: January 2014

Shrinkage instability is currently the main difficulty that occurs during the production of cashmere sweaters manufactured with high-count worsted yarns. By evaluating the details at various processing stages, four factors that affect the shrinkage of high-count yarn cashmere sweaters are determined, including the quality indexes of cashmere fiber, the decolorizing process, the yarn counts, and the dyeing process. The shrinkage regularities are shown in these aspects: the longer the cashmere fiber, the lower the yarn/clothing shrinkage; the greater the fiber strength, the lower the yarn/clothing shrinkage; the more the yarn count, the larger the yarn/clothing shrinkage. The shrinkage of natural white cashmere is lower than that of natural color (gray or brown) cashmere. The shrinkage of decolorized cashmere becomes larger than that of natural color cashmere, but the shrinkage of dyed cashmere (especially with weak acid dyes) is even greater than that of the decolorized fiber. These results should lead to the development of some practical processes and appropriate measures to control the high and unstable shrinkage of the cashmere sweater.
The further development and evaluation of an automatic dismantler of short staple ring-spun yarns
Authors: Fassihi Akbar , Hunter Lawrance
Published: January 2014

There is often a need to dismantle staple fiber yarns into their component fibers, without significantly changing the fiber physical properties, or damaging the fibers in the process, so that the fibers can be tested for their physical properties. In the past, this could only be done by the very time-consuming and tedious manual method. In view of this, an instrument, termed the yarn dismantler, which could automatically dismantle short staple ring-spun yarns, was developed and patented. This paper reports research undertaken on Upland cotton ring-spun yarns to further develop, evaluate and optimize the original demonstration model into a final prototype ready for commercialization. Results are presented which show that, according to Advanced Fibre Information System (AFIS) single fiber length tests, the fibers from automatically dismantled ring-spun cotton yarns are very similar in their properties to those dismantled by hand (manually). It was also found that, at a speed of 2 m/min, the yarn dismantler functioned very well, enabling the length of cotton yarn required for subsequent AFIS testing to be dismantled within an acceptable time of less than 10 minutes, with excellent reproducibility of results and without changing the fiber length properties. According to the test results obtained here, neither steaming the dismantled fiber strand nor the spinning draft appeared to affect the dismantled fiber length significantly, or in a consistent manner.
High-accuracy online calibration system for electronic voltage transformers with digital output
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Li Hongbin , Zhang Zhi , Luo Pandian , Li Hongfeng , Zhang Wenlu
Published: January 2014

The accuracy and stability of electronic transformers (ETs) is the guarantee of the safe and reliable operation of a power system. As an emerging technology, however, the ETs’ failure rate is higher than that of traditional transformers. As a result, the calibration period should be shortened. Existing calibration methods address the verification on condition that the ETs and lines are powered off, which has a long calibration period and results in a power-off loss. As a result, an online calibration system for electronic voltage transformers (EVTs) is proposed in this paper. Employing a specially designed standard voltage online measuring unit, the proposed system can obtain the high voltage signals without powering off and do the calibration when the EVTs are working. The power-off loss can be avoided, and problems of the running EVTs can be detected in time. The main factors influencing the system accuracy are addressed. The system has been validated by the Quality Inspection and Testing Center of the China Electric Power Research Institute, and field tests have been conducted in Guizhou Electric Power Company. The results show that the proposed system has good reliability and can reach an accuracy class of 0.05 in complicated electromagnetic circumstances.
Families United/Familias Unidas
Authors: Kutob Randa M. , Siwik Violet Perez , Aickin Mikel , Ritenbaugh Cheryl
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of the Families United/Familias Unidas study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of group office visits on reducing diabetes risk in a multiethnic, primary care population.

Methods

Adults, ages 18 to 70 years, with any diabetes risk factor were recruited to attend 12 group office visits over 6 months. Each participant identified 1 support person, age 14 to 70 years, to accompany them. Data were collected at baseline, postintervention, 6 months, and 12 months. Primary outcome measures were reduction in the total number of predefined, modifiable risk factors (ie, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2; waist circumference ≥88 cm [women], ≥102 cm [men]; blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg; hemoglobin A1C ≥5.7%; fasting insulin ≥15 µU/mL; glycemic index ≥52.5% [women], ≥53.4% [men]; and physical activity <150 min/wk).

Results

Thirty-nine participants/supporters completed the intervention (mean age 47.8 ± 12.3 years, 69.2% female, 61.5% white, 35.9% Latino). Risk reduction analysis included only participants/supporters who remained paired at the intervention’s end (n = 36). At baseline, primary participants (n = 18) had an average of 4.8 ± 1.6 (standard error) predefined risk factors; supporters (n = 18), 4.1 ± 1.4. Primary participants’ risk factors decreased approximately 15% immediately after the 6-month intervention (absolute reduction of 1.1 risk factors) and increased to ~20% reduction 1 year postintervention (absolute reduction of 1.4 risk factors). Risk reduction was primarily due to decreases in dietary glycemic index and fasting insulin levels.

Conclusions

Group visits provide an innovative and potentially efficacious model of diabetes prevention in multiethnic patients with heterogeneous risk factors.
Possible Selves and Depressive Symptoms in Later Life
Authors: Bolkan Cory , Hooker Karen , Coehlo Deborah
Published: January 2014

The pursuit of personal goals has been linked to general psychological well-being; however, less is known about the association with depression in later adulthood when individuals are contending with age-related changes in health and social relationships. We explored the connection between both health- and social related goals (as measured by possible selves) and depressive symptoms in a sample of 85 community-dwelling older adults who ranged in age from 60 to 92 ( M = 74, standard deviation = 7.5). Participants took part in face-to-face, semistructured interviews in which they responded to measures of possible selves (future images of oneself), health, and depressive symptoms. We found that the presence of health-related, but not social-related, possible selves was significantly associated with fewer reported depressive symptoms. Additionally, the presence of health-related fears was specifically linked to fewer reported depressive symptoms. These findings suggested that the promotion of and investment in health-related personal goals may be useful in off-setting depressive symptoms in older adults, as well as indicated a potential benefit of a disease prevention focus regarding health in later life. Finally, the results may have implications for potential clinical interventions in addressing late-life depression.
Exception, decision and philosophic politics
Authors: Moran Brendan
Published: January 2014

Walter Benjamin’s writings are often read in terms of their emphasis on undecidability. This article focuses on Benjamin’s view of decision as a philosophic capacity to suspend recognizable myth. Myth is recognizable as closure. Myth becomes recognizable as myth when exceptions and extremes arise in relation to it. Without necessarily following the specific exception or extreme (which may itself be mythic), philosophy is a politics that is attuned to the capacity of an exception or extreme to perform the limit of a specific mythic form. In elaborating philosophically impelled decision as a capacity to take exception to myth, the article compares Benjamin’s works with writings by Agamben, Schmitt, Hiller, Sorel, Derrida and others. At various points in the article, and especially towards the end, the discussion of the notion of philosophic decision includes consideration of ways in which aspects of Benjamin’s enmity to myth might themselves become mythic, unphilosophic.
Bringing discursive ideals to legal facts
Authors: Zurn Christopher F.
Published: January 2014

In Between Facts and Norms (1992) Habermas set out a theory of law and politics that is linked both to our high normative expectations and to the realities consequent upon the practices and institutions meant to put them into effect. The article discusses Hugh Baxter’s Habermas: The Discourse Theory of Law and Democracy and the drawbacks he finds in Habermas’ theory. It focuses on raising questions about and objections to some of the author’s leading claims.
Hyperglycemia as a Potential Prognostic Factor of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Ryu Ohk Hyun , Choi Moon Gi , Park Chan Hum , Kim Dong‐Kyu , Lee Joong Seob , Lee Jun Ho
Published: January 2014

Objective

Hyperglycemia is not identified as a significant prognostic factor for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in any literature. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic value of hyperglycemia in predicting hearing recovery.

Study Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Patients were classified into 3 groups according to their glucose tolerance using the 75‐gram oral glucose tolerance test and hemoglobin A1c test as follows: (1) a normal glucose tolerance group, (2) a prediabetes group, which included patients with impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose levels, and (3) a diabetes mellitus group.

Results

Among 94 patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, 45 were classified into the normal glucose tolerance group, 28 into the prediabetes group, and 21 into the diabetes mellitus group. The recovery rate of the normal glucose tolerance group was not higher than that of the diabetes mellitus group (P =. 140). However, when the prediabetes and diabetes mellitus groups were collectively defined as the impaired glucose regulation (hyperglycemia) group, the hearing recovery rate of the normal glucose tolerance (normoglycemia) group was significantly better than that of the impaired glucose regulation group (P =. 038).

Conclusion

We suggest that hyperglycemia may be a potential negative prognostic factor for hearing recovery in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Further interventional studies should be followed to determine whether hearing outcomes of the impaired glucose regulation group may be improved to the same extent as those of the normal glucose tolerance group after strict glycemic control.
Multiple coronary fistulae to left ventricle, with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Uyar Ihsan Sami , Akpinar Besir , Senarslan Omer , Sahin Veysel , Uc Halil
Published: January 2014

A rare case of myocardial infarction secondary to multiple coronary artery fistulae is described. Coronary angiography showed the fistulae originating from the distal septal branch of the left anterior descending artery and distal branches of the right coronary and circumflex arteries, and drained into the left ventricle. A myocardial perfusion scan showed a fixed perfusion defect.
Circumstances, Resources, and Weight Status Outcomes Among Middle School Students
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kevin M. , Willis Don , O’Connor Gail
Published: January 2014

Obesity continues to plague U.S. school-age populations. A number of individual/structural circumstances have been identified as increasing the risk of poor health among children. The article’s aim is to examine some of these circumstances and their relationship to students being overweight/obese, while highlighting resource variables as potential mediators to these negative circumstances. Using a sample of fifth- to seventh-grade students ( n = 334) attending a middle school in Northwest Arkansas, logistic regression models assessed the odds of students being overweight/obese compared with students of normal weight for their age and gender. Overall, students with higher depressive symptomatology and lower perceived social class were more likely (higher odds) to be overweight/obese. Students reporting higher levels of social and psychological resources were less likely (lower odds) to be overweight/obese; an inspection of changes in the circumstance’s coefficients found once resources were introduced, resources appeared to play some mediating role in the final model.
The Effectiveness of Preventive Programs in Decreasing the Risk of Soccer Injuries in Belgium
Authors: Bollars Peter , Claes Steven , Vanlommel Luc , Van Crombrugge Kris , Corten Kristoff , Bellemans Johan
Published: January 2014

Background:

Although characterized by a relatively high injury rate, soccer is the world’s most popular sport. In Belgium, the national Royal Belgian Football Association involves about 420,000 licensed players, whose injury reports are collected in a nationwide registry. Over a period of 10 years, the association has introduced the Fédération Internationale de Football Association preventive programs and has initiated a stringent postponement policy of competition in case of nonoptimal weather conditions.

Hypothesis:

The authors questioned whether these preventive programs effectively decreased the incidence of soccer-related injuries.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

The authors compared the incidence, location, timing, and severity of all registered soccer injuries in Belgium during 2 complete seasons separated by a decade (1999-2000 vs 2009-2010).

Results:

A total of 56,364 injuries were reported, with an average of 6.8 injuries per 100 players per season. There was a 21.1% reduction in injury rate in the second season (rate ratio = 0.789; 95% confidence interval, 0.776-0.802), predominantly caused by a significant reduction in injuries during the winter period. In both seasons, an injury peak was noted during the first 3 months of the season. Recreational players had a higher risk for injury than national-level players (7.2 vs 4.4 injuries per 100 players per season; rate ratio = 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-1.69). The relative proportion of severe injuries was higher for female players and male youth players in general.

Conclusion:

The introduction of injury preventive programs has led to a significant reduction of soccer-related injuries, especially during the winter period. However, there is still room for improvement, and preventive programs can become more effective when specific parameters are targeted, such as adequate conditioning of players in the preseason.
Clinical Profiling in Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Filardo Giuseppe , Kon Elizaveta , Andriolo Luca , Di Matteo Berardo , Balboni Federica , Marcacci Maurilio
Published: January 2014

Background:

Matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) was developed to overcome the limitations of first-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation. Although short-term/midterm results are now available for a small series of patients, the literature still lacks studies on large cohorts of patients evaluated at midterm/long-term follow-up.

Purpose:

Not all patients can have the same benefit from this procedure. The aim of this study is to analyze a large cohort of patients treated with hyaluronan-based MACT to perform clinical profiling and to highlight the patient- and lesion-specific aspects that play a key role in determining the prognosis.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 142 patients were treated for lesions involving the femoral condyles and trochleae; 133 knees were followed up yearly for 7 years. The average size of the defects was 2.3 ± 1.0 cm2. The origin was traumatic in 44 cases and degenerative in 57 cases, and 32 knees were affected by osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). The clinical outcome was analyzed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), EuroQol visual analog scale, and Tegner scores. The influence of the following factors was analyzed: sex, age, body mass index, site, lesion origin, lesion size, previous or combined surgery, and symptom duration.

Results:

A marked improvement in all scores was found: the IKDC subjective score increased from the basal level of 39.6 ± 14.4 to 71.9 ± 19.8 ( P < .0005) at 12 months; a further improvement was observed at 24 months (77.0 ± 20.5; P < .0005). The results were stable over time up to the 7-year evaluation (77.4 ± 22.1). The failure rate was 10.7%. Better results were seen in the trochleae, and among femoral condyles, the following factors were found to influence the clinical outcome positively: traumatic and OCD origin, male sex, short symptom duration (for traumatic lesions), small lesion size (for OCD), young age, and no previous surgery.

Conclusion:

Treatment with MACT provides good and stable clinical results. Injury origin, sex, symptom duration, lesion size, lesion site, age, and previous surgery might determine the final outcome and can be used as a sort of clinical profiling to guide the surgeon in the choice of this procedure and in giving realistic expectations to patients requiring cartilage treatment.
The Impacts of Gender Differences in Social Capital on Microenterprise Business Start-Up
Authors: Kim Seon Mi
Published: January 2014

The Microenterprise Development Programs (MDPs) in the United States provide low-income women with business training and loans for their business start-up. This study investigates whether gender differences in social capital influence business start-up in order to find implications to improve female micro-entrepreneurs’ business start-up. By analyzing the data from Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamic (2001–2004), this research finds that women are less likely to utilize bridging and linking social capital for their businesses and also are less likely to start up business compared to men. This study provides implications that U.S. MDPs need to develop gender-specific social capital interventions that support female participants’ business start-up.
Effect of γ radiation on the performance of jute fabrics-reinforced urethane-based thermoset composites
Authors: Poddar Pinku , Arafat Yasir , Dey Kamol , Khan RA , Chowdhury AM Sarwaruddin
Published: January 2014

Hessian cloth-reinforced urethane acrylate-based thermoset composites were prepared by compression molding. The composition of the matrix solution was formulated with different concentrations of urethane acrylate ((F1: 55%, F2: 65%, F3: 75%, F4: 85%, and F5: 95%) in solvent methanol (44.5, 34.5, 24.5, 14.5, and 4.5%) along with thermal photoinitiator benzyl peroxide (0.5%). Mechanical properties of the composites were examined. It was found that F4 with 85% urethane acrylate-based composite showed the best results. The maximum value of tensile strength (TS), bending strength (BS), tensile modulus (TM), bending modulus (BM), and elongation at break (Eb%) were found to be 47 MPa, 61 MPa, 1250 MPa, 1550 MPa, and 9.38%, respectively, for F4-treated composites. Different intensities of γ radiation (100–500 krad) were applied on F4-soaked hessian cloth-reinforced composites. The mechanical properties of the irradiated composites were found to increase significantly compared with those of nonirradiated composites. The maximum TS, BS, TM, and BM for the treated composites were found to be 66 MPa, 84 MPa, 1882 MPa, and 2250 MPa, respectively, at 300 krad dose. Water uptake and soil degradation test of the composites were also performed.
Government Funding of Private Voluntary Organizations
Authors: Nikolova Milena
Published: January 2014

Private voluntary organizations (PVOs) are pivotal partners for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in implementing U.S. development projects abroad. Using PVO-level panel data from 1947 to 2005, this study shows that when government funding is up to a third of total PVO revenues (depending on the model), it attracts additional private donations; beyond that level, however, it displaces funding from private sources. The crowding-out effect occurs at lower levels of government funding for secular than for religious nonprofits. The results also demonstrate that while donors do not contribute to PVOs based on information about organizational efficiency, organizational age is positively correlated with private donations. U.S. donors are sensitive to government funding from both national and international sources, meanwhile. The results are robust to alternative specifications and a panel mortality correction.
Development of a consistent continuum of the dimensional parameters of a vehicle for optimization and simulation
Authors: Mau Robert J , Venhovens Paul J
Published: January 2014

Parametric vehicle modeling permits rapid iteration and optimization of vehicles in the conceptual design phase. A significant portion of vehicle design can be optimized parametrically without knowing specific details based on computer-aided design. Many overall characteristics of a vehicle such as the curb mass, the location of the center of gravity, the key dimensions, the occupant packaging, and the cargo volume can be assessed and improved at the parametric level. Targets for the vehicle such as the 0–60 mile/h acceleration time, the stopping distance, the fuel economy, the low-speed turn radius and aspects of the vehicle dynamics and handling can also be determined to a high level of confidence. In developing the vehicle’s dimensions for a parametric model it is recommended that a vehicle is built up using an ‘inside-out’ approach centered on effective knowledge-based occupant packaging. This work develops a continuum of the dimensional parameters which tie the vehicle’s internal and external dimensions together; it employs a combination of industry standard dimensions and component dimensions defined by the present authors, which make up the outside dimensions of the overall vehicle. In order to develop and optimize models for a desired vehicle type and size class, a knowledge base of typical values for the key dimensional parameters of a vehicle was compiled using a combination of data sources and field measurements. These values provide a useful starting point for the vehicle design and optimization process. They also increase optimization effectiveness, reducing the likelihood of local minima and maxima, and ensure that optimization begins within a valid design space.
Experimental and numerical analysis of the dynamic behavior of variant suspensions for tactical trucks
Authors: Liao Y Gene , O’Malley Molly , Quail Allen M
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the experimental and numerical analysis for the performance capabilities of front-suspension systems for cargo trucks in the family of medium tactical vehicles. The front suspension of the current baseline family of medium tactical vehicles consists of a solid axle with leaf springs and shock absorbers. Six other types of suspension systems including semi-active and passive suspensions are evaluated in solid-axle and fully independent configurations. Extensive proving ground tests for on- and off-road conditions are conducted to evaluate the basic handling parameters and the braking maneuvers. Numerical analysis involves the case in which the baseline vehicle passes washout maximum potholes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance capabilities of various suspension technologies which are being considered for the design of future family of medium tactical vehicles for mobility performance improvement.
One-dimensional combustion model with detailed chemistry for transient diesel sprays
Authors: Ma Guanqin , Tauzia Xavier , Maiboom Alain
Published: January 2014

A new quasi-dimensional multi-zone diesel combustion model was developed, using the Musculus–Kattke transient spray model. The later is modified and extended in order to take into account fuel evaporation, to deal with multiple species and to account for temperature changes due to mixing and combustion. The spray model is then coupled with the CHEMKIN code to calculate the chemical reaction rates and to evaluate the ignition delay and the combustion rate. The results are first compared with those from the original Musculus–Kattke model in the case of a non-vaporizing inert spray. Good agreement is found. Then, experiments from the Engine Combustion Network database are used to evaluate the code on diesel-like combustion realized in a combustion vessel. Several tests are first conducted to set the values of the various numerical parameters of the model. Then a detailed analysis of the results is provided for a test case. Finally, two parametric studies are performed, relative to the ambient temperature and the oxygen concentration. The agreement of the model with the experiments is qualitatively good. However, some quantitative discrepancies appear, especially at low temperatures or for diluted combustions.
Functional verification and performance tests of an ultra-low shock non-explosive actuator for hold-down and release mechanisms for space applications
Authors: Morais OMF , Vasques CMA , Perestrelo C , Pimenta V , Baldesi G
Published: January 2014

This paper addresses the functional verification and performance assessment of an ultra-low shock non-explosive actuator appropriate to space applications of hold-down and release mechanisms. To demonstrate that the design implementation and manufacturing methods have resulted in an engineering model conforming to the set of functional, performance and environmental requirements specified, a space qualification test campaign is typically required. To ensure the readiness of the engineering model and the adequacy of the mechanical and electrical ground support equipment required for the entire qualification test campaign, a set of functional verification procedures and performance characterization tests were systematized and undertaken before the mechanism qualification. A preload monitoring system was developed and calibrated, and the performance of the mechanism was evaluated through the estimation of the release time and the measurement of the self-generated shock. The main results and conclusions taken from these tests are presented and discussed here.
Numerical and experimental investigation of the mean and turbulent characteristics of a wing-tip vortex in the near field
Authors: O’Regan Micheál S , Griffin Philip C , Young Trevor M
Published: January 2014

The near-field (up to three chord lengths) development of a wing-tip vortex is investigated both numerically and experimentally. The research was conducted in a medium speed wind tunnel on a NACA 0012 square tip half-wing at a Reynolds number of 3.2 × 105. A full Reynolds stress turbulence model with a hybrid unstructured grid was used to compute the wing-tip vortex in the near field while an x-wire anemometer and five-hole probe recorded the experimental results. The mean flow of the computed vortex was in good agreement with experiment as the circulation parameter was within 6% of the experimental value at x/ c = 0 for α = 10° and the crossflow velocity magnitude was within 1% of the experimental value at x/ c = 1 for α = 5°. The trajectory of the computed vortex was also in good agreement as it had moved inboard by the same amount (10% chord) as the experimental vortex at the last measurement location. The axial velocity excess is under predicted for α = 10°, whereas the velocity deficit is in relatively good agreement for α = 5°. The computed Reynolds shear stress component 〈 u′v′〉 is in good agreement with experiment at x/ c = 0 for α = 5°, but is greatly under predicted further downstream and at all locations for α = 10°. It is thought that a lack of local grid refinement in the vortex core and deficiencies in the Reynolds stress turbulence model may have led to errors in the mean flow and turbulence results respectively.
HIV knowledge, risk perception and avoidant behaviour change among Sierra Leonean refugees in Guinea
Authors: Woodward Aniek , Howard Natasha , Kollie Sarah , Souare Yaya , von Roenne Anna , Borchert Matthias
Published: January 2014

A common assumption underpinning health communications design in humanitarian settings is that increasing knowledge and risk perception will lead to appropriate behaviour change. This study compares associations of HIV knowledge and perceived risk with reported HIV-avoidant behaviour changes and sexual health choices from a community survey of 698 sexually experienced male and female Sierra Leonean refugees in Guinea. HIV knowledge was not significantly associated with reported HIV-avoidant changes (OR 1.25; adjusted for gender; 95%CI 0.76–2.04), while perceived HIV risk was negatively associated (OR 0.38, adjusted for age at sexual debut; 95%CI 0.22–0.66). Trying to conceive was the main reason reported for not using condoms or other contraception (28%; 138/498), followed by current pregnancy/lactation (19%; 93/498). Results suggest contextual factors (e.g. desire for children) can be as important as knowledge and risk-perception, and HIV prevention initiatives in stable and chronic humanitarian settings should account for these.
A five-year self-sustainability analysis of nurse-administered HIV rapid testing in Veterans Affairs primary care
Authors: Knapp Herschel , Hagedorn Hildi , Anaya Henry D
Published: January 2014

In 2008, nurse-administered HIV oral rapid testing (RT) was introduced at the Veterans Affairs Primary Care Clinic in Downtown Los Angeles. Analysis at five years revealed variable yet increasing rates of HIV RT at that facility despite the fact that no post-launch support was provided by the implementation team. Qualitative interviews among stakeholders conducted at five years revealed the pre-existing implementation practices endemic to this clinic that facilitated this unprecedented success (e.g. history of positive quality improvement implementations, leadership support, clinician involvement at each step of the process to facilitate empowerment, ownership and feasible customisation of the implementation, cohesive communication among clinicians and leadership, training, efficient supply pathway, progressive performance feedback and ongoing encouragement).
Gossip and Ostracism Promote Cooperation in Groups
Authors: Feinberg Matthew , Willer Robb , Schultz Michael
Published: January 2014

The widespread existence of cooperation is difficult to explain because individuals face strong incentives to exploit the cooperative tendencies of others. In the research reported here, we examined how the spread of reputational information through gossip promotes cooperation in mixed-motive settings. Results showed that individuals readily communicated reputational information about others, and recipients used this information to selectively interact with cooperative individuals and ostracize those who had behaved selfishly, which enabled group members to contribute to the public good with reduced threat of exploitation. Additionally, ostracized individuals responded to exclusion by subsequently cooperating at levels comparable to those who were not ostracized. These results suggest that the spread of reputational information through gossip can mitigate egoistic behavior by facilitating partner selection, thereby helping to solve the problem of cooperation even in noniterated interactions.