bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Help-seeking behaviour and adolescent self-harm: A systematic review
Authors: Rowe Sarah L , French Rebecca S , Henderson Claire , Ougrin Dennis , Slade Mike , Moran Paul
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Self-harm is common in adolescence, but most young people who self-harm do not seek professional help. The aim of this literature review was to determine (a) the sources of support adolescents who self-harm access if they seek help, and (b) the barriers and facilitators to help-seeking for adolescents who self-harm.

Method:

Using a pre-defined search strategy we searched databases for terms related to self-harm, adolescents and help-seeking. Studies were included in the review if participants were aged 11–19 years.

Results:

Twenty articles met criteria for inclusion. Between a third and one half of adolescents who self-harm do not seek help for this behaviour. Of those who seek help, results showed adolescents primarily turned to friends and family for support. The Internet may be more commonly used as a tool for self-disclosure rather than asking for help. Barriers to help-seeking included fear of negative reactions from others including stigmatisation, fear of confidentiality being breached and fear of being seen as ‘attention-seeking’. Few facilitators of help-seeking were identified.

Conclusions:

Of the small proportion of adolescents who seek help for their self-harm, informal sources are the most likely support systems accessed. Interpersonal barriers and a lack of knowledge about where to go for help may impede help-seeking. Future research should address the lack of knowledge regarding the facilitators of help-seeking behaviour in order to improve the ability of services to engage with this vulnerable group of young people.
The Interaction of Ability Differences and Guessing When Modeling Differential Item Functioning With the Rasch Model
Authors: DeMars Christine E. , Jurich Daniel P.
Published: October 2014

In educational testing, differential item functioning (DIF) statistics must be accurately estimated to ensure the appropriate items are flagged for inspection or removal. This study showed how using the Rasch model to estimate DIF may introduce considerable bias in the results when there are large group differences in ability (impact) and the data follow a three-parameter logistic model. With large group ability differences, difficult non-DIF items appeared to favor the focal group and easy non-DIF items appeared to favor the reference group. Correspondingly, the effect sizes for DIF items were biased. These effects were mitigated when data were coded as missing for item–examinee encounters in which the person measure was considerably lower than the item location. Explanation of these results is provided by illustrating how the item response function becomes differentially distorted by guessing depending on the groups’ ability distributions. In terms of practical implications, results suggest that measurement practitioners should not trust the DIF estimates from the Rasch model when there is a large difference in ability and examinees are potentially able to answer items correctly by guessing, unless data from examinees poorly matched to the item difficulty are coded as missing.
Teachers’ Preferences to Teach Underserved Students
Authors: Ronfeldt Matthew , Kwok Andrew , Reininger Michelle
Published: October 2014

To increase the supply of teachers into underserved schools, teacher educators and policymakers commonly use two approaches: (a) recruit individuals who already report strong preferences to work in underserved schools or (b) design pre-service preparation to increase preferences. Using survey and administrative data on more than 1,000 teachers in a large, urban district, this study provides some of the first district-level evidence for both approaches. Individuals with stronger underserved preferences and teachers of color were more likely to enter underserved schools. Underserved preferences also increased across pre-service student teaching, although increases were mostly unrelated to working with underserved student populations.
What kind of theory – if any – is securitization?
Authors: Balzacq Thierry , Guzzini Stefano , Williams Michael C , Wæver Ole , Patomäki Heikki
Published: October 2014

One of the great appeals of securitization theory, and a major reason for its success, has been its usefulness as a tool for empirical research: an analytic framework capable of practical application. However, the development of securitization has raised several criticisms, the most important of which concern the nature of securitization theory. In fact, the appropriate methods, the research puzzles and type of evidence accepted all derive to a great extent from the kind of theory scholars bequeath their faith to. This Forum addresses the following questions: What type of theory (if any) is securitization? How many kinds of theories of securitization do we have? How can the differences between theories of securitization be drawn? What is the status of exceptionalism within securitization theories, and what difference does it make to their understandings of the relationship between security and politics? Finally, if securitization commands that leaders act now before it is too late, what status has temporality therein? Is temporality enabling securitization to absorb risk analysis or does it expose its inherent theoretical limits?
Sweet love
Authors: Ren Dongning , Tan Kenneth , Arriaga Ximena B. , Chan Kai Qin
Published: October 2014

Terms of endearment such as “sweetie,” “honey,” and “sugar” are commonly used in the context of describing romantic partners. This article explores how a relatively subtle manipulation, namely taste sensations, might influence romantic perceptions of a nonestablished relationship. Consistent with predictions, results from Studies 1 and 2 ( n = 280) showed that participants evaluated a hypothetical relationship, but not an existing relationship, more favorably when exposed to sweet taste compared to non-sweet taste control. Study 3 ( n = 142) further showed that participants indicated greater interest in initiating a relationship with a potential partner when exposed to sweet taste, as compared to control participants. Implications for the role of sweet taste experiences in attraction and relationship initiation are discussed.
Death on Facebook
Authors: Rossetto Kelly R. , Lannutti Pamela J. , Strauman Elena C.
Published: October 2014

Although research has highlighted potential benefits social media sites present for the bereaved (Carroll & Landry, 2010; Sanderson & Cheong, 2010), there is also the potential for problematic effects (Kern, Forman, & Gil-Egui, 2013). This study examines the ways in which the social networking site Facebook was helpful and unhelpful to participants ( N = 265) when someone they knew died. Analysis of 454 thought units revealed three themes describing participants’ experiences with communication on Facebook during bereavement: news dissemination, preservation, and community. The results suggest that Facebook communication is both beneficial and challenging for bereaved users, which may produce a coping paradox. Implications of grief-related mediated communication and the coping paradox are explored.
Effects of olanzapine on the elevation of macrophage infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in female rats
Authors: Zhang Qingsheng , He Meng , Deng Chao , Wang Hongqin , Huang Xu-Feng
Published: October 2014

The metabolic side-effects of olanzapine have undermined drug compliance and increased concern for this otherwise-effective treatment for schizophrenia. As obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with low-grade inflammation, and olanzapine-induced weight gain has three typical stages, the current study investigated the inflammatory effects of olanzapine in three treatment stages. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally with olanzapine (1 mg/kg three times daily) or vehicle for one week, two weeks, and five weeks. Olanzapine significantly increased body weight and white visceral fat deposition in all three treatment stages compared to control. Olanzapine enhanced average adipocyte size and level of macrophage infiltration in white adipose tissue (WAT) compared to control, with levels of macrophage infiltration increased over time. There was a high correlation between adipocyte size and macrophage infiltration rate. Olanzapine also caused increased macrophage infiltration in brown adipose tissue (BAT), but not liver. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were upregulated by olanzapine in the hypothalamus, WAT, and BAT compared to control, but not the liver. Finally, plasma triglycerides were elevated by olanzapine compared to control, but not total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) or low density lipoprotein (LDL). These findings indicate that olanzapine-induced inflammation and adiposity are closely related, and that peripheral low-grade inflammation develops during olanzapine treatment.
The organizational culture of public sector organizations in Australia
Authors: Harrison Graeme L , Baird Kevin M
Published: October 2014

This paper provides an empirical description of the organizational culture of public sector organizations in Australia. A comparison of the culture over time and in comparison to the culture of private sector organizations is provided. Data were collected through mail survey questionnaires. The findings show variations in culture and in cultural change across different types of public sector organizations. While some types, specifically local councils, have come to emulate the culture of private sector organizations, the results show little change having occurred in the culture of other types, specifically government departments and agencies, which continue to lag behind their private sector counterparts in the cultural factors of Outcome Orientation and Innovation.
Concurrent momentum and contrarian strategies in the Australian stock market
Authors: Doan Minh Phuong , Alexeev Vitali , Brooks Robert
Published: October 2014

We investigate the coexistence of momentum and contrarian strategies in the Australian equity market from 1992 to 2011. We show that contrarian strategies prevail in the short-term investment horizon while momentum strategies dominate in the intermediate- and long-term horizons. However, only short-term contrarian strategies significantly outperform the simple buy-and-hold strategy of investing in the market index over the same period. Further examination of these strategies shows that the Australian mining sector undermines the performance of momentum while enhancing performance of contrarian strategies. Lastly, using both parametric and non-parametric approaches, we show that these strategies’ returns are persistent anomalies and not completely explained by standard return-generating models.
Concussion Management in United States College Sports
Authors: Baugh Christine M. , Kroshus Emily , Daneshvar Daniel H. , Filali Naji A. , Hiscox Michael J. , Glantz Leonard H.
Published: October 2014

Background:

In 2010, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted its Concussion Policy and Legislation, which applies to more than 450,000 collegiate athletes annually. To date, there has been no examination of school-level compliance with the NCAA Concussion Policy.

Purpose:

To examine whether stakeholders at NCAA schools report that their school has a concussion management plan and whether existing plans are consistent with the NCAA policy. Also examined were stakeholders’ perceptions regarding concussion management at their institution and possible areas for improvement.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Surveys were sent by e-mail to coaches, sports medicine clinicians, and compliance administrators at all 1066 NCAA member institutions. Surveys asked population-specific questions about institutional concussion management. Individuals (N = 2880) from 907 unique schools participated in this survey.

Results:

Most respondents (n = 2607; 92.7%) indicated their school had a concussion management plan. Most schools had all (82.1%) or some (15.2%) respondents indicate a concussion management plan was present. When asked to indicate all individuals who could have final responsibility for returning athletes to play after a concussion, 83.4% selected team doctor, 72.8% athletic trainer, 31.0% specialist physician, 6.8% coach, and 6.6% athlete. Most respondents (76.1%) indicated that their institution had a process for annual athlete concussion education; 91.2% required athletes to acknowledge their responsibility to report concussion symptoms. Nearly all respondents (98.8%) thought their school’s concussion management plan protected athletes “well” or “very well.” Top categories suggested for improvement included better coach education (39.7%), increasing sports medicine staffing (37.2%), and better athlete education (35.2%).

Conclusion:

Although a large majority of respondents indicated that their school has a concussion management plan, improvement is needed. Compliance with specified components (eg, annual athlete education) lags behind the presence of the plan itself, and stakeholders had suggestions for areas in which improvements are needed. Increasing scientific evidence supporting the seriousness of concussion underscores the need for the NCAA to use its regulatory capabilities to ensure that athletes’ brains are safe.
Perspectives on Seminal Achievements and Challenges in the Field of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Walker Hill M.
Published: October 2014

This commentary for a special issue of Remedial and Special Education (RASE) on the perspectives of senior scholars (a) opens with some comments regarding the role of measures we use in behavioral science to pursue scientific truth and then (b) discusses the three most impactful developments in emotional and behavioral disorders over the past several decades, followed by commentary on three problems or issues that need addressing going forward. In the author’s view, the three most impactful developments have been the advent of school-wide positive behavior supports, the growth in approaches to conduct universal behavioral disorder screenings in schools, and the acceptance of teacher judgment in the appraisal of student behavior. Challenges going forward are the need to contextualize school interventions, solve the problem of decay of achieved intervention effects over time, and plan/manage school transitions better.
Metabolic Response of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Prins Mayumi L. , Matsumoto Joyce
Published: October 2014

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the pediatric brain presents unique challenges as the complex cascades of metabolic and biochemical responses to TBI are further complicated ongoing maturational changes of the developing brain. TBIs of all severities have been shown to significantly alter metabolism and hormones which impair the ability of the brain to process glucose for cellular energy. Under these conditions, the brain's primary fuel (glucose) becomes a less favorable fuel and the ability of the younger brain to revert to ketone metabolism can an advantage. This review addresses the potential of alternative substrate metabolic intervention as a logical pediatric TBI neuroprotective strategy.
Hypothermia in Adult ICUs
Authors: Niven Daniel J. , Stelfox Henry T. , Laupland Kevin B.
Published: October 2014

Background:

This study examined whether hypothermia (< 36.0°C) incidence among critically ill patients varied over time, the determinants of change, and the associated risk for ICU mortality.

Methods:

Interrupted time series analysis among adults admitted to ICUs in Calgary, Canada over 8.5 years. Changes in the incidence of hypothermia within the first 24 hours of ICU admission were modelled using segmented regression.

Results:

Among 15,291 first admissions to ICU, hypothermia incidence decreased from 29% to 21% during the study period. Implementation of a new temporal artery thermometer (TAT) was associated with the majority of the decrease in incidence (10%; 95% CI 7.1-13%; P < .0001). However, subgroup analysis revealed important differences between medical and surgical patients. Hypothermia incidence decreased among surgical patients before TAT implementation (0.4% per quarter, 95% CI 0.1-0.7%, P = .009), but not after, whereas in medical patients, the incidence increased after (1.0% per quarter, 95% CI 0.6-1.4%, P < .0001) but not before TAT implementation. Segmented logistic regression suggested that increases in the proportion of patients with non-traumatic neurologic admission diagnoses were associated with hypothermia incidence among medical patients, whereas there was no measurable clinical factor associated with the observed time trends among surgical patients. Hypothermia at ICU admission was independently associated with ICU mortality in medical and surgical patients throughout the entire study.

Conclusion:

The incidence of hypothermia at ICU admission was dependent on medical versus surgical status, and the method of non-invasive temperature measurement, but was persistently associated with ICU mortality.
Photothermal stress triggered by near infrared-irradiated carbon nanotubes promotes bone deposition in rat calvarial defects
Authors: Yanagi Tsukasa , Kajiya Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Minoru , Kido Hirofumi , Fukushima Tadao
Published: October 2014

The bone regenerative healing process is often prolonged, with a high risk of infection particularly in elderly and diseased patients. A reduction in healing process time usually requires mechanical stress devices, chemical cues, or laser/thermal therapies. Although these approaches have been used extensively for the reduction of bone healing time, the exact mechanisms involved in thermal stress-induced bone regeneration remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of optimal hyperthermia on rat calvarial defects in vivo and on osteogenesis in vitro. Photothermal stress stimulation was carried out using a new photothermal device, composed of an alginate gel including in carbon nanotubes and their irradiator with near-infrared light. Photothermal stress (15 min at 42℃, every day), trigged by near-infrared-induced carbon nanotube, promoted bone deposition in critical-sized calvarial defects compared with nonthermal stress controls. We recently reported that our novel DNA/protamine complex scaffold induces bone regeneration in calvarial defects. In this study, photothermal stress upregulated bone deposition in DNA/protamine-engrafted calvarial defects. Furthermore, photothermal stress significantly induced expression of osteogenic related genes in a time-dependent manner, including alkaline phosphatase, osterix, and osteocalcin. This was observed in DNA/protamine cells, which were expanded from regenerated tissue engrafted into the DNA/protamine scaffold, as well as in human MG63 preosteoblasts. In summary, this novel carbon nanotube-based photothermal stress approach upregulated expression of osteogenic-related genes in preosteoblasts, resulting in promotion of mineral deposition for enhanced bone repair.
Is It Reasonable? A Legal Review of Warrantless Searches of Probationers and Parolees
Authors: Turner John R. , Hemmens Craig , Matz Adam K.
Published: October 2014

Probationers and parolees have a reduced expectation of privacy. In most states, they are subject to searches by their supervising probation or parole officer without prior notice or cause. However, for law enforcement officers, their ability to search a probationer or parolee can be constrained by the need to articulate probable cause or a reasonable suspicion. This legal review examines federal and state laws, providing guidance on when law enforcement officers can search probationers/parolees, and whether it requires probable cause, a reasonable suspicion, or the presence of the supervising probation/parole officer. Results of the legal review should prove especially informative for agencies engaged in multiagency partnerships.
Synthesis and characterization of thermally stable, hydrophobic hyperbranched polyimides derived from a novel triamine
Authors: Li Qing , Xiong Haoran , Pang Long , Li Qiuhong , Zhang Ying , Chen Wenqiu , Xu Zushun , Yi Changfeng
Published: October 2014

A novel aromatic triamide 1,3,5-tri[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl] benzene (TAPOPB) with prolonged chain segments and ether bonds was successfully prepared through a three-step reaction. Then a series of hyperbranched polyimides (HBPIs) were synthesized using A2 + B3 polycondensation from various commercial aromatic dianhydrides and TAPOPB. The HBPIs showed good solubility, thermal stability with glass transition temperatures ( Tg) between 218°C and 320°C, and temperature at 10% weight loss of 502.1–561.7°C in nitrogen atmosphere. Meanwhile, they had decent mechanical properties whose tensile strength and modulus were higher than 72.37 MPa and 1.039 GPa, respectively. Water uptake of less than 0.96% was obtained. The truncation wavelengths of the films were all greater than 400 nm with a good application prospect in UV protective coating. Most contact angles were more than 90°, promising to be used as hydrophobic material.
Spacecraft attitude dynamics simulator actuated by cold gas propulsion system
Authors: Mirshams Mehran , Taei Hojat , Ghobadi Mahdi , Haghi Hassan
Published: October 2014

This article describes the details of an advanced Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator (SADS) at the Space Research Laboratory (SRL) at the K. N. Toosi University of Technology. This dumbbell style simulator is based on a spherical air-bearing and employed to develop, improve, and carry out operational tests of sensors, actuators, and attitude control algorithms in experimental framework. The SADS facility includes a variety of components: cold gas propulsion system, complementary inertial measurement unit, on-board processor, semi-automatic mass balancing mechanism, and power supply unit. The overall design of SADS and its components is pretty complicated when considering the mission requirements, operational constraints, and functional limitations imposed by construction procedures. To address this complication, an accurate design and development (or selection) process for each subsystem is presented, which attempts to consider the subsystems interactions and improve cost of operation. The SADS facility is now operated in SRL and the results of its simulated and operational maneuvers are described in detail.
Estimation of the size of the female sex worker population in Rwanda using three different methods
Authors: Mutagoma Mwumvaneza , Kayitesi Catherine , Gwiza Aimé , Ruton Hinda , Koleros Andrew , Gupta Neil , Balisanga Helene , Riedel David J , Nsanzimana Sabin
Published: October 2014

HIV prevalence is disproportionately high among female sex workers compared to the general population. Many African countries lack useful data on the size of female sex worker populations to inform national HIV programmes. A female sex worker size estimation exercise using three different venue-based methodologies was conducted among female sex workers in all provinces of Rwanda in August 2010. The female sex worker national population size was estimated using capture–recapture and enumeration methods, and the multiplier method was used to estimate the size of the female sex worker population in Kigali. A structured questionnaire was also used to supplement the data. The estimated number of female sex workers by the capture–recapture method was 3205 (95% confidence interval: 2998–3412). The female sex worker size was estimated at 3348 using the enumeration method. In Kigali, the female sex worker size was estimated at 2253 (95% confidence interval: 1916–2524) using the multiplier method. Nearly 80% of all female sex workers in Rwanda were found to be based in the capital, Kigali. This study provided a first-time estimate of the female sex worker population size in Rwanda using capture–recapture, enumeration, and multiplier methods. The capture–recapture and enumeration methods provided similar estimates of female sex worker in Rwanda. Combination of such size estimation methods is feasible and productive in low-resource settings and should be considered vital to inform national HIV programmes.
Technology and its ethics in nursing and caring journals
Authors: Korhonen Eila-Sisko , Nordman Tina , Eriksson Katie
Published: October 2014

Background:

Over the past 20 years, the impact of technology has increased significantly in health care. The diversity of technology is growing and its knowledge scattered. The concept of technology is ambiguous in caring and nursing sciences and its ethics remains unidentified.

Aim:

To find evidence on how the concept of technology and its ethics are defined in caring and nursing sciences and practice. The purpose of this study is to describe and summarize the concept of technology and its ethics in the past nursing and caring literature.

Method:

The integrative literature review of the past nursing and caring literature. The data were collected from caring and nursing journal articles from 2000 to 2013 focusing on technology and its ethics.The results were summarized and themed.

Results:

Technology as a concept has three implications. First, technology is devices and products, including ICT and advanced, simple and assistive technology. Second, technology refers to a process consisting of methods for helping people. Third, technology as a service indicates the production of care by technology. The ethics of technology has not been established as a guiding principle. Some studies excluded ethical reflection completely. Many studies discussed the ethics of technology as benefits such as improved communication and symptoms management, and the simple use of e-health services whilst others remained critical presenting ethical problems such as unwillingness and the inability to use technology, or conflicts with human aspects or questions of inequality.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this study indicates that technology as a concept is described diversely. The relation between technology and ethics is not a truism. Despite some evidence, more is needed to promote ethical care when using technology.
Management of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
Authors: Keks Nicholas A , Hope Judy , Culhane Christine
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is a common, troublesome complication of antidepressant treatment that patients often fail to report, which can have major consequences, including non-adherence to treatment with resultant relapse of depressive illness. The aim of this paper is to review the extent, causation and evidence-based management of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction to inform clinical practice.

Conclusions:

The preponderance of evidence suggests that antidepressant s can be divided into high risk (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors) and low risk (agomelatine, bupropion, moclobemide and reboxetine) categories with regard to propensity for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, although there is disagreement, particularly about mirtazapine, and methodological issues militate against definitive findings. Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction is dose-dependent to an extent, but patient vulnerability factors are also relevant. There are significant differences in antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction between men and women. It is important to ask antidepressant -treated patients about sexual dysfunction as few self-report; this may well contribute to antidepressant non-adherence. Consider using an antidepressant with low risk of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction for initial treatment. When antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction has developed, try to persuade the patient to wait in case tolerance develops. Then consider changing to a lower risk or use of high/low risk antidepressant combinations but pharmacological expertise is required. Adjunctive sildenafil can help in both sexes.
The Bicycle Drawing Test
Authors: Cannoni Eleonora , Di Norcia Anna , Bombi Anna Silvia , Di Giunta Laura
Published: October 2014

To verify the dimensionality of Bicycle Drawing Test (BDT), we applied the coding system of Greenberg, Rodriguez, and Sesta to bicycle drawings made by 295 boys and 320 girls (6-10 years old) with typical development, and submitted the data to item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. These analyses confirmed only two of the original four dimensions of the BDT: spatial reasoning and visual-motor control. The scores in these two factors were correlated with the Colored Progressive Matrices, the Rey Complex Figure (Copy and Memory) and with the teachers’ ratings in mathematics, language, and drawing. The correlations, albeit moderate in magnitude, were consistent with the hypothesized convergent and discriminant validity. After checking for measurement invariance across gender and age, we conducted two analyses of variance, the first of which showed a significant difference between younger children (6-8 years old) and older children (9-10 years old); the analysis of variance by gender did not yield significant differences. These data enhance the usefulness of the BDT as a measure of separate cognitive components, but do not support its use as a measure of mechanical reasoning.
How Do We Prevent the Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque From Rupturing? Insights From In Vivo Assessments of Plaque, Vascular Remodeling, and Local Endothelial Shear Stress
Authors: Andreou Ioannis , Antoniadis Antonios P. , Shishido Koki , Papafaklis Michail I. , Koskinas Konstantinos C. , Chatzizisis Yiannis S. , Coskun Ahmet U. , Edelman Elazer R. , Feldman Charles L. , Stone Peter H.
Published: October 2014

Coronary atherosclerosis progresses both as slow, gradual enlargement of focal plaque and also as a more dynamic process with periodic abrupt changes in plaque geometry, size, and morphology. Systemic vasculoprotective therapies such as statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and antiplatelet agents are the cornerstone of prevention of plaque rupture and new adverse clinical outcomes, but such systemic therapies are insufficient to prevent the majority of new cardiac events. Invasive imaging methods have been able to identify both the anatomic features of high-risk plaque and the ongoing pathobiological stimuli responsible for progressive plaque inflammation and instability and may provide sufficient information to formulate preventive local mechanical strategies (eg, preemptive percutaneous coronary interventions) to avert cardiac events. Local endothelial shear stress (ESS) triggers vascular phenomena that synergistically exacerbate atherosclerosis toward an unstable phenotype. Specifically, low ESS augments lipid uptake and catabolism, induces plaque inflammation and oxidation, downregulates the production, upregulates the degradation of extracellular matrix, and increases cellular apoptosis ultimately leading to thin-cap fibroatheromas and/or endothelial erosions. Increases in blood thrombogenicity that result from either high or low ESS also contribute to plaque destabilization. An understanding of the actively evolving vascular phenomena, as well as the development of in vivo imaging methodologies to identify the presence and severity of the different processes, may enable early identification of a coronary plaque destined to acquire a high-risk state and allow for highly selective, focal preventive interventions to avert the adverse natural history of that particular plaque. In this review, we focus on the role of ESS in the pathobiologic processes responsible for plaque destabilization, leading either to accelerated plaque growth or to acute coronary events, and emphasize the potential to utilize in vivo risk stratification of individual coronary plaques to optimize prevention strategies to preclude new cardiac events.
A Slow Response to Quick Response
Authors: Roberts Chris , Saint Keith
Published: October 2014

A three-week constructed sample shows that few U.S. newspapers publish Quick Response (QR) codes on front pages and that many of the published codes were beyond newsroom control. Content analysis describes QR use by papers in the context of diffusion of innovation and niche-gratification theories and compares published “deep” links with randomly selected pages. Interviews with newspaper executives reveal institutional isomorphism reasons for QR adoption and the belief that QR has little widespread acceptance by readers or the industry.
The Pedagogical Turn
Authors: Dimitriadis Greg
Published: October 2014

The author argues that the proliferation of conferences, handbooks, and journals in qualitative inquiry can be seen as part of a “pedagogical turn” in the field. Specific attention is given to the emergence of “coding” as a tool in applied fields such as nursing, and the implications for making these practices more widely available for more people. The author ends by contextualizing the discussion in terms of Arjun Appadurai’s notion of the “right to research.”
Women Convicted of Promoting Prostitution of a Minor Are Different From Women Convicted of Traditional Sexual Offenses
Authors: Cortoni Franca , Sandler Jeffrey C. , Freeman Naomi J.
Published: October 2014

Some jurisdictions have legally decreed that certain nonsexual offenses (e.g., promoting prostitution of a minor, arson, burglary) can be considered sexual offenses. Offenders convicted of these crimes can be subjected to sexual offender–specific social control policies such as registration, as well as be included in sexual offender research such as recidivism studies. No studies, however, have systematically examined differences and similarities between this new class of sexual offenders and more traditional sexual offenders. The current study used a sample of 94 women convicted of sexual offenses to investigate whether women convicted of promoting prostitution of a minor differed on demographic and criminogenic features from those convicted of more traditional sexual offenses. Results show that women convicted of promoting prostitution offenses have criminal histories more consistent with general criminality and exhibit more general antisocial features than women convicted of traditional sexual offenses. These results support the notion that the inclusion of legally defined sexual offenders with traditional ones obscures important differences in criminogenic features among these women.
Neighborhood Context and Media Constructions of Murder
Authors: Petersen Nick
Published: October 2014

Utilizing data from multiple local newspapers, this study examines disparities in the presence/absence and amount of newspaper coverage given to homicide victims in Los Angeles County, California. Multilevel logistic and negative binomial regressions indicate that the level of economic disadvantage and percentage of minority residents in/around the crime scene neighborhood negatively affects the presence/absence and rate of newspaper coverage. These findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the role of neighborhoods in the production of newspaper stories. This study has implications for the social construction of and criminal justice response to crime.
Chronic use of maropitant for the management of vomiting and inappetence in cats with chronic kidney disease: a blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Quimby Jessica M , Brock William T , Moses Kelsey , Bolotin David , Patricelli Kayla
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Maropitant is commonly used for acute vomiting. A pharmacokinetic and toxicity study in cats indicated that longer term usage appears safe. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of maropitant for management of chronic vomiting and inappetence associated with feline chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Forty-one cats with stable International Renal Interest Society Stage II or III CKD, no known concurrent illness, and a complaint of chronic vomiting and inappetence attributed to CKD were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical study. A complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, urine culture, T4 and blood pressure were required for entry. Maropitant was administered at a dose of 4 mg orally (median 1.1 mg/kg, range 0.6–2.9 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks. Owners kept daily logs of vomiting incidence, appetite and activity scores. Physical examination, weight, body condition score and serum biochemistry were performed before and after the trial period. Mann–Whitney statistics were used to compare treatment groups.

Results

Thirty-three cats successfully completed the trial: 21 cats received the drug (nine Stage II cats, 12 Stage III cats) and 12 cats received placebo (seven Stage II cats, five Stage III cats). There was a statistically significant decrease in vomiting in cats with CKD that received maropitant ( P <0.01). Cats that received maropitant did not have statistically significant differences in appetite scores, activity scores, weight or serum creatinine compared with placebo.

Conclusions and relevance

Maropitant was demonstrated to palliate vomiting associated with CKD, and may be helpful in the nutritional management of cats with CKD.
A simple shear deformation theory for thermo-mechanical behaviour of functionally graded sandwich plates on elastic foundations
Authors: Taibi Fatima Zahra , Benyoucef Samir , Tounsi Abdelouahed , Bachir Bouiadjra Rabbab , Adda Bedia El Abbas , Mahmoud SR
Published: October 2014

This paper deals with the thermo-mechanical deformation behaviour of shear deformable functionally graded sandwich plates resting on a two-parameter (Pasternak model) elastic foundation. By dividing the transverse displacement into bending and shear parts, the number of unknowns and governing equations of the present theory is reduced, and hence, makes it simple to use. The presented theory is variationally consistent, does not require shear correction factor and gives rise to transverse shear stress variation such that the transverse shear stresses vary in hyperbolic manner across the thickness satisfying shear stress-free surface conditions. A power-law distribution for the mechanical characteristics is adopted to model the continuous variation of properties from those of one component to those of the other. The sandwich plate faces are made of isotropic, two-constituent (ceramic–metal) material distribution through the thickness. The core layer is still homogeneous and made of an isotropic metal material. Several kinds of non-symmetric sandwich plates are presented. The governing equations and boundary conditions are derived using the principle of virtual displacements. Numerical results of the present simple shear deformation theory are presented to show the effect of material distribution and foundation parameters on the deflections and stresses. A wide variety of results is presented for the static response of sandwich plates under thermo-mechanical loads.
On numerical analysis of axisymmetric thick circular cylindrical shells based on higher order shell theories by segmentation method
Authors: Desai Payal , Kant Tarun
Published: October 2014

Numerical analysis is carried out in this paper for thick circular cylindrical shells using higher order shell theory. In orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system, all equations are derived with the inclusion of the additional quadratic and cubic terms in the Taylor’s series expansions of the both in-plane as well as the transverse displacement components for the improvement of bending behaviour of the shell. Assuming ( h/ R)2 ≪ 1, a rigorous formulation involving the reduction of a three-dimensional elasticity problem to a two-dimensional one, based partly upon the Reissner’s variational principle, is presented. These equations are algebraically manipulated to be in the form of a coupled system of first-order differential equations in terms of the intrinsic dependent variables. These are then solved by a segmentation method – numerical integration technique for various combinations of material and geometric parameters. The theory is shown to result in a partial differential equation system of sixteenth order.
Tribological investigations on MoS2-based nanolubricant for machine tool slideways
Authors: Nallasamy P , Saravanakumar N , Nagendran Sumannth , Suriya EM , Yashwant D
Published: October 2014

The present study evaluates the tribological characteristics of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2)-based nanolubricant for its use in machine tool slideways. MoS2 nanoparticles were synthesized and physical characterization was carried out using scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The nanolubricants were prepared by adding various proportions of MoS2 nanoparticles in polyalphaolefin base oil with lecithin as dispersant. Friction, wear, and stick-slip characteristics of the nanolubricants were assessed using a pin-on-block reciprocating friction monitor simulating the actual loading conditions prevailing in machine tool slideways. Extreme pressure properties of the lubricants were determined using a four ball tester. The wear surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The results of the studies were compared with ISO VG 32, a conventional lubricant used in machine tool slideways, and it was found that the addition of MoS2 nanoparticles in polyalphaolefin base oil results in approximately 24% reduction in coefficient of friction and an increase in load-carrying capacity. The mechanism behind the improvement in tribological behavior of MoS2-based nanolubricant is most likely the formation of a thin, MoS2 tribofilm at the wear surface.
Microstructural analysis and tribological behavior of aluminum alloy reinforced with hybrid alumina/nanographite particles
Authors: Singh Satnam , Singh Gurmeet , Kumar Lalit , Singh Satpal
Published: October 2014

Aluminum metal matrix composites represents one of the light weight and high performance materials. The performance of these materials can be tailored for a variety of applications by numerous reinforcements in forms of fibers, whiskers, or particulates. The main purpose of this study is to examine the microstructure of developed composites having a matrix of LM6 aluminum alloy reinforced with hybrid Al2O3 and nanographite particles (2.5% + 1%, 5% + 3%, 10% + 5%, and 15% + 8%) processed by stir casting process and to investigate the dry sliding behavior using a pin-on-disc tribometer. The developed composites were characterized by optical micrograph, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, measurement of microhardness, and wear rate. It was found that uniformity of reinforcement distribution was better at lower levels and clustering started above 10% reinforcement. Increased hardness at higher levels of alumina reinforcements reduced the wear rate. Further, presence of graphite leads to lower coefficient of friction due to self lubricating properties and greater surface area of nanographite produces graphite adherent tribolayer at contact surface which reduces wear by reducing the frictional force. The composite with 10% Al2O3 and 5% nanographite showed the best tribological properties. Overall results indicated a positive response of metal-ceramic hybrid composite for wear resistance and light weight applications, mainly in the field of aerospace and automobile sectors.
Experimental investigation on erosion resistance of iron boride coatings for steam turbines at high temperatures
Authors: Cai Liu-xi , Mao Jing-ru , Wang Shun-sen , Di Juan , Feng Zhen-ping
Published: October 2014

In this paper, high temperature erosion tests are performed on four typical anti-erosion coatings for high-parameter steam turbine blades using pneumatic accelerated erosion method to simulate the actual erosion environment in power units. With the employment of scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, glancing-angle X-ray diffraction, and Vickers indentation testing techniques, detailed microscopic analysis of samples is conducted to reveal the underlying causes affecting the anti-erosion performance of coatings. Results show that, under the solid particle erosion at high temperature, boride coatings with more compact structure and higher hardness have stronger anti-erosion ability, whose erosion rate is only 30–50% that of HVOF Cr3C2 coatings under the same erosion condition. Boride coatings composed of duplex phase (FeB and Fe2B) have lower anti-erosion damage capability than that of boride coatings composed of single Fe2B phase. Under high-speed large incidence angle impingement, the surface layer of FeB cracks easily and rapidly propagates to the subsurface layer Fe2B phase under the sustained impingement from particles, resulting in the flaking off and failure of coatings. Single Fe2B phase boride coatings have smaller hardness gradient in the depth direction and higher fracture toughness than boride coatings composed of duplex phase, so that exhibit more stable excellent erosion resistance under different erosion parameters. Therefore, single Fe2B phase boride coatings should be used as the preferred wear resistant coating for turbine blades solid particle erosion problem.
Physical activity levels and motivational responses of boys and girls
Authors: Smith Lindsey , Harvey Stephen , Savory Louise , Fairclough Stuart , Kozub Stephen , Kerr Catherine
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to independently determine the levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and self-determined motivation of both boys and girls as they participated in prolonged units of invasion games (i.e. 6–12 lessons) through two pedagogical models: direct instruction and the tactical games model (TGM). It was hypothesized that given the differences in domain interaction and lesson structure, both boys and girls would gain higher levels of physical activity (PA) and possess higher quality motivation during TGM-based lessons when compared to direct instruction lessons. Seventy-two children aged 11–12 years (42 boys, 30 girls) were randomly assigned to either a control or intervention group (TGM). Children wore RT3® triaxial accelerometers over a 12 week period to objectively measure time spent in MVPA. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) tool was completed during each lesson to additionally assess lesson context information and teacher behaviour. SDT questionnaires were also completed, pre and post-intervention. Boys in the TGM condition displayed significantly higher levels of MVPA in both rugby and football activities in comparison to the control group although no significant differences in motivation were noted post-intervention. While girls in the TGM condition recorded comparable PA levels in the football sessions, they recorded significantly lower PA activity levels in the netball lessons. There were no significant differences in girls’ motivation post-intervention. It is recommended that future studies build on this research by continuing to examine PA and the quality of student motivation while using GCAs over prolonged unit lengths (i.e. greater than 12 lessons) using structural equation modelling techniques to assess the relationships between, and mediating influences of, SDT constructs on PA levels.