bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real Differences and Overlooked Similarities
Authors: Schneider Carsten Q.
Published: February 2016

Jack Paine (JP) and Alrik Thiem, Michael Baumgartner, and Damien Bol (TBB) provide diametrically opposed answers to the hotly debated question as to whether set-theory-based methods constitute a family of methods sui generis or whether not only set methods can be subsumed under the existing statistical framework, but also, if so, should be abandoned. I find TBB’s argument convincing that due to their different mathematical foundations, these two families of methods cannot be directly translated, let alone unified into one. Notwithstanding this, it seems clear to me that work must continue on identifying conceptual similarities and differences, and to elaborate on each method’s respective strengths and weaknesses. Because I mostly agree with TBB, I only briefly comment on some of their claims and then dedicate the rest of the text to JP.
The Modern Boy’s Rite of Passage and the Lacking Component of Transcendental Death Acknowledgement
Authors: Hage Elias
Published: February 2016

This article explores the historical tendencies of male rites of passage and the modern expression of rite of passage as lacking the central component of transcendental death acknowledgement (Memento Mori) as seen for years past in various cultures. This article examines the necessity of developing an attunement toward objective transcendentalism among youth upon which an understanding of death may be appropriately developed. Without such a foundation, Memento Mori formulates hopelessness and fear within the boy, stunting his rite of passage into manhood. After offering cultural examples of death acknowledgement, we shall enter an analysis of Memento Mori on today’s cultural relativistic subjectivism to underscore the importance of objective transcendentalism before the incorporation of death acknowledgement within the rite of passage of the boy. This article concludes by offering insight into modern incorporation of Memento Mori within local communities.
Medico-legal autopsy of abandoned foetuses and newborns in India
Authors: Behera C , Sikary Asit Kumar , Krishna Karthik , Garg Aayushi , Chopra Saurav , Gupta SK
Published: February 2016

Foeticide and the abandonment of newborns are important, albeit frequently neglected, issues. Concealment of childbirth is often seen in the setting of unwanted pregnancy which has been recognised as one of the most important factors in both cases. This study highlights the medico-legal autopsy findings of 238 abandoned foetuses and newborns over a period of 17 years (1996–2012) from the region of South Delhi, India. There was no sex predilection. The majority of the cases were full term. Nearly 35% of the foetuses were still born, about 29% were live born and the remainder were non-viable. Among the live born, death by homicide was more common than a natural death and most were left by the roadside. The abandoning and killing of newborns needs urgent attention, and strict measures are needed to save thousands of innocent lives.
Calling the police
Authors: Bain Andy , Brooks Graham , Golding Bob , Ellis Tom , Lewis Chris
Published: February 2016

Many calls for assistance received by the police are issues of non-emergency, and with public spending cuts ever-present, there is need to revisit the uses of a single non-emergency number (SNEN) as a way to reduce the non-emergency call volume. This paper is a review of one local service in England. We examine the need and development of SNEN, report the findings of our own research, and conclude that a service such as SNEN is a worthwhile approach that helps reduce the number of inappropriate calls to the police, increases access to services and reduces fear regarding low-level disorder.
Current research on conduct disorder in children and adolescents
Authors: Frick Paul J
Published: February 2016

In this article, research on the various risk factors of conduct disorder is reviewed, with a specific focus on recent theories of how these risk factors can negatively influence a child’s development and place him or her at risk for acting in ways that violate the rights of others or that violate major societal norms. Support for several specific developmental pathways, each involving somewhat different risk factors and causal mechanisms, is provided. This research has important implications for how research is conducted and interpreted. It also has important implications for the assessment and diagnosis of conduct disorder. Most importantly, it highlights the need for a comprehensive and individualized approach to treatment that recognizes the different needs of youth across the various pathways.
Bullying and cyberbullying in Portugal: Validation of a questionnaire and analysis of prevalence
Authors: Coelho Vítor Alexandre , Sousa Vanda , Marchante Marta , Brás Patrícia , Romão Ana Maria
Published: February 2016

This study aims to validate the Bullying and Cyberbullying Behaviors Questionnaire, to examine the prevalence of bullying and victimization behaviors in Portuguese middle school students, and to analyse the differences in victimization and bullying between genders and across school grades. The questionnaire is composed of 36 items, allowing for the measurement of the prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying, and was completed by 1039 sixth to eighth graders ( M age = 12.02; SD = 1.36) from six public middle schools in the district of Lisbon. The questionnaire presented acceptable psychometrics properties, except for the victims of cyberbullying scale where there is an item that needs to be rewritten. Bullying prevalence (10.1% victims and 6.1% aggressors) is among the lowest internationally. Victimization prevalence was homogeneous between genders, but boys reported aggressive behaviors more frequently. The percentage of victims decreased across school grades. The present questionnaire is adequate for use in the assessment of bullying and cyberbullying with middle school students. Bullying prevention programs should take into account the need to raise teacher awareness of bullying and cyberbullying.
Investigating Unique Environmental Influences of Parenting Practices on Youth Anxiety
Authors: Chen Jie , Yu Jing , Zhang Jianxin
Published: February 2016

The associations between parenting practices and adolescent anxiety symptoms were examined in both individual and monozygotic (MZ) twin differences levels. Participants were 804 pairs of Chinese MZ adolescent twins aged 10–18 years ( M = 13.57, SD = 2.67, 52% females). Twins’ anxiety symptoms were assessed by self- and parent-reports. Twins also reported their perceived parenting practices. On the individual level, parental warmth-reasoning was negatively, whereas harshness-hostility was positively, associated with both self- and parent-reported youth anxiety. On the MZ-twin differences level, the magnitudes of the associations between parenting practices and youth anxiety were decreased. MZ-twin difference in parental warmth-reasoning remained significantly associated with self- and parent-reported youth anxiety; MZ-twin difference in parental harsh-hostility was only significantly associated with self-reported youth anxiety. This study indicated that parental warmth-reasoning and harshness-hostility may be unique environmental experiences that influence youth anxiety, and illustrated the necessity of controlling for gene-environment correlations when examining the true environmental effects of parenting on child behavior.
Associations between mother–child relationship quality and adolescent adjustment
Authors: Guimond Fanny-Alexandra , Laursen Brett , Vitaro Frank , Brendgen Mara , Dionne Ginette , Boivin Michel
Published: February 2016

This study used a genetically controlled design to examine the direction and the magnitude of effects in the over-time associations between perceived relationship quality with mothers and adolescent maladjustment (i.e., depressive symptoms and delinquency). A total of 163 monozygotic (MZ) twins pairs (85 female pairs, 78 male pairs) completed questionnaires at ages 13 and 14. Non-genetically controlled path analyses models (in which one member of each twin dyad was randomly selected for analyses) were compared with genetically controlled path analyses models (in which MZ-twin difference scores were included in analyses). Results from the non-genetically controlled models revealed a) child-driven effects in the longitudinal associations between adolescent perceived maternal support and depressive symptoms, and b) parent-driven and child-driven effects in the longitudinal association between perceived maternal negativity and adolescent delinquent behaviors. However, results from the genetically controlled models revealed only child-driven effect, suggesting that, purported parent-driven effects were a product of error arising from potential gene-environment correlations (rGE).
Corruption and Anticorruption: The Case of India
Authors: Riley Parkes , Roy Ravi K.
Published: February 2016

India is corrupt, but according to Transparency International, it is less so than it used to be and less so than many similar countries. People often blame India’s corruption on the system of business licensing that prevailed from the 1950s through the 1980s, but Pakistan, even without such a system, has been rated higher in corruption. Significantly, India’s nationalist movement was often moralistic, especially because of the influence of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhian traditions have lingered and affected anticorruption drives in 1974–1975 and in 2011 and after. Corruption continues in India for several reasons, including ingrained habits, the pervasiveness of the government, the opportunities for crony capitalism that have come with liberalization, and a loss of civic faith. At least in its more obvious forms, corruption may slowly fade, because India does have civic traditions, and because there is a revulsion against it that has inspired both protest activities and electoral campaigns.
Head and Neck Paragangliomas
Authors: Moore Michael G. , Netterville James L. , Mendenhall William M. , Isaacson Brandon , Nussenbaum Brian
Published: February 2016

Objective

Head and neck paragangliomas are a group of slow‐growing hypervascular tumors associated with the paraganglion system. The approach to evaluate and treat these lesions has evolved over the last 2 decades. While radical surgery had been the traditional approach, improvements in diagnostic imaging as well as radiation therapy techniques have led to an emphasis on observation and nonsurgical therapy in many patients. This article reviews the contemporary approach to the workup and management of head and neck paragangliomas.

Data Source

Articles were identified from PubMed.

Review Methods

PubMed searches with the following keywords were performed: carotid body paraganglioma management, vagal paraganglioma management, jugulotympanic paraganglioma management, imaging of head and neck paragangliomas, head and neck paraganglioma embolization, paraganglioma radiation, head and neck paraganglioma management, observation of head and neck paragangliomas, bilateral carotid body paragangliomas, and genetics of paragangliomas. Review and original research articles available in the English language and published during or after 2009 were selected on the basis of their clinical relevance and scientific strength. Certain articles published prior to 2009 were also included if they provided background information that was relevant.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

Workup and treatment of head and neck paragangliomas are changing. With more now known regarding the longitudinal behavior of these tumors, observation and nonsurgical therapy are indicated in many instances. For patients where surgery is the most appropriate option, improved diagnostic and perioperative techniques are allowing patients to tolerate resection, often with reduced morbidity.
A Curious Case of Business-media Brand Personality Scale
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Kumar R. Venkatesh
Published: February 2016

Brand personality is a useful theoretical construct in media industry as the industry thrives on the stable and sticky relationship between the consumer and the brand. The construct may be leveraged meaningfully if it may be defined with greater precision in the media context. The extant brand personality scales are largely focused on news media, television media or print media. Large swaths of media are still uncovered, namely, sports, music and business. Business media has emerged as the second alternative to general entertainment media in terms of business and audience. This article attempts to understand the research effort so far in understanding brand personality scales in media industry, identifies a gap of non-existent scale for business-media industry and creates a brand personality scale for business media. The methodology adopted is a combination of quantitative and qualitative approach and 14 dimensions that constitute business-media brand personality scale are identified.
Early childhood educators’ understanding of early communication: Application to their work with young children
Authors: Brebner Chris , Jovanovic Jessie , Lawless Angela , Young Jessica
Published: February 2016

Young children need rich learning experiences to maximize their potential. Early childhood educators (ECEs) working in childcare have knowledge of individual children as well as skills and professional knowledge that afford opportunities to provide language-rich environments for learning. To successfully work in partnership with ECEs, speech-language pathologists need to understand what they know about early communication development and how they apply it in their work. This study explored ECEs’ understanding of early communication development in childcare contexts, and how they related this to the education and care they provided. In this exploratory study we conducted three focus groups with 19 ECEs who were employed in eight different childcare centres in low socio-economic areas in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. Data were analysed thematically revealing three core themes: ‘Knowing and doing in context’; ‘ECEs’ role’; and ‘ECEs’ challenges’. Participants articulated understanding of early communication development and the importance of strong relationships between ECEs, children and their families. These ECEs’ skills and knowledge of children in their care was the basis from which they provided language-rich learning environments with individually tailored educational programmes to support all children, including those experiencing communication difficulties. They highlighted challenges in delivering this care, including the need for more explicit support from speech-language pathologists. There is potential to further develop interdisciplinary partnerships between ECEs in childcare and other professionals, such as speech-language pathologists, to maximize early developmental opportunities for children attending childcare.
Is the Use of Protective Behavioral Strategies Associated With College Sexual Assault Victimization? A Prospective Examination
Authors: Gilmore Amanda K. , Maples-Keller Jessica L. , Pinsky Hanna T. , Shepard Molly E. , Lewis Melissa A. , George William H.
Published: February 2016

Sexual assault protective behavioral strategies (PBS) may be negatively associated with sexual assault victimization. However, no studies to date have prospectively examined whether the use of sexual assault PBS is negatively associated with subsequent sexual assault experiences. The current study examined the association between the use of sexual assault PBS and subsequent sexual assault victimization severity. College women who reported engaging in heavy episodic drinking ( n = 77) were assessed online for their use of sexual assault PBS and history of sexual assault victimization. In addition, a 3-month follow-up survey was given assessing sexual assault victimization severity in the past 3 months. The use of sexual assault PBS was negatively associated with sexual assault severity in the 3-month follow-up period. Future research should further examine these PBS to create more college-specific PBS and to determine whether they are useful as risk-reduction strategies.
Transmission of News in Eurozone Bank Holdings and European Bank Markets in the Light of the Greek Debt Crisis
Authors: Koulakiotis Athanasios , Kiohos Apostolos , Papasyriopoulos Nicholas
Published: February 2016

This article examines the interdependence of European bank sectors under two different aspects. First, we investigate the symmetric transmission mechanism between six Eurozone countries’ (Germany, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain) bank holdings in order to uncover the volatility and error interrelationship of these holdings and their impact on the Greek bank holdings. Also, we analyse the impact from the Greek bank holdings on the other Eurozone countries’ bank holdings. In addition, we examine the impact of the Greek bank holdings on the transmission mechanism among all six cross-country bank indices. Second, we investigate the interrelationship of Greek bank market with two emerging cross-country bank indices and two developed ones. The two groups concern Greece, France and Germany and Greece, Poland and Czech Republic, respectively.

We find very strong volatility and error spillovers for five Eurozone countries’ (Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain) bank holdings, whereas French bank holdings are less integrated with the other five ones. Moreover, the results indicated that the Greek bank market is integrated better with the two emerging bank indices rather than the two developed ones. In addition, the Greek debt crisis seemed to play an important role on the volatility transmission mechanism since the volatility and error spillovers are larger in magnitude in the after-crisis period than in the pre-crisis period for both groups of countries. Based on the results regarding the degree of volatility persistence, the number of days that the innovations in the post-crisis period last is larger than the number of days of the pre-crisis period for both groups of countries under study.

JEL Classification: G15, G20, C61, C3
Bargaining over Australian public service cuts: Do forcing strategies work?
Authors: Williamson Sue , O’Donnell Michael , Roles Cameron
Published: February 2016

Although a Labor government fiscal stimulus had helped Australia weather the 2008 global financial crisis, budget deficits increased, and the public service was targeted for economies. The Liberal/National (Coalition) opposition won office in 2013, promising public sector cuts. In this context, the Walton et al. concept of a forcing strategy helps analyse the 2014–2016 bargaining round in the Australian Public Service. A forcing strategy involves three negotiating processes: distributive bargaining to achieve concessions in pay and working conditions, the structuring of attitudes to heighten animosity between the negotiating parties, and the management of internal differences to minimise intragroup conflicts. The Liberal/National (Coalition) government adopted elements of these approaches, requiring Australian Public Service agencies to reduce a range of employment conditions to justify pay increases. Interactions between Australian Public Service management and the principal Australian Public Service trade union, the Community and Public Sector Union became increasingly hostile over the course of the bargaining round. In addition, internal differences emerged between the Australian Public Service Commission, which oversaw the bargaining process, and individual Australian Public Service agencies. We consider the efficacy of this forcing strategy in light of the potential for the Community and Public Sector Union to mobilise its membership to resist such an approach to pay negotiations.
Trends in hospital admissions involving suicidal behaviour in the Northern Territory, 2001–2013
Authors: Leckning Bernard A , Li Shu Qin , Cunningham Teresa , Guthridge Steven , Robinson Gary , Nagel Tricia , Silburn Sven
Published: February 2016

Objective:

To investigate trends in hospital admissions involving suicidal behaviour in the Northern Territory (NT) resident population over the period 2001–2013.

Methods:

Estimates of age-standardised rates and average changes in the annual rate of hospital admissions involving suicidal behaviour were calculated by socio-demographic characteristics and types of suicidal behaviour.

Results:

Overall rates for Indigenous admissions were 2.7 times higher than non-Indigenous admissions and had increased by almost twice as much. While male and female rates of admission were similar for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents, the average annual change in rates was greater for Indigenous females (13.4%) compared to males (8.8%) and for non-Indigenous males (7.7%) compared to females (5.2%). Younger and middle-aged Indigenous admissions experienced increasing rates of admissions, whilst trends were similar across age groups for non-Indigenous admissions. Admissions with a diagnosis of suicidal ideation increased the most across all groups. Trends in intentional self-harm admissions differed according to Indigenous status and sex.

Conclusions:

There have been substantial increases in hospital admissions involving suicidal behaviour in the NT, most markedly for Indigenous residents. Indigenous females and youth appear to be at increasing risk. The steep increase in suicidal ideation across all groups warrants further investigation.
Reiki Therapy for Symptom Management in Children Receiving Palliative Care: A Pilot Study
Authors: Thrane Susan E. , Maurer Scott H. , Ren Dianxu , Danford Cynthia A. , Cohen Susan M.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Pain may be reported in one-half to three-fourths of children with cancer and other terminal conditions and anxiety in about one-third of them. Pharmacologic methods do not always give satisfactory symptom relief. Complementary therapies such as Reiki may help children manage symptoms.

Objective:

This pre–post mixed-methods single group pilot study examined feasibility, acceptability, and the outcomes of pain, anxiety, and relaxation using Reiki therapy with children receiving palliative care.

Methods:

A convenience sample of children ages 7 to 16 and their parents were recruited from a palliative care service. Two 24-minute Reiki sessions were completed at the children’s home. Paired t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were calculated to compare change from pre to post for outcome variables. Significance was set at P < .10. Cohen d effect sizes were calculated.

Results:

The final sample included 8 verbal and 8 nonverbal children, 16 mothers, and 1 nurse. All mean scores for outcome variables decreased from pre- to posttreatment for both sessions. Significant decreases for pain for treatment 1 in nonverbal children ( P = .063) and for respiratory rate for treatment 2 in verbal children ( P = .009). Cohen d effect sizes were medium to large for most outcome measures.

Discussion:

Decreased mean scores for outcome measures indicate that Reiki therapy did decrease pain, anxiety, heart, and respiratory rates, but small sample size deterred statistical significance. This preliminary work suggests that complementary methods of treatment such as Reiki may be beneficial to support traditional methods to manage pain and anxiety in children receiving palliative care.
Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology of Patiromer, a Nonabsorbed Cross-Linked Polymer That Lowers Serum Potassium Concentration in Patients With Hyperkalemia
Authors: Li Lingyun , Harrison Stephen D. , Cope M. Jamie , Park Craig , Lee Lawrence , Salaymeh Faleh , Madsen Deidre , Benton Wade W. , Berman Lance , Buysse Jerry
Published: February 2016

Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening condition, and patients who have chronic kidney disease, who are diabetic, or who are taking renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors are at increased risk. Therapeutic options for hyperkalemia tend to have limited effectiveness and can be associated with serious side effects. Colonic potassium secretion can increase to compensate when urinary potassium excretion decreases in patients with renal impairment, but this adaptation is insufficient and hyperkalemia still results. Patiromer is a novel, spherical, nonabsorbed polymer designed to bind and remove potassium, primarily in the colon, thereby decreasing serum potassium in patients with hyperkalemia. Patiromer has been found to decrease serum potassium in patients with hyperkalemia having chronic kidney disease who were on renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors. Results of nonclinical studies and an early phase clinical study are reported here. Two studies with radiolabeled drug, one in rats and the other in dogs, confirmed that patiromer was not absorbed into the systemic circulation. Results of an in vitro study showed that patiromer was able to bind 8.5 to 8.8 mEq of potassium per gram of polymer at a pH similar to that found in the colon and had a much higher potassium-binding capacity compared with other resins, including polystyrene sulfonate. In a study in hyperkalemic rats, a decrease in serum potassium was observed via an increase in fecal potassium excretion. In a clinical study in healthy adult volunteers, a significant increase in fecal potassium excretion and a significant decrease in urinary potassium excretion were observed. Overall, patiromer is a high-capacity potassium binder, and the chemical and physical characteristics of patiromer may lead to good clinical efficacy, tolerability, and patient acceptance.
Communicating Legitimacy
Authors: Yeo Tien Ee Dominic
Published: February 2016

In 2006, a video of a middle-aged man verbally assaulting a youth in a public bus thrust user-generated content (UGC) and YouTube into the public imagination in Hong Kong. Using the concept of legitimacy from institutional theory to qualitatively analyze newspaper commentaries about the incident, this study connects journalists’ narratives to the diffusion of UGC by showing how they inadvertently promote cultural support and normative acceptance of this new media category as a consequence of efforts at paradigm-repair and boundary maintenance. Those narratives construe UGC as a legitimate coin-of-exchange: something relevant, familiar, interesting, and appropriate to engage with.
Effect of vegetable proteins on physical characteristics of spray-dried tomato powders
Authors: Tontul Ismail , Topuz Ayhan , Ozkan Ceren , Karacan Merve
Published: February 2016

In the present study, the effectiveness of different vegetable proteins (pea protein isolate, soy protein isolate and zein from maize) at two different ratios (1% and 5%) on product yield and physical properties of spray-dried pulpy tomato juice was investigated. Additionally, these proteins were compared with whey protein concentrate which has a superior effect on spray dried products at the same concentrations. Additionally, plain tomato juice was also spray dried for comparison with vegetable proteins. The product yield of the tomato powders dried with the vegetable proteins was lower than with the whey protein concentrate. Among vegetable proteins, the highest product yield was produced with 1% soy protein isolate. In all products, there was a slight colour difference between the reconstituted tomato powders and the raw tomato juice, which indicated that pulpy tomato juice can be spray dried with minor colour change. All powders had unique free-flowing properties estimated as Carr index and Hausner ratio due to their large particles.
Do Changes in TASER Use Policy Affect Police Officer Injury Rates?
Authors: Womack Valerie G. , Morris Robert G. , Bishopp Stephen A.
Published: February 2016

The addition of TASERs as a less lethal use-of-force option for police officers has facilitated much discussion in recent scholarship. Many police agencies have responded with force policy changes specific to appropriate applications for these weapons. While the goal of these changes is often to minimize concern about injury to citizens, debate rests on whether injury rates for officers are influenced by such transitions in policy. The present study used officer injury panel data from the City of Dallas (Texas) Human Resources Department to assess the impact of a 2005 modification to the Dallas Police Department’s TASER policy. The goal of the study was to assess change in the rate of officer injury after the implementation of a more restrictive policy. We observed a modest increase in the monthly rate of police officer injuries following the policy restricting use. These results were found net of other effects, with some noteworthy between-patrol-division variation. Implications for TASER use policy and future research are discussed within.
Image method for measuring normal interfacial stiffness
Authors: Liu Yi , Liu Heng , Yan Wei , Jing Minqing
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes a new method for measuring normal interfacial stiffness. The contact interface is traditionally equivalent to some springs, but this general equivalent method is proved not sufficiently accurate in processing the elastic-plastic rough contact. The improved interfacial equivalent method is presented to remove the inaccuracy by introducing a contact layer, which considers the plastic zone beneath the rough surface. On the basis of the new method, the image method is proposed for measuring the improved interfacial stiffness. This method is fulfilled by using an image registration method and a sub-pixel algorithm to obtain the deformation of the contact layer and the smooth layer. Simultaneously, the ultrasonic measurement is carried out to measure the ultrasonic interfacial stiffness. The comparative results reveal that the measurement data of the improved interfacial stiffness show better agreement with the numerical results.
Adjustable hybrid gas bearing – Influence of piezoelectrically adjusted injection on damping factors and natural frequencies of a flexible rotor operating under critical speeds
Authors: Pierart Fabian G , Santos Ilmar F
Published: February 2016

Damping factors and natural frequencies of a flexible rotor supported by a gas bearing with piezoelectrically adjusted flow, are theoretically determined using a rotor finite element model coupled with the modified Reynolds equation. An extra term is added to the standard formulation of Reynolds equation aiming at incorporating the effect of the adjustable external pressurized inlet flow. Two different configurations are theoretically as well as experimentally studied: (a) the air is injected from a single orifice positioned at the bottom of the bearing and (b) the air is injected through four radial injectors equally pressurized. For the two configurations, the theoretical results are experimentally validated as a function of the piezoactuators input voltage and the journal angular velocity. Results show a good agreement for natural frequencies and damping factors. Theoretical and experimental results show qualitatively as well as quantitatively that the injectors position and the injection flow (dependent on the piezoactuator input voltage) have an important influence on the dynamic characteristics of the rotor-bearing system. By using one single injector positioned at the bearing bottom, the damping factor associated with the first mode shape can be increased by 10 times when compared to four injectors equally pressurized.
Static and dynamic characteristics of externally pressurized annular porous gas thrust bearings
Authors: Jiang Shuyun , Yang Shifei , Yin Zhaoyu , Xu Chundong
Published: February 2016

This article studies the static load capacity, dynamic stiffness, and damping coefficient of the externally pressurized annular porous gas thrust bearings. The Reynolds equation for the bearing is established using linear perturbation; for the first time, three degrees of freedom are considered in the modeling. The steady state equations are solved to obtain the static load capacity, and the first-order perturbation equations are solved for the dynamic characteristics. The influences of various bearing parameters on the static and dynamic characteristics are evaluated. Results from the numerical simulation prove that the proposed method is a valid mean of estimating the static and dynamic characteristics of the porous gas thrust bearings.
Surveillance, Privacy and the Making of the Modern Subject
Authors: Epstein Charlotte
Published: February 2016

In this article I consider how our experiences of bodily privacy are changing in the contemporary surveillance society. I use biometric technologies as a lens for tracking the changing relationships between the body and privacy. Adopting a broader genealogical perspective, I retrace the role of the body in the constitution of the modern liberal political subject. I consider two different understandings of the subject, the Foucauldian political subject, and the Lacanian psychoanalytic subject. The psychoanalytic perspective serves to appraise the importance of hiding for the subject effects of excessive exposure to the Other’s gaze. I conclude to the importance of the subject’s being able to hide, even when it has nothing to hide. By considering these two facets of subjectivity, political and psychic, I hope to make sense of our enduring and deeply political passionate attachment to privacy.
Transparency vs efficiency? A study of negotiations in the Council of the European Union
Authors: Hagemann Sara , Franchino Fabio
Published: February 2016

Recent studies suggest there is a direct trade-off between transparency and efficiency in legislative politics. We challenge this conclusion and present a bargaining model where one particular kind of transparency – the publication of legislative records – works to overcome problems of incomplete information. We also present empirical findings from legislative activities in the Council of the European Union from 1999 to 2014 and from 23 interviews with senior officials in Brussels. Our results show that increased transparency, in the form of publication of legislative records, does not lead to gridlock or prolonged negotiations. On the contrary, recordings of governments’ positions help facilitate decision-making as it increases credibility of policy positions. This, in turn, lowers risk of negotiation failure and screens out marginal amendments.
Conformal polishing approach: Tool footprint analysis
Authors: Dieste José A , Fernández-Cuello Angel , Javierre Carlos , Santolaria Jorge
Published: February 2016

Polishing process is one of the most critical manufacturing processes during a metal part production because it determines the final quality of the product. Free-form surface polishing is a handmade process with lots of rejected parts, scrap generation and time and energy consumption. Two different research lines are being developed: prediction models of the final surface quality parameters and an analysis of the amount of material removed depending on the polishing parameters to predict the tool footprint during the polishing task. This research lays the foundations for a future automatic conformal polishing system. It is based on rotational and translational tool with dry abrasive in the front mounted at the end of a robot. A tool to part concept is used, useful for large or heavy workpieces. Results are applied on different curved parts typically used in tooling industry, aeronautics or automotive. A mathematical model has been developed to predict the amount of material removed in function of polishing parameters. Model has been fitted for different abrasives and raw materials. Results have shown deviations under 20% that implies a reliable and controllable process. Smaller amount of material can be removed in controlled areas of a three-dimensional workpiece.
Key cost drivers of pharmaceutical clinical trials in the United States
Authors: Sertkaya Aylin , Wong Hui-Hsing , Jessup Amber , Beleche Trinidad
Published: February 2016

Background:

The increasing cost of clinical research has significant implications for public health, as it affects drug companies’ willingness to undertake clinical trials, which in turn limits patient access to novel treatments. Thus, gaining a better understanding of the key cost drivers of clinical research in the United States is important.

Purpose:

The study which is based on a report prepared by Eastern Research Group, Inc., for the US Department of Health and Human Services, examined different factors, such as therapeutic area, patient recruitment, administrative staff, and clinical procedure expenditures, and their contribution to pharmaceutical clinical trial costs in the United States by clinical trial phase.

Methods:

The study used aggregate data from three proprietary databases on clinical trial costs provided by Medidata Solutions. We evaluated per-study costs across therapeutic areas by aggregating detailed (per patient and per site) cost information. We also compared average expenditures on cost drivers with the use of weighted mean and standard deviation statistics.

Results:

Therapeutic area was an important determinant of clinical trial costs by phase. The average cost of a Phase 1 study conducted at a US site ranged from US$1.4 million (pain and anesthesia) to US$6.6 million (immunomodulation), including estimated site overhead and monitoring costs of the sponsoring organization. A Phase 2 study cost from US$7.0 million (cardiovascular) to US$19.6 million (hematology), whereas a Phase 3 study cost ranged from US$11.5 million (dermatology) to US$52.9 (pain and anesthesia) on average. Across all study phases and excluding estimated site overhead costs and costs for sponsors to monitor the study, the top three cost drivers of clinical trial expenditures were clinical procedure costs (15%–22% of total), administrative staff costs (11%–29% of total), and site monitoring costs (9%–14% of total).

Limitations:

The data were from 2004 through 2012 and were not adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the databases used represented a convenience, that is, non-probability, sample and did not allow for statistically valid estimates of cost drivers. Finally, the data were from trials funded by the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry only. Hence, our study findings are limited to that segment.

Conclusion:

Therapeutic area being studied as well as number and types of clinical procedures involved were the key drivers of direct costs in Phase 1 through Phase 3 studies. Research shows that strategies exist for reducing the price tag of some of these major direct cost components. Therefore, to increase clinical trial efficiency and reduce costs, gaining a better understanding of the key direct cost drivers is an important step.
Comparing clinical outcomes for a twelve-month trial of zotarolimus- and everolimus-eluting stents in patients with coronary artery disease: data from the THCRIC registry
Authors: Poorhoseini Hamid Reza , Kassaian Seyed Ebrahim , Hoseini Kianoosh , Saroukhani Sepideh , Salarifar Mojtaba , Alidoosti Mohammad , Nematipour Ebrahim , Haji-Zeinali Ali Mohammad , Amirzadegan Alireza , Seyyed Mohammadzadeh Mir Hossein , Khadem Vatan Kamal , Aghajani Hassan , Sheikh Fathollahi Mahmood , Farrokh-Eslamlou Hamidreza
Published: February 2016

Objectives:

New-generation coronary stents including zotarolimus- and everolimus-eluting stents (ZES and EES) have been shown to decrease the risk of restenosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of ZES and EES over a 12-month clinical follow up, in routine clinical practice.

Methods:

This is an observational study in which 1029 consecutive patients treated with ZES ( n = 669) or EES ( n = 360) were enrolled. The study endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion or vessel revascularization at 12 months.

Results:

Follow up was completed among 94.9% of the patients. The overall MACE occurred in 4 (0.6%) and 7 (2.0%) patients in the ZES and EES group, respectively. The occurrence of other cardiac events including nonfatal MI and target vessel or lesion revascularization was 1 (0.2%) versus 1 (0.3%) and 7 (1.1%) versus 5 (1.4%), respectively, in the ZES and EES groups of patients. Despite a slightly lower rate of MACE and cardiac death in the ZES group, the difference between these two groups was not significant ( n = 0.064 for overall MACE, p = 0.129 for cardiac mortality, n = 0.999 for nonfatal MI, n = 0.468 for target vessel and n = 0.999 for target lesion revascularization).

Conclusions:

According to our results, it could be concluded that the difference in the rate of MACE between the ZES and EES groups was not statistically significant at 12-month follow up.
Anatomic Repair of Plantar Plate With Flexor Tendon Sheath Reinforcement
Authors: Donegan Ryan J. , Caminear David
Published: February 2016

Plantar plate pathology has gained considerable attention in recent time, and with this increased awareness multiple treatments have been proposed. There have been no comparison studies between these treatments. The authors feel a direct approach for anatomic repair allows for plantar plate repair and tightening to desired tension, without any plantar prominences or potentially irritating hardware. In addition if the plantar plate is found to be attenuated or there is a lack of residual tissue, the described imbrication utilizing the flexor digitorum longus sheath, which is not possible with hardware or newest instrumentation, allows for a robust repair. The presented case series provides results from consecutive patients treated with proposed concurrent plantar and dorsal incisions, providing proof of concept and viability of novel technique.

Levels of Evidence: Level V: Case series
Exercise in the Cold
Authors: Fudge Jessie
Published: February 2016

Context:

Hypothermia and frostbite injuries occur in cold weather activities and sporting events.

Evidence Acquisition:

A PubMed search was used to identify original research and review articles related to cold, frostbite, and hypothermia. Inclusion was based on their relevance to prevention and treatment of cold-related injuries in sports and outdoor activities. Dates of review articles were limited to those published after 2010. No date limit was set for the most recent consensus statements or original research.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

Frostbite and hypothermia are well-documented entities with good prevention strategies and prehospital treatment recommendations that have changed very little with time. A layered approach to clothing is the best way to prevent injury and respond to weather changes. Each athlete, defined as a participant in a cold weather sport or activity, will respond to cold differently depending on anthropometric measurements and underlying medical risk factors. An understanding of wind-chill temperatures, wetness, and the weather forecast allows athletes and event coordinators to properly respond to changing weather conditions. At the first sign of a freezing cold injury, ensure warm, dry clothes and move to a protected environment.

Conclusion:

Cold injuries can be prevented, and cold weather activities are safe with proper education, preparation, and response to changing weather conditions or injury.
Otologic Hazards Related to Scuba Diving
Authors: Glazer Tiffany A. , Telian Steven A.
Published: February 2016

Context:

As of 2015, more than 23 million scuba diver certifications have been issued across the globe. Given the popularity of scuba diving, it is incumbent on every physician to know and understand the specific medical hazards and conditions associated with scuba diving.

Evidence Acquisition:

Sources were obtained from PubMed, MEDLINE, and EBSCO databases from 1956 onward and ranged from diverse fields including otologic reviews and wilderness medicine book chapters.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 5.

Results:

Otologic hazards can be categorized into barotrauma-related injuries or decompression sickness.

Conclusion:

When combined with a high index of suspicion, the physician can recognize these disorders and promptly initiate proper treatment of the potentially hazardous and irreversible conditions related to scuba diving.
Chemerin as an independent predictor of cardiovascular event risk
Authors: İnci Sinan , Aksan Gökhan , Doğan Pınar
Published: February 2016

Currently, coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered a major ailment in humans with widespread prevalence. CAD also accounts for high mortality rates around the world that involves several known risk factors. Chemerin is a novel adipokinine that is associated with inflammation and adipogenesis. Furthermore, experimental and clinical data indicate that localized as well as circulating chemerin expression and activation are elevated in numerous metabolic and inflammatory diseases including psoriasis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Chemerin is accepted as being a strong marker because the serum chemerin levels are increased in a CAD condition. However, the chimeric characteristics of chemerin have not been fully investigated. Although chemerin is known to be responsible for CAD development among other factors, authors still investigate it at the marker level. This review focuses on chemerin expression, processing, biological function and relevance to human diseases, and on the role of chemerin in the maintenance of a cardiovascular disease.
Travelling inscriptions of neo-liberalism in Nordic early childhood: Repositioning professionals for teaching and learnability
Authors: Otterstad Ann Merete , Braathe Hans Jørgen
Published: February 2016

This article traces the travelling of neo-liberal learning discourses through and between international and local political documents and practices. It does so by focusing on professionalism in Norway’s Early Childhood Education and Care. The investigation explores how particular discourses are taken up, merged and transformed in relation to the Norwegian tradition of child-centred pedagogy. Here, neo-liberal discourses can be seen as travelling through political and economic policies, as identified in documents and white papers produced locally and centrally. This travelling is further traced through the discursive positioning of professional pedagogues, as they talk about children’s transition from ‘ barnehage1’ (kindergarten) to school. The analysis shows how neo-liberal learning discourses appropriate and merge with traditional Nordic discourses of self-responsibility and independence, regulating spaces for professional positions in new, largely unnoticed ways in Norway.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein has a dual role in T cell autoimmunity against central nervous system myelin
Authors: ’t Hart Bert A , Weissert Robert
Published: February 2016

Background

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is a candidate primary target of the autoimmune attack on the central nervous system (CNS) in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the physiological function of MOG has been unclear for a long time.

Objective

We propose that MOG has a central role in the regulation of tolerance and autoimmunity.

Conclusion

The interaction of MOG with DC-SIGN, an innate antigen receptor of myeloid antigen-presenting cells (m-APCs), present inside the CNS (microglia) or in draining lymph nodes (dendritic cells; DCs), keeps these cells in an immature/tolerogenic state. We postulate that this tolerogenic mechanism may be disturbed in MS by unknown factors.