bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Effective Development and Analysis of a Mobile Robot
Authors: Choudhury Bibhuti Bhusan
Published: March 2016

This paper deals with the design of a battery operated Mobile Robot and development of various modes of its control. The Mobile Robot can be operated in three different modes, namely Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF), Radio Frequency (RF) and ZigBee thereby enabling a multi- dimensional control system. The Mobile Robot is a single seated carrier. It can also be used to transport substantial amount of physical load for short distances. It is a prototype of a multi-use robot having a wide range of applicability according to the requirement after suitable modifications. Thus it can be easily applied inside a hospital to carry patients, as a wheel chair for physically challenged people, to carry goods in large shopping malls, as golf cars, can also be used for industrial purposes with adequate modifications. It can also be used as cleaning machine at railway stations, airports, museums, large halls. It uses a DC power source and not any conventional energy sources. Hence it is ecofriendly and this Mobile Robot can be termed as an advancing step in the field of battery operated vehicles.
HASBE access control model with Secure Key Distribution and Efficient Domain Hierarchy for cloud computing
Authors: Aluvalu RajaniKanth , Kamliya Vanraj , Muddana Lakshmi
Published: March 2016

Cloud computing refers to the application and service that run on a distributed system using virtualized resources and access by common internet protocol and networking standard. Cloud computing virtualizes system by pooling and sharing resources. System and resources can be monitored from central infrastructure as needed. It requires high security because now day’s companies are placing more essential and huge amount of data on cloud. Hence traditional access control models are not sufficient for cloud computing applications. So encryption based on Attribute (“ABE”-“Attribute based encryption”) has been offered for access control of subcontracted data in cloud computing with complex access control policies. Traditional HASBE provides Flexibility, scalability and fine-grained access control but does not support hierarchical domain structure. In this paper, we had enhanced “Hierarchical attribute-set-based encryption” (“HASBE”) access control with a hierarchical assembly of users, with flexible domain Hierarchy structure and Secure key distribution with predefined policy
Insights on Extent of Effectiveness, Trend, and Gap in Existing Frameworks for e-Procurement System
Authors: Madhusudan N , Rao L. Manjunatha
Published: March 2016

With the advancement of technologies, the organization and business applications are witnessed with the increasing trends to adopt cut edge technologies to normalize their business process.  However, this trend was not observed much on the e-Procurement system, where the existing users still place the purchase order using conventional web-based approach that cannot address various ongoing challenges in eProcurement system. This paper attempts to review the existing trends and challenges of web-based eProcurement system and discusses that with the adoption of cloud computing as present trend, such ongoing issues of eProcurement can be addressed. The paper discusses the effectiveness of the existing techniques with interpretation of research gap.
Switching FOC Method for Vector Control of Single-Phase Induction Motor Drives
Authors: Jannati Mohammad , Nik Idris Nik Rumzi , Abdul Aziz Mohd Junaidi , Sutikno Tole , Ghanbari M.
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes a novel vector control method based on Rotor flux Field-Oriented Control (RFOC) for single-phase Induction Motor (IM) drives. It is shown that in a rotating reference frame, the single-phase IM equations can be separated into forward and backward equations with balanced structures. In order to accommodate for these forward and backward equations, a drive system consisting of two RFOCs that are switched interchangeably, is proposed. Alternatively, these two RFOC algorithms can be simplified as a single FOC algorithm. The analysis, controller design and simulation of the proposed technique showed that it is feasible for single-phase IM drive for high performance applications.
A Review on Photo Voltaic MPPT Algorithms
Authors: Selvan Saravana , Nair Pratap , Umayal Umayal
Published: March 2016

A photovoltaic generator exhibits nonlinear voltage-current characteristics and its maximum power point varies with solar radiation and cell temperature. A Dc/Dc power converter is used to match the photovoltaic system to the load and to operate the PV (photo voltaic) cell array at maximum power point. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is a process which tracks one maximum power point from PV array input, varying the ratio between the voltage and current delivered to get the most power it can. There are different techniques proposed with lot of algorithms are being used in the MPPT controller to extract the maximum power. It is very difficult for the photo voltaic designers, researchers and academic experts to select a particular MPPT technique for a particular application which requires the background knowledge and comparative features of various MPPT algorithms. This paper will be avaluable source for those who work in the photo voltaic generation, so its objective is to review the main MPPT algorithms in practice and analyzes the merits and demerits with various factors.
Issues in Routing Mechanism for Packets Forwarding: A Survey
Authors: Devikar Rohit Nilkanth , V. Patil Dipak , Chandraprakash V.
Published: March 2016

Nowadays internet has become more popular to each and every one. It is very sensitive to nodes or links failure due to many known or unknown issues in the network connectivity. Routing is the important concept in wired and wireless network for packet transmission. During the packet transmission many times some of the problems occur, due to this packets are being lost or nodes not able to transmit the packets to the specific destination. This paper discusses various issues and approaches related to the routing mechanism. In this paper, we present a review and comparison of different routing algorithms and protocols proposed recently in order to address various issues. The main purpose of this study is to address issues for packet forwarding like network control management, load balancing, congestion control, convergence time and instability. We also focus on the impact of these issues on packet forwarding.
Unification Requirements of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Authors: Salah Khalil , Kama Nazri
Published: March 2016

By increasing electric vehicles in numbers and getting the public attention, availability, safety and accessibility of its charging infrastructure are key factors to users’ satisfaction. Charging infrastructure in electric vehicle industry can have a role as an interface for exchanging information among other components as well. Currently, lack of universality in electric vehicle industry has caused an isolation in networks of electric vehicles. This isolation will cause difficulty in having an aggregated set of information about electric vehicles and their consumption pattern. The paper reviews current charging infrastructure and the possibility of providing universality based on candidate protocols and technologies.
Comparison of PI and PID Controlled Bidirectional DC-DC Converter Systems
Authors: Ramya K.C. , Jegathesan V.
Published: March 2016

This paper deals with comparison of responses of the PI and the PID controlled bidirectional DC-DC converter systems. A coupled inductor is used in the present work to produce high gain. Open loop and closed loop controlled systems with PI and PID controllers are designed and simulated using Matlab tool. The principles of operation and simulation case studies are discussed in detail. The comparison is made in terms of rise time, fall time, peak overshoot and steady state error.
Comparison of dual antiplatelet therapy prescribed as one-pill versus two-pill regimen
Authors: Lim Woo-Hyun , Chae In-Ho , Yoon Chang-Hwan , Choi Dong-Ju , Lim Sang , Park Woo , Doh Joon-Hyung , Kim Sang-Hyun , Kim Myung-A. , Lee Seung-Hwan , Yoon Jung , Ahn Young , Hyon Min-Su , Kim Ki , Kim Young , Lee Han , Seol Sang-Hoon , Hwang Kyung-Kuk , Choi Si-Wan , Han Kyoo-Rok , Shin Eun-Seok , Kim Sang-Wook , Lee Byoung , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: March 2016

Fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs can simplify the medication regimen and potentially improve adherence. However, evidence is lacking about the efficacy and safety of FDC drugs of clopidogrel plus aspirin. Individual data from the three independent MR-CAPCIS trials were pooled and analysed. In those trials, subjects who had been treated with either dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) or aspirin alone after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation were randomly assigned to one-pill or to two-pill DAPT group. Platelet reactivity was measured with VerifyNow-P2Y12 and aspirin point-of-care assays at baseline and eight weeks after treatment. In the present study, primary efficacy endpoint was changes in platelet reactivity unit (PRU) between baseline and eight weeks. A total of 965 subjects were analysed. In prior clopidogrel and aspirin users, PRU was well maintained regardless of switching to either one-pill or two-pill DAPT (ΔPRU=0.4 vs 0.0, p=0.939). In prior aspirin users, PRU was decreased by 73.7 in one-pill DAPT and 77.5 in two-pill DAPT group, with no differences between them (p=0.499). The incidence of high on-treatment platelet reactivity at eight weeks, defined as PRU≥235 in Western people, was 34.8 % in one-pill DAPT group and 37.6 % in two-pill DAPT group (p=0.380), and that defined as PRU ≥275 in Oriental people was 17.7 vs 21.7 % (p=0.129). Independent predictors of high platelet reactivity on clopidogrel were female gender, increasing age, and diabetes. Study drugs were well tolerated. In conclusion, FDC one-pill DAPT showed similar efficacy to two-pill DAPT in terms of platelet reactivity in patients receiving DES in Korea.
Arrhythmogenicity of Anti-Ro/SSA Antibodies in Patients With Torsades de Pointes
Authors: Lazzerini Pietro Enea , Yue Yuankun , Srivastava Ujala , Fabris Frank , Capecchi Pier Leopoldo , Bertolozzi Iacopo , Bacarelli Maria Romana , Morozzi Gabriella , Acampa Maurizio , Natale Mariarita , El-Sherif Nabil , Galeazzi Mauro , Laghi-Pasini Franco , Boutjdir Mohamed
Published: March 2016

Background—

In patients with autoimmune disease, anti-Ro/SSA antibodies (anti-Ro/SSA) are responsible for a novel autoimmune-associated long-QT syndrome by targeting the hERG potassium channel and inhibiting the related current (
I
Kr
). Because anti-Ro/SSA are also present in a significant proportion of healthy subjects and may be associated with torsades de pointes (TdP) arrhythmia, we tested the hypothesis that anti-Ro/SSA may represent a silent risk factor in patients developing TdP.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-five consecutive patients who experienced TdP were prospectively collected independent of ongoing therapies and concomitant diseases. Anti-Ro/SSA were detected by fluoroenzyme immunoassay, immuno–Western blotting, and line-blot immunoassay. Purified IgGs from anti-Ro/SSA-positive and anti-Ro/SSA-negative patients were tested on
I
Kr
using HEK293 cells stably expressing the hERG channel. As expected, in TdP patients, many known corrected QT interval–prolonging risk factors were simultaneously present, including hypokalemia that was the most common (52%). Anti-Ro/SSA were present in 60% of the subjects, mostly the anti-Ro/SSA-52-kD subtype detected by immuno–Western blotting only. A history of autoimmune disease was found in only 2 of anti-Ro/SSA-positive patients. Experimental data demonstrated that purified anti-Ro/SSA-positive IgGs significantly inhibited
I
Kr
and cross reacted with hERG-channel proteins. Moreover, anti-Ro/SSA-positive sera exhibited high reactivity with a peptide corresponding to the hERG-channel pore-forming region.

Conclusions—

Anti-Ro/SSA may represent a clinically silent novel risk factor for TdP development via an autoimmune-mediated electrophysiological interference with the hERG channel. We propose that TdP patients may benefit from specific anti-Ro/SSA testing even in the absence of autoimmune diseases as immunomodulating therapies may be effective in shortening corrected QT interval and reducing TdP recurrence risk.
Insulin Signaling and Heart Failure
Authors: Riehle Christian , Abel E. Dale
Published: March 2016

Heart failure is associated with generalized insulin resistance. Moreover, insulin-resistant states such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity increases the risk of heart failure even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus alters the systemic and neurohumoral milieu, leading to changes in metabolism and signaling pathways in the heart that may contribute to myocardial dysfunction. In addition, changes in insulin signaling within cardiomyocytes develop in the failing heart. The changes range from activation of proximal insulin signaling pathways that may contribute to adverse left ventricular remodeling and mitochondrial dysfunction to repression of distal elements of insulin signaling pathways such as forkhead box O transcriptional signaling or glucose transport, which may also impair cardiac metabolism, structure, and function. This article will review the complexities of insulin signaling within the myocardium and ways in which these pathways are altered in heart failure or in conditions associated with generalized insulin resistance. The implications of these changes for therapeutic approaches to treating or preventing heart failure will be discussed.
Accountability of Environmental Impact Bonds: The Future of Global Environmental Governance?
Authors: Balboa Cristina M.
Published: March 2016

As the latest iteration of leveraging private resources to protect and sustain our natural resources, the environmental impact bond (EIB) reflects the growing trend in sustainable development that makes financing available to projects based on the verifiable results of an intervention. These new instruments in global environmental governance are not actually bonds but pay-for-success contracts, in which the risk of success is shouldered by the investor, and financial savings, pegged to the intervention outcome, are prioritized. This examination of EIBs through the lens of accountability aims to elicit debate on some areas of concern and consideration for the design and implementation of outcome-based financing for global environmental governance, including the prioritizing of private over public accountabilities and potential perverse incentives these instruments create. As both public and private accountability goals are evident in EIB, this governance tool runs the risk of exacerbating the paradox of increased accountability but decreased environmental gains.
Beyond the Imagery: The Encounters of Kierkegaard and Dostoevsky With the Image of the Dead Christ
Authors: Kaftański Wojciech
Published: March 2016

Through an analysis of Kierkegaard’s and Dostoevsky’s approaches to the theme of the death of Christ – one of the major leitmotifs in the debate of their contemporaries conveyed through theological and philosophical considerations, but also expressed in novels and in art – I show how the thinkers comprehended and articulated in their works the religious challenges awaiting the modern man.
Behavioral Treatment for Headaches in Children
Authors: Benore Ethan , Monnin Kara
Published: March 2016

Headache is a highly prevalent condition and is the leading cause for school absences. Despite the rich literature supporting behavioral treatments for headache, many child psychologists mistakenly perceive that they lack appropriate training to treat children with headache. Likewise, many physicians feel underprepared to refer the child for behavioral treatments. This article serves as a primer, providing tools for the general child psychologist or mental health provider by answering frequently asked questions. First, we provide a concise background on pathophysiology and medical care for headache. We then detail aspects of behavioral interventions for headache, including a case example. We included a limited list of up-to-date references most relevant to the child psychologist who does not treat headache on a regular basis to support further reading. By reviewing this primer, local mental health professionals can provide children with headache access to high-quality, evidence-based clinical care closer to home.
Trial and Error? An Inquiry into Implementing a ‘Straight-for-English’ Approach with Foundation Phase Students with Inadequate English Proficiency
Authors: Badenhorst Jo , van der Merwe Retha
Published: March 2016

The language of instruction in South Africa is currently an extremely controversial issue. As a result of South Africa’s political history, English is almost always chosen as the language of instruction. However, in many cases, students have not been adequately exposed to English when they enter the Foundation Phase. This study reports on research conducted at an Ex-Model C (formerly privileged) primary school in South Africa where an immersion-type model is followed with English as the instructional language. The aim of the study was to explore the practices implemented by Foundation Phase teachers to teach students through the medium of English, and to ascertain how the school has managed to maintain a consistently high academic standard, despite the language difficulties of their students. The findings of the study can make a significant contribution when similar strategies are implemented in schools which are faced by challenges similar to those of the sample school.
Investigation of intra-ply shear behavior of out-of-autoclave carbon/epoxy prepreg
Authors: Mohan Rahul P , Alshahrani Hassan , Hojjati Mehdi
Published: March 2016

The successful formation of composite parts without defects remains a challenging issue due to the complexity of the forming process. A better understanding of the factors that cause these flaws is necessary to optimize the operation. The present work investigates the in-plane shear behavior of out-of-autoclave carbon epoxy thermoset prepregs OOA and its effect on wrinkling using the picture frame test. The deformability of OOA at the real processing conditions helps to understand the applicability of such material for forming processes such as the double-diaphragm forming technique with aims to minimize overall manufacturing time and cost. Tests were performed at varying temperatures and displacement rates in order to determine their contribution to the fabric deformability. Digital image correlation was used to take sequential images at various stages of deformation and capture the onset of wrinkling. It was found that the processing temperature (resin viscosity), displacement rate, and layer counts (layer interactions) are the three most important parameters that influence the wrinkling. Presence of resin between the layers makes them interact with each other and therefore has an impact on the each layer shear angle. These parameters were then analyzed using the Taguchi and analysis of variance techniques to determine which factor has the most significant influence on the wrinkling.
Face Inversion Impairs the Ability to Draw Long-Range, but Not Short-Range, Spatial Relationships Between Features
Authors: Ostrofsky Justin , Kozbelt Aaron , Cohen Dale J. , Conklin Lauren , Thomson Krista
Published: March 2016

Art instructors have promoted the idea that reproducing upside-down models facilitates drawing accuracy. However, perceptual research has demonstrated that face inversion impairs the perception of long-range and, to a lesser extent, short-range spatial relationships between features. This suggests that drawing an upside-down face model might impair, rather than facilitate, drawing performance with respect to the accuracy of depicting the spatial relationships between features. In this study, participants drew an upright and upside-down face. Participants were less accurate in drawing the long-range spatial relationship between the eyes and mouth when drawing the upside-down face than when drawing the upright face. In contrast, they were equally accurate in drawing the short-range spatial relationships between the (a) eyes and eyebrows, (b) nose and mouth, and (c) two eyes when drawing the upright and upside-down models. This result fails to empirically validate the effectiveness of drawing models upside-down for the purposes of facilitating drawing accuracy.
Prediction of wrinkle types in tube hydroforming under pulsating hydraulic pressure with axial feeding
Authors: Lianfa Yang , Zhulin Hu , Yulin He
Published: March 2016

Wrinkling frequently occurs in tube hydroforming, resulting in an undesirable loss of quality and precision of the formed workpiece, and is generally regarded as a defect. However, wrinkling can also be utilised to improve the formability of tubular materials if it can be gradually reduced or even flattened in the follow-up tube hydroforming. For this reason, wrinkling is classified into two types—harmful wrinkle and useful wrinkle. In this paper, two prediction methods, geometry-based prediction method and mechanics-based prediction method, are proposed to predict the wrinkle type occurring in tube hydroforming under pulsating hydraulic pressure with axial feeding. Then, the corresponding tube hydroforming experiments are presented, which were carried out to validate the two proposed prediction methods by comparing the deformation and wrinkling behaviours. Finally, the characteristics of the two approaches are compared and discussed. The results indicate that the wrinkle type occurring in the present tube hydroforming experiments under pulsating hydraulic pressure with axial feeding could be predicted by both prediction methods, with the geometry-based prediction method providing more accuracy than the mechanics-based prediction method.
On the influence of thermal stresses on eigenvalues of a circular saw blade
Authors: Anđelić Nikola , Žigulić Roberto , Čanađija Marko
Published: March 2016

The paper presents a thermomechanical analysis of a circular saw with the emphasis on the influence of thermal stresses on eigenmodes. Significance of the slot’s length was also investigated. The transient thermal analysis was carried out, and based on the obtained temperature field, the modal analysis was performed accounting for both thermal and centrifugal stresses. It was found that thermal stresses have a profound influence on eigenvalues. The results clearly indicate a necessity of performing analyses of this kind in order to obtain an efficient design of the circular saw. At the end, main findings are emphasized once more.
Modified Dubins parameterization for aircraft emergency trajectory planning
Authors: Yomchinda Thanan , Horn Joseph F , Langelaan Jack W
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a trajectory parameterization method for calculating emergency flight paths with variable airspeeds under conditions of constant wind. The method is based on the Dubins curve; however, it has been modified to allow for acceleration along the path and finite rate of change in turn rate. The aircraft’s planar trajectory from an initial condition to a terminal condition is parameterized into a small set of path-defining variables. The method uses a number of closed-form solutions and simple iteration schemes to efficiently calculate a path that meets the specified constraints. The parametrized path can then be optimized to minimize a performance objective for real-time emergency path planning. For emergency flight planning, the vertical degree of freedom is treated as a function of the aircraft state and parametric controls, and the optimization is formulated to ensure touchdown at a desired location and aircraft state. The performance of the proposed method is investigated using several test cases, including landing of a commercial jet following total loss of thrust and autorotative recovery of a utility helicopter following total loss of power.
Stylistic analysis of headlines in science journalism: A case study of New Scientist
Authors: Molek-Kozakowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2016

This article explores science journalism in the context of the media competition for readers’ attention. It offers a qualitative stylistic perspective on how popular journalism colonizes science communication. It examines a sample of 400 headlines collected over the period of 15 months from the ranking of five ‘most-read’ articles on the website of the international magazine New Scientist. Dominant lexical properties of the sample are first identified through frequency and keyness survey and then analysed qualitatively from the perspective of the stylistic projection of newsworthiness. The analysis illustrates various degrees of stylistic ‘hybridity’ in online popularization of scientific research. Stylistic patterns that celebrate, domesticate or personalize science coverage (characteristic of popular journalism) are intertwined with devices that foreground tentativeness, precision and informativeness (characteristic of science communication). The article reflects on the implications of including various proportions of academic and popular styles in science journalism.
Community-Based Study of the Relationship Between Social Capital and Cognitive Function in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhu Jie , Cai Yi , Cui Dan , Wang Quan , Mao Zongfu
Published: March 2016

The present study aimed to detect the association between social capital and cognitive function in elderly residents with/without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Wuhan, China. A cross-sectional study was conducted for data collection in 2014. A sample of 1156 participants entered the study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. A modified instrument scale was used to measure bonding and bridging social capital. The results indicated that participants without MCI had higher social capital scores (45.2 ± 8.3) than those with MCI (37.0 ± 6.3; P < .001). With adjustments for relevant confounders, the multiple logistic regression model showed that participants with a bonding social capital score that ranged from 17 to 24 had an odds ratio (OR) for MCI of 0.38 (95% CI = 0.04-0.79); those with a score that ranged from 25 to 32 had an OR for MCI of 0.36 (95% CI = 0.04-0.70); and those with scores ≥33 had an OR for MCI of 0.25 (95% CI = 0.03-0.53). In conclusion, we found a statistically significant inverse association between bonding social capital and MCI, which suggests that shortage of social resource from homogeneous social networks might be associated with cognitive decline.
Hispanic Nurses’ Knowledge of and Approach to Pain Assessment and Management
Authors: Bloch Carol
Published: March 2016

Purpose: This study sought to determine whether (a) Hispanic nurses differ in assessment and management of pain for Hispanic versus non-Hispanic patients and (b) relationships exist between measures of acculturation and Hispanic nurses’ assessment and pain management. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional correlation design study used three survey instruments to identify Hispanic nurses’ cultural beliefs and how they approach pain management in clinical settings. Results: The average nurse had inadequate knowledge. However, a sample strength was accurate pain assessment for both non-Hispanic and Hispanic patients; they had higher pain management decision-making scores for Hispanic patients. Conclusion: Results are consistent with empirical findings that nurses in general have inadequate knowledge of pain management, with important implications regarding needing further research and training in this area. Implications for Practice: Future research should examine whether other ethnic groups are more likely to make correct decisions in pain management for members of their ethnic group.
Culturally Based Interventions for Families Whose Child Dies
Authors: Martinson Ida M. , Lee Hae-Ok , Kim Susie
Published: March 2016

This study reports the results of eighteen Korean families living in South Korea, twenty-five Chinese families living in Taiwan, and twenty-two American families whose child had died from cancer. All the families were interviewed in their own language and in their homes. All interviews were translated and transcribed into English as needed. The impact of the child's death from cancer on the family has four broad aspects: the manifestations of grief, the experiences of support or nonsupport, the meaning of life and of death, and changes in attitudes. Illustrations are given of the similarities and differences among the American, Chinese and Korean families in their responses.
Children, Spirituality, and Loss
Authors: Cox Gerry R.
Published: March 2016

Children face losses, and spirituality can be an important component in managing those bereavements. As each loss is unique, so are the ways of coping, even though children often imitate their parent's ways of grieving. This article presents the view that loss can be an opportunity for growth, wholeness, and holiness. Guidelines to aid children in growing through their losses and in developing styles of healthy grieving are presented. The author claims that spiritual journeys are paths that each must develop and follow through his or her life, as each journey is special and different. One cannot make the journey for children. At best, one can be a spiritual guide.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing: An Examination of Public Services Personnel and Their Responses to Critical Incident Stress
Authors: Jambois-Rankin Kathy R.
Published: March 2016

This study is a secondary analysis of data obtained during a 1993 survey of public service personnel in a midwestern community. The purposes of the original research were to discover if differences exist in the responses of public service personnel who have cared for known versus unknown victims, to examine differences that may exist among the overall responses of those personnel working in a small urban area versus a metropolitan area, and to assess for familiarity with critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) services. The current analysis found an increase in symptomatology when the victim is known, with visualization being the most prominent symptom reported. Respondents who had cared for known victims reported much higher levels of grief. Personnel working in a larger rural service area reported a greater familiarity with CISD services. However, no significant differences were found in the responses of public service personnel who had cared for known versus unknown victims, when the variables of years of work experience, paid versus volunteer position, gender, and population size of service area were introduced.
Predicting Outcomes after Pregnancy Loss: Results from Studies Using the Perinatal Grief Scale
Authors: Lasker Judith N. , Toedter Lori J.
Published: March 2016

There are widely diverse findings in the literature on the types of variables that best predict grief following a pregnancy loss. This article compares the results from twenty-two studies, carried out in four countries, which all used the Perinatal Grief Scale as their outcome measure. Results of the comparison support the value of the measure for such investigations and indicate strong commonalities among the findings. Specifically, lower grief scores are consistently related to male gender, older age, shorter pregnancy, passage of more time since the loss, mental health, good marital relationship and social support, and a subsequent pregnancy. Conclusions suggest the need for studies that include more diverse populations and evaluate the impact of attributions, coping, and interventions following a loss.
Death, Dying, and Bereavement in Relation to Older Individuals
Authors:   International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement
Published: March 2016

This article focuses on issues of death, dying, and bereavement in relation to older individuals. Its format follows the International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement (IWG) tradition of identifying a number of assumptions and principles. This article has been produced by a subgroup of the IWG. The members include academics, practitioners, and a broad range of professionals from Australia, Canada, England, Norway, Scotland, South Africa, the Netherlands, the United States, and Wales.
Violence and Grief in Schools
Authors: Stevenson Robert G.
Published: March 2016

As concern over violence in our society has grown, one area of major concern has been violence in schools. This article examines misunderstandings that underlie some judgments made about violence in schools: that violence in schools is a recent phenomenon and that guns are the cause of the majority of this violence. The author offers suggestions to educators and parents for developing a realistic protocol to address the twin issues of violence prevention and violence recovery in schools.
Investigating Religious and Spiritually Oriented Coping Strategies in the Swedish Context: A Review of the Literature and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Lewin Fereshteh Ahmadi
Published: March 2016

There has not been much systematic research in Sweden examining the existential and spiritual aspects of coping with serious illnesses. Taking one step toward redirecting attention on this research area, this article discusses some findings and barriers that are important when investigating the religious and spiritually oriented coping strategies among ill persons in the context of Swedish culture. The article concludes that a new alternative scale measuring spirituality among ill persons and new models of meaning and importance of religious and spiritual coping with serious illness should be developed from perspectives that consider the cultural context of societies such as Sweden, where people practice “religion” in a spiritual, subjective, and/or nonorganizational way rather than an organizational way and that, therefore, practicing organizational religiousness is not an important health-related measure. The Religious Orientation Scale and Spiritual Assessment Inventory seem to be appropriate methods on which new models can be based.
Anterolateral Drawer Versus Anterior Drawer Test for Ankle Instability
Authors: Miller Adam G. , Myers Stuart H. , Parks Brent G. , Guyton Gregory P.
Published: March 2016

Background:

The addition of unconstrained internal rotation to the physical examination could allow for detection of more subtle degrees of ankle instability. We hypothesized that a simulated anterolateral drawer test allowing unconstrained internal rotation of the ankle would provoke greater displacement of the lateral talus in the mortise versus the anterior drawer test.

Methods:

Ten cadaveric lower extremities were tested in a custom apparatus designed to reproduce the anterior drawer test and the anterolateral drawer test, in which the ankle was allowed to internally rotate about the intact deep deltoid ligament while being subluxed anteriorly. Specimens were tested intact and with anterior tibiofibular ligament sectioned. A differential variable reluctance transducer was used to measure lateral talar displacement with anterior forces of 25 and 50 N.

Results:

No significant differences in talar displacement or ankle rotation were noted in intact specimens between the groups. Among sectioned specimens, significantly more talar displacement (25 N [6.5 ± 1.7 mm vs 3.8 ± 2.4 mm] and 50 N [8.7 ± 0.9 mm vs 4.5 ± 2.5 mm], P < .001) and ankle rotation (25 N [13.9 ± 8.0 degrees vs 0.0 ± 0.0 degrees] and 50 N [23.7 ± 5.8 degrees vs 0.0 ± 0.0 degrees], P < .001) were found in the anterolateral drawer versus anterior drawer group.

Conclusion:

In an ankle instability model, the anterolateral drawer test provoked almost twice the lateral talus displacement found with the anterior drawer test.

Clinical Relevance:

Allowing internal rotation of the ankle while testing for ankle instability may allow the examiner to detect more subtle degrees of ankle instability.
Experimental Comparisons of Methods for Reducing Deliberate Distortions to Self-Report Measures of Sensitive Constructs
Authors: Dalal Dev K. , Hakel Milton D.
Published: March 2016

Sensitive constructs, such as counterproductive workplace behavior (CWB), are of interest to both basic and applied researchers; however, deliberate response distortions—active attempts on the part of respondents to be viewed more favorably—present a major difficulty with studying these topics. Although different methodologies purported to reduce distortions have been developed, they suffer from various limitations. For example, a notable limitation of what is currently considered best practice, randomized response techniques, is the inability to gather individual-level data. Across three experiments, we compare four different methods for obtaining self-reports of CWB that return individual-level data. Results suggest that whereas providing anonymity, counterbiasing, and implicit goal priming did not result in higher reporting of sensitive behaviors, the indirect questioning methodology did result in higher reporting. We also provide initial validity evidence for the indirect questioning scores and rule out some alternative explanations for the increased reporting of the indirect questioning method. Though more research is needed, these studies provide initial evidence regarding the potential utility of the indirect questioning method for increasing the reports on self-report measures of sensitive constructs.
Topology simulation and contact mechanics of bifractal rough surfaces*
Authors: Borri Claudia , Paggi Marco
Published: March 2016

A numerical method to generate bifractal surfaces due to a modification of the slope of the power spectral density function in the low- or high-frequency range is proposed. The method has been applied to simulate real surfaces of Ginkgo Biloba leaf scanned at two different magnifications by matching the corresponding experimental power spectral densities. Slight differences have been found in the statistical distributions of the asperity heights and curvatures for the lowest magnification that had marginal influence on the frictionless normal contact response of the surface. For highest magnification, however, the statistics of the simulated numerical surface were quite different from those of the real one, leading also to a significant difference in the normal contact results.
Post-operative imaging in deep brain stimulation: A controversial issue
Authors: Saleh Christian , Dooms Georges , Berthold Christophe , Hertel Frank
Published: March 2016

In deep brain stimulation (DBS), post-operative imaging has been used on the one hand to assess complications, such as haemorrhage; and on the other hand, to detect misplaced contacts. The post-operative determination of the accurate location of the final electrode plays a critical role in evaluating the precise area of effective stimulation and for predicting the potential clinical outcome; however, safety remains a priority in postoperative DBS imaging. A plethora of diverse post-operative imaging methods have been applied at different centres. There is neither a consensus on the most efficient post-operative imaging methodology, nor is there any standardisation for the automatic or manual analysis of the images within the different imaging modalities. In this article, we give an overview of currently applied post-operative imaging modalities and discuss the current challenges in post-operative imaging in DBS.
Review of vancomycin-induced renal toxicity: an update
Authors: Bamgbola Oluwatoyin
Published: March 2016

In recent times the use of larger doses of vancomycin aimed at curbing the increasing incidence of resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus has led to a wider report of acute kidney injury (AKI). Apart from biological plausibility, causality is implied by the predictive association of AKI with larger doses, longer duration, and graded plasma concentrations of vancomycin. AKI is more likely to occur with the concurrent use of nephrotoxic agents, and in critically ill patients who are susceptible to poor renal perfusion. Although most vancomycin-induced AKI cases are mild and therefore reversible, their occurrence may be associated with greater incidence of end-stage kidney disease and higher mortality rate. The strategy for its prevention includes adequate renal perfusion and therapeutic drug monitoring in high-risk individuals. In the near future, there is feasibility of renoprotective use of antioxidative substances in the delivery of vancomycin.
Metabolic consequences of modern immunosuppressive agents in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Bamgbola Oluwatoyin
Published: March 2016

Among other factors, sophistication of immunosuppressive (IS) regimen accounts for the remarkable success attained in the short- and medium-term solid organ transplant (SOT) survival. The use of steroids, mycophenolate mofetil and calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) have led to annual renal graft survival rates exceeding 90% in the last six decades. On the other hand, attrition rates of the allograft beyond the first year have remained unchanged. In addition, there is a persistent high cardiovascular (CV) mortality rate among transplant recipients with functioning grafts. These shortcomings are in part due to the metabolic effects of steroids, CNI and sirolimus (SRL), all of which are implicated in hypertension, new onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT), and dyslipidemia. In a bid to reduce the required amount of harmful maintenance agents, T-cell-depleting antibodies are increasingly used for induction therapy. The downsides to their use are greater incidence of opportunistic viral infections and malignancy. On the other hand, inadequate immunosuppression causes recurrent rejection episodes and therefore early-onset chronic allograft dysfunction. In addition to the adverse metabolic effects of the steroid rescue needed in these settings, the generated proinflammatory milieu may promote accelerated atherosclerotic disorders, thus setting up a vicious cycle. The recent availability of newer agent, belatacept holds a promise in reducing the incidence of metabolic disorders and hopefully its long-term CV consequences. Although therapeutic drug monitoring as applied to CNI may be helpful, pharmacodynamic tools are needed to promote a customized selection of IS agents that offer the most benefit to an individual without jeopardizing the allograft survival.
Outcomes of partnership between higher education and health care
Authors: Häggman-Laitila Arja , Rekola Leena
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to describe partnership activities between a university of applied sciences and a nursing care unit for the elderly, the competences that staff members working across these organizations needed and the outcomes gained. Staff of the organizations took part in nine focus group interviews ( n = 39) and completed self-evaluations based on diaries ( n = 13) and essays ( n = 24). The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The staff planned, coordinated, implemented and surveyed change processes based on a joint development target and developed student supervision. Staff needed competence to analyze their expertise and the organizations’ operations, as well as to manage development work, negotiations, communication and networking. The outcomes included identifying possibilities for cooperation and establishing new partnerships, developing good practices and new expertise, boosting student recruitment and supervision, as well as recruiting staff, mentoring and advancing their career development.
Greater Depressive Symptoms and Higher Viral Load Are Associated with Poor Physical Function among Latino Men Living with HIV
Authors: Nieves-Lugo Karen , del Rio-Gonzalez Ana Maria , Reisen Carol , Poppen Paul , Oursler Krisann K. , Zea Maria Cecilia
Published: March 2016

Physical function limitations have been associated with poor health outcomes, which have a negative impact on quality of life of older individuals. This study examined the association between depression, viral load, and acculturation with physical function among Latino men living with HIV. A secondary data analysis was performed using a cross-sectional data of 146 Latino immigrant men living with HIV in New York City and Washington, DC. Physical function was measured using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Uncontrolled HIV infection and depression were associated with worse physical function, thus implying the importance of adequate health care to address these conditions. Preserving physical function should start during middle adulthood, particularly among people living with HIV because of their greater risk of developing age-related challenges such as depression, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases among others. This study informs future interventions to preserve physical function and achieve the goal of successful aging.
Clinical and bioimaging results following osteochondral lesion repair using MaioRegen® allograft
Authors: Kaipel Martin , Trattning Siegfried , Domayer Stefan , Windhager Reinhard , Brix Martin
Published: March 2016

Aims and Objectives:

Surgical repair of osteochondral lesions ranging from 2 or more cm2 still is a clinical challenge. Using MaioRegen® a biocomposite allograft consisting of magnesium hydroxyapatite and equine collagen could be a promising treatment option.

Materials and Methods:

8 consecutive patients suffering from a single osteochondral lesion (2-4cm2) within the femoral condyles were prospectively enrolled. In all patients defects were filled up using MaioRegen ® via arthroscopic guided mini open arthrotomy. Clinical outcome was assessed using multiple scoring systems (IKDC/ICRS, Lysholm). Morphological as well as biochemical characteristics of the cartilage - implant surface were studied by MRI incorporating special sequences for ultra-structure research of cartilage(T2 mapping).

Results:

Clinical scores significantly increased at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post surgery compared to baseline. MRI morphology as well as bioimaging sequences showed variable results concerning successful integration of the implant surface into adjacent cartilage layers.

Conclusion:

One step surgical repair of osteochondral lesions using MaioRegen allografts provides encouraging short term clinical results. MRI based imaging results need further clarification by mid term studies.
First Results in new technique of Arthrosc. Button-to-Button repair of PCL avulsion injuries
Authors: Thiele Joern , Woelfl Christoph , von Recum Jan
Published: March 2016

Aims and Objectives:

The goal of the study was to describe the short time results of our new surgical technique of arthroscopic Button-to-Button fixation for acute tibial posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures. Concerning clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complication rates.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study includes patients with an acute tibial avulsion fracture of the PCL. The reduction and fixation was performed all arthroscopic, reduction and suture fixation by Tight Rope ABS and 2 ABS Buttons (Fa. Arthrex). Indication for image-proven displaced tibial PCL avulsion fractures with posterior knee instability of grade II or higher. The mean follow-up period was 6 months. Follow-up assessment included clinical assessment, functional scores, and radiographic evaluation.

Results:

First Results showed that Patients had better range of motion compared to Patients with an open technique. The postoperative physiotherapy was not limited by the dorsal approach. We have seen no leck of extension after 6 months due to all arthroscopic technique. All fractures achieved union. We have seen no procedure connected complications like wound infections, Button dislocations or nonunions.

Conclusion:

Treatment of tibial PCL avulsion fractures by all arthroscopic Button-to-Button fixation seems to be a successful technique. The benefit with an stable fixation without a dorsal approach helps the postoperative treatment and avoids soft tissue problems , especially limitations of the extension due to Arthrofibrosis and dorsal scar formation. Intermediate and long term results have to prove the clinical results.