bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Nature of Temporal Variability of the Gulf Stream Path from 75° to 55°W
Authors: Gangopadhyay Avijit , Chaudhuri Ayan H. , Taylor Arnold H.
Published: December 2015

The response of the Gulf Stream (GS) system to atmospheric forcing is generally linked either to the basin-scale winds on the subtropical gyre or to the buoyancy forcing from the Labrador Sea. This study presents a multiscale synergistic perspective to describe the low-frequency response of the GS system. The authors identify dominant temporal variability in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), in known indices of the GS path, and in the observed GS latitudes along its path derived from sea surface height (SSH) contours over the period 1993–2013. The analysis suggests that the signature of interannual variability changes along the stream’s path from 75° to 55°W. From its separation at Cape Hatteras to the west of 65°W, the variability of the GS is mainly in the near-decadal (7–10 years) band, which is missing to the east of 60°W, where a new interannual (4–5 years) band peaks. The latter peak (4–5 years) was missing to the west of 65°W. The region between 65° and 60°W seems to be a transition region. A 2–3-yr secondary peak was pervasive in all time series, including that for the NAO. This multiscale response of the GS system is supported by results from a basin-scale North Atlantic model. The near-decadal response can be attributed to similar forcing periods in the NAO signal; however, the interannual variability of 4–5 years in the eastern segment of the GS path is as yet unexplained. More numerical and observational studies are warranted to understand such causality.
Impact of an Electronic Template on Documentation of Obesity in a Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Thaker Vidhu V. , Lee Felix , Bottino Clement J. , Perry Cassandra L. , Holm Ingrid A. , Hirschhorn Joel N. , Osganian Stavroula K.
Published: December 2015

Identification of obesity at well-child care (WCC) examinations is a step toward intervention. Studies have shown suboptimal documentation in primary care clinics that can improve with the use of electronic health records (EHRs). This study investigated the impact of a standardized EHR template on documentation of obesity at WCC visits and its impact on physician behavior. A cohort of 585 children with severe early onset obesity (body mass index >99th percentile, age <6 years) was identified with an electronic algorithm. Complete records of visit notes were reviewed to extract history taking, counseling, and recording of obesity at a WCC visit. Use of a standardized EHR template for WCC visits is associated with improvement in rates of documentation of obesity (47% vs 34%, P < .01), without interruption of workflow. Documentation of obesity in the chart improved nutritional (66% vs 44%, P < .001) and physical activity counseling (23% vs 9%, P < .001).
Mapping Cross-Cultural Psychology Models and Methods Onto Societal Challenges
Authors: Leong Frederick T. L.
Published: December 2015

In response to Kashima’s article, this commentary uses the levels of analysis (LOAs) perspective to discuss how we may map cross-cultural psychology models and methods onto societal challenges. In our own LOA within psychology, it is pointed out that we have our own deficiencies such as the problem of WEIRD science where much of our so-called universal laws of human behavior have been built on a restricted sample from Western Educated Industrialized Rich Democracies. Besides the caveats regarding the challenges of using multiple levels of analyses, it is also argued that we should use the individual of analysis as our primary focus given our training as psychologists. This means focusing on psychological mechanisms to link them to societal problems. Several models for doing this mapping are presented such as Triandis’ recent work on self-deception as psychological mechanisms underlying extremism. Other examples include Leong and Kalibatseva’s disentangling approach, which seeks to resolve the “Black box problem” when we conflate demography with psychology. Demography is a poor proxy for psychology. Finally, it was proposed that we attend to the new emerging science of complexity, which focuses on large adaptive systems such as star systems, organizations, or even economies. However, we should apply this complexity model at the individual level and examine each person as a unique complex adaptive system (with the universal, the group, and the individual components).
Express bus fare optimization based on passenger choice behavior
Authors: Yao Baozhen , Wang Zhe , Cao Qingda , Jin Lu , Zhang Mingheng
Published: December 2015

A change in bus fare influences passenger choice behavior, resulting in a change of passenger flow and passengers’ total travel time. In this paper, a bi-level model was built to optimize the bus fare. The upper-level used the passenger flow and the travel time of passengers to optimize the bus fare. The lower-level is an agent-based simulation model that can simulate the passenger flow based on the passenger choice behavior. Then the tabu search algorithm was used to solve the bi-level model. Finally, the bi-level model is verified using two bus routes of Dalian, China. The result proves the bi-level model is reliable.
Wireless power transmission using a resonant coil consisting of conductive yarn for wearable devices
Authors: Jeong Min Joo , Yun Tae-il , Baek Jong Jin , Kim Youn Tae
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a wireless power transmission method that uses magnetic resonant coupling with resonant coils made of conductive yarn that can be integrated into clothing. The conductive yarn consisted of silver-plated copper and polyester filaments. The transmission characteristics of the yarn and copper resonant coils were compared using simulation and measurement tools. It was determined that the signal loss of the conductive yarn resonant coils was higher than that of the copper coils. However, the increase in the signal loss variation was less than 1 dB when the transmission distance was less than 6.5 cm. The conductive yarn resonant coils were placed in the shoes and trouser cuffs of a human subject, and the transmission efficiency was measured after the received alternating current power was converted to direct current power using an alternating current–direct current converter. The measurement results showed a maximum transmission efficiency of 50%; the average transmission efficiency was 45%, despite the change in the coil shape and alignment conditions due to body movement. In addition, the results demonstrated an excellent transmission efficiency of over 40% when the subject was moving at a speed of 6 km/h. It was also shown that the textile coils can be an integrative solution, overcoming clothing comfort and continuous power supply for a new generation of wearable devices.
Emulsion polymerization of N-halamine polymer for antibacterial polypropylene
Authors: Du Jinmei , Luo Xiongfang , Zhang Li , Liu Yin , Li Rong , Ren Xuehong , Huang Tung-Shi
Published: December 2015

N-halamines are highly efficient antibacterial agents. They can inhibit or inactivate bacteria by transformation of the N-Cl bond to an N-H bond, and be regenerated by chlorination. In this study, regenerable biocidal poly(VAc-co-MAM) was synthesized by emulsion polymerization with vinyl acetate (VAc) and methacrylamide (MAM). Polymerization was optimally carried out at 100℃ for 7 hours using a 10:1 molar ratio of VAc to MAM in the presence of 1% initiator in mass to the total of VAc and MAM. The synthesized polymer emulsion was used for antibacterial treatment of polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabric. The treated fabric was found to have an active chlorine value of 0.21%, which exhibited excellent antibacterial activity. The active group N-Cl in PP fabric treated with poly(VAc-co-MAM) was unstable under ultraviolet irradiation, but could be recovered through chlorination. Poly(VAc-co-MAM) can be used as an antibacterial agent for many other fibers, not limited to PP, since it has a hydrocarbon chain that provides a good compatibility with other synthesized fibers through the Coulomb force and hydrophobic bond.
Cell growth and proliferation on the interface of a silk fabric tubular scaffold
Authors: Sun Xiaolong , Hao Yunxia , Wang Qiongyu , Dong Fenglin , Wang Jiannan
Published: December 2015

A silk fibroin tubular scaffold (SFTS) has been designed and fabricated using silk fabric and regenerated silk fibroin, and used in the construction of artificial blood vessels. As a replacement for blood vessels, scaffolds should have a suitable interface for the adherence and proliferation of vascular cells, and the pore structure of the internal surface is one of most important factors. In this article, we investigate the effect of SFTSs with different pore structures on cells growth. Pore structures were controlled by adjusting the concentration of both the silk fibroin and the polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether cross-linker as well as the freezing temperature. Intuitive cell fluorescence imaging and MTT assays on fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used to probe interactions with internal surfaces of differing pore diameter and density. The results showed that SFTSs fabricated under different conditions exhibited no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, fibroblasts were highly migratory, occupied the interface and could bridge the macropores well when the pore diameter was 50 ∼ 75 µm. SFTSs with micropores of about 30 ∼ 50 µm in diameter were deemed suitable for the growth and proliferation of HUVECs.
Introduction: Locating gentrification in the Global East
Authors: Shin Hyun Bang , Lees Loretta , López-Morales Ernesto
Published: December 2015

This special issue, a collection of papers presented and debated at an Urban Studies Foundation-funded workshop on Global Gentrification in London in 2012, attempts to problematise contemporary understandings of gentrification, which is all too often confined to the experiences of the so-called Global North, and sometimes too narrowly understood as classic gentrification. Instead of simply confirming the rise of gentrification in places outside of the usual suspects of North America and Western Europe, a more open-minded approach is advocated so as not to over-generalise distinctive urban processes under the label of gentrification, thus understanding gentrification as constitutive of diverse urban processes at work. This requires a careful attention to the complexity of property rights and tenure relations, and calls for a dialogue between gentrification and non-gentrification researchers to understand how gentrification communicates with other theories to capture the full dynamics of urban transformation. Papers in this special issue have made great strides towards these goals, namely theorising, distorting, mutating and bringing into question the concept of gentrification itself, as seen from the perspective of the Global East, a label that we have deliberately given in order to problematise the existing common practices of grouping all regions other than Western European and North American ones into the Global South.
Topiramate, zonisamide and weight loss in children and adolescents prescribed psychiatric medications
Authors: Shapiro Michael , Reid Adam , Olsen Brian , Taasan Michael , McNamara Joseph , Nguyen Mathew
Published: December 2015

Background

Childhood obesity is a growing epidemic that is contributed to by the use of psychopharmacological agents, such as antipsychotics. This study represents a preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of two anticonvulsants that were hypothesized to reduce weight in a pediatric sample seeking treatment at a psychiatric clinic.

Methods

The electronic medical records of a university-based child and adolescent psychiatric clinic were reviewed for patients who were first prescribed either topiramate or zonisamide between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2013. Based on inclusionary criteria, the review identified 47 children or adolescents.

Results

Multilevel modeling was utilized for study analyses. Including the full sample and controlling for confounders, anticonvulsant dosage was uniquely associated with an average reduction in body mass index of 1.3 (dosages above 200 mg) to 4.1 (dosages below 50 mg) every six months of treatment. Exlucing patients whose baseline body mass index was below 25.0 and controlling for confounders, anticonvulsant dosage was uniquely associated with an average reduction in body mass index of 3.2 (dosages above 200 mg) to 6.1 (dosages below 50 mg) every six months of treatment. Weight reduction was not statistically different between topiramate or zonisamide. Anticonvulsants were associated with an increase in body mass index, yet the benefits of the two anticonvulsants on weight loss remained despite the counteractive effects of antipsychotics.

Conclusions

Results provide preliminary evidence that topiramate and zonisamide may be utilized for weight loss in a pediatric psychopharmacological treatment seeking sample, even if antipsychotics are also prescribed. A randomized controlled trial investigating the impact of topiramate and zonisamide on weight reduction is warranted.
Clozapine-induced myocarditis may be associated with rapid titration
Authors: Chopra Nitin , de Leon Jose
Published: December 2015

Clozapine-induced myocarditis is a poorly understood, rare, potentially fatal adverse drug reaction with absolute risks ranging from 7 to 34 per 1000 in Australia and 0.07–0.6 per 1000 in other countries. Hypersensitivity reactions have been postulated including some cases probably associated with rapid titrations. This case describes a 50-year-old African-American man with schizoaffective disorder, naïve to clozapine, who probably died from clozapine-induced myocarditis. He was started on 25 mg/day of clozapine and received 1625 mg over 14 days, prior to his death on day 15. The autopsy found predominantly lymphocytic infiltrate of the perivascular soft tissue and myocardium of the ventricles, with occasional eosinophils. Using the Liverpool ADR Causality Assessment Tool, it was deemed probable that the patient’s death was secondary to myocarditis. The patient had fulminant death with no obvious changes in vital signs. Neither C-reactive protein nor troponin was measured, but it is unlikely that the results would have arrived in time to prevent the patient’s death. Age, rapid titration, and concomitant use of valproate contributed to this case, which was probably an idiosyncratic adverse drug reaction associated with rapid titration. Lamotrigine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome also appears to be an idiosyncratic adverse drug reaction associated with rapid titration, but its incidence has been remarkably reduced since the recommended starting lamotrigine dose was reduced and corrected by the effect of inhibitors such as valproate. Similarly, clozapine-induced myocarditis incidence probably can be reduced with the use of slow titrations, including even slower titrations for patients with lower ability to metabolize clozapine, such as those taking valproate.
Adaptive fault tolerant attitude control based on a disturbance observer for satellites with multiple disturbances
Authors: Cao Songyin , Zhao Yunfeng , Qiao Jianzhong
Published: December 2015

The attitude control problem is much more complicated due to the existence of faults and multiple disturbances simultaneously in satellites. In this paper, an adaptive fault tolerant attitude control method is presented for satellites with both time-varying actuator faults and multiple disturbances. Differing from previous results, the first part of the multiple disturbance is the uncertain modelled disturbance and the second part represents an uncertain variable bounded by a given function. A composite observer is designed to estimate the uncertain modelled disturbance and the time-varying fault simultaneously. Then, a new fault tolerant control strategy consisting of disturbance observer based control, fault accommodation and an adaptive controller is constructed to reconfigure the concerned systems and so as to achieve the anti-disturbance performance. In the proposed method, the modelled disturbance can be rejected by its estimation and the uncertain bounded disturbance can be compensated by the adaptive compensation term. The simulation results are given to show the efficiency of the proposed approach.
Observer-based semi-global consensus of discrete-time multi-agent systems with input saturation
Authors: Zhang Liangyin , Chen Michael ZQ , Su Housheng
Published: December 2015

This paper deals with the low-gain output feedback cooperative control for discrete-time linear multi-agent systems subject to actuator saturation. Based on the algebraic Riccati equations, semi-global exponential consensus is demonstrated for multi-agent system networks with a switching topology that is known or unknown to the agents. The combinational measurements are utilized to design the state observer. The estimated combinational states are used for controller design and Lyapunov stability analysis. The theoretical results are illustrated by a numerical example.
Smith predictor based sliding mode control for a class of unstable processes
Authors: Mehta Utkal , Rojas Rubén
Published: December 2015

A strategy to regulate unstable processes using a modified Smith predictor based sliding mode controller (SP-SMC) is illustrated. The proposed scheme presents disturbance rejection and optimal control input usage with overall improved regulatory performances. The unstable process with time delay is first estimated using a simple measurement of limit cycle output obtained from a modified relay experiment. Then this paper extends a work on SP-SMC for unstable processes, which leads to significant improvements in its regulatory capacities of reference inputs and disturbances. A new control law is incorporated in the discontinuous part of sliding mode control such that the overall performance improves significantly. The metaheuristic search algorithm with some modifications has been implemented successfully to satisfy the new control performance index. The robustness of the controller is also tested under the process uncertainty. Illustrative examples show the simplicity and superiority of the presented design method over previously published approaches.
Ganglioside Intake Increases Plasma Ganglioside Content in Human Participants
Authors: Miklavcic John J. , Shoemaker Glen K. , Schnabl Kareena L. , Larsen Bodil M. K. , Thomson Alan B. R. , Mazurak Vera C. , Clandinin M. Tom
Published: December 2015

Background: Preclinical studies reveal associations between intestinal ganglioside content and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Since a low level of ganglioside is associated with higher production of proinflammatory signals in the intestine, it is important to determine safety and bioavailability of dietary ganglioside for application as a potential therapeutic agent. Materials and Methods: Healthy volunteers (HVs; n = 18) completed an 8‐week supplementation study to demonstrate safety and bioavailabity of ganglioside consumption. HVs were randomized to consume a milk fat fraction containing 43 mg/d ganglioside or placebo, and patients with IBD (n = 5) consumed ganglioside supplement in a small pilot study. Plasma gangliosides were characterized using reverse‐phase liquid chromatography–QQQ mass spectrometry. Intestinal permeability was assessed by oral lactulose/mannitol, and quality of life was assessed by quality of life in the IBD questionnaire. Results: There were no adverse events associated with dietary ganglioside intake. Ganglioside consumption increased (P < .05) plasma content of total GD3 by 35% over 8 weeks. HVs consuming ganglioside exhibited a 19% decrease in intestinal permeability (P = .04). Consumption of ganglioside was associated with a 39% increase (P < .01) in emotional health and a 36% improvement (P < .02) in systemic symptoms in patients with IBD. Conclusion: Impaired intestinal integrity characteristic of IBD results in increased permeability to bacterial antigens and decreased nutrient absorption. Intestinal integrity may be improved by dietary treatment with specific species of ganglioside. Ganglioside is a safe, bioavailable dietary compound that can be consumed to potentially improve quality of life in patients with IBD and treat other disorders involving altered ganglioside metabolism. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02139709.
The Use of Minipig in Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Heining Peter , Ruysschaert Tristan
Published: December 2015

The pig was introduced more than 20 years ago in drug development following attempts of finding a species that shares better homology with human than the dog, based on biophysiological parameters. However, miniaturization, standardized breeding, and health status control were required before the pig could find a broader than niche application in pharmaceutical industry. During the years of experience with minipigs in pharmaceutical research and the science evolving rapidly, the selection of a nonrodent animal species for preclinical safety testing became primarily driven by pharmacological (target expression homologous function), pharmacokinetic, and biophysiological considerations. This offered a broad field of application for the minipig, besides the well-established use in dermal projects in all areas of drug development but also in novel approaches including genetically modified animals. In this article, we look at recent approaches and requirements in the optimal selection of a nonrodent model in pharmaceutical development and critically ask how good a choice the minipig offers for the scientist, how did the testing environment evolve, and what are the key requirements for a broader use of the minipig compared to the other well-established nonrodent species like dog or monkey.
Vehicle Systems and Excipients Used in Minipig Drug Development Studies
Authors: Weaver Margaret L. , Grossi Anette Blak , Schützsack Jorgen , Parish Joanna , Løgsted Jeanet , Bøgh Ingrid Brück , Cameron David , Harvey Warren , Festag Matthias , Downes Noel , Venturella Silvana , Schlichtiger Julia , Mhedhbi Sofiene , Ross Vanessa , Kissner Thomas , Stark Claudia , Milano Stephane , Heining Peter , Sanchez-Felix Manual
Published: December 2015

Minipigs have been used for dermal drug development studies for decades, and they are currently more frequently considered as the second nonrodent species for pivotal nonclinical studies, in lieu of the dog or nonhuman primate, for compounds delivered via standard systemic routes of administration. Little is known about the tolerability of different excipients in minipigs; sharing knowledge of excipient tolerability and compositions previously used in nonclinical studies may avoid testing of inadequate formulations, thereby contributing to reduced animal usage. This article reviews vehicles employed in the Göttingen® minipig based on the combined experience from a number of pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations. The review includes vehicles tolerated for single or multiple dosing by the Göttingen minipig, some of which are not appropriate for administration to other common nonrodent species (e.g., dogs). By presenting these data for dermal, oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes of administration, studies to qualify these vehicles in minipigs can be minimized or avoided. Additionally, investigators may more frequently consider using the minipig in place of higher species if the tolerability of a vehicle in the minipig is known.
A process evaluation of a home-based occupational therapy intervention for Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers performed alongside a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sturkenboom Ingrid HWM , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria WG , Graff Maud JL
Published: December 2015

Objective:

To evaluate fidelity, treatment enactment and the experiences of an occupational therapy intervention in Parkinson’s disease, to identify factors that affect intervention delivery and benefits.

Design:

Mixed methods alongside a randomized controlled trial.

Subjects:

These include 124 home-dwelling Parkinson’s disease patients and their primary caregivers (recipients), and 18 occupational therapists.

Intervention:

Ten-week home-based intervention according to the Dutch guidelines for occupational therapy in Parkinson’s disease.

Main measures:

Data were collected on intervention dose, protocol process, content of treatment (fidelity), offered and performed strategies (treatment enactment), and recipients’ experiences. Therapists’ experiences were collected through case note analyses and focus group interviews.

Results:

Mean intervention dose was 9.3 (SD 2.3) hours. Mean protocol process adherence was high (93%; SD 9%), however the intervention did not (fully) address the goal for 268 of 617 treatment goals. Frequencies of offered and performed strategies appeared similar, apart from ‘using other tools and materials’ which showed a drop from 279 advised to 149 used. The recipients were satisfied overall with the intervention (mean score 8 out of 10). The therapists noted positive or negative influencing factors on both process and benefits: the research context, the socio-political healthcare context, the recipients’ personal and contextual factors, and the therapists’ competence.

Conclusion:

We found some prerequisite factors in equipment provision and available dose important for treatment delivery. Other elicited factors related to, or affected, the required professional competencies and tools to tailor interventions to the complexity of interacting personal and contextual factors of patients and caregivers.
Local Government Strategies for Financing Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Authors: Wang XiaoHu , Liu Cheol , Hawkins Christopher V.
Published: December 2015

Sustainable development has quickly become an important theme in local governments facing environmental challenges. Energy efficiency can be part of local efforts to sustain economic development while protecting the environment and natural resources. Based on a national database, this study examines U.S. city governments’ strategies to finance energy efficiency. The result suggests that energy efficiency financing (EEF) has become part of local sustainability strategies. In the study, we offer an explanation for energy efficiency funding that emphasizes political behaviors of institutional players in budgetary decision making. We examine factors influencing adoption and progression of EEF. The results highlight the importance of explaining results of EEF to citizens. Technical expertise from professional organizations helps start EEF programs. A Democrat-leaning consistency is important to adopt EEF, but only in cities without substantial strategies promoting EEF. Cities with revenue declines are less likely to implement EEF.
Phyto-enhanced remediation of soil co-contaminated with lead and diesel fuel using biowaste and Dracaena reflexa: A laboratory study
Authors: Dadrasnia Arezoo , Pariatamby Agamuthu
Published: December 2015

In phytoremediation of co-contaminated soil, the simultaneous and efficient remediation of multiple pollutants is a major challenge rather than the removal of pollutants. A laboratory-scale experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of 5% addition of each of three different organic waste amendments (tea leaves, soy cake, and potato skin) to enhance the phytoaccumulation of lead (60 mg kg-1) and diesel fuel (25,000 mg kg-1) in co-contaminated soil by Dracaena reflexa Lam for a period of 180 day. The highest rate of oil degradation was recorded in co-contaminated soil planted with D. reflexa and amended with soy cake (75%), followed by potato skin (52.8%) and tea leaves (50.6%). Although plants did not accumulate hydrocarbon from the contaminated soil, significant bioaccumulation of lead in the roots and stems of D. reflexa was observed. At the end of 180 days, 16.7 and 9.8 mg kg-1 of lead in the stems and roots of D. reflexa were recorded, respectively, for the treatment with tea leaves. These findings demonstrate the potential of organic waste amendments in enhancing phytoremediation of oil and bioaccumulation of lead.
Politics of Expertise
Authors: Linovski Orly
Published: December 2015

This research assesses how professional expertise is constructed and deployed by public and private sector practitioners. In-depth case studies of urban design projects in two cities with differing local government capacities are used to critically examine professional expertise. The study finds that the expertise of consultants was portrayed as more creative and innovative, less constrained by bureaucratic and political contexts, and more knowledgeable of market conditions. In contrast, descriptions of public employee expertise often focused on regulatory knowledge. This study analyzes the relationship between limited public sector capacity and these constructions of expertise—and the implications for professional practices.
Stylizing Genderlect Online for Social Action
Authors: Ray Brian
Published: December 2015

This article introduces the concept of stylization and illustrates its usefulness for studying online discourse by examining how writers have employed it in order to parody sexist products such as BIC Cristal for Her, using genderlect in order to introduce dissonance into and reframe patriarchal discourse. A corpus analysis of 671 reviews, written from August through October 2012, confirmed a dramatically higher presence of lexical items and adjectives often stereotyped as feminine, compared to a reference corpus of other parody reviews, as well as the GloWbe corpus housed at Brigham Young University. A qualitative analysis shows the stylized use of these features, and how they contribute to the construction of personas that are intended to mock the sexism inherent in BIC’s advertising. This analysis hopes to encourage more attention to how stylization functions in emerging online genres.
Effect of Probiotics on the Incidence of Healthcare‐Associated Infections in Mechanically Ventilated Neurocritical Care Patients
Authors: Kenna John , Mahmoud Leana , Zullo Andrew R. , Potter N. Stevenson , Fehnel Corey R. , Thompson Bradford B. , Wendell Linda C.
Published: December 2015

Background: Healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs) are seen in 17% of critically ill patients. Probiotics, live nonpathogenic microorganisms, may aid in reducing the incidence of infection in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that administration of probiotics would be safe and reduce the incidence of HAIs among mechanically ventilated neurocritical care patients. Methods: We assembled 2 retrospective cohorts of mechanically ventilated neurocritical care patients. In the preintervention cohort from July 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011, probiotics were not used. In the postintervention group from July 1, 2012, to December 31, 2012, 1 g of a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus was administered twice daily to all patients who were mechanically ventilated for more than 24 hours. Results: There were a total of 167 patients included, 80 patients in the preintervention group and 87 patients in the postintervention group. No patients in the preintervention group received probiotics. Eighty‐five (98%) patients in the postintervention group received probiotics for a median of 10 days (interquartile range, 4–20 days). There were 14 (18%) HAIs in the preintervention group and 8 (9%) HAIs in the postintervention group (P = .17). Ventilator days, lengths of stay, in‐hospital mortality, and discharge disposition were similar between the pre‐ and postintervention groups. There were no cases of Lactobacillus bacteremia or other adverse events associated with probiotics use. Conclusion: Probiotics are safe to administer in neurocritical care patients; however, this study failed to demonstrate a significant decrease in HAIs or secondary outcomes associated with probiotics.
Stimulation of apoptotic pathways in liver cancer cells: An alternative perspective on the biocompatibility and the utility of biomedical glasses
Authors: Kilcup Nancy , Gaynard Seán , Werner-Zwanziger Ulrike , Tonkopi Elena , Hayes Jessica , Boyd Daniel
Published: December 2015

A host of research opportunities with innumerable clinical applications are open to biomedical glasses if one considers their potential as therapeutic inorganic ion delivery systems. Generally, applications have been limited to repair and regeneration of hard tissues while compositions are largely constrained to the original bioactive glass developed in the 1960s. However, in oncology applications the therapeutic paradigm shifts from repair to targeted destruction. With this in mind, the composition–structure–property–function relationships of vanadium-containing zinc-silicate glasses (0.51SiO2–0.29Na2O–(0.20- X)ZnO– XV2O5, 0 ≤  X ≤ 0.09) were characterized in order to determine their potential as therapeutic inorganic ion delivery systems. Increased V2O5 mole fraction resulted in a linear decrease in density and glass transition temperature (Tg). 29Si MAS NMR peak maxima shifted upfield while 51V MAS NMR peak maxima were independent of V2O5 content and overlapped well with the spectra NaVO3. Increased V2O5 mole fraction caused ion release to increase. When human liver cancer cells, HepG2, were exposed to these ions they demonstrated a concentration-dependent cytotoxic response, mediated by apoptosis. This work demonstrates that the zinc-silicate system studied herein is capable of delivering therapeutic inorganic ions at concentrations that induce apoptotic cell death and provide a simple means to control therapeutic inorganic ion delivery.
Medications, “Natural” Products, and Pharmacovigilance during Breastfeeding
Authors: Colaceci Sofia , Giusti Angela , De Angelis Alessia , Della Barba Maria Ida , De Vincenti Annie Yasmine , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria
Published: December 2015

Background:

In cases of pharmacotherapy, mothers are confronted with the dilemma of breastfeeding and giving up the medication or discontinuing breastfeeding in order to take the drug, thus avoiding any potential risk for the infants.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe women’s opinions on the use of medications and “natural” products during breastfeeding, pharmacovigilance and phytosurveillance, and the management of breastfeeding.

Methods:

This was a mixed-methods study with a sequential exploratory design. In the first qualitative phase, we conducted focus groups and in-depth interviews with 25 mothers attending community services. Coding and content analysis were carried out using NVivo9. We identified 4 main categories, and on this basis, we built a questionnaire administered to 248 pregnant women and new mothers attending 2 third-level hospitals. We conducted a descriptive and bivariate analysis ( P ≤ .05) using Epi-Info v.7.

Results:

Women show 3 main attitudes: (1) to discontinue breastfeeding in order to take the medication, (2) to “endure the pain,” or (3) to use so-called natural products, perceived safer than drugs. Women expressing an “endure the pain” opinion and women who considered natural products to be safer than medications had a higher probability of knowing that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months (respectively, odds ratio [OR] = 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-3.97; OR = 4.77; 95% CI, 2.56-8.88).

Conclusion:

In the dilemma of the mothers needing drug treatment, health professionals play a crucial role. They should convey evidence-based information on the compatibility of drugs with breastfeeding and provide individualized treatments, tailored to the single mother–baby case.
Decision Model for Policy Makers in the Context of Citizens Engagement
Authors: Boukhris Imen , Ayachi Raouia , Elouedi Zied , Mellouli Sehl , Amor Nahla Ben
Published: December 2015

Citizens’ engagement is considered as one of the important dimensions for the development of smart cities since, in the vision of a city of the future (smart city), citizens will be more and more involved in the decision-making process of different issues related to the development of a city. In this context, policy makers face a decision problem where they have to integrate a new dimension, which is the voice of the citizens’ decision. This article proposes a tool based on multicriteria decision making methods to provide decision makers with the best alternative(s) that are based on citizens’ opinions. In order to tackle the potential interdependencies between criteria and also between alternatives in the selection process, we apply a hybrid model integrating the analytical network process and an extended version of technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution to support group decision-making. The proposed model is applied in the context of participatory budgeting (PB) where citizens decide on the projects in which the money can be invested. This process is complex since it encompasses multiple interdependent criteria that may be conflicting with each other and that are used to take decisions. To illustrate our approach, we will apply the proposed technique for the case study of La Marsa, a city in the north of the capital Tunis (Tunisia) that adopted, since 2014, a PB strategy in which citizens proposed alternatives on how an amount of money can be used to lighten specific streets in the city.
Monitoring of chip breaking and surface roughness in computer numerical control turning by utilizing wavelet transform of dynamic cutting forces
Authors: Tangjitsitcharoen Somkiat , Samanmit Kanyakarn
Published: December 2015

The aim of this research is to monitor and classify the broken chip signals from the dynamic cutting forces, in order to predict the surface roughness during the computer numerical control turning process utilizing the Meyer wavelet transform to decompose the dynamic cutting forces. The dynamic cutting forces of the broken chips and the surface roughness can be decomposed into the different levels. The levels of decomposed cutting forces can aid to explain the broken chip formation and the surface roughness profile in both time and frequency domains. The experimentally obtained results showed that the surface roughness frequency occurs at the higher level of decomposed cutting forces, especially at the fifth level, although the cutting conditions are changed. However, the chip breaking frequency appears at the lower level, which depends on the cutting conditions and the chip length. The ratio of the fifth level of decomposed feed forces to that of main forces is proposed to predict the surface roughness during the in-process cutting. It is understood that the broken chip formation can be separated clearly and the surface roughness can be predicted well during the cutting, regardless of the cutting conditions.
Electrochemical machining of 20MnCr5 alloy steel with magnetic flux assisted vibrating tool
Authors: Ayyappan S , Sivakumar K , Kalaimathi M
Published: December 2015

Utilization of full potential of electrochemical machining (ECM) is not yet achieved because of its lack of accuracy, difficulty in proper tool design and control of parameters. The enhancement of performance of ECM is still a subject of concern in this modern manufacturing world. In this work, low frequency vibrating tool assisted by a magnetic flux was used as an efficient hybrid technique in ECM for improving material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra). This paper presents a development of mathematical model correlating MRR and Ra with machining conditions such as voltage, electrolyte concentration, and inter-electrode gap. The significance of ECM process parameters has been investigated using contour plots. The inter-electrode gap (IEG) is considered slightly higher than the maximum tool amplitude that otherwise leads to tool damage. Results indicate that magnetic flux-assisted vibrating tool increases the MRR from 10% to 96%. A magnetic flux-assisted vibrating tool in ECM facilitates and drives out the sludge in the IEG to improve the machining performance. MRR is enhanced due to the movement of ions triggered by magnetic flux, which assures an increase in anodic current. A slight increase in Ra was also noted in comparison to machining with aqueous NaCl electrolyte alone.
ISO 12189 standard for the preclinical evaluation of posterior spinal stabilization devices – II: A parametric comparative study
Authors: La Barbera Luigi , Costa Francesco , Villa Tomaso
Published: December 2015

The International Standardization Organization (ISO) 12189 standard was recently introduced to preclinically evaluate and compare the mechanical properties of posterior stabilization devices. This scenario presents some new significant steps ahead over the vertebrectomy model recommended by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1717 standard: the modular anterior support allows for describing a closer scenario to the effective clinical use as well as to test very flexible and dynamic posterior stabilization devices. Despite these significant advantages, ISO 12189 received little attention in the literature. Anatomical parameters depending on the spinal level were compared to the published data or original measurements on biplanar stereoradiography on 13 patients. Other mechanical variables, describing the test set-up design, were considered and all parameters were investigated using a numerical parametric finite element model. Stress values were calculated by also considering their worst-case combination. The standard set-up represents quite well the anatomy of an instrumented average thoracolumbar segment. The parametric comparative analysis demonstrates a significant (even beyond +350%) maximum increase in the stress on the device, compared to the standard currently in use. The anterior support stiffness plays the most detrimental effect (maximum stress increases up to 396%). The initial precompression step has an important role in determining the final stress values achieved at peak load (up to +76%). Moreover, when combining these two contributions, an even higher stress increase may be achieved (up to 473%). Despite the other anatomical parameters playing a secondary role, their worst-case combination demonstrates that a device could potentially undergo higher stresses than those reached according to standard suggestions (maximum increase of 22.4% at L1). Any user/designer should be aware of these effects when using ISO 12189 standard for the preclinical evaluation of posterior spinal stabilization devices.
Decoupling Management Education
Authors: Moratis Lars
Published: December 2015

This article is a comment on the article “Decoupling Responsible Management Education” ( Journal of Management Inquiry) by Andreas Rasche and Dirk Ulrich Gilbert. Based on a survey conducted in 2014 among Dutch MBA program managers from academic universities and universities of professional education and public and private institutions, it gives some additional color to their article by shedding some initial empirical light on the propositions. The findings allow for speculating on business school behavior in the context of engaging in the responsible management education (RME) agenda and identify several avenues for further empirical research and theoretical conceptualization. Although the larger part of this constructively intended comment focuses on RME and business schools, it also addresses aspects of decoupling more generally.
Toward Understanding Remote Workers’ Management of Work–Family Boundaries: The Complexity of Workplace Embeddedness
Authors: Eddleston Kimberly A. , Mulki Jay
Published: December 2015

This study employs a multi-method research design to examine how remote workers, or employees who work solely from home, manage the work–family interface. Our qualitative study revealed that working from home creates unique challenges for remote workers because the work role becomes embedded in the family domain such that their home comes to be associated with the work role, work physically and psychologically intrudes upon their family, and habits and norms form that induce remote workers to be preoccupied with work when home. Based on the qualitative findings, a model was proposed and tested via a questionnaire. Findings from this study of remote workers demonstrated that work–family integration increases family-to-work conflict and work-to-family conflict, and that an inability to disengage from work increases work-to-family conflict. Furthermore, strong work–family integration was found to be particularly harmful to male remote workers’ work-to-family conflict whereas a strong inability to disengage from work was found to be particularly harmful to female remote workers’ work-to-family conflict. Our findings therefore revealed that working solely from home encourages remote workers to overwork and to allow their work to infringe on their family role.
Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of the Salivary Gland Harboring HRAS Codon 61 Mutations With Lung Metastasis
Authors: Hsieh Min-Shu , Chen Jin-Shing , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Chou Yueh-Hung
Published: December 2015

Here, we report a case involving a 43-year-old man diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2007. At the same time, 2 small lung nodules were incidentally found; however, they presented no indication of growth throughout the follow-up period. However, a 1.5-cm nodule located in the right parotid gland in 2010 gradually increased in size to 2.8 cm by 2012. A parotidectomy revealed an epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma, characterized by biphasic tubular structures and solid areas presenting myoepithelial overgrowth. Tumor necrosis and regional lymph node invasion were also observed. During clinical follow-up in 2013, a new 1.3-cm nodule was identified in the left lower lobe of the lung, which enlarged to 3 cm by 2014. Wedge resection of the left lung nodules revealed round nodes with well-defined borders. Histologically, these lung tumors predominantly comprised spindle-shaped myoepithelial cells with occasional tubular structures. Numerous cleft-like spaces lined by entrapped TTF-1-immunoreactive pneumocytes were observed inside the nodules. The lung nodules were characterized by a morphology similar to that of the parotid cancer. Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma with lung metastasis was confirmed by molecular testing, which revealed identical HRAS codon 61 (Q61K) mutations in the primary parotid tumor as well as in the lung metastases.
Identifying and Developing Inventive Talent in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Lee Seungmo
Published: December 2015

In the 21st century, the need to develop creative potential through education is more critical than ever. Invention-gifted education is one approach that can both foster creativity and develop inventive talent. Invention-gifted education in the Republic of Korea is distinctive in its systematic approach to talent identification and talent development across the elementary and middle grades. The author of this article, who taught in a Korean invention-gifted program, describes a typical Korean approach to invention education. A curriculum framework for invention-gifted education and ways to identify students for special invention-gifted education services are described. The value of gifted-invention education for society and individuals is discussed. Finally, some limitations and potential problematic aspects related to the implementation of invention-gifted education are considered.
Challenges and Strategies of Teaching Qualitative Research in China
Authors: Chen Xiangming
Published: December 2015

Teaching qualitative research (QR) in China is challenging due to its short and scattered history with a Western origin and complicated domestic sociopolitical context. This article introduces two strategies that have been developed to address these challenges: pedagogy of unity of knowing and doing (zhi xing he yi知行合一), and practical reasoning (shi jian li xing实践理性). These strategies resonate with the Chinese cultural beliefs of learning by doing in real contexts and learning with appropriate adaptation and flexibility. By exploring the meanings of these strategies, the article aims to claim that the Chinese indigenous epistemology and methodology can shed light on the understanding of knowledge and knowledge production in QR, and that Chinese cultural practice can make contributions to the glocal dialogue on QR.