bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Patterns of Legal Socialization in First-Generation Immigrants, Second-Generation Immigrants, and Native-Born Serious Youthful Offenders
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Bersani Bianca E. , Loughran Thomas A. , Fagan Jeffrey
Published: August 2014

It is now well documented that the view that immigrants commit more crime than native-born persons is not supported by empirical research. Yet, the knowledge base is limited in our understanding of the criminological frameworks that may distinguish these groups and, in part, lead to divergent offending patterns. We use the legal socialization framework to understand potential differences along with data from the Pathways to Desistance to assess differences in legal socialization perceptions between first-generation immigrants, second-generation immigrants, and native-born serious youthful offenders. Results show that, compared with second-generation and native-born youth, first-generation youth tend to have more positive views toward the law, less cynical attitudes toward the legal system, and report more social costs associated with punishment.
The 2011 Chilean Student Movement and the Struggle for a New Left
Authors: Larrabure Manuel , Torchia Carlos
Published: August 2014

The Chilean student movement that began in early 2011 poses a significant challenge to Chilean neoliberalism and is beginning to reconfigure left politics within the country. Specifically, the movement’s demands for free education and public control of strategic domestic industries strikes at the heart of neoliberalism in Chile. In addition, in emphasizing the importance of participatory democracy and mass participation, the movement goes beyond the boundaries of the established left and is now struggling to create a new left capable of furthering its political goals. This emerging left roughly fits within the politics of autonomism. In doing so, it displays a break from the experiences of twentieth-century left politics and is consistent with other recent movements in Latin America. However, the student movement in Chile risks co-optation by the established political class. In addition, the autonomous left remains small and lacks a coherent alternative to neoliberalism with broad appeal. Therefore, the victory of Michelle Bachelet and the Nueva Mayoría in the 2013 elections is unlikely to result in substantial changes to neoliberalism in Chile.

El movimiento estudiantil chileno, que comenzó a principios de 2011, representa un desafío importante para el neoliberalismo chileno y está empezando a reconfigurar la política de izquierda en el país. En concreto, las demandas del movimiento para la educación gratuita y el control público de las industrias nacionales estratégicas toca el corazón del neoliberalismo en Chile. Además, en destacar la importancia de la democracia participativa y la participación de las masas, el movimiento va más allá de los límites de la izquierda establecida y ahora está luchando para crear una nueva izquierda capaz de promover sus objetivos políticos. Esta izquierda emergente se encaja más o menos dentro de la política del autonomismo. Al hacerlo, muestra un quiebre con las experiencias de la política de izquierda del siglo XX, y es consistente con otros movimientos recientes en América Latina. Sin embargo, el movimiento estudiantil en Chile corre el riesgo de cooptación por la clase política establecida. Además, la izquierda autónoma sigue siendo pequeña y carece de una alternativa coherente al neoliberalismo que tenga amplia atracción. Por lo tanto, es poco probable que la victoria de Michelle Bachelet y la Nueva Mayoría en las elecciones de 2013 resulte en cambios sustanciales al neoliberalismo en Chile.
Predictive performance of a wastewater source heat pump using artificial neural networks
Authors: Shen Chao , Yang Liangcheng , Wang Xinlei , Jiang Yiqiang , Yao Yang
Published: August 2014

A pilot-scale wastewater source heat pump was operated for 30 days to recover heat from waste bathwater and to warm up fresh bathwater. The results indicated that the fresh water successfully warmed up to the designated 45℃, 50℃, and 55℃ with the coefficients of performance of 2.3–3.5. Artificial neural networks including back propagation, radial basis function, and nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous input were used to simulate this process. The root-mean-square error and coefficient of variation of the simulated results, using the experimental data taken on the first 18, 21, 24, and 27 days, respectively, as a package of training data, showed that taking the data measured on more days as the training data improved simulation accuracy. The nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous input needed at least 24 days’ training data to achieve acceptable simulation results, the back propagation needed 27 days, while the radial basis function did not achieve acceptable results. Predictions based on the nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous input modeling showed that the performance of the wastewater source heat pump system could gradually be stabilized within 42 days.

Practical application: This study showed that the wastewater source heat pump can recover heat from waste bathwater to warm up fresh bathwater, and also demonstrated that the artificial neural network, especially nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous input, is appropriate for predicting heat pump performance. Using this system can reduce building energy consumption, while using the artificial neural network model can help operate and maintain the wastewater source heat pump system.
Geographic Proximity of Adult Children and the Well-Being of Older Persons
Authors: van der Pers Marieke , Mulder Clara H. , Steverink Nardi
Published: August 2014

This article aims to contribute to the discussion of how adult children affect the well-being of their older parents by investigating the importance of living in close geographic proximity. We investigate whether having children at all, and/or having them geographically proximate, contributes differently to the well-being of older persons living with and without a partner. We enriched survey data for the Netherlands ( N = 8,379) with municipal register data and regressed life satisfaction of persons aged 65+ on having children and three different measures of geographic proximity. Having children contributes to the well-being of older men with a partner. There is evidence for a positive association between proximity of children and parental well-being, in particular for widowed and separated mothers and for separated fathers. Our findings suggest that close proximity may be a condition under which adult children can significantly add to the well-being of widowed and separated mothers and separated fathers.
Marital Satisfaction in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Darmaki Fatima Rashed , Hassane Sofoh H. , Ahammed Shaima , Abdullah Abdullah Seif , Yaaqeib Saad Ibrahim , Dodeen Hamzeh
Published: August 2014

Marital satisfaction is a culturally bound construct influenced by many traditional family values and processes. Research on marital satisfaction in the United Arab Emirates is very limited perhaps due to unavailability of a culturally relevant scale. In this study, the Emirati Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMSS) was constructed and validated based on a community sample of 407 Emirati married men and women. The 30-item unidimensional EMSS was found to have high construct validity and internal consistency reliability estimates. The validity of the EMSS was supported by the positive correlations between marital satisfaction and life satisfaction and self-esteem. Men reported higher level of marital satisfaction than women. Demographic variables such as religious commitment and living location affect marital satisfaction in the Emirates. Implications for research and practice were provided.
Oral Administration of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Agonists to Rats Results in Osteoclastic Bone Resorption and Remodeling with New Bone Formation in the Appendicular and Axial Skeleton
Authors: Homer Bruce L. , Morton Daniel , Bagi Cedo M. , Warneke James A. , Andresen Catharine J. , Whiteley Laurence O. , Morris Dale L. , Tones Michael A.
Published: August 2014

Orally administered small molecule agonists of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) induced increased numbers of osteoclasts, multifocal bone resorption, increased porosity, and new bone formation in the appendicular and axial skeleton of Sprague-Dawley rats. Similar histopathological bone changes were observed in both young (7- to 9-week-old) and aged (42- to 46-week-old) rats when dosed by oral gavage with 3 different heme-dependent sGC agonist (sGCa) compounds or 1 structurally distinct heme-independent sGCa compound. In a 7-day time course study in 7- to 9-week-old rats, bone changes were observed as early as 2 to 3 days following once daily compound administration. Bone changes were mostly reversed following a 14-day recovery period, with complete reversal after 35 days. The mechanism responsible for the bone changes was investigated in the thyroparathyroidectomized rat model that creates a low state of bone modeling and remodeling due to deprivation of thyroid hormone, calcitonin (CT), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). The sGCa compounds tested increased both bone resorption and formation, thereby increasing bone remodeling independent of calciotropic hormones PTH and CT. Based on these studies, we conclude that the bone changes in rats were likely caused by increased sGC activity.
Development of our TAVI protocol for emergency initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Fernandes P , Cleland A , Bainbridge D , Jones PM , Chu MWA , Kiaii B
Published: August 2014

All transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) cases are done in our hybrid operating room with a multidisciplinary team and a primed cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit on pump stand-by. We decided that we would resuscitate all patients undergoing a TAVI procedure via a transfemoral, transapical or transaortic approach, if required. Perfusion plays an essential role in providing rescue CPB for patient salvage when catastrophic complications occur. To coordinate the multidisciplinary effort, we have developed a written safety checklist that assigns a pre-determined role for team members for the rapid sequence initiation of CPB. Although many TAVI patients are not candidates for conventional aortic valve replacements, we feel strongly that rescue CPB should be offered to all TAVI patients to allow the correction of potentially reversible complications. This protocol is included in every surgical “Time Out” involving a TAVI procedure (Figure 1). The protocol has led to rapid and safe CPB initiation in less than five minutes of cardiac arrest. It has also led to a coordinated and consistent team, with pre-specified roles and improved communication.

We discuss a case series of four TAVI patients who required emergent use of CPB. The first few cases did not have a written protocol. The experience from these cases led to the development of our protocol. We identified a lack of coordination, wasted movements, unnecessary delayed resuscitation and overall chaos, each of which was targeted for correction with the protocol. We will discuss the merits of the protocol in two recent TAVI cases which required emergent CPB.
Balance training with multi-task exercises improves fall-related self-efficacy, gait, balance performance and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Halvarsson Alexandra , Franzén Erika , Ståhle Agneta
Published: August 2014

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of a balance training program including dual- and multi-task exercises on fall-related self-efficacy, fear of falling, gait and balance performance, and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis with an increased risk of falling and to evaluate whether additional physical activity would further improve the effects.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial, including three groups: two intervention groups (Training, or Training+Physical activity) and one Control group, with a 12-week follow-up.

Setting:

Stockholm County, Sweden.

Participants:

Ninety-six older adults, aged 66-87, with verified osteoporosis.

Interventions:

A specific and progressive balance training program including dual- and multi-task three times/week for 12 weeks, and physical activity for 30 minutes, three times/week.

Main measures:

Fall-related self-efficacy (Falls Efficacy Scale-International), fear of falling (single-item question – ‘In general, are you afraid of falling?’), gait speed with and without a cognitive dual-task at preferred pace and fast walking (GAITRite®), balance performance tests (one-leg stance, and modified figure of eight), and physical function (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument).

Results:

Both intervention groups significantly improved their fall-related self-efficacy as compared to the controls ( p ≤ 0.034, 4 points) and improved their balance performance. Significant differences over time and between groups in favour of the intervention groups were found for walking speed with a dual-task ( p=0.003), at fast walking speed ( p=0.008), and for advanced lower extremity physical function ( p=0.034).

Conclusions:

This balance training program, including dual- and multi-task, improves fall-related self-efficacy, gait speed, balance performance, and physical function in older adults with osteoporosis.
Scan registration using segmented region growing NDT
Authors: Das Arun , Waslander Steven L.
Published: August 2014

The Normal Distributions Transform (NDT) scan registration algorithm divides a point cloud using rectilinear voxel cells, then models the points within each cell as a set of Gaussian distributions. A nonlinear optimization is performed in order to register the scans, however the voxel-based approach results in ill-defined cost function derivatives as points cross cell boundaries. In this work, a Segmented Region Growing NDT (SRG-NDT) variant is proposed, which first removes the ground points from the scan, then uses natural features in the environment to generate Gaussian clusters for the NDT algorithm. The removal of the ground points is shown to significantly speed up the scan registration process with negligible effect on the registration accuracy. By clustering the remaining points, the SRG-NDT approach is able to model the environment with fewer Gaussian distributions compared with the voxel-based NDT methods, which allows for a smooth and continuous cost function that guarantees that the optimization will converge. Furthermore, the use of a relatively small number of Gaussian distributions allows for a significant improvement in run-time. Experiments in both urban and forested environments demonstrate that the SRG-NDT approach is able to achieve comparable accuracy to existing methods, but with an average decrease in computation time over ICP, G-ICP, and NDT, of 90.1%, 95.3%, and 94.5%, respectively.
From the German-speaking point of view: Unholy Empire, Balkanism, and the culture circle particularism of Albanian studies
Authors: Doja Albert
Published: August 2014

In this paper, I aim to contribute to the debate about hegemonic relations between the West European “core” and southeast European “margins,” by showing the links between mutually challenged and engendered quasi-anthropological traditions in the totalitarian projects of nation-building and empire-building. New aspects of a continuous resonance will be addressed between a politically instrumentalized Albanian tradition of “folk” or people's culture studies ( kultura popullore) and a German-speaking tradition of Volks- and Völkerkunde grounded in Herderean Romanticism and the imperial ambitions of the nineteenth century. In the course of discussion the successive German traditions of National-Socialist Volkskunde and Communist East German Ethnographie, until the revised tradition of Europäische Ethnologie in the 1990s, are shown to operate from a historicist tradition rather than from a critical tradition as a reflexive successor to former Volkskunde. In the course of this discussion, I will pay particular attention to contextualizing the historical and current production of knowledge by the German and Austrian “West” on a Balkan and Albanian culture, which is reduced to its archaic or pre-modern “traditions” and its specific or antiquated “mentalities.”
Reduced cranial parasympathetic tone during the remission phase of cluster headache
Authors: Ofte Hilde K , von Hanno Therese , Alstadhaug Karl B
Published: August 2014

Background

Cluster headache (CH) attacks are accompanied by cranial autonomic symptoms indicative of parasympathetic hyperactivity and sympathetic dysfunction ipsilateral to the pain. We aimed to assess cranial autonomic function in CH patients during the remission phase of cluster headache.

Materials and methods

During a remission phase, 38 episodic CH patients underwent the following: dynamic pupillometry, measurement of the superficial temporal artery diameter by ultrasound, and measurement of the retinal vessel diameters from digital retinal photographs. Pupillometry was also performed on 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Results

Thirty patients were included (27 men, three women, mean age 50.2 years ± 12.6). Seven patients reported occasional side shift of their headache, but with a clear predominating side. Significantly reduced average pupillary constriction velocity and retinal venular diameter on the CH pain side were found. There was no asymmetry of the superficial temporal artery diameters. Compared to healthy controls, cluster patients displayed bilaterally reduced pupillary average and maximum constriction velocities, reduced constriction in percentage and increased latency of the light reflex.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate a bilaterally reduced cranial parasympathetic tone in CH patients in remission phase, with significant lateralization to the CH pain side. This implies a central origin, and a central pathophysiological model of CH is discussed.
Radiographic Identification of the Anterior and Posterior Root Attachments of the Medial and Lateral Menisci
Authors: James Evan W. , LaPrade Christopher M. , Ellman Michael B. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Engebretsen Lars , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: August 2014

Background:

Anatomic root placement is necessary to restore native meniscal function during meniscal root repair. Radiographic guidelines for anatomic root placement are essential to improve the accuracy and consistency of anatomic root repair and to optimize outcomes after surgery.

Purpose:

To define quantitative radiographic guidelines for identification of the anterior and posterior root attachments of the medial and lateral menisci on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographic views.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

The anterior and posterior roots of the medial and lateral menisci were identified in 12 human cadaveric specimens (average age, 51.3 years; age range, 39-65 years) and labeled using 2-mm radiopaque spheres. True AP and lateral radiographs were obtained, and 2 raters independently measured blinded radiographs in relation to pertinent landmarks and radiographic reference lines.

Results:

On AP radiographs, the anteromedial and posteromedial roots were, on average, 31.9 ± 5.0 mm and 36.3 ± 3.5 mm lateral to the edge of the medial tibial plateau, respectively. The anterolateral and posterolateral roots were, on average, 37.9 ± 5.2 mm and 39.3 ± 3.8 mm medial to the edge of the lateral tibial plateau, respectively. On lateral radiographs, the anteromedial and anterolateral roots were, on average, 4.8 ± 3.7 mm and 20.5 ± 4.3 mm posterior to the anterior margin of the tibial plateau, respectively. The posteromedial and posterolateral roots were, on average, 18.0 ± 2.8 mm and 19.8 ± 3.5 mm anterior to the posterior margin of the tibial plateau, respectively. The intrarater and interrater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were >0.958, demonstrating excellent reliability.

Conclusion:

The meniscal root attachment sites were quantitatively and reproducibly defined with respect to anatomic landmarks and superimposed radiographic reference lines. The high ICCs indicate that the measured radiographic relationships are a consistent means for evaluating meniscal root positions.

Clinical Relevance:

This study demonstrated consistent and reproducible radiographic guidelines for the location of the meniscal roots. These measurements may be used to assess root positions on intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative radiographs.
Does Gender Matter? Differences in Social-Emotional Behavior Among Infants and Toddlers Before and After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kaldoja Mari-Liis , Kolk Anneli
Published: August 2014

Traumatic brain injury is a common cause of acquired disability in childhood. While much is known about cognitive sequelae of brain trauma, gender-specific social-emotional problems in children with mild traumatic brain injury is far less understood. The aims of the study were to investigate gender differences in social-emotional behavior before and after mild traumatic brain injury. Thirty-five 3- to 65-month-old children with mild traumatic brain injury and 70 controls were assessed with Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional. Nine months later, 27 of 35 patients and 54 of 70 controls were reassessed. We found that before injury, boys had more self-regulation and autonomy difficulties and girls had problems with adaptive functioning. Nine months after injury, boys continued to struggle with self-regulation and autonomy and new difficulties with interaction had emerged, whereas in girls, problems in interaction had evolved. Even mild traumatic brain injury in early childhood disrupts normal social-emotional development having especially devastating influence on interaction skills.
Volunteering in the United States in the Aftermath of the Foreclosure Crisis
Authors: Rotolo Thomas , Wilson John , Dietz Nathan
Published: August 2014

When crises hit communities, some expect a withdrawal from community involvement while others predict the disaster will inspire more volunteers to help. Case studies and anecdotal reports in the media suggest that the pro-social response predominates, but this has not been demonstrated scientifically. We analyze data from 120 U.S. metropolitan areas (2007-2009) to assess the association between the recent housing crisis on volunteering. Although foreclosures increased in most areas, the crisis hit some cities harder than others. Using fixed-effects models, we find that cities experiencing increases in foreclosures exhibited increases in volunteering rates. Furthermore, we observe that volunteering among homeowners increased in response to the foreclosures, but the rate for renters was unaffected. We conclude that residents of communities afflicted by the economic crisis respond in a pro-social manner, but this response tends to occur among residents of communities most affected by the crisis or most likely to identify with its victims.
Individual Rights and the Negotiation of Governmental Power
Authors: Young Diana
Published: August 2014

In the past 20 years, Canada has seen an increasing tendency to use the criminal law as a means of enforcing norms of safe sex and disclosure among the HIV-positive population – particularly the law of sexual assault. Although the structure of individual rights that underlies the law of sexual assault is conceptually distinct from norms produced through governmental power, this article shows that it is often difficult to draw clear distinctions between the two. An analysis that focuses strictly on individual rights is unsatisfactory because it fails to account for the social nature of our expectations of responsibility and trust. At the same time, when the individual right derives its content by absorbing a norm produced through governmental power, it fails to provide a principled discourse for future decision – making.
Do Not Conform to the Patterns of this World! A Postcolonial Investigation of Performativity, Metamorphoses and Bodily Materiality in Romans 12
Authors: Auga Ulrike , Schirr Bertram J.
Published: August 2014

The coexistence of radically resistant body theology and unrestricted demands for submission in Rom. 12 and 13 presents a unique and unsettling dilemma for feminist and postcolonial exegetes and theorists. With a critical discussion of postcolonial hybridity theory and a turn towards – and back to – performativity this paper pushes the deviant metaphoricity in Rom. 12 from a shadowy existence to the centre stage and thereby redevelops Pauline concepts of perpetual bodily transformations as a challenge to reified body ideologies. We demonstrate how the marginalized, subjugated and colonized body experience of St. Paul becomes a resource for opening, materialized and pervasive stimuli that go beyond essentializing identitarian and excluding body configurations.
The nursing discipline and self-realization
Authors: Kristoffersen Margareth , Friberg Febe
Published: August 2014

Background:

It is obvious from literature within the nursing discipline that nursing is related to moral or moral–philosophical related ideas which are other-oriented. The socio-cultural process of change in modern society implies that more self-oriented ideas have been found to be significant.

Aim:

The overall aim of this article is to highlight self-oriented moral or moral–philosophical related ideas as an important part of the nursing discipline. This is achieved by (a) exploring self-realization as a significant self-oriented moral or moral–philosophical related idea based on a philosophical anthropological perspective, (b) demonstrating how moral or moral–philosophical related ideas are expressed by nurses, (c) discussing the relevance of self-realization for the nursing discipline, and (d) pointing out possible consequences for the future development of the discipline of nursing.

Research design:

This theoretical study draws empirical examples from interviews.

Participants and research context:

Data consisted of interviews with 13 nurses with varying work experience within the primary and secondary somatic and psychiatric health service, from inside as well as outside institutions.

Ethical considerations:

The empirical study was approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Information was given and consent was obtained from the study participants.

Findings:

Findings are presented in two themes: (a) other-oriented ideas and (b) self-oriented ideas. More concretely, the findings show that nurses hope to make life as good as possible for the patient and they have a wish to improve themselves as human beings, to become better persons.

Discussion:

The relevance of self-realization for the nursing discipline is discussed along two lines, first, by connecting nurses’ self-understanding to a horizon of identity and second, by considering what self-realization could offer.

Conclusion:

It is of ultimate concern for the nursing discipline to highlight self-realization connected to the positive view of freedom understood as an exercise-concept. Further identifying and articulating the contribution of self-realization to nurses and nursing practice is of particular importance.
Litigation and Special Education
Authors: Mueller Tracy Gershwin
Published: August 2014

As we prepare for the upcoming reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), recommendations about restructuring dispute resolution options will likely surface. Conflict between parents and school districts has been a topic of high importance during previous IDEA reauthorizations, with Congress focused on the implementation of dispute resolution procedures that encourage meaningful problem solving and shared decision making. Studies indicate due process hearings can reach extreme costs and diminish opportunities to repair the parent–school partnership. These outcomes are not productive for any of the parties involved, especially the student. Over the past decade, due process hearing rates have decreased and researchers have identified a number of promising conflict prevention and resolution practices. This article provides a discussion of the changing relationship between litigation and special education through the interpretation of IDEA regulations, national data, and research. Recommendations for future research, policy, and practice are presented.
Transformative Learning Through Conceptual Metaphors
Authors: Hoggan Chad
Published: August 2014

This article presents findings from a research study wherein participants demonstrated the use of similes, metaphors, and analogies, termed conceptual metaphors, in response to disorienting dilemmas instigated by breast cancer. In this qualitative case study of 18 breast cancer survivors, conceptual metaphors were used in three distinct ways: (a) to uncover tacit ways of making meaning, (b) to name experiences, and (c) to imagine new possibilities. The experiences were considered transformative because the participants claimed new ways of thinking and being, leading to a fuller and richer lived experience. Educators aspiring to promote transformative learning may want to add techniques that incorporate conceptual metaphors to their (metaphorical) toolbox of pedagogical resources.
Electromechanical response of micromachined 1-3 piezoelectric composites: Effect of etched piezo-pillar slope
Authors: Jian Xiaohua , Li Sibo , Huang Wenbin , Cui Yaoyao , Jiang Xiaoning
Published: August 2014

Micromachined single-crystal piezoelectric 1-3 composites are known for high electromechanical coupling coefficients, low acoustic impedance, high processing precision and uniformity, which are desired for high-frequency ultrasound transducers. In this article, based on Smith and Auld’s 1-3 composite thickness-mode oscillation model, the effect of etched side wall slope on the electromechanical characteristics of micromachined piezoelectric 1-3 composites was studied. In specific, strain constant, stiffness, dielectric constant, electromechanical coupling coefficient, acoustic impedance, longitudinal velocity, and frequency of micromachined 1-3 composites were deduced using the developed model. The analytical model was then verified by a COMSOL simulation and experimental measurements of a micromachined composite sample with pitch of 15.9 µm, thickness of 42.8 µm, and etched pillar slope angle of 83.8°. The measured center frequency was 49.05 MHz, electromechanical coupling coefficient was 0.66, dielectric constant was 1178, and strain constant was 26.90 C/m2, which all agreed well with the analytical calculations. These results will be helpful in design and fabrication of high-frequency micromachined ultrasound transducers.
Evaluation of mode III interface cracks in magnetoelectroelastic bimaterials by symplectic expansion
Authors: Xu Chenghui , Zhou Zhenhuan , Xu Xinsheng
Published: August 2014

The mode III interface crack between two dissimilar magnetoelectroelastic materials is studied by means of symplectic expansion. Four crack surface electromagnetic assumptions, that is, electrically and magnetically permeable, electrically permeable and magnetically impermeable, electrically impermeable and magnetically permeable, and electrically and magnetically impermeable, are taken into account. In the symplectic space, stress, electric displacement, and magnetic induction are found to be the dual variables of the displacement, electric potential, and magnetic potential. The Hamiltonian governing equations that allow the use of the method of separation of variables are formulated by employing the variational principle of mixed energy. Expressions for the mechanical, electric, and magnetic fields are derived explicitly in the series of symplectic eigensolutions with coefficients to be determined by the boundary conditions, and so are the fracture parameters, such as field intensity factors and energy release rates for dissimilar bimaterials. Numerical results are provided to verify the validity of the present method and reveal the influences of the material constants and boundary conditions.
Feline cutaneous lymphocytosis: case report and summary of the literature
Authors: Pariser Marlene S , Gram Dunbar W
Published: August 2014

Practical relevance:

Feline cutaneous lymphocytosis is a rare disease characterized by proliferation of T and/or B lymphocytes in the dermis. Although some of the clinical and histopathologic findings of this condition can overlap with cutaneous lymphoma, it is important to distinguish these entities since their treatment and clinical outcomes vary greatly.

Scope:

This report presents a summary of the literature on feline cutaneous lymphocytosis and describes a case of this condition which showed some unique clinical features and was successfully controlled with oral glucocorticoids.
Field dependencies: Mediation, addiction and anxious fieldwork at the India-Bangladesh border
Authors: Cons Jason
Published: August 2014

This paper explores the politics of dependency in researcher–assistant relationships. By doing so, it reflects on how these dynamics are always already predicated on broad personal histories and a range of emergent dependencies. Taking the politics of dependency in fieldwork seriously charts a path towards more fully understanding the quixotic production of ethnographic knowledge. Specifically, this paper reflects on the author’s relationship with Saiful (a pseudonym), who worked with the author during research at the India-Bangladesh border. Saiful was addicted to heroin. This addiction both compromised and enabled a productive research engagement in an unstable place. But Saiful’s heroin use was only one of a series of dependencies that structured our relationship and this research project. Using the lens of dependency to unpack the construction of the field and of ethnographic knowledge more broadly, this paper reflects on a range of questions, including access, anxiety, insider-outsider politics, and entanglement.
The effects of siRNA-silenced TRPC6 on podocyte autophagy and apoptosis induced by AngII
Authors: Shengyou Yu , Li Yu
Published: August 2014

Objective:

the objective of this article is to evaluate the role of siRNA-silenced TRPC6 on podocyte autophagy and apoptosis induced by AngII.

Methods:

mouse podocyte cell lines were cultured in vitro. The apoptosis rates of each group were detected using flow cytometry. The expression of LC3-II protein and changes in distribution were detected by confocal laser, and the western blot protocol was employed for detection of protein expression of LC3-II.

Results:

AngII-injured podocyte had a significant increase in apoptosis, while silencing TRPC6 could decrease the apoptosis induced by AngII. Autophagy remarkably increased after AngII injury. While silencing TRPC6 stabilized the autophagy expression, AngII could activate the autophagy of podocyte. Autophagy-associated protein LC3-II expression increased after AngII injury. The LC3-II mRNA and the protein level could be down regulated by 3-MA. The silencing of TRPC6 could stabilize the autophagy expression.

Conclusion:

the data suggest that AngII can lead to podocyte injury. Autophagy may have beneficial effects in preventing the progression of proteinuria. This study provides some new clues for further exploring the occurrence of podocyte injury and the development mechanism of proteinuria.
How Can I Maintain My Patient With Diabetes and History of Foot Ulcer in Remission?
Authors: Miller John D. , Salloum Michelle , Button Alex , Giovinco Nicholas A. , Armstrong David G.
Published: August 2014

Patients with diabetes and previous history of ulceration occupy the highest category of risk for reulceration and amputation. Annual recurrence rates of diabetic ulcerations have been reported as high as 34%, 61%, and 70% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, with studies reporting 20% to 58% recurrence rate within 1 year. As the ever growing epidemic of diabetes expands globally, this sequelae of diabetic complication will continue to require increasing resources from the healthcare community to effectively manage. Recent data suggest that removal of preventative podiatric care from statewide reimbursement systems lead to significant and sustained increases in hospital admission (37%), charges (38%), length of stay (23%), and severe aggregate outcomes including amputation, sepsis and death (49%). The addition of comorbidities such as peripheral artery disease, poor nutrition, and non-adherence to preventive therapies not only increase a patient’s likelihood for ulcer recurrence, but also cost of care and certainty of hospital admission. Currently, numerous efforts, guidelines, and industry generated products exist to prolong remission from ulceration; however, the clinical science for treating this patient population calls for much more effort. Despite this, data continue to suggest to demonstrate that appropriate follow-up care, shoe and insole modification, and patient education play a central role in reducing reulceration and amputation. Novel modalities for offloading and wearable sensor technologies offer the advantage of round-the-clock, patient specific and active response healthcare. These have the potential to detect, or even prevent, many wounds before they begin.
Simultaneous First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis and Sesamoidectomy With a Single Dorsomedial Incision
Authors: Alshouli Mohammed T. , Lin Albert , Kadakia Anish Raj
Published: August 2014

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis is a well-accepted procedure for the treatment of end-stage hallux rigidus. Despite the excellent and predictable clinical results, the procedure does not address the metatarso-sesamoid joint complex. There has been one case report of arthritis of the metatarsal sesamoid joint as uncommon cause of post–arthrodesis hallux pain. Additionally, we have noted this complication in our practice as well despite the paucity of reported cases in the published literature. Resection of either the tibial or fibular sesamoid is an acceptable treatment for recalcitrant sesamoid pain; however, resection of both the tibial and fibular sesamoids as would be required for arthritic changes is not encouraged to prevent the risk of a cock-up toe deformity. Arthrodesis of the first MTP joint eliminates the possibility of this complication. Resection of the sesamoids following a first MTP fusion requires a separate incision with additional morbidity and risk to the medial plantar digital nerve. This second surgical intervention is not without morbidity and carries additional cast to the patient, which can be avoided if the pathology is appropriately identified preoperatively. We describe the surgical indications and novel technique for a first MTP arthrodesis and total sesamoid resection through a standard dorsomedial incision. The approach adds minimal surgical time and morbidity and eliminates the source of plantar first MTP pain that is present in a cohort of patients with hallux rigidus.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV, Case Series
General Practitioners Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine Differ From General Practitioners Using Conventional Medicine in Their View of the Risks of Electromagnetic Fields
Authors: Kowall Bernd , Breckenkamp Jürgen , Berg-Beckhoff Gabriele
Published: August 2014

Objective: General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in consulting patients worried about health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF). We compared GPs using conventional medicine (COM) with GPs using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) concerning their perception of EMF risks. Moreover, we assessed whether the kind of alternative medicine has an influence on the results. Methods: A total of 2795 GPs drawn randomly from lists of German GPs were sent an either long or short self-administered postal questionnaire on EMF-related topics. Adjusted logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association of an education in alternative medicine with various aspects of perceiving EMF risks. Results: Concern about EMF, misconceptions about EMF, and distrust toward scientific organizations are more prevalent in CAM-GPs. CAM-GPs more often falsely believed that mobile phone use can lead to head warming of more than 1°C (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-3.3), more often distrusted the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.4-3.6), were more often concerned about mobile phone base stations (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.6-3.6), more often attributed own health complaints to EMF (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.8-5.6), and more often reported at least 1 EMF consultation (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.6-3.9). GPs using homeopathy perceived EMF as more risky than GPs using acupuncture or naturopathic treatment. Conclusion: Concern about common EMF sources is highly prevalent among German GPs. CAM-GPs perceive stronger associations between EMF and health problems than COM-GPs. There is a need for evidence-based information about EMF risks for GPs and particularly for CAM-GPs. This is the precondition that GPs can inform patients about EMF and health in line with current scientific knowledge.
Identifying Islamist Parties Using Gunther and Diamond’s Typology
Authors: Saleem Raja M. Ali
Published: August 2014

Recent democratization in the Muslim-majority countries (MMCs) has led to a surge in interest in the Islamist (or Islamic) parties. Research on these parties has, however, been plagued by the lack of agreement on identifying these parties. Analysis of various ways used to identify/define Islamist parties shows shortcomings. This article tries to resolve the conundrum by identifying these parties within a comparative framework, that is, Gunther and Diamond party typology. Two major types of Islamist parties are identified and placed within the Gunther and Diamond typology. This solution has two advantages. First, discussions on Islamist parties can now become more grounded, restricting analysts from labeling any conservative party in the MMCs as Islamist. Second, Islamist parties can be part of the general discussion on political parties in the literature, and inclination to regard them as singular or exceptional, because of their link with Islam, is discouraged.
Individual Mobility and the Sense of “Deadlock”
Authors: Fejer Azhar Noori , Talif Rosli
Published: August 2014

Individual mobility is an outcome of the rapid changes in life; it is revealed in particular literary works within the end of the 19th century. Mobility is clearer in modern time as the individual has become physically freer in his movement. But the individual’s freedom is often conditioned by restrictions. Usually, change stimulates individuals to obtain new structure of feeling; the individual mocks or rages against institutions, or he would comply, suffering rapid personal deterioration as he faces effective stability or institutions. There is a continuous sense of “deadlock.” Sylvia Plath’s novel reflects the depression of an intellectual young woman who fails to find her right path muddled by an inconsistent, confusing world around. The opposing ideas and standards imposed on women depress and alienate the protagonist from the world leading her to an eventual attempt at suicide. The variable values the character has to adjust, the protagonist’s reaction toward these values, and her sense of “dead lock” are the subject of the present article.
Comrades in Arms
Authors: Muraviev Alexey D.
Published: August 2014

Within less than two decades China achieved a considerable qualitative leap in capability acquisition and development that allowed the nation to transform its military from being a technologically backward army of peasant draftees into a technologically advanced fighting force. One of the key determinants behind this success story—the Sino-Russian military cooperation and its real extent—has been largely ignored. Yet, the relationship with Russia in the sphere of security and defence allowed the People’s Liberation Army to reduce the capability gap with other regional powers and to launch a strategic push into Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region. The current state of Sino-Russia defence relations has not reached a status of a fully grown military alliance. Nevertheless, it has a profound impact on China’s strategic agenda and regional behaviour and has become one of key determinants of regional security in Northeast and Central Asia.
The Asia-Pacific Strategic Triangle
Authors: Schmidt Johannes Dragsbaek
Published: August 2014

The objective of this paper is to give insight into the debate over the strategic triangle and how it impacts conflict and security in South Asia. First the new geopolitical motives of the United States in the Asia-Pacific are outlined. Then the concept of strategic triangle is elaborated and its applicability discussed; third, details about China and India’s relations and responses to the new US policy are being analyzed; the perspective turns to the implications for conflict and security in South Asia with a focus on Afghanistan and Iran where oil and energy security are the main denominators of foreign policy calculations and moves in the strategic triangle; and finally, some concluding remarks are offered to explain the recent shifts in interactions between these core players in the emerging world order and whether a new geopolitical architecture is emerging.
Objective Lower Extremity Arterial Plethysmographic Waveform Characteristics for Differentiating Significant Inflow Disease in Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: Scissons Robert P.
Published: August 2014

Segmental pressure and air plethysmography waveform (APW) analyses are widely used for noninvasive diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The contribution of APW analysis to the diagnosis of PAD at the common femoral artery level or above (INFLOW) has been minimally assessed. This study examines APW characteristics in the thigh to determine which features best identify flow-limiting (>50% diameter) INFLOW disease. Nondiabetic vascular laboratory patients with segmental APW analysis, systolic pressure measurements, and arteriography within 30 days of their noninvasive vascular ultrasound procedure were included for study. Thigh plethysmographic waveforms were evaluated for acceleration time (TIME) from onset of systole to peak systole, relative amplitude reduction (RAR) one-fifth of a second after peak systole, and waveform downslope curvature (CURV). Patients with nonsignificant INFLOW disease were defined by thigh plethysmography waveforms with inward CURV regardless of TIME or with TIME <0.28 seconds and even CURV. Significant INFLOW disease was defined by TIME >0.28 seconds and outward or even CURV. Sensitivity for defining INFLOW disease was 94% (15/16) and specificity 81% (26/30); positive predictive value was 79% (15/19) and negative predictive value 96% (26/27). Thigh-level APW characteristics may improve identification of INFLOW disease in nondiabetic patients undergoing physiologic testing for lower extremity PAD.
Development of Cu particles and Cu core-shell particles reinforced Al composite
Authors: Yadav D. , Bauri R.
Published: August 2014

Copper particles were incorporated and retained in elemental state in an aluminium matrix by friction stir processing thereby producing a non-equilibrium particulate composite. The processed Al–Cup composite exhibited improved strength with significantly high ductility. The composite was stable up to a temperature of more than 300°C. Thermal exposure at 350°C for more than 10 min led to diffusion of Cu atoms into the Al matrix forming a core-shell type structure in the Cu particles and thus producing an Al–Cu core-shell composite. The shell consists of multiple layers, the thickness of which was controllable.