bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Optimization of Thermocouple Galvanometer System Dynamics When Measuring Temperature Transients
Authors: McKenzie W. H. , Richards A. H. 
Published: January 2017

When using thermocouples directly connected to ultra-violet galvanometers for recording temperature transients, the low-voltage outputs necessitate the use of galvanometers with low natural frequencies. This puts a limitation on the overall dynamic performance. In a particular application, the user has to select the damping resistor for the galvanometer and the work describes how this is done so that the system is optimised for minimum integrated errors during a transient. The transient considered was of an exponential type which occurs frequently in practice and it is shown that the correct damping ratio and hence damping resistor for the galvanometer depends upon the non-dimensional parameter defined by the product of the natural frequency of the galvanometer and the time constant of the exponential. The results show that the usual value of damping ratio of 0·64 based on minimum sinusoidal distortion has to be modified for best dynamic performance. However, if the non-dimensional parameter is sufficiently large, higher values of damping can be used, which produce a large trace with acceptably small errors.
The Development of an Electronic System for Industrial Control Purposes
Authors: Nettell D. F. , Geers W. J. 
Published: January 2017

For some years the Authors' company has engaged in the design and manufacture of closed-loop hydraulic control systems. The hydraulics form a high performance system of considerable power. But the control is exercised electrically through the agency of a servo valve. This note describes the development of an electronic system for this application. Although originally rather specialised in purpose, the system has in the course of development become universal. Advantage has been taken of recent improvements in electronic techniques and at the time of writing the system is as advanced as any. Nonetheless, the speed at which electronics develops nowadays is such that some parts of the system may get outdated, and superseded. It has already happened once in the course of the work that a major invention the Integrated Circuit — has made obsolete an entire concept using discrete components before the development was complete. The same can happen again.
Plain Language Summary: Earwax (Cerumen Impaction)
Authors: Krouse Helene J. , Magit Anthony E. , O’Connor Sarah , Schwarz Seth R. , Walsh Sandra A. 
Published: January 2017

This plain language summary serves as an overview in explaining earwax (cerumen). The summary applies to patients older than 6 months with a clinical diagnosis of earwax impaction and is based on the 2017 update of the Clinical Practice Guideline: Earwax (Cerumen Impaction). The evidence‐based guideline includes research that supports diagnosis and treatment of earwax impaction. The guideline was developed to improve care by health care providers for managing earwax impaction by creating clear recommendations to use in medical practice.
Do Bilateral Investment Treaties Promote FDI Inflows? Evidence from India
Authors: Bhasin Niti , Manocha Rinku 
Published: January 2017

Executive Summary In view of the catalytic role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in promoting economic development, countries adopt various unilateral as well as bilateral arrangements to create a conducive environment for FDI. One such significant form of arrangement is bilateral investment treaties (BITs). As sizeable cost and resources are involved in treaty formation, it becomes important to examine the potential benefits of BITs for investment and whether such measures actually translate into higher FDI flows. This article employs panel data regression on an augmented gravity model (under both static and dynamic conditions) to identify the determinants of FDI inflows into India with a special focus on the role of BITs. The panel data span over the period 2001–2012 and include the top investing countries in India accounting for around 92 per cent of India’s total FDI inflows. The explanatory variables employed are extended market size, vertical FDI drive, distance, colonial links, common language, political stability, financial openness, and population growth rate. BIT is incorporated as a dummy variable which takes the value 1 if a BIT exists between India and the investing countries in a given year, otherwise 0. The results for both the fixed effects and the two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) model specifications confirm the positive role of BITs in attracting FDI inflows into India. BITs have contributed to rising FDI inflows by providing protection and commitment to foreign investors contemplating investment in India. The model also finds support for other factors facilitating FDI such as the large size of the economy and a more liberal FDI regime. As attracting FDI is an important policy objective of developing countries like India, the results imply that one of the instruments of achieving this objective is for the government to negotiate BITs with countries which are prospective investors. By laying down clear guidelines with respect to investment and widening the scope of investment activities covered under a bilateral agreement, an environment of certainty is created which would facilitate FDI flows.
Effect of Halide Impregnation on the Structure and Surface Characteristics of Rutile
Authors: Philip Christine A. , Amin Anwar , Moussa Nabawia A. 
Published: January 2017

Titanium dioxide (TiO2, rutile) subjected to fluoride (1 M and 2 M NH4F) and iodide (1 M KI) treatment has been investigated by combining several approaches: structural and textural characterization as well as surface acidity and basicity. Fluorination reduces the crystallinity at both concentrations studied, the higher concentration being more effective. Iodination has the same effect. Fluoride ions replace all basic OH groups whereas iodination does not lead to full replacement due to competition with the Ti4+ substrate. A distinct exotherm is observed at 228°C and 235°C, respectively, for the F− and I−treated samples, resulting from energetic changes leading to the activated dissociation of water and restoration of the basic OH groups. A surface compound is apparently formed on fluorination and iodination, and this decomposes endothermally at 270–275°C. In addition, impregnation with I− appears to increase the photosensitivity of the TiO2 leading to the formation of a carbonate with atmospheric CO2 which generates an endotherm at 285°C and whose existence has been confirmed by IR spectral analysis. Specific surface areas and pore structure analyses demonstrate differences not only upon increasing the F− concentration but also between the F− and I− treated samples, where the addition of the latter markedly reduced the surface parameters. Two groups of pore sizes could be recognized with most samples. Increasing the F− concentration increased the sintering temperature to 550°C, the value for the low F− sample being 400°C.
Surface Characteristics of Portland Cement/Blast Furnace Slag Mixtures
Authors: Khalil Kh.A. 
Published: January 2017

The effect of the degree of hydration and amounts of granulated blast furnace slag on the surface properties of Portland cement pastes were studied. The results obtained showed that the specific surface area SBET (m2/g) and pore volume Vp (cm3/g) decreased on increasing the degree of hydration. The addition of different amounts of granulated slag effected a decrease in SBET and Vp to an extent proportional to the amount present. These results were attributed to a replacement of clinker by the amounts of slag added and the formation of hydration products.
Modification of the Interface by Polymeric Peroxides — A New Approach to the Creation of Composites
Authors: Tokarev V. , Voronov S. , Seredyuk V. , Kozar M. , Bednarska O. 
Published: January 2017

The peroxidic modification of the surface of a dispersed phase by heterofunctional polymeric peroxides (HFPPs) is discussed. HFPPs are carbochain polymers which have statistically located peroxidic (–OO–) and high-polar functional (carboxylic) groups along the main chain. Sharp differences in the polarity of these groups endowes HFPP macromolecules with the capability of interfacial adsorption in various polymeric colloidal systems. The reactions of the functional groups provide chemical bonding of the macromolecules to the interfacial surface. As a consequence of such physical adsorption or chemisorption of HFPP, peroxidation of filler surfaces and the localization of active –OO– groups on the interface may be effected. In addition, such –OO– groups can facilitate the grafting of matrix polymer macromolecules to the surface of the dispersed phase. Such grafting reactions can be carried out during polymer filling, the curing processes of composites or the vulcanization of a rubber mixture. It has been shown that an improvement in the physical and mechanical properties of polymers and an increase in the electroconductivity and heat conductivity of filled compositions is achieved on modification by HFPP.
The Logical Necessity of Multi-Disciplinarity: A Consistent View of the World
Authors: Kline Stephen Jay 
Published: January 2017

For three hundred years two conflicting views of the world (1) have provided the overall frameworks for thought in western culture. The present paper shows neither view is sufficient for human understanding of many important systems and behaviors. A third view which appears sufficient is presented. Illustrations of the third view show increased understanding is obtained in many problems. The sufficiency of the historic views and the route to the third view are provided through discussion of the issue of multi-disciplinarity, the question of whether it is possible to base everything we know on one discipline, or, on the contrary, if there is a logical necessity for using principles and concepts from many disciplines to achieve human understanding of the world. The present article provides three distinct proofs of the logical necessity of multi-disciplinarity. The proofs proceed via study of: (1) the hierarchical structure of proto-typical systems in various areas of human concern; (2) the use of “integrated-control-information” by life forms and human artifacts; and (3) an extension of the theory of dimensions. The three proofs interlock, confirm, and extend each other.
Ethics in Psychiatric Research: Study Design Issues
Authors: DuVal Gordon 
Published: January 2017

Objective: To identify and discuss ethical aspects of study design issues in psychiatric research. Method: We conducted a literature review and conceptual analysis of study design in psychiatric research focusing on placebo, medication tapering and withdrawal (washout), and symptom provocation (challenge) designs. Results: While advances in the care and treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders are crucial to the improved well-being of this stigmatized and often forgotten population, past abuses demonstrate the importance of the thoughtful application of ethical principles in the conduct of research. Some ethical issues have particular relevance to psychiatric research arising primarily from the specific vulnerabilities of those with mental illness and the risks posed by some research methodologies. Accordingly, sensitivity is required in the design of psychiatric research. Conclusion: Placebo, challenge, and washout study designs can present particular risks in the population of persons with mental illness. These issues are described and suggestions offered to promote the ethical design of psychiatric research.
Subjective Experience and Dopamine D2 Receptor Occupancy in Patients Treated with Antipsychotics: Clinical Implications
Authors: de Haan Lieuwe , Lavalaye Jules , van Bruggen Marion , van Nimwegen Lonneke , Booij Jan , van Amelsvoort Therese , Linszen Don 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: This paper gives an overview of studies on the association between dopaminergic neurotransmission and the subjective experience of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: We undertook a review of the literature. Results: Dopaminergic neurotransmission may be relevant for subjective experience. Higher striatal D2 receptor occupancy by typical and atypical antipsychotics is related to worse subjective experience, more severe negative symptoms, and depression. Individuals with lower baseline dopamine function are at an increased risk for dysphoric responses during antipsychotic therapy with dopaminergic-blocking drugs. There is preliminary evidence that a window of striatal D2 receptor occupancy between 60% and 70% is optimal for the subjective experience of patients. These occupancies are often reached even with low dosages of antipsychotic drugs. Conclusions: Reaching an optimal dopamine D2 receptor occupancy is clinically relevant, since subjective experience associated with antipsychotic medication is related to medication compliance. Antipsychotic drug dosages often need to be lower than levels in common use.
New Antipsychotics, Compliance, Quality of Life, and Subjective Tolerability—Are Patients Better Off?
Authors: Awad A George , Voruganti Lakshmi NP 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: This overview reviews the impact of second-generation antipsychotics on less frequently researched outcomes such as medication-adherence behaviour, quality of life, and subjective tolerability in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: We selectively reviewed recent literature and considered our own research and experiences in the field. Results: Most published studies about second-generation antipsychotics have dealt with issues related to efficacy and safety. So far, not many studies have focused on effectiveness in terms of such important outcomes as medication-adherence behaviour, quality of life, subjective tolerability, and overall satisfaction with treatment. Although most studies are inconclusive and their results are inconsistent—which has to do with several design and methodological limitations—there seems, on balance, to be a trend indicating superiority of second-generation, compared with first-generation, antipsychotics in improving medication-adherence behaviour and quality of life. The trend toward more favourable subjective tolerability and less frequent neuroleptic dysphoria seems to be relatively stronger. Conclusions: At present, the state of the art can only indicate a more favourable trend for second-generation antipsychotics in regard to improving medication adherence behaviour, quality of life, and subjective tolerability. It is surprising that such important outcomes, which are likely the defining factors in the superiority of second-generation antipsychotics, have not received adequate research attention. Well-designed, controlled, and adequately powered studies are urgently needed before any firm conclusions can be reached.
Individual Change in Methylphenidate Use in a National Sample of Children Aged 2 to 11 Years
Authors: Romano Elisa , Baillargeon Raymond H , Fortier Isabel , Wu Hong-Xing , Robaey Philippe , Zoccolillo Mark , Tremblay Richard E 
Published: January 2017

Objectives: To determine methylphenidate use in children aged 2 to 13 years. To provide age- and sex-specific estimates of methylphenidate initiation and cessation during a 2-year period. Method: Data from 2 cycles of a Canadian household survey yielded a sample of over 10 000 children aged 2 to 11 years at Cycle 1 who continued to participate at Cycle 2. We used logit modelling to estimate Cycle 2 methylphenidate use, methylphenidate use over a 2-year period, and methylphenidate initiation and cessation from Cycles 1 to 2. Results: In 1996 and 1997, methylphenidate use ranged from 0.32% to 6.31% among children aged 4 to 13 years. School-aged boys were more likely than girls to use methylphenidate. Odds were greater for boys aged 6 to 7 years than for boys aged 4 to 5 years; they were also greater for boys aged 10 to 11 years than for boys aged 12 to 13 years. Almost 1% of children used methylphenidate at both data cycles. Odds of Cycle 2 methylphenidate use were 135 times greater for children using methylphenidate at Cycle 1, compared with nonusers. Methylphenidate initiation ranged from 0.20% to 3.34%, and school-aged boys had higher initiation rates than girls. Cessation rates ranged from 18% to 78%, and there were no statistically significant differences by age and sex. Conclusions: Methylphenidate prevalence findings are consistent with past studies. We found an age-by-sex interaction on methylphenidate use. We also found both continuity and discontinuity in methylphenidate use.
Méthadone et Syndrome d'Apnées du Sommeil
Authors: Durst Philippe , Palazzolo Jérôme , Peyrelong Jean-Pierre , Berger Michel , Chalabreysse Michel , Billiard Michel , Vialle André 
Published: January 2017

Position du problème: Le syndrome d'apnées du sommeil se définit par la survenue, pendant le sommeil, d'arrěts respiratoires de durée supérieure ou égale à 10 secondes, selon un index supérieur ou égal à 5 par heure. Cliniquement, il se caractérise par la présence de ronflements nocturnes sonores continus ou entrecoupés de pauses avec reprise respiratoire bruyante. Le sommeil est agité, entrecoupé d'éveils, peu reposant. Il existe une hypersomnolence diurne avec présence d'endormissements involontaires répétés et souvent méconnus par le sujet. Description clinique: Dans cet article, une observation de syndrome d'apnées du sommeil d'origine centrale chez une patiente en thérapeutique de substitution par opiacés est décrite. Méthodologie: Une analyse du tracé polysomnographique avant et après sevrage de méthadone est réalisée chez cette patiente. Discussion: L'étiologie et la physiopathologie de ce diagnostic font l'objet d'une approche critique. Le rappel d'une attention nécessaire de la part du clinicien face à de tels patients dans le cadre du traitement de troubles du sommeil induits est posé. Conclusion: La présence d'apnées centrales est une contre-indication à la prescription de benzodiazépines durant le sevrage d'opiacés de type méthadone.
An Introduction to Economic Evaluation: What's in a Name?
Authors: Hoch Jeffrey S , Dewa Carolyn S 
Published: January 2017

Objective: This paper describes the main types of economic evaluation techniques. Method: To examine the strengths and limitations of different types of economic evaluations, we used a hypothetical example to review the reasoning underlying each method and to illustrate when it is appropriate to use each method. Results: The choice of economic evaluation method reflects a decision about what should represent “success” and how success should be valued. Measures of benefit and cost must be considered systematically and simultaneously. Claiming that a new treatment is cost-effective requires making a value judgment based on the personal beliefs of the claimant. Even when cost and effect data are objective, a verdict of cost-effective is subjective. The conclusions of an economic study can change significantly, depending on which patient outcome is used to measure success. Conclusions: Clinicians must be sure that important patient outcomes are not excluded from economic evaluations. Economic evaluation is a process designed to produce an estimate rather than a decision. New treatment can be more costly and still be cost-effective (if the extra benefit is valued more than the extra cost to produce it). However, since economic evaluation does not explicitly consider a decision maker's available budget, a new treatment can be deemed cost-effective but too expensive to approve.
Major Depression in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Clinical Investigation
Authors: Bellino Silvio , Patria Luca , Paradiso Erika , Di Lorenzo Rossella , Zanon Caterina , Zizza Monica , Bogetto Filippo 
Published: January 2017

Objective: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by a high frequency of comorbidity with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of 2 groups of patients with MDD: those with concomitant BPD and those with other concomitant personality disorders. Methods: We assessed 119 outpatients, using a semistructured interview for demographic and clinical features, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Hamilton anxiety and depression scales, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS), the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), the Sheehan Disability Scale, and the Revised Childhood Experiences Questionnaire. We performed a regression analysis, using the number of criteria for BPD as the dependent variable. Results: Severity of BPD was positively related to the ZSDS score, to self-mutilating behaviours, and to the occurrence of mood disorders in first-degree relatives; it was negatively related to the SOFAS score and age at onset of MDD. Conclusions: Patients with comorbid MDD and BPD present differential characteristics that indicate a more serious and impairing condition with a stronger familial link with mood disorders than is shown by depression patients with other Axis II codiagnoses.
Facial Expression and Sex Recognition in Schizophrenia and Depression
Authors: Bediou Benoit , Krolak-Salmon Pierre , Saoud Mohamed , Henaff Marie-Anne , Burt Michael , Dalery Jean , D'Amato Thierry 
Published: January 2017

Background: Impaired facial expression recognition in schizophrenia patients contributes to abnormal social functioning and may predict functional outcome in these patients. Facial expression processing involves individual neural networks that have been shown to malfunction in schizophrenia. Whether these patients have a selective deficit in facial expression recognition or a more global impairment in face processing remains controversial. Objective: To investigate whether patients with schizophrenia exhibit a selective impairment in facial emotional expression recognition, compared with patients with major depression and healthy control subjects. Methods: We studied performance in facial expression recognition and facial sex recognition paradigms, using original morphed faces, in a population with schizophrenia ( n = 29) and compared their scores with those of depression patients ( n = 20) and control subjects ( n = 20). Results: Schizophrenia patients achieved lower scores than both other groups in the expression recognition task, particularly in fear and disgust recognition. Sex recognition was unimpaired. Conclusion: Facial expression recognition is impaired in schizophrenia, whereas sex recognition is preserved, which highly suggests an abnormal processing of changeable facial features in this disease. A dysfunction of the top-down retrograde modulation coming from limbic and paralimbic structures on visual areas is hypothesized.