bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and Effectiveness of Modeling‐Based Mathematics in a Summer Bridge Program
Authors: Doerr Helen M. , Ärlebäck Jonas B. , Costello Staniec Andria 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundSince students' success in their first‐semester college mathematics course is a key factor in their success in engineering, many summer bridge programs for underrepresented students focus on their preparation in mathematics. However, research on the design and efficacy of such programs is limited. We examine the design and effectiveness of a modeling‐based approach to mathematics for entering freshmen engineering students.PurposeThe study addresses two questions: Does a modeling‐based mathematics course in a bridge program positively affect students' performance in their first‐semester college mathematics course? To what extent does a sequence of modeling tasks support the development of students' concepts of average rates of change?Design/MethodThis quasi‐experimental study compared two cohorts of bridge program students over six years to examine the effectiveness of a modeling‐based mathematics course on first‐semester mathematics course grades. Pre‐ and post–tests measured changes in students' concepts of average rates of change.ResultsThe modeling‐based mathematics course closed the previous letter grade gap between bridge program participants and non‐participants in the first mathematics course. We also found significant course grade gains for students who took the modeling‐based mathematics course compared with a previous cohort who took a traditional summer mathematics course.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the modeling‐based mathematics course, with its focus on the development of engineering students' abilities to model changing phenomena, was effective in improving students' concepts of average rate of change and their first‐semester mathematics course grade.
Involvement of Urokinase‐Type Plasminogen Activator System in Cancer: An Overview
Authors: Mekkawy Ahmed H. , Pourgholami Mohammad H. , Morris David L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCurrently, there are several studies supporting the role of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) system in cancer. The association of uPA to its receptor triggers the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin. This process is regulated by the uPA inhibitors (PAI‐1 and PAI‐2). Plasmin promotes degradation of basement membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM) components as well as activation of ECM latent matrix metalloproteases. Degradation and remodeling of the surrounding tissues is crucial in the early steps of tumor progression by facilitating expansion of the tumor mass, release of tumor growth factors, activation of cytokines as well as induction of tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Hence, many tumors showed a correlation between uPA system component levels and tumor aggressiveness and survival. Therefore, this review summarizes the structure of the uPA system, its contribution to cancer progression, and the clinical relevance of uPA family members in cancer diagnosis. In addition, the review evaluates the significance of uPA system in the development of cancer‐targeted therapies.
Solution‐processed high‐performance orange phosphorescent and white PLEDs with a high color‐rendering index from an unprecedented π‐stacked and π‐conjugated host material
Authors: Ye Shang‐Hui , Yin Cheng‐Rong , Zhou Zhou , Hu Tian‐Qing , Li Yong‐Hua , Li Lu , Xie Ling‐Hai , Huang Wei 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA blue fluorescent polymer based on poly(vinyl carbazole) (PVK) and terfluorene, combined to make a chemical hybrid at the carbazole unit (PVK‐TF), is fully characterized in this study. PVK‐TF shows useful emission features, such as peaks at 400, 420, 437, 460, and 496 nm, depending on the processing conditions. It possesses a relatively high triplet energy level (2.23 eV), electrochemical stability, good film‐forming ability, and morphological stability. Based on this blue fluorescent material, highly efficient orange phosphorescent polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) were fabricated with a maximum efficiency of 21.99 cd A−1, and a maximum luminance of 19552.3 cd m−2. Single‐layer hybrid white PLEDs were developed, with a high color rendering index of 81.9 that emitted across the whole visible spectrum from 380 to 780 nm, corresponding to the Commission International de L'Eclairage coordinates x, y values of around (0.38, 0.40) and CCT = 3774, with a maximum current efficiency of 10.69 cd A−1, and a maximum brightness of 15723.3 cd m−2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 587–595
Prediction of Sensitivity of Energetic Compounds with a New Computer Code
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Motamedoshariati Hadi , Moghayadnia Reza , Ghanbarzadeh Majid , Azarniamehraban Jamshid 
Published: February 2014

AbstractImpact, electrostatic, and shock sensitivities of energetic compounds are three important parameters for the assessment of hazardous energetic materials. A novel easy to handle and user‐friendly computer code, written in Visual Basic, is introduced to predict these parameters, by solely using the molecular structure of an energetic molecule. It is able to predict impact sensitivity for different types of energetic compounds including nitropyridines, nitroimidazoles, nitropyrazoles, nitrofurazanes, nitrotriazoles, nitropyrimidines, polynitro arenes, benzofuroxans, polynitro arenes with α‐CH, nitramines, nitroaliphatics, nitroaliphatic containing other functional groups, and nitrate energetic compounds. It can also provide reliable results for electrostatic and shock sensitivities of some classes of high explosives including nitroaromatic and nitramine compounds. The prediction of this code give good values for some newly reported energetic compounds, where experimental data are available.
Approximate dynamic programming via iterated Bellman inequalities
Authors: Wang Yang , O'Donoghue Brendan , Boyd Stephen 
Published: February 2014

SummaryIn this paper, we introduce new methods for finding functions that lower bound the value function of a stochastic control problem, using an iterated form of the Bellman inequality. Our method is based on solving linear or semidefinite programs, and produces both a bound on the optimal objective, as well as a suboptimal policy that appears to works very well. These results extend and improve bounds obtained in a previous paper using a single Bellman inequality condition. We describe the methods in a general setting and show how they can be applied in specific cases including the finite state case, constrained linear quadratic control, switched affine control, and multi‐period portfolio investment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Properties of a Graphene Oxide Intercalation Compound Utilizing Hydrocalumite Layered Double Hydroxide as Host Structure
Authors: Plank Johann , Zou Nan , Zhao Zongbin , Dekany Imre 
Published: February 2014

AbstractParticularly small graphene oxide (GO) nano sheets were synthesized and intercalated into a hydrocalumite type layered double hydroxide (Ca2Al‐LDH) host structure. Synthesis of the GO intercalation compound was performed via controlled rehydration of tricalcium aluminate (Ca3Al2O6) in the presence of GO. Formation of Ca2Al‐GO‐LDH was evidenced from elemental, thermogravimetric, IR spectroscopy, XRD, and SAXS analysis. From the latter, an interlayer distance of 1.05 nm (d value) was found, indicating that one GO sheet is sandwiched by [Ca2Al(OH)6]+ main sheets. SAXS analysis revealed a length of the lamellar structure of 109 nm and presence of agglomerates of randomly stacked nanosized LDH fragments. The carbon content of the Ca2Al‐GO‐LDH particles (thickness ca. 30 nm) was significantly higher than that found for Ca2Al‐OH‐LDH holding surface adsorbed GO only (14 wt % vs. < 2 wt %). GO can be released easily from the inorganic host structure by anion exchange, e.g. with sulfate. The novel compound could present an interesting precursor for electronic applications after chemical reduction of GO to graphene.
Comparison of the Rancimat and the ACL Instrument for Measuring the Oxidative Stability of Corn Oil
Authors: Bell Charlotte , Käser Fabian , Martin Elaine , Scott Gordon 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA comparison was undertaken between two machines that utilise accelerated methods to measure oxidative stability: the Rancimat (Metrohm, Switzerland) and the single channel chemiluminescence instrument (ACL Instruments, Switzerland). The results from the machines showed good correlation for the measurement of the oxidation induction time of corn oil. For the ACL Instrument, the effect of the sample holder material (aluminium or borosilicate glass) was also investigated and clear differences were noted. Finally, a stability study was carried out over a period of 6 months, with corn oil, stored in the dark at three temperatures: ~4, ~27, ~40 °C and it was observed that it was possible to track subtle changes in oxidative stability using chemiluminescence.
Audit of cesarean delivery in Burkina Faso
Authors: Kouanda Seni , Coulibaly Abou , Ouedraogo Ali , Millogo Tieba , Meda Bertrand I. , Dumont Alexandre 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the level and determinants of unnecessary cesarean delivery.MethodsIn a retrospective study, the medical charts were reviewed for 300 low‐risk women who underwent intrapartum cesarean delivery at 10 referral hospitals in Burkina Faso between May 2009 and April 2010. In this context, cesarean deliveries were delegated to clinical officers who have less training than doctors.ResultsAmong the 300 study patients, 223 women (74.3%) were referred from primary healthcare facilities. The reason for referral was not medically justified for 35 women. Cesarean was performed by a gynecologist–obstetrician (46.0%), a trained doctor (35.0%), or a clinical officer (19.0%). Acute fetal distress and fetopelvic disproportion were the main indications recorded for intrapartum cesarean delivery. These diagnoses were not confirmed by an obstetrician–gynecologist in 12.0% of cases. Clinical officers were associated with a higher risk of unnecessary cesarean delivery compared with gynecologist–obstetricians by multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 4.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–13.77; P = 0.009).ConclusionVerification of cesarean indications by highly qualified personnel (i.e. second opinion), in‐service training, and supervision of health workers in primary healthcare facilities might improve the performance of the referral system and help to reduce unnecessary cesarean deliveries in Burkina Faso.
Decreased Physical Activity Attributable to Higher Body Mass Index Influences Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Authors: Vincent Ann , Clauw Daniel , Oh Terry H. , Whipple Mary O. , Toussaint Loren L. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundAlthough previous studies report associations between increased body mass index (BMI) and fibromyalgia symptoms, there is uncertainty as to whether this relationship is driven by physical factors, psychological factors, or both.ObjectiveTo assess these relationships in a clinical sample of patients with fibromyalgia.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingTertiary care facility.PatientsA total of 686 patients from an existing national fibromyalgia registry.MethodsPatients completed a demographic form and self‐report questionnaires including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire–Revised (FIQ‐R), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36 (SF‐36), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the 30‐item Profile of Mood States (30‐item POMS).Main Outcome MeasurementsFIQ‐R overall impact subscale.ResultsBMI was significantly correlated with fibromyalgia impact (P < .001). The relationship between BMI and fibromyalgia impact was almost fully accounted for by physical factors and not by psychological factors.ConclusionsDespite patient report that pain hinders physical activity, clinicians who encounter patients with fibromyalgia, particularly patients with increased BMI, should be cognizant of the need to invest time and resources to counsel patients on physical factors (ie, physical activity) that could improve the patients' symptom experience.
Environmental interpretation of fossil insect assemblages from MIS 5 at Ziegler Reservoir, Snowmass Village, Colorado
Authors: Elias Scott A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOrganic-rich lake sediments from a trench exposed at the Ziegler Reservoir fossil site near Snowmass Village, Colorado yielded a sequence of 27 insect fossil assemblages, spanning the time interval from about 125 to 77 ka. The assemblages appear to represent MIS 5e, 5c, 5b, and 5a. A total of 99 taxa were identified, mostly beetles. The fossils represent the oldest known Pleistocene insect faunas from high elevation in the Rocky Mountains, and document a series of climatic oscillations from full interglacial to stadial and interstadial environments, accompanied by changes in regional biological communities. The MIS 5e fauna indicates summer temperatures similar to modern values, with winter temperatures 5–7 °C cooler than today. Regional climates cooled somewhat by MIS 5c, and during MIS 5b summer temperatures were 5–6 °C colder than modern values. Summer temperatures recovered to near-modern levels during early MIS 5a, and cooled by 1–2 °C at its end, although winter temperatures were apparently above modern levels. The indication of milder but wetter winters, strengthened by the inclusion of species found today only in the Pacific Northwest region, suggests conditions that may have led to increased snowpack at high elevations in this part of the Rocky Mountains, linked with the onset of MIS 4 glaciation.
Rights Mobilization and the Campaign to Decriminalize Homosexuality in Singapore
Authors: Chua Lynette J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper analyzes how activists used a parliamentary petition to overcome legal and political barriers and mobilize openly for gay rights for the first time in Singapore. Unlike societies where rights mobilization has political legitimacy, exercising and claiming rights in thede factoone-party state are non-conformist behaviours and face greater limitations. Gay rights activists in Singapore not only struggle with the state and their opponents over the right to equality; compared to their counterparts in liberal democracies, they also have to overcome stronger restrictions on political access and civil-political liberties that enable or protect rights mobilization. This paper therefore describes and analyzes a politics of rights under authoritarian conditions and the complicated consequences of legal resistance and rights mobilization. Although the petition campaign transformed collective grievances, expanded activists’ support base, and opened up new tactical possibilities, it also provoked intense, third-party opposition and foreclosed other avenues of mobilization.
Primary melanoma of the cochlea with cerebellopontine extension and leptomeningeal spread
Authors: Koshy A N , Briggs R J , Dally M 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground:Less than 1 per cent of tumours occurring in the region encompassing the internal auditory canal and the cerebellopontine angle are malignant. Primary central nervous system melanomas arising from this region are exceptionally rare and are often initially misdiagnosed as acoustic neuromas.Methods:We present a 71-year-old man with acute vestibular disturbance and unilateral hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a mass, thought to be a cochlear nerve schwannoma, involving the cochlea and the internal auditory canal. At surgery, a pigmented mass adherent to the facial nerve was visualised, and the observed histopathology was consistent with a malignant melanoma. No extracranial site for the primary tumour was found, suggestive of a primary central nervous system melanoma.Results:Despite surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy, the patient re-presented with extensive leptomeningeal disease 16 months later.Conclusion:Malignant tumours in the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle region are rare. Early diagnosis and management are aided by recognition of characteristic factors such as a history of prior malignancy, atypical magnetic resonance imaging findings and accelerated audiovestibular symptoms. Despite the presented patient's outcome, total surgical resection with post-operative radiotherapy remains the recommended treatment.
Sociodemographic and career history predictors of suicide mortality in the United States Army 2004–2009
Authors: Gilman S. E. , Bromet E. J. , Cox K. L. , Colpe L. J. , Fullerton C. S. , Gruber M. J. , Heeringa S. G. , Lewandowski-Romps L. , Millikan-Bell A. M. , Naifeh J. A. , Nock M. K. , Petukhova M. V. , Sampson N. A. , Schoenbaum M. , Stein M. B. , Ursano R. J. , Wessely S. , Zaslavsky A. M. , Kessler R. C. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe US Army suicide rate has increased sharply in recent years. Identifying significant predictors of Army suicides in Army and Department of Defense (DoD) administrative records might help focus prevention efforts and guide intervention content. Previous studies of administrative data, although documenting significant predictors, were based on limited samples and models. A career history perspective is used here to develop more textured models.MethodThe analysis was carried out as part of the Historical Administrative Data Study (HADS) of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). De-identified data were combined across numerous Army and DoD administrative data systems for all Regular Army soldiers on active duty in 2004–2009. Multivariate associations of sociodemographics and Army career variables with suicide were examined in subgroups defined by time in service, rank and deployment history.ResultsSeveral novel results were found that could have intervention implications. The most notable of these were significantly elevated suicide rates (69.6–80.0 suicides per 100 000 person-years compared with 18.5 suicides per 100 000 person-years in the total Army) among enlisted soldiers deployed either during their first year of service or with less than expected (based on time in service) junior enlisted rank; a substantially greater rise in suicide among women than men during deployment; and a protective effect of marriage against suicide only during deployment.ConclusionsA career history approach produces several actionable insights missed in less textured analyses of administrative data predictors. Expansion of analyses to a richer set of predictors might help refine understanding of intervention implications.
Green hydrothermal synthesis of CeO2 NWs–reduced graphene oxide hybrid with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Huang K. , Lei M. , Wang Y.J. , Liang C. , Ye C.X. , Zhao X.S. , Li Y.F. , Zhang R. , Fan D.Y. , Wang Y.G. 
Published: February 2014

In this study, CeO2 nanowires–reduced graphene oxide hybrids (CeO2 NWs–RGO) were synthesized by a green hydrothermal method using CeO2 NWs and graphene oxide (GO) as raw materials. During the process of reduction of GO, hydrothermal condition with supercritical water provides thermal and chemical factors to synthesize RGO. The photocatalytic experimental results show that the CeO2 NWs–RGO hybrids exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity for degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under UV-light irradiation. It is found that the degree of photocatalytic activity enhancement strongly depends on the mass ratio of RGO in the hybrids, and the remarkable photocatalytic activity is 20 times that of pristine CeO2 NWs when the loading amount of RGO is 8.0 wt%. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the excellently elevated absorption ability for the dye through π–π conjugation as well as the effective inhibition of the recombination of photogenerated electrons because of the electronic interaction between CeO2 NWs and RGO sheets.
Facing Digital Realities: Where Media Do Not Mix
Authors: Trippett David 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWagner’s vaunted model of artistic synthesis persists in scholarly assessments of his work. But at its centre, the composer argued that the media of voice and orchestra do not mix: they retain their identities as separate channels of sound that can neither duplicate nor substitute for one another. Taking as a starting point Wagner’s claims for the non-adaptability of media, this article addresses the adaptation of Wagner’s music to the modern digital technologies of HD cinema and video game. Drawing on a wide circle of writers, from Schiller and Žižek to Bakhtin, Augé, Baudrillard and second-generation media theorists, it interrogates the concept of ‘reality’ within live acoustic performance, both historically, as a discursive concept, and technologically, via the sensory realism of digital simulcasting and telepresence. The philosophical opposition of appearance and reality fails when reality is defined by the intimate simulation of a sensory event as it is registered on the body. And by contrasting the traditions of high fidelity in (classical) sound recording with that of rendering sound in cinema, I suggest ways in which unmixable media appear to have an afterlife in modern technologies. This raises questions – in a post-Benjamin, post-McLuhan context – about our definition of ‘liveness’, the concept of authenticity within mediatised and acoustic sounds, and our vulnerability to the technological effects of media.
Platelet-rich plasma for patent ductus arteriosus: an orthopaedic surgeon’s perspective
Authors: Ali Engür Mehmet , Engür Defne 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAlthough closure of ductus arteriosus requires multiple intriguing cell signalling pathways, current treatment options merely act through cyclooxygenase inhibition. Expectedly, medical management of ductus arteriosus is quite far away from optimum and there is an ongoing debate on its efficiency and safety. The ideal therapeutic agent for patent ductus arteriosus should target vascular remodelling and support the arrested molecular steps that should completely eventuate during anatomical closure.Platelet-rich plasma injection, which has been used as a treatment alternative for many musculoskeletal conditions, can be a promising solution in this context by compensating the relative platelet dysfunction in preterms and providing a convenient microenvironment for proper cellular communication for ductal closure.First, by inducing hyaluronan synthase, platelet-rich plasma can induce mount formation in the intima, which is the significant defective milestone in preterms. Second, by providing platelet-derived growth factor, it can further stimulate platelet agregation and occlusion of the lumen. Finally, it can provide an increment in local vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-β levels, which cannot be achieved because of insufficient intramural hypoxia. Migration of the vascular smooth muscles would further be triggered by transforming growth factor-β and vascular endothelial growth factor, aiding a major contribution to ductal closure.Above and beyond all other considerations, opportunity of local application would render maximum effectiveness and minimum side effects.
Supplementary private pensions and saving: evidence from Spain
Authors: ANTÓN JOSÉ-IGNACIO , DE BUSTILLO RAFAEL MUÑOZ , FERNÁNDEZ-MACÍAS ENRIQUE 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper analyzes the effect of private supplementary pensions (and the tax reliefs that aim to stimulate such plans) on national saving in Spain. It tries to test the alleged positive effects of private pension plans on savings. Using a longitudinal dataset and fixed-effects methods, we find that tax-favored contributions to a pension fund are not associated with a lower consumption level, which implies that this policy does not increase national saving. The empirical results on the impact of contributions on private household wealth are less clear.