bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheological behaviour and applicability of viscoelastic model for wave propagation in non-homogeneous polymer rods
Authors: Kakar Rajneesh , Kakar Shikha , Kaur Kanwaljeet 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– This purpose of this paper is to discuss certain aspects of five-parameter viscoelastic models to study harmonic waves in the non-homogeneous polymer rods of varying density. There are two sections of this paper, in first section, the rheological behaviour of the model is discussed numerically and then it is solved analytically with the help of Friedlander Series using Eikonal equation of optics. In another section, the applicability of the developed model is studied through harmonic wave propagation in polymer non-homogeneous rods. The authors have used linear partial differential equations for finding the dispersion equation of harmonic waves in the polymers. All the cases taken in this study are discussed analytically and numerically with MATLAB.

Design/methodology/approach
– A five-parameter viscoelastic model constituting of three dash-pots D
2(η
2), D
2′(η
2′), D
3(η
3) and two springs S
1(G
1), S
2(G
2) is considered. Where, G
1, G
2 are the modulli of elasticity and η
2, η
2′, η
3 are the Newtonian viscosity coefficients of the considered model, respectively. The parameters of the model are non-homogeneous in nature, i.e. module of elasticity and viscosity coefficients are space dependent. 1D problem is formed by taking the material in the form of rod of inhomogeneous polymer material by taking one end at x=0. The co-ordinate x is measured positive in the direction of the axis of the filament.

Findings
– When the density, rigidity and viscosity all are equal for the first material specimen, the sound speed is constant, i.e. non-homogeneous has no effect on speed and phase of the wave is given. So it becomes the case of semi non-homogeneous medium (a medium when characteristics are space dependent while the speed is independent of space variable). The use of five-parameter models is mostly restricted in the field of rock mechanics. Thus, these models can be used in determining the time-dependent behaviour of a polymer medium.

Originality/value
– The paper is original and it is not published elsewhere.
Accountability and governance in social care: the impact of personalisation
Authors: Bracci Enrico 
Published: June 2014

Purpose
– The aim of the paper is to illustrate the changing structure of accountability under a new public governance agenda introduced in England to deliver social care through personal budgets.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper draws on accountability and public governance literature, in particular, the accountability framework proposed by Hupe and Hill. The evidence was gathered from exploratory case studies conducted in two English County Councils.

Findings
– The introduction of personal budgets has modified the roles of the different actors involved in the co-production of social services. The case studies evidence changes in the accountability and governance process, particularly with respect to the personal budget regime that has devolved responsibility and accountability to the customer. Specifically, the customer's role has shifted and expanded in the accountability chain and thus developed into a partnership.

Originality/value
– This study is one of the first to analyse the relationship between the personalisation agenda in English social services and the relevant accountability mechanisms involved. Moreover, the paper refines the theoretical framework proposed by Hupe and Hill according to the different role the public now plays.
Accounting, transparency and governance: the heritage assets problem
Authors: Biondi Lucia , Lapsley Irvine 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– This paper aims at offering a contribution which addresses one particular issue – heritage assets – as an exemplar of the challenges facing accounting practices in achieving transparency in government and public services.Design/methodology/approach– After having identified three levels of transparency, a documentary analysis is used as the primary research method.Findings– The investigation carried out reveals that the first level, or minimal level, of transparency is unlikely to be achieved for public organizations with heritage assets, mainly due to deep seated, pernicious problems of asset recognition and valuation.Originality/value– This paper contributes to the debate on what constitutes “good public governance” by examining whether accounting can foster or enhance “good governance” through the lens of transparency.
Exploring identity: a figurative character image-elicitation approach
Authors: Butler Clare , Finniear Jocelyn , Marie Doherty Anne , Hill Steve 
Published: June 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of incorporating visual methods in the study of identity and identity work.Design/methodology/approach– Scholars have proposed a range of approaches to the study of identity. However, studies have typically relied on interviews or surveys with little exploration of the dynamic narrating of self-in-situinherent to identity and identity work. The paper reviews the aforementioned methods, builds on the power of visual approaches, and proposes a method involving figurative character image-elicitation (FCI). FCI uses personal, contextual cartoon-style images to mobilize and encourage the narration of identity. The paper details the development of the approach, drawing on a pilot study, and reports its use in an exploratory study of employee identity.Findings– The results suggest that the use of FCI provides a situated focus for the narration of identity with the signifying – self-insitu– nature of the images providing room for participants to position themselves as subject. These features are also suggested to provide a safe distance for a more in-depth and expressive discussion which transcends impression management.Originality/value– The use of FCI has highlighted the power of visual methods in the exploration of identity and identity work. The approach is personally engaging and contextually adaptable providing methodological opportunities for a range of organizational and societal studies.
Preparation of paraoxonase‐1 liposomes and studies on theirin vivopharmacokinetics in rats
Authors: Han Zhen‐Kun , Liu Zhen‐Ning , Yuan Li , Zhang Peng‐Si , Zhao Min 
Published: June 2014

SummaryA liposome formulation of the enzyme paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) was prepared for purposes of prolonging and maintaining its activityin vivo. Following purification ofPON1 from rabbit serum, liposomes containingPON1 (L‐PON1) were prepared using a film‐dispersion method with a soybean phospholipid–cholesterol mixture (5 : 1, w/w). The pharmacokinetic behaviour of conventional injectablePON1 and L‐PON1 was compared following a single intravenous injection in rats. The enzyme activity ofPON1 and its pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated based on a two‐compartment model following conventional injection. The level ofPON1 encapsulation in L‐PON1 was 86.20 ± 3.12%. The particle size distribution of L‐PON1 was a narrow unimodal form, with an average diameter of 126 nm. The results suggest that compared with conventional injectablePON1, L‐PON1 has an improved half‐life and enhanced enzyme activity in rats. In conclusion,PON1 can be encapsulated into a lipid bilayer for enhanced stability.
On the latent structure of problem gambling: a taxometric analysis
Authors: James Richard J. E. , O'Malley Claire , Tunney Richard J. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimsTo test whether problem gambling is a categorical or dimensional disorder on the basis of two problem gambling assessments. This distinction discriminates between two different conceptualizations of problem gambling: one that problem gambling is defined by its addictive properties, the other that it is a continuum of harm.MethodUsing The British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010, a nationally representative sample of the United Kingdom conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, five different taxometric analyses were carried out on cases from two problem gambling screens: the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and a measure derived from the DSM‐IV Pathological Gambling criteria. Two further analyses were conducted on the total scores for these measures.ResultsThere was strong evidence that both scales were measuring a categorical construct. Fit indices consistently supported a categorical interpretation [comparison curve fit index (CCFI) > 0.6]. The PGSI analysis indicated the presence of a taxon (CCFIs = 0.633, 0.756). The analysis conducted on the adapted DSM‐IV criteria indicated stronger quantitative support for a taxon (CCFIs = 0.717, 0.811 and 0.756) but items probing a loss of control were inconsistent. The taxometric analyses of both scales support a categorical interpretation (CCFIs = 0.628, 0.567), but extreme caution should be used due to high nuisance covariance.ConclusionsTwo problem gambling screens (the Problem Gambling Severity Index and a measure derived from the DSM‐IV Pathological Gambling criteria) appear to measure a categorical construct that taps into a categorical, loss of control model of problem gambling. There is some evidence that the two screens measure different aspects of an addiction construct.
Preventable mortality after common urological surgery: failing to rescue?
Authors: Sammon Jesse D. , Pucheril Daniel , Abdollah Firas , Varda Briony , Sood Akshay , Bhojani Naeem , Chang Steven L. , Kim Simon P. , Ruhotina Nedim , Schmid Marianne , Sun Maxine , Kibel Adam S. , Menon Mani , Semel Marcus E. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo assess in‐hospital mortality in patients undergoing many commonly performed urological surgeries in light of decreasing nationwide perioperative mortality over the past decade. This phenomenon has been attributed in part to a decline in ‘failure to rescue’ (FTR) rates, e.g. death after a complication that was potentially recognisable/preventable.Patients and MethodsDischarges of all patients undergoing urological surgery between 1998 and 2010 were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and assessed for overall and FTR mortality. Admission trends were assessed with linear regression. Logistic regression models fitted with generalised estimating equations were used to estimate the impact of primary predictors on over‐all and FTR mortality and changes in mortality rates.ResultsBetween 1998 and 2010, an estimated 7 725 736 urological surgeries requiring hospitalisation were performed in the USA; admissions for urological surgery decreased 0.63% per year (P = 0.008). Odds of overall mortality decreased slightly (odds ratio [OR] 0.990, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.988–0.993), yet the odds of mortality attributable to FTR increased 5% every year (OR 1.050, 95% CI 1.038–1.062). Patient age, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, public insurance status, as well as urban hospital location were independent predictors of FTR mortality (P < 0.001).ConclusionA shift from inpatient to outpatient surgery for commonly performed urological procedures has coincided with increasing rates of FTR mortality. Older, sicker, minority group patients and those with public insurance were more likely to die after a potentially recognisable/preventable complication. These strata of high‐risk individuals represent ideal targets for process improvement initiatives.
Services and supports for young children with Down syndrome: parent and provider perspectives
Authors: Marshall J. , Tanner J. P. , Kozyr Y. A. , Kirby R. S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundAs individuals with Down syndrome are living longer and more socially connected lives, early access to supports and services for their parents will ensure an optimal start and improved outcomes. The family's journey begins at the child's diagnosis, and cumulative experiences throughout infancy and childhood set the tone for a lifetime of decisions made by the family regarding services, supports and activities.MethodsThis study utilized focus groups and interviews with seven nurses, five therapists, 25 service co‐ordinators, and 10 English‐ and three Spanish‐speaking parents to better understand family experiences and perceptions on accessing Down syndrome‐related perinatal, infant and childhood services and supports.ResultsParents and providers reflected on key early life issues for children with Down syndrome and their families in five areas: prenatal diagnosis; perinatal care; medical and developmental services; care co‐ordination and services; and social and community support.ConclusionsSystems of care are not consistently prepared to provide appropriate family‐centred services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Individuals with disabilities require formal and informal supports from birth to achieve and maintain a high quality of life.
Discourses about children's mental health and developmental disorders in North American women's magazines 1990–2012
Authors: Clarke Juanne , Mosleh Donya , Janketic Natasa 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper describes and analyses the portrayal of children's mental health and developmental issues (CMHI) in articles located in a random sample of a selection of available high‐circulating English language North American ‘women's magazines’ indexed in the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature from 1990 to 2012. It is based upon a qualitative discourse analysis. CMHI are portrayed as materially, biologically real, prevalent and growing in incidence, and severity. They are also portrayed as located in the ‘non‐normal’, ‘non‐nice’, ‘disliked’ and ‘non‐successful’ individual child. Neither the facticity nor the biomedicalization of CMHI is questioned. The psy‐scientists and practitioners cited as experts for the ‘disorders’ offer contradictory and confusing information and advice. The possible theoretical and pragmatic explanations and consequences of this portrayal are discussed.
How to measure competition in an economy in transition
Authors: Kılınç Umut 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper attempts to find a robust method of measuring competition when firms' operational activities are subject to frictions. The first part theoretically tests the indicative quality of two competition measures, the price‐cost margin (PCM) and the profit elasticity, in a model of monopolistic competition. The second part studies the empirical performance of the indices for a panel of Ukrainian manufacturing firms. This study offers a new approach to measuring profit elasticity that relies on structural estimation of a production function. The estimation methodology retrieves a productivity index that is adjusted to imperfect competition. The proposed method of measuring profit elasticity is found to be robust to frictions, but the PCM and traditional profit elasticity are biased, especially when the intensity of competition is low. Empirical findings show that competition exhibits a significantly positive correlation with aggregate productivity performance, while its impact on firm productivity is nonlinear.
Severity of manifestations in tuberous sclerosis complex in relation to genotype
Authors: Kothare Sanjeev V. , Singh Kanwaljit , Chalifoux Jason R. , Staley Brigid A. , Weiner Howard L. , Menzer Kimberly , Devinsky Orrin 
Published: June 2014

SummaryObjectivePatients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) commonly present with significant neurologic deficits, including seizures, autism, and intellectual disability. Previous evidence suggests that the TSC2 mutation genotype may be associated with a more severe disease phenotype. This study evaluates the association of the TSC1 and TSC2 genotype with patient and disease characteristics in a retrospective review of a large TSC Natural History Database consisting of 919 patients with TSC.MethodsUnivariate logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the association of the TSC1 and TSC2 gene mutations with patient and disease characteristics.ResultsAs compared to patients with the TSC1 mutation, patients with the TSC2 mutation were younger (p = 0.02), more likely to have partial epilepsy (odds ratio (OR) 1.74, p = 0.0015), complex partial seizures (OR 2.03, p = 0.02), infantile spasms (IS) (OR 1.67, p = 0.01), subependymal giant‐cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) (OR 1.64, p = 0.01), and intellectual disability (OR 2.90, p = 0.0002).SignificanceThe clinical presentation of TSC is highly variable and not well understood. Our findings confirm and supplement existing literature that TSC2 mutation is likely to be associated with a more severe, earlier presenting TSC phenotype, including infantile spasms.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Characterisation of nasal Staphylococcus delphini and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from healthy donkeys in Tunisia
Authors: Gharsa H. , Slama K. Ben , Gómez‐Sanz E. , Gómez P. , Klibi N. , Zarazaga M. , Boudabous A. , Torres C. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyStaphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) bacteria can colonise the nares of some animals but are also emerging pathogens in humans and animals.ObjectivesTo analyse SIG nasal carriage in healthy donkeys destined for food consumption in Tunisia and to characterise recovered isolates.MethodsNasal swabs from 100 healthy donkeys were tested for SIG recovery, and isolates were identified by biochemical and molecular methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was tested and detection of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes was performed. Isolates were typed at the clonal level by multilocus sequence typing and SmaI pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis.ResultsStaphylococcus delphini and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (included in SIG) were obtained in 19% and 2% of the tested samples, respectively, and one isolate per sample was characterised. All isolates were meticillin susceptible and mecA negative. Most S. delphini and S. pseudintermedius isolates showed susceptibility to all antimicrobials tested, with the exception of 2 isolates resistant to tetracycline (tet(M) gene) or fusidic acid. The following toxin genes were identified (percentage of isolates): lukS‐I (100%), lukF‐I (9.5%), siet (100%), se‐int (90%), seccanine (19%) and expA (9.5%). Thirteen different pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis profiles were identified among the 21 SIG isolates. Additionally, the following 9 different sequence types (STs) were detected by multilocus sequence typing, 6 of them new: ST219 (6 isolates), ST12 (5 isolates), ST220 (3 isolates), ST13, ST50, ST193, ST196, ST218 and ST221 (one isolate each).ConclusionsStaphylococcus delphini and S. pseudintermedius are common nasal colonisers of donkeys, generally susceptible to the antimicrobials tested; nevertheless, these SIG isolates contain virulence genes, including the recently described exfoliative gene (expA) and several enterotoxin genes, with potential implications for public health. This is the first description of S. delphini in Tunisia.The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Aldo‐keto reductase 1C3 is overexpressed in skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and affects SCC growth via prostaglandin metabolism
Authors: Mantel Alon , Carpenter‐Mendini Amanda , VanBuskirk JoAnne , Pentland Alice P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAldo‐keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is an enzyme involved in metabolizing prostaglandins (PGs) and sex hormones. It metabolizes PGD2 to 9α11β‐PGF2, diverting the spontaneous conversion of PGD2 to the PPARγ agonist, 15‐Deoxy‐Delta‐12, 14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2). AKR1C3 is overexpressed in various malignancies, suggesting a tumor promoting function. This work investigates AKR1C3 expression in human non‐melanoma skin cancers, revealing overexpression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Effects of AKR1C3 overexpression were then evaluated using three SCC cell lines. AKR1C3 was detected in all SCC cell lines and its expression was upregulated in response to its substrate, PGD2. Although attenuating AKR1C3 expression in SCC cells by siRNA did not affect growth, treatment with PGD2 and its dehydration metabolite, 15d‐PGJ2, decreased SCC proliferation in a PPARγ‐dependent manner. In addition, treatment with the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone profoundly inhibited SCC proliferation. Finally, we generated an SCC cell line that stably overexpressed AKR1C3 (SCC‐AKR1C3). SCC‐AKR1C3 metabolized PGD2 to 9α11β‐PGF2 12‐fold faster than the parent cell line and was protected from the antiproliferative effect mediated by PGD2. This work suggests that PGD2 and its metabolite 15d‐PGJ2 attenuate SCC proliferation in a PPARγ‐dependent manner, therefore activation of PPARγ by agonists such as pioglitazone may benefit those at high risk of SCC.
Digital panoramic radiographs are useful for diagnosis of osteoporosis in Korean postmenopausal women
Authors: Kim Ok‐Su , Shin Min‐Ho , Song In‐Hwa , Lim Il‐Gu , Yoon Suk‐Ja , Kim Ok‐Joon , Lee Young‐Hoon , Kim Young‐Joon , Chung Hyun‐Ju 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether digital panoramic radiographs could be used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis through evaluation of the radiographs based on the correlation with bone mineral density (BMD).MethodsOne hundred and ninety‐four post‐menopausal women were selected from participants who had participated in the Dong‐gu study. Panoramic radiographic indices measured are mental index (MI), mandibular cortical index (MCI) and simple visual estimation (SVE). BMD at the lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). The Pearson's correlation test was performed to analyse the correlation between MI and age and BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyse the association of MI, MCI and SVE with BMD after adjusting for age, height and weight. To determine the optimal cut‐off point of MI for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, the receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed.ResultsThe MI was positively correlated with BMDs: lumbar spine: r = 0.36, femoral neck: r = 0.59 and total hip: r = 0.58 (p < 0.001). As age increased, MI decreased (r = −0.46). BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip were significantly lower in participants with reduction of mandibular width, thinning and resorption of mandibular cortex by the MI, SVE and MCI, respectively. The optimal cut‐off value of MI for the diagnosis of spinal osteoporosis was 2.22 mm.ConclusionThickness and morphological changes of mandibular inferior cortical bone are associated with BMD, independent of age, height and weight. These results suggest that MI, MCI and SVE may be useful indices for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in a Korean population.