bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol-Related Mortality during an Economic Boom and Recession
Authors: Mäkelä Pia
Published: July 2017

Alcohol-related mortality accounts for a considerable proportion of premature mortality in Finland. The end of the 1980s saw a rapid economic boom, followed by a severe recession in the 1990s. In this study, Finnish individual-level cause of death data for 1987–1995 are used to examine how alcohol-related mortality developed during this period and whether the development was similar in subgroups of the population by age, sex and socioeconomic status. A total of 6% of all deaths in the data were alcohol-related. Alcohol-related mortality increased during the economic boom and decreased slightly during the recession. Among men, the relative changes in alcohol-related mortality were largest in the youngest age group, while among women there was no systematic pattern. People with a low socioeconomic status tended to have more negative development of alcohol-related mortality, with a stronger than average increase during the economic boom and with a smaller than average decrease during the recession.
Young Women's Social Drinking in Context—Pub Style: A Study of Decision Making and Social Drinking of Young Women in Urban South Australia
Authors: De Crespigny Charlotte , Vincent Niki , Ask Alex
Published: July 2017

Alcohol now plays a significant role in young women's socializing, as it does for a majority of Australians. The majority of adult drinkers consume alcohol within responsible limits, but binge drinking is very common among young people under 30 years of age. This is particularly true for young women, but there has been little systematic research into the dynamics of their social drinking experiences. This ethnographic study in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia, provides focused information about the particular decision making, socializing, drinking styles and hotel preferences of young drinking women ages 18–30. Implications exist for further research, and improved health promotion, service provision and harm-reduction strategies for this group are proposed.
Is “Hazardous” Drinking a Useful Concept for Public Health Recommendations?
Authors: Martinic Marjana
Published: July 2017

Educating the public about the potential harms and benefits that may result from alcohol consumption is a valuable tool in the prevention of harm. Recommendations are often couched in definitions of what constitutes “safe” drinking and what falls under “risky” drinking. While meaningful and practical concepts and balanced definitions are surely needed, the usefulness of summarizing research on the relationship between drinking and potential risk into one-size-fits-all packages is questionable. This paper examines one such concept, that of “hazardous” drinking, and attempts to address the way in which this concept is derived and used both in the scientific literature and in recommendations for the public. The paper addresses the implications of providing such definitions for the purposes of policy and proposes ways in which recommendations on hazardous drinking can be made more meaningful to the public.
Why do People Stop Their Drug Use? Results from a General Population Sample
Authors: Cunningham John A. , Koski-Jännes Anja , Toneatto Tony
Published: July 2017

This paper describes results from a pilot study that assessed the reasons for change provided by former drug users in a representative sample of the general population. As part of a random digit dialing telephone survey, people were asked about their past use of cannabis, cocaine/crack, tobacco and alcohol. In a series of open-ended questions, participants who had stopped their consumption of the drug (or reduced it to moderate levels for alcohol) were asked what had led them to stop (or reduce) their consumption. Reasons for change among this representative sample are presented along with comparisons across different drugs.
An Innovative Study to Evaluate Fillers, Part 2: Carbon Black, Silica and Carbon Black/Silica Blends-Functional Relationship between Filler Parameters and Compound Properties at Constant Loading
Authors: Patel Arvind C.
Published: July 2017

The previous study [1] evaluated rubber compound properties, at variable loading, of carbon black and silica, as a function of total volume (φ t) and total surface area (σ s). The results clarified the importance of volume fraction (Φ C) and delineated a transition point at which abrupt changes occur in compound properties. These three parameters σ s, φ t and Φ C are inseparable and in conjunction totally influence compound properties.

The effects of fundamental properties of fillers on compound performance properties are more noticeable at constant loading. Hence, this study should elucidate the functional relationship between fundamental properties of fillers, the added volume ( V F) and surface area (N2SA), with their functional relationship to rubber properties. The results show significant differences between and within grades of carbon black and silica samples from the same source. Furthermore, the theory of total volume and total surface area were utilized to create precise blends of silica/carbon black by manipulating φ C in conjunction with colloidal properties of the fillers, to reduce hysteresis of a carbon black compound and also match silica compound performance properties utilizing precise blends of silica and carbon black.
Applications of a New Dynamic Mechanical Rheological Tester in Measuring Carbon Black and Oil Effects on Rubber Compound Properties
Authors: Dick John S. , Pawlowski Henry A.
Published: July 2017

A new dynamic mechanical rheological tester called the RPA 2000 rubber process analyzer by Monsanto can analyze rubber masterbatches as well as rubber compounds before, during and after cure. It requires no special sample preparation, is easy to operate, and can apply a wide range of dynamic test conditions to a rubber sample, including very high strains.

This paper discusses the use of this new instrument as a processability tester in predicting the effects of variations in filler and oil types and loadings on rubber compound behavior.
A New Elastomer for the Mining Industry
Authors: Costemalle B. , Fusco J. V. , Kruse D. F.
Published: July 2017

A new polymer has been developed with extraordinary heat, oxidation and chemical resistance for a hydrocarbon elastomer. The polymer, based on a controlled brominated derivative of poly (isobutylene-co-paramethyl styrene), is completely saturated with low levels of benzylic bromides for functionality important to vulcanization and chemical activity for adhesion and other functional modifications.

This paper will describe several mining applications where the unique attributes of this new polymer system enhanced performances in mining operations. Innerliners based on the new polymer in OTR tires for open mining vehicular operations give vastly improved heat/flex resistance in prolonging the life of the expensive, large OTR tires. Conveyor belting performance will benefit from use of the new polymer in prolonged operations where flex and heat resistance are important especially in composite constructions. Other applications will be described demonstrating the latitude in properties capable with the new polymer system.
Surface Activated Rubber Crumb: A New Development in Rubber Recycling
Authors: Dierkes Wilma
Published: July 2017

A surface activated crumb rubber named Surcrums has shown many advantages as a compounding ingredient. These include a reduced dieswell after extrusion, improved air-venting during vulcanization, less effect on physical and dynamic properties of the finished product (in comparison to that of untreated granulate) and a reduction of total compound cost. As Surcrum contains a curing system, products such as conveyer belts, mats, etc., may be produced from 100% Surcrum. The potential benefits are an easier way of processing and reduced energy and equipment costs because compounding or calendering are not necessary. Surcrum is suitable for continuous curing processes with the option, that profiled and multiple-ply articles can be produced.
Controlled Alloying of CSM Roofing Membranes with Thermoplastic Resins
Authors: Stanton Jimmie L.
Published: July 2017

Single-ply roofing membranes based on CSM have been effective in commercial installation for over twenty years. Selective blending of thermoplastic resins, CPE (CM) and EVA, into a standard CSM formulation have been performed to evaluate the effect on calendering, accelerated aging and seaming ability. The effect of these resins on other physical properties are also characterized. Further, care must also be exercised during formulating to prevent the loss of toughness at roof top temperatures and the loss of flammability ratings. Compounding consideration will also be reviewed.
Advanced Extraction Resistant Long-Term Thermal Stabilizers for Polyolefin Pipes
Authors: Schmutz Th. , Kramer E. , Zweifel H. , Dorner G.
Published: July 2017

For many years, sterically hindered phenols have been the standard for the long-term thermal stabilization of polyolefin pipes. Recently, an advanced stabilization system was developed which offers better gas and water extraction resistance than these phenolic systems, thus being able to better fulfill the stringent requirement of guaranteeing a pipe lifetime of more than 50 years.

In this paper, current standard phenolic antioxidant pipe formulations are compared to new hindered amine thermal stabilizer (HATS) formulations in different polyolefins. The data show that the new HATS systems are better able to maintain the mechanical properties, molar mass, and thermo-oxidative stability of the pipe resins during exposure time.
Swelling and Viscoelastic Properties of NR Vulcanizates Filled with Cryogenically Pulverized Polyurethane Foam Particles
Authors: Sombatsompop N.
Published: July 2017

Cryogenically pulverized polyester polyurethane foam (PU) particles with various particle sizes and moisture contents were introduced as a new filler into natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates. Swelling-deswelling behavior and viscoelastic properties of the PU filled NR vulcanizates were investigated. The results showed that the degree of swelling of the PU filled NR vulcanizates reduced as the reinforcement between the filler and the rubber increased. The reinforcement improved as particle size and moisture content of the PU filler were reduced.
Processability and Properties of Biodegradable Plastics Made from Agricultural Biopolymers
Authors: Otaigbe J. U. , Goel H. , Babcock T. , Jane J.
Published: July 2017

The use of synthetic and natural biodegradable plastics has been severely limited due to their strong sensitivity to processing conditions such as temperature. The object of our research is to develop novel biodegradable thermoplastic compositions and processing methods for making plastic articles reproducibly from soy protein isolate and corn starch. This paper discusses viable biodegradable soy protein-starch plastic that can be extruded and injection molded into articles of various shapes and sizes. The thermal and mechanical properties of the plastic indicate that it may be useful in many applications where the plastic must biodegrade in an environmentally-benign manner after service. Blending the biodegradable soy protein plastic with novel polyphosphate fillers greatly reduced its water sensitivity, allowing new uses in moist and load-bearing environments where the unfilled biodegradable plastic is not useable.
The Guardian Angels: Law and Order and Citizen Policing in New York City
Authors: Hillyer Reiko
Published: July 2017

This article explores the rise of the Guardian Angels, a community patrol organization founded in 1979 in New York City by Curtis Sliwa and composed mainly of black and Latino youths. The group emerged in an era of economic restructuring coupled with a rising fear of crime. The Guardian Angels merit attention because of their peculiar relationship to the rise of law and order politics. They demonstrate that the fear of crime was neither the monopoly of the white middle class nor merely a construction of politicians. Black and Latino Guardian Angels were agents of community crime control who drew on existing customs of self-determination and distrust of the police. Ultimately, however, the activities and the rhetoric of the Guardian Angels contributed to the rise of a conservative discourse that justified the strengthening of the police state, anxiety about crime, and the gentrification of neighborhoods.
Ecological Origins of Freedom: Pathogens, Heat Stress, and Frontier Topography Predict More Vertical but Less Horizontal Governmental Restriction
Authors: Conway Lucian Gideon , Bongard Kate , Plaut Victoria , Gornick Laura Janelle , Dodds Daniel P. , Giresi Thomas , Tweed Roger G. , Repke Meredith A. , Houck Shannon C.
Published: July 2017

What kinds of physical environments make for free societies? The present research investigates the effect of three different types of ecological stressors (climate stress, pathogen stress, and frontier topography) on two measurements of governmental restriction: Vertical restriction involves select persons imposing asymmetrical laws on others, while horizontal restriction involves laws that restrict most members of a society equally. Investigation 1 validates our measurements of vertical and horizontal restriction. Investigation 2 demonstrates that, across both U.S. states and a sample of nations, ecological stressors tend to cause more vertically restrictive societies but less horizontally restrictive societies. Investigation 3 demonstrates that assortative sociality partially mediates ecological stress→restriction relationships across nations, but not in U.S. states. Although some stressor-specific effects emerged (most notably, cold stress consistently showed effects in the opposite direction), these results in the main suggest that ecological stress simultaneously creates opposing pressures that push freedom in two different directions.
Effect of Calorie Overload on Puppy Livers during Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Mashima Yoshiya
Published: July 2017

To investigate the possible cause of hepatomegaly during TPN, chemical analyses were performed on the livers of puppies weighing around 2 kg, supported by TPN for 1 wk, under 3 different calorie levels: Group I (5) under 135 cal/kg as standard calorie, Group 2 (6) fed ad libitum with dog food, Group 3 (5) received TPN for 7 days at 135 cal/kg/day, Group 4 (5) TPN at 200 cal/kg/day, and Group 5 (5) at 270 cal/kg/day. The livers of puppies starved for 24 hrs and orally fed were studied as controls. Results: 1) remarkable hepatomegaly with anemic discoloration and rise in s GOT, s GPT, and Alpase were the constant findings in G‐2 and G‐3.2). Liver weight in starved, fed G‐1, G‐2, and G‐3 were 66.0 ± 7.5g, 82.8 ± 18.5g, 108.32 ± 21.36g and 247.06 ± 17.83g, respectively. 3) Glycogen and water contents in the livers were: in starved 0.17 ± 0.07g and 48.75 ± 5.75 ml, in fed 5.37 ± 3.24g and 60.72 ± 13.71 ml, in G‐1 10.35 ± 4.87g and 79.4 ± 16.84 ml, in G‐2 45.05 ± 7.41g and 173.31 ± 21.26 ml, and in G‐3 45.19 ± 20.47g and 178.45 ± 56.63 ml, indicating that the weight increment can be explained by the increase in glycogen and water deposit in the liver. 4) Triglyceride in livers in G‐2 and G‐3 increased by 2 times the controls. These results suggest the possibility of the occurrence of hepatomegaly with glycogen and water accumulation accompanying the rise in serum enzyme by calorie overload in clinical TPN.
Metabolic Response to Injury and Illness: Estimation of Energy and Protein Needs from Indirect Calorimetry and Nitrogen Balance
Authors: Long Calvin L. , Schaffel Neal , Geiger John W. , Schiller William R. , Blakemore William S.
Published: July 2017

The metabolic response to injury and illness as manifested by increases in energy expenditure and nitrogen losses makes it difficult for the clinician to evaluate calorie and protein needs. A method for determining daily calorie needs in hospitalized patients is presented. Average increases in resting metabolic expenditure for a group of patients following elective operation, skeletal trauma, skeletal trauma with head injury, blunt trauma, sepsis and burns were determined by indirect calorimetry and protein need by urinary nitrogen losses over extended time periods. Total daily calorie needs were then calculated, using the Harris‐Benedict equation and adjusting this value upward using a previously measured activity and injury factor to arrive at the daily needs. Protein requirements may be determined on periodic 24 hour urine samples analyzed for the urinary urea nitrogen and adjusting this to a total nitrogen or protein equivalent. This approach to estimating the calorie nitrogen needs of the hospitalized patient under various degrees of stress more closely approximates the patient's variable needs at the height of the catabolic response and during convalescence.
Characteristics of the Enteral Hyperalimentation Literature
Authors: Worthen Dennis B.
Published: July 2017

There is a bias in secondary literature sources, such as MEDLINE, that results in an information gap on enteral hyperalimentation. This gap accentuates the problem of locating papers on enteral hyperalimentation with medical foods, a problem shared by physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, and information scientists. A complete information package on enteral hyperalimentation with chemically defined elemental diets was identified and collected for use in determining the characteristics of that literature. Less than 20 journal titles contain over half of the published papers which are predominantly published in English from research done in the United States. As the medical community's interest in the enteral route for hyperalimentation escalates, so does its need for information in this vital patient support area. Any possible hindrance to obtaining access to published information should be recognized and challenged.
Historic Preservation
Authors: Rodgers Diane M. , Sosa Lucy , Petersen Jessica
Published: July 2017

Social justice and housing issues are clearly an area of concern for sociologists, yet preservation of older homes and buildings may seem to be the very antithesis, evoking images of homes of the nation’s elite or neighborhood gentrification by the white upper middle class. Often preserved historic sites do not fully represent members of the community, past or present. Despite increasing efforts at inclusion, marginalization of groups can still be found in the practice of historic preservation. The ideology and practice of preserving chosen heritage sites and buildings and protecting them from destruction or deterioration offer sociologists a unique window into social inequalities. In this article, we explore the intricacies of preserving the buildings and heritage of a former Finntown, a once thriving community of Finnish-American working-class immigrants and now home to a sizable population of Latino working-class immigrants. Inclusive, multilayered historic preservation can be a source of social justice if honoring the past does not sacrifice the needs of marginalized groups in the present.
Toward a Social Psychological Understanding of Migration and Assimilation
Authors: Cabaniss Emily Regis , Cameron Abigail E.
Published: July 2017

The experience of migrating and attempting to integrate into a host society is personally and interactionally daunting. This article suggests ways social psychological perspectives may deepen our understanding of the interactional processes that shape experiences of migration and assimilation. We argue that existing migration literature highlights assimilation outcomes while undertheorizing the social psychological processes that constitute assimilation. In this article, we begin by showing how social psychological perspectives on migration relate to traditional sociological studies of assimilation by reviewing research on stereotyping and prejudice. Next, we review studies utilizing social identity theory and symbolic interactionism to explore how immigrants cast off stigma and give positive meaning to themselves. We conclude by suggesting how incorporating social psychological perspectives into research on migration and assimilation gives us important insights into the dynamic, interactive social processes that give meaning to those experiences.
Material Properties of Human Ocular Tissue at 7-µm Resolution
Authors: Rohrbach Daniel , Ito Kazuyo , Lloyd Harriet O. , Silverman Ronald H. , Yoshida Kenji , Yamaguchi Tadashi , Mamou Jonathan
Published: July 2017

Quantitative assessment of the material properties of ocular tissues can provide valuable information for investigating several ophthalmic diseases. Quantitative acoustic microscopy (QAM) offers a means of obtaining such information, but few QAM investigations have been conducted on human ocular tissue. We imaged the optic nerve (ON) and iridocorneal angle in 12-µm deparaffinized sections of the human eye using a custom-built acoustic microscope with a 250-MHz transducer (7-µm lateral resolution). The two-dimensional QAM maps of ultrasound attenuation (α), speed of sound ( c), acoustic impedance ( Z), bulk modulus ( K), and mass density (ρ) were generated. Scanned samples were then stained and imaged by light microscopy for comparison with QAM maps. The spatial resolution and contrast of scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) maps were sufficient to resolve anatomic layers of the retina (Re); anatomic features in SAM maps corresponded to those seen by light microscopy. Significant variations of the acoustic parameters were found. For example, the sclera was 220 MPa stiffer than Re, choroid, and ON tissue. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic study to assess c, Z, K, ρ, and α of human ocular tissue at the high ultrasound frequencies used in this study.
Aging in Place in Every Community: Social Exclusion Experiences of Parents of Adult children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Marsack Christina N. , Perry Tam E.
Published: July 2017

This article offers an examination of aging processes of lifelong caregivers and the possibilities for social exclusion place experienced by parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study of parental caregivers ( n = 51) sheds light on how enduring caregiving roles can lead to social exclusion in three ways: misunderstanding of ASD and stigma, the complexity of the caregiving roles, and impact on daily routines including challenges with long-term planning for both the adult children and the parental caregivers. Implications for practice to address social exclusion include education and building greater communication ties among family member for family members and advocacy for more and higher quality services including respite care. This article concludes with discussion of the impact of this aging, yet caregiving population and the need for knowledge about aging processes and anticipating aging for these caregivers.
Outcomes Research and Otolaryngology
Authors: Piccirillo Jay F.
Published: July 2017

Outcomes research studies the effects of diverse therapies on patient outcome and is increasingly recognized by physicians, third‐party payers, and the federal government as crucial for the demonstration of treatment effectiveness and the establishment of patient treatment guidelines. Outcomes research began in the 1970s when researchers studied the geographic variation in the rates and appropriateness of various surgical procedures, including tonsillectomies. Outcomes research is different from traditional clinical research because it addresses a wide variety of issues pertaining to health care delivery, strategy, and policy. To address these issues, outcomes research uses two principal methodologic approaches: (1) nonrandomized research methods and (2) expanded descriptions of patient outcomes. The methodologic requirements for outcomes research include (1) establishment of the diagnostic criteria for the disease under study, (2) creation of clinical‐severity index for prognostic stratification, (3) identification and measurement of cogent comorbid conditions, and (4) establishment of outcomes that include descriptions of health status, quality of life, satisfaction with care, and medical costs. Many diseases within otolaryngology seem appropriate for outcomes research. Because prospective outcomes research is conducted with patients treated in the community, great opportunity exists for community‐based physicians to become Involved in this type of research.
Intranasal Sphenoethmoidectomy: An Evolution of Technique
Authors: Katsantonis George P. , Friedman William H. , Bruns Matthew
Published: July 2017

Intranasal sphenoethmoldectomy was originally used primarily for the provision of adequate drainage of acute and subacute bacterial sinusitis. However, the spectrum of inflammatory sinus disease has changed dramatically since the popularization of broad‐spectrum antibiotics, and chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis has replaced acute sinusitis as the primary indication for ethmoidectomy. In such cases total or almost total disease removal is crucial to providing long‐term drainage and ventilation. We describe several modifications of the Yankauer sphenoethmoldectomy technique that enable the sinus surgeon to provide clearance of disease and excellent drainage for all sinuses by complete marsupialization of the sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses. These modifications include (1) complete rather than partial removal of the middle turbinate. (2) extended middle meatal antrostomy with palatine bone resection to the pterygoid process with delineation of the inferior and medial orbital wall, and (3) Introduction of operative endoscopes as adjunctive tools in areas inaccessible to conventional visualization. The current technique and results in nearly 2000 procedures are described.
Vasoconstrictive Effects of Cocaine and Lidocaine with Epinephrine in the Hamster Cheek Pouch Model
Authors: Raster John F. , Chow James M.
Published: July 2017

Otolaryngologists frequently use cocaine and lidocaine with epinephrine for their anesthetic and vasoconstrictive effects. However, no studies have visually compared the vasoconstrictive effects of cocaine to lidocaine with epinephrine. This study used the everted hamster cheek pouch model to assess the vasoconstrictive effects of cocaine and lidocaine with epinephrine by measuring the diameter changes of arterioles. Our results showed that locally injected 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 units epinephrine caused the greatest diameter reduction in arterioles to 32% of the initial resting diameter. Topical 1% lidocaine with 1:100,00 units epinephrine caused a gradual reduction in diameter with findings equivalent to those of injected 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 units epinephrine at 30 minutes. Topical 5% cocaine HCl showed a minimal response, with a reduction to only 85% of the resting arteriolar diameter. Topical NaCl and injected NaCl controls showed no significant arteriolar reduction. Vasoconstrictive differences between the preparations were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Five percent cocaine is a much weaker vasoconstrictor than locally injected 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 units epinephrine.
Trajectories of perceived support from family, friends, and lovers in the transition to adulthood
Authors: Galambos Nancy L. , Fang Shichen , Horne Rebecca M. , Johnson Matthew D. , Krahn Harvey J.
Published: July 2017

Trajectories of perceived support from family, friends, and lovers were examined in 923 high school seniors surveyed across the transition to adulthood (ages 18, 19, 20, 22, and 25). Growth models revealed a cubic pattern of support from family members, which peaked at age 20, no change in friend support, and a linear decrease in lover support. Women reported higher levels of support than did men for all sources except fathers. Over time, friend and lover support decreased for women but increased for men. Both mother and father support were higher among young people who had left home, and cohabitation/marriage was associated with lower friend support and higher lover support. Support in close social relationships in the early 20s is dynamic; personal characteristics (e.g., gender) and life course transitions such as leaving home and marriage contribute to changing levels of perceived support.
Age-adjusted D-dimer for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Gómez-Jabalera Efrem , Bellmunt Montoya Sergio , Fuentes-Camps Eva , Escudero Rodríguez José Román
Published: July 2017

Objective

In the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis, new D-dimer cut-off values were defined by multiplying 10 µg/L × age. The objective of the present study is to define a more specific age-adjusted value, including the pre-test Wells score, without worsening sensitivity.

Methods

We designed a case–control study in patients attended in the emergency department with clinically suspected deep vein thrombosis. Demographics, Wells score, D-dimer and ultrasound data were collected. In low and intermediate clinical probability cases for deep vein thrombosis, we determined the specificity and sensitivity (false-negative rates) for the following cut-off values of D-dimer: age × 10 µg/L, age × 15 µg/L, age × 20 µg/L, age × 25 µg/L and age × 30 µg/L. The cut-off value with maximum specificity without any false-negative result (sensitivity 100%) was identified.

Results

We included 138 consecutive patients, 39.9% were men and the mean age was 71.6 years. Deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 16.7% of patients and the Wells score was low in 69.6%, intermediate in 21% and high in 9.4% of patients. Applying the conventional cut-off value of 500 µg/L, the specificity was 21.1% with a sensitivity of 100%. Maintaining 100% sensitivity, the highest specificity was reached with a cut-off value for D-dimer equivalent to the age × 25 µg/L in low-risk patients (67.1% specificity) and the age × 10 µg/L (50% specificity) in intermediate-risk patients.

Conclusions

In patients with low Wells score, the cut-off value can be raised to age × 25 µg/L in order to rule out deep vein thrombosis without jeopardizing safety. In intermediate-risk patients, the D-dimer cut-off value could be raised to age × 10 µg/L as previously suggested.
Inside the restorative justice black box
Authors: Bolitho Jane
Published: July 2017

This paper is concerned with why and how restorative justice works to alleviate the emotional effects of crime on victims. It posits a new explanation for the ‘aha’ moment; the turning point seen in some, though not all, restorative justice conferences where longstanding, negative emotions and beliefs that have persistently dogged a victim since the crime event, affecting their ability to enjoy the same everyday activities as in their pre-crime daily life, are seemingly eliminated. Focusing on victim experiences, an in-depth analysis of 20 cases collected as part of an empirical study into post-sentencing restorative justice practice after serious crime shows how a typical restorative process can mimic the conditions needed for ‘memory reconsolidation’, a powerful and adaptive neurobiological mechanism that rewrites emotional memories. The findings suggest that the process of memory reconsolidation is a unique tool in the restorative justice ‘black box’. While the use of restorative justice within Western criminal justice systems is routine for juvenile offenders following minor crimes, greater attention should be paid to victim-focused models in the aftermath of crime experienced traumatically; these include post-sentencing practices.
Music for anxiety? Meta-analysis of anxiety reduction in non-clinical samples
Authors: Panteleeva Yulia , Ceschi Grazia , Glowinski Donald , Courvoisier Delphine S. , Grandjean Didier
Published: July 2017

The beneficial influence of listening to music on anxiety states has often been discussed. However, the empirical evidence and theoretical mechanisms underlying these effects remain controversial. The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of music on anxiety in healthy individuals. A comprehensive search in the PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Knowledge databases produced 19 articles complying with the eligibility criteria. The main results of the study reveal an overall decrease in self-reported anxiety ( d = −0.30, 95% CI [–0.55, –0.04]); however, the decrease was not significant for psychophysiological signals related to anxiety. Nevertheless, in several cases, listening to music greatly affects blood pressure, cortisol level and heart rate. The great heterogeneity of the studies and the lack of rigorous methodological standards, assessed with CONSORT guidelines, may have biased the results. Thus, listening to music should be cautiously considered as a part of more complex music-based psychological interventions for anxiety regulation. Nonetheless, as discussed in this article, the role of underlying processes (spontaneous memory recollections, mental imagery) must not be neglected. Further research perspectives are discussed.
Three-Dimensional Characterization of Pultruded Fiberglass-Epoxy Composite Materials
Authors: Chachad Y. R. , Roux J. A. , Vaughan J. G. , Arafat E.
Published: July 2017

Computer simulation is helpful for understanding the manufacturing of pultruded advanced composites. This research involves a three-dimensional examination of the temperature and thermochemical aspects for the manufacturing of cartesian fiberglass-epoxy composite materials. Comparison of the computer generated predictions were made with experimentally measured temperature profiles and the degree of cure obtained using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). A numerical model employing Patankar's [1] control volume based finite difference technique was employed for solving the governing energy and species equations used to model the entire heating (moving and non-moving) sections of the pultruder. This computer model can be utilized to establish functional relationships between combinations of pull speed, fiber volume, and die temperature profiles and can be employed to refine the pultruder for manufacturing composites, indicating the importance of controlling the processing parameters in producing quality pultruded products. Since this computer simulation is independent of predetermined laboratory values in generating results, it can establish the guidelines in the design of an advanced pultrusion machine itself, and in orchestrating the future development of advanced composite materials.
Optimization of the Ultrasonic Welding of PEEK-Carbon Composites
Authors: Harras B. , Cole K. C. , Vu-Khanh T.
Published: July 2017

The ultrasonic welding of PEEK-carbon composites was studied in order to better understand the process and determine the optimum welding conditions. The parameters varied were the applied pressure and the welding time. The optimum applied pressure at the horn-sample interface was found to be 3.8 MPa. The joint properties were evaluated through fracture tests in both Mode I (opening) and Mode II (shear). It was found that the optimum welding time depends very much on the physical configuration of the specimen being welded; this affects the efficiency of conversion of the ultrasound into thermal energy in the composite. However, for both types of specimen tested (Mode I and Mode II) the optimum joint strength was found to correspond to a specific value of total energy input, namely 6.8 J/mm2. This gave critical strain energy release rates of G,c = 3.2 kJ/m2 and G,1. = 4.6 k/m2. A variation of the energy by 10% in either direction resulted in a decrease in properties by about half. Hence the weld energy can be used as a reliable control parameter to produce joints with strengths equivalent to those of molded composite.
Analysis of Tapered Laminated Composites with Non-Symmetric Lay-Up
Authors: Varughese B. , Mukherjee A.
Published: July 2017

A global-local approach for the analysis of tapered laminated composites is presented. The method is considerably more economical than existing techniques. A new drop-off element that is degenerated from a 2-D drop-off element is introduced to carry out the global analysis. The drop-off element accommodates the termination of plies within the element and therefore, the size of the stiffness matrix reduces. At the vicinity of the drop-off, where the stress concentration is high, a local analysis with a refined mesh is performed with the results of the global analysis. Since a fine mesh is to be adopted only near the drop-off, there is substantial economy in the computational effort and time as compared to the conventional analysis models. The present method has been validated extensively against published results. The discussions on the stress/strain distributions at different locations have been presented.
Characterization of Elastic Constants and Bias Angle in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polystyrene Composite
Authors: Shonaike Gabriel O. , Chua S. C.
Published: July 2017

A preliminary investigation on tensile properties of unidirectional glass fiber reinforced polystyrene (PS) composites was conducted. The PS-glass fiber mixture was compression molded for 5 minutes at various fabrication temperatures. The impregnation of matrix resin into the reinforcing agent was studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and analysis of void content. A tensile test was used to determine the elastic constants such as longitudinal modulus (EL), transverse modulus (ET), E45 and shear modulus (GLT). The bias angle where the shear coupling element disappears was analyzed at different fabrication temperatures, i.e., 120, 135, 150 and 1750C. The observed SEM micrographs of cross-section as well as the void contents revealed that the higher the fabrication temperature, the lower the void content. The tensile properties were significantly improved with increasing fabrication temperature. The bias angle where the shear coupling element vanishes depends on fabrication temperature. The SEM micrograph of fracture surface reveals moderate adhesion between the glass fiber and the matrix PS. The glass transition temperature of PS was not affected by either the processing temperature or the reinforcing glass fiber.
The Sandwich Injection Moulding Technology—Effects and Limiting Quantities for the Spatial Distribution of the Components
Authors: Eigl Franz A. , Langecker Günter R.
Published: July 2017

The factors influencing the spatial distribution of the core component can be divided into geometric, material and process parameters. The distribution of the components is substantially determined by the viscosities of both components, the viscosity ratio of the core and skin melt, the length of the simultaneous phase and the speed of the flow front.

In order to describe the layer thickness formation and the melt flow instabilities new models are introduced. They are based on empirically determined interrelations of individual limiting quantities and allow the description of the essential effects of the melt flow during the mould filling process.
Vibration Analysis of Laminated Shells Using a Refined Shear Deformation Theory
Authors: Ma Bang-An , He Ji-Fan
Published: July 2017

A previously published refined shear deformation theory is used to analyse free vibration of laminated shells. The theory includes the assumption that the transverse shear strains across any two layers are linearly dependent on each other. The theory has the same dependent variables as first-order shear deformation theory, but the set of governing differential equations is of twelfth order. No shear correction factors are required. Free vibration of symmetric cross-ply laminated cylindrical shells, symmetric and antisymmetric cross-ply cylindrical panels is calculated. The numerical results are in good agreement with those from three-dimensional elasticity theory.
Stiffness and Damage Identification of Laminated Plates Using Static Deflection
Authors: Fukunaga H. , Sekine H. , Tani Y.
Published: July 2017

The present paper shows a stiffness and damage identification method of symmetrically laminated plates using bending deflection under static loading. First, six bending stiffness components are identified by the minimization of a vector norm of the residual forces using a nonlinear optimization technique. Next, in a similar manner, the location and the magnitude of damage in the symmetric laminate are identified. Effects of the number of measured deflections on the identification results are examined numerically.
Prediction of Anomalous Hygrothermal Effects in Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Roy Samit
Published: July 2017

Theory of irreversible thermodynamics is applied to derive governing equations for history-dependent diffusion in polymers and polymer matrix composites from first principles. A special form for Gibbs' free energy is introduced using stress, temperature, and moisture concentration as independent state variables. The resulting governing equations are capable of modeling the effect of interactions between complex stress, temperature, and moisture histories on the diffusion process within an orthotropic material. Since the mathematically complex nature of the governing equations precludes a closedform solution, a variational formulation is used to derive the weak form of the nonlinear governing equations which are then solved using the finite element method. For model validation, the model predictions are compared with published data for the special case of isothermal diffusion in an unstressed graphite/epoxy symmetric angle-ply laminate.
Determination of the Transverse Permeability of a Fiber Preform
Authors: Ballata William O. , Walsh Shawn M. , Advani Suresh
Published: July 2017

This paper addresses the flow properties of Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) with primary emphasis on transverse (z-direction) permeability. In the case of RTM, the permeability [K] matrix of the fabric preform is the quantity that governs the accuracy of any numerical flow simulation. Characterization of the in-plane permeabilities (Kxx, Kyy,) is done by simple radial flow experiments. However, the transverse permeability is difficult to measure accurately due to the inability to visualize the flow pattern through the thickness. Also, one dimensional flow experiments, which are ideal, encounter significant racetracking along the edges that inhibits proper monitoring of the true transverse flow. The need for accurate transverse permeabilities stems from use of three dimensional flow simulations to model the manufacture of thick section composite components fabricated by the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding genre of composite processes.

The objective for this work is to develop an improved methodology to determine the transverse permeability of a fabric preform. This will include formation of the experimental apparatus, configuration of visualization tools, analytical solution for that geometry, creation of a numerical model, permeability predictions given flow front location with time, and finally plotting the series of permeabilities as a function of the percentage of fill. The experimental apparatus is based on a vacuum driven operation to simulate the process desired. A modified version of "SMARTweave," which is the enabling technology for insitu flow monitoring, is used for visualization of the fluid phase. Preliminary experimental data is reported and transverse permeabilities are calculated for several preforms. A comparison of the data to established methods is shown.
Effect of Local Material Variations on Tapered Sandwich Structures
Authors: King Michael J. , Chen Julie , Sherwood James A. , Brachos Vasilios
Published: July 2017

Existing finite element models can predict the behavior of complex anisotropic structures under combined loading. However, these models typically assume a simplified material model, non-distorted orientation of the fiber materials used in the manufacturing process, and the absence of defects such as voids and dry spots. Such assumptions are particularly questionable in areas of high curvature or significant thickness changes. These areas typically have the double effect of being areas of high stress as well as areas susceptible to manufacturing defects.

This paper will discuss preliminary results from a combined experimental and finite element study that shows the effect of local material variations on actual structural performance. The subject of this study is the Solectria Sunrise composite wheel well. The first part of the paper will present results from testing of an actual wheel well; the second part will briefly discuss our recent efforts at studying one particularly critical component: the tapered sandwich structure and its relationship to resin infusion manufacturing defects and fatigue behavior.
Trait and Ability Emotional Intelligence in Adolescents With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Boily Roxanne , Kingston Sydney E. , Montgomery Janine M.
Published: July 2017

Social-emotional impairments are considered core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although numerous interventions have been developed to remediate the social deficits in children with ASD, few have been designed to meet the needs of youth. Given research demonstrating relations between emotional intelligence (EI) and social outcomes in adults with Asperger Syndrome (AS), the current study examined both trait and ability EI to elucidate the nature of the EI strengths and impairments in youth with and without ASD. Twenty-five adolescents with ASD and 25 adolescents without ASD aged 13 to 17 years completed measures of ability and trait EI. Findings suggest that aspects of both trait and ability EI were significantly weaker in adolescents with ASD compared with typically developing adolescents. Implications, limitations, and future research are discussed.
“That $hit Ain’t Gangsta”: Symbolic Boundary Making in an Online Urban Gossip Community
Authors: Randolph Antonia , Swan Holly , Rowe Kristin Denise
Published: July 2017

This paper examines how commenters (N= 290 posts) to an urban gossip blog interpret the meaning of ambiguously sexual behavior: a kiss shared by two male gangsta rappers. It shows that fans use the same interpretive repertoire to come to very different conclusions about the meaning of the rappers’ sexual orientation in the wake of the kiss. Other research finds that hegemonic masculinity has expanded to include touch between men as a legitimate expression of heterosexual intimacy, yet that literature ignores or pathologizes marginalized men (Bridges and Pascoe 2014; McCormack and Anderson 2014). Our study makes up for this gap by exploring the frames and concerns native to hip-hop culture that explain how fans label the rappers’ sexuality as a result of the kiss. We find that fans are particularly concerned with policing the boundary around thug masculinity, the most valorized form of masculinity within hip-hop culture.
Modeling and analysis of variable-core groove for integral cutting tools
Authors: Li Guochao , Liu Jiao , Zhou Honggen , Tian Guizhong , Li Lei
Published: July 2017

With good stiffness, the helical groove with variable-core radius has been widely used for end mills, drills and other integral cutting tools. However, ground by five-axis grinder, its machining process is high cost and time consuming. Thus, this paper reports a graphical analysis method to obtain the structure parameters and geometric shapes of variable-core grooves with the known wheel geometry and position before the practical machining. The wheel movement during the machining process is firstly decomposed into three simple motions and modeled as a translation matrix. Then, a family of wheel surfaces is calculated and the groove cross section line is deduced by splitting the surfaces with a cross section plane. Accordingly, the normal section line of the groove is expressed by a series of scattered points, which are the intersections of the normal section plane and the helical curves generated by the points on the groove cross section line which moves along the wheel trajectory. All the mathematic models are programed by Matlab and verified by experiment. Finally, the key parameters of the variable-core groove, including the rake angle, groove width on the cross and normal sections and the departure distance between the cross and normal groove section lines, are analyzed from the tool bit to the hilt.