bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of CT imaging features and tumor size with Fuhrman grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Oh Saelin , Sung Deuk Jae , Yang Kyung Sook , Sim Ki Choon , Han Na Yeon , Park Beom Jin , Kim Min Ju , Cho Sung Bum
Published: May 2016

Background

Identification of clinical features to determine the aggressive potential of tumors is highly warranted to stratify patients for adequate treatment. Computed tomography (CT) imaging features of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) may contribute to personalized risk assessment.

Purpose

To assess the correlation between CT imaging features and Fuhrman grade of ccRCC, and to identify the predictors of high Fuhrman grade in conjunction with tumor size.

Material and Methods

CT scans of 169 patients with 173 pathologically proven ccRCCs were retrospectively reviewed in consensus by two radiologists for the presence of intratumoral necrosis and intratumoral cyst and tumor size. Histologic grade was classified as either low (Fuhrman grade I or II) or high (Fuhrman grade III or IV). Statistical significance was evaluated by using univariate, multivariate regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Spearman correlation analyses.

Results

On CT, 20 of the 173 tumors had intratumoral cysts, 60 had intratumoral necrosis, and 93 showed entirely solid tumors. The odds of high grade were higher with intratumoral necrosis and entirely solid tumor than with intratumoral cyst ( P < 0.03). Intratumoral necrosis showed a significantly high odds ratio of 25.73 for high Fuhrman grade. The ROC curve showed a threshold tumor size of 36 mm to predict high Fuhrman grade for overall tumors (area under the ROC curve, 0.70). In ccRCCs with intratumoral necrosis or cyst, tumor size did not significantly correlate with Fuhrman grade.

Conclusion

Intratumoral necrosis on CT was a strong and independent predictor of biologically aggressive ccRCCs, irrespective of tumor size.
Effects of nodule characteristics on sampling number and duration of thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy: size does not matter, but cystic degeneration ratio does
Authors: Cengic Ismet , Tureli Derya , Altas Hilal , Ozden Ferhat , Bugdayci Onur , Aribal Erkin
Published: May 2016

Background

Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules, though the most accurate method to rule out malignancy, still has an inherent risk of yielding non-diagnostic specimens despite immediate assessment of specimen adequacy by an on-site cytopathologist.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of nodule volume and extent of cystic degeneration on total biopsy time and number of aspirations required for obtaining an adequate specimen.

Material and Methods

A total of 510 patients underwent FNAB by a single radiologist accompanied by a cytopathologist who immediately assessed each sample for specimen adequacy. All sampled nodules were single and had one maximum diameter > 10 mm. Nodule volumes and cystic degeneration ratios were calculated prior to the intervention. Aspirations were repeated until the cytological material was deemed adequate by the cytopathologist; the number of aspirations and total biopsy time were then recorded.

Results

Nodule volumes did not have significant effect on neither number of aspirations necessary for achieving specimen adequacy ( P > 0.05) nor total biopsy time (r = −0.148 with P = 0.001). Predominantly cystic nodules, compared to predominantly solid nodules, required more sampling per nodule (4.58 ± 1.11 vs. 3.44 ± 1.19 aspirations, P = 0.001) and longer total biopsy time (16.40 ± 6.19 vs. 11.15 ± 6.18 min, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Predominantly cystic nodules require allocation of more time for biopsy. To ensure specimen adequacy when immediate specimen evaluation by an on-site cytopathologist is not possible, four samples from predominantly solid nodules and five passes through predominantly cystic nodules are required.
Influence of fractional anisotropy thresholds on diffusion tensor imaging tractography of the periprostatic neurovascular bundle and selected pelvic tissues: do visualized tracts really represent nerves?
Authors: Baur Alexander DJ , Daqqaq Tareef , Collettini Federico , Denecke Timm , Hamm Bernd , Durmus Tahir , Scheel Michael
Published: May 2016

Background

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography has recently been shown to successfully visualize periprostatic tracts allegedly representing the neurovascular bundle.

Purpose

To examine the impact of different fractional anisotropy (FA) thresholds on the results of DTI tractography in the male pelvis as well as to evaluate the resulting specificity for nerve tracts.

Material and Methods

Ten healthy male volunteers were examined at 3 Tesla. DTI tractography was performed based on seed points placed circularly around the prostate, in the rectoprostatic angle, the peripheral zone of the prostate, the sciatic nerve, and in addition the urinary bladder using FA thresholds of 0.20, 0.05, and 0.01. DTI tract number and DTI tract length measured with different FA thresholds were compared. ANOVA with repeated measures was used for statistics.

Results

DTI tract number and tract length were significantly dependent on FA thresholds. While a FA threshold of 0.20 visualized the typical distribution of DTI tracts in the sciatic nerve, a FA threshold of ≤0.05 was necessary to yield results visually mimicking the distribution of nerve tracts in the NVB. However, with such low FA thresholds even in the filled urinary bladder DTI tracts could be visualized. With FA thresholds of 0.20, the number and length of periprostatic DTI tracts did not differ from those measured within the prostate.

Conclusion

DTI tractography can be used to visualize DTI tracts periprostatically. However, one may doubt that these DTI tracts represent nerve tracts and that the periprostatic neurovascular bundle can be evaluated in a meaningful way with the current methods available.
Pedicle screw placement in patients with variant atlas pedicle
Authors: Zhang Qiang-Hua , Li Hai-Dong , Min Ji-Kang
Published: May 2016

Objective

To investigate how the anatomy of variant atlas vertebra impacts on the strategy used to place pedicle screws used to treat atlantoaxial instability.

Methods

The study enrolled patients with cervical instability who had a posterior arch pedicle height <3.5 mm at the anchor point, a vertebral artery groove height <3.5 mm, or both. Pedicle screws were fitted according to the anatomy of the variant atlas vertebra. Patients were followed-up to evaluate accuracy of the screw placement and maintenance of cervical stability.

Results

A total of 28 patients were enrolled. The mean height of the atlas pedicle proximal section was >5.0 mm. For the vertebral artery groove, the height of the lateral region was significantly greater than that of the medial region. Approximately 60% of atlas vertebrae had lateral heights >3.5 mm (34 of 56). The majority of the posterior arch heights were <3.0 mm. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications observed.

Conclusions

Pedicle screw placement in the lateral pedicle region is the safest and most reliable strategy to treat variant atlas pedicles.
Incidence and age and gender profiles of hyperplasia in individual cervical vertebrae
Authors: Li Min , Liu Shuyong , Kong Qingkui , Sun Haitao , Zhang Xia , Wang Guangbin
Published: May 2016

Objective

To analyze the incidence and age and gender profiles of hyperplasia in individual cervical vertebrae.

Methods

In this retrospective study, computed tomography three-dimensional reconstruction images of cervical vertebrae from patients with neck discomfort were analyzed for the presence of hyperplasia and compared with age and gender data.

Results

Scans from a total of 580 patients (352 males, 228 females) were analyzed. The highest incidence of hyperplasia was seen in C2 (25%), followed by C1 (23%), C6 (16%), C5 (15%), C7 (9%), C4 (8%) and C3 (4%). Patients with C2 hyperplasia were the youngest and those with C1 hyperplasia were the second youngest, while patients with C7 hyperplasia were the oldest. Of those with C2, C1 and C7 hyperplasia, males were significantly younger than females, whereas of those with C3, C4, C5 and C6 hyperplasia, females were significantly younger than males.

Conclusions

Hyperplasia of the cervical spine shows different age and gender profiles among the seven vertebrae. These findings may be helpful for the early recognition of cervical hyperplasia and highlight the importance of protecting the atlanto-axial joint in daily life.
Look, listen and learn: Exploring effects of passive entrainment on social judgements of observed others
Authors: Knight Sarah , Spiro Neta , Cross Ian
Published: May 2016

Music is widely acknowledged to have social efficacy at the group level. This effect is hypothesised to be underpinned at least in part by entrainment. During collective musical behaviours, entrainment – the shared synchronisation of internal oscillators – is suggested to afford the perception of actions, intentions and motivational states as joint action, shared intentionality and mutual motivational states, which in turn fosters interpersonal affiliation and prosocial behaviours, including trust. However, it is unknown whether entrainment’s effects on prosociality persist when we are passive observers. In this study, 44 participants (21 women; average age = 28; average years of musical training = 10) watched audio-visual tokens in which a) the footsteps of an actor were entrained (synchronised) with a drumbeat, b) the footsteps were disentrained (unsynchronised) with the drumbeat and c) the soundtrack was grey noise (control condition). Participants were subsequently required to decide if the actor was engaged in a trustworthy or untrustworthy activity. Results show that participants were more likely to judge the actor as trustworthy in the entrain condition than the disentrain condition, but that the entrain condition was not significantly different to the control condition. Furthermore, this pattern of results was only found for a subgroup of the stimuli. There were no effects of age, gender or musical training. Given the nature of the task, which encourages passive entrainment rather than active movement, these findings indicate that the prosocial outcomes of musical engagement may be more common and have a broader significance than previously suggested.
Rural-to-Urban Migration, Strain, and Juvenile Delinquency: A Study of Eighth-Grade Students in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Lo Celia C. , Cheng Tyrone C. , Bohm Maggie , Zhong Hua
Published: May 2016

This examination of minor and serious delinquency among eighth graders in a large southern Chinese city, Guangzhou, also compared groups of these students, observing differences between the delinquency of migrants and that of urban natives. Data used were originally collected for the study “Stuck in the City: Migration and Delinquency Among Migrant Adolescents in Guangzhou.” The present study asked whether and how various sources of strain and social control factors explained students’ delinquency, questioning how meaningfully migration status moderated several of the observed delinquency relationships. Of students in the sample, 741 reported being natives of Guangzhou, and 497 reported migrating to Guangzhou from a rural area. The study conceptualized internal migration as a strain factor leading to delinquency, but the analyses did not suggest direct association between internal migration and delinquency. Results generally supported Agnew’s theory, and, what’s more, they tended to confirm that migration status moderated juvenile delinquency.
In-plane self-excitation of two-bladed horizontal axis wind turbine rotors due to blade elasticity and gravity
Authors: Yoshida Shigeo
Published: May 2016

The two-bladed rotor is one of the promising concepts to emerge from the study of super large wind turbines. However, the rotor is prone to generating larger vibrations compared with conventional three-bladed rotors. In particular, in-plane vibration is hard to avoid because its damping is small. Furthermore, blades are becoming more flexible as wind turbines are getting larger. In-plane self-excitation of a 10-MW wind turbine with a two-bladed rotor was studied in this article through aero-elastic simulations. This study shows that even if the blade deformations are almost the same, large rotor in-plane self-excitation does not occur in a three-bladed rotor; however, it does occur in a two-bladed rotor. The self-excitation was shown to be caused by a combination of blade in-plane elasticity and gravity. Furthermore, the mechanism was theoretically demonstrated through simplified models that showed a mass and a spring.
Accuracy of Depression Screening Tools to Detect Major Depression in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roseman Michelle , Kloda Lorie A. , Saadat Nazanin , Riehm Kira E. , Ickowicz Abel , Baltzer Franziska , Katz Laurence Y. , Patten Scott B. , Rousseau Cécile , Thombs Brett D.
Published: May 2016

Objective:

Depression screening among children and adolescents is controversial, and no clinical trials have evaluated benefits and harms of screening programs. A requirement for effective screening is a screening tool with demonstrated high accuracy. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the accuracy of depression screening instruments to detect major depressive disorder (MDD) in children and adolescents.

Method:

Data sources included the MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, PsycINFO, HaPI, and LILACS databases from 2006 to September 30, 2015. Eligible studies compared a depression screening tool to a validated diagnostic interview for MDD and reported accuracy data for children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years. Risk of bias was assessed with QUADAS-2.

Results:

We identified 17 studies with data on 20 depression screening tools. Few studies examined the accuracy of the same screening tools. Cut-off scores identified as optimal were inconsistent across studies. Width of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sensitivity ranged from 9% to 55% (median 32%), and only 1 study had a lower bound 95% CI ≥80%. For specificity, 95% CI width ranged from 2% to 27% (median 9%), and 3 studies had a lower bound ≥90%. Methodological limitations included small sample sizes, exploratory data analyses to identify optimal cut-offs, and the failure to exclude children and adolescents already diagnosed or treated for depression.

Conclusions:

There is insufficient evidence that any depression screening tool and cut-off accurately screens for MDD in children and adolescents. Screening could lead to overdiagnosis and the consumption of scarce health care resources.
Smoking Cessation and the Risk of Hyperactive Delirium in Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Park HyeYoun , Kim Ki Woong , Yoon In-Young
Published: May 2016

Objectives:

The acute cessation of smoking often induces symptoms that are similar to those associated with delirium. We aimed to evaluate effects of sudden nicotine abstinence on the development of delirium and its motoric subtypes in hospitalized patients.

Methods:

The present study included patients who were referred to psychiatrists by ward physicians due to confusion. The presence of delirium was defined using the Confusion Assessment Method and the Delirium Rating Scale Revised–98, which was also used to assess the severity of delirium. Outcome variables, including the length of hospital stay and 3-month mortality rate, were collected by a retrospective chart review.

Results:

Delirium was confirmed in 210 of the 293 referred patients. Of the motoric subtypes of delirium, the hyperactive subtype was more common (68.1%) and was related to higher 3-month mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.189; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 4.49; P = 0.033) compared with hypoactive delirium. Patients undergoing sudden cessation of smoking ( n = 55) were more likely to exhibit hyperactive delirium than were nonsmokers ( P = 0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed that smoking cessation was an independent risk factor for hyperactive delirium (OR, 10.33; 95% CI, 2.31 to 46.09; P = 0.002). In addition, the amount of smoking was positively correlated with the severity of hyperactivity ( r = 0.421, P = 0.003). Smoking status did not significantly influence overall delirium incidence.

Conclusions:

The present findings demonstrated that nicotine withdrawal was associated with hyperactive delirium, which suggests that they share common pathophysiologies that involve the dopamine, opioid, and cholinergic systems.
Experimental characterization of the tensile failure mode of ultra-thin chopped carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastics
Authors: Yamashita Shinichiro , Hashimoto Koji , Suganuma Hirofumi , Takahashi Jun
Published: May 2016

Ultra-thin chopped carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastics, which belong to a class of randomly oriented strands and are characterized by enhanced strength, stiffness, and formability properties, have been prepared via a paper-making method from ultra-thin thermoplastic prepregs. The failure of ultra-thin chopped carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastics under static tensile loading was studied in detail using various observation techniques, such as high-speed camera imaging, thermography, and optical microscopy. The obtained results revealed that the tensile fracture of ultra-thin chopped carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastics exhibited three main patterns: fiber breakage, splitting of chopped tapes, and pulling out of chopped tapes. In contrast to conventional randomly oriented strands, the utilization of ultra-thin prepregs decreased the tensile strength scattering. An increase in the ultra-thin prepreg tape length resulted in an increase in the strength average magnitude, reaching saturation at a length of 18 mm. The results of this study can be used for constructing tensile strength prediction models and expanding the ultra-thin chopped carbon fiber tape-reinforced thermoplastics application range.
Development and Initial Validation of the Performance Perfectionism Scale for Sport (PPS-S)
Authors: Hill Andrew P. , Appleton Paul R. , Mallinson Sarah H.
Published: May 2016

Valid and reliable instruments are required to appropriately study perfectionism. With this in mind, three studies are presented that describe the development and initial validation of a new instrument designed to measure multidimensional performance perfectionism for use in sport (Performance Perfectionism Scale–Sport [PPS-S]). The instrument is based on Hewitt and Flett’s (1991) model of perfectionism and includes self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented performance perfectionism. These dimensions encapsulate the features of Hewitt and Flett’s dimensions but are focused on athletic performance rather than life generally. The three studies outline item generation and refinement, exploratory, confirmatory, and exploratory-confirmatory examination of factor structure, and initial assessment of construct validity in multiple samples of adolescent and young adult athletes. Findings suggest that the PPS-S is likely to be a reliable and valid measure of performance perfectionism in youth sport. As validation continues, we expect the instrument to have wider applicability for use in adults and other performance contexts (e.g., education and work).
Development and Validation of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale–Brief
Authors: Burgess Alexandra M. , Frost Randy O. , DiBartolo Patricia Marten
Published: May 2016

Twenty-five years ago, one of the first empirically validated measures of perfectionism, the Frost et al. Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (F-MPS) was published. Since that time, psychometric studies of the original F-MPS have provided a plethora of evidence to support the potential development of a shorter yet still psychometrically robust version of the measure. Using confirmatory factor analyses across community and clinical samples, the current study identifies an eight-item F-MPS-Brief with two dimensions (i.e., striving and evaluative concerns) that evidences good internal consistency, measurement equivalence across ethnicities, and concurrent and convergent validity. This new, short version of the F-MPS captures well the bidimensional model of perfectionism that has emerged across studies over the past two decades and is suggested for use when a short yet high-performing assessment tool for this model is desired.
Still Measuring Perfectionism After All These Years
Authors: Flett Gordon L. , Hewitt Paul L.
Published: May 2016

The perfectionism field has advanced considerably over the past 25 years, but researchers typically focus on substantive findings, and there has been comparatively little systematic emphasis on measurement issues. This special issue introduces new perfectionism measures and examines several important measurement topics. This special issue advances the theme that how constructs are conceptualized and measured has a direct impact on the findings that emerge in empirical research. We provide an overview of specific topics addressed in this special issue, including the importance of distinguishing between perfectionism versus conscientiousness and the role of assessment in documenting the heterogeneity that exists among people who all describe themselves as perfectionists. It is evident from the papers in this special issue that the complexities inherent in the perfectionism construct require an equally complex and sophisticated measurement approach. Further advances in the perfectionism field depend largely on implementing a programmatic approach to measurement and assessment.
Art as Critical Public Pedagogy
Authors: Zorrilla Ana , Tisdell Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2016

This qualitative study explored the connection between art and adult education for critical consciousness from the perspective and work of conceptual artist, Luis Camnitzer. The theoretical framework is grounded in the critical public pedagogy literature. Data collection methods included interviews with conceptual artist Luis Camnitzer and with others familiar with his work, as well as textual analysis of his writing and visual art. The findings focus on the theme of exile in the life of the artist, his thoughts on the relation of art, politics, and education, and the role of conceptual art’s potential for creating “dialogue” in the mind of the viewer by re-presenting reality in unexpected ways. The discussion of the findings focuses on re-examining and redefining the concept of “dialogue” for art and adult education for critical consciousness in nonformal settings.
Clinical Trial of Erythropoietin in Young Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Cho Kye Hee , Min Kyunghoon , Lee Seung Hoon , Lee SunHee , An SeongSoo A. , Kim MinYoung
Published: May 2016

This study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin in young children with cerebral palsy aged between 6 months and 3 years. All participants received subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin and 8 weeks of rehabilitation therapy. Adverse events, changes of vital signs, and hematologic tests were monitored up to 8 weeks postinjection. Functional measures of development at 4 and 8 weeks postinjection were compared with baseline values, and improvements were compared with those of an age-matched historical control group. Nine participants completed the trial from June 2012 to February 2015. No adverse events were related to recombinant human erythropoietin. Erythropoiesis was noted, although within normal range. Functional improvements were observed in all participants ( P < .05) and increases in motor function were higher in recombinant human erythropoietin group than the control group. Accordingly, recombinant human erythropoietin administration was safe without any significant adverse events and improved the functional outcomes in young children with cerebral palsy.
The Sexual Stratification Hypothesis: Is the Decision to Arrest Influenced by the Victim/Suspect Racial/Ethnic Dyad?
Authors: O’Neal Eryn Nicole , Beckman Laura O. , Spohn Cassia
Published: May 2016

The sexual stratification hypothesis suggests that criminal justice responses to sexual victimization will differ depending on the victim/suspect racial/ethnic dyad. Previous research examining the sexual stratification hypothesis has primarily focused on court processes, and the small body of literature examining arrest decisions is dated. There remains substantial opportunity for testing the sexual stratification hypothesis at response stages apart from the court level (i.e., arrest). Using quantitative data on 655 sexual assault complaints that were reported to the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department (LASD) and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 2008, this study examines the effect of the victim/suspect racial/ethnic dyad on the decision to arrest. Findings suggest that police consider the victim/suspect racial/ethnic dyad when making arrest decisions. In addition, victim characteristics, strength of evidence indicators, and measures of case factors predict the police decision to make an arrest.
Perceptions and Experiences of Intrusive Behavior and Stalking: Comparing LGBTIQ and Heterosexual Groups
Authors: Sheridan Lorraine P. , Scott Adrian J. , Campbell Amy M.
Published: May 2016

The present research employed a mixed-methods approach and quasi-experimental design to examine perceptions and experiences of intrusive behavior (comprising 47 individual intrusive activities) within individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or queer (LGBTIQ) with a matched (in terms of age, sex, and income) sample of individuals identifying as heterosexual ( N = 214). Despite only minor differences between the LGBTIQ and heterosexual groups concerning perceptions of the acceptability of intrusive behavior, the LGBTIQ group was more likely to report experiencing a range of individual intrusive activities and to report experiencing stalking victimization (self-reported rates of 35.5% vs. 15.0%). Participant sex and personal experience of being stalked were minimally associated with perceptions of the acceptability of intrusive behavior. Sexual orientation significantly predicted whether a person had experienced stalking victimization, whereas participant sex did not. The qualitative analysis revealed that the two groups shared some experiences of intrusive behavior, whereas others represented a unique subset of intrusions that related to sexual orientation.
Celebrating Memory and Belonging: Young Russian Israelis Claim Their Unique Place in Tel-Aviv’s Urban Space
Authors: Prashizky Anna , Remennick Larissa
Published: May 2016

Drawing on the theoretical concept of collective memory and migration, and politics of belonging, this article explores performative belonging enacted in the series of holidays and commemorative rites organized by young Russian immigrants in Israel’s major metropolis. Our ethnography is based on 18 months of participant observation at the cultural association Fishka in South Tel-Aviv. As part of our field work, we documented public celebrations of Jewish and Russian-Soviet holidays organized by Fishka as acts of public performance seeking to elevate the prestige of Russian culture in Israel. These events reinforced visibility of Russian Israelis in Israel’s cultural capital and helped reach out to other urban communities, both native and immigrant. The article discusses the unique contribution of these bicultural young adults to Tel-Aviv’s diverse and dynamic urban scene. Our main argument is about the importance of collective memory in migration, whereby holidays and commemorative rites reinforce feelings of belonging and fortify the immigrants’ claim on the respectable place in the receiving society.
Masculinity and the Stalled Revolution
Authors: Thébaud Sarah , Pedulla David S.
Published: May 2016

Extant research suggests that supportive work–family policies promote gender equality in the workplace and in the household. Yet, evidence indicates that these policies generally have stronger effects on women’s preferences and behaviors than men’s. In this article, we draw on survey-experimental data to examine how young, unmarried men’s gender ideologies and perceptions of normative masculinity may moderate the effect of supportive work–family policy interventions on their preferences for structuring their future work and family life. Specifically, we examine whether men’s prescriptive beliefs about what work–family arrangements most people ought to prefer and whether men’s descriptive beliefs about what work–family arrangements most of their male peers actually do prefer influence their responses to supportive policies. Our analysis shows that men’s responses to supportive work–family policy interventions are highly dependent upon their beliefs about what their male peers actually want, rather than on their beliefs about what others should want. Specifically, men who believe that their male peers ideally want gender-egalitarian or counternormative relationships are themselves more likely to prefer a progressive relationship structure when supportive work–family policies are in place. These findings provide novel support for sociological theories of masculinity and hold important implications for designing policies that promote gender equality in the workplace and at home.
Encountering difference: Young girls’ perspectives on separateness and friendship in culturally diverse schools in Dublin
Authors: Scholtz Jennifer , Gilligan Robbie
Published: May 2016

Research on children’s friendship in culturally diverse contexts has shown that children are more likely to choose friends from their own ethnic or racial group than others. This article examines this tendency from the perspective of 10- to 12-year-old girls attending ethnically mixed primary schools in Dublin, Ireland. It argues that both the emotional challenges involved in encounters across divides and the dynamics of all children’s friendships have a significant role to play in the manner in which boundaries are drawn.
Toughening of cyanate resin with low dielectric constant by glycidyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Jiao Jian , Zhao Li-zhen , Xia Yu , Wang Lei
Published: May 2016

In this article, a high-performance hybrid material was prepared by melt blending from glycidyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (G-POSS) and bisphenol-A cyanate ester (CE), using triethylamine as the curing agent. The structure of the hybrid was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the transparency properties, mechanical properties, dielectric properties, thermal performance, and wet fastness were studied. The results showed that G-POSS was uniformly distributed in the CE matrix and could obviously accelerate the curing reaction of the resin. Large amounts of corrugated and scaled structures were observed on the fractures of G-POSS/CE by the SEM photos. When the G-POSS content increased to 7 phr, the tensile strength (75.45 MPa), elongation at break (3.19%), and impact strength (23.76 kJ m−2) reached maximum values, representing increases of 21.75%, 27.6%, and 157.98% relative to that of pure CE, respectively, which indicated that the addition of G-POSS can significantly improve the toughness of G-POSS/CE composites. When the G-POSS content increased to 4 phr, the dielectric constant decreased from 3.27 to the minimum value of 3.05. The heat resistance and wet fastness of G-POSS/CE hybrid materials decreased with increasing G-POSS content.
Preparation and properties of melt-spinning fluorinated ethylene propylene fibres
Authors: Jiang Zhaohui , Guo Zengge , Pu Congcong , Wang Jing , Jia Zhao , Xiao Changfa , An Shulin
Published: May 2016

In this work, a novel fibre, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) filament, was fabricated by melt-spinning. In addition, the properties of FEP fibres were investigated through apparent morphological observation, tensile testing, dry-hot shrinkage, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogramitric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Apparent morphological observation shows that FEP fibres present circular cross-sections and smooth surfaces. Just like the conventional fibres prepared by melt-spinning, such as poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polyamide 6, the stress–strain curves of FEP fibres show obvious stress yield points. The elastic recovery ratio of FEP fibres (80%) is much greater than that of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibres (40%), endowing FEP textiles good wrinkle resistance. When FEP fibres are deposited in flame, smoke and droplets do not appear but shrinkage does occur. After treatment in hot air, the breaking strength of FEP fibres decreases, but the elongation at break increases. The melting temperature of FEP fibres is as closely high as that of the PET fibres, while the crystallization temperature is much higher, which puts forward greater challenges for FEP spinning. Compared with PTFE fibres, the crystallinity and the melting temperature of FEP fibres are much lower. TGA results demonstrate that FEP fibres present excellent thermal stability that is as stable as that of the PTFE fibres.
Performance evaluation of different variants of jet electrochemical micro-drilling process
Authors: Goel Harsha , Pandey Pulak M
Published: May 2016

The article describes fabrication of an experimental setup which could be used for electrochemical drilling process to produce micro-holes in a copper workpiece with its different variants, namely, jet electrochemical micro-drilling, air-assisted jet electrochemical micro-drilling, ultrasonic-assisted jet electrochemical micro-drilling, and pulsed direct current–jet electrochemical micro-drilling process. Process parameters like voltage, electrolyte concentration, interelectrode gap, and electrolyte pressure have been selected to find out their effects on the process responses, namely, hole taper and material removal rate in all the above process. Attachments for air assistance and ultrasonic vibration application have been fabricated and incorporated in the setup. The effects of ultrasonic vibrations and the pulsed direct current voltage on the process responses like material removal rate and hole taper have been investigated. The effect of application of ultrasonic vibrations on the electrolyte jet has been studied. The experimental findings of ultrasonic-assisted jet electrochemical micro-drilling were compared with the findings of jet electrochemical micro-drilling. Similarly, the findings of pulsed direct current–jet electrochemical micro-drilling were also compared with the results of pulsed direct current ultrasonic-assisted jet electrochemical micro-drilling experiments. It has been found that the ultrasonic vibrations have significant effect on the two process responses. From the results, it was observed that with the use of ultrasonic vibrations, the material removal rate has increased to significant level and the hole taper has been decreased than in jet electrochemical micro-drilling. Effects of the pulsed direct current voltage supply on jet electrochemical micro-drilling and (ultrasonic-assisted jet electrochemical micro-drilling) were also analyzed. Application of pulsed direct current voltage has improved the material removal rate and reduced the hole taper in jet electrochemical micro-drilling as well as in ultrasonic-assisted jet electrochemical micro-drilling. The experimental results concluded that ultrasonic assistance have generated the holes with greater material removal rate and lower hole taper and with continuous direct current and pulsed direct current voltage.
Study of elastic deformation on dimensional accuracy in ironing process of spur gear
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhou Rui , Wu Yu-Cheng , Heng-Li  , Chen Wen-Lin , Xu Xiang-Qian
Published: May 2016

The cold ironing process of a warm forged spur gear was applied to investigate the elastic distortions arising by the behavior of die elastic expansion and gear elastic recovery in this article. An elasto-plastic finite element simulation was performed to analyze the elastic behavior characteristics of gear and die. The effects of interference between gear and die on the elastic distortions were investigated through finite element simulation and experiment, respectively. The change of geometrical profile and dimension of the gear tooth were measured; the estimated dimension of ironed gear by finite element simulation was fitted to the experimental results well within the range of 5% relative error. Furthermore, in order to improve the dimensional accuracy of final forged gear, this study proposed a die cavity compensation method to compensate cavity of the ironing die, which was obtained by shrink fitting a outer ring into the initial ironing die. The optimum radial interference between stress ring and initial shrink-fitted die was calculated based on the Lame formula and thick wall cylinder theory. Finally, an experiment according to the proposed die cavity compensation method was carried out to examine the validity of analytical results and demonstrated that predicted dimensions could be achieved and dimensional accuracy greatly improved. It was shown that the manufacture gear satisfies the IOS6 class by measuring the iron-forged gear.
The Rosa-Keystone Dunes Field: The geoarchaeology and paleoecology of a late Quaternary stabilized dune field in Eastern Beringia
Authors: Reuther Joshua D , Potter Ben A , Holmes Charles E , Feathers James K , Lanoë François B , Kielhofer Jennifer
Published: May 2016

Stabilized sand sheets and dunes hold a remarkable amount of information on paleoenvironmental conditions under which late Quaternary landscapes evolved in northern subarctic regions. We provide the results of a project focused on understanding the development of lowland environments and ecosystems, including dunes and sand sheets, which were critical habitat for early human occupations in subarctic regions. Our study area is the Rosa-Keystone Dunes Field in the Shaw Creek Flats of the middle Tanana River basin, interior Alaska, one of the oldest continuously occupied areas in North America (14,000 cal. BP to present). The disturbance regimes of reactivated dunes and associated forest fire cycles between 12,500 and 8800 cal. BP fostered a unique early to mid-successional mixed vegetation community including herbaceous tundra, shrubs, and deciduous trees. This environment provided key habitats for large grazers and browsers, significant resources for early hunter-gatherer populations in central Alaska. After 8000 cal. BP, the expansion of black spruce and peatlands heightened landscape stability but decreased the range of local habitat for large grazers. Hunter-gatherer economic change during these periods is consistent with human responses to local and regional landscape disturbance and restructuring.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus are associated with clinically significant cardiovascular risk: a Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hesselvig J Halskou , Ahlehoff O , Dreyer L , Gislason G , Kofoed K
Published: May 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor. Less is known about cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, we investigated the risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular events in patients diagnosed with SLE and CLE. We conducted a cohort study of the entire Danish population aged ≥ 18 and ≤ 100 years, followed from 1997 to 2011 by individual-level linkage of nationwide registries. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for a composite cardiovascular endpoint and all-cause mortality, for patients with SLE and CLE. A total of 3282 patients with CLE and 3747 patients with SLE were identified and compared with 5,513,739 controls. The overall HR for the composite CVD endpoint was 1.31 (95% CI 1.16–1.49) for CLE and 2.05 (95% CI 1.15–3.44) for SLE. The corresponding HRs for all-cause mortality were 1.32 (95% CI 1.20–1.45) for CLE and 2.21 (95% CI 2.03–2.41) for SLE. CLE and SLE were associated with a significantly increased risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. Local and chronic inflammation may be the driver of low-grade systemic inflammation.
Do-it-yourself biology and electronic waste hacking: A politics of demonstration in precarious times
Authors: Delgado Ana , Callén Blanca
Published: May 2016

In recent years, there has been an explosion of do it yourself, maker and hacker spaces in Europe. Through makers and do-it-yourself initiatives, ‘hacking’ is moving into the everyday life of citizens. This article explores the collective and political nature of those hacks by reporting on empirical work on electronic waste and do-it-yourself biology hacking. Using Dewey’s experimental approach to politics, we analyse hacks as ‘inquiry’ to see how they serve to articulate public and political action. We argue that do-it-yourself and makers’ hacks are technical and political demonstrations. What do-it-yourself and makers’ hacks ultimately demonstrate is that things can be done otherwise and that ‘you’ can also do it. In this sense, they have a potential viral effect. The final part of the article explores some potential shortcomings of such politics of demonstration.
The National Science Foundation’s science and technology survey and support for science funding, 2006–2014
Authors: Besley John C.
Published: May 2016

This study investigates how well the main science and technology focused variables included in the General Social Survey (2006–2014) by the National Science Foundation do in predicting support for science funding. These questions form the primary basis of part of a biannual report to federal lawmakers. It is therefore important to consider whether the most useful variables are included in the survey. The results suggest some bivariate relationships between funding support and demographics, use of science communication channels, science knowledge, and attitudes about science and scientists. However, the overall predictive ability of the available variables appears to be modest when included together as part of multivariate analyses. The results suggest a need for additional discussions aimed at considering revisions to the core survey questions used to track views about science and technology in the United States.
Relationship between Personality Traits and Blood Viscosity
Authors: Shukla Neeti
Published: May 2016

Personality characteristics have been linked to various health outcomes. Personality characteristics and rheological parameters have been found to be independent correlates of cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to explore the possible relationship between the two independent factors, personality characteristics (Big Five traits and Type A behaviour pattern) and rheological parameters (blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and red cell rigidity), and it was expected that the factors would be positively correlated to each other. The study was conducted on the sample of 68 healthy young adults. Personality assessments and biomedical analysis of the blood sample of participants were carried out to test the possible correlates. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis did not show any significant relationship between the factors. The findings indicate that personality characteristics and changes in rheological factors are independent of each other, and hence rheological parameters do not explain the relationship between personality and cardiovascular disease. Limitation and implications of the study are discussed.
Corporate Governance Determinants of FII in Indian IT Firms
Authors: Panicker Vidya Sukumara , Mitra Sumit , Sensarma Rudra
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate governance characteristics on foreign ownership in the Indian information technology industry. The ownership pattern of a firm and board characteristics are analysed to understand their impact on inflow of foreign institutional investors to the firms. Panel data for 9 years from 113 Indian IT firms, which are publicly listed, have been used.

The results show that firms with more concentrated promoter holdings have lesser foreign investments. Apart from the total number of board members, measures of corporate governance including the number of independent members on board and an independent board chairman have been found to be insignificant. The outcomes point to the need of a strong performance before relying on international investments for fundraising.
Embodying Authentic Leadership Through Popular Education at Highlander Research and Education Center
Authors: Glowacki-Dudka Michelle , Griswold Wendy
Published: May 2016

In 2013 and 2014, workshops were held at Highlander Research and Education Center that explored the topics of authentic leadership and popular education. The participants shared their experiences through reflective writing upon completion of the workshops and approximately a year following. These reflections were developed into a case study. This article describes how the workshops influenced the participants as they recognized personal and professional changes and impacts made from the Highlander experience. Four topics informed the analysis of workshop participants’ experiences: participation training, authentic leadership, popular education, and the position of Highlander as a historic place of learning for social justice. The themes found in the study were sorted into clusters that included (a) primacy of place and inspiration; (b) authentic leadership; (c) collaboration and community building through art and storytelling, humor, and trust; (d) self-discovery and transformation; and (e) direct applications and further action.
Preclinical Medical Students’ Diverse Educational and Emotional Responses to a Required Hospice Experience
Authors: Tse Chung Sang , Morrison Laura J. , Ellman Matthew S.
Published: May 2016

Background:

Physicians’ lack of comfort and skill in communicating about hospice care results in deficits and delays in hospice referrals. Preclinical exposure to hospice may lay a foundation to improve medical students’ knowledge and comfort with hospice care.

Objective:

To understand how preclinical medical student (MS)-2s respond both educationally and emotionally to a required hospice care experience (HCE).

Design:

Accompanied by hospice clinicians, MS-2s spent 3 hours seeing inpatient or home hospice patients followed by a 1-hour debriefing. Students submitted written reflections to e-mailed educational and emotional prompts.

Setting/patients:

Two hundred and two MS-2s from 2 academic cohorts completed the HCE at 1 of 2 hospice sites.

Measurements:

Written reflective responses were analyzed qualitatively, where salient themes extracted and responses were coded.

Results:

Ninety-two students submitted 175 responses to Prompt #1 (educational impact) and 85 students entered 85 responses to prompt #2 (emotional impact) of the HCE. Eleven themes were identified for prompt #1, most frequently focusing on hospice services and goals and hospice providers’ attitudes and skills. Prompt #2 elicited a diverse spectrum of emotional responses, spanning positive and negative emotions. Most often, students reported “no specified emotional reaction,” “sad/depressed,” “difficult /challenging,” “heartened/encouraged,” and “mixed emotions.”

Conclusion:

In an HCE, preclinical students reported learning core aspects of hospice care and experiencing a broad spectrum of emotional responses. These findings may assist educators in the planning of HCEs for preclinical students, including debriefing sessions with skilled clinicians and opportunities for triggered reflection.