bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of interleukin-1ß on cortical spreading depolarization and cerebral vasculature
Authors: Richter Frank , Eitner Annett , Leuchtweis Johannes , Bauer Reinhard , Lehmenkühler Alfred , Schaible Hans-Georg
Published: April 2016

During brain damage and ischemia, the cytokine interleukin-1ß is rapidly upregulated due to activation of inflammasomes. We studied whether interleukin-1ß influences cortical spreading depolarization, and whether lipopolysaccharide, often used for microglial stimulation, influences cortical spreading depolarizations. In anaesthetized rats, cortical spreading depolarizations were elicited by microinjection of KCl. Interleukin-1ß, the IL-1 receptor 1 antagonist, the GABAA receptor blocker bicuculline, and lipopolysaccharide were administered either alone or combined (interleukin-1ß + IL-1 receptor 1 antagonist; interleukin-1ß + bicuculline; lipopolysaccharide + IL-1 receptor 1 antagonist) into a local cortical treatment area. Using microelectrodes, cortical spreading depolarizations were recorded in a non-treatment and in the treatment area. Plasma extravasation in cortical grey matter was assessed with Evans blue. Local application of interleukin-1ß reduced cortical spreading depolarization amplitudes in the treatment area, but not at a high dose. This reduction was prevented by IL-1 receptor 1 antagonist and by bicuculline. However, interleukin-1ß induced pronounced plasma extravasation independently on cortical spreading depolarizations. Application of lipopolysaccharide reduced cortical spreading depolarization amplitudes but prolonged their duration; EEG activity was still present. These effects were also blocked by IL-1 receptor 1 antagonist. Interleukin-1ß evokes changes of neuronal activity and of vascular functions. Thus, although the reduction of cortical spreading depolarization amplitudes at lower doses of interleukin-1ß may reduce deleterious effects of cortical spreading depolarizations, the sum of interleukin-1ß effects on excitability and on the vasculature rather promote brain damaging mechanisms.
Divergent regional patterns of cerebral hypoperfusion and gray matter atrophy in mild cognitive impairment patients
Authors: Wirth Miranka , Pichet Binette Alexa , Brunecker Peter , Köbe Theresa , Witte A Veronica , Flöel Agnes
Published: April 2016

Reductions of cerebral blood flow and gray matter structure have been implicated in early pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially providing complementary information. The present study evaluated regional patterns of cerebral hypoperfusion and atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment and healthy older adults. In each participant, cerebral perfusion and gray matter structure were extracted within selected brain regions vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease using magnetic resonance imaging. Measures were compared between diagnostic groups with/without adjustment for covariates. In mild cognitive impairment patients, cerebral blood flow was significantly reduced in comparison with healthy controls in temporo-parietal regions and the basal ganglia in the absence of local gray matter atrophy. By contrast, gray matter structure was significantly reduced in the hippocampus in the absence of local hypoperfusion. Both, cerebral perfusion and gray matter structure were significantly reduced in the entorhinal and isthmus cingulate cortex in mild cognitive impairment patients compared with healthy older adults. Our results demonstrated partly divergent patterns of temporo-parietal hypoperfusion and medial-temporal atrophy in mild cognitive impairment patients, potentially indicating biomarker sensitivity to dissociable pathological mechanisms. The findings support applicability of cerebral perfusion and gray matter structure as complementary magnetic resonance imaging-based biomarkers in early Alzheimer’s disease detection, a hypothesis to be further evaluated in longitudinal studies.
Study of the relationship between male erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus/metabolic syndrome and its components
Authors: Chaudhary Rakesh Kumar , Shamsi Bilal Haider , Tan Tan , Chen Hui-Ming , Xing Jun-Ping
Published: April 2016

Aim

To study the relationship between erectile dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)/metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods

This prospective study invited male patients with T2DM attending for a routine outpatient check-up to complete two questionnaires. A general questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics, while sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function scoring system. The prevalence of MetS in this patient population was determined using information from the general questionnaire. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 175 patients provided valid questionnaires; of these, 148 (84.6%) had MetS. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction was 90.9% (159/175) in the entire survey population compared with 89.2% (132/148) in patients with MetS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with T2DM and/or MetS: age, blood pressure and duration of diabetes.

Conclusion

These current findings suggest that the MetS and its components have a negative impact on male erectile function.
Scent of aura? Clinical features of olfactory hallucinations during a migraine attack (OHM)
Authors: Mainardi Federico , Rapoport Alan , Zanchin Giorgio , Maggioni Ferdinando
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Olfactory hallucination during a migraine attack (OHM) is a rare phenomenon. At present, it is not considered a manifestation of migraine aura.

Material and methods

The clinical features of OHM were collected in 11 patients.

Results

Of the 11 patients, 10 had migraine without aura and one migraine with aura associated with OHM. Mean age at onset of headache and at appearance of OHM were respectively 17.8 and 32.3 years. Migraine average frequency was 3.9 attacks/month, 19% of them being associated with OHM. The temporal pattern of OHM maintained the same characteristics in the different attacks. OHM onset was described as sudden ( n = 5), gradual ( n = 3), initially sudden and then gradual ( n = 2), or developing in a few seconds ( n = 1). In most of the cases ( n = 8) OHM lasted from 3 to 10 minutes; it persisted during the pain phase (2–24 hours) in only three patients. The type of the perceived smell was invariably constant in nine patients.

Conclusion

OHM features fulfilled the ICHD-III beta criteria for typical aura.
Clinical Practices in Collegiate Concussion Management
Authors: Baugh Christine M. , Kroshus Emily , Stamm Julie M. , Daneshvar Daniel H. , Pepin Michael J. , Meehan William P.
Published: April 2016

Background:

In recent years, sports leagues and sports medicine experts have developed guidelines for concussion management. The extent to which current clinical practice is consistent with guideline recommendations is unclear. At the collegiate level, there have been few examinations of concussion management practices and the extent to which meaningful differences across divisions of competition exist.

Purpose:

The purposes of this study were to (1) examine current practices in concussion diagnosis and management at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member colleges, (2) explore the extent to which current practices reflect current recommendations for concussion diagnosis and management, and (3) determine whether there are differences in management patterns across divisions of competition.

Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

An electronic questionnaire was sent to sports medicine clinicians at all NCAA member colleges during September and October 2013. Clinicians were asked about baseline assessments, diagnosis and management practices, return-to-play protocols, the perceived prevalence of underdiagnosis, and basic demographic information.

Results:

Approximately 30% (n = 866) of contacted clinicians, representing nearly 50% (n = 527) of NCAA member colleges, responded to the questionnaire. Preparticipation baseline examinations were administered at the majority of schools (95%), but most (87.5%) administered baseline assessments only to selected high-risk athletes. Computerized neurocognitive testing and balance assessments were most commonly used as preseason baseline and postinjury assessments. Multimodal examination in line with NCAA and other guidance was used only at a minority of institutions. Athletic trainers most commonly administered and interpreted the preseason baseline examination. Most clinicians reported that their institutions’ practices were in line with NCAA guidelines during the first 24 hours of an athlete’s concussion diagnosis, with exact percentages varying across measures. Differences across divisions of competition included shorter return-to-play time at Division I schools than Division III schools (9.13 vs 10.31 days, respectively) and more frequently referring concussed athletes to a physician within 24 hours of diagnosis at Division I schools.

Conclusion:

Concussion management at many colleges in the United States incorporates elements recommended by current guidelines; however, there is room to improve. Increasing the use of a multimodal baseline and postinjury examination will elevate the concussion care provided to college athletes and better align with best practice guidance.
Incidence Rate and Results of the Surgical Treatment of Pectoralis Major Tendon Ruptures in Active-Duty Military Personnel
Authors: Balazs George C. , Brelin Alaina M. , Donohue Michael A. , Dworak Theodora C. , Rue John-Paul H. , Giuliani Jeffrey R. , Dickens Jonathan F.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Pectoralis major tendon ruptures are commonly described as rare injuries affecting men between 20 and 40 years of age, with generally excellent results after surgical repair. However, this perception is based on a relatively small number of case series and prospective studies in the orthopaedic literature.

Purpose:

To determine the incidence of pectoralis major tendon ruptures in the active-duty military population and the demographic risk factors for a rupture and to describe the outcomes of surgical treatment.

Study Design:

Case control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We utilized the Military Health System Data Repository (MDR) to identify all active-duty military personnel surgically treated for a pectoralis major tendon rupture between January 2012 and December 2014. Electronic medical records were searched for patients’ demographic information, injury characteristics, and postoperative complications and outcomes. Risk factors for a rupture were calculated using Poisson regression, based on population counts obtained from the MDR. Risk factors for a postoperative complication, the need for revision surgery, and the inability to continue with active duty were determined using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 291 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 30.5 years, all patients were male, and the median follow-up period was 18 months. The incidence of injuries was 60 per 100,000 person-years over the study period. Risk factors for a rupture included service in the Army, junior officer or junior enlisted rank, and age between 25 and 34 years. White race and surgery occurring >6 weeks after injury were significant risk factors for a postoperative complication. Among the 214 patients with a minimum of 12 months’ clinical follow-up, 95.3% were able to return to military duty. Junior officer/enlisted status was a significant risk factor for failure to return to military duty.

Conclusion:

Among military personnel, Army soldiers and junior officer/enlisted rank were at highest risk of pectoralis major tendon ruptures, and junior personnel were at highest risk of being unable to return to duty after surgical treatment. Although increasing time from injury to surgery was not a risk factor for treatment failure or inability to return to duty, it did significantly increase the risk of a postoperative complication.
Dynamic Hip Kinematics During the Golf Swing After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Hara Daisuke , Nakashima Yasuharu , Hamai Satoshi , Higaki Hidehiko , Ikebe Satoru , Shimoto Takeshi , Yoshimoto Kensei , Iwamoto Yukihide
Published: April 2016

Background:

Although most surgeons allow their patients to play golf after total hip arthroplasty (THA), the effect on the implant during the golf swing is still unclear.

Purpose:

To evaluate hip kinematics during the golf swing after THA.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Eleven hips in 9 patients who underwent primary THA were analyzed. All patients were right-handed recreational golfers, and these 11 hips included 6 right hips and 5 left hips. Periodic radiographic images of the golf swing were taken using a flat-panel x-ray detector. Movements of the hip joint and components were assessed using 3-dimensional–to–2-dimensional model-to-image registration techniques. Liner-to-neck contact and translation of the femoral head with respect to the acetabular cup (cup-head translation) were examined. Hip kinematics, orientation of components, and maximum cup-head translation were compared between patients with and without liner-to-neck contact.

Results:

On average, the golf swing produced approximately 50° of axial rotation in both lead and trail hips. Liner-to-neck contact was observed in 4 hips with elevated rim liners (2 lead hips and 2 trail hips) at maximum external rotation. Neither bone-to-bone nor bone-to-implant contact was observed at any phases of the golf swing in any of the hips. Four hips with liner-to-neck contact had significantly larger maximum external rotation (37.9° ± 7.0° vs 20.6° ± 9.9°, respectively; P = .01) and more cup anteversion (26.5° ± 6.1° vs 10.8° ± 8.9°, respectively; P = .01) than hips without liner-to-neck contact. No significant differences between hips with and without contact were found for cup inclination (42.0° ± 2.5° vs 38.1° ± 5.5°, respectively; P = .22), combined anteversion (45.3° ± 8.9° vs 51.4° ± 7.9°, respectively; P = .26), or maximum cup-head translation (1.3 ± 0.3 mm vs 1.5 ± 0.4 mm, respectively; P = .61).

Conclusion:

In this analysis, the golf swing did not produce excessive hip rotation or cup-head translation in any hips. However, liner-to-neck contact during the golf swing was observed in 36% of the hips, with unknown effects on the long-term results.

Clinical Relevance:

Golf is an admissible sport after THA because dynamic hip stability was observed. However, the implant position, especially cup anteversion and the use of elevated rim liners, promoted liner-to-neck contact.
The Kargil Incident
Authors: Rao Sunil
Published: April 2016

This article is a historical examination of the Kargil incident in the context of the actions by India. This article begins by presenting a historical account on the evolution of the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The development of the LOC has a complex history, including lapse of British paramountcy, three wars, United Nations (UN) interplay and negotiated bilateral agreements. The second part of this article analyses the facts of the Kargil incident. A particular focus of this part concerns instigation and encroachment and the response by India to address such conduct. The third part of this article analyses the principles on the use of force as established in international law. This analysis sets the basis upon which the appraisal in part four occurs. As will be seen, two interdependent sources, treaty and customary law, govern the use of force, with defined principles of engagement and conduct justification. Part four of this article appraises the Kargil incident against the principles on the use of force to establish whether the actions by India were a violation of, or justified under, international law. This study demonstrates that the actions adopted by India were consistent with international obligations on the use of force.
Emerging Early Actions to Bend the Curve in Sub-Saharan Africa’s Nutrition Transition
Authors: Haggblade Steven , Duodu Kwaku G. , Kabasa John D. , Minnaar Amanda , Ojijo Nelson K. O. , Taylor John R. N.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Sub-Saharan Africa is the last region to undergo a nutrition transition and can still avoid its adverse health outcomes.

Objective:

The article explores emerging responses to “bend the curve” in sub-Saharan Africa’s nutrition transition to steer public health outcomes onto a healthier trajectory.

Methods:

Early responses in 3 countries at different stages of food system transformation are examined: South Africa—advanced, Ghana—intermediate, and Uganda—early. By comparing these with international experience, actions are proposed to influence nutrition and public health trajectories as Africa’s food systems undergo rapid structural change.

Results:

Arising from rapid urbanization and diet change, major public health problems associated with overweight are taking place, particularly in South Africa and among adult women. However, public health responses are generally tepid in sub-Saharan Africa. Only in South Africa have policy makers instituted extensive actions to combat overweight and associated noncommunicable diseases through regulation, education, and public health programs. Elsewhere, in countries in the early and middle stages of transition, public health systems continue to focus their limited resources primarily on undernutrition. Related pressures on the supply side of Africa’s food systems are emerging that also need to be addressed.

Conclusions:

Three types of intervention appear most feasible: maternal and child health programs to simultaneously address short-term undernutrition problems while at the same time helping to reduce future tendencies toward overweigh; regulatory and fiscal actions to limit access to unhealthy foods; and modernization of Africa’s agrifood food system through job skills training, marketing reforms, and food industry entrepreneurship.
Future life will be synthetic: About the emergence of engineered life, its promises, prophecies and the formal causalities needed to make sense of them
Authors: Bardini Thierry
Published: April 2016

This article proposes to reflect on the promises of synthetic biology through fieldwork carried out in 2014–15 with a group of bioartists in Helsinki, Finland. It narrates the author’s experience of three one-week gatherings leading to the production of a piece titled Your Synthetic Future, an ironic apparatus appearing as an oracular machine. This reflection leads us to understand that the true originality of synthetic biology resides in its ability to breach the once clear and impenetrable frontier that has kept apart the analogue and digital modes of existence. In turn, this renewed understanding of what is at stake with the current state of the field of synthetic biology leads us to focus on the unfolding of new forms of presence across the analogue/digital divide. It argues for a renewed perspective on causality that was first intuited by Marshall McLuhan as an original insight on the question of the medium.
The unease with civilization
Authors: Pepperell Nicole
Published: April 2016

Norbert Elias’s concept of the civilizing process is perhaps the most controversial aspect of his work, attracting frequent criticism for its perceived Eurocentrism, as well as impassioned defences that critics have misunderstood the concept. In this piece, I explore how The Civilizing Process channels unacknowledged Eurocentric stereotypes in ways that infuse the theory at a depth level. I then examine the downstream ramifications of these stereotypes by contrasting Elias’s analysis of the Holocaust, as presented in The Germans, with his analysis of colonialism as presented in The Civilizing Process. I argue that Elias’s failure to integrate forms of state violence directed at the colonial periphery undermines his ability to analyse state violence in the core. A more adequate approach would theorize ‘civilization’ as an ambivalent and contradictory process whose violent character is often – though not always – more exposed and visible on the periphery.
The Impact of an Active Lifestyle on the Functional Fitness Level of Older Women
Authors: Ofei-Dodoo Samuel , Rogers Nicole L. , Morgan Amy L. , Amini Sahar B. , Takeshima Nobuo , Rogers Michael E.
Published: April 2016

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that to maintain health, adults should engage in 150 min of moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the lowest MVPA dose possible to maintain functional fitness. Functional fitness was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test in 101 women (75.0 ± 7.2 years) from two Midwestern communities. Accelerometer determined daily activity level was assessed for 7 days as participants went about their normal daily activities. MVPA was determined via proprietary filtering, and time spent in this intensity was calculated. A 5-day average of time spent in MVPA was organized into four groups. ANOVAs revealed significant differences between activity groups on all functional fitness measures except back scratch and sit and reach. Results indicate that to maintain lower body function in older women, a threshold of 20 min/day of MVPA for 5 days is needed.
Double- and Triple-Duty Caregiving Men: An Examination of Subjective Stress and Perceived Schedule Control
Authors: DePasquale Nicole , Zarit Steven H. , Mogle Jacqueline , Moen Phyllis , Hammer Leslie B. , Almeida David M.
Published: April 2016

Based on the stress process model of family caregiving, this study examined subjective stress appraisals and perceived schedule control among men employed in the long-term care industry (workplace-only caregivers) who concurrently occupied unpaid family caregiving roles for children (double-duty child caregivers), older adults (double-duty elder caregivers), and both children and older adults (triple-duty caregivers). Survey responses from 123 men working in nursing home facilities in the United States were analyzed using multiple linear regression models. Results indicated that workplace-only and double- and triple-duty caregivers’ appraised primary stress similarly. However, several differences emerged with respect to secondary role strains, specifically work–family conflict, emotional exhaustion, and turnover intentions. Schedule control also constituted a stress buffer for double- and triple-duty caregivers, particularly among double-duty elder caregivers. These findings contribute to the scarce literature on double- and triple-duty caregiving men and have practical implications for recruitment and retention strategies in the health care industry.
The Geography of Child Maltreatment: A Spatiotemporal Analysis Using Bayesian Hierarchical Analysis With Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation
Authors: Barboza Gia Elise
Published: April 2016

This study quantifies the spatiotemporal risk of child abuse and neglect in Los Angeles at the census tract level over a recent 4-year period, identifies areas of increased risk, and evaluates the role of structural disadvantage in substantiated child maltreatment referrals. Child maltreatment data on 83,379 child maltreatment cases in 1,678 census tracts spanning 2006-2009 were obtained from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. Substantiated referral counts were analyzed across census tracts with Bayesian hierarchical spatial models using integrated nested Laplace approximations. Results showed that the unadjusted yearly rate of child abuse and neglect held fairly steady over the study period decreasing by only 2.57%. However, the temporal term in the spatiotemporal model reflected a downward trend beginning in 2007. High rates of abuse and neglect were predicted by several neighborhood-level measures of structural burden. Every 1-unit decrease in the social vulnerability index reduced the risk of child abuse and neglect by 98.3% (95% CrI = 1.869-2.1042) while every 1-unit increase in the Black–White dissimilarity index decreased child abuse and neglect risk by 70.6%. The interaction of these variables demonstrated the protective effect of racial heterogeneity in socially vulnerable neighborhoods. No such effect was found in neighborhoods characterized by low levels of vulnerability. Population-based child abuse and neglect prevention and intervention efforts should be aided by the characteristics of neighborhoods that demonstrate strong spatial patterns even after accounting for the role of race and place.
Longitudinal Changes in Self-Efficacy, Mental Health, Abuse, and Stages of Change, for Women Fearful of a Partner: Findings From a Primary Care Trial (WEAVE)
Authors: Reisenhofer Sonia A. , Hegarty Kelsey , Valpied Jodie , Watson Lyndsey F. , Davey Mary-Ann , Taft Angela
Published: April 2016

Women seeking healthcare while experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) often report a mismatch between healthcare received and desired. An increase in detection of women experiencing IPV through routine screening has not consistently shown a parallel increase in uptake of referrals or decreased abuse. This study investigates relationships between women’s stage of change (SOC), mental health, abuse, social support, and self-efficacy. This study used data from a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) of an intervention to improve outcomes for women afraid of their partners ( n = 225; WEAVE). Women’s progress toward change was categorized into pre-contemplation/contemplation (pre-change SOC) or preparation/action/maintenance of change (change-related SOC). Characteristics of women ending the 2-year study in pre-change SOC were compared with those always in change-related and those ending in change-related SOC. Variables were analyzed using multinomial logistic regressions at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. Compared with women in pre-change SOC, women always in change-related SOC or ending in change-related SOC are significantly more likely to have higher levels of self-efficacy at 6 (AdjOR = 1.19, confidence interval [CI] = [1.08, 1.30]) and 24 months (AdjOR = 1.21, CI = [1.04, 1.40]). Women always in change-related SOC are always significantly less likely to live with an intimate partner. Women ending in change-related SOC are less likely to live with a partner at 12 (AdjOR = 0.30, CI = [0.12, 0.75]) and 24 (AdjOR = 0.22, CI = [0.06, 0.80]) months. Clinicians should focus on enhancing abused women’s self-efficacy, supporting them to create and maintain positive changes.
Providing and Receiving Sexual Assault Disclosures: Findings From a Sexually Diverse Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Koon-Magnin Sarah , Schulze Corina
Published: April 2016

This study utilized a sample of primarily lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ)-identified young adults from across the United States to pilot test a new instrument, the Reactions Provided to Disclosures Questionnaire (RPDQ), and assess the disclosure experience for both those who provide and those who receive disclosures of sexual assault. Results indicate that the experience of sexual assault disclosure in the LGBQ community is similar to the heterosexual community in that most victims disclose their assaults, most often to a friend, and were most likely to receive the reaction Emotional Support. Victims were also likely to receive the reaction Victim Blaming, especially if they disclosed to formal sources, such as law enforcement, medical, or religious personnel. This study also examined the relationship between the types of assault experienced and disclosure reactions received. Experiencing an anal assault was significantly associated with Victim Blaming reactions. A central aim of this study was to examine how respondents who received (rather than provided) a disclosure reacted, a question not been adequately addressed in prior literature. The RPDQ (a modification of Ullman’s Social Reactions Questionnaire), which was piloted here, factored in to five types of reactions: Emotional Support, Affectionate Support, Empathetic Support, Tangible Aid and Information Support, and Egocentric Reactions. Sexual assault survivors were more likely to report that they provided Emotional Support and Affectionate Support after receiving a disclosure than were nonsurvivors.
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults: Childhood Gender Nonconformity, Childhood Trauma, and Sexual Victimization
Authors: Bos Henny , de Haas Stans , Kuyper Lisette
Published: April 2016

The present study examined whether the relationship between childhood gender nonconformity and sexual victimization in adulthood among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) same-sex attracted men and women is mediated by experiences with childhood trauma experiences by an adult family member. Data are based on a survey among same-sex attracted individuals ( N = 2,352; 1,396 men and 956 women; Mage= 44.97) recruited from an online research panel. Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of existing scales. Sixteen percent of the participants reported that they had experienced sexual victimization as an adult. There were gender differences: Men reported less childhood gender nonconformity and women more often reported experiences with childhood trauma by an adult family member and sexual victimization as an adult. Bootstrapped mediation analysis and follow-up moderated mediation analyses showed that childhood trauma significantly mediated the relation between childhood gender nonconformity and experiences of sexual victimization for men but not for women. In other words, for men higher levels of childhood gender nonconformity predicted experiences with childhood trauma by an adult family member, which in turn predicted the higher prevalence of sexual victimization. Implementations of these findings are that interventions aimed at increasing the social acceptance of gender nonconformity might also lower the levels of childhood trauma and sexual victimization among gay and bisexual men. Professionals working with children (and especially with boys) should be aware of the impact of gender nonconformity on childhood trauma and experiences of sexual victimization later in life.
Overall Cardiovascular Health Is Associated With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Among Older Community-Dwelling Men and Women
Authors: Jin Yichen , Tanaka Toshiko , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi , Talegawkar Sameera A.
Published: April 2016

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the associations between cardiovascular health and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality among community-dwelling elderly. Method: Secondary data analysis was performed using data collected as part of the InCHIANTI cohort procedures and included 928 participants (55% female) aged 65 years and older. Overall cardiovascular health was assessed using seven health behaviors and factors, scored 0 to 14, with higher scores indicating better cardiovascular health, modeled categorically as tertiles. Vitality status was ascertained using registry information. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between cardiovascular health and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Results: After an average follow-up of 9.1 years, better overall cardiovascular health (highest tertile) was inversely associated with all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.51, 0.92]) and cardiovascular disease mortality (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = [0.38, 0.97]) compared with the lowest tertile. Discussion: Cardiovascular health, even in the elderly, is inversely associated with mortality.
The effect of foreign accent on employability: a study of the aural dimensions of aesthetic labour in customer-facing and non-customer-facing jobs
Authors: Timming Andrew R
Published: April 2016

Using quantitative methods, this article examines the effect of foreign accents on job applicants’ employability ratings in the context of a simulated employment interview experiment conducted in the USA. It builds upon the literature on aesthetic labour, which focuses largely on the role of physical appearance in employment relations, by shifting attention to its under-investigated auditory and aural dimensions. The results suggest that the managerial respondents actively discriminate in telephone-based job interviews against applicants speaking Chinese-, Mexican- and Indian-accented English, and all three are rated higher in non-customer-facing jobs than in customer-facing jobs. Job applicants who speak British-accented English, especially men, fare as well as, and at times better than, native candidates who speak American English. The article makes a contribution to the sociological literatures surrounding aesthetic labour and discrimination and prejudice against migrant workers.
Labour casualization and the psychosocial health of workers in Australia
Authors: McGann Michael , White Kevin , Moss Jeremy
Published: April 2016

This article presents the results of a qualitative study of 72 workers in regional Victoria, Australia. Against the background of the growing casualization of the workforce it demonstrates the impact on the health and well-being of these workers, focusing on the intersection between psychosocial working conditions and health. In particular it focuses on the detrimental impact on workers’ sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem. It emphasizes how the job insecurity characteristic of non-standard work extends beyond the fear of job loss to involve uncertainty over the scheduling of work, with debilitating consequences for workers’ autonomy, self-efficacy and control over their lives. Additionally, it is argued that the exclusion of these workers from paid leave and other entitlements in the workplace confers a lower social status on these workers that is corrosive of their self-esteem. It is these key socio-psychological mechanisms that provide the link between insecure work and workers’ health.
Synthesis and properties of polyaniline, poly(o-anisidine), and poly[aniline-co-(o-anisidine)] using potassium iodate oxidizing agent
Authors: Neetika Manglik , Rajni Jain , Singh Pramod K , Bhattacharya B , Singh Vijay , Tomar SK
Published: April 2016

Polyaniline (PANI), poly( o-anisidine), and poly[aniline-co-( o-anisidine)] were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization with potassium iodate as an oxidizing agent in a hydrochloric acid (HCl) medium. The self-doped, doped, and undoped forms of these polymers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and the conductivity method. The observed decrease in the conductivity of the copolymer and poly( o-anisidine) with respect to PANI was attributed to the incorporation of methoxy moieties into the PANI chain. The homopolymer attained conductivity in the range of 3.75 × 10−3 to 7.40 S cm−1 after doping with HCl. The conductivity of the undoped form of poly[aniline-co-( o-anisidine)] and poly( o-anisidine) was observed to be lower than 10−5 S cm−1. The conductivity of the polymer sample decreased in the following order: PANI → poly[aniline-co-( o-anisidine)] → poly( o-anisidine). The undoped form of poly[aniline-co-( o-anisidine)] had good solubility in common organic solvents.
A novel vacuum-assisted method for fabricating flexible polyimide foams from 3,3′,4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride/4,4′-oxydianiline
Authors: Ting Kuang-Min , Xu Jun , Guo Bao-Hua
Published: April 2016

In this research, a novel method for fabricating flexible polyimide foams was developed. The foam was derived from the precursor synthesized via esterification of 3,3′,4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 4,4′-oxydianiline. After drying process, the remaining solvent acted as blowing agent. By adjusting the synthesis condition, low-molecular weight precursor was obtained and can be foamed under environment temperature. With this novel type of precursor and vacuum-assisted foaming process, we could easily obtain any shape of foams, which was easy to process under relatively low temperature. The foam could be imidized later in order to improve mechanical strength. During the imidization process, in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis was applied to analyze the variation of the imidization percentage with time. The density of the foams could be adjusted from 12 to 30 kg m−3 with uniform cell structure. Other properties of foams were also investigated. The glass transition temperature of the precursor was 70°C, which is obviously lower than that of the usual previously reported. The 5% and 10% weight loss temperatures of the finally imidized foam can reach up to 567°C and 593°C, respectively. The foams belong to open cell structure with 98% open cell content. The limiting oxygen index of the foams varied from 38.6 to 41.9, depending on foam densities. The compressive strength of the foam ranged from 30.6 to 90.6 kPa when the density changed from 15 to 28 kg m−3. In addition, the in situ FTIR analysis was applied to analyze the imidization percentage of the foam during imidization process.
Novel cardanol-containing boron-modified phenolic resin composites
Authors: Wang Fengyi , Huang Zhixiong , Liu Yang , Li Yunxia
Published: April 2016

To improve the thermal stability of phenolic resin and develop functional sustainable adhesive, a thermal-resistant cardanol-containing boron–phenolic resin (CBPR) was prepared by copolymerizing salicyl alcohol, cardanol, and boric acid. The structure of CBPR was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal stability of the investigated composites was estimated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of TGA indicated that the modified resin exhibited excellent thermal stability. Specifically, the B-0.2 thermoset had a char yield of 69% when the boron content was only 1.27 wt%. The curing kinetic behavior was well described by differential scanning calorimetry and model-free kinetic analysis. Further, CBPRs, nano-aluminum oxide powders, glass powders with low melting point, and vitreous silica fibers were used as resin matrix, filler, forming additive, and reinforced material, respectively, to produce a novel ceramizable phenolic molding composite. The ablative characteristics of the co-cured blends were explored in terms of linear/mass ablation rate and microscopic pattern of ablation via the oxyacetylene torch tests. After thermal treatment, the formation and growth of the ceramic phase enhanced the thermal stability and ablation performance of the composites at high-temperature region. The morphology and phase composition of the residual chars were studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. The linear and mass ablation rates for the modified composites decreased obviously in comparison with those of the unmodified composites, indicating that the modified composites possessed enhanced thermal stability and ablation property.
Production control strategy inspired by neuroendocrine regulation
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Tang Dunbing , Zheng Kun , Giret Adriana
Published: April 2016

Due to the international business competition of modern manufacturing enterprises, production systems are forced to quickly respond to the emergence of changing conditions. Production control has become more challenging as production systems adapt to frequent demand variation. The neuroendocrine system is a perfect system which plays an important role in controlling and modulating the adaptive behavior of organic cells under stimulus using hormone-regulation principles. Inherited from the hormone-regulation principle, an adaptive control model of production system integrated with a backlog controller and a work-in-progress controller is presented to reduce backlog variation and keep a defined work-in-progress level. The simulation results show that the presented control model is more responsive and robust against demand disturbances such as rush orders in production system.
Recast layer and micro-cracks in electrical discharge machining of ultra-fine-grained aluminum
Authors: Mahdieh Mohammad Sajjad , Mahdavinejad RamezanAli
Published: April 2016

Aluminum alloys, due to lightweight, are widely used in aerospace and automotive industries. However, the low strength of aluminum has hindered its application. The strength of aluminum can be improved in many ways. One of them is decreasing the average grain size of metal by applying sever plastic deformation methods. Equal channel angular pressing is the most functional technique of sever plastic deformation producing ultra-fine-grained metals. Using post-process methods such as electrical discharge machining to manufacture industrial parts of ultra-fine-grained material is very conventional. The recast layer which is the consequence of electrical discharge machining process may cause undesirable influence on the surface of ultra-fine-grained aluminum. In this article, the recast layer and the heat-affected zone of electrical discharge machining of ultra-fine-grained aluminum are investigated. The thickness of recast layer, heat-affected zone and micro-cracks is observed using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. In addition, the phase composition and the hardness of the recast layer and heat-affected zone are investigated by applying X-ray diffraction technique and micro-hardness test. These experiments are also repeated for the coarse-grain aluminum, and the results are compared with ultra-fine-grained aluminum. Results show that the electrical discharge machining deteriorates the surface integrity of the ultra-fine-grained aluminum rather than coarse-grain aluminum.
Assessment of numerical integration algorithms for nonlinear vibration of railway vehicles
Authors: Yang Chao , Li Duo , Zhu Tao , Xiao Shoune
Published: April 2016

The primary purpose of this paper was to choose appropriate time integration methods for the simulation of nonlinear railway vehicle systems. The nonlinear elements existing in railway vehicle systems were summarized, and the relevant mathematical expressions were provided. A newly developed integration method, which is the corrected explicit method of double time steps, was implemented in five typical nonlinear examples of nonlinear railway vehicle systems. The Newmark method, the Wilson-θ method, the Runge–Kutta method, the predictor-corrector Adams method, the Zhai method, and the precise integration method were also employed for comparison purpose. Finally, the scope of application of these methods was pointed out . The results show that the Newmark method and the Wilson-θ method should not be applied to nonlinear railway vehicle systems as these methods result in errors. In contrast to the predictor-corrector Adams method and the precise integration method, the Runge–Kutta method with error control (RK45) is not applicable to the non-smooth problems although the RK45 possesses high accuracy. In addition, the application of the RK45 and the predictor-corrector Adams method with error control may result in spurious tiny oscillation in the vehicle system related to nonlinear vertical wheel–rail forces. The corrected explicit method of double time steps, the Zhai method, the standard Runge–Kutta method, the precise integration method, the RK45, and the predictor-corrector Adams method which possess tight error tolerances are recommended for nonlinear railway vehicle systems according to the requirements of accuracy and computational efficiency.
Unmanned aerial vehicle derivative design optimization based on light sport aircraft
Authors: Park Hyeong-Uk , Chung Joon , Lee Jae-Woo , Neufeld Daniel
Published: April 2016

Manufacturers often develop new products by modifying and extending existing products in order to achieve new market demands while minimizing development time and manufacturing costs. In this research, an efficient derivative design process was developed to efficiently adapt existing aircraft designs according to new requirements. The proposed design process was evaluated using a case study that derives an unmanned aerial vehicle design from a baseline manned 2-seatlight sport aircraft. Multiple unmanned aerial vehicle operational scenarios were analysed to define the requirements of the derivative aircraft. These included patrol, environmental monitoring, and communications relay missions. Each mission has different requirements and therefore each resulting derivative unmanned aerial vehicle design has different geometry, devices, and performance. The derivative design process involved redefining the design requirements and identifying the minimum design variable set that needed to be considered in order to efficiently adapt the baseline design. Uncertainty was considered as well to enhance the reliability of the optimized result when it considered different conditions for each mission. An optimization method based on the possibility based design optimization was proposed to handle uncertainty that arises in the design requirements for the multi-role nature of unmanned aerial vehicles. In this paper, the possibility based design optimization method was implemented with multidisciplinary design optimization technique to derive the derivative unmanned designs based on originally manned aircraft. This approach prevented constraint violation via uncertainty variations in the operating altitude and payload weight for each. The unmanned aerial vehicle derivative designs satisfying the requirements of three different missions were derived from the proposed design process.
Fault-tolerant control for multiple networked spacecraft under actuator saturation
Authors: Dong Ning , Yuan Binbin , Lu Pingli
Published: April 2016

In this paper, fault-tolerant attitude tracking control problem is investigated for multiple spacecraft formation flying system with external disturbance, actuator saturation, and faults. A quaternion-based adaptive fault-tolerant control law is proposed based on input normalized neural network. The desired nonlinear smooth function is approximated by using input normalized neural network with an adaptive learning algorithm, and no prior knowledge about spacecraft dynamics is required. Meanwhile, in order to guarantee that the output of input normalized neural network used in the controller is bounded by the corresponding bound of the approximated unknown function, a modified adaptive law is designed to revise the sliding mode manifold. Moreover, the stability of system can be guaranteed by Lyapunov theory. Finally, the validity of the proposed control algorithm is verified through numerical simulations.
Robust aircraft control based on UDE theory
Authors: Kodhanda Adarsh , Kolhe Jaywant P , Zeru Tekleweini , Talole SE
Published: April 2016

In this work, the Uncertainty and Disturbance Estimation (UDE) approach is employed for the design of a robust flight controller for high performance aircraft. The UDE estimated uncertainty is used to robustify an input–output linearization-based controller designed for nominal system. The UDE theory employing a first-order filter and α-filter is used for the estimation of the composite uncertainty. To address the issue of output derivatives, an observer which too employs the UDE estimated uncertainties for the purpose of robustness is designed. Closed-loop stability for the overall controller-observer system is established. Uncertainties and disturbances in terms of parametric variations, wind gust, unmodeled actuator dynamics and measurement noise are considered to evaluate and compare performances of the two filter-based designs. Further, a performance comparison with some of the existing designs is carried out and the results are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed work. A notable feature of the proposed design is that the approach neither requires an accurate plant model nor any information about the uncertainties and disturbances.