bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplified phenomenological model of the nonlinear behavior of FRPs under combined stress states
Authors: Galkin Siegfried , Schirmaier Fabian J , Kärger Luise
Published: June 2017

Nonlinear material behavior of FRPs under shear loading is widely observed and investigated. In case of combined stress states under tension and shear, an interaction between the macroscopic shear stress–strain curve evolution and the applied tension has been observed and described by several publications in the past. In the present work, the available experimental data with combined stress states are evaluated and a specific threshold shear stress is found, above which nonlinear material behavior occurs for all stress states. Further, a new simplified phenomenological model is derived to model the nonlinear behavior of FRPs when the threshold shear stress is exceeded. This simplified model only needs the threshold shear stress and one evolution parameter, both derived from a pure shear test, to model nonlinear behavior for all combined stress states. A comparison with the available experimental results and with the predictions of the WWFE-III participants for WWFE-III test case 1 shows a very good agreement.
War and Default
Authors: Shea Patrick E. , Poast Paul
Published: June 2017

Sovereign borrowing is often used to cover the costs of war. This borrowing, coupled with war’s economic disruptions, strains states’ ability to honor debt promises. Contrary to conventional expectations, however, we find that default is not common after wars. To explain the relationship between war and sovereign default, this article lays out a selection effect argument: war participants are unlikely to default in the first place, while states likely to default are unable to acquire the financing necessary to fight a war. In sum, states that lack the financial means to adequately borrow avoid paths to war. After offering some examples of the selection mechanism at work, we present evidence that states unlikely to default will avoid entering the war sample. Our findings have implications for the inferences researchers make about war finance and war onset.
Stress, Emotions, and Motivational States Among Traditional Dancers in New Zealand and Japan
Authors: Kuroda Y. , Geisler G. , Morel P. C. H. , Hapeta J.
Published: June 2017

This study used a reversal theory framework to examine motivational dominance and changes in motivational state, arousal, stress, and emotions among members of traditional Japanese (Nihon Odori Sports Science (NOSS)) and New Zealand (Kapa Haka) dance groups. Eighty-four participants (50 in Japan and 34 in New Zealand) completed questionnaires on each variable before and after a dance class. The findings indicated that the Kapa Haka dancers were significantly more playful and arousal-seeking than the NOSS dancers. They also reported higher overall arousal, preferred arousal, and effort during performance while the NOSS dancers became more serious afterward. Data on emotions matched those of arousal in that the Kapa Haka dancers felt significantly more excited and provocative after the session. The NOSS dancers were more relaxed and placid, both overall and after dancing. These patterns were consistent with the dancers’ respective motivational states and motivational dominance, and suggest that both dances can be effective in reducing negative affect. They also suggest that psychological effects are dependent upon performers' personal and cultural affiliation with the two dance forms.
Parent–Adult Child Religious Discordance: Consequences for Intergenerational Solidarity Across Several Decades
Authors: Hwang Woosang , Silverstein Merril , Brown Maria T.
Published: June 2017

This article focused on the relationship between parent–child religious discordance (affiliation, intensity, and attendance) in early adulthood and children’s perceived affectual and associational solidarity with their parents across 20 years. The data derived from eight waves of the Longitudinal Study of Generations between 1971 and 2005. We selected 635 young adult children whose mothers and/or fathers also reported their religious orientations in 1971 and then constructed mother–child dyads ( n = 584) and father–child dyads ( n = 475). Results showed that religious affiliation discordance between parents and children negatively and consistently lowered children’s affectual and associational solidarity with parents over several decades regardless of parents’ gender. However, intergenerational discordance in religious intensity and religious attendance showed no such association. These findings indicate that discontinuity in denominational identification is more disruptive to intergenerational relations than discontinuity in religious strength and practice.
Thermal and calorimetric investigations of titania–silica composites
Authors: Charmas B , Skubiszewska-Zięba J , Waniak-Nowicka H
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the studies of effects of TiO2 amount differentiation on the structural and thermal properties of titania–silica complex oxides prepared by chemical vapor deposition of TiCL4 onto the Si-40, Si-60, and Si-100 silica gels. The mesoporous materials, characterized by a varied pore structure with highly developed surface and large pore volume, were obtained. The porous structure of materials under investigations was characterized by the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption method as well as by power spectral density calculated from the calorimetric investigations of water confined in the pores. Moreover, the thermodesorption of water using the quasi-isothermal thermogravimetry was used to characterize their thermal and surface properties. The adsorbed water layers and the concentration of weakly and strongly bound water as well as the surface free energy on the adsorbent–water interfaces were calculated. It was stated that the increase of titania content causes a gradual decrease of specific surface area and has a significant effect on the porous structure formation. The water thermodesorption from the surface proceeds in few stages because of the porosity created by TiO2. The decrease in the total surface free energy (Δ GΣ) can be observed with the increasing TiO2 content. The largest Δ GΣ value at the adsorbent/strongly bound water interface is exhibited by the adsorbents of Si-100 series. The lowering of the freezing/melting points of water contained in the pores of the studied materials is strongly connected with their porous structure.
Assessment of reaction between thorium and polyelectrolyte nano-thin film using Box–Behnken design
Authors: Aslani Mahmoud Ali Asghar , Celik Fatih , Mermer Omer , Kutahyali Aslani Ceren
Published: June 2017

Sandwich type polyelectrolyte nano-thin films (PENTFs) were prepared by using polyallylamine hydrochloride and polyacrylic acid from layer-by-layer assembly process with spin coating system. Their nanostructures have been studied by scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In order to understand the effects of the initial concentration of thorium, initial solution pH, temperature, and contact time on the reaction between thorium and PENTF, an experiment data set was designed according to Box–Behnken model. The analysis of variance calculations for regression model were carried out in 95% confidence level and were checked for fitting experimental data and predicted values. The correlation coefficient value ( R2) obtained as 94% showed that there was a correlation between the predicted and the observed values. The optimum pH, temperature, initial concentration of thorium, and interaction time in studied ranges were found as 2.81, 35℃, 160 mg·L−1, and 120 min, respectively. At these conditions thorium (IV) ions adsorption yield was obtained as 89 ± 2%. The Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms were used to investigate the characteristics of the process. These characteristics data imply that the Freundlich model fits better than the Langmuir model for the Th (IV) sorption onto PENTFs with KF and n values were found to be 20.6 mg·g−1 and 1.08 L·mg−1, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters were also computed as negative Δ H value suggest that adsorption of Th (IV) is exothermic nature. The calculated negative and positive values of Δ G indicate that the sorption process is favorable (energetically) while running below 40℃ and over this point the process status change to non-spontaneous, respectively.
Tagging re-booted! Imagining the potential of victim-oriented electronic monitoring
Authors: Paterson Craig
Published: June 2017

Electronic monitoring (EM) technologies or ‘tagging’, as the ankle bracelet is known, have been subject to much experimentation across the criminal justice landscape, yet there remains a good deal of conjecture concerning the purpose and subsequent effectiveness of these technologies. This article calls for renewed consideration of both the potential and pitfalls of radio frequency (RF) and global positioning by satellite (GPS) EM technologies and provides a victim-oriented perspective on future developments in EM. The author proposes further interrogation of the penal assumptions that underpin thinking about the use of EM as well as analysis of recent police experimentation with the technology. The article concludes with a call for a clear and strong probation voice in the renewed debates about EM that can guide and support ethical and effective policy and practice.
Assessing the culture of safety in cardiovascular perfusion: attitudes and perceptions
Authors: Lawson Chad , Predella Megan , Rowden Allison , Goldstein Jamie , Sistino Joseph J. , Fitzgerald David C.
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture was developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to assess the culture of safety in hospitals. The purpose of this study was to identify specific domains of perfusion that are indicators of a high quality culture of safety.

Methods:

Perfusionists were recruited to participate in the survey through email invitation through Perflist, Perfmail and LinkedIn. The survey consisted of 37 questions across six safety domains. Questions were developed using the AHRQ Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. ‘Positive scores’ were defined as a response that either agreed or strongly agreed with a safety standard. Survey responses that resulted in a 75 percent or higher positive response rate were identified as vital components of a high culture of safety. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine importance components of perceived safety.

Results:

Four responses were found to have a significant predictive level of a positive safety environment in the work unit: (1) in this unit, we discuss ways to prevent errors from happening again; OR=3.09, (2) in this unit, we treat others with respect; OR=1.09 (3) my supervisor/manager seriously considers staff suggestions for improving patient safety; OR=1.89 and (4) there is good cooperation among hospital units that need to work together; OR=1.77. There were two predictors of a negative work unit safety environment: (1) staff are afraid to ask questions when something does not seem right; OR=0.62 and (2) it is just by chance that more serious mistakes don’t happen around here; OR=0.55.

Conclusions:

The results from this survey indicate that effective communication secondary to both incident and near-miss reporting is associated with a higher perceived culture of safety. A positive safety environment is associated with being able to speak up regarding safety issues without fear of negative repercussions.
Testicular ultrasensitive Doppler preliminary experience: a feasibility study
Authors: Rocher Laurence , Gennisson Jean-Luc , Ferlicot Sophie , Criton Aline , Albiges Laurence , Izard Vincent , Bellin Marie France , Correas Jean-Michel
Published: June 2017

Background

Ultrasensitive Doppler is a novel non-invasive ultrasound (US) Doppler technique that improves sensitivity and resolution for the detection of slow flow.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of ultrasensitive Doppler (USD) for testicular disease diagnosis, using both qualitative and quantitative results.

Material and Methods

This prospective study was conducted in 160 successive men referred for scrotal US including B-mode and conventional Color-Doppler. A new USD sequence and algorithm dedicated to academic research were implemented into the US system. The quality criterion for a successful examination was the detection of well delineated intratesticular vessels. Qualitative USD results were described in terms of tumor vascular architecture and flow intensity for different pathologies for 41 patients. The testicular vascularization (TV), defined as a vessel’s surface ratio, was quantified using customized MATLAB® software and compared in azoospermic and normal patients.

Results

USD was acquired successfully in 153/160 patients (95.6%). The tumor vascular architecture differed depending on the nature of the tumors. Leydig cell tumors exhibited mostly circumferential vascularization, while germ cell tumors exhibited straight vessels through the tumors, or anarchic vascular maps. USD improved the diagnostic performance of testicular Doppler US in a case of incomplete spermatic cord torsion and acute epididymitis. The reproducibility of TV measurements established an interclass correlation of 0.801. Non-Klinefelter syndrome non-obstructive azoospermia patients exhibited a lower TV compared to normal patients, to Klinefelter syndrome, and to obstructive azoospermia patients ( P < 0.002, P < 0.005, and P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Testicular USD can become a promising technique for improving US diagnosis of tumors, acute scrotum, and for determining infertility status.
Development and validation of the Psychosocial Risks Questionnaire for Musicians (PRQM)
Authors: Jacukowicz Aleksandra , Wezyk Agata
Published: June 2017

Despite the constantly growing exposure to psychosocial hazards as well as their health and occupational consequences, research on psychosocial risks among musicians is exceptionally scarce. Moreover, previous studies on psychosocial risks and occupational stress among professional musicians have used a wide variety of measurement methods. The questionnaire we have developed assesses both the occurrence and stressfulness of particular work demands. Thus, it includes the “potential harm” caused by particular work aspects, described in the World Health Organization definition of psychosocial risks. Our questionnaire allows for measuring the general index of the occurrence and stressfulness of psychosocial risks in musicians’ work places, but also the occurrence and stressfulness of eight distinct categories of psychosocial risks: Job Content, Work Environment, Work-Home Interference, Relationships, Lack of Stability, Development Possibilities, Home-Work Interference, and Tools. The Psychosocial Risks Questionnaire for Musicians (PRQM) has satisfactory reliability (Cronbach’s alpha for the whole scale is 0.89 and from 0.74 to 0.86 for particular subscales). The PRQM correlates significantly with self-assessed work demands and stress symptoms (positive relationships) as well as with self-assessed physical and mental condition, control at work and coping ability (negative relationships).
The effects of instruction on the singing ability of children ages 5 to 11: A meta-analysis
Authors: Svec Christina L.
Published: June 2017

The purpose of the meta-analysis was to address the varied results within the area of singing ability research by statistically summarizing the data of related studies. Across 34 studies, analyses yielded an overall mean effect size for instruction of g = 0.43. Studies were limited to pretest-posttest or posttest-only quasi-experimental designs. The largest overall study effect size across categorical variables included the effects of same and different discrimination techniques on mean singing score gains. Overall mean effects by primary moderator variable ranged from trivial to moderate. Feedback yielded the largest effect regarding teaching condition, 8-year-old children yielded the largest effect regarding age, the Boardman assessment measure yielded the largest effect regarding measurement instrument, and song accuracy yielded the largest effect regarding measured task. Regarding gender, boys and girls improved similarly from singing interventions across studies. Implications for singing instruction pertain to the importance of intervention, especially between the ages of 5 and 8. Results from the meta-analysis have highlighted a tendency for singing interventions to improve singing ability more than traditional song-singing and more than no music instruction at all. Results from the meta-analysis have also highlighted the importance of self, teacher, and computer feedback in the development of singing.
On the Link Between Emotionally Driven Impulsivity and Aggression: Evidence From a Validation Study on the Dutch UPPS-P
Authors: Bousardt A. M. C. , Noorthoorn E. O. , Hoogendoorn A. W. , Nijman H. L. I. , Hummelen J. W.
Published: June 2017

The UPPS-P seems to be a promising instrument for measuring different domains of impulsivity in forensic psychiatric patients. Validation studies of the instrument however, have been conducted only in student groups. In this validation study, three groups completed the Dutch UPPS-P: healthy student ( N = 94) and community ( N = 134) samples and a forensic psychiatric sample ( N = 73). The five-factor structure reported previously could only be substantiated in a confirmatory factor analysis over the combined groups but not in the subsamples. Subgroup sample sizes might be too small to allow such complex analyses. Internal consistency, as assessed by Cronbach’s alpha, was high on most subscale and sample combinations. In explaining aggression, especially the initial subscale negative urgency (NU) was related to elevated scores on self-reported aggression in the healthy samples (student and community). The current study is the second study that found a relationship between self-reported NU and aggression highlighting the importance of addressing this behavioural domain in aggression management therapy.
Analysis of Nonstationary Time Series for Biological Rhythms Research
Authors: Leise Tanya L.
Published: June 2017

This article is part of a Journal of Biological Rhythms series exploring analysis and statistics topics relevant to researchers in biological rhythms and sleep research. The goal is to provide an overview of the most common issues that arise in the analysis and interpretation of data in these fields. In this article on time series analysis for biological rhythms, we describe some methods for assessing the rhythmic properties of time series, including tests of whether a time series is indeed rhythmic. Because biological rhythms can exhibit significant fluctuations in their period, phase, and amplitude, their analysis may require methods appropriate for nonstationary time series, such as wavelet transforms, which can measure how these rhythmic parameters change over time. We illustrate these methods using simulated and real time series.
Meta-Analysis of Electroacupuncture in Cardiac Anesthesia and Intensive Care
Authors: Asmussen Sven , Przkora Rene , Maybauer Dirk M. , Fraser John F. , Sanfilippo Filippo , Jennings Kristofer , Adamzik Michael , Maybauer Marc O.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Acupuncture treatment has been employed in China for over 2500 years and it is used worldwide as analgesia in acute and chronic pain. Acupuncture is also used in general anesthesia (GA). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in addition to GA in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods:

We searched 3 databases (Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science—from 1965 until January 31, 2017) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including patients undergoing cardiac surgery and receiving GA alone or GA + EA. As primary outcomes, we investigated the association between GA + EA approach and the dosage of intraoperative anesthetic drugs administered, the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), the postoperative dose of vasoactive drugs, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, and the levels of troponin I and cytokines.

Results:

The initial search yielded 477 citations, but only 7 prospective RCTs enrolling a total of 321 patients were included. The use of GA + EA reduced the dosage of intraoperative anesthetic drugs ( P < .05), leading to shorter MV time ( P < .01) and ICU stay ( P < .05) as well as reduced postoperative dose of vasoactive drugs ( P < .001). In addition, significantly lower levels of troponin I ( P < .01) and tumor necrosis factor α ( P < .01) were observed.

Conclusion:

The complementary use of EA for open-heart surgery reduces the duration of MV and ICU stay, blunts the inflammatory response, and might have protective effects on the heart. Our findings stimulate future RCT to provide definitive recommendations.
Associations Between Bicycling for Transportation and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Among Minneapolis–Saint Paul Area Commuters: A Cross-Sectional Study in Working-Age Adults
Authors: Berger Aaron T. , Qian Xinyi (Lisa) , Pereira Mark A.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

This study describes the association between frequency of bicycling for active transportation and modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) metropolitan area.

Design:

We conducted an online survey from a convenience sample of likely bicycle commuters.

Setting:

Participants were e-mailed invitations including a link to the online survey.

Participants:

Participants (n = 1450, 15.6% response rate) were residents of the 7-county MSP metropolitan area aged 20 to 64 years.

Measures:

Participants reported frequency of commute and destination cycling from April to September and October to March, prevalent cardiometabolic risk factors, and demographic covariates.

Analysis:

We performed logistic regressions for associations between average weekly transportation bicycling and self-reported prevalent obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high triglycerides. We used Poisson regression for the count of cardiometabolic risk factors. All models were adjusted for age, sex, race, smoking, alcohol consumption, and other physical activity, with random intercepts by zip code.

Results:

Self-reported bicycling frequency is associated with significantly lower odds of prevalent obesity, hypertension, and high triglycerides. Three bicycling trips per week is associated with 20% fewer (95% confidence interval: 12%-28%) cardiometabolic risk factors.

Conclusion:

Bicycling frequency is inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. These results provide empirical support for the promotion of active transportation as public health policy.
Investigating the Adequacy of Response Time Outlier Definitions in Computer-Based Web Surveys Using Paradata SurveyFocus
Authors: Höhne Jan Karem , Schlosser Stephan
Published: June 2017

Web surveys are commonly used in social research because they are usually cheaper, faster, and simpler to conduct than other modes. They also enable researchers to capture paradata such as response times. Particularly, the determination of proper values to define outliers in response time analyses has proven to be an intricate challenge. In fact, to a certain degree, researchers determine them arbitrarily. In this study, we use “SurveyFocus (SF)”—a paradata tool that records the activity of the web-survey pages—to assess outlier definitions based on response time distributions. Our analyses reveal that these common procedures provide relatively sufficient results. However, they are unable to detect all respondents who temporarily leave the survey, causing bias in the response times. Therefore, we recommend a two-step procedure consisting of the utilization of SF and a common outlier definition to attain a more appropriate analysis and interpretation of response times.
Fabrication of high-performance ultrafiltration membranes using zwitterionic carbon nanotubes and polyethersulfone
Authors: Zhu Kai , Wang Guibin
Published: June 2017

Novel and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were successfully synthesized using zwitterionic structure, consisting of quaternary amine and sulfonic acid groups. The zwitterionic MWCNTs were introduced into a polyethersulfone (PES) matrix to prepare ultrafiltration membranes, via the phase inversion method. The acid-functionalized MWCNTs were then mixed with the membrane matrix as reference. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy validated the introduction of quaternary amine and sulfonic acid groups into the MWCNTs. For example, the hydrophilicity of the composite membranes, especially of zwitterionic MWCNTs/PES composite membranes, was obviously improved, as compared with that of the pristine PES membrane. Also, the morphologies of the membranes were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and their permeability and antifouling properties were thoroughly investigated. The results show that the water flux of the composite membrane, containing 0.2 wt% of zwitterionic MWCNTs, was twice more than that of the pure PES membrane, and its flux recovery ratio was as high as 85%.
Experimental investigation of combustion stabilization modes in a cavity-based supersonic combustor with different wall divergence angles
Authors: Zhang Lin , Liang Jianhan , Sun Mingbo , Wang Hongbo
Published: June 2017

Optical diagnostics and pressure measurements are carried out to investigate the characteristics of cavity-assisted hydrogen jet combustion in a Mach 2.52 supersonic flow which simulates flight Mach 5.5 ∼ 6 conditions. Two combustor configurations with wall divergence angles being 2.25° and 3.5°, and two injection schemes are designed. Main attention is focused on the influences of the combustor wall divergence angles and injection schemes on combustion stabilization modes. The experimental results show that two totally different combustion stabilization modes and transition processes between combustion stabilization modes are detected. Heat release and jet–cavity interactions are supposed to play an important role in the transition of combustion stabilization modes. In addition to injection schemes and the cavity configuration, the combustor wall divergence angle is demonstrated to obviously affect the combustion stabilization modes in the supersonic cavity flows, suggesting that the divergence angle should be seriously considered in the supersonic combustion organization. The contrastive experiments also show that as long as combined cavity shear layer/recirculation combustion stabilization mode is achieved, the divergence angle should be smaller and the injection distance should be shorter with all the possible means to obtain more stable combustion in present condition. Meanwhile, it needs to be more cautious to design injection schemes if the combustor wall divergence angle is larger.
Sinecatechins and imiquimod as proactive sequential therapy of external genital and perianal warts in adults
Authors: Schöfer Helmut , Tatti Silvio , Lynde Charles W , Skerlev Mihael , Hercogová Jana , Rotaru Maria , Ballesteros Juan , Calzavara-Pinton Piergiacomo
Published: June 2017

This review about the proactive sequential therapy (PST) of external genital and perianal warts (EGW) is based on the most current available clinical literature and on the broad clinical experience of a group of international experts, physicians who are well versed in the treatment of human papillomavirus-associated diseases. It provides a practical guide for the treatment of EGW, including epidemiology, etiology, clinical appearance, and diagnostic procedures for these viral infections. Furthermore, the treatment goals and current treatment options, elucidating provider- and patient-applied therapies, and the parameters driving treatment decisions are summarized. Specifically, the mode of action of the topical treatments sinecatechins and imiquimod, as well as the PST for EGW to achieve rapid and sustained clearance is discussed. The group of experts has developed a treatment algorithm giving healthcare providers a practical tool for the treatment of EGW which is very valuable in the presence of many different treatment options.
Antimicrobial Resistance Control Strategies: A Coordinated Research Initiative Experience in the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: Lapierre Lisette , Asenjo Gabriela , Vergara Constanza , Cornejo Javiera
Published: June 2017

The objective was to gather information on the status of antimicrobial surveillance in the Asia Pacific region and suggest control strategies. Twenty-one economies of the Asia Pacific region participated in this initiative. A survey was conducted on antimicrobial use and surveillance throughout the region. A workshop was carried out to create awareness about the issue and discuss the implementation of control strategies. Based on the survey results and workshop conclusions, it can be established that there is better understanding of the implications of antimicrobial resistance in the human medicine area. Only few economies take actions to control antimicrobial resistance on a veterinary/agricultural level. To confront antimicrobial resistance, it is critical to raise awareness; cooperation between all countries is needed to apply international standards, to be able to have harmonized public policies. Countries must align and improve their systems for surveillance and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in human, animals, and the environment.
Complicity, crime and conjoined twins
Authors: Davis Colleen
Published: June 2017

This article looks at the difficulties facing a court required to sentence a conjoined twin convicted of a criminal offence. If the other conjoined twin could be convicted as a party to the offence, many of the difficulties with punishment could be overcome. In the eyes of the criminal law, a person who aids in or encourages the commission of a crime is as blameworthy as the person who commits the offence. This article argues that the fact that one conjoined twin is inevitably present at a crime committed by the other does not automatically mean that the non-perpetrator is an accessory. Mere presence is not enough – generally, an accessory must intentionally assist or encourage the offender, and must promote or assist in the crime. Further, in the absence of a conviction of the non-perpetrator of the offence as an accessory, it would seem there is no way to punish the guilty conjoined twin without also unjustly punishing the innocent sibling.
Asia-Pacific: Espionage against East Timor and the need for Parliamentary oversight
Authors: Fernandes Clinton
Published: June 2017

This article discusses allegations of espionage against the government of East Timor and analyses the weakness of legislative oversight of Australia’s intelligence agencies. It suggests a means of rectifying this weakness.
Is Marriage Counseling Perceived as Scientific? Examining the Views of U.S. Adults
Authors: Platt Lisa F. , Scheitle Christopher P.
Published: June 2017

Whether marriage counseling is perceived by the general public to be scientific or not has a number of implications for utilization of services, treatment outcomes, and public policy decisions. The current study used a nationally representative sample ( N = 1,026) from the 2012 General Social Survey to examine two research questions. First, how scientific is marriage counseling viewed by the general public? Second, what demographic variables predict how scientific marriage counseling is perceived by the general public? The analyses indicate that marriage counseling is generally not viewed as scientific, with only 7% rating it as “very scientific” and 40% rating it as “not scientific at all.” These ratings are similar to those given for salesmanship and financial counseling. This opinion was consistent across all demographic groups measured with the notable exception of those individuals who attend religious services more frequently, who were more likely to rate marriage counseling as scientific. There was also a finding indicating the possibility of those who are currently married but previously divorced rate marriage counseling as more scientific than those who are currently married and never divorced. The implications for the field of marriage counseling in regard to health promotion, public policy, and client utilization are discussed. Future directions, including more in-depth inquiry about these opinions, are also presented.
Un/forgettable histories of US camptown prostitution in South Korea: Women’s experiences of sexual labor and government policies
Authors: Lee Na-Young
Published: June 2017

The military camptown in South Korea is a legacy of colonialism and a symbol of national insecurity in Korean history. From September 1945, when US troops arrived on the Korean peninsula for a transfer of power from the Japanese colonial empire, until the present day, the presence of American soldiers and military bases has been a familiar feature of Korean society. The purpose of this article is to trace the history of the US military camptown in Korea, adding the intersection of hidden stories of women’s experiences. Based on an analysis of life stories of 14 former prostitutes and other primary and secondary sources, this article explores the ways in which the Korean government cooperated with US (military) interests in the systematic construction and maintenance of a system of camptown prostitution in the period from 1950 to 1980, with changes in policy from tacit permission to permissive promotion and then active support. During this process, women in camptowns experienced absurd, unjust and contradictory sociopolitical changes relating to international relations and national policies, as well as community attitudes toward and treatment of them in their vulnerable state. However, these women were neither absolute sexual objects nor helpless victims. Women in camptowns managed to carve out spaces for themselves and change their material conditions, cultural identities, and even their legal status, demonstrating their struggle for survival. In this way, women in camptowns represent a symbol of transgression against both androcentric Korean society and ethnocentric nationalism.
Risk, innovation, and democracy in the digital economy
Authors: Curran Dean
Published: June 2017

The study of digital economies and the sociology of risk have, with few exceptions, a relationship of benign mutual neglect despite possible important connections between the two. This article aims to bridge the gap between these two fields using Beck’s theory of risk society to explore how the digital economy’s momentum of innovation is generating risks and limiting the scope of existing democratic decision-making via the power of the digital economy to create social faits accomplis outside of democratic control. Three specific risks emerging from the dynamics of innovation of digital economies are discussed as vignettes to illustrate these developments: (1) the remaking of interpersonal co-presence and solitary life; (2) the growing threats of AI to intensify unemployment and inequality; and (3) the impact on the environment of an ‘always on’ and ‘always upgrading’ digital communication ecosystem. With the gap between the potential and the actual use value of the digitalization of the infrastructure of life continuing to grow, this article argues that a different relationship between digital innovation and private and public spheres needs to be established to protect the effectiveness of contemporary democracy.
Homicide in the western family and background factors of a perpetrator
Authors: Aho Anna Liisa , Remahl Anni , Paavilainen Eija
Published: June 2017

Aims: Familicide is a multiple-victim homicide incident in which the killer’s spouse and one or more children are slain. A systematic review was conducted to reveal the background factors of western homicide perpetrators. Methods: The systematic search was performed in the Arto, Medic, Cinahl, Medline, EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier and Social Services abstracts databases. The keywords were familicide, family homicide, familicide-suicide, filicide-suicide, extended suicide, child, murder, family, filicide and infanticide. The searches revealed 4139 references from the databases. The references were filtered and 32 peer-reviewed research articles revealed in years 2004–2014 were selected as data. The articles were analysed using inductive content analysis, by finding all possible background factors related to homicide. Results: The factors were described as percentages of the range. The background factors of familicide perpetrators were categorised as follows: perpetrators who had committed homicide of a child and intimate partner and possibly committed suicide; a father had who killed a child; a mother who had killed a child; a father who had committed a filicide-suicide; and a mother who had committed a filicide-suicide. Conclusions: Psychological instability, violence and crime were found in all these categories of familicides. Perpetrators who had committed a suicide in addition to the familicide had more often been diagnosed with depression, but they sought treatment for mental health problems less often and had violence and self-destructiveness less often in their background than in other familicide categories. Social and healthcare professionals should be more sensitive to emerging family problems and be prepared for intervention.
Book review: Clancy, Joy. 2013: Biofuels and Rural Poverty
Authors: Eswarappa KASI
Published: June 2017

Clancy, Joy. 2013: Biofuels and Rural Poverty. London and New York: Routledge. 205 pp. $79.95 (Hardback). ISBN: 9781844077199.
Directivity and intermittency in the nearfield of a Mach 1.3 jet
Authors: Unnikrishnan S , Gaitonde Datta V , Agostini Lionel
Published: June 2017

Local fluctuations in a Mach 1.3 cold jet are tracked to understand the genesis of nearfield directivity and intermittency. A newly developed approach leveraging two synchronized large-eddy simulations is employed to solve the forced Navier–Stokes equations, linearized about the evolving unsteady base flow. The results are summarized by exposing the effect of two acoustically significant turbulent regions: the lip-line and core collapse location. The near-acoustic field displays the clear signature of the two regions. However, for both regions, the nearfield evolution of the perturbation field is characterized by generation of intermittent wavepackets, which propagate into the near-acoustic field and gradually acquire their expected broadband and narrowband characteristics at sideline and downstream angles respectively. The simulations elucidate how higher frequencies are obtained in the sideline directions as lower frequencies are filtered out of the forcing fluctuations. Likewise, shallow-angle acoustic signals arise through filtering of high frequency content in that direction. The directivity and intermittency are connected to the filtering of scales by jet turbulence with empirical mode decomposition. The observations highlight the gradual evolution of seemingly random core turbulence into well-defined intermittent wavepackets in the nearfield of the jet. The manner in which centerline fluctuations are segregated into upstream, sideline, and downstream components is examined through narrowband correlations. A similar analysis for the lipline contribution shows primarily upstream and downstream patterns because of the larger structures in the shear layer.
The role of oral methotrexate as a steroid sparing agent in refractory eosinophilic asthma
Authors: Bilocca David , Hargadon B , Pavord ID , Green RH , Brightling CE , Bradding P , Wardlaw AJ , Martin N , Murphy AC , Siddiqui S
Published: June 2017

The use of oral methotrexate for refractory eosinophilic asthma in a tertiary asthma referral centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, was evaluated between January 2006 and December 2014. The patients ( n = 61) were carefully phenotyped at baseline with markers of airway inflammation. In addition, a structured oral methotrexate proforma was utilized to evaluate response to therapy and adverse events. Oral steroid withdrawal was attempted 3 months after commencing treatment. Several outcomes were evaluated at 12 months, including both efficacy and adverse effects; 15% ( n = 9/61) responded by achieving a decrease in daily oral corticosteroid dose (mean 8.43 (±8.76) mg), although we were unable to identify factors that predicted a treatment response. There were no other significant changes in any other clinical outcome measures. There was a high rate of adverse events (19/61 (31%)), primarily gastrointestinal/hepatitis. Our findings support the use of biological agents in preference to using oral methotrexate as a steroid sparing agent at the first instance. In the event of failure of these agents, oral methotrexate remains a therapeutic option, which can be considered in highly specialist severe asthma centres.
Expression Dependence in the Perception of Facial Identity
Authors: Redfern Annabelle S. , Benton Christopher P.
Published: June 2017

We recognise familiar faces irrespective of their expression. This ability, crucial for social interactions, is a fundamental feature of face perception. We ask whether this constancy of facial identity may be compromised by changes in expression. This, in turn, addresses the issue of whether facial identity and expression are processed separately or interact. Using an identification task, participants learned the identities of two actors from naturalistic (so-called ambient) face images taken from movies. Training was either with neutral images or their expressive counterparts, perceived expressiveness having been determined experimentally. Expressive training responses were slower and more erroneous than neutral training responses. When tested with novel images of the actors that varied in expressiveness, neutrally trained participants gave slower and less accurate responses to images of high compared with low expressiveness. These findings clearly demonstrate that facial expressions impede the processing and learning of facial identity. Because this expression dependence is consistent with a late bifurcation model of face processing, in which changeable facial aspects and identity are coded in a common framework, it suggests that expressions are a part of facial identity representation.
Synesthesia and the McCollough Effect
Authors: Ramachandran V. S. , Marcus Zeve
Published: June 2017

Synesthetes, who see printed black letters and numbers as being colored, are thought to have enhanced cross-activation between brain modules for color and form. Since the McCollough effect also results from oriented contours (i.e., form) evoking specific colors, we conjectured that synesthetes may experience an enhanced McCollough effect, and find that this is indeed true.
Contrast Media–Induced Anaphylaxis Causing a Stress-Related Cardiomyopathy Post Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Case Report
Authors: Seecheran Rajeev , Seecheran Valmiki , Persad Sangeeta , Lalla Sasha , Seecheran Naveen Anand
Published: June 2017

Anaphylaxis is a sudden-onset, severe hypersensitivity reaction that can be potentially fatal. It can often transition to refractory hemodynamic instability, eventually resulting in death. Stress-related cardiomyopathies (SRCs) have multifactorial etiologies, including being linked to excessive catecholamine release in periods of intense stress. This novel case report recounts a SRC caused by contrast-induced anaphylaxis within 1 hour post percutaneous coronary intervention. Both acutely life-threatening conditions may occur simultaneously and are implicated with devastating complications. Further research is required to understand this cardiac-neuroaxis interplay in SRC to identify risk factors and develop management strategies.
Torpedo Maculopathy Presenting With Fovea Plana in a 21-Year-Old Female
Authors: Iaboni Douglas S. M. , Seamone Mark E. , Choudhry Netan , Gupta R. Rishi
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To report a case of torpedo maculopathy presenting with fovea plana in a 21-year-old female patient.

Methods:

Multimodal imaging including fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to characterize pathology.

Results:

A well-circumscribed ellipsoidal hypopigmented lesion was observed inferotemporal to the fovea OS. Fluorescein angiography and fundus autofluorescence revealed hyperfluorescence and focal hypoautofluorescence, respectively, corresponding to the hypopigmented lesion. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging of the lesion revealed attenuation of the ellipsoid zone and retinal pigment epithelium with a hyporeflective subretinal cleft. En face OCT imaging demonstrated an area of subretinal hyporeflectivity at the subretinal cleft. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed the absence of a foveal pit.

Conclusion:

We have described a novel case presentation of fovea plana alongside torpedo maculopathy. The significance of this association remains unclear. Further study into these conditions is necessary to help better determine factors responsible for visual symptoms or lack thereof and circumstances that promote their development.
Editorial: Modulation of HMGB1 holds promise for managing sepsis immune paralysis
Authors: Blumental-Perry Anna , Bonfield Tracey L
Published: June 2017

Discussion on targeting HMGB1 at the right point in sepsis to skew the host response toward efficient resolution, of both the inciting infection and inflammation.
An Unusual Case of Live Caesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy: A Common Entity in an Uncommon Location
Authors: Joshi Sayali D. , Momin Shenaz A. , Shetty Dev
Published: June 2017

Background: Scar pregnancy is an extremely rare type of ectopic pregnancy, where there is implantation of the gestational sac onto the anterior wall of the uterus at the site of previous LSCS scar in a multipara female. Due to a poor vascular supply to the lower uterine segment, caesarean scars may heal improperly predisposing it to be a site of improper implantation of the gestational sac.

Results: The characteristic features are empty uterus and cervix, gestational sac in the anterior part of lower uterine segment with a history of painless vaginal bleeding. It carries a high risk of morbidity related to uterine rupture and extensive haemorrhage.

Conclusions: In case of a previous LSCS delivery in a female with a viable gestational sac in the lower uterine segment and elevated B-Hcg levels, the possibility of scar ectopic pregnancy should be considered. KCl or methotrexate can be injected directly into the foetal pole under transvaginal ultrasound guidance in order to stop the cardiac activity in the foetus. The knowledge of the specific ultrasound features of uncommon locations of ectopic pregnancies such as an ectopic scar is crucial for a correct diagnosis and early management in order to prevent complications.
Understanding the association between chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 and HIV disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kainth Mundeep K. , Fisher Susan G. , Fernandez Diana , Luque Amneris , Hall Caroline B. , Hoang Anh Thi , Lashkari Anisha , Peck Alexandra , Hasan Lubaba , Caserta Mary T.
Published: June 2017

We conducted a cross-sectional investigation to identify evidence of a potential modifying effect of chromosomally integrated human herpes virus 6 (ciHHV-6) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression and/or severity. ciHHV-6 was identified by detecting HHV-6 DNA in hair follicle specimens of 439 subjects. There was no statistically significant relationship between the presence of ciHHV-6 and HIV disease progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. However, after adjusting for use of antiretroviral therapy, all subjects with ciHHV-6 had low severity HIV disease; these findings were not statistically significant. A multi-center study with a larger sample size will be needed to more precisely determine if there is an association between ciHHV-6 and low HIV disease severity.