bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production and Characterization of Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Native Microorganisms Synthesized from Fatty Waste
Authors: Gómez Cardozo Javier Ricardo , Mora Martínez Amanda Lucía , Yepes Pérez María , Correa Londoño Guillermo Antonio
Published: February 2016

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable and biocompatible plastics. They are synthesized by a wide variety of microorganisms (i.e., fungi and bacteria) and some organisms such as plants, which share characteristics with petrochemical-based plastics. The most recent studies focus on finding inexpensive substrates and extraction strategies that allow reducing product costs, thus moving into a widespread market, the market for petroleum-based plastics. In this study, the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) was evaluated using the native strains,Bacillus megaterium,Bacillussp., andLactococcus lactis, and glycerol reagent grade (GRG), residual glycerol (RGSB) byproduct of biodiesel from palm oil, Jatropha oil, castor oil, waste frying oils, and whey as substrates. Different bacteria-substrate systems were evaluated thrice on a laboratory scale under different conditions of temperature, pH, and substrate concentration, employing 50 mL of broth in 250 mL. The bacterial growth was tested in all systems; however, theB. megateriumGRG system generated the highest accumulation of PHA. The previous approach was allowed to propose a statistical design optimization with RGSB (i.e., RGSB, 15 g/L, pH 7.0, and 25°C). This system reached 2.80 g/L of PHB yield and was the optimal condition tested; however, the optimal biomass 5.42 g/L occurs at pH 9.0 and 25°C, with a substrate concentration of 22 g/L.
Synthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanopowder by Thermal Plasma Using Magnesium Nitrate Hexahydrate
Authors: Sirota V. , Selemenev V. , Kovaleva M. , Pavlenko I. , Mamunin K. , Dokalov V. , Prozorova M.
Published: February 2016

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanopowder was synthesized by thermal plasma in a novel thermal DC plasma torch using magnesium nitrate hexahydrate. Magnesium nitrate hexahydrate (Mg(NO3)2·6H2O) was obtained from serpentinite (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4; lizardite) (Halilovskiy array, Orenburg region, Russia). The synthesized samples were characterized by analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and TEM characterization studies confirmed that MgO nanopowder obtained has periclase structure with high purity, and the particle sizes vary within the range of 100 nm to 150 nm. We believe that the present work will promote further experimental studies on the physical properties and the applications of MgO nanopowders in the fields such as high-densed ceramics, additives in bactericide, and refractory products.
Rogue Waves of Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation with Time-Dependent Linear Potential Function
Authors: Song Ni , Xue Yakui
Published: February 2016

The rogue waves of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with time-dependent linear potential function are investigated by using the similarity transformation in this paper. The first-order and second-order rogue waves solutions are obtained and the nonlinear dynamic behaviors of these solutions are discussed in detail. In addition, the amplitudes of the rogue waves under the effect of the gravity field and external magnetic field changing with the time are analyzed by using numerical simulation. The results can be used to study the matter rogue waves in the Bose-Einstein condensates and other fields of nonlinear science.
In Healthy Young Men, a Short Exhaustive Exercise Alters the Oxidative Stress Only Slightly, Independent of the Actual Fitness
Authors: Finkler Maya , Hochman Ayala , Pinchuk Ilya , Lichtenberg Dov
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the apparent disagreement regarding the effect of a typical cycling progressive exercise, commonly used to assess VO2max, on the kinetics of ex vivo copper induced peroxidation of serum lipids. Thirty‐two (32) healthy young men, aged 24–30 years, who do not smoke and do not take any food supplements, participated in the study. Blood was withdrawn from each participant at three time points (before the exercise and 5 minutes and one hour after exercise). Copper induced peroxidation of sera made of the blood samples was monitored by spectrophotometry. For comparison, we also assayed TBARS concentration and the activity of oxidation‐related enzymes. The physical exercise resulted in a slight and reversible increase of TBARS and slight changes in the activities of the studied antioxidant enzymes and the lag preceding peroxidation did not change substantially. Most altered parameters returned to baseline level one hour after exercise. Notably, the exercise‐induced changes in OS did not correlate with the physical fitness of the subjects, as evaluated in this study (VO2max = 30–60 mL/min/kg). We conclude that in healthy young fit men a short exhaustive exercise alters only slightly the OS, independent of the actual physical fitness.
A Combination of Targeted Therapy with Chemotherapy Backbone Induces Response in a Treatment-Resistant Triple-Negative MCL1-Amplified Metastatic Breast Cancer Patient
Authors: Ali Siraj M. , Watson Jessica , Wang Kai , Chung Jon H. , McMahon Caitlin , Ross Jeffrey S. , Dicke Karel A.
Published: February 2016

After failure of anthracycline- and platinum-based therapy, no effective therapies exist for management of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We report a case of metastatic TNBC harboring MCL1 amplification, as identified by comprehensive genomic profiling in the course of clinical care. MCL1 is an antiapoptotic gene in the BCL2 family, and MCL1 amplification is common in TNBC (at least 20%). A personalized dose-reduced regimen centered on a combination of sorafenib and vorinostat was implemented, based on preclinical evidence demonstrating treatment synergy in the setting of MCL1 amplification. Although hospice care was being considered before treatment initiation, the personalized regimen yielded 6 additional months of life for this patient. Further rigorous studies are needed to confirm that this regimen or derivatives thereof can benefit the MCL1-amplified subset of TNBC patients.
Anxiety and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Portegies Marileen L.P. , Bos Michiel J. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Hofman Albert , Tiemeier Henning W. , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose—

It is unclear whether anxiety is a risk factor for stroke. We assessed the association between anxiety and the risk of incident stroke.

Methods—

This population-based cohort study was based on 2 rounds of the Rotterdam Study. Each round was taken separately as baseline. In 1993 to 1995, anxiety symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A). In 2002 to 2004, anxiety disorders were assessed using the Munich version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Participants were followed up for incident stroke until January 2012.

Results—

In the sample undergoing HADS-A (N=2625; mean age at baseline, 68.4 years), 332 strokes occurred during 32 720 years of follow-up. HADS-A score was not associated with the risk of stroke during complete follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.43; for HADS-A≥8 compared with HADS-A <8), although we did find an increased risk after a shorter follow-up of 3 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–5.41). In the sample undergoing the Munich version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (N=8662; mean age at baseline, 66.1 years), 340 strokes occurred during 48 703 years of follow-up. Participants with any anxiety disorder had no higher risk of stroke than participants without anxiety disorder (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.64–1.43). We also did not observe an increased risk of stroke for the different subtypes of anxiety.

Conclusions—

Anxiety disorders were not associated with stroke in our general population study. Anxiety symptoms were only related to stroke in the short term, which needs further exploration.
Time-Varying Effects of Prasugrel Versus Clopidogrel on the Long-Term Risks of Stroke After Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Chin Chee Tang , Neely Benjamin , Magnus Ohman E. , Armstrong Paul W. , Corbalán Ramón , White Harvey D. , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Winters Kenneth J. , Fox Keith A.A. , Roe Matthew T. ,   for the TRILOGY ACS Investigators
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose—

The role of more intense, sustained platelet inhibition in preventing stroke after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unclear. We observed a signal for reduced stroke risk in the Targeted Platelet Inhibition to Clarify the Optimal Strategy to Medically Manage Acute Coronary Syndromes (TRILOGY ACS) trial after 12 months of treatment with prasugrel versus clopidogrel in medically managed patients with ACS.

Methods—

We examined 7243 patients with ACS, aged <75 years and without prior stroke, analyzing differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and without a stroke event through 30 months with a Cox proportional hazards model. We also assessed the effect of prasugrel versus clopidogrel (plus aspirin) on risk of all stroke events and ischemic stroke over time with an extended Cox proportional hazards model.

Results—

Stroke events were infrequent through 30 months (ischemic stroke=62; hemorrhagic stroke=15). Patients with stroke were older, had more comorbidities, and had a higher Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score. There was a trend for a lower unadjusted frequency of all stroke events through 30 months for prasugrel versus clopidogrel: 31 (1.5%) versus 46 (2.2%);
P
=0.08. There was a significant treatment-by-time interaction for those with ischemic stroke (
P
=0.03), consistent with the 12-month landmarked Kaplan–Meier log-rank test showing a reduced hazard of ischemic stroke after 12 months with prasugrel (
P
=0.04). No significant interactions between treatment effect of prasugrel versus clopidogrel and time were observed for all stroke events.

Conclusions—

We observed a potential late treatment effect for prasugrel versus clopidogrel for a reduced risk of ischemic stroke in medically managed patients with ACS aged <75 years. These hypothesis-generating findings suggest that longer duration and more potent platelet inhibition with prasugrel may be associated with lower risk of ischemic stroke after 12 months.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00699998.
Pareuchiloglanis hupingshanensis, a new species of the glyptosternine catfish (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from the middle Yangtze River, China
Authors: KANG ZUJIE , CHEN YONGXIA , HE DEKUI
Published: February 2016

A new glyptosterniod catfish, Pareuchiloglanis hupingshanensis, is described on the basis of 29 specimens, which were collected from Hunan Hupingshan National Nature Reserve (HHNNR) in the Yangtze River basin, China. It can be distinguished from all congeners by morphology and sequences of the cytochrome b gene. Morphometric and molecular data show that the new species is closely related to P. sinensis Hora et Silas but differs from it in possessing a premaxillary tooth band with a deeper median indentation; a dentary tooth band which consists of two shorter and wider patches; a lower angle of gill opening, opposite to the base of the 4th or 5th (vs. second or third) branched pectoral-fin ray; an upper lip edged with dense papillae; the posterior end of the ventral fin falling distinctly short of (vs. almost reaching ) anus; a shorter dorsal fin; and a greater caudal-fin base depth.
Ultraviolet Stand-off Raman Measurements Using a Gated Spatial Heterodyne Raman Spectrometer
Authors: Lamsal Nirmal , Sharma Shiv K. , Acosta Tayro E. , Angel S. Michael
Published: February 2016

A spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS) is evaluated for stand-off Raman measurements in ambient light conditions using both ultraviolet (UV) and visible pulsed lasers with a gated ICCD detector. The wide acceptance angle of the SHRS simplifies optical coupling of the spectrometer to the telescope and does not require precise laser focusing or positioning of the laser on the sample. If the laser beam wanders or loses focus on the sample, as long as it is in the field of view of the SHRS, the Raman signal will still be collected. The SHRS is not overly susceptible to vibrations, and a vibration isolated optical table was not necessary for these measurements. The system performance was assessed by measuring stand-off UV and visible Raman spectra of a wide variety of materials at distances up to 18 m, using 266 nm and 532 nm pulsed lasers, with 12.4 in. and 3.8 in. aperture telescopes, respectively.
A Qualitative Exploration of U.K. Prisoners’ Experiences of Substance Misuse and Mental Health Difficulties, and the Breaking Free Health and Justice Interventions
Authors: Elison Sarah , Weston Samantha , Dugdale Stephanie , Ward Jonathan , Davies Glyn
Published: February 2016

This qualitative study explored prisoners’ lived experiences of substance use and mental health difficulties and aimed to examine perceived links between these two areas and how they might be associated with recovery during engagement with the Breaking Free Health and Justice (BFHJ) treatment programs. Interviews were conducted with 32 prisoners receiving treatment for substance use in North-West England. Emerging from prisoners’ interviews were themes relating to difficult life experiences from childhood into adulthood, how these experiences played a role in the emergence of their multiple and complex difficulties, their treatment experiences, and how their current involvement with the criminal justice system acted as a catalyst for positive change, including engagement with the BFHJ programs. This study identified the roles of substance use and mental health difficulties in the lives of participants, identified how their multiple and complex difficulties might be addressed, and provided insights into prisoners’ interpretations of their life experiences.
Mystical bodies/unruly bodies: Experience, empowerment and subjectification in Syrian Sufism
Authors: Pinto Paulo G
Published: February 2016

Religious experience can be a tool for the constitution of social subjects, the construction of symbolic meanings and values, as well as for shaping the subjectivity and corporality of the faithful. An ethnographic account and analysis of the Sufi ritual, the darb al-shish, as it was performed in the zawiya (Sufi lodge) of shaykh Mahmud in Afrin, Syria, shows how religious experience allows the embodiment of capacities and dispositions that are lived as deriving from the sacred dimensions of existence, producing religious selves endowed with power that can be defined as charisma. The embodied charisma derived from the darb al-shish posed challenges to the power structures of the religious community in which it emerged. The analysis focuses on collective ritual performances as the main arena of incorporation of the various charismas of the disciples into the hierarchical structure of religious power and authority of the Sufi community. This approach to the ritual tackled the connection between religious experiences and the production of embodied forms of power, such as charisma, and posed the question of how religious codification deals with it.
Color segmentation of multi-colored fabrics using self-organizing-map based clustering algorithm
Authors: Mo Haifang , Xu Bugao , Ouyang Wenbin , Wang Jiangqing
Published: February 2016

Fabric prints may contain intricate and nesting color patterns. To evaluate colors on such a fabric, regions of different colors must be measured individually. Therefore, precise separation of colored patterns is paramount in analyzing fabric colors for digital printing, and in assessing the colorfastness of a printed fabric after a laundering or abrasion process. This paper presents a self-organizing-map (SOM) based clustering algorithm used to automatically classify colors on printed fabrics and to accurately partition the regions of different colors for color measurement. The main color categories of an image are firstly identified and flagged using the SOM’s density map and U-matrix. Then, the region of each color category is located by divining the U-matrix map with an adaptive threshold, which is determined by recursively decreasing it from a high threshold until all the flagged neurons are assigned to different regions in the divided map. Finally, the regions with high color similarity are merged to avoid possible over-segmentation. Unlike many other clustering algorithms, this algorithm does not need to pre-define the number of clusters (e.g. main colors) and can automatically select a distance threshold to partition the U-matrix map. The experimental results show that the intricate color patterns can be precisely separated into individual regions representing different colors.
A study of multi-quality processing parameter optimization for sueded fabric
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Lin Wen-Tsung
Published: February 2016

Sueded fabric quality control depends on the processing parameter settings. The quality characteristics considered in this study are surface softness and color difference. The Taguchi method was combined with gray relational analysis (GRA) to optimize the multi-quality sueding processing parameter combinations. First, an orthogonal array is designed by using the design of experiments of the Taguchi method for the major processing parameters of the sueding machine. The signal/noise ratio and analysis of variance are calculated from the measured fabric surface softness and color difference data, significant factors influencing the quality characteristics obtained, and GRA used to remedy the deficiency in the Taguchi method, which is only applicable to single-quality characteristics. The optimum processing parameters of multiple-quality characteristics are obtained from the response table and response diagram of GRA. The quality of suede fabric can be controlled effectively by using the optimum processing parameters to set the processing parameters, and the 95% confidence interval validates the reliability and reproducibility of the experiment.
Verification of the effect of yarn torsional rigidity on fabric bending rigidity in any direction
Authors: Peiffer Julie , Kim KyoungOk , Takatera Masayuki
Published: February 2016

The effect of yarn torsional rigidity was verified on the Cooper model for fabric bending rigidity in any direction. We made five cotton fabrics with different weft densities and prepared three commercial fabrics as experimental samples. The torsional rigidity of yarn from the bobbin and that of yarn directly extracted from fabric were measured with a yarn torsional tester. The bending rigidity of yarn from the bobbin was measured using the same pure bending tester as used in fabric bending testing. The bending rigidity of thin fabric was calculated using torsional rigidities of yarns extracted from the fabric and showed better agreement with the experimental values than that calculated using the torsional rigidity of yarn from the bobbin. Indeed, measurements showed that the torsional rigidity of yarn from the bobbin was appreciably higher than the torsional rigidity of yarn from the fabric. This is due to the crimp in the yarn. The fabric bending rigidity can be predicted using the Cooper model with torsional rigidities of yarns extracted from the fabric.
‘Come back, Christianity – all is forgiven’: Public theology and the prophetic Church
Authors: Hull John M.
Published: February 2016

Reasons for the recent interest in public theology are discussed [following the special issue of Theology in September 2014], followed by the claim that in Britain today public theology must take the form of action for justice and peace. A number of examples are offered including a short description of training for justice and peace leadership in the Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education. The essay concludes by suggesting a number of steps which local churches could take in order to realize the prophetic tradition.
Sanction Failure
Authors: McDonald Bruce D. , Reitano Vincent
Published: February 2016

Political actors have assumed that economic sanctions hinder a nation’s stability by reducing its economic growth, though history has shown otherwise. One potential explanation for this phenomenon is that any decline in a growth is offset by the economic benefit they receive from a response of increased militarization. Using a defense-driven model, we test this explanation with data Iranian from 1959 to 2007. The findings show that economic sanctions have limited the development of Iran, but the influence of an increasing defense sector offsets the sanctions, suggesting sanctions may be ineffective due to the substitution effect from defense expenditures.
The Rise of the Discipline and Inspection Commission, 1927–2012
Authors: Li Ling
Published: February 2016

This article traces and analyzes the longitudinal changes in the operative structure, rules, and practices of the Chinese Communist Party’s disciplinary institution not for the purpose of appraising its performance in corruption control but to demonstrate how the party regulates its own enforcement agency through institutionalizing the disciplinary decision-making process. To that end, this article identifies and explains the exact measures the party has used to delegate authority to the party’s disciplinary institution in a systematic and institutionalized manner without losing control over disciplinary outcomes. It also identifies three features of the institutionalization process: concentration and centralization of disciplinary power and further depoliticization of disciplinary activities.
Biodiesel production from non-edible plant oils
Authors: Demirbas Ayhan , Bafail Abdullah , Ahmad Waqar , Sheikh Manzoor
Published: February 2016

Biodiesel is an alternative to petroleum-based fuels derived from a variety of feedstocks, including vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oil. At present, biodiesel is mainly produced from conventionally grown edible oils such as soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, and palm. The cost of biodiesel is the main obstacle to commercialization of the product. Biodiesel produced from edible oils is currently not economically feasible. On the other hand, extensive use of edible oils for biodiesel production may lead to food crisis. These problems can be solved by using low-cost feedstocks such as non-edible oils and waste cooking oils for biodiesel production. This paper reviews numerous options of non-edible oils as the substantial feedstocks, biodiesel processing, and effect of different parameters on production of biodiesel.
Renal Tumors in 26-Week Tg.Rash2 Mice Carcinogenicity Studies
Authors: Paranjpe Madhav G. , Belich Jessica L. , McKeon Marie E. , Elbekai Reem H. , Mann Peter C. , Hard Gordon C. , Seely John C.
Published: February 2016

We report renal tubular adenomas and a carcinoma in 26-week Tg.rasH2 mouse carcinogenicity studies, which have not been reported to date either at our facility or in other published data. However, during the year 2014, renal tubular tumors were present in 4 studies conducted at our facility. Because of their morphological similarity to the amphophilic–vacuolar (AV) phenotypic variant of renal tubule tumors noted in Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats, which are thought to be familial, as well as the genetic homogeneity of Tg.rasH2 mice, we tracked the parents of these mice with tumors in each study. The origin of these tumors could not be traced back to any of the parents or even an animal barrier, and these tumors were not attributed to the vehicle or test article. Although the exact mechanism of tumorigenesis was not known, based on the available information, the development of renal tumors in these mice was considered random and spontaneous.
Tissue Sampling Guides for Porcine Biomedical Models
Authors: Albl Barbara , Haesner Serena , Braun-Reichhart Christina , Streckel Elisabeth , Renner Simone , Seeliger Frank , Wolf Eckhard , Wanke Rüdiger , Blutke Andreas
Published: February 2016

This article provides guidelines for organ and tissue sampling adapted to porcine animal models in translational medical research. Detailed protocols for the determination of sampling locations and numbers as well as recommendations on the orientation, size, and trimming direction of samples from ∼50 different porcine organs and tissues are provided in the Supplementary Material. The proposed sampling protocols include the generation of samples suitable for subsequent qualitative and quantitative analyses, including cryohistology, paraffin, and plastic histology; immunohistochemistry; in situ hybridization; electron microscopy; and quantitative stereology as well as molecular analyses of DNA, RNA, proteins, metabolites, and electrolytes. With regard to the planned extent of sampling efforts, time, and personnel expenses, and dependent upon the scheduled analyses, different protocols are provided. These protocols are adjusted for (I) routine screenings, as used in general toxicity studies or in analyses of gene expression patterns or histopathological organ alterations, (II) advanced analyses of single organs/tissues, and (III) large-scale sampling procedures to be applied in biobank projects. Providing a robust reference for studies of porcine models, the described protocols will ensure the efficiency of sampling, the systematic recovery of high-quality samples representing the entire organ or tissue as well as the intra-/interstudy comparability and reproducibility of results.
The Language of Extremity
Authors: Van Swol Lyn M. , Prahl Andrew , Kolb Miranda R. , Lewis Emily Acosta , Carlson Cassandra
Published: February 2016

Using the linguistic software Linguistic Inquiry Word Count, we analyzed transcripts of group discussions of whether the words “under God” should be in the Pledge of Allegiance. We hypothesized that members with an extreme opinion would use less complex language and more you pronouns than other members. Furthermore, extreme members would have less influence when they used you pronouns or more complex language consistent with the illusion of understanding. Extreme members were more confident and perceived themselves as more knowledgeable, but they did not use less complex language than other members. When extreme members did use complex language, they were less influential. Extreme members used more you pronouns and use of you pronouns reduced their influence in the group. Groups containing at least one extreme member had a much lower level of complexity in their discourse than groups without extreme members. Results are situated within research in integrative complexity, illusion of understanding, and attitude extremity.
Confessions of a Sociolator
Authors: Rosenberg Justin
Published: February 2016

Following recent critiques of ‘the social’ in international theory, this text revisits a contribution the author made to ‘the social turn’ in 1994. While C. Wright Mills’ The Sociological Imagination appears to survive the recent critiques, the passage of time has nonetheless revealed a quite different weakness in the author’s use of it: namely, its neglect of ‘the international’ as an object of theory. This neglect, which is indeed common to almost all ‘social theory’, is now being corrected in the growing literature on ‘uneven and combined development’.
The Language of Law and the Laws of Language
Authors: Bartelson Jens
Published: February 2016

The Status of Law in World Society by Friedrich Kratochwil is a sophisticated attempt to reassert the importance of international law in a globalised world by grounding it in the actual practices of legal reasoning. Yet this attempt to ground normativity in practice strikes me as problematic. As I shall argue, what law is cannot be determined with reference to legal practices only, but will depend on the fulfillment of certain background requirements which themselves stand in need of further justification. Thus the recourse to linguistic practice is beset by an ambivalence that stems from the fact that language and law always already are intertwined, an ambivalence that cannot therefore be overcome with recourse to either. If it is the case that law has a language of its own, we must also be prepared to admit that language has its own laws. What then is gained by the recourse to linguistic practice is not so much a resolution but rather a temporary displacement of indeterminacy from the realm of law to that of language.
Return-to-work support for employees with mental health problems: Identifying and responding to key challenges of sick leave
Authors: Cameron Josh , Sadlo Gaynor , Hart Angie , Walker Carl
Published: February 2016

Introduction

This research explored return-to-work and sick leave experiences of workers with mental health issues in contact with acute or community mental health services.

Method

Using a critical realist methodology with a comparative case study and collaborative design, 21 employed participants recovering from mental health problems participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic and constant comparative analysis.

Findings

While on sick leave, despite a range of challenges, participants treasured their work identities. They were sustained by positive and troubled by negative memories of work. People missed the routine of work and felt isolated. To varying degrees of success, they searched for alternative activities to fill this gap and promote recovery.

Conclusion

The need for sick leave was not disputed, but an important discovery was its iatrogenic (‘side-’) effects, whereby isolation and reduced activity levels could exacerbate mental health problems. Negative impacts of sick leave need to be mitigated by support to maintain worker identity and orientation and by opportunities and encouragement to sustain routine, activities and social contacts. A new concept of ‘occupational capital’ emerged, comprising accessible external opportunities and supports for occupational participation, and internal capacities and skills required to access these.
Book Review: Arie Ruttenberg and Shlomo Maital, Cracking the Creativity Code: The Zoom in Zoom out Zoom in Framework for Creativity, Fun and Success
Authors: Agrawal Soni
Published: February 2016

Arie Ruttenberg and Shlomo Maital, Cracking the Creativity Code: The Zoom in Zoom out Zoom in Framework for Creativity, Fun and Success. New Delhi: SAGE Publications India Private Limited, 2014, 157 pp. ₹ 425 (ISBN: 978-81-321-1986-5) (Paperback).
Consolation through music: A survey study
Authors: Hanser Waldie E. , ter Bogt Tom F.M. , Van den Tol Annemieke J. M. , Mark Ruth E. , Vingerhoets Ad J. J. M.
Published: February 2016

Even though music is widely used as a source of solace, the question as to how and why music offers consolation remains largely unexplored. The aims of the present study are as follows: (a) to compare listening to music versus other self-soothing behaviors, (b) to explore when music is used as a means for solace, (c) to identify aspects of music that are important for providing solace, and (d) to explore behavior while listening to consoling music. Participants completed an internet survey distributed through the websites of Dutch National Radio 2 and Radio 4 ( N = 445). The survey consisted of the Geneva Emotion and Music Scale (GEMS), the solace-scale from the Music in Mood Regulation questionnaire (MMR), questions concerning means of solace, situations requiring comfort, song aspects, and feelings and activities during music listening. The main findings indicate that: (1) music is the most important source of consolation compared with other soothing behaviors, (2) situations in which people have experienced loss and sadness are the primary situations in which music offers solace, (3) consoling music induces a feeling of being moved and a mixture of both positive and sad emotions; the most important aspects of a song for soothing purposes are the music itself and the lyrics, and (4) music for comfort is listened to predominately in solitude, as the sole activity. On the basis of these findings, a characterization of listening to consoling music is compiled. Behavior and song aspects are discussed in terms of how and why they are helpful in providing solace.
Introducing a new model of emotion dysregulation with implications for everyday use of music and music therapy
Authors: Marik Monika , Stegemann Thomas
Published: February 2016

Music has the power to modify feelings and evoke emotions. Thus, not surprisingly, emotion regulation is one of the primary goals of the everyday use of music. Music therapists often use the effects of music to address emotions and emotional problems in their musical work. Although an increasing number of publications address emotion regulation and the influence of music in terms of regulating emotions, the quantity of different approaches makes orientation difficult. This article aims to define the core features of emotion regulation and present an integrative model of emotion dysregulation, with a focus on how dysregulation evolves. This paper first discusses current definitions and concepts of emotion regulation from the fields of musicology and psychology. Next, focusing on dysregulation, the article introduces a new model of emotion dysregulation based on a review of relevant literature. This model views dysregulation as the consequence of chronic over- or underregulation or as the result of relying solely on harmful regulation strategies. Finally, the initial implications for everyday music and music therapy are addressed.
Sad music as a means for acceptance-based coping
Authors: Van den Tol Annemieke J. M. , Edwards Jane , Heflick Nathan A.
Published: February 2016

Self-identified sad music (SISM) is often listened to when experiencing sad life situations. Research indicates that the most common reason people give for listening to SISM is “to be in touch with or express feelings of sadness”. But why might this be the case? We suggest that one reason people choose to listen to sad music when feeling sad is to accept aversive situations. We tested if SISM is associated with acceptance coping and consolation. We hypothesized that SISM relates to acceptance-based coping via the recognition and identification of emotional states, and that people will report more acceptance from SISM than self- identified happy music when seeking consolation. In Study 1, participants recalled how happy or sad the music sounds that they normally listen to for consolation, and if they listen to this music to gain acceptance of negative moods and situations. In Study 2, participants reported their goals when listening to sad music during a recalled time in which they experienced an adverse life situation and whether this lead to acceptance. Study 1: People reported that they were more likely to listen to sad music than happy music when seeking consolation, though they preferred happy music in general. Listening to SISM (but not self-identified happy music) when seeking consolation was associated with acceptance of both a negative situation and the associated negative emotions. Additionally, seeking to deal with emotions was associated with both SISM listening (for consolation) and acceptance. Study 2: Listening to SISM to get in touch with and express affect was the most important self-regulatory strategy (of six examined) through which acceptance was recalled to be achieved. Experiencing adverse situations or seeking consolation, people report that listening to SISM is associated with acceptance coping (through the re-experiencing of affect). Implications for music therapy and theories of emotional coping are discussed.
Development of a laser-powered wireless strain gauge device using a continuous-wave laser and photovoltaic cell
Authors: Choi Mijin , Lee Jung-Ryul , Park Chan-Yik
Published: February 2016

Wireless sensors have emerged as a reliable method for structural health monitoring. Wireless sensors should ideally have their own power supply, which is a conventional battery in most cases. However, sensors are often retrieved, and batteries must be replaced because of their finite lifespan. In many applications, wireless sensors must be operated in locations that are difficult to access, and these systems often have a desired operational lifespan that exceeds that of conventional batteries. Given this limitation, research devoted to alternative methods, such as energy harvesting or wireless power transmission of batteries, has rapidly increased. In this article, we investigated potential solutions to this challenge by collecting energy from a laser beam to power a wireless sensor. The proposed laser power transmission system features the capabilities of transmitting power to and rapid switching direction to sensor nodes using a laser mirror positioner. The delivered light is captured by a photovoltaic cell and collected in a storage medium to supply the required power to a wireless strain gauge device. Validation of the proposed technology was performed by static and dynamic strain measurements, and the obtained signals from the wireless strain gauge device were compared with those of the wired data acquisition.
Implementing and Sustaining Higher Education Service-Learning Initiatives
Authors: Bennett Dawn , Sunderland Naomi , Bartleet Brydie-Leigh , Power Anne
Published: February 2016

Although the value of service-learning opportunities has long been aligned to student engagement, global citizenship, and employability, the rhetoric can be far removed from the reality of coordinating such activities within higher education. This article stems from arts-based service-learning initiatives with Indigenous communities in Australia. It highlights challenges encountered by the projects and the tactics used to overcome them. These are considered in relation to Young, Shinnar, Ackerman, Carruthers, and Young’s four tactics for starting and sustaining service-learning initiatives. The article explores the realities of service-learning initiatives that exist at the edge of institutional funding and rely on the commitment of key individuals. The research revises Young et al.’s four tactics and adds the fifth tactic of organizational commitment, which emerged as a distinct strategy used to prompt new commitment, enact existing commitment, and extend limited commitment at the organizational level.
Simulations and Social Empathy
Authors: Adelman Madelaine , Rosenberg Karen E. , Hobart Margaret
Published: February 2016

When teaching about domestic violence, we hope that our students will be moved to act and organize against it within a social justice framework. We argue that instructional simulations can be used to inspire students to do so. Instructional simulations and gaming tools have been part of higher education pedagogical tool kits since at least the 1960s. Yet it is only recently that a domestic violence resource exists that reflects the interdisciplinary, interactive, and empathy-building orientation of feminist pedagogy. Drawing on the concept of “social empathy,” we analyze the potential of the instructional simulation “In Her Shoes,” developed by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to help students gain knowledge of and empathy for the constrained choices facing battered women, understand the frequent disjuncture between leaving and safety, and close the gap between cultural perceptions and lived realities.
Kepler shuffle for real-world flood simulations on GPUs
Authors: Horváth Zsolt , Perdigão Rui AP , Waser Jürgen , Cornel Daniel , Konev Artem , Blöschl Günter
Published: February 2016

We present a new graphics processing unit implementation of two second-order numerical schemes of the shallow water equations on Cartesian grids. Previous implementations are not fast enough to evaluate multiple scenarios for a robust, uncertainty-aware decision support. To tackle this, we exploit the capabilities of the NVIDIA Kepler architecture. We implement a scheme developed by Kurganov and Petrova (KP07) and a newer, improved version by Horváth et al. (HWP14). The KP07 scheme is simpler but suffers from incorrect high velocities along the wet/dry boundaries, resulting in small time steps and long simulation runtimes. The HWP14 scheme resolves this problem but comprises a more complex algorithm. Previous work has shown that HWP14 has the potential to outperform KP07, but no practical implementation has been provided. The novel shuffle-based implementation of HWP14 presented here takes advantage of its accuracy and performance capabilities for real-world usage. The correctness and performance are validated on real-world scenarios.
Comparison of Low Back Pain Recovery and Persistence
Authors: Starkweather Angela R. , Lyon Debra E. , Kinser Patricia , Heineman Amy , Sturgill Jamie L. , Deng Xiaoyan , Siangphoe Umaporn , Elswick R. K. , Greenspan Joel , Dorsey Susan G.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Persistent low back pain is a significant problem worldwide. Early identification and treatment of individuals at high risk for persistent low back pain have been suggested as strategies to decrease the rate of disability associated with this condition.

Purpose:

To examine and compare demographic, pain-related, psychological, and somatosensory characteristics in a cohort of participants with acute low back pain who later went on to experience persistent low back pain or whose pain resolved within the first 6 weeks after initial onset.

Methods:

A descriptive study was conducted among men and women 18–50 years of age who had an acute episode of low back pain. Study questionnaires were administered to collect demographic information and measures of pain, coping, reactivity, mood, work history and satisfaction, and disability. A standardized protocol of quantitative sensory testing was performed on each participant at the painful area of their low back and at a remote site on their arm.

Results:

The sample consisted of 48 participants, of whom 19 went on to develop persistent low back pain and 29 resolved. Compared to the resolved group, the persistent low back pain group was significantly older and had a lower level of educational attainment, a higher body mass index, and higher mean “least” pain score on the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form. Significantly higher thermal detection thresholds at the painful and remote sites as well as signs of central sensitivity differentiated the persistent pain group from the resolved group during the acute stage of low back pain.
A report to an academy: On carnophallogocentrism, pigs and meat-writing
Authors: Sayers Janet Grace
Published: February 2016

How can organisational studies theory respond to the call of nonhuman animals? This article argues there is ‘too much humanism’ in organisational studies and defines the problem as originating in language practices. The example of factory-farmed pigs is used to illustrate the argument. Derrida’s term carnophallogocentrism is used to suggest that ethical thinking about the animal be moved from face-to-face encounters through the eyes to the mouth and that by adopting methods used in literature and ‘feminist dog-writing’ ways can be found to co-constitute human and nonhuman species in academic writing practices. The term meat-writing is offered as a practice of challenging carnophallogocentrism.
A serial 10-year follow-up study of brain atrophy and disability progression in RRMS patients
Authors: Zivadinov Robert , Uher Tomas , Hagemeier Jesper , Vaneckova Manuela , Ramasamy Deepa P , Tyblova Michaela , Bergsland Niels , Seidl Zdenek , Dwyer Michael G , Krasensky Jan , Havrdova Eva , Horakova Dana
Published: February 2016

Background:

We explored the evolution of brain atrophy in relation to development of confirmed disability progression (CDP) on serial 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans over a 10-year period in 181 patients with early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods:

At 10-year follow-up, they were divided into those with (100) or without (76) CDP (confirmed after 48 weeks). Changes in whole brain (WB), cortical, gray matter (GM), white matter, and ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (vCSF) volumes were calculated on three-dimensional T1-weighted (3D-T1) scans between all available time points.

Results:

In multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with CDP compared to those without, the greatest effect size percentage volume change from baseline to follow-up was detected for WB ( d = 0.55, −7.5% vs −5.2%, p < 0.001), followed by vCSF ( d = 0.51, +41.1% vs +25.7%, p < 0.001), cortical ( d = 0.49, −7.7% vs −6.2%, p = 0.001), and GM ( d = 0.40, −7.1% vs −5.8%, p = 0.006) volumes. Mixed-effects model analysis, adjusted for age, sex, and treatment change, showed significant interactions between CDP status and percentage changes for WB and vCSF ( p < 0.001), cortical ( p = 0.02), and GM ( p = 0.04) volumes.

Conclusions:

WB and cortical atrophy, and enlargement of vCSF spaces are associated with development of CDP on serial yearly MRI assessments over a period of 10 years.
Reporting treatment outcomes in observational data: A fine balance
Authors: Kalincik Tomas , Sormani Maria Pia
Published: February 2016

Analyses of observational data have been gaining momentum in the evaluation of ever increasing spectrum of disease modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. While high cost-effectiveness and generalisability represent their main advantages, these studies are also burdened with high risk of bias that may lead to erroneous conclusions. In this viewpoint, we highlight the key role of rigorous and transparent statistical methodology in the studies of observational data and encourage its thorough editorial scrutiny.
Seismic responses of an offshore jacket-type platform incorporated with tuned liquid dampers
Authors: Lotfollahi-Yaghin Mohammad Ali , Ahmadi Hamid , Tafakhor Hassan
Published: February 2016

In this article, the efficiency of tuned liquid damper in controlling the dynamic responses of offshore jacket-type platforms under earthquake excitation is investigated. This type of dampers consisting of a number of fluid-containing tanks can be installed on the topside of the platform. Hydrodynamic loads induced by the sloshing of the fluid inside the tank act as resistant forces against the vibration and can thus control the structural response. In this research, using finite element–based software package ANSYS, a jacket-type platform having dimensions appropriate for the Persian Gulf climate (case study: SPD1 platform) was modeled and then dynamically analyzed by the modal and time-history approaches subjected to the records of El Centro, Kobe, and Tabas earthquakes. The tuned liquid dampers were optimally designed and after the verification of FE results, the dynamic responses of the jacket-type platforms with and without the tuned liquid damper system were compared.
Damage control: The modern paradigm
Authors: MacGoey Patrick , Lamb Christopher M , Navarro Alex P , Brooks Adam J
Published: February 2016

It is more than 20 years since the term ‘Damage control’ was introduced to describe an emerging surgical strategy of abbreviated laparotomy for exsanguinating trauma patients. This strategy of temporisation and prioritisation of physiological recovery over completeness of anatomical repair was associated with improved survival in a subset of patients with combined major vascular and multiple visceral injuries. The ensuing years saw the rapid adoption of these principles as standard of care for massively injured and physiologically exhausted patients. Resuscitation of severely injured patients has changed significantly in the last decade with the emergence of a new resuscitation paradigm termed ‘damage control resuscitation’. Originating in combat support hospitals, damage control resuscitation emphasises the primacy of haemorrhage control while directly targeting the ‘lethal triad’ of coagulopathy, acidosis, and hypothermia. Integral to damage control resuscitation is the appropriate application of damage control surgery and together they constitute the modern damage control paradigm. This review aims to discuss the modern application of damage control resuscitation and damage control surgery and to review the evidence supporting its constituent components, as well as considering deficiencies in current knowledge and areas for future research.