bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectacle of excess: The passion work of professional wrestlers, fans and anti-fans
Authors: Hill Annette
Published: December 2014

This article examines how professional wrestlers, promoters and audiences perform the passion work of sports entertainment. Rather than celebrate professional wrestling as a popular phenomenon, this articles seeks to use empirical research on live wrestling events to understand the meaning of passion work in sports entertainment. In Roland Barthes’ seminal article on professional wrestling in Mythologies, he describes wrestling as a spectacle of excess, where passions such as love and hate are exaggerated through the expressions of wrestlers and audience members. A key research question concerns how the passion work in professional wrestling involves different types of labour, the physical and emotional work of wrestlers and event organisers, and the work of audiences, fans and anti-fans interacting with professional performers. The article uses ethnographic research of professional wrestling to explore how different types of passionate labour re-enforce and legitimate each other, shaping an emotional structure to a spectacle of excess. The overall argument in this article is that the meaning of passion work in sports entertainment highlights what Stephen Coleman calls a public performance of power relations, where the particularities of power are made visible through the collective labour of wrestlers and audience members. Power is neither industry led nor in the hands of audience members; rather, it is made visible through the work of promoters, wrestlers and audiences as a collective performance in a high-energy, adrenalin-fuelled live event.
Sex as a source of power? Backlash against self-sexualizing women
Authors: Infanger Martina , Rudman Laurie A. , Sczesny Sabine
Published: December 2014

Although women are thought to possess sexual power, they risk social and economic penalties (i.e., backlash; Rudman, 1998) when they self-sexualize (i.e., assert their power; Cahoon & Edmonds, 1989; Glick, Larsen, Johnson, & Branstiter, 2005). Why? Drawing on the status incongruity hypothesis (SIH), which predicts backlash against powerful women because they challenge the gender hierarchy, we expected prejudice against self-sexualizing women to be explained by a dominance penalty rather than a communality deficit (Rudman, Moss-Racusin, Phelan, & Nauts, 2012). Two experiments supported this hypothesis, and Experiment 3 further showed that the dominance penalty was explained by ascribing power motives to self-sexualized women. These findings extend the SIH’s utility to the domain of self-sexualization and illuminate the scope of people’s discomfort with female power. Implications for the advancement of gender equality are discussed.
Intoxicated prejudice: The impact of alcohol consumption on implicitly and explicitly measured racial attitudes
Authors: Loersch Chris , Bartholow Bruce D. , Manning Mark , Calanchini Jimmy , Sherman Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2014

Recent research has shown that alcohol consumption can exacerbate expressions of racial bias by increasing reliance on stereotypes. However, little work has investigated how alcohol affects intergroup evaluations. The current work sought to address the issue in the context of the correspondence between implicit and explicit measures of anti-Black attitudes. Participants were randomly assigned to consume an alcoholic (target BrAC of 0.08%), placebo, or control beverage prior to completing implicit and explicit measures of racial attitudes. Although beverage condition did not affect prejudice levels on either measure, it did change the correlation between them. Implicitly measured attitudes significantly predicted explicit reports of prejudice and discrimination only for participants who consumed alcohol. We discuss the implications of our findings for debates regarding dissociations between implicit and explicit measures and the cultural phenomenon of intoxicated individuals attributing prejudiced statements to alcohol consumption rather than personal attitudes.
Characterization of balsa wood mechanical properties required for continuum damage mechanics analysis
Authors: Newaz G , Mayeed M , Rasul A
Published: December 2014

Balsa wood has attained commercial importance because of its exceptional lightweight and its insulating properties. The use of balsa as core material in sandwich construction for aircraft and for other lightweight structures has greatly increased the use of this unique material. In the present study, the mechanical properties of balsa wood required for the continuum damage mechanics analysis are calculated using experimental, analytical, and numerical results. Extensive experiments are carried out that evaluate the tension, compression, and shear properties. Equivalent modulus has been calculated from the bi-modulus behavior of balsa wood obtained from the experiments. The properties that could not be obtained from the experiments were calculated using analytical solutions. The mechanical properties obtained were compared with the results available in literature and the numerical solutions using LS-DYNA. Finally, the mechanical properties are calibrated using GENOA—a commercial software based on the wood cell constituent properties and experimental results.
‘I can't quite put my finger on it’: Racism's touch
Authors: Tate Shirley Anne
Published: December 2014

Black liberation thought is foundational for Black Critical Race Theory (BCRT) which in turn is crucial for unpicking the operation of white power in organizations. Such unpicking is urgent given the observation that in organizations racism melts into thin air even as it permeates their very walls. ‘I just can't quite put my finger on it’ engages with the struggle to identify racism's invisible touch. In the academy, postrace sensibilities present us with slippages where ‘race’ no longer matters, racism does not exist and BCRT is not theory whilst teaching on ‘race’ and racism is mainstreamed. Racism is transmitted through the flinching away from Black touch, whether as theory or body, a movement away which contains contempt/ disgust. This is the ordinariness of racism where BCRT is aligned with the Black body so as to alienate it from sociology as a discipline and erase its decolonizing impetus.
Organic farm volunteering as a decommodified tourist experience
Authors: Miller Maggie C , Mair Heather
Published: December 2014

Volunteer tourism has been shown to foster cross-cultural understanding between participants and hosts. Providing opportunities to connect with like-minded participants, volunteer tourism experiences encourage consciousness-raising and future social and environmental actions. However, the laudable aims of volunteer tourism have been critiqued as their transformative capacities are overshadowed by industry attributes. Volunteering on organic farms, a movement associated with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, mirrors components of volunteer tourism, although research on the nexus between the two is limited. Thus, through an exploration of volunteer experiences on organic farms in Argentina, this article advances our theoretical understanding of how volunteer tourism intersects with organic farm experiences and examines the possibilities and limitations of the “decommodification” paradigm in the volunteer tourism literature.
Impedance-based fault detection methodology for rotating machines
Authors: Cavalini Aldemir Ap , Finzi Neto Roberto Mendes , Steffen Valder
Published: December 2014

Visual examination, ultrasonic tests, and dye penetrant inspection are some examples of nondestructive techniques widely used for crack detection in rotors. These methods have proved to be costly, since satisfactory results rely on detailed and periodic inspections. Significant research effort has been directed in recent years to online monitoring techniques, that is, based on vibration signals measured during rotor operation. However, most of them are able to only detect deep cracks. The uniqueness of this article relies on the possibility of detection of incipient transverse cracks in rotating shafts using the so-called, electromechanical impedance method. This method has become a promising tool for structural health monitoring of systems due to its sensitivity to small local damage. Basically, the method monitors changes in the electric impedance of piezoelectric transducers, bonded to (or embedded into) the host structure, through specific mathematic functions, the so-called damage metrics, to detect damage. This is possible because the electrical impedance of the transducer is directly related to the mechanical impedance of the structure. In this context, successful experimental tests were performed in a horizontal rotor supported by roller bearings. Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) patches were bonded along the shaft of the rotor in which saw cuts approximating a breathing transverse crack were machined. The technique was validated under different rotating speeds and unbalance conditions.
Effects of Community Exercise Therapy on Metabolic, Brain, Physical, and Cognitive Function Following Stroke
Authors: Moore Sarah A. , Hallsworth Kate , Jakovljevic Djordje G. , Blamire Andrew M. , He Jiabao , Ford Gary A. , Rochester Lynn , Trenell Michael I.
Published: December 2014

Background. Exercise therapy could potentially modify metabolic risk factors and brain physiology alongside improving function post stroke. Objective. To explore the short-term metabolic, brain, cognitive, and functional effects of exercise following stroke. Methods. A total of 40 participants (>50 years, >6 months post stroke, independently mobile) were recruited to a single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial of community-based exercise (19 weeks, 3 times/wk, “exercise” group) or stretching (“control” group). Primary outcome measures were glucose control and cerebral blood flow. Secondary outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness, blood pressure, lipid profile, body composition, cerebral tissue atrophy and regional brain metabolism, and physical and cognitive function. Results. Exercise did not change glucose control (homeostasis model assessment 1·5 ± 0·8 to 1·5 ± 0·7 vs 1·6 ± 0·8 to 1·7 ± 0·7, P = .97; CI = −0·5 to 0·49). Medial temporal lobe tissue blood flow increased with exercise (38 ± 8 to 42 ± 10 mL/100 g/min; P < .05; CI = 9.0 to 0.1) without any change in gray matter tissue volume. There was no change in medial temporal lobe tissue blood flow in the control group (41 ± 8 to 40 ± 7 mL/100 g/min; P = .13; CI = −3.6 to 6.7) but significant gray matter atrophy. Cardiorespiratory fitness, diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, physical function, and cognition also improved with exercise. Conclusion. Exercise therapy improves short-term metabolic, brain, physical, and cognitive function, without changes in glucose control following stroke. The long-term impact of exercise on stroke recurrence, cardiovascular health, and disability should now be explored.
Effects of CHO-expressed recombinant lactoferrins on mouse dendritic cell presentation and function
Authors: Hwang Shen-An , Kruzel Marian L , Actor Jeffrey K
Published: December 2014

Lactoferrin (LF), a natural iron-binding protein, has previously demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) tuberculosis vaccine. This report investigates immune modulatory effects of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell-expressed recombinant mouse and human LFs on mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), comparing homologous and heterologous functions. BCG-infected BMDCs were cultured with LF, and examined for class II presentation molecule expression. Culturing of BCG-infected BMDCs with either LF decreased the class II molecule-expressing population. Mouse LF significantly increased the production of IL-12p40, IL-1β and IL-10, while human LF-treated BMDCs increased only IL-1β and IL-10. Overlaying naïve CD4 T-cells onto BCG-infected BMDCs cultured with mouse LF increased IFN-γ, whereas the human LF-exposed group increased IFN-γ and IL-17 from CD4 T cells. Overlay of naïve CD8 T cells onto BCG-infected BMDCs treated with mouse LF increased the production of IFN-γ and IL-17, while similar experiments using human LF only increased IL-17. This report is the first to examine mouse and human recombinant LFs in parallel experiments to assess murine DC function. These results detail the efficacy of the human LF counterpart used in a heterologous system to understand LF-mediated events that confer BCG efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge.
The effects of neuromuscular taping on gait walking strategy in a patient with joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type
Authors: Camerota Filippo , Galli Manuela , Cimolin Veronica , Celletti Claudia , Ancillao Andrea , Blow David , Albertini Giorgio
Published: December 2014

Objective:

In this case study, biomechanical alterations induced by neuromuscular taping (NMT) were quantified, during walking, in a patient with joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (JHS/EDS-HT).

Methods:

A female JHS/EDS-HT patient underwent NMT applications over the low back spine and bilaterally to the knee. Quantitative gait analyses were collected before the NMT application and at the end of the treatment (2 weeks after the first application of NMT).

Results:

At the end of treatment following the NMT application, left step length showed improvements in cadence and velocity, the left knee showed a reduction in its flexed position at initial contact, and the right ankle joint improved its position at initial contact and in the swing phase. Improvements were also found in kinetics, in terms of the ankle moment and power.

Conclusions:

Results show that NMT seems to be a promising low-cost intervention for improving gait strategy in patients with JHS/EDS-HT. Further investigations are needed to assess the effects of this treatment intervention on pathological symptoms.
BST-CarGel® Treatment Maintains Cartilage Repair Superiority over Microfracture at 5 Years in a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shive Matthew S. , Stanish William D. , McCormack Robert , Forriol Francisco , Mohtadi Nicholas , Pelet Stéphane , Desnoyers Jacques , Méthot Stéphane , Vehik Kendra , Restrepo Alberto
Published: December 2014

Objective

The efficacy and safety of BST-CarGel®, a chitosan scaffold for cartilage repair was compared with microfracture alone at 1 year during a multicenter randomized controlled trial in the knee. This report was undertaken to investigate 5-year structural and clinical outcomes.

Design

The international randomized controlled trial enrolled 80 patients, aged 18 to 55 years, with grade III or IV focal lesions on the femoral condyles. Patients were randomized to receive BST-CarGel® treatment or microfracture alone, and followed standardized 12-week rehabilitation. Co-primary endpoints of repair tissue quantity and quality were evaluated by 3-dimensional MRI quantification of the degree of lesion filling (%) and T2 relaxation times. Secondary endpoints were clinical benefit measured with WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) questionnaires and safety. General estimating equations were used for longitudinal statistical analysis of repeated measures.

Results

Blinded MRI analysis demonstrated that BST-CarGel®-treated patients showed a significantly greater treatment effect for lesion filling ( P = 0.017) over 5 years compared with microfracture alone. A significantly greater treatment effect for BST-CarGel® was also found for repair tissue T2 relaxation times ( P = 0.026), which were closer to native cartilage compared to the microfracture group. BST-CarGel® and microfracture groups showed highly significant improvement at 5 years from pretreatment baseline for each WOMAC subscale ( P < 0.0001), and there were no differences between the treatment groups. Safety was comparable for both groups.

Conclusions

BST-CarGel® was shown to be an effective mid-term cartilage repair treatment. At 5 years, BST-CarGel® treatment resulted in sustained and significantly superior repair tissue quantity and quality over microfracture alone. Clinical benefit following BST-CarGel® and microfracture treatment were highly significant over baseline levels.
Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation versus Multipotent Stem Cells for the Treatment of Large Patellofemoral Chondral Lesions
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Chaurasia Sanyam , Karnatzikos Georgios , Nakamura Norimasa
Published: December 2014

Objective

To compare the outcome of matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)–derived multipotent stem cells (MSCs) implantation in patellofemoral chondral lesions, using the same HYAFF11 scaffold.

Methods

From January 2005 to December 2010, 37 patients with patellofemoral chondral lesions were prospectively followed up, for a minimum of 3 years; 19 of these patients were treated with MACI and 18 with BMAC. Radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical scores (International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, visual analog scale, and Tegner) were collected preoperatively, at 2-year and final follow-up. Five patients of MACI and 6 of the BMAC group underwent second-look arthroscopy; 4 patients of each group consented to a concomitant biopsy.

Results

No adverse reactions or postoperative infections were noted. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups ( P > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in all scores, from preoperative to final follow-up ( P = 0.001), but there was no significant difference in improvement between the 2 groups, except for the IKDC subjective score ( P = 0.015), which favored the BMAC group. Deterioration in MACI and improvement in BMAC group scores were noticed, from 2-year to final follow-up, but was nonsignificant. MACI patients with trochlear lesions showed better results than patellar lesions, while location was not a prognostic factor in the BMAC group. MRI showed complete filling of the defects in 76% of patients in MACI and 81% of patients in BMAC, and histological analysis revealed hyaline-like features.

Conclusion

Both techniques are viable and effective for large patellofemoral chondral lesions at minimum 3-year follow-up.
Exposure to Racial Ambiguity Influences Lay Theories of Race
Authors: Sanchez Diana T. , Young Danielle M. , Pauker Kristin
Published: December 2014

Biological lay theories of race have proven to have pernicious consequences for interracial relations, yet few studies have examined how intergroup contact itself (particularly with those who naturalistically challenge these conceptions) affects beliefs about race. Three studies (a correlational study, an interaction study, and an experimental study) examine whether exposure to racially ambiguous individuals reduces Whites’ biological lay theories of race across time. Study 1 demonstrates that increased exposure to racial ambiguity across 2 weeks reduced White individuals’ biological lay theories. Study 2 shows that Whites who interacted in a laboratory setting with a racially ambiguous individual were less likely to endorse biological lay theories, an effect that sustained for 2 weeks. Study 3 finds that the reduction in biological lay theories after exposure to racial ambiguity is mediated by the tendency for Whites’ lay theories of race to conform to beliefs they presume racially ambiguous individuals hold.
Emotionships
Authors: Cheung Elaine O. , Gardner Wendi L. , Anderson Jason F.
Published: December 2014

Is it better to have a few relationships that can fulfill all our emotion-regulation needs or to have a more diverse relationship portfolio, in which different individuals serve distinct emotion-regulation needs? The present research examined how people distribute their emotion-regulation needs across different emotion-specific regulation relationships (emotionships) and their consequences for well-being. Study 1 demonstrated the existence of emotionships by showing that individuals can name discrete relationships that they consider effective at regulating specific emotions (e.g., I turn to my sister to cheer me up when I’m sad) and that the accessibility and value of these relationships change as a function of manipulated emotional states. Studies 2a and 2b revealed that individuals who diversified their emotion-regulation needs across multiple specialized relationships (e.g., having distinct relationships for cheering up sadness vs. soothing anxiety) showed higher well-being than those with similar numbers of close relationships, but who concentrated their emotion-regulation needs in fewer, less specialized relationships.
Management of arthropathy in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Peluso Rosario , Manguso Francesco , Vitiello Maria , Iervolino Salvatore , Di Minno Matteo Nicola Dario
Published: December 2014

The most common extra-intestinal manifestation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is articular involvement, with a prevalence ranging between 17% and 39%. It is frequently characterized by an involvement of the axial joints but may also be associated with peripheral arthritis. The target of therapy in the management of arthritis associated with IBD is to reduce the inflammation and prevent any disability and/or deformity. This requires active cooperation between gastroenterologist and rheumatologist. The treatment of axial involvement has focused on the combination of exercise with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Immunomodulators have been efficacious in patients with peripheral arthritis and other extra-intestinal manifestations, but they are not effective for the treatment of axial symptoms of spondylitis. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α inhibitors have been proven to be highly effective in the treatment of IBD patients which are steroid-dependent or refractory to conventional therapy and in patients with associated articular manifestations. The treatment of peripheral involvement and/or enthesitis and/or dactylitis is based on local steroid injections, while sulfasalazine and/or low doses of systemic steroids may be useful in case of inadequate response to intra-articular steroids. Sulfasalazine induces only a little improvement in peripheral arthritis. Immunomodulators such as methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine and leflunomide show their efficacy in some patients with peripheral arthritis and other extra-intestinal components. TNF-α inhibitors should be considered the first-line therapeutic approach when moderate-to-severe luminal Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis is associated with polyarthritis. The aim of this review is to provide a fair summary of current treatment options for the arthritis associated with IBD.
Evaluating developmental screening in clinical practice
Authors: Dawson Peter , Camp Bonnie W
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To demonstrate a method of evaluating accuracy of developmental screening modeled on the evidence-based medical literature.

Method:

A retrospective review was performed on 418 children screened with the Denver II by a trained technician. Two models for analyzing screening data were examined, using predictive values and likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−).

Results:

The technician, working at 20% time, screened 44% of eligible children. There were 129/418 (31%) children with Suspect Denver II results, 115/418 who were referred, 81/115 (70%) who were evaluated by Early Intervention, and 64/81 (79%) who qualified for services. The uncorrected positive predictive value for the Denver II alone (44%) was insufficient to meet the preset standard of 60%, but the LR+ of 4.16 indicated a significant contribution of test information to improving predictive value. Combining test results with information from the parent–technician conference to achieve a referral decision resulted in an uncorrected predictive value of 56%, which rose with correction for children referred but not evaluated to 72% (LR+ 10.33). Negative predictive values and likelihood ratios of a negative test and a non-referral decision achieved recommended levels. Parents who expressed concern were significantly more likely to complete recommended evaluation than those who did not (82% vs 58%, p < .01). Results were in the same range as in published studies with other screening tests but showed three areas for improvement: screening more children, more carefully supervising some referral decisions, and getting more children to evaluation.

Conclusion:

Levels of predictive accuracy above 60% can be obtained by combining different types of information about development to make decisions about referral for more complete evaluation. Systematic study of such combinations could lead to improved predictive accuracy of screening programs and support attempts to close the gap between referral and evaluation.
Assessing usability, label comprehension, pen robustness and pharmacokinetics of a self-administered prefilled autoinjector pen of methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pachon Jaime A , Kivitz Alan J , Heuer Kay-Uwe , Pichlmeier Uwe
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To assess usability, bioavailability, and safety of subcutaneous self-administration of 0.3 mL of methotrexate 50 mg/mL solution via a prefilled autoinjector pen (methotrexate pen) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods:

The study enrolled methotrexate-naïve and methotrexate-experienced patients aged ≥16 years. Visit 1 (Day 1) included methotrexate pen usage training with documentation, patient self-injection, and a patient-training questionnaire completed by the healthcare professional. Visit 2 (Days 8–10) included evaluation of patient self-injection through four scenarios: holding needle in place for 5 s, confirming methotrexate delivery, skin pinch, and pen disposal. At Visit 2, patient opinion and training retention (since Visit 1) were also assessed. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed in 25 patients, who were stratified by body weight and randomized to receive injections in the abdomen or the upper thigh.

Results:

At Visit 1, 12 of 106 patients had questions about the pen, and 4 required self-injection assistance. At Visit 2, the mean performance rating for all scenarios was ≥9.8 (scale: 1 (very difficult)−10 (very easy)). Successful completion rates were 96.2%–100%; 91.3%–100% of patients required no assistance. Impressions of the pen were favorable; 98.1% of patients passed the written examination. All methotrexate pens effectively delivered 0.3 mL methotrexate and were intact after use. Body weight >100 kg significantly decreased total and peak methotrexate exposure when administered abdominally. No adverse effects resulted in drug discontinuation.

Conclusion:

The methotrexate pen was used with a high degree of effectiveness, satisfaction, and safety, indicating that this delivery system may be a viable option for patients requiring subcutaneous methotrexate.
How web tracking changes user agency in the age of Big Data: The used user
Authors: Peacock Sylvia E
Published: December 2014

Big Data enhances the possibilities for storing personal data extracted from social media and web search on an unprecedented scale. This paper draws on the political economy of information which explains why the online industry fails to self-regulate, resulting in increasingly insidious web-tracking technologies. Content analysis of historical blogs and request for comments on HTTP cookies published by the Internet Engineering Task Force illustrates how cookie technology was introduced in the mid-1990s, amid stark warnings about increased system vulnerabilities and deceptive personal data extractions. In conclusion, online users today are left with few alternatives but to enter into unconscionable contracts about the extraction of their personal data when using the Internet for private purposes.
The Effect of Shared Versus Individual Reflection on Team Outcomes
Authors: Domke-Damonte Darla J. , Keels J. Kay
Published: December 2014

In this study, teams in a strategic management classroom were given one of two versions of an assignment related to the development of a team contract: independent individual reflections on desired team behaviors versus team-level reflections on desired behavioral norms. Results of a multivariate analysis of covariance, controlling for gender and individual prior achievement, indicated that teams who engaged in team-level reflection on desired team behavioral norms did not report higher teamwork satisfaction than those who had engaged in individual-level reflection on desired norms, but did report higher team effectiveness, effectiveness of their team member evaluation tool, and higher project scores.
Effectiveness of a Business Communication Course
Authors: Gayathridevi K. Sri , Deepa R.
Published: December 2014

This study aims to show the effectiveness of a business communication course offered in a business school in India. All students who enrolled for the Master of Business Administration program in the school were considered for the study. The study adapted a pretest and posttest approach to find the effectiveness of the course. It also describes the curriculum offered and methodology followed in the school. The results show that the course was effective in improving the oral communication skills of the students. The study also discusses the implications for business schools, faculty, and students.
Testing the Recognition and Perception of Errors in Context
Authors: Brandenburg Laura C.
Published: December 2014

This study tests the recognition of errors in context and whether the presence of errors affects the reader’s perception of the writer’s ethos. In an experimental, posttest only design, participants were randomly assigned a memo to read in an online survey: one version with errors and one version without. Of the six intentional errors in version one, on average, readers only noticed two errors, which suggests that readers notice some but not all errors. The ethos ranking for the writer was also statistically significant between the two versions, suggesting that the presence of errors can affect the writer’s ethos.
Controlled microstructure and production of TiO2 nanostructures by Ar and Ar–H2 atmosphere
Authors: Xia M. X. , Luo S. F. , Peng G. F.
Published: December 2014

Titanium dioxide nanostructures have been synthesised by annealing the Pd loaded titanium foil at 680°C under the atmosphere of Ar or Ar–H2 gas mixture. The microstructure and production of titanium dioxide are found to depend critically on the concentration of Pd catalyst and the Ar–H2 atmosphere. The catalyst of Pd and the introduction of 5H2 gas are the key factor for the formation of the long (about 100 μm in the average) and smooth titanium dioxide nanowires at low temperature. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction show that they are all rutile phase. The further result shows that the titanium dioxide nanowires possess good crystallinity and high surface photovoltage response.
Liquid phase surface nitriding of aluminium using TIG process
Authors: Heydarzadeh Sohi M. , Ansari M. , Ghazizadeh M. , Zebardast H.
Published: December 2014

Liquid phase surface nitriding of AA5052 aluminium was performed using the heat of a TIG (tungsten inert gas) torch in a gas shielding which was a mixture of argon and nitrogen. The feasibility of obtaining nitride compounds at various TIG processing parameters and nitrogen contents in the shielding gas were studied. The presence of AlN phase was proved by X-ray diffraction analysis. Scanning electron microscopy with EDS analyser was carried out to study the morphology and chemical composition of the nitride phase. The microhardness test was also performed on cross sections of treated layers. This measurement demonstrated that the surface hardness of the untreated aluminium was increased from 52 HV for the untreated aluminium alloy to as high as 1411 HV for the nitrided sample. It was also noticed that liquid phase surface nitriding reduced the wear rate to less than quarter of that of the untreated substrate.
ZnO nanorod films fabricated on zinc foil for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Momeni M. M. , Mirhoseini S. M.
Published: December 2014

A photoanode based on ZnO nanorod array film has been successfully synthesised on zinc foil by a simple approach in the NaOH aqueous solution, without the assistance of any catalyst, templates or high temperature and its implementation as photoanode in photoelectrochemical cells for hydrogen generation from water splitting was studied. In this approach, zinc foil was used not only as a substrate but also as a zinc ion source for the direct growth of ZnO nanorod arrays. ZnO nanorod array films were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The resulting ZnO nanorod showed a diameter of about 70–90 nm and the average length is estimated to be in the range of 0·5–2·0 μm. The good photoresponse of this ZnO nanorod array films have wide applications in the photoelectrochemical field. Therefore, these results suggest substantial potential of ZnO nanorod films in photoelectrochemical water splitting applications.
Severity and outcome of cystic lung disease in women with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Taveira-DaSilva Angelo M. , Jones Amanda M. , Julien-Williams Patricia , Yao Jianhua , Stylianou Mario , Moss Joel
Published: December 2014

What are the clinical features, severity, and rate of progression of lung disease in women with tuberous sclerosis and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) and how do they differ from patients with sporadic LAM?

Data from 94 tuberous sclerosis/LAM and 460 sporadic LAM women were compared. 40 tuberous sclerosis/LAM and 40 sporadic LAM patients were age- and lung function-matched, and changes in volume occupied by cysts (cyst score) and pulmonary function occurring over 6.5 years were evaluated.

Tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients had better lung function than sporadic LAM patients, but no difference was observed from sporadic LAM patients in yearly rates of change in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (−1.9±2.7versus−1.9±1.9% predicted; p=0.302), diffusing capacity of the lung for CO (−2.1±2.8versus−1.9±2.7% predicted; p=0.282) or cyst scores (+1.0±1.3versus+1.4±1.7%, p=0.213). However, the proportion of patients with abnormal lung function and higher rates of FEV1decline was greater in sporadic LAM. Some young tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients (mean age 25.7±3 years) progressed rapidly from minimal to severe lung disease.

Tuberous sclerosis/LAM patients may experience abrupt declines in lung function. Consequently, women with tuberous sclerosis found to have lung cysts should undergo periodic functional and radiological testing to follow disease progression and determine need for therapy.
Prognostic value of right ventricular ejection fraction in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Courand Pierre-Yves , Pina Jomir Géraldine , Khouatra Chahéra , Scheiber Christian , Turquier Ségolène , Glérant Jean-Charles , Mastroianni Bénédicte , Gentil Béatrice , Blanchet-Legens Anne-Sophie , Dib Alfred , Derumeaux Geneviève , Humbert Marc , Mornex Jean-François , Cordier Jean-François , Cottin Vincent
Published: December 2014

Right ventricle ejection fraction (RVEF) evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging is a strong determinant of patient outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension. We evaluated the prognostic value of RVEF assessed with conventional planar equilibrium radionuclide angiography at baseline and change 3–6 months after initiating pulmonary arterial hypertension-specific therapy.

In a prospective cohort of newly diagnosed patients with idiopathic, heritable or anorexigen-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, RVEF was measured at baseline (n=100) and 3–6 months after initiation of therapy (n=78). After a median follow-up of 4.1 years, 41 deaths occurred, including 35 from cardiovascular causes. Patients with a (median) baseline RVEF >25% had better survival than those with a RVEF <25% using Kaplan–Meier analysis (p=0.010). RVEF at baseline was an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adjusted Cox regression model (p=0.002 and p=0.007, respectively; HR 0.93 for both). Patients with stable or increased RVEF at 3–6 months had a trend for improved all-cause survival (HR 2.43, p=0.086) and had less cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.25, p=0.034) than those in whom RVEF decreased despite therapy.

RVEF assessed with conventional planar equilibrium radionuclide angiography at baseline and change in RVEF 3–6 months after therapy initiation independently predict outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Facile One-step Synthetic Route to Mesoporous N-Doped Attapulgite (ATP)@Carbon Composite through Hydrothermal Carbonization and the Application to Adsorbing Toxic Metal Ions
Authors: Yang Guang
Published: December 2014

A new kind of mesoporous N-doped attapulgite clay@carbon (N-ATP@C) nanocomposite material was synthesized by a cheap and facile method: the one-pot hydrothermal method. The characterization results indicated that smaller carbon spheres were coated on the surface of ATP and converted into completely different net-cross structures with mesopores. Therefore, this kind of material exhibited a high adsorption capacity of approximately 125.4 mg g−1 for Cu(II) ions.
Si Substrate as a SiO2 Source for the Preparation of Mesoporous SiO2–TiO2 Thin Films
Authors: Hara Shintaro , Miyata Hirokatsu , Takahashi Masahiko , Shimojima Atsushi , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: December 2014

A Si substrate has been proved to be used as a SiO2 source for the preparation of mesoporous silica–titania thin films with cylindrical mesochannels. Exposing mesostructured titania–surfactant thin films to aqueous NH3 vapor reinforces the pore walls with uniformly distributed silicate species, which retain the mesostructure after calcination.
Radio Ecological Problems of Russia’s Arctic Seas Environmental Remediation
Authors: Хвостова  , Khvostova Marina
Published: December 2014

Some questions related to the Northern Sea Route status are considered in this paper. An analysis of radiation sources

influence on environment, biota and human beings in the Arctic region has been carried out, and stages of this influence

formation have been allocated. The world practice of ocean disposal is considered, and the information on nuclear and

radiation hazardous objects dumped in the northwest Arctic seas has been submitted. The questions connected with lifting

of the nuclear submarine K-27 dumped in the Kara Sea and the nuclear submarine “Komsomolets” sunken in the Norwegian

Sea have been stated. Data on a modern radio ecological situation in places of dumped nuclear and radiation hazardous

objects have been submitted. Such option of marine environment remediation as dumped/sunken objects lifting has been

considered. An analysis of existing Russian technologies for lifting of the dumped/sunken objects has been carried out.

The conclusions are drawn that the sunken and dumped objects containing spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, don´t

constitute now real radio ecological danger to the population and environment, but they should be considered as sources of

potential danger, whose scales and consequences will depend on protective barriers condition and mechanisms of further

migration of radioactive materials in marine ecosystems. Regular complex surveys of the most potentially hazardous

dumped/sunken objects’ status during joint international scientific and research expeditions should be a first step towards

this problem solution.
Optimization of Mixed Biofuels Composition for Diesel Engines
Authors: Сивачев  , Sivachev V. , Маркова  , Markova V. , Марков  , Markov V. , Сивачев  , Sivachev S.
Published: December 2014

The advantages of vegetable oil-based biofuels using in diesel engines have been demonstrated. Methods for determining

of optimal composition for mixed fuels containing petroleum diesel fuel and methyl ester of rapeseed oil have been

proposed. Optimization calculations of such mixed fuel composition for a type 245.12С diesel engine have been carried

out using the proposed methods. It has been shown that a mixture containing 60 % of petroleum diesel fuel and 40 %

of methyl ester of rapeseed oil has the best ecological characteristics among the researched mixed biofuels. Even better

ecological characteristics are reached when such mixture’s ingredients are regulated according to changes of the engine’s

shaft rotation speed and load.
Reconstruction of Function of Particles Distribution by Sizes with Laser Sensing Method Use
Authors: Половченко  , Polovchenko S. , Чартий  , Chartiy Pavel
Published: December 2014

A laser sensing inverse task solution method without using of integral equations has been suggested in this paper and it can

be used for aerosol particles’ sizes and concentration monitoring equipment creation for the real practice of the industrial

production. This method is based on the laser radiation intensity weakening at a limited set of the probing laser radiation

wavelengths. The computer simulation of aerosol flow parameters has been fulfilled and its results showed that during the

regular operation of enterprise’s dust cleaner equipment at the certain point of the technological process the aerosol can

be described by a function of particles distribution by sizes, and this function depends on finite number of parameters. The

particles’ sizes distribution function is described by the logarithmic normal law after a fabric filter as a last step of the dust

cleaner equipment. The laboratory setup realizing the laser sensing at the several laser radiation wavelengths possibilities

simultaneously by the spectral transparency and integral light scattering methods for investigation of studied aerosol

flows’ optical parameters dependence has been created. A complex refractive index of the studied substance has been

investigated. The dependence between the logarithmic normal distribution function parameters and the average volume

- surface diameter values received as a result of the sensing has been revealed. The suggested method of the inverse task

solution can be developed for the dust gas cleaning equipment refusals detection.
Evaluation of Silica Gel Water Capacity for Pneumatic Systems’ Safe Operation Assurance
Authors: Львов  , Lvov V. , Павлихин  , Pavlikhin Gennadiy , Калугина  , Kalugina O.
Published: December 2014

An analysis of main methods for silica gel water capacity determining has been presented. A new method of silica gel water

capacity’s experimental evaluation in pneumatic systems’ operating conditions has been developed. Bases of fundamental

method for constant humidity assurance of compressed air used for silica gel water capacity evaluations have been

revealed. A description of a test bench for this fundamental method practical realization has been presented. A technique

for experimentation with proposed method’s different modifications has been described. Measurement error estimation

has been performed. Experimental results of finely porous silica gel water capacity evaluation in static conditions and in

absorption process’s different parameters while using this method have been presented. These results’ correlation between

similar data obtained by other methods has been carried out. Analyses results’ statistical processing has been carried out

and it has been shown that a packed density of finely porous silica gel can be considered only as the indirect and qualitative

characteristic of its water capacity which isn´t allowing to provide the necessary accuracy of quantitative estimates for

pneumatic systems’ operation safety assurance.
Lasers and Safety. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. Part 3
Authors: Пальцев  , Paltsev Yuriy , Кибовский  , Kibovskiy V. , Рахманов  , Rakhmanov Boris , Девисилов  , Devisilov Vladimir
Published: December 2014

Various aspects of a current state in the field of laser safety in Russia and abroad have been considered. A review of the main

normative documents in the field of laser safety and laser dosimetry has been carried out. The necessity in audit of domestic

system of laser safety for its modernization purpose has been caused first of all by a considerable expansion of laser products’

scopes. Besides, a problem of counteraction by standard and legal way to so-called "laser hooliganism" which is expressed in

unauthorized radiation of aircrafts’ pilots and vehicles’ drivers by laser bunches of powerful laser target indicators called in

use as "laser pointers" is very actual now. Control methods related to safe application of the laser products intended for work

on open spaces aren´t regulated in the existing system of laser safety, as well as there are no objective criteria for assessment

of such products’ laser radiation danger degree to the health of human beings which have got to laser bunches’ distribution

field. Respectively, there are considerable difficulties in justification of these or those legal sanctions application against "laser

hooligans". Due to the beginning of development of Customs Union’s technical regulations on laser production safety it is necessary

to carry out a modernization of existing state standard specifications (GOSTs) in a part of reflection at them a modern level of laser

equipment development and accounting of Russia’s Federal Laws No. 184 and No. 52 requirements. A new system of standards

on laser safety under a general name "SSBT. Lasers and Laser Setups (Systems). Laser Safety" has been offered. It is supposed to

include in this system besides the upgraded GOST SSBT 12.1.040, some more documents in the rank of Russia’s national standards

and rules on metrology. Compliance of design standards to the international and regional (European) standards, and also to

national standards of the USA has been considered. The need of improvement related to methods of state regulation in the laser

safety area has been justified. Overcoming of a situation of a legal collision in the body of law related to laser safety is offered by

development of Customs Union’s laser production safety technical regulations harmonized with the Customs Union’s interstate

sanitary and hygienic legal document ESGT – 2010 and the Russian sanitary standards with simultaneous restriction related to a

standardization area of translated standards on laser safety based on the MEK standards of the IEC 60825 series that have been

put into operation in 2009–2014. The scope of these standards has to be limited only to laser production intended for export.