bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Dimensional Far Field Source Locating Method with Nonprior Velocity
Authors: Chen Qing , Liu Xiaowen , Li Juanjuan , Wang Manyi , Liu Peng
Published: April 2016

Relative position of seismic source and sensors has great influence on locating accuracy, particularly in far field conditions, and the accuracy will decrease seriously due to limited calculation precision and prior velocity error. In order to improve the locating accuracy of far field sources by isometric placed sensors in a straight line, a new locating method with nonprior velocity is proposed. After exhaustive research, this paper states that the hyperbola which is used for locating will be very close to its asymptote when seismic source locates in far field of sensors; therefore, the locating problem with prior velocity is equivalent to solving linear equations and the problem with nonprior velocity is equivalent to a nonlinear optimization problem with respect to the unknown velocity. And then, this paper proposed a new locating method based on a one-variable objective function with respect to the unknown velocity. Numerical experiments show that the proposed method has faster convergence speed, higher accuracy, and better stability.
Dynamic Interaction between Machine, Tool, and Substrate in Bobbin Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Sued Mohammad K. , Pons Dirk J.
Published: April 2016

The bobbin friction stir welding (BFSW) process has benefits for welding aluminium alloy 6082-T6 in the boat-building industry. However this alloy is difficult to weld in the thin state. There are a large number of process variables and covert situational factors that affect weld quality. This paper investigates how tool holder and machine-type affect BFSW weld quality of 4 mm Al6082-T6. The variables were tool features (three types), machine-controller type (two types), and tool holder (fixed versus floating). Fourier analysis was performed on motor spindle current to determine the frequency response of the machine. An interaction was found between the computer numerical control (CNC), the degrees of freedom of the tool holder, and the substrate (workpiece). The conventional idea that the welding tool has a semisteady interaction with the substrate is not supported. Instead the interaction is highly dynamic, and this materially affects the weld quality. Specific vibrational interactions are associated with poor welding. The CNC machine-type also emerges as a neglected variable that needs to be given attention in the selection of process parameters. Although compliance in the tool holder might seem useful, it is shown to have negative consequences as it introduces tool positioning problems.
A Review on the Quality of Colonoscopy Reporting
Authors: Sharma Robyn S. , Rossos Peter G.
Published: April 2016

Colonoscopy reports are important communication tools for providers and patients with potential to serve as information sources for research, quality, performance, and resource management. Despite decades of work, studies continue to indicate that colonoscopy reports are often incomplete. Although electronic medical records (EMRs) and databases can address this problem, costs, workflow, and interoperability (difficulty exchanging information between systems) continue to limit adoption and implementation of endoscopy EMRs in Canada and elsewhere. Quality and reporting guidelines alone have proven to be insufficient. In this review we have derived and applied five key themes to challenges in the current state of colonoscopy reporting and propose strategies to address them.
Effect of Solvents on the Ultrasonic Velocity and Acoustic Parameters of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Solutions
Authors: Kulkarni S. S. , Khadke U. V.
Published: April 2016

Ultrasonic studies provide a wealth of information in understanding the molecular behavior and intermolecular interaction of polymer solvent mixtures. Attempts were made to measure ultrasonic velocity, density, and viscosity for the mixture of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) in acetone and dimethylformamide (DMF) of various stoichiometric ratios at 300 K using crystal controlled ultrasonic interferometer (Mittal make), pyknometer (specific gravity bottle), and Ostwald viscometer, respectively. The acoustic parameters adiabatic compressibility (β), intermolecular free path length (Lf), acoustic impedance (Z), relative association (RA), ultrasonic attenuation (α/f2), and relaxation time (τ) have been estimated using experimental data with well-known techniques. The variation of these acoustic parameters is explained in terms of solute-solvent molecular interaction in a polymer solution.
An Unusual Presentation of B-Cell Lymphoma as a Large Isolated Epiglottic Mass: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Changxing , Delaney Sean , Brown Tamara N.
Published: April 2016

Extranodal presentation of B-cell lymphoma is uncommon. Isolated primary epiglottic B-cell lymphoma is even rarer. To our knowledge, there has been only one description of isolated B-cell lymphoma presenting as a large epiglottic mass. We report an unusual type of B-cell lymphoma of the epiglottis, as it could not be subtyped based on routine staining and hybridization. The lymphoma presented as a large isolated globular mass pedicled to the epiglottis, occupying most of the oropharynx, but did not have any ball-valving effect or increased respiratory efforts. Initial radiographic findings were nonspecific. The diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma was determined by transoral incisional biopsy under local anesthesia. The condition was treated successfully with chemoradiation. The current standard of treatment for high grade B-cell lymphoma is concurrent chemoradiotherapy, with excellent prognosis. Although rare, B-cell lymphoma should be considered when investigating pedunculated hypopharyngeal masses.
Detection of Fetal Sex, Aneuploidy and a Microdeletion from Single Placental Syncytial Nuclear Aggregates
Authors: Holland Olivia , Kroneis Thomas , El-Heliebi Amin , McDowell-Hook Maria , Stone Peter , Sedlmayr Peter , Chamley Lawrence
Published: April 2016

Objectives: A key problem in prenatal screening using extra-embryonic cells is the feasibility of extracting usable DNA from a small number of cells. Syncytial nuclear aggregates (SNAs) are multinucleated structures shed from the placenta. This study assesses the potential of SNAs as a source of fetal DNA for the detection of genetic abnormalities. Methods: SNAs were collected in vitro. Whole-genome amplification was used to amplify DNA from single SNAs, and DNA quality and quantity was assessed by spectrophotometry and PCR. Confocal microscopy was used to count nuclei within SNAs, determine metabolic activity and investigate DNA damage. Fetal sex and chromosomal/genetic abnormalities were investigated with array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Results: DNA was amplified from 81% of the individual SNAs. A mean of 61 ± 43 nuclei were found per SNA. DNA strand breaks were found in 76% of the SNAs. Seventy-five percent of SNAs yielded whole-genome-amplified DNA of sufficient quality for aCGH after storage and shipping. Individual SNAs from the same pregnancy reliably gave the same chromosomal profile, and fetal sex and trisomies could be detected. A microdeletion was detected in one pregnancy. Conclusion: SNAs could provide a source of extra-embryonic DNA for the prenatal screening/diagnosis of fetal sex and chromosomal and sub-chromosomal genetic abnormalities.
Cytogenetic Behavior of Trigeneric Hybrid Progeny Involving Wheat, Rye and Psathyrostachys huashanica
Authors: Kang Hou-Yang , Huang Juan , Zhu Wei , Li Dai-Yan , Diao Cheng-Dou , Tang Lin , Wang Yi , Xu Li-Li , Zeng Jian , Fan Xing , Sha Li-Na , Zhang Hai-Qin , Zheng You-Liang , Zhou Yong-Hong
Published: April 2016

Trigeneric hybrids are commonly used as bridges to transfer genes from some wild species to cultivated wheat and to measure the genomic interaction between donor species. We previously reported that trigeneric germplasms were produced by crossing wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica amphiploids (PHW-SA, 2n = 8x = 56, AABBDDNsNs) with hexaploid triticale (Zhongsi 828, 2n = 6x = 42, AABBRR). In the present study, chromosome pairing behavior and the genome constitution of the F4 progenies of wheat-rye-P. huashanica trigeneric hybrids were studied. Cytological analysis showed that the chromosome number of F4 progenies ranged from 39 to 46, and 57.5% of them had 42 chromosomes. The mean meiotic configuration of F4 lines was 1.71 univalents, 20.26 bivalents, 0.04 trivalents, and 0.001 quadrivalents per pollen mother cell. Among the lines with 2n = 42, the average pairing configuration was 1.21 univalents, 16.22 ring bivalents, 4.16 rod bivalents, and 0.01 trivalents. This result indicated that these lines were cytologically stable. Other lines with 2n = 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, and 46, bearing a high number of univalents or multivalents, showed abnormal meiotic behavior. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) revealed that all F4 lines had 11-14 rye chromosomes, but no P. huashanica chromosomes. The complete set of 14 rye chromosomes was found in 19 lines. At meiosis, GISH detected 1-6 univalents with hybridization signals of rye in 13 lines. Bivalents with fluorescence signals were identified in each line, ranging from 3 to 7. A quadrivalent with hybridization signals was observed in only 1 line, K13-714-8. Lagging chromosomes, chromosome bridges, micronuclei, and chromosome fragments hybridizing with the probe were not discovered in any of the lines. These results inferred that the behavior of rye chromosomes was normal during meiosis. In addition, 21 lines of 2n = 42 (91.3%) with 12 or 14 rye chromosomes, always contained 6 or 7 bivalents bearing fluorescence signals. This suggested that the rye chromosomes exhibiting complete pairing in these lines were cytologically stable during meiosis and may therefore be considered as new hexaploid triticales. Thus, these lines might be potential materials for further hexaploid triticale improvement.
A Novel Homozygous SLC2A9 Mutation Associated with Renal-Induced Hypouricemia
Authors: Windpessl Martin , Ritelli Marco , Wallner Manfred , Colombi Marina
Published: April 2016

Background: Hereditary renal hypouricemia (RHUC) is a genetically heterogenous disorder characterized by defective uric acid (UA) reabsorption resulting in hypouricemia and increased fractional excretion of UA; acute kidney injury (AKI) and nephrolithiasis are recognized complications. Type 1 (RHUC1) is caused by mutations in the SLC22A12 gene, whereas RHUC2 is caused by mutations in the SLC2A9 gene. Patient ethnicity is diverse but only few Caucasian families with an SLC2A9 mutation have been reported. Methods: The current report describes the clinical history, biochemical and molecular genetics findings of a native Austrian family with RHUC2. The propositus presented with 2 episodes of exercise-induced AKI and exhibited profound hypouricemia. Mutational screening of the SLC22A12 and SLC2A9 genes was performed. Results: The molecular analyses revealed the homozygous c.512G>A transition that leads to the p.Arg171His missense substitution in SLC2A9, confirming the diagnosis of RHUC2. Segregation study of the causal mutation revealed that the mother and elder sister were heterozygous carriers, whereas the younger sister was found to be homozygous. Conclusion: We report the identification of a novel mutation in SLC2A9 as the cause of RHUC2 in a native Austrian family. We show that glucose transporter 9 mutations cause severe hypouricemia in homozygous individuals and confirm the high risk of AKI in male individuals harbouring these mutations. In our literature review, we provide an overview of the putative underlying pathophysiology, potential renal complications, findings on kidney biopsy as well as potential long-time renal sequelae.
Morfologia da raiz de plantas com sementes
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ), Almeida Marcílio de , Almeida Cristina Vieira de ,   Empresa InVitroPalm Consultoria, Estudo e Desenvolvimento Biológico Ltda.
Published: April 2016

O estudo da Morfologia Vegetal abrange a descrição das formas e estruturas dos órgãos constituintes das plantas, oferecendo subsídios para melhor compreender as estratégias adaptativas das mais variadas espécies e seus diferentes habitats.
Atenção primária, promoção saúde e o Sistema Único de Saúde: um diálogo necessário
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem, Pereira Iara Cristina , Oliveira Maria Amélia de Campos ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem
Published: April 2016

Este livro foi organizado com a finalidade de apoiar a reflexão sobre as práticas de saúde no SUS. O capítulo 1 revisita a historicidade dos conceitos de causalidade do adoecimento, apresentando as teorias explicativas sobre os fenômenos de saúde e doença, até a contribuição da teoria da determinação social do processo saúde-­doença para a Saúde Coletiva. O capítulo 2 apresenta o contexto histórico em que é formulado o ideário da promoção da saúde e sua operacionalização em diversos sistemas de saúde. O capítulo 3 enfoca as políticas e o sistema de saúde, considerando a evolução político-­social e econômica da sociedade brasileira. Finalmente, na conclusão, são feitas algumas considerações com relação à Estratégia Saúde da Família, proposta de reorganização do modelo assistencial brasileiro para a implementação da atenção primária em saúde (APS).
Status of Asiatic Golden Cat Catopuma temminckii Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 (Carnivora: Felidae) in Bhutan
Authors: Dhendup Tashi
Published: April 2016

The Asiatic Golden Cat is a Near Threatened wild cat species as listed by the IUCN. Being a lesser studied species, there is a general paucity of data and hence, global assessment of its true status has been very difficult. In Bhutan, available information on this species is mainly from biodiversity surveys on big mammals such as Tiger and Snow Leopard. A modest attempt has been made to review all available literature on Asiatic Golden Cat in Bhutan and abroad to describe the current status of the species in the country and the need for further studies.
Grading System and Student Effort
Authors: Paredes Valentina
Published: April 2016

Several papers have proposed that the grading system affects students’ incentives to exert effort. In particular, the previous literature has compared student effort under relative and absolute grading systems, but the results are mixed and the implications of the models have not been empirically tested. In this paper, I build a model where students maximize their utility by choosing effort. I investigate how student effort changes when there is a change in the grading system from absolute grading to relative grading. I use a unique dataset from college students in Chile who faced a change in the grading system to test the implications of my model. My model predicts that, for low levels of uncertainty, low-ability students exert less effort with absolute grading, and high-ability students exert more effort with absolute grading. The data confirm that there is a change in the distribution of effort.
Single Women and the Transition to Marriage in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo
Authors: Nakano Lynne
Published: April 2016

This paper considers the transition to adulthood in East Asia by exploring the experiences of single women between the ages of 25 and 45 years in the cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. The paper argues that single women encounter difficulties negotiating marriage in the three cities due to problems in marriage markets, expectations of fertility upon marriage, and conflicts between educational and employment opportunities and marital roles. It also finds that in the three cities, women articulated two models of marriage, namely, a gender duty model based on expectations of gendered role fulfilment and a companionate model. The paper suggests that the specific configuration of marriage models differs in the three cities due to differences in the historical and social backgrounds of the cities and the larger national and regional contexts.
The Possibilities to Claim Damages on Behalf of the Environment under the Italian Legal System
Authors: Fasoli Elena
Published: April 2016

Under the Italian legal system the actions in order to claim compensation for the damages caused to the environment rest essentially in the hands of the Ministry of the Environment. However, a tendency has been noticed for the environmental associations to claim damages from liable operators before the national courts. Through these actions, though, the associations cannot claim damages on behalf of the environment but only the reparation of their own rights. This article puts forwards some suggestions in order to grant the associations a more prominent role when taking action for the protection of the environment.
Smaltini v. Italy: A Missed Opportunity to Sanction Ilva’s Polluting Activity Within the echr System
Authors: Ferraris Luchino
Published: April 2016

In the case of Smaltini v. Italy (application no. 43961/09, [2015]) – which originated from the alleged dramatic environmental impact of the Ilva steel factory in Taranto – the Court declared the application inadmissible due to the lack of an established causal link between the resultant pollution and damage effected. This decision – representing the most recent contribution from the ecthr to the development of an environmental dimension within the echr system – leaves, however, an open door for future applications against Ilva, in the event of more persuasive evidence and/or new scientific developments being able to prove the link between pollution and damage.

This paper will therefore firstly evaluate the decision of Smaltini v. Italy, assessing to what extent this judgment constitutes the predictable outcome of an established jurisprudence. Secondly, it will speculate on the alternative, promising outcomes that the case could have had if the proof of a causal link had been fulfilled, in the light of existing ecthr case-law on environmental matters – especially as regards the application of the principle jura novit curia.
Two new Bent-toed Geckos of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex from Peninsular Malaysia and multiple instances of convergent adaptation to limestone forest ecosystems
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , WOOD, JR PERRY L. , ANUAR SHAHRUL , GRISMER MARTA S. , QUAH EVAN S. H. , MURDOCH MATTHEW L. , MUIN MOHD ABDUL , DAVIS HAYDEN R. , AGUILAR CÉSAR , KLABACKA RANDY , COBOS ANTHONY J. , AOWPHOL ANCHALEE , SITES, JR JACK W.
Published: April 2016

A new species of limestone cave-adapted gecko of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus complex, C. hidupselamanya sp. nov., is described from an isolated karst formation at Felda Chiku 7, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. This formation is scheduled to be completely quarried for its mineral content. From what we know about the life history of C. hidupselamanya sp. nov., this will result in its extinction. A new limestone forest-adapted species, C. lenggongensis sp. nov., from the Lenggong Valley, Perak was previously considered to be conspecific with C. bintangrendah but a re-evaluation of morphological, color pattern, molecular, and habitat preference indicates that it too is a unique lineage worthy of specific recognition. Fortunately C. lenggongensis sp. nov. is not facing extinction because its habitat is protected by the UNESCO Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley due to the archaeological significance of that region. Both new species can be distinguished from all other species of Cyrtodactylus based on molecular evidence from the mitochondrial gene ND2 and its flanking tRNAs as well as having unique combinations of morphological and color pattern characteristics. Using a time-calibrated BEAST analysis we inferred that the evolution of a limestone habitat preference and its apparently attendant morphological and color pattern adaptations evolved independently at least four times in the C. pulchellus complex between 26.1 and 0.78 mya.
Review of the genus Hypobarathra Hampson, 1905 (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Hadeninae) with description of a new species
Authors: SALDAITIS AIDAS , BENEDEK BALÁZS , BEHOUNEK GOTTFRIED
Published: April 2016

The present study was initiated upon finding an unknown Hypobarathra species during a collecting expedition to the higher regions of western Sichuan Province in China in 2015. The genus previously contained only two Palaearctic species with remarkably different external appearance and distribution pattern. Interestingly, all three species of Hypobarathra are adapted to completely different eco zones and habitats, which are discussed under each species. According to Hacker et al. (2002), the closest relatives of the genus are Melanchra Hübner, [1820] 1816 and Odontestra Hampson, 1905. This statement should be corrected, since Hypobarathra is forming a common clade with Melanchra, Ceramica Guenée, 1852 and Ebertidia Boursin, 1968, while Odontestra representing another lineage within the tribus Hadeninae.
Is Multiple Realizability a Valid Argument against Methodological Individualism?
Authors: Mitrović Branko
Published: April 2016

In recent decades, a number of authors have relied on the multiple realizability argument to reject methodological individualism. In this article, I argue that this strategy results in serious difficulties and makes it impossible to identify social entities and phenomena.
Perceptions of Negative Workplace Gossip: A Self-Consistency Theory Framework
Authors: Wu Long-Zeng , Birtch Thomas A. , Chiang Flora F. T. , Zhang Haina
Published: April 2016

We present and test a self-consistency theory framework for gossip: that perceived negative workplace gossip influences our self-perceptions and, in turn, this influences our behaviors. Using supervisor-subordinate dyadic time-lagged data (n = 403), we demonstrated that perceived negative workplace gossip adversely influenced target employees’ organization-based self-esteem, which, in turn, influenced their citizenship behavior directed at the organization and at its members. Moreover, by integrating victimization theory into our framework, we further demonstrated that negative affectivity, an individual’s dispositional tendency, not only moderated the self-consistency process but also predicted perceived negative workplace gossip. Our study therefore shifts attention to the target of negative workplace gossip and in doing so offers a promising new direction for future research. Implications to theory and practice are discussed.
Loving Ebola-chan: Internet memes in an epidemic
Authors: Marcus Olivia Rose , Singer Merrill
Published: April 2016

In this article, the authors provide a layered analysis of Ebola-chan, a visual cultural artifact of the 2014–2015 Ebola outbreak. Rather than considering her as a two-dimensional anime character (i.e. as a simple iconic coping mechanism and/or a fear response), this recent Internet meme is analyzed using an integrated semiotic and structural approach that involves discussion of the genesis of disaster humor in light of the changing world of the Internet, the history of anthropomorphism of disease, and the biosocial nature of an infectious disease epidemic. Our analysis is designed to advance both the anthropology of the Internet and the anthropology of infectious disease. As a multi-vocal symbol with different meanings for different audiences, Ebola-chan represents a social response to a lethal epidemic in the digital age.
Quality of Life in Children with Hearing Impairment
Authors: Roland Lauren , Fischer Caroline , Tran Kayla , Rachakonda Tara , Kallogjeri Dorina , Lieu Judith E. C.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To determine the impact of pediatric hearing loss (HL) on quality of life (QOL).

Data Sources

A qualified medical librarian conducted a literature search for relevant publications that evaluate QOL in school‐aged children with HL.

Review Methods

Studies were assessed independently by 2 reviewers for inclusion in the systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Results

From 979 abstracts, 69 were identified as relevant; ultimately, 40 articles were included in the systematic review. This review revealed that children with HL generally report a lower QOL than their normal‐hearing peers and that QOL improves after interventions. The extent of these differences is variable among studies and depends on the QOL measure. Four studies using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) had sufficient data for inclusion in a meta‐analysis. After studies were pooled, statistically and clinically significant differences in PedsQL scores were found between children with normal hearing and those with HL, specifically in the social and school domains. Statistically significant differences were also noted in total scores for children with unilateral HL and in the physical domain for children with bilateral HL as compared with those having normal hearing; however, these differences were not clinically meaningful.

Conclusions

Our analysis reveals that decreased QOL in children with HL is detected in distinct domains of the PedsQL. These domains—school activities and social interactions—are especially important for development and learning. Future work should focus on these aspects of QOL when assessing HL in the pediatric population.
Optimization of alginate purification using polyvinylidene difluoride membrane filtration: Effects on immunogenicity and biocompatibility of three-dimensional alginate scaffolds
Authors: Sondermeijer Hugo P , Witkowski Piotr , Woodland David , Seki Tetsunori , Aangenendt Frank J , van der Laarse Arnoud , Itescu Silviu , Hardy Mark A
Published: April 2016

Sodium alginate is an effective biomaterial for tissue engineering applications. Non-purified alginate is contaminated with protein, lipopolysaccharide, DNA, and RNA, which could elicit adverse immunological reactions. We developed a purification protocol to generate biocompatible alginate based on (a) activated charcoal treatment, (b) use of hydrophobic membrane filtration (we used hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride membranes to remove organic contaminants), (c) dialysis, and finally (d) ethanol precipitation. Using this approach, we could omit pre-treatment with chloroform and significantly reduce the quantities of reagents used. Purification resulted in reduction of residual protein by 70% down to 0.315 mg/g, DNA by 62% down to 1.28 µg/g, and RNA by 61% down to less than 10 µg/g, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide levels were reduced by >90% to less than 125 EU/g. Purified alginate did not induce splenocyte proliferation in vitro. Three-dimensional scaffolds generated from purified alginate did not elicit a significant foreign body reaction, fibrotic overgrowth, or macrophage infiltration 4 weeks after implantation. This study describes a simplified and economical alginate purification method that results in alginate purity, which meets clinically useful criteria.
The Mediator Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Impulsive Symptoms in Female Survivors of CSA
Authors: Estévez Ana , Ozerinjauregi Nagore , Herrero-Fernández David , Jauregui Paula
Published: April 2016

Child abuse is a traumatic experience that may have psychological consequences such as dysfunctional beliefs. The aim of this study was to analyze the impulsive behaviors (alcohol abuse, gambling, drug abuse, eating disorders, Internet abuse, videogame abuse, shopping and sex addiction) in sexual abuse survivors and to study the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas in the appearance of impulsive behaviors in adult female victims. The sample consisted of 182 adult women who had suffered childhood sexual abuse (CSA), mostly referred by associations for the treatment of childhood abuse and maltreatment. Sexual abuse was found to be positively related to the domains of Disconnection/Rejection and Impaired Autonomy. Moreover, these domains were significantly related to impulsivity and impulsive behaviors. Finally, the Disconnection/Rejection domain was found to mediate between CSA and eating disorders and alcohol abuse. These results may provide important guidance for clinical intervention.
Quantification of the void content of composite materials using soft X-ray transmittance
Authors: Hayashi Takahiro , Kobayashi Takayuki , Takahashi Jun
Published: April 2016

Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) have high potential in high-cycle (1 min) molding as a weight-reducing material for the mass production of automobile components. However, residual voids in CFRTPs lead to diminished and unstable mechanical properties; therefore, the effective quantification of the void content in CFRTP products is necessary for developing an affordable system for mass production. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the X-ray attenuation coefficient decreases with increasing void content; thus, measurements of X-ray attenuation coefficients can be used to estimate the void contents of CFRTPs. In this study, we first investigated in detail the soft X-ray attenuation coefficients of completely impregnated composite materials with three different thicknesses; we observed that the attenuation coefficients decreased with increasing composite thickness, even though they should be independent of the thickness according to the Beer–Lambert law. We next demonstrated that although no correlation exists between the X-ray transmittance and the apparent attenuation coefficient of six composites with various void contents, the true attenuation coefficient modified to account for void content exhibits a good linear relationship with the X-ray transmittance, same as fully impregnated composites. Using the approximation line between the X-ray transmittance and the modified attenuation coefficient of CFRTP, we estimated the void content on the basis of the difference between the apparent and true X-ray attenuation coefficients. The average difference in void content determined by conventional hydrostatic weighing and that determined by the proposed X-ray transmittance method was 0.43%. We therefore concluded that the void content of CFRTPs of any thickness can be estimated nondestructively using soft X-rays.
Employee satisfaction and use of flexible working arrangements
Authors: Wheatley Daniel
Published: April 2016

This article considers the impact of flexible working arrangements (FWAs), using the British Household Panel Survey and Understanding Society, 2001–10/11. Results of panel logit, ANCOVA and change-score analysis are indicative of positive impacts from use of a number of FWAs, including homeworking having positive effects for men and women on job and leisure satisfaction. However, findings reveal gaps in availability and use of FWAs, and highlight the gendered nature of flexible employment. Flexi-time, the most common FWA among men, has positive effects as it facilitates management of household responsibilities while maintaining full-time employment. Part-time and homeworking are also positive, consistent with men using FWAs with a greater degree of choice. Women more often are constrained in their use of FWAs, often into working reduced hours. Consequently, FWAs have negative impacts for some women, on job (part-time when used for extended periods, flexi-time), leisure (job-share, flexi-time) and life satisfaction (job-share).
A modal approach for coupled fluid structure computations of wing flutter
Authors: Zhong Jize , Xu Zili
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a modal approach for the fast calculation of flow mesh deformation around a wing is developed based on the elastic solid method of dynamic mesh. The flow mesh domain is assumed to be a pseudo elastic solid. The displacement of the wing and the pseudo elastic solid is continuous at the fluid structure interface. Considering the condition of displacement continuity, the governing equation for the vibration of the wing with the pseudo elastic solid together is derived. The frequencies and mode shapes of the wing and the pseudo elastic solid are computed. Then the nodal displacements for the wing and the flow mesh are computed using modal superposition. The flutter boundary of the AGARD Wing 445.6 is predicted using the present modal approach by considering the first four modes of the wing. The calculated results compare well with the experimental data. The computing time is reduced by 54.8% compared with the pre-existing elastic solid method.
In science communication, why does the idea of a public deficit always return?
Authors: Meyer Gitte
Published: April 2016

For centuries, science communication has been widely perceived, irrespective of context, as a didactic enterprise. That understanding does not accommodate a political category of science communication, featuring citizens on an equal footing – some of them scientists – who share responsibility for public affairs and represent different points of view and ways of reasoning. That may harm, at the same time and for the same reasons, democratic knowledge societies as political entities and science as a body of knowledge and rational methodology. Scientists are discursively excluded from the public. The public is perceived in terms of knowledge deficiency. The latter perception has survived decades of critique, accompanied by attempts, along an everyman-as-scientist logic, to include all citizens in the scientific endeavour. But why should all be scientists? With respect to practical-political issues – as distinct from technical-scientific ones – the acknowledgement of the citizenship of scientists seems more relevant. Only, this would challenge the widespread understanding of science as an all-purpose problem solver and the consequent ideas of politics.
CMX-2043 Efficacy in a Rat Model of Cardiac Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Baguisi Alexander , Casale Ralph A. , Kates Steven A. , Lader Alan S. , Stewart Kenneth , Beeuwkes Reinier
Published: April 2016

α-Lipoic acid (LA) has been shown to offer protection against ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) in multiple organ systems. N-[(R)-1,2-dithiolane-3-pentanoyl]-L-glutamyl-L-alanine (CMX-2043), a novel analogue of LA, was studied as part of a preclinical development program intended to identify safe and efficacious drug candidates for prevention or reduction in myocardial IRI. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of CMX-2043 in an animal model of myocardial IRI and to establish effective dosing conditions. CMX-2043 or placebo was administered at different doses, routes, and times in male Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to 30-minute left coronary artery ligation. Fluorescent microsphere injection defined the area at risk (AR). Animals were euthanized 24 hours after reperfusion, and the hearts were excised, sectioned, and stained with triphenyltetrazolium. Cytoprotective effectiveness was determined by comparing the unstained myocardial infarction zone (MI) to the ischemic AR. The reduction in the MI–AR ratio was used as the primary measure of drug efficacy relative to placebo injections. Treatment with CMX-2043 reduced myocardial IRI as measured by the MI–AR ratio and the incidence of arrhythmia. The compound was effective when administered by injection, both before and during the ischemic injury and at reperfusion. The most efficacious dose was that administered 15 minutes prior to the ischemic event and resulted in a 36% ( P < .001) reduction in MI–AR ratio compared to vehicle control.
How are social capital and sense of coherence associated with hazardous alcohol use? Findings from a large population-based Swedish sample of adults
Authors: Larm Peter , Åslund Cecilia , Starrin Bengt , Nilsson K.W.
Published: April 2016

Aims: This study examined whether social capital and a sense of coherence are associated with hazardous alcohol use in a large population-based Swedish sample. In particular, the objectives were (a) to examine which of five subdimensions of social capital is associated with hazardous alcohol use, (b) to investigate the moderating role of sense of coherence and (c) to examine possible sex differences. Methods: A postal survey was distributed to a sample of respondents (aged 18–84 years) from five Swedish counties that was stratified by sex, age and city; 40,674 (59.2%) participants responded, of which 45.5% were men and 54.5% were women with a mean±SD age of 53.8±17.9 years. Results: Structural dimensions of social capital were associated with an increased probability of hazardous alcohol use among both men and women, whereas the increased probability associated with cognitive dimensions occurred mostly among women. Sense of coherence was robustly associated with a decreased probability of hazardous alcohol use among both men and women. There were few moderating effects of sense of coherence and sex differences emerged mainly for the cognitive dimension of social capital. Conclusions: Associations between social capital dimensions and hazardous alcohol use were partly sex-specific, whereas the benefits of a sense of coherence accrued to both sexes. Social capital dimensions and sense of coherence were generally unrelated to each other. Only associations between the cognitive dimensions of social capital and hazardous alcohol use differed by sex.
Alcohol consumption among patients with diabetes: a survey-based cross-sectional study of Danish adults with diabetes
Authors: Jakobsen Mathilde L. , Larsen Julie R. , Glümer Charlotte , Juel Knud , Ekholm Ola , Vilsbøll Tina , Becker Ulrik , Fink-Jensen Anders
Published: April 2016

Aims: To estimate alcohol consumption among Danish adults with diabetes and to investigate whether certain comorbidities are related to a high alcohol intake. Methods: A total of 162,283 participants responded to the Danish National Health Survey 2013 (questionnaire study, response rate 54.0%). Variables on the participants were extracted from the survey and 6.5% of respondents reported having diabetes. High alcohol consumption was defined as >21 (men) or >14 (women) standard drinks per week. Results: High alcohol consumption was reported by 11.2 % of men and 4.3% of women with diabetes. In the women, this was fewer than among women without diabetes (odds ratio (OR) 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56–0.77, p<0.0001). Patients with diabetes had lower ORs for binge drinking (men OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97, p=0.0039; women OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70–0.89, p<0.0001) and lower ORs for having a problematic alcohol intake (men OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.75–0.86, p<0.0001; women OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.49–0.64, p<0.0001) compared with participants without diabetes. A larger proportion of participants with diabetes had not consumed alcohol within the last year (men 13.5%; women 28.2%) compared with participants without diabetes (men 6.0%; women 11.2%). Men with diabetes and a high consumption of alcohol had significantly lower ORs for myocardial infarction (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.40–0.76, p =0.0003) and stroke (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49–1.00, p=0.0498). Conclusions: This study suggests that Danish patients with diabetes are less prone to exhibit addictive behaviour and many abstain from alcohol. Fewer women with diabetes than without diabetes have an excessive drinking pattern. High alcohol consumption in men with diabetes correlates to a lower occurrence of cardiovascular events.
Police officers’ attitudes toward diversity issues
Authors: Coon Julie Kiernan
Published: April 2016

Policing in a multicultural society presents particular challenges both to officers and community residents. This study addresses police officers’ perceptions of multicultural skills, values, and training needed to serve diverse communities better. Of particular interest is whether police supervisors and non-supervisors differ in their attitudes toward multicultural skills, multicultural values, and receptiveness toward diversity training. Results of a web-based survey from over 500 police officers in Rhode Island suggest perceptions of multicultural skills, multicultural values, and training varied by supervisory status and years of experience.
Active-sensing platform for structural health monitoring: Development and deployment
Authors: Taylor Stuart G , Raby Eric Y , Farinholt Kevin M , Park Gyuhae , Todd Michael D
Published: April 2016

Embedded sensing for structural health monitoring is a rapidly expanding field, propelled by algorithmic advances in structural health monitoring and the ever-shrinking size and cost of electronic hardware necessary for its implementation. Although commercial systems are available to perform the relevant tasks, they are usually bulky and/or expensive because of their high degree of general utility to a wider range of applications. As a result, multiple separate devices may be required in order to obtain the same results that could be obtained with a structural health monitoring–specific device. This work presents the development and deployment of a versatile, Wireless Active-Sensing Platform, designed for the particular needs of embedded sensing for multi-scale structural health monitoring. The Wireless Active-Sensing Platform combines a conventional data acquisition ability to record voltage output (e.g. from strain or acceleration transducers) with ultrasonic guided wave-based active-sensing, and a seamlessly integrated impedance measurement mode, enabling impedance-based structural health monitoring and piezoelectric sensor diagnostics to reduce the potential for false positives in damage identification. The motivation, capabilities, and hardware design for the Wireless Active-Sensing Platform are reviewed, and three deployment examples are presented, each demonstrating an important aspect of embedded sensing for structural health monitoring.
Original Research: Polyphenols extracted from grape powder induce lipogenesis and glucose uptake during differentiation of murine preadipocytes
Authors: Torabi Sheida , DiMarco Nancy M
Published: April 2016

Assessing the effects of grapes and grape powder extracted polyphenols on lipogenesis and glucose uptake in adipocytes may clarify the risk/benefit of recommending them to individuals with obesity and insulin resistance. We investigated the effect of grape powder extracted polyphenols (GPEP) on intracellular fat accumulation and glucose uptake during differentiation of 3T3-F442A preadipocytes. Total polyphenols were extracted and measured based on gallic acid equivalents (GAE). There were 2167 mg of GAE polyphenols in 100 g of grape powder. 3T3-F442A cells were incubated with GPEP, extracted from 125–500 µg GP/mL of media, until day 8 of differentiation when the cells were collected for different assays. AdipoRed™ assay and Oil Red O staining showed that GPEP induced, in a dose-dependent manner, an increase in intracellular triacylglycerol (TAG) content of adipocytes. Concomitantly, grape powder extracted polyphenols increased, in a dose-dependent manner, glucose uptake by 3T3-F442A cells, and there was a strong positive correlation between glucose uptake and the amount of TAG accumulation (r = 0.826, n = 24, P ≤ 0.001). No changes in cell viability was measured by Trypan Blue staining, suggesting that these effects were independent of cytotoxicity. Western-blot showed that GPEP upregulated protein level of glucose transport protein 4 (GLUT4), p-PKB/Akt, and p-AMPK in 3T3-F442A adipocytes. LY294002 (10 µmol/L), a phosphatidyl-inositol 3 kinase inhibitor (PI3K), reversed the effects of grape powder extracted polyphenols on cellular lipid content and glucose uptake. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that GPEP increased mRNA expression of GLUT4, fatty acid synthase, lipoprotein lipase, adiponectin, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, while it decreased mRNA expression of leptin and Insig-1. Our results indicate that GPEP may induce adipocyte differentiation via upregulation of GLUT4, PI3K and adipogenic genes. Future research may be directed toward obese individuals with insulin resistance or individuals with diabetes.
Novel Risk Score Model for Prediction of Survival Following Elective Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Mousa Albeir Y. , Bozzay Joseph , Broce Mike , Yacoub Michael , Stone Patrick A. , Najundappa Aravinda , Bates Mark C. , AbuRahma Ali F.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to identify significant predictors of long-term mortality after elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods:

We included all cases with elective EVAR based on a national data set from the Society for Vascular Surgery Patient Safety Organization. Clinical and anatomic variables were analyzed with a Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression model to determine predictors of mortality and develop a score equation to categorize patients into low, medium, and high long-term mortality risk.

Results:

A total of 5678 patients with EVAR were included with an average age of 73.6 ± 8.2 years. The majority were male (81.6%) with a history of smoking (86.1%). There were 3 deaths within 30 days (0.1%). Several factors were associated with poor survival: unstable angina (hazard ratio [HR], 2.8; P = .008), dialysis (HR, 3.7; P < .001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 (HR, 1.7; P = .044), eGFR 30 to 59 (HR, 1.4; P = .002), age >80 (HR, 3.2; P < .001), age 75 to 79 (HR, 2.2; P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on oxygen (HR, 3.3; P < .001), aortic diameter >5.8 cm (HR, 1.2; P = .043), and high risk for surgery (HR, 1.4; P = .043). Preoperative aspirin use and body mass index 25 to 35 were both found to be protective (HR, 0.78; P = .017 and HR, 0.8; P = .024, respectively). With our scoring model, 5- and 10-year survival rates for patients with low, medium, and high risk were 89.2%, 80.7%, and 64.1% and 77.2%, 60.1%, and 40.1%, respectively ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Ten-year survival following EVAR in patients with a high-risk score utilizing the model provided was 40.1%. Patients with multiple comorbidities at risk for decreased long-term survival can be identified with our model, which is more applicable for high-volume contemporary institutions.
Methodology, Meditation, and Mindfulness
Authors: Singh Sikh Balveer , Spence Deb
Published: April 2016

Understanding the nondualistic nature of mindfulness is a complex and challenging task particularly when most clinical psychology draws from Western methodologies and methods. In this article, we argue that the integration of philosophical hermeneutics with Eastern philosophy and practices may provide a methodology and methods to research mindfulness practice. Mindfulness hermeneutics brings together the nondualistically aligned Western philosophies of Heidegger and Gadamer and selected Eastern philosophies and practices in an effort to bridge the gap between these differing worldviews. Based on the following: (1) fusion of horizons, (2) being in a hermeneutic circle, (3) understanding as intrinsic to awareness, and (4) the ongoing practice of meditation, a mindfulness hermeneutic approach was used to illuminate deeper understandings of mindfulness practice in ways that are congruent with its underpinning philosophies.
A struggle for trustworthiness: Local officials’ discursive behaviour in press conferences handling Tianjin blasts in China
Authors: Wang Xueyu
Published: April 2016

This article explores the discursive behaviour of Chinese local officials in press conferences handling the recent 2015 crisis of Tianjin blasts. Drawing upon the previous analyses on relations of trust and discourse, and on the crucial aspects of trustworthiness, it examines how the officials struggled for trustworthiness discursively, and how their ‘doing’ trustworthiness varied in two phases of crisis communication. The analysis reveals markedly different approaches to the officials’ ‘doing’ trustworthiness in two phases. In the ‘unsatisfactory’ phase, the officials mainly constructed the aspect of expertise, with few expressions conveying integrity and none conveying care; while in the ‘well-handled’ phase, the officials constructed all three aspects. In addition, their discursive strategies of constructing expertise changed from extensively using ‘techs’ to combining ‘techs’ and vernacular language, and those of constructing integrity changed from not saying ‘what lacks evidence’ to providing information with adequate evidence. Effects of different aspects and discursive strategies on trust are also discussed.