bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression literacy in women attending university hospital clinics in Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Authors: Siddiqui Amna Rehana , Mahasin Sarah , Alsajjan Roa , Hassounah Marwah , Alhalees Zeinah , AlSaif Norah , Alosaimi Fahad D. , AlQuaiz AlJohara
Published: January 2017

Background:

Depression literacy in general population constitutes an ability to understand depression, with knowledge of disease, its risk factors and symptoms. High levels of depression literacy promote early intervention, potentially reducing related disability.

Aim:

This study investigated the depression literacy in women visitors to clinics of a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

Women of 18 and more years were surveyed during their visit to primary and other healthcare clinics of a public hospital in Riyadh. Knowledge on depression symptoms, causes and management approaches identified depression literate women scoring more than 30 points on a 42-item tool.

Results:

Of the 409 participants, 65.5% were depression literate, 50% educated as college and above, 64.3% married, 50.7% housewives, 62.4% reported use of multiple information sources (range, 0–8) and had a mean age of 34.9 (standard deviation ( SD), 12.4) years. In a logistic regression model, participants scoring less than 30 for depression literacy were significantly associated with women having less than college-level education, divorced marital status and use of decreasing number of learning resources.

Conclusion:

Women with low education divorced; using fewer information sources need specific considerations by healthcare providers for assessment of depressive disorders in this setting.
Secretable Small RNAs via Outer Membrane Vesicles in Periodontal Pathogens
Authors: Choi J.-W. , Kim S.-C. , Hong S.-H. , Lee H.-J.
Published: January 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be major regulators of eukaryotic gene expression. However, bacterial RNAs comparable in size to eukaryotic miRNAs (18–22 nucleotides) have received little attention. Recently, a novel class of small RNAs similar in size to miRNAs (miRNA-size, small RNAs or msRNAs) have also been found in several bacteria. Like miRNAs, msRNAs are approximately 15 to 25 nucleotides in length, and their precursors are predicted to form a hairpin loop secondary structure. Here, we identified msRNAs in the periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola. We examined these msRNAs using a deep sequencing method and characterized dozens of msRNAs through bioinformatic analysis. Highly expressed msRNAs were selected for further validation. The findings suggest that this class of small RNAs is well conserved across the domains of life. Indeed, msRNAs secreted via bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) were detected. The ability of bacterial OMVs to deliver RNAs into eukaryotic cells was also observed. These msRNAs in OMVs allowed us to identify their potential human immune-related target genes. Furthermore, we found that exogenous msRNAs could suppress expression of certain cytokines in Jurkat T cells. We propose msRNAs may function as novel bacterial signaling molecules that mediate bacteria-to-human interactions. Furthermore, this study may provide fresh insight into bacterial pathogenic mechanisms of periodontal diseases.
BMP1 and TLL1 Are Required for Maintaining Periodontal Homeostasis
Authors: Wang J. , Massoudi D. , Ren Y. , Muir A.M. , Harris S.E. , Greenspan D.S. , Feng J.Q.
Published: January 2017

Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) in humans or deletion of BMP1 and related protease tolloid like 1 (TLL1) in mice lead to osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Here, we show progressive periodontal defects in mice in which both BMP1 and TLL1 have been conditionally ablated, including malformed periodontal ligament (PDL) (recently shown to play key roles in normal alveolar bone formation), significant loss in alveolar bone mass ( P < 0.01), and a sharp reduction in cellular cementum. Molecular mechanism studies revealed a dramatic increase in the uncleaved precursor of type I collagen (procollagen I) and a reduction in dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), which is partially responsible for defects in extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and mineralization. We also showed a marked increase in the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP13) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), leading to an acceleration in periodontal breakdown. Finally, we demonstrated that systemic application of antibiotics significantly improved the alveolar bone and PDL damage of the knockdown phenotype, which are thus shown to be partially secondary to pathogen-induced inflammation. Together, identification of the novel roles of BMP1 and TLL1 in maintaining homeostasis of periodontal formation, partly via biosynthetic processing of procollagen I and DMP1, provides novel insights into key contributions of the extracellular matrix environment to periodontal homeostasis and contributes toward understanding of the pathology of periodontitis.
Characterising RDF data sets
Authors: Fernández Javier D , Martínez-Prieto Miguel A , de la Fuente Redondo Pablo , Gutiérrez Claudio
Published: January 2017

The publication of semantic web data, commonly represented in Resource Description Framework (RDF), has experienced outstanding growth over the last few years. Data from all fields of knowledge are shared publicly and interconnected in active initiatives such as Linked Open Data. However, despite the increasing availability of applications managing large-scale RDF information such as RDF stores and reasoning tools, little attention has been given to the structural features emerging in real-world RDF data. Our work addresses this issue by proposing specific metrics to characterise RDF data. We specifically focus on revealing the redundancy of each data set, as well as common structural patterns. We evaluate the proposed metrics on several data sets, which cover a wide range of designs and models. Our findings provide a basis for more efficient RDF data structures, indexes and compressors.
The Psychological Foundations of Supervisor–Subordinate Information Asymmetry
Authors: Kulkarni Subodh , Ramamoorthy Nagarajan
Published: January 2017

Information asymmetry in an employment relationship is much researched in the organization studies literature because of its consequences for employment contracts, compensation, and rent appropriation by the involved parties. However, its psychological antecedents have not been adequately addressed so far. We conceptually investigate the psychological drivers of supervisor–subordinate information asymmetry by primarily invoking social exchange theory. Whereas agency theory examines how information distribution is driven by self-interest seeking, social exchange theory emphasizes how individuals may be motivated to fulfill social obligations and not by exclusive self-interest seeking. This paper advances several propositions regarding the influence of a subordinate’s and supervisor’s psychological variables, such as relational identification, disposition for relational trust, assumed similarity, and the shaping techniques used by a supervisor on information asymmetry. In doing so, it highlights the underlying social exchange (social attraction and reciprocity), and the cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes. The influence of the psychological variables on information asymmetry may be moderated by contextual factors, such as interactional justice climate in teams, agency costs, and the type of employment relationship.
The Feasibility of an Exergaming Program in Underserved Older African Americans
Authors: Chao Ying-Yu , Musanti Rita , Zha Peijia , Katigbak Carina
Published: January 2017

The study tested the feasibility and efficacy of an exergaming program in underserved older African American communities. The study is a single-group with pre- and posttest design. Twelve female participants ( M age = 64.17 ± 6.74 years) completed an exergaming program once or twice a week for 24 sessions over 14 weeks. Community health workers implemented the program through coaching and supporting mechanisms to motivate participants to exercise. A mixed-methods analysis was used to assess the intervention. After the program, participants showed significant improvements in lower body flexibility ( p = .012), and physical health–related quality of life ( p = .005). Four themes were identified related to the self-reported benefits of the exergaming program: (a) improving health, (b) feeling enjoyment, (c) getting connected, and (d) knowing you. The exergaming program provides an easy-to-implement and potentially effective intervention that can be used in community-directed centers to improve health and well-being in the underserved population.
The radicalisation of citizenship deprivation
Authors: Choudhury Tufyal
Published: January 2017

This article addresses the regulation of citizenship in the UK, in particular the recent increased powers of citizenship deprivation against individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism. It examines the genealogy of such a practice and explains the juridical context of its use. It argues that changes in citizenship policies, broadening state power and removing substantive and procedural safeguards, have eroded equal citizenship by creating a hierarchy among British citizens. This radical policy shift has been enacted in the context of counter radicalisation policies that posit commitment to British values as a key weapon in the ‘war on terror’. Muslims are at best ‘Tolerated Citizens’, required to demonstrate their commitment to British values. Muslims holding unacceptable extremist views are ‘Failed Citizens’ while the ‘home-grown’ radicalised terrorist suspect is conceived of as the barbaric Other to British values, whose failure as a citizen is severe enough to justify the deprivation of citizenship.
Influence of Resistance Training Volume and Periodization on Physiological and Performance Adaptations in Collegiate Women Tennis Players
Authors: Kraemer William J. , Ratamess Nicholas , Fry Andrew C. , Triplett-McBride Travis , Koziris L. Perry , Bauer Jeffrey A. , Lynch James M. , Fleck Steven J.
Published: January 2017

Few data exist on the long-term adaptations to heavy resistance training in women. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of volume of resistance exercise on the development of physical performance abilities in competitive, collegiate women tennis players. Twenty-four tennis players were matched for tennis ability and randomly placed into one of three groups: a no resistance exercise control group, a periodized multiple-set resistance training group, or a single-set circuit resistance training group. No significant changes in body mass were observed in any of the groups throughout the entire training period. However, significant increases in fat-free mass and decreases in percent body fat were observed in the periodized training group after 4, 6, and 9 months of training. A significant increase in power output was observed after 9 months of training in the periodized training group only. One-repetition maximum strength for the bench press, free-weight shoulder press, and leg press increased significantly after 4, 6, and 9 months of training in the periodized training group, whereas the single-set circuit group increased only after 4 months of training. Significant increases in serve velocity were observed after 4 and 9 months of training in the periodized training group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the single-set circuit group. These data demonstrate that sport-specific resistance training using a periodized multiple-set training method is superior to low-volume single-set resistance exercise protocols in the development of physical abilities in competitive, collegiate women tennis players.
Quantification of Posterior Capsule Tightness and Motion Loss in Patients with Shoulder Impingement
Authors: Tyler Timothy F. , Nicholas Stephen J. , Roy Timothy , Gleim Gilbert W.
Published: January 2017

The relationship between posterior capsule tightness and dysfunction has long been recognized clinically but has not been biometrically quantified. The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in range of motion and posterior capsule tightness in patients with dominant or nondominant shoulder impingement. Measurements of posterior capsule tightness and external and internal rotation range of motion were made in 31 patients with shoulder impingement and in 33 controls without shoulder abnormality. Patients with impingement in the nondominant arm had increased posterior capsule tightness and decreased internal and external rotation range of motion compared with controls. Patients with impingement in their dominant arm had increased posterior capsule tightness and reduced internal rotation range of motion but no significant loss of external rotation range of motion compared with controls. Posterior capsule tightness in impingement patients showed a significant correlation with loss of internal rotation range of motion. Patients with shoulder impingement in their nondominant arm had a more global loss of range of motion compared with patients having impingement in their dominant arm. We believe we have described a valid clinical measurement for identifying posterior capsule tightness in patients with shoulder impingement.
Interference Screw Fixation Strength of a Quadrupled Hamstring Tendon Graft Is Directly Related to Bone Mineral Density and Insertion Torque
Authors: Brand Jeff C. , Pienkowski David , Steenlage Eric , Hamilton Doris , Johnson Darren L. , Caborn David N. M.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine whether bone mineral density of the host bone, measured using conventional dual photon absorptiometry techniques, and insertion torque can predict part of the ultimate failure strength of interference screw fixation of quadrupled hamstring tendon grafts. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were harvested from 10 human cadaveric knees, mean age 66.5 years (range, 53 to 81). The bone tunnel was sized within 0.5 mm of the graft. The graft was fixed with a biodegradable screw (7 25 mm for the femur, and 9 25 mm for the tibia) directly against the tendon and at the joint surfaces. Tibial fixation and femoral fixation were tested to failure using a materials testing system. Bone mineral density was measured in the metaphyseal region of the tibia and femur. The results of multiple regression analyses showed that both insertion torque and bone mineral density were related to the maximum load the graft withstood. These two variables explained 77.1% of the maximum load observed. We concluded that bone mineral density measurements of the host bone site are an important determinant of postoperative graft strength and thus have an important, but previously unrecognized, clinical role in establishing individual postsurgery rehabilitation protocols. Insertion torque in this study was a useful predictor of graft fixation strength.
Clinical dose–response for a broad set of biological products: A model-based meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Joseph , Banerjee Anindita , Jin Bo , Menon Sandeep M , Martin Steven W , Heatherington Anne C
Published: January 2017

Characterizing clinical dose–response is a critical step in drug development. Uncertainty in the dose–response model when planning a dose-ranging study can often undermine efficiency in both the design and analysis of the trial. Results of a previous meta-analysis on a portfolio of small molecule compounds from a large pharmaceutical company demonstrated a consistent dose–response relationship that was well described by the maximal effect model. Biologics are different from small molecules due to their large molecular sizes and their potential to induce immunogenicity. A model-based meta-analysis was conducted on the clinical efficacy of 71 distinct biologics evaluated in 91 placebo-controlled dose–response studies published between 1995 and 2014. The maximal effect model, arising from receptor occupancy theory, described the clinical dose–response data for the majority of the biologics (81.7%, n = 58). Five biologics (7%) with data showing non-monotonic trend assuming the maximal effect model were identified and discussed. A Bayesian model-based hierarchical approach using different joint specifications of prior densities for the maximal effect model parameters was used to meta-analyze the whole set of biologics excluding these five biologics ( n = 66). Posterior predictive distributions of the maximal effect model parameters were reported and they could be used to aid the design of future dose-ranging studies. Compared to the meta-analysis of small molecules, the combination of fewer doses, narrower dosing ranges, and small sample sizes further limited the information available to estimate clinical dose–response among biologics.
Promoting Security in Africa through Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Union’s African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA)
Authors: Arthur Peter
Published: January 2017

The last two decades have seen African countries adopt a new security approach through the activities of regional economic communities (RECs) and the African Union’s (AU) African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). This article argues that despite progress in conflict prevention and the promotion of peace, defence and security through the APSA and RECs, challenges do remain. In particular, factors such as financial costs involved, the inadequate funds available for peace and security missions, conflicting interests and lack of agreement, poor co- ordination and inadequate human and logistics capacity have constrained the ability of African countries to achieve their peace and security agenda. Thus, for peace and security efforts being undertaken by the AU and RECs to be effective, the actors involved should have not only the requisite capacity but also political will and commitment, and cooperation among members and with the international community should remain crucial to the process.
Pathologic and molecular characterization of histomoniasis in peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
Authors: Clarke Lorelei L. , Beckstead Robert B. , Hayes Jeffrey R. , Rissi Daniel R.
Published: January 2017

Histomonas meleagridis is a flagellate protozoan organism that can cause severe necrotizing typhlitis and hepatitis in gallinaceous birds. Peafowl ( Pavo spp.) have been shown to be susceptible to histomoniasis in experimental settings, but there are few reports of natural histomoniasis in this species. A retrospective study of the archived cases at 2 veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States yielded 5 cases of peafowl with gross and histologic findings characteristic of histomoniasis. Lesions included bilateral, transmural fibrinonecrotic typhlitis and multifocal necrotizing hepatitis with associated trophozoites morphologically consistent with H. meleagridis. There was no evidence of Heterakis gallinarum infestation in the studied cases. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver and ceca from all 5 cases and was analyzed using multiple sets of primers with subsequent sequencing and genotyping. Four samples were positive for H. meleagridis, and 1 sample was positive for both H. meleagridis and Tetratrichomonas gallinarum. These results confirm that peafowl develop clinical disease similar to that described previously in other gallinaceous birds infected by H. meleagridis. The role of T. gallinarum remains unknown and further research is necessary to elucidate its role, if any, in the pathogenesis of the observed lesions.
A review of rotary actuators based on shape memory alloys
Authors: Yuan Han , Fauroux Jean–Christophe , Chapelle Frédéric , Balandraud Xavier
Published: January 2017

The development of rotary actuators is an important aspect of the engineering applications of shape memory alloys. This article reviews about a hundred references on this topic, and presents around eighty actuators driven by shape memory alloys. A classification is made according to the type of rotation (continuous or non-continuous, single or reversible direction). Different factors are then discussed, such as the characteristics of the shape memory alloy elements, the heating and cooling system for the shape memory alloy, the control of the actuator, and the output torque and stroke which can be attained. This article provides the first review focused on rotary actuators triggered by shape memory alloys, highlighting the specificities and potentialities of such actuators for new applications in the future.
Electro-magnetic effects on nonlocal dynamic behavior of embedded piezoelectric nanoscale beams
Authors: Ebrahimi Farzad , Barati Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2017

This article investigates vibration behavior of magneto-electro-elastic functionally graded nanobeams embedded in two-parameter elastic foundation using a third-order parabolic shear deformation beam theory. Material properties of magneto-electro-elastic functionally graded nanobeam are supposed to be variable throughout the thickness based on power-law model. Based on Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory which captures the small size effects and using Hamilton’s principle, the nonlocal governing equations of motions are derived and then solved analytically. Then, the influences of elastic foundation, magnetic potential, external electric voltage, nonlocal parameter, power-law index, and slenderness ratio on the frequencies of the embedded magneto-electro-elastic functionally graded nanobeams are studied.
How Consistent Is Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Across Occasions, Sources, and Settings? Evidence From Latent State–Trait Modeling
Authors: Preszler Jonathan , Burns G. Leonard , Litson Kaylee , Geiser Christian , Servera Mateu , Becker Stephen P.
Published: January 2017

Research has yet to determine how much of the variance in sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) symptom ratings is consistent across occasions, sources, and settings versus specific to occasion, source, and setting. Our first objective was to determine the amount of variance in SCT ratings that was consistent ( trait consistency) across three occasions of measurement over 12 months versus specific to the occasion ( occasion-specificity) with ratings by mothers, fathers, primary teachers, and secondary teachers of 811 Spanish children. Our second objective was then to determine the convergent validity for trait consistency and occasion-specificity variance components within and across settings. SCT ratings reflected mostly trait consistency for mothers, fathers, and primary teachers (less so for secondary teachers) with the convergent validity for trait consistency also being strong for mothers with fathers and for primary teachers with secondary teachers. Across home and school, however, convergent validity for trait consistency was low and even lower for occasion-specificity. SCT appears to be more trait-like rather than state-like, with similar levels of trait consistency across occasions and convergent validity within settings as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in a prior study. However, SCT symptoms had slightly weaker convergent validity for trait consistency across settings relative to ADHD symptoms.
“Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves”: Examining Representations of Roma Culture in 70 Years of American Television
Authors: Schneeweis Adina , Foss Katherine A.
Published: January 2017

Most Americans know little about the “Gypsies,” or Roma, other than what they learn in the media. Although research shows that media have perpetuated stereotypes, there is thin anthological attention to the representation of Gypsies in American media. This study examines portrayals of Gypsies in fictional and reality television programs 1953-2014, and reveals that American television has reinforced stereotypes, suggesting that Gypsies are consistently different, a closed ethnic community resistant to change. More recent representations convey that Gypsies may be misunderstood due to their cultural history, yet this considerably less visible depiction emerges as a mere nod toward tolerance.
Accelerating NWChem Coupled Cluster through dataflow-based execution
Authors: Jagode Heike , Danalis Anthony , Dongarra Jack
Published: January 2017

Numerical techniques used for describing many-body systems, such as the Coupled Cluster methods (CC) of the quantum chemistry package NWChem, are of extreme interest to the computational chemistry community in fields such as catalytic reactions, solar energy, and bio-mass conversion. In spite of their importance, many of these computationally intensive algorithms have traditionally been thought of in a fairly linear fashion, or are parallelized in coarse chunks. In this paper, we present our effort of converting the NWChem’s CC code into a dataflow-based form that is capable of utilizing the task scheduling system PaRSEC (Parallel Runtime Scheduling and Execution Controller): a software package designed to enable high-performance computing at scale. We discuss the modularity of our approach and explain how the PaRSEC-enabled dataflow version of the subroutines seamlessly integrate into the NWChem codebase. Furthermore, we argue how the CC algorithms can be easily decomposed into finer-grained tasks (compared with the original version of NWChem); and how data distribution and load balancing are decoupled and can be tuned independently. We demonstrate performance acceleration by more than a factor of two in the execution of the entire CC component of NWChem, concluding that the utilization of dataflow-based execution for CC methods enables more efficient and scalable computation.
Impact of connected vehicle guidance information on network-wide average travel time
Authors: Wang Jiangfeng , Lv Jiarun , Zhang Qian , Yan Xuedong
Published: January 2017

With the emergence of connected vehicle technologies, the potential positive impact of connected vehicle guidance on mobility has become a research hotspot by data exchange among vehicles, infrastructure, and mobile devices. This study is focused on micro-modeling and quantitatively evaluating the impact of connected vehicle guidance on network-wide travel time by introducing various affecting factors. To evaluate the benefits of connected vehicle guidance, a simulation architecture based on one engine is proposed representing the connected vehicle–enabled virtual world, and connected vehicle route guidance scenario is established through the development of communication agent and intelligent transportation systems agents using connected vehicle application programming interface considering the communication properties, such as path loss and transmission power. The impact of connected vehicle guidance on network-wide travel time is analyzed by comparing with non-connected vehicle guidance in response to different market penetration rate, following rate, and congestion level. The simulation results explore that average network-wide travel time in connected vehicle guidance shows a significant reduction versus that in non–connected vehicle guidance. Average network-wide travel time in connected vehicle guidance have an increase of 42.23% comparing to that in non-connected vehicle guidance, and average travel time variability (represented by the coefficient of variance) increases as the travel time increases. Other vital findings include that higher penetration rate and following rate generate bigger savings of average network-wide travel time. The savings of average network-wide travel time increase from 17% to 38% according to different congestion levels, and savings of average travel time in more serious congestion have a more obvious improvement for the same penetration rate or following rate.
Design of a novel cloud-based metalworking supplier matching system
Authors: Chen Shang-Liang , Dinh Hoai-Nam , Fang Sheng-Jhih , Chen Yun-Yao , Li I-Ching
Published: January 2017

Traditionally, machine equipment manufacturers match new metalworking suppliers through yellow pages and websites, which is inefficient and not timely for supplier information transfer. In this article, a cloud-based supplier matching system is proposed to offer machine equipment manufacturers an efficient way to match suitable metalworking suppliers. A cloud architecture to enhance utilization of servers and simplified device management is designed. Two cloud services are designed in this system, including order-bidding service and order-cooperation service. A comparison result shows that the system can provide a flexible matching system for both metalworking suppliers and machine equipment manufacturers.
Specifications and applications of the technical code for monitoring of building and bridge structures in China
Authors: Yang Y , Li QS , Yan BW
Published: January 2017

Recently, the exclusive compulsory technical code (GB 50982-2014) for structural health monitoring of buildings and bridges in China has been developed and implemented. This code covers the majority of the field monitoring methods and stipulates the corresponding technical parameters for monitoring of high-rise structures, large-span spatial structures, bridges and base-isolated structures. This article first presents the comprehensive review and linear comparison of existing structural health monitoring codes and standards. Subsequently, the progress of the codification of GB 50982-2014 is imparted and its main features and specifications are summarized. Finally, in accordance with GB50982-2014, several representative structural health monitoring practical applications of large-scale infrastructures in China are exemplified to illustrate how this national code can bridge the gap between theory and practical applications of structural health monitoring. This technical code is an important milestone in the application of well-established structural health monitoring techniques into the realistic and complex engineering projects. Also, it can provide abundant and authoritative information for practitioners and researchers involving the structural health monitoring techniques.
Analysis and control of a parallel lower limb based on pneumatic artificial muscles
Authors: Jiang Feilong , Tao Guoliang , Li Qingwei
Published: January 2017

Most robots that are actuated by antagonistic pneumatic artificial muscles are controlled by various control algorithms that cannot adequately imitate the actual muscle distribution of human limbs. Other robots in which the distribution of pneumatic artificial muscle is similar to that of human limbs can only analyze the position of the robot using perceptual data instead of rational knowledge. In order to better imitate the movement of a human limb, the article proposes a humanoid lower limb in the form of a parallel mechanism where muscle is unevenly distributed. Next, the kinematic and dynamic movements of bionic hip joint are analyzed, where the joint movement is controlled by an observer-based fuzzy adaptive control algorithm as a whole rather than each individual pneumatic artificial muscle and parameters that are optimized by a neural network. Finally, experimental results are provided to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also document the role of muscle in trajectory tracking for the piriformis and musculi obturator internus in isobaric processes.
Design and implementation of the fuel supply for the high-temperature combustion system
Authors: Cai Chaozhi , Ma Qiang , Wu Di , Fan Leyao , Wu Bingsheng
Published: January 2017

This article describes the configuration and working principle of the high-temperature combustion system; according to the control requirements which have a wide range and high precision for fuel flow-rate of the high-temperature combustion system, a set of fuel supply system is designed based on the frequency conversion hydraulic technology and electro-hydraulic proportional technique. An automatic control system with the function of field and remote control is carried out to achieve the precise supply of the fuel. The transfer function which describes the dynamic characteristic of the fuel supply system is given and the dynamic matrix control algorithm is employed to realize the high-quality control of fuel flow-rate. The experimental results show that the response time of flow-rate is about 12 s, almost no overshoot, and control accuracy within 1%. Therefore, the designed fuel supply system can meet the requirements of the high-temperature combustion system, and the designed control system has good control performance.
Investigation on laser welding of Ti-6Al-4V plates in corner joint
Authors: Caiazzo Fabrizia , Alfieri Vittorio , Astarita Antonello , Squillace Antonino , Barbieri Giuseppe
Published: January 2017

The article deals with laser beam welding of Ti-6Al-4V plates for aerospace applications. A number of trials are conducted to weld 3-mm-thick plates in corner joint configuration; a specific device for clamping and shielding to prevent oxidation is used. Autogenous welding is investigated, the joint being accessed from the outside, as a butt-welded corner joint. Referring to international standards, the results are first discussed in terms of geometry of the welding bead in the cross-section since titanium alloys are reported to be notch sensitive. Moreover, microstructure and microhardness are investigated. An optimum processing condition is suggested in order to perform laser beam welding with minimal undercut and porosity.
Resolution of Q Fever–Associated Cryoglobulinemia With Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
Authors: Hawkins Kellie L. , Janoff Edward N. , Janson Robert W.
Published: January 2017

Immunologic phenomena can complicate chronic infections with Coxiella burnetii (Q fever), including immune complex deposition causing vasculitis, neuropathy, and glomerulonephritis. We describe the case of a man with Q fever endocarditis, mixed cryoglobulinemia, and life-threatening vasculitis driven by immune complex deposition who was successfully treated with B cell depleting therapy (rituximab).
Foods shown on television in China
Authors: Li Shiying , Ye Jialu , Blades Mark , Oates Caroline
Published: January 2017

This study investigates advertising aimed at children and the food environment in children’s programs broadcast on the China Central Television network. The study documented how foods were shown in television advertisements and editorial content. Findings show that children were exposed to a large number of unhealthy food advertisements. In addition, the advertising appeals used in the television advertisements were similar to those used in Western countries. As part of the socialization process, the television advertisements may have a negative influence on children’s health in China.
A homozygousFITM2mutation causes a deafness-dystonia syndrome with motor regression and signs of ichthyosis and sensory neuropathy
Authors: Seco Celia Zazo , Castells-Nobau Anna , Joo Seol-hee , Schraders Margit , Foo Jia Nee , van der Voet Monique , Velan S. Sendhil , Nijhof Bonnie , Oostrik Jaap , de Vrieze Erik , Katana Radoslaw , Mansoor Atika , Huynen Martijn , Szklarczyk Radek , Oti Martin , Tranebjærg Lisbeth , van Wijk Erwin , Scheffer-de Gooyert Jolanda M. , Siddique Saadat , Baets Jonathan , de Jonghe Peter , Kazmi Syed Ali Raza , Sadananthan Suresh Anand , van de Warrenburg Bart P. , Khor Chiea Chuen , Göpfert Martin C. , Qamar Raheel , Schenck Annette , Kremer Hannie , Siddiqi Saima
Published: January 2017

A consanguineous family from Pakistan was ascertained with a novel deafness-dystonia syndrome with motor regression, ichthyosis-like features and signs of sensory neuropathy. By applying a combined strategy of linkage analysis and whole-exome sequencing in the presented family, a homozygous nonsense mutation, c.4G>T (p.Glu2*), in FITM2 was identified. FITM2 and its paralog FITM1 constitute an evolutionary conserved protein family involved in partitioning of triglycerides into cellular lipid droplets. Despite the role of FITM2 in neutral lipid storage and metabolism, no indications for lipodystrophy were observed in the affected individuals. In order to obtain independent evidence for the involvement of FITM2 in the human pathology, downregulation of the single Fitm ortholog, CG10671, in Drosophila melanogaster was pursued using RNA-interference. Characteristics of the syndrome, including progressive locomotor impairment, hearing loss and disturbed sensory functions, were recapitulated in Drosophila, which supports the causative nature of the FITM2 mutation. Mutation-based genetic counseling can now be provided to the family and insight is obtained in the potential impact of genetic variation in FITM2.
Pathogen Sequence Signature Analysis (PSSA): A software tool for analyzing sequences to identify microorganism genotypes
Authors: Salvatierra Karina , Florez Hector
Published: January 2017

Introduction

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus vectored by Aedes mosquitoes that infects humans in tropical and sub-tropical areas of Asia and Africa. Recently, outbreaks have been reported in tropical and sub-tropical areas of countries that were previously unaffected (e.g., Brazil, Colombia). Currently, the following geographical genotypes have been identified through phylogenetic analysis of CHIKV E1 gene sequences: the West African (WAf), East/Central/South African (ECSA), and Asian genotypes. Outbreaks in a geographical area can happen with the same or different genotypes. Determining which genotypes are circulating in an outbreak is important for public health management.

Objectives

To create a computer-based system available online that is suitable for detecting changes in CHIKV nucleotide and amino acid sequences and identifying their corresponding geographical genotype.

Methods

We used several computer frameworks, tools, programming languages, algorithms, and infrastructure systems to build a software tool that analyzes changes in nucleotide and amino acid sequences and identifies different geographical genotypes through phylogenetic analysis.

Results

We have built an online software tool called Pathogen Sequence Signature Analysis (PSSA) that allows researchers to analyze nucleotide and amino acid sequence variations between sample CHIKV sequences taken from infected patients and obtained through conventional Sanger sequencing, to identify their corresponding geographical genotype.

Conclusion

PSSA is able to analyze sequences in a simple and effective manner, and includes proper documentation (i.e., UML diagrams) and also basic examples that serve to test the algorithm. Furthermore, PSSA provides various ways to visualize the data in order to aid understanding and interpretation of results.

Results provided by PSSA will be useful for the identification of circulating CHIKV genotypes and public health surveillance. PSSA is available at: http://pssa.itiud.org.
Optimizing postoperative handover to the intensive care unit at a tertiary centre
Authors: Kumar Shankar , McKean Andrew R , Ramwell Andrew , Johnston Carolyn , Leaver Susannah
Published: January 2017

Background:

Comprehensive handover of patients transferred from operating theatre to the intensive care unit is crucial in ensuring ongoing quality and safety of care. Handover in this setting poses unique challenges, yet few studies have considered or tested approaches to improve the process. A quality improvement project was undertaken to assess and improve the quality of information transfer during the handover of postoperative patients to the general intensive care unit at a tertiary centre.

Methods:

This quality improvement project considered all postoperative patients aged 18 years and over, using the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) approach, over a 3-month period in 2015. Baseline audit encompassing intraoperative details (allergies, grade of intubation, estimated blood loss, difficulties and complications) and the postoperative plan (analgesia, thromboprophylaxis, antibiotics and their proposed duration and nutrition) was undertaken to define the extent of the clinical problem. Changes were implemented over two cycles, centred around a novel checklist, and the transfer of information was re-audited after each cycle.

Results:

Baseline audit (n=30) revealed a need for improvement across all domains. In PDSA cycle 1, a novel checklist was introduced which led to global improvement across all areas with performance exceeding 70% in all but three out of nine domains (n=33). Engaging key stakeholders (PDSA cycle 2) resulted in overall improvement from baseline but decreased performance in just under half of domains in comparison to PDSA cycle 1 (n=31).

Conclusions:

Successful implementation of a series of simple interventions resulted in more effective handover of postoperative patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Sustained long-term improvement is a major challenge and can only be achieved with the global engagement of all staff and incorporation of changes into routine clinical practice.
Real men: Representations of masculinity in Iranian cinema
Authors: Gow Christopher
Published: January 2017

The article examines different representations of masculinity in Iranian cinema, using Shahin Gerami’s essay ‘Mullahs, martyrs, and men: Conceptualizing masculinity in the Islamic Republic of Iran’ as the basis for its analysis. The article looks at examples of post-revolutionary Iranian cinema – in particular Rakhshan Bani-Etemad’s Nargess (1992) and Kamal Tabrizi’s The Lizard (2002) – featuring male characters that can be considered in light of the masculine archetypes that Gerami identifies. This analysis is prefaced by a brief consideration of representations of masculinity in post-revolutionary Iranian cinema, in particular Masud Kimiai’s Dash Akol (1971) as an example of the luti or ‘tough guy’ genre. By considering these different representations of masculinity, the article aims to address the gender imbalance in recent studies of Iranian cinema, most of which focus predominantly or indeed exclusively on the representation of women, as well as challenge stereotypes of Iranian and/or Middle Eastern masculinity more generally.
A Self that hides in Others: The cosmopolitan vision of Abbas Kiarostami
Authors: Khatami Nojang
Published: January 2017

Given his immense influence on cinema in his homeland, much has been said about Abbas Kiarostami as a quintessentially Iranian director and artist. Yet his most recent films – Shirin (2008), Certified Copy (2010) and Like Someone in Love (2012) – offer interesting terrain for exploring how he deals with love and empathy beyond borders. This article examines these recent films to argue that Kiarostami’s growing cosmopolitan vision encompasses one way of going beyond the notion of the gaze as a mode of objectification and domination. Relying heavily on the power of the image, his is an aesthetic that invites care and empowerment, transcending violence and objectification by teaching the audience to look in new ways.
Performing Lampedusa in Miraculi: Thoughts on theatre and research in a saturated field-site
Authors: Zagaria Valentina
Published: January 2017

In the summer of 2011 I carried out ethnographic research on the island of Lampedusa on the ways in which those who lose their lives on their journeys to Europe are buried and cared for by Lampedusans. In September 2013 I returned to the island with seven theatre makers from the devised theatre school Jacques Lecoq to carry out a month of collaborative fieldwork research. The main idea of the project was to employ anthropological methods, observation and immersion in people’s daily routines to develop a performance about life on this frontier island. By focusing on people’s memories and on understanding what the everyday involves at the edges of Europe, we wished to address bigger questions of belonging and responsibility. Our group fieldwork developed into a theatre show, Miraculi. This article explores the different stages of the project and examines the ethical questions and methods, both theatrical and anthropological, employed along the way, in the hope of contributing to thinking through the significance of artistic projects and collaborative research in over-mediatized and saturated field-sites.
Tales of Journeys
Authors: Mohamad Ali Zakaria , Yimer Dagmawi , Aman Mahamed , Ghermandi Gabriella
Published: January 2017

Extract from an unpublished travel diary

(translated from Italian by Valentina Zagaria)

Names and bodies: Tales from across the sea

Return to Lampedusa

(translated from Italian by Rose Campbell)

Melkam Amlak

(translated from Italian by Rose Campbell)
Glamour labour in the Age of Kardashian
Authors: Wissinger Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

Viewed through the lens of the Kardashians as glamour labourers, this article examines the Kardashian phenomenon as it unfurls in a changing labour market, where glamour is becoming a common aspiration, no longer the domain of a privileged few. My analysis reveals how Kim Kardashian exemplifies the process by which the fashionably cool’s ever-morphing ideal seduces publics into chasing it, pulling publics into a highstakes game in which few realize exactly what they are losing. I argue that practices of no-holds-barred sharing and giving up privacy online are normalized, and presented as the ticket to achieving glamour, visibility and social acceptance.
How do we talk about fashion in Italy? The big players and independent publishers from 2000 to today: Transformations and orientations
Authors: Martina Marta
Published: January 2017

The article wants to shine a light on new orientations in contemporary fashion media in order to begin to understand the new playing field for the journalistic system from the point of view of the publishing economy. In the face of a global redefinition of the language, which has changed thanks to the entry into the press and publishing market of new subjectivity and communication platforms, the media shifts lead fashion journalism and publishing increasingly towards hybridization with contemporary audio-visual languages. The examples we will set out concern publishing projects that are being reconfigured as multimedia systems that hybridize the language of cinema, television, advertising, video games and interactive platforms. This article will begin by analysing how fashion, commerce and consumption have changed, acknowledging the transformation and evolution of the concept of Made in Italy since the mid-1990s to today and will focus on large and small players, independent publishing, praiseworthy online-only projects and the recent Italian experimentation of shoppable magazines, sponsored platforms and the return of house organs, which lead large and small publishers and brands to increasingly define themselves as media companies.
Sancaklar Mosque: Displacing the Familiar
Authors: Gür Berin F.
Published: January 2017

Studying contemporary mosque architecture necessitates dealing concurrently with both the past and the present. Burdens of the past cause a crisis at a point when architects attempt to design prayer spaces that avoid historicist references while attending to the religion’s liturgical requirements. This crisis indicates the moment at which architects are forced to become critical of what is preceding, and thus creates a challenging situation in the evolution of mosque architecture. This article takes the Sancaklar Mosque, designed by Emre Arolat Architecture (EAA), as its main object of research in order to assess this challenge. The Sancaklar Mosque presents a significant attempt to free mosque design from the prevailing formal practices observed in the majority of current mosques, by rejecting any clear reference to the historical mosque type and the use of any conventional mosque elements. However, I argue that while Sancaklar Mosque displays a clear break with the past, it is not ahistorical. The mosque suggests both a suspension of discussions on mosque architecture reduced to formal significations and historical prototypes, but also a different way of dealing with the past, which is, in this article, conceptualized as ‘defamiliarization’. The Sancaklar Mosque provides a significant example for a project in which familiar codified formal elements are displaced as a particular response to the challenge that architects face when designing religious buildings.