bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No home for the “ordinary gamut”: A historical archaeology of community displacement and the creation of Detroit, City Beautiful
Authors: Ryzewski Krysta
Published: September 2015

Michigan Central Station and Roosevelt Park were constructed between 1908 and 1918 as part of Detroit’s City Beautiful Movement. The construction process was a place-making effort designed to implant order on the urban landscape that involved the displacement of a community who represented everything that city planners sought to erase from Detroit’s city center: overcrowding, poverty, immigrants, and transient populations. Current historical archaeological research reveals how the existing ornamental landscape of Roosevelt Park masks the history of a forgotten working-class neighborhood. This synthesis of archival and material evidence details the conditions of life within the neighborhood and of a contentious, decade-long displacement struggle rooted in the inequalities of early-20th-century industrial capitalism. Positioned at the start of a century of controversial urban planning initiatives, the Roosevelt Park case study encourages understandings of displacement as a process that has diachronic and comparative dimensions, both in Detroit and in other urban settings.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Morphological Awareness Intervention
Authors: Brimo Danielle
Published: September 2015

Researchers have established that morphological awareness is an important skill because it contributes unique variance to word-level reading and reading comprehension; however, few studies include students with reading disorders. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate whether training morphological awareness would improve morphological awareness skills of students with reading disorders. Ten students were administered four morphological awareness tasks pre and post treatment. Treatment focused on increasing students’ awareness of affixes through oral and written activities. Results revealed a significant group difference on one of the morphological awareness tasks ( d = 2.58). Because this was an underpowered pilot study, effect sizes were calculated for all morphological awareness tasks and ranged from 0.28 to 2.58. Although not significant, the effect sizes across tasks offer promise to support a fully powered intervention study. Specific student diagnostic assessment information was included because interventions may have differential effects depending on the students’ strengths and weaknesses.
The Elevator Effect
Authors: Smith Jacob F. H. , Weinberg Neil
Published: September 2015

This article examines the extent to which advertising outside of an explicit campaign environment has the potential to benefit the electoral fortunes of incumbent politicians. We make use of a novel case of non-campaign advertising, that of North Carolina Secretary of Labor Cherie Berry (R-NC), who has initiated the practice of having her picture and name displayed prominently on official inspection placards inside all North Carolina elevators. We extend Mayhew’s theory of advertising to a non-campaign environment and then theorize that Berry serves as a novel case of non-campaign-specific advertising via a priming mechanism. We then test our theory using spatial regression methods and find that Berry outperformed other statewide Republican candidates in the 2012 North Carolina elections. Our findings suggest that candidates can use this form of advertising to indirectly improve their electoral fortunes.
Perspectives About Health Care Provision in Dementia Care in Spain
Authors: Risco Ester , Cabrera Esther , Farré Marta , Alvira Carme , Miguel Susana , Zabalegui Adelaida
Published: September 2015

Background:

The aim of this study is to identify the barriers and facilitators in dementia care with respect to information provision, communication, and collaboration from the perspectives of the person with dementia, family caregivers, and health care professionals over the course of the illness.

Methods:

A qualitative study using Focus-Group methodology was carried out in people with dementia, family caregivers, and health care providers.

Results:

The categories that emerged from the analysis were insufficient information provided, specific dementia care needs, and acceptance of long-term care institutionalization from the people with dementia and caregivers’ groups and insufficient communication between health care providers, differential information according to disease stage, and home care coordination from the health care providers’ groups.

Conclusion:

The family is a key element in successful care coordination during dementia care provision. New effective strategies including self-management and emergent roles, such as case managers, could bring great benefits to people with dementia, caregivers, and health care providers.
The Effect of Coaching on a Faith Community Volunteer’s Use of Effective Teaching Behaviors
Authors: Baggerman Melanie A. , Ault Melinda Jones , Collins Belva C. , Spriggs Amy D. , Slocum Victoria
Published: September 2015

An important part of quality of life for people with moderate and severe disabilities (MSDs) is being involved in extracurricular and community activities. However, volunteers, who may not have experience with including people with MSDs, lead most community activities. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of teacher coaching on a volunteer church school teacher’s use of effective teaching behaviors (opportunities to respond, behavior-specific praise, and opportunities to participate) in educating a child with MSD. The investigators used a multiple-baseline-across-behaviors design to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching. The results showed a functional relation between coaching and an increase in the number of teaching behaviors used by the volunteer.
Diabetes Risk Assessment of the UC Irvine Campus Population
Authors: Granillo Lauren , Goh Kristen R. , Cuevas Adriana , Khader Thamir , Khalid Umair , Vidal Michael , Aragon Lauren , Bartell Scott , Bic Zuzana
Published: September 2015

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), historically affecting primarily older individuals, now affects younger people. Few studies have analyzed diabetes risk factors among younger individuals, including college students. We investigated risk in that overlooked population. A 2-part diabetes risk assessment survey was administered to University of California Irvine (UCI) students, faculty, and staff for 2 months. Part I, including 26 questions, assessed participants’ nutrition, physical activity, and stress management behaviors. Part II assessed risk according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) Risk Assessment’s 8 demographic and lifestyle questions producing a risk score. Scores and behavioral factors analyzed risk on individual and community levels. Recruitment included emails and flyers promoting the UCI Electronic Educational Environment survey link. According to the ADA Risk Assessment scores of the 915 respondents, only 4% are at high risk of developing T2D. Although these scores indicate a small population at risk, our survey revealed a high prevalence of individuals practicing multiple unhealthy lifestyle behaviors associated with diabetes. These multiple behaviors may lead to high percentages of college students developing T2D, despite current low ADA risk status. We conclude the ADA Risk Assessment is geared toward an older demographic and may reflect short-term risk rather than longer-term risks.
Design and experimental research of an improved stick–slip type piezo-driven linear actuator
Authors: Li Jianping , Zhao Hongwei , Shao Mingkun , Zhou Xiaoqin , Fan Zunqiang
Published: September 2015

A piezo-driven linear actuator based on the improved stick–slip principle is developed in this article. With the help of two piezo-stacks and flexure hinges, the preload force can be changed, so the designed actuator can realize relatively large linear ranges and large output force. The designed actuator mainly consists of the mover, the stator, two piezo-stacks, an adjusting stage and the base. The working principle and theoretical analysis are described. A prototype actuator was fabricated and a series of experiments were carried out to investigate the work characteristics of it. Experimental results indicate that the maximum speed is about 3.086 mm/s and the maximum output force is 0.98 N. They are both improved compared with the traditional stick–slip motion. Experimental results confirm that the proposed actuator can realize large output force relatively and different motion speeds with high accuracy under different driving voltages and frequencies.
Virtual design software for mechanical system dynamics using transfer matrix method of multibody system and its application
Authors: Yang Hai-gen , Rui Xiao-ting , Zhan Zhi-huan , Zhang Jian-su , Gu Jun-jie , He Bin
Published: September 2015

The complex mechanical systems such as high-speed trains, multiple launch rocket system, self-propelled artillery, and industrial robots are becoming increasingly larger in scale and more complicated in structure. Designing these products often requires complex model design, multibody system dynamics calculation, and analysis of large amounts of data repeatedly. In recent 20 years, the transfer matrix method of multibody system has been widely applied in engineering fields and welcomed at home and in abroad for the following features: without global dynamic equations of the system, low orders of involved system matrices, high computational efficiency, and high programming. In order to realize the rapid and visual simulation for complex mechanical system virtual design using transfer matrix method of multibody system, a virtual design software named MSTMMSim is designed and implemented. In the MSTMMSim, the transfer matrix method of multibody system is used as the solver for dynamic modeling and calculation; the Open CASCADE is used for solid geometry modeling. Various auxiliary analytical tools such as curve plot and animation display are provided in the post-processor to analyze and process the simulation results. Two numerical examples are given to verify the validity and accuracy of the software, and a multiple launch rocket system engineering example is given at the end of this article to show that the software provides a powerful platform for complex mechanical systems simulation and virtual design.
Hybrid position–force control for constrained reconfigurable manipulators based on adaptive neural network
Authors: Li Yuanchun , Wang Guogang , Dong Bo , Zhao Bo
Published: September 2015

This article presents a hybrid position–force control method based on adaptive neural network for addressing the problems of position and force tracking of a constrained reconfigurable manipulator. The reduced-order dynamic model of a reconfigurable manipulator is formulated considering the model uncertainty and the external constraint. Combining decentralized control with centralized control scheme, a hybrid position–force controller is designed for controlling the position and force of the constrained reconfigurable manipulator. The dynamic model uncertainty and the dynamic coupling effect are compensated by radial basis function neural network. The stability of the closed-loop system is proved using the Lyapunov theory. Finally, simulations are performed to study the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Study on the characteristics of a homemade differential-velocity–type compliant joint for robotic manipulators
Authors: Hu Jwu-Sheng , Wu Cheng-Hua , Tsai Yi-Jeng , Kuo Chung-Hsien
Published: September 2015

Design of a new differential-velocity–type compliant joint with two motors is proposed for robotic manipulators. The speed/output torque of the differential-velocity–type joint is synthesized by controlling the differential speeds of a pair of actuators. Descriptions of the design concept, theoretical analysis, and the experiments are presented in this article. The experimental results showed that (1) the stiffness of the differential-velocity–type joint can be regulated by changing the speeds of both motors, (2) the differential-velocity–type joint actually reduced 7.9%−15.7% time compared with the single-drive joint when performing five cycles of reciprocation, and (3) a new design of delta-type robot with differential-velocity–type driving modules was developed for verification. The experimental results showed that the differential-velocity–type delta robot can perform flexible assembly operations within a 0.028-mm tolerance.
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency: increasing awareness and improving diagnosis
Authors: Greulich Timm , Vogelmeier Claus F.
Published: September 2015

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a hereditary disorder that is characterized by a low serum level of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT). The loss of anti-inflammatory and antiproteolytic functions, together with pro-inflammatory effects of polymerized AAT contribute to protein degradation and increased inflammation resulting in an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, especially in smokers. AATD is a rare disease that is significantly underdiagnosed. According to recent data that are based on extrapolations, in many countries only 5–15% of homozygous individuals have been identified. Furthermore, the diagnostic delay typically exceeds 5 years, resulting in an average age at diagnosis of about 45 years. Although the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society recommendations state that all symptomatic adults with persistent airway obstruction should be screened, these recommendations are not being followed. Potential reasons for that include missing knowledge about the disease and the appropriate tests, and the low awareness of physicians with regard to the disorder. Once the decision to initiate testing has been made, a screening test (AAT serum level or other) should be performed. Further diagnostic evaluation is based on the following techniques: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for frequent and clinically important mutations, isoelectric focusing (IEF) with or without immunoblotting, and sequencing of the gene locus coding for AAT. Various diagnostic algorithms have been published for AATD detection (severe deficiency or carrier status). Modern laboratory approaches like the use of serum separator cards, a lateral flow assay to detect the Z-protein, and a broader availability of next-generation sequencing are recent advances, likely to alter existing algorithms.
Dengue fever in Pakistan: a paradigm shift; changing epidemiology and clinical patterns
Authors: Haider Zahra , Ahmad Farina Zia , Mahmood Asif , Waseem Tariq , Shafiq Irfan , Raza Tanzeem , Qazi Javaria , Siddique Nasir , Humayun Malik Asif
Published: September 2015

Dengue fever has huge public health implications and affects over 100 million people worldwide. This review pictures the current situation of Dengue in Pakistan and presents a review of published literature. Pakistan has seen recurrent epidemics of Dengue Fever recently. Unfortunately, these epidemics are becoming more severe in their clinical manifestation. Pakistan experienced large epidemics of dengue fever during 2008, 2010 and 2011 affecting thousands of people and claiming hundreds of deaths. A comparison of data during these epidemics indicates a shift from mild to a more severe disease, which could be interpreted as an epidemiologic transition pattern in the country. Expansion of Dengue in Pakistan seems to be multifactorial, including the climate change, frequent natural disasters, vector resistance to insecticides and lack of resources. This highlights the need for rigorous vector control. Continuing education of primary care physicians is crucial for early appropriate management to reduce mortality.
Using Insulin Infusion Sets in CSII for Longer Than the Recommended Usage Time Leads to a High Risk for Adverse Events
Authors: Pfützner Andreas , Sachsenheimer Daniela , Grenningloh Marco , Heschel Matthias , Walther-Johannesen Lene , Gharabli Rabi , Klonoff David
Published: September 2015

Background:

Infusion sets for use with insulin pumps are recommended for use for 2 to 3 days to avoid local skin reactions, for example, to the insulin formulation and preservatives like meta-cresol. However, many patients use the catheters longer for economic reasons. We performed this study to investigate the tolerability of 2-day use of infusion sets in comparison to 4-day use in a real-world setting.

Methods:

This prospective randomized controlled crossover study with 2 × 3-month observation periods was performed with 24 type 1 patients. At baseline, patients were trained on the use of the infusion system (Medtronic /Mio® or inset™ II) and randomized to any of the 2 treatment sequences. Observation parameters included glycemic control, frequency and nature of device-related, and procedure-related adverse events and patient preference.

Results:

The per-protocol analysis was performed with 22 patients (5 men, 17 women, age 39 ± 11 years, BMI 27.0 ± 3.5 kg/m2). The number of catheter related adverse events was 290 with 2-day use versus 495 with 4-day use ( P < .05). The overall number of treatment related events was 750 with 2-day use versus 934 with 4-day use ( P < .001). There was no difference in glycemic control between the treatment arms. Treatment satisfaction was higher with 2-day use (very high/high satisfaction: 90.4% versus 4 day-use: 77.3%, P < .05).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate that using the infusion sets for a longer usage period of 2-3 days resulted in a clinically relevant increase in treatment-related tolerability problems. Patients should be trained and encouraged not to use insulin pump infusion sets for a longer than the recommended time period.
Inclusive Sporting Events in Schools for Youth With Disabilities in Quebec
Authors: Roult Romain , Brunet Isabelle , Belley-Ranger Émilie , Carbonneau Hélène , Fortier Julie
Published: September 2015

Participating in physical activities and sports entails positive impacts for youth with disabilities regarding their physical and social well-being. In Quebec, however, opportunities to practice inclusive sports adapted to their needs are scarce beyond the boundaries of the school environment. Through 33 semi-structured interviews conducted with practitioners involved in organizing such adapted sporting events, this study aims to better understand the needs and expectations linked to these events and, simultaneously, identify the social, experiential, and educational roles of these events on youth with disabilities. Results demonstrate substantial positive impacts on these young people (enjoyment, pride, self-esteem, etc.) and on their relatives. Results also highlight several barriers, notably, material and human, that can hinder their desire to go on with physical activities and sports in their school environment.
Looking through the Shades
Authors: Rosenblum Alexis , Darity William , Harris Angel L. , Hamilton Tod G.
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a labor market penalty exists for members of immigrant groups as a result of being phenotypically different from white Americans. Specifically, the authors examine the link between skin shade, perhaps the most noticeable phenotypical characteristic, and wages for immigrants from five regions: (1) Europe and Central Asia; (2) China, East Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific; (3) Latin America and the Caribbean; (4) Sub-Saharan Africa; and (5) the Middle East and North Africa. Using data from the New Immigrant Survey, a nationally representative multi-cohort longitudinal study of new legal immigrants to the United States, the authors find a skin shade penalty in wages for darker immigrants. However, disaggregating by region of origin shows that this finding is driven exclusively by the experience of immigrants from Latin America; the wage penalty for skin tone is substantial for self-reported nonblack Latin American immigrants. The effects of colorism are much less pronounced or nonexistent among other national-origin populations. Furthermore, although a skin shade penalty is not discernible among African immigrants, findings show that African immigrants experience a racial wage penalty.
The role of previously unmeasured organic acids in the pathogenesis of severe malaria
Authors: Herdman M. Trent , Sriboonvorakul Natthida , Leopold Stije J. , Douthwaite Sam , Mohanty Sanjib , Hassan M. Mahtab Uddin , Maude Richard J. , Kingston Hugh WF , Plewes Katherine , Charunwatthana Prakaykaew , Silamut Kamolrat , Woodrow Charles J. , Chotinavich Kesinee , Hossain Md. Amir , Faiz M. Abul , Mishra Saroj , Leepipatpiboon Natchanun , White Nicholas J. , Day Nicholas PJ , Tarning Joel , Dondorp Arjen M.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Severe falciparum malaria is commonly complicated by metabolic acidosis. Together with lactic acid (LA), other previously unmeasured acids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of falciparum malaria.

Methods

In this prospective study, we characterised organic acids in adults with severe falciparum malaria in India and Bangladesh. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to measure organic acids in plasma and urine. Patients were followed until recovery or death.

Results

Patients with severe malaria (n=138), uncomplicated malaria (n=102), sepsis (n=32) and febrile encephalopathy (n=35) were included. Strong ion gap (mean±SD) was elevated in severe malaria (8.2 mEq/L±4.5) and severe sepsis (8.6 mEq/L±7.7) compared with uncomplicated malaria (6.0 mEq/L±5.1) and encephalopathy (6.6 mEq/L±4.7). Compared with uncomplicated malaria, severe malaria was characterised by elevated plasma LA, hydroxyphenyllactic acid (HPLA), α-hydroxybutyric acid and β-hydroxybutyric acid (all P<0.05). In urine, concentrations of methylmalonic, ethylmalonic and α-ketoglutaric acids were also elevated. Multivariate logistic regression showed that plasma HPLA was a strong independent predictor of death (odds ratio [OR] 3.5, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.6–7.5, P=0.001), comparable to LA (OR 3.5, 95 % CI 1.5–7.8, P=0.003) (combined area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.81).

Conclusions

Newly identified acids, in addition to LA, are elevated in patients with severe malaria and are highly predictive of fatal outcome. Further characterisation of their sources and metabolic pathways is now needed.
Serum microRNA profiling to distinguish papillary thyroid cancer from benign thyroid masses
Authors: Graham M. Elise R. , Hart Robert D. , Douglas Susan , Makki Fawaz M. , Pinto Devanand , Butler Angela L. , Bullock Martin , Rigby Matthew H. , Trites Jonathan R. B. , Taylor S. Mark , Singh Rama
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is increasing in incidence. Fine needle aspiration is the gold standard for diagnosis, but results can be indeterminate. Identifying tissue and serum biomarkers, like microRNA, is therefore desirable. We sought to identify miRNA that is differentially expressed in the serum of patients with PTC.

Methods

Serum miRNA was quantified in 31 female thyroidectomy patients: 13 with benign disease and 18 with PTC. qPCR results were compared for significant fold-changes in 175 miRNAs, against a pooled control.

Results

128 miRNA qualified for analysis. There were identifiable fold-changes in miRNA levels between benign and control, and between PTC and control. There were statistically significant fold changes in the level of four miRNAs between benign and PTC: hsa-miR-146a-5p and hsa-miR-199b-3p were down-regulated, while hsa-let7b-5p and hsa-miR-10a-5p were up-regulated.

Conclusions

MicroRNA is differentially expressed in the serum of patients with PTC. Serum miRNA has the potential to aid in thyroid cancer diagnosis.
IL-18-induced interaction between IMP3 and HuR contributes to COX-2 mRNA stabilization in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ko Chiung-Yuan , Wang Wen-Ling , Li Chien-Feng , Jeng Yung-Ming , Chu Yu-Yi , Wang Han-Ying , Tseng Joseph T , Wang Ju-Ming
Published: September 2015

Acute myeloid leukemia is the majority type presented in leukemia patients. Forcing malignant cells to undergo differentiation is 1 strategy for acute myeloid leukemia therapy. However, the failure of acute myeloid leukemia patients to achieve remission as a result of drug resistance remains a challenge. In this study, we found that the abundances of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 and its receptor (IL-18R) correlated with the occurrence of drug resistance in AML patients during standard treatment. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) has been suggested to have an antiapoptotic role in chemoresistant cancer cells. IL-18 treatment resulted in an increase in COX-2 expression through the post-transcriptional regulation of COX-2 mRNA in differentiated U937 cells and showed antiapoptotic activity in U937 and THP-1 cells. Two RNA-binding proteins, human antigen R and insulin-like growth factor mRNA-binding protein 3, mediated the stabilization of COX-2 mRNA. IL-18 induced the shuttling of human antigen R and insulin-like growth factor mRNA-binding protein 3 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and facilitated their interaction; subsequently, this complex bound to the 3′ untranslated region of COX-2 mRNA and affected its stability. We demonstrated further that JNK and/or ERK1/2 regulated human antigen R nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, mediating IL-18 stabilization of cyclooxygenase 2 mRNA.
Cooperation of endothelin-1 signaling with melanosomes plays a role in developing and/or maintaining human skin hyperpigmentation
Authors: Murase Daiki , Hachiya Akira , Kikuchi-Onoe Mamiko , Fullenkamp Rachel , Ohuchi Atsushi , Kitahara Takashi , Moriwaki Shigeru , Hase Tadashi , Takema Yoshinori
Published: September 2015

Skin hyperpigmentation is characterized by increased melanin synthesis and deposition that can cause significant psychosocial and psychological distress. Although several cytokine-receptor signaling cascades contribute to the formation of ultraviolet B-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation, their possible involvement in other types of skin hyperpigmentation has never been clearly addressed. Since our continuous studies using skin specimens from more than 30 subjects with ethnic skin diversity emphasized a consistent augmentation in the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptor (Endothelin B receptor, ET-B) in hyperpigmented lesions, including senile lentigos (SLs), the precise function of ET-1 signaling was investigated in the present study. In line with previous studies, ET-1 significantly induced melanogenesis followed by increases in melanosome transport in melanocytes and in its transfer to keratinocytes while inhibition of ET-B function substantially depressed melanogenic ability in tissue-cultured SLs. Additionally, in agreement with a previous report that the formation of autophagosomes rather than melanosomes is stimulated according to starvation or defective melanosome production, ET-1 was found to remarkably augment the expression of components necessary for early melanosome formation, indicating its counteraction against autophagy-targeting melanosome degradation in melanocytes. Despite the lack of substantial impact of ET-1 on keratinocyte melanogenic functions, the expression of ET-1 was enhanced following melanosome uptake by keratinocytes. Taken together, our data suggest that ET-1 plays a substantial role in the development and/or maintenance of skin hyperpigmentation in reciprocal cooperation with increased melanosome incorporation.
Novel Development for Fabrication of Size- and Morphology-controlled Titanylphthalocyanine Nanocrystals
Authors: Kikuchi Takuya , Kogure Kaito , Onodera Tsunenobu , Oikawa Hidetoshi , Kasai Hitoshi
Published: September 2015

Titanylphthalocyanine takes various crystal polymorphism. The titanylphthalocyanine with Y-form shows excellent optical and photoelectric conversion. However, preparing the Y-form titanylphthalocyanine nanocrystals smaller than 200 nm is difficult. Here, we prepared Y-form titanylphthalocyanine nanocrystals smaller than 100 nm in a mixed solvent of phosphoric acid as a good solvent and a mixture of water and methyl ethyl ketone as a poor solvent. The size of the Y-form titanylphthalocyanine nanocrystals was controlled by changing the temperature of the poor solvent.
Book Reviews
Authors: Bolt Barbara , Al-Yahiayi Fakhriya
Published: September 2015

Art as Research: Opportunities and Challenges, Shaun McNiff (eds) (2013) Bristol, UK: Intellect, 233 pp., ISBN: 9781783200016, p/bk, £13.00

Arts-based Research: A Critique and a Proposal, jan jagodzinski and Jason Wallin (2013) Rotterdam: Sense Publishers, 230 pp., ISBN: 9789462091832, p/bk, US$54.00
Bullying and labelling as communication tools of control and domination
Authors: Hashem Mahboub
Published: September 2015

Good communication skills are vital for success in life. In any conversation, involved parties may feel their personality is vulnerable and under attack. Likewise, we may quite often initiate a discussion with others about anything and unexpectedly find ourselves under attack by someone. The main reason is that someone began to feel insecure. Any time we feel insecure in a discussion we use one of the following strategies: fighting through bullying, labelling, name-calling, cynicism, antagonism; or dodging via the use of silence, avoiding others, or hiding our feelings. Consequently, effective communication retreats and the dialogue moves away from the subject matter towards protecting the self by resorting to defensive communication. Interacting defensively might look like we are still conversing over the subject matter; however, in reality, we are fighting about each other’s worries; yet we conceivably do not even comprehend ourselves or others in the process. In addition, we may not grasp what one says that triggered the other person’s vulnerability. This article looks at the extent to which Middle Eastern people use labelling and bullying as communication tools of control and domination along with the effects of using these tools on themselves, their parents and the wider societies. An exploratory survey was conducted to collect data. Key findings reveal that males and females using labelling and bullying derive satisfaction of that use. About 21.4 per cent of males and 11.1 per cent of females revealed that they were never taught or trained on ethical behaviours or about avoiding labelling and bullying others in their lives at home and/or in school. Moreover, the study shows that a great majority of bullied and labelled subjects reported to have refrained from informing their school administrators, teachers and parents that they were bullied and labelled by other classmates or peers. Due to the significance of these results, this study recommends that parents and educators should take urgent measures in order to prevent the negative effects of these communication tools on vulnerable individuals in society.
Visible and invisible: An audience study of Muslim and non-Muslim reactions to orientalist representations in I Dream of Jeannie
Authors: Bullock Katherine
Published: September 2015

Most Muslims lay the blame for the perpetuation of societal prejudice against Islam and Muslims at the feet of the media. Media scholars regularly confirm that negative stereotypes prevail in contemporary western media. Yet there are differences between media representation and the effects on actual people’s attitudes. Empirical research is needed to find out if negative media stereotypes of Muslims, Arabs and Islam are actually linked to widespread societal Islamophobia. This article traces audience reactions to a 1960s U.S. sitcom, I Dream of Jeannie, a show replete with ‘orientalist’ representations of Arabs and genies linked to the collection of traditional stories called The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights. The main research finding is that while a variety of responses were uncovered, a consistent difference between non-Muslim and Muslim reactions became apparent: only Muslims noticed orientalist stereotyping the show. I conclude that if North American society is to move beyond Islamophobia and forward to building bridges and integrating Muslims without discrimination into wider society, this cannot be done where non-Muslims do not see negative media stereotypes about Muslims.
E-Bayesian analysis of the Gumbel type-ii distribution under type-ii censored scheme
Authors: Reyad Hesham , Ahmed Soha Othman
Published: September 2015

This paper seeks to focus on Bayesian and E-Bayesian estimation for the unknown shape parameter of the Gumbel type-II distribution based on type-II censored samples. These estimators are obtained under symmetric loss function [squared error loss (SELF))] and various asymmetric loss functions [LINEX loss function (LLF), Degroot loss function (DLF), Quadratic loss function (QLF) and minimum expected loss function (MELF)]. Comparisons between the E-Bayesian estimators with the associated Bayesian estimators are investigated through a simulation study.
Mathematical analysis of time flow
Authors: Hilfer Rudolf
Published: September 2015

The mathematical analysis of time flow in
physical many-body systems leads to the study of long-time limits.
This article discusses the interdisciplinary
problem of local stationarity,
how stationary solutions can remain slowly
time dependent after a long-time limit.
A mathematical definition of almost invariant
and nearly indistinguishable states on C*-algebras
is introduced using functions of bounded mean oscillation.
Rescaling of time yields generalized time flows
of almost invariant and macroscopically indistinguishable
states, that are mathematically
related to stable convolution semigroups and fractional
calculus.
The infinitesimal generator is a fractional
derivative of order less than or equal to unity.
Applications of the analysis are given to
irreversibility and to a physical experiment.
Weighted mixed spherical means and singular ultrahyperbolic equation
Authors: Lyakhov Lev N. , Shishkina Elina L.
Published: September 2015

Weighted mixed spherical means are constructed by using a generalized shift (in a Euclidian space a generalized shift acts with respect to one variable and a usual shift acts with respect to other variables). We obtain the differential equation for weighted mixed spherical mean and prove theorems on weighted mixed spherical means applied to the solution of the B-ultrahyperbolic equation.
Short Peptides in Minimalistic Biocatalyst Design
Authors: Duncan Krystyna L. , Ulijn Rein V.
Published: September 2015

We review recent developments in the use of
short peptides in the design of minimalistic biocatalysts
focusing on ester hydrolysis. A number of designed peptide
nanostructures are shown to have (modest) catalytic
activity. Five features are discussed and illustrated by
literature examples, including primary peptide sequence,
nanosurfaces/scaffolds, binding pockets, multivalency
and the presence of metal ions. Some of these are derived
from natural enzymes, but others, such as multivalency
of active sites on designed nanofibers, may give rise to
new features not found in natural enzymes. Remarkably,
it is shown that each of these design features give rise to
similar rate enhancements in ester hydrolysis. Overall,
there has been significant progress in the development of
fundamental understanding of the factors that influence
binding and activity in recent years, holding promise for
increasingly rational design of peptide based biocatalysts.
Structure performance of UVA and UVB light irradiated poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole fiber (PBO)
Authors: Tan Yanjun , Liu Changnan , Huo Qian , Liu Shurui , Ma Jiali
Published: September 2015

By UVA and UVB irradiating, the performance of poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber is changed with an increase in irradiation time, and the surface morphology, chemical structure, mechanical performance and thermal properties of the fiber are poorer. After 320-h irradiation, the properties of the PBO fiber irradiated by UVB are stronger than those irradiated by UVA. The strength of PBO fiber irradiated by UVB and UVA declined by 40% and 20%, respectively, than that of non-irradiated fiber. The roughness of fiber surface improved, and there was corrosion on the surface of PBO fiber irradiated by UVB. After the UV irradiation, the degree of macromolecule crystallinity and orientation changed, the macromolecule chain is broken, new groups (-NO2) are produced in the PBO fiber, and the temperature (660°C) of the thermolysis is decreased by 100°C from that of fibril.
Anisotropic mean curvature on facets and relations with capillarity
Authors: Amato Stefano , Bellettini Giovanni , Tealdi Lucia
Published: September 2015

Given an anisotropy ɸ on R
A weighty problem: metabolic perturbations and the obesity-cancer link
Authors: O’Flanagan Ciara H. , Bowers Laura W. , Hursting Stephen D.
Published: September 2015

Obesity is an established risk factor for several cancers, including breast, colon, endometrial, ovarian, gastric, pancreatic and liver, and is increasingly a public health concern. Obese cancer patients often have poorer prognoses, reduced response to standard treatments, and are more likely to develop metastatic disease than normo-weight individuals. Many of the pathologic features of obesity promote tumor growth, such as metabolic perturbations, hormonal and growth factor imbalances, and chronic inflammation. Although obesity exacerbates tumor development, the interconnected relationship between the two conditions presents opportunities for new treatment approaches, some of which may be more successful in obese cohorts. Here, we discuss the many ways in which excess adiposity can impact cancer development and progression and address potential preventive and therapeutic strategies to reduce the burden of obesity-related cancers.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of Adsorption and
Inhibitive Properties of Tween 80 on Corrosion of Aluminum Alloy
(A5754) in Alkaline Media
Authors: Abd El-Rehim Sayed S. , Hassan Hamdy H. , Deyab Mohamed Abdel Moneim , Abd El Moneim Ahamed
Published: September 2015

The inhibition behavior of Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate
(Tween 80) as a non-toxic corrosion inhibitor for aluminum alloy
(A5754) was investigated in 0.5 M NaOH solution by
means of polarization measurement and quantum chemistry
method. A significant inhibition in the corrosion rate of A5754 in
NaOH solution was observed in the presence of Tween 80. As
a result of adsorption of the inhibitor on the metal surface, the
inhibition of this compound increases with its concentration but
decreases with temperature. Polarization curves showed that Tween 80
acted as mixed inhibitor. The adsorption of Tween 80 obeys the
Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Comprehensive adsorption (physisorption
and chemisorption) of the inhibitor molecules on the A5754 surface was
suggested based on the thermodynamic adsorption
parameters. Correlation between quantum chemical calculations and
inhibition efficiency of the investigated compounds was
discussed using DFT method.
Hormonal circadian rhythms in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: identifying optimal monitoring times and novel disease biomarkers
Authors: Debono Miguel , Mallappa Ashwini , Gounden Verena , Nella Aikaterini A , Harrison Robert F , Crutchfield Christopher A , Backlund Peter S , Soldin Steven J , Ross Richard J , Merke Deborah P
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The treatment goal in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is to replace glucocorticoids while avoiding androgen excess and iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. However, there is no consensus on how to monitor disease control. Our main objectives were to evaluate hormonal circadian rhythms and use these profiles to identify optimal monitoring times and novel disease biomarkers in CAH adults on intermediate- and long-acting glucocorticoids.

Design

This was an observational, cross-sectional study at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in 16 patients with classic CAH.

Methods

Twenty-four-hour serum sampling for ACTH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), androstenedione (A4), androsterone, DHEA, testosterone, progesterone and 24-h urinary pdiol and 5β-pdiol was carried out. Bayesian spectral analysis and cosinor analysis were performed to detect circadian rhythmicity. The number of hours to minimal (TminAC) and maximal (TmaxAC) adrenocortical hormone levels after dose administration was calculated.

Results

A significant rhythm was confirmed for ACTH (r2, 0.95;P<0.001), 17OHP (r2, 0.70;P=0.003), androstenedione (r2, 0.47;P=0.043), androsterone (r2, 0.80;P<0.001), testosterone (r2, 0.47;P=0.042) and progesterone (r2, 0.64;P=0.006). The mean (s.d.)TminAC andTmaxAC for 17OHP and A4were: morning prednisone (4.3 (2.3) and 9.7 (3.5) h), evening prednisone (4.5 (2.0) and 10.3 (2.4) h), and daily dexamethasone (9.2 (3.5) and 16.4 (7.2) h). AUC0–24 hprogesterone, androsterone and 24-h urine pdiol were significantly related to 17OHP.

Conclusion

In CAH patients, adrenal androgens exhibit circadian rhythms influenced by glucocorticoid replacement. Measurement of adrenocortical hormones and interpretation of results should take into account the type of glucocorticoid and time of dose administration. Progesterone and backdoor metabolites may provide alternative disease biomarkers.
GH deficiency status combined with GH receptor polymorphism affects response to GH in children
Authors: Valsesia Armand , Chatelain Pierre , Stevens Adam , Peterkova Valentina A , Belgorosky Alicia , Maghnie Mohamad , Antoniazzi Franco , Koledova Ekaterina , Wojcik Jerome , Farmer Pierre , Destenaves Benoit , Clayton Peter , _ _
Published: September 2015

Meta-analysis has shown a modest improvement in first-year growth response to recombinant human GH (r-hGH) for carriers of the exon 3-deleted GH receptor (GHRd3) polymorphism but with significant interstudy variability. The associations between GHRd3 and growth response to r-hGH over 3 years in relation to severity of GH deficiency (GHD) were investigated in patients from 14 countries. Treatment-naïve pre-pubertal children with GHD were enrolled from the PREDICT studies (NCT00256126 and NCT00699855), categorized by peak GH level (peak GH) during provocation test: ≤4 μg/l (severe GHD; n=45) and >4 to <10 μg/l mild GHD; n=49) and genotyped for the GHRd3 polymorphism (full length (fl/fl, fl/d3, d3/d3). Gene expression (GE) profiles were characterized at baseline. Changes in growth (height (cm) and SDS) over 3 years were measured. There was a dichotomous influence of GHRd3 polymorphism on response to r-hGH, dependent on peak GH level. GH peak level (higher vs lower) and GHRd3 (fl/fl vs d3 carriers) combined status was associated with height change over 3 years (P<0.05). GHRd3 carriers with lower peak GH had lower growth than subjects with fl/fl (median difference after 3 years −3.3 cm; −0.3 SDS). Conversely, GHRd3 carriers with higher peak GH had better growth (+2.7 cm; +0.2 SDS). Similar patterns were observed for GH-dependent biomarkers. GE profiles were significantly different between the groups, indicating that the interaction between GH status and GHRd3 carriage can be identified at a transcriptomic level. This study demonstrates that responses to r-hGH depend on the interaction between GHD severity and GHRd3 carriage.
The relationship between oxidative stress and autoimmunity in Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Ates Ihsan , Yilmaz Fatma Meric , Altay Mustafa , Yilmaz Nisbet , Berker Dilek , Güler Serdar
Published: September 2015

Objective

We have aimed to study the relation between Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and thyroid autoantibodies and oxidative stress parameters in euthyroid, subclinical and overt hypothyroid stages.

Design and methods

A total of 124 patients were included in the study; 93 of whom were newly diagnosed with HT (31 patients in each of the euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroid and overt hypothyroid subgroups), aged over 18 and had not received any prior treatment and 31 of whom were healthy volunteers.

Results

Total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were higher, and total antioxidant status (TAS) and total thiol and arylesterase levels were lower in the overt hypothyroid group compared to other groups. TOS and OSI levels increased, and TAS levels decreased significantly in each phase from euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroid, to overt hypothyroid subgroups among HT patients. There was a negative correlation between TAS, log (paraoxonase1) and paraoxonase1/HDL and anti-thyroid peroxidase and a negative correlation between anti-thyroglobulin and total thiol. It was also determined that overt hypothroidism was an individual predictor that effects all of the oxidative stress parameters, but not total thiol, levels.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that oxidative stress increases continuously during the development of subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism in patients with HT. To determine whether this is a cause or result, randomized, controlled trials that study the effect of antioxidant treatment on the development of overt hypothyroidism and its consequences, e.g., increase in total cholesterol levels, may be performed in euthyroid and/or subclinical hypothyroid patients with HT.
Modulatory role of miR-205 in angiogenesis and progression of thyroid cancer
Authors: Salajegheh Ali , Vosgha Haleh , Md Rahman Atiqur , Amin Moein , Smith Robert Anthony , Lam Alfred King-Yin
Published: September 2015

miR-205 plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and has been found in association with several types of cancers. The aims of this study were to investigate the clinical and functional roles of miR-205 on as the major initiator and modulator of angiogenesis in thyroid cancer. 101 thyroid carcinomas, including 51 conventional and 37 follicular variants of papillary thyroid carcinomas, and 13 undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas in addition to 13 lymph nodes with metastatic thyroid carcinoma were recruited to be compared with 14 nodular goitre and seven normal thyroid tissues. Five thyroid carcinoma cell lines, of papillary and undifferentiated origin with and without history of metastasis, were also used. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and miR-205 were measured and exogenous miR-205 were transfected to observe the changes of VEGFA (by immunofluorescence and western blot techniques). Proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays were also used to evaluate the role of miR-205 in these events. Significant under-expression of miR-205 and over-expression of VEGFA mRNA and protein were noticed in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines compared to normal thyroid control. Transfection of miR-205 into the cancer cell lines caused significant reduction of VEGFA protein and significant inhibition in cell proliferation, arrest in G0-G1 of the cell cycle and promotion of total apoptosis (P<0.05). The angiogenic and tumour-suppressive roles of miRNA-205 were demonstrated for the first time in thyroid cancer. The current experiments provided specific information on the functional consequences of VEGF manipulation via miRNA on cancer.
Effects of fibroblast growth factor 21 on the heart
Authors: Tanajak Pongpan , Chattipakorn Siriporn C , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: September 2015

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a novel polypeptide ligand that has been shown to be involved in several physiological and pathological processes including regulation of glucose and lipids as well as reduction of arteriosclerotic plaque formation in the great vessels. It has also been shown to exert cardioprotective effects in myocardial infarction, cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiac hypertrophy and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Moreover, FGF21 protects the myocardium and great arteries by attenuating remodeling, inflammation, oxidative stress and also promoting the energy supply to the heart through fatty acid β-oxidation. This growing evidence emphasizes the important roles of FGF21 in cardioprotection. This review comprehensively summarizes and discusses the consistent and inconsistent findings regarding the beneficial effects of FGF21 on the heart available from both basic research and clinical reports. The details of the signaling, biological and pharmacological effects of FGF21 with regard to its protection of the heart are also presented and discussed in this review.