bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing Disaster
Authors: Moore Ellen E. , Lanthorn Kylie R.
Published: May 2017

This research assesses news media coverage of two environmental justice cases involving Native American groups in Washington State. Through inductive framing analysis, this work evaluates the way in which commercial news media covered centuries-old environmental inequality faced by the Quileute Tribe and the Lower Elwha Klallam people. Both of these groups were thrust into fame for different reasons: The Quileute were identified in the Twilight film franchise, while the Lower Elwha Klallam people were associated with the largest dam removal project in the world. This research reveals that, while some progress has been made in the quality of news coverage of Indigenous environmental justice issues, absence of coverage remains an issue that continuously needs to be challenged.
Effects of Dodging Questions: How Politicians Escape Deception Detection and How They Get Caught
Authors: Clementson David E.
Published: May 2017

People often need to dodge questions. Politicians presumably are the worst offenders. Two recent theories of deception make assertions applicable to politicians dodging questions: information manipulation theory 2 and truth-default theory. We examine both in two experiments. We constructed news interviews with a politician dodging questions. Results indicate people detect particular types of dodges and dodging impairs trustworthiness. But detection also depends on the strength of political attitudes. Furthermore, personality trait suspicion moderates perceptions of trustworthiness. We also extend theorizing and suggest dodges are detected because of rumination triggered by topic avoidance. Discussion includes ramifications for political engagement when the public perception of politicians “always” dodging questions is supported by extensive cognitive mechanisms.
Physical activity levels of children with visual impairments during an adapted sports camp
Authors: Tindall Daniel W , Foley John T , Beets Micheal W , Lieberman Lauren J
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify the physical activity (PA) levels of children and young people with visual impairments (VI) as they participated in closed and open skilled sports as part of a specially designed 1-week sports camp. Participants ( N = 18; girls = 6; boys = 12; Mage = 13 years, 4 months) aged 9–19 years possessed various levels of VI. Data were collected using Actigraph GM1 accelerometers and analysed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings suggest there was a significant effect of activity type on both intensity F(1.7,28.94) = 9.86, p = .001, [Formula: see text] and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) F(4,68) = 6.03, p < .001, [Formula: see text]. The findings of this study support the continued implementation of both closed and open skill-oriented disability sports as a means to reaching recommended MVPA levels for children and young people with VI.
Construct validity and reliability of the Test of Perceived Motor Competence for children with visual impairments
Authors: Brian Ali , Bostick Laura , Taunton Sally , Pennell Adam
Published: May 2017

The Test of Perceived Motor Competence for children with visual impairments (TPMC-VI) is currently content validated. Further validation and reliability were needed to report the psychometric properties of the TPMC-VI; therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the construct validity and the internal consistency for the TPMC-VI. Children aged 3–8 years with visual impairments completed the TPMC-VI with assistance from their parents or members of the research team. Results indicated that the TPMC-VI is a valid and reliable (α = .68) assessment. Researchers and practitioners can confidently use the TPMC-VI to evaluate children’s perceived motor competence.
Parents’ perceptions of physical activity experiences for their families and children with visual impairments
Authors: Columna Luis , Rocco Dillon Suzanna , Norris Michael L , Dolphin Michelle , McCabe Lindsay
Published: May 2017

Acknowledging and understanding parental perceptions and experiences surrounding physical activity (PA) is crucial to promoting participation in PA for children with visual impairments (VI) given that parents strongly influence their children’s participation in physical activities. The purpose of this study was to understand parents’ perceptions regarding PA experiences for their family and children with VI. Participants in this study were parents of children with VI ( N = 10) who took part in one-on-one semi-structured phone interviews that were transcribed and then analyzed through a thematic line-by-line analysis. Two themes emerged from the analysis of the data: (1) Health, Social, and Psychological Benefits and (2) Multifaceted Barriers. The parents in this study valued PA and had high PA expectations for their children; however, they struggled to overcome multiple barriers - most notably their limited ability to motivate their children to be physically active.
The efficacy of forceful ankle and toe exercises to increase venous return: A comprehensive Doppler ultrasound study
Authors: Kropp Alexander T , Meiss A Ludwig , Guthoff Angelika E , Vettorazzi Eik , Guth Sabine , Bamberger Christoph M
Published: May 2017

Objective

Venous stasis is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. We aimed to determine the efficacy of forceful foot exercises for actuation of the calf muscle pump to counteract stasis.

Methods

We examined 20 seated healthy subjects. The peak systolic velocity at the level of the popliteal vein was assessed by Doppler ultrasound.

Results

The mean peak systolic velocity measurements (in cm/s) were as follows: baseline = 5.6; ankle plantar flexion with toe flexion = 91.0; toe touch heel lift = 107.4; ankle dorsiflexion with toe extension = 193.6; isolated flexion of all toes = 118.8; ankle plantarflexion with 100 and 250 Newton forefoot force = 89.9 and 154.5, respectively.

Conclusion

All exercises achieved significant increases in peak systolic velocity compared to baseline. Ranking showed that forceful ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion with 250 Newtons and forceful flexion of all toes yielded the highest mean peak systolic velocity values (193.6, 154.5, and 118.8 cm/s, respectively).
Cognitive function following head CT in childhood: a randomized controlled follow-up trial
Authors: Salonen Elina , Nyman Håkan , Kizling Isabelle , Geijerstam Jean-Luc af , Flodmark Olof , Aspelin Peter , Kaijser Magnus
Published: May 2017

Background

The question has been raised whether low dose radiation toward the brain in childhood can affect cognitive functions.

Purpose

To examine if a head computed tomography (CT) examination in childhood affect later cognitive functions.

Material and Methods

A total of 147 participants (67 girls/women, 80 boys/men) from a previous randomized controlled trial on management strategies after mild head injury (head CT examination or in-hospital observation) were followed up. Participants were aged 6–16 years (mean age = 11.2 ± 2.8) at first inclusion and 11–24 years (mean age = 17.8 ± 2.9) at follow-up. Computerized neuropsychological measures used for the assessment were motor speed and coordination, reaction time, selective attention, visuospatial ability, verbal and non-verbal short-term and long-term memory, and executive function tests from the neurocognitive test battery EuroCog and the Wechsler Memory Scale III. Results were analyzed with Student’s t-tests and multivariate analyses adjusting for sex, age at time of injury/exposure, and age at assessment were performed with Factorial ANOVAs.

Results

The exposed and unexposed groups did not differ in any of the neuropsychological measures and results did not change when sex, age at time of injury/exposure, and age at assessment were included in the analyses.

Conclusion

A head CT examination at the age of 6–16 years does not seem to affect later cognitive functions.
Traumatic laryngotracheal stenosis treated by hyoid–sternohyoid osseomuscular flap combined with xenogenic acellular dermal matrix: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Hang , Chen Zhe , Zhou Shui-Hong , Wang Qin-Yin , Weng Li-Xia , Wang Fang , Wu Ting-Ting , Zhou Min-Li , Bao Yang-Yang
Published: May 2017

Objective

The treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis is a major therapeutic challenge. Various treatments include observation, medical management, and surgical management. The most effective surgical management is resection and reconstruction. To the authors’ knowledge, no reports have described the use of xenogenic acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for laryngotracheal stenosis.

Methods

A 27-year-old man presented with hemoptysis of the neck due to a traffic accident. Emergency orotracheal intubation was performed. Tracheostomy was then performed under local anesthesia. Computed tomography revealed fractures of the right thyroid cartilage and posterior arc of the cricoid cartilage and stenosis of the subglottis and first and second tracheal rings. We used a composite hyoid–sternohyoid osseomuscular flap with xenogenic ADM and a straight silicone tube as a lumen stent to reconstruct the laryngotracheal stenosis.

Results

Surgical recovery was uneventful. The tracheotomy opening was changed to a metal tube 5 days postoperatively. Four months postoperatively, the silicone tube was endoscopically removed under local anesthesia. The patient was decannulated 20 days later. The patient satisfied with his voice, respiration, and deglutition at the 16-month postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion

The use of ADM for laryngotracheal stenosis may reduce the growth of granulation tissues and promote the repair process.
A marginal man and his central contributions: The creative spaces of William (‘Wild Bill’) Bunge and American geography
Authors: Barnes Trevor J
Published: May 2017

The aim of the paper is to develop a geographical account of creativity by drawing on Arthur Koestler’s work. For Koestler creativity is sparked by the clash of two incompatible frames of meaning, and resolved by a new act of creation. Missing from Koestler’s account is geography, however. To show how geography might be brought into Koestler’s scheme the paper works through a detailed case study within the recent history of geography: the writing and publication of two very different but equally creative books by the well-known American geographer, William Bunge (1928–2013). In the late 1950s at the University of Washington, Seattle, Bunge wrote Theoretical Geography (1962), a meticulously executed hymn to the mathematics of abstract space, and which helped transform the discipline of geography into spatial science. Then during the late 1960s in inner-city Detroit Bunge wrote Fitzgerald: Geography of a Revolution (1971), and quite a different hymn. It was a paean to urban rebellion, to grassroots neighbourhood insurrection. It focussed not on abstract space, but a very concrete place: the one mile square that formed the Detroit inner city neighbourhood of Fitzgerald. In this case, Bunge’s book was a forerunner to radical geography. Catalytic to both of Bunge’s acts of creation, the paper argues, were the marginal spaces in which he wrote, marginal in the sense that they were distant from mainstream American academic geography. Incorporating them provides not only an explanation creativity within geography, but also geography’s own geography.
Psychoanalysis as Science — a Psychophysiological Approach
Authors: Wittkower E. D.
Published: May 2017

The question raised at the beginning of this paper was “Is psychoanalysis a science?” I have avoided a straight answer to this question, but have set out to demonstrate the inter-relationships between psychological and physiological processes in accordance with psychoanalytic theory.

Successive steps in rigorous research design have been defined as problem formation, review of knowledge, preliminary observation, theory construction, verification by empirical tests, control experiments, repetition of observation by independent investigators, and prediction of behaviour on repetition.

Three investigations concerning ovarian, thyroid and gastric function have been reported in some detail. It has been possible to verify some aspects of psychoanalytical theory by rigorously designed experimental procedures. Predictive psychological changes in relation to ovarian function and predictive physiological changes in relation to well-defined personality functions have been demonstrated. Some light has been thrown on the relevance of emotional factors to the etiology of Graves’ disease and of duodenal ulcer.
Effect of Repeated Verbal Stimulation upon a Flexor-Extensor Relationship
Authors: Cameron D. Ewen , Malmo Robert B.
Published: May 2017

Previous work with psychiatric patients has indicated that repeated verbal stimulation, without induction of hypnotic trance, may produce definite — though transitory — personality changes. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether such repeated verbal stimulation would affect an objectively measurable physiological state.

Accordingly, we chose to study flexor-extensor (biceps-triceps) dominance of the right upper arm. Several means designed to increase the effectiveness of repeated verbal stimulation were employed. Prior to verbal stimulation, electromyographic recordings were carried out in order to determine the amount and direction of dominance in the flexor-extensor relationship. In three of four patients, the prestimulation recordings revealed flexor dominance with only slight extensor dominance in the fourth patient. In all four cases a recorded statement to the effect that the right arm was extending was played repeatedly to the patient.

Results showed that in all four cases there was a statistically significant shift in the direction of greater extensor dominance.

Evidence was cited favoring the conclusion that the positive effects of repeated verbal stimulation were not simply produced by voluntary muscular contraction or posturing on the part of the patients. The relevance of present findings to problems in the field of psychosomatic medicine is suggested.
Child Psychiatry in Great Britain
Authors: M. Scott W. Clifford
Published: May 2017

Over the past twenty years the rapid development of child psychiatry in England was something which the author watched but, at the same time, took more or less for granted. On surveying the Canadian scene after a lengthy absence, one may be excused for disappointment that the rate of development of child psychiatry has not been faster, while admiring the rate of development of psychiatry in general. History, of course, shows that adults have often been relatively well cared for in contrast to children. It is not long, in fact, since paediatrics became a special branch of medicine, and it is a very short time since child psychiatry began to develop in its own right. Sources of stimulation for child psychiatry in our country may be glimpsed if one lists those events of the last 50 years which have stimulated child psychiatry in Britain.

The beginning of a psychological service in schools in 1913;

The foundation of a Medical Section of the British Psychological Society;

The psychobiological psychiatry of D. K. Henderson and W. H. Gillespie;

The post-World War I Child Guidance Movement;

The psychoanalytic work fostered by Melanie Klein and Anna Freud;

The evacuation of children from cities in World War II and the establishment of hostels for children with emotional difficulties;

The Blacker Neurosis Survey and the resulting recommendations;

The Education Act of 1944 and its provision for maladjusted children;

The National Health Act of 1948 which stimulated the provision of both out- and in-patient services for children, and placed child psychiatrists on the same economic footing as adult psychiatrists;

The foundation of an active Child Psychiatry Section of the Royal Medico-Psychological Association after World War II.

To equal achievements in Britain, Canada would require 100 child guidance clinics and facilities for the in-patient or full-day care of over 1000 children. Great Britain, with a population three times the size of ours, has now seen the stimulating effect of an insurance scheme which provides a child psychiatric service. We have much to learn by keeping in close touch with developments across the water. Perhaps eventually our Executive may be able to increase contacts between our Society and our counterpart in Great Britain, the Royal Medico-Psychological Association, and, when we eventually have a Child Psychiatric Section, it should be possible for us as a Society to foster the practice of child psychiatry and teaching and research in child psychiatry, and to thrash out professional differences within the Society so that we may speak with a united voice to administrative bodies, to other professions, and to our colleagues in other branches of medicine.
Factors Influencing First Admission Rates to Canadian Mental Hospitals: II. An Analysis of Provincial Differences, 1950-1952.
Authors: Gregory Ian , Psych D.
Published: May 2017

The present article is the second part of a study of first admission rates to Canadian mental hospitals, and consists of an analysis of differences in rates for each of the ten provinces during the three year period 1950–1952.

Overall age standardized rates were much higher than the national average in two provinces, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, and considerably lower than the average in Quebec and Newfoundland.

The provincial distribution of age sex standardized rates showed a positive correlation with percentage of voluntary admissions that was probably significant, and a higher positive correlation with admission rates for psychoneuroses that was extremely significant.

Female rates exceeded male rates most commonly in the age group 30–39 years (and in the overall rates for Saskatchewan), but in most age groups and provinces male rates were higher than female.

The provincial distributions of rates for the age group 0–19 years, and for the diagnosis of mental deficiency, reflected the accommodation available for cases with this disorder.

The provincial distributions of rates for the age group 70 years and over, and for the organic psychoses of senility (excluding in both instances the province of Nova Scotia), showed moderate and probably significant positive correlation with the percentages of married and foreign born in the adult population, and with the concentration of psychiatrists.

The provincial distributions of rates for the intermediate age groups tended to reflect that of the overall age standardized rates. Rates for psychoneuroses correlated highly with the latter, but rates for other diagnoses were more randomly distributed.

It is concluded that differences in mental hospital first admission rates for the Canadian provinces during the period 1950–1952 are less indicative of the incidence of mental disorders than of such factors as social judgement regarding what constitutes mental abnormality, social demand for mental hospital care, availability of mental hospital accommodation or of alternative psychiatric facilities, and variations in diagnostic criteria.
Etude Preliminaire De La Reactivation Des Mecanismes Peripheriques Chez Les Schizophrenes
Authors: Porter Louis J. , Gravel G.
Published: May 2017

The effect of mecholyl on peripheral reactivation was studied in schizophrenic patients under largactil or stemetil therapy and in schizophrenic patients without any tranquilizing pretreatment. Patients were further subdivided in “normoreactors” and “hyporeactors” according to Gellhorn classification based on the blood pressure response.

In the group without any pretreatment mecholil causes a certain degree of sympathetic reactivation which is more intense in normoreactors. Both groups however did not show any positive sign of adrenocortical activation under such condition.

Following pretreatment with largactil, both groups react by a somewhat lesser sympathetic reactivity; hyporeactors, however, show a certain degree of adrenocortical reactivation.

Pretreatment with stemetil decreases still more the sympathetic reactions of both groups to mecholyl; the adrenocortical reactivation of normoreactors, under such conditions, appears to be greatly enhanced.
Adrenal Cortical Stress Effects in Senility
Authors: Kral V. A. , Grad B.
Published: May 2017

Five groups of subjects (normal young persons, normal old persons, young persons with functional psychosis, persons with senile dementia and old schizophrenics), each comprising 5 men and 5 women, were blindfolded for one half hour. Samples of blood and saliva were taken immediately before, immediately after and 3 1/2 hours after blindfolding. The sodium-potassium ratio was determined in the saliva and the number of eosinophils was counted in each sample of blood.

Prior to blindfolding, young persons with functional psychoses had the highest eosinophil count of all the subjects, the counts of this group being significantly higher than those of normal old persons. Moreover, differences between the former group and normal young subjects or old persons with senile dementia were of borderline significance. In response to blindfolding, normal young subjects showed a significant eosinopenia, as did also the senile dementia patients. However, in the former case, the eosinopenia was apparent immediately after blindfolding, but not 3 to 4 hours later. The senile dementia patients on the other hand presented no immediate eosinopenia but showed a very significant change 3 to 4 hours later. The remaining groups showed no significant change in the number of circulating eosinophils in response to blindfolding.

In the case of the salivary Na/K ratio the senile dementia and elderly schizophrenic subjects had significantly higher values than the other groups prior to blindfolding. In response to blindfolding, the normal young subjects showed a significant increase in the Na/K immediately after blindfolding with a return to normal 3 to 4 hours later. On the other hand, old schizophrenics showed a significant decline immediately after blindfolding with a persistence of low values 3 to 4 hours later. All other groups showed no significant change as a result of blindfolding.

These studies provided physiological tests for distinguishing senile dementia from schizophrenia in elderly psychotics. Also, because of the inverse relationship between the change in the level of the circulating eosinophils and salivary Na/K ratio on the one hand and the change of the level the sugar- and salt-action hormones of the adrenal cortex on the other, it is suggested that the elderly schizophrenic reacts to blindfolding by an immediate increase in the output of salt-active corticoids, while the senile dementia patients reacts to the same stress by a delayed increase in the output of sugar-active corticoids.
Etude Statistique De La Frequence Et De La Reactivite Des Electroencephalogrammes Chez Les Sujets Âgés
Authors: Verdeaux J. , Turmel J.
Published: May 2017

Previous studies have brought us to consider the variations in frequency of the basic alpha rhythm of the electroencephalograms, as an important and significant factor.

Regarding the problem of the aging processus, we have looked for an eventual relationship between this fact and the variations in question.

For this, we isolated a group of tracings showing no pathological pattern, or belonging to a group of control with no consumption of neuroleptics and able to be part of a “normal” existence.

These 879 selected tracings have shown the alpha rhythm in all cases, and in 262 subjects its association with theta rhythm.

They may be divided into 5 groups by decades:

1 test-group from 30 to 39 years (349 tracings).

1 group of comparison from 50 to 59 years (270 tracings).

1 group of comparison from 60 to 69 years (166 tracings).

1 group of comparison from 70 to 79 years (72 tracings).

1 group of comparison from 80 to 89 years (22 tracings).

Even if these groups diminish in number with advancing age, as in all populations studied under this aspect, they remain sufficient in number to be compared under histographic form, grouping the different frequencies of alpha rhythm or according to their average frequencies.

The first observation issued from this comparison is the decrease of alpha frequency with age. Among the four groups, the first group only can be compared to the test-group from 30 to 39 years of age. From 60 …. years of age, we see a profile clearly diverted to the left, whereas the averages diminish.

The presence of theta rhythm in a tracing favors the reduction in the frequency of alpha rhythm as it is seen if we select in each group, the tracings composed of alpha rhythm (pure alpha rhythm) and those composed of both (alpha + theta).

In what concerns reactivity, we have observed that during the aging processus:

— the blocking is less and less adequate;

— hyperventilation is more and more active;

— theta rhythm increases;

— the photic stimulation follows less the cerebral rhythm but its action increases the “irritative pattern” or in the appearance of theta rhythm.

Moreover, the morphology of the tracing changes and the “choppy” rhythms become more and more abundant.

In conclusion: The E.E.G. evolves in one way towards a decrease of the alpha frequency, which is considered as a minor but constant indication of “cerebral distress” and in another way, towards a pattern of reactivity showing, either a decrease of physiological responses, or an increase in pathological elements (vascular types, in particular).
Psychotherapies Et Psychanalyse
Authors: Boulanger J. B.
Published: May 2017

With the medical profession's growing awareness of the patient as a psycho-biological entity, psychiatric assessment and treatment have become so prevalent that the physician is expected to appreciate the emotional aspects of illness and often required to include psychotherapy in his office or bedside routine. Some cases would be more effectively handled by him than by the psychiatrist; others demand special skills and should be referred to a colleague with the requisite training.

Many misunderstandings and disappointments could be avoided if the medical practitioner had a clearer view of the specific indications and methods, scope and limits of psychiatric care. In this paper, discussion is restricted to psychotherapy and an attempt is made to differentiate between its various types and applications; special attention is given to psychoanalysis.

The common characteristics and basic postulates of psychotherapeutic techniques are examined. Their choice is determined by the relative importance of actual situations and internal conflicts, the dynamic structure of the psychological disorder and the objective of symptomatic relief or personality change.

The mechanism of the cure, particularly the transference reactions, are compared. Adjustment to reality and reeducation of the patient are opposed to his confrontation with his unconscious world.
Utilisation Du Thiothixène Dans Le Traitement De La Manie: Étude Pilote
Authors: Filotto J. , Bordeleau J.-M. , Tetreault L.
Published: May 2017

Nine manic patients have been the subjects of a pilot study with a new thioxanthene derivative, thiothixene. Data obtained from two rating scales indicate a significant improvement of the mental and behavioural conditions after three weeks of treatment. Thiothixene like other well-known neuroleptics induces extra-pyramidal symptoms and this tends to confirm the fact that thiothixene is a neuroleptic. The drug was well tolerated; however, we observed a decrease of prothrombin time in four patients.
The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Eastwood M.R. , Stiasny S.
Published: May 2017

Electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment procedure in psychiatry which has frequently come under considerable critical scrutiny. This paper describes its use mainly in a postgraduate institute of psychiatry and, for comparative purposes, two other types of psychiatric facilities in Toronto. The treatment is given conservatively, varying to hospital, and is prescribed for 11 percent of patients at a postgraduate institute. However, it is used largely for those with depressive disorders as recommended in standard textbooks. Diagnosis and age are the key variables affecting ECT prescription. It is suggested that ECT practice is effective by and large and now efforts should concentrate on making it efficient.
Compressive residual stress field in functionally graded material rotating disc under thermo-mechanical loading
Authors: Oghbaei Kaveh , Ekhteraei Toussi Hamid
Published: May 2017

Residual stress fields in functionally graded material rotating disc under thermo-mechanical loading is obtained by using the variable material properties method. The mixture model of Tamura–Tomato–Ozawa is used to correlate the overall mechanical behavior to the behavior of the constitutive phases in the construction of a rotating disc. The elastic-linearly kinematic hardening plastic material model is used for the metallic phase and a linear perfectly elastic behavior is assumed for the ceramic part. A finite element method analysis by using ABAQUS software is performed to assess the validity of the proposed method. The effect of velocity and temperature on the residual stress fields are studied. A study also worked out to see the effect of different parameters upon the residual stress fields. The effect of reverse yielding on the transposition of the compressive residual stress zone is investigated.
How Priming Innocence Influences Public Opinion on Police Misconduct and False Convictions
Authors: Donovan Kathleen M. , Klahm Charles F.
Published: May 2017

Issues of innocence have become more salient to the public in recent years, including the problem of police misconduct. However, citizens also tend to be supportive of the police, perceiving them as ethical, honest, and trustworthy. Using a survey experiment with a nationally representative sample, we explore the degree to which public opinion toward police misconduct is influenced by priming respondents on the issue of innocence. We find that reminding citizens of these issues increases their willingness to admit police misconduct that contributes to this problem by roughly 7 percentage points overall. Moreover, this effect is driven by conservatives and, to a lesser extent, moderates, presumably because liberals do not need priming. In contrast, the efficacy of the prime was not affected (i.e., moderated) by the race of the respondent. We place these results in the context of the current debate regarding police use of force as well as the ideological divide in rhetoric surrounding the recent string of high-profile police shootings.
Association between SNPs at IL-17A and IL-17F and susceptibility to accelerated silicosis
Authors: Hassani Ebrahim , Bagheri Morteza , Rad Isa Abdi , Mohebbi Iraj
Published: May 2017

The association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin (IL)-17 gene and silicosis has been evaluated in different populations. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between SNPs at IL-17A (−832A/G) and IL-17F (+7488A/G) and susceptibility to accelerated silicosis in the Iranian Kurdish population. We studied 48 patients with accelerated silicosis and 62 controls. Genomic DNA was isolated using the “salting out” method. PCR-RFLP was performed for all SNPs typing. The frequencies of A/A, A/G, and G/G genotypes at IL-17A (−832A/G) were 4 (8.33%), 23 (47.92%), and 21 (43.75%) in patients and 5 (8.06%), 35 (56.45%), and 22 (35.48%) in controls, respectively. The frequencies of A and G alleles at IL-17 (−832A/G) were 31 (32.29%) and 65 (67.71%) in patients, and 45 (36.29%) and 79 (63.71%) in the controls, respectively. The frequencies of A/A, A/G, and G/G genotypes at IL-17F (+7488A/G) were 1 (2.08%), 47 (97.92%), and 0 (0%) in patients, and 11 (17.74%), 51 (82.26%), and 0 (0%) in the controls, respectively. The frequencies of A and G alleles at IL-17F (+7488A/G) were 49 (51.04%) and 47 (48.96%) in patients, and 73 (58.87%) and 51 (41.13%) in the controls, respectively. IL-17F (+7488A/G) genotype was more frequent among the cases compared with controls (97.92% vs. 82.26%). The frequency of the IL-17F (+7488A/G) genotype was significantly greater in patients with accelerated silicosis (odds ratio = 10.13 95%; confidence interval = 1.2–81.5; p = 0.008). The IL-17F (+7488A/G) genotype revealed a significantly increased risk of accelerated silicosis ( p < 0.05). The IL-17F (+7488 G) allele was associated with an increased risk of accelerated silicosis, but in the case of the IL-17A (−832A/G) polymorphism, a significant association was not observed.
Study of biodegradation and biocompatibility of PEGylated rosin derivatives
Authors: Morkhade Dinesh M , Nande Vishwanath S , Barabde Umesh V , Joshi Siddheshwar B
Published: May 2017

PEGylated rosin derivatives are improved in series ester-adduct derivatives of rosin. The aim of this study was to assess biodegradation and biocompatibility of PEGylated rosin derivatives. Study employed two different PEGylated rosin derivatives, namely, D1 and D2, with constant weight of rosin and increasing amounts of polyethylene glycol 400. PEGylated rosin derivatives were synthesized and tailored into spherical beads and disks with smooth surface for use. In vitro degradation was studied at pH 4.0, 7.4, and 10 for 60 days. In vivo study was performed in Wistar rats using poly(d,l-lactide- co-glycolide) (50:50) as a control. Post 3, 7, 14, and 21 days of implantation, PEGylated rosin derivatives disks were retrieved and evaluated for weight loss, molecular weight decline, morphology, and tissue response. D1 and D2 beads showed 21.68% and 32.37% weight loss, respectively, at pH 7.4 post 60 days. Degradation was increased substantially with increase in pH of medium. Degradation of disks was markedly slower than that of beads. In vivo degradation of PEGylated rosin derivative disks was faster than in vitro. Post 60 days of implantation, weight loss of D1 and D2 disk was 7.57% and 11.84%, whereas molecular weight was declined by about 19% and 26%, respectively. Owing to higher amounts of polyethylene glycol 400, in vitro and in vivo degradation of D2 was faster than D1. Poly(d,l-lactide- co-glycolide) as well as PEGylated rosin derivative implants evoked mild inflammatory responses characterized by few macrophages and absence of exudation at tissue–disk interface. The cellular density in tissue surrounding PEGylated rosin derivative disks increased initially with time up to 7 days and decreased eventually at the end of 21 days. The trend was similar for poly(d,l-lactide- co-glycolide) implants. Increase in polyethylene glycol 400 improved biodegradation and biocompatibility of PEGylated rosin derivatives. Results revealed that PEGylated rosin derivatives degrade slowly in vivo over a period of time, possess fair biocompatibility, and thus are promising biomaterial for drug delivery applications.
Issues in Trip Generation Methods for Transportation Impact Estimation of Land Use Development
Authors: Currans Kristina M.
Published: May 2017

As agencies develop more robust planning objectives for creating sustainable and livable communities, the research community has continued developing tools for estimating transportation impacts for site-level development review. This article provides a review of the state-of-the-art trip generation methods. We then offer a discussion about the consistency of approaches compared with theories of travel behavior and urban economics. The main objective is to identify the largest and potentially problematic gaps in methods available for practice in order to allow researchers, agencies, and practitioners to both be aware of these limitations and forge forward new innovations to solve these ongoing problems.
Exploiting the ‘good mother’ as a tactic of coercive control
Authors: Heward-Belle Susan
Published: May 2017

This article examines the ways that domestically violent men assault women as mothers and their mothering. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 17 Australian men who had perpetrated domestic violence, this article reports their accounts of using this tactic. This tactic was found to be particularly pernicious and grounded in hegemonic representations of the “good mother.” Domestically violent men deployed this tactic instrumentally to exert power and control over women and children. Raising awareness of private and public assaults on women as mothers and their mothering is a critical step toward countering oppressive constructions of women mothering through domestic violence.
Transfer behaviours and influences of high-order hot judder in passenger cars
Authors: Xu Xinfu , Winner Hermann
Published: May 2017

Hot judder consists of brake-induced forced vibrations which are characterized by hot spots on the brake discs. It mainly influences the driving comfort as perceived by the driver as vibrations and low-frequency noises. This article concentrates on the transfer behaviours of high-order hot judder and its effects on the driver’s subjective perception. A novel testing method is applied in this investigation, simulating the high-order hot judder by using discs that are artificially modified to generate tenth-order disc thickness variations or tenth-order lateral run-out. A high quality is achieved with respect to identification of the transfer functions from the brake pressure variation and the brake torque variation to the essential driver interface quantities of hot judder. The threshold values of the brake pressure variation and the brake torque variation for perception of the high-order hot judder in a high-frequency range are obtained on the basis of a regression analysis between subjective evluaitons and objective evaluations of the hot-judder-induced vibrations and the selected critical sound pressure level inside a vehicle. Generally, a brake pressure variation of more than 10 bar or a brake torque variation of 100 Nm is required for perception of the high-order judder-induced vibrations, whereas a brake torque variation of 50 Nm can result in annoying noises. According to the transfer functions and the threshold values of the brake pressure variation and the brake torque variation, the drone noise is shown to be the main reason for potential customer complaints arising from high-order hot judder. The practical significance of high-order judder to the driver’s perception is suitably quantified for the first time. Also, with these results, the impacts of high-order hot judder can be assessed from the observed brake pressure variation and the observed brake torque variation, which are mainly measured using dynamometers.
From preventative to predictive maintenance: The organisational challenge
Authors: Ciocoiu Luminita , Siemieniuch Carys E , Hubbard Ella-Mae
Published: May 2017

Introduction of new technology (technology implementation) within an organisation can have wide reaching implications, beyond the effectiveness and efficiency savings that are typically the aim of such an endeavour. The ‘Health and Prognostic Assessment of Railway Assets for Predictive Maintenance’ project developed a prognostic tool, which aimed to support enhancement of the London underground’s remote condition monitoring system to support change from reactive and preventative to predictive maintenance, in order to increase effectiveness and efficiency and reduce lost customer hours. This paper investigates the organisational challenges associated with the introduction of such a tool. The paper describes the approach adopted to model the extant maintenance processes (focusing on role mapping) and associated organisational structures which revealed issues such as unclear processes, poor communication and data sharing links and problems with delineation of responsibility for decision making. It also describes the development of a new maintenance process model that incorporates the additional functionality of the new prognostic tool, taking in to account changes of roles, responsibilities, organisational processes and activities.
The lateral force hysteretic characteristic of a pitching slender body without and with synthetic jet control
Authors: Wang Qite , Cheng Keming , Gu Yunsong , Chen Yonghe
Published: May 2017

The lateral hysteretic characteristic generated by asymmetric vortical flow behind the tangent-ogive cylinder is investigated without and with micro synthetic jet control, when the slender body undergoes a large amplitude pitching motion. Experiments are conducted in a low speed wind tunnel of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics at a Reynolds number of 46000. The change rule of the instantaneous pressure distribution reflects the aerodynamic characteristic of the whole model. The data of temporal flow file are acquired using particle image velocimetry locked-phase method and present the asymmetric vortices evolution. Results show that asymmetric vortices still exist in the leeward of the slender body during the dynamic pitching motion. However, the asymmetric degree of the vortices distribution, swirling strength and breakdown location are different which is greater in the downward pitching than in the upward pitching, which leads to the lateral force hysteretic phenomenon. In addition, the hysteretic loop expands as the reduced frequency increased. It is an effective method of the flow control that uses micro synthetic jet alternative blow to control the lateral force in the dynamic pitching motion. Furthermore, the lateral force, the pressure distribution and the hysteretic loop shape are changed continuously as the duty cycle of the control signal increased. For the duty cycle of 50%, the vortices distribution, the swirling strength and breakdown location tend to be symmetrical, so the lateral force decreases significantly and the hysteretic loop is eliminated.
‘Mum, the pot broke’: Taking responsibility (or not) in language
Authors: Dreyfus Shoshana
Published: May 2017

This article explores how we take responsibility for our past actions in language, using an ideational perspective. It focuses on the way we construe actions in transitive and ergative language patterns and from this develop a cline of responsibility, which has maximum responsibility at the one end and minimum responsibility at the other. The article examines a number of instances of language use from different genres and registers with this cline to determine the extent to which language users take responsibility (or not) for their actions through language.
On energy equity and China’s policy choices
Authors: Xu Shengqing , Wang Tao
Published: May 2017

Energy is a resource that is essential to economic, cultural, and social development. As China’s economy enters its “new normal” state, it risks falling into the middle income trap, and energy equity is critical for China to get rid of the middle income trap, considering the great gap on energy utilization (including quantity, quality, and infrastructure) between rural and urban areas and the negligence of environmental equity. This article explains the political, economic, and environmental significance of energy equity from the perspectives of the energy trilemma, Engel’s coefficient, and environmental equity. After analyzing the meaning of energy consumption equity and environmental equity and identifying the problems facing China in these aspects, the authors suggest that China can do the following to promote energy equity: (1) ensure access to modern energy; (2) intensify the focus on environmental protection; (3) employ a nexus approach to energy management; (4) establish an energy eco-compensation mechanism; and (5) implement differential environmental protection standards and measures.
There is no significant trend in global average temperature
Authors: Reid John
Published: May 2017

The HadCRUT4 time series of 166 annual values of global average temperature was analysed both deterministically and stochastically and the results compared. The deterministic model comprised the sum of a linear trend and a multi-decadal oscillation fitted by ordinary least squares regression. The stochastic model was an ARMA(1,2) model with a drift term included. The deterministic model showed a linear trend of 0.5℃ per century while the stochastic model showed no significant drift. In both cases, the residuals were tested for self-correlation using standard statistical tests. The residuals from the deterministic model were significantly self-correlated whereas those from the stochastic model were not. We conclude that the stochastic model was a much better fit to the data and that the apparent linear trend of the deterministic model was spurious and a consequence of performing a regression in which time was the explanatory variable.
Ultraviolet-A1 irradiation therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: McGrath H
Published: May 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus, SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies, which bind to antigens and are deposited within tissues to fix complement, resulting in widespread systemic inflammation. The studies presented herein are consistent with hyperpolarized, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-deficient mitochondria being central to the disease process. These hyperpolarized mitochondria resist the depolarization required for activation-induced apoptosis. The mitochondrial ATP deficits add to this resistance to apoptosis and also reduce the macrophage energy that is needed to clear apoptotic bodies. In both cases, necrosis, the alternative pathway of cell death, results. Intracellular constituents spill into the blood and tissues, eliciting inflammatory responses directed at their removal. What results is “autoimmunity.” Ultraviolet (UV)-A1 photons have the capacity to remediate this aberrancy. Exogenous exposure to low-dose, full-body, UV-A1 radiation generates singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen has two major palliative actions in patients with lupus and the UV-A1 photons themselves have several more. Singlet oxygen depolarizes the hyperpolarized mitochondrion, triggering non-ATP-dependent apoptosis that deters necrosis. Next, singlet oxygen activates the gene encoding heme oxygenase (HO-1), a major governor of systemic homeostasis. HO-1 catalyzes the degradation of the oxidant heme into biliverdin (converted to bilirubin), Fe, and carbon monoxide (CO), the first three of these exerting powerful antioxidant effects, and in conjunction with a fourth, CO, protecting against injury to the coronary arteries, the central nervous system, and the lungs. The UV-A1 photons themselves directly attenuate disease in lupus by reducing B cell activity, preventing the suppression of cell-mediated immunity, slowing an epigenetic progression toward SLE, and ameliorating discoid and subacute cutaneous lupus. Finally, a combination of these mechanisms reduces levels of anticardiolipin antibodies and protects during lupus pregnancy. Capping all of this is that UV-A1 irradiation is an essentially innocuous, highly manageable, and comfortable therapeutic agency.
Comparing heteroscedastic measurement systems with the probability of agreement
Authors: Stevens Nathaniel T , Steiner Stefan H , MacKay R Jock
Published: May 2017

Deciding whether two measurement systems agree well enough to be used interchangeably is important in medical and clinical contexts. Recently, the probability of agreement was proposed as an alternative to comparison techniques such as correlation, regression, and the limits of agreement approach, when the systems’ measurement errors are homoscedastic. However, in medical and clinical contexts, it is common for measurement variability to increase proportionally with the magnitude of measurement. In this article, we extend the probability of agreement analysis to accommodate heteroscedastic measurement errors, demonstrating the versatility of this simple metric. We illustrate its use with two examples: one involving the comparison of blood pressure measurement devices, and the other involving the comparison of serum cholesterol assays.