bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The skill premium effect of technological change: New evidence from United States manufacturing
Authors: MALLICK Sushanta K. , SOUSA Ricardo M.
Published: October 2015

Using the NBER‐CES Manufacturing Industry Database, the authors identify a positive relationship between total factor productivity and the skilled‐to‐unskilled labour and wage ratios. Highlighting the skill premium for skilled workers, they find that technology has become more favourable to skilled labour since the 1980s. The productivity differentials between skilled and unskilled labour increase relative demand for the former when they are imperfect substitutes. The authors show that the relationships between technology and both ratios are positive in science‐based and production‐intensive industries, and negative in supplier‐dominated industries, suggesting industry heterogeneity in technological knowledge. From a policy perspective, governments should promote science‐based innovation.
Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae
Authors: Ud‐Din S. , McGeorge D. , Bayat A.
Published: October 2015

Striae distensae (SD) are common dermal lesions, with significant physical and psychological impact. Many therapeutic modalities are available but none can completely eradicate SD. The most common therapy is the application of topicals used both therapeutically and prophylactically. Even though there are many commercially available topical products, not all have sufficient level of evidence to support their continued use in SD. The aim here was to assess the evidence for the use of topicals in SD and to propose a structured approach in managing SD. A systematic search of published literature and manufacturer website information for topicals in SD was carried out. The results showed that there are few studies (n = 11) which investigate the efficacy of topicals in management of SD. Trofolastin and Alphastria creams demonstrated level‐2 evidence of positive results for their prophylactic use in SD. Additionally, tretinoin used therapeutically showed varying results whilst cocoa butter and olive oil did not demonstrate any effect. Overall, there is a distinct lack of evidence for each topical formulation. The majority of topicals failed to mention their effect on early vs. later stages of SD (striae rubrae compared to striae albae) and their role in both prevention and treatment. In conclusion, there is no topical formulation, which is shown to be most effective in eradicating or improving SD. A structured approach in identification and targeted management of symptoms and signs with the appropriate topical is required. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess the efficacy of topical products for treatment and prevention of different stages of SD.
The influence of landscape configuration and environment on population genetic structure in a sedentary passerine: insights from loci located in different genomic regions
Authors: Ferrer E. S. , García‐Navas V. , Bueno‐Enciso J. , Barrientos R. , Serrano‐Davies E. , Cáliz‐Campal C. , Sanz J. J. , Ortego J.
Published: October 2015

The study of the factors structuring genetic variation can help to infer the neutral and adaptive processes shaping the demographic and evolutionary trajectories of natural populations. Here, we analyse the role of isolation by distance (IBD), isolation by resistance (IBR, defined by landscape composition) and isolation by environment (IBE, estimated as habitat and elevation dissimilarity) in structuring genetic variation in 25 blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) populations. We typed 1385 individuals at 26 microsatellite loci classified into two groups by considering whether they are located into genomic regions that are actively (TL; 12 loci) or not (NTL; 14 loci) transcribed toRNA. Population genetic differentiation was mostly detected using the panel ofNTL. Landscape genetic analyses showed a pattern ofIBDfor all loci and the panel ofNTL, but genetic differentiation estimated atTLwas only explained byIBRmodels considering high resistance for natural vegetation and low resistance for agricultural lands. Finally, the absence forIBEsuggests a lack of divergent selection pressures associated with differences in habitat and elevation. Overall, our study shows that markers located in different genomic regions can yield contrasting inferences on landscape‐level patterns of realized gene flow in natural populations.
Estrogen receptor beta signaling alters cellular inflammasomes activity after global cerebral ischemia in reproductively senescence female rats
Authors: de Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo , Patel Hersila H. , Brand Frank J. , Perez‐Pinzon Miguel A. , Bramlett Helen M. , Raval Ami P.
Published: October 2015

Periodic treatments with estrogen receptor subtype‐β (ER‐β) agonist reduce post‐ischemic hippocampal injury in ovariectomized rats. However, the underlying mechanism of how ER‐β agonists protect the brain remains unknown. Global cerebral ischemia activates the innate immune response, and a key component of the innate immune response is the inflammasome. This study tests the hypothesis that ER‐β regulates inflammasome activation in the hippocampus, thus reducing ischemic hippocampal damage in reproductively senescent female rats that received periodic ER‐β agonist treatments. First, we determined the effect of hippocampal ER‐β silencing on the expression of the inflammasome proteins caspase 1, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and interleukin (IL)‐1β. Silencing of ER‐β attenuated 17β‐estradiol mediated decrease in caspase 1, ASC, and IL‐1β. Next, we tested the hypothesis that periodic ER‐β agonist treatment reduces inflammasome activation and ischemic damage in reproductively senescent female rats. Periodic ER‐β agonist treatments significantly decreased inflammasome activation and increased post‐ischemic live neuronal counts by 32% (p < 0.05) as compared to the vehicle‐treated, reproductively senescent rats. Current findings demonstrated that ER‐β activation regulates inflammasome activation and protects the brain from global ischemic damage in reproductively senescent female rats. Further investigation on the role of a periodic ER‐β agonist regimen to reduce the innate immune response in the brain could help reduce the incidence and the impact of global cerebral ischemia in post‐menopausal women.

image

We propose that estrogen receptor subtype‐β (ER‐β) activation regulates inflammasome activation and protects the brain from global ischemic damage in reproductively senescent female rats.
Global Nursing Issues and Development: Analysis of World Health Organization Documents
Authors: Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Liu Huaping , Wang Hui , Anderson Debra , Seib Charrlotte , Molasiotis Alex
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To analyze World Health Organization (WHO) documents to identify global nursing issues and development.

Design

Qualitative content analysis.

Methods

Documents published by the six WHO regions between 2007 and 2012 and with key words related to nurse/midwife or nursing/midwifery were included. Themes, categories, and subcategories were derived. The final coding reached 80% agreement among three independent coders, and the final coding for the discrepant coding was reached by consensus.

Findings

Thirty‐two documents from the regions of Europe (n = 19), the Americas (n = 6), the Western Pacific (n = 4), Africa (n = 1), the Eastern Mediterranean (n = 1), and Southeast Asia (n = 1) were examined. A total of 385 units of analysis dispersed in 31 subcategories under four themes were derived. The four themes derived (number of unit of analysis, %) were Management & Leadership (206, 53.5), Practice (75, 19.5), Education (70, 18.2), and Research (34, 8.8).

Conclusions

The key nursing issues of concern at the global level are workforce, the impacts of nursing in health care, professional status, and education of nurses. International alliances can help advance nursing, but the visibility of nursing in the WHO needs to be strengthened.

Clinical Relevance

Organizational leadership is important in order to optimize the use of nursing competence in practice and inform policy makers regarding the value of nursing to promote people's health.
Incidence and Characteristics of Late Catch‐Up Phenomenon Between Sirolimus‐Eluting Stent and Everolimus‐Eluting Stent: A Propensity Matched Study
Authors: Kobayashi Norihiro , Ito Yoshiaki , Nakano Masatsugu , Araki Motoharu , Hirano Keisuke , Yamawaki Masahiro , Takimura Hideyuki , Sakamoto Yasunari , Tsukahara Reiko , Muramatsu Toshiya
Published: October 2015

Objectives

We evaluated and compared the incidence and characteristics of late catch‐up phenomenon (LCU) between everolimus‐eluting stent (EES) and sirolimus‐eluting stent (SES) implantations.

Background

Late catch‐up phenomenon after everolimus‐eluting stent (EES) implantation has not yet been evaluated sufficiently.

Methods

Between April 2007 and May 2011, 1,234 patients with coronary artery disease were treated with SES and 502 patients with EES. Following propensity score matching, we evaluated 495 SES‐treated patients and 495 ESS‐treated patients. The incidences of LCU (i.e., late target lesion revascularization [TLR] [1–3 years]) were compared.

Results

The cumulative incidence of TLR at 3 years was 11.9% in the SES group and 6.1% in the EES group (P = 0.001). The incidence of late TLR was 7.5% in the SES group and 3.4% in the EES group (P = 0.004). Even though not statistically significant, intravascular ultrasound showed a higher tendency of stent fracture (SF) in late restenosis lesions in the SES group than in the EES group (37.0% vs 7.7%; P = 0.052). Moreover, the SF rate tended to increase in late restenosis compared with early restenosis (within 1 year) in the SES group compared with the EES group (SES: 37.0% vs 22.2%; P = 0.293, EES: 7.7% vs 10.0%; P = 0.846), although the increase was not significantly different.

Conclusions

EES was superior to SES in terms of LCU. SF may be associated with LCU after SES implantation. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:551–562)
Cement Selection for Cement‐Retained Implant‐Supported Prostheses: A Literature Review
Authors: Nematollahi Fatemeh , Beyabanaki Elaheh , Alikhasi Marzieh
Published: October 2015

Cement‐retained implant‐supported prostheses are widely used for restoring missing teeth; however, they show some complications in comparison to screw‐retained restorations, such as difficulty in retrieving the restoration and biocompatibility of cement. Therefore, the practitioner should consider several important aspects when using this type of restoration. In this regard, one major concern is appropriate cement selection, with considerations including cement biologic compatibility, methods for limiting the excess cement, ease of removing the excess cement, radiographic view of the cement, and also the possibility of future retrieval of the prosthesis. The aim of this review article was to address most aspects related to this type of prosthesis in terms of cementation.
Michael Wyschogrod's Messianic Zionism
Authors: Ozar Alex S.
Published: October 2015

This essay presents an integrated account of Michael Wyschogrod's Zionism as a function of his broader theological anthropology, eschatology, and carnal interpretation of Israel's election. Against Leora Batnitzky, I show that Wyschogrod's Zionism, while definitively messianic, is decidedly not fanatical or fundamentalist. Against Meir Soloveichik, I show that Wyschogrod has maintained this non‐fanatical messianism consistently throughout his career, and so his pacific political prescriptions are organically at one with his vigorous calls for Jewish sovereignty over the land.
Natural Law and the “Sin Against Nature”
Authors: Larsen Sean
Published: October 2015

Traditional Christian descriptions of homosexuality as a “sin against nature” rely on a claim about the transparency of the sexed body to universal reason: homosexual acts are sins against nature because natural law renders them obviously unnatural. This moral description “unnatural” subverts itself for two reasons. First, neo‐traditionalist descriptions conflate “natural” and “normal.” Dialogue withDidierEribon's work on the “insult” shows how such moral descriptions self‐subvert and render chastity impossible. Second, neo‐traditionalists use the description to require celibacy, which the tradition teaches is likely impossible without a special gift. This use of natural law thus fails to be self‐consistent or true to reality and so undermines its ability to serve as a critical principle in the search for truth. A critical use of natural law allows for an alternative, non‐insulting description of homosexual characters. This essay outlines the character description through immanent critique of two spheres of Catholic teachings about sex: Augustinian sexual ethics and nuptial theology.
Response to Michael Sells
Authors: Green Ronald M.
Published: October 2015

In an era when lies and misrepresentations about historical events easily become firmly rooted, Michael Sells's discussion illustrates the importance of careful historical research as a moral enterprise. In addition to the skills of the historian, however, there is also room in this enterprise for those of the ethicist. In particular, I warn against confusing the truth or falsity of claims about one narrow historical period with larger questions about the moral meaning and significance of those claims. Illustrating this, I argue one cannot assess the legitimacy of competing nationhood claims solely on the basis of the deeds of specific actors. Nor should the actions of a single individual like the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem be converted into a totalizing claim about the rights of the Palestinian people.
Evaluation of an Electrochemical Point‐of‐Care Meter for Measuring Glucose Concentration in Blood from Periparturient Dairy Cattle
Authors: Megahed A.A. , Hiew M.W.H. , Townsend J.R. , Messick J.B. , Constable P.D.
Published: October 2015

Background

The Precision Xtra® meter is a promising low cost electrochemical point‐of‐care unit for measuring blood glucose concentration ([gluc]) in cattle blood. The meter uses an algorithm that assumes the intra‐erythrocyte [gluc] equals the plasma [gluc] on a molal basis, and that the hematocrit is similar in humans and cattle.

Objectives

The primary objective was to determine the accuracy of the meter for measuring plasma [gluc] in dairy cattle. Secondary objectives were to characterize the influence of hematocrit and sample temperature on the measured value for [gluc].

Animals

A total of 106 periparturient Holstein‐Friesian cattle.

Methods

Blood and plasma samples (1,109) were obtained and Deming regression and Bland–Altman plots were used to determine the accuracy of the meter against the reference method (plasma hexokinase assay). Multivariable regression and linear regression were used to determine the effect of hematocrit and sample temperature on the plasma [gluc] measured by the meter.

Results

Intra‐erythrocyte [gluc] was 18% of plasma [gluc] on a molar basis. Sample temperature had a significant linear effect on plasma [gluc] as measured by the meter for 3/5 plasma samples when measured [gluc] > 160 mg/dL.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The meter utilizes an algorithm that is optimized for human blood and is inaccurate when applied to bovine blood. Until a cattle‐specific algorithm is developed, we recommend using plasma as the analyte instead of blood and calculating plasma [gluc] using the equation: [gluc] = 0.66 × [gluc]p‐meter + 15, where [gluc]p‐meter is the value reported by the meter. If blood is measured, then we recommend using the equation: [gluc] = 0.90 × [gluc]b‐meter + 15.
Scaling and reproducibility of craters produced at the Experimental Projectile Impact Chamber (EPIC), Centro de Astrobiología, Spain
Authors: Ormö J. , Melero‐Asensio I. , Housen K. R. , Wünnemann K. , Elbeshausen D. , Collins G. S.
Published: October 2015

The Experimental Projectile Impact Chamber (EPIC) is a specially designed facility for the study of processes related to wet‐target (e.g., “marine”) impacts. It consists of a 7 m wide, funnel‐shaped test bed, and a 20.5 mm caliber compressed N2 gas gun. The target can be unconsolidated or liquid. The gas gun can launch 20 mm projectiles of various solid materials under ambient atmospheric pressure and at various angles from the horizontal. To test the functionality and quality of obtained results by EPIC, impacts were performed into dry beach sand targets with two different projectile materials; ceramic Al2O3 (max. velocity 290 m s−1) and Delrin (max. velocity 410 m s−1); 23 shots used a quarter‐space setting (19 normal, 4 at 53° from horizontal) and 14 were in a half‐space setting (13 normal, 1 at 53°). The experiments were compared with numerical simulations using the iSALE code. Differences were seen between the nondisruptive Al2O3 (ceramic) and the disruptive Delrin (polymer) projectiles in transient crater development. All final crater dimensions, when plotted in scaled form, agree reasonably well with the results of other studies of impacts into granular materials. We also successfully validated numerical models of vertical and oblique impacts in sand against the experimental results, as well as demonstrated that the EPIC quarter‐space experiments are a reasonable approximation for half‐space experiments. Altogether, the combined evaluation of experiments and numerical simulations support the usefulness of the EPIC in impact cratering studies.
Reliability of blood test results in samples obtained using a 2‐mL discard volume from the proximal lumen of a triple‐lumen central venous catheter in the critically ill patient
Authors: Villalta‐García Pedro , López‐Herránz Marta , Mazo‐Pascual Salvador , Honrubia‐Fernández Teresa , Jáñez‐Escalada Luis , Fernández‐Pérez Cristina
Published: October 2015

Background

Intensive care patients require a high frequency of blood testing, which results in a significant amount of blood loss. When blood is obtained from a central venous catheter (CVC), a large volume is usually discarded to obtain an unaltered sample for testing.

Aim

To determine the reliability of complete blood test results in blood samples obtained from the proximal lumen of a triple‐lumen CVC using a 2‐mL discard volume

Design

Observational study with the prospective collection of data

Methods

The subjects enrolled were all patients with a subclavian triple‐lumen CVC, older than 17 years and consecutively admitted to intensive care over a 2‐year period. In each of the 54 participants, one blood sample was drawn from the proximal lumen of the catheter, discarding 1·61 mL of blood plus 0·39 mL of catheter deadspace (2 mL) and without interrupting infusion in the middle and distal lumens. A second sample was then obtained by direct venous puncture. The reliability of blood test results was determined by comparing sets of variables recorded for the two sampling methods through intraclass correlation coefficients in the Bland–Altman method.

Results

Inter‐method reliability for the variables examined was excellent, >0·75; range (0·868–0·998). Mean differences between the two sample types for the variables most often determined in critically ill patients were leukocytes: 0·200 × 103/µL, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0·025 to 0·375); erythrocytes: 0·045 × 106/uL, 95% CI (−0·003 to 0·094); sodium: 0·074 mEq/L, 95% CI (−0·369 to 0·517); potassium: −0·002mEq/L, 95% CI (−0·065 to 0·061) and glucose: 2·426 mg/dL, 95% CI (0·498–4·354).

Conclusions

The sampling method proposed minimizes blood loss while offering reliable blood test results.

Relevance to clinical practice

The main benefit of the method proposed is reduced blood loss, improving the care of a critically ill patient.
Parents' and young people's involvement in designing a trial of ventilator weaning
Authors: Tume Lyvonne N. , Preston Jenny , Blackwood Bronagh
Published: October 2015

Consulting with users is considered best practice and is highly recommended in designing new trials. As part of our feasibility work, we undertook a consultation exercise with parents, ex‐patients and young people prior to designing a trial of protocol‐based ventilator weaning. Our aims were to (1) ascertain views on the relevance and importance of the trial; (2) determine the important parent/patient outcome measures; and (3) ascertain views on informed consent in a cluster randomized controlled trial. We conducted audio‐recorded face‐to‐face, telephone and focus group interviews with parents and young people. Data were content analysed to generate information to address our specific consultation objectives. The setting was the north‐western region of England. A total of 16 participants were interviewed: 2 parents of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors; 1 PICU survivor; and 13 young people from the former Medicines for Children Research Network. The trial objectives were deemed important and relevant, and participants considered the most important outcome measure to be the length of time on ventilation. Parents and young people did not consider written informed consent to be a necessary requirement in the context of this trial, rather awareness of unit participation in the trial was important with the opportunity of opting out of data collection. This consultation provided useful, pragmatic insights to inform trial design. We encountered significant challenges in recruiting parents and young people for this consultation exercise, and novel recruitment methods need to be considered for future work in this field. Patient and public involvement is essential to ensure that future trials answer parent‐relevant questions and have meaningful outcome measures, as well as involving parents and young people in the general development of health care services.
Assessment of Fatty Acid Profile and Seed Mineral Nutrients of Two Soybean (Glycine max L.) Cultivars Under Elevated Ultraviolet‐B: Role of ROS, Pigments and Antioxidants
Authors: Choudhary Krishna Kumar , Agrawal Shashi Bhushan
Published: October 2015

Current scenarios under global climate change envisage a considerable increase in ultraviolet B (UV‐B) radiation in near future which may affect the productivity and yield quality of major agricultural crops. Present investigation was conducted to examine various defense strategies adopted against elevated UV‐B (ambient + 7.2 kJ mˉ2 dayˉ1) and their impact on seed nutrients, content and quality of oil including fatty acid profile of two soybean cultivars (JS‐335 and PS‐1042). Elevated UV‐B (eUV‐B) exposure leads toward higher unsaturation of fatty acids and changes in other oil quality parameters (acid, iodine and saponification value) indicated that eUV‐B favored the synthesis of long‐chain fatty acids with fewer carboxylic acid groups, making the oil rancid, with undesirable flavor and low nutritional value. The effect was more severe in JS‐335 as compared to PS‐1042. Negative effects were also seen on nutrients of soybean seeds. Adverse effects resulted due to insufficient quenching of ROS (superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide) by the defense system and thus unable to overcome the imposed oxidative stress. Credit of better performance by PS‐1042 against eUV‐B may be given to the adoption of efficient defense strategies like higher wax deposition, increase in lignin and flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol) contents.
How Politicians’ Reelection Efforts Can Reduce Public Trust, Electoral Support, and Policy Approval
Authors: Bøggild Troels
Published: October 2015

Politicians’ desire for reelection motivates them to be responsive to voters’ policy preferences. In the traditional view, voters choose between candidates based on their delivery of favorable outcomes such as ideologically appealing policies or a prospering economy. However, research in psychology shows that, in addition to outcomes, people care about procedural fairness and, particularly, impartial decision‐makers who make decisions without personal motives and interests. This, I argue, confronts politicians with a delicate task: politicians must present voters with favorable policy outcomes but without appearing as if they pursue these policies based on a personal, vote‐maximizing motive for reelection. In four survey experiments, I find support for this argument. Participants were significantly less inclined to trust and vote for politicians and support their policies when political decisions were described as motivated by reelection considerations than when no such motive was present. The findings advance our understanding of how citizens view political representation and have important implications for research on public opinion, legislative behavior, and democratic theory.
Cueing Patriotism, Prejudice, and Partisanship in the Age of Obama: Experimental Tests of U.S. Flag Imagery Effects in Presidential Elections
Authors: Kalmoe Nathan P. , Gross Kimberly
Published: October 2015

The American flag is a powerful symbol that campaigns seek to harness for electoral gain. But the flag's benefits may be more elusive than they appear. We begin by presenting content analysis of the flag's prevalence in 2012 U.S. presidential campaign ads, which suggests both candidates saw flags as advantageous. Then, in two experiments set during the 2012 campaign and a later study with prospective 2016 candidates, we find flag exposure provides modest but consistent benefits for Republican candidates among voters high in symbolic patriotism, racial prejudice, and Republican identification. These effects arise regardless of which candidate appears with the flag. Taken together, our results speak to both the power and limitations of the American flag in electioneering. Beyond practical implications for campaigns, these studies emphasize the heterogeneity of citizens’ reactions to visual political symbols and highlight potent links between symbolic attitudes and a nation's flag.
Does the Presence of Risk Factors for Fetal Growth Restriction Increase the Probability of Antenatal Detection? A French National Study
Authors: Monier Isabelle , Blondel Béatrice , Ego Anne , Kaminski Monique , Goffinet François , Zeitlin Jennifer
Published: October 2015

Background

Screening for fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major component of prenatal care. We investigated whether the presence of maternal and pregnancy risk factors for FGR improves the antenatal suspicion of FGR for infants born small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) as well as their impact on screening specificity.

Methods

Data are from a representative sample of births from the 2010 French National Perinatal Survey (n = 14 100). Detection of FGR was determined by a suspicion of FGR noted in medical charts. Analyses were performed for singleton infants with birthweight under the 10th percentile (SGA), under the 3rd percentile (severely SGA), and above the 10th percentile (false positives) of French references. We studied risk factors for FGR (medical and obstetric conditions, advanced maternal age, nulliparity, body mass index and smoking) using multivariable Poisson regression to derive adjusted risk ratios (aRR).

Results

Of SGA infants, 21.7% were suspected of FGR. The presence of obstetric and medical risk factors for FGR was associated with higher suspicion among SGA infants [RR 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7, 2.7]. However, despite the presence of these factors, 60% and 40% of SGA and severely SGA infants, respectively, were not suspected of FGR. Two per cent of normal birthweight infants were suspected of FGR, increasing to 5% when obstetric and medical risk factors were present. Smoking and older maternal age were unrelated to suspicion while females were more likely to be suspected of FGR.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that better risk assessment could improve antenatal identification of FGR. Sex‐specific fetal growth references should be used to avoid systematic bias linked to sex.
Modulation of ERP components by task instructions in a cued go/no‐go task
Authors: Aasen Ida Emilia , Brunner Jan Ferenc
Published: October 2015

The present study investigated how components of ERPs are modulated when participants optimize speed versus accuracy in a cued go/no‐go task. Using a crossover design, 35 participants received instructions to complete the task prioritizing response speed in half of the task, and accurate responding in the other half of the task. Analysis was performed on the contingent negative variation (CNV), P3go, and P3no‐go and the corresponding independent components (IC), as identified by group independent component analysis. After speed instructions, the IC CNVlate, P3goanterior, P3no‐goearly, and P3no‐golate all had larger amplitudes than after accuracy instructions. Furthermore, both the IC P3goposterior and IC P3goanterior had shorter latencies after speed than after accuracy instructions. The results demonstrate that components derived from the CNV and P3 components are facilitated when participants optimize response speed. These findings indicate that these ERP components reflect executive processes enabling adjustment of behavior to changing demands.
Alterations in electrodermal activity and cardiac parasympathetic tone during hypnosis
Authors: Kekecs Zoltán , Szekely Anna , Varga Katalin
Published: October 2015

Exploring autonomic nervous system (ANS) changes during hypnosis is critical for understanding the nature and extent of the hypnotic phenomenon and for identifying the mechanisms underlying the effects of hypnosis in different medical conditions. To assess ANS changes during hypnosis, electrodermal activity and pulse rate variability (PRV) were measured in 121 young adults. Participants either received hypnotic induction (hypnosis condition) or listened to music (control condition), and both groups were exposed to test suggestions. Blocks of silence and experimental sound stimuli were presented at baseline, after induction, and after de‐induction. Skin conductance level (SCL) and high frequency (HF) power of PRV measured at each phase were compared between groups. Hypnosis decreased SCL compared to the control condition; however, there were no group differences in HF power. Furthermore, hypnotic suggestibility did not moderate ANS changes in the hypnosis group. These findings indicate that hypnosis reduces tonic sympathetic nervous system activity, which might explain why hypnosis is effective in the treatment of disorders with strong sympathetic nervous system involvement, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hot flashes, hypertension, and chronic pain. Further studies with different control conditions are required to examine the specificity of the sympathetic effects of hypnosis.
Competition Between Different Social Ranked Rams has Similar Effects on Testosterone and Sexual Behaviour Throughout the Year
Authors: Ungerfeld R , Lacuesta L
Published: October 2015

Contents

Dominant rams have preferential access to females, as they frequently interrupt sexual behaviour from subordinated. Testosterone concentrations are directly linked to sexual and aggressive behaviour and have important variations along the year. Therefore, it may be expected that the effects of dominance relationships on reproductive behaviour differ according to testosterone concentrations, and thus to the period of the year. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dominance relationships on testosterone and sexual behaviour in different moments of the year in rams. Twelve rams were maintained in a single group. Social rank was determined in January (maximum reproductive development), May (regression of the reproductive status) and August (lowest reproductive activity), and the four rams with higher (HR) and the four with lower (LR) success index were used. Testosterone serum concentration was weekly measured four times during each experimental period. Sexual behaviour was evaluated in each period with an oestrous ewe, and with the oestrous ewe and another ram from the other social rank (each HR with each LR ram). Testosterone concentration was greater in HR than LR rams in January (p = 0.03), and all the behaviours were displayed more frequently in non‐competitive than in competitive tests (p < 0.05). Rams modified their sexual strategy in competitive environments decreasing the display of sexual behaviour independently of their social status. This effect was observed consistently throughout the year: high‐ranked rams have greater testosterone concentrations than LR rams only during the pre‐rut, when they naturally compete to join the groups of ewes.
Variability in bedform morphology and kinematics with transport stage
Authors: Venditti Jeremy G. , Lin C.‐Y. Martin , Kazemi Moslem
Published: October 2015

Bedform geometry is widely recognized to be a function of transport stage. Bedform aspect ratio (height/length) increases with transport stage, reaches a maximum, then decreases as bedforms washout to a plane bed. Bedform migration rates are also linked to bedform geometry, in so far as smaller bedforms in coarser sediment tend to migrate faster than larger bedforms in finer sediment. However, how bedform morphology (height, length and shape) and kinematics (translation and deformation) change with transport stage and suspension have not been examined. A series of experiments is presented where initial flow depth and grain size were held constant and the transport stage was varied to produce bedload dominated, mixed‐load dominated and suspended‐load dominated conditions. The results show that the commonly observed pattern in bedform aspect ratio occurs because bedform height increases then decreases with transport stage, against a continuously increasing bedform length. Bedform size variability increased with transport stage, leading to less uniform bedform fields at higher transport stage. Total translation‐related and deformation‐related sediment fluxes all increased with transport stage. However, the relative contribution to the total flux changed. At the bedload dominated stage, translation‐related and deformation‐related flux contributed equally to the total flux. As the transport stage increased, the fraction of the total load contributed by translation increased and the fraction contributed by deformation declined because the bedforms got bigger and moved faster. At the suspended‐load dominated transport stage, the deformation flux increased and the translation flux decreased as a fraction of the total load, approaching one and zero, respectively, as bedforms washed out to a plane bed.
Social Security through Guaranteed Employment
Authors: Fraser Neil
Published: October 2015

This article reviews the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA), perhaps India's foremost social security scheme, which is in the form of a right for rural households throughout India to work for up to 100 days a year in public works and to be paid the minimum wage for unskilled labourers. It is argued that self‐targeting leads to a more pro‐poor scheme than a cash transfer programme. However, in many states, especially poor states, work for NREGA is shown to be not a right. This is a major aspect of the corruption which gives the scheme a bad name. Also generally disappointing is the value of the assets created by the public works. But it is argued that NREGA is worth salvaging, especially if the example of the best states could be followed more widely. Attention is particularly drawn to the contribution of NREGA to the empowerment of women and scheduled castes and tribes in much of rural India.
Blue‐collar Emigration from India and Governance
Authors: Heller Arokkiaraj
Published: October 2015

Indian expatriates numbering about 6.5 million, i.e. one‐third of the Gulf population, have been engaged in skilled, semi‐skilled and unskilled work since the time of the oil boom in the Persian Gulf regions. Putting monetary benefits to one side, emigrants' problems, such as false promises of recruiting agents, high visa charges, hurdles at workplaces and a defective system to address the grievances of Indian workers in the 18 Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries, are still unaddressed. With this background, the aim of this article is to concentrate on emigration from India to the 18 ECR countries listed by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), Government of India (GoI). The GoI has identified these 18 countries because they are not labour‐ (emigrant‐) friendly, and are vulnerable to exploitation with regard to their labour standards. The article begins with conceptualizing ‘emigration’ in the Indian context. By focusing only on the ECR countries, the real picture concerning the situation of Indian emigrants is unfolded. These 18 ECR countries are almost the same in their treatment of blue‐collar emigrants. So, only this category of countries is selected for this work. The following key areas are discussed in this article: the role of the MOIA and the respective state governments in supporting and protecting these emigrants and their families; shortcomings in Indian embassies' administrative structure in protecting blue‐collar Indian workers; and the existing legislative provisions and welfare schemes for Indian emigrants working in the 18 ECR countries. In addition, the existing programmes at both central and state government level for returning and deporting workers are covered in this article.
Caste and Distributive Justice: Can Social Policy Address Durable Inequalities?
Authors: Pellissery Sony , Pampackal Amrutha Jose , Bopaiah Partha
Published: October 2015

This article examines the impact of social policy interventions on caste inequalities. The article accepts the proposition by Charles Tilly that durable inequalities are entrenched solutions while addressing organizational problems of society. The political economy approach to caste enables us to understand how the discriminatory practices around caste are durable. The article examines two types of social policies set up to deal with caste discrimination. The first type of policies are particularistic policies which directly address the concerns of the members of the depressed castes. The second type of policies are aimed at the general population, but from which a large number of depressed caste members benefit. The article concludes that both types of policies have only an ameliorative function rather than an emancipation role. It is argued here that ‘social policy’ in the context of durable inequality requires redefinition to include political interventions. The administrative view of social policy focuses heavily on the state, and in the context of durable inequality, the legitimacy of the state itself is in question. On the other hand, mobilization around politics addresses the organizational anomaly of the society, which is at the root of durable inequality.
Uterine arteriovenous malformations: clinical implications
Authors: Katimada Annaiah Thangamma , Kodakkattil Sreenivasan Sreejith
Published: October 2015

Key content

The incidence and prevalence of uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is difficult to determine because bleeding caused by uterine AVMs does respond to medical management and several of these may go undiagnosed.

Fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the literature, but the increasing use of imaging modalities, particularly ultrasound, in acute gynaecology is likely to lead to identification of these lesions more frequently.

Uterine AVMs are largely acquired lesions, with pregnancy playing an important role in their pathogenesis.

The most frequent clinical manifestation is abnormal uterine bleeding, which can often be episodic, torrential and can result in significant anaemia or even shock.

Hysterectomy remains the most definitive treatment, however, modern management of uterine AVMs varies from medical management (hormonal therapy), through minimally invasive uterine artery embolisation to more definitive surgical hysterectomy.

Learning objectives

To be aware of the existence of these lesions and to understand the risk factors and clinical presentation of women who should be suspected of having these lesions.

To learn the various conservative treatment options for the management of uterine AVMs.

To understand the implications for women's future fertility.

Ethical issues

Should ultrasound Doppler be routinely performed in women who have persistent vaginal bleeding after management of miscarriage?

Since experience with interpreting angiography to diagnose uterine AVM is limited, should those women with suspected uterine AVM requiring surgical management be referred to a tertiary centre?
Exercise in pregnancy
Authors: Kuhrt Katy , Hezelgrave Natasha L , Shennan Andrew H
Published: October 2015

Key content

The physiology of pregnancy and responses to exercise.

The benefits of exercise in pregnancy.

The potential harms related to exercise in pregnancy.

Guidelines and recommendations for exercise in pregnancy.

Learning objectives

To understand the interaction between the physiology of exercise and pregnancy.

To be able to counsel women regarding the benefits and harms of exercise in pregnancy.

To recognise longer term benefits of exercise on maternal and fetal health.

Ethical issues

Consider the variable national recommendations and their impact on pregnant women.

Acknowledge the lack of specific research on intensity and nature of exercise.
SURFACE SETTLEMENT INDUCED BY TUNNELING IN GREENFIELD CONDITION THROUGH PHYSICAL MODELLING
Authors: Marto Aminaton , Abdullah Mohamad Hafeezi , Makhtar Ahmad Mahir , Sohaei Houman , Tan Choy Soon
Published: October 2015

Geotechnical conditions such as tunnel dimensions, tunneling method and soil type are few factors influencing the ground movement or disturbance.  This paper presents the effect of tunnel cover to diameter ratio and relative density of sand on surface settlement induced by tunneling using physical modelling. The aluminum casing with outer diameter of 50 mm was used to model the tunnel shield. The size of the casing was 2 mm diameter larger than the tunnel lining. The tunnel excavation was done by pulling out the tunnel shield at constant speed with a mechanical pulley. The tested variables are cover to diameter ratio (1, 2 and 3) and relative density of sand (30%, 50% and 75%). The results demonstrated that the surface settlement decreased as the relative density increased. Also, as the relative density of sand increased, the overload factor at collapse increased. The surface settlement was at the highest when the cover to diameter ratio was 2.  It can be concluded that in greenfield condition, the relative density and cover to diameter ratio affect the surface settlement.
CORRELATION BETWEEN SEISMIC REFRACTION AND BOREHOLE DATA FOR SUBSURFACE EVALUATION
Authors: Mohamad Edy Tonnizam , Alel Mohd Nur Asmawisham , Masdi Nurul Farahain
Published: October 2015

In conventional way, investigation of the subsurface parameter is determined from boreholes data. However, the information retrieved from a bore log only provides information at a discrete location. Geophysical method such as seismic refraction has been routinely used to compliment the ‘missing’ boreholes information as it offers continuous information along the survey line. This paper presents the relationship between seismic refraction method and borehole logging in a granitic area at Ulu Tiram, Johor. Three lines of seismic survey were carried out to assess the subsurface for quarry development. Two boreholes were drilled along the seismic line in the effort to find relationship between information gathered from those methods. The seismic survey results are evaluated along with SPT and RQD information. Results for the correlation of seismic refraction survey and borehole data can be used for better subsurface characteristics exploration between boreholes besides providing data rapidly at a relatively low cost and give benefits in terms of work time.
NUMERICAL AND PHYSICAL MODELLING OF KAOLIN AS BACKFILL MATERIAL FOR POLYMER CONCRETE RETAINING WALL
Authors: Arefnia Ali , Kassim Khairul Anuar , Sohaei Houman , Ahmad Kamarudin , A Rashid Ahmad Safuan
Published: October 2015

The failure mechanism of backfill material for retaining wall was studied by performing a numerical analysis using the finite element method. Kaolin is used as backfill material and retaining wall is constructed by Polymer Concrete. The laboratory data of an instrumented cantilever retaining wall are reexamined to confirm an experimental working hypothesis. The obtained laboratory data are the backfill settlement and horizontal displacement of the wall. The observed response demonstrates the backfill settlement and displacement of the retaining wall from the start to completion of loading. In conclusion, numerical modelling results based on computer programming by ABAQUS confirms the experimental results of the physical modelling.
SIMULATION OF LINEAR AND NON-LINEAR SOIL WATER DEFICIT DUE TO TREE WATER UPTAKE
Authors: Kian Ong Choon , Ali Nazri
Published: October 2015

Simulation of water uptake model is extremely important to anticipate the moisture content changes in the soil. It is very helpful for the development of geotechnical foundation and geo-environmental problem solving. There are several water uptake models that have been developed by previous researchers. However it is difficult to plot and to analyse the model. Hence, this project focuses into the development of coding for linear and non-linear water uptake models. Linear model and exponential model were simulated by using Visual Basic. The results were verified and showed a good match with the models. The sensitivity of the linear and the exponential model was investigated, followed by the comparison between both simulated models. The results show that the total water extraction of the linear model is not affected by rooting depth, but very sensitive to potential transpiration. For the exponential model, the increment of the total water extraction is equal to the increment of potential transpiration. Besides, the extinction coefficient, b produces the least affect to the total water extraction. The total water extraction of the linear model is lower than that of the exponential model. For a common potential transpiration of 0.4 cm/day, the rate of the extraction is almost zero at 60% rooting depth and deeper when b value is 0.15/cm and higher.
PERFORMANCE PREDICTION OF PREFABRICATED VERTICAL DRAIN IN SOFT SOIL USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Huan Teh Zhi , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Mohd Amin Mohd For , Hezmi Mohd Azril , A Rashid Ahmad Safuan , Alel Mohd Nur Asmawisham
Published: October 2015

Prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) had successfully been applied in many soft ground construction projects. Finite element method (FEM) could assist designers to model very complex subsoil and structural elements. In this study, finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to verify the effectiveness of modelling of PVD in subsoil using computer software, Plaxis V8. The field settlement data were collected at two particular locations and were analysed using Asaoka’s method to estimate the ultimate settlement and back-calculated the coefficient of horizontal consolidation for these two particular location. Thereafter, by using back-calculated coefficient of horizontal consolidation, FEA were performed to predict the time rate settlement and compared against field settlement results. From the time rate settlement curves generated by FEM, the ultimate settlements were predicted using Asaoka’s method. The ultimate settlement predicted from FEM is slightly lower compared to actual field settlement monitoring result, but the degree of consolidation settlement achieved were higher.