bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industrial and natural waste transformed into raw material
Authors: Costa C , Monteiro M , Rangel B , Alves FJL
Published: January 2017

Currently, we live in a world where the materials are the protagonists. Raw materials are fundamental to make industrial products; however, the increasing demand for these finite natural resources put the more industrialized countries under pressure to find ways to recycle and reuse the products at the end of their lives. Every year, tons of industrial and natural waste are accumulated and destroyed without a new use for them. Today, the energy consumption at the world level to extract raw materials contributes significantly to pollution and environmental degradation. In the European Union, the construction sector is responsible for 40% of global energy consumption, contributing considerably to CO2 emissions. The planet’s future is compromised, unless the human beings learn how to preserve and conserve resources that Earth offers, changing the basic patterns of consumption, manufacturing and recycling. Sofa industries and wood industries generate significant amounts of waste that undergo a thoughtless destruction or recycling with a final order to reuse. This paper presents the research work that has been conducted in the scope of the Master Program in Product and Industrial Design of Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design Studio FEUP, seeking the reuse of leftovers (textile and wood powder), to create innovative products. The main objective is to prepare the waste that is mixed with different amounts and types of binders, and cast in molds. In some cases, the introduction of a shape memory alloy can promote an extra value and functionality to the designed products. This way the aim is to sensitize the community to the possibility of introducing new products in the market addressing concepts such as green design, sustainability and innovation.
Reliability-based high cycle fatigue design approach of parabolic leaf spring
Authors: Atig Akram , Ben Sghaier Rabii , Seddik Raoudha , Fathallah Raouf
Published: January 2017

It is well established that the fatigue phenomenon of metallic structures such as leaf springs presents a random behavior, which is influenced by a probabilistic effect of many factors. This paper presents a probabilistic design approach to predict the high cycle fatigue behavior of a single asymmetric parabolic leaf spring. The suggested approach is used to assess the fatigue reliability of a single asymmetric parabolic leaf spring with uncertainties associated with its design parameters. This approach is based on the Gerber fatigue criterion, response surface method, and finite element model of the single asymmetric parabolic leaf spring. Two models of single asymmetric parabolic leaf spring are proposed: an analytical model based on the response surface method and a finite element one. To estimate the fatigue resistance according to the Gerber criterion, the probabilistic approach is developed using the “strength-load” method and the Monte Carlo simulation method. The dispersion of geometrical, applied loading, and material properties are taken into consideration. A comparison between fatigue reliability values, calculated by the application of Monte Carlo simulation method on the finite element and response surface models, indicates a good correlation between different method results.
Analysis of the role of altitude on diesel engine performance and emissions using an atmosphere simulator
Authors: Bermúdez Vicente , Serrano José Ramón , Piqueras Pedro , Gómez Javier , Bender Stefan
Published: January 2017

Forthcoming directives from European Commission will force homologation in altitude to approach standards to actual driving conditions in order to reduce the gap between regulated and real-life emissions. This work presents the use of a dedicated atmosphere simulator to analyse the impact of altitude on performance and emissions of a turbocharged diesel engine. The presented equipment provides engine intake and exhaust pressure to reproduce high-altitude conditions. The main advantages are related to cost savings with respect to round-robin testing campaigns ensuring controlled ambient conditions at the different altitudes. The paper shows the main features of the altitude simulator under steady-state and transient operation and the ability to control temperature at the same time that pressure according to International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) specifications. The experimental results highlight the need for specific testing facilities to perform calibration tasks as a key tool to comply with future emission standards in a cost-effective manner. In particular, regulated emissions measured at altitude are shown to clearly exceed that permitted at sea-level emphasizing the need to explore new dedicated engine control strategies for pollutant abatement under altitude operation.
A comprehensive methodology for computational fluid dynamics combustion modeling of industrial diesel engines
Authors: Lucchini Tommaso , Della Torre Augusto , D’Errico Gianluca , Onorati Angelo , Maes Noud , Somers Lambertus MT , Hardy Gilles
Published: January 2017

Combustion control and optimization is of great importance to meet future emission standards in diesel engines: increase in break mean effective pressure at high loads and extension of the operating range of advanced combustion modes seem to be the most promising solutions to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions at the same time. Within this context, detailed computational fluid dynamics tools are required to predict the different involved phenomena such as fuel–air mixing, unsteady diffusion combustion and formation of noxious species. Detailed kinetics, consistent spray models and high quality grids are necessary to perform predictive simulations which can be used either for design or diagnostic purposes. In this work, the authors present a comprehensive approach which was developed using an open-source computational fluid dynamics code. To minimize the pre-processing time and preserve results’ accuracy, algorithms for automatic mesh generation of spray-oriented grids were developed and successfully applied to different combustion chamber geometries. The Lagrangian approach was used to describe the spray evolution while the combustion process is modeled employing detailed chemistry and, eventually, considering turbulence–chemistry interaction. The proposed computational fluid dynamics methodology was first assessed considering inert and reacting experiments in a constant-volume vessel, where operating conditions typical of heavy-duty diesel engines were reproduced. Afterward, engine simulations were performed considering two different load points and two piston bowl geometries, respectively. Experimental validation was carried out by comparing computed and experimental data of in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate and pollutant emissions (NO x, CO and soot).
Prediction of air–fuel ratio control of a large-bore natural gas engine using computational fluid dynamic modeling of reed valve dynamics
Authors: Mashayekh Alireza , Jacobs Timothy , Patterson Mark , Etcheverry John
Published: January 2017

Air–fuel ratio control of large-bore, two-stroke, natural gas engines, typically used in the oil and gas field, is critically important to maintain stable operation and emission compliance. Many two-stroke applications rely on reed valves to control air and gas induction, which can involve complicated gas flow behavior; standard gas dynamic relationships are typically insufficient to characterize such behavior. Computational fluid dynamic simulations offer the needed complexity, but even so the computational fluid dynamic models, as shown in this work, must also capture the dynamic behavior of the valves themselves. The current work reports on a computational fluid dynamics–based model representing this type of large-bore, two-stroke, natural gas engine using commercially available computational fluid dynamic software. The engine under study is an AJAX E-565 with rated power of 30 kW (40 HP), a bore of 216 mm (8½″), and a stroke of 254 mm (10″). The large engine geometry makes a relatively large solution domain, hence requiring an intense, time-consuming numerical investigation. This large-bore engine works at a rated speed of 525 RPM with a compression ratio of 6 to 1. Two approaches to modeling the reed valve are investigated: (1) a pressure difference–based user-defined function and (2) a fluid–structure interaction user-defined function. The pressure difference–based user-defined function captures reed valve behavior in a simple, binary fashion (i.e. valves are either open or closed based on the pressure difference between the intake pipe and the engine’s stuffing box). The fluid–structure interaction user-defined function, however, predicts the motion of the reed valve strips based on fluid and body motions; although a more complex solution, the fluid–structure interaction user-defined function accurately predicts the engine’s gas exchange process. In this article, the results of each method are presented and validated to show that the added complexity is necessary to properly predict (and thus eventually improve) the engine’s air–fuel ratio control.
Do we have to agree? Accommodating unity in diversity in post-terror Norway
Authors: Ezzati Rojan Tordhol , Bivand Erdal Marta
Published: January 2017

Fostering unity in diversity while ensuring spaces for disagreement is a key challenge for all liberal democracies with ethnic and religious diversity. Increasing polarization, not least due to the threat of terror attacks, exacerbates this challenge. Drawing on the case of Norway in the aftermath of the 2011 terror attacks motivated by ‘Eurabia’ sentiments, we find that both consensus and contestation are necessary to counter conflictual polarization. Consensus establishes a necessary common ground for interaction, while contestation permits diverging interpretations to emerge. Working with 21 semi-structured interviews with people in influential roles in Norway, we propose an analytical framework that draws on both political theory and empirically based analyses of interaction in diverse societies. We find that consensus-oriented approaches immediately following terror attacks can build unity and bridge divides across existing ethnic, religious, and political diversity. Over time, however, they may contribute to conflict, as they are perceived to conceal underlying disagreements. Perspectives founded on dualistic contestation can also cultivate conflict if opponents increasingly perceive each other as enemies in a hostile environment. A plurality of contestations, by contrast, can de-escalate conflict and thereby ease renewed cooperation. Thus, our findings point to the need for a perspective that transcends the dualism of “us” and “them”, and acknowledges the plurality of human beings in order to de-escalate the spiral of polarization.
Review: Optimising the use of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in the Management of Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: McMurray John
Published: January 2017

The Candesartan in Heart Failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) trial programme provided clear evidence of the efficacy of candesartan in the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) associated with reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function. The morbidity and mortality benefits of candesartan were consistent irrespective of age, sex, ethnic origin or baseline heart failure therapy. Extensive safety analyses of the CHARM data have demonstrated that candesartan was well tolerated by patients receiving an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (even at maximal doses) and beta-blocker, and by patients previously intolerant to an ACE inhibitor. They also demonstrated a low incidence of adverse effects, characteristic of drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

CHARM provides conclusive evidence confirming the role of candesartan in the management of CHF patients with LV systolic dysfunction.Treatment should be initiated early to ensure optimum outcome, starting at a low dose (4 mg once daily) and increasing to a target dose of 32 mg once daily. Routine monitoring of blood pressure and of serum creatinine and potassium is warranted.
Review: Effective Implementation of the New ESC Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Heart Failure in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Swedberg Karl
Published: January 2017

European guidelines for the management of chronic heart failure (CHF) have been recently updated. Key changes include emphasis on CHF with preserved ejection fraction, and recognition of the role of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in the management of CHF patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction who remain symptomatic despite optimal therapy, or who are intolerant to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Recent trials that clearly demonstrated significant mortality and morbidity benefits were integral to these new recommendations. Additionally, a high dose of an ARB, as demonstrated in the Candesartan in Heart Failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) programme, can significantly reduce hospitalisation for heart failure in these settings. The guidelines recommend that only those ARBs and doses used in clinical trials should be considered, taking into account current licensed indications. Clinicians who are directly involved in the management of CHF must play a key role in the dissemination of these guidelines to colleagues to ensure that optimal CHF management is integrated into standard practice.
The potential role of relatives in designing person-centred assistive technologies (innovative practice)
Authors: Coetzer Rudi
Published: January 2017

The paper explores the important role of relatives in designing assistive technologies in collaboration with practitioners. A brief case study reports the collaborative design of a 24-hour clock to reduce the impact of visual–spatial impairment on a family member's ability to read time and prevent temporal disorientation.
Contextual–transformational social work in superdiverse contexts: An evaluative perspective by clients and social workers
Authors: Van Robaeys Bea , Raeymaeckers Peter , van Ewijk Hans
Published: January 2017

In this article, we uncover the perspectives of the stakeholders of a particular social work organization regarding outcomes and working principles in a contextual–transformative practice with vulnerable people in superdiverse contexts. Our study demonstrates how the main tasks of social workers in a contextual–transformational vision of social work, namely, improving the self-reliance of people and the conditions for societal participation and social cohesion, can be combined. By adopting a practice-oriented approach to evaluation, we succeeded in expressing the type of evidence that shows the outcomes of a contextualized transformational social work practice engaged with expanding the freedoms and agency of clients. Clients and social workers emphasize the following outcomes: a sense of belonging, increased practical competences, and feelings of confidence and empowerment. To achieve these outcomes, the social workers combine different practice principles. The principle of installing an “open house” in a divers sensitive and complex way is in the perspective of clients and social workers utterly effective. In superdiverse contexts and communities, social work practices must be recognizable for their clients and emit respect for cultural differences. The investment in effective relationship building with clients shows also to be crucial. Finally, juridical, informational, and practical support is essential for helping clients to acquire their (social) rights. Social workers’ crucial competence here in doing a “good” job, is their capacity to “set the problem,” “provide information”, and to look for improvement in the specific context.
Utility of Adjunctive Digital Subtraction Venography for the Treatment of Saphenous Vein Insufficiency
Authors: Varcoe Ramon L. , Thomas Shannon D. , Bourke Victor , Rübesamen Nicole M. K. , Lennox Andrew F.
Published: January 2017

Purpose: To report the use of adjunctive venography for the treatment of superficial venous reflux. Methods: Two hundred consecutive patients (mean age 60.9 years, range 33–86; 128 women) with chronic venous disease underwent saphenous or perforator vein ablation in 268 limbs (305 venous trunks) guided by adjunctive venography and fluoroscopy in addition to ultrasound between October 2010 and May 2016. Intraprocedural venograms were independently evaluated by 2 vascular specialists to identify the presence of venous anomalies and the need for fluoroscopy-guided maneuvers to successfully complete venous ablation. Intraprocedural venography results were compared with preoperative venous duplex scan reports to ascertain if the duplex study could be of value in identifying preoperatively any anatomical variants that may pose a technical challenge to the operator. Results: In this cohort, 542 venograms (2.0/limb) were performed with a mean duration of 4.9±9.1 minutes (range 1–48). Two thirds of patients (132, 66%) had anomalies or abnormalities within the target vein; more than a third (88, 44%) required an endovascular maneuver to successfully complete the ablation and 17% (34) of cases were impossible to complete without adjunctive fluoroscopic guidance. Per-patient comparison of intraprocedural venography with preoperative venous duplex reports identified 21 (11%) patients with abnormalities detected on ultrasound (23 anomalies) compared with 123 (64%) on venography (193 anomalies). This gave ultrasound a 17.1% sensitivity, 100% specificity and positive predictive value, and 40.7% negative predictive value. Conclusion: Venography is a valuable addition to ultrasound to facilitate complete ablation of insufficient saphenous veins in selected patients with complex anatomy.
Design and manufacture of 3D rectangular box-shaped fabrics
Authors: Lu Shiyan , Chen Xiaogang , Nie Jianbin , Zhou Yi
Published: January 2017

Multi-ply woven fabric consists of many layers and can be used to form three-dimensional shapes, which finds its application in a variety of end-uses. One of the advantages is that this type of products requires no seams or cuts. This paper presents a novel method to facilitate the design of 3D rectangular box-shaped fabrics made of multi-ply weaves. A preliminary folding-down process is a must for fabric manufacture and two folding approaches were developed accordingly. Approach A has been found to be more suitable for boxes with X ≥  2Z. The elimination of quadruple-layer fabric region simplifies the design and weaving process. In this regard, plain weave was used sections form box body and basket weave was employed for bound-layer regions so that fabric recoiling could be avoided. The diagonal lines connecting the bound-layer and double-layer regions is required to have an angle of 45°, and hence a Jaquard loom was in use for manufacturing. As the fabric is formed by different parts, thread density varies, leading to uneven yarn tension. This problem can be solved using additional warp beams. Approach B requires the two side planes to be folded in, the design process of which is similar to that of approach A. Theoretically, boxes with multiple cells could also be designed using this technique. Approach A has been found to be able to deal with boxes of various geometrical parameters. One problem of the 3D fabric is the soft edges, which requires further investigations.
Fabrication induced spring-back in thermosetting woven composite parts with variable thickness
Authors: Ali Mumtaz , Nawab Yasir , Saouab Abdelghani , Anjum Aima Sameen , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: January 2017

Rising demand of composite materials for high performance application require a process to manufacture composite parts with accuracy and precision. Residual stress and consequent deformation is one of major limitation in growth of composite industry. Experimental studies reported in literature focused on uniform thickness plates, L shape brackets or rings but depending upon its application, e.g. wind turbine blade, conical structures, etc., real parts do not have always the uniform thickness. In the present study, effect of increasing thickness of a part, variable thickness within a part, angle of bracket, gradient of resin content, and convex and concave tooling on the process induced deformation in angled brackets is studied experimentally. The deformation was divided into two segments: warpage and spring back angle, which were measured using spherometer and microscope along with Scope Image Plus software, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe presence of resin content gradient. It is observed that behavior of parts having variation of thickness in them is quite different than the uniform thickness parts. Part having increased thickness at base and flange has up to 10% decrease in distortion. Increased thickness is only effective at larger angles, at sharper angles, there is increase in distortion when thickness is increased. Convex type of tooling induces lower spring-back as compared to concave one.
Debating the Truth
Authors: Wintersieck Amanda L.
Published: January 2017

How does fact-checking influence individuals’ attitudes and evaluations of political candidates? Fact-checking plays an increasingly important role in U.S. elections, yet we know little about its impact on voters. To answer this question, I conduct an experiment utilizing one political debate from the 2013 New Jersey Gubernatorial race in combination with fact-checks that offer either confirming information or corrective information to determine how fact-checking influences evaluations of candidates. I find that evaluations of the candidate’s debate performance and evaluations of the debate winner are improved by the presence of a fact-check that confirms the accuracy of a candidates’ statement and lowered by fact-checks that state that a candidate is being dishonest. Moreover, respondents indicate greater willingness to vote for a candidate when the fact-check indicates that the candidate is being honest. These findings suggest that fact-checking can influence people’s evaluations of political events.
A Survey of Licensed Acupuncturists in the San Francisco Bay Area: Prevalence of Treating Oncology Patients
Authors: Abrams Donald , McCulloch Michael , Cohen Misha , Liaw Mike , Silverman Deborah , Wilson Carla
Published: January 2017

Background: Many cancer patients seek traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the prevalence varying with diagnosis, comorbidities, and demographics. Interventions sought include acupuncture, massage, herbs, diet, and exercise, usually combined with conventional therapies. It is not known what proportion of TCM practitioners care for cancer patients, their cancer specific training or caseload, what interventions they employ, their outcomes, and their communication patterns with conventional oncologists. Methods: A survey was mailed to all 2213 licensed acupuncturists in the 9-county San Francisco Bay Area gathering descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 472 (21%) responded by mail or web-based Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) tool. Most respondents (77%) reported caring for patients with cancer, with 29% reporting having 6 to 10 years of practice experience, and 44.2% having 0 to 20 hours of training specific to the needs of patients with cancer. Improving quality of life was reported by 94% as what their treatment offered cancer patients as well as the area where treatment was felt to have the greatest impact. The most useful TCM modalities were acupuncture (98%), herbs (79%), diet (72%), moxibustion (46%), and meditation instruction (44%). Absence of adverse reactions was noted by 95%. Ninety-one percent reported “never” or “hardly ever” having been contacted by patients’ oncologists to discuss treatment. Conclusions: Many acupuncturists seeing cancer patients have significant clinical experience and have sought specialized training. Improved communication is needed between TCM practitioners and oncologists sharing care of cancer patients.
A prospective clinical trial to compare the performance of dried blood spots prenatal screening for Down’s syndrome with conventional non-invasive testing technology
Authors: Hu Huiying , Jiang Yulin , Zhang Minghui , Liu Shanying , Hao Na , Zhou Jing , Liu Juntao , Zhang Xiaojin , Ma Liangkun
Published: January 2017

To evaluate, side by side, the efficiency of dried blood spots (DBSs) against serum screening for Down’s syndrome, and then, to construct a two-tier strategy by topping up the fetal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) secondary screening over the high-risk women marked by the primary blood testing to build a practical screening tactic to identify fetal Down’s syndrome. One thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven low-risk Chinese women, with singleton pregnancy, were enrolled for the study. Alpha-fetoprotein and free beta human chorionic gonadotropin were measured for the serum as well as for the parallel DBS samples. Partial high-risk pregnant women identified by primary blood testing (n = 38) were also subject to the secondary cfDNA screening. Diagnostic amniocentesis was utilized to confirm the screening results. The true positive rate for Down’s syndrome detection was 100% for both blood screening methods; however, the false-positive rate was 3.0% for DBS and 4.0% for serum screening, respectively. DBS correlated well with serum screening on Down’s syndrome detection. Three out of 38 primary high-risk women displayed chromosomal abnormalities by cfDNA analysis, which were confirmed by amniocentesis. Either the true detection rate or the false-positive rate for Down’s syndrome between DBS and the serum test is comparable. In addition, blood primary screening aligned with secondary cfDNA analysis, a “before and after” two-tier screening strategy, can massively decrease the false-positive rate, which, then, dramatically reduces the demand for invasive diagnostic operation.

Impact statement

Children born with Down’s syndrome display a wide range of mental and physical disability. Currently, there is no effective treatment to ease the burden and anxiety of the Down’s syndrome family and the surrounding society. This study is to evaluate the efficiency of dried blood spots against serum screening for Down’s syndrome and to construct a two-tier strategy by topping up the fetal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) secondary screening over the high-risk women marked by the primary blood testing to build a practical screening tactic to identify fetal Down’s syndrome. Results demonstrate that fetal cfDNA can significantly reduce false-positive rate close to none while distinguishing all true positives. Thus, we recommend that fetal cfDNA analysis to be utilized as a secondary screening tool atop of the primary blood protein screening to further minimize the capacity of undesirable invasive diagnostic operations.
Hepatitis B X-interacting protein promotes cisplatin resistance and regulates CD147 via Sp1 in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zou Wei , Ma Xiangdong , Yang Hong , Hua Wei , Chen Biliang , Cai Guoqing
Published: January 2017

Ovarian cancer is the highest mortality rate of all female reproductive malignancies. Drug resistance is a major cause of treatment failure in malignant tumors. Hepatitis B X-interacting protein acts as an oncoprotein, regulates cell proliferation, and migration in breast cancer. We aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of hepatitis B X-interacting protein on resistance to cisplatin in human ovarian cancer cell lines. The mRNA and protein levels of hepatitis B X-interacting protein were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting in cisplatin-resistant and cisplatin-sensitive tissues, cisplatin-resistant cell lines A2780/CP and SKOV3/CP, and cisplatin-sensitive cell lines A2780 and SKOV3. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured to evaluate cellular sensitivity to cisplatin in A2780/CP cells. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the relationship between hepatitis B X-interacting protein and CD147. The in vivo function of hepatitis B X-interacting protein on tumor burden was assessed in cisplatin-resistant xenograft models. The results showed that hepatitis B X-interacting protein was highly expressed in ovarian cancer of cisplatin-resistant tissues and cells. Notably, knockdown of hepatitis B X-interacting protein significantly reduced cell viability in A2780/CP compared with cisplatin treatment alone. Hepatitis B X-interacting protein and cisplatin cooperated to induce apoptosis and increase the expression of c-caspase 3 as well as the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. We confirmed that hepatitis B X-interacting protein up-regulated CD147 at the protein expression and transcriptional levels. Moreover, we found that hepatitis B X-interacting protein was able to activate the CD147 promoter through Sp1. In vivo, depletion of hepatitis B X-interacting protein decreased the tumor volume and weight induced by cisplatin. Taken together, these results indicate that hepatitis B X-interacting protein promotes cisplatin resistance and regulated CD147 via Sp1 in ovarian cancer cell lines.

Impact statement

We found that hepatitis B X-interacting protein (HBXIP) was able to activate the CD147 promoter through Sp1. In vivo, depletion of HBXIP decreased the tumor volume and weight induced by CP. Taken together, these results indicate that HBXIP promotes cisplatin resistance and regulated CD147 via Sp1 in ovarian cancer cell lines.
Quercetin and the ocular surface: What we know and where we are going
Authors: McKay Tina B , Karamichos Dimitrios
Published: January 2017

Flavonoids are a class of plant and fungus secondary metabolites that serve functional roles in protecting against UV-induced oxidative stress, mediating auxin signaling, and promoting microbial defense. Flavonoids are extremely abundant in nature where their potent antioxidant capacity and very low toxicity makes them highly attractive as potential therapeutic agents. In terms of clinical applications, neither the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved any health claims or drugs related to the use of flavonoids for therapeutic purposes. Quercetin is a common flavonol that has been shown to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities both in vitro and in vivo in various tissues. Recently, the application of quercetin as a therapeutic has been gaining attention in the ocular surface scientific community in the study of dry eye, keratoconus, inflammation, and neovascularization of the cornea. This review will discuss the latest findings and the use of quercetin for the treatment of dystrophies of the ocular surface.

Impact statement

The eye represents a small portion of the human body, accounting for one decimal fraction of the anterior body surface. The cornea is an avascular, transparent tissue that acts as a primary barrier against mechanical and infectious damaging agents, protecting the internal structures of the eye. Corneal survival and function are affected by a number of factors including but not limited to injury, trauma, infection, genetics, and environment. Corneal injury, or trauma, often leads to loss of corneal transparency and even blindness. The concept of “curing” corneal opacity has been discussed in published form for over 200 years. Currently, full corneal transplant is the only treatment option. There is a strong interest in developing natural therapeutic products that come with minimum side effects. A novel antioxidant flavonoid, quercetin, has been gaining traction as a potential therapeutic to prevent the injured cornea. This review discusses the potential of this antioxidant.
Soy protein isolate inhibits hepatic tumor promotion in mice fed a high-fat liquid diet
Authors: Mercer Kelly E , Pulliam Casey F , Pedersen Kim B. , Hennings Leah , Ronis Martin JJ
Published: January 2017

Alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases are risk factors for development of hepatocellular carcinoma, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. On the other hand, ingestion of soy-containing diets may oppose the development of certain cancers. We previously reported that replacing casein with a soy protein isolate reduced tumor promotion in the livers of mice with alcoholic liver disease after feeding a high fat ethanol liquid diet following initiation with diethylnitrosamine. Feeding soy protein isolate inhibited processes that may contribute to tumor promotion including inflammation, sphingolipid signaling, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We have extended these studies to characterize liver tumor promotion in a model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease produced by chronic feeding of high-fat liquid diets in the absence of ethanol. Mice treated with diethylnitrosamine on postnatal day 14 were fed a high-fat liquid diet made with casein or SPI as the sole protein source for 16 weeks in adulthood. Relative to mice fed normal chow, a high fat/casein diet led to increased tumor promotion, hepatocyte proliferation, steatosis, and inflammation. Replacing casein with soy protein isolate counteracted these effects. The high fat diets also resulted in a general increase in transcripts for Wnt/β-catenin pathway components, which may be an important mechanism, whereby hepatic tumorigenesis is promoted. However, soy protein isolate did not block Wnt signaling in this nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model. We conclude that replacing casein with soy protein isolate blocks development of steatosis, inflammation, and tumor promotion in diethylnitrosamine-treated mice fed high fat diets.

Impact statement

The impact of dietary components on cancer is a topic of great interest for both the general public and the scientific community. Liver cancer is currently the second leading form of cancer deaths worldwide. Our study has addressed the effect of the protein source on hepatic tumor promotion in a mouse model reflecting aspects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A high-fat liquid diet with casein as the protein source promotes hepatic injury and tumor promotion in diethylnitrosamine-treated mice. Replacing casein with a soy protein isolate led to a pronounced diminishment of tumor promotion and associated hepatic injury and inflammation. The study thus demonstrates that a dietary protein source can have beneficial, preventative effects on hepatic tumor promotion.
Selling Musical Taste in Early Twentieth-Century America
Authors: Chybowski Julia J.
Published: January 2017

Frances Elliot Clark (1860–1958) lived through a transitional time for music education and the music industry in the United States, and she influenced American culture by bringing these two communities together. She brought her background in school and community music education along with strong ties within music education communities to the position of director of the Education Division at the Victor Talking Machine Company. As Victor’s spokesperson and a national leader in the music appreciation movement, she convinced educators to overcome their distrust of the recording industry and view Victor machines and records as modern pedagogical tools. By aligning the cause of music appreciation with contemporary social reform efforts, Clark heightened the social relevance of school and community music education and she modernized nineteenth-century notions of taste, self-improvement, and cultural progress. She even taught Victor salespeople to use the discourse of music appreciation that resonated with educators and community volunteers and helped them sell to women. Stemming from the study of Clark’s Collected Papers in the Special Collections of the University of Maryland Libraries, this article demonstrates how Clark persuaded educators, school administrators, community volunteers, and Victor employees to spread the ideologies of music appreciation.
Rape Victim Advocates Experiences With Law Enforcement in the Emergency Room
Authors: Long LaDonna M.
Published: January 2017

One of the first people a sexual assault survivor will encounter in the emergency room is a specially trained rape victim advocate. Along with rape victim advocates, many survivors will come across law enforcement in the emergency room. This study explores rape victim advocates perception of how survivors are treated in the emergency room by law enforcement. Data from interviews with 23 female advocates indicate a complex relationship that includes positive interactions with police as well as victim blaming and a lack of knowledge about how sexual assault affects survivors. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Doing Gender as Self-Improvement: An Exploration of How Incarcerated Men and Women Interpret the Advice From Prison Employees
Authors: Trammell Rebecca , Wulf-Ludden Timbre , Pyfer Nicole , Jakobitz Emily , Mullins-Orcutt Jordan , Nowakowski Kaylee
Published: January 2017

In this article, we use interview data ( n = 383) to evaluate how male and female inmates perceive the help they receive from prison staff members. Men were more likely to claim that staff members help them gain real-world job and educational skills while women claim that staff members made them see the error of their ways and push them to self-improve while in prison. We find that inmates are aligning their personal transformations in prison along gender lines and this may fail to help these incarcerated women prepare for the economic realities of the reentry process.
Restenosis after stenting in symptomatic vertebral arterial orifice disease and considerations for better outcome
Authors: Chang Jun Young , Park Hyun , Kwon Oki , Han Moon-Ku
Published: January 2017

We have performed stenting in 11 patients with symptomatic vertebral arterial orifice stenosis refractory to medical treatment or impairment in anterior circulation. Three of the 11 patients experienced asymptomatic severe in-stent restenosis or occlusion. Bare metal stents were used in those three patients, two of whom received revascularization therapy. Development of sufficient cervical collateral channels reconstituting the distal vertebral artery was the common feature in patients with asymptomatic in-stent restenosis. In selecting appropriate stents, consideration of mechanical strength and drug-eluting properties of a stent according to characteristics of the target vessel is important to reduce the risk of in-stent restenosis. Any decision to perform revascularization should be based on the presence of abundant cervical collaterals as well as clinical symptoms of vertebrobasilar ischemia.
Influence of the Research Frame on Qualitatively Derived Health Science Knowledge
Authors: Thorne Sally , Joachim Gloria , Paterson Barbara , Canam Connie
Published: January 2017

Although qualitative researchers generally acknowledge that their theoretical location and methodological orientation will influence the findings of their inquiries, it has been less well understood how the body of knowledge within a substantive field might be shaped by these factors. In this article, the authors draw on insights obtained from their experiences attempting to synthesize qualitative research findings. From that reflective process, they raise questions about the manner in which qualitatively derived knowledge from various orientations can be interpreted and understood.
Why Study People's Stories? The Dialogical Ethics of Narrative Analysis
Authors: Frank Arthur W.
Published: January 2017

Narrative analysis is presented as continuous with personal storytelling in the work of remoralizing what Weber identified as disenchanted modernity. Critics of contemporary storytelling seem to misunderstand what kind of authenticity of self is expressed in stories. Against those whom Charles Taylor calls “knockers” of the idea of personal authenticity, this article affirms authenticity, but in terms that are dialogical: authenticity is created in the process of storytelling, it is not a precondition of the telling, and authenticity remains in process. This authenticity is shown to have an affinity with democratic politics, in contrast to the neo-liberal affinity of the knocker position.
Qualitative Research in Latin America: Critical Perspectives on Health
Authors: Mercado-Martínez Francisco J.
Published: January 2017

Qualitative research is a field of knowledge and practice that is expanding continuously throughout the health area in Latin America. However, few studies have focused on evaluating qualitative research on health in the region, or on evaluating its theoretical or operational characteristics. This study examines health research in Latin America that has a critical perspective and the way it views qualitative research. Three trends or schools of thought in the health field in Latin America were identified that had both a critical perspective and that use qualitative research: social medicine, participatory action research, and sociocultural studies. Each has been described, including the ways they incorporate qualitative research. Examples of empirical studies are presented, and some criticisms are discussed.
Reading Qualitative Studies
Authors: Sandelowski Margarete , Barroso Julie
Published: January 2017

In this article, the authors hope to shift the debate in the practice disciplines concerning quality in qualitative research from a preoccupation with epistemic criteria toward consideration of aesthetic and rhetorical concerns. They see epistemic criteria as inevitably including aesthetic and rhetorical concerns. The authors argue here for a reconceptualization of the research report as a literary technology that mediates between researcher/writer and reviewer/reader. The evaluation of these reports should thus be treated as occasions in which readers seek to make texts meaningful, rather than for the rigid application of standards and criteria. The authors draw from reader-response theories, literature on rhetoric and representation in science, and findings from an on-going methodological research project involving the appraisal of a set of qualitative studies.
Verification Strategies for Establishing Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research
Authors: Morse Janice M. , Barrett Michael , Mayan Maria , Olson Karin , Spiers Jude
Published: January 2017

The rejection of reliability and validity in qualitative inquiry in the 1980s has resulted in an interesting shift for “ensuring rigor” from the investigator's actions during the course of the research, to the reader or consumer of qualitative inquiry. The emphasis on strategies that are implemented during the research process has been replaced by strategies for evaluating trustworthiness and utility that are implemented once a study is completed. In this article, we argue that reliability and validity remain appropriate concepts for attaining rigor in qualitative research. We argue that qualitative researchers should reclaim responsibility for reliability and validity by implementing verification strategies integral and self-correcting during the conduct of inquiry itself. This ensures the attainment of rigor using strategies inherent within each qualitative design, and moves the responsibility for incorporating and maintaining reliability and validity from external reviewers' judgements to the investigators themselves. Finally, we make a plea for a return to terminology for ensuring rigor that is used by mainstream science.
Conceptualization: On Theory and Theorizing Using Grounded Theory
Authors: Glaser Barney G.
Published: January 2017

This article explores the use of grounded theory to generate conceptualizations of emergent social patterns in research data. The naming of patterns and their abstraction across time, place and people, are discussed. The constant comparative method employed in grounded data analysis is offered as a developmental tool for enhancing researchers' abilities to conceptualize and form emergent theories. Conceptual levels, descriptions, power and flawed approaches to analysis are explored at length.
Using Hermeneutic Phenomenology to Elicit a Sense of Body at Mid-Life
Authors: Shin Kyung Rim
Published: January 2017

In this article, the author demonstrates how a phenomenological approach may be used to describe the changes of women's bodies at menopause. In Korea, the middle age of Korean women has been referred as the golden age and autumn season, and which means Korean thing highly of internal mature rather than external facts. When Korean women experience menopausal, they feel they are in the middle of storm, and just have passed by in the time. They can expert and feel tomorrow's weather by the changes of their body. While the experience menopausal, they can extremely perceive changes of their body, and at the same time, incidence rate of breast cancer is no the increase. Mastectomy has serious effects on both women's body and spirit.

Phenomenological analysis on the changes of body shows that the middle age women of Korea feel “Evidently visible scratches of years”, “My body is a live weather forecaster”, “Khi is getting weaker”, “Being fearful suddenly but too late”, “The more aged, the more precious life becomes”, “Being comfortable is better than being beautiful”, “Wish to go back to their past”, “Intense desire for re- challenging life”, “Better friends than husband”. In conclusion, there of no way to fully understand someone without knowing one's lived experience within the cultural context. To understand artificial changes by surgery as well as natural ones, and even to do holistic nursing, qualitative research is essentially required.
Focus Group as a Method of Data Collection in Nursing Research: An Experiential Report
Authors: Ressel Lucia Beatriz , Gualda Dulce Maria Rosa , Gonzalez Rosa Maria Braccini
Published: January 2017

This article reports an experience with the focus group as a method of data collection in nursing research. Five discussion/reflection meetings were carried out having sexuality in nursing care practice as the central focus, with a group of seven students in the Nursing Graduation Course of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), in August and September 2001. It has been described here the motivation and the justification for the use of this technique; the organization of the group meetings; a synthesis of each one and its final evaluation.
Video Use in Social Science Research and Program Evaluation
Authors: Rosenstein Barbara
Published: January 2017

In light of technological advances in producing, viewing and storing moving images, it is appropriate to survey the literature concerning the use of moving images in research over the past few decades. A review of the literature shows that the use of video technology for research falls into three areas: observation (including data collection and analysis), a mechanism for giving feedback, and a means for distance learning and consulting via videoconferencing. This article addresses the first two areas — observation and feedback. It begins with a survey of the use of video observation as a tool for research and documentation. A section on feedback, divided into three sections: performance, interaction and situational assessment follows. A separate section is devoted to the use of video for Program Evaluation. The article concludes with a discussion of epistemological methodological issues and the ethics involved in such a technologically advanced medium.