bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Können wir uns dazu entscheiden, etwas zu glauben?
Authors: Walgenbach Simon
Published: December 2016

In this essay the author argues that, in a restricted sense, we can decide to believe certain propositions. It is conceded that acquiring a belief is not a basic action and possibly not even an action at all. However, this does not entail the impossibility of decisions to believe since not everything we can decide to do is a basic action. In fact, we can often decide to be in a certain state of affairs. Although beliefs normally aim at truth, there are cases in which we can voluntarily seek or avoid irrational states of affairs and thereby influence our attitudes. Bearing this in mind, situations in which we can talk of decisions to belief can be construed easily.
New synonymies in the plant bug family Miridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from Northern China
Authors: KONSTANTINOV FEDOR V.
Published: December 2016

The plant bug fauna of China is highly diverse and relatively poorly documented, with almost 900 currently known species, about a half of which had been revealed during the last two decades (Qi et al. 2003, 2007, Konstantinov & Namyatova 2008, 2009, Konstantinov et al. 2013). Future studies would almost certainly reveal many new species from the region. However, the present day distributions of Chinese plant bugs apparently reflect significant climate change since the Tertiary Period, and are largely influenced by influx of species from other regions. Particularly, the plant bug fauna of the Northwestern China is most similar to the faunas of Central Asia and Mongolia, having almost identical generic composition and sharing many common species (Kerzhner & Josifov 1999). This paper provides seven new synonymies of Miridae originally known from Central Asia and Mongolia and recently described as new from the Northern China.
The advertisement call and geographic distribution of Proceratophrys dibernardoi Brandão, Caramaschi, Vaz-Silva & Campos 2013 (Anura, Odontophrynidae)
Authors: FERREIRA CLÁUDIA MÁRCIA MARILY , SUGAI JOSÉ LUIZ MASSAO MOREIRA , DE SOUZA FRANCO LEANDRO , DE ANDRADE SHEILA PEREIRA , VAZ-SILVA WILIAN , BASTOS ROGÉRIO PEREIRA , DE MORAIS ALESSANDRO RIBEIRO
Published: December 2016

Proceratophrys dibernardoi Brandão, Caramaschi, Vaz-Silva & Campos 2013 has recently been described and allocated into the P. cristiceps species group, but no information about its advertisement calls has been provided (Brandão et al. 2013). Here, we describe for the first time the advertisement calls of P. dibernardoi based on specimens from Central Brazil. We also expand P. dibernardoi´s geographic distribution by reporting a new population in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, constituting the westernmost record for this species, and extending its known range approximately 330 km westward of the municipality of Aporé, State of Goiás (P. dibernardoi´s former westernmost record).
Impact of Long-Term Observation on the Sampling Characteristics of TRMM PR Precipitation
Authors: Hirose Masafumi , Takayabu Yukari N. , Hamada Atsushi , Shige Shoichi , Yamamoto Munehisa K.
Published: December 2016

Observations of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar (TRMM PR) over 16 yr yielded hundreds of large precipitation systems (≥100 km) for each 0.1° grid over major rainy regions. More than 90% of the rainfall was attributed to large systems over certain midlatitude regions such as La Plata basin and the East China Sea. The accumulation of high-impact snapshots reduced the significant spatial fluctuation of the rain fraction arising from large systems and allowed the obtaining of sharp images of the geographic rainfall pattern. Widespread systems were undetected over low-rainfall areas such as regions off Peru. Conversely, infrequent large systems brought a significant percentage of rainfall over semiarid tropics such as the Sahel. This demonstrated an increased need for regional sampling of extreme phenomena. Differences in data collected over a period of 16 yr were used to examine sampling adequacy. The results indicated that more than 10% of the 0.1°-scale sampling error accounted for half of the TRMM domain even for a 10-yr data accumulation period. Rainfall at the 0.1° scale was negatively biased in the first few years for over more than half of the areas because of a lack of high-impact samples. The areal fraction of the 0.1°-scale climatology with a 50% accuracy exceeded 95% in the ninth year and in the fifth year for those areas with rainfall >2 mm day−1. A monotonic increase in the degree of similarity of finescale rainfall to the best estimate with an accuracy of 10% illustrated the need for further sampling.
Bayesian Retrievals of Vertically Resolved Cloud Particle Size Distribution Properties
Authors: Posselt Derek J. , Kessler James , Mace Gerald G.
Published: December 2016

Retrievals of liquid cloud properties from remote sensing observations by necessity assume sufficient information is contained in the measurements, and in the prior knowledge of the cloudy state, to uniquely determine a solution. Bayesian algorithms produce a retrieval that consists of the joint probability distribution function (PDF) of cloud properties given the measurements and prior knowledge. The Bayesian posterior PDF provides the maximum likelihood estimate, the information content in specific measurements, the effect of observation and forward model uncertainties, and quantitative error estimates. It also provides a test of whether, and in which contexts, a set of observations is able to provide a unique solution. In this work, a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is used to sample the joint posterior PDF for retrieved cloud properties in shallow liquid clouds over the remote Southern Ocean. Combined active and passive observations from spaceborne W-band cloud radar and visible and near-infrared reflectance are used to retrieve the parameters of a gamma particle size distribution (PSD) for cloud droplets and drizzle. Combined active and passive measurements are able to distinguish between clouds with and without precipitation; however, unique retrieval of PSD properties requires specification of a scene-appropriate prior estimate. While much of the uncertainty in an unconstrained retrieval can be mitigated by use of information from 94-GHz passive brightness temperature measurements, simply increasing measurement accuracy does not render a unique solution. The results demonstrate the robustness of a Bayesian retrieval methodology and highlight the importance of an appropriately scene-consistent prior constraint in underdetermined remote sensing retrievals.
Role of Fire in the Global Land Water Budget during the Twentieth Century due to Changing Ecosystems
Authors: Li Fang , Lawrence David M.
Published: December 2016

Fire is a global phenomenon and the primary form of terrestrial ecosystem disturbance on a global scale. It is tightly coupled with climate, ecosystems, carbon and water cycles, and human activities. Through biomass burning and fire-induced plant-tissue mortality, current and historical fires significantly affect terrestrial ecosystems, which can alter hydrology fluxes. This study provides the first quantitative assessment and understanding about the influence of fire on the global land water budget due to changing terrestrial ecosystems during the twentieth century. This is done by quantifying the difference between twentieth-century fire-on and fire-off simulations using the Community Earth System Model (CESM). Results show that fire significantly reduces the annual evapotranspiration (ET) over the global land by 0.6 × 103 km3 yr−1 and increases global total of runoff in almost the same quantity, while having almost no impact (0.0 × 103 km3 yr−1) on annual precipitation amount. Fire also weakens both the significant upward trend in total ET over global land prior to the 1950s and the downward trend from 1950 to about 1985 by approximately 35%. For the twentieth-century average, fire impact on ET and runoff is most clearly seen in the tropical savannas, African rain forests, and some boreal forests and southern Asian forests. Fire affects global ET and runoff through reducing vegetation canopy and vegetation height, which interact with fire-induced changes in biogeochemical cycle and result in drier and warmer surface air and higher wind speed. Globally speaking, reducing the vegetation canopy is the main pathway of fire’s impact on ET and runoff.
Impact of Parameterized Boundary Layer Structure on Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification Forecasts in HWRF
Authors: Zhang Jun A. , Rogers Robert F. , Tallapragada Vijay
Published: December 2016

This study evaluates the impact of the modification of the vertical eddy diffusivity (Km) in the boundary layer parameterization of the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Model on forecasts of tropical cyclone (TC) rapid intensification (RI). Composites of HWRF forecasts of Hurricanes Earl (2010) and Karl (2010) were compared for two versions of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme in HWRF. The results show that using a smaller value of Km, in better agreement with observations, improves RI forecasts. The composite-mean, inner-core structures for the two sets of runs at the time of RI onset are compared with observational, theoretical, and modeling studies of RI to determine why the runs with reduced Km are more likely to undergo RI. It is found that the forecasts with reduced Km at the RI onset have a shallower boundary layer with stronger inflow, more unstable near-surface air outside the eyewall, stronger and deeper updrafts in regions farther inward from the radius of maximum wind (RMW), and stronger boundary layer convergence closer to the storm center, although the mean storm intensity (as measured by the 10-m winds) is similar for the two groups. Finally, it is found that the departure of the maximum tangential wind from the gradient wind at the eyewall, and the inward advection of angular momentum outside the eyewall, is much larger in the forecasts with reduced Km. This study emphasizes the important role of the boundary layer structure and dynamics in TC intensity change, supporting recent studies emphasizing boundary layer spinup mechanism, and recommends further improvement to the HWRF PBL physics.
Impact of Model Physics on Seasonal Forecasts of Surface Air Temperature in the Arctic
Authors: Yang Qiong , Wang Muyin , Overland James E. , Wang Wanqiu , Collow Thomas W.
Published: December 2016

The impacts of model physics and initial sea ice thickness on seasonal forecasts of surface energy budget and air temperature in the Arctic during summer were investigated based on Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), simulations. The model physics changes include the enabling of a marine stratus cloud scheme and the removal of the artificial upper limit on the bottom heat flux from ocean to sea ice. The impact of initial sea ice thickness was examined by initializing the model with relatively realistic sea ice thickness generated by the Pan-Arctic Ice Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS). Model outputs were compared to that from a control run that did not impose physics changes and used Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) sea ice thickness. After applying the physics modification to either sea ice thickness initialization, the simulated total cloud cover more closely resembled the observed monthly variations of total cloud cover except for the midsummer reduction. Over the Chukchi–Bering Seas, the model physics modification reduced the seasonal forecast bias in surface air temperature by 24%. However, the use of initial PIOMAS sea ice thickness alone worsened the surface air temperature predictions. The experiment with physics modifications and initial PIOMAS sea ice thickness achieves the best surface air temperature improvement over the Chukchi–Bering Seas where the area-weighted forecast bias was reduced by 71% from 1.05 K down to −0.3 K compared with the control run. This study supports other results that surface temperatures and sea ice characteristics are highly sensitive to the Arctic cloud and radiation formulations in models and need priority in model formulation and validation.
Forecaster Performance and Workload: Does Radar Update Time Matter?
Authors: Wilson Katie A. , Heinselman Pamela L. , Kuster Charles M. , Kingfield Darrel M. , Kang Ziho
Published: December 2016

Impacts of radar update time on forecasters’ warning decision processes were analyzed in the 2015 Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment. Thirty National Weather Service forecasters worked nine archived phased-array radar (PAR) cases in simulated real time. These cases presented nonsevere, severe hail and/or wind, and tornadic events. Forecasters worked each type of event with approximately 5-min (quarter speed), 2-min (half speed), and 1-min (full speed) PAR updates. Warning performance was analyzed with respect to lead time and verification. Combining all cases, forecasters’ median warning lead times when using full-, half-, and quarter-speed PAR updates were 17, 14.5, and 13.6 min, respectively. The use of faster PAR updates also resulted in higher probability of detection and lower false alarm ratio scores. Radar update speed did not impact warning duration or size. Analysis of forecaster performance on a case-by-case basis showed that the impact of PAR update speed varied depending on the situation. This impact was most noticeable during the tornadic cases, where radar update speed positively impacted tornado warning lead time during two supercell events, but not for a short-lived tornado occurring within a bowing line segment. Forecasters’ improved ability to correctly discriminate the severe weather threat during a nontornadic supercell event with faster PAR updates was also demonstrated. Forecasters provided subjective assessments of their cognitive workload in all nine cases. On average, forecasters were not cognitively overloaded, but some participants did experience higher levels of cognitive workload at times. A qualitative explanation of these particular instances is provided.
Improving Cultural Analysis
Authors: Lizardo Omar
Published: December 2016

While influential across a wide variety of subfields, cultural analysis in sociology continues to be hampered by coarse-grained conceptualizations of the different modes in which culture becomes personal, as well as the process via which persons acquire and use different forms of culture. In this article, I argue that persons acquire and use culture in two analytically and empirically distinct forms, which I label declarative and nondeclarative. The mode of cultural acquisition depends on the dynamics of exposure and encoding, and modulates the process of cultural accessibility, activation, and use. Cultural knowledge about one domain may be redundantly represented in both declarative and nondeclarative forms, each linked via analytically separable pathways to corresponding public cultural forms and ultimately to substantive outcomes. I outline how the new theoretical vocabulary, theoretical model, and analytic distinctions that I propose can be used to resolve contradictions and improve our understanding of outstanding substantive issues in empirically oriented subfields that have recently incorporated cultural processes as a core explanatory resource.
Inflammatory Cytokine Levels After Endovascular Therapy in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Ueki Yasushi , Miura Takashi , Miyashita Yusuke , Ebisawa Souichiro , Motoki Hirohiko , Izawa Atsushi , Koyama Jun , Ikeda Uichi
Published: December 2016

We evaluated the impact of endovascular therapy (EVT) on inflammatory cytokine levels and its relationship with in-stent restenosis in patients with peripheral artery disease. The study prospectively enrolled 35 patients with intermittent claudication who underwent EVT of the iliofemoral artery. Levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and at 2 hours, 4 hours, and 3 months after EVT. All cytokine levels increased significantly after EVT (IL-6 [pg/mL]: from 1.51 [0.84-1.93] before EVT to 6.97 [4.05-20.41] at 2 hours and 13.29 [4.57-31.88] at 4 hours; MCP-1 [pg/mL]: from 326.65 [265.60-406.55] before EVT to 411.18 [341.21-566.27] at 2 hours and 519.36 [383.58-644.85] at 4 hours; TNF-α [pg/mL]: from 1.08 [0.77-1.29] before EVT to 1.25 [0.94-1.81] at 2 hours and 1.27 [0.95-1.59] at 4 hours, all P < .001). However, cytokine levels did not differ significantly between lesions with and without in-stent restenosis. Overall, our results suggest that EVT significantly increases IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α levels in the ischemic leg, but this effect is not associated with a higher rate of in-stent restenosis.
Partial Tonsillectomy
Authors: Wong Kevin , Levi Jessica R.
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

Evaluate the content and readability of health information regarding partial tonsillectomy.

Methods:

A web search was performed using the term partial tonsillectomy in Google, Yahoo!, and Bing. The first 50 websites from each search were evaluated using HONcode standards for quality and content. Readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning-Fog Index, Coleman-Liau Index, Automated Readability Index, and SMOG score. The Freeman-Halton extension of Fisher’s exact test was used to compare categorical differences between engines.

Results:

Less than half of the websites mentioned patient eligibility criteria (43.3%), referenced peer-reviewed literature (43.3%), or provided a procedure description (46.7%). Twenty-two websites (14.7%) were unrelated to partial tonsillectomy, and over half contained advertisements (52%). These finding were consistent across search engines and search terms. The mean FKGL was 11.6 ± 0.11, Gunning-Fog Index was 15.1 ± 0.13, Coleman-Liau Index was 14.6 ± 0.11, ARI was 12.9 ± 0.13, and SMOG grade was 14.0 ± 0.1. All readability levels exceeded the abilities of the average American adult.

Conclusions:

Current online information regarding partial tonsillectomy may not provide adequate information and may be written at a level too difficult for the average adult reader.
Red blood cell distribution width and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio are associated with outcomes of adult subarachnoid haemorrhage patients admitted to intensive care unit
Authors: Huang Yuan-Lan , Han Zhi-Jun , Hu Zhi-De
Published: December 2016

Background

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been reported to be associated with outcomes of acute cerebral infarction. However, their prognostic value in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of RDW and NLR in SAH patients.

Methods

Medical records of adult SAH patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) were extracted from Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II (MIMIC II, version 2.6), a publicly accessible ICU database. Prognostic value of RDW and NLR was analysed using logistic regression model, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and Cox regression model.

Results

A total of 274 SAH patients were included. Patients died in hospital had significantly higher RDW and NLR. RDW and NLR were significantly associated with hospital death, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.39 (95% CI, 1.06–1.82) and 1.04 (95% CI, 1.00–1.08), respectively. Furthermore, increased RDW and NLR were associated with higher one-year mortality, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.02–1.41) for per 1% increased RDW and 1.03 (95% CI, 1.00–1.05) for per 1 increased NLR.

Conclusion

RDW and NLR are useful indices to evaluate the outcomes of ICU admitted patients with SAH.
Thermo-mechanical properties of graphite-reinforced high-density polyethylene composites and its structure–property corelationship
Authors: Pandey Alok Kumar , Singh Kavita , Kar Kamal K
Published: December 2016

Composite prepared by mixing of different forms of carbon or other reinforcing fillers with polymer, is one of the possible ways to enhance the performance of polymeric materials. The present work focuses on the study of viscoelastic, thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of graphite flake-reinforced high-density polyethylene composites. The composites are processed by melt mixing using vertical twin-screw micro-compounder followed by final sample preparation via micro injection moulding. The reinforcing filler, graphite flake, is varied from 0 to 50 vol.% with respect to the polymer matrix. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis reveals an increase in the storage modulus (E′) as well as loss modulus (E″) throughout the temperature range; however, damping (tan δ) shows a mixed behaviour. There is 550% and 479% increase of E′ and E″ in the rubbery region. Degree of entanglement, reinforcement efficiency and C factor are also calculated and correlated with the mechanical properties. On comparison, high-density polyethylene /graphite flake composite having 50 vol.% graphite flake with pure high-bcdensity polyethylene shows 52% increase in melt viscosity, whereas bulk density increases by 38%. This graphite flake is also responsible for the increase in the thermal stability (shift in the onset degradation temperature of ∼7℃ and the degradation temperature is more than 400℃), thermal conductivity (175% improvement) and electrical conductivity (∼6125% improvement, as the conductivity of pristine high-density polyethylene is ∼9.67 E-08 S/m). Mechanical properties determined by tensile and flexural tests show an initial increase and then a slight decrease in the tensile and flexural strength. Therefore, the graphite flake-reinforced high-density polyethylene composite with improved thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, heat stability, viscoelastic behaviour and flexural modulus can be a promising as well as suitable composite material for making of various electronic and electrical accessories including bipolar plate for fuel cell applications.
Labor Anticommunism in the United States of America and the United Kingdom, 1920–49
Authors: Luff Jennifer
Published: December 2016

Why did domestic anticommunism convulse the United States of America during the early Cold War but barely ripple in the United Kingdom? Contemporaries and historians have puzzled over the dramatic difference in domestic politics between the USA and the UK, given the countries’ broad alignment on foreign policy toward Communism and the Soviet Union in that era. This article reflects upon the role played by trade unions in the USA and the UK in the development of each country's culture and politics of anticommunism during the interwar years. Trade unions were key sites of Communist organizing, and also of anticommunism, in both the USA and the UK, but their respective labor movements developed distinctively different political approaches to domestic and international communism. Comparing labor anticommunist politics in the interwar years helps explain sharp divergences in the politics of anticommunism in the USA and the UK during the Cold War.
Accommodating the motor car: Dunedin, New Zealand, 1901–30
Authors: Trapeznik Alexander , Gee Austin
Published: December 2016

Cities and their inhabitants were obliged to adapt rapidly to the rise of car ownership in the first few decades of the twentieth century; this article examines how one of New Zealand’s most developed urban centres, Dunedin, adapted to motor vehicles in the years 1901–30. Changes to the built environment are considered: new, specialised building types and commercial activities; the resurfacing and realignment of streets; and the introduction of traffic control measures. Social attitudes towards the changes in the use of public space brought about by motoring are also examined. In contrast to the hostility shown to early motorists in other countries, Dunedin attitudes appear to have been less overtly antagonistic.
Preliminary assessment of midazolam, fentanyl and fluanisone combination for the sedation of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Bertrand Henri G M J , Sandersen Charlotte F , Flecknell Paul A
Published: December 2016

This study was undertaken to assess the suitability of fentanyl/fluanisone (‘Hypnorm’, VetaPharma; 0.315 mg/mL of fentanyl citrate and 10 mg/mL of fluanisone) alone or combined with midazolam in rhesus macaques. Fifteen rhesus macaques requiring sedation for veterinary procedures received an intramuscular (IM) dose range of Hypnorm from 0.01 mL/kg to 0.3 mL/kg either alone or combined with 0.5 mg/kg of midazolam. To reverse the sedation, flumazenil in combination with either naloxone, buprenorphine or butorphanol was administered intravenously (IV) or IM. Rhesus macaques were successfully sedated with 0.1 mL/kg of Hypnorm and 0.5 mg/kg of midazolam, and sedation was partially reversed by the administration of flumazenil and either naloxone or buprenorphine. However the primates remained slightly sedated and were only released into their home cage several hours post recovery. Butorphanol failed to induce recovery and caused marked respiratory depression. The neuroleptanalgesic combination, Hypnorm and midazolam, effectively immobilized rhesus macaques and was reversible with a combination of flumazenil and either naloxone or buprenorphine.
Longitudinal micro-computed tomography monitoring of progressive liver regeneration in a mouse model of partial hepatectomy
Authors: Will Olga M , Damm Timo , Campbell Graeme M , von Schönfells Witigo , Açil Yahya , Will Marcus , Chalaris-Rissmann Athena , Ayna Mustafa , Drucker Claudia , Glüer Claus-Christian
Published: December 2016

The partial hepatectomy (PH) model is widely used to study liver regeneration. Currently, the extent of regeneration is analyzed by measuring the weight of the liver post-mortem or by magnetic resonance imaging. In this study we aimed to determine whether liver volume gain can be accurately measured using micro-computed tomography (microCT). Approximately 42% of the liver was removed by ligation in C57BL/6 N mice. Mice were divided into two study groups. In group 1 conventional characterization of liver hyperplasia was performed by weighing the liver post-mortem. In group 2, liver volume gain was determined by microCT volume estimation. MicroCT results showed equivalent regeneration rates compared with the conventional method without the need to mathematically determine initial liver weights before PH. This parameter is strongly influenced by the age, strain and sex of the mice. In addition non-invasive microCT determination of volume gain over multiple time-points using the same animal reduces the number of animals needing to be used (in line with the 3R principle of replacement, reduction and refinement).
Perceptual and Motor Performance of Combat-Sport Athletes Differs According to Specific Demands of the Discipline
Authors: Chen Wei-Ying , Wu Sheng K. , Song Tai-Fen , Chou Kuei-Ming , Wang Kuei-Yuan , Chang Yao-Ching , Goodbourn Patrick T.
Published: December 2016

The specific demands of a combat-sport discipline may be reflected in the perceptual–motor performance of its athletes. Taekwondo, which emphasizes kicking, might require faster perceptual processing to compensate for longer latencies to initiate lower-limb movements and to give rapid visual feedback for dynamic postural control, while Karate, which emphasizes both striking with the hands and kicking, might require exceptional eye–hand coordination and fast perceptual processing. In samples of 38 Taekwondo athletes (16 females, 22 males; mean age = 19.9 years, SD = 1.2), 24 Karate athletes (9 females, 15 males; mean age = 18.9 years, SD = 0.9), and 35 Nonathletes (20 females, 15 males; mean age = 20.6 years, SD = 1.5), we measured eye–hand coordination with the Finger–Nose–Finger task, and both perceptual-processing speed and attentional control with the Covert Orienting of Visual Attention (COVAT) task. Eye–hand coordination was significantly better for Karate athletes than for Taekwondo athletes and Nonathletes, but reaction times for the upper extremities in the COVAT task—indicative of perceptual-processing speed—were faster for Taekwondo athletes than for Karate athletes and Nonathletes. In addition, we found no significant difference among groups in attentional control, as indexed by the reaction-time cost of an invalid cue in the COVAT task. The results suggest that athletes in different combat sports exhibit distinct profiles of perceptual–motor performance.
An Event-Related Potential Study on the Perception and the Recognition of Face, Facial Features, and Objects in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Shen I-Hsuan , Lin Shih-Chi , Wu Yu-Yu , Chen Chia-Ling
Published: December 2016

The study investigated whether children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) showed atypical patterns of brain specialization for face processing, whether the response to familiar and unfamiliar faces, facial features, and objects were different from typically developing children. Event-related potentials were recorded in 5- to 8-year-old children (12 children with ASD, 12 typically developing children) using passive viewing paradigm. The fastest P1 latencies to faces and the largest P1 amplitudes to objects were observed in both participant groups. Both groups exhibited larger N170 response to faces and eyes, F(3, 66) = 46.94, p < .0001). However, earlier P1 and N170 latencies were found on left hemisphere in children with ASD, respectively, F(1, 83) = 4.32, p = .04; F(1, 83) = 6.73, p = .01, indicating an atypical face processing pattern. All children showed a significant effect of familiarity for objects and mouths, F(1, 71) = 33.97, p < .0001; F(1, 71 = 15.94, p = .0002. Children with ASD revealed smaller negative central to faces relative to typically developing children. Face processing abnormalities revealed in children with ASD very likely exist.
A statistical analysis of low-stress mechanical properties of warp-knitted fabrics
Authors: Yim Ka-yan , Kan Chi-wai
Published: December 2016

Fabric hand is an indispensable characteristic for the selection of fabric and product development and the buying consideration for manufacturers and consumers. However, there is little comprehensive work on the hand feel property of warp-knitted fabrics due to the mainstream natural fibers (cotton, wool and silk) and other fabric structures (woven, weft-knitted and nonwoven). The increasing potential for the wide variety of applications and development of warp-knitted fabrics is not only because its fabric hand gives better determination for fabric marketing, but also because it provides extensive scope for fabric performance and appearance. This paper reports an experimental study on the integrated fabric hand behavior of a series of warp-knitted fabrics made for various apparel applications, such as sportswear, lingerie and leisure wear. These 105 fabrics were produced by varying different physical parameters, including fabric weight and fabric thickness. The Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabric (KES-F) was employed to obtain the fabric hand properties (primary hand value and total hand value) related with stiffness, smoothness and softness. All low-stress mechanical properties and fabric hand values from the testing results were used to verify the applicability of the KES-F on warp-knitted fabrics and to analyze the relationships of fabric parameters and hand characteristics. The results indicate that the KES-F is an appropriate tool to measure the hand attributes of warp-knitted samples, and moderate correlations between physical properties and mechanical behavior were found.
Description versus Sociology in Introductory Textbooks
Authors: Roberts Keith A.
Published: December 2016

This is a response to “‘World Religions’ in Introductory Sociology Textbooks: In Search of the Sociology.”
Assessing Associations Between Changes in Risk and Subsequent Reoffending
Authors: Yang Min , Guo Boliang , Olver Mark E. , Polaschek Devon L. L. , Wong Stephen C. P.
Published: December 2016

Research on recidivism prediction has made important advances, but the same cannot be said of research assessing relationships between risk changes over time or after treatment and subsequent reoffending. In realistic criminal justice situations, data linking changes in risk to recidivism are often fraught with problems due to missing data, irregular intervals in repeat risk assessments, and individual differences such as age and risk levels. Traditional statistical methodologies such as ANCOVA for repeated measures are not suited for analyzing data with these features. We presented four types of statistical modeling techniques that can effectively accommodate these noisier data: conventional regression, conditional regression, two-stage, and joint models. The two-stage models consist of multilevel growth model and conventional regression. The joint models refer to structural equational models. Two example data sets were used to illustrate the application of these methodologies.
Multi-response optimization of impact strength and elongation at break of nanocomposites based on polypropylene/polyethylene binary polymer matrix in the presence of titanium dioxide nanofiller
Authors: Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Daneshpayeh Sajjad , Ghasemi Ismail
Published: December 2016

In this article, the effect of adding titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on impact strength and elongation at break of polypropylene/linear low-density polyethylene (PP/LLDPE) binary polymer matrix has been investigated. A 23 factorial design analysis was conducted to screen significant factors influencing the impact strength and elongation at break of polymer nanocomposites based on PP/LLDPE matrix. Three factors in two levels including LLDPE at 20 and 40 wt%, TiO2 nanoparticles at 2 and 4 wt%, and styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS as coupling agent) at 0 and 3 wt% were chosen for adding to matrix, and eight experiments were conducted for each response. Optimization of these factors was done for predicting maximum impact strength and elongation at break. It was observed that nanoparticles decreased impact strength. The presence of high levels of LLDPE and SEBS led to an increase in impact strength and elongation at break. From the analysis of variance, the most important parameters affecting impact strength and elongation at break were determined, and satisfactory prediction regression models were derived. In addition, the optimal condition of LLDPE and SEBS for the best combination of response variables was obtained at high level and for TiO2 at middle level.
Diabetes Distress Among Persons With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Powers Margaret A. , Richter Sara A. , Ackard Diann M. , Craft Cheryl
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate associations between diabetes distress and a range of psychological health behaviors and concerns among persons with type 1 diabetes for the benefit of enhancing early identification and intervention of at-risk individuals.

Methods

Persons with type 1 diabetes (n = 268; 57.1% female, 91.0% white, 76.8% <18 years of age, average A1C 8.4%) completed the 2-item Diabetes Distress Screening Scale (DDS2) and a battery of psychometrically sound instruments measuring satisfaction with life, self-esteem, self-efficacy, depression, perfectionism, body image satisfaction, dietary restraint and eating, and shape and weight concerns. Each subscale score was compared within age groups (<18 years vs ≥18 years) between groups (diabetes distress level [low, moderate, high]) using analysis of variance (with Bonferroni correction or the Kruskal-Wallis test if the variables were not normally distributed).

Results

For both age groups, high diabetes distress was independently associated with greater A1C values, higher depression scores and eating, and shape and weight concerns than those with low or moderate distress. For patients <18 years of age, those with high diabetes distress scored lower on measures of satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and self-efficacy and higher on dietary restraint and several areas of perfectionism than those with low or moderate distress.

Conclusions

Individuals with type 1 diabetes who have high diabetes distress also report higher A1C values and poorer psychological health concerns. A brief diabetes distress questionnaire can help to identify those who need additional screening, education and support, and treatment for overall health and well-being.
Re-entry as performance: Reflections from Institution X
Authors: Barak Adi , Stebbins Amy
Published: December 2016

This qualitative research study explores prisoner and rehabilitation staff perspectives ( N=26) on the phenomenon of ‘change’ as a mode of enforced performance in a work release programme in Illinois. Research questions were developed on the basis of a prolonged encounter with re-entering ex-offenders during a project that combined theatre and research. Bringing together two distinct disciplines – Performance Studies and Critical Social Policy – we explore the extent to which re-entering prisoners and rehabilitation staff conceive of their work release programme as enforcing a performance of change into a rehabilitated self. Our results show that all participants feel that the programme enforces such a performance. However, some saw this performance as truly transformative, while others considered it politically oppressive and instrumental. Language performance in particular was considered a strictly imposed demand on prisoners, mostly black, who were advised not to use Ebonics outside of the facility. Implications for policy are outlined.
Twelve month follow-up on a randomised controlled trial of relaxation training for post-stroke anxiety
Authors: Golding Katherine , Fife-Schaw Chris , Kneebone Ian
Published: December 2016

Objective:

To follow up participants in a randomised controlled trial of relaxation training for anxiety after stroke at 12 months.

Design:

Twelve month follow-up to a randomised controlled trial, in which the control group also received treatment.

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Fifteen of twenty one original participants with post-stroke anxiety participated in a one year follow-up study.

Interventions:

A self-help autogenic relaxation CD listened to five times a week for one month, immediately in the intervention group and after three months in the control group.

Main measures:

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale and the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status for inclusion. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale for outcome. All measures were administered by phone.

Results:

Anxiety ratings reduced significantly between pre and post-intervention, and between pre-intervention and one year follow-up ( χ2(2) = 22.29, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Reductions in anxiety in stroke survivors who received a self-help autogenic relaxation CD appear to be maintained after one year.
Breathlessness during daily activity: The psychometric properties of the London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale in patients with advanced disease and refractory breathlessness
Authors: Reilly Charles C , Bausewein Claudia , Garrod Rachel , Jolley Caroline J , Moxham John , Higginson Irene J
Published: December 2016

Background:

The London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale measures the impact of breathlessness on both activity and social functioning. However, the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale is not routinely used in patients with advanced disease.

Aim:

To assess the psychometric properties of the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale in patients with refractory breathlessness due to advanced disease.

Design:

A cross-sectional secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled parallel-group, pragmatic, single-blind fast-track trial (randomised controlled trial) investigating the effectiveness of an integrated palliative and respiratory care service for patients with advanced disease and refractory breathlessness, known as the Breathlessness Support Service (NCT01165034). All patients completed the following questionnaires: the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire, the Palliative care Outcome Scale, Palliative care Outcome Scale–symptoms, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and breathlessness measured on a numerical rating scale. Data quality, scaling assumptions, acceptability, internal consistency and construct validity of the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale were determined using standard psychometric approaches.

Setting/participants:

Breathless patients with advanced malignant and non-malignant disease.

Results:

A total of 88 patients were studied, primary diagnosis included; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease = 53, interstitial lung disease = 17, cancer = 18. Median (range) London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale total score was 46.5 (14–67). No floor or ceiling effect was observed for the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale total score. Internal consistency was good, and Cronbach’s alpha for the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale total score was 0.90. Construct validity was good with 13 out of 15 a priori hypotheses met.

Conclusion:

Psychometric analyses suggest that the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale is acceptable, reliable and valid in patients with advanced disease and refractory breathlessness.
The 14th of July of Daphni Leef: Class and social protest in Israel
Authors: Ram Uri , Filc Dani
Published: December 2016

Most of social sciences’ research on Israel emphasizes ethnicity, status, nationality, identity, gender or coloniality as the central explanatory concepts. This article argues that in order to understand the emergence (as well as the limitations) of phenomena such as the 2011 social protest, the analysis must incorporate a class perspective. In answering questions such as which social groups initiated and supported the protest, what the socio-economic causes of the protest were and what explains the characteristic political patterns of the protest, the article proposes the following theses: (1) The protest was launched and led by the ‘bohemian-bourgeois’ sector of the middle class, but was joined by other groups; (2) The protest was the first large-scale display of class resistance to the post-Fordist, neoliberal socio-economic system; and (3) The protest manifested the emergence of a new kind of ‘post-postmodern’ politics, in response to both the representation crisis of the political system and to the failure of postmodern politics to address socio-economic concerns.
Total control of chromium in tanneries – thermal decomposition of filtration cake from enzymatic hydrolysis of chrome shavings
Authors: Kocurek P , Kolomazník K , Bařinová M , Hendrych J
Published: December 2016

This paper deals with the problem of chromium recovery from chrome-tanned waste and thus with reducing the environmental impact of the leather industry. Chrome-tanned waste was transformed by alkaline enzymatic hydrolysis promoted by magnesium oxide into practically chromium-free, commercially applicable collagen hydrolysate and filtration cake containing a high portion of chromium. The crude and magnesium-deprived chromium cakes were subjected to a process of thermal decomposition at 650°C under oxygen-free conditions to reduce the amount of this waste and to study the effect of magnesium removal on the resulting products. Oxygen-free conditions were applied in order to prevent the oxidation of trivalent chromium into the hazardous hexavalent form. Thermal decomposition products from both crude and magnesium-deprived chrome cakes were characterized by high chromium content over 50%, which occurred as eskolaite (Cr2O3) and magnesiochromite (MgCr2O4) crystal phases, respectively. Thermal decomposition decreased the amount of chrome cake dry feed by 90%. Based on the performed experiments, a scheme for the total control of chromium in the leather industry was designed.
Parent Experience of Neonatal Encephalopathy
Authors: Lemmon Monica E. , Donohue Pamela K. , Parkinson Charlamaine , Northington Frances J. , Boss Renee D.
Published: December 2016

We aimed to characterize the parent experience of caring for an infant with neonatal encephalopathy. In this mixed-methods study, we performed semistructured interviews with parents whose infants were enrolled in an existing longitudinal cohort study of therapeutic hypothermia between 2011 and 2014. Thematic saturation was achieved after 20 interviews. Parent experience of caring for a child with neonatal encephalopathy was characterized by 3 principal themes. Theme 1: Many families described cumulative loss and grief throughout the perinatal crisis, critical neonatal course, and subsequent missed developmental milestones. Theme 2: Families experienced entangled infant and broader family interests. Theme 3: Parents evolved into and found meaning in their role as an advocate. These data offer insight into the lived experience of parenting an infant with neonatal encephalopathy. Primary data from parents can serve as a useful framework to guide the development and interpretation of parent-centered outcomes.
Improving Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery Using Simplified Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Omar Amr S. , Ewila Hesham , Allam Mahmoud , Aboulnagah Sameh , Hanoura Samy , Sivadasan Praveen C. , Bilal Ousama , Pattath Abdul Rasheed A. , AlKhulaifi Abdulaziz
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) remains a major risk after cardiac surgery. Twelve percent patients admitted to this unit postcardiac surgery experienced POAF, which led to hemodynamic instability, increased risk of stroke, and increased length of postoperative intensive care unit stay. Our aim was to decrease the incidence of POAF in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit by the end of April 2014.

Methods:

Design—Retrospective data analysis. Settings—Postcardiac surgery intensive care in a tertiary hospital.

Participants:

Postcardiac surgery patients. Intervention—A clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed to promote early prevention and to improve adherence to POAF prophylaxis recommendations. Patient’s charts were our key performance indicator. Primary outcome measure—Percentage of patients who developed episodes of POAF within the first 24 hours of cardiac surgery. Process measures—compliance with the newly developed CPG and early postoperative patient assessment. Balance measure—early administration of β-blocker.

Results:

We were able to decrease POAF to 8% after intervention. Compliance with early assessment improved from 25% to 87%. Compliance with adherence to the CPG was 80%. Adherence to the newly developed paper form was the major challenge that could be overcome by an electronic form. We hope to decrease the incidence of POAF to 6% and develop an electronic form by the end of December 2014.

Conclusion:

This quality improvement project changed the strategy and succeeded in decreasing the incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery. It also improved early assessment of risk factors.