bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Short Self-Report Disability Questionnaire for Health Conditions
Authors: van Kemenade Johannes F. L. M. , Hosman Clemens M. H.
Published: March 2017

For use in mental epidemiological survey research, a short self-report questionnaire measuring current disability is needed to assess the severity of health symptoms of respondents. A questionnaire, measuring current disability at the somatic, mental, and social domains in the environments of work, family (social) life, and leisure time was made along guidelines issued at the 54th World Health Assembly regarding the acceptance of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. This article presents the reliability and validity of the Self-Report Disability Questionnaire (SRDQ). A short self-report questionnaire was designed and completed by an adult population sample of a Dutch health region, participating in a mental health survey. The SRDQ measures current disability independent from disorder entity. The data show good reliability. Study outcomes confirm the validity of the SRDQ. Positive correlations were found between the score on the SRDQ and amount of medical and mental health consumption, as well as evidence for divergent validity. Positive correlations emerged with the number of symptoms on various mental health measures and psychiatric comorbidity. Nonretired respondents dependent on social services, elderly respondents, and low-educated respondents are populations commonly at risk, scoring higher on the SRDQ than other populations. The SRDQ is usable both as a disability screener and as an effect instrument for treatments and community interventions because its reliability and validity are found to be good. The combined use of the SRDQ with specific symptom screeners downsizes the proportion of persons who actually need help.
Ameloblastoma resection with immediate rib reconstruction: addressing the problem of mandibular angle and central bone bulk
Authors: Johnson O Kenneth , Sharma Kapil
Published: March 2017

Several methods are available to treat mandibular tumours. This case series demonstrates the feasibility of resection and immediate reconstruction with free rib graft in limited resource settings. Innovative technical modifications are described to handle the problem of reconstruction of the angle of the mandible and to provide increased bone bulk in the centre of the mandible. Early postoperative complications are few. Follow-up demonstrates good functional results.
Small Groups Don’t Win Revolutions: Armed Struggle in the Memory of Maoist Militants of Política Popular
Authors: Crespo Jorge Ivan Puma
Published: March 2017

Política Popular, an unarmed Maoist group operating from 1968 to 1979 in northern Mexico, developed as it did because of the attraction of the “mass line” in its interpretation as a direct-democratic model for political participation. This is why activists from the student movement of 1968 adopted Maoist ideas as an ideological guide. Maoism as a simple organizational catechism easily captured their imagination and persuaded squatters and workers to join them in challenging the authoritarian Mexican regime.

El grupo maoísta no armado Política Popular, que operara de 1968 a 1979 en el norte de México, se desarrolló como tal debido a la atracción de la “línea de masas” interpretada como un modelo democrático directo de participación política. Fue por esta razón que los activistas del movimiento estudiantil de 1968 adoptaron conceptos maoístas como guía ideológica. La sencilla naturaleza del Maoísmo como catecismo organizacional capturó fácilmente la imaginación estudiantil y persuadió a las poblaciones marginales y trabajadores de unirse a ellos en su lucha contra el régimen autoritario mexicano.
Introduction
Authors: Cottegnies Line , Mayer Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2017

The aims of this special issue are to offer a review of the most recent research on the Saint-Omer First Folio of Shakespeare’s works (discovered in the north of France in November 2014): its possessors, tribulations and annotations. Yet, beyond the specificities of this copy, it also focuses on the wider iconic significance of the First Folio – from which it cannot be disentangled and without which the public fervour aroused by the discovery could not be understood. The introduction presents the contributions of six major specialists in the field and discusses some of the First Folio’s cultural, symbolic and material features.
Association between sonographically measured mesenteric fat thickness and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in Chinese young male adults
Authors: Siu Stanley PY , Leung Wilson KC , Wan Polly SC , Liu Eric KH , Lai Christopher WK
Published: March 2017

Objective

To investigate the potential correlation between sonographically measured mesenteric fat thickness (MFT) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in a sample of healthy Chinese male young adults.

Methods

Healthy male participants were recruited from Hong Kong Polytechnic University for this prospective observational study. The physical activity readiness questionnaire and ultrasound measurements of carotid intima media thickness were used to screen for clinically healthy subjects. MFT and brachial artery FMD were measured by ultrasound, and body mass index (BMI) was recorded.

Results

A total of 34 healthy male subjects, aged 19–26 years (mean ± SD BMI, 21.7 ± 3.2 kg/m2) were included. Pearson's correlation coefficient test showed that brachial artery FMD had a statistically significant inverse relationship with BMI and with Log (MFT). Further stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that Log (MFT), and not BMI, was an independent predictor of impaired brachial artery FMD.

Conclusions

Sonographic measurements of MFT were an independent predictor of brachial artery FMD in Chinese male young adults.
Computed tomography-guided transthoracic biopsy: Factors influencing diagnostic and complication rates
Authors: Görgülü Feride Fatma , Öksüzler Fatma Yasemin , Arslan Süheyla Aytaç , Arslan Muhammet , Özsoy İbrahim Ethem , Görgülü Orhan
Published: March 2017

Objective

This study was performed to assess the complication and diagnostic rates of computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of pulmonary parenchymal and mediastinal lesions.

Methods

Patients who were suspected to have a malignancy based on chest imaging and CT and could not be otherwise diagnosed were evaluated.

Results

Sixty-five patients were included; 48 (73.8%) were male and 17 (26.2%) were female. Their average age was 58 years. The lesion size ranged from 11 to 105 mm. The most common specific histologic subtype was adenocarcinoma, and the least common was lymphoma. The diagnostic rate was 90.8%. The mean complication rate was 15.4%. Statistically significant associations were found between the complication rate and needle size and between the needle path length and lesion size.

Conclusion

CT-guided needle biopsy is an effective diagnostic method for patients with mediastinal and parenchymal lesions before thoracotomy. This method can also reliably differentiate benign and malignant tumors.
Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of diastolic dysfunction in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Azarisman Shah M. , Teo Karen S , Worthley Matthew I , Worthley Stephen G
Published: March 2017

Chest pain is an important presenting symptom. However, few cases of chest pain are diagnosed as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the acute setting. This results in frequent inappropriate discharge and major delay in treatment for patients with underlying ACS. The conventional methods of assessing ACS, which include electrocardiography and serological markers of infarct, can take time to manifest. Recent studies have investigated more sensitive and specific imaging modalities that can be used. Diastolic dysfunction occurs early following coronary artery occlusion and its detection is useful in confirming the diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis post-ACS. Cardiac magnetic resonance provides a single imaging modality for comprehensive evaluation of chest pain in the acute setting. In particular, cardiac magnetic resonance has many imaging techniques that assess diastolic dysfunction post-coronary artery occlusion. Techniques such as measurement of left atrial size, mitral inflow, and mitral annular and pulmonary vein flow velocities with phase-contrast imaging enable general assessment of ventricular diastolic function. More novel imaging techniques, such as T2-weighted imaging for oedema, T1 mapping, and myocardial tagging, allow early determination of regional diastolic dysfunction and oedema. These findings may correspond to specific infarcted arteries that may be used to tailor eventual percutaneous coronary artery intervention.
The quality of medical information given to prospective intercountry adopters in England
Authors: Mather Mary , Bell Natalia , Way Jan , Haworth Gill
Published: March 2017

Poor quality medical information adds to the risks associated with intercountry adoption. Other receiving countries acknowledge this more readily than the UK. All have to tackle the problems posed by inadequate reports and most insist on further assessment of the child on arrival. This article comprises a retrospective review of 120 medical reports from 23 countries written about children matched with adopters from IAC-the Centre for Adoption (registered as the Intercountry Adoption Centre) between April 2010 and November 2014. The quality and quantity of medical information varied widely but was generally inadequate. Most reports consisted of an isolated, single physical examination. There was incomplete screening for important medical conditions, inadequate medical histories and virtually no assessment of development. The reports for special needs children and adolescents were particularly concerning. In almost all cases, there was a lack of the essential information needed by adopters in order to make an informed decision about the suitability of the match.

All intercountry adopted children, regardless of their country of origin, need the involvement of an experienced medical adviser in the matching process and should have a comprehensive paediatric health assessment after placement. This should be carried out on the NHS and be free to parents, as it is in Northern Ireland. The number of children concerned is small but their needs are important, particularly as they are disadvantaged compared to domestic adoptees.
Matriarch of Israel or Misnomer? Israelite Self-Identification in Ancient Israelite Law Code and the Implications for Ruth
Authors: Niggemann Andrew J.
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the interaction between Israelite self-identification and biblical law code concerning the integration of foreigners in ancient Israel, and the ramifications for Ruth. Scholars to date have restricted their consideration of Ruth's final status exclusively to the perspective of her contemporary community. This article challenges this view, instead taking into account the broader spectrum of ancient Israelite law code across multiple periods. In doing so, it challenges scholarship to provide a more complete picture of the Israelite societies' views on foreigners. An evaluation of the evidence concerning the biblical law code will demonstrate that the apex of the story in Ruth 4.11–12 does not represent an assignment of an Israelite-equivalent status to Ruth. The law code of the ancient Israelites at no time provided a clear path for a foreigner to become an unqualified Israelite. If this is correct, Ruth cannot be considered a bonafide Israelite; she remained a partial foreigner even after her marriage to Boaz.
Reading Samuel as Folklore: 1 Samuel 23.19–24.22 and 26.1-25, a Case Study
Authors: Wearne Gareth J.
Published: March 2017

Studies of the oral background to the Hebrew Bible have long been preoccupied with the search for an ancient Hebrew epic. But the fact that many stories are written in narrative prose means they resist attempts to make them conform to expectations of poetic and formulaic composition. The present study takes a different point of departure. Adapting Lauri Honko's cognitive and performative theories of ‘mental texts’, it argues for the existence of cycles of oral folk-narratives in ancient Israel. The parallel stories in which David spares the life of Saul in 1 Sam. 23.19–24.22 and 26.1-25 are used as a case study to test the explanatory power of the model.
Memories of Moses: A Survey Through Genres
Authors: Nilsen Tina Dykesteen
Published: March 2017

The last few decades have seen an increase in the use of memory studies in biblical scholarship, yet so far studies on biblical characters have not sufficiently considered the genre of the texts that encode the memories. This article explores the relation between genre and the ways in which Moses is remembered or forgotten in historiographical genres such as national histories and historiographical novellas; in wisdom genres; in prophetic genres such as oracles, biographies and apocalypticism; in genres within the Psalms; and in more recent genres such as treatises, letters and New Testament Gospels. The article demonstrates how the authors create and recreate the memory of Moses in order to serve their own ideological means in accordance with their chosen genres.
The relationship between migraine and lipid sub-fractions among individuals without cardiovascular disease: A cross-sectional evaluation in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)
Authors: Goulart Alessandra C , Lotufo Paulo A , Santos Itamar S , Bittencourt Márcio S , Santos Raul D , Blaha Michael J , Jones Steven , Toth Peter P , Kulkarni Krishnaji , Benseñor Isabela M
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Recent studies have explored the relationship between dyslipidemia and migraine in a cardiovascular context. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the possible association between lipids, lipoprotein subfractions and migraine according to aura symptoms in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).

Methods

1,560 women and 1,595 men, without CVD or lipid disorders requiring medication, underwent a baseline clinical assessment. Total-cholesterol and its sub-fractions (LDL, VLDL and HDL subclass cholesterol); triglycerides and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein cholesterol [TRL-C (VLDL1+2-C VLDL3-C + IDL-C)] were determined by vertical auto profile (VAP). We also calculated logarithmic LDL density ratio [LLDR = ln ((LDL3-C + LDL4-C)/(LDL1-C + LDL2-C))], T-Chol/HDL-C and triglycerides/HDL-C ratios. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained to evaluate the relationship between lipids tertiles and migraine for both sexes.

Results

Main findings revealed positive associations between migraine without aura (MO) and the highest tertiles of VLDL-C (OR, 1.61; 95%CI, 1.07–2.40) and TRL-C (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.03–2.34) in women. In men, the highest tertile of VLDL3-C (OR, 3.87; 95%CI, 1.23–12.19) was positively associated with MO, as well.

Conclusions

In middle-aged participants without CVD or lipid disorders requiring medication, the worst lipid profile was determined by the highest levels of TRL-C and their cholesterol-rich remnants in migraineurs without aura for both sexes.
Intratendon Delivery of Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Healing Compared With Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma in a Rabbit Achilles Tendinopathy Model
Authors: Yan Ruijian , Gu Yanjia , Ran Jisheng , Hu Yejun , Zheng Zefeng , Zeng Mengfeng , Heng Boon Chin , Chen Xiao , Yin Zi , Chen Weishan , Shen Weiliang , Ouyang Hongwei
Published: March 2017

Background:

Chronic tendinopathy is a commonly occurring clinical problem that affects both athletes and inactive middle-aged patients. Although some studies have shown that different platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations could exert various therapeutic effects in vitro, the role of leukocytes in PRP has not yet been defined under tendinopathy conditions in vivo.

Purpose:

This study compared the effects of the intratendon delivery of leukocyte-poor PRP (Lp-PRP) versus leukocyte-rich PRP (Lr-PRP) in a rabbit chronic tendinopathy model in vivo.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Four weeks after a local injection of collagenase in the Achilles tendon, the following treatments were randomly administered on the lesions: injections of (1) 200 μL of Lp-PRP (n = 8), (2) 200 μL of Lr-PRP (n = 8), or (3) 200 μL of saline (n = 8). Healing outcomes were assessed at 4 weeks after therapy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cytokine quantification, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of gene expression, histology, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Results:

MRI revealed that the Lr-PRP and saline groups displayed higher signal intensities compared with the Lp-PRP group with T2 mapping. Histologically, the Lp-PRP group displayed significantly better general scores compared with the Lr-PRP ( P = .001) and saline ( P < .001) groups. Additionally, TEM showed that the Lp-PRP group had larger collagen fibril diameters than the Lr-PRP group ( P < .001). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed a significantly lower level of catabolic cytokine IL-6 in the Lp-PRP group compared with the Lr-PRP ( P = .001) and saline ( P = .021) groups. The Lp-PRP group displayed significantly increased expression of collagen I compared with the saline group ( P = .004) but not the Lr-PRP group. Both the Lp-PRP and Lr-PRP groups exhibited significantly lower matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)–1 and MMP-3 expression levels compared with the saline group. However, only the Lp-PRP group displayed significantly higher expression of TIMP-1 than the saline group ( P = .024).

Conclusion:

Compared with Lr-PRP, Lp-PRP improves tendon healing and is a preferable option for the clinical treatment of tendinopathy.

Clinical Relevance:

PRP is widely used in the clinical management of chronic tendinopathy. However, the clinical results are ambiguous. It is imperative to understand the influence of leukocytes on PRP-mediated tissue healing in vivo, which could facilitate the better clinical management of chronic tendinopathy. Further studies are needed to translate our findings to the clinical setting.
Group Pleasures
Authors: Fine Gary Alan , Corte Ugo
Published: March 2017

As a consequence of their size and fragility, small groups depend on cohesion. Central to group continuation are occasions of collective hedonic satisfaction that encourage attachment. These times are popularly labeled fun. While groupness can be the cause of fun, we emphasize the effects of fun, as understood by participants. Shared enjoyment, located in temporal and spatial affordances, creates conditions for communal identification. Such moments serve as commitment devices, building affiliation, modeling positive relations, and moderating interpersonal tension. Further, they encourage retrospective narration, providing an appealing past, an assumed future, and a sense of groupness. The rhetoric of fun supports interactional smoothness in the face of potential ruptures. Building on the authors’ field observations and other ethnographies, we argue that both the experience and recall of fun bolster group stability. We conclude by suggesting that additional research must address the role of power and boundary building in the fun moment.
A Fiscal Sociological Theory of Authoritarian Resilience
Authors: Zhang Changdong
Published: March 2017

The “institutional turn” of comparative authoritarianism enriches our understanding of authoritarian politics, but its lack of institutional theory, tendency to focus on epiphenomena or exogenous force, and failure to address autocrats’ dilemmas constitute weaknesses. Focusing on the taxation institution, this article builds an endogenous institutional explanation of authoritarian resilience. The author argues that while the taxation infrastructural power matters, it causes autocrats two dilemmas: the representation dilemma and the growth dilemma. Taking China as an ideal case, the author argues that two mechanisms, under-institutionalized taxation system and a half-tax state, help in resolving two dilemmas so far, but in the long term, these two mechanisms may counteract each other and weaken the authoritarian regime.
Targeting the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin for Epileptic Encephalopathies and Malformations of Cortical Development
Authors: Jeong Anna , Wong Michael
Published: March 2017

Malformations of cortical development represent a common cause of epileptic encephalopathies and drug-resistant epilepsy in children. As current treatments are often ineffective, new therapeutic targets are needed for epileptic encephalopathies associated with cortical malformations. The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway constitutes a signaling pathway that drives cellular and molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis in a variety of focal cortical malformations. mTOR inhibitors prevent epilepsy and associated pathogenic mechanisms of epileptogenesis in mouse models of tuberous sclerosis complex and are currently in clinical trials for drug-resistant seizures in these patients. A recent explosion of genetic studies has linked mutations in various genes regulating the mTOR pathway to other cortical malformations, such as focal cortical dysplasia and hemimegalencephaly. Thus, mTOR inhibitors represent promising candidates as novel antiseizure and antiepileptogenic therapies for epilepsy associated with a spectrum of cortical malformations.
Novel, Family‐Centered Intervention to Improve Nutrition in Patients Recovering From Critical Illness: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Marshall Andrea P. , Lemieux Margot , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Seyler Hilda , MacEachern Kristen N. , Heyland Daren K.
Published: March 2017

Background: Critically ill patients are at increased risk of developing malnutrition‐related complications because of physiological changes, suboptimal delivery, and reduced intake. Strategies to improve nutrition during critical illness recovery are required to prevent iatrogenic underfeeding and risk of malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a novel family‐centered intervention to improve nutrition in critically ill patients. Materials and Methods: A 3‐phase, prospective cohort feasibility study was conducted in 4 intensive care units (ICUs) across 2 countries. Intervention feasibility was determined by patient eligibility, recruitment, and retention rates. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed by participant perspectives collected through surveys. Participants included family members of the critically ill patients and ICU and ward healthcare professionals (HCPs). Results: A total of 75 patients and family members, as well as 56 HCPs, were enrolled. The consent rate was 66.4%, and 63 of 75 (84%) of family participants completed the study. Most family members (53/55; 98.1%) would recommend the nutrition education program to others and reported improved ability to ask questions about nutrition (16/20; 80.0%). Family members viewed nutrition care more positively in the ICU. HCPs agreed that families should partner with HCPs to achieve optimal nutrition in the ICU and the wards. Health literacy was identified as a potential barrier to family participation. Conclusion: The intervention was feasible and acceptable to families of critically ill patients and HCPs. Further research to evaluate intervention impact on nutrition intake and patient‐centered outcomes is required.
Voices from the “Heart”: Understanding a Community-Engaged Festival in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
Authors: Li Jing , Moore Danièle , Smythe Suzanne
Published: March 2017

This study presents findings from an ethnographic case study of a community-engaged festival held annually in Downtown Vancouver. It explores how the festival functions as a small group that contributes to the establishment of local culture and place identities in order to resist engrained stereotypes. This study also examines the ephemeral space of the festival as an interactional arena where participants co-engage in the construction of community, identity, and meaning. The study expands the discussion of community festivals as socially meaningful devices for collective action, community building, and multiliterate meaning-making in urban environments.
Sensitive Cowboys
Authors: Pfaffendorf Jessica
Published: March 2017

In the past few decades, a multi-billion-dollar “therapeutic boarding school” industry has emerged for America’s troubled upper-class youth. This article examines the therapeutic models prominent in these programs and the ways they conflict with dominant notions of masculinity. Using in-depth interviews and ethnographic fieldwork inside a Western therapeutic boarding school, I show how privileged young men navigate this masculinity dilemma by constructing hybrid masculinities that incorporate qualities associated with femininities and subordinate masculinities. However, these qualities are incorporated strategically and in ways that reproduce and obscure privileges associated with students’ positions as young, upper-class, white men. Using hybrid masculine styles that include humility, commitment to service, and open emotional expression, students re-assert dominant positions as leaders and as “better” men in contrast to various others.
Competing Desires
Authors: Wong Jaclyn S.
Published: March 2017

Family migration often disadvantages women’s careers. Yet, we know little about the decision-making processes that lead to such outcomes. To address this gap, I conducted a longitudinal interview study of 21 heterosexual young adult couples who were deciding whether to move for early career opportunities. Analyzing 118 interviews, I detail how partners negotiate their desired work and family arrangements given structural and cultural constraints. On one negotiation trajectory, partners maintained their egalitarian desires by performing practical labor to make equal work–family arrangements. On another pathway, couples changed their desires by doing emotion work to justify neotraditional roles. On the last pathway, men deferred to women’s desires, unintentionally leaving women the emotional and practical work of coordinating two careers and the couple’s life. These pathways show how couples contest and reproduce gendered work and family roles during the stalled gender revolution.
Thermal properties and thermal stability of polypropylene composites filled with graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Liang JZ , Wang JZ , Tsui Gary CP , Tang CY
Published: March 2017

The thermal properties and thermal stability of polypropylene (PP) composites separately filled with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with three different sizes were measured using a differential scanning calorimetry and a thermal gravimetric analyser. The results showed that the values of the melting temperature of the composites were higher than that of the unfilled PP; the thermal stability increased with increasing the weight fraction and lateral dimension of GNPs in the case of low filler concentration, while the effect of the GNPs thickness on the thermal stability was insignificant; the onset decomposition temperature increased with increasing the GNPs lateral dimension, while the maximum thermal decomposition rate increased first and then decreased with increasing the GNPs weight fraction. The thermal stability improvement should be attributed to the sheet barrier function of the GNPs.
Processing and characterization of the thermoplastic composites manufactured by ultrasonic vibration–assisted automated fiber placement
Authors: Chu Qiyi , Li Yong , Xiao Jun , Huan Dajun , Zhang Xiangyang , Chen Xiaodong
Published: March 2017

To obtain the autoclave-level mechanical properties using in situ consolidation of thermoplastic composites by automated fiber placement (AFP) with high efficiency is the focus of recent research. Different heat resources were utilized to pursue improved mechanical properties and deposition rates but yet not very satisfactory. In this article, E-glass fiber/polypropylene laminates, manufactured by ultrasonic vibration–assisted AFP (UAFP) and autoclave, were compared by means of mechanical properties and crystallization. The interfacial bonding mechanism was analyzed theoretically based on the principle of ultrasonic heating and the autohesion. The orthogonal tests were designed to study the effect of the process parameters on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), including the ultrasonic amplitude, layup speed, and pressure, to optimize the manufacturing process of specimens. The mechanical tests and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were utilized to evaluate the ILSS, mode I interlaminar fracture toughness GIC, impact toughness, and degree of crystalline of laminates from hot-press and UAFP. The experimental results indicate that the ILSS of the specimens from UAFP can match with the hot-press specimens. The GIC and the impact toughness of the UAFP specimens are 59.9% and 20.1% lower than the hot-press ones, respectively, which are due to the lower degree of crystalline caused by the higher cooling rate during the UAFP process. The results of DSC show that the crystallinity of specimens made from UAFP is only 38.5%, whereas the 49.2% crystallinity is tested for the hot-press.
Silicon alkyne hybrid polymers containing Si–H and Si–CH3
Authors: Liu Shuaishuai , Zhou Quan , Peng Zhengqiang , Song Ning , Ni Lizhong
Published: March 2017

A silicon-containing polymer (HMSA), synthesized with n-BuLi, trichloroethylene, dichloromethylsilane, and dimethyldichlorosilane, with three different proportions of Si–H, and its influence on thermal oxidation have been studied. The structures of HMSA were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR), 13C-NMR, 29Si-NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. Thermal and oxidative stabilities were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, and the cross-linking reaction mechanisms of the HMSA were discussed. All the polymers exhibited excellent thermal and oxidation resistance; particularly, HMSA-1 showed high heat-resistant and thermo-oxidative stability; the temperatures of 5% weight loss ( Td5) were 636.3 and 645.5°C, and the residues at 1000°C were 87.07 and 86.23% in nitrogen and air, respectively. This system had excellent thermal and oxidative stability, and through the structure design, control of heat oxidation resistance was realized.
Expert knowledge elicitation to generate human factors guidance for future European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) train driving models
Authors: Naghiyev Arzoo , Sharples Sarah , Ryan Brendan , Coplestone Anthony , Carey Mike
Published: March 2017

The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) will have an impact on the train driving task and the behaviour of the train drivers. This paper presents a part of the final study of the series of studies that have been conducted as part of a three-year research project, which investigated the effects of ERTMS on the behaviour of the train drivers. In recent times, a number of models of train driving have been developed in order to inform the design of the train driving technology and understand the implications of the design of the train driving task on the performance of the drivers and their behaviour. An expert knowledge elicitation study was conducted to evaluate the existing train driving models and to generate a guidance on human factors for the future ERTMS train driving models. The study consisted of a workshop, which was conducted using the rail human factor experts who have been directly involved with the projects examining ERTMS. The current train driving models were evaluated and ideas were generated as to how these should be shaped in the future to include systems such as ERTMS. The findings of the study contributed to bridging the gap between the theoretical understanding of the cognitive strategies of the train drivers and the practical implementation of novel technologies by the rail industry.
The Power of Suggestion: Posthypnotically Induced Changes in the Temporal Binding of Intentional Action Outcomes
Authors: Lush Peter , Caspar Emilie A. , Cleeremans Axel , Haggard Patrick , Magalhães De Saldanha da Gama Pedro Alexandre , Dienes Zoltan
Published: March 2017

The sense of agency is the experience of initiating and controlling one’s voluntary actions and their outcomes. Intentional binding (i.e., when voluntary actions and their outcomes are perceived to occur closer together in time than involuntary actions and their outcomes) is increased in intentional action but requires no explicit reflection on agency. The reported experience of involuntariness is central to hypnotic responding, during which strategic action is experienced as involuntary. We report reduced intentional binding in a hypnotically induced experience of involuntariness, providing an objective correlate of reports of involuntariness. We argue that this reduced binding results from the diminished influence of motor intentions in the generation of the sense of agency when beliefs about whether an action is intended are altered. Thus, intentional binding depends on awareness of intentions. This finding shows that changes in metacognition of intentions affect perception.
Effects of short blades on performance and inner flow characteristics of a low-specific-speed centrifugal pump
Authors: Kang Can , Mao Ning , Pan Chen , Zhu Yang , Li Bing
Published: March 2017

A low-specific-speed centrifugal pump equipped with long and short blades is studied. Emphasis is placed on the pump performance and inner flow characteristics at low flow rates. Each short blade is intentionally shifted towards the back surface of the neighboring long blade, and the outlet parts of the short blades are uniformly shortened. Unsteady numerical simulation is conducted to disclose inner flow patterns associated with the modified design. Thereby, a comparison is enabled between the two schemes featured by different short blades. Both practical operation data and numerical results support that the deviation and cutting of the short blades can eliminate the positive slope of pump head curve at low flow rates. Therefore, the modification of short blades improves the pump operation stability. Due to the shortening of the outlet parts of the short blades, velocity distributions between impeller outlet and radial diffuser inlet exhibit explicitly altered circumferential flow periodicity. Pressure fluctuations in the radial diffuser are complex in terms of diversified periodicity and amplitudes. Flow rate influences pressure fluctuations in the radial diffuser considerably. As flow rate decreases, the regularity of the orbit of hydraulic loads exerted upon the impeller collapses while hydraulic loads exerted upon the short blades remain circumferentially periodic.
Development of a data-processing method based on Bayesian k-means clustering to discriminate aneugens and clastogens in a high-content micronucleus assay
Authors: Huang ZH , Li N , Rao KF , Liu CT , Huang Y , Ma M , Wang ZJ
Published: March 2017

Genotoxicants can be identified as aneugens and clastogens through a micronucleus (MN) assay. The current high-content screening-based MN assays usually discriminate an aneugen from a clastogen based on only one parameter, such as the MN size, intensity, or morphology, which yields low accuracies (70–84%) because each of these parameters may contribute to the results. Therefore, the development of an algorithm that can synthesize high-dimensionality data to attain comparative results is important. To improve the automation and accuracy of detection using the current parameter-based mode of action (MoA), the MN MoA signatures of 20 chemicals were systematically recruited in this study to develop an algorithm. The results of the algorithm showed very good agreement (93.58%) between the prediction and reality, indicating that the proposed algorithm is a validated analytical platform for the rapid and objective acquisition of genotoxic MoA messages.
Performance of the simplified acute physiology score III in acute organophosphate poisoning: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Lee DH , Lee BK
Published: March 2017

The performances of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II have previously been evaluated in acute organophosphate poisoning. We aimed to compare the performance of the SAPS III with those of the APACHE II and SAPS II, as well as to identify the best tool for predicting case fatality using the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in acute organophosphate poisoning. A retrospective analysis of organophosphate poisoning was conducted. The APACHE II, SAPS II, and SAPS III were calculated within 24 h of admission. Discrimination was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The SMRs were calculated as 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In total, 100 cases of organophosphate poisoning were included. The in-hospital case fatality was 19%. The median scores of the APACHE II, SAPS II, and SAPS III were 20.0 (10.0–27.0), 41.0 (28.0–54.8), and 53.0 (36.3–68.8), respectively. The AUROCs were not significantly different among the APACHE II (0.815; 95% CI, 0.712–0.919), SAPS II (0.820; 95% CI, 0.719–0.912), and SAPS III (0.850; 95% CI, 0.763–0.936). Based on these scores and in-hospital case fatality, the SMRs for the APACHE II, SAPS II, and SAPS III were 1.01 (95% CI, 0.50–2.72), 1.01 (95% CI, 0.54 -2.78), and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.33–1.99), respectively. The SAPS III provided a good discrimination and satisfactory calibration in acute organophosphate poisoning. It was therefore a useful tool in predicting case fatality in acute organophosphate poisoning, similar to the APACHE II and SAPS II.
Linking temporal medical records using non-protected health information data
Authors: Bonomi Luca , Jiang Xiaoqian
Published: March 2017

Modern medical research relies on multi-institutional collaborations which enhance the knowledge discovery and data reuse. While these collaborations allow researchers to perform analytics otherwise impossible on individual datasets, they often pose significant challenges in the data integration process. Due to the lack of a unique identifier, data integration solutions often have to rely on patient’s protected health information (PHI). In many situations, such information cannot leave the institutions or must be strictly protected. Furthermore, the presence of noisy values for these attributes may result in poor overall utility. While much research has been done to address these challenges, most of the current solutions are designed for a static setting without considering the temporal information of the data (e.g. EHR). In this work, we propose a novel approach that uses non-PHI for linking patient longitudinal data. Specifically, our technique captures the diagnosis dependencies using patterns which are shown to provide important indications for linking patient records. Our solution can be used as a standalone technique to perform temporal record linkage using non-protected health information data or it can be combined with Privacy Preserving Record Linkage solutions (PPRL) when protected health information is available. In this case, our approach can solve ambiguities in results. Experimental evaluations on real datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our technique.
Framing and bias in CO2 capture and storage communication films: Reflections from a CO2 capture and storage research group
Authors: Maynard Carly M. , Shackley Simon
Published: March 2017

There has been a growing trend towards incorporating short, educational films as part of research funding and project proposals. Researchers and developers in CO2 capture and storage are using films to communicate outcomes, but such films can be influenced by experiences and values of the producers. We document the content and presentation of seven online CO2 capture and storage films to determine how framing occurs and its influence on the tone of films. The core frame presents CO2 capture and storage as a potential solution to an imminent crisis in climatic warming and lack of a sustainable energy supply. Three subsidiary frames represent CO2 capture and storage as (1) the only option, (2) a partial option or (3) a scientific curiosity. The results demonstrate that an understanding of the nuanced explicit and implicit messages portrayed by films is essential both for effective framing according to one’s intention and for wider public understanding of a field.
Examining the Dynamic and Non-linear Linkages between Crude Oil Price and Indian Stock Market Volatility
Authors: Kumar Rakesh
Published: March 2017

The present study is an attempt to examine the dynamic impact of crude oil price variations in the international market on the Indian stock market volatility. For the purpose, the study uses crude oil monthly price expressed in dollar per barrel, Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)-listed index BSE Sensex and National Stock Exchange (NSE)-listed CNX Nifty prices for the period from January 2001 to December 2014. GARCH (1,1) model with net crude oil price change as exogenous variable is used to estimate the impact of net oil price change in international market on the conditional volatilities of both the indices. The findings report that net oil price change has a significant impact upon the conditional volatility of both the indices. These findings show that investors redesign their portfolios in response to crude oil price variations in the international market. They can use crude oil price as an important exogenous variable in forecasting models of stock returns and risk in the Indian stock market.
Construct Development and Validation in Game-Based Research
Authors: Coovert Michael D. , Winner Jennifer , Bennett Winston
Published: March 2017

Problem. Teams or groups of individuals working together to achieve a shared goal, make up today’s world of work. Although the literature is rife with issues concerning teams, there is no coherent structure to guide researchers wishing to gain a deeper understanding into those factors leading to positive team outcomes.

Question. This is due in part to two factors; one being the methods (e.g., observation; self report) typically employed to study teams often do not apply rigorous standards for reliability and validity. The second is it is difficult to construct data gathering situations that realistically approach the context in which teams operate.

Approach. Addressing the first issue, we present a framework for the type of data that should be gathered to reliably and validly evaluate team performance. We believe the second issue is best addressed through the application of serious games, where realistic scenarios are delivered representing problems similar to those faced by teams in the real world. Finally, we describe a study whereby we demonstrate the approach utilizing a serious game to gather the data, which is then analyzed to assess the reliability and validity of the measures.

Conclusion. With reliability and validity being established, a latent change score model is presented to illustrate how rich models of team interaction can be stated, investigated, and statistically assessed; since the serious game ensures the quality of the team interaction and the superior quality of the data.
Governments Should Play Games
Authors: Hassan Lobna
Published: March 2017

Background.Gamification is concerned with the utilization of motivational affordances that create value-adding experience in the design of services. It has many applications in different fields and has been shown to be a good design methodology to influence motivation and behavioral change. Civic engagement and its online platforms could benefit from gamification, as these areas suffer from low engagement levels, thus defeating the purpose for which they are created.

Purpose. There is a lack of understanding of how civic engagement platforms should be gamified to sustain active engagement and assist in community building, while also fulfilling their operational objectives. This article aims to provide a theoretical framework and guidelines for the gamification of civic engagement platforms.

Contribution. A theoretical framework for the gamification of civic engagement platforms is presented, drawing upon self-determination theory and democratic deliberation theory. Through this work, we also identify future research directions and highlight the need for research on related subjects.
Behavioral and Environmental Analysis of Self-Reported Dysphonic and Nondysphonic High School Music Teachers
Authors: Brown Emily Pence
Published: March 2017

Dysphonia is considered to be a common hazard associated with occupational voice users. Teachers represent the highest percentage of clinical voice disorder patients. Voice injuries in teachers could result in lost wages due to missed work, additional costs for medications, therapy, and surgeries, and teacher attrition. The purpose of this study was to observe specific vocal habits among and between three self-reported dysphonic and three self-reported nondysphonic music teachers. I observed each participant for 3 consecutive days and conducted semistructured interviews following the observation period. The observed behaviors were analyzed to determine if teacher talk time, amount of time spent talking over specific classroom noises, and amount of teacher talk within a “very loud” classroom (>80 dBA) could be contributing factors for vocal attrition. Results revealed more hazardous talk episodes among dysphonic participants. Interview themes included stress and vocal awareness.
Testing the Hillary Doctrine
Authors: Saiya Nilay , Zaihra Tasneem , Fidler Joshua
Published: March 2017

In her various roles as First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, and Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton has long maintained that the subjugation of women poses a national security threat to the United States. Clinton’s proposition has come to be termed the “Hillary Doctrine.” Yet does this principle receive support from the empirical record? In this paper, we offer a test of the Hillary Doctrine by analyzing if more anti-American terrorism emanates from countries that restrict women’s rights than from countries that are not gender restrictive. Using a time series, cross-national analysis of 156 countries from the period 1981 to 2005, our negative binomial models offer strong support for the Hillary Doctrine and suggest that the promotion of women’s rights may well enhance the national security of the United States with respect to terrorism. These results are robust to a wide range of changes to the empirical research design.
Managing Visitors During the Hospital Stay: The Experience of Family Caregivers of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Oyesanya Tolu O. , Bowers Barbara
Published: March 2017

Family caregivers of patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) regularly visit the patient during the hospital stay and are involved in their care. As impairments caused by the TBI often preclude the patient from stating preferences for visitors, family caregivers often make decisions about visitors on the patient’s behalf during the hospital stay. However, limited literature investigates this process. The purpose of this study was to describe family caregivers’ experience of visitors while the patient with moderate-to-severe TBI is hospitalized. Authors used grounded theory to conduct 24 interviews with 16 family caregivers. Findings showed family caregivers manage welcome and unwelcome visitors throughout the hospital stay to protect the patient’s physical and emotional safety and to conserve their own energy. Staff had limited involvement in management of unwelcome visitors. These findings have practice implications for educating hospital staff about providing family nursing and assisting families to manage unwelcome visitors and about policy implications for improving hospital visiting policies.