bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence, Expertise, and Ethics
Authors: Burnette Denise
Published: June 2016

The extent to which people choose their professions and professions choose their practitioners is not always clear; it is in all likelihood a simpatico process. But, growing attention to the study of careers can help elucidate the nexus of personal and professional forces that underpins this complex dynamic. This line of inquiry can also advance knowledge of how it is that individual scholars come to shape the essential features and directions of a profession at a particular point in its history. I use oral life history methods to develop an account of Eileen Gambrill’s emergence as an “influential” in the course of American social work. I begin with a brief overview of the context of the project. I then describe the range of narrative methods which I drew on to craft an account of her personal and professional development vis-à-vis the profession’s zeitgeist at the time. I begin the account itself by defining an influential to establish her status in the field. I then turn to the alchemy of dispositional and situational conditions which, beginning in early life and extending throughout her formal education, furthered her development in this role. I close with a few examples of the significant outcomes of her influence as an integrative scholar who focused her career on bettering the lives of others through evidence-informed, expertly delivered, ethically responsible social work practice.
The Power and Promise of Group Work
Authors: Rasool Shahana , Ross Eleanor
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

In light of the limited research into consumers’ experiences of group work services in South Africa, the study evaluated groups offered by a range of social service agencies in Gauteng to determine whether group interventions were perceived by users as developmental and empowering.

Methods:

Program evaluation was employed to evaluate 47 groups. Interviews were held with 222 persons to elicit their views on the groups in which they had participated.

Results:

Main findings were that organizations offered a rich diversity of groups, and membership was inclusive. Benefits of group work included gaining support and friendship, acquiring confidence, normalization of experiences through sharing with similar others, and learning new skills.

Discussion:

The groups reflected the diverse nature of South African society and the complexity of social issues. The groups were also perceived as highly empowering and developmental; however, the group work modality would seem to be underutilized by social workers.
Development of a multi-level adaptive fuzzy controller for beyond pull-in stabilization of electrostatically actuated microplates
Authors: Radgolchin Moeen , Moeenfard Hamid
Published: June 2016

The objective of this paper is to present a supervised multi-level fuzzy controller to control the deflection of an electrostatically actuated microplate within and beyond its pull-in range. The mode shapes of the microplate are derived using Extended Kantorovich Method (EKM) which are shown to be in great agreement with finite element results. Using open loop simulations, it is shown that the first mode shape is effectively the dominant one. Then by utilizing a single mode approximation along with employing the Lagrange equation, the dynamic behavior of the microplate is described in modal space by an ordinary differential equation. By static and dynamic simulations, dependence of the plate deflection on the applied voltage is identified linguistically. Then based on the linguistic description of the system, a fuzzy controller is designed to stabilize the microplate at desired deflections. To improve the performance specifications of the closed-loop system, another fuzzy controller at a higher level is proposed to adjust the parameters of the main controller in real time. To guarantee the stability of the closed-loop system, a non-fuzzy supervisory unit is attached to the control architecture. The simulations results reveal that by using the presented single level and supervised adaptive controllers, the control objective is met effectively with good performance specifications. It is also observed that adding a second level and a supervisory unit to the main controller can reduce the overshoot and the settling time for within and beyond pull-in stabilization of electrostatically actuated microplates in following the step commands. Excellent performance of the system in the presence of the proposed controller is further demonstrated using multiple step and also sinusoidal commands. The qualitative knowledge resulting from this research can be generalized and used for development of efficient controllers for N/MEMS actuators and electrostatically actuated nano/micro positioning systems.
Free vibration analysis of multilayered composite and soft core sandwich plates resting on Winkler–Pasternak foundations
Authors: Zenkour AM , Radwan AF
Published: June 2016

Free vibration of laminated composite and soft core sandwich plates resting on Winkler–Pasternak foundations using four-variable refined plate theory are presented. The theory accounts for the hyperbolic distribution of the transverse shear strains through the plate thickness, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. Equations of motion are derived from the dynamic version of the principle of virtual work. Navier technique is employed to obtain the closed-form solutions of antisymmetric cross-ply, angle-ply, and soft core laminates or soft core sandwich plates resting on elastic foundations. Numerical results obtained using present theory are compared with three-dimensional elasticity solutions and those computed using the first-order and the other higher-order theories. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is not only accurate, but also efficient in predicting the natural frequencies of laminated composite and soft core sandwich plates resting on Winkler–Pasternak foundations.
Drink wisely Australians, but keep drinking: does the alcohol industry in Australia frame the discourse on alcohol to maintain hegemony?
Authors: Pietracatella Rachel Joanne , Brady Danielle
Published: June 2016

Public health literature proposes that the Australian alcohol industry–funded organisation DrinkWise is a Social Aspects Public Relations Organisation (SAPRO) that favours industry over public interests by deploying ineffective alcohol harm reduction strategies. This research addresses a gap in the critical public relations literature by investigating these claims through an examination of DrinkWise’s source media content. Content and rhetorical framing analysis revealed how the organisation framed the alcohol issue, as well as identifying the messages and message audiences of their media releases. Results supported extant research suggesting that DrinkWise is insulating the alcohol industry against evidence-based public health harm reduction strategies, by engaging in agenda building through industry-friendly framing of the alcohol issue, and dissemination of information subsidies to elites and policy-makers. We discuss the conclusions through a lens of hegemony and develop an argument that DrinkWise media relations is a strategy to maintain a hegemonic individual responsibility ideology.
Citizenship in a time of HIV: Understanding medical adult male circumcision in South Africa
Authors: Howard-Payne Lynlee , Bowman Brett
Published: June 2016

Medical adult male circumcision has been shown to offer men significant protection against HIV infection during peno-vaginal sex. This has resulted in calls for a national roll-out of medical adult male circumcision in South Africa, a rights-based constitutional democracy. This article explores the ways that the potential tensions between this call to circumcise as a practice of good health citizenship and the guaranteed right to bodily integrity are negotiated in interviews with 30 urban-based men in Johannesburg. The results suggest that despite its demonstrable biological efficacy, these tensions may paralyse decision- and policy-makers in grappling with the potential scaling up of medical adult male circumcision for HIV prevention in South Africa.
The United Kingdom’s Eurosceptic political economy
Authors: Gifford Chris
Published: June 2016

This article explores how a political economy approach can explicate recent events in the United Kingdom’s relation to the European Union. The proposition is that neither critical nor comparative approaches do justice to the extent to which British elites have sought to differentiate the UK from the EU. The UK is here understood as a Eurosceptic political economy, constructed in opposition to European integration and, in particular, Economic and Monetary. The article explores how we have witnessed a hardening of this Eurosceptic political economy in the context of the Eurozone crisis. The most distinctive feature of which, as seen in the referendum campaign, is the extent to which the economic case for withdrawal has been established as part of the mainstream of British political debate.
Private practice: Using digital diaries and interviews to understand evangelical Christians’ choice and use of religious mobile applications
Authors: Bellar Wendi
Published: June 2016

Religious mobile applications (apps) offer a relatively new space for religious practices such as studying sacred texts, prayer, and meditation. To date, most studies in the digital religion literature, and to some extent in general mobile app studies, focus inquiry on app content and/or design only. This study advances these areas of study by extending inquiry to the mobile app audience by exploring how Evangelical Christians actually choose and use religious mobile apps, and how app engagement informs their religious identities. Data from qualitative digital diary reports and in-depth interviews were analyzed within Campbell’s networked religion framework, specifically through the storied identity and networked community concepts. Findings explicate the combination of online and offline resources used for choosing apps, shifting core religious practices from offline to mobile contexts, and a lack of networked community engagement for sharing private religious app experiences.
The global social work definition: Ontology, implications and challenges
Authors: Ornellas Abigail , Spolander Gary , Engelbrecht Lambert K
Published: June 2016

The revised global definition for social work promotes the profession’s commitment to social change and development, social cohesion and the empowerment and liberation of people. By reviewing the implications of this definitional shift and locating this within existing influential social work ontological models, the implications for social work within global and national contexts are critically reviewed.

Findings

The changes to the global definition, along with recognition of the importance of strengthening knowledge and theory, encourage critical review of the implications of a shift from an emphasis on individual approaches to the importance of collective and macro perspectives in social work intervention. The location and exploration of these debates using existing key ontological frameworks and socio-economic contexts encourages critical reflection on the purpose, role and function of social work in society.

Implications

Social work must critically review what it means by, along with the implications of, the profession’s commitments. The profession needs to consider how theory, its academic discipline and social work interventions support these commitments. The critical examination of ontological frameworks, indigenous knowledge and social work interventions is vital to inform social work education and practice to enable a reinvigorated profession able to address the contemporary challenges of both society and individuals.
The relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging: Dutch Somali perspectives
Authors: Kassaye Aida , Ashur Ibtisaam , van Heelsum Anja
Published: June 2016

This article explores the relationship between media discourses and experiences of belonging. Studies on Muslims and the media have suggested that there is a largely negative discourse about Muslims in Western countries. As a result, the ‘othering’ processes that occur in the media may impact how Muslim citizens experience their individual attachments to society. We use excerpts from focus group interviews with Somalis in the Netherlands1 to investigate how they look upon, counter or internalize media discourses that seem to depict them in a negative way, particularly because they are Muslims. The findings indicate that discriminative discourses create a plurality of outcomes for our participants. Whereas all perceive a negative debate, some discursively ‘join’ a global Muslim community as a result, while others try their best to avoid association with a worldwide Muslim alliance and emphasize within-group variances. Though the opposing reactions might seem contradictory, we argue that both responses counter the same problems: ‘othering’ and victimization. Thereby we give voice to Somalis who are not often heard, while at the same time adding to the theoretical understanding of ‘othering’ processes.
No association of adiponectin +45 T/G polymorphism with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: Evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Fang , Zhang Hua , Qi Hongbo
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

Adiponectin ( ADIPOQ), involved in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid oxidation, plays key roles in metabolic derangements such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Previously, several studies have been conducted to assess the association between ADIPOQ +45 T/G polymorphism and risk of GDM. The results, however, are inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the polymorphism on the risk of GDM using a meta-analysis.

Materials and methods:

After databases searching, eight records were identified. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association between ADIPOQ +45 T/G polymorphism and risk of GDM.

Results:

No significant association was observed between the ADIPOQ +45 T/G polymorphism and the risk of GDM (heterozygote comparison: OR = 1.15, 95% CI, 0.70–1.89; homozygote comparison: OR = 1.21, 95% CI, 0.48–3.03; dominant model: OR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.50–1.48, recessive model: OR = 1.21, 95% CI, 0.62–2.33, and allele comparison: OR = 1.17, 95% CI, 0.79–1.76, respectively). Apparent heterogeneity was detected. However, no evidence of publication bias was found.

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis provides evidence that the ADIPOQ +45 T/G polymorphism was not related to the risk of GDM. Further multicenter, prospective studies with larger sample size would be valuable to confirm the result.
Living liminal: Reflexive epistemological positioning at the intersection of marginalized identities
Authors: Moore Kiara
Published: June 2016

In this article, I trace the origins of my epistemological stance as a biracial woman with multiple marginalized identities that caused me to span categorical boundaries in life. My perspective has become one in which I am positioned in an ambivalent, hybrid, liminal space. I respond to the epistemological positions taken by other doctoral students and consider our common struggles with situating ourselves among established theories that do not easily accommodate the complexity and ambiguity of our lived experiences. I describe my attempts to locate myself within existing epistemological approaches that are compatible with my own perspective and my research questions about racial disparities in young adult mental health. I conclude by adopting a healthy skepticism of existing theories of knowledge and by looking forward to asking and answering questions with my own research that will help social workers to work more effectively with diverse populations.
Leading schools of education in the context of academic capitalism: Deans’ responses to state policy changes
Authors: McClure Kevin R , Teitelbaum Kenneth
Published: June 2016

State education policy changes have contributed to a reduced interest in teaching and a decreased enrollment in education degree programs in North Carolina, USA. Pressure to cut budgets and generate revenue has added to a climate of academic capitalism influencing the ways in which deans lead schools of education. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to understand school of education deans’ perceptions of and strategic responses to political and economic challenges. Findings demonstrate that the burdens of being a school of education dean in North Carolina are substantial and require a specific skill set to manage external pressures. Deans reported devoting more time and energy to recruitment, fundraising, program creation, and active participation in policy discussions as strategic responses to these pressures. Findings throw into stark relief the need for professional development and the importance of supportive relationships across campus to help deans hone skills and manage new pressures.
Broadcasting Quality
Authors: Nygaard Taylor , Lagerwey Jorie
Published: June 2016

This special issue is devoted to The Good Wife ( TGW) and unpacking the discursive divide between “quality” niche programming and mass entertainment broadcast programming. These essays question the conversations about quality swirling around a show that carries all the markers of prestige, but that also features the female protagonist, broadcast home, procedural roots, and soapiness often denigrated or overlooked by critics and academics alike. In response to the inherently gendered notions of quality, these essays re-center feminine subjects and interrogate masculinizing discourses through an array of approaches to a single series, analyzing TGW via the lenses of habitual mobile technologies, fashion, fantasy, and the labor of wifedom and motherhood. Analyzing this particular series through discourses of quality is not only a way to acknowledge a broadcast series within pre-existing standards of excellence but also a way to begin to reclaim television studies’ feminist roots from often hyper-masculine discussions of twenty-first-century quality TV.
Clinical Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Management of Dementia in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Safarpour Delaram , Willis Allison W.
Published: June 2016

The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease (PD) will increase substantially, due to the aging of the population and improved treatments leading to better disease-related outcomes. Dementia is the most common nonmotor symptom in PD, and most patients with PD will have cognitive dysfunction and cognitive decline in the course of their disease. The development of cognitive dysfunction in PD greatly limits the ability to participate in activities of daily living and can be a tipping point for nursing home placement or major caregiver stress. Understanding the different causes of dementia and how to reduce the incidence and impact of secondary cognitive dysfunction in PD are necessary skills for primary care physicians and neurologists. In this review, we discuss the clinical epidemiology of dementia in PD with an emphasis on preventable cognitive dysfunction, present tools for outpatient evaluation of cognitive dysfunction, and describe current pharmacological treatments for dementia in PD.
Inhibitory neurotransmission regulates vagal efferent activity and gastric motility
Authors: McMenamin Caitlin A , Travagli R Alberto , Browning Kirsteen N
Published: June 2016

The gastrointestinal tract receives extrinsic innervation from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which regulate and modulate the function of the intrinsic (enteric) nervous system. The stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract in particular are heavily influenced by the parasympathetic nervous system, supplied by the vagus nerve, and disruption of vagal sensory or motor functions results in disorganized motility patterns, disrupted receptive relaxation and accommodation, and delayed gastric emptying, amongst others. Studies from several laboratories have shown that the activity of vagal efferent motoneurons innervating the upper GI tract is inhibited tonically by GABAergic synaptic inputs from the adjacent nucleus tractus solitarius. Disruption of this influential central GABA input impacts vagal efferent output, hence gastric functions, significantly. The purpose of this review is to describe the development, physiology, and pathophysiology of this functionally dominant inhibitory synapse and its role in regulating vagally determined gastric functions.
Bax-induced apoptosis shortens the life span of DNA repair defect Ku70-knockout mice by inducing emphysema
Authors: Matsuyama Shigemi , Palmer James , Bates Adam , Poventud-Fuentes Izmarie , Wong Kelvin , Ngo Justine , Matsuyama Mieko
Published: June 2016

Cells with DNA damage undergo apoptosis or cellular senescence if the damage cannot be repaired. Recent studies highlight that cellular senescence plays a major role in aging. However, age-associated diseases, including emphysema and neurodegenerative disorders, are caused by apoptosis of lung alveolar epithelial cells and neurons, respectively. Therefore, enhanced apoptosis also promotes aging and shortens the life span depending on the cell type. Recently, we reported that ku70−/−bax−/− and ku70−/−bax+/− mice showed significantly extended life span in comparison with ku70−/−bax+/+ mice. Ku70 is essential for non-homologous end joining pathway for DNA double strand break repair, and Bax plays an important role in apoptosis. Our study suggests that Bax-induced apoptosis has a significant impact on shortening the life span of ku70−/− mice, which are defective in one of DNA repair pathways. The lung alveolar space gradually enlarges during aging, both in mouse and human, and this age-dependent change results in the decrease of respiration capacity during aging that can lead to emphysema in more severe cases. We found that emphysema occurred in ku70−/− mice at the age of three-months old, and that Bax deficiency was able to suppress it. These results suggest that Bax-mediated apoptosis induces emphysema in ku70−/− mice. We also found that the number of cells, including bronchiolar epithelial cells and type 2 alveolar epithelial cells, shows a higher DNA double strand break damage response in ku70 KO mouse lung than in wild type. Recent studies suggest that non-homologous end joining activity decreases with increased age in mouse and rat model. Together, we hypothesize that the decline of Ku70-dependent DNA repair activity in lung alveolar epithelial cells is one of the causes of age-dependent decline of lung function resulting from excess Bax-mediated apoptosis of lung alveolar epithelial cells (and their progenitor cells).
Rule of accumulation of enrofloxacin in Acipenser baerii and drug-induced damage to the tissues
Authors: Wang Di , Li Shaowu , Lu Tongyan
Published: June 2016

Enrofloxacin (ENX) has been widely used in the prevention and control of bacterial diseases in sturgeon aquaculture due to its characteristics of wide antibacterial spectrum, strong antibacterial activity, less toxicity and fewer side effects, rapid action, extensive in vivo distribution, and little cross-resistance with other antibiotics. However, the spinal abnormality was found in Acipenser baerii soon after ENX administration, which resulted an “S”-shaped curvature of the spine and retarded fish growth. It was still not clear whether ENX could cause spinal abnormality in sturgeons by now. The aim of this work was to determine the accumulation rule and toxicity of ENX to A. baerii when used at a high dose and/or unusually long durations. Here, ENX was orally given to A. baerii for 3–5 d continuously at the dosage of 0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg once daily, respectively. The accumulation of ENX in blood, liver, kidney, and cartilage was detected after withdrawal, and the tissues were made into sections for morphological examination. The results showed that the levels of ENX increased in the four tissues with the increase of dose and duration, and the ENX level in serum was far lower than that in other tissues. At 240 h, ENX levels in the four tissues decreased significantly. The histology indicated that the liver, kidney, and cartilage began to show structural damages at 5 d after withdrawal of 40 mg/kg ENX. The damage was aggravated at 3–5 d after withdrawal of 80 mg/kg ENX. At 240 h, the damaged tissues showed signs of recovery. These results suggested that ENX should be no more than 40 mg/kg and that exposure time should not be greater than 5 d to prevent liver, kidney, and cartilage damage. More attention should be paid to the impact of ENX on the occurrence and development of chondrocytes in juvenile A. baerii and the potential damage to the cartilage.
Comparing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) with conventional angiography in the detection of distal territory cerebral mycotic and oncotic aneurysms
Authors: Walkoff Lara , Brinjikji Waleed , Rouchaud Aymeric , Caroff Jildaz , Kallmes David F
Published: June 2016

Background

Mycotic and oncotic aneurysms may result in devastating neurologic sequelae if undetected. The objectives of this study were to examine interobserver variability and accuracy of cross-sectional imaging for the detection of distal territory mycotic and oncotic aneurysms.

Methods

We searched our institutional database for all radiology reports from 2005 to 2015 with an indication or diagnosis of mycotic or oncotic aneurysm. Patients who underwent DSA and either CTA or MRA within 12 weeks of each other were identified. The cross-sectional images from each study were blinded and reviewed by two radiologists. If positive for aneurysm, location and number of aneurysms were reported. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and interobserver variability were determined for MRA and MRA/CTA.

Results

Twenty-five patients were included in this study. Ten (40%) harbored distal aneurysms. Cross-sectional imaging had a sensitivity of 45.5%, specificity of 90.0%, and kappa value of 0.29 (0.00–0.69) for the detection of cerebral mycotic and oncotic aneurysms.

Conclusions

Because of the low sensitivity and high interobserver variability of cross-sectional imaging, DSA should remain the gold standard for evaluation of suspected oncotic and mycotic aneurysms. In cases in which cross sectional imaging is negative and there is a high clinical suspicion for mycotic aneurysm, DSA should be strongly considered.
Transvenous microguidewire looping technique for breach of ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus occlusions en route to cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Cho Young Dae , Rhim Jong Kook , Yoo Dong Hyun , Kang Hyun-Seung , Kim Jeong Eun , Cho Won-Sang , Han Moon Hee
Published: June 2016

Background and purpose

Transarterial access to dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) has been popularized by device improvements and novel embolic materials. However, this approach is limited in the cavernous sinus (CS) because of related complications and low cure rates. Although a transvenous approach, via ipsilateral inferior petrosal sinus (IPS), may be more suitable for CS-dAVFs, microcatheter delivery is occasionally impeded by ipsilateral IPS occlusion. Described herein is a microguidewire looping method to breach such occlusions, thus enabling access to CS lesions.

Methods

A microcatheter is initially advanced into the IPS orifice, and a microguidewire is passed into the occluded IPS. Looping is easily achieved through the resistance met. With greater support of the guiding catheter, the microguidewire (still looped) is then advanced into the CS. When nearing the CS, the microcatheter is further reinforced, and it is navigated along the microguidewire into the CS.

Results

This technique was applied in 10 instances of CS-dAVF with ipsilateral IPS occlusion, enabling ipsilateral access to the CS. In eight cases (80%), microdevice advancement was successful, culminating in effective transvenous coil embolization. Clinical and radiologic outcomes in all patients were excellent, with no delayed post-procedural cranial palsies.

Conclusion

This microguidewire looping technique enables safe and effective entry into the CS during transvenous coil embolization of CS-dAVFs with ipsilateral IPS occlusion.
A novel approach to symptomatic lumbar facet joint synovial cyst injection and rupture using iGuide navigational software: A case report and review
Authors: Wang David J , Lownie Stephen P , Pelz David , Pandey Sachin
Published: June 2016

Spinal synovial cysts are benign protrusions of facet joint capsules caused by degenerative spondylosis, most frequently involving the L4–5 level, and commonly lead to symptoms of back pain, radiculopathy and neurogenic claudication. Although percutaneous treatment via facet joint steroid injection with cyst rupture can provide significant symptom relief, cyst rupture is not always achievable via an indirect trans-facet approach due to limited access from severe degenerative changes. In this case, we describe a successful approach to direct cyst access using a laser-guided navigational software in a patient with severe facet joint osteophytosis. We provide a brief review of literature.
Absence of skin discoloration after transarterial embolization of a subcutaneous auricular arteriovenous malformation with PHIL
Authors: in ‘t Veld Matthijs , Willems Peter WA
Published: June 2016

Background and objective

One of the treatment options for arteriovenous malformations consists of embolization, with a choice of various embolic agents, with or without subsequent surgical excision. If embolization is offered without subsequent surgery, the embolic material will stay in situ, in which case the consistency and color become important in superficial lesions. The purpose of this case report is to describe if the use of a novel liquid embolic agent (PHIL) is well suited for treatment of superficial AVMs without subsequent surgery.

Case description

A 30-year-old male presented with a painful reddish, pulsatile swelling of the left ear that had been present for more than 10 years. Angiography confirmed an arteriovenous malformation supplied by the superficial temporal artery and the posterior auricular artery. The lesion was successfully treated by embolization with PHIL, through the superficial temporal artery. A minute residual shunt, from the posterior auricular artery, was accepted. Immediate disappearance of pulsatile tinnitus was reported. Moreover, return of normal skin color was observed without discomfort from the embolic deposits. This result has been stable throughout one year of clinical follow-up.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing PHIL embolization as a treatment option for superficial arteriovenous malformations without the necessity for subsequent surgery. The white color and rubbery consistency are beneficial characteristics of PHIL in treatment of subcutaneous lesions, especially in cosmetically relevant locations.
Design of decentralized proportional–integral–derivative controller based on decoupler matrix for two-input/two-output process with active disturbance rejection structure
Authors: Jin Qibing , Wang Qi , Liu Liye
Published: June 2016

The framework of the active disturbance rejection internal model control is proposed to solve the problem of the model reduced-order error in the process of the controller design for two-input/two-output system with time delay. In the controller design process of the two-input/two-output system, the decoupler matrix method is used to decompose a multi-loop control system into a set of equivalent independent single loops. Then, a complex equivalent model is obtained, and its order should be reduced for each individual loop. Maclaurin series method is used to reduce the order of the decoupling model. After reducing model order, the proposed method is applied to lessen the effect of the reduced-order error and improve the anti-interference ability and robustness for the control system. Simulation results show that the proposed method possesses a good disturbance rejection performance.
Hunting the ‘play’: A leadership suite in 12 movements
Authors: Bathurst Ralph , Kennedy Fiona
Published: June 2016

This article has been crafted to evoke the sound of leadership. It represents the hum and sigh and pounding of leadership as it appeared, disappeared and reappeared each time looking and sounding different in an extraordinary undertaking where senior citizens, many with no acting experience performed T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land. The metaphor of a hunt and an episodic form represents our experience and we have sought to suggest sound by using principles of montage, Gestalt theory, and the poetic devise of enjambment that leave one reaching after meaning rather than being comforted by end points. This article represents research that we very nearly abandoned, because it simply did not ring true when we wrote in conventional ways. As a result, we advocate different ways of writing not only because we love good writing but because for us, different writing was the only way that we could do justice to this story.
Intact subepidermal nerve fibers mediate mechanical hypersensitivity via the activation of protein kinase C gamma in spared nerve injury
Authors: Ko Miau-Hwa , Yang Ming-Ling , Youn Su-Chung , Lan Chyn-Tair , Tseng To-Jung
Published: June 2016

Background

Spared nerve injury is an important neuropathic pain model for investigating the role of intact primary afferents in the skin on pain hypersensitivity. However, potential cellular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In phosphoinositide-3 kinase pathway, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) participates in the regulation of neuronal plasticity for central sensitization. The downstream cascades of PDK1 include: (1) protein kinase C gamma (PKCγ) controls the trafficking and phosphorylation of ionotropic glutamate receptor; (2) protein kinase B (Akt)/the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is responsible for local protein synthesis. Under these statements, we therefore hypothesized that an increase of PKCγ activation and mTOR-dependent PKCγ synthesis in intact primary afferents after SNI might contribute to pain hypersensitivity.

Results

The variants of spared nerve injury were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats by transecting any two of the three branches of the sciatic nerve, leaving only one branch intact. Following SNIt (spared tibial branch), mechanical hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, but not thermal hyperalgesia, were significantly induced. In the first footpad, normal epidermal innervations were verified by the protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5)- and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43)-immunoreactive (IR) intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) densities. Furthermore, the rapid increases of phospho-PKCγ- and phospho-mTOR-IR subepidermal nerve fibers (SENFs) areas were distinct gathered from the results of PGP9.5-, GAP43-, and neurofilament 200 (NF200)-IR SENFs areas. The efficacy of PKC inhibitor (GF 109203X) or mTOR complex 1 inhibitor (rapamycin) for attenuating mechanical hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia by intraplantar injection was dose-dependent.

Conclusions

From results obtained in this study, we strongly recommend that the intact SENFs persistently increase PKCγ activation and mTOR-dependent PKCγ synthesis participate in the initiation and maintenance of mechanical hypersensitivity in spared nerve injury, which represents as a novel insight into the therapeutic strategy of pain in the periphery.
Counterfeit Commerce: Relations of Production, Distribution and Exchange
Authors: Rojek Chris
Published: June 2016

Study of the consumption of counterfeit products casts consumers as reflexive agents who knowingly break the law (through the consumption of illegal commodities). Because this analysis is pitched at the level of meaning rather than structural constraints, it produces a misleading view of reflexive counterfeit consumption as being motivated by resistance or the wish to escape from normative coercion. This article contrasts this with approaches that prefigure meaning in explaining counterfeit commerce by treating the trade as an unavoidable structural feature of capitalism. That is, the structural logic of capital accumulation inevitably creates a black market of counterfeit commerce. It is a parasitic form of illegal consumerism which mirrors conventional capitalist organization, reproducing familiar dynamics of status differentiation.
LES of spray in crossflow – Effect of droplet distortion
Authors: Sinha Anubhav , Ravikrishna RV
Published: June 2016

The present investigation is focused on modeling of spray in crossflow using Large Eddy Simulations (LES). The modeling efforts are supported by experiments which are used both to provide accurate boundary and initial conditions and to evaluate droplet shapes in the near nozzle region. The droplets are modeled as Lagrangian parcels in an Eulerian continuum. Droplets in such configuration have been found to be distorted and not in perfect spherical shape from experimental results of our previous study. Droplet distortion is computed by Taylor-Analogy Breakup (TAB) distortion model. Each droplet is modelled as damped spring-mass system, where surface tension acts as a spring on the mass of the droplet and viscous dissipation provides the damping effect. The effort is to examine the effect of drag law used and the effect of this distortion on the droplet sizes produced in the flow field. Spray wind-ward trajectory and droplet sizes obtained from simulations are compared with the experimental results available. Although computational spray trajectory shows a reasonable match with experimental values, droplet sizes using the standard TAB model are found to be larger than that from experimental observation. To account for this distortion and its role in early breakup of droplets, constants of the TAB model are modified and the droplet sizes are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data.
An aerodynamic characterization facility for micro air vehicle research
Authors: Hart Adam , Sytsma Michael , Ukeiley Lawrence
Published: June 2016

The Aerodynamic Characterization Facility is a unique facility located at the University of Florida’s Research and Engineering Education Facility designed with the intent to study complex low Reynolds number, unsteady aerodynamic phenomena. This facility includes an open jet, open return wind tunnel specifically designed to operate in the low Reynolds number regime where current research efforts are being tasked for Micro Air Vehicle flight platforms. Specifically, the wind tunnel operates with freestream velocities ranging from nominally 0 to 22 m/s with 0.1 m/s resolution provided by a variable frequency drive utilized to control the tunnel. The test section entrance is 1.07 m2 with a length of 4.6 m. Flow uniformity investigations at free stream velocities of 2 and 4 m/s demonstrate a uniform flow core throughout the test section of at least 50% of the 1.14 m2 contraction exit. Hot wire anemometry investigations present turbulence intensities less than 0.22% for free stream velocities greater than 1 m/s. The facility is also equipped with a dynamic motion rig and active turbulence generator. The dynamic motion rig is utilized to investigate unsteady aerodynamics over dynamic kinematic motions similar to what one might find in small birds and insects. The active turbulence generator provides a means to introduce atmospheric-like turbulence into the wind tunnel to understand the coupling between turbulence and unsteady flow phenomena associated with bird and insect flight.
Optimization of lift force for a bio-inspired flapping wing model in hovering flight
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wen Chihyung , Yang Anshik
Published: June 2016

The lift force is an important component that affects the aerodynamic performance of bio-inspired flapping-wing micro aerial vehicles. However, there is a lack of endeavors in the optimization of the flapping wing parameters that affect the lift force of micro aerial vehicles. This research is therefore to establish a methodology that combines computational fluid dynamic simulation for the evaluation of the lift generation and wing parameters. The Taguchi’s framework for design of experiments, combined with the computational fluid dynamics simulations, is performed on a simplified robotic fly wing model used in the experiment found in Dickinson et al. (1999), under the hovering flight mode, to identify the most influential parameters on the lift generation of micro aerial vehicles. A commercial computational fluid dynamics code, ANSYS/FLUENT, along with a three-dimensional Navier–Stokes solver is used to simulate the unsteady flow field. With the optimization of the time-averaged lift force as the optimization objective, five typical parameters (flapping frequency, maximum angle of attacks during the upstroke and downstroke motions, stroke amplitude, and rotation type) in the flapping trajectory equation are selected as the input factors with each having four levels. Specific computational fluid dynamics cases are simulated in accordance with the chosen orthogonal arrays. By conducting statistical analyses with analyses of means and variance, the flapping frequency and the stroke amplitude are determined to be the two most influential parameters. The response surface of the time-averaged lift force and the power consumption contour are constructed with respect to these two parameters to determine the optimal combination for the generation of lift forces under a specific power constrain and provide a guideline for bio-inspired micro aerial vehicle designs.
A cohort survey of the effect of an educational intervention on human papillomavirus vaccine-related knowledge and attitudes among pre-university female students in Singapore
Authors: Lim Sarah Woon Ching , Boo Alicia Ying Ying , Tan Wee Chuan , Png Eunice Su-Yin , Lee Hang Keong , Chang Zi Ying , Wee Serene Xue Jia , Balakrishnan Brindha , Choong Kuan Siew , Phoon Ian Kwong Yun
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

Although cervical cancer is the 10th most common cancer among females in Singapore, it is a vaccine-preventable cancer. Human papillomavirus vaccines combined with regular Pap (papillomavirus) smears have been shown to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with cervical cancer. We assessed the knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer, human papillomavirus and its vaccination amongst pre-university female students and assessed if a short educational presentation can improve this knowledge and acceptability of the vaccine.

Methods:

A cohort survey was carried out amongst 150 female students at Hwa Chong Junior College via questionnaires administered anonymously. Standardized educational presentations were carried out followed by post intervention questionnaires.

Results:

Almost all the students were aged between 15 and 19 years old (99.3%). At baseline, only 29% and 27% of the students had ever heard of human papillomavirus and its vaccines respectively. The most common source of information cited was from a family member or a friend (22.5%). Only 4% had been administered the human papillomavirus vaccine. Mean knowledge scores significantly improved from 4.95 to 8.61 out of 10 after the intervention. Of those who did not have the vaccine, only 31.3% were willing to consider the human papillomavirus vaccine pre-intervention, with a statistically significant improvement to 51.4% post intervention.

Conclusion:

Low awareness about human papillomavirus, its relationship to cervical cancer and its prevention is common, even amongst well-educated students. Most of them obtained the information from family and/or friends. A short educational presentation was able to improve the knowledge scores, and improve the acceptability of the human papillomavirus vaccine.
Predicting Zika virus structural biology: Challenges and opportunities for intervention
Authors: Cox Bryan D , Stanton Richard A , Schinazi Raymond F
Published: June 2016

Background

Zika virus is an emerging crisis as infection is implicated in severe neurological disorders—Guillain–Barré syndrome and fetal microcephaly. There are currently no treatment options available for Zika virus infection. This virus is part of the flavivirus genus and closely related to Dengue Fever Virus, West Nile Virus, and Japanese Encephalitis Virus. Like other flaviviruses, the Zika virus genome encodes three structural proteins (capsid, precursor membrane, and envelope) and seven nonstructural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5). Currently, no structural information exists on these viral proteins to facilitate vaccine design and rational drug discovery.

Methods

Structures for all Zika virus viral proteins were predicted using experimental templates available from closely related viruses using the online SwissModel server. These homology models were compared to drug targets from other viruses using Visual Molecular Dynamics Multiseq software. Sequential alignment of all Zika virus polyproteins was performed using Clustal Omega to identify mutations in specific viral proteins implicated in pathogenesis.

Results

The precursor membrane, envelope, and NS1 proteins are unique to Zika virus highlighting possible challenges in vaccine design. Sequential differences between Zika virus strains occur at critical positions on precursor membrane, envelope, NS2A, NS3, NS4B, and NS5 as potential loci for differential pathogenesis. Druggable pockets in Dengue Fever Virus and West Nile Virus NS3 and NS5 are retained in predicted Zika virus structures.

Conclusions

Lead candidates for Zika virus can likely be established using NS3 and NS5 inhibitors from other flaviviruses, and the structures presented can provide opportunities for Zika virus intervention strategies.
A Rare Case of Embolic ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in an Adult Patient With Repaired Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Shamoon Razan , Habib Habib , Rampal Upamanyu , Hamdan Aiman , Bikkina Mahesh , Shamoon Fayez
Published: June 2016

A 24-year-old male with past medical history of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and staged reconstructive surgery in infancy culminating in the Fontan circulation presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of chest pain described as an “elephant sitting” on his chest. Initial 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed 2-mm ST segment elevation in inferior leads, 3-mm ST-segment elevation in anterolateral precordial leads V3 and V4, and 2-mm ST-segment elevation in V5 and V6, with right axis deviation. He was transported emergently to the cardiac catheterization laboratory where coronary angiography revealed complete occlusion of multiple anomalous branches of the right coronary system with hazy appearance suggesting the presence of thrombotic material. An aspiration catheter was used successfully to reestablish TIMI grade III flow. The patient was treated with aspirin, brilinta (ticagrelor), and anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonism to prevent recurrent thromboembolic complications.
Nigeria’s Archaeological Heritage
Authors: Okonkwo Emeka E. , Ibeanu A. M.
Published: June 2016

People have exploited mineral resources for several reasons ranging from the production of metal and ceramic objects to stone and wooden tools. Indigenous extraction and use of mineral resources for production of general goods among others have continued unabated. In this article, archaeological and ethnographic data were used to identify extraction methods for some of these raw materials in the past, and thus, examine how failure to manage such resources has adversely affected technological and resource development in Nigeria