bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐powered automobile stereos
Authors: Ramsey Kent L. , Simmons F. Blair
Published: January 2017

We measured the owner‐adjusted acoustic outputs of 10 automobile stereo systems, with power ratings ranging between 150 and 600 watts. The sound levels ranged from 107 to 138 dB SPL and 84 to 108 dBA. Most of the high‐Intensity sound was in the 31, 62, and 125 Hz center‐frequency octave bands. The mean computed noise dose, based on the vehicle owners' reported dally duration of exposure, was 108.5%. While there is clearly a risk of hearing damage in the extreme cases according to OSHA standards, the typical listening durations claimed by the stereo owners would seem to lower the risk for the majority to acceptable margins for the automobiles measured.
Orbital preservation in maxillectomy
Authors: Stern Scott J. , Goepfert Helmuth , Clayman Gary , Byers Robert , Wolf Pat
Published: January 2017

Twenty‐eight previously untreated patients with squamous carcinoma of the maxillary sinus underwent maxillectomy with preservation of the orbital contents at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1971 and 1986. Eighteen patients had part or all of the orbital floor resected; nine patients were treated with radiotherapy, and nine had surgery only. Only 3 of 18 patients in this group (17%) retained significant function in the ipsilateral eye. Furthermore, local recurrence in this group was common (44%), regardless of whether postoperative radiotherapy was used. Ten patients retained the bony orbital floor; If the radiation fields did not include the eye, problems were minimal. Strong consideration should be given to orbital exenteration at the time of surgery, when the orbital floor is resected — Especially if postoperative radiation fields will include the eye.
Externalities and the Political Business Cycle
Authors: Garratt Dean , Easaw Joshy
Published: January 2017

Political business cycle theories in modelling the interaction between the polity and the economic system have continually failed to consider questions of economic and political interdependence between nations. In considering the current principal political business cycle models we ask how the reality of integrated economies affects the implications of these models. This is particularly important given the direction of the European Union (EU). The purpose here is to generate a series of hypotheses for future research and for empirical analysis and to show the short-comings of political business cycle models that are purely domestically-focused.
EU Member States’ National Quotas: a Political Economy Approach
Authors: Faber Gerrit , van Rietbergen Ton
Published: January 2017

Up to 1993, EC member states could ask permission from the Commission of the EC to apply quantitative restrictions at their national borders, on the basis of art. 115 of the Treaty establishing the EC. The completion of the internal market in the EC abolished the internal borders, as a result of which the national quantitative restrictions became obsolete. We assume that the pressure on member states’ governments to apply these trade restrictions has not disappeared with the abolishment of the internal borders. For that reason we analyze the factors that may explain the member states’ wish to use the opportunity of art. 115. We use the political economy approach to trade policy. This approach has been introduced as traditional economics was not able to explain the widespread use of trade barriers by policy-makers. By taking into account the specific position of politicians and policy-makers, and the role of trade policy in the decision-making process with respect to social and economic policies, a better explanation of trade policy may be obtained.
Book Review: The Limits of Freedom of Contract
Authors: McGuinness Kevin
Published: January 2017

A Review of Michael J. Trebilcock’s The Limits of Freedom of Contract* (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard Univ. Press, 1993, ISBN 0-674-53429-8)
A Study of Annoyance Due to Low Frequency Noise in the Home
Authors: Vasudevan R.N. , Leventhall H.G.
Published: January 2017

A survey of complaints of low frequency noise was followed by noise measurements in complainants' homes. The survey showed that annoyance was greatest in the late evening and early morning, leading to health problems in some cases. Measurements in the home indicated that the low frequencies at about the I.S.O. threshold level were capable of causing annoyance, especially when the noise fluctuated in level. This sometimes occurred due to a beat between two nearby components. Conventional, dB(A) based, methods of assessing annoyance fail when applied to low frequency noise.
The Threshold of Sensation for Infrasound
Authors: Nagai Naoko , Matsumoto Kenji , Takeuchi Hiroichi , Takeda Shintaro
Published: January 2017

Measuring apparatus was developed to examine the threshold of sensation for whole body exposure to infrasound in a closed chamber, in which pure tone and white noise were produced in the infrasound range. By use of this apparatus, the thresholds of sensation were measured for 62 subjects.

The threshold for pure tones rises with decreasing frequency with a slope of −16 dB/octave above 10 Hz and – 2 dB/octave below 10 Hz. The threshold of sensation for white noise, converted into spectrum level, shows a similar pattern for all the subjects with slope of −19 dB/octave.

Some subjects respond sensitively for pure tones below 10 Hz. It is suggested that they react in response to a sensation, such as a pressure sensation, other than the sense of hearing. It is also suggested that if those subjects were to become more sensitive, their thresholds of sensation would show similar patterns to those already reported in Japan.
A Finite Element Method for Control of Combustion Driven Noise
Authors: Lyle C.D.
Published: January 2017

Strong coupling between flame and pressure variations makes combustion driven oscillations difficult to suppress. In most cases the acoustic pressure maxima inside the combustion plant must be determined before effective remedial noise control can be implemented. A finite element method can be use to compute the pressure variation at the possible oscillation frequencies. An example is given in which a subjectively disturbing component in the one-third octave band centred on 125 Hz caused complaints from a distant resident. The noise was traced to an incinerator and the acoustic pressure variation at the oscillation frequency was calculated. By correctly positioning a small pressure release hole in the flue stack, a 24 dB reduction in sound power level at the peak frequency was achieved.
Biopolitics Meets Biosemiotics: The Semiotic Thresholds of Anti-Aging Interventions
Authors: Puumeister Ott , Ventsel Andreas
Published: January 2017

Biosemiotics and the analysis of biopower have not yet been explicitly brought together. This article attempts to find their connecting points from the perspective of biosemiotics. It uses the biosemiotic understanding of the different types of semiosis in order to approach the practices of biopower and biopolitics. The central concept of the paper is that of the ‘semiotic threshold’. We can speak of (1) the lower semiotic threshold, signifying the dividing line between non-semiosis and semiosis; and (2) the secondary semiotic thresholds, signifying the borders between different types (iconic, indexical, symbolic) of semiosis. Speaking in terms of types of semiosis means speaking in terms of different capabilities for normativity, which is why the article uses the approaches of Michel Foucault on normalization in biopower and of Georges Canguilhem on organismic normativity. As an example on which biopolitics and biosemiotics could connect, the discourse of regenerative and anti-aging medicine is used.
Single Layer Shallow Lattice Domes: Analysis, General Behaviour and Collapse
Authors: Kani Iradj M. , Mcconnel Richard E.
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses some aspects of the pre- and post-collapse analysis and behaviour of shallow lattice (reticulated) domes. Use is made of a nonlinear computer program to study the behaviour associated with changes in both structural geometry and material properties, as well as that associated with bifurcation and limit point buckling. This program has been described in detail elsewhere, and apart from a discussion of the use of static condensation in the nonlinear range, only a brief summary of the theory used in the program is given here. The program is used to predict both the pre- and post-buckling response of a 42-member shallow braced model dome under two types of loading and the numerical results are compared with those of an experimental study. The influence of initial imperfections on the general behaviour is discussed briefly, and some guidelines are set out to aid the numerical determination of the true load-deflection response of shallow lattice domes.
A Continuum Vibrational Analysis for a Tetrahedral Space Platform
Authors: Hollaway L , Farhan A. , Gunn M.J.
Published: January 2017

Antennas over 50 metres diameter are being considered for use in land mobile communication systems. As the satellite in geostationary orbit has an angular velocity equal to that of the earth, no tracking systems are necessary and low cost fixed ground antennas can be used. In addition, a typical early truss platform could possibly be a geostationary communication one of size up to 300m × 300m.

In this paper structural stiffness, strength and dynamic characteristics of large skeletal frameworks for space applications are investigated by analysing the tetrahedral truss which is idealised as an equivalent continuum. Appropriate analytical relationships are presented in terms of the truss member properties which are taken as slender graphite/polyethersulphone composites. Fundamental and harmonic frequencies have been calculated and have been compared with those from a finite element skeletal analysis and a finite element plate analysis.

It has been shown that the results of the simplified analysis technique are accurate to within 10 per cent of those of the analytical solutions provided the system is both large and flexible. In addition, the analysis provides a simple methodology for the preliminary assessment of vibration frequencies for large space structures.
An Integrated Systems Approach for Design of Aerospace Structures
Authors: Gupta K.K.
Published: January 2017

This paper is primarily concerned with the analysis and design of structural systems relating to aeronautical and aerospace engineering. Some numerical formulations are presented that deal with the synthesis of these systems integrating such disciplines as structures, unsteady aero-dynamics and control engineering. A general-purpose finite element computer program developed for associated large-scale computations is also described in some detail. Finally, results of relevant numerical analyses pertaining to some representative aircraft and spacecraft, obtained by utilizing the program, are presented that testify to the efficacy of the currently developed solution procedures.
Collapse Load of an Aluminium Hexagonal Assembly of Space Frame Members
Authors: Koh C.G. , Swaddiwudhipong S. , Lee S.L.
Published: January 2017

The collapse load of a hexagonal assembly comprising twelve aluminium space frame members is investigated both experimentally and analytically. Experimental results of deformations and strains demonstrate the nonlinear behaviour of the aluminium assembly. A simplified analytical approach is proposed to take into consideration the geometric nonlinear effects and material yielding effects. The predicted collapse load of the assembly using the simplified approach is found to agree well with the experimental result.
Sensitivity of Space Trusses to Member Geometric Imperfections
Authors: Ei-Sheikh A.I.
Published: January 2017

The existence of some geometrically imperfect members in a space truss is almost inevitable, and the fact that they produce initial internal member forces is undeniable. This paper is not about how to avoid member imperfections, but rather is a step forward towards better understanding of the implications of having imperfect members. The paper attempts to answer two main questions; how damaging are member imperfections to truss strength and behaviour; and where are the critical areas of a truss at which no imperfect member should be used? Additionally, the effect of composite action between a top concrete slab and a steel truss in suppressing truss sensitivity is assessed. The work is carried out on a non-composite and a composite square-on-square space truss.
Dynamic Response of a Damped Large Space Structure: A New Fractional-Spectral Approach
Authors: Horr A.M. , Schmidt L. C.
Published: January 2017

Passive and active damping in a large space structure (LSS) is important in terms of performance under a dynamic load. Structural damping mostly arises as the result of many energy dissipation mechanisms acting in a system. The purpose of this paper is to present the spectrally formulated finite element analysis for vicsoelastically damped LSS. Using a fractional derivative model, the non-linear damping characteristics of a viscoelastic material have been modelled. The proposed method is then been extended to derive the dynamic response of a large truss structure using a computer program.
Graph-theoretical Methods for Substructuring, Subdomaining and Ordering
Authors: Kaveh A. , Roosta G.R.
Published: January 2017

In this paper efficient algorithms are designed for substructuring and subdomaining for use in parallel computing, employing simple concepts of graph theory. The algorithms developed partitions the graph model of a structure (or a finite element model) into subgraphs (subdomains) with equal or nearly equal number of internal nodes, while keeping the interface nodes to the smallest possible. Further refinement of the selected substructures (subdomains) are also made by recursive application of the algorithms. A simple algorithm is also presented for nodal ordering.
Damage investigation on the adhesively bonded single-lap joints of three-dimensional braided composite and laminates
Authors: Li Xiao-Kang , Liu Zhen-Guo , Wei YuChen , Huang Xiang , Lei Bing
Published: January 2017

Adhesive bonding is usually used to fabricate composite structures that are hard to manufacture in one piece, however, their lightweight advantage is usually impaired by low failure strength. For high performance composite structures, bonding properties of joints dominate the failure performance and commonly are the primary target of structural optimization. Both experimental and numerical studies of failure behavior of single-lap joints with three-dimensional braided composite laminate adherends are presented in this paper. First, tensile failure tests were performed on braid-laminates single-lap joints bonded with epoxy resin. Compared with the laminates–laminates single-lap joints, the failure load of the braid–laminates single-lap joints increased by 18.4%. Then, the Finite Element Method (FEM) coupled with cohesive zone models (CZM), considering different value of overlap length (L), was used to perform the detail stress distribution of the overlap sections of SLJs. Further, damage initialization and crack growth of single-lap joints are analyzed in detail to fully characterize the failure process, and both experimental and numerical results lead to the same conclusion. Lastly, the effect of three-dimensional braided adherends’ braiding angle on braid-laminates single-lap joints’ performance was investigated, which provides suggestions for the design and optimization for adhesive bonded composite structures.
Impact of Unnamed Sources on Credibility Not Certain
Authors: Smith Ron F.
Published: January 2017

Although editors contend that anonymous sourcing damages credibility, this study finds that respondents gave similar credibility ratings to named and unnamed versions of a whistle-blowing story.
One-Third of Copy Editors Dissatisfied with Their Jobs
Authors: Zahler Andrew
Published: January 2017

A study of members of the American Copy Editors Society found that workload negatively affects how they perceive quality and their level of job satisfaction.
Iraq War Coverage Differs in U.S., German Papers
Authors: Herber Lori , Filak Vincent F.
Published: January 2017

A content analysts of The Washington Post and the Frankfurter Allegemeine Zeitung revealed that both papers relied on official sources, but the German paper provided far less coverage of the conflict.
Women Leave Journalism for Better Pay, Work Conditions
Authors: Everbach Tracy , Flournoy Craig
Published: January 2017

Women leave full-time news jobs because of a lack of opportunity, low salaries, lack of mentors, inflexible work schedules and differing perspectives on news from male-oriented newsrooms.
Region, Circulation Influence Newspapers' Ad Refusals
Authors: Utt Sandra H.
Published: January 2017

While refusal rates for most ad categories, such as contraceptives and handguns, had declined since the first survey in 1986, rates for abortion and escort services had increased in 2006.
Embedded versus Unilateral Perspectives on Iraq War
Authors: Fahmy Shahira , Johnson Thomas J.
Published: January 2017

A survey of 159 embedded and unilateral journalists who covered the Iraq War revealed differences between perceptions of coverage by embeds and that of unilaterals.
News Coverage of Patriot Act Focuses on Individual Liberty
Authors: Chang Weimin , Izard Ralph
Published: January 2017

This examination of coverage in four U.S. newspapers found that concerns for individual liberty were given greater emphasis. Newspapers framed their coverage more from legal perspectives.
Newspaper Survey Suggests TV Partnerships in Jeopardy
Authors: Dailey Larry , Demo Lori , Spillman Mary
Published: January 2017

Although 35 percent in 2007 reported partnerships with television stations, 13 percent had terminated them. As more newspapers gather their own video and audio, the future of cross-media partnerships is uncertain.
Use of Online Newspaper Sites Lags behind Print Editions
Authors: Chyi Hsiang Iris , Lewis Seth C.
Published: January 2017

Analysis of newspaper market research data found that the newspaper's print edition reaches far more local readers than does its online counterpart across each of the 68 metro dailies examined.
Anonymous Sources Harm Credibility of All Stories
Authors: Sternadori Miglena Mantcheva , Thorson Esther
Published: January 2017

Findings confirm the use of anonymous sources has a negative effect on readers' perceptions of story credibility. Stories of presumably higher quality elicited more believability toward sources who disagree with the main findings of the story.
Media Literacy Training Reduces Perception of Bias
Authors: Vraga Emily K. , Tully Melissa , Rojas Hernando
Published: January 2017

Researchers found those exposed to a media literacy presentation were less likely to perceive a story on a controversial issue to be biased.
Pacific Appeal Campaigns for Black Man's Role in Civil War
Authors: Terry Thomas C.
Published: January 2017

This analysis of the Civil War-era issues of the Pacific Appeal, an African-American newspaper published in San Francisco, found an overarching agenda for support of abolition but also consistent advocacy for the rights and abilities of black men.
Black Cyclist Framed Differently at 1910 Salt Lake City Competition
Authors: Mangun Kimberley
Published: January 2017

Taylor concluded his bicycle-racing career in 1910 in Salt Lake City, where he competed at the Salt Palace Saucer Track. This study uses framing to explore how this black cyclist was covered in articles, cartoons and advertisements published in the local white newspapers.
Greater Newspaper Use Increases Agreement on Public Issues
Authors: Du Ying Roselyn , Wong Joann
Published: January 2017

This agenda-melding study of nationwide public opinion survey data found that individuals who spend more time reading newspapers have stronger agreement on important public issues within their social groups than those who spend less time reading newspapers.
Newspapers Form Partnerships with More than Television Stations
Authors: Dailey Larry , Spillman Mary
Published: January 2017

Surveys with top editors at U.S. daily newspapers reveal that 42 percent had partnerships with television stations, 47 percent had partnerships with other newspapers and 21 percent had partnerships with radio stations.
Mainstream Newspapers Highlight Politics over Substance
Authors: Biswas Masudul
Published: January 2017

This comparison of news frames found mainstream newspaper coverage of the 2010 health care reform was largely politically focused, while a significant part of the Latino online newspaper coverage reflected the reform details and their implications for Latinos.
Uses, Dependency Model Remains Useful Framework
Authors: Fleming Kenneth
Published: January 2017

Telephone survey data show that print media dependency was significantly and positively associated with readership of the printed community newspaper, while online media dependency was significantly and positively associated with the use of the newspaper's website and the Internet.
Two National Newspapers Cover Recession Distinctively
Authors: Lukito Josephine , Tajima Atsushi
Published: January 2017

The New York Times and USA Today covered the 2008–09 recession differently. While The Times' information frame presents frames promptly, the USA Today's contextualizer frame addresses the same themes such as the housing crisis much later in a context of readers' everyday lives.
Community Editors Look beyond Watchdog Role
Authors: Jeffres Leo W. , Kumar Anup
Published: January 2017

A survey of community newspaper editors and publishers suggests that the turf covered by the traditional functions assigned to the press needs to be elaborated to include not only serving as the public's watchdog but also stimulating civic engagement and developing a sense of community.
An Economic Analysis of Daily Newspaper Performance
Authors: Litman Barry R. , Bridges Janet
Published: January 2017

Increasing ownership concentration prompted an analysis of how monopoly affects the performance of daily newspapers. The authors trace previous methods for isolating standards of performance and then test a host of economic indicators against quality indicators in a sample of some 100 largest newspapers in 78 different communities. Without drawing conclusive evidence of how ownership type relates to performance, the study provides numerous insights about ownership patterns, newspaper economics and the product itself.
Commentary: Death Watch for America's Sister Newspapers
Authors: Lisby Gregory C.
Published: January 2017

Figures on the 80 remaining joint ownership, two-newspaper cities indicate the trend toward losing one of the papers will continue. The likelihood is that the afternoon newspaper, the circulation trailer in 56 such cities, will be merged into its morning big sister when the circulation gap between them increases. The author reviews previous studies which provide an overview of the demise pattern and an explanation of the financial realities which result in merger.
Writing Coaches: Their Strategies for Improving Writing
Authors: Wolf Rita , Thomason Tommy
Published: January 2017

Teaching techniques and writing improvement ideas of newspaper writing coaches—writing teachers who work with experienced professionals—is examined. Of the many techniques used, the one writing coaches judge most effective is the time-honored individualized tutoring: sitting down with writers and discussing their writing problems. Writing flaws are identified, then coaches demonstrate ways articles can be rewritten. They edit copy, make suggestions, show examples and prescribe good reading that models the competencies writers most need to develop. Other methodologies such as seminars, workshops, newsletters and writers' lunches, are considered reinforcements to the primary technique of working individually with reporters. Coaches named the following as the most frequently needed competencies: organization, clarity, conciseness, writing for readers, news judgment, improving leads, creativity and writing narrative.
The 1990s
Authors: Ghiglione Loren
Published: January 2017

The outgoing president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors challenges editors to form a new “Press Corps” – newspapers' Peace Corps. News people in the 1990s must retool their thinking and rededicate themselves to action and change in order for newspapers to keep pace with a changing America.
Women, Minorities & Freedom of the Press
Authors: Allen Donna
Published: January 2017

A call for action and a prescription for change in pursuit of free expression: The majority of Americans – women and persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds – need more access to the public in order to give voice to the diversity of perspective that is the heart and soul of the First Amendment.
Broken Ladders, Revolving Doors
Authors: Lawrence David
Published: January 2017

The arguments for greater diversity in the workforce and management of newspapers are both moral and practical. But perhaps the most important argument is that America's future is a pluralistic one. That must be newspapers' future, too.
Surviving to the Top
Authors: Pease Ted , Stempel Guido H.
Published: January 2017

There are painfully few nonwhites among the ranks of top newspaper executives. Those who have survived in the business long enough to become assistant managing editors or higher frankly discuss the barriers they encountered on the way up, and the blows that knocked some minority colleagues off the ladder.
Coverage of Black Americans in Four Major Newspapers, 1950–1989
Authors: Martindale Carolyn
Published: January 2017

Good news and bad news: This study finds increased newspaper coverage of black Americans, but that content remains highly stereotypical, with little attempt to get behind events at underlying causes – a key Kerner Commission recommendation.
Reader Preference for Electronic Newspapers
Authors: Mueller Jennifer , Kamerer David
Published: January 2017

Although subjects in this experiment could navigate through an electronic newspaper, it was not a satisfactory substitute for a printed newspaper.
Editors Still Reluctant to Name Rape Victims
Authors: Thomason Tommy , LaRocque Paul , Thomas Maggie
Published: January 2017

Editors believe coverage of rape and other crime has led to passage of laws restricting such information.
Papers Target Older Readers with Special Features
Authors: Paddon Anna R.
Published: January 2017

Most newspapers are running features or sections targeted at older readers, but few editors are satisfied with present efforts.
Differences among Newspapers in Contributions to Knowledge of National Public Affairs
Authors: Johnson Michele , Stamm Keith , Lisosky Joanne , James Jeanette
Published: January 2017

This study indicates that all newspapers are not created equal when it comes to informing citizens of issues before Congress. The nation's largest newspapers seem to do the best job of informing citizens. However, they are read by a minority of the population outside of their primary circulation areas.
Rethinking the Naming of Sex Crime Victims
Authors: Black Jay
Published: January 2017

This commentary attempts to work through the news media's ethical dilemma of covering sex crimes so that victims' rights advocates and media personnel can find common ground. Traditional approaches to sex crimes—using craft-based, professionally oriented definitions of news—should be replaced with ethically principled orientations toward news once concerns over “rights” are augmented with concerns over “duties.”
Improved Editorial Pages Can Help Papers, Communities
Authors: Hynds Ernest , Archibald Erika
Published: January 2017

Newspapers are improving their editorial pages and how the benchmarks and forums they provide there can help revive citizens' involvement in government.
Anonymous Juries and First Amendment: New Constitutional Conflict Focuses on 1980s Burger Court Rulings
Authors: Jordan Michael
Published: January 2017

Prompted by high-profile cases such as O.J. Simpson, legislatures and the judiciary rush to give broad privacy protection to jurors, but Press-Enterprise cases demand ‘narrowly tailored’ approach
Seeing is Believing: Comparative Performance of the Pie and the Bar
Authors: David Prabu
Published: January 2017

This research indicates that the pie chart is best for representing proportions, but the bar chart is best for showing comparisons. In addition, an oval is more difficult for the reader to judge than is the circle.
How Gender and Ethnicity Affected Primary Coverage
Authors: Powers Angela , Serini Shirley , Johnson Susan
Published: January 2017

Media coverage of a white, male candidate was the most issue-oriented, but coverage of a female candidate was the most favorable in the 1994 Illinois Democratic gubernatorial primary election.
Prevalence and the associated risk factors of HIV, STIs and HBV among men who have sex with men in Kunming, China
Authors: Zhang Xiujie , Jia Manhong , Chen Min , Luo Hongbing , Chen Huichao , Luo Wei , Zhang Wanyue , Ma Yanling , Yang Chaojun , Yang Yanling , Zhang Xiaobin , Dai Jie , Dong Lijuan , Wong William CW , Zhao Pengfei , Lu Lin
Published: January 2017

To investigate the prevalence and the associated risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Kunming, 300 MSM were recruited through community-based organizations between September 2014 and January 2015. The prevalence of HIV, HBsAg, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) were 17.0%, 7.7%, 11.3%, 18.2% and 13.2%, respectively. In the three different anatomic sites (urethra, rectum and pharynx), the prevalence of rectal CT was the highest (15.5%), whereas NG was most commonly found in the pharynx (8.1%). Low education level, homosexuality, inconsistent condom use and drug use in the previous six months were significantly associated with HIV infection, whereas the former three factors were also associated with HBV infection.Older people (aged ≥ 40 years) and those who lacked knowledge of STIs, and younger people (aged <30 years) as well as inconsistent condom users were more at risk of syphilis and CT infections, respectively. NG infection was only associated with reported dating venues. Our study revealed a heavy disease burden and multiple risk factors of HIV/STIs among MSM in Kunming. It is necessary to promote regular screening and proactive treatment of HIV/STIs among MSM.
Risk behaviours and prevalences of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in various venues in Changzhou, China
Authors: Guo Yanli , Xu Xiaoguo , Fu Gengfeng , Huan Xiping , Jiang Ning , Yin Yueping , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: January 2017

Female sex workers (FSWs) play an important role in the heterosexual transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 609 FSWs from various venues in Changzhou to investigate risk behaviours and prevalences of HIV and STIs among FSW subgroups. Structured questionnaires were used in face-to-face interviews to collect information. Blood and cervical specimens were collected to test for HIV, syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections. The overall prevalences of syphilis, NG and CT were 5.6, 2.3 and 17.0%, respectively. The highest prevalence of syphilis (13.8%, P < 0.001) was observed among FSWs in low-class (LC) venues. No case of HIV infection was found. Less than half of all FSWs (40.7%) reported consistent condom use with clients during the last month. A multivariate analysis revealed a 13-fold increased risk for FSWs with NG infection to be infected with syphilis and a four-fold increased risk for FSWs aged 30–39 years to have a CT infection relative to FSWs aged 15–20 years. The prevalences of STIs were high, and risky sexual behaviours were common, especially among FSWs in LC venues. More tailored and comprehensive prevention programmes should be developed for specific FSW subgroups.
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C sepsis and septic arthritis in an HIV-positive man
Authors: Fox-Lewis A , Eades CP , Manson JJ , Morris-Jones S , Miller RF
Published: January 2017

A patient with well-controlled HIV-1 infection presented with fever and rigors, a widespread maculopapular rash, and severe generalised arthralgia. Sepsis of unknown aetiology was diagnosed, and treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobials commenced. Following initial clinical improvement, a right knee septic arthritis developed. Microscopy and culture of the joint aspirate were negative for organisms but 16S rDNA PCR identified Neisseria meningitidis DNA, subsequently verified as capsular genogroup C, thus confirming a diagnosis of disseminated meningococcal sepsis with secondary septic arthritis.
Detection of sexually transmitted pathogens in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Papeš Dino , Pasini Miram , Jerončić Ana , Vargović Martina , Kotarski Viktor , Markotić Alemka , Škerk Višnja
Published: January 2017

In <10% of patients with prostatitis syndrome, a causative uropathogenic organism can be detected. It has been shown that certain organisms that cause sexually transmitted infections can also cause chronic bacterial prostatitis, which can be hard to diagnose and treat appropriately because prostatic samples obtained by prostatic massage are not routinely tested to detect them. We conducted a clinical study to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia, mycoplasma, and trichomonas infection in 254 patients that were previously diagnosed and treated for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome due to negative urethral swab, urine, and prostate samples. Urethral swabs and standard Meares–Stamey four-glass tests were done. Detailed microbiological analysis was conducted to detect the above organisms. Thirty-five (13.8%) patients had positive expressed prostatic secretions/VB3 samples, of which 22 (10.1%) were sexually transmitted organisms that were not detected on previous tests.
A sanctuary of tranquillity in a ruptured world: Evaluating long-term counselling at a women’s community health centre
Authors: Ciclitira Karen , Starr Fiona , Payne Nicky , Clarke Lisa , Marzano Lisa
Published: January 2017

The longitudinal study described in this article evaluated long-term counselling provided at a women’s health centre in the UK for service users on low incomes. The article focuses on the qualitative aspect of the study in which 59 women were interviewed individually before and/or after their counselling. The interviews explored how women make sense of long-term counselling in the context of their gendered experiences and complex needs. The data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by a feminist orientation and attachment theory. Four main themes emerged: “violence and loss in the context of female oppression”, “a sanctuary for women”, “non-medicalised long-term counselling in a safe setting”, and “benefits of the long view”. Participants attributed various benefits to receiving long-term counselling in a women-only environment. These included gaining employment; reduced suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression; improved physical health, improved confidence and being able to make positive changes in their relationships. The women interviewed post-counselling valued long-term counselling in this context, in contrast to short-term therapy in a medicalised environment. Wider implications with regard to clinical practice and research are discussed.
Large-scale label-free proteomics analysis of occupational poisoned patients of 1-bromopropane, workers exposed to 1-bromopropane and healthy individuals
Authors: Miao R , Ding B , Zhang Y , Zhao R , Li Y , Zhu B
Published: January 2017

1-Bromopropane (1-BP) is an increasingly used chemical solvent for cleaning metals and gradually replacing spraying adhesives. Workers exposed to 1-BP (WBP) showed nervous system dysfunction and other symptoms. This study focused on the proteomic change between healthy individuals (HIs), WBP and poisoned patients with 1-BP (PBP). Total proteins from serum samples were isolated, and high-abundance proteins were filtered out. Large-scale label-free proteomics platform was utilized for protein identification and quantitative comparison, followed by biological function analysis by bioinformatics tools. Compared to HI, 99 proteins were up-regulated and 55 proteins were down-regulated in WBP; 59 proteins were up-regulated and 94 proteins were down-regulated in PBP. With WBP as control, 63 proteins were up-regulated and 127 proteins were down-regulated in PBP. These differently expressed proteins were mainly involved in the immune response, neuron system regulation, blood coagulation, wound healing, endopeptidase activity, lipid metabolic process and apoptosis. The proteomic profiling change of HI, WBP and PBP provides a comprehensive view on 1-BP poison through immune response, signal transduction, metabolism, coagulation and response to stress. This study expanded our understanding on early development and maintenance and provided more potential protein markers for diagnosis of 1-BP poisoning.
Can killers be saviors?
Authors: Singh G , Agarwal A K , Prosek J , Jayadev M S K , Singh A
Published: January 2017

Autoimmunity and cancer have a multifarious epidemiology. Often, it is because of an impaired genome, culminating in functional aberrations in the human system. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous complex disease which ensues due to the failure of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self antigens, thus producing autoantibodies against DNA, RNA and proteins. Cancer, the other side of the same coin, results from an excessive proliferation of cells that evade immune regulation as a result of incompetent defense by T-cells, B-cells and macrophages. Recent findings have indicated that lupus autoantibodies could be used as an effective weapon to kill cancerous cells. This is an attempt to take an account of malicious ‘lupus autoantibodies’ and their role in neutralizing cancerous cells which may help in enhancing the survival rate of cancer patients, hence, killers can be saviors.
The relevance of reformulations
Authors: Blakemore Diane
Published: January 2017

Some of the phenomena in this paper are traditionally classified as loose appositions. This classification is shown to be too restrictive to provide an explanatory analysis of all cases of reformulation in discourse. Following Sperber and Wilson's (1986) suggestion that style arises out of the pursuit of optimal relevance, it is argued that deliberate reformulations are a stylistic device designed to achieve particular contextual effects. The analysis of a range of both literary and non-literary examples shows that there is a variety of ways in which a reformulation may achieve relevance. In a technical text a reformulation may constrain the interpretation of the original for the purpose of ensuring a more accurate understanding of a particular concept and hence a greater understanding of the surrounding text. In other cases the hearer is rewarded by an array of weak implicatures, in which case we may say the reformulation achieves poetic effects comparable with those achieved through repetition.
Court and Country
Authors: Levine Ari Daniel
Published: January 2017

The Northern Song Empire (960–1127) was the most spatially integrated and bureaucratically centralized polity in the late medieval world, and its rulers articulated ideological claims to unitary and universal sovereignty. Both its monarchs and ministers shared a discourse of authority that postulated the throne as the only legitimate source of authority, which was not openly challenged by organized blocs of aristocratic, religious, or urban elites. Yet, the Northern Song Empire was much less autocratic in practice than in theory, since monarchs chose to delegate the making of state policy and the civil and military administration of the empire to a hierarchy of central, regional, and local officials, so that intra-bureaucratic dynamics limited arbitrary monarchical action. Using a micro-level case study of the abolition of the Green Sprouts rural credit policy (qingmiao fa 青苗法) in 1085–1086, this article analyzes the debates within the Northern Song imperial bureaucracy about the reach of state power. The court’s anti-reformist high officials were united in their opposition to the policy, and individual ministers used a court-centered discourse of authority to denounce it for undermining the public good of the polity. Yet, its abolition required mobilizing extensive bureaucratic support within the central government and in local administration. By paying closer attention to the contexts and generic constraints of political rhetoric, and the intricacies of bureaucratic dynamics, it is possible to demonstrate more subtle fluctuations within the force fields of socio-political authority at court and in the country.
Bending performance of steel–polyurethane sandwich plate under local distributed load
Authors: Shan Chenglin
Published: January 2017

As a civil engineering application, a composite sandwich plate is introduced into a new or reinforced orthotropic steel bridge deck to reduce the stress concentration of the deck under wheel loading and the amount of stiffening ribs required. For a steel–polyurethane sandwich plate, based on the existing basic differential equation of bending, analytical formulas for stress and deflection at any point of the sandwich plate with four sides simply supported are deduced under a vertical, local uniform load in which wheel loading has been simulated. Sandwich plates of the same material, size, condition of support, and load are tested; the key points of stress and deflection are calculated; and the test results are compared. The results demonstrate that the analytical calculation formulas are reliable and meet engineering accuracy requirements.
Early presentation of cerebral fat embolism
Authors: Gillow Sabreena , Dorman James
Published: January 2017

Cerebral fat embolism syndrome has been identified in patients with long bone trauma, and usually occurs after a symptom free interval of 12 h. Treatment includes supportive care, and outcome is variable. We describe a case with earlier than expected presentation with good outcome despite poor initial prognostic signs.
Beyond spaces of counselling
Authors: Bank Mads , Nissen Morten
Published: January 2017

The article articulates experiments with spatial constructions in two Danish social work agencies, basing on (a) a sketchy genealogical reconstruction of conceptualisations and uses of space in social work and counselling, (b) a search for theoretical resources to articulate new spaces, and (c) data from a long-standing collaboration with the social workers working with youth and drugs. Beside a critical analysis of how disciplinary and pastoral spaces make it difficult to engage in helpful conversations with young drug users, we show how spaces of attunement, spaces of production, and public spaces are forms of spatialisations which might be taken as prototypical in attempts to develop social work and counselling.
Categorisation of tibial artery disease on computer tomography angiography according to the TASC II classification
Authors: Rehman Adeeb , Antonietti Alberto , Burnside Girvan , Torella Francesco
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Computer tomography angiography is used to assess peripheral arterial disease. Its preference over other imaging modalities is based upon its rapid acquisition and high spatial resolution, along with ease of access. TASC II have recently updated their vascular lesion classification to include infrapopliteal lesions, and our aim is to assess the reproducibility of TASC II on infrapopliteal disease when using computer tomography angiography.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a series of consecutive computer tomography angiographies was performed by seven assessors (three consultant radiologists, two consultant vascular surgeons and two vascular specialty trainees). Each assessor was asked to classify the target vessel based on the TASC II classification. Statistical analysis was performed using Cohen’s weighted kappa.

Results

Seven assessors analysed 48 target vessels in 25 patients (20 men), with a mean age of 72.9 years. Twenty posterior tibial, 27 anterior tibial and one peroneal artery were analysed. Poor agreement was demonstrated between the two vascular consultants, with a kappa of 0.094. Weak agreement was demonstrated among the radiologists, with a kappa of 0.547. The total group of assessors had a kappa of 0.176.

Conclusion

This study showed poor agreement between assessors when applying the TASC II classification to infrapopliteal lesions on computer tomography angiography. TASC II should not be used to classify lesions, for clinical or research purposes, with this image modality.
A comparison of magnetic resonance venography findings and venous occlusion plethysmography variables in postthrombotic syndrome
Authors: Blomgren Lena , Engström Jan , Rosfors Stefan
Published: January 2017

Objective

The relation between venous morphology and venous function in postthrombotic syndrome is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to compare obstruction and collateralization as seen with magnetic resonance venography with variables of venous occlusion plethysmography in patients with postthrombotic syndrome.

Methods

Medical records, magnetic resonance venography and venous occlusion plethysmography data were analyzed in 28 patients (33 legs). Magnetic resonance venography images were scored for degree of obstruction and collateralization in segments of pelvic and abdominal veins and correlated to venous occlusion plethysmography data.

Results

Obstruction of the inferior vena cava correlated with an overall increase of collaterals ( p < 0.001). The summary scores of collaterals or obstructions did not correlate with venous occlusion plethysmography variables. Relative expelled volume at 4 s correlated inversely with obstruction of the inferior vena cava ( p = 0.045) and vertebral collateralization ( p = 0.033).

Conclusions

Modest correlations were found between magnetic resonance venography scores and venous occlusion plethysmography variables. Prospective studies with refined scoring and magnetic resonance venography techniques may increase our knowledge further.