bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alleviation of Neuropathic Pain by Regulating T-Type Calcium Channels in Rat Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Shen Feng-Yan , Chen Zhi-Yu , Zhong Wei , Ma Li-Qing , Chen Chong , Yang Zhou-Jing , Xie Wei-Lin , Wang Ying-Wei
Published: March 2015

Background

It has been demonstrated that administration of T-type calcium channel (TCC) inhibitors could relieve the neuropathic pain by intraperitoneally or intrathecally. TCCs are not only expressed in dorsal root ganglia or dorsal horn, but also in some of the pain associated brain regions. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether modulating TCCs in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) could alleviate the neuropathic pain.

Results

(1) Cav3.2 was up regulated in rat ACC after chronic constriction injury (CCI). (2) T-type calcium current intensity was increased in CCI animal model. (3) TCC inhibitor reduced miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents frequency of ACC neurons in CCI animal model. (4) TCC inhibitor suppressed the firing rate of ACC neurons in CCI animal model. (5) Both mechanical and thermal allodynia were partially relieved by ACC microinjection with TCC inhibitor.

Conclusions

TCCs in the ACC may be contributing to the maintenance of neuropathic pain, and the neuropathic pain can be alleviated by inhibiting the neuronal activity of ACC through modulating the TCCs.
Performance analysis of E-shaped dual band antenna for wireless hand-held devices
Authors: Rajagopal Balamurugan , Rajasekaran Lalithambika
Published: March 2015

Due to evolution in wireless applications, the high performance dual band handsets were blooming in the market. In this paper, a compact dual band E shaped planar inverted F antenna is presented, which is suitable for GSM application in handheld devices. Here, antenna is described for GSM (900 MHz and 1800 MHz), which covers (831 MHz – 973 MHz and 1700 MHz – 1918 MHz) 10 dB bandwidth. The designs and simulations are performed using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) technique based General Electro Magnetic Simulator – Version 7.9 (GEMS-7.9). The performance analysis of E-shaped antenna also includes real world interaction between antenna element and Spherical human head model composed of three layers, skin, skull and brain. The simulated results including, S-Parameter, radiation pattern, current distributions and Specific absorption rate, thermal distributions have validated the proposed E shaped antenna design as useful for compact mobile phone devices with comparatively low average Specific Absorption Rate in market.
Drug and alcohol addiction: do psychosocial treatments work?
Authors: Luty Jason
Published: March 2015

Methodological issues such as social desirability bias, subjective outcome measures, therapist enthusiasm and fidelity to the intervention remain a major problem in assessing the effectiveness of psychosocial treatments for substance misuse. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programmes are still widely used, although it is difficult to formally assess their effectiveness. Motivational interviewing is perhaps the most commonly used professional psychosocial treatment for substance misuse, but brief interventions based on this technique report a disappointing effect size (∼0.2). Contingency management is perhaps the most effective reported modality, although it remains politically controversial. Cognitive—behavioural therapy and community reinforcement have been widely studied, but the results are often disappointing (effect sizes seldom exceed 0.5, despite very large trials). Residential rehabilitation remains an established treatment, but patient selection prevents formal cost-effectiveness studies.
Patients need reliable facts and figures about antipsychotics
Authors: Lawrie Stephen M.
Published: March 2015

The results of Wunderink et al's trial support the experience of most practising psychiatrists: guided discontinuation of antipsychotics works for some patients, but most stay in remission only with carefully tailored and monitored maintenance treatment at the ‘lowest effective dose’. It is important to review maintenance annually and to discuss with patients whether dose reduction/discontinuation should be attempted.
A New Data Set for Full-Scale Reinforced Concrete Columns under Collapse-Consistent Loading Protocols
Authors: Nojavan Alireza , Schultz Arturo E. , Haselton Curt , Simathathien Sanput , Liu Xuejian , Chao Shih-Ho
Published: March 2015

A series of eight full-scale reinforced concrete column tests was recently carried out at the NEES (Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation) Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) site at the University of Minnesota as part of a National Science Foundation (NSF) NEES research program. The tests were conducted to address the shortcomings in the available database of reinforced concrete (RC) columns tested with large drift ratios under monotonic and cyclic loading protocols. The specimens were designed based on ACI 318-11 and featured two different cross-sectional dimensions, both larger than nearly all of the columns tested previously. They were subjected to several large displacement loading protocols, including a monotonic and a cyclic biaxial loading protocol. Also, to investigate the effectiveness of novel materials, one specimen was constructed with ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHP-FRC). This paper presents a description of and potential uses for the data set that is made accessible via a digital object identifier (DOI) (data set DOIs: 10.4231/D33T9D65T, 10.4231/D3028PD2G, 10.4231/D3V97ZR8Z, 10.4231/D3QN5ZB62, 10.4231/D3KW57J3S, 10.4231/D3G44HQ9B, 10.4231/D3BC3SX4Q, and 10.4231/D36M3340C).
Designed Synthesis of Natural DNA as a Main Chain-based Brush-shaped Copolymer
Authors: Song Yingying , Yao Yanhuan , Jin Susu , Tang Yating , Huang Yapeng , Chen Haiyang , Wang Ying , Mi Huaifeng
Published: March 2015

A type of brush-shaped copolymer with natural DNA as the main chain is synthesized. Multiple alkyne groups are introduced onto the phosphate backbone of natural DNA via an O–H insertion reaction, thus rendering the DNA sequence reactive for the subsequent grafting with azide-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-N3) by click reaction. This is the first synthesis of natural DNA as a main chain brush-shaped copolymer. The resulting novel copolymer may have potential for electrochemical DNA biosensors and gene delivery.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Sulfate-bridged Tetracosanuclear Manganese Cluster
Authors: Kuramochi Satoshi , Newton Graham N , Shiga Takuya , Oshio Hiroki
Published: March 2015

A sulfate-bridged tetracosanuclear manganese cluster, (Et3NH)2[{Mn8(L)4(µ4-O)2(SO4)2(H2O)3}3(SO4)] (1) (H3L = N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-hydroxybenzylideneimine-3-carboxylic acid) was synthesized by the reaction of a Schiff-base ligand H3L and manganese acetate in the presence of sulfuric acid. The tetracosanuclear manganese cluster is composed of three octanuclear manganese units, which include four ligands, two µ4-oxo ions, and two capping sulfate ions. The cluster shows antiferromagnetic interactions between the manganese ions.
Epstein's TARGET Framework and Motivational Climate in Sport: Effects of a Field-Based, Long-Term Intervention Program
Authors: Cecchini Jose A. , Fernandez-Rio Javier , Mendez-Gimenez Antonio , Cecchini Christian , Martins Laura
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects that the manipulation of the motivational climate can produce on social factors, psychological mediators, motivation and behavioural consequences. 283 student-athletes with ages ranging from 14 to 18 years (M = 13,54 ± 1,31) completed a questionnaire that included the BPNES, the PLOC, the subscales cooperative learning and improvement of the PMCSQ-2, as well as persistence, effort and boredom subscales. Epstein's TARGET strategies were applied to the experimental group during 12 weeks by specially trained coaches. The repeated measures MANOVA showed significant changes in all variables in the experimental group in post-test 1. Furthermore, these changes were maintained in most variables six months after the intervention (post-test 2). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Finally, the results are discussed and future lines of intervention are proposed.
Physiological and Perceptual Demands of High Intensity Sprinting between the Wickets in Cricket
Authors: Pote Lee , Christie Candice J.
Published: March 2015

To quantify the physiological and perceptual demands of repeated single shuttle sprints between the wickets during batting, twelve male university cricketers performed a simulated batting-specific protocol within a laboratory setting. The work-bout comprised seven overs (42 balls) and following each delivery the batsmen were required to complete one single shuttle run at full pace between two creases (17.68m) totalling 42 single shuttle sprints. Players were given a 35s break between balls and a 75s break between overs. Physiological responses were averaged for each over and perceptual responses were measured at the completion of each over. Heart rate increased significantly (p < 0.01) until the end of the third over (160 bpm) after which it reached a plateau. Oxygen consumption and estimated energy expenditure increased significantly (p < 0.01) until the end of the second over (27.3±4.1 mlO2.kg−1.min−1 and 11.1±1.5 kcal.min−1 respectively) after which both responses plateaued. Response measures per run (66 kJ per run) were lower than previous studies in our laboratory in which double shuttles were sprinted (98 kJ per run or an additional 32 kJ to turn and re-accelerate). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased significantly (p < 0.01) from over's one to three and thereafter plateaued and then increased again until over seven (mean rating of 17±1.4). A strong, positive correlation (R2=0.94) was observed between heart rate responses and RPE. While energy expenditure reached a plateau after the second over, heart rate and RPE plateaued after the third over. Thereafter, while heart rate continued to plateau, RPE increased significantly again in the final over.
New Travelling Wave Solutions of Two Nonlinear Physical Models by Using a Modified Tanh-Coth Method
Authors: Gözükizil Ömer Faruk , Salhi Abdellah
Published: March 2015

In this work, a modified tanh – coth method is used to derive travelling wave solutions for (2 + 1)-dimensional Zakharov-Kuznetsov (ZK) equation and (3 + 1)-dimensional Burgers equation. A new variable is used to solve these equations and established new travelling wave solutions.
ADI, LOD and Modern Decomposition Methods for Certain Multiphysics Applications
Authors: Sheng Qin
Published: March 2015

This paper explores applications of several traditional and latest decomposition methods for approximating solutions of linear and nonlinear partial differential equations in multiphysical computations. Differences and similarities between concerned ADI and LOD strategies are discussed and analyzed. Eikonal transformation based splitting realizations are introduced for solving highly oscillatory paraxial Helmholtz problems on micro and macro scaled domains. It is found that modern decomposition algorithms developed achieve not only anticipated accuracy and efficiency, but also stabilities. Therefore required high reliability is ensured throughout multiphysical and multiscaled computations.
An Inverse Problem for the Absorption of Fatty Acid
Authors: Hai Y. , Kokulan N. , Lai C.-H. , George E. , Pericleous K.A.
Published: March 2015

The mathematical model of fatty acid kinetics in plasma is considered. The model is based on physiological knowledge and constructed by means of experimental data. In order to estimate the unknown parameters in the model, methods of inverse problems are used with measurements and ordinary differential equations governing the kinetics. Different sets of experimental data were used to establish the unknown parameters in the mathematical model. This enables one to understand the absorption process of nutrients and provide a computational estimation for the absorption rate.
“The Right to Make Choices”: The National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making
Authors: Blanck Peter , Martinis Jonathan G.
Published: March 2015

Research shows that self-determination and the right to make life choices are key elements for a meaningful and independent life. Yet, older adults and people with disabilities are often placed in overly broad and restrictive guardianships, denying them their right to make daily life choices about where they live and who they interact with, their finances, and their health care. Supported decision-making (SDM)—where people use trusted friends, family members, and professionals to help them understand the situations and choices they face, so they may make their own decisions—is a means for increasing self-determination by encouraging and empowering people to make decisions about their lives to the maximum extent possible. This article examines the implications of overly broad guardianship and the potential for supported decision-making to address such circumstances. It introduces the National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making as one means to advance the use of supported decision-making and increase self-determination.
Revisiting Consumer Ethnocentrism: Review, Reconceptualization, and Empirical Testing
Authors: Siamagka Nikoletta-Theofania , Balabanis George
Published: March 2015

Prior research has suggested that many consumers prefer domestic to foreign products, even when the quality is lower and the price is higher. Such bias is attributed to consumer ethnocentrism. This study critically examines the current conceptualizations of consumer ethnocentrism and proposes an extension of its conceptual boundaries and measurement. It determines that consumer ethnocentrism is a multidimensional construct that encompasses five dimensions: prosociality, cognition, insecurity, reflexiveness, and habituation. Empirical evidence from the United Kingdom and the United States demonstrates that the extended measurement instrument better predicts consumers’ preferences for local brands at the expense of foreign brands.
The Role of Within-Trip Dynamics in Unplanned versus Planned Purchase Behavior
Authors: Gilbride Timothy J. , Inman J. Jeffrey , Stilley Karen Melville
Published: March 2015

The recent surge in the importance of shopper marketing has led to an increased need to understand the drivers of unplanned purchases. The authors address this issue by examining how elements of the current shopping trip (e.g., lagged unplanned purchase, cumulative purchases) and previous shopping trips (e.g., average historical price paid by the shopper) determine unplanned versus planned purchases on the current trip. Using a grocery field study and frequent-shopper-program data, the authors estimate competing models to test behavioral hypotheses using a hierarchical Bayesian probit model with state dependence and serially correlated errors. The results indicate that shoppers with smaller trip budgets tend to exhibit behavior consistent with a self-regulation model (i.e., an unplanned purchase decreases the probability of a subsequent unplanned vs. planned purchase), but this effect reverses later in the trip. In contrast, shoppers with medium-sized trip budgets tend to exhibit behavior consistent with a cuing theory model (i.e., an unplanned purchase increases the probability of a subsequent unplanned vs. planned purchase), and this effect increases as the trip continues. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for research and practice.
Should Firms Use Small Financial Benefits to Express Appreciation to Consumers? Understanding and Avoiding Trivialization Effects
Authors: Liu Peggy J. , Lamberton Cait , Haws Kelly L.
Published: March 2015

Firms commonly add small financial benefits to communications designed to acknowledge consumers' loyalty or support. Yet is it always better to provide some financial benefit as opposed to simply saying “thank you”? Although this question has important implications for customer relationship management, research has not yet provided an answer. This article demonstrates that, indeed, a financial acknowledgment (defined as an acknowledgment with a monetary benefit) can lead to less positive outcomes than offering a verbal acknowledgment (defined as an acknowledgment without a monetary benefit), a phenomenon termed the “trivialization effect.” The results explain this effect in terms of shifting evaluation standards: whereas a verbal acknowledgement is evaluated relative to verbal gratitude expression norms, a financial acknowledgment is evaluated relative to both verbal norms and customers' monetary expectations. The authors also demonstrate two practical, theory-consistent ways firms can structure financial acknowledgments to eliminate the trivialization effect. Thus, this research shows both the peril of small financial benefits as a means of expressing customer appreciation and practical, low-cost ways to salvage their potential.
Climbing the Wrong Ladder: The Mismatch between Consumers' Preference for Subgoal Sequences and Actual Goal Performance
Authors: Jin Liyin , Xu Qian , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2015

When pursuing goals that involve subgoals of varying levels of difficulty, consumers prefer to follow a difficult-to-easy sequence when completing the subgoals because they believe that such a sequence renders the overall goal easier to achieve. However, consumers are actually more successful when they follow an easy-to-difficult sequence when completing subgoals. In seven studies, the authors present consistent evidence for this mismatch and explore the value of subgoals as an important boundary condition.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Buyers and Sellers on Search Advertising Revenues in Business-to-Business Electronic Platforms
Authors: Fang Eric (ER) , Li Xiaoling , Huang Minxue , Palmatier Robert W.
Published: March 2015

Platform companies such as Alibaba.com increasingly rely on search advertising as a revenue source. This study examines (1) the direct effect of new and existing buyers and sellers on platform advertising revenue, (2) their indirect effect through two intermediary performance variables (buyer's click rate and seller's click price), and (3) how the effects differ between launch and mature stages of the search advertising service. Unique data collected from a leading transactional business-to-business electronic platform suggest that new buyers click on more search advertisements than existing buyers, especially after the firm's buyers and sellers have learned and adapted to the service (mature stage). New sellers tend to outbid existing sellers in the mature stage, but the opposite is true when the service is newly introduced (launch stage). Because existing sellers can more effectively send quality signals in the launch stage, attracting existing, rather than new, sellers has a greater effect on click rate in the launch stage; however, the opposite is true in the mature stage. Attracting new buyers also has a greater effect on click rate and price, especially in the mature stage. Finally, using cost data from the platform, this article examines the economic returns of attracting new and existing buyers and sellers with respect to advertising revenue.
Fanning the Flames? how Media Coverage of a Price War Affects Retailers, Consumers, and Investors
Authors: Van Heerde Harald J. , Gijsbrechts Els , Pauwels Koen
Published: March 2015

This article explores how media coverage of a price war affects customer, retailer, and investor reactions over time. Using data covering a Dutch supermarket price war (2003–2005), the authors find that price reductions, especially deep reductions, trigger media coverage of the price conflict. This sets off a chain of reactions. Press messages have a significant effect on market share and abnormal stock returns, beyond retailers' own price and advertising. Importantly, this study uncovers striking asymmetries regarding the kind of coverage to which stakeholders react: whereas consumers only respond to the tone of price-related press coverage, retailers and investors only react to its quantity. Next, media coverage feeds back into the retailers' pricing actions: more media coverage triggers new price cuts in addition to those dictated by competitive reactions. As such, media coverage triggers a deeper spiral of price cuts, intensifying the competitive price battle. However, as the price war progresses, media coverage becomes less frequent and less favorable, which decelerates the downward price spiral.
Using EEG to Predict Consumers’ Future Choices
Authors: Telpaz Ariel , Webb Ryan , Levy Dino J.
Published: March 2015

It is well established that neural imaging technology can predict preferences for consumer products. However, the applicability of this method to consumer marketing research remains uncertain, partly because of the expense required. In this article, the authors demonstrate that neural measurements made with a relatively low-cost and widely available measurement method—electroencephalography (EEG)—can predict future choices of consumer products. In the experiment, participants viewed individual consumer products in isolation, without making any actual choices, while their neural activity was measured with EEG. At the end of the experiment, participants were offered choices between pairs of the same products. The authors find that neural activity measured from a midfrontal electrode displays an increase in the N200 component and a weaker theta band power that correlates with a more preferred product. Using recent techniques for relating neural measurements to choice prediction, they demonstrate that these measures predict subsequent choices. Moreover, the accuracy of prediction depends on both the ordinal and cardinal distance of the EEG data; the larger the difference in EEG activity between two products, the better the predictive accuracy.
Digitizing diagnosis: a review of mobile applications in the diagnostic process
Authors: Jutel Annemarie , Lupton Deborah
Published: March 2015

An increasing number of smartphone and software applications (“apps”) have been developed and marketed to assist in the process of diagnosis, yet little attention has been paid to their content, claims, potential risks, limitations or benefits of their use. This study sought to describe and catalogue available diagnosis apps and explore their impact on the diagnostic process. We undertook a content analysis of the app descriptions and developers’ websites using the descriptions provided for 131 medical diagnosis smartphone apps that were available in the Google Play and Apple App stores. Each app was reviewed for its content and approach, and its claims to medical authority. Four major categories of apps were identified: 1. apps for diagnosing; 2. diagnosis coding apps; 3. books, journals, or other publications in app format; 4. apps for medical education. Our analysis found that while these apps provide access to medical information previously widely not available to lay users and offered a convenient diagnostic tool for practitioners, many failed to describe the evidence base underpinning, or any other credential supporting, their design and use. These apps potentially shift how diagnosis operates, reconfiguring disease concepts and lay-professional relations. However they also raise the risk of conflict of interest and presenting inaccurate information. Further research is required into how these apps are used, the implications for medical practice and the impact on doctor-patient relationship.
Entwicklung von Zentralprozessoren aus Einheitsbausteinen, Teil 1/ Development of processors consisting of uniform submodules, part 1
Authors: Regenspurg G.
Published: March 2015

Untersuchungen zum Thema „Strukturen von Prozessoren, die aus mehreren mikroprogrammierten Moduln aufgebaut sind" führen zu der Aufgabenstellung, effektiv arbeitende Modulstrukturen und Kommunikationsstrategien zu finden. In diesem Aufsatz wird gezeigt, wie man Moduln aus drei entsprechend definierten Einheitsbausteinen zusammensetzen kann und wie man aus diesen Moduln Prozessoren aufbaut. Dieses Konzept kann ein Weg sein, um Prozessoren aus sehr hochintegrierten Bauelementen zu implementieren.
Norwegens Computerindustrie sucht Marktlücken in Deutschland
Authors: Mierzowski Kristin
Published: March 2015

Auf der Systems 79 in München werden sie mit einem Gemeinschaftsstand vertreten sein: Norwegische EDV-Firmen, die neu auf den deutschen Markt kommen oder ihre Aktivitäten hier verstärken wollen. Fünf dieser Unternehmen stellten sich und ihre Programme kürzlich der Presse vor: Norsk Data mit leistungsfähigen Minicomputern, Mycron mit dedizierten Mikrocomputersystemen, Tandberg Data mit einer ausgereiften Terminalfamilie, Computas mit vielseitigen Programmpaketen und schließlich Kongsberg mit den bekannten Zeichenmaschinen und numerischen Steuerungen.
Anwendung der Gestaltpsyhcologie zur Verbesserung der visuellen Kommunikation in der Datenverarbeitung/ The use of gestalt psychology for the improvement of visual communication in data processing
Authors: Buchegger O.
Published: March 2015

Bekannte psychologische Erkenntnisse können zur Verbesserung der visuellen Kommunikation in der Datenverarbeitung verwendet werden. Software kann dadurch benutzerfreundlicher gemacht sowie der Umgang mit Programmen erleichtert werden. Größere Zufriedenheit und niedrigere Softwarekosten sind bei konsequenter Anwendung erreichbar
Normal spirometric standards in young adult Indian population
Authors: Nayak Prakash Kumar , Satpathy Sudeep , Manjareeka Magna , Samanta Priyadarshini , Mishra Jayanti , Pradhan Bipin Bihari
Published: March 2015

Background: The appropriateness of spirometric reference value depends on all its features matching those of the person being assessed, like ethnicity, environment, nutrition, absence of disease, measurement protocol, as well as equipment used. The present study determines the lung function parameters in normal young healthy Indians and derives reliable prediction formulae for Indian population.

Methods: Computerized spirometry was done in 298 nonsmoking medical students of both genders studying in MKCG Medical College, Berhampur. All the data were statistically analyzed, and prediction equations for the young Indian population were derived.

Results: All the lung parameters showed significant gender difference. Height showed the greatest effect on the predicted value of FEV1 and FVC in males and females. Height has the greatest effect on the predicted value of FEV1% in females, whereas weight has the least effect. We formulated univariate and multivariate regression models for prediction of lung parameters in the young Indian adults. The predicted values of pulmonary function parameters for men were 4%–17% higher than most studies, except for Kashmiri population where it was 9% lower. For females, lung parameters were 1%–29% higher in comparison to study groups in other Indian studies. The lung parameters for males were found to be lower than Iranian and Caucasian population study, but higher than Pakistani population. For females, lung parameters were 3%–8% lower than Iranian and Caucasian population, but higher in comparison to Pakistani population.

Conclusions: The computed regression norms may be used to predict the spirometric values in young Indian population of similar age group as the study population.
The Role of Angiopoietine-2 in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Sepsis
Authors: Szederjesi Janos , Almasy Emoke , Lazar Alexandra , HuȚanu Adina , Georgescu Anca
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) is a new biomarker whose blood-serum values increase in sepsis and its expression is elevated in line with the severity of the degree of inflammation. The aim of this study was to identify the diagnostic role of ANG-2 in patients with non-surgical sepsis addmitted to an intensive care unit.

Material and methods: This was a prospective randomized study including 74 patients admitted in the Clinic of Intensive Care of the County Clinical Emergency Hospital Tirgu Mure., divided into two groups: Group S: patients with sepsis (n=40, 54%) and Group C: control, without sepsis (n=34, 46%). ANG-2 levels were determined in both groups.

Results: From the Group S, 14 patients (35%) had positive haemocultures. ANG-2 values varied between 1 and 43 ng/mL, with an average of 6.0 ng/mL in patients without sepsis and 10.38 ng/mL in patients with sepsis (p=0.021). A positive correlation between ANG-2 and SAPS II, SOFA and APACHE II severity scores was demonstrated, as was a positive correlation between serum levels of ANG-2 and procalcitonine. ANG-2 had a 5.71% specificity and 74.36% sensitivity for diagnosis of sepsis.

Conclusions: ANG-2 serum levels were elevated in sepsis, being well correlated with PCT values and prognostic scores. ANG-2 should be considered as a useful biomarker for the diagnosis and the prognosis of this pathology.
“The Subject Escapes Me”: Spellbinding Lecturers and (In-)Attentive Audiences in Late-Victorian Serialized Sensation Fiction
Authors: Zwierlein Anne-Julia
Published: March 2015

This essay investigates the late-Victorian competition between oral and print mass cultures by focusing on the example of the popular lecture. It situates fictional lecturing scenes in the historical contexts of increased literacy rates and the explosion of mass print culture as well as elitist fears about political inclusiveness after the 1867 Reform Act. My lecturing scenes are taken from Wilkie Collins’s sensation novel Armadale (1866) and sensationalist fiction serialized between 1862 and 1895 in three penny fiction weeklies, Bow Bells, the London Reader, and the London Journal, all of which targeted (female) lower-middle and middle-class readers. I attend to the scenes’ metafictional resonances and ironic remediations of orality in print, reading them as offering valuable reflections on ongoing changes in the nineteenth-century mediascape. Such staged lecturer-audience interactions can be shown to be engaged with a vital topic of late-nineteenth-century psychology: the problem of attention, closely tied to the development of ‘modern’ constructions of subjectivity. Attention in these sensationalist narratives is modelled as a physiological affect, and states of deep attention or fascination are shown to be uncannily indistinguishable from hypnotic trance or sleep. Investigating how the texts negotiate the anonymous urban mass culture of the late nineteenth century, the essay thus also demonstrates how fictional lecture performances model pressing late-Victorian political concerns about democracy and authority, class and gender. While Victorian conservative critics had for a long time accused sensation fiction of having an illegitimate impact on (female) readers’ bodies and nerves, my fictional examples of charismatic oral performances, by revealing the speakers’ techniques of attraction and audience manipulation, also debate whether suggestibility is indeed a feature of the lower classes and women – or, paradoxically, indexical of upper-class cultivation.
Assessment of the Poisson Ratio Effect on Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) Behavior of Shear-Cracking Mode Materials
Authors: Abed Ghassan , Lee Yung-Li , Quigley John , Zhang Wensheng
Published: March 2015

This paper evaluates the effect of different Poisson's ratios and an equivalent Poisson's ratio formula on the crack initiation angle and life estimation by using the three shear-strain based fatigue damage models (Brown–Miller, Fatemi–Socie, and Liu's Virtual Energy) on strain-controlled biaxial cyclic loading tests of specific tubular material specimens. The four shear failure mode materials studied were Inconel 718, 304L stainless steel, normalized 1050, and quenched/tempered 1050 steels. This study was motivated by the fact that for all the strain-controlled fatigue testing, the induced transverse strain was not measured, but assumed to be a negative product of the axial strain and the Poisson ratio, where the axial strain was known and given, and the Poisson ratio was either assumed to be a constant or a variable represented by a function of elastic and plastic equivalent strains. Therefore, the assumption of a Poisson's ratio in the transverse strain calculation was assessed in this study. It is concluded that the use of different Poisson's ratios in the three fatigue damage models would have some effects on the crack angle prediction, depending on the material type, and little effect on the fatigue life estimation for all materials investigated in this study.
Study of the Effects of Various Geometrical and Loading Parameters on the Fracture Resistance Behaviour of a Reactor-Grade Pressure Vessel Steel in the Upper Shelf as Well as DBTT Regime
Authors: Samal M. K. , Seidenfuss M.
Published: March 2015

Unlike mechanical properties, the fracture resistance behaviour of ductile materials depends upon the state of stress existing ahead of the growing crack-tip. For ductile materials, the fracture resistance, expressed in terms of J–R curve, goes on changing with crack growth. The J–R curves are influenced by the specimen geometry, size, crack-depth, and loading and boundary conditions, etc. Another complicacy arises in the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature regime, where the fracture toughness exhibits considerable scatter and dependency upon temperature. For structural integrity analysis of safety-critical components, fracture resistance data are required in the upper-shelf as well as in the transition regime in order to account for the design-basis postulated accidental loading conditions. It may not always be possible to carry out fracture tests on real-life components due to several limitations, including those of irradiation environment apart from the prohibitive cost and time required for the tests. Finite element (FE) analysis of the components with postulated cracks and loading conditions offer an impressive alternative to safety-analysts. In this work, experiments were conducted on two different types of fracture mechanics specimens not only in the upper-shelf but also in the transition regime. The effect of crack-depth on the fracture behaviour was studied using shallow-cracked and deep-cracked specimens. The size effect was studied using specimens with different thickness values. The effect of specimen geometry and loading condition was studied using a compact-tension and a single-edged-notched-bend specimen. For the FE analysis, nonlocal Rousselier’s damage model was used. We extensively studied the effects of several variables on the fracture toughness of a ferritic pressure vessel steel, which have not received much attention in the literature. Extensive experiments were conducted to verify the numerical simulation results of nonlocal damage models.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ca and Na Zeolites (Non-Pozzolanic Materials) Obtained From Fly Ash–Ca(OH)2 Interaction
Authors: Koshy Nevin , Jha Bhagwanjee , Kadali Srinivas , Singh D. N.
Published: March 2015

The conventional method for alkali activation of fly ash utilizes Ca(OH)2 and NaOH for the formation of pozzolanic material and fly ash zeolites, respectively. Sodium-based fly ash zeolites (say, Na-zeolite) mostly employ NaOH (the high-grade mineralizer and alkali) for activation of fly ash before its application as an absorbent. However, the Na-zeolites as absorbents (in agro- and aqua-culture) result in sodicity (i.e., excess of Na, present as impurity in the zeolite), which in turn reduces their holding capacity of moisture, nutrient [i.e., nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK fertilizers)], microorganisms (viz., microbial spores), or heavy metals and negatively affect the growth of plant and aquatic life. To resolve such problems, the present study is focused on synthesis of agro-grade blend (dominated by Ca-zeolite) of zeolites by using Ca(OH)2 as major alkali and two well-established mineralizers, NaOH and NaCl, used in the trace quantity. To monitor activation of the fly ash in two different conditions, the synthesis of zeolites could be carried out by employing (1) conventional (the open hydrothermal system), and (2) autoclaving (the closed hydrothermal system) methods. The main attributes that control the entire study include temperature and reaction times for both methods. In addition, the present study demonstrates (1) effectiveness of Ca(OH)2 in creation of blend of zeolites with considerable cation exchange capacity when an optimum chemical composition (comparable to a pure agro- and aqua-grade zeolite 4A), and (2) suitability of the conventional hydrothermal method over autoclave method in synthesizing the blend of Ca- and Na-zeolites possessing a cation exchange capacity up to 394 meq/100 g. The formation of needle/star/spherule/small cube-shaped crystals (i.e., Na-P1, the Na-zeolite) and prismatic/cuboidal shaped crystals (i.e., heulandite, the Ca-zeolite), confirms suitability of the end product as a good sorbent and manure.
Computational Study in Effects of Nail- and Plate-Implants on the Treatment of Pertrochanteric and Intertrochanteric Fractures
Authors: Chen Yunyun , Wang Guodong , Zhou Dongsheng , Liang Hong
Published: March 2015

This research is to evaluate and identify the most suitable implants for the treatment of trochanteric fractures. Using finite element analysis method (FEM), we developed trochanteric-fractured 3D models based on Arbeitsgemeinschaftfür Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification. Three types of trochanteric fractured models were assembled with four different implants leading to 12 models. The trochanteric fractures were identified as 31-A1.1, 31-A2.1, and 31-A3.1 fracture fixed with short proximal femur nail antirotation (PFNA), long PFNA, dynamic hip screw (DHS), and PF-locking compression plate 4.5/5.0. The assembled models were calculated and analyzed using the FEM. The simulation illustrated the von Mises stress distribution and displacement on 12 models. The intramedullary nail implant is superior to the external plate. Short PFNA and DHS are suitable to fix pertrochanteric fractures; long PFNA is considered a priority to treat intertrochanteric fractures.
Durability of Sealants: A Question of Formulation and not of the Polymer Base
Authors: Heinzmann Ralf
Published: March 2015

Comparisons concerning the durability of sealants are often made by focusing on different polymer backbones such as silicones versus polyurethanes or silane-modified polymers. At first sight, this approach seems to give a clear and coherent picture of all products and types of polymers. On closer inspection, however, it becomes evident that varying formulations within one technology may have a much stronger influence on a product’s performance than switching from one technology to the other. Due to the availability of additives such as adhesion promoters, heat, and UV stabilizers and the like, two sealants with a similar chemical backbone can be formulated that differ greatly in performance. This enables chemists to formulate a wide range of sealants with the same polymer base. With the same or a similar polymer family, it is possible to formulate on the one hand a high-end sealant with, for example, superior weathering resistance and adhesion to nearly all substrates combined with a very high movement capability. On the other hand, it is possible to use a similar backbone to formulate a highly-filled sealant with a very high plasticizer content which can only accommodate very limited movements and which exhibits clear restrictions with regard to UV and weathering resistance. On the basis of several laboratory studies, the author will elaborate on the behaviour of different formulations and technologies regarding UV aging combined with cyclic movement as well as aesthetic aspects.
The Philippines in 2014
Authors: Sidel John T.
Published: March 2015

The year 2014 in the Philippines witnessed President Aquino’s administration moving forward with initiatives on multiple fronts, including foreign relations and the peace process in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, even as leading opposition politicians experienced increasing difficulties in the face of anti-corruption charges.
India in 2014
Authors: Wyatt Andrew
Published: March 2015

The much anticipated general election produced a majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi. The new administration is setting out an agenda for governing. The economy showed some signs of improvement, business confidence is returning, but economic growth has yet to return to earlier high levels.
Bangladesh in 2014
Authors: Feldman Shelley
Published: March 2015

Despite a positive economic outlook in 2014, political tensions and income inequalities continue to challenge the country’s democratic image. Power has been concentrated in the executive, state violence has increased, and there is pressure to improve working conditions and infrastructure in the garment sector. For the re-elected Awami League government, addressing employment issues is essential, given its focus on attracting foreign investment.
The serum inhibin B concentration and reference ranges in normozoospermia
Authors: Barbotin Anne-Laure , Ballot Caroline , Sigala Julien , Ramdane Nassima , Duhamel Alain , Marcelli François , Rigot Jean-Marc , Dewailly Didier , Pigny Pascal , Mitchell Valerie
Published: March 2015

Objective

Although an inhibin B assay may be useful in the assessment of testicular function in a number of genital conditions, reliable reference ranges are still lacking. The present study sought to establish the reference range for serum inhibin B by applying the updated Gen II assay.

Design

This prospective study included 818 men referred for semen analysis: 377 were normozoospermic (reference group) and 441 presented at least one abnormal semen parameter (case group).

Methods

Semen parameters were interpreted according to the 2010 World Health Organization manual and David's modified classification for normal morphology. The inhibin B concentration was determined with the current ELISA.

Results

In the reference group, the 2.5th percentile for inhibin B was 92 pg/ml and the 97.5th percentile for FSH was 7.8 IU/l. In the overall population, an inhibin B level <92 pg/ml was associated with increased odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) for oligozoospermia (16.93 (9.82–29.18), P<0.0001), asthenozoospermia (4.87 (2.88–8.10), P<0.0001), and teratozoospermia (2.20 (1.31–3.68), P=0.0026). The combination of a FSH >7.8 IU/l and an inhibin B <92 pg/ml was associated with greater OR for oligozoospermia (98.74 (23.99–406.35), P<0.0001) than for each hormone considered separately.

Conclusions

A new reference range for serum inhibin B was established by the use of updated immunoassay. The correlations between hormone levels and semen parameters highlighted the importance of establishing these values with respect to the spermogram. When combined with FSH assay, the inhibin B range may be of value in the evaluation of spermatogenesis in a number of male genital conditions.
Screening for mutations in 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and androgen receptor in women presenting with partially virilised 46,XY disorders of sex development
Authors: Phelan Niamh , Williams Emma L , Cardamone Stefanie , Lee Marilyn , Creighton Sarah M , Rumsby Gill , Conway Gerard S
Published: March 2015

Context and objective

The precise diagnosis of partially virilised women with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) is often obscure. In practice, this group often comes under the poorly defined, clinically based label of partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS). In a previous study, we found that 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) mutations occurred in 43% of women in this subgroup. We expand this work to include biochemical and genetic screening for 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B3) and androgen receptor (AR) mutations.

Methods

Analysis of serum androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) and genetic analyses for HSD17B3 and AR were performed in 42 women from 36 pedigrees with partially virilised 46,XY DSD in whom SRD5A2 deficiency had been excluded by urine steroid profiling.

Results

Out of 36 unrelated women, 14 (38%) were found to have HSD17B3 mutations and one (2.7%) to have an AR defect. Six novel pathogenic HSD17B3 mutations were identified: three splice site mutations and three missense changes. Seven patients with HSD17B3 deficiency tested before gonadectomy had basal testosterone/androstenedione (T/A) ratio <0.8 (sensitivity 100% and specificity 91%).

Conclusions

HSD17B3 deficiency is prevalent in the adolescent and adult 46,XY female DSD population and is often associated with lesser degrees of virilisation compared with those with 5α-reductase deficiency. This diagnosis should be considered for individuals labelled as PAIS, particularly, but not exclusively, those who present with virilisation at puberty or primary amenorrhoea. Before gondadectomy, T/A ratio is useful to aid diagnosis, but after gonadectomy sequencing of HSD17B3 must be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Screening of dry eye disease in visual display terminal workers during occupational health examinations: The Moriguchi study
Authors: Kawashima Motoko , Yamatsuji Motoko , Yokoi Norihiko , Fukui Masaki , Ichihashi Yoshiyuki , Kato Hiroaki , Nishida Mitsuko , Uchino Miki , Kinoshita Shigeru , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: March 2015

Screening of dry eye disease in visual display terminal workers during occupational health examinations: The Moriguchi study: Motoko Kawashima, et al. Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine

Purpose

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) in Japanese visual display terminal (VDT) workers and identify simple methods for screening DED during occupational health examinations.

Methods

This study involved 369 (331 men and 38 women; mean age, 44.4 [8.8] years) workers engaged in PC development with approximately 6 hours of VDT use daily. The participants completed questionnaires on dry eye and physical symptoms affecting QoL, and their ability to keep their eyes open for 10 seconds was tested for DED screening. They also underwent assessment of conjunctival and corneal vital staining with lissamine green and fluorescein, measurement of tear film breakup time, and Schirmer's test for DED diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of the screening methods were assessed.

Results

The DED group included 218 (definite, 14; probable, 204) participants. They had markedly high frequencies of 11 dry eye symptoms, especially ocular fatigue (OR, 17.1; 95% CI, 9.9 to 29.7) and dry sensation (OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 3.6 to 18.4), and were more often unable to keep their eyes open for 10 s. With either ocular fatigue or dry sensation as the cutoff criterion, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were 89.9, 66.9, and 79.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Approximately 60% of the VDT workers were diagnosed with DED on the basis of diverse eye symptoms affecting their ability to work. The dry eye symptom questionnaire and 10‐s eye‐opening test are simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive methods for screening DED during occupational health examinations.
Association between Chronic HCV Hepatitis, Membranoproliferative Glomerulopathy and Cutaneous Sarcoidosis
Authors: Iliescu Laura , Herlea Vlad , Toma Letitia , Orban Carmen
Published: March 2015

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