bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stictonectes abellani sp. n. (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Hydroporinae) from the Iberian Peninsula, with notes on the phylogeny, ecology and distribution of the Iberian species of the genus
Authors: MILLÁN ANDRÉS , PICAZO FÉLIX , FERY HANS , MORENO JOSÉ LUIS , SÁNCHEZ-FERNÁNDEZ DAVID
Published: May 2016

Stictonectes abellani sp. n. is described from the Iberian Peninsula. On average, the new species is larger and the colouration of the upper surface darker than in most other species of the genus. Seemingly the species has been confounded with others in the past, particularly S. optatus (Seidlitz, 1887). Males can be separated from externally similar species by studying the shape of the parameres. Additionally, the anterior margin of the clypeus is provided with a distinct rim in both sexes, which is absent or only weakly present in other species. The habitus and the male genitalia of the new species are illustrated, and compared with those of S. optatus. External morphological differences from other members of the genus are discussed. According to studies of the molecular phylogeny, based on fragments of four mitochondrial genes, S. abellani sp. n. is clearly separated from previously described species of Stictonectes Brinck, 1943, apparently being relatively basal within the genus. The new species is rather widely distributed in the south-western part of the Iberian Peninsula, inhabiting pools in small temporary siliceous streams. We provide distributional maps for all eight Iberian Stictonectes and estimate the potential distributional areas of the new species and the other two endemic Iberian species S. occidentalis Fresneda & Fery, 1990 and S. rebeccae Bilton, 2011, based on environmental niche modelling.
Morphometric and preliminary genetic characteristics of Branchinecta orientalis populations from Iran (Crustacea: Anostraca)
Authors: ATASHBAR BEHROZ , AGH NASER , MANAFFAR RAMIN , STAPPEN GILBERT VAN , MOHAMADYARI ALI , MERTENS JOHAN , BELADJAL LYNDA
Published: May 2016

Branchinecta orientalis is a fairy shrimp endemic to the Palearctic region, from Mongolia to Spain. The patchy nature of its habitat is thought to result in a high degree of subdivision among populations, potentially promoting speciation. We combined morphometric characteristics with molecular phylogeny of cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) to test whether B. orientalis could be a species complex and whether there is any correlation between the genetic variation, morphometric characteristics and geographical variables. We studied six populations from Iran based on the comparison of morphometric and molecular datasets, we confirmed that the Aigher Goli (AIG) population is biometrically well separated from the Akh Gol, Hassar, Rashakan, Khaslou and Garagojanlou populations in northwestern Iran. The relatively high genetic divergence in the AIG from the other populations and its congruence with morphometric data were observed in B. orientalis populations. However, as these results were generated using a small sample size and on a limited sampling range, they should be considered as preliminary.
Loboschiza Diakonoff (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from Thailand with descriptions of four new species
Authors: ANAN SURACHET , DOKCHAN PARADORN , PINKAEW NANTASAK
Published: May 2016

Four new species of Loboschiza Diakonoff collected from the Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Sa Kaeo, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Nakhon Pathom provinces of Thailand are described: Loboschiza spiniforma Anan and Pinkaew, n. sp.; Loboschiza bisulca Anan and Pinkaew, n. sp.; Loboschiza subrectangula Anan and Pinkaew, n. sp.; and Loboschiza lunata Anan and Pinkaew, n. sp. Loboschiza koenigiana (Fabricius) is redescribed. Illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided.
TRMM Latent Heating Retrieval: Applications and Comparisons with Field Campaigns and Large-Scale Analyses
Authors: Tao W.-K. , Takayabu Y. N. , Lang S. , Shige S. , Olson W. , Hou A. , Skofronick-Jackson G. , Jiang X. , Zhang C. , Lau W. , Krishnamurti T. , Waliser D. , Grecu M. , Ciesielski P. E. , Johnson R. H. , Houze R. , Kakar R. , Nakamura K. , Braun S. , Hagos S. , Oki R. , Bhardwaj A.
Published: May 2016

Yanai and coauthors utilized the meteorological data collected from a sounding network to present a pioneering work in 1973 on thermodynamic budgets, which are referred to as the apparent heat source (Q1) and apparent moisture sink (Q2). Latent heating (LH) is one of the most dominant terms in Q1. Yanai’s paper motivated the development of satellite-based LH algorithms and provided a theoretical background for imposing large-scale advective forcing into cloud-resolving models (CRMs). These CRM-simulated LH and Q1 data have been used to generate the look-up tables in Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) LH algorithms. A set of algorithms developed for retrieving LH profiles from TRMM-based rainfall profiles is described and evaluated, including details concerning their intrinsic space–time resolutions. Included in the paper are results from a variety of validation analyses that define the uncertainty of the LH profile estimates. Also, examples of how TRMM-retrieved LH profiles have been used to understand the life cycle of the MJO and improve the predictions of global weather and climate models as well as comparisons with large-scale analyses are provided. Areas for further improvement of the TRMM products are discussed.
Outcome trajectories and mediation in psychotherapeutic treatments of major depression
Authors: Klug Günther , Zimmermann Johannes , Huber Dorothea
Published: May 2016

Trajectories and mediators of change were investigated in a process-outcome study. Patients were allocated at random to psychoanalytic therapy (PA) or psychodynamic therapy (PD), and later to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Measurement points were at pre-treatment, during ongoing treatment, at post-treatment, and during a three-year follow-up. Outcome trajectories were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; Hautzinger et al. 1994), the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised Version (SCL-90-R; Franke 1995), and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP; Horowitz, Strauss, and Kordy 2000). Therapeutic alliance and introject were tested as mediators, assessed using the Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ; Bassler, Potratz, and Krauthauser 1995) and INTREX, introject surface (Tress 1993). Multilevel modeling was applied to estimate outcome trajectories and to test for mediation. Symptoms decreased in early and ongoing treatment in all treatment groups. After the end of treatment, depressive and general psychiatric symptoms continued to decrease in significantly greater degree in the PA group than in the PD and CBT cohorts. During early treatment, interpersonal problems decreased significantly more in those allocated to PD than in the PA and CBT groups. During ongoing treatment, improvement in interpersonal problems was significantly higher in the PA group than in the others and, compared to CBT, continued to increase significantly after termination. Mediational analyses revealed that neither introject affiliation nor therapeutic alliance mediated differential treatment effects.
Thinking about the “why”-question
Authors: Reinders Hans S.
Published: May 2016

This chapter investigates the initial stage of disability experience when the “why?”- question arises. It seeks to elucidate the “why?”- question against the background of the breakdown of identity and meaning. It starts however with discussing the issue of representation. How to think about disability experience when one is oneself a ‘temporarily-abled person’? Following a lead by Nancy Eiesland, this question is answered in terms of the task of careful and just listening. This task is then performed with regard to ‘first-person’ accounts of being confronted by disability. These accounts testify the experience of a gap between a ‘before’ and ‘after’ that separates life as it was known but has broken down and a dreaded future life that is as yet unknown. The chapter ends with considering the task of careful and just listening in the context of faith communities.
Non-routine activities and the within-city geography of jobs
Authors: Larsson Johan P
Published: May 2016

Externalities are believed to drive the productivity benefits of cities, and also of dense sub-parts within cities, e.g. the central business district (CBD). Recent research claims that density externalities accrue mostly to non-routine activities, and that their effects, e.g. human capital spillovers, attenuate sharply with distance. Consistent with these claims, I demonstrate strong clustering tendencies in non-routine professions as evidenced by job-switching patterns, specifically switchers’ distances moved between employers. Individual-level geo-coded data for switchers within Sweden’s metropolitan areas are used to illustrate that employees hired to non-routine occupations tend to switch to jobs close to the previous work establishment, while blue collar workers show dispersion. The differences are chiefly explained by (1) non-routine activities concentrate in the CBD (the strongest effect) and local employment centres, (2) non-routine activities cluster also outside of centres, and (3) industry-specific effects. The patterns are consistent with the importance of sharply attenuating non-market interactions (e.g. knowledge spillovers) in the production of non-routine products and services.
Self-exciting effects of house prices on unit prices in Australian capital cities
Authors: Valadkhani Abbas , Smyth Russell
Published: May 2016

This paper examines the long- and short-run relationship between Australian house and unit prices across all capital cities over the period December 1995 to June 2015. We find that house and unit prices are cointegrated and, based on the results of Granger causality and generalised impulse responses, that house prices significantly influence unit prices across all cities. However, bi-directional causality (responses) exists only for major capital cities with the exception of Brisbane. We also, for the first time, apply self-excited threshold models to explore the complex interplay between house and unit prices in Australia. We find that when the market for units is self-excited, or bullish, the positive effects of house prices on unit prices are noticeably larger than otherwise. There is a varying degree of herd mentality in the Australian property market with Sydney and Darwin being the most and least ‘excitable’ capital cities, respectively.
Where are the Boys? Where are the Men? A Case Study from Cambodia
Authors: Miles Glenn Michael
Published: May 2016

This paper examines the vulnerability of boys and young men to trafficking and sexual abuse/exploitation globally as an often-hidden problem. Exploration of the story of Joseph in Genesis and how he was trafficked to Egypt by his brothers and then sexually harassed by Potiphar’s wife will challenge a number of assumptions about vulnerability. The research that has been conducted in Cambodia and the Asia region demonstrates that boys and young men are indeed vulnerable and require our attention. Awareness and response must go beyond stereotypes of what boys should be like to understanding their real context and needs.

The paper will emphasize the importance of the Church and Christian faith-based organizations being driven not by donors or current political correctness, but instead focusing on a biblical mandate to work with the most marginalized. Further research is needed to identify exploited populations better, including diverse persons of age, gender, ethnicity disability/ability or sexuality.

In addition, the paper will describe the importance of encouraging men in the church towards an authentic biblical masculinity where there is transparency and a deep respect for females and sex. It also promotes the idea of a community where boys and men, in and outside the church, can experience prevention and long-term healing. The restoration of men is needed in relation to buying sex, sexual abuse, pornography and other addictions, which drive the demand for exploitation and trafficking. This includes models of genuine father figures in the church and examples of Christian faith-based organizations that are seeking to challenge men to be better husbands, fathers and brothers.
Physiologic Reelin does not play a strong role in protection against acute stroke
Authors: Lane-Donovan Courtney , Desai Charisma , Pohlkamp Theresa , Plautz Erik J , Herz Joachim , Stowe Ann M
Published: May 2016

Stroke and Alzheimer's disease, two diseases that disproportionately affect the aging population, share a subset of pathological findings and risk factors. The primary genetic risk factor after age for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, ApoE4, has also been shown to increase stroke risk and the incidence of post-stroke dementia. One mechanism by which ApoE4 contributes to disease is by inducing in neurons a resistance to Reelin, a neuromodulator that enhances synaptic function. Previous studies in Reelin knockout mice suggest a role for Reelin in protection against stroke; however, these studies were limited by the developmental requirement for Reelin in neuronal migration. To address the question of the effect of Reelin loss on stroke susceptibility in an architecturally normal brain, we utilized a novel mouse with induced genetic reduction of Reelin. We found that after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, mice with complete adult loss of Reelin exhibited a similar level of functional deficit and extent of infarct as control mice. Together, these results suggest that physiological Reelin does not play a strong role in protection against stroke pathology.
Outcomes and Recidivism in Mandated Batterer Intervention Before and After Introducing a Specialized Domestic Violence Court
Authors: Tutty Leslie M. , Babins-Wagner Robbie
Published: May 2016

Both specialized domestic violence (DV) courts and batterer intervention programs were developed to more adequately address intimate partner abuse and recidivism; however, little research has studied them concurrently. The current research examined clinical outcomes and police-reported recidivism in 382 men mandated to attend the Calgary Counselling Centre’s Responsible Choices for Men’s (RCM) groups between 1998 and 2009, before and after a specialized DV court was established in 2001. The study examines associations between categorical demographic and criminal justice variables, most of which were not correlated with post-group recidivism. Before the specialized court was implemented, 45 RCM members reported significantly more clinical issues at pretest than the 282 RCM members after court implementation (all scores adjusted by social desirability), although the effect sizes were negligible. Regarding group outcomes, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem (adjusted for social desirability) significantly improved on average for all RCM members irrespective of court implementation. Before the specialized DV court was developed, recidivism occurred after RCM program completion for a large proportion of men (41.2%), compared with only 8.2% after court implementation, a significant difference with a moderate effect size. The recidivism results are interpreted in the context of the significant justice and community collaborations entailed in creating the specialized DV court.
2016 European guideline on the management of non-gonococcal urethritis
Authors: Horner Patrick J , Blee Karla , Falk Lars , van der Meijden Willem , Moi Harald
Published: May 2016

We present the updated International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) guideline for the management of non-gonococcal urethritis in men. This guideline recommends confirmation of urethritis in symptomatic men before starting treatment. It does not recommend testing asymptomatic men for the presence of urethritis. All men with urethritis should be tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and ideally Mycoplasma genitalium using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) as this is highly likely to improve clinical outcomes. If a NAAT is positive for gonorrhoea, a culture should be performed before treatment. In view of the increasing evidence that azithromycin 1 g may result in the development of antimicrobial resistance in M. genitalium, azithromycin 1 g is no longer recommended as first line therapy, which should be doxycycline 100 mg bd for seven days. If azithromycin is to be prescribed an extended course of 500 mg stat, then 250 mg daily for four days is to be preferred over 1 g stat. In men with persistent NGU, M. genitalium NAAT testing is recommended if not previously undertaken, as is Trichomonas vaginalis NAAT testing in populations where T. vaginalis is detectable in >2% of symptomatic women.
Role Clarity and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: Does Tenure Matter? A Study on Indian Power Sector
Authors: Yadav Mohit , Rangnekar Santosh
Published: May 2016

Links between role and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) were already signalled in early studies. However, empirical validation on the relation between the two is still unavailable. Inspired by the theory of social exchange, this study explores the relation between role clarity and OCB’s dimensions in the Indian power sector. To further the analysis, the relation was moderated with tenure levels. This study is based upon the responses gathered from 300 Indian executives. Higher statistical tools, such as Bonferroni method, path analysis and subgroup analyses, are deployed with help of multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) to record the validated results. A significant relationship was found between role clarity and OCB dimensions. While, OCB dimensions recorded mixed results across tenure stages, they showed a general trend of increased score on higher tenure stage with role clarity as independent variable. Also, public organizations scored better than the private organizations on role clarity–OCB dimensions relationship. Findings along with implications and future scope are discussed in this article.
Guru Ravidass
Authors: Ram Ronki
Published: May 2016

This paper argues that Dalit consciousness emerged in Punjab against the backdrop of the teachings of Guru Ravidass, an untouchable Sant‐poet of the North Indian Bhakti mwement, who unleashed a fronttd attack on the caste‐based system of social exclusion and untouchability practiced for ages in India. What made him distinct from his contemporaries was lzis low caste birth and the unique method of Bhakti that he deployed to contest the oppressive structures of social dominations. In the Brahminical social order, Bhakti is considered to be a privilege of the dvijas (upper castes) only. By choosing Bhakti as a path of social protest, Guru Ravidass did not only challenge the BralaminiCDl tradition of caste-based privilege, but also laid the foundlltion of Dalit consciousness from below, perhaps for the first time in India.
Socio‐Economic and Educational Status of Scheduled Castes
Authors: Rao D. Pulla
Published: May 2016

Caste system in India is not a new phenomenon, the root of which can be found in the traditional socieh;. The Indian Constitution has offered some social, economic and political safeguards to the depressed sections of the society. The object of this paper is to study the socio-economic and educational status of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) in the study area. Around 60 per cent of the sample respondents are illiterates and more percentage of respondents are practicing non-agricultural activities in the study area. More than 40 per cent of the sample households are having total annual income below 15, 000 rupees. More than 84 per cent of the sample households are dwelling in pucca houses which are distributed by the government through VAMBAY housing scheme. The SC population has increased at a faster rate than the overall population. After independence, the government of India and also the state of Andltra Pradesh has taken several steps to improve the status of the SCs. Though some progress was made in this direction, yet much work has to be done to rewove the disparities between SCs and All population, which exist even today on various grounds.
Caste System and the Present Society
Authors: Mandal Samar Kumar
Published: May 2016

Caste is a term which is used to specift; a group of people having a specific social rank. The Indian term for caste is jiiti, and generally designates a group that can van; in size from a handful to many thousands. The various jiitis are traditionally arranged in hierarchical order and fit into one of the Jour basic varnas - Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and SUdras. In order to understand the beginning and growth of the caste system in India, historians and social scientists have propounded certain possibilities in their religious-mystical, biological and socio-historical theories.

Sometimes the caste system is defended on the ground that it is but another name for division of labour. However, according to Ambedkar, practically it is a division of labourers. Ambedkar wants to set up a society where there would be no division of man. His socieh; would be based on Liberty, Equalih; and Fraternity. If we want to establish a just society, we have to abolish the caste system. Social disorder will continue until and unless we break the caste system which is a severe stigma in our society.

Indians appear to have become more flexible in respect to caste based customs. It seems that the caste system has lost its hold among the urban people in India but is still prevalent among the rural people. Yet, inter-caste marriages seldom take place i11 urban areas and most of the cases have other intentions.
Is Dalit Identity a Cause or an Effect of Social Marginalization?
Authors: Jose Justin Pallickal , Sadath Anvar V. , Varghese Vinod Chakkittakudiyil
Published: May 2016

We studied whether Dalit identity is a cause or an effect of social marginalization by examining stigmatization and discrimination of Dalit Christians on account of Dalit social identity. Using multistage sampling procedure, a total of 210 Dalit Christians were recruited and interviewed using standardized measurements. The results revealed that the Dalit Christians perceived high level of personalized stigma, negative selfimage, frequent everyday life and major life event discrimination. The socio-demographic variables significantly correlated with domains of stigma and discrimination. The dimensions ofs tigma and discrimination varied significantly between gender. caste, place of residence, marital status, occupational and educational groups. The sociodemographic variables and discrimination accounted for 66.5% of variance on perceived stigma. Perceived stigma, discrimination and selected socio-demographic variables predicted 52.1% of variance on everyday life discrimination. An empirically guided discussion was initiated on whether discrediting caste identity was a cause or an effect of social marginalization. The study concluded that the deficits in socio-demographic aspects of Dalit Christian life dispose them socially vulnerable.
Rethinking Sa1yagraha in the Context of Environmental Movement in India
Authors: Naik Iswar Chandra
Published: May 2016

“ The people of Kashipur said that, even if we don't have our own land, we have the option of Podu or shifting cultivation. The green forests will give us roots, mangoes, mahua, sal leaves, flowers and seeds, hill brooms and firewood”. Against this backdrop the study seeks to analyze the Rethinking Satyagraha in the context of Environmental movement in India revolving around livelihood and displacement which lead to poverty, starvation and diarrhea deaths in Kashipur block of Rayagada District in Odisha. Peoples ‘protest against the establishment of mining industry in that locality revolves around Jal, Jamin and Jangal (water, land, and forests). All these natural resources are the only source of their livelihood; meanwhile, it also looks at the extent to which people are losing their basic rights on traditional livelihood due to the process of industrialization and development.
Dalit Pregnant Women and Caste Prejudice
Authors: Yadav Archana
Published: May 2016

It has been more than 60 years since independence of India but the fundamental rights envisaged in the Constitution of India have still not fully reached the dalit community. The traditional influential social forces still put hurdles in the path of dalit communities preventing them from enjoying their fundamental rights. Incidences of discrimination, untouchability and atrocities on dalits still remain in many ways which violate their right to life. This situation of the dalit communities has often been reflected in the public services accessed by them. It is clear that public services in the villages like anganwadi, hospitals and schools contribute significantly to the development of people. But it is found that Dalitwomenface caste based discrimination during their pregnancy and the public service‐ Janani Surakhsa Yojana meant for them cannot be accessed by them easily and effectively. Through this study an attempt has been made to know and understand up to what extent dalit community women have access to the health care services for pre‐pregnancy, during delivery and postpartum care and whether there are some impediments that are coming in their way.
From Pods to Poundra
Authors: Barman Rup Kumar
Published: May 2016

Caste has been an inseparable part of Indian society since the beginning of settled human civilization. Like other parts of India, certain caste communities of Bengal were assigned lower social status in the caste hierarchy. They were categorized in the colonial administrative records of the nineteenth and early twentieth century as ‘Hinduised Castes’, ‘Semi Hinduised Tribe’, ‘Depressed Castes’ and as ‘Depressed Class’. They began to be classified as Scheduled Castes with the adoption of the Government of India (Scheduled Castes) Order (1936). These communities had to face a lot of social injustice. In terms of their possession over capital goods, they were poor. So they could not develop their skills other than their traditional occupation(s). Lack of education and social restrictions made them an ‘oppressed social category’ who can be categorized as ‘Dalits’. In such a caste oriented social context of colonial India, certain lower caste communities of Bengal like Bhuinmalis, Chashi Kaibartyas, Chandals, Dhobas, Gopas, Malos, Patnis, Poundras, Rajbanshis, Sutradhars, etc., had developed a sense of self‐respect by announcing a ‘self identity’. Simultaneously, they adopted certain rituals from the caste Hindus to legitimize their demand. At the same time they placed their appeal to the colonial G9vernment for recognition of a respectable caste identity. They also initiated social reforms including the spread of education in their own society for materializing the dreams of achieving respectable caste status. In such a context of colonial society of Bengal, in this article I shall highlight the social movement of the Pods of Bengal who demanded Poundra (Kshatriya) identity for achieving respect and social justice what was granted by the Government of Independent India in 1956. The process ofd evelopment ofc aste consciousness among the Poundras, influence ofc olonial policy and the outcomes of the Poundras Kshatriya movement are also analyzed in this paper with a perspective of Dalit history.
Jawaharlal Nehru, Neo‐Liberalism and Social Democracy
Authors: Ram Ronki
Published: May 2016

Mixed economy and social democracy constituted the central philosophy of developmental state in India. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, wanted to combine the desired economic growth of the newly liberated country with the overdue overhauling of its society. The sole purpose of combining economic growth with social transformation, perhaps, was to build social democracy within. For such an ambitious project to realize, Nehru followed the middle path between the two most popular and contending modes of the then economic growth: capitalism and socialism. In order to truly follow the middle path within, he also preferred to tread the way of Non‐alignment in relation to the foreign policy of1ndia. The mixed economy model remained central to the policy of economic growth till 1991, though some deviations started surfacing stealthily from a decade before. How the neo-liberal market economy model engages with the Nehruvian objective⁄legacy of combining economic growth with social empowerment and in what ways it distinguishes itself from its predecessor is the central concern of this paper. Whether the project of social democracy is still relevant in India is another equally important concern of the paper.
Toward a Typology of Implementation Challenges Facing English-Medium Instruction in Higher Education
Authors: Bradford Annette
Published: May 2016

Higher education is becoming increasingly internationalized, and the use of English as a medium of instruction for academic content has become commonplace in countries where English is not the native language. However, concerns are growing that the trend toward English-medium instruction (EMI) has accelerated without sufficient thought to the challenges of the implementation processes. This article discusses the challenges facing higher education institutions adopting EMI and proposes a typology for understanding them. Drawing on previously unpublished data from a study of universities in Japan, a context in which EMI is rapidly expanding, the article reconceptualizes prior understandings and identifies four categories of challenges: linguistic, cultural, administrative and managerial, and institutional. The categories are dynamic and context dependent, with institutional challenges playing a particularly prominent role in Japan. The proposed typology is offered as a conceptual framework for policy makers and program implementers designing effective implementation strategies for EMI.
Acute laryngeal dystonia: a persisting psychiatric emergency
Authors: May Robert , Al-Taie Ali , Garg Vikas
Published: May 2016

Objective:

Acute laryngeal dystonia is one of the most life-threatening medication side effects in psychiatry. It is rare and predominately caused by the use of antipsychotics in at-risk individuals. Within days of a patient’s initial presentation, several antipsychotics can be administered for the purposes of acute sedation and ongoing pharmacotherapy. In this case report, we describe a 27-year-old at-risk male, who developed acute laryngeal dystonia in the context of antipsychotic polypharmacy.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should take into account recent sedation and ongoing antipsychotic use in patients at risk of developing acute laryngeal dystonia. Awareness of this condition and prompt treatment with parenteral anticholinergic medication can be lifesaving.
Chaotic dynamics for a class of single-machine-infinite bus power system
Authors: Zhou Liangqiang , Chen Fangqi
Published: May 2016

The chaotic motions are investigated both analytically and numerically for a class of single-machine-infinite bus power systems. The mechanism and parametric conditions for chaotic motions of this system are obtained rigorously. The critical curves separating the chaotic and non-chaotic regions are presented. The chaotic feature of the system parameters is discussed in detail. It is shown that there exist chaotic bands for this system, and the bands vary with the system parameters. Some new dynamical phenomena are presented. Numerical results are given, which verify the analytical ones.
KDamping: A stiffness based vibration absorption concept
Authors: Antoniadis Ioannis A , Kanarachos Stratis A , Gryllias Konstantinos , Sapountzakis Ioannis E
Published: May 2016

The KDamper is a novel passive vibration isolation and damping concept, based essentially on the optimal combination of appropriate stiffness elements, which include a negative stiffness element. The KDamper concept does not require any reduction in the overall structural stiffness, thus overcoming the corresponding inherent disadvantage of the “Quazi Zero Stiffness” (QZS) isolators, which require a drastic reduction of the structure load bearing capacity. Compared to the traditional Tuned Mass damper (TMD), the KDamper can achieve better isolation characteristics, without the need of additional heavy masses, as in the case of the T Tuned Mass damper. Contrary to the TMD and its variants, the KDamper substitutes the necessary high inertial forces of the added mass by the stiffness force of the negative stiffness element. Among others, this can provide comparative advantages in the very low frequency range.

The paper proceeds to a systematic analytical approach for the optimal design and selection of the parameters of the KDamper, following exactly the classical approach used for the design of the Tuned Mass damper. It is thus theoretically proven that the KDamper can inherently offer far better isolation and damping properties than the Tuned Mass damper. Moreover, since the isolation and damping properties of the KDamper essentially result from the stiffness elements of the system, further technological advantages can emerge, in terms of weight, complexity and reliability.

A simple vertical vibration isolation example is provided, implemented by a set of optimally combined conventional linear springs. The system is designed so that the system presents an adequate static load bearing capacity, whereas the Transfer Function of the system is below unity in the entire frequency range. Further insight is provided to the physical behavior of the system, indicating a proper phase difference between the positive and the negative stiffness elastic forces. This fact ensures that an adequate level of elastic forces exists throughout the entire frequency range, able to counteract the inertial and the external excitation forces, whereas the damping forces and the inertia forces of the additional mass remain minimal in the entire frequency range, including the natural frequencies.

It should be mentioned that the approach presented does not simply refer to discrete vibration absorption device, but it consists a general vibration absorption concept, applicable also for the design of advanced materials or complex structures. Such a concept thus presents the potential for numerous implementations in a large variety of technological applications, whereas further potential may emerge in a multi-physics environment.
Discharge Planning and Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Henke Rachel Mosher , Karaca Zeynal , Jackson Paige , Marder William D. , Wong Herbert S.
Published: May 2016

This study examines the association between the quality of hospital discharge planning and all-cause 30-day readmissions and same-hospital readmissions. The sample included adults aged 18 years and older hospitalized in 16 states in 2010 or 2011 for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia, or total hip or joint arthroplasty. Data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems measured discharge-planning quality at the hospital level. A generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the contribution of patient and hospital characteristics to 30-day all-cause and same-hospital readmissions. Discharge-planning quality was associated with (a) lower rates of 30-day hospital readmissions and (b) higher rates of same-hospital readmissions for heart failure, pneumonia, and total hip or joint replacement. These results suggest that by improving inpatient discharge planning, hospitals may be able to influence their 30-day readmissions and increase the likelihood that readmissions will be to the same hospital.
A Boom for Whom? Exploring the Impacts of a Rapid Increase in the Male Population Upon Women’s Services in Darwin, Northern Territory
Authors: Ennis Gretchen , Tofa Matalena , Finlayson Mary , U’Ren Julie
Published: May 2016

A rapidly expanding natural-resource extraction industry and a growing military presence mean an increasingly male-skewed population for the city of Darwin, Australia. This has sparked concerns about the potential for increased violence against women. In this article, we present qualitative research detailing the views of 13 participants from 10 women’s support services in the Darwin area. We argue that women’s support services bear witness to and are tasked with responding to the impacts of population change on women, yet their work is undermined by uncertainties that stem from neoliberal funding rationales and limited demands on companies to address social issues.
Through the eyes of the Informationist: Identifying information needs of the Breast Imaging Service at a tertiary medical center specializing in cancer
Authors: DeRosa Antonio P , Gibson Donna S , Morris Elizabeth A
Published: May 2016

The information services offered by Embedded Librarians over the years have led to the more modern—and domain knowledge-specific—role of the Informationist. A 10-point questionnaire was developed and used to interview 12 attending physicians and three fellows chosen at random. The participants are either on the research track (n = 3) or the clinical track (n = 9). A two-part schematic was also created to capture more detailed feedback about the information needs and information-seeking behavior of clinicians regarding patient care (clinical) and research activities. Bibliographic management tool use and time-related factors were also captured in the interviews and written schematics. The role of the Informationist is an emerging, yet valuable one to assigned clinical groups. Clinician’s knowledge-base, current awareness, productivity, and evidence-based care can be improved by use of Informationist services.
The business of stadia: Maximizing the use of Spanish Football venues
Authors: Ginesta Xavier
Published: May 2016

In 2014, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid presented a project for the remodelling of their stadia. The new stadia of both clubs will be, not only a place to attend live sports events, but also somewhere fans will be able to consume both football brands permanently, every moment of the day. Currently, stadia have become commodities themselves. At a time when TV rights in Spain were thrown into crisis, sports organizations understand that sports venues allow them to create other significant income sources that could help them to increase their season’s turnover. Hospitality and events packages, for example, are part of this leisure product that professional football clubs offer in their venues. The aim of this article is to analyse how Spanish professional football clubs attempt to maximize the use of their stadiums, and how these venues are also part of a wider city branding strategy for the host cities. Data for this qualitative research are taken from the Spanish football clubs that have UEFA Category 4 stadia: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Atletic Club de Bilbao, Málaga CF, Real Sociedad, RCD Espanyol and València CF.
Original Research: Analysis of hepatic microRNA alterations in response to hepatitis B virus infection and pegylated interferon alpha-2a treatment
Authors: Jinato Thananya , Chuaypen Natthaya , Poomipak Witthaya , Praianantathavorn Kesmanee , Makkoch Jarika , Kiatbumrung Rattanaporn , Jampoka Kanisa , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Payungporn Sunchai
Published: May 2016

Interferons play important roles in defense mechanisms against viral infection, and thus interferon therapy has been a standard treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients. Interferons signaling pathways promote interferon-inducible genes including microRNAs. In this research, we aimed to determine microRNAs expression profiles in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro model, Huh7 cells were transfected with or without hepatitis B virus plasmid for 6 h, and then treated with 100 ng of pegylated-interferon alpha-2a for 24 h. In vivo, we defined microRNAs expression profiles in pair-liver tissues of chronic hepatitis B patients in comparison between before and after treatment of pegylated-interferon alpha-2a for 48 weeks. Cellular small RNAs were extracted followed by library preparation. To determine microRNAs expression profiles, the next-generation sequencing was carried out on MiSeq platform (Illumina®). In vitro analysis demonstrated that microRNAs can be classified into up-regulated and down-regulated microRNAs in response to hepatitis B virus, interferon, and combination of hepatitis B virus and interferon. Moreover, in vivo analysis revealed microRNAs profiles in non-responders, responders without hepatitis B surface antigen clearance, and responders with hepatitis B surface antigen clearance. The target genes of the candidate microRNAs were determined in terms of roles in cellular pathways and immune response, which might be related to treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients. Results revealed that two down-regulated microRNAs including miR-185-5p and miR-186-5p were correlated in both in vitro and in vivo studies. These two microRNAs might be represented as specific hepatic microRNAs responding to hepatitis B virus and pegylated-interferon alpha-2a treatment, which may remarkable and attractive for further study involving in the association of their target genes and prediction of pegylated-interferon alpha-2a response. Interestingly, microRNAs expression patterns might be useful for understanding the response mechanism and serve as biomarkers for prediction of pegylated-interferon alpha-2a treatment response in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Glycomaterials for probing host–pathogen interactions and the immune response
Authors: Huang Mia L , Fisher Christopher J , Godula Kamil
Published: May 2016

The initial engagement of host cells by pathogens is often mediated by glycan structures presented on the cell surface. Various components of the glycocalyx can be targeted by pathogens for adhesion to facilitate infection. Glycans also play integral roles in the modulation of the host immune response to infection. Therefore, understanding the parameters that define glycan interactions with both pathogens and the various components of the host immune system can aid in the development of strategies to prevent, interrupt, or manage infection. Glycomaterials provide a unique and powerful tool with which to interrogate the compositional and functional complexity of the glycocalyx. The objective of this review is to highlight some key contributions from this area of research in deciphering the mechanisms of pathogenesis and the associated host response.
Naturally derived biomaterials for addressing inflammation in tissue regeneration
Authors: Hortensius Rebecca A , Harley Brendan AC
Published: May 2016

Tissue regeneration strategies have traditionally relied on designing biomaterials that closely mimic features of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) as a means to potentially promote site-specific cellular behaviors. However, inflammation, while a necessary component of wound healing, can alter processes associated with successful tissue regeneration following an initial injury. These processes can be further magnified by the implantation of a biomaterial within the wound site. In addition to designing biomaterials to satisfy biocompatibility concerns as well as to replicate elements of the composition, structure, and mechanics of native tissue, we propose that ECM analogs should also include features that modulate the inflammatory response. Indeed, strategies that enhance, reduce, or even change the temporal phenotype of inflammatory processes have unique potential as future pro-regenerative analogs. Here, we review derivatives of three natural materials with intrinsic anti-inflammatory properties and discuss their potential to address the challenges of inflammation in tissue engineering and chronic wounds.
Review on the friction and wear of brake materials
Authors: Xiao Xingming , Yin Yan , Bao Jiusheng , Lu Lijian , Feng Xuejun
Published: May 2016

The friction brake works as an indispensable guarantee for regular work and safety operation of vehicles and industrial equipments. Friction and wear behaviors of brake’s friction materials are considered as an important subject. In this article, friction materials were classified by matrix categories, and their major components were introduced first. Then, the advantages and disadvantages of each friction material were summarized and analyzed. Furthermore, the micro-contacting behaviors on friction interface and the formation mechanism of various friction films were discussed. Finally, the influential rules and mechanism of braking conditions (temperature, pressure, and velocity) on the friction and wear behaviors of friction materials were summarized. It is concluded that the friction film, an intermediate product in braking, is greatly beneficial to protect friction materials from being seriously abraded. The braking conditions have complicated influences on friction and wear behaviors of brake. Generally, the friction coefficient tends to be fairly low while the wear rate increases rapidly under a condition with high temperature, braking pressure, or initial braking speed.
Overexpression of GRK6 attenuates neuropathic pain via suppression of CXCR2 in rat dorsal root ganglion
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Li Rong-Ji , Li Meng , Liu Xuelian , Zhu Hong-Yan , Ju Zhong , Miao Xiuhua , Xu Guang-Yin
Published: May 2016

G protein-coupled kinase (GRK) 6 is a member of the GRK family that mediates agonist-induced desensitization and signaling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), thus involving in a wide variety of processes including inflammation and nociception. Recent studies have indicated that chemokines play an important role in chronic pain via increased expression of respective GPCRs. This study was designed to investigate the role of GRK6 and its interaction with substrate chemokine receptors in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI). Following induction of CCI, GRK6 expression was significantly downregulated in rat DRGs at L4-L6 segments. Overexpression of GRK6 using lentiviral-mediated production strategy via sciatic nerve injection markedly attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in CCI rats. Overexpression of GRK6 also drastically reversed the hyperexcitability of DRG neurons innervating the hind paw and suppressed the enhanced expression of CXCR2 in DRGs of CCI rats. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and correlation analysis supported the interaction between GRK6 and CXCR2. These results suggest that GRK6 might be a key molecular involved in peripheral mechanism of neuropathic pain and that overexpression of GRK6 might be a potential strategy for treatment for neuropathic pain through inhibition of CXCR2 signal pathway.