bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Paramagnetic Metal Ions on 1H Diffusion in Trihexyltetradecylphosphonium Benzoate Ionic Liquid
Authors: Dorai Arunkumar , Panigrahi Mrutyunjay , Kozak Dmytro , Grabda Mariusz , Shibata Etsuro , Nakamura Takashi , Kawamura Junichi
Published: September 2016

We have studied the effect of paramagnetic metal ion(neodymium) on the translational motion (diffusion) ofTrihexyltetradecylphosphonium benzoate ionic liquid using pulsedfield gradient NMR. 1D proton NMR results show that the cationand anion are both affected by the presence of neodymium ion.The paramagnetic lanthanide ion induces a downfield shift in the 1D NMR spectra. The 1H diffusion coefficients of the anion andcation are different and increase with temperature at lowconcentrations of neodymium. At higher neodymiumconcentrations, on the other hand the diffusion coefficients for ofthe cations and anions show the same value, which suggests theformation of aggregates around neodymium.
The Choice of Substrate Material and Electrodeposition of High Purity Niobium Coatings
Authors: Dubrovskiy Anton R. , Okunev Maxim A. , Makarova Olga V. , Kuznetsov Sergey A.
Published: September 2016

The interaction of different materials with the niobium containing melt was investigated. As substrate materials the ceramics, beryllium and carbopyroceram were chosen. Several spherical ceramic and beryllium samples were coated with protective molybdenum film by magnetron sputtering. After the experiment (exposition time 10 min) the exfoliation of molybdenum film from ceramic samples was observed due to interaction of the substrate with the melt. The beryllium samples regardless of the shape and the presence of the protective films were dissolved in the niobium containing melt due to more negative electrode potential comparing with niobium one. The carbopyroceram samples were exposed in the melt during 3 and 12 hours. It was found that the carbopyroceram it not corrodes in the niobium containing melt. The optimal regimes for electrodeposition of smooth uniform niobium coatings with the thickness up to 50 µm on carbopyroceram spheres were found.
Electrodeposition of Platinum in Some Amide-Type Ionic Liquids Containing Bis(acetylacetonato)Platinum(II)
Authors: Sultana Sharmin , Tachikawa Naoki , Yoshii Kazuki , Magagnin Luca , Katayama Yasushi
Published: September 2016

Electrodeposition of platinum (Pt) from bis(acetylacetonato)platinum(II) (Pt(acac)2) has been investigated in bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (TFSA–) ionic liquids composed of 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium (BMP+), 1-hexyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium (HMP+) and 1-decyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium (DMP+). Pt(acac)2 was found to be electrochemically reduced to Pt(0) in each ionic liquid. Reduction of Pt(acac)2 was suggested to involve formation and disproportionation of some intermediate species of Pt by cyclic voltammetry. Potentiostatic cathodic reduction at –1.7 V resulted in formation of metallic Pt and Pt nanoparticles dispersed in the ionic liquids. The average sizes (in diameter) of the Pt nanoparticles were found to be 2.6 ± 0.7, 4.1 ± 1.2 and 4.3 ± 0.7 nm in BMPTFSA, HMPTFSA and DMPTFSA, respectively. The average particle sizes of the Pt nanoparticles tend to increase with an increase in the alkyl chain length of the cations of the ionic liquids.
Electrodeposition of ZnNi Alloys from Ethylene Glycol/Choline Chloride Based Ionic Liquid
Authors: Panzeri Gabriele , Tresoldi Matteo , Nobili Luca , Magagnin Luca
Published: September 2016

Zinc alloys containing transition metals (Ni, Co and Fe) have attracted the attention because of their high corrosion resistance. In the framework of non-aqueous solution, improved deposit quality and process efficiency are expected with respect to aqueous ones. In this work, eutectic mixture of molar ratio 1 choline chloride: 4.5 ethylene glycol is considered. Codeposition of zinc and nickel is studied as a function of the metal salts concentration; particular attention is paid to the formation of Zn rich alloys (15-25 % wt. Ni).
Towards Better Understanding of Molecular Solvent Behavior in Ionic Liquid-Biopolymer Mixtures
Authors: Fox Eric T , Fahey Patrick J , Gobet Mallory , Munoz Stephen , Head Audrey C. , Greenbaum Steven , De Long Hugh C , Trulove Paul C
Published: September 2016

The physical and transport properties (density, viscosity, ionic conductivity, and ion diffusion coefficients) are reported for solutions containing 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIAc) and cellulose, either with no molecular solvent, with water, or with acetonitrile (AN). Ionicity values, or the fraction of ions present in the ionic liquid (IL) that are “free” were calculated for each solution. The addition of molecular solvents to IL-cellulose solutions significantly changes the association behavior of the ions, with the presence of acetonitrile increasing aggregation while water decreases aggregation. Adding cellulose to all solutions results in more ideal behavior from the IL, with the increase in ideality being a function of the type of solvent present. The observed behavior suggests that water and AN have fundamentally different interactions with EMIAc and these differences in interaction may explain the varying cellulose solvation behavior of solutions containing these solvents.
Fluorometric Bio-Sniffer (Gas Phase Biosensor) for Breath Acetone as a Volatile Product of Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Chien Po-Jen , Ye Ming , Suzuki Takuma , Toma Koji , Arakawa Takahiro , Mitsubayashi Kohji
Published: September 2016

A highly sensitive acetone bio-sniffer (biochemical gas sensor) for assessment of lipid metabolism utilizing reverse reaction of secondary alcohol dehydrogenase was fabricated and demonstrated. This bio-sniffer consisted of a NADH fluorescence detection system, a flow-cell section, and an enzyme-immobilized membrane. This bio-sniffer presented rapid response, highly sensitivity and selectivity. The analyses of breath acetone concentrations during fasting and aerobic exercise were also demonstrated. The results showed that the breath acetone concentration would increase during long-time fasting and aerobic exercise. This acetone bio-sniffer provides a new kind of analytical tool for non-invasive evaluation of human lipid metabolism and it is also expected to use for the clinical applications such as monitoring the progression of diabetes.
Mobile Water Kit 2.0: A Field Deployable Solution for E. coli Detection in Potable Water
Authors: Gunda Naga Siva , Chavali Ravi , Mitra Sushanta
Published: September 2016

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an indicator organism, the presence of which in potable water suggests that the water source has been compromised. We have developed a simple, easy to use, low-cost and extremely efficient test method known as the Mobile Water Kit (MWK) (MWK 2.0), which has greatly simplified the process of E. coli detection in the field. The MWK 2.0 would allow sample concentration and detection in one single step. With MWK 2.0, we were able to detect E. coli concentrations of 4x106 CFU/mL to 4x105 CFU/mL within 5 min and 4x104 CFU/mL to 400 CFU/mL within 1 hour, which is indeed a break-through compared to any available commercial product available in the market.
Oh, the places you'll go! My many colored serotonin (apologies to Dr. Seuss)
Authors: Watts Stephanie W.
Published: September 2016

Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] has a truly fascinating history in the cardiovascular world. Discovered in the blood, 5-HT has long been appropriately regarded as a vasoconstrictor. A multitude of in vitro studies of isolated vessels support that addition of 5-HT causes vascular contraction. In only a few cases was 5-HT a vasodilator. Moreover, the potency and threshold of 5-HT causing contraction is increased in arteries from hypertensive vs. normotensive subjects, both animal and human. As such, we and others have hypothesized that 5-HT would contribute to hypertension by elevating arterial tone. In stark contrast to these decades of findings, we observed that a chronic infusion of 5-HT into conscious rats caused a reduction in blood pressure and nearly normalized blood pressure of experimentally hypertensive rats. Going back to the early work of Irvine Page, one of the scientists who discovered 5-HT, reveals an early recognized but never understood ability of 5-HT to reduce systemic blood pressure. Our laboratory, in collaboration with colleagues around the world, has dedicated itself to understanding the mechanisms of 5-HT-induced reduction in blood pressure. This manuscript takes you through a brief history of the discovery of 5-HT, in vitro serotonergic pharmacology of blood vessels, in vivo work with 5-HT and our studies that suggests the venous vasculature, potentially in combination with small arterioles, may be important to the actions of 5-HT in reducing blood pressure. 5-HT has certainly ended up in a place I never expected it to go.
Radiological Image Traits Predictive of Cancer Status in Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Liu Ying , Balagurunathan Yoganand , Atwater Thomas , Antic Sanja , Li Qian , Walker Ronald C. , Smith Gary T. , Massion Pierre P. , Schabath Matthew B. , Gillies Robert J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose: We propose a systematic methodology to quantify incidentally identified pulmonary nodules based on observed radiological traits (semantics) quantified on a point scale and a machine-learning method using these data to predict cancer status.

Experimental Design: We investigated 172 patients who had low-dose CT images, with 102 and 70 patients grouped into training and validation cohorts, respectively. On the images, 24 radiological traits were systematically scored and a linear classifier was built to relate the traits to malignant status. The model was formed both with and without size descriptors to remove bias due to nodule size. The multivariate pairs formed on the training set were tested on an independent validation data set to evaluate their performance.

Results: The best 4-feature set that included a size measurement (set 1), was short axis, contour, concavity, and texture, which had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.88 (accuracy = 81%, sensitivity = 76.2%, specificity = 91.7%). If size measures were excluded, the four best features (set 2) were location, fissure attachment, lobulation, and spiculation, which had an AUROC of 0.83 (accuracy = 73.2%, sensitivity = 73.8%, specificity = 81.7%) in predicting malignancy in primary nodules. The validation test AUROC was 0.8 (accuracy = 74.3%, sensitivity = 66.7%, specificity = 75.6%) and 0.74 (accuracy = 71.4%, sensitivity = 61.9%, specificity = 75.5%) for sets 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusions: Radiological image traits are useful in predicting malignancy in lung nodules. These semantic traits can be used in combination with size-based measures to enhance prediction accuracy and reduce false-positives. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1442–9. ©2016 AACR.
Ventricular‐Arterial Function and Coupling in the Adult Fontan Circulation
Authors: Saiki Hirofumi , Eidem Benjamin W. , Ohtani Tomohito , Grogan Martha A. , Redfield Margaret M.
Published: September 2016

Background

In adult Fontan patients, ventricular or arterial dysfunction may impact homeostasis of the Fontan circulation and predispose to heart failure. We sought to characterize ventricular‐arterial (
VA
) properties in adult Fontan patients.

Methods and Results

Adult Fontan patients (n=170), including those with right (
SRV
, n=57) and left (
SLV
, n=113) dominant ventricular morphology, were compared to age, sex, and body size matched controls (n=170). Arterial function, load‐insensitive measures of contractility,
VA
coupling, diastolic function, and ventricular efficiency were assessed. Compared to controls, Fontan patients had similar arterial (Ea), but lower end‐systolic ventricular (Ees), elastance, preload recruitable stroke work and peak power index, impaired
VA
coupling, eccentric remodeling, reduced ventricular efficiency and increased diastolic stiffness (
P
<0.05 for all). Ventricular efficiency declined steeply with higher heart rate in Fontan, but not control, patients. Among Fontan patients (n=123) and controls (n=162) with preserved cardiac index (
CI
; ≥2.5 L/min per m
2
), Fontan patients had worse contractility than controls, but
CI
was preserved owing to relative tachycardia, lower afterload, and eccentric remodeling. However, 25% of Fontan patients had reduced
CI
and were distinguished from those with preserved
CI
by less‐eccentric remodeling and worse diastolic function, rather than more‐impaired contractility.

Conclusions

Adult Fontan patients have contractile and diastolic dysfunction with normal afterload, impaired
VA
coupling, and reduced ventricular efficiency with heightened sensitivity to heart rate. Maintenance of
CI
is dependent on lower afterload, eccentric remodeling, and relative preservation of diastolic function. These data contribute to our understanding of circulatory physiology in adult Fontan patients.
Beyond a state-centric approach to urban informality: Interactions between Delhi’s middle class and the informal service sector
Authors: Schindler Seth
Published: September 2016

This article presents original research on relations between middle-class residents and informal-sector workers in Delhi, India. It shows how middle-class associations used their consumption preferences as well as relationships with local authorities to legitimize the work of street hawkers and waste workers. These findings suggest that the toleration of informality can be traced to governance regimes comprised of both state and non-state powerbrokers.
Beyond Trade
Authors: Milewicz Karolina , Hollway James , Peacock Claire , Snidal Duncan
Published: September 2016

Increased complexity and density of transnational problems create unprecedented challenges and opportunities for contemporary international governance. “Issue linkage” is one institutional arrangement through which states address these changing circumstances. In this article, we examine the widening scope of the nontrade agenda in preferential trade agreements (PTAs). Nontrade issues (NTIs) such as human rights, democracy, environment, corruption, and labor standards are increasingly linked to PTAs. This issue linkage has important implications for understanding changing patterns of international trade, including the shift to PTAs and the rise of NTIs. We show that (1) states’ choices to commit to bilateral or plurilateral versions of traditional PTAs and to PTAs with NTIs are highly interdependent, (2) states increasingly incorporate NTIs into PTAs, as the associated costs of policy change are lowered through earlier agreements, and (3) network pressures favor the increasing adoption of bilateral and especially plurilateral NTIs over time. Using an original data set on NTIs covering 522 PTAs and spanning the period 1951 to 2009, we evaluate states’ motives behind the widening nontrade agenda of trade agreements using longitudinal network modeling. We employ multiplex coevolution stochastic actor-oriented network models in a novel design to account for interdependencies within and across states’ decisions. Following a descriptive mapping of major NTIs, we evaluate our theoretical arguments. Testing against the alternative explanations of power and commitment, we find that endogenous cost considerations are the most significant factor explaining the inclusion of NTIs into PTAs.
Roles of Chondrocytes in Endochondral Bone Formation and Fracture Repair
Authors: Hinton R.J. , Jing Y. , Jing J. , Feng J.Q.
Published: September 2016

The formation of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) and its subchondral bone is an important but understudied topic in dental research. The current concept regarding endochondral bone formation postulates that most hypertrophic chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death prior to bone formation. Under this paradigm, the MCC and its underlying bone are thought to result from 2 closely linked but separate processes: chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. However, recent investigations using cell lineage tracing techniques have demonstrated that many, perhaps the majority, of bone cells are derived via direct transformation from chondrocytes. In this review, the authors will briefly discuss the history of this idea and describe recent studies that clearly demonstrate that the direct transformation of chondrocytes into bone cells is common in both long bone and mandibular condyle development and during bone fracture repair. The authors will also provide new evidence of a distinct difference in ossification orientation in the condylar ramus (1 ossification center) versus long bone ossification formation (2 ossification centers). Based on our recent findings and those of other laboratories, we propose a new model that contrasts the mode of bone formation in much of the mandibular ramus (chondrocyte-derived) with intramembranous bone formation of the mandibular body (non-chondrocyte-derived).
Assessment of energy and environmental performances of a bioclimatic dwelling in Algeria's North
Authors: Belkacem N , Loukarfi L , Missoum M , Naji H , Khelil A , Braikia M
Published: September 2016

Bioclimatic architecture strategies and solar active systems contribute strongly to the reduction of building energy demand and achieving thermal comfort for its occupants over the whole year. This paper deals with the study of the energy performance improvement of a pilot bioclimatic house located in Algiers (Algeria). First, a series of experimental measures are conducted during cold period to show the effect of passive and active solar gains on the improvement of the indoor air temperature of the house. Then, a dynamic model of a solar heating system coupled with a bioclimatic house has been developed using TRNSYS software and validated with experimental data. The validated model has been used to establish the energy balance of the pilot bioclimatic house without solar heating system and to compare them to those of a conventional house. Finally, the improvement of the energy balance of the pilot bioclimatic house has been done by passive and active ways. The passive one includes the increase of south facing windows size and the use of night cooling with the use of shading device in summer. The active one consists of the integration of a solar heating system. Furthermore, an environmental study has been performed. The experimental results show that the energy requirements of a pilot bioclimatic house are very low which is suitable for the use of solar heating system in building. The simulation results show that the application of bioclimatic strategies is a better way to provide thermal comfort in summer and decrease the space heating energy demand of the house with 48.70%. The active solar system will cover 67.74% of the energy demand for heating of the house. These energy savings generate a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Practical application: This work will enable engineers and designers of modern buildings of buildings in a Mediterranean climate to improve building energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by a conjunction of different passive heating and cooling techniques such as insulation, thermal mass, window shades, night ventilation, and the solar heating system. The paper provides designers an effective strategy in terms of energy savings and indoor thermal comfort while reducing CO2 emissions.
Implicit and explicit communal coping in couples with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Helgeson Vicki S. , Jakubiak Brett , Seltman Howard , Hausmann Leslie , Korytkowski Mary
Published: September 2016

When an individual in a close relationship is diagnosed with a chronic illness, coping can be the responsibility of the patient or couple members can cope communally. Communal coping reflects a shared appraisal of a stressor (our problem instead of my problem) and collaborative efforts to address the stressor. The current study examined whether patients’ and partners’ communal coping levels were associated with relational and health functioning among 70 couples in which one member was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We assessed explicit communal coping with self-reported “inclusion of the other in the self” in regard to diabetes management and implicit communal coping with first-person plural pronoun usage during a diabetes discussion. We also assessed patient reports of support received from partners, patient and partner psychological distress, and patient self-care behavior. Results showed that patient explicit communal coping was related to better patient relationship quality and greater support receipt from partners. Patient and partner explicit communal coping also were related to reduced partner distress but not patient distress. Instead, partner implicit communal coping was related to reduced patient distress. Most noteworthy, partner implicit communal coping was related to better patient self-care behavior. These results suggest that communal coping may be beneficial for both relationships and health but that the effects of explicit measures differ from those of implicit measures. Patients might benefit especially from partner communal coping efforts that are less obvious.
Indoor landmark-based path-finding utilising the expanded connectivity of an endpoint partition
Authors: Viaene Pepijn , De Wulf Alain , De Maeyer Philippe
Published: September 2016

Landmarks are ideal wayfinding tools to guide a person from A to B as they allow fast reasoning and efficient communication. However, very few path-finding algorithms start from the availability of landmarks to generate a path. In this paper, which focuses on indoor wayfinding, a landmark-based path-finding algorithm is presented in which the endpoint partition is proposed as spatial model of the environment. In this model, the indoor environment is divided into convex sub-shapes, called e-spaces, that are stable with respect to the visual information provided by a person’s surroundings (e.g. walls, landmarks). The algorithm itself implements a breadth-first search on a graph in which mutually visible e-spaces suited for wayfinding are connected. The results of a case study, in which the calculated paths were compared with their corresponding shortest paths, show that the proposed algorithm is a valuable alternative for Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm. It is able to calculate a path with a minimal amount of actions that are linked to landmarks, while the path length increase is comparable to the increase observed when applying other path algorithms that adhere to natural wayfinding behaviour. However, the practicability of the proposed algorithm is highly dependent on the availability of landmarks and on the spatial configuration of the building.
Single focus on breast magnetic resonance imaging: diagnosis based on kinetic pattern and patient age
Authors: Machida Youichi , Shimauchi Akiko , Kuroki Yoshifumi , Tozaki Mitsuhiro , Kato Yoshiaki , Hoshi Kazuei , Fukuma Eisuke
Published: September 2016

Background

Because of its small size, a focus in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) must be evaluated on the basis of characteristics other than morphologic features. Patient-related factors including patient age, in conjunction with lesion-related factors, could be useful for decision-making.

Purpose

To assess the probability of malignant foci based on both lesion- and patient-related factors, and to propose a relevant decision-making method.

Material and Methods

Foci in our breast MRI database dating from April 2006 to June 2013 were retrospectively identified and analyzed. A Fisher’s exact test or a Mann–Whitney U test were performed for univariate analyses, and factors that showed a significant association with outcome in the univariate analyses were subjected to multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. A decision tree was then drawn using the significant predictors confirmed by multivariate analysis.

Results

In total, 184 foci (168 benign, 16 malignant) in 184 patients were analyzed in our study. The presence of a washout pattern and older age were found to be significant predictors of malignancy ( P < 0.0001; odds ratio [OR], 17.8; P = 0.021; OR, 1.1, respectively). The main decisive node on the decision tree was the presence of a washout pattern, followed by whether the patient’s age was >63 years.

Conclusion

An enhancing focus showing a washout pattern, especially in older patients, may warrant immediate biopsy rather than short-interval follow-up.
Ghanaian Immigrants’ Experiences With and Perceptions of U.S. Police
Authors: Pryce Daniel K.
Published: September 2016

Focus groups help researchers obtain rich, experiential data in order to increase our sociological and psychological understanding of human interactions. In this study, I used qualitative data obtained from two focus groups, comprising 13 participants from the Ghanaian community, to understand Ghanaian immigrants’ personal experiences with and perceptions of the police in the United States. The rise in immigration from sub-Saharan Africa means that these immigrants’ views of and experiences with the police will become increasingly important to successful policing in local communities across the United States. The results of this study point to the need for U.S. police to employ procedural justice and distributive justice in their dealings with Ghanaian immigrants. These immigrants also believe that both their skin color and foreign accent pose a disadvantage when dealing with police. By addressing these concerns, the U.S. police would gain the trust and cooperation of the Ghanaian immigrant community. The policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Gender/Genre
Authors: Larson Brian N.
Published: September 2016

Some studies have found characteristics of written texts that vary with author gender, echoing popular beliefs about essential gender differences that are reinforced in popular works of some scholarly authors. This article reports a study examining texts ( N = 193) written in the same genre—a legal memorandum—by women and men with similar training in production of this type of discourse—the first year of U.S. law school—and finds no difference between them on the involved–informational dimension of linguistic register developed by Biber. These findings provide quantitative data opposing essentialist narratives of gender difference in communication. This essay considers relevance theory as a framework for understanding the interaction, exhibited in this and previous studies, of genre knowledge and gendered communicative performances.
A Within-Subjects Analysis of Men’s Alcohol-Involved and Nonalcohol-Involved Sexual Assaults
Authors: Kirwan Mitchell , Parkhill Michele R. , Schuetz Blake A. , Cox Ashley
Published: September 2016

Previous research has determined that alcohol use is frequently associated with sexual aggression perpetration. However, little research has examined the differences between alcohol-involved and nonalcohol-involved assaults among men who are repeat perpetrators of sexual aggression. Eighty men from the community who had self-reported perpetration of two or more sexual assaults, including at least one assault in which the participant was drinking and one assault in which they were sober, were recruited for a within-subjects survey. Data analysis examined the differences between participants’ most recent alcohol-involved assault and their most recent nonalcohol-involved assault. A variety of differences were observed between nonalcohol and alcohol-involved assaults including the participants’ primary appraisals, secondary appraisals, and the degree of force they used to obtain unwanted sex. These results provide further insight into the effect that alcohol has on perpetration of sexual aggression. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.
Political indoctrination in the Chinese military: Towards a post-revolutionary People’s Liberation Army
Authors: Genevaz Juliette
Published: September 2016

This article examines the role played by the political indoctrination of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) during China’s socio-economic reforms of 1987–2007. This period was a time of political transition during which the Chinese Communist Party transformed its ideology from a focus on revolution to a self-proclaimed unrivalled single-party regime. This article looks at how the party conveyed this ideological change to the armed forces. One of the four PLA general headquarters/departments, the PLA General Political Department (中国人民解放军总政治部), was responsible for the indoctrination of servicemen and -women. Examining the work of this agency over the 20 years following its major ideological effort in 1987, this article challenges the dominant literature according to which political indoctrination hinders military professionalization. The crux of this argument is that the General Political Department’s purpose behind indoctrination of the armed forces was not only to assert party control but also to build esprit de corps. Based on a series of previously untapped periodicals published by the General Political Department, this analysis contributes to understanding processes of authoritarian resilience in the contemporary Chinese state.
A numerical train–floating slab track coupling model based on the periodic-Fourier-modal method
Authors: Ma Longxiang , Liu Weining
Published: September 2016

A numerical model based on the periodic-Fourier-modal method is proposed for the dynamic analysis of a train-floating slab track coupling system with random track irregularity. In the model, each vehicle of the train is modeled as a multiple-degree-of-freedom vibration system consisting of one car body, two bogies, four wheelsets, and two groups of spring-damper suspension devices. The floating slab track is modeled as a periodic-infinite structure with discrete supports and discontinuous slabs. Linear springs are used to couple the train and the track. In order to establish this numerical model, an efficient periodic approach named periodic-Fourier-modal method for solving the dynamic response of the floating slab track under a harmonic moving load is first developed. Based on this, a strategy is then proposed which can couple the moving train to the track with random irregularity and express the wheel–rail force as a superposition of a series of harmonic loads. With the solved wheel–rail force, the vehicle response can be directly calculated through vehicle dynamics, while track response can be calculated through the principle of superposition and the reuse of the initially proposed periodic-Fourier-modal method. Using this train–floating slab track coupling model, the solution of the dynamic response of the infinite track can be transformed to perform only within a single periodic range, which can save the calculation time significantly. The numerical results of the Beijing subway, based on the proposed model, are discussed in detail, and some important conclusions are drawn.
How does specialist nursing contribute to HIV service delivery across England?
Authors: Piercy Hilary , Bell Gill , Hughes Charlie , Naylor Simone , Bowman Christine A
Published: September 2016

This study aimed to examine what specialist nursing contributes to HIV service delivery across England and how it could be optimised. A three part multi-method qualitative study was undertaken, involving (1) interviews with 19 stakeholders representing professional or service user groups; (2) interviews with nurse/physician pairs from 21 HIV services; and (3) case studies involving site visits to five services. A framework analysis approach was used to manage and analyse the data. There was substantial variability in specialist nursing roles and the extent of role development. Most hospital-based HIV nurses (13/19) were running nurse-led clinics, primarily for stable patients with almost half (6/13) also managing more complex patients. Role development was supported by non-medical prescribing, a robust governance framework and appropriate workload allocation. The availability and organisation of community HIV nursing provision determined how services supported vulnerable patients to keep them engaged in care. Four service models were identified. The study showed that there is scope for providing a greater proportion of routine care through nurse-led clinics. HIV community nursing can influence health outcomes for vulnerable patients, but provision is variable. With limited financial resources, services may need to decide how to deploy their specialist nurses for best effect.
Library 2.0: The effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool for libraries in educational institutions
Authors: Jones Michael J. , Harvey Morgan
Published: September 2016

In an attempt to market their services and connect with potential users, and particularly young people, many libraries are opening accounts on social media platforms. Research suggests a contradiction between the advice relating to marketing and that regarding the use of social media in libraries, with the former emphasising the importance of the user at the centre of all considerations and the latter placing library staff as central to decisions. In this work we attempt to re-address this imbalance by surveying the current state of library activity on Twitter and, by means of questionnaires, investigate the experiences and motivations of librarians ( n=58) in using social media and whether students ( n=498) are willing to engage with the library in this manner and why. Our findings confirm that libraries in the sector are indeed struggling to foster interest in their social media activities and go some way to understanding why this is so, leading to a number of conclusions and recommendations for practitioners.
Jurisdiction as Sovereignty Over Occupied Palestine
Authors: Panepinto Alice M
Published: September 2016

In the context of prolonged occupation, it has long been argued that the Israeli Supreme Court (ISC), in High Court of Justice (HCJ) formation, is facilitating the entrenchment of a permanent regime of legalized control by moving away from a model of exception to ordinary civilian jurisdiction over the West Bank. This was recently demonstrated in the Khan-al-Ahmar case, in which a group of settlers petitioned the ISC/HCJ demanding the execution of a pending Israeli demolition order over a school in a Bedouin village in Palestine. The court sided with the army, deferring to a political solution for the transfer of the entire Bedouin community elsewhere. Drawing on existing scholarship and the author’s first-hand impressions of the final hearing, this article interprets the Khan-al-Ahmar case as an illustration of how the exceptional military nature of the occupation has shifted to a permanent regime of legalized control overseen by an ordinary civilian court.
A Europe of multiple flows: Contested discursive integration in trans-European transport infrastructure policy-making
Authors: García Mejuto Diego
Published: September 2016

This paper presents an examination of the extent to which discursive integration is accompanying the European integration process, by focusing on the development of trans-European transport infrastructure networks. Because they facilitate movement across nation-state borders, these networks are central to European integration and have in fact constituted a key EU policy issue for more than two decades. Some authors have argued that their development has been driven by a hegemonic discourse that promotes the production of a ‘Europe of Flows’: a single, uniform space underpinned by a vision of ‘frictionless’ mobility through inter-city networks. However, the existence of such a discourse is questionable given the variety of rationales that may potentially influence the development of this type of infrastructure. Their claim is evaluated by means of an in-depth empirical study of the policy process surrounding a high-speed rail line of EU relevance in the Spanish region of the Basque Country. The analysis of the discursive constructions mobilized in this process indicates that the discourse on a ‘Europe of Flows’ is better conceptualized as one of the several storylines associated with different scales through which a wider hegemonic discourse is articulated. Whilst the heterogeneity of this discourse did not fundamentally contradict the development of a trans-European high-speed rail line, it did result in a policy compromise according to the influence the different coalitions were able to exert in the policy process. The analysis largely demonstrates the importance of considering the multi-scalar discursive landscape of policy-making in order to understand trans-European infrastructure development.
Soft procedures for hard impacts
Authors: Perin Emmanuelle , Léonard Evelyne
Published: September 2016

Over the short history of European integration, the European institutions and social partners have set up structures where social dialogue takes place, at cross-industry, sector and company level. When compared to collective bargaining bodies in each national system of industrial relations, it is clear that these European structures do not have the same role. However, they formally hold a capacity to define joint rules that can be implemented in the Member States. To what extent does this capacity lead in practice to regulation of employment relations, or at least to potential for regulation? The article addresses these questions by the means of close examination of the European sectoral social dialogue. It shows that the potential for regulation at this European level not only depends on institutional settings but, rather, that it largely depends on ‘vertical relations’ between the European-level bodies and national social partners.
One-Year Review of the SCREEN (Skin Cancer Post-Transplant) Clinic
Authors: Baldwin Sarah , Au Sheila
Published: September 2016

The Skin Cancer Post-Transplant (SCREEN) Clinic is a skin-cancer screening clinic that is fully integrated into the renal transplantation clinic at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. The purpose of this review was to determine characteristics of patients most at risk for skin cancer, to specify types and locations of skin cancers diagnosed, and to identify areas for patient and physician education. Transplant patients (91% renal; 5% heart) screened by a dermatologist during a 12-month period were stratified into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups based on detailed history and skin examination. In total, 118 skin cancers were diagnosed. White males were found to be most at risk. Squamous cell carcinoma accounted for the majority of tumours, over 25% of which demonstrated invasion. Forty-two percent of patients used only 1 to 2 bottles of sunscreen per year, and sun-protective practices were limited. With this information, we have identified potential target areas for patient and physician education.
Negative interaction between smoking and EBV in the risk of multiple sclerosis: The EnvIMS study
Authors: Bjørnevik Kjetil , Riise Trond , Bostrom Inger , Casetta Ilaria , Cortese Marianna , Granieri Enrico , Holmøy Trygve , Kampman Margitta T , Landtblom Anne-Marie , Magalhaes Sandra , Pugliatti Maura , Wolfson Christina , Myhr Kjell-Morten
Published: September 2016

Background:

Results from previous studies on a possible interaction between smoking and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) are conflicting.

Objectives:

To examine the interaction between smoking and infectious mononucleosis (IM) in the risk of MS.

Methods:

Within the case–control study on Environmental Factors In Multiple Sclerosis (EnvIMS), 1904 MS patients and 3694 population-based frequency-matched healthy controls from Norway, Italy, and Sweden reported on prior exposure to smoking and history of IM. We examined the interaction between the two exposures on the additive and multiplicative scale.

Results:

Smoking and IM were each found to be associated with an increased MS risk in all three countries, and there was a negative multiplicative interaction between the two exposures in each country separately as well as in the pooled analysis ( p = 0.001). Among those who reported IM, there was no increased risk associated with smoking (odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–1.37). The direction of the estimated interactions on the additive scale was consistent with a negative interaction in all three countries (relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI): −0.98, 95% CI: −2.05–0.15, p = 0.09).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate competing antagonism, where the two exposures compete to affect the outcome.
Psychological factors associated with diabetes self-management among adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: A systematic review
Authors: Martinez Kelly , Frazer Sharon F , Dempster Martin , Hamill Andrea , Fleming Hanora , McCorry Noleen K
Published: September 2016

This review aims to synthesise the literature examining the psychosocial variables related to self-management (insulin adherence, non-adherence and administration, blood sugar monitoring, dietary behaviour, exercise behaviour) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. A systematic search of three electronic databases was carried out and, after the application of eligibility criteria, 21 articles were assessed for quality prior to data extraction. Numerous psychological factors were found to be associated with self-management; however, correlations were typically small to moderate. The strongest associations were found between social anxiety and diet (among males); greater intrinsic motivation, conscientiousness and diet; and extraversion and exercise.
The Israelization of British Jewry: Balancing between home and homeland
Authors: Greene Toby , Shain Yossi
Published: September 2016

Israel is increasingly the epicentre of Jewish peoplehood, shaping the lives of diaspora Jews as both an engine driving interconnectedness and a source of division. ‘Israelization’ impacts diaspora Jews differently according to country of domicile. This article examines British Jewry, providing historical context and drawing on interviews to explore the community’s shifting identity and culture. It argues that Britain represents a unique model between America and France. In America, where security is greater, Jewish ethnic ties are loosening, whereas in France, doubts over the Jewish community’s future increase their focus on Israel. While British Jews experience hostility, they feel safer than in France. Flourishing British Jewish culture reflects commitment to multi-ethnic Britain, alongside loyalty to Israel. The dynamics of those loyalties are changing, however, with dissent against Israeli policies increasingly legitimised. We conclude that the Israelization of British Jewry is all encompassing, even while allowing for a thriving diaspora community.
‘This is not America’: Cultural mythscapes, media representation and the anatomy of the Surveillance School in Australia
Authors: Taylor Emmeline
Published: September 2016

Schools have exhibited a demonstrable predilection for surveillance technologies in recent years. While much attention has been paid to the globalized diffusion of surveillance and security practices, in contrast, the ways in which artefacts of surveillance surface and take root unevenly internationally has not received much scholarly attention. Drawing on the media representation of emergent school surveillance technologies in Australia, this article seeks to illuminate how distinctive cultural dynamics interact with acceptability, reverence and rejection of surveillance apparatus in the educational context. Far from revealing homogeneity in the manifestation of surveillance practices, the findings show that cultural context and specificity are central to understanding the materiality of surveillance apparatus and regimes.
Thanks for (actually) responding! How citizen demand shapes politicians’ interactive practices on Twitter
Authors: Tromble Rebekah
Published: September 2016

Social media are frequently touted for their potential to strengthen democratic processes by bringing politicians and citizens into dialogue with one another. Social media may enrich the public sphere and improve democratic decision-making by allowing politicians and constituents to discuss matters of political import directly, free from intermediaries. But what factors impact whether this potential is realized? Previous research has focused on politicians’ structural incentives for strategic communication online but neglected the impact of citizen demand for politicians’ attention. I examine the role of citizen demand using an original dataset comprising the Twitter activity from and to members of the lower legislative houses in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States during the latter half of October 2013. The data suggest that citizen demand plays a crucial role in determining the presence, as well as the extent, of politicians’ reciprocal engagement with members of the public.
Online protest participation and the digital divide: Modeling the effect of the digital divide on online petition-signing
Authors: Elliott Thomas , Earl Jennifer
Published: September 2016

Scholars have long been concerned about the effect that digital inequalities might have on marginalized populations. Concern for the “digital divide” extends to social movement scholars, who worry that the digital divide will lead to social movements privileging the concerns of the middle class over those of disadvantaged groups. We argue for a novel way of testing for such effects—the use of a Heckman regression model to model participation in online activism. The Heckman model separately models selection effects (i.e. first-level digital divides that affect Internet access) and main effects (i.e. second-level digital divides and classic predictors of micro-mobilization). We find that the digital divide in access does not exert a selection effect and that the digital divide in usage exerts minimal effects in models predicting online petition-signing.
Staying in the comfort zones – Low expectations in vocational education and training mathematics teaching in Sweden and Finland
Authors: Rosvall Per-Åke , Hjelmér Carina , Lappalainen Sirpa
Published: September 2016

Vocational education has a historical legacy of being low-status and aimed at producing skilled workers. Students with low marks in comprehensive school are still often guided to the vocational educational track. In this article we examine how mathematics teaching in a vocational educational context is framed (henceforth VET). Therefore, our aim with this article is to explore how teacher responses come into play in school mathematics classes, and the teacher–student interactions within those practices. The empirical material is based on educational ethnographic research, i.e. classroom observations and interviews, conducted in three upper secondary institutions, two in Sweden and one in Finland. The results indicate that both teachers and students seem to remain in what might be called their ‘comfort zones’, i.e. that pedagogic practices tend to strengthen the idea of a vocational learner as being practically oriented; using their hands instead of their heads and in need of care and surveillance. The analysis focuses on mathematics teaching rather than on the content and was chosen because it is associated with general qualifications and the notion of lifelong learning. In this respect it exemplifies the growing tension in VET between workplace and academic knowledge.