bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IncobotulinumtoxinA Injection for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Authors: Patel Amit A. , Lerner Michael Z. , Blitzer Andrew
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) involves dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint and associated muscles of mastication causing pain with chewing, limitation of jaw movement, and pain. While the exact pathophysiology of TMD is not completely understood, it is thought that hyperfunction of the muscles of mastication places stress on the temporomandibular joint, leading to degeneration of the joint and associated symptoms. We hypothesize that chemodenervation of the muscles of mastication with IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin) will decrease the stress on the temporomandibular joint and improve pain associated with temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD).

Methods:

Twenty patients were randomized to IncobotulinumtoxinA (170 units) or saline injection of the masticatory muscles. Patient-reported pain scale (0-10) was recorded at 4-week intervals following injection for 16 weeks. Patients who received saline injection initially were assessed for reduction in pain at the first 4-week interval and if still had significant pain were rolled over into the IncobotulinumtoxinA arm.

Results:

Preinjection pain scores were similar between patients. While there was a statistically significant reduction in pain score in the placebo group one month, there was an overall larger drop in average pain scores in those patients injected with IncobotulinumtoxinA initially. All patients initially injected with placebo crossed over into the IncobotulinumtoxinA group. Similar results were seen when examining the composite masticatory muscle tenderness scores. There was no significant change in usage of pain medication.

Conclusions:

We demonstrate utility of IncobotulinumtoxinA in treating patients with TMD with pain despite pain medication usage and other conventional treatments.
Matrix Effects in Quantitative Analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) of Rock Powders Doped with Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Co
Authors: Lepore Kate H. , Fassett Caleb I. , Breves Elly A. , Byrne Sarah , Giguere Stephen , Boucher Thomas , Rhodes J. Michael , Vollinger Michael , Anderson Chloe H. , Murray Richard W. , Dyar M. Darby
Published: February 2017

Obtaining quantitative chemical information using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is challenging due to the variability in the bulk composition of geological materials. Chemical matrix effects caused by this variability produce changes in the peak area that are not proportional to the changes in minor element concentration. Therefore the use of univariate calibrations to predict trace element concentrations in geological samples is plagued by a high degree of uncertainty. This work evaluated the accuracy of univariate minor element predictions as a function of the composition of the major element matrices of the samples and examined the factors that limit the prediction accuracy of univariate calibrations. Five different sample matrices were doped with 10–85 000 ppm Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Co and then independently measured in 175 mixtures by X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, the latter at three different laser energies (1.9, 2.8, and 3.7 mJ). Univariate prediction models for minor element concentrations were created using varying combinations of dopants, matrices, normalization/no normalization, and energy density; the model accuracies were evaluated using root mean square prediction errors and leave-one-out cross-validation. The results showed the superiority of using normalization for predictions of minor elements when the predicted sample and those in the training set had matrices with similar SiO2 contents. Normalization also mitigates differences in spectra arising from laser/sample coupling effects and the use of different energy densities. Prediction of minor elements in matrices that are dissimilar to those in the training set can increase the uncertainty of prediction by an order of magnitude. Overall, the quality of a univariate calibration is primarily determined by the availability of a persistent, measurable peak with a favorable transition probability that has little to no interference from neighboring peaks in the spectra of both the unknown and those used to train it.
Combining Dispersed Particle Extraction with Dried-Droplet Laser Ablation ICP-MS for Determining Platinum in Airborne Particulate Matter
Authors: Nischkauer Winfried , Izmer Andrei , Neouze Marie-Alexandra , Vanhaecke Frank , Limbeck Andreas
Published: February 2017

A combination of analyte pre-concentration using dispersed particle extraction (DPE) and dried-droplet laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was developed with the aim to quantify Pt and Pd in urban particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5). The PM2.5 aerosol was collected on cellulose ester filters during a sampling period of three days, with sampling intervals of 4 h only. Each of the filters was chemically digested, and the resulting solution was pre-concentrated using DPE. Droplets taken from the pre-concentrated sample were deposited on polymeric disks and dried. These dry spots were then analyzed by means of LA-ICP-MS. This approach allowed ICP-MS analysis of solutions with high content of dissolved sorbent particles coming from the DPE procedure. Furthermore, spectral interferences arising from sample-inherent matrix elements as well as solvent-related interferences could be removed by the proposed approach. The method was validated by determining the Pt concentration in Bureau Communautaire de Référence certified reference material (BCR CRM) 723 road dust certified reference material and a good agreement with the certified value was obtained. The temporal variation of Pt during the three-day sampling period is discussed, with respect to automotive traffic. The daily average of Pt measured in the air corresponds to typical values observed in urban areas in Central Europe. Although the pre-concentration of palladium is feasible with dispersed particle extraction, the method detection limits achieved here did not allow to quantify this element in the CRM or in the PM2.5 samples. The source for these high method detection limits for palladium are blank values arising from the filter material as well as the digestion procedure of the PM2.5 samples. Instrumental sensitivity of the approach would, however, suggest that palladium quantification is possible, provided the abovementioned blank issues are controlled better.
Immigration and support for redistributive social policy: Does multiculturalism matter?
Authors: Kwon Ronald , Curran Michaela
Published: February 2017

In this article, we examine the impact of multicultural immigration policy on the degree to which immigration reduces support for redistributive social policy among natives. Arguments linking immigration to support for redistributive social policy are hotly contested. Some suggest that immigration reduces support for social policy, while others suggest that it increases such support. To make matters worse, the empirical evidence is equally mixed. We take this confluence as a puzzle in need of explanation. Our point of departure is to introduce institutional context and multicultural immigration policy, in particular, as a key intervening factor. From the growing literature on multiculturalism, we derive three unique hypotheses by which immigration has different effects on native support for redistributive social policy across multicultural contexts. To subject these to empirical scrutiny, we examine the degree to which the effect of immigration on native support for redistributive social policy (regarding jobs, unemployment, income, retirement, housing, and healthcare) varies across multicultural context. Our findings suggest that immigration flows appear to positively affect support for social policy in countries with a high degree of multiculturalism. For some types of social policy, immigration flows actually increase support for social policy in highly multicultural countries but reduces such support in assimilationist countries. However, cross-national variation in immigrant stocks is uncorrelated with support for social policy regardless of the level of multiculturalism. We conclude by highlighting how our findings point to the need for more research on how multiculturalism impacts native perceptions of immigrants.
Numerical simulation methodology for mode II delamination of quasi-isotropic quasi-homogeneous composite laminates
Authors: Johar Mahzan , Israr Haris Ahmad , Low Kean Ong , Wong King Jye
Published: February 2017

This work proposed a methodology to obtain the lamina and interface properties using minimal experimental works. Studies were limited to mode II delamination behavior of three quasi-isotropic quasi-homogeneous woven glass/polyester composites. It was found that the fracture toughness of 0//0, 0//45, and 45//45 laminates calculated using experimental calibration method were 0.91 N/m, 0.94 N/m, and 0.51 N/m, respectively. In addition, fiber twisting and shear cusps were observed on the delaminated surfaces of 45°-ply. Subsequently, a methodology was proposed to obtain the lamina properties for the numerical simulation without performing any additional experiment. An approach to account for the shear nonlinearity of the composite laminate due to the existence of 0°-ply was also presented. Finally, it was proposed that for reliable numerical modeling using cohesive zone model, the following parameters were recommended: penalty stiffness = 3 × 106 MPa/mm, interface shear strength = 65 MPa, mesh size = 0.5 mm, and viscosity parameter = 1 × 10−3.
Development of a generalized analytical model for tubular braided-architecture composites
Authors: Melenka Garrett W , Carey Jason P
Published: February 2017

Tubular braided composites are manufactured using a Maypole braiding machine which interlaces yarns in order to manufacture a braided structure. Braids can be produced in Diamond (1/1), Regular (2/2) and Hercules (3/3) patterns. In addition, axial yarns can be included in order to produce triaxial braid structures. Several analytical and finite element analysis models have been developed in order to predict the elastic properties of braided composites. Despite the fact that many models exist for braided composites, a comprehensive model has not been presented that can capture the variety of braiding patterns which can be manufactured using the braiding process. In this study, a new analytical model has been developed that can describe the elastic properties of Diamond, Regular and Hercules braids. The proposed analytical model uses a volume averaging stiffness method in order to account for yarn undulations and the orientation of braid yarns within the braid structure. The model presented here has been compared with the existing FEA and analytical models and has also been validated experimentally. Experimental validation comprised tensile and torsional tests in order to predict the longitudinal and shear moduli for both Diamond and Regular braid geometries. The experimental and proposed model results highlight the effect of braiding pattern and braiding angle on the mechanical properties.
Subnational violent conflict forecasts for sub-Saharan Africa, 2015–65, using climate-sensitive models
Authors: Witmer Frank DW , Linke Andrew M , O’Loughlin John , Gettelman Andrew , Laing Arlene
Published: February 2017

How will local violent conflict patterns in sub-Saharan Africa evolve until the middle of the 21st century? Africa is recognized as a particularly vulnerable continent to environmental and climate change since a large portion of its population is poor and reliant on rain-fed agriculture. We use a climate-sensitive approach to model sub-Saharan African violence in the past (geolocated to the nearest settlements) and then forecast future violence using sociopolitical factors such as population size and political rights (governance), coupled with temperature anomalies. Our baseline model is calibrated using 1° gridded monthly data from 1980 to 2012 at a finer spatio-temporal resolution than existing conflict forecasts. We present multiple forecasts of violence under alternative climate change scenarios (optimistic and current global trajectories), of political rights scenarios (improvement and decline), and population projections (low and high fertility). We evaluate alternate shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) by plotting violence forecasts over time and by detailed mapping of recent and future levels of violence by decade. The forecasts indicate that a growing population and rising temperatures will lead to higher levels of violence in sub-Saharan Africa if political rights do not improve. If political rights continue to improve at the same rate as observed over the last three decades, there is reason for optimism that overall levels of violence will hold steady or even decline in Africa, in spite of projected population increases and rising temperatures.
Predicting the decline of ethnic civil war
Authors: Cederman Lars-Erik , Gleditsch Kristian Skrede , Wucherpfennig Julian
Published: February 2017

Many scholars have detected a decrease of political violence, but the causes of this decline remain unclear. As a contribution to this debate, we revisit the controversy over trends in conflict after the end of the Cold War. While many made ominous predictions of surging ethnic warfare, Gurr presented evidence of a pacifying trend since the mid-1990s and predicted a further decline in ethnic conflict in an article on ‘the waning of ethnic war’. Leveraging more recent data on ethnic groups and their participation in ethnic civil wars, this study evaluates if Gurr was right about the decline of ethnic conflict, and if he was right for the right reasons. We assess whether an increase in governments’ accommodative policies toward ethnic groups can plausibly account for a decline in ethnic civil war. Our findings lend considerable support to an account of the pacifying trend that stresses the granting of group rights, regional autonomy, and inclusion in power-sharing, as well as democratization and peacekeeping.
Origins of Informal Coercion in China
Authors: Chen Xi
Published: February 2017

Informal coercive tactics play an important role in maintaining political and social order in authoritarian regimes today, a fact variously attributed to the state’s incapacity to monopolize coercive force and to the strategic concealment of repression from international society. Studying the coercive tactics used by the Chinese government, this article directs attention to how state institutions and strategies create incentives for state agents to delegate coercion to third parties. In particular, this article recognizes the importance of Chinese leaders’ traditional preference to rely on third parties rather than formal state force for social control, and also the impressive improvements in the institutionalization of state coercion after the start of extensive legal reforms in the late 1970s. More important, however, is the multilayered and decentralized state structure that creates tight constraints on local officials and therefore motivates them to use informal coercion. The state structure in China is conducive to informal coercion in two ways. First, when local officials pursue local or private interests that diverge from central interests, informal coercion helps them overcome procedural barriers and avoid scrutiny from above. Second, although central and other upper authorities tend to restrict local officials’ use of force, they often exert considerable pressure on local authorities to fulfill various tasks that require strong coercion. Such conflicting or unfunded mandates have frequently prompted the use of informal coercive tactics. This study highlights the difficulty of holding local government officials accountable with formal institutions in China.
Syncope in a patient with minimal change disease without nephrotic-range proteinuria
Authors: Chiang Wen-Fang , Chan Jenq-Shyong , Chu Pauling , Wu Chia-Chao
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening complication of nephrotic syndrome. Syncope is rarely reported as an initial presentation of pulmonary embolism in nephrotic patients.

Case presentation

We describe a 35-year-old man who was taking steroids and diuretics for relapse of minimal change disease who presented after a syncopal event. The patient was hypotensive and had distended neck veins. The major laboratory findings were hypoalbuminemia with mild proteinuria. The findings on electrocardiography, chest radiography, and echocardiography and the elevated plasma D-dimer level raised suspicion of pulmonary embolism. Thrombi in the bilateral main pulmonary arteries on chest computed tomography together with compromised hemodynamics were consistent with the diagnosis of massive pulmonary embolism. He received anticoagulant treatment and the disease resolved.

Conclusion

Pulmonary embolism should be considered as a cause of syncope in patients with nephrotic syndrome, despite the absence of severe hypoalbuminemia and proteinuria, especially in patients taking concurrent steroid and diuretic therapy.
We are in this together
Authors: Wagner Jenny , Voelkle Manuel C. , Hoppmann Christiane A. , Luszcz Mary A. , Gerstorf Denis
Published: February 2017

Lifespan theoretical notions have long acknowledged that regulative capacities of the self are relatively robust well into old age. This general trend notwithstanding, people often differ substantially throughout life in their levels of and change trajectories in self-esteem. One prime contributing factor may be perceptions of social inclusion. Because functioning and development in many domains of life are often linked across partners, we examine whether and how self-esteem and its late-life change are intertwined between long-term married partners. To do so, we make use of six occasions over 18-year longitudinal data from 382 married couples in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Aging ( Mage = 75 years at baseline, SD = 5.3, range 65–91). Applying SEM-based continuous time panel models revealed that discrete time autoregressive effects, which capture the stability of self-esteem, were declining over time. Most important for our question, across-partner (cross-lagged) effects indicated substantial differences between spouses such that change in husbands’ self-esteem predicts subsequent changes in the wives’ self-esteem, but not vice versa. We discuss potential conditions and challenges of dyadic associations in how late-life self-esteem and its change are intertwined between partners.
The development of global and domain self-esteem from ages 10 to 16 for Mexican-origin youth
Authors: Harris Michelle A. , Wetzel Eunike , Robins Richard W. , Donnellan M. Brent , Trzesniewski Kali H.
Published: February 2017

The current study investigated the development of global and domain (academic, physical, same-sex peer relationship, opposite-sex peer relationship) self-esteem from age 10 to 16 in a sample of Mexican-origin adolescents. Participants’ ( N = 674) responses on the Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ; Marsh, 2005) II-S showed moderate rank-order stability across four time points. In terms of mean-level change, global self-esteem and most forms of domain self-esteem decreased across adolescence; the one exception is that opposite-sex peer relationship self-esteem increased. As expected, there were individual differences in rates of change for all SDQ subscales. Most domain self-esteem subscales were concurrently related to global self-esteem ( r’s ranged from .18 to.87), but they did not predict changes in global self-esteem over time. Academic self-esteem had the strongest concurrent associations with global self-esteem. In general, there were no consistent gender differences in rank-order stability, mean levels, or change over time of global and domain self-esteem. These findings provide insight into the development of self-esteem in a rapidly-growing segment of the population of the United States.
See me through my eyes
Authors: Luan Ziyan , Poorthuis Astrid M. G. , Hutteman Roos , Asendorpf Jens B. , Denissen Jaap J. A. , van Aken Marcel A. G.
Published: February 2017

Achieving a clear view of one’s personality is a challenging but crucial developmental task during adolescence, which has enduring influences. This task might be harder if significant others see individuals differently from how the adolescents see themselves. Supporting this, the looking-glass-self theory suggests that significant others constitute a social mirror into which the individual gazes to form his/her self-view. The present study was the first to longitudinally examine whether self–other agreement in personality during adolescence (i.e., self–parent and self–friend agreement at age 12 and self–mother and self–father agreement at age 17) promote self-esteem development from age 17 to 29 years ( N =186, 53% boys). Results for girls consistently confirmed the hypothesized beneficial effect of self–parent agreement, while the picture was more complicated for boys. That is, for girls, self–parent agreement at age 12 and age 17 both predicted steeper increases in self-esteem. For boys, steeper self-esteem development was predicted by higher self–parent agreement at age 12, but unexpectedly, also by lower self–parent agreement at age 17. All these results remained after controlling for (self-rated) personality. Moreover, self–friend agreement did not show any effects on self-esteem development, suggesting that the influence of peers’ convergence with self-views during early adolescence may not be as prominent as parents’. Results are discussed from the perspective of self-view formation and maintenance during adolescence and young adulthood. The present study sheds light on the longitudinal effect of one’s own view of personality being shared by important others on self-esteem development.
Beliefs and Behaviors of Two High School Principals in Developing a Sense of School Community for Students
Authors: Angelle Pamela S.
Published: February 2017

This qualitative study investigated two high school principals’ articulation of establishing a sense of community. The principals’ narratives, values, beliefs, and behaviors are examined through the lens of community membership, fulfillment of needs, influence, and emotional connections. Findings show that the principals, leading schools with different contexts, both implemented structures and processes that addressed elements of the frame as foundation for student success. While the principals expressed similar beliefs regarding community, behavioral approaches differed in implementation.
Lobectomy for lung cancer by video-assisted thoracic surgery in situs inversus
Authors: Juma Abdillah N , Wang Yan-Qing , Chen Yun , Peng Xiong , Zhou Yuan , Zhuang Wei
Published: February 2017

A 62-year-old man with situs inversus totalis and non-small-cell lung cancer underwent a right lower lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Lobectomy in a situs inversus totalis patient can be performed safely using this minimally invasive procedure. Preoperative evaluation of the pulmonary artery and veins by three-dimensional computed tomography and the bronchial tree by bronchoscopy, is essential to avoid unanticipated complications during the procedure.
The psychometric characteristics of the Advanced Measures of Music Audiation in a region with strong non-Western music tradition
Authors: Verdis Athanasios , Sotiriou Christina
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the psychometric characteristics of Gordon’s Advanced Measures of Music Audiation (AMMA) in a region with strong non-Western music tradition. It also examines the possibility of measuring audiation with the modern psychometric theory. The AMMA test was administered to 513 students in the city of Ioannina and a number of villages in the region of Epirus in northwestern Greece. Nonlinear factor analysis based on tetrachoric correlation coefficients confirmed a tone and rhythm structure in AMMA according to the theory of Gordon. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the tone and rhythm factor scores were .70 and .61 correspondingly. The Kuder and Richardson’s (KR-20) reliability coefficient for the 30 items was .55. A Rasch measurement model has a good fit. The analysis of the Rasch residuals has showed that the dimensions of AMMA do not distort the estimation of Rasch parameters. Further analysis of the 30 AMMA items has shown that they can be ordered in 10 levels of difficulty. The authors present items’ difficulty and persons’ level of audiation on the same interval scale and discuss the usefulness of the music ability tests that are based on aural stimuli.
Politics of power: Engaging with the structure-agency debate from a class-based perspective
Authors: Las Heras Jon
Published: February 2017

This article provides a historical materialist critique and response to Bob Jessop’s Strategic-Relational-Approach (SRA) to the structure-agency debate. The critique is developed in four steps and four class-based solutions are given. First, the SRA provides no ontological entry-point to account for historically specific relations of power, while the researcher inescapably finds herself within them (e.g. class relations). Second, the SRA provides no ‘method of articulation’ to understand and explain why particular disruptive agencies exist within the structure-agency dialectic. Instead, Gramsci’s ‘philosophy of praxis’ locates the researcher as a potential ‘organic intellectual’ in the confrontation and transcendence of class relations. Third, for the SRA, power is meaningless because agency can always be ‘redefined’ so that it is explained through structural determinations. In politicising power through historical materialism, this article provides a concrete emancipatory operationalisation of Jessop’s dialectical ontology. Fourth, when studying uneven historical change, adopting a partisan approach may well suggest focusing on contingent action instead of structural necessities. Therefore, acknowledging the ‘politics of power’ may well be social scientists’ first step when contrasting historical change with their own political views.
An Open Systems Model of Local Government Forecasting
Authors: Reitano Vincent
Published: February 2017

Local governments use single source forecasts to inform decision making, which can constrain their ability to prepare for and respond to financial uncertainty. This unique context may have increased the challenges faced by governments at the local level through economic downturns such as the Great Recession. Given this concern, which has yet to be addressed in the literature, this article develops an open systems model of local government forecast accuracy, which can be tested across any type of local government. This article tests the model with a panel of special purpose governments at the local level, specifically school districts in Pennsylvania, from 2003 through 2013. Estimation of the model with longitudinal analysis shows that government forecasters at the local level consider internal and external factors when forecasting own-source and intergovernmental revenue streams. In particular, a mix of institutional, financial, and political factors are associated with forecast accuracy. Forecasters at the local level also considered the role of economic shocks, as evidenced by decreased expectations for own-source revenue through the Great Recession. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that they consider a complex and multifaceted information set, which includes both internal and external determinant factors of forecast accuracy at the local level. These factors can prove critical to increasing forecast accuracy in context of the financial uncertainty experienced through the Great Recession.
Dynamic long leg casting fixation for treating 12- to 18-month-old infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Cai Zhencun , Li Lianyong , Zhang Lijun , Ji Shijun , Zhao Qun
Published: February 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effect of dynamic long leg casting in paediatric patients with developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) diagnosed at 12–18 months.

Methods

The adductor tenotomy, closed reduction, and dynamic long leg casting method was adopted to treat paediatric patients with DDH. The hips were divided into four groups according to the Tonnis radiographic dislocation classification. Groups were also classified according to the baseline acetabular index (AI): 30°–35°, 36°–40°, and > 40°. The outcomes of the reductions were evaluated according to McKay’s hip function criteria and Severin’s radiological criteria.

Results

A total of 246 patients (339 hips) had complete follow-up data. After 3 months of orthosis fixation, the results were satisfactory in 264 hips (77.88%). Hip function was rated as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ in 43 of 51 (84.31%) Tonnis type 1 hips, 125 of 155 (80.65%) type 2 hips, 70 of 90 (77.78%) type 3 hips, and 34 of 43 (79.07%) type 4 hips. The higher the baseline AI, the lower the rates of ‘excellent’ and ‘good’ hip function. Favourable radiological results (Severin types I and II) were found in 266 of 339 (78.47) hips.

Conclusions

Dynamic long leg casting is an effective method for treating patients with DDH aged 12–18 months at diagnosis.
Sexual Aggressors Against Women’s Sexual Lives: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Langevin Stephanie , Proulx Jean , Lacourse Eric
Published: February 2017

This study investigated the day-to-day deviant and nondeviant sexuality of a sample of Canadian sexual aggressors against women ( N = 160). Using latent class analysis, three latent classes were identified: internalized deviant (ID), low sexual problem (LSP), and hypersexual deviant (HD). Following the latent class analysis, the developmental, physiological, cognitive, and criminological correlates of these lifestyles were analyzed. ID ( n = 31) aggressors were characterized by sexual dissatisfaction, sexual deviance, and a bland sexual life. LSP ( n = 116) aggressors were characterized by the absence of sexual deviance or hypersexuality. HD ( n = 13) aggressors were characterized by hypersexuality and sexual deviance. Our exploratory study suggests that the day-to-day nondeviant and deviant sexual life of sexual aggressors against women appear to affect their modus operandi. Furthermore, the adult sexual lifestyles of sexual aggressors against women appear to be extensions of their adolescent sexual lifestyles. The results of this study thus suggest avenues for research—notably, the specific influence of sexual behaviours and internalized psychosexual problems on modus operandi—that could improve the clinical management of sexual aggressors against women.
How Can Governmental Positive Power Decrease Violence in Crime-Oriented Arenas? The Case of English Football
Authors: Guy Shlomit , Muchtar Ofer , Ronel Natti
Published: February 2017

This article will survey the dramatic change English football had undergone since the end of the last century. The authors will closely explore the implementation of the Taylor Report recommendations, to convince that which power and management techniques were used to decrease violence in public areas that were previously considered dangerous and crime-oriented. It will be argued that disciplinarian techniques were practiced, much like those described in Foucault’s Discipline and Punish, while this very power has proven to be positive and revitalizing. It will be therefore concluded that power is at its most effective when operated via techniques of discipline and social inclusion. These arguments correspond with the positive criminology theory whose popularity within the discipline is gradually increasing.
Cilostazol induces C-fos expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and behavioural changes suggestive of headache with the migraine-like feature photophobia in female rats
Authors: Christensen SL , Petersen Steffen , Sørensen Dorte B , Olesen Jes , Jansen-Olesen Inger
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Research in development of new migraine therapeutics is hindered by the lack of suitable, predictive animal models. Cilostazol provokes headache in healthy humans and migraineurs by increasing intracellular cAMP levels. We aimed to investigate whether cilostazol could provoke headache-like behaviours and c-fos expression in rats. In order to evaluate the predictive validity of the model, we examined the response to the migraine specific drug sumatriptan.

Methods

The effect of cilostazol (125 mg/kg p.o.) in female Sprague Dawley rats was evaluated on a range of spontaneous behavioural parameters, light sensitivity and mechanical sensitivity thresholds. We also measured c-fos expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis.

Results

Cilostazol increased light sensitivity and grooming behaviour. These manifestations were not inhibited by sumatriptan. Cilostazol also induced c-fos expression in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Furthermore, trigeminal – but not hind paw hyperalgesia was observed.

Conclusion

The altered behaviours are suggestive of cilostazol induced headache with migraine-like features, but not specific. The presence of head specific hyperalgesia and the c-fos response in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis imply that the model involves trigeminal nociception. The model will be useful for studying mechanisms related to the cAMP pathway in headache, but its predictive properties appear to be more limited due to the lack of response to sumatriptan.
Long-term Effects of Adolescent Sport Concussion Across the Age Spectrum
Authors: Martini Douglas N. , Eckner James T. , Meehan Sean K. , Broglio Steven P.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Research in sport concussion has increased greatly over the previous decade due to increased scientific interest as well as the media and political spotlight that has been cast on this injury. However, a dearth of literature is available regarding the long-term (>1 year after concussion) effects of adolescent concussion on cognitive and motor performance of high school athletes.

Purpose:

To evaluate the potential for long-term effects of concussion sustained during high school on cognitive and motor performance across the lifespan.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Adults with (n = 30) and without (n = 53) a concussion history were recruited in 3 age groups: younger (18-30 years; n = 43), middle-aged (40-50 years; n = 18), and older (≥60 years; n = 22). Each participant completed a computerized neurocognitive assessment and continuous tracking and discrete temporal auditory tasks with the hand and foot. Root mean squared error and timing variability were derived from the tracking and temporal auditory tasks, respectively. Data were analyzed by regression analyses for each recorded variable.

Results:

The analysis revealed significant age effects on neurocognitive task, continuous tracking task, and discrete auditory timing task performance ( P values < .05). No concussion history or interaction (concussion history by age) effects were found for performance on any task ( P values > .05).

Conclusion:

While longitudinal investigations are still needed, this cross-sectional study failed to identify any observable effect of adolescent concussion history on cognition or motor performance with age.
The combined effects of nanotopography and Sr ion for enhanced osteogenic activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)
Authors: Hu Dandan , Li Kai , Xie Youtao , Pan Houhua , Zhao Jun , Huang Liping , Zheng Xuebin
Published: February 2017

Both surface topography and chemistry have a significant influence on the biological performance of orthopedic implant coatings. In our study, a surface modification strategy embodying bioactive trace element incorporation and nanotopography construction was employed to enhance the osteogenic activity of calcium silicate (Ca-Si) coatings. We developed strontium-loaded nanolayer on plasma sprayed Ca-Si (CS) coating via hydrothermal treatment which was denoted as Sr-NT-CS. The original CS coating and the CS coating modified with similar nanotopography (NT-CS) were studied in parallel. We investigated the cellular effects of surface topography and released Sr ion on the adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of BMSCs and the associated molecular mechanisms. The results indicated that the nanotopography activated integrin β1, promoted the spread of BMSCs into a polygonal osteoblastic shape, and induced higher levels of collagen secretion. The Sr incorporation stimulated osteogenic differentiation and mineralization as indicated by the increases in ALP activity and mineralized nodules formation. The examination of gene expressions revealed that Sr ion exerted the effects by interacting with extracellular calcium sensitive receptor (CaSR), and combined with the nanotopographical cue for the up-regulation of osteogenic master transcription factor Runx2. The promoted Runx2 subsequently affected osteoblast (OB) marker genes (BMP-2, BSP, OPN, and OCN), thus driving BMSCs to differentiate into OBs. Moreover, the Sr incorporation inhibited osteoclastogenesis, as indicated by the down-regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the inhibition of RANKL/RANK system. Those results suggested that our developed Sr-NT-CS coating have combined the effects of nanotopography and Sr ion for enhanced osteogenic activity of BMSCs.
State Mandates, Housing Elements, and Low-income Housing Production
Authors: Ramsey-Musolf Darrel
Published: February 2017

In order to create low-income housing opportunities and mitigate exclusionary zoning, in 1968 Congress mandated that municipalities receiving comprehensive planning funds must create a housing element. In tandem, many states mandated that municipal housing elements must accommodate low-income housing needs. After examining empirical research for California, Florida, Illinois, and Minnesota, this review found aspirational success because those states rewarded the municipal planning process. In order to increase low-income housing, this review argues for state housing policy reform. Under US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s revised fair housing rule, which requires an assessment of local data, states can no longer ignore the exclusionary behavior of municipalities.
Too Good To Be True? Effect of Consumers’ Brand Schemas on Apparel Brands’ Fair Labor Marketing Messages
Authors: Bhaduri Gargi , Ha-Brookshire Jung E. , Leshner Glenn
Published: February 2017

In this study, researchers provide a comprehensive model of how consumers process, remember, and evaluate positive fair labor-related brand messages that are congruent/incongruent to their existing brand expectations using both psychophysiological and self-reported measures. Data were collected across two different studies. Results indicated that consumers paid more attention to and better remembered messages for incongruity than congruity. Also attitude toward message was highest for congruent messages, followed by incongruity resolution and lowest for incongruity nonresolution. The combined study findings bridge the gap in literature between human attitude and cognition, helping both brands and consumer researchers understand consumers’ reaction to brands schema-message congruity/incongruity and guide decisions when brands hope to revitalize or reinvent a brand’s image.
Building Customer Loyalty
Authors: Molinillo Sebastian , Gómez-Ortiz Beatriz , Pérez-Aranda Javier , Navarro-García Antonio
Published: February 2017

Based on consumer behavior theories, the aim of this study is to provide a model supported by empirical evidence in order to improve knowledge of the antecedents of loyalty to online clothing retailers. The model has been verified through partial least squares analysis of the data obtained from a survey of a sample of 412 online clothing shoppers. The results show that, firstly, the affective and cognitive experiences have a positive effect on the degree of satisfaction, and the affective experiences also have a positive impact on trust. Secondly, it has been demonstrated that consumer satisfaction with online clothing retailers can be increased by both the hedonic and utilitarian values of shopping. Thirdly, an indirect relationship has been established between satisfaction and loyalty through trust and perceived value of service. These findings can improve our understanding of the determinants of online consumer loyalty. Discussion and implications are provided.
Mechanical clinching with dies for control of metal flow of ultra-high-strength steel and high-strength steel sheets
Authors: Abe Yohei , Saito Takato , Mori Ken-Ichiro , Kato Toru
Published: February 2017

Ultra-high-strength steel sheets having a tensile strength of more than 1 GPa and a low ductility were joined by mechanical clinching with dies for control of metal flow. The bottom angle of the die was modified to increase interlocking between the sheets under avoidance of the sheet fracture. The effect of the die shape on metal flow in the sheet combination including an ultra-high-strength steel sheet was investigated by the finite element simulation and the experiment. As the tensile strength of the steel sheets increased, the joining range was narrow due to low ductility of the sheets. The static and fatigue strengths of the mechanically clinched joints were compared with those of the welded joints. Although the static loads of the mechanically clinched joints were smaller than those of the resistance spot welded joints in both tension-shearing and cross-tension tests, the fatigue loads of the clinched joints were larger. It was found that the mechanically clinched joint has superior fatigue strength.
Research of the suction flow control on wings at low Reynolds numbers
Authors: Ma Dongli , Li Guanxiong , Yang Muqing , Wang Shaoqi
Published: February 2017

Laminar separation and transition have significant effects on aerodynamic characteristics of the wing under the condition of low Reynolds numbers. Using the flow control methods to delay and eliminate laminar separation has great significance. This study uses the method combined with water tunnel test and numerical calculation to research the effects of suction flow control on the flow state and aerodynamic force of the wing at low Reynolds numbers. The effects of suction flow rate and suction location on laminar separation, transition and aerodynamic performance of the wing are further researched. The results of the research show that, the suction can control laminar separation and transition effectively, when the suction holes are in the interior of the separation bubble, and close to the separation point, the suction has the best control effect. When the Reynolds number is Re = 3.0 × 105, the suction flow control can make the lift-to-drag ratio of the wing increase by 8.62%, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing are improved effectively.
Molecular hepatoprotective effects of lipoic acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Sadek KM , Saleh EA , Nasr SM
Published: February 2017

Background:

Liver fibrosis is a noteworthy well-being issue that can prompt the progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Prominently, many antioxidants have been shown to have defensive impacts against liver fibrosis.

Aim:

Subsequently, in the present study, the viability of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in ensuring against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-actuated liver fibrosis and the mechanism(s) involved in this defensive impact were considered in rats.

Results:

The present results uncovered that in the CCl4-treated group, the expression of antioxidant enzymes and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) messenger RNA (mRNA) was downregulated ( p < 0.05), and the levels of lipid peroxide and nitric oxide were increased ( p < 0.05) in the treated rat livers along with increased collagen deposition compared to that of the control group. Also, the gene expression levels of the proinflammatory factors interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, transforming growth factor-alpha, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were upregulated significantly ( p < 0.05) in the CCl4 group. These negative impacts were all restrained by α-LA.

Conclusions:

These outcomes show that α-LA might be compelling at forestalling collagen deposition and hepatic oxidative stress as well as downregulating the expression of hepatic proinflammatory cytokines, iNOS, and NF-κB and upregulating MMP-13 expression.
Individual treatment effect prediction for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Authors: Seibold Heidi , Zeileis Achim , Hothorn Torsten
Published: February 2017

A treatment for a complicated disease might be helpful for some but not all patients, which makes predicting the treatment effect for new patients important yet challenging. Here we develop a method for predicting the treatment effect based on patient characteristics and use it for predicting the effect of the only drug (Riluzole) approved for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Our proposed method of model-based random forests detects similarities in the treatment effect among patients and on this basis computes personalised models for new patients. The entire procedure focuses on a base model, which usually contains the treatment indicator as a single covariate and takes the survival time or a health or treatment success measurement as primary outcome. This base model is used both to grow the model-based trees within the forest, in which the patient characteristics that interact with the treatment are split variables, and to compute the personalised models, in which the similarity measurements enter as weights. We applied the personalised models using data from several clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from the Pooled Resource Open–Access Clinical Trials database. Our results indicate that some amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients benefit more from the drug Riluzole than others. Our method allows gradually shifting from stratified medicine to personalised medicine and can also be used in assessing the treatment effect for other diseases studied in a clinical trial.
Determinants of Corporate Cash Holdings
Authors: Maheshwari Yogesh , Rao K.T. Vigneswara
Published: February 2017

This article aims at examining the financial determinants of corporate cash holdings. The study employs panel data regression method. It uses the fixed-effects method based on Hausman test results for the estimation of panel data model. This study has implications that are beneficial for the business managers to have a better understanding and appreciation of the role and importance of the determinants of corporate cash holdings in formulating and evaluating the corporate financial policies. The results of the study indicate a strong positive relationship between cash holdings and cash flow, dividend payment, market-to-book ratio, net debt issuance and net equity issuance of the sample firms. It is also found that the cash holdings of these firms are negatively affected by net working capital, leverage, research and development expenditure as well as capital expenditure of the firm. The article will help researchers as well as managers to understand as to what motivates the firms to hold cash, given the fact that despite being often termed as a non-earning asset, firms generally hold more cash than their normal working capital requirement.