bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Youth Violence and Interventions: Insights from a Complex Agent Network Model
Authors: Cheong Siew Ann , Sun Kaixuan , Leaw Jia Ning , Ang Rebecca P. , Huan Vivien S. , Chan Wei Teng , Li Xiang
Published: March 2017

Youth violence is a growing concern in Singapore. To address this complex social issue, we surveyed the psychology, social science, and criminology literature to identify a total of 11 intrinsic (familial, individual, school) and 2 extrinsic (peer) factors linked to youth violence, and also their interdependencies. We then developed a complex agent network model where each complex agent is represented by a complex factor network of the 13 factors along with youth violence, coupled to each other through the extrinsic factors to form a complex social network. We simulated the model using as initial conditions the results from a large-scale school-based survey of the factors and random social ties. We find factors in each complex agent evolving with time under the influences from other factors, and the social ties between agents evolving with time as a result of behavioral imitation between agents. We ran a sensitivity analysis on the model, to find that the model is most sensitive to the parameters linking (1) non-intact family, (2) delinquency in general, (3) school disengagement, (4) peer delinquency, and (5) friends in gang to gang involvement. We also ran a series of intervention scenario simulations, and our results show that it is critical to intervene early, and successful interventions work by tipping the balance between competing intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Mental health professionals and school counsellors can then apply this unique insight from the model to design more effective interventions.
The Relationship between Ischemic Stroke Patients with and without Retroflex Tongue: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Huang Yung-Sheng , Sun Mu-Chien , Hsu Po-Chi , Chen Yu-Liang , Chiang John Y. , Lo Lun-Chien
Published: March 2017

Background. Patients suffering from stroke exhibit different levels of capability in retroflex tongues, in our clinical observation. This study aims to derive the association of tongue retroflexibility with the degree of severity for stroke patients. Methods. All ischemic stroke patients were collected from August 2010 to July 2013 in the Stroke Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan. All participants underwent medical history collection and clinical examination, including tongue images captured by ATDS. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences of ischemic stroke patients with and without retroflex tongue. Result. Among the total of 308 cases collected, 123 patients cannot retroflex their tongues, that is, the non‐RT group. The length of stay in the non‐RT group, 32.0 ± 21.5, was longer than those of the RT counterparts, 25.9 ± 14.4 (p value: 0.007). The NIHSS on admission, 14.1 ± 7.8 versus 8.9 ± 5.2, was higher and the Barthel Index upon admission, 18.6 ± 20.7 and 35.0 ± 24.2, was lower for the non‐RT patients than that of the RT counterparts. Also, the non‐RT patients account for 60.2% and 75.6% for Barthel Index ≤ 17 and NIHSS ≥ 9, respectively. Conclusion. The stroke patients in non‐RT group showed significantly poor prognosis and were more serious in the degree of severity and level of autonomy than RT group, indicating that the ability to maneuver tongue retroflex can serve as a simple, reliable, and noninvasive means for the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients.
Association between Pain in Adolescence and Low Back Pain in Adulthood: Studying a Cohort of Mine Workers
Authors: Jonsson David , Burström Lage , Nilsson Tohr , Wahlström Jens , Pettersson Hans
Published: March 2017

Purpose. To study the association of self-reported pain in adolescence with low back pain (LBP) in adulthood among mine workers and, also, study associations between the presence of LBP over 12-month or one-month LBP intensity during a health examination and daily ratings of LBP three and nine months later. Methods. Mixed design with data collected retrospectively, cross-sectionally, and prospectively. Data was collected using a questionnaire during a health examination and by using self-reported daily ratings of LBP three and nine months after the examination. Results. Pain prevalence during teenage years was 55% and it was 59% at age 20. Pain during teenage years had a relative risk of 1.33 (95% confidence interval 1.03–1.73) of LBP 12 months prior to the health examination, but with no associations with LBP intensity or LBP assessed by text messaging. Pain at age 20 years was not associated with any measure of LBP in adulthood. Daily ratings of LBP were associated with LBP during the health examination three and nine months earlier. Conclusions. There were no clear associations between self-reported pain in adolescence and LBP in adulthood. Self-reported daily ratings of LBP were associated with LBP from the health examination. Possible limitations for this study were the retrospective design and few participants.
Strip Surface Defects Recognition Based on PSO‐RS&SOCP‐SVM Algorithm
Authors: Cui Dongyan , Xia Kewen
Published: March 2017

In order to improve the strip surface defect recognition and classification accuracy and efficiency, Rough Set (RS) attribute reduction algorithm based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was used on the optimal selection of strip surface defect image decision features, which removed redundant attributes, provided reduction data for the follow‐up Support Vector Machine (SVM) model, reduced vector machine learning time, and constructed the SVM classifier, which uses Second‐Order Cone Programming (SOCP) and multikernel Support Vector Machine classification model. Six kinds of typical defects such as rust, scratch, orange peel, bubble, surface crack, and rolled‐in scale are recognized and classification is made using this classifier. The experimental results show that the classification accuracy of the proposed algorithm is 99.5%, which is higher than that of SVM algorithm and Relevance Vector Machine (RVM) algorithm. And because of using the Rough Set attribute reduction algorithm based on PSO algorithm, the learning time of SVM is reduced, and the average time of the classification and recognition model is 58.3 ms. In summary, the PSO‐RS&SOCP‐SVM evaluation model is not only more efficient in time, but also more worthy of popularization and application in the accuracy.
QGQS Granule in SHR Serum Metabonomics Study Based on Tools of UPLC‐Q‐TOF and Renin‐Angiotensin‐Aldosterone System Form Protein Profilin‐1
Authors: Li Ke , Li Caicai , Wang Jialong , Cui Hanming , Dong Yu , Liu Ruihua , Hu Yuanhui
Published: March 2017

QGQS granule is effective for the therapeutic of hypertension in clinic. The aim of this research is to observe the antihypertension effect of QGQS granule on SHR and explain the mechanism of its lowering blood pressure. 30 SHR were selected as model group, captopril group, and QGQS group, 10 WKYr were used as control group, and RBP were measured on tail artery consciously. And all the serum sample analysis was carried out on UPLC‐TOF‐MS system to determine endogenous metabolites and to find the metabonomics pathways. Meanwhile, ELISA kits for the determination pharmacological indexes of PRA, AngI, AngII, and ALD were used for pathway confirmatory; WB for determination of profilin‐1 protein expression was conducted for Ang II pathway analysis as well. It is demonstrated that QGQS granule has an excellent therapeutic effect on antihypertension, which exerts effect mainly on metabonomics pathway by regulating glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, and arachidonic acid metabolism, and it could inhibit the overexpression of the profilin‐1 protein. We can come to a conclusion that RAAS should be responsible mainly for the metabonomics pathway of QGQS granule on antihypertension, and it plays a very important role in protein of profilin‐1 inhibition.
Association between Sleep Habits and Metabolically Healthy Obesity in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kanagasabai Thirumagal , Dhanoa Ramandeep , Kuk Jennifer L. , Ardern Chris I.
Published: March 2017

Higher body mass index (BMI) increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, but nearly a third of the people living with obesity (BMI: ≥30 kg/m2) are metabolically healthy (MHO). Extreme sleep durations and poor sleep quality are associated with higher bodyweight and cardiometabolic dysfunction, but the full extent to which sleep habits may help differentiate those with MHO versus metabolically abnormal obesity (MAO) is not yet known. Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2005–08 was used (BMI: ≥30 kg/m2; ≥20 y;N=1,777). The absence of metabolic syndrome was used to define MHO. Those with MHO tended to be younger, female, Non-Hispanic Black, never smokers, more physically active, and with less physician diagnosed sleep disorders than MAO. Neither sleep duration nor overall sleep quality was related to MHO in crude or multivariable adjusted analyses; however, reporting “almost always” to having trouble falling asleep (OR (95% CI): 0.40 (0.20–0.78)), waking up during the night (0.38 (0.17–0.85)), feeling unrested during the day (0.35 (0.18–0.70)), and feeling overly sleepy during the day (0.35 (0.17–0.75)) was related to lower odds of MHO. Selected sleep quality factors, but not sleep quantity or overall sleep quality, are associated with the MHO phenotype.
Late-Age Properties of Concrete with Different Binders Cured under 45°C at Early Ages
Authors: Jin Hu
Published: March 2017

It is commonly accepted that high curing temperature (near 60°C or above) results in reduced mechanical properties and durability of concrete compared to normal curing temperature. The internal temperature of concrete structures at early ages is not so high as 60°C in many circumstances. In this paper, concretes were cured at 45°C at early ages and their late-age properties were studied. The concrete cured at 20°C was employed as the reference sample. Four different concretes were used: plain cement concrete, concrete containing fly ash, concrete containing ground granulate blast furnace slag (GGBS), and concrete containing silica fume. The results show that, for each concrete, high-temperature curing after precuring does not have any adverse effect on the nonevaporable water content, compressive strength, permeability to chloride ions, and the connected porosity of concrete at late ages compared with standard curing. Additionally, high-temperature curing improves the late-age properties of concrete containing fly ash and GGBS.
Cold and Spleen‐Qi Deficiency Patterns in Korean Medicine Are Associated with Low Resting Metabolic Rate
Authors: Mun Sujeong , Kim Sujung , Bae Kwang-Ho , Lee Siwoo
Published: March 2017

Background. Korean medicine (KM) patterns such as cold, heat, deficiency, and excess patterns have been associated with alterations of resting metabolic rate (RMR). However, the association of KM patterns with accurately measured body metabolic rate has not been investigated. Methods. Data on cold (CP), heat (HP), spleen‐qi deficiency (SQDP), and kidney deficiency (KDP) patterns were extracted by a factor analysis of symptoms experienced by 954 participants. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between KM patterns and RMR measured by an indirect calorimeter. Results. The CP and SQDP scores were higher and the HP score was lower in women. The HP and SQDP scores decreased with age, while KDP scores increased with age. A multiple regression analysis revealed that CP and SQDP scores were negatively associated with RMR independently of gender and age, and the CP remained significantly and negatively associated with RMR even after adjustment for fat‐free mass. Conclusions. The underlying pathology of CP and SQDP might be associated with the body’s metabolic rate. Further studies are needed to investigate the usefulness of RMR measurement in pattern identification and the association of CP and SQDP with metabolic disorders.
Dynamically Predicting the Quality of Service: Batch, Online, and Hybrid Algorithms
Authors: Chen Ya , Jiang Zhong-an
Published: March 2017

This paper studies the problem of dynamically modeling the quality of web service. The philosophy of designing practical web service recommender systems is delivered in this paper. A general system architecture for such systems continuously collects the user-service invocation records and includes both an online training module and an offline training module for quality prediction. In addition, we introduce matrix factorization-based online and offline training algorithms based on the gradient descent algorithms and demonstrate the fitness of this online/offline algorithm framework to the proposed architecture. The superiority of the proposed model is confirmed by empirical studies on a real-life quality of web service data set and comparisons with existing web service recommendation algorithms.
Remission of Severe, Relapsed, and Refractory TTP after Multiple Cycles of Bortezomib
Authors: Pandey Manu R. , Vachhani Pankit , Ontiveros Evelena P.
Published: March 2017

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is characterized by autoantibodies against a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13). Uncleaved von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers accumulate and bind to platelets which causes spontaneous microthrombi ultimately causing microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and end-organ ischemia. Plasma exchange (PEX) with or without steroids constitutes standard first-line therapy with rituximab typically reserved for refractory cases. Therapies beyond rituximab lack strong evidence for routine use. Recently, bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor used commonly in patients with multiple myeloma, was shown to induce remission in patients with refractory TTP. Here, we report a case of severe, relapsed TTP that was refractory to PEX, steroids, and rituximab that underwent remission following three cycles of bortezomib. We discuss the salient features of our case, the mechanism of action of bortezomib, and the very few other similar reports that exist in the literature. We conclude that bortezomib should be considered for patients with TTP refractory to PEX, steroids, and rituximab due to its efficacy and relatively favorable side effect profile.
Canonizações e esquecimentos na música popular brasileira
Authors: Vilela Ivan
Published: March 2017

Almost all that has been produced in the study of Brazilian musicology deals with movements or musical events which were seen or regarded as the most relevant when they came into being. The viewpoint of the reviewers regarding those musical events guided a series of subsequent studies that resulted in the valuing some movements and forgetting others, which were regarded as less important or little musical. So, this canonization of some events or musical periods has led many other events into oblivion
O ijexá no Brasil: rítmica dos deuses nos terreiros, nas ruas e palcos da música popular
Authors: Ikeda Alberto T.
Published: March 2017

This essay deals with the merging process of the rhythm called ijexá, originated from the religious practices of Candomblé, as a genre of popular music in Brazil. The focus is placed on the historical and ethnographic viewpoint; and it reflects on the dynamics of musical and cultural transculturation processes involving communities of African-Brazilians, pointing out some possible interpretations of the phenomenon
Gravando! A renovação tecnológica e a consolidação do papel do produtor na música popular do Brasil
Authors: Vicente Eduardo
Published: March 2017

This text seeks to offer a reflection on the musical production in Brazil based on the testimonials of some prominent professionals from this area. It seeks to discuss not only the growing role of division of work and the importance of technological renewal in the industry for adding value to this profession, but also the range of approaches professionals can use in the process of producing a song. It focuses on producers who started their careers in the 1970s and 1980s, and who took part in the process of consolidating the profession in a moment of great commercial and artistic valuing of the MPB
Canção popular, Marcos Santos/USP imagens música e poesia: períodos, categorias e níveis de articulação composicional
Authors: Molina Sergio
Published: March 2017

This article discusses the compositional processes of popular songwriting, taking into account interactions between melody and lyrics as well other developments in musical craft after the 1960s. As an argumentative strategy, the article proposes a division of the 20th  century into periods and categories according to the respective weight taken on by lyrics and music as they interact. In the conclusion, the article makes use of references from Octavio Paz to explore the similarities and differences between written poetry and music and suggests paths for further musicological analyses of this multidisciplinary object of study
A etnografia musical como meio de desenvolvimento artístico: um relato
Authors: Saraiva Chico
Published: March 2017

This article presents an account of the musical ethnography developed in the Master’s thesis entitled “Violão-Canção: diálogos entre o violão solo e a canção popular do Brasil” [Guitar and Song: Dialogues between Solo Guitar and Popular Song in Brazil]. It is based on interviews with seven artists that are references in this field: João Bosco, Sérgio Assad, Luiz Tatit, Paulo Bellinati, Paulo César Pinheiro, Marco Pereira and Guinga; and it is developed through the points of contact between the universe of the solo guitar and the song, as well as between artistic and scientific achievements, taking advantage from both resources from classical music – related to music score and written tradition – and resources from current popular song. Its effective support is the recording audio and video. Thus, the project generates its own set of tools which have been shaping its developments, which are gradually released, such as films, books, and websites
The Impact of the Minimum Wage on Male and Female Employment and Earnings in India
Authors: Menon Nidhiya , Rodgers Yana van der Meulen
Published: March 2017

This study examines how employment and wages for men and women respond to changes in the minimum wage in India, a country known for its extensive system of minimum wage regulations across states and industries. Using repeated cross sections of India's National Sample Survey Organization employment survey data for the period 1983–2008 merged with a newly created database of minimum wage rates, we find that, regardless of gender, minimum wages in urban areas have little to no impact on labor market outcomes. However, minimum wage rates increase earnings in the rural sector, especially for men, without any employment losses. Minimum wage rates also increase the residual gender wage gap, which may be explained by weaker compliance among firms that hire female workers.
Crazy
Authors: Nixon Mignon
Published: March 2017

Wilfred Bion, a mid-twentieth-century pioneer of the psychoanalysis of groups, described a group as the repository of the mad parts of ourselves. The group helps us to tame our madness, but it may also exaggerate it, reviving infantile trends, and an anxious group will typically select its maddest member as its leader. The mad leader is a kind of baby king, an avatar of our infantile past, who licenses a departure from reality and, in particular, a denial of our own badness. That is to say, the mania of a mad president relieves us of the responsibility to mourn. Afflicted as we are by a manic negation of reality—the realities of climate change, nuclear armaments, the pain of others—Nixon argues that we also live in a time of mass melancholia. For the author the confrontation of such a psychical reality of melancholia is necessary for our survival, and writers, teachers, and artists must help turn it into creative resistance.
The systematic value of pollen morphology of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea (Passifloraceae)
Authors: MEZZONATO-PIRES ANA CAROLINA , MENDONÇA CLÁUDIA BARBIERI FERREIRA , MILWARD-DE-AZEVEDO MICHAELE ALVIM , GONÇALVES-ESTEVES VANIA
Published: March 2017

This study investigates and reports the pollen morphology of a selected group of Passiflora species of the subgenus Astrophea. We found that species can be grouped into five pollen types, four of which had been previously documented. The fifth new pollen type was observed in P. macrophylla. This pollen type completely lacks muri, and possesses spines and bacula on a granulate surface. All of the species of the subgenus Astrophea studied have the same type of aperture: 6-colporate with 3 lalongate endoapertures, one for each pair of ectoapertures. Multivariate analyses performed with quantitative characters showed a great degree of similarity between type I, II and V pollen, and individual distinction of type III and type IV. The pollen characters observed do not support the currently accepted taxonomic classification for the Passiflora subgenus Astrophea, but are useful for delimiting species.
Adlafia sinensis sp. nov. (Bacillariophyceae) from the Wuling Mountains Area, China, with reference to the structure of its girdle bands
Authors: LIU BING , WILLIAMS DAVID M. , OU YONGDA
Published: March 2017

Adlafia sinensis sp. nov., a new diatom species from the Wuling Mountains Area, China, has been studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The valves are lanceolate with rostrate to subcapitate apices; the areolae are occluded by hymens outside and the both terminal raphe fissures hook towards the secondary side; the mantle is deep with c. 5–7 isolated striae not continuous from the valve face. Only one girdle band (valvocopula) occurs between the epivalve and hypovalve except at the apices of each frustule. The nature of the valvocopula is open because the two parts are not fused together. A. sinensis is compared with the all species in the genus Adlafia. A. sinensis is epilithic and live in freshwater habitats.
Notes on the Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Shanghai, China
Authors: YIN ZI-WEI , JIANG RI-XIN , CHEN ZHI-BING
Published: March 2017

Four pselaphine species are reported to occur in Shanghai, all belonging to the tribe Batrisini. A new species, Batriscenellus xijiaogongyuan sp. n., is described based on the material collected at the Shanghai Zoo. New distributional or collecting data for three species, i.e. Batrisodes sibiricus Sharp, Physomerinus pedator (Sharp), and Batriscenellus orientalis (Löbl), are provided.
Nematomorpha from Hong Kong and description of a new species from Malaysia
Authors: SCHMIDT-RHAESA ANDREAS , KARRAKER NANCY E.
Published: March 2017

We report here for the first time horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) from Hong Kong (China). Most specimens belong to the genus Chordodes, and can be assigned to C. bipilus, C. caledoniensis and to C. cf. moutoni. Two specimens have a cuticular pattern resembling the South American species C. peraccae or C. bouvieri, but for Southeast Asia this pattern is new. These two specimens are reported here as Chordodes sp. Additionally, Gordionus chinensis was found. One new species, Acutogordius koljai, is described from Malaysia. It has a characteristically-structured region posterior to the postcloacal crescent which sets it apart from previously described species in this genus.
Synonymic notes on Trechini from Argentina (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae)
Authors: ALLEGRO GIANNI , GIACHINO PIER MAURO
Published: March 2017

Nine new Trechisibus species from South America (Peru and Patagonian Argentina) were recently described (Allegro & Giachino 2016). Five of them were based on material labelled “Argentina, Neuquen, Pen. Quetrihué” offered to the authors for study by its collector (Riccardo Sciaky). Shortly after publication, Martin Donabauer kindly communicated that a mistake probably had occurred, as they are five well known European Trechus species from Koralpe (Austria) living in low subalpine forests at 1200–1700 m a.s.l. As a subsequent control allowed us to ascertain that the collector had stayed in Koralpe collecting some material, a mistake evidently occurred in labelling, misleading a correct taxonomic interpretation of these species by the authors.
The Record-Breaking Hot Summer in 2015 over Hawaii and Its Physical Causes
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Li Tim
Published: March 2017

Hawaiian surface air temperature (HST) during the summer of 2015 (from July to October) was about 1.5°C higher than the climatological mean, which was the hottest since records began in 1948. In the context of record-breaking seasonal-mean high temperature, 98 exceptional local heatwave days occurred during the summer of 2015. Based on diagnoses and simulations, this paper demonstrates that the record-high HST during the summer of 2015 arose mainly from the combined effects of the interannual and interdecadal variability of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs). The interannual variability of SSTAs, with an El Niño–like pattern in the tropics and cold (warm) anomalies over the western (eastern) North Pacific, was the primary contributor to the abnormally high HST in the summer of 2015. This interannual tropical–extratropical SSTA pattern was accompanied by low-level southwesterly anomalies over the central North Pacific, which weakened the climatological northeasterly trade winds and reduced the ventilation effect, warming Hawaii. Numerical experiments further revealed that the SST warming in the subtropical eastern North Pacific was mostly responsible for the weakened trade winds and warming over Hawaii. Interdecadal SST warming in the tropics was a secondary factor. By superimposing the positive SSTAs over the Indo-Pacific warm pool and tropical North Atlantic Ocean upon the climatological-mean maximum SST regions, it was found that these anomalies led to enhanced convection over the Maritime Continent and the oceans around Mexico, causing anomalous subsidence and reduced cloud cover over the tropical central North Pacific. The reduced cloudiness increased the amount of downward solar radiation, thus warming Hawaii.
Dove and hawk profiles in youth concussion: Rethinking occupational performance
Authors: Paniccia Melissa J. , Reed Nick P.
Published: March 2017

Background.

Youth concussion and its subsequent recovery have been described as heterogeneous; no one injury is the same, and each youth is different in how he or she recovers.

Purpose.

This paper proposes a theoretical perspective on the management of youth with persistent concussion symptoms.

Key Issues.

When managing concussion within youth, further consideration of person, occupation, and environment factors may provide insight on (a) the differential spectrum of profiles that exist among youth who have experienced a concussion and (b) how these profiles can support client-centred rehabilitation. Passive-dove and active-hawk stress profiles from evolutionary literature will be used to contextualize return to occupational performance. An innovative, novel model—the Dove-Hawk Model of Allostatic Load for Youth With Persistent Concussion Symptoms—is proposed to illustrate these concepts, and approaches to rehabilitation across the spectrum of profiles are offered.

Implications.

Viewing persistent youth concussion recovery in this way may elucidate different approaches to client-centred rehabilitation.
A Brief Mindfulness Exercise Promotes the Correspondence Between the Implicit Affiliation Motive and Goal Setting
Authors: Strick Madelijn , Papies Esther K.
Published: March 2017

People often choose to pursue goals that are dissociated from their implicit motives, which jeopardizes their motivation and well-being. We hypothesized that mindfulness may attenuate this dissociation to the degree that it increases sensitivity to internal cues that signal one’s implicit preferences. We tested this hypothesis with a longitudinal repeated measures experiment. In Session 1, participants’ implicit affiliation motive was assessed. In Session 2, half of the participants completed a mindfulness exercise while the other half completed a control task before indicating their motivation toward pursuing affiliation and nonaffiliation goals. In Session 3, this procedure was repeated with reversed assignment to conditions. The results confirmed our hypothesis that, irrespective of the order of the conditions, the implicit affiliation motive predicted a preference to pursue affiliation goals immediately after the mindfulness exercise, but not after the control task. We discuss implications of these findings for satisfaction and well-being.
All I get is an emoji: dating on lesbian mobile phone app Butterfly
Authors: Tang Denise Tse-Shang
Published: March 2017

Unlike mobile apps for gay men, lesbian dating apps have been slow to catch on as a habitual space to look for friends and lovers. This study adopted a qualitative approach to investigate the social expectations and romantic longings of Chinese lesbians and bisexual women aged 35 and above in establishing same-sex relationships using mobile media. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 Chinese lesbians and bisexual women, and participant observation was carried out on the Hong Kong-based lesbian social networking site Butterfly. The aim of the study was to explore the social meanings of intimacy created, negotiated and changed among Chinese lesbians and bisexual women. I argue that although social media presents ample opportunities for love and intimacy, the prevailing conservative values and cultural norms surrounding dating and relationships in Hong Kong are often reinforced and played out in their choice of romantic engagement.
Who edited the Shakespeare First Folio?
Authors: Rasmussen Eric
Published: March 2017

The question of who edited the Shakespeare First Folio remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in textual studies. This essay will examine two possible candidates, Leonard Digges and John Florio, and will propose a new methodology of editorial attribution that may have some utility in identifying the agent who was responsible for preparing the great folio for the press in 1623.
Positron emission tomography imaging of tau pathology in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Coakeley Sarah , Cho Sang Soo , Koshimori Yuko , Rusjan Pablo , Harris Madeleine , Ghadery Christine , Kim Jinhee , Lang Anthony E , Wilson Alan , Houle Sylvain , Strafella Antonio P
Published: March 2017

Progressive supranuclear palsy is a rare form of atypical Parkinsonism that differs neuropathologically from other parkinsonian disorders. While many parkinsonian disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy are classified as synucleinopathies, progressive supranuclear palsy is coined a tauopathy due to the aggregation of pathological tau in the brain. [18F]AV-1451 (also known as [18F]-T807) is a positron emission tomography radiotracer that binds to paired helical filaments of tau in Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated whether [18F]AV-1451 could be used as biomarker for the diagnosis and disease progression monitoring in progressive supranuclear palsy. Six progressive supranuclear palsy, six Parkinson’s disease, and 10 age-matched healthy controls were recruited. An anatomical MRI and a 90-min PET scan, using [18F]AV-1451, were acquired from all participants. The standardized uptake value ratio from 60 to 90 min post-injection was calculated in each region of interest, using the cerebellar cortex as a reference region. No significant differences in standardized uptake value ratios were detected in our progressive supranuclear palsy group compared to the two control groups. [18F]AV-1451 may bind selectivity to the paired helical filaments in Alzheimer’s disease, which differ from the straight conformation of tau filaments in progressive supranuclear palsy.
Weak Foundations in Economic Development Programs
Authors: Hodges Hart , Henson Steven E.
Published: March 2017

The existing literature on the relationship between employment growth and firm characteristics (such as firm age, size, and sector) has been used to justify a variety of economic development policies and job creation programs. Some of the programs highlight the importance of small firms, others emphasize the importance of young firms, and others highlight the importance of older, more established firms. The fact that each of these programs can find something in the literature that supports its particular focus suggests problems in the connection between the literature and policy formation. The authors find that the empirical support for such programs is weak. The statistical significance of firm characteristics depends critically on the model specification and/or data set used. Moreover, these characteristics explain only a small fraction of the variation in job growth, leaving policy makers with relatively weak policy tools.
Adherence to GOLD Guidelines in the Inpatient COPD Population
Authors: Lipari Melissa , Smith Amber Lanae , Kale-Pradhan Pramodini B. , Wilhelm Sheila M.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines provide recommendations to manage chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) exacerbations. This study assessed the management of inpatient COPD exacerbations at an urban teaching hospital.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort analysis of adults admitted between December 2010 and August 2012 with a COPD exacerbation was conducted. Patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), Charlson comorbidity score, inpatient pulmonary medications, and 30-day readmission were collected. Descriptive statistics characterized guideline adherence and readmission.

Results:

94 patients were included with median LOS of 3 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-5 days) and median Charlson comorbidity score of 6 (IQR: 5-8). All patients received an inhaled short-acting beta agonist, and 52 (55.3%) also received an inhaled short-acting anticholinergic. Seventy-eight (83%) received systemic corticosteroids, of which 3 received guideline-recommended doses. Sixty-four (68.1%) received antibiotics for a pulmonary indication, of which 71.9% received appropriate antibiotics per indication. Of the 94 patients, 2 were managed in complete adherence with GOLD recommendations. A total of 24 (25.5%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, 9 of these for COPD.

Conclusion:

COPD exacerbation treatment deviated from GOLD recommendations. This provides opportunities for further optimization of treatment of COPD exacerbations.
The impact of public services outsourcing on work and employment conditions in different national regimes
Authors: Mori Anna
Published: March 2017

This article examines the impact of outsourcing of public services on employment relations and working conditions in three countries: Italy, the United Kingdom and Denmark. It presents six matched case studies and investigates whether contracting out by public administrations causes a market-driven convergence across national boundaries or whether cross-country differences endure. Although outsourcing blurs the organizational boundaries between public and private sectors everywhere, making terms and conditions of employment fragmented and less protected, distinct structures and legacies of national employment relations institutions result in differences between national trajectories.
Norm Entrepreneur, Catalyst or Challenger? India in the Nuclear Non-proliferation Narrative
Authors: Kumar A. Vinod
Published: March 2017

The history of India’s interaction with the normative structures of the non-proliferation regime has been unique albeit tumultuous. The vibrancy of the roles and identities that India had attained in the normative churning of the regime is a useful case study to understand the dynamics of norm construction within the non-proliferation system. While the model of norm entrepreneurship can be used to explain this phenomenon, the Indian example shows that the spectrum of the term ‘agency’ can transcend the existing understanding of norm entrepreneurship. The article uses India’s non-proliferation history to examine how actors, based on their conceptions of interest and driven by various systemic factors, influence the norm construction process through different role identities.
Geopolitics and Marginality
Authors: Saraswat Deepika , Meena Krishnendra
Published: March 2017

Theorisation in modern geopolitics is replete with instances where certain regions have been accorded a marginal status in various schemes of global political–geographical configurations. Geopolitical ideas propounded by Halford J. Mackinder, Nicholas Spykman and Saul B. Cohen are all evidence of geopolitical visualisation and ordering which advantage certain parts of the world by geo-graphing them as strategically important. This ordering disadvantages certain other areas as less important and, therefore, marginal in the context of international politics. The study here attempts to locate the ascription of marginality in modern geopolitics.
Is there a Global South? A Perspective from South Asia
Authors: Tripathi Rahul
Published: March 2017

Much of the writings on the Global South in recent years have focused on the role that some of the emerging economies within the developing world might play in the unfolding global scenario. It is asserted that the rise of a group of middle-level players, given their economic and political profile in global affairs, may be critical in shaping future global outcomes. Such an influence may come at a time when the power of the established powers is seen in relative decline, particularly given the volatility of the global political economy in recent years. The article tries to revisit this assumption from a South Asian perspective and tries to explore the fundamentals of the Global South in terms of its ability to provide alternatives. Taking South Asia as a test case, the article argues that the term ‘South’ itself as a homogeneous entity is problematic from the point of view of characterisation as well as actualisation of the potential alternatives. While this does not rule out coalition building and collective action between countries sharing common interests and objectives, such coalition building may be more diffused and episodic rather than have the potential to provide ‘alternative orders’.
Regal Memory
Authors: Naik Priya
Published: March 2017

Making an inventory of postcolonial scholarship on India reveals both its criticality and its limits. While the body of postcolonial work has been remarkable for pointing out the oppression under the British, it has been stubbornly silent about the Indian princes. This article does four things: First, it points out the uneven development of scholarship on the Indian princes and attempts to demonstrate why the Indian princes, their history and politics remain unappealing to postcolonial theorists. Second, it posits that the continued neglect of the Indian princes is part of a larger malaise of modern India. The remaining part of the article prises upon the Indian princes to look at how their subjectivity and gaze have been overlooked to produce a certain kind of narrative about them, which is coarse and unable to accommodate their complexity. It finally reverses the gaze by looking at the kingdoms from inside out. By looking into the works written by insiders, it offers a previously unheard voice.
Identification of Prognostic Genes and Pathways in Lung Adenocarcinoma Using a Bayesian Approach
Authors: Jiang Yu , Huang Yuan , Du Yinhao , Zhao Yinjun , Ren Jie , Ma Shuangge , Wu Cen
Published: March 2017

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in the United States and the world. Adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of lung cancer, is generally diagnosed at the late stage with poor prognosis. In the past, extensive effort has been devoted to elucidating lung cancer pathogenesis and pinpointing genes associated with survival outcomes. As the progression of lung cancer is a complex process that involves coordinated actions of functionally associated genes from cancer-related pathways, there is a growing interest in simultaneous identification of both prognostic pathways and important genes within those pathways. In this study, we analyse The Cancer Genome Atlas lung adenocarcinoma data using a Bayesian approach incorporating the pathway information as well as the interconnections among genes. The top 11 pathways have been found to play significant roles in lung adenocarcinoma prognosis, including pathways in mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. We have also located key gene signatures such as RELB, MAP4K1, and UBE2C. These results indicate that the Bayesian approach may facilitate discovery of important genes and pathways that are tightly associated with the survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Expression of Reactive Oxygen Species–Related Transcripts in Egyptian Children With Autism
Authors: Meguid Nagwa A , Ghozlan Said A S , Mohamed Magda F , Ibrahim Marwa K , Dawood Reham M , Bader El Din Noha G , Abdelhafez Tawfeek H , Hemimi Maha , El Awady Mostafa K
Published: March 2017

The molecular basis of the pathophysiological role of oxidative stress in autism is understudied. Herein, we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array to analyze transcriptional pattern of 84 oxidative stress genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cell pools isolated from 32 autistic patients (16 mild/moderate and 16 severe) and 16 healthy subjects (each sample is a pool from 4 autistic patients or 4 controls). The PCR array data were further validated by quantitative real-time PCR in 80 autistic children (55 mild/moderate and 25 severe) and 60 healthy subjects. Our data revealed downregulation in GCLM, SOD2, NCF2, PRNP, and PTGS2 transcripts (1.5, 3.8, 1.2, 1.7, and 2.2, respectively; P < .05 for all) in autistic group compared with controls. In addition, TXN and FTH1 exhibited 1.4- and 1.7-fold downregulation, respectively, in severe autistic patients when compared with mild/moderate group ( P = .005 and .0008, respectively). This study helps in a better understanding of the underlying biology and related genetic factors of autism, and most importantly, it presents suggested candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis purposes as well as targets for therapeutic intervention.
Knowledge and Practices Relating to Acute Pesticide Poisoning Among Health Care Providers in Selected Regions of Tanzania
Authors: Lekei Elikana , Ngowi Aiwerasia V , Mkalanga Habib , London Leslie
Published: March 2017

Background:

Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is commonly underdiagnosed in Tanzania. Studies in developing countries suggest that a lack of diagnostic skills among health care providers (HCPs) undermines surveillance for APP. This study aimed at characterizing experience and skills of Tanzanian HCPs regarding APP diagnosis and management.

Methodology:

The population included HCPs responsible for managing APP in Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions (n = 91). The resulting sample included 66 respondents (response rate: 73%). The data were collected in 2005 using a standardized questionnaire.

Results:

Half of all respondents (50%) reported handling at least 1 APP case with 15% reporting handling more than 5 cases in the past. Reported experience of handling an APP case was marginally higher in respondents who reported ⩾4 years of work experience in the health sector compared with those with <4 years of work experience (odds ratio = 1.32; 95% confidence interval = 0.9-1.5). Most of the respondents had high knowledge of exposure routes, reporting awareness of oral (98.5%), inhalational (93.9%), and dermal (77%) routes. The study revealed low awareness of pesticide classification by chemical groups (29%) or World Health Organization hazard (0%) and weak knowledge on pesticide label instructions (55%). Organophosphates accounted for 35% of the pesticide products reported by respondents as being responsible for poisoning. Some treatment options were incorrectly reported as first aid options, and some reported first aid options were wrong or inappropriate.

Conclusions:

The study revealed that HCPs in northern Tanzania lack adequate skills to diagnose and manage APP. For effective surveillance of APP, there is a need to include training on hazards, classification, diagnosis, and health effects in the training programmes for all HCPs in Tanzania.
Role of Macronutrients and Micronutrients in DNA Damage: Results From a Food Frequency Questionnaire
Authors: Ladeira Carina , Carolino Elisabete , Gomes Manuel C , Brito Miguel
Published: March 2017

The links between diet and genomic instability have been under investigation for several decades, and evidence suggests a significant causal or preventive role for various dietary factors. This study investigates the influence of macronutrients (calories, protein, and glucides) and micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, as assessed by a food frequency questionnaire, on genotoxicity biomarkers measured by cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay and comet assay. The results found significant positive and negative correlations. Micronucleus frequency tends to increase with higher intake of caffeine, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and protein ( P < .05, Spearman correlation). Calorie and omega-6 intakes are negatively correlated with DNA damage measured by the comet assay. These results are somewhat controversial because some of the correlations found are contrary to dominant views in the literature; however, we suggest that unraveling the association between diet and genetic instability requires a much better understanding of the modulating role of macronutrients and micronutrients.
A Double-Blind, Active-Controlled Clinical Trial of Sodium Bicarbonate and Calcium Gluconate in the Treatment of Bilateral Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: del Carmen Caamaño María , García-Padilla Sandra , Duarte-Vázquez Miguel Ángel , González-Romero Karla Elena , Rosado Jorge L
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of intra-articular injections of sodium bicarbonate with a single (SBCG1) or double dose (SBCG2) of calcium gluconate administered monthly compared with methylprednisolone (MP) for treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods:

A 3-month, randomized, double-blind clinical trial with patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The outcome variables were the Western Ontario-McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Lequesne functional index.

Results:

After 3 months, all treatments significantly improved in overall WOMAC and Lequesne scores. Mean changes (95% confidence interval) in WOMAC total score and the Lequesne index, respectively, for SBCG1 (−12.5 [−14.3, −10.7]; −9.0 [−11.4, −6.7]) and SBCG2 (−12.3 [−14.3, −10.4]; −8.9 [−10.4, −7.4]) were significantly greater than for MP (−5.0 [−7.2, −2.8]; −3.2 [−4.9, −1.5]) ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Intra-articular injections of sodium bicarbonate and calcium gluconate are useful for short-term relief of OA symptoms in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Both treatments are more effective than MP injections in the reduction of knee OA symptoms.

Trial Registration:

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00977444