bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Xie Shuan-Shuan , Hu Feng , Tan Min , Duan Yu-Xiang , Song Xiao-Lian , Wang Chang-Hui
Published: October 2014

Objective

To investigate the relationship between expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and expression of adenylyl cyclase-associated protein (CAP)-1 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Patients with possible respiratory disease were recruited into the study and divided into a COPD group and a non-COPD group on diagnosis. Pulmonary function tests were performed and serum concentrations of MMP-9 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MMP-9 and CAP1 expression were analysed in lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in all available samples using immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. In addition, expression of MMP-9 and CAP1 in vitro was investigated using immunofluorescence. Expression of CAP1 in response to MMP-9 was measured in the human alveolar epithelial cell line HP-AEpiC, using Western blot.

Results

A total of 90 patients were included in the study: 52 were in the COPD group and 38 in the non-COPD group. Serum MMP-9 concentrations were significantly higher in the COPD than in the non-COPD group. MMP-9 serum concentrations were negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1 as a percentage of the normal predicted value and the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity, and were positively correlated with residual volume (RV), total lung capacity (TLC) and RV/TLC values. In lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples, MMP-9 and CAP1 expression were inversely related. This relationship was confirmed in HP-AEpiC cells. High expression of MMP-9 and low expression of CAP1 was demonstrated in the COPD group compared with the non-COPD group.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated an inverse relationship between CAP1 and MMP-9 expression, and high expression of MMP-9 and low expression of CAP1 in those with COPD compared with the non-COPD group. Overexpression of MMP-9 in lung tissue and its interaction with CAP1 is likely to play a major role in airway obstruction in COPD.
Re-theorizing social network analysis and environmental governance
Authors: Scott Michael
Published: October 2014

There are growing calls for social network analysis methods to be more extensively deployed in environmental governance practice. A key claim is that social network analysis can generate knowledge to build trust, enable consensus, and facilitate the dissemination of information necessary to make environmental protection ‘successful’. By bringing social network analysis into dialogue with heterodox social theories relevant to human geographers and cognate social scientists, this article destabilizes such claims. It is argued that the current application of social network analysis enacts a particular moral and political emphasis on resilience and participation, which readily works with the grain of hegemonic environmental governance.
Study of neurovascular coupling during cold pressor test in patients with migraine
Authors: Fabjan Andrej , Bajrović Fajko F , Musizza Bojan , Vidmar Jernej , Štrucl Martin , Zaletel Marjan
Published: October 2014

Background

Altered neurovascular coupling in migraineurs could be a consequence of impaired function of modulatory brainstem nuclei. The cold pressor test (CPT) should activate brainstem structures. We measured visually evoked cerebral blood flow velocity response (VEFR) to CPT in migraine.

Methods

Twenty-three healthy volunteers and 29 migraineurs participated in the study. We measured arterial blood pressure, end-tidal CO2, heart rate and cerebral blood flow velocity in posterior and middle cerebral artery using transcranial Doppler. VEFR was calculated as cerebrovascular reactivity to photic stimulation before, during and after CPT.

Results

In healthy individuals, there was a significant decrease in peak systolic VEFR from CPT phase to recovery phase ( p < 0.05). There was an increase in mean VEFR from basal to CPT phase and a decrease from CPT to recovery phase, both significant ( p < 0.05). End-diastolic VEFR increased from basal to CPT phase and decreased in recovery phase below the basal phase values, all changes significant ( p < 0.05). In migraine, no statistically significant changes in peak systolic, mean or end-diastolic VEFRs were observed between phases ( p > 0.05). The differences in phases in mean and end-diastolic VEFRs between the basal phase and the CPT phase and between the CPT phase and the recovery phase were significantly higher in healthy individuals ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The absence of the effect of CPT on VEFR in migraine is likely to be a consequence of impaired subcortical modulation of neurovascular coupling.
Factor Structure of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms for Children Age 3 to 5 Years
Authors: McGoey Kara E. , Schreiber James , Venesky Lindsey , Westwood Wendy , McGuirk Lindsay , Schaffner Kristen
Published: October 2014

The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) distinguishes two dimensions of symptoms, inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity for ages 3 to adulthood. Currently, no separate classification for preschool-age children exists, whereas preliminary research suggests that the two-factor structure of ADHD may not match the presentation of symptoms in a preschool sample. The present study explored this incongruity by examining the factor structure of the 18 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev; DSM-IV-TR) ADHD symptoms on the ADHD-Rating Scale-IV–Preschool Version within a normative preschool sample ( n = 976). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed on results from teacher and parent ratings. The findings indicate a three-factor model, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, for the presentation of ADHD in preschoolers based on both parent and teacher report data.
Civil war violence and political trust: Microlevel evidence from Nepal
Authors: De Juan Alexander , Pierskalla Jan Henryk
Published: October 2014

Exposure to violence can shape people’s political and social perceptions. War-time effects on trust in state institutions are particularly relevant for political stability in the aftermath of violent conflict. If people distrust the state, they are less likely to endorse reform plans, will be less inclined to comply with state rules and regulations, and may uphold support for challengers of state authority. Our paper contributes to the understanding of the role of violence for trust in the national government. We use high-quality, geo-referenced survey data, joined with village-level information on civil war casualties, to estimate the effects of exposure to violence on political trust in Nepal. We find that exposure to violence matters for reducing trust in the national government. This association seems to be mainly driven by effects of violence at the outbreak of the conflict as well as at the end of the civil war period under investigation. These findings shed new light on the complex associations between exposure to violence and political trust.
Association of IL4 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms With Febrile Seizures
Authors: Zare-shahabadi Ameneh , Soltani Samaneh , Ashrafi Mahmoud Reza , Shahrokhi Amin , Zoghi Samaneh , Pourakbari Babak , Zamani Gholam Reza , Mohammadi Mahmoud , Rezaei Nima
Published: October 2014

As of importance of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines, the IL4 gene polymorphisms were investigated in patients with febrile seizure. This association has not been investigated yet, except 1 study which has been done in Japanese population. Eighty-two patients with febrile seizure were enrolled in this study, compared with 139 controls. The allele and genotype frequency of 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of IL4 gene were determined. Frequency of the IL4-590/C allele in the patient group was significantly higher than in the control group ( P < .0001). Frequency of the following genotypes was significantly lower in patients compared to controls: IL-4 (–590) TC ( P = .0001) and IL-4 (–33) TC ( P = .001). The most frequent IL-4 haplotype in the patient group was TCC ( P = .00) haplotype. In contrast, frequencies of GCC ( P = .01), TTT ( P = .009), and TTC ( P = .0007) haplotypes were significantly lower in febrile seizure patients. Certain alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes in the IL4 gene were overrepresented in Iranian patients with febrile seizure, which could predispose individuals to this disease, and further investigations in other ethnicities are required.
Association of Copy Numbers of Survival Motor Neuron Gene 2 and Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibitory Protein Gene With the Natural History in a Chinese Spinal Muscular Atrophy Cohort
Authors: Qu Yu-jin , Ge Xiu-shan , Bai Jin-li , Wang Li-wen , Cao Yan-yan , Lu Yan-yu , Jin Yu-wei , Wang Hong , Song Fang
Published: October 2014

We evaluated survival motor neuron 2 ( SMN2) and neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein ( NAIP) gene copy distribution and the association of copy number with survival in 232 Chinese spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients. The SMN2 and NAIP copy numbers correlated positively with the median onset age (r = 0.72 and 0.377). The risk of death for patients with fewer copies of SMN2 or NAIP was much higher than for those with more copies ( P < .01). The survival probabilities at 5 years were 5.1%, 90.7%, and 100% for 2, 3, and 4 SMN2 copies and 27.9%, 66.7%, and 87.2% for 0, 1, and 2 NAIP copies, respectively. Our results indicated that combined SMN1-SMN2-NAIP genotypes with fewer copies were associated with earlier onset age and poorer survival probability. Better survival status for Chinese type I SMA might due to a higher proportion of 3 SMN2 and a lower rate of zero NAIP.
Health Professionals’ Responses to Women’s Disclosure of Domestic Violence
Authors: Keeling June , Fisher Colleen
Published: October 2014

This study explored women’s experiences of their responses from health professionals following disclosure of domestic violence within a health setting. The existence of health-based policies guiding professionals in the provision of appropriate support following disclosure of domestic violence is only effective if health professionals understand the dynamics of violent relationships. This article focuses on the findings from the interviews conducted with 15 women living in the United Kingdom who disclosed their experiences of domestic violence when accessing health care. Following thematic analysis, themes emerged that rotated around their disclosure and the responses they received from health professionals. The first two themes revealed the repudiation of, or recognition of and failure to act upon, domestic violence. A description of how the health professional’s behavior became analogous with that of the perpetrator is discussed. The final theme illuminated women’s receipt of appropriate and sensitive support, leading to a positive trajectory away from a violent relationship. The findings suggest that the implicit understanding of the dynamics of violent relationships and the behaviors of the perpetrator of domestic violence are essential components of health care provision to avoid inadvertent inappropriate interactions with women.
Elder Abuse and Help-Seeking Behavior in Elderly Chinese
Authors: Yan Elsie
Published: October 2014

Elder abuse is a prevalent phenomenon resulting in physical, emotional, and social costs to individuals, families, and society. Timely and effective intervention is crucial because victims are often involved in relationships where re-victimization is common. Most elder abuse victims, however, are reluctant to seek help from outside their families. The aim of the present study is to explore factors associated with help-seeking behaviors among mistreated elders in Hong Kong. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 elder abuse survivors. Although almost all of the participants could provide some examples of elder abuse, most denied that their own experience was abusive. Personal and professional social networks were important determinants of help seeking. Social isolation, cultural barriers, self-blame, and lack of knowledge were major barriers to help seeking.
Does the Importance of Apparel Product Attributes Differ by Country? Testing Kano’s Theory of Attractive Quality in Four Countries
Authors: Jin Byoungho , Bennur Shubhapriya
Published: October 2014

Built on Kano's theory of attractive quality, this study posits that apparel attributes contributing to customer satisfaction differ by a country’s economic development level since consumers’ expectations toward apparel products change. Analyses with data collected in four countries (India, China, Korea, and the U.S.) supported all hypotheses. That is, apparel attributes were classified into different Kano’s categories by country. Attributes classified as performance and attractive categories contributed to satisfaction more than the attributes classified in the other categories, regardless of country. Collectively, the findings suggest that as a country's economy advances, the role of brand is diminishing and attributes such as fashionability and versatility become more important in creating customer satisfaction. By discovering the life cycle of each attribute and tracing the path from developing countries to developed countries, this study provides an initial tool to predict how consumers' expectations toward an apparel product shift as a country advances economically.
Dependence Scale for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Garre-Olmo Josep , Vilalta-Franch Joan , Calvó-Perxas Laia , Monserrat-Vila Sílvia , López-Pousa Secundino ,   the CoDep-AD Study Group
Published: October 2014

The objective of this cross-sectional and multicenter study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Dependence Scale (DS) and to assess the relationship between dependence and clinical measures according to disease severity. Medical comorbidities, cognitive status and functional status, behavior, dependence, caregiver burden, and medical and social resources were assessed using standardized instruments. The sample consisted of 343 patients (32.1% mild, 36.7% moderate, and 31.2% severe), the mean age was 78.9 years (standard deviation = 7.4), and 67.0% were women. Criterion and construct validity index of DS were appropriate. The DS standard error of measurement was ±1.23. The explained variance in DS ranged between 0.598 and 0.731, and the relative contribution of clinical measures depended on disease severity. Current findings confirm that the Spanish version of the DS has appropriate psychometric indices and suggest that clinical indicators have different contribution to dependence according to disease severity.
The Neuropsychiatric Profile of Posterior Cortical Atrophy
Authors: Isella Valeria , Villa Giulia , Mapelli Cristina , Ferri Francesca , Appollonio Ildebrando Marco , Ferrarese Carlo
Published: October 2014

We analyzed scores obtained at the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) by 20 patients with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) and contrasted it with 20 patients having Alzheimer disease (AD). Patients with hallucinations and delusions were not included due to the high probability of a diagnosis of Lewy body disease. Prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) was 95% in the PCA group, the most frequent being apathy and anxiety. Cluster analysis on NPI subscales highlighted a behavioral subsyndrome characterized by agitated temper and irritability. Depression, anxiety, and apathy did not cluster with any other BPSD nor with each other. The PCA group showed a significantly higher proportion of anxious patients and worse anxiety score than patients with AD. No correlation was found between NPI data and demographic, clinical, or neuropsychological features nor were there significant differences for the same variables between anxious and nonanxious cases with PCA. In agreement with anecdotal reports, anxiety seems particularly relevant in PCA.
Towards a Bourdieusian analysis of the social composition of the UK film and television workforce
Authors: Randle Keith , Forson Cynthia , Calveley Moira
Published: October 2014

The social composition of the workforce of the UK film and television industries does not reflect the diversity of the population and the industries have been described as white, male and middle class. While the lack of specific demographic representation in employment (for example gender or ethnicity) has been highlighted by both industry and academic commentators, its broader social composition has rarely been addressed by research. This article draws on the work of Bourdieu, particularly the concepts of field, habitus and capitals, to explore perceptions of the barriers to entry into these industries and the way in which individuals negotiate these by drawing on the various capitals to which they have access.
Multiscale matched filter-based lane detection scheme of the constant false alarm rate for driver assistance
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Song Xiaolin , Cao Xiaojuan
Published: October 2014

Real-time lane detection is an important element for driver assistance systems in rapidly changing traffic scenarios. In this paper, an embedded lane detection platform combining a high-dynamic-range image sensor is proposed. As for the software development, a multiscale matched filter scheme is successfully used to enhance the local contrast between the lane markings and the background interference for different traffic scenarios. Then, an intelligent constant-false-alarm-rate detector is designed to generate an adaptive threshold for extraction of the lane markings. As for hardware implementation, a field programmable gate array is used for obtaining a high-dynamic-range image, and then matched filters achieve their optimal design based on the coefficient decomposition technology in the form of a fixed point number. Subsequently, through a high-speed serial peripheral interface bus, all pre-processed data are transferred to an ARM processor, which takes charge of extraction of the lane markings and also lane fitting. Experiments and evaluation prove that the proposed system can effectively detect the lane markings for different traffic scenarios in a time of 11.64 ms for each frame.
Analytical approach for modal instability of a rigid brake pad
Authors: Kang Jaeyoung
Published: October 2014

This paper examines the mode-coupling characteristics of a rigid brake pad. The brake pad is modelled as a composite annular sector plate which is subject to frictional contact with a rotating disc. The frequency loci crossing of the statically coupled frequencies is analytically presented. This paper verifies theoretically that mode-coupling instability can occur near frequency loci crossing, which is approximately estimated by the geometric formulae. It is found that mode-coupling instability is induced by the modal interaction between two rotation modes and its propensity is associated with the mode crossing of these two modes.
A survey of ultrasound elastography approaches to percutaneous ablation monitoring
Authors: Zhou Zhuhuang , Wu Weiwei , Wu Shuicai , Xia Jingjing , Wang Chiao-Yin , Yang Chunlan , Lin Chung-Chih , Tsui Po-Hsiang
Published: October 2014

Percutaneous thermal ablation has been widely used as a minimally invasive treatment for tumors. Treatment monitoring is essential for preventing complications while ensuring treatment efficacy. Mechanical testing measurements on tissue reveal that tissue stiffness increases with temperature and ablation duration. Different types of imaging methods can be used to monitor ablation procedures, including temperature or thermal strain imaging, strain imaging, modulus imaging, and shear modulus imaging. Ultrasound elastography demonstrates the potential to become the primary imaging modality for monitoring percutaneous ablation. This review briefly presented the state-of-the-art ultrasound elastography approaches for monitoring radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation. These techniques were divided into four groups: quasi-static elastography, acoustic radiation force elastography, sonoelastography, and applicator motion elastography. Their advantages and limitations were compared and discussed. Future developments were proposed with respect to heat-induced bubbles, tissue inhomogeneities, respiratory motion, three-dimensional monitoring, multi-parametric monitoring, real-time monitoring, experimental data center for percutaneous ablation, and microwave ablation monitoring.
Biomechanical design of Less Invasive Stabilization System femoral plates: Computational evaluation of the fracture environment
Authors: Reina-Romo Esther , Giráldez-Sánchez MA , Mora-Macías J , Cano-Luis P , Domínguez Jaime
Published: October 2014

Less Invasive Stabilization System femoral plates are currently accepted as a suitable fixation technique for supra-intercondylar femoral fractures. However, general agreement does not exist regarding the optimum design of this fixator type. Therefore, the aim of this article is to reduce the intrinsic Less Invasive Stabilization System complications by clarifying, from a biomechanical point of view, how the number of screws, the screw connection type (unicortical or bicortical), or the structured position of the screws can influence the outcome of the fracture site. These studies include a specific finite element analysis that determines how several biomechanical variables, such as the movement at the fracture site, are influenced by the preconditions of bone healing. The results of this study show that the screw type affects the mechanical stabilization of the femur to a greater extent than the material type of the Less Invasive Stabilization System femoral plates. The most significant differences among all the analyzed configurations are observed in the shear interfragmentary strain between screw types. Values are approximately 50% higher with unicortical screws than with bicortical ones.
Two-year outcome of first-line antiretroviral therapy among HIV-1 vertically-infected children in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Pham HV , Ishizaki A , Nguyen LV , Phan CTT , Phung TTB , Takemoto K , Pham AN , Bi X , Khu DTK , Ichimura H
Published: October 2014

A retrospective analysis of 86 HIV-1 vertically-infected Vietnamese children with a follow-up period >24 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) was performed from 2008 to 2012, to assess the outcome of first-line ART in resource-limited settings. Of the 86 children, 68 (79.1%) were treated successfully (plasma HIV-1 viral load [VL] <1000 copies/ml), and 63 (73.3%) had full viral suppression (VL <400 copies/ml) after 24 months of ART. No significant difference between successfully treated patients and failure groups was observed in VL, CD4+ T-cell count or clinical stage at baseline; age at ART start; or ART regimen. All 14 children with VL >5000 copies/ml, one of four children with VL 1000–5000 copies/ml and none with VL <1000 copies/ml developed reverse transcriptase inhibitor (RTI)-resistance mutations by 24 months of ART. Y181C and M184V/I were the most dominant non-nucleoside and nucleoside RTI-resistance mutations, respectively (13/15, 86.7%). These findings suggest that VL testing after 24 months of ART can be used to efficiently differentiate ART failures among HIV-1 vertically-infected children in resource-limited settings.
The impact of the 2011 UK post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV following sexual exposure guidelines: a regional retrospective audit
Authors: Bennett A , Wainwright E , Lord E , Oduru M , Chen F , Desmond N , Sherrard J , Duncan S
Published: October 2014

A re-audit of prescribing of post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV following sexual exposure in the Thames Valley demonstrated that an updated proforma has led to significant improvements in clinician-led outcomes, but had no impact on completion or follow-up rates.
Successful antiretroviral therapy by using unusual antiretroviral combinations in heavily pre-treated patients: two case reports
Authors: Taramasso Lucia , Dentone Chiara , Alessandrini Anna , Bruzzone Bianca , Icardi Giancarlo , Garraffo Rodolphe , De Macina Ilaria , Viscoli Claudio , Di Biagio Antonio ,   HIV/HCV Collaborative Liguria Group
Published: October 2014

In the context of HIV-infected patients with several past antiretroviral therapies and multiple failures, it is possible to be faced with viruses resistant to all drug classes. We report on two HIV-1 infected patients in which the historical genotype showed mutations against all the major drug classes and in which viral suppression has been obtained by non-conventional antiretroviral therapy regimens, including the combination of darunavir at high dosage (800 mg bid), dolutegravir (50 mg bid) and a third agent, i.e. enfuvirtide in the first case and etravirine in the second one.
The Monstrous ‘Other’ Feminine: Gender, Desire and the ‘Look’ in the Hindi Horror Genre
Authors: Mubarki Meraj Ahmed
Published: October 2014

While the monstrous feminine of Hollywood is available transhistorically over much of cinema across the world, the female monster of Hindi horror cinema remains ignored and merits serious academic exploration. Much of the widely accepted modern art-horror theory as applied to the horror genre is predicated upon Julia Kristeva’s notion of the ‘abject’ and the Freudian notion of the ‘return of the repressed’. While Creed ( 1993 , 2002 ) exemplifies that horror texts indeed serve to illustrate abjection, her work reduces all forms of the monstrous feminine in the horror genre to fear of the abject mother. I posit that there is no universal archetype of the abject mother, and the maternal as an abject figure does not find resonance in the Hindi horror genre. Instead, I propose that a sub-genre, which I term the ‘Monstrous “Other” Feminine’ narrative, within the Hindi horror cinema engendered in the 1980s, presents an interstitial phantasmal female monster with wanton sexual desire and gaze as the abject ‘other’. Through narrative closures, traditional gendered perspectives are reinforced, normative femininity is deified and the monstrous other feminine, commanding sovereign female desire and controlling gaze, is annihilated. Exorcism becomes the means not only of expelling the interstitial phantasmal being but also of punishing and disciplining the female body for unrestrained desire and look.
Decoding the Rhetoric of Morality in 18th Century India: The Interventionist Nature of the Jaipur State
Authors: Imam Fatima
Published: October 2014

This article focuses on the nature of 18th century Jaipur society through the lens of gender relations. In Jaipur, the Kachchwaha state protected women against domestic abuse, sexual harassment and caste infractions. I argue that the state maintained control by articulating an interventionist role in the day-to-day lives of their subjects, without mediation of caste councils or the Brahmanical authorities. Through the rhetoric of upholding moral order in society, the Jaipur state was successful in legitimising its rule with expediency and minimal aggression. The state closely monitored the social interactions of their subjects and routinely resolved issues arising out of family disputes, domestic abuse, marital problems and inter-caste marriages. Individuals faced fines, ostracism as well as imprisonment as penalties. Men and women were punished according to their crimes, irrespective of their caste status in the Jaipur state.
Sexual Violence in India: The Discourses of Rape and the Discourses of Justice
Authors: Simon-Kumar Rachel
Published: October 2014

In the wake of the 2012 Delhi rape incident, there has been intense public introspection into the nature of Indian society and the current structures of governance that have failed to keep women safe. Politicians, academics, social commentators, rape survivors, activists, bloggers, and television talk show hosts have all contributed views—right across the conservative-liberal spectrum—on the causes of rape and sexual violence in the country and measures to remedy them. In this article, I summarise some of the writings that were published in influential international and local media in late 2012 and early 2013 as reflective of the contemporary discourses of rape that are deployed in the public space in India, and that inform ideas of just recourse in cases of violence against women. The commentary pays particular attention to the emerging discourse of socio-economic inequality in perpetuating gender violence and the possibilities of redistribution as the basis for gender justice.
Mixed Marriage: Anxieties of Identity
Authors: Pathak Zakia
Published: October 2014

An absorbing story is narrated by the child of a mixed marriage, Hindu and Muslim, in the first quarter of the twentieth century. At once creative and critical, the memoir is innovatively structured. In its ex-centricity to established forms and styles it seeks to represent substantially and formally the disjunctivity of memory, the flux of experience and everyday living, and the incertitude of meaning. Through a muddle of anecdotes, conversations and dialogues with the self, the minority subject is produced as always in process.
Book Review: Tiplut Nongbri, Development Masculinity and Christianity: Essays and Verses from India’s North East
Authors: Baruah Manjeet
Published: October 2014

Tiplut Nongbri, Development Masculinity and Christianity: Essays and Verses from India’s North East. Shimla: IIAS. 2014. 210 pages (Hardbound), ISBN 9789382396079. ₹ 495.
Book Review: Devaki Jain and Diane Elson (Eds), Harvesting Feminist Knowledge for Public Policy: Rebuilding Progress
Authors: Nigam Shalu
Published: October 2014

Devaki Jain and Diane Elson (Eds), Harvesting Feminist Knowledge for Public Policy: Rebuilding Progress. New Delhi: SAGE Publications and IDRC. 2011. 347 pages. ₹ 795.
Energy Savings Potential and Policy for Energy Conservation in Selected Indian Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Gupta Manish , Sengupta Ramprasad
Published: October 2014

Minimisation of damage from the rising trend of global warming would warrant two kinds of action for a country like India: (i) abatement of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, (ii) adaptation to climate change to reduce climate change related vulnerability of the people. The target of low-carbon economic growth in terms of declining energy and carbon intensity of gross domestic product (GDP) assumes special significance in such context. Industrial sector being the largest consumer of energy in India, the article estimates energy savings potential of major energy consuming industries using unit-level data for 2007–08. It further develops an econometric model admitting substitutability among energy and non-energy inputs and between different fuels for selected industries to study their behavioural response to changes in input prices and suggest policy instruments for conserving energy using time series data for post economic reform period 1991–92 to 2008–09. The results point mostly to the significant response of energy consumption to own price increases and to the insignificance of the responsiveness of corresponding capital requirement to effect such energy conservation. Besides, a large part of the growth of factor productivity as estimated by the model has been found to be induced by energy price changes, price neutral component of technical change being negligible.
Does Environmental Quality Influence FDI Inflows? A Panel Data Analysis for Indian States
Authors: N.T. Neelakanta , Gundimeda Haripriya , Kathuria Vinish
Published: October 2014

Increased integration between the developed and developing countries has seen substantial decrease in trade-related barriers. In addition, there is a debate that developing countries tend to lower the environmental standards to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI). In this context, the objective of this article is to examine the relationship between FDI and environmental status in different Indian states. Using data for the period 1996–2006 covering 16 states in India, we test for the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) that is, if air quality has a role in influencing FDI in Indian states. Our result does not support that FDI flows into the states with poor air quality. Other economic, demographic and geographic variables play a significant role in attracting FDI.
Do Foreign Trade and Investment Lead to Higher CO2 Emissions? Evidence from Cross-Country Empirical Estimates
Authors: Chakraborty Debashis , Mukherjee Sacchidananda
Published: October 2014

The waves of globalisation in the past decades have increased the cross-country trade and investment flows, which also raise serious concerns over environmental sustainability and climate change owing to the following three effects. First, through scale effect the growing output and exports of the polluting sectors may adversely influence environmental balance. Secondly, growing trade volume can lead to change in industry structure and output composition resulting from composition effect, which may or may not have adverse environmental repercussions. Finally, the technique effect determines the pace of improvement in emission abatement standards and regulatory policies in an economy with rise in trade orientation. The present analysis attempts to analyse the effects of trade and investment orientation with respect to a particular climate change concern, namely per capita CO2 emissions, through panel data model for a set of 181 countries over 1980–2009. The empirical findings confirm that both in case of lower and higher income countries, higher merchandise and service trade growth leads to higher per capita CO2 emission growth in their territories. In addition, both FDI inward and outward stock is found to be positively related to CO2 emission, reflecting a complementary relationship between the two. The empirical results indicate that the composition, scale and technology effects significantly influence the openness—per capita CO2 emission interrelationship across countries.
Analytical and experimental analysis of Lamb wave generation in piezoelectrically driven Timoshenko beam
Authors: Shamshirsaz M , Bakhtiari-Nejad F , Khelghatdoost M , Asadi S
Published: October 2014

Piezoelectric-generated Lamb wave in a Timoshenko beam is studied, analytically, experimentally, and using finite element simulation in this article. The governing equations of the beam with the piezoelectric patches are derived based on integration of the piezoelectric transducer vibration equations into the vibration equations of the Timoshenko beam structure. Finite element model of the beam and the piezoelectric patches is then developed in which the Rayleigh damping factors have been estimated using modal analysis. The results obtained by proposed analytical and finite element models are compared with experimental ones. A significant agreement has been observed and three principal sets of signals have been distinguished by experimental, analytical, and finite element method results: the direct emitted waves and reflected waves from the clamped and tip boundaries. The velocity of wave propagation in a brass beam is determined about 4800 m/s with the actuation frequency of 200 kHz using Lamb wave propagation signals. The results show that exciting the structure in high frequency prevents to overlap the emitted waves from the actuator and reflected waves from the boundaries in short structures.
The Psychometric Properties of the Swedish Version of the EBP Process Assessment Scale
Authors: Nyström Siv , Åhsberg Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

Objective:

This study examines whether the psychometric properties of the short version of the Evidence-Based Practice Process Assessment Scale (EBPPAS) remain satisfactory when translated and transferred to the context of Swedish welfare services.

Method:

The Swedish version of EBPPAS was tested on a sample of community-based professionals in social care services and health care services ( n = 710). Internal consistency, test–retest reliability ( n = 95), and the factor structure were examined.

Results:

The findings support the scale’s reliability. Both α values and test–retest coefficients were satisfactory or excellent for the entire scale and for each of its four sections. A four-component structure was achieved. Thus, the results are consistent with previous research on the EBPPAS.

Conclusion:

The study provides support for the EBPPAS, short version, to be used in evaluating EBP implementation efforts in Sweden.
An integrated change propagation scheduling approach for product design
Authors: Li Yuliang , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2014

Due to the complicated dependencies among design tasks, design changes in a design task can cause changes to many other tasks, which may cost a lot of time and resources to completely resolve them. Therefore, optimal scheduling of design change propagations is required to reduce the total process time. This article presents an integrated approach for scheduling design changes in the complex product development process by combining simulation of change propagations with optimization algorithms. The process model is built using “And/or” graphs, which can take the logic relationships among design tasks into the process model. Genetic algorithm is applied to the change process model to find the optimal propagation likelihood for each optional propagation path in order to obtain the shortest process run time. The approach is incorporated into the process-oriented computer-aided product design system, and two design changes occurring in the motorcycle engine design process, namely an initiated and an emergent design changes, are used to test the approach. The initiated design change case shows the integrated approach can find the optimal solution more efficiently than the Monte Carlo simulation method, while the emergent change case demonstrates the approach can timely find the optimal solution to the change especially when designers are pressed for delivery of their achievements.
Predictors of Peroneal Pathology in Broström–Gould Ankle Ligament Reconstruction for Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Burrus M. Tyrrell , Werner Brian C. , Hadeed Michael M. , Walker Joseph B. , Perumal Venkat , Park Joseph S.
Published: October 2014

Background:

Chronic ankle instability has a well-known association with intra- and extraarticular ankle pathologies, including peroneal tendonitis and subluxation. Patients with peroneal pathology are at risk for failure of conservative treatment for their ankle instability, thus identifying these patients is important and helps to guide management. There has been no literature looking at, in patients with chronic ankle instability, which associated ankle pathologies and patient characteristics are predictive of peroneal pathology.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients (N = 136) who underwent a Broström–Gould ankle ligament reconstruction at a single institution from 2010 to 2014. Preoperative clinical examinations and MRIs as well as operative procedures were documented. Patients with and without peroneal pathology were divided into 2 cohorts, and their preoperative characteristics underwent a univariate analysis with P < .05 defined as showing a significant difference.

Results:

Of patients undergoing lateral ankle ligament reconstruction, 53.3% required operative intervention for symptomatic peroneal tendon pathology. Female gender was the only significant predictor of peroneal pathology ( P = .008). The presence of an osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) was a significant negative predictor of peroneal pathology ( P < .001). The remainder of the variables (age, BMI, duration of symptoms, tobacco, traumatic etiology, worker’s compensation, global hyperlaxity, contralateral ankle instability, sport participation, ankle tilt, and deltoid tear) did not show a significant difference between cohorts.

Conclusion:

In patients who underwent Broström–Gould ankle ligament reconstruction for chronic lateral ankle instability, female gender was significantly associated with concomitant peroneal tendon pathology. Conversely, preoperative MRI findings of an OLT showed a significant negative association with peroneal pathology. All of the other variables did not show a positive or negative association.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative case series.
Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy Using Minimally Invasive Technique
Authors: Kheir Ehab , Borse Vishal , Sharpe Jon , Lavalette David , Farndon Mark
Published: October 2014

Background:

Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is a common procedure often used as part of pes planovalgus deformity correction. Traditionally the osteotomy is performed using a direct lateral or extended lateral approach, which may carry the risk of wound problems, infection and neurovascular injury. The authors describe a minimally invasive technique to perform the osteotomy and achieve the desired correction. The article illustrates our experience and learning curve with the use of this technique as an option for calcaneal osteotomy.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records of a sequential series of patients since 2011 whose calcaneal osteotomies were performed by 2 surgeons, after cadaveric training using a minimally invasive operative approach. Prior to 2011, similar surgeries, performed by the senior authors, were undertaken using a direct lateral approach. Thirty cases were identified; 29 had tibialis posterior reconstruction coupled with calcaneal osteotomy for acquired flexible planovalgus deformity and 1 patient had surgery for a malunited calcaneal fracture.

Results:

Radiological and clinical union occurred in all 30 cases (100%). The radiographs of all cases were reviewed by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist. There were no neurovascular or wound complications. All patients had restoration of neutral hindfoot alignment. One patient required screw removal after union, resolving all symptoms.

Conclusion:

This series suggests that minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy surgery can achieve excellent union rates aiding correction of deformity with no observed neurovascular or soft tissue complications. For surgeons experienced in open surgery, there is a short learning curve after appropriate training.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Effect of Probiotic Lactobacillus salivarius UBL S22 and Prebiotic Fructo-oligosaccharide on Serum Lipids, Inflammatory Markers, Insulin Sensitivity, and Gut Bacteria in Healthy Young Volunteers
Authors: Rajkumar Hemalatha , Kumar Manoj , Das Nilita , Kumar S. Nishanth , Challa Hanumanth R. , Nagpal Ravinder
Published: October 2014

This study investigated the effect of 6-week supplementation of a probiotic strain Lactobacillus salivarius UBL S22 with or without prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) on serum lipid profiles, immune responses, insulin sensitivity, and gut lactobacilli in 45 healthy young individuals. The patients were divided into 3 groups (15/group), that is, placebo, probiotic, and synbiotic. After 6 weeks, a significant reduction ( P < .05) in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides and increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in the probiotic as well as in the synbiotic group when compared to placebo; however, the results of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were more pronounced in the synbiotic group. Similarly, when compared to the placebo group, the serum concentrations of inflammatory markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL) 6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α were significantly ( P < .05) reduced in both the experimental groups, but again the reduction in the synbiotic group was more pronounced. Also, an increase ( P < .05) in the fecal counts of total lactobacilli and a decrease ( P < .05) in coliforms and Escherichia coli was observed in both the experimental groups after 6 weeks of ingestion. Overall, the combination of L salivarius with FOS was observed to be more beneficial than L salivarius alone, thereby advocating that such synbiotic combinations could be therapeutically exploited for improved health and quality of life.
What Do Women Want? A Qualitative Study of Dating
Authors: Noel Nora E. , Ogle Richard L. , Maisto Stephen A. , Jackson Lee A.
Published: October 2014

Many approaches to decrease unwanted sex for women emphasize enhanced risk recognition. However, women often remain in risky situations despite recognition; so we need to understand the attractions of normative dating and sex. In this focus group study, 45 young adult women discussed their attractions to men, dating, and sex. Themes emerged describing conflicts between what they wanted, dating realities, desire for “traditional” behavior from the man, alcohol use, sexual arousal (hers and his), indirect communication about sex, feeling “obligated,” and enhanced self-esteem. Results suggest improving risk-recognition programs by examining and clarifying women’s goals for dating and putting positive emphasis on “have fun, achieve your goals, but try to avoid harm in the process.”
Elastoplastic law of Cosserat type in shell theory with drilling rotation
Authors: Burzyński Stanisław , Chróścielewski Jacek , Witkowski Wojciech
Published: October 2014

Within the framework of six-parameter non-linear shell theory, with strain measures of the Cosserat type, we develop small-strain J2-type elastoplastic constitutive relations. The relations are obtained from the Cosserat plane stress relations assumed in each shell layer, by through-the-thickness integration employing the first-order shear theory. The formulation allows for unlimited translations and rotations. The constitutive relations are expressed in terms of the following material data: Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, Cosserat shear modulus, characteristic length and material parameters pertaining to plasticity. Numerical examples are presented to show the correctness of the proposed model and capacity to analyze regular and irregular shells.
Quasi-static buckling simulation of single-layer graphene sheets by the molecular mechanics method
Authors: Korobeynikov SN , Alyokhin VV , Annin BD , Babichev AV
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a quasi-static nonlinear buckling analysis of compressed single-layer graphene sheets (SLGSs) using the molecular mechanics method. Bonded interactions between carbon atoms are simulated using a modified parameter set of the DREIDING force field that leads to better agreement between simulated mechanical properties of graphene and reference literature data than the standard parameter set of this force field (see Mayo et al., J Phys Chem 1990; 94: 8897–8909). Identification of constraints of atoms of the SLGS edges with the boundary conditions of clamped and simply supported thin plates is made. The buckling loads and modes obtained by linear and nonlinear buckling analysis of a compressed quadratic SLGS with a side length of 6 nm are shown to be close to each other. In addition, it has been found by nonlinear buckling analysis that only equilibrium configurations with modes of initial post-buckling deformed configurations correlated with the one-half-wave column-like buckling mode have stable equilibrium configurations for clamped and simply supported SLGSs. As the edges of a simply supported SLGS approach each other, the geometry of this mode of post-buckling deformation with inclusion of the non-bonded van der Waals (vdW) interactions between carbon atoms becomes closer to the geometry of a single-walled carbon nanotube, and without inclusion of the vdW interactions, this mode has the geometry of a cylinder with a drop-shaped cross-section.