bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonfasting Triglycerides, Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, and Heart Failure Risk
Authors: Varbo Anette , Nordestgaard Børge G.
Published: November 2017

Objective—

The prevalence of heart failure is increasing in the aging population, and heart failure is a disease with large morbidity and mortality. There is, therefore, a need for identifying modifiable risk factors for prevention. We tested the hypothesis that high concentrations of nonfasting triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are associated with higher risk of heart failure in the general population.

Approach and Results—

We included 103 860 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study and 9694 from the Copenhagen City Heart Study in 2 prospective observational association studies. Nonfasting triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured at baseline. Individuals were followed for ≤23 years, during which time 3593 were diagnosed with heart failure. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. In the Copenhagen General Population Study, stepwise higher concentrations of nonfasting triglycerides were associated with stepwise higher risk of heart failure (
P
for trend <0.001), with a multivariable adjusted hazard ratio of 2.59 (95% confidence interval, 1.48–4.54) for individuals with nonfasting triglycerides ≥5 mmol/L (440 mg/dL) compared with individuals with concentrations <1 mmol/L (88 mg/dL). Concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not associated with risk of heart failure. Results were independently confirmed in the Copenhagen City Heart Study.

Conclusions—

Stepwise higher concentrations of nonfasting triglycerides were associated with stepwise higher risk of heart failure; however, concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not associated with risk of heart failure in the general population.
Adolescent Childbirth Is Associated With Greater Framingham Risk Scores for Cardiovascular Disease Among Participants of the IMIAS (International Mobility in Aging Study)
Authors: Rosendaal Nicole T. A. , Alvarado Beatriz , Wu Yan Yan , Velez Maria P. , da Câmara Saionara M. Aires , Pirkle Catherine M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Previous studies observe associations between lifetime parity and cardiovascular disease, but relatively fewer investigate age at first childbirth (
AFB
). Herein, we examine the association of
AFB
with a summary cardiovascular risk measure (Framingham Risk Score [
FRS
]).

Methods and Results

As part of the IMIAS (International Mobility in Aging Study), data were collected in 2012 among 1047 women, aged 65 to 74 years, from Canada, Albania, Colombia, and Brazil.
FRSs
were calculated to describe cardiovascular risk profiles, and linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for early life and socioeconomic variables. Women with an AFB of <20 years were compared with women with an
AFB
of 20 to 24, 25 to 29, and ≥30 years, as well as nulliparous women. We also compared
FRS
between combinations of
AFB
and parity categories: nulliparous women, parity 1 to 3 combined with
AFB
<20 years, parity ≥4 with
AFB
<20 years, parity 1 to 3 with
AFB
≥20 years, and parity ≥4 with
AFB
≥20 years. Women with an
AFB
of <20 years had a higher mean
FRS
compared with all other
AFB
groups. Compared with the lowest
AFB
risk group (25–29 years), women with an
AFB
of <20 years had a 5.8‐point higher mean
FRS
(95% confidence interval, 3.4–8.3 points). Nulliparous women presented the lowest mean
FRS
in all analyses. The analysis comparing combinations of
AFB
and parity categories showed no meaningful differences in
FRS
between women who had 1 to 3 childbirths and those who had ≥4 childbirths within the stratum of
AFB
<20 years, and in the stratum of
AFB
≥20 years.

Conclusions

Our analyses suggest that nulliparity and
AFB
, rather than increasing parity, drive the association with cardiovascular disease risk.
Local connectome phenotypes predict social, health, and cognitive factors
Authors: Powell Michael A. , Garcia Javier O. , Yeh Fang-Cheng , Vettel Jean M. , Verstynen Timothy
Published: November 2017

The unique architecture of the human connectome is defined initially by genetics and subsequently sculpted over time with experience. Thus, similarities in predisposition and experience that lead to similarities in social, biological, and cognitive attributes should also be reflected in the local architecture of white matter fascicles. Here we employ a method known as local connectome fingerprinting that uses diffusion MRI to measure the fiber-wise characteristics of macroscopic white matter pathways throughout the brain. This fingerprinting approach was applied to a large sample ( N = 841) of subjects from the Human Connectome Project, revealing a reliable degree of between-subject correlation in the local connectome fingerprints, with a relatively complex, low-dimensional substructure. Using a cross-validated, high-dimensional regression analysis approach, we derived local connectome phenotype (LCP) maps that could reliably predict a subset of subject attributes measured, including demographic, health, and cognitive measures. These LCP maps were highly specific to the attribute being predicted but also sensitive to correlations between attributes. Collectively, these results indicate that the local architecture of white matter fascicles reflects a meaningful portion of the variability shared between subjects along several dimensions.
Prodromus of a fern flora for Bolivia. I. General introduction and key to families
Authors: KESSLER MICHAEL , SMITH ALAN R.
Published: November 2017

We introduce the concept of a prodromus for a flora to the ferns and lycophytes of Bolivia, describe the natural setting of Bolivia (topography, climate, vegetation), briefly review the history of pteridological knowledge in the country, present a taxonomic synopsis as well as a key to the fern and lycophyte families of Bolivia, and provide a list of all fern and lycophyte names with Bolivian type material. A new combination is proposed for Polyphlebium herzogii (Rosenst.) A.R.Sm. & Kessler.
A new Schistura from an upper Mekong affluent in Yunnan (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: ENDRUWEIT MARCO
Published: November 2017

Schistura stala, new species, is described from the Mekong drainage in Dali, Yunnan Province, China. The new species is readily distinguished from congeners in the upper Mekong and adjacent drainages by having the caudal-fin bar reduced, stretching over the median ⅓ of the fin base. The species can be further diagnosed by a deep body; a short caudal fin, head and pelvic fin; 38 vertebrae modally; 9–12 faint irregular flank bars, that are often anastomotic or dissolved; and few scales scattered on the anterior part of the body.
An update on the spider genus Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae) in the Afrotropical region, with description of seven new species
Authors: LOTZ L. N.
Published: November 2017

In this paper the present state of knowledge of the genus Loxosceles Heineken & Lowe, 1832 from the Afrotropical region is discussed. The distribution of nine of the 16 described Afrotropical species of Loxosceles is updated and the status of the types of L. bergeri Strand, 1906b and L. pilosa Purcell, 1908 are discussed. A further four new species from South Africa: L. cederbergensis sp. nov.; L. dejagerae sp. nov.; L. haddadi sp. nov.; L. makapanensis sp. nov.; and three from Namibia: L. griffinae sp. nov.; L. irishi sp. nov.; and L. maraisi sp. nov., are described. The female of L. smithi Simon, 1897 is described for the first time. A new taxonomic key to all the Afrotropical species is given.
Intercomparison of Model-Estimated Potential Evapotranspiration on the Tibetan Plateau during 1981–2010
Authors: Song Lulu , Zhuang Qianlai , Yin Yunhe , Wu Shaohong , Zhu Xudong
Published: November 2017

Potential evapotranspiration (PET), the maximum evapotranspiration rate under unlimited water supply, reflects the capacity for transpiration flow and plant primary production. Numerous models have been developed to quantify PET, but there are still large uncertainties in PET estimations. In this study, the authors conducted spatially explicit estimations of daily PET from 1981 to 2010 for eight different land-cover types on the Tibetan Plateau by applying three types of PET models including a combination model (Penman–Monteith), a radiation-based model (Priestley–Taylor), and a temperature-based model (Thornthwaite). This study found that the PET estimated by Thornthwaite model (PETT) was lower than those estimated by Priestley–Taylor (PETPT) and Penman–Monteith models (PETPM). Penman–Monteith model gave the highest estimates of PET on annual and daily scales. The mean annual PET for the whole plateau estimated by these three models varied from 675.1 to 700.5 mm yr−1, and daily PET varied from 1.33 to 1.92 mm day−1. The spatial pattern of PETT did not agree with the PETPT and PETPM, while the latter two agreed well with each other. Because of different model structures and dominant meteorological drivers, the interannual variability of PET varied significantly among the models. PETPT and PETPM showed a transition around 1993 since the dominant meteorological drivers were different before and after 1993. These disagreements among different models suggested that PET models with different algorithms should be used with caution. This study provided a validation to assist those undertaking PET estimations on the Tibetan Plateau.
Observations and Mechanisms of a Simple Stochastic Dynamical Model Capturing El Niño Diversity
Authors: Chen Nan , Majda Andrew J. , Thual Sulian
Published: November 2017

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has significant impact on global climate and relevance for seasonal forecasts. Recently, a simple modeling framework was developed that captures the ENSO diversity, where state-dependent stochastic wind bursts and nonlinear advection of sea surface temperature are coupled to a simple ocean–atmosphere model that is otherwise deterministic, linear, and stable. In this article, the coupled model is compared with observations using reanalysis data over the last 34 yr, where the observed non-Gaussian statistics and the overall mechanisms of ENSO are both captured by the model. Then the formation mechanisms of both the central Pacific (CP) and the traditional El Niño in the model are systematically studied. First, ocean Rossby waves induced by easterly trade wind anomalies facilitate the heat content buildup. Then the reflected ocean Kelvin waves and the nonlinear advection lead to positive SST anomalies in the CP region and create a CP El Niño. Second, two formation mechanisms are revealed for the traditional El Niño, including the super (extreme) El Niño. The first mechanism indicates a preferred wind structure with easterly wind bursts (EWBs) leading westerly wind bursts (WWBs), where the EWBs build up heat content and then the WWBs trigger the El Niño. The second mechanism links the two types of El Niño, where a CP El Niño favors a heat content buildup and the advent of a traditional El Niño. This article also highlights the mechanisms of La Niña formation and El Niño termination.
Observing the May 2015 Record Rainfall at Norman, Oklahoma, Using Various Methods
Authors: Duchon Claude E. , Fiebrich Christopher A. , Illston Bradley G.
Published: November 2017

The May 2015 record rainfall that occurred across Oklahoma was the result of a large number of high-intensity rain events. A unique set of observations from gauges in the Oklahoma Mesonet, the NWS Cooperative Observer (COOP) network, the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network, an experimental pit gauge system, and NWS radar was available that covered an area in and around Norman, Oklahoma. This paper documents the performance of the various gauges throughout the course of the month. Key findings are 1) observations from all methods significantly exceeded the 200-yr return interval; 2) a weighing-bucket gauge at ground level recorded amounts up to 4.5% higher than a similarly located ground-level tipping-bucket gauge and up to 8.2% higher than a nearby aboveground tipping-bucket gauge; 3) a manual COOP gauge recorded nearly identical (within 1.2%) observations as compared to an automated tipping-bucket gauge at a collocated Mesonet station; and 4) observations from 26 CoCoRaHS gauges yielded an average rainfall within 1% of the aerially averaged radar rainfall derived from the Multisensor Precipitation Estimator.
Different Types of Role Model Influence and Fame Seeking Among Mass Killers and Copycat Offenders
Authors: Langman Peter
Published: November 2017

Contagion and copycat behavior among mass killers is often discussed in the media when there are multiple attacks within a short span of time. Proximity in time, however, does not necessarily mean that one attack inspired another. This study examines the clearest cases of role modeling and fame seeking among mass killers in which the perpetrators personally acknowledged these types of influence and motivation in their own lives. Instead of simply categorizing potential copycat offenders in a “yes”/“no” binary fashion, it outlines many different types of influence, imitation, and inspiration and then provides evidence on perpetrators who represent examples of each type. Overall, findings suggest that most killers were not gaining insights into attack methodology from their role models, but rather were drawn to the prior perpetrators for a variety of personal reasons. Looking ahead, because of the frequency of mass killers citing previous perpetrators as role models or sources of inspiration, it is critical that media outlets give careful consideration to how they cover such incidents.
Strategies for Improving the Intonation of Your Orchestra
Authors: Hopkins Michael
Published: November 2017

Orchestra directors who address tone production, intonation and rhythmic precision as important priorities in rehearsal will greatly improve the sound of their orchestras. Of these three areas, fixing poor intonation can be the most challenging to address because it requires tremendous patience and ongoing attention from both director and students. As Cohen (2009) writes, “Intonation is a problem for string players, from beginner to advanced. And, it's a skill that most work on constantly.” (p. 23).

All orchestra directors would likely agree with Curry's observation that “slow and disciplined intonation practice is essential to becoming a great string player” (Curry, 2011, p. 94). Yet in an orchestra rehearsal, fixing intonation can bring the pace to a grinding halt. Teacher and students can be frustrated if rehearsals are consumed by slow work on intonation. Sometimes in rehearsal we apply an intonation “bandage” to a problem that actually requires a much lengthier treatment to cure. Fortunately, there are ways that intonation can be easily addressed in every rehearsal and gradually refined over time. This article will describe strategies that are commonly used to improve intonation in orchestras. Many of these strategies can be used at all levels, from elementary to the college level, as developmental or remedial strategies. Some will be more appropriate to use with younger students, some with older students.
The Supreme Court, Endrew, and the Appropriate Education of Students With Disabilities
Authors: Turnbull H. Rutherford , Turnbull Ann P. , Cooper David H.
Published: November 2017

In this article, we analyze the Supreme Court’s decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1 (2017), interpreting the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its provisions creating a right of every student with a disability to have an appropriate education. We compare the Endrew decision with IDEA and the Court’s previous appropriate education decision, Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley (1982), on four key concepts: educational program, reasonably calculated, progress, and child’s circumstances. We discuss the case’s implications for systems capacity development and interpret Endrew as a narrative about students’ ethical claim to dignity.
Design of CASTonCAST shell structures based on load path network method
Authors: Enrique Monzó Lluís , Schwartz Joseph
Published: November 2017

The CASTonCAST system consists in designing and producing architectural freeform shapes from precast stackable components. This allows fabricating and constructing curved shapes in concrete in an efficient and sustainable manner. Currently, the geometric modeling process of the system does not ensure that the shapes are load-bearing. This article introduces a method for the design of shell structures from stackable components based on the CASTonCAST system. In this research, the structural analysis is conducted using load path network method since this method helps integrating design, realization, and structural aspects.
Effects of tryptophan depletion on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-remitted patients with obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Hood Sean D , Broyd Annabel , Robinson Hayley , Lee Jessica , Hudaib Abdul-Rahman , Hince Dana A
Published: November 2017

Background:

Serotonergic antidepressants are first-line medication therapies for obsessive-compulsive disorder, however it is not known if synaptic serotonin availability is important for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor efficacy. The present study tested the hypothesis that temporary reduction in central serotonin transmission, through acute tryptophan depletion, would result in an increase in anxiety in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-remitted obsessive-compulsive disorder patients.

Methods:

Eight patients (four males) with obsessive-compulsive disorder who showed sustained clinical improvement with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment underwent acute tryptophan depletion in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects design, over two days one week apart. Five hours after consumption of the depleting/sham drink the participants performed a personalized obsessive-compulsive disorder symptom exposure task. Psychological responses were measured using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and Visual Analogue Scales.

Results:

Free plasma tryptophan to large neutral amino acid ratio decreased by 93% on the depletion day and decreased by 1% on the sham day, as anticipated. Psychological rating scores as measured by Visual Analogue Scale showed a significant decrease in perceived control and increase in interfering thoughts at the time of provocation on the depletion day but not on the sham day. A measure of convergent validity, namely Visual Analogue Scale Similar to past, was significantly higher at the time of provocation on both the depletion and sham days. Both the depletion and time of provocation scores for Visual Analogue Scale Anxiety, Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and blood pressure were not significant.

Conclusions:

Acute tryptophan depletion caused a significant decrease in perceived control and increase in interfering thoughts at the time of provocation. Acute tryptophan depletion had no effect on the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory or Visual Analogue Scale Anxiety measures, which suggests that the mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be different to that seen in panic, social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Successful selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder may involve the ability of serotonin to switch habitual responding to goal-directed behaviour.
N,N-dimethyltryptamine and the pineal gland: Separating fact from myth
Authors: Nichols David E
Published: November 2017

The pineal gland has a romantic history, from pharaonic Egypt, where it was equated with the eye of Horus, through various religious traditions, where it was considered the seat of the soul, the third eye, etc. Recent incarnations of these notions have suggested that N,N-dimethyltryptamine is secreted by the pineal gland at birth, during dreaming, and at near death to produce out of body experiences. Scientific evidence, however, is not consistent with these ideas. The adult pineal gland weighs less than 0.2 g, and its principal function is to produce about 30 µg per day of melatonin, a hormone that regulates circadian rhythm through very high affinity interactions with melatonin receptors. It is clear that very minute concentrations of N,N-dimethyltryptamine have been detected in the brain, but they are not sufficient to produce psychoactive effects. Alternative explanations are presented to explain how stress and near death can produce altered states of consciousness without invoking the intermediacy of N,N-dimethyltryptamine.
Wind power prediction method based on hybrid kernel function support vector machine
Authors: Tian Zhongda , Li Shujiang , Wang Yanhong , Wang Xiangdong
Published: November 2017

The prediction accuracy of wind power affects the operation cost of the power grid, which is a direct result of the supply and demand balance of the grid. Therefore, how to improve the prediction accuracy of wind power is very important. Considering the prediction accuracy of current prediction methods is not high, a wind power prediction method based on a hybrid kernel function support vector machine is proposed. On the basis of the exhibited characteristics of different kernel functions, the hybrid kernel function is a linear combination of the radial basis function and the polynomial kernel function. The hybrid kernel function is selected as the kernel function of support vector machine. The global kernel function is used to fit the correlation of the distant sample data, while the partial kernel function is used to fit the correlation of the data in neighboring fields. The generalization performance of the support vector machine model is improved. At the same time, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is introduced to determine the optimal parameters of the hybrid kernel function and support vector machine prediction model. Finally, the built prediction model is used to predict the wind power. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed prediction method has better prediction accuracy for wind power.
Arendt and the Social Question: A Post-Marxist Analysis
Authors: Sobel Richard , Disselkamp Annette
Published: November 2017

With the help of the regulationist theory of the wage-labor nexus and the historical sociology of the wage system, this article questions the limitations of Arendt’s concept of the “social.” To provide a fully relevant political theory, Arendt is missing the idea of institutional and collective supports for the effective exercise of democracy by the greatest number, which is precisely the subject which Castel’s historical analyses stressed with the concept of “social property.”
Effect of Anemia on Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Gadre Shruti K. , Jhand Aravdeep Singh , Abuqayyas Sami , Wang Xiaofeng , Guzman Jorge , Duggal Abhijit
Published: November 2017

Rationale:

The effect of anemia on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure is unknown.

Objectives:

To examine the association between anemia (hemoglobin <12 g/dL) and 90-day and overall mortality in patients with COPD having acute respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods:

Retrospective study of patients admitted to a quaternary referral medical intensive care unit (ICU) between October 2007 and December 2012 with a diagnosis of COPD and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure of any cause.

Results:

We identified 1107 patients with COPD who required invasive mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure. Mean age was 64.2 ± 12.7 years; 563 (50.9%) were females. The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score at ICU admission was 80.5 ± 29.3. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 35.7 hours (interquartile range: 20.0-54.0). In all, 885 (79.9%) patients were anemic (Hb < 12g/dL) on ICU admission, and 312 patients (28.2%) received blood transfusion during their ICU stay. A total of 351 inhospital deaths were recorded, the majority (n = 320) occurring in the ICU. The 90-day mortality, though lower in the nonanemic patients compared to the patients with anemia, was not statistically significant (35.6% vs 44.9%; hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval; CI] = 1.16 [0.91 -1.48], P = .22). The overall mortality was lower in the nonanemic patients compared to patients with anemia (HR [95% CI] = 0.68 [0.55-0.83], P < .001). There was a 5% decrease in risk of death for every unit increase in hemoglobin ( P = .01). There was no difference in terms of both 90-day and overall mortality in patients who received blood transfusions compared to patients who did not receive any transfusion.

Conclusions:

Critically ill patients with COPD requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure without anemia on admission had a better overall survival when compared to those with anemia. No difference was noted in the 90-day mortality. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of the trajectory of hemoglobin on mortality.
Gender, Free Will, and Woman-to-Woman Sexual Assault in Service Provider Discourses
Authors: Malinen KelleyAnne
Published: November 2017

Although still less recognized than man-to-woman sexual assault, awareness of woman-to-woman sexual assault has grown sufficiently over the past three decades that we should no longer speak of its discursive emergence as the breaking of hitherto uninterrupted silence. This article begins the project of exploring and comparing discourses used to frame this phenomenon. Based on a situational analysis of interviews with service providers who had experience supporting survivors of woman-to-woman sexual assault, this text presents three discourses used to think about this form of violence: all violence is men’s violence, violence is a choice, and nonviolence is learned. Each discourse is characterized by a specific relationship between sexual violence, free will/determinism, and gender and by attendant rules for what can and cannot be said. As such, each communicates ideological commitments, which reflect and sustain specific approaches to antisexual violence work. Each seeks to negotiate a sociopolitical context of gender-based oppression and sexuality-based oppression that includes the risks and realities of silencing and recuperation of survivor speech. The objective of this article is to enable service provider reflection about the implications of diverse discourses used to frame woman-to-woman sexual assault and to discourage naturalization of any given approach.
Situational and Dispositional Determinants of College Men’s Perception of Women’s Sexual Desire and Consent to Sex: A Factorial Vignette Analysis
Authors: Lofgreen Ashton M. , Mattson Richard E. , Wagner Samantha A. , Ortiz Edwin G. , Johnson Matthew D.
Published: November 2017

Sexual victimization of women by men on college campuses is a growing societal concern, with research identifying a host of situational and characterological factors that may predict men’s likelihood to engage in sexual misconduct. In the present study, we examined the relative contribution and potential interplay of these various determinants on college men’s perceptions of women’s sexual desire and consent in hypothetical dating scenarios depicting a sexual interaction. We found that the men ( N = 145) in this sample (a) conflated sexual desire with consent, (b) varied their appraisals of consent and desire depending on whether and how the woman in the vignette communicated consent or refusal, (c) perceived higher levels of consent if the man in the vignette had intercourse with the woman previously and as a function of escalating sexual intimacy in the ongoing interaction, (d) endorsed higher levels of perceived desire and consent across situations if they more strongly held rape-supportive attitudes, and (e) moderated their association between situational factors and perceptions of a woman’s sexual intentions based on their endorsement of rape myths and a hypermasculine ideology. We conclude that efforts to prevent sexual violence among college students may benefit from being modeled on our findings that some men are likelier to infer consent regardless of the situation, that specific situational factors can foster misperceptions of consent across men in general, and that certain individuals in particular situations may pose the greatest risk for sexual misconduct.
Electrical conductivity, aging behavior, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of polyaniline/MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: Mostaani F , Moghbeli M R , Karimian H
Published: November 2017

Electrically conducting polyaniline/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PANi/MWCNTs) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via chemical oxidative polymerization. For this purpose, PANi was first prepared in an aqueous acidic medium, hydrochloric acid (HCl), at various temperatures to determine the proper polymerization temperature and to prepare the polymer with the highest electrical conductivity. For nanocomposite preparation, the polymerization of aniline (ANi) was carried out in the presence of various amounts of MWCNTs dispersed using a proper surfactant. The effect of HCl and MWCNT contents on the conductivity of the resultant composites was investigated. The results showed that the conductivity was monotonically increased with increasing the MWCNT and HCl levels. In addition, the effect of anionic and cationic surfactant type, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), on the conductivity and morphology of the resulting nanocomposites, was studied. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, two- and four-point resistivity measuring methods, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the neat PANi and PANi/MWCNT nanocomposites. The conductivity variation of the conducting polymers versus elapsed time was investigated to determine the intensity and dominant aging mechanism. Electromagnetic shielding properties of the conducting nanocomposites were also studied. The results indicated that the nanocomposite with the highest MWCNTs level absorbed more than 83% of the incident electromagnetic waves.
Automatic Versus Manual Forwarding in Web Surveys
Authors: Selkälä Arto , Couper Mick P.
Published: November 2017

Several authors and software vendors advocate the benefits of auto forwarding in web surveys, but there is little empirical research on this approach. We experimentally tested automatic versus manual forwarding (MF) under different levels of cognitive effort. We manipulated information accessibility (IA; low vs. high) and consistency requirements (CRs; yes vs. no), along with auto forwarding (AF) versus MF in two studies conducted among students in Finland. We find that an AF survey takes less time to complete, but only for those completing a survey on personal computers or tablets; no time advantage is found for smartphone users. We also find that respondents in both AF and MF conditions return more often to items with higher cognitive burden (low IA or a CR). MF respondents change answers more often than AF respondents. AF appears to reduce straightlining slightly. We find no difference in response consistency between two behavioral items between AF and MF, but a slight advantage for AF for two attitude items. Finally, respondents reported more positive experiences with the AF version. Auto forwarding appears to be somewhat more efficient and easy to use but may decrease the quality of responses to cognitively demanding questions.
Internal flow and external jet characteristics of double serpentine nozzle with different aspect ratio
Authors: Xiao-lin Sun , Zhan-xue Wang , Li Zhou , Jing-wei Shi , Wen Cheng
Published: November 2017

In order to increase the survivability of the fighter aircraft, the serpentine nozzle has been applied in series of stealth bombers and unmanned aerial vehicles due to its excellent potentiality of evidently suppressing the infrared radiation signatures and radar cross section emitted by engine exhausts. Among the geometric parameters of the serpentine nozzle, the aspect ratio (AR) at the nozzle exit is one of the most critical parameters for the nozzle design as the infrared suppression effect could be greatly enhanced with the increment of AR by strengthening the mixing between the exhaust plume and atmosphere; the aim of this paper is to study the influence of the AR on the flow characteristics of the double serpentine nozzle. The flow features of six double serpentine convergent nozzles, i.e. AR = 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15 respectively, were numerically simulated with the shear stress transport κ–ω turbulent model adopted, which had been validated by the experimental data. The characteristics of internal flow and external jet, and the aerodynamic performances of these six nozzles were compared. Results show that the Ma contours at the symmetric plane are different due to the distinct flow accelerations caused by the change of the curvature and the duct height for diverse AR, and the surface pressure and the shock wave features are different correspondingly. The lateral divergence and the lateral convergence characteristics of the nozzle configuration lead to opposite lateral flow under diverse AR, and the change of lateral width induced different lateral pressure gradient, then lead to various lateral vortex distributions. The length of potential core is the contribution of the comprehensive effects of geometry parameters, and it is decreased with the increase of AR due to the dominated effect of the increased mixing area; however, the declining rate is slowed down. The AR of 5 should be chosen for the best aerodynamic performance of the double serpentine nozzle under the qualifications to completely shield the high-temperature turbine.
Load transfer in the proximal femur and primary stability of a cemented and uncemented femoral stem: An experimental study on cadaver femurs
Authors: Enoksen Cathrine H , Wik Tina S , Klaksvik Jomar , Arthursson Astvaldur J , Husby Otto S , Gjerdet Nils R
Published: November 2017

There are principally two fixation methods in total hip arthroplasty, cemented and uncemented. Both methods have in general good long-time survival. Studies comparing cemented and uncemented femoral stems indicate that the cemented stems perform somewhat better, at least in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to compare load transfer and the initial micromotion pattern for an uncemented and a cemented stem. A total of 12 human cadavers were tested in a hip simulator during single leg and stair climbing. Strain was measured on the proximal femur before and after implantation of the prostheses, and the values were presented as percentage of physiological strain. The micromovements between the stem and bone were measured and a total point motion was calculated. The results showed small statistically significant differences between the fixation methods, the largest difference being 8.1 percentage points. The uncemented stem had somewhat higher micromotion than the cemented stem, but less than 10 µm. Both stems thus had acceptable primary stability. The main finding of this study is the strain and micromotion pattern of a cemented and an uncemented stem of similar geometry is overall equal. There were small statistical significant differences between the two fixation methods regarding strain and micromotion levels. The differences are considered too small to be clinically relevant.
Killing the goose
Authors: Donaldson Nick
Published: November 2017

The regulatory framework for implanted medical devices is preventing severely impaired people from benefitting from rehabilitation research. Consequently, research effort is wasted and we are unable to use implants to reduce the costs of healthcare. The framework should be altered so that it is economically possible to get new devices for small patient groups into widespread use.
The AU’s Progress and Achievements in the Realm of Peace and Security
Authors: Joshua Segun , Olanrewaju Faith
Published: November 2017

When Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was formed, the problem confronting Africa continent then was colonialism. It is therefore not a surprise that its major preoccupation was how to liberate countries within the continent that were still under the grip of colonialism. However, the surge of conflicts in various African countries shortly after independence, manifesting in form of ethnicity, religious, struggle for political power among others, coupled with OAU policy of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of member states, combined to turn African continent to the bedlam of the world. The failure of OAU led to the formation of the African Unity (AU) to correct some of these ills. This article examines AU’s achievements in the realm of peace and security using secondary sources of data gathering. Since AU came on board, how far has it fared in promoting peace and security in the continent? Findings reveal that although AU has achieved much in the realm of peace and security in Africa, yet it lacks the needed human resources and institutional capacity to conduct effective peace operations and peace-making initiatives. The study therefore suggested among others the need to strengthen AU’s institutional capacity and more personnel should be donated by members countries
Comparing the Knowledge of Parents and Survivors Who Attend a Survivorship Clinic
Authors: Quillen Joanne , Li Yimei , Demski Michele , Carlson Claire , Bradley Holli , Schwartz Lisa , Ginsberg Jill P. , Hobbie Wendy
Published: November 2017

Background: This study underscores the importance of the survivor/parent dynamic in understanding the knowledge level of childhood cancer survivors and their parents with regard to cancer diagnosis, treatments, and potential late effects, and to assess the impact of parental knowledge on survivor’s knowledge. Procedure: A convenience sample (N = 219 dyads) consisting of childhood cancer survivors with a parent match was used. Survivors 2 years out from completion of therapy, aged 16 to 25 years, and fluent in English or Spanish completed 2 questionnaires to assess adolescent and young adult and parental knowledge regarding diagnosis, treatment, and long-term risks. Results: Data from the survivor/parent dyad confirm that parents are more knowledgeable than their child regarding treatment specifics. However, survivors are more accurate when assessing second tumor and fertility risk. More knowledgeable parents led to more knowledgeable survivors. Conclusions: Although parents were well-informed about treatment specifics, they were not as accurate in identifying risks appropriately. Therefore, education must be directed at both parent and survivors to maximize knowledge.
Integrative Review of Qualitative Research on the Emotional Experience of Bullying Victimization in Youth
Authors: Hutson Elizabeth
Published: November 2017

The emotional experience of bullying victimization in youths has been documented primarily using quantitative methods; however, qualitative methods may be better suited to examine the experience. An integrative review of the qualitative method studies addressing the emotional experience of bullying victimization was conducted. From MEDLINE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Education Information Resource Center, and PsycINFO, 14 English-language, peer-reviewed, qualitative studies were reviewed. Applying the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme, the quality of the studies was deemed sufficient. The range of emotional experiences reported included sadness, decreased self-esteem, embarrassment, fear, suicidal thinking, anger, feeling hurt, loneliness, powerlessness, helplessness, and confusion. Overall, these results were similar to those obtained from quantitative method studies, apart from the feeling of embarrassment. This integrative review confirmed and expanded the knowledge of emotional experiences of bullying victimization.
Association Between Clinicopathological Factors and Genomic Abnormalities Detected by FISH Analysis in Epithelioid Diffuse Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Takeda Maiko , Kasai Takahiko , Hatakeyama Kinta , Nakai Tokiko , Itami Hiroe , Uchiyama Tomoko , IIzuka Norishige , Maruyama Hiroshi , Ohbayashi Chiho
Published: November 2017

Background. Abnormality of genes including 9p21 is known in malignant mesothelioma and we have examined the frequency of gene deletion and amplification using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method. We formerly reported that abnormality of the genes was more common in the sarcomatoid type than epithelioid type. In this study, we compared the clinicopathological factors including nuclear grade (NG) and genomic abnormality in epithelioid malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Methods. Using paraffin-embedded tissues of 31 epithelioid MPMs, we investigated the presence of gene abnormalities in the genes 9p21, 1p36, 14q32, 22q12, 5p15, 6p, 8q24, and 7p12 by the FISH method, and compared the results with NG, clinical stage, and prognosis. Results. In the higher NG group of epithelioid MPM, more gene amplifications [in particular 5p15 and 8q24(MYC)] were observed, and clinical stage was more advanced. Cases with the amplification of 7p12(EGFR) tended to exhibit a worse prognosis. The significant correlation between histological differentiation and clinical features such as prognosis was not confirmed. Conclusions. NG status in epithelioid MPM may be related to gene alteration and clinical features.
Primary Intra-aortic Epstein-Barr Virus–Positive Large B-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Aortic Mural Thrombosis: An Entity Distinct From Intravascular Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Nakao Ryuta , Sakashita Aki , Omoto Atsushi , Sato Osamu , Hino Yoko , Yanagisawa Akio , Urata Yoji
Published: November 2017

Intravascular selective growth of neoplastic B lymphocytes is a characteristic finding of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL). However, because neoplastic B cells of IVLBCL grow merely in the lumina of capillaries or small vessels, primary IVLBCL of the great vessels is considered exceptional. To our knowledge, only 2 primary B-cell lymphomas in the lumina of the vena cava have been reported. However, there has been no report of primary B-cell lymphoma with intra-aortic growth. We describe a novel manifestation of primary Epstein-Barr virus–positive large B-cell lymphoma mainly affecting the lumina of the aorta and its major branches in a 76-year-old man. He had a long-term fever that was refractory to antibiotics and aortic mural thrombosis with visceral embolization. Because he had no detectable mass suggesting a malignancy, it was difficult to diagnose while he was alive. He died without anticancer treatment, and the confirmed diagnosis was made at autopsy.
Calculating Value Added of Prostitution with Multiple Data: A New Approach for Belgium
Authors: Adriaenssens Stef , Hendrickx Jef
Published: November 2017

Economic output implies that underground sectors such as prostitution are taken into account. This article presents an innovative methodology to measure turnover and added value in prostitution based on a combination of observational and Internet data. The method is applied to Belgium. Turnover is broken down in transactions and price per segment. The starting point is an observation-based measure of turnover in one locational and visible segment of the market: window prostitution. Fundamental differences between segments make linear generalizations from one segment invalid. Therefore, we estimate the relative size of transactions in other segments (such as brothels or escort) with Internet data. In combination with measures of average price per transaction, a consolidated estimate of turnover in prostitution in Belgium is measured. Estimates of nonresident production are based on data on sex workers’ country of origin. Several bootstrap replications allow for robustness checks of the delta-based standard errors.
Supporting International Student Mobility Through Resourced International Internships
Authors: Wake Alexandra , Sison Marianne D. , Muir Rilke
Published: November 2017

Higher education students are increasingly being encouraged by governments and their universities to participate in global mobility activities, and yet historically few received appropriate preparation, reporting that they had inadequate knowledge of the country and the industries to which they were headed. This article discusses the result of a student-centred research-led project which resulted in the creation of resources for communications students undertaking solo international mobility activities. In particular, we discuss the ‘Global Work Ready’ project developed in an Australian university for communications students headed predominately to Asia. Using iterative participatory action research, a website was designed to improve preparation and outcomes for students. The resources were developed after in-depth interviews with 14 former international interns, three host employers and a cross-university team of staff interested in global education. The focus is on providing information and advice for students before, during and after their internship, much of it in the students’ own words. Combined with links to relevant university services and resources, the Global Work Ready website provides a template for resources for students that can save staff hours of one-to-one advice and support and enables students to access relevant information as and when they are ready for it.
Design and optimization of a semi-active suspension system for a two-wheeled vehicle using a full multibody model
Authors: Khadr A , Houidi A , Romdhane L
Published: November 2017

This paper focuses on the design and the optimization of a semi-active suspension system used in a full dynamic model of a two-wheeled vehicle. The two-wheeled vehicle is considered as a multibody system. The equations of motion are obtained by applying an approach used widely in the robotic modeling field. Two basic strategies, called the continuous skyhook and the modified skyhook, are used to control the semi-active suspension system. Using the developed model, a multi-objective optimization procedure, based on Genetic Algorithms (NSGA-II), is proposed. The objective is to optimize the parameters of the two control laws of the semi-active suspension systems, in order to improve the ride comfort and the safety. To study the effectiveness of this approach, the results of the optimization are used in different simulations and the results are compared with those obtained from a simulation of a two-wheeled vehicle equipped with a passive suspension system. The results show that both control strategies of the semi-active suspension system give an improvement compared to the passive suspension system. Moreover, the multi-objective optimization results show that the simplified law “Modified Skyhook” ensures a higher ride safety, whereas the “Continuous Skyhook” is more effective in obtaining a higher level of ride comfort.