bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration performance discrete optimization of a gear system featuring confluence transmission used in marine gearbox
Authors: He Zeyin , Deng Tao , Xu Xiangyang
Published: October 2016

A dynamic model of gear transmission system which includes time-varying meshing stiffness, meshing damp and transmission error is established. Next, the analytical solution of the vibration response would be obtained by solving the dynamic model based on the harmonic balance method. And on this basis, a dynamic performance discrete optimization model of transmission sub-system would be constructed, which sets objective function up from vibration acceleration and the total mass of transmission sub-system, treats the module, number of teeth and helix angle as design variables, and takes gear strength and assembly relationship as constraints. Last, the optimal solution of design variables could be obtained through the multivariable mixed discrete optimization program which based on the branch-bound algorithm. The results show that the vibration acceleration and the total mass of transmission sub-system reduce by 34.6% and 6.8%, respectively.
Faculty and second-year medical student perceptions of active learning in an integrated curriculum
Authors: Tsang Alexander , Harris David M.
Published: October 2016

Patients expect physicians to be lifelong learners who are able to interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests, and most medical schools list the development of lifelong learning in their program objectives. However, lecture is the most often utilized form of teaching in the first two years and is considered passive learning. The current generation of medical students has many characteristics that should support active learning pedagogies. The purpose of this study was to analyze student and faculty perceptions of active learning in an integrated medical curriculum at the second-year mark, where students have been exposed to multiple educational pedagogies. The first hypothesis of the study was that faculty would favor active learning methods. The second hypothesis was that Millennial medical students would favor active learning due to their characteristics. Primary faculty for years 1 and 2 and second-year medical students were recruited for an e-mail survey consisting of 12 questions about active learning and lecture. Students perceived that lecture and passive pedagogies were more effective for learning, whereas faculty felt active and collaborative learning was more effective. Students believed that more content should be covered by lecture than faculty. There were also significant differences in perceptions of what makes a good teacher. Students and faculty both felt that lack of time in the curriculum and preparation time were barriers for faculty. The data suggest that students are not familiar with the process of learning and that more time may be needed to help students develop lifelong learning skills.
C1q/TNF‐Related Protein 9 Protects Diabetic Rat Heart against Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Bai Sanxing , Cheng Liang , Yang Yang , Fan Chongxi , Zhao Dajun , Qin Zhigang , Feng Xiao , Zhao Lin , Ma Jipeng , Wang Xiaowu , Yang Jian , Xu Xuezeng , Yi Dinghua , Yi Wei
Published: October 2016

As a newly identified adiponectin paralog, C1q/TNF‐related protein 9 (CTRP9) reduces myocardial ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury through partially understood mechanisms. In the present study, we sought to identify the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in CTRP9 induced cardioprotection in diabetic heart. Isolated hearts from high‐fat‐diet (HFD) induced type 2 diabetic Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to ex vivo IR protocol via a Langendorff apparatus at the presence of globular CTRP9. CTRP9 significantly improved post‐IR heart function and reduced cardiac infarction, cardiomyocytes apoptosis, Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, Caspase‐12, TNF‐α expression, and lactate dehydrogenase activity. The cardioprotective effect of CTRP9 was associated with reduced ERS and increased expression of disulfide‐bond A oxidoreductase‐like protein (DsbA‐L) in diabetic heart. CTRP9 reduced ERS in thapsigargin (TG) treated cardiomyocytes and protected endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stressed H9c2 cells against simulated ischemia reperfusion (SIR) injury, concurrent with increased expression of DsbA‐L. Knockdown of DsbA‐L increased ERS and attenuated CTRP9 induced protection against SIR injury in H9c2 cells. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that CTRP9 exerts cardioprotection by reducing ERS in diabetic heart through increasing DsbA‐L.
Treatment of Snoring with a Nasopharyngeal Airway Tube
Authors: Camacho Macario , Chang Edward T. , Fernandez-Salvador Camilo , Capasso Robson
Published: October 2016

Objective. To study the feasibility of a standard nasopharyngeal airway tube (NPAT) as treatment for snoring.Methods. An obese 35-year-old man, who is a chronic, heroic snorer, used NPATs while (1) the patient’s bedpartner scored the snoring and (2) the patient recorded himself with the smartphone snoring app “Quit Snoring.” Baseline snoring was 8–10/10 (10 = snoring that could be heard through a closed door and interrupted the bedpartner’s sleep to the point where they would sometimes have to sleep separately) and 60–200 snores/hr. Several standard NPATs were tested, consisting of soft polyvinyl chloride material raging between 24- and 36-French (Fr) tubes.Results. The 24 Fr tube did not abate snoring. The 26 Fr tube was able to abate the snoring sound most of the night (smartphone app: 11.4 snores/hr, bedpartner VAS = 2/10). The 28 and 30 Fr tubes abated the snoring sound the entire time worn (smartphone app: 0 snores, bedpartner VAS 0/10) but could not be tolerated more than 2.5 hours. The tube of 36 Fr size could not be inserted, despite several attempts bilaterally.Conclusion. Appropriately sized nasopharyngeal airway tubes may abate the snoring sound; however, as in this patient, they may be too painful and intolerable for daily use.
Analgesic Effect of Dexamethasone after Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Moyano Jairo , García Maria , Caicedo Maria
Published: October 2016

Background.Dexamethasone is sometimes used as a coanalgesic because of its anti-inflammatory properties.Objective. To evaluate opioid use, postoperative pain intensity, and side effects after a single dose of dexamethasone in patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.Methods. In this randomized controlled study patients were randomized to receive either 10 mg of intravenous dexamethasone (DM group) or 0.9% normal saline (NS group) during the intraoperative period. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and total morphine and codeine use after surgery.Results. Seventy-eight patients were included in the study. The DM group showed statistically significant higher pain intensity at the fourth postoperative hour (DM: 3.96/10, standard deviation [SD] 0.54; NS: 2.46/10, SD 0.45;p=0.036). No statistically significant difference in total opioid use (morphine plus codeine) was identified with 15.9 (SD 1.97) codeine tablets used in DM group and 20 (SD 2.14) in NS group (p=0.25).Discussion. Pain intensity tended to decrease in both groups suggesting morphine as the main source of analgesia.Conclusions. Intravenous dexamethasone during the intraoperative period has no clinical impact on postoperative pain intensity during the first 48 h after arthroscopic knee surgery. This trial is registered withR000020892.
A Study on the Production Process Control ofZanthoxylum bungeanumMaxim Seed Kernel Oil withoutTrans-Fatty Acids
Authors: Yin Zhongyi , Yao Shiyong , Guo Lixia , Zheng Xuxu
Published: October 2016

The process control of the production ofZanthoxylum bungeanumMaxim seed kernel oil (ZSKO) with notrans-fatty acids (TFAs) was investigated. Results revealed that drying temperature and time had a small effect on TFA formation in ZSKO. And high concentrations of sodium hydroxide solution had some effect on TFA formation in ZKSO, but there were no TFAs when the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution was lower than 20% and even at boiling temperature for one hour. The roasting temperature and duration forZanthoxylum bungeanumMaxim seed (ZS) should be properly controlled at 100°C for six hours or 150°C for two hours. ZS, which has a moisture content of 18%, was pressed four times (two hours) at less than 60°C, and ZSKO was obtained by collection through centrifuge separation. This contained 90.84% unsaturated fatty acids, which mainly include 32.49%  α-linolenic acid, 29.88% linoleic acid, and 27.52% oleic acids; and there was no TFA. Its acidic value and peroxide value conformed to China standards for edible oil. Therefore, ZKSO could be used as a healthy food for further development.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the Butt Joint in High Density Polyethylene Pipe
Authors: Pokharel Pashupati , Kim Yoonsang , Choi Sunwoong
Published: October 2016

The microstructure and mechanical properties of the butt joint in high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes were evaluated by preparing the joints with increasing the cooling time from 10 s to 70 s before pressure created for fusion of the pipes. Here, cold fusion flaws in HDPE butt joint were created with increasing the cooling time around 70 s caused by the close molecular contact followed by insufficient interdiffusion of chain segments back and forth across the wetted interface. The tensile failure mechanism of the welded pipes at different fusion time was projected based on the tensile test of dog-bone shaped, fully notched bar type as well as round U-notched specimens. The mechanical properties of the joints at different fusion time were correlated with the corresponding fracture surface morphology. The weld seam as well as tensile fracture surfaces were etched using strong oxidizing agents. The crystallinity of surface etched weld zone by potassium permanganate based etchant was found higher than unetched sample due to the higher susceptibility of amorphous phase of polyethylene with oxidizing agent. The U-notched tensile test of butt welded HDPE pipe and surface etching of the weldments provided clear delineation about the joint quality.
Evaluation of Trace Metal Profile inCymbopogon validusandHyparrhenia hirtaUsed as Traditional Herbs from Environmentally Diverse Region of Komga, South Africa
Authors: Tembeni Babalwa , Oyedeji Opeoluwa O. , Ejidike Ikechukwu P. , Oyedeji Adebola O.
Published: October 2016

FAAS was used for the analysis of trace metals in fresh and dry plant parts ofCymbopogon validusandHyparrhenia hirtaspecies with the aim of determining the trace metals concentrations in selected traditional plants consumed in Eastern Cape, South Africa. The trace metal concentration (mg/kg) in the samples of dryCymbopogon validusleaves (DCVL) showed Cu of12.40±1.000; Zn of2.42±0.401; Fe of2.50±0.410; Mn of1.31±0.210; Pb of3.36±0.401 mg/kg, while the samples of freshHyparrhenia hirtaflowers (FHHF) gave Cu of9.77±0.610; Zn of0.70±0.200; Fe of2.11±0.200; Mn of1.15±0.080; Pb of3.15±0.100 mg/kg. Abundance of metal concentrations follows the order: Cu > Fe > Pb > Mn > Zn in the flower samples ofCymbopogon validusandHyparrhenia hirtaspecies. The concentrations of trace metals in both plant parts were below the permissible limits (PL) set by WHO. It is suggested that pharmacovigilance be carried out periodically to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of various herbal products.
Assessment of Total Lesion Glycolysis by 18F FDG PET/CT Significantly Improves Prognostic Value of GEP and ISS in Myeloma
Authors: McDonald James E. , Kessler Marcus M. , Gardner Michael W. , Buros Amy F. , Ntambi James A. , Waheed Sarah , van Rhee Frits , Zangari Maurizio , Heuck Christoph J. , Petty Nathan , Schinke Carolina , Thanendrarajan Sharmilan , Mitchell Alan , Hoering Antje , Barlogie Bart , Morgan Gareth J. , Davies Faith E.
Published: October 2016

Purpose: Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with CT attenuation correction (18F-FDG PET/CT) is useful in the detection and enumeration of focal lesions and in semiquantitative characterization of metabolic activity (glycolytic phenotype) by calculation of glucose uptake. Total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV) have the potential to improve the value of this approach and enhance the prognostic value of disease burden measures. This study aims to determine whether TLG and MTV are associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and whether they improve risk assessments such as International Staging System (ISS) stage and GEP70 risk.

Experimental Design: 192 patients underwent whole body PET/CT in the Total Therapy 3A (TT3A) trial and were evaluated using three-dimensional region-of-interest analysis with TLG, MTV, and standard measurement parameters derived for all focal lesions with peak SUV above the background red marrow signal.

Results: In multivariate analysis, baseline TLG > 620 g and MTV > 210 cm3 remained a significant factor of poor PFS and OS after adjusting for baseline myeloma variables. Combined with the GEP70 risk score, TLG > 205 g identifies a high-risk–behaving subgroup with poor expected survival. In addition, TLG > 205 g accurately divides ISS stage II patients into two subgroups with similar outcomes to ISS stage I and ISS stage III, respectively.

Conclusions: TLG and MTV have significant survival implications at baseline and offer a more precise quantitation of the glycolytic phenotype of active disease. These measures can be assessed more readily than before using FDA-approved software and should be standardized and incorporated into clinical trials moving forward. Clin Cancer Res; 23(8); 1981–7. ©2016 AACR.
Src Family Kinases Are Regulated in Multiple Myeloma Cells by Phosphatase of Regenerating Liver-3
Authors: Abdollahi Pegah , Vandsemb Esten N. , Hjort Magnus A. , Misund Kristine , Holien Toril , Sponaas Anne-Marit , Rø Torstein B. , Slørdahl Tobias S. , Børset Magne
Published: October 2016

Phosphatase of regenerating liver-3 (PTP4A3/PRL-3) is a dual-specificity phosphatase that is upregulated in various types of cancers and is related to poor prognosis and aggressive tumor behavior. The expression level of PRL-3 is elevated in response to several antiapoptotic cytokines, including IL6, in cancer cells from patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and can promote survival and migration. Here, it is demonstrated that PRL-3 activates Src kinase in the IL6-dependent MM cell line INA-6. Inhibition of PRL-3 by a small-molecule inhibitor of PRL-3 or by shRNA resulted in inactivation of Src. In addition to activation of Src, PRL-3 also activated the Src family kinase (SFK) members LYN and HCK in INA-6 cells. Forced expression of catalytically inactive mutant PRL-3 decreased the activation of these three SFK members while the total level of HCK and FYN remained elevated. Inhibitors of Src increased sensitivity of cells overexpressing PRL-3 to the PRL-3 inhibitor through joint downregulation of both PRL-3 and Mcl-1. In conclusion, PRL-3 protected MM cells against apoptosis by dysregulating both the total levels and the activation levels of specific SFK members that are important for IL6 signal transduction in MM cells. Eventually, this led to increased levels of Mcl-1.

Implications: This study suggests PRL-3 and SFKs are key mediators of the IL6-driven signaling events and points to both PRL-3 and SFK members as potential targets for treatment of MM. Mol Cancer Res; 15(1); 69–77. ©2016 AACR.
Pre-Stroke Use of Beta-Blockers Does Not Lower Post-Stroke Infection Rate: An Exploratory Analysis of the Preventive Antibiotics in Stroke Study
Authors: Westendorp Willeke F. , Vermeij Jan-Dirk , Brouwer Matthijs C. , Roos Y.B.W.E.M. , Nederkoorn Paul J. , van de Beek Diederik ,   for the PASS Investigators
Published: October 2016

Background: Stroke-associated infections occur frequently and are associated with unfavorable outcome. Previous cohort studies suggest a protective effect of beta-blockers (BBs) against infections. A sympathetic drive may increase immune suppression and infections. Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the association between BB treatment at baseline and post-stroke infection in the Preventive Antibiotics in Stroke Study (PASS), a prospective clinical trial. Methods: We performed an exploratory analysis in PASS, 2,538 patients with acute phase of stroke (24 h after onset) were randomized to ceftriaxone (intravenous, 2 g per day for 4 days) in addition to stroke unit care, or standard stroke unit care without preventive antibiotic treatment. All clinical data, including use of BBs, was prospectively collected. Infection was diagnosed by the treating physician, and independently by an expert panel blinded for all other data. Multivariable analysis was performed to investigate the relation between BB treatment and infection rate. Results: Infection, as defined by the physician, occurred in 348 of 2,538 patients (14%). Multivariable analysis showed that the use of BBs at baseline was associated with the development of infection during clinical course (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.61, 95% CI 1.19-2.18; p < 0.01). BB use at baseline was also associated with the development of pneumonia (aOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.05-2.30; p = 0.03). Baseline BB use was not associated with mortality (aOR 1.14, 95% CI 0.84-1.53; p = 0.41) or unfavorable outcome at 3 months (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 0.89-1.35; p = 0.39). Conclusions: Patients treated with BBs prior to stroke have a higher rate of infection and pneumonia.
Space, Identity, and Exile in Seventeenth-Century Morocco: The Case of Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥasan al-Yūsī
Authors: Head Gretchen
Published: October 2016

This article begins with the question of Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥasan al-Yūsī’s (1631-1691) relationship to a Moroccan national literature, opening onto an interpretation of two of his most famous texts written in exile. Al-Yūsī’s al-Risālah al-kubrā ilā Mawlāy Ismāʿīl and al-Muḥāḍarāt fī al-adab wa-l-lughah are interpreted as paradigmatic examples of seventeenth-century Moroccan literature and ideal vehicles to understand al-Yūsī’s relationship to place. Al-Risālah, a dialogue at a remove from its addressee, mixes invective and appeal for aid with subtle shifts in focalization between the misdeeds of the second-person addressee (Ismāʿīl) and al-Yūsī’s own suffering. In this text, the spaces for which the author longs encompass both his actual place of birth and the larger category of place it represents. Al-Yūsī identifies exclusively with an idealized vision of the countryside set in the distant past, complicating the possibility of his return. In al-Muḥāḍarāt, al-Yūsī adopts the medium of poetry, creating a poetic persona distinct from the authorial voice of his epistle. Here his spatial identity is more inclusive, extending to cover most of the territories of early modern Morocco. Through these two exilic texts, I examine the complex relationship al-Yūsī had with the country’s urban centers and rural landscapes and how this could, under certain circumstances, begin to reflect something that resembles a Moroccan national consciousness.
SAFIR-3000 Lightning Statistics over the Beijing Metropolitan Region during 2005–07
Authors: Wu Fan , Cui Xiaopeng , Zhang Da-Lin , Liu Dongxia , Zheng Dong
Published: October 2016

In this study, the spatiotemporal characteristics of cloud-to-ground (CG) and intracloud (IC) lightning flashes observed by Surveillance et Alerte Foudre par Interférometrie Radioélectrique (SAFIR)-3000 over the Beijing metropolitan region (BMR) during 2005–07 were investigated. The results showed the presence of 299 lightning days with 241 688 flashes, most of which were IC lightning flashes. Only 19% of the total flashes were CG lightning flashes; 14% of these CG flashes were positive. Most lightning activity occurred during the summer months (June–August), with a major diurnal peak around 1900 Beijing standard time (BST) and a secondary peak around 2300 BST. Spatial variations in flash density and lightning days both exhibited an obvious southeastwardly increasing pattern, with higher flash densities or more lightning days occurring in the southeastern plains and lower values distributed on the northwestern mountains. TheZratio (IC/CG lightning flashes) exhibited a similar spatial pattern, but the percentage of positive CG lightning flashes showed an almost opposite pattern. The results also showed significant topographic effects on the spatiotemporal variations in lightning activity. That is, flash counts on the northeastern and southwestern mountains peaked in the afternoon, whereas those on the southeastern plains peaked in the late night to early morning, which could be attributed to the propagation of thunderstorms from the mountains to the plains. The results showed that the SAFIR-3000 lightning data are more useful than CG lightning data alone for forecasting the development and propagation of thunderstorms over the BMR.
Finding Control Cases and Maintaining Immersion
Authors: Ehrlich Lena Theodorou
Published: October 2016

Given that surveys, as well as frequent observations by institute faculty, indicate that many candidates have difficulty finding control cases and maintaining immersion and that many graduate analysts face similar challenges, it would seem that psychoanalytic training does not prepare candidates adequately for finding patients and practicing analysis while in training and, for many, after they have graduated. Although external challenges are formidable, it is by identifying and making use of internal challenges to finding cases that candidates can develop an analytic mind: the identity, approach, and skills necessary not only to graduate but to have the choice to practice clinical psychoanalysis post-graduation. Some of the internal challenges and their manifestations in different phases of initiating analysis (referrals, initial consultation, recommendation) are discussed and two detailed examples are offered to illustrate the productive use of candidates’ countertransferences in finding cases and maintaining immersion. Finally, recommendations for institutional solutions are provided.
French military careers and European security integration: How internationalisation changes military socialisation
Authors: Boncourt Thibaud
Published: October 2016

This study uses qualitative data on the trajectories of French military officers to provide preliminary hypotheses on the internationalisation of military careers and the dynamics of international military socialisation. It is divided into three sections. The first section provides an overview of the structure of the French armed forces and gives details on the biographical qualitative methods used throughout the article. The second and third sections describe the types of internationalisation that occur during the first and second phases of military careers respectively. The article mainly contends that French officers are unprepared for the type of internationalisation they experience in the framework of European security institutions. In spite of prior experiences of international contexts, they are forced to learn most of their work on the job and to improvise in their handling of international interactions and negotiations. These findings are shown to have implications for debates in the sociology of professions and the study of European security integration.
Predicting compaction-induced deformations of meso-scale textile models efficiently
Authors: Swery Elinor E , Allen Tom , Kelly Piaras
Published: October 2016

Compaction-induced deformations affect the properties of fibre reinforced composites. In order to account for this, accurate models of the compacted textile geometry are required. This paper presents the development of an efficient simulation approach to capture the compaction-induced deformations of fibre reinforced textiles. The simulations are carried out using the Abaqus dynamic explicit solver, whereby two flat plates are used to compact the textile model mesh to the desired cavity thickness. Isotropic elastic material models are used. The transverse elastic modulus of the tows and a Poisson’s ratio are determined by matching single-tow deformation simulations to deformations obtained experimentally. The compacted unit cell geometries are verified by comparing with measurements obtained from images of compacted textile samples. Using this simplified simulation setup and material definitions enables the compacted geometry of textiles to be predicted with minimal input data that is simple to obtain.
Flood Realities, Perceptions and the Depth of Divisions on Climate
Authors: Hamilton Lawrence C , Wake Cameron P , Hartter Joel , Safford Thomas G , Puchlopek Alli J
Published: October 2016

Research has led to broad agreement among scientists that anthropogenic climate change is happening now and likely to worsen. In contrast to scientific agreement, US public views remain deeply divided, largely along ideological lines. Science communication has been neutralised in some arenas by intense counter-messaging, but as adverse climate impacts become manifest they might intervene more persuasively in local perceptions. We look for evidence of this occurring with regard to realities and perceptions of flooding in the northeastern US state of New Hampshire. Although precipitation and flood damage have increased, with ample news coverage, most residents do not see a trend. Nor do perceptions about past and future local flooding correlate with regional impacts or vulnerability. Instead, such perceptions follow ideological patterns resembling those of global climate change. That information about the physical world can be substantially filtered by ideology is a common finding from sociological environment/society research.
‘When he’s in Afghanistan it’s like our world/his world’: mediating military experience
Authors: Parry Katy , Thumim Nancy
Published: October 2016

This article reports on a qualitative research project which invited those with direct experience – as serving personnel involved in media operations, military veterans and forces family members – to respond to a variety of media genres and discuss how such portrayals of military experience correspond with their own perceptions and their own representational practices. It is our contention that such mediations offer significant and interconnected spaces through which to explore negotiations of the meanings of military experience in contemporary public culture. Drawing on thematic analysis from our focus groups, we address a number of research questions: In what ways do the participants identify and engage with the various media portrayals, and how do they think this relates to the perceived public profile of the armed forces? How do they assess the capability of media texts to provide insights into the ‘realities’ of military experience (including emotionally charged moments of camaraderie and trauma)? In the multiple challenges and ambiguities heard within our groups, we find complex and troubled senses of ‘militariness’, bound up with sometimes intense affectivities.
Associations Among Friendship Jealousy, Peer Status, and Relational Aggression in Early Adolescence
Authors: Kraft Caroline , Mayeux Lara
Published: October 2016

This study investigated the associations among peer status, friendship jealousy, and relational aggression in early adolescence, with a focus on peer status as a moderator of the association between relational aggression and friendship jealousy. Three hundred eighteen sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students completed a sociometric assessment of relational aggression, popularity, and peer preference, and a self-report friendship jealousy measure. Relational aggression was negatively correlated with peer preference, but positively correlated with popularity for boys and girls. Regression analyses showed that peer status moderated the association between friendship jealousy and relational aggression for girls and boys. At low levels of peer preference, high friendship jealousy was positively associated with relational aggression for girls, but negatively associated with relational aggression for boys. Findings are discussed in light of friendship and social status maintenance processes.
The Influence of Olfactory Contexts on the Sequential Rating of Odor Pleasantness
Authors: Nakano Shiori , Ayabe-Kanamura Saho
Published: October 2016

When we sequentially evaluate the characteristics of sensory stimuli, our evaluation of a current stimulus is influenced by those preceding it. One such effect is called hedonic contrast, whereby stimuli are rated more negatively (negative contrast) or positively (positive contrast) if they are preceded by more or less pleasant stimuli. The present study investigated the characteristics of hedonic contrast for olfaction and compared these characteristics with those of a more oft-studied modality, vision. The results from two experiments indicated that both positive and negative contrasts occurred in the sequential rating of picture pleasantness, whereas only negative contrast occurred for olfactory ratings. Notably, overrating of hedonically negative odors following a positive olfactory context was observed even when participants had already rated these same negative odors beforehand; conversely, this did not occur for positive contrast for either sense. These findings indicate that negative odors are more strongly influenced than positive ones, and the rating of positive stimuli may be adjusted to the preceding rating independent of stimulus context. The findings of this study revealed the unique characteristics of hedonic contrast for the olfactory senses.
Testing Alcohol Myopia Theory: Examining the Effects of Alcohol Intoxication on Simultaneous Central and Peripheral Attention
Authors: Bayless Sarah J. , Harvey Alistair J.
Published: October 2016

The effect of alcohol intoxication on central and peripheral attention was examined as a test of Alcohol Myopia Theory (AMT). Previous research has supported AMT in the context of visual attention, but few studies have examined the effects of alcohol intoxication on central and peripheral attention. The study followed a 2 (alcohol treatment) × 2 (array size) × 2 (task type) mixed design. Forty-one participants (placebo or intoxicated) viewed an array of four or six colored circles, while simultaneously counting the flashes of a centrally presented fixation cross. Participants were instructed to prioritize flash counting accuracy. The subsequently presented colored probe matched the cued peripheral stimulus on 50% of trials. Flash counting and probe identification accuracy were recorded. There was a significant main effect of alcohol treatment on accuracy scores, as well as an alcohol treatment by task type interaction. Accuracy scores for the central flash counting task did not differ between treatment groups, but scores for peripheral probe identification were lower in the alcohol group. As predicted by AMT, alcohol impairment was greater for peripheral probe detection than for the central and prioritized flash counting task. The findings support the notion that alcohol intoxication narrows attentional focus to the central aspects of a task.
Pitch angle control for grid-connected variable-speed wind turbine system using fuzzy logic: A comparative study
Authors: Ben Smida Mouna , Sakly Anis
Published: October 2016

Pitch angle control is considered as a practical technique for power regulation above the rated wind speed. As conventional pitch control commonly the proportional–integral controller is used. However, the proportional–integral type may well not have suitable performance if the controlled system contains nonlinearities as the wind turbine system or the desired wind trajectory varied with higher frequency. In the presence of modeling uncertainties, the necessity of methods presenting controllers with appropriate performance as the advanced control strategies is inevitable. The pitch angle based on fuzzy logic is proposed in this work. We are interested to the development of a wind energy conversion system based on permanent magnet synchronous generator. The fuzzy logic controller is effective to compensate the nonlinear characteristics of the pitch angle to the wind speed. The design of the proposed strategy and its comparison with a conventional proportional–integral controller are carried out. The proposed method effectiveness is verified using MATLAB simulation results.
Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Victimization: Results From an Online Survey of Australian Adults
Authors: Powell Anastasia , Henry Nicola
Published: October 2016

Online forms of sexual harassment and abuse as experienced by adults represent an emerging yet under-researched set of behaviors, such that very few studies have sought to estimate the extent of the problem. This article presents the results of an online survey of 2,956 Australian adult (aged 18 to 54 years) experiences of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) victimization. The prevalence of TFSV was analyzed in relation to a 21-item scale developed in accordance with prior conceptual research identifying multiple dimensions of TFSV including digital sexual harassment, image-based sexual abuse, sexual aggression and/or coercion, and, gender and/or sexuality-based harassment (including virtual sexual violence). Results revealed significant differences in lifetime TFSV victimization for younger (18-24) and non-heterosexual identifying adults. Lifetime TFSV victimization for men and women was not significantly different, though women were more likely to report sexual harassment victimization and men were more likely to report victimization through the distribution of non-consensual images, as well as gender and/or sexuality-based harassment. The authors conclude that although women and men report experiencing similar overall prevalence of TFSV victimization, the nature and impacts of those experiences differ in particular gendered ways that reflect broader patterns in both gender relations and “offline” sexual harassment.
Public Perception of Quality and Support for Required Access to Drinking Water in Schools and Parks
Authors: Long Michael W. , Gortmaker Steven L. , Patel Anisha I. , Onufrak Stephen J. , Wilking Cara L. , Cradock Angie L.
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

We assessed public support for required water access in schools and parks and perceived safety and taste of water in these settings to inform efforts to increase access to and consumption of tap water.

Design:

Cross-sectional survey of the US public collected from August to November 2011.

Setting:

Random digit-dialed telephone survey.

Participants:

Participants (n = 1218) aged 17 and older from 1055 US counties in 46 states.

Measures:

Perceived safety and taste of water in schools and parks as well as support for required access to water in these settings.

Analysis:

Survey-adjusted perceived safety and taste as well as support for required access were estimated.

Results:

There was broad support for required access to water throughout the day in schools (96%) and parks (89%). Few participants believed water was unsafe in schools (10%) or parks (18%).

Conclusion:

This study provides evidence of public support for efforts to increase access to drinking water in schools and parks and documents overall high levels of perceived taste and safety of water provided in these settings.
‘Noisy, restless and incoherent’: puerperal insanity at Dundee Lunatic Asylum
Authors: Campbell Morag Allan
Published: October 2016

Puerperal insanity has been described as a nineteenth-century diagnosis, entrenched in contemporary expectations of proper womanly behaviour. Drawing on detailed study of establishment registers and patient case notes, this paper examines the puerperal insanity diagnosis at Dundee Lunatic Asylum between 1820 and 1860. In particular, the study aims to consider whether the class or social status of the patients had a bearing on how their conditions were perceived and rationalized, and how far the puerperal insanity diagnosis, coloured by the values assigned to it by the medical officers, may have been reserved for some women and not for others. This examination of the diagnosis in a Scottish community, suggesting a contrast in the way that middle-class and working-class women were diagnosed at Dundee, engages with and expands on work on puerperal insanity elsewhere.
Unclassified sarcomas
Authors: Boerkamp Kim M. , Hellmén Eva , Willén Helena , Grinwis Guy C. M. , Teske Erik , Rutteman Gerard R.
Published: October 2016

Morphologically, canine soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) resemble human STSs. In humans, proper classification of STSs is considered essential to improve insight in the biology of these tumors, and to optimize diagnosis and therapy. To date, there is a paucity of data published on the significance of detailed classification of STSs in the dog. We revised a cohort ( n = 110) of proliferative lesions obtained from a study in Golden Retrievers that were considered “soft tissue sarcoma, not otherwise specified or of uncertain subtype” in order to optimize the diagnoses of these lesions. The criteria according to the veterinary WHO classification, recent veterinary literature, and the WHO classification for humans were applied. Revision was initially based on morphologic characteristics of hematoxylin and eosin–stained histologic sections of the neoplasms. If considered necessary ( n = 76), additional immunohistochemistry was applied to aid characterization. The diagnosis of STS was confirmed in 75 neoplasms (68%). Of this group, diagnosis of a specific subtype of the STSs was possible in 58 neoplasms. Seven neoplasms had morphologic characteristics that were suggestive for sarcoma subtypes only described in the WHO classification for humans. Seventeen neoplasms remained “unclassified STSs.” Thirty-one lesions (28%) were diagnosed “neoplasm, not being STS.” Four lesions (4%) were considered nonneoplastic. Because incorrect classification of a tumor could lead to inappropriate therapeutic intervention and prognostication, the results of our study clearly illustrate the importance of revision and further diagnosis of “unclassified STSs” in dogs.
Snake fungal disease caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in a free-ranging mud snake (Farancia abacura)
Authors: Last Lisa A. , Fenton Heather , Gonyor-McGuire Jessica , Moore Matthew , Yabsley Michael J.
Published: October 2016

Snake fungal disease is an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola leading to severe dermatitis and facial disfiguration in numerous free-ranging and captive snakes. A free-ranging mud snake ( Farancia abacura) from Bulloch County, Georgia, was presented for autopsy because of facial swelling and emaciation. Extensive ulceration of the skin, which was especially severe on the head, and retained shed were noted on external examination. Microscopic examination revealed severe heterophilic dermatitis with intralesional fungal hyphae and arthroconidia consistent with O. ophiodiicola. A skin sample incubated on Sabouraud dextrose agar yielded a white-to-tan powdery fungal culture that was confirmed to be O. ophiodiicola by polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis. Heavy infestation with adult tapeworms ( Ophiotaenia faranciae) was present within the intestine. Various bacterial and fungal species, interpreted to either be secondary invaders or postmortem contaminants, were associated with oral lesions. Although the role of these other organisms in the overall health of this individual is not known, factors such as concurrent infections or immunosuppression should be considered in order to better understand the overall manifestation of snake fungal disease, which remains poorly characterized in its host range and geographic distribution.
Coinfection by Cetacean morbillivirus and Aspergillus fumigatus in a juvenile bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Cassle Stephen E. , Landrau-Giovannetti Nelmarie , Farina Lisa L. , Leone Angelique , Wellehan James F. X. , Stacy Nicole I. , Thompson Patrick , Herring Hada , Mase-Guthrie Blair , Blas-Machado Uriel , Saliki Jeremiah T. , Walsh Michael T. , Waltzek Thomas B.
Published: October 2016

A recently deceased juvenile male bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) was found floating in the Gulf of Mexico, off Sand Key in Clearwater, Florida. At autopsy, we identified pneumonia and a focus of malacia in the right cerebrum. Cytologic evaluation of tissue imprints from the right cerebrum revealed fungal hyphae. Fungal cultures of the lung and brain yielded Aspergillus fumigatus, which was confirmed by amplification of a portion of the fungal nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 region sequence. Microscopic pulmonary lesions of bronchiolar epithelial cell syncytia with intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions within bronchiolar epithelial cells were suggestive of Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) infection. The occurrence of CeMV infection was supported by positive immunohistochemical staining for morbillivirus antigen. CeMV detection was confirmed by amplification and sequencing a portion of the morbilliviral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene from lung tissue. This case provides CeMV sequence data available from the Gulf of Mexico and underscores the need for genomic sequencing across diverse host, temporospatial, and population (i.e., single animal vs. mass mortality events) scales to improve our understanding of these globally emerging pathogens.
True tales of the first time: Sexual storytelling in the virginity loss confessional genre
Authors: McAlister Jodi
Published: October 2016

In the 1990s, a fascinating genre emerged: the virginity loss confessional genre, in which autobiographical stories of virginity loss are collected and curated. This article draws on the work of Michel Foucault and Kenneth Plummer to explicate the historical and theoretical bases behind this contemporary confessional storytelling practice, outlining the genre’s historical and therapeutic purposes. It also considers the significance of virginity loss and the relevance of these stories in the 21st century. It illustrates how and why virginity loss stories have been told in the past, and the reasons why publicly telling these stories has become a common practice in recent decades.
Women’s Health and Mindfulness (WHAM): A Randomized Intervention Among Older Lesbian/Bisexual Women
Authors: Ingraham Natalie , Harbatkin Dawn , Lorvick Jennifer , Plumb Marj , Minnis Alexandra M.
Published: October 2016

Introduction. Lesbian and bisexual (LB) women have higher body weight than heterosexual women. Interventions focused on health and well-being versus weight loss may be more likely to succeed among LB women. This article describes effects of Women’s Health and Mindfulness, a 12-week pilot intervention addressing mindfulness, healthy eating, and physical activity, on outcomes associated with chronic disease risk among overweight and obese LB women older than 40 years. Method. Eighty women were randomized, using a stepped-wedge design, to either an immediate- or a delayed-start intervention group; the delayed-start group served as the control. Eligible participants were aged 40 years or older, identified as LB, and had a body mass index of 27 or greater. We compared differences in biological markers of chronic disease, mindfulness, nutrition, and physical activity between immediate- and delayed-start intervention groups. Results. We observed clinically significant improvements in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but no change in hemoglobin A1c. We found evidence of intervention effects on improved mindfulness and mindful eating scores and on nutrition (improved vegetable intake). Conclusions. The Women’s Health and Mindfulness pilot intervention appears to have initiated positive behavioral and physical health changes in this population. Refinements to the intervention model, such as extended intervention duration, and longer term follow-up are warranted to determine sustained effects.
Antagonisms and the Discursive Sedimentation of American Gun Culture
Authors: Anisin Alexei
Published: October 2016

This article offers a new critical viewpoint of American gun culture through the use of political discourse theory. I argue that the historical evolvement and position of guns in the United States has coincided alongside a process of discursive sedimentation. The latter has fostered a contradictory antagonistic relationship which hitherto, has not been properly accounted for by scholars and activists. Specifically, this antagonism is indicative of a binary relationship that exists between a notion of socio-political freedom and its discursively relational opposites, slavery, anarchy, and tyranny. Concepts taken from discourse theory are applied to examine this antagonistic relationship. This is followed by a proposal to incorporate nonviolence into debates on gun reform.
Houttuynia cordata Thunb Promotes Activation of HIF-1A–FOXO3 and MEF2A Pathways to Induce Apoptosis in Human HepG2 Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Hwang In-Hu , Jang Ik-Soon , Kim Min , Bang In Seok , Park Soo Jung , Chung Yun-Jo , Joo Jong-Cheon , Lee Min-Goo
Published: October 2016

Houttuynia cordata Thunb ( H cordata), a medicinal plant, has anticancer activity, as it inhibits cell growth and induces cell apoptosis in cancer. However, the potential anti-cancer activity and mechanism of H cordata for human liver cancer cells is not well understood. Recently, we identified hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1A, Forkhead box (FOX)O3, and MEF2A as proapoptotic factors induced by H cordata, suggesting that HIF-1A, FOXO3, and MEF2A contribute to the apoptosis of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. FOXO3 transcription factors regulate target genes involved in apoptosis. H cordata significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1A and FOXO3 and stimulated MEF2A expression in addition to increased apoptosis in HepG2 cells within 24 hours. Therefore, we determined the potential role of FOXO3 on apoptosis and on H cordata–induced MEF2A in HepG2 cells. HIF-1A silencing by siRNA attenuated MEF2A and H cordata–mediated FOXO3 upregulation in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, H cordata–mediated MEF2A expression enhanced caspase-3 and caspase-7, which were abolished on silencing FOXO3 with siRNA. In addition, H cordata inhibited growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts in nude mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that H cordata enhances HIF-1A/FOXO3 signaling, leading to MEF2A upregulation in HepG2 cells, and in parallel, it disturbs the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL), which results in apoptosis. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that H cordata promotes the activation of HIF-1A–FOXO3 and MEF2A pathways to induce apoptosis in human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and is, therefore, a promising candidate for antitumor drug development.
Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor promising protective roles in obesity-associated atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhong Qiao-Qing , Wang Xiang , Li Yun-Feng , Peng Li-Jun , Jiang Zhi-Sheng
Published: October 2016

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a serine protease inhibitor, which was most commonly examined in mucosal fluids such as saliva, is a versatile molecule and plays non-redundant roles. In addition to its anti-protease activity, SLPI has been shown to express anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as participating in innate and adaptive immune responses, most of which has been well documented. Recently, it is reported that SLPI is expressed in adipocytes and adipose tissue where it could play an important feedback role in the resolution of inflammation. Furthermore, circulating SLPI has been shown to correlate with progressive metabolic dysfunction. Moreover, adenoviral gene delivery of elafin and SLPI attenuates nuclear factor-κB-dependent inflammatory responses of human endothelial cells and macrophages to atherogenic stimuli. This review contributes to unraveling the protective role of SLPI in obesity-related atherosclerosis development, and the potential role in preventing arterial plaque rupture.