bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching the Psychology of Engagement with Beauty
Authors: Diessner Rhett , Kirk Cameron , Guenthner Crystn , Pohling Rico , Mobasher Saman
Published: November 2016

An undergraduate senior-level course, the psychology of beauty, taught within the positive psychology approach, was designed with the aim to increase state and trait levels of engagement with beauty among its students. The course was a service-learning course in which students were paired by the Area Agency on Aging with elders in the greater community as a practicum experience. They studied the moral beauty of the elders, learned from their wisdom, and aimed to fulfill social needs of the elders. Results suggested that in nearly every class session, students significantly increased their state levels of engagement with beauty and state levels of engagement with moral beauty during their visits to the elders’ homes, both with moderate to large effect sizes. Trait levels of engagement with beauty, however, did not increase over the span of 12 weeks.
Item Position Effects Are Moderated by Changes in Test-Taking Effort
Authors: Weirich Sebastian , Hecht Martin , Penk Christiane , Roppelt Alexander , Böhme Katrin
Published: November 2016

This article examines the interdependency of two context effects that are known to occur regularly in large-scale assessments: item position effects and effects of test-taking effort on the probability of correctly answering an item. A microlongitudinal design was used to measure test-taking effort over the course of a large-scale assessment of 60 min. Two components of test-taking effort were investigated: initial effort and change in effort. Both components of test-taking effort significantly affected the probability to solve an item. In addition, it was found that participants’ current test-taking effort diminished considerably across the course of the test. Furthermore, a substantial linear position effect was found, which indicated that item difficulty increased during the test. This position effect varied considerably across persons. Concerning the interplay of position effects and test-taking effort, it was found that only the change in effort moderates the position effect and that persons differ with respect to this moderation effect. The consequences of these results concerning the reliability and validity of large-scale assessments are discussed.
A Comparison of Rodent and Nonrodent Laryngeal and Tracheal Bifurcation Sensitivities in Inhalation Toxicity Studies and Their Relevance for Human Exposure
Authors: Mowat Vasanthi , Alexander David J. , Pilling Andrew M.
Published: November 2016

In inhalation toxicity studies, drug-induced lesions are frequently reported in the larynx and sometimes at the tracheal bifurcation (carina) in the rat, but less so in the dog or monkey, bringing into question the relevance of these rodent findings for humans. The rat larynx is widely considered to be more sensitive than that of the dog and monkey in its response to inhaled xenobiotics, although we could find no published data to support this. In this review, data from 52 inhalation studies involving rodent and nonrodent species were collated and reviewed. These data showed that the rodent larynx, and to a lesser extent the carina, was far more commonly affected by treatment than those of the nonrodent. This review indicates the greater susceptibility of the rodent larynx and carina and emphasizes their lack of relevance for man. Observations and data suggest that the human larynx is much closer to the beagle dog and cynomolgus monkey in its response to inhaled xenobiotics and that greater clinical relevance should be placed on any specific findings in these animal models.
A social relations model of negative relational disclosures and closeness in families
Authors: Schrodt Paul , Afifi Tamara D.
Published: November 2016

This study examined the intrapersonal and interpersonal mechanisms underlying family member reports of negative relational disclosures and closeness. Participants included a mother, father, and young adult child from 170 families ( N = 510). Social relations analyses revealed that negative relational disclosures and closeness vary across family relationships as a function of actor and relationship effects. Mothers’ reports of negative disclosures from other family members varied primarily as a function of actor effects, whereas their closeness varied as a function of relationship and partner effects. Dyadic reciprocity emerged in both the father–child and spousal relationships. Fathers who received negative disclosures from their spouse and their child were more likely to have both family members report being closer to them, respectively.
Local industrial strategy and skills policy in England: Assessing the linkages and limitations – a case study of the Sheffield City Deal
Authors: Sissons Paul , Jones Katy
Published: November 2016

This paper examines changes in local economic development policy which occurred between 2010 and 2015, with a focus on the relationship between industrial strategy and skills policy. Under the Coalition Government, Local Enterprise Partnerships were established and tasked with facilitating local growth, and to do so many identified a set of (potential) growth sectors for industrial strategy to support. These sectors tended to be drawn from a relatively narrow range of industries which therefore often excluded a large proportion of the local economy. An important focus of the support for growth sectors for many has been through an ambition to influence the local skills system. Skills policy more broadly has been an important dimension of devolution, and a number of City Deals have included elements of skills policy. Echoing previous national policy however, the focus of local concerns with skills under devolution has been framed largely with reference to skills gaps and shortages. While specific skills gaps and shortages can be identified, this paper questions whether this default position is reflected widely, and as such, if a narrow focus on skills supply is a sufficient approach. It is argued that to support local growth across a broad base, greater attention needs to be paid to stimulating employer demand for skills through better integrating industrial and innovation policy with skills policymaking across a wider section of the local economy. To support these arguments we present a case study of the Sheffield City Deal.
‘Most Important Events’ and Therapeutic Factors: An Evaluation of Inpatient Groups for People with Severe and Enduring Mental Health Difficulties
Authors: Bledin Kenneth , Loat Maddy , Caffrey Anna , Evans Kathy Bonshor , Taylor Bethany , Nitsun Morris
Published: November 2016

People with severe and enduring mental health difficulties attending groups on 10 inpatient wards were asked to identify the ‘Most Important Event’ (MIE) in each group session they attended, as part of a routine service evaluation. Using the methods of thematic analysis, five main themes were identified from the 192 Most Important Events recorded over the course of one year: Being part of a group, Communication, Help and support, Hope for the future, and Relationships. The main themes and subthemes were largely compatible with Yalom’s therapeutic factors, but also suggested that more fundamental levels of therapeutic factors may be present in groups with people with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. These factors include feeling connected, communication, and a sense of belonging. This evaluation of Most Important Events in inpatient groups adds to the evidence base in the field of group analysis and group psychotherapy.
Modeling and experimental characterization of power-law fluids impregnation behavior in fabric during compression molding
Authors: Zhicheng Zhang , Chunling Xin , Ying Li , Jianjun Yang , Zeyu Jin , Feng Ren , Yadong He
Published: November 2016

It is proposed that an impregnation model can predict the porosity of composites for power-law fluids impregnation in fabric. The impregnation model takes the material properties and fabric characteristic dimensions into account. In order to verify the model, glass fabric reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites are fabricated by using compression molding procedure. The impregnation model is validated by a series of comprehensive experiments, and the experimental results are perfectly consistent with the impregnation model’s value. The impregnation process is studied respectively through the model and the experiment. The results of it have shown that the impregnation time can indeed be shortened for compression molding procedure by increasing the processing temperature or increasing the applied pressure.
A Case of Septic Shock Due to Serratia marcescens Pyelonephritis and Bacteremia in a Patient Receiving Empagliflozin
Authors: Kufel Wesley D. , Scrimenti Ali , Steele Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2016

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been associated with serious urinary tract infections (UTIs) including pyelonephritis and urosepsis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a label change to include this warning in December 2015 due to a small number of cases (n = 19) reported to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Details of these cases are limited and none involved empagliflozin. To date, there has been no published literature comprehensively describing serious UTIs attributed to empagliflozin. We describe a case of septic shock due to Serratia marcescens pyelonephritis and bacteremia that required intensive care unit admission in a well-controlled, type 2 diabetic patient who had begun taking empagliflozin 2 months prior. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics followed by oral ciprofloxacin. After discontinuation of empagliflozin and completion of antibiotic therapy, no subsequent UTIs were documented in the following 4 months.
From preferences to policies in coalition governments—Unpacking policy making in European higher education
Authors: Jungblut Jens
Published: November 2016

This article focuses on the role of political parties for policy making, and it traces the development from party preferences over coalition positions to policy proposals. The main argument is that parties with more similar preferences agree on more encompassing sets of policies, and that if a coalition formulates a policy in its agreement the chances for a policy proposal are higher. However, the need to negotiate the coalition agreement with other parties mediates the influence of partisan preferences. The article is based on a qualitative content analysis of documents as well as expert interviews from three West European countries and focuses on higher education policy. The results show preferences of governing parties influence policy proposals also in situations of coalition government. Furthermore, coalition agreements are found to be central documents in policy making as they limit veto capacities and indicate where substantial policy change is likely.
Effect of polymers chemical structure on the membrane characteristics
Authors: Ronova Inga A , Kryuchkova Svetlana V , Yablokova Marina Y , Alentiev Alexander Y , Gasanova Lyudmila G , Buzin Mikaihl I , Kepman Aleksey V
Published: November 2016

The comparative analysis of gas transport properties and conformational parameters of membranes obtained from two polyimides and polysulfone was made. It was shown that the introduction of a sulfone group instead of a methylene group in the amine component of polyimide leads to an increase in glass transition temperature and of polymer membrane permeability coefficient and a reduction in selectivity. Also it was demonstrated that the solvent used during the preparation of polymer membranes had a significant influence on their gas transport characteristics.
Efficiency analysis of moving-magnet linear oscillating motor with dual-resonance for linear electro-hydrostatic actuator
Authors: Wang Tianyi , Jiao Zongxia , Yan Liang
Published: November 2016

More-electric aircraft draws considerable attention due to its high efficiency, high reliability, and easy maintenance. Linear electro-hydrostatic actuator is a novel linear actuation system suitable for more-electric aircraft, and offers many advantages over traditional rotary electro-hydrostatic actuator. However, it requires high-frequency reciprocate actuation of linear oscillating motors with both high efficiency and high power factor. In this study, a novel moving-magnet tubular linear oscillating motor with dual-resonance is proposed for linear electro-hydrostatic actuator applications to achieve high efficiency and high power factor simultaneously. Firstly, system impedance model is set up analytically, which helps to analyze the influence of structure parameters on system performance. Based on this model, working efficiency and power factor are compared with the nonresonance design, and validated by experimental results. In order to take real scenario into considerations, the nonlinearity of motor and rectangular-type load is also analytically derived and analyzed with effective resonant frequency tracking method proposed. It shows that dual-resonance design does increase system efficiency and power factor, and can be applied in linear electro-hydrostatic actuator system for more-electric aircraft effectively.
The Relationship Between Mental Representations of Welfare Recipients and Attitudes Toward Welfare
Authors: Brown-Iannuzzi Jazmin L. , Dotsch Ron , Cooley Erin , Payne B. Keith
Published: November 2016

Scholars have argued that opposition to welfare is, in part, driven by stereotypes of African Americans. This argument assumes that when individuals think about welfare, they spontaneously think about Black recipients. We investigated people’s mental representations of welfare recipients. In Studies 1 and 2, we used a perceptual task to visually estimate participants’ mental representations of welfare recipients. Compared with the average non-welfare-recipient image, the average welfare-recipient image was perceived (by a separate sample) as more African American and more representative of stereotypes associated with welfare recipients and African Americans. In Study 3, participants were asked to determine whether they supported giving welfare benefits to the people pictured in the average welfare-recipient and non-welfare-recipient images generated in Study 2. Participants were less supportive of giving welfare benefits to the person shown in the welfare-recipient image than to the person shown in the non-welfare-recipient image. The results suggest that mental images of welfare recipients may bias attitudes toward welfare policies.
Abnormality in hippocampal signal intensity predicts atrophy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lapa A T , Pedro T , Francischinelli J , Coan A C , Costallat L T Lavras , Cendes F , Appenzeller S
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To quantify signal abnormalities in the hippocampus (Hsig) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine if Hsig predict hippocampal atrophy (HA) in SLE.

Methods

We included all SLE patients and healthy age- and sex-matched individuals with two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed with a minimum of 1 year interval. All individuals underwent a standardized neuropsychological evaluation. Individual results were converted into standard scores and compared to normative data. SLE patients were additionally assessed for disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)), damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI)), and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. MRI was performed on an Elscint 2 T scanner and T1 inversion recovery and T2 coronal images were used for analysis. Volumetric (HV) and signal quantification (Hsig) were determined by standardized protocols.

Results

We included 54 SLE patients (48 women; mean age 32.2 ± 10.56 years). Hsig were found at study entry in 15 (45.5%) patients. Hsig in the body and tail of non-atrophic hippocampi correlated with progression of volume loss during the follow-up period ( r = 0.8, p < 0.001). The presence of Hsig in the head of atrophic hippocampi correlated with progression of HA ( r = 0.73, p = 0.005) during the same period. No correlation of Hsig and disease activity or prednisone dose was observed.

Conclusion

HA is frequently observed in SLE patients and volume loss is progressive in a subgroup of patients. The evaluation of Hsig is an easy tool to determine patients that may have progressive hippocampal volume loss and should be followed more closely with MRI and cognitive evaluation.
The Stock Market Reaction to Board Changes: The South African Experience
Authors: Bhana Narendra
Published: November 2016

This article investigates the impact of board changes on the share prices of the companies listed on the Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE) during the period 2004–2008. Four types of board changes are investigated: new appointments, resignation, retirement and joint appointments. Market participants consider a change in the composition of a company’s board as having information content and produce statistically significant change in the share prices of the company concerned. In particular, the informational effects of new appointments are perceived differently by the market from resignations from the company board. The results also provide evidence that market reacts more favourably to the appointment of an executive director in comparison to that of a non-executive director board appointment.

JEL classification: C58, D22, E44, G10, L22
Suicide Intervention Gatekeeper Training
Authors: Osteen Philip J.
Published: November 2016

Objective:

Suicide is a significant public and mental health crisis in the United States. Training providers in suicide assessment and response is designated as one of the primary strategies for reducing deaths by suicide. Research has established that suicide intervention training is effective, but little work has been published on potential mediators of skill development and use.

Method:

Secondary data analysis of a randomized trial of the Question, Persuade, and Refer gatekeeper training with master of social work students. Path analysis was used to estimate mediated effects of knowledge, attitudes, reluctance, and self-efficacy on behavior outcomes.

Results:

Results suggest improvements in posttraining measures for knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, reluctance, and the use of gatekeeper behaviors, but there was no supporting evidence for the presence of mediated effects on behavior. Only self-efficacy demonstrated a strong direct relationship with gatekeeper behaviors.

Conclusions:

Ongoing evaluation is needed with an added interest in self-efficacy and how it can be enhanced through training.
Fathers on Parole: Narratives From the Margin
Authors: Crandell-Williams Ann , McEvoy Alan
Published: November 2016

This study, based on semi-structured interviews with 16 fathers on parole, focuses on perceived challenges experienced during their time in prison and post-release. Analysis of narrative accounts identified three areas of concern: challenges to the father–child social bond, challenges within correctional and related oversight systems, and challenges involving gatekeeping by mothers/caretakers, visitation, and custody. Recommendations are made to address correctional system processes to more effectively foster social bonds between fathers and children, both during and post incarceration.
All Politics Is Local? County Sheriffs and Localized Policies of Immigration Enforcement
Authors: Farris Emily M. , Holman Mirya R.
Published: November 2016

Immigration enforcement and policy making has increasingly devolved to the local level in the United States. American sheriffs present a unique opportunity to evaluate decisions made about immigration policies in the local context. In dealing with immigration concerns in their counties, sheriffs act both within the confines of federal and state mandates and as local policymakers. However, little research comprehensively assesses the role sheriffs play in immigration policy making. Using data from an original, national survey of more than five hundred elected sheriffs in the United States, we provide a broad account of sheriffs’ roles in immigration enforcement and policy making. Our research demonstrates that sheriffs’ ideology and personal characteristics shape their personal attitudes about immigrants. In turn, these attitudes play a key role in influencing local enforcement decisions. Sheriffs’ immigration attitudes relate strongest to checks of the immigration status of witnesses and victims and those stopped for traffic violations or arrested for non-violent crimes. Our results demonstrate the important role of the sheriff in understanding local variation in immigration policy and the connection between the personal preferences of representatives and policy making that can emerge across policy environments and levels of government.
Molecular Basis of Congenital Factor XIII Deficiency in Iran
Authors: Dorgalaleh Akbar , Assadollahi Vahideh , Tabibian Shadi , Shamsizadeh Morteza
Published: November 2016

Factor XIII deficiency (FXIIID) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder that has the highest incidence in Iran. The FXIIID is primarily due to mutations in the FXIII-A gene, most of which are unique. In the current study, we report all identified mutations among Iranian patients. Among 483 patients, 366 (75.8%) were molecularly analyzed; 11 different mutations were observed. Of 11, 8 (72.7%) are missense, whereas the remaining 3 (27.3%) are deletion/insertion. Among these patients, 347 (94.9%) had the unique mutation of c.562T>C and 5 (1.4%) had the c.233G>A mutation. c.1226G>A, c.2111G>A, and c.1142T>A are also common, whereas other mutations, including 3 missense and 3 deletion/insertion, were observed only in single patient. Although, in most cases, FXIII mutations are unique and restricted to a specific family, this differs in Iran where a considerable number of identified mutations, recurrently observed, appear to be due to the high rate of consanguinity.
Environmental Coding
Authors: Saldaña Johnny , Mallette Leo A.
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this article is to describe a new coding and data analysis method for qualitative and evaluation researchers. We label this method Environmental Coding, an adaptation of Schmieder-Ramirez and Mallette’s (2007) text, The SPELIT Power Matrix: Untangling the Organizational Environment With the SPELIT Leadership Tool, into the frameworks for qualitative data analysis outlined in Saldaña’s (2016) The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers. Environmental Coding employs an eclectic combination of coding approaches in hermeneutic cycles to generate a multidimensional analysis of an environment’s culture and its drivers. This article uses one of Donald Trump’s initial candidate speeches for the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign to illustrate Environmental Coding in action.
Data Journalism Classes in Australian Universities: Educators Describe Progress to Date
Authors: Davies Kayt , Cullen Trevor
Published: November 2016

This article examines the extent to which data journalism (DJ) is being taught in Australian universities. It presents the results of interviews with 35 journalism academics about how they are incorporating data journalism into their courses. It includes details about the types of data journalism skills they are teaching, the resources they are using and the hindrances that have met or are making it difficult to teach data journalism. These hindrances include low and varied levels of quantitative literacy and math aversion among students, lack of time for upskilling and limited room in their courses for new material. The study found that at least nine Australian universities have semester-long units dedicated to data journalism and that at least a further nine are teaching it via some lectures and activities. Almost all respondents thought more should be done to incorporate data journalism into the curricula. This article lays a foundation for future exploration of how data journalism could be incorporated into journalism programmes where the staff requires upskilling.
Gender in culture-inclusive psychologies: A situated and selective mapping of historical and contemporary territories
Authors: Sieben Anna
Published: November 2016

Culture-inclusive psychologies, despite large theoretical and methodological differences, agree on the importance of culture for shaping mental phenomena, human behavior, and actions. How do these psychologists address gender? It is very common in psychology to frame gender as innate and determined by a male–female schema of reproduction. Do culture-inclusive psychologies depart from this schema and look into ways in which gender-related phenomena are culturally shaped? This article overviews two types of psychological texts. First, it examines classic psychological texts belonging to four selected schools of thought: cultural-historical psychology (Leont’ev, Luria, Vygotsky), critical psychology (Holzkamp, Holzkamp-Osterkamp), social constructionism (Mary and Kenneth Gergen), and action-oriented cultural psychology (Boesch, Straub). Second, it compares articles published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology and Culture & Psychology. This overview reveals that differences in conceptualizing gender are significant, covering a spectrum ranging from naturalistic to constructionist frameworks.
More spotlight, more problems? Westminster parliamentary systems and leadership replacement in large opposition parties
Authors: So Florence
Published: November 2016

In this article, I argue that Westminster parliamentary systems encourage large opposition parties to replace their leaders between elections. Parliamentary system structures how parties compete over legislative outcomes. In Westminster systems, the government’s dominance in the legislative process promotes an adversarial government–opposition relationship. Subsequently, large opposition parties’ electoral prospects are tied to their ability to discredit the government’s policy agenda. Since this responsibility falls to party leaders, leaders of large opposition parties directly affect their parties’ electoral prospects, and parties are more motivated to replace those who are ineffective in damaging the government’s credibility. Therefore, leaders of large opposition parties in Westminster systems carry a higher risk of replacement than their counterparts in other parliamentary systems. I construct an original data set on party leadership turnover in 14 established parliamentary democracies. Results from Cox proportional hazard models support my claim and suggest that institution influences intraparty dynamics.
‘You’re a woman, a convenience, a cat, a poof, a thing, an idiot’: Transgender women negotiating sexual experiences in men’s prisons in Australia
Authors: Wilson Mandy , Simpson Paul L , Butler Tony G , Richters Juliet , Yap Lorraine , Donovan Basil
Published: November 2016

We examine the lived experiences of transgender women in Australian men’s and women’s prisons. We draw on Alice Ristroph’s sexual punishments framework to discuss the diversity and ambiguities of sexual experiences reported by participants, and argue for a need to move beyond the dominant narrative of prison rape.
‘It gets very intimate for me’: Discursive boundaries of pleasure and performance in sex work
Authors: Smith Elizabeth Megan
Published: November 2016

Sex work has enjoyed a wealth of sociological interest over the last three decades. However, sexual pleasure experienced by women sex workers with their clients has been largely missing from the conversation. This article seeks to redress this gap by looking at the qualitative narratives of nine women who were working in sex work in Victoria, Australia in 2009. By viewing these narratives through Foucault’s power/knowledge/discourse nexus, together with his later work on ethics of care of the self, it posits that sex worker women draw on and resist various discourses around intimacy, performance, and pleasure in regards to their sex work and their personal lives. With this interplay in mind, the analysis supports the third feminist perspective that sex work is a complex space where dominant and subjugated discourses mingle to produce myriad experiences traversing the exploitation/empowerment binary represented by the feminist sex wars.
Searching for appropriate criminal evidence laws in the South Pacific
Authors: Corrin Jennifer
Published: November 2016

Most island states in the South Pacific have inherited a common law legal system as a consequence of their colonial history. After independence only a few of these countries have been active in replacing or amending the inherited laws. In the field of evidence, many countries are still reliant on introduced statutes from the 19th century. Commencing with a brief outline of legal systems in the small island states of the South Pacific, this article moves on to identify the legislation which governs criminal evidence in a representative sample of countries from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. It explains the complexities of this exercise in countries which still rely in whole or in part on legislation introduced during the colonial era. The article then moves on to discuss the application of the common law and the extent to which South Pacific courts have developed their own jurisprudence in this area. It considers how far these countries have come in developing their own rules of criminal evidence. The article concludes with a discussion of whether the prevailing criminal evidence laws are suitable for the circumstances of South Pacific island countries.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Koenimbine-Induced DNA Damage and Heat Shock Protein Modulation in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Hobani Yahya Hasan
Published: November 2016

Background. Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng, is a significant herb of traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. Koenimbine, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from this plant holds antiproliferative and apoptotic effects. The aim of this study was to assess koenimbine-induced DNA damage and to clarify the role of free radicals in cell death mechanisms, using HepG2 cells. Methods. The level of cytotoxicity was assayed by MTT assay. To elucidate the role of glutathione (GSH), the intracellular GSH level was analyzed. The effect of koenimbine in the cell mitochondria was evaluated using mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes. Single cell gel electrophoresis assay was used to examine the level of DNA damage. Heat shock proteins, Hsp 70 and Hsp 90 expressions were checked at mRNA and protein level. Ascorbic acid and catalase were used as control antioxidants. Results. It was observed that koenimbine considerably increased DNA damage in HepG2 cells at subcytotoxic concentrations. Koenimbine induced the increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction of GSH level in HepG2 cells, together with time-dependent loss of MMP. In addition, results clearly showed that koenimbine encouraged cells to express Hsp 70 and Hsp 90 in a concentration-dependent manner up to a concentration of 100 µM and a time-dependent manner at 24-hour incubation both at transcriptional and translational levels. The antioxidant capacity of ascorbic acid was found to be not as prominent as to catalase throughout the study. Conclusion. Based on these data it can be concluded that koenimbine causes DNA strand breaks in HepG2 cells, probably through oxidative stress. Moreover, the oxidative stress induced was closely associated with MMP reduction and GSH depletion associated with HSP modulation at subcytotoxic concentration.
Quadrigia and Productivity
Authors: Ingraham John
Published: November 2016

Financial productivity in academic surgery is important and deserves great emphasis, yet it is but one of many vital elements of a healthy practice. Productivity must be carefully balanced with many other vital goals such as maximizing patient safety, maintaining excellent outcomes, optimizing resident and medical student education, and earning outstanding patient feedback. The following editorial explores this elusive balance and the importance of not swaying too far in the direction of revenue.
Triceps Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dunn John C. , Kusnezov Nicholas , Fares Austin , Rubin Sydney , Orr Justin , Friedman Darren , Kilcoyne Kelly
Published: November 2016

Background: Triceps tendon ruptures (TTR) are an uncommon injury. The aim of this systematic review was to classify diagnostic signs, report outcomes and rerupture rates, and identify potential predisposing risk factors in all reported cases of surgical treated TTR. Methods: A literature search collecting surgical treated cases of TTR was performed, identifying 175 articles, 40 of which met inclusion criteria, accounting for 262 patients. Data were pooled and analyzed focusing on medical comorbidities, presence of a fleck fracture on the preoperative lateral elbow x-ray film (Dunn-Kusnezov Sign [DKS]), outcomes, and rerupture rates. Results: The average age of injury was 45.6 years. The average time from injury to day of surgery was 24 days while 10 patients had a delay in diagnosis of more than 1 month. Renal disease (10%) and anabolic steroid use (7%) were the 2 most common medical comorbidities. The DKS was present in 61% to 88% of cases on the lateral x-ray film. Postoperatively, 89% of patients returned to preinjury level of activity, and there was a 6% rerupture rate at an average follow-up of 34.6 months. The vast majority (81%) of the patients in this review underwent repair via suture fixation. Conclusions: TTR is an uncommon injury. Risks factors for rupture include renal disease and anabolic steroid use. Lateral elbow radiographs should be scrutinized for the DKS in patients with extension weakness. Outcomes are excellent following repair, and rates of rerupture are low.
A study of the matching of impellers and motors for contra-rotating fan based on electromagnetic-fluid coupling analysis
Authors: Wang Qian , Meng Dawei
Published: November 2016

The contra-rotating fan is an electromechanical device in which electromagnetic force and aerodynamic force coordinate together. Its operation process is affected by multiple factors and is also coupled with multiple variables. In order to further reveal its working mechanism, electromagnetic-fluid coupling model for contra-rotating fan was presented and relevant numerical computations were performed by the combination of the motors’ electromagnetic-field simulation and the fan’s fluid-field simulation. Curves of electromagnetic torque and aerodynamic torque in time domain, respectively, for two motors and two impellers of the fan were obtained, and then fast Fourier transform algorithm was used to analyze their harmonic components. Meanwhile, the resonance effect induced by the same-frequency components between the harmonic electromagnetic and aerodynamic torques was investigated. Moreover, the impeller–motor interaction and matching performance were explored so as to determine the optimal combination scheme of blade number in two-stage impellers. The reasonableness of this scheme was validated experimentally. This heterogeneous physical-field simulation method targeted at electromagnetic-fluid coupling condition offers an important reference for optimizing the fan system.
Enhancement of mobile robot localization using extended Kalman filter
Authors: Faisal Mohammed , Alsulaiman Mansour , Hedjar Ramdane , Mathkour Hassan , Zuair Mansour , Altaheri Hamdi , Zakariah Mohammed , Bencherif Mohammed A , Mekhtiche Mohamed A
Published: November 2016

In this article, we introduce a localization system to reduce the accumulation of errors existing in the dead-reckoning method of mobile robot localization. Dead-reckoning depends on the information that comes from the encoders. Many factors, such as wheel slippage, surface roughness, and mechanical tolerances, affect the accuracy of dead-reckoning. Therefore, an accumulation of errors exists in the dead-reckoning method. In this article, we propose a new localization system to enhance the localization operation of the mobile robots. The proposed localization system uses the extended Kalman filter combined with infrared sensors in order to solve the problems of dead-reckoning. The proposed system executes the extended Kalman filter cycle, using the walls in the working environment as references (landmarks), to correct errors in the robot’s position (positional uncertainty). The accuracy and robustness of the proposed method are evaluated in the experiment results’ section.
Trajectories of coarse granular sediment particles in a simplified centrifugal dredge pump model
Authors: Hong Guojun , Zhang Qingbo , Yu Guoliang
Published: November 2016

Due to different inertia, sediment particles stop following the trails of water elements during the flow passage of a centrifugal pump. In a dredge pump, deviation characteristics of sediment particles from surrounding fluid are still not crystal clear. Apparently, the deviation makes sediment particles attacking the inner wall and causes wear and tear. In addition, the deviation would also decrease the pump efficiency. In order to understand the motion of the sediment particles and their deviation characteristics inside a dredge pump, authors built a Lagrangian numerical model based on particle’s kinematic balance equations, and then verified it through a rotating platform. The influential factors of the sediment particle motion, such as the rotation speed, as well as the diameter and density of sediment particles, were investigated. Finally, a conclusion is obtained that says if blade profiles are close to the relative trajectory of a particle, this particle will cause minimized wear to the blade wall.
Kinematics, dynamics, and control system of a new 5-degree-of-freedom hybrid robot manipulator
Authors: Guo Wanjin , Li Ruifeng , Cao Chuqing , Gao Yunfeng
Published: November 2016

Hybrid robotic application is a continuously developing field, as hybrid robot manipulators have demonstrated clearly to possess benefits of both serial structures and parallel mechanisms. In this article, the physical prototype and the specially designed control system for a new 5-degree-of-freedom hybrid robot manipulator are developed. The mechanical structure, kinematics, dynamics, and control system of this robot manipulator are presented. A newly appropriate set of closed-form solutions, which can avoid multiple solutions, is proposed to address the inverse kinematics problem of this robot manipulator. Additionally, simulations of the kinematics and dynamics of this robot manipulator and the tests for the repeatability and accuracy of both the position and path are first simulated with two numerical examples and then conducted on the physical prototype.
Interspinous fusion device: A systematic review of clinical and biomechanical evidence
Authors: Zhu Lei , Yin Jianmei
Published: November 2016

To assess the biomechanical and clinical evidence available in use and efficacy of interspinous fusion devices and to explore indications for their application. MEDLINE search and Google Scholar were employed to find the relevant papers through the following key words: interspinous fusion, interspinous fixation, and posterior instrumentation. Based on their fixation modes and fused sites, the related classification for interspinous fusion devices will be established, and a systematic review of clinical and biomechanical studies was made. The results revealed that a total of 13 kinds of interspinous fusion devices were obtained, and they were classified into two main categories: (1) “interspinous fixation without situ fusion” type (or rigid interspinous fusion device) and (2) “interspinous fixation with situ fusion” type (or fused interspinous fusion device). Furthermore, a summary on its biomechanical and clinical study was given, which showed that interspinous fusion device could provide excellent biomechanical efficiency and promising clinical success. In conclusion, interspinous fusion device construct is a new potential fixation technique. However, further high-quality studies are still needed to clarify their long-term efficacy and indications for their use.
Common sports-related shoulder injuries
Authors: Leung Raymond
Published: November 2016

Shoulder pain is commonly treated in general practice; its causes are often multi-factorial. The focus of this article is on sports-related shoulder injuries likely to be seen in the community. This article aims to overview the presentation, assessment and management of these conditions in general practice.
Numerical investigation on the gas entrainment rate on ventilated supercavity body
Authors: Yang WuGang , Yang ZhenCai , Wen KaiGe , Yang ZhaoHui , Zhang YuWen
Published: November 2016

The supercavitation technique provides a means of significantly increasing the velocity of an underwater vehicle. This technique involves essentially the creation of stable supercavity shape. The method of artificial ventilation is most effective for generating and dominating the supercavity. This paper focuses on the numerical simulation of flow field around three-dimensional body. The method is based on the multiphase computational fluid dynamics model combined with the turbulence model and the full cavity model. The fundamental similarity parameters of ventilated supercavity flows that include cavitation number, Froude number Fr, entrainment rate CQ, and drag coefficient Cx are all investigated numerically in the case of steady flow and gravity field. We discuss the following simulations results in three parts: (1) the variations of the cavitation number and the supercavity’s relative diameter with entrainment rate; (2) the drag coefficient versus the cavitation number; and (3) deformation of supercavity axis caused by gravitational effect for three different fixed three Froude numbers. In the full paper, we give the comparison results of the drag reduction ratio among numerical simulation and experiment conducted in hydrodynamic tunnel and towing tank, respectively. We summarize our discussion of gravitational effect on the axis deformation of supercavity as follows: in the case of smaller Froude number, the inclination of the cavity axis increases monotonously with increasing horizontal length and reaches its maximal value at the end of supercavity; this deformation can be almost completely negligible when the Froude number Fr is larger than 7.0. The comparisons with the experimental data in the hydrodynamic tunnel and the towing tank indicate that the present method is effective for predicting the flows around ventilated supercavity; that the numerical results is in good agreement with the experimental ones and that the maximal value of the drag reduction ratio can be expected to reach the value of 90% compared with that of the condition of non-cavitation.
Return to Golf After Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Shifflett Grant D. , Hellman Michael D. , Louie Philip K. , Mikhail Christopher , Park Kevin U. , Phillips Frank M.
Published: November 2016

Background:

Spinal fusion surgery is being increasingly performed, yet few studies have focused on return to recreational sports after lumbar fusion and none have specifically analyzed return to golf.

Hypothesis:

Most golfers successfully return to sport after lumbar fusion surgery.

Study Design:

Case series.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

All patients who underwent 1- or 2-level primary lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative pathologies performed by a single surgeon between January 2008 and October 2012 and had at least 1-year follow-up were included. Patients completed a specifically designed golf survey. Surveys were mailed, given during follow-up clinic, or answered during telephone contact.

Results:

A total of 353 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 200 responses (57%) to the questionnaire producing 34 golfers. The average age of golfers was 57 years (range, 32-79 years). In 79% of golfers, preoperative back and/or leg pain significantly affected their ability to play golf. Within 1 year from surgery, 65% of patients returned to practice and 52% returned to course play. Only 29% of patients stated that continued back/leg pain limited their play. Twenty-five patients (77%) were able to play the same amount of golf or more than before fusion surgery. Of those providing handicaps, 12 (80%) reported the same or an improved handicap.

Conclusion:

More than 50% of golfers return to on-course play within 1 year of lumbar fusion surgery. The majority of golfers can return to preoperative levels in terms of performance (handicap) and frequency of play.

Clinical Relevance:

This investigation offers insight into when golfers return to sport after lumbar fusion surgery and provides surgeons with information to set realistic expectations postoperatively.
Gulliver’s Politics
Authors: Holbrook Colin , López-Rodríguez Lucía , Fessler Daniel M. T. , Vázquez Alexandra , Gómez Ángel
Published: November 2016

Political conservatives have been widely documented to regard out-group members as hostile, perceive individuals of ambiguous intent as malevolent, and favor aggressive solutions to intergroup conflict. A growing literature indicates that potential violent adversaries are represented using the dimensions of envisioned physical size/strength to summarize opponents’ fighting capacities relative to the self or in-group. Integrating these programs, we hypothesized that, compared to liberals, conservatives would envision an ambiguous out-group target as more likely to pose a threat, yet as vanquishable through force, and thus as less formidable. Participants from the United States (Study 1) and Spain (Study 2) assessed Syrian refugees, a group that the public widely suspects includes terrorists. As predicted, in both societies, conservatives envisioned refugees as more likely to be terrorists and as less physically formidable. As hypothesized, this “Gulliver effect” was mediated by confidence in each society’s capacity to thwart terrorism via aggressive military or police measures.
A New Version of the Beuchet Chair Illusion
Authors: Wiseman Richard
Published: November 2016

The Beuchet Chair is a powerful and highly popular optical illusion. The illusion involves two reasonably large pieces of apparatus: an oversized chair seat and four normal-sized chair legs. When properly arranged and viewed from a precise location, a person standing on the seat appears to be much smaller than they actually are. Although compelling, the illusion is relatively challenging and expensive to construct, requires a large amount of space to stage, and is not especially portable. Here, I outline a new version of the illusion that just involves a small piece of cardboard, a cloth, and a tripod. This new version costs almost nothing to create, is highly portable, and requires far less space than the original.