bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing Free Edge Effect on Laminate Strength by Edge Modification
Authors: Sun C. T. , Chu G. D.
Published: January 2017

A method for reducing free edge interlaminar stresses in quasi-isotropic laminates is investigated. This method involves creating narrow and shallow notches along the straight edges of a coupon specimen in order to disrupt the load path along the free edges. Experimental results indicate that laminate strength can be increased significantly. A failure criterion for laminate specimens with notched edges is introduced to predict the strength.
Fiber Composite Bar for Reinforced Concrete Construction
Authors: Saadatmanesh H. , Ehsani M. R.
Published: January 2017

Behavior of concrete beams reinforced with Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic (GFRP) bars was experimentally investigated. Two types of reinforcements were considered; longitudinal or flexural reinforcement and transverse or shear reinforcement. For each of the two types of reinforcements, three concrete beams were tested to failure. The behavior of each beam was characterized by its load-deflection response to failure. The study was mainly focused on experimentally determining the feasibility of GFRP bars as reinforcement for concrete structures. The results indicated that the plastic bars performed reasonably well in the beams tested.
Instrumented Impact and Static Indentation of Composites
Authors: Lee Shaw Ming , Zahuta Paul
Published: January 2017

The low velocity impact behavior of several laminate systems has been studied. Instrumented impact tests were compared with static indentation tests using the same specimen and test configurations. The impact behavior, defined by impact force, damage size and energy absorption, was found to be similar to the static indentation response. The damage growth process during impact as the force surged to its maximum value can be visualized from the static indentation damage induced at incrementally increased force levels. Delamination impact damage suddenly appeared only when the impact force reached a threshold value which was dependent on laminate fracture toughness. Further force increase resulted in gradual damage size growth until fiber damage caused the force to level off. There was evidence that laminate fracture toughness also affected the level-off force. Fiber damage not only absorbed significant energy but also allowed for further delamination damage growth. Overall, the characteristics of impact force versus damage size varied with materials. As the impact energy levels varied, different stages of the impact failure process would be reached. Simple mode I or mode II delamination was not sufficient to describe all the possible failure modes involved in either impact or compression after impact.
Evaluating Alternative Foreign Policy Decision-Making Models
Authors: Ostrom Charles W.
Published: January 2017

The focus of this study is the policy-making process which has as its principal output the annual U.S. defense expenditure total. A Richardson-type arms race model and a Davis, Dempster, and Wildavsky-type organizational politics model have been identified as contending but not mutually exclusive models of this process. Underlying each model is the assertion that a series of inputs is translated in a specified manner into the U.S. defense expenditure total. A systematic empirical evaluation is undertaken to determine the ability of the models to forecast by using each of them to generate a series of historical and ex post forecasts of the U.S. defense expenditure time series from 1954 to 1973. Tests are made in order to determine which model generates the more accurate forecasts and whether these forecasts are adequate. The results of the empirical test indicate that the forecasts of the two models are indistinguishable both from one another and from a naive model. Several reasons are given for these results, and the paper closes with suggestions for further research.
Massive Hepatocellular Necrosis: Was it Caused by Orlistat?
Authors: Lau Gilbert , Chan Cheng Leng
Published: January 2017

Orlistat (tetrahydrolipostatin) is a lipase inhibitor which is used, in conjunction with appropriate dietary control, for the treatment of obesity. It is generally deemed to be a safe drug, which mainly exerts a topical action on the stomach and small bowel, with negligible systemic absorption and oral bioavailability. Consequently, its adverse effects have largely been limited to relatively mild gastrointestinal disorders. However, there have been recent, published reports of non-fatal acute hepatitis and systemic hypertension associated with its use. The present case concerns a 62-year-old male who died from massive hepatocellular necrosis, consistent with drug-induced, fulminant hepatitis, associated with the use of oral orlistat, presumably administered at the recommended daily dose of 360 mg. It is postulated that this may represent a rare idiosyncratic reaction to the drug.
Left Side Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Michalodimitrakis M , Papadomanolakis A , Stiakakis J , Kanaki K
Published: January 2017

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or dysplasia, a heart muscle disease of unknown cause, is anatomically characterized by variable replacement of myocardial muscle with adipose or fibroadipose tissue. It is usually considered a selective disorder whereas concomitant left ventricular involvement has been noted in a few cases. Two cases of the disease with evidence of extensive left ventricular involvement at pathologic examination are described. Hearts from two patients who died suddenly showed extensive biventricular infiltration by fibrofatty tissue in the first case and exclusively in the wall of the left ventricle the localization of the fatty and fibrotic lesions. These findings might suggest that the various localizations of the fibroadipose tissue are rather different expressions of the same disease and it is preferable to be termed ‘arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy’ as other studies also indicate.
Travel and Performance
Authors: Preston F. S.
Published: January 2017

Changes in the light/dark cycle have profound effects on man's circadian rhythms, particularly when he is required to work or perform adequately in a new time environment. These changes include effects on sleep, mental performance, including judgement and decision-making, and on physical performance. Whilst changes in physical performance are difficult to measure, the effects may influence athletic performance. Athletic teams performing in a new time zone should therefore be flown out well ahead of the planned event to ensure adequate circadian resynchronization.
Vehicular-Related Fatalities among Teenagers—The Metro Dade County Experience, 1978–82
Authors: Copeland Arthur R.
Published: January 2017

A study of deaths from vehicular-related causes among teenagers was carried out from the case files of the Office of the Medical Examiner, Metro Dade County, Miami, Florida, between the years 1978–82. A total of 247 cases were examined and analysed as to the age, race and sex of victims, along with the cause of death, and whether alcohol or drugs were detected at autopsy. Also taken into account were such factors as whether seat-belts were worn, the decedent's role in the accident and the causative factors involved in the fatality. The implications for society of these findings was also noted.
Vampirism—Legendary or Clinical Phenomenon?
Authors: Prins Herschel
Published: January 2017

In this paper I shall consider the extent to which there are any substantial grounds for suggesting that there is a definite condition which some authorities have described as ‘clinical vampirism’. Such a condition, if indeed it can be said to exist, needs to be seen, not only against a background of various vampire myths and beliefs, but within the wider anthropological context of blood beliefs and rituals. Thus, in order to examine this topic we must be prepared to engage the subject matter of anthropology, mythology, folklore and demonology, as well as those disciplines that concern themselves more specifically with seriously pathological behaviour (such as forensic medicine, forensic pathology, forensic psychiatry and psychology).
Aqua-Eroticum—A Case of Auto-Erotic Drowning
Authors: Sivaloganathan S.
Published: January 2017

An unusual case of accidental death during auto-erotic practice, where partial drowning was used to produce partial asphyxia, is reported.
Dowry Death: Implications of Law
Authors: Latha K S , Narendra R
Published: January 2017

The giving of dowry on marriage is a widespread custom in India, but the attitude of society towards this practice is neither uniform nor consistent. ‘Dowry death’ is the result of a unique form of violence suffered by Indian women. The existing legal provisions relating to dowry and dowry deaths are summarized, and the role of the Indian Penal Code is discussed. Case reports are presented.
Reproducibility of Within-Subject Breath Alcohol Analysis
Authors: Gullberg Rod G , Logan Barry K
Published: January 2017

Random samples from normal distributions are an important assumption for many statistical methods. The present study evaluates this assumption with regard to quantitative breath alcohol analyses. Eight individuals (six male and two female) consumed alcoholic beverages and subsequently provided replicate (n ranging from 22 to 69) breath samples to an infrared breath alcohol instrument within short time intervals. The serially collected data were treated with several descriptive and inferential methods. Descriptive results among the eight individuals included: mean 0.0420–0.1175 g/210L, SD 0.0008–0.0045 g/210L and CV: 1.9%–4.7%. Statistical tests for normality showed seven of the distributions to be reasonably normal (p ≥ 0.25) and the other marginal (p = 0.051). A test for runs about the median showed random results (p ≥ 0.10) for four individuals and non-random (p ≤ 0.01) for the other four. The results suggest an individual's breath alcohol measurement, when appropriately collected and analysed, should be considered a random sample from a normal within-subject distribution. The existing variability in breath alcohol analysis, due largely to biological and sampling considerations, is acceptably minimized to warrant forensic application.
The Khat Users: A Study of Khat Chewing in Liverpool's Somali Men
Authors: Ahmed A G , Salib Emad
Published: January 2017

This study reports the demographic and social characteristics and level of psychological dysfunction in regular khat users compared with matched non-users. The results indicate that khat users resemble non-users on a number of psychosocial variables and GHQ scores, with no evidence to suggest higher morbidity amongst users.

The two groups appear to differ only in the level of their use of nicotine and also in their perception of the harmful effects associated with khat use.
2. Sudden Death in a Child Due to Rare Endocranial Neoformation
Authors: Buzzi S , Verdura C , Arlati S , Colecchia M
Published: January 2017

A case of unexpected death in a six-year-old child, who died after a period of non-specific symptoms and clinical signs, is described. The cause of death was a pilocytic astrocytoma of the pontocerebellar angle, rare with regard to location and histology. The authors have reviewed the literature, which was scanty.
3. Self-Inflicted Bite Injuries Associated with Intracerebral Haemorrhages
Authors: Uchigasaki S , Takahashi H , Suzuki T
Published: January 2017

A case of self-inflicted bite injuries of the fingers with an episode of small intracerebral haemorrhages is presented. There were many injuries on the right fingers. The tip of the right forefinger was bitten off, and some small pieces of the finger had been aspirated and swallowed. This unusual case seemed to be an emotional response to pain from cerebral episode.
Criminology and the Police
Authors: Lunney R. F.
Published: January 2017

The subject of the Queen's Police Gold Medal Essay Competition for 1960 was “CRIMINOLOGY: What contribution should be made by the Police to research and study in this field?” We congratulate Constable Lunney on being awarded the first prize and are happy to publish his essay.
Motoring
Authors: Gott J. A. H.
Published: January 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent gives his impressions of a recent tour on the Continent and comments upon the apparent eclipse of British cars and drivers in the current World's Championship.
A Case of Counterfeiting
Authors: Smith Donald
Published: January 2017

We congratulate Mr. Smith on being awarded the joint Third Prize in our “A Job Well Done” Competition for the following article. The names of the characters have been altered.
Challenor
Authors: Muir A. A.
Published: January 2017

Mr. Muir reviews The Challenor Case by Mary Grigg, published at 3s. 6d. by Penguin Books. It may be noted that the report on the Inquiry into this case had not been published when Miss Grigg's book appeared.
A Twin Comparison Fingerprint Viewer
Authors: Sowter G. H.
Published: January 2017

Mr Sowter describes a proved piece of new equipment in fingerprint work. Its adoption by the Service at large would bring up to date the scrutiny of prints, which is so often a time-consuming and troublesome business.
Severe Injury among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Children in Washington State
Authors: Karr Catherine J. , Rivara Frederick P. , Cummings Peter
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

The authors' anecdotal experience at a regional Level I trauma center was that Hispanic children were overrepresented among burn patients, particularly among children with burns due to scalding from hot food. This study describes injury incidence and severity among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white infants, children, and adolescents with serious traumatic injuries in Washington State.

Methods.

Data from the Washington State Trauma Registry for 1995–1997 were used to identify injured individuals aged ⩽19 years. Ratios of overall and mechanism-specific injury incidence rates for Hispanic children relative to non-Hispanic white children were calculated using denominator estimates derived from U.S. Census Bureau population data. Hispanic children and non-Hispanic white children were also compared on several measures of severity of injury.

Results.

In 1995–1997, serious traumatic injuries were reported to the Registry for 231 Hispanic children aged ⩽19 years (rate: 54 per 100,000 person-years) and for 2,123 non-Hispanic white children (56 per 100,000 person-years), yielding an overall rate ratio (RR) of 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8, 1.1). Motor vehicle crashes and falls accounted for one-third to one-half of the injuries for each group. Infants, children, and adolescents identified as Hispanic had higher rates of injuries related to hot objects (i.e., burns) (RR=2.3; 95% CI 1.3, 4.1), guns (RR=2.2; 95% CI 1.5 to 3.3), and being cut or pierced (RR=3.5; 95% CI 2.2 to 5.5). The Hispanic group had a lower injury rate for motor vehicle accidents (RR=0.7; 95% CI 0.5, 0.9). Mortality rates were similar (RR=1.1; 95% CI 0.7, 1.7). The mean length of hospital stay was 5.5 days for the Hispanic group and 8.8 days for the non-Hispanic white group (difference=3.3 days; 95% CI −0.7, 7.4).

Conclusions.

The study found little difference between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white infants, children, and adolescents in the burden of traumatic pediatric injury. However, burns, guns, drowning, and being pierced/cut appeared to be particularly important mechanisms of injury for Hispanic children. More specific investigations targeted toward these injury types are needed to identify the underlying preventable risk factors involved.
Impact of a Lead-Safe Training Program on Workers Conducting Renovation, Painting, and Maintenance Activities
Authors: Buzzetti Alan J. , Greene Frank , Needham Dottie
Published: January 2017

Objective.

An important source of lead exposure is lead-based paint that is disturbed when unsafe work practices are used during renovation, remodeling, and maintenance activities. This study explores the success of a pilot lead-safe skills training program for home improvement contractors and their employees (including renovators, remodelers, and painters) and small property owners.

Methods.

The study evaluates whether attendees at eight-hour lead-safe work practices training courses learned and retained information about lead exposure; developed and retained positive attitudes toward lead-safe work practices; and developed lasting, positive behavioral intentions to use lead-safe work practice skills and techniques. A questionnaire was administered immediately before, immediately following, and several months following the training program. Coded data from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results.

Respondents showed statistically significant changes from before to after the training program, and the changes were maintained over time. Knowledge improved, and attitudes and behavioral intentions changed in a favorable direction.

Conclusion.

These results suggest that lead-safe training can be successful and can create lasting changes in lead-safe knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
Residential Injuries in U.S. Children and Adolescents
Authors: Phelan Kieran J. , Khoury Jane , Kalkwarf Heidi , Lanphear Bruce
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for U.S. children, but little research exists on injury in the home environment. The purpose of this study was to estimate the rate and severity of and trends in unintentional residential injury for U.S. children <20 years for 1993–1999.

Methods.

Data on emergency department (ED) visits were obtained from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using SUDAAN. Chi-square analysis was used to test for differences among proportions. Time trends were analyzed using linear regression.

Results.

Residential injuries accounted for an average of 4.01 million (95% CI 3.50 million, 4.56 million) ED visits each year for U.S. children, representing 39% of unintentional injury ED visits. There were an average of 531,000 (95% CI 456,000, 606,000) visits with moderate-to-severe injuries, resulting in 73,680 (95% CI 59,715, 87,645) hospital admissions annually. The rate of residential injury visits (excluding unknown locations) was 5.6 per 100 (95% CI 4.9 per 100, 6.4 per 100). The visit rates for children <5 years of age were higher than those for children >9 years ( p<0.0001). Males had a higher rate of visits than females ( p=0.01). Falls were the leading mechanisms, resulting in 1.5 million ED visits per year (95% CI 1.3 million, 1.8 million). Residential injury rates decreased by 28% over time ( p<0.02), from 6.3 per 100 (95% CI 3.4, 9.2) in 1993 to 4.5 per 100 (95% CI 2.3, 6.7) in 1999.

Conclusions.

The predominant location of injury for U.S. children is the home, accounting for 4.01 million ED visits and more than 70,000 hospitalizations each year. Efforts targeted to the home environment are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality from unintentional injury in U.S. children.
Determining the Effect of Newborn Hearing Screening Legislation: An Analysis of State Hearing Screening Rates
Authors: Green Denise R. , Gaffney Marcus , Devine Owen , Grosse Scott D.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of state Universal Newborn Hearing Screening legislation on the percentage of infants having their hearing screened within one month of birth.

Methods.

Hearing screening data for 2000–2003 were obtained from state hearing screening programs. States with Universal Newborn Hearing Screening legislation were categorized according to legislation type and implementation status, and hearing screening rates were compared between states with implemented legislation and states with no legislation.

Results.

Hearing screening rates among states that implemented Universal Newborn Hearing Screening legislation were significantly higher than rates in no-legislation states throughout the study period, although the mean screening rate among no-legislation states increased substantially from 2000 through 2003. The percentage of states attaining a 95% national screening quality indicator in each year was substantially greater among states with implemented legislation. In 2003, 76% of states with implemented Universal Newborn Hearing Screening legislation reported screening at least 95% of infants, compared with 26% of states without legislation. Although there is a greater likelihood of meeting the national screening target with Universal Newborn Hearing Screening legislation than without, other factors such as collaborative relationships and federal funding can also influence this outcome.

Conclusion.

State legislation has had a positive effect on hearing screening rates and is one tool states can use to help ensure that infants are screened for hearing loss.
Outcomes in Men Denied Access to a California Public Assistance Program for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Anger Jennifer T. , Maliski Sally L. , Krupski Tracey L. , Kwan Lorna , Gore John L. , Fink Arlene , Connor Sarah E. , Orecklin James R. , Litwin Mark S.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

To improve access to prostate cancer treatment for low income uninsured men, California initiated a program called IMPACT: Improving Access, Counseling and Treatment for Californians with Prostate Cancer. The program administered free treatment, case management, counseling, and educational materials to all eligible men until budget cuts led to a state-mandated suspension of enrollment and the establishment of a temporary waitlist in February 2005. To assess the effect of suspension of enrollment on patient outcomes, the authors compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in waitlisted and enrolled men.

Methods.

Eighty-three men in each group were matched on disease stage, age, and race. HRQOL was captured with the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index short form (PCI-SF), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-12 (SF-12), and McCorkle and Young's Symptoms and Degrees of Distress in Patients with Cancer Scale (SDS). Self-efficacy was measured with the Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interactions (PEPPI) Questionnaire.

Results.

At intake, waitlisted men demonstrated significantly more symptom-related distress (2.9; p=0.04) and less perceived self-efficacy (2.5; p=0.005) compared to enrollees. Waitlisted men were significantly less likely to have access to a doctor or nurse case manager, treatment medications, nutrition information, or counseling services ( p<0.0001).

Conclusions.

Men denied enrollment into the IMPACT program exhibited significantly worse symptom distress and self-efficacy compared to enrolled men at initial assessment. The multivariate model suggests that HRQOL in the waitlisted men may be related to their lack of access to medical services. This data illustrates the importance of ongoing public assistance for low income men with prostate cancer.
Behavioral Surveillance among People at Risk for HIV Infection in the U.S.: The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System
Authors: Gallagher Kathleen M. , Sullivan Patrick S. , Lansky Amy , Onorato Ida M.
Published: January 2017

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with 25 state and local health departments, began the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) in 2003. The system focuses on people at risk for HIV infection and surveys the three populations at highest risk for HIV in the United States: men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, and high-risk heterosexuals. The project collects information from these three populations during rotating 12-month cycles.

Methods for recruiting participants vary for each at-risk population, but NHBS uses a standardized protocol and core questionnaire for each cycle. Participating health departments tailor their questionnaire to collect information about specific prevention programs offered in their geographic area and to address local data needs.

Data collected from NHBS will be used to describe trends in key behavioral risk indicators and evaluate current HIV prevention programs. This information in turn can be used to identify gaps in prevention services and target new prevention activities with the goal of reducing new HIV infections in the United States.
Surveillance of HIV Risk and Prevention Behaviors of Men Who Have Sex with Men—A National Application of Venue-Based, Time-Space Sampling
Authors: MacKellar Duncan A. , Gallagher Kathleen M. , Finlayson Teresa , Sanchez Travis , Lansky Amy , Sullivan Patrick S.
Published: January 2017

In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, participating state and local health departments, universities, and community-based organizations applied venue-based, time-space sampling methods for the first wave of National HIV Behavioral Surveillance of men who have sex with men (NHBS-MSM). Conducted in 17 metropolitan areas in the United States and Puerto Rico from November 2003 through April 2005, NHBS-MSM methods included: ( 1) formative research to learn the venues, times, and methods to recruit MSM; ( 2) monthly sampling frames of eligible venues and day-time periods that met attendance, logistical, and safety criteria; and ( 3) recruitment of participants in accordance with randomly generated venue calendars. Participants were interviewed on HIV risk and prevention behaviors, referred to care when needed, and compensated for their time. By identifying the prevalence and trends of HIV risk and prevention behaviors, NHBS-MSM data may be used at local, state, and federal levels to help obtain, direct, and evaluate HIV prevention resources for MSM.
Avian Flu School: A Training Approach to Prepare for H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Authors: Beltran-Alcrudo Daniel , Bunn David A. , Sandrock Christian E. , Cardona Carol J.
Published: January 2017

Since the reemergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 HPAI) in 2003, a panzootic that is historically unprecedented in the number of infected flocks, geographic spread, and economic consequences for agriculture has developed. The epidemic has affected a wide range of birds and mammals, including humans. The ineffective management of outbreaks, mainly due to a lack of knowledge among those involved in detection, prevention, and response, points to the need for training on H5N1 HPAI. The main challenges are the multidisciplinary approach required, the lack of experts, the need to train at all levels, and the diversity of outbreak scenarios.

Avian Flu School addresses these challenges through a three-level train-the-trainer program intended to minimize the health and economic impacts of H5N1 HPAI by improving a community's ability to prevent and respond, while protecting themselves and others. The course teaches need-to-know facts using highly flexible, interactive, and relevant materials.
Companion Animals as Sentinels for Community Exposure to Industrial Chemicals: The Fairburn, GA, Propyl Mercaptan Case Study
Authors: Maciejewski Ross , Glickman Nita , Moore George , Zheng Cheng , Tyner Benjamin , Cleveland William , Ebert David , Glickman Larry
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

This study utilized the electronic medical records of six veterinary hospitals (operated by Banfield, The Pet Hospital®) in the vicinity of Fairburn, Georgia, to assess the health of dogs and cats following the unintentional release of propyl mercaptan from a waste-processing facility.

Methods.

Standardized electronic medical records were used to define clinical syndromes (eye inflammation, gastrointestinal, respiratory, fever, general weakness/change in mental state) in dogs and cats. The frequency and geographic distribution of each syndrome was evaluated before, during, and after the chemical release, using control charts, density maps, change in average mean distance from a suspected point source of chemical release, space-time statistics, and autoregressive integrated moving averages.

Results.

No consistent pattern of change in syndromic events was observed following the suspected release of propyl mercaptan. Some syndromes, including respiratory syndrome in cats, gastrointestinal syndrome in dogs, and eye inflammation syndrome in both cats and dogs, showed a change in time and spatial patterns following the release of propyl mercaptan into the community. These changes were consistent with clinical signs observed in people during a previous propyl mercaptan release in California as well as the release in Fairburn.

Conclusions.

A systematic review of electronic medical records of dogs and cats exposed to release of propyl mercaptan showed no conclusive and consistent evidence of adverse health effects. Methods for the use of medical records of pets for detecting environmental hazards require further development and evaluation.
Do Obese Adults Have a Higher Risk of Asthma Attack When Exposed to Indoor Mold? A Study Based on the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Wen Xiao-Jun , Balluz Lina , Mokdad Ali
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Some studies show an association between asthma and obesity, but it is unknown whether exposure to mold will increase the risk of asthma attacks among obese people. This study examined whether obese adults have a higher risk of asthma attacks than non-obese adults when exposed to indoor mold.

Methods.

We used data from the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to conduct a cross-sectional analysis among 9,668 respondents who reported exposure to indoor mold.

Results.

With exposure to indoor mold, weighted prevalence of asthma attacks among obese respondents was 11.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0, 20.6], which was 2.3 times as high as among the exposed non-obese respondents (5.0%, 95% CI 2.8, 8.8). This ratio was almost the same as the ratio of 2.0:1 between the obese respondents (5.7%, 95% CI 4.6, 7.2) and the non-obese respondents (2.8%, 95% CI 2.3, 3.9) when neither group had exposure to mold. The odds ratio of asthma attack among obese people was 3.10 (95% CI 1.10, 8.67) for those with exposure to mold and 2.21 (95% CI 1.54, 3.17) for those without exposure to mold after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and smoking status.

Conclusion.

Our study suggests that obese adults who have been exposed to indoor mold may not necessarily have a higher risk of asthma attack than obese adults who have not been exposed, even though obesity and exposure to indoor mold are both major risk factors for asthma attack. Medical professionals should not only incorporate weight-control or weight-reduction measures as the components of asthma treatment plans, but also advise asthma patients to avoid exposure to indoor mold.
Use of Insurance Claims Data to Determine Prevalence and Confirm a Cluster of Sarcoidosis Cases in Vermont
Authors: Cragin Lori A. , Laney A. Scott , Lohff Cortland J. , Martin Brennan , Pandiani John A. , Blevins Lynn Z.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

In 2006, the Vermont Department of Health was asked to respond to a potential cluster of sarcoidosis cases related to a Vermont office building. Sarcoidosis prevalence has not been formally described for the United States. A range of <1–40/100,000 is commonly reported; however, we have not identified primary sources supporting this conclusion. Because of the wide prevalence range and lack of a local estimate, confirming existence of a cluster was difficult.

Methods.

We ascertained the prevalence of sarcoidosis cases in Vermont by using insurance claims data to determine whether or not a cluster of sarcoidosis cases was related to the office building. We calculated county and state annual prevalence proportions for sarcoidosis for 2004 and 2005 and annual building prevalences for 1992–2006.

Results.

The pooled sarcoidosis case prevalence for Vermont was 66.1/100,000. The pooled building annual prevalence (1,128/100,000) was statistically different from the county in which the building is located (odds ratio = 15.5, 95% confidence interval 3.0, 50.3).

Conclusions.

We reported the first statewide sarcoidosis prevalence in the United States. This prevalence exceeded previous limited and unsubstantiated U.S. reports. Even with Vermont's elevated sarcoidosis prevalence, the presence of a cluster in this building was apparent.
Ancestor Practices in the Muslim World: A Problem of Contextualization from Central Asia
Authors: Sauma Rabban
Published: January 2017

Devotion to ancestor spirits is a key issue for apostolic outreach in some regions of the Muslim world. Churches of Muslim-background believers in Central Asia must decide whether to attend Muslim funerary meals where the food and Qur'an recital are dedicated to the spirits of the dead. A letter addressed to Central Asian churches concerning this matter is printed below, introduced by historical and cultural analysis, and followed by missiological reflections. The letter advocates a balanced approach in light of 1 Corinthians 10:25–11:1 (food sacrificed to idols) and 2 Kings 5:1–19 (Elisha and the Syrian temple cult).
Witness to Communion: A Trinitarian Perspective on Mission and Religious Pluralism
Authors: Heim S. Mark
Published: January 2017

The Christian vocation of mission cannot be understood apart from the Christian hope for salvation. Salvation is a relation of communion (or koinonia) with God and other creatures in Christ. This definition points to the trinitarian basis for mission in a pluralistic context. Koinonia is a key both to Christian openness to other faiths and to its witness amongst them. This essay summarizes three dimensions of God's relation with the world in terms of three human images and then develops the implications of this perspective for our understanding of mission.
Conversations
Authors: Stark Rodney
Published: January 2017

In the 34 years since earning a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, Rodney Stark has written almost a book a year (27 at last count). One of them resulted in a Pulitzer Prize nomination ( The Rise of Christianity), and “distinguished book awards” dot his resume for many of the others. In a field where the scholarly article is as important as the book, he has written, often with colleagues, over 140.

All of his work is interesting. Some of his more recent work, however, on the origins and growth of Christianity from a sociological perspective, is of special interest to missiologists. Missiology asked him to respond to some questions about his work and Christian mission.
Identification — Symptom or Sublimation?
Authors: Reyburn William D.
Published: January 2017

Two years ago, Dr. Reyburn presented an article entitled “Identification in the Missionary Task.”1 There he described personal experiences in the field and pointed out some of the limitations encountered in identifying. That article emphasized the need for close contact between sender and receiver in the process of communication. There was a protest launched against pietism which tends to put man out of touch with the world about him.

In his present paper Reyburn focuses upon some of the motivations for identification, particularly guilt, as experienced consciously or unconsciously by middle-class American missionaries. In so doing he is not trying to discourage missionaries from identification. Looking at the problem from another point of view does not make the first view untrue, but it is simply another perspective on complex behavior. Why do some people seem driven to identification while others shun it?
Attitudes of Some African Youth toward Sex and Marriage
Authors: Trobisch Walter
Published: January 2017

In this article the author analyzes the results of an informal survey of the attitudes of his students toward premarital sex relations and marriage. The article is written in the light of two previous articles in Practical Anthropology.1 Trobisch discusses the need for an African Christian theology of marriage, and for relevant teaching in the light of African assumptions and presuppositions as revealed in this small sample and through his other observations.
Changing Consumption in Indian Guatemala
Authors: Tax Sol
Published: January 2017

The Indians of Guatemala1 are among the economically underdeveloped peoples, popularly called “backward” and “unprogressive” and by implication static or at least slow to change. Whatever justification may lie in such appellations, as regards the total resulting society, it should not be inferred that individual Indians are less prone to change than individuals in faster changing societies.

Change in an individual is a function of alternatives presented to him; and when given realistic choices, nothing in my experience with Indians indicates that they are slower than we are to accept the ones which seem to them to be in their interest. The difference is of course in the alternatives presented; and if in contrast to us, Indians have changed little from one generation to the next, a sufficient reason is that (in the same contrast) few acceptable novelties are presented. The moral of this observation is that one should not speak of people as conservative, or use the term progressive as a personal characteristic, until it can be demonstrated that they are averse to accepting alternatives that are clearly (and by their own definition) advantageous. I have never seen this demonstrated and must assume that Indians in Guatemala are in this respect no different from people in New York, and that to alter consumption patterns one need only make available new alternatives that from their point of view are worth the cost.

It is the purpose of this paper to show that consumption patterns of the Indians of Guatemala do change in expectable ways, provided one's expectations do not violate this rule, and to show why they do not change more.
Understanding the Criminal Mind: A Phenomenological Approach
Authors: Samenow Stanton E.
Published: January 2017

The decades-long search for “root causes” of criminal behavior has been futile and counterproductive. Focusing on causation has resulted in failed policies and ineffective programs and, inadvertently, has provided offenders with additional excuses for their destructive behavior. It is far more useful to adopt a phenomenological approach in order to focus on the offender's world view. This enables one to understand the psychological makeup of people who engage in antisocial behavior. By identifying specific thinking patterns common to offenders, it is possible to take a more realistic and effective approach to containing and, in some cases, totally eliminating criminal behavior.
Child and Adolescent Risk for Violence (CARV): A Tool to Assess Juvenile Risk
Authors: Seifert Kathryn , Phillips Sarah , Parker Sharon
Published: January 2017

Youths with serious behavior problems usually have a complex array of difficulties. The CARV (Child & Adolescent Risk for Violence) allows youth workers to compare a particular child or teen with a sample of youths who are at low, medium, or high risk for behavioral acting-out or assaultive behavior. The CARV is divided into five risk sections: Behavior Problems, Mental Health/Substance Abuse, Peer Issues, Educational Problems, and Family Characteristics. There is a section for resiliency factors, as well. The pattern of answers on the CARV allows a worker to develop an intervention plan. Youths' scores can be compared with those of youths in secure placements or receiving treatment in their communities.
The D.A. Made Me Do it—Compulsory Capital Sentencing Evaluations
Authors: Miller Robert D.
Published: January 2017

With the return of capital punishment, and with all states adopting separate sentencing hearings after conviction, psychiatric participation in such hearings has become one of the most controversial areas in forensic psychiatry. While such participation is not ethically prohibited per se, perhaps the majority of psychiatrists have significant qualms about being included in such hearings, particularly in the realm of prediction of dangerousness. Under such circumstances, prosecutors have had some difficulty in obtaining opinions. This article discusses one attempt to force evaluators to perform such evaluations.
Evaluating Adult Miranda Waiver Competency
Authors: Greenfield Daniel P. , Witt Philip H.
Published: January 2017

The landmark Miranda decision established an explicit set of warnings that a criminal suspect must understand to insure that his statement to the police was knowing, intelligent, and voluntary. Mental health experts are routinely used to assist both prosecution and defense in determining whether the suspect's understanding of the Miranda warnings was sufficient to allow his statement into evidence. This article delineates issues and procedures to assist the evaluator in conducting such evaluations.
Disability Syndrome
Authors: Lande R. Gregory
Published: January 2017

An American employee can count on many stressors in the modern workplace. Not too many years ago one of the major problems confronting a worker was a job related injury. It was an uphill battle for any employee to tackle the resources of a large company and prove employer negligence. Nowadays, workers' compensation programs level the playing field between an injured employee and the employer. A new dilemma surfaced shortly after employee disability programs appeared. The number of claims skyrocketed, nearly bankrupting some companies. Employers cast an increasingly jaundiced eye at these claims, ushering in an era of acrimony as each side tried to discredit the other. Unfortunately, some employees faked or exaggerated a disability which fueled the skepticism. Slowly, an elaborate and cumbersome system involving medical opinions, employee representatives, attorneys, magistrates, and endless paperwork clogged the process. This article will discuss the historical development of workers' compensation, promote the concept of a disability syndrome, and suggest management techniques that might hasten recovery.
Organic Approaches to the Treatment of Paraphilics and Sex Offenders
Authors: Greenfield Daniel P.
Published: January 2017

Emphasizing the power and fundamental nature—comparable to the basic mammalian drive for food—of sex drives and urges in almost everybody, including paraphilics and sex offenders, this article gives an overview of biologically-based, or “organic” approaches to the treatment of paraphilics and sex offenders.

Organic treatment approaches for this population may be divided into surgical and pharmacotherapeutic categories. Surgical approaches include castration (orchiectomy), sterotactic (brain) surgery and estrogen implants, the latter two approaches are not used in the United States (U.S.). All surgical approaches act hormonally, in reducing or blocking the amount of circulating androgens in the subject. Pharmacotherapeutic approaches include: (1) Indirect-acting and direct-acting antiandrogen hormones, also intended to reduce or block the amount of circulating androgens in the subject. (2) Psychotropic medications for primary treatment of male aggressive hypersexuality, for treatment of co-occurring psychiatric symptomatology, or for both. (3) An experimental pharmacologic approach to the treatment of this population consists of the use of antiepileptic drugs, or “AED's” to stabilize the impulsivity/compulsivity of these subjects, in reducing the hypothesized “kindling” that may occur during impulsive/compulsive periods in these individuals.

Whatever organic approach may be used for paraphilics and sex offenders, such an approach alone is not sufficient treatment for this population. Psychotherapeutic and cognitive/behavioral approaches must also be included in these individuals' treatment regimens. A companion piece to this article, giving an overview of psychotherapeutic and cognitive/behavioral treatment approaches to this population will be published in a future issue of this Journal.
Paraphilia NOS (Nonconsenting) and Antisocial Personality Disorder
Authors: DeClue Gregory
Published: January 2017

Analysis of the diagnostic criteria and text in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) leads the author to conclude that (1) personality disorders and paraphilias are separate, independent diagnoses, (2) deviant sexuality need not be either obligatory or exclusive for a person to meet criteria for a diagnosis of paraphilia not otherwise specified (NOS) (nonconsenting), (3) either antisocial personality disorder or paraphilia NOS could serve as the qualifying disorder for civil commitment of a sexually violent predator (SVP), and (4) whether a person meets criteria for civil commitment as an SVP must be determined on a case-by-case basis rather than by cursorily considering the person's psychiatric diagnosis.
Swedish early communicative development inventories: words and gestures
Authors: Eriksson Mårten , Berglund Eve
Published: January 2017

This study describes the typical course and variability in major areas of communicative development for 228 Swedish-speaking children between 8 and 16 months of age. The assessments were made by parental reports with the Swedish Early Communicative Development Inventories (SECDI) using a semi-longitudinal design. Age-based norms for understanding of phrases, vocabulary comprehension, vocabulary production and use of gestures are described at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile levels. More lexical verbs were found among the first words in comprehension than in production. An extensive variability within individuals in onset and development was found for the assessed skills. The individual differences proved to be stable over 4–6 months. No gender differences were found for comprehension of phrases, total gestures, vocabulary compre-hension, or for vocabulary production. Strong, unique associations were found between total gestures and vocabulary comprehension and between vocabulary comprehension and vocabulary production. In contrast, no unique association was found between gestures and vocabulary production. The results generally concur with those reported for English-speaking American children by Fenson et al. (1993, 1994).
Beware the ides of March
Authors: Höfele Andreas
Published: January 2017

Emerson declared the nineteenth century’s ‘speculative genius’ to be ‘a sort of living Hamlet’. But the century that was virtually obsessed with Shakespeare’s melancholy Dane was no less fascinated by Julius Caesar. This fascination was directed at the historical Caesar, of course, but it drew on and was shaped by Shakespeare’s Roman tragedy. This paper explores two German engagements with the Caesar myth: the hugely successful productions of Julius Caesar by the famous touring theatre company of the Duke of Saxe-Meiningen and Friedrich Nietzsche’s Shakespearean reflexions in Ecce Homo.
Demythologizing and remythologizing Shakespeare in the context of Bulgarian politics
Authors: Niagolov Georgi
Published: January 2017

The article reviews three Bulgarian Shakespeare productions performed during the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 seasons in the context of current developments in the country’s politics to demonstrate how demythologizing and remythologizing Shakespeare on the stage reflect the opposing forces of desperation and hope that characterize Bulgarian society at a particularly difficult moment in its history. Tedi Moskov’s McBeth and Richard III shrewdly explode the mythical inviolability of Shakespeare’s text to demonstrate current political problems, whilst Ivan Dobchev and Georgi Tenev’s Wittenberg Revisited rewrites Shakespeare to explore young people’s urge to break away from a meaningless existence in a decaying state.
The myth of Shakespeare’s sonnets
Authors: Franssen Paul JCM
Published: January 2017

Until recently, Shakespeare’s sonnets were read as the autobiographical record of a love triangle between the author, a fair-haired youth and a Dark Lady. Shakespeare’s relationship with the man was either seen as an idealizing friendship, or as homoerotic. In my article, I treat this reading of the sonnets as a flexible myth, which allows us to construct a Shakespeare according to our needs. I investigate two aspects of this myth: the addressees’ gender and the speaker’s sexual orientation. With British, American, Dutch and German examples, I argue that analogous responses to these issues have emerged in various cultures.