bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Subparaventricular Zone Lesions Disrupt Circadian Rhythmicity but Not Light-Induced Masking Behavior in Nile Grass Rats
Authors: Gall Andrew J. , Shuboni Dorela D. , Yan Lily , Nunez Antonio A. , Smale Laura
Published: January 2016

The ventral subparaventricular zone (vSPVZ) receives direct retinal input and influences the daily patterning of activity in rodents, making it a likely candidate for the mediation of acute behavioral responses to light (i.e., masking). We performed chemical lesions aimed at the vSPVZ of diurnal grass rats ( Arvicanthis niloticus) using N-methyl-D,L-aspartic acid (NMA), a glutamate agonist. Following NMA lesions, we placed grass rats in various lighting conditions (e.g., 12:12 light-dark, constant dark, constant light); presented a series of light pulses at circadian times (CT) 6, 14, 18, and 22; and placed them in a 7-h ultradian cycle to assess behavioral masking. Extensive bilateral lesions of the vSPVZ disrupted the expression of circadian rhythms of activity and abolished the circadian modulation of masking responses to light, without affecting light-induced masking behavior per se. We also found that in diurnal grass rats, NMA was capable of destroying not only neurons of the vSPVZ but also those of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), even though excitotoxins have been ineffective at destroying cells within the SCN of nocturnal rodents. The vulnerability of the grass rat’s SCN to NMA toxicity raises the possibility of a difference in density of receptors for glutamate between nocturnal and diurnal species. In cases in which damage extended to the SCN, masking responses to light were present and similar to those displayed by animals with damage restricted to the vSPVZ. Thus, extensive bilateral lesions of the SCN and vSPVZ disrupted the expression of circadian rhythms without affecting acute responses to light in a diurnal species. Our present and previous results suggest that retinorecipient brain areas other than the SCN or vSPVZ, such as the intergeniculate leaflet or olivary pretectal nucleus, may be responsible for the mediation of masking responses to light in the diurnal grass rat.
Husband’s Alcohol Use, Intimate Partner Violence, and Family Maltreatment of Low-Income Postpartum Women in Mumbai, India
Authors: Wagman Jennifer A. , Donta Balaiah , Ritter Julie , Naik D. D. , Nair Saritha , Saggurti Niranjan , Raj Anita , Silverman Jay G.
Published: January 2016

Husbands’ alcohol use has been associated with family-level stress and intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in India. Joint family systems are common in India and IPV often co-occurs with non-violent family maltreatment of wives (e.g., nutritional deprivation, deprivation of sleep, blocking access to health care). Alcohol use increases for some parents following the birth of a child. This study examined 1,038 postpartum women’s reports of their husbands’ alcohol use and their own experiences of IPV (by husband) and non-violent maltreatment from husbands and/or in-laws. We analyzed cross-sectional, quantitative data collected in 2008, from women (ages 15-35) seeking immunizations for their infants <6 months at three large urban health centers in Mumbai, India. Crude and adjusted logistic regression models estimated associations between the independent variable (husbands’ past month use of alcohol) and two dependent variables (postpartum IPV and maltreatment). Overall, 15% of husbands used alcohol, ranging from daily drinkers (10%) to those who drank one to two times per week (54%). Prevalence of postpartum IPV and family maltreatment was 18% and 42%, respectively. Prevalence of IPV among women married to alcohol users was 27%. Most abused women’s husbands always (27%) or sometimes (37%) drank during violent episodes. Risk for IPV increased with a man’s increasing frequency of consumption. Women who lived with a husband who drank alcohol, relative to non-drinkers, were more likely to report postpartum IPV, aOR = 2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.3, 3.1]. Husbands’ drinking was marginally associated with increased risk for family maltreatment, aOR = 1.4, 95% CI = [1.0, 2.1]. Our findings suggest that men’s alcohol use is an important risk factor for postpartum IPV and maltreatment. Targeted services for Indian women contending with these issues are implicated. Postpartum care offers an ideal opportunity to screen for IPV, household maltreatment, and other health risks, such as husband’s use of alcohol. There is need to scale up proven successful interventions for reducing men’s alcohol use and design strategies that provide at-risk women protection from alcohol-related IPV.
Kinematics and dynamics analyses of a new type face-shovel hydraulic excavator
Authors: Ding Huafeng , Han Lei , Yang Wenjian , Wu Chuan
Published: January 2016

The large face-shovel hydraulic excavator is one of the significant tools in mining, and widening its range of excavating and increasing its excavating force have been an important research trend. To realize that, this paper proposes a new type face-shovel hydraulic excavator which uses stick rockers and boom linkages to effectively increase the thrust and piston travel of stick hydraulic cylinders, with analyses of its kinematic and dynamic characteristics. The structure and constructional dimensions of the excavator are presented in detail. Based on the graphical modularization and the loop algebra theory, the forward and inverse kinematics as well as the workspace is examined, after which velocities and accelerations are analyzed. The dynamic mathematical model of the excavator is developed using Kane’s equations and the equivalence principle, and it is tested through the MATLAB simulations, with a comparison with those by ADAMS. It is concluded that with the new-type face-shovel hydraulic excavator, the excavating range can be broadened and the excavating force can be raised.
Development of a novel diagonal-weighted Preisach model for rate-independent hysteresis
Authors: Nguyen Phuong-Bac , Choi Seung-Bok , Song Byung-Keun
Published: January 2016

This article develops an alternative approach in modeling a hysteresis using Preisach model. A Preisach model is demonstrated geometrically by an inverted triangle, namely Preisach triangle, which contains an amount of fundamental operators. In a conventional Preisach model, these fundamental operators are ideal relays. Consequently, there exists an inherently discontinuous jump between two consecutive relays. To resolve this problem, in this work, a generalized linear operator is used as the fundamental elements. Correspondingly, its representative Preisach triangle consists of numerous discrete elements whose weight concentrates just along their diagonal. With such approach, it is possible to predict the response of the model according to any input without the aid of numerical interpolation tools. In addition, in this work, to determine the elements’ weights of the model, two accurate identification methods corresponding to two schemes of experimentally biased and unbiased dataset are developed. At last, several simulations and experiments are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach showing comparative results with conventional Preisach model.
Analysis of electrical characteristics of the four-quadrant converter in high speed train considering pantograph-catenary arcing
Authors: Lin Fei , Wang Xiaofan , Yang Zhongping , Sun Hu , Liu Wenzheng , Hao Ruixiang , Jiao Jinghai , Yu Jin
Published: January 2016

Pantograph–catenary disconnection occurs quite frequently in high-speed situations. Pantograph arcing has a significant impact on the contact surfaces and power quality. This article focuses on the effect on the electrical characteristics of the four-quadrant converter of pantograph arcing. An arc model which combines Cassie’s arc model with Mayr’s arc model is built. This article mainly researches the influence of the pantograph arcing on the four-quadrant converter in different durations. Pantograph arcing leads to voltage pulse in voltage, as well as the harmonics in the current of the alternating current side. At the same time, the direct current voltage decreases when the arc occurs. Therefore, it can ultimately decrease the output torque and increase the torque pulsation of the motor.
Influence of a high-speed train passing through a tunnel on pantograph aerodynamics and pantograph–catenary interaction
Authors: Li Ruiping , Zhang Weihua , Ning Zhou , Liu Binbin , Zou Dong , Liu Wei
Published: January 2016

Aerodynamics of trains running inside tunnels change more significantly in comparison with open air scenarios. It has been confirmed that the lateral vibration as well as the aerodynamic drag of the trains is increased and the micro-pressure wave is produced at the tunnel exit when the trains are passing through tunnels. The aim of this article is to explore the impact of a high-speed train passing through a tunnel on the pantograph aerodynamics and the dynamic behavior of the pantograph–catenary interaction. The aerodynamic forces acting on the pantograph are investigated thoroughly by extensive numerical simulations as well as systematic field tests. To investigate the effects of the aerodynamic forces of pantograph on the quality of current collection, the numerical simulations of the pantograph–catenary dynamic interaction are conducted with our proposed model, taking into consideration the action of the aerodynamic uplift forces obtained by the numerical simulations on the pantograph. Then, a series of numerical simulations are also carried out to analyze the effects of the train speed and the blockage ratio on the aerodynamic uplift forces of the pantograph, on the contact forces, as well as on the displacement of the contact wire, while the train is passing through a tunnel. The results reveal that compared with the open air scenarios, the aerodynamic drag and uplift forces of the pantograph, the mean value of the contact force and the displacement level of the registration arm can considerably increase as the train runs inside a tunnel. Moreover, the statistical values of the contact forces and the displacement level of the contact wire become larger while the train is passing through the tunnel at different speeds. On the other hand, the quality of current collection decreases with the increasing of the blockage ratio.
Methodology for evaluating thermal track buckling in dual gauge tracks with continuous welded rail
Authors: Villalba Ignacio , Insa Ricardo , Salvador Pablo , Martinez Pablo
Published: January 2016

In the National Spanish railway network, two types of track gauge with continuous welded rails are currently in use: the “Iberian” wide gauge (1668 mm) and the standard gauge (1435 mm). In order to improve links and freight traffic between different lines and with the rest of Europe, a dual gauge track with three rails was developed. This solution modifies the classical track configuration, so it is necessary to develop new methodologies and studies to understand its behavior. Among other loads applied on a continuous welded rail track, a considerable rise in temperature induces compressive stresses in the three rails that can lead to lateral track buckling. Moreover, on dual gauge tracks, the addition of the third rail increases the axial compression, which may lead to track instability. For this reason, a three-dimensional continuous welded rail model is developed in this study to be used for dual gauge track buckling analysis on straight tracks subjected to temperature load. The continuous welded rail dual gauge track model consists of beam, solid and spring elements, in which a non-linear behaviour of the ballast is considered. The results obtained may be used to predict the buckling capacity of the continuous welded rail on dual gauge tracks with respect to different parameters such as lateral resistance, lateral imperfections, sleeper spacing or torsional stiffness.
Evaluation of total knee mechanics using a crouching simulator with a synthetic knee substitute
Authors: Lowry Michael , Rosenbaum Heather , Walker Peter S
Published: January 2016

Mechanical evaluation of total knees is frequently required for aspects such as wear, strength, kinematics, contact areas, and force transmission. In order to carry out such tests, we developed a crouching simulator, based on the Oxford-type machine, with novel features including a synthetic knee including ligaments. The instrumentation and data processing methods enabled the determination of contact area locations and interface forces and moments, for a full flexion–extension cycle. To demonstrate the use of the simulator, we carried out a comparison of two different total knee designs, cruciate retaining and substituting. The first part of the study describes the simulator design and the methodology for testing the knees without requiring cadaveric knee specimens. The degrees of freedom of the anatomic hip and ankle joints were reproduced. Flexion–extension was obtained by changing quadriceps length, while variable hamstring forces were applied using springs. The knee joint was represented by three-dimensional printed blocks on to which the total knee components were fixed. Pretensioned elastomeric bands of realistic stiffnesses passed through holes in the block at anatomical locations to represent ligaments. Motion capture of the knees during flexion, together with laser scanning and computer modeling, was used to reconstruct contact areas on the bearing surfaces. A method was also developed for measuring tibial component interface forces and moments as a comparative assessment of fixation. The method involved interposing Tekscan pads at locations on the interface. Overall, the crouching machine and the methodology could be used for many different mechanical measurements of total knee designs, adapted especially for comparative or parametric studies.
Ecosystem responses to anthropogenic and natural forcing over the last 100 years in the coastal areas of the East China Sea
Authors: Xing Lei , Zhao Meixun , Zhang Ting , Yu Meng , Duan Shanshan , Zhang Rongping , Huh Chih-An , Liao Wen-Hsuan , Feng Xuwen
Published: January 2016

Ecosystem changes of the coastal areas of the East China Sea (ECS) during the past 30 years have been characterized by increased productivity and increased occurrences of dinoflagellate red tides; both were commonly attributed to be caused by anthropogenic input of nutrients. However, climate-driven regime shifts were found in the Pacific, but they have not been observed in the ECS owing to the lack of continuous high resolution data. Hence, it is still a challenge to distinguish the influences of anthropogenic activities and climate changes on ECS shelf ecosystem. We compare phytoplankton biomarker (brassicasterol, dinosterol, and alkenones) data of five box cores from the coastal area of the ECS, which afford phytoplankton productivity and community structure records at decadal-scale resolution for the last 100 years. Phytoplankton productivity in all cores increased during the past 50 years, but community structure changes showed different trends. Relative diatom contribution revealed a decreasing trend during the past ca. 50 years in cores DH5-1 and CJ43 collected near the Changjiang Estuary, which were likely caused by increased N/Si and N/P ratios, providing conditions more favorable for dinoflagellates growth. In contrast, the relative diatom contribution increased in cores 32, 34, and DH6-3 further away and south of the Changjiang Estuary, suggesting limited influence of the Changjiang water. Instead, diatom increasing trend is likely caused by increased supply of phosphorus and silicate, as a result of larger Kuroshio intrusion flux and the corresponding strengthened coastal upwelling. Therefore, both anthropogenic activities and climate-driven coastal upwelling have contributed to increased productivities, but these two forcing mechanisms have resulted in contrasting community structure changes at different sites in the coastal area of the ECS.
The Medieval Quiet Period
Authors: Bradley Raymond S , Wanner Heinz , Diaz Henry F.
Published: January 2016

For several centuries in early Medieval times the climate system was relatively unperturbed by natural forcing factors, resulting in a unique period of climate stability. We argue that this represents a reference state for the Common Era, well before anthropogenic forcing became the dominant driver of the climate system.
Protective effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi decoction, the water extract of Chinese traditional herbal medicine, on 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in mice
Authors: Gou H , Gu LY , Shang BZ , Xiong Y , Wang C
Published: January 2016

Intestinal mucositis is a serious toxic side effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi decoction (BZYQD), a water extract of Chinese traditional herbal medicine, is widely used in chemotherapy in Asia as an alternative treatment to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. However, the mechanism is unknown. To evaluate its mechanism, we investigated the effect of BZYQD on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis in mice, especially with regard to apoptosis in the intestinal mucosal epithelia. In the present study, mice were divided into three groups: control, 5-FU, and 5-FU + BZYQD. Mice in the 5-FU and 5-FU + BZYQD groups were administered 5-FU (100 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) for 6 days, and the mice in the latter group were given BZYQD (8 g/kg/day, intragastrically) beginning 4 days before 5-FU and continuing until the termination of the experiment. Loss in body weight and diarrhea during the 5-FU treatment were significantly attenuated by administration of BZYQD. The morphological signs of intestinal damage, including shortened villi height, crypt destruction, apoptosis, and necrosis, in intestinal mucosal epithelia were also reversed, accompanied by reduced neutrophil infiltration, nitrite levels, and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β) and increased levels of reduced glutathione. These results suggest that BZYQD inhibits 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis, and this effect may be due to the reduction in apoptosis and necrosis in intestinal mucosal epithelia via the suppression of inflammatory cytokine upregulation. In conclusion, inhibiting cytokine-mediated apoptosis or necrosis can be the molecular mechanism by which BZYQD reduces the gastrointestinal side effects of cancer chemotherapy.
Scientific evidence and mass media: Investigating the journalistic intention to represent scientific uncertainty
Authors: Guenther Lars , Ruhrmann Georg
Published: January 2016

Science journalists are responsible for the mass media’s representation of life sciences (e.g. biotechnology, genetics, and nanotechnology) and for the depiction of research findings in these areas as more scientifically (un)certain. Although researchers have determined that the representational styles of scientific evidence vary among science journalists, the reasons for these differences have not yet been fully investigated. Against this background, for the first time, the present study applies a reasoned action approach and investigates the predictors of the journalistic intention to represent scientific uncertainty, using computer-assisted telephone interviews with a representative sample of German science journalists ( n = 202). The results indicate that beliefs about the coverage of other media, perceptions regarding scientific uncertainty of the main field of coverage, perceived expectations of the audience, past behavior, and gender were the predictors that most strongly affected the journalists’ intention to represent life sciences as more scientifically uncertain.
Exception and governmentality in the critique of sovereignty
Authors: Burles Regan
Published: January 2016

This article investigates the relation between exception and governmentality in the critique of sovereignty. It argues that the problem of sovereignty is not only expressed between the accounts of sovereignty that exception and governmentality articulate, but also within each of those accounts. Taking Michel Foucault and Carl Schmitt as the paradigmatic theorists of governmentality and exception, respectively, this article engages in close readings of the texts in which these concepts are most thoroughly elaborated: Security, Territory, Population and Political Theology. These readings demonstrate that the spatiotemporal expression of the problem of sovereignty within exception and governmentality renders these concepts indistinguishable from one another in terms of their relation to the boundaries of political order. Schmitt and Foucault’s accounts of sovereignty should thus not be read as opposites, but as expressions of the limits of modern political authority. Efforts to develop a critique of sovereignty through typologies of exception or governmentality are bound to reinstantiate the spatiotemporal limits expressed by the principle of state sovereignty.
Nonlinear argumental oscillators: A few examples of modulation via spatial position
Authors: Cintra Daniel , Argoul Pierre
Published: January 2016

Under certain conditions, an oscillator can enter a stable regime when submitted to an external harmonic force whose frequency is far from the natural frequency of the oscillator. This may happen when the external force acts on the oscillator in a way which depends on the oscillator's spatial position. This phenomenon is called “argumental oscillation”. In this paper, six argumental oscillators are described and modeled, and experimental results are given and compared to numerical simulations based on the models. A polar Van der Pol representation, with embedded time indications, is used to allow a precise comparison. The pendulums are modeled as Duffing oscillators. The six models are based on various pendulums excited by spatially localized magnetic-field sources consisting of wire coils. Each pendulum receives the excitation via a steel element, or a permanent magnet, fitted at the tip of the pendulum's rod. The spatial localization induces another nonlinearity besides the Duffing nonlinearity. A control system allowing a real-time Van der Pol representation of the motion is presented. Attractors are brought out from experimental results.
A hybrid hidden Markov model towards fault detection of rotating components
Authors: Sadhu Ayan , Prakash Guru , Narasimhan Sriram
Published: January 2016

A robust hybrid hidden Markov model-based fault detection method is proposed to perform multi-state fault classification of rotating components. The approach presented in this paper enhances the performance of the standard hidden Markov model (HMM) for fault detection by performing a series of pre-processing steps. First, the de-noised time-scale signatures are extracted using wavelet packet decomposition of the vibration data. Subsequently, the Teager Kaiser energy operator is employed to demodulate the time-scale components of the raw vibration signatures, following which the condition indicators are calculated. Out of several possible condition indicators, only relevant features are selected using a decision tree. This pre-processing improves the sensitivity of condition indicators under multiple faults. A Gaussian mixing model-based hidden Markov model (HMM) is then employed for fault detection. The proposed hybrid HMM is an improvement over traditional HMM in that it achieves better separation of the feature space leading to more robust state estimation under multiple fault states and measurement noise scenarios. A simulation employing modulated signals and two experimental validation studies are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
Robust regression for highly corrupted response by shifting outliers
Authors: Jung Yoonsuh , Lee Seung Pil , Hu Jianhua
Published: January 2016

Outlying observations are often disregarded at the sacrifice of degrees of freedom or downsized via robust loss functions (e.g., Huber's loss) to reduce the undesirable impact on data analysis. In this article, we treat the outlying status of each observation as a parameter and propose a penalization method to automatically adjust the outliers. The proposed method shifts the outliers towards the fitted values, while preserve the non-outlying observations. We also develop a generally applicable algorithm in the iterative fashion to estimate model parameters and demonstrate the connection with the maximum likelihood based estimation procedure in the case of least squares estimation. We establish asymptotic property of the resulting parameter estimators under the condition that the proportion of outliers does not vanish as sample size increases. We apply the proposed outlier adjustment method to ordinary least squares and lasso-type penalization procedure and demonstrate its empirical value via numeric studies. Furthermore, we study applicability of the proposed method to two robust estimators, Huber's robust estimator and Huberized lasso, and demonstrate its noticeable improvement of model fit in the presence of extremely large outliers.
A comparison of the heat treatment duration and the multilayered effects on the poly(lactic) acid braid reinforced calcium phosphate cements used as bone tissue engineering scaffold
Authors: Chen Wen-Cheng , Chen Jian-Chih , Ko Chia-Ling , Yang Jia-Kai , Huang Chien-Lin , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: January 2016

Composites comprising a braided poly(lactic) acid (PLA) filament and calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) were inferred to maintain space and to pack porous fillers into restorative sites. Composites of alkalized multilayer-PLA braids and CPC (PLA/CPC) were divided into various groups according to a series of heat-treatment periods that lasted for 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min at 160℃; subsequently, these composites were characterized. Strength decays of samples were also compared after 24 h immersion in Hanks’s physiological solution. Results showed that the PLA/CPC specimens were toughened after treatment at 160℃ for 120 min. Furthermore, the moduli of PLA/CPC groups increased significantly when the heating time was more than 150 min; this effect was generated by the cold crystallization within the PLA filaments. The reduced stress in the composites after immersion was attributed to the fibers that protruded from the scaffold surface and to hydrolysis. The mechanical test results for the PLA/CPC composites indicated that the toughening effect was strengthened significantly under prolonged heat treatment, especially when the heating time was longer than 150 min. The cold crystallization degree of PLA increased, thereby enhancing the strength and toughness of a specimen before immersion. Thus, PLA/CPC composites can be used to simulate potential bone functions as well as to maintain three-dimensional spaces and pack porous fillers into restorative sites conveniently.
Inertial measurement unit–based iterative pose compensation algorithm for low-cost modular manipulator
Authors: Lin Yunhan , Min Huasong , Wei Hongxing
Published: January 2016

It is a necessary mean to realize the accurate motion control of the manipulator which uses end-effector pose correction method and compensation method. In this article, first, we established the kinematic model and error model of the modular manipulator (WUST-ARM), and then we discussed the measurement methods and precision of the inertial measurement unit sensor. The inertial measurement unit sensor is mounted on the end-effector of modular manipulator, to get the real-time pose of the end-effector. At last, a new inertial measurement unit–based iterative pose compensation algorithm is proposed. By applying this algorithm in the pose compensation experiment of modular manipulator which is composed of low-cost rotation joints, the results show that the inertial measurement unit can obtain a higher precision when in static state; it will accurately feedback to the control system with an accurate error compensation angle after a brief delay when the end-effector moves to the target point, and after compensation, the precision errors of roll angle, pitch angle, and yaw angle are reached at 0.05°, 0.01°, and 0.27° respectively. It proves that this low-cost method provides a new solution to improve the end-effector pose of low-cost modular manipulator.
Study on gas turbine engine fault diagnostic approach with a hybrid of gray relation theory and gas-path analysis
Authors: Ying Yulong , Cao Yunpeng , Li Shuying , Li Jingchao , Guo Jian
Published: January 2016

Gas-path analysis method has been widespread applied to gas turbine engine health control and has become one of the key techniques in favor of condition-oriented maintenance strategy. Theoretically, gas-path analysis method (especially nonlinear gas-path analysis) can easily quantify gas-path component degradations. However, when the number of components within engine is large which highly expands the dimension of fault coefficient matrix, maybe leading to strong smearing effect (i.e. predicted degradations are located almost in all component health parameters, although some of them are not really degraded), the degraded components may not be accurately identified. In order to improve the robustness of gas turbine gas-path fault diagnosis, a hybrid gas-path analysis approach integrating gray relation algorithm into gas-path analysis method has been proposed in this study. The gray relation algorithm and gas-path analysis method approach includes two steps. First, the faulty components are recognized and isolated by gray relation algorithm, which deeply reduces the dimension of fault coefficient matrix, and second, the magnitudes of detected component faults are quantified by the gas-path analysis. The fault classification analyses and case studies have shown that the confidence level of the fault classification can reach more than 95%, when single and multiple components are degraded, and the predicted degradations are almost same as that of implanted fault patterns.
A critical comparison of welfare states and their relevance to people with an intellectual disability
Authors: de Chenu Linda , Dæhlen Dag , Tah Jude
Published: January 2016

This article compares the welfare services for adults with an intellectual disability in three European countries: England, Norway and Sweden. The purpose of the comparison is to develop an understanding of the welfare state and institutional contexts of the country-specific policies and to develop a critical analysis through a comparative method based on selected secondary literature. Typological frameworks of European welfare states are applied as analytic frameworks to enable comparison between the countries. It is argued that there are international policy developments but these are shaped at a national level by different types of welfare states and histories. Through a comparison of similarities and differences, the article suggests that international policy ideas that impact on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities are mediated by different types of welfare states and institutions.
Unique requirements for social science human subjects research within the United States Department of Defense
Authors: Spurlin Dale F , Garven Sena
Published: January 2016

Although most researchers are familiar with the application of the Common Rule in research, fewer are aware of specific requirements and restrictions for conducting human subjects research when employees of the US Department of Defense (DoD) will be participants. Because of the additional regulations concerning DoD employees as participants, federal regulations and research policies require researchers to submit their human subjects research proposals through a DoD review process to ensure compliance with DoD research policies, regardless of a non-DoD IRB’s approval. These research policies recognize the vulnerability of military subjects within a hierarchical organization to potential coercion and abuse during research studies. This article describes some of the unique requirements to conduct human subjects research within the DoD (in which the participants are military or civilian). The article concludes with steps researchers can follow to facilitate the DoD review process for research, and timely research within the DoD.
Navigating the Borderland of Scholar Activism
Authors: Hern Lindy S.
Published: January 2016

While applied sociology can take on many forms, it has been argued that public sociology is very much connected to the work of social movements. In this paper, I discuss my own scholar activism within the Movement for Single Payer Health Care Reform and its implications for the grassroots mobilization of this movement. This paper is, in part, a response to the call to develop discussions about the applied sociological process to better understand the “specific kinds of engagement” that make up radical public and social change–oriented applied sociology. The role of scholar activist is another avenue through which applied sociologists can better understand the social world and promote positive social change. Scholar activists can work within social movements to build theory about social movement mobilization through an interactive and empowering process that highlights the epistemological authority of movement participants. Scholar activists also act as a medium through which the collective experiences and narratives of social movement actors can be understood and shared with a wider audience. In this paper, I unpack one part of this process by engaging in the practice of reflexivity through which I analyze my role as a scholar activist within the Movement for Single Payer Health Care Reform.
Test–retest reliability of self-reported diabetes diagnosis in the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study: A population-based longitudinal study (n =33,919)
Authors: Sheikh Mashhood Ahmed , Lund Eiliv , Braaten Tonje
Published: January 2016

Objective:

Self-reported information from questionnaires is frequently used in epidemiological studies, but few of these studies provide information on the reproducibility of individual items contained in the questionnaire. We studied the test–retest reliability of self-reported diabetes among 33,919 participants in Norwegian Women and Cancer Study.

Methods:

The test–retest reliability of self-reported type 1 and type 2 diabetes diagnoses was evaluated between three self-administered questionnaires (completed in 1991, 1998, and 2005 by Norwegian Women and Cancer participants) by kappa agreement. The time interval between the test–retest studies was ~7 and ~14 years. Sensitivity of the kappa agreement for type 1 and type 2 diabetes diagnoses was assessed. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess whether test–retest reliability varies with age, body mass index, physical activity, education, and smoking status.

Results:

The kappa agreement for both types of self-reported diabetes diagnoses combined was good (⩾0.65) for all three test–retest studies (1991–1998, 1991–2005, and 1998–2005). The kappa agreement for type 1 diabetes was good (⩾0.73) in the 1991–2005 and the 1998–2005 test–retest studies, and very good (0.83) in the 1991–1998 test–retest study. The kappa agreement for type 2 diabetes was moderate (0.57) in the 1991–2005 test–retest study and good (⩾0.66) in the 1991–1998 and 1998–2005 test–retest studies. The overall kappa agreement in the 1991–1998 test–retest study was stronger than in the 1991–2005 test–retest study and the 1998–2005 test–retest study. There was no clear pattern of inconsistency in the kappa agreements within different strata of age, BMI, physical activity, and smoking. The kappa agreement was strongest among the respondents with 17 or more years of education, while generally it was weaker among the least educated group.

Conclusion:

The test–retest reliability of the diabetes was acceptable and there was no clear pattern of inconsistency in the kappa agreement stratified by age, body mass index, physical activity, and smoking. The study suggests that self-reported diabetes diagnosis from middle-aged women enrolled in the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study is reliable.
Improving medication adherence among kidney transplant recipients: Findings from other industries, patient engagement, and behavioral economics—A scoping review
Authors: Oberlin Shelley R , Parente Stephen T , Pruett Timothy L
Published: January 2016

The immune system is a powerful barrier to successful organ transplantation, but one that has been routinely thwarted through modern pharmacotherapeutics. Despite the benefits of immunosuppressive therapy, medication non-adherence leads to an increased risk of graft rejection, higher hospital utilization and costs, and poor outcomes. We conduct a scoping review following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework methodology to identify established or novel interventions that could be applied to kidney transplant recipients to improve medication adherence. As the desired outcome is a behavior (taking a pill), we assess three areas: behavioral-focused interventions in other industries, patient engagement theories, and behavioral economic principles. Search strategies included mining business, social sciences, and medical literature with additional guidance from six consultative interviews. Our review suggests that no intervention stands out as superior or likely to be more effective than any other intervention; yet promising strategies and interventions were identified across all three areas examined. Based on our findings, we believe there are five strategies that transplant centers and other organizations can implement to improve medication adherence: (1) Build a foundation of trust; (2) Employ multiple interventions; (3) Stratify the population; (4) Develop collaborative partnerships; and (5) Embed medication adherence into the organization’s culture. The effectiveness of these interventions will need to be investigated further, but we believe they are a step in the right direction for organizations to consider in their efforts to improve medication adherence.
Improvement in Sperm Parameters With Traditional Iranian Remedy
Authors: Sohrabvand Farnaz , Mahroozade Somaye , Bioos Sodabe , Nazari Seyed Mohammad , Dabaghian Fataneh Hashem
Published: January 2016

Introduction.

Idiopathic male infertility is a global problem with almost no definite medicinal treatment. Most patients have to go through intrauterine insemination or assisted reproductive technology for achieving fertility. Unfortunately, success rates are low in cases with very low sperm count. Therefore it seems that improvement in sperm quality can have beneficial effects on assisted reproductive technology outcome.

Case Report.

A 39-year-old man with history of infertility for 6 years was referred to the traditional medicine clinic with a recurrent unsuccessful intracytoplasmic sperm injection trial. His sperm analysis showed severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. After taking a traditional remedy he had a remarkable improvement in his sperm parameters, which led to the formation of 8 embryos in the following intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle.

Conclusion.

Traditional medicine presents various food and remedy options for treating male infertility. It seems that combination therapy can be beneficial in obtaining better results in treatment of male idiopathic infertility.
Acute Pancreatitis Caused By Mushroom Poisoning
Authors: Karahan Samet , Erden Abdulsamet , Cetinkaya Ali , Avci Deniz , Ortakoyluoglu Adile Irfan , Karagoz Hatice , Bulut Kadir , Basak Mustafa
Published: January 2016

Of the more than 5000 species of mushrooms known, 100 types are toxic and approximately 10% of these toxic types can cause fatal toxicity. A type of mushroom called Amanita phalloides is responsible for 95% of toxic mushroom poisonings. In this article, we report 2 cases of mushroom poisonings caused by Lactarius volemus, known as Tirmit by the local people. The patient and his wife were admitted to the emergency room with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting 20 hours after consuming Lactarius volemus, an edible type of mushroom. The patients reported that they had been collecting this mushroom from the mountains and eating them for several years but had never developed any clinicopathology to date. Further examination of the patients revealed a very rare case of acute pancreatitis due to mushroom intoxication. The male patient was admitted to the intensive care unit while his wife was followed in the internal medicine service, because of her relative mild clinical symptoms. Both patients recovered without sequelae and were discharged. In this article, we aimed to emphasize that gastrointestinal symptoms are often observed in mushroom intoxications and can be confused with acute pancreatitis, thus leading to misdiagnosis of patients. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve patients’ prognosis and prevent the development of complications.
Crowdsourcing Strategizing
Authors: Aten Kathryn , Thomas Gail Fann
Published: January 2016

Disruptive environmental trends are forcing organizations to be more innovative in their approaches to organizational strategy generation. Rather than using a traditional top-down approach, some organizations are turning to open strategizing, which involves a large number of stakeholders who communicate in transparent, virtual environments. This study used a case analysis to explore one organization’s use of crowdsourcing technology in a move from a traditional to an open strategizing approach. Drawing on technology affordance and communicative-as-constitutive perspectives, we identified individual and collective crowdsourcing technology affordances for strategizing. Subsequently, we explored how the technology affordances influenced organizational strategizing. Results showed that crowdsourced strategy was constituted as multivoice, divergent, egalitarian, and inclusive.
The Baby Factory
Authors: Peterson David
Published: January 2016

Science studies scholars have shown that the management of natural complexity in lab settings is accomplished through a mixture of technological standardization and tacit knowledge by lab workers. Yet these strategies are not available to researchers who study difficult research objects. Using 16 months of ethnographic data from three laboratories that conduct experiments on infants and toddlers, the author shows how psychologists produce statistically significant results under challenging circumstances by using strategies that enable them to bridge the distance between an uncontrollable research object and a professional culture that prizes methodological rigor. This research raises important questions regarding the value of restrictive evidential cultures in challenging research environments.
Closed circuit rebreathing to achieve inert gas wash-in for multiple breath wash-out
Authors: Horsley Alex R. , O'Neill Katherine , Downey Damian G. , Elborn J. Stuart , Bell Nicholas J. , Smith Jaclyn , Owers-Bradley John
Published: January 2016

Multiple breath wash-out (MBW) testing requires prior wash-in of inert tracer gas. Wash-in efficiency can be enhanced by a rebreathing tracer in a closed circuit. Previous attempts to deploy this did not account for the impact of CO2accumulation on patients and were unsuccessful. We hypothesised that an effective rebreathe wash-in could be delivered and it would not alter wash-out parameters.

Computer modelling was used to assess the impact of the rebreathe method on wash-in efficiency. Clinical testing of open and closed circuit wash-in–wash-out was performed in healthy controls and adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) using a circuit with an effective CO2scrubber and a refined wash-in protocol.

Wash-in efficiency was enhanced by rebreathing. There was no difference in mean lung clearance index between the two wash-in methods for controls (6.5versus6.4; p=0.2, n=12) or patients with CF (10.9versus10.8; p=0.2, n=19). Test time was reduced by rebreathe wash-in (156versus230 s for CF patients, p<0.001) and both methods were well tolerated. End wash-in CO2was maintained below 2% in most cases.

Rebreathe–wash-in is a promising development that, when correctly deployed, reduces wash-in time and facilitates portable MBW testing. For mild CF, wash-out outcomes are equivalent to an open circuit.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a [70]Fullerene–Pentacene Monoadduct
Authors: Shirai Hitoshi , Tajima Tomoyuki , Kubo Kentaro , Nishihama Takuya , Miyake Hideaki , Takaguchi Yutaka
Published: January 2016

We succeeded in the first isolation of a single pure regioisomer of a C70–acene monoadduct. 1,9-Diels–Alder monoadducts of C70 with pentacene derivatives were obtained by not only the Diels–Alder reaction but also a one-pot reaction using stable dihydropentacene derivatives, 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), and C70. The X-ray crystallographic study of a single pure regioisomer 2b confirmed positions of the linkage between C70 and acenes for the first time, and revealed unique columnar stacks.
Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Ricci Zaccaria , Romagnoli Stefano , Ronco Claudio
Published: January 2016

During the last few years, due to medical and surgical evolution, patients with increasingly severe diseases causing multiorgan dysfunction are frequently admitted to intensive care units. Therapeutic options, when organ failure occurs, are frequently nonspecific and mostly directed towards supporting vital function. In these scenarios, the kidneys are almost always involved and, therefore, renal replacement therapies have become a common routine practice in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Recent technological improvement has led to the production of safe, versatile and efficient dialysis machines. In addition, emerging evidence may allow better individualization of treatment with tailored prescription depending on the patients’ clinical picture (e.g. sepsis, fluid overload, pediatric). The aim of the present review is to give a general overview of current practice in renal replacement therapies for critically ill patients. The main clinical aspects, including dose prescription, modality of dialysis delivery, anticoagulation strategies and timing will be addressed. In addition, some technical issues on physical principles governing blood purification, filters characteristics, and vascular access, will be covered. Finally, a section on current standard nomenclature of renal replacement therapy is devoted to clarify the “Tower of Babel” of critical care nephrology.
Commercial narrowband Fabry-Perot solar filters, methods and instruments for their examination
Authors: Скоморовский Валерий , Skomorovsky Valery , Кушталь Галина , Kushtal Galina , Лоптева Любовь , Lopteva Lyubov , Прошин Владимир , Proshin Vladimir , Цаюкова Алла , Tsayukova Alla
Published: January 2016

Nowadays, Coronado, Lunt, Solar Spectrum, Daystar and Solarscope companies advance available narrowband solar filters. Being installed in small telescopes they allow amateurs not only to admire grand phenomena in the solar atmosphere but also to be involved in scientific observations. The efforts of the companies aimed at achieving extreme values of Fabry–Perot (FP) filter basic parameters such as full width at half-maximum, angular field of view, filter clear aperture and uniformity of passband over the aperture, to make them suitable for scientific observations. Parameters of commercial filters, their compliance with the requirements depend on filter design and technology developed by companies. This study considers narrow-band FP filters designs proposed by five leading companies, and some technological problems of their production, which are important for their operation. To use commercial filters in professional research, it is necessary to be sure that the filter parameters declared by companies correspond to real ones. The methods and devices proposed by authors allow high-precision measuring integral and local characteristics of FP filter and its spectral uniformity across the aperture. Also, we can estimate the quality of optical stack and filter suitability for professional solar observations.