bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysphagia in Rett Syndrome: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Mezzedimi Chiara , Livi Walter , De Felice Claudio , Cocca Serena
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and the second major cause of mental retardation in females. The aim of this study was to evaluate swallowing problems of RS patients by endoscopic assessment and compile a list of suggestions for managing feeding and preventing complications.

Methods:

The sample consisted of 61 female patients (mean age = 13.6 years, range, 2-33 years) admitted to the Department of Neuropsychiatry, where they had previously been diagnosed with RS. Speech evaluation associated with observation during mealtimes was useful to formulate suggestions for caregivers.

Results:

Progressive deterioration of feeding was commonly noted by caregivers. Fifty-four patients had a history of recurrent episodes of bronchitis. Oral apraxia, dyskinetic tongue movements, prolonged oral stage, and poor bolus formation were the most common findings in all patients.

Conclusions:

Dysphagia was primarily limited to oral preparatory phases, while the pharyngeal phase was normal in most patients. The high percentage of dysphagia suggests the need to accurately monitor the feeding capability of RS children. It is critical to correctly inform caregivers about safe swallowing procedures to reduce the incidence of fatal complications.
Queerness and Transgender Identity
Authors: Lepage Martin
Published: August 2017

Contemporary Paganism portrays gender in an array of different ways and, as such, is very inclusive of sexual diversity. Much if this phenomenon happens through what Pagans call witchcraft. But how does witchcraft help queer and transgender Pagans take part in the Pagan community? This article will examine different kinds of negotiations regarding the notion of gender. It will give a brief definition of the Pagan movement as found in Montreal and examine how the Montreal traditions of Wicca and Reclaiming Witchcraft develop opposite views on gender. This research suggests that queer negotiations dealing with gender norms in Wicca, and in society at large, position participants in different ways in regards to religious and magical practices, as well as to the Montreal Pagan community. Mainly, these negotiations, rooted in the practice of magic, allow the participants to gain power, in terms of gender identity, over the Wiccan binary and, to some extent, to contest gender stereotypes outside the Pagan community.
Employment Insecurity, Incumbent Partisanship, and Voting Behavior in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Helgason Agnar Freyr , Mérola Vittorio
Published: August 2017

We argue that occupational unemployment rates, by informing perceptions of economic insecurity, serve as a salient and powerful heuristic for aggregate economic performance. Consequently, high and rising occupational unemployment leads to negative evaluations of the economy and reduces the probability of supporting the incumbent government. Simultaneously, however, such changes shift support toward left-wing parties. Thus, economic insecurity serves as a valence issue, but is also inherently a positional issue, due to the distributional consequences of welfare policies. This brings about a potential conflict as under left-wing incumbent governments the economically insecure are cross-pressured, which increases their likelihood of exiting the electoral arena completely. We test our hypotheses using a Bayesian hierarchical multinomial model, with individual-level data from 43 elections in 21 countries. We find support for the hypothesized effects of employment insecurity on voting behavior, with a follow-up analysis supporting the posited informational mechanism.
Why Did Drug Cartels Go to War in Mexico? Subnational Party Alternation, the Breakdown of Criminal Protection, and the Onset of Large-Scale Violence
Authors: Trejo Guillermo , Ley Sandra
Published: August 2017

This article explains why Mexican drug cartels went to war in the 1990s, when the federal government was not pursuing a major antidrug campaign. We argue that political alternation and the rotation of parties in state gubernatorial power undermined the informal networks of protection that had facilitated the cartels’ operations under one-party rule. Without protection, cartels created their own private militias to defend themselves from rival groups and from incoming opposition authorities. After securing their turf, they used these militias to conquer rival territory. Drawing on an original database of intercartel murders, 1995 to 2006, we show that the spread of opposition gubernatorial victories was strongly associated with intercartel violence. Based on in-depth interviews with opposition governors, we show that by simply removing top- and midlevel officials from the state attorney’s office and the judicial police—the institutions where protection was forged—incoming governors unwittingly triggered the outbreak of intercartel wars.
Measuring Creative Capacity in Gifted Students: Comparing Teacher Ratings and Student Products
Authors: Kettler Todd , Bower Janessa
Published: August 2017

Creativity and giftedness are frequently associated, and schools may use measures of creativity for identifying gifted and talented students. The researchers examined three aspects of elementary student creativity: (a) the relationship between a teacher’s rating of student creativity and rubric-scored student writing samples, (b) group differences regarding creativity between identified gifted and general education students, and (c) potential gender differences evident in teacher ratings of creativity as well as creative products. Participants in the study were 155 Grade 4 students in an urban district in a southwestern state. Teacher ratings on three different scales were related to student creative products, yielding Pearson correlations ranging from r = .20 to r = .27. Identified gifted students scored higher than general education students in both teacher ratings of creativity ( d = 0.83) and written products ( d = 0.53). Female students scored higher than male students in both teacher ratings of creativity ( d = 0.22) and written products ( d = 0.57). These findings suggest that teacher ratings moderately predict creative student products. Identified gifted students scored consistently higher than general education students in creativity, and females scored slightly higher than males on creativity measures.
Host or hostile? Attitudes towards asylum seekers in Israel and in Denmark
Authors: Hercowitz-Amir Adi , Raijman Rebeca , Davidov Eldad
Published: August 2017

In this study, we focus on attitudes towards asylum seekers in two countries: Denmark and Israel. Both serve as interesting cases through which to study public sentiment of host populations for people seeking refuge. We examine the role of three core dimensions that have been relatively overlooked in previous studies: social contact with asylum seekers, the role of support for humanitarian policies and perceptions of legitimacy of the asylum seekers’ claims. We also gauge the way perceptions of threat mediate the effect of these core dimensions on individuals’ willingness to share their national benefits with those looking for refugee status in the two countries. For the analysis, we use multiple group structural equation modelling. On the descriptive level, findings suggest that respondents are considerably more hostile in Israel than in Denmark, although the mechanisms leading to the formation of exclusionary attitudes are partly similar. We conclude with some limitations of the study and closing remarks about similarities and differences across the two countries.
Uncovering How Urban Regeneration Programs May Stimulate Leisure-time Walking Among Adults in Deprived Areas: A Realist Review
Authors: Kramer Daniëlle , Lakerveld Jeroen , Stronks Karien , Kunst Anton E.
Published: August 2017

Evidence suggests that urban regeneration programs can stimulate leisure-time walking (LTW) in deprived areas. However, underlying pathways remain unclear. This study explored how urban regeneration might stimulate LTW among adults in deprived areas. We conducted a realist review, a theory-driven approach to evidence synthesis that focuses on mechanisms. We searched three electronic databases for peer-reviewed literature that describes how the neighborhood environment or urban regeneration influences LTW among adults in deprived areas. Evidence from 13 qualitative studies was synthesized. All studies indicated that safety problems and poor physical neighborhood design make adults fearful of walking. Seven studies indicated that poor aesthetics makes walking less relaxing and stress releasing. Seven studies indicated that poor infrastructure makes it inconvenient for adults to walk. A limited number of studies indicated that a lack of LTW facilities creates a shortage of settings for walking and that low levels of social capital constrain social support for walking and social interaction while walking. Evidence from this study suggests that urban regeneration might stimulate LTW among adults in deprived areas by creating a neighborhood that is less frightening, more relaxing, and more convenient to walk in.
How Drone Strikes and a Fake Vaccination Program Have Inhibited Polio Eradication in Pakistan: An Analysis of National Level Data
Authors: Kennedy Jonathan
Published: August 2017

This article investigates whether the United States’ counterinsurgency operations have inhibited polio eradication efforts in northwestern Pakistan, the world’s last major reservoir of polio. Anecdotal evidence suggests that militants disrupt polio vaccination programs because of suspicions that campaigns are a cover for gathering intelligence on Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) drone targets. This paper analyzes national-level quantitative data to test this argument. Between 2004 and 2012, the number of polio cases in Pakistan closely mirrored the number of drone strikes. But from 2013 onward, polio cases increased while drone strikes fell. This can be explained by the CIA’s use of a fake immunization campaign in a failed attempt to obtain the DNA of Osama bin Laden’s relatives prior to his assassination in 2011. This seemingly vindicated militants’ suspicions that vaccination programs were a cover for espionage. Militants consequently intensified their disruption of immunization campaigns, resulting in an increase in polio cases in Pakistan, as well as in Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq. For politicians and military planners, drones are attractive because they are said to harm fewer civilians than conventional methods of warfare. However, this paper demonstrates that drone strikes had negative effects on the well-being of civilians in Pakistan and further afield because they undermined global efforts to eradicate polio.
State Repression and Nonviolent Resistance
Authors: Chenoweth Erica , Perkoski Evan , Kang Sooyeon
Published: August 2017

In this article, we review decades of research on state repression and nonviolent resistance. We argue that these two research programs have converged around six consensus findings. We also highlight several areas of divergence, where greater synthesis between the research on state repression and nonviolent resistance might prove useful. We draw attention to remaining controversies surrounding the association between state repression and nonviolent resistance—particularly regarding different theoretical assumptions about structure, agency, and strategic choice; measurement challenges for both repression and dissent; methodological challenges regarding endogeneity, multicausality, and equifinality; and moral hazards associated with the study of nonviolent resistance and the effectiveness of repression. We conclude by highlighting some productive ways forward.
Candidate Genes for Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate Detected by Exome Sequencing
Authors: Hoebel A.K. , Drichel D. , van de Vorst M. , Böhmer A.C. , Sivalingam S. , Ishorst N. , Klamt J. , Gölz L. , Alblas M. , Maaser A. , Keppler K. , Zink A.M. , Dixon M.J. , Dixon J. , Hemprich A. , Kruse T. , Graf I. , Dunsche A. , Schmidt G. , Daratsianos N. , Nowak S. , Aldhorae K.A. , Nöthen M.M. , Knapp M. , Thiele H. , Gilissen C. , Reutter H. , Hoischen A. , Mangold E. , Ludwig K.U.
Published: August 2017

Nonsyndromic cleft palate only (nsCPO) is a facial malformation that has a livebirth prevalence of 1 in 2,500. Research suggests that the etiology of nsCPO is multifactorial, with a clear genetic component. To date, genome-wide association studies have identified only 1 conclusive common variant for nsCPO, that is, a missense variant in the gene grainyhead-like-3 ( GRHL3). Thus, the underlying genetic causes of nsCPO remain largely unknown. The present study aimed at identifying rare variants that might contribute to nsCPO risk, via whole-exome sequencing (WES), in multiply affected Central European nsCPO pedigrees. WES was performed in 2 affected first-degree relatives from each family. Variants shared between both individuals were analyzed for their potential deleterious nature and a low frequency in the general population. Genes carrying promising variants were annotated for 1) reported associations with facial development, 2) multiple occurrence of variants, and 3) expression in mouse embryonic palatal shelves. This strategy resulted in the identification of a set of 26 candidate genes that were resequenced in 132 independent nsCPO cases and 623 independent controls of 2 different ethnicities, using molecular inversion probes. No rare loss-of-function mutation was identified in either WES or resequencing step. However, we identified 2 or more missense variants predicted to be deleterious in each of 3 genes ( ACACB, PTPRS, MIB1) in individuals from independent families. In addition, the analyses identified a novel variant in GRHL3 in 1 patient and a variant in CREBBP in 2 siblings. Both genes underlie different syndromic forms of CPO. A plausible hypothesis is that the apparently nonsyndromic clefts in these 3 patients might represent hypomorphic forms of the respective syndromes. In summary, the present study identified rare variants that might contribute to nsCPO risk and suggests candidate genes for further investigation.
Disrupted IRF6-NME1/2 Complexes as a Cause of Cleft Lip/Palate
Authors: Parada-Sanchez M.T. , Chu E.Y. , Cox L.L. , Undurty S.S. , Standley J.M. , Murray J.C. , Cox T.C.
Published: August 2017

Mutations and common polymorphisms in interferon regulatory factor 6 ( IRF6) are associated with both syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of cleft lip/palate (CLP). To date, much of the focus on this transcription factor has been on identifying its direct targets and the gene regulatory network in which it operates. Notably, however, IRF6 is found predominantly in the cytoplasm, with its import into the nucleus tightly regulated like other members of the IRF family. To provide further insight into the role of IRF6 in the pathogenesis of CLP, we sought to identify direct IRF6 protein interactors using a combination of yeast 2-hybrid screens and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Using this approach, we identified NME1 and NME2, well-known regulators of Rho-type GTPases, E-cadherin endocytosis, and epithelial junctional remodeling, as bona fide IRF6 partner proteins. The NME proteins co-localize with IRF6 in the cytoplasm of primary palatal epithelial cells in vivo, and their interaction with IRF6 is significantly enhanced by phosphorylation of key serine residues in the IRF6 C-terminus. Furthermore, CLP associated IRF6 missense mutations disrupt the ability of IRF6 to bind the NME proteins and result in elevated activation of Rac1 and RhoA, compared to wild-type IRF6, when ectopically expressed in 293T epithelial cells. Significantly, we also report the identification of 2 unique missense mutations in the NME proteins in patients with CLP (NME1 R18Q in an IRF6 and GRHL3 mutation-negative patient with van der Woude syndrome and NME2 G71V in a patient with nonsyndromic CLP). Both variants disrupted the ability of the respective proteins to interact with IRF6. The data presented suggest an important role for cytoplasmic IRF6 in regulating the availability or localization of the NME1/2 complex and thus the dynamic behavior of epithelia during lip/palate development.
‘Talk of the town’
Authors: Fujii Lee Ann
Published: August 2017

How do people come to participate in violent display? By ‘violent display’, I mean a collective effort to stage violence for people to see, notice, or take in. Violent displays occur in diverse contexts and involve a range of actors: state and non-state, men and women, adults and children. The puzzle is why they occur at all given the risks and costs. Socialization helps to resolve this puzzle by showing how actors who have consciously adopted or internalized group norms might take part, despite the risks. Socialization is more limited in explaining how and why actors who are not bound by group norms also manage to put violence on display. To account for these other pathways, I propose a theory of ‘casting’. Casting is the process by which actors take on roles and roles take on actors. Roles enable actors to do things they would not normally do. They give the display its form, content, and meaning. Paying attention to this process reveals how violent displays come into being and how the most eager actors as well as unwitting and unwilling participants come to take part in these grisly shows. To explore variation in the casting process, I investigate violent displays that occurred in two different contexts: the Bosnian war and Jim Crow Maryland. Data come from interviews, trial testimonies, and primary sources.
CDC Screening Recommendation for Baby Boomers and Hepatitis C Virus Testing in the US Military Health System
Authors: Manjelievskaia Janna , Brown Derek , Shriver Craig D. , Zhu Kangmin
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States, with an estimated 2.7 to 3.9 million cases as of 2014. In August 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended 1-time HCV testing of all baby boomers. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the proportion of people screened for HCV in the US Department of Defense Military Health System before and after the CDC screening recommendation for baby boomers and (2) assess whether certain patient or system factors were associated with screening for HCV before and after August 2012.

Methods:

We used a dataset containing 5% of beneficiaries randomly selected from the Military Health System Data Repository medical claims database for the period July 2011 through September 2013.

Results:

Of 108 223 people eligible for HCV screening during the first period (July 2011 through July 2012), 1812 (1.7%) were screened. Of 109 768 people eligible during the second period (September 2012 through September 2013), 2599 (2.4%) were screened. HCV screening receipt was related to benefit type (Prime before August 2012: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.89-2.46; Prime after August 2012: aOR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.73-2.16) and care source (direct care before August 2012: aOR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.57-2.07; direct care after August 2012: aOR = 2.45; 95% CI, 2.18-2.75); male sex (aOR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.29) and black race (aOR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05-1.37) were associated with HCV testing only before August 2012.

Conclusions:

Interventions should be implemented to increase awareness and knowledge of the current national HCV testing recommendation among baby boomers to seek out testing and health care providers to perform screening.
Cross-cultural adaptation of the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5) for use in central and south-western Uganda: the CHAKA project
Authors: Mpango Richard Stephen , Kinyanda Eugene , Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Gadow Kenneth D. , Patel Vikram
Published: August 2017

Our study was to examine the applicability of translating and culturally adapting the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5) for use in Uganda. This process followed guidelines recommended by the International Test Commission. A number of the CASI-5 concepts needed to be revised to capture the idioms for emotional, behavioural disorders and individual functioning among children and adolescents in Uganda. Our experience is that before introduction into another culture, psychological assessment instruments should undergo an adaptation process such as as the one used.
Segmental colectomy for bleeding diverticular disease guided by the PEEP test
Authors: Naraynsingh Vijay , Cawich Shamir O , Hassranah Dale , Daniel Feisal , Maharaj Ravi , Harnarayan Patrick
Published: August 2017

Many patients with massive lower gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage from diverticulosis are subjected to total colectomy when preoperative localisation is unavailable. We dissected colectomy specimens and noted that there was limited retrograde reflux in most of these cases. Therefore, we sought to assess the value of a positive endoluminal erythrocyte presence (PEEP) test (presence of fresh blood in the caecum) to direct segmental colectomies in 14 patients who required emergency operations for massive lower GI haemorrhage. Overall, 13 (93%) patients who had segmental colectomy guided by the PEEP test had successful control of bleeding. There was no mortality and a 14% postoperative morbidity after segmental resections guided by the PEEP test. One patient had persistent bleeding and required a completion colectomy on the third postoperative day. We propose that the PEEP test be added to the surgical armamentarium to guide segmental resection in the absence of localisation by conventional means. However, we advocate blind total colectomy if the PEEP test is equivocal and early completion colectomy if there is significant re-bleeding.
Community Evaluation of the National Diabetes Education Program’s Diabetes HealthSense Website
Authors: Sadler Michele DeBarthe , Saperstein Sandra L. , Carpenter Carrie , Devchand Roshni , Tuncer Diane , O’Brian Catherine , Nicols Christina , Gallivan Joanne
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Diabetes HealthSense on knowledge, attitudes, and behavior changes that prevent, delay, or manage diabetes among people at risk (PAR) for diabetes and people with diabetes (PWD).

Methods

Using a 2-group pretest-posttest design, 15 community sites were randomly assigned to either an intervention or comparison group. Intervention participants attended a group education session with a diabetes educator, followed by 4 weeks of independent use of the Diabetes HealthSense website. The comparison group received no intervention. A total of 311 adults (n = 135 intervention, n = 176 comparison) completed both a pretest and posttest. Outcome measures examined changes in self-reported knowledge, self-efficacy, and behaviors that support diabetes prevention or management.

Results

Statistically significant within-group pretest to posttest changes were found for almost all outcome measures in the intervention group, with no significant changes in the comparison group. Significant between-group differences were also found for almost all outcome measures at posttest, with the intervention group having more positive outcomes than the comparison group.

Conclusions

Patient referral to online tools is considered one key component of initial and ongoing diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) and is recommended as a way to enhance and extend the reach of in-person diabetes education. Positive outcomes were found for PWD/PAR who used Diabetes HealthSense following a guided education session. Study results suggested that with guided exploration, Diabetes HealthSense provided a valuable tool for educators to use with patients to support and extend the reach of DSME/S.
Greek Connections: Genesis 1–11 and the Poetry of Hesiod
Authors: Gnuse Robert K.
Published: August 2017

A comparison between Genesis 1–11 and the poetry of Hesiod reveals many interesting similarities that suggest the biblical authors, the Yahwist Historian and the Priestly Editors, were familiar with Hesiod's works in the fifth century BCE. Interesting similarities include the decline in the quality of human existence, the distancing of God/ gods from the world, creation of the world, woman and the “fall,” divine-human offspring, the descendants of the food hero, segmented genealogies, and other themes.
A Meatless Dominion: Genesis 1 and the Ideal of Vegetarianism
Authors: Mclaughlin Ryan Patrick
Published: August 2017

I argue that a strand of biblical tradition, represented in Genesis 1:26–29, depicts a nonviolent relationship between humans and nonhumans—indicated by the practice of vegetarianism—as a moral ideal that represents the divine intention for the Earth community. This argument is supported by four claims. First, the cultural context of Genesis 1 suggests that the “image of God” entails a democratized royal charge of all humans to make God present in a unique manner in the created order. Second, this functional role must be understood in light of the unique deity (Elohim) in Genesis 1, a deity whose peaceful and other-affirming creative act is distinctive from violent creative acts of deities in other ancient Near Eastern cosmologies such as the Enuma Elish. Third, Genesis 1 provides an exegesis of humanity's dominion over animals in verse 29, which limits humanity's food to vegetation. Finally, juxtaposing Genesis 1 with Genesis 9 reveals a nefarious shift from human dominion, which is meant to be peaceful and other-affirming, to something altogether different—a relationship that is built upon terror.
Engendering Gossip in Galatians 2:11–14: The Social Dynamics of Honor, Shame, Performance, and Gossip
Authors: Daniels John W.
Published: August 2017

From a sociological perspective, the fundamental elements necessary for speech to be considered gossip are “face-to-face” evaluative communication between/among persons about an absent third party. Given that Paul was not present when the Galatians—and the “agitators” with them—experienced the initial audition of the epistle via Paul's surrogate, this project will consider the text through the lens of social-semiotics and performance, as well as honor-shame, to underscore why Paul gossips, how he does it, and the risks he takes doing so. It is hoped that some light will be shed on the complex intersection between scribality, orality, performance, and honor when considering the Incident at Antioch, the situation in the Galatian congregations, and Paul's determination to carry on westward with his gospel. I will suggest that Paul's recollection of his altercation with Peter in Antioch at Galatians 2:11-14 amounting to agonistic “epistolary gossip,” constitutes a public challenge to both the “agitators” in Galatia, and perhaps even the “seeming to be leaders/pillars” in Jerusalem.
Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Utilization of Ethanol Locks in Pediatric Patients With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Rahhal Riad , Abu‐El‐Haija Maisam A. , Fei Lin , Ebach Dawn , Orkin Sarah , Kiscaden Elizabeth , Cole Conrad R.
Published: August 2017

Background: Intestinal failure is a chronic condition related to loss of bowel length and/or function, resulting in dependence on central venous catheters for fluids and nutrition. Catheter use can be associated with significant complications, including catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), which can lead to loss of vascular access, advancing intestinal failure associated–liver disease and death. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ethanol locks as compared with standard heparin locks in pediatric intestinal failure. Methods: Databases, including MEDLINE and EMBASE, were searched until March 2017. Titles and abstracts were reviewed independently and relevant articles reassessed by full‐text review. The main outcome was the rate of CRBSIs, while secondary outcomes were catheter replacement and repair. Results: Nine observational studies were included. The mean difference in rate of CRBSIs was 6.27 per 1000 catheter days (95% CI, 4.89–7.66) favoring ethanol locks, with a 63% overall reduction in infection rate. The mean difference in catheter replacement rate (per 1000 catheter days) was 4.56 (95% Cl, 2.68–6.43) favoring ethanol locks. The overall effect on catheter repair rate (per 1000 catheter days) was −1.67 (95% CI, −2.30 to −1.05), indicating lower repair rate with heparin locks. Conclusion: Sufficient evidence was noted showing that ethanol locks reduced CRBSIs and catheter replacements. Our findings raise questions about the effect of the ethanol lock on catheter integrity based on the noted increase in repair rate. This requires further prospective evaluation and may support selective application of ethanol locks to patients with documented CRBSIs.
Purification
Authors: Andersen Astrid Oberborbeck
Published: August 2017

In Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, engineers work hard to control water flows and provide different sectors with clean and sufficient water. In 2011, only 10 percent of the totality of water used daily by Arequipa’s then close to 1 million people—in households, tourism, industry, and mining—was treated before it was returned to the river where it continues its flow downstream towards cultivated fields and, finally, into the Pacific Ocean. It takes specialized knowledge and manifold technologies to manage water and sustain life in Arequipa, and engineers are central actors for making water flow. Examining the ecology of water management, this article asks to what extent we can talk of a way of knowing and enacting water that is particular to engineers. Through engineering practices, a technical domain emerges as separate from and superior to political and social domains. This production of categories can be understood as practices of purification. However, a purely technical grip on water is never possible. Unruly elements, like weather, contamination, urban dwellers, and competing interests, interfere and make processes of intervention unstable. Water is never completely cleaned, and, equally, the continuous processes of purification of categories and domains take place while other processes work to blur their boundaries.
MC19 (M = B, Si, Al and Ga) fullerenes: Adsorption mechanisms of 1,4-diformylpiperazine
Authors: Alver Özgür , Parlak Cemal , Ramasami Ponnadurai
Published: August 2017

Fullerenes and piperazines have been investigated, particularly, in the field of nanoscience and medicinal chemistry. In the present research, besides discussing structural and electronic properties, the most probable interaction mechanisms between C20, B-, Si-, Al-, Ga-doped C20 and 1,4-diformylpiperazine (1,4-dfp) were studied by employing density functional theory (DFT) in both the gas phase and water as the solvent. Stabilities of the investigated complexes were discussed based on the binding energy and electronic properties such as band gap energy, chemical hardness and electrophilicity index. It is found that doped complexes are more stabilized in water compared to the gas phase. However, the interaction between C20 and 1,4-dfp weakens upon the introduction of water as the solvent.
Information activities of commercial taxi drivers in Saki, Nigeria
Authors: Omotayo Funmilola Olubunmi
Published: August 2017

Information behaviour of people differs according to the nature of their tasks and other activities they engage in. Therefore, the study of information behaviour is essential for different classes of individuals in the society. This study investigated the information behaviour of commercial taxi drivers in Saki, Nigeria. Survey design was adopted. Thirty-five taxi drivers were interviewed. The drivers had a variety of information needs, ranging from general information to specific information about their jobs. Interpersonal sources of information, which include discussion with friends, colleagues, and family members, were the preferred sources of information. They listened to radio and watched television, but at a very minimal level. The low educational status of the drivers was identified as a major cause of their reliance on interpersonal sources of information. The taxi drivers shared information among themselves during meetings, relaxation periods, and casual discussions. The use of the Internet to seek and share information was rare among the drivers.
Who is ‘Molly’? MDMA adulterants by product name and the impact of harm-reduction services at raves
Authors: Saleemi Sarah , Pennybaker Steven J , Wooldridge Missi , Johnson Matthew W
Published: August 2017

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), often sold as ‘Ecstasy’ or ‘Molly’, is commonly used at music festivals and reported to be responsible for an increase in deaths over the last decade. Ecstasy is often adulterated and contains compounds that increase morbidity and mortality. While users and clinicians commonly assume that products sold as Molly are less-adulterated MDMA products, this has not been tested. Additionally, while pill-testing services are sometimes available at raves, the assumption that these services decrease risky drug use has not been studied. This study analyzed data collected by the pill-testing organization, DanceSafe, from events across the United States from 2010 to 2015. Colorimetric reagent assays identified MDMA in only 60% of the 529 samples collected. No significant difference in the percentage of samples testing positive for MDMA was determined between Ecstasy and Molly. Individuals were significantly less likely to report intent to use a product if testing did not identify MDMA (relative risk (RR) = 0.56, p = 0.01). Results suggest that Molly is not a less-adulterated substance, and that pill-testing services are a legitimate harm-reduction service that decreases intent to consume potentially dangerous substances and may warrant consideration by legislators for legal protection. Future research should further examine the direct effects of pill-testing services and include more extensive pill-testing methods.
The limited impact that cocaine use patterns have on neurocognitive functioning in individuals with cocaine use disorder
Authors: Mahoney James J , Kalechstein Ari D , Newton Thomas F , De La Garza Richard
Published: August 2017

It is well-documented in the literature that cocaine use is associated with neurocognitive impairment. The manner in which patterns of cocaine use, such as years of use, recent use over the past month, and daily amount of cocaine use, moderate neurocognition has been studied in a relatively piecemeal manner. Hence, the purpose of the study was to evaluate whether cocaine use patterns modulate neurocognition in individuals with cocaine use disorder. Cocaine users who were cocaine-negative ( n=125) were divided into tertiles based on cocaine use patterns and the performances of the highest and lowest groups were compared on the following cognitive measures: Continuous Performance Task-II, n-back, and Hopkins Verbal Learning Task-Revised. Participants with cocaine use disorder who used for more years (25.2±0.6 versus 10.1±0.6 years; mean±standard error of the mean) and who had more recent cocaine use over the past month (26.3±0.5 versus 6.0±0.6 days) did not differ significantly on any of the neurocognitive variables when compared to those with use patterns of shorter duration and less frequency (all p’s >0.05). Lastly, participants reporting the greatest amount daily cocaine use (1.8±0.0 g) demonstrated better performance on an auditory working memory task when compared to those with the lowest daily use (0.7±0.0 g; p=0.04). While one might expect that individuals who used greater amounts of cocaine over longer periods of time would demonstrate relatively poorer performance on measures of neurocognition, particularly in the initial phase of abstinence, our findings did not confirm this. While speculative, a potential explanation for these findings is that after an individual uses cocaine for a certain number of years, or uses a specific amount over time, then the deleterious effects of cocaine on neurocognition stabilizes, and increased duration of cocaine use does not further exacerbate those impairments.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: prediction of the tumor grade using CT findings and computerized texture analysis
Authors: Choi Tae Won , Kim Jung Hoon , Yu Mi Hye , Park Sang Joon , Han Joon Koo
Published: August 2017

Background

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) include heterogeneous tumors with a variable degree of inherent biologic aggressiveness represented by the histopathologic grade. Although several studies investigated the computed tomography (CT) characteristics which can predict the histopathologic grade of PNET, accurate prediction of the PNET grade by CT examination alone is still limited.

Purpose

To investigate the important CT findings and CT texture variables for prediction of grade of PNET.

Material and Methods

Sixty-six patients with pathologically confirmed PNETs (grade 1 = 45, grades 2/3 = 21) underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced CT. Two reviewers determined the presence of predefined CT findings. CT texture was also analyzed on arterial and portal phase using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify significant predictors for tumor grade.

Results

Among CT findings and CT texture variables, the significant predictors for grade 2/3 tumors were an ill-defined margin (odds ratio [OR] = 7.273), lower sphericity (OR = 0.409) on arterial 2D analysis, higher skewness (OR = 1.972) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.408) on arterial 3D analysis, lower kurtosis (OR = 0.436) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.420) on portal 2D analysis, and a larger surface area (OR = 2.007) and lower sphericity (OR = 0.503) on portal 3D analysis ( P < 0.05). Diagnostic performance of texture analysis was superior to CT findings (AUC = 0.774 vs. 0.683).

Conclusion

CT is useful for predicting grade 2/3 PNET using not only the imaging findings including an ill-defined margin, but also the CT texture variables such as lower sphericity, higher skewness, and lower kurtosis.
Comparison of variability in breast density assessment by BI-RADS category according to the level of experience
Authors: Eom Hye-Joung , Cha Joo Hee , Kang Ji-Won , Choi Woo Jung , Kim Han Jun , Go EunChae
Published: August 2017

Background

Only few studies have assessed variability in the results obtained by the readers with different experience levels in comparison with automated volumetric breast density measurements.

Purpose

To examine the variations in breast density assessment according to BI-RADS categories among readers with different experience levels and to compare it with the results of automated quantitative measurements.

Material and Methods

Density assignment was done for 1000 screening mammograms by six readers with three different experience levels (breast-imaging experts, general radiologists, and students). Agreement level between the results obtained by the readers and the Volpara automated volumetric breast density measurements was assessed. The agreement analysis using two categories—non-dense and dense breast tissue—was also performed.

Results

Intra-reader agreement for experts, general radiologists, and students were almost perfect or substantial (k = 0.74–0.95). The agreement between visual assessments of the breast-imaging experts and volumetric assessments by Volpara was substantial (k = 0.77). The agreement was moderate between the experts and general radiologists (k = 0.67) and slight between the students and Volpara (k = 0.01). The agreement for the two category groups (nondense and dense) was almost perfect between the experts and Volpara (k = 0.83). The agreement was substantial between the experts and general radiologists (k = 0.78).

Conclusion

We observed similar high agreement levels between visual assessments of breast density performed by radiologists and the volumetric assessments. However, agreement levels were substantially lower for the untrained readers.
Passing the Threshold of One Justice System to the Next: Challenges of Emerging Young Adults in Hong Kong’s Adult Criminal Justice Process
Authors: Cheng Kevin Kwok-yin , Leung Becky Po-Yee
Published: August 2017

In many criminal justice systems, there is a clear separation for juvenile and adult defendants. However, those in between, referred to as emerging young adult defendants (ages 18-25 years), are treated as adult defendants despite a growing recognition that emerging adulthood is a distinct period in the life course. The aim of this present study is to investigate the experiences and challenges faced by emerging young adult defendants ( N = 25) in Hong Kong’s adult criminal justice process. Through in-depth semistructured interviews, it was found that emerging young adult defendants demonstrated a lack of understanding regarding their rights and the legal procedures, faced stress in being caught up in the criminal justice process, and were susceptible to influence by others, particularly family members, in making legal decisions. Implications and future directions of study are discussed.
Genetic algorithm–based calculation of the excitation capacitance of a self-excited induction generator for stable voltage operation over load and speed variations
Authors: Tahir Ahmed , Rajab Zakariya , Hammoda Ahmed , Greibea Sara , Alakeili Loubna , Elshaibani Duaa , Mohamed Faisal
Published: August 2017

In order to provide the reactive power demand of a self-excited induction generator which is required to achieve a voltage build-up, a three-phase capacitor bank is connected between the generator terminals. As loading increases, the operating point on the magnetizing curve moves toward the linear region which may lead to the collapse of the generated voltage. In this article, genetic algorithms are used to evaluate the value of the excitation capacitance that makes the machine operate in the saturation region which ensures a stable generated voltage. To verify the effectiveness of this method, a laboratory machine which has a relatively high stator and rotor resistances and leakage reactance is considered. The values of the excitation capacitances predicted by the genetic algorithms are applied to the machine Simulink-based model. The results obtained by the simulation are compared with experimental results which show a good agreement.
Development of hybrid microgrid model for frequency stabilization
Authors: Veronica A Jeya , Kumar N Senthil
Published: August 2017

Power systems of today are highly complex and highly interconnected. It generates electricity by burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, diesel, nuclear fuel, etc.), which produces harmful gases and particles, pollutes environment, and degrades lives. To mitigate the bad impact of burning fossil fuels and meet the increase in electrical system, demand distributed energy sources employing nonconventional energy sources like wind and solar are used. Electric power generation through the nonconventional energy sources has become more viable and cheaper than the fossil fuel–based power plants. This article explores the development of a microgrid model incorporating wind turbine generators, diesel generator, fuel cells, aqua electrolyzers, and battery energy storage systems. An optimization scheme for fixing the proportional–integral controller parameters of frequency regulation is developed for different possible combinations of wind power with other distributed energy resources in the microgrid.
Institutional entrepreneurs driving change: The case of gender equality in the Australian construction industry
Authors: Salignac Fanny , Galea Natalie , Powell Abigail
Published: August 2017

Taken-for-granted rules are difficult to change. The Australian construction industry is one example, where despite considerable attempts at regulating gender equality by government and others, the industry remains steadfastly male dominated. This article investigates the drivers (i.e. why) and processes (i.e. how) of change with regard to gender equality in the workplace. Using institutional entrepreneurship, we provide insight into the change towards gender equality in the Australian construction industry. We collect data from two Australian construction companies and, drawing on interviews conducted with business leaders, look at how new meanings around gender equality and diversity are negotiated. We find that while gender equality is an important point of focus for both companies, discrepancies remain between perceptions and reality as well as people’s level of readiness. We conclude with implications for theory and future research.
Human periodontal ligament stem cells secretome from multiple sclerosis patients suppresses NALP3 inflammasome activation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Soundara Rajan Thangavelu , Giacoppo Sabrina , Diomede Francesca , Bramanti Placido , Trubiani Oriana , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: August 2017

Research in recent years has largely explored the immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their secretory products, called “secretome,” in the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases. Here, we examined whether such immunosuppressive effects might be elicited due to inflammasome inactivation. To this end, we treated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice model of multiple sclerosis (MS) with the conditioned medium or purified exosomes/microvesicles (EMVs) obtained from relapsing-remitting-MS patients human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and investigated the regulation of NALP3 inflammasome. We noticed enhanced expression of NALP3, Cleaved Caspase 1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 in EAE mouse spinal cord. Conversely, hPDLSCs-conditioned medium and EMVs significantly blocked NALP3 inflammasome activation and provided protection from EAE. Reduction in NALP3, Cleaved Caspase 1, IL-1β, and IL-18 level was noticed in conditioned medium and EMVs-treated EAE mice. Pro-inflammatory Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB were elevated in EAE, while hPDLSCs-conditioned medium and EMVs treatment reduced their expression and increased IκB-α expression. Characterization of hPDLSCs-conditioned medium showed substantial level of anti-inflammatory IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and stromal cell–derived factor 1α (SDF-1α). We propose that the immunosuppressive role of hPDLSCs-derived conditioned medium and EMVs in EAE mice may partly attribute to the presence of soluble immunomodulatory factors, NALP3 inflammasome inactivation, and NF-κB reduction.
Global Finance and Capital Adequacy Regulation: Recreating Capitalist Social Relations
Authors: Rogers Chris
Published: August 2017

The paper argues that capital adequacy regulation has served to recreate the neoliberal form of capitalist social relations. It identifies two dimensions to this process. First, the paper argues that capital adequacy regulation in historical perspective can be understood to have incentivized, facilitated, and legitimated the kind of arbitrage that allow it to proceed. Second, it argues revisions to capital adequacy requirements serve to discipline mutual and cooperative forms of finance.

JEL Classification: G28, P13, P16
Revealing Oft-cited but Unpublished Papers of Colin Pittendrigh and Coworkers
Authors: Tackenberg Michael C. , Johnson Carl H. , Page Terry L. , Daan Serge
Published: August 2017

Among the scientific resources that Colin Pittendrigh passed on to his colleagues after his death in 1996 were two unpublished papers. These manuscripts, developed first in the mid-1960s and continually updated and refined through the late 1970s, centered on the development and experimental exploration of a model of circadian entrainment combining aspects of the well-known parametric (continuous) and nonparametric (discrete) models of entrainment. These texts reveal the experimental work surrounding Pittendrigh’s determination of the limits of entrainment and the explanation of the bistability phenomenon. These manuscripts are being made publicly available in their final format (February 1978) as supplementary material to this introduction.