bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paracarphalea, a new genus of the coffee family segregated from the Malagasy endemic genus Carphalea (Rubiaceae, Rubioideae, Knoxieae)
Authors: FERM JULIA , KÅREHED JESPER , BREMER BIRGITTA , RAZAFIMANDIMBISON SYLVAIN G.
Published: June 2016

The Malagasy genus Carphalea (Rubiaceae) consists of six species (C. angulata, C. cloiselii, C. kirondron, C. linearifolia, C. madagascariensis, C. pervilleana) of shrubs or small trees and is recognizable by a distinctly lobed calyx, 2(–4)-locular ovaries, each locule with several ovules on a rod-like stalk arising from the base of the locule, and indehiscent fruits. Carphalea linearifolia, rediscovered in 2010, has not previously been included in any Rubiaceae molecular phylogenetic studies. We re-investigated the monophyly of Carphalea using sequence data from chloroplast (rps16 and trnT-F) and nuclear (ITS and ETS) markers analysed with parsimony and Bayesian methods. Carphalea linearifolia forms a clade with C. cloiselii and the type species C. madagascariensis. This clade is sister to a clade consisting of the rest of the Carphalea species plus the genus Triainolepis. According to these results, the new genus Paracarphalea is here described to accommodate Carphalea angulata, C. kirondron, and C. pervilleana. The conservation status of Carphalea linearifolia is assessed as critically endangered according to IUCN criteria.
Three new species of Pararhabdepyris Gorbatovsky (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) from Central Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: VARGAS JUAN M. , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: June 2016

Three new species of Pararhabdepyris are described and illustrated: P. arabo sp. nov. (United Arabian Emirates and Yemen), P. wafrika sp. nov. (Central African Republic), P. ngangu sp. nov. (Central African Republic). The genus is recorded for the first time from the Saharo-Arabian region. A key for all species of the genus is presented.
A new species of gecko (Squamata: Diplodactylidae: Strophurus) from north Queensland, Australia
Authors: VANDERDUYS ERIC
Published: June 2016

A new species of diplodactylid gecko in the genus Strophurus Fitzinger, from north Queensland, Australia, is described herein as Strophurus congoo sp. nov. It is a small, pale grey to tan, unpatterned or faintly striped gecko, resembling the phasmid geckos in appearance, habitat and behaviour. However, within Strophurus it is not closely related to the phasmid geckos. It is distinguished from all other Strophurus by a combination of even scalation, dull colouration, small size and short tail length. It is only known to occur in a restricted area of the northern Great Dividing Range, within the Einasleigh Uplands bioregion, in a relatively infertile area of rolling, largely granitic hills, and is only known from spinifex (Triodia) hummock grasslands in open woodland.
Clinical validation of urine 3-methoxytyramine as a biomarker of neuroblastoma and comparison with other catecholamine-related biomarkers
Authors: Lam Leo , Woollard Gerald A , Teague Lochie , Davidson James S
Published: May 2016

Background

Urinary dopamine, homovanillic acid and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid are established tests for diagnosis and monitoring of neuroblastic disease. We compared the diagnostic performance of total urinary 3-methoxytyramine, the O-methylated product of dopamine, to these three established tumour markers.

Methods

Urinary 3-methoxytyramine, dopamine, homovanillic acid and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection on consecutive urine samples from histologically proven neuroblastic patients and controls. Patients with neuroblastic disease were further classified as untreated, advancing, residual or absent disease based on clinical and radiological criteria. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the diagnostic performance of the four tumour markers.

Results

Urinary 3-methoxytyramine was well correlated with established tumour markers and its concentration correlated with disease activity. It was the most commonly elevated tumour marker in neuroblastic disease and showed similar sensitivity to dopamine and homovanillic acid. The diagnostic utility of urinary 3-methoxytyramine as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was similar to dopamine and homovanillic acid.

Conclusion

Our results support the use of urinary 3-methoxytyramine as a tumour marker in the diagnosis and the monitoring of neuroblastoma disease.
Concentrations of prealbumin and some appetite-controlling hormones in pregnancies associated with hyperemesis gravidarium
Authors: Ozturk Gulfer , Ozgu-Erdinc A Seval , Ucar Fatma , Ginis Zeynep , Erden Gonul , Danisman Nuri
Published: May 2016

Background

Hyperemesis gravidarum, which affects 0.3–2.3% of pregnancies, is defined as excessive vomiting during pregnancy and usually starts in week 4 or 5 of gestation. Symptoms include weight loss, dehydration, ketonaemia, ketonuria, fasting acidosis, alkalosis due to hydrochloric acid loss and hypokalaemia and its exact cause is unknown. The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between prealbumin, ghrelin, nesfatin-1 and obestatin concentrations in pregnancies associated with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Methods

A total of 40 pregnant females with hyperemesis gravidarum and 38 pregnant females without hyperemesis gravidarum as controls were included in this study. Serum concentrations of prealbumin, ghrelin, obestatin and nesfatin-1 were measured.

Results

There were no significant differences in age, gestational week, gravidity and parity between the two groups. Body mass index was significantly lower in cases than in controls. Serum ghrelin and prealbumin concentrations were significantly lower in cases than in controls ( P  <0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in serum concentrations of obestatin and nesfatin-1 between the two groups. There was no significant association between body mass index and serum ghrelin, nesfatin-1, obestatin or prealbumin concentrations in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Conclusions

Decreased serum concentrations of ghrelin and prealbumin in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum are independent of body mass index. Based on our results, we believe that ghrelin may be considered to play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of hyperemesis gravidarum and that hyperemesis gravidarum may result in disruption of the relationship between nesfatin-1 and ghrelin. In addition, we believe that the measurement of serum prealbumin may be used for assessing nutritional status in pregnancy.
Participation in daily life of people with schizophrenia in comparison to the general population
Authors: Lipskaya-Velikovsky Lena , Jarus Tal , Easterbrook Adam , Kotler Moshe
Published: June 2016

Background.

Participation in occupations is a basic human right. Although people with schizophrenia commonly experience restrictions in participation, there is a paucity of research in this area.

Purpose.

This study aimed to compare the participation patterns of people with schizophrenia to people without mental illness (control group).

Method.

A total of 140 people of similar age and sex completed the Adults Subjective Assessment of Participation and provided demographic and health-related data.

Findings.

People with schizophrenia tend to participate in fewer activities and to participate alone. However, they participate with similar intensity as those in the control group.

Implications.

The participation patterns of people with schizophrenia are both unique and similar to those of the general population. The differences in participation raise concerns due to signs of restriction and social exclusion. However, it appears that people with schizophrenia benefit from occupation and community-based services that promote and support participation with others in diverse activities.
HPV vaccine decision-making among young men who have sex with men
Authors: Wheldon Christopher W , Daley Ellen M , Buhi Eric R , Baldwin Julie A , Nyitray Alan G , Giuliano Anna R
Published: June 2016

Objective:

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for all men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA until the age of 26 years. Despite this recommendation, vaccine uptake remains low. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe salient beliefs related to HPV vaccination among young MSM; (2) determine factors that underlie these beliefs; and (3) describe a model for HPV vaccine decision-making.

Design:

Qualitative descriptive study.

Setting:

Central Florida, USA.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews ( N = 22).

Results:

The majority of respondents had heard of the HPV vaccine, but generally perceived HPV as a women’s health issue. Salient behavioural beliefs about HPV vaccination described physical (such as lowering risk and promoting overall health) and psychological benefits (such as protecting sex partners and providing peace of mind). There was some concern regarding the risks of vaccination including contracting HPV from the vaccine, not knowing if it would be effective, and side effects. Normative influences on decision-making were minimal. Availability, cost and convenience were among the most salient external control factors discussed. Issues surrounding disclosure of sexual orientation, as well as the competence and sensitivity of healthcare providers in dealing with issues of sexuality, were key factors in HPV-related beliefs.

Conclusion:

Addressing the specific beliefs and concerns expressed by MSM can help to improve the effectiveness of health education interventions promoting vaccination.
Selective laser melting additive manufacturing of in situ Al2Si4O10/Al composites: Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties
Authors: Jue Jiubin , Gu Dongdong
Published: June 2016

The advanced selective laser melting technology was employed to prepare in situ Al based composites. Relationship among selective laser melting processing parameters, microstructures and resultant mechanical properties had been established. It turned out that in situ Al2Si4O10/Al composites were successfully fabricated by selective laser melting of Al2O3/AlSi10Mg composite powders. Due to the overlap between neighboring tracks and the remelting of previously solidified layers, two distinguished zones consisting of track core and track overlap were produced in laser induced melt pool. The two zones, respectively experienced different thermal histories, thus leading to the variation of cooling rate, which had a significant influence on the microstructural development and resultant mechanical performances. The track core mainly consisted of remarkably refined cellular dendritic Al matrix decorated with uniformly distributed ring-structured Al2Si4O10 reinforcements, while the track overlap was characterized with comparatively coarse columnar dendritic Al matrix as well as the coarse Al2Si4O10 reinforcements. At the optimal v of 500 mm/s, the obtained dynamic nanohardness ( H d) of track core ( H d = 3.79 GPa) and track overlap ( H d = 3.52 GPa) for selective laser melting processed composites part both showed tremendous enhancement upon that of unreinforced Al part ( H d = 0.58 GPa). The dry sliding wear tests indicated that the optimally prepared Al2Si4O10/Al composites part exhibited excellent wear performance with a considerably low coefficient of friction of 0.32 and a significantly reduced wear rate of 4.52 × 10−5 mm3 N−1 m−1. The formed consecutive protective adherent tribolayer on the worn surface and the significantly enhanced hardness of the composites well accounted for the superior wear performance.
Embryonated pigeon eggs as a model to investigate Neospora caninum infection
Authors: Bahrami Somayeh , Rezaie Annahita , Boroomand Zahra , Namavari Mehdi , Ghavami Sepideh
Published: May 2016

It has been shown that embryonated chicken eggs can be used as animal models for experimental infections. The aim of the present study was to investigate pigeon embryonated eggs as animal models for experimental neosporosis. An infection with Neospora caninum Nc1 isolate was conducted in chicken and pigeon embryonated eggs to evaluate LD50. After calculation of LD50, 2LD50 of tachyzoites were injected into the eggs. Macroscopic changes of each embryo were observed, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular methods were used to investigate the parasitic distribution in the tissues. In the present study, histopathological changes were considered, and sections of those used for histopathological examination including the heart, liver, brain and chorioallantoic (CA) membrane were also subjected to IHC. Pigeon embryos showed more macroscopic changes than chicken embryos. A hemorrhage of the CA membrane was the main gross lesion. Microscopic examination of tissues revealed acute neosporosis due to hemorrhage, necrosis and infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells. Based on IHC and molecular results, the parasite DNA was detected in the liver, heart and CA membrane. As with chicken embryonated eggs, these results reinforce the susceptibility of pigeon embryonated eggs to N. caninum, and provide new insights into using an inexpensive and available animal model for N. caninum research. The results of the present study suggest that pigeon embryos may be a good choice for studying the biology of N. caninum in living organisms.
F2 slope as a Perceptual Cue for the Front–Back Contrast in Standard Southern British English
Authors: Chládková Kateřina , Hamann Silke , Williams Daniel , Hellmuth Sam
Published: June 2016

Acoustic studies of several languages indicate that second-formant (F2) slopes in high vowels have opposing directions (independent of consonantal context): front [iː]-like vowels are produced with a rising F2 slope, whereas back [uː]-like vowels are produced with a falling F2 slope. The present study first reports acoustic measurements that confirm this pattern for the English variety of Standard Southern British English (SSBE), where /uː/ has shifted from the back to the front area of the vowel space and is now realized with higher midpoint F2 values than several decades ago. Subsequently, we test whether the direction of F2 slope also serves as a reliable cue to the /iː/-/uː/ contrast in perception. The findings show that F2 slope direction is used as a cue (additional to midpoint formant values) to distinguish /iː/ from /uː/ by both young and older Standard Southern British English listeners: an otherwise ambiguous token is identified as /iː/ if it has a rising F2 slope and as /uː/ if it has a falling F2 slope. Furthermore, our results indicate that listeners generalize their reliance on F2 slope to other contrasts, namely /ɛ/-/ɒ/ and /æ/-/ɒ/, even though F2 slope is not employed to differentiate these vowels in production. This suggests that in Standard Southern British English, a rising F2 seems to be perceptually associated with an abstract feature such as [+front], whereas a falling F2 with an abstract feature such as [-front].
Corruption, fairness, and inequality
Authors: Ariely Gal , Uslaner Eric M.
Published: June 2016

This study examines two prominent arguments underlying perceptions of corruption – Uslaner’s “inequality trap” thesis, according to which high inequality leads to low trust and thus greater corruption ad infinitum – and the unfairness theory. The perception of corruption was measured across 31 countries via the 2006 Role of Government module of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP). The findings indicate that, in line with the “inequality trap” thesis, countries with higher levels of income inequality evince a higher degree of perception of corruption and, in correspondence with the unfairness thesis, that people who believe that public officials treat them fairly are less likely to perceive corruption to exist. Combining these two explanations, we employed a multilevel model to examine whether the negative correlation between fair treatment and perceptions of corruption vary in accordance with the level of country income inequality. The results indicate that the link between these variables is weaker in less equal countries than in more egalitarian countries. In unequal countries, fairness does not matter quite so much for corruption perceptions.
The potential impact of local commissioning on victim services in England and Wales
Authors: Simmonds Lesley
Published: June 2016

This article looks at the shift that has taken place in the funding of victim services in England and Wales, following the decision to appoint Police and Crime Commissioners, and give them the responsibility to commission such services at the local level. Over the past 40 years or so the voluntary sector agency Victim Support was ‘the major victims’ agency’ to which the majority of victims who reported crime to the police were referred. Victim Support therefore enjoyed reliable and consistent funding from the state, whilst its more ‘independent peers’ in the form of specialist services, had to contend with often less generous and less stable sources of funding. The shift to local commissioning chimes with the neo-liberal ideology which has permeated Conservative government policy since 1979, and which the Coalition government of 2010, and the Conservative government of 2015, have continued to champion. Thus the economy and the commissioning of victim services are increasingly subject to ‘the market’, as the best way to achieve efficient, effective and economic service provision. An array of government documents have talked about the importance of introducing competition into victim service provision, both as a political goal but also as a way of meeting the challenges that the current era of austerity poses. This paper then explores the potential implications for victim services in devolving funding to elected Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales.
Training older adults with low vision to use a computer tablet: A feasibility study
Authors: Kaldenberg Jennifer , Smallfield Stacy
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The purpose of this feasibility study was to investigate the potential use of a computer tablet as a low vision device to facilitate performance of and satisfaction with daily activities for older adults with low vision.

Method

A repeated measures design was used to measure outcomes. Four older adult women with low vision completed 10 weekly sessions of group training in tablet use. The feasibility of this research method and intervention was examined by evaluating recruitment capability, data collection procedures, outcome measures, intervention procedures, resources, and preliminary responses to intervention.

Results

The four participants were all women, with a mean age of 74.25 years (68–81). Visual acuity ranged from 20/160 to 20/4000. Mean change in performance and satisfaction on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were 3.45 and 3.65, respectively. Daily tablet use increased from 15 minutes at pretest to 3 hours at posttest to 4.5 hours at follow-up.

Conclusion

Group training in computer tablet use for older adults with low vision shows promise to improve performance and satisfaction in a variety of daily activities. With appropriate resources, the research method is feasible for a larger study examining this community-based intervention for older adults with low vision.
The birth of the flexible mine: Changing geographies of mining and the e-waste commodity frontier
Authors: Knapp Freyja L
Published: May 2016

Mining companies, in recent decades, have been changing how they source and refine ores by seeking metal-bearing wastes to be smelted alongside “traditional” mining concentrates. I propose the term “flexible mine” to describe this expansion of ore supply chains, and I demonstrate how it operates through multiple registers of flexibility: spatial, temporal, and interpretational. The flexible mine is both a “widening” and a “deepening” commodity frontier for the mining industry promising a disarticulation from geophysical processes and, by extension, mining country geopolitics. The organizational and technical changes associated with mining above-ground ores seem to suggest a new phenomenon, wholly different than traditional mining and refining. Instead, however, the mining of waste streams blurs the boundaries between extraction, production, manufacturing, consumption, and disposal. Further, the flexible mine challenges the distinction between urban and non, arguing against relying on too-familiar binaries in geographic scholarship. I highlight how these registers of flexibility address three problems in below-ground mining (geospatial fixity, resource scarcity, and environmental effects) and also create new governance challenges in regulating extractive industries.
Thin film bonded to elastic orthotropic substrate under thermal loading
Authors: Falope Federico Oyedeji , Lanzoni Luca , Radi Enrico , Marcello Tarantino Angelo
Published: June 2016

The problem of thin elastic films bonded on an elastic orthotropic substrate under thermal load is investigated in this work. Differently from past studies on the same topic, the effects induced by anisotropic behavior of the elastic substrate will be taken into account. Particular attention will also be paid to the determination of the displacement and stress fields induced by thermal loading. In particular, it is assumed that the thin films are deposed on the substrate at high temperature, and then the mismatch occurring during the cooling process, due to the difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the two materials, is responsible for the permanent deformation assumed by the system. This phenomenon can be exploited for realizing a crystalline undulator. To this aim, the permanent deformation must be optimized in order to encourage the channeling phenomenon. By imposing equilibrium conditions and perfect adhesion between the film and the substrate, a singular integral equation is derived. A closed-form solution is achieved by expanding the interfacial shear stress fields in Chebyshev series. The unknown coefficients in the series expansion are then determined by transforming the integral equation into an infinite algebraic system.
Modal testing of epoxy carbon–aramid fiber hybrid composites reinforced with silica nanoparticles
Authors: Mansour G , Tsongas K , Tzetzis D
Published: June 2016

In the current paper, the modal characterisation of aramid–carbon fiber hybrid composites (ACFRP) and ACFRP reinforced with silica nanoparticles (nACFRP) is investigated through the analytical-experimental transfer function method. The modal properties, such as resonant frequencies and modal loss factors, are measured by vibrating cantilever beam specimens with an impact hammer, while the vibratory response is detected through an acceleration transducer. The procedure for the identification of analytical-experimental transfer functions is carried out using a genetic algorithm by minimising the difference between the measured response from tests and the calculated response, which is a function of the modal parameters. The analytical transfer functions provide a substructuring process to identify modes, as a function of damped natural frequencies and loss factors of a complex structure, and it is insensitive to experimental noise as well as the modal coupling effect. The validation of the proposed method is verified with 10 degrees of freedom mass-spring dashpot model. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by investigating the static and dynamic behaviour of the ACFRP and nACFRP specimens. Results indicate that the inclusion of nanosilica particles increase the stiffness of the ACFRP, although the damping response of the reinforced specimens is moderately improved.
Greenhouse gas emissions of waste management processes and options: A case study
Authors: de la Barrera Belen , Hooda Peter S
Published: May 2016

Increasing concern about climate change is prompting organisations to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions. Waste management activities also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. In the waste management sector, there has been an increasing diversion of waste sent to landfill, with much emphasis on recycling and reuse to prevent emissions. This study evaluates the carbon footprint of the different processes involved in waste management systems, considering the entire waste management stream. Waste management data from the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, London (UK), was used to estimate the carbon footprint for its (Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames) current source segregation system. Second, modelled full and partial co-mingling scenarios were used to estimate carbon emissions from these proposed waste management approaches. The greenhouse gas emissions from the entire waste management system at Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames were 12,347 t CO2e for the source-segregated scenario, and 11,907 t CO2e for the partial co-mingled model. These emissions amount to 203.26 kg CO2e t−1 and 196.02 kg CO2e t−1 municipal solid waste for source-segregated and partial co-mingled, respectively. The change from a source segregation fleet to a partial co-mingling fleet reduced the emissions, at least partly owing to a change in the number and type of vehicles.
Combined heating and chemical treatment for oil recovery from aging crude oil
Authors: Hou Chunjuan , Jiang Qingzhe , Song Zhaozheng , Tan Guorong , Shi Zhan
Published: May 2016

With increasing use of chemical oil displacement agents in tertiary recovery and the application of various demulsifiers for crude oil dehydration, a large amount of aging crude oil containing a high ratio of water is produced, and it is very difficult for processing and utilisation. In this article, we chose aging crude oil samples from a union station in an oilfield in China. Sample composition was analysed to demonstrate that the key of aging crude oil dehydration is the removal of solid impurities. Thus, an efficient method of combining heating and chemical treatments was developed to treat aging crude oil. It includes two steps: The first step is washing of aging crude oil with hot water with sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate; the second step is chemical demulsification of the above mixture with hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride solution. The result showed that 2.9% of solid impurities and 29.2% of water were removed in the first step; 27.2% of oil, 24.3% of water, and 3.47% of solid impurities in the aging crude oil were recycled in the second step. A total 87.07% of aging crude oil could be solved with this method. The present two-step treatment method can ensure that the dehydration process runs normally and efficiently in the union station, making it a promising method in the recycling of aging crude oil.
Investigative Resources and Crime Clearances: A Group-Based Trajectory Approach
Authors: Worrall John L.
Published: May 2016

Past studies of crime clearance rates have largely ignored the role of investigators in the process. This omission is important because criminal investigation is essential to clearing crimes, particularly those in which offenders are not readily identifiable. Using data from 570 law enforcement agencies spanning a 13-year period from 2000 to 2012, this study developed group-based trajectories of violent and property crime clearance rates (an approach not taken in previous clearance rate research), then modeled group membership with two measures of investigative spending and one of the proportion of investigators in sampled agencies (“investigative resources”), while controlling for factors such as workload and crime type. Results from a series of multinomial regression models suggest investigative resources play only a marginal role in crime clearance trajectories. This finding is consistent with early detective research, including the classic RAND criminal investigative process study.
The Limitations of Government Databases for Analyzing Fatal Officer-Involved Shootings in the United States
Authors: Williams Howard E. , Bowman Scott W. , Jung Jordan Taylor
Published: May 2016

Federal government databases recording officer-involved shooting fatalities are incomplete and unreliable. Voluntary reporting to the Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR), the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), and the Arrest-Related Death Program (ARDP) are subject to underreporting and classification errors. The same shortcomings apply to statewide reporting in California and Texas, the only states with mandatory reporting requirements. Content analysis of open source records identified officer-involved shooting fatalities that occurred in the United States from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2015. Those data were compared with data from the government databases. Analysis revealed 7,869 officer-involved shooting fatalities, an average increase of 51.8 incidents per year. Fatalities increased from 594 in 2006 to 1,007 in 2015—an increase of 69.5% in 10 years. Government data sources reported a low of 46.0% of incidents to a high of 75.3%, depending on the reporting year. Open source research reveals 30% to 45% more cases than official federal or state databases and can reveal much more data about other critical questions. The history of federal program efforts suggests it is unlikely that government recording of data on officer-involved shooting fatalities will improve. Government reporting programs have produced decreasingly effective results. Current web-based data collection efforts suffer from many of the same limitations exhibited in the federal programs. One promising option for improved data collection includes funding an independent party, such as a university, to collect data from open sources and supplement that data with public records requests and the currently collected official government data.
Deformation behaviour and microstructures of semi-solid A356.2 alloy prepared by radial forging process during high solid fraction compression
Authors: Zhang Chenyang , Zhao Shengdun , Yan Guanhai , Wang Yongfei
Published: May 2016

Radial forging was introduced to the strain-induced step in the strain-induced melt activation process to prepare high-quality semi-solid A356.2 billet for the high solid fraction compression. Then, the deformation behaviour and microstructures at different compression velocities, temperatures and deformation zones were investigated. The results showed that radial forging can induce enough strain at 60% reduction of area to prepare ideal semi-solid microstructure. The microstructure had no obvious improvement at 75% reduction of area because the distortion energy may be saturated at 60%. During compression tests, the flow stress was sensitive to compression velocity ( Vc) but was insensitive to holding temperature ( Th), and it obeyed the power law [Formula: see text]. The average strain rate sensitivity was 0.2757, and the average apparent activation energy was 254.5 kJ/mol. The compression sample can be divided into hard deformation zone, transition deformation zone, severe deformation zone and free deformation zone. Different zones had different predominant deformation mechanisms which not only affected the morphology of the grains but also codetermined the flow stress. With increasing Vc and Th, the average particle size was increased from hard deformation zone, reached the maximum at severe deformation zone and then decreased at free deformation zone, while the opposite was the case for shape factor. At each deformation zone, the average particle size was increased while the shape factor was decreased with the increasing Vc because higher Vc caused more grains to merge into larger and more irregular grains, while the opposite was the case for the increasing Th because higher Th generated more liquid which helped to isolate the contacted particles and improve their spheroidization degree.
Size synthesis method for disc cam mechanisms with a negative radius translating roller follower
Authors: Yong Chang , Qiu-ping Wu , Yan-ping Li
Published: May 2016

This work considers a disc cam mechanism with an upright installed negative radius translating roller follower. Accurate descriptions, as well as the basic concept and steps, are given for the shape, basic/overall size, and size synthesis of the new mechanism. A size coordinate system O −  r0 R and size domain Ω( r0, R) are established, which are given discrete-meshing (grid) treatment. In addition, four constraints are proposed for the calculation formula. The traversal technique is used to achieve visual mapping under single/merged constraints, which gives the corresponding boundary and solution domain. Then, a combination of multiobjective planning and visual mapping reveals important principles such as the non-inferior region [Formula: see text], ridge point [Formula: see text]/ridge line ∂ [Formula: see text], and bottom ridge point P**/double optimal point [Formula: see text], as well as the existence of the global optimal solution. We have therefore obtained instructive and important conclusions for the size synthesis of the new mechanism.
Effects of variable viscosity and periodic boundary conditions on natural convection double-diffusive flow past a vertical plate in a slip flow regime
Authors: Ojeagbase Princely O , Ajibade Abiodun O
Published: May 2016

This paper studies the effects of variable viscosity and periodic boundary conditions on natural convection double-diffusive flow past a vertical plate in a slip flow regime when suction velocity oscillates in time about a constant mean. The fluid viscosity is assumed to vary with temperature. The problem is governed by a nonlinear and coupled linear system of partial differential equations. Perturbation method is employed to solve the equations. The influence of flow parameters on fluid temperature, concentration and velocity, skin friction, and rate of heat transfer have been presented graphically. It is observed that increase in viscosity parameter for the binary mixture of carbon dioxide ( Sc = 0.94) in air ( Pr = 0.71) increase velocity near the plate. In addition, the mean skin friction increases with increase in viscosity parameter.
Flow characteristics prediction in pump mode of a pump turbine using large eddy simulation
Authors: Li De-You , Han Lei , Wang Hong-Jie , Gong Ru-Zhi , Wei Xian-Zhu , Qin Da-Qing
Published: May 2016

To obtain more accurate flow characteristics of pump turbines, the method of large eddy simulation with wall-adapting local eddy viscosity model is applied in simulating several operating points in the pump mode. Firstly, based on the experimental validation, the method of large eddy simulation could better predict the external performance and internal flow characteristics in a pump turbine in the pump mode compared with the method of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes with two-equation turbulence model shear stress transport k–ω. Then, flow characteristics under 1.00 QBEP (best efficiency point), 0.91 QBEP, 0.88 QBEP, and 0.85 QBEP operating points are investigated to find out the causes of the head drop in the energy-discharge curve through large eddy simulation. The detailed analysis reveals that the head drop at the point 0.85 QBEP is related to the recirculation flow at the runner inlet. Finally, unsteady studies confirm that vortex movement at the runner inlet lead to the variation of the amplitudes and directions of the velocity, which generates the rotation of the separation vortices in the runner and stay vane channels.
Parametric study and multicharacteristic optimization of rotary turning process assisted by longitudinal ultrasonic vibration
Authors: Amini Saeid , Teimouri Reza
Published: May 2016

Turning with rotary tool is a newly developed alternative of the conventional turning process in which cutting edge of a round insert rotates about its axis, so that a continuously indexed cutting edge is fed into the cutting zone. In the present study, a longitudinal high-frequency vibration was superimposed to the rotary tool to analyze the cutting force and surface roughness of AA7075 during orthogonal cutting. However, due to contribution of wide ranges of factors in the vibratory-rotary turning process, the selection of optimal parameter setting is a challenge that is faced with this process. In the present work, an attempt was made to simultaneously minimize machining force ( Fz) and surface roughness ( Ra) through selection of the optimal setting of cutting velocity, feed rate, tool rotary speed in rotary turning, and vibratory-rotary turning operations. Here, grey relational analysis was used to find the optimal parameter setting in rotary turning and vibratory-rotary turning processes, separately. Then the obtained solutions were compared. Results indicated that applying axial vibration to the rotary tool turning significantly reduced both surface roughness and cutting force. From the optimization by the grey relational analysis method, it was obtained that for both rotary turning and vibratory-rotary turning operations, setting of 4 m/min cutting velocity, 220 r/min tool rotary speed, 0.08 mm/rev feed rate, and 0.3 mm depth of cut are the most-optimal solutions that causes minimum Fz and Ra, simultaneously. Also, the vibratory-rotary turning process had higher values of grey relational grade than the rotary turning process that implies outperformance of the vibratory-rotary turning with respect to the rotary turning process. The obtained results were then verified, compared, and discussed based on the mechanics of turning process.
Rectal chlamydia – should screening be recommended in women?
Authors: Andersson Nirina , Boman Jens , Nylander Elisabet
Published: May 2016

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Europe and has large impacts on patients’ physical and emotional health. Unidentified asymptomatic rectal Chlamydia trachomatis could be a partial explanation for the high Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence. In this study, we evaluated rectal Chlamydia trachomatis testing in relation to symptoms and sexual habits in women and men who have sex with men. Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence was 9.1% in women and 0.9% in men who have sex with men. None of the patients reported any rectal symptoms; 59.0% of the women with a rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection denied anal intercourse and 18.8% did not have a urogenital infection; 9.4% did neither have a urogenital infection nor reported anal sex. We suggest that rectal sampling should be considered in women visiting sexually transmitted infection clinics regardless of rectal symptoms and irrespective of anal intercourse, since our data suggest that several cases of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis otherwise would be missed, thus enabling further disease transmission.
Report on the second International Consensus on ANA Pattern (ICAP) workshop in Dresden 2015
Authors: Chan E K L , Damoiseaux J , de Melo Cruvinel W , Carballo O G , Conrad K , Francescantonio P L C , Fritzler M J , Garcia-De La Torre I , Herold M , Mimori T , Satoh M , von Mühlen C A , Andrade L E C
Published: June 2016

The second meeting for the International Consensus on Antinuclear antibody (ANA) Pattern (ICAP) was held on 22 September 2015, one day prior to the opening of the 12th Dresden Symposium on Autoantibodies in Dresden, Germany. The ultimate goal of ICAP is to promote harmonization and understanding of autoantibody nomenclature, and thereby optimizing ANA usage in patient care. The newly developed ICAP website www.ANApatterns.org was introduced to the more than 50 participants. This was followed by several presentations and discussions focusing on key issues including the two-tier classification of ANA patterns into competent-level versus expert-level, the consideration of how to report composite versus mixed ANA patterns, and the necessity for developing a consensus on how ANA results should be reported. The need to establish on-line training modules to help users gain competency in identifying ANA patterns was discussed as a future addition to the website. To advance the ICAP goal of promoting wider international participation, it was agreed that there should be a consolidated plan to translate consensus documents into other languages by recruiting help from members of the respective communities.
Autoantibodies, complement and type I interferon as biomarkers for personalized medicine in SLE
Authors: Biesen R , Rose T , Hoyer B F , Alexander T , Hiepe F
Published: June 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be a mysterious disease, presenting with extremely divergent clinical phenotypes. Already, biomarkers are very helpful tools for diagnosis, assessment and monitoring of disease activity, differential diagnosis of clinical manifestations, prediction of the disease course and stratified therapy, and they hold the key to personalized medicine in SLE. We summarize the clinical information that can only be supplied by autoantibodies, complement components and interferon biomarkers in this diverse disease.
Toward new criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus—a standpoint
Authors: Aringer M , Dörner T , Leuchten N , Johnson S R
Published: June 2016

While clearly different in their aims and means, classification and diagnosis both try to accurately label the disease patients are suffering from. For systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), this is complicated by the multi-organ nature of the disease and by our incomplete understanding of its pathophysiology. Hallmarks of SLE are the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and multiple immune-mediated organ symptoms that are largely independent. In an attempt to overcome limitations of the current sets of SLE classification criteria, a new four-phase approach is being developed, which is jointly supported by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). This review attempts to delineate the performance of the current sets of criteria, the reasons for the decision for classification, and not diagnostic, criteria, and to provide a background of the current approach taken.
The caregiver burden in lupus: findings from UNVEIL, a national online lupus survey in the United States
Authors: Al Sawah S , Daly R P , Foster S A , Naegeli A N , Benjamin K , Doll H , Bond G , Moshkovich O , Alarcón G S
Published: May 2016

Objectives: Lupus imposes a substantial burden on patients; however, little is known about its impact on those caring for patients with the disease. In this study, we examined the impact ‘caring for patients with lupus’ has on caregivers from their own perspective. Methods: UNVEIL was a one-time online national cross-sectional survey developed in partnership with the Lupus Foundation of America and fielded targeting the US Lupus Foundation of America constituents in 2014. Eligible caregivers were adults who self-identified as unpaid caregivers of patients with lupus. Eligible caregivers had to complete a series of sociodemographic questions as well as a series of well established outcome measures, such as the Short Form 12v2 Health Survey, the Work Productivity and Activity Index, the Caregiver Burden Inventory, and the Perceived Benefits of Caregiving Scale. Results: A total of 253 caregivers completed the survey. The majority of caregivers (90.1%) were aged 60 years or younger, more than half (54.2%) were men, and more than half (59.7%) identified themselves as either a spouse or a partner to the patient with lupus they were caring for. Overall health-related quality of life was close to the norm mean of the general US population. Caregivers who were employed missed an average of 12.8% of paid work time due to caregiving responsibilities and reported a 33.5% reduction in on-the-job effectiveness. Nearly half of the caregivers surveyed (49.4%) indicated that their caregiving responsibilities impacted their ability to socialize with friends, and almost all caregivers (97.6%) reported experiencing increased anxiety and stress in relation to their caregiving role. Conclusions: Caregiving for patients with lupus has a substantial impact on the work productivity and the social and emotional functioning of caregivers. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should continually assess the impact of healthcare decisions on the well-being of those caring for patients with lupus.
Ethnic differences in the epidemiology of cutaneous lupus erythematosus in New Zealand
Authors: Jarrett P , Thornley S , Scragg R
Published: May 2016

Background

The prevalence and variation by ethnicity of cutaneous lupus in New Zealand is not known. Therefore, a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and variation by ethnicity of cutaneous lupus in the ethnically diverse community of South Auckland, New Zealand, was undertaken.

Methods

Multiple sources were examined to determine the prevalence of acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous erythematosus and discoid lupus erythematosus. Ethnicities examined were European, Māori/Pacific and Indian/Asian. Capture–recapture was used to determine the overall population prevalence of cutaneous lupus.

Results

A total of 145 cases of cutaneous lupus were identified. There were 22 men and 123 women, with an average age (standard deviation), respectively, of 46.4 (±21.5) and 43.1 (±14.8) years. There were 53 cases of acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, 19 cases of subacute cutaneous erythematosus and 66 cases of discoid lupus erythematosus. The age and sex adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval; CI) of Māori/Pacific compared to the European population was 2.47 (95% CI 1.67–3.67) for all types of cutaneous lupus, 1.60 (95% CI 0.84–3.18) for acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, 0.09 (95% CI 0.01–1.1) for subacute cutaneous erythematosus and 5.96 (95% CI 3.06–11.6) for discoid lupus erythematosus. The overall prevalence of cutaneous lupus was 30.1 (95% CI 25.5–35.4) per 100,000. However, capture–recapture estimated the unadjusted prevalence of cutaneous lupus to be 86.0 (95% CI 78.1–94.7) per 100,000.

Conclusion

Māori and Pacific people in Auckland, New Zealand, have a greater relative risk of all types of cutaneous lupus compared to the European population and a particularly high risk of discoid lupus erythematosus.
‘Waiting for chronic’: Time, cannabis and counterculture in Hawai‘i
Authors: Pickering Lucy
Published: May 2016

What does it mean not to wait? It is possible to live in ways which do not entail waiting? Through close examination of time and its articulations among a group of US 1960s-generation ‘hippies’ and younger ‘drop outs’ in a rural backwater of Hawai‘i, I argue in this paper that it is possible to live without waiting. Drawing on Beckett’s Waiting for Godot (1953) and Baba Ram Dass’ countercultural invocation to ‘remember, be here now’, I explore unexpected interruptions to anticipated temporal flows. Structured around three vignettes on failing to hitchhike, learning to do ethnographic fieldwork through stopping trying to do ethnographic fieldwork and an unexpected interruption in the supermarket, this paper builds up a picture of non-waiting in action. Located against a backdrop of waiting as temporal interruption and affective mode, I argue that this group sought to collectively disrupt the affective modes of indifference and/or frustration they grew up with in urban mainland America. Through new forms of affective engagement they became able to collectively reframe temporal interruption as existing within rather than without local temporal flows, interruptions ceased to be ruptures to temporal textures but part of their very fabric. Located within temporal flows, they did not force individuals out of a moral community of (time is money) efficient, productive citizens but reframed productivity itself in terms of producing sociality, positive affective experience and communitas. Out of a multitude of moments of not waiting, a temporal texture of American counterculture emerges.