bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty‐Five‐Year Alcohol Consumption Trajectories and Their Association With Arterial Aging: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: O'Neill Darragh , Britton Annie , Brunner Eric J. , Bell Steven
Published: February 2017

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that arterial stiffness, an important marker of cardiovascular health, is associated with alcohol consumption. However, the role of longer‐term consumption patterns in the progression of arterial stiffness over time remains unclear. A longitudinal cohort design was used to evaluate the association between alcohol consumption over 25 years and subsequent changes in arterial stiffness.

Methods and Results

Data (N=3869; 73% male) were drawn from the Whitehall
II
cohort study of British civil servants, in which participants completed repeat pulse wave velocity assessments of arterial stiffness across a 4‐ to 5‐year interval. Repeated alcohol intake measurements were used to categorize participants into alcohol consumer types, accounting for longitudinal variability in consumption. Sex‐stratified linear mixed‐effects modeling was used to investigate whether drinker types differed in their relationship to pulse wave velocity and its progression over time. Males with consistent long‐term heavy intake >112 g of ethanol/week had significantly higher baseline pulse wave velocity (b=0.26 m/s;
P
=0.045) than those who drank consistently moderately (1–112 g of ethanol/week). Male former drinkers showed significantly greater increases in arterial stiffness longitudinally compared to consistently moderate drinkers (b=0.11 m/s;
P
=0.009). All associations were nonsignificant for females after adjustment for body mass index, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, diabetes mellitus, high‐density lipoprotein, and triglycerides.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that consistently heavy alcohol consumption is associated with higher cardiovascular risk, especially among males, and also provides new insights into the potential impact of changes in drinking levels over time. It discusses the additional insights possible when capturing longitudinal consumption patterns in lieu of reliance on recent intake alone.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02663791.
Description of Globodera agulhasensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) from South Africa
Authors: Knoetze Rinus , Swart Antoinette , Wentzel Ria , Tiedt Lourens R.
Published: February 2017

A new cyst nematode, herein described asGloboderaagulhasensisn. sp., was found parasitisingSenecioburchelliin the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Second-stage juveniles are characterised by a well developed stylet of 23.5 (22.5-24.8)μm with rounded to anteriorly flattened knobs. The dorsal pharyngeal gland outlet is 4.4 (3.5-6.5)μm posterior to the stylet knobs. The tail is 56 (49-64)μm long and the length of the hyaline region is 25 (19-29)μm. The cysts are characterised by their ovate to spherical shape, short neck, the presence of subcuticular punctations over the entire body and the absence of bullae or vulval bodies. Six to 12 cuticular ridges/lines are present on the outer surface of the cyst between the anus and vulval basin. Granek’s ratio is 1.7 (1.0-3.0), the vulval basin diam. 17.6 (11.7-26.1)μm and the distance between vulval basin and anus is 28.6 (19.1-47.0)μm. Males have a stylet length of 26.1 (24.4-27.7)μm and spicule length of 30.3 (27.2-33.8)μm with a rounded tip. Females have a stylet length of 22.1 (19.0-24.4) μm, a large median bulb almost filling the body diam., and a short vulval slit 4.2 (3.2-6.6)μm long. Phylogenetic relationships ofG. agulhasensisn. sp. with other species of the genus, inferred from ITS-rRNA sequences by using the neighbour-joining (NJ), maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony method (MP), indicate thatG.agulhasensisn. sp. is included in the clade ofGloboderasp. that parasitise non-solanaceous plants, forming a monophyletic group with unidentifiedGloboderaspp. from Portugal,G. millefoliiandG. artemisiae. For diagnostic purposes, three restriction enzymes,Hpy8I,RsaI andXceI were selected as being able to discriminate betweenG. agulhasensisn. sp. and otherGloboderaspp. present in South Africa.
How to Convince Parents to Stop Spanking Their Children
Authors: Hudnut-Beumler Julia , Smith Ashley , Scholer Seth J.
Published: February 2017

English- and Spanish-speaking parents of 1- to 5-year-old children were invited to view 5-10 minutes of parent training program, “Play Nicely,” as part of the well-child checkup. Key measures were parents’ plans to change how they discipline and, if they planned to use less spanking, how the program worked in their situation. Of 197 parents who participated, 128 (65.0%) planned to change how they discipline. Nineteen parents (9.6%) reported that they planned to spank less. The most common reasons for parents to plan to spank less were that the program taught other discipline options (12/19, 63.2%) and that the program taught that spanking was not recommended as a form of discipline (6/19, 31.6%). The majority of parents report that the program works because it offers alternatives to spanking. This study has implications for the development of parent training programs and the primary prevention of child abuse, violence, and other health problems.
Casual employment and long-term wage outcomes
Authors: Mooi-Reci Irma , Wooden Mark
Published: February 2017

Temporary and other forms of non-standard employment are an important feature of modern labour markets. Yet, relatively little is known about how much and under what circumstances such employment arrangements impact on long-term wage outcomes. Using longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey spanning the period 2001 to 2014, we examine how employment status earlier in a working career is associated with subsequent wage dynamics. Particular attention is paid to how wage trajectories vary with gender and age. Estimates from a series of panel data models of real hourly wages reveal that among men there is an average long-run penalty from casual employment of about 10%, suggestive of scarring effects. Nevertheless, for men in most age groups this wage penalty does eventually begin to shrink. Among prime-age men, however, there is no evidence of catch-up; indeed, for this group the wage gap widens over time. Among women the estimated average long-run wage penalty associated with casual employment is both much smaller and less robust. We argue that expectations and norms about ‘ideal careers’ may be an important explanatory factor underlying the larger casual employment wage penalty for men.
Influence of nonlinear material behavior on the effect of inter-fiber cracks in composite laminates
Authors: Taubert Robin , Mandel Ulrich , Hartmann Mathias
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a numerical study evaluating the influence of nonlinear material behavior on the stiffness reduction due to inter-fiber cracks. It is shown that the relation between crack density and damage variables changes as the load level increases. A three-dimensional nonlinear material model is used in a representative volume element study to accurately calculate the local stress distribution around cracks. The studies show that as the load increases the stress recovers to the far-field level within a shorter distance, and consequently the plastic deformation causes a decrease in the crack-induced stiffness reduction. To provide damage variables for a coupled elastoplastic-damage material approach at the homogenized ply level, the results of a systematic representative volume element study are used for interpolation. For verification, the response curves of several laminates influenced by inter-fiber cracks are simulated and compared to experimental results. The presented procedure enables the constitutive laminate response under large deformations to be accurately predicted.
Physical, mechanical, thermal, and dynamic characterization of carbon nanotubes incorporated poly(methyl methacrylate)-based denture implant
Authors: Mirza Eraj Humayun , Khan Aftab Ahmed , El-Sharawy Mohamad Ahmed , Al-Khureif Abdulaziz , Al-Hijji Saleh , Al-Omair Khaled Abdullah , Khalil Khalil Abdelrazek
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was targeted to synthesize and characterize a carbon nanotubes (CNTs) incorporated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based denture polymer. Two experimental denture base polymers were fabricated either by incorporating single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) (SW-group) or multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) (MW-group). In both groups, 0.5 wt% of the CNTs were incorporated into MMA monomer. Using a commercially available heat-cured PMMA (Interacryl Hot, Interdent, Opekarniska, Slovenia), a polymer-to-monomer ratio of 3:1 was used to fabricate the specimens (14 × 14 × 3 mm3 in dimensions) of the control group (without CNTs) (C-group) and the experimental groups (either SWCNT–PMMA or MWCNT–PMMA) ( n = 30, N = 90). Physical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological attributes of the tested materials were assessed. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (SPSS®, Chicago, IL, USA) and results were explored with one-way ANOVA. Incorporation of CNTs changed the surface morphology and topography of the PMMA specimens. No thermal changes were observed among C-, SW-, and MW-groups. Conversely, the hardness, elastic modulus and wear resistance were improved in both SW-group and MW-group. Additionally, the dynamic mechanical analyzer showed improvement in storage modulus in SW-group, affirming the load transfer capability of SW–PMMA composite. The CNT–PMMA composite might favorably be used as a potential denture base polymer.
Ion Transport by Ameloblasts during Amelogenesis
Authors: Bronckers A.L.J.J.
Published: February 2017

Hypomineralization of developing enamel is associated with changes in ameloblast modulation during the maturation stage. Modulation (or pH cycling) involves the cyclic transformation of ruffle-ended (RE) ameloblasts facing slightly acidic enamel into smooth-ended (SE) ameloblasts near pH-neutral enamel. The mechanism of ameloblast modulation is not clear. Failure of ameloblasts of Cftr-null and anion exchanger 2 ( Ae2)–null mice to transport Cl– into enamel acidifies enamel, prevents modulation, and reduces mineralization. It suggests that pH regulation is critical for modulation and for completion of enamel mineralization. This report presents a review of the major types of transmembrane molecules that ameloblasts express to transport calcium to form crystals and bicarbonates to regulate pH. The type of transporter depends on the developmental stage. Modulation is proposed to be driven by the pH of enamel fluid and the compositional and/or physicochemical changes that result from increased acidity, which may turn RE ameloblasts into SE mode. Amelogenins delay outgrowth of crystals and keep the intercrystalline space open for diffusion of mineral ions into complete depth of enamel. Modulation enables stepwise removal of amelogenins from the crystal surface, their degradation, and removal from the enamel. Removal of matrix allows slow expansion of crystals. Modulation also reduces the stress that ameloblasts experience when exposed to high acid levels generated by mineral formation or by increased intracellular Ca2+. By cyclically interrupting Ca2+ transport by RE ameloblasts and their transformation into SE ameloblasts, proton production ceases shortly and enables the ameloblasts to recover. Modulation also improves enamel crystal quality by selectively dissolving immature Ca2+-poor crystals, removing impurities as Mg2+ and carbonates, and recrystallizing into more acid-resistant crystals.
Using proxies to describe the metropolitan freight landscape
Authors: Giuliano Genevieve , Kang Sanggyun , Yuan Quan
Published: February 2017

Metropolitan areas around the world are seeking to better manage freight flows and reduce negative impacts on local populations. A major challenge to better urban freight management is the lack of data; little is known about freight movements at the intra-metropolitan level. We develop the concept of a freight landscape: spatial patterns of freight activity. We hypothesise that the freight landscape can be described using data on population, employment and transport system supply. We test the concept using network model data for the Los Angeles region. We find that our simple proxies have significant explanatory value, and hence may provide an effective means for approximating spatial patterns of freight activity.
Enhancing self-regulated practice behavior in high school instrumentalists
Authors: Mieder Kim , Bugos Jennifer A.
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effects of a self-regulated learning practice strategy curriculum (SRL–PSC) on 30 high school instrumentalists’ performance achievement, self-efficacy, practice behaviors, and self-perceptions of practice behaviors. The curriculum included peer collaboration, verbal mediation, group discussion, and goal-setting. Results of this research revealed that participation in the SRL–PSC enhanced self-efficacy, F(1,19) = 14.86, p = .001, and perceived music practice behaviors such as strategy usage and thoughtful intent, F(1,19) = 4.78, p = .041. Implications from this research suggest that offering students opportunities to employ a self-regulated application of practice strategies may enhance musical independence supporting lifelong learning.
Acute alcohol effects on explicit and implicit motivation to drink alcohol in socially drinking adolescents
Authors: Jünger Elisabeth , Javadi Amir-Homayoun , Wiers Corinde E , Sommer Christian , Garbusow Maria , Bernhardt Nadine , Kuitunen-Paul Sören , Smolka Michael N , Zimmermann Ulrich S
Published: February 2017

Alcohol-related cues can evoke explicit and implicit motivation to drink alcohol. Concerning the links between explicit and implicit motivation, there are mixed findings. Therefore, we investigated both concepts in 51 healthy 18- to 19-year-old males, who are less affected by neuropsychological deficits in decision-making that are attributed to previous alcohol exposure than older participants. In a randomized crossover design, adolescents were infused with either alcohol or placebo. Self-ratings of alcohol desire, thirst, well-being and alcohol effects comprised our explicit measures of motivation. To measure implicit motivation, we used money and drink stimuli in a Pavlovian conditioning (Pc) task and an Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT). Alcohol administration increased explicit motivation to drink alcohol, reduced Pc choices of alcoholic drink-conditioned stimuli, but had no effect on the AAT. This combination of results might be explained by differences between goal-directed and habitual behavior or a temporary reduction in rewarding outcome expectancies. Further, there was no association between our measures of motivation to drink alcohol, indicating that both self-reported motivation to drink and implicit approach tendencies may independently contribute to adolescents’ actual alcohol intake. Correlations between Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores and our measures of motivation to drink alcohol suggest that interventions should target high-risk adolescents after alcohol intake.

Clinical trials: Project 4: Acute Effects of Alcohol on Learning and Habitization in Healthy Young Adults (LeAD_P4); NCT01858818; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01858818
Peripheral immune system suppression in early abstinent alcohol-dependent individuals: Links to stress and cue-related craving
Authors: Fox Helen C , Milivojevic Verica , Angarita Gustavo A , Stowe Raymond , Sinha Rajita
Published: February 2017

Background:

Peripheral immune system cytokines may play an integral role in the underlying sensitized stress response and alcohol craving during early alcohol withdrawal. To date, the nature of these immune changes during early abstinence have not been examined.

Methods:

A total of 39 early abstinent, treatment-seeking, alcohol-dependent individuals and 46 socially drinking controls were exposed to three guided imageries: stress, alcohol cue and neutral. These were presented randomly across consecutive days. Plasma measures of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), were collected at baseline, immediately after imagery and at various recovery time-points. Ratings of alcohol craving, negative mood and anxiety were also obtained at the same time-points.

Results:

The alcohol group demonstrated decreased basal IL-10 compared with controls particularly following exposure to alcohol cue. They also showed a dampened TNFα and TNFR1 response to stress and cue, respectively, and a generalized suppression of IL-6. In the alcohol group, these immune system adaptations occurred alongside significant elevations in anxiety, negative mood and alcohol craving.

Conclusions:

Findings demonstrate that broad immunosuppression is still observed in alcohol-dependent individuals after 3 weeks of abstinence and may be linked to motivation for alcohol.
Depot risperidone-induced adverse metabolic alterations in female rats
Authors: Horska Katerina , Ruda-Kucerova Jana , Karpisek Michal , Suchy Pavel , Opatrilova Radka , Kotolova Hana
Published: February 2017

Atypical antipsychotics are associated with adverse metabolic effects including weight gain, increased adiposity, dyslipidaemia, alterations in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation precedes weight gain development. The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in adipokines, hormones and basic serum biochemical parameters induced by chronic treatment with depot risperidone at two doses (20 and 40 mg/kg) in female Sprague–Dawley rats. Dose-dependent metabolic alterations induced by risperidone after 6 weeks of treatment were revealed. Concomitant to weight gain and increased liver weight, an adverse lipid profile with an elevated triglyceride level was observed in the high exposure group, administered a 40 mg/kg dose repeatedly, while the low dose exposure group, administered a 20 mg/kg dose, developed weight gain without alterations in the lipid profile and adipokine levels. An initial peak in leptin serum level after the higher dose was observed in the absence of weight gain. This finding may indicate that the metabolic alterations observed in this study are not consequent to body weight gain. Taken together, these data may support the primary effects of atypical antipsychotics on peripheral tissues.
N-arachidonoyl-serotonin, a dual FAAH and TRPV1 blocker, inhibits the retrieval of contextual fear memory: Role of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in the dorsal hippocampus
Authors: Gobira Pedro H , Lima Isabel V , Batista Luara A , de Oliveira Antônio C , Resstel Leonardo B , Wotjak Carsten T , Aguiar Daniele C , Moreira Fabricio A
Published: February 2017

Anandamide, an endocannabinoid, inhibits aversive responses by activating the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. At high concentrations, however, anandamide may exert pro-aversive activities mediated by the transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 channel (TRPV1). Accordingly, N-arachidonoyl-serotonin (AA-5-HT), a dual blocker of the anandamide-hydrolysing enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and the TRPV1 channel, induces anxiolytic-like effects. Here we tested the hypothesis that AA-5-HT inhibits the expression of contextual fear conditioning by facilitating CB1 receptor signalling in the dorsal hippocampus of mice. Intraperitoneal injection of AA-5-HT (0.1, 0.3, 1 mg/kg) inhibited the retrieval of contextual fear memory (freezing response). The effect of AA-5-HT (0.3 mg/kg) was prevented by systemic injection of the CB1 receptor antagonist, AM251 (1.0 mg/kg), and mimicked by simultaneous FAAH inhibition (URB597, 0.3 mg/kg) and TRPV1 blockage (SB366791, 1 mg/kg). Injection of AA-5-HT (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 nmol) into the dorsal hippocampus also reduced freezing. Finally, the effect of systemic AA-5-HT (0.3 mg/kg) was prevented by intra-hippocampal injection of AM251 (1 nmol). In conclusion, dual FAAH and TRPV1 blockage inhibits contextual fear memory by facilitating anandamide-induced CB1 receptor activation in the dorsal hippocampus. This approach may lead to new pharmacological treatments for traumatic memories and related psychiatric disorders.
Multi-modal control scheme for rehabilitation robotic exoskeletons
Authors: Li Xiang , Pan Yongping , Chen Gong , Yu Haoyong
Published: February 2017

In the past few decades, a variety of rehabilitation robotic exoskeletons have been developed for patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury, which can assist therapists and potentially improve the functional outcomes. Many robotic exoskeleton systems adopted series elastic actuators, which are known to offer a number of advantages over rigid actuators, such as high force/torque fidelity, low output impedance, intrinsic compliance, and tolerance to shocks. While several control schemes have been proposed for robotic exoskeletons driven by series elastic actuators, existing methods are limited at high level, by assuming a perfect inner control loop. Due to the nonlinearity in robot dynamics, changing interaction forces, etc., the stability of the overall system consisting of both the robot dynamics and the actuator dynamics may not be guaranteed. This paper presents a multi-modal control scheme for rehabilitation robotic exoskeletons. Three control modes are smoothly integrated into the controller, where the robot-assisted mode allows the human to exert voluntary efforts within a desired region, the robot-dominant mode is activated to correct the movement of the human when the robot is outside the region, and the safety-stop mode is to stop the robot whenever the interaction force is too large which may result in injuries. By using the regional position and force feedback, the proposed controller achieves the paradigm of “assist-as-needed” and also guarantees the safety of the human. The development of the proposed controller follows the singular perturbation approach, and the stability of the overall system is rigorously proved by using Tikhonov’s theorem. Experimental results in both upper-limb and lower-limb exoskeleton systems are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Model predictive control of a robotically actuated delivery sheath for beating heart compensation
Authors: Vrooijink Gustaaf J , Denasi Alper , Grandjean Jan G , Misra Sarthak
Published: February 2017

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) during cardiovascular interventions reduces trauma and enables the treatment of high-risk patients who were initially denied surgery. However, restricted access, reduced visibility and control of the instrument at the treatment locations limits the performance and capabilities of such interventions during MIS. Therefore, the demand for technology such as steerable sheaths or catheters that assist the clinician during the procedure is increasing. In this study, we present and evaluate a robotically actuated delivery sheath (RADS) capable of autonomously and accurately compensating for beating heart motions by using a model-predictive control (MPC) strategy. We develop kinematic models and present online ultrasound segmentation of the RADS that are integrated with the MPC strategy. As a case study, we use pre-operative ultrasound images from a patient to extract motion profiles of the aortic heart valve (AHV). This allows the MPC strategy to anticipate for AHV motions. Further, mechanical hysteresis in the steering mechanism is compensated for in order to improve tip positioning accuracy. The novel integrated system is capable of controlling the articulating tip of the RADS to assist the clinician during cardiovascular surgery. Experiments demonstrate that the RADS follows the AHV motion with a mean positioning error of 1.68 mm. The presented modelling, imaging and control framework could be adapted and applied to a range of continuum-style robots and catheters for various cardiovascular interventions.
Narrating palimpsestic spaces
Authors: Marshall David J , Staeheli Lynn A , Smaira Dima , Kastrissianakis Konstantin
Published: February 2017

The term ‘palimpsest’ refers to medieval manuscripts that have been multiply erased and inscribed with the overlapping texts of successive scribes. More recently and amongst academics, the term has become a metaphor for describing the city, including both the physical urban form as well as memories and experiences of everyday urban life. The palimpsest offers a way of thinking not only about urban transformation, where new and repurposed structures exist alongside the old, but also changes in how the city is experienced, or how life stories are written upon and rewrite existing spaces. This paper focuses on the latter. Though the palimpsest metaphor has been used to describe material transformations of the urban, the question that this paper raises is: how can the notion of the palimpsest inform methodological approaches to researching how the city is lived and seen? Collaborative, digital storytelling that combines images, narration, and sound can provide a method that emphasises the polyvocality and multi-temporality that the term palimpsest implies. A palimpsestic approach to digital storytelling, as a visual and narrative method, gestures at places as open to future readings and inscriptions. This is relevant to all cities, but perhaps most obviously in cities where historical narratives, memories of violence, and questions over the future political direction of the country in which the city is located are all highly contested. To illustrate these points, this paper draws upon research conducted with young people in Beirut, Lebanon as part of a wider study about how youth experience citizenship and belonging in divided societies.
Turning houses into homes: Living through urban regeneration in East Manchester
Authors: Lewis Camilla
Published: February 2017

Repeated studies of urban regeneration have focused on the displacement of working class residents, but those who remain living in sites of urban change have received less attention. To attend to this gap, this paper focuses on the lives of long-standing residents in East Manchester, a site of urban regeneration, and examines their views of urban change. Ethnographic research reveals how the demolition and rebuilding of new houses has resulted in a deep sense of uncertainty. Drawing on anthropological theories of materiality, the analysis makes an original contribution to debates about urban regeneration, showing how social and material relations have been reconfigured and arguing that this in turn has created new meanings about the home.
Coexistence of antiphospholipid antibodies and cephalalgia
Authors: Islam Md. Asiful , Alam Fahmida , Gan Siew Hua , Cavestro Cinzia , Wong Kah Keng
Published: February 2017

Background

The occurrence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and headache comorbidity in the presence or absence of underlying autoimmune diseases remains unclear.

Aim

The aim of this review was to summarize the relationship between headache and aPLs based on evidences from cohort studies and case reports, in addition to examining the treatment strategies that resolved headache in aPLs-positive individuals.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted through PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar. A total of 559 articles were screened and the appropriate articles were selected based on quality and level of evidence.

Results

Cohort studies (n = 27) from Europe, North America and Asia demonstrated comorbidity of aPLs and headache in antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and neuropsychiatric SLE patients. Significantly higher association between migraine and aPLs was observed (n = 170/779; p < 0.0001) in individuals without any underlying diseases. Our analysis of shortlisted case reports (n = 17) showed that a higher frequency of anticardiolipin antibodies were present in subjects with different autoimmune disorders (70.6%). Corticosteroids were highly effective in resolving headache in aPLs-positive individuals.

Conclusion

Higher frequency of comorbidity between aPLs and headache was observed in healthy individuals and patient cases. Therefore, experimental studies are warranted to evaluate the aPLs-induced pathogenic mechanism of headache.
Elastic-damage deformation response of fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates with lamina interfaces
Authors: Koloor SSR , Ayatollahi MR , Tamin MN
Published: February 2017

The single-layer and multi-layer finite element models are developed and examined for adequacy in predicting the elastic-damage response of fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates. A new experimental-computational approach featuring a two-tier mesh convergence analysis of the finite element models is developed. A 12-ply carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminate beam specimen with anti-symmetric layups is designed and loaded to induce matrix damage under significant deflection without catastrophic fracture. A constitutive model incorporating Hashin’s equations for damage initiation criteria, along with an energy-based damage propagation law is employed in the finite element simulation. The results shows that the multi-layer finite element model predicts well the load–deflection curve of the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminate, while the single-layer model overestimates the elastic flexural stiffness of the specimen by 47 %. During the flexural deformation, matrix damage initiates in the central and edge regions of the critical laminas under compressive and tensile stresses, respectively. The multi-layer finite element model also predicted the matrix-induced interface delamination along the edges of the critical laminas under tension, as observed experimentally. The model demonstrates the adequacy in representing the role of lamina interface in dictating the elastic-damage response of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates manufactured by prepreg layups method.
Separated Women’s Risk for Intimate Partner Violence: A Multiyear Analysis Using the National Crime Victimization Survey
Authors: Rezey Maribeth L.
Published: February 2017

The current study assesses the relative influence of various individual-level characteristics on the probability of intimate partner violence (IPV) for separated and nonseparated women. While previous studies have found that separated women do in fact have a higher risk for IPV than nonseparated women, these largely bivariate examinations of marital status and risk for IPV have often not considered the effect other characteristics may have on risk estimates. The current study uses the 1995-2010 National Crime Victimization Surveys to examine how separated women’s risk for IPV compares with nonseparated women’s risk for IPV over time, and if separated, women’s risk for IPV is a function of either being separated or possessing characteristics known to be correlated with risk. A key strength of this study is its ability to account for the confounding effects of change in separation status and IPV. Results show that separated women were more likely than nonseparated women to be victims of IPV in most years from 1995 to 2010, and after controlling for the effects of individual-level characteristics, their risk did not change. Age was the only significant predictor of women’s risk for IPV, net of other factors, but had no effect on separated women’s risk for IPV. These results suggest that the status of being separated has the strongest effect on women’s risk for IPV. The importance of understanding how the separation period makes women more likely to be victims of IPV is discussed.
Exploring Violence Socialization and Approval of Intimate Partner Violence Among University Students in Kosovo
Authors: Kelmendi Kaltrina , Baumgartner František
Published: February 2017

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among university students is a prevalent problem in many countries; however, it is not currently recognized in Kosovo as a social issue in terms of research, prevention, and intervention. The aim of this article was to examine the relationship between violence socialization experiences, approval of violence, and IPV perpetration/victimization among university students in Kosovo. The questionnaires were administrated to a convenience sample of 700 students of University of Prishtina who were in relationship for 1 month or longer. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS-2) was used for measuring physical, psychological, and sexual violence, whereas for measuring violence socialization and violence approval, scales from Personal and Relationships Profile (PRP) were used. Findings from this study show that there were statistically significant gender differences in terms of socialization and approval of violence among university students. Similarly, perpetrators and victims of IPV (physical, psychological, and sexual violence) showed higher rates of socialization of violence and tolerance toward IPV. Besides, findings indicate that approval of violence mediates the relationship between socialization of violence and IPV perpetration and victimization, for both genders. The implications of the current findings within a cultural context are also discussed.
Childhood Victimization and Physical Health in Women: The Mediating Role of Adult Attachment
Authors: Rosen Lianne , Runtz Marsha , Eadie Erin M. , Mirotchnick Carolyn
Published: February 2017

Research has shown that female survivors of childhood abuse (CA) are more likely than nonabused women to experience long-term physical health concerns. Adult attachment may influence this relationship given that attachment insecurity has been linked to poorer physical health and postulated mechanisms of action are similar. This study used structural equation modeling to investigate whether adult attachment insecurity mediates the relationship between four types of CA and self-reported physical health in 538 undergraduate women. CA prevalence rates ranged from 11.7% (sexual abuse) to 34.9% (psychological abuse). In separate structural equation models, direct pathways were significant between CA and adult attachment insecurity, CA and adult physical health, and adult attachment insecurity and adult physical health. Adult attachment insecurity was found to partially mediate health outcomes in CA survivors, S–B χ2 = 116.60 (58), p < .001; comparative fit index = .95; Tucker–Lewis index = .94; root mean square error of approximation = .05; and confidence interval = [.03, .06]. Physical health is a significant concern for survivors of CA, and these results suggest improving attachment security may represent an important avenue of intervention.
Resilience in the Disabling Effect of Gait Speed Among Older Turkish and Moroccan Immigrants and Native Dutch
Authors: Klokgieters Silvia S. , van Tilburg Theo G. , Deeg Dorly J. H. , Huisman Martijn
Published: February 2017

Objective: To investigate the factors that inhibit the disabling effect of impairments among citizens who have migrated from Turkey and Morocco and native Dutch according to a resilience perspective. Method: Using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam with 928 native Dutch, 255 Turks, and 199 Moroccans aged 55 to 65, linear regression analysis assessed whether country of origin, mastery, income, and contact frequency modified the relationship between gait speed and activity limitations. Results: Turks, but not Moroccans, demonstrated stronger associations between gait speed and activity limitations than the Dutch. Mastery modified the association among the Dutch and the Turks. Income modified the association only among the Dutch. Effect modification by contact frequency was not observed. Discussion: Moroccans and Dutch appeared to be more resilient against impairments than Turks. As none of the resilience factors buffered in all three populations, we conclude that resilience mechanisms are not universal across populations.
Gas permeation properties of polymer membranes containing ethylene glycol monomers
Authors: Luo Jujie , He Xiaoqi , Si Ziqin
Published: February 2017

Copolymers based on glassy and rubbery units have been developed to take advantage of both domains to enhance solubility and diffusivity. In this study, a series of gas separation membranes from poly(ether sulfone)s containing ethylene glycol were synthesized via nucleophilic substitution polycondensation. The structures of copolymers were confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The permeability and selectivity of the membranes were studied at different temperatures of 25–55°C and pressures of 0.5–1.5 atm using single gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2). Gas permeation measurements showed that copolymers with different content of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) exhibited different separation performances. For example, the membrane from polysulfone–PEG-20 containing 20 wt% PEG showed a better performance in terms of ideal selectivity over the other three copolymers membranes. The highest ideal CO2/N2 selectivity was 66.8 with CO2 permeability of 6.4 barrer at 1.5 atm and 25°C.
Investigation of the pulsation-reduction characteristics of an expansion chamber attenuator in a hydraulic system
Authors: Zhu Jiabin , Zhou Hua , Yang Huayong
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the expansion chamber attenuator utilized in marine hydraulic systems to determine the pulsation-reduction characteristics in hydraulic deck machinery applications. First, the background is briefly introduced. Next, the advantages and disadvantages of investigation methods borrowed from the aerodynamic field are discussed with regard to hydraulic use. Insertion loss is eventually selected to evaluate the performance of the attenuator. Finally, attenuator prototypes and a test rig that simulates an actual marine hydraulic system in a vessel are manufactured, and the experimental conditions are introduced in detail to calculate and measure the insertion loss. As indicated by the investigation conclusion, mathematic computation generally fits the test results. A better choice of length–diameter ratio ranges and other characteristics are discussed. This paper provides theoretical and experimental evidence regarding design expansion chamber attenuator use in hydraulic systems.
Estimating Parallel Processing in a Language Task Using Single-Trial Intracerebral Electroencephalography
Authors: Dubarry A.-Sophie , Llorens Anais , Trébuchon Agnès , Carron Romain , Liégeois-Chauvel Catherine , Bénar Christian-G. , Alario F.-Xavier
Published: February 2017

We provide a quantitative assessment of the parallel-processing hypothesis included in various language-processing models. First, we highlight the importance of reasoning about cognitive processing at the level of single trials rather than using averages. Then, we report the results of an experiment in which the hypothesis was tested at an unprecedented level of granularity with intracerebral data recorded during a picture-naming task. We extracted patterns of significant high-gamma activity from multiple patients and combined them into a single analysis framework that identified consistent patterns. Average signals from different brain regions, presumably indexing distinct cognitive processes, revealed a large degree of concurrent activity. In comparison, at the level of single trials, the temporal overlap of detected significant activity was unexpectedly low, with the exception of activity in sensory cortices. Our novel methodology reveals some limits on the degree to which word production involves parallel processing.
The Neural Basis of Independence Versus Interdependence Orientations: A Voxel-Based Morphometric Analysis of Brain Volume
Authors: Wang Fei , Peng Kaiping , Chechlacz Magdalena , Humphreys Glyn W. , Sui Jie
Published: February 2017

Sociocultural research has established independence and interdependence as two fundamental ways of thinking about oneself and the social world. Recent neuroscience studies further demonstrate that these orientations modulate brain activity in various self- and socially related tasks. In the current study, we explored whether the traits of independence and interdependence are reflected in anatomical variations in brain structure. We carried out structural brain imaging on a large sample of healthy participants ( n = 265) who also completed self-report questionnaires of cultural orientations. Voxel-based morphometry analysis demonstrated that a relative focus of independence (vs. interdependence) was associated with increased gray-matter volume in a number of self-related regions, including ventromedial prefrontal cortex, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and right rostrolateral prefrontal cortex. These results provide novel insights into the biological basis of sociocultural orientations.
Liminal transitions in a semiotic key: The mutual in-feeding between present and past
Authors: Salvatore Sergio , Venuleo Claudia
Published: February 2017

This article proposes a reading of liminal transitions in semiotic terms; that is, as a byproduct of the dynamics of sensemaking consisting of how two components of meaning interact: the observable side of meaning ( Significance in Praesentia)—the rupture directly experienced by the interpreter—and a further generalized meaning—the semiotic scenario ( Significance in Absentia), which makes the lived experience interpretable. Due to its pre-semantic and affective nature, in the liminal hotspot the semiotic scenario keeps a certain version of the self alive, regardless of the changes occurring in the real world. The conditions that favor such dynamics are briefly outlined as well as some implications for theory, methodology, and intervention.
Occupational exposure to photocopiers and their toners cause genotoxicity
Authors: Kasi V , Elango N , Ananth S , Vembhu B , Poornima JG
Published: February 2017

Photocopier machines are inevitable office equipment, but they are also sources of air pollution. Millions of people across the world are involved in the operation and maintenance of photocopiers. We aimed to evaluate the potential genotoxic effects of exposure to photocopiers in photocopier operators and maintenance personnel by Comet assay. This study involved 50 photocopier operators, 61 maintenance personnel and 52 controls. Both the photocopier exposed groups exhibited significantly increased DNA damage when compared to controls. Cumulative exposure to photocopiers was the most significant contributor for genotoxicity ( p < 0.001). Genotoxicity among photocopier maintenance personnel may be due to the presence of carbon black, iron, silicon, magnetite and the high levels of other elements in the photocopier toners. Genotoxicity among photocopier operators might be due to exposure to high levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds emitted by photocopiers during operation. Research is essential to improve toner manufacturing processes and chemical composition of toners to reduce genotoxicity. Clean technologies are the need of the day to cut down on particulate matter and volatile organic compound emissions from photocopiers.
Modelling the Outcomes of International Crises Using Confrontation Analysis
Authors: Curry John , Ruggiero Dana , Sabin Phil , Young Michael
Published: February 2017

Aim. To explore the professional application of Professor Nigel Howard’s 1998 Confrontation Analysis method of modelling political conflicts.

Case Study. The Confrontation Analysis methodology was applied to the design of a political-military (pol-mil) game held at the UK’s Defence Academy in 2011 to examine the future course of the then current Libyan Civil War.

Methodology. Confrontation Analysis provides a structured schema to help identify the parties involved in a dispute, highlight the differences in their narratives, find the subsequent dilemmas and attempt to resolve them to move the situation on. This helps provide rigour to analysis, negotiation and decision making as it clearly documents initial policy positions and subsequent changes through the use of cards which summarise each stakeholder’s position at each stage.

Value. The methodology, used in conjunction with role-play and multi-player teams, was found to have some utility, not in forecasting detailed outcomes, but in highlighting key aspects of the potential development of the situation. This research concluded that Confrontation Analysis can make a significant contribution to understanding and analyzing international crises as well as assisting in formulating successful national policy. Confrontation Analysis can be also be an invaluable part of a learning process for analysts and key decision makers facing real crises.
Ethical Challenges in Community-Based Participatory Research: A Scoping Review
Authors: Wilson Elena , Kenny Amanda , Dickson-Swift Virginia
Published: February 2017

Ethical challenges in community-based participatory research (CBPR) are of increasing interest to researchers; however, it is not known how widespread these challenges are or how extensively the topic has been explored. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review method, studies on ethical challenges in CBPR were mapped. Findings indicate that researchers continue to raise questions about ethics associated with CBPR. Our purpose in this article is to present a thematic summary of international ethical challenges as a guide for researchers interested in community participatory approaches and to better prepare them for qualitative health research with communities.
Analyzing Climate Change Communication Through Online Games
Authors: Ouariachi Tania , Olvera-Lobo María Dolores , Gutiérrez-Pérez José
Published: February 2017

In search of innovative approaches capable of connecting climate change issues with teenagers, scholars and practitioners have become interested in harnessing the potential of gaming for advancing climate change communication. This article aims to propose a set of criteria, validated by experts through the Delphi method, by which to analyze communicative features of online climate change games. The use of the criteria is illustrated with an evaluation of a sample of Spanish games to which we apply qualitative content analysis, narratology, and ludology techniques. Our findings reveal some positive communicative trends in terms of narratives, contents, and gameplay.
A Role for Nature-Based Citizen Science in Promoting Individual and Collective Climate Change Action? A Systematic Review of Learning Outcomes
Authors: Groulx Mark , Brisbois Marie Claire , Lemieux Christopher J. , Winegardner Amanda , Fishback LeeAnn
Published: February 2017

As a model of communication and engagement, citizen science has the potential to promote individual and collective climate change action. This article systematically reviewed literature that jointly addressed climate change and nature-based citizen science and identified 23 reported learning outcomes. Overall, evidence related to learning outcomes was limited across reviewed studies, but documentation of outcomes that are directly relevant to collective climate action was particularly scarce. Findings suggest more research examining citizen science from a collective climate action perspective is needed. To support future research efforts, results link the 23 revealed learning outcomes to two potential evaluation frameworks.
Four Principles to Guide Interactions
Authors: Merson Martha
Published: February 2017

Statistics for Action project partners developed resources to bridge the divide between environmental professionals and residents affected by environmental contamination. Miscommunication is frustrating and frequent. Four principles that guided one STEM educator are illustrated with examples from work with residents of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. These principles may be useful to others intending to increase understanding among community group members and environmental regulators or professionals. The principles are especially relevant when tensions due to racial differences, priorities for next steps, or power imbalances due to funding streams threaten to derail communication.