bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing a Personal Narrative for Persuading People to Value and Use Comparative Physician Quality of Care Information: An Experimental Study
Authors: Greene Jessica , Hibbard Judith H. , Sacks Rebecca M.
Published: September 2017

Objective: This study tests whether a personal narrative can persuade people to value comparative data on physician quality. Method: We conducted an online experiment with 850 adults. One group viewed a cartoon narrative on physician quality variation, another saw text on physician quality variation, and there was a control group. Study participants hypothetically selected a physician from a display of four physicians. The top-quality physician was furthest away and most expensive. We conducted multivariate models examining the relationship between experimental group and choice of the top-quality physician. Results: There was no overall relationship between narrative or text information and choice of the highest quality physician. Among higher numerate participants, however, those who viewed the narrative had odds 2.7 times higher of selecting the top-quality physician compared with the control group. Discussion: Personal narratives can persuade higher numerate people to consider quality when selecting physicians.
An Investigation of the Factors Related to Low Parent–Adolescent Attachment Security in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chen-Jung , Sung Huei-Chuan , Chen Yi-Chang , Wang Chih-Hung
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND: Adolescence may involve increases in many behavioral problems and psychosocial maladaptation. Adolescents must successfully cope with these challenges to achieve positive developmental milestones. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether low parental attachment security among adolescents in Taiwan is associated with their demographic characteristics, psychosocial maladaptation, and depression. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. A total of 335 adolescents completed the questionnaires. The Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, the Chinese version of the Youth Self-Report, and the Beck Depression Inventory–II were used to survey the participants. Correlation and multiple linear regressions, using low attachment security as the response variable, were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of Taiwanese adolescents with low parental attachment security was 38.5%. Low parental attachment security in adolescents was significantly associated with parental remarriage status and psychosocial maladaptation. CONCLUSIONS: By considering these risk factors, nursing educators and nurses could develop effective interventions to strengthen parent–adolescent attachment security.
Characteristics of Female Solo and Female Co-Offenders and Male Solo Sexual Offenders Against Children
Authors: Williams Rebecca , Gillespie Steven M. , Elliott Ian A. , Eldridge Hilary J.
Published: September 2017

Studies have highlighted differences in the victim choice, offender, and offense characteristics of female and male sexual offenders. However, little is known about how solo and co-offending females differ from solo male sexual offenders. We compared the characteristics of 20 solo and 20 co-offending females (co-offended with a male and/or female accomplice), and 40 male sexual offenders against children. We found that solo female offenders showed the most evidence of personal problems, including depression and sexual dissatisfaction. Compared with male offenders, female co-offenders showed poorer self-management, but better sexual self-regulation. Male offenders had a greater history of offending and showed more evidence of sexual abuse supportive cognitions relative to both solo and co-offending females. These results are consistent with the need for a gender-specific approach to working with sexual offenders and may have implications for understanding the often complex treatment needs of these clients.
Investigation on the fatigue life characteristic of kenaf/glass woven-ply reinforced metal sandwich materials
Authors: Feng Ng Lin , DharMalingam Sivakumar , Zakaria Kamarul Ariffin , Selamat Mohd Zulkefli
Published: September 2017

Fatigue life characteristic of hybrid composite reinforced metal laminate is a notable investigation since this kind of material offers several superior characteristics over conventional metallic alloy. A majority of the researches have focused on the mechanical properties of hybrid composite and conventional fibre metal laminate such as glass reinforced aluminium epoxy and aramid fibre reinforced aluminium laminate. However, investigation on the fatigue life behaviour of hybrid composite reinforced metal laminate still remains unexplored. In this study, the fatigue life characteristic of hybrid kenaf/glass reinforced metal laminate with different fibre configurations, orientation and stress ratio was presented. Fibre metal laminate was manufactured through hot press moulding compression method using annealed aluminium 5052 as the skin layers and the composite laminate as the core constituent. Tensile test was conducted at a quasi-static rate in accordance with ASTM E8 while tension–tension fatigue test was conducted at force controlled constant amplitude according to ASTM E466. Experimental results revealed that fibre metal laminate with 0°/90° fibre orientation exhibited better tensile and fatigue properties compared to fibre metal laminate with ±45° fibre orientation regardless of the woven-ply fibre configurations. Besides that, it was identified that higher stress ratio improves the fatigue life cycle of the fibre metal laminate structures.
Engaging with The Bridge: Cultural citizenship, cross-border identities and audiences as ‘regionauts’
Authors: Askanius Tina
Published: September 2017

This article explores civic engagement with the Danish/Swedish crime series The Bridge (Danmarks Radio/Sveriges Television 2011–) based on qualitative interviews with 113 audience members, and drawing on the notion of cultural citizenship. The perspective of cultural citizenship, as understood and operationalized mainly by Hermes, is married with critical perspectives on the crime drama genre and its audiences, along with cultural analysis of the construction of and engagement with the cross-border region in which the drama is set. The analysis shows that civic engagement with the crime series is prompted through the construction of community and allegiances through which audiences feel connected. This argument unfolds in three main analytical sections, detailing how audiences’ articulations of community are focused around distinct yet overlapping dimensions of community as (1) a national social ritual, (2) a sense of Nordic community, and finally (3) community as regional identity and sense of belonging to a borderless Öresund utopia – the integrated region between Denmark and Sweden. In so doing, the article offers rich insights into how audiences shape civic identities as members of nation states, of historical and cultural regions and as border-crossers between these geo-cultural entities - in dialogue with popular culture and around the boundary-work of the different communities offered by such texts.
Shifting the Culture Around Public Health Advocacy: Training Future Public Health Professionals to Be Effective Agents of Change
Authors: Blenner Sarah R. , Lang Cathy M. , Prelip Michael L.
Published: September 2017

There is a critical need to build the capacity of our current and future public health workforce and the communities we serve to engage in public health advocacy. Advocacy should be an integral piece of our intervention strategies and public health discourse. Incorporating public health advocacy into public health training, practice, and research serves as a long-term investment for the public’s health. Advocacy can achieve systemic change by addressing the social determinants of health. We developed an advocacy training program that embeds students in community-based organizations (CBOs) for 9 months, providing students with experiential education through the application of advocacy skills and CBOs with opportunities to expand and broaden their advocacy efforts. We have three priority populations: graduate students, CBOs serving Los Angeles County, and the broader Los Angeles County community, focusing on vulnerable populations. Our multifaceted approach addresses the necessity of public health advocacy among the health professions. Through changing how we train students and how communities and universities collaborate, we can strengthen the public health workforce and build healthier communities.
“Poems in the Entrance Area”: Using Photo-Stories to Promote HIV Medication Adherence
Authors: Teti Michelle , Hayes Deana , Farnan Rose , Shaffer Victoria , Gerkovich Mary
Published: September 2017

Adherence to antiretroviral medication among people living with HIV (PL-HIV) is critical to individual and public health. By some estimates only a quarter of PL-HIV are sufficiently adherent, underscoring a continued need for adherence-promoting strategies. In this analysis we explore the effect of adherence education posters developed via Photovoice. A group of PL-HIV generated images and captions to describe their adherence experiences and used their photo-stories to design 10 posters. We assessed viewers’ ( N = 111) adherence knowledge, self-efficacy, and communication changes quantitatively and qualitatively before and 3 months after poster placement in the clinic. We analyzed quantitative data with an independent groups t test or a Mann–Whitney test, and qualitative interviews via theme analysis. Quantitative findings indicated no significant differences. Qualitative interviewees said that posters enhanced knowledge with nonthreatening, relatable information; self-efficacy by motivating patients to take medicine and disclose HIV to others; and communication by facilitating adherence conversations and creating a visually supportive clinic. Divergent quantitative and qualitative findings can be partially explained by inquiry methods. The posters may be more effective as part of discussions about their content, like those facilitated by qualitative interviews. Additional research regarding the application of Photovoice to health promotion is warranted.
Executive Function Measures for Children: A Scoping Review of Ecological Validity
Authors: Wallisch Anna , Little Lauren M. , Dean Evan , Dunn Winnie
Published: September 2017

Children use executive function (EF) skills within everyday occupations; however, EF poses a difficult and complex construct to measure. Currently, many measures of EF lack applicability to daily life, or ecological validity. The aim of this scoping review was to examine two aspects of ecological validity across measures, assessments, and tasks of EF in children. A scoping review of 355 peer-reviewed articles published between 1996 and 2016 was performed. Searching revealed 43 articles addressing the ecological validity of EF measures for children and 40 measures addressing ecological validity. An increasing number of articles address ecological validity of EF measures. Future research should address the interplay between context and EF performance. In addition, research should begin recognizing the importance of parental involvement in assessments, as well as ways to capture the EF strengths of children.
Unplanned return to operating room after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) is associated with increased risk of hospital readmission
Authors: Aziz Faisal , Ferranti Katelynn , Lehman Erik B
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Hospital readmissions after surgical operations are considered serious events. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) consider surgical readmissions as preventable and hold hospitals responsible for them. Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) has become the first line modality of treatment for suitable patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The purpose of this study is to retrospectively review the factors associated with hospital readmission after EVAR.

Methods

The 2013 EVAR targeted American College of Surgeons (ACS-NSQIP) database and generalized 2013 general and vascular surgery ACS-NSQIP participant use files were used for this study. Patient, diagnosis, and procedure characteristics of patients undergoing EVAR surgery were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for hospital readmission within 30 days after surgery.

Results

A total of 2277 patients (81% males, 19% females) underwent EVAR operations in the year 2013. Indications for operations included: asymptomatic large diameter (79%), symptomatic (5.7%), rupture without hypotension (4.3%), and rupture with hypotension (2.8%). Among these patients, 178 (7.8%) were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after surgery. About 53% of all readmissions were within two weeks after the discharge. Risk factors, associated with readmission included: body mass index (per 5-units, OR 1.23, CI 1.06–1.42, p < 0.05), days from admission to operation (per 1 day, OR 1.26, CI 1.12–1.41, p < 0.05), prior abdominal aortic surgery (OR 1.60, CI 1.10–2.31, p < 0.05), urinary tract infection (OR 5.93, CI 2.09–16.88, p < 0.05), superficial surgical site infection (OR 6.57, CI 2.53–17.09, p < 0.05), unplanned return to the operating room (OR 11.29, CI 6.29–20.28, p < 0.05), myocardial infarction (OR 11.30, CI 4.42–28.89, p < 0.05), deep venous thrombosis (OR 11.52, CI 2.89–45.86, p < 0.05 and deep incisional surgical site infection (OR 38.0, CI 2.87–373.56, p < 0.05). Risk of readmission for patients with presence of all these seven factors was 99.9%.

Conclusions

Readmission after EVAR is a serious occurrence. Various factors predispose a patient at a high risk for readmission. Unplanned return to operating room after EVAR is associated with a 11-fold increase in hospital readmission.
Importance of team height to winning games in the National Basketball Association
Authors: Teramoto Masaru , Cross Chad L
Published: September 2017

A recent trend in the National Basketball Association, so-called “small-ball,” questions the importance of height in basketball. The present study examined the association of team height, defined as an average height of players weighted by playing time, to team performance in the 2006–2007 through 2015–2016 National Basketball Association seasons. Relationships of team height to winning games, to offensive and defensive ratings, and to four factors were assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. A generalized estimating equation was used to examine the association of team height to winning games, separately for the Eastern and Western Conferences, while using performance variables above as covariates. Team height had significant positive correlations with offensive and defensive rebounds, and had a significant inverse relationship with the opponent’s turnovers ( p < 0.05). After adjusting for the team performance variables, team height was found to be an insignificant predictor of winning games in the regular seasons ( p > 0.05). In the playoffs, the interaction between team height and offensive rating was significant ( p < 0.05). A follow-up analysis revealed that teams in the Eastern Conference had higher winning percentages with smaller lineups, whereas those in the Western Conference performed better with bigger lineups. A significant interaction was also found between team height and effective field goal percentage or free throw rate in the Eastern Conference playoffs ( p < 0.05). Specifically, bigger lineups were associated with higher winning percentages for teams with lower effective field goal percentages and higher free throw rates. These results may suggest that team height is important in winning games in the playoffs.
Creation, implementation, and evaluation of a values-based training program for sport coaches and physical education teachers in Singapore
Authors: Koh Koon Teck , Camiré Martin , Bloom Gordon A , Wang CKJ
Published: September 2017

The purpose of the study was to create, implement, and evaluate a values-based training program for sport coaches and physical education teachers in Singapore. Four sport coaches with two to eight years of coaching experience ( M = 5.0, SD = 1.4) and four physical education teachers with two to nine years of teaching experience ( M = 5.25, SD = 3.3) took part in three 2-h training workshops focusing on the teaching of values to athletes and students. Following the workshops, the participants took part in an individual interview to document their perspectives of the values-based training program. Results of the thematic analysis revealed many benefits of the values-based training program, including an increased awareness of the importance of systematically teaching values through physical education and sport. Further, the participants felt better equipped to work with parents and other teachers in helping athletes and students transfer values.
Ideological dissonances among Chinese-language newspapers in Hong Kong: A corpus-based analysis of reports on the Occupy Central Movement
Authors: Feng William Dezheng
Published: September 2017

The Occupy Central Movement was the biggest protest in Hong Kong in decades and caused an unprecedented division of opinion in society. Reports about the event in local Chinese media were remarkably different in stance and attitude. To understand the ideological dissonances and their linguistic construction, this article analyzes a corpus of 120 reports on the Occupy Central Movement from four major Chinese newspapers in Hong Kong, namely, Apple Daily, Ming Pao, Oriental Daily News and Ta Kung Pao, which cover the political spectrum from anti-Beijing to pro-Beijing. In total, 856 concordance lines of the two selected words ‘佔中’ ( occupy Central) and ‘佔領’ ( occupy) were annotated using the Attitude framework. Analysis shows that their attitudes toward the event form a continuum from supportive, through neutral, to antipathic. The attitudes do not simply reflect the stances of the newspapers, but are strategically selected and designed to legitimize or delegitimize the event. The pattern of attitudes reflects the ideological divergence in Hong Kong society, and at the same time, the news reports also exacerbate the divergence by reinforcing the attitudes of their readers.
Conceptual origins, current practice, and views of wide awake hand surgery
Authors: Lalonde Donald H.
Published: September 2017

This article reviews historical background, essential practice principles, and the new emerging area of wide awake hand surgery. It outlines the reasons that wide awake, local anaesthesia, no tourniquet surgery has emerged so quickly in the last 10 years over the world. I explain the origin of the concepts and some of the challenges of getting the technique accepted; in particular, the debunking of the myth of epinephrine danger in the finger. I review the most recent developments in several operations in this rapidly changing field of the tourniquet-free approach. Finally, this review includes speculations on the future of this technique.
The effect of screw trajectory for the reduction and association of the scaphoid and lunate (RASL) procedure: a biomechanical analysis
Authors: Koehler Steven M. , Beck Christina M. , Nasser Philip , Gluck Matthew , Hausman Michael R.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine if screw placement in the reduction and association of the scaphoid and the lunate (RASL) procedure affected the ability of the scapholunate joint to withstand force. After completely disrupting of the scapholunate ligament in 29 fresh-frozen cadaveric wrists, we placed the RASL screw either distal or proximal to the lateral aspect of the dorsal ridge of the scaphoid and into the dorsal or volar aspect of the lunate. Specimens were subjected to repeated cycles of transcarpal axial force, mimicking clenched-fist loading, until failure. Screw placement distal to the lateral aspect of the dorsal scaphoid ridge was significantly associated with failure when examined manually, radiographically (1.8 vs. 0.5 mm) and using real-time motion capture (diastasis: 1.6 vs. 0.4 mm; Euler angle: 4.5 ° vs. 0.8 °). The lateral aspect of the dorsal ridge is a reliable radiographic landmark on the scaphoid and provides surgeons with a convenient starting point to achieve the most biomechanically stable RASL construct, and, therefore, enhances the potential for an optimal clinical outcome.
Solitary massive lipoma in the planter aspect of great toe presenting as two masses
Authors: Olaoye Iyiade Olatunde , Adesina Micheal Dapo
Published: September 2017

Lipoma is rare in the planter aspect of the toes, and only few cases of massive lipoma have been reported in this site. The differential diagnosis of masses in the foot and toes is wide, and clinical diagnosis may be challenging. Access to magnetic resonance imaging, a standard diagnostic investigation for such soft tissue masses of the foot and toes, may be limited in some practice, requiring a reliance on clinical signs. We report a solitary massive lipoma in the planter aspect of the right great toe that appeared as two masses and with modification of typical clinical signs of lipoma.
First crystal-structure determination of natural lansfordite, MgCO3·5H2O
Authors: Nestola Fabrizio , Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Potapov Sergey S. , Chervyatsova Olga YA. , Lanza Arianna
Published: September 2017

This study presents the first crystal-structure determination of natural MgCO3·5H2O, mineral lansfordite, in comparison with previous structural works performed on synthetic analogues. A new prototype single-crystal X-ray diffractometer allowed us to measure an extremely small crystal (i.e. 0.020 mm × 0.010 mm × 0.005 mm) and refine anisotropically all non-hydrogen atoms in the structure and provide a robust hydrogen-bond arrangement. Our new data confirm that natural lansfordite can be stable for several months at room temperature, in contrast with previous works, which reported that such a mineral could be stable only below 10°C.
European Respiratory Society guidelines for the management of adult bronchiectasis
Authors: Polverino Eva , Goeminne Pieter C. , McDonnell Melissa J. , Aliberti Stefano , Marshall Sara E. , Loebinger Michael R. , Murris Marlene , Cantón Rafael , Torres Antoni , Dimakou Katerina , De Soyza Anthony , Hill Adam T. , Haworth Charles S. , Vendrell Montserrat , Ringshausen Felix C. , Subotic Dragan , Wilson Robert , Vilaró Jordi , Stallberg Bjorn , Welte Tobias , Rohde Gernot , Blasi Francesco , Elborn Stuart , Almagro Marta , Timothy Alan , Ruddy Thomas , Tonia Thomy , Rigau David , Chalmers James D.
Published: September 2017

Bronchiectasis in adults is a chronic disorder associated with poor quality of life and frequent exacerbations in many patients. There have been no previous international guidelines.

The European Respiratory Society guidelines for the management of adult bronchiectasis describe the appropriate investigation and treatment strategies determined by a systematic review of the literature.

A multidisciplinary group representing respiratory medicine, microbiology, physiotherapy, thoracic surgery, primary care, methodology and patients considered the most relevant clinical questions (for both clinicians and patients) related to management of bronchiectasis. Nine key clinical questions were generated and a systematic review was conducted to identify published systematic reviews, randomised clinical trials and observational studies that answered these questions. We used the GRADE approach to define the quality of the evidence and the level of recommendations. The resulting guideline addresses the investigation of underlying causes of bronchiectasis, treatment of exacerbations, pathogen eradication, long term antibiotic treatment, anti-inflammatories, mucoactive drugs, bronchodilators, surgical treatment and respiratory physiotherapy.

These recommendations can be used to benchmark quality of care for people with bronchiectasis across Europe and to improve outcomes.
The paradoxes of asthma management: time for a new approach?
Authors: O'Byrne Paul M. , Jenkins Christine , Bateman Eric D.
Published: September 2017

Poor adherence to maintenance pharmacotherapy is a reality in asthma. Studies confirm that when symptoms worsen, most patients increase short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) use, instead of using controller medication. This behaviour might be attributable to several paradoxes in the current treatment approach. These paradoxes include the recommended use of a SABA bronchodilator alone at Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) step 1, despite the fact that asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease. At step 1, the patient has autonomy and their perception of need and disease control is accepted, but at higher asthma treatment steps a fixed-dose approach is recommended, irrespective of symptom severity. The unintended consequence is the establishment of a pattern of early over-reliance on SABA. New approaches that avoid these paradoxes are needed, such as patient-adjusted therapy, in which patients adopt a symptom-driven approach using a combination reliever/controller. We propose that SABA reliever monotherapy should be replaced by a combination of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and formoterol, or similar rapid-onset bronchodilator, as reliever therapy for patients at GINA steps 1 or 2. This will ensure early and more regular administration of a controller medication. However, a significant body of clinical data will be needed before this approach can be approved by regulatory authorities.
Inducible laryngeal obstruction: an official joint European Respiratory Society and European Laryngological Society statement
Authors: Halvorsen Thomas , Walsted Emil Schwarz , Bucca Caterina , Bush Andrew , Cantarella Giovanna , Friedrich Gerhard , Herth Felix J.F. , Hull James H. , Jung Harald , Maat Robert , Nordang Leif , Remacle Marc , Rasmussen Niels , Wilson Janet A. , Heimdal John-Helge
Published: September 2017

Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) describes an inappropriate, transient, reversible narrowing of the larynx in response to external triggers. ILO is an important cause of a variety of respiratory symptoms and can mimic asthma. Current understanding of ILO has been hampered by imprecise nomenclature and variable approaches to assessment and management. A task force of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Laryngological Society (ELS) was thus set up to address this, and to identify research priorities.

A literature search identified relevant articles published until June 2016, using all identifiable terms for ILO, although including only articles using laryngoscopy. In total, 172 out of 252 articles met the inclusion criteria, summarised in sections on diagnostic approach, aetiology, comorbidities, epidemiology and treatment. The consensus taxonomy published by ERS, ELS and the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) in 2015 is used throughout this statement.

We highlight the high prevalence of ILO and the clinical impact for those affected. Despite recent advances, most aspects of this condition unfortunately remain incompletely understood, precluding firm guidance. Specifically, validated diagnostic and treatment algorithms are yet to be established, and no randomised control studies were identified in this search; hence we also make recommendations for future research.
Prevention of COPD exacerbations: a European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society guideline
Authors: Wedzicha Jadwiga A. , Calverley Peter M.A. , Albert Richard K. , Anzueto Antonio , Criner Gerard J. , Hurst John R. , Miravitlles Marc , Papi Alberto , Rabe Klaus F. , Rigau David , Sliwinski Pawel , Tonia Thomy , Vestbo Jørgen , Wilson Kevin C. , Krishnan Jerry A.
Published: September 2017

This document provides clinical recommendations for the prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. It represents a collaborative effort between the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society.

Comprehensive evidence syntheses were performed to summarise all available evidence relevant to the Task Force's questions. The evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach and the results were summarised in evidence profiles. The evidence syntheses were discussed and recommendations formulated by a multidisciplinary Task Force of COPD experts.

After considering the balance of desirable (benefits) and undesirable consequences (burden in the form of adverse effects and cost), quality of evidence, feasibility, and acceptability of various interventions, the Task Force made recommendations for mucolytic, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (roflumilast) and macrolide therapy, as well as a conditional recommendation against fluoroquinolone therapy. All of the recommendations were conditional, except for a strong recommendation for the use of a long-acting antimuscarinic agentversusa long-acting β2-adrenergic, indicating that there was uncertainty about the balance of desirable and undesirable consequences of the intervention, and that well-informed patients may make different choices regarding whether to have or not have the specific intervention.

The guideline summarises the evidence and provides recommendations for pharmacological therapy for the prevention of COPD exacerbations.
Quantum Mechanics and Liouville's Equation
Authors: Nauenberg Michael
Published: September 2017

In non-relativistic quantum mechanics, the absolute square of Schrödinger's wave function for a particle in a potential determines the probability of finding it either at a position or momentum at a given time. In classical mechanics the corresponding problem is determined by the solution of Liouville's equation for the probability density of finding the joint position and momentum of the particle at a given time. Integrating this classical solution over either one of these two variables can then be compared with the probability in quantum mechanics. For the special case that the force is a constant, it is shown analytically that for an initial Gaussian probability distribution, the solution of Liouville's integrated over momentum is equal to Schrödinger's probability function in coordinate space, provided the coordinate and momentum initial widths of this classical solution satisfy the minimal Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Likewise, integrating Lioville's solution over position is equal to Schrödinger's probability function in momentum space.Quanta 2017; 6: 53–56.
The mediatization of politics in the hybrid media system: The case of Italian political journalism
Authors: Splendore Sergio , Rega Rossella
Published: September 2017

Despite the major changes that have occurred in the ecology of media, this article considers mediatization to be still a concept valuable for grasping and interpreting relations among political communication actors. This article analyses the use of Twitter by politicians as evidenced by journalists’ accounts (and practices). In particular, it focuses on journalistic uses of Twitter in the context of political current affairs. This article investigates how and to what degree the use of social media has changed journalists’ practices in gathering political news. Moreover, it analyses how journalists describe politicians’ use of Twitter and how they reflexively conceive whether adjustments by those politicians to the media logic exist. To this end, the studies present results from 25 semi-structured interviews with Italian journalists occupying prominent roles within the Italian news organizations most important in terms of newspaper circulations and unique visitors to their websites. The research proves that mediatization is still an important framework within which to interpret practices in the new media environment.
The world as seen by a Prime Minister: Italian PM Matteo Renzi on his spin doctor’s Instagram page
Authors: Buscemi Francesco
Published: September 2017

This article analyses the representation of the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on the Instagram page nomfup, which is managed by Renzi’s spin doctor, Filippo Sensi. nomfup’s photos are frequently published in the Italian media, and thus contribute to the construction of Renzi’s public image. The article draws on Bourdieu’s perspectives on cultural production, on the cultural studies link between media and ideology, and on Barthes’ idea that photography relates to the past. Methodologically, it analyses nomfup’s photos through social semiotics, focusing on images depicting Renzi from the back and in black and white. The results show that first, when Renzi is represented from his back, the viewer sees the world as a Prime Minister does. Second, the images representing Renzi in black and white refer to the 1950s and 1960s, to the old Catholic party Democrazia Cristiana and to an idealized Italy still pre-modern and extraneous to Berlusconi’s excesses and scandals.
Political communication in an age of visual connectivity: Exploring Instagram practices among Swedish politicians
Authors: Ekman Mattias , Widholm Andreas
Published: September 2017

This article explores the specific features of Instagram as a platform for visual political communication. Drawing on theories of mediatization and celebrity politics, it analyses how various forms of symbolic connectivity are expressed and performed by sixteen leading politicians in Sweden, and moreover how their social media use relates to news media. The study leans on a content analysis (n=800) and results show that journalism still holds a strong symbolic value, even when politicians are in charge of the political discourse. In addition, it reveals how the platform logic of Instagram contributes to the formation of digital lifestyle politics, where symbolic connections between politicians and a variety of actors are staged through new mediatized relations. Visual political communication does inherit a democratic and interactive potential. However, according to the analysed data, most politicians avoid public interaction. Instead, they are preoccupied with the branding of their public persona.
Facebook and local newspapers’ effect on local politicians’ popularity
Authors: Elvestad Eiri , Johannessen Marius Rohde
Published: September 2017

While there has been much research on how national politicians’ popularity is related to their participation in both traditional and social media, less research has been undertaken in order to understand the role of media for local politicians. In this article, we discuss how local politicians’ appearance in local newspapers, on Facebook and how their network of Facebook ‘friends’ can be explanation factors of their popularity in Norwegian local elections. The sample consists of 605 local politicians from two municipalities who were on the list of party candidates in these two municipalities in the 2015 election. Our findings show that the local newspaper is more important for the local politicians’ popularity than Facebook, but the politicians’ use of Facebook and numbers of Facebook ‘friends’ show a significant positive correlation with the numbers of preference votes the politicians receive. The effect of Facebook ‘friends’ on local politicians’ popularity shows the importance of connections, which again stresses the need for a greater awareness of the consequences of local politicians’ social networks both offline and online in local political processes.
Image, self-presentation and political communication in the age of interconnection: An alternative understanding of the mediatization of politics
Authors: Archetti Cristina
Published: September 2017

The way politicians ‘look’ is taken to be one of the essential aspects of the ‘mediatization’ and ‘professionalization’ of politics. Yet there is very little research about the role of image and self-presentation in political communication. This article presents the results of a study that aims to fill this gap by mapping where and how image fits within broader processes of identity and meaning construction in contemporary politics. On the basis of 51 interviews, it compares the role of personal image in the everyday political practices of both British and Italian local politicians and members of the European Parliament. The analysis develops an alternative conceptual framework to make sense of the role of image in twenty-first century politics, showing that the alleged deleterious effects of a ‘cult of appearances’ on democracy reflects more the narrowness of academic enquiry and the legacy of outdated linear models of politics-media relationships than the much more variegated and networked reality of contemporary politics.
A cor do tempo no andamento das letras: Notas entre o preto e o branco na passagem da oralidade ao letramento
Authors: Fröhlich Cláudia Bechara , Moschen Simone
Published: September 2017

A partir da experiência junto a professores alfabetizadores de escolas de ensino fundamental do Rio Grande do Sul, propomos uma discussão com o objetivo de conferir visibilidade a uma trama, aparentemente invisível, entre tempo e a passagem da oralidade ao letramento. Como modo de fotografar o cotidiano da escola e destacar diferentes matizes de uma cor não dicionarizável, a cor do tempo, aliamos esta reflexão ao tempo de compreender – conceito de Lacan acerca do tempo lógico –, lentes de ver que permitiram propor a queda da lógica binária alfabetizado ou não alfabetizado na escola. O acolhimento de uma lógica ternária, um tempo de passagem em que se está alfabetizado enão alfabetizado ao mesmo tempo, propicia evidenciar um processo em curso rumo à posição letrada, abordagem que leva em conta a singularidade e o desejo no processo de letramento.
Susceptibility of herpes simplex virus type 1 to monoterpenes thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene and essential oils of Sinapis arvensis L., Lallemantia royleana Benth. and Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn
Authors: Sharifi-Rad J. , Salehi B. , Schnitzler P. , Ayatollahi S. A. , Kobarfard F. , Fathi M. , Eisazadeh M. , Sharifi-Rad M.
Published: September 2017

In recent years, with increased the prevalence of viral infections and having no specific for  their treatment  and also the continuous appearance of resistant viral strains, the finding of novel antiviral agents is necessary. In this study, monoterpenes of thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene and essential oils from Sinapis arvensis L., Lallemantia royleana Benth. and Pulicaria vulgaris Gaertn. were screened for their inhibitory effect against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro on Vero cell line CCL-81-ATCC using a plaque reduction assay. The antiviral activity of three monoterpenes (thymol, carvacrol and p-cymene) and three essential oils were evaluated by cytotoxicity assay, direct plaque test. In addition, the modes of antiviral action of these compounds were investigated during the viral infection cycle. Results showed that the inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were determined at 0.002%, 0.037%, >0.1%, 0.035%, 0.018% and 0.001% for thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, S. arvensis oil, L. royleana oil and P. vulgaris oil, respectively. A manifestly dose-dependent virucidal activity against HSV-1 could be exhibited for compounds tested. In order to determine the mode of the inhibitory effect, compounds were added at different stages during the viral infection cycle. At maximum noncytotoxic concentrations of the compounds, plaque formation was significantly reduced by more than 80% when HSV-1 was preincubated with p-cymene. However, no inhibitory effect could be observed when the compounds were added to the cells prior to infection with HSV-1 or after the adsorption period. Conclusion: These results indicate that compounds affected HSV-1 mostly before adsorption and might interact with the viral envelope. Thymol exhibited a high selectivity index and seems to be a promising candidate for topical therapeutic application as antiviral agent for treatment of herpetic infections.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D polymorphism is a risk factor of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Li P. , Cao L. , Han X.
Published: September 2017

Some previous studies and meta-analysis investigated the association between ACE I/D polymorphism and allergic rhinitis risk. However, the results were conflicting. This meta-analysis, therefore, was performed to evaluate the association between ACE I/D polymorphism and allergic rhinitis risk. Online electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) were searched. The strength was evaluated by calculating the OR and 95% CI. Five studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. These studies included 681 cases and 629 controls. ACE I/D polymorphism was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis risk (OR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.07 – 1.29; P = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis of race, Asians showed the increased allergic rhinitis risk (OR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.02 – 1.30; P = 0.03). In a stratified analysis by age, adults with ACE I/D polymorphism showed the increased allergic rhinitis risk (OR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.04 – 1.29; P = 0.006). However, children did not have the significantly increased allergic rhinitis risk (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 0.99 – 1.56; P = 0.06). In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicated that ACE I/D polymorphism was significantly associated with allergic rhinitis risk.
A case of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis with multiple involvement
Authors: Zheng Y-K. , Gu N-Y. , Wu J. , Fang X. , Zhang C. , Li Q-Y.
Published: September 2017

To increase awareness of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis (IgG4-RRPF) and reduce clinical misdiagnosis. We report a 79-year-old man with multiple organs involvement of IgG4-RRPF, who developed right lower extremity edema, hemoptysis and fever. The abdomen computed tomography (CT) scan image showed lymph nodes enlargement. The positron emission tomography/CT scan image showed pancreatic malignancy with multiple nodal lymph node metastasis, lung fibroblast proliferation, and right lung apex bullae. The chest CT scan image showed pulmonary multiple lymph nodes with calcification in the mediastinum. Posterior peritoneum magnetic resonance imaging showed the body and tail of the pancreas parenchymatous mass. The serum IgG4 concentration was high. The fibrous connective tissue with IgG4-positive plasma cells infiltration in the left supraclavicular lymph node biopsy was found. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and the transbronchial lung biopsy found no cancer cells. The patient was treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents. After 2 months treatment, the patient showed rapid improvement. This is a case of IgG4-RRPF with multiple organs involvement. Glucocorticoid is the first-line treatment.
New insights into the expression profile of MicroRNA-34c and P53 in infertile men spermatozoa and testicular tissue
Authors: Rahbar S. , Novin M. G. , Alizadeh E. , Shahnazi V. , Pashaei-Asl F. , AsrBadr Y. A. , Farzadi L. , Ebrahimie E. , Pashaiasl M.
Published: September 2017

Spermatogenesis is proliferation and differentiation processes of stem spermatogonia into mature spermatozoa controlled by the genes responsible for transcription and post transcription levels. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are  the key factors during gene expression in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation. They play main roles in regulation of early and late spermatogenesis, and reproduction. In this study, we investigate the role of miRNAs in infertile males.The patients were assigned to five groups based on semen analysis (n=55), including normozoospermic (N), moderate oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (MOAT), severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (SOAT), obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Quantitative RT-PCR was recruited to study the expression of miR-34c and tumor suppressor p53 gene. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA fragmentation was measured. Network analysis was performed using Pathway Studio web tool (Elsevier). Our results revealed statistically significant increased expression of miR-34c in moderate oligoasthenoteratozoospermic, non-obstructive azoospermia and an increased expression of p53 in MOAT, SOAT and NOA males. Also, the percentage of DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress was significantly higher in infertile groups (MOAT and SOAT) than other groups. These findings provide a novel molecular mechanism of gene regulation during cell-cycle and apoptosis in sperm, which gives a new regulatory insight into male infertility in terms of molecular diagnosis.
Morphokinetic analysis of human embryo development and its relationship to the female age: a retrospective time-lapse imaging study
Authors: Akhter N. , Shahab M.
Published: September 2017

Time-lapse imaging technique has provided embryologists with a unique chance of studying the embryo morphokineticsto select the most viable embryos for implantation in the field of IVF (In vitro fertilization).The conventional method of morphological evaluations has proved that maternal age affects the human embryo quality. This retrospective study carried out at Islamabad Clinic Serving Infertile Couples, Islamabad, Pakistan mainly focuses on the effect of female age on human embryo morphokinetics. A total number of 200 patients undergoing ICSI treatment cycles at the clinic were selected for the study and divided into five age groups (< 26, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, and > 40 years). Embryo culture was done at 37°C, 6% CO2 and 5% oxygen for 5-6 days. Ten time-points were selected for kinetic analysis. The number of retrieved, matured, fertilized and cleaved oocytes showed highly significant difference (Pâ‰¤ 0.0001) when compared among different age groups. There was no significant difference in average morphokinetic time-points among young versus old women.Whereas timely cleaved embryos showed significant difference in tPNa i.e. time for pronuclear appearance (Pâ‰¤ 0.001), t4 and t5 i.e. time for 4 and 5-cell cleavage (Pâ‰¤ 0.05)among different age groups. The clinical pregnancy rates showed a decline with increasing age. These results indicate the effect of female age on time-lapse embryo morphokinetic parameters. In future the addition of time-lapse analysis in routine IVF can help to improve the success rate by selecting the most viable embryos for uterine transfer.
Cornelia de lange syndrome with thyroid agenesis of an indonesian patient
Authors: Maskoen A. M. , Laksono B. , Hajjah R. , Zada A. , Suciati L. P. , Fauziah P. N. , Nataprawira H. M.
Published: September 2017

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLs), which is also called Brachmann de Lange syndrome, is a congenital disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency, feeding difficulties, psychomotor delay, behavioral problems, and associated malformations that mainly involve the upper extremities. The prevalence ranges from 1:100,000 to as high as 1:10,000. Most cases (50-60%) were carried mutation in NIPBL gene. To our knowledge this is the first CdLs Indonesian case that reported with molecular analysis study. We present an 11 months old female Indonesian patient with classic CdLs with congenital hypothyroid. Genetics studies were performed in intron 1, exon 2, exon 10 and exon 22 of NIPBL gene. Thyroid studies (T3, T4, TSH and thyroid scan) were performed. Low level of T3 and T4, and high level of TSH were observed. Thyroid agenesis was found in thyroid scan examination. We detected thyroid agenesis which has been never reported in CdLs patients. We could not find any mutation in intron 1, exon 2, exon 10 and exon 22 of NIPBL gene. Further genetics examinations were necessary whether there is mutation in other locus.