bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons Learned From 35 Cases of Laryngeal Foreign Bodies Undergoing Misdiagnosis in Pediatric Population
Authors: Chen Qingguo , Chu Hanqi , Tao Yanling , Huang Hongyan , Peng Liyan
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

To present 35 cases of laryngeal foreign bodies (FBs) in pediatric population undergoing misdiagnosis so as to draw on our lessons to improve early diagnosis.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis over 15 years was conducted of 35 cases of laryngeal FBs undergoing misdiagnosis in children. Meanwhile, a control group, including 42 cases of laryngeal FBs without misdiagnosis in children, was set. These patients’ clinical data were collected and analyzed to identify the risk factors for misdiagnosis.

Results:

The results of chi-square test and univariate analysis both showed a significant difference in time elapsed between discomforts and admission, witnessed foreign body (FB) aspiration history, biphasic stridor, aphonia, roentgenologic findings, and type and size of FBs between the misdiagnosed group and control group. Multivariate analysis further identified delayed doctor visits, unwitnessed FB aspiration history, nonspecific symptoms, and negative roentgenologic manifestations as independent risk factors for misdiagnosis.

Conclusions:

Diagnosis of laryngeal FBs, especially small, thin, and radiolucent FBs, remains a challenge. We emphasized the importance of timely doctor visits, careful clinical history inquisition, and prompt performance of radiographic or endoscopic examinations for diagnosis.
HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer Via p16 Immunohistochemistry in Japan
Authors: Toman Julia , Von Larson Scott , Umeno Hirohito , Kurita Takashi , Furusaka Tohru , Hasegawa Hisashi , Prasad Manju L. , Sasaki Clarence T.
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as a driving cause of head and neck cancer, but investigations outside the West are limited. A p16 immunohistochemistry is a commonly used biomarker for HPV cancers. We sought to investigate the pathology and rates of HPV head and neck oropharyngeal cancer in Japan via p16 immunohistochemistry at 2 institutions in Japan.

Methods:

Fifty-nine oropharyngeal specimens from 2 university hospitals in Japan were examined for morphology and p16 immunohistochemistry. The rate of p16 positivity was then determined, and the 2 groups were compared for differences in age, smoking history, gender, and stage of presentation and mortality.

Results:

The rate of p16 positivity among the oropharyngeal specimens was 29.5%. There were important differences in the pathology compared to morphology usually seen in the US. The patients with p16+ cancer tended to be younger. There was no significant difference in smoking status. Patients with p16+ cancers trended toward better survival.

Conclusion:

There appears to be a geographical difference in HPV rates of oropharyngeal cancers with persistently lower rates in Asian countries when compared to Western Europe and the US. Conclusions about HPV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in Western countries may not be generalizable across the globe at this time.
Responding to challenges for people with psychotic illness: Updated evidence from the Survey of High Impact Psychosis
Authors: Morgan Vera A , Waterreus Anna , Carr Vaughan , Castle David , Cohen Martin , Harvey Carol , Galletly Cherrie , Mackinnon Andrew , McGorry Patrick , McGrath John J , Neil Amanda L , Saw Suzy , Badcock Johanna C , Foley Debra L , Waghorn Geoff , Coker Sarah , Jablensky Assen
Published: December 2016

Objective:

The objective is to summarise recent findings from the 2010 Australian Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP) and examine their implications for future policy and planning to improve mental health, physical health and other circumstances of people with a psychotic disorder.

Methods:

Survey of High Impact Psychosis collected nationally representative data on 1825 people with psychotic illness. Over 60 papers have been published covering key challenges reported by participants: financial problems, loneliness and social isolation, unemployment, poor physical health, uncontrolled symptoms of mental illness, and lack of stable, suitable housing. Findings are summarised under the rubric of participant-ranked top challenges.

Results:

The main income source for the majority (85%) of participants was a government benefit. Only one-third was employed, and the most appropriate employment services for this group were under-utilised. High rates of loneliness and social isolation impacted mental and physical health. The rate of cardiometabolic disease was well above the general population rate, and associated risk factors were present from a very young age. Childhood abuse (30.6%), adult violent victimisation (16.4%) and alcohol and substance abuse/dependence (lifetime rates of 50.5% and 54.5%, respectively) complicated the clinical profile. Treatment with medication was suboptimal, with physical health conditions undertreated, a high rate of psychotropic polypharmacy and underutilisation of clozapine in chronic persistent psychotic illness. Only 38.6% received evidence-based psychosocial therapies. In the previous year, 27.4% had changed housing and 12.8% had been homeless, on average for 155 days.

Conclusion:

Money, social engagement and employment are the most important challenges for people with psychotic illness, as well as good physical and mental health. An integrated approach to recovery is needed to optimise service delivery and augment evidence-based clinical practice with measures to improve physical health and social circumstances. Meeting these challenges has the potential to reduce costs to government and society, as well as promote recovery.
L’attività di autori esuli italiani a Malta durante il Risorgimento
Authors: Friggieri Oliver
Published: December 2016

La storia di Malta è spesso caratterizzata dai suoi rapporti con le forze politiche e culturali di altri paesi. Nei primi sessanta anni dell’Ottocento l’isola si era trasformata in una specie di estensione della vicina Italia, un paese con cui Malta ha mantenuto intimi contatti in vari campi per vari secoli. Entro questi limiti viene valutata l’accoglienza mostrata dai maltesi nei confronti dei numerosi esuli italiani, tra cui Francesco Crispi. La loro attività giornalistica e letteraria, sempre ispirata agli ideali del Risorgimento, ha influito molto sulla coscienza maltese, alla fine pronta anche essa a impegnarsi in una lotta a favore dei suoi diritti nazionali. Il riconoscimento del maltese come lingua di cultura, il rapido sviluppo di una letteratura in maltese e la nascita dei primi gruppi politici sono aspetti dell’influenza dello spirito risorgimentale su Malta. Questo saggio cerca di illustrare la continuità tra storia italiana e storia maltese in un periodo di grande importanza per i due paesi, mettendo in evidenza l’efficacia dell’attività letteraria svolta come impegno politico.
Exploring the meaning of job burnout beyond the Western context: A study of Salvadoran social workers
Authors: Lizano Erica Leeanne , Sapozhnikov Brooklyn Levine
Published: December 2016

This study explores the meaning of job burnout to social workers within the Salvadoran cultural context using qualitative data from 68 respondents. The themes that emerged during the study suggest that the most widely used three-dimensional conceptualization of job burnout developed by Maslach and colleagues (e.g. emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) is applicable within the Salvadoran context.
Measurement of the Young’s modulus and shear modulus of extruded polystyrene foam by the longitudinal and flexural vibration methods
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi , Ataka Naoki , Maruta Makoto
Published: December 2016

The Young’s modulus and shear modulus of extruded polystyrene foam were obtained by measurements using the longitudinal and flexural vibration methods on specimens with various lengths and performing a subsequent numerical analysis on the test data. In addition to the vibration tests, ISO 844 compression and ASTM C273/C273M-11 shear tests were conducted, and the results were compared with those obtained from the vibration tests. The Young’s modulus values could be measured accurately by the longitudinal and flexural vibration tests while reducing the effects of the specimen configuration. In contrast, the shear modulus value was often dependent on the specimen configuration. The Young’s modulus and shear modulus values obtained from the vibration tests were often higher than those obtained from the standardised tests because the bending of cell wall is not induced in the vibration test. Although a provisional method for reducing the influence of the specimen configuration was proposed based on the numerical results, further research is required to measure the elastic modulus of extruded polystyrene foam accurately.
Cell characteristics of epoxy resin foamed by step temperature-rising process using supercritical carbon dioxide as blowing agent
Authors: Lyu Jiaxun , Liu Tao , Xi Zhenhao , Zhao Ling
Published: December 2016

A temperature-rising batch foaming process with supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) as blowing agent was used to prepare epoxy resin foams consisting of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and m-xylylenediamine. The dissolution and diffusion behaviors of CO2 in pre-cured epoxy resin were investigated, as well as the parameter effect of CO2 saturation step and foaming step on the cell characteristics. It was proved that closed-cells could be generated for CO2 unsaturated samples and the cell characteristics with the same dissolved CO2 concentration were similar. The merged and cracked bubble morphologies were usually obtained for CO2-saturated epoxy resin samples. With increasing CO2 concentration from 0.021 g CO2/g epoxy resin to 0.061 g CO2/g epoxy resin in the unsaturated samples, the cell size increased from 170.2 µm to 262.6 µm and the cell density decreased from 6.8 × 105/cm3 to 3.1 × 105/cm3. Bubble nucleation and growth occurred simultaneously with curing reaction in temperature-rising step. As the final foaming temperature increased from 60℃ to 120℃, the cell size of samples with dissolved CO2 concentration of 0.021 g CO2/g epoxy resin increased from 172.7 µm to 369.0 µm, while the cell density first increased from 6.8 to 7.3 and then decreased to 3.5. The cell size of samples with CO2 concentration of 0.031 g CO2/g epoxy resin increased from 145.3 µm to 180.5 µm with foaming time from 5 min to 20 min, but changed slightly when curing reaction almost finished and CO2 was depleted after 20 min.
Fostering community engagement
Authors: Ransom Pamela , Wai Sidique
Published: December 2016

This case study explores a dynamic process of strategic change involving the New York City Police Department Community Precinct Councils, the advisory structures designed to facilitate engagement between communities and police precincts in neighbourhoods across New York City. The initiative included an active process of agency and precinct council involvement in leadership and police staff dialogues and feedback surveys to explore management and operational issues, new needs and suggestions to increase the vitality and functioning of these important civic bodies. Challenges of engaging in the change process are assessed, with communication and partnerships emerging as central themes.
Inter-laboratory proficiency tests in measuring thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of clothing using the Newton-type thermal manikin
Authors: Młynarczyk Magdalena , Havenith George , Léonard Jean , Martins Rui , Hodder Simon
Published: December 2016

Clothing acts as an important barrier for heat and vapor transfer between the human body and the environment. Parameters that could describe that transfer include, inter alia, thermal insulation (the so-called dry heat exchange) and evaporative resistance (the so-called wet heat exchange). Once the above-mentioned parameters are determined, it is possible to consciously adapt clothing ensembles to the existing thermal environment in the workplace.

In order to validate the mentioned method of thermal insulation and evaporative resistance measurements, proficiency tests (PTs) were organized. The main goal of the PT was to compare thermal insulation and evaporative resistance for one set of clothing using the Newton-type thermal manikin. In total, four laboratories participated in the PT study. The reference value of the thermal insulation ( It) and evaporative resistance ( Ret) were calculated as the mean of all the results. The assessment criteria included permissible errors for thermal insulation and evaporative resistance measurements, which were 4% and 10%, respectively. Calculations included, inter alia, z-scores and indicators, such as the inter-laboratory coefficient of variation or the reproducibility limit. The results contribute to the worldwide discussion on standardized studies of evaporative resistance of clothing.
Acoustic evaluation of Struto nonwovens and their relationship with thermal properties
Authors: Yang Tao , Xiong Xiaoman , Mishra Rajesh , Novák Jan , Militký Jiří
Published: December 2016

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the sound absorption behavior and thermal properties of Struto nonwovens by establishing relationship between these properties. Seven Struto nonwoven fabrics were selected to examine the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) and average values of sound absorption coefficients ([Formula: see text]) as well as thermal properties, including thermal conductivity and thermal resistance. The Brüel and Kjær impedance tube instrument and Alambeta were used for the evaluation of acoustic and thermal properties, respectively. The influence of structural parameters on acoustic and thermal properties of Struto nonwovens were investigated and analyzed. The results showed that Struto nonwovens with higher thickness, finer fibers and higher fabric grams per square meter can provide better sound absorption performance. The effect of specific airflow resistance on sound absorption performance was also investigated. It is observed that sound absorption performance has a strong correlation with specific airflow resistance. The effect of porosity on specific airflow resistance and thermal properties was studied in detail. The result indicated that porosity has a strong correlation with specific airflow resistance and thermal properties. It was also observed that sound absorption, the NRC and [Formula: see text] have an insignificant correlation with thermal conductivity, while they are strongly correlated with thermal resistance. The correlation coefficient of the NRC with thermal resistance is 0.9835, indicating that the NRC is directly proportional to the thermal resistance of Struto nonwovens.
Damage evolution of carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites with different fiber preforms using the fatigue hysteresis loop area
Authors: Li Longbiao
Published: December 2016

The damage evolution of C/SiC ceramic-matrix composites with different fiber preforms, that is, unidirectional, cross-ply and 2.5D woven, under cyclic fatigue loading at room and elevated temperatures in air and inert atmosphere has been investigated. The experimental fatigue hysteresis modulus and hysteresis loop area versus cycle numbers have been analyzed. The relationships between the fatigue hysteresis loop area, interface slip and interface shear stress have been established. The evolution of the fatigue hysteresis loop area and interface shear stress as a function of applied cycles has been analyzed for different peak stresses, fiber preforms and test conditions. For different fiber preforms and test conditions, the fatigue hysteresis loop area degrades the fastest for unidirectional C/SiC at 800℃ in air, and the slowest for 2.5D C/SiC at 600℃ in an inert atmosphere, due to the different degradation rates of interface shear stress.
Neurological manifestations in children with dengue fever: an Indian perspective
Authors: Sil Archan , Biswas Tamoghna , Samanta Moumita , Konar Mithun Chandra , De Arun Kumar , Chaudhuri Jasodhara
Published: December 2016

Ours was a descriptive observational cross-sectional study carried out in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India over a period of one year to study the profile of neurological involvement in paediatric dengue patients. Of 71 laboratory-confirmed cases, 20 (28.17%) had neurological involvement. Common forms observed were acute encephalopathy (40%), encephalitis (30%), pure motor weakness (15%), transverse myelitis (5%), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (5%) and Guillain–Barré syndrome (5%). The dengue IgM antibody could be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of only two patients with encephalitis. Neurological involvement was present in all four patients who died during the study period (two-tailed P value = 0.005).
Older Women in New Romantic Relationships
Authors: Watson Wendy K. , Stelle Charlie , Bell Nancy
Published: December 2016

Although research has found that sexual activity declines with age, most of this literature examines people in long-term marriages. Little is known about the initiation of new sexual relationships in later life. In-depth interviews with 14 women aged 64 to 77 years were conducted to examine their personal and collective narratives regarding sexuality in later life. In contrast to common perceptions, none of the participants felt that aging had negatively impacted their own sexuality. For many, this was a time in their lives when they were experiencing renewed sexual desire and enjoyment. Even though sex might not have held the same priority as when they were younger, it held a place of importance in their romantic relationships. The discussion focuses on understanding women’s sexual relationships and behaviors within the context of their cohort and lives.
Neighborhood Physical Disorder and Psychological Distress
Authors: Pai Manacy , Kim Joongbaeck
Published: December 2016

Although research documents a link between neighborhood physical disorder and psychological distress, we know little about the extent to which this association varies by age. Utilizing the person–environment fit model and drawing on data from the fourth wave of the Americans’ Changing Lives Survey, we examine the extent to which age influences the association between perceptions of neighborhood physical disorder and psychological distress, as measured by depressive symptoms. We employ both continuous and categorical measures of age to test for a potential moderating effect. Overall findings based on linear regression analyses reveal that the mental distress resulting from the perception of physically deteriorating neighborhood declines with age. Stated otherwise, we find that the psychological distress associated with the perception of neighborhood physical disorder is far less pronounced for the young-old (60 years and above) and late-old (70 years and above) adults as compared with their young middle-aged (40–49 years) and late middle-aged (50–59 years) counterparts.
Timing of Most Recent Health Care Visit by Older People Living With and Without HIV
Authors: Mugisha Joseph O. , Schatz Enid J. , Negin Joel , Mwaniki Paul , Kowal Paul , Seeley Janet
Published: December 2016

The objective of this article is to document factors associated with the recency of health-care service utilization by people aged 50 years and over living with and without HIV in Uganda. A survey was conducted with 510 Ugandans aged 50 and older, living with and without HIV. The survey included information on sociodemographic characteristics, health state, self-reported chronic conditions, and timing of most recent visit to a health-care facility (time since last visit [TSLV]). We use ordinal logistic regression to identify independent factors associated TSLV. Independent factors associated with TSLV (>6 months) include age, OR = 2.40 [95% CI 1.08–5.37] for those aged 80 years and above, urban respondents, OR = 0.6 [95%CI 0.38–0.94], HIV-positive respondents, OR = 0.33 [95%CI 0.18–0.59], and better health. To understand the meaning of these finding, further investigation should examine (a) how best to define and measure older persons’ health-care service needs and (b) older persons’ decision-making processes around the timing of their access to health-care facilities.
Preliminary study of the effect of Incremental Rehearsal with a morphological component for teaching Chinese character recognition
Authors: Kwong Elena , Burns Matthew K.
Published: December 2016

The current study examined the effectiveness of Incremental Rehearsal (IR) for teaching Chinese character recognition using a single-case experimental design. In addition, a morphological component was added to standard IR procedures (IRM) to take into account the role of morphological awareness in Chinese reading. Three kindergarten students in Hong Kong who were learning Cantonese-Chinese were taught Chinese characters with IR and IRM over six weeks using two ABAB designs. The study found that both IR and IRM effectively increased retention and maintenance of Chinese characters.
Contextual influences on the relations between physical and relational aggression and peer victimization
Authors: Santo Jonathan Bruce , Charlotte Bass Ellyn , Stella-Lopez Luz , Bukowski William M.
Published: December 2016

Previous studies have demonstrated that several contextual factors influence the relationship between aggression and peer victimization in early adolescence, including gender of the same-sex peer group and gender composition of the school. The current study replicated and expanded on this research by examining the moderating influences of gender of the same-sex peer group, same-sex peer group norms, and classroom gender composition in a sample of early adolescents from Barranquilla, Colombia. Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that both relational and physical aggression were positive predictors of peer victimization. Relationally aggressive girls were at a lower risk for victimization while physically aggressive girls were at a higher risk. Relational aggression was a weaker predictor in classes with a larger proportion of girls. Additionally, relational aggression was a weaker predictor in same-sex peer groups with a greater prevalence of relational aggression. These findings provide further evidence of multiple forms of contextual influence on social behavior. Practical implications for these findings are also provided.
Effects of pumping station configuration on the energy performance of district cooling systems
Authors: Lo Anthony CW , Jones Phil , Yik Francis WH
Published: December 2016

In this paper, a hypothetical district representing the typical urban districts in Hong Kong was considered and a district cooling system model was designed for this district. Mathematical models were tailor-designed for all the major district cooling system equipment to simulate the effects of changing the pumping station’s configuration on the energy performance of the district cooling system. The measures included the use of multiple pumping stations and an unequal number of pumps in each station. In view of the vast number of pumping station combinations possible for analysis, a hydraulic gradient evaluation method was adopted to assist a quick assessment and exploration of those combinations that would be technically feasible. Furthermore, the energy performance of all these technically feasible combinations was evaluated to identify an optimum design that would lead to the lowest electricity consumption.

Practical application: In a district cooling system where there is only one main pumping station for distributing chilled water to all the buildings in the district, the chilled water flow rate and pressure head are very high. Adding booster pumping stations can help to reduce pressure head, pump size and hence power demand of the main pumping station. In this paper, the effects of different pumping station configurations on the energy performance of a district cooling system were investigated. The configuration that could mitigate the impacts of a low delta-T on the energy performance of the district cooling system was also identified.
Considerations and challenges in the ICRP dialogues
Authors: Hanzawa T.
Published: December 2016

‘Yes I tried to explain, but residents couldn’t understand …’ This was the title of my presentation at the first International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) dialogue seminar in November 2011 held at the Fukushima Prefectural Government office. The accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was triggered by the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011. Initially, it was thought that Date city, 50–60 km away from the accident, would be safe, but unfortunately this was not the case due to the direction of the wind at the time of the accident. I reported on decontamination in the aftermath of the accident at the ICRP dialogue seminar, following an invitation from Dr. Niwa of the University of Kyoto and a member of ICRP. There were many participants from overseas, and it was the first time that I had attended a meeting with simultaneous interpretation. I still remember that I was slightly bewildered.
Early life adversity as a predictor of sense of purpose during adulthood
Authors: Hill Patrick L. , Turiano Nicholas A. , Burrow Anthony L.
Published: December 2016

Feeling a sense of purpose in life appears to hold consistent benefits for positive aging and well-being. As such, it is important to consider the potential factors that promote or hinder the development of purposefulness over the lifespan. For instance, it remains unclear whether early life experiences, particularly adverse ones, may hold lasting influences on whether one feels purposeful into adulthood. The current study examined whether early life adversity predicted a diminished sense of purpose in adulthood using data from participants ( N = 3835) in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Reports of early life adversity were associated with lower levels of purpose in adulthood, and chronological age failed to moderate this relationship.
‘A passion for justice’
Authors: Vernon Jim
Published: December 2016

In this article, I explicate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s account of emancipatory history and activism by examining the influence of G. W. F. Hegel’s account of world-historical individuals on his thought. Both thinkers, I argue, affirm that history’s spiritual destiny works through individuals who are driven by the contingencies of their subjective character and given situation to undertake particular actions, and yet who nevertheless freely and decisively break the new from the old by forsaking subjective satisfaction to spur events forward to a more rational state of affairs. This synthetic unity of abstract freedom and concrete embodiment reflects the ‘civil war’ between the universal and infinite essence, and particular and finite passions, that King and Hegel identify as equally constitutive of human will. Through an examination of King’s account of Rosa Parks’ pivotal arrest, I develop the consequences of this ‘Hegelian’ view for our understanding of political action and historical progress.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Dolmatova Elena , Moazzami Kasra , Cocke Thomas P , Elmann Elie , Vaidya Pranay , Ng Arthur F , Satya Kumar , Narayan Rajeev L
Published: December 2016

Background

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement can experience severe perioperative complications leading to hemodynamic instability and death. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be used to provide cardiorespiratory support during this time.

Methods

From 2012 to 2015, of 247 patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement, 6 (2.42%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Their mean age was 82 ± 7.4 years, mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 9.4 ± 6.6, and mean aortic gradient was 28.3 ± 12 mm Hg. Rescue extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required for hemodynamic instability due to ventricular fibrillation ( n = 1), respiratory failure ( n = 1), left ventricular wall rupture ( n = 2), and aortic annulus rupture ( n = 1). In one patient, prophylactic extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required due to advanced heart failure. Additional procedures included valve-in-valve implantation ( n = 1), conversion to an open procedure ( n = 3), and intraaortic balloon pump insertion ( n = 1).

Results

The median hospital stay was 20 days. There were 2 hospital deaths in patients whose hospital course was complicated by left ventricular wall rupture or aortic annulus rupture with resulting tamponade. Among the 4 survivors, one required continuous ventilator support following discharge, and 3 experienced no major complications during the first month after discharge.

Conclusions

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be considered a viable option for high-risk patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement and those who develop cardiac complications following this procedure and require cardiorespiratory support.
Preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation for marginal-function lung cancer patients
Authors: Hashmi Asra , Baciewicz Frank A , Soubani Ayman O , Gadgeel Shirish M
Published: December 2016

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation in lung cancer patients undergoing pulmonary resection surgery with marginal lung function.

Methods

Short-term outcomes of 42 patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 s < 1.6 L who underwent lung resection between 01/2006 and 12/2010 were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided into group A (no preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation) and group B (receiving pulmonary rehabilitation). In group B, a second set of pulmonary function tests was obtained.

Results

There were no significant differences in terms of sex, age, race, pathologic stage, operative procedure, or smoking years. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide in group A was 1.40 ± 0.22 L and 10.28 ± 2.64 g∙dL−1 vs. 1.39 ± 0.13 L and 10.75 ± 2.08 g∙dL−1 in group B. Group B showed significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s from 1.39 ± 0.13 to 1.55 ± 0.06 L ( p = 0.02). Mean intensive care unit stay was 6 ± 5 days in group A vs. 9 ± 9 days in group B ( p = 0.22). Mean hospital stay was 10 ± 4 days in group A vs. 14 ± 9 days in group B ( p = 0.31). There was no significant difference in morbidity or mortality between groups.

Conclusion

Preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation can significantly improve forced expiratory volume in 1 s in some marginal patients undergoing lung cancer resection. However, it does not improve length of stay, morbidity, or mortality.
Postinfarction ventricular septal rupture closure without ventriculotomy
Authors: Kawashima Dai , Maeba Satoru , Saito Masahiro , Ono Minoru
Published: December 2016

Postinfarction ventricular septal rupture is a life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction. Although some novel techniques of ventricular septal rupture closure have been introduced, they involve ventriculotomy, a procedure that can cause a degree of impairment of the incised ventricle. We describe a case in which we closed a ventricular septal rupture through the tricuspid valve, without ventriculotomy.
Additional effects of topical tranexamic acid in on-pump cardiac surgery
Authors: Taksaudom Noppon , Siwachat Sophon , Tantraworasin Apichat
Published: December 2016

Objective

Postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery is commonly associated with hyperfibrinolysis. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of topical tranexamic acid in addition to intravenous tranexamic acid in reducing bleeding in cardiac surgery cases.

Methods

From July 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015, 82 patients who underwent elective on-pump cardiac surgery were randomized into a tranexamic acid group and a placebo group. In the tranexamic acid group, 1 g of tranexamic acid dissolved in 100 mL of normal saline solution was poured into the pericardium during sternal closure; the placebo group had 100 mL of saline only. Two patients were excluded from the study due to obvious surgical bleeding. The primary endpoint was total blood loss 24 h after surgery. Repeated measures with mixed models was used to analyze bleeding over time.

Results

There was no significant difference in demographic and intraoperative data except for a significantly lower platelet count preoperatively in the tranexamic acid group ( p = 0.030). There was no significant difference in postoperative drainage volumes at 8, 16, and 24 h, postoperative bleeding over time (coefficient = 0.713, p = 0.709), or blood product transfusion between the groups. There were no serious complications.

Conclusions

Topical tranexamic acid is safe but it adds no additional efficacy to the intravenous application in reducing postoperative blood loss. Intravenous tranexamic acid administration alone is sufficient antifibrinolytic treatment to enhance the hemostatic effects during on-pump cardiac surgery.
Restorative, heterotopic spacing for campus sustainability
Authors: Jones David R
Published: December 2016

This article proposes an alternative spatial form for a university campus, which embeds itself within the region, in which it is located. The proposed campus spacing is inspired by recent research from the environmental psychology discipline, around Attention Restorative Theory, along with its central four principles. Furthermore, the article explores how a critical interpretation of Foucault’s six heterotopic principles, following Harvey, maps onto Attention Restorative Theory principles and reflexively unmasks the dialectic tensions of what is termed ‘restorative, heterotopic spacing’. Focusing on the potential implications to campus sustainability, a specific campus initiative called the Oberlin Project will be critically explored, in relation to the potential enactment of Attention Restorative Theory, from an academic and local community perspective. It reflects on the significance of an artistic, regional set of trans-disciplinary integrated initiatives for such restorative spacing, within the expanded urban and regional notion of Oberlin campus. However, it concludes by expressing a concern over the extent to which the generative embrace of diverse Oberlin actors, both on and off campus, is being fulfilled.
A matter of cultural distinction: News consumption in the online media landscape
Authors: Ohlsson Jonas , Lindell Johan , Arkhede Sofia
Published: December 2016

The world of online news is a world where news consumers must make choices among a plethora of different news sources. Previous research points towards a fragmentation of news consumption across the citizenry. However, not enough attention has been paid to class, in particular cultural capital, and how it shapes how groups in society develop preferences for different categories of online news. Drawing upon a representative national survey in Sweden ( N = 11,108), a country historically known for its egalitarian news consumption, we show that cultural capital engenders patterns of taste and distaste for different online national news providers. This is manifested in that those rich in cultural capital are more inclined to consume ‘quality’ news and to neglect ‘popular’ news. A relative lack of cultural capital is associated with a somewhat reverse pattern. News consumption in the online media landscape is a matter of cultural distinction.
The short-term efficacy of vena cava filters for the prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with venous thromboembolism receiving anticoagulation: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jiang Jun , Jiao Yuanyong , Zhang Xiwei
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of inferior vena cava filters in patients with deep vein thrombosis for preventing pulmonary embolism.

Method

Relevant randomized controlled trials of inferior vena cava filters for the prevention of pulmonary embolism were identified by searching electronic databases updated in February 2016. Relative risks of recurrent pulmonary embolism, recurrent deep vein thrombosis, and mortality at three months were analyzed.

Results

Three published randomized controlled trials were included involving a total of 863 deep vein thrombosis patients. No significant differences were detected with inferior vena cava filters placement with regard to the incidence of recurrent pulmonary embolism or fatal pulmonary embolism. There were also no significant differences in the incidence of recurrent deep vein thrombosis or mortality with inferior vena cava filters placement at three months.

Conclusions

Inferior vena cava filter in addition to anticoagulation was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of recurrent pulmonary embolism as compared with anticoagulation alone in patients with deep vein thrombosis in the short term.
Fear the Government? A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Government Funding on Nonprofit Advocacy Engagement
Authors: Lu Jiahuan
Published: December 2016

This article examines the impact of government funding on nonprofit participation in policy advocacy. Previous literature has proposed that government funding may either encourage or inhibit nonprofit involvement in policy advocacy. This study, using a meta-analysis of 38 existing studies with 218 effect sizes, finds a slight positive association between the level of government funding a nonprofit receives and the level of policy advocacy the nonprofit participates in. Government funding could be a weak catalyst, rather than an obstacle, for nonprofits to participate in the policy process. Furthermore, the study finds that this effect of government funding might be generalizable to non-U.S. countries. Government funding is also associated with nonprofits’ increasing use of insider advocacy strategy. Overall, government funding seems not a key predictor of the level of nonprofit advocacy engagement. Nonprofit leaders should not consider government funding a barrier for them to fulfill their critical advocacy obligations.
Clinicopathological significance of oestrogen receptor expression in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Xiang-Qi , Zheng Li-Xian , Li Zhi-Ying , Lin Ting-Yan
Published: December 2016

Objective

To investigate the expression and clinicopathological significance of the oestrogen receptor (ER) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

ER expression was examined by immunohistochemical staining of tumour tissue and adjacent normal lung tissue from 67 NSCLC patients. The relationships between ER expression and clinicopathological features were analysed.

Results

A higher percentage of NSCLC tissues (28/67, 41.79%) than adjacent normal lung tissues (10/55, 18.18%) were ER positive. ER expression correlated with tumour differentiation but not with gender, age, tumour histological type, tumour size, lymph node metastasis, or clinical TNM staging. The median survival times of patients with ER-positive ( n = 28) and -negative ( n = 39) tumours were 36 and 27 months, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were higher for patients with ER-positive tumours than for patients with ER-negative tumours.

Conclusion

ER expression could be a useful prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with NSCLC.
The association of uric acid with leukoaraiosis
Authors: Li Jun-Jing , Huang Yin-Hui , Lin You-Yu , Li Mi-Mi , Chen Ya-Fang , Cai Ruo-Wei
Published: December 2016

Objective

To explore the possible correlation between uric acid levels and leukoaraiosis (LA).

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled patients who presented with some neurological discomfort (e.g. dizziness, headache, mild cognitive impairment). Potential demographic and clinical risk factors associated with LA, including sex, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcohol consumption, dyslipidaemia, plasma fibrinogen, D-dimer, uric acid, and homocysteine, were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 268 patients were enrolled in the study and divided into the LA group ( n = 164) and the non-LA group ( n = 104). Compared with the non-LA group, uric acid was significantly higher in the LA group (mean ± SD: 356.49 ± 121.85 µmol/l versus 289.96 ± 102.98 µmol/l). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that uric acid was an independent risk factor for LA (odds ratio 1.285; 95% confidence interval 1.062, 1.556).

Conclusion

Hyperuricaemia was an independent risk factor for leukoaraiosis in Chinese patients.
Effects of atorvastatin on ADP-, arachidonic acid-, collagen-, and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation
Authors: Zhao Lei , Liu Demin , Liu Bin , Hu Haijuan , Cui Wei
Published: December 2016

Objective

Atorvastatin reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events. However, the effects of atorvastatin on platelet aggregation are unknown.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from 126 healthy volunteers. Prepared isolated platelet suspensions were adjusted with saline to three different concentrations of 100 × 109, 300 × 109, and 600 × 109 platelets/L. Platelet samples were incubated with atorvastatin (10−7 mol/L, 10−6 mol/L or 10−5 mol/L), and stimulated with ADP (10 µmol/L), arachidonic acid (0.5 mmol/L), collagen (2 µg/mL), and epinephrine (1 mg/mL). The maximal amplitude of aggregation and the curve slope were measured by electric impedance aggregometry.

Results

Atorvastatin inhibited platelet aggregation at moderate (300 × 109/L) and high (600 × 109/L) concentrations. However, an inhibitory effect of atorvastatin at low concentrations (100 × 109/L) was not observed.

Conclusions

The study shows that atorvastatin inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro, and this inhibitory effect is related to platelet concentrations.
A case study on the implementation of the conceive – design – implement – operate framework
Authors: Namasivayam Satesh , Fouladi Mohammad Hosseini , Chong Chien Hwa
Published: December 2016

The conceive – design – implement – operate educational framework is implemented by educators to generate graduates who are able to tackle complex engineering challenges. A set of 12 standards define this framework and how to implement it. Taylor’s School of Engineering has been part of this framework for the past six years and utilises it in the design of its engineering curriculum. This paper shares the Taylor’s experience in adopting the framework by explaining the aforementioned underlying standards. The article guides the reader to evaluate the compliance to each standard, and the corresponding success in implementation.
The Allocation of Sexually Transgressive Juveniles to Intensive Specialized Treatment: An Assessment of the Application of RNR Principles
Authors: ter Beek Ellis , van der Rijken Rachel E. A. , Kuiper Chris H. Z. , Hendriks Jan , Stams Geert Jan J. M.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to compare results of and develop guidelines for mandatory allocation of sexually transgressive juveniles to Multisystemic Therapy - Problem Sexual Behavior (MST-PSB), Secure Youth Care (SYC), or Forensic Youth Care (FYC), based on the risk-need-responsivity model. Results of current allocation showed a population with relatively less treatment needs to receive community-based MST-PSB, compared with populations receiving residential SYC and FYC. Furthermore, estimated recidivism risk levels did not always support the need for risk reduction by the imposition of limitation of freedom of movement and maximum supervision, provided by all three treatment modalities. Based on the assessed sexual recidivism risk, 38% of the juveniles in FYC, 7% in SYC, and 24% in MST-PSB received treatment that was too intensive, which is considered detrimental to motivation and development. Future allocation practices could benefit from assessing treatment needs and recidivism risk, by use of an actuarial tool.
Money Now, Money Later: Linking Time Discounting and Criminal Convictions in the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development
Authors: Piquero Alex R. , Farrington David P. , Jennings Wesley G.
Published: December 2016

Two prominent criminological theories offer time discounting, or the preference for an immediate reward over a later one, as a central part of understanding involvement in criminal activity. Yet, there exist only a few studies investigating this issue, and they are limited in a few respects. The current study extends prior work in this area by using multiple measures of time discounting collected at three different periods of the life course to examine the link to criminal offending into late middle adulthood in the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development. Results show that greater time discounting is positively related to a higher number of criminal convictions by late middle adulthood, and this effect remains after controlling for early life-course individual and environmental risk in a multivariate framework. Study limitations and implications are also discussed.
Measuring Offenders’ Belief in the Possibility of Desistance
Authors: O’Sullivan Kevin , Williams Rochelle , Hong Xiang Yan , Bright David , Kemp Richard
Published: December 2016

This article describes the use of a questionnaire to measure offenders’ belief in the likelihood of their making a successful re-entry into society after having committed crime, a “belief in redeemability” (BIR) as described by Maruna and King. The 37 items for the scale were taken from statements by offenders about their prospects of making good. This set of items was tested with a pilot group of offenders recruited from clients on parole or on supervised bonds at community corrections offices in metropolitan Sydney, Australia, and their responses were coded to yield a score we called the “BIR” score. We found that scores displayed variance skewed toward an optimistic view, and we then used the items in a card sort task with a panel of graduate psychologists to explore whether the panel could identify underlying components of the broader BIR. There was a measure of agreement on three underlying components and these were further tested using five raters. We called the components that emerged the following: Belonging, Agency, and Optimism; Cronbach’s alphas for these indicated acceptable internal consistency. The results are discussed in terms of their congruence with findings in the literature and their use in correctional practice.
Assessing the Macro-Level Correlates of Malware Infections Using a Routine Activities Framework
Authors: Holt Thomas J. , Burruss George W. , Bossler Adam M.
Published: December 2016

The ability to gain unauthorized access to computer systems to engage in espionage and data theft poses a massive threat to individuals worldwide. There has been minimal focus, however, on the role of malicious software, or malware, which can automate this process. This study examined the macro-correlates of malware infection at the national level by using an open repository of known malware infections and utilizing a routine activities framework. Negative inflated binomial models for counts indicated that nations with greater technological infrastructure, more political freedoms, and with less organized crime financial impact were more likely to report malware infections. The number of Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) in a nation was not significantly related with reported malware infection. The implications of the study for the understanding of malware infection, routine activity theory, and target-hardening strategies are discussed.