bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invisible to the state. Institutional sexual stigma and collective action of LGB individuals in five East European countries
Authors: Górska Paulina , Bilewicz Michał , Winiewski Mikołaj
Published: May 2017

As demonstrated in past research, institutional sexual stigma negativly affects the well-being of nonheteronormative individuals. In this contribution we investigate the effects that heterosexist legal regulations exert on collective action of LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) people. Building on different theoretical traditions, we propose a model linking institutional sexual stigma (a macrolevel phenomenon) to individual behaviour (a microlevel phenomenon). To verify our assumptions we use data from a cross-cultural study ( N = 1,365) conducted in five East European countries (i.e., Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland) differing in the extent to which they grant full civil rights to sexual minorities. In line with our hypotheses we find that, by promoting internalized homophobia and subsequently undermining in-group identification, institutional sexual stigma suppresses collective action of LGB individuals. As weak LGB activism impedes social change towards more progressive legislation, a vicious circle is set in motion.
Cybersecurity and privacy issues for socially integrated mobile healthcare applications operating in a multi-cloud environment
Authors: Al-Muhtadi Jalal , Shahzad Basit , Saleem Kashif , Jameel Wasif , Orgun Mehmet A
Published: May 2017

Social media has enabled information-sharing across massively large networks of people without spending much financial resources and time that are otherwise required in the print and electronic media. Mobile-based social media applications have overwhelmingly changed the information-sharing perspective. However, with the advent of such applications at an unprecedented scale, the privacy of the information is compromised to a larger extent if breach mitigation is not adequate. Since healthcare applications are also being developed for mobile devices so that they also benefit from the power of social media, cybersecurity privacy concerns for such sensitive applications have become critical. This article discusses the architecture of a typical mobile healthcare application, in which customized privacy levels are defined for the individuals participating in the system. It then elaborates on how the communication across a social network in a multi-cloud environment can be made more secure and private, especially for healthcare applications.
Pembrolizumab in cervical cancer: latest evidence and clinical usefulness
Authors: Borcoman Edith , Le Tourneau Christophe
Published: May 2017

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. With the development of detection of precancerous lesions and preventive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program, a survival improvement has been observed in these patients in developed countries, although disparities in accessibility to treatments exist across countries. While early-stage cervical cancer can be curable with surgery, prognosis of patients who recur remains poor, with limited treatment options. In this latter setting, recently, bevacizumab, an antiangiogenic monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has been shown to improve overall survival in combination with chemotherapy as compared with chemotherapy alone. No standard treatments exist beyond this treatment regimen. New effective treatments are therefore much needed in this setting. Immunotherapy has represented a breakthrough in recent years in oncology, with antitumor activity reported with immune-checkpoint inhibitors in a variety of tumor types. We discuss here the latest evidence and clinical usefulness of pembrolizumab, anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, in the treatment of advanced cervical cancer.
Traditional growing rod versus magnetically controlled growing rod for treatment of early onset scoliosis: Cost analysis from implantation till skeletal maturity
Authors: Wong Carlos King Ho , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Cheung Prudence Wing Hang , lam Cindy Lo Kuen , Cheung Kenneth Man Chee
Published: May 2017

Purpose:

To compare the yearly cost involved per patient in the use of magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) and traditional growing rods (TGRs) in the treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) and to assess the overall cost burden of MCGR with reference to patient and health-care infrastructure.

Methods:

For a hypothetical case of a 5-year-old girl with a diagnosis of EOS, a decision-tree model using TreeAge Software was developed to simulate annual health state transitions and compare the 8-year accumulative direct, indirect, and total cost among the four groups: (1) dual MCGRs with exchange every 2 years, (2) dual MCGRs with exchange every 3 years, (3) TGR with surgical distraction every year, and (4) TGR with surgical distraction every 6 months. Base-case values and ranges of clinical parameters reflecting complication rate after each type of surgical distraction were determined from a review of literature and expert opinion. Government gazette and expert opinion provided cost estimation of growing rods, surgeries, surgical complications, and routine follow-up. Microsimulation of 1000 individuals was conducted to test the variation in total direct costs (in 2016 Hong Kong dollars (HKD)) between individuals, and estimated the standard deviations of total direct costs for each group.

Results:

Over the projected treatment period, indirect costs incurred by patients and family were higher for the MCGR as compared to the TGR. However, the total costs incurred by MCGR groups (group 1: HKD164k; group 2: HKD138k) were lower than those incurred by TGR groups (group 3: HKD191k; group 4: HKD290k). Although the accumulative costs of three groups (TGR with distraction every year and MCGR replacing every 2 and 3 years) were approaching each other in the first 2 years after initial implantation, at year 3 the accumulative cost of MCGR exchange every 2 years was HKD36k more than the yearly TGR surgery due to the cost of implant exchange. The cost incurred by both the MCGR groups was less than that incurred by the TGR groups from year 4 to skeletal maturity.

Conclusions:

The use of dual MCGRs, regardless of its 2- or 3-year exchange, was only cost saving and less expensive than the dual TGRs for EOS treatment from the fourth year of continuous treatment. Despite higher patient-related costs during MCGR treatment, it is important to consider the reduced risks and mental burden suffered by these children during repeat surgeries. With improved knowledge of the costs associated with long-term MCGR use, better constructed cost-effectiveness studies can be performed in the future.
Implementation and Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Team-Based Learning in a Graduate Public Health Research Methods Course
Authors: Lang Delia L. , Walker Elizabeth Reisinger , Steiner Riley J. , Woodruff Rebecca C.
Published: May 2017

Master of Public Health (MPH) students must develop skills to work in collaborative, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional teams upon graduation. Teaching pedagogies that involve active learning and collaboration between students, such as team-based learning (TBL), may be helpful in preparing students to work in teams. To our knowledge, there is no literature examining TBL specifically in the context of graduate public health education to date. This study evaluated the implementation of TBL in a Behavioral Science Research Methods course on the following outcomes: (a) engagement with the course material, (b) perceived effectiveness of TBL components, (c) experience working in teams, and (d) perceived mastery of learning outcomes. We conducted a survey of first-year MPH students enrolled in the TBL research methods course ( n = 45 respondents) and three focus groups ( n = 17 total). Two focus groups were conducted with second-year MPH students who previously took a lecture-based version of the course ( n = 10 total). Overall, students in the TBL research methods course felt confident in their mastery of learning outcomes. Students appeared more engaged with the TBL course material than with material from lecture-based courses. They also perceived this instructional method to be effective in facilitating learning. Main themes that emerged around working in teams included the central role of teammates in students’ learning, the logistic and procedural roles students took on within their teams, and team dynamics. The TBL format engages MPH students in course content and has strong potential for preparing students for collaborative work in diverse teams.
A Shared Medical Appointment on the Benefits and Risks of Opioids Is Associated With Improved Patient Confidence in Managing Chronic Pain
Authors: Romanelli Robert J , Dolginsky Marina , Byakina Yuliya , Bronstein Deborah , Wilson Sandra
Published: May 2017

Objectives:

To evaluate a shared medical appointment (SMA) on opioids in the treatment of chronic pain.

Research design:

This prospective study was conducted at an ambulatory clinic within a health-care delivery system. The SMA is a single 90-minute encounter, led by a physician. We included adult patients who attended the SMA and completed an immediate pre–post survey. Survey items were measured on a scale from 0 (worst) to 5 (best). Mean differences in pre–post responses were assessed by a paired t test.

Results:

A total of 130 patients were included in the analysis. Patients showed improvements in confidence in self-managing pain (+0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.59; P < .001) and their providers’ ability to help manage pain (+0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.43; P < .001). Most patients (81%) were very/extremely satisfied with the SMA.

Conclusions:

An SMA on the benefits and risks of opioids was associated with prompt improvements in patients’ confidence in self-managing pain and in their health-care providers’ ability to help manage pain. Such confidence can lay the foundation for increased patient engagement and activation in pain management.
Human Papillomavirus Subtype 16 and the Pathologic Characteristics of Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Gomaa Mohammed Abdel Motaal , El Gindy Khalid Elsayed , Nabi Usama Galal Abdel , Mohammed Haitham M. , Twab Nisreen A. Abdel , Mahmoud Rehab , Mohiy Khalid M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Laryngeal cancer is the most common type of cancer in the head and neck. Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents a group of >150 related viruses. Infection with certain types of HPV can cause some types of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic and histopathologic characters of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and its relationship to HPV subtype 16 (HPV‐16).

Study design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Tertiary university hospitals at 5 districts in Egypt (Minia, Cairo, Giza, Qaluobia, and Bani Seuif).

Subjects and Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 50 adult patients with laryngeal cancer who were admitted at 5 tertiary care hospitals in Egypt from January 2014 through December 2014. All patients were subjected to a comprehensive preoperative assessment, histopathologic assessments of tumor biopsies, and immunohistochemical staining for HPV‐16.

Results

HPV‐16 immunostaining was positive in 9 patients (18%). A significant correlation between HPV‐16 immunoreactivity and tumor grade (P <. 001) was detected, with no significant correlation between HPV‐16 immunoreactivity and other clinical and pathologic variables.

Conclusion

The frequency of HPV‐16 in laryngeal carcinoma is 18%, and there is significant correlation between HPV‐16 and tumor grade.
Afadin controls cell polarization and mitotic spindle orientation in developing cortical radial glia
Authors: Rakotomamonjy Jennifer , Brunner Molly , Jüschke Christoph , Zang Keling , Huang Eric J. , Reichardt Louis F. , Chenn Anjen
Published: May 2017

Background

In developing tissues, cell polarity and tissue architecture play essential roles in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation. During cerebral cortical development, adherens junctions link highly polarized radial glial cells in a neurogenic niche that controls their behavior. How adherens junctions regulate radial glial cell polarity and/or differentiation in mammalian cortical development is poorly understood.

Results

Conditional deletion of Afadin, a protein required for formation and maintenance of epithelial tissues, leads to abnormalities in radial glial cell polarity and subsequent loss of adherens junctions. We observed increased numbers of obliquely-oriented progenitor cell divisions, increased exit from the ventricular zone neuroepithelium, and increased production of intermediate progenitors.

Conclusions

Together, these findings indicate that Afadin plays an essential role in regulating apical-basal polarity and adherens junction integrity of radial glial cells, and suggest that epithelial architecture plays an important role in radial glial identity by regulating mitotic orientation and preventing premature exit from the neurogenic niche.
Development and validation of an administrative data algorithm to identify adults who have endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Macdonald Kristian I. , Kilty Shaun J. , van Walraven Carl
Published: May 2017

Background

This was a diagnostic accuracy study to develop an algorithm based on administrative database codes that identifies patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) who have endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

From January 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2012, a chart review was performed for all hospital-identified ESS surgical encounters. The reference standard was developed as follows: cases were assigned to encounters in which ESS was performed for Otolaryngologist-diagnosed CRS; all other chart review encounters, and all other hospital surgical encounters during the timeframe were controls. Algorithm development was based on International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD-10) diagnostic codes and Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI) procedural codes. Internal model validation was performed with a similar chart review for all model-identified cases and 200 randomly selected controls during the following year.

Results

During the study period, 347 cases and 185,007 controls were identified. The predictive model assigned cases to all encounters that contained at least one CRS ICD-10 diagnostic code and at least one ESS CCI procedural code. Compared to the reference standard, the algorithm was very accurate: sensitivity 96.0% (95%CI 93.2–97.7), specificity 100% (95% CI 99.9–100), and positive predictive value 95.4% (95%CI 92.5–97.3). Internal validation using chart review for the following year revealed similar accuracy: sensitivity 98.9% (95%CI 95.8–99.8), specificity 97.1% (95%CI 93.4–98.8), and positive predictive value 96.9% (95%CI 93.0–99.8).

Conclusion

A simple model based on administrative database codes accurately identified ESS-CRS encounters. This model can be used in population-based cohorts to study longitudinal outcomes for the ESS-CRS population.
Management delays in patients with squamous cell cancer of neck node(s) and unknown primary site: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Martell Kevin , Mackenzie Joanna , Kerney Warren , Lau Harold Yeehau
Published: May 2017

Background

We aim to characterize the workup received by and identify any delays to diagnosis or treatment in patients referred to a tertiary cancer centre with the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in neck node(s) and no identifiable primary (SCCNIP).

Methods

Over 1 year, 68 patients were initially referred to the Head and Neck clinic with a label of “primary unknown”. After extensive workup, 29 of the 68 patients were found to have pathologically confirmed SCCNIP. For these 29 patients, imaging tests, biopsies, examinations and times to treatment were reviewed and compared to 145 patients referred for known primaries.

Results

In 21/29 (72%) patients, ultrasound was ordered prior to biopsy or referral. After referral, the first imaging test used was CT neck in 28 patients and PET/CT in 1 patient. Median time from referral to primary identification ( n = 23) or workup completion ( n = 6) were 16 (range: 0-48) and 36 (17-82) days respectively. Median time from referral to treatment was 55 (27-90; n = 26) days and was longer than those referred for known primaries (48 days; 20-162; p < 0.001). Across all patients, median time between first diagnostic imaging test and pathologic diagnosis were 20.5 and -8.0 days ( p < 0.0001) in patients receiving ultrasound and CT, respectively.

Conclusions

In our cohort, delays to management were linked to community use of ultrasound and scheduling of both CT and PET/CT after thorough head and neck examination in patients with SCCNIP.
Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Metastatic Urothelial Cancer
Authors: Balar Arjun Vasant
Published: May 2017

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.

A 62-year-old man with a 45 pack per year tobacco-smoking history presented with painless gross hematuria in the fall of 2015 and was ultimately diagnosed with muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer. He received four cycles of cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection, which disclosed residual high-grade muscle-invasive urothelial cancer extending to the perivesical fat and involving two of 20 pelvic lymph nodes (pT3N2). Six months later, surveillance imaging identified new retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and a large right pelvic mass with possible rectal wall invasion consistent with locally recurrent and metastatic urothelial cancer. Although feeling generally well, he reported having had progressive constipation, pelvic pressure, and narrow-caliber stools for 2 months. He was seen in consultation for management of recurrent bladder cancer.
Decomposition of Gas-Phase Organic Pollutants over Nanocrystalline Tungsten Oxide Photocatalysts under Visible-Light Irradiation
Authors: Fukushi Daisuke , Sato Akira , Yoshida Kayo , Kitano Masaaki
Published: May 2017

We have prepared visible-light-sensitive tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoparticle photocatalysts by a thermal plasma method and subsequent annealing treatment. The WO3 photocatalysts effectively decomposed acetaldehyde under visible-light irradiation and the activity increased with the annealing temperature. The WO3 annealed at 600 °C exhibited fivefold higher photocatalytic activity than nitrogen-doped TiO2 and commercial WO3. The high photocatalytic activity of the WO3 nanoparticles was attributed to their high crystallinity and large surface area. It was also found that the acetaldehyde decomposition rate over the WO3 nanoparticles was significantly enhanced by the addition of metal oxides such as ZrO2. The ZrO2 additive functions as an adsorbent of the acetic acid (reaction intermediate) to remove the acetic acid from the WO3 surface. Furthermore, the complete oxidation of acetaldehyde into CO2 and H2O was achieved using a Ru (0.02 wt%)-loaded WO3-ZrO2 mixed oxide under visible-light irradiation, and this catalyst exhibited excellent durability for the reaction.
Health tourism: a problem we need to address
Authors: Thomas J Meirion
Published: May 2017

J Meirion Thomas argues that we are underestimating the true costs of health tourism, and that patients should be required to give proof of ID when presenting for elective care.
Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica existente en la base de datos bibliográfica MEDLINE sobre la fibra dietética
Authors: Quesada-Risueño Patricia , Sanz-Valero Javier , Wanden-Berghe Carmina
Published: May 2017

Introducción: El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar, mediante análisis bibliométrico, la producción científica existente sobre la fibra dietética recopilada en la de datos MEDLINE, vía PubMed.Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se calculó el tamaño muestral mediante la estimación de parámetros poblacionales en una población infinita (n=386). El método de muestreo fue el aleatorio simple sin reemplazo.Resultados: La tipología documental más frecuente fue el artículo original con 177 documentos (45,9%; IC95%: 40,9-50,1), siendo el índice de productividad de 2,25. La edad de los documentos analizados fue de 17,7 años (IC95%: 16,4-18,9), con mediana de 15,5 años. Lo documentos revisados estaban predominantemente escritos en inglés, en 352 ocasiones (91,2%; IC95%: 88,4-94,0), seguidos del alemán en 11 artículos (2,9%; IC95%: 1,2-4,5), del ruso en 7 ocasiones (1,8%; IC95%: 0,5-3,1) y español con 6 artículos (1,6%; IC95%: 0,3-2,8). Las revistas que presentaron 15 o más trabajos, en los resultados de búsqueda efectuada son 4: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition con 31 referencias (8,0%; IC95%: 5,3-10,7), Journal of Animal Science con 20 referencias (5,2%; IC95%: 3,0-7,4), British Journal of Nutrition con 16 referencias (4,2%; IC95%: 2,2-6,1) y European Journal of Clinical Nutrition con 15 referencias (3,9%; IC95%: 2,0-5,8).Conclusiones: Este estudio indica que la fibra dietética es una temática altamente investigada, donde el inglés sigue siendo el idioma mayoritario. Los descriptores se encuentran en línea con la temática a estudio.
The relationship of body mass indexs in high school students with socio demographic and nutritional characteristics
Lise öğrencilerinde beden kütle indeksi durumunun sosyodemografik ve beslenme özellikleri ile ilişkisi
Authors: Erdoğan Eylül Gülnur , Akın Belgin
Published: May 2017

This descriptive study was conducted for the purpose of determining the relationship of body mass index in high school students with socio-demographic and some nutritional characteristics. The study group of the study consisted of 530 students between the ages of 13-18 attending a high school in Eskişehir in the school year of 2015-2016. A survey form and height-weight measurements developed by the researcher were used to collect the data.BMI had no correlation with gender, socio-economic status, training on nutrition, consumption of convenience foods or skipping meals, whereas the obesity rate was higher among those who reported to consume convenience foods during recess and due to lack of free time during school hours and the rate of thinness/very thinness was higher among those who reported to consume convenience foods by choice. ÖzetBu araştırma lise öğrencilerinde beden kütle indeksi durumunun sosyo-demografik ve bazı beslenme özelikleriyle ile ilişkisinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu Türkiye/Eskişehir’de bir lisede 2015-2016 eğitim ve öğretim yılı içinde liseye devam eden 13-18 yaş aralığında ki 530 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin toplanmasında araştırmacı tarafından geliştirilen bir anket formu ve boy-kilo ölçümleri kullanılmıştır.Cinsiyet, sosyoekonomik durum, beslenme konusunda eğitim alma, hazır gıda tüketip tüketme ya da öğün atlama BKİ ile ilişkili değilken okulda vakit bulamama nedeniyle ve ders aralarında hazır gıda tüketenlerde obezite oranı ve tercih nedeniyle hazır gıda tüketenlerde aşırı zayıf/zayıf oranları daha yüksektir.
ANALISIS PENGARUH KANDUNGAN SIC, TEMPERATUR CAIRAN, KECEPATAN PUTAR DAN DURASI WAKTU PENGADUKAN PADA KEKUATAN TARIK KOMPOSIT AL-SIC
Authors: Sadi Sadi , Wildan M. Waziz , Suyitno Suyitno
Published: May 2017

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh kandungan SiC, temperatur cairan, kecepatan putar dan durasi waktu pengadukan pada kekuatan tarik komposit Al-SiC menggunakan metode Taguchi. Material komposit yang digunakan adalah aluminium paduan Al-Si sebagai matrik dan partikel SiC (silicon carbide) ukuran -400 mesh sebagai penguat. Spesimen komposit Al-SiC dibuat menggunakan proses stir casting. Kekuatan tarik spesimen komposit Al-SiC diuji menggunakan mesin uji tarik servopulser. Kandungan SiC, temperatur  cairan, kecepatan putar dan durasi waktu pengadukan, masing-masing menggunakan 4 variasi. Hasil eksperimen menunjukkan bahwa menaikkan kecepatan putar pengadukan sampai 300 rpm dan durasi waktu pengadukan sampai 30 menit mampu menaikkan kekuatan tarik komposit Al-SiC, tetapi menaikkan kandungan SiC di atas 5 % berat dan temperatur cairan di atas 680oC dapat menurunkan kekuatan tariknya. Kandungan SiC pengaruhnya paling besar pada kekuatan tarik komposit Al-SiC dengan kontribusi 68,86 %. Sruktur mikro coran komposit Al-SiC diamati menggunakan scanning electron microscope (SEM).
The Role of Free/Libre and Open Source Software in Learning Health Systems
Authors: Paton C. , Karopka T.
Published: May 2017

Objective: To give an overview of the role of Free/Libre and Open Source Software (FLOSS) in the context of secondary use of patient data to enable Learning Health Systems (LHSs).

Methods: We conducted an environmental scan of the academic and grey literature utilising the MedFLOSS database of open source systems in healthcare to inform a discussion of the role of open source in developing LHSs that reuse patient data for research and quality improvement.

Results: A wide range of FLOSS is identified that contributes to the information technology (IT) infrastructure of LHSs including operating systems, databases, frameworks, interoperability software, and mobile and web apps. The recent literature around the development and use of key clinical data management tools is also reviewed.

Conclusions: FLOSS already plays a critical role in modern health IT infrastructure for the collection, storage, and analysis of patient data. The nature of FLOSS systems to be collaborative, modular, and modifiable may make open source approaches appropriate for building the digital infrastructure for a LHS.
Homoclinic orbits of 2nth-order difference equations involving p-Laplacian
Authors: Shi Haiping , Liu Xia , Zhang Yuanbiao
Published: May 2017

By making use of the critical point theory, we establish some new existence criteria to guarantee that a 2nth-order nonlinear difference equation containing both advance and retardation with p-Laplacian has a nontrivial homoclinic orbit. Our conditions on the potential are rather relaxed, and some existing results in the literature are improved.
On multiple Borsuk numbers in normed spaces
Authors: Lángi Zsolt , Naszódi Márton
Published: May 2017

Hujter and Lángi defined the k-fold Borsuk number of a set S in Euclidean n-space of diameter d > 0 as the smallest cardinality of a family F of subsets of S, of diameters strictly less than d, such that every point of S belongs to at least k members of F.

We investigate whether a k-fold Borsuk covering of a set S in a finite dimensional real normed space can be extended to a completion of S. Furthermore, we determine the k-fold Borsuk number of sets in not angled normed planes, and give a partial characterization for sets in angled planes.
Linear independence results for the reciprocal sums of Fibonacci numbers associated with Dirichlet characters
Authors: Ei Hiromi , Luca Florian , Tachiya Yohei
Published: May 2017

Let {Fn}n≥0 be the sequence of Fibonacci numbers. The aim of this paper is to give linear independence results over for the infinite series with certain nonprincipal real Dirichlet characters χj. We also deduce the irrationality results for the special principal Dirichlet characters and for other multiplicative functions.
A numerical study of ultrasonic response of random cortical bone plates
Authors: Abdoulatuf A. , Nguyen V-H. , Desceliers C. , Naili S.
Published: May 2017

A probabilistic study on ultrasound wave reflection and transmission from cortical bone plates is proposed. The cortical bone is  modeled by an anisotropic and heterogeneous elastic plate sandwiched between two fluids and has randomly varied elastic properties in the thickness direction. A parametric stochastic model is proposed to describe the elastic heterogeneity in the plate. Reflection and transmission coefficients are computed via the semi-analytical finite element (SAFE) method. The effect of material heterogeneity on reflected and transmitted waves is investigated from a probabilistic point of view. The parametric study highlights effects of the uncertainty of material properties on the reflection and transmission coefficients by varying the frequency, angle of incidence and bone thickness.
Comparative aspects of blood coagulation measurements in various wild and captive bird species
Authors: Rohn Karl , Kummerfeld Norbert , Mischke Reinhard , Guddorf Vanessa
Published: May 2017

Objective: Information about the influence of species variety or diseases on coagulation values in avian blood is rare. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of species on measurements of coagulation parameters in avian plasma samples using commercially available reagents and to investigate potential influences of selected diseases on clotting times. Material and methods: Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and thrombin time (TT) were measured in citrated plasma of healthy individuals collected from eight different wild and captive avian species applying currently commercially available reagents prepared for use in humans, which were preselected in preliminary studies. The same parameters were tested in plasma samples from birds affected by aspergillosis, atherosclerosis, neoplasia and traumata. Results: PT and aPTT showed a high interspecies variety. Irrespective of species, aPTTs were extremely long and partially exceeded the measurement range limit. Minor variations between species were seen in TT measurements. Clotting times obtained from birds affected by aspergillosis, atherosclerosis and neoplasia were not significantly different when compared to healthy birds. Plasma obtained from traumatised individuals showed significantly shorter PT and aPTT than that in healthy birds. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Differences between species must be considered in diagnostic coagulation measurements in avian blood. Regardless of the avian species, aPTT measurements on avian samples appear to be of limited value. Lower PT and aPTT values reflect coagulation activation in traumatised birds.
Macro-Trends in Steel Industry in India: Implications for Risk
Authors: Choudhary Minakshi
Published: May 2017

This paper presents a macro level analysis of steel industry. We have estimated the growth trend for production, consumption, exports and imports at the economy level by using a semi-log equation model. Firstly, we found that all variables are significantly related to a catch-all variable called ‘time’. Secondly, we calculated the predicted value of all variables and compared them with the actual value by the graphic presentations. They closely follow each other in most cases. The regression analysis shows that production grew at 8% and consumption at 7.75 during the time period 1992-2015. Exports grew at 9.78% per annum and declined drastically after the year 2005. On the other hand, the imports grew at 10.53% and increased also drastically after 2005. It shows that after the year 2005, there could have been a change in the industrial policy. On the whole we concluded that production and consumption increased over the time. Exports and imports show an increasing trend but export trend is weaker than the import trend. This shows that systematic risk arises due to transaction exposure of volatility in foreign exchange because we earned less Foreign Exchange (FE) and spent more on steel import in the form of Foreign Exchange. Since the time when FE rate regime has been liberalised the FE rates have been very volatile and Rupee has been depreciating constantly. If a larger sum is spent on imports it implies that the foreign exchange risk is higher. But since this is systematic risk it cannot be diversified.
ACUITYAdvanced Protocol v2
Authors: Miller Kelsey
Published: May 2017

ACUITYAdvanced Biotin Free HRPPolymer Detection System for Immunohistochemistry
Anti-Neu5Gc Antibody Kit Protocol - Flow Cytometry v2
Authors: Miller Kelsey
Published: May 2017

Anti-Neu5Gc may be used for staining cells prior to analysis by Flow Cytometry. This kit contains all the essential components needed to identify Neu5Gc on the surface of cells by flow cytometry. Use of the blocking agent (Neu5Gc Assay Blocking Solution) provided in the kit is essential, as commonly used blocking agents invariably contain serum, or serum components, that can either inhibit detection or introduce Neu5Gc contamination. Tissue culture-grown CHO-K1 can be used as a positive control, and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells serve as a negative control. Adherent tissue culture-grown cells should be released from the culture flasks by using 5-10mM EDTA for 10 minutes at room temperature. Other non-enzymatic methods, such as Accutase, may be used. Immediately wash cells in blocking buffer that contains a lower concentration of EDTA, and resuspend cells in blocking buffer to determine cell numbers and viability.
The Revival of Local Fairy Tales for Children Education
Authors: Rahman Fathu
Published: May 2017

This study explored the function of fairy tales as a means of entertainment and education for children. Fairy tales in children's literature have gradually shifted from an oral storytelling tradition to a mass media product. The role of the mother as the first and foremost teacher of her children is increasingly challenged in modern education. From pre-school age up to junior high school level, a child needs special attention from his or her parents, especially the mother. From the age of three until a child enters primary school, the parents, especially the mother, play a strategic role in fostering various aspects of development language, psychology and character. One way in which this takes place is through storytelling, however unfortunately children's literature in the form of local fairy tales often no longer has a place in the home or the kindergarten. This case study in South Sulawesi, Indonesia explored the causes behind this change. Data were gathered through interviews and questionnaires. A simple statistical method was used to analyse the data. The results show that telling fairy tales to children is still relevant and can help to instil character values in young children.
An Analysis of Student’s Ability in Writing at Riau University Pekanbaru - Indonesia
Authors: Hasan Jismulatif , Marzuki Marzuki
Published: May 2017

This study focused on the analysis of students’ writing performance. It aimed to ascertain the students’ ability in using grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, spelling, coherence and cohesion. To measure the students’ writing ability, they were told to do a writing task to be completed in less than 75 minutes in duration. The task asked them to imagine that they were working for a company in Batam, a fast-growing administrative town in Kepulauan Riau Province. They were told to write a letter to their friends who wanted to know about the companies they were working for, the companies’ future prospects, the availability of vacancies in them, and the requirements to be met if their friends wanted to apply for positions there. The findings the study showed that grammatical problems seemed to be the most frequent made by the students ranging from error in using plural forms, articles, verb, forms, clauses, passive voice and prepositions. The findings also indicated that problems in coherence and cohesion stemed from the absence of cohesive markers in the students’ sentences which affected how they put ideas in their letters coherently. However, despite the problems the students faced in writing, on the whole the results of their writing were good enough as they were able to include most of the important information required by their friends.
Discursos sobre a adoção por casais homoafetivos no Congresso Nacional Brasileiro.
Authors: Horst Claudio Henrique Miranda
Published: May 2017

O objetivo do presente artigo é analisar os discursos no Congresso Nacional Brasileiro em relação à adoção por casais homoafetivos, buscando desvelar a negação da parentalidade à parte da população LGBT em curso no Congresso Nacional brasileiro. Pesquisa documental envolvendo os discursos proferidos no plenário do Legislativo Federal em relação a adoção por casais homoafetivos, bem como aqueles que dizem respeito ao projeto de lei 2.153/2011. Identificamos uma polarização nos discursos: apesar da resistência, há uma tendência entre alguns sujeitos políticos de aprovação a união entre casais do mesmo sexo. Porém, a adoção por casais homoafetivos é rechaçada, amparada por um discurso de inadequação da presença de crianças no interior de um arranjo familiar que não reproduziria a concepção hegemônica patriarcal burguesa de família.
Juventudes “encerradas”: extermínio e aprisionamento segundo opressões de classe, raça e gênero
Authors: Gershenson Beatriz , Gomes Ferreira Guilherme , De Freitas Ávila Lisélen , Oliveira Jacques Carla
Published: May 2017

Temos presenciado um clamor cada vez maior por políticas de recrudescimento penal e de punição das classes consideradas perigosas, que não por acaso são aquelas que experimentam processos intensos de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica ao mesmo tempo em que também se caracterizam como oprimidas segundo outros marcadores como raça/etnia e gênero. Esse populismo punitivo, portanto, é dirigido especialmente às juventudes, população que mais é exterminada e aprisionada no Brasil. O intento deste trabalho – fruto de revisão teórica crítica como etapa de projeto de investigação atualmente em curso – é estabelecer relações entre os sistemas de opressão de classe, raça e gênero e a vulnerabilidade e seletividade penal experimentadas pelas juventudes brasileiras. Nossa hipótese é que marcadores sociais determinados aprofundam e acirram as possibilidades de as juventudes periféricas serem consideradas uma população passível de extermínio e aprisionamento, sendo suas vidas consideradas abjetas e desqualificadas no processo de produção e reprodução social.
Efficacy of Warm Showers on Postpartum Fatigue Among Vaginal-Birth Taiwanese Women: A Quasi-Experimental Design
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Hsing , Chen Chien-Lan , Chung Feng-Fang , Lin Su-Ying
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose: Postpartum fatigue is one of the most common complaints among women following childbirth. As a postpartum ritual practice, Taiwanese women refrain from taking showers while “doing the month.” However, warm showers are the systemic application of moist heat, and they maintain physical hygiene, stimulate blood circulation, mitigate discomfort, and provide relaxation. As Taiwanese society becomes increasingly receptive to scientific and contemporary health care practice, more and more women choose to take warm showers after childbirth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of warm showers on postpartum fatigue among vaginal-birth women in Taiwan. Methods: This was a two-group quasi-experimental design. Women took showers in warm water with temperatures ranging between 40 °C and 43 °C for approximately 20 minutes. Postpartum women’s fatigue is measured using the 10-item Postpartum Fatigue Scale (PFS). The intervention effect was analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model. Results: The study population consisted of 358 vaginal-birth postpartum Taiwanese women aged 20–43 years. Postpartum women who took warm showers showed improvements from their pretest to posttest mean scores of postpartum fatigue compared to postpartum women who did not take warm showers. Warm showers helped to reduce postpartum fatigue among vaginal-birth women during the study period. Implications for Practice: Nurses have the unique opportunity to provide the intervention to Taiwanese women who have vaginal birth to help them relieve postpartum fatigue with warm showers while “doing the month” without the taboo of no-showering customary practices in the early postpartum period.
Aplikasi Sistem Pakar Diagnosa Penyakit Pada Anak Bawah Lima Tahun Menggunakan Metode Forward Chaining
Authors: Yanto Bagus Fery , Werdiningsih Indah , Purwanti Endah
Published: May 2017

Abstrak— Anak-anak pada usia 2 bulan sampai 5 tahun (Balita) lebih rentan terkena penyakit. Lingkungan sangat mempengaruhi kesehatan Balita. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat sebuah aplikasi sistem pakar diagnosa penyakit pada Balita berbasis mobile. Penelitian ini terdiri dari tiga tahap. Tahap pertama adalah pengumpulan data dan informasi dari Manajemen Terpadu Balita Sakit (MTBS) dan wawancara dengan Bidan. Dari pengumpulan data dan informasi tersebut ditemukan fakta penyakit, keluhan, gejala dan saran penanganan. Tahap kedua adalah pembuatan rule dengan 18 penyakit. Tahap ketiga adalah implementasi aplikasi sistem pakar berbasis mobile dengan fitur diagnosa penyakit, riwayat diagnosa dan kumpulan penyakit. Aplikasi sistem pakar yang dibuat dapat mendiagnosa penyakit dan memberikan saran penanganan. Hasil evaluasi dari 50 data uji coba menghasilkan tingkat akurasi sebesar 82%, dimana 41 hasil diagnosa yang benar dan 9 diagnosa yang salah. Kata Kunci— Sistem Pakar, Forward Chaining, Diagnosa Penyakit, Manajemen Terpadu Balita Sakit, Knowladge BaseAbstract— Children at the age of 2 months to 5 years (toddlers) are more susceptible to disease contagious. Environmental condition significantly influences the children health. This  research aimed to create a mobile-based expert system application to diagnose disease in toddlers. This research consist of three stages. The first stage were data and information collection from Manajemen Terpadu Balita Sakit  (MTBS) and interview with medical staffs. From the first stage, we can discover the disease facts, signs, symptoms and treatment advices. The second stage was the construction of rules for 18 diseases. The third stage was the implementation of mobile-based expert system application with features of disease diagnosis, diagnosis history and collection of disease diagnosis. Expert system application made able to diagnose the disease and provide treatment advice. The results of evaluation using 50 testing data provides the level of accuracy of 82%, where 41 diagnosis result were true and 9 diagnosis were false. Keywords— Expert System, Forward Chaining, Disease Diagnosis, Manajemen Terpadu Balita Sakit, Knowledge Base
Bayesian Hierarchical Scale Mixtures of Log-Normal Models for Inference in Reliability with Stochastic Constraint
Authors: Kim Hea-Jung
Published: May 2017

This paper develops Bayesian inference in reliability of a class of scale mixtures of log-normal failure time (SMLNFT) models with stochastic (or uncertain) constraint in their reliability measures. The class is comprehensive and includes existing failure time (FT) models (such as log-normal, log-Cauchy, and log-logistic FT models) as well as new models that are robust in terms of heavy-tailed FT observations. Since classical frequency approaches to reliability analysis based on the SMLNFT model with stochastic constraint are intractable, the Bayesian method is pursued utilizing a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)

sampling based approach. This paper introduces a two-stage maximum entropy (MaxEnt) prior, which elicits a priori uncertain constraint and develops Bayesian hierarchical SMLNFT model by using the prior. The paper also proposes an MCMC method for Bayesian inference in the SMLNFT model reliability and calls attention to properties of the MaxEnt prior that are useful for method development. Finally, two data sets are used to illustrate how the proposed methodology works.
Quando Existir é Resistir: Two-spirit como crítica colonial
Authors: Fernandes Estevão Rafael
Published: May 2017

ResumoBuscando recuperar o aspecto de crítica colonial do movimento two-spirit norte-americano, este artigo pretende ampliar o campo de possibilidades nos estudos das sexualidades indígenas, propondo um passo além para os estudos de gênero (bem como dos estudos coloniais). Neste sentido, situaremos o surgimento das organizações two-spirit nos Estados Unidos, desde sua gênese, de modo a mais bem compreender suas contribuições epistemológicas. A partir dessas potencialidades, buscaremos problematizar questões e desafios para o estudo das sexualidades indígenas queer no Brasil.Palavras-Chave: Sexualidades indígenas, Two-Spirit, Teoria Queer, Colonialismo When to exist is to resist: Two-spirit as colonial critiqueAbstractBy analyzing the two-spirit movement from its contributions to colonial critics, this article aims to expand the field of possibilities on the studies of indigenous sexualities, suggesting a step further to gender studies (as well as colonial studies). In this sense, one will place the emergence of two-spirit organizations in the United States, from its genesis in order to better understand its epistemological contributions. From these potentials, one seek to discuss issues and challenges for the studies of queer sexualities indigenous in Brazil.Keywords: Native Sexualities, Two-Spirit, Queer Theory, Colonialism Cuando existir es resistir: Dos espíritus como crítica colonialResumenAl analizar el movimiento de los dos espíritus desde sus aportes a las críticas coloniales, este artículo pretende ampliar el campo de posibilidades sobre los estudios de las sexualidades indígenas, sugiriendo un paso más allá de los estudios de género. En este sentido, se pondrá en el surgimiento de las organizaciones de dos espíritus en los Estados Unidos, desde su génesis para comprender mejor sus contribuciones epistemológicas.Palabras clave: Sexualidades nativas, Dos Espíritus, Teoría Queer, Colonialismo
Technology Focus: Natural Gas Processing and Handling (April 2017)
Authors: Wang Xiuli
Published: May 2017

Technology Focus

Natural gas had a bullish year in 2016 as the average Henry Hub spot price jumped from USD 2.28/million Btu in January to USD 3.59/million Btu in December (+58%), “the largest percentage increase in price among energy commodities,” according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

According to the same source, the US market consumed 75.07 Bcf/D of gas in 2016, 0.6% more than 2015, while US consumer-grade natural-gas production was down 2.4% from 74.14 to 72.36 Bcf/D compared with 2015. Coupled with the electric-power (+4.2%) and industrial (+1.9%) sectors, this contributed to a noticeable rise in gas prices. Although the US is a net gas importer, 2016 officially marked the US as an exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) (by Cheniere Energy from zero in 2015 to 0.5 Bcf/D in 2016).

While gas transportation primarily by pipeline over land and LNG over water remain the most economically attractive means to transport large quantities of gas over long distances, cost-effectively monetizing stranded gas is still a challenge, especially in offshore environments.

A recent absorption-system development by ExxonMobil claims to improve the efficiency of removing water vapor from natural gas, in both on- and offshore environments, by shrinking the surface footprint by 70%, reducing the overall weight by half, and, ultimately, lowering the total cost. This technology should enable the development of some otherwise uneconomical fields.

To learn more, attend the SPE workshop Floating LNG—Weathering the Challenges, in Kuala Lumpur on 20–21  March, and the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, on 9–11  October in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 181610 Planning for Uncertainties in Gas Composition: Reduce Project Risks by Early Adoption of a Robust Gas-Processing Concept by Pavan Chilukuri, Shell, et al.

SPE 183510 Flared-Gas Monetization With Modular Gas-to-Liquid Units: Oilfield Conversion of Associated Gas Into Petrol at Small Scales by Zhong He, Primus Green Energy, et al.

SPE 183403 New Economical Process To Monetize High-CO2 Natural Gas by Conrad Ayasse, Canada Chemical Corporation, et al.