bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid particle erosion behavior of HVOF/HVAF sprayed WC-Co-Cr coatings
Authors: Li Yang , Lian Ying , Cao Jingjing , Li Li
Published: September 2015

The erosion behavior of three WC-Co-Cr coatings obtained by high velocity oxy-fuel/air-fuel (HVOF/HVAF) thermal spray systems has been investigated using Al2O3 as erodent at four impingement angles (15°, 45°, 75°, 90°) and 90 m/s impact velocity. The results indicate that the micro-cutting and coatings spallation are main erosion mechanisms for coatings, and the proportion of the two mechanisms changes depending on the impingement angle. The ranking of the coatings in terms of erosion resistance is very much dependent on the microstructure of coatings. The behavior of formation and propagation of cracks also depends on the microstructure of coatings, and has been understood in terms of schematic diagrams.
Regime complexity and global governance: The case of trafficking in persons
Authors: Gómez-Mera Laura
Published: September 2015

What are the consequences of increasing regime complexity and institutional proliferation on global governance? Does the growing density and overlaps among institutions facilitate or hinder the ability of states to manage transnational threats through cooperation? This article argues that the impact of regime complexity on the effectiveness of cooperation depends not only on the nature of spillovers among overlapping regimes, but also on the cross-institutional strategies of states and non-state actors. I distinguish between two types of strategies through which actors can take advantage of institutional overlaps: (1) “opportunistic” or non-cooperative attempts by states to bypass legal commitments, which tend to undermine the goals of cooperation; and (2) “cooperative” strategies by intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, and other principled actors. These actors also engage in regime shifting, forum linking, and other cross-forum strategies to promote their institutional mandates and normative agendas. To probe the plausibility of these theoretical claims, I focus on the case of the anti-trafficking in persons regime. The overlaps between anti-trafficking laws and the migration, labor, and human rights regimes illustrate the different ways in which intergovernmental organizations and their allies in society can exploit institutional overlaps to promote greater cooperation and expand the regime complex.
Overruling the protectionist exclusionary rule
Authors: Daly Yvonne Marie
Published: September 2015

In April 2015 the Irish Supreme Court held, in DPP v JC, that the rather strict exclusionary rule relating to unconstitutionally obtained evidence which had operated in that jurisdiction for the past twenty-five years should no longer be applied. A majority of the Court held that the seminal case in which the rule was set out was erroneously decided and, accordingly, overruled that precedent and reformulated the relevant rule. While the previous rule had operated on a rationale of protectionism, the newly-stated rule is based on principles of deterrence such that evidence will not be excluded where the relevant breach of constitutional rights is inadvertent. This is a major change of approach for the Irish criminal justice system and this case note explores the background to the change, the judgments of the Supreme Court, and the potential impact of what Hardiman J (dissenting) referred to as this “revolution in principle”.
Novel approaches to improve the gas exchange process of downsized turbocharged spark-ignition engines: A review
Authors: Hu Bo , Akehurst Sam , Brace Chris
Published: September 2015

Engine downsizing, which is the use of a smaller engine that provides the power of a larger engine, is now considered a mega-trend for the internal combustion engine market. It is usually achieved using one or more boosting devices including a supercharger or a turbocharger. Although supercharging is beneficial for engine’s transient response, turbocharging technology is more widely adopted considering its advantages in fuel efficiency. Compared to turbocharged compression ignition engines, turbocharged spark-ignition engines tend to be more challenging with respect to the gas exchange process mainly due to their higher pumping loss, the need for throttling and the fact that spark-ignition engines demand more controllability due to the mitigation of knock, particularly with regard to minimizing trapped residuals. These challenges encourage the entire gas exchange process of turbocharged spark-ignition engines to be regarded as a complete air management system instead of just looking at the boosting system in isolation. In addition, more research emphasis should be focused on novel approaches to improve the gas exchange process of downsized turbocharged spark-ignition engines because the refinement of the conventional technologies cannot provide continuous gains indefinitely and only innovative concept may improve the engine performance to meet the fuel efficiency target and the more stringent emission regulation in the future. This article will first briefly review knowledge of the current state of the art technologies that are in production as opposed to approaches that are currently only being investigated at a research level. Next, more novel methods of the gas exchange process are introduced to identify the improved synergies between the engine and the boosting machine. The major findings to improve the gas exchange process that emerge from this review comprise four aspects (depending on the location where the novel technologies are implemented) which are as follows: charge air pressurization/de-pressurization improvement, combustion efficiency enhancement within the chamber, valve event–associated development and exhaust system optimization. Although the interaction between these technologies on different aspects of the gas exchange process was found to be highly complex, the optimization or the combination of these technologies is anticipated to further improve a downsized turbocharged spark-ignition engine’s performance.
‘It’s harder to go to court yourself because you don’t really know what to expect’: Reducing the negative effects of court exposure on young people – Findings from an Evaluation in Scotland
Authors: Deuchar Ross , Sapouna Maria
Published: September 2015

In Scotland, the Whole System Approach to preventing and reducing offending includes the provision of court support for young people under 18 years. This article outlines the insights from an evaluation of one Scottish local authority’s support service. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 26 participants were combined with observation of interactions between support workers and young people, with some additional follow-up statistical analysis of key outcomes. The insights suggest that the court support helped to reassure young people and make them more aware of their rights. It helped many young people to avoid receiving custodial sentences, meet bail conditions, reflect upon their offending behaviour and begin to make alternative choices.
Graph and chart aesthetics for experts and laymen in design: The role of familiarity and perceived ease of use
Authors: Quispel Annemarie , Maes Alfons , Schilperoord Joost
Published: September 2015

We investigated the relationship between familiarity, perceived ease of use, and attractiveness of graph designs in two target groups: experts and laymen in design. In the first study, we presented them with a variety of more or less common graph designs and asked them without any additional task to evaluate their familiarity, attractiveness, and perceived ease of use. They judged the familiarity and ease of use of the graphs similarly, but they differed in their attractiveness judgments. Familiarity and perceived ease of use appeared to predict attractiveness, but stronger for laymen than for designers. Laymen are attracted to designs they perceive as familiar and easy to use. Designers are attracted to designs between familiar and novel. In the second study, we asked designers and laymen to first perform an information retrieval task with the same graphs and then rate their attractiveness. Laymen’s appreciations remained the same, but the designers’ judgments of attractiveness were different from those in study 1. Correlational analyses suggest that their attractiveness judgments after use were affected not by actual usability but by perceived ease of use of the graphs.
Towards passive station holding of autonomous underwater vehicles inspired by fish behaviour in unsteady flows
Authors: Phillips Alexander B , Blake James IR , Boyd Stephen W , Griffiths Gwyn
Published: September 2015

Some species of fish are able to alter their mode of swimming to interact with naturally produced vortices; the use of these gaits reduces the energy expended by the fish. To analyse the feasibility of autonomous underwater vehicles replicating these gaits, a series of experiments are performed with unpowered rigid and flexible bodies positioned in the Kármán wake of a rigid cylinder. Simple motion capture techniques are used to capture the bodies’ lateral and upstream motion in the flow. The results demonstrate that manufactured bodies are capable of passively mimicking fish behaviours, to a limited extent. More importantly, it was concluded that while significant upstream movement was possible for a manufactured object, it was achievable irrespective of the stiffness of the material. For autonomous underwater vehicles operating in unsteady flow regimes, an ability to utilise energy-saving gaits may improve the range or operational time.
A new magnetic flux leakage sensor based on open magnetizing method and its on-line automated structural health monitoring methodology
Authors: Sun Yanhua , Liu Shiwei , Li Rui , Ye Zhijian , Kang Yihua , Chen Shaobo
Published: September 2015

Magnetic flux leakage sensors have been widely used for the structural health monitoring of ferrous materials (structural health monitoring). This article provides a new magnetic flux leakage sensor based on open magnetizing method. Starting with the traditional yoke magnetization method analyses, the provided open magnetizing method and testing principle are presented. Then, the comparative analyses between the two methods are conducted by finite element method, indicating that the open magnetizing method features less magnetic interaction force, more uniform magnetic flux density for swing scanning, simpler architectures, and more universal functions under the framework of similar magnetic excitation capability for defects. Furthermore, the sensor based on open magnetizing method is designed through optimization and the advantages for open magnetization method are confirmed by experiments with created sensors. Finally, on-line structural health monitoring methodology for the monitoring probe with “rigid” open–close and “free” tracking rope-swing functions is developed based on the proposed sensors. Meanwhile, experimental comparisons between the open and yoke probes for on-line automated monitoring are also conducted to successfully confirm the characters of smaller magnetic interaction force, less wear, and damage in contrast to the traditional on-line automated structural health monitoring technology. Additionally, the on-line automated magnetic flux leakage apparatus for the structural health monitoring of hoist wire ropes is developed and applied, which further confirms the good practicability for the structural health monitoring of hoist ropes under the poor working conditions.
Feasibility study on integrated structural health monitoring system produced by metal three-dimensional printing
Authors: Strantza Maria , De Baere Dieter , Rombouts Marleen , Maes Gert , Guillaume Patrick , Van Hemelrijck Danny
Published: September 2015

Numerous structural health monitoring systems have been investigated extensively in order to enhance safety level and reduce direct operational costs. This work demonstrates the feasibility study of a new concept, the effective structural health monitoring system. The effective structural health monitoring system detects cracks using a system of capillaries incorporated into a structure. The structure with the integrated capillaries is produced by additive manufacturing, a process of adding material layer by layer. The first objective of this study is to prove that the developed system has reached technological readiness level 3. In order to prove that, four-point bending specimens with the integrated effective structural health monitoring system were tested after being produced by additive manufacturing, more specifically by laser metal deposition. The second objective of the study is to indicate that during four-point bending fatigue tests, the integrated structural health monitoring system has no influence on the crack initiation behavior. To do so, the specimens were subjected to the so-called step method. We demonstrate that the effective structural health monitoring has reached technological readiness level 3 and that the presence of effective structural health monitoring did not negatively influence the fatigue initiation process. As higher technology readiness levels are required, further investigations are still in progress.
Participatory action research: A strategy for improving self-care management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Miguel Padilha J , Sousa Artur P , Pereira Filipe M
Published: September 2015

Participatory action research (PAR) facilitates the change process in clinical practice and promotes knowledge development. This paper highlights the potential of PAR to implement changes in healthcare oriented for the development of self-care management skills in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In COPD patients, the preservation of self-care autonomy and quality of life depends on the patients’ ability to adopt pharmacological treatments and behavioural changes. In a Portuguese central hospital nurses ( n = 52) have identified a gap between the nursing care and the perceived needs of the patients, and developed a healthcare solution based on a PAR methodology supported by an overlapping cycle of action and research. The PAR took place during 14 months. The PAR allowed the change in the care model in use, in the organization and the nursing care documentation. This change was focused on the development of self-care management skills, responding to the needs and expectations of those involved. The PAR proved to be an appropriate methodology to identify and implement changes that contribute to the safety, quality and access to healthcare.
Understanding “Place” in Social Marketing
Authors: Edgar Timothy , Huhman Marian , Miller Gregory A.
Published: September 2015

Critiques of the social marketing literature have suggested the place strategy is a key component within the 4 Ps of the marketing mix that simultaneously has been misunderstood and underutilized. This study sought to conduct a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature to better understand how place has been conceptualized and operationalized over multiple decades. Application of inclusion criteria resulted in a sample of 84 articles published from 1988 to 2015 representing work in 20 different countries in North America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Content analysis showed that almost half (46.4%) of the descriptions of place strategies operationalized the component by including at least one element of placing messages within communication channels or information delivery such as print, interpersonal, traditional broadcast, or digital. The heavy emphasis on communication channels and information delivery contrasts sharply with definitions of place that thought leaders have offered historically. Results revealed that authors from the United States especially have a tendency to operationalize place as message placement. Discussion speculates on why conceptualization and operationalization have diverged and considers the implications for clarity within the field of social marketing as a whole.
Short-Duration and Intensive Training Improves Long-Term Reaching Performance in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Park Hyeshin , Kim Sujin , Winstein Carolee J. , Gordon James , Schweighofer Nicolas
Published: September 2015

Previous studies have shown that multiple sessions of reach training lead to long-term improvements in movement time and smoothness in individuals post-stroke. Yet such long-term training regimens are often difficult to implement in actual clinical settings. In this study, we evaluated the long-term and generalization effects of short-duration and intensive reach training in 16 individuals with chronic stroke and mild to moderate impairments. Participants performed 2 sessions of unassisted intensive reach training, with 600 movements per session, and with display of performance-based feedback after each movement. The participants’ trunks were restrained with a belt to avoid compensatory movements. Training resulted in significant and durable (1 month) improvements in movement time (20.4% on average) and movement smoothness (22.7% on average). The largest improvements occurred in individuals with the largest initial motor impairments. In addition, training induced generalization to nontrained targets, which persisted in 1-day and in 1-month retention tests. Finally, there was a significant improvement in the Box and Block test from baseline to 1-month retention test (23% on average). Thus, short-duration and intensive reach training can lead to generalized and durable benefits in individuals with chronic stroke and mild to moderate impairments.
Who Will Play Terebi Gēmu When No Japanese Children Remain?
Authors: Whaley Ben
Published: September 2015

This article examines the Japanese action puzzle game Catherine, arguing that the game presents a social narrative that comments on Japan’s pressing issue of a declining birthrate and aging population. It also theorizes a strategy for player involvement based on “distanced” (self-reflexive and meta) engagement. Through an examination of the narrative, characters, and gameplay, supplemented with national fertility survey data from Japan, the article argues that Catherine subverts classic game tropes and fosters player engagement with a socially relevant diegesis. Simultaneously, the unique meta-gameplay elements utilize what I term “distanced engagement” to encourage the player to critically self-reflect on both the game scenario and their role as a player. In this way, the article considers how the unique relationship between story and distanced engagement allows video games like Catherine to function as impactful and interactive social narratives.
Social Benefits of Playing Wii Bowling for Older Adults
Authors: Schell Robyn , Hausknecht Simone , Zhang Fan , Kaufman David
Published: September 2015

This research study investigated whether playing a digital game, Wii Bowling, with others can enhance the social life of older adults. Our research used a mixed-methods approach. Results showed that players’ levels of social connectedness increased and loneliness declined over an 8-week period. Qualitative results described participants’ perceptions of their interactions with others, conversations with family and friends, social connections, and the team experience relating to playing in the multiweek, multilocation Wii Bowling tournament.
Numerical analysis of single pad of thrust bearing with the energy equation solved by the characteristic-based split method
Authors: Hu Yaoyu , Wang Dezhong , Yin Junlian , Wang Yujin
Published: September 2015

The solution of the energy equation of thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic analysis for bearings by the finite element method usually leads to convergence difficulties due to the presence of convection terms inherited from the Navier–Stokes equations. In this work, the numerical analysis is performed with finite element method universally by adopting the characteristic-based split method to solve the energy equation. Five case studies of fixed pad thrust bearings have been set up with different geometries, loads, and lubricants. The two-dimensional film pressure is obtained by solving the Reynolds equation with pre-defined axial load on the pad. The energy equation of the lubricant film and the heat transfer equation of the bearing pad are handled by characteristic-based split method and conventional finite element method in three-dimensional space, respectively. Hot oil carry-over effect and variable lubricant viscosity are considered in the simulations. The results of the temperature distributions in the lubricant film and the bearing pad are presented. The possible usability of characteristic-based split method for future thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic analysis is discussed.
Partnering to enhance mental health care capacity in communities
Authors: Murphy Andrea L. , Gardner David M. , Martin-Misener Ruth , Naylor Ted , Kutcher Stan P.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Community pharmacists care for and support people with lived experience of mental illness in their communities. We developed a program called More Than Meds to facilitate enhancing capacity of community pharmacists’ roles in mental health care.

Methods:

We conducted a qualitative study and used a directed content analysis with application of the Theoretical Domains Framework as part of our underlying theory of behaviour change and our analytic framework.

Results:

Ten interviews ( n = 6 pharmacists, n = 4 community members) were conducted with participants from the More Than Meds program. Three key themes were identified from the experiences of More Than Meds participants: networking and bridging, stigma, and expectations and permissions. The most frequently coded domains in the data from the Theoretical Domains Framework were social/professional role, skills, beliefs about capabilities, knowledge and environmental context and resources.

Conclusions:

The More than Meds Program enabled community pharmacists to increase their capabilities, opportunities and motivation in providing mental health care and support. Involving community pharmacists together with people with lived experience of mental illness was identified as an innovative component of the program.
Psychophysiological audience responses to war journalism and peace journalism
Authors: Lynch Jake , McGoldrick Annabel , Heathers James
Published: September 2015

This article presents and discusses the results of an experiment in which television viewers were exposed to either a war journalism (WJ) or a peace journalism (PJ) version of two news stories, on Australian government policies towards asylum seekers and US-sponsored ‘peace talks’ between Israel and the Palestinians, respectively. Before and after viewing, they completed a cognitive questionnaire and two tests designed to disclose changes in their emotional state. During the viewing, they also underwent measurement of blood volume pulse, from which their heart rate variability (HRV) was calculated. HRV measures effects on the autonomic nervous system caused by changes in breathing patterns as subjects respond to stimuli with empathic concern. Since these patterns are regulated by the vagal nerve, HRV readings can therefore be interpreted as an indicator of vagal tone, which Porges et al. propose as an ‘autonomic correlate of emotion’. In this study, vagal tone decreased from baseline through both WJ stories, but showed a slightly smaller decrease during the PJ asylum story and then a significant increase during the PJ Israel–Palestine story. These readings correlated with questionnaire results showing greater hope and empathy among PJ viewers and increased anger and distress among WJ viewers, of the Israel–Palestine story.
Vascular endothelial cell Toll-like receptor pathways in sepsis
Authors: Khakpour Samira , Wilhelmsen Kevin , Hellman Judith
Published: September 2015

The endothelium forms a vast network that dynamically regulates vascular barrier function, coagulation pathways and vasomotor tone. Microvascular endothelial cells are uniquely situated to play key roles during infection and injury, owing to their widespread distribution throughout the body and their constant interaction with circulating blood. While not viewed as classical immune cells, endothelial cells express innate immune receptors, including the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which activate intracellular inflammatory pathways mediated through NF-κB and the MAP kinases. TLR agonists, including LPS and bacterial lipopeptides, directly upregulate microvascular endothelial cell expression of inflammatory mediators. Intriguingly, TLR activation also modulates microvascular endothelial cell permeability and the expression of coagulation pathway intermediaries. Microvascular thrombi have been hypothesized to trap microorganisms thereby limiting the spread of infection. However, dysregulated activation of endothelial inflammatory pathways is also believed to lead to coagulopathy and increased vascular permeability, which together promote sepsis-induced organ failure. This article reviews vascular endothelial cell innate immune pathways mediated through the TLRs as they pertain to sepsis, highlighting links between TLRs and coagulation and permeability pathways, and their role in healthy and pathologic responses to infection and sepsis.
Future perspectives in target-specific immunotherapies of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Dalakas Marinos C.
Published: September 2015

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by complement-fixing antibodies against acetylcholine receptors (AChR); antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper (Th) 17+ cells are essential in antibody production. Target-specific therapeutic interventions should therefore be directed against antibodies, B cells, complement and molecules associated with T cell signaling. Even though the progress in the immunopathogenesis of the disease probably exceeds any other autoimmune disorder, MG is still treated with traditional drugs or procedures that exert a non-antigen specific immunosuppression or immunomodulation. Novel biological agents currently on the market, directed against the following molecular pathways, are relevant and specific therapeutic targets that can be tested in MG: (a) T cell intracellular signaling molecules, such as anti-CD52, anti-interleukin (IL) 2 receptors, anti- costimulatory molecules, and anti-Janus tyrosine kinases (JAK1, JAK3) that block the intracellular cascade associated with T-cell activation; (b) B cells and their trophic factors, directed against key B-cell molecules; (c) complement C3 or C5, intercepting the destructive effect of complement-fixing antibodies; (d) cytokines and cytokine receptors, such as those targeting IL-6 which promotes antibody production and IL-17, or the p40 subunit of IL-12/1L-23 that affect regulatory T cells; and (e) T and B cell transmigration molecules associated with lymphocyte egress from the lymphoid organs. All drugs against these molecular pathways require testing in controlled trials, although some have already been tried in small case series. Construction of recombinant AChR antibodies that block binding of the pathogenic antibodies, thereby eliminating complement and antibody-depended-cell-mediated cytotoxicity, are additional novel molecular tools that require exploration in experimental MG.
Examining the Third-Person Perception on News Consumers’ Intention to Pay
Authors: Chyi Hsiang Iris , Lee Angela M. , Holton Avery E.
Published: September 2015

Examining the psycho-economics of paying intent using the third-person effect framework, this study examines the extent to which self–other asymmetry factors into news consumers’ intentions to pay for multiplatform news products. Findings from a web-based panel survey of 767 U.S. internet users suggest people consistently perceive others as more likely to pay for news across three news platforms (print, web, and app) and that the perceived difference in how much more likely others would pay for news than oneself widens from print to web and to app editions. Such findings reveal the economic nature of news as multiplatform products in the eyes of news consumers from a novel perspective and offer a theoretical understanding of the psychology behind consumers’ paying intent for multiplatform news products in the contemporary media environment.
Tweets on Television News
Authors: Lefky Tyler , Brewer Paul R. , Habegger Michael
Published: September 2015

Political candidates, media organizations, and citizens increasingly use the social media site Twitter. Given this trend, as well as the tendency of television news programs to present “meta-coverage” of candidates’ publicity efforts, one might expect television news coverage of election campaigns to include coverage of Twitter. Such coverage, in turn, may shape public opinion. The present study draws on two content analyses to show that television news programs covered Twitter in the context of recent election campaign cycles (2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014) and that much of this coverage focused on candidates’ publicity efforts through Twitter. Building on these results, the study then uses data from an experiment to show that exposure to television news coverage of Hillary Clinton’s publicity efforts through Twitter influenced participants’ opinions about how likable and funny she was but not overall opinions about her. The findings carry potential implications for both candidates and news organizations.
Clinical effectiveness of a residential pain management programme – comparing a large recent sample with previously published outcome data
Authors: Smith Jared G , Knight Lucie , Stewart Amy , Smith Emma L , McCracken Lance M
Published: September 2015

Objective:

Observational studies using routinely collected data indicate that pain management programmes (PMPs) based on cognitive-behavioural principles are associated with clinically meaningful improvements for individuals with chronic pain. This study evaluated change across functional measures in a sample of chronic pain patients attending a 4-week residential PMP between 2006 and 2010. The findings were directly compared with published outcomes from an earlier period (1989–1998) at the same service.

Methods:

Participants included 760 consecutive completers of a multidisciplinary PMP. Data were collected at pre-PMP, post-PMP (1-month post-discharge) and at a 9-month follow-up session. Group-based treatment effects and the reliability and clinical significance of change across functional measures were calculated and compared across cohorts.

Results:

Effect sizes for the recent cohort ranged from small to medium (.43–.67) for pain and physical functioning outcomes to large (.90–1.12) for psychological outcomes at post-treatment ( n = 654), and from small (.30–.51) to medium (.58–.71) at 9-month follow-up ( n = 493). Clinically significant gains on pain and psychological measures were achieved by 19–55% of patients at post-treatment and 17–44% at follow-up. Comparisons with the earlier cohort showed significantly stronger post-treatment outcomes but differences at follow-up were less marked.

Discussion:

These results add to the evidence base supporting the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)-based pain management interventions. There were significantly larger gains in patient functioning in the recent dataset, suggesting improved programme delivery. But effects were less marked in the longer term, indicating a need for improvements in therapeutic models and related methods to promote meaningful and lasting changes.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for early Barrett’s neoplasia
Authors: Barret Maximilien , Cao Dalhia Thao , Beuvon Frédéric , Leblanc Sarah , Terris Benoit , Camus Marine , Coriat Romain , Chaussade Stanislas , Prat Frédéric
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The possible benefit of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early neoplasia arising in Barrett’s esophagus remains controversial. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ESD for the treatment of early Barrett’s neoplasia.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing ESD for the resection of a visible lesion in a Barrett’s esophagus, either suspicious of submucosal infiltration or exceeding 10 mm in size, between February 2012 and January 2015 were prospectively included. The primary endpoint was the rate of curative resection of carcinoma, defined as histologically complete resection of adenocarcinomas without poor histoprognostic factors.

Results

Thirty‐five patients (36 lesions) with a mean age of 66.2 ± 12 years, a mean ASA score of 2.1 ± 0.7, and a mean C4M6 Barrett’s segment were included. The mean procedure time was 191 ± 79 mn, and the mean size of the resected specimen was 51.3 ± 23 mm. En bloc resection rate was 89%. Lesions were 12 ± 15 mm in size, and 81% (29/36) were invasive adenocarcinomas, six of which with submucosal invasion. Although R0 resection of carcinoma was 72.4%, the curative resection rate was 66% (19/29). After a mean follow‐up of 12.9 ± 9 months, 16 (45.7%) patients had required additional treatment, among whom nine underwent surgical resection, and seven further endoscopic treatments. Metachronous lesions or recurrence of cancer developed during the follow‐up period in 17.2% of the patients. The overall complication rate was 16.7%, including 8.3% perforations, all conservatively managed, and no bleeding. The 30‐day mortality was 0%.

Conclusion

In this early experience, ESD yielded a moderate curative resection rate in Barrett’s neoplasia. At present, improvements are needed if ESD is to replace piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection in the management of Barrett’s neoplasia.
Preparing for Disability Awareness Sunday: An educational exercise drawing on psychological perspectives for biblical hermeneutics
Authors: Francis Leslie J , Jones Susan H
Published: September 2015

Some of the Gospel passages proposed for Disability Awareness Sunday raise challenges as well as opportunities for preachers. This paper reports findings from an educational exercise, drawing on insights from the SIFT approach to biblical hermeneutics, in which 23 Anglican clergy studied Mark 2: 1–12 and Mark 10: 46–52 in groups structured according to their psychological type preferences: sensing or intuition, thinking or feeling. The data demonstrate how a richer interpretation of the passages emerges when the groups share their distinctive perspectives. Recommendations are offered for developing preaching workshops on this theme.
The guanxi influence on occupational attainment in urban China
Authors: Bian Yanjie , Huang Xianbi
Published: September 2015

This article addresses a long-standing controversy about whether or not the influence of guanxi on occupational attainment has been on the decline during China’s market reforms. The authors argue that guanxi continuously plays an influential role in facilitating occupational attainment when China’s labor markets face a great deal of institutional uncertainty. A large-scale survey of job seekers shows that the number of Chinese job seekers who used guanxi contacts to secure employment increased from 40 percent in 1978 to 80 percent in 1999. Job seekers’ ties to guanxi contacts were predominantly strong rather than weak, and these ties were used to obtain both job information and the influence of guanxi favoritism. As compared to information gainers, influence gainers were significantly more satisfied with job outcomes, more satisfied with work relations, and better able to obtain soft-skill jobs when market reforms were deepening in the 1992–1999 period.
Statistical coherence of primary schooling in IPUMS-International integrated population samples for China, India, Vietnam and ten other Asia-Pacific countries
Authors: McCaa Robert , Cleveland Lara , Kelly-Hall Patricia , Ruggles Steven , Sobek Matthew
Published: September 2015

IPUMS-International disseminates harmonized census microdata for more than 80 countries at no cost, although access is restricted to bona-fide researchers and students who agree to the stringent conditions-of-use license. Currently over 270 samples are available, totaling more than 600 million person records. Each year, 15–20 additional samples are released, as more countries cooperate with the IPUMS initiative and the integration of 2010 round census samples is completed. With so much microdata so readily available, questions of data quality naturally arise. This article focusses on the concept of statistical coherence over time for a single concept, primary schooling completed. From an analysis of the percentage completing primary schooling by birth year for pairs of samples for 13 Asia-Pacific countries, outstanding coherence is found for four countries – China, Mongolia, Vietnam and Indonesia – with mean differences of less than 0.5 percentage points, regression coefficient ( b) ranging from 0.93 to 1.07 and R2 = 0.99. For the 13 countries as a group there is considerable variation overall with mean absolute difference as high as 16 percentage points, b ranging from 0.62–1.44 and R2 = 0.65–0.99. As a whole, statistical coherence of primary schooling is outstanding. Nonetheless, to make expert use of the harmonized microdata, researchers are cautioned to carefully study the IPUMS integrated metadata as well as the original source documentation. National Statistical Offices not currently cooperating or that have not yet entrusted 2010 round census microdata are invited to do so.
The Communist Party of China’s local leadership, organizational form, and rural society in the 1920s, illustrated by Zeng Tianyu and the Jiangxi Wan’an rebellions
Authors: Ying Xing , Li Xia
Published: September 2015

The Communist Party of China (CPC) transplanted the democratic centralism of the Soviet Union’s Communist (Bolshevik) Party as its own organizational system in its founding days. This system underwent difficult adjustments during the process of the Chinese revolution. After the meeting on 7 August 1927, the CPC started organizing rebellions in rural areas, which presented severe challenges to its organizational principles and capabilities. The particular circumstances of armed rebellion complicated the relationship between the local party members who organized the rebellion and the upper levels of the party, as well as the relationship between the local party leader and the party system. The Jiangxi Wan’an rebellion was one of the rebellions organized by the CPC after the 7 August meeting. Zeng Tianyu, head of the Wan’an rebellion, represents a certain type of local leader of the early CPC. Moreover, the conflicts in the CPC organizational system exposed in the organizing of the Wan’an rebellion were also typical during the period of the Agrarian Revolutionary War. Employing documents, data of organizations, memoirs, gazetteers, and journals in the fields of CPC history, social history, and the history of the Republic of China, this article investigates Zeng Tianyu’s life history and ethos, the background and process of the Wan’an rebellion, and the effort and failure of the upper level of the party in its attempts to strengthen the CPC organization in Wan’an. This article uncovers three kinds of tension in the organization of the early CPC: (1) tension between the officials’ authority and personal factors, (2) tension between the effectiveness of the organizational discipline and the autonomy of local leaders, and (3) tension between the organizing of the revolution and the traditional resources and local interests. These tensions can also explain a series of the CPC’s organizational events that happened during the same period.
Falling Through the Cracks
Authors: Walsh Christine A. , Hewson Jennifer , Paul Karen , Gulbrandsen Cari , Dooley Dorothy
Published: September 2015

Low-income preseniors represent a vulnerable, often overlooked population facing multiple challenges related to finding and sustaining employment, limited financial resources, mental and physical health challenges, mobility issues, and ineligibility for pensions and benefits for seniors. These issues make finding suitable, affordable housing particularly challenging when compounded with limited affordable housing stock, thus increasing this population’s risk for housing insecurity/homelessness. This qualitative, exploratory study examined subsidized housing issues for low-income preseniors from the perspective of subsidized housing providers ( n = 16). Barriers for this population occurred within individual (limited financial resources; complex health, mental health, and disability issues; current unsafe/inadequate housing; and new immigrant status) and structural (strict age cutoffs, inadequate safe/affordable housing supply, lack of information about the housing and service needs of the population, and ineffective collaboration within the sector) domains. Policy changes at the provincial and federal levels related to income support, availability of affordable housing supports, and immigration are recommended.
Shingles
Authors: Randolph Susan A.
Published: September 2015

As part of an adult immunization program, the occupational and environmental health nurse should consider offering the shingles vaccine for employees aged 60 years and above.
A repeated short educational intervention improves asthma control and quality of life
Authors: Plaza Vicente , Peiró Meritxell , Torrejón Montserrat , Fletcher Monica , López-Viña Antolín , Ignacio José María , Quintano José Antonio , Bardagí Santiago , Gich Ignasi
Published: September 2015

We assessed the effectiveness of an asthma educational programme based on a repeated short intervention (AEP-RSI) to improve asthma control (symptom control and future risk) and quality of life.

A total of 230 adults with mild-to-moderate persistent uncontrolled asthma participated in a 1-year cluster randomised controlled multicentre study. The AEP-RSI was given in four face-to-face sessions at 3-month intervals, and included administration of a written personalised action plan and training on inhaler technique. Centres were randomised to the AEP-RSI (intervention) group or usual clinical practice group. Specialised centres using a standard educational programme were the gold standard group.

A significant improvement in the Asthma Control Test score was observed in all three groups (p<0.001), but improvements were higher in the intervention and gold standard groups than in the usual clinical practice group (p=0.042), which also showed fewer exacerbations (mean±sd; 1.20±2.02 and 0.56±1.5versus2.04±2.72, respectively) and greater increases in the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores (0.95±1.04 and 0.89±0.84versus0.52±0.97, respectively).

The AEP-RSI was effective in improving asthma symptom control, future risk and quality of life.
Management of latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection: WHO guidelines for low tuberculosis burden countries
Authors: Getahun Haileyesus , Matteelli Alberto , Abubakar Ibrahim , Aziz Mohamed Abdel , Baddeley Annabel , Barreira Draurio , Den Boon Saskia , Borroto Gutierrez Susana Marta , Bruchfeld Judith , Burhan Erlina , Cavalcante Solange , Cedillos Rolando , Chaisson Richard , Chee Cynthia Bin-Eng , Chesire Lucy , Corbett Elizabeth , Dara Masoud , Denholm Justin , de Vries Gerard , Falzon Dennis , Ford Nathan , Gale-Rowe Margaret , Gilpin Chris , Girardi Enrico , Go Un-Yeong , Govindasamy Darshini , D. Grant Alison , Grzemska Malgorzata , Harris Ross , Horsburgh C. Robert , Ismayilov Asker , Jaramillo Ernesto , Kik Sandra , Kranzer Katharina , Lienhardt Christian , LoBue Philip , Lönnroth Knut , Marks Guy , Menzies Dick , Migliori Giovanni Battista , Mosca Davide , Mukadi Ya Diul , Mwinga Alwyn , Nelson Lisa , Nishikiori Nobuyuki , Oordt-Speets Anouk , Rangaka Molebogeng Xheedha , Reis Andreas , Rotz Lisa , Sandgren Andreas , Sañé Schepisi Monica , Schünemann Holger J. , Sharma Surender Kumar , Sotgiu Giovanni , Stagg Helen R. , Sterling Timothy R. , Tayeb Tamara , Uplekar Mukund , van der Werf Marieke J. , Vandevelde Wim , van Kessel Femke , van't Hoog Anna , Varma Jay K. , Vezhnina Natalia , Voniatis Constantia , Vonk Noordegraaf-Schouten Marije , Weil Diana , Weyer Karin , Wilkinson Robert John , Yoshiyama Takashi , Zellweger Jean Pierre , Raviglione Mario
Published: September 2015

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is characterised by the presence of immune responses to previously acquiredMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection without clinical evidence of active tuberculosis (TB). Here we report evidence-based guidelines from the World Health Organization for a public health approach to the management of LTBI in high risk individuals in countries with high or middle upper income and TB incidence of <100 per 100 000 per year. The guidelines strongly recommend systematic testing and treatment of LTBI in people living with HIV, adult and child contacts of pulmonary TB cases, patients initiating anti-tumour necrosis factor treatment, patients receiving dialysis, patients preparing for organ or haematological transplantation, and patients with silicosis. In prisoners, healthcare workers, immigrants from high TB burden countries, homeless persons and illicit drug users, systematic testing and treatment of LTBI is conditionally recommended, according to TB epidemiology and resource availability. Either commercial interferon-gamma release assays or Mantoux tuberculin skin testing could be used to test for LTBI. Chest radiography should be performed before LTBI treatment to rule out active TB disease. Recommended treatment regimens for LTBI include: 6 or 9 month isoniazid; 12 week rifapentine plus isoniazid; 3–4 month isoniazid plus rifampicin; or 3–4 month rifampicin alone.
Navβ4 Regulates Fast Resurgent Sodium Currents and Excitability in Sensory Neurons
Authors: Barbosa Cindy , Tan Zhi-Yong , Wang Ruizhong , Xie Wenrui , Strong Judith A. , Patel Reesha R. , Vasko Michael R. , Zhang Jun-Ming , Cummins Theodore R.
Published: September 2015

Background

Increased electrical activity in peripheral sensory neurons including dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia neurons is an important mechanism underlying pain. Voltage gated sodium channels (VGSC) contribute to the excitability of sensory neurons and are essential for the upstroke of action potentials. A unique type of VGSC current, resurgent current (INaR), generates an inward current at repolarizing voltages through an alternate mechanism of inactivation referred to as open-channel block. INaRs are proposed to enable high frequency firing and increased INaRs in sensory neurons are associated with pain pathologies. While Nav1.6 has been identified as the main carrier of fast INaR, our understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to INaR generation is limited. Specifically, the open-channel blocker in sensory neurons has not been identified. Previous studies suggest Navβ4 subunit mediates INaR in central nervous system neurons. The goal of this study was to determine whether Navβ4 regulates INaR in DRG sensory neurons.

Results

Our immunocytochemistry studies show that Navβ4 expression is highly correlated with Nav1.6 expression predominantly in medium-large diameter rat DRG neurons. Navβ4 knockdown decreased endogenous fast INaR in medium-large diameter neurons as measured with whole-cell voltage clamp. Using a reduced expression system in DRG neurons, we isolated recombinant human Nav1.6 sodium currents in rat DRG neurons and found that overexpression of Navβ4 enhanced Nav1.6 INaR generation. By contrast neither overexpression of Navβ2 nor overexpression of a Navβ4-mutant, predicted to be an inactive form of Navβ4, enhanced Nav1.6 INaR generation. DRG neurons transfected with wild-type Navβ4 exhibited increased excitability with increases in both spontaneous activity and evoked activity. Thus, Navβ4 overexpression enhanced INaR and excitability, whereas knockdown or expression of mutant Navβ4 decreased INaR generation.

Conclusion

INaRs are associated with inherited and acquired pain disorders. However, our ability to selectively target and study this current has been hindered due to limited understanding of how it is generated in sensory neurons. This study identified Navβ4 as an important regulator of INaR and excitability in sensory neurons. As such, Navβ4 is a potential target for the manipulation of pain sensations.