bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic performance comparison of precast segmental bridge girders with different cross sections and boundary conditions under vertical quasi-static cyclic testing: An experimental investigation
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Li Tiantian , Qu Hongya , Wei Hongyi , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2018

In this study, five 1/5-scale bridge girder specimens are tested with vertical quasi-static cyclic loading, in order to understand their performance in high seismic zones. The study is focused on the superstructures at two critical regions: (1) close to mid-span where high moments and low shears are present (2) and close to the supports where high negative moments and high shears are induced. The first case includes one precast segmental bridge box-girder, one precast segmental bridge I-girder, and one reference cast-in-place I-girder, while the second case consists of one precast segmental bridge I-girder and one cast-in-place I-girder. The ratios of the internal and external tendons are 1:1 for case 1 and 3:5 for case 2, respectively. Test results show that cast-in-place girders have better energy dissipation capacity and higher ultimate strength, but the precast segmental girders retain larger displacement capacity and self-centering capability. Internal post-tensioning tendons are subjected to more significant stress concentration at the joint locations of the precast segmental girders, while stress of external tendons is distributed more evenly. In terms of vertical loading, box-girder and I-girder possess similar hysteretic behaviors, as long as the effective widths are the same.
Value conflict resolution strategies of social work students in Turkey
Authors: Hatiboğlu Burcu , Özateş Gelmez Özge Sanem , Öngen Çağıl
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study is to examine various strategies of social work students for resolving conflicts between their personal and professional values in the atmosphere of rising conservatism in neoliberal Turkey. Grounded theory was chosen to reflect the feelings and thoughts of 34 students attending a creative drama-based group on critical value education designed by the researchers. Purposeful sampling was employed to identify the participants. Notes and memos, reflective diaries, in-group discussions and a semi-structured focus-group discussion were used to collect data. The data on the conflict resolving strategies of the students are discussed in detail within anti-oppressive perspective in social work practice, theory and education in a neoliberal and neoconservative Turkish context.

Findings

The study reveals three main categories of conflict resolution strategies: (1) “Suppression”: An uncomfortable way to neutralize personal values, (2) Stretching boundaries via “sanctification”, and (3) “Fatalism” and pussyfooting around the status-quo. Uncomfortable feelings and fears are the basic triggers of these strategies when personal and professional values are in conflict.

Applications

The study gives us insight about the necessity to be more emotionally reflective and powerful practitioners while challenging the uncomfortable feelings and fear triggered when personal and professional values are in conflict. We argue that we need to adopt anti-oppressive perspective in professional practice, theory and education to overcome conflicts between personal and professional values in a neoliberal context.
Short- and long-term effectiveness of a smartphone application for improving measures of adiposity: A randomised clinical trial – EVIDENT II study
Authors: Gomez-Marcos Manuel A , Patino-Alonso Maria C , Recio-Rodriguez Jose I , Agudo-Conde Cristina , Romaguera-Bosch Montserrat , Magdalena-Gonzalez Olga , Gomez-Arranz Amparo , Mendizabal-Gallastegui Nere , Angel Fernandez-Diez Jose , Gomez-Sanchez Leticia , Maderuelo-Fernandez Jose A , Rodriguez-Sanchez Emiliano , Garcia-Ortiz Luis
Published: February 2018

Background: Evidence on the efficacy of smartphone applications (apps) for reducing body weight and other measurements of adiposity sustainably is not conclusive. Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding an app for 3 months to traditional counselling on physical activity (PA) and a heart-healthy diet for the modification of measurements of adiposity at 3 and 12 months after intervention. Methods: This randomised clinical trial included 833 subjects. The counselling and app group (IG) had 415 subjects, while 418 were included in the counselling only group (CG). The primary outcome was adiposity measurements at 3 and 12 months after intervention. The secondary outcome was the effect of the intervention by sex. Intervention: Counselling on a heart-healthy diet and PA was given to both groups. The IG also received training in the use of a smartphone app designed to promote a heart-healthy diet and PA, and this group was given access to this application for 3 months. Outcome measurements included waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and Clínica Universidad de Navarra – body adiposity estimator (CUN-BAE). Results: In the IG at 12 months, the following decreased: WC −0.72 cm (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.35 to −0.02) and CUN-BAE −0.35 (95% CI: −0.63 to −0.06). These decreases were only observed in women. After baseline adjustment, the beneficial effect was maintained in the IG compared to the CG at 12 months in terms of WC (−0.67; 95% CI: −0.29 to −0.02) and CUN-BAE (−0.57; 95% CI: −1.10 to −0.04), but only in women. Conclusions: An intervention of nutritional counselling and PA plus the smartphone app with personalised recommendations compared to CG showed beneficial results in terms of reduction of abdominal obesity and the percentage of body fat in women, but not in men.
Skin–stringer debonding detection using distributed dispersion index features
Authors: Ciminello Monica , Concilio Antonio , Galasso Bernardino , Pisano Francesca Maria
Published: February 2018

Statistical approaches have been extensively used to detect structural damage. This article proposes a preliminary investigation on the use of a non-model-based damage identification method, implementing “dispersion feature” indicators, extracted from the differential strain signal. In detail, the method takes advantage of the elaboration of the full-spectrum acquisition, irrespective of the healthy state of the structure under test. Large variations of some selected statistical features, representative of the acquired signals, are taken as indicators of the presence of anomalous structural condition. At this stage, these features have been arbitrarily selected. In synthesis, a cumulative dispersion index is defined as the combination of the selected feature variations, contemporarily overcoming prescribed thresholds, providing a scalar output that can be used as an index to identify and possibly quantify the extension of a damage location. Experimental results confirm the envisaged potentiality of the proposed technique. In this study, damage in the form of a stringer debonding is referred to, obtained as a consequence of point impacts on a wing box stiffened panel. A distributed fiber optic strain sensor network is used to detect the input data.
‘Testing it in the real world’: Using action research to apply a conceptual framework to social care planning
Authors: Collings Susan , Dew Angela , Dowse Leanne
Published: February 2018

This paper outlines an action research methodology used to create a practice-informed resource for social care in Australia. Practitioners and researchers worked together to develop, test and refine a process to engage people with cognitive disability and complex support needs in person-centred planning. The planning approach, which calls for planners to reflect on their own skills and attitudes as well as the unique needs of an individual, has helped to improve practice in a number of fields and locations in Australia. The process marks a substantive practice shift towards recognition of planning as fundamentally relational in nature. This paper reflects on the process of action research which we describe as similarly relational and potentially transformative of the relations between researchers and practitioners. Working within a knowledge translation paradigm we show how reflexivity within the researcher/practitioner relationship in action research calls for a substantive shift in perspective by researchers to effectively work within the complex contexts of practitioners themselves. In taking this opportunity in our research practice, we identify the potential for a fundamentally different praxis to emerge, one more deeply grounded in the conceptual, political and practical relations between researchers, practitioners and those whose lives they seek to enhance.
Long-term changes in retinal vascular diameter and cognitive impairment in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Nunley Karen A , Metti Andrea L , Klein Ronald , Klein Barbara E , Saxton Judith A , Orchard Trevor J , Costacou Tina , Aizenstein Howard J , Rosano Caterina
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To assess associations between cognitive impairment and longitudinal changes in retinal microvasculature, over 18 years, in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Research design and methods:

Participants of the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study received ≥3 fundus photographs between baseline (1986–1988) and time of cognitive assessment (2010–2015: N = 119; 52% male; mean age and type 1 diabetes duration 43 and 34 years, respectively). Central retinal arteriolar equivalent and central retinal venular equivalent were estimated via computer-based methods; overall magnitude and speed of narrowing were quantified as cumulative average and slope, respectively. Median regression models estimated associations of central retinal arteriolar equivalent and central retinal venular equivalent measures with cognitive impairment status, adjusted for type 1 diabetes duration. Interactions with HbA1c, proliferative retinopathy and white matter hyperintensities were assessed.

Results:

Compared with participants without cognitive impairment, those with clinically relevant cognitive impairment experienced 1.8% greater and 31.1% faster central retinal arteriolar equivalent narrowing during prior years (t = −2.93, p = 0.004 and t = −3.97, p < 0.0001, respectively). Interactions with HbA1c, proliferative retinopathy and white matter hyperintensities were not significant. No associations were found between central retinal arteriolar equivalent at baseline, at time of cognitive testing, or any central retinal venular equivalent measures, and cognitive impairment.

Conclusion:

Long-term arterial retinal changes could indicate type 1 diabetes–related cognitive impairment. Studies examining longitudinal central retinal arteriolar equivalent changes as early biomarkers of cognitive impairment risk are warranted.
Elevated circulating ghrelin in patients with COPD: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xue , Yang Ting , Wang Junli , Feng Mei , Hou Yan , Shen Yongchun , Chen Lei
Published: February 2018

Ghrelin, an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor, has been implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recently, several studies reported inconsistent levels of ghrelin in plasma/serum of COPD patients. This meta-analysis aims to determine the circulating level of ghrelin in COPD. Published case–control or cohort studies were retrieved from Pubmed and Embase databases. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated in a random-effects model. Nine studies involving 515 subjects were included. Pooled effect size showed that circulating ghrelin levels were significantly enhanced in COPD patients compared with those in controls (SMD: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.62, p = 0.039). Noticeably, five studies stratified for body mass index in COPD group and we further found ghrelin levels were significantly higher in underweight COPD patients than those in normal weight cases (SMD: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.43 to 2.61, p = 0.006). However, no significant difference regarding ghrelin levels was indicated between normal weight COPD and controls (SMD: 0.64, 95% CI: −0.36 to 1.63, p = 0.210). In this meta-analysis, circulating level of ghrelin is significantly elevated in patients with COPD, especially in those underweight, indicating supplement with exogenous ghrelin could be a therapeutic choice for underweight COPD patients.
Characterization and modelling of thermal protective performance of fabrics under different levels of radiant-heat exposures
Authors: Mandal Sumit , Annaheim Simon , Camenzind Martin , Rossi René M
Published: February 2018

The investigation of thermal protective performance of fabrics is highly relevant in order to procure and further develop the firefighters' protective clothing. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the thermal protective performance of fabrics used in firefighters' clothing under different levels of radiant-heat exposures. For this, properties of a set of thermal protective single- and multi-layered fabrics were measured, and these fabrics were tested under radiant-heat exposures using the Method B of ISO 6942:2002 standard. During the testing, fabrics were exposed to low (10 kW/m2), medium (40 kW/m2), and high (80 kW/m2) intensity radiant-heat exposures; and the heat transfer level (i.e., time required to increase the skin temperature of a wearer/firefighter by certain degrees) through these fabrics were calculated to measure their thermal protective performance. The effects of fabric parameters, structures, properties, and radiant-heat intensities on the protective performance were characterized, and fabric properties that significantly affected the protective performance were statistically identified at different level of radiant-heat exposures. It has been found that weight, thickness, thermal resistance, and evaporative resistance can positively affect the protective performance. Also, the significant fabric properties affecting the protective performance vary for single- and multi-layered fabrics. By using these significant properties, the protective performance of single- and multi-layered fabrics were also separately predicted by mathematical models, i.e., multiple linear regression models and multiple logarithmic regression models. As per the findings of this study, multiple linear regression models can effectively be used to predict the thermal protective performance of fabrics. This study will lead towards building a better understanding and prediction of thermal protective performance of fabrics under radiant-heat exposures.
Enhanced thermal properties of graphene-based poly (vinyl chloride) composites
Authors: xiao Yaqian , Xin Binjie , Chen Zhuoming , Lin Lantian , Liu Yan , Hu Zelin
Published: February 2018

Poly (vinyl chloride)/graphene composites with different graphene concentrations were prepared by wet spinning and spin-coating methods. The thermal properties of the poly (vinyl chloride)/graphene composites are investigated through the analysis of the activation energy by using Kissinger and Friedman-Reich-Levi methods. The activation energy of poly (vinyl chloride)/graphene composites obtained by the two methods is consistent and it can be estimated from the non-isothermal kinetic results. In addition, the activation energy value of poly (vinyl chloride)/graphene composites is higher than that of the pure poly (vinyl chloride) fiber, indicating that the addition of graphene can significantly improve the thermal stability of poly (vinyl chloride). Moreover, the activation energy values of 9 wt% poly (vinyl chloride)/graphene composite obtained by Kissinger and Friedman-Reich-Levi methods are highest at 114.90 kJ/mol and 145.00 kJ/mol, respectively, and the result reveals that poly (vinyl chloride)/graphene composite with 9 wt% concentration of graphene has the best thermal stabilities. The prepared graphene-based poly (vinyl chloride) composites with good thermal properties have a promising application in the thermal protective materials.
Too Liberal to Win? Race and Voter Perceptions of Candidate Ideology
Authors: Fulton Sarah A. , Gershon Sarah Allen
Published: February 2018

Experimental research has long indicated that minority candidates are perceived as being more liberal than Whites. These expectations may hinder the electoral prospects of minority candidates campaigning for office who need the support of independents to win. Drawing upon a unique dataset of 933 informants (party delegates) and survey data from the 2006 Cooperative Congressional Election Study, we investigate the accuracy and implications of these race-based stereotypes for voting in the U.S. House of Representatives. Our analysis indicates that ethnic and racial minority candidates for Congress are typically viewed by voters as being far more liberal than objective indicators would suggest. Moreover, we find that these misperceptions of ideological extremity may harm minorities’ electoral chances at the ballot box, limiting their support among White voters, particularly independents. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for candidates campaigning for office.
Loss of ARID1A Expression Correlates With Tumor Differentiation and Tumor Progression Stage in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Li , Wang Cuiping , Yu Shuangni , Jia Congwei , Yan Jie , Lu Zhaohui , Chen Jie
Published: February 2018

Mutations in the AT-rich interactive domain 1A gene, which encodes a subunit of the Switch/Sucrose nonfermentable chromatin remodeling complex, can result in loss of protein expression and are associated with different cancers. Here, we used immunohistochemistry to investigate the significance of AT-rich interactive domain 1A loss in 73 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases with paired paracancerous normal pancreatic tissues. The relationship between levels of the AT-rich interactive domain 1A protein product, BAF250a, and clinicopathological parameters in the 73 pancreatic cancer specimens was also analyzed. We found that the expression of AT-rich interactive domain 1A in normal pancreatic tissue was higher than that in tumor tissue. Loss of AT-rich interactive domain 1A expression in pancreatic tumors was associated with tumor differentiation ( P = .002) and tumor stage ( P = .048). Meanwhile, BAF250a protein levels were not related to lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, sex, or age and were not associated with survival. Transfection of the pancreatic cancer cell lines AsPC-1 and PANC-1 with small-interfering RNA specific for AT-rich interactive domain 1A resulted in elevated messenger RNA and protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), CyclinD1, and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS). The AT-rich interactive domain 1A expression level in the cells was increased following microRNA-31 (miR-31) inhibitor transfection. Our data provide additional evidence that AT-rich interactive domain 1A might function as a tumor suppressor gene in pancreatic carcinogenesis.
Oil-based maintenance interval optimization for power-shift steering transmission
Authors: Zheng Changsong , Liu Pei , Liu Yong , Zhang Zhouli
Published: February 2018

The concentration of micron-size particles in used oil is generally obtained by atomic emission spectrometry. These accurate results can be considered as the most important index for real-time reliability evaluation including failure prediction and residual life assessment of power-shift steering transmission in tracked vehicles. Stochastic process and especially Wiener process can be applied in processing the oil spectral data. In this article, 50 used oil samples in total were collected and analyzed in sequence which covered 250 motor hours. The eigenvalue and mean value of elemental concentration in those samples were also revealed by linear regression analysis. Then, the increasing trends and the first hitting times for indicating elements were solved by simulating stochastic differential equations, which were based on the positive drift Wiener process. Comparing to the existing conditional maintenance time, the first hitting time increased about 27 motor hours more (13.7%). The results show that the maintenance frequency can be decreased by a longer time and finally can increase the cost-effectiveness ratio of maintenance.
The interplay of the Dirty Hands of British area bombing and the wicked problem of defeating Nazi Germany in the Second World War – A lesson in leadership ethics
Authors: Sanders Paul , Grint Keith
Published: February 2018

The British area bombing of Germany in the Second World War has provided for enduring ethical controversy. Eschewing conventional approaches, we present area bombing as a Dirty Hands leadership response to the Wicked Problem of Britain’s wartime strategic predicament. Using historical methodology, we establish two distinct phases in area bombing: 1942–1944, when this was ethically contentious but politically necessary; and 1944–1945, which lacks a Dirty Hands legitimation. The second phase follows upon a six-month lull in area bombing during Bomber Command’s assignment to Overlord (D-Day) duties. It is characterised by credible alternatives to area bombing, a waning sense of proportionality in Bomber Command activity, and intensifying death and destruction without justifiable purpose. We relate the breaching of the boundaries of Dirty Hands in Phase II to a precise date – September 1944. This coincides with the mutation of the strategic Wicked Problem into a Critical Problem, visible in the stalling of the Allied land campaign in France. Mistaking this for a Tame Problem, the C-in-C of Bomber Command, Arthur Harris, exploits the political context to escalate his commitment. Following Watters’ alignment of Critical Problems with Virtue Ethics, we argue that Harris’ leadership in Phase II is not consistent with Virtue Ethics (of which recognition of the boundaries of Dirty Hands is a function). Harris is the archetype of the leader who gets away with exploiting a Wicked Problem because his superiors have let down their guard. In the final instance, his failure of ethical leadership becomes their own.
Laboratory and Benchtop Performance of a Mealtime Insulin-Delivery System
Authors: Dreon Darlene M. , Hannon Trevor M. , Cross Brett , Carter Brett J. , Mercer Nicholas S. , Nguyen Jason H. , Tran Andy , Melendez Peter A. , Morales Nancy , Nelson Jonathan E. , Tan Meng H.
Published: February 2018

Background:

A basal bolus insulin regimen requires multiple daily insulin injections, which might discourage patient adherence. As a potential solution, a mealtime insulin-delivery system—a 3-day wearable bolus-only patch—was designed to manually administer mealtime insulin discreetly by actuating buttons through clothing, without the need for multiple needle sticks.

Method:

Extensive functional testing of the patch included dose accuracy (from initial fill of the device to empty), pressure-vacuum leak testing, last-dose lockout and occlusion detection (safety alert features that lock the dosing buttons when no insulin is delivered), assessments of insulin drug stability, toxicological risk (including chemical testing), and system biocompatibility.

Results:

Dosing accuracy was 2 units ±10% (with U-100 insulin) over a range of environmental conditions, with ≥95% reliability and confidence. The fluid seal performance and the safety alert features performed with ≥95% reliability and ≥95% confidence. The system met acceptable standards for insulin (U-100 lispro and aspart) stability for its intended 3-day use, in addition to the operational requirements. The toxicological risk assessment and demonstrated biocompatibility suggested that the patch is safe for human use.

Conclusions:

Benchtop performance showed that the bolus-only patch is a safe, accurate, and reliable device for mealtime insulin delivery.
Fecal incontinence and parity in the Dutch population: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: van Meegdenburg Maxime M , Trzpis Monika , Broens Paul MA
Published: February 2018

Background

It is assumed that pregnancy and childbirth increase the risk of developing fecal incontinence (FI).

Objective

We investigated the incidence of FI in groups of nulliparous and parous women.

Methods

Retrospectively, we studied a cross‐section of the Dutch female population (N = 680) who completed the Groningen Defecation & Fecal Continence questionnaire. We also analyzed a subgroup of healthy women (n = 572) and a subgroup of women with comorbidities (n = 108).

Results

The prevalence of FI and the Vaizey and Wexner scores did not differ significantly between nulliparous and parous women. Parous women were 1.6 times more likely to experience fecal urgency than nulliparous women (95% CI, 1.0–2.6, p = 0.042). Regression analyses showed that parity, mode of delivery, duration of second stage of labor, obstetrical laceration or episiotomy, and birth weight seem not to be associated with the likelihood of FI.

Conclusions

Pregnancy and childbirth seem not to be associated with the prevalence and severity of FI in the Dutch population. Vacuum and forceps deliveries, however, might result in a higher prevalence of FI. Although the duration of being able to control bowels after urge sensation is comparable between nulliparous and parous women, parous women experience fecal urgency more often.
Selective venous sampling supports localization of adenoma in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Ikuno Masaya , Yamada Takayuki , Shinjo Yasumoto , Morimoto Tsuyoshi , Kumano Reiko , Yagihashi Kunihiro , Katabami Takuyuki , Nakajima Yasuo
Published: February 2018

Background

Selective venous sampling (SVS) is an invasive localization study for persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism.

Purpose

To assess the role of SVS in addition to non-invasive imaging for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT).

Material and Methods

This study was approved by the institutional review board and included 14 patients who underwent SVS and subsequent parathyroidectomy between January 2014 and April 2017 following a clinical diagnosis of pHPT. All patients underwent pre-SVS non-invasive imaging, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, and sensitivity was assessed using the operative and pathological findings.

Results

In all but one case, a single parathyroid adenoma was responsible for the pHPT; the remaining case exhibited a chemical response following surgical removal of parathyroid tissue. The sensitivity (%) for ultrasound, CT, 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, and SVS was 76.9, 84.6, 69.2, and 76.9, respectively. SVS yielded positive results in four patients with discordant results and one patient with non-detectable results on imaging. In seven patients, a significant increase in the intact parathyroid hormone level was recognized only in the thyroid veins. The procedure time was in the range of 52–183 min (median = 89.5 min).

Conclusion

The addition of SVS to a non-invasive imaging study would be helpful to locate the responsible lesion of pHPT with discordant or non-detectable results on imaging for initial surgical treatment as well.
Review of Race Scholarship and the War on Terror
Authors: Cainkar Louise , Selod Saher
Published: February 2018

The 9/11 terrorist attacks and heavy-handed state and popular response to them stimulated increased scholarship on American Muslims. In the social sciences, this work has focused mainly on Arabs and South Asians, and more recently on African Americans. The majority of this scholarship has not engaged race theory in a comprehensive or intersectional manner. The authors provide an overview of the work on Muslims over the past 15 years and argue that the Muslim experience needs to be situated within race scholarship. The authors further show that September 11 did not create racialized Muslims, Arabs, or South Asians. Rather, the authors highlight a preexisting, racializing war on terror and a more complex history of these groups with race both globally and domestically. Islamophobia is a popular term used to talk about Muslim encounters with discrimination, but the concept lacks a clear understanding of race and structural racism. Newer frameworks have emerged situating Muslim experiences within race scholarship. The authors conclude with a call to scholars to embark on studies that fill major gaps in this emerging field of study—such as intersectional approaches that incorporate gender, communities of belonging, black Muslim experiences, class, and sexuality—and to remain conscious of the global dimensions of this racial project.
Logics of Freedom: Debating Religious Freedom Laws and Gay and Lesbian Rights
Authors: Kazyak Emily , Burke Kelsy , Stange Mathew
Published: February 2018

In the wake of marriage equality for same-sex couples, many states have introduced and passed laws that provide religious exemptions for certain services and benefits for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) persons. The authors use data from a general population survey of Nebraskans as a mixed-methods case study to examine public opinion of religious freedom laws. Drawing on data from both closed-ended ( n = 1,117) and open-ended ( n = 838) questions, the authors show that opposition to religious freedom laws is quite high, as 64 percent of respondents report that they oppose laws that would allow business owners to deny services to gay men and lesbians. The authors outline how both sides rely on frameworks that are foundational to the American experience: the protection of rights and the capitalist economy. The authors argue that these appeals to broad American values underscore why these bills will continue to be introduced and seen as controversial despite low levels of support.
Reduced red blood cell deformability in Plasmodium knowlesi malaria
Authors: Barber Bridget E. , Russell Bruce , Grigg Matthew J. , Zhang Rou , William Timothy , Amir Amirah , Lau Yee Ling , Chatfield Mark D. , Dondorp Arjen M. , Anstey Nicholas M. , Yeo Tsin W.
Published: February 2018

Key Points

RBC-D is reduced in humans with knowlesi malaria in proportion to disease severity. In humans, but not the macaque hosts, deformability of uRBCs is reduced and is related to the presence of echinocytes.
CDA as a predictive marker for life-threatening toxicities in patients with AML treated with cytarabine
Authors: Fanciullino Raphaelle , Farnault Laure , Donnette Mélanie , Imbs Diane-Charlotte , Roche Catherine , Venton Geoffroy , Berda-Haddad Yael , Ivanov Vadim , Ciccolini Joseph , Ouafik L’Houcine , Lacarelle Bruno , Costello Regis
Published: February 2018

Key Points

Ara-C is the mainstay of treatment for patients with AML, and life-threatening toxicities are common. We demonstrated that cytidine deaminase downregulation predicts severe/lethal toxicities with cytarabine.
Facies delineation and sandstone prediction using seismic sedimentology and seismic inversion in the Eocene Huizhou Depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin, China
Authors: Ge Jiawang , Zhu Xiaomin , Jones Brian G. , Zhang Yue , Huang Handong , Shu Yu
Published: February 2018

Recently, the rift-related successions in the Eocene Huizhou (HZ) Depression have been considered crucial intervals for hydrocarbon exploration in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, China. However, the facies delineation and sandstone distribution are poorly understood due to the limited well data. Our study area is the HZ25 Block in the HZ Depression, which consists of a typical overlapped synthetic transfer zone connecting the HZ26 and XJ30 Sags. Integrated analysis of seismic and logging data indicates that the Eocene Wenchang Formation can be subdivided into four third-order sequences (SQ1–4). Well-based observations reveal that the braided deltaic system is mainly characterized by distributary channels, subaqueous distributary channels, mouth bars, and sheet-sand deposits. The sandstone isopach map acquired by seismic inversion indicates that the sandstone could be 340 m thick in the SQ2 but sharply decreases in the SQ3 in the transfer zone area. Stratal slices make it possible to delineate the facies maps by extrapolating the well observations to the entire 3D seismic survey; it is suggested that the SQ2 deltaic package largely comprises braided delta plain (distributary channels) and front deposits (subaqueous distributary channels and mouth bar) with a broad distribution of [Formula: see text], whereas the SQ3 deltaic package is dominated by delta-front deposits only [Formula: see text] in extent. This study suggests that small-scale fan-delta deposits are confined to the central part of the boundary fault, whereas the transfer zone captures large-scale braided delta sediments with a long transportation distance up to 8 km. The sandstones developed in the northwestern part of the transfer zone within the SQ2 sequence are expected to form potential hydrocarbon reservoirs for future oil exploration. Furthermore, this study may have implications for reservoir prediction and hydrocarbon exploration in other areas lacking well data, such as the HZ Depression.
Impact of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine on survival in adults with Down syndrome and dementia: clinical cohort study
Authors: Eady Nicole , Sheehan Rory , Rantell Khadija , Sinai Amanda , Bernal Jane , Bohnen Ingrid , Bonell Simon , Courtenay Ken , Dodd Karen , Gazizova Dina , Hassiotis Angela , Hillier Richard , McBrien Judith , Mukherji Kamalika , Naeem Asim , Perez-Achiaga Natalia , Sharma Vijaya , Thomas David , Walker Zuzana , McCarthy Jane , Strydom André
Published: February 2018

Background

There is little evidence to guide pharmacological treatment in adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

Aims

To investigate the effect of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine on survival and function in adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

Method

This was a naturalistic longitudinal follow-up of a clinical cohort of 310 people with Down syndrome diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease collected from specialist community services in England.

Results

Median survival time (5.59 years, 95% CI 4.67–6.67) for those on medication (n = 145, mainly cholinesterase inhibitors) was significantly greater than for those not prescribed medication (n = 165) (3.45 years, 95% CI 2.91–4.13, log-rank test P<0.001). Sequential assessments demonstrated an early effect in maintaining cognitive function.

Conclusions

Cholinesterase inhibitors appear to offer benefit for people with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease that is comparable with sporadic Alzheimer's disease; a trial to test the effect of earlier treatment (prodromal Alzheimer's disease) in Down syndrome may be indicated.

Declaration of interest

A.S. has undertaken consulting for Ono Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted work. Z.W. has received a consultancy fee and grant from GE Healthcare, outside the submitted work.
Challenges and mental health needs of women in prison
Authors: Bartlett Annie , Hollins Sheila
Published: February 2018

The world population of women and girls in prison is increasing. Evidence points to high rates of mental health problems. Approaches to these problems vary and include both psychiatric epidemiology and gender-sensitive understanding and intervention. Prison environments and women prisoners' needs are complex and demand gender-aware care in view of women's vulnerability and histories of trauma.

Declaration of interest

A.B. was a clinical director of the offender care services at Central and North West London National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust until August 2016, with responsibility for several women’s prison healthcare services in London and the South East, and is currently clinical director of NHS England London Health in Justice Clinical Network, paid as a salary one day a week.
The Madmen of the Greek Theatre
Authors: Gasquet J. R.
Published: February 2018

The tale of Pentheus had long been familiar to the Greeks, and had been already handled by æschylus, when Euripides was led to undertake it. Towards the end of his life he resided at the court of Archelaus of Macedon, and was evidently greatly impressed by the fresh scenery and customs which came before him; like a true poet, he was inspired by these to choose a theme in which he might best represent his newly gained experience, and produce one of the most striking and beautiful of his plays, in which both the subject itself and his mode of treating it are to my purpose.
The Galvanic Current applied in the Treatment of Insanity
Authors: Newth A. H.
Published: February 2018

At Dr. Williams' request I have conducted during the past six months a few experiments with the galvanic battery in mental diseases. Thinking the results of these observations will be of service to those who intend pursuing this branch of study, with his permission I take the liberty of recording them.
The Asylums of Paris, in 1872
Authors: Sutherland Henry
Published: February 2018

The three establishments which will most repay the trouble of a visit, a e the Bicêtre, the Salpêtriére, and Charenton; The Bicêtre is for male, the Salpêtriére for female paupers, and Charenton is a large private asylum for both sexes.
The Morisonian Lectures on Insanity for 1873
Authors: Skae David , Clouston T. S.
Published: February 2018

The forms of insanity which we passed under review, with the exception of the epileptic insanity, were all more or less connected with the organs and function of generation, and the next five forms are also of the same class. The first three, as you will see by a reference to the table, are connected with child-bearing—the Insanity of Pregnancy, of Parturition (or puerperal insanity), and of Lactation.
Two Cases of Insanity dependent on Syphilis
Authors: Wilks Samuel
Published: February 2018

Several cases of so-called Syphilitic Insanity have now been recorded, including some good examples of the affection, in the last number of the “Journal of Mental Science,” by Drs. Newington and Batty Tuke. I now add two more which have lately been under my care in Guy's Hospital. They present no peculiar features of interest, having a general resemblance to those already reported; but I publish them in furtherance of obtaining a collection of cases in order that we may gain such a correct knowledge of their nature as numbers alone can afford.
Departmental Asylums in the North-West of France
Authors: Burman J. Wilkie
Published: February 2018

This asylum is for the male and female lunatics of the Department of Ille et Vilaine, who, arranged according to their sex and class, on the day of my visit, were, in numbers, as follows:—
2. French Retrospect
Authors: Packer W. Herbert
Published: February 2018

The following translation of a letter in the “Progrès Medical” of the 2nd July, 1881, seems to me of considerable interest as showing, among other things, the powerful effect of the force of imitation in that Protean disease hysteria, and also the result of bad moral treatment. A series of somewhat similar cases, illustrating what has been well called the contagion of nervous affections in these leading to undoubted insanity with distinct delusions, is well described, and typical cases noted, by Dr. M. de Montgel, of the Marseilles Public Asylum, in the January number of the “Annales-Medico-Psychologiques.” But in almost all the cases there cited hereditary taint was distinctly made out, the weak mind being crushed by continued contact with the insane one. This folie-à-deux deserves serious attention; it may, from a medico-legal point of view, assume considerable importance; for instance, a person accused of crime may be under the domination of another's delusions. Many of the ecstatic outbreaks of seeming religion exemplify this form of insanity, often observed although seldom treated according to their deserts.
An Inquiry into the Value to be Attached to the Different Recovery Rates of Different Asylums as Tests of Efficiency
Authors: Chapman T. A.
Published: February 2018

In the “Journal of Mental Science” for April, 1883, I presented some statistics as to the recovery and death-rates of asylums, especially directed to the question of the effect of the size of the asylum upon them. In that communication I stated an opinion (p. 9) that the dominant element governing the different rates of recovery in different asylums was to be found in the different classes of cases admitted into different asylums, and expressed a hope of some day being able to make a further research in this direction. Table VII. of the tables of the Association obviously afforded the most hopeful available means of doing so, but how much could not be seen until a laborious abstract of its contents for a number of asylums over a series of years was made.
Some remarks on the relation of Epilepsy and Crime
Authors: Baker John
Published: February 2018

The question of the relation of epilepsy and crime acquired considerable prominence in the early part of the present year in connection with the trial of “Regina v. Hitchins.”* The defendant in this trial, the epileptic lad, who fatally shot his sister at Weston-super-Mare, is now an inmate of Broadmoor Asylum. A short time after his admission three other male patients were received who were also the victims of epilepsy; they, too, had committed acts of homicide which had engrossed a considerable share of public attention.
Anxiety States Occurring at the Involutional Period
Authors: Henderson D. K.
Published: February 2018

A widower, set. 69, was admitted recently to the Glasgow Royal Mental Hospital in an anxious, apprehensive, excited, restless state. The history of the case showed that he had come of a good stock, and that he had been a strong, healthy man. For a period of forty-six years he had been employed by the same firm of lawyers, and latterly had been their cashier. He had married twice; there were four children from the first marriage and two from the second. He had divorced his second wife on account of her unfaithfulness. In January, 1919, he resigned his position, sold his home, and made plans to live with his daughter. Three days after his home and furniture had been sold he made a determined attempt on his life by cutting his throat. One month later he was admitted to the Glasgow Royal Mental Hospital. Following his admission he continued in a state of abject misery, he moaned and groaned, wrung his hands, resented any interference, and was very restless. He realised that he was in a hospital, but his mind was so occupied by his depressive thoughts and he was so miserable that he would not assist in a satisfactory mental examination. Physically he was in poor general health, his pulse was irregular and intermittent, and he had peripheral arterio-sclerosis. During the next few months he gradually improved in strength and general condition but mentally panics of anxious apprehension supervened from time to time, in which he became self-accusatory, and expressed hopeless feeling as regard his prospect of recovery. At the same time he was perfectly oriented, and his memory, general knowledge, and personality were all well retained. No particular attempt was ever made at psycho-analysis (his age seemed to preclude such a procedure), but nevertheless casual conversations* were sufficient to allow him to give expression to his fears, and incidentally to show where his conflicts and difficulties lay. He complained of the other patients, said that they looked as if they could tear his bones out, that they wished to do him an injury, that they slandered him, that they accused him of incest with his daughter. At this point he began to defend himself with great warmth and emphasis, and said, quite unnecessarily, that the only thing that supported him was the consciousness of his own rectitude, that nothing had been further from his thoughts, etc. These matters were never argued out with him, but he was encouraged always to say what he had to say, and eventually six months after admission he was discharged as recovered.
(1) Psychoses and Influenza, [Psychosen nach Grippe.] (Monatschr. f. Psych, u. Neur. 1919, vol. 46, page 267.) Hitzenberger, K. (2) Psychoses associated with Influenza. (Arch. of Neur. and Psychiat., vol. 2, no. 3, September, 1919.) Menninger, Karl.
Authors: Devine H.
Published: February 2018

Observations on psychoses associated with the influenza epidemic of 1918. The material is divided into two groups—(1) cases in which influenza was the direct cause of the psychosis, fever-delirium, and post-febrile amentia; (2) cases in which the toxic condition aroused a latent tendency to mental disorder. Naturally only the severest cases of delirium came under treatment in the clinic and fifteen are included in this study. The symptoms were confusion, terror, psycho-motor excitement, and delusions of persecution and poisoning associated with hallucinations. The majority of cases were men; the earliest onset was the second day of fever and the latest the eighth; the prognosis in respect to life was bad, 12 cases ending fatally, whilst the mental symptoms subsided with the fall of the temperature in the three cases which recovered. Post-febrile cases numbered 30, the greater portion of whom were women. The symptoms were association disturbances, confusion, and hallucinations, and the psychosis began with sleeplessness, fatigue, irritability and nocturnal hallucinations, some cases of short duration remaining at this stage. The prognosis was good, and no case ended fatally. The interval between the fall of temperature and the onset of mental symptoms varied from two to fourteen days. In no case was the influenza the sole factor in the production of the post-febrile psychoses. An hereditary factor could be excluded, but lactation, pregnancy, alcohol, or malnutrition appeared as subsidiary causes. In view of the relatively small number of psychoses in a widespread epidemic the writer concludes that there must be an unknown causal factor in these cases.