bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in shoulder muscle activity pattern on surface electromyography after breast cancer surgery
Authors: Yang Eun Joo , Kwon YoungOk
Published: August 2017

Background and Objectives

Alterations in muscle activation and restricted shoulder mobility, which are common in breast cancer patients, have been found to affect upper limb function. The purpose of this study was to determine muscle activity patterns, and to compare the prevalence of abnormal patterns among the type of breast surgery.

Methods

In total, 274 breast cancer patients were recruited after surgery. Type of breast surgery was divided into mastectomy without reconstruction (Mastectomy), reconstruction with tissue expander/implant (TEI), latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, or transverse rectus abdominis flap (TRAM). Activities of shoulder muscles were measured using surface electromyography. Experimental analysis was conducted using a Gaussian filter smoothing method with regression.

Results

Patients demonstrated different patterns of muscle activation, such as normal, lower muscle electrical activity, and tightness. After adjusting for BMI and breast surgery, the odds of lower muscle electrical activity and tightness in the TRAM are 40.2% and 38.4% less than in the Mastectomy only group. The prevalence of abnormal patterns was significantly greater in the ALND than SLNB in all except TRAM.

Conclusions

Alterations in muscle activity patterns differed by breast surgery and reconstruction type. For breast cancer patients with ALND, TRAM may be the best choice for maintaining upper limb function.
Recurrence patterns and associated factors of locoregional failure following neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery for esophageal cancer
Authors: Blackham Aaron U. , H. Naqvi Syeda M. , Schell Michael J. , Jin William , Gangi Alexandra , Almhanna Khaldoun , Fontaine Jacques P. , Hoffe Sarah E. , Frakes Jessica , Venkat Puja , Pimiento Jose M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Despite neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) followed by esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal cancer, locoregional recurrence (LRR) is common and factors associated with LRR have not been clearly identified.

Methods

Patients were identified from a single institution, prospectively maintained database (1996‐2013). Patterns of recurrence were described and associated factors of LRR were analyzed using competing risks regression models.

Results

Of the 456 patients treated with nCRT and surgery, 167 patients developed recurrence. Locoregional and distant recurrences were observed in 69 (15.1%) and 140 (30.9%) patients, respectively. Time to recurrence (13.6 vs 10.4 months, P = 0.20) and median overall survival (29.3 vs 19.1 months, P = 0.12) were no different among the 27 patients (6%) who developed a solitary LRR compared to patients who developed distant recurrence. Univariable analysis identified lymphovascular invasion (HR 1.46, P = 0.07), lymph node ratio >0.5 (HR 2.16, P = 0.02), positive margin (HR 1.95, P = 0.05), lack of response to neoadjuvant therapy (HR 1.99, P < 0.01), clinical T stage (HR 2.62, P < 0.01) and final T3/4 stage (HR 2.06, P < 0.01) as factors significantly associated with LRR. Clinical T stage and response to neoadjuvant treatment were independently associated with LRR on multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Although aggressive tumor biology plays a significant role in LRR, optimizing neoadjuvant treatments to obtain a complete pathologic response may lead to improved locoregional control.
A case‐control evaluation of fungiform papillae density in burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Naud Jason M. , Benca Laura , Drangsholt Mark T. , LeResche Linda , Coldwell Susan E.
Published: August 2017

Hypothesis

It has been hypothesized that high fungiform papillae density may be a risk factor for developing the taste and pain alterations characteristic of burning mouth syndrome.

Objective

Evaluate whether fungiform papillae density, taste sensitivity, and mechanical pain sensitivity differ between burning mouth syndrome cases and controls.

Study Design

This case‐control study compared cases diagnosed with primary burning mouth syndrome with pain‐free controls.

Methods

Participants (17 female cases and 23 female controls) rated the intensity of sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid, and quinine applied separately to each side of the anterior tongue and sampled whole mouth. Mechanical pain sensitivity was assessed separately for each side of the tongue using weighted pins. Digital photographs of participants' tongues were used to count fungiform papillae.

Results

Burning mouth syndrome cases had increased whole mouth taste intensity. Cases also had increased sensitivity to quinine on the anterior tongue, as well as increased mechanical pain sensitivity on the anterior tongue. Fungiform papillae density did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Fungiform papillae density on the left and right sides of the tongue were correlated in controls; however, there was no left/right side correlation in cases.

Conclusion

Cases had increased pain and taste perception on the anterior tongue. The lack of correlation between left and right fungiform papillae density in cases may be an indication of asymmetrical lingual innervation in these patients.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 128:841–846, 2018
Risk assessment of a new acceptance testing procedure for conventional linear accelerators
Authors: Harry Taylor , Yaddanapudi Sridhar , Cai Bin , Stinson Keith , Murty Goddu S. , Noel Camille , Mutic Sasa , Pawlicki Todd
Published: August 2017

Purpose

New techniques and materials have recently been developed to expedite the conventional linac acceptance testing procedure (Med Phys. 2017;22), which use the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) for data collection. This new procedure is designed to be more efficient and robust than the conventional approach. The purpose of this work was to perform a comparative risk assessment of the two acceptance testing procedures (ATPs).

Materials and Methods

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis was used to assess risks for both ATP approaches. Five domain experts (Medical Physicists) comprised the analysis team. The risk assessment method and ranking scales were adopted from the AAPM TG‐100. The number of failure pathways and associated risk priority numbers (RPNs) for the two ATP approaches were compared. RPNs > 100 were considered high‐priority failure modes.

Results

Fewer failure pathways were determined for the new ATP (ATPEPID) compared to the conventional ATP (ATPconv) resulting in a 44% difference (n = 233 vs. n = 534, respectively). There were also 35% fewer RPNs > 100 for the ATPEPID (n = 40) compared to the ATPconv (n = 114). Failure pathways and RPNs > 100 for individual ATP tests were 2.0 and 3.5 times higher, on average, for the ATPconv compared to the ATPEPID, respectively. The EPID pixel sensitivity map was identified as a high risk failure for the ATPEPID.

Conclusions

Potential errors due to human factors were decreased for the ATPEPID compared to ATPconv so it is possible that a largely automated linac ATP can mitigate many error occurrences. Manufacturers should be careful when designing an EPID‐based ATP to address errors in the EPID pixel sensitivity map which can potentially lead to a significant impact on patients’ treatment.
Tissue oxygenation mapping by combined chemical shift and T1 magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Franconi Florence , Lemaire Laurent , Saint‐Jalmes Hervé , Saulnier Patrick
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To propose a method for determining tissue oxygenation via the measurement of fat T1. The method is based on a 2D fat/water chemical shift‐encoded and T1‐weighted acquisition.

Theory and Methods

A 2D data set was acquired with a fast spin echo sequence with several echo asymmetries and repetition times, wherein one dimension is related to the fat/water phase modulation and the other to the T1 saturation recovery. A joint magnitude‐based process of phase modulation and T1 evolution allowed for the collection of the fat fraction and T1 maps with resolved fat or water dominance ambiguity while avoiding the phased error problem.

Results

In vitro imaging allowed for the attribution of fat content for different water/oil emulsions that demonstrated longitudinal relaxation rate (R1) sensitivity to the oxygenated emulsion environment. The fat R1 values were subsequently compared to reference values, which were measured using low receiver bandwidth acquisition to enhance water and fat signal separations. In vivo feasibility of tissue oxygenation assessment was demonstrated by investigating interscapular brown adipose tissue modifications during an air/carbogen challenge in rats.

Conclusion

The proposed method offers a precise and robust estimate of tissue oxygenation illustrated by the method's ability to detect‐brown adipose tissue oxygenation modifications. Magn Reson Med 79:1981–1991, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Magnetization‐prepared shells trajectory with automated gradient waveform design
Authors: Shu Yunhong , Tao Shengzhen , Trzasko Joshua D. , Huston John , Weavers Paul T. , Bernstein Matt A.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

To develop a fully automated trajectory and gradient waveform design for the non‐Cartesian shells acquisition, and to develop a magnetization‐prepared (MP) shells acquisition to achieve an efficient three‐dimensional acquisition with improved gray‐to‐white brain matter contrast.

Methods

After reviewing the shells k‐space trajectory, a novel, fully automated trajectory design is developed that allows for gradient waveforms to be automatically generated for specified acquisition parameters. Designs for two types of shells are introduced, including fully sampled and undersampled/accelerated shells. Using those designs, an MP‐Shells acquisition is developed by adjusting the acquisition order of shells interleaves to synchronize the center of k‐space sampling with the peak of desired gray‐to‐white matter contrast. The feasibility of the proposed design and MP‐Shells is demonstrated using simulation, phantom, and volunteer subject experiments, and the performance of MP‐Shells is compared with a clinical Cartesian magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient echo acquisition.

Results

Initial experiments show that MP‐Shells produces excellent image quality with higher data acquisition efficiency and improved gray‐to‐white matter contrast‐to‐noise ratio (by 36%) compared with the conventional Cartesian magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient echo acquisition.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the feasibility of a three‐dimensional MP‐Shells acquisition and an automated trajectory design to achieve an efficient acquisition with improved gray‐to‐white matter contrast. Magn Reson Med 79:2024–2035, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Public affairs practice and lobbying inequality: Reform and regulation of the influence game
Authors: Davidson Scott
Published: August 2017

Although vigorous lobbying by groups within society is essential for the functioning of democracy, it is widely perceived that resource‐rich groups, particularly corporations, enjoy unfair advantages and influence. This perception damages public trust in the efficacy of civic participation and the legitimacy of policymaking. This problem intermittently leads reformers and scholars to assess and develop policies that might assist in addressing lobbying power imbalances. This paper takes up Moloney's call for exploring ways of intervening in the communicative economy to directly address the problem of lobbying inequality. It considers the extent of lobbying inequalities and theoretical frameworks for understanding how resources enable an influence advantage, before assessing the types of regulatory approaches that have been used by democratic institutions. Voluntary measures that could be taken by the corporate sector and professional associations are considered, alongside the current interest in using digital platforms to identify inequalities and incorporate public preferences as a variable in allocating lobbying resources.
Repurposing Valproate, Enteral Clonidine, and Phenobarbital for Comfort in Adult ICU Patients: A Literature Review with Practical Considerations
Authors: Gagnon David J. , Fontaine Gabriel V. , Riker Richard R. , Fraser Gilles L.
Published: August 2017

Provision of adequate sedation is a fundamental part of caring for critically ill patients. Propofol, dexmedetomidine, and benzodiazepines are the most commonly administered sedative medications for adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). These agents are limited by adverse effects, need for a monitored environment for safe administration, and lack of universal effectiveness. Increased interest has recently been expressed about repurposing older pharmacologic agents for patient comfort in the ICU. Valproate, enteral clonidine, and phenobarbital are three agents with increasing evidence supporting their use. Potential benefits associated with their utilization are cost minimization and safe administration after transition out of the ICU. This literature review describes the historical context, pharmacologic characteristics, supportive data, and practical considerations associated with the administration of these agents for comfort in critically ill adult patients.
Direct Relationship Between Interfacial Microstructure and Confined Crystallization in Poly(Ethylene Oxide)/Silica Composites: The Study of Polymer Molecular Weight Effects
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Su Yunlan , Müller Alejandro J. , Gao Xia , Wang Dujin
Published: August 2017

With particular focus on the characterization of polymer–nanoparticle interaction, the effects of polymer molecular weight (Mn) on confined crystallization of the interfacial region in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/silica (SiO2) composites were investigated, employing differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation techniques. Dependence of crystallization on Mn in PEO/SiO2 composites is found to be closely related to the microstructure changes in adsorbed polymer. PEO adsorbs in a manner that produces a tightly bound layer (amorphous) with constant thickness, independent of Mn, and creates a loosely bound layer with flattened structure for short PEO chains but coiled conformation for long chains. The contribution of this Mn‐dependent layer to crystallization grows with Mn, showing a transition from non‐crystalline phase to the formation of a crystallization peak (−25 to −33 °C), and then to crystallization together with non‐adsorbed PEO. The comprehensive description of the interfacial region should be a helpful tool in the preparation and modification of polymer nanocomposites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1608–1616
Translation of plasma technology from the lab to the food industry
Authors: Cullen Patrick J. , Lalor James , Scally Laurence , Boehm Daniela , Milosavljević Vladimir , Bourke Paula , Keener Kevin
Published: August 2017

The potential of cold plasma as a food processing aid has been demonstrated for a range of processes and products. The potential applications of plasma technology are extensive and include microbial decontamination, pest control, toxin elimination, food and package functionalisation and many others. However, studies reported to date have principally been at laboratory scale. This paper discusses the status and challenges of transferring the technology to the industry. The major challenges discussed for adoption of atmospheric plasma as a food processing tool by industry are (1) demonstration of product/process specific efficacies; (2) development of process compatible technology designs and scale‐up; (3) effective process control and validation; (4) regulatory approval; and (5) consumer acceptance.
Structural investigation into the C‐terminal extension of the ene‐reductase from Ralstonia (Cupriavidus) metallidurans
Authors: Opperman Diederik J.
Published: August 2017

Ene‐reductases (ERs), or Old Yellow Enzymes, catalyze the asymmetric reduction of various activated alkenes. This class of biocatalysts is considered an attractive alternative to current chemical technologies for hydrogenation due to their high selectivity and specificity. Here the X‐ray crystal structure of RmER, a “thermophilic”‐like ER from Ralstonia (Cupriavidus) metallidurans, is reported. Unlike other members of this class of ERs, RmER is monomeric in solution which we previously related to its atypical elongated C‐terminus. A typical dimer interface was however observed in our crystal structure, with the conserved Arg‐“finger” forming part of the adjacent monomer's active site and the elongated C‐terminus extending into the active site through contacting the “capping” domain. This dimerization also resulted in the loss of one FMN cofactor from each dimer pair. This potential transient dimerization and dissociation of FMN could conceivably explain the rapid rates previously observed when an FMN light‐driven cofactor regeneration system was used during catalysis with RmER.
Control‐based imputation for sensitivity analyses in informative censoring for recurrent event data
Authors: Gao Fei , Liu Guanghan F. , Zeng Donglin , Xu Lei , Lin Bridget , Diao Guoqing , Golm Gregory , Heyse Joseph F. , Ibrahim Joseph G.
Published: August 2017

In clinical trials, missing data commonly arise through nonadherence to the randomized treatment or to study procedure. For trials in which recurrent event endpoints are of interests, conventional analyses using the proportional intensity model or the count model assume that the data are missing at random, which cannot be tested using the observed data alone. Thus, sensitivity analyses are recommended. We implement the control‐based multiple imputation as sensitivity analyses for the recurrent event data. We model the recurrent event using a piecewise exponential proportional intensity model with frailty and sample the parameters from the posterior distribution. We impute the number of events after dropped out and correct the variance estimation using a bootstrap procedure. We apply the method to an application of sitagliptin study.
Covering traumatic news stories: Factors associated with post‐traumatic stress disorder among journalists
Authors: Smith River J. , Drevo Susan , Newman Elana
Published: August 2017

The current study examined personal and environmental factors that placed 167 U.S. journalists from diverse media organizations at risk for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after covering work‐related traumatic stories. These factors included exposure to traumatic stressors in their personal lives, work‐related traumatic stressors, and general organizational stressors. Further, personality attributes and coping styles associated with risk and resiliency were examined. Regression analyses identified avoidant emotional coping, higher levels of perceived organizational stressors, intensity of exposure to work‐related traumatic stressors, and personal trauma history as statistically significant risk factors for PTSD. The results provide empirical support for the negative impact of organizational stressors and avoidant emotional coping on journalists covering trauma‐related stories. Understanding the organizational climate journalists are working in, as well as the manner in which journalists manage work‐related stressors, is important in the development of a more comprehensive model of who may develop work‐related PTSD symptoms. Opportunities for news organizations to reduce PTSD risk among journalists are discussed.
Effect of vertical structural irregularity on seismic design of tall buildings
Authors: Mwafy Aman , Khalifa Sayed
Published: August 2017

Many tall buildings are practically irregular as an entirely regular high‐rise building rarely exists. This study is thus devoted to assessing the approach and coefficients used in the seismic design of real‐life tall buildings with different vertical irregularity features. Five 50‐story buildings are selected and designed using finite element models and international building codes to represent the most common vertical irregularities of reinforced concrete tall buildings in regions of medium seismicity. Detailed fiber‐based simulation models are developed to assess the seismic response of the five benchmark buildings under the effect of 40 earthquake records representing far‐field and near‐source seismic scenarios. The results obtained from a large number of inelastic pushover and incremental dynamic analyses provide insights into the local and global seismic response of the reference structures and confirm the inferior local response of tall buildings with severe vertical irregularities. Due to the significant impacts of the severe irregularity types on the seismic response of tall buildings, the conservative code approach and coefficients are recommended for design. It is also concluded that although the design coefficients of buildings with moderate irregularities are adequately conservative, they can be revised to arrive at more consistent safety margins and cost‐effective designs.
Experiences of Genetic Counselors Practicing in Rural Areas
Authors: Emmet Margaret , Stein Quinn , Thorpe Erin , Campion MaryAnn
Published: August 2017

In‐person genetic counseling clinics in rural areas are likely to improve access to genetic counseling in underserved regions, but studies have not previously examined how these clinics function or described the experience of practicing in a rural setting. The present mixed‐methods study explored the professional experiences of clinical genetic counselors who practice in rural areas, including the benefits and challenges of practicing in these settings and the counselors’ motivations for doing so. The authors surveyed 20 genetic counselors who self‐reported working in rural areas and conducted interviews with six individuals whose workplaces were confirmed as rural per RUCA code. Major obstacles to the provision of genetics services in rural areas included travel distance and low referral rates due to lack of awareness or skepticism. Facilitating factors included relying on resources such as professional networks and prioritizing outreach and education. Participants reported high professional satisfaction and were motivated to work in rural areas by personal experiences and qualities of the job such as being a generalist and having greater professional autonomy. These data demonstrate the feasibility of practicing in rural settings and suggest that in‐person rural genetic counseling clinics may complement other strategies such as alternative service delivery models in increasing access for rural residents.
Placental Pathology and Stillbirth: A Review of the Literature and Guidelines for the Less Experienced
Authors: Kulkarni Aditya D. , Palaniappan Nithiya , Evans Margaret J.
Published: August 2017

The aim of this review is to examine the role of placental pathology in the understanding of singleton stillbirth. The placenta may be regarded as the “black box” of pregnancy and detailed examination may afford insight into the fetal and maternal events leading to this tragic outcome. In the UK, 1 in 200 to 1 in 240 pregnancies end in stillbirth whilst India accounts for the majority of global stillbirths. Between 2010 and 2013, India showed a decline in the stillbirth rate and it continues to fall–a recent report felt that the majority of deaths in the third trimester were preventable. However, in order to prevent such deaths we need to understand their cause. Postmortem studies may cast light on the many factors which lead to stillbirth or early neonatal death but there is anecdotal evidence that certain groups are reluctant to authorise postmortem examination and in a religiously diverse and observant country such as India, postmortem may not be acceptable to families. However, if the purpose of the postmortem study is properly explained, many families would agree to such an examination. In this paper the authors aim to look at how examination of the singleton placenta alone may provide valuable information regarding the causation of stillbirth and indicate potential treatment options for its prevention in future pregnanices. The authors will consider the more commonly encountered lesions, clinically and pathologically and provide guidelines for those less experienced in this field.
Externalizing and internalizing behaviours in adolescence, and the importance of parental behavioural and psychological control practices
Authors: Symeou Maria , Georgiou Stelios
Published: August 2017

The aims of the present study were to explore the impact of parental characteristics (behavioural control and psychological control) on adolescents' expression of externalizing and internalizing behaviours. To address the aim of the study, participants completed quantitative measures; the study included 538 adolescents and their mothers and fathers. Overall, 513 mothers and 464 fathers participated in the study. Adolescents completed the Children's Report on Parent Behaviour Inventory (CRPBI), while parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist – Parent Report (Short Form; CBCL). Results of the study showed that only maternal and paternal psychological control predicted externalizing and internalizing behaviours. The conclusions have practical applications, as they can provide novel approaches in parent training programmes. Furthermore, results are discussed in relation to the connection with earlier studies and the theoretical contribution.
The Shakespearean Forest
Authors: Barton Anne
Published: August 2017

The Shakespearean Forest, Anne Barton's final book, uncovers the pervasive presence of woodland in early modern drama, revealing its persistent imaginative power. The collection is representative of the startling breadth of Barton's scholarship: ranging across plays by Shakespeare (including Titus Andronicus, As You Like It, Macbeth, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Timon of Athens) and his contemporaries (including Jonson, Dekker, Lyly, Massinger and Greene), it also considers court pageants, treatises on forestry and chronicle history. Barton's incisive literary analysis characteristically pays careful attention to the practicalities of performance, and is supplemented by numerous illustrations and a bibliographical essay exploring recent scholarship in the field. Prepared for publication by Hester Lees-Jeffries, featuring a Foreword by Adrian Poole and an Afterword by Peter Holland, the book explores the forest as a source of cultural and psychological fascination, embracing and illuminating its mysteriousness.
The Cambridge Photographic Atlas of Galaxies
Authors: König Michael , Binnewies Stefan
Published: August 2017

Galaxies - the Milky Way's siblings - offer a surprising variety of forms and colours. Displaying symmetrical spiral arms, glowing red nebulae or diffuse halos, even the image of a galaxy can reveal much about its construction. All galaxies consist of gas, dust and stars, but the effects of gravity, dark matter and the interaction of star formation and stellar explosions all influence their appearances. This volume showcases more than 250 of the most beautiful galaxies within an amateur's reach and uses them to explain current astrophysical research. It features fantastic photographs, unique insights into our knowledge, tips on astrophotography and essential facts and figures based on the latest science. From the Andromeda Galaxy to galaxy clusters and gravitational lenses, the nature of galaxies is revealed through these stunning amateur photographs. This well illustrated reference atlas deserves a place on the bookshelves of astronomical imagers, observers and armchair enthusiasts.
Real-time video telemedicine applications in the emergency department: a scoping review of literature
Authors: Kelton Danielle K. , Szulewski Adam , Howes Daniel
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To collect and synthesize the literature describing the use of real-time video-based technologies to provide support in the care of patients presenting to emergency departments.

Data Source

Six electronic databases were searched, including Medline, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Database, DARE, and PubMed for all publications since the earliest date available in each database to February 2016.

Study Selection

Selected articles were full text articles addressing the use of telemedicine to support patient care in pre-hospital or emergency department settings. The search yielded 2976 articles for review with 11 studies eligible for inclusion after application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A scoping review of the selected articles was performed to better understand the different systems in place around the world and the current state of evidence supporting telemedicine use in the emergency department.

Conclusions

Telemedicine support for emergency department physicians is an application with significant potential but is still lacking evidence supporting improved patient outcomes. Advances in technology, combined with more attractive price-points have resulted in widespread interest and implementation around the world. Applications of this technology that are currently being studied include support for minor treatment centres, patient transfer decision-making, management of acutely ill patients and scheduled teleconsultations.
Optimal Rock Bolt Installation Design Based on 3D Rock Stress Distribution and Stereography Coupled Analysis
Authors: Chen C. N. , Chang W. C.
Published: August 2017

The position determination for rock bolt support design based on rock stress distribution is important in ensuring full mobilization of rock bolt tensions during excavation process. The monitoring of the progressive rock stress variation in magnitude and orientation can play an important role in optimal installation of rock bolt. The aim of this paper is to determine the optimal positions for rock bolt installation by computing the progressive directional variation of rock stresses and plot the stress distribution in a two-dimensional stereographic projection to capture the stress transformation during excavation process. Finally, an algorithm based on stress transformation determination for optimal rock bolt installation is proposed.
The 1982/83 surge and antecedent quiescent phase of Variegated Glacier: revising the original dataset for application in flow line models
Authors: VAN GEFFEN SHARON , OERLEMANS JOHANNES
Published: August 2017

The extensive dataset of Variegated Glacier's 1982/83 surge and antecedent quiescent phase is fragmentary and predominantly of flow line nature. Applying the raw centre line data in a flow line model to conduct research into the mechanism behind Variegated Glacier's surge behaviour inevitably entails problems. In this study, the incomplete dataset is extrapolated into the upper and lower parts of the glacier. Furthermore, the centre line data are adapted to account for differences between width-averaged and centre line surface mass balance and ice thickness change, inflow from tributaries, and changes in surface width over time. The modifications to the dataset are backed-up by observations and clear, plausible physical explanations. Moreover, the revised dataset meets the imposed constraints regarding ice volume flux, specific mass balance and net volume change. Hence, the final dataset is considered a satisfying revision that makes the dataset more valuable for future research. Subsequent application of the revised dataset corroborates the idea that glacier evolution during quiescence is basically the growth back towards steady state after the glacier was brought out of balance by the preceding surge.
Validation of the CASP-19 Quality of Life Measure in Three Languages in Malaysia
Authors: Nalathamby Nemala , Morgan Karen , Mat Sumaiyah , Tan Pey June , Kamaruzzaman Shahrul B , Tan Maw Pin
Published: August 2017

The CASP-19 is an age-specific measure of quality of life. It comprises four domains: control, autonomy, self-realisation and pleasure, and is widely used in large cohort studies in temperate climates. Our objective was to translate the CASP-19 into Bahasa Malaysia and validate it for use in older Malaysians in their three commonly used languages of English, Bahasa Malaysia and Traditional Chinese. CASP-19 showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability with acceptable construct validity compared with the 12-item short-form health survey. Factor analysis found the best fit for the Taiwanese five-domain model. The validity of CASP-19 may be limited by cultural differences.
Efficient milking hygiene reduces bacterial spore contamination in milk
Authors: Bava Luciana , Colombini Stefania , Zucali Maddalena , Decimo Marilù , Morandi Stefano , Silvetti Tiziana , Brasca Milena , Tamburini Alberto , Crovetto G. Matteo , Sandrucci Anna
Published: August 2017

Clostridia in the milk can lead to late blowing, a cheese defect. Clostridia are ubiquitous, deriving from both the farm environment and the feed ingested by the cows, and are transferred into the milk through faecal contamination. Our aim was to investigate the effect of different in-parlour practices on the content of anaerobic spore-forming bacteria in milk, and to monitor the variation in spore content in the feed and environment. The experiment, conducted in an experimental dairy during autumn, was repeated in exactly the same way for two consecutive years. The experimental design applied three different milking routines in three consecutive 7-d periods: forestripping alone (F); forestripping and post-dipping (F+Post); pre-dipping, wiping, forestripping and post-dipping (Pre+F+Post). Teat skin swabs and samples of feed, faeces, bedding materials and milk were collected for microbiological analyses. The dietary forage of the lactating cows included maize silage, which, in both years, was found to have the highest level of clostridial spore contamination. Pre-dipping with a detergent/emollient solution, and drying with a disposable paper towel, proved much more efficient in reducing spore contamination than forestripping alone, both on the teats (1·30 vs. 2·20 log10 MPN/swab; P < 0·001) and in the milk (1·82 vs. 2·47 log10 MPN/L, P < 0·02), while post-dipping had little influence on spore count. The standard plate count in milk was significantly lower with Pre+F+Post treatment than with F (3·80 vs. 4·51 log10 CFU/mL, P < 0·01). The teat preparation procedure did not influence the lactic acid bacterial levels in the milk, which is very positive in that decreased lactic acid bacterial content can lessen raw milk cheese quality.
A predictive model to evaluate the impact of the cooling profile on growth of psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk from conventional and robotic milking
Authors: Christiansson Anders
Published: August 2017

This Research Communication explores the usefulness of predictive modelling to explain bacterial behaviour during cooling. A simple dynamic lag phase model was developed and validated. The model takes into account the effect of the cooling profile on the lag phase and growth in bulk tank milk. The time before the start of cooling was the most critical and should not exceed 1 h. The cooling rate between 30 and approximately 10 °C was the second most critical period. Cooling from 30 to 10 °C within 2 h ensured minimal growth of psychrotrophic bacteria in the milk. The cooling rate between 10 and 4 °C (the slowest phase of cooling) was of surprisingly little importance. Given a normal cooling profile to 10 °C, several hours of prolonged cooling time made practically no difference in psychrotrophic counts. This behaviour can be explained by the time/temperature dependence of the work needed by the bacteria to complete the lag phase at low temperature. For milk quality advisors, it is important to know that slow cooling below 10 °C does not result in high total counts of bacteria. In practice, slow cooling is occasionally found at farms with robotic milking. However, when comparing psychrotrophic growth in bulk milk tanks designed for robotic milking or conventional milking, the model predicted less growth for robotic milking for identical cooling profiles. It is proposed that due to the different rates of milk entering the tank, fewer bacteria will exit the lag phase during robotic milking and they will be more diluted than in conventional milking systems. At present, there is no international standard that specifies the cooling profile in robotic systems. The information on the insignificant effect of the cooling rate below 10 °C may be useful in the development of a standard.
Detailed fatty acid profile of milk, cheese, ricotta and by products, from cows grazing summer highland pastures
Authors: Bergamaschi Matteo , Bittante Giovanni
Published: August 2017

In this research two-dimensional GC was used to analyse, for the first time, the detailed fatty acid (FA) profiles of 11 dairy matrices: raw milk (evening whole, evening partially skimmed, morning whole, and vat milk), cream, fresh cheese, whey, ricotta, scotta, 6- and 12-month-ripened cheeses, obtained across artisanal cheese- and ricotta-making trials carried out during the summer period while cows were on highland pastures. Samples were collected during 7 cheese- and ricotta-making procedures carried out at 2-week intervals from bulk milk to study possible differences in the transfer and modification of FA. Compared with morning milk, evening milk had fewer de novo synthetised FA. The detailed FA profile of partially skimmed milk differed little from that of evening whole milk before skimming, but the cream obtained differed from partially skimmed milk and from fresh cheese in about half the FA, due mainly to higher contents of all de novo FA, and lower contents of n-3 and n-6 FA. Fresh cheese and whey had similar FA profiles. The ricotta manufacturing process affected the partition of FA between ricotta and scotta, the FA profile of the latter differing in terms of groups and individual FA from the former, whereas ricotta and fresh cheese had similar composition of FA. In general, there was an increase in medium-chain saturated FA, and a decrease in many polyunsaturated FA during the first 6 months of ripening, but not during the second 6 months. Two-dimensional GC yielded a very detailed and informative FA profile on all the 11 dairy products and by-products analysed.
Time-since-invasion increases native mesoherbivore feeding rates on the invasive alga, Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt
Authors: Kurr Martyn , Davies Andrew J.
Published: August 2017

Invasive algae can have substantial negative impacts in their invaded ranges. One widely cited mechanism that attempts to explain how invasive plants and algae are often able to spread quickly, and even become dominant in their invaded ranges, is the Enemy Release Hypothesis. This study assessed the feeding behaviours of two species of gastropod herbivore from populations exposed to the invasive alga Sargassum muticum for different lengths of time. Feeding trials, consisting of both choice and no-choice, showed that the herbivores from older stands (35–40 years established) of S. muticum were more likely to feed upon it than those taken from younger (10–19 years established) stands. These findings provide evidence in support of the ERH, by showing that herbivores consumed less S. muticum if they were not experienced with it. These findings are in accordance with the results of other feeding-trials with S. muticum, but in contrast to research that utilizes observations of herbivore abundance and diversity to assess top-down pressure. The former tend to validate the ERH, and the latter typically reject it. The potential causes of this disparity are discussed, as are the importance of palatability, herbivore species and time-since-invasion when considering research into the ERH. This study takes an important, yet neglected, approach to the study of invasive ecology.
Is there a motherhood penalty in retirement income in Europe? The role of lifecourse and institutional characteristics
Authors: MÖHRING KATJA
Published: August 2017

This study examines the retirement income of women in Europe, focusing on the effect of motherhood. Due to their more interrupted working careers compared to non-mothers and fathers, mothers are likely to accumulate fewer pension entitlements, and consequently, to receive lower incomes in later life. However, pension systems in Europe vary widely in the degree to which they compensate for care-related career interruptions by means of redistributive elements or pension care entitlements. Therefore, care interruptions may matter for the retirement income of women in some countries, but may be rather irrelevant in others. On the basis of life history data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARELIFE) for women aged between 60 and 75 years in 13 European countries, the interplay of individual lifecourse characteristics with institutional and structural factors is examined. The results show that the lower retirement income of mothers is mainly a result of fewer years in employment and lower-status jobs throughout the lifecourse. The analysis of institutional factors reveals that pension care entitlements are not able to provide a compensation for care-related cutbacks in working life. A generally redistributive design of the pension system including basic or targeted pension schemes, in contrast, appears as an effective measure to balance differences in employment participation over the lifecourse.
Effacing Rebellion and Righting the Slanted: Declassifying the Archive of MacMillan's (1965) and Shakespeare's (1597) Romeo and Juliets
Authors: Shaw Brandon
Published: August 2017

Archival evidence of Shakespeare's and Kenneth MacMillan's Romeo and Juliets evince patriarchal efforts to efface female rebellion. As Juliet, Lynn Seymour declassifies ballet through recalcitrant stillness and off-balance choreography. Patriarchal institutions enlisted Margot Fonteyn's classifying instinct to efface these balletic transgressions from the archive utilizing strategies corresponding to early modern textual editing practices.
LINGUISTIC DIMENSIONS OF L2 ACCENTEDNESS AND COMPREHENSIBILITY VARY ACROSS SPEAKING TASKS
Authors: Crowther Dustin , Trofimovich Pavel , Saito Kazuya , Isaacs Talia
Published: August 2017

This study critically examined the previously reported partial independence between second language (L2) accentedness (degree to which L2 speech differs from the target variety) and comprehensibility (ease of understanding). In prior work, comprehensibility was linked to multiple linguistic dimensions of L2 speech (phonology, fluency, lexis, grammar) whereas accentedness was narrowly associated with L2 phonology. However, these findings stemmed from a single task (picture narrative), suggesting that task type could affect the particular linguistic measures distinguishing comprehensibility from accentedness. To address this limitation, speech ratings of 10 native listeners assessing 60 speakers of L2 English in three tasks (picture narrative, IELTS, TOEFL) were analyzed, targeting two global ratings (accentedness, comprehensibility) and 10 linguistic measures (segmental and word stress accuracy, intonation, rhythm, speech rate, grammatical accuracy and complexity, lexical richness and complexity, discourse richness). Linguistic distinctions between accentedness and comprehensibility were less pronounced in the cognitively complex task (TOEFL), with overlapping sets of phonology, lexis, and grammar variables contributing to listener ratings of accentedness and comprehensibility. This finding points to multifaceted, task-specific relationships between these two constructs.
In situ XRD investigation of the evolution of surface layers on Pb-alloy anodes
Authors: Clancy Marie , Styles Mark J. , Bettles Colleen J. , Birbilis Nick , Kimpton Justin A. , Webster Nathan A. S.
Published: August 2017

The electrochemical behaviour of a number of Pb-based anode alloys, under simulated electrowinning conditions, in a 1.6 M H2SO4 electrolyte at 45 °C was studied. Namely, the evolution of PbO2 and PbSO4 surface layers was investigated by quantitative in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (S-XRD) and subsequent Rietveld-based quantitative phase analysis (QPA). In the context of seeking new anode alloys, this research shows that the industry standard Pb-0.08Ca-1.52Sn (wt%) anode, when exposed to a galvanostatic current and intermittent power interruptions, exhibited poor electrochemical performance relative to select custom Pb-based binary alloys; Pb–0.73Mg, Pb–5.05Ag, Pb–0.07Rh, and Pb–1.4Zn (wt%). The in situ S-XRD measurements and subsequent QPA indicated that this was linked to a lower proportion of β-PbO2, relative to PbSO4, on the Pb-0.08Ca-1.52Sn alloy at all stages of the electrochemical cycling. The best performing alloy, in terms of minimisation of overpotential during normal electrowinning operation and minimising the deleterious effects of repeated power interruptions – both of which are significant factors in energy consumption – was determined to be Pb–0.07Rh.
THINKERS, LIES, AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Authors: Scanlon T. M.
Published: August 2017

Seana Shiffrin's Speech Matters is a remarkably rich, original, and insightful work, casting new and sometimes surprising light on a wide range of issues in law and morality.
The psychenet public health intervention for anorexia nervosa: a pre–post-evaluation study in a female patient sample
Authors: Gumz Antje , Weigel Angelika , Wegscheider Karl , Romer Georg , Löwe Bernd
Published: August 2017

Aim

This non-randomized pre–post-intervention study investigated the effect of a systemic public health intervention on the length of time between anorexia nervosa symptom onset and contact with the health care system as well as the initiation of treatment.

Background

Although systemic public health interventions have successfully been implemented in physical and mental health fields, their effect on the early treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa remains unclear.

Methods

In total, 59 anorexia nervosa patients (mean age=21.5 years, SD=7.2) were recruited before a systemic public health intervention, and 18 patients (mean age=22.2 years, SD=8.9) were recruited afterwards. Using validated self-report measures and a semi-structured interview, the duration of untreated anorexia nervosa and the duration until first contact with the health care system were investigated.

Findings

At the beginning of the individual treatment initiation process, participants in both samples most frequently consulted their general practitioner or paediatrician about their eating disorder-related symptoms. Neither the mean duration of untreated anorexia nervosa, that is, the time between illness onset and the initiation of a recommended treatment, nor the duration until first contact with the health care system significantly decreased after the implementation of the systemic public health intervention. The mean duration of untreated anorexia nervosa was 36.5 months (SD=68.2) before the systemic public health intervention and 40.1 months (SD=89.4) after the implementation of the systemic public health intervention. The mean duration until first contact with the health care system was 25.0 months (SD=53.0) before the intervention and 32.8 months (SD=86.5) after the intervention.

Conclusion

Primary care providers are crucial to the treatment initiation process and should be involved in future interventions to improve early detection and treatment commencement amongst patients with anorexia nervosa.