bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C-Reactive Protein and Inflammatory Cytokines during Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Wu Mingxin , Gu Xinyuan , Li Xiujuan , Li Yanhui , Zhou Huaineng , Lu Guihua , Wu ZhongKai , Huang He , Tang Lilong , Zeng Jianping
Published: August 2016

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is significantly associated with cardiovascular diseases; however, whether CRP plays a causal role in coronary artery disease has yet to be determined. In addition, the relationship between CRP, atherosclerosis, and inflammation remains controversial. Methods and Results: Serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and CRP levels were determined in 160 patients at time points around percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent implantation. The levels were found to be at peak at 24 h post-PCI and gradually declined to the level before PCI at day 30 post-PCI. These inflammation markers around PCI have no statistical difference in the different postdilation pressures (≤14, 14-18, and ≥18 atm) and stent number (1 and ≥2 stents) groups. Treatment of cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with a combination of IL-6 and IL-1β at concentrations associated with PCI did not result in any significant change in the CRP mRNA levels. The IL-6-augmented CRP expression in human internal mammary arteries (IMAs) stretched with a mechanical strength of 3 g was blocked by the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) peptide inhibitor SN50 and not by the inactive SN50 analog SN50M. IL-6 treatment increased NF-κB activity in human IMAs stretched with 3 g, and this effect was further blocked by stretch-activated channel (SAC) inhibitors (streptomycin or GdCl3) and SN50. Conclusions: The current study provides evidence that increased serum IL-6, IL-1β, and CRP levels around PCI are not different between different postdilation pressure and stent number groups. The combination of IL-6 and IL-1β at concentrations associated with PCI cannot induce CRP expression in human VSMCs, but they can augment mechanical strain-induced CRP synthesis via the SAC-NF-κB pathway in human IMAs.
Fecal Fermentation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Influence of Dietary Restriction of Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols
Authors: Valeur Jørgen , Røseth Arne Gustav , Knudsen Torunn , Malmstrøm Gunn Helen , Fiennes Jennifer T. , Midtvedt Tore , Berstad Arnold
Published: August 2016

Background/Aims: Dietary restriction of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) may relieve symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We investigated whether this diet alters microbial fermentation, a process that may be involved in IBS symptom generation. Methods: Patients with IBS were included consecutively to participate in a 4-week FODMAP restricted diet. IBS symptoms were evaluated by using the IBS severity scoring system (IBS-SSS). Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed in fecal samples before and after the dietary intervention, both at baseline and after in vitro fermentation for 24 h. Results: Sixty-three patients completed the study. Following the dietary intervention, IBS-SSS scores improved significantly (p < 0.0001). Total SCFA levels were reduced in fecal samples analyzed both at baseline (p = 0.005) and after in vitro fermentation for 24 h (p = 0.013). Following diet, baseline levels of acetic (p = 0.003) and n-butyric acids (p = 0.009) decreased, whereas 24 h levels of i-butyric (p = 0.003) and i-valeric acids (p = 0.003) increased. Fecal SCFA levels and IBS symptom scores were not correlated. Conclusion: Dietary FODMAP restriction markedly modulated fecal fermentation in patients with IBS. Saccharolytic fermentation decreased, while proteolytic fermentation increased, apparently independent of symptoms.
Incidence, Determinants, and Outcomes of Coronary Perforation During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United Kingdom Between 2006 and 2013
Authors: Kinnaird Tim , Kwok Chun Shing , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Ossei-Gerning Nicholas , Ludman Peter , deBelder Mark , Anderson Richard , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: August 2016

Background—

As coronary perforation (CP) is a rare but serious complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) the current evidence base is limited to small series. Using a national PCI database, the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of CP as a complication of PCI were defined.

Methods and Results—

Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society data set on all PCI procedures performed in England and Wales between 2006 and 2013. Multivariate logistic regressions and propensity scores were used to identify predictors of CP and its association with outcomes. In total, 1762 CPs were recorded from 527 121 PCI procedures (incidence of 0.33%). Patients with CP were more often women or older, with a greater burden of comorbidity and underwent more complex PCI procedures. Factors predictive of CP included age per year (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence intervals, 1.02–1.03;
P
<0.001), previous coronary artery bypass graft (OR, 1.44; 95% confidence intervals, 1.17–1.77;
P
<0.001), left main (OR, 1.54; 95% confidence intervals, 1.21–1.96;
P
<0.001), use of rotational atherectomy (OR, 2.37; 95% confidence intervals, 1.80–3.11;
P
<0.001), and chronic total occlusions intervention (OR, 3.96; 95% confidence intervals, 3.28–4.78;
P
<0.001). Adjusted odds of adverse outcomes were higher in patients with CP for all major adverse coronary events, including stroke, bleeding, and mortality. Emergency surgery was required in 3% of cases. Predictors of mortality in patients with CP included age, diabetes mellitus, previous myocardial infarction, renal disease, ventilatory support, use of circulatory support, glycoprotein inhibitor use, and stent type.

Conclusions—

Using a national PCI database for the first time, the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of CP were defined. Although CP as a complication of PCI occurred rarely, it was strongly associated with poor outcomes.
Antidepressant Use After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Huttunen Jukka , Lindgren Antti , Kurki Mitja I. , Huttunen Terhi , Frösen Juhana , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael , Koivisto Timo , Kälviäinen Reetta , Räikkönen Katri , Viinamäki Heimo , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Immonen Arto
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—

To elucidate the predictors of antidepressant use after subarachnoid hemorrhage from saccular intracranial aneurysm (sIA-SAH) in a population-based cohort with matched controls.

Methods—

The Kuopio sIA database includes all unruptured and ruptured sIA cases admitted to the Kuopio University Hospital from its defined catchment population in Eastern Finland, with 3 matched controls for each patient. The use of all prescribed medicines has been fused from the Finnish national registry of prescribed medicines. In the present study, 2 or more purchases of antidepressant medication indicated antidepressant use. The risk factors of the antidepressant use were analyzed in 940 patients alive 12 months after sIA-SAH, and the classification tree analysis was used to create a predicting model for antidepressant use after sIA-SAH.

Results—

The 940 12-month survivors of sIA-SAH had significantly more antidepressant use (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–3.1) than their 2676 matched controls (29% versus 14%). Classification tree analysis, based on independent risk factors, was used for the best prediction model of antidepressant use after sIA-SAH. Modified Rankin Scale until 12 months was the most potent predictor, followed by condition (Hunt and Hess Scale) and age on admission for sIA-SAH.

Conclusions—

The sIA-SAH survivors use significantly more often antidepressants, indicative of depression, than their matched population controls. Even with a seemingly good recovery (modified Rankin Scale score, 0) at 12 months after sIA-SAH, there is a significant risk of depression requiring antidepressant medication.
Redemption and Transformation
Authors: Gockel Matthias
Published: August 2016

The article discusses Richard Wagner’s last music-drama, which today is the traditional Good Friday “opera” in New York, Vienna, and other venues around the globe. I argue that Parsifal utilizes traditional Christian symbols and thereby transforms them, in order to help transform the world of the audience. The first part of the article summarizes the dramatic conflict and analyzes how the work appropriates the Christian symbolism of the Lord’s Supper. I also look at Wagner’s essay “Religion and Art,” which was written during the composition of Parsifal and presents an ethical critique of Christianity in the name of “true religion.” The second part of the article presents two assessments of Parsifal, both of which acknowledge its inherent religious symbolism but come to different conclusions regarding its significance (Christian versus atheistic). The third part of the article offers an alternative interpretation and implies trajectories for further research.
Evaluation of a High-Resolution SPI for Monitoring Local Drought Severity
Authors: Cumbie-Ward Rebecca V. , Boyles Ryan P.
Published: August 2016

A standardized precipitation index (SPI) that uses high-resolution, daily estimates of precipitation from the National Weather Service over the contiguous United States has been developed and is referred to as HRD SPI. There are two different historical distributions computed in the HRD SPI dataset, each with a different combination of normals period (1971–2000 or 1981–2010) and clustering solution of gauge stations. For each historical distribution, the SPI is computed using the NCEP Stage IV and Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) gridded precipitation datasets for a total of four different HRD SPI products. HRD SPIs are found to correlate strongly with independently produced SPIs over the 10-yr period from 2005 to 2015. The drought-monitoring utility of the HRD SPIs is assessed with case studies of drought in the central and southern United States during 2012 and over the Carolinas during 2007–08. A monthly comparison between HRD SPIs and independently produced SPIs reveals generally strong agreement during both events but weak agreement in areas where radar coverage is poor. For both study regions, HRD SPI is compared with the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) to assess the best combination of precipitation input, normals period, and station clustering solution. SPI generated with AHPS precipitation and the 1981–2010 PRISM normals and associated cluster solution is found to best capture the spatial extent and severity of drought conditions indicated by the USDM. This SPI is also able to resolve local variations in drought conditions that are not shown by either the USDM or comparison SPI datasets.
Is Institutional Democracy a Good Proxy for Model Independence?
Authors: Leduc Martin , Laprise René , de Elía Ramón , Šeparović Leo
Published: August 2016

Climate models developed within a given research group or institution are prone to share structural similarities, which may induce resembling features in their simulations of the earth’s climate. This assertion, known as the “same-center hypothesis,” is investigated here using a subsample of CMIP3 climate projections constructed by retaining only the models originating from institutions that provided more than one model (or model version). The contributions of individual modeling centers to this ensemble are first presented in terms of climate change projections. A metric for climate change disagreement is then defined to analyze the impact of typical structural differences (such as resolution, parameterizations, or even entire atmosphere and ocean components) on regional climate projections. This metric is compared to a present climate performance metric (correlation of error patterns) within a cross-model comparison framework in terms of their abilities to identify the same-center models. Overall, structural differences between the pairs of same-center models have a stronger impact on climate change projections than on how models reproduce the observed climate. The same-center criterion is used to detect agreements that might be attributable to model similarities and thus that should not be interpreted as implying greater confidence in a given result. It is proposed that such noninformative agreements should be discarded from the ensemble, unless evidence shows that these models can be assumed to be independent. Since this burden of proof is not generally met by the centers participating in a multimodel ensemble, the authors propose an ensemble-weighting scheme based on the assumption of institutional democracy to prevent overconfidence in climate change projections.
Microwave Sounder Cloud Detection Using a Collocated High-Resolution Imager and Its Impact on Radiance Assimilation in Tropical Cyclone Forecasts
Authors: Han Hyojin , Li Jun , Goldberg Mitch , Wang Pei , Li Jinlong , Li Zhenglong , Sohn B.-J. , Li Juan
Published: August 2016

Accurate cloud detection is one of the most important factors in satellite data assimilation due to the uncertainties associated with cloud properties and their impacts on satellite-simulated radiances. To enhance the accuracy of cloud detection and improve radiance assimilation for tropical cyclone (TC) forecasts, measurements from the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AMSU-A) on board the Aqua satellite and the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) are collocated with high spatial resolution cloud products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board Aqua and the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on board the Suomi-National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (Suomi-NPP) satellite. The cloud-screened microwave radiance measurements are assimilated for Hurricane Sandy (2012) and Typhoon Haiyan (2013) forecasts using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and the three-dimensional variational (3DVAR)-based Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation system. Experiments are carried out to determine the optimal thresholds of cloud fraction (CF) for minimizing track and intensity forecast errors. The results indicate that the use of high spatial resolution cloud products can improve the accuracy of TC forecasts by better eliminating cloud-contaminated microwave sounder field-of-views (FOVs). In conclusion, the combination of advanced microwave sounders and collocated high spatial resolution imagers is able to improve the radiance assimilation and TC forecasts. The methodology used in this study can be applied to process data from other pairs of microwave sounders and imagers on board the same platform.
Correcting Model Fit Criteria for Small Sample Latent Growth Models With Incomplete Data
Authors: McNeish Daniel , Harring Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2016

To date, small sample problems with latent growth models (LGMs) have not received the amount of attention in the literature as related mixed-effect models (MEMs). Although many models can be interchangeably framed as a LGM or a MEM, LGMs uniquely provide criteria to assess global data–model fit. However, previous studies have demonstrated poor small sample performance of these global data–model fit criteria and three post hoc small sample corrections have been proposed and shown to perform well with complete data. However, these corrections use sample size in their computation—whose value is unclear when missing data are accommodated with full information maximum likelihood, as is common with LGMs. A simulation is provided to demonstrate the inadequacy of these small sample corrections in the near ubiquitous situation in growth modeling where data are incomplete. Then, a missing data correction for the small sample correction equations is proposed and shown through a simulation study to perform well in various conditions found in practice. An applied developmental psychology example is then provided to demonstrate how disregarding missing data in small sample correction equations can greatly affect assessment of global data–model fit.
Reefer Madness to Marijuana Legalization
Authors: Stringer Richard J. , Maggard Scott R.
Published: August 2016

American attitudes toward marijuana have varied greatly from the time it was criminalized in the 1930s through the present day, and public opinion favoring the legalization of marijuana has steadily risen since 1990. It is generally well accepted that the media played a large role in shaping not only marijuana laws but also the general public’s attitudes toward marijuana. As such, this study utilized General Social Survey data to examine the relationship between media exposure and attitudes toward the legalization of marijuana from 1975 through 2012, 1975 through 1990, and 1991 through 2012. The findings indicate that while media exposure was not significantly related to attitudes about marijuana legalization from 1975 through 1990, both television and newspaper exposure had a significant positive relationship with favor toward the legalization of marijuana from 1991 through 2012.
Visualization of a pillar-shaped fiber bundle in a model needle-punched nonwoven fabric using X-ray micro-computed tomography
Authors: Ishikawa Tatsuya , Kim KyoungHou , Ohkoshi Yutaka
Published: August 2016

In the needle-punching process, the barbs of a needle catch fibers and orient them along the thickness direction of the fabric. The oriented fibers form a pillar-shaped fiber bundle, which acts as a bonding point of the fabric. The structure of the pillar-shaped fiber bundle thus governs the mechanical properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabric, and both are largely affected by the needle-punching conditions. However, the three-dimensional structure of pillar-shaped fiber bundles and their development under different needle-punching conditions have not been revealed. In the present study, we visualized the three-dimensional structure of a pillar-shaped fiber bundle in needle-punched nonwoven fabric, employing X-ray micro-computed tomography (XCT) on the basis of the difference in the X-ray absorption coefficient between polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene fibers. For a material density ratio of less than 1.4 and PET fibers having a diameter of 40 µm, the pillar-shaped bundles of PET fibers were visualized by erasing 20-µm polyethylene fibers in XCT images. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the penetration depth of the needle on the development of pillar-shaped fiber bundles. The number of fibers constituting a pillar largely increased at a penetration depth of 19.0 mm, and pillars protruded from the bottom surface of the fabric and formed a stitch structure. The XCT applied in this study is thus effective in analyzing the structure of pillar-shaped fiber bundles quantitatively without affecting the structure of the nonwoven fabric.
Influence of nonuniform network on mechanical properties of nano-silica reinforced silicone rubber
Authors: Chen Wanjuan , Zeng Xingrong , Li Hongqiang , Lai Xuejun , Fang Weizhen , Zeng Xiang
Published: August 2016

Nonuniform networks were introduced into the nano-silica reinforced silicone rubbers, by co-cross-linking of silicone gum containing 0.05 mol% vinyl ( GL) and gum containing 3 mol% vinyl ( GH), so as to improve the mechanical properties. Their network characteristics were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance measurement, swelling experiment, dynamic mechanical analysis, and rubber process analysis. Nonuniform networks displayed high tear strengths up to 41 kN m−1 and improved tensile strengths and elongations at break. Nonuniform networks with 7–10 phr of GH had optimal mechanical properties, since densely cross-linked domains scattered in base network and imparted maximum heterogeneity. In this structure, dense domains favored high modulus, while dominated long chains contributed to large extensibility. Hence, such structure could display large elongation before fracture while showing twice modulus upturns and stick-slip tearing characteristics, which were demonstrated by Mooney–Rivlin curves, tearing curves, and scanning electron microscopic images.
Profile-based recommendation: A case study in a parliamentary context
Authors: de Campos Luis M. , Fernández-Luna Juan M. , Huete Juan F.
Published: August 2016

In the context of e-government and more specifically that of parliament, this paper tackles the problem of finding Members of Parliament (MPs) according to their profiles which have been built from their speeches in plenary or committee sessions. The paper presents a common solution for two problems: firstly, a member of the public who is concerned about a certain issue might want to know who the best MP is for dealing with their problem (recommending task); and secondly, each new piece of textual information that reaches the house must be correctly allocated to the appropriate MP according to its content (filtering task). This paper explores both these ways of searching for relevant people conceptually by encapsulating them into a single problem: that of searching for the relevant MP’s profile given an information need. Our research work proposes various profile construction methods (by selecting and weighting appropriate terms) and compares these using different retrieval models to evaluate their quality and suitability for different types of information needs in order to simulate real and common situations.
Therapeutic Mastoidectomy in the Management of Noncholesteatomatous Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Trinidade Aaron , Page Joshua C. , Dornhoffer John L.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Despite evidence that therapeutic mastoidectomy does not improve outcomes in noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media, it remains widely performed. An up‐to‐date systematic review is undertaken and conclusions drawn regarding the best evidence‐based practice of its management.

Data Sources

PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science.

Review Method

A combination of the following words was used: chronic otitis media, chronic suppurative otitis media, COM, CSOM, mastoidectomy, tympanoplasty, atelectasis, retraction, tympanic perforation, and therapeutic.

Results

From 1742 studies, 7 were selected for full analysis with respect to the benefit of mastoidectomy in the management of active and inactive mucosal chronic otitis media. Most were retrospective studies, with 1 prospective randomized controlled trial available. Overall, there was no evidence to support routine mastoidectomy in conjunction with tympanoplasty in chronic otitis media. For ears with sclerotic mastoids, the evidence suggested that there may be some benefit as a staged procedure. Two studies were analyzed for the benefit of mastoidectomy in addition to tympanoplasty for the management of the atelectatic ear (inactive squamous chronic otitis media). The conclusion was also that mastoidectomy added no benefit.

Conclusions

Examination of the available literature supports the notion that therapeutic mastoidectomy does not lend any additional benefit to the management of noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media. This has implications for patient care, both clinically and financially. Further research, ideally in the form of a prospective, multi‐institutional, geographically wide, ethnically diverse, randomized controlled trial, is needed to further support this notion.
Net Interest Margin: Does Ownership Matter?
Authors: Sensarma Rudra , Ghosh Saurabh
Published: August 2016

Net Interest Margin (NIM) or spread is the difference between interest earned and interest expended by a bank divided by its total assets. A competitive banking system is expected to foster greater efficiency which should get reflected in lower NIM. In the Indian banking industry, NIM has come down subsequent to banking sector reforms but the decline has been very slow. However, it is commonly believed that NIM in developing countries is higher than that in developed countries. The reasons could be lack of sufficient competition, higher intermediation costs, and response to changing regulations. To the extent that NIM can be considered as an indicator of bank performance and efficiency, it is very important to study what are the factors that affect NIM. On the other hand, an ongoing debate in the context of industry performance is the relation between ownership and performance. The theoretical literature suggests that private enterprises are more efficient than public enterprises. However, the empirical evidence is mixed in this regard. It is in this context that this paper studies the determinants of NIM in Indian banking and attempts to draw policy implications based on the exercise.

The authors use balance sheet data of all Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks) for the period 1997–98 to 2000–01 and explore, inter alia, the relationship between ownership and performance. Using econometric techniques of panel regression, viz., fixed effects model and random effects model, they find that even after accounting for bank-specific variables indicating health of banks and regulatory requirements, nature of ownership per se matters in determining NIM. Ownership is represented by dummy variables which take a value of one when a bank belongs to a particular ownership group, and zero otherwise. Statistical significance of the coeffi- cients of the dummy variables indicates that ownership may have a significant associa- tion with NIM.

The major findings emerging from the regression analysis can be summarized as follows: NIM is not significantly associated with size of banks. Proportion of non-interest income does not have a significant impact on NIM. Proportion of investment in government securities adversely affects NIM. Proportion of advances to the priority sector positively affects NIM. Higher Capital Adequacy Ratio is associated with higher NIM. Higher Non Performing Assets are associated with lower NIM. Nature of ownership is a significant determinant of NIM. Foreign banks have the highest NIM, followed by public, private, and new private banks.

Insights emerging from such an analysis can be useful to both bank managers and policy makers. Managers can benefit from knowledge of the ways in which business decisions can affect spreads. It is also useful for the policy makers to be aware of how regulatory and supervisory decisions can affect efficiency in the banking industry, both group-wise as well as across banks.
Consumer Ethnocentrism: CETSCALE Validation and Measurement of Extent
Authors: Bawa Anupam
Published: August 2016

Consumer ethnocentrism means ‘…the appropriateness, indeed morality of purchasing foreign made products.’ Today, when the Indian consumer has great access to foreign goods and the Indian manufacturer is facing increasing competition from foreign products, the neglect of this topic in India is hard to explain. The CETSCALE, a scale to measure consumer ethnocentrism, has been tested in many parts of the world but not in India.

This research examined the psychometrics of the CETSCALE, the extent of consumer ethnocentrism in India, and the relationship of socio-demographic variables and quality consciousness with consumer ethnocentrism.

Data were collected from three socio-demographic groups-materials management professionals, the group with the largest influence on organizational buying behaviour; university students, the most often researched group of respondents the world over and hence ideal for a cross-cultural comparison of results; and senior secondary school students, a group recommended as worth researching by a prominent earlier researcher. Analysis of data was done with the help of currently used and recommended tools including exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results show that the concept of consumer ethnocentrism prevailing in India is not conceptually equivalent to the concept of consumer ethnocentrism prevailing in other countries where it has been found to be uni-dimensional. In India, the concept has more nuances. What is more, the concept as understood by the three different socio-demographic groups is also not identical. The level of consumer ethnocentrism in India is not less than that prevailing in a similar demographic group in a developed country like the US. It is the senior secondary school students who are the most consumer ethnocentric. Socio-demographic variables do not adequately explain the presence, or otherwise, of consumer ethnocentrism. Neither does quality consciousness.

The managerial implications of the major findings of this study are as follows: In India, the label ‘made in India’ is not a liability. The Indian consumers will not lap up foreign goods merely because of their ‘made in’ tags. This should bring comfort to companies whose products carry the ‘made in India’ label. The threat perception of freer imports into India should be altered in the light of these findings. Foreign companies in India, planning to sell goods manufactured on Indian soil rather than imported from their plants abroad, will also get support for their actions from these findings. That the young Indians (a numerically very large segment of the market) are the most consumer ethnocentric of them all points to a comfortable future for the ‘made in India’ label.

An attempt has been made to refine the CETSCALE for use in India. Marketing needs to respond to the criticism of the concept of ethnocentrism in the other social sciences. It needs to explore the relationship of consumer ethnocentrism with consumer animosity and consumer affinity (love-hate relationship with other countries).
Towards a relational geography of disability
Authors: Hall Edward , Wilton Robert
Published: August 2016

In this paper we develop linkages between non-representational theory and emerging work by disability scholars in geography. We argue that non-representational thinking has the potential to advance our understanding of the complex and emergent geographies of dis/ability. We first outline key dimensions of non-representational thinking within geography. We then explore how this perspective has begun to, and might further inform, geographical scholarship on disability. Next, we extend our thinking to consider how NRT might provide the basis for a critical geography of the ‘able-body’. We conclude by reflecting on the conceptual, political, methodological and empirical implications of our argument.
Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Milev Roumen V. , Giacobbe Peter , Kennedy Sidney H. , Blumberger Daniel M. , Daskalakis Zafiris J. , Downar Jonathan , Modirrousta Mandana , Patry Simon , Vila-Rodriguez Fidel , Lam Raymond W. , MacQueen Glenda M. , Parikh Sagar V. , Ravindran Arun V. ,   the CANMAT Depression Work Group
Published: August 2016

Background:

The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) conducted a revision of the 2009 guidelines by updating the evidence and recommendations. The scope of the 2016 guidelines remains the management of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, with a target audience of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.

Methods:

Using the question-answer format, we conducted a systematic literature search focusing on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Evidence was graded using CANMAT-defined criteria for level of evidence. Recommendations for lines of treatment were based on the quality of evidence and clinical expert consensus. “Neurostimulation Treatments” is the fourth of six sections of the 2016 guidelines.

Results:

Evidence-informed responses were developed for 31 questions for 6 neurostimulation modalities: 1) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), 2) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), 3) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), 4) magnetic seizure therapy (MST), 5) vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and 6) deep brain stimulation (DBS). Most of the neurostimulation treatments have been investigated in patients with varying degrees of treatment resistance.

Conclusions:

There is increasing evidence for efficacy, tolerability, and safety of neurostimulation treatments. rTMS is now a first-line recommendation for patients with MDD who have failed at least 1 antidepressant. ECT remains a second-line treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression, although in some situations, it may be considered first line. Third-line recommendations include tDCS and VNS. MST and DBS are still considered investigational treatments.
How do Women Respond in the Context of Acquisition of Agricultural Land? A Micro Level Study in Semi-urban South Bengal, India
Authors: Das Bidhan Kanti , Guha Nabanita
Published: August 2016

The state’s ‘eminent domain’ provision under colonial Land Acquisition Act, 1894 is the major cause that forcefully dispossesses the peasantry of their major means of production, that is, land. Though it facilitates rapid industrialization, it has a severe impact on affected persons that often leads to socio-economic impoverishment. Despite the existence of a significant number of studies on the relationship and impacts of development-forced displacement and resettlement in general, only a few studies focus on gender issues. Moreover, there is complete absence of studies on the consequences, which women face in the context of acquisition of agricultural land, where the affected persons are not physically relocated. Based on a micro-level field study, it tries to explore what the affected persons, particularly the women, do when the productive assets like agricultural lands have been acquired for private industries. Furthermore, it tries to examine whether there is any impact on the members of neighbouring families, particularly the women, whose lands have not been acquired. Analyzing the village-level data in an industrial zone of South Bengal, India, it is revealed that land acquisition forced the affected women to go outside for earning, thereby enhancing their position in the family in an agrarian environment. This positively affected the neighbouring women and made them engage in income-generating activities, breaking the cultural traditions of non-participation of women in outside work and patriarchal subjugation, prevalent in peasant societies of India.
Unraveling Difficult Sentences
Authors: Zipoli Richard P.
Published: August 2016

The ability to understand sentences contributes to students’ reading comprehension. However, many reading programs tend to underemphasize explicit instruction aimed at enhancing students’ knowledge of sentence structures. Children with language impairments, students with learning disabilities, and English language learners may particularly benefit from instruction that targets potentially challenging sentence structures. This article is designed to help educators and clinicians more effectively identify and teach several sentence structures that can compromise elementary and middle school students’ understanding of written text. Four types of sentence structures that may be difficult to process are introduced and systematically explored: (a) sentences with passive verb constructions, (b) adverbial clauses with temporal and causal conjunctions, (c) center-embedded relative clauses, and (d) sentences with three or more clauses. Information is presented on syntactic structures, sources of confusion, developmental considerations, assessment caveats, and instructional strategies.
Using Response Interruption and Redirection to Reduce Vocal Stereotypy
Authors: Sheehey Patricia H. , Wells Jenny C.
Published: August 2016

Response interruption and redirection, commonly referred to as RIR, is an evidence-based intervention that has been demonstrated to quickly reduce moderate to high levels of vocal stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorder. The RIR intervention is a simple, three-step procedure that can be embedded in classroom instruction with minimal planning. This column describes the procedure and provides a troubleshooting guide to aid practitioners in effectively implementing the RIR behavior management strategy.
Psychometric Validation of the Parental Bonding Instrument in a U.K. Population–Based Sample: Role of Gender and Association With Mental Health in Mid-Late Life
Authors: Xu Man K. , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Marsh Herbert W. , Richards Marcus , Jones Peter B.
Published: August 2016

The factorial structure of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) has been frequently studied in diverse samples but no study has examined its psychometric properties from large, population-based samples. In particular, important questions have not been addressed such as the measurement invariance properties across parental and offspring gender. We evaluated the PBI based on responses from a large, representative population-based sample, using an exploratory structural equation modeling method appropriate for categorical data. Analysis revealed a three-factor structure representing “care,” “overprotection,” and “autonomy” parenting styles. In terms of psychometric measurement validity, our results supported the complete invariance of the PBI ratings across sons and daughters for their mothers and fathers. The PBI ratings were also robust in relation to personality and mental health status. In terms of predictive value, paternal care showed a protective effect on mental health at age 43 in sons. The PBI is a sound instrument for capturing perceived parenting styles, and is predictive of mental health in middle adulthood.
Factor structure and psychometric properties of Chinese version of Beck Anxiety Inventory in Chinese doctors
Authors: Liang Ying , Wang Lei , Zhu Jianbo
Published: August 2016

This study analyses the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Beck Anxiety Inventory on Chinese doctors. Participants include 762 doctors sampled in 18 public hospitals in three cities in Eastern China. Exploratory factor analysis is employed to identify the potential factor structure of the inventory. Confirmatory factor analysis is referred to for model fit. The results indicate that the Chinese version of Beck Anxiety Inventory has satisfactory reliability and validity, but its factor structure is unstable and has great differences compared with international versions. Naming the four extracted factors is difficult. In general, the Chinese version of Beck Anxiety Inventory is appropriate for Chinese doctors and can be used as a good screener to detect the anxiety of Chinese doctors.
Social media cultivating perceptions of privacy: A 5-year analysis of privacy attitudes and self-disclosure behaviors among Facebook users
Authors: Tsay-Vogel Mina , Shanahan James , Signorielli Nancy
Published: August 2016

In light of the omnipresence of personal information exchange in the virtual world, this study examines the effects of Facebook use on privacy perceptions and self-disclosure behaviors across a 5-year period from 2010 to 2015. Findings at the global level support the socializing role of Facebook in cultivating more relaxed privacy attitudes, subsequently increasing self-disclosure in both offline and online contexts. However, longitudinal trends indicate that while risk perceptions increased for heavy users, they remained stable for light users. Furthermore, the negative relationship between privacy concerns and self-disclosure weakened across time. Implications for the application of cultivation theory to a contemporary social media context and the year-to-year changes in the impact of Facebook use on privacy attitudes and self-disclosure are discussed.
Management of chronic constipation in adults
Authors: Krogh K , Chiarioni G , Whitehead W
Published: August 2016

Chronic constipation (CC) is an extremely common condition with an estimated prevalence of up to 24%. Most patients with CC should be treated in primary care. Changes in lifestyle, including increased intake of dietary fibre, fluid, and exercise, should be attempted in most patients. Osmotic or stimulant laxatives are indicated if there are insufficient effects of lifestyle changes. Prokinetics and secretagogues should be restricted to those not responding to basic treatment. Anorectal physiology tests and assessment of colorectal transit time are indicated if medical treatment fails or if symptoms indicate severely obstructed defecation. If symptoms indicate an underlying structural disorder, barium or magnetic resonance evacuation proctography is indicated. Biofeedback therapy is effective in patients with dyssynergic defecation. In patients with other evacuation disorders, rectally administered laxatives or transanal irrigation should be attempted. Surgery is restricted to the minority of CC patients with very severe symptoms not responding to conservative treatment.
Elevated trimethylamine‐N ‐oxide (TMAO) is associated with poor prognosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis patients with normal liver function
Authors: Kummen Martin , Vesterhus Mette , Trøseid Marius , Moum Bjørn , Svardal Asbjørn , Boberg Kirsten Muri , Aukrust Pål , Karlsen Tom Hemming , Berge Rolf Kristian , Hov Johannes Roksund
Published: August 2016

Background

Trimethylamine‐N ‐oxide (TMAO) is produced in the liver from trimethylamine, which is exclusively generated by gut bacteria.

Objective

The objective of this article is to investigate the relationship between TMAO and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and its clinical characteristics.

Methods

Serum TMAO was measured in 305 PSC patients, 90 ulcerative colitis patients and 99 healthy controls.

Results

In PSC patients with normal liver function (n  = 197), TMAO was higher in patients reaching liver transplantation or death during follow‐up than those who did not, with an optimal TMAO cut‐off of 4.1 µM (AUC = 0.64, p  < 0.001). PSC patients with high TMAO (>4.1 µM, n  = 77) exhibited shorter transplantation‐free survival than patients with low TMAO (n  = 120, log‐rank test: p  < 0.0001). High TMAO (>4.1 µM) was associated with reduced transplantation‐free survival (HR 1.87, p  = 0.011), independently of the Mayo risk score (HR 1.74, p  < 0.001). Overall, PSC patients demonstrated reduced TMAO values compared with ulcerative colitis and healthy controls, mainly caused by PSC patients with reduced liver function (INR > 1.2), suggesting impaired oxidation of trimethylamine to TMAO. PSC patients with and without inflammatory bowel disease had similar TMAO levels.

Conclusion

In PSC patients with normal liver function, elevated TMAO was associated with shorter transplantation‐free survival, potentially reflecting clinically relevant metabolic changes resulting from dietary interactions with the gut microbiota.
Drivers of companies’ willingness to co-create B2B services
Authors: Jouny-Rivier Elodie , Ngobo Paul-Valentin
Published: August 2016

Co-creation, namely, the involvement of customers in the different stages of the new product development process, is increasingly viewed as an effective strategy to improve the new service success rate. However, many companies remain reluctant to co-create with customers. Therefore, one question arises: why are some companies willing to co-create whereas others are less disposed to do so? The findings of an empirical study among 175 service providers indicate that the main drivers of the willingness to co-create are the customer benefits expected by a company. The perception of these customer benefits is essentially influenced by relational factors such as the company’s prior use of collaborative tools and trust between partners.
Transforming Rehabilitation and its impact on a locally-based rehabilitation programme for Black and Minority Ethnic and Muslim offenders
Authors: Hough Christine Victoria
Published: August 2016

This article discusses the outcomes of a proposed evaluation of an offender rehabilitation programme called ReachingOut, which operates in north-west England and is tailored to the needs of Black and Minority Ethnic and Muslim offenders. The start of the evaluation coincided with the major restructuring of the probation services in England and Wales, as part of the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) agenda. Six months into the evaluation, no primary research data had been made available for the evaluation. This article discusses the events that conspired to thwart the evaluation and analyses critically the policies underpinning TR, with reference to the literature and continuing neo-liberal governmental approaches to cost cutting across public services.
Multiple fish tracking with an NACA airfoil model for collective behavior analysis
Authors: Terayama Kei , Habe Hitoshi , Sakagami Masa-aki
Published: August 2016

We propose a visual tracking method with an NACA airfoil model for dense fish schools in which occlusions occur frequently. Although much progress has been made for tracking multiple objects, it remains a challenging task to track individuals due to factors such as occlusion and target appearance variation. In this paper, we first introduce a NACA airfoil model as a deformable appearance model of fish. For occluded fish, we estimate their positions, angles, and postures with template matching and simulated annealing algorithms to effectively optimize their parameters. To improve performance of tracking, we repeatedly track fish with the parameter estimation algorithm forwards and backwards. We prepared two real fish scenes in which the average number of fish is over 25 in each frame and multiple fish superimpose over 50 times. Experimental results for the scenes show that fish are practically tracked with our method compared to a tracking method based on a mixture particle filter. Over 75 % of fish in each scene have been tracked throughout the scene, and the average difference is less than 4 % of the mean body length of the school.
Root canal disinfection comparing conventional irrigation vs photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) using a buffered 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite solution
Authors: Jaramillo David E. , Aguilar Enrique , Arias Ana , Ordinola-Zapata Ronald , Aprecio Raydolfo M. , Ibarrola Jose L.
Published: August 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the antimicrobial effect of a buffered 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite solution activated by photon-induced photoacoustic streaming compared to conventional irrigation.

Methods

The canals on 48 single canal lower bicuspids were cleaned and shaped using rotary instrumentation. All roots were autoclaved for 20 min. Thirty-six of the roots were placed in glass flasks with blood heart infusion media and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 4082) for 4 weeks. The remaining 12 roots were placed in a sterile environment and served as negative controls. The contaminated roots were irrigated by conventional means using a buffered 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite solution with or without photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) activation (n = 12 each group). The remaining 12 roots did not receive any treatment and served as positive controls. The apical 3 mm of each tooth was sectioned and pulverized. The pulverized samples were collected and placed in Eppendorf micro-centrifuge tubes with sterile phosphate-buffered saline. Thirty MicroLiters of the collected samples was then placed in the blood heart infusion media and incubated for 24 h at 37 °C. Colony forming units (CFU) were compared with Wilcoxon signed ranked test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess PIPS effectiveness in comparison with conventional irrigation.

Results

Both regimens reduced significantly the number of CFU; however, reduction was significantly higher for the PIPS group (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Buffered 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite delivered by conventional method was effective in removing E. faecalis from contaminated root canals; however, activation of a buffered 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite solution by PIPS significantly increased its antimicrobial capacity.