bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The Fortunate Traveller” in transit: On a Walcott manuscript and the vicissitudes of North and South
Authors: Griffiths Michael R.
Published: July 2016

In the early months of 1980, during revision of a collection that was at that time to be called North and South, Derek Walcott typed a 12 page poem. This poem, I argue, would form the kernel of one that would eventually lend its name — “The Fortunate Traveller” — to the renamed title of the whole collection. Far from the suggestive and sparse, if undeniably political, poem that would be published in that 1981 volume, this early draft reads like a manifesto: both of poetics and of politics. This article takes that unpublished manuscript as a point of departure for thinking through issues of vernacular language and its eschewal, the question of centre and periphery, and Walcott’s avoidance of what would come to be known as “South–South” oriented postcolonial criticism. The article ultimately argues that it is through attention to neoliberalism that Walcott produces a novel approach to these questions of language and space.
Cure-dependent thermomechanical modelling of the stress relaxation behaviour of composite materials during manufacturing
Authors: Brauner Christian , Frerich Tim , Herrmann Axel S
Published: July 2016

This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanism behind process-induced distortions and stresses related to the Resin Transfer Moulding manufacturing process. The objective is to comprehend the phenomena and to identify related parameters. During the manufacturing process, engineering constants of the matrix are changing and are influenced by the existence of a large number of effects. A viscoelastic material model has been derived. This developed material model integrates a dependency of the time–temperature–polymerisation and fibre volume content on the relaxation behaviour of residual stresses in a transversally isotropic reinforced material. The model is validated using a test case on the coupon level and results / limitations are discussed.
Effect of interference percentage on damage mechanism of carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminate during interference-fit bolt installation
Authors: Song Danlong , Zhang Kaifu , Li Yuan , Liu Ping , Yan Xiaoye , Su Wenlong
Published: July 2016

The interference-fit joint of composite laminates is widely used in assembly of thin-walled components in aviation product, but the interference percentage has a significant effect on squeezed damage which may reduce structural reliability. An investigation is conducted into the in-plane stress distribution and initial damage mechanism of symmetrical carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminates during the interference-fit bolt installation process. Considering the elastic deformation of the bolt, a general stress distribution model around the interference-fit joint is established with complex potential method. The initial damage mechanism of carbon fiber reinforced plastics laminates is characterized and critical interference percentages without damage are obtained with the mixed damage criteria. The effects of ply orientation and interference percentage on damage mechanism of each individual layer are discussed. Then, extensive finite element models with USDFLD subroutine of interference fit process are used to analyze and simulate the stress distribution and squeezed damage which are validated by strain measurement and micrographs by experiments subsequently. It is observed that theoretical solutions fall within the finite element results. The matrix tensile damage occurs first, and the critical interference percentages decrease from 1.10% to 0.85% with bolt diameters varying from 4 to 10 mm.
Mass transfer model of supercritical fluid degradation for carbon fiber composites
Authors: Cheng Huanbo , Zhang Jie , Huang Haihong , Liu Zhifeng
Published: July 2016

It is critical to study the mass transfer of supercritical fluid degradation for carbon fiber composites to investigate their degradation mechanism, design the reactor, and develop recycling processes. The mass transfer process of supercritical fluid degradation was described from two aspects: mass diffusion from outside to inside, and from inside to outside. Mass transfer model of supercritical fluid degradation was established based on a proposed concentric cylindrical representative volume element. The reaction kinetic parameters were incorporated into the mass transfer equation, and the concentration distribution of supercritical fluid, mass transfer rate, reaction order, and reaction rate constant during the carbon fiber composites degradation process were calculated. Relaxation time was incorporated into the mass transfer process, and the supercritical fluid concentration calculation method considering non-Fick effect was proposed. Finally, two pretreatment methods were adopted to speed up the mass transfer process.
A tale of two futures: Techno-eschatology in the US and India
Authors: Geraci Robert M
Published: July 2016

Different religions have strikingly different views of history; but the emergence of modern technology offers promises of salvation that can draw equally on Christian views of time in the US and Hindu views of time in India. For centuries, Christian theologians incorporated technological progress into their linear vision of history, which will end with an eschatological conflict and the rise of the New Jerusalem. In the US today, techno-enthusiasts have adopted the claim that we are fast approaching the end of the world as we know it, though the salvation they expect no longer references Christianity. A ‘Singularity’ will occur, they say, leading to the transformation of biological life into an eternal new world of machine intelligence. In India, however, history is cyclical and the end of the world has long been expected to be a return to the first age. Although presently mired in the misery of the kali yuga, we should anticipate an end to this period and a return to the glorious satya yuga. Based upon popular Indian understandings of science and technology, we should expect that both will be crucial to this process. Interviews and observations made in the US and in India reveal how technological progress is now the critical component in cultural expectations about the end of the world and the emergence of a new world to come.
Critical perspectives on the Responsibility to Protect: BRICS and beyond
Authors: Ziegler Charles E
Published: July 2016

The articles in this Special Issue derive from a conference on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) held under the auspices of the Center for American and Global Security at Indiana University–Bloomington, 15–16 May 2015. The studies in this issue variously explore the development of the R2P in the United Nations, assess the role of the International Criminal Court in bringing perpetrators of mass atrocities to justice, introduce a territorial dimension to R2P, and elucidate the current position of non-Western emerging countries, specifically the BRICS, on R2P. The most ardent advocates of the doctrine tend to be from the major English-speaking liberal democracies, although prominent African statesmen were also instrumental in promoting the concept. The Libyan experience prompted a reassessment of R2P, magnifying suspicions that the norm may be simply a Western strategy for enhancing influence and effecting regime change. The idea of state sovereignty as responsibility domestically, and the possibility of international assistance to regimes struggling to protect vulnerable populations, has widespread support in the non-Western world. Coercive measures against predatory regimes are not rejected wholesale, but the BRICS are suspicious of Western motives in advocating forcible intervention and justifiably skeptical that such interventions will do more good than harm.
Evaluation of the wind energy potential along the Mediterranean Sea coasts
Authors: Onea Florin , Deleanu Lorena , Rusu Liliana , Georgescu Constantin
Published: July 2016

The objective of the present work is to evaluate the wind potential in the nearshore of the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, a comprehensive picture of the wind conditions is provided by considering 15-year of cumulative information coming from remotely sensed data and from two numerical models. These are provided by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). Since most of the offshore wind turbines usually operate at about 80 m height, the initial wind conditions (reported at 10 m) were adjusted to this height and various wind parameters were evaluated. Besides these, the characteristics of the Vestas V90-3.0MW wind turbine were used to identify the efficiency of this type of generator in terms of operating capacity, rated capacity and capacity factor. From the analysis of these data, it can be noticed that more energetic wind conditions are encountered in the northern part of the basin (close to the Spain–France border and south of Greece) and also in the southern part of the sea (Tunisia sector). In the final part of the paper, based on satellite measurements, the wind conditions (monthly and seasonal) coresponding to some representative locations in the Mediterranean Sea were compared to those from several offshore locations where wind farms already operate.
Weak State, Strong Presidents: Situating the Duterte Presidency in Philippine Political Time
Authors: Teehankee Julio C.
Published: July 2016

The Philippine presidency is the first and most durable in Asia. As a political institution, it has been rendered enough constitutional power to have a formal semblance of a “strong presidency” but apparently not enough to totally control strategic interests in Philippine society. Applying the concept of “political time,” this article will discuss the rise of the 16th president Rodrigo Duterte within the cycle of presidential regimes in the Philippines. Furthermore, it will analyze the nature of presidential power in the Philippines by identifying the strategic moments that lie between structural regimes and agential choices. Lastly, it will delineate the emergence of regime narratives as “governing scripts” that bind together a coalition of interests within a particular institutional context.
Pulmonary hydatid cysts: the naturally occurring models for rupture
Authors: Ashour Mahmoud H , Hajjar Waseem M , Ishaq Mohammad , Alamassi Mohammad , Saleh Waleed , Al Kattan Khalid M , Shoukri Mohamed
Published: July 2016

Background

Pulmonary hydatid cysts are recognized to have high rate of rupture compared to those in other affected organs. To identify risk factors associated with endobronchial rupture, we prospectively assessed 32 patients with hydatid cysts. There were 21 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 32 ± 15 years (range 9 to 65 years).

Methods

All patients undergoing thoracotomies for hydatid cysts were included. Demographic data, site, size, and whether cysts were ruptured or intact, were reviewed. Intraoperatively, bronchial fistula diameters were measured. A stepwise multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the results.

Results

Seventeen (53.1%) patients presented with ruptured cysts (group 1) and 15 with intact cysts (group 2). There was a significant difference in mean fistula diameter between groups: 6.16 ± 2 mm in group 1 vs. 0.34 ± 0.19 mm in group 2 ( p ≤ 0.0001), which was identified as the only significant risk factor associated with cyst rupture.

Conclusion

At the fistula site, the intracystic pressure is unopposed, leading to herniation of the endocyst membrane, disruption of its integrity, and rupture. Therefore, we postulate that this scenario in combination with other coexisting factors could be the possible mechanism for cyst rupture in group 1. This concept may also explain the pathogenesis of the high rate of rupture of pulmonary hydatid cysts. Accordingly, we consider these cysts a naturally occurring model for rupture, which should be treated surgically as soon as the diagnosis is made, to avoid complications.
Causal role of trust in interpersonal attraction from attitude similarity
Authors: Singh Ramadhar , Tay Ya Yan , Sankaran Krithiga
Published: July 2016

The most popular method for investigating the mediation of the similarity-attraction link by trust involved first the manipulation of attitude similarity between the partner and the participant and then assessments of trust before attraction. Such correlational data precluded unambiguous inferences of causal flow of attitude similarity effects from trust to attraction. In the present study, we experimentally manipulated attitude similarity first and trust in the partner next, and measured trust in, and attraction toward, the partner after each manipulation. We found that similarity’s impact on trust remained stable over time but that on attraction declined substantially from the first to second assessment. Mediation analyses and structural equation modeling were consistent with a model in which causality flowed from attitude similarity to trust and then to attraction but not from attraction to trust. Findings also suggested that similarity can be expected to be secondary (or even redundant) when trust is already established.
A whole class teaching approach to improve the vocabulary skills of adolescents attending mainstream secondary school, in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage
Authors: Murphy Aoife , Franklin Sue , Breen Annemarie , Hanlon Molly , McNamara Aoife , Bogue Aine , James Emily
Published: July 2016

Young people from areas of socioeconomic disadvantage (SED) are more likely to present with language difficulties, particularly vocabulary difficulties. Studies have shown the effectiveness of vocabulary interventions for children with language impairment but not for adolescents from areas of SED. This article aims to establish the effectiveness of a whole class vocabulary intervention provided by teachers, with speech and language therapy support for adolescents in secondary schools in areas of SED. Two hundred and three adolescents (aged 11;11–13;11) from four secondary schools were assessed at pre-intervention and post-intervention on measures of receptive and expressive language; word definitions; receptive vocabulary (standardized assessments/subtests) and word associations (criterion referenced subtest). The intervention group ( n = 128) received the intervention delivered by their English teacher twice a week for 12 weeks in the first school term and were compared with a group of waiting controls ( n = 75). Waiting controls were given the intervention in the second school term and were assessed a third time in a repeated measures design. At pre-intervention stage 37%–60% of all students scored in the vocabulary difficulties range on all assessments. Following intervention, the treated group showed significant, but small, time by group interactions for raw score measures of expressive language and receptive vocabulary. The intervention group improved significantly on all four standardized measures; waiting controls improved on two: receptive language and word definitions. There were no significant time by group interactions. Following receiving intervention waiting controls showed significant interactions for all raw score and expressive language, word definitions and receptive vocabulary standard/scaled score measures. The findings suggest that adolescents in schools in areas of SED present with significant vocabulary difficulties, but whole class teacher-directed intervention supported by speech and language therapists has the potential to improve receptive and expressive oral vocabulary skills.
Primary Care Physicians’ Support of Shared Decision Making for Different Cancer Screening Decisions
Authors: Elston Lafata Jennifer , Brown Richard F. , Pignone Michael P. , Ratliff Scott , Shay L. Aubree
Published: July 2016

Background. Despite its widespread advocacy, shared decision making (SDM) is not routinely used for cancer screening. To better understand the implementation barriers, we describe primary care physicians’ (PCPs’) support for SDM across diverse cancer screening contexts. Methods. Surveys were mailed to a random sample of USA-based PCPs. Using multivariable logistic regression analyses, we tested for associations of PCPs’ support of SDM with the US Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) assigned recommendation grade, assessed whether the decision pertained to not screening older patients, and the PCPs’ autonomous v. controlled motivation-orientation for using SDM. Results. PCPs (n = 278) were, on average, aged 52 years, 38% female, and 69% white. Of these, 79% endorsed discussing screening benefits as very important to SDM; 64% for discussing risks; and 31% for agreeing with patient’s opinion. PCPs were most likely to rate SDM as very important for colorectal cancer screening in adults aged 50–75 years (69%), and least likely for colorectal cancer screening in adults aged >85 years (34%). Regression results indicated the importance of PCPs’ having autonomous or self-determined reasons for engaging in SDM (e.g., believing in the benefits of SDM) (OR = 2.29, 95% CI, 1.87 to 2.79). PCPs’ support for SDM varied by USPSTF recommendation grade (overall contrast, X2 = 14.7; P = 0.0054), with support greatest for A-Grade recommendations. Support for SDM was lower in contexts where decisions pertained to not screening older patients (OR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.56). Limitations. It is unknown whether PCPs’ perceptions of the importance of SDM behaviors differs with specific screening decisions or the potential limited ability to generalize findings. Conclusions. Our results highlight the need to document SDM benefits and consider the specific contextual challenges, such as the level of uncertainty or whether evidence supports recommending/not recommending screening, when implementing SDM across an array of cancer screening contexts.
Patient-reported importance of assistive devices in hip and knee replacement Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways
Authors: McNaught Heather , Jones Tessa , Immins Tikki , Wainwright Thomas W
Published: July 2016

Introduction

This study examines patients’ perceptions of the usefulness of occupational therapy and assistive devices provided, in achieving discharge criteria and assisting with activities of daily living once home, following an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol for total hip and total knee replacement patients.

Methods

Two weeks following discharge, 197 patients who had undergone total hip replacement or total knee replacement were telephoned to ask how useful they found occupational therapy education and advice and the assistive devices provided.

Results

114 patients (58%) answered the call. Over 96% of patients found occupational therapy education and advice useful. Ninety-seven percent of posterior total hip replacement patients were still using the assistive devices 2 weeks following discharge, compared to 90% of anterior total hip replacement patients and 87% of total knee replacement patients. Over 95% of all patients found that assistive devices enhanced their ability to undertake activities of daily living, and were extremely or partly useful in achieving early discharge.

Conclusion

Over 85% of patients who responded perceived the occupational therapist’s advice and education, and assistive devices provided, to be useful in achieving discharge criteria, and in enhancing their ability to undertake activities of daily living once back in a home environment.
The Urgent Need for Evidence in Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Evidence for Operative Management of Meniscal Tears
Authors: Monk Paul , Garfjeld Roberts Patrick , Palmer Antony J.R. , Bayliss Lee , Mafi Reza , Beard David , Hopewell Sally , Price Andrew
Published: July 2016

Background:

Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is one of the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures. One-third of these procedures are performed for meniscal injuries. It is essential that this commonly performed surgery be supported by robust evidence.

Purpose:

To compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery for meniscal injuries in all populations.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

An online search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews (SRs) that compared treatment options for meniscal injury. The following databases (inception to April 2015) were included in the search: CENTRAL; MEDLINE; EMBASE; NHS Evidence; National Guideline Clearing House, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment; ISRCTN; Clinicaltrials.gov ; WHO trials platform. Only studies whose participants were selected on the basis of meniscal injury were included; no restrictions were placed on patient demographics. Two independent reviewers applied AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) criteria for SRs and the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool for RCTs.

Results:

Nine RCTs and 8 SRs were included in the review. No difference was found between arthroscopic meniscal debridement compared with nonoperative management as a first-line treatment strategy for patients with knee pain and a degenerative meniscal tear (mean difference: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 1.6 [95% CI, −2.2 to 5.2], pain visual analog scale, −0.06 [95% CI, −0.28 to 0.15]). Some evidence was found to indicate that patients with resistant mechanical symptoms who initially fail nonoperative management may benefit from meniscal debridement No studies compared meniscal repair with meniscectomy or nonoperative management. Initial evidence suggested that meniscal transplant might be favorable in certain patient groups.

Conclusion:

Further evidence is required to determine which patient groups have good outcomes from each intervention. Given the current widespread use of arthroscopic meniscal surgeries, more research is urgently needed to support evidence-based practice in meniscal surgery in order to reduce the numbers of ineffective interventions and support potentially beneficial surgery.
Treatment of Painful, Irreparable Partial Meniscal Defects With a Polyurethane Scaffold
Authors: Dhollander Aad , Verdonk Peter , Verdonk René
Published: July 2016

Background:

A biodegradable polyurethane scaffold was designed to fulfill a challenging clinical need in the treatment of patients with painful, irreparable partial meniscal defects.

Hypothesis:

The use of an acellular polyurethane scaffold for new tissue generation in irreparable, partial meniscal defects provides both midterm pain relief and improved functionality.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 44 patients with irreparable, partial meniscal defects (29 medial and 15 lateral) were implanted with a polyurethane scaffold in a prospective, single-arm proof-of-principle study with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes were measured with the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline and at 2- and 5-year follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the meniscal implant and cartilage status of the index compartment. Kaplan-Meier time-to–treatment failure distributions were also performed. Removal of the scaffold, conversion to a meniscal transplant, or unicompartmental/total knee arthroplasty was used as endpoints.

Results:

Seven patients were lost to follow-up (15.9%). The patients who participated in this study showed significant clinical improvement after surgery (mean [±SD] at baseline, 2 years, and 5 years: 56.2 ± 21.6, 24.6 ± 22.7, and 19.3 ± 26.9, respectively [VAS]; 206.5 ± 79.7, 329.8 ± 108.9, and 333.6 ± 112.2, respectively [total KOOS]). MRI of the scaffolds showed a smaller sized implant when compared with the native meniscus with an irregular surface at 2- and 5-year follow-up. A stable cartilage status of the index compartment at 5-year follow-up was demonstrated in 46.7% of patients compared with the baseline status. During the follow-up period, 62.2% of the implants survived. At final follow-up, 66.7% of the medial scaffolds were still functioning versus 53.8% of the lateral scaffolds.

Conclusion:

A polyurethane meniscal implant can improve knee joint function and significantly reduce pain in patients with segmental meniscus deficiency up to 5 years after implantation. A stable cartilage status of the index compartment at 5-year follow-up was demonstrated in 46.7% of patients, calling into question the chondroprotective ability of the implant. In addition, a relatively high failure rate was noticed. Long-term and randomized controlled studies are mandatory to confirm the initial results and the reliability of this procedure.
Genetic and Environmental Models of Circadian Disruption Link SRC-2 Function to Hepatic Pathology
Authors: Fleet Tiffany , Stashi Erin , Zhu Bokai , Rajapakshe Kimal , Marcelo Kathrina L. , Kettner Nicole M. , Gorman Blythe K. , Coarfa Cristian , Fu Loning , O’Malley Bert W. , York Brian
Published: July 2016

Circadian rhythmicity is a fundamental process that synchronizes behavioral cues with metabolic homeostasis. Disruption of daily cycles due to jet lag or shift work results in severe physiological consequences including advanced aging, metabolic syndrome, and even cancer. Our understanding of the molecular clock, which is regulated by intricate positive feedforward and negative feedback loops, has expanded to include an important metabolic transcriptional coregulator, Steroid Receptor Coactivator-2 (SRC-2), that regulates both the central clock of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral clocks including the liver. We hypothesized that an environmental uncoupling of the light-dark phases, termed chronic circadian disruption (CCD), would lead to pathology similar to the genetic circadian disruption observed with loss of SRC-2. We found that CCD and ablation of SRC-2 in mice led to a common comorbidity of metabolic syndrome also found in humans with circadian disruption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The combination of SRC-2–/– and CCD results in a more robust phenotype that correlates with human non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) gene signatures. Either CCD or SRC-2 ablation produces an advanced aging phenotype leading to increased mortality consistent with other circadian mutant mouse models. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that SRC-2 provides an essential link between the behavioral activities influenced by light cues and the metabolic homeostasis maintained by the liver.
Sleep Propensity under Forced Desynchrony in a Model of Arousal State Dynamics
Authors: Postnova Svetlana , Lockley Steven W. , Robinson Peter A.
Published: July 2016

An improvement to our current quantitative model of arousal state dynamics is presented that more accurately predicts sleep propensity as measured with sleep dynamics depending on circadian phase and prior wakefulness. A nonlinear relationship between the circadian variables within the dynamic circadian oscillator model is introduced to account for the skewed shape of the circadian rhythm of alertness that peaks just prior to the onset of the biological night (the “wake maintenance zone”) and has a minimum toward the end of the biological night. The revised circadian drive thus provides a strong inhibitory input to the sleep-active neuronal population in the evening, counteracting the excitatory effects of the increased homeostatic sleep drive as originally proposed in the opponent process model of sleep-wake regulation. The revised model successfully predicts the sleep propensity profile as reflected in the dynamics of the total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake/sleep ratio, and sleep efficiency during a wide range of experimental protocols. Specifically, all of these sleep measures are predicted for forced desynchrony schedules with day lengths ranging from 1.5 to 42.85 h and scheduled time in bed from 0.5 to 14.27 h. The revised model is expected to facilitate more accurate predictions of sleep under normal conditions as well as during circadian misalignment, for example, during shiftwork and jetlag.
Endorsed Sustainable Products
Authors: Kang Jiyun , Choi Woo Jin
Published: July 2016

Despite the prevalence of celebrity endorsers for brands that feature sustainable products, there are few empirical studies on what factors should be considered in utilizing endorsers in marketing sustainable products. In this study, we explored the relationships between celebrity endorsers’ characteristics and consumers’ perceptions, attitudes, and purchase intentions toward a brand that markets sustainable products. The data were collected via an online survey with a total of 1,220 responses, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. In the results, endorser trustworthiness and endorser-brand congruity positively predicted brand credibility while endorser ethicality and endorser-brand congruity positively predicted brand ethicality. Brand ethicality positively predicted brand credibility. Brand credibility positively predicted brand attitude as well as brand purchase intention. Although brand ethicality positively predicted brand attitude, it did not predict brand purchase intention. Lastly, brand attitude positively predicted brand purchase intention. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Clinical and Cost Comparison Evaluation of Inpatient Versus Outpatient Administration of EPOCH-Containing Regimens in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Evans Sarah S. , Gandhi Arpita S. , Clemmons Amber B. , DeRemer David L.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (EPOCH)-containing regimens are frequently utilized in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, however, the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients receiving inpatient versus outpatient EPOCH has not been described. Additionally, no comparisons have been made regarding financial implications of EPOCH administration in either setting. This study’s primary objective was to compare hospital admissions for FN in patients receiving inpatient or outpatient EPOCH.

Methods:

A single-center, institutional review board-approved review was conducted for adults receiving EPOCH beginning January 2010. Clinical and financial data were collected through chart review and the institution’s financial department. Descriptive statistics were utilized for analysis.

Results:

A total of 25 patients received 86 cycles of an EPOCH-containing regimen (61 [70.9%] inpatient). Five (8.2%) inpatient cycles resulted in an admission for FN compared to 4 (16%) outpatient cycles. Prophylactic antifungal and antiviral agents were prescribed more often after inpatient cycles (>80%) compared to outpatient cycles (<50%). Overall, 27 (31.4%) of 86 cycles did not receive granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. Outpatient EPOCH administration was associated with a cost savings of approximately US$141 116 for both chemotherapy costs and hospital day avoidance.

Conclusion:

EPOCH-containing regimens can be safely administered in the outpatient setting, which may result in cost savings for healthcare institutions.
Improvement in the stability of a turbocharger centrifugal compressor by tip leakage control
Authors: Mirzaee Saeed , Zheng Xinqian , Lin Yun
Published: July 2016

The occurrence of surge or stall in a centrifugal compressor and the role of the tip clearance flow in the instability in the centrifugal compressor are investigated in this study. A computational method is used to study the flow field in the centrifugal compressor in order to gain a better understanding of the surge or stall mechanism. It is found that, near surge or stall conditions, the tip leakage flow at the leading edge deflects more upstream; as the deflection increases, a more severe spillage occurs which finally leads to instability of the compressor. A ring air jet injection is used to eliminate the instabilities and to extend the stable flow range of the compressor. Using an air jet injection, the stable flow range of the compressor was successfully increased with minimal decrease in the efficiency of the compressor. The effects of different injection parameters such as the mass flow, the yaw angle, the injection angle, the slot width and the slot distance on the compressor flow field are studied, and an optimum design for the air jet injection is developed. Further investigation of the compressor with the optimum injection configuration shows that, near surge or stall conditions, the tip leakage at the leading edge is still under control, manifesting a much smaller spillage than does the Dresser–Rand Datum compressor without an air injection. The dominant factor for the instability of the compressor with an injection is found to be the leading-edge separation rather than the tip leakage.
Encephalopathy with upper body hypertonia and myoclonus in patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and anti-CASPR2
Authors: Castro A , Romeu J C , Geraldes R , Pereira da Silva J A
Published: July 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may involve the nervous system but there are no specific biomarkers of neuroSLE. Limbic encephalitis has been rarely associated with SLE. We present a case of a 22-year-old black woman where typical SLE psychosis evolved to an encephalopathy with atypical features, normal MRI, electroencephalogram slowing and frontal and occipito-temporal hypometabolism on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET).

Memory deficits, bizarre behaviour, psychosis, neuromyotonia and movement disorders have been described in autoimmune central nervous system disorders and associated with specific antibodies. Brain MRI may be normal and cortical brain hypometabolism on FDG PET scans has been reported. We have not found any report of limbic encephalitis or other SLE neurological manifestation associated to positive titres of anti-CASPR2 antibodies and this may warrant systematic investigation. In the rare cases of limbic encephalitis associated with SLE no specific antibodies were documented. Anti-CASPR2 antibodies have been associated not only with limbic encephalitis but also with neuromyotonia and Morvan syndrome. Although our patient had a specific pattern of tone abnormalities with an impressive cervical and upper limb hypertonicity and flaccid lower limbs, no myotonic discharges were found. We did not find any association between myoclonus and anti-CASPR2 antibodies. We cannot exclude that a non determined autoantibody could have played a role; however, clinical and FDG PET improvement supports an antibody-mediated injury, in this case of neuroSLE.
A network approach to economic models of fertility
Authors: Youm Yoosik , Lee Byungkyu
Published: July 2016

Since its first appearance in the late 1950s, the neoclassical economic theory of fertility, particularly as exemplified by Gary Becker’s model of household production function that assumes a unitary utility function of the household, has become one of the most popular paradigms with which to examine fertility changes. Recently, the bargaining model that assumes separate utility functions has emerged as a strong opponent to the original paradigm. This article provides network foundation to reconcile two competing economic paradigms. Our formal model predicts that the way in which separate utilities of couples are treated in their joint childbearing decisions depends on the network embeddedness of spouses (i.e. the intra-household network). If spouses are not embedded into each other’s networks, the assumption of the unitary utility function is no longer warranted, and their decision process follows the bargaining model. However, strongly embedded couples behave as if they share the common utility function, predicted by the Becker model. Our model prediction is supported by analysis of three waves of panel data, Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families, collected in South Korea where a dramatic drop in the fertility rate is reported. We find that the wife’s bargaining power, measured by the income difference between couples, can exert its influence on having a new-born child only when couples’ intra-household networks are weakly embedded, whereas strongly embedded couples consistently maintain high fertility rates regardless of how much the wife earns. We conclude that social networks play a significant role in shaping how neoclassical economic models of fertility work and discuss its implication to the efforts enhancing the fertility rate.
Artificial neural network ensembles for fatigue damage detection in aircraft
Authors: Dworakowski Ziemowit , Dragan Krzysztof , Stepinski Tadeusz
Published: July 2016

Neural networks are commonly recognized tools for the classification of multidimensional data obtained in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Their configuration for a given scenario is, however, a challenging task, which limits the possibilities of their practical applications. In this article the authors propose using the neural network ensemble approach for the classification of SHM data generated by guided wave sensor networks. The overproduce and choose strategy is used for designing ensembles containing different types and sizes of neural networks. The proposed method allows for a significant increase of the state assessment reliability, which is illustrated by the results obtained from the practical industrial case of a full-scale aircraft test. The method is verified in the process of detecting fatigue cracks propagating in the aircraft load-carrying structure. The long-term experiments are performed in variable environmental conditions with a net of structure-embedded piezoelectric sensors.
Physicians in Postgraduate Training Characteristics and Support of Palliative Sedation for Existential Distress
Authors: Cripe Larry D. , Perkins Susan M. , Cottingham Ann , Tong Yan , Kozak Mary Ann , Mehta Rakesh
Published: July 2016

Introduction:

Palliative sedation for refractory existential distress (PS-ED) is ethically troubling but potentially critical to quality end-of-life (EOL) care. Physicians’ in postgraduate training support toward PS-ED is unknown nor is it known how empathy, hope, optimism, or intrinsic religious motivation (IRM) affect their support. These knowledge gaps hinder efforts to support physicians who struggle with patients’ EOL care preferences.

Methods:

One hundred thirty-four postgraduate physicians rated their support of PS for refractory physical pain (PS-PP) or PS-ED, ranked the importance of patient preferences in ethically challenging situations, and completed measures of empathy, hope, optimism, and IRM. Predictors of PS-ED and PS-PP support were examined using binary and multinomial logistic regression.

Results:

Only 22.7% of residents were very supportive of PS-ED, and 82.0% were very supportive of PS-PP. Support for PS-PP or PS-ED did not correlate with levels of empathy, hope, optimism, or IRM; however, for residents with lower IRM, greater optimism was associated with greater PS-ED support. In contrast, among residents with higher IRM, optimism was not associated with PS-ED support.

Conclusions:

Comparing current results to published surveys, a similar proportion of residents and practicing physicians support PS-ED and PS-PP. In contrast to practicing physicians, however, IRM does not directly influence residents’ supportiveness. The interaction between optimism and IRM suggests residents’ beliefs and characteristics are salient to their EOL decisions. End-of-life curricula should provide physicians opportunities to reflect on the personal and ethical factors that influence their support for PS-ED.
Purposeful Entanglements: A New Materialist Analysis of Transformative Interviews
Authors: Marn Travis M. , Wolgemuth Jennifer R.
Published: July 2016

In this article, we explore transformative interviewing through the lens of new materialism. Rather than viewing transformation through a humanist perspective that centralizes a transcendent self, we draw upon Barad’s agential realism to reconsider transformation following the ontological turn. Thinking with agential realism, we engaged two interview studies, one on biracialism and one on masculinity, to demonstrate how the materiality of our interviews (e.g., research bodies, computer programs, questionnaires) intra-acted with our participants to both facilitate and hinder our attempts at transformation. We conclude by theorizing transformation as a type of purposeful entanglement that proceeds from the material-discursive intra-actions of our inquiries.
The Power of Saying the Normally “Unsaid” as an Act of Empowering a Woman’s Voice in the Academia and the Fictional Parallel Side Behind This Power in a Global Era
Authors: Zapata-Sepúlveda Pamela
Published: July 2016

In this text, I want to reflect about the impact of the process of my Autoethnography performance training from 2011 in my work/research/life with . . . as a teacher, a researcher, and as a woman standing from a contemporary QI conducting research and teaching about the unsaid topics of the new movements of migration of people in the border of northern Chile from/in and outside the academia. Color, violence, historical influence and Andean migration process, forgetfulness, borders, and the “normal” attitude turned into action as “not to see”/not to feel/not to believe the big problematic realities in foreign lives. All of these are part of this performative text in which I reflect and confront daily life experiences; my academic role and the risks and threats that my latte color woman’s voice mean to the academia in these times.
Research on Body Worn Cameras
Authors: Sousa William H. , Coldren James R. , Rodriguez Denise , Braga Anthony A.
Published: July 2016

As police departments across the United States equip officers with body worn cameras (BWCs), research has focused on the technology’s impact on police interactions with citizens, officer misconduct, officer use of force, and false allegations against police. Given the large number of police agencies implementing BWCs across the country (numbering in the thousands), there will be a growing number of opportunities for BWC evaluations and expectations that these programs will be evaluated. Studying the implementation of BWCs presents a number of challenges to both researchers and police agencies, particularly when large police organizations are involved. Drawing on our experiences involving a BWC experiment with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, this article discusses the programmatic challenges of implementing a BWC program in a large agency (technical, political, and administrative) while simultaneously evaluating the program using a randomized controlled trial design.
Effect of modified live or inactivated feline herpesvirus-1 parenteral vaccines on clinical and laboratory findings following viral challenge
Authors: Summers Stacie C , Ruch-Gallie Rebecca , Hawley Jennifer R , Lappin Michael R
Published: July 2016

Objectives

The objective was to investigate the effect of one dose of an inactivated feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV) and panleukopenia virus (FPV) vaccine (FVRCP) or one dose of a modified live (ML) FVRCP vaccine on clinical signs and shedding of FHV-1 in specific pathogen-free kittens after challenge with FHV-1 7 days after vaccination.

Methods

Twenty-four FHV-1 seronegative 5-month-old kittens were randomized into three groups of eight kittens. Group 1 kittens were maintained as unvaccinated controls, group 2 kittens were administered one dose of the inactivated FVRCP vaccine subcutaneously (SC) and group 3 kittens were administered one dose of the ML FVRCP vaccine SC. All 24 cats were administered FHV-1 by nasal and oropharyngeal inoculation 7 days later and were observed daily for clinical signs of illness for 21 days.

Results

In the 21 days after FHV-1 challenge, both groups of vaccinated cats were less likely to be clinically ill (indicated by lower cumulative clinical scores) than control cats ( P <0.001). There was no statistical difference in total clinical score between the two vaccinated groups ( P = 0.97). Although the total clinical score was similar between both vaccines, signs of respiratory disease were significantly fewer in the kittens vaccinated with the inactivated FVRCP vaccine compared with the ML FVRCP vaccine ( P = 0.005) during the period after inoculation when the majority of clinical disease was observed.

Conclusions and relevance

Parenteral administration of either the inactivated FVRCP vaccine or the ML FVRCP vaccine can decrease clinical signs of illness due to FHV-1 on a day 7 challenge when compared with controls. Use of either vaccine product is indicated in cats at risk of acute exposure to FHV-1.
Acitretin
Authors: Tan Marcus G. , Shear Neil H. , Walsh Scott , Alhusayen Raed
Published: July 2016

Background:

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicle that severely affects patients’ quality of life and can be challenging for clinicians to manage. A few case series have reported on the efficacy of acitretin monotherapy in the treatment of intractable HS.

Objective:

To assess the efficacy of acitretin for the treatment of intractable HS.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted involving all patients with HS who received acitretin between January 2011 and January 2015 in a tertiary academic medical center. All patients with HS who received acitretin, either as a monotherapy or as an adjuvant to other systemic medications, were included, and clinical response was assessed using the physician global scale.

Results:

Fourteen patients with HS (mean age 48 years [range 32-64 years]; 9 [64%] were men) received acitretin. Most patients (86%) had Hurley stage II or III disease. All patients had failed other standard systemic medications prior to initiating acitretin. Six patients (43%) received acitretin monotherapy, and 8 patients (57%) received acitretin as an adjuvant to other standard systemic medications. None of the patients who received acitretin monotherapy exhibited clinical improvements. Clinical improvements were observed in 7 of the 8 (87.5%) patients who received acitretin as an adjuvant to other systemic medications, with 3 patients (37.5%) exhibiting partial response and 4 patients (50%) exhibiting good response.

Conclusions and Relevance:

Acitretin monotherapy was ineffective for the treatment of intractable HS. Acitretin may be effective when used as an adjuvant to other systemic medications.
Using equality legislation as a sword
Authors: Sigafoos Jennifer
Published: July 2016

This article argues that there is potential for equality legislation to be used proactively to contest attempts by public authorities to remove funding from groups who share protected characteristics. This follows on from the first empirical study of the impact of the Equality Act 2010 on charities in the United Kingdom, conducted by the Charity Law and Policy Unit, University of Liverpool (the study). One finding of the study was that charities in the United Kingdom are using the Act to challenge local government funding cuts. Strict austerity measures have led to widespread funding cuts for service provision. As many charities are commissioned by local governments to provide social services, this has had a direct impact on the charities’ funding. However, some charities and service users found a useful sword in the Equality Act and predecessor legislation. They used judicial reviews to challenge whether local governments have properly fulfilled their Public Sector Equality Duty when making the funding cuts. In some cases successful challenges prevented or restored funding cuts, while others simply resulted in the same cuts after a better process. However, cuts to legal aid and judicial review reforms may well blunt this sword. Charities’ motivations and successes, the impact of judicial review and the uncertain future for the strategy are discussed.