bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Intragastric Balloon Treatment for Obesity in Chronic Kidney Disease Heighten Acute Kidney Injury Risk?
Authors: MacLaughlin Helen L. , Macdougall Iain C. , Hall Wendy L. , Dew Tracy , Mantzoukis Konstantinos , Oben Jude A.
Published: October 2016

Background: The outcomes of intragastric balloon (IGB) placement to achieve weight loss in obese patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have not been reported to date. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the IGB as a weight-loss treatment among this patient population. Methods: A prospective, single-arm, ‘first in CKD' interventional study was conducted in patients with a body mass index >35 kg/m2 and CKD stages 3-4, referred for weight loss. After clinical assessment, the IGB was endoscopically inserted into the stomach and kept in place for 6 months. Complications, adverse events, acceptability, weight loss and metabolic responses were monitored over 6 months. Results: Eleven participants were recruited over 18 months. Two patients withdrew (1 prior to IGB insertion and 1 early removal after 3 days due to persistent vomiting) from the study; 9 patients completed the study. There were 5 episodes of acute kidney injury (AKI), occurring in 3 patients. After 6 months, the mean body mass decreased by 9.6% (SD ±6.8). Median waist circumference and total cholesterol decreased significantly (-7.7 cm; interquartile range (IQR) -15.3 to -3.9; and -0.2 mmol/l; IQR -0.6 to -0.05, respectively), with no changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure, triglycerides, adipokines, inflammation, or arterial stiffness measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. At IGB removal, there was 1 new case each of gastritis and esophagitis. Conclusions: Treatment with IGB has only moderate efficacy on weight loss; yet it results in a high rate of complications in obese patients with established CKD. The risk of AKI may be raised due to increased risk of dehydration secondary to gastrointestinal symptoms associated with IGB placement and reduced baseline kidney function.
FEATURES OF LYMPHOCYTES IN THE BLOOD IN PATIENTS WITH BASAL-LIKE BREAST CANCER SOUTH-EAST UKRAINE
Authors: Pohorila T. Yu. , Shchurov N. F. , Pashchenko S. M.
Published: October 2016

Lymphocytes are important in antitumor immunity. Therefore, the estimate of the magnitude of lymphocytes, could be used to determine the protective capabilities of the organism basal-like breast cancer patients. The purpose of the study: building a morphological features peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with basal-like breast cancer South-East Ukraine, receiving comprehensive chemoradiotherapy. It was found that treatment BLT changes the structure of peripheral blood lymphocytes. After the comprehensive treatment of peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients significantly increased in size, they decreased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. For definitions immune status of patients basal-like breast cancer no small role played by morphological characteristics of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood before and after complex treatment.
HISTOLOGICAL STUDY OF THYROID STATE IN ADMINISTRATION OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT FROM LEMNA MINOR FROND IN EXPERIMENTAL HYPOTHYROIDISM
Authors: Kononenko A. H. H. , Kravchenko V. M.
Published: October 2016

The influence of aqueous extract from Lemna minor frond on morphological status of the thyroid gland in the experimental conditions of hypothyroidism in rats induced by administration of merkazolilum solution instead of drinking water for 30 days was studied. Thyreostatic merkazolilum resulted in changes of morphological structure of the thyroid gland, accompanied by manifestations of hyperplastic tissue proliferation and corresponds with hypofunctional state.The introduction of aqueous extract from Lemna minor frond resulted in positive influence on the restructuring of the thyroid gland in rats with hypothyroidism, increasing its functional activity. There was a decrease of proliferative processes of the epithelium and extrafollicular thyrocytes in follicles. The outer diameter of the follicles are not different from intact control, height follicular thyrocytes decreased compared with pathology by 41.08%. Iodomarin and L-thyroxine increased functional activity of the thyroid gland, but to a lesser degree than the aqueous extract from Lemna minor frond. L-thyroxine is not increased pharmacological effect of the studied extract. The results have practical significance for drugs development with thyroid-stimulating action.
THE EFFECT OF SILICON DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES ON THE LEAD HEPATOTOXICITY
Authors: Bandas I. A. , Kulitska M. I. , Korda M. M.
Published: October 2016

Nanoparticles are known to facilitate transport of chemicals and medications through membrane barriers into cells. This results in the raising of toxic effect when two contaminants act on the body at the same time. The aim of this study was to determine how silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles affect the hepatotoxic properties of lead. Alanine and aspartate transaminases, alkaline phosphatase activities, as well as total protein, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea contents were measured in rat blood plasma. It was shown that SiO2 nanoparticles did not significantly affect the above listed markers. Administration of lead acetate to the animals caused cytolysis of hepatocytes, as evidenced by significant increase of alanine and aspartate transaminases, alkaline phosphatase activities, along with significant decrease of total plasma protein and increase of total bilirubin levels. The increase of aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase activities in animals that received both SiO2 nanoparticles and lead acetate was significant comparedto the animals that received only lead acetate. This suggests that SiO2 nanoparticles, which are normally present inthe environment and food products as contaminants, can enhance the negative hepatotoxic effects of lead.
EFFECT OF PEPTIDES ON ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM ENZYMES IN RATS WITH HEAVY METALS, PHOSPHOORGANIC PESTICIDES INTOXICATION
Authors: Dmukhalska Ye. B. , Honskyi Ya. I.
Published: October 2016

The aim of this work was to examine the effect of heavy metal ions and phosphororganic pestecies which contain glyphosate on activity antioxidative enzymes in the serum and liver of rats. The effect of peptide tsysteil-histidiltyrosilhistidil-isoleucine on the state of antioxidant protection (superoxide dismutase, catalase) and lipid peroxidation was reached. The peptide exhibits antioxidant activity, the correction of the peptide increases antioxidant enzymes activity and concentration of glutathione.
EFFECT OF SELENIUM-CHROME-LIPID SUBSTANCE FROM CHLORELLA VULGARIS BIEJ. ON OXIDATIVE STATUS OF RATS
Authors: Lukashiv O. Ya. , Bodnar O. I. , Vinyarskа H. B. , Hrubinko V. V.
Published: October 2016

By incubation unicellular alga Chlorella vulgaris Biej. in aquaculture with sodium selenite and chrome (III) sulphate there was received and allocated stable lipid and selenium, chrome-lipid substance and studied their effects on oxidative status in healthy rats experiment. Putting substances at a dose of 1.85 mсg of selenium, chrome 1.1 mcg and 0.5 mg lipid per 1 ml of 1 % aqueous starch slurry body in healthy rats every day for 14 days suppressed prooxidative processes activated antioxidant status by glutation system by reduction of catalase and superoxidedismutase activity partly in experimental animals in the liver and in blood serum.
ACTION ON DRUG THIOTRIAZOLIN PHAGOCYTIC ACTIVITY OF LEUKOCYTES IN THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS WITH EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ALVEOLITIS UNDER ADRENALIN MYOCARDIAL DAMAGE
Authors: Pyndus V. B.
Published: October 2016

Experimental allergic alveolitis (AA) in conditions of adrenal myocardial damage (AMD) before treatment was accompanied by an increase in blood levels of phagocytic number and phagocytic index. Application of thiotriazoline resulted in a decrease in phagocytic activity of leukocytes in the blood in AA and AMD.
RESEARCH OF HYPOGLYCEMIC PROPERTIES OF DRY EXTRACT OF VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS L.
Authors: Kurylo Kh. I. , Klishch I. M. , Volska A. S. , Barchuk O. Z.
Published: October 2016

The hypoglycemic effect and effective dose of dry extract of Vaccinium Myrtillus L. via oral glucose tolerance test on rats were presented in the paper. The most apparent hypoglycemic activity of dry extract of Vaccinium Myrtillus L. was observed in dose of 50 mg/kg. Such results can be applied in the further pharmacological studies for creating new medicine with hypoglycemic effect based on it.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND MICROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF ITALIAN POPLAR BUDS CHLOROFORM EXTRACT
Authors: Rudnyk А. M.
Published: October 2016

The study presents the results of chemical composition and microbiological activity of chloroform extract obtained from vegetative buds of Italian poplar (Populus nigra var. italica Du Roi). The content of lipophilic substances areextracted by chloroform, in the buds was (28.7±1.22) %. By the method of GC/MS there were found 66 compounds (48.711 mg/kg), identified 43 compounds (42197 mg/kg). Dominating the contents are: 1.8-cineole (1283 mg/kg) gvajol (1782 mg/kg), β-kariofilen (1151 mg/ kg), oxycinamic acid (1670 mg/kg), n-metoxycinamic acid (4988 mg/kg), 3-hydroxy-n-metoxycinamic acid (7506 mg/kg), pinostrobin halkon (5651 mg/kg), dyhydrogrizin (1069 mg/kg), tektogrizin (1267 mg/kg), grizin (958 mg/kg). Ther were identified 20 fatty acid (26963 mg/kg) major of them were:linoleic (10240 mg/kg), α-linolenic (3952 mg/kg), palmitic (4946 mg/kg). Content of fenilpropanoids in terms pinostrobin was (33.94±1.04) %. The content of the amount of carotenoids in terms of β-carotene – 226.81 mg%, in terms of chlorophyll chlorophyll B – 87.25 mg%. The extract shows a strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, and not active against the gram-negative flora and fungi of the genus Candida.
THE INVESTIGATION OF COMPOUNDS OF PHENOL ORIGIN IN PERENNIAL GARDEN CHRISANTEMUM (CHRYSANTHEMUM × HORTORUM BAILEY)
Authors: Marchyshyn S. M. , Demydiak O. L. , Polonets O. V. , Harnyk M. S.
Published: October 2016

Compounds of phenol origin have been spectrophotometricaly quantified in perennial garden chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × hortorum Bailey) of variant Belgo raw material, they are hydroxycinnamic acids 9.08 % in leaves and 7.61 % flower heads, flavonoids – 3.30 % and 4.29 %, oxidized phenols– 5.82 % and 4.42 % respectively. Flavonoid groups (rutin, apigenine, luteolin, quercitrin-3-D- glycoside kaempferol), coumarines (scopoletin, coumarine) hydroxycinnamic acids (rosemary, chlorogenic, caffeic, ferulic) have been identified by the method of HPLC and their content has been determined.
STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF LOW-INTENSITY INFRARED LASER RADIATION ON CONCENTRATION OF DICLOFENAC SODIUM IN RATS’ PLASMA BY THE METHOD OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: Brun L. V. , Makolinets V. I.
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study is to determine the influence of low-intensity infrared laser radiation (LIIRLR) on concentrationof diclofenac sodium in the experiment on rats by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography. For study conduct, a total of 15 male rats with body weight of 250–300 g were used. Experimental animals were subdivided into 3 groups. Animals of group 1 received diclofenac sodium per os at the dose of ED50 (8 mg/kg of animal body weight). Animals of group 2 received diclofenac sodium per os (8 mg/kg) and in 15 min were exposed to LIIRLR. Animals of group 3 were exposed to LIIRLR and in 15 min received diclofenac sodium per os at the dose of 8 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed in 60 min after drug administration. For extraction of diclofenac sodium from rat plasma samples, we used a method of solid-phase extraction, which had been modified due to microoncentrationsof the active substance. In the result of the studies conducted, it has been determined that therapy regimen with the following sequence is the most efficient in the animals studied: exposure of LIIRLR and administration per os of diclofenac sodium in15 min. The results obtained indicate to the fact that concomitant use of LIIRLR potentiates diclofenac sodium. Itwill allow to decrease the dose, influence on its entry and duration of its action in the organism, as well as to decreasethe frequency of drug administration.
THE ROLE OF LIPID PEROXIDATION AND ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION FOR DEVELOPMENT PATHOGENESIS OF EXPERIMENTAL BRONCHIAL ASTHMA AND ADRENALINE MYOCARDIAL DAMAGE
Authors: Reheda M. S. , Nebelyuk N. M. Nebelyuk M.
Published: October 2016

The paper examined the role of lipid peroxidation (LP) and antioxidant protection in the miocardium of guinea pigs in experimental asthma (EA) in combination with adrenaline myocardial damage (AMD). Analyses were performed on the 1st, 4th, 18th and 25th day. The results showed that at all stages of the development of EA with AMD increased content of lipid peroxidation products (diene conjugates and malondialdehyde), while at the same time on the 1st and 4th day increases the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase in the miocardium, followed by reduction in their on the 18th and 25th day.
FEATURES OF FREE SKIN LIPID HOMOGENATES IN RATS AT DIFFERENT WAYS OF WOUND CLOSURE
Authors: Loza Ye. O. , Marushchak M. I. , Denefil O. V.
Published: October 2016

According to different authors from 4 % to 22 % of patients who applied to medical institutions have abnormal scars. The aim of our research was to identify the characteristics of oxidative stress in skin homogenate of rats with different methods of wound closure. Analysis of all indicators allows to assert that intensity of free radical oxidation in the skin of the animals after applying skin glue is much lower compared to the animals after suturing. In furtherresearch is planned to analyze indicators of free radical oxidation system antioxidation protection and reparative ability of the skin when used sutures and biological glue in rats with the diabetes.
STUDY OF MICROORGANISMS SUSCEPTIBILITY TO LYSOZYME COMBINATION WITH MEDICINAL SUBSTANCES
Authors: Romanovska I. I. , Dekina S. S. , Psakhis І. B. , Psakhis B. Y.
Published: October 2016

The susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans strains to lysozyme, disodium EDTA, chlorhexidine digluconate, and their combinations was studied. It is shown that the addition of chlorhexidine bigluconate wides the spectrum of antimicrobial action of the enzyme in the all cases. The addition of chelator to the composition is effective against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and yeastfungus Candida albicans.
THE INDICES OF CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN RATS WITH MODULATED TOXIC INJURY BY CADMIUM AND LEAD SALTS
Authors: Krynytska I. Ya. , Habor H. H. , Kyryliv M. V. , Bekus I. R. , Yaroshenko T. Ya.
Published: October 2016

In experiments on rats with modulated toxic injury by cadmium and lead salts the changes in the indices of cellular immunity in blood were studied. Results of the investigation indicate a pronounced imbalance of blood cellular immunity in the form of T-lymphocytopenia, imbalance subpopulation of T-lymphocytes with a predominant decreasing in T-supressor cells, increasing the immunoregulatory index and change in the amount of total B-lymphocytes. The most significant inhibition of cellular immunity experienced rats with combined injury by heavy metal salts.
VIOLATIONS OF BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BILE DURING THE LATE MANIFESTATIONS OF TRAUMATIC DISEASE AFTER CRANIO-SKELETAL INJURY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS CORRECTION BY PHYTOMEDICATIONS
Authors: Servatovych А. М. , Dzetsiukh T. I.
Published: October 2016

During the late manifestations after cranio-skeletal injuries there were observe violations of bile-form functions of liver. It was manifested by decreased of total gall acids in the bile, less of cholato-cholesterol ratio and the degree of conjugation of bilirubin, which is gradually recovering from 14 to 35 days, without reaching the level of control. Application of phytomedications is accompanied by accelerated recovery biochemical composition of bile and the normalization of the most studied parameters up to 35 days.
BIOMARKERS OF AN INFLAMMATORY PROCESS IN THE MAMMARY GLAND
Authors: Demianchuk N. R. , Lapovets L. Ye. , Martianova O. I. , Beliavska B. M.
Published: October 2016

The CRP (C-reactive protein) content has been studied, as well as the values of leukocyte markers of endogenous intoxication in the blood of female-patients, having lactostasis, lactation mastitis and of those practically healthy lactating females have been analyzed. It has been established that the CRP level increases considerably at lactostasis. Lactation mastitis is followed by endogenous intoxication that reveals itself in prospective changes of NSI (nuclear shift index), LII (leukocyte intoxication index) values.
THE VALUE OF THE NITRIC OXIDE SYSTEM IN THE FUNCTIONING OF THE STOMACH IN NORM AND PATHOLOGY
Authors: Oleshchuk O. M. , Chornomydz A. V.
Published: October 2016

The article presents an analysis of published materials on the role of nitric oxide (NO) and its metabolites in the regulation of the stomach functional activity. The current information on the structure of nitric oxide, its formation and metabolism, meaning in the digestive system was analyzed. The analysis of published data on NO metabolism of the digestive system and stomach in particular was made. The role of nitreropic system secretory activity of thestomach and its motility. Separately there was analyzed data of current research on the role of nitric oxide and its metabolites in the pathology of the stomach and the possibility of drug correction of infringements.
ÉTICA E AUTONOMIA DA VONTADE NO CAMPO DA SAÚDE
Authors: Neto Luísa
Published: October 2016

Apresentação da seção "Tema em Debate" que discute a ética e a autonomia a partir da perspectiva da saúde pública.
An observation on the fruit feeding behavior of butterflies in some areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Shihan Tahsinur Rahman
Published: October 2016

Very little information has been found about the behavior of fruit feeding butterflies in Bangladesh. So this was an attempt to know about the fruit feeding behavior of butterflies from different areas of Bangladesh.  The study was conducted during June 2014 to September 2015. A total of 11 species and 53 individuals of butterflies of two families feeding on 11 species on the fruits of 11 families were reported. The greatest number of species (five) fed on Averrhoa carambola, Psidium guajava and Mangifera indica followed by Ananas comosus feeding by two species and remaining fruit species feeding by one species of butterfly
Clinical Adverse Effects of Endothelin Receptor Antagonists: Insights From the Meta‐Analysis of 4894 Patients From 24 Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Wei Anhua , Gu Zhichun , Li Juan , Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Xiaofan , Han Yi , Pu Jun
Published: October 2016

Background

Evidence of the clinical safety of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) is limited and derived mainly from individual trials; therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis.

Methods and Results

After systematic searches of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases and the
ClinicalTrials.gov
website, randomized controlled trials with patients receiving ERAs (bosentan, macitentan, or ambrisentan) in at least 1 treatment group were included. All reported adverse events of ERAs were evaluated. Summary relative risks and 95% CIs were calculated using random‐ or fixed‐effects models according to between‐study heterogeneity. In total, 24 randomized trials including 4894 patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis showed that the incidence of abnormal liver function (7.91% versus 2.84%; risk ratio [RR] 2.38, 95% CI 1.36–4.18), peripheral edema (14.36% versus 9.68%; RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.20–1.74), and anemia (6.23% versus 2.44%; RR 2.69, 95% CI 1.78–4.07) was significantly higher in the ERA group compared with placebo. In comparisons of individual ERAs with placebo, bosentan (RR 3.78, 95% CI 2.42–5.91) but not macitentan (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.42–3.31) significantly increased the risk of abnormal liver function, whereas ambrisentan (RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.45) significantly decreased that risk. Bosentan (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06–2.03) and ambrisentan (RR 2.02, 95% CI 1.40–2.91) but not macitentan (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.81–1.46) significantly increased the risk of peripheral edema. Bosentan (RR 3.09, 95% CI 1.52–6.30) and macitentan (RR 2.63, 95% CI 1.54–4.47) but not ambrisentan (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.20–8.48) significantly increased the risk of anemia. ERAs were not found to increase other reported adverse events compared with placebo.

Conclusions

The present meta‐analysis showed that the main adverse effects of treatment with ERAs were hepatic transaminitis (bosentan), peripheral edema (bosentan and ambrisentan), and anemia (bosentan and macitentan).
Delayed Time to Peak Velocity Is Useful for Detecting Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Kamimura Daisuke , Hans Sartaj , Suzuki Takeki , Fox Ervin R. , Hall Michael E. , Musani Solomon K. , McMullan Michael R. , Little William C.
Published: October 2016

Background

Time to peak velocity (
TPV
) is an echocardiographic variable that can be easily measured and reflects a late peaking murmur, a classic physical finding suggesting severe aortic stenosis (
AS
). The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of
TPV
to evaluate
AS
severity.

Methods and Results

This study included 700
AS
patients, whose aortic valve area (
AVA
) was <1.5 cm
2
, and 200 control patients. The
TPV
was defined as the time from aortic valve opening to when the flow velocity across the aortic valve reaches its peak.
AS
severity was classified as follows: High gradient severe
AS
, mean pressure gradient ≥40 mm Hg and
AVA
index (
AVAI
) <0.6 cm
2
/m
2
; Low gradient severe
AS
, mean pressure gradient <40 mm Hg,
AVAI
<0.6 cm
2
/m
2
, and dimensionless index <0.25; moderate
AS
, mean pressure gradient <40 mm Hg,
AVAI
≥0.6 cm
2
/m
2
. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of
TPV
to predict high gradient severe AS was 0.94 (95%
CI
: 0.92–0.97,
P
<0.001).
TPV
was significantly delayed in low gradient severe AS compared with moderate
AS
both in patients with preserved (102±13 ms versus 83±13 ms,
P
<0.001) and with reduced ejection fraction (110±18 ms versus 88±13 ms,
P
<0.001). Delayed
TPV
was associated with increased all‐cause mortality or need for aortic valve replacement after adjustment for confounders (hazard ratio for first quartile, reference is fourth quartile: 7.31, 95%
CI
4.26–12.53,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

TPV
is useful to evaluate
AS
severity and predict poor prognosis of
AS
patients.
Treatment Intensification for Hypertension in US Ambulatory Medical Care
Authors: Mu Lin , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: October 2016

Background

Hypertension is widely prevalent yet remains uncontrolled in nearly half of US hypertensive adults. Treatment intensification for hypertension reduces rates of major cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality, but clinical inertia remains a notable impediment to further improving hypertension control. This study examines the likelihood and determinants of treatment intensification with new medication in US ambulatory medical care.

Methods and Results

Using the nationally representative National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2005–2012) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2005–2011), we identified adult primary care visits with diagnosed hypertension and documented blood pressure exceeding goal targets and assessed the weighted prevalence and odds ratios of treatment intensification by initiation or addition of new medication. Approximately 41.7 million yearly primary care visits (crude N: 14 064, 2005–2012) occurred among US hypertensive adults with documented blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, where treatment intensification may be beneficial. However, only 7.0 million of these visits (95% confidence interval 6.2–7.8 million) received treatment intensification with new medication, a weighted prevalence of 16.8% (15.8% to 17.9%). This proportion was consistently low and decreased over time. This decline was largely driven by decreasing medication initiation levels among patients on no previous hypertension medications from 31.8% (26.0% to 38.4%) in 2007 to 17.4% (14.0% to 21.4%) in 2012, while medication addition levels remained more stable over time.

Conclusions

US hypertensive adults received treatment intensification with new medication in only 1 out of 6 primary care visits, a fraction that is declining over time. A profound increase in intensification remains a vast opportunity to maximally reduce hypertension‐related morbidity and mortality nationwide.
Distributing Educational Opportunities: Positionality, Equality and Responsibility
Authors: Brando Nicolás
Published: October 2016

Education is one of the most unequally distributed goods, and this has led to people’s opportunities in life to differ greatly. Depending on how we conceive the value of education, the duties of the state regarding its distribution vary. This paper looks at the tension between two philosophical approaches to the value of education (individual and positional values), looking for a common ground where to support a more just and efficient distribution of educational opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable children. The paper presents two approaches to the value of education (individual and positional), and analyses how they affect its possible distribution. Second, it looks at our traditional framework of educational justice, based on meritocracy and equality of opportunity, and assesses its justifications, analysing how it complies with the different values of education. The paper closes by presenting a possible redistributive mechanism for making the distribution of educational opportunities more just.
Shape Discrimination Using the Tongue: Implications for a Visual-to-Tactile Sensory Substitution Device
Authors: Vincent Margaret , Tang Hao , Khoo Wai , Zhu Zhigang , Ro Tony
Published: October 2016

Sensory substitution devices have the potential to provide individuals with visual impairments with more information about their environments, which may help them recognize objects and achieve more independence in their daily lives. However, many of these devices may require extensive training and might be limited in the amount of information that they can convey. We tested the effectiveness and assessed some of the limitations of the BrainPort device, which provides stimulation through a 20 × 20 electrode grid array on the tongue. Across five experiments, including one with blind individuals, we found that subjects were unable to accurately discriminate between simple shapes as well as different line orientations that were briefly presented on the tongue, even after 300 trials of practice with the device. These experiments indicate that such a minimal training regimen with the BrainPort is not sufficient for object recognition, raising serious concerns about the usability of this device without extensive training.
Salmerón-Sánchez , E., Fuertes Aguilar, J., Španiel, S., Mendoza-Fernández, A. J., Martínez-Hernández, F. & Mota, J. F. (2016) The status of Hormathophylla baetica: a new combination and lectotypification in Hormathophylla cochleata. Phytotaxa 280 (1): 45–54.
Authors: SALMERÓN-SÁNCHEZ ESTEBAN , AGUILAR JAVIER FUERTES , ŠPANIEL STANISLAV , MENDOZA-FERNÁNDEZ ANTONIO JESÚS , MARTÍNEZ-HERNÁNDEZ FABIÁN , MOTA JUAN F.
Published: October 2016

N/A
Knowledge Sharing Behavior: The Role of Spatial Design in Buildings
Authors: Appel-Meulenbroek Rianne , de Vries Bauke , Weggeman Mathieu
Published: October 2016

Knowledge sharing during unplanned face-to-face meetings between employees is indispensable for innovation-based organizations. Spatial design of office buildings has been proven to influence the number of meetings dyads have at work, but research on the behavior during such meetings remains scarce. This article analyzes how several spatial variables relate to employee behavior during such meetings (joint activities, location, intentionality, and issues addressed). A 1-week diary of 138 employees from one research organization provided data on 918 knowledge-sharing meetings. Analysis of the building layout showed that behavior is particularly different at a very local level within the building. Chi-square tests showed that inter-visibility and proximity are most strongly associated with where knowledge was shared, while sharing a room and overhearing related significantly to how knowledge was shared.
Testing Scenarios to Achieve Workplace Sustainability Goals Using Backcasting and Agent-Based Modeling
Authors: García-Mira Ricardo , Dumitru Adina , Alonso-Betanzos Amparo , Sánchez-Maroño Noelia , Fontenla-Romero Óscar , Craig Tony , Polhill J. Gary
Published: October 2016

Pro-environmental behaviors have been analyzed in the home, with little attention to other important contexts of everyday life, such as the workplace. The research reported here explored three categories of pro-environmental behavior (consumption of materials and energy, waste generation, and work-related commuting) in a public large-scale organization in Spain, with the aim of identifying the most effective policy options for a sustainable organization. Agent-based modeling was used to design a virtual simulation of the organization. Psychologically informed profiles of employees were defined using data gathered through a questionnaire, measuring knowledge, motivations, and ability. Future scenarios were developed using a participatory backcasting scenario development methodology, and policy tracks were derived. Dynamic simulations indicated that, to be effective, organizational policy should strengthen worker participation and autonomy, be sustained over time, and should combine different measures of medium intensity for behavior change, instead of isolated policies of high intensity.
Melt flow properties of graphite nanoplatelets-filled polypropylene
Authors: Bas Ayse B , Yilmaz Oktay , Ibis Anil , Dogu Mustafa , Kirkkopru Kadir , Guner Fatma S
Published: October 2016

Rheological behavior of polypropylene/graphite nanoplatelet composites of varying content, temperature, and filler shape was investigated by capillary and rotational rheometers. Scanning electron microscope images were taken in order to examine the filler shape and interaction between fillers and polymer matrix. Viscosity measurements of polypropylene/graphite composites showed shear thinning behavior like neat polypropylene. Filler inclusion resulted in increase in shear viscosity and shear thinning behavior of composites. The effect of filler concentration on viscosity is more appreciable in the low shear rate region. PP/graphite nanoplatelet composites with larger interface between filler and polymer matrix were of greater shear viscosity values through the entire shear rate range. However, filler morphology did not affect shear viscosity in high shear rate region remarkably. Composite viscosity as a function of volume fraction was modeled by Maron–Pierce equation. As temperature increased, shear viscosities of polypropylene/graphite composites and neat PP melt decreased. Temperature has less effect on composite viscosity than on neat PP viscosity due to the restricting effect of fillers on polymer molecules.
Fostering the Cultural Experiences and School Engagement of Samoan American Students in Urban Schools
Authors: Borrero Noah , Yeh Christine
Published: October 2016

We explored the associations of collective self-esteem and parent educational practices with school engagement in a sample of 128 Samoan middle and high school students in an urban school district. Simultaneous regression analysis revealed that each of these independent variables contributed to significant variance in school engagement. Specifically, the overall regression model accounted for 22% of the variance in school engagement. Collective self-esteem was the most significant association, followed by parent educational practices. Implications discuss how we must consider Samoan and other marginalized youths’ cultural worth and perceptions of parental practices as critical factors influencing their school connections.
What led Thai Buddhist background believers to become Christians: A study of one church in Bangkok
Authors: Hilderbrand Kelly Michael
Published: October 2016

Few studies have been done on factors relating to conversion of Buddhist background believers to Christianity, and there have been few qualitative studies on this subject. This limited qualitative study of factors relating to Buddhist background believers to Christianity focuses on the experiences of seven people in one evangelical church in Bangkok. The results find that three major factors contributed to conversion: dissatisfaction/incongruence, contact with Christians, and an encounter with the supernatural.
In Search of the Social
Authors: Couperus Stefan , Kaal Harm
Published: October 2016

This introductory text presents the overarching question that informs the articles in this special section: How have notions of neighborhood and community determined urban planning discourse and practice in mid-twentieth century Europe? Against the backdrop of World Wars, crises and recovery schemes, aspirations to repair – or create – social cohesion among urban dwellers were manifest in the parlance and actions of a range of historical actors, many of which were at the heart of urban planning and reconstruction: architects, sociologists, administrators, planners and local officials. This special section covers different temporal and geographical contexts in Europe (and the US) to disentangle multilayered notions of ‘the social’ that have permeated neighborhood and community planning schemes. Moreover, taken together, the articles will show how persistent dichotomies in urban planning historiography, such as top-down versus bottom-up or organic versus mechanic, obscure historical understandings of how urban communities were conceived spatially, socially and politically.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of the Berg Balance Scale in Predicting Falls
Authors: Park Seong-Hi , Lee Young-Shin
Published: October 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive validity of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as a screening tool for fall risks among those with varied levels of balance. A total of 21 studies reporting predictive validity of the BBS of fall risk were meta-analyzed. With regard to the overall predictive validity of the BBS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.72 and 0.73, respectively; the accuracy curve area was 0.84. The findings showed statistical heterogeneity among studies. Among the sub-groups, the age group of those younger than 65 years, those with neuromuscular disease, those with 2+ falls, and those with a cutoff point of 45 to 49 showed better sensitivity with statistically less heterogeneity. The empirical evidence indicates that the BBS is a suitable tool to screen for the risk of falls and shows good predictability when used with the appropriate criteria and applied to those with neuromuscular disease.
Shared decision making about palliative chemotherapy: A qualitative observation of talk about patients’ preferences
Authors: Henselmans Inge , Van Laarhoven Hanneke WM , Van der Vloodt Jane , De Haes Hanneke CJM , Smets Ellen MA
Published: October 2016

Background:

Particularly at the end of life, treatment decisions should be shared and incorporate patients’ preferences. This study examines elaboration and preference construction.

Aim:

To examine the values, appraisals and preferences that patients express, as well as the oncologists’ communicative behaviour that facilitates these expressions in consultations on palliative chemotherapy.

Design:

Verbatim transcripts of audio-recorded consultations ( n = 60) were analysed in MAXqda10 software. Two independent coders identified and categorised patients’ preference-related utterances and oncologists’ utterances, preceding and following such expressions.

Setting/participants:

Cancer patients ( n = 41) with a median life expectancy <1 year and oncologists ( n = 13) meeting with them in either initial or evaluative follow-up consultations.

Results:

Most frequent were patients’ expressions of treatment preferences (65% of consultations), often the simple wish to have treatment. Expressions of underlying values (48%) and appraisals of treatment aspects (50%) were less common. Most preference-related utterances concerned single statements (59%); in 51% of the consultations, true dialogue was observed. Preference-related utterances were least common in follow-up consultations concerning stable disease or response. Preference-related fragments were patient-initiated (42%), oncologist-facilitated (28%) or oncologist-invited (30%). Oncologist responses likely to trigger more preference-related talk were showing empathy, checking and probe questioning. Likely to reduce space were providing information, personally agreeing and neutral responses.

Conclusion:

Elaboration and joint preference construction is not standard practice in consultations on palliative chemotherapy. Oncologists may benefit from realising this and training skills that support this key step of shared decision making. Also, repeated shared decision making throughout the course of palliative chemotherapy should be stimulated.
Magnetic resonance imaging of breast cancer: does the time interval between biopsy and MRI influence MRI–pathology discordance in lesion sizing?
Authors: Mennella Simone , Paparo Francesco , Revelli Matteo , Baccini Paola , Secondini Lucia , Barbagallo Stella , Friedman Daniele , Garlaschi Alessandro
Published: October 2016

Background

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more accurate than ultrasound and mammography in estimating local extension of both invasive breast cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and it is part of a breast cancer patient’s preoperative management.

Purpose

To verify if time interval between breast biopsy and preoperative MRI, lesion margins, and biopsy technique can influence tumor sizing on MRI.

Material and Methods

By a database search, we retrospectively identified all women with a newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven, primary breast cancer who underwent MRI before surgery. The time interval between biopsy and MRI, the type of biopsy procedure, and various pathological features of tumors were collected. We defined the concordance between MRI and pathology measurements as a difference of <5 mm in lesion sizing.

Results

One hundred and sixty-six women (mean age, 51.4 ± 10.4 years) were included. The time interval between biopsy and MRI showed only a weak correlation with the absolute MRI–pathology difference (r = 0.236). Stratifying the whole cohort of patients using a cutoff value of 30 days, we found that the MRI–pathology discordance was significantly higher in patients with a biopsy–MRI time interval >30 days ( P < 0.05). By means of multivariate analysis, we found that DCIS subtype and the presence of poorly defined margins on MRI are the only two factors independently and strongly associated with MRI–pathology discordance in lesion sizing.

Conclusion

Size, histology, and margins of tumors may affect the accuracy of MRI measurements. The type of biopsy procedure and the time interval between biopsy and preoperative MRI are not independently associated to MRI–pathology discordance.
The virtual prison as a digital cultural object: Digital mediation of political opinion in simulation gaming
Authors: Moran Dominique , Etchegoyen Lucy
Published: October 2016

This paper engages with the digital mediation of cultural and political opinion in simulation gaming, and recent critique of cultural geography’s aptitude for research into digital media. Drawing attention to literatures within carceral geography and cybergeography, and presenting an empirical case study of the simulation computer game Prison Architect, it suggests that rather than being necessarily ephemeral, fleeting and transient, digital cultural production can also be carefully created, curated and manipulated in ways which involve both deep reflection on, and profound shaping of, political attitudes.
Persistence and change in interregional differences in entrepreneurship: England and Wales, 1921–2011
Authors: Fotopoulos Georgios , Storey David J
Published: October 2016

The paper explores time-persistence in interregional differences of self-employment rates in England and Wales in the 1921–2011 period by using census data. The results suggest a strong path-dependence in entrepreneurship as past self-employment rates have strong bearing on future ones. However, there is also some rank mobility reflected in the upward movements of London boroughs and downward movements of primarily coastal areas. Rank mobility relates to structural changes, changes in human capital, regional age structures and immigration.
Damping properties of para-phenylene terephthalamide pulps modified damping materials
Authors: Yuan Baihua , Chen Meng , Liu Yu , Zhao Shexu , Jiang Heng
Published: October 2016

A series of para-phenylene terephthalamide pulp modified damping materials were prepared. The dynamic mechanical properties, differential scanning calorimetry, vibration damping properties, vulcanization property, tensile strengths as well as scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the damping materials were studied theoretically and experimentally. The dynamic mechanical properties of para-phenylene terephthalamide pulp modified damping materials were also compared with aramid short-cut fiber, E-glass staple fiber and carbon fiber powder modified damping materials. The results showed that para-phenylene terephthalamide pulp modified damping materials exhibited the best damping property and highest modulus in comparison with the other types of fibers. The storage modulus ( E′), loss modulus ( E″) and tensile strength of the materials were all increased significantly with increasing pulp content, and this trend was significantly greater in machine direction rather than in cross-machine direction. The second, third and fourth modes modal loss factors (η) of the steel beams coated with para-phenylene terephthalamide pulp modified damping materials increased substantially up to a maximum, and then became stable with increasing pulp amount. The optimal η in machine direction was achieved as the mass ratio of butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber to para-phenylene terephthalamide pulp was 100:30. Excellent damping property was mainly attributed to the extremely high interfacial contact area which significantly improved the efficiency of energy dissipation of internal friction, interfacial sliding and dislocation motion between para-phenylene terephthalamide pulps and butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber chains. Since para-phenylene terephthalamide pulp modified damping materials offer a high E′, excellent vibration damping properties, broad damping temperature and frequency ranges, it is ideal for free-damping structures which are widely utilized in industrial vibration and noise control applications.
Pedestrians, Autonomous Vehicles, and Cities
Authors: Millard-Ball Adam
Published: October 2016

Autonomous vehicles, popularly known as self-driving cars, have the potential to transform travel behavior. However, existing analyses have ignored strategic interactions with other road users. In this article, I use game theory to analyze the interactions between pedestrians and autonomous vehicles, with a focus on yielding at crosswalks. Because autonomous vehicles will be risk-averse, the model suggests that pedestrians will be able to behave with impunity, and autonomous vehicles may facilitate a shift toward pedestrian-oriented urban neighborhoods. At the same time, autonomous vehicle adoption may be hampered by their strategic disadvantage that slows them down in urban traffic.
Scaled Vibratory Feedback Can Bias Muscle Use in Children With Dystonia During a Redundant, 1-Dimensional Myocontrol Task
Authors: Liyanagamage Shanie A. , Bertucco Matteo , Bhanpuri Nasir H. , Sanger Terence D.
Published: October 2016

Vibratory feedback can be a useful tool for rehabilitation. We examined its use in children with dystonia to understand how it affects muscle activity in a population that does not respond well to standard rehabilitation. We predicted scaled vibration (ie, vibration that was directly or inversely proportional to muscle activity) would increase use of the vibrated muscle because of task-relevant sensory information, whereas nonscaled vibration would not change muscle use. The study was conducted on 11 subjects with dystonia and 14 controls. Each subject underwent 4 different types of vibration on the more dystonic biceps muscle (or nondominant arm in controls) in a 1-dimensional, bimanual myocontrol task. Our results showed that only scaled vibratory feedback could bias muscle use without changing overall performance in children with dystonia. We believe there may be a role in rehabilitation for scaled vibratory feedback to retrain abnormal muscle patterns.
Repression, Redistribution and the Problem of Authoritarian Control
Authors: Thomson Henry
Published: October 2016

Theories of authoritarianism assert that autocratic governments follow repressive and redistributive policies which impede mass mobilization, mitigate economic grievances and prevent regime instability. However, policy formulation and implementation remain opaque and under-theorized elements of authoritarian politics. I argue that the mix of repressive and redistributive policies chosen by a regime is a function of intra-elite conflict between hard-liners and soft-liners. The power of the two factions and their influence on policy evolve as members of the elite learn to judge the comparative advantages of the regime in repression and redistribution. Hard-liners will be ascendant in regimes with a comparative advantage in repression, while soft-liners will be ascendant in regimes with a comparative advantage in redistribution. I illustrate these arguments with an account of the East German regime’s response to the 17 June uprising in 1953, including analysis of an original data set on secret police informants and food supplies after the unrest.
Effects of Smiley Face Scales on Visual Processing of Satisfaction Questions in Web Surveys
Authors: Stange Mathew , Barry Amanda , Smyth Jolene , Olson Kristen
Published: October 2016

Web surveys permit researchers to use graphic or symbolic elements alongside the text of response options to help respondents process the categories. Smiley faces are one example used to communicate positive and negative domains. How respondents visually process these smiley faces, including whether they detract from the question’s text, is understudied. We report the results of two eye-tracking experiments in which satisfaction questions were asked with and without smiley faces. Respondents to the questions with smiley faces spent less time reading the question stem and response option text than respondents to the questions without smiley faces, but the response distributions did not differ by version. We also find support that lower literacy respondents rely more on the smiley faces than higher literacy respondents.