bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluid mechanics calculations in physics of droplets – III: Off-center numerical collisions of equal-size drops for the system water-heptane
Authors: Acevedo-Malavé Alejandro
Published: June 2016

In this study, numerical calculations of the collision process between water drops immersed in a continuous phase composed of a hydrocarbon (n-heptane) is reported. For the resolution of the hydrodynamic equations, i.e., the continuity and momentum equations, the finite volume method was used. A range of values for the velocity of collision between the drops was chosen. These values for the velocity of collision give two different outcomes. For these off-center collisions, it is shown that the system of drops rotates around its mass center acquiring certain angular momentum. When the velocity of collision is 0.2 m/s, the system of drops coalesces without the deformation of the surface of the drops and the prevailing surface tension forces. These surface tension forces with the evolution of the dynamics transform the bigger mass of water as a very well-defined circular drop. For a velocity of collision of 3.5 m/s, the system shows coalescence with a rotation of a bigger mass of water with certain angular momentum. In this case, there is a stretch of the surface of the drops, but due to the value of the velocity of collision, the prevailing inertial forces and the bigger mass of water are deformed spinning around its mass center.
Selected aspects of the current management of myositis
Authors: Lilleker James , Murphy Sean , Cooper Robert
Published: June 2016

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a rare and heterogeneous group of acquired autoimmune muscle disorders, often referred to as ‘myositis’. Clinical assessment, together with muscle biopsy findings and autoantibody status are key factors to consider when making a diagnosis of IIM, and in stratification of the ‘IIM spectrum’ into disease subgroups. Treatment stratified according to serotype (and in the future, likely also genotype) is increasingly being used to take account of the heterogeneity within the IIM spectrum. Subgroup classification is also important in terms of monitoring for complications, such as malignancy and interstitial lung disease. Disease monitoring should include the use of standardized tools such as the IMACS disease activity outcome measures. Other tools such as muscle MRI can be useful in identifying areas of active muscle inflammation. Treatment outcomes in IIM remain unsatisfactory. The evidence base to guide treatment decisions is remarkably limited. In addition to muscle inflammation, a number of noninflammatory cell-mediated mechanisms may contribute to weakness and disability, and for which no specific treatments are currently available.
Comparative Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Study of Liquid Stable Glucagon Versus Lyophilized Glucagon in Type 1 Diabetes Subjects
Authors: Castle Jessica R. , Youssef Joseph El , Branigan Deborah , Newswanger Brett , Strange Poul , Cummins Martin , Shi Leon , Prestrelski Steven
Published: June 2016

Background:

There is currently no stable liquid form of glucagon commercially available. The aim of this study is to assess the speed of absorption and onset of action of G-Pump™ glucagon at 3 doses as compared to GlucaGen®, all delivered subcutaneously via an OmniPod®.

Methods:

Nineteen adult subjects with type 1 diabetes participated in this Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, cross-over, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study. Subjects were given 0.3, 1.2, and 2.0 µg/kg each of G-Pump glucagon and GlucaGen via an OmniPod.

Results:

G-Pump glucagon effectively increased blood glucose levels in a dose-dependent fashion with a glucose Cmax of 183, 200, and 210 mg/dL at doses of 0.3, 1.2, and 2.0 µg/kg, respectively ( P = ns vs GlucaGen). Mean increases in blood glucose from baseline were 29.2, 52.9, and 77.7 mg/dL for G-Pump doses of 0.3, 1.2, and 2.0 µg/kg, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between treatments in the glucose T50%-early or glucagon T50%-early with one exception. The glucagon T50%-early was greater following G-Pump treatment at the 2.0 μg/kg dose (13.9 ± 4.7 min) compared with GlucaGen treatment at the 2.0 μg/kg dose (11.0 ± 3.1 min, P = .018). There was more pain and erythema at the infusion site with G-Pump as compared to GlucaGen. No serious adverse events were reported, and no unexpected safety issues were observed.

Conclusions:

G-Pump glucagon is a novel, stable glucagon formulation with similar PK/PD properties as GlucaGen, but was associated with more pain and infusion site reactions as the dose increased, as compared to GlucaGen.
Cerebral proliferative angiopathy with tumor-like hemorrhage: A case report and literature review
Authors: Bilaj Fatmir , Rroji Arben , Enesi Eugen , Ruka Maren , Petrela Mentor
Published: June 2016

Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is defined as a rare vascular disorder, characterized by diffuse arterial proliferation and distinctive angiogenetic features. Complication with hemorrhage is exceedingly rare, but once the bleeding occurs, the chance of re-bleeding is increased. Here we report a case of a patient with CPA complicated with bleeding and re-bleeding, and imaging findings mimicking a brain tumor, which has not been reported in the literature so far.
Numerical predictions of laboratory-generated tsunami waves
Authors: Karinski Yuri S , Tsemakh Dina , Feldgun Vladimir R , Yankelevsky David Z
Published: June 2016

This article presents numerical simulations of tsunami waves that are generated using different experimental techniques in laboratory tests. Comparisons of the numerical predictions of the tsunami wave shapes with different experimental measurements of the wave shapes have been carried out, and a good agreement was obtained. Four different laboratory techniques to create tsunami waves were examined: a sudden release of a water column, a horizontal or vertical motion of a piston, and a rotation of a rigid plate. Comparison of waves of the same height that are formed by these four different methods shows that the horizontal piston motion produces the shortest wave, and the vertical piston motion produces the longest wave. The wave produced by a plate rotation is similar to the wave caused by the “water column release,” but it is slightly longer. It was found that different techniques produce different wave characteristics; therefore, selection of the proper laboratory technique requires some considerations including a comparison with the required real tsunami wave that should be simulated. It should be emphasized that this research aims at simulating the tsunami waves that are produced by different common laboratory techniques; however, it refrains from assessing the adequacy of any of this techniques to properly represent a real specific tsunami wave. Further to developing the computational procedures for tsunami wave simulations, this article extends the numerical study to examine the interaction of a tsunami wave with a rigid wall and investigate the dynamic pressure distribution on the wall surface. It was found that the peak pressure of a tsunami wave acting on a rigid wall that is produced by the horizontal piston has the lowest magnitude (among the waves of the same height, caused by these four techniques), while the pressure due to a rotational plate has the highest magnitude.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardiovascular disease risk factors and exercise performance in healthy participants: a randomized placebo-controlled preliminary study
Authors: Al-Dujaili Emad A. S. , Munir Nimrah , Iniesta Raquel Revuelta
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives:

Evidence suggests associations between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including hypertension and excessive cortisol levels. Also, vitamin D levels may impact exercise performance. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D intake on cardiovascular risk factors, free urinary cortisol and exercise performance.

Methods:

A randomized placebo-controlled single-blinded parallel trial was conducted in healthy participants ( n = 15). They received 2000 IU (50 µg) vitamin D3 per day ( n = 9) or placebo (lactose) ( n = 6) for 14 days. Body composition, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and arterial elasticity (as measured by pulse wave velocity, PWV) were recorded at baseline, day 7 and day 14 of intervention. A total of two 24-hour urine samples were collected to estimate free cortisol and cortisone levels. Exercise performance was assessed at the baseline and day 14 of the intervention using a bike ergometer in which BP and PWV were measured before and after exercise. The distance cycled in 20 minutes and the Borg Scale rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded.

Results:

In the intervention arm, at day 14, vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced SBP and DBP from 115.8 ± 17.1 and 75.4 ± 10.3 at baseline to 106.3 ± 10.9 ( p = 0.022) and 68.5 ± 10.1 mmHg ( p = 0.012) respectively. Also arterial stiffness was markedly reduced in the vitamin D group (from 7.45 ± 1.55 to 6.11 ± 1.89, p = 0.049). Urinary free cortisol levels and cortisol/cortisone ratio were significantly reduced from 162.65 ± 58.9 nmol/day and 2.22 ± 0.7 to 96.4 ± 37.2 ( p = 0.029) and 1.04 ± 0.4 ( p = 0.017) respectively. Exercise-induced SBP and DBP were significantly reduced post vitamin D intake from 130.7 ± 12.2 to 116.1 ± 8.1 ( p = 0.012) and from 76.2 ± 8.4 to 70.5 ± 7.7 mmHg ( p = 0.042) respectively. The distance cycled in 20 minutes significantly increased from 4.98 ± 2.65 to 6.51 ± 2.28km ( p = 0.020), while the Borg Scale RPE reduced from 5.13 ± 1.36 to 4.25 ± 0.71 RPE ( p = 0.021). In the placebo arm, no significant effects on CVD risk factors and exercise performance were observed.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that daily vitamin D supplementation may ameliorate CVD risk factors including a decrease in 11β-HSD1 activity, as evidenced by the decrease in the cortisol/cortisone ratio, and improve exercise performance in healthy individuals. However, large scale studies are required to verify our findings.
Datatrust: Or, the political quest for numerical evidence and the epistemologies of Big Data
Authors: Rieder Gernot , Simon Judith
Published: June 2016

Recently, there has been renewed interest in so-called evidence-based policy making. Enticed by the grand promises of Big Data, public officials seem increasingly inclined to experiment with more data-driven forms of governance. But while the rise of Big Data and related consequences has been a major issue of concern across different disciplines, attempts to develop a better understanding of the phenomenon's historical foundations have been rare. This short commentary addresses this gap by situating the current push for numerical evidence within a broader socio-political context, demonstrating how the epistemological claims of Big Data science intersect with specific forms of trust, truth, and objectivity. We conclude by arguing that regulators' faith in numbers can be attributed to a distinct political culture, a representative democracy undermined by pervasive public distrust and uncertainty.
Search algorithms, hidden labour and information control
Authors: Bilić Paško
Published: June 2016

The paper examines some of the processes of the closely knit relationship between Google’s ideologies of neutrality and objectivity and global market dominance. Neutrality construction comprises an important element sustaining the company’s economic position and is reflected in constant updates, estimates and changes to utility and relevance of search results. Providing a purely technical solution to these issues proves to be increasingly difficult without a human hand in steering algorithmic solutions. Search relevance fluctuates and shifts through continuous tinkering and tweaking of the search algorithm. The company also uses third parties to hire human raters for performing quality assessments of algorithmic updates and adaptations in linguistically and culturally diverse global markets. The adaptation process contradicts the technical foundations of the company and calculations based on the initial Page Rank algorithm. Annual market reports, Google’s Search Quality Rating Guidelines, and reports from media specialising in search engine optimisation business are analysed. The Search Quality Rating Guidelines document provides a rare glimpse into the internal architecture of search algorithms and the notions of utility and relevance which are presented and structured as neutral and objective. Intertwined layers of ideology, hidden labour of human raters, advertising revenues, market dominance and control are discussed throughout the paper.
Feasibility and acceptability of Facebook for health promotion among people with serious mental illness
Authors: Naslund John A , Aschbrenner Kelly A , Marsch Lisa A , Bartels Stephen J
Published: June 2016

Objective

Elevated obesity rates are a major contributor to the significantly reduced life expectancy impacting people with serious mental illness. With over 1.5 billion Facebook users worldwide, this platform may afford opportunities for reaching individuals with serious mental illness outside professional settings and fostering social support for adopting healthier behaviors. In this mixed methods pilot study, we explored the feasibility and acceptability of using Facebook to support a group lifestyle intervention for weight loss among obese adults with serious mental illness.

Methods

Nine of eleven participants enrolled in a six-month lifestyle intervention delivered through a community mental health center agreed to join a private Facebook group to support their healthy eating and exercise goals. We measured participants’ use of the Facebook group and collected post-intervention feasibility and acceptability questionnaires followed by in-depth qualitative interviews to elicit participants’ perspectives and recommendations for improving the use of Facebook.

Results

Of 188 posts to the Facebook group, the majority (79%) were from participants compared to study staff (21%). Participants also posted 186 comments, 299 likes, and recorded 1316 page views. Participants were positive about opportunities to interact and support each other outside group sessions, found content posted by other participants to be helpful, and indicated that the Facebook group was safe to use. Participants provided constructive feedback, including recommendations for more detailed instructions for accessing the group and posting content, finding ways to encourage more interaction within the group, and tips for responding to notifications or alerts directly from the Facebook website.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Facebook may be feasible for supporting health promotion efforts targeting people with serious mental illness. Participants provided valuable feedback that can inform the use of Facebook for future health promotion efforts targeting this high-risk group.
Inertial and frictional influences of instrumented wheelchair wheels
Authors: Sprigle Stephen , Huang Morris , Lin Jui-Te
Published: June 2016

Background

Instrumented wheelchair wheels can be used to study the kinematics and kinetics of manual wheelchair propulsion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of instrumented wheels on the inertial and frictional parameters of a wheelchair system.

Methods

This study compared mechanical parameters of an ultralightweight rigid frame wheelchair configured with pairs of SMARTwheels and spoke pneumatic wheels and loaded with an ISO 75 kg wheelchair dummy. Rectilinear and turning inertia of the occupied wheelchair and the rotational inertia of drive wheels were measured. A coast-down test measured frictional energy loss during straight and turning trajectories.

Findings

The addition of instrumented wheels increased occupied system mass by about 6% and turning inertia by about 16%. Frictional energy loss increased by over 40% in a straight trajectory and over 30% during turning.

Interpretation

Addition of instrumented increased the inertia and frictional energy loss of the wheelchair system. These relative effects will impact the wheelchair operator and increase the instantaneous propulsion torque during wheelchair maneuvers. The impacts will be less under conditions involving little or no change in velocity. Researchers should be encouraged to report changes in mass and weight distribution induced by addition of instrumented wheelchair wheels.
The Effect of Black Tea (Camellia sinensis (L) Kuntze) on Pediatrics With Acute Nonbacterial Diarrhea
Authors: Doustfatemeh Sareh , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Mohagheghzade Abdolali , Zarshenas Mohammad M. , Torkamani Zahra , Yousefi Gholamhossein , Farahangiz Saman , Salehi Alireza
Published: June 2016

We aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of black tea in pediatric patients with acute nonbacterial diarrhea. This single-blind randomized clinical trial study was performed on 2 to 12-year-old patients, with acceptable criteria for acute nonbacterial diarrhea in Shiraz, Iran. In total, 120 patients took part in this study. Blocked randomization method was used to allocate them into 2 groups of intervention (black tea tablet + standard treatment) and control group (standard treatment; 60 patients in each). Frequency of defecation, volume, and consistency of stool were registered on arrival and 24 hours later. We used χ2 test, t test, and Mann-Whitney U test. After a 24-hour follow-up, the proportion of patients with formed stool was higher in the intervention group when compared with the control group ( P < .001). There was a significant difference between the mean number of defecations per 24 hours in both groups, after treatment ( P < .001). We found a possible antidiarrheal effect of black tea.
Book Review: Arvind Krishna Mehrotra (Ed.), Arun Kolatkar. Collected Poems in English
Authors: Joseph Raphael
Published: June 2016

Arvind Krishna Mehrotra (Ed.), Arun Kolatkar. Collected Poems in English. Northumberland, UK: Bloodaxe, 2010, 383 pages, £12, ISBN 9-781852-248536
EmpPrior: using outside empirical data to inform branch-length priors for Bayesian phylogenetics
Authors: Andersen John J. , Nelson Bradley J. , Brown Jeremy M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Branch-length parameters are a central component of phylogenetic models and of intrinsic biological interest. Default branch-length priors in some Bayesian phylogenetic software can be unintentionally informative and lead to branch- and tree-length estimates that are unreasonable. Alternatively, priors may be uninformative, but lead to diffuse posterior estimates. Despite the widespread availability of relevant datasets from other groups, biologists rarely leverage outside information to specify branch-length priors that are specific to the analysis they are conducting.

Results

We developed the software package EmpPrior to facilitate the collection and incorporation of relevant, outside information when setting branch-length priors for phylogenetics. EmpPrior efficiently queries TreeBASE to find data that are similar to focal data, in terms of taxonomic and genetic sampling, and uses them to inform branch-length priors for the focal analysis. EmpPrior consists of two components: EmpPrior-search, written in Java to query TreeBASE, and EmpPrior-fit, written in R to parameterize branch-length distributions. In an example analysis, we show how the use of relevant, outside data is made possible by EmpPrior and improves tree-length estimates from a focal dataset.

Conclusion

EmpPrior is easy to use, fast, and improves both the accuracy and precision of branch-length estimates in many circumstances. While EmpPrior’s focus is on branch lengths, the strategy it employs could easily be extended to address other prior parameterization problems in phylogenetics.
Non-Markovian effects on protein sequence evolution due to site dependent substitution rates
Authors: Rizzato Francesca , Rodriguez Alex , Laio Alessandro
Published: June 2016

Background

Many models of protein sequence evolution, in particular those based on Point Accepted Mutation (PAM) matrices, assume that its dynamics is Markovian. Nevertheless, it has been observed that evolution seems to proceed differently at different time scales, questioning this assumption. In 2011 Kosiol and Goldman proved that, if evolution is Markovian at the codon level, it can not be Markovian at the amino acid level. However, it remains unclear up to which point the Markov assumption is verified at the codon level.

Results

Here we show how also the among-site variability of substitution rates makes the process of full protein sequence evolution effectively not Markovian even at the codon level. This may be the theoretical explanation behind the well known systematic underestimation of evolutionary distances observed when omitting rate variability. If the substitution rate variability is neglected the average amino acid and codon replacement probabilities are affected by systematic errors and those with the largest mismatches are the substitutions involving more than one nucleotide at a time. On the other hand, the instantaneous substitution matrices estimated from alignments with the Markov assumption tend to overestimate double and triple substitutions, even when learned from alignments at high sequence identity.

Conclusions

These results discourage the use of simple Markov models to describe full protein sequence evolution and encourage to employ, whenever possible, models that account for rate variability by construction (such as hidden Markov models or mixture models) or substitution models of the type of Le and Gascuel (2008) that account for it explicitly.
Local injection of bone marrow progenitor cells for the treatment of anal sphincter injury: in-vitro expanded versus minimally-manipulated cells
Authors: Mazzanti Benedetta , Lorenzi Bruno , Borghini Annalisa , Boieri Margherita , Ballerini Lara , Saccardi Riccardo , Weber Elisabetta , Pessina Federica
Published: June 2016

Background

Anal incontinence is a disabling condition that adversely affects the quality of life of a large number of patients, mainly with anal sphincter lesions. In a previous experimental work, in-vitro expanded bone marrow (BM)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were demonstrated to enhance sphincter healing after injury and primary repair in a rat preclinical model. In the present article we investigated whether unexpanded BM mononuclear cells (MNC) may also be effective.

Methods

Thirty-two rats, divided into groups, underwent sphincterotomy and repair (SR) with primary suture of anal sphincters plus intrasphincteric injection of saline (CTR), or of in-vitro expanded MSC, or of minimally manipulated MNC; moreover, the fourth group underwent sham operation. At day 30, histologic, morphometric, in-vitro contractility, and functional analysis were performed.

Results

Treatment with both MSC and MNC improved muscle regeneration and increased contractile function of anal sphincters after SR compared with CTR (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the two BM stem cell types used. GFP-positive cells (MSC and MNC) remained in the proximity of the lesion site up to 30 days post injection.

Conclusions

In the present study we demonstrated in a preclinical model that minimally manipulated BM-MNC were as effective as in-vitro expanded MSC for the recovery of anal sphincter injury followed by primary sphincter repair. These results may serve as a basis for improving clinical applications of stem cell therapy in human anal incontinence treatment.
Updated Outcomes and Impact of Age With Lenalidomide and Low-Dose Dexamethasone or Melphalan, Prednisone, and Thalidomide in the Randomized, Phase III FIRST Trial
Authors: Hulin Cyrille , Belch Andrew , Shustik Chaim , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Dührsen Ulrich , Lu Jin , Song Kevin , Rodon Philippe , Pégourié Brigitte , Garderet Laurent , Hunter Hannah , Azais Isabelle , Eek Richard , Gisslinger Heinz , Macro Margaret , Dakhil Shaker , Goncalves Cristina , LeBlanc Richard , Romeril Ken , Royer Bruno , Doyen Chantal , Leleu Xavier , Offner Fritz , Leupin Nicolas , Houck Vanessa , Chen Guang , Ervin-Haynes Annette , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Facon Thierry
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This analysis of the FIRST trial in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) ineligible for stem-cell transplantation examined updated outcomes and impact of patient age.

Patients and Methods

Patients with untreated symptomatic MM were randomly assigned at a one-to-one-to-one ratio to lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone until disease progression (Rd continuous), Rd for 72 weeks (18 cycles; Rd18), or melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide (MPT; 72 weeks), stratified by age (≤ 75 v > 75 years), disease stage (International Staging System stage I/II v III), and country. The primary end point was progression-free survival. Rd continuous and MPT were primary comparators.

Results

Between August 21, 2008, and March 7, 2011, 1,623 patients were enrolled (Rd continuous, n = 535; Rd18, n = 541; MPT, n = 547), including 567 (35%) age older than 75 years. Higher rates of advanced-stage disease and renal impairment were observed in patients older than 75 versus 75 years of age or younger. Rd continuous reduced the risk of progression or death compared with MPT by 31% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.80; P < .001) overall, 36% (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.77; P < .001) in patients age 75 years or younger, and 20% (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.03; P = .084) in those age older than 75 years. Median overall survival was longer with Rd continuous than with MPT, including a 14-month difference in patients age older than 75 years. Progression-free survival with Rd18 was similar to that with MPT, and overall survival with Rd18 was marginally inferior to that with Rd continuous. Rates of grade 3 to 4 treatment-emergent adverse events were similar for Rd continuous–treated patients age 75 years or older and those age older than 75 years; however, older patients had more frequent lenalidomide dose reductions.

Conclusion

Results support Rd continuous treatment as a new standard of care for stem-cell transplantation–ineligible patients with newly diagnosed MM of all ages.
Money, Politics, and Medicine: The American Medical Pac's Strategy of Giving in U.s. House Races
Authors: Wilkerson John D. , Carrell David
Published: June 2016

We examine contributions by the American Medical Association's political action committee (AMPAC) to candidates for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives during two electoral cycles (1989–1990 and 1991–1992). In contrast to earlier studies, we do not find any systematic evidence to support the conventional wisdom that AMPAC contributes to influence legislators' positions on roll call votes or that AMPAC's contribution decisions are influenced by legislators' voting positions. We do find that AMPAC contributes to promote access to decision makers and to help elect (or reelect) legislators who would be expected to be more generally sympathetic to the economic and practice concerns of AMA physicians. As points of comparison, we also examine contributions from the top five tobacco PACs and the National Rifle Association's (NRA) PAC and find that legislators' roll call voting positions are strongly related to contributions received from these organizations.
Regulating Managed Care: Interest Group Competition for Control and Behavioral Health Care
Authors: Ross E. Clarke
Published: June 2016

In this essay I identify how historic patterns of competition among health care interest groups have simultaneously retained their past contours and also changed significantly as a result of the jolt created by the rise of managed care. I explain why it is that I and other executives of for-profit managed behavioral health care organizations, traditionally advocates of market-based approaches to accountability, have begun to support some versions of regulation by the national government in order to restore consumer confidence in the credibility of managed health plans. Key concepts that are addressed include notions of public accountability, control of the purse strings, consumer protections, and provider privileges.
Εγκύκλιος. Βασίλειον της Ελλάδος. Το υπουργείον των εκκλησιαστικών και της δημόσιας εκπαιδεύσεως προς τους ανα το Κράτος κ.κ.Νομάρχας, τους Σ. Ιεράρχας, τας επισκοπικάς Επιτροπάς και τα Συμβούλια των διατηρουμένων Μονών
Authors: ΦΑΡΜΑΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Θ. Κ. , ΠΑΡΙΣΗΣ Σ. Μ.
Published: June 2016

no abstract
Η Ιερά Σύνοδος της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος προς τους ανά το Κράτος Σεβασ. Ιεράρχας και τας Επισκοπικάς επιτροπάς. Περί αναγραφής χρηματικού ποσού εν τοις προϋπολογισμοις των εν τω Κράτει διατηρουμένων Ιερών Μονών υπερ της Χριστιανικής Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας
Authors: ΙΕΡΑ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ (ΙΣΕΕ)
Published: June 2016

no abstract
Η Ιερά Σύνοδος της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος προς τους ανά το Κράτος Σεβασ. Ιεράρχας και τας Επισκοπικάς επιτροπάς
Authors: ΙΕΡΑ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ (ΙΣΕΕ)
Published: June 2016

no abstract
Εγκύκλιος του Υπουργείου των Εκκλησιαστικών και της δημοσίας εκπαιδεύσεως προς τους ανά το Κράτος κ.κ. Νομάρχας, τους Σ. Ιεράρχας, τας επισκοπικάς Επιτροπάς και τα Συμβούλια των διατηρουμένων Μονών
Authors: ΦΑΡΜΑΚΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Θ. Κ. , ΠΑΡΙΣΗΣ Σ. Μ.
Published: June 2016

no abstract
Ανισότητες του κεϕαλαίου. Επίκαιρες θεωρήσεις της δυναμικής των ανισοτήτων στην πολιτική οικονομία του σύγχρονου καπιταλισμού
Authors: Σκομβούλης Μιχάλης
Published: June 2016

Σκοπός του άρθρου είναι να καταδείξει τη σημασία και τα όρια των πρόσϕατων θεματοποιήσεων της σύνδεσης των ανισοτήτων με τη δυναμική του κεϕαλαίου εντός της συγκυρίας της τρέχουσας οικονομικής κρίσης των αναπτυγμένων καπιταλιστικών οικονομιών. Το κείμενο λαμβάνει επομένως ως βάση του τη διάσπαρτη στη σύγχρονη βιβλιογραϕία των κοινωνικών επιστημών διαπίστωση ότι η επίταση των κοινωνικών ανισοτήτων συμβαδίζει και τροϕοδοτείται από τους πρόσϕατους ασθενείς ρυθμούς μεγέθυνσης του προϊόντος. Εντός αυτού του πλαισίου θα αναϕερθούμε και θα αναλύσουμε την επιχειρηματολογία τριών πρόσϕατων σημαντικών προσπαθειών στις κοινωνικές επιστήμες για τη θεματοποίηση του ρόλου των ανισοτήτων στον σύγχρονο καπιταλισμό. πρόκειται για τα βιβλία των J. Stiglitz, The Price of Inequality (2012), W. Streeck, Gekaufte Zeit: Die Vertage Krise des demokratischen Kapitalismus (2013) και T. Piketty, Le Capital au xxIe Siècle (2013). Σκοπός μας όμως δεν είναι απλώς να υιοθετήσουμε την ισχυρή κριτική που τα παραπάνω επιχειρήματα προβάλλουν ενάντια στην επίταση των κοινωνικών ανισοτήτων, αλλά να καταδείξουμε τα βασικά θεωρητικά τους όρια ως προς την αντίληψή τους για την έννοια του κεϕαλαίου.
Από τον έλεγχο της συμμόρϕωσης στην αξιολόγηση της απόδοσης
Authors: Στογγάρη Αγγελική , Τσέκος Θεόδωρος
Published: June 2016

Το άρθρο μελετά αντιπαραθετικά αλλά και συμπληρωματικά τις έννοιες του ελέγχου της συμμόρϕωσης προς κανόνες και της αξιολόγησης της απόδοσης. Αϕού οριστούν οι έννοιες και οι μεταξύ τους σχέσεις διερευνάται το πώς ασκούνται τόσο ο έλεγχος όσο και η αξιολόγηση στο πλαίσιο της ελληνικής δημόσιας διοίκησης. Ο έλεγχος συμμόρϕωσης προσεγγίζεται μέσα από τη συνοπτική συζήτηση του εν γένει πειθαρχικού ϕαινομένου. Η αξιολόγηση της απόδοσης συνδέεται με την ποσοτικοποιημένη στοχοθεσία και με τα προβλήματα εισαγωγής στην ελλάδα του συστήματος της διοίκησης μέσω στόχων. ςυμπεραίνεται ότι ο ατελής και αναποτελεσματικός πειθαρχικός έλεγχος και η χρόνια αδυναμία ουσιαστικής εϕαρμογής των ποσοτικών μεθόδων στοχοθεσίας και αξιολόγησης είναι αλληλο-τροϕοδοτούμενα ϕαινόμενα. Η εμπέδωση της μετρήσιμης στοχοθεσίας και αξιολόγησης και η παράλληλη αξιοποίηση στο πλαίσιό της των ελέγχων συμμόρϕωσης ως εργαλείου βελτίωσης της απόδοσης μέσα από ένα καλύτερα επεξεργασμένο σύστημα διοίκησης μέσω στόχων μπορούν να συμβάλουν στη βελτίωση της εν γένει αξιολογητικής και ελεγκτικής διαδικασίας και τελικά στην αντιμετώπιση της αναποτελεσματικής διοίκησης.
Η συμβολή της αξιολόγησης στην αξιοποίηση των Διαρθρωτικών Ταμείων της ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης
Authors: Φραγκούλης Χαράλαμπος
Published: June 2016

Ο αναπροσανατολισμός της αποστολής των χρηματοδοτικών μέσων της ευρωπαϊκής πολιτικής συνοχής για την επίτευξη των στόχων της στρατηγικής ‘ευρώπη 2020’ συνοδεύεται από τη βαθμιαία ανάδυση ενός ευρωπαϊκού πλαισίου αξιολόγησης. Το πλαίσιο αυτό, το οποίο περιλαμβάνει κοινά πρότυπα ποιότητας, κοινούς δείκτες και μεθοδολογικούς κανόνες που συμπυκνώνουν εμπειρίες καλών πρακτικών, υπαγορεύεται από τη λογική καθιέρωσης μιας πιο ομοιογενούς προσέγγισης στα θέματα της αξιολόγησης σε ευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο. Ο απώτερος στόχος είναι να καταστεί εϕικτή η ανάπτυξη ενός κοινού κώδικα επικοινωνίας, μέτρησης και σύγκρισης των επιδόσεων των παρεμβάσεων της πολιτικής συνοχής στα διάϕορα κράτη-μέλη.
In memoriam: ULRICH BECK
Authors: Παναγιωτόπουλος Παναγής
Published: June 2016

Ο Ούλριχ Μπεκ (Στολπ 15.05.1944 - Βερολίνο 1.1.2015) ήταν ένας από τους σημαντικότερους κοινωνιολόγους της μεταπολεμικής ευρώπης.
Η ανασϕαλής Ελληνική ταυτότητα και η αποτυχία των νεωτερικών αξιών
Authors: Λίποβατς Θάνος
Published: June 2016

Στο άρθρο υποστηρίζεται ότι η ενδημούσα κρίση μπορεί να λειτουργήσει και ως ευκαιρία για την έναρξη διαδικασιών συλλογικής και ατομικής αυτο-γνωσίας και εμπέδωσης των οικουμενικών αξιών της νεωτερικότητας. οι διαδικασίες αυτές προϋποθέτουν δύσκολες αποϕάσεις ευθύνης καθώς εδράζονται στην υπέρβαση παραδοσιακών προτύπων συμπεριϕοράς και πολιτικού πράττειν, ειδοποιό χαρακτηριστικό των οποίων είναι η αμυντική στάση απέναντι στην ανοικτή κοινωνία πολιτών, την καινοτομία και τη συμβολαιακή ηθική δέσμευση. στο κείμενο επιχειρείται η διασύνδεση του ατομικού με το συλλογικό και η συσχέτιση της ιστορικο-κοινωνιολογικής ανάλυσης με την ψυχαναλυτική προβληματική.
“The molecule’s the thing:” the promise of molecular modeling and dynamic simulations in aiding the prioritization and interpretation of genomic testing results
Authors: Oliver Gavin R. , Zimmermann Michael T. , Klee Eric W. , Urrutia Raul A.
Published: June 2016

Clinical genomics is now a reality and lies at the heart of individualized medicine efforts. The success of these approaches is evidenced by the increasing volume of publications that report causal links between genomic variants and disease. In spite of early success, clinical genomics currently faces significant challenges in establishing the relevance of the majority of variants identified by next generation sequencing tests. Indeed, the majority of mutations identified are harbored by proteins whose functions remain elusive. Herein we describe the current scenario in genomic testing and in particular the burden of variants of uncertain significance (VUSs). We highlight a role for molecular modeling and molecular dynamic simulations as tools that can significantly increase the yield of information to aid in the evaluation of pathogenicity. Though the application of these methodologies to the interpretation of variants identified by genomic testing is not yet widespread, we predict that an increase in their use will significantly benefit the mission of clinical genomics for individualized medicine.
Bioconductor workflow for microbiome data analysis: from raw reads to community analyses
Authors: Callahan Ben J. , Sankaran Kris , Fukuyama Julia A. , McMurdie Paul J. , Holmes Susan P.
Published: June 2016

High-throughput sequencing of PCR-amplified taxonomic markers (like the 16S rRNA gene) has enabled a new level of analysis of complex bacterial communities known as microbiomes. Many tools exist to quantify and compare abundance levels or microbial composition of communities in different conditions. The sequencing reads have to be denoised and assigned to the closest taxa from a reference database. Common approaches use a notion of 97% similarity and normalize the data by subsampling to equalize library sizes. In this paper, we show that statistical models allow more accurate abundance estimates. By providing a complete workflow in R, we enable the user to do sophisticated downstream statistical analyses, including both parameteric and nonparametric methods. We provide examples of using theR packages dada2, phyloseq, DESeq2, ggplot2 and vegan to filter, visualize and test microbiome data. We also provide examples of supervised analyses using random forests, partial least squares and linear models as well as nonparametric testing using community networks and the ggnetwork package.
Perspectives of introduction sustainable procurement in public procurement in Russia
Authors: Romodina Irina , Silin Maxim
Published: June 2016

The paper is about sustainable public procurement as a new global trend in the development of a sustainable economy. The main question raised is the following: how could sustainable public procurement be implemented in Russia? We aim to answer the question by presenting the findings of survey, covering public procurement practices of 51 contracting authorities and documentation analysis of 400 public tenders, and investigating Russian legislation. The conducted survey aims to identify the aspects of sustainable public procurement already used by public authorities in procuring practices in Russia. The analysis of Russian legislation allows to define in which sections of procurement documentation different aspects of sustainability could be included. This paper provides a unique survey of sustainable procurement practices across the Russian public sector. Research also shows the prerequisites of implementation of sustainable public procurement in Russia.
Increasing value: The King's College Hospital Experience
Authors: Colegate-Stone Toby , Tavokkolizadeh Adel , Moxham John , Sinha Joydeep
Published: June 2016

The increasing trauma demands imposed by our population require innovative practice. A day surgery trauma service is a pragmatic response for those patients with less severe, more ambulatory trauma, and whose surgery has a lower risk profile. By using the principles set out in the value-based healthcare (VBHC) agenda, such a re-orientation of service offers opportunities in improving outcomes and reducing costs, this study assessed the impact of the day surgery trauma service in its current activity, the outcomes generated, its potential development and its fiscal footprint. The average patient satisfaction was very good with 92% preferring their surgery performed as day surgery rather than as an inpatient. Day surgery was noted to have a higher run rate of cases per unit of time, lower costs and subsequently a better margin generation per minute. The additional annual profit generated by performing a single whole day trauma list in day surgery was approximately £293 000. By focusing on the needs of the patients and placing them at the centre of service re-design constructive change is seen to be possible. The day surgery trauma service can be shown to deliver higher value care. Triaging the locus of surgery in this way helps to get patients to the best place for the best outcome.
Evaluation of a paramedic student patient hand-off curriculum using simulation
Authors: Stevens Andrew , Turner Joseph S. , Meyer Colin A. , Soultz Megan D. , Bell Leon H. , Cooper Dylan D.
Published: June 2016

Introduction:

Even though patient handoffs are at high risk for errors and adverse events, there is not a standardised approach to how these should be taught to paramedic students. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a lecture-based training involving the IMIST-AMBO mnemonic in paramedic education.

Methods:

Paramedic students were randomised into a control group of standard national paramedicine curriculum and an intervention group who received an additional EMS patient handover lecture including IMIST-AMBO protocol. Outcomes were measured through simulation exercises, with learners randomised to either a low-fidelity tabletop or high-fidelity mannequin-based session.

Results:

There were three paramedic student teams in each arm of the study. There were no statistical differences in the reporting of any of the IMIST-AMBO components or the total number reported between the control and the intervention group. The intervention group took significantly longer to give their patient handoff: 78.2 s versus 49.2 s.

Discussions:

The formal education on patient handoffs was successfully implemented. There was a trend toward more data being reported in the intervention group but this came at the cost of a significantly longer report.

Conclusions:

We were able to successfully implement formal education on patient handoffs but the small size of the study limited the ability to evaluate its effectiveness. Patient handoffs are a high-risk area in medicine and more studies are needed to determine the most effective way to teach this to paramedic students.
Behaviour – at the heart of our success
Authors: Beischer Neville
Published: June 2016

After leading his inner city Manchester school to an outstanding in all areas Ofsted judgement, headteacher Neville Beischer says that student behaviour is the secret for those searching for whole-school improvement. He explains his school's ethos
Impact of pedicle-lengthening osteotomy on spinal canal volume and neural foramen size in three types of lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Li P. , Qian L. , Wu W. D. , Wu C. F. , Ouyang J.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

Pedicle-lengthening osteotomy is a novel surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), which achieves substantial enlargement of the spinal canal by expansion of the bilateral pedicle osteotomy sites. Few studies have evaluated the impact of this new surgery on spinal canal volume (SCV) and neural foramen dimension (NFD) in three different types of LSS patients.

Methods

CT scans were performed on 36 LSS patients (12 central canal stenosis (CCS), 12 lateral recess stenosis (LRS), and 12 foraminal stenosis (FS)) at L4-L5, and on 12 normal (control) subjects. Mimics 14.01 workstation was used to reconstruct 3D models of the L4-L5 vertebrae and discs. SCV and NFD were measured after 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm pedicle-lengthening osteotomies at L4 and/or L5. One-way analysis of variance was used to examine between-group differences.

Results

In the intact state, SVC and NFD were significantly larger in the control group compared with the LSS groups (P<0.05). After lengthening at L4, the percentage increase in SCV (per millimetre) was LRS>CCS>FS>Control. After lengthening at L5 and L4-L5, the percentage increase in SCV (per millimetre) was LRS>FS>CCS>Control. After lengthening at L4 and L4-L5, the percentage increase in NFD (per millimetre) was FS>CCS>LRS>Control. After lengthening at L5, the percentage increase in NFD (per millimetre) was CCS>LRS>control>FS.

Conclusions

LRS patients are the most suitable candidates for treatment with pedicle-lengthening osteotomy. Lengthening L4 pedicles produced larger percentage increases in NFD than lengthening L5 pedicles (p < 0.05). Lengthening L4 pedicles may be the most effective option for relieving foraminal compression in LSS patients. Cite this article: P. Li, L. Qian, W. D. Wu, C. F. Wu, J. Ouyang. Impact of pedicle-lengthening osteotomy on spinal canal volume and neural foramen size in three types of lumbar spinal stenosis. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:239–246. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.56.2000469.
Thirteen Years of an International External Quality Assessment Scheme for Genotyping: Results and Recommendations
Authors: Haselmann Verena , Geilenkeuser Wolf J , Helfert Simona , Eichner Romy , Hetjens Svetlana , Neumaier Michael , Ahmad-Nejad Parviz
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Suboptimal laboratory procedures resulting in genotyping errors, misdiagnosis, or incorrect reporting bear greatly on a patient's health management, therapeutic decisions made on their behalf, and ultimate outcome. Participation in external quality assessment (EQA) is a key element of quality assurance in molecular genetic diagnostics. Therefore, the Reference Institute for Bioanalytics has tried for 13 years to improve the quality of genetic testing by offering an EQA for different clinically relevant sequence variations.

METHODS

Within each of the biannual EQA schemes offered, up to 18 samples of lyophilized human genomic DNA were provided for up to 50 different molecular genetic tests. Laboratories were asked to use their routine procedures for genotyping. At least 2 expert peer assessors reviewed the final returns. Data from 2002 to 2014 were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 82 462 reported results from 812 characterized samples were evaluated. Globally, the number of participants increased each year along with the number of sequence variations offered. The error rate decreased significantly over the years with an overall error rate of 1.44%. Additionally, a decreased error rate for samples repeated over time was noted. Interestingly, the error rate showed a high difference depending on the locus analyzed and the method used.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the evaluation of this long-term EQA scheme, various recommendations can be given to improve the quality of molecular genetic testing, such as the use of 2 different methods for genotyping. Furthermore, some methods are inappropriate for analysis of certain sequence variations.
Hydrogel Micropatch and Mass Spectrometry–Assisted Screening for Psoriasis-Related Skin Metabolites
Authors: Dutkiewicz Ewelina P , Hsieh Kai-Ta , Wang Yi-Sheng , Chiu Hsien-Yi , Urban Pawel L
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Screening skin metabolites could unravel the pathophysiology of psoriasis and provide new diagnostic approaches. Due to the lack of suitable methodologies for collecting scarce amounts of skin excretions, the psoriatic skin metabolome has not been extensively studied.

METHODS

We implemented biocompatible hydrogel micropatch probes combined with mass spectrometry to investigate the skin metabolome. This noninvasive approach was applied to examine samples obtained from 100 psoriatic patients and 100 healthy individuals. We also developed custom data treatment tools and used chemometric and statistical tools to reveal the alterations in the skin metabolome caused by psoriasis.

RESULTS

The proposed methodology enabled us to capture alterations in the composition of skin excretions caused by the disease. Chemometric analysis revealed the major differences between the metabolomes of psoriatic skin and healthy skin. Several polar metabolites were positively (choline and glutamic acid) or negatively (urocanic acid and citrulline) correlated with the plaque severity scores. The amounts of these metabolites in the excretions sampled from psoriatic skin were significantly different (P < 0.001) from the excretions sampled from healthy skin. The role of biological variability and various confounding factors, which might affect the skin metabolome, was also investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Sampling lesional and healthy skin with the hydrogel micropatch probes and subsequent direct mass spectrometry scanning provided information on the alterations in the skin metabolome caused by psoriasis, increasing the understanding of the complex pathophysiology of this disease.
Documenting defiance: Women film-makers in Tahrir Square
Authors: Telmissany May
Published: June 2016

This article discusses the work of national and transnational women film-makers who contributed to the discourse on the Egyptian Revolution in the three years that followed the fall of Mubarak and who documented forms and expressions of female defiance through the lens of their camera. I argue that, in women-made documentaries, the social and political defiance vis-à-vis systems of governance and instances of authority (familial, religious and political) is shaped through the representation of a far-reaching form of disobedience, breaking the rules of social patriarchy and political paternalism, destabilizing the common knowledge on oppressed women and defying the overarching essentialist views on women’s conditions in Egypt. I argue that civic defiance cannot be understood without examining the more radical epistemic defiance to the established régime du savoir (regime of knowledge) informed by power relationships, and the way in which knowledge circulates and functions in relation to power centers and authoritarian elites.