bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of scintigraphic (semi-)quantitative thyroid parameters on radioiodine therapy outcome in hyperthyroid cats
Authors: Volckaert Veerle , Vandermeulen Eva , Duchateau Luc , Daminet Sylvie , Saunders Jimmy H , Peremans Kathelijne
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The outcome of radioiodine therapy in hyperthyroid cats is suspected to be influenced by multiple factors. The degree of activity of the thyroid gland, represented by uptake of sodium pertechnetate or tracer activities of radioiodine by the thyroid gland on thyroid scintigraphy, has been suggested in the literature as one of those. Thyroid gland pertechnetate uptake can be represented by (semi-)quantitative factors such as the thyroid to salivary gland (T/S) ratio, the thyroid to background (T/B) ratio and the percentage technetium uptake by the thyroid glands (%TcU). The aim of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between these thyroid scan parameters and radioiodine therapy outcome.

Methods

Sodium pertechnetate thyroid scans of 75 hyperthyroid cats were retrospectively evaluated and statistical analysis was performed with and without correction for injected radioiodine activity. Three different background regions of interest (ROIs) were used to calculate the T/B ratio and %TcU: ‘neck’, ‘circle’ and ‘copy ROI’.

Results

Higher T/S ratios were found to be significantly related to a persistent hyperthyroid outcome in both analyses. For the T/S ratio, a threshold value of 5.4 was determined, with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 59%. An increased risk for persistent hyperthyroidism compared with a final euthyroid outcome with an increased T/Bcircle ratio was only found to be significant without correction for the activity of radioiodine administered. For the %TcU no statistical significance was reached. Regarding a low total thyroxine outcome, no significant relationships with any of the investigated parameters were found.

Conclusions and relevance

The findings of this study suggest that semi-quantification of thyroid gland uptake is best performed using the T/S ratio. A T/S ratio ⩾5.4 is a possible indicator for an increased risk of persistent hyperthyroidism.
Flow cytometry for feline lymphoma: a retrospective study regarding pre-analytical factors possibly affecting the quality of samples
Authors: Martini Valeria , Bernardi Serena , Marelli Priscilla , Cozzi Marzia , Comazzi Stefano
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Flow cytometry (FC) is becoming increasingly popular among veterinary oncologists for the diagnosis of lymphoma or leukaemia. It is accurate, fast and minimally invasive. Several studies of FC have been carried out in canine oncology and applied with great results, whereas there is limited knowledge and use of this technique in feline patients. This is mainly owing to the high prevalence of intra-abdominal lymphomas in this species and the difficulty associated with the diagnostic procedures needed to collect the sample. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether any pre-analytical factor might affect the quality of suspected feline lymphoma samples for FC analysis.

Methods

Ninety-seven consecutive samples of suspected feline lymphoma were retrospectively selected from the authors’ institution’s FC database. The referring veterinarians were contacted and interviewed about several different variables, including signalment, appearance of the lesion, features of the sampling procedure and the experience of veterinarians performing the sampling. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the possible influence of these variables on the cellularity of the samples and the likelihood of it being finally processed for FC.

Results

Sample cellularity is a major factor in the likelihood of the sample being processed. Moreover, sample cellularity was significantly influenced by the needle size, with 21 G needles providing the highest cellularity. Notably, the sample cellularity and the likelihood of being processed did not vary between peripheral and intra-abdominal lesions. Approximately half of the cats required pharmacological restraint. Side effects were reported in one case only (transient swelling after peripheral lymph node sampling).

Conclusions and relevance

FC can be safely applied to cases of suspected feline lymphomas, including intra-abdominal lesions. A 21 G needle should be preferred for sampling. This study provides the basis for the increased use of this minimally invasive, fast and cost-effective technique in feline medicine.
Curative-intent radical en bloc resection using a minimum of a 3 cm margin in feline injection-site sarcomas: a retrospective analysis of 131 cases
Authors: Müller Nina , Kessler Martin
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Owing to its highly infiltrative growth, feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) carries a significant risk of local tumour recurrence. Parameters of possible prognostic significance (eg, tumour size and location, resection of de novo vs recurrent tumours, and achievement of tumour-free surgical margins) were examined with regard to their influence on recurrence rate (RR), disease-free interval (DFI) and survival time (ST).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of cats with FISSs located on the chest or abdominal wall or the interscapular region treated in a single institution using a standardised radical resection technique with 3 cm lateral margins and full-thickness body wall resection (tumours over chest/abdominal wall) or a minimum of two fascial planes (interscapular tumours).

Results

Median postoperative DFI and ST of 131 cats with FISSs was 21 and 24 months, respectively. Patients operated on for recurrent tumours were significantly more likely to die from tumour-related reasons compared with patients with de novo tumours ( P <0.001). RR and DFI in the different tumour locations were comparable ( P = 0.544 and P = 0.17, respectively). Local tumour recurrence occurred in 38.1% of the cats. Cats operated on for tumour recurrences had a significantly higher chance of another recurrence (RR 55.5% vs 33.3%; P = 0.005). Completeness of excision was determined by taking tumour bed biopsies. Tumour bed biopsies that did not contain tumour cells were associated with a significantly lower RR compared with those with tumour cells (30.5% vs 76.2%).

Conclusions and relevance

Depending on prognostic factors such as surgery for primary vs recurrent tumour, tumour-free resection margins and tumour location, the RR in FISS ranges from 33–55%, despite curative intent radical surgery. This study may help in identifying patients at risk for recurrence.
Retrospective analysis of the effect of acid-suppressant therapy on clinicopathologic parameters of cats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Gould Emily , Klos Jacob , Price Josh , Harris Tonya , Vaden Shelly , Tolbert M Katherine
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The aim was to retrospectively evaluate the effects of acid-suppressant therapy in a population of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study objectives were to evaluate the effects of acid-suppressant therapy on clinicopathologic variables and progression of CKD over time.

Methods

The databases of two institutions were searched over an 11 year time span for cats fitting inclusion criteria for CKD. A total of 89 cats met the criteria for inclusion and were grouped according to either early (ie, stages 1–2) or advanced (ie, stages 3–4) CKD. Variables were statistically analyzed before and after treatment with either: (1) proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; n = 17), (2) histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs; n = 30), (3) combined acid-suppressant therapy (PPI + H2RA; n = 6) or (4) no acid-suppressant therapy (n = 36). Shapiro–Wilk testing and Q-Q plots were used to assess normality and variance, respectively. A complete randomized design with a mixed-effects repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate for differences in stage, treatment and time, as well as the interaction between these effects.

Results

A significant increase in blood creatinine concentration was found over time independent of severity of CKD and treatment group ( P = 0.0087). A significant increase in blood sodium concentration (change of 3.12 mmol/l) was found independent of stage in cats receiving PPI therapy ( P = 0.0109). A significant decrease in total blood magnesium (change of 0.15 mmol/l) was detected in two cats with early CKD receiving combined acid suppressants ( P = 0.0025).

Conclusions and relevance

Results of this retrospective study suggest that cats with CKD receiving PPI therapy may develop alterations in blood sodium concentrations but do not experience more rapid progression of CKD.
Survival times for cats with hyperthyroidism treated with a 3.35 mCi iodine-131 dose: a retrospective study of 96 cases
Authors: Vagney Marie , Desquilbet Loic , Reyes-Gomez Edouard , Delisle Françoise , Devauchelle Patrick , Rodriguez-Piñeiro Maria Isabel , Rosenberg Dan , de Fornel-Thibaud Pauline
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Radioiodine (131I) dose determination using radiotracer kinetic studies or scoring systems, and fixed relatively high 131I dose (ie, 4 or 5 mCi) administration, are effective and associated with prolonged survival times for hyperthyroid cats. The latter method is less complicated but could expose patients and veterinary personnel to unnecessary levels of radiation. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a fixed 3.35 mCi 131I dose for the treatment of 96 hyperthyroid cats with no length estimation for any palpated goitre ⩾20 mm, assess outcome and identify factors associated with survival.

Methods

Serum total thyroxine concentrations at diagnosis and at follow-up times, survival times and cause of death were recorded. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with time to any cause of death from 131I therapy initiation.

Results

Administration of a median (interquartile range) dose of 3.35 mCi (3.27–3.44 mCi) radioiodine was an effective treatment in 94/96 cats, but two cats remained hyperthyroid. No death related to hyperthyroidism was recorded. Median survival time was 3.0 years; the 1 and 2 year survival rates after 131I therapy were 90% and 78%, respectively. Low body weight (⩽3.1 kg; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 5.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22–16.67; P <0.01) and male gender (aHR 2.63; 95% CI 1.01–7.14; P = 0.04) were independently associated with death, whereas age, prior treatment with antithyroid drugs, reason for treatment and pretreatment azotaemia were not.

Conclusions and relevance

This study suggests that a fixed 3.35 mCi 131I dose treatment is effective for hyperthyroid cats with goitre(s) with a maximal length estimation <20 mm, that long-term survival can be achieved and that low body weight and male gender are significantly associated with shorter survival times.
Paravertebral brachial plexus blockade in cats: a cadaver study
Authors: Evangelista Marina C , Monteiro Beatriz P , Doodnaught Graeme M , Benoist Pascale , Steagall Paulo V
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe the paravertebral brachial plexus (PBP) blockade in cats, and compare the spread of bupivacaine–methylene blue solution (BMS) using two volumes of injection into the PBP.

Methods

Six cadavers (4.4 ± 1.8 kg) randomly received 0.15 ml/kg (LOW) or 0.2 ml/kg (HIGH) per injection of BMS into the PBP. The first injection was made ventral to the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra (nerves C6 and C7) at the emergence of nerve roots. A second injection was performed at the edge of the cranial border of the scapula and directed ventrally towards the first rib (C8 and T1). Cadavers were dissected and the presence of BMS in contact with the nerves (success rate) and length of staining were evaluated for each nerve (C6/C7/C8/T1). Length of target nerves in contact with BMS was measured and <15 mm was considered fair, ⩾15 mm sufficient and >40 mm excessive. Complications (aspiration of blood, staining of pleural space and/or spinal cord) were recorded. Paired t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and χ2 test were used for statistical analysis when appropriate ( P <0.05).

Results

Eleven hemilateral brachial plexuses were injected. Aspiration of blood occurred during one injection. Inadvertent pleural or spinal staining was not observed. Success rates (positive nerve staining) in the LOW and HIGH groups, respectively, were as follows: C6: 83% and 80%; C7: 66% and 100%; C8: 66% and 100%; T1: 50% and 60% ( P >0.05). Median (range) length of nerve staining was 22 mm (15–39 mm) for LOW and 21 mm (13–35 mm) for HIGH ( P >0.05). Excessive nerve staining was not recorded.

Conclusions and relevance

This study describes the PBP blockade in cats with acceptable nerve staining and minimal complications. Success rate and length of nerve staining were not significantly different between the LOW and HIGH groups.
Open-mouth jaw locking in cats: a literature review and use of CT in three cases
Authors: Nutt Anna E , Anderson Thomas , Gracis Margherita , Doran Ivan , Warren-Smith Chris , Langley-Hobbs Sorrel J
Published: December 2017

Case series summary

This report summarises and reviews the published cases of open-mouth jaw locking in cats and describes three further cases. Case 1 was a 5-year-old, 5.3 kg male neutered domestic shorthair cat. CT identified changes consistent with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysplasia with osseous degenerative changes, and the cat subsequently underwent bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. Case 2 was a 10-year-old, 6.0 kg male neutered Exotic Shorthair. Aside from a fracture of the left maxillary canine tooth crown and absence of the left maxillary fourth premolar tooth, no abnormalities were found on CT scan. The cat also underwent bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. The third case was a 1-year-old, 4.0 kg male neutered Persian cat. Changes on CT were consistent with bilateral TMJ dysplasia, and the cat underwent staged bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. There was no recurrence of open-mouth jaw locking in any of the cases on long-term follow-up.

Relevance and novel information

Open-mouth jaw locking has been reported in cats of a wide range of ages, from 1–10 years. Cats with all skull types (brachycephalic, mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic) may be affected, but brachycephalic breeds seem to be over-represented. A CT scan with the jaw locked in place is recommended for diagnosis and surgical planning purposes; two of the cases reported here document the first cases of TMJ dysplasia in cats to be definitively diagnosed using CT. Trauma and symphyseal or TMJ laxity may also predispose to development of the condition. Partial coronoidectomy and partial zygomatic arch resection performed alone or in combination are generally successful at preventing recurrence. Bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy has not previously been reported as a surgical treatment, and is recommended when open-mouth jaw locking occurs bilaterally.
Efficacy of zonisamide on interictal electroencephalography in familial spontaneous epileptic cats
Authors: Ukai Masayasu , Hamamoto Yuji , Yu Yoshihiko , Fujiwara-Igarashi Aki , Fujita Michio , Hasegawa Daisuke
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The effectiveness of zonisamide (ZNS) against spontaneous epilepsy in cats has not yet been described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ZNS on interictal paroxysmal discharges (PDs) using scalp electroencephalography (EEG) in familial spontaneous epileptic cats (FSECs).

Methods

Eight FSECs were evaluated (six males and two females). Scalp EEG measurements were performed once a week for 3 weeks before ZNS administration (Pre-ZNS). Thereafter, administration of ZNS was started and an adjustment period was instituted until the drug in plasma achieved the steady state. When ZNS in plasma was confirmed to be within 10–40 μg/ml, scalp EEG measurements were performed once a week for 3 weeks (Post-ZNS). The number of PDs (counts/min) were compared between Pre-ZNS and Post-ZNS treatment.

Results

The median number of PDs for Pre-ZNS and Post-ZNS were 0.43/min (0.13–0.82/min) and 0.28/min (0.07–0.87/min), respectively. The number of PDs Post-ZNS was significantly reduced compared with Pre-ZNS ( P = 0.02).

Conclusions and relevance

This study showed that ZNS, within the recommended therapeutic range suggested for use in humans and dogs (10–40 µg/ml), reduced the number of PDs recorded on EEG in FSECs that are considered a model for cats with idiopathic epilepsy. Although phenobarbital is the antiepileptic drug of choice for epileptic cats, the results of this research provide evidence to support the use of ZNS in cats with phenobarbital-resistant epilepsy or for cats that cannot use phenobarbital due to adverse side effects.
Bending and free vibration analysis of foam-filled truss core sandwich panel
Authors: Arunkumar MP , Pitchaimani Jeyaraj , Gangadharan KV
Published: December 2017

This paper presents the studies carried out on bending and free vibration behavior of truss core sandwich panel filled with foam typically used in aerospace applications. Equivalent stiffness properties for foam-filled truss core sandwich panel are derived by idealizing 3D foam-filled sandwich panel to an equivalent 2D orthotropic thick plate continuum. The accuracy of the derived elastic property is ensured by the numerical comparison of free vibration response of 3D and its equivalent 2D finite element model. The derived stiffness constants were used in closed form solution to evaluate the maximum deflection of the continuum. The results show that the free vibration and static behavior of the sandwich panel can be enhanced in due consideration to the space constraint by filling foam in the empty space of core. The results also reveal that triangular core foam-filled sandwich panel deflects less compared to other cores. From the free vibration analysis, effect of filling foam is effective in cellular and trapezoidal core.
Nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of sandwich composite plates with negative Poisson’s ratio in auxetic honeycombs
Authors: Nguyen Duc Dinh , Pham Cong Hong
Published: December 2017

Auxetic cellular solids in the forms of honeycombs under blast load have great potential in a diverse range of applications, including core material in sandwich plates composite components. Based on Reddy’s first-order shear deformation plate theory, this paper presents an analysis of the nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of sandwich plates with negative Poisson’s ratio in auxetic honeycombes on elastic foundations subjected to blast and mechanical loads. A three-layer sandwich plate is considered discretized in the thickness direction by using analytical methods (stress function method, approximate solution), Galerkin method, and fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. The results show the effects of geometrical parameters, material properties, mechanical and elastic foundations on the nonlinear dynamic response, and vibration of sandwich plates.
Structural design of face fabrics and the core as a premise for compression behavior of 3D woven sandwich fabric
Authors: Mihailovic Tatjana V , Asanovic Koviljka A , Cerovic Dragana D
Published: December 2017

In this work, an experimental study on compression properties of two E-glass 3D woven fabrics, known as integrally woven sandwich fabrics, has been presented. Compression properties of 2D face fabrics and the core, as structural parts of integrally woven sandwich fabric, have also been investigated. Compression behavior of the samples (compressibility, compression work, and compressive resilience) was analyzed from the aspect of the weave design of face fabrics and the core structure (shape and density of the pile yarns). Results of the investigation showed that “8” shaped core structure, the greater surface density of the pile yarns, and the less compact structure of face fabrics ensure better compression properties of 3D fabrics. Specific weave design of face fabrics and the structure of the core significantly influence the behavior of 3D fabrics during successive increases, followed by a gradual decrease of pressure. During the loading of 3D woven structures, three regions of curves can clearly be seen compared to two regions which are registered at 2D face fabrics. Concerning 3D woven fabrics, the first region represents compression of the core, the second region is prolonged core compression and the third region refers to the simultaneous compression of pile yarns in the core and face fabrics. The density of pile yarns plays an important role in the region 1. In region 2, both the shape and density of the pile yarns are significant. Influence of the weave of face fabrics on compression behavior of 3D fabric can be noticed to a lesser extent in the region 2 and, especially in the region 3, where highly packed yarns assemblies are created.
High-order free vibration analysis of FGM sandwich plates with non-monotonically graded flexible core
Authors: Liu Ming , Liu Jun , Cheng Yuansheng
Published: December 2017

Free vibration analysis of sandwich plates with non-monotonically graded flexible core is studied using a high-order sandwich panel theory. The non-monotonically graded flexible core is considered as two monotonically graded flexible core layers. In this high-order theory, the ﬁrst-order shear deformation theory is used for the face sheets and a 3D-elasticity solution of weak core is employed for each single core layer. The laminated two-layered core is analyzed and formulated by the mixed layer-wise theory. Based on the continuity of the displacements and transverse stresses at the interfaces of the face sheets and the core, equations of motion are derived by Hamilton’s principle. The accuracy of the present approach is validated by comparing with the numerical results obtained from finite element method and good agreements are reached. Parametric study is also conducted to investigate the effect of distribution of functionally graded material properties, the monotonically graded core thickness ratio, and the thickness-to-side ratio on the vibration frequency.
Dynamic response of laminated and sandwich composite structures via 1D models based on Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Pagani A , Petrolo M , Carrera E
Published: December 2017

This article presents the dynamic response of composite structures via refined beam models. The mode superposition method was used, and the Carrera Unified Formulation was exploited to create the advanced structural models. The finite element method was employed to compute the natural frequencies and modes. The main novelty of this article concerns the use of Chebyshev polynomials to define the displacement field above the cross-section of the beam. In particular, polynomials of the second kind were adopted, and the results were compared with those from analytical solutions and already established Carrera Unified Formulation-based beam models, which utilize Taylor and Lagrange polynomials to develop refined kinematics theories. Sandwich beams and laminated, thin-walled box beams were considered. Non-classical effects such as the cross-section distortion and bending/torsion coupling were evaluated. The results confirm the validity of the Carrera Unified Formulation for the implementation of refined structural models with any expansion functions and orders. In particular, the Chebyshev polynomials provide accuracies very similar to those from Taylor models. The use of high-order expansions, e.g. seventh-order, leads to results as accurate as those of Lagrange models which, from previous publications, are known as the most accurate Carrera Unified Formulation 1D models for this type of structural problems.
Vibration and buckling analysis of laminated sandwich conical shells using higher order shear deformation theory and differential quadrature method
Authors: Nasihatgozar M , Khalili SMR
Published: December 2017

Vibration and buckling analysis of laminated sandwich truncated conical shells with compressible or incompressible core are presented in this work considering curvature effects. The formulation uses the quadratic and cubic functions for transverse and in-plane displacements of the core and the first-order shear deformation theory for the face sheets. The motion equations of each individual layer are derived according to the principle of minimum total potential energy considering the continuity of the displacements and the internal stress fields at the interfaces. Differential quadrature method is applied in order to obtain the frequency and buckling load of the sandwich structure. The effects of different parameters such as core to face sheet stiffness ratio, number of layers of the face sheets, boundary condition, geometrical parameters of the core and the face sheets, semi vertex angle of the cone, trapezoidal shape, and in-plane stresses of the core are examined on the vibration and buckling response of sandwich truncated conical shells. Comparison of the present results with those reported in the literature confirms the accuracy of the proposed theory. Numerical results indicate that the effects of in-plane stresses of the core significantly affect the frequency with increasing the core to face sheet stiffness ratio.
Characteristics of the shear mechanical properties and the influence mechanism of short basalt fiber reinforced polymer composite materials
Authors: Chen Jinxiang , Tuo Wanyong , Wei Peixing , Okabe Yoji , Xu Ming , Xu Mengye
Published: December 2017

To increase the engineering applications of basalt fiber, the characteristics of the shear mechanical properties and the influence mechanisms of the fiber length ( Lf) and volume fraction ( Vf) for short basalt fiber reinforced epoxy resin polymer composites were investigated. The following results were obtained: (1) The first critical loads on all the shear load–displacement curves are close to the same value due to having the same interface bonding of the fiber–matrix; (2) the shear strength, deformation, and energy dissipation capacity all increase with increasing Vf; however, when Lf is 6 or 9 mm, these increases are slower, whereas when Lf is 3 mm, these values increase at an approximately constant rate; and (3) the shear elastic modulus of the samples reaches its maximum value when Lf is 3 mm and Vf is 25%; however, it increases more quickly when Lf is 6 or 9 mm. The failure mode of the samples with the larger Lf values is mainly debonding between the fiber and matrix; when Vf is high, the fibers can easily bundle, which reduces the adhesion between the fibers and matrix. In addition, the main failure mode of the 3-mm-long fiber samples is fiber pull-out; when Vf is high, the short fibers that are not pulled out significantly increase the deformation ability.
Enhancement of performance of three-dimensional fiber metal laminates under low velocity impact – A coupled numerical and experimental investigation
Authors: Asaee Zohreh , Taheri Farid
Published: December 2017

The main objective of the present study is to examine the level of enhancement in performance of three-dimensional fiber metal laminates (3DFML) under low velocity impact, when reinforced by different types of reinforcing face-sheets (i.e. fiberglass or carbon). Three layup configurations of the fabrics are considered in this investigation. The impact response of each of these configurations is assessed numerically using ABAQUS/Explicit, a commercially available finite element software. Specifically, each configuration’s impact capacity, deformation, contact time, and energy absorption capacity are evaluated. The numerical results are validated by comparison against experimental results. Moreover, a semi-empirical equation is developed for evaluating the impact capacity of such panels, as a function of impact energy, capable of accounting the influence of any type of reinforcement. Finally, the most efficient reinforced three-dimensional fiber metal laminates are identified based on their impact strength with respect to their overall weight and cost.
High velocity impact response of carbon nanotubes-reinforced composite sandwich panels
Authors: Naghizadeh Zahra , Faezipour Mehdi , Hossein Pol Mohammad , Liaghat Gholamhossein , abdolkhani Ali
Published: December 2017

Effect of adding carboxyl-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs) on the high velocity impact of sandwich panels with plywood core and two different facesheets, E-glass/epoxy and E-glass/ nylon 6, was investigated in this study. Facesheets were prepared with and without COOH-MWCNTs. Three different weight percentages of 0.3, 0.5, and 1 wt% of COOH-MWCNTs were used to reinforce epoxy and nylon 6 polymers. The sandwich panels’ estimated ballistic limit ( Vbl) and impact energy absorbed ( Eab) were determined by subjecting them to impact velocities in their ballistic limit range and above by conical nose projectile. It was found that the sandwich panels containing E-glass/ epoxy facesheets exhibited more energy absorption than those containing E-glass/nylon 6 facesheets. Moreover, the high velocity impact response of sandwich panels improved with the increase of COOH-MWCNT content. Besides, the damage area for different types of materials studied is presented, and it is observed that at a given impact velocity, the damage size on the rear facesheet of target around the point of impact decreases on addition of COOH-MWCNTs.
Amelanotic Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Mohs Surgery as the Definitive Treatment of an Invisible Tumour
Authors: Ponzo Marisa Grace , Crawford Richard Ian , Kossintseva Irèn
Published: December 2017

Amelanotic lentigo maligna melanoma represents <2% of melanomas. Diagnosis is delayed owing to the lack of lesion pigmentation and advanced disease at presentation. Excision with appropriate margins is the treatment standard, but the starting point for such margins is often unclear. We describe 2 patients with amelanotic melanoma treated by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) that would not have been cleared by wide local excision alone and provide an extensive review of the literature. Both patients presented with histologic diagnoses of malignant melanoma, one with a barely perceptible biopsy site scar on the left infraorbital cheek/lower eyelid (Breslow 1.8 mm) and the second with an amelanotic tumour on the right helix (Breslow 10 mm). Due to location, aggressive histology, amelanotic appearance, and no apparent surrounding skin surface changes, MMS was elected to maximise margin control. For patient 1, invasive and in situ tumour was found at the American Joint Committee on Cancer–recommended margin of 1.5 cm, and the final defect measured 8.5 × 4.8 cm. Patient 2 had a significant invasive and amelanotic lentigo maligna component, resulting in a 9.0 × 6.5-cm defect. MMS allows for immediate histologic feedback on tumour margins of a clinically invisible tumour and thus offers the most definitive treatment.
Review of Primary Cutaneous Mucinoses in Nonlupus Connective Tissue Diseases
Authors: Wong Russell X. , Chia Justin C. , Haber Richard M.
Published: December 2017

Lichen myxedematosus is an idiopathic, cutaneous mucinosis with 2 clinicopathologic subsets. There is the generalised papular and sclerodermoid form, more properly termed scleromyxedema, and the localised papular form. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of lichen myxedematosus in association with rheumatoid arthritis as well as a case in association with dermatomyositis. An up-to-date literature review on cutaneous mucinoses and connective tissue diseases, excluding the common association of primary and secondary mucinoses with systemic lupus erythematosus, was also performed.
Metastatic Melanoma in Sentinel Node–Negative Patients: The Ottawa Experience
Authors: Ward Chloe E. , MacIsaac Jennifer L. , Heughan Caroline E. , Weatherhead Louis
Published: December 2017

Background:

Lymph node involvement is a major independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with malignant melanoma. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) detection of microscopic nodal melanoma has been shown to improve both 5-year survival and 5-year disease-free survival.

Objective:

To determine the rate of metastatic melanoma in SLNB-negative patients at long-term follow-up.

Methods:

Study subjects include all 152 patients who had a negative SLNB and were followed at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre (ORCC) between 1999 and 2004. Patients with a follow-up period less than 6 months, more than 1 primary melanoma, and metastatic melanoma at diagnosis were excluded. Age at diagnosis, sex, Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitoses, regression, Clark level, anatomical location, development of metastatic melanoma, time to detection of metastatic disease, and time to death from melanoma were studied.

Results:

In this retrospective study at the ORCC, 40 of 140 (28.6%) patients with a single primary melanoma developed metastatic melanoma following negative SLNB at a mean follow-up of 63 months.

Conclusion:

The rate of metastatic melanoma following negative SLNB at long-term follow-up at the ORCC is higher than the upper limit of rates reported in the literature (6%-24%). The reason for this is multifactorial, and the long follow-up period of 5 years allowed for detection of metastatic disease at a mean of 3.9 years. Long-term prognosis may be guarded in node-negative patients with a primary cutaneous melanoma, and surveillance by a multidisciplinary team is crucial.
The measure of all things? The Anthropocene as a global biopolitics of carbon
Authors: Hamilton Scott
Published: December 2017

We are now told to welcome ourselves to the Anthropocene, a new geological epoch where humanity is ‘literally making’ the planet (Dalby, 2014). Yet, the underlying philosophical foundations of this human-made epoch remain relatively unexplored. This article makes a new contribution by problematizing the Anthropocene using the philosophies of Arendt, Foucault and Heidegger. It argues that the Anthropocene is a new and global form of biopolitics that asserts the essence of all (human) life and industry — the carbon atom — as the measure and centre of everything. When Nature is pre-reflectively projected, quantified and conceived as a calculable and carbonic human construction, then every thinkable object becomes related back to the human as its creator and steward. This is argued by tracing the entwining of computerized general circulation models, nuclear technologies and Earth system science, as well as by critiquing applicationist uses of biopolitics and governmentality in International Relations. What emerges in the Anthropocene, therefore, is an implicit yet powerful form of subjectivism ranging from atomic to global scales, or what is defined here as ‘relationality’. Echoing Heidegger (1977a: 27), in the Anthropocene, ‘It seems as though man everywhere and always encounters only himself’. Welcome, Anthropos, not to an epoch you are making, but to your new global biopolitics of carbon.
The international relations of ‘bourgeois revolutions’: Disputing the Turkish Revolution
Authors: Duzgun Eren
Published: December 2017

The study of revolutions is at the forefront of the growing field of International Historical Sociology. As International Historical Sociology scholars have sought to uncover the spatio-temporally changing character of international relations, they have come a long way in overcoming ‘unilinear’ and ‘internalist’ conceptions of revolutionary modern transformation. In this article, I re-evaluate the extent to which the International Historical Sociology of ‘bourgeois revolutions’ has succeeded in remedying unilinear conceptions of the transition to modernity. I argue that ‘consequentialist’ approaches to the study of bourgeois revolutions tend to obscure the radically heterogeneous character of revolutionary transformations, both within and outside Western Europe. Drawing on Political Marxism and Robbie Shilliam’s discussion of Jacobinism, I first provide a non-consequentialist reading of the revolutions of modernity within Western Europe, and then utilize this reinterpretation to provide a new interpretation of the Turkish Revolution (1923–1945). My aim is to demonstrate that a non-consequentialist conception of ‘bourgeois revolutions’ will enable us to historicize and theorize more accurately the co-constitution of international relations and revolutionary processes, hence providing a stronger foundation for the International Historical Sociology of modern revolutions.
Contesting the Confucian peace: Civilization, barbarism and international hierarchy in East Asia
Authors: Phillips Andrew
Published: December 2017

International Relations scholars have turned to China’s tributary system to broaden our understanding of international systems beyond the ‘states-under-anarchy’ model derived from European history. This scholarship forms the inspiration and foil for this article, which refines International Relations scholars’ conceptualizations of how international hierarchy arose and endured in East Asia during the Manchu Qing Dynasty — China’s last and most territorially expansive imperial dynasty. I argue that existing conceptions of East Asian hierarchy overstate the importance of mutual identification between the region’s Confucian monarchies in sustaining Chinese hegemony. Instead, we can understand Qing China’s dominance only once we recognize the Manchus as a ‘barbarian’ dynasty, which faced unique challenges legitimating its rule domestically and internationally. As ‘barbarian’ conquerors, Manchus did not secure their rule by simply conforming to pre-existing Sinic cultural norms. Instead, like other contemporary Eurasian empires, they maintained dominance through strategies of heterogeneous contracting. Domestically, they developed customized legitimacy scripts tailored to win the allegiance of the empire’s diverse communities. Internationally, meanwhile, the Manchus strategically appropriated existing Confucian norms and practices of tributary diplomacy in ways that mitigated — but did not eliminate — Confucian vassals’ resentment of ‘barbarian’ domination. East Asian hierarchy may have been more peaceful than Westphalian anarchy, but the absence of war masks a more coercive reality where the appearance of Confucian conformity obscured more fractious relations between Qing China and even its ostensibly most loyal vassals.
Hegemonic-order theory: A field-theoretic account
Authors: Nexon Daniel H. , Neumann Iver B.
Published: December 2017

This article outlines a field-theoretic variation of hegemonic-order theory — one inspired primarily by the work of Pierre Bourdieu. We argue that hegemony derives from the possession of a plurality of meta-capital in world politics; hegemons exercise “a power over other species of power, and particularly over their rate of exchange.” Recasting conventional hegemonic-order theories along these lines carries with it at least three advantages: it helps bridge the differences between realist and neo-Gramscian approaches to hegemony; it provides scaffolding for exploring the workings of hegemony and hegemonic ordering across different scales; and it better addresses the fact that hegemonic powers are enabled and constrained by international order itself. After reviewing some of the major variants of hegemonic-order theory, we explore Bourdieu’s understanding of hegemony and cognate concepts. We then elaborate on our field-theoretic approach, with examples drawn from US foreign relations and the Roman Empire. Finally, we provide a longer illustrative sketch in the form of a discussion of Roman ordering and its longue durée influence on social, political, and cultural fields in world politics.
Measuring and comparing party ideology and heterogeneity
Authors: Carroll Royce , Kubo Hiroki
Published: December 2017

Estimates of party ideological positions in Western Democracies yield useful party-level information, but generally lack the ability to provide an insight into the intraparty politics of party elites. In this article, we generate comparable measures of latent individual policy positions from elite survey data that enable analysis of elite-level party ideology and heterogeneity. This approach has some advantages over both expert surveys and approaches based on behavioral data, such as roll-call voting, and is directly relevant to the study of party cohesion. We generate a measure of elite positions for several mostly European countries using a common space scaling approach and demonstrate its validity as a measure of party ideology. We then apply these data to examine sources of party elite heterogeneity, focusing on the role of intraparty competition in electoral systems, nomination rules, and party goals. We find that policy-seeking parties and centralized party nomination rules are associated with less party heterogeneity. While intraparty competition has no effect, such contexts appear to condition the effect of district magnitude.
The clarity of the majority’s preference moderates the influence of lobbying on representation
Authors: Barceló Joan
Published: December 2017

Delegate conceptions of representation require activities of legislators to reflect their constituents’ preferences. Recent research has examined the distortionary effects of lobbying activities on this representational linkage. Here, I argue that the effect of interest groups on legislators’ behavior depends on the clarity of the majority’s preferences in a district. When the electorate is narrowly divided, Members of Parliament (MPs) may choose to reap the benefits associated with interest groups as costs from defection are lowest. The results show that MP defection from constituents’ preferences is only positively associated with sectional interest group ties when the constituency is narrowly divided on an issue. Likewise, MP defection is only negatively associated with an MP’s ties to cause groups when the constituency is narrowly divided on an issue. These results are important because they specify the conditions under which interest group lobbying is sufficient to override constituents’ preferences.
Beyond the 2008 Great Recession: Economic factors and electoral support for the radical left in Europe
Authors: Gomez Raul , Ramiro Luis
Published: December 2017

One of the most striking political developments occurring during the Great Recession has been the growth of the radical left in some European countries. Though the literature is far from conclusive, it has generally been argued that the economy is not a main reason driving people’s support for non-mainstream parties (particularly the Greens and the radical right). In this article, we contend that this is not the case for radical left parties (RLPs), which despite pursuing other agendas do still compete very strongly on economic issues. Using individual-level data for 56 elections taking place between 1996 and 2016 in 15 European countries, we find a positive effect of unemployment on support for RLPs, and only very weak evidence that this effect depends on voters’ ideology or whether the mainstream (Social Democrats) left is in office. We conclude that unemployment enables the radical left to increase its support regardless of the political context but does not significantly change by itself the ideological makeup of its electorate.
Determination of preferred performing arts tourism products using conjoint analysis
Authors: Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Chung Jin Young , Petrick Jim , Park Jong Wong
Published: December 2017

The performing arts are an integral part of the economies of many communities and often highlight the cultures of places visited. Because of this, studies on performing arts have been actively conducted in the arts management and marketing fields. Yet, little research has examined the benefits of the performing arts from a tourism perspective. Thus, the current study employed conjoint analysis in an attempt to identify the most preferred performing arts tourism products as perceived by Japanese tourists. Results revealed the most important determinant attributes Japanese tourists consider in purchasing a Korean performing arts product were ‘admission price’, followed by ‘type of theater’, ‘genre’, and ‘location of theater’. The most preferred performing arts tourism product was found to be the following: 5.517 (overall utility) = 1.081 (Korean pop music concert) + 2.233 (less than 5000 Yen) + 0.775 (downtown Seoul) + 1.428 (exclusive theater).
A comparison of photo-taking and online-sharing behaviors of mainland Chinese and Western theme park visitors based on generation membership
Authors: Prideaux Bruce , Lee Louisa Yee-Sum , Tsang Nelson
Published: December 2017

This research investigates and compares the photo-taking and online photo-sharing behaviors of mainland Chinese and Western theme park visitors using decade length generations. Given the rapid growth in digital photography and growing popularity of online sharing of photos, an enhanced understanding of the photo-taking and photo-sharing behaviors of visitors based on generation membership will assist theme park managers develop new social media marketing strategies. Most previous research has employed Western definitions of generations such as baby boomer, generation X, and generation Y. These definitions do not always apply in non-Western settings indicating the need for an alternative approach. This study uses a decade length definition of generations: the post-70s, post-80s, and post-90s. Results of the survey found that photo taking and online photo sharing are very popular but do vary between generations and cultures. For example, mobile phones were found to be the most popular photographic equipment for mainland Chinese and the least popular for post-90s Western respondents. All generations rated family/friend, landscape, and selfies as the top three areas of photo content. Selfies were twice as popular with mainland Chinese post-90s as their Western counterparts in the same generation. The findings highlight the usefulness of decade length generations and of identifying photo-taking and photo-sharing activities based on cultural groupings. The findings also indicated opportunities for co-creation at least in the area of photo taking in a theme park setting.
The effectiveness of exercise-based telemedicine on pain, physical activity and quality of life in the treatment of chronic pain: A systematic review
Authors: Adamse Corine , Dekker-Van Weering Marit GH , van Etten-Jamaludin Faridi S , Stuiver Martijn M
Published: December 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of exercise-based telemedicine in chronic pain.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PEDRO databases from 2000 to 2015 for randomised controlled trials, comparing exercise-based telemedicine intervention to no intervention or usual care in adults with chronic pain. Primary outcome data were pooled using random effect meta-analysis. Primary outcomes were pain, physical activity (PA), limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL). Secondary outcomes were barriers, facilitators and usability of telemedicine.

Results

Sixteen studies were included. Meta-analyses were performed in three subgroups of studies with comparable control conditions. Telemedicine versus no intervention showed significantly lower pain scores (MD −0.57, 95% CI −0.81; −0.34), but not for telemedicine versus usual care (MD −0.08, 95% CI −0.41; 0.26) or in addition to usual care (MD −0.25, 95% CI −1.50; 1.00). Telemedicine compared to no intervention showed non-significant effects for PA (MD 19.93 min/week, 95% CI −5.20; 45.06) and significantly diminished ADL limitations (SMD −0.20, 95% CI −0.29; −0.12). No differences were found for telemedicine in addition to usual care for PA or for ADL (SMD 0.16, 95% CI −0.66; 0.34). Telemedicine versus usual care showed no differences for ADL (SMD 0.08, 95% CI −0.37; 0.53). No differences were found for telemedicine compared to the three control groups for QoL. Limited information was found on the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Exercise-based telemedicine interventions do not seem to have added value to usual care. As substitution of usual care, telemedicine might be applicable but due to limited quality of the evidence, further exploration is needed for the rapidly developing field of telemedicine.