bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mokken analysis of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales in acute inpatient and community samples
Authors: Muncer Steven , Bass Malcolm , Dawkin Matt
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The structure and scoring of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) has been open to debate. Most studies have relied on factor analytic approaches to investigate HoNOS structure. Our aim is to investigate HoNOS using methods from item response theory.

Methods:

Completed HoNOS forms from patients receiving mental health treatment in the community and also inpatients were subjected to Mokken analysis, which is a non-parametric form of item response theory. Confirmatory factor analysis was then used to investigate these scales.

Results:

Two scales with the same items were found in both samples; however, the inpatient sample scored higher on both scales. The first scale contained three items (10, 11, 12) from the social scale, and the other was related to depression (2, 7, 8). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a two scale structure had better fit statistics than other suggested structures.

Conclusions:

HoNOS might best be conceived as two scales measuring aspects of social adjustment and depression.
An experimentally validated analytical model for the coupled electromechanical dynamics of linear vibration energy harvesting systems
Authors: Yamamoto Brennan E , Trimble A Zachary
Published: April 2016

Recent technological advancements in the efficiency of microprocessors, sensors, and other digital logic systems have increased research effort in vibration energy harvesting, where trace amounts of energy are scavenged from the ambient environment to provide power. Due to the complexity and nonlinearity of most vibration energy harvesting systems, existing research has relied primarily on numerical and finite element methods for harvester design and validation. Although these methods are useful, a vetted analytical model provides intuitive understanding of the governing dynamics and is useful for obtaining rough calculations when designing vibration energy harvesting systems. In this article, an analytical framework for linear electromechanical transducer modeling is developed into the coupled electromechanical model; a transfer function characterizing the dynamics of second-order VEH systems, which includes inputs for mechanical and electrical domain lumped parameters as complex impedances. The coupled electromechanical model transfer function is validated against frequency sweep data from a linear vibration energy harvesting experimental setup. The experimental setup demonstrated good correlation with the coupled electromechanical model, with not more than 0.9% error in natural frequency overall, 6% error in damping ratio for purely resistive loads, and 11% for reactive loads.
Applications of Optical Neuroimaging in Usability Research
Authors: Hill Audrey P. , Bohil Corey J.
Published: April 2016

In this article we review recent and potential applications of optical neuroimaging to human factors and usability research. We focus specifically on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) because of its cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation. Researchers have used fNIRS to assess a range of psychological phenomena relevant to human factors, such as cognitive workload, attention, motor activity, and more. It offers the opportunity to measure hemodynamic correlates of mental activity during task completion in human factors and usability studies. We also consider some limitations and future research directions.
Dynamics of a micro scale Timoshenko beam subjected to a moving micro particle based on the modified couple stress theory
Authors: Jafari-Talookolaei RA , Abedi M , Şimşek M , Attar M
Published: April 2016

In this study, the free and forced vibration analysis of a micro scale Timoshenko beam resting on a Pasternak elastic foundation and subjected to a moving micro particle is presented. Based on the modified couple stress theory and employing Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations along with the boundary conditions are derived. A semi-analytical solution is obtained for the free vibration of the problem by expressing the dynamic lateral displacement and cross-section rotation in terms of the series of Legendre polynomials and extremizing the objective functional of the problem with respect to the unknown displacements and Lagrange multipliers. Correspondingly, the computed eigenvalue information of the system is utilized in the modal expansion technique to obtain the transient dynamic response. For comparison purposes, the free vibration frequencies of the micro beam and the dynamic deflections using the classical Timoshenko beam theory are compared with previously published studies and very good agreements have been observed. Furthermore, more numerical examples for natural frequencies and dynamic deflection of the beam are presented and the effects of some parameters, such as the material length scale parameter, the velocity of micro particle, the Pasternak elastic foundation parameters, shear deformation effects and boundary conditions are examined.
Household Financial Management and Women’s Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence in the Philippines
Authors: Tsai Laura Cordisco
Published: April 2016

This study explores the causal impact of independent management of household finances upon women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the Philippines. Propensity score matching is used to generate a casual estimate of the impact of women’s roles as household financial managers on their experiences of IPV. Findings demonstrate that managing household finances independently significantly increased the severity of IPV women experienced from their partners compared with women who managed finances jointly with partners. Findings reinforce the importance of explicit attention to intrahousehold power dynamics and gender norms in the implementation of microfinance interventions intended to empower women.
Evaluation Policy in a Nonprofit Foundation
Authors: Dillman Lisa M. , Christie Christina A.
Published: April 2016

This study explores the relationship between evaluation policies and evaluation practice. Through document analysis, interviews, and a multiple case study, the research examined the explicit and implicit policies overarching the evaluation work commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and explored how these policies are implemented in the field. This examination of evaluation policies at RWJF has pointed out some significant strengths, including emphasis on the importance of evaluation; collegiality in defining, formulating, and monitoring evaluations; using a variety of evaluation products to communicate results; and use of evaluation advisory committees to strengthen evaluation approaches. However, these policies have evolved somewhat haphazardly over time. Consequently, some written policies are absent or inadequate and some policies are followed with less consistency than others. The findings point to the importance of a comprehensive and integrated set of evaluation policies grounded in intended outcomes and the need for additional studies on this topic.
Gender difference in the response to valsartan/amlodipine single-pill combination in essential hypertension (China Status II): An observational study
Authors: Wang Huan , Chen Hui
Published: April 2016

Background:

The China STATUS II is a prospective, multicentre, open-label, post-marketing, observational study including Chinese adults (aged ⩾ 18 years) with essential hypertension who were prescribed once-daily valsartan/amlodipine (Val/Aml 80/5 mg) single-pill combination. In order to examine gender differences in treatment response to Val/Aml, we further analysed data from the China STATUS II study.

Methods:

A total of 11,312 patients (6456 (57%) men and 4856 (43%) women) received the Val/Aml treatment for 8 weeks. After the treatment, we compared the proportion of patients not achieving the target systolic blood pressure (SBP: < 140 mm Hg) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP: < 90 mm Hg) in different age groups (by Fisher exact probability test) and estimated the changes in blood pressure (BP) according to age and gender, using a mixed model.

Results:

At enrolment, mean SBP was higher in the female versus the male patients (160.0 ± 12.71 versus 159.3 ± 12.31 mm Hg; p = 0.003), whereas the mean DBP was higher in the male versus the female patients (96.4 ± 10.65 versus 94.5 ± 10.72 mm Hg; p < 0.001). The overall proportion of women not achieving the target BP was less than that of men (57.41% versus 59.59%; p < 0.05) at 4 weeks and (22.22% versus 23.78%; p < 0.05) at 8 weeks after the Val/Aml treatment. Among both men and women, the proportion of patients not achieving the target SBP increased with age; however, the proportion not achieving the target DBP decreased with age. The mixed-model analysis showed that the changes in SBP were closely related to gender, indicating that the SBP-lowering effect after Val/Aml treatment might be better in women. In addition, the changes in DBP were closely related to age.

Conclusions:

Gender might be a factor for consideration in the decision-making process of individualised antihypertensive therapy, in the future.
Alexandros Zaoussis, MD, PhD (1923-2005)
Authors: Markatos Konstantinos , Korres Demetrios
Published: April 2016

The purpose of our study was to summarize all the knowledge concerning the innovative pioneer in the field of orthopedic surgery and especially hip replacement, Alexandros Zaoussis (1923-2005). He was a pioneer in hip replacement, and he contributed to several fields of orthopedic surgery with his clinical work and his international publications. He was also an eminent historian of World War II and of the Greek Resistance to the Nazi occupation in which he played a significant part. A thorough study of texts, medical books, and reports in the field of history of medicine, together with a review of the available literature in PubMed, was undertaken. He was an eminent clinical director of orthopedics who had significant contribution in teaching, practicing, and expanding the horizons of orthopedic surgery in the 20th century. A thorough review of medical texts, books, and publications in the Greek academic press was undertaken to summarize his contributions and his turbulent life to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his death.
Human–machine force interaction design and control for the HIT load-carrying exoskeleton
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zang Xizhe , Leng Zhengfei , Yu Hongying , Zhao Jie , Zhu Yanhe
Published: April 2016

The HIT load-carrying exoskeleton is designed for enhancing the operator’s load-carrying capability. Human walking has the characteristics of diversity and randomness. It requires that the sensing system of exoskeleton could detect and identify the random motion of human body. In this article, a human–machine force interaction designing architecture is proposed for HIT load-carrying exoskeleton. The human–machine interactive forces at the kinematic terminals (the back and feet) are detected for the human movement identification. Four basic body modalities during the movement process are proposed, which could be automatically identified by the sensing system. The kinematic models for the swing leg and supporting leg are established, respectively. A positional deviation feedback control method based on the interaction force detection is designed. The experiments show that the human–machine interaction force detection at the back and feet and the identification of different body modalities and movement intention are feasible. The interactive forces on the back are far less than the payload, indicating that the exoskeleton has good power-assisted effect.
Housebound versus nonhousebound patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Pendergrast Tricia , Brown Abigail , Sunnquist Madison , Jantke Rachel , Newton Julia L , Strand Elin Bolle , Jason Leonard A
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome who are confined to their homes due to severe symptomatology. The existing literature fails to address differences between this group, and less severe, nonhousebound patient populations.

Methods

Participants completed the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire, a measure of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome symptomology, and the SF-36, a measure of health impact on physical/mental functioning. ANOVAs and, where appropriate, MANCOVAS were used to compare housebound and nonhousebound patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome across areas of functioning, symptomatology, and illness onset characteristics.

Results

Findings indicated that the housebound group represented one quarter of the sample, and were significantly more impaired with regards to physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, fatigue, postexertional malaise, sleep, pain, neurocognitive, autonomic, neuroendocrine, and immune functioning compared to individuals who were not housebound.

Discussion

Findings indicated that housebound patients have more impairment on functional and symptom outcomes compared to those who were not housebound. Understanding the differences between housebound and not housebound groups holds implications for physicians and researchers as they develop interventions intended for patients who are most severely affected by this chronic illness.
Seeking new glory (d)haze: A qualitative examination of adventure-based, team orientation rituals as an alternative to traditional sport hazing for athletes and coaches
Authors: Johnson Jay , Chin Jessica W
Published: April 2016

Upon entry to university, students are commonly exposed to hazing events during Frosh Week, as they pledge to join a fraternity or sorority, move in to their dormitories, and join campus clubs and groups, including marching band and varsity sport teams. As Hoover elucidated in his comprehensive study of NCAA athletes, 80% of that population took part in some form of hazing on their varsity team, of which only 20% were identified as being a “positive” experience. Furthermore, by the time athletes enter university, it is conceivable that up until that point, they will have been involved in no less than five hazing ceremonies. This qualitative study introduced adventure-based alternative orientations that included activities such as rock climbing and canoe tripping to men's and women's collegiate varsity athletic teams. These teams had previously been identified as using traditional hazing ceremonies involving, for example, sexualized games and alcohol. Themes that emerged from the interviews with athletes and coaches focused on the transformative effects of the alternative orientations, facilitating a greater sense of cohesion, diminishing team hierarchies, and shifting power relations, effectively democratizing the event and humanizing first year athletes. Participants also shared ways in which alternative orientations played a role in fostering deeper interpersonal relationships rooted in communication and shared identity which they described as facilitating team success.
Pregnancy and lactation advice: How does Australian Product Information compare with established information resources?
Authors: Brown Emma , Hotham Elizabeth , Hotham Neil
Published: April 2016

Background

Product information is a popular medicines information resource; however, there is some evidence that its pregnancy and lactation information is overconservative, which can lead to inadequate treatment of pregnant and lactating women.

Methods

A thorough analysis of pregnancy and lactation information within Australian Product Information and Consumer Medicines Information was performed. The statements within these resources were compared with established clinical resources: Australian Medicines Handbook, Therapeutic Guidelines, South Australian Perinatal Practice Guidelines, Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, LactMed, Motherisk and the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Medicines Guide published by the Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne.

Results

Product Information was found to be the most cautious resource, with 44.5% of pregnancy recommendations and 69% of lactation recommendations reviewed being more conservative than other resources.

Conclusion

Product Information is an imperfect and often overconservative reference for pregnant and lactating women. Health professionals are urged to review established clinical resources to inform decision making.
Iron overload correlates with serum liver fibrotic markers and liver dysfunction: Potential new methods to predict iron overload‐related liver fibrosis in thalassemia patients
Authors: Wang Man , Liu Rongrong , Liang Yuzhen , Yang Gaohui , Huang Yumei , Yu Chunlan , Sun Kaiqi , Lai Yongrong , Xia Yang
Published: April 2016

Background

Early detection of liver fibrosis in thalassemia patients and rapid initiation of treatment to interfere with its progression are extremely important.

Objective

This study aimed to find a sensitive, easy‐to‐detect and noninvasive method other than liver biopsy for early detection of liver fibrosis in thalassemia patients.

Methods

A total of 244 Chinese Thalassemia patients with non‐transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (NTDT, n  = 105) or thalassemia major (TM, n  = 139) and 120 healthy individuals were recruited into the present study, and blood collagen type IV (C IV), precollagen type III (PIIINPC) and hyaluronic acid (HA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ferritin were measured. Liver iron concentration was determined by MRI. The correlation of serum markers with liver iron load and liver function was evaluated.

Results

Serum C IV, PIIINPC and HA were significantly elevated in Chinese patients with NTDT and further elevated in TM patients. Moreover, C IV, PIIINPC and HA were also positively correlated to serum ferritin and liver iron concentration and further elevated during the progression to multi‐organ damage in NTDT patients. Finally, serum ferritin and liver iron concentration were significantly correlated with liver dysfunction determined by AST and ALT.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results indicate that monitoring serum C IV, PIIINPC and HA is a potentially sensitive method to predict the risks for iron overload‐related liver fibrosis in Chinese thalassemia patients.
Treatment Adherence and Quality of Life in Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Indonesia
Authors: Perwitasari D. A. , Urbayatun S.
Published: April 2016

Adherence to treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) can support successful therapy due to drug consumption over longtime periods. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the treatment adherence in DM as related to the quality of life and to evaluate factors associated with adherence and quality of life. This study used the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) to measure patients’ adherence. The Diabetes Quality of Life Clinical Trial Questionnaire (DQLCTQ) was used to measure patients’ quality of life. Subjects of this cross-sectional study were DM patients attending two private hospitals in Yogyakarta and who had been taking DM medications for more than 6 months. Statistical analyses used in this study were student’s t test and regression linear test. We recruited 65 DM patients who met the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences of BMQ screens and DQLCTQ functions between monotherapy and combination therapy groups ( p> .05). The BMQ screens’ score of combination therapy were higher than monotherapy groups. The physical function, health distress, and mental health of combination therapy groups were higher than monotherapy group. The male patients had significantly higher score of regimen domain of BMQ than female patients (0.35 and 0.17, respectively). The older age has the lower score of treatment effect of DQLCTQ ( p< .05). The belief, recall, and belief about adverse drug reaction of BMQ have positive correlation with physical function ( r = .542, .424, and .640, respectively). Our study concluded that the quality of care, sex, and age may predict patients’ adherence and quality of life. There were positive correlation between patients’ adherence and quality of life.
Ferri-fluoro-leakeite: a second occurrence at Bratthagen (Norway), with new data on Zn partitioning and the oxo component in Na amphiboles
Authors: Oberti R. , Boiocchi M. , Hawthorne F. C. , Kristiansen R.
Published: April 2016

A second occurrence of ferri-fluoro-leakeite has been identified in the Bratthagen nepheline syenite pegmatite (Vestfold County, Norway). With respect to the holotype found at the Verkhnee Espe deposit (Akjailyautas Mountains, Kazakhstan; Cámaraet al., 2010), it is closer to the ideal composition because of its larger Li and Mg contents and the absence of an oxo-component; however, it has a significant Zn content (0.29 a.p.f.u.). The ideal formula of ferri-fluoro-leakeite isANaBNa2C(Mg2Fe23+Li)TSi8O22WF2and the empirical formula derived from electron-microprobe analysis and single-crystal structure refinement for the sample used here isA(Na0.68K0.32)S=1.00BNa2.00C(Mg1.69Mn0.252+Fe0.242+Zn0.29Al0.23Fe1.503+Ti0.02Li0.78)S=5.00TSi8O22W(F1.59(OH)0.41)S=2.00. Unitcell data area= 9.788(2),b= 17.826(3),c= 5.282(1) Å, β = 104.195(5)°,V= 893.5 (3) Å3,Z= 2. Crystal-chemical analysis shows that Li is ordered at theM(3) site and Zn is ordered mainly at theM(2) site, confirming previous findings for Li-bearing amphiboles. The new data also make quantification of the oxo component in Na amphiboles possible.
The structure hierarchy hypothesis
Authors: Hawthorne F. C.
Published: April 2016

The structure hierarchy hypothesis states that structures may be ordered hierarchically according to the polymerization of coordination polyhedra of higher bond valence. A mathematical hierarchy is an ordered set of elements where the ordering reflects a natural hierarchical relation between (or arrangement of) the elements. Here, I review the structure hierarchies for the borate, uranyl oxide, phosphate, sulfate, beryllate and oxide-centred Cu, Pb and Hg minerals (plus synthetics where appropriate). Structure hierarchies have two functions: (1) they serve to organize our knowledge of minerals (crystal structures) in a coherent manner; (2) if the basis of the classification involves factors that are related to the mechanistic details of the stability and behaviour of minerals, then the physical, chemical and paragenetic characteristics of minerals should arise as natural consequences of their crystal structures and the interaction of those structures with the environment in which they occur. We may justify the structure hierarchy hypothesis by considering a hypothetical structure-building process whereby higher bond-valence polyhedra polymerize to form the structural unit. The clusters constituting the FBBs (fundamental building blocks) may polymerize to form the following types of structural unit: (1) isolated polyhedra; (2) clusters; (3) chains and ribbons; (4) sheets; and (5) frameworks. The major advantage of this approach to structure hierarchy is the fact that the hypothetical structure-building process outlined above resembles (our ideas of) crystallization from an aqueous solution, whereby complexes in aqueous and hydrothermal solutions condense to form crystal structures, or fragments of linked polyhedra in a magma condense to form a crystal. Although our knowledge of these processes is rather vague from a mechanistic perspective, the foundations of the structure hypothesis give us a framework within which to think about the processes of crystallization and dissolution.
Pulmonary haemodynamics during recovery from maximum incremental cycling exercise
Authors: Oliveira Rudolf K.F. , Waxman Aaron B. , Agarwal Manyoo , Badr Eslam Roza , Systrom David M.
Published: April 2016

Assessment of cardiac function during exercise can be technically demanding, making the recovery period a potentially attractive diagnostic window. However, the validity of this approach for exercise pulmonary haemodynamics has not been validated.

The present study, therefore, evaluated directly measured pulmonary haemodynamics during 2-min recovery after maximum invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients evaluated for unexplained exertional intolerance. Based on peak exercise criteria, patients with exercise pulmonary hypertension (ePH; n=36), exercise pulmonary venous hypertension (ePVH; n=28) and age-matched controls (n=31) were analysed.

By 2-min recovery, 83% (n=30) of ePH patients had a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) <30 mmHg and 96% (n=27) of ePVH patients had a pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) <20 mmHg. Sensitivity of pulmonary hypertension-related haemodynamic measurements during recovery for ePH and ePVH diagnosis was ≤25%. In ePVH, pulmonary vascular compliance (PVC) returned to its resting value by 1-min recovery, while in ePH, elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and decreased PVC persisted throughout recovery.

In conclusion, we observed that mPAP and PAWP decay quickly during recovery in ePH and ePVH, compromising the sensitivity of recovery haemodynamic measurements in diagnosing pulmonary hypertension. ePH and ePVH had different PVR and PVC recovery patterns, suggesting differences in the underlying pulmonary hypertension pathophysiology.
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition via Notch activation in human kidney glomerular endothelial cells
Authors: Zhao Ye , Qiao Xi , Wang Lihua , Tan Tian Kui , Zhao Hong , Zhang Yun , Zhang Jianlin , Rao Padmashree , Cao Qi , Wang Yiping , Wang Ya , Wang Yuan Min , Lee Vincent W. S. , Alexander Stephen I. , Harris David C. H. , Zheng Guoping
Published: April 2016

Background

Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a major source of myofibroblast formation in kidney fibrosis. Our previous study showed a profibrotic role for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in kidney fibrosis via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Inhibition of MMP-9 activity reduced kidney fibrosis in murine unilateral ureteral obstruction. This study investigated whether MMP-9 also plays a role in EndoMT in human glomerular endothelial cells.

Results

TGF-β1 (10 or 20 ng/ml) induced EndoMT in HKGECs as shown by morphological changes. In addition, VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly downregulated, whereas α-SMA, vimentin, and N-cadherin were upregulated. RT-PCR revealed that Snail, a known inducer of EMT, was upregulated. The MMP inhibitor GM6001 abrogated TGF-β1-induced EndoMT. Zymography indicated that MMP-9 was also upregulated in TGF-β1-treated HKGECs. Recombinant MMP-9 (2 μg/ml) induced EndoMT in HKGECs via Notch signaling, as evidenced by increased formation of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and decreased Notch 1. Inhibition of MMP-9 activity by its inhibitor showed a dose-dependent response in preventing TGF-β1-induced α-SMA and NICD in HKGECs, whereas inhibition of Notch signaling by γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) blocked rMMP-9-induced EndoMT.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results demonstrate that MMP-9 plays an important role in TGF-β1-induced EndoMT via upregulation of Notch signaling in HKGECs.
Machinic Intimacies and Mechanical Brides: Collectivity between Prosthesis and Surrogacy in Jonathan Mostow's Surrogates and Spike Jonze's Her
Authors: Ivanchikova Alla
Published: April 2016

This article offers a reading of two recent feature films, Jonathan Mostow's Surrogates (US, 2009) and Spike Jonze's Her (US, 2013), as allegories of the tensions inherent in our collective relation with machines, examining the role technology plays in the constitution of subjectivity, collectivity, and desire. I argue that Surrogates exemplifies the view of technology as prosthetic enhancement, foregrounding technology-induced psychic exhaustion and libidinal depletion of the social body (the networked body)—a view that results in the call to restore human collectivity through a return to its former unmediated status. By contrast, Her moves beyond the notion of prosthesis, bringing into focus human-machine intimacies wherein the human serves as host or a surrogate womb to the emerging technological object. In Her, technology is seen as an immaterial parasite while human collectivity emerges as the voice of the “general intellect,” disembodied and mediated by the machines. The collective resurfaces as a ghost in the machine, a spectral presence that haunts the network to offer a glimpse of hope of liberation and autonomy for the disaffected human multitude.
MARRIAGE, PEACE, AND ENMITY IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY
Authors: Diggelmann Lindsay
Published: April 2016

As is well known, marriage was frequently employed as an instrument of diplomatic policy in premodern Europe. Dynastic leaders used the marriages of their own family members to create or confirm alliances with other ruling houses. Peace was often the aim and the outcome of such agreements, but the reality of marital politics was far more complicated. Arranging a marriage could be a statement of enmity by two families toward a third party. Attempts to dissolve or prevent marriages already arranged by one's rivals amounted to viable political tactics. During the twelfth century, as rules around the formation and dissolution of Christian marriage were in flux, opportunities for manipulation of accepted practices abounded. This article examines a series of marriages between members of the Anglo-Norman and Angevin ruling families, focusing especially on the reign of Henry I (1100–35), to demonstrate the complexity of marital practices and their links to peace and war. Literary works of the age, notably Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae, offer further cultural perspectives on the nature of political marriages. Whereas short-term tactical considerations meant that marriages were often tied to episodes of conflict and rivalry, from a longer-term perspective the usefulness of marriage as a means of securing and maintaining peace remained an important element of premodern diplomacy.
High-throughput screening for modulators of ACVR1 transcription: discovery of potential therapeutics for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Authors: Cappato Serena , Tonachini Laura , Giacopelli Francesca , Tirone Mario , Galietta Luis J. V. , Sormani Martina , Giovenzana Anna , Spinelli Antonello E. , Canciani Barbara , Brunelli Silvia , Ravazzolo Roberto , Bocciardi Renata
Published: April 2016

The ACVR1 gene encodes a type I receptor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Activating mutations in ACVR1 are responsible for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a rare disease characterized by congenital toe malformation and progressive heterotopic endochondral ossification leading to severe and cumulative disability. Until now, no therapy has been available to prevent soft-tissue swelling (flare-ups) that trigger the ossification process. With the aim of finding a new therapeutic strategy for FOP, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify inhibitors of ACVR1 gene expression among drugs already approved for the therapy of other diseases. The screening, based on an ACVR1 promoter assay, was followed by an in vitro and in vivo test to validate and characterize candidate molecules. Among compounds that modulate the ACVR1 promoter activity, we selected the one showing the highest inhibitory effect, dipyridamole, a drug that is currently used as a platelet anti-aggregant. The inhibitory effect was detectable on ACVR1 gene expression, on the whole Smad-dependent BMP signaling pathway, and on chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation processes by in vitro cellular assays. Moreover, dipyridamole reduced the process of heterotopic bone formation in vivo. Our drug repositioning strategy has led to the identification of dipyridamole as a possible therapeutic tool for the treatment of FOP. Furthermore, our study has also defined a pipeline of assays that will be useful for the evaluation of other pharmacological inhibitors of heterotopic ossification.
Puzzle—TSP at the Movies: Yondu’s Dart Problem
Authors: Chlond Martin J.
Published: April 2016

An unexpected application of the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) appears in the 2014 movie Guardians of the Galaxy. This is described and discussed and offered as a basis for a short student workshop to demonstrate the use of TSP.
Optimal Mix of Operations Management Contents for a Blended Course for Teaching Healthcare MBA Students
Authors: Bordoloi Sanjeev K
Published: April 2016

Use of technology is rapidly advancing in online teaching, especially in working-professional MBA programs. MBA programs for special student categories are continuously trying to customize content delivery methods to suit student lifestyles, while meeting accreditation requirements. This paper develops a mathematical model that helps to devise an efficient use of a mixture of classroom and online platforms for covering the necessary Operations Management material for a specialized group of healthcare students. The primary contribution of this paper is not a new use of technology in teaching Operations Management, but an elegant method to organize the materials for teaching a course in an innovative setup that better fits student lifestyles. This method is generic and can be applied to other disciplines.
Closed-Form Solutions for Robust Inventory Management
Authors: Mamani Hamed , Nassiri Shima , Wagner Michael R.
Published: April 2016

We propose and analyze robust optimization models of an inventory management problem, where cumulative purchase, inventory, and shortage costs over n periods are minimized for correlated nonidentically distributed demand. We assume that the means and covariance matrix of stochastic demand are known; the distributions are not needed. We derive closed-form ordering quantities for both symmetric and asymmetric uncertainty sets, under capacitated inventory constraints, in both static and dynamic settings. The behaviors of our robust strategies differ qualitatively depending on the symmetry of the uncertainty set. For instance, considering our simplest static problem, (1) if the uncertainty set is symmetric, then there is positive ordering in all periods, whereas (2) if the set is asymmetric, then there is a set of periods in the middle of the planning horizon with zero orders. We also link the symmetry of the uncertainty set to the symmetry of the demand distribution. Finally, we present encouraging computational results where our solution compares favorably to previously studied, more complex robust solutions.

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
Quality Assessment of Full-Scale Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Consisting UASB Reactors and Polishing Ponds During its Start-Up Phase in India
Authors: Khalil Nadeem , Ahmad Tarique
Published: April 2016

Amongst the technologies available, the up flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) process has been one of the most widely applied methods for municipal waste water treatment especially in countries of warm climatic conditions like India. However, past about one decade has witnessed rapid decline in the UASB popularity and its implementation. There has been criticism from various sections on the performance of UASB reactors for not complying with the prescribed discharge standards. It is a general hypothesis that the UASB reactors are not meant for diluted waste water like municipal sewage when typically the BOD is less than 150 mg/l, COD 250 mg/l and sulphates are more than 150mg/l. An attempt has been made through this study to investigate the reasons on the basis of quality assessment and field observations on UASB reactors and it’s post-treatment of a newly commissioned (start-up) municipal (sewage) wastewater treatment plant commonly called ‘STP’ having capacity of 14 million litres per day (MLD). Study was aimed to know the gaps during the commissioning stage which could be related to poor removal efficiencies. This paper briefly discusses some issues related to operation and maintenance of the UASB plants with purpose for improvements.
Impact of Soil and Water Conservation Practices in Central North Plateau Zone of Odisha
Authors: Prusty Suvashree , Mishra Sarba , Tripathy Sudhakar
Published: April 2016

The Present Study Was Undertaken In Two Villages Tentuli And Talachampei Of Keonjhar District Of Odisha Which Come Under The Central North Plateau Zone. This Zone Is Characterized By Hilly Upland Area With Reduced Moisture Holding Capacity. There forean Attempt Has Been Made To study The Various Soil And Water Conservation Practices On Cost And Return Of Crop Production,To Identify Factors Affecting Yield Of Crops With Different Treatments And To Study The Farmer’s Perception Of Conservation Agriculture Production System. For This Study 18 Marginal And 2 Small Farmers Were Selected By Employing Multistage Stratified Random Sampling Method. Five Different Trials Or Treatments Namely T1 (Traditional Practice), T2 (Conventional Tillage With HYV Maize), T3 (Conventional Tillage With Maize-Cowpea Intercropping), T4 (Minimum Tillage With Maize As Sole Crop), T5 (Minimum Tillage With Maize Cowpea Intercropping) Were Conducted In The Field. It Was Observed That T5 Gave Highest Net Return (Rs.57352.41/Ha) Followed By T2(Rs.54426.71/Ha), T3 (Rs.47376.12/Ha), T1 (Rs.46376.09/Ha). The Lowest Income Of Rs.14359.9/Ha Was Observed In Case Of T1. Fertilizer With Minimum Tillage And Intercropping Influenced Gross Income Positively And Significantly Throughsoil And Water Conservation Practice. High Yielding Variety And Line Sowing Were Two Most Influencing Factorson Crop Production. Most Profitable Treatment According To Farmer’s Perception Was T5. Lack Of Irrigation Facilities Was Important Constraint In Cultivation Practices. Farmers Should Be Trained For Adoption Of Soil And Water Conservation Practices Like Minimum Tillage, Residue Mulching, Inter-Cropping, Crop Rotation, Line Sowing And Use Of HYV Seeds For Sustainable Crop Production.
Managing pressure ulcers and moisture lesions with new hydrocolloid technology
Authors: Linthwaite Adele , Bethell Elaine
Published: April 2016

In efforts to reduce the number of avoidable pressure ulcers in a large trust, a number of initiatives have taken place to increase staff awareness about the importance of preventing and treating pressure ulcers and moisture lesions. New documentation, the use of the ‘Think Pink’ folders and a social media campaign have all proved successful in seeing the number of avoidable pressure ulcers reported within the trust reduce. As part of this initiative an evaluation took place of a new hydrocolloid dressing. This proved effective at reducing healing times, reducing dressing spend and facilitating regular inspection of the affected areas.
The NHS: A family worth fighting for
Authors: Rudge Eleanor
Published: April 2016

Eleanor Rudge discusses the value of being valued within the NHS.
How much are coding errors costing us?
Authors: Bhasker D , Coatesworth A
Published: April 2016

Assessing the accuracy of recording of flexiblenasendoscopy in ENT outpatient departments.
Doctrine of double effect
Authors: Wheeler Robert
Published: April 2016

Each month we take a close look at a recent legal case with implications for the surgical profession.
Mr Slop and a complex mystery
Authors: Slop
Published: April 2016

A tale of two very different patients.
Subepithelial Accumulation of Versican in a Cockroach Antigen-Induced Murine Model of Allergic Asthma
Authors: Reeves Stephen R. , Kaber Gernot , Sheih Alyssa , Cheng Georgiana , Aronica Mark A. , Merrilees Mervyn J. , Debley Jason S. , Frevert Charles W. , Ziegler Steven F. , Wight Thomas N.
Published: April 2016

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important contributor to the asthmatic phenotype. Recent studies investigating airway inflammation have demonstrated an association between hyaluronan (HA) accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration of the airways. The ECM proteoglycan versican interacts with HA and is important in the recruitment and activation of leukocytes during inflammation. We investigated the role of versican in the pathogenesis of asthmatic airway inflammation. Using cockroach antigen (CRA)–sensitized murine models of allergic asthma, we demonstrate increased subepithelial versican in the airways of CRA-treated mice that parallels subepithelial increases in HA and leukocyte infiltration. During the acute phase, CRA-treated mice displayed increased gene expression of the four major versican isoforms, as well as increased expression of HA synthases. Furthermore, in a murine model that examines both acute and chronic CRA exposure, versican staining peaked 8 days following CRA challenge and preceded subepithelial leukocyte infiltration. We also assessed versican and HA expression in differentiated primary human airway epithelial cells from asthmatic and healthy children. Increases in the expression of versican isoforms and HA synthases in these epithelial cells were similar to those of the murine model. These data indicate an important role for versican in the establishment of airway inflammation in asthma.
A Proteoglycan-Like Molecule Offers Insights Into Ground Substance Changes During Holothurian Intestinal Regeneration
Authors: Vázquez-Vélez Gabriel E. , Rodríguez-Molina José F. , Quiñones-Frías Mónica C. , Pagán María , García-Arrarás José E.
Published: April 2016

Extracellular matrix remodeling is an essential component of regenerative processes in metazoans. Among these animals, holothurians (sea cucumbers) are distinguished by their great regenerative capacities. We have previously shown that fibrous collagen as well as other fibrous components disappear from the connective tissue (CT) early during intestinal regeneration, and later return as the organ primordia form. We now report on changes of the nonfibrous component of the CT. We have used Alcian Blue staining and an antibody, Proteoglycan Like-1 (PGL-1), that recognizes a proteoglycan-like antigen to identify the presence of proteoglycans in normal and regenerating intestines. Our results show that early in regeneration, the ground substance resembles that of the mesentery, the structure from where the new intestine originates. As regeneration proceeds, Alcian Blue staining and PGL-1 labeling reorganize, so that by 4 weeks the normal intestinal CT pattern is achieved. Together with our previous findings, the data suggest that CT components that might be detrimental to regeneration disappear early on, while those that might be beneficial to regeneration, such as proteoglycans, are present throughout the regenerative process.
Reviews
Authors: Smith Lorraine Hamilton , Pohlmann Attila , Tinoco Sarah
Published: April 2016

Fashion on the Ration: 1940s’ Street Style, Imperial War Museum, London, 5 March–31 August 2015

Harajuku: Tokyo Street Fashion, Honolulu Museum of Art, 19 November 2015–3 April 2016

Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer, Vlad Yudin (2015) USA: The Vladar Company
Capacidade de reidratação de Lilium pumilum Redouté
Authors: De Souza Santos Mirelle Nayana , Tolentino Márcia Martins , De Oliveira Rita de Cássia Lima , Mapeli Ana Maria
Published: April 2016

Among the ornamental flowers marketed as flower vase or cut, there is Lilium pumilum belonging to the Liliaceae family, which is characterized by having several stems with inflorescences containing buds, easy propagation and varied coloring. The marketing of cut flowers is a promising activity; however the transport demands attention due to water stress, which can impair the absorption of water and rehydration, yielding a negative water balance, since the absorption rate is less than the rate transpiration. Based on this assumption, the use of appropriate techniques that allow extending the longevity of the flowers is required. This study aimed to analyze the effect of storage time on the recovery of dry turgor L. pumilum. For this flower stems were dry-stored for 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours. At the end of each period, the inflorescences returned to the water, and analyzed every 6 hours for changes in relative water content of the tepals (flower), orange buds and leaves. Daily evaluations were changes of weight and longevity. The relative water content of flower there was a sharp drop during periods of dry storage, but with recovery after 6 hours in water with greater efficiency in the treatment of 48 hours, with recovery of 86.8% relative to the control. As the relative water content of the button, all treatments were recovered. Regarding the variation of fresh mass, there was variation with the period of dry storage, and only the stems that remained for 12 to 24 hours to dry obtained superior recovery for loss of initial fresh weight within the first six hours of hydration at 118.7 and 26.01%, respectively. The average longevity of the stems was unchanged (6.8 days) for no treatment. Therefore, regardless of the duration of dry storage, there was recovery of turgor, indicating that flower stems of L. pumilum can be transported dry for periods up to 48 hours.
On the Durability of the Hydraulic Satellite Motor Working Mechanism in Overload Condition
Authors: Szkodo M. , Stanisławska A. , Śliwiński P.
Published: April 2016

The paper presents the newest construction of the hydraulic satellite pump/motor. In this study, the fracture of the hydraulic satellite motor working mechanism is investigated. Factors influencing the durability of satellite working mechanism have been described. The durability of the hydraulic satellite motor working mechanism at a load, corresponding to a pressure of 15 MPa supplied with refined rapeseed oil is very low. Analyses of construction and laboratory tests showed that the satellites teeth wear out the fastest. Results showed that bending fatigue and surface contact fatigue of the satellites are the main cause of the hydraulic satellite motor working mechanism failures.
Evaluation of Polymorphism in IGF-I and IGFB-3 Genes and their Relationship tith Twinning Rate and Growth Traits in Markhoz Goats
Authors: Rasouli Sahar , Abdolmohammadi Alireza , Zebarjadi Alireza , Mostafaei Ali
Published: April 2016

Growth rate and twinning rate are economic traits that can be used in goat breeding objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms in the insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-I) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3) genes and their relationship with growth traits and twinning in Markhoz goats. Two sets of specific primers were used to amplify a 249bp fragment of IGF-I gene and a 316bp fragment of IGFBP-3 gene. PCR-SSCP analysis revealed three banding patterns for each gene that confirmed presence of a mutation in position 1617 of the IGF-I gene and a mutation in position 58 of IGFBP-3 gene. The genotype frequencies of IGF-I gene were 0.81 (GG), 0.16 (GA) and 0.03 (AA). Also, the genotype frequencies of IGFBP-3 gene were 0.79 (TT), 0.17 (TC) and 0.04 (CC). The Odds Ratio estimated for twinning rate was 1.11 for second on first parity, 0.19 for third on first parity and 5.71 for second on third parity. The chi-square statistics were 6.46 for IGF-I gene and 3.32 for IGFBP-3 gene. The results also indicated that different genotypes of these genes had no significant effect on birth weight, weight at 6 months, at 9 months and at 12 months but the interactions between different genotypes of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 genes were significant for weaning weight and average daily gain from birth to weaning. These results suggest that twinning rate in Markhoz breed is statistically affected by these genes and can be considered in breeding programs.