bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of decellularization agents on renal tissue extracellular matrix
Authors: Poornejad Nafiseh , Schaumann Lara B , Buckmiller Evan M , Momtahan Nima , Gassman Jason R , Ma Ho Hin , Roeder Beverly L , Reynolds Paul R , Cook Alonzo D
Published: June 2016

The combination of patient-specific cells with scaffolds obtained from natural sources may result in improved regeneration of human tissues. Decellularization of the native tissue is the first step in this technology. Effective decellularization uses agents that lyse cells and remove all cellular materials, leaving intact collagenous extracellular matrices (ECMs). Removing cellular remnants prevents an immune response while preserving the underlying structure. In this study, the impact of five decellularization agents (0.1 N NaOH, 1% peracetic acid, 3% Triton X-100, 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and 0.05% trypsin/EDTA) on renal tissue was examined using slices of porcine kidneys. The NaOH solution induced the most efficient cell removal, and resulted in the highest amount of cell viability and proliferation after recellularization, although it also produced the most significant damage to collagenous fiber networks, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). The SDS solution led to less severe damage to the ECM structure but it resulted in lower metabolic activity and less proliferation. Peracetic acid and Triton X-100 resulted in minimum disruption of ECMs and the most preserved GAGs and FGF. However, these last two agents were not as efficient in removing cellular materials as NaOH and SDS, especially peracetic acid, which left more than 80% of cellular material within the ECM. As a proof of principle, after completing the comparison studies using slices of renal ECM, the NaOH process was used to decellularize a whole kidney, with good results. The overall results demonstrate the significant effect of cell lysing agents and the importance of developing an optimized protocol to avoid extensive damage to the ECM while retaining the ability to support cell growth.
Comparing the Accuracy of 2 Point-of-Care Lipid Testing Devices
Authors: Bastianelli Karen , Ledin Stacey , Chen Jennifer
Published: June 2016

Background:

Device manufacturers have improved technology since studies were last published, thus warranting an updated analysis.

Objective:

Two point-of-care (POC) cholesterol testing devices were directly compared to a venous sample to determine device accuracy.

Methods:

Institutional review board (IRB)–approved study collected finger-stick blood samples analyzed by Cholestech LDX (Cholestech Corporation, Hayward, California) and CardioChek Plus (Polymer Technology Systems Inc, Indianapolis, Indiana) devices and compared to venous blood for 30 study participants. Statistical analyses were completed using StatisPro. Intraclass correlation coefficients were generated, and the average difference expected to be within the industry standards of total cholesterol (TC; ±10%), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (±12%), and triglycerides (TG; ±15%).

Results:

The POC devices produced clinically equivalent values when compared to the same patients’ samples analyzed in a reference laboratory. The average difference calculated from the actual individual paired percentage bias with the Integra analyzer: venous—TC −3.8%, HDL −6.9%, TG −1.8%; CardioChek—TC −7.8%, HDL −6.2%, TG 5.1%; and Cholestech—TC 0.5%, HDL −4.5%, TG −3.3%. The average of the actual paired percentage bias with the Roche Cobas analyzer: CardioChek—TC −4.2%, HDL 0.8%, TG 7.0% and Cholestech—TC 4.6%, HDL 2.6%, TG −1.6%.

Conclusion:

Both screening devices operated within industry accuracy standards.
A study on kerf characteristics of hybrid aluminium 7075 metal matrix composites machined using abrasive water jet machining technology
Authors: Sasikumar KSK , Arulshri KP , Ponappa K , Uthayakumar M
Published: June 2016

Metal matrix composites are difficult to machine in traditional machining methods. Abrasive water jet machining is a state-of-the art technology which enables machining of practically all engineering materials. This article deals with the investigation on optimization of process parameters of abrasive water jet machining of hybrid aluminium 7075 metal matrix composites with 5%, 10% and 15% of TiC and B4C (equal amount of each) reinforcement. The kerf characteristics such as kerf top width, kerf angle and surface roughness were studied against the abrasive water jet machining process parameters, namely, water jet pressure, jet traverse speed and standoff distance. Contribution of these parameters on responses was determined by analysis of variance. Regression models were obtained for kerf characteristics. Contribution of traverse speed was found to be more than other parameters in affecting top kerf width. Water jet pressure influenced more in affecting kerf angle and surface finish. The microstructures of machined surfaces were also analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy investigations exposed the plastic deformation cutting of hybrid 7075 aluminium metal matrix composite. X-ray diffraction analysis results proved the non-entrapment of abrasive particle on the machined surface.
Modelling and analysis of the vehicle underbody and the occupants subjected to a shallow-buried-mine blast impulse
Authors: Zhang Xinlei , Zhou Yunbo , Wang Xianhui , Wang Zongqian
Published: June 2016

When a charge is ignited at the bottom of a vehicle, the underbody and the occupants are the most vulnerable. The protection of the vehicle underbody is still a significant problem in the environment of a buried-mine blast impulse. The first part of this study presents an algorithm that can be used to simulate a shallow-buried-mine blast. Models using the multiple-material arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian algorithm and the initial-impulse mine algorithm respectively were constructed on the basis of experiments carried out by Anderson et al. The accuracy and superiority of the initial-impulse mine algorithm were proved by comparing the results for the jump velocity and the computation time. The second part introduces a blast experiment on a full-scale armoured vehicle. The occupant was represented by a Hybrid III 50th-percentile adult-male dummy. A numerical model was established using the initial-impulse mine method; the seat position represented the worst-case situation, which was same as for the experiments. A comparison of the experimental data and the simulation results, which include the peak acceleration of the floor and the force to which the dummy’s tibia is subjected, showed good agreement.
Numerical study of the internal flow field of a dual pulse solid rocket motor including conjugate heat transfer
Authors: Li Ying-kun , Han Jun-li , Chen Xiong , Liu Rui , Xu Jin-sheng
Published: June 2016

Numerical simulations were performed to study the influence of the inside diameter of the pulse separation device port on the flow features and the local heat transfer characteristics in a dual pulse solid rocket motor. A lower–upper symmetric Gauss–Seidel implicit dual time-stepping method was applied to address the problem of unsteady flow. A high-resolution upwind scheme (AUSMPW+) and Menter’s shear stress transport turbulence model were employed to solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. The conjugate heat transfer strategy was realized by enforcing a common temperature and heat flux at the fluid–solid interface. After validating the accuracy and reliability of the numerical algorithm by comparison with experimental cases, the internal flow of a dual pulse solid rocket motor was simulated. The results show that the magnitude of the velocity, the wall shear stress, and the turbulent kinetic energy downstream of the pulse separation device port decrease with increasing pulse separation device port diameter. The local heat transfer coefficient increases sharply downstream of the pulse separation device port, reaching a maximum within 1–2 diameters downstream of the pulse separation device port, before relaxing back to the fully developed pipe flow value. The peak value of the local heat transfer coefficient reduces as the pulse separation device port diameter increases. Meanwhile with an increasing pulse separation device port diameter, the position of the peak local heat transfer coefficient moves upstream to the head of the first pulse chamber, and appears upstream of the position of the reattachment point by an average of about 28.6%.
Friction compensation of harmonic gear based on location relationship
Authors: Liao Hongbo , Fan Shixun , Fan Dapeng
Published: June 2016

In the harmonic gear servo system, friction is associated with not only the velocity of the input shaft but also its angle position. Traditional friction compensation based on the velocity cannot guarantee the high motion accuracy. To address this problem, this article proposed a new friction model of harmonic gear servo system, which is related to both its velocity and position. The new model includes two parts: in the presliding region, the static friction is determined by the maximum elastic deformation recovery angle of the input shaft, and in the sliding region, the friction not only has Stribeck effect from velocity but also has harmonic series relative to the input shaft’s position. In this article, the parameters of friction model were obtained by preliminary experiments. A control diagram based on this model was established for friction compensation and the proposed control algorithm showed its superiority in the experiments.
Test and theory of electrodynamic bearings coupled to active magnetic dampers
Authors: Amati Nicola , Impinna Fabrizio , Girardello Detoni Joaquim , Tonoli Andrea
Published: June 2016

Electrodynamic bearings exploit repulsive forces due to eddy currents to produce positive stiffness by passive means. Such a feature would make this type of bearing a viable alternative to active and permanent magnet bearings. Although electrodynamic bearings do not violate Earnshaw’s theorem, the open issue remains the stabilization system that is needed to make the rotating body stable, due to the low rotational speeds. Stabilizing solutions proposed in the literature are partially effective and not totally convincing. This limits real industrial applications.

The present paper proposes a combination of electrodynamic and active magnetic bearings. At low speed the active part behaves as a conventional active magnetic bearing, while at high speed it provides damping. The readiness of the proposed solution is demonstrated by experimental results obtained using a dedicate test rig.
Marwan Barghouti in Tel Aviv
Authors: Allo Awol
Published: June 2016

On 15 April 2002, Marwan Barghouti, a high profile Member of the Palestinian Parliament and a close aide of the late Palestinian leader, Yasir Arafat, was arrested and transferred to Israel for trial. On 14 August 2002, he was charged with multiple counts of crimes including acts of terrorism, murder and conspiracy to murder. In the Courtroom in Tel-Aviv, Barghouti was being tried for acts of terrorism, but in the court of public opinion, Israel was using the trial to slander and discredit the Palestinian leadership as a bunch of ‘murderous gangs,’ and ‘enemies of all mankind.’ On his part, Barghouti uses the judicial space to go beyond the surface problem of law and legality to the deeper question of occupation – a problem that is at the depth but also all across the normative structure of Israel’s legal order. Through re-signification, the accused becomes the accuser, putting the state of Israel and the occupation on trial. In this article, I consider the ways in which the accused and the accuser repurpose the legal material to produce and disseminate ideas, concepts, and images productive to their respective politics. Attending to the ways in which discourses of occupation, resistance, and terrorism were synchronized with the legal form, the article reflects on how the narratives move from the legal to the political, from the personal to the social, from the local to the global, and from the theological to the political, creating the conditions of possibility for meaning and understanding.
Spiritual well-being and moral distress among Iranian nurses
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad Ali , Sharif Saeed Pahlevan , Yaghoobzadeh Ameneh , Sheikhi Mohammad Reza , Panarello Bianca , Win Ma Thin Mar
Published: June 2016

Background:

Moral distress is increasingly recognized as a problem affecting healthcare professionals, especially nurses. If not addressed, it may create job dissatisfaction, withdrawal from the moral dimensions of patient care, or even encourage one to leave the profession. Spiritual well-being is a concept which is considered when dealing with problems and stress relating to a variety of issues.

Objective:

This research aimed to examine the relationship between spiritual well-being and moral distress among a sample of Iranian nurses and also to study the determinant factors of moral distress and spiritual well-being in nurses.

Research design:

A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed to collect data from 193 nurses using the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the Moral Distress Scale-Revised.

Ethical considerations:

This study was approved by the Regional Committee of Medical Research Ethics. The ethical principles of voluntary participation, anonymity, and confidentiality were considered.

Findings:

Mean scores of spiritual well-being and moral distress were 94.73 ± 15.89 and 109.56 ± 58.70, respectively. There was no significant correlation between spiritual well-being and moral distress ( r = −.053, p = .462). Marital status and job satisfaction were found to be independent predictors of spiritual well-being. However, gender and educational levels were found to be independent predictors for moral distress. Age, working in rotation shifts, and a tendency to leave the current job also became significant after adjusting other factors for moral distress.

Discussion and conclusion:

This study could not support the relationship between spiritual well-being and moral distress. However, the results showed that moral distress is related to many elements including individual ideals and differences as well as organizational factors. Informing nurses about moral distress and its consequences, establishing periodic consultations, and making some organizational arrangement may play an important role in the identification and management of moral distress and spiritual well-being.
Predicting Employee Work Engagement Levels, Determinants and Performance Outcome: Empirical Validation in the Context of an Information Technology Organization
Authors: Bhuvanaiah Tejaswi , Raya R.P.
Published: June 2016

Extensive research has been devoted to examining the predictability of various determinant factors of work engagement (WE). One of the significant conclusions from this research suggests that employee expectations of the job and their feeling of fulfilment at work determine the nature of engagement initiatives. Hence, there is a need to understand the employees’ work context. This context may also include intra- and inter-group relationships within the workplace setting. This research attempts to explain the nature and extent of WE by examining the variability in engagement levels of employees working in an information technology (IT) organization augmented with a framework tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). A sample comprising 100 responses was collected using multistage sampling method. The results show that on an average, employees are moderately engaged at work. Organizational culture (OC) acts as a significant determinant of transformational leadership (TL) and WE. Further, TL resulted in a positive significant effect on job performance (JP), while an engaged employee is likely going to be a high-performing employee in the organization.
Faith and religious attendance in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Lívio Luiz Soares , Cortes Renan Xavier
Published: June 2016

One of the most interesting rational religious choice models is that presented by Durkin and Greeley in a 1991 article. The authors base the problem of uncertainty of religious choice on Pascal’s Wager as a maximization problem of expected benefit and in faith as an insurance. The objective of the present article is to test the Durkin and Greeley hypothesis model for Brazil. Two dependent variables were used in the tests: religious attendance and faith, as in Durkin and Greeley’s original model, and resulted in a highly significant relation. The belief in an after-life had a positive and significant impact on the dependent variable degree of faith. In the case of the tests of the third and last hypothesis of the model, that is, religious attendance and faith are positively related to the religious capital accumulated by the individual, ambiguous results were observed in relation to the confirmation of that hypothesis. An unexpected result turned up: the more conservative the individual showed himself or herself in relation to abortion, the lower was his or her degree of faith and lower was his or her religious frequency.
Effects of piezoelectric rings on electro-elasto-dynamic behaviour of functionally graded cylindrical shell
Authors: Saviz Mohammadreza
Published: June 2016

A layer-wise finite element approach is adopted to analyse the hollow cylindrical shell made of functionally graded material with piezoelectric rings as sensor/actuator, under dynamic load. The mechanical properties of the substrate are regulated by volume fraction as a function of radial coordinate. The thickness of functionally graded material shell and piezo-rings is divided into mathematical sub-layers and then the general layer-wise laminate theory is formulated through introducing piecewise continuous approximations across the thickness, accounting for any discontinuity in derivatives of the displacement at the interface between the ring and cylinder. The virtual work statement including structural and electrical potential energies yields the three-dimensional governing equations which are reduced to two-dimensional differential equations, using layer-wise method. For axisymmetric case, the resulted equations are solved with one-dimensional finite element method in the axial direction. By assembling stiffness and mass matrices, the required stress and displacement continuities at each interface and between the two adjacent elements are forced. The results for free vibration and static loading are applied to study the convergence and verified by comparing them to solutions of similar existing problems. The induced deformation by piezoelectric actuators as well as the effect of rings on functionally graded material shell is investigated.
Handling Demands of Success Among Girls and Boys in Primary School: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Wilhsson Marie , Svedberg Petra , Carlsson Ing-Marie , Högdin Sara , Nygren Jens M.
Published: June 2016

Stress among adolescents in Western societies is becoming an issue of increasing concern, and the global trend of adolescents’ health shows a gradual deterioration that is independent of national differences and increases with age. The aim of this study was to explore the main concern of adolescents and about how they cope with demands in everyday life. Participants were 14–16 years old, and data were collected from three sources. A constructivist grounded theory was used as a method for generating a model of the adolescents’ description of how they cope with demands in their everyday lives. The main concern described by participants in this study was to strive to be successful and to succeed in the present and throughout their lives. We conclude that differences between girls and boys, in terms of coping with demands in their everyday lives, are important to consider in the development of health promotion initiatives targeted at adolescents.
Immunoexpression of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Proteins E-Cadherin, β-Catenin, and N-Cadherin in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Angadi Punnya V. , Patil Prakash V. , Angadi Vidya , Mane Deepa , Shekar Saurabh , Hallikerimath Seema , Kale Alka D. , Kardesai S. G.
Published: June 2016

Aims. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process for acquisition of malignant phenotype, aggressiveness, and metastatic capacity in neoplasms. It is characterized by loss of epithelial markers and gain of mesenchymal markers. Studies on EMT and its potential association with the histological grading are sparse in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aims to evaluate the expression of EMT-associated proteins—E-cadherin, β-catenin, and N-cadherin—in different grades of OSCC. Methodology. In all, 60 cases of OSCC further subdivided into 20 cases each of well-, moderately, and poorly differentiated OSCCs were stained immunohistochemically with E-cadherin, β-catenin, and N-cadherin antibodies. The differences in the expression were evaluated using χ2 and Fisher exact tests, whereas Spearman’s correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the markers. Results. A reduced E-cadherin expression noted in 40% of the OSCCs was associated with reduced β-catenin expression in 66.6% of the cases and increase in the expression of mesenchymal N-cadherin seen in 80% of cases. This expression pattern demonstrated a significant association with histological grades. A membrane to cytoplasmic shift of E-cadherin (73.3%) and β-catenin (78.3%) increased with histological grade. A negative correlation was observed with the E-cadherin and N-cadherin localization, though it did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion. OSCC tissues had high levels of EMT phenotype as compared with the normal oral mucosa. This phenotype was characterized by reduced E-cadherin and β-catenin expression and overexpression of N-cadherin. Aberrant localization of the studied proteins was a hallmark for depicting EMT.
The Contribution of Cognitive Strategies to the Resilience of Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Non-Abused Women
Authors: Kaye-Tzadok Avital , Davidson-Arad Bilha
Published: June 2016

This study examines the contribution of four strategies—self-forgiveness, realistic control, unrealistic control, and hope—to the resilience of 100 women survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), as compared with 84 non-sexually abused women. The findings show that CSA survivors exhibited lower resilience, lower self-forgiveness, lower hope, and higher levels of posttraumatic symptoms (PTS). They also indicate that resilience was explained by the participants’ financial status, PTS severity, and two cognitive strategies—self-forgiveness and hope. Finally, PTS and hope mediated the relation between CSA and resilience.
“He Didn’t Necessarily Force Himself Upon Me, But . . . ”: Women’s Lived Experiences of Sexual Coercion in Intimate Relationships With Men
Authors: Jeffrey Nicole K. , Barata Paula C.
Published: June 2016

This study examined women’s subjective experiences with sexual coercion (SC), particularly less forceful forms, in intimate relationships. In-depth interviews with 12 university women highlighted that physical violence need not be present for SC to be harmful, as many experienced guilt, anger, sadness, and self-blame. The severity of SC and the context of women’s relationships affected their interpretations, which in turn affected the effects of SC. Many women not only held negative interpretations of their partners’ SC but also minimized and justified. Thus, the interviews were also critically analyzed for the possible influence of dominant discourses and gendered power relations.
Fine-grained floating-point precision analysis
Authors: Lam Michael O , Hollingsworth Jeffrey K
Published: June 2016

Floating-point computation is ubiquitous in high-performance scientific computing, but rounding error can compromise the results of extended calculations, especially at large scales. In this paper, we present new techniques that use binary instrumentation and modification to do fine-grained floating-point precision analysis, simulating any level of precision less than or equal to the precision of the original program. These techniques have an average of 40–70% lower overhead and provide more fine-grained insights into a program’s sensitivity than previous mixed-precision analyses. We also present a novel histogram-based visualization of a program’s floating-point precision sensitivity, as well as an incremental search technique that allows developers to incrementally trade off analysis time for detail, including the ability to restart analyses from where they left off. We present results from several case studies and experiments that show the efficacy of these techniques. Using our tool and its novel visualization, application developers can more quickly determine for specific data sets whether their application could be run using fewer double precision variables, saving both time and memory space.
The return of the social author
Authors: Ramdarshan Bold Melanie
Published: June 2016

The rise in self-publishing, digital folk culture and social media participation, have revolutionized reading and writing practices. Readers can directly contact their favourite authors, and publishers, through social media and become authors, and publishers, themselves. One of the outcomes of digital reading and writing is that writing is now becoming more democratic: traditional publishers are no longer the sole gatekeepers of culture. The popularity of social writing platform Wattpad is a recent example of how a new generation of influential and innovative writers is entering the publishing arena. This also demonstrates that there is a demand for authorship without the intervention from publishers. Despite this, traditional notions of authorship, ownership and control are prevalent in contemporary publishing hindering the true potential of creativity. The disharmony between the rise of the amateur author and the control of the traditional publisher is confronted in the digital public sphere. Consequently, issues such as authority and influence are mediated during the activities and interactions that take place on social media and other online platforms. Established authority figures, such as famous authors or well-known publishers, that exert authority and influence in the traditional sphere, can shift this authority and influence to the digital world; however, this sphere is also occupied by emerging networks of influencers, such as emerging authors or micro-celebrities, who gain popularity as a result of specific trends, in specific domains, at specific times. This article will examine how new and established authors are using social platforms, and social media, to publish their writing, build communities and extend their dialogue with readers and other writers. A netnographic study of Wattpad will identify which authors are the influencers and innovators in social publishing. Consequently, this article will underscore the increasing importance of social networks and social relationships in 21st century publishing.
Approaches to better engage parent–child in health home-visiting programmes
Authors: Lam Winsome , Dawson Angela , Fowler Cathrine
Published: June 2016

Home visiting is an evidence-based strategy used to enhance child and family health outcomes. Such primary healthcare endeavours demand the full participation of individual and families. We conducted a review to identify approaches to planning, executing and assessing home-visiting health promotion interventions to determine how parents and children can be best engaged. A structured search (2000–2015) was undertaken using a defined search protocol. The quality of the papers was assessed using standard appraisal tools. Sixteen studies were retrieved. A content analysis of the findings sections of the papers was undertaken and guided by the eight phases of the PRECEDE-PROCEED health promotion planning framework. The analysis found that while all the PRECEDE assessment areas were represented no studies included all phases. Parents and children did not appear to be actively involved in undertaking the assessments and evaluation of the home-visiting health promotion programmes. The findings suggest that there is a need to develop a consistent home-visiting approach that includes comprehensive assessments in the planning phases and parent and child involvement at each step of programme development, implementation and evaluation. This approach enables the development of tailored and sustainable health promotion intervention in order to achieve optimal child health outcomes.
Internet users’ participation and news framing: The Strauss-Kahn case–related Live Blog at Le Monde.fr
Authors: Marty Emmanuel , Pignard-Cheynel Nathalie , Sebbah Brigitte
Published: June 2016

This article analyses Internet users’ participation and the ways in which it is framed by journalists, with a particular focus on the Live Blog format. It provides a case study of the online media coverage of Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s arrest in New York in May 2011, by the highly respected media Le Monde.fr. A lexicometric (statistical) and discourse (qualitative) analysis of two sets of corpora (Corpus 1 being composed of all the comments submitted by Internet users throughout the live blogging process and Corpus 2 of the few which were finally published on the Live Blog) will highlight the nature and the various forms of audience participation as well as the ways in which they are framed by journalists. The article aims to investigate the representativeness of the published messages and the participative audience profile which journalists foreground within this media space of multiple voices.
Young adults’ reasons for dropout from residential substance use disorder treatment
Authors: Nordheim Kristoffer , Walderhaug Espen , Alstadius Ståle , Kern-Godal Ann , Arnevik Espen , Duckert Fanny
Published: June 2016

Dropout from substance use disorder treatment is usually investigated and understood from a perspective of quantitative patient-related factors. Patients’ own perspectives (user perspective) are rarely reported. This study, therefore, aimed to explore patients’ own understanding of their dropout from residential substance use disorder treatment. The participants were 15 males and females, aged 19–29 years, who had dropped out of residential substance use disorder treatment at the Department of Addiction Treatment, Oslo University Hospital, Norway. Qualitative methodology with semistructured interviews was used to explore how the participants described their dropout and their reasons for doing so. Thematic analysis was used as the framework for analyzing the data derived from the interviews. Dropout had different meanings for different participants. It was understood as a break from treatment, as an end to treatment, or as a means of reduced treatment intensity. Against that background, four main themes for dropout were found: drug craving, negative emotions, personal contact, and activity. Patient and treatment factors seem to interact when participants explore reasons for their dropout. A complex pattern of variables is involved. As remedies, participants suggested that substance use disorder treatment should provide more focus on drug craving and training to understand and tolerate emotional discomfort. They also wanted closer contact with the staff during treatment, more activities, and rigorous posttreatment follow-up. These findings from the user perspective have important implications for substance use disorder treatment, clinical and social work practice, management, and research.
Qualitative Geographic Information Systems (GIS): An untapped research approach for social work
Authors: Teixeira Samantha
Published: June 2016

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a digital technology that integrates hardware and software to analyze, store, and map spatial data. GIS allows users to visualize (i.e., map) geographic aspects of data including locations or spatial concentrations of phenomena of interest. Though public health and other social work related fields have embraced the use of GIS technology in research, social work lags behind. Recent technological advancements in the field of GIS have transformed what was once prohibitively expensive, “experts only” desktop software into a viable method for researchers with little prior GIS knowledge. Further, humanist and participatory geographers have developed critical, non-quantitative GIS approaches that bring to light new opportunities relevant to social workers. These tools could have particular utility for qualitative social workers because they can help us better understand the environmental context in which our clients reside and give credence to their assessments of strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for intervention. This article provides an introductory overview of the history of GIS in social work research and describes opportunities to use spatially informed approaches in qualitative social work research using a case study of a participatory photo mapping research study.
Community-based pulmonary rehabilitation in a non-healthcare facility is feasible and effective
Authors: Cecins Nola , Landers Holly , Jenkins Sue
Published: June 2016

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRPs) are most commonly provided in hospital settings which present barriers to attendance such as long distances or travel times. Community-based settings have been used in an attempt to alleviate the travel burden. This study evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of a network of community-based PRPs provided in non-healthcare facilities (CPRPs). The CPRPs were established in five venues and comprised two supervised group sessions each week for 8 weeks. Participant inclusion criteria and guidelines for exercise testing and training were developed to reduce the risk of adverse events. Outcome measures included 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and health-related quality of life (chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ)). Respiratory-related hospital admission data were collected in the 12 months prior to and following the program. Two hundred and fifty-one participants (79% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: mean ± SD FEV1 49 ± 21%predicted) entered a CPRP of which 166 (66%) completed. Improvements were demonstrated in 6MWD (mean difference (95% CI) 44 m (37–52)) and total CRQ score (0.5 points per item (0.4–0.7)). Fewer participants had a respiratory-related hospital admission following the program (12% vs. 37%, p < 0.0001). Pulmonary rehabilitation is safe, feasible and effective when conducted in community-based non-healthcare facilities.
Pregabalin
Authors: Taşoğlu Özlem , Gökcan Hale , Demir Sibel Özbudak , Yenigün Didem , Akdoğan Meral , Kaçar Sabite
Published: June 2016

Tacrolimus and cyclosporin are calcineurin inhibitors (CIs) commonly used in organ transplants. These agents rarely cause a severe, debilitating pain syndrome of especially lower extremities, known as CI pain syndrome (CIPS). Although the pathogenesis is not well understood, neuropathic pain mechanisms have started to be discussed in the recent literature. Here, presenting a 48-year-old male with CIPS who recovered after pregabalin 150 mg twice daily, we aimed to emphasize the importance of this syndrome and offer a new approach for the treatment. This is the first report in the literature where pregabalin is demonstrated to be effective in CIPS.
Can Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Be a Viable and Efficient Therapeutic Option for Unresectable Locally Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma? Results of a Phase 2 Study
Authors: Comito Tiziana , Cozzi L. , Clerici E. , Franzese C. , Tozzi A. , Iftode C. , Navarria P. , D’Agostino G. , Rimassa L. , Carnaghi C. , Personeni N. , Tronconi M. C. , De Rose F. , Franceschini D. , Ascolese A. M. , Fogliata A. , Tomatis S. , Santoro A. , Zerbi A. , Scorsetti M.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To assess the efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Materials and Methods:

All patients received a prescription dose of 45 Gy in 6 fractions. Primary end point was freedom from local progression. Secondary end points were overall survival, progression-free survival, and toxicity. Actuarial survival analysis and univariate or multivariate analysis were investigated.

Results:

Forty-five patients were enrolled in a phase 2 trial. Median follow-up was 13.5 months. Freedom from local progression was 90% at 2 years. On univariate ( P < .03) and multivariate analyses ( P < .001), lesion size was statistically significant for freedom from local progression. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 8 and 13 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, tumor size ( P < .001) and freedom from local progression ( P < .002) were significantly correlated with overall survival. Thirty-two (71%) patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer received chemotherapy before stereotactic body radiotherapy. Median overall survival from diagnosis was 19 months. Multivariate analysis showed that freedom from local progression ( P < .035), tumor diameter ( P < .002), and computed tomography before stereotactic body radiotherapy ( P < .001) were significantly correlated with overall survival from diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Stereotactic body radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer with no G3 toxicity or greater and could be a promising therapeutic option in multimodality treatment regimen.
Recurrent life-threatening haemoptysis from a bleeding vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Chandran Arun , Biswas Shubhabrata , Hartley James Leon , Nahser Hans Christean , Lancaster Jeffrey , Puthuran Mani
Published: June 2016

A bleeding vertebral artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare cause of haemoptysis. Pseudoaneurysm can arise due to radionecrosis from previous radiotherapy in the base of skull and neck region and may present with haemoptysis many years later. It is important to be aware of this entity in the work-up of haemoptysis, particularly in patients with previous base of skull and neck radiotherapy. Our patient was successfully treated with endovascular occlusion.
Improving the value of clinical research through the use of Common Data Elements
Authors: Sheehan Jerry , Hirschfeld Steven , Foster Erin , Ghitza Udi , Goetz Kerry , Karpinski Joanna , Lang Lisa , Moser Richard P , Odenkirchen Joanne , Reeves Dianne , Rubinstein Yaffa , Werner Ellen , Huerta Michael
Published: June 2016

The use of Common Data Elements can facilitate cross-study comparisons, data aggregation, and meta-analyses; simplify training and operations; improve overall efficiency; promote interoperability between different systems; and improve the quality of data collection. A Common Data Element is a combination of a precisely defined question (variable) paired with a specified set of responses to the question that is common to multiple datasets or used across different studies. Common Data Elements, especially when they conform to accepted standards, are identified by research communities from variable sets currently in use or are newly developed to address a designated data need. There are no formal international specifications governing the construction or use of Common Data Elements. Consequently, Common Data Elements tend to be made available by research communities on an empiric basis. Some limitations of Common Data Elements are that there may still be differences across studies in the interpretation and implementation of the Common Data Elements, variable validity in different populations, and inhibition by some existing research practices and the use of legacy data systems. Current National Institutes of Health efforts to support Common Data Element use are linked to the strengthening of National Institutes of Health Data Sharing policies and the investments in data repositories. Initiatives include cross-domain and domain-specific resources, construction of a Common Data Element Portal, and establishment of trans-National Institutes of Health working groups to address technical and implementation topics. The National Institutes of Health is seeking to lower the barriers to Common Data Element use through greater awareness and encourage the culture change necessary for their uptake and use. As National Institutes of Health, other agencies, professional societies, patient registries, and advocacy groups continue efforts to develop and promote the responsible use of Common Data Elements, particularly if linked to accepted data standards and terminologies, continued engagement with and feedback from the research community will remain important.
Tamil talk shows: Maintaining tradition in the new public sphere
Authors: Pongiyannan Dhamu , Pugsley Peter C
Published: June 2016

The popular Indian television talk show, Neeya? Naana? ( You? or Me?), offers a public platform for open discussion of important issues facing citizens in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Through its inclusive nature and open discussion format, the programme demonstrates the gendered involvement of citizens from all sections of society, including the socially disadvantaged castes and classes. While this suggests that Indian television provides a new site for an emerging public sphere, we contend that the public sphere in India can be historicized to the third millennium BC. In our analysis of Neeya? Naana?, we establish a relationship between Habermasian notions of the public sphere, India’s argumentative tradition and the ancient Sangam literature of South India. We further interrogate the concept of the public sphere by asserting that while India’s television talk shows offer the suggestion of an open democratic forum, they instead reinforce conservative cultural values.
Thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke is associated with lower long-term hospital bed day use: A nationwide propensity score-matched follow-up study
Authors: Terkelsen Thorkild , Schmitz Marie Louise , Simonsen Claus Z , Hundborg Heidi H , Christensen Hanne K , Gyllenborg Jesper , Sandal Birgitte F , Iversen Helle K , Madsen Charlotte , Rasmussen Mary-Jette , Vestergaard Karsten , Andersen Grethe , Johnsen Søren P
Published: June 2016

Background

Thrombolysis with intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator improves functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Few studies have investigated the effects of thrombolysis in a real-world setting. We evaluated the impact of thrombolysis on long-term hospital bed day use and the risk of readmission due to stroke-related complications.

Methods

We conducted a register-based nationwide propensity score-matched follow-up study among ischemic stroke patients in Denmark (2004–2011). Thrombolysed patients were propensity-score matched with non-thrombolysed acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to stroke centers not yet offering thrombolysis in 2004–2006. The outcomes were length of the stroke admission, total all-cause hospital bed day use during the first year after the stroke, and the long-term risk of readmissions. Thrombolysed and non-thrombolysed patients were compared using multivariable log-linear regression and Cox regression.

Results

We identified 1095 thrombolysed and 1095 propensity score matched eligible but non-thrombolysed acute ischemic stroke patients. The median length of the stroke admission was 9 days in the thrombolysed group and 13 days in the non-thrombolysed group (adjusted geometric mean ratio, 0.88; 95% CI: 0.78–1.00). The median all-cause hospital bed day use within the first year was 12 days in the thrombolysed group and 19 days in the non-thrombolysed group (adjusted geometric mean ratio, 0.82; 95% CI: 0.73–0.92). There was no significant difference in the overall risk of readmission (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI: 0.79–1.04); however, thrombolysis was associated with reduced risk of pneumonia (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI: 0.35–0.97).

Conclusions

Thrombolysis in ischemic stroke was associated with lower long-term hospital bed day use and decreased risk of readmission due to pneumonia.
Comparison of center of pressure trajectory characteristics in table tennis during topspin forehand loop between superior and intermediate players
Authors: Fu Fengqin , Zhang Yan , Shao Shirui , Ren James , Lake Mark , Gu Yaodong
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of center of pressure (COP) trajectory during table tennis topspin forehand loop between superior and intermediate players. Twenty-six male table tennis players with two different skilled level participated in this test. Novel Pedar insole plantar pressure measurement system was used to record COP displacement. Subjects were asked to perform crosscourt forehand loop against the topspin ball with maximal power. The motion was divided into two phases as backswing and forward swing. Compared to intermediate players, superior players showed significantly larger medial–lateral COP displacement at backward-end and significantly smaller anterior–posterior displacement at both backward and forward ends. In addition, the ratio of COP velocity between forward swing and backswing was much higher for superior subjects. Results indicated that superior players possessed better foot drive technique and ability of foot motion control during forehand loop. These characteristics are beneficial for coaches to develop special training schemes in improving forehand loop performance.
Recombinant Trichinella spiralis 53-kDa protein activates M2 macrophages and attenuates the LPS-induced damage of endotoxemia
Authors: Chen Zhi-bin , Tang Hao , Liang Yan-bing , Yang Wen , Wu Jing-guo , Hu Xu-chu , Li Zhen-yu , Zeng Li-jin , Ma Zhong-fu
Published: June 2016

Sepsis is a serious clinical condition of excessive systemic immune response to microbial infection. The pro-inflammatory stage of sepsis is generally launched by innate cells such as macrophages. They release inflammatory cytokines, activate other immune cells and cause severe tissue/organ damage. In this study, we have revealed that recombinant Trichinella spiralis (TS) excretory–secretory protein (rTsP53) exhibited anti-inflammatory properties and rescued mice from LPS-induced endotoxemia, which is a common model for sepsis study, potentially through the induction of M2 macrophages. rTsP53 treatment significantly decreased inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and increased IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and TGF-β secretion, both in circulation and in tissues. rTsP53 also induced the activation and infiltration of F4/80+CD163+ macrophages to inflammatory tissues, increased M2 macrophage-related Arg1 and Fizz1 expression, and decreased M1 macrophage-related iNOS expression. PCR array showed that rTsP53 activated several genes that involve the survival of macrophages and also anti-inflammatory genes such as SOCS3. Together, our results show that rTsP53 activates M2 macrophages, which has strong anti-inflammatory potential to prevent LPS-induced lethal sepsis.