bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Duodenal cytochrome b (Cybrd1) ferric reductase functional studies in cells
Authors: Schlottmann F. , Vera-Aviles M. , Latunde-Dada G. O.
Published: September 2017

A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs10455) in the last exon of the Dcytb gene in C282Y hemochromatosis subjects exhibited increased ferric reductase activity in transgenic CHO cells.
Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, electrochemical, solvatochromic and biological investigation of novel N4 and N3 type Cu(ii) Schiff base complexes
Authors: Azary Akbar , Bezaatpour Abolfazl , Zahri Saber , Amiri Mandana
Published: September 2017

In the present study, three novel Cu(ii) Schiff base complexes were synthesized and characterized using infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, conductivity measurements and X-ray crystallography.
Copper-catalyzed selective C–N bond formation with 2-amino, 2-hydroxy and 2-bromo-5-halopyridine
Authors: Roy Swarnali , Paul Barnali , Mukherjee Ayan , Kundu Biswajit , Talukdar Arindam
Published: September 2017

Copper catalyzed 1,2-diol promoted amination at electron-rich C-5 position of unprotected 2-amino/2-hydroxy-5-halopyridine and selective amination at C-5 in 2-bromo-5-iodopyridine provided excellent yields.
Nanocasting synthesis of an iron nitride-ordered mesopore carbon composite as a novel electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Liyang , Sun Li , Feng Jian , Qi Linlin , Muhammad Ishaq , Maher Jabeen , Cheng Xiaoyu , Song Weiming
Published: September 2017

A series of novel Fe2N/ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) composites (Fe2N@OMC) were synthesized via nanocasting route and ammonia calcination. The Fe2N@OMC electrodes exhibit an outstanding property for super capacitor.
White light and multicolor emission tuning in Ag nanocluster doped fluorophosphate glasses
Authors: Fares Hssen , Castro Tarcio , Orives Juliane Resges , Franco Douglas Faza , Nalin Marcelo
Published: September 2017

The emission properties of Ag NCs dispersed in a fluorophosphate glass have been studied. White light is generated under UV excitation due to the presence of a variety of Ag NCs with different sizes, emitting in the blue, green and red regions.
Small organic molecule-mediated hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical porous hydroxyapatite microspheres by the incorporation of copper ions
Authors: Xiao Dongqin , Yang Fei , Zhou Xue , Chen Zhu , Duan Ke , Weng Jie , Feng Gang
Published: September 2017

Hierarchical porous hydroxyapatite microspheres with a pit in the center were prepared under the synergistic effect of inositol hexakisphosphate and copper ions.
A novel information fusion strategy based on a regularized framework for identifying disease-related microRNAs
Authors: Peng Li , Peng Manman , Liao Bo , Xiao Qiu , Liu Wei , Huang Guohua , Li Keqin
Published: September 2017

This is the overall flowchart of RLSSLP. RLSSLP is a novel information fusion strategy based on regularized framework for revealing potential miRNA-disease associations.
Nb2©Au6: a molecular wheel with a short NbNb triple bond coordinated by an Au6 ring and reinforced by σ aromaticity
Authors: Jian Tian , Cheung Ling Fung , Czekner Joseph , Chen Teng-Teng , Lopez Gary V. , Li Wei-Li , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: September 2017

Vibrationally-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that Nb2Au6−/0 possess a Au6 ring coordinated equatorially to a triply-bonded NbNb.
Kirigami actuators
Authors: Dias Marcelo A. , McCarron Michael P. , Rayneau-Kirkhope Daniel , Hanakata Paul Z. , Campbell David K. , Park Harold S. , Holmes Douglas P.
Published: September 2017

Carefully tuning the location and arrangement of cuts within thin elastic sheets enables the design of mechanical actuators that scale down to atomically-thin 2D materials.
Supramolecular hydrogen-bonded photodriven actuators based on an azobenzene-containing main-chain liquid crystalline poly(ester-amide)
Authors: Nie Juyin , Liu Xiaopeng , Yan Yu , Zhang Huiqi
Published: September 2017

High performance supramolecular hydrogen-bonded photodriven actuators based on a new class of azobenzene-containing main-chain liquid crystalline poly(ester-amide)s are described.
Biomarkers of disease can be detected in mice as early as 4 weeks after initiation of exposure to third-hand smoke levels equivalent to those found in homes of smokers
Authors: Adhami Neema , Chen Yuxin , Martins-Green Manuela
Published: September 2017

Third-hand smoke (THS) is a newly discovered environmental health hazard that results from accumulation and aging of second-hand smoke (SHS) toxins on surfaces where smoking has occurred. Our objective was to determine whether there is a time-dependent effect of THS exposure on health. Using an in vivo exposure mouse system that mimics exposure of humans to THS, we investigated its effects on biomarkers found in serum, and in liver and brain tissues. Mice were exposed to THS for 1, 2, 4, or 6 months and brain, liver, and serum were collected. We found that THS exposure, as early as 1 month, resulted in increased circulating inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor by an order of magnitude of 2 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor by an order of magnitude of 1.5 and in increases in the stress hormone epinephrine and the liver damage biomarker aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased in magnitude 1.5 and 2.5 times compared with controls, respectively. THS exposure for 2 months resulted in further damage and at 4 and 6 months, many factors related to oxidative stress were altered and caused molecular damage. We also found that the mice became hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinimic suggesting that insulin resistance (IR) may be a significant consequence of long-term exposure to THS. In conclusion, time-dependent THS exposure has a significant effect on health as early as 1 month after initiation of exposure and these alterations progressively worsen with time. Our studies are important because virtually nothing is known about the effects of increased THS exposure time, they can serve to educate the public on the dangers of THS, and the biomarkers we identified can be used in the clinic, once verified in exposed humans.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Predictors of Expressive-Language Outcomes Among Late Talkers
Authors: Fisher Evelyn L.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the literature on predictors of outcomes among late talkers using systematic review and meta-analysis methods. We sought to answer the question: What factors predict preschool-age expressive-language outcomes among late-talking toddlers?

Method

We entered carefully selected search terms into the following electronic databases: Communication & Mass Media Complete, ERIC, Medline, PsycEXTRA, Psychological and Behavioral Sciences, and PsycINFO. We conducted a separate, random-effects model meta-analysis for each individual predictor that was used in a minimum of 5 studies. We also tested potential moderators of the relationship between predictors and outcomes using metaregression and subgroup analysis. Last, we conducted publication-bias and sensitivity analyses.

Results

We identified 20 samples, comprising 2,134 children, in a systematic review. According to the results of the meta-analyses, significant predictors of expressive-language outcomes included toddlerhood expressive-vocabulary size, receptive language, and socioeconomic status. Nonsignificant predictors included phrase speech, gender, and family history.

Conclusions

To our knowledge this is the first synthesis of the literature on predictors of outcomes among late talkers using meta-analysis. Our findings clarify the contributions of several constructs to outcomes and highlight the importance of early receptive language to expressive-language development.

Supplemental Materials

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5313454
Language Sample Analysis and Elicitation Technique Effects in Bilingual Children With and Without Language Impairment
Authors: Kapantzoglou Maria , Fergadiotis Gerasimos , Restrepo M. Adelaida
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This study examined whether the language sample elicitation technique (i.e., storytelling and story-retelling tasks with pictorial support) affects lexical diversity (D), grammaticality (grammatical errors per communication unit [GE/CU]), sentence length (mean length of utterance in words [MLUw]), and sentence complexity (subordination index [SI]), which are commonly used indices for diagnosing primary language impairment in Spanish–English-speaking children in the United States.

Method

Twenty bilingual Spanish–English-speaking children with typical language development and 20 with primary language impairment participated in the study. Four analyses of variance were conducted to evaluate the effect of language elicitation technique and group on D, GE/CU, MLUw, and SI. Also, 2 discriminant analyses were conducted to assess which indices were more effective for story retelling and storytelling and their classification accuracy across elicitation techniques.

Results

D, MLUw, and SI were influenced by the type of elicitation technique, but GE/CU was not. The classification accuracy of language sample analysis was greater in story retelling than in storytelling, with GE/CU and D being useful indicators of language abilities in story retelling and GE/CU and SI in storytelling.

Conclusion

Two indices in language sample analysis may be sufficient for diagnosis in 4- to 5-year-old bilingual Spanish–English-speaking children.
E‐plane probe microstrip to waveguide transition with fin‐line back‐short structure for millimetre‐wave application
Authors: Xu Zhengbin , Xu Jie , Cui Yinjie , Juo Jian , Qian Cheng
Published: September 2017

A novel E‐plane probe microstrip‐to‐waveguide transition for millimetre‐wave application is proposed. By introducing a fin‐line back‐short structure, tight‐tolerance machining and assembling of the waveguide back‐short commonly encountered with traditional E‐plane probe microstrip‐to‐waveguide transition are no longer necessary. A Ka‐band transition prototype is designed and fabricated to validate the design concept. Simulated and measured results agree well and both of them show the proposed transition achieved good return and insertion losses over the full Ka band.
Racetrack logic
Authors: Vacca M. , Graziano M. , Ottavi M
Published: September 2017

A building block for computing in memory systems is introduced. Based on the previously introduced racetrack memory proposed by IBM, a racetrack memory is used not only to store data but also to perform bitwise majority‐based computations by coupling the memory with inputs provided by controllable magnets. This solution is defined as racetrack logic. Micromagnetic simulations are used to confirm that the proposed solution is technically viable.
Bio‐inspired signal detection mechanism for tongue click waveform used in human echolocation
Authors: Raja Abdullah R.S.A. , Saleh N.L. , Abdul Rashid N.E. , Ahmad S.M.S.
Published: September 2017

Human echolocation is the ability of an individual (which is often a blind person) to use his/her signal such as sound from tongue clicks to perceive the surrounding. Basically this requires the person to listen and analyse to the return echo of the tongue clicks. The main characteristics of the tongue click signal waveform have been reported, however the fundamental principle on a person's ability to identify his/her own signal is still vague. The possible detection mechanism of the tongue click signal waveform used in human echolocation technique is discussed and imitated it as artificial detection system. The proposed mechanism which is based on human hearing process in synthesising the signal illustrates that the detection performance is improved as compared to the detection performance by the traditional matched filtering technique. The findings of this Letter create new potential for the development of any artificial human echolocator system, sensor systems like radar and sonar as well as applications inspired by human echolocation miracles.
Circularly‐polarised slot array with high front‐to‐back ratio and low axial ratio
Authors: Row Jeen‐Sheen , Wu Yu‐Hsin
Published: September 2017

A novel design for circularly‐polarised (CP) arrays is proposed. The proposed array is composed of dual CP slot antenna elements arranged in a face‐to‐face configuration, and they are simultaneously excited through a slot line. By properly controlling the excitation amplitudes and phases of the two radiating elements, the cross polarisation and back radiation of the array can be effectively reduced. From the measured results, the proposed array can give an axial ratio of lower than 1 dB and a front‐to‐back ratio of higher than 12 dB within a 10 dB‐return‐loss bandwidth of >16%. Simulation results obtained with high frequency structure simulator (HFSS) also agree well with the experimental data.
Discontinuous decoupled SVPWM schemes for a four‐level open‐end winding induction motor drive with waveform symmetries
Authors: Lakhimsetty Suresh , Somasekhar V.T.
Published: September 2017

A four‐level open‐end winding induction motor drive (OEWIMD) is realised by feeding the open stator windings of a three‐phase induction motor from either end with two‐level voltage source inverters (VSIs). These VSIs are operated with unequal DC‐link voltages, which are in the ratio of 2:1. This circuit configuration has the disadvantage of overcharging the DC‐link capacitor of the inverter operated with the lower input voltage. Decoupled space vector pulse‐width modulation (DSVPWM) schemes, which were suggested in the previous literature to circumvent this problem, result in higher switching power loss in the dual‐inverter topology. It is known that the discontinuous pulse‐width modulation (PWM) schemes reduce the switching power loss. However, lack of structural symmetry of the power circuit renders it unwieldy to devise these PWM schemes. This study explores the applicability of discontinuous decoupled SVPWM (DDPWM) techniques for the four‐level OEWIMD, without compromising on the waveform symmetries. With the aid of an improvised loss model, it is shown that these PWM schemes achieve the reduction of the overall loss of the four‐level OEWIMD compared to the DSVPWM schemes. It has also been observed that one of the proposed DDPWM schemes result in reduced dv⁄dt in the motor phase voltages.
Scalable indoor positioning system with multi‐band FMCW
Authors: Al‐Qudsi Belal , Joram Niko , El‐Shennawy Mohammed , Ellinger Frank
Published: September 2017

This study presents a multi‐band scalable positioning system that not only provides accurate means of navigation but also seamlessly extends the maximum number of reference and mobile nodes. Time synchronisation is carried out wirelessly, hence minimising the required hardware to easily set up the system. Due to its high precision and immunity to radio frequency interferences, a multi‐band frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system is designed particularly to handle the core time measurements. Large parts of the radar front‐end are fully integrated in an application‐specific integrated circuit. Furthermore, in order to withstand the complex indoor conditions, the system engages a particle filter based tracking algorithm as a data fusion platform. The measurements were evaluated in several practical conditions and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art techniques. The evaluation scenarios include areas with line‐of‐sight and non‐line‐of‐sight conditions. A root mean square positioning error of <17 and 31 cm was achieved in a coverage area of around 500 m2, in both outdoor and indoor conditions, respectively. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the proposed system outperforms the current commercial systems not only in the aspect of positioning error, but also in the coverage efficiency.
TBHP/n-Bu4PBr-Promoted Oxidative Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling of Aryl Methanols: A Facile Synthesis of Symmetrical Carboxylic Anhydride Derivatives
Authors: Adib Mehdi , Pashazadeh Rahim
Published: September 2017

A transition-metal-free oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction has been developed for the preparation of symmetrical carboxylic anhydrides through self-coupling dual C–O bond formations of aryl methanols. In the presence of a catalytic amount of tetrabutylphosphonium bromide (TBPB) as transfer agent and aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant and reactant, methylene groups of aryl methanols were efficiently oxidized to C=O and coupled with the peroxide oxygen from TBHP to form a diverse array of symmetrical carboxylic anhydride derivatives.
The Association of Decision-to-Incision Time for Cesarean Delivery with Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Bailit Jennifer , Sandoval Grecio , Reddy Uma , Wapner Ronald , Varner Michael , Thorp John , Caritis Steve , Prasad Mona , Tita Alan , Saade George , Sorokin Yoram , Rouse Dwight , Blackwell Sean , Tolosa Jorge , Grobman William ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network
Published: September 2017

Objective The objective of this study was to estimate whether the decision-to-incision (DTI) time for cesarean delivery (CD) is associated with differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods This analysis is of data from women at 25 U.S. medical centers with a term, singleton, cephalic nonanomalous gestation and no prior CD, who underwent an intrapartum CD. Perinatal and maternal outcomes associated with DTI intervals of ≤ 15, 16 to 30, and > 30 minutes were compared.

Results Among 3,482 eligible women, median DTI times were 46 and 27 minutes for arrest and fetal indications for CD, respectively (p < 0.01). Women with a fetal indication whose DTI interval was > 30 minutes had similar odds to the referent group (DTI of 16–30 minutes) for the adverse neonatal and maternal composites (odds ratio [OR]: 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–1.71 and OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.63–1.27). For arrest disorders, the odds of the adverse neonatal composite were lower among women with a DTI of > 30 minutes (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08–0.77), and the adverse maternal composite was no different (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.81–1.63).

Conclusion In this analysis, DTI times longer than 30 minutes were not associated with worse maternal or neonatal outcomes.
Postnatales Training – Mama-Workout
Authors: Wiechers Verena
Published: September 2017

Ein kleiner, aber feiner Arbeitsbereich für Physiotherapeuten ist die Betreuung frischgebackener Mütter. Ein gut strukturiertes Mama-Workout hilft den Frauen bei Regeneration und Rückbildung. Mit nur wenigen Übungen können sie sich fit für den Alltag und Sport machen – mithilfe ihres Therapeuten und begleitend zu Hause.
Subclinical Hyperthyroidism and the Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Delitala Alessandro
Published: September 2017

Thyroid hormone excess has complex metabolic effects, particularly on the cardiovascular system. Treatment of these conditions is universally suggested by international guidelines. Subclinical hyperthyroidism, defined by reduced or suppressed TSH levels in the presence of normal free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine values, is common in the general population and progressively increases with aging, being as high as 15.4% in subjects more than 75 years old and more frequent in subjects with nodular goiter. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is often asymptomatic and the diagnosis is incidentally made during screening exams. However, this form of thyroid disorder has gained attention in the last years for its association with cardiovascular disease, in particular with atrial fibrillation. Less clear are the effects of subclinical hyperthyroidism on blood pressure, stroke, or heart failure. The decision to treat subclinical hyperthyroidism is made on the clinical judge, particularly in elderly patients and/or in the presence of comorbidities.
Ab initio electronic transport and thermoelectric properties of solids from full and range-separated hybrid functionals
Authors: Sansone Giuseppe , Ferretti Andrea , Maschio Lorenzo
Published: September 2017

Within the semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory in the constant relaxation-time approximation, we perform an ab initio study of the transport properties of selected systems, including crystalline solids and nanostructures. A local (Gaussian) basis set is adopted and exploited to analytically evaluate band velocities as well as to access full and range-separated hybrid functionals (such as B3LYP, PBE0, or HSE06) at a moderate computational cost. As a consequence of the analytical derivative, our approach is computationally efficient and does not suffer from problems related to band crossings. We investigate and compare the performance of a variety of hybrid functionals in evaluating Boltzmann conductivity. Demonstrative examples include silicon and aluminum bulk crystals as well as two thermoelectric materials (CoSb3, Bi2Te3). We observe that hybrid functionals other than providing more realistic bandgaps—as expected—lead to larger bandwidths and hence allow for a better estimate of transport properties, also in metallic systems. As a nanostructure prototype, we also investigate conductivity in boron-nitride (BN) substituted graphene, in which nanoribbons (nanoroads) alternate with BN ones.
Low-energy electron excitation effect on formation of graphene nanocrystallites during carbon film growth process
Authors: Chen Wencong , Zhang Xi , Diao Dongfeng
Published: September 2017

We report a low-energy electron excitation effect on the formation of graphene nanocrystallites embedded in carbon films in an electron cyclotron resonance plasma. In this work, carbon films were deposited at different irradiation electron energies and fluxes monitored using a retarding field energy analyzer, while the deposition temperature was measured using an infrared thermometer. We found that the size and concentration of graphene nanocrystallites strongly depend on the irradiation electron energy and the electron flux but not the temperature, which indicates that the electron excitation effect of the covalent bonds dominates the formation process of these nanocrystallites. This finding shed light on the new fabrication method of 2D materials.
Dissipative structures and biological rhythms
Authors: Goldbeter Albert
Published: September 2017

Sustained oscillations abound in biological systems. They occur at all levels of biological organization over a wide range of periods, from a fraction of a second to years, and with a variety of underlying mechanisms. They control major physiological functions, and their dysfunction is associated with a variety of physiological disorders. The goal of this review is (i) to give an overview of the main rhythms observed at the cellular and supracellular levels, (ii) to briefly describe how the study of biological rhythms unfolded in the course of time, in parallel with studies on chemical oscillations, (iii) to present the major roles of biological rhythms in the control of physiological functions, and (iv) the pathologies associated with the alteration, disappearance, or spurious occurrence of biological rhythms. Two tables present the main examples of cellular and supracellular rhythms ordered according to their period, and their role in physiology and pathophysiology. Among the rhythms discussed are neural and cardiac rhythms, metabolic oscillations such as those occurring in glycolysis in yeast, intracellular Ca++ oscillations, cyclic AMP oscillations in Dictyostelium amoebae, the segmentation clock that controls somitogenesis, pulsatile hormone secretion, circadian rhythms which occur in all eukaryotes and some bacteria with a period close to 24 h, the oscillatory dynamics of the enzymatic network driving the cell cycle, and oscillations in transcription factors such as NF-ΚB and tumor suppressors such as p53. Ilya Prigogine's concept of dissipative structures applies to temporal oscillations and allows us to unify within a common framework the various rhythms observed at different levels of biological organization, regardless of their period and underlying mechanism.
Temperature dependent optical characterization of Ni-TiO2 thin films as potential photocatalytic material
Authors: De Rajnarayan , Haque S. Maidul , Tripathi S. , Rao K. Divakar , Singh Ranveer , Som T. , Sahoo N. K.
Published: September 2017

Along with other transition metal doped titanium dioxide materials, Ni-TiO2 is considered to be one of the most efficient materials for catalytic applications due to its suitable energy band positions in the electronic structure. The present manuscript explores the possibility of improving the photocatalytic activity of RF magnetron sputtered Ni-TiO2 films upon heat treatment. Optical, structural and morphological and photocatalytic properties of the films have been investigated in detail for as deposited and heat treated samples. Evolution of refractive index (RI) and total film thickness as estimated from spectroscopic ellipsometry characterization are found to be in agreement with the trend in density and total film thickness estimated from grazing incidence X-ray reflectivity measurement. Interestingly, the evolution of these macroscopic properties were found to be correlated with the corresponding microstructural modifications realized in terms of anatase to rutile phase transformation and appearance of a secondary phase namely NiTiO3 at high temperature. Corresponding morphological properties of the films were also found to be temperature dependent which leads to modifications in the grain structure. An appreciable reduction of optical band gap from 2.9 to 2.5 eV of Ni-TiO2 thin films was also observed as a result of post deposition heat treatment. Testing of photocatalytic activity of the films performed under UV illumination demonstrates heat treatment under atmospheric ambience to be an effective means to enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of transition metal doped titania samples.
Laser-Based Formation of Copper Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution: Optical Properties, Particle Size Distributions, and Formation Kinetics
Authors: Mulder Ashley J. , Tilbury Rhys D. , Wright Phillip J. , Becker Thomas , Massi Massimiliano , Buntine Mark A.
Published: September 2017

We explore the formation kinetics, optical absorption spectra, and particle size distributions of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) formed by direct laser ablation from the bulk metal via a process we refer to as Laser Ablation Synthesis in Solution (LASiS). Comparisons are made between CuNPs formed in pure water versus those formed in the presence of 1 × 10−4 M solutions of the N-donor ligands 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′Bipy) and 1H-5-(4-pyridyl)tetrazole (T-4Py). CuNPs formed in pure water and in the presence of 4,4′Bipy display similar UV-visible absorption spectra and very similar particle size distributions. In comparison, CuNPs formed in the presence of T-4Py display significantly different absorption properties, with the surface plasmon resonance transition blue-shifted by ∼55 nm, and a much smaller and narrower particle size distribution compared with the former samples. Based on previous literature reports, it is possible to ascribe these differences to differences in the CuNP surface oxidation states for samples prepared in the presence of T-4Py. However, an analysis of the formation kinetics of all three samples indicates near-identical behaviour.
Characterisation and monitoring of one of the world's most valuable ecotourism animals, the southern stingray at Stingray City, Grand Cayman
Authors: Vaudo Jeremy J. , Wetherbee Bradley M. , Harvey Guy C. M. , Harvey Jessica C. , Prebble Alexandra J. F. , Corcoran Mark J. , Potenski Matthew D. , Bruni Keith A. , Leaf Robert T. , Henningsen Alan D. , Collie Jeremy S. , Shivji Mahmood S.
Published: September 2017

Southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) represent a multimillion dollar ecotourism operation in Grand Cayman, interacting with over a million visitors annually. Over 30 years of stingray provisioning by tour operators has provided a predictable aggregation at the Stingray City Sandbar (SCS). Despite potentially negative effects of provisioning and concerns about declining stingray numbers at SCS, there has never been a formal assessment of the aggregation. In the present study we analysed tagging data from 2002 to 2015 and established structured censuses monitoring the aggregation. The consistently female-dominated aggregation declined between 2008 and 2012, from >100 to <60 stingrays, but has increased since 2012, stabilising at ~90 stingrays. Female site fidelity was high, with ~20% of females resident for ≥10 years, compared with only 3 years for most males. Stingrays were also found to have growth rates similar to those in captivity. The results of the present study suggest the SCS aggregation is highly dependent on individuals arriving from the island-wide stingray population, susceptible to perturbation, and that successful management of activities at SCS will benefit from regular monitoring of the stingray aggregation. We chronicle the historical status of this well-known and economically valuable marine resource and provide suggestions applicable towards sustainable human–marine wildlife interactions for similar resources.
Perception of one’s own gender role and the role played by men in adolescent female victims of sexual abuse / Percepción del rol de género propio y del rol que desempeñan los hombres, en mujeres adolescentes víctimas de abuso sexual
Authors: Silva Cecilia , Nava-Martínez Brenda-Isabel , González-Alcántara Karla-Edith
Published: September 2017

In order to ascertain whether suffering sexual abuse affects the perception of adolescent females’ gender role and the perception of the gender role played by men, 71 victims and 76 adolescents who had not been abused were assessed. The findings indicate that sexual abuse victims minimize the positive characteristics of men and overestimate the negative ones, and they perceive themselves with few positive female features but with many negative ones. They are also dissatisfied with their own gender role, which produces maladjustments that increase the difficulty of establishing relationships with the opposite sex, which in turn might generate subsequent risky behaviours.
High performance thermal-sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coatings in narrow and complex areas
Authors: Upadhyaya Rohit , Tailor Satish , Shrivastava Sharad , Modi S. C.
Published: September 2017

A complex geometry is always a challenge for the thermal spray community, because the spray angle affects the droplet's impact on the substrate resulting in changes in coating properties. In this work, an attempt has been made to overcome this limitation. WC-Co-Cr coating was deposited on the CA6NM steel using newly developed high-velocity oxy liquid fuel (HVOLF) thermal spraying gun. As-sprayed coatings were analysed using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy for phase and microstructural analysis, respectively. Coating microhardness and porosity were also measured. Adhesion strength tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of the as-sprayed coatings. Results show that the coating produced by the HVOLF thermal spray system is excellent in terms of mechanical properties achieved. The angular design of this gun allows spraying in narrow areas, complex parts and inside internal diameter minimum as 140 mm having almost uniform coating properties at both spray angles (45° and 70°); this makes it a promising solution for coating deposition on complex geometries.
Associations between retirement reasons, chronic pain, athletic identity, and depressive symptoms among former professional footballers
Authors: Sanders George , Stevinson Clare
Published: September 2017

Background: Retirement from professional sport has been recognised as a major psychological stressor, and there is a need to identify factors that increase the risk of mental health problems after career termination. The current study examined associations between career‐ending injury, chronic pain, athletic identity, and depressive symptomology in retired professional footballers. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was performed with 307 retired male footballers who had played within a professional United Kingdom league. Participants completed measures of depressive symptoms (Short Depression‐Happiness Scale), chronic pain (Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale), and athletic identity (Athletic Identity Measurement Scale), and reported their reasons for retirement. Results: A total of 48 participants (16%) met the cut‐off score for possible cases of clinically relevant depression. These participants were more recently retired, and had higher athletic identity than those without depressive symptoms. Former players with depressive symptoms were more likely to cite injury as a retirement reason, and report higher levels of ongoing injury‐related pain. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the presence of depressive symptoms was independently associated with retirement through injury (OR = 3.44; 95% CI = 1.39, 8.51), higher pain levels (OR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.86), and increased athletic identity (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.14, 1.44). Conclusions: Career‐ending injury is strongly associated with higher odds of depressive symptomology during retirement, while experiencing chronic pain, and maintaining a high sense of athletic identity, are additional potential contributors.
The Curious Case of ‘Schools’ of IR: From the Sociology to the Geopolitics of Knowledge
Authors: Zhang Yongjin , Kristensen Peter Marcus
Published: September 2017

This article interrogates the questions evoked by the curious case of ‘schools’ of thought in International Relations (IR) through the twin perspectives of the sociology of knowledge and geopolitics of knowledge. Drawing inspirations from the tradition of the sociology of IR pioneered by E. H. Carr, the paper first explores how geo-epistemic diversity can help understand the sociologically problematic nature of IR knowledge production in the existing discipline. Taking cues from Randall Collins’s sociology of philosophies, the article moves to identify four clusters of sociological conditions and dynamics that, we argue, facilitate the formation and sustain the operation of schools of thought in IR. Taking seriously the recent insight from geopolitics of knowledge, the article then looks at why and how school labelling constitutes a battleground for contestation and legitimation of knowledge. While the ‘core’ uses the school label to create a parallel, and explicitly inferior, universe of knowledge production to localize theoretical noises from the peripheries, the school label, we argue, has been proactively appropriated by those at peripheries and semi-peripheries for three strategic purposes: to engage in a purposely contentious politics, to question the claim of the American ‘core’ as the creator, depositor, and distributor of universal knowledge, and to unveil the geo-historical linkage between the political and the epistemic. School labelling matters, we further argue, because it has become a site of contestation of geopolitics of knowledge and reflects the perils and promises in our collective pursuit of constructing a truly global IR.
A Risk Calculator Using Preoperative Opioids for Prediction of Total Knee Revision Arthroplasty
Authors: Starr Jordan , Rozet Irene , Ben-Ari Alon
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a procedure to improve quality of life. However, some patients require early total knee revision (TKR). Chronic opioid use before TKA is associated with TKR. No risk calculator including opioid use or other risk factors is currently available for predicting TKR.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed medical records of Veterans Affairs patients who underwent TKA from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2012. Patients were followed until January 1, 2013. Chronic opioid use was defined as opioid use for ≥3 months preoperatively. A cross-validated Cox proportional hazards model was created to predict TKR before initial TKA. Model performance was evaluated by the mean absolute error at 1 and 5 years.

Results:

Totally, 32,297 patients were included. A risk calculator was generated with a mean absolute error of 0.1% at 1 year and 3.6% at 5 years. Chronic opioid use was a significant predictor of TKR (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.43; P<0.001). Other model variables were age (HR, 0.95; P<0.001), female sex (HR, 0.77; P=0.020), body mass index (HR, 0.99; P=0.022), diabetes (HR, 1.20; P=0.001), chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.48; P<0.001), and nonchronic opioid use (HR, 1.07; P=0.313).

Discussion:

Preoperative chronic opioid use is a predictor of TKR. Using this association and others, a TKA revision risk calculator was generated at http://www.bit.do/tka.
Social Support and Pain Outcomes After Trauma Exposure Among Older Adults
Authors: Richmond Natalie L. , Meyer Michelle L. , Hollowell Allison G. , Isenberg Erin E. , Domeier Robert M. , Swor Robert A. , Hendry Phyllis L. , Peak David A. , Rathlev Niels K. , Jones Jeffrey S. , Lee David C. , Jones Christopher W. , Platts-Mills Timothy F.
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

Certain forms of social support have been shown to improve pain-coping behaviors and pain outcomes in older adults with chronic pain, but little is known about the effect of social support on pain outcomes in older adults following trauma exposure.

Methods:

We analyzed data from a prospective longitudinal study of adults aged 65 years and older presenting to an emergency department after a motor vehicle collision (MVC) to characterize the relationship between perceived social support and MVC-related pain after trauma overall and by subgroups based on sex, depressive symptoms, and marital status.

Results:

In our sample (N=176), patients with low perceived social support had higher pain severity 6 weeks after MVC than patients with high perceived social support after adjustment for age, sex, race, and education (4.2 vs. 3.2,P=0.04). The protective effect of social support on pain severity at 6 weeks was more pronounced in men and in married individuals. Patients with low social support were less likely to receive an opioid prescription in the emergency department (15% vs. 32%,P=0.03), but there was no difference in opioid use at 6 weeks (22% vs. 20%,P=0.75).

Discussion:

Among older adults experiencing trauma, low perceived social support was associated with higher levels of pain at 6 weeks.
The Incidence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Their Association With Pain-related and Psychosocial Impairment in Youth With Chronic Pain
Authors: Nelson Sarah , Simons Laura E. , Logan Deirdre
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in youth have been found to be frequently associated with several chronic illnesses, including chronic pain. However, this relationship remains poorly understood. Previous research has examined the association between ACEs and chronic pain, but these have primarily been examined in the context of adults with limited assessment of ACEs and individual pain conditions. The primary objectives of this study were to examine the incidence and psychological/pain-related correlates of ACEs in a sample of youth with chronic pain. Exploratory analyses were also examined using primary pain diagnosis and number of pain locations.

Methods:

Data were gathered using retrospective data from a clinical databank. Participants were 141 youth aged 9 to 19 with chronic pain who presented for evaluation at a multidisciplinary pain clinic. Information on ACEs exposure, pain diagnostic information, pain-related impairment, and psychosocial functioning were gathered via self-report and retrospective review of the medical record.

Results:

Results revealed that over 80% of youth with chronic pain reported at least 1 ACE in their lifetime. Further, multiple and univariate analyses of variance revealed that ACEs exposure is significantly associated with greater symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fear of pain, with ≥3 ACEs associated with greatest impairment in functioning. No relationships were found between ACEs and increased pain-related disability or pain intensity.

Discussion:

ACEs exposure in youth with chronic pain occurs frequently and can be associated with increased psychosocial but not functional impairment. Future research is needed to further examine the relationship between ACEs and chronic pain in youth in a prospective manner.
Analgesic Effects of Locally Administered Ketorolac-based Analgesics After Breast Surgery
Authors: Chen Jen-Yin , Feng I-Jung , Loh El-Wui , Wang Li-Kai , Lin Chao-Chun , Tam Ka-Wai
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Reducing postoperative pain following breast surgery is crucial for rapid recovery and shortening hospital stay. Ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been used as a postoperative analgesic in many surgical procedures. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of locally administered ketorolac-based analgesics in managing pain after breast surgery.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry for randomized control trials (RCTs) published up to September 2016. The primary outcome was pain level assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 1 and 6 hours following breast surgery.

Results:

We reviewed 4 RCTs with 255 patients. For meta-analysis, VAS at 1 and 6 hours of 3 similar RCTs were compared. At 1 hour, VAS scores were significantly lower in patients administered a ketorolac solution [weighted mean difference (WMD)=−2.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): −3.08 to −1.00] or ketorolac-bupivacaine solution (WMD=−2.30; 95% CI, −4.07 to −0.54) than in controls. At 6 hours, the ketorolac-bupivacaine solution reduced VAS scores significantly (WMD=−1.40; 95% CI, −2.48 to −0.32) compared with controls. However, at 1 hour, the ketorolac solution was significantly more effective than the bupivacaine solution was (WMD=−1.70; 95% CI, −2.81 to −0.59).

Discussion:

The effects of ketorolac-based analgesics vary as per the surgery and disease type. Locally administered ketorolac-based analgesics decreased postoperative pain in breast surgery patients, and the effect of local ketorolac was better than local bupivacaine. Therefore, ketorolac-based analgesics demonstrate considerable local infiltration during pain management after breast surgery.
Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Farsi Version of NIH Task Force's Recommended Multidimensional Minimal Dataset for Research on Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Noormohammadpour Pardis , Tavana Bahareh , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Zeinalizadeh Mehdi , Mirzashahi Babak , Rostami Mohsen , Kordi Ramin
Published: September 2017

Study Design.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Task Force's minimal dataset.

Objective.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate validity and reliability of the Farsi version of NIH Task Force's recommended multidimensional minimal dataset for research on chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Summary of Background Data.

Considering the high treatment cost of CLBP and its increasing prevalence, NIH Pain Consortium developed research standards (including recommendations for definitions, a minimum dataset, and outcomes’ report) for studies regarding CLBP. Application of these recommendations could standardize research and improve comparability of different studies in CLBP.

Methods.

This study has three phases: translation of dataset into Farsi and its cultural adaptation, assessment of pre-final version of dataset's comprehensibility via a pilot study, and investigation of the reliability and validity of final version of translated dataset. Subjects were 250 patients with CLBP. Test-retest reliability, content validity, and convergent validity (correlations among different dimensions of dataset and Farsi versions of Oswestry Disability Index, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory-II) were assessed.

Results.

The Farsi version demonstrated good/excellent convergent validity (the correlation coefficient between impact dimension and ODI was r = 0.75 [P < 0.001], between impact dimension and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire was r = 0.80 [P < 0.001], and between psychological dimension and BDI was r = 0.62 [P < 0.001]). The test-retest reliability was also strong (intraclass correlation coefficient value ranged between 0.70 and 0.95) and the internal consistency was good/excellent (Chronbach's alpha coefficients’ value for two main dimensions including impact dimension and psychological dimension were 0.91 and 0.82 [P < 0.001], respectively). In addition, its face validity and content validity were acceptable.

Conclusion.

The Farsi version of minimal dataset for research on CLBP is a reliable and valid instrument for data gathering in patients with CLBP. This minimum dataset can be a step toward standardization of research regarding CLBP.

Level of Evidence: 3
Organizational and environmental factors influencing hospital community orientation
Authors: Jennings J'Aime C. , Landry Amy Y. , Hearld Larry R. , Weech-Maldonado Robert , Snyder Scott W. , Patrician Patricia A.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Community orientation refers to hospitals' efforts to assess and meet the health needs of the local population. Variations in the number of community orientation-related activities offered by hospitals may be attributed to differences in organizational and environmental characteristics. Therefore, hospitals have to strategically respond to these internal and external constraints to improve community health. Understanding the facilitators and barriers of hospital community orientation is important to health care managers facing pressure from the external environment to meet the expectations of the community as well as Affordable Care Act guidelines.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the organizational and environmental factors that promote or impede hospital community orientation.

Methodology:

A multivariate regression with random effects was conducted using data from the American Hospital Association Annual Survey from 2007 to 2010 and county level data from the Area Health Resource Files.

Findings:

Not-for-profit, system-affiliated, network-affiliated, and larger hospitals have a higher degree of community orientation. In addition, the percentage of the county residents under the age of 65 years with health insurance and hospitals in states with certificate-of-need laws were also positively related to the degree of community orientation. During the study period, it appears that organizational factors mattered more in determining the degree of community orientation.

Practice Implications:

Overall, a better understanding of the factors that influence community orientation can assist hospital administrators and policymakers in stimulating the hospital's role in improving population health and its responsiveness to community health needs. These efforts may occur by building interorganizational relationships or by incentivizing those hospitals that are least likely to be community oriented.