bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation of a simple distributed-parameter model of multilayer piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Zhang Yangkun , Lu Tien-Fu , Al-Sarawi Said
Published: July 2015

A multilayer piezoelectric actuator is a promising linear vibrator. In this article, a simple distributed-parameter analytical model of piezoelectric actuator, which can model vibration characteristics of piezoelectric actuator–based applications, is formulated. Based on the physical analysis of piezoelectric actuator, a simplification is proposed, justified and applied to fundamentals of thickness-extension-mode piezoelectricity. This simplification subtly enables piezoelectric actuator to be effectively modelled as a whole and allows for a formulation of a simple analytical model. Compared with other modelling methods in the literature, the proposed model with a small number of easily accessible parameters is easy to handle and extend with little compromised accuracy. The effectiveness of the proposed model has been validated by a three-dimensional finite element analysis model of piezoelectric actuator developed in commercial software ANSYS.
Synergy between magnetorheological fluids and aluminum foams: Prospective alternative for seismic damping
Authors: Aguilera Portillo M , Santa Ana Lozada P , Figueroa IA , Suárez MA , Delgado AV , Iglesias GR
Published: July 2015

This article presents the experimental study of a preliminary investigation of a seismic damper device aimed at improving the behavior of structures when subjected to earthquakes. The damper is the result of a binomial material formed by an aluminum foam with pores of 1 mm diameter wetted by a magnetorheological fluid. The objective of this work is to explore the synergy between the two components on a magnetorheological test and to evaluate the effect of the Al foam pores in the structure buildup of the fluid. The analysis is completed with a compressive test carried out on the magnetorheological fluid–filled foam in the presence of a magnetic field. This kind of test demonstrates that the deformation of the foam for very small loads is limited by the hardening of the fluid because of its magnetorheological response. The results of this research suggest that there is a mutual benefit between the components of the device, presumably leading to an enhanced dissipation of vibration energy.
Detection and localization of fatigue crack with nonlinear instantaneous baseline
Authors: Wu Weiliang , Qu Wenzhong , Xiao Li , Inman Daniel J
Published: July 2015

This article presents a fatigue crack characterization technique using a nonlinear instantaneous baseline not only to identify but also to locate fatigue damage in an aluminum plate. In conventional ultrasonic structural health monitoring approaches, damage is identified by comparing the newly measured signal with the baseline signal prerecorded when the structure is in its pristine state. The need to compare the current signals with prerecorded signals makes these methods unattractive, since the measured signals are also affected by the changing environment and load conditions of the structure. To overcome this deficiency, the technique proposed here replaces the prerecorded baseline with an instantaneous baseline which can be obtained when the structure is inspected. The measurement of instantaneous baseline utilizes the nonlinear properties of fatigue cracks when subjected to different amplitudes of excitations. Then damage is characterized in terms of a damage index value which is defined as the spectral changes in each path. The short-time Fourier transform is adopted to obtain the spectrogram. The experimental tests are presented to validate the effectiveness of this damage detection technique. A fatigue crack on an aluminum plate was located accurately with a set of surface-bounded piezoceramic (lead zirconate titanate) transducers by adopting the instantaneous baseline.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Related Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: Kang Jun Ren , Long Li Hai , Yan Sun Wen , Wei Wang Wei , Jun Han Zhi , Chen Wei
Published: July 2015

Background:

Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are widely used in patients with cancer. Catheter usage is one of the risk factors for venous thromboembolism. We aimed to scrutinize the incidence and risk factors for PICC-related upper extremity venous thrombosis (UEVT) in patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with lung cancer with PICC insertion undergoing chemotherapy. Symptomatic PICC-UEVT was diagnosed by ultrasound. The relationship between chemotherapeutic agent exposure and PICC-UEVT was evaluated. Patient-, catheter-, and insertion-related factors were analyzed in univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify significant independent risk factors for PICC-UEVT in patients with lung cancer.

Results:

A total of 328 patients with lung cancer having PICC undergoing chemotherapy were included, for a total of 34 895 catheter days. Seventeen (5.2%) patients developed PICC-related UEVT, with an incidence of 0.49 per 1000 catheter days. In multivariable logistic analysis, advanced disease was shown to be a significant risk factor for PICC-UEVT (odds ratio [OR]: 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-16.7; P = .011). Patients treated with etoposide had a higher risk of PICC-related UEVT (OR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.1-12.1; P = .042). Patients were followed up after PICC removal for a median duration of 246 days. None of the patients developed pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion:

Patients with lung cancer harboring an advanced disease or treating with etoposide were at higher risk of PICC-UEVT.
Nationalized incumbents and regional challengers
Authors: Wahman Michael
Published: July 2015

The African party literature, especially research prescribing to the long-dominant ethnic voting thesis, has asserted that African party systems exhibit low levels of party nationalization. However, systematic research on nationalization across parties and party systems is still lacking. This study argues that the prospects for building nationalized parties vary substantially between incumbent and opposition parties. Incumbent parties, with their access to state resources, have been successful in creating nationwide operations, even in countries where geographical factors have been unfavorable and where ethnic fractionalization is high. The analysis utilizes a new data set of disaggregated election results for 26 African countries to calculate nationalization scores for 77 parties and study the correlates of party nationalization. The results show that factors like ethnic fractionalization, the size of the geographical area, and urbanization affect party nationalization, but only in the case of opposition parties. Incumbent parties, on the other hand, generally remain nationalized despite unfavorable structural conditions.
Management of mixed arterial venous lower extremity ulceration: A review
Authors: Hedayati Nasim , Carson John G , Chi Yung-Wei , Link Daniel
Published: July 2015

Mixed arterial venous disease is estimated to affect up to 26% of patients with lower extremity ulcerations. However, its clinical significance and pathophysiology are incompletely understood. Furthermore, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment modality, whether conservative or operative. In this review paper, we describe the current understanding of the pathophysiology of mixed arterial venous lower extremity ulcers. Guidelines for diagnostic tests for patients with mixed arterial venous diseases are discussed. We review some of the newer biological skin substitutes for conservative wound care. Finally, we propose a treatment algorithm based on current available data.
Mark Making: Methodologies and methods (innovative practice)
Authors: Zeilig Hannah
Published: July 2015

Mark Making is a recently completed AHRC-funded review exploring the role of the participative arts for people with dementia in the UK. Key concerns underlying Mark Making were both how to privilege the views and feelings of people with a dementia and also how best to understand the value of the arts for people with a dementia. These issues were tackled using a variety of qualitative methods. Methods included a rigorous literature review, the development of a unique web-based map locating many participative arts projects and above all working with people with a dementia to ascertain their views. This brief article will concentrate on some of the innovative methods that the Mark Making team used, with particular reference to comics as a mode of engagement as used in the Descartes project. The article will provide an insight into some of the methodological challenges confronted by Mark Making as well as the inspirations and successes that were enjoyed.
The Inner Eye Theory of Laughter: Mindreader Signals Cooperator Value
Authors: Jung Wonil Edward
Published: July 2015

In this hypothesis paper, I propose a three-component set of jointly necessary and sufficient trigger criteria for all cases of involuntary laughter. The theory incorporates concepts from the theory of mind in cognitive science. I then examine the information content of the laughter signal from a game theoretic perspective. I conclude that laughter is a signal of cooperator value as it provides information on the laugher's empathy with the attributed mental states and her sympathy levels for all affected by the laugh-inducing situation. Laughter also indicates what types of mental representations children, autistic people, nonhuman primates and adults possess and can falsify.
“Rough and Tumble” Play: Lessons in Life
Authors: Jarvis Pam
Published: July 2015

This paper focuses upon the developmental role of Rough and Tumble (R&T) play with particular attention to the narratives that children use to underpin such activities, and to gender differences within these. The empirical research focused upon the R&T play of children in the early years department of a suburban primary school in Northern England. The children's playtime activities were ethnographically observed over a period of eighteen calendar months, encompassing five school terms. The effects of evolution, biology and culture are recognized in the approach taken to the analysis of data. Findings indicated that the narratives underpinning R&T play were socially complex and highly gendered, and that mixed gender R&T play in particular could be theorized to mirror and simplify aspects of complex, gendered adult interaction.
Costly Signaling Theory of REM Sleep and Dreams
Authors: McNamara Patrick , Szent-Imrey Reka
Published: July 2015

The function of REM sleep dreaming is still unknown. We situate our approach to understanding dream phenomenology and dream function within that part of evolutionary theory known as Costly Signaling Theory (CST). We contend that many of the signals produced by the dreaming brain can be and should be construed as “costly signals”—emotions or mental simulations that produce daytime behavioral dispositions that are costly to the dreamer. For example, often the dreamer will appear in the dream as handicapped in some way (i.e., no clothes, no ID, no money, is under attack, being chased etc.). The dreamer, during waking life, is then influenced by the carry-over effect of the unpleasant dream content. The informational and affective content of the dream creates a mental set in the dreamer that operates during the daytime to facilitate the signaling of a “handicapped” Self. The subtle signaling effect might be via display of the intense emotions or physical demeanor that had first appeared in the dream. When the dreamer shares his dream with others the dream has a more direct impact on waking life and social interactions. In effect, the dreamer uses his or her dreams to adopt a self-handicapping strategy when dealing with significant others. The increased use of costly signals (the self-handicapping strategy) during the daytime then facilitates some vital communicative goal of the dreamer.
The Social Evolution of Language, and the Language of Social Evolution
Authors: Scott-Phillips Thomas C.
Published: July 2015

Recent years have witnessed an increased interest in the evolution of the human capacity for language. Such a project is necessarily interdisciplinary. However, that interdisciplinarity brings with it a risk: terms with a technical meaning in their own field are used wrongly or too loosely by those from other backgrounds. Unfortunately, this risk has been realized in the case of language evolution, where many of the terms of social evolution theory (reciprocal altruism, honest signaling, etc.) are incorrectly used in a way that suggests that certain key fundamentals have been misunderstood. In particular the distinction between proximate and ultimate explanations is often lost, with the result that several claims made by those interested in language evolution are epistemically incoherent. However, the correct application of social evolution theory provides simple, clear explanations of why language most likely evolved and how the signals used in language — words — remain cheap yet arbitrary.
Do Birds Experience Sensory Pleasure?
Authors: Cabanac Michel
Published: July 2015

To answer the question of whether sensory pleasure exists in birds, I trained an African-gray parrot (Psittacus erythacus) named Aristote to speak. Stage 1 of the study consisted in gaining Aristote's affection. In Stage 2 Aristote was taught to speak, following Irene Pepperberg's triangular method: another person and I would talk together and look at Aristote only when it used understandable French words. Thus Aristote learned to say a few words for obtaining toys or getting my attention; e.g. “donne bouchon” (give cork) or “donne gratte” (give scratch/tickle), with the appropriate reward. In Stage 3, the word bon (good) was added to the short list of words used by Aristote. I said “bon” when giving Aristote the stimuli it requested and which would, presumably, be pleasurable; e.g. gratte bon. Aristote started to use short sentences such as “yaourt bon” (good yogurt). Eventually, Aristote transferred the word bon to new stimuli such as raisin (grape), an association I myself had never made. Such a use of vocabulary, and moreover its transfer, likely shows that this bird experienced sensory pleasure.
Paternal Care May Influence Perceptions of Paternal Resemblance
Authors: Volk Anthony A. , Darrell-Cheng Carolynn , Marini Zopito A.
Published: July 2015

Father-child resemblance is increasingly attracting attention from researchers interested in studying paternal investment. The current study sought to determine whether a quasi-experimental infant massage intervention would increase father's perceptions of resemblance. The study included a dozen fathers in each of two groups: the first received an intensive series of lessons on infant-father massage along with their infants, while the second group served as a neutral control. We failed to find significant correlations between paternal investment and resemblance, but we found that fathers who participated in the infant massage intervention reported significantly larger post-study ratings of resemblance and lower ratings of paternal stress. This suggests that the relationship between father-child resemblance and paternal investment may be bidirectional.
Relationships of Smiling and Flirtation to Aggression and 2D:4D, a Prenatal Androgen Index
Authors: Burton Leslie , Bolt Nicholas , Hadjikyriacou Despina , Silton Nava , Kilgallen Christine , Allimant Janaina
Published: July 2015

Smiling has been reported to be a signal of submission/lower status, or a sign of cooperation. In the present study, use of smiling and flirtation to “make people receptive to my ideas” was conceptualized as mild aggression, since it is mildly manipulative of the perception of others as to one's internal emotional status. For 91 participants (55 female, 36 male), use of smiling and flirtation to make others receptive to one's ideas were associated with relational aggression and a more male-typical (smaller) right 2D:4D finger length ratio. The only significant relationship in the male sample alone was the relationship between smiling and relational aggression. In the female sample alone, use of smiling and flirtation to “make people receptive to my ideas” was associated with a more male-typical 2D:4D finger length ratio pattern, and there was a trend for flirtation to be associated with greater physical aggression. Both 2D:4D and physical aggression have been associated with higher prenatal androgen level. It is concluded that deliberate smiling and flirtation are mild forms of relational aggression, and are related to prenatal androgenic activity in a manner similar to physical aggression. These findings are discussed in terms of the different evolutionary strategies of men and women to control their social environments.
The Affective Quality of Human-Natural Environment Relationships
Authors: Hinds Joe , Sparks Paul
Published: July 2015

Using a psychometric methodology the present study explored the associations between natural environments and experiential feeling states. The effects of the frequency of participants' ( N = 90) experience of the natural environment and of the location of their childhood upbringing were also investigated. Ten natural environments mapped on to an orthogonal two-component experiential structure labeled Eudemonia (ostensibly positive feelings) and Apprehension (ostensibly negative feelings). Generally, the more natural environments tended to be associated with higher eudemonia and higher apprehension, the less natural environments with both lower eudemonia and lower apprehension. In line with expectations, participants from rural childhood locations, compared with urban participants, reported less Apprehension and participants with greater experience of the natural environment, compared with participants with less experience, reported greater Eudemonia and less Apprehension. Results are discussed in relation to environmental experiences and affective psychological well-being.
Is Self-Sacrificial Competitive Altruism Primarily a Male Activity?
Authors: McAndrew Francis T. , Perilloux Carin
Published: July 2015

This study explored the basis of self-sacrificial prosocial behavior in small groups. Seventy-eight undergraduates (39M, 39F) filled out a thirty-item personality scale and then participated in a “group problem-solving study” in which the monetary success of a three-person group depended upon one of its members volunteering to endure pain (a cold stressor test) and inconvenience (being soaked in a dunk tank). There were 13 groups consisting of two females and one male, and 13 groups consisting of two males and one female. Across groups, the behavior of the altruist was judged to be more costly, challenging, and important and he/she was liked better, rewarded with more money, and preferred as a future experimental partner. Groups containing two males showed more evidence of competition to become altruists than groups containing two females, and personality traits were more effective predictors of altruistic behavior in males than in females. We conclude that competition between males and “showing off” are key factors in triggering self-sacrificial altruistic behavior.
Performance of Music Elevates Pain Threshold and Positive Affect: Implications for the Evolutionary Function of Music
Authors: Dunbar R.I.M. , Kaskatis Kostas , MacDonald Ian , Barra Vinnie
Published: July 2015

It is well known that music arouses emotional responses. In addition, it has long been thought to play an important role in creating a sense of community, especially in small scale societies. One mechanism by which it might do this is through the endorphin system, and there is evidence to support this claim. Using pain threshold as an assay for CNS endorphin release, we ask whether it is the auditory perception of music that triggers this effect or the active performance of music. We show that singing, dancing and drumming all trigger endorphin release (indexed by an increase in post-activity pain tolerance) in contexts where merely listening to music and low energy musical activities do not. We also confirm that music performance results in elevated positive (but not negative) affect. We conclude that it is the active performance of music that generates the endorphin high, not the music itself. We discuss the implications of this in the context of community bonding mechanisms that commonly involve dance and music-making.
The Effects of Temperature Priming on Cooperation in the Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma
Authors: Storey Simon , Workman Lance
Published: July 2015

Based on initial research findings by Williams and Bargh (2008) and Kang, Williams, Clark, Gray and Bargh (2011) on the interaction between interpersonal and physical warmth, theoretical models such as cognitive scaffolding and the importance of evaluations of interpersonal warmth in trust-based decisions, this experiment investigated the effect of temperature priming on 30 pairs of British university students with hot and cold objects on frequency of cooperation in a game of iterated Prisoner's Dilemma. Participants were found to cooperate significantly more frequently when primed with hot objects than with cold objects, supporting the assertion that physical warmth sensation positively affects interpersonal trust evaluation. No support was found for the prediction that male-male pairs would cooperate less than female-female pairs. The implications of these findings to evolutionary and developmental theories of interpersonal warmth are discussed.
Emotional Tears Facilitate the Recognition of Sadness and the Perceived Need for Social Support
Authors: Balsters Martijn J. H. , Krahmer Emiel J. , Swerts Marc G. J. , Vingerhoets Ad J. J. M.
Published: July 2015

The tearing effect refers to the relevance of tears as an important visual cue adding meaning to human facial expression. However, little is known about how people process these visual cues and their mediating role in terms of emotion perception and person judgment. We therefore conducted two experiments in which we measured the influence of tears on the identification of sadness and the perceived need for social support at an early perceptional level. In two experiments (1 and 2), participants were exposed to sad and neutral faces. In both experiments, the face stimuli were presented for 50 milliseconds. In experiment 1, tears were digitally added to sad faces in one condition. Participants demonstrated a significant faster recognition of sad faces with tears compared to those without tears. In experiment 2, tears were added to neutral faces as well. Participants had to indicate to what extent the displayed individuals were in need of social support. Study participants reported a greater perceived need for social support to both sad and neutral faces with tears than to those without tears. This study thus demonstrated that emotional tears serve as important visual cues at an early (pre-attentive) level.
Who Punishes? Personality Traits Predict Individual Variation in Punitive Sentiment
Authors: Roberts S. Craig , Vakirtzis Antonios , Kristjánsdóttir Lilja , Havlíček Jan
Published: July 2015

Cross-culturally, participants in public goods games reward participants and punish defectors to a degree beyond that warranted by rational, profit-maximizing considerations. Costly punishment, where individuals impose costs on defectors at a cost to themselves, is thought to promote the maintenance of cooperation. However, despite substantial variation in the extent to which people punish, little is known about why some individuals, and not others, choose to pay these costs. Here, we test whether personality traits might contribute to variation in helping and punishment behavior. We first replicate a previous study using public goods scenarios to investigate effects of sex, relatedness and likelihood of future interaction on willingness to help a group member or to punish a transgressor. As in the previous study, we find that individuals are more willing to help related than unrelated needy others and that women are more likely to express desire to help than men. Desire to help was higher if the probability of future interaction is high, at least among women. In contrast, among these variables, only participant sex predicted some measures of punitive sentiment. Extending the replication, we found that punitive sentiment, but not willingness to help, was predicted by personality traits. Most notably, participants scoring lower on Agreeableness expressed more anger towards and greater desire to punish a transgressor, and were more willing to engage in costly punishment, at least in our scenario. Our results suggest that some personality traits may contribute to underpinning individual variation in social enforcement of cooperation.
Above and beyond Short-Term Mating, Long-Term Mating is Uniquely Tied to Human Personality
Authors: Holtzman Nicholas S. , Strube Michael J.
Published: July 2015

To what extent are personality traits and sexual strategies linked? The literature does not provide a clear answer, as it is based on the Sociosexuality model, a one-dimensional model that fails to measure long-term mating (LTM). An improved two-dimensional model separately assesses long-term and short-term mating (STM; Jackson and Kirkpatrick, 2007 ). In this paper, we link this two-dimensional model to an array of personality traits (Big 5, Dark Triad, and Schizoid Personality). We collected data from different sources (targets and peers; Study 1), and from different nations (United States, Study 1; India, Study 2). We demonstrate for the first time that, above and beyond STM, LTM captures variation in personality.
Impressions of Dominance are Made Relative to others in the Visual Environment
Authors: Re Daniel E. , Lefevre Carmen E. , DeBruine Lisa M. , Jones Benedict C. , Perrett David I.
Published: July 2015

Face judgments of dominance play an important role in human social interaction. Perceived facial dominance is thought to indicate physical formidability, as well as resource acquisition and holding potential. Dominance cues in the face affect perceptions of attractiveness, emotional state, and physical strength. Most experimental paradigms test perceptions of facial dominance in individual faces, or they use manipulated versions of the same face in a forced-choice task but in the absence of other faces. Here, we extend this work by assessing whether dominance ratings are absolute or are judged relative to other faces. We presented participants with faces to be rated for dominance ( target faces), while also presenting a second face ( non-target faces) that was not to be rated. We found that both the masculinity and sex of the non-target face affected dominance ratings of the target face. Masculinized non-target faces decreased the perceived dominance of a target face relative to a feminized non-target face, and displaying a male non-target face decreased perceived dominance of a target face more so than a female non-target face. Perceived dominance of male target faces was affected more by masculinization of male non-target faces than female non-target faces. These results indicate that dominance perceptions can be altered by surrounding faces, demonstrating that facial dominance is judged at least partly relative to other faces.
Effects of Watching Eyes and Norm Cues on Charitable Giving in a Surreptitious Behavioral Experiment
Authors: Fathi Moe , Bateson Melissa , Nettle Daniel
Published: July 2015

A series of experimental studies by multiple groups of researchers have found that displaying images of watching eyes causes people to behave more prosocially. It is not yet clear whether watching eyes increase prosocial motivation per se, or whether they simply make people's behavior more normative. Here, we report results from a surreptitious behavioral experiment examining the impacts of watching eye images and cues to local norms on charitable donations in a controlled setting. Eye images significantly increased average donations. Eye images did not make people conform more closely to the apparent norm overall. Instead, there were different patterns according to the apparent norm. For an apparent norm of small donations, eye images made many participants more generous than the norm. For an apparent norm of large donations, there was an excess of participants giving zero in the no-eyes treatment, which was abolished in the eyes treatment. Our results can be explained by a combination of watching eyes increasing prosocial motivation and reluctance to leave a donation visibly less generous than the norm.
A Self-Regulation Model of Sexual Grooming
Authors: Elliott Ian A.
Published: July 2015

A preparatory process is widely accepted to be a common feature in the perpetration of sexual offenses. Numerous commentators, however, have documented the difficulties in defining and understanding this process, given its transient nature and its specificity to this one form of criminal behavior. This theoretical review aims to provide a universal model of a grooming process for the achievement of illicit or illegal goals in which achievement requires the compliance or submission of another individual—one that can be applied both to the sexual offending process and beyond. First, an evaluation of three process models of grooming is conducted. Second, using a process of theory knitting, an integrated universal model of illicit grooming is developed. This model unites salient elements of the previous models while seeking to address their limitations. It is founded in control theory and self-regulation approaches to behavior, assumes a goal-directed protagonist, and comprises two distinct phases, namely, (1) a potentiality phase of rapport-building, incentivization, disinhibition, and security-management and (2) a disclosure phase in which goal-relevant information is introduced in a systematic and controlled manner in order to desensitize the target. Finally, the theoretical quality of the model is appraised, and its clinical implications are discussed.
Why Are Some Institutions Replaced while Others Persist? Evidence from State Constitutions
Authors: Cayton Adam
Published: July 2015

Why are some institutions quickly replaced while others endure for more than a century? Majority cycling over institutions is theoretically unavoidable, but politics provides few opportunities to study it empirically. Using data on state constitutional characteristics and legislative composition from 1834 to 2012, this article advances the theory that institutions are more likely to be endogenously replaced when the society of actors differs from the time of enactment, and that institutional characteristics can exacerbate or mitigate these risks. Results show that political change interacts with institutional particularism to preserve or undermine state constitutions. More particularistic constitutions have shorter life spans because they are more vulnerable to changes in the political environment.
Percutaneous Tumor Ablation
Authors: He Xiaofeng , Xiao Yueyong , Zhang Xiao , Du Peng , Zhang Xin , Li Jie , An Yunxia , Le Pivert Patrick
Published: July 2015

This acute study was aimed at exploring the ability of a cryoablative lesion to drive the distribution of a concomitant in situ injection of a free epirubicin–ethanol–ethiodol–methylene blue mixture. We report the feasibility and safety of this new percutaneous computed tomography-guided combinatorial ablative procedure on VX2 tumors. Eight New Zealand white rabbits bearing 16 tumors on both side of the back muscle were randomly selected and treated on the same day with the following procedures: (1) 8 concomitant cryoablation and interstitial chemotherapy and (2) 8 intratumor marginal chemotherapy. For the latter, an injection needle was positioned at the inner distal margin of a first selected tumor side, where the chemotherapy was delivered during 5 serial sequences. For the concomitant therapy, a single cryoneedle maintained the ice front at the tumor margin, where a needle delivered the drug dose during 5 freeze–injection–thaw sequences. Enhanced computed tomography scans on days 3, 7, and 10 assessed the tumor contours and the tracer localization. Two rabbits were killed on days 0, 3, 7, and 10 for gross and histopathological analyses. During the concomitant therapy, ioversol was distributed at the tumor and iceball margins along with the methylene blue. Enhanced computed tomography on days 3, 7, and 10 showed a focal enlarging defect of the tumor marginal enhancing rim. The rim coincided with focal necrosis at histopathology. During the intratumor chemotherapy procedure, computed tomography showed that the tracers distributed mostly over the tumor mass. No marginal necrosis was detected at histopathology. On day 10, the tumor size for the intratumor chemotherapy group was twice that of the concomitant therapy group. No adverse events were observed. In this VX2 tumor model, our image-guided concomitant therapy is feasible and may enhance the effectiveness of a free epirubicin tracer mixture at the tumor margin.
A Feasibility Study on Ribs as Anatomical Landmarks for Motion Tracking of Lung and Liver Tumors at External Beam Radiotherapy
Authors: Nankali Saber , Torshabi Ahmad Esmaili , Miandoab Payam Samadi
Published: July 2015

At external beam radiotherapy for some tumors located at thorax region due to lack of information in gray scale fluoroscopic images tumor position determination is problematic. One of the clinical strategies is to implant clip as internal fiducial marker inside or near tumor to represent tumor position while the contrast of implanted clip is highly observable rather than tumor. As alternative, using natural anatomical landmarks located at thorax region of patient body is proposed to extract tumor position information without implanting clips that is invasive method with possible side effect. Among natural landmarks, ribs of rib-cage structure that result proper visualization at X-ray images may be optimal as representative for tumor motion. In this study, we investigated the existence of possible correlation between ribs as natural anatomical landmarks and various lung and liver tumors located at different sites as challenging issue. A simulation study was performed using data extracted from 4-dimensional extended cardiac-torso anthropomorphic phantom that is able to simulate motion effect of dynamic organs, as well. Several tumor sites with predefined distances originated from chosen ribs at anterior–posterior direction were simulated at 3 upper, middle, and lower parts of chest. Correlation coefficient between ribs and tumors was calculated to investigate the robustness of ribs as anatomical landmarks for tumor motion tracking. Moreover, a consistent correlation model was taken into account to track tumor motion with a rib as best candidate among selected ribs. Final results represent availability of using rib cage as anatomical landmark to track lung and liver tumors in a noninvasive way. Observations of our calculations showed a proper correlation between tumors and ribs while the degree of this correlation is changing depends on tumor site while lung tumors are more varied and complex with less correlation with ribs motion against liver tumors.
The Feasibility and Efficiency of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy-Based Breath Control Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Liver Tumors
Authors: Qiu Jian-Jian , Ge Weiqiang , Zhang Libo , Yao Ye , Zheng Xiangpeng
Published: July 2015

There are strong evidences showing the promising oncologic results of stereotactic body radiotherapy for liver tumors. This study aims to investigate the feasibility, plan quality, and delivery efficiency of image-guided volumetric modulated arc therapy-based voluntary deep exhale breath-holding technique in the stereotactic body radiotherapy for liver tumors. Treatment was planned using volumetric modulated arc therapy with 2 modified partial arc and replanned using intensity modulated radiation therapy technique for comparison. Dosimetric parameters were calculated for plan quality assessment. Quality assurance studies included both point and multiple planar dose verifications. Daily cone beam computed tomography imaging was used to measure and correct positional errors for target volumes and critical structures immediately prior to and during treatment delivery. Total monitor units and delivery times were also evaluated. No significant dosimetric difference was found between volumetric-modulated arc therapy and conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy plans. Both techniques were able to minimize doses to organs at risk including normal liver, kidneys, spinal cord, and stomach. However, the average monitor units with volumetric-modulated arc therapy were significantly lower (29.2%) than those with intensity modulated radiation therapy ( P = .012). The average beam-on time in volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans was 22.2% shorter than that in intensity modulated radiation therapy plans. In conclusion, it is feasible to utilize volumetric modulated arc therapy in the treatment planning of stereotactic body radiotherapy for liver tumors under breath control mode. In comparison to conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy plans, volumetric modulated arc therapy plans are of high efficiency with less monitor units, shorter beam-on time, tolerable intrafractional errors as well as better dosimetrics, meriting further investigations, and clinical evaluations.
Chronic Disease and Depression Among Hispanic Americans
Authors: Chan Isabella , Corvin Jaime A.
Published: July 2015

Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing minority group in the United States. They face a distinct set of health challenges, resulting in persistent health disparities. Chronic disease self-management programs hold promise in addressing individual-level, behavioral risks factors, such as dietary habits and physical activity patterns. In light of the unique barriers Hispanic men face, including low participation in evidence-based health intervention research, this article argues for a gendered perspective when approaching Hispanic men’s physical and mental health needs. Through the analysis of data collected from male-only focus groups ( N = 3, n = 15) with Hispanic Americans in west central Florida, this study identified that masculine identity is influenced by chronic disease and comorbid depression status. Diagnosis with a chronic disease and/or depression is accompanied by lifestyle adaptations, activity restrictions, and changes in income and health care demands that can undermine traditional notions of Hispanic masculinity. Consequently, masculine identity is associated with self-management strategies in complex ways. Public health interventions aimed at addressing comorbid chronic disease and depression among Hispanic men must take into consideration the role of gender identity and relevant conceptualizations of masculinity in order to better serve this underserved and understudied population.
Barriers to Recruiting Men Into Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Programs in Rural Areas
Authors: Gavarkovs Adam G. , Burke Shauna M. , Reilly Kristen C. , Petrella Robert J.
Published: July 2015

Chronic disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in Canada. Many of these diseases could be prevented by adoption of healthy lifestyle habits including physical activity and healthy eating. Men, especially those in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by chronic disease. However, men are often underrepresented in community-based chronic disease prevention and management (CDPM) programs, including those that focus on physical activity and/or healthy eating. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of program delivery staff regarding the challenges in recruitment and participation of men in physical activity and healthy eating programs in rural communities, and suggestions for improvement. Semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone with 10 CDPM program delivery staff from rural communities in Southwest Ontario, Canada. Time and travel constraints, relying on spouses, and lack of male program leaders were cited as barriers that contributed to low participation levels by men in CDPM programs. Hiring qualified male instructors and engaging spouses were offered as strategies to increase men’s participation. The results of this study highlight many of the current issues faced by rural health organizations when offering CDPM programming to men. Health care organizations and program delivery staff can use the recommendations in this report to improve male participation levels.
Generic medicine: Boston University students’ perceptions and surprising lack of knowledge
Authors: Tobin Molly R , Laing Richard
Published: July 2015

This project aims to compare knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding generic medicines in an effort to illuminate the reasons for widely discrepant rates of generic utilization in different countries. While the United States has high rates of generic uptake (around 86%), and generic medicine utilization has saved the US healthcare system over $1 trillion in the past decade (2003–2014), similar figures are not seen in many other countries despite the opportunities for substantial cost savings. Therefore, it is in the interest of global policy makers and public health professionals to be aware of public perception of generic medicines. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, our study illuminated five major themes among Boston University students of various nationalities: origin, knowledge, important decision-making factors, perceptions of self/others, and information sources. The key finding of our study was that only 24% of participants reported accurate knowledge of generic medicines. This figure is alarming given the high rates of use in the United States and carries implications for generic promotion and uptake rates.
Unicortical fixation of metacarpal fractures: is it strong enough?
Authors: Dickson J. K. , Bhat W. , Gujral S. , Paget J. , O’Neill J. , Lee S. J.
Published: July 2015

Unicortical fixation has some practical and theoretical advantages over bicortical fixation. Questions have been raised to its adequacy for post-operative mobilization. We hypothesized that fixation using a plate and eight unicortical screws would be as strong as using a plate and four bicortical screws. A total of 40 unicortical and 40 bicortical fixations were compared using a cadaveric metacarpal model. Unicortical fixation was performed using an eight-hole parallel plate and bicortical fixation with a four-hole straight plate. Fixations were tested to failure using four-point bending load. The mean load to failure was 414 N SD 38(SE) for the unicortical group and 296 N SD 29(SE) for the bicortical group. Significant differences between these two constructs were observed. The mean stiffness of the fixation was higher for the bicortical group than the unicortical, although this difference did not reach significance. Unicortical fixation alone is sufficient to enable early post-operative mobilization in a live model.

Level of evidence: 2
Tumefactive multiple sclerosis lesions in two patients after cessation of fingolimod treatment
Authors: Faissner Simon , Hoepner Robert , Lukas Carsten , Chan Andrew , Gold Ralf , Ellrichmann Gisa
Published: July 2015

Background:

Fingolimod (FTY) is the first oral medication approved for multiple sclerosis therapy. Until now, little has been known about the effects of FTY withdrawal regarding disease activity and development of tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs), as already described in patients who discontinue natalizumab.

Methods:

In this study we present the clinical and radiological findings of two patients who had a severe rebound after FTY withdrawal and compare these with patients identified by a PubMed data bank analysis using the search term ‘fingolimod rebound’. In total, 10 patients, of whom three developed TDLs, are presented.

Results:

Patients suffering from TDLs were free of clinical and radiological signs of disease activity under FTY therapy (100% versus 57%, compared with patients without TDLs) and had rebounds after a mean of 14.6 weeks (standard deviation 11.5) [patients without TDLs 11.7 (standard deviation 3.4)].

Conclusion:

We propose that a good therapeutic response to FTY might be predisposing for a severe rebound after withdrawal. Consequently, therapy switches should be planned carefully with a short therapy free interval.
Effect and Mechanism of Virechana Karma (Therapeutic Purgation) Over Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Chaturvedi Ashutosh , Rao Prasanna N. , Kumar M. Ashvini , Ravishankar B. , Rao Niranjan , Ravi M.
Published: July 2015

Background.

Panchakarma (biopurification methods) is one of the modes of ayurveda to treat disorders of the body. Virechana karma (therapeutic purgation), one among the Panchakarma, is a purification process that is commonly used to treat metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes mellitus. Hence this study was planned to provide evidence through animal experiments.

Methods.

Albino rats were subject to Virechana karma (therapeutic purgation) to evaluate the influence of therapy and its mechanism over fructose-induced metabolic syndrome.

Results.

Results show that Virechana is effective in the management of the metabolic syndrome with decrease in the fecal fat content, fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride, and reduced fatty changes in liver, heart, and kidney in comparison with the positive control group.

Conclusion.

Experimental evaluation showed decrease in fatty acid in the storage like liver, kidney, heart, and muscle adipose tissue can indirectly increase the insulin sensitivity in insulin receptor present at skeletal muscles.
Examining the Key Factors Affecting e-Service Quality of Small Online Apparel Businesses in Malaysia
Authors: Noorshella Che Nawi , Abdullah Al Mamun , Nursalihah Ahmad Raston
Published: July 2015

e-Service quality (eSQ) is increasingly recognized as an important aspect, as well as the key to determining the competitive advantage and factor in the long-term retention of firms operating online. This study, therefore, is aimed at identifying the key determinants of eSQ among the small online apparel businesses in Malaysia. This study used a cross-sectional design, and data were collected from 765 customers who purchased apparel online at the point-of-purchase. Findings of this study indicate that “product information quality,” “website design,” “security and privacy,” and “expected consumer service” are the key determinants of eSQ among small online apparel businesses in Malaysia. The implication for the owner-managers of the apparel businesses in Malaysia is that they must be aware of the significance of the key eSQ indicators while designing their businesses, to attract and retain customers.